Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVIII No. 290
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Opposition parties suffering from ‘Modi phobia’: Shah
Saina to lead India’s challenge at Korea Open
UN has no right to interfere in Myanmar, says Army chief
national, Page 5
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
NPF sharpens attack on Rio Accepting CEEPL rent ‘unethical’ says NPF on NL house issue Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 24 (NPN): Sharpening the attack on chief minister Neiphiu Rio regarding the Nagaland House Commercial Complex scam, NPF spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon rejected the CMO’s rejoinder to opposition leader T.R. Zeliang as unsatisfactory besides saying it was improper for Rio to have asked CMO to issue press rejoinder to Zeliang’s queries that were raised on the floor of the house on September 20. Speaking to media persons at NPF Central office Monday, Achumbemo also said if Rio was sincere as claimed, then his government contradicted that stand when it accepted the rental from the contesting partyCivil Engineers Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL)- as directed by the court, then later filed its counter affidavit on July 16,2018. CMO in the rejoinder
had said the state government filed the counter affidavit in response to the interim order of the Calcutta High Court on May 14, 2018 directing the state to receive the rental amount from CEEPL. When the PDA government took office instead of accepting the rental amount, Achumbemo said the government should have challenged the high court order in the Supreme Court since the agreement had already expired. Achumbemo recalled that, initially the one-sided lease agreement signed in 1982 for 20 years was totally in favour of CEEPL but before expiry in 2002, it hastily “renewed” the lease in 1997 for another 20 years. In 2017 when the 1997 lease expired, Achumbemo said CEEPL again sought extension but then chief minister T.R. Zeliang wanted a proper negotiation to reflect the prevalent market rate. In this regard, he said then chief minister T.R. Zeliang held a series of meetings wherein he directed home commissioner and chief secretary to re-negotiate the rent as per the current market rate or to do away with Civil Engineering En-
terprise Pvt. Ltd. (CEEPL). Zeliang even summoned CEEPL promoter Shyamalendu Ghosal, he said. However, when assembly elections were announced it halted further action but CEEPL took advantage by filing a case in the Calcutta High Court and managed to obtain an interim order on May 14, 2018 to the Nagaland government to accept the rental amount.What was the government (PDA) doing 62 days after the interim order was issued and five months after it was sworn-in, asked Achumbemo. According to Achumbemo, spending either Rs. One to Two crore to fight the case, was nothing compared to the huge revenue benefits for the state for the next 40 to 50 years. He said all these pointed to “something very fishy” between those involved. Kikon also expressed dissatisfaction that many questions were left unanswered in the recently concluded NLA session as the opposition legislators were not given enough time to speak on the issue and also on Naga political issue.
States, UTs asked NPCC moves EC against state to comply with SC BJP president’s directive order on lynching DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): N P C C, t h e r e f o r e, NEW DELHI, Sep 24 (PTI): Supreme Cour t Monday asked all states and Union Territories to comply with its directions on curbing cow vigilantism and mob lynching, and said that people should realize that such incidents would invite the “wrath of law”. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra took note of the fact that eight states including Mizoram, Telangana, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi are yet to file reports indicating the compliance of its 17 July verdict giving a slew of directions to deal with mob violence and cow vigilantism. “People must realise that mob violence and taking of law into the hands will invite wrath of law,” said the bench. It granted last opportunity to eight states and UTs to file their compliance affidavits within three days and listed the PIL of Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala after two weeks. The bench also sought Centre’s response on the compliance of its directions that had asked it and all the states to run an awareness campaign on television, radio and electronic and print media against mob lynching and cow vigilantism.
