17th July 2013

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Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 194

The Morung Express “

www.morungexpress.com

Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army

5,700 presumed dead in June floods

Kohima DPDB discusses conservation of wildlife

Beckham wants royal baby named after him

[ PAGE 02]

Myanmar to ‘free all political prisoners’

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4 –Edward Everett

Dravid to be made witness in IPL spotfixing case [ PAGE 12]

Road safety bill introduced Regulating Consent? A strategy to reduce road accidents and fatalities Morung Express News Kohima | July 16

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, P. Pawang Konyak, today moved for introduction of the Nagaland Road Safety Authority Bill 2013 at the 2nd session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. NLA Speaker, Chotisuh Sazo informed that consideration and passing of the Bill would be taken up on July 19 and amendments, if any, will have to be submitted on July 17. Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, also in-charge of transport, stated that the central government had called upon all state governments to consider road safety as a “national issue” and to embark upon mass sensitization of all road users, policy makers, planners, road engineers, doctors and paramedics, enforcing agencies, NGOs etc. Rio stated that it is obligatory for all states to formulate an act in line with the Kerala Road Safety Authority Act which is considered a benchmark with regards to road safety. “A road safety authority act will provide for the constitution of a Road Safety Authority for dealing and

Twelfth Nagaland Legislative Assembly session gets underway More news on page 5

108 Meghalaya assists abducted girl in Nagaland Newmai News Network Shillong | July 16

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A distress call from Dimapur, Nagaland landed in the Emergency Response Centre (ERC) of GVK EMRI – Meghalaya on July 16 at 2:44 am. The caller, a young female who was the victim, herself informed that she was being kidnapped by a person known to her. With an excuse of taking her home, the perpetrator instead took her to a hotel in Dimapur. In distress and with no balance in her phone to inform her parents of the ordeal she was going through, the girl dialed 108. Emergency Response Officer (ERO), Alleans Sangma who attended to the call connected the girl to her father through a conference call. During the conference call, the victim disclosed that she was raped by the person who kidnapped her. The ERO immediately informed the Police Control Room, Shillong and they in turn helped by providing their counterpart’s contact number in Dimapur. After she had managed to escape from the hotel, the victim spotted an autorickshaw, whereby the ERO asked her to hand over the phone to the auto driver and instructed him to take her to the nearest police station. On enquiry with the Nagaland Police, they informed that the girl had been shifted to the East Town Police Station and that the kidnapper has been arrested.

advising the state government on all matters of road safety policies, prescribe and enforce road safety standards, formulate programmes and schemes and establish a road safety fund,” informed Rio. Section 11 of the Bill enables the establishment of a fund that will be utilized for road safety and awareness programmes, purchase of equipments, funding for approved studies on projects and research regarding road safety, traumacare programmes etc. The bill also provides power to order the removal of any object or structure that could hinder road safety. Revealing that the number of vehicles in Nagaland has more than doubled over the last decade, with approximately 1.30 Lakh vehicles as of March 3, 2013, Rio said that road safety is a major concern and that a high level of preparedness is required at all times. Rio made a mention of the State Road Safety Council and District Road Safety Committee but maintained that “In the absence of manual or specific duty and functions of the Council, the Council has not been able to function effectively...

Nagaland State govt claims land ownership; evades ‘free, prior and informed consent’ of public Morung Express News Dimapur | July 16

Vehicles plying the narrow roads of Dimapur. (Morung File Photo)

POWER TO ORDER REMOVAL OF CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, where the authority is satisfied on complaint, report by any person or otherwise that(i) the act of any person or persons on a public road; or (ii)the placement or positioning of any vehicle, animal, object built without the approval of any recognized administrative authority, structure or materials including arches, banners, display boards, hoardings, awnings, tents, pandals, poles, platforms, rostrums, statues, monuments and other similar structure, on a public road; or (iii) the movement of animals or vehicles on a public road; or (iv) the condition of any tree, structure, or building situated in the vicinity of a public road; or (v) the entry or exit of any building or

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premise in the vicinity of a public road; is likely to cause accidents or causes obstruction to the free flow of traffic or distract the attention or obstruct the vision of the driver of any vehicle, the road safety commissioner, may, after recording reasons thereof, direct the person concerned, either by a general or special order, to take such measures within two months as it considers necessary and such person shall be bound to comply with the direction within such time, as may be specified by the authority. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) in case of urgency, the road safety commission may take such action as may be necessary to prevent accident or obstruction, as the case may be, and recover the cost thereof from the person responsible, in such manner as may be prescribed.

