Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00
www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 318
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018 Pages 16 ` 5.00
Asthana bribery case: CBI to continue probe
Arsenal beat Leicester for 10th straight win
‘Will conduct fair probe into Khashoggi’s death’
national, Page 11
sports, Page 15
international, Page 13
Churches protest against homosexuality
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Various church organizations of the North East have voiced out against the recent Supreme Court ruling on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code decriminalising homosexuality. As per Supreme Court judgment, consensual gay sex is not a crime and Section 377 violated the fundamental right to equality. However, Churches have said that “what is legally upheld need not be morally acceptable”. Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), general secretary Rev. Dr. Z. Keyho told the Times of India that they “have nothing against the LGBTQIA community. However, we have to reiterate that homosexuality is a sin.” In this regard, he said that the NBCC would be holding its executive meeting at Kohima on October 31 “to come up with a comprehensive document to discourage homosexuality”. It will also discuss the SC order and its impact on the religious practices of the state. “Forming guidelines to uphold the teachings of the Bible is a moral imperative. Anything that goes
Rengma Hoho asks Ozukum to resign DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Rengma Hoho (RH) has appealed to the Naga Hoho (NH) president, Chuba Ozukum, saying he had no moral right to hold the presidentship of NH. In a press release, RH vice president Nontilo Magh and general secretary Thanchilo Kath said the Rengam Hoho held a consultative meeting in Kohima on October 18, 2018 where it resolved to uphold the Naga Hoho Yehzabo (constitution) and not favour or go against any individual or organizations. RH stated that as per NH Yehzabo article 17 “Ever y bonafide Naga whose tribe is a constituent unit of Naga Hoho shall be eligible to hold any post of Naga Hoho.” However, RH pointed out that the tribe of the present NH president Chuba Ozukum was “now no more a constituent unit of Naga Hoho.” Therefore, RH has appealed to Chuba Ozukum to pave the way for the Naga Hoho to reorganize its officer bearers with the consent and blessing of all Naga tribes. Failure to step down, RH cautioned that it would not cooperate with him till the crisis was resolved.
against god’s design cannot be encouraged,” Rev. Dr. Z. Keyho said. On Monday, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) declared that it would never support such an unholy practice which was morally unacceptable. The council further laid down an assertion that that homosexual acts and behaviour between consenting adults were morally unacceptable because it violated the aim of human sexuality which, it said, was procreation and the union of love, accomplished in the union between men and women in marriage. “...even if the homosexual acts are now legalised, it is not morally acceptable or justified. What is legal is not equal to moral acceptability” CBCC executive secretary Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo stated. In Mizoram, the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, a conglomerate of 14 church bodies, said the section (377) should never have been scrapped. It said that homosexuality and lesbianism should continue to be criminalized as before. ABAM red flags SC decriminalising homosexuality: Ao Baptist Church
Association (ABAM) has joined the growing chorus in Nagaland against Supreme Court’s recent verdict scrapping Section 377(a) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and thereby decriminalising homosexuality. Asserting that it disagreed with the apex court’s verdict, the association warned that it would not tolerate if any of its members indulged in acts that were “unscriptural and unnatural”. The stand of the church body was reaffirmed during its executive committee meeting held on October 15 and 16 by adopting a resolution in this regard. As Biblically-based association, ABAM asserted that it would not tolerate and condone homosexuality, never wink at sin and never condone or agree with this activity, but deal accordingly without any compromise. In a statement, ABAM executive secretary Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, said that even before the dawn of Christianity in Nagaland, except for head hunting practices, unnatural and inhuman practices were never witnessed. He pointed out that the church considered
Dimapur distt. donates `9.36 lakh to CMRF DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): In a noble humanitarian gesture, the NGOs, schools, colleges and individuals of Dimapur district have donated a sum of Rs.9,36,725 towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for helping the victims of disasters during this monsoon season in Nagaland. According to a DIPR report, seven cheques were handed over to the state chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, by the DC Dimapur and Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Dimapur president Sushil Kumar Patel and IRCS Dimapur chairman Chandu Kumar Agarwal towards the cause. The chief minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed towards CMRF. DC Dimapur has expressed gratitude to all the
