Principal Correspondent
Kohima, August 15
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today sought the continued support of the people so that the plans, programmes and the dreams that Nagas share together become a reality soon.
Unfurling the National Flag for the first time as the Chief Minister on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day at Nagaland Secretariat Plaza today, Zeliang said, “The cooperation of the people is essential as many of the problems confronting the people of Nagaland continue”.
He said the quest for an honourable settlement to the long standing Naga political problem continues and the process of dialogue and negotiations has been going on for the last 17 long years. Zeliang, however, expressed the hope that the new dispensation at the Centre (NDA government), under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will expedite the process of finding an early solution.
He also urged upon the government of India and also the Naga nationalist groups to sincerely work towards bringing about an early settlement to make peace a reality, which is the longing of all sections of the Naga people.
Zeliang said the State has been enjoying a measure of tranquility with the ongoing ceasefire and peace process, and the law and order situation in the State has been by and large peaceful.“The police and administration are continuing to endeavour to contain all forms of anti-social and criminal activities, so that the citizens can live in peace and harmony,” he said.
The celebrations in the state capital joined by Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, galaxy of cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, senior police and army officials and bureaucrats were held in a peaceful atmosphere with no underground group making any bandh call.
Besides the 27 march past contingents, including armed forces, NCC, Scouts and Guides and schools students taking part in the Independence Day parade led by Deputy Commandant of 15th NAP (IR) Battalion Aboli Metha and Assistant Commandant Khriebeinuo Kense, colourful presentations by Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club, 78th Battalion CRPF and cultural dances by 11 Naga cultural troupes marked the celebrations.
During the day, philanthropic organisations visited various institutions such as Old Age Home, hospitals, orphanages and jail. Governor’s At Home, Exhibition Football Match between Assam Rifles and Nagaland Police, band display by Brass Band of Nagaland Police, Pipe Band of 19th Assam Rifles and Adolescent Girls Bag Pipe Band were also part of the celebrations.
Poor attendance
Ever since the shifting of the venue of National (Independence and Republic) Day celebration from Kohima Local Ground to Secretariat Plaza, the attendance of the general public had been very poor. While in the Kohima Local Ground till early 2000, the ground used to be jampacked with people from all walks of life joining the celebrations and witnessing the performances. However, after being shifted to Secretariat, the show now is normally witnessed by the government employees that too because of the compulsory attendance lest deduction of one-day wage imposed by the authorities. Though the business establishments remained closed upto 12 noon, public preferred to stay indoor instead of facing the transportation problem to reach the Secretariat because even the city buses and taxis hardly ply on the day.
