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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 264
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Miss Mokokchung 2013 on October 4
By Sandemo Ngullie
DC Dimapur speaks out on Rights Violation [ PAGE 02]
al-Shabab claim 137 killed in Kenya mall attack
[ PAGE 11]
[ PAGE 08]
reflections
Thursday, September 26, 2013 12+4 pages Rs. 4
Well, at least these criminals are self reliant!
Yes
no
Others
India Himalayan Legislators Meet today KoHImA, SEptEmbEr 25 (mExN): The 1st Indian Himalayan Legislators Meet as part of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit-III Nagaland will take place on September 26 at around 3:30 PM at the Committee Room of Nagaland Legislative Assembly. “It is even more heartening to know that more than 50 elected members from different states are here today to actively participate in the legislators meet, as well as in the Summit as a whole,” Chief minister Neiphiu Rio said today. This, he said, indicated changing priorities of legislators from across the Himalayan states and hoped that important decisions will emerge from this summit. NLA speaker Chotisuh Sazo will chair the meet, while Karma Tempo Namgyal Gyaltsen, Speaker Sikkim Legislative Assembly and Bhubaneshwar Kalita, MP and Secretary General GLOBE will be co-chairs. P.D. Raid, MP and convenor IMI will be the moderator.
Govt announces 7th Pay Commission
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NEW DELHI, SEptEmbEr 25 (ptI): Ahead of elections, the government on Wednesday announced constitution of the Seventh Pay Commission, which will go into the salaries, allowances and pensions of about 80 lakh of its employees and pensioners. “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the constitution of the 7th Pay Commission. Its recommendations are likely to be implemented with effect from January 1, 2016”, finance minister P Chidambaram said in a statement. The setting up of the Commission, whose recommendations will benefit about 50 lakh central government employees, including those in defence and railways, and about 30 lakh pensioners, comes ahead of the assembly elections in 5 states in November and the general elections next year. The government constitutes Pay Commission almost every ten years to revise the pay scales of its employees and often these are adopted by states after some modification. As the Commission takes about two years to prepare its recommendations, the award of the seventh pay panel is likely to be implemented from January 1, 2016, Chidambaram said.
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of ethics and justice Dimapur | September 25
Should VIP security be reduced and instead be redeployed towards public security?
Ben hopes for ‘new chance’
the MountAin Discourse child rights: A matter Morung Express news
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Is it possible to develop sustainably?
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The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress
India-US ties lose shine over economic differences
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Participants of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit-III nagaland at the nBCC Convention Hall in Kohima on September 25.
Chizokho Vero Kohima | September 25
Heavy downpour greeted the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit-III Nagaland which kicked off in Kohima on September 25. Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio termed it as a “shower of blessings” in his speech as the Chief Guest. Organized by the Indian Mountain Initiative and hosted by Sustainable Development Forum of Nagaland, the summit will go on till September 27. It will witness discussions on matters of water, agriculture and forest in mountain states of India. In his inaugural address at NBCC Convention Hall, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the mountain states of India are industrially underdeveloped, with limited opportunities for gainful employment. But on the other hand, mountain regions are treasure troves of biodiversity, minerals and knowledge systems, he added. Stating that North East India is one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world, Rio said “Should we now exploit these resourc-
es, or should we conserve them for future generations? If we choose to exploit them, how to do so in a sustainable manner?” Rio said the mountain states of India are yet to benefit from the global carbon markets on the basis of the Kyoto Protocol and viewed that this issue can also be discussed during the summit. “However, let us be firm in our view that irrespective of whether we get financial compensation or not, the need for maintaining the ecosystem of the Himalayan Mountains should not be compromised at any cost,” Rio said. He added that planning for mountain regions must encompass the cultures, values and system of “our” ancestors, while at the same time, trying to meet the aspiration of future generations. The Chief Minister advocated that the summit must seek out solutions for better integration of people into the modern world, without disrupting traditional foundations, based on hard work, robust health and wise living. “Our educational systems must be oriented to-
wards harnessing these unique principles of mountain peoples, rather than infusing our young with greed, easy living and wicked lifestyle,” he said. Stating that effects of urbanization are disastrous to mountain ecosystems, Rio said most of the state capitals in the NE are being stretched beyond their capacities. “Nagaland is now contemplating ways to decongest our uplands by developing foothill areas where both industrial and economic development goals can be pursued,” he said and announced that it is the intention of the state to develop a superhighway and a railway line along the foothills of the state, which will be the basis for future cities and industrial growth centers. “This Special Development Zone (SDZ) will cover six districts of the state, and the length of the foothill road will be about 250 km,” he said adding that the state is in the process of introducing the required land reforms to allow for investment to emerge. Referring to the recent disasters in Uttarakhand and Sikkim, he said “our
prayers and concerns still reach out to the thousands who lost precious lives and property.” Rio was optimistic that the summit will bring out tangible recommendations “to face the challenges confronting us, and how to preserve our ecology and environment, and how to reverse the process of degradation of the only planet that we have.” Earlier, Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir delivered the welcome address while PD Rai, Sikkim MP (Lok Sabha) and Convenor IMI) gave the opening remarks. Lise Grande, Resident Coordinator for United Nations, New Delhi; Janine Kuriger, Councillor and Director of Cooperation for the Embassy of Switzerland, New Delhi; Dr. David Molden, Director General for International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and Helga Fink, Program Manager for CCA-NER, GIZ, Shillong, Meghalaya also spoke at the inaugural function. The function was followed by inauguration of photo and exhibition stalls and a cultural extravaganza.
