Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 165
DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Opposition raising EVM issue unnecessarily: NDA
Thurman vows to end Pacquiao’s boxing career in July 20 fight
Theresa May under fire over new Brexit plan
national, Page 7
sports, Page 11
international, Page 9
Nation awaits vote counting today
EC rejects Oppn’s demand for tallying of VVPATs
NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections 2019, in which over 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats, will begin at 8 a.m. on May 23 and results are expected only by late evening due to tallying of voter verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count for the first time. 67.11% of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven phase elections. This is the highest ever-voter turnout in Indian parliamentarian elections. This is for the first time in a Lok Sabha election that results of voting machines will be matched with slips generated by paper trail machines. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations. As per the procedure, first the
Terror funding case: NIA carries out search D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths carried out search at the residence of Akaho Zhimomi @ Akaho Zhimo, ‘brig.’ of NSCN (K), here in connection with a NIA case (no. RC-01/2017/NINGUW). NIA in a press note said Rs 1,50,000 in cash was recovered from Zhimomi’s residence, along with items like SIM cards, hard disks, memory cards, mobile phones as well as other incriminating documents. NIA had registered a case (no. 01/2017/NIAGUW, dated 26/05/2017) under section 17 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against Shelly N Sumi, wife of Niki Sumi of NSCN (K), and her associates on the basis of an FIR (no. 8(4)/2017, dated 07 /04/2017) registered at Senapati police station. NIA said, Shelly N Sumi was arrested along with three of her associates on April 7, 2017 while she was proceeding to Moreh to allegedly transfer funds derived as proceeds to NSCN (K). The role of Akaho Zhimo also surfaced in illegal collection of funds for the proscribed organisation, it added. Investigation into the case is continuing.
This is it!
“Less milk or less quantity due to milk price. It’s chaiwala economics.” K Y M C
slips will be counted and the EVM displays would be switched on later to match the results. In case of a mismatch, the results based in paper slip count will be considered as final. EC rejects: Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday rejected demands of Opposition parties that VVPAT slips be matched with EVM data before counting begins tomorrow for the Lok Sabha elections. EC said there would be no change in procedure of matching Voterverified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips. The decision was taken a day after the leaders of over 21 Opposition parties met the Election Commission on Tuesday and demanded verification of VVPAT slips of randomly-selected polling stations before the counting begins of the votes polled in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election on May 23. The Opposition had also demanded that in case of any discrepancy during VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of the paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that particular Assembly segment be compared with the
electronic voting machine (EVM) results. EC is learnt to have stuck to its plan of counting the paper trail machines slips at the end of counts and not in the beginning as demanded by opposition parties. The Commission is also learnt to have decided to count postal ballots simultaneously with EVM count due to the “sheer size” of the ballots received this time from service voters. Till now, the postal ballots were counted in the beginning followed by votes polled in voting machines. The Commission on Wednesday is learnt to have decided to follow the established procedure of counting VVPAT slips for the mandatory five polling stations per assembly segment of each parliamentary constituency at the end of the entire counting process. Though EC had made it clear to the parties on Tuesday that the old protocol would continue, its top officials met Wednesday and decided to continue with counting the slips at the end. The exact reasoning for sticking to the old protocol was not immediately clear. Cong terms EC ‘Enfeebled Commission’: Con-
gress Wednesday dubbed Election Commission as “Enfeebled Commission” after the poll body was learnt to have rejected the opposition parties’ demand for preverification of VVPATs with EVMs while counting. Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi asked on what basis the commission had arrived at the decision as the Supreme Court ruling on VVPAT counting did not come under Rule 56-D as cited by it. He also questioned whether EVMs were “electronic victory machines” for BJP and the Model Code of Conduct was “Modi’s Campaign Code”, alleging that EC had succumbed to the pressure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. “It is a black day for democracy and it is very sad and unfortunate for an institution like the Election Commission,” he told reporters. Addressing a press conference, Singhvi said though Congress or any other party had not received any reply or order from the EC on their complaints, the poll body has no logistical reason to reject the demand as it entails no extra time or burden on it.
