December 16, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 14

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.0

“The Others”project: Catching eyes and heart at Hornbill festival, Kisama

Kohli leads India’s fightback in Perth

Mulvaney named ‘acting’ WH chief of staff

Sunday Post Supplement

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

GoN agrees to review oil deal

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): Around six years since the Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulations and Rules 2012 was enacted by the legislative assembly and around three years since the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench issued stay order against permit issued to Metropolitan Oil and Gas Private Limited (MOGPL) on a PIL filed by the Lotha Hoho, both state government (NPNG Board) and the Lotha Hoho appeared to have agreed to resolve contentious issues. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on November 20, 2018 between Lotha Hoho and Nagaland government represented by the NPNG board with certain terms and conditions to amend the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas (NPNG) Regulations & Rules, 2012. As per the NPNG Regulations and Rules 2012, the state government set up the NPNG Board to monitor all activities related to oil and natural

NHM employees call off cease work

DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): National Health Mission Employees Association Nagaland (NEAN), Saturday announced its decision to call off the proposed cease work scheduled to be held from December 15. In a press note, NEAN general secretary, Kewetso Kenye, said that NHM mission director in a letter assured to release all pending salaries on or before December 20. The association has, therefore, appealed to all the district officers/staffs who are in-charge (cheque signatory) to remain in the station so the salary of employees are released as and when the State Health Society transfers the fund to the district health society account.

JLF meet on Dec 19

DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): Nagaland Legislative Assembly speaker in-charge and chairman of the Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) Zhaleo Rio has convened a meeting of the PWC of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) on the Naga Political issue on December 19, 2018 at 2pm in the committee room of Assembly Secretariat. In a statement, NLA secretariat has requested all the members of the parliament working committee to attend the meeting without fail.

This is it!

“Shopping on a Sunday is alright during festive seasons I guess.” K Y M C

gas mining. The NPNG regulations stipulated a threelevel committee: the first comprising state ministers; the second with senior bureaucrats; and the third with junior government officers, advisers and others. The issues raised in the PIL involved the controver-

sial firm Metropolitan Oil and Gas Private Limited which bagged the lucrative oil zones in Wokha district. Other issues also included the fixing of 8% royalty in addition to other excise tax by the state government on the plea of sharing the revenue with non-oil bearing districts.

The High court viewed that the source of power of the impugned permit in favour of MOGPL as “highly questionable, both legally and constitutionally and for which it felt, that the effect and operation of the said permit be kept in abeyance till the case was decided. (Cont’d on p-7)

Lotha Hoho-Govt sign MoU to clear decks for oil ops

The terms and conditions as per the MoU signed between the state government represented by the NPNG Board and Lotha Hoho are as follows: (i) The final draft of the amended NPNG Regulations & Rules shall be printed and produced to the Lotha Hoho, within 1 (one) month after signing this MOU. On receipt of the amended NPNG Regulations & Rules, 2012, the Petitioner shall acknowledge receipt of it and if satisfied, shall give Written Acceptance letter to the NPNG Board. But if not satisfied shall seek for corrections wherever needed. (ii) The NP&NG Board shall take the initiative to expedite the process of amendment of the NPNG Regulations & Rules, 2012, as per the demands of the petitioner and as per decisions arrived at in the Consultative meetings of the two parties. The process of amendment shall be completed within 6 (six) months, after withdrawal of the PIL. (iii) With execution of the MoU the Lotha Hoho shall withdraw the PIL. How-

ever, the Lotha Hoho shall have the liberty to revive the PIL as per clause (v) of this MoU. (iv) The amended NPNG Regulations & Rules 2012 shall be printed and produced to the Lotha Hoho within 1 (one) month after passing by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. On receipt of the amended NPNG Regulations & Rules 2012, the petitioner shall acknowledge receipt of it and if satisfied, shall give Written Acceptance letter to the NPNG Board. (v) If the amendment process is not completed within the stipulated period or if the Amendment is found to have been done not according to the mutually agreed decisions, the Petitioner shall have the liberty to revive the PIL petition in the Court of Law. (vi) Pending amendment of the NPNG Regulations & Rules 2012 by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the State Govt. shall keep on hold the permit issued to MOGPL or any other such company even if the PIL is withdrawn.

