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www.morungexpress.com
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 78
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
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The Morung Express www.morungexpress.com
Not brute force but only persuasion and faith are the kings of this world
Four get life sentence in Shakti Mills gang-rape
Alia Bhatt to collaborate with LMFAO’s RedFoo
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Second day of fourth session of 12th NLA
Saturday, March 22, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Thomas Carlyle
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India avenge Asia Cup humiliation, maul Pakistan in Mirpur
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Russia completes Crimea annexation
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naga leaders emphasize reconciliation
Reconciliation does not end with the factions: Swu Gen. Khole calls for Nagas have to be unity, reconciliation prepared for any eventuality: Muivah
I can’t contest from here because the people here know me inside out.
March 22 is a working day Kohima, march 21 (DiPr): Principal Secretary & Home Commissioner, Nagaland, Temjen Toy, in a notification today, declared that March 22, Saturday will be a working day for all the offices located in Kohima. This has been done, in view of the ongoing NLA session. All Administrative Heads and Heads of Department have been directed to ensure attendance of the respective officers and staff.
CFMG informs Naga Political Groups Kohima, march 21 (mExN): The Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, Lt Gen NK Singh (Retd), in view of the upcoming LS polls in the state, has informed all Naga groups to conform to the instructions of the district administrations, regarding the ban on carrying of firearms, except for security forces. The Chairman, in a press note, further informed that the date for lifting the ban on carrying of arms will be intimated after the election process is over.
Naga political prisoner “continually abused”
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NEW DELhi, march 21 (mExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights has written to the District and Sessions Judge of Patiala House Courts, IS Mehta, expressing concern that jailed Naga political prisoner Anthony Shimray has been “continually abused” at Central Jail No 4, Tihar. The letter, signed by NPMHR Convener, Chingri Vashum and Con Convener, Vide Yhokha, informed that Shimray has been “abused” and “threatened” by Head Constable, Surender Kumar Rado, despite complaints made by the former to the appropriate jail authorities. NPMHR stated that on the evening of March 11, Shimray was “brutally assaulted” and “roughly manhandled” by the Head Constable. It added that Shimray has been on a fast, since the incident, because of “non action” to his complaints. NPMHR expressed concern that such “abuse and violence of rights, targeting a particular inmate remains unaddressed.” It urged upon the Judge to look into the matter and take necessary action to prevent it from happening again. NPMHR also attached the complaint letter, submitted by Shimray to the Jail Superintendent, which has also been signed by sixteen inmates, who were witnesses to the incidents.
DimaPUr, march 21 (mExN): NSCN (IM) Yaruiwo (President), Isak Chishi Swu today asserted that the “reconciliation process does not end with the factions,” and that “it will go to the people, our neighbors and enemies.” He stated this while addressing the NSCN (IM) celebration of the 35th Republic Day at Hebron Camp on March 21. Affirming that “reconciliation is a political necessity,” he called upon all Nagas to “unite to build a land of peace and prosperity and leave a bright future for the coming generations.” Swu further stated that, “We will no longer allow any power, alien or domestic to rule over us. It is a historic change from the old system into the new one.” Reiterating that the NSCN (IM) is deeply committed to seeking political solution to the Naga issue, Swu said people know that the NSCN has never ever deserted the “cause”, but always “stood the ground when the storm rocked the boat.” “Foundations for solution have been laid. Many rational people opine that ‘a kind of solution that embraces all Naga territories and guarantees the future of the Nagas and the interests of India may be an option.’ We will be faithful to our commitment.
