Nagaland also joined the rest of the country in celebrating India’s 77th Independence Day at an impressive function held at Secretariat Plaza here Tuesday with state chief minister Neiphiu Rio unfurling the national tricolor and taking the salute presented by various contingents.
In his speech, the chief minister highlighted various programmes and achievements of his government which included developing a new and modern city around 39 sq.kms at Chathe Valley, Chümoukedima; engagements with various stakeholders for a new legislation on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs); plea to the Centre on exempting Nagaland from UCC; efforts at redressing demand of ENPO besides pursuit of early Naga solution with both the Centre and stakeholders.
In his speech, Rio informed that the state government planned to develop a “new, modern planned city” in Chümoukedima district, for which a detailed proposal for incubation of a new city had been submitted to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The chief minister mentioned this as part of his speech at the 77th Independence Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza here on Tuesday. Rio disclosed that the site has been identified at Chathe valley in Chümoukedima district, spread over an area of around 39 sq km. “The site has been selected keeping in view its very favourable geo-location, climatic condition, and very good connectivity by national highway and railways.
Necessary NoCs from all concerned for land have been taken and other formalities regarding the same have been completed,” he said.
Rio disclosed that several investment entities had already shown interest to partner with the state government in developing the new township and that the state government’s proposal was presently under evaluation of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
On Naga political issue, Rio claimed that finding an early solution to the issue remained the top priority of his government and assured that his government would make every effort to hold consultations with all the stakeholders.
He therefore, urged upon all Naga political groups, stakeholders and the Centre to exhibit a “greater sense of urgency” for reaching a consensus on any unresolved issue for the sake of Naga people and bring about an inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution without any further delay.
He recalled that in January this year both the entities had reiterated their unconditional commitment to collaborate for the resolution of the Naga political Issue with the Central government.
On the ENPO issue, Rio informed that the state government was making every effort to reach out to every section and region in order to understand the people’s aspirations. He however admitted that despite the best efforts, the developmental deficit that had existed right from the beginning still persisted in some areas, particularly in the eastern districts.
Accordingly, he said ENPO had been raising the grievances of the people from the eastern districts and made certain demands.
He appreciated the Centre for looking into the matter, and assured support to the desire of the eastern districts to bridge the development deficit so as to bring them at par with rest of the state, particularly in matters of infrastructure development, health and education facilities, livelihood opportunities and due representation in government services.
On the urban local bodies (ULB) issue, Rio said the state government was in the process of taking steps for bringing in a new legislation in consultation with the stakeholders. He thus, sought cooperation and guidance of every stakeholder in this regard.
He also admitted that the implementation of the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country raised deep anxiety among various sections of the society.
In this regard, he said that keeping in view the sentiments of the people, the state cabinet has urged upon the Law Commission to exempt Nagaland from the purview of UCC in view of its serious implications on the privileges guaranteed under Article 371A.
Rio also said the council of ministers also met with Union Home Minister in this regard and expressed happiness that Shah assured that UCC would not be applicable to the Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland and the Northeast.
Rio also expressed concern over the ongoing violence in Manipur and added that the ethnic clashes was “very disturbing” since it also affected Nagaland during the first week of May, as steps had to be taken to immediately relocate students and people of Nagaland from Manipur for their safety and well-being.
He said Nagaland was deeply concerned over the atrocities being committed, including large scale vandalism and arson of places of worship, particularly churches, in Manipur.
Rio appealed to all communities and groups in Manipur to give peace a chance and take urgent steps to resolve their differences amicably.
On the occasion the chief minister also highlighted about the achievements of his government from G20 Business Meet to healthcare, power, forest, connectivity etc.
He said that efforts were being made to place appropriate policies to convert the expressed business interests into projects on the ground.
He also said that 11,850 patients had availed benefits under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) together.
Rio mentioned the department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency, had covered 144 villages across and 24,225 hectares had been brought under afforestation with 55.79 lakh seedlings being planted.
Rio also revealed that the state government had proposed the Centre to open an airport for operating ATR-72 class of aircrafts, with provision for expansion of handling bigger aircrafts in a phased manner at Chiethu, Kohima. He said the state was making an effort to have the first inland waterway corridor, National Waterway-101 (Tizu- Zungki river), in the state.
Rio lauded Nagaland women sepaktakraw team who won three medals at the 33rd Senior National Sepaktakraw Championship at Nagpur in April, and the men and women teams for qualifying to participate in the 37th National Games, Goa in September. He also congratulated Venuzo Dawhuo for winning the Chin Wrestling Championship Title (open) held in Indianapolis, Indiana in the USA, the Mahila Police Band for participating in India Got Talent Season 10 and winning the Golden Buzzer, and the Faith in Action Martial Arts Academy, Dimapur for setting a new Guinness World Records for the highest assisted martial arts kick on the set of ‘India’s Got Talent’ on Sony TV.
He acknowledged the Nagaland Chamber Choir for winning two gold medals in the Mixed Chamber Choir and Contemporary Choral Music categories at the 12th World Choir Games held in Gangneung, South Korea.
Meanwhile, a pledge for drug-free Nagaland was administered by Rio at the programme as a mark of commitment towards the war on drugs.
Highlights of the programme included song and dance performances, Patriot by Women Resource Development Dept; Maa Tujhe Salam by Women Resource Development Dept; Hope: Live the Promise by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club; MheshoMheghi Kivi by Nagaland Chamber Choir; andCourage Lives by TaFMA.
Cultural troupes included BURGEON Society Chedema, (Angami tribe), Aong Riju Cultural Organisation (Ao tribe), Dzülhami Cultural Troupe Kohima (Chakhesang tribe), Garo Cultural Troupe, Dimapur, Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe Kohima, Tobu Area Sheko Khong (Konyak tribe), Pochury Cultural Troupe Kohima and Shena Old Union Kohima (Sumi tribe).