Britain's Prince Andrew to visit Kohima May 1

Kohima, April 25 (IANS) Britain's Prince Andrew will May 1 visit Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, an official said Wednesday.

The prince, who is the Duke of York, will undertake a tour of India from April 29 to May 6. He is scheduled to visit Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Kohima to mark the completion of 60 years of the British monarch's accession to the throne.

"Prince Andrew will be visiting Kohima May 1. He will pay a visit to the World War II cemetery and World War II museum there," additional chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir told IANS.

A public civic reception will also be accorded to the visiting dignitary at Kohima, he said.

Security agencies are on their toes to ensure the smooth visit of Prince Andrew to this mountainous state capital.

Meanwhile, a cabinet meeting held Tuesday at the chief minister's residential office, decided to "heartily welcome the Prince to Kohima" with all possible assistance and courtesies.

Nagaland chief secretary Lalthara has been tasked with coordinating the visit and assigning responsibilities to officers and departments concerned to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.

Members of the British royal family will tour the globe, representing the Queen throughout the Diamond Jubilee year, visiting every realm as well as undertaking visits to Commonwealth countries, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories.