Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that the demand for a separate state by the people of the eastern part of the state is “not wrong”.
East Nagaland consists of six districts – Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamtor. These districts are inhabited by people of seven tribes—the Chang, the Khiamniungan, the Konyak, the Phom, the Sangtam, the Tikhir and the Yimkhiung.
Speaking at an event in Kohima, Rio said, “The Naga community…we believe in speaking our mind and it is not wrong for them (people of East Nagaland) to express their views and wishes. But, all these issues will be resolved.”
It is known that the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) has decided not to participate in the upcoming Hornbill Festival. It has also asked 20 MLAs of the region to resign in support of their demand for a separate state.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, “We are in talks with him and will give an appointment to ENPO during the (proposed) state visit of the Union Home Minister. If the Prime Minister also comes, we will request him to talk to him.” ” The demand for a separate state in eastern Nagaland has intensified ahead of the assembly elections due early next year, with 20 MLAs from the region supporting the call not to participate in any elections till the demand is met.
However, the CM said that the state government has not yet received any final schedule for the proposed visit of the Home Minister or the PM. On ENPO’s decision not to participate in the Hornbill Festival, Rio said it would be held as usual and every tribe should participate. “It is the responsibility of the state, and no one can insult the state, but everyone has to take responsibility to make it a success,” Rio said.
ENPO has been demanding a ‘Frontier Nagaland’ since 2010, alleging “negligence” by the government in all aspects of development of the state of Nagaland after 58 years. It has announced not to participate in any elections, including the 2023 assembly elections, until their demands are met.
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