KOHIMA, March 7: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio assured the state assembly on Thursday that the state government, as a facilitator of the Naga peace talks, is making its best efforts to ensure an early resolution of the longstanding issue.

In his budget address for 2025-26, Rio emphasized that while the statehood of Nagaland transformed the destiny of the Naga people, the Naga political issue remains unresolved. He made it clear that the state government is not a direct party to the ongoing negotiations between the Centre and the Naga political groups, but rather serves as a facilitator in the process.

“We are only a facilitator, and we are making our best efforts to play a proactive and contributory role for an early resolution,” Rio stated. He also revealed that a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) was formed, and in a meeting held on August 28 last year, the PAC resolved to engage in consultations on the Naga political issue with representatives of apex and tribal organizations, as well as civil society groups.

Rio further stressed that the 60-member House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly stands united in one voice for lasting peace, setting aside political differences for the greater cause of unity and reconciliation. He urged all parties involved in the negotiations to strive for a settlement that is honorable, inclusive, and acceptable to the people.

The Naga political issue has been a longstanding concern, with the Centre and the NSCN-IM entering a ceasefire in 1997 to start negotiations. After more than 70 rounds of talks, the Centre signed the Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM in 2015. However, negotiations have stalled over the NSCN-IM’s demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, which the Centre has not accepted.

Parallel negotiations began in 2017 between the Centre and the WC NNPGs (a coalition of seven Naga groups), leading to the Agreed Position. While the WC NNPGs are willing to continue discussions on contentious issues, the NSCN-IM remains firm on its demand for a separate flag and constitution.

Rio also addressed the demand of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the creation of a Frontier Nagaland Territory. He assured that the voices of the people in the eastern region have been heard and that the government is committed to addressing their concerns with sincere action. The state government has been working closely with stakeholders and the central government to find a solution. In line with this, the Cabinet deliberated on the issue of Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) on October 30, and the third Draft Memorandum of Settlement on FNTA was forwarded to the Union Home Ministry in November.

On administrative reforms, Rio highlighted the creation of new districts to bring governance closer to the people. The inauguration of the 17th district, the erstwhile Meluri sub-division of Phek district, as the ‘Land of Fortune’ was a part of this initiative, taking place on February 21.

Rio also informed the House about the 16th Finance Commission’s visit to Nagaland from November 4-6, during which the state government submitted a memorandum requesting a substantial revenue deficit grant to address its revenue expenditures. Due to Nagaland’s unique landholding system under Article 371(A), the government also requested that the Finance Commission waive the mandatory property tax requirement for ULB grants and seek state-specific grants for key development projects.