LOCAL 34th State Geological iVR council urges cancellation MEx FILE Programming Board meeting One arrested for burglary of govt pattas for village land Friday
The Morung Express
Nagaland coal sector achieved targeted revenue of Rs. 99,03,150/during 2013-14
Dimapur, July 31 (Dipr): Secretary of Department of Geology & Mining, Bendang Longchar on July 31 expressed optimism that despite fund constraint, the department’s activities including mineral exploration is being undertaken in the right direction. He was speaking at the 34th State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) meeting at the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Dimapur. “The department has slogged for the last three to four decades which has culminated to explore minerals and petroleum products as of today,” he said. He stated that though Nagaland State is small geographically, it is endowed with rich diverse mineral resources and in order to uplift the economy of the state one has to utilize them to own advantage. In this light, he called upon the officers and staff of the department to be sincere and dedicated in
1 August 2014
their assigned tasks. He also sought support of all NGOs and civil societies in their endeavours. He further stated that many big companies are willing to step in and invest in Nagaland, however, one should be willing to give them the right investment atmosphere. He expressed hope that exploration and production of petroleum may start shortly as the government is sincerely working for it including taking over of the main cement plant Wezihu with signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Earlier, Director of Geology & Mining (DGM) SK Kanye in his introductory address stated that minerals play an important role in the growth of sustainable economy. Therefore, the department is starting to derive optimum benefit from the mineral resources of the State. He stated that under the department, coal mining sector successfully achieved its target of generating Rs. 99,03,150/revenue during the year 2013-14. Significant achievement has also been made towards ground water development in the hill state, he added.
Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): The village council of the Industrial Village Razhupe (IVR), Dimapur has affirmed that it will “not allow any government jamabandi/patta holder to sell” land in the said village, “especially those areas presently occupied by the CRPF (TC) and ARTC (FR) respectively or any other area within IVR.” In a letter to the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, the IVR village council stated that the “entire area of land within IVR is not acquired by the government or any other agency
till today.” It informed that there is a “government standing ban order for allotment of land within Nagaland, 1992.” The letter urged the Dimapur DC to “follow the law of the land within Nagaland while dealing with the process for acquisition of land for establishment of CRPF (TC) and ARTC (FR), which area falls within the jurisdiction of IVR Dimapur.” It further clarified that “claiming the village land by the government as surveyed area or cadastral surveyed area has no
stand as the so called surveyed area was not done with the land owner.” It termed the “claiming of land at IVR as government land” as “wrong, baseless, unwarranted and self styled.” It further asserted that the IVR council would not allow or entertain such “illegal government patta or jamanbandi within its jurisdiction except village patta.” The letter further informed that the IVR council had allowed the CRPF (TC) and ARTC (FR) to establish their present camp within the vacant areas of
village land since its inceptions and that “both are in the process of acquisition of the said areas of village land for their permanent settlement according to the law of the land.” “After they have settled down over the said area of village vacant land, issuing of government jamanbandi/ patta over the said area of the village does not arise at all…” it added. The letter demanded that the government jamanbani/patta issued by the local administration for the said area of village land be “cancelled without delay.”
CBC East Dmp mourns youth director’s death UNTABA Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): The members of Chakhesang Baptist Church, East Dimapur Naharbari have expressed grief and sadness at the demise of Kekhrie Khamo, Youth Director, CBC, East Dimapur on July 27. A condolence message issued by the pastor of the church stated, “In his demise, the church has lost a young and a very dynamic lead-
er. He was a man of integrity and has a deep commitment to serve God. His amiable nature and humility was loved by people of all ages. He was a favourite of even the very young children; he was a friend to all.” The message further prayed to God to grant solace and peace to the bereaved family and also to his relatives, friends and all the church members.
Meanwhile, the youth department of CBC, East Dimapur has also conveyed gratitude to every individual and well wisher who had shared their moment of grief and sorrow at the sudden demise of Kekhrie Khamo. “We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally, yet we pray to Almighty God to bless you all abundantly.”
executive council meeting
Dimapur
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Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): Dimapur police arrested one person identified as Wochumo Ngullie (22) on July 28 in connection to burglary at a residence of an engineer at Supply Colony here. The police received complaint on July 13. According to a press release, the police arrested the burglar and recovered a few of the stolen goods on his disclosure. The burglar broke into the house when the house owners were attending Sunday church service and decamped with one Sony digital camera, a gold ring, 3 (three) ATM cards and cash amounting to Rs.5000/-, the release said. He had also withdrawn Rs.60,000/- with the ATM cards. The police obtained vital information from the CCTV footage through which investigators zeroed in on the suspect, it stated. The police recovered Rs.35,000/and the stolen gold ring on his disclosure during interrogation. A case was registered at West PS Dimapur and the accused was forwarded to Court for remand.
