November 22, 2017

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 348

DIMAPUR, wednesday, november 22, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00

Kohli jumps to 5th spot in Test rankings

Centre mulls introducing Bill to end triple talaq

Justice Bhandari re-elected to ICJ

Sports, Page 11

National, Page 5

international, Page 9

Govt employees demand withdrawal of NIA probe

Correspondent

KOHIMA, NOV 21 (NPN): Over 10,000 state government employees took out a massive protest rally in the heart of Kohima Tuesday to demand immediate suspension of probes on government servants by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) pertaining to demand of illegal taxation from NNPGs. Responding to the call by the Core Committee comprising representatives from CANSSEA, FONSESA, NSSA and NF&ASA, the rally was held at the Old MLA Hostel junction here under the aegis of CANSSEA. The Core Committee warned that if NIA was not withdrawn immediately from the State, it(NIA) will then have to arrest around 1.30 lakh government employees in the State over the same issue of payment of taxes to NNPGs. Carrying placards some which read “Action Taken Under Duress Cannot Be Termed As Wilfulness and Anti-National” ; “NIA, We Are Only Human; We Cannot Tolerate The Humiliation Anymore”, “Forced Taxation Is Not Equal To

Gov urges CM to expedite setting up of Lokayukta D I M A P U R , N OV 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya on Tuesday appealed to the chief minister, T.R. Zeliang to expedite setting up of Lokayukta in Nagaland. In a letter to the Zeliang, Acharya further expressed concern over the delay in payment for land acquisition for railway projects in Dimapur. Achraya also sought updates from the CM regarding actions taken on the issue of proxy teachers and corruption charges against government employees. He also drew CM’s attention on the condition of roads, saying “repair/maintenance/improvement of roads should be taken up on priority and the works to be completed without delay”. Meanwhile, Acharya expressed pleasure at the news of the President’s visit to inaugurate the Hornbill Festival 2017.

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This is it!

“We would have also banned Padmavati but we don’t have a single cinema hall here.” K Y M C

Thousands of state government employees throng the streets of Kohima on Tuesday. (NP)

Aiding and Abetting”, etc, the employees later marched to Raj Bhavan where a memorandum was submitted to the Governor PB Acharya. Addressing media persons at the directorate of Tourism after submitting the memorandum, CANSSEA president, Dr. Zase Chusi, claimed that around ten thousand employees from all affiliated departments, both directorate and district offices under Kohima, participated in the silent rally. A Core Committee member also informed that the second phase of the rally would begin soon if there

was no positive action on the points raised in the memorandum. The committee also stated that a copy of the memorandum will be submitted to the chief minister and to the chief secretary. CANSSEA member Er Tsukti informed media that the “lightning strike” carried out by NIA in almost all the departments had made every state government employee feel insecure about his or her life. He said initially NIA had literally begged for information which the well meaning government servants disclosed whatever informa-

tion they had as required under law. However, Tsukti said the entire exercise carried out by the NIA turned into a nightmare when the agency started prosecuting the employees instead. He said that 36 departments were currently under NIA scanner and warned that the hospitality of the Nagas should not be misconstrued. He also expressed regrets that government officials were made scapegoats by the NIA which tagged everybody as anti-national or terrorists. Land Resource director, Hoto Yeptho said gov-

ernment servants were insecure and had have become like orphans as there was no one to support them. He lamented the fact that despite heads of departments submitting representations to the chief secretary in May this year and to the chief minister in September, nothing has been done to address the issue. Yeptho stated that no employee felt happy when 24% was deducted from his or her salary adding “We are not paying willingly.” I&PR director, Limawati Ao disclosed that during the course of investigation NIA even went to the extent of asking the arrested officials what was he/she doing, before he/ she became a terrorist? He said NIA had painted the government officials worse than terrorists. He said that everybody knows that officials were always under threat from by NNPGs if they refused to pay. Lima said if the current trend continued, no officer would accept promotion or serve as drawing & disbursing officers or Cashiers and this would bring about a collapse of the system. Another CANSSEA member clarified that the

confederation was not against NIA, but warned the Government of India against playing a “double game” if it was serious about resolving the Naga political problem. Asserting that sending NIA to investigate and at the same time, holding political dialogue could not go together. He said if the Government of India was serious about the dialogue, then it should withdraw NIA probe immediately. CANSSEA office bearers also reacted to an allegation that payment to NNPG was just an alibi to divert government funds. He clarified that the allegation was meant to mislead people as it is known that all departments were forced to pay.

