Republic Day celebrated across Nagaland 

Dimapur/Kohima, January 26 (MExN): Along with the rest of the country, the 72nd Republic Day was celebrated across Nagaland on Tuesday with the unfurling of the National Flag and various related activities.

The main State-level function was held at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima where the Governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi unfurled the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and addressed the people of State on the occasion. 

In his speech, the Governor expressed gratitude to the "founding fathers whose sacrifices, sweat and blood created the Republic of India and also paid tribute to the founding fathers of Nagaland for constitutionally safeguarding the Naga’s way of life, their land and resources," State's DIPR reported. 

The Republic Day was also observed at various districts’ headquarters, circles, sub-divisions and towns across the State and the proceedings of the day as filed by the State’s DIPR are as follows: 

Mokokchung: The 72nd Indian Republic Day was celebrated in Mokokchung at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with ceremonial unfurling of the national flag by the Minister Higher Education & Tribal Affairs Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along. He also delivered the Republic Day speech and inspected the march past contingents under Parade Commander, Y Khochamo Humtsoe, A/C 2nd NAP Bn Alichen and 2nd I/C ABI, Semou Angami SM RHQ, Mokokchung.

Award to Government Schools for achieving 100% transition of girl child students in the primary level of class V to VI and the upper primary level of class VIII to IX in the academic year of 2019-2020 from Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, a campaign of Government of India was also given away by the Minister. Cultural Dance was performed by Naga Wadir Club, Ungma village. Later, Imna Along inaugurated the exhibition Stalls set up by different departments.

Phek: Along with the rest of the country Phek Hq celebrated 72nd Republic Day with Minister for Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu grace as special guest. He unfurled the National flag/Rashtriya salute/National anthem, inspected parade contingents and felicitated local championship under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

He also delivered the Republic Day speech and took salute from march past contingents from 22 Assam Rifles, Phek, DEF ,Phek, 5th NAP Bn. Phek, NCC GHSS, Phek, Student Police Cadet Phek, Government Higher Secondary school Phek, Holy Care School Phek and Royal Foundation School Phek. Other highlights included special song by Elite Music Ensemble, Phek Special appearance, Phek District Taekwando Association, folk song by Pochury woman Hoho and folk dance by Jericho-II Youth Society. He also inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by various department and NGOs.

Visitation of Homes to District jail by SBI & NABARD, Phek, while District hospital by Social Welfare Department, Phek was also carried out. The evening programme was followed by Inter-Departmental Penalty Shoot Out followed by prize distribution and beating of retreat by DEF, Phek.

Dimapur: The Dimapur District Republic Day celebration was held at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur with Speaker, Nagaland legislative Assembly Sharingain Longkumer unfurling the National Flag.  He delivered the Republic Day speech and inspected the march past contingents and took Rashtriya salute from 6 Parade Contingents. The program included a special number by Pretty Rhythm followed by inauguration of exhibition stalls by the chief guest.

Keeping in view the National Road Safety month from 18th January to 17th February 2021, Dimapur Traffic Police took the initiative of bringing out a booklet featuring selected sections of the Motor vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017 and distributed during the event. The day was ended with Retreat by 15 IR (Mahilla).

Peren:  With the rest of the nation, 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at Deputy Commissioner Office Complex, Peren with Minister for Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining, V Kashiho Sangtam as the Special Guest. On his arrival, the Minister unfurled the National Flag and took Rashtriya Salute from the Parade Contingents. This was followed with Republic Day speech and march past.

The Parade Contingents comprising of DEF Peren, 9th IRB Saijang, All Saints Hr. Sec. School Peren and School Police Cadet, GHSS Jalukie participated in the march past.  Entertainment programme included folk song & dance by Jalukie Student's Union Cultural Troupe, ethnic music by Leibung Nroai Maame (BBBP) and special number by winner of Peren, Voice Impact 2019, Kewizin.

