Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 194
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00
BJP trying to topple my govt: K’taka CM
Colombia beat Qatar in Copa America
UN’s Khashoggi report baseless: Saudi Minister
national, Page 5
sports, Page 11
international, Page 9
President outlines NDA roadmap
NEW DELHI, JUN 20 (PTI): Laying the roadmap of the Narendra Modi government for its second term, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said empowering every person is the main goal for a ‘New India’ by 2022 on the back of a “stronger mandate” for continuing uninterrupted the journey of development started in 2014. As he highlighted the Modi government’s achievements and priorities in an hour-long address to the joint sitting of Parliament, Kovind also pushed for simultaneous elections, saying it is the “need of the hour.” Asserting that the government was moving ahead to create a “strong, secure and inclusive” India, the president said national security was paramount for the government and touched upon surgical strikes and air strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps. Kovind also underlined the government’s resolve to remove “social evils” of triple talaq and ‘nikah halala’ to ensure equal rights for women, take forward the campaign against black money at a faster pace and
Indian economy clearly losing traction: RBI gov MUMBAI, JUN 20 (PTI): The Indian economy has been clearly losing traction and needs a decisive monetary policy to promote growth, said Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das while voting for a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut along with other five members at the MPC meet earlier this month. Das, as per the minutes of the June 3-6 Monetary Policy Committee, said that since the last meeting of the rate-setting panel in April 2019, greater clarity has emerged about the evolving macroeconomic situation. The RBI released the minutes of the meeting Thursday. Overall, there is clear evidence of economic activity “losing traction” with the GDP growth in the fourth quarter of the last financial year slowing to 5.8 per cent, he said. “In sum, growth impulses have clearly weakened, while the headline inflation trajectory is projected to remain below 4.0 per cent throughout 2019-20 even after considering the expected transmission of the past two policy rate cuts. “Keeping in view the evolving growth inflation dynamics, there is a need for decisive monetary policy action. (More on p-8)
This is it!
“On paper, everything with the school is normal.” K Y M C
President Kovind addresses the joint session of Parliament.
make the zero tolerance policy against corruption more comprehensive and effective. On issues relating to economy, Kovind said the government will soon announce a new industrial policy aimed at promoting growth and creating jobs. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and MPs of both Houses in attendance in the Central Hall of Parliament for the joint sitting after the formation of the 17th Lok Sabha, the President said the general elections had enhanced the credibility of Indian democracy as a record number of people--61 crore--voted, including the highest share of women. Kovind, in his speech, which is prepared by
the government of the day, said empowering every person in the country is the main goal of the ruling dispensation which, he added, wants to build a ‘New India’ by 2022 in which there is no discrimination on the grounds of caste or religion. “My government is giving residential, health facilities to poor as poverty can be removed only by empowering them,” he said. Several NDA MPs thumped the desks when Kovind referred to the Modi government’s philosophy of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas’. Kovind flagged national security as a top most priority of the government. The President said ‘New India’ will be sensitive and also, economically prosperous but for this to happen, “nation’s security is of utmost importance”. To fulfil its resolution of building a ‘New India’, the government in a short period of 21 days has taken many decisions aimed at welfare of farmers, soldiers, students, entrepreneurs, women and other sections of society and have also started implementing them,
Four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs join BJP
Kovind said, adding initiatives have been taken to NEW DELHI, JUN 20 enact several new laws. (PTI): In a boost to the BJP, ‘Special focus to improve four of the six TDP MPs the Rajya Sabha joined connectivity in NE states’ in the party on Thursday and The Narendra Modi sought merger of TDP Leggovernment is giving special islature Party with it in the focus on improving connec- Upper House. In a day of tivity in the Northeast and fast-paced developments, the make life easy for the people four MPs led by their Rajya of the region, President Sabha leader YS Chowdary-Ram Nath Kovind said on long seen a trusted aide of Thursday. Telugu Desam Party chief In his address to the N Chandrababu Naidu-joint sitting of both houses passed a resolution to this of Parliament, Kovind said effect, followed by a nod to tourism, agriculture and the proposal by BJP presiother allied sectors will also dent Amit Shah. benefit from better connecThe breakaway TDP tivity in the Northeast. faction, which includes CM “Special emphasis is Ramesh, Garikapati Mohan being accorded to improving Rao and TG Venkatesh connectivity in the North- besides Chowdary, and BJP East, hilly and tribal areas,” leaders, including its workhe said in his customary ing president JP Nadda, met address after the formation Rajya Sabha chairman M of the 17th Lok Sabha. Venkaiah Naidu and urging Kovind said in addi- him to approve the merger. tion to increasing the ease Making the announceof living of citizens in the ment at the BJP headquarNortheast, tourism, agricul- ters, Nadda told reporters ture and other allied sectors that the decision of TDP will also benefit from better MPs, three of whom were connectivity. present, to join the party is Effective steps are be- due to their belief in Prime ing taken to expand organic Minister Narendra Modi’s farming in the Northeast, agenda of development and he added. inclusiveness.
