Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 104
DIMAPUR, tuesday, march 21, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
May to trigger Art 50 on Mar 29
India, Aus third Test end in draw
RSS never interferes with CM selection: Venkaiah Naidu
international, page 9
sports, page 12
national, Page 5
UNC leaders released; vow district issue alive
(L-R) Gaidon and Stephen during a reception programme on Monday held at Senapati town. (NP)
Correspondents
I M P H A L / KO H I M A , MAR 20: As assured by the Manipur government, at the tripartite meeting on Sunday, United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei and publicity secretary Shangkhel Stephen were released unconditionally. However, Kamei reiterated that the demand of the people, to revoke the order of the creation of the new districts, was intact.
Therie renews attack on BJP DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): NPCC president K.Therie has responded to the BJP by agreeing that the “Congress is seriously worried” because it is “desperate to save Nagaland from temptation.” Defending an earlier attack on the BJP and its state ally, the NPF, Therie reiterated that the core of the RSS and BJP was antiChristian and claimed taht some “RSS hardcore BJP MPs” have gone on record to threaten that by 2021 “Christians will be wiped out in India.” Therie asked , in whose heart and whose land has the trishul been planted? He answered “ in the heart of BJP members in Nagaland” and asked Christians in Nagaland BJP unit to “restrain from facilitating extermination of Christians.” Therie accused Narendra Modi of dividing India along religious lines and his government of fine tuning school text books in line with the Bhagwad Gita. Further he also alleged that even external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had for the second time, demanded that Bhagwad Gita be read as national book in schools and colleges. Therie maintained that there was no objection to reading of Bhagwad Gita but it should not be made compulsory on others.
The opposition to creation of the seven new districts from Naga areas “is still the agenda of the talks and it would be the agenda of the political dialogue expected within a month time as agreed in the meeting (tripartite talk),” Gaidon said. UNC president welcomed the decision of the new government for releasing them without any condition, saying “we really appreciate the new government and its initiative”.
Gaidon and Stephen were arrested by a team of Manipur police from Pheidinga along NH-2 on November 25 last year on charges of indulging in violent activities during the economic blockade. Six different cases were also registered against UNC leaders at Mao, Tadubi and Nungba police stations. While releasing the UNC leaders, the judicial magistrate court directed the complainants to appear before the court on March 27 so that the cases against them could be closed once and for all. Investigating Officers of the cases in their submission stated that there were no evidences on the involvement of Gaidon Kamei and Shangkhel Stephen in the cases registered against them. The UNC leaders after their release were later escorted by police to Senapati district headquarters where they were given a rousing reception at Senapati town hall.
Manipur CM N. Biren ACAUT accuses T.R. Zeliang of Singh wins trust vote nepotism by giving work to his son Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAR 20: Manipur chief minister, Nongthonbam Biren Singh on Monday won the crucial trust vote, paving way for the smooth functioning of the first ever BJP-led government in Manipur. Biren Singh won floor test with the support of 32 MLAs through voice-vote that includes 20 BJP, four National People’s Party, four Naga Peoples’ Front, one each of Lok Janshakti Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Independent MLA and a Congress legislator who defected to BJP. Before the trust vote, BJP legislator Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected as the Speaker of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Earlier, while moving the confidence motion, chief minister Biren Singh expressed hope that all the members of the house would support his government cutting across party lines, saying “it was the need of the hour to jointly work together for peace in Manipur.”
Acharya and P. Longon at the inaugural of the health centre.
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, on Monday inaugurated the Raj Bhavan Health Centre at Raj Bhavan, Kohima in the presence of health and family welfare (H&FW) minister, P Longon. Speaking at the inaugural programme, the governor expressed gratitude to the H&FW minister and the officers and staff of H&FW department for their
prompt action in setting up the Health Centre at Raj Bhavan. Acharya asserted that most of the Raj Bhavans in the country have a fullfledged Health Centre, which not only catered to the need of Raj Bhavan staff but also to nearby localities. In this regard, the governor expressed his desire that the newly inaugurated Health Centre should also follow the same
example. He also stated that the doctor on duty should be regular and should serve that people with dedication. Commissioner & secretary to governor, Piyush Goyal, appreciated the officers and staff of Raj Bavan and the H&FW department, who worked hard to make the Raj Bavan Health Centre possible. He said that it took less than a week after March 14, 2017 meeting where the decision was taken to set up the Health Centre. He added that it was the kind of speed the state needed to get work done. Goyal explained that the doctor will be visiting the Health Centre twice a week initially and would be equipped with the basic medical facilities and medicines. Commissioner & secretary, H&FW, Abhijit Sinha, and officers and staffs of H&FW department led by principal director, Dr. Watikala were also present.
