Nagas desire peace: Rio

Kohima Dec 16: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has said 2006 was a succesful year for the state government with programmes like the NorthEast Agri Expo, celebration of the Year of Farmers and the Hornbill Festival having recorded the highest number of visitors, both local and foreign.

Addressing as the Chief Guest in the Pre-Christmas celebration at the Secretariat ground last evening called upon the people of the state to welcome peace.

Mr Rio said, ''The Nagas crave for peace, reconciliation and unity.'' The Chief Minister, on behalf of the his Cabinet Ministers and Legislators, along with their family members, extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to the employees of both Secretariat and Directorates and wished them a happy Christmas.

Earlier, Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma greeted the gathering and said Christmas was a time of reconciliation, unity and peace. He wished that this Christmas would bring everyone closer.

The celebration concluded with cutting of Christmas cake by Mr Rio and bonfire followed by display of fireworks.

UNI