Governor Ravi pays tribute to ‘Founding Father of Nagaland’

August 24, 2021 44 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, AUG 24 (NPN): Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi paid glowing tributes to Dr. Imkongliba Ao the ‘Founding Father of Nagaland’ on his 62nd ‘Martyrdom Day’ on August 24.

In his message on the eve of the ‘Martyrdom Day’, the Governor described Dr. Imkongliba, the first president of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) as “a visionary leader with extraordinary courage and strategic foresight”. Ravi said Dr. Imkongliba Ao, pulled Nagas out of a bloody chaos and united the Naga family (from Naga Hills District and Naga Hills Tuensang Area) in one politico-administrative entity-Nagaland- the 16th State of the Indian Union.

The NPC under Dr. Imkongliba signed the 16th Point Agreement with the government of India on July 26,1961 which formed the basis for creation of Nagaland on December 1,1963. Due to the tremendous suffering of the people, NPC initiated an alternative settlement which became known as the 16 Point Agreement.

Ravi said Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union, was provided with uniquely special constitutional dispensation for safeguarding the identity and interests of Nagas and also laid a rock solid foundation for the future of its people according to their own geniuses.

Ravi called on people of Nagaland on the solemn occasion to build the Nagaland of Dr. Ao’s dream- “a happy and prosperous state in which our youth, free from every kind of fear , apprehension or inhibition, will blossom in an eco-system of unlimited opportunities for growth and fulfillment.”

It may be noted that late Dr. Imkongliba, was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Mokokchung on the day which has been named as ‘Martyrdom Day’ by the Governor. It may also be mentioned that Governor R.N. Ravi is the first ever constitutional functionary (including past and present chief ministers of Nagaland), who has officially accorded recognition to the Naga pioneers of the state under the NPC led by Dr. Imkongliba Ao.

Ravi had renamed the Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall as Dr. Imkongliba Memorial Hall last year.

As part of the 58th Nagaland Statehood Day celebration on December 1, 2020, a memorial to commemorate the contributions of the Founding Fathers and the Martyrs was inaugurated at the Lawns of Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan with unveiling a bust of Naga Peoples’ Convention (NPC) president Dr. Imkongliba Ao. Those present on the occasion included chief minister Neiphiu Rio, former chief minister and former governor and only surviving member of the NPC, Dr.S.C. Jamir and family members of late Dr. Imkongliba.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/governor-ravi-pays-tribute-to-founding-father-of-nagaland/238875.html