January 9, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 32

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

JNU violence: Bollywood supports Deepika

ISL 2019-20: FC Goa ease past NorthEast United

Israel warns of ‘strong blow’ if Iran attacks

NATIONAL, PAGE 5

SPORTS, PAGE 12

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

No US casualty in Iran missile attacks: Trump

REFRAINS FROM WARMONGERING; VOWS TO PUNISH IRAN WITH SANCTIONS

(L) Iran TV shows launch of missile against US base in Iraq (R) President Donald Trump addresses the nation.

WA S H I N G T O N, J A N 8 (AGENCIES): Less than a day after Iran fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq housing U.S. and coalition forces, President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to decide against further escalating a military confrontation with Iran. “As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime,” Trump said in an address to the nation. Sanctions, however, punishing, would represent a marked de-escalation of the current tensions between the United States and Iran, which began last week

Jacob allays fear over implementation of ILP in Dimapur DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (NPN): Public Health Engineering minister Jacob Zhimomi Wednesday allayed fears over implementation of inner line permit (ILP) in Dimapur district, saying ILP was not to harass any citizen but to know who is entering the state and for what purpose. “It is to prevent illegal immigrants from illegally entering the State,” Jacob stated. He further mentioned about the Government’s notification in 1979 where approval was given to extend tribal belt to entire Dimapur district and said that ILP was not a new concept. “There are various categories for tourists, labour class, skilled labour, renewal basis, sms alerts and other technological involvement so there is no need to panic,” he assured. Addressing the District Planning and Development Board, Zhimomi also expressed serious concern over the presence of industrial units in the residential and school areas. He said establishments of brick kilns, stone crushers/quarrying within school and residential areas will not be permitted if the industrial units do not fulfill the required provisions as it pertains to health issues, pollution and water contamination.

This is it!

“Your injury does not make you a victim. Anyway, we got orders to book you and not them” K Y M C

when an American drone killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. In response to the extrajudicial killing of Soleimani, Iran on Tuesday fired missiles at several Iraqi military bases known to house U.S. and coalition forces involved in the fight against ISIS. But instead of announcing a stepped up military offensive, however, Trump used his prepared remarks on Wednesday to strike an uncharacteristically positive note. “I’m pleased to inform you, the American people should be extremely grateful and happy,” Trump said. “No Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime. We suffered

no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damage was sustained at our military bases. Our great American forces are prepared for anything.” “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump continued. “No American or Iraqi lives were lost because of the precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well.” Trump defended the controversial U.S. decision to kill Soleimani while the general was visiting Iraq last week, calling him a “terrorist.” But the president stopped far short of threatening further military action.

“As we continue to evaluate options in response to Iranian aggression, the United States will immediately impose additional punishing economic sanctions on the Iranian regime,” Trump said. “These powerful sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behavior.” Trump also said US forces are “prepared for anything,” but for now, “Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world”. Asserting that as long he was US President, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, he called it the “leading supporter of terrorism” and that it had “threatened the civilized world”. Calling on Europe and other parties, such as Russia and China, to the 2015 Iran nuclear accord to abandon the deal and negotiate a new one, Trump said that he would ask Nato to “become much more involved” in the Middle East. Even though Trump threatened Iran with additional sanctions, he also appeared to offer the Iranians an olive branch, signalling the United States does not seek a war with Tehran. “The US is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it,” Trump said.

Rio highlights financial problems of the state with 15th Finance Commission DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday highlighted the plight of the state’s financial health, particularly following the change in the system of financing after 1989, when the funding arrangement put in place under the 16 Point Agreement was discontinued. Holding a meeting with the two-member 15th Finance Commission team-- Dr. Ashok Lahiri and Ajay Narayan Jha at the chief secretary’s conference hall in Kohima, Rio explained the problems the State had to face due to its remote location, besides being financially handicapped. He also raised some issues of concern to the State like the need for help in setting up Chiethu airport, for which land had already been acquired and importance of the foothill road for economic development of the State. Rio further briefed the members how the manufacturing sector had been heavily affected by the ban imposed by Supreme Court of India on felling of timber. The chief minister also highlighted the problems caused due to non-completion of road projects in the State despite the