To mark the occasion, earlier in the morning hoisting of National Flag was done in all Govt. Offices/Residences/Institutions. Meanwhile, in Jalukie, ADC, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang unfurled the National Flag. The 72nd Republic Day celebration programme culminated with beating of retreat by District Executive Force (DEF) Peren.

Noklak: Advisor, Prisons, Printing & Stationery Government of Nagaland, H Haiying unfurled the national flag at local ground, Noklak on January 26. He also took the Rashtriya Salute from the parade contingents consisting of DEF, Noklak, Village Guard, Tsuwao and Village Guard Choklangan. Assistant Commandant, 3rd NAP Logubo was the parade Commander and ABI, Imkum Meren Imsong of DEF, Noklak was second in command. Earlier Parade review was done by SP, Noklak. 

In his speech, Haiying noted that Noklak district was formally inaugurated on January 20, 2021 and it has come to proudly occupy its rightful place as the 12th District of the state. He conveyed his best wishes to Noklak district and its people, and eagerly looked forward to it improving rapidly on all the developmental parameters and soon coming on par with the most advanced district in the state. 

The special guest also visited the stall of weapon display by A Coy 45 Assam Rifles. Other highlights of the programme included national anthem by Harmanas band of Noklak town. Special songs were presented by Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH) and Bukho Chai. Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, Indian Red Cross Society, Noklak and Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam visited Adora Children's home, Noklak.

Tuensang: Along with the rest of the nation Tuensang district celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at Parade ground Tuensang with Minister for Public Health Engineering Department, Jacob Zhimomi unfurling the national flag. To begin the celebration all the government/private buildings and business established hoisted the National flags which was followed by parade review by DIG Range Tuensang and Rastriya salute followed by inspection of parade and speech by the Chief Guest. Three parade contingents participated the parade; one each from DEF and 3rd NAP and 3rd NAP Pipe band with Bunglang Chang Dy SP (R) as parade Commander and Athriti (SM) as 2 I/C while Chang, Sangtam and Yimchunger cultural Troupes participated a cultural item during the celebration.

District Commendation awards were awarded to Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS), Rev Achu Chang ES CBLT, Tuensang Town Baptist Pastors Union, Dr John Shupao Nodal Officer COVID 19 Tuensang, COVID 19 Sample collection and testing team, Mudang Khiamniungan Asstt Professor Sao Chang Government College, Changkhumba GT, Chempilila Sangtam and Mahan Driver ITI Sedam for their out sanding contribution toward fighting against COVID 19 Pandemic for Tuensang District.  Zhimomi also inaugurated the exhibition stall organised by Agri and Allied Departments Tuensang along with BBBP while Bedi Bachao, Bedi Padhao organized a penalty shootout tournament exclusively for female where 40 teams participated the tournament.

Wokha: Along with the rest of the Nation Wokha District also celebrated its 72nd Republic Day at Wokha Local ground, with Advisor Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection & Taxes, Phukayi unfurling the national flag. Delivering the Republic Day speech,  the Advisor said  that the State Government with a view to give further impetus and facilitate the peace process held a historic consultative meeting in Kohima with all the Tribal Hohos, the representatives of the civil society organizations, the political parties and various public leaders on the Naga Political issues.

He also handed over District Level awards 2021 and Commendation awards to the following persons, Ajato Odyuo Chowkidar, Mammen E.V (So, E.E. Water resources), L. Chenithung Kikon (UBI-O/C Ralan), Renthungo Ezung (Dobashi Ralan), Longkumonen Pongen (Sub- Inspector), Dr. Mhonchan (Zonal Leprosy Officer), Obed Lotha (Chowkidar), Yanpvu Lotha (Constable-Driver), Erenbeni, Merilo Kikon, Asangla Tungoe. Chumchano Kikon, Julie Jungio, Mhabemo Lotha (Sub- Inspector), Zanthungo Tsopoe (Havildar 7th NAP), Benthungo Ngullie (UDA), Health Care Workers Ralan and Department of Power, Bhandari. The Parade Contingents were led by Assistant Commandant 7th NAP Y.Ashito Aye, five parade contingents took part in the march past.

