Naga issue needs political dialogue: CM Rio at Lui-Ngai-Ni fest

Imphal: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the Naga issue remains a political matter requiring dialogue at the highest level, noting that the Centre has responded positively to this approach.

He was speaking at the Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026 celebrations, the seed-sowing festival of the Nagas, held at Ukhrul headquarters ground on Sunday under the theme “Cultural Renaissance”. The two-day festival brought together leaders, elders, youth, and representatives from across Naga-inhabited areas.


Addressing the Naga political issue, Rio recalled that after decades of negotiations, two major agreements were signed — the Framework Agreement in 2015 and the “Agreed Position” in 2017. “Nearly a decade has passed since the Framework Agreement, and eight years since the agreed position, yet a final settlement has not been reached. Until settlement comes, the process is alive,” he said, stressing that discussions are continuing clause by clause.

He recounted that a delegation of Nagaland’s Political Affairs Committee met Union home minister Amit Shah on Feb 5 and apprised him of the resolution adopted on Sept 12, 2024, during a consultative meeting. The resolution, endorsed by 61 Naga organisations — including tribal bodies, civil society groups, churches, senior citizens, gazetted officers, students, and women’s groups — called for political-level dialogue, with 226 signatories supporting the demand.

Rio said Shah responded positively, agreeing that the issue should be discussed at the political level.

During the celebration, Rio unveiled a commemorative monolith at Ukhrul headquarters. He also congratulated Manipur’s newly appointed deputy CM Losii Dikho of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), describing his elevation as a matter of pride for both the party and the Naga people.

Rio emphasised that unity among leaders and communities has brought about a positive political shift at both the state and central levels.