December 22, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00

www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 20

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 Pages 16 ` 5.0

National Herald: Delhi HC orders AJL to vacate

Steve Smith targets return ahead of WC

US Defence Secy Mattis resigns

national, Page 11

sports, Page 15

international, Page 9

‘Snooping’ row sets off political storm

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Ten central agencies have been authorised by the Centre to intercept information from any computer, a move that set off a political storm Friday with the opposition accusing the government of trying to create a “surveillance state”. But the Centre said the rules for intercepting and monitoring computer data were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power and its new order only notified the designated authority which can carry out such action. The opposition parties led by the Congress slammed the order as unconstitutional, undemocratic and an assault on fundamental rights and an attempt by the BJP government to convert India into a “surveillance state” by resorting to “snooping”, inviting a sharp response from the ruling party. In a strong defence of the government order, the BJP said it is legal with adequate safeguards and in the interest of national security, dubbing the opposition’s criticism as a “text book case” of speaking without any homework. The Centre also rejected the opposition’s charge

Gov, LoO extend Christmas, New Year greetings DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya and his wife Kavita have extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the people of the state. In his message, Acharya said Christmas is a season of great joy to celebrate the gift of life through the birth of Jesus Christ and a time to remember the past and hope for the future. It is also a time of joyous celebration with our family and friends, he added. He urged the people to let the spirit of love fill the hearts and homes and to uphold Christian values so that the “Prince of Peace can live in us and rule Nagaland.” Acharya further called upon the people to bring changes in the New Year 2019, with renewed confidence and pride to march towards building a developed, economically strong and a prosperous Nagaland and India. He also urged all to pray for respectable solution of the Naga problem and for permanent peace. LoO greets: Leader of Opposition (LoO) and former chief minister, TR Zeliang, has extended Christmas greetings to all the citizens of Nagaland and wished them a blessed and meaningful Christmas.

Govt allows 10 central intelligence, security and tax agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt all the data contained in ‘any’ computer system of snooping. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that converting India into “police state” won’t solve his problems and it only showed he is an ‘insecure dictator’. MHA clarifies: As a controversy erupted, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement, saying the order was issued to prevent “any unauthorised use of these powers”. The new order “does not confer any new powers” to any security or law enforcement agency, the statement said, adding “each case” of computer interception, monitoring and decryption is “to be approved by the competent authority, which is the Union home secretary”. The 10 agencies

K Y M C

that the rules under which agencies will be authorised to intercept information were framed in 2009 when the Congress-led UPA was in power. “So what you are doing Anand Sharma is making a mountain where even a molehill does not exist. However, Azad retorted that there is no mention of national security in the order. “The BJP seems to think it has ownership rights over national security and it means nothing to us,” he said taking a swipe at the government.” To this, Jaitley said, “These are elementar y things. It is an authorisation order. The provisions of national security are written in Article 69.... You are playing with the security of the country...” Outside Parliament, CPI-M chief Sitaram Yehcury said the order was unconstitutional. BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state through the order, Anand Sharma said with other opposition leaders by his side. The opposition parties including CPI(M), SP, RJD and TMC, said they will collectively oppose the order.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, DEC 21: Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh, Friday said that the state government will request the Centre to help resolve the existing Manipur-Nagaland interstate boundary disputes. Replying to questions raised during the two-day session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the chief minister asserted that the border disputes at Dzuko Valley and Tungjoy village of Senapati district bordering with Nagaland have been ongoing for decades. He told the house that there had a complaint from the Nagaland government regarding an alleged damage of a border pillar at Tungjoy area. The chief minister said Manipur government has the desire to settle the disputes. Further, Biren Singh informed the house that the state government had recently constituted a committee with leaders of the villages in the disputed border area as members among others. Singh was referring to recently constitute committee headed by state

