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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 295
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reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
Son, you wanna join my band?
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Is the Nagaland State government interested in solving problems of bad roads and irregular electricity supply? Yes
no
Others
NSCN (IM) disallows Oct 31 rally; bans NTC DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 28 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) informed that at the joint council meeting held today at the Council Headquarters, Hebron, it was decided to disallow the proposed rally on October 31, 2013 organized by the “so called banned” Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), which is “just to malign the national cause in the name of unspecified, unabated taxation”. In this connection, the MIP press statement said, it was decided “to initiate further necessary steps or measures to obstruct such anti national designs to murder the long struggle for the national cause”. The meeting also reaffirmed the decisions of the Joint Council Meeting held on the October 8, 2013, “to ban the newly floated Nagaland Tribal Council (NTC) for its deliberate negation of the principle of the Naga Hoho and aspirations of the Nagas”.
Pochury women express resentment against killings
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Tuesday, October 29, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4
The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want Patna blasts: Alleged mastermind held
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 28 (MExN): Pochury Women Organisation, Kohima (PWOK) has expressed deep resentment over the continuing trend of killing and threats within the Pochury soil. PWOK in a press note stated that the “phenomenal impact on mothers” due to fighting and killings is too much to ignore. “The PWOK with its motto, ‘Together We Stand’, like to make a clarion call to all factions to heed the voice of the mothers and give PEACE a chance in order to make our land free from bloodshed believing that together we can do it”, the note stated. Expressing solidarity with the Pochury Baptist Church Council (PBCC)’s appeal to all the national workers operating within the Pochury region to desist from fighting and killing one another, PWOK also appreciated Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) for its commitment towards peace and to all who are working tirelessly towards peace and reconciliation.
Sushmita honoured with Mother Teresa International Award
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Nagaland observes Vigilance Awareness Week [ PAGE 02]
Challenging time for Christian adoption movement
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–Ben Stein
Serena beats Li Na to claim WTA title [ PAGE 12 ]
lightning bandh against no constitutional crisis, asserts nPf shifting of Peren Dc HQ
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 28 (MExN): The “Zeliang People Organisation” (ZPO) today staged a lightning bandh in Peren town against shifting of DC office and other departments to the new DC office complex. Sources said all shops in the town were forced to close down by ZPO volunteers who also reportedly had altercations with the Deputy Commissioner and SP Peren over the shifting, which was to take place today. According to a press note issued by the Media Cell of ZPO, the bandh was “successfully staged ultimately enabling the volunteers to obtain written statement from the Deputy Commissioner, Peren”. ZPO alleged that the DC has been “lately, succumbing to the pressure not basically drawn of the Chief Secretary’s verification report but more on the dictats of political pressure” and that he had even tried “haplessly to monitor the shifting of Peren District Headquarters stationed in Dimapur”. ZPO was of the opinion that the “notification in question” should not have been published unless an order superseding the earlier order “keeping in abeyance the proposal of shifting on October 28 issued by the DC Peren himself was effective”. The organization took serious note of what it termed as “the
In this image, citizens of Peren Town are seen protesting against the shifting of the DC HQ from Peren town to the new site.
high-handedness of Richard Yimto, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Peren in insulting the ZPO which was not expected of someone in his rank and status as part and parcel of a law enforcing agency”. ZPO stated that it “shall not tolerate but initiate for stringent and severest action against Richard Yimto, a senior police officer for failing to walk his line of duty”. ZPO expressed gratitude and appreciation to the “formidable volunteers that came out braving all odds and stood by the
frontal organisations of Peren district including the ZPO, Peren Students’ Union and concerned local residents in spearheading the lightning bandh called in Peren town on Monday October 28 in an outright reaction and rejection to the abominable notification of the Deputy Commissioner, Peren published in the Morung Express issue of Sunday October 27”. Meanwhile, DIPR reported that according to Deputy Commissioner Peren, Senti Ao, as per the latest communiqué received from the Commissioner
Nagaland, the shifting of Peren district headquarter would be carried out in phased manner and not as tentatively fixed on October 28, 2013. The DC briefed the agitating public against the scheduled shifting. The public were of the view that basic amenities and other infrastructures were inadequate. Sources said that later in the evening, the Zeliangrong Baudi (N), Chairmen Union Peren District, VDB Union and the other Zeliang People’s Organization (ZPO) had a meeting at Jalukie Rest House.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 28 (MExN): The ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) has refuted the claim made by the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) in the local media that a ‘constitutional crisis in Nagaland is imminent.’ “We assure the people that there is definitely no constitutional crisis. In fact, the NPF led DAN Government is standing up for the constitutional and democratic rights of the people which is assured to every citizen and State of the Indian Union,” stated a press note issued by the NPF Press & Media Bureau. The NPF clarified several points raised by the NPCC including on the proposal for appointment of K. Kire, former DGP of Nagaland as Vigilance Commissioner. According to the NPF, the proposal for his appointment was sent to the Governor, not on the basis of cabinet decision, but through the recommendation of a Search Committee, comprising of Chief Secretary as Chairman, and Addl. Chief Secretary & Commissioner, Nagaland and the Commissioner & Secretary, P&AR Department as members. Further it was clarified that the new Governor had sent back the file on Kire’s appointment with some queries which are being furnished by the State Government. The NPF has also explained that the proposal for amendment of the Nagaland Rules of Executive Busi-