Memorandum to Gov

Meanwhile in the memorandum submitted to the Governor, CANSSEA demanded immediate intervention of the Central government to withdraw NIA and drop investigation against various departments relating to illegal taxation by Naga national political groups, considering the political dialogue between the Government of India and NNPGs. (Cont’d on p-8)

President highlights better connectivity to NE PTI/Correspondent

Imphal, Nov 21: President Ram Nath Kovind Tuesday highlighted the Centre’s efforts to improve connectivity by modes of road, railway and air to the Northeastern states, and said the region was a “gateway to India linking with the Indian subcontinent and the ASEAN”. “The Government of India’s approach to the development of the Northeast is an urgent and speedy enhancement of connectivity. This is a multi-modal programme, across land, water and air,” the president said while inaugurating the Northeast Development Summit in Imphal, Manipur. He also underlined numerous projects taken up to improve travelling to Northeast by road, railway and air. “And it refers both to connectivity within India as well as to connectivity between India and its eastern and Southeast Asian neighbours,” Kovind said. Commerce and Industry minister Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Tourism K J Alphons, Manipur

NPF fate to be known Dimapur again to face MDTOA reject DC’s after general convention heavy load shedding appeal to call off bandh

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

Dimapur, Nov 21 (NPN): All eyes in Nagaland and beyond will be on the NPF general convention convened by NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü to be held at Khouchiezie local ground Kohima on Wednesday. The general convention was convened in pursuance to the directive of the Election Commission on October 17,2017 to resolve the ongoing NPF crisis after a parallel party organisation was formed by the NPF legislators who elected Neiphiu Rio as the interim president and later the full fledged president of the NPF faction. The Election Commission of India had not accepted the claims made by the NPF (TR-NR) general convention and the resolutions adopted therein. Since, as per the EC records, the group headed by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü was the original group but since there is now a dispute over party flag, symbol and letter head, Dr. Shürhozelie has been directed to hold the party convention after which the decision would be based on majority support. After the general convention and its outcome, the fate of both NPF rival claimants would be clear and that would also set the stage for the path to the assembly elections expected sometime during February 2018. There is also speculations about further realignment of political forces after the NPF general convention but that remains to be seen. Otherwise, also, the judgment on the PIL filed for dismissal of 26 parliamentary secretaries and advisors in Nagaland would also cause a major political crisis if it declared within the next few weeks.

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Power department on Tuesday informed that the citizens of Dimapur will be facing heavy load shedding as another 66/33 Kv, 20 MVA power transformer developed technical defects on November 20 afternoon. On November 12, the 66/33Kv, 20MVA was partially damaged during the fire incident. However, testing of the transformer revealed a major fault and may take some time for restoration, Executive Engineer transmission division, Dimapur, Er. Wabangmeren Jamir informed. In this regard, Er. Wabangmeren said there will be extended load shedding as the power supply capacity has been reduced to 1/3rd. It may be mentioned that Dimapur is being fed by three

power transformers each of 20MVA capacity. With two 20MVA transformers already damaged, Dimapur district is left with only one 20MVA. Due to this reason, there will be heavy load shedding as power supply will be distributed in phases, an official said. The department has therefore appealed to the public to bear with the inconvenience. Meanwhile, Er. Wabangmeren informed that the 10MVA transformer was in the process of being put in circuit, which would ease the power requirement to some extent. He said it will take one week to ten days for the 10MVA to be fully functional. He also informed that the department was trying its best to normalize power situation before Christmas since the department was in the process of arranging a 20MVA transformer.

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Mokokchung District Truck Owners’ Association (MDTOA) has rejected Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sushil Kumar Patel’s appeal for calling off the chakka bandh that began on Tuesday, asserting that the stir would continue for an indefinite period. In a letter to the DC on Tuesday, MDTOA president Sangyumongba Ao and secretary Imtisumak said they would restrict plying of commercial trucks and pick-ups in the entire Mokokchung district, besides restricting movement of commercial vehicles on Mariani-Mokokchung and Mokokchung-Amguri roads. MDTOA said the chakka bandh has been called as a last resort. MDTOA asserted that unless and until the concerned authorities repair/ improve the NH 702D (Mariani-Mokokchung road), the bandh would continue. MDTOA appreciated the DC’s gesture of calling a meeting to discuss the issue on Tuesday. However, the association rejected his appeal for postponing the chakka, besides seeking time till November 30 to attend the meeting. MDTOA reminded Patel that it had submitted a memorandum to him on October 30, 2017 seeking his attention to the plight of truckers. “Since there was no response, MDTOA had no option but to serve an ‘ultimatum’ on November 14,” the letter added.

