Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 96
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
‘Will prepare plan on air cargo support to boost agri exports’
T20 tri-series: India beat SL by 6 wkts
Lanka unlikely to extend nationwide emergency
business, Page 8
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
PDA government wins trust vote
Newly elected MLAs of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly after the first day of the Assembly session on Tuesday.
Correspondents
KOHIMA, MAR 13 (NPN): Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government sailed through the motion of trust comfortably on day one of the first session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Tuesday. It mustered 33 votes – two more than the required magical figure of 31 to prove majority in a House of 60 members – in its favour, while 26 members voted against the motion of trust. After Rio moved the motion that PDA government headed by him enjoyed majority in the House, newly-elected speaker Er Vikho-o Yhoshu put the motion to vote. MLAs belonging to NDPP and its alliance partners BJP, JD (U), NPP and Independent voted in favour of the motion, while the opposition members voted against. The PDA government comprises 18 NDPP (including Rio), 12 BJP and two NPP MLAs, besides one JD (U) and one independent MLA. Meanwhile, after finishing business on the first day, the speaker adjourned the House till March 22.
Trump fires Tillerson
Rex Tillerson (File)
WASHINGTON, MAR 13 (PTI/AGENCIES): After a series of public spats, US President Donald Trump today fired his beleaguered Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replaced him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo. “Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job!” Trump tweeted, in a surprise announcement. Tillerson is the latest in a long string of staff fired by President Donald Trump. Others who were fired include Steve Bannon, Chief Strategist; Anthony Scaramucci, Communications Director; Reince Priebus, Chief of Staff; James Comey, FBI Director; Katie Walsh, Deputy Chief of Staff; Sally Yates, Acting Attorney General and Angella Reid, Chief Usher. Trump also announced appointment of Gina Haspel, CIA Deputy Director, to head the agency -- first woman selected for the top post.
This is it!
“Andhra is always special with us. In fact, more than just a special category status.” K Y M C
Vikho-o Yhoshü elected speaker of 13th NLA
NDPP candidate and threetime MLA from 14 Southern Angami-I constituency Vikho-o Yhoshü was elected as speaker of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) by a secret ballot on day one of the first session of Assembly here on Tuesday. He defeated NPF candidate and former speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier by garnering 33 votes against the latter’s 26 votes. Later, in his acceptance speech, the newly-elected speaker expressed deep gratitude to the members for electing him and assured fair, unbiased and judicious conduct of the House proceedings and equal treatment of MLAs, irrespective of the parties they belong to. Stating that he was well aware of the onerous responsibility on his shoulder, Yhoshü
Vikho-o Yhoshü after being elected.
remarked that distinguished personalities that adorned the chair before him and his illustrious predecessors would act as his constant guides. He appealed for cooperation from all members in helping him discharge his duties and also assured to give his best, asserting that he won’t disappoint them as a speaker. Yhoshü also reminded the
legislators that party affiliations should not divert them from the responsibility and that they should not betray the confidence people had reposed on them to act in shaping their destiny. Congratulating Yhoshü, chief minister Neiphiu Rio described the new speaker as gentleman with a pleasant nature and had strong integrity. Rio hoped that Yhoshü’s vast experience of 32 years as a government servant in Nagaland and other parts of the country and 10 years as legislator would prove to be a great asset and help him conduct the proceedings in NLA. Rio also appealed for cooperation from all members cutting across party lines for smooth functioning of the House.
NPF reacts to report on NPSC reforms DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) has reacted to reports that appeared in a section of local media that Neiphiu Rio-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government had announced some major changes in recruitment and composition rules of Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). In a statement issued by its press bureau on Tuesday, NPF accused chief minister Neiphiu Rio of “snatching” credit for something in which his government had no hand, but was hogging the limelight “for all the wrong reasons”. Explaining the sequence of how the amendments and reforms in the recruitment rules of NPSC came about and under whose leadership it was passed, the statement recalled that Public Service Aspirants of Nagaland
(PSAN), comprising young and dynamic civil service aspirants, had raised their voices for effecting change in the recruitment rules. PSAN activists under the aegis of Public Coordination Committee (PCC) had held a protest meet at Secretariat Junction in Kohima in December 2017, after which an invitation was sent out by then chief minister TR Zeliang. Thereafter, PCC leaders held two rounds of meetings with Zeliang at the chief minister’s residential office, in which the latter assured that their demands would be met. Subsequently, in the cabinet meeting that followed, the demands of PSAN were approved, along with the much-discussed Lokayukta Bill, 2015, the release pointed out. NPF said “Now for the unabashed PDA government to hijack good deeds of the past NPF-led
government is most obnoxious.” It said to think that such reforms could be initiated even before the PDA could settle its internal disputes arising out of portfolio distribution and without convening a single sitting of the cabinet to discuss the issue was beyond any sensible person’s imagination. Demanding that credit for bringing about transparency and meritocracy in the highest recruitment body of Nagaland should go to the daring and wise decision of the then chief minister, the party added that efforts and sacrifices of PSAN and other groups too could not be undermined. It insisted that the much chanted “Change is coming” mantra of PDA must be manifested in reality “while refraining from stealing accolades for things they have not done”.
