January 3, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 25

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Iran faces biggest protests; 21 killed, hundreds arrested

Man Utd down Everton 2-0 on New Year

Bulk of NPAs arose out of bank loans: Jaitley

international, Page 9

sports, Page 12

business, Page 8

19 cr names in Assam’s 1st draft NRC NEW DELHI, JAN 2 (AGENCIES): Assam early on Monday released the first draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) containing 19 million (1.9 crore) names out of the state’s 32.9 million population. The Centre said that it was examining the reasons behind the exclusion of names in the first draft. “The matter is still under examination. The reason behind certain names not being there in the first draft is being examined. But we are firm on taking action if people or families are unable to furnish the requisite evidence. No person who is a genuine case will be left out. So they should not worry if their name has not figured in this list,” said a senior central government official, requesting anonymity. Experts urged people to be patient with the process even as the first draft was released amid tight security cover of 45,000 paramilitary and state police personnel. With Assam being pivotal to the BJP’s growth strategy in the northeast, the Sarbananda Sonowal government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the smooth execution of the NRC project.

Now you can fly to Thailand from NE NEW DELHI, JAN 2 (AGENCIES): Direct flights to Thailand from Guwahati will start from this year, which will make it easier for the people from North East to visit Thailand. To further boost tourism, from May 3, a 3-day Northeast India Festival will also be held for the first time in Bangkok. Other measures (sponsored by Assam Tourism Development Corporation), on the sidelines of five nation ASEAN car rally, scheduled to be held in January, will help in boosting the tourist arrivals and departures. All these measures were taken into consideration after Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi, represented by its Director Isra Stapanaseth, and Information officer Deepak Arora, met Assam Tourism Development Corporation tour operators and officials to facilitate tourism between Thailand and Assam. Thailand is taking steps to position itself as the most favoured destination for Indian tourists. For this, direct flights to Bangkok are being introduced from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. At the same time Thai Tourism is working towards presenting Thailand to Indian tourists as a destination for weddings, golfing, honeymoon, and family holidays.

This is it!

“I’ve had ministers come and go during five years and cannot displease any of them.” K Y M C

Legal advice will be sought before tackling excess appointments: Azo Correspondent

People stand in line to check their names on the first draft of NRC at Gumi village, Kamrup district. (AFP)

3 MPs, Assam House Speaker names missing Top ULFA rebel leader Paresh Baruah’s name figured in the first draft of the NRC. However, three MPs from Assam’s main opposition party AIUDF, including Dubri’s Badruddin Ajmal and Karimganj’s Radhey Shyam could not make it to the first draft of the NRC, a News 18 report stated. “My entire family’s name is missing from the first draft. Does this mean that the MPs and MLAs of Assam are also Bangladeshis?” Ajmal asked. His

colleague Radhey Shyam added, “I am from the Hindu community and my name still doesn’t feature on the list...” Talking about the noninclusion of several names in the first list, Registrar General of India Sailesh said, “There is no need to panic as there is ample time. The process is going on. Substantial progress has been made, but still lot of work needs to be done.” A top official, however, said that there is no need for anyone to panic and that the rest of the names are in various stages of verification.

Praful Mohanta of AGP told News18, “It is a historic moment. But there are problems. Even the Speaker of the House’s name is missing from the NRC. But this is a draft and the problems will be solved in the future drafts.” AGP has further said that it will oppose any move to grant citizenship to Bangladeshi Hindus by amending the Citizenship Amendment Bill. Congress cautioned the BJP-led Assam government against mismanagement of the project, urging the process be carried out smoothly.

KOHIMA, JAN 2 (NPN): Nagaland Home minister, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu on Tuesday said the department will seek legal advice before dealing with excess appointments so to avoid hurdles. Azo also admitted that the image of the Home department had taken a beating in the past and so his first priority would be in restoring its reputation. Addressing media persons at Director General of Police’s (DGP) office chamber here on Tuesday evening, Azo said it would not be possible for him to fulfil all expectations of the people within a short span but assured that he would try to acquaint himself with its system of functioning. He also said if given responsibility of the same department in future, he would restructure it to bring efficiency. On transfer and posting of officers, Azo said as per Election Commission of India guideline no “home posting” would be permitted and that officials who com-

Kuzholuzo Nienu (NP)

pleted three years of posting would be transferred. Azo also told media persons that he would be holding a meeting with Threat Perception Committee on January 5 to review threat perception of VIPs and senior officials. In this, he sought cooperation from all legislators and officials as some of the bodyguard detailed could be withdrawn. On Illegal immigrant issue, Azo said the matter was very complicated and Home department needed more time to bring out a policy on the subject. He added there was a proposal to introduce online Inner Line Permit (ILP) system for Dimapur Also chipping on the matter, acting DGP Rupin Sharma, said with online

application for ILP, database could be maintained systematically. He said Dimapur was so far not covered by ILP and that the legal implications of its introduction to the Dimapur would be studied. Sharma said since Dimapur was not covered under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 it remained outside the purview of ILP. Nonetheless, the existing ILP mechanism would be strengthened throughout the State to curtail the flow of illegal immigrants, he added. He said there was a government proposal to issue ILP online and bar-coding it to help check ILP holders. On excess appointments, the DGP said there were currently 1,600 excess personnel in the police department which could be higher or lower. Meanwhile, on Pillai’s case, the Home minister said he would study the matter but added that the services of the controversial officer had been terminated and that he had not been attending office any longer.

