[Previous entry: "Venomous attack on communal line by unification forces- Nagaland Post"] [Next entry: "NSCN (IM) points out the principles for Naga unityThe Morung Express"]

01/27/2008: "Naga unification, a sensitive issue: NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post"

Naga unification, a sensitive issue: NSCN (IM)- Nagaland Post

Personality matters in carrying a weight of national movement. Sixty (60) years of Naga resistance against the mighty armed forces of India is a matter of national personality built over defending the national principle. For the charismatic leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan and Th. Muivah the principle that guided the Naga movement survived and refused to be cowed down, much to the chagrin of the government of India. The question of how to bring all the different groups under one banner is a serious question. It is not as easy as some civil societies think. The recent experience of Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho is a pointer to the fact that Naga unification is a sensitive issue and when handled the wrong way they will face brickbat and thrown out of the scene with their finger burnt, because no one can make rough-shod of the national principle while initiating Naga unification. The history of the national movement cannot be cut short just to fulfill the interest of certain sectarian group.
As presented by the group behind the flopped unification effort, the unification initiative is not a new thing for the Nagas. It is not a matter of somebody in the person of NSCN General Secretary Th. Muivah standing as a stumbling block. The issue was honouring the national principle in order to pursue the unification agenda. The issue of sixty years standing to be discussed by sidelining the national principle is unthinkable. Unification at the cost of our avowed principle is totally incomprehensible. This is all about the reason why the past records show failure after failure. There are many among the Nagas who came with a serious meaning to face the reality of Naga unification. But when encountered on the crucial question of defending the principle they showed their true colour.
In defense of national principle, how many can be counted as worthy national worker willing to drop their allegiance to the Indian security forces for conducting covert operation against NSCN and how many are willing to work in the true spirit of Naga integration under Nagalim. How many are willing to stop spitting venom of tribal line. How many are willing to depart from their alliance with Meiteis and some Kuki groups who are deadly against Naga unity and Naga - Kuki unity. And most of all how many are willing to resist the persistent effort of the government of India to pressurize the Nagas to seek solution under the Indian constitution. The prize of sixty years resistant and a lost of over 2,50,000 (two lacs fifty thousand) persons cannot be compromised for a prize that does not match our historical value.
MIP/GPRN, NSCN (IM)
Villagers nab NNC member Correspondent Nagaland Post
IMPHAL: Villagers caught one person belonging to Naga Nationalist Council (NNC), and handed him over to the police, along with an M-20 gun loaded with five live rounds.
The NNC members had allegedly intruded into Chanbilok village in Senapati district and were demanding money on Tuesday (January 22), a delay report from police said Friday.
Even though the village Chanbilok is under Senapati district it lies under the jurisdiction of Sekmai police station, to which the villagers handed over the NNC activist.
The nabbed activist was identified as one Dickson alias Bimol Hungyo (20), son of Ningom Hungyo of Bungpun village, Ukhrul district.
According to the villagers, six armed youths came to the village and demanded an amount of Rs. 10,000 from one Sher Bahadur Chhetry, 30, son of late Kharkan of the village.
When the armed miscreants started beating up Bahadur, the villagers stormed to the youths and tried to overpower them. On seeing the villagers rushing towards them the armed miscreants run away in different direction but one of them was caught by the villagers even though he had weapon in his possession.
Militants Involved In Rhino Poaching At Kaziranga News Post India
Tribal separatists in India's northeast are involved in a flourishing rhino poaching syndicate at the famed Kaziranga National Park in Assam leading to a sudden spurt in incidents of the giant pachyderms being slaughtered for their horn.

'Our reports indicate there is some nexus between poachers and militants and hence we are soon adopting a slew of measures to combat incidents of poaching at Kaziranga,' Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain told IANS.

Three rhinos have been killed so far this year at the 430 sq km park - the latest in a string of brutal poaching of the herbivorous mammals.

'Organized poacher gangs are involved in killing rhinos. Last year 18 rhinos were killed and in January three more animals were shot dead, including a mother and a calf,' park warden Bankim Sarma said. The growing demand for rhino horns and its barter for arms by militant groups of the northeast is one possible reason. Militants barter rhino horns with the poaching syndicates for purchase of arms. 'Karbi tribal militant groups (from Assam) and the NSCN-IM (Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland) are directly involved in the flourishing rhino poaching racket,' Durlav Saikia, a former poacher now actively helping the park authorities in combating poaching, told IANS.

