Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 118
FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Pakistani court bars govt from ‘harassing’ Hafiz
Champions league: Barcelona cruise 4-1 against AS Roma
Rahul inciting hatred in society: Shah
international, Page 9
sports, Page 12
national, Page 5
NIA only doing its job: Rio
KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday, expressed the belief that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was only carrying out its job in collecting evidence against several departments over deduction of money for alleged terror funding. The chief minister was interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a felicitation programme held in his honour at Chiephobozou. Rio said NIA had come to the Nagaland neither with the knowledge or consent of the state government. He said this in response to queries posed by media over the NIA probe on several officials under the CMO and also the summons issued on former chief minister and current opposition leader T.R. Zeliang. On CANSSEA’s demand that NIA withdraw the probe, Rio opined that NIA had begun probe over
alleged terror funding in 2016. He also said though he was unaware of what the Zeliang ministry had done, he (Rio) would look into the entire issue. It may be recalled that CANSSEA had demanded suspension of the probes against the backdrop of summons and arrests of some government officials over alleged payment of illegal taxation to NNPGs. Meanwhile, the chief minister also informed media persons that he would be laying the foundation stone for the Dr. T. Ao Football Academy at Seithekema in the current month of April. Rio recalled that during his tenure as chief minister, the state government had acquired land at Seithekima for construction of Dr. T. Ao Football Academy. He said Rs. 90 lakh was also released for the purpose.
However, after he left for Delhi, Rio said the previous government shifted the academy to Niuland but that the proposal could not get through. Rio also disclosed that since NEC has given around Rs. 13 crore and another Rs. 15 crore by Tata Trust, the project would now be carried out. On the issue of renaming Indira Gandhi Stadium to Dr. T. Ao stadium, Rio clarified that it was only a proposal but in the light of strong objections, the decision would be reviewed. The chief minister also disclosed that a private firm from Australia, as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, was willing to provide an air ambulance for the interior areas of Nagaland for free, provided the villagers agree to part with 500 meters of land for construction of a runway. Describing the initiative as “a welcome step”, Rio said a committee has been set up to oversee the matter and the Australian company would be visiting the state this month to discuss the possibility of the project. He said it was indeed a welcome move that the firm would be “bringing its own plane and
pilot and give free ambulance service.”. Rio also added that the only condition was that the villagers would have to provide land. The chief minister said that the state will be allocating grants from the Village Development Board (VDB) funds for the construction of a runway. He also informed that on the occasion of Communization Day on April 24, VDB allocation would be distributed, which was not done for the last two to three years. On NPF’s accusation of fund diversion for roads, Rio said as opposition they will be raising objections and complaints even on non-issues. He maintained that the question of diversion of funds from road projects did not arise. Rio explained that where there was some money which was not utilized and where works did not have administrative approval nor work orders, NPF cannot say funds were diverted. Asked about the appointment of advisors and chairman, Rio said the MLAs were elected to work for the people and so “should not be kept idle”.
Aaadhar can do little to stop banking frauds: SC
TR Zeliang threatens legal action against news portal
Govt appoints DAN chairman
Foundation stone for Dr. T. Ao Football Academy in Seithekima Correspondent
NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Supreme Court Thursday observed that Aadhaar can do little to stop banking frauds and also questioned the Centre for asking the entire population to link their mobile phones with the unique identity card “just to catch a few terrorists”. The apex court also observed that bank officials were “hand-in-glove” with fraudsters and that scams do not happen because the culprits are unknown. The court made the observations after the Centre argued that Aadhaar would help curb ills like terrorism and banking frauds. It then asked the Centre what will happen, if tomorrow, the authorities such as the UIDAI, by way of an administrative order, asks the citizens to part with their DNA, semen and blood samples as part of their Aadhaar demographics. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the validity of Aadhaar and its enabling 2016 law, while prima facie disagreeing with Centre’s submissions said Aadhaar was “not the solution” to banking frauds. (More on p-5)
This is it!
