Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00
www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 163
DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019 Pages 16 ` 5.00
BJP delegation meets ECI; demands re-poll in Bengal
Napoli leave Inter’s CL hopes in the balance
If Tehran attacks, it will be end of Iran: Trump
national, Page 7
sports, Page 16
international, Page 9
Oppn, VP reject exit polls
PATNA/NEW DELHI/ AMARAVATI, MAY 20 (AGENCIES): While the opposition parties have dismissed the exit poll predictions for the Lok Sabha elections, the Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has mocked at the exit polls, saying they were not exact polls. Opposition has called the exit polls “speculation” and “fraud” and contrary to ground reality but the ruling party asserted that final result will be in consonance with the predictions. Exit polls Sunday forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that NDA will get more than 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there is no need to rely on “speculations based on speculation”. He exuded confidence that CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) will record an impressive win in Kerala. Rejecting the exit polls as a “fraud”, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said they are simply compulsions of the market purveyed through a different name. “It is an old trick of psycho-
Amul hikes milk prices by Rs 2 per litre NEW DELHI, May 20 (PTI): Dairy major Amul Monday said it will increase milk prices by Rs. 2 per litre across India from Tuesday due to an increase in production cost. Milk prices were last revised two years back in March 2017, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which sells milk and milk products under the Amul brand, said in a statement. The new price will come into effect from May 21 onwards and on all six brands being sold in major markets, the GCMMF said in a statement. “This increase in milk prices by Rs. 2 per litre has happened after a gap of two years with an aim to provide remunerative milk purchase price to our milk producers owing to drop in milk production and increase in cost of production,” GCMMF said. Stating that national and international dairy markets have witnessed adverse conditions in the last two years, GCMMF said there has been a steep decline in prices of commodities such as skimmed milk produce (SMP) and butter oil. This has resulted in a decline in producer prices of milk across India, leading to adverse impact on milk producers.
This is it!
“I guess we’ll see another five years of campaign speeches.” K Y M C
logical manipulation of the deprived classes by Sanghsupported institutions and resources,” he said in a statement. Yadav also said the exit poll results do not reflect the ground reality. Yadav’s views were endorsed by veteran socialist leader Sharad Yadav, who is contesting from Madhepura on ticket of RJD with which he is expected to merge his own party LJD. TMC, which has dubbed exit polls as “gossip”, said its internal reports from districts in West Bengal and every constituency clearly say the party will win this time too. Unfazed by exit polls projections, the Mamata-led TMC exuded confidence that it would play a major role in the formation of a new government for which it is in touch with various opposition parties. Hitting out at the pollsters, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy claimed that the “artificially engineered” or “manufactured” Modi wave is being used by the BJP to lure regional parties well in advance to fill any shortfall after the results on May 23. Deputy Chief Minister
G Parameshwara too raised doubts over EVMs, claiming that BJP had sponsored exit polls as the ground reality was different. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor went on to give the example of the recent Australian exit polls to emphasise that they do not always end up being correct. “I believe the exit polls are all wrong. In Australia last weekend, 56 different exit polls proved wrong...,” he tweeted. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami made light of the exit polls suggesting a poor showing by the AIADMK, saying they were more of “imposing of opinion” and that the predictions will be proved wrong. The ruling AIADMK, an ally of the BJP, will win all the 38 seats in the state and one in Puducherry, he claimed.
VP says Exit polls do not mean exact polls Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has pointed out that “Exit polls do not mean exact polls. We have to understand that. Since 1999, most of the exit polls have gone wrong.” Naidu addressed an informal meeting of well-wishers, who
felicitated him in Guntur. Referring to the ongoing general elections, he said every party exuded confidence (over victory). “Everyone exhibits his own confidence till the 23rd (day of counting). There will be no base for it. So we have to wait for 23rd,” he remarked. “Country and the state need an able leader and stable government, whoever it be. That’s what is required. That’s all,” Naidu observed. Naidu also said change in society should start with political parties. “If democracy has to strengthen and something good has to happen to people elections, selections, candidates, parties all should discharge their duties responsibly and properly,” he noted. He lamented that civility has become a casualty in the present political discourse. Naidu also found fault with political parties announcing freebies to win over the electorate. Meanwhile, union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the exit polls are not the “final decision” but indicate that the BJP will once again come to power. (Full story on p-5)
Play a positive role in shaping the future of students: Gov tells varsities
P.B. Acharya with vice chancellors of universities, college principals and others at Raj Bhavan. (PRO)
D I M A P U R , M AY 2 0 (NPN): Observing that the State’s youth have a craze and hunger for education, Nagaland Governor PB Acharya urged universities to play a positive and dominant role in shaping the future of the students and act as centres of development. Acharya was addressing a meeting with vice chancellors of all universities in Nagaland, principals of various colleges, officers from school education and
higher education department and vice chancellor Nitte University, Mangaluru at the conference hall of Raj Bhavan here on Monday. Stating that the ultimate aim of education was to strengthen the society, Acharya called on the educational institutions to analyse on improving the education system in the State to further improve and empower students so as to enable them to compete with others. When they come out of colleges
and universities, they should be an asset to the society, able to stand on their feet and make the economy of the State strong, he added. T h e g ove r n o r a n nounced that Nitte Medical University, Alva’s Education Foundation and Moodlakatte Institute of Technology, in collaboration with Indian National Fellowship Centre, has offered a total number of 129 concessional seats in their institutions. (Cont’d on p-7)
MP crisis: BJP wants spl session; Cong ready for floor test BHOPAL, MAY 20 (AGENCIES): Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath Monday said his government was ready for a floor test, hours after BJP demanded the Congress government in the state to prove its majority in the Assembly. “We have proved majority at least four times in last five months. They want to do it again, we have no problem. They’ll try their best to disturb present government to save themselves from getting exposed. Our government is ready for floor test,” Nath said. Buoyed by the results of exit polls, which have predicted a landslide win for the BJP in the state, the BJP has written to Madhya Pradesh governor demanding a special assembly session on the grounds that the Congress government no longer has the numbers to pull through. Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargav said the Congress, instead of debating issues in the House, was dumping papers at former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s residence, claiming that loans of 21 lakh farmers have been waived.
