January 10, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 33

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Electoral bonds regressive; ensure state funding of parties: Yechury

FA Cup: Seagulls beat Crystal Palace

Former PLA chief to be prosecuted for corruption

national, Page 5

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Deferment of polls unlikely: Ravi

AGREEMENT COULD CAUSE CHANGE IN POLL SCHEDULE Tinakali Sümi

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): Even as the clamour for “Solution before Election”, against holding of the Assembly election in Nagaland, has been voiced out by various civil society organizations including elected representatives, government of India’s Interlocutor for Naga Talks, R.N. Ravi on Tuesday categorically stated that postponement of elections in Nagaland was unlikely. Holding of elections is the mandate of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and postponement of elections was “unlikely” unless there was “sufficient substantive change in the facts on the ground,” he said. “I believe an Agreement resolving the Naga political issue could constitute such a change,” Ravi said in an exclusive telephonic interview with Nagaland Post. In this regard, Ravi has called upon the Naga civil societies and intellectuals to urge the negotiating Naga groups to be “more realistic in their approach”.

‘Ntl anthem in movie halls not mandatory’ NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): Reversing its order, the Supreme Court today held that playing of national anthem in cinema halls before screening of films is no longer mandatory and left it to a government panel to frame guidelines on this sensitive matter. The court said that playing of national anthem in cinema halls before screening of movies would now be optional and in that case the audience will have to stand as a show of respect. The direction came a day after the Centre made a plea to the apex court to modify its November 30, 2016 order that made it mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem. The court, while emphasising that citizens were bound to show respect to the national anthem, said that a 12-member interministerial committee, set up by the Centre, would take a final call on various aspects including playing of national anthem in cinema halls. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said that the committee should “comprehensively” look into all the aspects related to playing of national anthem in its entirety.

This is it!

“I assure you that I use safe ingredients and not chemical to ripen the fruits.” K Y M C

R.N. Ravi (NP File)

Excerpts of the interview NP: Various Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including Government of Nagaland have requested Government of India to postpone the ensuing Assembly election in Nagaland. In the last few days CSOs have come out with memorandums demanding ‘Solution before Election’. Is it likely that elections would be postponed? Ravi: I am aware of and respectful to the popular Naga sentiments. The people are eager for an early solution. I can assure you that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to an early solution and I am doing my best for early solution. However,

you would appreciate that an agreement requires consent of both the parties. An agreement is like jumping a well. You can’t jump it one foot short! The question now is to bridge that last one foot! I believe it is possible with each side realistically understanding the position and difficulties of the other. Until then the small gap remains keeping the solution away. As for holding the elections to the state legislature, I have said so in the past also, it is the mandate of the Election Commission which is an independent body. It is unlikely to postpone the elections beyond the due date unless there is sufficient substantive change in the facts on the ground. I believe an Agreement resolving the Naga political issue could constitute such a change. I would urge the Naga Civil Societies and intellectuals to urge also the negotiating Naga groups to be more realistic in their approach. NP: Then how soon can Naga people expect

Government of India and the Naga Political Groups ( N S C N - I M & WC o f NNPGs) to sign the final agreement? Ravi: The peace process is at an advanced stage. With the NSCN (I-M), which has been spearheading the talks for over 20 years from Naga side, the substantive issues have been, by and large, resolved. Sincere efforts are on to resolve some remaining symbolic issues. These are sensitive on both sides. Now the NNPGs also have joined the Peace Process. They have, so far, shown commendable maturity necessary for the success. I am hopeful of eventually reaching the Agreement soon. However as you know an agreement needs consensus of both the parties. While my endeavour is to conclude it as soon as possible, I can’t unilaterally set a deadline. I assure the Naga people that the parties involved are working hard for an expeditious conclusion of the Peace Process. I am grateful to the Naga civil societies for their constructive role in the peace process.

