Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 31
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
McCarthy elected as US House Speaker INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
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ENPO deliberates on MHA blueprint
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, FEB 7 (NPN): After a marathon five-hour meeting at DUDA Guest House at Sovima, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) along with representatives of the seven tribal bodies and all frontal organizations, resolved to apprise the Central team of the ‘talking points’ discussed Saturday at the next round of meeting likely to be held next week. The meeting Saturday was held to deliberate on the ‘blue print’ presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted panel headed by advisor (NE) A.K. Mishra. The five-hour long meeting held at DUDA Guest House Sovima on Saturday was attended by over 100 members including Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union and Rajya Sabha MP. Meanwhile, speaking to media persons after the meeting, ENPO general
CEO rebuffs fake news on poll schedule DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland has rebuffed the fake news circulating on social media regarding announcement of date for the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election, 2023. In a statement, CEO V. Shashank Shekhar clarified that the CEO’s office has not issued any such news and the messages was fake. He said that date and timing of Nagaland Assembly Election, 2023 will be notified by the Election Commission of India. CEO therefore appealed all public to abstain from creating and circulating such fake news. Anyone found to be intentionally creating/circulating fake news will be dealt with as per relevant provisions of the law, the CEO said and advised all to rely only on official statement from the CEO’s office.
secretary Manlang Phom said the issue was discussed with open mind and that the talking points will be presented to MHA panel to next week. He however, did not disclose what were the talking points identified for the MHA Blueprint which was discussed at the meeting. When asked about the claims made by a member of the talk team that the Government of India had agreed to provide a separate legislature for frontier Nagaland along with access to financial, judicial as well as executive powers, Manlang said he cannot comment on it since it was not yet official. It may be mentioned that on January 5, the MHA committee during its meeting with the ENPO delegation in Guwahati presented the ‘blueprint’ in a bid to settle their demand for creation of a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’ state. ENPO has been tight-
lipped about the contents of the blue print, saying it was immature to speak on the matter when nothing has been finalized. It may be recalled that NPCC president K. Therie in a statement on December 30, 2022 claimed that the government of India has agreed to a Regional Autonomous Council (RAC) for ENPO areas and which meant that the demand for a separate Frontier Nagaland state was not considered at all. It was also noted by veteran Naga politician and former chief minister and governor Dr. S.C. Jamir in an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post on December 30, said that the Centre has been placed in a position where it is directly dealing with ENPO over statehood demand. According to Jamir, such an issue of utmost public importance should have been discussed threadbare in the legislative assembly
This is it!
“I wish his talk is as good as his walk.” K Y M C
with the elected representatives of ENPO and other districts. He said by not discussing the matter in the assembly, the present UDA government in Nagaland has clearly shown that it has abdicated its constitutional responsibility. Jamir said as per the constitution, the Nagaland assembly will also have to adopt and pass a resolution pertaining to bifurcation of ENPO to form a separate administrative entity. Jamir also said the elected members of ENPO should answer their people about perpetual economic and infrastructure backwardness of the ENPO areas. He said entire Nagaland state came into being after much suffering and sacrifice of all Nagas of Nagaland and felt all involved should resolve ENPO demand since there was no problem that eluded solution.
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Ban on Mao people to continue: SAPO DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) reaffirmed its decision to restrict movement of the people from Mao community within Southern Angami jurisdiction and also cease all co-operation with the community. In a statement,SAPO president SAPO Er. Trpul Hopovi and general secretary Swelul Pucho said SAPO was firm with its decision , that Mao Council and Manipur government withdraw armed troops from Kezoltsa and cease all development activities and programmes, to pave way for free and fair democratic dialogue on the issue traditionally. SAPO also urged upon the Manipur government to stop interfering in the affairs of the traditional rights, adding “the land and its resources belong to the people and not to the government” and warned that it would be compelled respond with drastic measures. (Full text on p-6)
SPORTS, PAGE 12
Imposition of President’s Rule not the solution for Nagas: JDU Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): Janata Dal United (JD-U) maintained that imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in Nagaland was not the solution and therefore urged upon the Centre to resolve the Naga issue before the Assembly elections. JD(U) national general secretary (I/c North East) Afaque Ahmad Khan said the party had been observing in the media where there was a chorus of demand for President’s Rule and also a separate Frontier Nagaland state. While asserting that elections should be held as per schedule, JD(U) said that solution to the Naga issue should be arrived at before elections. Addressing the media at Hotel Saramati, Saturday he said that the purpose of the JD(U) visit to Nagaland was to take stock of the cur-
Afaque Khan and Aneel Hegde addressing the media, Saturday. (NP)