ASTD cautions against random extortion, demand DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): Sending out a strong message, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) comprising of Watsu Telongjem (Women Hoho), Dimapur Ao Lanur Telongjem (Youth organization) and Ao Kaketshir Telongjem (students’ body) of Dimapur have jointly resolved not to tolerate any kind of random collection of money, extortion, demand or donation etc. by any individual, group, organization or association from any of its bonafide members. This was the message sent through a joint statement by the presidents of ASTD L. Wati Jamir, WTD Yarsangla, DALT Aotemsu and AKTD Lanutoshi. The resolution reads: “Henceforth any individual, groups, association, organization demanding any form of extortion, donation, taxation of whatever means and or random collection of money etc. without any tangible reason and proof thereto to any members of the Ao community advocating their livelihood (i.e. govt. employees, professionals, contractors, entrepreneurs, daily wage earners, etc,) and or palpable harassment meted out to any of its bonafide district, then the ASTD shall leave no stone unturned to ap-

prehend the perpetrators and to bring to justice as per Ao customary laws and practices as well as per prevalent provisions and laws of the land.” ASTD and its affiliates have further warned that in the event of any eventualities on the consequences of such action, ASTD may even impose indefinite total non-cooperation against such elements in the future. The warning comes against the backdrop of recent incidents like the kidnapping of a lady from East Dimapur for ransom, illegal demand of money from labourers of a Church building construction at Aoyim Dimapur and the shooting at Riven Honda showroom. On the other hand, ASTD has expressed sincere gratitude to the Public Action Committee (PAC) under the aegis of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) for their prompt action in taking up the matter and for safeguarding the sanctity and integrity of the citizens of Dimapur in particular. The union affirmed and assured the committee that the ASTD was “ever ready with open arms to extend all out effort and support towards any tangible initiative by the PAC in the days to come.

NPF urges GoI to resolve Naga issue before LS polls DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): Expressing its desire for an honourable and acceptable political solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue, the NPF legislature party has called upon the Government of India (GoI) under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to bring the issue to its logical conclusion before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. NPF legislature party meeting held at the residence of its leader, TR Zeliang, in Dimapur on December 15, 2018 expressed “anguish and frustration” over what it called the “unreasonable delay” for a negotiated Naga political solution. The party noted that it was almost a year since the election to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly was conducted under the slogan ‘Election for Solution’ by the BJP party, but said the silence over the issue of Naga political settlement was deafening. NPF said the leaders and pioneers of the Naga movement were passing away one after another while expecting solution to the Naga issue during their lifetime. “For how long would the GoI drag the issue and delay in granting an amicable and honourable solution?”, NPF asked and appealed to the Centre and all Naga Nationalist Groups to arrive at an amicable settlement at the earliest for permanent peace. Further, the NPF also urged Centre to welcome NSCN (K) representative(s) for signing Ceasefire Agreement to join the dialogue at the earliest. Meanwhile, the NPF legislature party has mourned the demise of ‘Gen.’ (Retd) Khole Konyak, vice-president of the NSCN (I-M) who passed away on December 12, 2018 in New Delhi. It extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and all the rank and file of the NSCN(I-M).

Rafale: Cong sharpens attack; BJP readies to unmask Cong PDA trying its best to bring change: Rio MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, DEC 15 (PTI/AGENCIES): Congress on Saturday sharpened its attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre accusing the latter that it had misled the Supreme Court over the Rafale deal and committed contempt of court and perjury. Rattled by the relentless attack on the Centre by the Congress over the Rafale deal issue, the BJP said it will deploy its top leaders, including chief ministers and Union ministers, in 70 cities across the country on Monday to attack the opposition party. “The BJP will unmask the Congress’ conspiracy against the government and its attempt to play with national security after the Supreme Court has categorically stated the truth about that the Rafale deal,” the party’s media head and Rajya Sabha member Anil Baluni said.

Speaking to mediapersons, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the basis of the court ruling was a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) which has not been seen by anyone, nor has it been shared with Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The government has now moved an application before the SC, seeking correction of reference to CAG report, the Congress leader said. Congress also charged the government with presenting “wrong facts” before the Supreme Court which led to “factual bloomers” in the Rafale aircraft deal judgment. SC judgement said the material placed before it showed that the Centre disclosed pricing details of the jets to the CAG, and the CAG report was examined by the PAC.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, the chairman of PAC, has said he never received any such report on Rafale jet.

Govt moves SC

The Centre on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking correction in Rafale jet judgement where a reference has been made about CAG report and PAC, saying “misinterpretation” of its note has “resulted in a controversy in the public domain”. In the application, the Centre said the two sentences in paragraph 25 of the judgement appeared to have been based on the note submitted by it along with pricing details in a sealed cover, but indicated the words used by the court lent a different meaning. The Centre made it clear that it did not say that CAG report was examined by PAC or a redacted por-

tion was placed before Parliament. It clarified that the note had said the Government “has already shared” the price details with CAG, which was written in past tense and “is factually correct”. However, where it was stated by the Centre in the note that the report of CAG “is” examined by the PAC, was a description of the procedure which is followed in the normal course, but in the judgement ‘is’ was replaced with the words ‘has been’, according to the application. Similarly, the statement that only a redacted version of the report “is” placed before Parliament, was referred to in the judgment as “only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament, and was in public domain”, the Centre said and sought necessary changes in the apex court order.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 15 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio Saturday appealed to the Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) and the citizens of the state to partner with government and work together for posterity, reassuring that the PDA government was working with commitment and trying its best to bring a change in the system. Addressing the silver jubilee celebration of ENGOA at state capital convention, Rio called upon all to hold more discussions with their elected representatives on various issues in order to help one another instead of confronting. Congratulating ENGOA for successfully completing 25 years of its existence, Rio said it was a milestone for ENGOA and a time to retrospect and in-

