Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 209
ELISA test for dengue, JE cases DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): All the private hospitals/ clinics and private laboratories under Dimapur district have been informed to send blood samples of suspected dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) to the Sentinel Surveillance Site at District Hospital Dimapur for confirmation through ELISA test. In a joint press release, chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi, and National Vector Borne Disease Control Program Dimapur district program officer (DPO), Dr. Imtiwopung, informed that card test results for Dengue and JE cases should not be considered as confirmed cases without the ELISA Test. The public have also been requested to insist on ELISA Test at Sentinel Surveillance Site at District Hospital Dimapur for confirmation of Dengue and JE cases..
Govt appoints NPSC chairman
DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): State government on Thursday appointed Er. T.S. Angami as chairman of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) vice retirement of A Yanang Konyak on June 13, 2018. In a notification, chief secretary Temjen Toy stated that Angami’s appointment would take effect from the date he assumes charge for a period of six years or until he attains the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier..
Petrol, diesel price hiked
NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): Petrol and diesel prices were today hiked for the first time in more than a month on the back of rising international rates and weakening rupee. The increase of 16 paisa a litre in petrol and 12 paisa per litre in diesel came after an 8-day self-imposed hiatus in rate revisions by state-oil firms in anticipation of softening international rates due to OPEC decision to raise output by 1 million barrels per day. The price of petrol in Delhi climbed to Rs 75.71 per litre from Rs 75.55 and diesel to Rs 67.50 a litre from Rs 67.38, according to price notification of Indian Oil Corp (IOC). (More on p-8)
Office shifted
N a ga l a n d Po s t Kohima Office Shifted to Mharon Building top floor Old Taxi Stand, Near Bank of Baroda, Kohima. All are therefore requested to contact us at the new location. Kohima Bureau
This is it!
“Big crowd but small sale. The mall appears to have become more of a tourist spot.” K Y M C
FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Dia Mirza keen to make biopic on Amrita Sher-Gil
Pak hand Australia first defeat in tri-series
Delhi being UT, its powers subservient to Centre: Jaitley
Infotainment, Page 10
sports, Page 11
national, Page 5
Centre asks states, UTs to check mob lynching
NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (PTI): The Centre today asked the states and Union territories (UTs) to check incidents of mob lynching fuelled by rumours of child lifting on social media. More than 20 people have been lynched over the last two months on suspicion of child lifting, the latest being the killing of five men in Maharashtra’s Dhule district. In an advisory, the Home Ministry has urged the states and UTs to “keep a watch for early detection of rumours of child lifting and initiate effective measures to counter them”. “The Centre has asked the states and UTs to take measures to prevent incidents of mob lynching fuelled by rumours of child lifting circulating on social media,” a Home Ministry spokesperson said. The states and UTs have been asked to direct district administrations to identify vulnerable areas and conduct community outreach programmes for
creating awareness and building confidence. They have also been directed to properly investigate the complaints of child abduction or kidnapping to instil confidence among the affected people. Two people were lynched in Tripura on June 28 and two in Assam last month on suspicion of child lifting. In Chennai, two men employed with a construction company engaged in Metro Rail work were attacked last week when they tried to stop a boy from crossing a busy road and a bystander raised an alarm, suspecting them to be childlifters. However, they were rescued by police. On Tuesday, the government had directed WhatsApp to immediately take steps to prevent the spread of “irresponsible and explosive messages”, saying the social media platform cannot evade its responsibility. The government has also directed that spread of such messages should be immedi-
ately contained through the application of appropriate technology. It has also been pointed out that “such platform cannot evade accountability and responsibility specially when good technological inventions are abused by some miscreants who resort to provocative messages which lead to spread of violence.” Responding to the directions, the US-based social media platform said yesterday that fake news, misinformation, and hoaxes can be checked by the government, civil society and technology companies working together. It said that putting a break to the spread of false messages through its platform is a challenge. Outlining steps it has taken to curb abuse of its platform, WhatsApp -- in its response to a notice sent by India’s IT Ministry -- said it has the ability to prevent spam but since it cannot see the content of private messages, blocking can be done only based on user reports.