Free medical camp in Elumyo village Kohima, July 31 (mExN): A one day free medical camp will be held at Elumyo village community hall in Wokha district on August 2. Altogether, five specialized and general doctors Nengneilhing Hansing, MS Optometrist, owner Eyedentity Eye Care, Dr. Zubon, Dr. Likathung, Dr. Cheyale and R. Themmungla, Clinical Psychologist will be conducting the camp. Seminars and consultations will also be conducted simultaneously.
BJYM office bearers informed
Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): All the office bearers of Baharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Nagaland unit Dimapur, July 31 have been informed to attend the meeting on August 2, (mExN): The United Naga 11:00 am at party head office in Super Market Dimapur Tribes Association of Bor- without fail. der Areas (UNTABA)’s executive council members NNC expresses sadness meeting will be held on Au- Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): The NNC has exgust 2, 4:00 pm at the trea- pressed sadness at the demise of “NNC fatherly figure” surer’s residence. Therefore, Kuolhoulie Nagi. A condolence message from NNC inall members have been re- formed that Nagi worked in NNC till 2005 as an active quested to attend the meet- member of Central Executive Council and was one of the first Naga leaders sent abroad for foreign contact ing positively. in 1956 by the Naga government. He and his colleague were caught and jailed in Rangoon (Burma) and later in Indian jail, it stated. “He was a true noble soul for Naga freedom of sovereignty.” It further prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
IFCD bids farewell to Chief Engineer NBWAC draws attention to sanitation Kohima, July 31 (Dipr): The department of Irrigation and Flood Control organized a farewell program in honor of the retiring Chief Engineer, Er. Echongbemo Lotha on July 31 at IFCD conference hall, Kohima. The retiring Chief Engineer expressed his gratitude to the department and the people of the State for rendering their co-operation and support that made him forge ahead throughout his career for the last 35 years. He also urged the officers and staff of the department to contribute their best in their services as well as to the society. Parliamentary Secretary for Irrigation and Flood Control, Vikheho Swu also congratulated the outgoing Chief Engineer for completion of his successful and il-
lustrious career. He said that completing 35 years, having served in various capacities throughout the districts and reaching the pinnacle in the department is a feat that many dream of, but only few achieve. He lauded the Chief Engineer for his contribution on issues pertaining to the interest of the department at every level, particularly issues related to water resources. Swu acknowledged the retiring engineer’s dedication and effort in implementing and executing the department’s activities in all districts of the State. He stated that his knowledge and technical expertise has been commendable and his approach in various assignments exceptional and further added that his distinctive disci-
pline at the workplace and his contribution has been immense and will always be recognized by the department. The Parliamentary Secretary further hoped that he will continue to find success throughout his future endeavor and wished him happy retired life. The incoming Chief Engineer Nyilo Kemp who also spoke on behalf of the department said that Er. Echongbemo Lotha was posted in almost all the districts and was well conversant with topography and drainage system of almost the entire State. He asserted that the staff and the department has to emulate his knowledge and great asset in keeping check and balance of the departmental programs and activities.
Assam Rifles apprehend four Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): 31 Assam Rifles apprehended two FGN cadres for “extortion and tax collection” from Tamlu on July 27. The cadres have been identified as Major Nukshi Phom and Imlong Phom, both residents of Longleng district, informed Assam Rifles in a press release. “Extortion slips” and other “incriminating documents” were recovered
from the possession of the cadres, said the release. The two were handed over to Tuli Police Station. Meanwhile, on July 28, troops of 11 Assam Rifles apprehended one NSCN (IM) cadre along with another person in Pfutsero while “they were extorting money from truck drivers in Pfutsero Town at gun point.” The cadre has been identified as SS Cpl Jacob
and his accomplice “believed to be” Sehto Lohe. A 9 mm USA made pistol with magazine, 4 live rounds of 9mm, cash of Rs. 2,510/-, one NSCN (IM) I-Card and one motorcycle alongwith 4 mobile phones were recovered from them, Assam Rifles informed. The two were handed over to Pfutsero Police Station after lodging an FIR.
