June 13, 2019

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXIX No. 186

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Indian among 26 injured in Saudi airport attack

Euro 2020: Belgium, Germany win big

Amit Shah calls meet to elect new party chief

international, Page 9

sports, Page 11

national, Page 5

NPF legislators free to form govt.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 12 (NPN): Leaving little to imagination about the desperate situation facing one of India’s oldest regional party the NPF, its president and veteran regional politician, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu has unplugged his authority over the NPF Legislature Party (NPF-LP) by giving it a free hand to decide on how to bring about a “change in the government” and also assured the party of his full support. Dr. Shürhozelie said this at the NPF Central Executive Council (CEC) emergency meeting held here on Wednesday, where he admitted that being in the opposition wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and so left it to his party legislators to decide on being in a government but at the same time, prove their integrity, firmness and commitment towards their people. “The way an opposition member behaves will have long-term effect on his political career,” he remarked. Toning down his earlier vow to not have any truck with either BJP or NDPP, the NPF party president ad-

Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, T.R. Zeliang and other leaders at the CEC meeting on Wednesday. (NP)

mitted the despite efforts of the party legislature to form a secular government, the process was not attainable but assured of his party’s support to any arrangement that did not compromise on the regional identity of the NPF. He also left it to the legislature to work out the strategy to bring about the change of government. Meanwhile, the NPF president reiterated his party’s stand seeking integration of “all Naga ancestral Dr. Shürhozelie also reaffirmed to uphold the party principles and policies on integration of all Naga areas under one administrative roof ” as enshrined in the party’s constitution. Dr. Shürhozelie remarked that Nagas wanted an early settlement that was

honourable and inclusive “as piece meal solution will not serve any purpose”. He congratulated Dr Lorho S Pfoze for winning the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency seat and thanked all party workers for their support and civil society groups in Manipur that supported NPF. Stating that he was aware of the strengths of different political parties, Dr. Shürhozelie commented that NPF decided not to divide secular votes and make best use of a “bad bargain” by lending unconditional issuebased support to Congress candidate. He alleged that the “negative approach” of Congress leaders also had an impact, though KL Chishi did well.

NH appeals NPGs Centre to give fillip to trade,

DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Naga Hoho (NH) on Wednesday said it joins the 10th anniversary of the signing of Covenant of Reconciliation on June 13, 2009 and at the same time acknowledges the struggle of FNR members in particular for leading the Naga people thus far towards the path of peace and reconciliation among the rival groups. “Being minorities in this sub-continent, fear and apprehensions are looming in the minds of Naga people of what destiny holds and therefore, amicable political settlement is the only hope which is possible once we are united and reconciled,” NH stated. NH therefore appealed to all Naga political rival groups to renew their vision and implement the Covenant of Reconciliation in letter and spirit for the common Naga cause.

connectivity with neigbours

GUWAHATI, JUN 12 (AGENCIES): Two weeks after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for the second term, the Centre is giving final touches to a host of new initiatives – mini ICPs (Integrated check post), rail-based RoRo service to decongest road traffic in Bangladesh border and bus service between Myanmar and Manipur – to improve connectivity with Eastern neighbours. It was anticipated that the new government will focus its attention on trade and connectivity with BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) and BIMSTEC nations (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan). There is now an enhanced focus on coordination between different Departments (Cont’d on p-8) to ensure efficient implementation of projects. While NITI Aayog is DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): leading on the planning Power department has informed that in view of maintenance work at 66/33KV Tizit Sub-station, power shutdown will be initiated in and around Tizit town from June 13 to 30 (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on daily basis). SDO (Trans) Mokokchung division has requested consumers to bear with the inconvenience.

Power outage in Tizit

part, the recently formed Logistics Department under the Commerce Ministry is ensuring that different arms of the government do not work in silos. The proposed list for upgrade includes border gates at Nampong (Arunachal Pradesh) and Zokhawthar (Mizoram) with Myanmar. The Zokhawthar border has potential to connect India sponsored Trilateral Highway (from India to Thailand) bypassing Manipur. On Bangladesh border, Mahendraganj (Meghalaya), Sheila Bazar (Meghalaya) and Srimantapur and Raghnabazar in Tripura are proposed to be mini ICPs. While the list will be finalised after a detailed study, the government is looking for a suitable location to open a trade point between Nagaland and Myanmar. Nagaland does not have any trade facility.

