15 August :WOKHA: The 61st anniversary of Indian Independence was celebrated with State Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen as the chief guest on 15th August 2008 at the local ground, Wokha.
Addressing the gathering the chief guest appealed to the people to recollect the contribution and sacrifices made by our forefathers. He called upon the people to collectively rise up to resist and defeat evil forces which may erode and weaken the Indian social fabric. He declared that under the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) the highest priority of the DAN government is peaceful solution of Naga political problem. He acknowledged and appreciated the positive roles and contributions made by the Naga Reconciliation Forum, the Church, the Tribal Hohos, GBs and DBs Forum, NGOs and Civil Societies towards the cause of peace.
The Home Minister also said that during the last five months the DAN government had created 9 EAC Hqs. and upgraded 3 EAC Hqs. to SDO (C) Hq. and upgraded 2 SDO (C) Hqs. to ADC Hqs. He further said that the government of India has brought out the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for enforcement of Ceasefire Ground Rules. Under this (SOP) the state government has constituted the State Level Strategy Group as well as the District Level Security Coordination Groups where the civil administration, the security forces, the police, public leaders and prominent leaders of NGOs and civil societies are involved.
The Home Minister also announced that the government has decided to create a New National Highway wing under Roads and Bridges department. The Department of Youth Resources & Sports had opened another sports academy under the infrastructure of Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima with two disciplines of archery and taekwondo. He also said that the government has declared music as an industry.
Presentation of folk song by Wokha Town Lakhuti Women Club, short play based on agriculture by Yikhium Cultural Club, festival dance by Wokha village and band display by 40 Assam Rifles were some of the highlights of the celebration. In the parade 16 contingents participated in the march past. The chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls at the local ground which were put up by various departments. The celebration also included feeding programmes in jail, civil hospital, Mhanutanmo Memorial Hospital, Assam Rifles Hospital by Wokha Town Council and Indian Red Cross Society Wokha. (DPRO, Wokha)
MOKOKCHUNG: Joining the rest of the country and the state, Mokokchung district celebrated the 62nd Indian Independence Day on 15th August 2008. The main function was held in a grand manner at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, Kuzholuzo Nienu as the chief guest.
In his Independence Day address, the Minister extended his warm greetings to the people of Nagaland on this auspicious occasion and called upon all peace loving citizens to rise above narrow parochialism based on regionalism, religion, caste or tribe and contribute their best towards Nation building as well as fight evil forces inimical to the unity and integrity of our country. India is moving ahead in every field since Independence and it is equally true in the case of our own state, he added.
Thanking the people of Nagaland for reposing their faith and confidence in the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland and giving their mandate for the second time, he added that this mandate can be taken as an endorsement of the policies and programmes of the DAN Government as well as its past performances which the Government will further improve upon, he asserted. Highlighting some of the achievements of the Government and the main thrust areas of the Government’s policies and programmes aimed at improving the lot of the common people, he called upon every citizen to be equally aware of one’s duties and responsibilities as much as one’s own rights. He also mentioned that the Government has taken the decision to raise a 1155 strong Village Guards in selected villages located along the Nagaland Assam Border and a 100 strong armed Forest Protection Force to protect our Reserve Forests and Sanctuaries.
Earlier in the programme the Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag. He also inspected the parade and took salute from the parade contingents comprising of 150 CRPF, 2nd NAP, DEF, NCC and Bharat Scouts & Guides, contingents from various schools and colleges, Ex. Servicemen, 2nd NAP and 30th Assam Rifles band parties. The Chief Guest also gave away the following awards:
District awards: – A Namo Imchen – Vety. Field Asstt.; N. Moa Aier Asstt. Election Officer, Imolangla Head Asstt. Fazl Ali College, Imkongzulu, Peon, District Industries Centre, Imsuyanger Agri. Field Asstt., Sosangmar APP & Coordinator SARS Yisemyong, Er. Atuba Imchen SDO E.E.PWD NH div-II, Tzuensangba UDA District Education Office, Senangsangla Head Asstt, District Forest Office, Imtisosang LDA SDO (C) Changtongya, Alemyanger Traffic Head Constable, Sentrenla Longkumer, Asstt. Director of Supply, Anungla Jamir, Accountant, DCs Office, Sendongla Ao, Head Asstt. Chief Medical Office, Meyapokyim DB Gr-1, DCs Office.