Dear Readers,

Regretfully, we are compelled to announce a slight hike in the cover price of Nagaland Post from Rs.4 to Rs.5 per copy w.e.f January 3, 2018. After GST, we could no longer withhold the decision due to rising cost of all printing materials such as chemicals, inks, plates, both imported and indigenous newsprints. Nagaland Post however will continue to provide the best to all our readers and clients in the days to come.

‘DA’ tag to continue in state NEW DELHI, JAN 2 (PTI): Entire Nagaland has been declared as “disturbed area” (DA) for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA. In a gazette notification, the Union Home Ministry said it is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of Nagaland is in such a “disturbed and dangerous condition” that use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.

BJP revokes suspension

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): State BJP president, Visasolie Lhoungu through an order dated December 31, 2017 revoked the suspension order of H.K. Khulu and (Cont’d on p-7) I.K. Sema with immediate effect. State BJP media cell said, that the revocation was executed in view of the forthcoming assembly polls and in the interest of the party, as per the directive of the high command. The party while extending New Year greetings, appealed to all party rank and file to bury the past differences and work in true spirit of reconciliation.

Rio recommits loyalty to NPF Temp dips in Nagaland Naga problem is an International issue: CM DIMAPUR, JAN 2(NPN): Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio has issued a statement pertaining to “abounding speculation” about his involvement with the newly floated party-Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party(NDPP) in order clear misconceptions. Rio said after being suspended from the NPF in 2015, “some like-minded people” approached him to start a new political party to which he agreed to provide “moral support”. However, after the recent reconciliation between Dr.Shürhozelie and T.R. Zeliang camps,including ECI’s suggestion and requests of public leaders, Rio said he decided to resign from the post of president of NPF though he was elected by a “whopping majority on September 20,2017 at the General Convention at Dimapur under the chief ministership of T.R.Zeliang and his

group of MLAs.” Rio said after he resigned on December 8,2017 he also extended his total support to NPF president Dr.Shürhozelie Liezietsu and also withdrew the case filed before ECI for NPF symbol on December 10, 2017. In his statement, Rio also mentioned about his political career which began as youth president of UDF in 1974 and his stepping down from the ministry in 1990 headed by late Vamuzo in order to accommodate other legislators. Rio also said he resigned from the Congress ministry led by Dr.S.C.Jamir in 2002 and revived the NPF through numerous sacrifices and contributions. He said it was due to the Almighty God’s blessings that he could become threetime consecutively as chief minister of NPF-led DAN governments.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 2 (NPN): Following the sudden downpour on Tuesday afternoon, the temperature in most places of Nagaland dipped below normal with Zunheboto district and Pfutsero recording 7°C. In Kohima and Wokha the temperature also dipped to 9°C forcing many denizens to stay indoors due to the low temperature. In Dimapur as well, the minimum temperature came down to 15°C. According to Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, rain will continue till January 3 across the state and that temperature was expected further plunge. On Tuesday evening Peren also recorded 9°C, Tuensang 11°C, Phek 13°C, Mokokchung 14°C, Longleng 14°C and Mon 16°C. M e a n w h i l e, a c c o r d i n g t o skymetweather report, rains are predicted to continue and intensify over North Eastern states during the next 24 hours. Light rain with moderate falls are anticipated to affect the region. With the persistence of cloud cover, day temperatures will fall by 3 to 5°C over (Cont’d on p-7) most part of the region.

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Tuesday categorically reiterated that Naga political problem was an “international issue” given the fact that the problem also included the international border of Myanmar which also needed to be resolved with the Myanmar government. According to CMO media cell, the chief minister stated this at a meeting with his Assam counterpart Sarabananda Sonowal on January 1 when both discussed matters relating to the Naga issue. Zeliang also maintained that solution to the Naga political issue was a national concern since it pertained to Nagas living in the four states-- Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. CMO said Zeliang cleared the perspective by explaining that early solution to the Naga political problem would bring stability and permanent peace in the entire North East region. “If we do not take up such a challenge, the future generation will never forgive us,” he told his Assam counterpart. Zeliang said it was imperative that both states joined hands in telling the Centre to open new doors for the younger generation to march forward

Zeliang being welcomed by Sonowal (CMO)

in peace. CMO media cell said, both the CMs concurred that the mainland India and the world outside viewed the NE as insurgency-ridden region and so this need to become history given the renewed vigour of NE States were pursuing peace and development. Zeliang and Sonowal also discussed on formulation of a common strategy for better road and rail connectivity between Assam and Nagaland and also deciding to have a consultative meet with other chief ministers in order to take up issues of common interests like better road, rail and air connectivity in the region with the government of India. Meanwhile, Zeliang also decided to seek special packages on entrepreneurship in order to mitigate the crucial problem of serious unemployment.

