January 31, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 54

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Alessia Cara offers defiant response to backlash over Grammys victory

US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries

‘India can possibly host FIFA U-20 WC’

infotainment, Page 10

international, Page 9

sports, Page 11

Poll boycott no solution to Naga issue, says Rijiju

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (IANS): Centre on Tuesday said boycotting the February 27 Assembly polls in Nagaland was not a solution to the insurgency issue in the state and asserted that the government was bound by the Constitutional process of holding elections. Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju, an MP from Arunachal Pradesh, urged Naga groups and political parties in the state to have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks came in the wake of the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) on Saturday urging the Election Commission to defer the Assembly elections in favour of an early solution to the protracted Naga insurgency. On Monday, 11 political parties, including the BJP, issued a joint declaration not to issue party tickets or file nominations for the state assembly polls at a meeting convened by the Core Committee. “We fully understand the sentiments

Feb 1 total state wide bandh as scheduled D I M A P U R , JA N 3 0 (NPN): Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) on Tuesday informed that the February 1 total state-wide bandh is as scheduled. In partial modification to the earlier circular, CCNTHCO said all educational institutions will remain closed, while exemptions for the following will remain the same-- army and paramilitary, police, district administration, media persons, and emergency medical services.

NCD earmarks area

In view of the proposed state-wide bandh, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has earmarked the area where the council and its affiliates would be overseeing. In a press note, NCD president T. Bangerloba said an emergency joint consultative meeting of NCD councillors with tribal hohos, DUCCF, Naga Women Hoho and GBs’ Union Dimapur held here on Tuesday decided that the Dimapur DC headquarters would be looked after by NCD-affiliated bodies.

This is it!

“Our candidate gave us cylinder and stove and fridge as development. But we don’t get LPG refil or electricity.” K Y M C

Kiren Rijiju (File)

expressed by CCNTHCO, but election boycott is not the solution. Let’s have faith in Modiji’s commitment,” Rijiju tweeted. As published in Nagaland Post on Tuesday, Rijiju had said that peaceful election in Nagaland will only facilitate peace talks and also strengthen the government’s commitment. “Holding of timely election is a constitutional process. Government is bound by the Constitution. The government attaches utmost importance to the long pending Naga issue.

We believe that peaceful election in Nagaland will facilitate the ongoing peace talks and strengthen our commitment,” he said. However, Nagaland BJP president, Visasolie Lhoungu said that the party state unit will “abide by the directives of the party high command on the assembly elections”. He said the BJP has placed Kheto Sema, the party vice president under suspension for signing the joint declaration of the political parties to defer the elections without consulting the BJP. “We have deputed him to attend the all party meeting convened by the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hoho and Civil Organisations to defer the elections but he has signed the joint declaration on his own without consulting the party,” Lhoungu said. The Core Committee had cautioned any candidate or political party for defying the call of “Solution before Election”, and violating the Joint Declaration of 11 political parties shall be treated as “anti-Nagas”.

Filing of nominations Public rally demands dist for Pughoboto as per schedule: CEO Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 30 (NPN): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nagaland Tuesday said that filing nominations for the ensuing Assembly elections would begin as per the schedule, saying the decision of the civil society groups and political parties should not affect the election schedules. State election department is all set to begin formal election process on January 31, 2018, when it issues election notification. Briefing media persons at his office here, CEO Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, said that representatives of the all political parties attended the meeting convened by the department on Tuesday. On the total bandh warned by the CCNTHCO, Sinha said the state election department and ECI were aware but in no way it would hamper the election schedules and process. He said that after issuing election notification, intending candidates could file nomination in the offices of returning officers (ROs) from 11am to 3pm. He said the nomination period was

till February 7, 2018. Patel also informed that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies have started to arrive the state. He informed that about 280 companies were expected to arrive for election duty. Basic minimum facilities for the CAPF are being looked into by the SPs in each district, he said. CEO stated that this time the ROs were either ADC or SDO. There are seven ROs based in DC offices due to inadequate infrastructure. CEO also informed that there were 55 ROs for 60 assembly constituencies, because some ROs would be holding two charges. Fur ther, CEO Nagaland said that 55 election observers -- 22 expenditure observers: 22 general observers and 11 police observers – would be arriving for Nagaland state election. He said expenditure observers were already in the state while general and police observers would reach on February 7. In each AC, the CEO said there would be three flying squads which were already in place. (Cont’d on p-7)

