22th April 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 108

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Will jail Robert Vadra, if I get power: Uma Bharati

Celina Jaitley to sing for UN

Imtijungla Longchar’s 17th book released [ PAGE 2]

Troubled history fuels Japan-China tension

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

life Across the river: fishing for survival Wokha | April 21

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Do present Naga leaders have the ability and capacity to lead the people towards a shared future? Yes

no

Others

NSCN (K) informs DIMAPUR, APRIL 21 (MExN): NSCN (K) Military Finance in-charge, Dimapur, Col. Akaho Jhimo, has cautioned all business establishments, contractors and head of departments that many vested persons posing as NSCN (K) functionaries are collecting taxes in and around Dimapur district. Jhimo has warned all concerned that any kind of monetary transactions in the name of NSCN (K) government “shall be done through his concern and any person doing so without his knowledge will be at their own risk.” For confirmation one can contact: 9436249157, 8732009014 and 9856265977.

Naga political struggle taking a ‘new turn of meaningful reality’

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UkhRUL, APRIL 21 (MExN): The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), while appreciating the “sincere effort of FNR for initiating the Naga reconciliation, a journey of common hope,” has expressed “profound gratitude” to the leaders of the Naga political groups which signed the March 28, 2014, Lenten Agreement, “sacrificing their personal differences by overcoming the pasts mistakes in the best interest of the common Naga aspiration.” “Having firm faith in our leaders for their commitment towards the common Naga aspiration we believe that Naga political struggle is taking a new turn of meaningful reality which is the aspiration of all Naga brethrens towards the journey of common hope,” stated the TNL in a press communiqué from its president Artax A. Shimray. Further, “We consider our leaders selfless attitude of overcoming the past mistakes in a true Christian spirit as a symbolic Naga spirit in the history of Naga political movement.” The TNL, on behalf of all Tangkhul people, expressed their commitment to “support the leaders in their endeavor of working together for realization of Naga aspiration.”

Located about 70 km from Wokha Town, the village of Old Aree finds itself nestled in the pristine blues and greens of River Doyang. Over the years, this river has become a boon for the young and able members of the village, enabling many to overcome poverty by relying on it for survival. This has helped bring up a considerable number of young professional fishermen who owe their survival to this giant beauty. Nzanbemo (33), for instance, has been fishing for more than 10 years now. An energetic, young father of six, Nzanbemo, along with more than a dozen fishingmates, spends weekdays on the river, fishing for survival. Every Monday morning, they trek down the steep slopes, laden with weekly ration and other essentials. They return on Saturdays to spend weekends with their friends and family waiting back home. For a fisherman navigating the serpentine river, the best season is between May and January, informs Nzanbemo. These are the peak months when an average catch per day ranges from 20-30 kg, fetching fishermen a profit of Rs.7000-8000 (approximately) per month. February and March are off season for fishing in this river due to considerable decline in water level. Nzanbemo and his village folk observe that besides the betterment of economic conditions of the village, fishing has manifested a visible social change. Statistics reveal considerable decline in

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Harold S. Geneen

Messi helps Barcelona end skid [ PAGE 10]

[ PAGE 9]

Zanbeni Humtsoe

Don`t make promises and please ... please keep your political views to yourself.

Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions

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Congress allegation to ‘foment discord in DAN’

Substantiate allegations or make a public apology says Home Minister

Fishermen returning home with their catch after a day’s work at River Doyang.

incidents of petty crimes as well as substantial decrease in the number of victims of substance abuse among the younger generation in Old Aree. Proud and confident, Nzanbemo claims, “The young folk of my generation are willing to work hard to provide for our family without depending on our parents, no matter the amount of struggle we face every day.” But despite the financial security, Nzanbemo wants to ensure that his children do not follow in his footsteps, for being a first-generation fisherman in his village is a daily strug-

gle. There is no road connectivity from his village to the river. It takes more than two hours to reach the base where the hills are beckoned by the wide expanse of the river. His load is heavier on the return trip since he has to carry the week’s catch on his back and climb up the hills. This creates a marketing limbo as well since willing buyers cannot readily access the produce. The fishermen have to mostly rely on their wives to sell the goods in the nearest market, which is in Mokokchung. Fetching fishing equipment is another hassle. Nzanbemo

rows his self-made canoe down the river towards Doyang Town for around three hours just to procure fishing equipment. This trip costs him six hours of rowing time, to and fro. Above all these hardships, Nzanbemo and his mates are ignorant of any government funded assistance available to the fishing community in Nagaland. In his decade-old career, the only thing he remembers getting is a life-jacket; it came from an acquaintance. He has never heard of the Centrally Sponsored National Scheme for Welfare of Fish-

ermen or many other such schemes available for the fishing community to provide them with financial assistance, essential equipment, as well as measures to improve their livelihood. For now, Nzanbemo’s wish list consists of fishing nets, canoes, and, of course, road connectivity and motor boats which could facilitate accessibility to buyers and sellers alike. On being asked if it is worth being a fisherman in Nagaland, Nzanbemo responds in the affirmative, “it is the only profitable means available to people like me.”

