The official function of the 80th Independence Day 2026 was celebrated at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on 15th August 2026, with Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, hoisting the National Flag, receiving the Rashtriya Salute, inspecting the parade and delivering the Independence Day address. The March Past featured contingents from various security forces, police units and other organisations.
The parade was led by Parade Commander Akihito X. Chishi, NPS, Deputy Commandant, 1st NAP and Alovika Swu, NPS, Assistant Commandant, 12th NAP, serving as the Second-in-Command. The participating contingents comprised the 13 Assam Rifles Battalion, 78 Battalion CRPF, 105 Battalion BSF, Arunachal Pradesh Police (IR), DEF Kohima, 4thNAP Battalion, 10th NAP (IR) Battalion, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion, Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF and Ex-Servicemen.
The parade also featured the Nagaland Police Central Brass Band, PTS, and the Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band of the 4th NAP Battalion, along with the 13 Assam Rifles Pipe Band and the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Pipe Band. The contingents marched past the dais in a disciplined formation adding to the ceremonial grandeur of the Independence Day celebration.
The celebration also witnessed the announcement and presentation of various awards and medals to distinguished awardees.
The President’s Police Medal for 2026 for Distinguished Service was awarded to Videlalie Zashumo, Inspector General of Police, while the Police Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to Limasunep Jamir, Inspector General of Police.
The Governor’s Gold Medal for the year 2026 was awarded to Masudong, NPS, AIGP (Admin), PHQ; Livitoli Sukhalu, NCS, Deputy Secretary, P&AR; and Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü, Wrestler (Naga Traditional Wrestling).
The Medal for Meritorious Service as announced on Republic Day 2025 was presented to Shouka Kakheto, NPS, Deputy Commandant; Zasilie Angami, Sub-Inspector; and Metseirovi Sakhrie, Naik. The medals announced on Independence Day 2025 were also presented to Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, IGP, and Aboli Metha, NPS, Commandant.
The Governor’s Gold Medal as announced on Republic Day 2026 was presented to Chubasangla Longkumer, NSS, Joint Secretary, Home Department; Er. K. Tingtenmoie Konyak, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Mon; Dr. Micheal Imti Imchen, Deputy Director, Veterinary Hospital, Dimapur; Dr. Wobenthung M. Kithan, Medical Officer, Chukitong PHC, Wokha; E. Aphak Konyak, UBI, DEF Mon; and Abemo Ezung, ABSI, Narcotic Branch, PHQ.
The Governor’s Commendation Certificates for 2026 were presented to Er. Wapangnaro Imchen, Executive Engineer, Office of the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department; Vikato Thonger, ADC to Governor of Nagaland; Kevingoto Kulnu, Revenue Officer, Kohima; Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, NCS, Under Secretary, Finance Department; Imtinungla Longkumer, EAC, Satakha; T. Henthai Phom, Assistant Commandant, 7th NAP Battalion, Bhandari; H. Pongloi, NPS, SDPO, Tizit; I. Yongkongtoshi Chang, UBSI, Police Station Tuensang; Lovitoli Zhimomi, Vice Principal, Mount Olive College, Kohima; Y. Mhonlumi Ezung, Caretaker, Nagaland House, Guwahati; Padampukhuri VC Fair Price Shop, run by Padumpukhuri Village Council; and the staff of Nagaland House, New Delhi.
The programme featured an enthraling performance by Living Voices, Dimapur, under TaFMA, who sang an original composition titled “Sümi Xülhe”. There after a cultural attire display titled “Threads of Naga Heritage: Many Tribes, One Nagaland" by the NSSA Cultural & Aesthetic Club.
(Mainodi, IA)
