Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday made a strong appeal to the Central government for urgent intervention and support in key infrastructure, education, and connectivity projects critical to the state’s development.
Addressing the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio underscored the need for the Centre to fulfil long-pending commitments and extend special consideration to Nagaland’s unique developmental challenges.
He reiterated his government’s demand for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in the state—a project first announced in the Union Budget for 2015–16 but yet to be implemented.
Rio said that the state government had already earmarked 200 acres of land at Sukhovi, near Dimapur Airport, for the institute.
The chief minister also proposed upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research into an AIIMS-like institution to improve healthcare access for people in Nagaland and neighbouring states.
On connectivity, Rio pointed out that the state has just eight kilometres of railway line and urged the Centre to fast-track the Dimapur–Tizit rail project covering Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Mon districts.
He further pressed the Centre to revisit the Ciethu Greenfield Airport project in Kohima, which was recently rejected due to funding constraints.
Despite being rich in mineral resources such as cobalt, nickel, petroleum, and natural gas, Rio said the state continues to face financial limitations as oil exploration remains sub judice.
Highlighting the lack of national institutions like an IIT or a National Law University in Nagaland, the chief minister said such establishments were vital to nurture talent, drive research, and promote innovation in the state.
Rio also expressed concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in December 2024, saying it had deterred investment and restricted economic growth.
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“Nagaland deserves special consideration in infrastructure, connectivity, education, and institutional development to ensure our people can fully participate in the nation’s progress,” he said.
Reflecting on the region’s parliamentary evolution, Rio noted that the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association—established in 1996 under the leadership of late P.A. Sangma—was renamed CPA India Region Zone-III in 2018.
He lauded Nagaland’s role in fostering parliamentary cooperation in the region, recalling that the state had hosted the first NERCPA Conference in 1997 and the 10th in 2007.
Commending the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and CPA Zone-III for successfully organising the event, Rio expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen democratic dialogue and regional collaboration among the northeastern states.
