Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 8
DIMAPUR, sunday, December 10, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
True meaning of Christmas: Family traditions, giving, and children
Superb Hammers stun Chelsea
‘Govt to soon unveil policy on methanol blending in petrol’
Sunday Post Supplement
sports, Page 12
business, Page 8
WC seeks views for pol solution
N. Kitovi Zhimomi (NP) Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DEC 9 (NPN): Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) held a consultative meeting at Niathu Resort with 25 apex Naga tribe organisations, civil society groups, women organisations, indigenous minority tribes etc. to seek views and suggestions for negotiation with the government of India. The meeting was initiated by the Working Committee of the NNPGs for wide consultations with the people in order to take up the agreed points with the government of India. Giving the keynote address at the consultative
1st phase polls: Over 70% vote in Gujarat GANDHINAGAR, DEC 9 (AGENCIES): Over 70% voter turnout was recorded on Saturday in 89 seats in the first phase of Assembly polls in Gujarat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress’ heirapparent Rahul Gandhi are locked in a bitter, high-stakes political duel after a 22year reign of the BJP. There were reports of technical glitches in electronic voting machines (EVMs) but the polling process resumed after the machines were replaced, Election Commission officials said. Congress alleged that some EVMs were found to be connecting with external devices such as mobile phones through bluetooth. (Related news on p-7)
meeting N. Kitovi Zhimomi, convenor of WC, explained that the agreed position on the Naga political issue was signed between the government of India and the Working Committee on November 17, 2017. The agreement reads: “After several rounds of deliberations, the Government of India and NNPGs WC have agreed to resolve the Naga political issue through negotiation and understanding of each other’s factual positions and that the government of India recognizes the historical and political rights of the Nagas to self determination of the future in consonance with the distinct identity. The two entities have agreed to work out the details of a relationship that is honourable, enduring and inclusive, peaceful co-existence with due regard to contemporary political realities” Kitovi also informed the gathering that the WC had signed the agreement with the Government of India based on the principle foundation of one “preamble”. He also pointed out that since the government of In-
dia had informed the NSCN (I-M) that sovereignty as well as integration were out of question, the same could also be conveyed to the WC. He therefore said that the WC has been holding meetings with various Naga tribe bodies to seek a consensus opinion on the points to be negotiated. “We will first approach the people and seek the agenda and therefore we have approached you to give us your charter of demands”, he added. He said that unlike the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) which is being kept secret, “our agreement is like a preamble and based on principles and talks would be held only under that agreement”. After a marathon meeting lasting around six hours, the house agreed that all the participating tribe organisations, civil society and women groups, indigenous minority tribes etc. will submit their respective proposals in writing to the WC before January 15, 2018 for thorough deliberation and obtaining the consent of the people.
NTC president, Toniho Yepthomi called for unity among the Nagas by taking example from the six NNPGs which have come together for the common cause of the Nagas. He also appreciated the wisdom on the part of the NNPGs in signing the agreement and making it known to the public. They have done their part now it is the public to extend support to the ongoing political negotiation, he added. CNTC president Hokiye reminded the gathering that Naga people talk of unity but before the Naga could unite, the NNPGs have done it. APO president Dr Vilhusa Seleyi view was inclusion of Nagas as a whole and not only Nagas of Nagaland in the political negotiation. He also wanted inclusion of all the scattered Naga lands in the political process. Ao Senden president, Imliyanger Jamir said the Senden “have come with an open mind” and would take back whatever was agreed upon for further consultations at the grassroot levels and then return with feedback.
