Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 79
SUNDAY, February 25, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Zoo safety and regulations needed for better management of the zoos and for public security
Leicester hold Stoke 1-1 in EPL
Jaitley talks of tougher law to bring scamsters to justice
Sunday Post Supplement
sports, Page 11
national, Page 9
Only BJP can bring solution: Rijiju
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju said that in today’s context BJP was the only party capable of solving the Naga political problem and hammering out a solution. He was responding to a query on why the BJP had pulled out of the January 29 joint declaration by political parties to boycott the polls in favour of a solution to the Naga political problem. Rijiju said this while addressing a press conference at Niathu Resort, here on Saturday on the last day of his scheduled campaigning in the state. The BJP could not commit to bringing in a solution for the Nagas if they had run away from the democratic process of elections, he said. As a National political party and the party governing the nation, Rijiju said, BJP was very clear from day one that it would participate in the electoral process because it wanted to solve the Naga problem. This election is very historic he stated, adding that the elections were not
Gov appeals for peaceful poll DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya has appealed to all citizens, political parties, security agencies, police and other departments to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere during the polling process without any fear. In a communiqué issued by PRO Raj Bhavan, Acharya reminded voters that casting their vote was their valuable right and duty. He said elections play the most important role in shaping the destiny of the people in a democracy, where people constitute the real source of power in the elections as they make their choice and elect only those on whom they have faith. It is the citizen who ensures through the vote if they want a good and clean government, he added. Acharya encouraged all to not let this valuable opportunity go to waste, saying “every vote counts when taking the nation forward on the road to development.” Being in a democratic and secular country, he said all should respect the candidates and parties as important stakeholders in the democratic process and use dignified language and fight the elections on ideologies and issues.
This is it!
“Don’t tell me they seize only cheap rum bottles and not expensive whisky brands? K Y M C
Kiren Rijiju (NP)
being held to just form a new government but to define Naga politics and the future of Nagaland. He asserted that the NDPP-BJP alliance would not allow anything to interfere in the implementation of a Naga solution when it is finalized. Congress party did not even recognize the Naga problem because for Congress, the Naga problem was a law & order problem, Rijiju stated. He said that it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee who declared Naga history and its political problem to be unique and he had identified and understood the Naga problem with a commitment to solve it. He lamented that there had been so much instability in governance during the last four years and asserted that the NDPP-BJP alliance
wanted to bring stability. He said that the alliance commits to implementing the promises in their election manifestos through a special action plan to change the lives of the Naga people and usher in development for Nagaland. “The corruption is well known to everybody in Nagaland and Nagaland elections happens to be one the most expensive in the country”, stated Rijuju. Till 2014, corruption had been the main issue at the national level but after Modi took over as the Prime Minister, corruption in the high levels were gone he said. “Now we are catching the corrupt people there is no corruption in the offices of the ministers, prime minister’s office or senior government functionaries because of transparency and accountability,” Rijiju asserted. He praised the Naga people as vibrant and hard working with attractive ways of life but lamented the quality of governance that could not provide basic needs like good roads, good electrification and also the basic needs of schools in rural areas. Highlighting the bad
road conditions, he expressed the view that not only did Nagaland need economic packages, but also transparency in governance. Referring particularly to the Prime Minister’s Tuensang rally, Rijiju said that the response of the people to the BJP meetings and rallies were overwhelming and was a predictor of the positive results the party would see in the polls. Attempting to allay fears that his party had ulterior religious agendas, he stated that “As a federal structure, Nagaland will be governed by Nagas and no random people will turn up and become MLAs, ministers or chief minister.” Attacking the party’s detractors, he said that some had tried to spin a religious angle to the electioneering process because they could not find anything to attack about the BJP. He said he was glad that people had rejected the malicious campaign. “There is no question of the imposition of any faith. India is a secular country every state and region have their own identities,” he asserted. (Cont’d on p-7)
New SOP for 2018 Assembly Polls: Campaign trails development of border areas CM accuses Rio of submitting NDPP calls for electing NDPP-BJP alliance fake educational documents GUWAHATI, FEB 24 (AGENCIES): A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for disputed border areas of Assam and Nagaland currently under preparation will have specific provisions for facilitating developmental works by the government under various schemes and projects, besides deployment of security forces, reports the Assam Tribune. Stating this in the Assembly, Assam parliamentary affairs minister, Chandra Mohan Patowary said the existing SOP does not differentiate between government-sponsored and private developmental works. He said recently there had been a case of the neutral CRPF force deployed in the disputed sectors stopping various development/construction projects following the construction of two one-storey buildings at Jalal Basti, in Sector 2 by Nagaland. Patowary, replying to a notice by Congress MLA, Roselina, said that at a recent meeting between administrations of Assam and Nagaland, DC Dimapur opposed any new construction or development works.
DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): Continuing his scathing attack on NDPP chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio, the state chief minister, TR Zeliang, has alleged that Rio submitted fake educational documents during the filing of nomination. NPF chief ministerial candidate stated that Rio claimed to have passed his BA (honours) “but in fact he submitted fake documents”. Zeliang claimed that Rio even wrote to Returning Officer (RO) to return his documents but his plea was rejected. Recently Rio alleged that TR Zeliang lied about his educational qualification, saying Zeliang gave contradicting claims regarding the year of his graduation. NDPP chief ministerial candidate said that this time Zeliang in his affidavit mentioned ‘BA Appeared’ since he was unable to provide his BA certificate and was also embarrassed to say he failed. However, Rio said there was no certificate for ‘BA Appeared’. Addressing election rallies at Jalukie and Athibung rallies on Friday, Zeliang accused Rio of playing ‘dirty games’, saying “Rio is not sincere and he tried to destroy even the existence of NPF before he shifted to NDPP. According to NPF press & media cell, Zeliang stated that political crisis started in the state when Rio attempted to become a union minister but failed and tried to return to state politics. NPF chief ministerial candidate said he was happy that dissidents within the NPF have been filtered out for good before election. “Now we can form a better and stronger government,” he added.
DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): Reiterating its commitment towards bringing good and transparent governance and draw a new roadmap of progressive development for Nagaland, NDPP has appealed to the citizens of the State to cast their ballot in favour of BJP-NDPP alliance. Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting Nagaland, NDPP, in a press note issued by its media & communications committee, also expressed its gratitude for reposing faith on the leadership of Neiphiu Rio to head the BJP-NDPP alliance. It also thanked PM for showing his sincerity in hammering out a solution to the vexed Naga issue and for announcing economic and development plans. “All NDPP members in those Assembly constituencies where the party has not fielded candidates are hereby directed to extend full support to the BJP candidates in every possible manner,” the release stated. Appreciating the Clean Election campaign of the church and civil societies, the party assured citizens of the State of supporting the campaign in “letter and spirit”. It directed its workers to carry out their responsibilities without deviating from the model code of conduct and uphold the Clean Election guidelines. NDPP finally appealed to the government machinery, especially the administration, police and law enforcing agencies, to ensure an atmosphere of free and fair elections and discharge their duties with utmost impartiality.
Congress in backMost wanted GNLA chief shot dead Rival party supporters clash in Chungtia village channel talks with NPF Correspondent
Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 24 (NPN): As many as 10 persons were reportedly injured in a clash between supporters of rival candidates at Chungtia village under Mokokchung district Saturday afternoon. Mokokchung police sources informed that two persons received bullet injuries, but were out of danger. Police said eight persons were detained in connection with the clash. The rival groups also exchanged fire and resorted to stone-pelting. Police found empty cases of .22 bullets. The timely intervention of security personnel brought the situation under control. Meanwhile, prohibitory orders (Sec 144 CrPC)
which had been imposed in Chungtia village, was also extended to neighbouring Aliba village. CEO Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha informed that the situation was under control as security personnel were rushed to the area. Sinha informed that all the 281 companies of CAPF had arrived Nagaland. Meanwhile, Chungtia village council chairman, Bendangtemsu had filed an FIR, wherein the latter had alleged that heavily armed supporters of a candidate entered the village and began to fire indiscriminately. The chairman also claimed that the group blasted IEDs where several villagers were injured. The council also identified 28 individuals, allegedly involved in the attack.
NEW DELHI, FEB 24 (PTI): Congress party is in back-channel talks with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) for a post-poll pact in a bid to keep the BJP-NDPP out of power in Nagaland, sources said. The Congress could not enter into a pre-poll tie-up with the NPF. But back-channel talks are now on with the NPF for a post-poll alliance to keep the BJP-NDPP out of power, a Congress leader said on condition of anonymity. The leader said the Congress will reach out to the NPP as well for the alliance “if need be” after the poll result is out on March 3. The incumbent NPF is contesting on 58 of the 60 Assembly segments in the state. The Congress had nominated 23 contenders for the February 27 polls. However, the actual number of its candidates in fray is 18 after five of its contenders withdrew nominations. The Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the BJP are contesting the election in alliance. Meanwhile, AICC observer for the election, Praveen Davar, said a “secular” government would come to power in the North Eastern state and claimed the Congress would be able to win 10-12 seats. The Congress does not have any member in the outgoing state Assembly. But we are going to attain double digit figure now. We will be a decisive force in the state as people here want a secular government and there is a strong undercurrent against the BJP, he claimed.
