This 74th Independence Day marked a historical participation of Nagaland along with the entire nation in celebrating the independence of the country from the colonial rule.

This Independence Day is important for two reason: (1) The en mass participation from Nagaland along with the entire nation and (2) the challenges caused the present pandemic situation caused by Covid 19.

Nearly every district of Nagaland registered its presence and active participation in commemorating the Independence Day. The enthusiasm of the people could not be engulfed by even the deadly Covid 19 spread.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio unfurled the National Flag and honoured by Rashtriya Salute at Secretariat Plaza, Kohima. It is encouraging to mention here that  the  state hosted a Virtual Independence Day celebration which was streamed live at MyGovNagaland Facebook and MyGovNagaland YouTube Channel to ensure safety protocols amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. During this occasion the need for an early and honourable solution of the Naga political issue was highlighted so that peace, stability and all-round development can prevail in the state.  The state level Independence Day celebration culminated with the beating of the retreat by Nagaland Police Central Brass Band.

The entire state witnessed the independence day celebration . Ministers, advisors as well as respective district, circle and sub-division administrators celebrated the occasion by unfurling the flag e.g.  Deputy Chief Minister of  Nagaland and Minister in charge for Home and R & B, Y.Patton unfurled the tri colour and took the salute during the 74th Independence Day celebration at DDSC stadium Dimapur. The focus of the speech by the deputy Chief  Minister was to travel the path of progress and prosperity.

Though the safety protocol  was respected in view of the present pandemic by limiting the invitees. Advisor, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Economics & Statistics and Evaluation, L.Khumo of the newly constituted district ,unfurled the National Flag during  the occasion celebration held at Noklak. The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)  of Noklak district adopted two villages namely Noklak village and Kingjung village with a donation of 2500 LED bulbs . Likewise in many other district such as Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, Wokha, Phek, Peren, Longleng, Kiphire, Pughoboto, Jalukie, Pfutsero, Tseminyu, Chizami, Meluri, Shamator, Aghunato, Medziphenia, Chen, Satakha, Wakching, Tizit, Seyochung, Changtongya, Aboi, Naginimora, Chozuba, Pungro, Chiephobozou, Jakhama, Thonoknyu, Monyakshu, Angjangyang, Tobu,Tuli, NEC(North Eastern Council) celebrated the occasion  with great zeal  in Nagaland this year.

Further this Independence Day also reflected the sentiments not only from the government bodies but the societies too. The schools  reflects the sentiment of any society so is the case with Nagaland . The National Flag was hoisted by more than 53 Government High School and Senior Secondary School. To name few Government High School (GHS), Atoizu in Zunheboto, GHS Aitepyong in Wokha, Higher Senior Secondary School (GHSS)Thangjam and many more in the list.

Such great zeal and enthusiasm  even at the time of corona issue is clear manifestation of the fact that the Naga community has preferred development over insurgency, national integration over secession, patriotisms over separatism. Though the state is looking forward for the amicable culmination of the ever going  Peace accord. The Apex Tribal HoHo of Nagaland regards their sincere appreciation to the interlocutor of the  Government of India Shri R. N Ravi and Naga Negotiators for their magnanimity and dedicated engagement towards bringing lasting peace through an inclusive solution. They have also appealed to the negotiators to  adhere to the cause and deliver the long awaited solution to the people.

This significant transformation of the state can be attributed to the developmental approach adopted by the present Government of India towards North East Region in general and Nagaland in Particular.

As has been motioned that the development, peace and prosperity  of the North Eastern Region in general and Nagaland in particular has been the cornerstone of Modi’s Government domestic Policy priorities. This commitment is easily manifested in the statement by the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi “We are working to end the political problems in Nagaland. I believe we’ll be able to hammer out a political solution to the Naga problem within  very short period, which will be honourable and well-deserving for the people of Nagaland.”

The Prime Minister further emphasised on the fact that the Centre had kept the door open for talks with anyone for finding a lasting solution to the Naga issues.  The present Modi government is committed to transform Northeast by enhancing transportation. It is satisfactory to note that the present government has added 500 km of national highways and plan to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland.

In its chain of development the central government has approved the construction of 8,500 houses in Nagaland. In order to complete construction of new houses and completion of old schemes for houses,  the central government has decided to provide Rs. 160 crore to Nagaland. Under National Health Mission, Nagaland has been provided Rs. 400 crore and the government will spend around Rs. 1800 crore for making Nagaland’s capital Kohima a Smart City. Connectivity in Nagaland is a major priority for the present central government. Besides road connectivity the government is also looking towards  increasing  and developing rail and air connectivity. The Modi government is also very concerned with the issue of corruption  which has been  harboured by  the elements which ignite separatism in the name of diversity which is an unique feature of Indian federalism otherwise.

The Prime Minister  has emphasised  on various forums that every resource earmarked for Nagaland’s development would be spent on public welfare and there would be no tolerance towards corruption. The present government also exhibits high level of respect and salute to the culture of the Naga people. The culture of Nagaland is nation’s pride and one shall do everything possible to preserve and promote it.

Now it can be easily understood that since the separatist elements like Naga HoHo or NSF has been absolutely rejected by the common people of Nagaland as return to the developmental approach by the  present Modi Government. Though they are trying to keep the flame alive for their own  self-interest or political motives but nowhere the common cause of people of Nagaland has been taken into consideration. Their symbolic  hoisting of flag on August 14 is clear manifestation of their self-driven motive. The People of Nagaland has come forward for development, connectivity, freedom from corruption, peace and prosperity in the region and therefore these  rejected groups are searching for their political space and hence they have resorted to propaganda politics and using social media to spread their separatist idea. Further they have no place for the welfare and development of Nagaland but  is mere playing in the hands of separatist groups operating in frontiers region of Myanmar and China.