February 1, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 55

THURSDAY, February 1, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Afghan President speaks to Modi, not to Pakistan PM

Modi launches Khelo India Games

Tripura polls outcome to push anti-BJP politics, says Yechury

international, Page 9

sports, Page 12

northeast, Page 4

Election & solution are not interrelated: Ravi

Tinakali Sumi

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Amidst demand for “Solution not Election” before the ensuing general Assembly Elections scheduled on February 27, Government of India’s representative and Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks, R.N. Ravi, has categorically stated that election and solution are not interrelated. Talking to Nagaland Post, Ravi said “I can understand the frustration of the Naga people over the protracted negotiation for the last 20 years during which several elections have been held and governments have come and gone while people have been awaiting political solution to the Naga issue.” However, Ravi added that people should “acknowledge the qualitative and quantum progress made in the last three years.” When asked why the election had been declared when civil society organi-

WSH peeved at NCD directive DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Reacting to the directive issued by Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) to Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) to supervise bandh in Niuland Sub- Division, WSH has questioned NCD as to what authority it has, to issue a directive to “enforce bandh in Niuland Sub- Division on February 1, 2018. WSH president Zheshito Sumi and general secretary Vikato Achumi in a statement pointed out that, NCD’s jurisdiction was limited to municipal area whereas WSH jurisdiction was over 167 Sumi villages in Dimapur district including some even in urban areas of Dimapur where its bonafied citizens reside. WSH said it is an autonomous apex body of Western Sumi area and not under any civil body. Taking serious note of the NCD directive, WSH has said it will summon NCD officials at an appropriate time for “explanation and justification to its office.” Meanwhile, WSH has asked its unit and Sumi Council Dimapur and all its bonafide members to keep in abeyance any directives from NCD till further notice.

This is it!

“ By resigning from the assembly, I hope to salvage something otherwise I’m gone.” K Y M C

R.N. Ravi (NP File)

sations, political parties and Naga political groups had been demanding for “solution not election”, Ravi clarified that “election and solution are not interrelated” and added that once the negotiation successfully concludes the “agreement will be duly incorporated into the Constitution of India to ensure its permanency and immediate implementation.” He then said “the future dispensation in Nagaland will be according to the agreement and nothing can stand in the way of its

implementation.” Asked about the status of the ongoing talks, Ravi said the endeavour of the negotiating parties has been to successfully conclude the negotiation at the earliest. “We already have covered most of the ground and I am hopeful that the remaining few issues can be sorted out soon. Both sides have adequate understanding of each other’s positions and difficulties and are sufficiently mature to bridge the remaining gaps.” When asked how soon Nagas can expect a solution, Ravi said “I am sufficiently sensitive and respectful to Nagas’ popular sentiment for an early solution. I can assure the Naga people that I am doing my best in this regard.” In a recent interview to Nagaland Post, Ravi said though an early solution was desired, it was not time specific. However, he said elections were time specific and also a constitutional obligation that had to be fulfilled.

Rare ‘super blue blood moon’ dazzles sky gazers New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS): Much awaited “Supermoon” became visible in India a little later than expected on Wednesday but when it did, millions of stargazers across the country relished the rare celestial triple delight with a sense of awe. The January 31 sighting of a “Blue Moon” and a total lunar eclipse occurred in India for the first time after 1982. While the Moon was in the Earth’s shadow, it took on a reddish tint known as a “blood Moon”. During the eclipse, the Moon was just a day past its perigee which is the closest point to Earth in its orbit -- making it appear very large and bright (about 14 per cent) -- and so a “Supermoon”. It is also the second full moon of the month, commonly known as a “blue moon”. The last full Moon of the month was on January 2. Many organisations across the country stepped in to enhance the show which was also visible to the naked eye. (Full report on p-5)

CCNTHCO to go ahead with bandh; some tribal groups refrain DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, JAN 31 (NPN): In a setback for the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO), under whose banner the proposed statewide bandh was called to protest against the elections, several apex tribal organizations have abstained from participating or imposing the February 1, dawn-to-dusk bandh. The organizations which decided against imposing the bandh include-Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), Angami Public Organisation (APO) and Lotha Hoho; while according to some reports, a few others have also refrained from calling for participation in the bandh. In a last ditch effort to remind all organizations about their commitment to participate in the bandh, CCNTHCO Wednesday reaffirmed that they would go ahead with the planned Nagaland bandh on February 1, 2018 regardless of some organizations backing out. Ao Senden has decided to impose bandh in Mokokchung district from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on February 1. CCNTHCO through its convenor, Theja Therieh, and secretary, Joel Naga,

Rahul blames PM for crisis over elections in Nagaland Correspondent SHILLONG, JAN 31: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi “unilateral” decisions for the prevailing situation in Nagaland over the conduct of assembly elections after several Naga civil society groups and political parties seeking to defer the polls. He said the Prime Minister did not take into confidence of various stakeholders when the Framework Agreement was signed between NSCN (I-M) and government of India in 2015. Several Naga civil society groups under the banner of Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) and political parties have sought for deferment of the assembly polls so that an early solution to the protracted Naga issue can be reached.

