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wednesdAY • AUGUsT 10 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 219 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected Indian cold pills pour over remote border to fuel Myanmar narcotics boom
By Sandemo Ngullie
PAGe 05
Nagas will continue to assert for right to self-determination
Kohima | August 9
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Editor, The Morung Express
CM on four-lane road Our Correspondent Kohima | August 9
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said the construction work for four-lane road project between KohimaDimapur will start after the ending of the rainy season this year. Talking to media persons here, Zeliang said that work order is expected to be issued soon and once this is done, work will begin. In this connection, Zeliang called for cooperation from the people for effective execution of the project.
PAGe 12
Protect our rights, our lands! Morung Express News
See, our politicians have become so rich, they’re now sponsoring Olympic.
— Steve Jobs
India win 2-1 against DoSE on fee reimbursement Argentina in men’s hockey for PMS-ST students
PAGe 09
reflections
T R u T H
Celebrating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, students and faculty of Kohima College gathered at the college auditorium in their traditional best. Jointly organised by the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in collaboration with Kohima College Alumni Association and supported by the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), the event was held at Kohima College under the theme ‘Protect our Rights, Our Lands!’ “As we celebrate this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are doing so fully conscious of the fact that it was our elders and leaders of the Naga Political movements, starting from the Naga Club to the present day Naga political Groups who have protected our rights, our lands and kept it safe and secured through their self-less sacrifices during the most crucial and painful period of our history. And today, we are basking in the glory of their achievements, notwithstanding pending an honorable and acceptable solution, juxtaposed with factionalism and uncontrollable internal contradictions,” said Neingulo Krome, NPMHR Secretary General. Stressing on the theme ‘Protect our rights, our lands,’ Krome stated that the lands of Indigenous Peoples are not only being exploited but forcefully taken away. In the case of Nagas, they are able to assert their rights, although faced with opposition from occupational
Young Naga boys watch others perform as they wait for their turn to present a traditional dance during an indigenous festival held recently in Mokokchung. (Morung Photo)
forces, but ultimately acknowledged and recognized, he said. He reminded that even if the principles of the Naga Political Movement do not recognize or accept the imposition of Indian laws and its Constitutional legality over the Nagas, the fact remains that Naga way of life and their lands and its resources are protected under Article 371 A of the Indian Constitution. Speaking on the UN’s theme, ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education’, Neilezo Tep, Vice President of Kohima College Alumni Association asserted that education is the strongest way to empower and strengthen. He encouraged students not to embark on artificial ideas of the outside world but instead think locally and
introspect on the happenings around one’s society. “We know what is happening, knowing the reality let us not be complacent. Maintain the balance of assimilation. The more we assimilate, the more we compromise. Let us fight to preserve our identity. Let us be firm on our roots,” he called out. Marina Kenglang, a Peace Activist from Changlang District shared on the problems faced by indigenous peoples in Arunachal Pradesh due to the influx of outsiders. “Our lands have been taken away by outsiders, in some cases arbitrary actions by Government of India and in some cases due to the low population of the IPs. Though Arunachal Pradesh has provisions to protect the
indigenous rights like PRC and ST certificates, people can only own land if they possess ST certificates,” said Kenglang. Meanwhile, on concerns regarding the loss of indigenous dialects in Naga families and homes, Betoka Swu from NPMHR urged young students to take the responsibility of preserving one’s own dialect. “The younger generation has to take up the challenge. We have to be practical,” noted Swu, while suggesting that simple tasks like texting through one’s own dialect can go a long way in passing on and preserving one’s indigenous dialect. Later, a discussion with the faculty and students was held during which concerns on Article 371 (A), AFSPA and preservation on Naga culture were discussed.
Tahamzam (SenapaTi), auguST 9 (mexn): The Naga people in Manipur, meanwhile, celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples at Thangal General Memorial Ecological Park in Senapati district under the theme ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education.’ The United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (South) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur came together here to pledge that “We, the Naga people” will never be “deterred” because “the Nagas have the right to unify their divided ancestral homeland and live together as a dignified family as any other people.” With the firm belief that as indigenous peoples of the world, the Naga people “will continue to assert for our inherent right to selfdetermination and self-government while respecting the same of others in good faith,” they pledged. The organizations significantly also pledged to protect and promote universal human rights and entitlement “particularly within our own communities, without prejudice toward race, colour, gender, disability, language, religion, creed, national origin, property, age, or other status.” (Refer to page 3 for complete pledge)
Right to Education
Gaidon Kamei, President of the UNC, while delivering his keynote address highlighted Article 14 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which stated
that “Indigenous peoples have the right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages, in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.” Despite this and more provisions, he noted that t h e right to indigenous education continues to remain a challenge. A gap remains “not only in terms of access to opportunities but also in regard to quality and cultural appropriateness and relevance of curricula,” he noted, giving examples of Hindi and Manipuri, or even the history of other empires, being made compulsory subjects while local languages have not yet reached the classrooms. He also stressed on the system of education in Naga Morungs that went ‘beyond four walls.’ They imparted real life knowledge that focused on values and principles “underpinning our identity and history.” The songs and stories taught in Morungs reflected education on the lived environment—the forests, animals, spirits, as well as “our struggles and victories.” The loss of these is “a greater threat to our survival as a people than the thousands of guns pointed at us,” observed the UNC President. The program also heard from Prof. A Lanunungsang Ao who urged the need to bring proper awareness on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples from a grassroots level, with the UNDRIP translated into all Naga languages.
