Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXX No. 338
DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00
Rohit should be India’s T20 captain: former cricketers sports, Page 8
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State losing over `108 cr monthly: CM issue, irrespective of party affiliation. He also thanked those who wished him on his party. On his part, Yhokha thanked God, the ruling coalition leaders and wellwishers for his victory. He sought support, guidance and advice from the seniors
Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOV 11 (NPN): As the State’s overall deficit was rising by over Rs 108 crore every month due to COVID-19 pandemic totalling to over Rs 1,000 crore in a year, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the State government has decided to focus more in promoting agriculture and allied sectors. Addressing a PDA thanksgiving programme for newly-elected legislator Medo Yhokha at Hotel Vivor here on Wednesday, Rio stressed on rebuilding the economy and called for change in the mindset of people. According to Rio, the money received from deficit grant and GST were spent on salaries, pensions, power purchases and other emergencies, He said the situation was a challenge for the government and the people must work hard, earn livelihood and build the society. As Nagas do not pay taxes, he remarked that they do not know about economy. I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e thanksgiving programme coincided with the 70th birthday of Rio himself. Responding to felicitations, Rio thanked God for
NSCN (I-M) sticks to demand for Naga flag, constitution D I M A P U R , N OV 1 1 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has reiterated that the Framework Agreement signed on August 3,2015 with the government of India “reaffirmed and recognised the unique history of Nagas and identity of Nagas” including Naga sovereignty. In a statement, MIP stated that based on the FA, both sides mutually agreed that Nagas will exercise “their sovereignty in their own internal affairs” through which both entities will share sovereign powers. It also reiterated that the proposed Pan Naga Hoho is to be a cultural and social body with separate budget allocated by the government of India. In this regard, NSCN (I-M) said notwithstanding the state of the government of India on Naga flag and constitution, it “will stick to Framework Agreement and mutually agreed competencies including Naga national flag and constitution.” NSCN(-M) reaffirmed that Naga solution incorporating Naga flag and constitution “will undoubtedly solve not only the Naga political problem, but it will also solve the chronic IndoNaga political problem and they will tighten their lasting relationship.”
Neiphiu Rio and Medo Yhokha
the abundance grace, guidance and protection during the entire by-poll process. Also congratulating Medo Yokha, Rio admitted that winning the by-poll was not easy due to the strong challenge posed by the independent candidate. He thanked BJP for its commitment and support, besides all rank and file of NDPP and well-wishers for their support. He said Yhokha was young and is committed to learn and serve the people. Rio urged young leaders to take up more responsibilities, while urging youth to come forward and work together for the party and the State. Calling for peace, development and progress, he urged everyone to work united on Naga political
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PDA to decide on support from Ind
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the ruling PDA will discuss on whether or not, to accommodate the newly elected Independent legislator from 60 PungroKiphire in PDA. He said this while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the thanksgiving programme. Rio emphasised that independent legislators were “independent” and cannot join any political party. He however said if the newly elected independent member wished, he could support the PDA government adding “we can work together”. On the other hand, Rio during the recent campaign for the NDPP candidate at Pfuchama on October 27, had categorically stated that PDA will not accommodate Independent candidates, even if they won the by-polls.
On convening a special Nagaland Legislative Assembly session as asked by NEDA convener and Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rio clarified it was not a question of insistence. He said the Assembly was a platform where every legislator can come together and that PDA would discuss the issue. He said if the need arose , the session could be convened. On cabinet’s decision to refer governor RN Ravi’s letter to the Home ministry (MHA) in which he (Ravi) directed the state DGP to provide security to Working Committee leaders, Rio pointed out that the SOP and ground rules stated that the negotiating parties should be in their designated camps and are not allowed to stay in public places. (Cont’d on p-6)
COCOMI, NNPGs hold consultative meet
COCOMI leaders with members of the WC, NNPGs in Dimapur. (WC media cell)
D I M A P U R , N OV 1 1 (NPN): A consultative meeting was held between WC, NNPGs led by its convenor N. Kitovi Zhimomi and six co-convenors with a conglomeration of seven Manipur-based civil societies-- Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), at Dimapur on Tuesday. At the meeting, WC, NNPGs reassured COCOMI leaders that the “impending Indo-Naga political solution” will be in the interests of both Nagas and
Meiteis and other communities. Further, WC said any new political or administrative arrangement or structure that respects and promotes Naga history, culture and identity “without altering the present boundary of Manipur, Arunachal or in Assam” as a result of the “Indo-Naga solution” which benefits all communities “must be appreciated.” In response, WC said COCOMI delegates “appreciated the pragmatic stand of WC, NNPGs and
the progressed achieved through political negotiations”. The meeting also agreed that more interaction and people to people dialogue was necessary to forge a strong indigenous ethnic community platform so as to meet the ever threatening demographic invasion of the NE states. WC said the meeting also agreed that “NE people cannot live in isolation because the danger is too big” adding that common issues needed to be tackled through concerted (Cont’d on p-6) efforts.
