Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXIX No. 321
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Dimapur Youth Festival: Fostering unity and diversity
NE United FC beat Odisha FC 2-1 in ISL
67 killed in anti-Abiy protests in Ethiopia
Sunday Post Supplement
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Dr. Jamir expounds on handling RIIN
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Against the backdrop of the contentious issue of preparation of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and at a time when the Naga political issue was expected to see an early resolution, former governor and also former chief minister of Nagaland, Dr. S.C. Jamir has categorically pointed out that Nagas of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Myanmar are not indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland state. Dr. Jamir, who is a surviving member of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) that signed the historic 16point agreement, made this remark while addressing the launch of Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum (NIPF) Saturday at the Auditorium of Don Bosco School, Dimapur. “We have Nagas in Manipur, Arunachal, Manipur and Burma but they are indigenous of their respective states and country. Just because they are Nagas, they can’t claim to be indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland,” said Dr. Jamir.
Gov, Dy. CM extend Diwali greetings
DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi, and deputy chief minister Nagaland, Y Patton, have extended greetings to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of Diwali. In a message, Ravi appealed all for a pollutionfree Diwali celebration and wished a joyous and prosperous life to the people of the State. Dy. CM: Deputy chief minister, who is also Nagaland BLP leader, implored upon each and everyone to uphold the true spirit of Diwali and defeat all the negativities in “our lives to bring about social harmony.”
NTC condoles
DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has mourned the demise of one of its founding member Z. Katiry, Ex-MLA, who breathed his last on October 25. In a condolence message, NTC described Katiry as an active, sincere and a dedicated person committed towards the welfare of the society. It said that the void in the NTC created by his death would be difficult to fill in. NTC also conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to grant them courage to withstand in this time of sorrow and grief.
This is it!
“More weddings, more gifts, more expenses. Wish they carried a note “NO GIFTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.” K Y M C
He illustrated his point by citing the example of Chinese people inhabiting in different parts of the world. Dr. Jamir said the mainland China does not claim that all of them should be indigenous inhabitants of China. “Nagas of Nagaland should not be confused, nor intimidated by any elements or vested interest on this vital issue,” said Dr. Jamir. The veteran Naga political said the issue of identifying indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland should be approached dispassionately and with political foresight as it would affect the lives of the inhabitants of Nagaland, now and in future. The former five-time chief minister of Nagaland who also served as governor of several states for 14 years, said that while deliberating on the subject, a broader view should be maintained without any prejudice – be it communal, tribal or even religious. “The issue of indigenous is both emotive and sensitive and yet our deliberations should not be emotional nor sensational,” said Dr. Jamir. He pointed out that at present Nagaland
Dr. S.C Jamir (NP)
state covered a little over 16,000 sq km with about two million population and by 2050 Nagaland is projected to have about five million population. “We must know that space available at present is not sufficient for the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland and the population will keep increasing whereas the area shall remain the same and job opportunities will be very limited if we go at the present trend and rate,” cautioned Dr. Jamir. The former governor of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha then said that when the state was over burdened, nothing should be done to overload the state by bringing “extra luggage from outside”.
