Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 103
DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
Sharingain re-elected NLA speaker unopposed Ao Senden rejects ULB poll notification 1ST SESSION OF 14th ASSEMBLY BEGINS; 59 MEMBERS ADMINISTERED OATH
Correspondent
KO H I M A , M A R 2 0 (NPN): Sharingain Longkumer was re-elected unopposed as speaker of the newly-constituted 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on the first day of the Assembly session that began here on Monday. After pro-tem speaker Mhathung Yanthan announced that there were no other candidates who had filed for the post, the House unanimously elected Longkumer as speaker. Earlier, 59 legislators including chief minister Neiphiu Rio were administered the oath by the pro-tem speaker. Leader of the house and chief minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Longkumer on being elected unopposed to the constitutional position and all
(L) NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer (R) chief minister Neiphiu addressing the house. (Twitter/DIPR)
the legislators, including two women legislators, and welcomed them all to NLA. Asserting that each member was committed to serve the people for peace and development in the State, he remarked that the speaker had a special responsibility to guide the House in legislation and making policies, implementation of various projects. He exuded confidence that the speaker being highly
qualified and with past experience would be able to discharge his responsibilities with utmost sincerity. In his speech, Longkumer thanked the pro-tem speaker for administering the oath to all the newlyelected legislators and also for initiating the first Assembly session. He also congratulated and welcomed all the members of NLA, noting that there were 29 new legisla-
tors, including two women, and 31 who have bene reelected. Following the tradition of NLA, the House welcomed the new members by thumping of desks. Accepting the “dignified chair”, Longkumer acknowledged the members led by the leader of the house Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton for the confidence, trust and
LRD spent huge amount on non-existent village: RTI activists DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Two Kohima-based RTI activists—Odi Jamir and ST Yapang Lkr have claimed that the Land Resources Department (LRD) on its own established a new village name ‘Tsudiyim’ under Mokokchung district and provided huge amount of money by enlisting beneficiaries name randomly. In a statement, the two RTI activists claimed that LRD in its RTI reply dated October 13, 2022, revealed that a sum of Rs. 35.244 crore was spent in PMKSYWDC scheme alone in Mokokchung district.
The duo said that when they shared RTI reply on various social media platforms, many beneficiaries were not aware of the amount against their name in the beneficiary list. The duo said that many LRD activities were done in that non-existent village. Out of many activities, they said a sum of Rs.50,000 was spent in 2019-20 for a training at Tsudiyim where 60 trainees attended the training. “Maybe these 60 trainees are ghost attendee because there is no village name ‘Tsudiyim’ under Mokokchung district,” the duo said.
During the financial year 2019-20, the two RTI activists stated that highest amount of money (Rs.11,82,540) was given to people of “Tsudiyim” village. They maintained that some departments showed huge expenditure in training, training refreshments and purchase of training materials like pen, writing pad, etc. “This method is the easiest way to pocket some cash in Nagaland,” they said, adding that LRD was also aware of such method. Out of many trainings conducted by LRD, the duo said the department in
2017-18 spent Rs.87,500 on Tsudiyim village, where 82 people attended the training. From 2015-16 to 202021, the duo said LRD has shown an expenditure of around Rs.25,22,040 for the Tsudiyim Village alone apart from supplying plant saplings. “We are not aware, how many amount of money was spent prior to 2015 and post 2021 at Tsudiyim village,” the duo said. The RTI activist maintained that it was high time the LRD officially delete “Tsudiyim” from the list of villages under Mokokchung district.
privilege bestowed upon him by electing him unopposed as speaker of the 14th NLA for the second term. He assured to carry out his duties and responsibilities with the trust and confidence of the members. He pointed out that the fundamentals and essence in a parliamentary democracy was to always honour people’s mandate and address the most pertinent issues of public concern through discussions, deliberations and decisions in the greater interest of people. The speaker asserted that NLA was second to none on such matters of public importance, and urged all members of the House to participate and make contributions in raising issues of public importance in the greater interest of democracy.
