Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 304
DIMAPUR, monday, october 9, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
US forces aiding IS in Afghanistan, says Karzai
U-17 WC: England outclass Chile 4-0
India has to grow faster, running against time: FM
international, Page 9
sports, Page 12
business, Page 8
ACAUT scanner on bogus voters PIL IN GHC FOR DELETION OF BOGUS & MULTIPLE VOTERS IN NAGALAND
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): ACAUT Nagaland has filed a PIL in the Gauhati High Court about excess number of voters entered into the state’s electoral roll through dubious means such inclusion of names of illegal immigrant (vote bank), double and sometimes triple entries of names including names of non-existent persons. ACAUT in its PIL cited that as per Section: 17 and 18 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1950 for the conduct of democratic Elections in India, it is clear that “no person should be registered as a voter in more than one place/constituency”. Also ACAUT pointed out that as per Section: 31 of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1950- If any person makes, in connection with the preparation, revision or correction of an electoral roll or the inclusion or exclusion of any entry in or from an electoral roll a false statement or declaration which include bogus and multiple entry of names in electoral
NRMSATA-16 serves 7-day ultimatum DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): NRMSATA-16 on Sunday served a seven-day deadline on RMSA department over non-release of salary after all its “congenial avenues” to secure the right of the teachers has been exhausted. In a statement, NRMSATA-16 president Vinoto Achumi and general secretary Kezhothito Keyho said that they were frustrated by the “never ending” justifications of the department, and therefore, compelled to serve the ultimatum with effect from the date of publication till the 7th working day. It cautioned that the department would be held responsible for any untoward consequences in the event of failure to clear all the pending salaries. According to NRMSATA-16, it has “religiously” followed the procedures to bring about an amicable solution. However, there has been no progress even after a month on receipt of the first instalment by the state’s exchequer. NRMSATA-16 further claimed that the justification by the department has only “befooled” the hardworking teachers denying them of their rightfully hard earned income. It also accused the department of using “churned” reasons and lengthy procedures to delay the disbursal.
This is it!
“Beef is not an issue and neither is Hindutva in the north east. Those are issues in other parts of India.” K Y M C
roll shall be punishable with imprisonment of one year or fine or both. The penalty for such act of having Bogus and multiple voters within one place or constituencies as per Indian Penal Code, amounts to crime such as cheating, impersonation, falsification, forgery and conspiracy of the voter (s) officials of the Election Commission and administration in the preparation of the voter list and thereby vitiating the fundamental rights of equality and equal opportunity in the democratic process of electing one’s candidate/ leader. PIL: ACAUT had filed a Public Interest Litigation in Gauhati High Court vide PIL no 4 (K) 2017 in Kohima Bench to eradicate the menace of such unscrupulous practices happening in Nagaland where genuine voters are superseded by bogus and multiple voters all over Nagaland thereby incurring huge expenditures for the candidates during the elections. Evidences such as the existence of multiple
voters where one person can be and are registered in 3-4 places, thereby blotting the electoral roll of Nagaland. This ultimately compromises the concept of ‘One Man One Vote’, violating the basic Fundamental Rights of Right to Equality and Equal Opportunity. ACAUT urged upon the court to take cognizance of the matter present and issue and order strict orders to ensure that such bogus and multiple voters are deleted within the State of Nagaland and ensure the rule of law is enforce in toto. ACAUT was optimistic that the hearing of the PIL, later this month, would ensure the objective of ‘Clean Election’ M u l t i p l e vo t e r s : ACAUT maintained that practices of having name(s) registered in the electoral roll in respective Village(s) and also at the present residency violates the principle of one man one vote and deemed as illegal under various sections RPA acts and IPC. ACAUT said such multiple registrations of voters was anti-thesis to the
democratic aim of the election commission to ensure Right to Equality ad Equal opportunity in electing one’s choice of candidate. ACAUT noted that in Nagaland, the rampant multiple registration of voters in multiple places within one constituency and other constituencies cutting across tribal lines was the biggest obstacle and threat to clean and free and fair election. It urged upon the Election Commission to run the de-duplication software without any fear and favor to delete and weed off this multiple voters spread out over Nagaland to ensure the fundamental rights of its citizen of equality and equal opportunity. Bogus voters & threats of illegal immigrants as vote bank: The entries of huge numbers of ‘bogus and Illegal Immigrants’ in the Electoral roll for vote banks was the most glaring threats and danger facing the democratic election process in Nagaland, said ACAUT. The existence of such voters having the right to decide
affairs and governance of the people that amount to threatening their future. It demanded that ECI to delete such voters without any delay. If not, it said such persons having their names in the e-roll would claim their legal status despite their illegal stature. ACAUT also said village councils/ BLOs/politicians encouraging such modus operandi should be warned of strict legal consequences for playing vote bank politics. Violations of clean election: The existence of such bogus and multiple voters in Nagaland from other states make the concept of ‘Clean Election’ an impossible task as propagated by both NBCC and the Election Commission since genuine voters are superseded by such bogus and multiple voters. The role of such voters be it vote banks or multiple voters both from within the state of Nagaland and from outside, especially neighboring Assam, if not checked will indirectly control the (Cont’d on p-8) state.