“Ever since the Regulations were passed, land owners have felt slightly threatened by the Government of Nagaland,” said social activist Dr. P. Ngully to the house at the Government of Nagaland’s consultation on Article 371-A last week. Looking right through the statement, the consultation went on to pass its resolutions. What Dr. Ngully was trying to hint at, and further deliberate on, is the conflict of interest from issues surrounding natural resources. The Nagaland State government might have upheld Article 371A of the Indian constitution vis-à-vis the Nagaland Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulations and Rules (NPNGR&R) of 2012, but missed out on an essential element: the consent of the people to exploit their resources. “The State is impinging on the rights of land owners by making itself one of the land owners,” remarks Janbemo Humtsoe, an environmentalist and keen observer of the issue. According to NPNGR no. 4 (2), after the individual

and village body, the Nagaland State Government declares itself an “owner of [such] land and resources”. It then lays claim, through NPNGR 14 (1), to the “revenue share” from production of petroleum and natural gas. In simple terms, revenue generated from an oil or a gas well will first be remitted to the State government’s account, or the state exchequer. The State will then distribute revenue shares (to landowner, village and the State) as per percentages decided by it. Instead of drawing from the revenue share of the company, the State claims a share from the people. According to Dr. Ngully, when the guardian/custodian of land (the State) becomes the owner, it loses its objectivity in resolving resource-related conflicts. In the Naga context, when the State becomes an owner of “oil wells and/or lands”, it instills fear of encroachment in the land owner, being financially and physically more powerful than the latter. “The Nagaland Government cannot claim to be a land owner in Nagaland because the Government does not own any land in the sense of customary

Foothill Road construction to begin by October KOHIMA, JULY 16 (MExN): Minister for Roads & Bridges, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu today informed that commencement of works for the proposed Foothill Road connecting various districts bordering Assam is slated to start by October of this year. The Minister also informed that commencement of works would start simultaneously in six (6) divisions and that the stipulated time of completion is two years. Azo was replying to a question raised by Congress MLA, C Apok Jamir on the opening day of the second session of the 12 Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Replying to the Congress MLA’s query on the pres-

ent status of the memorandum submitted by the Ao Senden in connection to the foothill road, Azo said that the R&B department was carrying out detailed assessment for implementation of the proposed state foothill highway connecting various districts bordering Assam. On the time frame for construction of the foothill road, Azo stated that assessment and preparation of preliminary estimates would be done by July 2013, submission of concept notes in August, finalization of work orders and allotment by September andcommencement of works simultaneously in six divisions by October this year. Continued on page 5

Urgent call for early restoration of NH-29

Following the massive landslides near Kisama-Naga Heritage Complex on Friday, a threadbare discussion for early restoration of the road was held today at the office of Minister for Roads & Bridges, Parliamentary Affairs, Kuzholuzo Nienu. It may be noted that the landslide has cut off road connectivity along the Phesama stretch of National Highway 29 since Friday last. According to the BRO sources, at least 80 metres of land have been washed away and 40 metres have sunk down following the massive landslides. In a marathon discussion, Azo called for joint ventures

from the R&B department, Tourism department, BRO and villagers of Phesama and Kigwema for early restoration of the road. Appreciating the BRO and Village authorities for their concern over restoration of the washed away road, Nienu appealed for the members present to be more practical. The meeting resolved that Kisama exit route would be used for light vehicles to ply till the restoration of the road was completed. It may be noted that due to the rainy season, fresh major alignment cutting would start from September 15 onwards. During this period, the

power NSCN (IM) reiterates position High committee DIMAPUR, JULY 16 (MExN): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM) has clarified on the Cease-fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) meeting held on July 15 at Kohima. A press note from Imcha Longkumer, Secretary Cease-fire Monitoring Cell (CFMC) Office pointed out that its Convener, K. Chawang apprised the Chairman, CFMG Lt. Gen. (Retd) N.K. Singh that the ceasefire ground rules are a bilateral agreement signed between the representatives of the Government of India and the NSCN. “And whenever there are any differences in the interpretation, of any provisions, of the ground rules, the matter can be resolved in the higher level of ceasefire review committee meeting at Delhi,” stated the press note. Further it was informed that the NSCN delegation

had reiterated its position clearly to the new Chairman, N.K. Singh, that the “NSCN being a de-facto government, have its legitimate right to levy tax in Nagalim and that should not be interpreted as extortion.” Also it was clarified that “nowhere

In this regard, the NSCN delegation took serious note of the unilateral action of the Assam Rifles when they dismantled the NSCN/GPRN Ao Region CAO office, occupied within the parameter of the Hevuto Battalion designated Camp at Tzurangkong Range under Mokokchung District. According to the press note, the same spot was visited by the then Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Kulkarni in 2004, and an understanding was made to establish the CAO office. It was stated that the press note was “only to substantiate what was published” in the 16th July issue and that “henceforth, the Cease-fire Monitoring Cell Office will follow the precedence of not unilaterally going to the media about the discussions in the meeting other than giving joint press conference or statement as practiced at all levels.”