Dr. Jamir said survival of people of Nagaland, especially the younger generation, would be determined by the decisions of the present leadership of the Nagas on the indigenous issue. In his message to indigenous inhabitants of north-east region, Dr. Jamir said with India’s ‘Act East Policy’ (AEP) the region would be exposed to influx from South East Asian countries. As the corridor of the mainland country, he said the region should be prepared for “crisscrossing of civilisation and invasion of tremendous economic forces”. Dr. Jamir cautioned that not a single state of the region could singularly face this invasion and asked the entire region to come together and be prepared by developing themselves and elevating their present education system. “Unless we develop, unless we improve the kind of education that we have to match the worst time we will be second class citizens in our own land”, warned Dr. Jamir. Apart from focusing on customary and traditional practices, he said the region should talk about the
Peace talks: Nagaland, Manipur on alert KOHIMA/IMPHAL, OCT 26 (PTI): With the next round of peace talks to end the protracted Naga political problem, the Nagaland and Manipur governments have taken steps to meet any eventuality and have put their respective police forces on “high alert”. Officials said in Kohima that the Nagaland government has directed all deputy commissioners and administrative officers to remain in their place of posting and within their jurisdiction till further orders. Nagaland police headquarters has issued an order banning all kinds of leaves and directed all unit commanders to recall all officers and personnel on leave immediately except those on medical leave. In neighbouring Manipur, where Nagas have a sizeable presence, security forces in the state have been put on high alert and a large number of security forces, including women personnel have been deployed at
important areas to thwart any “unwanted activities”, a top state government official said. Seeking to rule out any apprehension on the peace talks, Nagaland chief secretary Temjen Toy told PTI here “Everything is normal and the public need not worry of any unwarranted situation ... We are not apprehensive but we don’t want to be caught unawares and so we are remaining alert to face any kind of eventualities”. Nagaland DGP, John Longkumer ruled out any scope of apprehension by the people saying, “We are preparing for any law and order situation that may come about. We are always like this whenever anything is to come about. “Instead of panicking, people should be happy that the state police is on high alert for their security,” the DGP said. The Police Headquarters in Kohima circulated in the social media a direction to the India Reserve Battalions
to keep at least two months stocks of rations and fuel in view of the fluid situation in the state. This has reportedly created apprehension amongst the people and Toy said the police department has already been warned against issuing such orders. In Manipur, government orders have been issued for adoption of preventive measures to deal with any “possible disruption in the supply and distribution of essential commodities due to the impending fallout of the Naga Peace talks”, officials said. Manipur ADGP (Law and Order), L Kailun has instructed the police superintendents of all the 16 districts to ensure maximum manpower to meet any eventuality. Security forces and commandants of Manipur Rifles and IRBn have been directed to maintain adequate manpower “to move in short notice in connection with prevailing law and order situation in the state.”
modern culture which can match the contemporary culture of the world and make the indigenous people indispensible. He said the objective of North East Indigenous People Forum (NEIPF) should not be only talk about the past but be focused on the future so that the indigenous could grow along with the rest of the country and world. He said the indigenous people of north east should imbibe the spirit of Israelites that is – will to survive, will to excel and will to dominate in all activities. “If we imbibe this kind of spirit then there is no reason why indigenous people should worry about their existence or survival,” said Dr. Jamir. Guest of honour of the programme, chief convenor of NEIPF, Anup Chetia, called for unity of indigenous people of north east region to fight against the “infiltrators”. Chetia said the identity of the indigenous people of region was at threat due to the influx of “outsiders” from the mainland country and Bangladesh.
Dimapur, Oct 26 (NPN): With the Naga flag and constitution becoming an issue before inking an early solution to the Naga political issue, the NSCN (I-M) has lauded and appreciated the Naga civil society groups (CSOs) in “rising up to the occasion” when Nagas were confronted with a “tryst with destiny” by making their stand clear in the media. On the other hand, NSCN (I-M), through its MIP, hit out at government of India’s Interlocutor and Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi whom it accused of going too far “ to underestimate Nagas in taking care of our legitimate historical rights” but that Naga civil society groups “stood up boldly and to prove him (RN Ravi) wrong and to show him to mind his language of divisive tone.” The organization also lauded the civil society organizations for “taming R.N. Ravi to be moderate and not to resort to unethical psychological pressure using threat”. NSCN (I-M) said the (Cont’d on p-7)
ernor, ZB(N) president CR Zeliang and CRF chairman Tadambo demanded that the long delayed demarcation of the Peren district boundary now being undertaken by cabinet sub-committee be expedited taking all stakeholders on board. They demanded that the district administration denying and depriving ST Certificates, BT Certificates or Indigenous Certificates to deserving candidates be stopped forthwith. The declaration adopted at the rally also affirmed that RIIN if applied at per se would be directly violating the traditional and customary rights of the Zellangrong villages in the district against its citizens. It also was a direct violation of the constitution of India Art 371(A) wherein Naga customary practices and its usages are upheld.
