Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00
www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 163
DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 21, 2018 Pages 16 ` 5.00
C’garh: Naxals blow up police vehicle; 7 policemen killed
Chelsea beat Man Utd to win FA Cup
Pope Francis to create 14 new cardinals
national, Page 11
sports, Page 16
international, Page 13
BJP under Modi can transform NE region: Shah
GUWAHATI, MAY 20 (AGENCIES): BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday said that the people of the North Eastern states have realized that it is the BJP government under the prime minister who can bring about development and transform the region. He also said improved relations with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would transform the economy of the region, leading to higher growth. “The Prime Minister’s initiative to sign the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh will lead to development in the region and within five to ten years the ports in the neighbouring country will carry goods produced in the northeast,” he said. The agreement will also open the Bangladesh market for products manufactured in the North East, the party president said. Shah was addressing the third conclave of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) here, attended by six chief ministers of the region. He charged that Assam and some states of the region, which had one
Govt plans major changes in allocation of civil services NEW DELHI, MAY 20 (PTI): Central government is considering a major change in the allocation of services to successful candidates of civil services examination. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has asked the department concerned to examine if the services can be allocated after the completion of foundation course, according to an official communiqué. At present, service allocation to the candidates are made well before the commencement of the foundation course. The PMO has desired to examine if service allocation/cadre allocation to probationers selected on the basis of the examination can be made after foundation course, as per the communication sent by the Personnel Ministry to different cadrecontrolling authorities. The departments concerned have been asked to examine the feasibility of giving due weightage to the performance in the foundation course, and making service allocation as well as cadre allocation to all India services officers based on the combined score obtained in the civil services examination and the foundation course, the communiqué said.
This is it!
“I didn’t mean anything bad. I just said people might think we got a lot of election money for shopping.” K Y M C
Rio calls for peaceful coexistence of NE States
Amit Shah with chief ministers-- Sarbananda Sonowal, Neiphiu Rio and N Biren Singh at the 3rd conclave of North East Democratic Alliance in Guwahati on Sunday. (PTI)
of the highest growth rates in country during independence, had gone down drastically during the Congress rule, Shah said. “It is Modi-ji who gave prime importance to the region, analysed and understood the problems and evolved ways to bring about development. “If the states follow the measures initiated by the prime minister, there can be positive results and the North East can achieve a very high growth rate,” he said. During the last four years, the prime minister has taken measures to bring peace in the region, solve
border disputes between nations and states and ensure corruption-free governments in the region. “Modi has improved relations with Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar leading to peace in the region, secured the 5,000-kilometre long international border and initiated the Act East Policy, leading to greater economic ties with South East Asian countries,” the BJP president said. The NEDA, which comprises BJP and its allies in the region, has a big role to play in the implementation of the Act East Policy and transform the economy
of the region, the BJP leader said. He also highlighted the special initiative taken up by the BJP government to increase air, rail, road and IT connectivity in the North East. It is obvious that when political parties come together, there will be political alliances but we have come together to unite people, their language, heritage and culture inspite of their diversity,” he added. There are 217 tribes and 185 languages spoken in the region and “they are not our burden but our strength. The NEDA will strive to unite them and help develop the region.”
DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday said that though each of the North Eastern States may have different backgrounds, histories and cultures, nevertheless, the region is one entity and that unless the States coexist with one another, the region will face problems. Addressing the third conclave of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Rio remarked, “We need one another and I feel strongly that we have to co-exist.” Stating that the Naga peace process was on for the past 21 years, Rio expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved soon and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP-led NDA government’s sincerity towards the Naga peace process. “In this, I seek the support of our sister Northeastern States and I assure you that Nagas do not mean to go against any
