Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00
www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 152
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019 Pages 16 ` 5.00
China broke the deal in trade talks: Trump
Ferrer’s career ends with defeat
SC to hear Ayodhya dispute on May 10
international, Page 9
sports, Page 16
national, Page 11
Ex-Navy chief, officers refute Modi
INS Viraat row after Modi accuses Rajiv of using Navy warship as ‘taxi’
NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (PTI): In a major embarrassment to the government, retired Navy chief, Admiral L. Ramdas, also the former commanding officer of INS Viraat, Thursday rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that the late Rajiv Gandhi and his family had enjoyed a family cruise on the aircraft carrier. A full-blown controversy broke out on Thursday over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s allegation that Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a “personal taxi”. While Congress alleged that Modi is a “serial liar” who has made Indian Air Force jets his “own taxi”, the BJP hit back with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying that the “kaamdars” used India’s naval fleet to strike at terror, “naamdars” used them for personal reasons. While addressing an election rally here on Wednesday, Modi cited an
Non-performing IPS officers under scanner
NEW DELHI, MAY 9 (NPN): Nearly 1,200 IPS officers across the country are on the radar of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for ‘non-performance’. Without disclosing the names, an official said that the ministry has reviewed the service records of 1,181 IPS officers, out of the total sanctioned strength of 4940, in the past three years to check the deadwood from the government, adding the numbers could go up as review of officers was a continuous process. The review of service records is carried out under Rule 16 (3) of All India Services (Death-cumRetirement Benefits) Rules, 1958 during 2016 and 2018 to check non-performers. As per the rule, Central government in consultation with the state government concerned may ask an IAS officer to retire in public interest by giving at least three months previous notice in writing or three months’ pay and allowances in lieu of such notice. “The periodical review helps the government in assessing performers and checking non-performers. Based on this, performers are encouraged and nonperformers are asked either to improve or face expulsion from service in public interest,” the official said. (Spl. Correspondent/PTI)
This is it!
“Now I realise, Achche Din did not include us.” K Y M C
Former Navy chief Admiral (retd) Ramdas shared a picture of Rajiv Gandhi during their meeting in December 1987.
old media report to allege that Gandhi used the INS Viraat to go on a holiday with his friends and in-laws as if it was his “personal taxi”. Contradicting Modi, Wajahat Habibullah, who was the then administrator of Lakshwadeep, said the late prime minister and his wife had come to attend a meeting of the Island Development Authority in Kavaratti which lasted for two days and after the official work got over, they left for Bangaram island to join the family and other guests. “His (Gandhi’s) holidays had nothing to do with the official function. The Prime Minister (Modi)
should check facts before making such statements,” he said. Vice Admiral (Retd) Vinod Pasricha, who was commanding the ship during the then prime minister’s visit, trashed reports that Gandhi’s friends and as well as his wife Sonia’s relatives were onboard the warship when he was enroute to Lakshadweep from Trivandrum. “All protocols were followed during Gandhi’s official visit in 1987. No foreigners or other guests were present onboard the ship. The claim was totally wrong,” Vice Admiral (Retd) Pasricha said. Ramdas, who was the Southern Navy Commander
then and was also onboard the INS Viraat, in a statement, said “no foreigners visited INS Viraat and that the prime minister and his wife were onboard the aircraft carrier” following all official protocol. “I would like to state unequivocally, that this was not the case,” he said referring to the media report which was cited by Modi. Ramdas said he issued the statement after getting written responses on the issue from Vice Admiral Pasricha, Admiral (retd) Arun Prakash, who was commanding INS Vindhyagiri and Vice Admiral (retd) Madanjit Singh, who was
the commanding officer of INS Ganga. H oweve r, a n o t h e r former Navy Commander (retd) V K Jaitly, in a tweet, said “Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi used INS Viraat for travel to celebrate their holidays at Bangaram island. Indian Navy resources were used extensively. I am a witness. I was posted on INS Viraat at that time.” Talking to reporters in Bhopal, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the former Congress Prime Minister as a martyr, but added it does not mean “we won’t talk about misrule, corruption and policies” of his government.
Cong says Prime Minister Modi a ‘serial liar’ Congress accused Modi of making Indian Air Force jets as his “own taxi” and paying “as low as” Rs. 744 for using IAF aircraft for election trips. Citing a media report, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “You (PM Modi) have made Indian Air Force jets your own Taxi! You have paid as low as Rs. 744 for using IAF jets for election trips. Scared of your own sins haunting you, you are shamelessly pointing fingers on others”. Congress said Modi is a “serial liar” who does not have the courage to fight elections on issues such as unemployment and demonetisation. Reacting to Modi’s allegation, Priyanka Gandhi said on Thursday said that she has never seen “a more coward and weak” Prime Minister than him.