Saikia and another former poacher, Motka Gogoi, killed at least a dozen rhinos between themselves before they gave up poaching of rhinos a couple of years back. 'The NSCN-IM helped us with sophisticated weapons, including carbines and rifles, to hunt the rhino. In return we got just about Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,000 at the most for shooting a rhino,' Saikia said.

'There are suggestions to take the help of police and even the army in combating poaching, especially to deal with the militants involved in such a racket. We would take stern measures after we get a report from a committee set up to review the situation,' the minister said.

This is the first time in a decade that the number of rhinos killed in a year has touched a double digit figure in the park. As per latest figures, some 1,855 of the world's estimated 2,700 such herbivorous beasts lumber around the wilds of Kaziranga - their numbers ironically making the giant mammals a favourite target for poaching. Between 1980 and 1997, some 550 rhinos were killed by organized poachers in the wilds of Kaziranga - the highest being 48 in 1992.

There was a reduction in the number poached between 1998 and 2006 with just 47 killed - the decrease attributed to intensive protection mechanisms and a better intelligence network, coupled with support from local villagers living on the periphery of the park.

'The demand for rhino has always been there and with the rhino population decreasing in other sanctuaries, especially in Nepal, the pressure is increasing at Kaziranga,' the warden said. Organized poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which many believe contain aphrodisiac qualities, besides being used as medicines for curing fever, stomach ailments and other diseases in parts of Asia.Rhino horn is also much fancied by buyers from the Middle East who turn them into handles of ornamental daggers, while elephant ivory tusks are primarily used for making ornaments and decorative items.

Profits in the illegal rhino horn trade are staggering - rhino horn sells for up to Rs.1.5 million ($38,000) per kilogram in the international market after the horns are smuggled to China or sold in other clandestine Asian markets. Once extracted, the rhino horn is routed to agents in places like Dimapur in Nagaland, Imphal in Manipur and Siliguri in West Bengal.

The route for rhino horn smuggling is an interesting one - a possible route is to Kathmandu via Siliguri and then from Nepal to China and the Middle East. The other possible route is from Imphal to Moreh on the Manipur border with Myanmar and then via Myanmar to like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and China.
ULFA-NSCN (IM) tussle continues By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, Nov 23 – The ongoing tussle between the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the NSCN (I-M) continues with the former accusing the Naga outfit of encroaching upon Assam’s land. The ULFA also hit out against the Naga International Support Centre (NISC) and accused the organization of launching propaganda against the outfit. In a statement released to the media through e-mail today, the ULFA alleged that the NISC was supporting encroachment of Assam’s land by the NSCN (I-M) and establishment of subdivisions in Assam’s territory with the aim of creation of greater Nagalim. The outfit said that the NISC supported gross violation of the human rights of the people of Assam with forceful occupation of Assam’s land.

The release said that the propaganda of the NISC against the ULFA was similar to that launched by the Unified Command to malign the outfit, “which proved that the organization has close association with the Indian occupation forces”. The ULFA went on to claim that it had earlier saved lives of the chairman and general secretary of the NSCN (I-M) and asserted that it was in no way involved with the division of the Nagas.

The ULFA said that ordinary citizens of Nagaland and members of the NSCN (I-M) are using the territory of Assam without any problem. But Indian soldiers are allowed to operate against ULFA inside the territory of Nagaland by the NSCN (I-M). The release said recently two ULFA members were killed and seven others were abducted by members of the NSCN (I-M) without any provocation and a human rights group like the NISC did not register any protest.

Commenting on the split in the NSCN, the ULFA said that the split took place in 1988 and at that time, the ULFA made it clear that it would not take any side and would help both factions against common enemies. Over the years, the NSCN (I-M) used various tactics to force the ULFA to go against the Khaplang faction of the NSCN and the recent killing of two ULFA members was a part of the design.