‘Move forward to July 4 murder accused pleads innocence a shared future’ Morung Express news Dimapur | October 28
Morung Express news
Lamka (Churachandpur) | October 28
The closing day of the 3rd World Zomi Convention, on October 27, opened with the thundering Hallelujah Choir. 500 members from varied Christian denominations sang together in seven Zomi languages as it rained outside and brought the people gathered for the Convention from the local ground to three indoor halls here. The Zo people, or Zomi, gathered from all over the world for the Convention seeking to absolve themselves of the divisions brought by “imaginary borders” and such nomenclature. Zomi leaders called for reunification and sovereignty— the “Zomi dream.” Chief Guest, Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, while acknowledging the challenge for Zomi scholars in searching for a “true identity” in the 21st century, said that the Zomi have gone through overwhelming changes in this time. “Manipur,” he said, “has been inhabited by many cultures living in peace and harmony for time immemorial, through mutual love and respect for each other.” While stressing on “territorial integrity” of the State, the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organization’s (AMUCO) President, Dr. Y. Mani, in his solidarity message to the Zo people at the Convention, said, “We are all Manipuri. Let us live and work together without bias to any community.” AMUCO, he said, is dedicated to “build up our cultural, political and economic identity” and that the Organization will support the Zomi in building theirs. United Naga Council (UNC) President, L Adani, chose to differ on the above positions, his solidarity greeting met with intermittent cheering from the Zomi. “All throughout the so called shared history, the identity and dignity of the tribals has not been respected,” he said, having laid emphasis on the “similar historical situation” faced by the Zomi and the Naga, both divided without
“free, prior and informed consent” of the people into different countries of the subcontinent. He brought greetings to the Convention from the Naga Hoho as well. To the “majority community” of Manipur, Adani expressed, “We can work together to be strong people and communities. The state is the not the property of any individual or any particular community. An alternative arrangement that brings changes to accommodate the identity, dignity, rights and political aspirations of all will be a boon for all the stakeholders.” Further, he appealed to the “tribal communities in the State and region” to “respect each other’s genuine aspiration so that we can move forward to a shared future with the rest of humanity.” The UNC president called for history not to be interpreted selectively or as per convenience, and that the way ahead would be “perilous” if “we are to conditionalize our relationship with perceived aberrations of the past.” Extending “cooperation and support for the aspiration of the Zomis,” he asserted that it is time for change that “empowers our people.” “Towards this struggle for change, the UNC will support the rights of every tribal community.” The closing program of the 3rd World Zomi Convention saw a ‘mass prayer for the nation’ as well as tributes to departed leaders like Laldenga, Tun Kho Pum Baite, Chengjapao Doungel, T. Gougin and others. Leaders like K. Guite, Advisor to the Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO), Rev. Dr. Pum Za Thang Tombing, Chinsianthang, former president of the Zomi National Congress (Myanmar) who initiated the World Zomi Convention in 1988, Dr. Gin Khan Khual of the Global Zomi Alliance and Thanglianpau Guite, President of the ZRO, addressed the people in local languages. The three-day Convention was telecast live to the world through internet streaming.
Accused of the murder of a woman in Dimapur’s Landmark Colony on July 4 this year, Rikumkaba Pongen, has chosen to plead innocence. 21-year-old Pongen, who was arrested on July 6, pleaded ‘not guilty’ in the court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Dimapur, on October 28, retracting his earlier confessional statement to the police of having committed the crime. After three months of investigation, police filed charges in court against Pongen and three other suspects – T. Yapang, Samarenba and Santosh Nath - earlier this month. On October 28, charges were framed against the four, to which all pleaded ‘not guilty.’ The charges were filed under sections 447, 376, 302, 380 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). With regard to defendant, T. Yapang, the defence counsel appealed the court to delete the charges filed under sections 380 (theft in dwelling house) and 447 (punishment for criminal trespass) IPC on grounds
that he was the owner of the house, where the murder occurred. It was however overruled based on section 34 (common intention) IPC. Further, a technical problem cropped up with regard to Yapang being the complainant in the case as well as a suspect in custody. The court was adjourned for further hearing on that point and will reconvene on October 30 in this regard. The chargesheets filed by the police were not devoid of irregularities. Names of some witnesses in the case, including that of the Investigating Officer, were missing in the witness list. As many as 20 witnesses are likely to appear before the court as trial progresses. Furthermore, it was learnt that the report of the blood samples of the four, along with the genital swab and tissue samples of the victim, which were sent for DNA analysis, is still pending. Reliable sources said that police had recovered a cloth with blood stains from the residence of the main accused following his arrest. Samples retrieved from the cloth were also among the samples sent for forensic examination.