“Nobody has understood what the Prime Minister had signed, whether he had signed. This is the style of the Prime Minister. This (Naga accord) is the same idea of demonetization, and implementation of GST at midnight,” Gandhi told journalists in Meghalaya. “…. Modi called up Congress president Sonia Gandhi one evening and told her that we have solved the Naga problem and signed an accord. Sonia ji called me up and said what Modi told her. She also told me to check with the chief ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur (who were then all Congress CMs) to find whether they were aware of it and were consulted by the Prime Minister,” Gandhi recalled. “They (CMs) called the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and were told that the MHA had no idea

Rahul speaks at a meeting with traditional village heads in Shillong on Wednesday. (PTI)

about it. Then they wrote to the Home Minister, and he too informed them that he (home minister) had no idea what exactly the accord was,” he said. Reacting to the crisis in Nagaland, Gandhi said, “The style of functioning of the Prime Minister has led to Nagaland’s reaction. It shows large number of people did not believe in the Prime Minister.” “The people of the country do not believe the

Prime Minister because he has got credibility problem and there is a reaction to this type of behaviour.” Congress general secretary in-charge Nagaland, C P Joshi said here that party will take its decision on the Nagaland election soon On Monday, 11 political parties, including the ruling NPF, and the BJP, had signed a joint declaration to not issue party ticket or file nominations for the assembly polls in response to the call by various tribal groups for “Solution before Election”, at a meeting convened by the CCNTHCO. However, Nagaland BJP president Visasolie Lhoungu said that the party will “abide by the directives of the party high command”. Meanwhile, Lhounghu said that BJP will start issuing party tickets to candidates from Thursday onwards, an Economic Times bureau report stated.

said that despite all the apex tribal hohos and mass-based organizations agreeing to call for Nagaland bandh, confusion was spreading that the bandh may not be observed uniformly. CCNTHCO reminded that the proposed bandh was a unanimous decision of all organizations who attended the meeting and therefore, it will go ahead as resolved. The two also explained that the very purpose of the bandh was in pursuance of the resolutions adopted collectively by tribal hohos, mass-based organizations and all political parties that the Nagas prefer to have a solution first rather than election now. “This bandh is therefore placed as litmus test as to whether one upholds what one has promised or one backtracks,” CCNTHCO said, adding that it has just the option to appeal to all concerned to prove one’s worth in action. CCNTHCO said in case any sections within the Naga community wanted to negate the popular opinion and refused to co-operate with the unanimous decision, then it has no power to rope in those sections. It, however, questioned that if one was not for political

negotiations and a solution, what better option that section (that opposes the bandh) had in store for the Nagas? CCNTHCO informed that all educational institutions would remain closed, but the army & paramilitary, police, media people, medical services, and district administration were exempted from the bandh. ENPO: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has decided to not impose the bandh in Eastern Nagaland areas. The decision was taken at a meeting held at IMC hall in Dimapur on Wednesday. ENPO media cell told Nagaland Post that the decision to abstain from the proposed bandh did not mean that it did not support the demand for solution. However, ENPO stated that it did not want to harass the public unnecessarily by imposing the bandh. APO: Angami Public Organisation (APO) and all its frontal organisations have reiterated their “natural support established on January 25, 2018 on the ongoing dialogue between Government of India and the Naga political groups.” In a press release, APO president, Dr. Kepelhousie

JD (United) for Ex-minister Nyeiwang passes away DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Forsolution before mer school education minister, Nyeiwang Konyak, passed away at election: Tyagi a private hospital in Dimapur on DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Janata Dal (United) secretary general and party’s chief spokesperson, KC Tyagi, Wednesday sought to make clear to the Naga people that the JD(U) stood for solution before election to the vexed Naga problem, which has been continuing for the last several decades. In a press release, Tyagi recalled that party founding father, Jaya Prakash Narayan, was one of the members of the Peace Commission of 1964 who travelled the length and breadth of the Naga areas in person and had strongly advocated for the right to self determination for the Naga people. “It is for this bold participation by our founding father who had to face awkward and hostile crowd all over the country,” said JD (U) chief spokesperson. (Cont’d on p-7)

1st death anniversary of Jan 31 martyrs observed Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 31 (NPN): The first death anniversary of the late Khriesavizo (Avizo) Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer, who were killed on January 31 during Urban Local Body (ULB) election imbroglio, was observed in a program jointly organized by Joint coordination committee (JCC) and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) at Martyrs’ memorial park, Old secretariat complex Kohima, on Wednesday. A memorial monument was also dedicated on the same day. NTAC convenor, K.T. Vilie, in his address, said the two youths’ supreme sacrifice had allowed the people to achieve their goal. According to him the anniversary programme and martyrs’ memorial park will be handled by the tribal hohos by next year. JCC co-convener, Luolao Usou, in his address appreciated the contributors for providing a beautiful site and also providing a huge amount for the construction of the memorial monument. He