NPCC has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to intervene into the proposal of BJP state unit to paint party symbol (Lotus) in polling stations. In a representation to the ECI submitted through the CEO Nagaland, NPCC vice president Khriedi Theünuo pointed out that as per election guidelines there should be no political party office within 200 meter of a polling station. In such case, NPCC said BJP Nagaland president issuing directive to the state BJP legislators to paint the party symbol in all polling stations was a clear violation of the election guideline. NPCC said the proposed move also attracts the provision of election guidelines for defacement of public places.
urged the ECI to direct the state district election officers, who were responsible for the provision of polling stations and the publication of the list of polling stations, to immediately act on the said directive of BJP state president and not to include polling stations which were painted with BJP symbol in the list of polling stations.
PAC on political solution
Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee, which held a meeting on September 24, 2018, expressed concern over the “painful life that public traverse in Nagaland” and maintained that aspiration of the public for peace, freedom, development and opportunities should be the basis in finding political so(Cont’d on p-7) lution.
N P F yo u t h w i n g : Meanwhile NPF Youth Wing said the acceptance of cheques –one for Rs.35 lakhs and another for Rs.7 lakhs in favour of the home commissioner by the PDA government was unethical and least expected of chief minister instead of challenging the matter in the court. NPF Central Youth Wing also claimed that the chief minister, had on the floor of the house alleged that Shyamalendu Ghosal had enormous resources to obtain support of the legal fraternity. It said the intention to conceal his government’s dereliction of duty by coming up with such an unsavoury response on the floor of the Assembly was not only hilarious, but unethical and least expected of a chief minister. The youth wing claimed that instead of challenging the interim order in a higher court of law, direction was issued for accepting the two cheques of Rs. 35 Lakhs and Rs. 7 Lakhs released by CEEPL in favour of Home Commissioner, Nagaland on 16th May, 2018 and 2nd July, 2018 respectively. (Full text on p-6)
Centre to spend `20000 cr for Nagaland roads Correspondent
S H I L LO N G, S E P 2 4 : Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari here on Monday announced that the government will spend Rs 1.5 lakh crore for improving national highways in the North Eastern states of the country, out of which around Rs. 20,000 will be spent for Nagaland. “This will include about Rs 17,000 crore in Sikkim; Rs 48,221 crore in Assam; Rs 20,000 crore in Nagaland; Rs 12,000 crore Mizoram; Rs 22,000 crore in Manipur; Rs 8,000 crore in Tripura; Rs 10,000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh; and Rs 8,000 crore in Meghalaya,” Gadkari said while inaugurating the 102-km Jowai-Ratacherra section of NH-6 in Meghalaya. Stating that land acquisition and environmental clearances were the two major hurdles delaying the road infrastructure, he asked the chief ministers of the region to hold monthly review meetings on land acquisition and environmental clearance for early implementation of road projects. (More on p-4)
“If you can get all your requirement from organic vegetables, I’ll quit my shop and start begging.” K Y M C
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Nagaland Police has finally succeeded in nabbing two masterminds of the infamous call centre scam that was busted in August this year and reported by Nagaland Post on September 10. IT professional duo of Ajit Kumar Ray and Anirban Gupta, who the police claim to be the masterminds in the case, were arrested from Kolkata by a team of Dimapur Police and they are currently in Dimapur Police remand. Addressing reporters at East Police station on Monday, DCP-Zone 1, Naieem Mustafa said that fraudulent activities were going on in the garb of a call centre between sixth and seventh mile. A total of 20 people consisting mainly of youngsters in their 20s were arrested. Of the 20, four were the handlers who did all the ground works and 16 were diallers who were made to call up American citizens and trap them into a settlement. Police said the diallers knew they were posing as IRS officers but were assured by the managers that
NSF urges School Edn deptt to resolve issues Correspondent
Kohima, Sep 24 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Kesosul Christopher Ltu said the federation had submitted a representation to School Education adviser on Monday highlighting the issues and problems faced by government schools and demanded immediate steps to resolve them. This followed NSF and its federating units conducting education tours last year and this year to various educational institutions. Addressing a press conference at NSF office here, Ltu shared with the media various issues highlighted in the memorandum. On Mid-Day Meal scheme, Ltu said the government had miserably failed in its implementation and deprived students of their rights and benefits. He alleged that many schools were not provided mid-day
