Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 4
DIMAPUR, wednesday, December 6, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
RBI policy meet begins; decision on key rate today
India on course as SL totter at 31/3
UN envoy arrives in Norht Korea as nuclear tensions soar
business, Page 8
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Biren, Pema grace Hornbill Fest Correspondent
KOHIMA, DEC 5 (NPN): The fifth day of the ongoing Hornbill Festival witnessed the presence of three chief ministers-- N. Biren Singh (Manipur), Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh) as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively and T.R. Zeliang, the host of the day. In his speech, chief minister, N. Biren Singh said based on shared history and close cultural affinity, Nagaland and Manipur must lay the foundation upon which people and institutions of both the States could collaborate and cooperate with a strong sense of common purpose. He said: “Shared prosperity and collective gains can result only from shared vision and collective action.” Attending the fifth day of ongoing Hornbill Festival at the Heritage Village, Kisama, as chief guest on Tuesday, Singh said there were untapped opportunities that Manipur and Nagaland as neighbours should jointly leverage to unlock full potential of the two States and fulfil the aspirations of the people, especially the youth.
(L-R) Pema Khandu and N. Biren Singh at Kisama, Tuesday. (NP)
He welcomed Nagaland chief minister, TR Zeliang’s proposal to create a “tourist circuit” for the Northeast and suggested that the two States must try to evolve a collaborative mechanism by 2018 for jointly promoting their respective mega festivals – Sangai festival in November followed by Hornbill Festival in December. Singh said a synergetic and coordinated vision in the Northeast would be critical in realizing the benefits of the Act East Policy. He also suggested that both the State governments should collaborate, along with local entrepreneurs, historians and enthusiasts, to develop a tourist circuit for preserving history and
relics of the forgotten battles of World War II on the Indo-Burma front. Asserting that sports unite people, Singh called for exploring opportunities for increased interactions between people of Manipur and Nagaland in sports at various levels like schools, colleges, villages, professional clubs, etc. He said the two States should cooperate in sports based on the enduring legacy of the legendary Dr. T. Ao, who captained the first Indian national football team after Independence. He added that the two States must jointly nurture young promising sports talents like the eight Manipuris who represented India in the recent U-17 FIFA World Cup.
Talks at crucial Anna Hazare announces phase: NSCN (R) protest against Centre
DIMAPUR, DEC 5 (NPN): NSCN (Reformation) has informed all workers of the six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) that the talks with the Government of India (GoI) have entered a crucial phase. In a statement issued on Tuesday, NSCN (Reformation) MIP said the longawaited political solution was expected sooner than later and added that it was, therefore, time for all groups to focus more on the Naga political solution “prayerfully rather than factionalism or detection”. The Nagas must seek wisdom from Almighty God for help, the statement said. NSCN (R) asked everyone to unite in the spirit of “forgive and forget” at this climacteric so that “we do not leave any chances for our adversaries to hatch conspiracy”. It also appealed to all Naga national workers of the six NNPGs not to encourage defection at this decisive hour and “instead invigorate to work cohesively to reach an early and enduring peaceful solution”. It may be pointed out that the Working Committee (WC) comprising of six NNPGs after joining the peace process, signed an agreement with the Centre on November 17, 2017 at New Delhi.
This is it!
“Actually, these days the designs are ultra modern but tourists don’t know about it.” K Y M C
NEW DELHI, DEC 5 (AGENCIES): Upset over the non-appointment of Lokpal for the last four years, anti-graft activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday announced a protest against the government on 23 March, observed as the Martyrs’ Day, next year. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, the octogenarian accused the Bharatiya Janata Partyled central government of not being serious about fighting corruption. He said the recent amendments in the Lokpal Act, which removed a clause that made public servants declaring their assets compulsory, reflected the government’s intention in fighting graft. Hazare added that the government was using the pretext that Lokpal could not be appointed as there was no Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and asserted that it could at least appoint the Lokayuktas in the BJP-ruled states. Hazare announcing a protest against the government in the capital brings back the memories of his 2011 agitation against the then Congress-led UPA government. His protest and hunger strike then had gripped the minds of millions. Facing graft charges, the Congress was decimated in the 2014 general election. Hazare said he had written over 30 letters to the NDA government, but received no response, and wondered whether there was any “ego” involved in not responding to his letters, which questioned the non-appointment of Lokpal.
