Kohima, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, declared on Monday that the state has consistently been recognized as one of the most peaceful regions in India over the recent years, maintaining a stable law and order situation without facing significant security challenges.

During his address at the Republic Day celebration at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, the Chief Minister referenced the Crime in India 2023 report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which ranks Nagaland among the safest states in India, with a cognizable crime rate of just 84.9 per lakh population, the second lowest nationwide.

Rio emphasized that the state police are taking continuous measures to uphold the prevailing peace and enhance their enforcement capabilities.

In response to emerging crimes, the Nagaland Police have bolstered their cybercrime infrastructure, effectively utilizing national cyber platforms and intensifying actions against financial and online crimes.

He also noted that the police force has been vigorously campaigning against narcotics, targeting drug trafficking networks throughout the state.

In the last year, the Nagaland Police confiscated 230 kg of various drugs and around one lakh units of synthetic drugs, resulting in 135 cases being registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, leading to the apprehension of 218 individuals. This reflects a strong commitment to combat drug trafficking and safeguard communities from drug-related issues, Rio stated.

The Chief Minister assured that the state government is dedicated to making comprehensive efforts in all sectors to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, aligning with national aspirations.

Highlighting the state's focus on agriculture and related sectors, Rio mentioned that the Agriculture Department has partnered with AG Horizon Pvt. Ltd. to ensure effective project implementation and initiative formulation.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, over 2.38 lakh farmers have benefited, with more than Rs 763 crore directly deposited into their bank accounts. He also noted that since 2024-25, the state has been implementing the National Mission on Natural Farming to promote sustainable farming through increased use of on-farm bio-inputs.

Regarding healthcare, the Chief Minister indicated that access has been expanded and fortified through the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).

To date, over 5.78 lakh PM-JAY and CMHIS (General) cards and 1.92 lakh CMHIS (EP) cards have been issued, providing benefits to more than one lakh people, with claim payouts exceeding Rs 450 crore since the program's inception, he highlighted.

Rio also inaugurated Nagaland’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima. This cutting-edge facility, a pioneering initiative by the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) under the Planning and Transformation Department, aims to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills and foster innovation-driven employment.

Describing the initiative as a significant step towards leveraging modern technology for governance, development, and public service delivery, the Chief Minister noted that while drones were previously associated mainly with warfare, they are now increasingly employed for developmental and civilian purposes.

The Drone School is set to become a hub for innovation and capacity building, facilitating the transfer of technology and expertise to rural areas to ensure that benefits reach the most remote communities, he added.

Rio asserted that this initiative will enhance Nagaland’s preparedness for future challenges and help establish the state as a leader in the effective utilization of drone technology.