Further, they demanded that Zeliangrong citizens of Peren district without a distinction must be accorded equal citizens as sons and daughters of the soil as declared by traditional land owners. The charter points demanded that no cut off year was applicable to recognized villages in Peren district to determine indigenous inhabitants. Meanwhile, as resolved at the public mass rally, a separate representation on the matter of Intangki forest was submitted to the Government of India through the governor of Nagaland. The representation pointed out that even as Naga peace process was likely to culminate into an agreement soon, the general public of Peren district were, however, apprehensive that some negotiating party(ies) appeared to be bargain-
civil society organizations also demonstrated their passion and pride of Nagas’ “unique history and situation and their stand as “crowning glory of our political negotiations with the government of India, to take us where we belong.” NSCN (I-M) said the issue was the “foundation that we have built to take us to the solution that is honourable and acceptable.” NSCN (I-M) further said that the civil society organizations have pointed out that “honourable and acceptable solution means honouring Naga flag and constitution” and where Nagas have not gone for so many years in their political struggle at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives “ for getting economic packages being tabled before the Naga political groups.” It said the civil society organizations had done the right thing to point out where Ravi went wrong by rightfully standing up against economic packages “at the cost of our political rights” adding, it was the way “to defend political
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Incessant downpour for the last few days has triggered a massive landslide on NH-29, about 1km from Chumoukedima check gate towards Kohima, blocking all vehicular movements and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded Saturday. In this regard, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Kevekha Kevin Zehol, has enforced total restriction of all traffic movement from Chathe River Bridge (Patkai Bridge) to New Chümoukedima (Pakala Pahar Bridge) for a period of two days (October 27 and October 28). DC has informed that light vehicles could use alternative route from Dimapur-Kohima/Kohima-Dimapur via 7th mile-new DC office-Shokhuvi-RazapheMhaikam-Pimla-MhainamtsaiJhornapani/Medziphema and vice versa It may be mentioned that heavy mudslide near the Old KMC dumping site has also completely blocked a stretch of NH-29.
DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): Government of India representative and Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks, R.N Ravi will hold formal meetings with NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on October 28 and October 29, respectively, in New Delhi. Reliable sources have confirmed to Nagaland Post that NSCN (I-M) delegates will led by its ato kilonser and chief negotiator, Th. Muviah while WC of NNPGs would be led by its convenor, N. Kitovi Zhimomi. Ravi’s October 28 meeting with NSCN (I-M) proved inconclusive and both sides will meet again on October 31, for the last time before the threemonth deadline expires. Sources also disclosed that the government of India and NSCN (I-M) will seek to resolve the NSCN(I-M) demand for a separate Naga national Flag and Constitution in this final meeting. “We are hopeful that the outcome of the meeting would be significant as both the parties are keen to solve the issue at the earliest,” said the source from NSCN(I-M). Meanwhile, other sources said that both the parties are working hard for a positive outcome.
ing Ntangki National Park for the rehabilitation of their cadres post final agreement. The representation affirmed that the general public of Zeliangrong tribe would never accept any agreement with negotiation party(ies) with a rider pertaining to Ntangki National Park, adding that they would not be a party to any agreement bartering away “our ancestor land for the ease of negotiation at any stage.” Therefore, the representation urged the Government of India to protect and preserve the only forest body and National Park in Naga area. If the matter is not heeded by the Government and ceded the Ntangki National Park in terms of negotiation, the Zeliangrong tribe would have “no option but to protect it dead or alive.”
