October 25, 2018

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVIII No. 319

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00

‘Syllabi for school children should be halved’

India vs West Indies 2nd ODI ends in tie

US aided Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, says Hassan Rouhani

national, Page 5

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Govt defends removal of top CBI brass

Former BJP ministers move SC for CBI probe on Rafale deal

NEW DELHI, OCT 24 (PTI): In an unprecedented shake-up in the CBI’s 55year-history, both its Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were stripped of their powers and sent on leave in a dramatic overnight action by the government after their worsening feud sparked a serious crisis in the country’s premier probe agency. As the gover nment went into damage control mode in a bid to defuse the crisis, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Tuesday night named Joint Director M Nageswar Rao, a 1986batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, as interim director with “immediate effect”. Immediately after taking charge around midnight, Rao ordered transfers of a dozen officers with one of them being sent to Port Blair and also constituted a fresh team to probe bribery and extortion charges against Asthana. Most of the officers shifted were part of the probe teams against Asthana, a Gujarat cadre IPS officer, according to

against him to accuse him of corruption and that he was inevitably at odds with the opinion of majority officers in sensitive cases. “Not all influence that is exerted by the political government would be found explicitly or in writing. More often than not it is tacit and requires considerable courage to withstand,” says the Rakesh Asthana, Alok Verma and M Nageswar Rao petition. Verma also promsources. Jaitley said an SIT will ises to give details of “many Meanwhile, in a lengthy look into the charges and cases that have led to the statement issued later in the both officers will “sit out” present circumstances”. day, the government claimed the duration of the probe, that Verma was not cooper- adding that they have been ating with the CVC. Opposition par ties sent on leave as an interim It defended its decision measure. Wednesday launched a to send him on leave, sayVer ma challenges blistering attack against the ing an “extraordinary and ‘forced leave’; SC hearing government over CBI Direcunprecedented” situation on Oct 26: Alok Verma has tor Alok Verma’s removal had arisen due to “grave told the Supreme Court with the Congress alleging allegations of corruption” that the autonomy of the that the decision was taken against senior functionaries country’s premier inves- due to ‘Rafale-o-phobia’ of the agency. tigating agency is being as he was collecting docuDefending the govern- compromised and by ma- ments relating to the Rafale ment’s move, union finance lintent that includes when jet deal. Leading the attack minister Arun Jaitley said “certain investigations into it was absolutely essential high functionaries do not against the government on to restore the agency’s in- take the direction that may the issue, Congress presistitutional integrity and be desirable to the govern- dent Rahul Gandhi alleged Verma was forcibly sent on ment”. credibility. Verma has challenged leave as he was collecting The allegations by the top two officers of the coun- his removal in the Supreme documents relating to the try’s premier investigation Court which will hear his Rafale ‘scam’ and the counagency had led to a “bizarre case on October 26. His try and its Constitution were and unfortunate” situation, petition says that Astha- in danger under the ruling na “concocted evidence” dispensation. he said.

CM reminded on KSCJ land issue

Security scare in Aung-led NSCN (K) urges Manipur Christians stage silent rally in Imphal US: CNN office in

DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) and Kohima Science College Students’ Union (KSCSU) have appealed for early settlement of the Kohima Science College Jotsoma (KSCJ) land encroachment issue. In a joint representation addressed to the state chief minister, the ANCSU president, Katho P Awomi, and KSCSU general secretary, Vibeizotuo Tetso, pointed out that as directed by the chief minister, the district administration has prepared sur vey report within the stipulated time and has submitted to the state government. However, despite one month after the submission of report, the district administration was unable to go ahead awaiting the directive from the state government, they said. Therefore, the two student bodies have once again appealed to the chief minister to seriously take the issue into consideration and give necessary directives to the district administration for early settlement of the issue. They expressed hope that the state government would not shy away from delivering justice to the student community.

This is it!

“Can’t risk giving her a lift anymore with all that MeToo stuff.” K Y M C

Oppn slams govt

Christians in Manipur taking part in a silent peace rally demanding regularisation_ of churches constructed at public place in Imphal on Wednesday. Correspondent

IMPHAL, OCT 24: Thousands of Christians staged a silent mass rally in Imphal on Wednesday demanding regularization of Churches constructed in public places across Manipur. The rally was organized by All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO)

alleging that none of the Churches across the state were included when Manipur government regularized 188 worshiping places constructed at public places. The rallyists carried placards some of which read “We want justice and equal treatment,” “No church no peace”, “We (Christian) for peace and harmony”,

“Respect the sanctity of church,” “We demand regularization of Christian worship place,” “Uphold Supreme Court’s order of 29 September 2009,” etc. The rally kick-started from Imphal’s THAU ground and culminated at the same place after marching through the streets of Imphal.

