Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 151
DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
IPL: KKR beat PBKS by 5 wkts in last ball thriller SPORTS, PAGE 12
Coronation celebrations conclude with ‘Big Help Out’ volunteering drive
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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
batch of evacuees Protect, stabilise, evacuate: SC 60 dead, 231 injured, 1,700 Second to arrive Nagaland today to Centre, Manipur on violence houses burnt: Manipur CM Correspondent
SAYS HIGH-LEVEL INQUIRY TO FIX RESPONSIBILITY FOR VIOLENCE Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAY 8: After Manipur was plunged into nearly four days of anarchy, arson and ethnic killings, the state’s BJP chief minister N Biren Singh on May 9, announced a high-level enquiry to be conducted at the earliest in order to fix responsibility on those who instigated violence including government servants who abdicated responsibility. Biren said this while addressing the media at CM’s secretariat Monday evening where he also appealed to public not to believe or spread baseless rumours. He also said the state machinery including all ministers, MLAs and authorities were “working round the clock to resolve the crisis”. He
N Biren Singh (NP)
also informed that around 60 innocent people have lost their lives, 231 people suffered injuries and around 1700 houses burnt down in incidents since May 3. Singh said the government has approved providing ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each for the dead in the violent. He also announced Rs 2 lakhs for the grievously injured, Rs 25,000 for the nongrievous injuries and upto Rs
2 lakhs as relief for families whose houses have been burnt down, after proper assessment by the authorities. He said till date, 35,655 persons have been moved to safe locations. He also informed that around 20,000 people who had been sheltering in camps, have moved to their houses and villages. He said all who were stranded at different locations are being provided best possible care and support in safe locations and shelter camps. Biren also expressed appreciation of Central leaders including Union home minister Amit Shah for immediately responding to the situation by despatching security forces and appointing security advisor among others to contain the violence. (Cont’d on p-8)
KOHIMA, MAY 8 (NPN): The State government assisted by Assam Rifles will be evacuating the second batch of stranded Nagas from violence-hit Manipur. According to official sources, the evacuation process codenamed-- “Operation Kohima Calling” will bring back around 650 people who were still stranded in Manipur. On Sunday, the team brough back 676 civilians including women and children in 22 buses. Deputy chief minister Y. Patton on Sunday informed that another batch of 650 people were to be evacuated by Monday. Sources informed Nagaland post that over 20 vehicles including 15 NST buses, small vehicles and security escorts provided by Assam Rifles and Nagaland police left for Imphal on Monday morning.
The evacuees including students and families are expected to arrive Kohima on May 9, sources added. The team is headed by commandant 1st Assam Rifles Col Umesh Sati. Meanwhile, Assam Rifles personnel on Monday brought 19 Nagas who were stranded at Moirang under Bishnupur district. One of the evacuees, Bro. Peter Hesuh from St Xavier School informed Nagaland Post that they had contacted the AR personnel and requested them to evacuate as they were residing in a highly sensitive area and unable to move out. The AR team reached St Xavier school and evacuated 26 of them and reached Jakhama on Monday afternoon, he said. Hesuh lamented that they had tried calling the state government helpline but nothing much could be done.
KIN flays atrocities against Kukis in Manipur DBPF appeals for peace in Manipur D I M A P U R , M AY 8 (NPN): Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) has expressed extreme pain at the atrocities committed upon Kuki people in Manipur and appealed to every civilized person to condemn such brutality in the strongest terms. In a press note, KIN president L Singsit and secretary media cell Lallenmang Singson stated that vandalism, kidnapping, torture, killings, burning down of villages, destroying and burning of Churches in the capital city Imphal, uprooting of thousands of citizens from their homes and herding them like animals were “too painful and ugly for human
beings to commit on other human beings.” KIN stated that desecration of churches and burning and razing them to the ground was totally against the Constitution of India and unacceptable by any civilized society. “We find it very shocking and painful beyond words.” KIN stated, adding that “this is not the way to settle differences in the civilized world however justified one may feel.” KIN stated that majority populace, Meiteis and the tribals had been living together in peace and harmony, as neighbours and one citizen since time immemorial and would continue to stay and
Manipur violence:
16-Point Agreement not mundane MoU: Jamir Nagaland logs 4
Army rejects rumours; flags fake video DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (NPN): Security forces have denied allegation of taking sides in their bid to control the current situation in Manipur. Reacting to fake video being circulated in social media and reportedly showing Assam Rifles helping armed persons of one community, defence PRO said that the video had been prepared not only to disturb peace and harmony, but also to malign the reputation of the force whose impartiality and fair conduct was beyond reproach. PRO said Assam Rifles strongly condemned the baseless allegations by anti-national elements for releasing the fake video. (Cont’d on p-8)
This is it!
