December 4, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 2

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

ATKMB beat Odisha 1-0 in ISL

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Rift over 45% quota demand

5 student bodies object to Day 3: ENSF phase 2 stir passes off peacefully Eastern Naga Students’ Fed- as its demands would not serve any 45% reservation demand eration (ENSF) said the second purpose to the government.

DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): Core Committee on Rationalization of Reservation Policy (CCoRoRP) of the five apex student unions (Angami, Ao, Sumi, Lotha and Rengma) have resolved to object outright the 45% reservation demand of ENSF under any circumstances. After a lapse of 43 years when reservation should have been gradually decreased by now, the student bodies said what could be more unreasonable than the demand for increase in reservation, which they termed as preposterous. They said they saw no possible progression of “our people”, should it be implemented. In a joint statement, CCoRoRP convener N Ejanthung Ngullie and secretary Zakie Khate, Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president Vizokho Zashümo, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) president Nungdokyanger Ao, Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) president Heiko Kent, All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) president Hutoshe Kits and Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) president Ashanthung Humtsoe said that the committee expected the State government to settle the matter with sensibility and on logical reasoning. However, if the government succumbed to such unreasonable and absurd demands, the committee warned that it would leave no stone unturned to defend “our society” from such a self-defeating move by resorting to all forms of democratic protest.

PMS to be disbursed before Dec 11 DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) and Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) Thursday informed that the directorate of Higher Education has assured to disburse the second and final installment for Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) Scheduled Tribe (ST) 2019-2020 to the student beneficiaries before December 11, 2020 under any circumstances. In a joint press release, ANCSU president Vimeyiekho Vitso and ENCSU president Serichum Sangtam said the directorate of higher education on December 3, 2020 officially communicated to the two unions about the unavoidable delay in completing the requisite procedures for disbursing the scholarship to the student beneficiaries. The two unions have, therefore, appealed to the student community to consider the extraordinary situation and await the disbursement of scholarship as assured. In the event of department’s failure to comply with its given assurance, the two unions would hold the department accountable for any unfavorable situation.

This is it!

“Sad that after all the hard work, the Christmas tree lights can only light up when there is power.” K Y M C

phase of its indefinite democratic agitation passed off peacefully and successfully on Thursday, where government offices were locked and restrictions imposed on movement of government vehicles by six federating units at respective district headquarters. ENSF president Sepili L Sangtam and assistant general secretary Khomo P informed all the six federating units that the third phase of agitations would involve locking district administration offices at all the five districts and sub-division offices, besides completely restricting government activities. It declared that the indefinite democratic agitation would continue in the entire eastern jurisdiction until its demands were fulfilled. Conveying its gratitude to the six federating units for their support and cooperation for the cause, ENSF also appealed to all eastern brethren to support and cooperate with it in order to save the future generations. Meanwhile, stating that it was appalled at the manner in which the cabinet sub-committee cancelled the meeting to which it was invited at the last minute, ENSF said this showed how the State government did not want to address its demands and buy time instead, besides wanting it to carry on with the indefinite agitation

ENSF said the second round of meeting with Nagaland Public Service Commission as per chief minister’s directive held at the commission’s office on December 2 and convened by NPSC with its secretary, member, controller of exam and deputy secretary was inconclusive as they failed to give a written justification and clarification to the issues raised by it pertaining to NPSC.

Cabinet sub-committee appeal

On the other, the cabinet subcommittee constituted by State cabinet to examine the demands and grievances of ENSF regarding Nagaland Staff Selection Board held its first meeting under the chairmanship of deputy CM, Y Patton Thursday. Attended by all members, i.e., ministers P Paiwang Konyak and Neiba Kronu, adviser Toshi Wungtung, chief secretary and commissioner & secretary P&AR, the meeting appealed to ENSF to withdraw its agitation and allow the government to decide the issues based on findings in the larger public interest. The committee discussed and deliberated all the six charter of demands submitted by ENSF in respect of NSSB and decided that it would expedite its report and submit recommendations to the cabinet latest by December 31, a DIPR report stated.

Not game over in COVID fight, warns UK PM

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Highway proj worth `4,127 crore to be inaugurated today NEW DELHI, DEC 3 (PTI): Union minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday will inaugurate and lay foundation stone for Rs 4,127-crore highway projects in Nagaland in a virtual ceremony, the government said on Thursday. The national highway projects pertain to a total length of 270 kilometres. “Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will virtually inaugurate/lay foundation stone of 15 NH (national highway) projects having 270 km worth Rs 4,127 crore,” the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said. The projects include providing alternate access to Imphal to Dimapur and connect Kohima to the Phek district and Myanmar border, besides improving transportation between Dimapur and other districts. Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio will also be present on the occasion. Gadkari on August 17 last laid foundation stones for 13 highway projectsworth Rs. 3,000 crore, to improve connectivity in Manipur.