NNPGs WC warn intending candidates DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): NNPGs Working Committee (WC) has said that in order to safeguard the decision and interest of the Naga people, any intending candidate who goes against the wishes of the people and files nomination shall be held accountable, besides being branded as antiNaga and a traitor. Stating that blood of Nagas spilled over the decades would be upon such persons, NNPGs WC also warned that at this decisive moment of Naga history, the children of such men and women would be marked for generations for the “cardinal treachery”. At an emergent meeting held on Tuesday, NNPGs Working Committee media cell said that the groups resolved that any unfortunate turn of event or events due to non-compliance of Naga people’s call would be dealt with by the people themselves and cautioned that none should attempt to sabotage the histori-

cal processes of negotiations. It would be unfortunate for any person to test the patience of patriotic Nagas, the committee observed. It reminded that the two negotiating entities—NNPGs (WC) and NSCN (I-M) at a joint meeting organized by CCNTHCO, on January 28, signed a joint statement appealing the intending candidates to consider Indo-Naga political solution above electoral interest. Subsequently, on January 29, 11 national and regional political parties in Nagaland appended their signatures pledging not to distribute or file nomination papers, it said. WC further appreciated the 60 legislators for adopting a resolution on December 15 in support of solution and not election. This commitment of elected representatives gave the people a new impetus towards achieving a common aspiration, it added.

According to the statement, the political dialogue between the Government of Indian and NNPGs had begun in right earnest with both parties signing on agreed positions. WC also thanked Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) in particular and all Nagas in general for exhibiting “unflinching commitment towards our common aspiration” for solution and not election. It said that Election Commission of India announced the election in the State in total disregard to people’s demand, which had united all Nagas. “Today, the once deeply fragmented tribal hohos, GBs, churches and Naga national political groups have understood that, despite differences, all sections of Nagas have come to a common understanding on the issue of solution and not election,” the statement added.

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): A public rally was held Tuesday at Pughoboto town local ground demanding creation of Pughoboto district. According to a DIPR report, the rally held under the banner of Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho (SAH) and Pughoboto District Demand Committee (PDDC) was attended by 24 villages under Pughoboto sub-division. Holding placards and banners some of which read “Deny no more grant district status”, “we want growth”, “district status is due” etc., the rallyists marched through the street of Pughoboto town in support of their demand. After the rally, the public led by PDDC convenor submitted a representation to ADC Pughoboto. The representation signed by PDDC convenor, G.Kevishe, and secretary, Nitoshe, justified the demand of full-fledged district by the people of Pughoboto sub-division. PDDC appealed to all sections of Naga family to support the demand of the people of Pughoboto basing on the given historical facts and existing social inequity.

Rare ‘super blue blood moon’ tonight NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (IANS): A special evening is knocking at the door of the enthusiastic stargazers as they will get a rare chance of viewing a “super blue blood Moon” on Wednesday. According to NASA, the January 31 full moon is special for three reasons. It is the third in a series of “supermoons,” when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit and about 14 per cent brighter than usual. It is also the second full moon of the month, commonly known as a “blue moon.” The super blue moon will pass through Earth’s shadow to give viewers in the right location a total lunar eclipse. And while the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow it will take on a reddish tint, known as a “blood moon.”

