August 31, 2016

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opinion/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

The impact of Sharva Shiksa Abhiyan (SSA)

Vol. XXVI NO. 264 Dimapur, wednesday, August 31, 2016

Controversial cuts

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inister of State (MoS) for Culture and Tourism, Mahesh Sharma whose induction into the Modi ministry surprised many even including those from within the BJP, has confirmed why he was a surprise choice. In living up to his controversial image, Mahesh has so many views on what he believes is culturally nationalistic. He has several specific criteria for what defines an Indian culture. In September 2015, Sharma said “Night out for girls was not part of Indian culture”. He added it might be alright elsewhere but certainly not part of Indian culture. By which he also meant that girls should not go out at night anywhere in any part of India.

The latest that Mahesh also involves his brand of what is moral and what is not. As MoS of culture and tourism, Mahesh has his own idea on how to promote them even if his concepts appear medieval. His version of Indian culture does not relate to or harmonise with a country that is today among the top growing economies in the world and whose popular sentiments are driven by the young, dynamic and creative minds. Mahesh strongly believes that his views about culture are correct. Therefore, as minister and belonging to a party that is a self-acclaimed nationalist party, it is either his way or the highway. Fortunately, probably most of the BJP members don’t share his controversial views on how to promote culture and tourism. In his latest remarks, on Sunday, he suggested that visiting foreign women tourists should not wear skirts in India. He also advised women tourists not to roam alone at night. If his remarks were shocking, the explanation given was even most shocking. He told reporters: “for their own safety, women foreign tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts... Indian culture is different from the western”. No one can be faulted if they took the minister’s remarks literally.

It can mean that foreign women wearing skirts are not safe in India as anything can happen to them and it would be best left to one’s own imagination. Foreign women with skirts and going out at night (even alone) is a sure recipe for trouble, according to Mahesh. Unfortunately, such caution can only be associated with a society of male sexual predators. In fact, what the minister said only brought disrepute not only to India but Indian men and the culture. It may also be recalled that on renaming Aurangzeb Road as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam road, Mahesh opined that APJ Abdul Kalam makes the cut as an ideal Indian, despite the former president being a Muslim. Sharma made several other controversial statements when he said that the Bible and Quran were not part of the soul of India in the same way as Gita and Ramayana. The reason why people like Mahesh are tolerated in the BJP can be understood from its Hindutva ideology. Sharma vowed that his party will cleanse every area of public discourse that has been westernised and where Indian culture and civilisation need to be restored; “be it the history we read, our cultural heritage or our institutes that have been polluted over years.” Unfortunately Mahesh himself needs to be cultured so that he can help his ministry move forward instead of backward.

DailyDevotion

Usefulness or Relationship?

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. —Luke 10:20 Jesus Christ is saying here, “Don’t rejoice in your successful service for Me, but rejoice because of your right relationship with Me.” The trap you may fall into in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service— rejoicing in the fact that God has used you. Yet you will never be able to measure fully what God will do through you if you do not have a right-standing relationship with Jesus Christ. If you keep your relationship right with Him, then regardless of your circumstances or whoever you encounter each day, He will continue to pour “rivers of living water” through you (John 7:38). And it is actually by His mercy that He does not let you know it.

Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7).

Our tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make their request for help on the basis of someone’s usefulness. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure who ever lived. For the saint, direction and guidance come from God Himself, not some measure of that saint’s usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that our Lord gives His attention to in a person’s life is that person’s relationship with God— something of great value to His Father. Jesus is “bringing many sons to glory…”

(Hebrews 2:10).

Quotes

The fear of being laughed at makes cowards of us all. ~ Mignon McLaughlin

Nagaland Post, Dimapur wednesday, August 31, 2016

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ith the coming of SSA project to the village schools, there have being positive changes especially in the infrastructural developments and the deployment of new teachers.

