Nagaland Statehood Day: What have we achieved and Where are we heading to?
KOHIMA | Dec 1, 2108:
A land of warriors — be it head hunters or war fighters, Nagaland has come a long way since 1963.
With its history and unique culture still intact, this small state in the Northeastern part of India is climbing the ladder of growth and modernization with untapped potentials posing as a magnet for many to explore.
On this day, 55 years ago, Nagaland became the 16th state of India and since then, this state has witnessed several changes in many aspects be it in the political front or socio-economic sector.
This state, which is home to 16 major tribes, has been successful in making its mark in the global platform — one for its history (head hunters) and another for its intriguing culture (like the Hornbill Festival – a festival which continues to attract tourists from across the country and abroad).
As a state, Nagaland did suffer and encounter many obstacles along the way in the form of militancy and violence but with the intervention of the several organisations including the Church, cases of violence have reported gone down with many misguided youths joining the mainstream.
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WHERE HAVE WE GONE WRONG?
During an interaction with the people of Nagaland, it is safe to say that after 55 years of statehood :
## Nagaland is still plagued with Corruption (as is the case in many other states of India)
## It is a state that feeds one of the highest number of extortionists
## The number of unemployable youths is increasing each year with no concrete solution to this problem
## The battle for political power has left the state in shambles in as far as infrastructural development is concerned
## Less women participation is state political affairs
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WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED SO FAR?
## Naga Peace Accord — Though the framework is yet to be finalised but the accord was signed (which means something is better than nothing) and hope for an early solution lingers on.
## Preservation of Culture and Tradition: The Nagas are known to be very particular about their culture and the same can be measured by the number of indigenous festivals that they have, one being the popular "Hornbill Festival".
## In the field of music, this state is a land of hidden musical prodigies. Over the years, Nagaland has produced many young talented musicians and artists who have managed to bring laurels to the state and the region.
## Preservation of the virgin hills, the lush green valleys, the diverse species of flora and fauna and its scenic beauty.
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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
As Nagaland celebrates its statehood today, the state has many targets which it hopes to achieve given the urgency of the matter like Climate Change, Safety and Security, Peace and Prosperity.
## The Naga Peace Accord, a framework agreement signed by the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in August 2015, is still hanging fire as the final agreement on the terms and conditions laid by the rebel groups is yet to decided. But despite the delays, people hope that the accord will be finalised and peace can reign over this small state.
## Interestingly, starting today, the Neiphiu Rio-led government has banned all single use plastics below 50 microns in an effort to make Nagaland plastic-free.
## Ensuring the protection and empowerment of women through various means like entrepreneurship, law enforcement and the likes — today morning, the state witnessed the inauguration of Women Police Stations h in the districts of Longleng,Mon,Peren, Phek,Tuensang,Wokha & Zunheboto.
These are only some of the points which have directly or indirectly created an impact on the people of the state, their observation of the situation around them even as expectations run high as they cross yet another milestone.
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