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Vol XXXIII No. 27
DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023 Pages 16 ` 5.00
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Modi, Shah visit fuels speculation in Nagaland
Naga solution top priority: Rio
Correspondents
KOHIMA, JAN 3 (NPN): Much is being speculated over the likely purpose of the proposed visit of union home minister Amit Shah to Nagaland on January 6 to be followed by a visit to the state by Prime Minister Narendra Modi sometime after January 10. This was disclosed by state chief minister Neiphiu Rio Tuesday while addressing the 61st Annual Sports Meet of Zhadima Village Youth and Sports Organization (ZVYSO)at Zhadima village, Tuesday. Rio said while Shah will be visiting Nagaland on January 6, prime minister Modi is likely to visit after January 10 (tentatively January 13 or 14). Rio expressed the hope that Nagas would get to know on the status of Naga political issue during the visits of the central leaders. He said the biggest hope on the Prime
John Lkr resigns as DGP Nagaland
TJ Longkumer (File) Correspondent
KOHIMA, JAN 3 (NPN): Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, TJ Longkumer has put in his resignation papers on January 2. Informing this to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, State government spokesperson and Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister Neiba Kronu said that the Cabinet will take up the matter on January 7. With regard to appointment of the next DGP, Kronu said that the cabinet will take a call and all formalities would be completed by January 7. It may be mentioned that Longkumer, a 1991 batch Chhattisgarh cadre IPS officer, took over as the State police chief in 2018. His inter-cadre deputation was extended till August 31, 2022. Longkumer’s tenure as DGP was further extended till February 28, 2023. As per Nagaland cadre IPS seniority list, Sunil Achaya (1991 batch), currently serving as joint director RAW is next in line. However, it was learnt that Achaya had reportedly refused to move to Nagaland. The next frontrunner is 1992 batch IPS officer, Rupin Sharma, currently serving as DG (Prison & HG, CD & SDRF).
This is it!
“We joined the government too late. Now our voters criticise us for not doing anything.” K Y M C
Narendra Modi
Amit Shah
Minister and Home Minister’s visit was on securing solution to the Naga issue which would be the “greatest happiness” for Nagas. According to sources, Amit Shah will be arriving Dimapur from Imphal and hold meeting with state leaders before leaving for Delhi the same day. It was not clear whether Shah would be meeting ENPO representatives. Sources however said that Shah’s proposed visit to Eastern Nagaland this month would be finalized only after submission of a report by the three-member Home ministry committee on ‘Frontier Nagaland’ demand. There are
speculations on whether Shah will announce the arrangement that the Centre proposes for eastern Nagaland so as to ensure that the constitutional obligation of Nagaland in constituting the next legislative assembly is not prevented. Election could be deferred if the need arose in order to prepare the necessary formalities. In such an event, the state assembly could be placed under suspended animation and polls deferred. With regard to the subsequent visit of the PM, sources speculate that Modi could be expected to announce a likely solution and a slew of projects and assistance to the state.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday asserted that solution to the vexed Naga political issue was the top priority for his government, saying the issue should be resolved at the earliest to facilitate development and all-round development. Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural of the 61st Annual Sports Meet of Zhadima Village Youth and Sports Organization at the village ground, Rio said he was hoping for an early solution, which would be of “tremendous benefit” for the people. Rio said that following a solution there would be increase in seats for MLAs, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He also said there were other numerous economic packages
that have been put to in place. Rio stated that the elected members of the 13th Nagaland legislative Assembly had also come together and formed an opposition-less government to facilitate an early solution, which, he maintained was not possible under normal circumstances. In this regard, Rio said that except for normal party activities, all the political parties had also resolved not to go for any sort of campaign in the past month(s). However, Rio pointed out that in the event of absence of a solution, Nagaland would also have to perform its democratic duties by going to an election by end of February or early March basing on the announcement of the dates by the Election Commission of India.
CNTC threatens to abstain from polls if no solution ASKS GOI TO FUFILL 2018 ‘ELECTION FOR SOLUTION’ PROMISE DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Adding to the already hyped political atmosphere, Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), comprising of Ao, Lotha and Sumi tribes-- has threatened to abstain from taking part in the State Assembly elections (expected February end or first week of March this year), if the BJP-led government at the Centre failed to fulfil its 2018 elec-
tion promise- “Election for Solution” while at the same time, also reaffirming its earlier demand for President’s Rule in Nagaland. As the 2023 Assembly elections is to be announced any time soon, CNTC said the BJP-led government has failed to fulfil its 2018 commitment while its lack of “response or eagerness” for solving the Naga political issue has hurt the public sentiment. CNTC maintained that instead of fulfilling its promise on solution, the Centre was likely to announce the date of Nagaland Assembly election. CNTC categori-
cally stated that “in the event of such move by the Centre (for holding election), it (CNTC) will be left with no option but to go in line with Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) for abstaining from the state assembly election. CNTC said it has renewed its demand for imposition of President’s Rule in the state, in view of the failure of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government in fulfilling its commitments. CNTC accused the UDA for lack of transparency and also failing to take action against rampant
extortion, which has led to sharp rise in prices of various items which have only made the common people bear the brunt. CNTC also reminded on the misappropriation of public money in the construction of High Court complex in Kohima, Sovima Cricket ground, Multi-purpose Stadium in Dimapur, etc, which were some of the examples of unabated corruption taking place in the state. In the light of the above, CNTC claimed that with imposition of President’s Rule, all such corruption could be checked.