Rio with ENGOA members and cabinet colleagues releasing the jubillee souvenir Saturday. (NP)

trospect on the success and failures of the association. He also acknowledged the principles and vision of the pioneers and urged ENGOA to uphold and preserve the principles for betterment and in the service of the people. Rio reminded the officers of their dual responsibilities-- towards the government and to its own people and pointed out that they were the backbone of the state. To this, he exuded con-

fidence that ENGOA will bring the people together and strengthen the society. Rio went on to state that at times the demand of Eastern Nagaland surprises the government. While acknowledging the unique history of Eastern Nagaland, Rio said a “special place” must be looked at and demand what government can do for Eastern Nagas to bring them at par with the rest of the tribes. (Cont’d on p-7)

Late Khole Konyak accorded ‘state funeral’ at Hebron 6 held for LPG pilferage in Mkg Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 15 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) Saturday accorded a “state funeral” to its vice president late ‘Gen.’ (Retd) Khole Konyak at Central Headquarters (CHQ), Hebron on Saturday. All rank and file of the group were present at the solemn service. Member of collective leadership, ‘Lt. Gen.’ (Retd) VS Atem, read out a condolence message on behalf of NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser, Th. Muivah. In his message, ato kilonser described late Khole as “true son of the soil who loved the Naga people and Nagalim.” Muivah said late Khole did the best he could for the cause and he gave his all for it. “He was very well versed in Naga history, geography and politics. He spent most of his prime life in jungles as a revolutionary fighter,” ato kilonser said.

Pall-bearers taking the coffin of late Khole Konyak to a vehicle. (NP)

He said that Khole’s passing was not only the loss of his family, but also a great loss to “our nation.” Ato Kilonser extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the good Lord bless them and strengthen them at this sad moment. Convenor of Steering Committee, Rh Raising, who also spoke on the oc-

casion, recounted his association with Kohle when he was the office in charge of a battalion between 1976 and 1980. He said late Khole was a “humble and rational officer amongst the Naga officers, highly esteemed and loved by all, workers and public alike.” Rh Raising said Khole participated in the talks several times and was quite

contended with the outcome of the talks explained to him. Raising also disclosed that Kohle said that he had “come back to path and would die here” and concluded by reading a poem he had written as a tribute to Kohle, called “Just Keep going.” Longvibu of NSCN (I-M), ‘Lt. Gen.’ Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, who also spoke on the occasion, spoke of the caution sounded by late Kohle that the Naga Army should not be divided and scattered. Shimray affirmed to pay heed to Kohl’s advice while paying his respects to the departed leader and said he (Kohle) had a fought a good fight. Also, speaking on the occasion, Peter Kohle, son of late Khole, said that his father returned to the NSCN (I-M) in March 2016 to strengthen the Framework Agreement and not for a

higher post. Peter said his father’s aim was to spread the message of peace and unity that he had preached. In her condolence message, Eustar Chishi Swu, wife of late Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu, recounted her late husband’s relationship with Khole and lavished praise on him. She said late Khole never harboured any grudges or ill-feelings against anyone, adding that he had no jealously and greed and was a brave and true gentleman. Wife of a member of the collective leadership Avile, who also spoke on the occasion, highlighted the sacrifices late Kohle made for the Naga cause and her experiences of meeting him in Pughoboto. Other highlights of the state funeral included hymn by the congregation, invocation by pastor CHQ church, Rev Vitovi Yeputhomi;

The six accused under Mokokchung police custody. (NP)

Correspondent

MOKOKCHUNG, DEC 15 (NPN): Mokokchung police arrested at least six persons on charges of pilfering LPG cylinders on Saturday at around 2 a.m. along NH-702, near Mongsenyimti village. According to police, the accused were caught red-handed pilfering LPG cylinders by a team of personnel from PS-I. The arrest was based on specific inputs and reports of LPG cylinder pilferage for over (Cont’d on p-7) quite some time. All the

six accused along with two LPG-loaded trucks were later brought back to the police station. Further investigation revealed that the accused pilfered cylinders were worth Rs. 54,000. Police also seized cylinder seal caps and refill nozzles. It was also revealed that the trucks were coming from Tinsukia consigned for Longkumer Gas Agency Mokokchung. Mokokchung police have cautioned the general public to prevent such incidents in future by weighing cylinders before buying from the dealers. K Y M C


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
December 16, 2018 by Nagaland Post - Issuu