December 14, 2019

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 12

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Scientists map winds in Mar’s upper atmosphere for first time

Man Utd win; Borussia out of Europa League

CAB stir reaches Delhi; Jamia under lockdown

Infotainment, Page 10

sports, Page 12

national, Page 5

Protests against Citizenship Act continue Panic buying of fuel grips Nagaland

GUWAHATI/KOLKATA, DEC 13 (PTI/AGENCIES): Agitation against the amended Citizenship Act continued on Friday in several parts of the country with protesters hitting the streets to oppose the new law (Citizenship Amendment Act) that allows non-Muslim refugees, who escaped religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and moved to India before December 31, 2014 to get Indian citizenship. While several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legislation, chief ministers of at least five states (Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh) announced they would not implement the new Citizenship Act. Protests against the new Citizenship law showed signs of ebbing away in Assam and elsewhere in the northeast on Friday with relaxation of curfew. Curfew was relaxed in Assam’s Dibrugarh, but the ripple effect of anger over the hugely divisive law was felt in West Bengal where Beldanga railway station complex was set ablaze in Murshidabad district and RPF personnel

Indian citizens will not be harassed due to ILP: Patton DIMAPUR, DEC 13 (NPN): Nagaland deputy chief minister, Y Patton, who met with various non Naga communities of Dimapur at Police Mess Chumukedima here on Friday following extension of ILP to the entire district of Dimapur, has assured that Indian citizens would not be harassed because of ILP and also reiterated that ILP would not be issued to foreigners. The deputy chief minister, representing the chief minister of Nagaland and on behalf of the government of Nagaland, has appealed to various organizations to cooperate with the state government and advised them not to give protection to illegal immigrants. He further assured the various non Naga communities that no NGOs or student body would harass them with regard to ILP as the government would be taking care of the issue. “If anybody comes and harass with regard to ILP you report to the government,” Patton informed. “Be good messengers between the government of Nagaland and government of India. We will also do our best to protect you and we will work collectively,” Patton maintained.

were assaulted. No violent incidents were reported from Guwahati, the hotbed of violent protests on Thursday, but peaceful protests were held by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and some other outfits. There were reports of police firing in air to disperse protesters in some places in Assam. AASU began a 10hour hunger strike at the Chandmari field against the amended citizenship act, which received the assent of President Ramnath Kovind late on Thursday. A large number of people participated in this protest. The body also declared that it would file a public interest petition in the Supreme Court against the new law. “There is no way Assam or Assamese people will accept it. Besides peaceful protests we will continue legal battle against the law,” AASU chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya was quoted as having said in reports. While normal life appeared getting back on track in Northeast, parts of West Bengal were in throes of violence as agitators vandalised public property and clashed with police.

Protestors, police clash outside M’laya Raj Bhavan

Onlookers watch from a distance as protestors clash with security personnel during a demonstration against the passing of Citizenship Amendment Bill, in front of Raj Bhavan in Shillong. (PTI)

Correspondent

SHILLONG, DEC 13: Thousands of people on Friday took out a protest march to Meghalaya Raj Bhavan opposing the Citizenship of Amendment and demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State. Police fired nine rounds of tear gas shells as the protesters refused to disperse from the entrance gate of the Raj Bhavan. Governor, Tathagata Roy was inside the Raj Bhavan. During the protest (Cont’d on p-7) march, organised by Con-

federation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) from Motphran point to Raj Bhavan, the protestors shouted slogan “No CAB, Yes ILP” and condemned Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Amit Shah for passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. They also shouted slogans against Roy and lone National People’s Party (NPP) Lok Sabha member Agatha Sangma for supporting the contentious Bill. The angry protesters also demanded Governor Roy to immediately give

DIMAPUR, DEC 13 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called for a six-hour total bandh in all the Naga inhibited areas on December 14, 2019 starting from 6am to 12noon to express resentment of the Naga people against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which it said, was passed in the Parliament much against the interests and the sentiments of the indigenous people in the North East states. NSF has, however, exempted students appearing exams, medical staff on duty, media personnel and wedding goers (to provide wedding card) from purview of the proposed bandh. In a directive, NSF vice president Dievi Yano and general secretary Liremo R Kikon informed that the call to impose bandh was unanimously decided at the emergency executive council meeting held on December 13, 2019 at its Headquarters.

Public explanation sought from 3 Naga MPs

NSF expressed displeasure at the three Naga Members of Parliament-- TokhehoYepthomi (LS), KG Kenye (RS) and Lorhe S. Pfoze (LS, Manipur)- for voting in favour of the CAB “without considering the threat and the consequences” that it posed to the indigenous inhabitants of NE states. NSF demanded that the three MPs publicly state the rationale behind their support for the Bill and also explain to the general public, as to why the Act will not affect the people they represent. NSF has also slammed Government of India (GoI)

for passing the contentious Bill without taking into account the sentiments and plea of the indigenous inhabitant of NE. Stating that it totally resented the injustice done by the Government of India, SF affirmed that would never ever support CAB, which is said was the “latest weapon” of the Centre to divide people of NE on “concessional lines.” NSF said it did not believe in classification of illegal immigrant on religious lines as the federation regarded “all illegal immigrants as criminals” who should be treated accordingly.

