79th Indian Independence Day celebrated across Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland also celebrated the 79th Indian Independence Day on Friday, marked by hoisting of the tricolour hoisted in all district and sub-divisional headquarters, government offices and various institutions.

Dimapur: The celebration was held at the Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) Stadium, where Minister of Road and Bridges G Kaito Aye hoisted the national flag, followed by an inspection of the parade.

In his speech, the minister said the government is committed to improve road network in the state and that the Department of Road & Bridges has taken many initiatives.

Aye mentioned that under Inter-State Connectivity Scheme, up-grade of 2- lane from Dhobinalla Junction to Diphu and construction of 2-lane interstate connectivity from Chizami to Lai (Manipur) has been completed.

Also read: Bharatiya Janata Party Nagaland organises handcart tiranga yatra

Under NESIDS, 4 projects amounting to INR 212.33 crore covering a total length of 63.5 km and 75.20 km road length under PMGSY have been completed.

Under Special Assistance to States for Capital Infrastructure Expenditure, 30 numbers of road projects costing INR 322.38 crore is under progress, he said.

The minister also mentioned that the PWD National Highways is taking up widening of 2-lane/strengthening on NH 61 (New NH-2) for a total length of 126.60 km on various sections out of which 58 km have been completed. Further rehabilitation of Dimapur RoB between Tragopan junction and Burma camp on NH-29 has been completed.

During his media interaction after the programme, the minister was asked about the old flyover bridge that had developed potholes despite being repaired earlier this year. Aye responded that while the bridge wasn't directly under his portfolio, it fell under collective responsibility as a cabinet minister.

He added that the old flyover is already outdated, and the Department of National Highways has done its best to address the issue with the resources available. However, he assured that he would discuss the matter with the chief minister and work towards finding a solution to improve the situation.

During the celebration, the minister also presented the Female Achievers Awards in academics and sports under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative.

Highlights of the events included patriotic song by GHSS Lengrijan, patriotic dance by Christian HSS and Sargam Cultural Association, and Zelaing folk dance. Later, Aye also inaugurated the exhibition stalls. (Our Reporter)

Mokokchung: The celebratory event was held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer hoisting the national flag.

The chief guest also presented the District Commendation Award 2025 to nine distinguished recipients, recognised for their outstanding service. Longkumer also inaugurated exhibition stalls set up by Agri and allied departments, showcasing local agricultural innovations and products.

A highlight of the event was the impressive march past featuring eleven contingents with SDPO Hq. Mokokchung, Tizhi Phojar, as the parade commander and Inspector Takatemjen of DEF Mokokchung as second-in-command.

Adding vibrancy to the celebration, the Konyak Union representing the Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Mokokchung presented cultural items and Shri Laxmi Narayan of Gritan Mandal Mokokchung delivered captivating performances. The festivities continued with a lively tug of war match between departmental officers (HoDs) and MMC councillors. In the evening, an exhibition football match and penalty shootout was played between DC XI and HoDs. (Our Correspondent)

Wokha: The main celebration in Wokha district was held at local ground, Wokha town, with Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, as the special guest.

Superintendent of Police T Relo Aye conducted the parade review, followed by the hoisting of the National Flag, Rashtriya Salute, and the national anthem. The special guest inspected the parade contingents and delivered the Independence Day speech.

Due to the abstention of student groups, only four contingents participated in the March Past—DEF Wokha, 7th NAP, Home Guards & Civil Defence, and Ex-Servicemen—led by SDPO Sangthing Khiam.

District Awards were presented during the programme, after which the special guest inaugurated the exhibition stalls. The celebration also featured an exhibition volleyball match between the District Sports Council, Wokha, and heads of departments, followed by the finals of the inter-high school volleyball league and prize distribution.

On the occasion, District Awards and District Commendation Certificates were awarded to various individuals and officials.

As part of the outreach initiative, institutional visits were carried out by various groups.

Advisor Hekani Jakhalu and Advisor Z Nyusictho Nyuthe were the special guests at Bhandari ADC and Sanis ADC, respectively. (Our Correspondent)

Zunheboto: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated at local ground, Zunheboto town, with Advisor, Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Imkongmar as the chief guest. The chief guest inspected the parade, hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day speech, highlighting the significance of the day and the progress made by the nation, a DIPR report stated.