NPF stands for Nagas: Dr. Shürho DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Wednesday asserted that the regional party, considered to be “royal guard” of Naga people, stood for them and represented their identity. Speaking at a day-long seminar of the party at its central office at Kohima, Shürhozelie reminded the people that NPF, the second oldest regional political party in the country, was formed when there was turmoil in Naga soil. He assured that NPF would protect Naga identity and carry forward the aspirations of Naga people for early resolution of the Naga political problem, which had been its topmost priority, he added. Clarifying that NPF was not a power-hankering party but committed towards progress of the Naga people, Shürhozelie regretted that many present Naga

leaders had forgotten the Nagas’ political history and were running after money and power. However, NPF would always stand for the Nagas and preservation of their identity, stressed the veteran leader, adding that many Naga leaders had tried to form regional parties in the State only to contest elections without any roots and principles and disappeared. The NPF president also called upon party workers to remain firm with the party’s principle and stand, besides remaining committed to work for welfare of the Naga people. He urged the party workers to put God first and stand with the truth, emphasising that NPF was not formed just for acquiring power and money but to protect the Naga people and preserve their identity.

NPF Kohima division reiterates support

NPF Kohima division has announced to stand firm in supporting the leadership of party president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang. This was resolved during a oneday seminar of the party’s Kohima division at the State Capital on Wednesday. Appreciating the electorate for bestowing their trust and electing its 26 legislators in the last Assembly election, thereby making it the single-largest party in the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the House urged Naga people to continue supporting the party and its leaders. The division also thanked the 26 legislators for standing firm with the party and its leadership, besides showing their courage in the recently-held Assembly ses(Cont’d on p-7) sion. (Cont’d on p-7)

In a series of tweets, Gandhi also said, “The Prime Minister’s message is very clear that whoever comes near Rafale (issue) will be removed, wiped out.” “Modi government buries the ‘last nail’ into the independence of CBI. Systematic dismantling and denigrating of CBI is now complete. Once a premier investigating agency, PM ensures that CBI’s integrity, credibility and reliability is buried and dead,” Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. A number of opposition leaders including TMC’s Mamata Banerjee, CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechuri, BSP’s Mayawati, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and CPI’s D Raja also attacked the government over Verma’s removal. DMK president M K Stalin also slammed the government for removing Verma, alleging that institutional freedom was facing serious threat under the Modi government. Appointment of a controversial officer like Nageshwar Rao is nothing but to ensure that CBI remains the caged parrot of the BJP government, Stalin said.

Later, at a public meeting convened at the concluding part of the rally, AMCO president Prim Vaiphei protested against alleged government favouritism of religion. Despite repeated requests, the chief minister had failed to hear the demands of the Christians in the state even as a total of 188 worshiping places of different religions had already been regularized by the state government, he said. He claimed that churches in the state have been playing a big role in spreading the message of living together in peace and harmony among the different communities living in the state. “We are extremely unsatisfied with the government’s attempt to demolish churches in public places,” he said, asserting that churches were always upholding peace and harmony in the state. (Cont’d on p-7)

NHAK clarifies DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Consequent upon the news item published in section of the local dailies on October 23 regarding Eden Medical Centre’s pathology department being the first NABL accredited diagnostic centre in Nagaland, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) managing director Dr. Thorhusie Katiry Wednesday clarified that NHAK had already obtained NABL accreditation in December 2012. As per the certificate enclosed by NHAK, the latter got the accreditation in the department of microbiology (SRL, CD4, ICTC, culture & sensitivity) in 2012. When contacted, Eden Medical Centre pathologist, Dr. Moa Aier said that EMC pathology department was the first in Nagaland to be accredited by the NABL in the discipline of clinical biochemistry, clinical pathology, hematology and immunohematology.

Prashant Bhushan, Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha during a press conference in New Delhi. (File)

NEW DELHI, OCT 24 (IANS): Former BJP Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking registration of FIR and investigation by CBI into the Rafale deal. Contending that the there was “prima facie evidence of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act by public servants occupying the highest of public offices in the country”, they also sought court direction refraining the Modi government from “influencing or intimidating” officials who would investigate the

NYC evacuated

offences. The petitioners moved the apex court after the CBI “under pressure from the government” did not register an FIR on their complaint. The trio on Oct 4 had handed over a complaint to CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma, demanding registration of FIR against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged abuse of public office causing undue benefit worth “tens of thousands of crores” to a crony capitalist in the Rafale jet fighter deal. “It is clear that there is enormous pressure on the CBI because of the nature of the persons involved not to undertake this investiga-

