Police personnel marching during the Republic Day elebration at Bhandari on January 26. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Zunheboto/Wokha | January 26
The 77th Republic Day was observed across Nagaland with official functions, parades, cultural programmes, awards, and community initiatives at multiple district and state venues.
In Kohima, the Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio unfurled the National Flag at Secretariat Plaza, received the Rashtriya Salute, inspected the parade, and delivered the Republic Day address. The march past featured contingents from Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, Tripura Police, Nagaland Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF, Ex-Servicemen, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and multiple pipe and brass bands.
Awards, including the Governor’s Gold Medal, Police Medals for Distinguished and Meritorious Service, and Governor’s Commendation Certificates, were presented to officers and civil officials. Cultural programmes highlighted the state’s traditional heritage, while exhibition stalls and the launch of NagaBazaar e-commerce platform, along with the Drone School–Drone Centre of Excellence, were inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
In Zunheboto, the celebrations at the District Sports Complex were presided over by Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges), G. Kaito Aye. He unfurled the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute, and delivered the Republic Day address, highlighting government initiatives including the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic, Atoizu, to a Degree College.
Eight parade contingents, including DEF Zunheboto, 8th NAP Naltoqa, Ex-Servicemen, Home Guards & Civil Defence, band parties, and NCC units from local schools, participated under Parade Commander Assistant Commandant Nisazolie Zutso and Second-in-Command ABI G. Blesto Zhimo. Cultural highlights included a Naga Kheks special number and an indigenous dance by Alahuto Colony Sunday School, while exhibition stalls from forest, agriculture, horticulture, land resources, and animal husbandry departments were inaugurated. The Sumi Kukami Hoho visited the District Hospital, and Sumi Totomi Hoho visited the District Jail. Evening competitions included ward-wise penalty shootouts, and celebrations concluded with the Beating of Retreat by DEF Zunheboto.
In Wokha, the programme at the Public Ground was led by Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, who unfurled the flag, inspected the parade, and addressed the gathering. Contingents included DEF Wokha, 7th NAP, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Ex-Servicemen, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and NCC units from local schools and colleges. Cultural presentations by Wokha Town Lakhuti Women Cultural Club and Wokha Town Longsa Women Cultural Group enriched the event. The Minister also inaugurated exhibition stalls, and the celebration concluded with the Beating of Retreat by DEF Wokha.
Dimapur observed the day at DDSC Stadium, with Minister Metsubo Jamir unfurling the flag and reviewing parade contingents including police, NAP battalion, Home Guards, Ex-Servicemen, and NCC units. Cultural performances, departmental exhibition stalls, and district awards for outstanding service were highlights. The Lions Club of Dimapur Elite organised a blood donation camp at the District Hospital Blood Bank, providing certificates, refreshments, BP and haemoglobin check-ups, and awareness sessions on blood donation, haemophilia, and thalassemia. Flag hoisting was also held at the Lions Centre.
Other districts observed the day with official flag hoisting, parade inspections, cultural programmes, exhibition stalls, and awards. In Chumoukedima, Advisor Zhaleo Rio presided over the event and inaugurated departmental stalls. Tuensang’s celebrations were led by Advisor Chingang Konyak, including cultural performances, football matches, and charitable visits. Phek, Noklak, Longleng, Meluri, Kiphire, Peren, Mokokchung, Mon, and Tseminyu observed the day with contingents from DEF units, NAP battalions, village guards, Ex-Servicemen, NCC, and school and college groups. Advisors and Ministers delivered addresses, inaugurated stalls, and awarded individuals and organisations for distinguished service. Sainik School Punglwa celebrated Republic Day along with the passing out parade for Class 12 cadets, including the felicitation of cadets recommended for the National Defence Academy.
Various charitable organisations also participated in Republic Day celebrations across districts. In Kohima, the Indian Red Cross Society, Kohima District Branch, distributed sweets to the public at the Civil Secretariat Plaza. The Gorkha Public Panchayat visited the State Mental Health Institute, interacting with patients and staff, while the Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union spent time at Bright Morning Star Orphanage. Hindu Kalyan Samiti visited Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, and the Kohima Masjid Committee engaged with inmates at the District Jail. The Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry visited Cherry Blossom, Royal Club spent time at the Old Age Home, Puliebadze Club interacted with patients at the District TB & Chest Diseases Hospital, Classic Club visited Mt. Gilead Home, and Rotary Club engaged with residents at Cradle Ridge.
In Zunheboto, Sumi Kukami Hoho visited the District Hospital, and Sumi Totomi Hoho visited the District Jail. Tuensang district saw visits by Tuensang Town Baptist Lashing to the District Hospital, Sangtam Baptist Lithrongla to the District Jail, Tenyimi Church to Bethel Children’s Home, and Kohdi Children’s Home by Tuensang Town Ao Baptist Arogo. Mon district charitable visits included the District Jail by EE, Water Resources Department, District Hospital by 100 RCC GREF, Orphanage Home and District De-Addiction Centre by NHIDCL, and Old Age Home by DWO Mon.