State or any people and I sincerely hope the settlement will bring more unity and oneness among us. The apprehensions that some of you harbour can be dispelled so that we all co-exist in harmony,” he said. Raising the contentious issue of inter-State border dispute, Rio recognised the fact that there was a prolonged border issue with Assam for which there was a case pending in the Supreme Court. Rio said he was happy to note that North East Democratic Alliance convenor, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma had told him that they should start talking to find an amicable solution to the border issue. “I fully support this and feel that all neighbouring States should come together to solve their boundary disputes because these small issues can keep us divided for a long time to come,” he opined. (Cont’d on p-7)
Top agenda is to solve Naga problem: Zeliang D I M A P U R , M AY 2 0 (NPN): Highlighting various initiatives taken by the previous NPF-led regime in facilitating the Naga peace process, leader of opposition and former chief minister TR Zeliang on Sunday urged the electorate to vote for a candidate whose party’s priority was settling the protracted Naga political issue. “For the Naga Peoples’ Front, our top agenda is to resolve Naga political problem,” he asserted. Addressing a huge gathering at Tuensang Town Hall while campaigning for NPF candidate C Apok Jamir for the ensuing Lok Sabha by-poll, Zeliang lambasted chief minister Neiphiu Rio for allegedly misleading the people on the Naga political issue, stating “any leader can speak for Naga solution to get votes, but the Naga people will judge from action.” Asserting that NDPPBJP alliance was vastly different from NPF-BJP alliance, the former chief minister reminded the gathering that “NPF-led DAN government managed to convince BJP MLAs in passing a resolution in the State
Assembly on December 15, 2017 for election only after solution to the Naga political problem was arrived at.” On this note, he questioned the NDPP as to why it did not try to convince its alliance partner BJP to withdraw the “drastic action” taken against its two leaders– Kheto Sema and Tsasepi Sangtam– who were signatories to the joint statement issued by several organisations on January 29 this year. Maintaining that NDPP’s silence over the action taken on the two BJP leaders was a clear indication that Rio and his party was “supporting election and not solution,” the leader of NPF legislative party called upon the Nagas to identify those leaders who are playing with the Nagas with tricky speeches and public dialogue while they have different plans inside to sabotage the peace process. “Naga people should cross check who is talking for the sake of talking and who is talking based on action on the ground,” Zeliang stated. (Cont’d on p-7)
Mnp NPF differs with Dr. Shürho over BJP CEO directives Petrol, diesel touch all time high
GUWAHATI/DIMA PUR, MAY 20 (AGENCIES/NPN): Manipur NPF unit on Sunday chose to be part of the BJP-led government despite NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu’s assertion that the four NPF legislators in Manipur now had no reason have truck with the BJP since NPF as a party had completely severed its ties with the saffron party. According to a Hindustan Times report, the Manipur unit of the NPF said that it has not received any official communication from party president, Dr. Shürhozelie. In another clear sign of division in the party’s ranks, NPF’s Manipur leaders also took part in Sunday’s North East Democratic Alliance or NEDA (the BJP-led umbrella of regional parties) conclave in Guwahati even as senior NPF leaders from
Nagaland decided to stay away. “We have read it in the papers. But there is no official communication,” said Awangbow Newmai, who heads the NPF in Manipur and is one of the four NPF MLAs who have lent support to the N Biren Singh-led coalition government. “We have no problems with the Manipur government we will continue to be a part of it,” Newmai insisted. On Friday, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu had told Nagaland Post that the four NPF legislators in Manipur had no reason to be part of the BJP-led government in Manipur since the party has completely severed ties with the BJP. Interestingly, NPF press secretary Sebastian Zumvu had told Hindustan Times that TR Zeliang is expected to stake claim to
form the government in Nagaland on Monday. “We are busy with by-polls. But we will approach the Governor on Monday and ask him to invite us to form the government since we are the single largest party,” Sebastian also confirmed that NPF president has asked the Manipur MLAs to withdraw support. When asked if the NPF-- which had been an ally of the BJP for the last 15 years, has officially withdrawn from the NEDA, Sebastian said there is nothing official about it but “effectively the party is out of NEDA.” He explained how the party is keeping a distance from the BJP and how NPF’s lone member of Rajya Sabha KG Kenye recently requested the chairman of the House to allot him a seat in the opposition benches.
to electors
DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): State Chief Electoral Officer, Abhijit Sinha has informed all electors to produce their EPICs on the voting day for the by-election to the Nagaland parliamentary constituency 2018 on May 28. Electors, who can not produce EPIC, have been asked to produce either one of the following photo identity documents for establishing their identity: passport; driving license; service identity cards with photograph issue to employees by Central/ State Govt. PSUs/ Public Limited Companies; passbooks with photograph issued by bank/ post office; PAN card; smart card issued by RGI under NPR; MNREGA job card; health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour; pension document with photograph; Authenticated Photo Voter Slip issued by the election machinery; official identity cards issued to MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs and Aadhaar Card.