One must learn to tolerate in a democracy: SC NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (PTI): Freedom of speech and expression of the media must be allowed to the “fullest” and the press may not be hauled up for defamation for “some wrong reporting”, Supreme Court has observed. The observation came from a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra which refused to entertain an appeal against a Patna High Court order quashing a defamation complaint against a journalist and a media house. “In a democracy, you (petitioner) must learn to tolerate,” the bench, also comprising Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud, said. “There could be some error or enthusiasm in reporting an alleged scam. But, we must allow freedom of speech and expression to press at the fullest. There may be some wrong reporting. For that they need not be hauled up for defamation,” the apex court said. Referring to its earlier verdict, it said the provision may be constitutional, but an alleged incorrect news item about a scam does not amount to the offence of defamation.

Stage set to celebrate 1st ‘Naga Day’ today Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 9 (NPN): Stage is all set to celebrate the first ‘Naga Day’ at Khuochiezie local ground here on Wednesday under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and to be hosted by Angami Public Organisation on the theme “Nagas without borders”. Speaking to Nagaland Post, FNR convenor, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said an open invitation had been sent to all tribal organisations and underground groups. He added that seating arrangements had been made for 15,000 people. Referring to FNR meeting held at Sechu Zubza on September 9, 2107 and how the concept of Naga Day came about, Aier asserted that it would be a purely socio-cultural event and that there was nothing political about it. The FNR convener said Naga Day was scheduled on January 10 as it was on this day that the memorandum for Naga Hills was submitted by Naga Club to Simon Commission in 1929. He added the event

was aimed at reaffirming that “Nagas are one, no matter where we are”, even as he urged Nagas to spontaneously celebrate the day. He asserted that FNR wanted to empower Naga people. Aier, however, clarified that FNR did not own Naga Day, adding that Nagas could celebrate the day at their own respective levels. Meanwhile, delegates from Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have already arrived in the State capital while more are expected to reach by Wednesday morning. Aier claimed that FNR had received expression of solidarity from Nagas living in Australia and America. Appeals: FNR has once again appealed to all to participate in the “historic First Naga Day”. In an appeal, FNR said the decision to organise Naga Day was taken only after consulting with Naga apex organizations. Meanwhile, FNR announced that Nagaland government has assured to allow all interested state government officials to attend the Naga Day.

Lt Gen Gopal takes over as GOC 3 Corps

Lt. Gen. Gopal R

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): Lt Gen Gopal R on Tuesday took over as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 (Spear) Corps. Lt. Gen. Gopal took over the command from Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan, who will be proceeding to his new posting at Army Headquarters, New Delhi. According to a defence press release, Gen. Gopal, an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College, is an infantry officer from the 8th Gorkha Rifles. He held several commands, staff and instructional appointments. Both the outgoing and new GOCs conveyed their best wishes to people of the North-eastern States.

NPRAAF urges Prez to No provision to defer polls RSS to organise largest cadres gathering in NE promulgate ordinance Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): Even as the calls for postponement of impending State Assembly Elections 2018 grew louder, the Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) has urged the President of India to “directly intervene” by utilising Article 123 of the Constitution, which confers upon the President legislative powers to promulgate ordinances. In a representation addressed to the President of India, NPRAAF president, Wedieu Kronu, secretary, Thejawetuo Metha, and secretary, William Kikon, said currently the popular opinion in Nagaland was that the Government of India postpone the polls in the interest of peace and a final solution. In the event of the Election Commission of India notifying election dates, the NPRAAF opined that the President seek the recommen-

dation of the Union Cabinet to pass an Ordinance stalling the State Assembly after the completion of current tenure, which expires on March 13, 2018. And thereafter, the NPRAAF said President’s Rule be imposed instead of allowing the incumbents to function as the caretaker government until a new government was installed. NRAAF maintained that such a situation would give ample time for both the government of India and Nagaland including other Naga National Groups, which were yet to join the peace talks, to engage in a meaningful dialogue leading to final settlement of the Naga issue. NPRAAF stated that it was the right time for the President to promulgate an ordinance which was meant to address extraordinary circumstances that arose when Parliament was in recess.