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Cab appeals ENPO to reconsider demand for Frontier Nagaland GoI has ruled out separate State for ENPO, says Azo Correspondent
(L-R) Neiba Kronu and Azo Nienu addressing the media. (NP)
KOHIMA, JAN 3 (NPN): Even as the Government of India has rejected the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) demand for creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland’ state, the State cabinet on Tuesday appealed to the ENPO to re-examine/reconsider its demand in the greater interest of Nagas as a whole. The cabinet which met here to deliberate on the issue of ‘non participation’ in the forthcoming assembly election by February or March this year also discussed the ENPO demand for separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’. After the cabinet meeting, State government spokesperson and Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister Neiba Kronu informed media persons that since solution of the decades-old Naga political issue was top priority, the cabinet decided to appeal to ENPO in the larger interest of securing an early solution. Meanwhile, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) co-chairman and NPF Legislature Party Leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu disclosed to media persons, that three-member Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) team headed by
advisor (North East) AK Mishra had ruled out creation of a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’ as demanded by ENPO. He said that this was informed at the cabinet meeting by a member of Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU). Azo further clarified that the State cabinet had never adopted any resolution nor recommended creation of a separate State by referring to the July 23, 2011 cabinet decision where it reaffirmed integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas. Accordingly, Azo said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) adopted four resolutions in this regard. “Till today we stand by that,” Azo stated. Azo said that instead, the State Cabinet had recommend granting of Autonomous Council for eastern Nagaland but that this was rejected by the ENPO, so the matter ended there. He said that the main factor behind the ENPO statehood demand was “development and financial assistance”. Azo remarked that it was a genuine demand which should be looked into but not at the cost of dividing Nagaland. He said ENPO and the Home Ministry (MHA)
team would be meeting this week again. Though the state government was unaware of what Central government would be recommending for ENPO, Azo said that the state government will support any recommendation of the Centre recommend but at the same time, it should also be made known to the state. On ENPO’s resolution to abstain from taking part in the Assembly elections, Azo asserted that election was a constitutional mandate and, that once Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the poll schedule, it will be mandatory for all political parties to take part in the elections. “We are waiting for the Election Commission to announce the date and we are mentally prepared,” he added. Meanwhile, highly placed sources informed Nagaland Post that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was monitoring the situation in Nagaland. Though there have been speculations about deferment of State Assembly polls, the Election Commission of India has reportedly sanctioned deployment of 50 companies of Central forces for election duty.
ENPO to meet MHA team in Guwahati High time for GoI to decide on Naga solution: Dr Jamir
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): After the demand for creation of ‘Frontier Nagaland’ has been rejected by the government of India, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) delegation plans to meet with officials of the Home ministry (MHA) constituted committee headed by advisor (North East) AK Mishra in Guwahati on January 5 to discuss about the outcome. According to official sources, a17-member ENPO delegation is to leave for Guwahati on January 4 to meet with Mishra head of the panel constituted by the union home ministry besides Joint Director Intelligence Bureau Dr. Mandeep
Singh Tuli and MHA director North East Di-vision, AK Dhyani on January 5. Reaffirms August 26 resolution: Despite the Centre spurning the statehood demand, the seven apex tribal organizations of Eastern Nagaland-- Chang Khulie Setshang (CKS), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Konyak Union (KU), Phom People’s Council (PPC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC), and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) on January 3, reaffirmed the decision to not take part in “any election process of the Sate and State Centre until and unless a separate Statehood- (Frontier Nagaland)-is fulfilled, as demanded by the people of Eastern Nagaland
through the grassroot.” The reaffirmation was made at an emergency meeting held on January 3 at DUDA Guest House, Sovima. The resolution was jointly signed by CKS vice president N Sepong Chang, KTC president Thongou, KU president Tingthok, PPC president M. Shami Angh, USLP vice president Y. Hotongkyu, TTC vice president Tsangli Tikhir and YTC president Throngso Yimkhiung. The house acknowledged the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Central Committee on Frontier Nagaland Statehood demand headed by A.K.Mishra IPS(Retd), Advisor (NE), MHA for their
DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Four-time chief minister and former governor Dr. SC Jamir maintained that it was high time that the government of India demarcate the political status of the agreements already signed with Naga stakeholders and raise the final curtain on the Naga political issue. In a statement, Dr. Jamir said Naga public were “fully aware of the Agreements of 3rd August 2015, 17th November 2017 and 31st October 2019”, adding that no further attempts be allowed to delay the final announcement. Dr. Jamir hoped that as the new year unfolds, the Prime Minister of India, in his political (Cont’d on p-8) wisdom, would redeem the
