Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 147
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy convinced Putin will face court justice INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
KKR in the hunt as SRH’s fortunes dip
FOLLOW US ON nagalandpostofficial
@Nagaland_Post
SPORTS, PAGE 12
As Manipur burns, Centre takes over security of State
Govt issues ‘shootat-sight’ order for ‘extreme cases’ 55 columns of AR, army deployed; RAF airlifted
IMPHAL, MAY 4 (AGENCIES): After violence and arson engulfed several districts of Manipur for days, indicating a clear failure on the part of the Biren Singhled government to take preventive measures, the Centre on Thursday promulgated Article 355 in Manipur to take charge of the security. The order signed by the Governor of Manipur empowered the state’s magistrates to issue “shootat-sight orders in extreme cases whereby all forms of
(L-R) Flames rise from structures, security forces conduct flag march in Imphal and a camp set up by Army and Assam Rifles for the people who have been evacuated.
persuasion, warning, reasonable force, etc. had been exhausted”. The State government also issued ‘shoot at sight’ order in “extreme cases” to contain spiralling violence in Manipur between tribals and the majority Meitei community which has displaced over 9,000 people from their villages. Around 80 people were injured in the violence following Wednesday’s rally. According to Impact TV report, at least 12 deaths
were reported in the aftermath of the violence in the valley. The bodies of the 12 were kept at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal (RIMS) morgue, the report said. Some of the injured were being treated at a private nursing home in Kohima sources said. Internet services were suspended for five days since Tuesday so as to prevent rumour mongering in social media. Video clips that went viral on social media
showed mobs rampaging and indulging in arson and violence. Violence was started on April 28 when groups of people called for a 12-hour bandh in Churachandpur on the eve of the visit of chief minster Biren Singh over the issue of land survey. The situation worsened from May 4 during the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ where tribals from ten districts gathered to protest the inclusion of ST status for the
majority Meitei community. According to reports, Centre on Thursday appointed retired IPS officer and former CRPF chief Kuldiep Singh as security advisor to chief minister. Kuldiep, who also headed the National Investigation Agency (NIA), in an additional capacity, as its director general, has reached Imphal. The government also appointed Ashutosh Sinha, ADGP (Intelligence), as the overall operational
commander to control the situation and bring normalcy in the state. Underlining the gravity of the violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh and took stock of the situation in the state. Situation tense: Meanwhile, the Imphal-Churachandpur road was secured by police and security personnel. From Churachandpur to Imphal, the torching
of churches and casualties bear mute testimony to the rupture of ethnic ties between tribal Kukis and the non-tribal Meitei majority. According to reports Vungzagin Valte, MLA of Thanlon constituency under Pherzawl district was attacked by a mob while returning to his official residence after meeting the chief minister on Thursday afternoon. Valte and his driver were attacked and critically injured. Both were rushed to
RIMS, Imphal. In Imphal, the streets wore a deserted look Thursday with only essential services running. ST demand sparks violence: Earlier, clashes broke out on Wednesday and intensified overnight with counter-attacks being mounted by rival communities in retaliation to earlier attacks, after the tribal groups organised a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ to protest moves to accord scheduled tribe status to the Meitei community. Tribals in Manipur object to demand by Meiteis for ST status over the plea of ‘protecting the lands’ from immigrants. Giving ST status would place them more at a disadvantage as ST quotas were filled up by candidates from majority community in the absence of qualified ST candidates. The other issue is land survey that has led to demolition of homes belong to a tribal community. (Cont’d on p-8)
State help line to Manipur violence: Organisations appeal for peace SC disposes of plea concerning movement evacuate people D I M A P U R , M AY 4 human right and it was that it stood in solidarity (UCFNEI) and the North Various organisa- unacceptable for anyone to with the Meetei and Kuki East India Christian Council of people belonging to Mao tribe on NH-2 stranded in Manipur (NPN): tions, including church bod- be subjected to violence and communities, while calling (NEICC) have expressed
D I M A P U R , M AY 4 (NPN): State home department on Thursday said it was maintaining a close watch on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur and the safety and security of people from Nagaland presently in Manipur and Imphal city. The home department said information was also being obtained for making arrangements for those from Nagaland requiring evacuation. In this regard, the department activated helpline numbers at PHQ Nagaland and NSDMA. A n yo n e r e q u i r i n g any assistance could contact: State Police Control Room, Kohima—Landline (0370 2242511); Fax (0370 2242512); Mobile/ Whatsapp (08794833041) and Email (spcrkohima@ gmail.com); NSDMA (0370 2381122 and 0370 2291123). The department has requested all to maintain calm and not believe in rumours.