PHED minister L Dikho as chairman to facilitate settlement of existing ManipurNagaland interstate boundary dispute. The chief minister said the present government was still standing by its commitment to protect the territorial boundary of the state and hence will not compromise even an inch of state’s land. Singh told the house that government will construct a new road leading to Dzuko Valley with the fund from PMGSY. Once the new road is constructed, he said the long desire of the people to construct a guest house in the area will be fulfilled. Singh made his statement responding to a call attention motion raised by Congress legislator K Meghachandra from the opposition bench. The opposition member alleged that due to the delay in the demarcation of the boundary in Dzuko Valley, there was a strong apprehension of Manipur losing the area. There had been apprehension among the public after some trekkers from Manipur were arrested

by Nagaland police recently. The arrest of trekkers of Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA), who had gone to Dzuko Valley as part of the recently concluded Manipur Sangai Festival, was an unfortunate incident, the opposition member observed and suggested that and there was the need for proper demarcation of the inter-state border at the earliest. The chief minister said that after the fire broke, some trekkers took shelter within Nagaland portion of Dzuko valley and subsequently got arrested, but trekkers who were within the Manipur portion of Dzuko valley returned back without any untoward incident. A small portion of the valley is within Nagaland and the larger portion is within Manipur, he added. As soon as the news of arrest of trekkers was received, Singh said he immediately contacted his Nagaland counterpart. The chief minister denied state government agreeing the valley belongs to Nagaland while entering an agreement to secure the release of the trekkers.

Kenye calls on Prez, seeks AFSPA repeal Banking services Talks based on framework: NSCN (I-M) DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Nagaland’s lone Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye called on President Ramnath Kovind at New Delhi recently and took up various issues concerning the State and the Northeastern region. According to Kenye’s PRO Kuvera Nakro, the MP sought the consent of the President to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which was passed in 1942 by the British to suppress the Quit India Movement. He explained that AFSPA, which is considered as “draconian”, was discussed in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948 with members of the United Nations (now better known as Geneva Convention) and declared not to formulate this kind of Act. Kenye pointed out that the Government of India, despite being one of the signatories to the Geneva

Convention, promulgated the Act 10 years after its independence in Nagaland against its own citizens, and which was being enforced till date. On Article 371(A), the MP said it was a constitutional provision that could not be encroached upon, but lamented that the Centre was not implementing the Article in letter and spirit. He sought Kovind’s intervention in allowing the State to explore its own natural recourses, especially oil and natural gas, as the State was economically very weak. Further, pointing out that downgrading it into a kind of research institute would completely defeat the original policy, Kenye also called for upgrading and strengthening North Eastern Council (NEC) for better development of the Northeast. He stressed this also in view of the current geo-political situation and taking into

account the thrust of New Delhi in linking up with economies of South Asian and South East Asian countries. He recalled that then Zonal Council was dissolved and NEC constituted in 1972 as a direct consequence of the 1972 Indo-Pak war that resulted in creation of Bangladesh as the entire region was considered sensitive and strategic. Taking into account the World War II, 1962 Chinese aggression and 1971 IndoPak war, whose battles were fought in the North-eastern part of the country, and given the fact that the region was bounded by five countries, he said the Centre established a separate administrative unit. It was also set up due to the region’s distance from the national capital, besides given an appropriate platform for Nagaland, which was under external affairs ministry from 1960 to 1972.

hit across India

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 ( AG E N C I E S ) : B a n k ing services across India were affected on Friday as over 3.2 lakh bank officers struck work demanding an unconditional mandate for the 11th bi-partite wage revision talks. Many branches in different parts of the country wore deserted looks, while at many places shutters were down, according to reports coming from different parts of the country. According to reports, banks will remain closed for the long weekend starting Saturday (December 22) till the Christmas holiday gets over on Tuesday (December 25). Some branches are, however, expected to open on Monday to bring some relief to customers. Private banks would continue to function nor(Cont’d on p-7) mally.