What is the plight of children and women in Nagaland? How do we create a safe and child friendly environment? How do we bring about desired changes for today and tomorrow? These were some of the burning questions highlighted and discussed at the first State level Consultative and Coordination Workshop organized by Nagaland Alliance for Childs Right (NACR) held on Wednesday at Saramati Hotel, Dimapur. It was held under the theme “Towards a Stronger Nagaland Alliance for Children & Women”. “Child Rights is not a welfare topic, it’s a matter of ethics, and it’s a matter of justice,” stated Razia, Activist and Co-Convener of Indian Alliance for Child Rights (IACR), New Delhi at the first session of the consultative meet. She highlighted that it is not just physical violence but a non caring attitude, negligence and carelessness that deeply affects a child’s life. “A Child’s childhood is beaten by all these forms of negligence,” she said. Highlighting the lack of emotional help and repair made available to children in trouble, she declared a need for trained counselors and institutes to train counselors. She questioned on the feasibility to develop such training courses, and also on the possibility of research on issues of child and women rights violation. She further suggested the possibility of the State University implementing such modules. Razia appealed, “Hav-
First State Level Consultative meet on Children & Women Rights held
ing known second class citizenships as women, are we not the perfect voice for children?” On the state level consultative meet, Razia felt that through such alliances, organizations are able to generate more effect and gather more validity. She called upon the gathering to stand up for all children and added, “Let us set our sights more clearly and a little more higher today.” Acknowledging the rampant increase in crime against children and women in Nagaland, Keyanilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development appealed to concerned NGOs/ Agencies/ individuals working in the field of child rights to come together under the theme ‘Are our children safe in our field especially in Dimapur.’ Speaking as the chief guest, Keyanilie announced that the State Cabinet has approved proposals to constitute Child Rights Commission in Nagaland. He said the rapid expansion of Social Welfare Department entails bigger responsibility to Child Rights Commissioners and members of the commission for rendering better and meaningful service to the children and women in the state. He added that the commission had been authorized to handle cases on child rights violation. Under Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), many programmes have been planned for the welfare of children in conflict with law or children in
need of care and protection. He said that ICPS sensitizes people and creates awareness on the needs of children. He mentioned that the Department of Social Welfare Nagaland is the first state department in NE region to sign the MOU with GoI for ICPS. He also announced that a new centre for Women attached to the Dimapur District Hospital for special care of women and children will be opened very soon. At the consultative meet, NCAR also submitted an ‘Appeal Letter’ to the chief guest calling for urgent attention and intervention to ensure rights, justice, and safety to children and women in Nagaland. Mayang Lima, Registrar of Guwahati High Court (Kohima bench), Member secretary, State Legal Service Authority also gave a presentation on Children & Women Rights, while a representative from NACR provided a brief glimpse into children and women rights violation scenario in Nagaland. The consultation was held with an aim to develop an alliance among district partner organizations and individuals for addressing rights of children and women. It also aims to safeguard children and women against any forms of rights violation and to facilitate participatory information sharing and consultative preparation for meaningful linkage with the state on children and women related issues. Related news on page 2
Forest department gearing ‘Setting up medical college is a priority’ up to protect Amur Falcons
DImApUr, SEptEmbEr 25 (mExN): Nagaland Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, M. Lokeswara Rao conducted a meeting of all Divisional Forest Officers and Chief Wildlife Wardens on September 24 in the Conference Hall of the PCCF office to foresee the protection measures, conservation and safe passage of Amur Falcons during its migration in October to November 2013. A press note from the PCCF stated that there were deliberations on protection measures taken for smooth passage of Amur Falcon. All the Divisional Forest Officers have communicated the direction of banning of hunting to all GBs, Village Councils, VDB – Secretary, Village elder law abiding authorities, Agencies and NGOs, it added. In some Districts like Mokokchung the matter was discussed in District Planning Board meetings and the Mokokchung DC has issued an order not to shoot/ hunt animals or birds in Mokokchung. This was issued after consultation with Ao Senden, Watsu Mongdang, Ao Students Conference and Village Council. It has also been consulted with the Rural Development Office of districts to send information to all villages through R.D Block and Range Office not to hunt Amur Falcon, with cautions that strict penalty would be imposed against defaulting villages by not giving aid under the R.D. fund. The Chief Wildlife Warden also informed that a forest protection force will be deployed to Amur Falcon roosting areas during the first week of
October and that the force will be stationed till the Amur Falcon migrates from Nagaland. All DFOS have been instructed to patrol the Amur Falcon roosting areas and take the help of Deputy Commissioners, Superintendent of Police of the district, NGOS, Churches etc. The Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department has published pamphlets which will be distributed to all villages for awareness. Flexi banners have also been made which will be exhibited in all districts. The Forest department further conducted an awareness programme in Wokha district on September 19 which was attended by the World life trust of India, Natural Nagas, Forest staff and villagers. It may be noted that the programme decided to form mobile squads by DFO Dimapur and DFO Kohima to check illegal selling of meat in markets and in National High ways. In view of people donating animals to the Nagaland Zoo, the PCCF stated that the zoo may be crowded with animals after some time. As such, it suggested better management of the Zoo be initiated and that a “society can be formed like the Zoo’s in other parts of the Country.” It also suggested that people, institutions, NGOs etc can adopt the animals and contribute animal feed for one year. The Zoo authorities can keep the name plate of the people who adopted the animals on the enclosure, it stated. The note stated that the donated animals can be kept in rescue centers, after which they animals can be released in to their natural habitat.
