Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 73
DIMAPUR, saturday, february 18, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Parrikar, Govt defend Rawat’s comment on JK
Ibra treble downs Saint-Etienne in EL
Pope Francis tells politicians to stop hurling insults and listen
national, Page 7
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Coup in NPF; over 40 MLAs rebel
Day-5 bandh passes off peacefully
Will take immediate action as per Constitution: Acharya Staff Reporter/Correspondent
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, FEB 17 (NPN): By February 18, 2017 the current political stalemate that prolonged the agitation against the DAN coalition government headed by chief minister T.R. Zeliang since January 30 would undergo another twist as dissidence has again cropped up, according to informed party sources in Kohima. In another major political development, that began Friday evening another political coup took place in Kohima when nearly 20 legislators led by some senior cabinet ministers decided to rebel against the party. By around midnight, the number of legislators who have decided to abandon ship had risen to 40 and still rising. In all probability, the group could swell to include almost all the entire legislature wing of the ruling NPF. More and more legislators are joining the rebels
LHJAC warns NPF DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee (LHJAC) has warned NPF Central or Wokha NPF division of appropriate action in the event anything happen to the Lotha citizens due to this present movement. LHJAC issued the warning after NPF Central had threatened government servants of dire disciplinary action, on the claims that some of them were involved in the ongoing bandh. According to LHJAC convener R. Nchumbemo Ezung and co-convener Bankathung Lotha, NPF started the “foolish tactics” in threatening the “patriotic” citizens, who have been tirelessly sacrificing their lives for the greater cause of the Nagas after it failed “to win the war”. In this regard, LHJAC reminded NPF that every sensible Nagas were aware of its real intention, which is “to take the State for a ride”. The committee also labelled NPF party as antiNagas as its doctrine were “deceitful and treacherous”. It asked those Nagas, who are in the NPF party to act and speak cautiously as they would also become a mere public one day or may join other party. Further, LHJAC vowed to go to any extend to protect its office and people to maintain sanctity of the tribal bodies or those patriotic Naga leaders.
This is it!
“Since we don’t get change for Rs.2000 note, we are forced to buy worth that much.” K Y M C
in Dimapur and likely to huddle together, perhaps under one camp. Nagaland Governor P.B.Acharya will be returning to Kohima on Saturday and possibly take stock of the situation and then go by the constitution to invite the leader of the largest group to be sworn in as the next chief minister and form the next government. It was also learnt that Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio is likely to return the same day to take stock of the new developments. The ruling NPF has been wracked by dissidence for as many as three times. The first being in 2014 then 2015. On February 15 when 42 legislators resolved to replace T.R. Zeliang as chief minister in favour of DAN chairman and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü. The third dissidence on February 17,2017 could well be a testing time for the NPF. It was also learnt, that T.R.Zeliang may not return
Volunteers at Mokokchung.
Volunteers at police point, Wokha.
Womenfolk of Diphupar.
P.B. Acharya calls on Pranab Mukherjee. (RB Pics)
on Saturday but be out of sight for sometime. Meanwhile, according to ANI, Minister of state PMO, Dr.Jitendra Singh, BJP leader Ram Madhav and Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu
Rio held a meeting in Delhi on Friday. Ram Madhav also told ANI that “We are making all efforts to ensure that peace is established in Nagaland and that Govt work continues smoothly.”
Acharya meets President, PM
Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya on Friday called on the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in Delhi to apprise them of the current situation in Nagaland, PRO Raj Bhavan informed in a communiqué. At the half-an-hour meeting with the President, PRO said Acharya was ad-
vised to act as per the Constitution of India. In this regard, Governor would be reaching Nagaland to take immediate action as per the Constitution, PRO said Later, Acharya called on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and also met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R.N. Ravi and other leaders.
Tension along Assam-Nagaland border DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) –– BPCC (A-N) –– has appealed to public on either sides of the border to avoid all such affairs that could affect peace coordination on AssamNagaland border and likely to deteriorate age-old good relations of Assam and Nagaland. The appeal comes in the wake of an incident that reportedly took place near Hoolungooree Tea Estate on Assam side of the Nagaland border in Jorhat district on February 15, 2017. In a press release, BPCC (A-N) president, BP Bora, and vice president, Imsu Jamir, said a team of BPCC (A-N) on February 16, 2017 took a stock of the situation and learnt from the staff of Tea Estate and secretary of village defense party (VDP) that four armed persons warned a
Green Park junction, Dimapur.
