<span style="color: black;">Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland is also celebrating the 74th Independence Day today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio unfurled the national flag and took the salute from the parade.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">In a State level programme organised at the Secretariat Plaza in Kohima, the celebration was held with few participation following social distancing norms while activities such as cultural events were virtually broadcast in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">Chief Minister Rio in his address to the people of Nagaland expressed gratitude to all the freedom fighters who laid down their lives so that all can live as proud citizens.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">The Chief Minister said the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole of humanity. However, he said along with the rest of the country, Nagaland has faced the pandemic with firm resolve. He said to deal with the pandemic, the government has upgraded the health and medical facilities on war footing. He assured that all steps are being taken and more will be done to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Rio also thanked the doctors, nurses, NSDMA, Municipal authorities and all frontline workers such as administration, police, and workers of other essential service Departments for their tireless services under the challenging circumstances. </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">The Chief Minister said the pandemic has shown the State the resilience and capacity to raise the efficiency, management and planning capabilities to further heights.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Rio said while we continue to combat COVID-19 with all resources at the disposal, we also remain fully conscious of the need for an early and honourable settlement of the Naga political issue. He said Naga society must stand as one, speak as one and give a final push to collectively achieve a settlement.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">The Chief Minister said even in the midst of COVID-19, the government resolved the major differences relating to creation of Noklak district and notified it as the 12th district of the State.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Rio further said that to deal with the multiple economic challenges arising out of COVID-19 situation in the State, the government has formed a Strategic Committee for Economic Affairs headed by the Chief Minister. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: black;">On the occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Yellow Chain, a single window e-commerce platform developed to promote local business and entrepreneurship in the State. On the occasion, Governor of Nagaland R N Ravi also greeted the people of the country.</span><br />