Kohima, November 10, 2025: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday called upon the Central governmentto extend urgent support for critical development projects in the state, emphasizing the need for improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and connectivity.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference held at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Rio highlighted several pressing challenges that, according to him, require immediate attention from the Centre.

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Nagaland

One of the key demands raised by the chief minister was the establishment of an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland. He recalled that the institute had been announced in the Union Budget of 2015-16, but the plan never materialised.

The state government has already allocated 200 acres of land at Sukhovi, near Dimapur Airport, for the project. Rio stressed that the IISER would play a pivotal role in promoting scientific research, nurturing local talent, and enhancing higher education opportunities in the state and the broader North Eastern region.

Upgradation of Healthcare Facilities

Rio also called for the upgradation of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research into an AIIMS-like institution, pointing out that this would significantly improve healthcare access for citizens across Nagaland and neighbouring states. He highlighted the urgent need for advanced medical infrastructure to address the region’s healthcare challenges.

Railway Connectivity and Infrastructure

Addressing the issue of connectivity, the chief minister noted that Nagaland currently has only eight kilometres of railway line, severely limiting intra-state and inter-state transportation. He urged the Centre to expedite the Dimapur-Tizit railway line project, a 250-km stretch covering Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, and Mon districts, which he said is vital for regional development and economic integration.

In addition, Rio requested a reconsideration of the Ciethu Greenfield Airport project in Kohima, which was recently denied due to funding constraints, stressing that improved air connectivity is essential for trade, tourism, and investment in the state.

Resource Development and Economic Concerns

Despite having rich deposits of cobalt, nickel, natural gas, and petroleum, Rio noted that Nagaland remains resource-constrained, with oil and gas exploration still pending due to legal and regulatory hurdles. He expressed concern that these delays are hindering economic growth and called for the Centre to facilitate the timely development of natural resources.

Need for National Institutes

Highlighting the importance of institutional development, Rio pointed out that Nagaland currently lacks premier national institutions such as an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) or a National Law University. He argued that these institutions are crucial for retaining local talent, promoting research, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities within the state.

Impact of the Protected Area Permit

The chief minister also expressed concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. He said this policy has discouraged investment, limited economic opportunities, and constrained the state’s growth potential, urging the Centre to consider special measures to promote development in the region.

Call for Equal Opportunities

Rio emphasized that the people of Nagaland must be provided equal opportunities in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, education, and institutional development. According to him, such support is essential for enabling meaningful participation in the nation’s economic and social progress.

Nagaland’s Role in Regional Parliamentary Collaboration

Tracing the parliamentary history of the region, Rio noted that the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) was first established in 1996 under the leadership of Late P A Sangma, and later renamed CPA India Region Zone-III in 2018. He highlighted Nagaland’s active role in fostering regional parliamentary collaboration, including hosting the first NERCPA Conference in 1997 and the 10th conference in 2007.

Conclusion

Concluding his address, Rio commended the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the CPA Zone-III organisers for successfully hosting the conference. He expressed hope that the deliberations would further strengthen democracy, cooperation, and development among the North Eastern states, while urging the Centre to extend its support to accelerate Nagaland’s growth across critical sectors.

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