Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 149
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Ukraine shoots down Russian hypersonic missile using US Patriot INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
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SPORTS, PAGE 12
III Crowned King Of United Death toll in Manipur violence rise to 54 Charles Kingdom at Westminster Abbey
IMPHAL, MAY 6 (PTI/ IANS): The death toll in the ethnic violence which has engulfed Manipur increased to 54 including women, officials said even as unofficial sources placed the figure at several scores dead and more than 150 injured. Of the 54 officially declared dead, 16 bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital while 15 bodies were in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, officials said. The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Lamphel in Imphal West district reported 23 dead, the official said. “Over 100 people have been injured in these attacks. More than 500 houses, along with a large number of vehicles, shops and other properties were either burnt down or damaged in these attacks since May 3,” Manipur government’s newly-
Displaced people at a make-shift camp setup by security forces.
appointed security advisor Kuldiep Singh, a former CRPF chief, told the media in Imphal on Saturday. A Defence spokesperson told PTI that a total of 13,000 people were rescued and shifted to safe shelters, some in army camps as the army brought Churachandpur, Moreh, Kakching and Kangpokpi districts under its “firm control”. Life returned to a wary normalcy in Imphal Valley on Saturday as shops and markets reopened and cars
started plying on the roads. Security presence which has been bolstered by flying in more army troops and central police forces, was clearly visible at all major roads and areas. Roadblocks and cordons have been set up in areas where militant groups had engaged security forces on Friday. Large number of people including students were seen assembled at Imphal airport to try get a flight out of the troubled state.
Nearly 10,000 army, para-military and central police forces have been deployed in the state. Demand for PR gains traction: A public petition has been raised on Change. org demanding President’s rule in Manipur which has seen mobs going on a rampage in clashes between Kuki tribe and Meitei community. The petition has so far garnered more than 46,000 signatures of who appear to be local citizens and the count is increasing. The public petition started by Sarvodaya Sangam states, “we appeal to the President of India to ensure peace in the state. She belongs to the indigenous tribal community, and we expect her to empathize with the vulnerable communities of the state The public petition also appeals for peace on both warring communities and wishes to spread the mes-
sage of peace and to sit across the table and talk. According to reports, four people were shot dead in Churachandpur when security forces were carrying out evacuation of Meiteis in the area. Meanwhile, the Indian Revenue Service Association said a tax assistant identified as Letminthang Haokip had been killed in Imphal. “No cause or ideology can justify the killing of an innocent public servant on duty,” the association tweeted. Muan Hansingh (24), a researcher and resident of Churachandpur, told The Indian Express that unrest in the town began around 7 pm Friday. “Because of the deployment of security personnel, people are not moving out of their homes. Around 7 pm, we got information that Meitei people stranded in the town are going to be evacuated by security personnel.
LONDON, MAY 6 (AP): K i n g C h a r l e s I I I wa s crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey, in a coronation ceremony steeped in ancient ritual and brimming with bling at a time when the monarchy is striving to remain relevant in a fractured modern Britain. In displays of royal power straight out of the Middle Ages, Charles was presented with an orb, a sword and sceptre and had the solid gold, bejeweled St. Edward’s Crown placed atop his head as he sat upon the 700-year-old oak Coronation Chair. In front of world leaders, foreign royals, British aristocrats and stars, Charles declared: “I come not to be served but to serve.” Inside the medieval abbey, trumpets sounded and the congregation of more than 2,000 shouted “God save (Cont’d on p-8) the king!” It was the culmi-
Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, Saturday. (AP/PTI)
nation of a seven-decade journey for the king from heir to monarch. To the royal family and government, the occasion — code-named Operation Golden Orb — was a display of heritage, tradition and spectacle unmatched around the world. To the crowds gathered under rainy skies — thousands of whom had camped overnight — it
was a chance to be part of a historic occasion. And to a few, it was reason to protest. Hundreds who want to see Britain become a republic gathered to holler “Not my king.” They see the monarchy as an institution that stands for privilege and inequality, in a country of deepening poverty and fraying social ties. A handful were arrested.
22 buses to bring back stranded Nagas today Manipur violence: More organisations appeal for peace
Correspondents
KOHIMA, MAY 6 (NPN): Nagaland government on Saturday mor ning despatched 22 buses to evacuate Nagas stranded in violencehit Manipur. According to officials, the government initially sent 17 buses—NST and police buses, while three NST buses were already stationed in Imphal. The buses left at around 4 a.m. and reached Impal around 5.30 p.m. under the supervision of SDPO (North) Kohima, Sheta Lohe, officials said. Talking to reporters,
Buses despatched to Manipur to bring back stranded Nagas. (NP)
state deputy chief minister Y Patton informed that a total of 22 buses were deployed to bring back Nagas stranded in Manipur. In addition to the buses sent in the morning, five more were
despatched to Manipur, he added. Patton informed that two Nagaland police platoons-- IRBn and Mahila battalion personnel along with CRPF and Assam Rife-
D I M A P U R , M AY 6 (NPN): More organisations including Church bodies and civil society groups have expressed concern over the violence that was witnessed in different parts of Manipur and have appealed for peace and calm. ABCC: Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) expressed deep sadness at the violence in Manipur and the consequent sufferings faced by people in general and the Christian community in particular. In a statement, ABCC executive director Rev. Dr. (Cont’d on p-8) Rachülie Vihienuo strongly
ls were also sent to provide security. However, upon reaching Senapati, the buses were stranded for some time awaiting security clearance. Sources from Senapati informed Nagaland Post that there may have been some security issues. However, the matter was resolved as Assam Riles personnel were tasked to provide security. When contacted, commandant 1st Assam Rifles Col. Umesh Sati informed that the buses left Senapati with AR security personnel and reached Imphal by Saturday evening.