well wishers who came forward to donate towards the CMRF. The contribution was made by the following Tokheho Yepthomi, Lok Sabha MP (Rs.50000), St.Joseph Global School Dimapur (Rs. Rs.19000), St.Joseph University Dimapur (Rs.40000), Network of Blood donors D i m a p u r ( R s. 2 8 , 1 0 0 ) , GET Gorgeous Society and Native Trax society (Rs.54,835), Ramakrishn a S o c i e t y ( R s. 5 0 0 0 ) , St.John School (Rs.13000), St.Thomas High School Nagarjan (Rs.5000), Dimapur Bengali Samaj (Rs.103500), Dimapur Punjabi Commu n i t y ( R s. 1 , 0 0 , 0 0 0 ) , Muslim Council Dimapur (Rs.1,00,000), Agarwal Mahila Munch Dimapur (Rs.5,100), Dimapur Sumi Students Union (Rs.14,450), (Cont’d on p-11)
man and woman with clear distinction, adding that transgender, bi-gender and homosexuality were never known in Nagaland, but might have happened elsewhere and considered abnormal and an abomination. And after the advent of Christianity in 1872 at the initiative of American Baptist missionary Dr Edward Clark, people walked under the guidance of God’s words, the body added. However, though Supreme Court on September 6 ruled that application of Section 377 to consensual homosexual sex between adults was unconstitutional, “irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary”, ABAM pointed out that Section 377 remained relating to sex with minors, nonconsensual sexual acts and bestiality. The association said allowing homosexuality and same-sex marriage had left many good citizens of India, irrespective of their religion, sect and colour saddened and infuriated. Quoting the Bible extensively, the association said God created only two sexes – male and female – and when He created the first marriage institution,
DMC clarifies on tolls, utility fees DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has once again clarified that neither the government nor the council had hiked the rates of the DMC tolls and urban utility fees, saying the rates remained the same. In a press release, DMC administrator, Moa Sangtam, has requested the public and business communities to bring to the notice of the DMC if the lessees were found charging higher than the rates as prescribed by the government. DMC stated that the clarification was being issued again as there still appeared to be some confusion about the issue despite a joint resolution of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and the Dimapur Municipal Council in connection with the same.
it was one man and one woman. Citing Genesis 2:24 (“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh”), ABAM explained that God did it that way because that’s how God wanted His creation to remain. Anything outside God’s plan for sexuality was a perversion orchestrated by the greatest pervert in the universe Satan, it asserted. The association cited few more references from the Bible on homosexuality to buttress its claim: i) Leviticus 20:13: “If a man lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them”; ii) I Corinthians 6:10: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abuser of themselves with mankind”; iii) I Timothy 1:9 & 10: “Knowing that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawlessness and disobedient,
“Since you’re from a national party, shouldn’t you project our financial problems nationally?” K Y M C
Senden and NSCN (I-M) leaders deliberated thoroughly about the ongoing Indo-Naga peace talks. The discourse was harmonious due to free exchange of ideas and views between the two sides, MIP stated. MIP said the Ao Senden leaders conveyed that
they were with NSCN (I-M) and hoped for an early resolution to the Indo-Naga conflict. Hukavi Yepthomi elaborated on how the Indian government recognised the unique history and situation of Nagas and signed the historic Framework Agreement with GoI, MIP said.
who caused maximum inconvenience to the general public. He said the traffic rule violators would be pena-
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): The colonial-era bridge at Nagarjan, which was closed on October 14, was re-opened for singlelane traffic Tuesday. Keeping in mind that traffic was only going to increase from now on till the Christmas and New Year season, the bridge was reopened only for light motor vehicles, though only a single lane for vehicles would be allowed at a time. In this regard, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur issued an order stating that in view of the partial restoration of the approach road to bridge, only light vehicles would be allowed to ply. The order stated that executive engineer (R&B) Dimapur would monitor and take precautionary measures daily and inform the DC as and when closure of
NSCN (I-M) appoints
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Led by its kilo kilonser Hukavi Yepthomi and Naga Army longvibu ‘lt. gen.’ Anthony Shimray, military cross, NSCN (I-M) held a consultative meeting with Ao Senden leaders here on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by NSCN (I-M)’s MIP, both Ao
Two-wheelers locked with wheel clamp for illegal parking in Dimapur on Tuesday.
lised, adding DTP would continue to strictly enforce the practice until positive results were achieved and discipline maintained.
Nagarjan bridge re-opened for traffic
On the other hand, Anthony Shimray appreciated the Senden for its practical wisdom to build a stronger Naga nation. Hoping that such a bonding would bring forth an “unconditional love and understanding” among all Naga brethrens, NSCN (I-M) said it expected the same commitment and dedication from Naga civil bodies until the final solution was arrived at.
