Nagaland Governor La Ganesan Highlights Progress on Naga Political Issue

Governor Ganesan emphasised the government's continued efforts toward resolving the long-standing Naga political issue.

The sixth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly commenced today with Governor La Ganesan delivering his address to the House. The Governor outlined the government’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans across key sectors, reaffirming its commitment to the state’s development. 

Naga Political Issue 
Governor Ganesan emphasised the government’s continued efforts toward resolving the long-standing Naga political issue. He acknowledged the collective steps taken by the House and highlighted a consultative meeting held on 12th September 2024 with influential tribal bodies and civil society organisations. The meeting aimed to deliberate on the issue and work towards a peaceful resolution. 

Further, on 21st November 2024, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with his cabinet colleagues, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to express the people’s desire for an early settlement of the Naga political issue. The Governor thanked the members of the House for their cooperation in this critical matter. 

Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) 
Regarding the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and the FNTA, the Governor informed that the state government submitted comments on the third draft of the Memorandum of Settlement to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 6th November 2024. Two rounds of discussions have been held—one in New Delhi and another in Chumoukedima. Substantial progress has been made, and efforts are ongoing to address any remaining concerns of the ENPO. 

Mining and Exploration 
The Geology & Mining Department has been actively exploring major mineral resources in the state. In the coal sector, regional exploration is being conducted in two blocks of Mokokchung district. Additionally, detailed exploration of strategic minerals like Nickel and Cobalt in Pokphur (Kiphire district) and G3-level exploration in Mollen (Meluri district) are in progress. 

For limestone resources, G3 exploration is underway in Mimi, Khongka, and Hakumute under the Kiphire district. To enhance mineral analysis, the department has strengthened its chemical laboratory by installing a wavelength-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) facility.

Moreover, efforts are being made to resolve long-standing disputes with Assam over petroleum and natural gas exploration in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) and to secure central government approval for exploration across the state. 

Hornbill Festival and Tourism Development
The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival witnessed a significant influx of visitors, with 2,05,968 attendees, including 2,527 international and 56,217 domestic tourists. The event contributed positively to the state’s economy by creating employment opportunities. 

To improve the tourism experience, the government trained homestay owners, taxi operators, and tour operators. Additionally, a local taxi-hailing service, Ura Cabs, was launched before the festival. 

A key achievement of the Tourism Department was the completion of Phase-I Development of the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. This phase included expanding the parking lot, constructing toilet blocks, and increasing seating capacity to approximately 7,000. 

Phase II development has now commenced, focusing on upgrading the VIP rostrum and the main stage to international standards. Additionally, the Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon is nearing completion, further boosting the state’s cultural tourism. 

Law and Order
With the creation of Meluri district, Nagaland now has 17 district headquarters, 24 Additional Deputy Commissioner sub-divisions, 18 Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) sub-divisions, and 64 Extra Assistant Commissioner circles. 

In 2024, Nagaland Police registered 1,308 cognisable cases, of which 108 were related to underground activities. Additionally, drugs worth over Rs 44 crore were seized. The State Excise and Prohibition Department made seizures worth over Rs 1.18 crore and arrested more than 1,770 individuals. 

In a significant step towards prisoner rehabilitation, the Prisons Department completed the construction of a petrol pump at Dimapur District Jail. This initiative aims to provide employment to jail inmates, helping them reintegrate into society after release. 

Agriculture and Allied Sectors 
The Governor reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of Nagaland’s economy, with nearly 70% of the population dependent on farming and allied activities. 

Under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the Northeast Region, 30,500 hectares of land have been brought under organic cultivation, benefiting 31,104 farmers. The programme has also facilitated the marketing of organic produce outside the state through agreements with external companies. 

Preservation of Tribal Attires and Textile Heritage
To protect and promote traditional tribal designs, the Women Resource Development Department has launched the Protection and Promotion of Tribal Designs Project. This initiative seeks to safeguard Nagaland’s rich textile heritage while fostering innovation in modern designs. 

Under this programme, five beneficiaries from each of Nagaland’s 17 major tribes have been selected for training in weaving techniques using Fly Shuttle Looms. The training is being conducted in collaboration with the Weavers Service Centre under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, based in Dimapur. 

Additionally, the department has initiated the Myki Village Adoption Programme in Khonoma Village, which aims to promote self-sustainability and traditional skills among women. 

Governor La Ganesan’s address highlighted the state government’s proactive approach to addressing key political, economic, and social challenges. From working towards a resolution of the Naga political issue to promoting tourism, strengthening law enforcement, and preserving tribal heritage, the government remains committed to Nagaland’s progress. 

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will present the Budget for the year 2025-26 on March 6. The week-long sitting will take up various businesses including debate and adoption of the Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, laying of annual administrative reports, presentation of assembly committee reports, consideration and passing of government bills, and presentation of supplementary demand for grants for the year 2024-25. With a recess on March 5, the session will conclude on March 8.

Also Read: Nagaland: FNR Urges Immediate Implementation of January 14 Treatise for Naga Unity

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