Nagaland govt imposes total ban on single-use of plastic DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): In continuation to the state government’s notification dated 29.11.2018 on the “policy for restricting the use of plastics in Nagaland” the state government Thursday announced to impose total ban on single-use plastic in the state. With the view to eradicate the menace of plastic, which has serious effects on the environment and ecology, the state cabinet during its meeting held on June 10, 2019 decided to ban use of plastic in the state, a notification published in the Nagaland Gazette stated. In this regard, the following single-use plastic products have been totally banned-- a. All plastic carry bags, with or without handles, irrespective of thickness and size; b. Plastic cutlery including plates, plastic cups, straws, stirrers etc.; c. cutlery and other decorative made of styrofoam (thermocol); d. Polythene, nylon, poly-vinyl-carbohydrates, poly-propylene and polyStyrene. The ban will be made effective after three months from the date of publication
Plastic waste at the DMC dumping site in Dimapur. (NP File)
in official gazette (June 17, 2019) in public interest and for the manufacturers, stockiest, shopkeepers to dispose of their stocks so that they suffer no financial loss. “Single-use plastics, often also referred to as disposable plastics (use-and-throw items), are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. These include, among other items, carry bags, food packaging, bottles. Straws, containers, cups and cutlery,” the notification stated. It further stated that every individual, institutions or commercial estab-
AN-32 crash: bodies Truth will prevail on HC construction scam: PWD minister airlifted to Jorhat Correspondent
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Bodies of the all 13 air-warriors on board AN32 aircraft that crashed in a remote area in Arunachal Pradesh have been recovered and sent to Air Force Station, Jorhat. According to a defence release, the mortal remains would be sent to their hometown, where funeral as per service customs would be carried out. The release said that Air Force stands with the families and next-of-kin of all the air-warriors who lost their life in the line of duty. IAF has thanked Indian Army, Indian Navy, NTRO, State administration and civil population for their unstinted support during search and rescue operations. On June 19, 2019, an IAF AN-32 aircraft, which took off from Air Force Station, Jorhat, Assam went
missing with 13 air-warriors onboard. On June 11, the wreckage of the missing An-32 aircraft was found on a mountain slope in Arunachal Pradesh and all air-warriors died in the crash. After tracing the wreckage on June 11, a team of 15 mountaineers was air-dropped near the crash site the very next day to locate the bodies. Later, three more mountaineers had joined the team. While six bodies were airlifted to Aalo in West Siang around 5 pm Wednesday, the remains of seven others were transported to the district headquarters around noon, said Siang Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Takuk Thursday. IAF had also been able to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) too last week from the site.
KOHIMA, JUN 20 (NPN): Minister of NPWD Tongpang Ozukum expressed confidence that truth would prevail while reacting to reports in one Imphal-based news daily over filing of FIR against a few serving and retired Nagaland PWD officials and three contractors/firms by Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) Anti Corruption Branch (ACB), Imphal for their alleged involvement in the reported misappropriation of fund meant for construction of Nagaland High Court complex. Talking to Nagaland Post here today, Tongpang maintained that the investigation process should not be disturbed and refused to comment on it saying that it was not a time to make any comment on the issue before the investigation was completed. The news featured
prominently in the Imphal-based Sangai Express, which reported that CBI filed the FIR against the officials, contractors and some other individuals for “criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct”. The foundation stone for the high court was laid in 2007 by then Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan in the presence of current chief minister Neiphiu Rio. In 2018, the Gauhati High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the alleged scam and submit a report. It was earlier reported that the basic structure of the site was yet to be completed, but the Nagaland government allegedly withdrew Rs. 44.24 crore against electrification and water supply for the project site besides another Rs. 22.42 crore for construction of bungalows for the judges,
area for which has not been earmarked. The state government also allegedly paid Rs. 1.3 crore as consultancy fee for the construction, which the Gauhati HC termed as “beyond belief ” while hearing a set of petitions by the Nagaland Tribes Council and some Nagaland-based social and RTI activists. Hearing the petition, the Gauhati HC asked the CBI to conduct a preliminary investigation into charges of misappropriation of public money in the construction of the Nagaland HC complex. According to the petitioners, only 35% of the work was been completed in 11 years since construction began with an estimated budget of Rs. 43 crore. Work on the HC complexes in Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura had started around the same time and completed. Between March 2009 and March 2017, Justice
and Law department made 18 withdrawals from the State exchequer while the project cost was increased to Rs. 52.63 crore. The department also took a loan of Rs. 12.46 crore from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO). Taking note of all these, the CBI filed the FIR against officials that include an executive engineer (Housing), executive engineer (Electric division), four retired executive engineers, two SDOs, two junior engineers and two contractors/firms M/s Vilelie Khamo and M/s Khedi Trade and Development Agency, M/s Oking Electrical, M/s Hexzad Syndicate and some other individuals. The preliminary case was registered at CBI, ACB Guwahati against M/s Vilelie Khamo (Class I contractor) on May 21 last year. (Cont’d on p-7)