Lack of unity hurdle to solution: Rio D IMA P UR , MAY 9 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has regretted that Nagas are unable to find a way forward in unified manner on the issues of permanent peace and solution to the Indo-Naga political issue. Speaking at the inaugural session of 28th General Conference of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Bhandari town in Wokha on Thursday, Rio observed that tribal hohos, women bodies and tribal organizations do not have a unified platform to carry forward the Naga voice in a manner that transcends tribes, districts, States and countries. He asserted that resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue was on top of the PDA government’s agenda. He remarked, “Our people have suffered for too long and the political conflict has created challenges and hurdles for generations in realizing their ambitions.” He claimed that the government has taken significant steps in playing the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing peace process so that unity, reconciliation and a final “honourable,
Neiphiu Rio unveiling the 28th NSF general conference monolith at Bhandari, Thursday. (DIPR)
inclusive and acceptable” settlement are reached at the earliest. Mentioning that Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) had unanimously passed resolution recognizing sacrifices and sufferings of Nagas nationalists and their families, the chief minister emphasized that unity amongst all sections, over-ground and amongst national or ganizations is the need of the hour. He said Nagas are at a crucial juncture in history and “unless we live in peace and arrive at the political solution, our future may not be bright”. “We should not only support the peace process, but we have to make sac-
rifices by rising above individualism, clanism and tribalism and instead uphold Nagaism,” he stressed. Lauding the arrangements made for the conference, Rio called upon the student community to remember and honour all the pioneers who made untold sacrifices to enable the present generation to carry on the mantle with vision and commitment to continue to inspire into the future. He said pioneers of NSF had to struggle hard and faced obstacles during the most difficult times of Naga movement and established the federation for the future generations by braving the odds. (Cont’d on p-7)
NPF suspends 19 office Gov regrets State’s lack of economic progress NSCN (I-M) Ao natl workers slam Imna Along’s statement bearers of Mon division Correspondent
DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN): The crisis within Naga People’s Front (NPF) appears to be only deepening with the party suspending 19 of its senior party functionaries from both active and primary membership with immediate effect. In a suspension order, NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu stated that it has been confirmed through confidential source/report that they had supported Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate in the last Parliamentary election for the State’s lone Parliamentary constituency, which is totally against the collective decision of the party. Accusing the leaders of threatening to lock Mon division NPF office during a joint meeting with central office bearers in charge of Mon along with the legislature wing in-charge of Mon division on May 2, Dr. Liezietsu said
it was unbecoming on their part as responsible party office bearers and a total breach of party discipline. He said it has been further ascertained through their utterances that they had an intention to destabilise the party. It has also been confirmed that they had an intention to carry out anti-party activities rather than strengthening the party, he added. The suspended party leaders include vice-presidents: CH Yanboh, Longshah, Menlei and Langphong, secretaries: Yati and Yeangshong, Youth Wing -- president Khongwang, vice president Temlei, press secretary Wangting, Women Wing-- president Minching, vice-presidents: Tangam and Yahoi, secretary Ngipsho, adviser Phengmet, Farmers’ Wing-- president Mennyai, vice-president Nahlem, general secretary Enyei and secretaries: Manji and Chingkap.
KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN): Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has regretted that despite having completed 50 years of Statehood, Nagaland was still lagging behind rest of the country in terms of economic progress. He attributed this to other parts of India not being aware of the contribution of Nagaland, along with other North-eastern States, to the country’s freedom struggle and overall economic development. Speaking during presentation of certificates to participants of an IT computer workshop, release of a book “4th year in Office” and felicitation programme for Konyak Nyuphu Sheko Khong (KNSK) for creating Guinness World Record at Raj Bhavan here on Wednesday evening, Acharya asserted to ensure a strong and developed nation, fruits of independence should reach all places and the empowered people must empower the un-empowered. According to him, all these years the tribal people were suffering and their present plight
7 Naga WW-II veterans honoured Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN): Seven Naga World War II veterans including a 99year old, Zasire Virie, were honoured at the mega rally for ex-servicemen of both army and Assam Rifles from Nagaland held at garrison ground, here on Thursday. The rally jointly founded by director general Assam Rifles Shillong and Spear corps Dimapur. Maj Gen PC Nair, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), graced the event as chief guest. During the rally, 37 disabled ex-servicemen were also felicitated with wheel chairs, hearing aids, walking sticks and stitching machine. In his address, Maj Gen. Nair said that the rally was organized with an objective to highlight various schemes including newly introduced by the govern-
Zasire Virie (99 years) receiving a gift from IGAR( N) Maj. Gen. PC Nair during ESM rally held at Kohima. (NP)
ment of India for the exservicemen. He, therefore, advised the ex-servicemen to avail the facilities and make any query from the nearest Assam Rifles camp anywhere in the state. All the attendees were presented with blankets, shawls, caps, veteran badges
and information pamphlets. The events included information kiosks manned by representatives of pension authorities, pay and accounts offices, recruiting officers, various banks, horticulture, fishery, pan card, mobile Sim cards, medical unit, canteen store, field post office etc.
