Nagaland celebrated its 60th Statehood Day today at Civil Secretariat Plaza with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extending greetings to all the people of the state.
In his address, Rio said Nagaland is now more hopeful than ever of a solution to the political issue and made an appeal to the Government of India, the Naga political groups 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 a reality without further delay.
While remembering the leaders and visionaries of the past “whose sacrifices and tireless efforts gave us our state”, he said that “it is our duty to not let our differences overwhelm our common identity, and be united in our pursuit for greater goals and achievements.”
Rio welcomed all the guests from the country as well as abroad to the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival which will be inaugurated later in the day.
Stating on the development of Human Resource he said, the state has seen giant strides being taken for creation of educational and technical institutions. It started with 693 schools and colleges in the early years of statehood to achieving 2,718 schools and 69 colleges today.
The Chief Minister highlighted the achievements and the progress that the state has made in the last six decades.
“We now have three engineering colleges and nine government polytechnics in the state, while at the time of statehood we had none,” he said.
He also informed that the government has filed for permission from the Medical Commission to start admission at Kohima Medical College for the academic year 2023-24.
Highlighting on the importance of health, he pointed out that the state has 775 health facilities in the government sector and 99 private healthcare establishments catering to the health needs of the people.
Saying that the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) was launched to provide free and cashless treatment, Rio asked all eligible to register to avail the benefits of the scheme.
Regarding roads and highways, he mentioned the 20.25km Trans-Nagaland Highway or the Foothill Road and the “enormous benefits it is likely to bring to our people” once it is completed.
When Nagaland attained statehood, he said, only two district headquarters had electricity and only two villages had seen electricity but in the next two and half decades, 100pc of the villages in Nagaland had electricity connection, the first in the Northeast.
Rio said the development of two medium Hydro Electric Projects – 42 MW Lower Tizu HEP and 24 MW Zungki HEP – has been initiated and that these two projects will ease the financial burden of the state for power purchase.
On agriculture, the CM said the state has obtained GI tag for three agro products – Naga tree tomato, Naga cucumber and Naga Mircha.
He exclaimed with pride that 70pc of the agricultural practices continue to be traditional and organic, which is helping the state to reach out to high value and niche markets.
Rio also expressed hope that the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) will be lifted from more areas in Nagaland, owing to the peaceful situation. He commended the administration, police and armed forces because of whom AFSPA was lifted from 15 police stations in March this year for the first time.
Rio further lauded the sportspersons of Nagaland for their outstanding performance at the 2nd NE Olympic Games 2022 held in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Remarking on the launching of the first CSR, Investment and Banking Conclave, he encouraged the young people to not only explore opportunities within the state but to look beyond the borders of the state, be successful entrepreneurs and create unicorns out of start-ups.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the formation of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) and the conduct of the first NSSB exam on 12 and 13 November which was appeared by over 50,000 candidates.
In conclusion, Neiphiu Rio echoed the words of the President of India by calling upon each and every one to be united and not yield to ‘isms’ but to put the interest of the state and the people above self and everything else for the betterment of the state.
The Chief Minister launched Project Sahyog of Nagaland Police and its mobile application, released the Project Sahyog Booklet and conducted the Distribution of Smart Cards to IR Units.
The Chief Minister also flagged off the Nagaland Police Special Operation Group (SOG) vehicles and handed off loan sanction letters of SBI to entrepreneurs.
Seven contingents participated in the march past – District Executive Force, Nagaland Armed Police Bn, NAP (India Reserve) Bn, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn, NAP Rangers, NPTS brass band, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Pipe Band and Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band.
The Parade Commander was Z James Sema, Dy Commandant, 4th NAP Br and the Second in Command was Rukulu Tanyi, Asstt Commandant, 4 NAP Bn.
The cultural performances presented were:
- We are the Nagas – Dance Performance (Women Resource Development Department)
- We are Warriors – Children Choir (School Education Department)
The cultural troupes that presented at the occasion were:
- Kevira Cultural Troupe, Kohima Village (Angami)
- Dzülhami Cultural Troupe, Dzülhami Village (Chakhesang)
- Surumi Cultural Society, Surumi Village (Sümi)
- Yimkhiung Berü Cultural Troupe, Kohima (Yimkhiung)
