President Murmu concludes 2-day visit to Nagaland

President of India Droupadi Murmu on Thursday concluded her two-day maiden visit to Nagaland.
Murmu visited the historic Kigwema village before her departure for Dimapur, from where she left for Aizawl.
Upon her arrival at Kigwema, the President was accorded a warm welcome by Kigwema Village Council (KVC). She was accompanied by governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, legislators, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
After a brief programme, she interacted with KVC members, self-Help groups (SHGs) and farmers at KVC hall. She also visited exhibition stalls set up by the SHGs where Kigwema womenfolk demonstrated their traditional weaving skills and displayed varieties of agricultural produce.
Earlier, in his brief address, Rio thanked Murmu for visiting a traditional Naga village, stating that the Kigwema was fortunate and honoured to have President of the country as a visitor.
He said Kigwema village was awarded Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) – 2021 and faring well in implementation of other Central-sponsored schemes. He disclosed that the village had 34 SHGs and that the womenfolk were growing various fruits and vegetables.
He mentioned that it was at Kigwema, one of the largest villages in the State with a total population of 7,562, that the Japanese forces were stationed during the World War II.
He noted that tradition was well maintained at the historical village even today and also housed the Hornbill festival at Kisama within the proximity of the village.
Rio said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government had been helping the State with various programmes, including MGNREGA, PMJSY, road construction activities and livelihood support, in the villages that had benefited the villagers immensely.
Welcoming the President, KVC chairman Kere Balie claimed that Kigwema had been contributing towards national security and integrity by donating 72.7% of its land and coexisting with the army and paramilitary forces stationed at Zakhama Military Station.
He appealed to Murmu to support and look into the long-cherished desire of the people to have a playground of national standards located between military station and Kigwema village and shared jointly by both the parties.
Balie further reminded her of the appeal made by people of the area during the visit of then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2002 to upgrade the existing highway to a four-lane National Highway and urged her to fulfil the people’s desire for overall growth and development.
He also claimed that the village was diligently partnering with the Central and State governments in various initiatives and development work.
Central Brass Band of Nagaland Police and students of Government High School Kigwema presented the national anthem, while women of the village presented folk songs welcoming the President.
President visits war cemetery: President Droupadi Murmu also visited the Kohima War Cemetery and paid homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while defending the nation. She also laid a wreath to show her honour and respect to the fallen heroes.
The President was accompanied by Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, ministers- Neiba Kronu, S. Pangnyu Phom, V. Kashiho Sangtam; chief secretary J. Alam and other senior officials.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Murmu, who is the visitor of Nagaland University (NU), interacted with university officials, including vice-chancellor Prof JK Patnaik at Raj Bhavan here.