The ULFA asserted that it supported the rights of all the ethnic groups living in Assam. The release said that during a joint executive council meeting with the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), the ULFA had clearly stated that it recognised the right of the Bodos to establish a sovereign Boroland on the Bodo inhabited area. “All the well wishers of Assam need to appreciate that the ULFA sees Assam as a collective habitat of people regardless of race, class, caste, tribe or religious belongingness,” the release added.
Governor holds out peace hope OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Jan. 25: In his message to the people of Nagaland on the eve of Republic Day, Governor K. Sankarnarayanan said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the March 5 Assembly elections are peaceful and fair.
Preparations have been made to celebrate Republic Day in a most befitting manner despite a cold wave and showers lashing the state for the last two days. The main celebrations will be held at Secretariat Plaza where the governor will unfurl the national flag.
Speaking on the coming polls, Sankaranarayan said: “Elections will be conducted in the most impartial and peaceful manner and I call upon all citizens to exercise their constitutional rights of franchiseand elect their own representatives.”
The governor said a democratically elected government was the need of the hour. Such a government would address the aspirations of the people and lead the state on a path of growth and development. He said the Nagas were at the crossroads of development and peace.
“The government machinery must strive to ensure that no one disrupts peace in the state,” he added. The governor said an environment that can nurture development requires accountability and good governance by public servants. “We need to benefit from this era of economic boom and ensure that Nagaland also marches ahead in physical infrastructure that is roads, electricity and water supply as well as social infrastructure with progress in education and health,” the governor said. He said the state's economy needed to harness traditional advantages in the field of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and handicrafts along with benefiting from the developments in sectors like information technology, tourism, and hospitality sectors. “Such an approach will create wealth for our entrepreneurs and jobs for our youth. Our economic potential is immense and I am sure we have a bright tomorrow.” Meanwhile
Governor stresses on peace Correspondent Nagaland Post
Kohima, Jan 26 (NPN): Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan today said that though the state has had a long history of conflict and violence, the peace process going on for the last ten years including ceasefire with the NSCN factions and the ongoing negotiations to resolve the Naga political problem, have given hope to all.
Stating that the civil society yearns for peace, the Governor said forums like GBs and DBs associations have also called for cessation of factional clashes.
“Such processed have to be strengthened and we have to ensure that there is a spirit of positive cooperation amongst people,” the Governor said while addressing the 59th Republic Day celebrations at Civil Secretariat ground here on Saturday.
Unfurling the national flag, the Governor said free and fair elections were very vital for growth and development of the State. He said it was upto the people to make the right choice in order to ensure that their dreams, aspirations and visions were fulfilled. In this connection, he urged government officials to leave no stone unturned for a peaceful, impartial and free election.
Highlighting the power sector, the Governor said Nagaland’s requirement of 85 MW was likely to grow following efforts by educated youth to come up with new entrepreneurial ventures. The Governor said he had already taken up the matter with the Central government for an additional allocation of 25 MW from the Eastern Grid.
Emphasizing on quality highways, he opined that ownership of State Highways and National Highways by the community was the need of the hour. “Rapid improvement of our road network and infrastructure will yield rich dividends with the Look East Policy opening up our economy,” he said.
Stating that SSA has led to great improvement in universalizing primary education, the Governor appealed for judicious use of funds in order to create quality school buildings that could impart quality education to the students.
The Governor also said the early commissioning of Tuli Paper Mill would bring in a new era of growth and development for the State.
Further, the Governor assured access of food to all through Public Distribution System. “The targeted Public Distribution System with its components of BPL, APL, APL, AAY and Annapurna schemes need to be revitalised and properly implemented as there is ample scope for diversions,” he said.
The Governor also emphasised on the need for responsive and accountable governance and reminded government servants to realize their responsibilities towards the society.
Earlier, the Governor took salutes from contingents at the march past.
The highlights of the celebration included presentation of awards, cultural programme and tableau by 13 departments. Those present on the occasion included a large number of dignitaries, top officials from the administration, police, armed forces, government officials and employees and public.
During the Republic day function it was announced that the cleanest colony of Kohima town for 2007, was awarded to Kitsubozou colony and the colony was awarded with Rs.50,000.
NSCN (IM) expounds Naga unification issue Nagaland Page
Personality matters in carrying a weight of national movement. Sixty (60) years of Nag resistance against the Mighty Armed Forces of India is a matter of national personality built over defending the national principle. For the charismatic leadership of Isak Chishi Swu, Khodao Yanthan and Th. Muivah the principle that guided the Naga movement survived and refused to be cowed down, much to the chagrin of the government of India. The question of how to bring all the different groups under one banner is a serious question. It is not as easy as some civil societies think. The recent experience of Western Sumi Hoho and Sumi Hoho is a pointer to the fact that Naga unification is a sensitive issue and when handled the wrong way they will face brickbat and thrown out of the scene with their finger burnt, because no one can make rough-shod of the national principle while initiating Naga unification. The history of the national movement cannot be cut short just to fulfill the interest of certain sectarian group.
As presented by the group behind the flopped unification effort, the unification initiative is not a new thing for the Nagas. It is not a matter of somebody in the person of NSCN General Secretary Th. Muivah standing as a stumbling block. The issue was honouring the national principle in order to pursue the unification agenda. The issue of sixty years standing to be discussed by sidelining the national principle is unthinkable. Unification at the cost of our avowed principle is totally incomprehensible. This is all about the reason why the past records show failure after failure. There are many among the Nagas who came with a serious meaning to face the reality of Naga unification. But when encountered on the crucial question of defending the principle they showed their true colour.
In defense of national principle, how many can be counted as worthy national worker willing to drop their allegiance to the Indian security forces for conducting covert operation against NSCN and how many are willing to work in the true spirit of Naga integration under Nagalim. How many are willing to stop spitting venom of tribal line. How many are willing to depart from their alliance with Meiteis and some Kuki groups who are deadly against Naga unity and Naga - Kuki unity. And most of all how many are willing to resist the persistent effort of the government of India to pressurize the Nagas to seek solution under the Indian constitution. The prize of sixty years resistant and a lost of over 2,50,000 (two lacs fifty thousand) persons cannot be compromised for a prize that does not match our historical value.
Issued by: MIP/GPRN (NSCN-IM)
‘Strengthen peace cooperation’ The Morung Express Our Correspondent
Governor at the Republic Day celebration in Kohima on Saturday. GUv’s ADVICE: Vote for those Without ‘Isms’
Kohima | Nagaland Governor K. Sankaranarayanan today urged the district administration and police officials to rise to the occasion and ensure maintenance of “peace and order.” “Citizens must feel that they are being cared for. “We cannot and must not absolve our responsibilities by putting the blame on the people. If we feel that no action is required as people are not complaining, the fault does not lie with the people, the blame is on us, as in a way it is a reflection of loss of trust of people in our machinery. We have to regain the trust. We have to assure the people that we are there, for them, always,” said Governor K. Sankaranarayanan in his address at the Republic Day Celebration here today.
He asserted that maintenances of law and order and securing the life and properties of the citizens are the prime objectives and responsibility of the Government. “We have had a long history of conflict and violence. However, for the last ten years, we have a peace process going on in the state,” the Governor said. Ceasefire with the NSCN and the ongoing negotiations to resolve the Naga political problem has given hope to all, he said.
“A hope for resolution of conflicts and ensuring that creative energy of our youth is channelised for the growth and development of the state, “the Governor said.The civil society yearns for peace today, he said, adding that the civil society, and forums like that of GB and DB association have given a call for cessation of factional violence. Such processes have to be strengthened and ‘we have to ensure that there is a spirit of positive cooperation amongst people,’ he said.
“On a day such as this when we celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of a constitution that laid the foundations of a democratic nation, let us in Nagaland rededicate ourselves to the principles of democracy and strive to seek solutions to our problems in peace,” he said.
The Governor also stressed on the need to have a responsive and accountable governance. ‘Our democratic system gives a lot of authority and responsibility to the executive. Very often, all blame for all the ills that we have is put on the political executive. However, in our system of governance, we must realize that government servants have a greater role to play,’ he said adding that all those who have government jobs of any kind or stature have a responsibility to the society.
“We must ensure that our actions lead to the betterment of the society,” he said. Further, the Governor informed that the present period of President’s Rule is only a temporary measure, invoked in the most extreme circumstances, to uphold the constitutional principles and propriety.
“I pray for March 5, when people of Nagaland will be exercising their franchise and constitutional right in electing a government of their own. A government that is based on the fundamental principles of public welfare and public good,” he said adding ‘we must elect people who can rise above narrow selfish interests and isms and give a better tomorrow for us.’
Also stating that free and fair elections are very vital for growth and development, he said “Government officials must leave no stone unturned to ensure that we have a peaceful, impartial and free election.” Sankaranarayanan also appealed to all sections of the society to extend their fullest cooperation “in our endeavor to create a conducive atmosphere for violence free elections.” The Governor unfurled the National Flag, took tthe salute and inspected the parade. Former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and several other dignitaries attended the celebration, which was marked by tableaux from various departments, presentation of awards, band display, march past, visit to institutions, etc.
59th Republic Day celebrated across Nagaland The Morung Express
DC of Phek Moangwati Aier inspecting the Republic Day parade at Phek. (DIPR) RD reports from districts and sub-divisions

