Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 236
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00
President gives assent to triple talaq bill
Spurs beat Bayern to win Audi Cup
Osama’s son Hamza killed in airstrike
national, Page 5
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
R.N. Ravi sworn in as Nagaland Governor Resolving Naga political issue my life’s mission: Ravi Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 1 (NPN): Centre’s Interlocutor for Naga peace talks and former deputy NSA, RN Ravi was sworn in as the 19th governor of Nagaland at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan here on Thursday. Gauhati High Court Chief Justice (Acting) Arup Kumar Goswami administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new governor after chief secretary Temjen Toy read out the warrant of appointment from the President of India. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his wife, former chief minister and former governor Dr. SC Jamir, NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu, deputy chief minister Y Patton, opposition leader T.R. Zeliang, Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye, cabinet ministers, advisers, NPF legislators, heads of departments, governor’s wife and
GHC Chief Justice (Acting) AK Goswami administering oath of office and secrecy to R.N. Ravi at Raj Bhavan, Thursday.
his family members and other dignitaries. After the oath-taking ceremony, Ravi reviewed the guard of honour by Nagaland Police at the Raj Bhavan courtyard. This was followed by a reception at Banquet Hall, Raj Bhavan. Newly sworn-in Governor of Nagaland RN Ravi said he would endeavour to help resolve the Naga issue with utmost honour and dignity for the Naga people since it was at the heart of prime minister Narendra Modi. Ravi said this after his swearing-in the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan Thursday . He said Prime Minis-
ter Modi, on whom countrymen had reposed their trust with an unprecedented mandate, was determined to bring a solution to the protracted issue. Ravi said his mission could be achieved only if Nagas stood with him for bringing about a long-lasting peace. Ravi said that it was due to God’s programme that he came to meet with Nagas some three decades back and since then he had been maintaining close relationship that had grown ever deeper. The newly sworn-in governor admitted that he emotionally touched by the
abundant love and affection and trust reposed upon him by the Naga people. He said he would take up his new assignment as a God’s wish and commandment to serve the Nagas to the best of his ability. Ravi in his speech also focussed on creating an ecosystem of optimum opportunities for the youth to help them overcome development differentials with the most advanced States of the country. He appealed to the people of Nagaland, especially the youth, to awake, arise and set the momentum of a resurgent Nagaland, “a Nagaland that becomes a model for other States of the Indian Union to emulate”. Towards this end, he underlined the need for equal partnership of mothers and daughters as women too deserved better attention in terms of health, education and entrepreneurship urgently. Ravi shared how his interactions with Nagas during the past five years as Interlocutor had given him a desire to fulfil the mission and expressed happiness that the quest for solution had not met with any op-
position. Welcoming Ravi and his family to Nagaland, chief minister Neiphiu Rio in his speech recalled that as the interlocutor of the Naga peace process, Ravi had been at the core of the negotiations , besides being the driving force behind the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement signed by New Delhi with NSCN (I-M) in the presence of Modi. Rio said he personally knew Ravi for the past few years and found him as a fine gentleman, “polite, humble and compassionate”, adding this quality had helped him win over the trust and confidence of all sections of Nagas. Rio said the Nagas were looking forward to the governorship of Ravi with high hopes and expectations and added that people in all Naga-inhabited areas were yearning for peace. Rio reminded that generations have been impacted by the political movement and after decades all sections including conflicting parties have realised that the only option was to sit across the table and bring solution with respect and honour .
This is it!
“One more YEA about triple talaq bill and you’ll be banned from watching TV.” K Y M C
ects worth Rs 1,232 crore for the Northeastern region in the first 50 days of the Modi government, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. The projects include construction and renovation of roads, bridges and upgrading of tourist spots. “The Ministry of Development of North-East Region (DoNER) has sanctioned 49 projects worth Rs 1,232 crore in the first 50 days of our government,” Singh said here. The Narendra Modi government’s second term began on May 30. The projects include sanctioning of eight new projects for Rs 586.3 crore under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) and the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). Some of the projects
with three bridges, the Tenning to Lekie Road (37.5km) in Nagaland for Rs 136.96 crore, the road connecting Dikhou Bridge to Amguri (17.155 km) in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district for Rs 59.77 crore. Rehabilitation and upgrading of a road from Tuensang to Longleng in Nagaland for Rs 188.61 crore, constr uction of Mukroh-Umspar linking Jrikyndeng Road (15.517 km) in Meghalaya for Rs 58.01 crore, improvement of a eco-tourism centre connectivity from Amarpur (Fatiksagar) to Chabimura in Tripura, improvement of a road from Gandacherra to Raishyabari for easy access for the tourists from Dhalai to Narikel Kunja Island in Tripura were also part of the projects. In addition, 36 ongoing projects under vari-
scheme, special packages and schemes of the North Eastern Council were completed at an approved cost of Rs 529.18 crore. Works of two projects for Rs 89.63 crore has started and three projects for Rs 26.83 crore have been operationalised during this period. Under the North East State Road Improvement Project (NESRIP), sanctions have been accorded for release of Rs 9 crore for four road projects. They are: Rs 3 crore for Garobadha to Dalu (93.5 km) Tranche-1 road in Meghalaya, Rs 76 lakh for Serchhip to Buarpui (55 km) Tranche-II road in Mizoram, Rs 2.63 crore for Barpeta to Kalitakuchi (58.5 km) Tranche-1 road in Assam and Rs 2.61 crore for Udaipur (NH44) to Melaghar (20.3 km) Tranche-2 road in Tripura.