Other highlights of the programmed included special visits by DWO at Mhondamo Memorial District Hospital, SBI at Dr. Motsuo memorial District Hospital, LRD at 40th AR hospital, DLSA visited Jail inmates, folk song by Akuk Women Cultural troupe Wokha town. The chief guest later inaugurated the stalls put up by various departments and Self Help Groups.

Mon: Mon celebrated India's 72nd Republic Day at Local Ground, Mon Town. The event started with the Parade Review by Superintendent of Police Mon, Imnalensa Ao IPS. Thereafter, Minister of PWD Housing & Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum oversaw the ceremonial flag hoisting and inspection of parade. 

In his speech, the Minister touched many important issues prevailing in the state like Naga Political Issue, Illegal Taxation and COVID 19 Pandemic among others and conveyed the various steps and measures the Government has been tirelessly working to tackle them so as to help the people of the State attain a better and higher quality of life. He also highlighted the ongoing developmental programmes undertaken by the various Departments of the Government and the achievements of the Government over the year while also urging upon the people and village authorities to help and co-operate in the execution of such developmental programmes. 

The Minister also took the opportunity to thank all the health workers, frontline workers, police personnel, SDRF and NDRF teams, Village guards, sanitation workers of ULBs, transport workers, personnel at quarantine centres, district administration, CSOs for their tirelessly and selfless service during the war against the Pandemic and applauded their service in containing the spread of the virus in the State. He concluded by stating that Nagas as a people should work unitedly to preserve the beautiful democracy of our society which has been existing at all levels since ages and work with an even more focussed approach to ensure that no person, area or community feels left out and everyone sees progress and gets all the benefits of development. 

The Minister’s speech was followed by March Past by the Contingents which included the 6th NAP, DEF Mon, Village Guards and 6th NAP Pipe Band led by Parade Commander Asst. Commandant 6th NAP Zubenthung Ovung and Second-in-Command API DEF Mon, Ngangpang Konyak. The event also witnessed a guitar piece of the National Anthem by Mantai Konyak, felicitation of patrons under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Mon and a cultural dance by Leangha Union Mon. 

The event concluded at the evening session with prize distribution for the participants and a display of band followed by "Beating of Retreat Ceremony" by 6th NAP Pipe Band. The event was graced by the presence of MLA Mon Town Thongwang Konyak, DG Border Affairs Rupin Sharma IPS, DC Mon Thavaseelan K IAS and other district HoDs and officers. 

Kiphire: Along with the rest of the country, the 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at Kiphire public ground on 26th January 2021 with Medo Yokha, Advisor for Technical Education & Election as the special guest. Advisor reviewed the parade and unfurled the national flag and read out the Republic Day speech during the occasion.

During the function the parade contingents were 7th Assam Rifle Kiphire, DEF police Kiphire, Phulungre Band party and Village Guard Kiphire, followed by special presentation by Miss Marlen. Later the special guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by the respective departments, which was followed up by visitation of SBI, Kiphire- Shalom children home, NSCB, Kiphire- District Hospital and IRCS, Kiphire Branch- District jail Kiphire. Earlier National flag was hosted in all government offices and Educational institutions. The programme ended with the beating of retreat by the DEF, Kiphire.

Longleng: In Longleng, the 72nd Indian Republic Day was celebrated with Minister for Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir as the Special Guest at Public Ground, Longleng.  In his speech, the Special Guest highlighted various achievements, activities, policies and programs of the Government agencies.

Emphasizing on Naga Political issues he said the past few years have seen some very crucial developments towards the final solution. The negotiation parties and groups have seen significant and positive breakthroughs and there is a spirit of understanding among everyone to work unitedly to fulfill the long cherished aspiration of our people without any delay overcoming all the obstacles. In order to give further impetus and facilitate the peace process he said that the State Government held a historic consultative meeting in Kohima on  October 15, 2020 with all the tribal hohos, civil societies, and various public leaders on the Naga political issues and reiterated that there will be one solution for one people as early as possible.