Dimapur: Braving biting weather conditions, officials of almost all departments, public and participating students thronged at the DDSC Stadium, Dimapur to witness the 59th Republic Day celebrations on Saturday. Dimapur’s DC Abhijit Sinha IAS graced the celebration as the chief guest and unfurled the tricolour. The DC, after inspection of the parade contingents, read out the speech of the State Governor K Sankaranarayanan.
The march past was led by Kumari M Rupa, CRPF while the parade contingents included, CRPF, DEF, 1st NAP, Home Guard, Patkai Christian College (NCC), Ex-servicemen, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (Scouts and Guides), Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Christina Memorial School, Delhi Public School and Band Party. The celebrations was marked by cultural items presented by Lotha-Yanthanro, Diphupar ‘B’, Sargam cultural club, Dhobinala, Mech Kachari, Purana Bazar, Bihu dance, Namghar High School and Gorkha Union, near Army Centre.
The centre of attraction at the celebrations was the dog show of 3 Corps Rangapahar. The DC, after inaugurating the exhibition stalls, visited all the eight stalls put up by various departments. An exhibition football match between the GBs and DBs of Dimapur district was played as part of 59th Republic Day celebrations. The DBs won the match by 3-2 goals in the tie-breaker. The DC also gave away the prizes to various participants. Patkai Christian College (NCC) contingent was adjudged first while CRPF contingent stood second and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School was placed third at the march past.