group of about 8-9 persons cultivating in an area of land asking them not to do so without paying taxes. Armed persons also allegedly insisted on payment ranging from Rs.10,000 to Rs.30,000. However, BPCC (A-N) said it could not possess any of such records so far. BPCC (A-N) recalled that in 2016 also an unidentified group of people attempted to create tension on some residents of Hoolungooree Tea Estate, who were either cultivating the land or collecting firewood around. BPCC (A-N) said in 2016 also it took stock of the situation and was desirous of a discussion involving people around the spot where such unfortunate situations occurred in an attempt to evolve means for mutual benefit and avoid things of such recurrences. However, BPCC (A-N) said it could not afford to do
so due to lack of required logistics. The committee maintained that it could attempt to arrest the situation provided required logistics were available to it from governments, public and all other well-wishers. It also stated that the report published in Assam media on February 16, 2017 could also be considered as an attempt to reignite tension along the interstate border areas. Meanwhile, BPCC (A-N) coordinator, Er. Temsu Wathi Ao, informed that the village authorities of surrounding Naga villages have been contacted and BPCC (A-N) members were continuously coordinating with the public on both sides for peaceful coexistence. He said though efforts were on to curb the situation, adding that the situation was tense but under control currently.
Staff Reporter/Correspondents
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/ MOKOKCHUNG, FEB 17 (NPN): Statewide bandh entered its fifth day on Friday with relaxations in some districts while the bandh in Dimapur was total. Bandh across the state was peaceful. The participation of womenfolk has been on the rise all across the state,
Changes in Dmu bandh timing
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): JCC has informed that the ongoing bandh in Dimapur would be imposed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with effect from February 18 and would continue till T.R. Zeliang steps down as chief minister. The decision was taken at the meeting held on February 16, informed JCC media cell. JCC has also informed all tribal bodies to continue with the agitation in their respective jurisdictions. It asked volunteers to remain in their designated area to avoid confusion. JCC has also exempted pastors on special duty with due authorization letter signed by respective churches. Ambulances, vehicles with school children, police, media, vehicles with patients, weddings, funerals and vehicles on exam duty also exempted. Further, JCC demanded that the government to immediately restore internet services.
where many of them echoed the same concern-- “to protect the rights of Nagas”. Meanwhile, bandh in Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang and Wokha districts have been relaxed while in Zunheboto, the bandh has been relaxed for February 18-19. DIMAPUR: Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) while reiterating to continue the bandh in Dimapur has
made changes to the timing-- with effect from February 18 bandh would be from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. JCC said until the time T.R. Zeliang steps down as chief minister the protest would continue. Besides DNYF volunteers enforcing the bandh, in most areas, women outnumbered male volunteers. Meanwhile, Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO), president Vichütuo-
Legislators hold ‘goodwill meeting’ DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): In an effort to diffuse the prevailing situation, a ‘goodwill meeting’ was held between legislators and some NGOs at the State Banquet hall on Friday, claimed CMO media cell. CMO said the meeting was attended by 14 legislators and a three-member representative led by Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi, APO president. However, CMO clarified that Dr. Vilhousa had made it clear that the representative came on their and did not represent any tribal organizaiton. At the meeting the legislators urged the representative to intervene and ensure early functioning of government offices, and restoration of normalcy in Kohima. The legislators also explained on the Constitutional obligation of the government to hold ULB
polls. They also explained that the state was unable to avail hundreds of crores for development due to absence of elected councils in the towns and cities for nearly ten years. Minister Vikheho Swu explained on how the closure of government offices had stalled the issuance of work orders, which could be executed before the onset of monsoon. In this regard, he told the representative that the available time should be utilized in carrying out the works instead, of wasting on confrontation. Advisor, Dr TM Lotha narrated how closure of banks had adversely affected students studying outside the State. He recalled how he was unable to transfer money to his son studying in Delhi due to closure of banks. M i n i s t e r To k h e h o Yepthomi mentioned on the plight of daily wage
Pul’s suicide note alleges graft by judges, Cong Zeliangrong sentiment New Delhi, Feb 17 (IANS): Late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul had named some sitting as well as former Supreme Court judges and senior Congress politicians in a 60-page suicide letter he left behind at the time of his death last August. His wife has demanded a CBI probe into the corruption charges levelled by Pul. “We want a central investigation agency -- the CBI or the National Investigation Agency -- to investigate the case. Every politician and judge named in the letter should be brought into limelight and action taken against them for demanding bribe,” his wife Dangwimsai Pul told the media here. The suicide note written by Kalikho Pul in Hindi mentions the names of several Congress politicians both at the Centre and in Arunachal Pradesh along with Supreme Court judges,
including ex-Chief Justices of India H.L Dattu and Altamas Kabir, for demanding bribe. Dangwimsai -- the first wife of Pul -- has demanded a new FIR in the case as the state government did not probe the death of Pul “properly”, despite an FIR by the family. She alleged the current state government threatened her against demanding a CBI probe. On being asked who was threatening them, Dangwimsai told IANS: “I can’t take the names, but certainly they are people close to the ministers in the current Arunachal government.” In his 60-page suicide note, a copy of which is with IANS, Pul said H.L. Dattu was allegedly paid Rs 28 crore in 2012 to stay an order against the former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, despite the Gauhati High Court ordering a CBI inquiry against Tuki after finding him guilty.