NPRAAF reveals another alleged double sanction by Finance deptt DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): Continuing with its series of disclosures about alleged gross financial irregularities involving the Finance Department (FD), Nagaland Public Rights and Awareness Forum (NPRAAF) through its information and publicity cell, has alleged that the Finance department has released double the amount of fund received from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for Modernisation of Police Forces, to the Police department for the year 2016-17 and also another amount of Rs. 20.02 crore for 2017-18 whereas the MHA had sanctioned only Rs.13.12 crore under MPF for 2017-18. In the earlier case, NPRAAF stated that the MHA had sanctioned Rs.10.70 crore for Nagaland for 2016-17 under Modernisation of Police Forces. However, the Finance department’s Expenditure ‘A’ Branch released a total of Rs.35.61 crore for 201617 on four occasions- September 28, 2016 (Rs.8.62 cr); December 19, 2016
(Rs.12.50 cr); February 22, 2017 (Rs.1.99 cr) and March 18, 2017 (Rs.12.50 cr). NPRAAF pointed out that the Finance department had released an excess of Rs. 24.91 crore (Rs. 35.61-Rs.10.70 crore). It therefore asked where did the state government receive the excess/additional fund from for the MPF Scheme for 2016-17? NPRAAF demanded that the Finance department provide details of the sanction order and letter from the government of India and if no such extra fund was received from the MHA then where did the Finance department obtain the additional amount for MPF for 2016-17? Ta k i n g a j i b e, NPRAAF said “it will be wonder of wonders” if the Police department proposed (extra fund) and the “FD simply cleared it.” It demanded that the FD clarify on the issue. Again in the second instance, for 201718, NPRAAF said the MHA (tentative) allocated Rs.13.12 under MPF but the Finance department
had issued a total of Rs. 20.02 crore for the police on– May 23, 2017 (Rs.1 4.49 cr) and June 13, 2017 (Rs. 5.53 cr.) NPRAAF has de manded that the FD reveal the total sanction received from the MHA to Nagaland during the above period 2017-18 under MPF and amount released so far. NPRAAF asked if allotted funds for various component such as mobility, weaponry, equipment, training, forensic etc under Non-Plan were utilised judiciously and whether any funds were provided for construction/upgradation of police stations/outposts. Police lines, police housing, construction of forensic laboratories and training infrastructure (buildings) under Plan have been judiciously utilised? To put matters in perspective, NPRAAF reminded the Finance department that whatever funds received and released originated with and from it and it (FD) was supposed to maintain check and balances on the state exchequer. (Cont’d on p-8)
Hebron will be the Centre of Naga politics: Raising Favour early Naga solution; should not hurt Manipur: Biren DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): With speculations going about over solution to the vexed Naga issue by year end, NSCN (I-M) steering committee convener, Rh. Raising said that “Hebron will be the Centre of Naga politics, government, culture, civilization and the seat of their high command.” Speaking at the ‘joint council meeting on Indian and Burmese colonialism’ on October 6, Raisnig said: “We can assure you that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will be our political wall that protects our land, our identity, our rights, our culture, our history and our future from all impending dangers of hostile raging waves roaring against the Nagas on the one hand and it will also be a strong durable bridge between India and Nagalim on the other.” He said Nagas would be able to decide their future by themselves, not by others
anymore. “Now with the end of the eras of confrontation and negotiation, this Framework Agreement has opened up a new era for the Nagas. We are now setting our foot in the stage of era of building our world,” he stated. Raising also expressed serious concern over rampant presence of the “forces of colonialism”. If we do not take strong political and legal steps to check them today, our children will face insurmountable problem from them tomorrow. “Colonization of a country through immigrants and refugees is not a new thing. One of the strategies of the immigrants is to legalize their stay through marriage of convenience. Hundreds of Naga women have fallen into the pits of this kind of deception. Conversion to Buddhism, Hinduism and Islamism for political reason is another hostile forces working in
