Dimapur joined the nation in celebrating the 77th Independence Day with patriotic fervour. The main event was held at Dimapur District Sports Complex (DDSC), with Industries and Commerce adviser Hekani Jakhalu hoisting the tricolour.
In her speech, Jakhalu reflected on the remarkable journey of the nation over the past seven-and-a-half-decades and focused on the unparalleled success achieved through determination and perseverance, propelling the country to the fifth largest economy on the global stage. She noted that with strong geopolitical presence, India had established itself as a powerful and influential nation, proudly contributing to the world’s progress.
Acknowledging the progress of the state, she lauded its development alongside other states since its inception almost 16 years after India attained independence. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to further contribute to the nation’s advancement, upholding the core values of the constitution and democratic principles that remained the heart and soul of the nation.
She termed the recent successful hosting of the G20 Business Meet held in Kohima in April as a significant milestone in accelerating development efforts.
She mentioned that the event witnessed participation of 60 delegates from 27 countries, making it the largest G20 Meet in the Northeast, claiming that there was an overwhelming response from national and international business delegates who showed a keen interest in investments exceeding Rs 4,500 crore.
“Some major investment proposals received were in the areas of New & Renewable Energy, Health Care, Agri-Allied, etc,” she added. Also, reiterating the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order, Jakhalu commended the collaborative efforts of the district administration, police, security agencies, tribal bodies, and civil society organisations (CSOs), besides welcoming the installation of CCTVs in all 84 police stations across the state as a significant step toward enhancing public trust and safety.
Referring to the rising cases of drug abuse and peddling, she asserted that the government considered drug abuse and peddling a serious menace to the society.
She disclosed that the government had resolved to give further impetus to the war on drugs, adding that measures were being taken for ensuring strict enforcement of preventive measures, jointly with major stakeholders such as the church, village councils and the departments concerned, to eradicate the menace from the society.
Concluding her address, Jakhalu called for united efforts to achieve lasting peace, prosperity, and inclusive economic development in the state, urging citizens to transcend differences and work collectively toward a brighter future for every corner of society.
The celebration witnessed march past, patriotic songs by students of Lengrijan Government High School, Livingstone Foundation International and Lorna Higher Secondary School, while a patriotic dance was performed by students of Bethesda Higher Secondary School.
Meanwhile, as a mark of commitment to the war on drugs, a pledge for a drug-free Nagaland was also taken in the Independence Day programmes in all districts and sub-divisions.