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Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 70
The Morung Express “
www.morungexpress.com
My reason nourishes my faith and my faith my reason
Editors slam Arvind Kejriwal for ‘irresponsible’ media remark
Sonam Kapoor voted as the teen icon
Saturday, March 15, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Norman Cousins
Committee for redress of complaints Li downs on sexual harassment reconstituted Cibulkova to reach [ PAGE 2] semifinals Search for lost jet expands [ PAGE 12] amid signs it flew on
[ PAGE 11]
[ PAGE 8]
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[ PAGE 9]
Duties of ‘governance’ must not be abdicated
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
‘Pro-active citizenry cannot usurp the reins of power vested in bodies sanctioned by law asserts Mmhonlumo in response to NFHRCC Your names are not on the voting list? Oh, they must have mistaken you for a local.
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Is it time for present Naga leaders to hand over responsibilities to the younger generation? Yes
no
Others
Nagaland Univ gets a new Dean DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (DIPR): The Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University has appointed Dr Buno Liegise, Professor of Education as the Dean for the School of Humanities and Education for a period of three years with effect from March 16, 2014. According to the notification issued by Registrar of Nagaland University, T. Lanusosang, Professor Buno Liegise shall perform her duties in accordance with the Statutes/ University Act, in addition to her normal duties.
Dmp Police check flow of illegal liquor
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DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): To check the movement and sale of illegal liquor in Dimapur district during the election period, Dimapur police initiated checking of hotels/restaurants and conducted raids on several suspected ‘illegal liquor dens’ in the town area on March 13. A press note from the Dimapur SP office informed that police seized 218 bottles of different brands of Rum, whisky, Gin and beer during the operation. Altogether five persons were taken into custody in this regard. The note assured that Dimapur police will continue with the efforts to control the flow and use of illegal liquor in the district during the election period. It further asked the public to provide information to the Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams which have been set up to check movement of illegal cash/ liquor/arms or gift items, so as to prevent inducement of electors through such illegal activities. Any information on such activities can be passed on to the Police Control Room- 100 or 03862228400; East Police Station- 03862-227607; West Police Station- 03862232181; Diphupar Police Station- 03862-243194; Medziphema Police Station- 03862-247227; Niuland Police Station03862-265325 and SubUrban Police Station03862-232198
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A damaged US Airways jet lies at the end of a runway at the Philadelphia International Airport, Thursday, March 13, in Philadelphia. Airline officials said the flight was heading to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., when the pilot was forced to abort takeoff around 6:30 p.m., after the front landing gear failed. An airport spokeswoman said no injuries have been reported. (AP Photo)
Work charged employees to hold NSSATA affirm to Sit-in demonstration on March 24 continue agitation
DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): The All Nagaland Inter Departmental Field Staff Association Joint Forum (ANIDFSAJF) has expressed concern over the “non response” of the government to its demands, regarding revision of pay and regularization of services of work charged employees, as per a Guwahati High Court order. The Forum had set a 7 day deadline, starting March 6, for the government to address the issue. This was intimated to the Chief Minister through an official representation on March 6. The Forum, in a meeting on Friday, unanimously resolved to hold sit-in demonstrations in all the district headquarters and the state capital on March 21, from 10:00 am onwards. A press note from the ANIDFSAJF called upon all work charged employees and their dependants to participate in the demonstrations. In Kohima, the demonstration will be held in front of the entrance gate of the Civil Secretariat Building. However, in all other districts, the venue of the demonstrations
shall be decided by the divisional units of the various departments, it was informed. It further directed that two delegates from every department from each district shall be sent to Kohima to join the demonstrations in the state capital. It was further informed that banners would be displayed in the demonstrations condemning the “indifferent attitude” of the government towards work charged employees, demanding that the court orders regarding the Forum’s demands be implemented and asking for the right of work charged employees to “earn for livelihood.” This was informed in a joint statement issued by the All Nagaland Inter Departmental Joint Forum, All Nagaland PWD Field Workers Association, All Nagaland PWD Mechanical Field Staff Association, All Nagaland Field Staff Association PHED, Town Planning Works Division Office, UDD Dimapur, Medical Department, Police Engineering Project, ANEFWA, I&FC and the Industries and Commerce Department.