Correspondent
MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 1 (NPN): Minister for Housing and Mechanical Tongpang Ozukum Thursday reiterated the commitment of the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) to provide a stable government in the state. Speaking as special guest at Tsüngremmung Mini Hor nbill Festival Mokokchung 2019, which got underway here at Imkongmeren Sports Complex under the banner “Celebrating our Roots”, the minister said that PDA government was “standing strong” and called upon the public to believe in the leadership. Ozukum said that PDA government has initiated various schemes and projects since its formation specially aimed for the youths and entrepreneurs. Stating that the Mini Hornbill into its second year has been a great success, the minister disclosed that the government has further plans to make it better in the coming years. He said that Mini Hornbill was ini(Cont’d on p-9) tiated with the purpose that
Parl passes bill Govt approved projects worth Rs 1,232 cr for NE Petrol down, diesel seeking death for NEW DELHI, AUG 1 are: To upgrade the AT ous schemes like the Non price unchanged The Centre has sanc- Road from Tsusangra to Lapsable Central Pool NEW DELHI, AUG 1 rape of minors (PTI): tioned 49 development proj- Input Junction (26.335 km) of Resources (NLCPR) (AGENCIES): After the NEW DELHI, AUG 1 (PTI): A bill seeking to provide death penalty for aggravated sexual assault on children and greater punishments for other crimes against minors was approved by Parliament, after it was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Piloting the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said it aims at making offences against children gender neutral. The Bill, which was already passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, defines child pornography, making it punishable. Cutting across party lines, members supported amendments to POCSO Act though some demanded that Bill be referred to the standing committee or select committee as it makes certain offences punishable with death. Seeking passage of the bill in Lok Sabha, Irani said this bill is not related to vote bank politics but to save the future of India. The Bill, said Irani, would provide added legal protection to 39 per cent of population or 43 crore children, irrespective of whether they are a girl or boy.
PDA committed to provide stable govt: Tongpang Ozukum
daily revision in retail fuel rates, petrol prices fell by 6 paise while diesel prices remain stable across four metropolitan cities in the country on Thursday. In Delhi, petrol prices dropped to Rs 72.80 a litre as against Rs 72.86 per litre on Wednesday while diesel is retailing at Rs 66 a litre no change in price compared with yesterday’s price, as per data from Indian Oil Corporation website. In Dimapur, petrol became cheaper by 6 paise Thursday and was selling at Rs. 70.75 per litre. There was no change in diesel price that stood at Rs. 63.80 per litre. In the state capital, a litre of petrol and diesel was retailing at Rs. 71.56 and Rs. 64.41 respectively. On Wednesday, state-run oil marketing companies kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged across the country.
through such events there would be unity and cooperation among the different tribes of the state. Further, Ozukum said that another objective of the Mini Hornbill was to promote young local entrepreneurs and SHGs by providing platform and opportunities. Commenting on the Naga political issue, the minister expressed his hope that the solution will come by this year and urged all the Nagas to remain united. He cautioned that unless Nagas remain united, the solution for Nagas might turn into turmoil, which no one would like to have. Therefore, the minister has sought the cooperation and support from all quarters.