Neiphiu Rio at a meeting with 15th FC members in Kohima Wednesday. (DIPR)

passage of many years, causing untold problems to the people. On his part, the Planning minister, Neiba Kronu raised concerns over the slow rate of development and the need for funds for maintenance of assets. He also pointed out the problem faced by the State due to discontinuation of SPA funding, resulting in liabilities of more than Rs 500 crore. The Finance Commission members observed that Nagaland had high revenue expenditure compared to other North-eastern States, that the level of AT&C losses in power sector was very high and that the entire Northeast was lagging behind in infrastructure development. They observed that the Credit Deposit (CD) ratio was very low. Other issues discussed included direct benefits transfer, PFMS, banking coverage, low

CD ratio, low resource base, high revenue expenditure and decline in capital expenditure. Lahiri emphasised focusing on agriculture sector, harvesting abundant rainfall in the region and produce more so as to reduce dependence on commodities from outside the State. He also stressed becoming more self-sufficient in fish and meat products. The members expressed the need for the State government to explore more avenues to generate resources to fund its developmental activities. Most importantly, the 15 FC member stressed on rationalisation of employees so as to bring down revenue expenditure and increase developmental expenditure. There was also discussion on the functioning of local Bodies in the State, including communitisation of public institutions. (Cont’d on p-7)

Ukrainian airline crashes in Iran, all 176 dead CS hopeful about visit of 15th FC

Rescue workers carry the body of a victim, Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

TEHRAN, JAN 8 (AGENCIES): A Ukrainian airliner carrying 176 people crashed on the outskirts of Tehran during a takeoff attempt Wednesday hours after Iran launched its missile attack on U.S. forces, scattering flaming debris and passengers’ belongings across farmland and killing everyone on board. The Ukraine International Airlines flight was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries. Ukraine Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said they

included 82 Iranians, 63 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three British nationals. The passenger manifest included several children and teenagers, some as young as 1 or 2. The Iranian military disputed any suggestion the plane had been hit by a missile, and Iranian aviation authorities said they suspected a mechanical problem brought down the three and half year old Boeing 737. However, Ukraine has refused to rule out that the plane

that crashed in Iran and killed all 176 on board was struck by a missile. Initially, Ukraine’s embassy in Iran said on Wednesday morning that engine failure caused the plane to crash and denied that it was terror-related or that a rocket had hit the aircraft. But it later withdrew this statement, saying that anything was possible, and Zelensky instructed Ukraine’s prosecutors to open criminal proceedings over the crash. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said: “Our priority is to find the truth and everyone responsible for the tragedy.” M a j o r wo r l d a i r l i n e s Wednesday rerouted flights crossing the Middle East to avoid danger amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran ‘won’t hand over’ black box: Iran said it will not give the black box of the crashed Ukrainian airliner to planemaker Boeing, the head of Tehran’s civil aviation organisation was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 8 (NPN): As 15th Finance Commission members Dr Ashok Lahiri and Ajay Narayan Jha arrived here Wednesday to meet State government officials, chief secretary Temjen Toy clarified that the duo were not on a mission to help the state in wiping out its revenue deficit but expressed confidence that they would understand the predicament that the state was under and suitably recommend a favourable revenue gap grant. Toy said this in an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post at his office chamber Wednesday. When asked about what the state expected, he reminded that Nagaland was created out of political necessity though economically unviable. Further, he explained that because of historical reasons the employment rate in government was so high that most Central funds were spent on salary. Toy reminded that Nagaland has a small resource base and no matter how much effort was made to improve, it would hardly make much difference. He illustrated by saying that State’s total resources, including taxes, hardly came to a thousand crore rupees that could hardly meet a

month or two of monthly salary for government employees. Toy said the everything was government centric while business and industries were not able to come up for various reasons and all these contributed to the sad affairs of the State. He felt that the immediate future of the state in being financially self-reliant appear bleak. On excess employment in government sector, Toy conceded that tough measures needed to be initiated to check it. He said time has come for the State to come out of the over dependence on the government. He said the state government was seriously considering on how to offset the over employment. About the backdoor appointment, Toy vowed he would take action that instead of accusing the government, people must come forward and bring the issue to his knowledge. He also asserted that squatters from airport site would be evicted and that the Dimapur district administration was already working on it. On his instruction to stakeholders involved in construction of four-lane road from Patkai to Purana Bazaar to submit latest status report by first week of January 2020, Toy revealed that he was yet to receive the report.