& solid waste management issues
Kohima, July 31 (Dipr): North Block Ward Adoption Committee (NBWAC), which is part of DPDB Kohima’s program, conducted an awareness programme on sanitation & solid waste management at Baptist Higher Secondary School (BHSS) on July 31. The participants comprised members from NBWAC, KMC, representatives from various colonies and hundreds of School children. The chief guest, Administrator, Kohima Municipal Council, Lithrongla released a pamphlet on “Sanitation & Solid Waste Management” prepared by NBWAC. In her keynote address, she stressed on the urgency to create awareness on sanitation & solid waste management. She said that millions of children die in India every year because of Diarrhoea and the root cause of it is the unhygienic living condition of the people. “Kohima is also not alien to the problem related to solid waste management. One bolero each from all 19 wards under Kohima town, two cess pool and KMC trucks are engaged to collect garbage from every colony on a daily basis. Thus, a total
of 40-50 metric tonnes of solid waste from the capital are disposed off every day,” she said. She said that children are the future of the society and therefore any substantial positive change in the community begins with them. She also mentioned the cleanliness drive initiated by Nagaland Baptist Church Council, where the cleanest schools in town are to be awarded. She expressed her hope that the students would help the school in achieving the prize. KMC donated 10 green and 10 blue waste baskets for biodegradable and non- biodegradable wastes respectively to the school. Chairman, North Block Panchayat, Thejao Sekhose read out the content of the pamphlet for the students present. It included an appeal to limit the use of nonbiodegradable bags as well as disposable plates, cups and bottles made of plastic. It discouraged the release of septic tank materials into nullahs but to seek for cess pool trucks and encouraged washing of hands before and after food and also after going to the toilet. It also included an appeal to all public to spread the message on sanitation and circulate/pass the pam-
Organizations condemn threat Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): The “Sumi Kukuputsa” has condemned the threat meted out to its administrator Jonah Achumi by “illegal immigrants” Salekh Akhram alias Salehk Borozoku/ Salehk Trufkit and one Victoria “in a fake account (on Facebook)”. The Sumi Kukuputsa in a press release alleged that Victoria “may be Salehk or his friend who wrote that she wants to murder Jonah Achumi, following an opinion shared regarding the illegal immigrants in Nagaland.” The SK has appealed to all right thinking citizens to condemn such threat and not be ignorant about “this menace as they reached that point of threatening the Nagas when they still are illegal immigrants.” “If we are not aware of this, time will come when we will have no voice to speak out in our land.” It also urged the authority concerned to “take strong action against Salekh Akhram so such things will not happen by other to Nagas.”
SKK: The Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) has also condemned the threat by Salekh Akhram and such other threats against Jonah Achumi on the issue of illegal immigrants in Nagaland. The SKK stated, “Social media is to do with exchange of our opinion and to one's best use. But, conveying such message is no more 'within' but post a direct threat to the victim and to the Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu at large and a challenge to the Nagas in general.” The SKK has appealed to the authority concerned to take necessary measures to ensure safety of the victim. It also urged the authority to take action against the accused at the earliest, failing which, “the union should not be held responsible for further action in delivering justice,” stated a press release issued by SKK speaker Bito Yeptho and president Holuvi Chophy. SOTK: Shena Old Tughalomi Kuqhakulu (SOTK) also slammed the “death threat” issued to
Jonah Achumi by Salekh Akhram “when he wrote about some issues to create awareness about the illegal immigrants becoming very powerful in every sphere of our land.” It also condemned the threat by Victoria on Facebook. SOTK in a press statement said that it has view the issue very seriously and will not remain a silent spectator. It has appealed to the authorities/ NGOs concerned to look into the matter seriously. ASU: Expressing anger at the “death threat” by Salehk Akhram to Jonah Achumi, Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has stated that “his threat is a direct challenge to the very existence of the Naga society which calls for reawakening us to wake up from the deep slumber of petty divisions and isms while our situational realities are exploited and taken advantage of.” A press statement issued by ASU president Zakie Khate asserted, “This act is only a tiny drop in the sea of many other eventualities that would emerge
MCD tells DMPF to settle ‘death threat’ issue Dimapur, July 31 (mExN): Condemning the alleged threat issued to Jonah Achumi by one Salekh Akhram, son of Abdul Motin, vice president of Dimapur Muslim Public Forum (DMPF), Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) today said that the council has informed DMPF to settle the matter. “Since Salekh Akhram along with his father is presently out of Dimapur, the Council informed the DMPF officials to immediately summon them and settle the matter for the larger interest of the community,” stated a press release issued by MCD working president A Rahman. “The MCD understands the sentimental feeling of Jonah Achumi, his family and his community people after the “death threat” issued by Salekh, which has definitely spoiled the image of the community and has also hurt the sentiments of the local people,” it added. The Council further appealed to the authorities concerned to investigate the matter while assuring to give its full cooperation. which are being mooted by the illegal immigrants especially the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.” ASU also lauded the concern shared by the Governor of Nagaland, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya with regard to the dangers of illegal migration from neigh-
boring countries that was published in the local dailies. “The understanding of our Governor about the ground reality is acknowledged with high regard and as such, we look forward that urgent measures would be initiated by the Governor,” ASU added.
