Despite inclement weather, the 65th Independence Day was celebrated in Nagaland along with the rest of the country with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio calling upon the people to join hands with the government in dispensing justice and dignity to all.

Braving rains a large crowd attended the Day’s function organized at civil secretariat ground here where the Chief Minister hoisted the national flag.

Addressing the gathering the Chief Minister called upon the people to redouble their effort to bring about peace and prosperity in the State.

“Let us together fight injustice, harassment and intimidation that many law breakers are trying to force upon.

Let us lay a solid foundation of a progressive society that rises above petty parochialism, a society that prides in our Naga unity and oneness, a society that discourages division on tribal lines,” Mr. Rio asserted.

Stating that the State was gradually emerging out of the long shadows of violence and turmoil, the chief minister appreciated the roles played by law enforcing agencies, civil societies, NGOs, Churches and Forum of Naga Re-conciliation for restoring restive peace in the State.

The Chief Minister appealed to the central government and the underground groups to give their full commitment to the political negotiations so as to achieve the long cherished dream of the Naga people for permanent peace in the State.

Highlighting the government efforts towards creating employment through various measures and engaged the youth in their creative pursuits, the Chief Minister said the capacity building initiative and developing a spirit of entrepreneurship would continue in the coming year.

Contingents of police, paramilitary forces, NCC, Scouts and Guides, school students took part in the Independence Day parade.

The Chief Minister also released the district reports on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of UNDP and distributed tractors to progressive farmers on the occasion.