AC AU T m e m b e r s Joel Naga on its part asked the NNPGs not to make the same mistake made by NSCN (I-M) but to consult before going for political negotiation. He also suggested setting up back-up team comprising of GBs, intellectuals, members of NTC, etc , to assist the WC of NNPGs. Joel also suggested all tribes should give in writing on the “charter of demands” to the NNPGs having consent of the people and signed by the village councils. He also suggested that Naga should also sign a documents demanding that the election should be postponed. NMA president, Abi-e Meru appealed to the other groups to join the negotiating table so that the political aspiration of the Naga people is fulfilled. She called for transparency and accountability on whatever deliberation and assured to extend service for the common cause of the Nagas. CPO president Kekhwengulo Lea said that any solution should be with “one voice” since the struggle began with “one voice”. (Cont’d on p-7)
China trying to meddle into NE ANEFWA threatens insurgency issue: security sources to launch agitation
GUWAHATI, DEC 9 (AGENCIES): had shared specific intelligence inputs on DIMAPUR, DEC 9 (NPN): All The security agencies of India are ex- activities of North East insurgent leaders Nagaland Electricity Field Worktremely worried over the way China has in Yunnan province of China but it failed ers Association (ANEFWA) has issued a stern warning to the been trying to meddle into insurgency of to take any action as yet. North Eastern states operating from their Recalling that Indian intelligence government that if their grievbases in Myanmar, a Deccan Chronicle agencies had specific input on Chinese ances were not addressed, there report stated. agencies provoking North East insurgents was a possibility of them agitatDisclosing that security agencies to oppose Dalai Lama’s Assam visit re- ing. A press release signed by have definite information on Chinese cently, security sources said that China ANEFWA president Ayeto Sumi agencies trying to get details of the had agreed to form a joint task force with and general secretary Tepuhosul, Naga-talks, security sources in the Home India in view of the growing problem in narrated their experiences and complaints. ministry told the Deccan Chronicle that its Xingyang province. It said that while they were China was leaving no stone unturned to Regretting that the stand of China ensure that NSCN (Khaplang) faction on bilateral cooperation on the insur- contributing to public service “in doesn not join the ongoing peace-process gency front may prove to be counter whatever limited capacity that we in Nagaland. productive for themselves, sources said can, across the state”, for them it Pointing out that frequency of meet- that India was extremely worried about was a daily struggle and a thanking between Chinese intelligence sleuths their growing interference and meddling less task. They pointed out that the field workers were literally and North East insurgent leaders have into affairs of insurgency. also gone up, security sources said that reSecurity sources said that if NSCN risking their “lives and limbs” lationship between India and China is not (K) decides to join the peace-process, it daily, and that many had died in good but has stabilised after Doklam. would be difficult for most of the North fatal accidents, many badly inInforming that India and China East insurgent groups to survive in Myan- jured and handicapped for life. ANEFWA opined that the has also formed a joint task-force to deal mar. China knows these facts very well, number of their dead and injured with trans-border activities of insurgent security sources said adding that China groups, security sources said that China has been using the northeast insurgent may even exceed those of the Correspondent was reluctant on acting on intelligence leaders and facilitating them with all Police department “or any other shared under the mechanism. kinds of help including shelter for top service departments”. KOHIMA, DEC 9 (NPN): (Cont’d on p-7) Security sources also said that India insurgent leaders. Hornbill Festival 2017 saw the highest numbers of visitors on the 9th day at Naga Heritage village, Kisama. According to Tourist Officer (statistical I/c) Toka E. Tuc- D I M A P U R , D E C 9 accept and acknowledge the cumi, 50,039 people visited (NPN): Two NPF factions-legitimacy of Dr. ShürhoKisama, of whom 289 were one under NPF president, zelie Liezietsu as the NPF foreign tourists, 6,211 do- Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu president. mestic tourists and 43,529 having 11 MLAs and the Further, the legislators local visitors. Naga heritage ruling faction led by chief and party officials under village Kisama has seen a minister, T.R. Zeliang havT.R. Zeliang had agreed total of 1,76,800 visits to the ing 36 NPF MLAs have to take all necessary steps festival from December 1-9. reaffirmed that T.R. Zeliang to nullify their actions and will continue as chief minexecute necessary counter ister and also lead the party affidavits and paper works in the next election and also for early resolution of the Dr. Shürhozelie to remain T.R. Zeliang (File) Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu (File) party dispute in the ECI. as party president. It was pointed out that The meeting report- and expulsion of all NPF reorganize the NPF office both the groups reconciled edly took