nagalandpostofficial
Heavy rush at fuel outlets as state govt hikes taxes
international, Page 7
Nitish-led NDA overcomes stiff challenge to retain power in Bihar
D I M A P U R , N OV 1 1 (NPN): Citizens of Dimapur on Wednesday evening began flocking the petrol pump outlets to refuel their vehicles after the state government announced hiking taxes on fuel with effect from midnight of November 11. In a notification, addl. chief secretary and finance commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen, stated that the tax on diesel has been raised from the existing 14.5% to 17.50% or Rs 11.08 per litre, whichever is higher while tax on petrol and other motor spirits has been hiked from the existing 25% to 29.80% or Rs 18.26 per litre, whichever is higher. A fuel outlet manager told Nagaland Post that they had a harrowing time to manage the customers. Most of the fuel outlets were shut by 7 p.m. On Wednesday, price of petrol in Dimapur was Rs 80.34 per litre and diesel Rs.71.39 per litre while in Kohima a litre of petrol and diesel was retailing at Rs.81.25 and Rs.72.11 respectively. With the revision, diesel price could be hiked by over Rs 2 per litre and petrol by over Rs 3.5 a litre.
PATNA, NOV 11 (PTI): Surmounting anti-incumbency of 15 years, a mutinous former ally, and a spirited challenge from a resurgent opposition that rose from its ashes like proverbial phoenix after the 2019 Lok Sabha poll debacle, Nitish Kumarled NDA was back in power in Bihar on Wednesday with a slender majority. The ruling coalition won 125 seats in the 243member state assembly against 110 clinched by the opposition Grand Alliance to pave the way for a fourth successive term for Kumar in office but with diminished clout following a debilitating slide in the number of JD(U) lawmakers that came down to 43 from 71 in 2015. Kumar was then a partner in the Grand Alliance which included Lalu Prasad’s RJD and the Congress. Its defeat notwithstanding, the RJD emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats. The BJP finished second with a tally of 74 seats. Despite the slump in numbers, Kumar is set to take over the reins of the government. M u c h o f Ku m a r ’s
Centre to hold talks with Manipur CM on Naga solution
Nagaland should be made ‘Kiwi State of India’: Union Agri minister
GUWAHATI, NOV 11 (AGENCIES): The Narendra Modi government will soon be holding a consultative meeting with Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh to understand the state’s position regarding the Naga peace talks, reports ThePrint. Biren Singh has been invited to Delhi to discuss various issues before any agreement is reached between the Centre, NSCN (I-M) and the Working Committee of the NNPGs, an umbrella body of seven Naga groups. Confirming the invitation, S. Rajen, personal secretary to the CM, told ThePrint that the visit was scheduled for this week but was postponed due to byelections in the state. While the results of the polls were announced Tuesday, no new dates have been announced for the meeting yet.
D I M A P U R , N OV 1 1 (NPN): Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Wednesday asserted that Nagaland should be made ‘’Kiwi State of India’’ by making persistent efforts in research and training farmers to reap good returns from Kiwi production. Addressing a virtual meet on ‘Value Chain Creation for Kiwi fruit– Farm to Fork’, organized by the Agriculture ministry along with Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, Tomar said: “A new chapter is being introduced in the agricultural history of Nagaland which will be highly beneficial to the Kiwi farmers of the state. This programme of Kiwi production enhancement will prove to be a milestone in the years to come.” The Centre is working closely with the state
BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS
RESULTS 2020 TOTAL SEATS 243
NDA 125 BJP
74
JD(U)
43
HAM
4
VIP
4
MGB 110 OTH
8
RJD
75
LJP
1
CONG
19
AIMIM
5
CPI-ML
11
BSP
1
CPM
3
OTHERS
1
CPI
2
plight can be blamed on the damage Chirag Paswan’s LJP inflicted on his JD(U). Down in the dumps with just one MLA, the party spoiled the JD(U)’s chances in at least 30 seats. JD(U) spokesperson K C Tyagi told PTI in New Delhi that a “sinister” campaign was run against Nitish Kumar as part of a “conspiracy”. The drastic fall in the number of JD(U) MLAs, however, will likely make the BJP, which hitherto played a second fiddle to Kumar, more assertive, and it may insist on a larger share in the ministerial pie and greater say in governance. Apart from Kumar’s creditable performance as an administrator, the multiple claimants to Muslim votes, including the Grand Democratic Secular Front
Narendra Singh Tomar
government and especially the Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, in capacity building of farmers in production as well as packaging of kiwi products, he stated. Tomar lamented that the North East, due to difficult terrain, was lagging behind and all ministries including Agriculture ministry are working towards ensuring a progressive North East. He also elaborated on the problems faced by the farmers in the North East region namely lack of good
(GDSF) comprising Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, BSP and Upendra Kushwaha’s RLSP worked in NDA’s favour and scuppered the Mahagathbandhan’s chances. O wa i s i ’s A I M I M emerged as a surprise package of the election, winning five seats. Its ally BSP also clinched one seat. The biggest gainer was the CPI-ML, which clinched 12 seats, followed by the CPI and CPI-M (two each). Barring the CPI-ML, which had three seats in the outgoing assembly, none of the Left parties had a presence in the House. Meanwhile, all eyes are now on the formation of the next government which will likely be sworn in soon after the Diwali festivities get over later this week, informed sources said on Wednesday.