Rally being carried out under the banner of SAH and PDDC. (DIPR)

I t ex p r e s s e d h o p e that the government of Nagaland would look into their case and accord them full-fledged district at the earliest. At the rally, shor t speeches were delivered by Sumi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho (SAKH) president, Kuputo Shohe; Sumi Aphuyemi Kichimi Hoho (SAKH) president, Yeghoto Chishi; Sumi Aphuyemi Totimi Hoho (SATH) president, Shiholi Wotsa; SAKK president, Qhetoshe Swu; SAKD president, Sukhavi Swu; ASKK president, Isak Wotsa; Sumi Aphuyemi Teachers’ Welfare Organisation president, Botovi Chishi and VDB association Pughoboto president, Vikato Swu. Others who also spoke at the programme included GB Shesulimi Katho, Head GB Lazami, I.Kamu Phu-

NLA speaker accepts resignation of 10 MLAs DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, has accepted the resignation tendered by ten MLAs from the memberships of the 12th NLA with effect from January 29, 2018. Ten MLAs from NPF party–– Tokheho Yepthomi, Noke Wangnao, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, S Pangnyu Phom, Zhaleo Rio, Deo Nukhu, CM Chang, Pohwang Konyak, Namri Nchang and Neiba Kronu – on Monday tendered their resignation reducing the strength of the 60-member Nagaland assembly to 46. After accepting their resignations, the speaker has declared the seats under 3-Dimapur-III, 43 - Tapi, 9-Kohima Town, 50-Longleng, 5-Ghaspani-II, 17- Chizami, 51-Noksen, 44-Phomching, 6- Tenning and 16-Pfutsero assembly constituencies as vacant, the NLA secretariat informed. Meanwhile, nine resigned MLAs, in a joint statement, asserted that they decided to resign as members of NLA “in response to the wishes of the Nagas for solution.” The signatories also stated that their resignation was in view of the resolution passed by the NLA on December 15, 2017 urging the Centre to resolve Naga political issue before elections and in support of the peoples’ desire for solution before election and agreement reached between civil society groups, apex tribal hohos and political parties on January 29, 2018 at Hotel Japfu, Kohima to defer state elections.

Joint declaration issue: State BJP attracts flak of CCNTHCO, pol parties DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): State BJP unit has drawn the ire of the civil society organizations (CSOs) under the banner of Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) and its political rival NPCC for taking a u-turn after signing the January 29 declaration to boycott polls, while the National People’s Party (NPP) has sought clarification from the CCNTHCO on this issue. In a press note CCNTHCO slammed the BJP party for creating chaos in the state after the party distanced itself from the declaration, by suspending its member, who was the signatory of the joint declaration, saying the party had not authorised anyone to sign or to say anything without its directives. In this regard, CCNTHCO convenor, Theja Therieh and co-convenor, David Sangtam demanded that the

BJP clarify its position on the ‘joint declaration. CCNTHCO said BJP cannot speak with forked tongue when even after signing the joint declaration, it put in place a most insidious game plan to scuttle the cry of ‘solution before election’, by suspending its member for signing the historic declaration when he was authorised by none other than the State BJP president to sign on behalf of the party. “This treacherous act will not go unchallenged,” the committee asserted. CCNTHCO said that the body, representing all the apex tribal hohos and mass based organisations would like to question whether the State BJP was committed to finding solution to the seven decades old Naga political issue? It is apparent that the BJP is playing a dirty game to grab political power at the expense of Naga aspirations as amply exemplified

by their slogan ‘election for solution’, it added. The committee also questioned whether the state BJP members were Nagas first and whether their allegiance was to their high command than finding solution to Naga problem. CCNTHCO demanded that the State BJP revoke the suspension order of the state executive member (SEM) and affirm their commitment to their declaration made on January 29. Unless the state BJP accedes to this demand, CCNTHCO said, as per its 29th Resolution,it will take necessary steps and any aggravation of the peaceful situation in the state shall be solely borne by the State BJP. It further reminded all MLAs that since the Assembly had passed a resolution on December 15, 2017 for ‘solution before election’, it was time now for them to resign from the NLA,