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): The Nagaland SSA Teachers Association has declared that the ongoing agitation, demanding release of pending salaries, will continue until the Nagaland state government fulfills its four point demands submitted on March 6. A press note from the NSSATA informed that the Central Government releases funds of SSA to the State implementing agencies in two installments annually: “one in April for expenditures between April to September and the second in September for expenditures between October and March.” The Government of India also releases ad-hoc grant in April every year which is subsequently adjusted based on the approval of Annual Work Plan and Budget for the year, it added. In this, the association said that if the Government of Nagaland and its implementing agencies had done the needful (i.e., furnishing of the utilisation certificates and due submission of the 10% share), the present problems faced by the SSA teachers would not have cropped up. It further requested all concerned district authorities to release the salary for November 2013, as per the finance order dated February 26.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): Nagaland MLA and MACROFED LTD Chairman, Mmhonlumo Kikon today urged the Nagaland government and the concerned department to “restrain the Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) from interfering in the execution of the construction of the Foothill Road.” “As a watch dog, it might continue to see that the road is constructed on time and in terms of the specifications. Their involvement must end there,” he stated in a press note, in response to recent statements from the NFHRCC. Referring to the formation of the committee, the MLA appreciated citizens for taking a pro-active role in governance. However, he asserted that “pro-active citizenry cannot usurp the reins of power vested in bodies sanctioned by law.” The MLA expressed shock that construction for the Foothill Road “began without even an NIT being floated.” He stated that “through a process known only to the concerned department, the NFHRCC and Imtikumzuk, Proprietor of Trident Enterprises,” the contract for the construction of the foothill road, worth Rs. 16 Crores, was awarded to the aforesaid Imtikumzuk. However, he said that since the longest stretch of the foothill road passes through Wokha district, contractors of the said district started “ventilating their grievances.” As a result
stop the blame game: nsf
DIMAPUR, MARCH 14 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged the Nagaland Foot Hill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) and the Wokha District Class-1 Contractors Union, or any individual or group to, “stop the blame game but focus on the greater cause of the Nagas.” The NSF, in a press note, stated that the Foothill Road “should not be considered as a money-making project at the cost of the general public.” It appealed against “more divisions and misunderstanding amongst Naga brethrens because of this noble project.” It called upon the Naga people to “thank the government and the department for giving prior importance for the construction of the rod and at the same time appreciate the initiative taken by the NFHRCC for monitoring the entire construction.” It stated that this project “is for the people and belongs to the people; not the Nagaland Foot Hill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) or Wokha District Class-1 Contractors Union nor any group or individual.” As such, it urged the NFHRCC as well as the Wokha District Class-1 Contractors Union to “leave aside individual interest or differences, amicably resolve the misunderstanding and go ahead with the construction works, failing which any group or individual responsible for creating hindrance and hampering this noble project will be answerable to the Naga people.” It informed that the NSF had submitted several representation and memorandums to the government in the past years for construction of the ongoing Road. Therefore, it said that even if the Federation is not a part of any committee for the construction of the Road, it is “very much a part of this agenda, which concerns the Nagas in general.” NSF made its stand clear that it would not allow this project to be jeopardized because of “petty differences or selfish motives,” and demanded that the project be completed as per specifications and within the stipulated time. of which, he “personally intervened” and “convened a meeting with departmental officials, the contractor concerned and the contractors of Wokha District in February, 2014 in the residence of the Chief Engineer, Road and Bridges, Kohima.” Stating that the NFHRCC was not invited to this meeting, the MLA said that “Imtikumzuk and the contractors of Wokha District, in my presence and in the presence of the Chief Engineer, agreed to settle the matter amicably.” He added that Imtikumzuk, the contractor “agreed to execute powers of attorney in favour of certain contractors of Wokha District.” Accordingly, the Chief Engineer, R&B divided the
length of the road in Wokha District and apportioned different lengths thereof to the aforesaid contractors. Based on this settlement, the contractors of Wokha District began the works allotted to them, he informed. However, the MLA stated that the statements made by the NFHRCC “are provocative and defamatory in nature and will be addressed at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum.” He asserted that “public interest must not be sacrificed for vested interests, which benefit a few” and that the “duties and responsibilities of governance must not be abdicated to favour such vested interests.” Full text on page 4
Nagaland prepares for LS polls NPCC to fight LS election with vigor Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 14
As a roundup of the Lok Sabha polls in Nagaland, scheduled for April 9, election notification will be issued on March 15 and with that, filing of nomination will be opened for intending candidates. As March 16 and 17 are public holidays, nomination will be accepted from March 18 onwards between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, informed Commissioner for Nagaland and RO Temjen Toy today at a press conference. 11,79, 881 VOTERS Altogether, 11, 79, 663 voters, which includes 5,218 service voters, will exercise their franchise. Dimapur II A/C has the highest number of voters with 47,086 voters and Mokokchung town A/C has the