Nagalim to be combated,” he said. He further went on to state that “Indianization of Nagalim through import voters from Indian mainland by the Naga politicians” was a matter to be viewed seriously. Raising said the arbitrary creation of puppet states and governments was one of the main policies the colonial powers pursue for subduing the weaker peoples and nations. “Planting a state with its machineries to controlling peoples is the most effective instrument of the colonial power,” he added. He said the “colonization of Nagalim through Indian political parties is another established policy of the government of India”, saying “the Nagas of Congress party, BJP party or other parties are consciously or unconsciously the agents of Indian colonial policy.” (Full text on p-6)
IMPHAL, OCT 8 (PTI): Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh has said that solution to the Naga issue should not disturb peace in his state, while maintaining that an early resolution of peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) is desirable in the interest of the entire North-East region. Asser ting that any agreement on the Naga issue which hurts the interest of Manipur is unacceptable, Singh told PTI that there will not be any compromise on the matter. Large areas of the state are inhabited by Nagas. “We want early resolution to any issue that affects the people. The same applies to the ongoing talks between Centre and NSCN (I-M),” he said. He was responding to a query on the state government’s position on the framework agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) in August 2015
N Biren Singh (File)
to bring an end to India’s longest running insurgency, which has so far failed to yield a final outcome. Among others, NSCN (I-M) has sought integration of Naga inhabited areas of the North-East and autonomy of the proposed region. The demand mostly affects Manipur as the state has vast areas inhabited by Nagas. “As far as NSCN (I-M) is concerned, Manipur government is not a party to the talks with the Centre... However, what we have asked the Centre is that whenever there
Sept 18 incident: WCH, WCYO react to NSCN (K) finance secy DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) and Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCHYO) have vehemently condemned the statement issued by NSCN (K) finance secretary, Khumutsa Naga, saying the clarification on the life attempt of L Duolo was a blatant lie. In a joint statement, WCH president, Vekhosayi Nyekha and WCYO president, Likalo Letro said that the two bodies held an emergency meeting on October 7 to deliberate on the issue. WCH & WCYO said the community members resolved to ask the responsible NSCN (K) authority to terminate the service of its finance secretary, Khumtsa Naga and Akaho Jimo within seven days from the date of this publication. Failing which the community said it would cease its cooperation towards NSCN (K). It said any sane person would understand the “highly doubtful character and ques-
tionable freedom fighter”, who also uses different names as “Inovi and Max”. Chakhesang community also asserted that it would “never accept nor allow any of its member’s life to be threatened, at the same time questioned the evil motive upon its community and business fraternity, who were no less than anti-Naga by trying to kill the Naga businessmen.” While deliberating on the issue, the house also expressed its dissatisfaction at the district administration and law enforcing agencies “for failing to arrest the law breaker till date even after a lapse of 20 days.” WCH & WCYO were of the opinion that the district administration and law enforcing agencies had not guts to carry out its duty against hardcore criminals. WCH & WCYO wondered whether “they were trying to protect and encourage such activity, directly killing the society to live in peaceful coexistence.”