WSH opposes lightning bandh

Meanwhile, Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has expressed strong opposition to the six-hour bandh called by the NSF on December 14, 2019. WSH through its media cell asserted that it was against lightning bandh imposed by any organisation. Pointing out that the government departmental examination was scheduled to commence on December 14, WSH said the inconveniences caused by (Cont’d on p-7) bandh cannot be overlooked.

scarcity fears

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, DEC 13 (NPN/PTI): Nagaland government Friday allayed fears of shortage of fuel and essential commodities across the state in the wake of unrest in neighbouring Assam. Principal Secretary (Home) Abhijit Sinha Friday told PTI that the Indian Oil Corporation depot in Dimapur has been stocked up to last a few days. “Petrol pumps may have dried up in several places due to the rise in demand, but the deposit in IOC Dimapur wouldn’t run out of stock in the next few days,” he said, adding that fresh supply would reach the state soon through rail route. On essential commodities, Sinha claimed that the state had enough in store for now, and there was no reason for people to panic.

Citizens hold candlelight vigil at Khermahal junction in Dimapur on Friday. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 13 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) in collaboration with Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) organized candlelight vigil at Khermahal Junction here Friday to express solidarity with the neighbouring states, which have been affected because of the new Citizenship law.

Hundreds of citizens turned up for the candlelight vigil holding placards some of which read “We stand with North East”, “We stand with Tripura”, “Citizenship amendment bill is unconstitutional” “We stand with Assam” etc. Addressing the gathering, DNSU president Sedevilie Angami expressed gratitude to all who came forward to extend solidarity with toward the neighbour-

ing states especially Assam and Tripura. “We are all aware that the Bill which has been passed is unconstitutional and violates the very principle of Secularism and further endangers the rights and ethos of the Indigenous people of Northeast,” he said. DNSU president asserted that though some of the North East states have been kept out of the ambit

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 13 (NPN): Social unrest in Assam following anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Bill protests over the past few days has affected the market in the commercial hub of Nagaland, as prices of essential commodities in Dimapur was at its peak while some items have run out of stock. When Nagaland Post spoke to some vegetable vendors at New Market, they claimed that prices of vegetables saw a steep rise due to shortage of supply in last two days. When asked whether prices of vegetables were being regulated by Dimapur Municipal Council and district administration, the vendor replied in negative saying, “They all know that the prices have shot up.” Another vendor also confirmed that shortage of vegetables and other perishable items have led to price (Cont’d on p-8) rise. It was also learnt that

DNSU candlelight vigil against Citizenship Act

This is it!

K Y M C

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/ MOKOKCHUNG, DEC 13 (NPN): As Assam continues to burn over passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), the situation has provoked panic-buying in Nagaland amid rumours of shortage of fuel supply and essential commodities. The commercial hubDimapur and the state capital- Kohima including districts like Mokokchung and Zunheboto witnessed sudden surge in sales of fuel as people were seen making bee line outside fuel outlets. In Dimapur, most of the fuel outlets ran out of daily stock and had to shut down by afternoon. Police personnel were also seen monitoring the situation in some outlets, in order to prevent people from buying fuel in jerrycans. Denizens in the state capital also resorted to panic buying as hundreds of vehicles were seen lined-up outside fuel outlets. By afternoon, most of the outlets in Kohima had to close down as it ran out of stock. Speaking to Nagaland Post, Kohima District Petro-

(Top) Vehicles line up along the highway to fill fuel tank and (Below) people stand in queue in front of petrol pump in Dimapur. (NP)

leum Dealers’ Association worry as there was enough president Jabou Sekhose stock. (Cont’d on p-7) said there was no need to

No shortage of fuel in state: ANPDU

All Nagaland Petroleum Dealers Union (ANPDU), president, Akokla Pongen Lucy Friday allayed fears of fuel shortage in Nagaland. When Nagaland Post contacted, Lucy informed that the Indian Oil depot at Thahekhu, Dimapur-- the only depot for the entire state, has enough stock of diesel which will last for a month and petrol for a week. Reacting to reports of fuel outlets running out of stock, Lucy clarified that outlets have stock limitation and it has to close once they exhaust the daily stock limit and replenish the next day. Pointing out that procuring fuel in large quantities by individuals resulted in the shortage, Lucy urged people to desist from doing so. She also assured that the main depot will continue supplying the required amount of fuel to various districts as per the limitation.

