April 23, 2019

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 135

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Assam gears up for third phase of LS polls

PSG beat Monaco 3-1; clinch Ligue 1 title

US ends Iran oil waivers for India

northeast, Page 4

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Sri Lanka declares state of emergency 87 BOMB DETONATORS FOUND IN BUS STATION; DEATH TOLL TOUCHES 290; 24 ARRESTED

C O LO M B O, A P R 2 2 (PTI): Sri Lanka has enforced a state of emergency from midnight Monday in the wake of the deadly Easter blasts that killed 290 people and wounded more than 500 others, enhancing the counter terrorism powers of the security forces. The decision was made during a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena. Sirisena also gave the military sweeping police powers starting Tuesday to deal with situations of breaches of security. The NSC has announced plans to impose a “conditional state of emergency” from midnight, said a statement from the president’s media unit. It said the measures would target terrorism and would not limit freedom of expression. “These will be limited to counter terrorism regulations. This is being done to allow the police and the three forces to ensure public security,” the statement said.

Nagaland, other states on alert after SL blasts Staff Reporter, DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): After a string of devastating attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 290 people on Easter Sunday, security has been stepped up in sensitive locations across the country including Nagaland. Sources said that the Nagaland government has taken precautionary measures by directing the DGP to have a thorough review of state’s preparedness on preventing similar incidents in Nagaland. Directive was also issued to prepare an action plan to sensitize the public on preventive measures. Meanwhile, security in southern states, particularly in Churches and other religious places, has been strengthened following the attacks in Sri Lanka. Security has also been stepped up in sensitive locations in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru, and Goa, which is a major tourist destination, as a precautionary measure. According to reports, additional security arrangements in churches and other major religious sites have been made across the country.

This is it!

“Where’s the time for him to look for job when he’s busy all day as voluntary WhatsApp administrator?” K Y M C

Lalitha, center, weeps over the coffin with the remains of 12year old niece, Sneha Savindi in Sri Lanka, Monday. (AP/PTI)

The government also declared Tuesday as a national day of mourning. According to the statement, Sirisena will seek international assistance to combat terrorism in the island nation. The intelligence unit has pointed out support of international terror groups behind the local terrorists, suspected of plotting the deadly Easter blasts. Around 290 people, including six Indians, were killed in the blasts that left more than 500 others injured, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

24 persons arrested Seven suicide bombers believed to be members of an Islamist extremist group carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, authorities said on Monday. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, police have so far arrested 24 people mostly members of a same group- in connection with the blasts. Government’s spokes-

man Rajitha Senaratne said local Islamist extremist group called the National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) is suspected of plotting the blasts. “All suicide bombers involved in the blasts are believed to be Sri Lankan nationals,” said Senaratne, who is also the Health Minister. Speaking at a press conference here, Senaratne said the government was investigating whether the group had “international support”. “There may be international links to them,” he added. “A total of seven suicide bombers had carried out these explosions,” the government analyst’s department said. Health Minister Senaratne said the Chief of National Intelligence had warned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the probable attacks before April 11. “On April 4, international intelligence agencies had warned of these attacks. The IGP was informed on April 9,” he said. He demanded resigna-

tion of police chief Pujith Jayasundera in view of the major security lapse. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an investigation must be launched as to why intelligence reports of the attack was not taken seriously. Meanwhile, as many as 87 bomb detonators were found on Monday at the Central Colombo bus station in Pettah area. The police initially found 12 bomb detonators scattered on the ground. A further search revealed 75 more, a police statement said. A safe house where the bombers had lived for nearly three months leading to the attacks was found in the south of Colombo suburb of Panadura. Sri Lanka Air Force said it found an improvised explosives device along a road leading to the departure terminal at the Colombo international airport Sunday night and safely defused it. Sri Lanka Monday ordered a new night-time curfew following the multiple attacks.

4-lane road project: NTUCT concerned over dust pollution DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Naga Tribal Union C h ü m o u k e d i m a Tow n (NTUCT) Monday expressed concern over dust pollution caused by ongoing construction work of NH29 four-lane particularly between Dimapur and Chümoukedima town. Stressing on checking dust pollution, the union claimed that the contractors were found least bothered about the “harassment” people were going through. NTUCT urged the responsible firm to adhere to their contract schedule wherein certain percentage out of total cost project must be reserved for proper and constant mechanism like spraying water in the working areas. “Human lives and comforts cannot be jeopardised just for the benefit of the contractors,” the union said. In a press release, NTUCT president Lhousito Khro and Joint secretary Akato Sümi said people living along the road were becoming more and more vulnerable due to dust pollution. The union cautioned that it would be “compelled to restrain” the