Patton meets Rijiju, seeks MHA probe into ‘contract’ killing issue NEW DELHI, MAY 20 (NPN): Accompanied by BJP legislators and advisors Dr Longrineken Ao and Khehovi Yepthomi, deputy chief minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) leader Y Patton met Union minister of state (MoS) for Home Kiren Rijiju at his official residence in New Delhi and discussed about the shocking revelation made by gangster Vijay Farmana who, along with his associates, were alleged to have taken a “contract” to kill a politician from Nagaland. The legislators appealed for intervention by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the matter to have a free, fair, thorough and expeditious investigation so that the names of the persons who paid the “contract money along with a Ford Endeavour car” and the politician targeted to kill could be unveiled. In view of the gravity and seriousness of the case, Patton, who is also in-charge of State home department, informed Rijiju that the State police were kept on high alert and a team of Nagaland Police headed by an officer in the rank of inspector general of police
NPF revokes suspension of 19 Mon div office bearers DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): In a rapprochement that is expected to provide some relief to Naga People’s Front (NPF) that is in the midst of a political crisis, the regional party on Monday revoked the suspension order served on 19 of its Mon division office bearers. NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu had suspended the officebearers on May 7 for locking the party’s Mon division office on May 5. Stating that it has been the endeavour of the NPF central office to settle the matter amicably without resorting to further course of action, Liezietsu explained it was ascertained through the goodwill mission led by NPF Legislature Wing and central office bearer (COB) incharge of Mon division that the 19 office bearers have regretted their hasty action in locking the party office. He said it was confirmed that the 19 office bearers will open the office on their own and continue their fullest cooperation to the Mon division in response to the good gesture shown by central office. Therefore, on the basis of the recommendation of Legislature wing and COB in-charge of Mon division, Dr. Liezietsu ordered revocation of the suspension order with effect from Monday.
Y. Patton with state BJP legislators call on Kiren Rijiju.
(IGP) was detailed to coordinate with the Delhi Police for joint interrogation and investigation thereof. Rijiju assured the legislators that the matter will be taken up with the Delhi Police commissioner with all seriousness, adding that the MHA shall leave no stone unturned to unearth the criminal nexus and award befitting punishment to anyone found involved in the case, irrespective of the position, as per the law of the land. He also expressed his optimism that the case will be solved at the earliest possible time. Meanwhile, the legislators also thanked and congratulated the central BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and BJP president Amit Shah, for their tireless efforts in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha election. NSF condemns: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed surprise over the report about hiring a hitman to kill a politician from Nagaland. In a press release, NSF president Kesosul Christopher Ltu and general secretary Imtiyapang Imsong said the federation “strongly” condemned such act of attempt of assassination. NSF demanded that the government thoroughly review security situation and a special enquiry committee be set up to bring the case to a logical conclusion. It also demanded arrest of all those individuals or groups responsible.
