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6 Feb 2023

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXIII No. 60

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Nagas witnessing one of the dirtiest politics: Azo DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu lamented that Nagas were witnessing one of the dirtiest politics at present with blatant use of money power and that many political leaders had fallen prey to this evil. Speaking at the second phase of NPF ticket distribution programme for six more candidates at the party’s central office Kohima, Azo asserted that though NPF was not fielding candidates in all the 60 seats, the party would produce the best result in the upcoming Assembly election. NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu formally handed over tickets to the six candidates for the upcoming Assembly election. The party is expecting to issue more tickets on Monday. Azo cong ratulated all the party ticket recipients, terming them “bravest

Pak’s ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf dies

Gen Pervez Musharraf

ISLAMABAD/DUBAI, FEB 5 (PTI): Pakistan’s wily former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, died on Sunday in Dubai after battling an incurable disease. Musharraf, 79, who lived in self-imposed exile in the UAE to avoid criminal charges against him in Pakistan, died after a prolonged illness at the American Hospital in Dubai. He was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a buildup of an abnormal protein called amyloid in organs and tissues throughout the body, according to his family. Pakistan’s last military dictator died on Sunday as a forgotten man in politics after spending his final years in self-exile in the UAE to avoid criminal charges against him in his country. Musharraf ’s family has filed an application in the Pakistani consulate in Dubai to shift the former military leader’s body to Pakistan. A special jet will fly to Dubai from Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi to bring Musharraf ’s mortal remains back to Pakistan.

This is it!

“Tax increasing and size decreasing. That’s the state of cigarettes today. “ K Y M C

Assembly polls 2023: Political parties declare list of candidates Politics in Nagaland is

about money power: AAP Correspondent

Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu during the ticket distribution programme, Sunday.

among the brave” who had stood up to fight money power for the welfare of Naga people. He also lamented that many Naga leaders had now become like a commodity that could be purchased by anyone. He appealed to all leaders not to let any force buy them else, he warned that Naga society would one day become a market place where people would start selling their rights and identity. Also addressing the programme, Dr. Shürhozelie asserted that NPF was the

only and the oldest regional political party in Nagaland that survived to defend Naga people and assured to continue doing so at all cost in all time to come. He admitted that the party was facing a temporary setback as it could not contest in all the 60 Assembly constituencies. He however claimed that many aspirants had approached the party for tickets, though the party had decided to narrow down the list of candidates and issued tickets only to the best ones. (Cont’d on p-8)

KOHIMA, FEB 5 (NPN): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secretary in-charge of Nagaland Rajesh Sharma has alleged politics in Nagaland was based on money power, which his party did not endorse. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday evening, he stressed that with such politics, change could not be expected. He thus appealed to people who wanted to see change in Nagaland to join AAP, pointing out that the party was ready to give tickets to candidates who were committed to serve the State and its people. The AAP in-charge also claimed that the party had received many applications seeking tickets for

Rajesh Sharma (NP)

Assembly election, which were being scrutinised. To a query whether the State Aam Aadmi Party party had funding issues, Sharma said AAP did not endorse money power in politics because, even if a candidate was voted to power, the MLA would take back the money he had spent during election and nothing would be left for development and that it would be impossible to eradicate corruption. (Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): NPF Constituency Name of Candidates Several political parties in25 Mongoya Moasangba Jamir cluding the Indian Nation28 Koridang Major Toshikaba (Retd) al Congress (INC), Naga 29 Jangpetkong Imjongwati Longkumer People’s Front, National 35 Zunheboto Akavi Sumi People’s Party (NPP), Janata 44 Phomching Chingsak Konyak Dal (United) and Republi58 Shamator-Chessore H. Mukam can Party of India (A) on CONGRESS Sunday released first and Constituency Name of Candidates second list of candidates 9 Kohima Town Meshenlo Kath for the upcoming elections, 27 Mokokchung Town Alem Jongshi scheduled to be held on 40 Bhandari Chenithung Humtsoe 56 Noklak P. Mulang February 27, 2023. Meanwhile, the ConJDU gress on Sunday released Constituency Name of Candidates 12 Tseminyu Jwenga Seb its second list of four candi15 Southern Angami-II Vipopal Kintso dates while NPF and Janata 30 Alongtaki J Lanu Longchar Dal (United) issued tickets RPI(A) to nine candidates-- six NPF Constituency Name of Candidates and three JD(U). 5 Ghaspani II Z. Kasheto Yeptho Meanwhile, Amenba 12 Tseminyu AR. Loguseng Semp Yaden (21 Tuli) and Zale 47 Aboi Wangka Konyak Neikha (Southern Angami49 Tamlu H. Nyemli Phom II) would be contesting on 54 Tuensang Sadar II Imtichoba Chang NCP ticket. 60 Pungro-Kiphire T. Yangseo Sangtam 51 Noksen Lima Onen Chang Bangtick clarifies: 52 Longkhim Chare Sethrichem Sangtam Intending candidate for 49 Tamlu constituency B his candidature to contest He said that he would be Bangtick Phom clarified that from Lok Janshakti Party contesting the election as an he had already withdrawn (RV) ticket on February 4. Independent candidate.