A cadre of the Naga Army stands guard during the Republic day celebration in a designated camp on Friday, March 21. Photo by Caisii Mao
We know serious consequences naturally follow when one goes back upon his word”, he added. In an ominous forecast of
possible breakdown of the peace process between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India and the 17 years running ceasefire,
NSCN (IM) general secretary, Th. Muivah, in his speech, asked the Naga people to be prepared for any eventuality. “The worst may come, we have to be prepared for that”, the NSCN leader said while highlighting the progress of the peace talks. Peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and GoI have not progressed as expected in the last ten years under the UPA government and both Muivah and Swu, recently returned to Nagaland, after spending more than three months in Delhi, without taking part in any formal peace talks. Though talks between the NSCN (IM) and GoI are likely to resume after the parliamentary elections, Muivah said that by now both sides have assessed each other’s stand and position clearly. He further asserted that the future belongs only to those people who are ready to face challenges. “Don’t be disheartened or afraid. Let us be prepared. We will stand our ground”, Muivah added. Muivah stated that the biggest hurdle to political settlement was the Nagas themselves, the “sins and self-righteousness” of the Naga people, including different Naga political groups, which has “displeased God.” “Unless Naga people and the NSCN repent, we will all perish together. The day we repent and God is pleased with the Nagas, solution will come”, the NSCN leader said. Full text of speech on page 6
Aspiration of the Naga people is for all Naga political groups to come together, asserts Kitovi
DimaPUr, march 21 (mExN): Chairman of the GPRN/NSCN, Gen (Rtd) Khole Konyak today affirmed commitment to “unity and reconciliation,” by stating that “solution to the Naga political problem can never be achieved until we come together and contribute our share in the struggle.” He stated this during the GPRN/NSCN celebration of the 34th Naga Republic Day at Kehoi designated camp on March 21. He asserted that “today’s political solution or any solution will depend on every individual’s commitment and determination.” “We should all realize that other people will not come to solve our problem. Therefore I urge every Nagas to realize the futility of confining our self within the self erected penal complex and come out in the open and express your opinion without any reservation,” he added. Ato Kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi said that the aspiration of the Naga people is that all Naga political groups should come together and work in
unison to settle the longstanding Indo-Naga political problem. Adding that “killing and bloodshed among brothers will never bring any solution but destruction and chaos to our Naga soil,” he urged all national workers to work with strong dedication. The event was held with Alezo Venuh, Envoy to the collective leadership as the chief guest. Venuh, in his speech, first highlighted on the significance of the Naga Republic day and challenged the members present to be “more vigilant and reaffirm themselves to the National cause with firm dedication.” Adding that the desire of the populace depended on their steadfastness and perseverance while they carried out their tasks, he urged the national workers to expect the possible outcome of the IndoNaga political settlement “at the earliest” under the leadership of the collective leaders, President, Gen. (Retd.) Khole Konyak and Ato Kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi. Other highlights of the program included the declaration of promotion order of the Naga Armies to their next higher rank by Inaka Tsuqu, Secretary Keeya (Defence) affairs and speeches by senior leaders of the GPRN/NSCN. Full text of speech on page 6
rio places Vote on HPC on “taxation” is being constituted Account for 2014-15 Our Correspondent Kohima | March 21
Kohima, march 21 (DiPr): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who is also in charge of Finance, today sought approval from the house for withdrawal of Rs. 3523.58 Crore from the Consolidated Fund of Nagaland state, in order to defray the expenses of the state government. He did this on the second day of the ongoing session of the NLA, while placing the vote on account for 2014-15. On the Naga Political issue, Rio admitted that it continues to elude a solution despite best efforts. However, he mentioned that serious efforts were made to persuade the Union Government for taking concrete steps to solve the Naga Political issue and was hopeful that the issue will gain due priority, after the ensuing Parliamentary Elections. Highlighting the finances of the state, Rio reminded about the fixation of plan size for Nagaland state (2013-14) at Rs 2000 Crores by the Planning Commission. This is inclusive of normal funding of North Eastern states, usually received under DONER and NEC. Such inclusion of NEC funds and NLCPR funds to the state’s plan outlay has never been done before and hence there were strong objections by all the NE states. In view of the objections, the Planning Commission assured for a mid-term review of the state’s plan allocations in the month of September to October 2013. However
no such exercise has been taken by the Planning Commission, Rio regretted. The Chief Minister affirmed the decision of the State Government to go ahead with the implementation of all projects initiated under the special development package from the state’s own flexible plan funds in stages, whether the central government releases the fund or not. In his presentation, Rio said that emphasis has been given to the social service sectors by making the best use of the meager state
Nagaland state govt seeks approval for withdrawal of Rs 3523.58 Cr from Consolidate Fund of Nagaland plan allocation. The central government’s unilateral abrogation of the practices of covering the BCR gap of the state government on annual basis, through additional Central Plan Grants since the year 1989-90, leading to growing budget deficits since then, has been brought to the notice of the Commission, Rio informed. Rio also mentioned that the Finance Commission has been apprised of some special requirements and state specific programmes, amounting to Rs 1394.97 Crores for implementation through special grants dur-
ing the period from 201516 to 2019-20. Commenting on the Hornbill Festival and emergence of Nagaland as a tourist destination, Rio expressed optimism that the tourism sector would see growth in the coming years, providing a boost to income generation and employment in the service sector. Rio further announced that Nagaland will be participating in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tatoo 2014, which he said would expose Nagaland to an international audience. He further informed that the 2014 edition of the Handshake Concert is being planned to be held in Myanmar and expressed confidence that Naga youth would be positive ambassadors of Naga culture and contribute towards friendship and better ties. He went on to say that the participation of the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts at New York Fashion Week 2014 was a significant moment for all the Nagas. In the field of sports, Rio pointed out that sportspersons from the state have excelled at the national and international levels, and cited Nagaland winning three medals at the 14th Senior Boxing Championship, the National Veteran Badminton Championship 2014 and the two veterans from Nagaland representing India at the World Veteran Badminton Championship held in Turkey. Assembly news on page 2&5
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today stated that the government is taking all necessary measures to contain illegal taxation in the state. Addressing the NLA session today, he informed that the setting up of a High Powered Committee to check illegal taxation, as requested by the ACAUT Nagaland, is not a problem but that demands for inclusion of a retired Judge and some formalities have delayed the process. He further appreciated the activities of ACUAT Nagaland.
