Rio says bringing people together is top priority

March 18, 2025 9 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | March 18

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the top priority and concern of his present government is to bring people together and resolve the long standing Naga Political Issue.

Speaking during a talk show hosted by Northeast Live, Editor-in-Chief, Wasbir Hussain, Rio said the aga political issue is a top priority agenda and also the biggest concern. He observed that because of the unresolved issue, many things are not “getting what it should get,” keeping in mind the competition going on in this modern age.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India should become a developed country by 2047. So at this stage I fear, we will be left behind,” the Chief Minister said. Rio however maintained that that the role of the state is only a ‘facilitator’ and not part of the negotiation.

“Whatever said and done, whenever we listen to the voices of the people, the people want solution,” he said, adding that there has to be a way out to pave way for a solution. Rio assured that state leaders are doing their best and the public have also passed several resolutions that the political solution be resolved amicably in an honourable, inclusive and acceptable manner.

The Chief Minister said that since the parties are still talking, the state government will remain relentless. He hoped that good sense will prevail in addition to the Framework agreement signed in 2015.

Rio informed that during the recent cabinet sitting held this month, all political parties expressed desire to jointly meet the Union Home Minister and apprise him about stand of the state government and the voice of the people.

“We are meeting the Naga political groups and apprising them that seriousness needs to come up. A leader, whatever good or bad, has to take a decision,” Rio said.

Meanwhile, on the state budget recently presented during the NLA, the Chief Minister observed that despite a talented youth force, the state still needs avenues for growth. As such, he stated that innovative initiatives have been introduced and the government has worked out a mechanism where the youths can be skilled and the government can provide support. “In this Financial Year, we will try to generate minimum 5000 job opportunities both in government and private sector,” Rio said.

He further elaborated on how the state will be putting efforts on technology. Rio said training will be provided for drone pilots in the state. He also shared that the Niti Aayog wants to partner with the state government to develop drone technology.

Speaking on exploration of oil and natural gas, Rio said: “There is a huge deposit. However, due to unresolved political issue and student agitation, it is has come to a halt. There is a huge setback for the state for those are our main resources. It should bring in terms of thousand and thousand crores annually.”

The Chief Minister also said that the public are very keen and land owners and villages have given no objection for the government to go ahead with regard to oil exploration. Rio informed of discussions with his Assam counterpart on shared royalty arrangements in places including the disputed area. In this regard, the CM said that he also held a meeting with the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

“We have passed the Petroleum and Natural Gas Legislation (Act) so that it will benefit the land owner and community,” he explained. Even areas that do not have oil deposits will get development funds through “sharing,” the CM claimed.