69th Republic Day observed across Nagaland

Kohima, January 28 (DIPR): Addressing the gathering, the Governor lauded the foresight and statesmanship of the founding fathers and architects of our nation and also saluted the freedom fighters and martyrs, who made the supreme sacrifices for the unity and integrity of our nation.  

He said Nagaland, today, stands at the cusp of history and the intense desire of the people of Nagaland has been for a final settlement of the Naga political issue. Over the years, the state government, the NNPGs, the Churches, Civil societies and the NGOs have been trying their best to facilitate the resolution of the Naga Political issue. He also appealed to all the political parties and people at large to maintain peace, dignity and decorum during the election campaign so as to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of elections. Those engaged in election duty should discharge their duties with diligence and dedication, he said.  

He also expressed his happiness that Nagaland Churches, NGOs and Civil Societies have come out with campaigns for ‘Clean Election’ in all seriousness.  

Nagaland is a young State with almost 60% of the population below the age of 25 as such the youth of Nagaland are the pride of the country. He said people were inspired by the legendary Dr. T. Ao, the doctor-sportsperson who was the first captain of our national football team after Independence and led Indian team in the London Olympics of 1948. He further said that on 28th January this year, the state would be celebrating his birth centenary and it is indeed a proud moment for all of us. Jawans and officers of Naga regiment have done the nation proud - be it at Kargil War or fighting naxals in difficult parts of the country, the Governor added.  

There are many more talented and spirited Naga boys and girls - from music to fashion to crafts to social work - who are making the Nation proud with their accomplishments. He mentioned that development and connectivity is critical for helping Nagaland to catch up with mainland States in terms of economic development. Road connectivity along with Rail connectivity for Kohima and improved air connectivity can transform the connectivity for the State. Stressing on the importance of development projects, an essential prerequisite is creation of a congenial atmosphere. Implementation of GST by Nagaland along with the rest of the country on July 1, 2017 has been a landmark. On tourism sector, Nagaland has the potential to be an attractive tourist destination offering a unique blend of heritage and culture to the travelers in search of nature, music and cultural tourism.  

An important issue that needs our attention today is Climate Change as we are all aware of the heavy rains experienced this year which resulted in flooding in Dimapur as also loss of lives and damage to physical infrastructure. 1n order to enhance the resilience of farmers to climate change and to increase household agricultural income of farmers, Department of Agriculture is implementing a World Bank assisted project - Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems in the North East (FOCUS) in partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The Governor said that the project seeks to increase the environmental sustainability and profitability of the farming systems practiced by the highland farmers of Nagaland. Forest Department is also implementing Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) with funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with an objective to improve forest ecosystem and support income generation by rehabilitation of Jhum area and provision of livelihood support, thereby contributing to sustainable forest and environmental conservation and livelihood improvement.  

With an objective to provide a better quality of life for ourselves and future generations, we need to come together to address the challenges facing us. He also congratulated the people of Nagaland for participating enthusiastically in various welfare projects.  

He earnestly appealed to the Universities and educational institutions to make skill education an integral part of curriculum, so as to develop our youth into entrepreneurs so that our youth become job givers and not job seekers.  

Dimapur: The Republic Day celebration was held at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur where the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Elections & Parliamentary Affairs, Imkong L. Imchen graced the occasion. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute from parade contingents. The chief guest flagged off the road safe motor cycle rally and inaugurated the exhibition stall cum sale.  

Other highlights of the day included cultural show by Reju Sporting and cultural club, 4th mile Dimapur, Niu Colony, Sumi Cultural Troupe, Dimasa Kachari, Cultural Club, Bamunpukhuri, Rengma Cultural Troupe, Bor-Lingri village, Tsondi Club, Trithrongse village, Sangtam Doyapur, Garo Cultural Troupe, Eralibill. There was also an exhibition football match between Dobashis, Dimapur District and GB Union Dimapur and beating of the retreat by Assam Rifle 6 Sector.  