chief engineer (R&B) was “instructed to ‘process for tender’ the so-called beneficiary list.” It reminded the R&B minister that there could be no tender when there was only one ‘competing firm’ and therefore, directing “the chief engineer to set-up tendering process was therefore was an insult to his own chair.” ACAUT also cautioned the chief engineer (R&B) of the illegality in carrying out the executive order of the former CM and R&B minister as he would be held culpable for abetting corruption if he carried out the “illegal instruction.” ACAUT sought “public clarification” from the chief engineer by declaring that “such an illegal order cannot be carried out and the department has no option but to invite open tender bidding.” Further , ACAUT also advised the chief engineer “not to hang himself in unnecessary legal entangles, including FIR, which will be the case if he carries out the illegal directive of the former CM.” ACAUT also demand-
ed that chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu to issue a public statement “denouncing the illegal order” of his finance advisor, TR Zeliang. “Rather than be a new wine in an old bottle, the octogenarian CM should strive to be a new wine in a new bottle,” it said. Meanwhile, ACAUT has expressed gratitude to the whistle-blower who made the document public. It may be mentioned that in the first list signed on January 23, 2017, two projects -- special repair of road from 3rd Mile junction to full Nagarjan junction (2km) and black topping of road from Mhaikam to Pimla -- were not found mentioned in the list signed on March 8, 2017, whereas a new project - approach road to Saijang rubber farm (3km) -- was added. Meanwhile, the list which was published in the local media raised questions about the manner in which the government of the day was functioning. It is believed that the highest amount involved were allotted to the list of beneficiaries under Peren district.
NPGN/NNC (NA) calls for unity of NPGs Nagas will uphold inherent rights: NSCN (K)
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): NPGN/NNC (NA) has greeted the people on the eve of 61st anniversary of Naga Republic Day and called for unity of all Naga Political Groups (NPGs). According to MIP, NPGN/NNC (NA) president Tsanthungo Ovung in his message said that for unity, all political groups must eradicate the “ego” and “ism” by leaving aside the past mistakes and work together in the spirit of peace and harmony. He therefore urged the entire bonafide Naga citizens and well wishers to support the national workers so that our long cherished goal could be achieved. Ovung further maintained that “Nagas does not demand or request independence from the Indian Government but rather appealed to leave our country just as our ancestors had been living a life of free and sovereign nation from time immemorial.” He also recalled how Nagas were tortured in the hands of the Indian military forces but never gave up their determination nor surrendered the rights to the Indians. Instead, Ovung said Nagas had chosen the policy of non-violence and non cooperation until the Nagas get freedom from the Indian domination. Therefore, appealed to the Indians to leave Naga country by respecting one’s own national rights. He further said that NPGN/NNC (NA) was not challenging the Indian government, rather wanted to live as good neighbour in a friendly manner to bring about permanent settlement on the Indo- Naga political issue.
NSCN/GPRN has maintained that Nagas would continue to fight for the nation and uphold our inherent right from various aggressive forces. Conveying greetings on the occasion of the 38th Republic Day, NSCN/GPRN president S.S. Khaplang said that Nagas are friendly and peace loving people and wanted to have a peaceful co-existence with all her neighbouring countries. However, the occupational forces, took advantage of the friendliness of the Nagas, intruded into our territory and forcefully occupied our land and subjected our people. NSCN/GPRN also slammed government of India of playing “diabolical and divisive policies” to wreck the “Naga National Movement as a result many whimsical and fickle minded leaders and
groups have succumbed to these conspiracies and their chapters disgracefully terminated and consigned to sad memories only”. Despite of all this, Khaplang said NSCN/GPRN had successfully weathered all the political turbulences and managed to salvage the Naga struggle from decimation. Therefore, Khaplang claimed that NSCN/GPRN was “the lone legitimate political authority fighting for the inherent freedom, identity and rights of the Nagas”, and vowed to carry on the fight to the last man standing. Khaplang also appealed to all Nagas younger generation especially the educated to join and strengthen the “National liberation”. He acknowledged the profound love and unceasing support it received towards the Naga national struggle since its inception.
(Cont’d on p-8; more on p-2)
Protest in Tuli against HC order Patton on threat to Mmhonlumo CII, others flay assault
This is it! Youth groups and students during the silent protest in Tuli town on Monday.