NST divisional manager clarifies

DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (NPN): In a rejoinder to the statement issued by Nagaland Lokayukta regarding absenteeism of staff and offices remaining closed in the state capital, the NST divisional manager, Kohima Vikiho H. Yepthomi clarified that the NST divisional manager’s office has been functioning in the AMK building opposite to Congress Bhavan and not as shown in the photo that was published in the media. Yepthomi said the photo the office building, submitted by B.Phom Dy. SP of Nagaland Lokayukta Police establishment, was allotted only recently and currently under minor renovation. Stating that the new office would be occupied soon by the department, Yepthomi has therefore requested the concerned authority “to make necessary correction and exclude the office from the news article in all the local newspapers.”

Bharat bandh evokes mixed response in NE KG Kenye suspended from NPF GUWAHATI/AGARTALA/SHILLONG, JAN 8 (IANS): A countrywide shutdown on Wednesday called by 10 central trade unions (CTUs) and other organisations to protest against the Centre’s economic policies evoked partial response in northeastern states. Flights operated normally to and from northeastern states and the Northeast Frontier Railways also operated their trains in all states of the region. No major untoward incident was reported from any of the states. In Assam, normal life was partially hit in most parts of the state as a large number of vehicles went off the roads and most markets were shut. Though medicine shops were open but a large number of commercial shops and shopping malls were shut in many places. Most educational institutions, especially schools, remained closed. Maximum bank branches and financial institutions remained shut. But most government offices functioned almost normally. The bandh in Manipur was a mixed response. The state observed holiday on account of Gaan-Ngai festival, the post-harvest festival Kabui tribe, as such no educational institution and government office functioned for the day. The all-women market complexes were the most affected as women vendors decided to suspend their business in support of the strike. Almost all the petrol outlets including financial institutions remained close for the day. The strike had no impact in hill districts of the state. In Tripura, the normal life was affected due to the 24-hours shut down. Most markets, shops and business establishments were closed in the state and most private and passenger vehicles remained off the roads. But many government offices functioned almost normally and schools and other educational institutions also remained open. The nationwide strike evoked little response in other states-Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Postal services affected in Nagaland

Kohima postal employees staging protest. (NP)

KOHIMA, JAN 8 (NPN): Postal services in Nagaland was affected as All India Postal Employees Union (P-III, P-IV and GDS) Nagaland division joined the one-day nationwide strike on Wednesday called by ten central trade unions to press for the 12-point common demands of the working class that include minimum wage, social security and several others. Altogether 41 Post Offices across Nagaland remained closed including Railway Mail Service. The strike was called by National Federation of Postal Employees, New Delhi. The Kohima division postal staff including AIPEU Nagaland division held a demonstration outside Head post office, Kohima. In Dimapur postal staff also a demonstration outside Super Market area. (Correspondent)

DIMAPUR, JAN 8 (NPN): Finally putting all speculations to rest, NPF has suspended its Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye from both primary and active membership of the party till further orders for voting in favour of Citizenship Amendment Act in Parliament last month. Party president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu in his suspension order explained that he was acting in pursuance to the recommendation of Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) and in exercise of the power conferred on him as president by Clause 9 of Article-V read with Article XIV of the party’s constitution. He, however, ruled that Kenye would be bound by the whip of NPF on the floor of Upper House as per the existing law and judicial decisions of Supreme Court.

The suspension order stated that DAC at its meeting held on December 27, 2019 thoroughly examined Kenye’s reply to the show cause notice served on him and recommended to discuss his reply in a bigger forum within the party. And in pursuance to the recommendation of DAC, a consultative meeting comprising of central office bearers (COBs), NPF Legislature Wing, frontal and cell heads, divisional presidents and special invitees was convened on January 7 at NPF central office in Kohima, where Kenye too was given special time slot to present his point of view. However, the order stated that the House decided to stick to the central executive committee (CEC) resolution of January 31, 2019 to oppose CAA. The meeting was also not convinced with the explanation

rendered by the Rajya Sabha member and arrived at a consensus opinion that he had acted in contrary to the said resolution. Hence, the matter was referred back to DAC, which, after proper application of mind, recommended suspension of his membership from the party. The order also deplored the MP’s intention and conduct in addressing a press conference after receiving the show cause notice. Mentioning that Kenye might have personal reasons for voting in favour of CAA, the president however asserted that as far as the party’s stand was concerned, there was no change as it remained opposed to CAA. He also clarified that Kenye’s conduct and action in Rajya Sabha on the issue did not reflect and represent NPF’s stand in any man(Cont’d on p-7) ner. K Y M C


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