“Even after pork ban has been lifted in Dimapur, customers from Dimpur still buy from us.” K Y M C
D I M A P U R , M AY 8 (NPN): Sole sur viving signatory to the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 between the government of India and Naga People’s Convention (NPC), veteran Naga leader and founding father of Nagaland, Dr SC Jamir made it clear that Article 371A clause 7 was incorporated in the 16Point Agreement of 1960 in recognising the unique political history of Nagaland. He pointed out that, while signing the 16 Point Agreement , there was no controversy whatsoever over Clause 7 of the agreement, as all points, including land and re-
live together in the future too. Therefore, KIN said targeting and victimizing a particular group of people would not solve anything. It further appealed to all rightthinking people to abandon violence and sit down together to sort out whatever differences there may be. It also appealed to the authorities to bring the situation to normalcy as early as possible and ensure that no more precious lives were lost in the state. Further, KIN appeal to hardliners of both groups to shun violence and “stop this ugly mayhem quickly” so that no undesirable situation occurred outside Manipur.
sources, were thoroughly discussed and deliberated by members of both the parties(government of India and NPC). He said the phrase “all resources” includes all minerals and mineral resources including petroleum and its bye-products” as per clause 7 of Article 371A was also clearly interpreted by noted constitutional expert Durga Das . He said even from the first day when the 16 Point Agreement was signed in 1960 , the phrase, “ land and its resources” had one meaning only and that was , “ it covers all minerals and mineral resources, in-
D I M A P U R , M AY 8 (NPN): Dimapur Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (DBPF) has expressed deep grief and displeasure over the loss of innocent human lives and properties, demolishing and burning of churches and rendering many homeless in Manipur. In a statement, the DBPF stated that “this gory incident” displays how much the world has retreated to primitive age despite ushering into a 5G era. Stating that the recent event had turned out to be so inhumane, DBPF said that the love that “binds us all in a relationship was inevident” as such hatred and anger reigned supreme. “We have
cluding petroleum and its bye-products.” Dr Jamir reiterated that exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas, and in the context of Art. 371A, the situation is different( to views that since the state assembly cannot enact law on Clause 7 of Article 371A, the latter is rendered redundant). He said Parliament has promulgated certain laws relating to mines and minerals, petroleum and related products and other such matters by virtue of the provisions of List-I of Schedule-VII to the Constitution of India. (Full text on page 6)
forgotten that every human on this earth is a Child of God!” DBPF stated. DBPF expressed sympathy with the families that have lost their dear ones and everyone affected with untold miseries. DBPF also appealed to the responsible authorities to promptly respond to the situation and remain unbiased and prepared to restore peace and harmony. Further, DBPF appealed media/content creators and end users to be cautious to prevent the issue from escalating. DBPF prayed that the people accept one another as one family on this earth beyond humanmade differences.
KOHIMA, MAY 8 (NPN): Nagaland joined the rest of the world in observing the World Red Cross Day on the theme, “Everything we do comes #fromtheheart” at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, here on Monday. Addressing the gathering, governor La Ganesan, who is also the president of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland state branch, reminded the gathering that the day was celebrated with jubilation and cheers in remembrance of the founder and philanthropist Jean Henry Dunant. He out that this year’s theme embod-
Governor with students during the celebration at Raj Bhavan. (NP)
ied the spirit of the Red Cross, which was built on the seven principles including Impartiality, Neutrality, Humanity, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and University. Gover nor said Red Cross had been at the fore-
front of humanitarian service for more than 160 years and had been providing assistance to victims of wars, natural disasters and other emergencies and had also helped in building more resilient and sustainable communities. Having impacted the
CJI DY Chandrachud
for an Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the violence in the state. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Manipur government, said that helicopters and drones are being used to monitor the situation and relief camps set up to house people and provide food. He also urged the Supreme Court to hear the issue of reservation at a later time. Supreme Court noted Mehta’s statements that to restore the normalcy in the state, 52 companies for the CAPF and 114 of the army have been deployed, flag marches are being conducted, a former senior police officer have been appointed as the security advisor and another senior officer has been made the chief secretary of Manipur. No violence has been reported over the last two days and the situation is returning to normalcy, he said. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for tribal outfit, told the Supreme Court that there may
be attacks on the tribals. The court noted that the Solicitor General has assured that concerns flagged by the petitioners will be addressed and remedial measures will be taken on a proactive basis. “The court wants stabilisation of the situation,” the CJI said. The Supreme Court asked the Centre and the Manipur government to file a status report within the next ten days and posted the matter for hearing on May 17.
