Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 144
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Dalai Lama greets Korean leaders over peace talks
Tottenham close on CL return
No proposal to hike FDI limit in PSBs: Eco Secy
international, Page 9
sports, Page 12
business, Page 8
AFSPA will continue in Nagaland: Rijiju
N E W D E L H I , M AY 1 (AGENCIES): Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, will continue in Nagaland as it is a “special case” and the “peace agreement” hasn’t been finalized there yet. Apart from eight police stations in Arunachal Pradesh, where ASFPA continues to be imposed, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam are the only three States in the North East that continue to be under AFSPA. Last year, the Home Ministry gave up its power and asked the Assam government to take a decision on continuing AFSPA in the State. Rijiju had told The Hindu that, “Revocation of AFSPA in Meghalaya is definitely related to improvement of the security scenario in the NE. AFSPA is imposed both by the State and the Centre. It was withdrawn by Tripura (in 2015). “It is a joint effort by the State government and the Centre. Security is a subject where both the Centre and the State should come together without any politics. In Assam also the
Kiren Rijiju
situation has improved, that is why the Home Ministry withdrew it but it is imposed by the State government.” He said he was not sure if AFSPA would be lifted from Nagaland in future. “Nagaland is a special case…the peace agreement has not come about yet. There are many underground factions as well. There are issues like rivalry among different factions…I cannot say about the future policy,” Rijiju said. According to The Hindu report, Nagaland’s deputy chief minister, Y. Patton said the State government would reiterate its request to the Centre to revoke AFSPA.
Gov, CM extend Rain expected to Moatsu greetings continue in state D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Governor of Nagaland, P.B. Acharya and chief minister, Neiphiu Rio extended greetings to the Ao community on the occasion of Moatsu festival, which marks the completion of sowing season. In his message, Nagaland Gover nor, P.B. Acharya appealed to the Ao community to preserve the rich tradition and culture through the festival and also promote peaceful co-existence in the society for all round development in the State. He also called upon the community members to take time and thank the Almighty for His unwavering love and blessing. “May the festival of Moatsu bring peace, unity and prosperity to the Aos in particular and Nagas in general,” said Nagaland Governor. CM: Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, also extended greetings on the occasion of Moastu, especially to the Ao community of Nagaland. In a tweet, Rio prayed that the festivities promote peace, brotherhood and unity. “Let us all celebrate under a spirit of oneness,” he wrote on twitter.
This is it!
“It looks like our party ministers from Nagaland have become like ambassadors for their state in Delhi.” K Y M C
D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Light rains with one or two moderate spells are expected to continue over several parts of Nagaland during the next 48 hours. In a press note, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said these premonsoon rains would also be accompanied by thundershowers, squally winds, along and lightning strikes. Further, the intensity of these activities is likely to increase by May 4, 2018 onwards. During this period, light to moderate rain and thundershowers with isolated heavy spells are a possibility, NSDMA stated. Dimapur, Kohima, Longleng, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha and Zunheboto would get to see premonsoon showers for the entire next one week.
“The discussion on the Naga political situation is on and we are expecting the Government of India to solve the problem at the earliest. We have requested to lift AFSPA but we have been asked to wait for some time. When the solution (Naga deal) comes, automatically AFSPA will go,” Patton said. On April 1, the Home Ministry revoked AFSPA in Meghalaya and restricted it to eight police stations instead of 16 in Arunachal Pradesh. Last year, the Home Ministry gave up its power and asked the Assam government to take a decision on continuing AFSPA in the State. In the case of Assam (excluding areas covered by the Guwahati municipality) and Manipur (except seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal) the respective State governments exercise the right. As per MHA’s data, in the northeast, there has been a reduction of 96 % in casualties among the security forces from 289 in 1997 to 12 in 2017. The year 2017 recorded the lowest insurgency incidents.