Military offensive continues in Eastern Konyak area, says EKU DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): Eastern Konyak Union (EKU) Myanmar Monday claimed that Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) continued to bomb forest area near Chen Hoyat village. In a press release, EKU Myanmar president SA Khotai and general secretary K Honwang stated that Hoyat, Throilu and Nyanching villagers were still living in fear due to military buildup. EKU stated that there were no NSCN cadres in the area, but Tatmadaw was attempting to create fear in the minds of villagers. The union said for almost a week innocent villagers were in dilemma as they cannot move from the village due to continuous firing by Tatmadaw. It said people were disappointed with Myanmar government, which had failed on its promise for development and ending military rule. According EKU, NSCN (K) has affirmed that the group was still upholding the ceasefire agreement with Myanmar government signed in 2012. The union said NSCN (K) has claimed it has not fired a single bullet at Myanmar army personnel even though they were several military operations were being launched
against the group. NSCN (K) has also reportedly affirmed that until the Myanmar government withdrew ceasefire, they would uphold and respect the ceasefire rules. According to the union, NSCN (K) also claimed that Myanmar military operation continued in the Naga areas. EUK stated that NSCN (K) vowed to stand for historical and political right of the Nagas. Since May 16, 2019, EKU said the Tatmadaw has been continuously firing, but NSCN (K) did not retaliate in order to maintain peace in the public area. Meanwhile, EKU has expressed gratitude to NSCN (I-M), NNC (Parent Body), FNR and NMA for coming out in support of Eastern Konyaks. It further requested Naga political leaders to show concern as Eastern Konyaks have been protecting the cause of Naga nation. It urged every Naga national leader to realize and think of the suffering innocent people were enduring for Naga historical right. EKU has also reiterated its appeal to Myanmar and Indian armies to stop firing and bombing public places on humanitarian ground.
Cong must die, Yogendra blasts party after exit polls NH, NSF flay Myanmar’s military action NEW DELHI, MAY 20 (AGENCIES): The exit polls that predicted a comfortable win for the NDA have given ammunition to Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav to shoot at the Congress, a party that he said “must die”. “The Congress must die. If it could not stop the BJP in this election to save the idea of India, this party has no positive role in Indian history. Today it represents the single biggest obstacle to creation of an alternative,” Yadav tweeted, expanding on remarks he made on the exit polls in a show by India Today on Sunday. The poll of polls, an aggregate of exit polls, gives the BJP-led NDA 302 of 543 seats and the Congress and its allies 122. The founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party,
Yogendra Yadav (File)
who was expelled from the party in 2015, is agnostic to the idea of a grand alliance at the centre, which includes the Congress, as he has several times in the past criticised the top leaders who he said “were equally anti-democracy and corrupt” as those they were fighting against. Yadav, however, maintains that the country needs a strong non-Congress opposition and the party led
by Rahul Gandhi is the “biggest, single obstacle in the path for creating an alternative”. He also clarified in another tweet his remarks on the Congress’s role in India’s history. “My expression ‘no positive role in Indian history’ may have caused some confusion. I cannot possibly deny the great role of Congress before and immediately after independence. What I meant was ‘no positive role left to perform in history anymore’. Stand by that,” said the former AAP leader who went on to form Swaraj India after he was expelled from the party that he helped found in 2015. Congress spokesperson Khushbu Sundar, replying to Yadav’s strong comments, tweeted: “I am Congress. I am India. I am not going to die even if some such as you
wish for. Very disappointed with you Yogendra Yadav ji. Why the onus is always on the Congress to stop the evil? Let there be a collective force. Remember process of decaying is faster than that of healing.” In yet another clarification on Twitter, Yadav said his comments were not “off the cuff angry remarks”. “No khundak against its leaders, not knee-jerk antiCongressism. I think Cong is now redundant for (is actually an obstacle to) defending the idea of India,” he said in the tweet. Though there is radio silence among senior BJP leaders, the exit polls that predicted a big bang return of the NDA drew congratulatory messages from the party’s well-wishers and even the former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed.
D I M A P U R , M AY 2 0 (NPN): Naga Hoho (NH) Monday expressed serious concern over the “indiscriminate and unprovoked military operations” that were reportedly being carried out in the Naga areas of Myanmar by Tatmadaw (Myanmar military). NH through its communication cell said it was “alarming” to note that the ongoing operations were being conducted in coordination with Indian security forces. The hoho asserted that while attempts were going on in both Myanmar and India for an honourable settlement for the Nagas, the governments of both Myanmar and India have “time and again exhibited actions not befitting their official policy and assurances.” NH reminded the Myanmar government that in recent memory, the Nagas in the
Naga self Administered Zone have been subjected to untold suffering due to the discriminatory policies of the state. It alleged that the Myanmar Government, at the behest of the military, has imposed unwarranted and arbitrary sanctions, fund cuts and disruption of essential supplies. In 2016, NH said the situation snowballed to a humanitarian crisis when scores of children died due to outbreak of measles. Further, it stated that in March 2019, ten Naga leaders were arrested by the military “in spite of the fact that they were on a mission to lay the groundwork for a peace process between the Nagas and the Myanmar Government.” Since then, NH said the ten Naga leaders were languishing in jail. NH said it “unconditionally” condemned such arbitrary and treacherous
act of the Myanmar government in its action towards the Nagas. NH has urged upon the joint military forces of both India and Myanmar for immediate cessation of the ongoing military action against the Nagas. “At the same time, we are compelled to remind both the governments that history has demonstrated that Nagas are courageous and bold enough to stand firm even in the face of overwhelming adversity,” NH maintained. The hoho stated that it has been time and again proved that Naga issue could not be tackled militarily since it was a political issue. NH cautioned that “such unbridled and indiscriminate military action” has the potential to result in a widespread Naga uprising, a conflagration, which it said “should and must be avoided.” K Y M C