NEW DELHI, MAY 20 (PTI): Petrol price Sunday touched a record high of Rs 76.24 per litre and diesel climbed to its highest ever level of Rs 67.57 in New Delhi as the oil PSUs passed on four weeks of relentless rise in international oil prices to consumers. Petrol price today increased by 33 paisa a litre in Delhi -- the highest since the daily price revision came into force in mid-June 2017, and diesel by 26 paisa, according to price notification issued by state-owned oil firms. Rates vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT. Prices in Delhi are the cheapest in all metros and most state capitals. On Friday, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg refused to say if the government will
Fuel prices in state capitals AS on May 20 Agartala
`72 (Petrol)
`65.68 (Diesel)
Aizawl
` 72
` 64.88.13
Gangtok
` 79
` 69.30.25
Guwahati
` 78
` 70.53.37
Imphal
` 74
` 65.65.33
Itanagar
` 72
` 64.86.14
Kohima
` 74
` 65.93.70
Shillong
` 75
` 67.38.62
cut excise duty on auto fuel to ease the burden on consumers. The BJP-led government had raised excise duty nine times -- totalling Rs 11.77 per litre on petrol and Rs 13.47 on diesel -between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. No sooner had Karnataka polled to elect a new state government,
HIV&AIDS claims 1,521 lives in Nagaland Model code does not bring Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 20 (NPN): Nagaland registered altogether 23,163 HIV positive cases, of which 1,521 died, from 1999 to March this year. This was stated by ARK Foundation president Ketho Angami while speaking at a function organised jointly by NNP+, KNP+, Family Planning Association of India (Nagaland branch), Kripa Foundation, NUN, Kohima Users Network and ARK Foundation at RHFPC Satellite Centre here on Sunday on the occasion of 35th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service. Speaking on the theme “Reflecting on our past, preparing for our future”, Ketho expressed serious concern over the ever-increasing number of new HIV infection, even as he stressed on the need to revamp the approach strategy.
According to him, 16,983 persons had registered for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) till March 2018, of which 11,444 have been put on ART. He also said there were 7,290 persons on ART who needed regular medication and monitoring test. TB is the most common infection found among HIV positives and therefore the real killer is TB rather than HIV itself, he remarked. “So to win the battle against HIV & AIDS, we cannot continue to have a lukewarm approach towards TB. The working relation and partnership have to start between NSACS and RNTCP and the NGOs working on AIDS,” he asserted. Ketho was of the view that a similar approach has to be formulated with the health department for viral hepatitis for treatment of HIV and hepatitis co infections. In Nagaland,
one of the major players to get this job done is not only Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) but Legislators’ Forum on AIDS (LFA) Nagaland as well, he added. Calling for reactivating LFA, he stressed that when there is a massive need for combating HIV&AIDS, political will cannot remain confined to contributing Rs 1 lakh and remaining silent on the whole issue throughout the year. “Our legislators have to make budgetary provisions for innovative strategies, besides the NACO approach, which is not yielding a satisfactory result. It is time for the chief minister to convene a meeting of the AIDS Council,” he said. Urging NSACS and LFA to pull up their socks, Ketho also asked the policy makers to re commit themselves to prevent further
AIDS-related deaths in the State. In his speech, NNP+ president Lanu said International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service serves as a community mobilisation campaign for raising social consciousness about HIV&AIDS. He said with 37 million people living with HIV today, International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service also serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination and giving new hope to new generation. He called upon everyone to recommit for reducing the spread of HIV. Lanu also urged the gathering to join hands and continue working together for demolishing HIV-related stigmas and discriminations and ensuring access to care, support and treatment.
governance to halt: ECI
NEW DELHI, MAY 20 (PTI): The Election Commission has brushed aside arguments that the model code of conduct brings governance to a halt during polls, saying it only bars governments from announcing fresh projects and schemes during the period. The poll watchdog also told the Law Commission that as and when government departments approach it with ‘references’ to clear proposals and schemes during poll time, it takes a fast decision understanding the urgency involved. The issue of model code of conduct came up for elaborate discussion at a meeting between the top brass of EC and law panel here on May 16 when they met to discuss the possibility of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and (Cont’d on p-7) state assemblies.
When members of the law panel asked the EC about the “argument” that the model code brings governance to a halt, the poll panel rejected the suggestion outrightly, sources aware of the deliberations said. The EC was of the view that the code does not bring governance to a halt. It said the code only bars announcement and launch of new schemes and projects so that voters are not influenced by the party in power. It also told the law panel that “it works with alacrity” when government departments seek its permission to go ahead with certain decisions during model code period. It said several ‘references’ are received by it and it tries to dispose most on them in a time-bound manner.
state-owned IOC, HPCL and BPCL on Monday ended a hiatus in revising petrol and diesel prices that began on April 25 and reverted to the 11-month old practices of changing rates on a daily basis. Oil PSUs are estimated to have lost about Rs 500 crore on absorbing higher cost resulting from the spike in international oil rates and fall in rupee against the US dollar during the nearly three week hiatus.
Gen Abhay Krishna visits border areas D I M A P U R , M AY 2 0 (NPN): Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna, GOC-in-chief, Eastern Command on Sunday reviewed the security scenario along the IndoMyanmar International border-- Lungwa, Mon and Tuensang sector. According to PRO (Defence), the commander was briefed on the ongoing operations by the Assam Rifles. Accompanied by GOC 3 Corps, Lt. Gen. Gopal R, the commander also interacted with the locals of the areas. He lauded AR troops for their hard work and operational acumen. The general later departed for Kolkata on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, PRO informed that the scheduled visit of Defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman to 3 Corps Hqs, did not materialise due to “unforeseen technical contingencies.” K Y M C