Nagaland commemorated its 62nd Statehood Day with pride and a renewed pledge for peace and development. At the Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio delivered a stirring address, reflecting on the state’s journey and highlighting the strides made in governance and infrastructure.
“Peace for Development and Development for Peace remains our governance cornerstone,” declared Rio, recalling the message of India’s first President, S. Radhakrishnan, during Nagaland's statehood inauguration in 1963.
A landmark administrative achievement marked this year’s celebrations with the creation of Meluri as Nagaland’s 17th district on 2 November.
This long-awaited development fulfils the aspirations of the Pochury community, aligning with the state’s policy of creating districts along tribal lines and tapping into regional mineral resources.
On the Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) issue, Rio revealed that his government submitted comments on the Draft Memorandum of Settlement-III to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs earlier in November.
The Chief Minister also addressed the Naga political issue, detailing resolutions from a consultative meeting held in September.
Among these was a call for the appointment of a ministerial-level interlocutor to expedite peace negotiations.
Expressing concern over the emergence of new NNPG factions and internal divisions, Rio reiterated his government’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution.
Rio announced several key initiatives, including the expansion of facilities for the iconic Hornbill Festival at Kisama’s Heritage Village.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival has emerged as a significant cultural and tourism event, drawing over 154,000 visitors in 2023, including 40,000 from outside the state.
In healthcare, the Chief Minister lauded the success of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, launched in October 2022, which has benefitted nearly 12,000 people with treatments worth ₹67.80 crores.
Highlighting educational and skill development initiatives, he noted the approval of projects worth ₹25 crores under PM-USHA by the Ministry of Education.
“Our youth are our strength,” Rio asserted, outlining efforts to empower them through education, skill-building, and employment opportunities.
National leaders extend greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu conveyed their greetings to Nagaland on its Statehood Day.
Taking to X, Modi lauded the state’s rich cultural heritage and resilience stating, “Greetings to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day. Nagaland is widely admired for its rich culture and the wonderful nature of people belonging to the state. Naga culture is known for its spirit of duty and compassion. Praying for Nagaland’s continuous progress in the times to come.”
President Murmu praised the state’s progress in development, posting on X, “Endowed with a rich heritage of flora and fauna, Nagaland is also a land of bravery. Nagaland’s strides in various development parameters are praiseworthy. My best wishes to the people of this beautiful state for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive future.”
Concluding his address, Rio made a heartfelt appeal for unity among the people of Nagaland. “I urge each citizen to work together to bring smile and happiness into our lives and strive together to take our State to greater heights,” he said.
Follow us
