August 28, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00

www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 262

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2018 Pages 16 ` 5.00

Sharif appears in court in remaining 2 graft cases

Serie A: Inter held by Torino

Stalin to be elected DMK president

international, Page 13

sports, Page 16

national, Page 7

Opposition pitch for ballot paper

NEW DELHI, AUG 27 (PTI): A number of opposition parties Monday demanded reverting to the old system of the paper ballot as they questioned the reliability of EVMs, following which the Election Commission said it would provide “satisfactory solution” to their concerns. Except the BJP, all six national recognised political parties were joined by regional players like Samajwadi Party (SP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in putting forth the demand for paper ballot to the Election Commission at a meeting here with various parties ahead of Lok Sabha and assembly elections to some states. The issue of paper ballot and alleged tampering with EVMs was raised by the Congress and other opposition parties such as SP, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), AAP, Janata Dal (Secular), Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India, besides Forward Bloc. Claiming that the BJP was isolated on the EVM issue, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said nearly

three-fourth of the political parties present at the meeting raised the issue of alleged tampering and technical snags with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and demanded going back to the old system of paper ballot from the next election. “Around 70 per cent political parties have demanded that the EC revert to the old system of ballot paper during elections. Parties who were there, overwhelming 70 per cent supported a reversion to paper ballot,” he told reporters while naming the NCP, BSP, SP, AAP, JD (S), CPI, CPI-M and Forward Bloc that supported the move. Seven recognised national parties and 51 recognised state political parties were invited for the meeting. Out of the total 58 parties, 41 attended it. Singhvi said the Congress’ stand was given in writing to the Election Commission many weeks ago and it has been reiterated Monday for the second time. He suggested that alternatively there should be 30 per cent cross-checking of EVMs with a paper trail of votes to ensure the integrity

4-lane: CGBU urges govt to provide security

State BJP immerse Vajpayee’s ashes in Dmu Wka rally against immersion of ashes in Doyang

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 7 (NPN): Expressing worry over the halting of works on four-lane project along NH 29 due to threats and intimidation by miscreants, the Chakhroma GBs’ Union (CGBU) has urged the state government to provide stricter round-the-clock security to check unwanted elements from creating hindrance to the development of the state. In a press note, CGBU president, Thepfukedo Kuotsu, and general secretary, Atso Gwizan, said such unwanted activities by “anti social and anti Naga elements” was highly condemnable and should be immediately checked. (Cont’d on p-7)

Diesel price hits record high

NEW DELHI, AUG 27 (PTI): Diesel prices Monday hit a record high of Rs 69.46 per litre while petrol rates inched towards Rs 78 a litre mark after a fall in rupee made imports costlier. Diesel price was Monday hiked by about 14 paise per litre and petrol by 13 paise, according to price notification of state-owned fuel retailers. Fuel prices have been on the rise since August 16 after the rupee dipped to its lowest value against the US dollar. The domestic unit hit a record low of 70.32 in early trade that day.

This is it!

“Since sand these days is as costly as gold, why not pay us like goldsmiths?” K Y M C

GUWAHATI, AUG 27 (AGENCIES): Amid widespread protests over immersion of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ashes, the BJP in Nagaland had to clandestinely immerse the ashes on Monday. The immersion was to have taken place at Doyang river in Wokha district. However, protests by various organisations in the district made the BJP leadership to conduct the ritual at a river in Dimapur district. The tribal organisations, as well as opposition Congress and the Church, were opposing immersion in the Christian-majority state by locals on the ground that it was an “alien ritual”. BJP Nagaland unit president,

of the electoral process. “Our demand remains undiluted that there should be reversion to paper ballot which is the demand of other political across the spectrum,” he said, claiming that the BJP was “singled out” on the issue. Singhvi said in the alternative if EC does not agree to revert to paper ballot, then it could adhere to the suggestion that in at least 30 per cent of the polling booths there should be paper trail of EVMs to check the authenticity of votes cast. Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat told reporters after the meeting, “We will definitely look into all the suggestions given by them (political parties) and there will be a satisfactory solution to them.” Though EVM tampering and VVPAT glitches were not on the agenda, the parties raised these issues. Some parties also suggested that the number of constituencies where results of EVM and paper audit trail device are matched be increased to enhance the confidence of voters and parties in the reliability of the voting mode. “Nothing final has