Metsubo urged all Naga organizations to uphold the values of reconciliation and non-violence in the interest of the future of the Naga.  He also acknowledged the tireless and selfless efforts of all the medical professionals and health workers, frontline workers, Police personnel, the SDRF & NDRF team, the Village Guards, Sanitation & Transport workers, district administration and other departments and all the churches and civil organizations for coming together to confront and deal with a global calamity in the form of COVID-19 pandemic. 

Earlier, the Special Guest unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from 6 contingents comprised of the DEF Longleng, 12th NAP (IR) Chingtok, Village Guard of Orangkong, Village Guard of Longleng Headquarter, Government Higher Secondary School Longleng and Government Higher Secondary School (Students Police Cadet), Longleng.  The highlights of the daylong celebration were exhibition stalls put by the Agri. & Allied departments, Medical, District Legal Authority and SHG, special song by Soul Sisters, Folk dance by Pongo Union Longleng (Male) and High School ward Longleng (Women), Exhibition Volleyball match between District Administration and DEF Longleng and in Women category Phomla Hoichem, Phenei Soti Club, LTSU and LDVWVBA. 

Zunheboto:  Along with rest of the nation Zunheboto District celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at Zunheboto public ground with the Minister of Transport and Land Resource, Paiwang Konyak unfurling the national flag. Highlights of the programme included parade by four contingents:  8 NAP, DEF, Home Guard, ex-serviceman and Assam Rifles led by 1st commander Tongpang Ao, Assistant Commandant and 2nd Commander Inaxu, Sub inspector Zunheboto.

After the speech awards were given to various VDBs (i.e 24 VDBs in total) under different blocks in Zunheboto, who have implemented MORD and state programme satisfactorily as well as maintaining the VDBs assets properly during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. The programme culminated with beating of the retreat by 32 Assam Rifles Zunheboto. The programme was conducted following strict standard operating procedures (SOP).

Tseminyu: ADC Tseminyu Sub-division celebrated 72nd Republic Day at ADC office compound with ADC Tseminyu, W Manpai Phom as special guest who unfurled national flag and took Rashtriya salute and read out the Republic Day speech. The national anthem was sung by 4th NAP coy youth department. Other highlights of the programme were folk song by Kandi Shenpfu Zi, Tseminyu and DBs Tseminyu HQ. All the head of office & staff, DBs, GBs and public leaders attended the function.

Pungro: Nuhuta Tunyi, NCS Extra Assistant Commissioner Pungro hoisted the flag at ADC Office Pungro and took the Rastriya Salute. The traditional and folk song was presented by Shodangberu Cultural Troupe Pungro. Tunyi also inaugurated exhibition stalls followed by inspecting of stalls put up by Department of Agri Pungro, Rural Development Pungro and State Rural Livelihood Mission, R.D Khongsa. 

Chen:  Along with the rest of the country, Chen Hq. celebrated 72nd Republic Day at Mini SDO (Civil) Complex, Chen Town.SDO (Civil) Chen Samuel Konyak unfurled the National Flag and took Rashtriya Salute from NVG Chen Hq. Government Officers, GBs, DBs, and public from Chen area attended the celebration.

Meluri: The 72nd Indian Republic day was celebrated at Meluri Sub-division at ADC office Meluri. ADC Meluri Chuba Temjen unfurled the national flag and took Rashtriya salute by 5th NAP coy Meluri. The function was attended by all the heads of offices, NGO'S and public leaders.

Pfutsero: Joining the rest of the nation, the 72nd Republic Day was celebrated in Pfutsero at ADC office complex. Additional Deputy Commissioner Pfutsero,  Phuleshe Yepthomi unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute and later read out the speech. Special song was presented by Children Home rukizu, folk song by Reku Colony. Earlier in the morning National flag were hoisted at all government offices, institutions and private buildings.

Tuli:  The Republic Day programme was celebrated in Tuli ADC's complex where Imsongmeren ADC Tuli unfurled the national flag, took Rashtriya salute from Tuli DEF personnel and read the republic day message in the present of government official, GBs and public leaders. 

