Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday pressed the Central government to revive and support several stalled projects in the state, including critical infrastructure, higher education institutions and long-pending connectivity upgrades.
Speaking at the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima, Rio urged New Delhi to reconsider establishing an Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Nagaland. “It was announced in the Union Budget 2015-16,” he said, adding that the state has already allotted 200 acres at Sukhovi near Dimapur Airport for the project.
He sought the upgradation of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) into an AIIMS-like institution, arguing that it would significantly improve healthcare access for Nagaland and neighbouring states.
On connectivity, Rio said Nagaland continues to struggle with rail access. “Nagaland currently has only eight kilometres of railway line,” he noted, urging the Centre to fast-track the 250-km Dimapur-Tizit railway project that will link Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon districts.
He also called for a review of the Ciethu Greenfield Airport proposal for Kohima, which the Centre recently declined due to funding concerns. Rio said the absence of a major airport continues to restrict economic and tourism potential.
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Despite reserves of cobalt, nickel, petroleum and natural gas, Rio said the state remains “resource-constrained” because oil exploration continues to be sub judice. He added that Nagaland still lacks national-level institutions such as an IIT or National Law University, which are essential for building research ecosystems and retaining talent.
Rio expressed concern over the re-imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) in December 2024 for Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, saying it has discouraged investment and narrowed economic opportunities. “It is imperative that special consideration be accorded to Nagaland in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, education, and institutional development,” he said.
Reflecting on the region’s parliamentary cooperation, Rio recalled that the North Eastern Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (NERCPA) was created in 1996 under P A Sangma, and was renamed CPA India Region Zone-III in 2018. He noted Nagaland’s role in hosting the first NERCPA conference in 1997 and the 10th in 2007.
He praised the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and CPA Zone-III organisers for hosting the conference and said he hoped the discussions would strengthen democratic practices and cooperation across the Northeast.
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