(Cont’d on p-7)
Dr. Jamir’s tenure as Gov to end on Mar 21
Dr. S.C Jamir (File)
DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Former chief minister of Nagaland and current Governor of Odisha, Dr. SC Jamir is all set to complete his five-year gubernatorial post by March 21. Dr. Jamir, who was four-time chief minister of Nagaland and former Governor of Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat was appointed as Odisha Governor on March 9, 2013. 87-year old Jamir was first elected to the state Assembly in 1971. He was also elected as the first Lok Sabha Member from the state of (Cont’d on p-7) Nagaland (1961 to 1970).
CorCom calls for shutdown to protest PM’s visit
NIA issues fresh summons, ex-CM Zeliang cries foul
IMPHAL, MAR 13 (IANS): Coordinating Committee (CorCom) formed by six proscribed underground organisations in Manipur on Tuesday called for a 17-hour shutdown in Manipur to coincide with the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. CorCom said the shutdown will come into effect from 1 a.m. of March 16. It appealed to the people not to participate in official functions and said examinations and other essential services will be exempt from the proposed shutdown. On the other hand, the Joint Action Committee protesting against the “forcible” inauguration of Mapithel dam has called for a 48-hour general strike in Manipur, which will end on March 16 midnight. Modi is scheduled to arrive in Imphal on March 16 morning on a one-day visit and will lay the foundation stones of a slew of projects. PM is also slated to address a public event at Luwangshangpham ground-- chief minister, N. Biren Singh’s constituency on March 16.
Correspondent
KO H I M A , M A R 1 3 (NPN): Facing the heat of the National investigation Agency’s (NIA), former chief minister and NPF leader TR Zeliang has cried foul after he was issued fresh summons. A day after the former chief minister expressed his inability to present himself before NIA in New Delhi on Tuesday and sought time till March 26, the country’s premier anti-terror investigation once again summoned him to its office in the national capital on March 17. NIA is probing into the matter related to alleged “tax collection” and “extortion” from state government departments by banned Naga insurgent groups. Zeliang had on Monday expressed his inability to appear at such a short notice, especially in view of the first session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly that began on Tuesday and which he was required to attend as leader of opposition. Interacting with media persons outside Nagaland Legislative Assembly com-
plex here on Tuesday, Zeliang said he was yet to decide whether he would present himself before NIA on March 17 as he had to prepare for the on-going Assembly session. Mentioning that he failed to understand the reason for repeated summons by NIA, which had also summoned chief minister’s office (CMO) officials, including then officer on special duty (OSD), Zeliang said the move smacked of conspiracy. “Yeah, I too feel something like that,” he remarked when asked by newsmen whether he felt there was any conspiracy behind the summons. He pointed out that just a day before election results were announced, NIA had summoned his OSD and was detained in Guwahati for five days. Even after the election results were out, the OSD was once again summoned to New Delhi and asked the same questions that were asked earlier. Alleging that his OSD was detained until the day he resigned as chief minister, Zeliang said he failed to understand NIA’s strategy.
PDA govt a fragile coalition: Imchen Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAR 13 (NPN): Former minister and MLA, Imkong L. Imchen said a “fragile coalition” government in the State could not be expected to handle any political or social repercussion in the event of a solution being brought about to Naga political issue, leaving aside developmental activities. Talking to media persons at Hotel de Oriental Grand here on Tuesday evening, Imchen said NPF would welcome any member of the NLA who desired to bring about political settlement, adding together it would endeavour to facilitate political dialogue between Centre and Naga stakeholders. Imchen explained that settlement of the Naga issue was very dear to Naga people for several years now, for which NPF felt it imperative to call for postponement of the Assembly election. However, since the election had been held, he felt it would not have any negative impact now. Acknowledging the Nagas for giving their mandate to NPF, though not enough to get absolute majority in the NLA, the NPF legislator said the peace process, which was halted during the electioneering, would resume again and that he was expecting a solution sooner than later. He added that the initiative of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi was highly appreciative and that there was no reason to doubt his intention. He hoped that Modi would succeed in bringing a solution to the problem, which even Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had failed. Reiterating that NPF would stand firm in its support to the on-going political dialogue to try and bring about an amicable settlement to the Naga issue, Imchen asserted that though his party was in opposition in NLA, it still had the strength of 26 members. “Therefore, the party will leave no stone unturned on its part to contribute its services wherever required,” he added. New political equation?: Imchen remarked that NPF was in the process of working out a new political formation, though he was categorical in claiming that his party had not made any formal offer to any political party so far. He pointed out that NPF had pre-poll alliance with NPP and JD (U), though the two parties chose to join PDA government led by NDPP without revoking the agreement. He added that BJP was in a similar alliance with NPF, before the former announced its tie-up with NDPP without formally breaking the alliance. He explained that NPF had not reacted to all these as the alliances were based on principles and ideologies and that it would be premature to react.
