Naga New Year Festival 2020 celebrated at Lahe

President U Win Myint, first lady Daw Cho Cho, officials and others participate in beating the log drum at the Naga New Year Traditional Festival 2020 in Lahe in the Naga Self-Administered Zone. (Photo Courtesy: MNA)
 

Myanmar President call attention to develop Naga Self-Administered Zone
 

Lahe, January 18 (MExN): The Naga New Year Festival 2020 was held in Lahe town in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Division from January 12 to 16. Myanmar President, U Win Myint and first lady, Daw Cho Cho graced the festival. 

Addressing the gathering, President Myint said that in working for socio-economic development of the people, the government has been trying to maintain a harmonious balance among States and Regions, as well as all the ethnic national brothers and sisters in remote areas like the Naga Self-Administered Zone. 

By using the budget allocations of the Union government and State government each fiscal year, the President said, “Relevant ministries are working for development of agriculture, livestock, transportation, education, health, economics and social sectors of Naga areas”

While acknowledging that the government is taking note “that the Naga Self-Administered Zone remains undeveloped in education, health and other sectors due to poor transportation to this area,” the President said both urgent short plans and long term plans are needed for multi-sectoral development in the Naga region. 

“The Union Government, State government and the leading body of self-administered zones are carrying out the plans. The cooperation of ethnic brothers and sisters is important in these works,” he appealed. 

He also said that one of the crucial requirements for the Naga Self-Administered Zone is construction of inter-town road network that links Lashi, Lahe and Nanyun townships. The road section between Lahe and Nanyun has been completed, and it is advised to finalize the remaining section between Lahe and Lashi after allocating budgets in respective fiscal years.

The President also appreciated the “effort of relevant departments in upgrading transportation in Naga Self-Administered Zone” and urged the officials to improve the existing situation for the people in the Naga Self-Administered Zone.

In the afternoon, the President held a meeting with the Union Ministers, Sagaing Region cabinet, Hluttaw representatives; Naga Self-Administered Zone’s Leading Body, department officials and local elders and discussed the need for cooperation in developing the Naga Self-Administered Zone.

Besides performance of cultural presentations, other features of the festival were stalls, exhibition, and log drum and bon fire. Several other dignitaries and officials were also present during the festival.