Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 134
DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Sudan’s top general says military committed to civilian rule INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
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Rio, Himanta agree on oil exploration
NEW DELHI, APR 21 (PTI): Assam and Nagaland chief ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma and Neiphiu Rio have agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states. Sarma and Rio reached an understanding during a meeting Thursday night, hours after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement to resolve their over fivedecade-old border dispute. Assam and Nagaland are exploring all options to bring an end to the decadesold border imbroglio in an amicable manner, an Assam government statement said. During their one-toone discussion here, the two chief ministers discussed issues of mutual interest and collaboration on oil exploration along the inter-state boundary, it said. Rio told reporters that Assam and
Nagaland to experience boundary dispute with the sturdy showers support and cooperation
Himanta Sarma and Neiphiu Rio at Assam house, Delhi. (Via Twitter)
Nagaland have in principle decided to go for an MoU on oil exploration in the disputed areas so that oil can be extracted and royalties can be shared between the neighbouring states. “Once it is formalised, there is huge potential for exploration of oil inside Nagaland also. And to move forward as the country needs oil in a big way,” he said. Sarma tweeted: “Hap-
py to have got an opportunity to spend time with chief minister of Nagaland @Neiphiu_Rio Ji at Assam House, New Delhi. We had an engaging discussion on bringing closure to the ongoing boundary issue and other areas of mutual gains and collaboration.” Rio said he had a fruitful discussion with his Assam counterpart on the outof-court settlement of the
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of ethnic groups from both sides. “We have discussed about our border and development issues. Because we have to work together, support one another and how to go forward,” he said. The boundary dispute between the two states is more than six decades old and has been marked by several skirmishes. In the last major clash, in 1985 at Merapani, in present-day Golaghat district, 41 people, including 28 Assam policemen, were killed. There have been several attempts by the Centre to resolve the issue. Rio said governments of Assam and Arunachal have signed an agreement on the border dispute and likewise “we are also discussing how we should settle our border dispute outside the court with the support of ethnic groups from both sides”. (Cont’d on p-8)
DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland is likely to experience sturdy showers in the next few days often accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning strikes with gusty wind reaching speed up to 30-40kmph. Joint director soil & water conservation (S&WC) & state nodal officer for meteorology Rongsenlemzung said that in the last five days, the State recorded an average maximum temperature of 28.4ºC while minimum temperature hovered at 17.5ºC and relative humidity at 60.6% and total rainfall of 33.8mm. Maximum temperature was marked above normal by 3-5ºC and minimum temperature was appreciably above normal by l.6-3.0ºC. Highest temperature of 37.0ºC was reported at Jalukie station and lowest minimum of 11.6ºC at Shamator station on April 17.
SPORTS, PAGE 12
APO proposes ‘temporary legislation’ of Municipal Act DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): The Angami Public Organisation (APO) has proposed a temporary legislation vis-à-vis the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001. This was contained in a letter to chief minister Neiphiu Rio from APO president Dr Vilhousa Angami. The APO has suggested that Section 23A of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 be substituted with another provision through an ordinance whereby 35% of the total seats in each municipal and town council be earmarked for women through nomination with voting rights and equal status. Dr. Vilhousa opined that the duration of the temporary legislation could be initially for a period of five years and, if necessary, could be extended by a resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The APO president opined that if with the temporary legislation as proposed, election to urban local bodies could be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner for overall growth and development of the State. He also maintained that the State government has the competence to bring minor alterations in the provisions of the Act without essential or major change in principle. He clarified that the objective of the proposal was not to repeal or abrogate any existing law, but to bypass the same, since the continuance of the provisions thereof were not expedient and could lead to law and order problem. Dr.Vilhousa said there would be nothing objectionable by introducing such a provision since such a provision had been held valid
by the court in a number of cases. He expressed apprehension that the issue of reservation of seats for women in the ULBs could become “very serious and sensitive in nature” and the imposition of municipal elections in its present form could cause large-scale violence. Further, the sentiments of different tribal bodies/ public could be aroused due to their apprehension that forcefully imposing women reservation on traditional and social system of the Nagas could result in break-up of and disintegration of the delicate social equilibrium of various ethnic tribes, he noted. Dr. Vilhousa also expressed apprehension that going ahead without some consensus would also hamper the ongoing peace process between the Centre and Naga groups. (Full text on p-6)
State health scenario expected to improve: Governor Khango, Akato led NSCNs to jointly work DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Announcing that Medical College at Kohima would be starting its academic session very soon, the governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, said the State’s health scenario was expected to improve “in a major way” as more doctors would be available with the state’s health set-up. According to a DIPR report, the government announced this at an interaction meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) and heads of departments (HoDs) of Phek district at Heritage Banquet Hall, DC’s residence on April 20, 2023.