NSCN (K) rejoinder to TWD statement
In a rejoinder to the statement by Thetsumi welfare Dimapur (TWD) over the September 18 incident, NSCN (K) finance secretary, Khumutsa Naga said it would like to present the authentic chronology of the September 18 incident at Kuda cold storage. Khumutsa said the proprietor had mentioned that two information slip was served to him. It said that since numerous business establishments receive more than four to five yearly commercial tax slips, they “in turn consult us with earnest concern to filter the imposters while settling the matter amicably.” Likewise, the finance secretary said if L. Duolo had genuine concern of contributing to all the Naga political groups, “he should have done what other establishments implements.” Khumutsa said “inquiring about the slip at the eleventh hour showed his arrogance, negligence and noncooperation act towards our revolutionary government.” Leaving aside the taxation matter, he said despite “the repulsive aston-
ished reaction and outburst of insanity by Duolo”, they refrained from taking any action as per the Azha, on humanitarian ground, “considering him as our senior and elderly person.” On that day, the finance secretary said that when the proprietor asked the cadres to state the reason for their visit, the cadres told him about the pending issue of the yearly taxation 2017-2018. However, the finance secretary claimed that Duolo got enraged and harshly shouted at the cadres and asked them whether they were aware of the August 24 news where the NPGs has declared exemption of taxes from local entrepreneurs. “With his high-pitched voice, he stated that he will never entertain any form of taxation to our esteemed government and yelled at them repeatedly to leave the place immediately,” the finance secretary said. Therefore, Khumutsa said that the allegation and fabricated statement targeting their cadres as one who shouted telling him to shut up, was totally fable. (Cont’d on p-8)
is a discussion that involves interests of the state, then our views and consent should be taken. There cannot be any compromise on the interest of Manipur,” Singh said. He further said: “We have made it amply clear to the Centre that we don’t have any problem with whatever solution that is arrived at, as long as it is confined to the territorial limits of Nagaland.” Singh said even other states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh which can also be affected were also in favour of resolving the Naga issue within Nagaland itself. “I have been in touch with my counterparts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. We want a solution to the Naga issue at the earliest within Nagaland without disturbing others as it is in the interest of the people of the North-East,” he added. Asked about the possibility of Centre agreeing to de-
mand of integration of Naga inhabited areas, he said: “I don’t think the government of India would want a solution that is going to create greater chaos and a bigger problem in the region.” In case such a scenario were to arise, Singh said, “then the Manipur Assembly will take up the issue and take a resolution against any infringement on the territorial integrity of the state”. When asked about lifting of the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) entirely from the state, Singh said his government has been working to improve law and order situation so that it could be removed in the long run. “However, the current situation doesn’t warrant lifting of the act entirely from the state. We are working to improve the situation. So, as and when it improves, we will work towards it (removing the act),” he said.
AKMWP demands clarification from FD DIMAPUR, OCT 8 (NPN): Drawing attention of the Finance department (FD) over the alleged Drawal Authority (DA) related to repair/renovations, retaining walls, boundary walls, etc. for Planning Colony, Kohima and for activities under provision to Art.275 (1) of the Constitution of India, Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) has pointed out that no such colony existed under its jurisdiction. Demanding clarification from the state Finance department on the issue, AKMWP president Neibulie Kiewhuo and vice president Khrielakuo Sekhose said out of 42 colonies from 19 wards under Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), there was no record of Planning Colony listed with AKMWP.
The apex association of all wards Panchayat said that the KMC administrator had also confirmed the non-existence of planning colony. In this regard, AKMWP asked the Finance department to clarify as to how Drawal Authority for developmental project was issued against a non existing colony. It also demanded FD to specify which department the DA was issued for execution of the works, and also elaborate on the provision to Art. 275(1) of the constitution of India etc. Meanwhile, AKMWP lauded Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) for highlighting the issues of Double Drawal Authority (DDA) for different construction works across Nagaland. K Y M C