DImApUr, SEptEmbEr 25 (DIpr): Nagaland Governor, Dr. Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday asserted that setting up of a medical college in Nagaland is a priority. He however lamented the high cost of construction which hampers infrastructure development in the state and also advised for using only local architects and materials while setting up infrastructures to save cost. Kumar said this while visiting the Christian Institute of Health services and Research (CIHSR) at 4thMile, Dimapur
on September 25. In an interaction with the faculty and staff of CIHSR, the Governor said that visiting the institute had enriched him; however he added that much work has to be initiated for the upliftment and development of the institute. He also added that the study of medicine is one of the noblest professions and that he himself had at one point of time dreamt to be one. He mentioned that the Government of India has prioritized health education and infrastruc-
tures sectors. He assured to give his best efforts in making CIHSR a modern medical institute and to pursue the matter with the government of India, DONER and the State government. He appreciated the faculty and staff of CIHSR saying that the hospital was excellent, clean with healthy environment, well maintained and at the same time it was rendering a yeomen service not only for the people of the state but for the entire North eastern part of the country. Earlier the Governor visited
the different wards in the hospital including the nursing institute and interacted with the students. He also took note of all the suggestions and issues concerning the institute and assured to give all possible help. Director of CIHSR, Dr. Abraham Joseph gave a power point presentation on the establishment of the institute since 1986 and its progress till date. The Governor was accompanied by his wife, Dimapur DC, Dimapur SP, District medical officers and others.
eci seeks collaboration with media
DImApUr, SEptEmbEr 25 (mExN): With the aim to enable a credible, transparent and impartial electoral process, the Election Commission of India has issued a framework for engagement with the media. The ECI in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officers of all states informed that the aim of this engagement is to provide inclusive elections through information, education, motivation and facilitation. A copy of the letter provided by Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer stated that this endeavor aims to bridge gender gap in registration and voter turnout, fight urban apathy, overcome youth disconnect, facilitate inclusion of marginal sections, promote informed and ethical voting and bridge the gap in information, awareness, motivation and facilitation in the electoral process.
A framework of engagement to promote electoral democracy
As per the ECI framework, a start off criteria for the endeavor will require media houses to be non-political and non-partisan with clean antecedents. It entails media houses to have high credibility and reputation among the people with a good reach in the concerned region. It requires the CEOs of the states to accept media houses as a partner organization in promotion of electoral democracy. Under the framework, the CEOs shall share the material on voter education/awareness with the media house for wider dissemination. Under the framework, media houses are responsible for public disseminating of information
pertaining to when, how, where and why to register as voters on pro-bono basis. They would also provide free print space and airtime during elections and ahead of summary revision to air messages and promos from the CEO’s office encouraging voter registration and participation. Promotion of ethical and informed voting, free of inducements; educating voters; creating individual promos and spots for registration and voting on pro-bono basis, especially during elections etc are other responsibilities of the media. However, it added the all such content should be vetted by the CEO. The collaboration
will be without any funding arrangement and without any financial liability on part of Election Commission and CEO. It stated that this framework will become operational between Ed/CEO and any media house through exchange of appropriate letters, if the CEO wishes to get it operational. “Since non-partisan, objective, non-political citizen awareness, facilitation and engagement are the basis of this framework of engagement, any deviation will automatically mean that the working arrangement with the concerned Media House has lost its relevance and stands disengaged forthwith,” it added. As such, The Nagaland CEO in his letter requested collaboration from all media houses in Nagaland and expressed hope that the media houses would voluntarily participate in this venture.
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