State BJP MLAs meet Central leaders
State BJP legislators with Ram Madhav in Delhi. (DCMO)
D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): A delegation of Nagaland BJP legislators, led by deputy chief minister and BJP Legislature Party chief Y Patton and Higher & Technical Education minister and state BJP president Temjen Imna met Union Home minister Rajnath Singh at his official Residence in Delhi on Wednesday. The delegation also included-- Jacob Zhimomi, Kashiho Sangtam, Dr Longrineken, Mmhonlumo Kikon, Tovihoto Ayemi, Kasheto Kinimi, Khehovi Yepthomi and H Haying. Upbeat with the indica-
tions shown by exit polls that the BJP-led NDA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah will be storming back to power, the delegation thanked and congratulated the party’s national leadership, karyartas at the grassroots level and the entire rank and file for their relentless effort and hard work. The delegation conveyed to Singh that the PDA government in Nagaland led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio is comfortably placed with a commitment to deliver maximum goods and
services to the people. In this regard, he was requested to extend help in every possible way to the state government even in the next tenure. The leaders once again requested the Centre to thoroughly probe the matter of arrest of gangster Vijay Farmana and his associates by Delhi Police and subsequent revelation of a plot to kill Nagaland-based politician, apart from other related cases. To this, Rajnath assured that the case will be taken up with all seriousness and will leave no stone unturned until the diabolical designs are unearthed. Later, the delegation also called on BJP national general secretary Ramlal and general secretary (i/c NE) Ram Mahdav, and discussed matters pertaining to the party and people in general. Meanwhile, ministers Pangnyu Phom and Paiwang Konyak will join the delegation in New Delhi on Thursday.
MHA alerts states on ‘possible violence’
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, MAY 22 (AGENCIES): On the eve of counting of votes for the general elections, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Wednesday issued advisory to all states to be ready to counter “possible eruption of violence” and asked them to ensure that “law and order, peace and public tranquillity” is maintained. In a statement, MHA has asked state chief secretaries and DGPs to ensure adequate security in strong rooms and venues of counting of votes. “This is in the wake of calls given and statements made in various quarters for inciting violence and causing disruption on the day of counting of votes,” the ministry stated. According to report, central security agencies have received inputs that some organisations and individuals, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Tripura, have made certain statements which may lead to violence and disruption in counting process, an official said.
Army launches massive operation to nab killers of Arunachal MLA, 10 others D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Following the killing of 11 persons, including an MLA, in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district by suspected militants on Tuesday, Indian Army launched a massive operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding and Changlang districts on Wednesday to nab the culprits. National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Tiron Aboh and his son Longgem were among the 11 killed when suspected militants opened fire at their vehicles in 12 Mile area near Khonsa. Army sources have confirmed that all likely escape routes have been effectively blocked, while checking along the Nagaland-Arunachal border has been intensified. As part of the intensified operation, increased area domination teams and mobile check posts have been put up along the adjoining districts of Nagaland. Additional troops, including special forces, have also been roped in to add teeth to the entire operation. The army has confirmed deployment of
MCC serves ultimatum on PWD Road & Bridges DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Model Colony Council (MCC) Purana Bazar, East Dimapur has served a seven-day ultimatum on the PWD (R&B) to construct culvert at Lane No.6 (Near Zion Hospital) Model colony Purana Bazar, which was demolished by contractor. In an ultimatum to executive engineer PWD (R&B) Dimapur division, MCC chairman David Zhimo and secretary K Boheto Chophy stated that main lifeline of Lane No.6 of Model colony was totally demolished on May 14, 2019 cutting off all traffic movements. Taking into account the gravity of the situation, the MCC said its executive council held an emergency meeting May 22, 2019 and resolved to apprise the responsible department to direct the contractor to complete/construct the culvert within seven days. Failure to comply within specified period would invite necessary course of action by MCC, the signatories cautioned.
Indian Army troops conducts a search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Wednesday. (PTI)
specialist helicopters with night flying ability and night vision equipment to ensure dynamic, real time and allround surveillance of the area during bad weather conditions. Reconnaissance helicopters, quadcopters and tracker dogs are also being extensively used in the operations. The army is working closely in synergy with the police, civil administration and intelligence agencies to identify the insurgents involved in the brutal killings. The Indian Army has assured of soon tracking
down and bringing to justice all perpetrators involved in the horrific act. The Army, the Assam Rifles and the state police have launched the operation to nab the perpetrators involved in the crime, Tirap Deputy Commissioner P N Thungon said. The Army deployed helicopters on Tuesday night to search the area, which is covered by dense jungle. “So far, no arrests have been made, but the operation has been intensified by the security agencies by cordoning the area,” the DC said.