place at the invita- MLAs, NPF leaders and bearers of the assembly in order to provide stability tion of chief minister, T.R. workers belonging to the constituencies/divisional to the polity in Nagaland units of the MLAs under and with a view to strengthZeliang which culminated chief minister’s group. As per the clause, CM’s group. in the signing of the “memening unity in the party Dr. Liezietsu agreed since Nagas had been longorandum of reconciliation” Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu agreed to declare publicly to reconstitute the working ing for an early solution to on December 8. The agreement was that T.R. Zeliang would committee on the advice of the protracted Naga politisigned between Dr. Shürho- lead the party as the chief the chief minister and also cal problem. zelie Liezietsu and T.R. ministerial candidate in accommodate those CEC The signatories of T.R. Zeliang and assisted by the upcoming general elec- and COB members “who Zeliang’s group were-- G. accept the party principle Kaito Aye, Imkong L. Imthree legislators each from tion. Dr. Liezietsu had also and join in pursuance of this chen and Naiba Konyak both sides. “Corruption is not when On the part of Dr. agreed to issue NPF tickets reconciliation process.” while Dr. Liezietsu’s group you make money through On the part of chief were-- Kuzholuzo (Azo) Shürhozelie Liezietsu and to all the sitting MLAs of commissions. When you don’t minister, T.R. Zeliang and Nienu, P. Longon and Y. his group, it was agreed both the groups. share, it is corruption.” It was also agreed to his group, they agreed to Vikheho Swu. to revoke the suspension
Arunachal Governor urges all to join mainstream for peace
Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Brigadier (retd) Dr. B.D. Mishra
DIMAPUR, DEC 9 (NPN): Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Brigadier (retd) Dr. B.D. Mishra called upon all who were not in mainstream, to join in and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region. He was speaking as the chief guest at the Hornbill Festival, at Naga Heritage village, Kisama on December 9 2017. Governor Mishra has graced the occasion as the chief guest on the invitation of Nagaland Governor P. B Acharya. According to DIPR, Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya and parliamentary secretary for Tourism, C. Apok Jamir were the chief host and host of the day respectively. Governor Mishra expressed his delight to be a part of the occasion and said that because the Hornbill is the State Bird of Arunachal Pradesh, he, being the first citizen of that state, felt a great affiliation with the Hornbill Festival. He reminisced of the times he was posted in
Nagaland including at Pughoboto (1964), Meluri in 1967, and his first posting after being selected from the Indian Military Academy in 1960. Quoting the epitaph at Kohima War Cemetery that says “When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today,” Dr. Mishra urged soldiers to contribute their best and do everything possible for the people of the state. He told the gathering that Arunachal had wonderful universities and invited Nagaland students to go and enjoy the varied and quality education there. Referring to Prime Minister Narandra Modi’s interest for the region, Governor Mishra said that people from the North-east used to go to Delhi, but now people from Delhi come here to enquire on what can be done for the region. Appealing for peace and security in the region, Dr. Mishra invited those who were not in mainstream society to join hands, adding that there must be peace, and they should come back to the mainstream, and contribute to prosperity of the region In his welcome address, Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya called the participation of universities in the festival a positive achievement and said universities can and must positively participate in the development of the country. He was referring to the participation Vice Chancel-
lor of Guwahati University, Dr. Mridul Hazarika besides a host of other important personalities at the festival. He called the festival an event where all Naga tribes showcase the best of their song, costumes and dances, in one location while cultural troupes from neighbouring states also participate in the festival. He said that Nagas were second to none and the youths’ talent in every field need to be promoted systematically to create more employment opportunities. Lamenting that students are compelled to leave the state for higher technical and professional education, he suggested that this issue be addressed in a pragmatic way. The Governor maintained that we have to develop and strengthen connectivity of the North-east with the ASEAN region through trade, culture, people to people contacts and physical infrastructure. With right focus on the development of connectivity, infrastructure and cooperation of the neighbouring countries, Nagaland can become one of the economic hubs connecting South East Asian countries, he further asserted. He opined that this will become a reality only if the task of widening of roads, expanding air connectivity, extending railway networks, opening new and reactivating dormant trade routes etc., are taken up on a war footing.
Hornbill fest witnesses highest visitors on day-9
Dr. Shürho-TR Zeliang group ink pact for reconciliation
This is it!
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