PM Modi, President Murmu greet people of Nagaland on Statehood Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders on Monday extended greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day.

“Greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day. The glorious Naga culture, rooted in service, courage and compassion, is widely admired. The people of Nagaland have distinguished themselves across many fields. May the state keep moving ahead with prosperity and progress in the years ahead,” said PM Modi in a post on X.

Nagaland was officially recognised as the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963, with Kohima as its capital. The State of Nagaland Act, 1962, passed by Parliament, paved the way for its creation. Before statehood, the Naga Hills functioned as a district of Assam. The move followed years of negotiations, including the formation of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in 1957 and its 16-point agreement with the central government in 1960. The Bill for the formation of Nagaland received presidential assent on September 4, 1962.

President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her greetings, noting Nagaland’s cultural richness and progress in sustainable development. She wished the people a prosperous and peaceful future.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the state’s vibrant traditions and resilient spirit strengthened India’s cultural fabric. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called Nagaland the “Land of Festivals” and expressed hope that harmony among its tribes and communities continues.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio paid tribute to the leaders who safeguarded Naga identity and urged people to work together for an inclusive and sustainable future.

After India’s independence, the Naga territory remained part of Assam, but political mobilisation grew, including demands for autonomy and, among extremist groups, calls for secession. In 1957, the Naga Hills region of Assam and the Tuensang frontier division were merged into a single administrative unit under the direct control of the Government of India. By 1960, it was agreed that Nagaland would become a constituent state of the Union, and a democratically elected government took office in 1964.

Statehood Day this year coincides with the start of the ten-day Hornbill Festival, which showcases the heritage of all major Naga tribes through traditional music, dance, crafts and cuisine.