TUENSANG: Along with the rest of the country, Tuensang celebrated the 59th Republic Day 2008 at the parade ground with Deputy Commissioner, Imjung M Panger, as the chief guest. The chief guest unfurled of the National Flag and took the salute from the march past contingents representing the 3rd NAP, DEF, Village Guards, CRPF, Ex-Serviceman.
The chief guest also briefed about various developments programmes in the state and called for people to participate in all round development to lead to the betterment of society. He also inaugurated the exhibitions stalls set up by the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Industries & Commerce, Health & Family Welfare Department, DUDA and District Industries Centre Self Help Groups. The other highlights of the day’s programme included cultural dances, feeding of patients at the District Hospital, district jail inmates by IRCS/TDACC and Chamber of Commerce, inter-Ward tug of war, Prize distribution and a state lunch at the Deputy Commissioner’s official residence.

ZUNHEBOTO: The 58th anniversary of the Indian Republic Day was celebrated at local ground, Zunheboto with Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Daniel Longchar IAS, as the chief guest. The celebration was attended by all government employees, public leaders and public. While calling for peace and development the DC said there is a need for responsive and accountable governance, as our democratic system gives a lot of authority and responsibility. In conclusion he appealed to all sections of the society to give their fullest cooperation for a violence free election. The entertainment programme included men’s folk dance by Alahuto colony, women’s folk dance by New Colony and the International Martial Arts. The IRCS Zunheboto Branch and the Business Branch visited the Jail and Civil Hospital. In the evening the Beating of the Retreat by the 27th Assam Rifles concluded the day.

