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18 April 2023

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXIII No. 130

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Death toll soars past 180 as generals battle across Sudan INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

IPL 2023: CSK beat RCB by eight runs

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SPORTS, PAGE 12

SC contempt plea against Nagaland Adverse affect by Assam’s Pig transport ban on ULB polls; next hearing on May 1 Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APR 17 (PTI): The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Monday to clarify whether the constitutional scheme of one-third reservation for women in municipality and town council elections can be violated by Nagaland, where the assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act and resolved not to hold the elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs). Observing that an “ingenious method” of repealing the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was adopted to evade the undertaking given to the apex court about holding the elections, a bench of Justices S K Kaul and Aravind Kumar said it is an issue of women empowerment. The top court had on April 5 stayed the March 30 notification cancelling till further orders the election to the ULBs in Nagaland which were scheduled for May 16 after almost two decades. Following pressure from tribal organisations and civil society groups, the Nagaland assembly had passed a resolution to repeal the municipal act and resolved not to hold the elections. On March 30, the State Election Commission (SEC) had issued a notification cancelling the election programme notified earlier “till further orders” in view of the repeal of the Act. The apex court is hearing a petition seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in the elections to the local bodies in the state. During the hearing on

Monday, the bench asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj, who was appearing for the Centre, about the stand of the central government on this issue. “We would like him (ASG) to assist us and place the stand of the Union of India whether the constitutional scheme of one-third reservation for municipalities and town councils, in the opinion of the central government, can be violated by the process so adopted by the Nagaland Government,” the bench said. “We say so more in the context that in respect of the special provisions with respect of State of Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution Of India, nothing has so far emerged to advance a plea that religious or social practices of Nagas or Naga Customary Law and Procedure denies the right of equality to women insofar as the participatory process is concerned in such elections,” it said. The bench granted two weeks to the Centre to place its stand on record. “The ingenious method adopted to evade the undertaking given to this Court has been the repeal of the Nagaland Municipal Act,

2001 itself. There is hardly any hesitation on our part to note that what is sought to be done is in breach of the undertaking given to this court,” it said. During the hearing, the bench orally told the ASG, “We have nothing personal but we are telling you it cannot be done. You cannot let a part of the country evade the constitutional scheme.” At the outset, the counsel appearing for the state referred to the sequence of events and said several groups have called for a boycott of the elections and, in such a scenario, the purpose of holding the polls would be lost. “But we gave you a very, very long rope.... You seem to say this is not a men and women issue but to us it appears to be a men and women issue. For how long will this section of society (women) wait?” the bench asked. It said women empowerment comes by education and also political participation. “Every society had a period of time where there was male domination,” the bench observed, adding, “If sometimes, the political dispensation does not do anything, then it needs a

push from the judiciary”. When the state’s counsel raised apprehension about violence in the polls, the bench remarked, “For 18 years, you have not been able to do it (conduct elections to ULBs). For every elections, due to threat of violence, the elections should not happen?”. The state’s counsel said they want to have a consensus and find a solution to this issue expeditiously. “Eighteen years are not long enough for you? How can the court countenance a situation that despite the longest rope being given, every time it happens,” the apex court observed, adding, “You cannot keep everyone happy”. “Frankly, to my mind, it is an issue of women empowerment,” Justice Kaul observed. When the state’s counsel contended the government is not against reservation, the bench said, actually the state did not want quota for women and so it was repeatedly coming up with one issue or the other to stall the elections. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners, said the municipal act has been repealed. “What is the stand of the Union of India?” the bench asked. The ASG said the only reason a notice was issued to the Centre was for ensuring that adequate central forces are sent to the state for elections. The apex court had noted in its March 14 order that the SEC counsel had submitted the elections will be held on May 16.

DIMAPUR, APR 17 (NPN): With the temporary ban imposed on transportation of live pigs through Assam, pork sellers and consumers in Nagaland are beginning to experience acute shortage. Pork is the most consumed meat followed by beef, buffalo meat and poultry. In Naga-land, about 50% of Nagaland’s demand for pork is met through import of live pigs and which makes the state one of the major pig importing states in the North East India, as per administra-tive status Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Nagaland no doubt is among states having very high consumption of meat especially pork. And as per administrative report issued by animal husbandry and veterinary service depart-

ment sur-vey report of 2009 to 2010, Nagaland spent around Rs. 221.92 crore on import of meat. Interacting with Nagaland Post, on the temporary ban of pork, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Dimapur Dr Kelesekho Tsukru opined that the ban on transport of live pig by Assam should serve as a wake up call and also an eye opener for those dealing in pork meat business. He said young entrepreneurs need to take hold of the situation knowing that consumption and production of meat business has a tremendous potential. He said byproducts of pigs are also in demand as nothing goes to waste. All in all, he said the meat industry can help boost the state’s economy as it will also lead to less dependency on imports. In this regard, Dr.

