Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 113
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Criticism of Russia return to sport is deplorable: IOC SPORTS, PAGE 12
Philippine ferry fire kills 31 people; at least 7 missing
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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
Naga women object to repealing of NM Act, 2001 141 cases of crime against children
in Nagaland between 2019-21: NCRB
‘REPEAL A SERIOUS ISSUE SINCE NM ACT 2001 STILL SUB-JUDICE’ SEC notifies on 2019 2020 2021 State DIMAPUR, MAR 30 cancellation of CR CCS PAR PCV CR CCS PAR PCV CR CCS PAR PCV Nagaland (NPN): Close on the heels of 5 59 35 48 4 31 26 39 13 51 37 66 the passage of the Nagaland ULB elections Cases Registered (CR), Cases Charge-Sheeted (CCS), Persons (PAR) and Persons Convicted (PCV) under Municipal Act (Repeal Bill 2023) on the last day of the first session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on March 28 to repeal the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 in toto, several women leaders have objected to the decision to repeal the Act and took exception to the fact that it was done “without any civil dialogue or consultation with women.” This was among several resolutions adopted at an ‘open state level discussion on Municipal elections by women leaders’ organized by Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) in collaboration with department of English, Nagaland University on March 29 at the Ladies Hall, NU Kohima Campus, Meriema. The house resolved its support to the now-repealed
Members of the Naga Mothers’ Association with the participants at NU Kohima Campus, Meriema.
NM Act, 2001, including the First Amendment providing for 33% reservation in urban local bodies (ULBs). Further, after daylong deliberations, the meeting also took cognizance of the fact that two women legislators had remained silent during discussion on the issue in the Assembly session and abstained from objecting or dissenting to the passing of the resolution
repealing the Act. Earlier, NMA president Abeiu Meru welcomed the women leaders to the event and urged upon them to use the opportunity to deliberate on the ongoing debate over municipal elections. In her keynote address, Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü, former director of Women Studies Centre and professor of Department of English, Nagaland University, gave
a detailed account of the struggles of Naga women relating to the implementation of the Municipal Act, 2001 and its first amendment that provided for 33% reservation for women in ULBs. Speaking on feminism in Naga context, Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu argued for the need to identify struggles peculiar to the condition of indigenous Naga women. (Cont’d on p-8)
DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Following the resolution passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to unanimously repeal the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 in toto, the State Election Commission (SEC) has notified the cancellation of the May 16 elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). State Election Commissioner T Mhabemo Yanthan, through a notification dated March 30, informed that “election programme” for conduct of general election to 3 Municipal Councils and 36 Town Councils as notified by the SEC on March 9 stands “cancelled” till further orders.
crime against children during the years 2019-21. (Source: Crime India) Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (NPN): Nagaland has witnessed a significant rise in crime against children, some unreported, between 201921 where a total of 140 cases were registered and 22 persons convicted during the period. As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which compiles and publishes statistical data on crimes “Crime in India”, 59 cases were registered in 2019, chargesheets were filed in 35 cases, 48 persons were arrested and 31 were convicted. In 2020, out of the 31 cases that were registered, chargesheets were filed in
26, 39 persons were arrested and 13 persons convicted. In 2021, out of the 51 cases registered, chargesheets were filed in 37, 66 persons were arrested and five were convicted. According to Union Ministry of Home Affairs, ‘police’ and ‘public order’ are State subjects under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India. “The responsibility of maintaining law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens
including investigation and prosecution of crime against citizens including children rest with the respective State governments,” it stated. The State governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws. The ministry said it had been issuing advisories to States and Union Territories to effectively deal with crime against children. As per available information, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing a Centrally-sponsored scheme “Child Protection Services” (CPS) – formerly Integrated Child Protection Scheme – (Cont’d on p-8)
Pharmacies in 3 KSU serves 15-day ultimatum on govt CPO tells govt to hold wider consultation for NMA districts asked D I M A P U R , M A R 3 0 director school education ear to the issue risking the D I M A P U R , M A R 3 0 of the newly-formed coali- to the perpetuation of Naga and commitment shown to (NPN): Lauding the State tion government to repeal the people as a whole. the people by the governKonyak Students’ regarding Model College future of the students. to install CCTVs (NPN): While the people genu- ment led by chief minister Union (KSU) has served a Wakching and reconstrucThe union expressed government’s stand for re- controversial NM Act in the
DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Commissioner of police Dimapur has ordered all the medical/pharmacy shops in Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland districts, which were selling scheduled X or H drugs as per Rule. 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, to install CCTV cameras inside and outside their shops with immediate effect. In a press note, PRO Dimapur police informed that the order was being issued in view of “joint action plan” intervention adopted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for protection of child rights and combating substance abuse among children. Police set one month period for all medical/pharmacy shops owners to install CCTVs. PRO informed that CCTV footage can be randomly checked by District Drug Controller Authority/ Child Welfare Police Officer anytime. In case any medical/pharmacy shop owner failing to comply with the order, PRO said appropriate action would be taken against such person/owner.