rent situation and the ongoing party organizational work. Taking note of ENPO’s demand for separate state, the JD(U) leader appealed ENPO to reconsider their demand in the interest of preserving the culture, identity and upliftment of the Naga society. He was of the opinion that demand for separate state by bifurcating Nagaland would do immense harm for consolidation of unity among Naga tribes. He also urged ENPO to not resort to any action which would weaken
the unity of the Nagas’, while assuring that his party would stand by them to voice out to Centre to provide more funds for equal development of Eastern Nagaland. He reminded that JD(U) always stood for uniform development of all regions within the country and removal of regional imbalances. Rajya Sabha MP Aneel Prasad Hegde said that the party led by Nitish Kumar has been focusing a lot in the North East particularly Nagaland. (Cont’d on p-8)
Tribal bodies step up demand to ‘free’ Parasnath hills NH questions GoI’s sincerity on Naga issue
RANCHI, JAN 7 (PTI): Tribal bodies stepped up their demand to “free” the Parasnath hills in Jharkhand’s Giridih district from the “clutches” of the Jain community and said thousands will assemble there on January 10 as a mark of protest. A day after the Centre stayed all tourism activities at the site, the tribal bodies on Friday warned of a revolt if their demands were not met by the union and the state governments. Jains across the country have been demanding the scrapping of a 2019 Jharkhand government notification designating Parasnath hills
as a tourist place, fearing this would lead to an influx of travellers who may consume non-vegetarian food and liquor at their holy site. Even as the Centre stayed the Jharkhand government’s move to promote tourism at the Parasnath hills after protests by Jains, tribals jumped into the fray staking a claim to the land and asking for it to be freed. “There will be a revolt in five states if the government fails to free Marang Buru from the clutches of Jains. “We want the government to take steps based on documentation...The 1956 gazette mentions it as ‘Marang Buru’ (hill deity or
supreme source of power)... The Jain community had lost a legal battle for Parasnath in the past,” International Santhal Council Working president Naresh Murmu had claimed on Thursday. The Santhal tribe, one of the largest Scheduled Tribe community in the country, has a sizeable population in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam and West Bengal and are nature worshippers. “Injustice has been meted out to us... thousands will assemble at Parasnath on January 10. We will under no circumstances allow the Centre to favour Jains. The site is our ‘Marang Buru’ from time immemo-
rial,” Lobin Hembram, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha legislator from Borio in Sahebganj district, told reporters on Friday. Fo r m e r B J P M P Salkhan Murmu blamed Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren for the controversy, alleging that despite being an adivasi CM, he was working against their welfare. Murmu, who is the chief of the Adivasi Sengel Abhiyan (ASA), warned that if the Centre and the state government fail to resolve the issue and restore sanctity of the place in favour of the tribals, they would take to the streets across India.
DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): Naga Hoho (NH) has questioned the “sincerity and habitual rhetoric” of Government of India with regard to Naga political settlement, accusing the latter of shying away from the “ethos of deceitful marriage at this crucial moment.” NH said it was constrained to issue this public statement against the backdrop of the Centre under the BJP-led government for failing to address the wishes of the Nagas for a lasting solution and as committed during the run-up of 2018 state assembly polls under the slogan “Election for solution”. It pointed out
that Prime Minister, after assuming office in 2014, had given 18 months to bring a solution to the Naga issue. However, NH said even after more than eight years of BJP government, solution seemed to elude the Nagas without finding out any tangible settlement. It said the Centre was well aware that more than 25 years had gone, ever since the signing of the cease-fire, with the objective of finding out a settlement. Apparently, NH said ‘Naga peace Accord’ which was believed to be at its final stage and likely to culminate anytime, seemed to be never ending political negotiations. “Very disgust-
ingly, India has employed the colonial policy of further divides and fragmentation of the Naga people despite recognition of Naga political problem as unique situation and history,” the hoho alleged. NH said that the grand signing of ‘Framework Agreement” on August 3, 2015 and the acknowledgement by PM has turned into a dark history. With Nagas, yet to see the light of the day, NH said the act of Centre was “disgraceful to the peace loving people in different parts of the world as it continues to wield the draconian laws and easing the Naga people with false promises.”
Farewell parade held for outgoing DGP NSCN/GPRN(K) joint council impeaches Khango
EC team to visit
IANS: The full Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, will undertake a four-day visit to three election-bound North Eastern states-- Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura-from January 11, officials said here on Saturday. The EC team will arrive Tripura on January 11 and head to Meghalaya on January 12 and then to Nagaland on January 14. The poll scheduled will be announced only after the visit of the EC team.
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Longkumer takes the final salute as Mahila personnel march-past. (NP)
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DEC 7 (NPN): All rank and file of the Nagaland Police bade farewell to Director General of Police (DGP) T John Longkumer at a colourful ‘Farewell Parade’ Saturday held at NAPTC ground, Chümoukedima.
In his speech, John said he voluntarily retired after consultations with senior advisors, under two simple reasons-- to resign on his own terms and secondly to avoid certain legal complications that could have impacted many people, including the state government.