ECI orders re-poll at NDPP seeks public apology from Therie 31 Riphyim Old-III PS Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 22 (NPN): Taking cognizance of the complaint filed by Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a re-poll at polling station no. 31 Riphyim Old-III under 37 Tyui Assembly constituency (AC) in Wokha district, though the date has not yet been fixed. When contacted, additional chief electoral officer (CEO) N Moa Aier confirmed the development and stated that ECI had informed the CEO office on April 20, adding that the matter of finalizing the date and time was under process. NPCC on April 11 had lodged a complaint with the CEO alleging violation of model of conduct by deputy chief minister Y Patton and demanded re-poll at the polling station. NPCC communication cell alleged that Patton had violated all election norms by displaying a BJP scarf at the polling station, which was prohibited on polling day, and also claimed that he was caught on camera entering the polling station with seven to eight voter slips and proceeding to cast votes on EVM. Later on April 14, Congress filed an FIR at Wokha police station against the deputy chief minister for his alleged violation of election model code of conduct and accused him of serious violation of the code.

DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has expressed astonishment at the statement of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie that appeared in local dailies on April 19 in which he accused chief minister Neiphiu Rio, ruling coalition legislators and NDPP of going against Christianity and the principle of “Nagaland for Christ”. In a statement issued by its media & communication committee, the party demanded a public apology from Therie for making an oblique reference to Rio by stating that “We have a leader who believes in engineering defections by offering huge gratification to stick to the chair at all costs. He is responsible for the sins and defacing Nagaland for Christ”. It asked the NPCC president to clarify publicly as to what he means by “huge gratification” and on what grounds does he allege that the chief

minister has “defaced Nagaland for Christ”. These are very serious allegations levelled against the highest office in the State and the person responsible for making these “immature utterances” will and should be held responsible if he cannot provide the necessary proof for making such allegations, the statement added. NDPP clarified that it had in the past already made its stand very clear never to resort to politics based on religion and still holds the same stand today. According to NDPP, the statement of Therie, one of the most seasoned and veteran politicians in the State, only highlights the state of his mind and the precarious position that he holds considering the fact that he has decided to play politics on religious lines that goes against the very fundamental principles of the party he heads in the State. The ruling party charged the NPCC president of casting aspersions on the integrity of

the MLA, besides the speaker and the chief minister, without any documentary proof or evidence. Terming the accusation as nothing short of a criminal offence amounting to defamation, NDPP warned Therie that if he cannot provide evidence to substantiate his accusation, then he should be prepared to face the court as neither its leaders nor its members will take such insults that contravene various sections of IPC and CrPC. NDPP also rebuked Therie for relying social media to make the accusation that seven NPF MLAs along with two erstwhile NPP MLAs were paid Rs 5 crore each with the promise of portfolios, as was being circulated on various social media platforms. Asserting that at no point of time did Rio or any of its leaders try and entice the erstwhile MLAs of NPP, NDPP said the matter can be corroborated from the MLAs them(Cont’d on p-7) selves.

further progress of the ongoing work in the populated stretches unless the responsible firm addressed dust and its related effects. Stating that one cannot remain a mute spectator when people were suffering due to inhalation of dust particles, NTUCT said prolonged carelessness on the part of the contractors to contain dust could compel the union to take the firm to task for medical treatment and other related compensations. It said people were extending cooperation to the responsible firm and contractors for unhindered and time-bound completion of the project. However, NTUCT said the firm and contractors also needed to take care of certain areas while implementing the work including checking dust pollution, quality and breath of the road. Further, the union has urged the administration to issue proper advisory to the contractors or firms to effectively implement the issues it mentioned. Meanwhile, NTUCT has expressed gratitude to

DC Dimapur and ADC Medziphema for promptly issuing the order for immediate stoppage of riverbed mining. The union, however, lamented that the order was not honoured and implemented by those businessmen. NTUCT has, therefore, requested the responsible authority to personally verify particularly Chathe prayer centre and above and downstream of river Dzumha bridge (below SirhimaKuki Village area). It stated that “unrestrained” riverbed mining continually muddied the river and the spillage of lubricants and oils from the big and heavy machines were causing great concern specially those dependants in the downstream. The union also said that constant excavation of riverbed was causing concern for fishes and aquatic creatures whose natural protections were fast vanishing. Maintaining that it had nothing against the contractors mining in the river, NTUCT, however, said it cannot afford to deplete the present and future of both men and animals that needed clean water.

NEHUTA accuses VC of flouting rules DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has expressed concern that the incumbent vice-chancellor of North-Eastern Hill University has not convened “constitutionally mandatory meetings” of the University Court between 2015-18. In a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, NEHUTA president Prof.XP Moa and general secretary Dr. Prasenjit Biswas stated that not convening the Court amounted to an infraction in the very functioning of the University and undermining the office of the Visitor, who is the President of India. NEHUTA also said that not convening Court amounted to impropriety to the extent that Annual Accounts and audit report cannot be accepted. Without supervision

and approval of the Court, NEHUTA said the University cannot spend public funds and even if it spent the funds, accounts and audit reports could not have been accepted without Court’s approval. Expressing doubt whether meetings of the Court was not convened with some motive, NEHUTA said there were reports of violation of Financial rules in the process of tender and issuance of work order by the University during the period. The association has, therefore, sought the Prime Minister’s intervention in fixing the responsibility of violation of Act, statute and ordinance of the University to the level of violation of mandatory parliamentary oversight. NEHUTA expressed hope that the Prime Minister would intervene and take necessary action as deemed fit and proper.