Monsoon worsens road conditions in Nagaland Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 5 (NPN): As monsoon rains batter most parts of Nagaland between July and September leading to landslides at many places, travelling by National Highway (NH) 29 will be a herculean task in the days to come. All these will only add to the current ordeal of getting stuck in traffic snarls for hours on end. Though it normally takes two or two-and-a-half hours between Dimapur and Kohima by road, currently it is taking anywhere between four to five hours largely due to errant drivers creating traffic snarls, especially in narrow sections. It is high time traffic police act against such indiscipline drivers causing great inconvenience to fellow travellers. Ever since work began for converting it into a fourlane road, the condition of the existing road has worsened due to earth cutting, while in some parts it has been deluged by mudslides and landslides. The bumpy condition of the road is only giving nightmares to travellers, especially expectant mothers and patients with history of spinal problems. Construction of the
Lack of drainage to absorb rainwater renders a stretch of road slick with mud after rains in Kohima. (NP)
four –lane from Dimapur to Kohima covering a length of 42.48 km was approved at a cumulative cost of Rs 1,199.11 crore. It may also be recalled that a nationwide cleanliness survey christened ‘Swachh Sarvekshan 2018’ and conducted by Union housing & urban affairs ministry has put Nagaland in the third spot, behind Puducherry and Tripura as among the dirti-
est States in the country. However, implications of the latest ranking are perhaps yet to sink in among a vast section of the government as most still turn a Nelson’s eye to the woes of the common man having in accessing primary needs of healthcare facilities, education, drinking water, good infrastructure, etc. If all the RTI applications filed with almost all
Unsatisfied NPF harps on integration, Citizenship Bill issue Ad hoc teachers issue: DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): A day after the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, came out with a statement to clear air over his comments on the issue of Naga integration, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Thursday appreciated the chief minister for admitting that the demand for integration of contiguous Naga inhabited areas was genuine. NPF through its press bureau, however, questioned the reason for his purported “declaration” that integration was not possible anymore. Press bureau asked why the chief minister had to “demean himself so low as to succumb to external forces thereby compromising the future of the Nagas.” Stating that chief minister embarrassed himself when he blamed the media for misquoting his June 12, 2018 statement in New
Delhi, NPF said it was done so as an excuse to escape the glaring eyes of the public. It said that Naga people expected the present PDA government to carry forward the long cherished dream and aspirations of the Naga people to live as one. However, NPF said chief minister’s “candid interview” with the media declaring that integration was no more possible shocked the Naga people. NPF also said that Nagas have every right to question the chief minister under what circumstances or obligation the PDA government “bargained” with the Central Government the long cherish dream of the Naga people. Press bureau said that Rio claiming as the champion in advocating the integration issue vis-a-vis Naga political problem has become a mockery.
Fur ther, NPF ex pressed dismay at the chief minister for avoiding clarification on the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. It said Naga people want to know on what ground his government would not oppose the Bill that has caused uproar in the country. NPF alleged that Rio and his cohorts were well aware that Nagaland has become the most vulnerable state when it comes to infiltration of the illegal immigrants. According to NPF, the Citizenship Amendment Bill was “simply a multiplication table” to increase more illegal immigrants into the state for more vote banks. Further, on chief minister’s purported declaration during an interview that Article 371 (A) was good enough to protect
and safeguard the interest of the Nagas, NPF asked the chief minister which Clause of Article 371 (A) could protect Nagas from the Citizenship Bill? Press bureau also asked how far Nagas have been protected under this Special Provision Article 371 A from illegal immigrants such as Dimapur and other adjoining areas in the last 55 years. Reminding the PDA government that it was not raising the two issues “for the sake of publicity stunt as an opposition party,” NPF said it was raising the issues because the safety and security of the Nagas was at stake. NPF warned that it would neither remain a mute spectator to injustice done to the Nagas nor would it allow the PDA leaders and chief minister to play with the future of the Naga people.