meals in academic year 2018, while some schools were supplied with only dal (dried, split pulses) and cooking cost without supplying any other commodities. This compelled school management to sell few bags of dal in order to purchase rice and other commodities to provide meal to the students, he added. The NSF president claimed that till May 22 many schools did not receive any commodity from the department concerned. He said the federation had submitted representation to the school education adviser in October last year too in regard to many discrepancies on Mid-day Meal scheme. Regarding school uniforms, Ltu alleged there was shortage and delay in supply and that most schools did not receive pants, skirts and shirts in adequate numbers. He claimed that most schools were issued only
sweaters and some pairs of socks, and all of the same size. He added that many uniforms could not even fit students in lower primary section. He alleged that in some schools, students were given just cloths in lieu of pants, skirts and shirts without stitching cost and that the cloths were of very low quality. The NSF president further said most classrooms and staff rooms in the government schools were in a dilapidated condition and that many schools did not receive any fund for repair and renovation since their inception. He also informed the media that almost all government schools were compelled to undertake renovation and upgrade of classrooms from contributions made by students, teachers, villagers and well wishers. (Cont’d on p-7)
Send-off service for late Imtikumzuk in Kma, Wka; state funeral today
(More on p-5)
This is it!
IRS call centre scam: Dimapur Police arrest masterminds
(L) Acharya laying wreath at the send off service in Kohima (R) LH chairman Mhao Humtsoe speaking at the send-off service in Wokha. (DIPR/NP)
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): An emotional send-off service for late Imtikumzuk Longkumer, Advisor Sericulture and Excise, who passed away September 22, 2018 in New Delhi after a brief illness, was held in Kohima and Wokha on Monday. A state funeral service will be held at Ungma village on Tuesday (September 25) at 10 a.m. State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, cabinet members and other state dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral. The send-off service in Kohima was held at the
official residence of late Imtikumzuk at New Minister’s Hill. Speaking at the service, Imkongzenla, the wife of late Imtikumzuk, described her husband as a man with good qualities who was humble and sincere in his work and a person who loved serving the people. She also described him as a loving and a good father to his children. Ao Telongjem Kohima vice president, Chubalepzuk, described late Imtikumzuk as a dedicated, down to earth leader who was dear to many. Minister for higher
education, Temjen Imna Along, recollected the immense strength of the family and how they stood for during their time of grief. Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, on behalf of the party members, the legislators and his family members. NDPP working president, Alemtemshi Jamir, said late MLA was committed and dedicated to his work and his qualities had helped him to get elected by his people for two terms. Representing NPF legislators, Imkong L. Imchen,
paid his condolences and said that the departed leader was simple and hardworking man who was befitting to be a servant for the public. Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye also shared a message on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and said this untimely demise has created a void that will be hard to fill. U n g m a S e n s o Te longjem Kohima (USTK) president, in his condolence message, said the late MLA was also the vice president and the president of USTK
and had made great contributions to the Telongjem. The service was chaired by the state chaplin, Rev. Kuzierang Thou. The service was attended by host of legislators, officials, various organisations and NGOs who paid their last respect and tribute to late Imtikumzuk Longkumer. Governor PB Acharya also paid his respect to the departed leader by laying a wreath. WOKHA: A shor t public send-off service was held for late Imtikumzuk Longkumer at Police Point, Wokha town Monday afternoon. Thousands of people gathered at the main town to pay their last respect to the departed leader as the hearse carrying his mortal remains en route to Ungma village, Mokokchung briefly stopped at Wokha for the public send-off service jointly organized by Lotha Hoho and Wokha district adminis(Cont’d on p-7) tration.