kOhIMA, APRIL 21 (MExN): Nagaland Home Minister, G. Kaito Aye, in responding to the allegations made on him by NPCC vice presidents Nillo Rengma and Khusatho, stated today that it was an attempt to “foment discord in the DAN alliance” and that “Politics in the State must progress from being infantile and immature to statesmanship.” In a press note issued by the Home Minister, he clarified that the Assam Nagaland boundary issue has existed since the inception of Statehood. He wished to make no comment on the matter as it is now sub-judice in the Supreme Court of India. “However, it must be appreciated that the encroachment into Naga areas has been going on far before my tenure as Home Minister. The encroachments have resulted in conflagrations from time to time and the recent incidents in the border areas of Dimapur and elsewhere are a reflection of this unresolved issue,” noted Aye. He also called for recognition that “the encroachment in Merapani and Ladigarh areas has been going on for decades, much before my tenure as Home Minister and not as made out to be. The State Government has taken appropriate steps and will continue to do so

in the interest of the people inhabiting these areas.” The Mukalimi incident, the Home Minister observed, is one which “each and every Naga should reflect and ponder upon.” Reiterating that citizens have been suffering “long and hard” due to the pressing circumstances produced by the “vexed Naga political issue,” he said that the Council of Ministers and elected representatives in the DAN Government have “endeavoured to ensure that governance does not fail in these trying circumstances.” “Whether or not the DAN Government has failed in this regard is a question that each of us must contemplate upon objectively, without selfish motives, partisan views and vested interests,” he stated. As a Minister in the DAN Government, Aye made “no excuses for the pitiable conditions of the roads” in the State. However, he maintained, “For the development of infrastructure in the State, a concerted effort is required from all of us. By all of us, I mean the people, the contractors, the bureaucrats and technocrats, the different organisations and the elected representatives. The one and only way for the quality of life in the State to improve is for all of us to pursue common good over personal interest.” Finally, Aye urged Nillo Rengma and Khusatho to “substantiate their allegations or make a public apology for the damage they have done to my public image. Failing which, I would have no option but to initiate legal course for ‘defamation’.”

Our future will be decided AYUSH doctors to agitate from April 29 to May Day together in the Naga family The challenge for “advanced Nagas” is to see, accept and learn from their mistakes PANgsAU, MyANMAR, APRIL 21 (MExN): The challenge for the “Advanced Nagas” is to see and accept their mistakes, learn from them and play their roles better. This was stated by Kevino Kuotsu, speaking at the first conference of the Tangshang Naga Students’ Association held here on April 18. Stressing that the young Naga family needs to know itself, Kuotsu said that “Instead of dealing with our own mistakes we are pointing out the mistakes and wrongs done by others…It is destroying the Naga struggle and weakening our identity because it is creating hate and division.” While acknowledging that the Nagas of Nagaland, particularly Kohima and Dimapur, have benefitted the most from the sacrifices made by all Nagas, she noted the difficulties faced by Nagas in Myanmar, expressing the realization that “we need to care and give our best to one another, so that we may build together a just and fair society for everyone.” Kuotsu also spoke on the role that Naga women can and

should play. “In our Naga society women are expected only to be seen and to serve by doing all the things that need to be done, but not heard. We are expected not to think. But we can thank God Naga women have quietly thought and served,” she observed. While it is not wrong to be humble and to serve, Kuotsu maintained, “in the new challenges our society is now facing Naga women must boldly come out with their thinking, concerns and wisdom to play their role which they alone can play because they are realistic and practical always. Their men must understand the new dangers our society faces and how much men and women must think and act together to succeed for the sake of our children.” Significantly, Kuotsu pointed out that “the most important area of our society where our future will be decided is the Naga family.” It is in a family, she said, that our society is shaped. “It is the most difficult place to do the right things because the right things seem to be very small and unimportant.” And it is in this space, said Kuotsu, that her family understood the importance of “simple honesty between us on the small things that can destroy our relationship which will destroy hope in our children.” This involves “learning together how we are to help one another to carry responsibility in raising our family by listening to one another honestly.”