NSF calls lightning 6-hr bandh today State govt allays Vegetable prices skyrocket in Dimapur

(Cont’d on p-7)

“Next time we come to the north east, we’ll need ILPs for every state.”

his assent to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Ordinance, 2019. On November 2, the Meghalaya cabinet had approved the amendment to the Meghalaya Residents, Safety and Security Act, 2016 that requires registration of all non-residents, including tourists visiting the state. Governor Roy had said that he was consulting legal luminaries before giving his assent to the Bill. Meanwhile, mobile internet services remained suspended across the state to prevent from spreading of misinformation.

Staff Reporter/Correspondents

of Act i.e. states protected by ILP and areas covered under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution, “we cannot be certain and confident that this will not affect us.” He alleged that the state government has also failed to strictly regulate and implement the existing laws all these years. Also speaking at the protest event, Northeast Indigenous People Forum (NEIPF) joint secretary Tia Longchar stated that the people of North East states were united to protect their culture and land. He said that the forum has been analyzing and discussing the situation, adding that it would raise voice soon in whatever possible ways. JCPI convenor Ghokheto Chophy, and former president of DNSU and NSF K Temjen Jamir also spoke at the vigil.

DMC, DCCI say enough stock of commodities; cautions hoarders in the last two days, prices of onion in Dimapur went up from Rs. 120 to Rs 140 per kg; tomato from Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kg; potato from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg; cabbage from Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg; green chillies from Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg and fish (rohu) from Rs 160 to Rs 190 per kg. Another vendor informed that prices of almost all vegetables and other perishable items haev skyrocketed. The vendor said there was “no guarantee” whether the vegetables would be available in next few days as the stockist have run out of the same and so far the authorities have not given them any assurance. Owing to short/no supply of fish, a fish vendor said if the same situation continues, then they will not

be able to meet the demands in the coming days. When contacted, DMC administrator, Albert Ezung urged public to not panic and assured that there was “enough stock” to last for at least over three months. He informed that the district administration was mulling to provide police protection to ferry in trucks, carrying essential commodities, that have been stranded due to the situation in Assam. Also speaking to Nagaland Post, DCCI president, Akashe K Zhimomi assured that there was enough stock of non-perishable item to last for the next three months. However, he confirmed that items like vegetables, particularly onions and potatoes, have run out of stock. Reacting to reports about price hike, Akashe said so far there was no price rise of perishable and non-perishable items. He further warned stockist/wholesalers not to take unwarranted advantage of the situation in Assam.

NFR cancels trains ILP alone doesn’t make

DIMAPUR, DEC 13 (NPN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has cancelled several trains in view of disruptions in train movement following protests against amended Citizenship Act. According to NFR the following trains have also been cancelled: 15666 Dimapur– Guwahati BG Exp and 55812 Kamakhya–Dhubri passenger of Dec 13. Dec 14 trains:- 15908 NaharlagunTinsukia Intercity Exp, 55601 Guwahati-Lumding, 55602 Lumding–Guwahati, 55603 Guwahati–Mairabari, 55604 Mairabari–Guwahati, 55753 Alipurduar Jn-Guwahati, 55754 Guwahati-Alipurduar Jn, and train nos. 55801, 55802, 55803, 55809, 55810, 55817, 55818 (Guwahati–New Bongaigaon vice versa) and 75723 and 75724 (Guwahati–New Bongaigaon DEMU vice versa) and 55820 and 55819 (Guwahati–Mendipathar vice versa), 55811 Dhubri–Kamakhya, 75727 Guwahati – Haibargaon DEMU, 75728 Haibargaon–Dibrugarh, 75729 and 75730 (Guwahati–Silghat Town DEMU vice versa). Dec 15: 15907 Tinsukia–Naharlagun Intercity Exp, 55901 Lumding–Tinsukia, 55902 Tinsukia–Lumding, 55804 Guwahati–New Bongaigaon. Dec 16: 15601 Silchar–New Delhi PSK Exp.

Nagaland safe: NJCF

KOHIMA, DEC 13 (NPN): Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) president Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, who is also the general secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), has said that Inner Line Permit (ILP) alone does not make Nagaland safe. Interacting with a section of media persons at his office Friday, Rev. Keyho said that since north east states were interconnected none of the states in the region were safe. He also queried how could the ILP—a travel permit—be protective? He said the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill should be looked at from a larger perspective as it would affect the whole north east states including the states that feel safe at the moment. Asked to comment on the Members of Parliament from Nagaland voting in favour of CAB, NJCF president maintained that the MPs must have seriously studied before the voting. Asserting that there should not be any discrimination on the basis of religion, the reverend, however, said that the CAB would have long effect, whether it was positive or negative. NJCF president expressed solidarity with the citizens of Assam and Tripura who were on protest and said the Churches feel for them and uphold them in prayer. (Correspondent) K Y M C


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December 14, 2019 by Nagaland Post - Issuu