Cash incentive awards to the girl child adopted by SBI Mokokchung Branch included Imsuinla Cl.VI Senayangba Higher Secondary School Rs.6000/-, Kelayangla Cl.III Queen Mary School Rs. 6000/-, Sentienla IV Queen Mary School Rs.6000/-, Toshimongla Cl.I Hill View School Rs.6000/-, Limanungla Cl.III, Edith Douglas Higher Secondary School Rs.6000/-, Metangnaro Cl.VI Town Higher Secondary School Rs. 6000/-, Imchayangla Cl.IV Queen Mary School Rs.6000/-
HSSLC Topper award in Arts/Science/Commerce sponsored by SBI Mokokchung:- Imtiyanger T. Imchen Fazl Ali College (Science) Rs.1001/-, Sungjemmenla Imchen Senayangba GHSS (Science) Rs.1001/-, Moatemsu Senayangba GHSS (Arts) Rs1001/-, Aochetla Pongener Mayangnokcha GHSS (Commerce) Rs.1001/, Tsungrunsungla Jamir Mayangnokcha GHSS (Commerce) Rs.1001/-, Limasungla Mayangnokcha GHSS (Science) RS.1001/-
Highlights of the day’s programme included cultural programme like Khukri dance by 30th Assam Rifles, Sepak Takraw display by MDSC, reminiscence of the past by RIELET, Gandhi Ashram Chuchuyimlang, traditional dance by cultural club Khensa, Village Council Chuchuyimpang and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Hindi group dance by CRPF.
The Chief Guest also inaugurated the Independence Day exhibition stalls put up by Agri, Horti, Sericulture departments, Komul, Poultry, DRDA, 2nd NAP. Watsu, DUDA, CAWD and Forest Department. As part of Independence Day Celebration exhibition football match was played between Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club Vrs OCYA. The day long programmes came to an end with the Beating of the Retreat by 30th Assam Rifles.
TUENSANG: Independence Day 2008 celebration was held at parade ground, Tuensang with Minister for Soil &Water Conservation and Land Resources Development, P. Longon as the Chief Guest.
Addressing a huge gathering, the Minister Said that some of the most urgent task facing the country after sixty years of our freedom are eradication of poverty, upliftment of poor, empowerment of women, spread of quality education, improvement in health standards, creation of employment opportunities for the unemployed youths, and provision of clean drinking water and shelter for all, etc. Nagaland state joins the union in her endeavor to these challenges facing the nation. He also urged people to rededicate themselves to fight against communal and divisive forces, and to work for building a strong and united India. He also stated that since independence, the country has seen considerable improvement in the economy, in the quality of life, and in employment opportunities, which is equally true in the case of our state.
The Minister thanked the people of Nagaland for reposing their faith and confidence in the DAN government and giving them their mandate for further improving on performance, and to deliver the goods to the people. He requested the people for their continued support. He stated that Naga family should look towards understanding and oneness and all section must leave no stone unturned to end the senseless fratricidal killings that spreading more hatred and divisions within our national workers to shun the path of violence and to work towards forging a united Naga family, that would give strength to the Naga voice and to remember the adage ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. The Minister highlighted in brief the main thrust areas of the government’s polices and programmes aimed at improving the lot of the common people, so he asked the citizens to give equal importance to duties and responsibilities. He Minister called for rededication to work for the unity and integrity of the country, and to bring about faster and equitable development.
Earlier, the Minister unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute from 15 contingents comprising of DEF, 3rd NAP, CRPF, Village Guards, Ex. Servicemen, NCC, Scouts and Guides and 3rd NAP Band.
Other highlights of the day long programme were feeding of patients at hospitals and jail inmates by IRCS and Chamber of Commerce, Tuensang, presentation of cultural dances by Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchunger, Phom groups and free-style dances and martial arts demonstration, Shaolin Kung-Fu demonstration. This was followed by prize distributions and Beating of the Retreat by 3rd NAP Band.