Rajya Sabha clears NMC Bill NEW DELHI, AUG 1 (AGENCIES): Amidst stiff protest from medical fraternity, Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill 2019. The bill will now go to the Lok Sabha again as two amendments need to be approved by the house. There was a major discussion in the upper house over the Bill. Former Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said the number of UG and PG doctors have come down. He demanded 40,000 more seats should be added in government medical colleges. Replying to the house, union health minister said that the Bill is one of the biggest reforms in medical education in India. The NMC Bill proposes to repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and replace the Medical Council of India (MCI), which was dissolved in 2010 following corruption charges against
Rajya Sabha passes Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill NEW DELHI, AUG 1 (agencies): Upper House of the Parliament on Wednesday passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, that seeks to improve road safety, enhance manifold the penalty for traffic violations, facilitate citizens in their dealings with transport departments and boot out corruption. The Rajya Sabha cleared the Bill with 108 votes in favour and 13 against it. However, the legislation will again have to go back to the Lok Sabha due to the introduction of three new amendments. The Lower House had earlier passed it on July 23. Introducing the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that every year there are millions of deaths due to road accidents and it is the government’s responsibility to stop them. He said that Tamil Nadu has taken significant steps to curb road accidents and his government is going to adopt the same model. Gadkari pointed out that 30
Tongpang Ozukum (NP)
per cent of the driving licences in the country are bogus and a single person is able to acquire as many as four licenses. He said that roughly 1.5 lakh people are killed in road accidents every year in India. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, proposes to increase the minimum penalty for a general violation to Rs 500 from the current Rs 100. Driving without a licence will result in a penalty of Rs 5,000 from Rs 500 while driving despite disqualification will lead to a fine of Rs 10,000 from Rs 500. The monetary punishment for drunken driving will be increased to Rs 10,000 from Rs 2,000. The Bill provides for automated fitness testing for vehicles. There is also a penalty for deliberate violation of safety or environmental regulations. There is a provision for cashless treatment of road accident victims during the golden hour. It allows the central government to order the recall of motor vehicles if a defect in it may cause damage to the environment, driver or other road users.
its president Ketan Desai by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). As per the Bill, a national medical commission will be set up in place of MCI that will have responsibilities such as approving and assessing medical colleges, conducting common MBBS entrance and exit examinations and regulating medical course fees. The Bill aims to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals in all parts of the country. IMA has already warned the Government that the protest against the NMC Bill 2019 will be intensified. Santanu Sen, National President, Indian Medical Association also said that IMA’s call for withdrawal of non-essential services was implemented successfully by the entire medical fraternity of India across the country.
The minister later officially declared the Tsüngremmung Hornbill Festival Mokokchung open. The festival is a collective celebration initiated by the government of Nagaland and the people of Mokokchung district. Earlier, the programme was chaired by district cultural officer Mokokchung Rothaline while the welcome address was delivered by Mokokchung Town Aoer Telongjem president I Moa Longkumer. Tsüngremmung greeting was delivered by ADC Mokokchung Manphai Phom while the GBs’ Union Mokokchung Town presented a cultural song. The programme was followed by Tug of war and indigenous games. The second session of the programme included an evening of Ao traditional and modern tunes to celebrate the rich cultural heritage. Besides, stalls of various groups and individuals have opened for selling various food items, BBQs, fun games etc. Agri and allied departments have also put up stall showcasing and selling various products.
CNC appeals for ‘vesper prayer’
D I M A P U R , AU G 1 (NPN): Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) has informed that the council headquarters Church members, Hebron will be holding “vesper prayer for the Naga nation” at 5 p.m. from August 1 to 13, 2019. “We are entering to a very crucial but unpredictable time. Our fate is at stake as uncertainty cloaks the future, “ stated CNC general secretary, Rev. Seksim Kasar, in a release.Therefore, in view of the above, Rev. Kasar called upon the Nagas to be humble themselves before the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins and for fresh direction. Rev.Kasar said the Lord “ alone holds the future and our security lies with Him. He is our Saviour and our Future.” All NSCN members living nearby, have been asked to join in the vesper prayer vigil, and to those living in far off places, are also asked to do the same at the same time in their own respective places.
legislature party Manmohan likely PDA meeting on August 6 to be nominated to D I M A P U R , A U G 1 With the fourth RS from Rajasthan (NPN): session of the thirteenth NaNEW DELHI, AUG 1 (AGENCIES): For mer prime minister Manmohan Singh may be re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Congress from Rajasthan, party sources said. Singh has been a five-time Rajya Sabha member from Assam and has been a member of the Upper House for almost three decades.His term came to an end on June 14. The Rajya Sabha seat from Rajasthan fell vacant after the death of BJP leader Madan Lal Saini on June 24, who was elected to the Upper House last year. With the Congress in majority in Rajasthan, the party is likely to win the seat. The party, sources said, is actively considering nominating Singh for the lone seat and if elected, he will have a term up to April 3, 2024.
galand Legislative Assembly (NLA) beginning on August 6, 2019, a meeting of the members of the legislature party of People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has been convened on August 5, 2019 at 11am in the residential office of the chief minister to discuss the agenda before the Legislative Assembly Session and other related matters. All members of the legislature party of PDA have been requested to attend the meeting.
Dimapur electrical division re-notifies
DIMAPUR, AUG 1 (NPN): Dimapur electrical division of the State’s power department has re-notified terms and conditions for availing new power connection by individuals. (Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C