No chopper service from April 4 to 6
DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Nagaland State Transport (NST) department has notified that state helicopter service would remain requisitioned on standby from April 4-6, 2023 in connection with upcoming G20 Business meet.
This is it!
“All we women want is that the power equation at home be reflected in politics.” K Y M C
15-day ultimatum on the state government to provide assurance that Model Science College Wakching would become functional and the new government high school (GHS) building at Wakching would be constructed. In an ultimatum submitted to the state chief minister through DC Mon, KSU president T Noklem Konyak and general secretary A Pangnan stated that the union on April 9, 2022 had submitted a representation to the minister higher education and principal
tion of GHS Wakching. KSU stated that Model College Wakching remained non-functional even after five years of its inauguration on February 3, 2019. It also stated that GHS building at Wakching, which was constructed in 1974, had been abandoned ever since without any renovation. KSU alleged that the “deliberate negligence” by the state government has resulted in the depletion of entire infrastructure. Despite repeated appeals, KSU said the state government turned a deaf
apprehension that any form of development in the district was “nothing more than a petty appeasement policy towards the deprived community.” KSU cautioned that failure to provide assurance within the stipulated period, the state government would be held solely responsible for any untoward incident that could arise. It may be mentioned that ENCSU last year had also urged the state government to make Wakching New Model College functional by academic session 2022.
peal of the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA), 2001, Chakhesang People’s Organisation (CPO) urged upon the government to hold wider consultation and heed and consider people’s voice while framing the new Act. CPO president Vezuhu Keyho and general secretary Chepetso Koza Chakhesang also assured that the Chakhesang tribe would always stand with fellow Nagas against all forms of exploitation and unfair appropriation of land and resources that belong to them. The signatories also appreciated the decision
just-concluded first Assembly session of 14th Assembly. CPO said the landmark decision would act as a precursor to restoring people’s trust in the government, despite divergent views on several other issues of public importance confronting the society today. They also mentioned that the burning desire of people of Nagaland is to live in peace without having to be forced to accept something that was utterly foreign and unacceptable to the people, such as certain parts of NMA which pose a clear and present threat
inely respected the authority of a government, CPO said they also strongly believed that any popular government should in turn respect their sentiments and desires whom it represented. They said the government was expected to reciprocate by protecting and safeguarding people from fringe elements that would harm the congenial socio-cultural atmosphere and legacy that was bequeathed to the people by the forefathers. In light of the government’s decision to repeal the Act, CPO also acknowledged the sincerity
Neiphiu Rio, and also power and parliamentary affairs minister KG Kenye who initiated the move to repeal the act. “We are equally thankful to all MLAs who walked the talk inside the Assembly and actively took part in taking the right step in shaping the history of our people, and for which posterity will not forget,” they stated. According to CPO, it was a win-win situation for the government, apex tribal bodies and pressure groups who had been vocal and consistently campaigned against the lacunas and flaws in NMA.
Sun emits powerful solar flare, causes blackouts: NASA India records 3,016 new Covid-19 WASHINGTON, MAR 30 (IANS): The Sun has emitted a strong solar flare severely affecting radio communications on Earth, according to NASA. The flare, classified as X1.2, is the seventh solar flare to hit Earth this year, and was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the Sun constantly. X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. The strong solar flare peaked at 10:33 p.m. ET (8:03 a.m. IST) on March 28, the observatory said. “A R3 (Strong) HF radio blackout event occurred due to a X1.2 flare from Region 3256 on March 28, at 10:33 p.m. EDT,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center said in a statement. The strong solar flare
Photo for representational purpose only. (iStock)
ionised the top layer of Earth’s atmosphere, affecting radio communications across southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand for about one hour, Space.com reported. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and
pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts. Meanwhile, a scientist at the University College London (UCL) has discovered a giant ‘hole’ on the surface of the Sun. Daniel Verscharen, Associate Professor of space and climate physics at UCL said the hole is 20 times larger than the Earth, and could result in a geomagnetic storm, reaching our planet at a speed of about 1.8 million miles per hour. It is likely to hit Earth by Friday, he was quoted as saying to Business Insider. Earlier this week, the Earth witnessed a geomagnetic storm of magnitude G4, the strongest in nearly six years, causing auroras all over the US, NOAA said. According to scientists, more such solar storms are expected because the Sun is gearing up to a peak of activity, which happens about every 11 years.