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): The Ao Senden has rejected the State Election Commission’s March 9, 2023 notification for elections to municipal and town councils in Nagaland, pointing out that this was not only against the wishes of the people but also dictatorial in nature and therefore unacceptable. In a press release, Ao Senden president Chubawati Longchar and general secretary Imtipokyim said that the Senden, at its executive council meeting held on
March 20, also resolved to stand by its May 30, 2017 memorandum submitted to the State government demanding amendment to the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001. Further, in order to protect and preserve the constitutional rights of the Naga people as enshrined in the Constitution of India, the meeting further resolved that no election to urban local bodies (ULB) would be allowed in Ao region unless and until the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was
amended as demanded and desired by the people. It was also firmly resolved that in the event of the ULB election being forced upon the people in its current form, every Ao citizen would be barred from participating in it to safeguard the greater interest and rights of Naga people.
Rengma Hoho reiterates 2016 resolution
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Reiterating its resolution of 2016, Rengma Hoho (RH) has declared that the hoho along with its frontal organisations would restrain its members from participating in the town elections in Tseminyu district till such time the (Cont’d on p-8) State government amended
the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 sections 120 and 123 “Tax on Lands and Buildings” by abrogating it from the NMA, 2001. RH president Pollem Tep general secretary Sinhilo Thongseb said that the hoho reaffirmed its stand at the executive meeting held at Tseminyu
on Monday. The hoho, however, said that it stood by the 74th Amendment Act 1992 (iv) “Reservation of seats”. RH also said it expected the State government would not discount the special provision, Article 371 (A) of the Constitution of India.
SAPO lifts restriction on Mao community
DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) on Monday announced its decision to lift the restriction imposed on Mao community within its jurisdiction with effect from March 21, 2023. The restriction on Maos was imposed from the midnight of December 15, 2022. SAPO president Er. Tepul Hopovi and general secretary Swelul Pucho said the decision was taken following the advice given by its parent body-- Angami Public Organisation (APO). SAPO said that APO at an extraordinary meeting held
on March 17, resolved to take over the contentious SAPO matter at hand. The meeting was attended by executive members, presidents of all frontal organisations, advisory board members and intellectuals. SAPO said the restrictions were imposed on Mao community to protest the “unfair occupation” of Manipur government’s armed forces and imposing CrPC 144 within the heart of Kezoltsa, currently in dispute, with the “deliberate intention to construct roads and carry out other development activities, slyly.” SAPO said interfer-
ence of Manipur government conniving with Mao council was “reacted in distaste as traditional lands straddle towards each other’s arbitrarily drawn political boundaries.” According to SAPO, it never objected to Manipur government holding its “Cherry Blossom Festival”, setting up of a Manipur government school or other government funded projects and developments at Okhro Ikhro, which it said traditionally belonged to Maos “though technically is in Nagaland.” SAPO appreciated the magnanimity of Nagaland government
for awarding 16 Nagaland government jobs to Mao traditional landowners at TB Hospital Khuzama, respecting traditional landowners, and other privileges extended to the community on the basis of brotherhood, in spite of Article 371(A) strictures. Meanwhile, SAPO also met with Nagaland chief minister and expressed gratitude for his concern on the issue. SAPO reiterated that redrawing political boundary of Nagaland or Manipur was not in its agenda, but it looked forward to resolving the existing land dispute traditionally.
VPP MLAs protest 2 NPG cadres shot dead in Meluri’s Mokie village Meghalaya Gov’s D I M A P U R , M A R 2 0 Condemnations the act was highly condem- “inhumanly and dastardly In a delayed report, nable by every right-thinking act” perpetrated upon “two address in Hindi (NPN): Phokhungri Area Public citizen. “Such killings among sons and national workers” three cadres of a Naga politi-
Correspondent
SHILLONG, MAR 20: Budget session of the Meghalaya Assembly began on a stormy note Monday as MLAs of Voice of People Party (VPP) staged a walkout in protest against Governor Phagu Chauhan addressing the House in Hindi. As Chauhan began reading his speech in Hindi, VPP legislator Ardent Miller Basiawmoit rose to his feet and objected. Basaiawmoit urged the Speaker that Governor should address the House in English. However, the speaker asked VPP leader not to interrupt Governor’s address, but the latter continued to disrupt till he and his three other fellow MLAs staged a walkout.