Changtongya:  Along with the rest of the nation, the 72nd Republic Day Celebration was held in Changtongya Town at SDO (C) Office Complex. Unfurling of India National Flag, Tzudir SDO (C) Changtongya Town also took the Rashtriya Salute from I/C OC Police station Changtongya followed by the Republic Day speech.

Wakching: The 72nd India's Republic day was observed in Wakching sub-division under Mon district at SDO (C) office chamber where Relise Sangtam SDO (C) unfurled the national flag. GBs &DBs and govt. employees attended the function.

Shamator: With the rest of the country Shamator celebrated 72 Republic Day at public ground with proper SOPs. Toshi Wuntung, Advisor, I&PR, SCERT and Village Guard VG unfurled the National flag, inspect the parade contingents followed by reading of the speech, Special Numbers were sung by Youth Department i/c Allen and Lawola Yimchunger and GBs presents folk song. Lünsoberü Cultural troupe and Mongtsuwong Cultural troupes presented cultural items. The Advisor also inaugurated stalls and held meeting with Shamator Officers Forum.      
Longkhim: With rest of the country Longkhim Town celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at ADC Office with Kikumsungla Jamir, ADC Longkhim unfurling of the national flag. She also took the Rastriya salute from Nagaland Police Longkhim and Living Local Band Longkhim and read out the Republic Day speech. After the function 32nd Assam Rifles B Coy Longkim displayed weapons.

Thonoknyu: Thonoknyu Sub-Division celebrated the Republic Day at SDO (C) office campus. The National flag was unfurled by SDO (C) Longdiba L Sangtam, who aslo took the Rastriya salute from Nagaland Police Thonoknyu. All the DBs, GBs and Town VGs attended the program.

Medziphema: The 72nd Republic day was celebrated at ADC Office Complex Medziphema, Sub-Division with the Additional Deputy Commissioner Medziphema, Thsuvisie Phoji unfurling the National flag and taking the Rastriya Salute with the singing of the National Anthem. The ADC also delivered the Statehood day speech. The 11th NAP (IR) Bn Ruzaphema led by Parade Commander ABI Wabang Longkumer took part in the celebration. The celebration was attended by Head of the Departments and 41 Assam Rifles Medziphema which concluded with beating of the retreat.

Pughoboto:  With the rest of the country, and adhering the Standard Operating procedure OF COVID- 19, Pughoboto Sub Division citizen including the Officers with few staff from all departments gathered at ADC office compound and celebrated the 72nd Republic Day. ADC Pughoboto Thungchanbemo Tungoe unfurled the tri-colour National flag and took the Rashtriya salute from the 8th NAP Naltoqa 'A' Coy parade contingent and DEF Pughoboto followed by National Anthem sung by PPKK.

He also read out the Republic Day Speech and also opened the stalls put up by the different SHGs. The various fresh and vegetables exhibited and sale items- seeds was provided by Agriculture department in season wise. The healthy organic and nutritious production was brought from the far village of Chishilimi, Lazami Natsumi and Mishilimi SHGs. Encouraging the local people for more output and to generate income, the officers and participants also bought the items at reasonable price. Marking the occasion, SAKK presented the special number and the prize to the participants was distributed by the chief guest.

Satakha: Along with the rest of the country, Satakha Sub-Division celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at ADC office compound. TL Kiusumong Tikhir, ADC Satakha unfurled the national flag and also delivered the Republic Day speech.

Bhandari: Bhandari Sub-division celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at Bhandari Head Quarter at the Public ground where Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhandari Tiameren Chang, NCS unfurled the National Flag and took Rashtriya salute from the 7NAP parade contingent. While delivering the Republic day speech, he stated that the people of the state have worked tirelessly along with the COVID-19 frontline workers and COVID-19 warriors to combat, contain and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, and deserves the highest appreciation. Students of DBHSS sang the National anthem and a patriotic song was presented by Janbemo Lotha and Kenneth Kikon.