Indefinite bandh in Tseminyu sub-divn takes effect Jaitley announces electoral bonds DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): Rengma Hoho will impose the proposed indefinite bandh from 6 a.m. on January 3 within its jurisdiction to press for upgrading Tseminyu sub-division as a full fledged district headquarter. Those exempt from the purview of the bandh include -district administration on duty, police personnel on duty, paramilitary, ambulance on duty, fire brigade on duty, press & media fraternity, wedding procession, funeral processions, Church organizations on convention and conferences. Meanwhile, as endorsed by the Rengma Hoho and its frontal organisation, Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) and Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) have decided to jointly enforce the indefinite bandh. The decision to this effect was made at an emergency meeting of the Rengma youth and students’ union on December 31.

RSZ in a statement through its president Kenneth Kath reminded the government that there it cannot cite any excuse and deny the legitimate rights of the Rengmas when several districts were created out of political necessity after Nagaland attained statehood in 1963. RSZ reiterated that the demand of the Rengmas was genuine and deserving and needed no further justification. It also maintained that the state government did not need any mechanism to measure and authenticate the demand since all other districts created in the past were based on priority and on political necessity. Therefore, as such the government should not hesitate to take the decision,” said RSZ. RSZ also asked the state government “not to confuse the people by talking about criteria” since

Tseminyu district fulfilled every criteria over and above what is required. Both RSZ and RSU have demanded that Tseminyu be upgraded as district before the announcement of the state assembly election within days or else, the bandh will be extended even for months. RSZ and RSU further warned that they may even ask its lone elected MLA to resign from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) “since the utter disrespect accorded to Rengmas whose contribution both before and after statehood is unparalleled is undigestible.” Bandh info: RSZ and RSU informed that there would be three designated camps, during the bandh, supervised by nodal officers along with volunteers in all the camps. Rengma Hoho office at Tseminyu town will be the control room under the

supervision of the chief controller (RSZ president) and assisted by RSU officials. The two bodies have also warned all business establishments/stockists not to create any unnecessary harassment by way of hiking the price of the commodities during the bandh. The public have been asked not to panic as the organizers have assured that there shall be no shortage of commodities.

ANTA travel advisory

In view of the proposed indefinite bandh on NH 2 called by Rengma Hoho from January 3, the All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha unit has kept on hold the WokhaKohima taxi service. However, Wokha-Dimapur taxi will be plying via Merapani-Assam route during the bandh, ANTA Wokha unit general secretary, Lipenthung Ovung informed.

NEW DELHI, JAN 2 (PTI): In a bid to clean election financing, the government on Tuesday outlined contours of the new electoral bonds that donors can buy from SBI and said receiving political parties can encash only through a designated bank account. The electoral bonds, which are being pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties, will be available at specified branches of State Bank of India (SBI) for 10 days each in months of January, April, July and October. The bonds, which would be valid for 15 days, will not carry the donor’s name even though the purchaser would have to fulfil KYC norms at the bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha while announcing the contours of the scheme. He had first an-

nounced the idea of electoral bonds in his Budget 2017-18 speech made on February 1, 2017, to make political funding more transparent. “The government has now finalised the scheme of electoral bonds. The scheme will be notified today,” he said. Although called a bond, the banking instruments resembling promissory note will not carry any interest. The lender will remain the custodian of the donor’s funds until the political parties are paid. The move is aimed at making political funding more transparent. Currently, almost all of the funding is done by anonymous cash donations. This step follows the audacious move to ban high currency notes in November 2016 in a bid to flush the system of black money.

CM condoles

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): State chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Tuesday mourned the untimely demise of Vihuli Chishi, mother of H. Chishi, senior journalist on January 1 at Atoizu town. In a condolence message to H. Chishi and family, Zeliang said that loss of a dear mother was beyond human expression and prayed that the Lord grant the bereaved family members, strength and courage to overcome the sorrow. (More on p-2)

Naga Day: FNR appeals

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): Wishing that 2018 will be a year of “hope” for the Nagas, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has appealed for mass participation on the “Naga day” on January 10, at 10 a.m. at Kohima local ground. In a statement, FNR said Naga Day was to strengthen the process of Naga Reconciliation among the Naga people.

NNC/GDRN (NA) elects

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): Following the special emergency cabinet meeting of the NNC/GDRN (NonAccord) held on January 2, the house unanimously elected Shehoto I Yesca as general secretary NNC/ GDRN (Non-Accord), a press note by Shilu Ao kilo kilonser NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord) informed.

JD-U appoints NSN Lotha

DIMAPUR, JAN 2 (NPN): Janata Dal (United) national president Nitish Kumar on Tuesday appointed Senchumo (NSN) Lotha as the state JD (U) convenor. In a statement, JD (U) secretary general, K.C. Tyagi expressed hope that the appointment of NSN Lotha will strengthen and expand the party orga(Cont’d on p-7) nization in the State. K Y M C


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