Kohima: The Nagaland State Cabinet formally recognized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 10 for reaching 25 years of continuous leadership. Officials praised his long-term vision for a self-reliant India, specifically pointing to the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. Cabinet members highlighted the Swachh Bharat mission and the Digital India program for expanding infrastructure and financial access. They also touted the Scheme for Special Assistance for Capital Investment for driving state-level spending.
Regional development remains a priority. The Cabinet noted the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region for closing gaps in healthcare, education, and connectivity. They also pushed for progress on the Naga political issue. The state cited the 2015 Framework Agreement with NSCN (I-M) and the 2017 Agreed Position with the Naga National Political Groups as major milestones. Regarding current talks, the Cabinet stated, "The recent appointment of Ajit Lal as the Government of India’s interlocutor for peace talks with the NSCN and the decision to constitute a state talk team led by a minister or group of ministers were described as indications of a continued effort to achieve an early, honourable and mutually acceptable solution."
Governance shifts continue. The state passed the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill on September 3, 2026, following a tripartite agreement with the ENPO. Furthermore, an agreement signed June 11, 2026, cleared the way for oil exploration in the Disputed Area Belt between Assam and Nagaland. Projects like the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and the railway extension to Zubza show steady progress.
Development goals stay ambitious. The government is lobbying for an IIT and an AIIMS at Nagaki city, where land has been allotted. Other proposals include hydropower projects on the Tizu and Zungki rivers and an airport at Ciethu. Despite these gains, the Cabinet warned that the December 2024 reimposition of the Protected Area Permit regime is crushing the local economy. They are demanding the Centre lift these restrictions to revive the tourism sector.
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