Nagas not to be swayed

DIMPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): NSCN (K) led by Yung Aung has appealed to the Nagas not to be swayed by developments taking place in the ousted Khango group but to have faith in the militant group’s leadership. In a statement issued by its deputy C-in-C ‘lt. gen.’ Niki Sumi, the group under the leadership of Yung Aung clarified it did not have any problem whatsoever with the Khango group holding peace talks or entering into negotiations with any government or organization. However, it asked them to refrain from using the banner and nomenclature of NSCN (K) as this would invite confusion in the minds of the Nagas. According to Niki, circumstances necessitated impeachment of Khango Konyak as chairman of (More on p-9) NSCN (K) and appointment

NEW YORK, OCT 24 (AGENCIES): Americanbased TV news channel CNN on Wednesday evacuated their New York’s bureau as a precautionary measure after a ‘suspicious package’ was sent to former US president Barack Obama and another bomb was found at Bill and Hillary Clinton’s New York City home, according to media reports. Earlier, a package was delivered to Obama which contained a ‘suspected explosive device’ and a similar package was discovered at Hillary and Bill Clinton’s home in New York City. The device was found by a technician who screens mail for Hillary and Bill Clinton at the Chappaqua residence in the suburban region, the reports said.

Only BS-VI vehicles to be sold from April 2020: SC NEW DELHI, OCT 24 (AGENCIES): Only Bharat Stage VI (or BS-VI) vehicles shall be sold across the country from April 1, 2020, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday. No BS-IV or BS-VI non-compliant vehicles can be sold after this deadline. The Bharat stage emission standards (BSES) are instituted by the government to regulate output of air pollutants from motor vehicles. In 2016, the centre had announced that the country would skip BS-V norms and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020. Emphasising on the urgent need to switch to a cleaner fuel, the top court also rejected the centre’s request for a three-month extension of the deadline so that car makers can sell their non-BS-VI vehicles. At a previous hearing, advocate Aparajita Singh,

tion,” they said praying for a SC monitored probe by specially designated CBI officers. The petition contends that the intergovernmental deal with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets announced by Modi in April 2015, was in complete violation of all laid-down defence procurement procedures. The petitioners have also cited French media reports about former France President Francois Hollande as saying that India had proposed the Indian private entity as the partner for the deal, to substantiate their charges of the deal being in violation of procedural mandates. It also states that the French government and Rafale makers Dassault Aviation were told that the deal will materialise only if a private Indian entity was made an offset partner. The petitioners said that the new deal gives “undue benefit” to both Dassault Aviation and the Indian company that amounted to criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

who is advising the top court in the air pollution matter, had opposed the government’s move to extend the deadline till June 30, 2020 to enable vehicle manufacturers to sell their BS-VI noncompliant four-wheelers. The automobile manufacturers had justified the grace period saying India was attempting to jump from BSIV emission norms to BS-VI in a short span of time. BS-VI grade petrol and diesel, billed as “ultra-clean” fuel, became available in Delhi from April this year. The fuel helps even current generation vehicles cut particulate emissions by 10 to 20 per cent. The move to phase out BS-IV and promote use of clean fuel is aimed at lowering the alarming levels of air pollution in the national capital, among the world’s most-polluted megacities.

of Yung Aung as new chairman of the organisation. However, even after impeachment and providing safe passage for the impeached chairman Khango Konyak, it alleged that his handful of supporters were claiming to be NSCN (K). How can an impeached chairman still claim the chair from which he was unceremoniously removed, the outfit asked. Niki claimed that NSCN (K) had been actively pursuing the issue of Naga sovereignty since its formation so as to enable the flag of free Naga nation fly high. Towards this end, he said NSCN-K had been actively engaged in armed conflicts with both India and Myanmar “occupational forces”. He said NSCN (K) had been this way even today as Nagas were very well aware of.

Petrol price cut; diesel unchanged NEW DELHI, OCT 24 (AGENCIES): Oil-marketing companies slashed prices of petrol across the four metro cities for the seventh straight day on Wednesday. However, diesel prices remained unchanged. Petrol is priced at Rs. 81.25 per litre in New Delhi, Rs. 83.10 per litre in Kolkata, Rs. 86.73 per litre in Mumbai and Rs. 84.44 per litre in Chennai, according to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Diesel is selling at Rs. 74.85 per litre in New Delhi, Rs. 76.70 per litre in Kolkata, Rs. 78.46 per litre in Mumbai and Rs. 79.15 per litre in Chennai. On Wednesday, petrol was priced at Rs.76.95 per litre and diesel Rs.70.31 per litre in Dimapur while in Kohima petrol now costs Rs.77.70 per litre and diesel Rs. 70.87 per litre. K Y M C


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October 25, 2018 by Nagaland Post - Issuu