Progress on the path of development, says CM on Nagaland Statehood Day

December 2, 2022 19 Views No Comment

Nagaland celebrates 60th statehood day

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 2

Nagaland today celebrated the 60th statehood day at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima. Addressing the statehood day celebration, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended greetings to the people of the state.

The wonderful journey of six decades by all of us as the people of Nagaland state calls for celebration, while remembering with utmost reverence all our leaders and visionaries whose sacrifices and tireless efforts gave us our state, Rio said in his address.

Stating that Nagaland has come a long way since statehood, he said “We have persistently progressed on the path of development and for achieving an improved standard of living for our people.”

We also fondly remember all, who through their efforts and hard work have contributed in making Nagaland of today, which we are all proud of, he said adding “It is our duty to not let our differences overwhelm our common identity, and be united in our pursuit for greater goals and achievements.”

He said that the significant progress made on various development parameters by the state was acknowledged by the President of India and congratulated all the successive governments and the people of Nagaland.

Later, Rio launched the mobile application for Project Sahyog of the Nagaland Police and distributed Smart Cards to IR units. He also released the Project Sahyog booklet.

Along with the Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton, Rio flagged off the Nagaland Police Special Operation Groups vehicles.

Rio also handed over loan sanction letters of SBI through Business Association of Nagas (BAN) to entrepreneurs.
Eight parade contingents joined the march past. Cultural presentation also marked the celebration.

Rio appeal NPGs, GoI on Naga political issue
“We also remain mindful of the Naga political issue, the final settlement of which we continue to wait for. It is an issue that predates statehood, and has seen efforts by generations of our people for its resolution,” the CM stated.

We are however happy that encouraging progress has been made in the last few years. Each one of us is now more hopeful than ever of a solution, he added.

He appealed all the Naga Political Groups and the Government of India, and all others concerned to seize the moment, walk the extra mile, reach out to everyone in the spirit of understanding in the truest sense, and make the long-cherished dream of the Naga people a reality by bringing the solution without any further delay.

He said that Nagaland state has had a very difficult time owing to a long running unsettled political issue.

The past many years has however, with the efforts of administration, police and all the security agencies, been an era of peace and tranquility, and in the month of April this year, observing the continuous improvement in law and order situation, Rio said that the area of coverage of AFSPA saw a reduction for the first time in decades, with the Central Government lifting 15 Police Station areas out of the purview of AFSPA in the state of Nagaland.

“We have geared ourselves up for taking full responsibility for all the areas which have been taken out of AFSPA, and we are sure that with the situation becoming even better, Central Government will consider for bringing out more areas from AFSPA in the near future. We should also be proud that the state continues to be among those states whose crime rates are the lowest in the country,” Rio said.

Hornbill festival becoming more vibrant, larger in size
On the 23rd edition of the Hornbill Festival, which commenced today, Rio said “ It is a time when we come together to warmly welcome everyone from across the country and abroad, who are coming to our state to be a part of the festival and get glimpses of our culture.”

Rio said that the Hornbill Festival, showcasing the beautiful cultural heritage of the Nagas, is a collaborative celebration of all Naga tribes at one venue.

“With each passing year, it is becoming more vibrant, larger in size, and richer in texture, showcasing newer ideas, and gaining greater recognition. This is an asset owned by all the tribes of Nagaland, and a success story we should continue to make it bigger, better and more valuable,” Rio said.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/progress-on-the-path-of-development-says-cm-on-nagaland-statehood-day