CMO Dmu cautions Govt appoints PDA functionaries NSSATA phase-I against buying stir from today MAY 1 (NPN): unlabelled products Chingwan as chairman & Lhoungu Co-CHAIRMAN DIMAPUR, Nagaland Sarva Shiksha AbDIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Dimapur chief medical officer (CMO), Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi has appealed to consumers not to purchase food products that do not have proper labels. In a press release, the CMO said it has come to the notice of his office that many food business operators (FBO) in Dimapur district are manufacturing/packaging, storing and selling food articles, besides packaged drinking water of 10/20 litres jars, without FSSAI and ISI/BIS certification numbers. According to him, Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 prohibits selling of any food item to consumers without manufacturing date/best before date, expiry date, net quantity (weight/volume), veg and nonveg logo, FSSAI, BIS number, manufacturers’ detailed address, etc, on package labels. And defaulters are punishable with fine up to Rs 2 lakh, he added. Kinimi asked consumers to submit written complaints/ letters in case of any complaint related to food safety standards to the designated officer of food safety in CMO office for further necessary action in the interest of public/consumers.
DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): The Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) ministry has been expanded after 13 party functionaries were given either cabinet or ministers of state status. The expansion was in addition to the elected members NDPP (18), BJP (12) NPP (2), JD-U (1) and Independent (1) who are cabinet ministers or advisers (some with cabinet status). On Tuesday, Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya okayed the inclusion of 13 party functionaries of the four PDA alliance partners-- NDPP, BJP, NPP and JD (U) through separate notifications issued on May 1, 2018. According to the notification issued by the cabinet secretariat, the three who were given cabinet status included—NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, who was appointed as chairman of PDA; state BJP president Visasolie Lhoungu, appointed as PDA co-chairman and NDPP secretary general, Abu Metha who was appointed as member secretary. In another notification, the following ten party functionaries who were given rank as ministers of state included- Neiba Ndang (NDPP), H Chuba Chang (NDPP), Charlie Sekhose (NDPP), James Vizo (BJP), Eduzu Theluo (BJP), Yanbose Murry (BJP), Ato Yepthomi (NPP president), Sasank Ghatraj (NPP general
Petroleum dealers call off strike D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Indefinite statewide strike called by petroleum retailers and transporters of Nagaland demanding the release of a tanker driver and handyman, abducted by armed miscreants on April 20, was called off on Tuesday afternoon considering the “welfare of the public.” The four petroleum associations agreed to reopen all petrol pumps across the state with immediate effect (May 1). This followed a meeting between Commissioner Nagaland Sentiyanger Imchen and IGP (Range) Wabang Jamir and representatives of four associations– Kohima Petroleum Dealers’ Association (KPDA), Dimapur Petroleum Dealers’ Association (DPDA), Nagaland Tanker Transport Association (NTTA) and Oil Tanker Drivers’ Union (OTDU) to deliberate on
the issue. As per the undertaking made during the meeting, chaired by Commissioner Nagaland, the associations assured to open the petrol pumps for the welfare of public with immediate effect. Meanwhile, a press note issued by the four associations, stated that the Commissioner Nagaland assured the petroleum dealers and truckers that the government would leave no stone unturned for the safe release of the tanker driver and the handyman. Based on the assurance, the associations said they decided to call off the strike for the welfare of the public. The bodies further thanked the state government for probing the matter with outmost sincerity, the public for their valuable support and the media for the invaluable coverage.