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Reacting to the statement purportedly made by deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) and Interlocutor to the Naga Peace talks R.N. Ravi at a recent function in Pune, MIP of NSCN (I-M) has reiterated that the ongoing talks with the government of India after the July 1997 cease fire, was after due recognition of the “unique history and situations” of the Naga political issue. Ravi had purportedly stated that henceforth the government will not hold any new talks, whether conditional or unconditional, with any North East militant outfit and the only option was for them to either fight on or surrender. Drawing attention to the reportage by one Pradip Deka of Times of Assam under the title “No lateral talks with militants; die fighting or surrender- R.N. Ravi”, MIP claimed this gave the impression that the “Indo-Naga political dialogue” was on seeking solution within the framework of the Indian constitution. It reminded that the Framework Agreement signed and declared on August 3, 2015 was fundamentally based on the unique history of the Naga people and co-existence through shared sovereignty between the two entities. It said these were the core principles for bringing about final and lasting solution

acceptable to both the parties. MIP said Naga people have suffered long enough with many having lost their lives and so the present affords a favourable political climate. However, adopting a hardline approach from the honourable “out of the box” approach to the Naga issue would indicate a clear deviation from the framework agreement that was based on mutual respect and recognition of the two entities, it said. Instead, MIP said any attempt by the government of India to tread the path of ‘Machiavellianism’ would be a conscious and “deliberate betrayal of the government of India’s position to seek solution without precondition at the highest level, outside India, in a third country and based on the officially recognised unique history and situation of the Nagas.” It urged upon the government of India to have courage and boldness for her “larger security interest”. MIP said if lasting and honourable peace was what India desired, then it should not drive away the Nagas or those who seek peace. Warning that military solution would lead to a fresh conflict that would cost lives of many, NSCN (I-M) remarked that there was no “foundational logic or basis” in that approach after over 20 years of political negotiation. (Cont’d on p-7)

State govt initiates bureaucratic reshuffle Naga Hoho defends actions; slams critics

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the state government has notified the transfer and posting of IAS/ NCS/NSS officers. The gover nment through a notification stated (Cont’d on p-7) that Asangla Imti, NCS, addl secy, water resources (designate) is retained as Director, F&CS. Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS, addl secy, water resources shall assume the charge of DC Dimapur. Gregory Thejawelie, NCS, addl secy, social welfare shall assume the charge of DC Kohima. Tarep Imchen, NCS, Jt Secy, YRS (designate) is retained as commissioner of excise. Limawapang Jamir, NCS, commissioner of excise (designate) is retained as Jt Secy, YRS. Sachin Jaisw“It’s festive season and al, IAS, DC Mokokchung we want you to have shall assume the charge good sales. You know of Jt Secy, W&H. Rajesh what that means?” Soundarajan, IAS, DC Ko-

This is it!

notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner. According to the order, the 10 central probe and snoop agencies are now empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis. The agencies, according to the order, have been authorised “for the

purpose of interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource under the said Act (section 69 of the IT Act, 2000)”. Issue rocks RS: The issue of notification also rocked the Rajya Sabha where Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that “undeclared Emergency has taken final shape” and “all federal agencies have been let loose”, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the authorisation was given under 2009 rules and dismissed opposition’s charge of snooping. Jaitley said the opposition was playing with national security and “making a mountain where even a molehill doesn’t exist”. Congress leader Anand Sharma said the issue is serious as it is related to fundamental rights and “India will become a police state” with such “sweeping powers” to agencies to intercept information. Responding to the charge, Jaitley said it would have been better if the Opposition had obtained all information before raising this issue. He told the House