Family members of two slain youth laying wreaths on the 1st death anniversary at Kohima (NP).

urged all Naga leaders to observe the death anniversary even in the years to come. He opined that the two deserved respect equal to the NSF martyrs and martyrs of the Indian Kargil war. Usou lamented that our Nagas leaders had set money as a priority before the rights of the Nagas. He stated that the general public was also to be blamed for this because we have the freedom to choose our

leaders. The Naga public, instead of choosing honest and responsible leaders, tend to let money over power their judgement, he said and appealed to all Nagas to think wisely and choose leaders sensibly. Angami Public Organization advisor, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, in his address said the two deceased deserved honour because they laid down their lives in the quest for justice. Ruopfiikhrienuo Metha, elder

Terhüja and general secretary, Neisakholie Ziephru, said that APO has decided to not persuade nor dissuade any individual from filing nominations and would not boycott the forthcoming general election 2018. As such, APO said no bandh would be imposed within the Angami inhabited areas on February 1, 2018. In this regard, APO has directed the public not to participate in the bandh. “This clarion call is made for and in the larger interest of the Nagas in quest for peoplehood and nationhood which we are aware cannot be taken lightly,” APO stated. LH: Lotha Hoho (LH) at its joint meeting held Wednesday has decided to not participate in the total bandh called by the CCNTHCO. Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhao Lotha told Nagaland Post that there were many reasons why they decided to not take part in the bandh. He, however, said that the house did not deliberate on the “reasons”. When asked to comment on the hoho’s stand on the electioneering process, LH chairman said “it depends on the political parties”, adding that the hoho has no comment on this.

sister of Late Khriesavizo who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed her gratitude to the gathering and organizers for paying homage to her brother and his friend Bedangnungsang. She said it was painful to recollect what had happened a year ago and also urged the gathering to strive forward for a better society. She wanted the sacrifice of her brother to be an example for the Nagas to work with truth and justice and not with money or gun power. A family member of late Bendangnungsang said the day should be remembered and the sacrifice of the two promising young men should not be in vain. He said that such occurrences should be avoided in the future for the benefit of the future generations. He said Khriesavizo and Bendangnungsang would always be remembered as martyrs in the annals of Naga history. Dr. P. Ngullie, who chaired the programme, said the very ground was hallowed because of the mortal remains of the two martyrs and our people owed them our honour for their supreme sacrifice. (Cont’d on p-7)

Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 66. Son of late Yange, Nyeiwang, a graduate, he won the first Lt N. Konyak (File) assembly election on INC ticket in 1989 from 47 Aboi Assembly Constituency. He was elected again to the Assembly consecutively in 2003 and 2008 from the same constituency on NPF ticket. Nyeiwang contested the 2013 elections, but lost to Eshak Konyak.

CPO to observe prayer day today

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) held an emergency general meeting at Town Hall, Pfütsero on Wednesday and unanimously resolved to observe February 1 as prayer day for Naga political solution. Besides asking members of the Chakhesang community to observe the programme, CPO also appealed to all citizens of the State to remain at home and pray for Naga political solution. This was stated in a press release issued by CPO press secretary Wekhrope Marhu.

NBCC delegates exempt from bandh

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) exempted, from the purview of the February 1 bandh, all vehicles of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) triennial convention delegates. A notification from NBCC president and ABAM executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger and NBCC general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho asked delegates to attend the convention without any hesitation. NBCC said that the convention, hosted by ABAM, will be held at Impur from February 2 to 4 and added that all movement related to this convention had been relaxed thereof.

Puhkayi resigns as MLA

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Advisor soil and water conservation and NSDMA, Pukhayi Sumi, MLA representing 34 Aghunato A/C, Wednesday tendered his resignation from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). With this latest resignation of the NPF legislator, the strength of 60-member NLA has been reduced to 45. Meanwhile, NLA speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, has accepted the resignation of Puhkayi from the membership of the 12th NLA with effect from January 31, 2018. A press release issued by NLA secretariat stated that consequent upon the resignation, the assembly speaker has declared the seat under 34-Aghunato A/C as vacant with effect from January 31, 2018.

SP(I) to not set up candidates

DIMAPUR, JAN 31 (NPN): Socialist Party (SP) (India) has decided to not set up a party candidate in favour of “the voice of the people” for a Naga political solution. A press release from SP(I) national vice president, Akhei Achumi also said that should any candidate file nominations, it would be highly questionable and they would be responsible for their own actions. Akhei welcomed the call to defer the elections asking how much longer the Nagas would suffer in the name of a political solution. K Y M C


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February 1, 2018 by Nagaland Post - Issuu