MOKOKCHUNG: Along with the rest of the country, Mokokchung also celebrated the 59th Republic Day today. The main function was held at the Imkongmeren Sports complex with the Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ramongo Lotha, as the chief guest. Cultural items were presented by Youth Association, Merepkong, Tongpangreju Cultural Club, Wademdong Cultural Club and Band display by 30 Assam Rifles in a spectacular way. The chief guest also inaugurated the Exhibition stalls put up by State Level REGP (Khadi & Village Industries), ATMA, DRDA, Vety & AH and other societies. The day long programme concluded with Tug of War between Lady Officers Vrs Watsü, MMC Vrs All Wards and Marwari Community Vrs Muttia Community, besides an exhibition volley ball match.

PHEK: Phek district observed the 58th anniversary of Republic Day in a grand manner at local ground, Phek with the Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Moangwati Aier as the chief guest.
The parade contingents included 33rd Assam Rifle, 5th NAP, Phek, DEF Phek, Government Higher Secondary School, Phek, Holy Care School, Royal Foundation School, Ex-Servicemen and 33rd Assam Rifles Band. Culture dances were presented by Phek village youth dancing troupe, Bible Hill youth dancing troupe, Phek town and Lurhulemi women troupe.
The chief guest also inaugurated exhibition stalls put up by Farmers Club, Phek, Lozaphühü VDB, DRDA Phek, Keve SHG, Lanye, Losami Women SHG, VDB Ketsapo village, Education department, Fisheries department, Grace Women Society, Health & Family Welfare Department and DEF Phek. The Election Department demonstrated Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to create awareness among the people while weapons were displayed by 33 AR. To mark the day, feeding of patients was held at Civil Hospital and Sub-jail inmates by Indian Red Cross Society, Phek branch.
MON: At Mon, the 58th anniversary of Indian Republic Day was celebrated with Deputy Commissioner, Mon M. Patton IAS as the chief guest at helipad ground. Delivering the speech of the Governor of Nagaland, the chief guest called upon the people of Mon to pay homage to the architects of the Constitution for laying the foundation of a free and modern country and also for special constitutional provision under Article 371 (A), which safeguards the unique and distinct cultural heritage of the people of Nagaland. The highlights of the function were weapon/photos exhibitions by the 37 Assam Rifles, feeding of inmates at Sub-jail, Mon by Chingai Fellowship, Mon town and feeding of patients at the Civil Hospital, Mon by Tenyimia Church, Mon town. A large number of people attended the Republic Day function.
PEREN: Peren celebrated the 59th Indian Republic Day today with great enthusiasm at the local football ground, Peren. Gracing the occasion as the chief guest, Deputy Commissioner, Peren, K. Miasalhou unfurled the National Flag and took salute from five parade contingents. Superintendent of Police, Peren, Commandant 9th IRB Saijang, C.O. 28th Assam Rifle, District Administration officers, all heads of offices, NGOs, public leaders, Peren Town Councillors were present. Highlights of the programme included flag hoisting in all government offices/residence/institutions, parade inspection by the chief guest, march past by All Saints Higher Secondary School, Baptist High School, DEF Peren, NAP Peren, Band Party, visitation of Orphanage Ministry Peren and District Hospital Peren led by Peren Town Council Chairman, Namzie Hegwang while SDO (C) Peren headed the visit to Sub-Jail, Peren.

KIPHIRE: The 58th anniversary of Indian Republic Day was observed at public ground Kiphire with Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, L Yantsowo Lotha, as the chief guest. He hoisted the National flag and took the salute, followed by inspection of parade. The chief guest also inaugurated exhibition stall put up by various departments in Kiphire district. Other highlights of the programme included feeding of patients at District Hospital by the Indian Red Cross Society Kiphire Branch, women folk dance by Singrep Union Kiphire town, football exhibition match between Legend Club vrs Longwa Ward and DC XI vrs SP XI. The programme concluded with beating of the retreat by Thelunger village VG Band and 3rd NAP Kiphire.

CHIEPHOBOZOU: The 58th anniversary of the Republic Day was observed at Chiephobozou with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kenilo Apon, as the chief guest. Other highlights of the programme included drill display by Chiephobozou Boys, followed by march past, tug-of-war by DBs and GBs, besides distribution of sweets to children. A large number of people including GBs, Village Council Chairmen, Government officials, Adhoc Town Committee members, students and public attended the function.