Says, being a defacto govt, has right to levy tax in the cease-fire ground rules is it mentioned that NSCN cannot levy tax.” The NSCN delegation also questioned what it termed as “the frequent house-raid of almost all the NSCN members’ residence by the Assam Rifles, which is a blatant violation of the cease-fire ground rules and urged the Chairman, CFMG to honor the sanctity of the cease-fire ground rules.”

on transport subsidy scheme Our Correspondent Kohima | July 16

Minister for Industries and Commerce, S Pangnyu Phom today stated that a high power committee on transport subsidy scheme was constituted on September 28, 2012. Replying to a query raised by CLP leader, Tokheho Yepthomi on the floor of the House, the minister said that as directed by the committee, spot verification has been carried out by the district administration with the departmental officers. He also furnished a summary report of reverification of transport subsidy as follows: total number of unit selected through - SLC-4350, total number of unit found functioning - 2581 and total number of unit found not functioning - 869.

Chakhabama via Viswema and Jesami via Ukhrul roads would be used for heavy laden vehicles to ply on. Meanwhile, the village authority (s) has conveyed no objection on fresh land cutting for road connectivity. It was also informed that land compensation for fresh land would have to wait for at least 9 months after approval of the restoration work. A team of officials from BRO, R&B, NH department, district administration, security and SAPO are scheduled to launch spot inspections on Wednesday by 10: 00 am to assess further necessary steps.

ownership,” explains Jonas Yanthan, Vice Chairman of Kyong Hoho Kohima, in a recently published article. Nor can the Hohos be land owners but they can, according to Yanthan, be third parties in negotiating a deal and protecting the community’s interests. This, however, is not the case, and Yanthan terms the NPNGR&R “a draconian law”. As per the NPNGR&R, land owners have no real power to negotiate a deal or their rights, as the State government appropriates it completely and makes the Hohos witness. Once the revenue is generated, land owners have to face the mighty State bureaucracy to access their share; a share that has been decided by the government for them, not by them. Even if things go well, the landowners figure at the bottom of the advantages to be drawn from the exploitation of their land resources. Such actions, informs Dr. Ngully, leave people without the right to a “free, prior and informed consent” as postulated by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Continued on page 5

Speaker responds to NPCC allegation DIMAPUR, JULY 16 (MExN): Speaker to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), Chotisuh Sazo, responding to NPCC’s allegations over Nagaland Health Minister Imkong L. Imchen’s prosecution sanction, said through his Personal Secretary (PA) that he “never had malafide intention to breach his high authority nor had any deliberate subversion of the rule of law as alleged.” As carried by local newspapers on July 13, the opposition Congress had alleged that the NLA Speaker has “refused to accord prosecution sanction invoking 197 CrPC.” In a press release, his PA stated that “the Speaker has nothing to do with it.” He also claimed that NPCC has “stooped low” by making such allegations against the Speaker.

Levi elected as Deputy Speaker to 12th NLA

KOHIMA, JULY 16 (DIPR): Independent MLA Levi Rengma was elected unopposed today as Deputy Speaker to the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly during the second session of the Assembly. Chairman NKVIB, Thongwang Konyak brought about the proposal which was seconded by Chairman NPCB, Amenba Yaden. The Leader of the House, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio commenting on the unopposed election of the Deputy Speaker stated, “This indicates the level of confidence and the support the House had reposed on the newly elected Deputy Speaker.” He assured the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the support of the treasury bench as well as the State machinery in the discharge of their constitutional functions. Rio observed that the new Deputy Speaker being an Independent MLA would be in a better

Independent MLA Levi Rengma was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker to the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on July 16. (File Photo)

position to play a neutral and balancing role during the conduct of business in the House. On the Nagaland Political issue, Rio said, “This House has to continue to create the necessary platform so that collectively the legislators may be able to make more meaningful contributions towards realization of lasting peace

in our land”, Rio added. Towards this end Rio said that the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker has to play a leading role. CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi in his felicitation to the newly elected Deputy Speaker assured to extend full cooperation for smooth conduct of business in the House. He also said that the opposition party has not filed a candidate in order to maintain a healthy convention. On being elected, the Deputy Speaker was escorted to his designated chair by the Secretary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Rengma while expressing gratitude, sought cooperation from all members so that he could carry out his assignments in a dignified manner. He assured members of the House, irrespective of party affiliation that he would spare no efforts in discharging his duties to the post assigned to him.

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17th July 2013 by The Morung Express - Issuu