people of Nagaland and other Naga areas from the present impasse and usher in an era of stability “in this corner of India.” He said that a peaceful Nagaland would ensure acceleration of a prosperous North-east and help realize Prime Minister Modi’s Act East policy. Dr. Jamir called for allowing the people of Nagaland to take care of their State and “similarly let others confine to their own States.” Late comers making unrealistic claims: Dr. Jamir said that the pioneering older generation of the Naga political movement had committed themselves unselfishly and unreservedly to the cause they believed
in and together with the people, incalculable sacrifices were made. However, he said noted that today “the late comers, who joined the fray in more recent times”, were subsuming what they were never part of, and were making tall, unrealistic claims about deciding the fate of the Nagas of Nagaland without the people’s expressed mandate. “A glimpse of the Naga political scenario today indicates that the road map appears to be more realistic than before,” Dr. Jamir said. On the over hyped phrase ‘uniqueness of Naga history’, Dr. Jamir said it was then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who first coined and used the
phrase at a press conference. He said that however, today it has become a common political phrase especially among the underground leaders. Dr. Jamir therefore posed- “Should we also not ask ourselves whether or not we have been making a ‘unique’ modern Naga history?” . Nagas fed with fanciful pictures of their future: Dr. Jamir said that for several decades the Nagas were fed with all sorts of makebelieve and fanciful pictures of the Naga future. He said that people of Nagaland were made to sleep for a pretty long time by dreadful circumstances, dreaming illusory dreams (Cont’d on p-8)
SC rules against addl curbs on lawmakers’ free speech Uphold SAPO claims in Kezoltsa and Dzükou areas: NTC urges state govt
NEW DELHI, JAN 3 (AGENCIES): Ruling out any additional restriction on freedom of speech of public functionaries, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that ministers, MPs, and MLAs enjoy freedom of speech in equal measure as other citizens under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution, Bar and Bench reported. A Constitution Bench of Justices S Abdul Nazeer, AS Bopanna, BR Gavai, V Ramasubramanian and BV Nagarathna ruled that like any other citizens, no additional restrictions, other than those prescribed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, can be imposed on a
public representatives under right to freedom of speech and expression. “Additional restrictions not found under Article 19(2) cannot be imposed on the exercise of article 19(1)(a)… Grounds mentioned in Article 19(2) for restricting free speech are exhaustive. Additional restrictions not found in Article 19(2) cannot be imposed on the exercise of right under 19(1)(a),” the Court held. The court delivered the judgment after hearing a batch of pleas relating to the scope of freedom of speech of public functionaries, and whether greater restrictions can be imposed on their right in the greater interest of
citizens and their right to life and personal liberty. The court also ruled that statement made by minister related to government or its affairs cannot be vicariously attributed to the government. “A mere statement by a minister inconsistent with the rights of citizen does not form to be a constitutional tort but if it leads to omission or commission of offence by a public official then it is a constitutional tort,” the bench ruled. Justice BV Nagarathna in a separate judgment held while freedom of speech and expression is a much needed right so that citizens are well informed and educated on
governance, it cannot turn into hate speech. “Hate speech in the sense strikes at the foundational values by making the society unequal and also attacks citizens from diverse backgrounds especially in a country like us that is Bharat. It shall be the duty of every Indian to uphold the dignity of every individual irrespective of religion, caste etc and also uphold the dignity of women,” she held. The reference to a fivejudge bench had arisen following Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan’s remarks on a 2016 gang-rape of a minor and her mother in Uttar Pradesh.
DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) on Tuesday urged the state government to “wholeheartedly uphold” the claims of SAPO in Kezoltsa and Dzükou areas. NTC through its media cell said that the concerned tribal bodies and NGOs have over the years made attempts to resolve the land dispute problems so as to restore the age-old peaceful atmosphere that existed between Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and Mao Council. NTC has, however, expressed anguish over the
Nagaland government’s “silence and inaction” on the issue. The council maintained that Manipur government had gone to the extent of establishing an outpost of armed police in the area to monitor and prohibit the movement of the people of SAPO. However, it said that the Nagaland government “seemingly” was yet to genuinely ponder on the issue. NTC stated that state government has also not enforced any protective mechanism for safety and security of its own citizens but “unreservedly allows”
the counterpart Manipur government to exercise its one-sided administrative authority. Admitting that the land dispute was between two Naga communities, NTC has, however, said that one community belonged to Nagaland state and the other belonged to Manipur state. “This being the case, whatever may be the dimension of the dispute it certainly falls within the ambit of the inter-state boundary issue,” NTC asserted. According to NTC, Nagaland border problems (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C