Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 10 day long Hornbill festival in Kohima, Nagaland. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said the festival seeks to promote, preserve and protect unique cultural diversity of Nagaland. He asked people to build a resurgent, stronger and prosperous Nagaland and India.

Mr. Modi said there is need to improve connectivity in the state as it is the best destination for tourists. He said biodiversity of the state should be protected. The Prime Minister announced that the government has decided on a special scholarship for students from the Northeast region.

Prime Minister will also inaugurate the second power generation unit at Palatana thermal power plant in Tripura today. He will reach Agartala in Tripura in the afternoon. After visiting Assam and Manipur, Mr Modi reached Dimapur in Nagaland last evening. He was accorded a warm welcome by Governor PB Acharya, Chief Minister TR Zeliang and other dignitaries.

The Unit Two of Palatana power project , having an installed generation capacity of 363.3 Megawatt, is likely to start commercial production by January end next year. The power project is located in Gomati district, about 70 kilometers from the state capital Agartala.

Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Agartala to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and his ministerial colleagues at state guest house, prior to his departure for New Delhi in the evening.