NDPP accuses NPF of ‘double standard’ DIMAPUR, MAY 22 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has accused Naga People’s Front (NPF) of having double standards and indulging in doublespeak. In a press note, NDPP media & communication committee said the real face of NPF has once again been exposed as its representatives participated in the meetings organised separately by the ruling coalition and the opposition. NDPP said in the meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi on Tuesday, NPF was represented by its secretary general and Rajya Sabha member KG Kenye and his PRO Dr SR Nareshram. And in the meeting-cum-dinner organised by BJP national president Amit Shah for all NDA partners on the same day, NPF was represented by its Manipur unit chief, it added. NDPP said Prime
Minister Narendra Modi attended the meeting of NDA in which NDPP, a constituent of NEDA, was represented by chief minister Neiphiu Rio. But what came as a surprise was that in the list of NEDA partners who attended the meeting released by Himanta Biswa Sarma, convener of NEDA, NPF was mentioned to have been represented by its Manipur unit president, it added. Coming at a time when NPF had publicly declared to withdraw support to BJP-led government in Manipur, NDPP said it is not only obnoxious but should be dubbed as the most shameful political gimmickry in recent times. “Does the opposition party have not an iota of self-esteem that it has to demean itself so low? And with what audacity did it decide to face BJP, which it had not only hurled insult after insult over the last
more than one year, but with its recent decision?” NDPP wondered. Ridiculing the decision of NPF to pull out of the BJP-led alliance in Manipur after the counting of Lok Sabha polls, NDPP pointed out that the party’s double-speak has been exposed. “How much more blatant can NPF become in openly declaring that it wants the cake and eat it too? Is this the kind politics that NPF is going to give the Naga people?” the ruling party asked. Expressing its shock at the conduct of NPF, NDPP said words cannot describe the amount of lies and deceit the opposition party had been feeding the people, while urging the people to judge for themselves whether the politics of NPF is rife with doublespeak or not, “now that the documents are in the public domain for all too see”.
Condemnations on killing of Arunachal MLA, 10 others Rock blasting works on for 4-lane D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Various organizations including Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) and JD(U) Nagaland have strongly condemned the killing of Arunachal MLA Tirong Aboh and 10 others in an ambush at Tirap district on May 20, 2019. In a press note, FNR said that the “senseless violence and brutal killing of Tirong Aboh, his son and nine others was “outrageous and numbing.” FNR stated that such killings go against the very tenet of life. FNR expressed grief and sorrow and condoled the families of the victims. It stated that use of violence was “short-sighted” and had no room in today’s context. FNR implored the
use of nonviolence and contemplative dialogue to address differences and disagreements. FNR also affirmed that it stood stands for a culture of peace and respect for human rights of all peoples. NPMHR: Expressing deep shock over the incident, NPMHR stated that “this tragic incident happened in the midst of Burmese military operations against Nagas in Hoyat, Throilu and Nyanching under the Naga Self Administered Zones of Myanmar since May 16, “which is still continuing.” Condemning the killing, NPMHR asserted that no matter how divided people were on issues confronting them, or whatever disagreements individuals or leaders have, killing was never the option as it was against the very basic human rights concerns. Meanwhile, NPMHR
has also condemned the “atrocious military operations” against Nagas of Burma (Myanmar). It said the entire civil population was reeling under gunfire, bombardments and reign of terrors. NPMHR said many Naga leaders and villagers have been arrested and detained by both Burmese and Indian military. NPMHR has urged both the Government of Myanmar and Government of India to release the Naga leaders and villagers and drew the attention of the Indian civil and democratic organizations and institutions besides international communities and the United Nations. NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association expressed deep pain over the incident and said that Naga mothers share grief and deep loss of the families and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In a
statement, NMA reiterated that violence and bloodshed can never be justified in any way. Appealing for justice, NMA demanded that appropriate authorities take cognizance for action against such dastardly attacks on a Naga leader and unarmed civilians. NMA also appealed to law enforcing agencies to bring out the truth in the public domain at the earliest. “At a time in our history, when there have been great efforts of Nagas across boundaries reaching out in peace and brotherhood, it is most unfortunate that such brutal attacks will trigger immense loss of faith in our age old relationships,” NMA stated. CNC: Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) has expressed shock and grief over the incident and maintained that such act was “diabolic in the eyes of God and humankind”, adding
the act deserves condemnation at the highest degree from all circles. In a press release, CNC general secretary, Rev. Seksim Kasar, demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice. CNC also conveyed condolences to the families of the bereaved and prayed for a speedy healings of the injured. JD(U): Janata Dal (United) Nagaland condemning the killing demanded that the responsible state government and competent central agencies probe the unfortunate incident at an earliest and bring the culprit(s) to book. JD-U through its media cell also demanded that befitting punishment for the perpetrator(s). Condoling the death of deceased MLA and innocent victims, the JD(U) Nagaland urged upon every sensible citizen to condemn such heinous crime.
Rock blast work in progress near Pakala Pahar bridge. (DPRO)
D I M A P U R , M AY 2 2 (NPN): Intensive earth cutting works along the ongoing Dimapur-Kohima four lane project from Patkai Bridge to Pakala Pahar Bridge has entered third day. According to a DIPR report, DC Dimapur Kevekha Kevin Zehol updating on the ongoing works informed that out of the 128 + 950 km stretch, a stretch of 129 + 300 km has been opened. Presently, the 60
metre height hill has come down to 45 metre after working for the last two nights. At least ten excavators along with two rock breakers and 15 dumpers are being used for carrying out the intensified works. Last night, 245 trips of rocks/soil have been transported. DC Dimapur had earlier issued a circular restricting movement of traffic from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. till June 20, 2019. K Y M C