Thanking Zeliang for the invitation to attend the festival, the Manipur chief minister remarked that with each tribe celebrating its own festival with dedication and passion, Nagaland was indeed the “land of festivals” and that Hornbill Festival was definitely the “festival of festivals”. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister, Pema Khandu, who attended the event as guest of honour, said he had always wanted to visit Hornbill Festival since its inception in 2001 and added that it had given exposure not only to Nagaland but also to the entire Northeast. In a lighter vein, Khandu said Hornbill was a State bird for Arunachal Pradesh and yet Nagaland was propagating it with. And with so many tourists now flocking in, Arunachal too should get a part of the revenue from Nagaland, he quipped jokingly. He said people in metro cities had different perceptions about the Northeast despite each State of the region having its own unique platform to showcase its cultural diversity.
Centre issues advisory to states
NEW DELHI, DEC 5 (IANS): Union Home Ministry has issued advisory to all states ahead of the 25th anniversary of Babri Masjid structure demolition, which falls on December 6, to take steps to maintain communal harmony, an official said on Tuesday. The Home Ministry official said that the advisory was issued on Friday to all the Chief Secretaries, and Director Generals of Police of all states and the Lt Governors of all union territories. The advisory said that on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the demolition of disputed structure at Ayodhya on December 6, there could be demonstration by both communities and it was advisable that the administration kept “utmost vigil” and took “all precautionary measures”. The advisory is as per the guidelines formulated in 2008. A day ahead of the anniversary, the Supreme Court also began final hearing in the Babri MasjidRam Janambhoomi dispute (Cont’d on p-5) case.
Cyclone Ockhi: 39 dead, 167 fishermen missing New Delhi, Dec 5 (PTI): As many as 39 people have perished and 167 fishermen were still missing after cyclone Ockhi hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts while 809 others were swept away to Maharashtra, the Union Home Ministry said today. Joint Secretary in the ministry Sanjeev Kumar Jindal also said the cyclone is slowing down and would have no impact in Gujarat, where the first of the two-phased assembly elections is due four days later. “As of now, 10 people lost their lives in Tamil Nadu and 29 others in Kerala. Even though the exact number of missing persons were not known, as per available information, whereabouts of 74 fishermen in Tamil Nadu and 93 fishermen in Kerala is not known yet,” he told reporters here. A total of 556 fishermen were also rescued by relief and rescue teams from seas. The state governments are verifying with the affected vil-
lages to find the exact number of missing fishermen. Altogether 809 fishermen with their boats from Tamil Nadu and Kerala were swept away and reached Maharashtra coast where they were provided food and shelter. While 33 tourists, both domestic and foreign, were safe in Lakshadweep, 250 fishermen could also reach safely in the islands from the high seas after being hit by the cyclone. Jindal said two merchant ships with eight sailors each were rescued and brought to Lakshadweep by Navy and Coast guard teams. Asked whether the cyclone would affect the election process in Gujarat, Jindal said there was no such possibilities as it has already slowed down. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) asked fishermen in both eastern and western coasts not to venture out in the sea for the next three days as heavy rainfall is expected in many areas due to cyclone Ockhi.
NSCN (I-M), Sumi bodies hold meeting
NSCN (I-M) leaders with members of the Sumi frontal organizations.
DIMAPUR, DEC 5 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) led by kilo kilonser Hukavi Yepthomi, steering committee members, kilonsers, deputy kilonsers held an intensive consultative meeting with the Sumi frontal organizations at Hotel Saramati here on Tuesday. A statement from the MIP, said NSCN (I-M) leaders met members of the Sumi Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, Western Sumi Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu.
Babri demolition anniv:
MIP pointed out that Hukavi has been ceaselessly reaching out to the Nagas on the line of “changed political situation” after the signing of a Framework Agreement. MIP also said that Hukavi’s effort was that “key sectors in present Naga areas have become better acquainted with the progress of peace process and also understood the nature of blatant misgivings as constantly propagated by certain sections of our own people to further confuse the truth with fact”.
