The District Sports Council Ground in Zunheboto, the venue for the 80th Independence Day celebration on August 15, found in poor condition. (Morung Photo)
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | August 15
The 80th Independence Day celebration at the District Sports Council Ground (DSCC), Zunheboto, was noticeably quieter than in the previous years, with no student participation and only a sparse public turnout at the district headquarters on Saturday.
The official programme had scheduled a march-past involving the District Executive Force, 8th NAP Battalion, Ex-Servicemen, Zunheboto Government College NCC and contingents from several schools in the district headquarters. However, no students participated in the march-past or other scheduled student contingents.
The march-past was instead carried out by the District Executive Force, 8th NAP Battalion at Naltoqa and Ex-Servicemen, Zunheboto.
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The absence of student participation followed a directive issued by the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) on August 13, calling upon its units and sub-units to ensure that students did not participate in programmes or celebrations organised in connection with Independence Day.
The Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) subsequently issued a non-compliance advisory to students and educational institutions under Zunheboto Town on August 14.
Sparse public turnout
The absence of students was clearly reflected in the overall atmosphere at the venue. Unlike previous years, when Independence Day celebrations at the district headquarters would normally draw large numbers of students, families and members of the public, this year's gathering remained relatively small. The limited public presence, together with the complete absence of student contingents, gave the celebration a noticeably subdued atmosphere.
Poor condition of ground
The condition of the DSCC Zunheboto also added to the difficulties during the programme. Several portions of the ground were covered with mud and stagnant water following the recent rains, making movement difficult for those attending the celebration.
The condition of the venue was particularly noticeable during an occasion that traditionally brings together large numbers of people for the district-level celebration.
While inspecting the stalls, Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, the occasion’s special guest, also took note of the condition of the ground and stressed the need for a proper technical solution to prevent water from accumulating at the venue.
He said the matter should be discussed with the concerned MLA and the relevant authorities so that waterlogging does not continue to hamper the smooth conduct of programmes at the ground.
CSOs remain seated
Another notable moment during the programme was the posture adopted by representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and apex bodies during the National Song. The representatives remained seated while the National Song was sung but stood during the National Anthem.
The posture was consistent with the position earlier articulated by SKK and ZRSU, which have maintained that their objection is based on religious conscience and opposition to compelling students to sing, recite or perform Vande Mataram, rather than opposition to Independence Day, the National Flag or the National Anthem.
SKK has stated that it respects the significance of Independence Day and holds the National Flag, National Anthem and other officially recognised national symbols in high regard, while also emphasising religious freedom, individual conscience and cultural identity.
A different Independence Day
The absence of students was perhaps the most visible difference at this year's celebration. With no student contingents taking part, fewer members of the public attending and the ground affected by mud and water, the 80th Independence Day observance in Zunheboto presented a markedly different scene from previous years.
The official programme proceeded with the participation of government forces and ex-servicemen, but the quieter crowd and absence of the usual school contingents made this year's celebration an unusually subdued Independence Day at the district headquarters.