ZUNHEBOTO: The 61st anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated at Zunheboto on 15th August 2008 at Local Ground, Zunheboto. Dr. Chumben Murry, Minister of Agriculture graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
In his address the Minister said that the present mainstream education offered by schools and colleges does not adequately equipped the study for the right skills to meet the ever changing job requirement of the computer age in a dynamic world. Therefore with a view to equip our manpower with the relevant knowledge and the right skills, the Government has declared the current year 2008-2009 as a year of “Capacity building” and had already earmarked a sum of Rs. 20 crores for this purpose.
Dr. Murry said that the Government’s declaration of music as an industry and the establishment of the Music Task Force is starting to pay rich divident with Nagaland becoming a known landmark in the music map. The Hornbill Nagaland Rock contest is becoming a prestigious event among the Music bands and added that Kohima is to play host to the first ever India- Korea Music Festival to be held in December 2008.
The Indo-Naga political problem remains unresolved even after six decades of struggle and he said that in the DAN’s Common Minimum Programme, the highest priority of DAN Government is peaceful resolution of the Naga Political problem. Towards this end we are committed to continue playing the role of an active facilitator, so that an honourable settlement, acceptable to the people is arrived at as early as possible, he said. The Chief Guest further said that under the category of ‘Fostering participation in policy making decisions through innovative mechanisms’, Nagaland won the UN award for the Communitization process.
The Chief Guest hoisted the National Flag and saluted the march pass contingents. The highlights of the programme were men’s folk dance presented by Alahoto Colony and women folk dance by Alahoto colony. Archery was presented by Merry Hill School, Zunheboto and Sepak Takraw was demonstrated by Lovedale High School. This was followed by inauguration of exhibition stalls and inauguration of new basket ball court by the Chief Guest. The programme was a grand success.
MON: At Mon the 61st anniversary of India’s Independence Day was celebrated with the Minister for Planning & Coordination, T.R. Zeliang as the chief guest at the helipad ground. On the auspicious occasion the chief guest recalled the contributions and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and saluted them for liberating India through non-violence and highlighted the growing maturity of Indian democracy after its Independence.
He thanked the people of Nagaland for reposing their faith and confidence in the DAN government by electing them for the second time in succession and said that the government will give its best efforts to utilise the mandate of the people for the welfare of the people and seek continuous support of the people to achieve their goals. The Naga political issue and its peaceful solution acceptable to the people, is the highest priority of the DAN government, he said. He also said that the government appreciated the positive role played by the Naga Reconciliation Forum and the churches, tribal hohos, GBs, DBs, NGOs, civil societies for the cause of peace and oneness. He appealed to all the Naga National Workers to shun the path of violence and work for united Naga family.
The Minister also announced the decision of the government to raise 1155 strong Village Guards, 100 Armed Forest Protection Force, enhancement of allotment of VDB fund to Rs. 1000 per household and financial assistance to destitute women from Rs.100 to 200. He also enumerated the newly created and upgraded administrative centres in the state.
Earlier the chief guest unfurled the national flag and took salute from seven contingents comprising of 6th NAP Tizit, DEF Mon, NGO, NCC, St Mary School boys and girls and Don Bosco students.
Special number presented by Naga Idol finalist Samuel Konyak, cultural dance by Mon Town Ao Watsu Unit and Chingai Colony Women, Mon town and Muay Thai demonstration by Mon District Amateur Muay Thai Association, display of arms and ammunitions by the 13th Assam Rifles were othe highlights of the day long programme. About 5000 people attended the celebration.
PHEK: The 62nd Indian Independence Day was celebrated at Phek with Minister for PHED, Dr. Ngangshi Ao as the Chief Guest who unfurled the National Flag which was followed by Rashtriya Salute and singing of the National Anthem.
The Chief Guest inspected the parade which consisted of 13 different contingents and later addressed the gathering.
In his address, Dr. Ngangshi Ao mentioned that there have been positive changes in the attitude of the Naga in their profession outlook. He also reiterated that peaceful resolution of the Naga political problem was the highest priority of the DAN government which remains unresolved even after 6 decades of struggle.
