Kohima: The 59th Nagaland Statehood day was celebrated at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on Thursday morning.
Addressing the celebration Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio appealed to the people to rededicate themselves and work for peace, growth and development, and provide a better standard of living for all citizens.
He emphasized the need to further improve our administrative and governance systems and added that the citizens have to join hands with the Government to usher in a new era of peace, development and prosperity.
Rio said that this year’s celebrations also coincides with the ongoing nationwide celebrations to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and the great achievements of its people. Close to six decades since statehood, the quality of life of our people has improved significantly; he remarked that despite achievements in the expansion of health and education facilities, the road and power infrastructure needed improvement.
Rio said that the Government is committed to taking necessary steps for all-around development and to ensuring that our people are provided with the best opportunities for growth and progress.
Rio said that our State occupies a unique position in the Indian Union with special provisions in the Constitution and as the wait continues for a solution of the Naga Political Issue, the dialogue and negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga Political Groups have reached a stage giving us hope for an early resolution. He said all the elected leaders of the state have come together to form an opposition-less government in the form of the United Democratic Alliance to facilitate an early settlement of the Naga Political issue.
Rio expressed grief and sympathies to those families who have lost their near and dear ones to COVID-19. He saluted the health care workers, front line workers, the district administration and the civil societies and church leaders for their ceaseless hard work. He added that the Government has constantly monitored the situation and taken timely decisions which helped in dealing with the first and the second waves effectively.
The other highlights of the programme included lunching of NIPUN Bharat Mission in Nagaland and the inauguration of the photo exhibition ‘Glimpses of the history of the State’ by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. ‘The Gael ’Musical was presented by NPTS brass band and 15th NAP (IR) Mahila pipe band. The cultural display was presented by Aong Reju cultural organisation (Ao), Pfushin Thuringia cultural Troupe (Rengma) and Khiamniungan cultural troupe (Kohima).