adding “the need of the hour is to move beyond mere lip service.” Such an act of collective sacrifice will definitely send a strong message to the Government of India that Nagas desire solution at the earliest, the committee said. NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded BJP and NPF to clarify their stand on the issue of poll boycott announced by political parties, civil society groups, NSCN (I-M) and NNPGs Working Group under the banner of CCNTHCO on Monday. A statement issued by NPCC’s media cell on Tuesday accused the two parties of playing a “treacherous game” by putting the State under a spell of political uncertainty, which could implode and tear Naga society asunder. It said the people of Nagaland were observing how both NPF

and BJP were trying to sail in two boats by pretending to support the wishes of the people, while openly planning for seat sharing and fight the election together. The party said if BJPNPF were really serious about finding a solution to the Naga issue, they should have worked with full sincerity “other than paying lip service all through the years”. NPCC said sending party representatives to attend the meeting called by civil society groups, while indulging in open election campaigns and declaration of candidature had made a mockery of the entire exercise. Going by the statements made by BJP leaders and actions of NPF leaders, it was evident that they were determined to go ahead with the election without bothering about the voices of the people, the release said. According to NPCC, capturing power in Nagaland

would be an achievement for BJP to showcase its acceptability by Christian majority voters of Nagaland on the global stage. Their mission was aided by “some of our people” for the love of power and money without realising that they were “compromising the very foundation of our beliefs and way of life”, the party said. NPCC assured the people of Nagaland that Congress would never allow BJP and its regional partner NPF to override the interest and aspirations of Naga people. NPP: On the other hand, National People’s Party (NPP), citing reports of suspension of State BJP leaders by party high command for being signatories to the joint declaration resolution, asked CCNTHCO to clarify its position by February 2 if some parties continue with the electioneering process.

cho, G.B. Chisholimi, Hukiye Zhimomi,G.B. Ghokimi, Ghunakha Shohe. Earlier, Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho (SAH) president, Inavi Swu, who gave the keynote address and welcome addressed, said that the official documents would also handed over to the chief minister. At the rally, they also adopted eight-point resolution for the full-fledged Pughoboto district status as the only solution for all round developmental parity that will alienate the existing backwardness and promote future equality. The programme was chaired by the PDDC convenor, G.Kevishe Phucho. Special number was presented by Ato A.Achumi. Vote of thanks was proposed by SAH general secretary, Ghuzui Shohe.

Govt informs on chopper landing DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): State government has noted that various departments while utilizing the state helicopter for ferrying of VIPs/VVIPs and other dignitaries visiting the state readily indicates landing at Assam Rifles Helipad without prior permission. In this regard, Home commissioner, in a circular issued on January 24, 2018, notified all responsible that advance permission for landing of helicopter at Assam Rifles helipad should be made to IGAR (North) prior to finalizing the tour programme. Further, Home commissioner stated that the government has a state Helipad at Lerie, Kohima as an alternative with round the clock security for landing and takeoff at any time. Therefore, the state government has encouraged all responsible to use the state Helipad, at Lerie whenever required with landing permission from the DC Kohima.

DC Dimapur informs

DIMAPUR, JAN 30 (NPN): Deputy commissioner (DC) and district election officer (DEO) Dimapur has informed that verification of requisitioned vehicles for general election has been postponed. In a press release, DC & DEO Dimapur, Sushil Kumar Patel, informed the owner/ driver of requisitioned vehicles that they need not report to the state stadium Dimapur on February 1, 2018. Patel stated that the new date would be intimated soon.

No orange colour passports

NEW DELHI, JAN 30 (AGENCIES): Ministry of External Affairs has withdrawn its proposal to introduce orange colour passports for people belonging to ECR category, that is those who have not passed 10th grade at school and want to travel abroad for work, after facing flak for the “discrimi(Cont’d on p-7) natory” order. K Y M C


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