There have being rise of students’ enrolment after the implementation of SSA project. Government Primary Schools are upgraded to Government Middle Schools or new schools are inaugurated. Thousands of Graduate Teachers and primary teachers are appointed under this scheme. The schools are now under the prerogative authority of the local committee due to Communitisation of Public Institution Act 2002. It is one step forward towards revival of the traditional Morung in the village. Out-of-school children are been enrolled in the school. There has been very less child out-of-school ever since the introduction of SSA schemes.

Mid Day Meal is another attraction to the students. However, it is noted that only rice (sometimes, worm infested) would be issued from the department. Rice alone cannot be served as Mid Day Meal because there is no attractive aroma when cooked alone. Therefore, some teacher’s in charge/head teachers would sale out the rice and in exchange buys noodles, biscuits etc. and serve it till it get exhausted before the end of the directed duration

of months. Village students would eagerly anticipate for the arrival of next Mid Day Meal.

On the other side of the story, issuance of free texts books on time or at the beginning of academic session from the concern department is not that efficient till date. This contributes a lot of confusions among the students and teachers. There was a year when text books were issued only in the middle of the year/academic session. Otherwise, free text books serve lots of government’s objectives and are very helpful.

Free school uniforms, rain coats, school bags, umbrella, instrument box, etc. are another attraction towards the students’ community.

But, there are some schools who had not received all these facilities adequately. It is the wish of every teachers and parents that whatever sanction/scheme/project are have to be properly executed in letter and spirit for quicker fulfilment of the vision of Universelisation of Elementary Education.

Three months Teacher’s salaries are to be credited at the VECs Account in advance where as five to six months salaries are not paid to the teachers. Interestingly, “no work no pay” is still enforced.

Even though the concern department is trying all the possibilities to improve the education system in the state, according to Office Memo-

A tribute to kilo kilonser NSCN (IM)

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t a time when a very sensible Nagas is eagerly waiting for the favourable outcome of Framework Agreement initiating by the NSCN (IM) clearly shown the matured collective leadership and its commitment for the Naga cause is deserving peal of public applause.

It is my humble yearning that when time comes to celebrate the good results of the Agreement, the backward Chakhesang tribe still being just a few handful of veterans in your Govt. be given a bigger privilege to share the blessings wherein I too may have a place to partake it as a patriot.

It was on 7th July 2016 morning when I was given the prominent reception in your private residence at Dimapur amid provisions to enjoy and huge privilege to listen to your lengthy but precious lecture and share with my thoughts was in fact life-given and a historic moment in my life.

One can easily understand and perceive the magnanimous and politically matured in your person can surely, with your comrades deliver goods to the Nagas at the appointed time as you have many a times delivered lectures abroad for Naga cause which have strong impacts in itself. Hats off to Rh. Raising, Kilo Kilonser, NSCN (IM).

My heartfelt gratitude goes to my leaders and friends Mr. Veniehüyi, Kilonser, and Mr. Nüsahü Khamo, Tatar, NSCN (IM) for facilitating me to availed the wonderful time with our Kilonser on the remarkable day.

Pertaining to the question of Tangkhuls branded as Non-Nagas raised by some persons that you have mentioned does not arise, why because the History tells the Tangkhul Tribe is an ethnic Naga group, beside several Naga Tribal Families have been sprouted up from the group in the form of wave of immigrants to its present areas. In short, the tribe therefore, since from time immemorial an integral part of Naga family due to the reason the cultural history and ethnic affinities too proven the facts than mere speculations.

S. Chisapa Chizo, Phek Village

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ews item in the Nagaland Post of the 26th August 2016 at page 2 had attracted my attention, regarding NPF 40 Bhandari A/C consultative meet held in the Agri Expo complex at Dimapur. It does look encouraging to see that a constituency which is NPF unrepresented in the present opposition less government of Nagaland could organize such an interactive consultative meet and that too at location in a complex of high standard, outside the constituency, that is Dimapur. Logistics regarding the proximity of many villages in Ralan SDO (Civil) circle and transport needs must have prompted the choice of the location.

This is good thus far and cannot but appreciated by those involved.