On the occasion, Imkongmar presented District Awards for Meritorious Service to individuals and government officials from various departments.

The event featured a total of 3 parade contingents, led by Parade Commander Imlisunup Ao, Assistant Commandant of 8th NAP BN, Naltoqa, second-in-command UBI, G Blesto Zhimomi, and Parade CHM Havildar Nisheto Chishi.

The participating parade contingents were DEF Zunheboto, 8th NAP BN and Ex- Servicemen. The event was attended by various heads of departments and their staff.

Chümoukedima: The day was observed at Sammogooting Stadium with Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, hoisting of national flag followed by the Rashtriya salute.

The participating parade contingents comprised of 1st NAP Bn; 22nd Assam Rifle; Ex-service man; Patkai Christian College; Mount Mary HSS; GHSS Chümoukedima; North Town HSS; Bharat Scouts & Guides; and Pipe Band Shokhuvi.

On the occasion, CL John presented an award to three Angawadi workers for the ‘Best Angawadi Worker’ under Chümoukedima district. Highlights of the event included a special performance by the Pipe Band, ARTC & S, Shokhuvi; cultural presentation and entertainment by Phom Women Cultural Troupe, folk dance by Kachari Cultural Troupe; patriotic recital by Easter T Ngullie; patriotic dance by DMI St. Joseph Global School, and a special presentation by 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn.

Later, the minister also inaugurated the exhibition stalls. The programme concluded with Beating of Retreat by 1st NAP Bn.

Tuensang: The event was held at the Parade Ground, Tuensang town, with Advisor for Information & Public Relations Imkong L Imchen as the chief guest. After the parade review, the chief guest hoisted the national flag, delivered the Independence Day speech and took the Rashtriya Salute from 14 parade contingents.

Other highlights of the programme were a special presentation from Mutton Hau, Tuensang village; patriotic song presented by GHSS Tuensang; and cultural presentations from Chang-un Cultural Club, Sangli Cultural Troupe, Khiamniungan Culture Club, Memifu Club and Tikhir Liujong Pailiu Dancing Troupe.

Imchen also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by various departments.

Longleng: The celebration was held at public ground, Longleng town, with Advisor of Treasuries and Accounts and Art & Cultural, Konngam Konyak, as the special guest.

Konyak hoisted the national flag, which was followed by the national anthem led by 12th NAP IR Chingtok band party. He also inspected the ceremonial parade contingents and took Rashtriya salute from the nine parade contingents.

The special guest presented the District Awards to various individuals and government officials. After the programme, Konyak also visited the exhibition stalls setup by various departments.

The highlight of the day-long programme included a patriotic song presented by the students of JNV, demonstration of taekwondo, and folk dance performed by Pongching Cultural Troupe. Tug of war matches, featuring both men's and women's teams were held between different departments and ward representatives.

Niuland: Minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Temjen Imna Along, hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute at the celebration held at Niuland public ground.

The parade contingents were led by Parade Commander, Asstt. Commandant Haiding SAP. In his speech, the minister highlighted various achievements, challenges and undertaking of the state government.

The celebration also witnessed special cultural presentation from Old Showba village. Later, Along inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by various departments. In the evening session, a football exhibition match was played between Administration and Police versus heads of departments.

Meluri: Advisor of Transport and Technical Education, Temjenmenba, was the special guest of the celebration held at Meluri local ground. The special guest hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from eight parade contingents, comprising VG, Kukhegwo, NCC, Christian HSS, NCC, St. Xavier HSS, St. Xavier HSS, S, Pethüry School, GHSS Meluri, and VG Pipe Band. Temjenmenba also inaugurated the exhibition stalls displayed by various government departments and SHGs.

Shamator:  Shamator district celebrated Independence Day with Advisor of Youth Resource and Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger as the chief guest.

Keoshu hoisted the national flag and the pipe band from 43 Assam Rifles played the national anthem, which was then followed by inspection of parade contingents.

The parade contingents included the DEF Shamator; Assam Rifles; Village Guard Shamator ; Shamator College NCC; GHS Shamator; Christian High School; and St. Xavier School. On the occasion, the chief guest also gave trucks to four educated unemployed.

