Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): Extending greetings on the 48th year of statehood, Governor Nikhil Kumar has wished the people of Nagaland peace, development and prosperity. In his address on the eve of Nagaland Statehood Day, the Governor paid tribute to the leaders who worked sincerely and untiringly towards the creation of the State. He said it was a landmark achievement at that time. “It gives our valiant people their own identity. I am sure all of you will join me in acknowledging our debt of gratitude to their vision, foresight and their missionary zeal to secure the well being of our people through the founding of our State,” the Governor said in his message. Commenting on the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the State today, the Governor appreciated the efforts of law enforcing agencies, security forces, non-governmental organizations, the tribal Hohos, the civil society organizations, the Church bodies and the Forum for Naga Reconciliation for their commendable efforts in peace building. He said that the on-going dialogue between the Government of India and NSCN-IM has raised expectations of some accord being reached sooner or later.
Governor wishes peace, prosperity and development
However, the Governor expressed concern about the increased incidents of crime. He said that the government is very concerned and has resolved to firmly deal with extortions and other anti-social activities in Dimapur and elsewhere in the State.
He said that it is the right decision because if there is to be development and progress, it is important there is peace in the State.
He added that the government is determined to achieve this objective; while people should also ensure that they live together in harmony; that there is unity cutting across tribes and communities and rise above narrow sectarian interests to take a view that is beneficial for the society.
The Governor said further that the need for development and economic growth is felt by all. He said that the State need funds for this and while it is pursuing requirement of funds with Government of India and the Planning Commission, the people have to focus on their own assets and create an environment conducive to investment. He declared that the most valuable asset is the youth.
The Governor also emphasized on the need to implement the Right to Education Act and ensure optimum utilisation of funds meant for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. He said that State needs to exploit the tremendous tourism and investment potential that it has. He said that by organizing mega events like the ‘Hornbill Festival,’ the State should be able to attract more tourists to the state. He said that the state has rich mineral resources and favourable climate for development of horticulture and floriculture. There is also immense potential for plantation crops like tea, coffee and rubber on the vast tracts of hill slopes. “To exploit all these natural resources to our advantage, we need to strengthen our Infrastructure facilities, especially roads, bridges and power supply,” the Governor said.
The Governor said that all this requires a firm commitment to resolve all differences and join hands for economic development. He said that with strong community institutions and the spirit of working together, he sees hope for the future. “I am sure, with the dedication and the good wishes of everyone, we will be able to overcome all obstacles and create a vibrant, economically strong Nagaland that founding fathers of our State had dreamt of.” Nagaland was created as the 16th State of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963.
Pace of dev under DAN regime accelerated: Rio
Dimapur, November 30 (MExN): While extending greeting to the people of Nagaland on the eve of 48th Statehood Day, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio while stating that Nagas have gradually and steadily traversed over a vast canvas of progress and development in the State claimed in the last eight years of “DAN Government” rule, “pace of progress has been accelerated to a level unseen in the past”. He said that the DAN government has covered unprecedented grounds in the Agri & allied sector; in empowering women and youth; in addressing problems of underdevelopment in the backward districts; in promotion of sports and youth activities; in inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the youth, and in many other areas of socio-economic advancement.
The Chief Minister further added that during these last few years, sustained efforts have been made for the empowerment of the farmers and the youth by observing the “Year of the Farmer;” “Year of Youth Empowerment;” “Year of Capacity Building” and the “Year of Entrepreneurship,” etc. He said that the government is determined to increase food productivity to achieve the vision of “Food for All” by the year 2020. Towards this objective, he said, the government has been organizing the North-East Agri Expo at Dimapur, besides distributing power tillers, tractors and Agri tools to the farmers.
Rio also said that during the last 48 years, the State has witnessed vast improvements in the physical and social infrastructure in the State like increase in road length; improved and better reach of electricity to the villages: higher literacy rate; better health care to all the people, etc. He said that the DAN government’s commitment to the development of rural and backward regions of the State has resulted in the creation of the Department of Development of Under Developed Areas. He also said that the creation of three new districts in the backward regions of the State, and opening of many new administrative headquarters in the rural areas have brought governance to the doorsteps of the people.
Dwelling on peace and development in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Government has tried its best to unite all the Naga groups so as to facilitate the achievement of a durable and lasting peace in our land. Rio said he is happy to state that there has been significant improvement in the law and order situation during the last 14 years of ceasefire, particularly during the last three years. He acknowledged the efforts of the citizens, civil societies, e Hohos and the Churches. He also gave special appreciation to the Forum of Naga Reconciliation in bringing together the Naga Nationalist groups on the platform of reconciliation and unity. He further appealed to all Naga groups to continue to strive for reconciliation and unity which will pave the way for a lasting and final solution of the six decade old Naga Political issue.
The Chief Minister stated that Statehood was a momentous and historic day that the aspiration of the Nagas for a distinct political identity was recognized by the Government of India by creating a full-fledged Nagaland State within the Union of India. Rio said in his message that statehood has given the Nagas the opportunity of moving forward according to their ingenuity and uniqueness. He also said that a special provision under Article 371-A of the Constitution of India was incorporated to guarantee protection of our religion, culture and traditions, as well as our land and its resources.
The Chief Minister also extended very warm invitation and welcome to all the people of Nagaland, as well as our guests from other parts of India and abroad, to come and enjoy the eleventh edition of the Hornbill Festival 2011, which is now popularly known as the “Festival of Festivals”. He also took the opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Prosperous New Year 2012.
