North East legislatures on Tuesday adopted the ‘Kohima Proclamation’ at the conclusion of the 22nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s India Region Zone-III Conference in Kohima, reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusive development, deeper regional cooperation and stronger parliamentary democracy.
Hosted by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the four-day conference brought together presiding officers from all eight North Eastern states under the theme “Policy, Progress & People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change.” The House resolved to align the region’s legislative priorities with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 while addressing long-standing socio-economic disparities.
The proclamation renewed the legislatures’ resolve to strengthen engagement between lawmakers and citizens and contribute to building a developed North East as a partner in India’s wider growth journey. It urged the Centre to begin dialogue with all states in the region to prepare a comprehensive 20-year sustainable development roadmap that accounts for ethnic diversity and unique structural challenges. It also called for enhanced budgetary support to ensure the region functions as a key component of India’s growth engine under Viksit Bharat 2047.
Acknowledging the region’s strategic importance as India’s gateway to ASEAN, the conference sought a targeted development programme in collaboration with ASEAN nations to boost social, cultural and economic exchange. The proclamation spotlighted the need for continued cooperation in trade, culture, healthcare, education and tourism.
The House extended support to Nagaland’s developmental priorities and urged the Centre to upgrade the Kohima Medical College into a Central Institute on the lines of AIIMS or RIMS; expedite the long-pending IISER/IIT project announced in the 2015–16 Union Budget; and consider the proposal for establishing Chiethu Airport to improve connectivity and economic integration.
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Recognising the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and climate impacts, the resolution called for the adoption of climate-resilient policies and state-level action plans. It further proposed establishing a regional research centre to monitor and develop preventive measures against the socio-economic consequences of global warming.
The legislatures also pledged to use their institutional platforms, committees, workshops and symposiums, to spread awareness on climate change and to strengthen engagement with citizens through their elected representatives.
In a separate resolution, the House condemned the November 10, bomb blast near the Red Fort in New Delhi and expressed condolences to the victims.
The proclamation was signed by Sharingain Longkumer, Chairman of CPA India Region Zone-III and Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly; Thomas A. Sangma, Vice-Chairman and Speaker of the Meghalaya Assembly; and presiding officers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim and Nagaland.
The conference reaffirmed the North East legislatures’ collective resolve to work in unity towards a progressive, inclusive and climate-resilient region, serving as a catalyst in India’s transformation towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
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