Unfurling the national tricolour on the occasion at civil secretariat ground here, the chief minister said the task of taking the state towards peace and progress is arduous but achievable, the road is long but reachable.
"Let us, therefore, rise above our differences to build the state of our dream by transforming our inherent strengths and natural endowments as the engines of economic growth and progress," he said.
Highlighting the effort by his government and all members of the state assembly cutting across party lines towards fostering unity among various Naga underground groups for making the on-going Naga peace process inclusive, the chief minister called upon the political groups to listen to the voice of the people, to rise above their differences and work towards the common goal of achieving permanent peace.Stating that the state witnessed a marked improvement in law and order situation in recent time, Rio appreciated the 'commendable jobs' of civil administration, police and paramilitary forces in maintaining law and order with their tireless effort.
Underscoring the imperatives of an inclusive growth and development in the state, the chief minister said his government had constantly strived for uplift of the backward districts and welfare of the people of those districts with special programmes.