ANSTA to move court
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 5 (NPN): All Nagaland School Teacher’s Association (ANSTA) has decided to file petition in the court on behalf of 1166 ad hoc teachers since both the state government and ANATG 2015 batch have expressed their inability to move the Interlocutory Application (IA) before the court. The decision was taken at the joint meeting of Naga Students’ federation (NSF), Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), ANSTA and ANATG 2015 batch held at directorate of school education Kohima on Thursday. This was informed during a press conference held at NSF office here Thursday attended by NSF president Kesosul Christopher Ltu, ENSF presi-
State’s 48% govt teachers not professionally trained Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 5 (NPN): Almost 48% out of 11,488 teachers in government schools have been found to be not professionally trained, even as the government schools recorded a 3% decline in enrolment in 2016-2017. These startling facts based on a survey on SchoolBased Statistics in Nagaland (SBSN) were revealed by team leader and reader Thungchibemo Lotha during a programme organised to release research and survey works undertaken by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) at SCERT conference hall here on Thursday. The research was conducted by SCERT and district institutes for education and training (DIETs) in 2017-18 led by SCERT director T. Sekhose as chief mentor and members-- SCERT jt. direc-
tor, Moatemjen Longkumer; Readers-- Dr. Sukanya, Paul Yhunilo Kemp; Research Associate, Eric Siezie training-cum-research assistant (TRA) Niekulu Curhah, Kethovilie Sachu (TRA) and Helen Kikon, PGT. Thungchibemo Lotha said that the study was taken up to create a database of school education at various levels, find out the status of school education in the State and thereby facilitate in planning, management and monitoring of different programmes being implemented in the state. He explained that the objectives of the SBSN survey were to create and maintain a database for school education at various levels, know the status of school education, facilitate in planning for school education at the State, district, block and school levels, facilitate in effective management of Central flagship programmes
and monitor the progress of implementation of school education programmes. He added that the data were collected in collaboration with Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF) with assistance from their respective local units, which acted as the nodal points for collection of school data. Data of Dimapur district was collected by SCERT research team.The report conducted by the SCERT and DIETs during the year 2017-18 , was declared as “The year of research” by SCERT Nagaland. In his address, principal secretary School Education, Menukhol John said it was a pleasant surprise to find SCERT successfully conduct research on 13 books with relevant topics. He advised that the research books should be used as tools for improving the students’ performances,
know influencing factors and improve overall education system in the State. He said it was quite disheartening to learn that State was below the national level and lacking behind in Mathematics and Science subjects. He said to improve the performance of students, cordial relation between parents and teachers was required. Speaking on the occasion, SCERT director said Nagaland was lacking behind in infrastructure and providing access to education to everyone, adding that providing quality education in government schools was a major concern. He said SCERT Nagaland had declared 2017-18 as the year of research and did research comprehensively and Thursday saw the culmination of research works carried out along with the departments concerned. He commented that this research was part of an effort
dent Sepili L. Sangtam, ANATG 2015 batch president Ruguotsolie, ANATG 2015 batch members and others. Christopher informed that NSF, ENSF, ANSTA and ANATG 2015 batch would jointly pursue the Interlocutory Application matter in the court and would pursued or moved through the fast track pace (FTP). ANATG member informed that the indefinite hunger strike called by ANATG 2015 batch has temporarily called off. ENSF president said the decision was taken after thorough deliberation with all the relevant documents made available by ANATG 2015 batch in the interest of the state education. On a query, the members said the court case would be filed very soon.
the departments are taken into consideration with regard to irregularities and acted upon, then the system of governance would be perhaps vastly different as adequate measures would halt the downslide. Investigations by media has also not led to corrective steps as law makers assume they have the ‘mandate to do anything’. (Cont’d on p-5)
Manipur encounters:
Human right violations can’t be tolerated, says SC
New Delhi, Jul 5 (PTI): The Supreme Court Thursday directed the CBI to file final reports in four cases of alleged extra-judicial killings and fake encounters by the Army, Assam Rifles and police in Manipur by July 27, saying violation of human rights cannot be tolerated. The apex court said what had happened in Manipur appeared to be “widespread” and the issue must be given “far more importance” as people have lost their lives. A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit issued the direction after the CBI’s special investigating team (SIT) told the court that they have completed investigation in four cases and final reports were in the process of being finalised. (More on p-4)
Eastern Nagaland bodies affirm
DIMAPUR, JUL 5 (NPN): Reiterating the August 24, 2012 resolution, wherein it was resolved that the demand for a separate state was “uncompromising”, the organizations of Eastern Nagaland have reaffirmed that other than a separate assembly no other form of arrangement would be acceptable to the people of Eastern Nagaland under the aegis of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). This was reaffirmed at a joint consultative meeting held at Mon district headquarters on July 3, 2018, which was attended by including Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Konyak Union (KU), Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC), ENPO and Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF). A joint statement signed by the presidents of CKS, KTC, KU, PPC, USLP, YTC, ENPO and ENSF stated that it was also strongly resolved and reiterated that “in the process of any eventuality that may appear to be detrimental (externally/internally) in its movement by any individual/organizations, or, the safety of the ENPO leaders, tribal & frontal organization leaders if threatened in any manner over the demand shall not be tolerated, and the public of Eastern Nagaland shall initiate stern action as deemed fit.” Meanwhile, the meeting also unanimously affirmed that people of Eastern Nagaland were peace loving people and they would go any further for creating peaceful atmosphere in the region. They said that any words spoken and any statement issued in the interest of peace should not be (Cont’d on p-5) misconstrued by any individual or organization.
to diagnose the education system in the State. Meanwhile, research on impact of social media on academic performance of Class X students of Kohima, Mokokchung and Dimapur districts revealed that 60% used Facebook more than any other social media sites, followed by WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram. Many students from private schools of Mokokchung and Dimapur districts (34%) responded that using social media did not affect their academic performance, whereas majority students in Kohima district (62%) said it did have a negative effect as using social media lowered their concentration on studies. It was found that many students (45%) from both private and government schools accessed social media sites on their mobile phones especially at night for 3 hours or more.
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