Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu during his visit to Nagaland on October 7. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter)
Dimapur, October 8 (MExN): Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu during his visit to Nagaland on Thursday said, “Peace is an essential pre-requisite for progress and prosperity... with tension, one cannot pay attention to peace.” Calling upon all the people who have taken to violence, to come forward to normal life, Naidu said that they cannot achieve anything by violence.
The Vice President stated this while addressing the virtual inauguration of the Directorate of IT&C building, Government High School buildings at Chümoukedima, Diphupar, Zuheshe and Mopungchuket and Minister's Residential Complex, Kohima, from Rhododendron Hall, Chümoukedima, Dimapur on October 7.
As per the DIPR report, Naidu said that the Union Government is committed to the safety, security and sovereignty of India where the state of Nagaland and all northeastern states are part of the Country. “Issues of border, local identity and all other issues can be discussed and resolved,” he said.
Complementing the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and his colleagues for their initiative to resolve the Naga Political issue, the Vice President expressed satisfaction at the progress of the peace process and was hopeful for a positive outcome. “People want not only development, welfare, wealth but also peace and happiness,” he stated.
He also said that Team India led by Prime Minister, and Chief Minister in the State and local bodies led by village councils must all work together in unison then only the development can be accelerated.
Mentioning Nagaland, which is known for its richness of handicrafts with hard-working people, he said that there is huge potential yet to be tapped in different sectors and further added that if infrastructure development can be fast tracked on priority basis, the state will be benefited in the coming years.
Speaking on good governance, he talked about the importance of reaching out to people without delay, diversion, dilution of various schemes and programmes with transparency and accountability and further added that government should make all information easily available and accessible to the people.
Governor of Assam and Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi, who also addressed the gathering, said that Nagaland has a young population with 30% its population in the 15-30 age group and 25% under 14 years of age has immense human resources and in order to compete with others quality education is fundamental.
He said that the Government of India’s flagship programmes in the school education department such as Samagra Shiksha scheme, mid-day meal scheme and Right to Education Act require up-scaling for bringing a positive transformation. The Governor was hopeful that with the new school buildings the teachers will ensure commitment to empower positive oriented education to the students in their respective areas.
CM Neiphiu Rio in his address said that with the inauguration of IT&C Directorate building which houses the software technology park of India, which he hoped will make a powerhouse to few technology innovation and make a preferred destination for the Information Technology not only for the North East but also the South East Asia.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Chief Secretary, Nagaland, J Alam IAS, who also gave the opening and concluding remarks.
Meanwhile, a cultural programme in honour of the Vice President was held at Naithu Resort, Dimapur on October 7.
During the function, colourful cultural dances including Ho-Yia-La performed by Lotha community, Nuknarar Tsungsang by Ao community, Sumi Totini Kighilhe by Sumi community, Ajiyouk Khe Kun by Yimkhiung community, Maku He Ngichi by Sangtam community and Monyu Mo Ku Thongpu Asho by Phom community were presented.
Introductory and welcome speech during the programme was delivered by Advisor, New & Renewable Energy and Science & Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon while Director NEZCC Gouri Basu, proposed the vote of thanks.
The Vice President departed Nagaland from Dimapur Airport on October 8 around 8:00 am. Several dignitaries led by Governor of Nagaland, Professor Jagdish Mukhi, legislators including Metsubo, Tovihoto, Medo Yhokha, Kashiho Sangtam and Government officials led by Chief Secretary, Jane Alam, Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, DGP Nagaland, John Longkumer, DC Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan IAS, Commissioner Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, IPS and State protocol officer were present at the Airport for seeing off the Vice President.
