Nagaland CM seeks Centre's urgent support for key projects in state.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recently appealed to the Central government for urgent support in critical infrastructure, education, and connectivity initiatives across the state. He made the remarks as the guest of honour at the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference held at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Highlighting key developmental priorities, Rio urged the Centre to reconsider establishing an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland, a project first announced in the Union Budget 2015-16 but never materialised. The state has already allocated 200 acres at Sukhovi, near Dimapur Airport, for the institute.

He also called for upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) into an AIIMS-like facility, which would enhance healthcare access for residents of Nagaland and neighbouring states.

On connectivity, Rio stressed that the state currently has only eight kilometres of railway line and urged the Centre to expedite the Dimapur-Tizit railway line, a 250-km stretch passing through Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Mon districts. He further requested reconsideration of the Ciethu Greenfield Airport project in Kohima, which was recently not approved due to funding constraints.

Despite Nagaland’s rich cobalt, nickel, natural gas, and petroleum deposits, Rio noted the state remains resource-constrained as oil exploration is still sub judice. He also highlighted the absence of premier institutions like IIT or National Law University, calling them crucial for research, talent retention, and innovation.

Expressing concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, Rio said the move has discouraged investment and limited economic growth. “It is imperative that special consideration be accorded to Nagaland in infrastructure, connectivity, education, and institutional development,” he stressed.

Tracing the state’s parliamentary contributions, Rio recalled that the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) was established in 1996 under Late P.A. Sangma and renamed CPA India Region Zone-III in 2018. Nagaland has played a key role in regional parliamentary collaboration, hosting the first NERCPA Conference in 1997 and the 10th in 2007.

Rio commended the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and CPA Zone-III organisers for successfully hosting the conference, expressing hope that the discussions would further strengthen democracy and cooperation among North Eastern states.