On NPF’s stand in Manipur, he explained though BJP snapped off ties with his party in Nagaland, NPF had been lending support to the BJP government in Manipur that was based more on “circumstantial reasons” beyond the jurisdiction of political parties that every sensible person ought to understand. He revealed that NPF had taken a decision to withdraw support to the BJP Government in Manipur in principle on February 8. Though the BJP-NPF tie in Manipur might not have any impact on either party, Liezietsu claimed that NPF did not want to vitiate the atmosphere in any manner in the backdrop of ongoing peace process and signing of the Framework Agreement signed between

Government of India and NSCN (I-M). He alleged that NPF’s political adversaries were deliberately trying their best to provoke it so that the regional party withdrew support to the BJP government in Manipur. He, however, asserted that NPF would not be “pressurised” by such provocations and take a wrong step as “to strive to work for peace and settlement” was the party’s declared policy. Joining party president, NPF-LP leader TR Zeliang also congratulated the newly-elected MP from Outer Manipur and thanked party workers and supporters for electing Lorho. He reminded the audience of chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s statement in April 2018 that integration was not possible. Referring to the resolution adopted in Nagaland Legislative Assembly on CAB, Zeliang alleged that PDA government wanted to oppose CAB but was still under the impression that Nagas were protected under Article 371 (A), even as he stressed that the Article had nothing to do with CAB.

DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): A delegation of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) led by its president Ninoto Awomi called on chief minister Nephiu Rio at his office here on Wednesday morning to apprise him and seek his support to the various pressing issues confronting the student community in the State. According to a joint communiqué issued by Awomi and NSF general secretary Liremo K Kikon, the chief minister congratulated the new team of office-bearers and assured the delegation of his government’s fullest support to the initiatives and endeavours that the new team proposed to undertake. NSF submitted a memorandum to Rio, which among other things, impressed upon him to set up Staff Selection Board (SSB) committee within a period of two months by the personnel & administrative reforms department with officials of the department concerned and experts to draft the policy in tune with States like Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, etc, that have (Cont’d on p-8) already implemented it.

DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has reaffirmed the “public meeting resolutions” adopted by 19 tribal bodies on September 11, 2012 and May 10, 2016, opposing arbitrary imposition of lightning bandh or strikes in Dimapur. During the executive meeting held on June 10, 2019, NCD president T. Bangerloba and general secretary Thsapongkyu Sangtam said the house resolved to uphold the decision not to allow any organization, hohos, unions and associations etc. in Dimapur to arbitrarily impose any lightning bandhs/strikes. NCD said arbitrary imposition of lightning bandhs/strikes, in many occasions, has led to riots, violence, arson, etc. where public have been made to suffer, disturbing public

This is it! Paiwang Konyak flagging off the chopper service at Dimapur airport. (DIPR)

“The girl you’re talking to will one day expect you to carry her shopping bags.” K Y M C

NSF delegation submitting a memorandum to chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday.

NSF also pressed upon the chief minister to scrap away departmental exams immediately and stressed that all vacancies in Grade III posts that did not fall under the purview of Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) should come under SSB for open competition. The delegation urged Rio to take a cabinet decision in this regard immediately, get a notification to this effect issued and accordingly notified in the official gazette within a period of two months. Rio gave a patient hearing to the delegation and acknowledged that setting up SSB was the need of hour to root out corruption and take forth the culture of meritocracy. He admitted to

certain practical difficulties confronting his government in setting up SSB and its implementation. He, however, assured the team that the matter would be discussed with his cabinet colleagues and fellow legislators and that right steps would be taken up by his government in this regard at the earliest. Rio also expressed his happiness that NSF was taking a leadership role on the issue and expressed his optimism that the involvement of the federation would hasten the process. NSF also apprised Rio on ANCSU’s five-point charter of demands, to which the latter assured that necessary steps had already been taken.

NCD warns organizations against Japan to invest Rs 13,000 cr calling lightning bandhs in Dmu in NE infrastructure projects peace and also resulting in loss of lives/properties and creating communal/tribal disharmony and enmity. T h e r e f o r e, N C D warned that any organization, hohos, unions or associations etc. found imposing arbitrary, random and illegal lightning bandhs/ strikes shall be considered as anti-social, harmful to the peaceful co-existence of Naga society and will face non-cooperation. NCD further said that such organizations will also not be considered for any partnership with peace-loving civil society. The council has therefore asked the district administration to take strong legal action without fear or favour against the defaulters. However, NCD said that any organization, hohos, union or association, etc. intending to organize

State’s second chopper service launched

DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Transport, civil aviation, railways and land resources minister P Paiwang Konyak officially flagged off the State’s second helicopter service from the airport here on Wednesday. The high-end configured air-conditioned helicopter with medical facilities has a sitting capacity for 13 passengers. With induction of the additional chopper, the helicopter service will now be available on 19 routes from the existing 10.