was not their creation, “but because of the greed, deficiency and default of the empowered people from other States”. Acharya lamented that though government schools are spread out across the State, including ENPO areas, with minimum infrastructure, he has not seen anyone from these schools achieving 100% result during his last four years of stay in Nagaland. He said the IT computer workshop held during the last 15 days was to add value to the educational system. Complimenting workshop’s resource person from USM Shriram Mantir Vidyanidhi Info Tech Academy, sponsor Saraswat Co-operative Bank and Indian National Fellowship Centre for conducting the programme successfully, he appealed to Saraswat Co-operative Bank to sponsor more such events to strengthen and participate in the State’s overall development. To have continuity, the governor stressed that the IT computer workshop that was conducted on public-private partnership (PPP) mode must be made into
PPC resolves not to pay taxes DIMAPUR, MAY 9 (NPN): Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) has, as resolved on May 2, 2018 and April 19, 2019, reaffirmed not to pay any taxes to any individual/ organization for any kind of developmental activities carried out under Longleng district. In a press release, PPC president P Chingan Phom, and general secretary P Changlong Phom cautioned individual/organization to refrain from such activities. “Non cooperation from any individual/organization with the people’s decision will be doing so at their own risk and shall be held totally liable for any untoward incident,” PPC warned. PPC stated that the reaffirmation was made at the meeting attended by Phom Students’ Conference, Senior Citizen Forum, GB Association and DB Association.
a project and towards this end, he suggested that the school education department consider purchasing mobile van to tour the State to spread IT knowledge. He exuded confidence that the programme will give birth to a project that will give real IT knowledge to students. Taking pride for creating Guinness World Record, Acharya congratulated KNSK for its effort, stating it was a matter of pride for Nagas and thanked the organization office-bearers for responding to his invitation. KNSK members presented cultural dance and also submitted a memorandum to the governor. Saraswat Co-operative Bank director Hemant Rathi also spoke on the occasion. Principals of three schools where IT workshops were held, teachers and students shared their experiences and thanked the governor for the initiative and also the resource persons. A book on “4th year in Office” was released on the occasion by commissioner & secretary to governor and higher & technical education Dinesh Kumar.
Dimapur, May 9 (NPN): Reacting to the statement made by minister of higher education Imna Along that “Nagas are Indian and Nagas are proud to be part of this great country”, Bendang Aier, kilonser of NSCN (I-M) on behalf of Ao national workers, has asked the minister to clarify his stand “ to the satisfaction of the Nagas who value their national identity as Nagas” and demanded that Imna Along “ must clarify under what context he made the statement.” Slamming Imna Along for making “such outrageous and dishonourable statement”, the Kilonser said it was a bounden duty to “deplore such a despicable statement” which he said was also a “disservice to the Naga people and a ‘sell-out’ of Naga history and political identity.” The kilonser pointed out that even the government of India which signed the historic August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement, has recognised “ the sovereign right of the Naga people” and therefore Along’s statement was a “mockery of the Naga’s political struggle” which has travelled this far under the leadership of NSCN, in holding the ground firm “ to defend God given identity as a sovereign nation.” (Full text on p-6)
Civil Hospital Tsg in pathetic condition: CSUTT D IMA P UR , MAY 9 (NPN): Chang Students Union Tuensang Town (CSUTT) has reminded the state government and the health and family welfare (H&FW) department to take all necessary measures to address the pathetic condition of Tuensang district civil hospital within the stipulated period. In a press release, CSUTT president Thungti Kumba Chang and general secretary Hanso Chang stated that the union had organized a peaceful rally on August 24, 2017 concerning civil hospital Tuensang with a hope that the H&FW department and the state government would take initiative in making the life of Tuensang people easier. Besides, the signatories said that the union in collaboration with Eastern Nagaland Women Organization and Changsao Thangjam Set-
jang (Chang Women Tribal Organization) had from time to time reminded the government about the issue and also submitted representations to H&FW director. They said the union was given assurance that their chartered of demands would be fulfilled. They, however, expressed disappointment that the condition of Tuensang civil hospital was still the same. CSUTT said it “totally agree with the fact” that gazetted officers and doctors would not like to be posted in Tuensang district “one of the backward districts with horrible road condition.” The union, however, questioned “have we really lost humanity in search of our comfy life?” Stating that there are many loopholes and they were “really tired and exhausted of complaining”,
the union said they were not asking for any additional funds, schemes or even manpower. It claimed that 14 doctors were to be posted, but currently there were only 5-7 doctors. CSUTT said they were putting “every little effort but all our cries are left unheard and unnoticed.” The union said it would at no cost entertain the fake promises and assurances, adding that it was not its duty to deploy doctors or how to sort out the issue. The union affirmed that the state government and department should be solely held responsible if the life of a person was threatened due to lack of medical assistance. CSUTT said they were “very much disheartened to see the step motherly treatment” from the department and the state government. (Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C