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14 March 2023

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXIII No. 96

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Xi vows to build military into a ‘great wall of steel’ INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

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India qualify for WTC Final; win BorderGavaskar Trophy for 4th successive time SPORTS, PAGE 12

Govt to push for medical negligence bill

ULB polls: Emergency SC refers same-sex marriage pleas consultative to a five-judge Constitution bench While admitting that meeting on Mar 21 many government doctors

Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 1 3 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) minister P Paiwang Konyak said hat the State government would view any case of medical negligence seriously and push for Nagaland Medical Negligence Bill in Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). He gave this assurance to a delegation of Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) led by its president Chingmak Chang that called on him at his official residence here on Monday evening. It may be recalled that the legislators during the discussion on matters of urgent public importanced in the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, had deliberated on the issue of medical negligence and malpractices and called for an end to these. NPF leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu raised concern over cases of medical negli-

Paiwang Konyak with representatives of ENSF. (NP)

gence and malpractices and proposed that Nagaland Medical Negligence Bill be passed by the Assembly and also to restore trust and respect of public in the profession and also ensure the best possible healthcare delivery in the State. Meanwhile, the ENSF delegation congratulated the minister on assuming charge and hoped that there would be improvement in public healthcare service in the State, including in the eastern area, under his lead-

ership. ENSF also submitted a letter expressing concern over the Mon Medical College that was yet to see light of the day even after a year of laying of foundation. Shortage of doctors: They shared status of district hospitals in Eastern Nagaland that were functioning without adequate number of doctors, nurses and other technical staff, besides facing shortage of medicines. They urged the minister to give priority to health sector in Eastern Nagaland.

were serving the people with full dedication, he admitted that there could be some in the fraternity that was bringing a bad name to the profession. In order to crack the whip on such erring doctors to book, he disclosed that the government would push for Nagaland Medical Negligence Bill, particularly to stop medical negligence. He also assured to give priority to deployment of sufficient number of doctors in district hospitals and improve the health infrastructure. Further, the minister disclosed that Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers with the objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.

DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Three municipalities of Nagaland—Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayats (AKMWP), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) along with the other 36 town councils from various districts of Nagaland would hold an emergency consultative meeting on March 21, 2023 at 11am at Hotel 2K (Officer’s Hill Colony, below SP Office), Kohima. In a press release, AKMWP publicity and press secretary Kopelo Krome informed that the meeting has been called in view of the ULB elections announced by the state government. It informed that each town council should be represented by at least one member from the respective council.

NEW DELHI, MAR 13 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday referred the pleas seeking legal validation of same-sex marriages to a five-judge constitution bench for adjudication, saying it is a “very seminal issue”. A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said the submissions on the issue involve an interplay between constitutional rights on the one hand and special legislative enactments, including the Special Marriage Act, on the other. The Centre has opposed in the top court a batch of petitions seeking legal validation of samesex marriages, claiming they will cause a “complete havoc” with the delicate balance of personal laws and accepted societal values. The bench, also com-

prising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, said this is a matter which is important enough to be decided by a constitution bench of five-judges. “Having due regard to the broader context of the petitions before this court, the inter-relationship between the statutory regime and constitutional rights, we are of the considered view that it would be appropriate if the issues raised are resolved by a constitution bench of fivejudges of this court...,” the bench said while referring to Article 145 (3) of the Constitution, while terming it a “very seminal issue”. “We accordingly direct that the hearing of these petitions be placed before a constitution bench,” the apex court said while posting the pleas for hearing on April 18.

Not interfering in personal lives: Rijiju

A day after Centre opposed in the Supreme Court legal validation of same-sex marriage, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju Monday said the government does “not disturb” the personal freedom and activities of individuals but the issue related to the institution of marriage was a matter of policy. Rijiju said, “The government is not interfering in the personal life, personal activities of anybody. So there should be no confusion. When it comes to an issue related to the institution of marriage, then it is a matter of policy.” “Personal freedom and personal activities of individuals of the citizens are never being disturbed, regulated, questioned by the government. You must be very clear about it. There is a clear distinction,” he said.

