Kohima, Dec 1: Nagaland observed its 63rd Statehood Day on Monday, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reiterating the need for a swift, honourable and inclusive resolution to the Naga political issue. Addressing the programme at the Secretariat Plaza, Rio highlighted the state government’s continued efforts, including the Political Affairs Committee’s recent endorsement of the Ungma Statement issued on August 23.
Rio urged Naga political groups, the central government and tribal bodies to come together on a common platform to resume negotiations. On issues concerning Eastern Nagaland, he informed that the state government has submitted its comments on the draft Memorandum of Settlement for the Frontier Nagaland Territory to the Ministry of Home Affairs and is hopeful of an early outcome.
The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival commenced in the evening with participation from six international partner countries—Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom. Arunachal Pradesh is the state partner for this year’s festival. Rio described the event as a celebration of cultural identity and resilience.
The chief minister outlined major achievements in youth and sports infrastructure, AI and innovation projects, higher education and technical training, trade reforms, connectivity improvements and healthcare initiatives, including progress in malaria elimination and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme.
Rio welcomed the Centre’s relaxation of Protected Area Permit (PAP) norms for the duration of the Hornbill Festival but reiterated Nagaland’s long-standing demand for its permanent removal. He also highlighted key urban development initiatives, including the inauguration of the Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park, land acquisition for the upcoming Nagaki City in Chümoukedima and the introduction of sanitation vehicles for urban local bodies.
He reported progress in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, fisheries, coffee cultivation, rural livelihoods under NSRLM and border-area development through DUDA, calling for collective efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive future.
The celebrations began with a march-past by ten contingents of armed and village guards, led by Parade Commander Akihito X. Sumi. Major launches included 120 digitally equipped Children and Adolescents Libraries, the Nagaland Scholarship Nodal Cell to streamline scholarship processes and governance and tourism-related apps such as StateSync and Discover Kisama.
Rio also released several publications showcasing tribal traditions, disability empowerment and artisan crafts. Tablets were distributed to accredited journalists, and ten sanitation vehicles were flagged off to enhance urban waste management.
Cultural performances were presented by the Meriema (Angami), Zhove (Chakhesang), Shena Old (Sumi) and Tikhir Cultural Troupe, along with presentations including “Cantate Domino” by Cantabile and “Warrior’s Call” by The Dream Team. An exhibition titled Journey of Nagaland Down the Decades, organised by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, was also inaugurated.
The Statehood Day programme highlighted Nagaland’s emphasis on cultural preservation, political dialogue and developmental progress.
