Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio pushed for unity among all Naga factions and stakeholders on September 4. He warned that internal fighting only breeds mistrust and confusion. Nagas must stand together to protect their identity as a Christian minority within India.
The Chief Minister spoke at the General Conference of the Angami Public Organization in Kohima. He noted that Nagas in Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar share deep roots. Unity remains the state government's primary mandate. Rio credited British colonial rule with acknowledging Naga distinctiveness. The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 created the Inner Line to guard tribal lands. That protection remains in effect today.
Rio pointed to the recent legislative progress in the state. He highlighted the Inner Line Permit, the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland, and the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority bill. He urged the capital to use its commercial power for the future. "It is easy to follow others, but hard to lead others with responsibilities," Rio said.
APO President Thejao Vihienuo voiced fears about the younger generation. He noted that youth ignore Mechü die, the binding customary laws. Many now rely on phones and AI instead of elders. He cited recent political unrest in Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar as warnings. Vihienuo demanded that leaders mentor the youth before they take control. Reports came from the Angami Women Organization, Angami Youth Organization, Angami Students Union, Angami Sports Association, and Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho.
Updated at 5th September 2026 at 2:00pm
Rio added that while India is a massive democracy, the Christian minority does not always see fair justice. He warned that this protection must be used responsibly rather than exploited. He also demanded that New Delhi appoint a political or ministerial-level negotiator to break the stalemate in the ongoing Naga peace process.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to quit waiting for government jobs and start building their own businesses. He reminded them that the state government is pushing for the enforcement of Article 371A to lock in indigenous safeguards. Rio also noted a September 12, 2024, consultation where tribal bodies and political factions agreed to back the current ceasefire and halt the creation of breakaway groups.
APO President Thejao Vihienuo warned that the shift toward artificial intelligence is severing the link to oral history and elders. He pointed to recent civil unrest in Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar as evidence of what happens when youth lose their connection to ancestral values. The conference opened with an invocation by ABCC president Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, followed by a talk from former APO president Abi Yalie.
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