GPRN/NSCN clarifies on alliance with ZUF
D I M A P U R , M AY 4 (NPN): GPRN/NSCN has clarified that it had never signed any merger agreement with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) led by chairman S Kamson but only decided on an alliance to protect and safeguard common Naga political and historical rights and identity, and declared that it would remain so.
ies have expressed deep concern over the violence in Manipur and appealed to the people to maintain peace and tranquillity. CFD: Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) has strongly condemned the violence, killing and atrocities on the people in Manipur. The forum said it was extremely distressing to see innocent people being targeted and persecuted on the basis of their religious and ethnic identity. It pointed out that the right to practice one’s religion was a fundamental
discrimination because of his or her faith. CFD expressed sorrow that without any provocation many churches had been burnt and partially damaged, and that the sacred objects were desecrated. It urged the Centre and the Government of Manipur to contain the violence immediately. The forum said it expected a decisive action to put an end to this senseless violence and ensure that those responsible were held accountable for their actions. The forum declared
on all people of conscience to join it in condemning these heinous acts. It emphasised that only through dialogue, unity and solidarity, such hatred and intolerance could be overcome. “We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential for building a peaceful and just society, and we are committed to supporting efforts to promote these values,” stated a press release issued by CFD chairman Rev Moses Murry and secretary Fr CP Anto. United Christian Forum of North East India
NEW DELHI, MAY 4 (PTI): Supreme Court on Thursday disposed of a plea seeking directions to the Centre and the states of Nagaland and Manipur to take appropriate steps to safeguard the freedom of movement of people belonging to the Mao tribe along National Highway-2, after it was informed that the problem has been resolved. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that the Home Ministry (MHA) had interacted with the state government (Cont’d on p-7) and now their movement
concern over acts of unrest in Manipur, which have encompassed large-scale violence, arson, demolition of property and desecration of religious places. “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the situation,” UCFNEI said in a statement. As a Christian organization, the forum said they believe in the value of human life and the importance of respecting the dignity of every individual.
“Why is he promising about the same things we said for over a decade?” K Y M C
sary to keep the proceedings pending any further,” the apex court said. While disposing of the plea, it granted liberty to the petitioner or any other aggrieved person to approach the chief secretary of Nagaland or, as the case may be, MHA (NE division) so that appropriate steps can be taken to resolve any recurrent issue. The court was hearing a plea which had sought directions to the MHA and the states of Nagaland and Manipur to take steps to protect and safeguard freedom of movement of people from the Mao tribe.
Govt sets up panel to restructure police force: Patton Pork back on sale from May 8, but at higher rate Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 4 (NPN): State deputy chief minister, a minister in-charge of home, Y Patton on Thursday informed that the State government has set up a High-Level Committee (HLC) to look into restructuring, reorganization, recruitment and training of the state police and make it more efficient on functional and operational lines. Informing this at a press conference here at PHQ conference hall, Patton said that the HLC will be headed by the Director General of Police (DGP). While pointing out that the
Y. Patton with DGP and other senior officers addressing the media.
state police have grown in numbers and stressed on the need to restructure and make it more efficient. With Nagaland Police being predominantly armed police centric, which had been a requirement in the past, Patton, however, said that with change in times
there was a need to re-orient and re-focus on investigation and related functions like forensic and prosecution. He also stressed that there was a pressing need to rectify on some situations so that faith and trust of the society would be enhanced. He maintained that
modern policing was more about establishing the supremacy of the law through investigation and law enforcement rather than by brute force. Patton stated that the criminals should know that they would be brought to book and for that, the Nagaland Police needed to be ready and prepared. 200 BGs withdrawn: On withdrawal of police personnel attached as bodyguards and static guards, Patton informed that around 200 personnel have been withdrawn so far. Though it was an ongoing exercise, he said that the department will also rationalize static guards on duty. (Cont’d on p-8)
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (NPN): Pork Butchers Union Dimapur (PBUD) has informed that the union has decided to open all the pork butcher shops and allow sell of pork starting May 8 at higher rate since the state government had failed to address their issues. PBUD closed down pork butcher shops in Dimapur from April 24 in protest against Assam government’s ban on transportation of pigs through the state of Assam from March 13, 2023. Addressing a press conference at its office here on Thursday, PBUD president Shikato Swu, lamented that
PBUD president Shikato Swu with members briefing the media. (NP)
there had been no response from the state government despite submitting several appeals and memorandums. Swu stated that the union held a meeting on May 4 and decided to serve ultimatum on state government to come up with a solution till May 6, failing which the union would have
no option but to start selling pork meat at higher rates from May 8. On the decision of the union to lift the ban, PBUD president stated that its members were facing numerous problems since selling of pork meat was their only source of income. (Cont’d on p-8)
NFSA urges state govt to recruit more staff for forensic lab DCCI flays May 3 incident
(Cont’d on p-8) D I M A P U R , M AY 4 Rules in between 2018-2019. said posts in the recently re- NFSA said that recently Justice Delivery System, the
This is it!
