DIMAPUR, JANUARY 26: Along with the rest of the country, Dimapur celebrated India’s 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday ~ however, sans the usual euphoria accompanied by a number of cultural and musical performances.
In light of the recent Oting incident and responding to the call of several organizations, the district level celebration which was held at DDSC Stadium, the students weren’t part of the event this time and only a fraction of spectators turned up compared to other years. There were also only a handful of stalls and just 5 contingents participated in the March Past.
Minister of Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue, and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu, who unfurled the national flag on the occasion, said that the Government is taking every measure to lessen the pain of the family members who lost their near and dear ones during the unfortunate firing incidents that occurred at Oting-Tiru village area and Mon town as well as of those who suffered injuries.
He said that immediately after the incidents, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Nagaland Police, led by senior police officers, was constituted and the SIT has made good progress in its investigation.
“The Army has also constituted a Court of Inquiry. The Inquiry is reportedly being completed at a fast pace. We are sure that justice will be delivered for the families”, he added.
He informed that the State Government has taken up with the Central Government for the removal of AFSPA from Nagaland and the Government of India is considering the matter. He expressed hope of a positive decision soon.
Commenting on the decision of creating 4 new districts in a quick span of time, Kronu stated that this was done to ensure good governance and bringing it in an effective manner right at the doorstep of every person. He defended that Tseminyu district fulfils the desire and aspirations of the Rengma people, Shamator district creation is the culmination of sincere efforts made by the Yimkhiung and Tikhir people by resolving their decades old disputes amicably, and the creation of Niuland and Chumoukedima districts was the need of the times.
“There are other demands for creation of new districts but we would not like to divide single tribe districts in keeping with the Government’s motto of unity”, he said.
(Page News Service)