Tsukru mentioned that the department cannot on its own take any major decision since the state government has to bring out a practical policy. He also mentioned that none of the suppliers or the unions have approached the department re-garding any assistance. Dr. Tsukru also cautioned that if the problem was not addressed soon, it will result in acute shortage and price escalation. This will also leave a negative impact on the butchers who earn their livelihood through the trade and raise their family, he added. 500 families adversely affected: District Livestock Veterinary Officer (DLVO) and Nagaland Veterinarian Association (NVA) president, Dr. KN Zubemo Humtsoe informed that as per the estimation of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary

Services around 500 families have been ad-versely affected by the recent ban on pig transport as they earn their livelihood through the trade to look after their dependents. When asked about the number of pigs slaughtered per day, Dr. Humtsoe said between Dimapur main town to Chumukedima, around 100-120 pigs are slaughtered. However, after the pig ban, the number has drastically come down to a maximum 20-30 pigs all of which are still being imported from Assam. Earlier, the live pigs were mainly brought from the other states and cities such as Punjab, Har-yana, UP, Bangalore, Hyderabad which pass through Assam to Nagaland. However due to the “Temporary ban” in Assam, the state is facing more acute shortage as the days pass.

Mega Smart City projects in Kohima Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 17 (NPN): With around 30%of the civil works of the Khuochiezie local ground project completed and 70% pending due to delay in manufacture of components, CEO of Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL)Er K Theünuo Monday said the KSCDL has requested the state government for further 9 months’ extension July 2023-March 2024. Theünuo also informed that the extension of time period as sought by KSCDL was yet to be confirmed during the videoconferencing with Mission Director and joint secretary Smart Cities Mission, Kunal Kumar. The project at Khuo(Cont’d on p-8) chiezie local ground and

Civil works in progress at the City centre project. (NP)

City Centre were not RCC structured but pre-engineered building and the orders for the components had been placed with some expected to arrive during April. However, there has been a delay of five months as the Ministry had released the money only in month of November 2022 while the state government was yet

to release the sanctioned money only in March this year. The CEO informed that the City Centre project includes a hotel, mini sports complex and multi-level parking which are scheduled to be completed by March 2024 while the battle tank project, is expected to be completed by SeptemberOctober 2023.

On the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), the CEO said though there been several trials it had failed to function and therefore, the equipment in areas such as TCP gate or PHQ junction have been removed. On the Integrated Traffic Control system, Theünuo informed that it has been functioning and that the contractor will manage it for five years. Regarding the inauguration of multi-level parkings which were already been functioning as during the G20 Business Summit 2023 held in Kohima, the CEO said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was planning to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inaugural ceremony.

Active Covid cases NSSB postpones viva-voce for CSRE 2022; NSF postpones stir indefinitely climb to 60,313 D I M A P U R , A P R 1 7 NSF indefinitely post- communicated to all con- marks. (CSRE), which it said “in- aspirants. AKM also extend- president Lirhonthung E

NEW DELHI, APR 17 (PTI): India has recorded 9,111 new coronavirus infections, while active cases have increased to 60,313, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll has increased to 5,31,141 with 27 deaths. While six deaths were reported from Gujarat, four were from Uttar Pradesh, three each from Delhi and Rajasthan, two from Maharashtra, one each from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. Covid case tally was recorded at 4.47 crore. The daily positivity was recorded at 8.40 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was pegged at 4.94%.

This is it!

“Political support does not come cheap. How long we’ll have to wait for political reward?” K Y M C

(NPN): In view of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) demand for reduction in the viva-voce component weightage on Combined Staff Recruitment Examination (CSRE) 2022, the state government, after due deliberations, has decided to postpone the personal interview for three days with effect from April 18, 2023 so as to amicably settle the matter. In a press release, secretary cum controller of exams Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) B Henok Buchem informed that next course of action would be notified accordingly.

pones proposed stir: Following the state government’s decision to postpone the personal interview, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has also indefinitely postponed the proposed democratic agitation. NSF had called for protest against the “inaction” of the state government on its demand for the reduction of the viva-voce component of the combined staff recruitment examination 2022 from the proposed 12.5% to 5% of the total marks. In a statement, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep informed that any further plan of actions would be

cerned in the coming days. Meanwhile, the federation has expressed gratitude to all the federating units and sub-ordinate bodies, aspirants and general public for their continued support towards its quest to uphold the aspirations of the youth and student community and for posterity. Various student bodies back NSF demand : Various student bodies have affirmed support towards NSF’s demand for reduction of marks for viva-voce component in the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) from the proposed 12.5 % to 5% of the total

