Nagaland government committed to facilitating Indo-Naga dialogue: CM

Says Naga political issue must reach honourable, inclusive conclusionOur CorrespondentKohima | October 21Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF President Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday reiterated that the decades-old Indo-Naga political issue must be brought to an honourable and acceptable conclusion.“Without peace, our progress will always remain incomplete,” Dr Rio said at the NPF's 64th Foundation Day at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, adding that peace is the foundation for development, economic growth, investment and opportunities.Noting that the Naga political issue has always topped the NPF’s agenda, he said, “It is central to our history and to the very purpose for which this party came into existence.”He said the NPF-led state government will continue to work closely with the Government of India and all stakeholders towards an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution, and will act as an active facilitator to bring negotiating parties closer, overcome differences and create a conducive atmosphere for peace.Dr Rio said the state government will make every effort to expedite the dialogue towards its logical conclusion, and appealed to all negotiating parties to demonstrate sincerity, understanding and a spirit of accommodation. He also called on all sections of Naga society, tribal bodies, civil society organisations, churches, student organisations, women, youth, political parties and every concerned citizen to work collectively towards this common objective.Concern over situation in ManipurDr Rio also expressed deep anguish over the tragic situation in Manipur, where the loss of innocent lives, the burning of villages, and the suffering and displacement of countless families have caused immense pain. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Manipur during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by the violence and earnestly hope that peace and normalcy will return to the State, allowing all communities to live together in safety, dignity and harmony,” he said.He appeal all concerned to make every sincere effort towards reconciliation, the restoration of trust, and the establishment of lasting peace. “The suffering of our people, wherever they may be, cannot be a matter of indifference to us. As members of one Naga family, we share a collective responsibility to stand with those in distress and to work towards a future founded on peace, understanding and mutual respect,” he said.Strengthen NPF leadership to the grassrootsStressing the need to prepare for the next elections, Dr Rio said the party must strengthen its organisation at every level, from state leadership to the grassroots. He urged party workers to remain active and connected with people across all 60 constituencies.“We must be more alert, more organised, and more strategic. Above all, we must never allow complacency to creep in. The trust and confidence of the people cannot be taken for granted. They have to be earned through our actions, our sincerity, and our commitment to public service,” he said.He called on party leaders and workers to remain accessible, humble, and grounded. “Our leaders and workers must be present not only during elections and political programmes, but also when people face difficulties and need our support. The NPF must continue to be a party that listens to the people, understands their problems, and speaks for their aspirations. Our politics must always be guided by service, not merely by the pursuit of power.”‘Dream of united Naga community’The Chief Minister said his dream has always been a united Naga community, “where we rise above our differences and work collectively for the larger good of our people.”“I wish to see a Nagaland where our young people are confident of their future, where opportunities are available to all, where our villages and towns prosper, and where our rich identity, heritage, and traditions continue to thrive alongside modern progress. We must build a society where peace, unity, and development go hand in hand,” Dr Rio said.He urged people to dedicate themselves to ensuring that the Nagaland of tomorrow is always better than the Nagaland of today.Dr Rio also called on party men and women to renew “our pledge to uphold the ideals upon which this great party was founded.”“May we never forget our history, may we always remain true to our principles, and may our Cock symbol continue to represent the hopes and aspirations of the Naga people. Let us move forward together with faith, courage and determination, always remembering the spirit of our motto — Fide Non Armis,” he added.May the party continue to grow and prosper, not merely in numbers or political strength, but through its contributions to the welfare, dignity, and progress of the people, Dr Rio said.