John had resigned on January 2, 2023 while on his second extension of service from August 2022 that was to end in February 2023. John said his resignation was in keeping up with his tradition of sudden life changing decisions that had dotted his entire career. He recalled an occasion in 2011, when he was asked to come to Nagaland along with his colleagues on deputation from Chhattisgarh. However, John said he was unable to do so and felt that it was his duty to remain in Chhattisgarh since the government needed him there.
DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): NSCN/GPRN (K) on Saturday informed that the joint council meeting of the organization held on January 6 resolved to impeach its president ‘lt. gen.’ (Retd) Khango Konyak. A joint statement issued by NTH speaker Kughakhu Zhimo, kilo kilonser ‘col.’ (Retd)T. Athrong and cabinet secretary Hokashe Muru said that the meeting comprising more than 90% majority led by the entire council of kilonsers (cabinet), tatars, regional authorities, military wings, secretariat staffs and the workers of NSCN/GPRN (Cont’d on p-8) resolved to impeach Khango
Konyak under article 27 “for repeated acceptance of bribe and violation of the constitutional norms article 29.” They said that the house also re-reiterated the January 5, 2023 emergency meeting resolution and in consonance with the endorsement of the W/C NNPG. In this regard, vice president Luyanba Yimkhiung shall take the charge as the acting president until further decisions, the statement read. The house further informed all the entities, authorities and Naga public that as per the desire and longing of the Nagas the
Former NLA Speaker Dr Imtiwapang Aier passes away State Funeral in Kohima today DIMAPUR, JAN 7 (NPN): Former Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier passed away in Dimapur on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was 49 and survived by his wife, four daughters and one son. According to DIPR, a State funeral will be held at The Heritage Kohima on January 8 (Sunday) at 1 p.m. after which the body will be
taken to his native Sungratsu village, where he will be laid to rest on January 9. Earlier during the day host of legislators and well-wishers attended a brief memorial service held at his brother’s residence in Dimapur. Late Dr. Imtiwapang is also the co-brother in-law of former chief minister and UDA chairman T.R. Zeliang. He was first elected to the State Assembly in 2013 on Congress ticket from 23 Impur Constituency and served as parliamentary secretary geology and mining. He later became the speaker of NLA. He was once again re-elected
Late Dr. Imtiwapang Aier
in 2018 on NPF ticket and later merged with the NDPP along with 20 other MLAs.
Condolences
Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, chief minister
Neiphiu Rio and host of leaders and organizations condoled the demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier. Gov: In his condolence, Governor Mukhi expressed pain to learn of the demise of former NLA speaker Dr. Imtiwapang Aier. Mukhi said that late Dr. Imtiwapang Aier was an able and dynamic leader committed to the welfare and upliftment of the people. His demise is an irreparable loss to the people of the State, he said and noted that his contribution as a great leader and statesman in the service of the highest ideals
would remain a legacy and inspiration to many. Governor, on behalf of the people of Nagaland and on his own behalf, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God bestow fortitude to bear this tragic loss and grant solace at this hour of bereavement. CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed pain over the sudden demise of Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, describing him as a young, dynamic and promising public leader. Rio said that during his association with Dr. Imtiwapang, he found
NSCN/GPRN (K) under the leadership of Luyanba Yimkhiung and ato kilonser (col Retd) Isak Sumi shall continue to pursue for an honourable Naga political solution under the banner of NNPGs. The house also resolved that Isak Sumi shall remain the legitimate representative of NSCN/GPRN as the co-convener of the W/C NNPG. “The incumbent leadership and the Government shall also continue to uphold official ceasefire with the Government of India and its paraphernalia’s,” it added. Meanwhile, the house expressed regret to inform
the Naga people that they were constrained to initiate this measure in order to restore the sanctity of the NSCN/GPRN and “due to non-compliance callous and belligerent attitude and action of the former president and the conspirators.” Re j o i n d e r : M e a n while, in a separate statement issued through its MIP, the NSCN/GPRN (K) said it was constrained to clear the air of fabricated and false statements labelled against its ato kilonser ‘col. (Retd) Isak Sumi and government by “a gang of followers of impeached President (Khango Konyak).” (Cont’d on p-8)
Cong open to secular front to fight polls: AICC in-charge Correspondent
KOHIMA, JAN 7 (NPN): The Congress has once again called upon all likeminded political parties to join hands in order to form a secular front to fight the upcoming state Assembly elections against NDPP-BJP led alliance in Nagaland. Addressing media persons here at the Congress Bhavan, All India Congress Committee secretary incharge of Nagaland and Sikkim, Ranajit Mukherjee (Cont’d on p-9) said the party has resolved
Ranajit Mukherjee (NP)
to form a secular alliance to ensure that the Hindutva forces are stopped from entering Nagaland through backdoor. With this in mind, he said the party along with the secular alliance would be
(Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C