BAN expresses concern
Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has expressed concern at the situation arising due to the abduction of an oil tanker driver and helper near New Helipong village, Tuensang district and the subsequent closure of petrol pumps throughout Nagaland. While condemning the heinous act, BAN through a press note also appealed to the abductors to release the two persons unharmed. BAN also appreciated efforts of the State government and initiating discussion with four petroleum organisations . It also thanked the four organisations for giving an assurance to open the petrol pumps for the welfare of the public. The association further urged the State government to step up their efforts so that the abducted persons are rescued unharmed.
secretary), G. Viccashe Sumi (NPP hiyan Teachers’ Association executive member) and Y.M. Hum- (NSSATA) Tuesday said it tose of the JD (U). has decided to launch phase-I agitation, as decided earlier, in the form of pen down strike starting from May 2, 2018 “till further direction.” In a press release, NSWasting no time, Nagaland Pradesh Cong ress Committee SATA president, Penthungo (NPCC) has hit out at the PDA Y Yanthan, and general secgovernment for what it described retary, Vinoka Sohe, said they as total “violation of the Election met advisor for school educaModel Code of Conduct” by ap- tion, and department officials pointing individuals belonging to at the advisor’s office, Kohima various political parties either in the on Tuesday to discuss about rank of cabinet minister and minister the ultimatum served on April 23, 2018 on the government. of state. However, the signatoQuestioning the Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland and Election Com- ries said the discussion could mission of India, NPCC took to twit- neither produce any concrete ter and asked: “Isn’t this a gross viola- solution nor could the governtion of Election MCC in addition to ment give any assurance to the being illegal appointments that will be association. Therefore, they a burden on state exchequer?” said the association was left The party also posted on twitter with no other option but to the scanned copies of appointment initiate the agitation. notifications, tagging CEO Nagaland, Meanwhile, the assoElection Commission and others. ciation has directed all its NPCC general secretary, GK members to strictly adhere to Zhimomi, also took to twitter and the resolution passed. Furslammed the appointments. He said all ther, it expressed regret to top NDPP-BJP, NPP and JD (U) party the public and especially the functionaries have been accorded with student community for the cabinet and minister of state status. inconvenience caused. The “Truly change has come, more association has also sought VVIPs sans nameplates. Incredible support and cooperation from Nagaland where anything and every- all right thinking citizens and thing is possible,” Zhimomi tweeted. organisations.
NPCC slams govt; says violation of poll conduct
Air Deccan begins flight operations Staff Reporter
D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Under the regional air connectivity scheme of Ude Desh Ke Aam Nagrik (UDAN), Air Deccan began its operations-- KolkataDimapur flight service via Shillong and Agartala from May 1. When contacted, Dimapur airport authorities confirmed that the flight arrived Dimapur around 1 p.m. Air Deccan resumed its services after it had withdrawn operations in 2007. Officials had said that initially a 19-seater will operate between Kolkata and Dimapur. It will start from Kolkata at 7.50 a.m. and make stops at Agartala and Shillong en route to Dimapur. It will return to Kolkata at 3 p.m. on the same day. The flight will be available on all days except Sunday.
MMRVCF serves ultimatum D I M A P U R , M AY 1 (NPN): Mokokchung to Mariani Roadside Villagers’ Concern Forum (MMRVCF) has demanded immediate blacklisting of a contractor over alleged failure to execute IRQP work from km50 to Km63 on NH-702D under Mokokchung division. In a notice addressed to the commissioner & secretary PWD (NH), the MMRVCF convener, Imchawati Kichu, cautioned that failure to blacklist the contractor the public would take necessary course of action after May 15, 2018. The forum also warned that in case of failure to start the work on or before May 15, 2018, the public would initiate agitation or file PIL, whichever was deeded fit. MMRVCF stated that the said work was to be completed on or before April 30, 2018. However, it said the contractor executed
the work initially and removed all the labourers and machineries from the spot in the middle of March 2018. As such, the MMRVCF said it made an agreement with the contractor in the presence of executive engineer PWD (NH) Mokokchung division-II. In the agreement, the forum said the contractor assured to complete the work within the limited period of April 2018. However, it said the same agreement was ignored by the contractor. It accused the contractor of intentionally neglecting the execution of work till April 30, 2018. In view of the above, the forum said it submitted a petition to the chief engineer PWD (NH) on April 23, 2018. In the petition, the forum said it suggested blacklisting the contractor, but the responsible department did not take any action till date.