Wokha: The Republic Day was celebrated at local ground Wokha, with Minister for Road & Bridges & Political Affairs, G.Kaito Aye as the chief guest. Altogether, 7 parade contingents took part in the march past. Later the chief guest also inaugurated the stalls put up by various departments and NGOs. Highlights of the programme included war dance by Lotsu Village cultural troupe, folk song by Akuk women cultural troupe, indigenous games by Rena women cultural troupe and special song by Youth Ministry, Wokha Town Baptist Church.

TUENSANG: Tuensang celebrated the Republic Day at Parade Ground Tuensang. Y. Vikheho Swu, Minister to National Highways was the chief guest. The review of parade was done by DIG (NAP) Tuensang. Eleven contingents participated in the march pass and Parade commander was Repjenyangba Ao Asst. Commandant 3rd NAP.  

The chief Guest gave away the District Commendation Awards to ten government officials for their outstanding duties in their respective services. The exhibition of stall organized by ATMA Tuensang and Lily SHG and Seri SHG were awarded first and second respectively and Eva SHG and Vegetable retailer SHG were awarded consolation.  

After the formal session, five Cultural troupes from Heri cultural Club, Chang, Khiamniungan, Sangtam and Yimchunger cultural troupes presented cultural items.  

MOKOKCHUNG: Minister Home, Kuzholuzo graced the Republic Day event at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung. Special presentation by Salukum Rogo, Ungma, Medem Ruju Cultural Club, Mongsenyimti, Phomla Hoichem, Mokokchung town and 44 Assam Rifles marked the Republic Day celebration at Mokokchung.  

Altogether 9 contingents took part in the march past with SDPO Mokokchung, Dinesh Gupta, IPS, as the Parade Commander and ASI, T.E Lotha as 2nd in Command. The chief guest inaugurated the exhibition stalls after the formal programme.  

PHEK: Phek Hq celebrated the Republic Day with Minister for Power, Kipili Sangtam as the chief guest. After unfurling the National Flag and the Rastriya salute, the chief guest delivered the Republic Day speech. Eight parade contingents participated at the Republic Day march past. Kusheyi Soho, and Atolu and friends presented special songs while, the Lalho group presented a folk song at the programme.  

Staff of Social Welfare Department and Phek Chamber of Commerce distributed foods to patients at Civil Hospital and District Jail inmates respectively to mark the occasion. Exhibition volleyball match between 5th NAP Bn. And 22nd Assam Rifles, Phek, prize distribution and beating of retreat by the 22nd Assam Rifles, Phek were the highlights of the evening programme.  

LONGLENG: Longleng District Headquarter celebrated the Republic Day at Local Ground, Longleng with Deputy Commission, Longleng, John Tsulise Sangtam as the chief guest. The DC inaugurated the exhibition stalls of ATMA and SHGs. The chief guest unfurled the National Flag and took salute from the parade contingents.Presentation of patriotic song by students of JNV, Tangha, folk dance by Namching Hong Students Union, Volleyball Exhibition match between Deputy Commission and Superintendent of Police team, National Anthem by Christian School and exhibition stall organized by ATMA and Self Help Groups were the highlights of the daylong celebration.  

MON: Minister, Cooperation, Relief & Rehabilitation and Chairman MARCOFED, Imtilemba Sangtam unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from seven contingents during the Republic Day Celebration at Local Ground, Mon HQ. 6th NAP, DEF Mon, Village Guards, Ex-Service Men, NCC, Bharat Scouts &Guides and 6th NAP Pipe Band were the Parade Contingents during the occasion. Santham Walo Cultural Society, Mon and Folksong “Kenkah” by the Eastory Project were also performed. Later, the chief guest inaugurated the departmental stalls. And in evening programme, prizes were distributed and display of band which was followed by ‘Beating of Retreat by 6th NAP Pipe Band.  