K Y M C
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): ACAUT Nagaland through its media cell, has accused former chief minister T.R. Zeliang of nepotism while awarding works under CM’s Road Development Fund (CMRDF), which he signed as chief minister on March 8, 2017 (whereas Dr. Shürhozelie took over on February 22, 2017). ACAUT pointed out that in the list of beneficiaries, T.R. Zeliang allotted road work worth around Rs.3 crore to himself and his son through M/s Hi-Tech Construction . ACAUT said that the former chief minister’s act was condemnable, and asked “What is this CMRDF that crores could be awarded at the sole discretion of the former CM or CMs?” It also described as “utterly shameful” that the 16 ministers/parliamentary secretaries and the former chief minster “banded together like Ali Baba and his band of thieves to loot Rs. 12.50 Crores of public fund.” ACAUT also described as “equally condemnable” the R&B minister’s file noting, in which the
Gov inaugurates Raj Bhavan Health Centre NPGN/NNC (NA), NSCN (K) R-Day greetings
(Full text on p-6)
“Remember, all the MLAs in this hotel are to be booked as tourists. This is official policy.”
He also informed the house about the decision of United Naga Council to withdraw the four month old economic blockade. “This is the first step of confidence building measures being initiated by my government,” he said. The next issue step was to settle burial issue of eight persons who died in the violent agitations at Churachandpur following the passing of three controversial bills. On the other hand, the chief minister is still yet to induct three more legislators into his cabinet. As Congress seemed to wait and watch the next move of BJP, the party was hopeful to accommodate any dissident legislator to its fold, sources said. Earlier, Governor Najma Heptulla administered the oath of protem Speaker to BJP MLA V Hangkhalian at a function held at the Raj Bhavan here. After his swearing in as the protem Speaker, Hangkhalian administered the oath to newly elected MLAs in the Manipur Assembly premises.
D IMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): A group of people carried out a silent procession in Tuli town Monday morning in protest against the Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench order dated March 8, 2017 which had stayed the “resolution dated 02.03.2016” passed by the Merangkong Putu (village council). The silent procession reportedly carried out by
youths including students condemned the move and asserted that they supported the village council’s decision. Several posters were also put up by MTLT across the town. Some also voiced out saying “those going against the village decision were enemies of the village.” It may be mentioned that the High Court order stayed the Merangkong Me-
demsanger Putu Menden resolution on “02.03.2016 to allow only the present MLA, T. Amenba Yaden to contest the 2018 Assembly elections and not to allow any other candidate to contest.” A petition was filed by four individuals contesting the resolution and subsequently a single judge bench of the court, suspended the 02.03.2016 resolution till further order.
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Nagaland Home minister Y. Patton has taken serious note of the threat and intimidation meted out by his supporters to BJP legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon for tabling questions about home department for the forthcoming NLA Assembly Session. In a statement, Patton said any member of the house was free to raise any question(s) in any department and for which such department was bound to provide replies to the house. He said threat for asking questions on home department by any of his supporters was therefore “highly questionable and objectionable”. Patton said if any threats were issued as posed in social media by Mmhonlumo, he requested the MLA to lodge a complaint with police so that proper investigation could be initiated for strict action as per the law and to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Z. Lohe backs MLA
Former Speaker Z.Lohe has hit out against the threat and intimidation issued to BJP legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon for having submitted questions on the number of people appointed during the past four years
in the home/police department. In a statement, Lohe said it was a form of “Naga terrorism” that Mmhonlumo was confronted with but said it was fortunate that the MLA was under protection of the state government. He lamented that thousands of people who face threats every day were without police protection. On the issue of submitting written questions before the assembly session, Lohe said he supported Mmhonlumo not for any other reason but for raising relevant questions on recruitment of manpower in the home department. He said not only home department but also many others where rampant recruitments of both eligible and ineligible people have been made including those from mainland India under the DAN government during the past 14 years. Seeking to draw a parallel on excess appointments, Lohe recalled that the Sugar Mills had to close down on account of excess employees where instead of 350 staff required, there were 1600 appointed. He said if all funds received from Delhi was to go for salaries then there will be nothing left for development. (Full text on p-6)
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Nagaland state chapter and various other organizations have vehemently condemned assault on Dr. Aotoshi on March 18 evening. State CII chairman, Neichute Doulo condemned the atrocious attack on one of its past chairman and senior member of CII, Dr Aotoshi by Vinoka Khetoshe Awomi in full public view. CII alleged that Vinoka “dangerously and roughly drove around from the wrong side and hit Dr Aotoshi’s car.” It said such “criminal behaviour was not only a shame but a threat to the wellbeing of our Nagas’ society.” CII further said it was beyond human comprehension that a theologian had to commit such brutality in a Christian state without rhyme or reasons. CII, while appreciating the police for arresting the culprit, also requested the law enforcing agencies to deliver justice so that citizens of Nagaland would feel secure. “We not only need polite driving but we must keep away criminals like Vinoka Awomi from our roads and society. And it will be done only when such a criminal is put behind the bars,’ CII stated. CII also wished speedy recovery to Dr Aotoshi. (More on p-7) K Y M C