Rio extols Nagaland’s statehood journey

Correspondent KOHIMA, DEC 1 (NPN) : Nagaland celebrated its 58th statehood day on December 1,2020 at Nagaland Secretariat Plaza here where Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio addressed the gathering.

Greeting the people on the occasion , Rio expressed gratitude to all leaders, who by their sacrifices, foresightedness and determination ensured the creation of Nagaland State with special Constitutional provisions as the 16th State of the Union of India on December 1, 1963. Rio said the journey as a state since its creation, about six decades back, has been “wonderful by any yardstick” and has had significant and enduring achievements to show in every field. He also said development and progress was witnessed and the quality of life enjoyed by the people has seen a marked improvement, though many challenges still remain.

On Naga political issue, Rio informed that continued efforts has been made for all round progress of the state in every sphere while the quest for the final solution to the long standing Naga Political Issue has also continued all along.

Asserting that the long journey towards the final solution has passed many a stretch and milestones, Rio was optimistic that the journey was finally reaching its ultimate destination.

He mentioned that the negotiations between the various Naga Political Groups and Government of India have seen a breakthrough with common ground being reached on various issues and hoped the same zeal and spirit of understanding and oneness was moving forward to the eventual solution without any delay.

Rio recalled that at the October 15 consultative meet held in Kohima with the representatives of all the Tribal Hohos, civil society organizations, political parties, ex-parliamentarians and various public leaders, detailed discussions were held on the Naga Political Issue. He reiterated to every stakeholder, that there will be only one solution for the Naga Political issue and mentioned the seven point resolution: appreciating Government of India for acknowledging the unique history of the Nagas; recognizing the Naga issue as a political issue expressed gratitude to the civil societies for their support.

He said an appeal was made to the negotiating groups to come together under a spirit of oneness, mutual trust and understanding with sincerity and commitment towards achieving one solution for one people as early as possible and affirmed to relentlessly work in a collective and unified manner with one voice.

RESPONSE TO PANDEMIC

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the COVID pandemic made medical emergency require an extraordinary response on many fronts and expressed pride on the state being able to rise to the occasion.

Rio said every possible step was initiated to further develop and improve the entire health infrastructure and in a matter of a couple of months state managed to go from a state with nil testing capacity to 2600-3000 testing capacity per day.

The chief minister also elaborated on the response and preparedness of the state in making elaborate protocols and processes for management of returnees including their quarantining. He said all these succeeded in keeping the State free from the virus for a much longer period, providing crucial time for further strengthening our health systems. In this regard, Rio said the strength of health professionals also saw a big increase wherein 428 were recruited such as 109 medical doctors, five dental surgeons, 129 nurses, six research scientists, six laboratory technicians for BSL Laboratories, ten OT technicians and 13 ECG technicians. He also said appointment of 21 AYUSH doctors and 129 nurses is nearing completion. With all these additions made in the health infrastructure which have been necessitated due to COVID -19, the overall effect was also an appreciable and permanent improvement in the existing health delivery systems in our State, he added.

Also he mentioned that there was substantial improvement in the health facilities to deal with Covid-19 cases like the number of ventilators in the hospitals has increased from 14 in March 2020 to 145 now, increase in number of beds in isolation wards, ICU and non-ICU wards in COVID Hospitals and in COVID Care Centers was also increased in the last eight months while the number of ambulances was also substantially increased having 110 departmental ambulances.

He said a new Cath Lab has been installed in CIHSR Dimapur while another Medical College was also being established in Mon which will go a long way in further improving the health sector especially in the eastern parts of the State.

The celebration was held by strictly following the laid down SOPs .

Five contingents 4th NAP, DEF Kohima, STF, 15th NAP Mahilla Bn and PTS Brass band took part in the march pass led by parade commander Watichujang Jamir Deputy commandant4th NAP and assistant commandant 4th NAP Lucy Yhome.

Earlier DGP Nagaland T. J Longkumer reviewed the parade.

Deputy chief minister, cabinet ministers, chief secretary and few senior government officials attended the celebration.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/rio-extols-nagaland-s-statehood-journey/225457.html