Eastern Commander sees Nagaland as future major stakeholder in India

EMN Dimapur, December 10 The General officer in Chief of the Eastern Command Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi has called upon the people of Nagaland to commit to peace and shaping a ‘peaceful, progressive and developed Nagaland.’ Bakshi hoped that the state would be an even more important stakeholder of the Indian Union in the years to come. The military chief visited Kohima with his wife Neerupma Bakshi, also the regional president of the Army Wives’ Welfare Association (AWWA), on December 7. During the course of his visit, the military officer and president of the AWWA visited the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village as the State Chief Guest for the day. While attending the Hornbill Festival, Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi was very appreciative about the vibrant and lively spirit of the local populace and appreciated the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the state’s communities as displayed during the festive event, a press release from the army establishment on Thursday stated. While addressing the august gathering at Kisama Heritage Village, Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi said “I would like to state that it is a great honour for me to be here today, amongst the great Naga people to celebrate the Hornbill Festival. I extend very warm greetings to you all on this joyous occasion and the festive season. This week we also commemorate Nagaland’s Statehood which took place on the first of December, 1963. The unique, rich, varied and vibrant culture of Nagaland showcased today as a perfect mélange of cultural displays has left me spellbound and mesmerized.” The military officer also said to be ‘aware that your culture is not only about colourful costumes, dances and songs, but is also reflective of strength, honesty and simplicity of the society and the great warrior tradition which runs in the blood of every Naga.’ This cultural heritage, he said, must be preserved and promoted for our future generations to follow and to set an example for our fellow countrymen to emulate. He also called upon the people to commit to peace and shaping a ‘peaceful, progressive and developed Nagaland.’ “Today we must also take a pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to the commitment of shaping a peaceful, progressive and developed Nagaland. I am sure that in the years to come the state would be an even more important stakeholder of the Indian Union,” The lieutenant general said. “Here, I would like to re-assure each one of you that the Indian army would leave no stone unturned to assist you all in whatever manner possible in achieving these noble goals.” Also, December 7 being the Armed Forces Flag Day, the GOC-in-C also remembered valiant soldiers of the state who laid down their lives for the nation. Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi congratulated everyone for the successful conduct of the wonderful festival. He also showed his gratitude to the Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang and the Tourism department for giving him the privilege of being the chief guest and be a part of the celebrations. Lieutenant General Praveen Bakshi also complimented the organisers and artists for “putting up such a magnificent show.” The military officer conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to the local populace, civil administration, NGOs, Church and media for their continued cooperation with the security forces in Nagaland.