Nagaland celebrates 72nd Republic Day with gusto

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Jan. 26 (EMN): Nagaland celebrated the 72nd Republic Day in all district headquarters and sub-divisions by organising various events to mark the day.

Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Sharingain Longkumer,  disclosed that Nagaland continues to suffer from the menace of illegal taxation and forceful collection of money by anti-social elements despite concerted efforts from the police and security forces.

Longkumer stated this in his Republic Day speech, while addressing the gathering at DDSC stadium in Dimapur on January 26. While admitting that the law and order situation have improved considerably, Longkumer stated that continued illegal taxation created a sense of fear among the business community and entrepreneurs thereby adversely affecting the economy of the state. He remarked saying, “this has resulted in the state not doing as well as some other states in several economic indicators”.

In effort to curb the menace of extortion and illegal extortion, Longkumer stated that the state government has set up anti-extortion cells in all the districts. He added that the state police is working in close coordination with other law enforcing and security agencies in the state to contain illegal activities of various anti-social elements.

He disclosed that the state police has registered 261 cases and arrested 397 anti-social elements during the past three years. He added that a SIT (Special Investigation Team) for extortion related cases on Highway construction companies has also been functioning for about a year now. The main purpose of the team was to swiftly and effectively look into any such cases and take effective action, he said.

“While a day as significant as the Republic day calls for celebration, it is also a day to introspect and to reflect what we have achieved and what more needs to be done to reach our destination,” he said. He also maintained that the state has witnessed many visible developmental achievements to show, adding significant and good progress have been made in every field and area.

“The past 12 months have also brought out the resilience of our systems and our character where we all came together with resoluteness to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we all know that a long path still needs to be trodden by all of us to say with full conviction that we have been able to bring the fruits of development to each and every nook and corner of the state,” he asserted.

“Further, in addition to the developmental aspect we also need to look into the environmental of fear that has come to exist among our people because of “violent transgressions and illegal activities on the part of some elements over the years and such elements, because of their intolerant attitude and at times selfish motives have affected the functioning of the various democratic institutions in the State,” he stated.

Mentioning that Naga society prides itself over its beautiful democracy, which has been existing at all levels since ages, Longkumer however stated that “there has been serious attempts to attack those traditions and weaken them by force, intimidation and threats”.

“We should pay our undivided attention to the threats that are affecting the democratic soul of our people and work unitedly in overcoming and defeating such ignoble attempts while at the same time re-dedicating ourselves on this day for working with an even more focused approach to ensure that no person, are or community feels left out and everyone sees progress, and gets all the benefits of development,” he added.

Dwelling on the Naga political issue, he stated that the public have been waiting with great hope and optimism for the final solution to the long drawn out Naga political issue. He added that the development in the past years has been significant with positive breakthroughs made among the negotiating groups.

“There is a spirit of understanding among everyone to continue working unitedly to fulfil this long cherished aspiration of our people without any delay overcoming all the obstacles,” he added.

Longkumer further mentioned that due to the pandemic, every group of frontline workers and civil society organisations have worked tirelessly and selflessly in containing the spread of the virus.

He also mentioned that within a short span of time, “very good progress has been made to commence development works of the new medical college at Mon. Terming the step as an ambitious project, Longkumer stated that it would go a long way in meeting the medical needs of not only the people of eastern districts of Nagaland but the neighbouring districts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as well.

He also conveyed his best wishes to Noklak district, which was formally inaugurated on January 20. He looked forward to its improvement on all the developmental parameters and soon coming at par with the most advanced districts in the state.

Mokokchung: Republic Day celebration in Mokokchung was held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex with minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along as the chief guest.

The chief guest unfurled the national flag and also inspected the parade contingent under the commander of Y Khochamo Humtsoe, assistant command of 2nd NAP Alichen, and assisted by ABI Semou Angami.

A DIPR report stated that the chief guest also gave away awards to government schools for achieving 100% transition of girl child students at the primary level from classes 5 and 6 and the upper primary level from classes 8 to 9 during the academic year of 2019-2020. Cultural dance was performed by Naga Wadir Club from Ungma village.

The chief guest also inaugurated an exhibition stalls set up by different departments.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district celebrated the Republic Day at Zunheboto town public ground with the minister of Transport and Land Resources, Paiwang Konyak as the chief guest.

Besides unfurling the national flag, Konyak also took the Rashtriya salute from four parade contingents comprising of 8 NAP, DEF, Home Guard, Ex-service men and Assam Rifles. The parade commander was Tongpang Ao, assistant commandant, and assisted by Inaxu, sub-inspector.