NSCN (I-M) and Ao Senden leaders after the consultative meeting. (MIP)
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Dimapur Traffic Police (DTP) on Tuesday cracked down hard on traffic rule violators by attaching wheel clamp locks on vehicles that were not parked in designated zones at Nyamo Lotha Road (Church Road) here. Separate parking spaces for four and two-wheelers have been designated on the road. Speaking to Nagaland Post, R Randanbemo Ezung, ACP Traffic Police Zone-I, said DTP had swung into action since Monday to minimise traffic congestion on the busiest NL Road. He said traffic police personnel had acted against vehicles that were parked illegally to discipline motorists in using designated parking spaces. Mentioning that traffic personnel deputed to see illegal parking around NL Road had locked wheels of vehicles that were parked illegally with wheel clamp locks, the ACP said wheel clamps were used for rein(Cont’d on p-11) ing in undisciplined drivers
NSCN (I-M) holds consultative meet with Ao Senden
This is it!
Dimapur Traffic Police cracks down on traffic rule violators
NSCN (I-M) has appointed Chuba Pongener as the kilonser of the ministry of chaplee affairs with effect from October 23, 2018 succeeding Medo Angami. According to MIP, the farewell cum handing and taking over programme was held at the CHQ Hebron on Tuesday in the presence of senior functionaries of the group. (Cont’d on p-11)
Cracks that appeared on the approach road to the bridge. (File)
traffic was required. DC also stated that traffic personnel would be deployed round the clock to regulate traffic. When contacted, executive engineer (R&B) Talitemsu Jamir told this reporter that crack lines were reinforced and barricaded and caution stickers put in place. He said that the bridge was re-opened out of necessity and for public convenience.
He, however, added few words of caution: “Accidents can happen even on good roads and bridges. Therefore, in case of any untoward eventuality as a result of the temporary connectivity provided on this Britishera bridge that had outlived its life span, nobody should be held responsible.” Meanwhile, Tali said construction work on the new bridge that started in October 2017 was progressing well. Though the stipulated time for its
completion was 18 months, he said the bridge might even be completed before the next monsoon season since the progress was good. He further said that the bridge was re-opened out of necessity and convenience of the public. “Accidents are bound to happen even on good roads and bridges. Therefore in case of any eventuality by using this temporary connectivity, out of necessity provided today through this already outlived British era bridge that has outlived its life span, nobody should be held responsible.” Meanwhile, Er. Tali informed that the construction work for the new bridge which started in October 2017 was in good progress. Though the stipulated time for completion was 18 months, Er. Tali said the bridge may even be completed before the next monsoon season.
State BJP unit IT deptt notifies on website compliance OCT 23 (NPN): As part of the Accessible president revokes DIMAPUR, India Campaign (AIC), a nation-wide campaign to prouniversal accessibility to persons with disabilities, the expulsion order vide government of Nagaland has ordered compliance with
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): In a purported move to revamp the party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state unit president, Temjen Imna Along, has revoked the expulsion order of Dr Khriezovolie Kesiyie and Seyiekhrielie Nagi. BJP Nagaland through its media cell said the duo were expelled from both primary and active membership on October 21, 2017 by the then president of state BJP Visasolie Lhoungu on the ground of anti-party activities which was recommended by the disciplinary committee. However, media cell said the said case was “thoroughly reviewed again and found that the expulsion order was in his own interest and was self-styled and amounted to character assassination of the two party leaders.” (Cont’d on p-11)
the Government of India guidelines for Government of India apps and websites 2018 (GIGAW), which conform to the W3C’s (World Wide Web Consortium) web content accessibility guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) – internationally accepted standards. In a notification, the state department of information technology & communication directed that the websites of all the government departments have to be made compliant with Level AA of the WCAG 2.0 which prescribes accessibility options including changeable text size, changeable colour scheme – contrast and use of assistive technologies such as screen readers for hearing impaired. Further, the notification stated that those departments which were already having WCAG 2.0 compliant websites should not remove such accessibility features when updating their websites. For any assistance, one could contact Deputy Director, IT&C over phone 9436005854 and email: dit-ngl@nic.in.
Yung Aung-led NSCN (K) clarifies
DIMAPUR, OCT 23 (NPN): Reacting to the report on elevation of Niki Sumi as the commander-in-chief of the Yung Aung led NSCN (K) faction, ‘brig.’ Akaho Zhimomi has said that the information was “false” and “malicious” to create disunity by the adversaries. In a statement, ‘brig’ Akaho said that ‘gen.’ Niki Sumi was still the deputy C-in-C of the organization and there has been no change or promotion as yet. K Y M C