Nagaland to get HC directs contractor to complete SAPO-Mao issue: SC to hear PIL on Mar 20 additional `68.02 NH-2 work on or before May 30 crore under NDRF Correspondent

Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 1 3 (NPN): The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court on Monday directed contractor M/s Fortune Group to complete construction works on NH-2 from Kohima to Mao on or before May 30, 2023 without compromising on quality of work . Hearing a PIL, the bench comprising of Justices Lanusungkum Jamir and Kakheto Sema ordered the contractor to complete the construction within the stipulated time or else, they

1st session of 14th NLA from Mar 20 DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Governor of Nagaland has summoned the First Session of the Fourteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 20, 2023 at 9 am in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Hall, Kohima. According to sources, the eight-day session, with recess in between, is listed for election of Speaker, oath taking of the members, Governor’s address on the first day, motion of thanks to the governor’s address, debate on governor’s speech, laying of budget on March 27 and discussion on budget on March 28 after which the session would be adjourned sine die.

This is it!

“Everybody knows only about collecting tax. Nobody cares about giving us a decent place.” K Y M C

cautioned that NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) would be directed to blacklist the contractor. In the same order, the bench also directed NHIDCL to not deduct the 25% from the bill submitted by contractor citing nonachievement of width as per the Typical Cross Section (TCS), which was being practised by the corporation. The court ruled that no demand for TCS would be made by NHIDCL to the contractor and that the work

would be executed on the existing road/ROW while any bill submitted by the contractor should be paid as expeditiously as possible after joint verification by both parties. The court also directed NHIDCL as well as the contractor concerned to file their respective affidavits on the progress of the work before April 12, 2023 while amicus curiae A Zhimomi has been requested to inspect the work before the next returnable date and file an affidavit before April 12, 2023. (Cont’d on p-7)

KO H I M A , M A R 1 3 (NPN): A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO)-Mao imbroglio filed by convenor of Mao-Imphal Market Co-Ordination Committee and vice president, IPSA, Khuraijam Athouba, has been listed for hearing on March 20, 2023. In a press note, the petitioner disclosed that on Monday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising of the Chief Justice of India, Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, P.S. Naramsimha

and JB Pardiwala, had asked the Union of India through the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, to look into the issue of the complete ban on settlement, residency, trade & commerce and movement of the Mao tribe members through the Southern Angami tribe settlement areas in the State of Nagaland and through National Highway no 2. It may be noted that since December 15, 2022, the SAPO and Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) had imposed a blockade on settlement, residency, trade & comm e r c e a n d m ove m e n t

AH&VS dept CM, DyCM call on PM, central leaders issues advisory on

Rio and Patton during the meeting with Modi in Delhi.

DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio accompanied by deputy chief minister Y. Patton and other state leaders called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and other Central leaders in

Delhi. It was a courtesy call by the State leaders after the formation of the new government in Nagaland. Taking to Twitter after meeting Modi, Rio thanked the Prime Minister for his constant support for Nagaland and its citizens. “Under

his leadership, the new government will work towards making Nagaland a State of Excellence and usher-in genuine peace and development,” Rio stated. Further Rio also thanked Amit Shah for his constant support, blessings and guidance to work towards realising the aspirations of the people and building a vibrant Nagaland. The State leaders also called on Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla; Union Ministers Arjun Munda, G Kishan Reddy, Smriti Irani and MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Rio was also accompanied by minister Metsubo Jamir and advisor to CM Abu Metha.

of Mao Tribe members through Southern Angami Tribe settlement areas in Nagaland over the Kezoltsa issue. Khuraijam Athouba had filed the PIL in the month of February, 2023, through his lawyer, Ngangom Junior Luwang, advocate, Supreme of India, inter alia, for due protection of the inviolable Fundamental Rights of the Mao Tribe people by giving adequate security protection, due compensation of Mao Tribe victims of the unlawful acts of SAPO and SAYO and for declaration of these two organizations as unlawful associations

under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. After hearing the counsel for the petitioner, and the Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, the court had fixed the matter on March 20, 2023 citing the matter as urgent. The Solicitor General had been specifically asked to render all possible assistance. Athouba said that the Public Interest Litigation was filed in relation to the “current blockade & quit notice imposed/served by the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) of Nagaland on the Mao Community of Manipur.”