“So far, no money has come. So it’s obvious change has also not come.” K Y M C
Neiphiu Rio (NP)
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): Leader of opposition and former chief minister TR Zeliang has threatened legal action against Swarajya.com and its associate editor Jaideep Majumdar, if the latter did not issue a clarification and apologised regarding a news item before 6 p.m. of Sunday, April 8. In an open letter issued through his press secretary Azeu Namcyn Hau, the leader of opposition sought “unambiguous clarification” from Majumdar for his news article “NIA’s Naga terror-funding probe reveals insidious role of top bureaucrats, politicians and church leaders” in Swarajya.com that appeared at 12.25 pm on April 2. The letter warned that since the factual position of Zeliang with National Investigation Agency (NIA) was misinterpreted, “inten-
tionally or otherwise”, legal recourse would be taken against him and his firm, if the clarification was not provided at the earliest. According to the press secretary, the author’s mention in the article that information of Zeliang being personally involved in collection of taxes on behalf of NSCN (K) was gathered from NIA, Army’s Rangapahar based 3 Corps Hqs, IGAR (N) Hqs Kohima and a Central intelligence agency was not only incorrect, but a direct challenge to the integrity and honour of the former chief minister. The letter warned that failure to issue the clarification and apology through leading print, electronic and social media, including Swarajya.com, before the deadline ended would be viewed in the most serious matter.
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): State government has appointed former minister, A Nyamnyei Konyak as chairman of Development Authority Nagaland (DAN) with immediate effect. In a notification, the urban development department notified that appointment was in accordance with Section 8A of the Nagaland Town & Country Planning Act, 1966 and in pursuance to Cabinet Secretariat (Cabinet Cell) Notification No.CAB-1/2008 dated March 27, 2018. It may be mentioned that former chief minister, KL Chishi, declined the post of chairman DAN announced by the state government, saying he was much concerned with unresolved Indo-Naga political issue and would prefer to devote his time for public service.
Poaching case: Salman gets 5 years in jail
NLSF red-flags key govt decisions termed them as unreasonable and improper, if not “unconstitutional”. The Government of Nagaland as a welfare State could not take any decision against the welfare of its citizens as a whole, it pointed out. While welcoming and fully supporting the government’s decision in doing away with VIP culture like banning of VIP escorts, removing nameplates, no appointment of parliamentary secretaries, etc, NLSF said it failed to understand the government’s subsequent move for creation of 13 ex-cadre posts to the extent that a mere political party worker and citizen who was not a government employee could now hold the position of commissioner & secretary, secretary, joint secretary, Class 1 gazetted officer. The federation pointed out that only few Nagaland Civil Service (NCS) officials could reach the position of commissioner & secretary after being nominated as IAS, and that too on the verge of their retirement. Similarly, many sincere and hardworking officers retired before reaching the
position of secretary to become gazetted officers while having to work very hard to pass the competition exams conducted by Nagaland Public Service Commission and Union Public Service Commission and get promotions, it added. Warning that the proposal of creating 13 excadre posts in the ranks of commissioner & secretary, secretary, joint secretary and Class 1 gazetted officers by appointing mere party workers and ordinary citizens would act as discouragement to bright students and government servants who worked hard and rendering services faithfully, the statement added that the move would also cost the public exchequer dear. It would affect the prestigious and respectful positions in bureaucracy, it added. The federation asked if the government had the money, then why not spend on opening a government law college in Nagaland, repair river belt roads and construct broken bridges, besides providing better health and education facilities to the people.