Will urge Centre to resolve ManipurNagaland border dispute: Biren Singh

hima shall assume charge of DC Mokokchung. John Tsulise Sangtam, NCS, Jt Secy, School Education (designate) is retained as DC Longleng. M Shayung Phom, NCS, DC Longleng (designate) is transferred and posted as DC Kiphire. Mohammad Ali Shihab, IAS, DC Kiphire is transferred and posted as Jt Secy, School Education. T Wati Aier, NCS, Director F&CS (designate) is transferred and posted as Jt Secy, Water Resources with immediate effect. Chinnu Hangsing, NSS, Jt Secy, V&AH (designate) is transferred and posted as Jt Secy, School Education with immediate effect. Renbonthung Tsopoe, NSS, Jt Secy, school education shall assume the charge of Jt Secy, H&FW with immediate effect. KK Lihose, NSS, Dy Secy, Finance shall assume the charge of Dy Secy, Eco&Statistic with

immediate effect. The gover nment through a notification stated that handing/taking over charge of DC should be completed after the final publication of the Electoral Roll which is scheduled on January 10, 2019. In another notification, the state government has ordered the transfer and posting of NCS officers to be effective after the final publication of Electoral Roll which is scheduled on January 10,2019. Sangmai C. Imlong, NCS, ADC Chiephobozou, shall assume the charge of ADC Commissioner’s Office. A Zibenthung Kithan, NCS, ADC Tobu shall assume the charge of ADC, Sanis. Chubatemjen, NCS, ADC, Tobu (designate) is transferred and posted as ADC Tening. Mudongoyi Chuzho, NCS, ADC Aboi (designate) is transferred and posted as ADC Tobu.

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Naga Hoho (NH) has refuted the allegations levelled against it by acting speaker Kenyuseng Tep and adviser Keviletuo Kiewho, besides the concern expressed by some tribal bodies. In a clarification issued by its media cell, NH remarked that it was baffling as to why Kiewhuo was openly voicing out only when the present NH tenure was over. On the contrary, the organisation accused him of making all efforts to influence and divide the executive, especially during the turmoil among political parties in the State since 2014. However, being a non political body of Naga people and being obligated to maintain neutrality towards all political parties, NH clarified that it could not fulfil any personal or political agenda of a per(Cont’d on p-7) son or group. Nonetheless,

Hito Sema, NCS, ADC Tening (designate) is retained as ADC Aboi. Vekhoyi Chakhesang, NCS, ADC Zunheboto shall assume the charge of ADC Chiephobozou. Japhet Woch, NCS, ADC Chozuba shall assume the charge of ADC Seyochung. Nchumbemo, NCS, ADC Seyochung shall assume the charge of Dy. Secy, Home. Theodore Yanthan, NCS, ADC Noklak shall assume the charge of ADC Chozuba. TL Kiusumong Tikhir, NCS ADC, Noklak (designate) is retained as ADC Satakha. Neilezo Tep, NCS, ADC Satakha (designate) is transferred and posted as ADC Noklak. T Nchumbemo Odyuo, NCS, ADC Aghunato shall assume the charge of Dy. Secy, Power. Kusa Fithu, NCS, Dy Secy, Sericulture shall assume the charge of ADC Aghunato.

despite all differences, the executive met Keviletuo at his residence on June 25, 2018 with the best intention and urged him to resolve all differences and work for the smooth functioning of Naga Hoho in the larger interest of the Nagas. Unfortunately, instead of coming forward for any discussions for thrashing out the differences, the organisation alleged that the adviser only tried to divide the executive and even challenged the activities of NH through the media. Pointing out that Yezabo (constitution) was clearly written and that it could not be easily distorted for personal convenience, Naga Hoho asserted that the interpretation of the acting speaker and adviser was completely against anyone’s understanding of the Yezhabo. It claimed that the executive members had time and again asked the acting

speaker to convene federal assembly (FA) where all important issues or problems could be deliberated. However, it alleged that Tep ignored the directive of the executive council to summon it on several occasions. Hence, after all the efforts, NH presidential meeting was convened on November 26 as an extraordinary measure, which was converted to FA with unanimous decision of federating units. This was done after thorough deliberations among the federating units as it was felt that the acting speaker would only avoid calling the assembly for reasons best known to him, the hoho explained. Regarding the acceptance of removal of general secretary and finance secretary, the hoho explained it was done “lamentably under compulsion” as they were removed from the executive by their parent tribe hohos. (Cont’d on p-11) K Y M C


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