<span style="color: #222222;">Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio unfurled the National Flag at the State level function held at Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima.<br />'' <br />'' On this occasion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended his warmest greetings to the people of the state and to every citizen of India.  In his address, Rio remembered the sacrifices made by the countrymen to bring freedom to the nation.<br />'' <br />'' He said, India as an independent republic over the past seven decades has made giant strides in every domain and come to occupy an exalted place among the comity of nations.<br />'' <br />'' He said Nagaland which is nearing six decades as a state has also been capably marching shoulder to shoulder with all the other states of the union and contributing to strengthening the nation in every manner and helping achieve all the developmental goals.<br />'' <br />'' Chief Minister Rio said, Nagaland government has taken up with the removal of AFSPA from the state. He said the central government is considering the matter and we are hopeful of a positive decision soon.<br />'' <br />'' Highlighting the various developments of the state, the Chief Minister informed that the Department of Higher Education Nagaland is pursuing with the Central government to set up Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and the National Institute of Fashion Technology in the state.<br />'' <br />'' He also mentioned that the overall law and order situation in the state in the year gone by remained peaceful.<br />'' <br />'' Reminding the citizens that the COVID-19 Pandemic is not yet over, he urged everyone to continue adhering to COVID appropriate behaviour and follow all the SOPs aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. He further urged the citizens not to fall prey to misinformed and false messages from unscrupulous elements and encouraged all to get vaccinated.<br />'' <br />'' On the occasion, the state Chief Minister also presented the Governor's Commendation certificate to 15 awardees,  certificates and cheques to 4 best performing hospitals under AB- PMJAY for the year 2021 and award for best-performing district for Clean India  Campaign 2021 organised as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.<br />'' <br />'' Cultural presentations by various groups mark the celebration.<br />'' <br />''<br />''Later, he also  inaugurated the exhibition stalls of different departments . He also got his precaution dose in the First Aid Centre cum covid vaccination centre at the exhibition stall. </span>