Asserts PDA government’s commitment to pave way for an alternative arrangement to the Indo-Naga talks
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A contingent of the Nagaland Village Guard marches during the 55th Nagaland Statehood Day celebration in Kohima on Saturday. (EM Images/Caisü Mao)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 1 (EMN): Nagaland celebrated its 55th Statehood Day at the Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on Saturday.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio paid homage and acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles of the pioneers; and expressed hope that their vision, principles, sacrifices and hard work will continue to guide the people of the state.
Rio expressed appreciation to all the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) engaged in peace talks with New Delhi, as well as those ‘who are coming forward to ensure that peace prevails in our society.’
The chief minister urged the people of Nagaland to join hands with the government for all round-development of the state. He also encouraged the state’s citizens to be ambassadors of unity, peace and reconciliation.
Early Indo-Naga solution
"The People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government is committed to facilitate an early resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue through a negotiated agreement that honours the unique history, the rights, and identity of the Nagas. I also reiterate that we will pave the way for an alternative arrangement that may be required for implementation of any such political agreement. While the quest for a final settlement continues, we are also committed to ensure good governance and development in the state," he stated.
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Contingents of Mahila Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) of the Nagaland Armed Police perform a drill during the 55th Nagaland Statehood Day celebration at Kohima, on Saturday, December 01, 2018. (EM Images/Caisii Mao)[/caption]
Better roads, better connectivity
"One of the top priorities of my government has been to ensure better roads and we have taken up repair of all major roads in all districts. We are committed to making good quality roads in not only Kohima and Dimapur but in all district headquarters and other important places of the state.
“We are also looking at ways and means for raising resources for good quality roads. We are actively pursuing for sanction of Trans Nagaland Highway along the foothills and our own airport in the state capital which has been our dream and an important component for not only promoting Tourisin but also for providing cargo services for our products,” Rio shared.
The chief minister iterated his government’s commitment to end VIP culture in the state. “Today, all government departments have websites to make governance more accessible to the people through the use of technology. The CM Dashboard gives the real-time status of all major schemes and programmes and was recently awarded by the Indian Express Group as one of the best use of technological applications.”
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In health sector, Rio informed that the state government has launched the Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme to provide cashless health insurance of INR 5 lac to around 2.70 lac families.
He informed that Nagaland completed the measles-rubella vaccination campaign on November 30, with a coverage percentage of 97.5%.
Citing some other achievements, he said that Nagaland was awarded the best Horticulture state at the 11th Global Agriculture Leadership Award 2018.
In the field of sport, Dimapur hosted Nagaland’s first ever Ranji Trophy match; and the Nagaland cricket team created a record by winning their first ever Ranji match with bonus points. “The state is also observing the centenary year of Dr. T Ao, the legendary Naga footballer who captained the first Olympic football team of independent India to London; and works on Dr. T Ao Football Academy at Dimapur is being initiated,” he shared.
Also, Nagaland has been recognised as the best state for maintaining of law and order amongst the country’s small states at the India Today Conclave, he reminded.
The chief minister also referred to the launch of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) to boost investment in the state; and the ‘fruitful visitation and hosting of the meeting with the 15th Finance Commission’ recently.
During the celebration, seven different Nagaland police contingents participated in the parade. A video presentation called ‘Nagaland at 55’ was projected by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people of Nagaland on Statehood Day.
In a tweet, Kovind extended his best wishes to people of the state towards a bright, prosperous and peaceful future. He also remembered being there exactly one year ago and inaugurating Hornbill Festival 2017.
In a seperate tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed that Nagaland scales new heights of development; and the aspirations of the state’s citizens fulfilled.
Extending his greetings, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore hoped that ‘the beautiful state keep treading on the path of growth and prosperity in the times to come.’