This is it!
“Never thought this would happen. We’re to ensure cigarettes are sold openly.” K Y M C
cal group on March 12, 2023 allegedly shot dead their superior officer, “brigadier” Eleazar Whuchitu Thupitor of Mokie village and his personal guard Shetshale of old Thewati village, in cold blood and set fire to the body of latter, which was found in the periphery of Mokie village under Meluri sub-division, Phek district on March 19, 2023. According to police sources, the deceased belonged to FGN (Non-Accordist). A video had also gone viral on social media, where people were seen retrieving the decomposed bodies from a forest, near Mokie village.
Organisation (PAPO) president Krutu Thurr condemned the “heinous and barbaric act of homicide” committed by Aho, Zükhomong and Puisang. PAPO said the three accused after killing the duo left their bodies to rot unattended for about a week till the incident was discovered by family members and villagers of Mokie Village on March 19. Further, PAPO stated that the trio, in an attempt to destroy the evidences, set fire to the dead body of Shetshale, which was burnt beyond recognition. Stating that it was “first kind of such horrific crime” committed under its jurisdiction, PAPO said
Naga brothers is uncalled for when the Nagas have already accepted dialogue for peaceful solution,” PAPO said and appealed to the responsible authority to bring the perpetrators to book and deliver justice at the earliest. PAPO warned that any faction sheltering/enrolling the perpetrators would be doing so at their own risk and would be held responsible for killing, besides initiating non-cooperation towards the party involved. Sharing grief with families, relatives and friends of the deceased, PAPO prayed that the departed souls rest in peace. PH: Pochury Hoho has vehemently condemned the
late Eleaser Thupitor of Mokie village and late Atshale of Old Thewati village. PH through its media cell stated that such gruesome act of killings and brutality was uncalled for unacceptable. Stating that the Naga community was living in peace and harmony despite various differences, PH called upon all the rightthinking citizens to outrightly condemn the act. PH also demanded that the perpetrators be brought to book and the law take its course of action. Meanwhile, PH conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.
H&FW dept issues Covid, influenza advisory DIMAPUR, MAR 20 (NPN): In view of reports on rising cases of new variant of Covid-19 (XBB 1.16) and also Influenza H3N2 in the country, the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department has reiterated the importance of limiting and reducing transmission of respiratory tract infections. In order to limit transmission of these diseases, principal director H&FW Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu has called for practising respiratory and hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms to healthcare workers to initiate early care and treatment and limiting contact of those people who are suffering
from respiratory illness. Accordingly, the department has advised covering one’s mouth and nose with tissue/handkerchief/ elbow when coughing or sneezing, avoiding spitting in public places, using mask in crowded environment and frequent hand washing. Dos & Don’ts: The H&FW department has also issued a list of dos and don’ts for infection prevention and control. It has advised washing hands with soap and water, wearing masks and avoiding crowded places, covering mouth and nose while sneezing, avoiding touching eyes and nose, taking plenty of fluids and
taking Paracetamol for fever and body ache. Further, the department has called for avoiding shaking hands or using contact greetings, spitting in public, taking antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor and eating together sitting close to others. According to the H&FW department, factors such as inadequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection in close proximity of other people, closed door gathering, etc, contributed to increased transmission of viral respiratory pathogens like Influenza A (H1N1,
H3N2, etc), including COVID-19. While most of these pathogens typically caused mild and often self-limiting illness manifesting as acute respiratory infection with fever and cough, the department mentioned that in some cases, particularly amongst young children, old age people, people with obesity and other co-morbidities (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal and liver disease, etc) as well as pregnant women might suffer from more severe manifestation of these diseases requiring hospitali(Cont’d on p-8) sation. K Y M C