Kohima, Nov 11: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Central government to provide immediate support for key projects aimed at strengthening the state’s infrastructure, education, and connectivity sectors.

Addressing the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio reiterated Nagaland’s long-standing demand for an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). He pointed out that although the proposal was announced in the Union Budget 2015–16, it remains unfulfilled despite the state having allotted 200 acres of land at Sukhovi near Dimapur Airport for the institute.

Rio also appealed for the Centre’s assistance in upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) into an AIIMS-type institution to enhance healthcare access across the state and neighboring regions.

Highlighting the state’s connectivity challenges, he said Nagaland currently has only eight kilometres of railway track and called for the early completion of the 250-km Dimapur–Tizit railway project that passes through Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Mon districts. He further requested the Central government to reconsider the Ciethu Greenfield Airport project in Kohima, which was recently shelved due to financial constraints.

Rio said that although Nagaland has significant mineral resources, including cobalt, nickel, and natural gas, oil exploration remains sub judice, limiting economic growth. He also stressed the need for establishing premier national institutions such as IITs and National Law Universities in the state to foster innovation and retain local talent.

Expressing concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, he said the decision has affected investment and economic opportunities in the region.

The chief minister underlined that Nagaland deserves special attention in national planning to ensure equitable development and equal opportunities for its people.

Reflecting on the region’s parliamentary journey, Rio recalled that the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) was formed in 1996 under the late P. A. Sangma and renamed the CPA India Region Zone-III in 2018. He commended the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for hosting the conference successfully and said such platforms play a vital role in strengthening democratic practices across the Northeast.