February 4, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 58

4 more MLAs quit DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Joining the resignation spree, four more legislators from the ruling NPF party have tendered their resignations from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Imtikumzuk, Merentoshi R. Jamir, Tovihoto Ayemi and Shetoyi Sumi tendered their resignations. NLA speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, has accepted the resignation of Imtikumzuk, Merentoshi R Jamir and Tovihoto Ayemi and has declared the seats under 26 Aonglenden A/C, 25 Mongoya A/C and 1 Dimapur I A/C vacant with effect from February 3, 2018. Now, the strength of 60-member assembly has come down to 39 following their resignations.

Gov congratulates bravery awardees

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P. B Achar ya congratulated Mansha, Shangpong, Yaoknei and Chingai on being awarded the National Bravery Award for 2017, which were presented to them by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on January 23 at New Delhi. According to a press release from PRO to Governor, the Governor stated that the award appropriately recognises the enormous courage and bravery they had shown in saving the lives of Meribeni and Chumben. Governor Acharya encouraged the National Bravery Awardees to keep up the good work and continue to serve with pride and dignity, the press release said.

Cong appoints 4 central observers

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (IANS): All India Congress Committee on Saturday appointed four central observers for the forthcoming Nagaland assembly polls, including Nabam Tuki and Gaurav Gogoi. A party release said that Tuki, former chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, will be the chief observer. Other observers are Gogoi, MP, former Assam minister Pradyut Bordoloi and former AICC secretary Praveen Davar. The names were approved by Congress president, Rahul Gandhi.

Security for candidates

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): All candidates for the forthcoming general elections who have not been allocated bodyguards have been asked to contact the Superintendent or Commissioner of Police of the district from which they will be contesting. This was stated in a release issued by the Sr. Superintendent of Police (Crime), Nagaland.

This is it!

“Church had DRY state and now wants CLEAN election. What Church wants is to DRYCLEAN us.” K Y M C

SUNDAY, February 4, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Acupuncture: An ancient method for holistic healing

U-19 WC: India outclass Aussies to win 4th title

China firm on ‘sovereign rights’: Yi

sunday post supplement

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Northeast is at heart of ‘Act East Policy’: PM

G U WA H AT I , F E B 3 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the two-day Global Investment Summit in Guwahati, a first of its kind initiative in the North East, and said a new terminal being constructed at Guwahati airport would boost the region’s connectivity with Asean countries. Addressing the event, being held at the Sarusojai Stadium in Guwahati, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness that Bangladesh and Bhutan have opened their consulate offices in Guwahati and said the North East is at the heart of India’s ‘Act East Policy’. “Rs 4,700 crore was allocated to extend railway connectivity to 15 new destinations. When the Agartala (Tripura)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) railway connectivity becomes a reality in the near future, the whole region will be benefited,” said Modi. He said the tagline of the meet - ‘Advantage Assam: India’s expressway to ASEAN’ - is very appropriate and not just

Narendra Modi being felicitated by Sarbananda Sonowal at the inauguration of Advantage Assam in Guwahati. (PTI)

a statement but it is a “comprehensive vision”. Modi said that roads and railways are being constructed at a faster pace in the North East and electricity is being generated at a similar pace. The summit, a first of its kind two-day initiative, is expected to see participation of top industrialists of the country including Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani. Officials said that over 250 MOUs worth Rs 60,000 crore are expected to be signed on the first day of the

summit on Saturday. Business seminars on 12 focus sectors will be held on both the days including Agriculture and Food Processing - Organic Cultivation and Bamboo, Handloom, Textile and Handicrafts, Logistics, River Transport and Port Township, IT and ITeS, Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment, Plastics and Petrochemicals, Power, Tourism, Hospitality and Wellness, Civil Aviation, Petroleum and Natural Gas and Startups Innovation.

No candidates file nominations Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): Though some political parties have started issuing party tickets, no candidate has filed nominations till the fourth day of the period for filing nominations, which ends on February 7. The Chief Electoral Officer of Nagaland informed Nagaland Post that no candidate had filed nominations yet although some candidates had collected the nomination forms. None of the political parties have taken the lead to filed file nominations. It may be recalled that the joint declaration to not issue tickets or allow any candidate to file nominations was signed by 11 political parties at a meeting held on January 29, organized by the Core committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organizations (CCNTHCO). However, many major political parties like the ruling NPF and the Congress party announced that they would contest the forthcoming assembly polls after the BJP first declared that they would be contesting the polls.