NBCC, ABCC pained by serial blasts in Colombo churches Phase III polling across 15 states today DIMAPUR, APR 22 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) have expressed deep anguish at the serial bomb blasts that rocked churches across Colombo on Easter Sunday targeting innocent worshipers. In a statement, NBCC general secretary Rev Dr Z. Keyho remarked that it was beyond human reasoning and understanding that human beings could have so much hatred towards other religious group and innocents. “We may have different faiths and religious beliefs, but religion and faith have taught us to love and build a loving community. If we hate each other because we don’t belong to one faith and religion, how will the world survive and how can we live together if we try to eliminate each other?” he won-

dered. According to Keyho, the world needs more love and less of hate in a world already filled with hatred and animosity. He called for respecting each other, rather than instigate insecurity by creating an unstable world. “We cannot eliminate other faiths and threaten other communities by preserving one’s own religion and community and find peace,” he stressed. Keyho said whatever had happened on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka is not only shocking, but has grieved the entire world, especially the Christian community. He added that it must have grieved God as well. Mentioning that whatever has been committed due to hatred cannot be repaid with hatred, he said one can only turn to God for peace and comfort. Keyho conveyed to members of the Christian community in

Sri Lanka that “our hearts are deeply troubled and we stand in prayer with you”. “We share your grief and mourn together with the bereaved families and the community in your darkest moment. In hard time such as this, let us look to God Almighty for comfort and find our strength in Him to overcome evil with good,” he mentioned. NBCC has also urged its members and all Christians in Nagaland to continue praying for the bereaved families, the injured and those who are now suffering and are going through a difficult time. ABCC: Angami Baptist Church Council has condemned the bombings that killed at least 290 people in Sri Lankan Churches and Hotels on Easter Sunday, April 21. A press note from ABCC executive director, Rev. Dr. V. Atsi Dolie, stated that choosing the most sa-

cred day for Christians to carry out a coordinated attack was not just an attack against the Sri Lankan Christians but against all Christians in general. The ABCC stated that the attack was an unthinkable evil and no amount of reason can ever justify it. ABCC further appealed to all Christians in Nagaland to pray for the Sri Lankans as they have just witnessed one of the worst attacks in recent years. “Let us pray for God’s healing touch upon all those who are injured, His caring understanding upon the bereaved ones, and that the ‘wounded’ church will triumph over this horrific tragedy by His enabling grace”, the release stated. It also prayed that the Christians in Sri Lanka experience the assuring presence of God Almighty at this hour of grief, pain and loss.

NEW DELHI, APR 22 (IANS): People in 15 states will vote on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections scheduled for Tuesday which will see a maximum of 117 seats going to the polls in a single phase of seven-phased election. Voting will be completed in all seats of Gujarat, Kerala, Goa, Karanataka, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu with the third phase polls. The presidents of the two main political parties are in fray in the third phase with BJP chief Amit Shah making his Lok Sabha election debut from Gandhinagar and Congress President Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad. BJP will aim to defend the 62 of the 117 third phase seats it won in 2014. This time BJP will be tested in its bastion Gujarat, where

polling will be held for all 26 seats, apart from Karanataka, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, where the party had done well in 2014. In Karnataka, the saffron party faces tough challenge from the CongressJD-S combine. The BJP faces a strong challenge in Uttar Pradesh, as the third phase of Lok Sabha elections will be fought in the “Yadav belt”. In Maharashtra, the third phase of polling will be held in some NCP strongholds, including Baramati, Madha, Kolahpur and Satara. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP has sought to beat the anti-incumbency wave against its sitting MPs by replacing all of them. Congress is focusing more on local issues, telling the voters that its government has quickly delivered on its promises. Of the five seats in Bihar, BJP had won

only one in 2014 and it is again contesting one seat this time. JD(U), BJP’s ally in the NDA, is contesting three seats while the LJP is contesting one seat. As part of the grand alliance, RJD is contesting three seats, while the Congress and Vikasheel Insaan Party are contesting one seat each. In Odisha, the elections will witness a battle between several political heavyweights as well as former bureaucrats. In the four constituencies of lower Assam that will go to the polls on Tuesday, both Congress and AIUDF are seeking to gain votes by targeting the BJP over its stance in support of the Citizenship Bill. In West Bengal where it faces a multi-cornered challenge from the Trinamool Congress, the BJP and the CPI-M, the Congress will seek to at least retain the three seats it won in 2014. K Y M C


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