BJP slams opposition for spreading rumours YTC excommunicates 5 for DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Reacting to reports in the social media about re-alignment of political coalition in the state, the state BJP has refuted the reports and instead, accusing its political adversaries of vainly trying to destabilise the ruling PDA coalition (NDPPBJP-JDU and Independent) by spreading rumours on the “reshuffle of the PDA government.” State BJP spokesperson Kuputo Shohe in a statement maintained that the PDA coalition was on solid foundation against “intrusion” , much to the disappointment of the rivals. The BJP said the recent victory of the party and its alliance partners in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, had re-ignited excitement of its rivals who attempted “ a possible entry into the government” but
were disappointed since such backdoor entry utterly failed. After the attempt to dislodge the PDA coalition failed, BJP said the opposition resorted to spreading “vicious rumours and cheap propaganda” in the social media. Instead, said BJP, such attempts to demean the PDA were futile and made the bond among PDA partners stronger than ever. Further, BJP said the recent directive issued from the NPF president to the leader of the NPF legislature to “explore possibilities to form government” only exposed the desperation of the opposition NPF. Further BJP expressed surprise over the cheap propaganda of the opposition and regretted that the oldest regional party could stoop so low out of desperation. The BJP also informed
that currently state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Dy chief minister Y.Patton, state BJP president and minister Higher & Technical Education, Temjen Imna Along, minister of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Metsubo Jamir and host of ministers and advisers were in Delhi to congratulate BJP leaders for the comprehensive victory and also to apprise the Centre of the issues concerning the state. The state BJP therefore, reminded the opposition rivals to fulfil their duty as a constructive opposition rather than indulging in cheap propaganda. It may be recalled that the NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, during the party’s Central Executive Council (CEC) emergency meeting held on June 12, 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 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. Toning down his earlier vow to not have any truck with either BJP or NDPP, the NPF party president admitted 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.
‘anti community activities’
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Following the expiry of seven-day deadline served on Yimchungrü “national workers” of NSCN (R) to disassociate themselves from the group, Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC), apex body of Yimchungrüs, Thursday said it has excommunicated “five anti-Yimchungrüs from the Yimchungrü community” with immediate effect as desired by Yimchungrü public. In a press release, YTC secretary information & publicity, Mathew K Janger, stated that five members including deputy kilonser Athong, joint secretary Among, PRO Yimto, “maj.” Lesanmong and “maj.” Chuba were excommunicated owing to their “anti-community activities.” YTC stated that their citizenship could also be
“ceased indefinitely” and they cannot claim as ‘Yimchungrü’ wherever they were. “In case of any unwanted situation happen or arises to them, the Yimchungrü shall not be held any responsible and their dead body shall not be allowed to land in Yimchungrü land,” the YTC stated. YTC has directed to all its federating units including YAA, YWO, YGOA, WYH, PFPSD, PFST and YGBU and all the respective Yimchungrü village councils to strictly monitor those expelled members and not to allow them to enter even in their native village. YTC has directed the community members to immediately report to its office if any of the expelled members were found in Yimchungrü territory, adding it would take stern action.
lishments like educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, restaurants, religious institutions, industrial establishments, banquet halls etc. will abide by the total ban. Anyone violating the order will be penalized, it said, adding that the district administration or local bodies will decide and levy penalties against the defaulters in their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, it said that the District Task Force, already constituted in the districts, will strictly monitor and function as squads for vigilance purpose and impose total ban on stocking, distribution, sell and use of oil single-use plastics.
Gov calls for taking part in Intl Yoga Day
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya has appealed to all the people of Nagaland to participate in event initiated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a message, Acharya expressed hope that Yoga would continue to promote a healthy mind and body. “Yoga is one of the most invaluable gifts of the ancient Indian tradition,” he said, adding that Yoga was not a religion, but a way of living that aims towards a healthy mind in a healthy body. Acharya further called for participating in the celebration and starting a healthier lifestyle.
NSF on NSEE seat
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has reiterated that allocation of seats for para-medical, agri and allied courses through NSEE mains examination should be awarded only to indigenous inhabitants (Nagas by blood) against the seats allotted to the state of Nagaland. In a press release, NSF vice president Dievi Yano and secretary education Kegwayhun Tep said the federation would closely monitor and ensure that seats allotted to the state were not given to non indigenous inhabitant applicants. NSF also informed all selected students that after acceptances of their course, they would have to compulsory verify their documents in person at NSF office, Kohima.
Kma traffic advisory
DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): In view of the construction of Sonoru bridge, movement of heavy vehicles from High School to Secretariat via Sonoru bridge would be restricted with effect from June 24. Kohima traffic police has requested all heavy vehicles going down towards Secretariat and coming up to town to take diversion from TinpattiDon Bosco Jn.- Billy Graham road and vice-versa. K Y M C