Kohima, August 14: In consonance with the Central government directive in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Nagaland government is set to celebrate the 74th Independence Day on Saturday with limited participation at the venue, but would live stream the proceedings.
The state level function of the 74th Independence Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima will be streamed live at MyGovNagaland Facebook and YouTube channel from 9:00 AM onwards.
The government has directed all heads of departments to hoist the National Flag in all government offices, institutions and public and private buildings at 6AM.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will grace the main celebration in the State Capital at Secretariat Plaza, where he will unfurl the National Tri-colour and also take the general salute. He will not deliver teh speech at the venue but a pre-recorded speech will broadcast.
In order to avoid a large congregation, the government has issued a directive that senior bureaucrats above the rank of Commissioner and Secretary and a few Head of Departments will be attending the celebration at the main venue, Director of IPR Limawati Ao said.
Unlike previous years, the celebration, in pursuance of all the Covid-19 norms and safety protocols, will be devoid of the march past, which used to have contingents from the State police, Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides and school students, said Additional DGP (Law and Order) R P Kikon.
However, three contingents of the 4th Nagaland Armed Police Battalion, 10th NAP IRB and Nagaland Police Brass Band would be present for the guard of honour during the rashtriya salute.
The Home Department has been asked to properly disinfect and sanitize the rostrum and ground, while they have been entrusted to ensure social distancing and health safety protocol in Secretariat plaza during the celebration.
The government has also detailed the Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and other ministers and advisors to unfurl the Tricolour in the six district headquarters while the Deputy Commissioners would be unfurling the national flag in other districts and sub-divisional headquarters.
Meanwhile, on the security scenario, Kikon said that there is no security threat from any quarters but all measures have been put in place for a peaceful celebration. (Page News Service)