Temjen Imna Along Longkumer said despite the opposition, the immersion was performed in a very proper manner without hurting the sentiments of any. “People are making a mountain out of a molehill without knowing the reality. Atalji’s issue is not a religious issue but a national issue. It is an issue of an icon. The minority morcha of BJP Nagaland took the lead in immersing the ashes in my presence and in the presence of party workers and leaders. As Christians, we all prayed. The priests did what they had to do,” Longkumer told TNIE. He, however, refused to disclose the site or the river where the immersion took

been decided yet, but one way to allay fears is to increase the number of constituencies where EVM and paper trail machine results are matched,” a senior EC functionary said after the meeting. Responding to repeated questions on EVMs, Rawat said the EC takes a comprehensive view. “Some of the parties said going back to ballot is really bad as it will bring back booth capturing. We don’t want (that). At the same time, some parties said there are problems with EVMs, there are issues with VVPAT slip count so why not EC takes a call on this,” Rawat said. Asked about the stand of the EC on EVMs and whether it remains the “same” as it was in the past, the Chief Election Commissioner dubbed it as a “hypothetical question”. Keeping in view complaints of rampant misuse of money power during elections, especially by the ruling party, the Congress has demanded that ceiling be imposed on the expenditure by political parties during poll campaign. (NDPP attends all-party meet, see on page-7)

M’laya CM Landslides in Mokokchug, Kohima wins by-poll, Landslide blocks NH 702 D Landslide at Perizie colony defeats Cong

place. He said he had asked BJP workers to congregate at party office in Dimapur at 9 a.m. on Monday and the protestors started gathering by 8 a.m. They were shouting slogans that they would not allow the immersion to take place, he said. “In my conscience, I have done what I thought was right. Trouble may come and go. We should be ready to face brickbats along with kudos. There are talks going on social media that I may be killed. However, I am clean in my conscience. All states, including Mizoram, performed the immersion. What’s wrong in Nagaland? Social media is being misused here,” Longkumer said.

Correspondent

TURA, AUG 27: Meghalaya chief minister and National People’s Party (NPP) candidate, Conrad K Sangma, on Monday won the by-elections to the South Tura assembly constituency by a huge margin. However, former Assembly Speaker, Martin Danggo, who resigned from the Congress and joined the NPP, lost to Pius Marweiñ of the UDP. The by-election in South Tura was necessitated after Agatha Sangma resigned to pave the way for her brother Conrad to contest in order to retain the Chief Ministership. Conrad defeated nearest rival of the Congress Charlotte W. Momin by 8,421 votes in a four-cornered contest.

Rio, NPP congratulate

Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio and National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland unit have congratulated chief minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, on his victory in the by-poll from South Tura Assembly Constituency. (Cont’d on p-7)

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 7 (NPN): Braving inclement weather, hundreds of people gathered at Police Point, Wokha on Monday under the aegis of Lotha Baptist Churches’ Association (LBCA), Lotha Baptist Churches Pastors’ Conference (LBCPC) and Lotha Hoho (LH) on Monday to express their resentment against the proposed immersion of ashes of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Doyang river. The public rally opposed the immersion as it was alien to Christian faith and belief as well as Lotha culture. Among others, the rally was addressed by LBCA

Road restoration work in progress. (NP)

Perizie colony road affected by landslide. (NP)

Correspondent

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 27 (NPN): A massive landslide totally blocked the National Highway 702D, (Mokokchung to Mariani) at Yimyu Ward, Mokokchung (between IOC to Jail Area). Speaking to Nagaland Post, the Junior Engineer (NH) Imkongtemsu Jamir stated that the department has engaged two excavators and a dumper to clear the nearly 200 meters of road block due to the landslide. The JE was optimistic that the road would be cleared by Monday the night if weather permits, since the restoration work was on full swing. He said the landlisde may reoccur and endanger those living below the road. One of the nearby residents, Jenti Imchen, who lives just below the road also admitted that he was worried if the landslide would reoccur, as it used to happen earlier.

