Dimapur celebrated 72nd Republic Day at DDSC stadium here Tuesday under the shadow of COVID-19 pandemic with the celebration witnessing fewer spectators unlike other years. Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer, who unfurled the tricolour, took the salute and inspected the parade contingents, delivered his Republic Day speech.
Speaking on the occasion, Longkumer said that while a day as significant as Republic Day called for celebration, it was also a day to introspect and reflect what the state has achieved and what more needed to be done to reach “our destination.”
He said that while state government continued its efforts to help people attain ever higher quality of life, it has also been waiting with great hope and optimism the final solution to the long drawn out Naga political issue. Stating that the past few years have seen some very crucial developments towards final solution, Longkumer said the negotiations going on with all the parties and groups concerned have seen significant and positive breakthroughs.
“There is a spirit of understanding among everyone to continue working unitedly to fulfil the long-cherished aspirations of the people without any delay…,” he said.
With regard to COVID-19 pandemic, the speaker expressed optimism that large scale vaccination drive would eventually control the pandemic.
However, the speaker said that till such time the threat was not fully warded off, all should dutifully continue to adhere to COVID-19 appropriate measures and following all other existing guideline for preventing the spread.
He said that frontline workers, police personnel, SDRF and NDRF teams, village guards, sanitation workers of the ULBs, transport and various other sections, departments etc have worked tirelessly and selflessly in containing the spread of the virus, adding that all of them deserved utmost praise and appreciation.
He also extended appreciation to all development partners—WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, corporate and philanthropic donors and above all the government of India for extending support to the state during the dire situation.
On the occasion, the speaker also inaugurated the exhibition stalls. “Sadaksuraksha-Jeevan Raksha” a booklet on selected sections of the motor vehicles (driving) regulations, 2017, an initiative of Dimapur traffic police, was also distributed. Special number was presented by Pretty Rhythm.