WILLIAMNAGAR, FEB 24: Special Force (SF)-10 commandos in Meghalaya on Saturday killed a top Garo rebel leader wanted for his alleged involvement in several killings and bombings in the state. Acting on a tip off, the commandos raided Sudugre area in East Garo Hills district and shot dead Sohan Dalbot Shira, the military wing chief of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), a police official said. “It is confirmed that he has been killed in a gunfight with the SF-10 commandos at 11.50 a.m. and we are waiting for further details of the entire operation,” Meghalaya DGP, Swaraj Bir Singh said. However, the GNLA is yet to issue any statement confirming the death of Shira. He said the gun battle began when the GNLA rebels fired at the commandos. Shira was wanted in several cases of murder, kidnapping, bombings and extortion in Garo Hills, besides the killing of Nationalist Congress Party candidate, Jonathone Sangma. Sangma was killed along with his bodyguard and two party workers were killed in an IED explosion at East Garo
Sohan Dalbot Shira (File)
Hills when their convoy was returning from a campaign. Congratulating the fearless women and men of the Meghalaya Police that has led an untiring effort and commitment to eliminate enemies of the State like Shira, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma tweeted, “Their effort has been vindicated and they have left no stone unturned in dealing effectively with criminals and anti-national elements to ensure heightened peace which is a prerequisite for growth and prosperity of our state.” Meanwhile, Meghalaya Police has sounded a security alert in Garo Hills. SF10 commandos continued their combing operations to track down other rebels.
Can vote even without EPIC: Election Commission Govt warns against spreading rumours
Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 24 (NPN): To ensure more and active participation of voters across the State, Election Commission of India (ECI) has, for the first time, issued clear directives that voters can cast their ballots by producing various documents as long as his/her number was enrolled in the electoral list. Now, this has boosted the confidence of many voters, especially in those critical and vulnerable polling stations or colonies where voters were threatened by different political parties. There was a complaint during the last election of voter slips being rejected following reports of these being “purchased” by some political parties. However, with introduction of the new system, it is hoped that the percentage of voters’ turnout would increase.
The ECI said that voters unable to produce their electors’ photo identity cards (EPICs) too would be eligible to vote by producing other documents to prove their identity, including voter slips. The commission said those voters unable to produce EPIC, could produce documents like passports, driving licenses, identity
cards with photographs issued to employees by Central and State governments, PSUs and public limited companies, passbooks with photographs issued by banks and post offices, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, MNREGA job card, health insurance smart card issued by Union ministry of Labour, pension documents with photographs, authenticated photo voter slip issued by the election machinery, official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs and Aadhaar cards as alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. ECI added that authenticated photo voter slip was just one of the 12 documents, in addition to EPIC, for establishing identity of an elector at the time of voting.
informed to all candidates and political parties that the campaigning period for election to the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 2018 will end with effect from 4pm February 25, 2018. In a press release, CEO Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, has directed the district election administration/police administration to ensure that all political functionaries leave the constituency immediately after the campaign period was over. CEO, however, said that the restriction may not be insisted upon the office bearer of the political party who is in-charge of the state. Further, CEO stated that such office bearer would declare his place of stay in the state headquarters, adding that his movement during the period in question would remain confined Chief Electoral Of- normally between his party ficer (CEO) Nagaland has office and place of his stay.
Campaigning ends today
DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): State government has issued stern warning to all responsible that anyone indulging in spreading of rumours through any means, which could cause unrest in the society, would be dealt severely with the appropriate section of law. In a press release, Nagaland Home commissioner, Abhishek Singh, said the state administration has geared up for conduct of free and fair state Assembly polls on February 27. However, it was observed that certain vested interests and antisocial elements were indulging in spreading of rumours that could result in causing unrest and tension amongst various communities. Singh reminded that spreading of rumours through WhatsApp or social media was also a criminal
act. Such offences, Singh said were classified as public mischief and were punishable as per Section 505 of Indian Penal Code. Citing relevant clauses of Section 505 such as Section 505 (1) (b) (c) and 505 (2), Singh said the mentioned clauses would also be applicable if anyone uses WhatsApp or social media for spreading rumours. The state government has requested all responsible to refrain from forwarding any messages, photographs or videos that have not been verified independently. Informing that police and law enforcement agencies were making all possible efforts to ensure safe, secure, free and fair elections, the state government has sought cooperation to ensure that these elections were the cleanest of all election.
NPF tirade against NDPP-BJP alliance DIMAPUR, FEB 24 (NPN): NPF continued with its diatribe against its political friend-turned-foe BJP with the latest being a charge that it used “churlish, unsavoury phrases and metaphors unbecoming of a national political party” as it (BJP) faces defeat in the ensuing Assembly election. A press communiqué issued by NPF’s press bureau on Saturday, maintained that BJP was being targeted by almost all sections of the society, including the church, political parties and others, for which it was disconsolate. Claiming that in the 15 years of its alliance it managed to contain the growth of its partner in Nagaland, NPF pointed out that BJP won seven seats in 2003, which came down to two in 2008, before being left with just one seat in 2013. (Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C