KOHIMA, AUG 27 (NPN): Landslides continue to occur at Perizie colony here below Razhükhrie Govt Higher Secondary School (RGHSS) playground where at least 43 houses including 35 kutcha houses and 8 RCC buildings were damaged on July 22 last. Perizie colony chairman, Akhie Liezietsu, told Nagaland Post that incessant rainfall has triggered fresh landslide in the area since Sunday. He said colony road and KMC dumping road have been totally cut off by landslide, which occurred 1km below the colony. Liezietsu said continued landslides could affect other areas also besides affecting colony residences. Meanwhile, due to incessant rains on Monday, a house was damaged by landslide at Middle D Block Kohima. However, there was no report of any casualty.

LBCA, LBCPC and LH members during the protest in Wokha, Monday.

executive secretary Rev Nyanchumo Lotha, LH chairman Mhao Lotha, and LBCPC chairman Rev Ellis Lotha. In a press note, Rev Nyanchumo Lotha said the congregation unanimously declared that any kind of act

or ritual alien to Christian faith and belief and the culture of the Lothas would be opposed even in the days to come. The rally ended with a mass prayer with benediction by Rev Nyanchumo Lotha. (Cont’d on p-7)

NRMSATA 2016 to continue stir

D I M A P U R , AU G 2 7 (NPN): Defying RMSA department’s notice, directing teachers to attend their duties, NRMSATA 2016 said it will continue the boycott of classes for an indefinite period. In a press note, NRMSATA 2016 general secretary Haisoliabe Ndang and information secretary, Newka accused the government of making false assurance to release their pending salaries after the meeting held on August 20. In this regard, NRMSATA has asked all its members to strictly adhere to the directives of the central executives and restrain from performing any duty including conducting of exams.

CM’s I-Day speech misleading: NPF Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUG 27 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon termed the Independence Day speech delivered on August 15 by chief minister Neiphiu Rio as misleading. Addressing media persons at NPF central office here on Monday evening, Kikon said PDA’s promise to work for people, maintain transparency and accountability were yet to materialise. Kikon said though the government had initiated steps to end VIP culture, yet many appointments were allegedly made, pointing out that such acts had proved that the announcement was just a fluke. He said during the 178 days of its governance, the PDA had promised to repair road, maintain transparency and accountability, but alleged that nothing was seen on the ground. Instead, what had been seen during the past five and half months were a series of agitations by various associations and students demanding scholarships

and teachers for salary, he added. On “improvement” of law and order situation as mentioned in the Independence Day speech, Kikon cited instances of the recent kidnapping of labourers working in the four-lane road construction and said when people were not feeling safe even between Kohima and Dimapur, what could one expect in remote areas. On urban local bodies, Kikon said NPF-led DAN government had tried to conduct election after a series of consultations with tribal bodies and following a directive of the court to implement 33% women’s reservation. However, he said politics creeped in and the poll was called off. He stressed, if ULB election had to be conducted, there should be proper consensus within tribal hohos and that NPF too should be taken into confidence. On release of VDB grant-in-aid, Kikon said the PDA government should not claim to have released the fund as it was actually brought by NPF-led

DAN government under the leadership of then chief minister TR Zeliang. He said after Zeliang made special request to NITI Aayog for special grant, the latter had provided Rs 185.09 crore on November 8, 2017. The NPF spokesperson claimed that while arranging to distribute 60 tractors for 60 Assembly constituencies along with the VDB grant, Election Commission of India announced the Assembly election and enforced model code of conduct, due to which the fund could not be released. He said the PDA government’s claim to have released the amount right after taking over the reins of governance was absolutely misleading, adding that credit must go to Zeliang. Referring to the Kerala floods that claimed several lives, Kikon said NPF appreciated the gesture of the Nagaland government in providing aid, but added the party was more concerned about the people affected in Nagaland by recent landslides at several places. (Cont’d on p-7)

K Y M C


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