Nagaland celebrates 63rd Statehood Day with renewed call for unity

Kohima: Nagaland celebrated 63rd Statehood Day with a renewed call for unity, peace, and inclusive development at Secretariat Plaza, Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Monday.

Greeting the people of the state on the occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reflected on Nagaland’s journey since statehood, calling upon citizens to work together to build a prosperous, inclusive, peaceful and sustainable future.

Honouring the leaders and visionaries who laid the foundations for a progressive and resilient society, Rio said Nagaland is the most peaceful state in the country without any incident of serious law and order and no major security challenge.

While appreciating the Government of India’s decision to relax the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for the Hornbill Festival following the state’s request, he urged the Centre to consider permanently withdrawing it from Nagaland to boost tourism and economic growth.

Reiterating the state government’s commitment to early Naga political solution, Rio reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to achieving an honourable and inclusive settlement to the issue.

He made a fresh appeal to the Naga political groups, the Government of India, and all stakeholders to appreciate the pressing urgency to reach a final settlement without further delay.

Rio also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eastern Nagaland, acknowledging developmental gaps in the region.

He asserted that the government remains committed to addressing the aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland, particularly their demand for an arrangement under the Frontier Nagaland Territory Area (FNTA).

Rio also highlighted various developmental activities initiated in the state.

Later, inaugurated a photo exhibition titled “Journey of Nagaland Down the Decades”, organised by the IPR department. The exhibition showcased a wide collection of photographs ranging from the pre-statehood period to contemporary developments in the state.

The major highlights of the programme included virtual inauguration of 120 children and adolescents libraries and digital infrastructure and Nagaland scholarship nodal cell, release of documented books (Phase 1) on traditional attires and ornaments of 10 indigenous tribes of Nagaland, release of the DREAM Nagaland book, publications under PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launch of Nagaland Entrepreneurship & Impact Forum 2035, launch of StateSync App and ‘Discover Kisama’ App, distribution of tablet computers to accredited journalists, and the flag-off of 10 sanitation vehicles to urban local bodies.