planting material, productivity issues, lack of packaging facilities and marketing networks for farmers. Tomar said that the ministry was trying to provide handholding support to Kiwi farmers across the country in a bid to reduce the country’s dependence on imports in line with the call on ‘’Vocal for Local’’. Tomar further said the Centre is also ensuring that farmers are connected to the market, so that they can get a fair price for their produce. To boost kiwi production, the minister said the Himalayan climate is suitable for kiwi production and there is a need to introduce high-yielding varieties. Currently, India imports 4,000 tonnes of Kiwis from New Zealand, Italy and Chile, while the domestic production is about 13,000 tonnes.
Govt brings OTT operators under ambit of I&B ministry Dimapur CSOs decry filing of case against NCD
NEW DELHI, NOV 11 (PTI): The government has put OTT platforms such as Netflix as well as news and current affairs content on online platforms under the Ministry of Information (Full text on p-4) and Broadcasting and given it powers to regulate policies and rules for the digital space. There was no law or autonomous body governing digital content in India so far. Now, OTT and other platforms, including digital news websites, are expected to fall within a governmental framework of rules and regulations. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat on Tuesday night and signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, the decision comes into effect immediately. “Projects in Nagaland It was taken in exercise don’t complete in time due of the powers conferred by to long term interests.” clause (3) of Article 77 of
This is it!
as he begins his political journey and reiterated to stand by commitments made during the by-poll campaign. Earlier, BJP’s State vicepresident Peter Rutsa read out the thanksgiving message of State BJP president Temjen Imna Along in his absentia. (Cont’d on p-6)
Several wounded in explosion at Saudi cemetery
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the Constitution by amending the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the notification said. With this, the Information and Broadcasting ministry has the power to regulate policies related to news, audiovisual content and films on online platforms. These include ‘over the top’ platforms Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+Hotstar as well as homegrown ones like SonyLIV, and digital news websites, including The Wire and Scroll often seen as being critical of the government. Digital media is already regulated through the IT Act and other laws, albeit within the framework of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech, veteran media insiders pointed out. Though a cross-section of journalists, writers and
directors in digital news platforms and those providing content for OTT services responded with dismay, there was little clarity on what kind of regulations the move would entail. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said he would give a detailed briefing on the matter on Thursday. He was asked about the move during the Cabinet briefing on Wednesday. The government’s decision comes less than a month after the Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response on a PIL seeking regulation of OTT platforms by an autonomous body. Several other major OTT platforms declined to comment on the development when contacted. But filmmakers and writers did not mince their words. The decision could put
Indian content creators at a disadvantage on the world stage and curtail the creative and personal freedom of makers as well as viewers, said several big names in the OTT circuit. In January 2019, eight video streaming services signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms. The code adopted by the OTTs prohibited five types of content – including those that deliberately and maliciously disrespect the national emblem or national flag, any visual or story line promoting child pornography, any content that maliciously intends to outrage religious sentiments and content that deliberately and maliciously promotes or encourages terrorism. However, the government refused to support this code.
D I M A P U R , N OV 1 1 (NPN): Various civil society organisations (CSOs) of Dimapur have expressed dismay over the case filed against Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) by three new members of the council-- J Walter Longchar, S Mar Aier and Chovose Nienu. In a joint statement, presidents of GB’s (Sadar) Union Dimapur, DUCCF, NWHD, DNSU and DDCF said they were “amazed at
the audacity” of a few newcomer members in NCD, who they alleged were “virtually trying to jeopardize” the integrity of NCD which has been “tirelessly contributing to the needs of the society for the past 71 years”. They alleged that the new members convinced the civil judge to pass restraining order with “malicious” intent to sabotage the good image” of NCD. “What turns out to be more disturbing is the
fact that the civil judge was convinced to pass restraining order after 32 days of case hearing,” they said. They pointed out that the new office bearers of NCD were installed and approved with the required number of councilors as per the constitution of the council. Therefore, they said the question of entertaining “a consequent petition by the vested interest party” for the same should not arise.
COVID-19 STATUS AS ON november 11, 2020 District
Asymptomatic
Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang Wokha Zunheboto Total
480 0 196 0 6 86 8 1 3 0 1 781
ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Critical-ICU Mild Moderate Severe Without Oxygen With Oxygen On Ventilator 24 4 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 10 12 3 0 4
*6 deaths not due to Covid-19 *3 deaths in under investigation
RecovDeath under Death ered Investigation 4721 23 2603 9 109 471 306 36 154 28 135 8595
32* 0 13 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 50
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
Migrated
Total Cases
56 0 12 9 3 9 0 0 0 0 3 92
5330 23 2841 18 120 569 314 37 158 29 139 9578
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