Similarly, another ex CJI Altamas Kabir had given a decision in favour of Arunachal contractors regarding a Public Distribution System (PDS) scam. The Central government and Food Corporation of India termed the decision wrong, he alleged in the letter. Pul also alleges that on the directions of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, he in 2009 had given Rs 6 crore to President Pranab Mukherjee, then Union Finance Minister. Mukherjee was paid the money after he cleared an advance loan of Rs 200 crore to Arunachal Pradesh. “In 2008, I, on the directions of Dorjee Khandu, was compelled to give Rs 37 crore to Congress Treasurer Moti Lal Vora,” said the suicide note. The suicide note which brings to light several irregularities and scams in Arunachal Pradesh also mentions that Pul was con-
tacted by some (unidentified) people, demanding Rs 86 crore to give a SC ruling in his favour, an offer which Pul said he denied. Pul had become Chief Minister on February 19, 2016, after he along with 29 (19 Congress and 11 BJP) MLAs defected to the People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA) -- a state outfit -- to form a new government, bringing down the existing Congress government led by Chief Minister Tuki. However, the Supreme Court reinstated the Tuki government on July 13, following which Pul and his supporters returned to the Congress and supported Pema Khandu as the Chief Minister. According to the letter, Pul was contacted till 9 p.m on July 12, 2016, demanding an advance of Rs 9 crore to delay the hearing for one month. Pul was unseated from the chief ministership on July 13.
lie Mere said Chakhroma people have been observing the bandh called by JCC and would continue to do so. KO H I M A : Wi t h bandh relaxed in Kohima and life retuning to normalcy, all government offices and vehicles continue to be barred from functioning as Angami Youth Organization (AYO) volunteers were keeping vigil on all movements. (Cont’d on p-8)
deeply hurt: ZB (AMN)
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has asserted that sentiment of the Zeliangrong community was “deeply hurt” by the numerous false accusations hurled at TR Zeliang with the sole intention of forcing him to step down. In a press release, Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) president, Raitu Chawang, said the Baudi has been waiting for goodwill to prevail so peace and normalcy could be restored in Nagaland following the unfortunate January 31, 2017 Dimapur incident and the turmoil that followed. However, ZB (AMN) said they were “shocked and anguished” at the silence of the right thinking citizens of Nagaland who preferred to remain as a mute spectator to the whole drama that unfolded. Seeking to defend one of its sons from
earners, vegetable and fruit vendors and other traders, who had been badly affected by the bandh especially in Dimapur. Minister CL John said that restoration of normalcy in the State capital was crucial for other districts and urged upon the representative to be harbinger of peace and normalcy in the State. According CMO Dr. Vilhousa said leaders of APO had been spending not less than eight hours daily in office and were interacting with more than 600 people every day. He also narrated on the chain of events that led to violence and arson in Kohima. Further, CMO said that the representative assured that they would go back and discuss the issues and concerns raised by the legislators with their other colleagues.
NSCN (K) calls to resolve crisis
DIMAPUR, FEB 17 (NPN): NSCN (K) has expressed concern over the lengthy disruption of normal lives in Nagaland and called for immediate resolution, which it said could be possible only if the incumbent leadership heed to the call of the people. In a press release, MIP, NSCN (K) opined that the demands of the Naga tribe hohos were substantially justified and no effort should be spared to realise the same. It asserted that present leadership was expected to demonstrate statesmanship and gracefully pave way for the people’s will to prevail. MIP stated that seeking to acquire temporal political and monetary advantages by a particular political party at the cost of many innocent lives, history, culture, heritage and identity of Nagas should not even be contem(Cont’d on p-8) plated.
the “tirade of accusation of wrong doings” for which he was not at all responsible, the ZB (AMN) said on the fateful night of January 31, 2017, two precious live were lost from police firing for which, it was saddened and prayed for the bereaved. However, the Baudi said they were surprised that TR Zeliang was forced to take responsibility of the death of those two youths. As per Zeliangrong customary law, ZB (AMN) said it was “a heinous crime to invade or attack someone’s house.” The Baudi said it was also an established Naga customary practice that when one was attacked at home –– whether to cause harm or to destroy one’s properties –– the house owner in defence had every right to take any extreme step to defend one’s family or properties.
K Y M C