PEREN: The Republic Day Celebration was held at Peren with SI Jamir, Minister, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs as the chief guest. He unfurled the National Flag amidst the beating of the National Anthem. After the inspection of Parade Contingents, the chief guest addressed the gathering. Earlier, in the entertainment programme, the Kejanglwa Village Cultural Troupe presented a festival dance and the JNV Jalukie, showcased a patriotic dance.

  KIPHIRE: Kiphire celebrated the 69th republic day at public ground with P Longon Minister, Geology & Mining and Border Affairs as chief guest. The celebration began by hoisting of National flag in all Govt. officers and private institutions at 6 am.  

The chief guest took the salute from parade contingent and also inaugurated the exhibition stall set up by Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission RD Block Kiphire, ATMA, Department of Land Resources Kiphire, Horticulture Department Kiphire, District Legal Service Authority Kipihre, followed by cultural programme folk dance presented by Kiphire Village Town Union, Tikhir Tribal Union Kiphire Town. The other highlight of the programme was football match exhibition between DC XI v/s SP XI. The day long function concluded by beating of Retreat by VG band party and DEF Kiphire.  

ZUNHEBOTO: Joining the rest of the nation, the Republic Day was celebrated at Local Ground, Zunheboto with Minister, Rural Development, CL John as the chief guest. Upon arrival the chief guest unfurled the National Flag, inspected parade contingents and read out the speech. The chief guest later received Rashtriya salute from 12 parade contingents. CL John later inaugurated various stalls put up by various departments and self help groups. As part of the celebration IRCS visited Civil Hospital while STH Zunheboto visited district jail. An exhibition match was also played between 5th Assam Rifles and Home Guards.  

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Parade contingent

The parade was led by Parade Commander, Vesupra Kezo, Dy. Comdt. 10th NAP (IR) and Parade 2nd in-charge by Yambemo Humtsoe, Asstt. Comdt. 4th NAP. Altogether, 22 parade contingents and 2 bands took part. The bands in the parade were PTS Brass Band Chumukedima and 9th Assam Rifles Pipe Band.  

Exhibition stall

Exhibition stalls was inaugurated by Governor PB Acharya at Secretariat Plaza Kohima. Agri and Allied departments put up stalls to showcase their products and also to highlight the various activities of the department. The exhibition stalls saw the participation of Departments such as Fisheries, Land resource and co-operation, Department of Industries and Commerce, the Department of Cooperation, Assam Rifles, NEPED etc. The main objective of the exhibition was to promote locally produced products and also to ensure wider participation of the general public.  

Various self help groups from in and around Kohima displayed their locally made tools and sold products. The department of fisheries sold snails which were produced by the beneficiaries of the fisheries department from Peren, Mezoma and Kidima. They also sold fresh fish which were brought from Deizephie and Ura villages in Dimapur. The snails and fishes were brought from the fishery ponds of the beneficiaries of the Fisheries department. The department of Land resource and co-operation displayed and sold items produced by various SHGs.   The Assam rifles also displayed weapons and equipments which attracted many visitors. State Bank of India also set up mobile ATM and distributed pamphlets promoting cashless transaction in their exhibition stall.  

Cultural Event

The 69th Republic Day celebration was marked by a special folksong and folkdances presented by Angami, Rengma, Lotha and Khiamniungan tribes at the Nagaland Secretariat plaza, Kohima. Fire & Emergency Services Department also demonstrated a short drill on operational techniques during small fire incidents. The drill displayed a proactive method of reducing the damages caused by fire. They displayed steps to be taken during harmful fires and also educated the audience on how to survive during such incidents.  

Evening Programme

The evening programme of the 69th Republic Day celebration was held at the Secretariat Plaza Kohima with Chief Secretary, Pankaj Kumar, IAS as the chief guest.  

In the KMC inter ward Tug-of-War competition thirteen teams participated where PWD ward (11) emerged as the champion and the 1st runner up went to Kitsubozou Ward (5) with D block ward (6) securing the 2nd runner up position. 

The exhibition football match between the Secretariat United Football club and Nagaland police ended in a goalless draw.