NSCN (I-M) also recalled the strong support of Sumi tribe that has covered a great and enormous distance until the government of India was relented to say, “we have realized the futility of seeking military solution”. Further, NSCN (I-M) reiterated its commitment towards Sumi tribe to continuously and consistently extend its optimum cooperation in future, which was to intensely engage in dialogue with the GoI towards finding lasting political settlement once and for all.
Uniform Civil Code is not possible, it’s not even an option: Law Commission chief NEW DELHI, DEC 5 (AGENCIES): Terming the prospect of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as equivalent to ‘violating the constitution’, Law Commission Chairman Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan has said “UCC is not possible and not even an option”. “Personal Laws can never be done away with as they have constitutional protection,” Justice Chauhan told News18. The 21st Law Commission is now planning to suggest specific amendments to several personal law legislations, dropping the idea of UCC, which gained momentum during public debate on instant triple talaq. “UCC is not possible. We will try to recommend religion-wise amendments in family laws. It would be the piecemeal way to suggest what are the changes required in Hindu law, Muslim law, Christian law, Parsi law, etc. We will target the problems of each religion and deal with them accordingly. We cannot take the whole UCC, as we cannot go outside the constitution,” said Justice Chauhan. The Law Panel chief said the exemptions under the Constitution must be honoured and UCC could disturb the essence of the Constitution. “Constitution itself has given so many exemptions to so many people like the tribals, etc. There are exemptions even in Civil Procedure Code and Criminal Procedure Code… so we cannot violate the Constitution… UCC is not a solution and there cannot be a composite Act.
Balbir Singh Chauhan
You cannot say forget the Constitution and do away with the sixth schedule. This would make people question their accession to the Indian Union on the understanding that they will be respected,” said Justice Chauhan. When asked if the triple talaq verdict would allow judicial interference in personal laws, the law commission chairman said the personals laws are sacrosanct and cannot be touched by anyone. “Personal laws are part of the Constitution under Article 25 and can never be struck down. This is a misapprehension. We cannot violate the Constitution. Even if someone comes up with such a law, which violates the Constitution, it would be struck down,” said Justice Chauhan. “In Muslim law, the suggestion that we have received is that the Nikahnama itself should have a condition that instant triple talaq will be done away with… like a clause in the contract. This enforcement of the contract will be in place even if the government is not able to bring the proposed law,” said the former Supreme Court judge, adding that the Law Commission need not intervene in
aspects where the court has already issued a verdict. The Commission had earlier sought response from the general public on the feasibility and various aspects of UCC. “Earlier, we had sought response from people and we got over 50,000 responses. But now, after going through the responses, we have realised that most of them were with regard to triple talaq. Now that matter has been settled by the SC, it’s of no use to us anymore,” said Justice Chauhan. Justice Chauhan refuted the media reports that draft UCC would be available by early next year. “The deadline for the UCC is my own tenure and that is August 30, 2018. It is not a thing that can be prepared in a half-baked manner. If not a composite legislation for everyone, at least specific amendments can be made,” he said. UCC is also not possible because of the customs prevalent in remote parts of India, which are protected by the Constitution. “In a particular community in North East, the whole property goes to the younger daughter. Then the son-inlaw comes and settles there and he is not only husband of the girl but also becomes the husband of the girl’s mother. This practice is known as Nokuram and the son-in-law becomes the man in place of father-inlaw for all purposes and not only property. Now what do you do with it under UCC? It is protected under the Constitution,” said Justice Chauhan.
Governor, CM extend greetings to HG &CD DIMAPUR, DEC 5 (NPN): Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya and chief minister T.R. Zeliang on Tuesday extended greetings to all personnel of Nagaland Home Guards and Civil Defence (HG&CD) on the occasion of its Raising Day which is celebrated on December 6. In his message through DIPR, Acharya said that commendable job and yeomen service rendered to the people by HG&CD should be appreciated. The governor also took note of the great role played by the organization in assisting the security personal and civil administration in dealing with incidents arising out of “internal security, natural and manmade calamities, communal disharmony and welfare activities”. Acharya further expressed hope that the move of the State government to enhance the honorarium of (Cont’d on p-7)
K Y M C