NSF delegation calls on Rio; asks govt to set up SSB within 2 months

While 75 per cent subsidy would be available to common passengers and for medical evacuation cases, VIPs and government servants would not be entitled for subsidies. This was stated in a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Meanwhile, speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, transport secretary Kenilo Apon said the State government had faced lot of problems during the massive landslides caused by rains last year, and had

to engage two Indian Air Force choppers to meet the challenges of evacuation and providing relief as the State’s lone chopper was not sufficient. Taking note of the matter, he said Paiwang had taken up the matter with the MHA and the latter agreed to enhance the flying hours from 480 hours to 1,200 hours. Apon expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio and Paiwang for the initiatives they had taken for the welfare of the people of Nagaland. The secretary also urged the civil aviation ministry to ensure that all pilots deputed in the State follow the standard operating procedures so that the good image, trust and confidence of the people would continue to grow. Senior associate pastor of Dimapur Lotha Baptist Church, Rev Chumben Kyong offered the dedicatory prayer. After the flagging-off programme, Paiwang, Apon, Rev Chumben, DPRO Dimapur and other officials went for a short chopper ride with captains-- Mukesh and Nair.

democratic form of protests for legitimate grievances shall do so with due permission from district administration and in consultation with the NCD, DCCI and DNSU at least three days in advance, to avoid public inconvenience. NCD has also directed all shops, business establishments, schools, colleges/ institutes, departments, etc. not to cooperate with sudden and arbitrary calls for lightning bandh/strikes but to report the matter to district administration/police immediately and also to inform NCD, DCCI and DNSU for proper coordination with authorities. In view of the above, NCD has asked all organizations, hohos, unions, and association, etc including the public to cooperate with this notification, is issued in public interest.

NPF urges GoI not to make Hindi compulsory subject Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 12 (NPN): Taking strong exception on the Central government’s alleged attempt to make Hindi a compulsory subject, NPF CEC has urged the Centre to make Hindi an optional subject and not compulsory. A resolution in this regard was taken at an emergency meeting of CEC held at NPF central headquarters here Wednesday. It was signed by resolution committee convener and legislator Y Vikheho Swu and CEC members P Longon, Khriezobeinuo Sanchu, YM Yollow and Blaise Iheilung. Meanwhile, NPF reiterated its stand that to continue upholding the principles of non-violence and strive for resolution of problems through peaceful means.

Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUN 12 (NPN): Japan has decided to invest around Rs. 13000 crore (205.784 billion Yen), in several ongoing as well as new projects in different states of the North Eastern region. This was disclosed after a meeting held between Union DoNER minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu, here Wednesday. Some of the important projects in which Japan will collaborate include Guwahati water supply and sewage projects, Northeast road network connectivity improvement project spread over Assam and Meghalaya, bio-diversity conservation and forest management project in Sikkim, sustainable forest management project in Tripura, technical cooperation project for sustainable agriculture and irrigation in Mizoram, forest management project in Nagaland, a statement issued by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) said. Dr. Singh appreciated the contribution by Japan to develop and transform of the North Eastern region in the last three to four years. He said, in the times to come, new areas of collaboration will also be sought to be worked out, which could possibly include Bamboo-related collaboration. Significantly, it was the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which amended the 90-year old “Indian Forest Act of 1919” of the British Government to bring the home-grown Bamboo out of its purview, he added.

Scholarship scam: NLSF appeals Lokayukta to take stern legal action DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): Providing a shot in the arm to All Nagaland College Students’ Union’s (ANCSU) crusade against alleged misappropriation of students’ scholarship funds, Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has urged Lokayukta to take stern legal action against officials found guilty in the entire episode. In a release, federation’s president C Talimoa Chishi and general secretary Dieku Wetsah demanded that those found involved in the scam must be suspended and prosecuted, “and not just recover the misappropriated amount and close the case”. They warned that if Lokayukta failed to take stern legal action against the corrupt officials, then NLSF would not remain silent and consider that Lokayukta was not meant for people. While expressing happiness that the State government had established the powerful institution of Lokayukta as per section

63 of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013 that has a provision for Lokayukta to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries and also to punish them if found involved in corruption, the duo stressed that the sole object of Lokayukta was to remove corruption from the State administration. The NLSF leaders, however, expressed apprehension over the appointment of Upa-Lokayukta, as the Act – section 4 – stipulates that a person who had contested in the recent election cannot hold any other office. They pointed out that the Act states that Lokayukta or Upa-Lokayukta shall not be a i) member of Parliament or member of the State Legislature Assembly and ii) a person who has been removed or dismissed from the service of the Union or a State, and shall not hold any office of trust or profit (other than his office as the Chairperson or a Member) or be affiliated with any political party. K Y M C


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