international, Page 9

Centre-farmers standoff continues as talks fail; next round on Dec 5 NEW DELHI, DEC 3 (PTI): Marathon talks between the Centre and agitating farmer unions Thursday failed to end the standoff over the new farm laws as the protestors refused to budge on their demands and another round of discussions will be held two days later in a bid to forge a resolution. The government side, led by Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, assured the group of nearly 40 farmer leaders that all their valid concerns would be discussed and considered with an open mind, but the other side stuck to their demand of repealing the three “hastily-passed” farm laws, saying there were several loopholes and deficiencies. After the eight-hourlong meeting, Tomar said the government will consider all issues on Friday and so will the union leaders, before coming to the table again on Saturday. Asked whether the government is ready to amend the three contentious laws, he said, “I am not a fortune teller. When we will meet the day after, we hope to move towards a resolution.” “There should not be any doubt in

Farmers block a part of the Delhi-Meerut National Highway during their protest march, Thursday. (PTI)

anyone’s mind. Still, if farmers have any worries on that front, we would want to assure them that the new laws do not present any threat to the MSP system,” he said. Stepping up their stir, thousands of protesting farmers from Uttar Pradesh blocked National Highway-9 near the UP Gate, while thousands from Punjab and Haryana stayed put at other points of the national capital. Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Naresh Tikait held a ‘maha panchayat’ at the protesting site -- Gazipur border. He said that there is no midway for settlement on the issue of MSP, adding that the government must give assurance in writing to farmers. Farmer lead-

ers, who came out of the meeting venue shouting slogans, said the talks remained deadlocked and some of them threatened to boycott any further meetings if no solution was found at Thursday’s meeting. “Discussions are over from our side. Our leaders have said they will not attend further meetings if a solution is not given today by the government,” said Pratibha Shinde, AIKSCC working group member and president of Lok Sangharsh Morcha, which represents farmers of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Meanwhile, Akali Dal stalwart and former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal returned his Padma Vibhushan award in protest against the Centre’s new farm laws.

PAC flays ‘rampant’ money 3 police stations from NE among top 10 in India MCCI asks members not to pay illegal taxes collection by NPGs in Dmu DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): Expressing serious concern over the alleged “rampant and unabated collection of money” by various Naga political groups (NPGs) in Dimapur, the Public Action Committee (PAC) Dimapur Thursday said it “strongly” condemned such collections when business was hampered badly by pandemic and lockdown. The Public Action Committee through its media cell stated that it was not sensible to burden business people at a time when they were “still finding it hard to pick up the normal tempo”. F u r t h e r, PAC ex pressed shock that various NPGs were collecting money in the name of ‘Christmas’, which it asserted was “totally against Christian principles.”

PAC has, therefore, appealed the Naga political groups to reign on their cadres “not to abuse and blaspheme God that will bring wrath on our people.” The committee reminded NPGs that collecting of money in the process of peace talks was “totally unreasonable”. It said they should instead be showing seriousness by not angering and displeasing the business fraternity in particular and public in general. Meanwhile, the committee has also appealed the police to be more vigilant as people from other districts were in Dimapur for Christmas shopping. Public Action Committee also said it has received complaints of bag snatchers in and around Dimapur, which needed to be contained with sincerity.

DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): Police stations of three Northeastern States made it to the top 10 police stations India for 2020 announced by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with Thoubal district police station of Manipur leading the table with number one position. According to a PIB release, Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang and Sikkim’s East District bagged the third and seventh positions respectively. Other police stations that made it into the top 10 list included Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Uttar Pradesh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Telangana (see table). Government of India selects best performing police stations across the country every year to incentivize more effective functioning of police stations and bring healthy competition among them. This is in accordance with the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing director generals of police during

the 2015 conference in Kutch, Gujarat. This year’s survey for best police stations was conducted under challenging circumstances by MHA as it was difficult to access police stations located in remote areas during COVID-19 pandemic due to various restrictions on movement. Consequently, the survey was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the government. The objective was to rank the top 10 police stations out of the 16,671 in the country through data analysis, direct observation and public feedback. The ranking process commenced with shortlisting of the best performing police stations in each State on the basis of addressing property offence, crime against women, crime against weaker sections and missing persons, unidentified found person and unidentified dead bodies, with the last parameter having been introduced this year. The number of police stations selected initially from each State

comprised of three from each State with more than 750 police stations, two from all other States and Delhi and one from each Union Territory. Altogether 75 police stations were selected for next stage of the ranking process. In the final stage, 19 parameters were identified to evaluate the standards of service delivery and identify techniques of improvement in policing. Citizens who were approached for feedback included 4,056 respondents, covering approximately 60 people at each shortlisted location. The annual ranking of police stations recognizes the hard work of police personnel and encourages them, besides providing a feedback on many aspects of policing in the country for future guidance. It also provides a picture of the state of physical infrastructure, resources and deficiencies at the level of police stations. The annual exercise of ranking of police stations works as a constant guide for improvements.

DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) has directed its members not to entertain any individual, group or organization engaging in collecting or demanding any form of illegitimate taxes, loan or donations. In a press release, MCCI president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer advised its members to immediately inform MCCI office if they encounter such instances. MCCI has further prohibited sale of tickets of any kind or form like raffles, lotteries, event tickets, calendars, buffet coupons, etc. to business establishments/shops in the market. MCCI also asked its members not to entertain or patronize all such sellers. In view of the current festive season, MCCI has warned its members not to engage in the proscribed business of dealing, transporting, stocking or selling of firecrackers and cautioned that engaging in such acts would attract stern punitive action. All shops and traders have also been requested to decorate their respective places of business and not to park vehicles in front of their shops. Also keeping in mind the prevailing pandemic, it instructed establishments in Mokokchung to follow the directives and SOPs pertaining to COVID19 pandemic and cooperate with the authorities. Members have been urged to extend continued support to the ban on single-use plastic items.

FNR calls for avoiding politicking for short-term gains BJP president Nadda to visit Nagaland DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (NPN): To meet the transforming needs of “contemporary realities”, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) suggested both Naga leaders and Government of India (GoI) should avoid politicking for short-term gains and show statesman-like character and diplomatic qualities based on sincerity and respect. In a statement, the forum asserted that Nagas are united in historical and political rights even if opinions and approaches are divided, claiming that Nagas are learning to use differences to heal and build understanding and for cooperation. And it would be beneficial for all, including GoI and neighbours to encourage and support a reconciled and healed Naga people, it added. Pointing out that the failure of 16-Point Agreement led New Delhi to sign the Framework Agreement

with NSCN (I-M) in 2015 and the Agreed Position with NNPGs in 2017, FNR alleged that yet the recent public display to idolise the 16-Point Agreement revealed the true hand behind the gestures of peace. If the intention was to win the hearts of Nagas, this policy and approach demonstrated lack of acumen and prudence, it stressed. FNR said all throughout Naga historical and political rights provided the common ground upon which Naga leaders entered into a relationship of forgiveness, trust, respect and reconciliation. It claimed that its focus was on reconciliation and peacebuilding using nonviolent approaches and dialogue. And between 2008 and 2014, over 300 meetings were held with Naga political groups, church, tribe and civil society organisations and the public. The meetings

were designed to address differences by nurturing a consciousness for honest discussions, trust building and kindle healing and reconciliation through forgiveness and mutual respect. It also identified difficulties, challenges and opportunities for Naga reconciliation, the statement read. In the course of identifying reasons and circumstances for disunity, the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 and Shillong Accord of 1975 with GoI and formation of “Revolutionary Government of Nagaland” in 1968 were seen as historical events that decisively fragmented the Naga political movement and induced situations for division and disunity. While majority of the Naga people across Naga lands had rejected the agreements, the forum said the consequences of these events led to bitterness, loss of human life, suspicion,

distrust, fragmentation of Naga lands and division. It also created two narratives – one around Statehood and the other around Naga people-hood. FNR emphasised that much honest discussion, truth speaking, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation were required around these historical events. But the trauma and wounds were still raw and sensitive, provoking the worst out of each other, it admitted. Therefore, the forum said it was not surprising that the Indian State and its agencies with guile and statecraft have actively steered the Statehood narrative, intensifying division and simultaneously normalising complacency and conformity among the Naga populace. “But to what end? A divided Naga house is in nobody’s long term interest,” it declared.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 3 (NPN): BJP national president JP Nadda will be visiting Nagaland either in December or January 2021. Party’s national spokesperson and Nagaland in-charge Nalin S Kohli informed this to media persons on the sideline of a consultative meeting of BJP Nagaland unit at party head office here on Thursday. Kohli, who was on his two-day maiden visit to Nagaland after being appointed in-charge of the State, said the purpose of his visit was to help set priorities for BJP Nagaland team. He said the purpose of visit was also to discuss with State president and his team regarding preparation for Nadda’s visit. Kohli, who was earlier in-charge for Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur,

(R) Nalin S. Kholi with Imna Along on Thursday. (NP)

asserted that his main focus as a party karyakarta was to work closely with the State team to ensure that BJP does more work in Nagaland. Referring to the general election of 2023, he remarked that his focus would be to strengthen the party and take the message of positive development to every part of Nagaland. Asser ting that the North East held a special place for BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership Look East policy became

Act East, he mentioned that infrastructure was a major focus and ministers of central government come regularly to the region. Claiming that Nadda was giving due importance to the North East by having representatives from the region in the organisational set-up, he pointed out that two leaders from Nagaland are part of the national team– vice-president incharge of Meghalaya Dr. M. Chuba Ao and national spokesperson and Mizoram in-charge Mmhonlumo (Cont’d on p-8) Kikon. K Y M C


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