La Ganesan addressing the CSOs and HoDs. (DIPR)
Governor mentioned that Phek district has achieved the two more successful community-based programmes in the state such as the Village Development Board—first initiated at Kutsapo village
in 1976 and implemented throughout Nagaland in 1980—and Communitisation of Public Institutions and Services, which was also launched from Phek and earned many accolades for the State. He said Nagaland was the recipient of the UN Public Service Excellence Award in 2008 for its communitisation programme. On Swacch Bharat Mission, which was launched in 2014 to declare India open defecation free, the governor expressed happiness and acknowledged that most towns and villages in Nagaland were found clean.
Governor urged upon all the citizens to make ‘swacch’ their goal and their lifestyle to keep all surroundings and environment clean. Acknowledging individuals, CSOs and the government agencies for the peaceful environment that the state was enjoying today, Ganesan called upon all to look back and feel proud of the achievements and at the same time introspect on the things still trying to achieve. Also, stressing on the need to be good model citizens for the state as well as for the country, governor asked the citizens to cooper-
ate and work hand in hand with government- both at the centre and in the state. In the education sector, he said Phek district literacy percentage of 88.30% was much higher than national average. However, governor also urged upon them to strive for excellence at the same time. He said that under the direct intervention of the central government, numerous road projects were ongoing in the state. Governor said Phek district had its fair share of road projects such as Pfutsero- Phek 2- Lane Highway, which has been completed.
DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): In a new development, the Khango Konyakled NSCN (K) and the NSCN group led by Akato Chophi on April 21 mutually entered into an agreement “to work together to achieve the various aims and objectives” and also joint hold talks with the Government of India. This was stated in a Memorandum of Understanding jointly singed by Khango faction led by chairman ‘lt. gen.’ Khango Konyak and general secretary Hokato Vusshe and Akto-led group led by chairman Akato Chophi and general (Cont’d on p-8) secretary Michael Yeptho.
Khango Konyak and Akato Chophi after signing the MoU.
Both sides also agreed in letter and spirit to pursue the political dialogue with the Centre under one platform, towards achieving a permanent solution to the vexed Naga political issue, in the interest of both the parties and the Nagas in
general. The two groups also agreed to have a “joint military defence” so that in the event of assault on any “member” or the “parties” by any domestic or foreign enemies, both would “corroborate to neutralize such threats.”
State logs one Rise in Covid cases: Centre asks states to Overloaded truck turns turtle in Kohima; causes traffic jam more Covid case Correspondent traffic resumed towards the DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland’s COVID-19 caseload neared the 36000-mark after one more positive case was reported from Dimapur, taking the total tally to 35,997. The State currently has five active cases– four in Dimapur and one in Wokha, all under home isolation. Meanwhile, the death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including five non-Covid deaths but with positivity). India recorded 11,692 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 28 more deaths from the virus in the last 24 hours, according to data by Union Health Ministry updated on Friday. The active cases have increased to 66,170. Of 28 fresh deaths, nine were reported from Kerala.
This is it!
“Due to pig ban,from now on, you’ll have to get used to eating one egg for lunch and dinner. No more complaints.” K Y M C
keep strict vigil, take pre-emptive action
NEW DELHI, APR 21 (PTI): Amid rising cases of Covid, the Centre on Friday asked eight states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to maintain a strict watch and take preemptive action in any area of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Underlining that Covid is still not over, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a letter to Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana and Delhi urged them to remain cautious against laxity at any
level saying that may nullify the gains made in pandemic management so far. India has been witnessing a consistent rise in Covid-19 cases since March, with 10,262 cases reported in the week ending April 20. A rise in positivity rate has also been noted across the country, with 5.5% positivity reported in the week ending April 19 against 4.7% positivity reported in the previous week, Bhushan said. “This is a cause of concern,” he stated. While the rates of hospitalization and deaths due to COVID-19 have remained
low, states or districts reporting higher number of cases may indicate a possible localized spread of infection thus necessitating a closer look at these states or districts (high daily cases and/or high-test positivity rates) and the need to institute requisite public health measures to control and contain such surges in the initial stages, he said. He also urged them to focus on maintaining adequate levels of testing (especially in emerging hotspots, ILI and SARI cases) in all the districts while maintaining the recommended share of RT-PCR and Antigen tests.