Battleground Nagaland: Fight beyond party lines Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 5 (NPN): As voters await the final list of candidates to emerge after the last date of withdrawal on February 10, the 2023 Nagaland election is proving to be one of the most confusing which has led voters to realise that they have to expect the unexpected. The NDPP and BJP have formed a pre-poll alliance as in 2018 with the same seat sharing arrangement of NDPP (40) and BJP(20) seats. NDPP has issued tickets to several unexpected applicants while 15 sitting MLAs including some veterans were denied tickets. All other parties including Congress have kept their doors

open late for those who were denied tickets by either NDPP or BJP. This has led to late electioneering among all parties expected to pick up only after February 10. The BJP on the other hand was swamped by aspirants who wanted to cash in on being part of a ruling party at the centre and also implying the party will form or head the next government. This desire has been driven by BJP leader and deputy chief minister Y. Patton. However, the Central leaders shot down the rather ambitious plan and stuck to the 2018 seat sharing arrangement. NDPP supremo and chief minister Neiphiu Rio faces the toughest challenge due to

anti-incumbency such allegations of mis-governance and failure to secure Naga solution despite promises since 2003 under which plank he fought four previous elections (2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018). According to reports, five senior sitting NDPP legislators who have not been given tickets will be fighting the election on Lok Janshakti Party (RV), while two will be fighting under NCP ticket. Other BJP aspirants are going to contest under NPP ticket including other parties. The stakes are high and with Congress and AAP unlikely to ally with any coalition which includes BJP but the two including non-NDA party, the JDU have not closed ranks. The

NPF has not warmed up to a secular alliance call by Congress in order to keep its doors open for any post-poll alliance, probably with NDPP-BJP. Even within the leadership of NDPP and BJP, there are reports that both have set up ‘proxy candidates’ in the seats conceded as per the seat sharing arrangement. However, going deeper, it is reported that as both Neiphiu Rio and BJP leader Y. Patton are definitely leaving no stone unturned to shore up numbers in the post-poll scenario. Whichever way, the outcome this time will be crucial for 2024 for the BJP as assembly election this time could hold more surprises even before government formation.

2,278 arrested in Assam’s child marriage crackdown GUWAHATI, FEB 5 (PTI): The Assam Police continued with its crackdown on child marriage in the state for the third day in a row, with the number of arrests touching 2,278 on Sunday. A police statement said the arrests were made based on 4,074 FIRs across the state. At least 139 people have been apprehended in Biswanath, followed by 130 in Barpeta and 126 in Dhubri, the statement said. Other districts where over 100 arrests have been made are Baksa (123) and Bongaigaon and Hojai (117 each), it maintained. Dhubri registered the highest number of FIRs against child marriages at 374

cases, followed by Hojai at 255 and Morigaon at 224. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Saturday asserted that the drive against child marriage will continue till the next assembly elections in 2026. He had said parents involved in underage marriages are currently being let off with a notice. The CM added that men marrying girls below 14 years of age will be facing non-bailable charges, while those marrying girls between 14 to 16 years of age will be charged under bailable sections. The state cabinet had recently approved a proposal to book men who have married girls below 14 years of age under the POCSO Act.

India sets 2030 target to produce 50% of Oppn steps up pressure on Centre over Adani issue its energy need through non-fossil fuels Cong to hold

BENGALURU, FEB 5 (PTI): Union minister for power RK Singh on Sunday said India has set itself the target of producing 500 gigawatts of power -- about 50% of the country’s total energy requirement, through nonfossil fuel sources by 2030. “India is among the top 5 major economies in terms of achieving energy transition from fossil fuels to non-fossil fuels. We had pledged to produce 40% of capacity through non-fossil fuels by 2030, but we have achieved it as early as November 2020. Now, prime minister Narendra Modi

has set a higher target for us to achieve 500 gigawatt power generation, which is more than 50% of our capacity, by 2030,” said Singh at a press conference in the backdrop of the ongoing G20 meetings. Singh said India will sign an MoU with Malaysia for providing efficient street lighting, during the group meeting. Replying to a media query on the Centre cutting the allocation for the Ujjwala scheme to provide LPG connection to the poor households in rural areas, Singh said the LPG is only

an interim stop in achieving clean energy and electric cooking is the final stop. “However, the poor will continue getting LPG subsidies since the usage of cooking gas is better than cow dung or firewood,” he added. Answering another question, the reforms being brought in by amending the Electricity Act, 2003, is not about privatising electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) (ESCOMs), but it is aimed at making them competitive by allowing more than one licensee holders in the field.

