In honour of the 19th Governor of Nagaland, R.N. Ravi a grand civic reception was held at NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima on 16th August 2019.  The Governor, in his address, said the trust of the Naga people on him has been a humbling experience.  “At times I wonder what God has been in store for me and all my Naga friends. I pray to him to give me the wisdom to fulfill his mission, for the deliverance of our people who have been longing for peace for such a long time,” he remarked.

In his speech Mr. Ravi told, “When the rest of the country moving at a fast pace, a never seen before pace for growth and development, the country is sending missions to Moon and Mars and the aspirational youth are dreaming big because of congenial atmosphere, in the midst of all these it saddens me when our people in Nagaland are craving for basic necessities: for a good motorable road, good education, access to proper health care, descent employment opportunities, it saddens me all the more because this beautiful land is richer in resources than many parts of the country and our youth is more talented than larger part of the country.”  Apart from this, The new Governor of Nagaland pointed out that the dark shadow of the unresolved Naga political issue castes shadow on every aspect of nagas life. He told, “This cloud must go because our people deserve sunshine.”  Further he stated that there was sincere intention in every attempt but inclusivity was missing: all the Naga armed groups, Naga tribal bodies, Naga civil societies, grassroots leaders, Naga intellectuals, senior citizens, elders and Naga legislators should be included. As per his view, in the last five years the country has resolved all the substantive issues including powers that belong to the Naga people and they are the masters. On a few symbolic issues options were offered and interlocutors were urged to explore. He implored on the need to work out the best, most honourable and dignified solution. Mr. R.N. Ravi stated that before his appointment, the Prime Minister expressed the need to conclude the peace process within three months’ time. In this regard he added “that is a long enough time because we have been talking and negotiating for the last 22 years. In the last five years we have taken spontaneous steps by including all the stake holders, both sides trying their best, and there is no reason why we cannot conclude it.”

He also expressed the need to do it because the status quo that remains today is unbearable for the Naga people.  He also commented that the process is mature and delaying it is like delaying a ripe fruit.  New Governor pointed out in his speech that, some people have expressed apprehension that what happened in J&K may cast shadow in Nagaland, he assured nothing of that will happen because in article 370, right from the beginning it says temporary provision or administration of J&K and there is nothing permanency about it, infact under-sub clause 3 of article 370 it mentions under what circumstances the President can delete the provision. Article 371(A) is the result of over three years of negotiation between the people of Nagaland and the Government of India, it is an agreement derived at that’s why it is a solemn commitment, and secret to the people of Nagaland, it is not temporary or impermanent as Article 370 is, the Governor stated.  

Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio in his speech thanked the mass based civil societies for attending the civic reception in honour of the Governor of Nagaland, which he said was a sign of love and respect for the new Governor. Rio described the new Governor, R.N. Ravi as no stranger to the naga people because of his role as the Centre’s interlocutor for the naga political issue and whose name is a household name amongst the naga families. Ravi is a man who had extensively studied the history and political affairs of the naga society and whose immense contributions led to the signing of the framework agreement, he added.

President, Tenyimia Public Organisation, Timikha Koza while delivering the welcome address congratulated R.N. Ravi for sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland and extended his appreciation on behalf of TPO.

The invocation prayer was offered by Bishop of Nagaland, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil.  A song titled “Any dream will do” was presented by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club while “Aghutomi Philokuwo” was presented by Siiriimi Cultural Society, Kohima. “God is our refuge” by Baptist Revival Church, Kohima and “Jai Ho” by Purple Fusion. Chief Secretary Nagaland, Temjen Toy, IAS gave the concluding remarks.