The two main accused in police custody.
it was a “normal procedure” to the get work done. Police identified the four handlers as-- manager Amit Bhowmick (24 years) who was earlier arrested in a similar case and was out on bail, Michael Tenzin (25) and Shouvick Bhuyan (24) who “closed the deal” with the victims, and a local businessman Bernard Angami who provided the financial and infrastructural support of setting up the call centre. Out of the 20 arrested six were female. All of 16 diallers were currently out on bail while the four handlers were still in police custody. DCP (Zone-II) Vishal told reporters here on Monday that the call centre operators made Rs. 35 lakh in twoand-a-half months. Stating that Nagaland had a young
population that spoke good English, he warned job-seekers to check the history of a company before applying for jobs. He said that these “new age criminals” had a vast network in the Northeast. Vishal said criminal like those arrested in Kolkata and Dimapur use codes that have to be redeemed and money flows through hawala channels. They use high tech methods of communication to ensure minimal digital fingerprint, he added. The scam involved call centre operators who impersonated as officials of US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or individuals offering payday loans while calling potential victims, using information obtained from data brokers and other sources. (Cont’d on p-7)
Petrol rates at all-time high across country
NEW DELHI, SEP 24 (IANS): Spiralling fuel prices continued their upward march on Monday as petrol price in Mumbai crossed the landmark level of Rs 90 per litre. Petrol was sold at Rs 90.08 per litre in country’s financial capital Mumbai, up from Rs 89.97 on Sunday, data on the Indian Oil Corp’s website showed. In the other key cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai, the fuel was priced at Rs 82.72, Rs 84.54 and Rs 85.99, respectively, against the previous levels of Rs 82.61, Rs 84.44 and Rs 85.87 per litre. Diesel prices also rose on Monday in tandem with petrol prices. Cost of diesel in the four metros of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai was at Rs 74.02, Rs 75.87, Rs 78.58 and Rs 78.26 respectively.
MCCI warns illegal tax collectors
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) said it had taken serious note of some “underground” operatives issuing “tax collection notice” to some members of the business community in Mokokchung town recently. Reiterating its earlier resolution, MCCI president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer asserted that “MCCI shall not entertain any form of such unlawful ‘taxation’ whatsoever and shall go any distance to safeguard our right.” In this regard, MCCI has cautioned its members not to entertain any of them. It further asked the “underground” operatives issuing “tax collection notice” to its members to stop such unlawful activities immediately in the interest peace and tranquillity in the land. MCCI said it also expected the law enforcing agencies and security forces to perform their bounden duty.
NPSA temporarily suspends casual leave stir
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) on Monday decided to temporarily suspend the mass casual leave called on September 24. In a press note, NPSA president, Videlalie Zashumo and general secretary Watichuchang Jamir said the decision was made on the assurances given by the state government represented by the commissioner and secretary to CM on September 23. Further, NPSA said that during an emergency meeting of all NPS officers held on Monday with regard to upgradation of the incumbent DIG (Fire & Emergency Services) to the rank of IG and matters relating to the cadre review, the house adopted several resolutions to be submitted to the government. NPSA said it had also resolved to resume further course of action if the government failed to address the justified demands of the NPSA within one month. (Recruitment drive Advt on p-9).
KASSMSA urges Karbi bodies to lift ban
DIMAPUR, SEP 24 (NPN): Karbi Anglong Sand & Stone Mahaldar and Supplier Association (KASSMSA) has appealed to the Karbi Anglong-based organizations— Hills Tribal League (HTL), Karbi Students Association (KSA), Youth Front and Langpher Riso Nimso Aterank (LRNA), which imposed ban on supply of sand and stones to other states since September 4, 2018, to withdraw the ban at the earliest. In a press release, KASSMA president, Detward Bey, said the ban has hampered paying royalty to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) by mahaldars. Stating that it was established with the very aim of checking the illegal mining of sand and stone, the KASSMSA affirmed to always uphold its motto. KASSMA said mining and supply of sand was done as per government norms with proper and valid documents. Meanwhile, KASSMSA has appealed to the Sand Stockist & Suppliers Union Dimapur (SSSUD) to follow the new rate – Rs.32/cft. KASSMSA said it would stick with the new rate of sand. K Y M C