On the occasion, awards were given to 24 village development boards (VDB) under different blocks in Zunheboto. The awards were given for satisfactory implementation of MORD and state programmes as well as for proper maintenance of VDB assets during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

Phek: Minister of Planning and Co-ordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, graced the Republic Day celebration at Phek district headquarters as the special guest. He unfurled the national flag and inspected parade contingents and also felicitated local championship under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Kronu took salute from the parade contingents comprising of 22 Assam Rifles, Phek DEF, 5th NAP Battalion, NCC GHSS Phek, student police cadets of Government Higher Secondary School Phek, Holy Care School Phek, and Royal Foundation School Phek.

Other highlights included presentation of song by Elite Music Ensemble, martial art display by Phek district taekwondo association, folk song by Pochury woman hoho and folk dance by Jericho-II youth society.

The minister also inaugurated exhibition stalls put up by various departments and NGOs.

Peren: Minister of Soil and Water Conservation, Geology and Mining, V Kashiho Sangtam, graced the Republic Day celebration at new Peren district headquarters as the special guest. The special guest unfurled the national flag and took Rashtriya salute from the parade contingents.

The parade contingents consisted of DEF Peren, 9th IRB Saijang, All Saints Higher Secondary School Peren, and school police cadets of GHSS Jalukie.

Other highlights of the programme included presentation of folk song and dance by Jalukie Students’ Union, ethnic music by Leibung Nroai Maame (BBBP) and a song by winner of Peren Voice Impact 2019 Kewizin.

To mark the occasion, national flag was hoisted in all government offices/ residences/ institutions. In Jalukie, ADC Dr. Tinojongshi Chang unfurled the national flag.

Noklak: Advisor of Prisons, Printing and Stationery, H Haiying, unfurled the national flag at Noklak local ground and also took the Rashtriya salute from the parade contingents consisting of DEF Noklak, Village Guards Tsuwao and Village Guard Choklangan. The assistant commandant of 3rd NAP Logubo was the parade commander and assisted by ABI Imkum Meren Imsong.

Speaking on the occasion, Haiying has sought a concerted effort from all the public in their strive for all round development in the district in order to come at par with the rest of the state.

The special guest also visited the stalls including a display of modern weapons by the A Coy 45 Assam Rifles. Other highlights of the programme included the presentation of the national anthem by Harmanas band of Noklak town. Songs were also presented by Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH) and Bukho Chai.

Tuensang: Tuensang district celebrated the 72nd Republic Day celebration at Tuensang public parade ground with the minister of Public Health and Engineering department (PHED), Jacob Zhimomi, as the chief guest.

A DIPR report stated that three parade contingents comprising DEF Tuensang, 3rd NAP and 3rd NAP Pipe band participated in the programme. The parade contingents were led by Bunglang Chang, deputy superintendent of police and assisted by Athriti. It stated that cultural troupes from Chang, Sangtam and Yimchunger communities have presented items on the occasion.

A DIPR report stated that district commendation awards were also awarded to various organisations in recognition of their contribution towards fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

The chief guest also inaugurated exhibition stalls set up by Agri. and Allied departments.

Wokha: Wokha celebrated the 72nd Republic Day at Wokha public local ground with the advisor of Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection and Taxes, Phukayi, as the chief guest.

On the occasion, the chief guest also handed over the district-level awards 2021 and commendation awards to various individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the society.

Mon: Mon celebrated India’s 72nd Republic Day at Mon town local ground with the minister of PWD (Housing and Mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum, as the chief guest.

A DIPR report stated that the chief guest unfurled the national flag and also inspected the parade contingents consisting of 6th NAP, DEF Mon, Village Guards and 6th NAP Pipe Band led by parade commander Zubenthung Ovung and assisted Ngangpang Konyak.

It stated that Ozukum had touched upon many important issues prevailing in the state including Naga political issue, illegal taxation and Covid-19 pandemic among others in his speech. He also thanked the public for their tireless efforts in order to attain a better and higher quality of life. He also thanked all the healthcare and 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.

The event also witnessed a guitar piece on the national anthem presented by Mantai Konyak. A cultural presentation by Leangha Union from Mon also added colours to the programme.

Kiphire: The 72nd Republic Day celebration at Kiphire district headquarters was graced by the advisor of Technical Education and Election, Medo Yokha, as the special guest. The advisor reviewed the parade and unfurled the national flag and delivered a speech on the occasion.

The march past parade was presented by contingents from 7th Assam Rifle, DEF police Kiphire, Phulungre band party and Village Guard Kiphire.

The advisor also inaugurated an exhibition stalls set up by the respective departments. It was informed that national flag was hoisted in all the government offices and educational institutions.

Longleng: Minister of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir, has graced the Republic Day celebration at Longleng public ground as the special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the special guest highlighted the various achievements, activities, policies and programmes undertaken by the present state government.