Earlier, Nagaland Home Minister, G Kaito Aye informed that the HPC is in the process of being constituted and that the details would be made available after its finalization. Kaito stated this in reply to starred questions raised by NLA members, Dr Imtiwapang Aier and C Apok Jamir. On queries regarding the government’s cognizance on multiple taxation by various groups on the business establishment, the Minister replied that the law enforcement agencies have been geared up to enforce the rule of law. He informed that the government has issued
an order directing against collection of taxes by any organization or individuals including government departments such as Police, Excise, Forest and Taxes etc. He added that the government had issued an order reiterating earlier orders and warning prosecution under Section 188 and 384 of IPC. It may be recalled that the state government in its order dated May 31, 2012, ordered that no unions, or associations, or NGOs or any other private or community organizations shall be allowed to collect any form of taxes membership free/sub-
scription /contribution/donation/charge/levy/tool/ or any other form of collection of money on state highways/ national highways or market places, except those expressly authorized by an order of the government. The order also stated that no union or associations/NGOs, connected with welfare of transporters or with any business interest, shall be allowed to operate any main offices/ sub-offices/information centre/welfare centre/Kiosk/any other structure, in the name of the organizations, at state highways or national highways.
Work-charge employees demonstrate
Work-charge employees of the Nagaland government demonstrate at the Clock Tower, Dimapur on March 21 as part of the state-wide sit-in demonstration organised by the ANIDFSAJF.
DimaPUr, march 21 (mExN): Work-charge employees from ten departments carried out a token demonstration today, expressing resentment against the Nagaland Government’s apparent indifference to its demands. Under the banner of All Nagaland Inter-Departmental Field Staff Associations Joint Forum (ANIDFSAJF), work-charge employees had issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Nagaland government on March 14. The deadline ended on March 21. The ANIDFSAJF is demanding “revision of pay and regularization of
services of work-charge employees” based on a directive of the Gauhati High Court dating to March 2012. The ultimatum which was made after two earlier representations had been submitted to the Chief Minister in February 3 and March 6, 2014. On March 21, the demonstrations were observed in all district headquarters from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In Kohima, the forum demonstrated in front of the Nagaland Secretariat. The employees are protesting the rigid salary system and against the lack of a pension plan. One of the em-
ployees demonstrating in Dimapur rued the fact that many work-charge employees have retired after serving 30-plus years, on a meagre monthly pay, without any pension benefit. “Many more will face the same fate if the government do not attend to our demands.” The demonstrator further alleged that backdoor appointments and “ministerial chits” prevent deserving work-charge employees from getting their services ‘regularised’. There are an estimated 20, 000-plus workers employed by the state government on fixed pay. This workforce of the government is employed for menial and often dangerous tasks. The next phase of the agitation will be in the form of ‘cease work,’ which will result in disruption of water and power supply. The protesters further cautioned that they would resort to road blockades. ANIDFSAJF sources later informed that its colleagues, demonstrating in Kohima, could not meet any government official. They were met by an undisclosed Minister’s PS (Personal Secretary), who relayed a message that the forum’s demands will be looked into only after the LS elections, the sources said. With the Chief Minister in the fray, the sources were apprehensive of their demands being left in the backburner.
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