Rio assures equal distribution of LADP
Petrol, diesel rates hiked again
Opposes appointment of CMO staff OSD NL House Delhi Salary deduction for CSWF
Salman Khan
JODHPUR, APR 5 (IANS): Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was sentenced to five years of imprisonment by a court here on Thursday in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, while the other four co-accused stars -- Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam -- were acquitted of all charges. Salman, 52, was found guilty under Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for killing two blackbucks, an endangered species, hunting of which is prohibited by law. The incident took place in Kankani village near Jodhpur on October 1-2, 1998, during the shooting of Bollywood film “Hum Saath Saath Hain”. (More on p-5, p-10)
Correspondent
KOHIMA, APR 5 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio on Thursday assured equal distribution of Local Area Development Programme (LADP) fund in all 60 constituencies of the State, irrespective of political parties local legislators belong to. He exuded confidence that the funds would be used judiciously for uplift of all sections of people. Addressing a thanksgiving programme at Chiephobozou Ground here Thursday, Rio expressed gratitude to Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board chairman and former MLA, Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu, state BJP president and Nagaland B a m b o o D e ve l o p m e n t Agency chairman Visasolie Lhoungu and NDPP workers for reposing faith on him and electing him as chief minister for the fourth term. Reiterating that PDA’s
DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): In a major development, Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has red-flagged several key decisions taken by the PDA government recently. The federation has opposed the proposal for creation of 13 ex-cadre posts to be associated with the chief minister’s office, appointment of Priyang Pandey as officer on special duty (OSD) of Nagaland House, New Delhi, appointment of advisors, appointment of chairmen and one day salary deduction of all government employees towards the Chief Secretary’s Welfare Fund (CSWF). In a statement issued to the media by its president Imliben Lemtur and vicepresident Yuwang Konyak, NLSF stated that it was shocked to learn of the proposals and appointments from local newspapers and
top priority would be resolution of the Naga political issue, Rio added that if the issue was resolved during his government’s tenure, then peace would prevail and the State could focus more on development and progress. Asserting that special focus would be given to the farming community, the chief minister said soil testing would be done to find out suitability of crops, which would assist the farmers in boosting their agricultural produce. Terming the victory of NPF in 38 seats in 2013 Assembly election as “too much blessings”, Rio said at times too such blessings did not augur well, adding he had left for Lok Sabha since there was disgruntlement within the legislators over portfolio distribution. However, he as crisis began, he said he had to return to State politics and claimed that he had wanted to remain
with NPF. But, his attempt at reconciliation did not work and he had to join NDPP, he explained. Rio assured of giving his best in bringing all-round development not only to his constituency, but across the State. Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO) president Neiyalie Pfüsenuo and Visasolie Lhoungu also spoke at the programme. Leaders of Christ International president Rev Dr Tseibu Rutsa shared the gospel message on the occasion. CRC Chiechama pastor Rev Levi Rio invoked God’s blessings while Chiephobozou Baptist Church pastor Dziesetuolie Chadi pronounced the benediction. The programme was chaired by 11-NA-II A/C NDPP president Vibeilietuo Kets. NLA speaker Vikho-U Yhoshu, advisors-- Dr Nicky Kire and Zale Neikha, party workers and others attended the programme.
(Cont’d on p-7)
NEW DELHI, APR 5 (AGENCIES): Petrol and diesel prices were hiked further Thursday. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest fuel retailer, increased petrol and diesel prices by 3 paise per litre across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, according to its website - iocl.com. From 6 a.m., April 5, petrol and diesel prices in Delhi were at Rs. 73.98 per litre and Rs. 64.85 per litre respectively, rising further from a four-year high and an all-time high hit earlier this week on rising international oil rates. Including Thursday, petrol and diesel prices have been raised on 15 occasions in 18 days. Petrol and diesel prices have been on an upward trend since March 18. As on April 5, 2018, price of petrol in Kohima stood at Rs. 72.46 per litre and price of diesel at 63.24 per litre.
