New Delhi, Dec 1—Against the backdrop of Nagaland’s Statehood Day, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, posted a warm message on X wishing the people of the state a happy celebration. He highlighted the state’s breathtaking mountains, abundant wildlife and lively traditions as vital threads in India’s diverse tapestry.
“Happy Statehood Day to the people of Nagaland! Your beautiful hills, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultures add so much to India’s diversity. May Nagaland keep growing in a sustainable way and achieve even greater success. Let us all help preserve its unique heritage,” he wrote.
Later that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his greetings, urging the northeastern state to keep forging ahead on the road to prosperity and progress.
“Greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day. The glorious Naga culture, rooted in service, courage and compassion, is widely admired. The people of Nagaland have distinguished themselves across many fields. May the state keep moving ahead with prosperity and progress in the years ahead,” the PM tweeted.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to X as well, paying tribute to those who defended the region’s rights and shaped its future.
“We honour our leaders who safeguarded our rights & identity, the visionaries who shaped our future. Let us work together for a prosperous, inclusive & sustainable Nagaland, reaffirming our commitment to its progress & well‑being,” he posted.
Nagaland was officially granted statehood on December 1, 1963 after the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, with Kohima becoming its capital. The territory, which had been part of Assam since India’s 1947 independence, experienced a fierce nationalist movement demanding political unity for the Naga tribes, even as hard‑liners pushed for full secession. In 1957 the Naga Hills and Tuensang Frontier Division were merged into a single administrative unit under direct Indian control, and by 1960 the government decided that Nagaland would join the Union as a state. The first democratically elected government took office in 1964.
Concomitant with the Statehood Day reverence, the ten‑day Hornbill Festival resumed, inviting all major Naga tribes to showcase their living heritage through folklore, music, crafts and cuisine.
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