Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, on Sunday emphasised the need for a common “Pan-Naga” platform to give the Naga people a unified and collective voice. He made the remarks while attending Lui-Ngai-Ni, the traditional seed-sowing festival of Naga tribes, held at Ukhrul in Manipur under the theme “Cultural Renaissance.”
Addressing the gathering, Rio said unity does not mean uniformity but recognising a shared destiny despite differences. He stressed that a common Pan-Naga platform is essential to strengthen the collective political voice of the Naga people.
The festival was organised by the State Level Organising Committee under the aegis of the United Naga Council and hosted by the Tangkhul Naga Long. Rio attended the inaugural programme as chief guest, while Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho was the guest of honour. Rio also unveiled the Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026 Monolith during the ceremony.
Reiterating the long-standing aspiration for integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative framework, Rio recalled that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed six resolutions between 1964 and 2018 supporting this demand. On the broader Naga political issue, he said it remains a political matter requiring dialogue at the highest level, referring to the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2017 Agreed Position. Although a final settlement has yet to be reached, Rio noted that the peace process remains active, mentioning the consultative meeting of September 12, 2024, where 61 Naga organisations and 226 individuals endorsed key resolutions reflecting the people’s collective aspirations.
Rio said that despite decades passing since earlier accords, a lasting solution is still awaited, but unity among the people remains vital. Expressing happiness at being part of the celebration, he said festivals like Lui-Ngai-Ni help promote unity and peace among the Naga community. As part of the ritual, seeds were blessed and distributed, and Rio urged people to sow seeds of unity, wisdom, and responsibility, build bridges among communities, and work towards harmony and prosperity.
Calling Lui-Ngai-Ni more than just a cultural festival, he said it is a moment to reaffirm identity, honour ancestors, renew social bonds, and pray for abundance in the fields.
Referring to the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and the Naga People’s Front on October 21, 2025, under a common symbol, Rio described it as a historic development in the political journey of the Naga people. He also congratulated Losii Dikho on his induction as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur.
In his address, Dikho urged Naga tribes to continue advocating peace and bridge divisions between communities for peaceful coexistence. Delivering the presidential speech, Ng Lorho, President of the United Naga Council, said Lui-Ngai-Ni, observed annually on February 15, marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle and invokes divine blessings for prosperity and abundance.
Among others who addressed or attended the programme were Achumbemo Kikon, along with several legislators and community leaders. At the start of the ceremony, Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long president Kashung Tennyson blessed and distributed seeds to representatives of 21 Naga tribes, symbolising unity and shared cultural heritage.