kOhIMA, APRIL 21 (MExN): The Nagaland AYUSH Doctor’s Association (NADA) has stated that it will stage a first phase of agitation from April 29 to May 1, 2014, at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland to “show its resentment and to pursue its demands.” This was mentioned in a press release from NADA’s general secretary, Dr. Shasinlo Magh and president, Dr. Kaito Jakhalu. According to the NADA, it has submitted a series of representations to the Government of Nagaland stating its charter of de-

mands as per GOI Directives vide: Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India letter D.O. No.Z-28015/47/2009-P&C Dated: 11th June 2009 and Secretary Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of AYUSH. Dated: 1st January 2009, 6th February 2009 & 15th March 2010. The NADA brought to attention that despite “repeated representation, appeal and ultimatum served, the Government of Nagaland continued to remain silent and dormant to meet the

demands of the Association.” The “indifferent attitude” of the Government, as per the NADA, compelled the Association to “resort to democratic means to press for its charter of demands.” Some of the NADA’s demands include creation of a separate AYUSH Set up/AYUSH Department in the State; Post creation for Medical Officer (AYUSH) in District Hospital, Community Health Centre & Primary Health Centers where infrastructure, equipments and medicine has been provided under centrally spon-

sored scheme for development of AYUSH Hospitals; To progressively increase AYUSH Budget to 10% of the State Health Budget as per Central Council of Health & Family Welfare Resolution. Dated: 30th January 2009; Parity of pay under NRHM, and Implementation of AYUSH Programs and mainstreaming of AYUSH under NRHM as per guidelines. In view of the slated agitation, the NADA has appealed to the public to “co-operate with the proposed agitation and the inconveniences highly regretted.”

AR raids house, left unattended, rutted villages condemn road draws people’s ire sENAPAtI, APRIL 21 (hORNbILL ExPREss): The 43 Assam Rifles (AR) based at Kangpokpi raided about three houses at around 3:00am of April 18 at Tumuyon Khullen Village here along the NH-2, allegedly while looking for NSCN (IM) cadres. It was followed by a physical tussle between the AR men led by a Major and women folk. The AR men were fully masked and in combat clothes; they were rude and brutal towards the women, the villagers alleged. Such atrocities by security forces on the pretext of looking for arms during an important religious occasion (Good Friday) are condemnable and unacceptable, the villagers stated. The identity of the officer who led the 43AR team is yet to be ascertained. The 43AR is under the administration of the 59th Mountain Brigade Senapati.

No statement or clarification on the matter was released by the security officials till the filling of this report. The villagers alleged that despite a ceasefire, the Assam Rifles, empowered by the draconian AFSPA, took advantage of the friendly, peace loving villagers in the name of hunting for militants. Meanwhile, frontal organizations of the village, Join Action Committee (JAC), General Women Society, Village Authority, Youth club, the Mayangkhang Area Development Committee and others condemned the action of the 43 AR. The JAC stated that the security personnel took advantage of the people at the expense of being called “Friends of the Hills”. The Committee appealed the law enforcers not to repeat such acts in the future.

DIMAPUR, APRIL 21 (MExN): The public of 13 villages and colonies has drawn the attention of the government with regard to the crumbling Dhobinalla-Signal AngamiThahekhu-Rangapahar road. This potholed arterial route, left unattended for over a decade, was last tarred in 2003. Drawing the government’s attention on the road’s pathetic condition, chairmen and GBs of villages and colonies connected to it have submitted a memorandum to the Minister in charge of PWD (Roads and Bridges) seeking redress. Appended by 19 signatories, the memorandum, while outlining the importance of the route, stated that the affected villages and colonies would be compelled to go to the extent of restricting plying of heavy vehicles on the road if the department in concern did not act.

Describing the road as more than a life line for several localities and villages, the memorandum stated that it connects many important public establishments. The road is crucial to transport vehicles of the Food Corporation of India, Indian Oil Corporation and the Army. Further, it serves as an alternative route to Nagaland Zoological Park, Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Green Park, Ganeshnagar, the airport and also connects to Kohima-Imphal Road, Dhansiripar-Doyapur Road, and even Diphu-Lumding Silchar Road. “However, due to negligence of the road for years together, this road has gone from bad to worse and requires urgent intervention from the department,” the memorandum stated. It further urged the department to start work on the road “within a period of one month on priority basis.”

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22th April 2014 by The Morung Express - Issuu