DIMAPUR, JAN 9 (NPN): In keeping with its professed role as ‘facilitator’ for Naga solution, the NPF-led DAN passed a house resolution on December 15, 2017 urging upon the Election Commission of India not to issue notification for assembly election due in February 2018 till the Naga political issue was resolved. Official sources including legal practitioners told Nagaland Post that there was no provision in the constitution for deferment of polls since election to constitute the new house has to be held before the term of old house expires. If election was to be deferred, they pointed out that the only way was for the Governor to recommend President’s Rule under Article 356 to the cabinet for presidential notification. The other option they said was for the cabinet to obtain presidential notification for an ordinance to postpone election but which will have to be approved by parliament. The sources also said that the plea for deferment was premature, since there has been no breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations between the Government of India and both Naga groups- NSCN (I-M) and WC of NNPGs. Also, polls cannot be deferred indefinitely till solution was achieved, they said. There will be only one agreement for Nagas, a point restated by Interlocutor, R.N. Ravi.

GUWAHATI, JAN 9 (AGENCIES): Rastriya Sayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will organise largest ever gathering of cadres in Northeast on January 21 and 22. Sarsanghchalak of RSS Mohan Bhagwat will attend the meeting in Guwahati, ET reports stated. Around 40,000 swayam sevaks will coverage in Guwahati on January 21 at Luit Poriya Hindu Samavesh. The meeting will be attended by religious leaders

and tribal kings. Assam Prachar Pramukh Shankar Das told ET, “This will be the largest gathering of swayam sevaks in Northeast India. We had a big gathering in 1994 when 4,000 swayamsevaks gathered in the North East.” RSS which has made substantial inroads in the Northeast India however has been maintaining low profile all these years. The event is seen as the sign of strength.

High level probe sought into Judge Loya’s death NEW DELHI, JAN 9 (AGENCIES): A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay high court seeking constitution of a commission of inquiry headed by retired Supreme Court judge to investigate the events and circumstances surrounding the death of late Judge BH Loya. The petition has been filed by Bombay Lawyers’ Association, which is a body of advocates registered under the provisions of the Society Registration Act, 1860. Justice Loya was hearing the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter killing case in 2005, at the time of his death. A magazine had in November raised questions about Judge Loya’s death after speaking to his family members in Maharashtra. The petition reads: News had “sent shock waves in the entire country, particularly, in the legal frater-

Late Judge BH Loya

nity including advocates and judges as well. In spite of that therein is pernicious silence from all authorities on this issue which has created serious doubt in the mind of the public at large about safety and security of judges ensuring independence of judiciary.” According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation, in 2005 Sohrabuddin was allegedly killed in a fake encounter by Rajasthan and Gujarat police. The gangster’s wife Kausar Bi was also allegedly

killed in the encounter. A year later, Sohrabuddin’s associate and a witness Tulsiram Prajapati was also allegedly killed. When the chargesheet was filed by the CBI in 2010, it was against the then Home Minister of Gujarat and present BJP president Amit shah, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria and others. The trial in the case had not yet started till 2014 and the then judge JT Utpat was transferred. Utpat was replaced by Judge BL Loya and within months of taking over, he was found dead. Family members of Judge Loya had claimed of mysterious circumstances under which his body was handed over to them for the last rites. While postmortem reports claimed that Judge Loya died of heart attack, the family found blood stains on his clothes raising their suspicion. The magazine had also

claimed Judge Loya’s family members had told them that he had been under tremendous pressure to discharge Amit Shah from the case. In fact, Loya was even offered money for the same. Months after Judge Loya’s death, Amit Shah, Kataria and many others were discharged from the case due to lack of evidence. The petition points out that not just the magazine but other media also reported about how the family lives in fear and that many popular faces including a former judge of the Bombay high court wrote seeking a proper probe in the case. The lawyers’ asssociation petition states, “if independence and integrity of the judiciary is to be preserved, then the death of Judge Loya and the circumstances surrounding the same should be thoroughly investigated by a Commission of Inquiry.” K Y M C


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January 10, 2018 by Nagaland Post - Issuu