ANSU: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) through its president Toito D Chishi and general secretary Tenyesinlo Bukh reiterated the union’s stand on the resolution adopted at the 4th presidential council meeting of NSF to extend its “fullest support” towards the federation for any democratic agitation if the state government failed to address the matter on utmost priority. ANCSU maintained that 12.5% marks allocation for a viva-voce personal interview would “only invite bias” in the Combined Staff Recruitment Examination

directly vanquished the very purpose of NSSB.” The union has, therefore, appealed to the responsible authority and state government “to apply a good sense of judgment impartially” that benefits the Naga society at large and “not bow down to shortsighted irrationality and unethical that overshadowed fair competition and transparency.” AKM: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) through its president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba affirmed that it stood with the decision of NSF in the interest of the

Proliferation of roadside and footpath vendors in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 17 (NPN): Though food carts have been withdrawn from occupying parking areas and setting up dining areas on public footpath, after a warning issued by Dimapur Police, some hawkers and vendors carried on business between Popular Bakery and Smart Bazar as witnessed on Monday. T h e h aw k e r s w h o flouted the order, claimed they had no knowledge about the order issued by Dimapur Police. It may be recalled that Dimapur Police had on April 14 , warned of puni-

ed full cooperation in the event of any kind of democratic agitation. AKM has, therefore, sought “sensible analysis” of the demand put forwarded by NSF. AKM also has requested all the aspirants who have qualified for the viva-voice to cooperate with the student bodies. LSU: Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has supported the resolution adopted at the 4th presidential council meeting of NSF to undertake democratic forms of agitation and also boycott the personal interview of combined staff recruitment examination 2022. In a press release, LSU

tive action against street hawkers/ vendors illegally occupying public footpath and roadside vehicle parking areas between Popular Bakery- Smart Bazar and around Clock Tower Junction. Meanwhile at another area of Dimapur,for years till October 2022, at the

roadside stretch between Nagarjan Traffic Island and Circuit House , hundreds of shoppers used to park their vehicles to shop for local items. Vehicles, autos and carts parked on the roadside caused daily traffic jam. Later after the tragedy on October 12,2022 hundreds of trees were felled and local

vendors were moved to the shopping stalls behind Naga Shopping Arcade. However during the past few months, some fruit and ice cream vendors set shop and brazenly carried on business. Nagaland Post in several reports and photos, highlighted fruit sellers oc-

cupying the same place and doing business. It was expected that through the reports, DAN and DMC would act. When confronted , some of the fruit sellers admitted to this newspaper that were allowed to set up businessafter payment of fees to both DAN and (Cont’d on p-8) DMC.

(Cont’d on p-8)

12 Hemophilia patients in Nagaland Staff Reporter

(L) Vendors selling vegetables (C & R) DAN officials inspecting roadside vendors and Naga Shopping Arcade on Monday. (NP)

Kithan and general secretary Chanpenthung stated that the union would not remain mute spectator and reminded the concerned authorities that it would not hesitate to stand and fight for the rights of the students. Further, the union extended full support and cooperation to the NSF in the event of any kind of democratic agitation or any course of action in a peaceful democratic manner. LSU has also appealed to all the aspirant candidates qualified for the viva-voce component to refrain from appearing for the interview.

DIMAPUR, APR 17 (NPN): Till date, Nagaland has registered 12 Hemophilia patients and more than 30 Thalasssemia patients, according to District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) consultant (Pediatrics) Dr.Wapang Imchen here Monday, during the celebration of “World Hemophilia Day”. On the occasion, the day was celebrate under the theme “Access for all: Prevention of bleeds as the global standard of care” organized by Hemophilia Society Nagaland Chapter (HSNC). Highlighting the

clinical scenario of Hemophilia (Nagaland),Dr. Imchen informed that out the 12 Hemophilia patients, one is of clothing factor IX levels (Factor IX is a zymogen enzyme of the blood coagulation cascade). Inherited absence or deficit of the IX causes bleeding disorder hemophilia B, which requires constant protein replacement therapy). The other clothing factor VIII level (Hemophilia A, also called factor VIII (8) deficiency or classic hemophilia), is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor VIII (FVIII), a clotting pro(Cont’d on p-8) tein. K Y M C


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