Kohima: Nagaland’s 62nd Statehood Day celebrations at the Secretariat Plaza in Kohima was marred by accessibility issues that left the state’s Disability Commissioner, Diethono Nakhro, unable to participate in the event on Sunday, despite being officially invited.
Nakhro, a prominent advocate for disability rights in Nagaland, expressed her frustration over the lack of proper provisions for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Speaking to reporters, she highlighted the challenges she faced in accessing the seating area designated for senior government officials and department heads.
Nakhro shared that upon raising the issue, an official from the Home Department suggested she sit behind the performers. However, she questioned the purpose of attending an event where she could not even see the proceedings.
Accessibility, she noted, is not just about entering a building but also ensuring access within the building and to key areas like the podium. Despite numerous awareness campaigns with government departments, she said that there are still barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging in public life.
She criticised the prolonged delays in making the necessary changes, emphasising that accessibility should be considered an essential facility.
“Why invite me to an event if there are no provisions to allow me to attend?” she questioned. She pointed out that if she, as the Disability Commissioner, encounters such barriers, the situation for the broader disabled population would be even more challenging.
Nakhro also raised concerns about the accessibility provisions at the Hornbill Festival venue. While some improvements had been made, including the installation of accessible toilets, she pointed out that these were often placed in inconvenient locations
She shared her plans to inspect the festival venue as the state gears up to observed the Disability Day on December 3. Despite the setbacks, Nakhro remained hopeful, emphasising the importance of raising awareness and continuing collaboration with the government to create a more inclusive society.
Nakhro stressed that the delay in addressing accessibility issues remains a significant concern, particularly as the state works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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