KOHIMA, APR 21 (NPN): Amidst the huge traffic faced daily by citizens of the State Capital, a goodsladen truck turned turtle on the main road leading to Kohima village, sending the whole traffic into haywire and completely blocking the road on Friday. The truck was transporting AAC blocks meant for construction at Nagaland Medical College, Phriebagie, Kohima, when its driver lost control and the vehicle fell onto its side, destroying four shops and one house located right below North Police Station.
The truck that turned turtle at main road leading to Kohima village. (NP)
The incident took place around 3 a.m. According to police, driver of the overloaded truck escaped with minor head injuries and no one else was injured.
Police said, after receiving information about the mishap, vehicles were diverted towards Nagabazaar to ease the traffic snarl. The truck was later towed and normal
evening. Speaking to media persons, a non-Naga, whose shop was destroyed in the mishap, said he and his family of five narrowly escaped unhurt. Unable to go anywhere, he mentioned that his family members had to squeeze in a small room for the day and search for other accommodation. Another non-Naga whose bookstore-cum-cosmetic shop was damaged in the mishap, claimed that he had lost a considerable amount of goods and had filed an FIR. Goods worth around a few lakhs of rupees have been reportedly damaged in the mishap.
Pig farming: Nagaland generating Rs 30 cr annually PBUD to close butcher shops Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland has about 60 registered piggeries generating Rs 30 crore approximately in revenue annually. This was stated by Nagaland Piggery Farmers’ Association (NPFA) president Rev. N Subong Aier. Asserting that livestock played a critical role in rural livelihood and economic development, he told Nagaland Post that pigs were reared by about 70% of the State’s population. He claimed that pig, in comparison with other livestock, had a great potential in ensuring faster eco-
nomic returns to farmers due certain inherent traits like high fecundity, betterfeed conversion efficiency, early maturity and short generation interval. Subong said pig farming also required small investment on buildings and equipment, and hence had immense potential to ensure nutritional and economic security to the society. He disclosed that, as per the NPFA assessment, the piggeries generated Rs 30 crore in revenue annually and that local breed was usually sold for functions and other big occasions. Asked about the reason for unavailability of
local breed pork in the market, he revealed that suppliers and local butchers did not buy from the local farmers as the price for the local breed was higher compared to imported pigs. “Butchers and suppliers do not buy from the local farmers because there is not much profit compared with that of imported pigs. But the quality of local breed is better,” Subong pointed out. He mentioned that the association had already tied up with North East Council (NEC) through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary to implement traditional piggeries cov-
ering 34 villagers, which would generate Rs 10 crore. Meanwhile, expressing concern over the 500 families who had been adversely affected by the recent ban on pig transport, Subong mentioned that this had both negative and positive impacts. He said more than a thousand local pig farmers had been benefitted as they were able to sell their local breed pig in the market, although the price was higher than the imported pork. Subong clarified that there had been no price escalation for local pork to date as it was still sold for Rs 280 a kilo. Explaining the reason
for the higher rate of local pork in the market, he pointed out that in comparison to imported pork, the local variety had less meat content. He admitted that local pork was expensive and attributed this to higher price of feeds as the State did not produce these, for which maize and other such feeds were mostly imported from outside. He mentioned that time and again the association had been conducting training and seminars for the general public and exhorted young entrepreneurs to focus on piggery that had huge potential for local economy.
in Dimapur from April 24
DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Pork Butcher Union Dimapur (PBUD) has informed that all the pork butcher shops in Dimapur would remain closed starting from April 24, 2023 till further notice. Informing this in a press release, Pork Butcher Union Dimapur president Shikato T Swu stated that decision to close the butcher shops was taken since Assam government has banned transportation of pigs through the state of Assam from March 13, 2023. The union stated that
at present pigs called “Assam local” was being sold at high rate by the wholesalers causing huge problem to the butchers to run their business and earn their daily wages. The butcher union has, therefore, “unanimously” decided at its executive meeting “to ban import of pigs from Assam i.e Assam Local until the supplies is imported in our state.” While expressing regret for inconvenience to public, the union requested all responsible citizens to extend cooperation. K Y M C