condemned the “mindless atrocities” meted out against innocent civilians, the merciless killings, vandalizing of properties, and burning of churches and institutions. Asserting violence begets violence, ABCC has, therefore, appealed to the people of Manipur to shun violence immediately and choose the path of mutual respect and peaceful negotiations so that peace and brotherhood could prevail. ABCC affirmed solidarity with the victims, their families, and Christian brothers and sisters. It prayed that God Almighty
protect the people of Manipur and heal all differences. KBAN: Kuki Baptist Association Nagaland (KBAN) expressed deepest sorrow over the “unfortunate violence” in Manipur, saying “such act of madness” would never justify whatever be the reason. In a statement, KBAN president Seilun Singson and executive secretary Rev. Dr. David Vaiphei condemned the inhuman killings, arson and desecration of churches. KBAN urged the authorities to leave no stone unturned to save the hapless victims who were living in
fear, and without daily basic needs. KBAN also called upon all its members to pray steadfastly so that normalcy returned and peace reigns at the earliest. KBAN hoped that law enforcing agencies would perform their duties with no fear and biasness so the trust and faith the public have upon them was restored. GNF: Global Naga Forum (GNF) expressed shock at the riots that have unfolded over the past days in Manipur and appealed for an end to violence on all fronts. (Cont’d on p-8)
NIPF appeals govt Patton meets victims of Manipur violence DMC revises and to set up ILP booths 600 persons were stranded refixes pork rates DIMAPUR, MAY 6 (NPN): Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIPF) has appealed to the state government to immediately open/ establish Inner Line Permit checking booths at various locations in Dimapur. Taking note of the rise in number of non-indigenous people in Nagaland, particularly in Dimapur area, the forum suggested opening ILP booths at-Shokhuvi Railway Station, Dellai Gate, New Fields, Burma Camp and Dimapur Airport. The forum also requested the government to open/ establish ILP booths in all the entry points in all district headquarters and sub-divisions, install CCTV in all the entry points in Nagaland and to conduct timely inspection in all the municipal wards, towns councils and villages.
This is it!
“I don’t know why garbage is still left unattended for weeks? Is it modern art object on display?” K Y M C
Patton interacting with family a member of an injured victim.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 6 (NPN): Nagaland deputy chief minister, Y Patton, visited the victims of Manipur violence, who were admitted at a private hospital in Kohima on Saturday and also extended financial aid. Altogether eight patients (three in ICU) with
severe injuries including bullet wounds are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Addressing the media after the visit, Patton said the patients were out of danger, adding that the hospital authorities were taking good care of the patients. Patton disclosed that the evacuation exercise would continue as over
as of now. He said state government was taking special care of not only the students but also the citizens of Nagaland who were stranded there. On the report of buses being stopped at Senapati, Patton said he had urged Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh to allow buses deployed for evacuation. He said Manipur CM had assured to protect Nagas settled in Manipur. Terming the Manipur incident as “very unfortunate”, the deputy chief minster wished speedy recovery to the injured and urged the Manipur government to settle the issue once and for all.
DIMAPUR, MAY 6 (NPN): Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has revised and refixed the rates of various cut meat with immediate effect. In an order, DMC administrator W Manpai Phom informed that Pork (Wholesale) has been fixed at Rs.200 per kg, Pork (Dressed) at Rs.300 per kg and offal (Head, hoof, Intestine) at Rs. 230 per kg. DMC stated that the prescribe rate was the maximum amount it has fixed and has to be followed strictly by the pork seller. It also directed butchers to provide quality and hygienic meat and to keep the stall hygienic as per the norms. Failing to comply with the directive, DMC cautioned of appropri(Cont’d on p-8) ate action.
‘Anomalous’ situation if women quota in ULB: govt to SC NEW DELHI, MAY 6 (AGENCIES): Providing reservation to women in urban local bodies would have led to an “anomalous” situation in the state depriving similar benefits to women in rural areas, said the Nagaland government. According to Hindustan Times report, this development comes in wake of a recent affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court which had sought an explanation from the state for going back on its promise to implement 33% women reservation in urban municipalities in the upcoming civic polls this month. Coming out with this
constitutional argument to justify its March 29 decision to repeal the Nagaland Municipal Act under which women reservation was promised, the state chief secretary in an affidavit filed last week said that Nagaland faced a “peculiar situation” as municipalities under the Constitution Part IXA apply to the state while the operation of Panchayats under Part IX stand specifically excluded by Article 243M. “This has created an anomalous situation in the state whereby women living in the urban areas can claim reservation whereas their counterparts in rural areas do not have such a benefit,”
Nagaland chief secretary (CS) said. He further explained, “This creates a peculiar situation whereby two women living within a distance of as little as 2 km, or even less, from each other are being put in an inequitable position.” The geographical makeup of the state is such that there is often no clear demarcation between village areas and municipal areas and villages often surround and merge with the municipal areas, informed the state. In view of such peculiar and unique circumstances prevailing in the state, the affidavit said, “The Government will have to consider
such disparity, also taking into consideration the fact that Article 371A (special provisions for Nagaland) of the Constitution applies to the entire State of Nagaland.” Article 371A states that any Central Act passed by Parliament in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, cannot apply to the state unless the Nagaland Assembly adopts it by passing a resolution. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C