Nagaland marked its 62nd Statehood Day at the Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on December 1, 2024, with chief minister Neiphiu Rio as chief guest who in his address highlighted the state’s progress and future aspirations.
Rio began by recalling the words of the then President S. Radhakrishnan, who upon Nagaland’s statehood in 1963, emphasized the importance of understanding and friendship to build a peaceful society.
It is an intriguing coincidence that December 1, 1963, and December 1, 2024, both fall on a Sunday. Rio reaffirmed that the state’s guiding principle of “Peace for Development and Development for Peace” continues to resonate strongly today.
Rio noted that Nagaland’s journey from three districts-Kohima, Mokokchung, and Tuensang-to its current status of 17 districts, with the latest upgradation of Meluri as a district on November 2, 2024, fulfilled a long-standing demand of the Pochury community.
He said this aligned with the state’s policy of recognizing tribal diversity and tapping into its mineral-rich potential. Rio also reiterated that the state government was committed to addressing the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) issue. He said the state government had submitted its comments on the Draft Memorandum of Settlement to the Home Ministry of Home Affairs on November 6 this year.
To give impetus to growth and development in the region, Rio disclosed that Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) was implementing 22 livelihood projects in Eastern Nagaland under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East Region (PM-DevINE).
Further, under the North Eastern Council (NEC), the state government had initiated the construction of Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon, a pioneering effort
to preserve and promote traditional Konyak architecture, sculptures, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Referring to the Naga political issue, he recalled that the state government had constituted the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), comprising all 60 MLAs, representatives of eight political parties, and members of Parliament in 2023. In its meeting on August 28, 2024, he mentioned that the PAC had authorised the state government to hold consultations with apex tribal bodies and civil society organisations (CSOs) on the issue.
Following this mandate, he said a consultative meeting was convened at Kohima on September 12, which concluded with four resolutions, including an appeal to the central government to elevate the ongoing peace process by appointing a ministerial-level interlocutor.
Acting on the decisions taken in the November 16 cabinet meeting, Rio stated that he along with his cabinet colleagues met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 21 to reiterate the urgency of resolving the Naga political issue, besides discussing related issues, including the recent statements by NSCN (I-M)’s chief political negotiator.
While resolving the Naga political issue remained a top priority for the government, he admitted that formation of new Naga national groups (NNGs) and their internal divisions posed significant challenges.
To help the people realise their full potential and ensure that they remained healthy, he said the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) was launched in October 2022, under which 11,899 individuals had benefited so far with 18,428 treatments amounting to Rs 67.80 crore.
He disclosed that the Municipal Affairs Department had completed building 25,543 houses (nearly 82%) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), while the remaining were expected to be completed by the end of this year.
On the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival that began at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama here on Sunday, the chief minister remarked that it had grown in strength over the years, which had helped boost local economy.
He revealed more than 1.54 lakh tourists had visited Naga Heritage Village, Kisama in 2023, out of which nearly 40,000 were from outside the state. To enhance tourist experience, he said the main arena at Kisama had been further expanded, and a new gallery with a capacity of more than 5,000 seats had been built.
In order to avoid traffic congestion during the Hornbill Festival, he mentioned that more parking spaces were developed at Kisama, which a new road had also been constructed to ease traffic during the time of exit. He said a new VIP gallery and performing stage were expected to be completed next year.
He said a Handloom and Crafts Pavilion had been constructed with the support of Ministry of Textiles, while the International Morung dedicated to partner countries had been completed in a span of two months, along with a new building housing dormitory for cultural troupes.
Besides these, he claimed several other initiatives had been taken up, including new parking facilities, cafeteria by the Land Resources Department, medical booth by Health & Family Welfare Department, etc.
Further, he pointed out that the Hornbill app launched recently would provide real-time updates, schedules, and information about the festival. He said the new Tourist Connect Scheme was launched in collaboration with the Investment Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) to support local tour operators and homestay owners.
Rio hoped that these initiatives would help local businesses grow and provide better services to the visitors. He mentioned a shuttle bus service was also introduced to make it easier for people to navigate to the fullest within the festival premises, ensuring that all visitors enjoyed the festival.
Meanwhile, personnel of 1st Nagaland Armed Police (NAP) Battalion, 5th NAP Battalion, 7th NAP Battalion, 10th NAP (IR) Battalion,12th NAP (IR) Battalion, 13th NAP (IR) Battalion, 15th NAP (IR) Battalion, Village Guards, NPTS Central Brass Band, Mahila Pipe Band, and Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band took part in a march past on the occasion.
1st NAP Battalion deputy commandant Akihito Sumi was the parade commander and deputy superintendent of police (Prob.) attached to CMS, PHQ Mhalezhunuo Chielie was the second-in-command.
Earlier, the chief minister virtually launched the Teacher Attendance Monitoring System (TAMS)-SMILE App and Smart Secretariat, besides laying foundation stone for seven Light House School Complexes (LSCs) under NECTAR Project.
Special presentations were made by Rengma Chorale, Tseminyu and Vingvingtii (Sangtam Cultural Group) Cultural Troupes, followed by cultural performances by Sumi cultural troupe, Khiamniungan cultural troupe, Phom cultural troupe and Angami cultural troupe.
President, PM greet on Statehood Day
DIMAPUR, DEC 1 (NPN): President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted people of Nagaland on the occasion of Statehood Day.
President Murmu said the strides made by the state in various development parameters are praiseworthy.
“…Endowed with a rich heritage of flora and fauna, Nagaland is also a land of bravery. My best wishes to the people of this beautiful state for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future,” Murmu said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi also greeted the people of Nagaland, emphasizing that Naga culture was known for its spirit of duty and compassion.
“…Nagaland is widely admired for its rich culture and the wonderful nature of people belonging to the state. Naga culture is known for its spirit of duty and compassion. Praying for Nagaland’s continuous progress in the times to come,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’.