Kohima, March 3 (NationPress) Nagaland's Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, stated that the renowned Hornbill Festival has remarkably elevated the state's profile both nationally and globally.

During the motion of thanks in response to the Governor's address on the second day of the ongoing Nagaland Assembly session, Along emphasized that the festival's expansion into various districts has fostered grassroots involvement, while simultaneously celebrating and preserving the rich culture, traditions, and music of the Naga community.

This initiative has not only reinforced the state's cultural identity but also contributed to its tourism development. The 26th Hornbill Festival, scheduled from December 1 to 10, 2025, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.

Along also commended the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for its effective policies designed to inspire youth to pursue sports professionally.

He highlighted that such initiatives are crucial for nurturing talent, establishing structured opportunities, and fostering a culture of excellence among the youth of the state.

MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, who participated in the discussion on the motion of thanks, called for unity, constructive criticism, and shared accountability. He also congratulated the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) for signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of India to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

Nienu expressed optimism that this agreement would promote peace, unity, and expedited development in Eastern Nagaland.

On February 5, a significant tripartite agreement was executed in New Delhi by the Centre, the Nagaland government, and the ENPO, marking a crucial step towards empowering Eastern Nagaland administratively.

This agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, entails the delegation of authority over 46 subjects to six eastern districts.

The ENPO, representing eight recognized Naga tribes from six eastern districts, has been advocating for 15 years for a distinct ‘Frontier Nagaland Territory’ or a separate state encompassing the districts of Kiphire, Longleng, Mon, Noklak, Shamator, and Tuensang.

These areas are home to seven tribes: Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Phom, Tikhir, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung, which are classified among the backward tribes.

MLA Ar. Jwenga acknowledged the state government's advancement despite limited resources while participating in the motion of thanks discussion.

He noted that Nagaland is steadily progressing towards Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland @2047 under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s guidance.

He congratulated the Eastern Nagaland populace on the MoA signing for the FNTA and suggested that the proposed interim council should act as a unifying entity.

Simultaneously, he urged the government to address developmental inequalities in central Nagaland through targeted programs for economically marginalized groups.