In the meet, whatever topics, items exhortation, challenges were likely discussed in order to prepare the party members for election in 2018 (if takes place) must have absolutely encouraged and enlightened everyone who had attended. However, I would like to focus on the speech of the NPF legal convenor Achumbemo Kikon, who must have probably initiated the meet successfully.

He, Achumbemo Kikon seemed to have forgotten the fact that, 40 Bhandari A/C Nagaland, Wokha had been represented

by T.Kikon, late M. Kithan, E.T. Ezung, Y. Patton (current Home Minster) and Er. W.Kithan plus Mhonlumo Kikon (present one). Keeping the personalities of the past representatives in one mind’s eye, how could the NPF legal convenor blurt out such unbecoming point that none of the past leaders had done sufficient justice regarding public

welfare. Such sweeping statement is an outright denigration of all past leaders who represented the constituency.

One should at least recall who brought about Bhandari to Sub-division level and later, upgraded to ADC’s level of administration, this is only one example.

Every past representative had definitely contributed in the progress of the area.

Even in the last DAN-II ministry at least two RD Block offices were set up, which should accelerate developments much faster etc.

No leader or representative could function to the satisfaction of the entire constituency public in general; not because of lack of desires or efforts, but mainly due to the mindset of the electors in general. Let us take the case of not returning any of the past representatives even twice consecutively except T.Kikon who returned unopposed in the first and returned in the second election too.

People who propagate that, road and bridges, schools, health centers, water supply power (electric) do not earn any vote could not be helped.

It is not censoring would be leader but it enhances one’s stature to acknowledge own peers if one decides to take up the mantle of rulership and not otherwise. Further, rulership is never handed over to anyone on a platter but wrested, this home truth had been there for thousands of years. Nothing might change as yet. Therefore, let us brace up for fair contests. Victory must go to the BEST. Samuel Patton, Akuk village, 4th mile, Dimapur

Passengers/luggage tax: new form of illegal tax in Nagaland

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ince illegal tax and corruption has become so evident in Nagaland today, we are also witnessing the rise of many bold association/organization with their only aim and objective to fight illegal tax which is an open extortion/corruption.

While the fight against illegal tax is going on, I have come across another new form of illegal tax in Kohima Municipal Council Tax collection Counter and the tax is in the form of ‘Passengers luggage tax’.

It so happened, that on 29th August 2016, (Monday) I board a Sumo Taxi from Philimi Village via Wokha to Dimapur via Kohima, at 11:32 AM, our Tata Sumo stopped at Kohima Municipal Council Tax booth, ADC Court junction for registration but when the driver did not come even after 5 minutes, out of curiosity we passengers stepped down to call the driver but when we came near to tax counter we saw the tax collector pushing the driver out of the counter saying ‘Tumi Passenger nahoi, passenger khan ke ahibole dibi’ (you are not the passenger, so let the passengers come) since I heard him calling the passengers I went on to ask ‘Uncle ki hoise’ (Uncle what happened ?), he asked me how many luggage I have, I confusedly replied ‘Three’, then he told me ‘Tinta bat te sisty Rupees dibi’ (give 60 Rs for three bags). I was surprised to hear a tax collector asking tax from passengers and it was the first time in my life that I was

being asked to pay tax for my luggage travelling in a Taxi and so I reply boldly ‘Ami khan to passenger ase kile saman nimite tax dibo’ (we are passengers and why shall we pay tax for our luggage) he got furious and shouted angrily if you don’t want to pay money, unload all your luggage here and leave.

Since the conversation was bearing no fruit, all the passengers started coming and requesting the tax collector to let us go but he refused, than driver went inside and told him that he as a driver pays money for registration at the counters but passengers never pay tax, but he shouted at the driver and pushed him out.

Finally for the last time I went and requested him saying ‘uncle we are not business men, we are church workers, some of us are students, and all these luggage contains some rice, yams, chilli and some potato, and this is not for business but this is our ration. But still he sticked on his word saying we must pay passengers luggage tax and so after thorough negotiation I paid him 50 Rs, took the receipt, left the counter and resumed our journey.