NPF to distribute tickets at divisional Hqs Correspondent KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): Moving away from the traditional practice of distributing tickets at the party headquarters, the ruling NPF will be issuing tickets to party candidates from its divisional headquarters on Monday for the February 27 Assembly Elections. NPF sources told Nagaland Post that owing to certain circumstances, the party was being compelled to issue the tickets at their divisional offices. Reportedly, there are at least 20 newcomers who will be issued tickets. Meanwhile, minister for Roads & Bridges and political affairs, G. Kaito Aye, reportedly walked out of the party consultative meeting held at its central office on Saturday. It was learnt that Kaito was miffed with the party for not maintaining the “reconciliation memorandum” signed in December 2017, in which it was resolved that all the sit-

ting MLAs would be allotted tickets. Upon his exit from the meeting, the minister tendered his resignation. Meanwhile, commenting on the decision of BJP sealing a pre-poll alliance with NDPP, the NPF central press secretary, Sebastian Zumvu, said that both the parties did not have the courage to face the Naga people at the polls. He said the two parties were compelled to rely on each other to take on the “party of the Naga people, NPF.” Zumvu said NPF wanted to maintain healthy relations with the party in power at the Centre, but not at the cost of the welfare of the Nagas. He also said that BJP was piggybacking on the NPF since 2003 and NPF had kept them in control like a “Bonsai plant” as it was clear through how the party won 7 seats in 2003, 2 seats in 2008 and one in 2013. He said if not for the NPF, the Lotus could never have bloomed or the trishul pierced

into the heartland of Christ. He admitted that NPF was for the Naga people, but the party was compelled to maintain silence time and time again considering its relation with the saffron party even when atrocities were committed in the mainland on Christians and minorities over their beliefs and food habits. Further, Zumvu said that for the sake of maintaining healthy relations with the party in power at the Centre so as to ensure an early, favourable and honourable solution to the Naga political problem is bargained for, the party was compelled to sacrifice up to some extent. However, he said with the proverbial load off its shoulders, the party would not hesitate to speak the truth so the Nagas were not treated or considered second class citizens of the country in any manner. Zumvu said the party would speak the truth and would stand for unity and integrity of the country.

BJP snubs NPF, forge seatsharing alliance with NDPP Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): In a significant development, the BJP has agreed to forge a pre-poll alliance with the newly floated Nationalist Democratic People’s Party (NDPP) and thus ending speculations about any pact with its long time non-Congress ally, the ruling NPF, to contest the February 27 Assembly polls on a seat sharing basis. The decision to this effect was made in New Delhi at a meeting between national BJP president, Amit Shah and NDPP leader and lone Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, in the presence state BJP president, Visasolie Lhoungu and other leaders. Another meeting was held at Guwahati on Saturday with BJP election in-charge of Nagaland, Kiren Rijiju and Neiphiu Rio. The leaders also addressed the media after the meeting. The seat-sharing agreement was endorsed by leaders of both sides (NDPP-BJP) on February 3, which was made known in a ‘joint statement’ signed by NDPP leader, Neiphiu Rio;

Polls will not affect peace process: Ravi Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R.N. Ravi has assured the Naga people that the “ongoing peace process has not and shall not be affected by this election.” In the letter to CCNTHO convenor, which was made available to the media, Ravi said he was aware of the prevailing situation in Nagaland over the forthcoming elections. “I am sensitive respectful to the Nagas popular sentiment for an early solution. The negotiating parties are trying their best and have made significant progress in the last three years,” he said. Ravi in this regard called upon all Nagas, at this crucial juncture, to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

Kiren Rijiju, Neiphiu Rio and Visasolie Lhoungu along with others at the press conference in Guwahati on Saturday.

BJP unit president, Visasolie Lhoungu; NDPP general secretary, Rusemtong Longkumer and BJP unit convenor campaign committee, Dr. M Chuba Ao. It was decided that the NDPP would field 40 candidates and 20 for the BJP in the 60-member assembly. A tweet put out by NDPP stated that the central BJP election committee has decided to field the following candidates in the forthcoming assembly polls. Dimapur 1 A/C, Tovihoto Ayemi; 4-Ghaspani-I, N. Jacob Zhimomi; 13-Pughoboto, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema; 17-Chizami, Kevechutso; 29-Jangpetkong, Dr. Longriniken; 30 Alongtaki, Imna Along; 31-Akuluto, Kazheto; 32-Atoizu, K.L. Chishi; 33-Suruhoto, Kehovi; 37-Tyui, Y. Patton;

Won’t persuade candidates: CEC NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (AGENCIES): Election Commission will not convince candidates to file nominations in Nagaland where some parties have announced a boycott of this month’s polls, chief election commissioner O.P. Rawat told The Telegraph. “Once the election O.P. Rawat (File) process starts, there is no authority for anyone to interfere with it. Courts are also barred. It is the mandate of the EC to deliver a duly elected Assembly before the expiry of its term. Remaining things are hypothetical,” Rawat said. Asked whether the panel will hold talks with the parties, Rawat, who took charge as CEC last month, said: “We are not concerned. It is not our responsibility. The notification has been issued and our returning officers are waiting for nominations.” Under the Representation of the People Act, the poll panel has to notify fresh elections if no nominations are filed. If none is filed the second time, the commission is not under any obligation to conduct polls until “it is satisfied that there will be no such failure”. There is no time frame for the second notification.

