Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on 15 August 2025 reaffirmed his government's commitment to securing an early, honourable, and broadly acceptable resolution to the decades-long Naga political issue, while addressing a range of pressing concerns including law and order, drug trafficking, and monsoon-related disasters. Speaking at the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima, Rio said the people of Nagaland continue to await a lasting political settlement.

Peace Process and Ministerial-Level Dialogue

Rio recalled the broad-based Consultative Meeting held on 12 September 2024, which brought together tribal hohos (traditional tribal bodies), civil society groups, church bodies, NGOs, student organisations, political parties, and other stakeholders to build consensus around the peace process. He welcomed the recent constitution of a committee under the chairmanship of the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs to lead the Naga peace talks, expressing gratitude to the Centre for elevating the dialogue to the ministerial level — a step long sought by civil society. Rio reaffirmed that the state government would continue to serve as an active facilitator in the process.

Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority: A Historic Milestone

On the question of Eastern Nagaland, Rio said the state government remained committed to equitable and inclusive development across all regions. Acknowledging the region's historical developmental disadvantages, he highlighted the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on 5 February 2026 between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) for the constitution of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) within Nagaland. Rio described the agreement as a historic milestone and assured the people of Eastern Nagaland of the state government's full cooperation in the FNTA's early operationalisation.

Law and Order: IED Blast and Anti-Drug Drive

Rio said the overall law and order situation in Nagaland remained largely peaceful, crediting the district administration, police, and security forces. However, he strongly condemned the IED blast in Chümoukedima district that targeted a vehicle carrying Assam Rifles personnel, in which one personnel was killed and four others sustained grievous injuries. The Chief Minister called the attack 'cowardly and condemnable,' adding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation.

On the drug menace, Rio said more than 407 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been registered across the state between January 2024 and May 2026, with 677 accused persons arrested. The state is also strengthening police mobility through the acquisition of 550 new vehicles under Police Modernisation assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Sports Infrastructure and Monsoon Damage

The Department of Youth Resources and Sports virtually inaugurated 16 new sports infrastructure projects on the occasion, comprising 11 Multipurpose Indoor Halls, four Futsal Grounds, a District Youth Resources and Sports Officer's Office, and a residential quarter at Peren.

Rio expressed deep concern over unprecedented monsoon rainfall that recently battered Nagaland, triggering widespread landslides and flash floods across several districts. The disasters caused loss of life and injuries to many people — particularly in Mon district — and extensive damage to houses, properties, and public infrastructure.

With the FNTA agreement in place and peace talks now at the ministerial level, the coming months are likely to test whether these structural shifts can translate into a durable political settlement for Nagaland.