PWD (R&B) clarifies on SRDP fund diversion issue Trash cans installed in offices, schools DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Department of PWD (R&B) has reacted to the PIL filed before the Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court over the PDA government’s alleged attempt to divert Rs.15 crore provided under Special Road Development Program (SRDP) 2017-18, which was secured by the previous NPF-led DAN government. In a press release, PWD (R&B) chief engineer (CE), Limadongdang Jamir, stated that the question of attempt to divert funds did not arise. He said the previous government accorded 17 works during 2017-18 under Special Road Development Program scheme on February 3, 2018. However, the work orders could not be issued due to the electioneering process. After formation of the present PDA government, chief engineer said 17 projects were reviewed out of which two were retained while 10 other projects were prioritised. Accordingly, Jamir said necessary reappropriation and the administrative approval and expenditure sanction were accorded on March 5, 2018 for 12 reviewed projects to the concerned department. CE also said that the supply order for supply of emulsion and bitumen for
Administrative Approach as on 03.02.18 Sl.No. Name of Work (Rs. in Lakhs) 1 R/Maintenance of road from Naginimora to Tiru 20 Km (Mon Dist) 50.00 Imp of circular road from new colony via daily market to veterinary Zunheboto west 2 50.00 town 10 Km 3 R/Maintenance of road at Samzuiram village Peren Dist 300.00 4 Carpeting & Maintenance of Zunheboto Town Road 5 Km 150.00 5 Construction of Hanging bridge under 32 A/C Atoizu, Zbto Dist 75.00 6 Maintenance of Approach Road to Longtoker Village 50.00 7 Imp of Road from NAP Junction to Shamator town 5 Km under 58 AC, Tsg Dist 100.00 8 Salangtem road below Jamir bridge, Mkg Dist 65.00 9 Construction of Drainage and Road at Darogapathar, Dimapur 100.00 10 R/Maintenance of Thonok to 19 Waphur Road Noklak 50.00 11 Constn of Road from Heningkunglwa village to Dimapur Kupunala road 6 Km Peren Dist 60.00 12. Constn of Niuland bridge culvert Dimapur 70.00 Constn of Apporach road to Christian Mission School, Sechu road and side drain at 13 30.00 Sechu (Zubza) Kohima 14 Imp of road at new district headquarter, Peren 100.00 15 Imp of road from Peren-Tenning-Nsong, Peren 150.00 Approach Road, Soiling, Metalling, drainage and protection wall at middle Bayavu 16 50.00 Hill, Kohima 17 Maintenance of Road from Purana Bazar, Tolovi Jn to Old Naga Cemetery, Dimapur. 50.00 Total 1500.00 (Rupees one thousand five hundred lakhs only)
Rs.5 crore, which was earmarked for immediate repair and maintenance of 12 district headquarters, were placed and on receipt of emulsion and bitumen, maintenance works of the roads were being currently implemented in the 12 district headquarters.
According to CE, the change of project and re-appropriation of fund was done procedurally. Further, Jamir said that the amount that was drawn earlier was re-deposited into the government treasury. (Cont’d on p-7)
DMC administrator Moa Sangtam with others after installing the plastic trash cans. (NP)
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (NPN): Continuing with its effort to maintain cleanliness in the city and to make it “cleaner, greener and healthier”, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) installed plastic trash cans in two government offices and three educational institutions here on Tuesday. DMC administrator Moa Sangtam along with Living for Environment (LiFE) members installed the cans at DC’s office and Commis-
sioner of Taxes office, Dimapur. He said plastic trash cans would also be installed in all the offices and educational institutions in the coming days. DMC administrator also said all plastic waste accumulated in the cans would be collected by the DMC by the end of every week for recycling. For this, DMC would be procuring plastic shredding machine where collected plastic waste would be recycled, Moa added. He said the initiative was being undertaken in collaboration LiFE, a non-governmental organisation. K Y M C