Kohima, Oct 30: The Nagaland Assembly has reiterated its dedication to advocating for the administrative integration of contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. At the assembly’s 60th anniversary celebration, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized this initiative as a crucial component of the larger Naga political movement, which is rooted in the 16-point agreement that established Nagaland in 1963.

Rio noted that the assembly has passed six resolutions in support of this integration since 1964, with the most recent resolution adopted in 2018. He underscored the importance of these resolutions in fostering unity and solidarity among the Naga people.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the role of the Nagaland Legislators’ Forum in facilitating ongoing peace talks. He highlighted that the assembly has operated without formal opposition since 2018, encouraging a collaborative approach to addressing the Naga political issue.

Currently, discussions between the Central Government and various Naga groups, including the NSCN-IM and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs), have seen limited progress. A major point of contention remains the NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate flag and constitution, which the Central Government has not yet accepted. Meanwhile, the WC NNPGs have expressed a willingness to negotiate on additional demands.