identity of Naga nationhood.” NSCN (I-M) maintained that Nagas cannot be simply carried away by any amount of economic packages as it was “against the sanctity of our God given rights”. NSCN (I-M) said Nagas have history to learn from the government of India which “should open pages of the past agreements like Shillong Accord and the 16 Point Agreement”. NSCN (I-M) said the above documents were the “root cause of the present Indo-Naga political problem” and so “historical blunders should not be repeated deliberately.” NSCN (I-M) alleged that Ravi had “failed utterly to consult apex CSOs of Nagas” and wondered if he was “really sincere to find an honourable solution?” It said Nagas have had enough of “divisive politics” and reminded Ravi to “stay clear of playing divisive-based solution”. NSCN (I-M) said Nagas were passing through (Cont’d on p-7)
Ravi to meet NPGs on Oct 28, 29
Dmu-Kma road cut off by landslide
Peren CSOs representation to Governor DIMAPUR, OCT 26 (NPN): With an objective to “dispense social justice and denounce social injustices”, a public mass rally was organized held at Jalukie, Peren district on October 22, 2019 on the theme “Protect our Land & People”. The participants at the public mass rally adopted charter point draft declaration on the rights of Zeliangrong citizens of Peren, Nagaland. Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland), Civil Rights Forum (CRF), ZSUN, Village Chairman Union Peren District, GB Association Peren District and Zeliangrong Mipui Organization Peren, on behalf of all the public and citizens of Peren district, submitted a fourpoint charter declaration to the governor of Nagaland. In the charter declaration submitted to the gov-
NSCN (I-M) lauds Naga CSOs; slams Ravi for ‘divisive’ agenda
After the outcome of October 28 meeting, the Interlocutor is likely to convene a joint meeting of NSCN (I-M) and WC of NNPGs so as to work on the modalities for inking the final agreement with both the negotiating parties. Meanwhile, a document accessed by Nagaland Post has revealed that former kilo kilonser of NSCN (I-M) Hukavi Yeputhomi’s name did not figure among those in the 15-member delegation of NSCN (I-M) that met with officials of the government of India on October 24. According to the list, the NSCN (I-M) delegation included: chief negotiator Th. Muivah, Tongmeth Wangnao, ‘Lt. Gen’ (Retd) V.S Atem, Rev. A Puni, Zarsie Nyuthe, T.T Among, ‘Lt. Col’ (Retd) Neipfupe Venuh, ‘Col’ (Retd) Meyutsuba Longkumer, ‘Lt. Col’ (Retd) Victor Angami, R.T. Tsanglao, R.K. Ringthim, Rh. Raising, Vikiye Sumi, C Kasar and John Anal. In his statement which was published by media, Hukavi in a declaration after joining GPRN/NSCN along with 16 others claimed that he was at the “negotiating table” till October 24, 2019. However, on the same day, NSCN (I-M) sources and other reliable sources confirmed to Nagaland Post that Hukavi was not part of the 15-member delegation at the meeting with the Interlocutor.
Swearing-in of Khattar govt today; Sena seeks written assurance from BJP in Maha CHANDIGARH, OCT 26 (PTI): Manohar Lal Khattar is all set to head a new government in Haryana with JJP leader Dushyant Chautala as his deputy after the governor on Saturday invited him to lead the coalition which also has the support of seven independents. Khattar, Dushyant and some ministers will be sworn-in at 2:15 pm at the Haryana Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The day saw fast-paced developments with 65-yearold Khattar unanimously elected leader of the BJP’s legislative party in Haryana after which the BJP along with the support of the JJP and seven independents staked claim before Governor Satyadeo Narain Arya to form the government. Khattar said the governor was informed that a total of 57 MLAs -- 40 of
the BJP, 10 of the JJP and seven Independents -- have come together to form the government. “The governor accepted it and invited us to form the government on Sunday,” Khattar said, adding Dushyant would take oath his deputy. He said the names of the ministers who will also take oath will be made known on Sunday. Dushyant told reporters that the BJP and the JJP have taken a decision to give a stable government for five years. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday demanded a written assurance from its ally BJP for implementing “equal formula for sharing of power” before holding talks on staking the claim to form the next alliance government in Maharashtra, a party MLA said. Newly-elected MLAs
of the Sena, who met Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai, demanded that his son Aaditya Thackeray be made the chief minister in the next government. Thackeray also said he had “other options open” but is not interested in exploring them since the BJP and the Sena are bound by the “Hindutva ideology”, the MLA told PTI. The move to demand written assurance is viewed as a pressure tactic by the Sena in view of the underwhelming performance of the BJP which won 105 seats, a loss of 17 seats compared to its 2014 tally. According to political observers, the subdued performance of the BJP has increased the bargaining power of the Sena whose tally too came down to 56 seats from the 63 in 2014. K Y M C