The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address after a day of detailed discussion during the second day of the 8th Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the Assembly Hall in Kohima.
The debate saw members from different parties speak on a range of issues including the recently signed agreement for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), concerns over racial discrimination against people from the Northeast, development projects in the state and a debate over the singing of “Vande Mataram”.
Initiating the discussion, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu stressed the need for unity and collective responsibility in addressing the challenges facing the state. He congratulated the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) for signing the Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of India for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority. Nienu said the agreement could bring peace and faster development in the eastern region of the state. He also raised concerns about teacher shortages and the need for a clear and transparent transfer policy. At the same time, he appreciated the efforts of the Home Department and the police in controlling drug trafficking, extortion, illegal taxation and kidnapping.
Minister Temjen Imna Along spoke about the importance of sports and youth development. He said policies of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports are encouraging young people to pursue sports as a career. He also highlighted the Hornbill Festival, saying the event has helped promote Nagaland on the global tourism map. According to him, expanding the festival to districts has helped involve more communities while preserving Naga culture.
MLA Ar. Jwenga said the state government has continued to make progress despite financial constraints. He said Nagaland is moving towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Viksit Nagaland 2047” under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. While welcoming the FNTA agreement, he also called for development programmes to address regional disparities in central Nagaland. Jwenga appreciated initiatives such as the proposed Nagaland Innovation Hub at Chumoukedima and the establishment of AI Data Labs under the India AI Mission. However, he also raised concerns over the alleged mishandling of a mobile phone theft case and called for accountability.
During the debate, Jwenga also objected to the practice of singing “Vande Mataram” before the National Anthem in the Assembly. He said the issue must be viewed carefully in a state where the majority of the population follows Christianity, adding that patriotism should remain inclusive and in line with constitutional principles.