We were ten of us and among us were students who were bringing rations from village as they stay in a rented house, one was an old lady visiting Dimapur for medical reasons and so she was taking vegetables and new harvested rice for families staying at Dimapur.

So none of us were business people nor were we taking those eatable things for commercial purpose.

We know 50 Rs is nothing, In fact if the tax collector had asked me even 500 Rs stating his needs and problems, I would have given him a thousand rupees out of the good Christian heart that I have. But in this case even 50 Rs is illegal, forceful and extortion and therefore am standing against it.

If we were travelling by Mini Truck, Tata Mobile or Truck it was a different case but we were a mere passengers travelling by Sumo Taxi than why do the concerned authority had to collect passengers tax from us.

As a bonafide citizen of Nagaland/India, we have every right to travel with our luggage anywhere in India and from my birth till today I have travelled many different parts of India by sumo taxi, by train and by bus but no one ever collected passengers’ tax from me/us.

But it was new form of tax that I/we, had to pay 20 Rs per bag at Kohima Municipal Council Tax Counter, ADC Court Junction.

My intention here is not to fight against KMC but to request KMC Authority, if they are collecting passengers tax from bonafide citizens of Nagaland than its legal, it’s an open extortion/corruption and even after knowing that its illegal and they still want to carry on collecting tax from

passengers than atleast spare those poor villagers, students and elderly people who are only travelling sometime. And in case this passengers tax is not officially collected by KMC than the concerned authority should not remain numb but should take strict action against those corrupted tax collector who are trying to bring the hard earned reputation of KMC down to dust.

I have spent my 20 years in Kohima and have always appreciated KMC for their effort in making a Kohima, citizen’s friendly capital but after coming across this passenger’s tax collected from passengers by KMC, I have lost a part of my respect for KMC. Today it is me who is speaking out but how many villagers and passengers are forcefully extort and verbally abused in this manner but they cannot voice out as they don’t know the right platform. Therefore am writing this, on behalf of me and all those, who became the victim of passengers tax collected under KMC tax counter, ADC Court junction.

May this piece of writing open up our eyes to the new form of tax that is being collected and a new form of tax that will spread all over Nagaland if not stopped in time.

N.B: In case the concerned authority needs a proof I have a receipt with me Hovika T. Swu, Concerned Citizen, (swu_hovi@yahoo.com)

The joy of travelling becoming a luxury in Nagaland

oads play a very important in every society . if we look at the civilisation around the world wherever there is good roads, there is connectivity which in turns led to development and progress . Good roads not only helped to accelerate economic development it also bring smile to people’s faces .There is always a feeling of happiness and peace though having to endure a long jour-

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randum No.DSE/EST/STUDYLEAVE/1-47/2014 (pt), Dated Kohima, the 26th June, 2016, there are still as many as 11,982 (eleven thousand nine hundred eighty two) untrained teachers teach in the public schools. Big “thank you” to selection committee/recruitment agency.

There is acute shortage of teachers in the public schools even after “Rationalisation” process is done.

As far as quality education or improvement of teaching-learning outcome is concern, newly recruited teachers are making progressive differences. There are some teachers who remain dedicated and committed in the mission field despite of government’s indifferent attitude.

What is to be accomplished when an educational mission is only on the plain paper and lips services with misappropriations of cores of rupees and full of false promises?

Teachers’ day is just is a week away, I hope the government will be sincere and honest to celebrate this auspicious day of the teachers who are the agents of changes at the grassroots level. How pleasant it would be if the Christian Government is serious with state’s education system as much as parents are concern with their own children’s education.

Happy Teachers’ Day in advance!

Jetilo Apon, Tseminyu, Nagaland

Rejoinder to NPF 40 A/C Bhandari consultative meet

ney if we travel in good road . But today a joyful travelling is becoming a luxury for the travellers in Nagaland. Travelling is becoming a torture for our body and vehicle and a time to curse the ministers , contractor’s, engineers.

If we look abroad engineers take pride in their road.

