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Nagaland CM urges Centre to expedite Naga peace talks (Lead)
Kohima, Aug 15 (IANS) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday appealed to the Centre and Naga groups involved in the ongoing parleys to expedite the peace process and arrive at a political solution to the insurgency problem at the earliest.
He said that the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance government was committed to play the role of an “active facilitator” in the ongoing negotiations between the two groups.
“In our meeting with the tribal Hohos… it was unanimously resolved to urge all Naga political groups, including NSCN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang) to renew the ceasefire with the Indian government and join the peace talks to realise an inclusive solution,” the Chief Minister said after unfurling the Tricolour at the Secretariat Plaza here to mark the 72nd Independence Day of the country.
He said that several measures were taken to create a conducive atmosphere to ensure the end of Naga insurgency, include setting up of a Political Affairs Committee and holding of consultations with tribal Hohos and civil society groups.
Rio said that he urged all sections of the Naga society to come together to strengthen the peace process and create a congenial environment for the successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations.
“On our (state government) part, we reiterate our commitment to pave the way for an alternative arrangement that may arise from the political agreement.”
On amalgamation of all contiguous Naga areas, the Chief Minister appealed to the neighbouring states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to appreciate the history and democratic rights of the Nagas in this respect to facilitate harmonious coexistence and brotherhood.
The Chief Minister said that a lot needs to be done in Nagaland vis-a-vis the infrastructure.
“We need to build roads and maintain them, create employment opportunities for our youths to enable them to live their dreams and reach their potential.”
He said that lasting peace was needed in Nagaland as a conducive environment for investors that allows them to do business without compromising on Naga history, customs and culture.
“This will help create jobs and bolster our economy. This is an achievable goal and we have a great opportunity to be an equal and proud partner in the Indian growth story.”
Thousands of people across Nagaland celebrated the 72nd Independence Day amidst tight security as Rio unfurled the Tricolour at the Secretariat Plaza here and took the salute from marching contingents of paramilitary forces, Nagaland Police, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides, besides school children.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.