CCNTHCO leaves issue of poll participation to parties NSCN (I-M) CAO shot dead Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 3 (NPN): One by one, after political parties reneged on their January 29 promise to boycott the elections, Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) has decided to leave the decision upon the political parties on whether or not to participate in the 2018 polls. After a marathon meeting at hotel Japfu Saturday, CCNTHCO said it would not use force or go against people making choices based on their own decisions. However, CCNTHCO said it will continue to pursue this issue while appealing to the political parties to respect the popular wishes of the people. Addressing media persons after the meeting, C C N T H C O c o nve n e r, Theja Therieh expressed

confidence that good sense would prevail and there would not be any untoward incidents because of their demand. He said that the committee will continue to respect and maintain the joint declaration made by the political parties. Therieh said it was unfortunate that the BJP decided to contest the polls despite its official representative signing the declaration, and later suspending the officials in disregard for the consensus of opinion among the political parties. He said the BJP’s decision will be remembered in the history of the Nagas. Therieh also expressed regretted that the NLA resolution which was passed by all legislators, including BJP MLAs, was disregarded when all the civil bodies came forward in support of it. Therieh said that a full bench of the Election Com-

mission had taken note of the issue. However, he said, ECI cannot recall their own notification and the same message was made known to the president’s office and the MHA sensitized on the matter. Further, he said government of India’s interlocutor for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi had been facing sleepless nights to work out a mechanism between the two negotiating groups for a solution at the earliest. However, he was equally helpless to give time frame, Therieh said. He said if Ravi and the two negotiating groups could declare a time frame, then election could have been deferred without any difficulties. Since negotiations were at crucial stage, Therieh said they were not in a position to set a time frame to hammer out a solution. Because of this, he said the Centre could

DIMAPUR, FEB 3 (NPN): One person identified as Dichungbe Nriame, NSCN (I-M) deputy kilonser, caretaker CAO of Asalu (Zeliangrong) region, was reportedly shot dead by unknown miscreants at Jalukie town, Peren on Friday. According to police sources, the assailant reportedly armed with 12bore rifle opened fire on the victim at his residence, Midland Colony, Jalukie town at around 8 p.m. when he had gone to close the main gate. The assailants reportedly pumped the bullet into the left side of his chest and fled from the scene under the cover of darkness. He was rushed to Jalukie town nursing home, but was declared brought dead. A case has been registered with the Jalukie police station and investigation is (Cont’d on p-7) underway, police said.

not come forward on the people’s aspirations while CCNTHCO did not want to push beyond what was within the realm of its limits. Therieh also revealed that CCNTHO had received a letter from R.N Ravi, which they considered a “valuable” input, since Ravi was the key person of the negotiations till a solution was arrived at. He was confident that Ravi would stand by his commitment and the Nagas will have an honourable and acceptable solution without the talks being dragged on indefinitely. The convener also mentioned that although the CCNTHCO had been in existence for only a short time, it had achieved a milestone, as civil societies, tribal hohos, political parties and national workers had come together for the first time for a common cause despite their differences.

NSCN (I-M) condemns: NSCN (I-M) through its MIP has strongly condemned the “coldblooded assassination” of Dichungbe Nriame, on February 2, 2018. MIP stated that “such a coward and dastard act of killing a national worker” at a time when the whole of the Nagas were longing for peace and unity was “totally uncalled for.” It stated that the group, heeding the call for peace by the masses and in the spirit of forgiveness towards its rivals, had been lying low by not launching any offensives “for the nation awaits the inevitable coming of a great change.” While seeking a clarification from the perpetrators, the NSCN (I-M) warned that it would be compelled “to launch its investigation to find out the truth and do whatever it takes to bring justice.”

38-Wokha, T.M. Lotha; 40- Bhandari, Mmhonlumo Kikon; 41-Tizit, P. Paiwang Konyak; 45-Tehok, Er. C. Kawang Konyak; 50Longleng, Pangyu Phom; 52-Longkhim Chare, Imtilemba Sangtam; 54-Tuensang Sadar II, Rakhila; 56-Noklak, Haiying; 59Seyochung Sitimi, Kashiho Sangtam and 60-Pungro, Yankiu Yimchunger. NDPP has welcomed the decision and reaffirmed their trust in the party under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio. Interestingly, some disgruntled state BJP leaders had shot off a missive to national BJP president, Amit Shah stating that the state unit was not in a position to accept any pre-poll alliance with any party. (Cont’d on p-7)

Dmu railway station to be developed Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, FEB 3 (NPN): Dimapur Railway station is among the 1253 stations that have been identified to be developed under Adarsh Station Scheme. In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Friday, the Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain, said the development/upgradation of passenger amenities at stations in Indian Railways was undertaken under various schemes. Out of 1253 stations, 1046 railway stations have been developed so far and the remaining stations are planned to be developed by 2017-18. Upgradation of stations is a continuous and on-going process and works in this regard are undertaken depending upon need, volume of the passenger traffic and inter-se priority subject to availability of funds.

Facebook may soon tell if you are rich or poor

LONDON, FEB 3 (IANS): Facebook has filed a patent application for a technology that will automatically detect the users’ socio-economic status and segregate them in one of three classes -- working class, middle class or upper class. According to the patent, the social media giant wants to build a system that collects users’ personal data, such as education, homeownership and internet usage, in order to predict their socio-economic status, Dailymail reported on Saturday. The patent, that was made public on Friday, suggested an algorithm that might improve Facebook’s targeting capabilities, helping it serve up more relevant (Cont’d on p-7) advertisements to users. K Y M C


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