nationwide protest today

NEW DELHI, FEB 5 (PTI): Opposition parties on Sunday stepped up their attack on the Modi government over the Adani issue, with the Congress alleging that its “silence smacks of collusion”. Congress will hold district-level protests in front of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and State Bank of India (SBI) offices while its MPs will hold a demonstration near the Gandhi statue

in Parliament House on February 6. Ahead of the party’s planned nationwide protests on Monday, Congress general secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said they will pose three questions a day to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue and “your government cannot hide from saying ‘HAHK’ (Hum Adani Ke Hain Kaun)”. What action has been taken, if ever, to investigate the serious allegations made over the years against the Adani Group and is there any hope of a fair and impartial investigation in the matter under the prime min-

Assam: JDSSM demands removal of Christians from ST list G U WA H AT I , F E B 5 (AGNCIES): Ahead of the assembly elections in Christian-majority Meghalaya and Nagaland, an RSSbacked organisation called Janajati Dharma- Sanskriti Suraksha Manch (JDSSM) has decided to intensify its agitation demanding to delist tribals who have undergone a religious conversion from the Schedule Tribe (ST) status that entitles them for reservation in jobs, reports East Mojo. Over 1 lakh members of the JDSSM will be staging a demonstration at Janata Bhawan on February 12 under its “Challo Dispur”

programme, demanding both the Central and the State governments to amend Article 342A of the Constitution. The organisation will also submit separate memorandums to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of its demand. The organisation is pushing a demand that was first raised by Congress MP Karthik Oraon in the sixties, who had flagged the issue claiming that ST converts were getting a major chunk of reservation benefits. In 1968, a joint parliamentary committee was formed to examine the issue. “The

people who have adopted foreign religions like Christianity and Islam are getting double benefits. They put their children in Christian schools taking benefits as a minority but take up scholarships, jobs, promotion meant for STs,” said Binud Kumbang, co-convenor, JDSSM, Assam Pranta. “In addition to this, they also take part in democratic exercises by contesting elections to be ministers, MPs, MLAs, and members of autonomous bodies. They are taking away the rights of tribals who are working hard to keep their tradition alive,” Kumbang

said. He said the organisation has already held various rallies in tribal-dominated districts and reached out to a cross-section of tribal leaders, including ministers, MPs, MLAs and CEMs of Autonomous Councils to garner support. In March, the organisation is also planning to storm the Parliament in New Delhi in support of its demand. The criteria set out by the Lokur Committee for defining a community as a tribe are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with

the community at large, and backwardness. “People who convert to Christianity and Islam should not be eligible to get the reservation and other benefits given to the STs. But, even after getting converted, they are availing both types of benefits,” he said. In the case of Kerala vs. Mohan, the Supreme Court had made it clear that if a person of a tribe renounces his original religion and adopts another religion and leaves his traditions, customs, rituals, and rites, then he will not be considered a tribe.

ister, he said in a statement and asked the prime minister to break his “silence” over the issue. (More on p-7) Telangana chief minister and BRS leader K Chandrasekhar Rao endorsed the demand of opposition parties for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to look into the “scam”, while BSP chief Mayawati said India’s image is at stake but the government is taking the issue “very lightly”. “It is going to have a long-term impact on the country’s economy and common life. Yet like in other cases, in this issue also the government is not taking the people of the country into confidence

through the House. It is sad,” Mayawati said. Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien said his party wants debate not disruption in Parliament and is raring to take on the government. He said that if any party disrupts the House it is in cahoots with the BJP. Telangana chief minister Chandrasekhar Rao alleged the Centre has pressured Life Insurance Corporation to make a false statement over its exposure in the Adani Group. The Indian banking system is involved in this problem and the whole country is worried, he said.

All are equal before God, castes made by priests: Mohan Bhagwat

MUMBAI, FEB 5 (ANI): Conscience and consciousness are all the same in the country, just the opinions differ, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday. He was addressing an event at the auditorium of Ravindra Natya Mandir on the occasion of the 647th birth anniversary of Saint Shirom Rohidas. Bhagwat said, “When we earn a livelihood, we have also responsibility towards the society. When every work is for the greater good of the (Cont’d on p-4) society, how can any work be

big, small or different?” “To our maker, we are equal. There is no caste or sect. These differences were created by our priests, which was wrong,” he added. He said Saint Rohidas has a stature greater than Tulsidas, Kabir and Surdas, which is why he is considered Saint Shiromani. He invoked Saint Rohidas to say that religion is not just about filling up one’s stomach. “Do your work, and do it according with your religion. Unite the society and work for its progress, as that is what religion is about...,” the RSS chief said. K Y M C


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6 Feb 2023 by Nagaland Post - Issuu