Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the dialogue and negotiations between the Centre and Naga political groups have reached a stage giving hope for an early resolution of the Naga political issue even as the wait continues for a solution.
Delivering his speech during Nagaland’s 59th Statehood Day celebrations at Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on Wednesday, Rio said “Our state occupies a unique position in the Indian Union with special provisions in the Constitution.”
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He maintained that all the elected leaders of the state have come together to form an opposition-less government in the form of the United Democratic Alliance to facilitate an early settlement of the Naga political issue.
A pair of the IAF’s BAE Hawk Mk132 of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team left smoke trails as they flew past Kohima while the state was celebrating Statehood Day.
Rio appealed to the people to rededicate and work for peace, growth and development, and provide better standard of living for all citizens. He emphasized the need to further improve the state’s administrative and governance systems.
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“The citizens have to join hands with the government to usher in a new era of peace, development and prosperity,” Rio said.
He said this year’s Statehood Day celebrations also coincide with the ongoing nationwide celebrations to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and the great achievements of its people.
“Close to six decades since Statehood, the quality of life of our people has improved significantly,” he remarked.
However, he said despite achievements in the expansion of health and education facilities, the road and power infrastructure need to improve.
Rio added that the government is committed to taking necessary steps for all-round development and ensuring that the people are provided with the best opportunities for growth and progress.
Expressing grief and sympathies to those families who have lost their near and dear ones to Covid-19, he saluted the health care workers, front line workers, the district administration, the civil societies, and church leaders for their ceaseless hard work.
He added that the government has constantly monitored the situation and taken timely decisions which helped in dealing with the first and the second waves effectively.
Rio cautioned the public to continue to be watchful and take all preventive steps as the state opens up and starts the festive season. He said that vaccine hesitancy in some pockets of some districts is a matter of great concern.