phlet at family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries and other social events. Principal of BHSS, Keviseto Israel stated that sanitation and maintenance of personal hygiene are important social issues which need to be addressed to the mass, especially to the children as the future belongs to them. Meanwhile, District Soil Conservation Officer and Team Leader of NBWAC, K. Khekiho Shohe mentioned that the reason behind holding such program in school rather than in Panchayat hall was to spread the good news to all the colonies of Kohima town through the children. The programme concluded with the distribution of leaflets by the members of NBWAC, colony representatives and guests present to create awareness on sanitation.
Monkeys released in Mt. Puliebadze
Monkeys being released in the forest of Mt. Puliebadze on July 30 by Jotsoma Eco-Tourism Committee.
Kohima, July 31 (mExN): In continuation with the programme of conservation of wild animals/plants, Jotsoma EcoTourism Committee alongwith the village leaders and youth leaders of Jotsoma released some monkeys in the forest of Mt. Puliebadze on July 30, donated by Ro-
kosielie Nakhro. The committee has informed the public in general to join hands to fulfill the objectives of conservation of flora and fauna. It also conveyed gratitude to the forest department for constructing an incinerator at the Base Camp of Mt. Puliebadze.
Public SPace
Are we Lothas going to be the Naga-Adivasis?
A
divasis were the heterogeneous aboriginal population of India. From Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, to Assam. They were the original Land owners until the advent of British -feudalism system, under the Jagidari and the Zamindar system and the imposment of 'Permanent Settlement' by the British Empire during the 18th century. The Land belonging to the Advasis were encroached by the 'Few Superiors' where the few British-designated landowners became the legal landowner. Adivasis were supposed to be the Mital's, Ambani's, Tata's, Sesa Sterlite.. but even after a century they are just laborers in this huge companies, they dwell and survive toiling all their lives in the Tea gardens, Mines, factories they originally owned.. The economic deprivation, and the need to survive triggered Adivasi migrations throughout India with nothing to claim their own. Looking back at the history of our neighbors, our present scenario has an uncanny resemblance to that of the Adivasis. It is high time, we really need to introspect the mistakes, our leaders have made. Are we still indifferent to the fact that, the people whom we have elected to decide for us and for the greater interest of our people have cheated on us time and again? Shall we still act ignorant to the
pressing issues that is threatening the sole existence and legitimacy of our Tribe? Especially to my dear Lotha intellects, we have been lamenting and making a hue and cry against The Doyang hydro-project, The Global open university, The foothill issue, the downsizing of our constituency seat, The pathetic condition and connectivity of roads, Various village development funds etc.. We are economically and politically bypassed by the rest of the Nagas and we shall still refuse to wake up from our selfish slumber? Do we not have educated, intellectuals visionaries among the Lothas who can call a spade a spade? Why are we allowing ourselves to be used as a bait time and again by the Government? Why do the government calls on the Lothas only when compromisation is required? Are we a bunch of experimental tribe? Changpang and Tsorri are not the only Mineral zone of Nagaland, then why do the government choose to experiment its ambiguous, unstrategize, haywire fancies on our Land? Why is the government scared of bringing a reputed, experienced, financially independent company instead of the controversial MOGPL, which sources claims is not even SEBI listed company and not financially stable. The Government choose to compromise our land and
our future during this transitional period when Nagaland is wrecking under the pressure of being declared the first Financially bankrupt state in India. God forbid, if serious environmental hazards and technical complications occur, engendering the lives of the people of Lothas, which is more likely to happen if MOGPL carry out the exploitation, who is going to take the responsibilities? The MOGPL? The Government of Nagaland? The organisation/ individuals who supports the MOGPL? The thought triggering question we must ask is, who is going to be at the receiving end? We need to seriously tickle our thick brains, think and start to logically analyse the whole picture of where we have been, are, and will be in the near future. Our future will be determined by what we choose to do today, voice out or be oppressed. My thoughts have no political bearings, I am just a woman from a humble background but that won't deter me to express and speak for my people. A sword, a spade, and a thought should never be allowed to rust. Every right thinking patriotic Lothas must stand up against this irrational, dangerous whims and fancies of the Government and say NO to MOGPL.
The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.
Thungbeni Ovung. Research Scholar (PhD), Dept of Geology University of Delhi.