was not hindered. He told the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, about the instructions received from the director (NE division) MHA. “Counsel for the petitioner submitted that though as a result of the intervention by this court at this stage the issue has been presently resolved, it was festering for over a decade as a consequence of which... movement of persons belonging to the tribe in question was being thwarted,” the bench said. “Since at this stage the problem seems to have resolved, it is not neces-
(NPN): Nagaland Forensic Science Association (NFSA) has appealed to the state government to recruit more staff for the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Nagaland. In a press note, the association asserted that urgent attention and development was required in the field of forensics, saying it was a matter of priority today to tackle increasing crime rates. NFSA stated that a proposal for creation of nine Scientific posts for FSL was published in local dailies on September 27, 2018 and accordingly the department submitted the Draft Service
However, NFSA laminated that even after more than five years, there was still no advertisement released for those said posts. It stated that FSL Nagaland was set up in 1982 with only Fingerprint and Photography Divisions at Razaphe Village, Dimapur, which was later shifted to the new three storey building at Kachari Goan, Dimapur in September 2018 with additional five new departments created. However, NFSA said so far there had been no recruitments. The association expressed dismay that there was no advertisement of the
leased NPSC-CTSE vacancies affecting the eligibility age of the aspirants. Therefore, the association has urged the state government and responsible authorities to take up the issue at the earliest. Citing the recent development in the field of forensic science in neighbouring states like Manipur and Mizoram, the NFSA stated that their forensic science laboratory had a total of 15 Scientific/Technical staff. It said that Tripura has 26 technical staffs, six scientific officers, six scientific assistants in three District Mobile Forensic. Besides,
Sikkim and Tripura Forensic Science Laboratory recruitment of scientific officer was announced through respective state public service commission. NFSA also reminded the state government that Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 8, 2022, during a meeting with chief ministers, chief secretaries and DGPs of all North Eastern States, said that every state should have one fully functional FSL and that the Government of India was ready to give financial assistant of 50% towards that endeavour.Stating that forensic was one of the three legs of
association has, therefore, urged the state government and Centre to process more recruitments of technical staff to make the FSL fully functional so that the state could effectively take up and examine all the present and future crime cases within the state. Meanwhile, NFSA has lauded home minister Y Patton and DGP Nagaland Rupin Sharma, under whose initiatives three Mobile Forensic Vans were flagged off on May 1, 2023, which it said was a crucial and much needed preliminary step for proper scientific investigation of crimes.
at wholesale fish market
DIMAPUR, MAY 4 (NPN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has vehemently condemned the May 3 incident that occurred at wholesale fish market, Signal Bosti, where some unidentified miscreants allegedly poured chemical-like liquid in 34 fish containers thus contaminating the fish. DCCI president Akashe Zhimomi said the video clip of the incident indicated that it was the “handiwork of some factions” as taxation was involved. “Had the heinous act gone unnoticed, one can only imagine the health damage done to innocent consumers and
subsequent public uproar,” DCCI president stated. Expressing shock at this turn of events, DCCI said never in the history of Naga political struggle, had any faction ever resorted to “such abhorrent and outrageous tactics at the cost of public health and lives”. Stating that the act deserved to be condemned by all, DCCI appealed to Commissioner of Police Dimapur and the competent authority to take up the matter with “outmost seriousness” and bring those perpetrators to book at the earliest “before things spiral out of hand.”
(Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C