lowest number of voters with 5772 voters. 2059 POLLING STATIONS This time Nagaland will have 2059 polling stations, of which 1125 are categorized as normal, 508 as vulnerable and 426 as critical. The number of polling stations categorized as vulnerable and critical are mostly like to go down. There will be 24X7 video coverage through CCTVs. NOTA For the first time, voters are being given an option where a button with ‘None of the above’ (NOTA) option will also be available on the voting machine. LAW AND ORDER Toy said, “We do not foresee any major law and order problem related to elections” and appealed to all voters and the people to maintain peace so their franchise
can be exercised in a peaceful manner. TRANSPORTATION 5029 vehicles will be requisitioned, to be used in the polls. Toy appealed to all vehicle owners and vehicles associations to extend their support in this exercise. EPIC EPIC cards are being distributed at present and elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that they are distributed in a transparent manner, in the presence of administrative officers. Political parties will be invited to see that all electors get the EPIC cards. 10,294 POLLING PERSONNEL Apart from security personnel, 10,294 polling personnel will be deputed for the polls. Related story on page 5
Contractors call for strict monitoring of tender bids Morung Express news Dimapur | March 14
Contractors in Nagaland have called for stricter monitoring mechanisms, while awarding work contracts to tender bidders. As is usually the norm, in the civil contracts business, the winning bids are those which quote the lowest possible amount against the estimated cost of a certain project. This process has had a negative impact on the resultant work, according to contractors involved in the roads sectors. Unofficial tax deductions,
before the actual execution of work, further slashes down the amount involved, ultimately affecting the work quality. “Class I Government registered contractors participating in the National Highway e-tendering relating to IRQP (Improvement of Riding Quality Programme) and PR (Periodical Repair) works in the state of Nagaland’, convened in Dimapur on March 14 to deliberate on the matter. In the meeting, a recent tender bidding process was highlighted as an example. The work involved was a road improve-
ment project stretching 27 kilometers on National Highway 155, starting from km 150-177 falling under National Highway Division, Tuensang. The tender value (amount) was Rs. 15, 87, 57,298andthetendernotice,inviting online bids, appeared in November, 2013. Nine bidders participated in the bidding; the work going to the bidder quoting an amount 30.5 percent below the schedule of rate, it was disclosed. The winning bid was Rs. 11, 05, 50, 639. The stated amount, the contractors said, will not meet the actual cost involved.
Unsolicited tax deductions, reaching as high as 20 percent of the total amount, will further reduce the fund sanctioned for the project. This leaves contractors with no option but to compromise on the work quality, it was added. The concerned contractors will reconvene at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on March 15 to further discuss the matter. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm and intending bidders, “who are going to participate in the recent tender on NH 61 & 155 are requested to attend.”
To kick start election campaign by March 20 Our Correspondent Kohima | March 14
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today resolved to fight the forthcoming parliamentary election with full vigor in highlighting the “massive corruption and blatant misrule perpetrated by the NPF government under chief minister Neiphiu Rio for the past 11 years.” Resolving this during its meeting here at Congress Bhavan, the NPCC reiterated to offer a new vision and renewed hope to the “beleaguered people of Nagaland, whose voices have been muffled and suppressed by a combination of communal and unseen forces.” Further, it reiterated to “expose” before the people, what it termed as the “unholy nexus between the NPF and the communal BJP whose hidden agenda has no place for religious minorities and oppressed castes. . .” It also resolved to call upon all state Congress men and women in rededicating oneself towards the ideals of the Indian National Congress to “counter the onslaught of communal forces.” NPCC fervently appealed to the people of Nagaland to out rightly reject the NPF for aligning and making the BJP as its high command. The meeting also resolved to keep the membership drive fully active at every ACCC/DCC level. It also welcomed all likeminded
men and women and former Congress men and women longing to join INC without any reservation while creating enough rooms to accommodate diverse views and incorporate shared ideas. Further, it agreed to task all legislators, AICC members, PCC Members, ex-INC candidates, office bearers of PCC/DCC/ACCC and their frontal organization to be stationed at their respective constituency/district throughout the election campaign. The NPCC stated that concerned PCC member/ex-INC candidate will own full responsibility for organizing and coordinating the campaign programme in the constituency, adding that strong action will be initiated against any member who fails to abide by the resolution of the party in undertaking election campaign assignments. Further, it resolved that all NPCC election campaign conveners, co-conveners and their teams assigned for various districts will kick start their campaign latest by March 20. Earlier, NPCC president S.I Jamir introduced INC candidate K.V. Pusa at the meeting. CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi, MLA C. Apok Jamir, former NPCC president I. Imkong, former minister Kongam Konyak, former minister H. Chuba and several others also spoke on the occasion. NPCC releases booklet on 11 years of NPF misrule on page 5
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