Special items were presented by Teri Mitti Brothers, Girls Rosy & Hanlu, and cultural presentations by Mongtsuwong Cultural Society, Lunsoberu Club, Wongphong Peilo Areihlu, and Sumi Cultural Troupe, followed by inauguration and inspection of the exhibition stalls by the chief guest.

Noklak: Minister, Housing & Mechanical Engineering, P Bashangmongba Chang, hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from nine parade contingents at parade ground, Noklak.

The parade contingents consist of DEF & NAP, NVG (Lengnyu), NVG (Phoklagan), GHS Noklak village, GHSS, Christian High School Noklak, Holy Angel School, St. Paul School and Frontier Piper Band (NVG).

Other highlights of the day included a special presentation by Frontier Chords, and Band of Brothers, 32 Assam Rifles, followed by inauguration of Aakhansha Haat and exhibition stalls set up by various government departments and SHGs.

Chang further flagged off 10 local taxis and five two wheeler taxis as part of Nagaland Logistic Connection under Chief Minister Micro Finance Insurance (CMMFI).

Phek: Minister for Public Health Engineering & Cooperation, N Jacob Zhimomi attended the Independence Day celebration at local ground, Phek.

Zhimomi hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day speech and took salute from nineteen parade contingents. On the occasion, the chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls and visited all the seventeen exhibition stalls displayed by various government departments.

Highlights of the celebration included presentations of folk dance by Khuza Cultural Troupe, special performance by Music Ensemble Phek and Assam Rifles Public School, Phek.

Mon: Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum, was the special guest of the celebration held local ground, Mon town.

The advisor hoisted the national flag, inspected the parade contingents and read out the Independence Day message, which was followed by march past by 16 contingents. Later, Ozukum also inaugurated the stalls set up by different societies and government departments.

Highlights of the programme included cultural songs by Guhching Village Cultural Troupe and Chen Union Mon Town. Special Numbers was presented by ‘The Owako’s Singers. To mark the Independence Day celebration, the Department of Economics & Statistics offered free birth certificate registration for children under one year old.

Kiphire: Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton was as the special guest of the celebration held at public ground, Kiphire town. The special guest hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day speech. He also took the Rashtriya salute from eleven contingents.

There was also presentation of the District Award, recognising individuals and organisations for their exemplary contribution to the district.

The special guest also inaugurated and inspected the exhibition stalls set up by various departments. The beating of the retreat was presented by 41 Assam Rifles, Kiphire.

Peren: The celebration was held at the DC’s office complex, Peren, with Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, S Toiho Yeptho, as the special guest.

On his arrival, Yeptho hoisted the national flag, inspected the ceremonial parade and delivered the Independence Day speech.

The ceremonial parade, reviewed by the Superintendent of Police, Peren, featured contingents from DEF Peren, 9 NAP (IR) Saijang, Sainik School Punglwa, BHSS Peren, GHSS Peren, All Saints Higher Secondary School Peren, Peren Government College, and JNV Jalukie.

As part of the celebrations, the Deputy Speaker gave away the District Commendation Awards.

Tseminyu: Tseminyu district celebrated Independence Day with Advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio as the special guest.

Zhaleo hoisted the national flag and inspected two parade contingents namely, the 4th NAP Tseminyu and the Ex-Servicemen. After the Independence Day speech, he also administered a pledge for a drug-free Nagaland.

Other highlights of the day included a special number by Chentile Magh, AFA Agriculture department, folk song by the Dobashis (DBs) and a tug of war between DBs and DPDB members.

The special guest also inaugurated exhibition stalls organised by various departments in the district.

Meanwhile, according to DIPR, the day was also celebrated in various sub-divisions and town, including Pughoboto, Seyochung, Chiephobozou, Jalukie, Longkhim, Jakhama, Atoizu, Tizit, Sanis, Changtongya, Wakching, Chen, Monyakshu, Pungro, Mangkolemba, Bhandari, Aboi, Tamlu, Akuluto, Aghunato, Noksen,  Tuli, Tobu, Chozuba, Thonokyu, Pfutsero, Tening, Naginimora and Medziphema,

Various institutions and organisations including International University, Nagaland; Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Kiphire; Pranab Vidyapith HSS, Dimapur; Indian Red Cross Society, Dimapur district; North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research; Ram Janaki HSS Dimapur; Sainik School Punglwa: and Nagaland Contractor’s & Supplier’s Union (NCSU), also commemorated the day.