TSEMENYU: The 59th Republic Day was celebrated at Tsemenyu with ADC, Wezhope Kenye, as the chief guest. A presentation of folk song by women of Bethel church, Tsemenyu town and tug-of-war between Nagaland Police and DEF were the highlights of the occasion. Head of offices, all Government servants of the Sub-Division along with public leaders, elders and the general public attended the occasion.

PFÜTSERO: The 58th anniversary of Indian Republic Day was observed today at Pfütsero at the ADC’s office premises. ADC Pfütsero, S Odyuo unfurled the National tri-colour flag and took the salute from the 6th and 5th NAP sepoys. The chief guest delivered the Republic Day speech of the Governor of Nagaland. All Government employees, GBs and public leaders attended the function. Other highlights of the occasion were tug-of-war between 5th NAP Vrs Pfütsero Police, Pfütsero Town Council Vrs DBs etc.

BHANDARI: The 58th Anniversary of Indian Republic day was observed at Bhandari Sub-division on January 26 at Football Local Ground, Bhandari. ADC, Bhandari, Honjai Konyak was the chief guest and unfurled the tri-colour National Flag and took the salute from the parade contingents comprising of 7th NAP, Bhandari The day’s celebrations started at 6 am with the hoisting of the National Flag in Government offices and institutions. The celebration was attended by all government employees, GBs, DBs, NGOs and leaders in Bhandari Sub-division. The attendance for government employees was conducted during the celebration. The celebration was a success with a large turnout of people from all walks of life.

NIULAND: The 58th anniversary of Indian Republic Day was observed at Niuland football ground. ADC, Amenla T. Sato was the chief guest who unfurled the National flag. The National Anthem was sung by all the government officials and public.Highlights of the programme included cultural folk dance by Hakhezhe village and Niuland women union. Tug-of-war was also played between government employees and the GBs. The chief guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Health & Family Welfare and PHE under Niuland Sub-Division. All government employees and a large number of people attended the function.

MANGKOLEMBA: The 59th Republic Day was celebrated at Mangkolemba Sub-Division. ADC Mangkolemba, YY Sangtam graced the occasion as the chief guest and read out the Governor’s Republic Day speech. All government employees and citizens of Mangkolemba attended the function. The other highlight of the day’s function was an exhibition football match between officers from different department and DBs, GBs and Ward Chairmen.

PUGHOBOTO: Along with the rest of the country Pughoboto Sub-Division celebrated the 58th anniversary of Republic Day at ADC’s office complex on January 26. ADC Pughoboto R Asenla Keitzar unfurled the National flag and took the salute and read out the Republic Day speech of the Governor. The function was well attended with active participation of all heads of offices and employees, Council Chairman, GBs, public leaders and general public. The other highlights of the programme included an exhibition football match between ADC-SDPO staff and the public.

CHANGTONGYA: The 58th anniversary of Indian Republic Day was observed at Changtongya in the office complex of SDO (C), Changtongya. The National flag was unfurled by SDO (C), Yongchingtumla who, as the chief guest, took the salute from the Nagaland Police. All head of offices and staff, Town Councillors, GBs, Ward Chairman and representatives of NGOs attended the celebration.

DHANSIRIPAR: Citizens of Dhansiripar sub-division celebrated the 59th Indian Republic Day at SDO (Civil) complex on January 26. SDO (C), Imtirenla Jamir unfurled the National flag and read out the Republic Day speech as the chief guest on the occasion in the presence of staffs and heads of all offices along with public under Dhansiripar Sub-Division. Other highlights of the celebration included a folk song by DBs, Dhansiripar and distribution of sweets to students of various schools. The function concluded with refreshment at the office of SDO (C), Dhansiripar Meanwhile SDO (C) Imterenla Jamir thanked the public of Dhansiripar for attending the function and making the programme a grand success.

President’s Medal for CRPF Inspector

Mokokchung, January 26 (DIPR): Inspector G.D. Vidyadhar Singh, 150 CRPF stationed at Mokokchung Town, Nagaland has been awarded President’s Police Medal by the President of India for his meritorious service, on the occasion of Indian Republic Day at New Delhi on 26 January 2008. Inspector Singh was born on 12th January 1951 at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He joined service in 1969 in the rank of Constable. During his service of 38 years he received several cash awards and five Commendation letters.