Emphasising on the ongoing Naga political issues, he stated that the past few years have seen some crucial developments towards finding a final solution saying that the negotiation parties and groups have seen significant and positive breakthroughs. He stated that there is a spirit of understanding among everyone to work unitedly to fulfil the long cherished aspiration of the people without any delay.

Jamir urged upon all the Naga organisations 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 healthcare workers, frontline workers, police personnel, SDRF and NDRF team, the Village Guards, sanitation and transport workers, district administration and other departments and all the churches and civil organisations for coming together to confront and deal with a global calamity in the form of Covid-19 pandemic.

NPP Nagaland: Commemorating the 72nd Republic Day celebration, Nagaland unit of the National People’s Party (NPP) along with its minority cell and youth wing undertook a motorbike rally consisting of 50 bikers covering nearly 8 km.

The rally was flagged off by the state party president Dr. Andrew Ahoto at Thahekhu gate and culminated at its state office followed with hoisting of national flag and singing of national anthem, an update from the party stated.

Speaking at the programme, the state party president highlighted the Constitution of India which gives every individual justice, freedom, equality, brotherhood and above all fundamental rights to everyone. He added that citizens of a free democratic nation should come together in social harmony and strive towards the path of progress and secularism.

“Let this Republic Day mark the opening of a new chapter of peace, prosperity and reconciliation among all communities across the nation without any prejudice or suppression towards minorities. In this way the Nation can remain united despite all the odds,” Andrew Ahoto stated.

Meanwhile, Juel Acharjee from the minority cell thanked all the participants.

Veterinary College: College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at Jalukie in Peren district observed the 72nd Republic Day at college campus with faculties, staff and their family members.

Speaking on the occasion, Dean of the college, Dr. AK Sangwan highlighted the salient achievements of the institute during the past one year and also thanked all the faculty and staff for their valuable contribution in building the institute. He also encouraged them to perform their best in the coming days and be a part of the growing dynamic institute.

Presentation of cultural items was led by Dr. Uday Umrikar, while Kenlumyile enthralled the gathering with her patriotic song “Vande Mataram.” Other performers included, Dr. Tukeshwas Chutia, Dr. Ramdas, Njumthung Kithan, and Inraibe.

Sainik School: Sainik School at Punglwa celebrated the Republic Day with the school’s principal Group Captain Prasun Basu as the chief guest, who also unfurled the tri-colour. The flag hoisting was followed with singing of national anthem and pledge taking to remain faithful to the ideals enshrined in the constitution of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest exhorted the cadets to be loyal citizens of the country and strive for excellence in their studies by taking every challenge as an opportunity for betterment. He reiterated the importance of unity and expressed that the efforts of all the people to overcome Covid-19 has been phenomenal in not only the teaching-learning process but also in the field of technology, medicine and communication.

The principal also gave away gifts to the general employees and the Nagaland armed police (NAP) personnel posted in the school.

PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur, celebrated the Republic Day at the school premises in which the school’s principal Gurupadanandaji Maharaj hoisted the national flag.

Addressing the students, the principal stated that education is the best form of instrument to change the world, an update from the school stated. He also encouraged all the teachers to be harbinger of change in the present context of the education system under the prevalent education policy of India.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by a teacher AK Roy.

Leo Club Dimapur: Leo Club of Dimapur, along with the Lions Club of Dimapur and Lions Club of Blue Vanda Dimapur celebrated Republic Day by unfurling the national flag at the club premises. The flag was unfurled by presidents of all the three clubs in the presence of district governor Lalita R Khadra and IPDP Rishab Chhabra. The celebration was organised under the leadership of Vishal Patni.

IWC: Inner Wheel Club (IWC), Dimapur, observed the Republic Day celebration by unfurling the national flag at Rotary Centre at 9:30 am. The programme was followed with a community breakfast.

ICFAI University: The ICFAI University Nagaland celebrated the Republic Day at the campus in which the officiating registrar Dr. VT Vasagan unfurled the national flag and paid tributes to all those who have fought for Indian independence.

Stating that the Indian Constitution has granted justice, liberty, equality and fraternity to all her citizens to make them self-reliant, Vasagan maintained that a strong education system is prerequisite to achieve those ideals, an update from the university stated.

He added that ICFAI has produced employable and responsible citizens not to Nagaland but to the country. The programme was attended by the faculty and staff of the university.

173 CRPF: The 173 battalion CRPF celebrated the Republic Day at its battalion headquarters, Dimapur, where the commandant Vishnu Gautam hoisted the national flag and took the salute.

An update from the battalion stated that all rank and files of the unit as well as the children from Diphupar Orphanage attended the programme. It added that sweets and sports items were distributed to the children. An exhibition football match was also organised followed with a presentation of cultural items by unit personnel.