Zeliang calls for tourist circuit in Northeast Gov, others condole demise of ex-MLA Kiyelho Pucho

D I M A P U R , N OV 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang has called for the creation of a tourist circuit for the Northeast to link up all festivals of the region. Speaking at the inaugural event of “North East Development Summit” at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound in Imphal on Tuesday, Zeliang said he had highlighted the importance of creating such a circuit for the region with Chief Ministers of Assam and Manipur. Despite the geographical remoteness of the Northeast, coupled with poor infrastructure and challenges posed by insurgency, the Chief Minister said he rested his hope on the young and enterprising youth of the region. “All it requires is the right policy, mixed with a blend of incentives for promoting investment and industrial growth in

T.R. Zeliang along with other dignitaries at North East Development Summit, Imphal.

the North-eastern States,” he stated. Stressing that strengthening the economy of the North-eastern States would create jobs for the youth which would not only help in economic transformation of the region but also address the challenges of insurgency and feeling of alienation, Zeliang said building economic linkages with East Asian countries was a way towards achieving this end. “Building economic linkages will help strengthen ties and contribute in the

development of Northeast India,” he said. Expressing his confidence on Act East Policy, which has great potential to strengthen the region’s economy, Zeliang said the Northeast, being a gateway to ASEAN nations, was a natural partner in the policy. Stressing on the importance of the policy that has the ability to not only end geographical remoteness of the North-eastern States but also transform the region by opening doors for Indian goods and services to the resilient ASEAN economies,

he said: “India’s Act East Policy should aim to achieve better connectivity for the North East region in all aspects – physically, emotionally and economically.” Terming three ‘C’s – Commerce, Connectivity and Culture – as important components that could play major roles in transforming the region, Zeliang called for urgent development of road and air connectivity in the region. “I urge the Government of India to be indulgent to our proposals,” he stated. (Cont’d on p-8)

D I M A P U R , N OV 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya and other leaders have condoled the demise of former legislator, Kiyelho Pucho on November 21. In a condolence message to Mrs. Suhoni Kiba, Governor expressed grief over the demise of, a veteran leader, who was elected as MLA from Pughoboto A/C in 1964. Acharya said late Pucho’s contribution as a public leader in various positions for the welfare of the state will be ever remembered. Acharya conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant strength and solace. Speaker: NLA speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, has expressed pain over the demise of Kiyelho Sema. Dr. Aier conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of himself and the Legislative Assem-

bly. He said late Kiyelho Sema was a social worker who dedicated his life for the welfare of the Nagas and was also active in Church activities. In his death, the State has lost a committed leader in general and Sema tribe in particular, he added. Jacob: Jacob Zhimomi, MLA has expressed shock over the demise of Kiyelho Phucho, former MLA and founder of Kiyelho village. He described, late Kiyelho as a man of strong principles and determination who dedicatedly served the Naga people in numerous capacities. His selfless contribution towards the uplift of Naga society would always be remembered, he said. Jacob prayed that the Almighty God grant strength and solace to the bereaved family and also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed leader.

Governor Najma Heptullah and chief ministers of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland were present on the occasion. “The Northeast’s geographical location makes it the obvious gateway to India, linking the vast economies of the Indian subcontinent and of today’s ASEAN countries,” the president said. This is the potential we have to tap. And this is the idea that must inspire this Summit, he added. The president, who is on his maiden visit to the Northeast, said that the region was an amazing social and cultural ecosystem. “Few regions of the world have such a wealth of cultural, ethnic and religious diversity packed into such a small area. This variety is an inspiration for all of us,” he said. The Northeast is home to some of the oldest indigenous communities in the world. It is one of our spiritual homelands. Whether it is the traditions of the Devi in Kamakhya or of Buddhism in Tawang and elsewhere, they make for a sacred bond that unites India with Southeast Asia, he said.

SWD dept cancels December 2 exams DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Social Welfare department (SWD) on Tuesday informed that the department has cancelled the following recruitment for the posts of supervisors (co-terminus with central scheme, LDA-cum computer assistant for the directorate and districts scheduled to be held on December 2, 2017. In a notification, SWD director, T. Merangtsungba Aier stated that the cancellation was done in view of the High Court order dated July 25 and 28 and also in regard to the ultimatum served on the state government by PSAN and PCC. All exam fees will be refunded to the applicants on reproduction of the admit car, Aier stated.

CM calls for all party meeting DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, T.R. has called for an all party meeting to be held on November 23, 1 p.m. at the CM’s residential office, Kohima. The meeting has been called to deliberate on matters relating to settlement of the Naga political issue and the President of India’s visit for the Hornbill Festival 2017.

Power dept informs

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): In view of the ongoing jungle cutting along 66Kv MokokchungNaginimora transmission line, power supply to Mon, Longleng, Changtongya and Tuli area under Mokokchung district will be occasionally disrupted till the work was completed. In this regard, SDO (trans) Mokokchung subtransmission division, Er. Shilu Lkr has requested all affected consumers to bear with the inconveniences. K Y M C


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