ness is a “different issue,” and unconnected to the issue of appointment of Vigilance Commissioner. According to the NPF, the Government has proposed to amend Rule 34(2) (xxi) of the Nagaland Rules of Executive Business, first framed in 1964. Although some of provisions of the rules had been amended in the past, this particular section dealing with the final authority to approve cases related to appointment, transfer and posting of Government officers had never been amended, it was stated while adding that all cases related to appointment, transfer and posting of Government officers from the level of DC/SP/ Jt. Secretary upwards, including heads of departments (Directors), have to be put up to the Governor for his approval. However, in other States, such appointments, transfer & posting of Government officers are not put up to the Governor, the NPF pointed out, and that even in other States of the North East, such cases, including the appointment of Chief Secretary and DGP, are never put up to the Governor. “Hence, the state Government found that our rule in this regard is outdated, and it decided to amend this section of the rule to be in line with other states of the Indian Union. There is no ulterior motive, nor anything unusual in this proposal,” stated the NPF. Full text on page 4
Pope Francis urges dialogue at talks with Aung San Suu Kyi
VATICAN CITy, OCTOBER 28 (AFP): Pope Francis called for inter-religious dialogue in Myanmar on Monday at an audience for Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in which the two also discussed her long campaign for democracy. Francis “expressed his appreciation for the opposition leader’s non-violent engagement in the cause of peace and democracy” during the meeting, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said. “The pope said he would pray for Myanmar, for inter-religious dialogue in the country. He also said the Church would be at the service of everyone in Myanmar without discriminating.” This was the first meeting between Francis and the historic Myanmar opposition leader, who has been criticised for not speaking out enough against ethnic and religious tensions in her homeland. Myanmar has been rocked by sectarian unrest in recent months, prompting growing international concern. Around 250 people have been killed and more than 140,000 left homeless in several outbreaks of BuddhistMuslim violence around the country since June 2012, mostly in western Rakhine state. Catholics are a small minority in Myanmar and mainly live in the northeast of the country.
‘need of the hour is to raise our voice’ Morung Express news
“It is time that people of Nagaland wake up... until and unless we don’t give peace a chance, nothing will grow,” said another cyclist, Mhonchan Lotha. “We don’t have to go very far... look at Guwahati. Why is it growing? It is growing because people (there) have given peace a chance.”
Dimapur | October 28
The Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Signature Campaign is gaining momentum as more youth are voicing their opinion against “illegal taxation.” In the lead up to the ACAUTproposed October 31 public awareness rally, the Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) came out in support of the movement with a cycle and bike rally on October 28. The rally, of more than 20 youth on bicycles and motorbikes, started in 3rd Mile and culminated at the Clock Tower here after traversing important junctions of Dimapur town. Addressing the rallyists, President of Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and ACAUT member, Hokivi Chishi, motivated them to sustain the movement. He said that not only are “undergrounds” extorting from the people but unscrupulous businesses are conniving with them to fleece the people. “We have to come together, we have to prevail,” he said.
A section of the cyclists, who participated in the rally organised by YAn in support of the ACAUT Signature Campaign on Monday, October 28. (Morung Photo)
“The need of the hour is to raise our voice and the light which is burning today must be sustained,” declared Hekevi Achumi, an elder member of the ACAUT. According to him, “national workers” in the early days of the Naga National Movement were “principled” but have now
been “diluted” with cadres “misusing the legitimacy” of the Naga political groups. One of cyclists, who took part in the rally, said, “We always talk about bringing change. This is the right time to change. If not now, then when? If not you and I, then who?”
DCCI supports ACAUT The DCCI, following a meeting with business frontal organisations in Dimapur on Monday, has “unanimously decided” to “fully support the initiative of ACAUT.” This was informed through a press release from its president, Hokivi Chishi. As a sign of support, frontal business organisations have decided to “down shutters” during the ACAUT rally on October 31. Shops will reopen after the rally. In this regard, the DCCI has appealed all business organisations in Dimapur to “not only close their establishments on October 31 till the rally is over but participate physically at the rally to be held at Clock Tower junction, 9.30 a.m.”
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