On the auspicious occasion he called on the people to rededicate themselves and to work for unity and integrity of this great country to bring faster and equitable development.
Later he gave away prizes to various cultural groups and schools which participated on the occasion. Prizes were also awarded to the best 3 contingents which participated in the parade. The 33 AR Phek, secured the first prize, while Royal Foundation Phek and Christina Home School Phek bagged 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.
As a part of the Independence Day celebration, the following cultural items were presented in the occasion namely: folk dance both male and women from Phek Villages, Folk songs from the Women of Hebron I Colony Phek and Khukri dance by 33 AR.
Special items such as choreography by GMS and Royal Foundation School, patriotic dance by 33 AR battalion School, Phek and special song by Christian Home High School were the other highlights of the programme. The morning programme came to a close with inauguration of food stalls by the chief guest.
In the evening, an exhibition match volley ball match was played between 33 AR and 5th NAP Phek which was followed by football match between DC XI and SP XI.
A huge crowd of people both from Phek and neighbouring villages besides government officials and well wishers attended the function.
PEREN: The 62nd Independence Day celebration was held at Peren local ground with Minister for Forest, Environment, Ecology & Wild Life and Excise, M.C. Konyak.
The Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag and took the Independence Day salute from 10 parade contingents and delivered the Independence Day speech. Later he also inspected the exhibition cum sale stalls organized by the District Horticulture Department, Peren and Family Welfare. Other highlights of the celebration included visitation of District Hospital Peren by PTTWO, visitation of sub-jail by Peren District Beauty and Aesthetics Society, visitation of Christian Servanthood Urban Home by the Bridge and folk song by Leirauma Peren, Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration by ANSCA, Zeliang dance by SHG bana Colony, Peren, Bhangra dance by 28 AR, Bihu dance by 9 IRB, Saijang.
As part of the celebration there was exhibition Volley Ball match between DC-6 & Peren Town Council-6, prize distribution and Beating of the Retreat by 9 IRB and 28 AR, Peren. About 4500 people attended the inaugural function.
DIMAPUR: Joining the rest of the country and the state Dimapur district celebrated the 62nd Indian Independence Day at DDSC stadium on 15th August 2008. Minister for Urban Development and Higher Education, Shürhozelie Liezietsu, who was the chief guest greeted the people on the occasion said that the functioning of Indian democracy has been widely appreciated all over the world. During the course of past 61 years anniversary it has demonstrated to the world that various religious ethnic and linguistic group can co-exist and progress together in a democratic policy. He said that they are forces inimical to the unity and integrity of the country, therefore he urged the people to rededicate themselves to fight individually and collectively against communal divisive forces and work for building a strong and united India.
Earlier the chief guest hoisted the tri-colour National Flag, received guard of honour and took salute from the march past contingents comprising of 12 contingents of both uniform and non-uniform. He also inaugurated and inspected the exhibition stalls put up by the Department of Agri., VDBs, SHG under DRDA, Industries, DIMUL and indigenous food stalls set up by NGOs. The other highlights of the programme included dog show by 3 Corps, Rangapahar, Band display by 24 Assam Rifles, demonstration of search and rescue operation by Dimapur District Administration and Home Guards personnel, regional dance and song by KNV school, Nihokhu, demonstration of hand drills by NCC Air Wings, Christina Memorial School and cultural items presented by five different Naga cultural groups. Later in the day an exhibition football match was played between Dimapur Press Club and Dimapur Municipal Council.
LONGLENG: Along with the rest of the country, the 62nd Indian Independence Day was celebrated at Longleng with Minister for School Education and SCERT, Nyiewang Konyak as the chief Guest.
The Chief Guest unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from 12 parade contingents which included Nagaland Police, VG and NCC from different schools. The Chief Guest also inspected the parade and read out the Independence Day speech.
KNB School Tangha and Christian School Longleng presented patriotic songs and a special song by Christ King School, Longleng. Traditional and folk dances were presented by Pongching village men and Oufhok Leinak Colony Longleng.