CSB recommends transfer, posting of bureaucrats New warnings on tobacco products packs DIMAPUR, APR 5 (NPN): Civil services board (CSB), which held a meeting on April 5, 2018 in the officer chamber of the chief secretary, Kohima, has recommended the transfer and postings of several IAS/ NCS officers. The members present at the meeting included Temjen Toy, chief secretary & finance commissioner; Sentiyanger Imchen, principal secretary & commissioner Nagaland and Abhishek Singh, home commissioner, P&AR & commissioner and secretary to the chief minister. The board, after due deliberation, recommended that Ramakrishnan, commr & secy H&FW may be transferred and posted as home commissioner; Abhishek Singh, IAS, home commissioner, P&AR & commr and secy. to the CM, relieved of the charge of home commissioner and
may be given additional in charge of tourism department; Angau I Thou, IAS, commr and secy., tourism may be transferred and posted as commr and secy., sericulture; Kenilo Apon, NCS, secretary, sericulture may be transferred and posted as secretary transport department; Dellirose M Sakhrie, IAS, commr and secy., Sci, Tech & HTE may be transferred and posted as commr and secy., horticulture; Alan Gonmei, IAS, secretary horticulture may be transferred and posted as secretary industries and commerce. OT Chingmak, IAS, commr and secy., social welfare, may be transferred and posted as commissioner and secretary HTE; Himato I Zhimomi, commr and secy., economic and statistics, may be transferred and posted as commr and secy., H&FW; R Asenla Keitzar, IAS, director ATI, may be
given additional charge of secretary Sci & Tech; Sarah R Ritse, NCS, secretary school education, may be transferred and posted as secretary social welfare. KI Yanger, IAS, commr and secy., excise may be transferred and posted as commissioner and secretary, power; KD Vizo, commr and secy., power and IT&C may be relieved of the charge of commr and secy., power; L Akato Sema, IAS, secretary, Agri may be given additional charge of secretary excise; Rovilatuo Mor, IAS, home secretary, may be given additional charge of NSDMA; Temsunaro Aier, NCS, additional secretary, Vety.&AH may be transferred and posted as addl. secretary, school education; Akumla Chuba, NCS, jt. secretary PHED may be transferred and posted as jt. secretary YRS. Linda Solo, NCS, jt.
secretary, forest may be transferred and posted as jt. secretary PHED; Kuko Mero, NCS, jt. secretary, P&AR may be transferred and posted as jt. secretary, chief minister’s office; Akunu S Meyase, NCS, jt. secretary, home may be transferred and posted as jt. secretary horticulture. Further, the CSB recommended that IAS probationers of 2017 batch, on completion of IAS professional course phase-I training, may be attached/ posted as assistant commissioner w.e.f. May 21, 2018 -- Dharam Raj, IAS (P) may be posted as assistant commissioner, Zunheboto; Minga Sherpa, IAS (P) may be posted as Assistant commissioner, Phek; N Bhavani Sri, IAS (P) may be posted as assistant commissioner Dimapur and Vineet KUmar, IAS (P) may be posted as Assistant commissioner, Tuensang.
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, APR 5 (NPN): Union Health and Family Welfare ministry has notified new sets of specified health warnings for all tobacco product packs by making an amendment in the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Rules, 2008. According to an official communiqué, the amended rules will be applicable with effect from September 1, 2018. According to the ministry, the new set of specified health warnings shall be: image-1, which shall be valid for a period of 12 months following its commencement and image-2, which shall come into effect following the end of 12 months from the date of commencement of specified health warning of image-1. It also stated that one of the most important key
Image-1
features of the new set of specified health warnings will include telephone quitline number “QUIT TODAY CALL 1800-11-2356”. This will help in creating awareness among tobacco users, and give them access to counseling services to effect behavior change, it said. The ministry also said that the same set of warning images shall be on both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco products. As per the recent second round of Global Adult
Image-2
Tobacco Survey, 2016-17 conducted in the age group 15 years and above, 61.9% of current cigarette smokers, 53.8% of current bidi smokers and 46.2% of current smokeless tobacco users thought about quitting because of warning label on packets of cigarette, bidi and smokeless tobacco. The ministry informed that the said notification along with printable version of warnings was available on the Ministry’s website i.e. www.mohfw.gov.in. K Y M C