Kohima
- Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio says government to develop astro-turf grounds in all districts.
- First edition of Banana Festival 2025 commences; Deputy Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang terms festival as platform to connect producers and consumers.
- Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton reaffirms government’s commitment to support agricultural growth.
- JCC of Nagaland services associations says it opposes only inclusion of backdoor appointees in non-NCS quota.
CM Rio Pledges Astro-Turf Development in All Districts
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has highlighted the government’s efforts to promote football in the state, citing the success of the Nagaland Super League 2024. Addressing the inaugural program of the 9th Edition of Captain N. Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima today, Mr. Rio informed that the state government is planning to develop astro-turf grounds in all districts to strengthen sports infrastructure. Paying tribute to Captain Kenguruse, the Chief Minister described him as one of Nagaland’s most illustrious heroes whose courage during the Kargil conflict continues to inspire generations.
Speaking on the occasion, GOC Spear Corps, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar recalled Captain Kenguruse’s extraordinary bravery during the Kargil War, where he climbed an icy cliff barefoot to lead his platoon to victory. Lieutenant General Pendharkar added that the tournament not only honors the hero’s memory but also strengthens bonds between the armed forces and the people of Nagaland.
Highlights of the event included unveiling of trophies, release of a special comic book on Captain Kenguruse’s life, and the tournament’s theme song. The kick-off match was played between Adroit Boys Sechü Zubza (Kohima) and Tehok FC (Mon). The annual tournament, jointly organized by the Nagaland Football Association and the Assam Rifles, will run till November 6, featuring teams from across the state.
First Edition of Banana Festival 2025 Begins in Wokha
The much-anticipated first edition of the **Banana Festival 2025** commenced at the Public Ground in Wokha district today, under the theme “Banana for Food, Fibre and Future.” The three-day event, aims to empower over 6,000 farmers across Nagaland by promoting agricultural innovation, value addition, and stronger market linkages. Addressing the inauguration program, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, T. R. Zeliang, termed the festival as a platform to connect producers and consumers, boost rural income, and encourage youth entrepreneurship.
Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home & Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting livelihood initiatives and agricultural growth.
JCC Opposes Backdoor Appointees in Non-SCS Quota
The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of Nagaland State Services Associations has clarified that it is not opposed to the induction of Non-SCS (Non-State Civil Service) officers into IAS officers, but firmly objects to the inclusion of **backdoor appointees** under the Non-SCS quota. A press release from the JCC stated that it strongly opposes any attempt to induct officers who entered service through backdoor, illegal or irregular appointments, without undergoing open competitive recruitment. It said, such practices not only violate the principles of meritocracy and equality of opportunity enshrined in the Constitution but also erode public trust and demoralize deserving officers who entered service through legitimate means.
The JCC reaffirms its commitment to uphold merit, transparency, and fairness in all matters of public service recruitment and career progression. It appeals to the State Government to ensure that only eligible officers recruited through open, competitive, and constitutional means are considered under the non-SCS quota.
GST Reforms Bring Relief; Stationery Items Exempted
The recent **GST reforms** represent a significant move towards boosting Nagaland’s economy by streamlining tax rates across several industries. GST rates for essential items have substantially been lowered from 18 percent to 5 percent. Rajiv Verma, a prominent businessman and the proprietor of a stationery shop in Kohima, expressed his optimism regarding these reforms, particularly in terms of savings for local citizens. He noted that consumers will benefit greatly, with lower prices for everyday household goods such as personal hygiene products. For students, he said, the reforms offer further advantages as stationary items, previously taxed at 12 to 18 percent, are now exempt from GST. In addition, electronic items have become more affordable, with tax rates dropping from 28 percent to 18 percent.
KMC No-Confidence Motion Fails Due to Lack of Quorum
The **no-confidence motion** moved against the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has failed due to a lack of quorum during the meeting held today. A meeting of all elected members was convened, but only six members were present, failing to meet the required quorum (more than half of the total elected members) as mandated by the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023. In view of this, the motion of no confidence was declared null and void. The order stated that Neikhozo Suokhrie shall continue to hold the office of Chairperson of the KMC, and Khrielievi Chusi shall continue as Deputy Chairperson.
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Meta Description: Evening News from Nagaland on October 22nd, 2025: Read about CM Neiphiu Rio’s astro-turf plan, the first Banana Festival, the JCC’s stand on backdoor appointments, GST reforms, and the failure of the KMC no-confidence motion.
Source : All India Radio Kohima Nagaland