cases, highest in nearly 6 months
NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI/AGENCIES): India saw a single-day rise of 3,016 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest in nearly six months, while the active cases increased to 13,509, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Thursday. A total of 3,375 cases were recorded on October 2 last year. The countr y’s Covid-19 death toll has increased to 5,30,862 with 14 latest fatalities -- three reported by Maharashtra, two from Delhi and one reported by Himachal Pradesh in a span of 24
hours and eight reconciled by Kerala. According to the ministry data updated at 8am, the daily positivity was recorded at 2.73 per cent, while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.71 per cent. The infection tally stands at 4.47 crore (4,47,12,692). The active cases now comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.78 per cent, according to the health ministry website. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to
4,41,68,321, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry’s website, 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive. Several states plan to hold emergency meetings over the alarming rise in Covid cases this week. Delhi, where the infection count had dropped to 0 on January 16, recorded 300 cases in the last 24 hours. Delhi government today urged citizens not to panic.
14 killed in Indore temple Since the arrested per- tion of the accused persons. tragedy; Prez, PM condole
Zunheboto police continue ‘war on drugs’ operation DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): After obtaining nonbailable warrant of arrest and search from the court on March 27, the Zunheboto police carried out “a search and arrest operation” at Mahadev Pharma in Dimapur and arrested alleged accused identified as one Manoj Barman and the searched premises (Shop & Godown) in Dimapur were sealed to “preserve the evidence.” According to a DIPR report, the Zunheboto police had identified the premises as the source of the drugs after interrogation of the accused persons in relation with Aghunato police station C/No.06/23 u/s 22 (c)
NDPS Act & C/No.0/23 u/s 22 (c) NDPS Act. Further, during further course of investigation in connection with Akuluto PS C/NO. 03/23, the Special Operation Team (SOT) Zunheboto seized Suspected Brown Sugar 11.63 grams (approx), from the possession of Viloto Muru, resident of ‘B’ Khel colony Satakha town, who was arrested on march 23, 2023. As part of continued ‘war on drugs’ operation and based on intelligence input, Zunheboto police on March 23, conducted house raid at Inavi Colony, Aghunato town and seized 730 nos of suspected Spasmo
Proxyvon capsule, 17 nos of Cough Syrup. During the raid, police arrested three persons identified as Atoka Achumi (45), Atoba Kiho (38) and Nito Achumi (38) and registered three separate cases. The report stated that none of the arrested persons were found to have any license/permit to sell restricted medicines or any medical prescription for its usage. During investigation, it was revealed that SP capsule and codeine (cough syrup) bottles were sourced from a person in Dimapur, who apparently ran a pharmacy and sold restricted drugs.
sons were found to be carrying the prescribed drugs without any prescription by a doctor or a medical petitioner, the report said there was reason to believe that the scheduled prescription drugs were being sold illegally in contravention of provision of law including the NDPS Act. Therefore, the report said that non-bailable warrant of arrest and search warrant was obtained from the court and a search & arrest operation was carried out at Mahadev Pharma, which the Zunheboto police had identified as the source of the drugs after interroga-
According to the report, further investigation was being pursued to unveil the nexus in the case of drugs smuggling and obtaining further information about the origin and stocks of the scheduled drugs. Nagaland police have advised the public not to sell purchase or transport or use restricted/ prescription drugs without advice from medical practitioner. The Pharamacists and chemists have also been warned and advised that prescription drugs should not be sold without medical advice as the same was a contravention of (Cont’d on p-8)
B H O PA L , M A R 3 0 (IANS): In a tragic accident on Ram Navami, at least 14 people were killed and several others injured after they fell into a deep stepwell, containing water, at a prominent temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on Thursday while offering prayers, officials said. President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders expressed grief at the tragic incident. The incident occurred at the Baleshwar Mahadev temple. As per the police, the cover over an old stepwell, around 50 to 60 feet deep,
on which devotees were standing to offering their prayers, caved in, due to which around 30 people fell into it. Panic spread as people started crying after seeing their beloved gasping for life in the deep well. District administration and the police swung into action soon and NDRF teams were also called for the rescue operation. District Collector Illaiaraja T. also reached to monitor the rescue operation and other departments like health and fire were also alerted. Illaiaraja T. said that the rescue operation was still underway. (Read more on p-7) K Y M C