For them its a challenge to built good roads, an occasion to test their skill and quality , therefore they make sure

that it last for years enduring all weather conditions . But in India and especially in the case of Nagaland may be there is pride and competition among the engineers and contractors to see whose roads deteriorate quickly. Its really a disappointment whoever is in-charge of constructions and maintenance of roads in Nagaland , which are not able to make and maintain a roads that can last for years minus

the natural calamities.

Though Nagaland is called the Switzerland of East , most people in Nagaland hardly travel around to enjoy It’s beautiful surroundings .

In Nagaland there is lots of places where we can travel around to escape the extreme summer or winter or just to enjoy travelling with family , friend’s and to enjoy the diversity of our state but who will get excited thinking of the road

condition in Nagaland .Who will want to put their vehicle, body and life at risk to travel through some of the bumby, pothole , dangerous road of Nagaland. In Nagaland we do not drive on road we search for road to drive on .

As the Government have time and again have rightly put up that it cannot guarantee government job to all the youths of Nagaland but what they can provide is , a durable

Naga nation: history says

he history of Nagas is clear to the point of view and action.

The Govt of India change its attitude towards Nagas and its issue after ties trade & defence with US, the Nagas animism’s world change to Christianity through American Missionary, where we came to learn Christ and its principles towards neighbours, we belief that the world will recognized our rights and support the Naga genuine issue, The Nagas has no treaty with great Britain and the British official record is perfectly clear on this issue ( Aitchison Treaties, Engagements and sanads, Vol. XII, PP-91, 1931), the

case of Nagaland is a case of invasion, it is war and it is not political issue, the Indian authorities says; “ troops moved into Tuensang ( Northeast of Nagaland) by October 1955 and the war with the Nagas started from then. (B.N.Mullik, Chief of Indian Intelligence, My Years with Nehru, 1948- 1964, pp.

308). From 1947 to 1952, the Nagas tried their best to please India in order to Avoid war.

July 19th ‘1947, The Naga delegation met Father of Indian Nation, Mr. Mahatma Gandhi, he says “if you are not Indian and your country does not belongs to India then the matter ends there, nobody will force you

to join the Indian union.”

August 19th’ 1946, in connection with the proposed British colony of couplan plan as “ The Tribal Areas are define as being those long frontiers of India which are neither part of India nor Burma, nor Indian states nor of any foreign power.”

On November 28th ‘1948, a Naga delegation met the Indian governor- General Shri. C. Rajagopalachari on his visit to Shillong, he said “Nagas have every right to be independent outside the Indian union. This was how history began between India and The Nagas.

The historic events took place in Naga territories, 16th May’1951, the Naga

Plebiscites, 99% of Nagas were in favour of Sovereign Nation, which has resulted inhuman action against innocent Naga public, burning of villages, killing, rape, torturing by the Indian Army.

The Indian political scene a different breed has stepped in and their attitude towards Nagaland was completely unrealistic and their eyes on the resources in Nagaland, so began Indian ambition for territorial expansion, We urge the Naga political leaders to focus on the uniqueness of Naga history, solution may achieved unless united. Kuknalim Ministry of Information & Publicity, NNC/PRN

normal pothole free roads for all the people to enjoy under the various central and state scheme. Construct and Maintain good roads people will find a way to earn their livelihood . it is sad that after more than 50 years of statehood pothole roads is becoming a norm and travelling in a pothole free roads is fast becoming a luxury in Nagaland.

Moameren Pongen, Asst Prof, Chumukedima

Reader’s Post

KDTODU on checking of petrol pumps time to time

Sir,

The Kohima District Truck Owners and Drivers Union (KDTODU) while appreciating the State Government, the District Administration and ACAUT for initiating a drive to check on fuel adulteration which was carried out within Kohima town in the month of July, the Union appeal the district administration to check the petrol pumps from time to time so as to refrain them from any adulteration.

The union further appeal the concern authority looking after N.H 29 to expedite the road repairing from Naga Hospital Kohima till Hydro as the commuters specially the transporters carrying commodities are facing lot of difficulties in transporting goods to the Public.

Khriesalie Usou, President, KDTODU

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.