A HC does not have power to direct changes in ST list: CJI
As Manipur and Central governments claimed the State is returning to normalcy, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday wondered aloud why a 23-year-old Constitution Bench judgment which clearly held that no court or State has power to “add, subtract or modify” with the Scheduled Tribes List was not “shown” to the Manipur High Court in the first place, reports The Hindu. Chief Justice Chandrachud orally said a High Court does not have the power to direct changes in the Scheduled Tribes List. “It is a Presidential power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe,” the Chief Justice observed. (Cont’d on p-8)
HC order to grant ST status will be discussed: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Manipur High Court’s order to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the majority Meitei community in Manipur will be discussed with all stakeholders, and there was no need for anyone to be scared. “The court has passed an order. This will be discussed with all concerned stakeholders and the Manipur Government will take an appropriate decision after consultations. There is no need for any person or group to be scared,” Shah said in an interview to India Today TV. The State government has not challenged the order in the court yet.
Proposed meet on oil Panel proposes fresh Covid cases ‘futile exercise’: UNTABA ban on diesel vehicles by 2027
D I M A P U R , M AY 8 (NPN): Nagaland on Monday recorded four fresh Covid-19 positive cases pushing the total caseload to 36007. According to the Health bulletin, all four cases were reported from Kohima. With two more recoveries, the state currently has four active cases. The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). India on Monday recorded 1,839 fresh cases, while the death toll climbed to 5,31,692 with 11 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.
Nagaland celebrates World Red Cross Day Correspondent
NEW DELHI, MAY 8 (AGENCIES): Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure all remedial steps are taken in violence-hit Manipur and stressed the need to arrange for food and medicines at relief camps housing the displaced people and protect places of worship in the state. “All remedial steps will be taken care of by the solicitor general. We emphasize the need for arrangements to be made in relief camps - foods and medicine, necessary precaution for the rehabilitation of displaced people, and protecting places of worship. Authorities will make necessary arrangements for the medical needs at the Army hospital or any other hospital,” the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, said. “We are not going into this forum as asked by the Solicitor General. This is a public forum like others. We have made our concerns clear - protection, stabilisation and evacuation. This is a humanitarian issue and we have no reason to doubt that the Solicitor General is not doing anything,” he said. The court was hearing a bunch of pleas on the Manipur situation, including one filed by a BJP MLA, challenging the high court order on Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community and a public interest litigation by a tribal outfit
lives of millions of people globally, he said the works of the Red Cross continue to play a critical role in addressing some of the most pressing globe challenges of the present times. Ganesan said the movement recognised the uninhibited voluntary service of the youth and Red Cross members. “We must remember that everything we do, from our personal interactions with others to our work in our communities and beyond, comes from the heart. It is through acts of kindness and generosity that we can make a positive difference in the world,” governor as(Cont’d on p-8) serted.
DIMAPUR, MAY 8 (NPN): United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas has described as “a futile exercise” the proposed consultative meeting called by the state government to deliberate on matters pertaining to oil & gas exploration and production, saying “nothing productive step can be expected to come out in this meet. UNTABA chairman Hukavi T Yeputhomi and general secretary Imsumongba Pongen said that until and unless the boundary issue between Assam and Nagaland was settled once and for all, no exploration
and drilling for petroleum resources can be undertaken. Besides, UNTABA said the boundary issue was sub judice since the Civil Suit No.2 of 1988 filed by Assam government in the Supreme Court was still pending for more than 35 years now. As both the state governments have agreed to resolve the issue outside the court, UNTABA, therefore, urged Nagaland government to persuade Assam government to consider withdrawal of the civil suit and pursue the issue based on the practical realities “instead of going around the bush.”
NEW DELHI, MAY 8 (AGENCIES): India should ban the use of diesel-powered four-wheeler vehicles by 2027 and switch to electric and gas-fuelled vehicles in cities with more than a million people and polluted towns in order to cut emissions, an oil ministry panel is recommending, reports Reuters. India, one of the biggest emitters of green house gases, wants to produce 40% of its electricity from renewables to achieve its 2070 net zero goal.
(Cont’d on p-8)
Food cart vendors want return to same area
Staff Reporter
D I M A P U R , M AY 8 (NPN): Food cart vendors from Clock Tower, Khermahal and Notun Basti areas Monday and submitted a memorandum to the DC Dimapuur requesting that they be allowed to reopen their stalls at the same location from where they were prevented from operating. Speaking with Nagaland Post, one of the vendors , appealed to the authority concerned to allocate them the same spot , as many local youth were facing financial constraints after their only source of
Food cart vendors outside DC’s office complex, Monday. (NP)
income was closed. Asked about the response from the district administration, the vendor said the additional DC had assured that they would be apprised of the decision after holding consultation with higher authorities and other organisations.
He claimed that the district administration, during a meeting with Commissioner of Police, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and Business Association of Nagaland (BAN), had planned to relocate them to Super Market. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C