January 29, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 52

MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Jaitley’s last full Budget to be different due to GST

Kabul car bomb death toll rises to 103

Federer wins 20th major title

business, Page 8

international, Page 9

sports, Page 11

Foreign forces trying to destabilise NE: Ravi

Correspondent

KO H I M A , JA N 2 8 (NPN): Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) convener, Theja Therieh exuded confidence that despite the movement for “solution before election” starting a little late, political parties would respect the “popular call”. Speaking to Nagaland Post, Therieh said it was felt that the issue was crucial only only after it was discussed by various civil city organisations and tribal hohos during a meeting convened by Nagaland Christian Joint Forum. Therieh however was optimistic that no political party would “go against the popular wish of the people for a solution before election”. On the limited time left to propagate the demand, as there was very little time left for filing nomination papers, Therieh said, if the political parties respected the call, then limited time would not matter. Asked whether any precautionary step were ready if things did not work out as expected, the CCNTHCO convener

reiterated that if political parties abstained from filing nomination papers, then the matter would end there. When asked about likely repeat of the 1998 election boycott fiasco, Therieh said this time it was different as proper negotiation was now on and that, if all political parties agreed over the issue, there was nothing to fear. On the time-frame for a final solution to the Naga political problem, he said the Nagas’ desire for permanent peace must be conveyed to government of India as people’s patience was running out. “Nagas cannot wait any longer,” he remarked. When asked why CCNTHCO did not meet NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs Working Committee leaders, Therieh said discussion was on and that they had to take Naga people on board. CCNTHCO convener also warned that the final solution would be rejected if it was not acceptable and honourable to the Nagas. Therieh called upon the negotiating groups to apply their wisdom and conclude the talks as per the desire of the people.

GUWAHATI, JAN 28 (AGENCIES): Some foreign elements are trying to keep the North East region disturbed and such forces are trying to create confusion in the minds of the people with false propaganda about the ongoing peace talks with the Naga groups, alleged the Government of India’s interlocutor for Naga talks, RN Ravi. Talking to The Assam Tribune, Ravi said that “mischievous campaigns” have been launched by forces from outside and inside India to pose hurdles in the way of peace talks. He said that some foreign powers are keen on keeping the North East region of India disturbed and they are trying their best to disturb the peace process through their agents. He, however, did not mention the names of the foreign powers, but said that the Government of India is aware of such designs. In the past also, such foreign powers tried to create trouble in the North East for their own interest and such efforts

are still on. The people of the North East should not fall into the trap of such elements in the interest of restoration of peace in the region, which is necessary for overall development, he added. Commenting on the recent violence in Dima Hasao, Ravi said, “I am deeply saddened by loss of innocent lives of people who were misinformed by mischievous elements. The people were agitating because they were the victims of a misinformation campaign, which resulted in loss of innocent lives.” He also appealed to all sections of people of Assam not to be misled by any false propaganda. Ravi asserted that Assam would not be affected in any way by the Naga peace process. Time and again, the Government of India has made it clear that the territorial boundary of any state of the North East would not be affected by the Naga peace process and unfortunately, despite such repeated assurances, some

Mmhonlumo Kikon bereaved

Year-long birth centenary celebration of Dr. T. Ao

DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Wife of BJP legislator, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Penmi Phazang Kikon passed away on Sunday after a brief illness at around 6 p.m, at Zion hospital. She was 35 and leaves behind her husband and two daughters. The funeral will be held on January 29, 2 p.m. at Kikon’s private residence, Padum Pukhuri Village (V) towards Toluvi Village. Various political parties and leaders have condoled late Penmi’s death. CM: Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang expressed deep shock and pain over the demise of Penmi Phazang. Quoting Isaiah 57:1-2, Zeliang said: “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Zelaing extended his sincere condolences and prayed that the Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members, and the departed soul, eternal peace. Rio: In a condolence message, Neiphiu Rio expressed shocked to hear of the sudden demise of Penmi Phazang Kikon.

Acharya unveiling the portrait of the legendary, Dr. T. Ao.

DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya on Sunday inaugurated the year-long birth centenary celebration of legendary football icon of India, late Dr. Talimeren Ao, also known as Dr. T. Ao on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on January 28, at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Speaking on the occasion, Acharya described Dr.

K Y M C

T. Ao as a man who excelled not only in studies but one also displayed a strong inclination towards sports and athletics activities. Acharya also highlighted the achievements of late Dr. T. Ao in the field of sports such as the best sportsperson trophy in the inter High school tournament in Jorhat in 1937 and the individual champion of Cotton College for three

consecutive years. Also the individual Championship in athletics of Calcutta University in 1946 and 1947, Dr. T. Ao was not only the captain of the Indian football team in the 1948 summer Olympics in London but also the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, he added. He said his footprints had encouraged and inspired the Naga people and the football lovers. His contributions to the society and country as a footballer and as a doctor are highly commendable, he mentioned. The Gover nor also mentioned that in honour of his contributions, the Raj Bhavan has instituted awards in the field of sports, Academics and extracurricular activities in schools, colleges and universities. Stressing on the importance of sports, he felt that the state was in need of infrastructure facilities so as to cater events of both national

NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs representatives with CCNTHCO members at Hotel Saramati, Sunday.

DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) and NNPG’s Working Committee have issued a joint statement cautioning “unscrupulous” persons with “vested interests” to not sabotage the process of negotiations by filing nominations and indulging in the election process, when the “Naga people as a whole” had made the collective decision to forgo it. The joint statement signed by NSCN (I-M) kilokilonser, Hukavi Yepthomi and Working Committee (NNPGs) member, Alezo Venuh said they decided to issue this declaration during its joint meeting held on January 28, at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, organized by Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO).

and international levels. On the occasion, Acharya also conveyed deep appreciation and love to the family members of late Dr. T. Ao for upholding and encouraging him in his profession. (Cont’d on p-2)

Commemorative stamp released

The statement said that the negotiating groups - GoI and the Naga political groups- were leaving no stone unturned to ensure that an honourable and acceptable solution is evolved on time. NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee appreciated the regional and national political parties for responding positively to “Solution, Not Election” and said that they were overwhelmed by the unstinted support of the people at this juncture where the Naga people were being put to the test. They also expressed appreciation for the tribal hohos and civil societies for “their immeasurable services rendered towards building oneness.” Meanwhile, CCNTHCO expressed its appreciation to the two negotiating

groups- NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee – for coming together and issuing a joint statement on “Solution, Not Election.” CCNTHCO convenor, Theja Therieh and secretary, Joel Naga said that as per the consultative meetings held on January 25 and 27, all the national and regional political parties had committed to not participate in the elections. In view of this, CCNTHCO reminded all political parties to attend the joint meeting to be held at Hotel Japfu on January 29, 11 a.m. NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs will also be take part in the meeting. The presidents and gen. secys of all political parties and apex tribal hohos/civil society organisations will attend the joint meeting, it added.

NSUD appeals PM to call off elections DIMAPUR, JAN 28 (NPN): In addition to the mass poster campaign it held on Saturday, Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “logical conclusion” to the Indo-Naga political talk and call off the Nagaland Elections to arrive at an honourable and acceptable solution within a timeframe. A letter to the Prime Minister from NSUD president, Herangia Zeliang and general secretary, Luikang Bruce urged the

office of the Prime Minister to settle the 62 year long conflict, the solution to which, they said, was in the National Security interest for peace in the north-East region which shared international borders with many other countries. Reminding Modi of his promise to settle the Naga issue within 18 months of him assuming office, NSUD asked him to display the same grit and determination which had led to the signing of the Framework Agreement. (Cont’d on p-7)

Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya also released a commemorative stamp on the occasion. The stamp was simultaneously released in Guwahati, to mark the occasion. The stamp valued at Rs. 5 will be available at the Kohima Head Post Office. Acharya appreciated the efforts put in by the Post Master General and his team and thanked the department of Post for the initiative taken in such a short time. The Governor also expressed his happiness to note that Assam was celebrating the Birth Centenary to honour late Dr. T. Ao.

Time has not come for any rethink on AFSPA: Gen Rawat

NEW DELHI, JAN 28 (PTI): Time has not come for any rethink on AFSPA or making some of its provisions milder, Army Chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat has said, asserting that the Army has been taking adequate pre(Cont’d on p-7) cautions in protecting human rights while operating in disturb areas like Jammu and Kashmir. Rawat’s remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of repor ts that several rounds of high-level discussions have taken place between the defence and home ministries on the “need to remove or dilute at least some provisions” of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). “I do not think time has come to even rethink on AFSPA at the moment,” Gen “ News? well, one side Rawat told PTI in a recent wants clean election and interview when asked about another side wants nil reports that government was election.” re-examining the demand

This is it!

people are launching false propaganda, which resulted in loss of lives of innocents, he added. He said that the Naga groups were also clearly told that the territorial boundary of any state would not be touched in the peace process. Ravi expressed the view that reports which appeared in a website and later republished in a section of the media about integration of Dima Hasao in Nagalim after signing of an accord with the rebel groups were not correct and “those were either someone’s imagination or a false propaganda. I am not aware of any such proposal as reported in the website and the Government of India is also not aware of any such move. Government of India has already made its stand clear on the issue and there should not be any confusion in this regard.” He also said that it is up to the state governments to take action against anyone found to be involved in spreading rumours.

CCNTHCO confident political NSCN (I-M), NNPGs caution parties will heed popular call against filing of nominations

for a milder version of AFSPA in these states. The Army chief said though AFSPA has certain strong provisions, the Army is concerned about collateral damages and ensuring that its operations under the law do not inconvenience the local people. “We have never been strong in applying the force the way it could be applied (under AFSPA). We are very concerned about human rights. We are absolutely concerned about collateral damage. So do not get too much concerned because we are taking adequate measures and precautions,” he said. Gen Rawat said the Army has rules of engagements for various operations at every level to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people while it is operating under AFSPA. “The AFSPA is an enabling provision which al-

lows the Army in particular to operate in such difficult areas and let me assure you that the Army has got quite a good human rights record,” he said. Asked whether time has come to adopt a combined approach involving all three services to deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J-K, the Army Chief did not give a direct reply but added that the armed forces have “options available” to conduct various kinds of operations. “Yes, we have options available to conduct various kind of operations but these cannot be divulged because of the nature of the operations we have to conduct will only alert the other side,” he said. Gen Rawat added that “when you do operational planning, these are best left to the armed forces in the manner in which they have to conduct their op-

erations. And the manner in which the operations are conducted and the way they are planned and the way they are executed are never put in open domain”. To question on whether there was room for synergy among external and internal intelligence gathering to effectively contain cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the armed forces and all other agencies have been operating in unison. “At this juncture, the kind of cooperation we are having among the intelligence agencies is of a very high order. Today all the intelligence agencies and the security forces are operating in unison. There is an excellent synergy among all of us and I do not think we can take it to the next higher level from what is happening at the moment. I think this is the best way and right way,” the Army chief said. K Y M C


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.