SC indefinitely suspends Aadhaar linking Ex-minister Chenlom Phom passes away NEW DELHI, MAR 13 (IANS): Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for linking of various services with Aadhaar till it delivers its judgment on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the biometrical identification scheme. Announcing the order, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, however said that this extension will not affect the linking of Aadhaar with the disbursal of benefits under social welfare schemes. “We direct that the interim order passed on December 15, 2017 shall stand extended till the matter is finally heard and the judgment is pronounced,” the court said in its order. The court also directed that its interim order “shall also control and govern the Passports (1st Amendment) Rules, 2018” which insisted
on Aadhaar identification for getting passports under the ‘Tatkal’ scheme. The order came as senior counsel Arvind Datar, appearing for one of the petitioners, told the court that passport issuing authorities have made submission of Aadhaar mandatory for issuance of passports. At this point, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal sought to clarify that this requirement of Aadhaar was only for issuance of ‘tatkal’ passports. The current deadline for linking of bank accounts, mobile phone connections, and other services with Aadhaar was March 31 and this had been extended by the apex court on December 15 last year. As Chief Justice Misra said that their interim order stands extended, the Attorney General told the court that the government was prepared to extend the deadline in the last week of March
as arguments in the matter would have concluded by then. “We were prepared for extension in last week of March,” he told the court in a bid to stall the extension. The constitution bench, which also includes Justice A. K. Sikri, Justice A. M. Khanwilkar, Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan, had on March 7 ruled that the CBSE will not insist on Aadhaar-only identification for NEET and other allIndia examinations. Earlier in the course of the arguments, senior counsel P. Chidambaram told the court that it could look into the decision of the Lok Sabha Speaker in allowing Aadhaar Bill to be tabled as a Money Bill. Noting that under the Constitution’s Article 122, the decision of the Speaker that a Bill is a Money Bill was “final” and mere procedural irregularities would
not stand in the way of the decision, he argued that the Speaker’s decision was final only in respect of Lok Sabha and does not interdict the court from looking at it if the decision is coupled with illegality and unconstitutionality. Appearing for Congress’s Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh who has challenged the introduction of Aadhaar Bill as Money Bill, Chidambaram, who continued his arguments from the last hearing on March 7, said that to declare a bill as a Money Bill even though it is not was a procedure that violated the Constitution’s basis structure, thus the power of judicial review is not taken away. He told the court that declaring as Bill as a Money Bill strikes at the root of federalism as it eclipses the powers of the Rajya Sabha which represents the collective wisdom of the states.
DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): M Chenlom Phom, former minister, passed away at his Dimapur residence Tuesday after prolonged illness. He was 77. He is survived by his wife Chubasenla, four sons, one daughter and 13 grandchildren. He was elected as member of NLA for five consecutive terms since 1977 till 2008. Family sources said that the funeral services would be held at his private residence Purana Bazar, Dimapur, on March 14 at 10am and at Longleng town on March 15, 2018 and would be laid to rest at Yachem village under Longleng district on March 16. Chenlom served as minister of state for education, jail, relief & rehabilitation from November 25, 1980-82; deputy speaker from December 12, 1985 to March 12, 1987; speaker from March 21, 1987 to December 6, 1987; minister for geology
Late M. Chenlom Phom
& mining and Art & culture 1987; minister for fisheries, printing & stationary in 2003 and advisor backward areas from July 10, 2004-2008.
Condolence messages
NLA speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker, Vikho-o Yhoshü, has expressed grief at the sudden demise of Chenlom Phom and said that in his death, the state has lost a committed leader which would be felt greatly by the Naga people in gener-
al and Phom tribe in particular. In a condolence message, Vikho-o Yhoshü described late Chenlom Phom as a dynamic public leader who dedicated his life for the welfare of the Naga people. In this hour of grief, Yhoshü conveyed heartfelt condolences to the wife and children and prayed that Almighty God grant them solace to withstand the loss. He also prayed that departed soul rest in eternal peace. CM: Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, has expressed deep shock over the demise M Chenlom Phom, who passed away in Dimapur on March 13, 2018. In his condolence message to Mrs. Asenla Chenlom Chenth and family, Rio said late Chenlom Phom was a senior statesman and during the span of his political career, he held various positions and served the people with commit(Cont’d on p-7) ment. K Y M C