Rise in seasonal flu: H&FW issues advisory

lumpy skin disease D I M A P U R , M A R 1 3 pathogens like Influenza A

DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): In view of the Lumpy Skin Diseases (LSD) incidence reported across the country, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) department has issued advisory to to follow strict bio-security measures so as to prevent ingress of the disease into the State. AH&VS director Dr. Nsanthung Ezung said that the disease is caused by capripox virus also known as “Neethling” virus causing devastating economic losses via increase mortality, reduced (Cont’d on p-7)

(NPN): In view of the rise in Influenza-like Illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ILI/SARI) commonly referred as seasonal flu, the directorate of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) has issued an advisory. In a statement, H&FW principal director Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu said factors like inadequate attention to personal hygiene, sneezing and coughing without protection in close proximity of other people, closed door gathering, etc, contribute to increased transmission of viral respiratory

(H1N1, H3N2, etc.), including Covid-19. Therefore, the department called for following respiratory and hand hygiene, covering one’s mouth and nose with tissue/handkerchief/elbow when coughing or sneezing, avoiding spitting in public places, using mask in crowded environment, frequent hand washing, 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. (Full text on p-6)

DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): The High-Level Committee (HLC) under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved additional Central assistance of Rs. 68.02 crore for Nagaland under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). In a statement PIB, said that the HLC had approved Rs 1,816.162 crore from NDRF to the five States of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, affected by floods, landslides, cloudburst etc, in 2022. While Nagaland was sanctioned Rs 68.02 crore, Rs 520.466 crore was approved for Assam, Rs 47.326 crore for Meghalaya, Rs 239.31 crore for Himachal Pradesh and Rs 941.04 crore for Karnataka. This additional assistance is over and above the funds released by the Centre to the States in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), already placed at the disposal of the States. During the financial year 2022-23, Centre released Rs 15,770.40 crore to 25 States in their SDRF and Rs 502.744 crore to four States from NDRF. The Centre had deputed InterMinisterial Central Teams to these States, immediately after the calamities, without waiting for the receipt of memorandums from them.

Funds constraint puts question mark on State Stadium (MDSC) project in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 13 (NPN): Even after 17 years, the dream project called ‘Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) at Dimapur, is light years away from completion and instead of a lively sports centre, the unfinished structure is looking a desolate ancient Roman amphitheatre and used for unsporting activities. The 64.25 acre complex includes the main seating arena for 30,000 spectators while a portion of around 15 acres has been allotted to Sports Authority of India Imphal. The esti-

mated cost of the MDSC was Rs.60.57 crore and so far the amount released for the project is Rs.94.25 crore according to an official of the Youth Resources & Sports Department. State chief minister Neiphiu Rio had earlier disclosed that the cabinet had proposed to take over the entire project. At a subsequent meeting the NITI Aayog in August last year, Rio had envisaged an estimate of Rs. 157 crore for completion of the project. Meanwhile the contractor of the project held an interaction with Nagaland Post at Kuda Village

Main arena of MDSC cleared recently to host the Naga Wrestling Championship. (Pic via social media)

here on Monday. The contractor, Nibu Nagi, proprietor of NN Construction & Decors who was given contract for constructing the sports complex, disclosed that the project could not

be completed due to lack of funds. He disclosed that present chief minister Neiphiu Rio who was minister had announced an ambitious sports complex at Dimapur

in 2000s that led to the birth of MDSC. Nagi claimed that he had received Rs 76.45 crore out of an estimated total cost of Rs 230 crore for completing the entire

project. Hence, as per the amount, it can be clearly deduced that not even 30% of the construction work is complete. He said the complex could have hardly taken three to four years to complete had there been no fund constraint. He assured that if funds were made available, it could be completed in another two years. He appealed to the State government to accord priority for completion of the complex, as he also wanted to complete the work since he had started it. Naga also lamented that there have been multiple allegations against him in social media for not

completing the project but regretted that no one had even bothered to approach him for factual accounts. “I am ever ready to show any proof if anyone has any question,” said Nagi and also urged upon people not to be swayed by rumours and slanders. He recalled that initial works had started with Rs 60 crore provided by Planning Commission and that after its utilisation, the State government could not provide its share of fund. He recalled that the chief minister had in 2022, assured a bank loan to complete the project. (Cont’d on p-7) K Y M C


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