Jakhama:  Along with the rest of the Country the 72nd Anniversary of 26th Republic Day was observed at SDO (C), Jakhama Office. The SDO (C), Ruopfukuotou hoisted the National Flag and delivered the Republic Day speech.

Tobu: The 72nd Republic Day celebration at Tobu HQ was observed at the local ground Tobu with ADC Mudongoyi Chuzho as special guest. He unfurled the national tri-color flag, took Rashtriya salute, followed by national anthem and delivered the Republic Day speech. The day went of peacefully. 

Chiephobozou: Chiephobozou Headquarter also celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at Additional Deputy Commissioner's Office premises with hoisting of ceremonial national flag by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chiephobozou, Vekhoyi Chakhesang. The beating of retreat was held at 4 pm.

Tizit: The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at Local Ground Tizit Hq with a Pakon Phom, ADC Tizit unfurling the National Flag, followed by National Anthem sang by St. Francis School Tizit. The ADC also delivered the Republic Day Speech. The march past contingents were 6th NAP Tizit, Village Guard, Oting Village, NCC Tizit & Govt. Higher Secondary School, Tizit. All Departmental Officers & Staffs, Public Leaders, NGOs and public attended the function.

Niuland: The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at Niuland Public Ground on 26th January 2021 with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Niuland, Athrila S unfurling the National Flag. The 8th NAP 'C' Coy presented the guard of honour with ABSI, Oren Lotha as Parade Commander. All head of offices, NGOs attended the celebration. The day's celebration ended with beating of retreat by 8th NAP 'C' Coy. 

Tening: The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated with rest of the country at Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) official residence, Tening where Rhosietho Nguori, NCS, ADC unfurled the national flag and took the Rastriya salute. The national anthem was led by Baptist High School. The programme was attended by officials of government departments including Nagaland Police, paramilitary forces, school students and the public.

Mangkolemba: Along with the rest of the country, the72nd Republic day was celebrated at Public ground, Mangkolemba. After unfurling the National flag SDO (Civil) Atsüngba Walling took the Rashtriya salute and delivered the Republic day speech. 

Seyochung: The 72nd Republic Day 2021 was celebrated at Seyochung ADC HQ. office complex with Japth Woch, ADC Seyochung as the special guest. He unfurled the national flag and read out the speech. Parade contingents included VG Seyochung HQ led by Nikihe chick Seyochung area VG Commander. The national anthem was sung by the St.Mary's High School. The programme was attended by all the government officers, GBs, NGOs.

Naginimora: With the rest of the country, the 72nd Republic Day was celebrated at ADC Office compound with ADC Naginimora, Renabemo Odyuo unfurling the National Flag followed by National Anthem sang by Carewell School. The ADC also took Rashtriya salute from 6th NAP. Officials from various departments attended the programme.

Aboi: Aboi Town's Republic Day celebration was held at Local Ground Aboi on with ADC Aboi, Chumlamo Humtsoe NCS unfurling the National Flag as the special guest. He also took the Rastriya salute and read out the Republic Day speech.  The National Anthem was presented by BBBP Girls Club, Aboi. Tsukjem Ao, ABSI was the Parade Commander while Manchan (Hav) NP was the 2nd Parade Commander. There were three Parade Contingents included VG Longching, VG Aopao and DEF, Aboi. 

Celebrating the occasion, a cultural song was presented by KNSK, Aboi. There was also prize distribution of different activities competition done under BBBP programme  – Singing Competition winner- Ellen Chenwanglim, Mother daughter Traditional photo competition winner- Mongye & W. Ngipkhao, Essay writing competition winner -Nyanleh from Emmanuel School, Onyu Bazar-  Best Stall organic Vegetable Longkhong SHG, Best stall handicraft Aboiyang Ward Aboi.

Other highlights included hosting of the National flag in all the Govt. Offices/ Educational Institution and business establishment at 6 am. There was football exhibition match between HoDs Aboi Vs Konyak Union Aboi, exhibition cum-sale stalls by Assam Rifle and Beating of the Retreat by DEF, Aboi in the evening.