Court rules on ACAUT PIL Nagaland CM urged to assist disease hit Naga areas of Myanmar
Tells Nagaland govt to uphold notification banning contractual appointments Morung Express News Dimapur | August 9
C M Y K
The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court ruling on the PIL filed by the Against Corruption And Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland on contractual/illegal appointments has told the Government of Nagaland to uphold the standing executive order dated June 6, 2016 imposing total ban on contractual appointments to governmental posts. The PIL filed in October 2016 involved as many as 10 departments as respondents and the final ruling was passed on August 5, 2016. As per the judgment, the court based its ruling on the June 6 government notification. “… There is no reason for this Court to doubt the intention of the Government in this regard. As such, no further direction is called for at this stage. This Court hopes and expects that henceforth, the Government of Nagaland would scrupulously adhere to the criteria laid down by notification dated 6/6/2016 in the matter of appointment made in public offices,” read the court order. It however came with the rider that the petitioners would be at liberty to approach the court “in the event there is any violation of the clauses contained in this notification dated 6/6/2016.” Members of ACAUT Nagaland at a media briefing today in Dimapur termed the judgment as having not only reinforced the government’s standing order but has also given legal sanctity to its move to check illegal appointments. From ACAUT legal team, advocate K. Lun Tungnung viewed the judgment as a victory for the people. He said, “We have come to a point where we have today legal sanctity to check contractual appointments.” While the judgment may have
come as a respite, Member, ACAUT consultative body, Khekiye K. Sema asserted that the ACAUT will not rest the matter here. “As for the Office Memo (Notification), we have still the legal right to appeal if the government does not follow up,” he said. P. Leonard Aier, who was also part of the 3-member legal team, held that the ACAUT’s stand on corruption has been vindicated. According to Aier, there is on record several instances of the state government issuing notifications banning appointments, which flout accepted norms. The notifications date to as far back as 1976, 1994, 1996, 2001 and the latest being the one issued in June 16, 2016. Emphasising the importance of the 2016 notification, Aier said that while all the orders were executive decisions in essence, the latest one has legal binding to it. On this, Sema commented that such notifications have been issued rampantly over the years, but are rarely implemented. While ACAUT member, Dr. Khekuga Muru said that the government should respect its own decision as well as the court judgment. “We will be seriously watching whether the notification merely becomes a piece of paper or gets implemented.” The ACAUT Nagaland further reminded that there have been instances of backdoor appointments even as the PIL was heard in court. Maintaining that the ACAUT wants all backdoor/illegal appointments terminated, Sema said, “We intend to get the facts and figures. We will collect all the information that is required.” It also appealed all professional unions linked to the government machinery to thoroughly understand the significance of the judgment. Commenting on the fuel adulteration exposé, Sema said that the Chief Minister keeping mum on a matter “that hurts us all is uncalled for and unfair.” As the head of the state government and as the Minister in-charge of the department that handles subsidised kerosene for public distribution, he said that the CM is answerable and morally bound to respond.
DimapuR, auguST 9 (mexn): The Council of Naga Affairs Eastern Nagaland, Myanmar has written to the Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, seeking help for the outbreak victims in the Naga areas of Myanmar. While acknowledging the Nagaland CM for reaching out to the outbreak victims in eastern sector “as confirmed to us by Naga Hoho, NSF and NMA,” the Council of Naga Affairs said that the Government of Myanmar “was unable to respond quickly even if they were informed since the early stage.” Informing that the Government of Myanmar had on August 6 claimed
the outbreak was “under control,” it informed that meanwhile, the death toll has hit 41 as of August 8. It further cautioned that reports of 9 villages under infection could be more “as we are informed that the villages under Yinchung Tract under Lahe Tsp are also already infected with this killer disease - measles.” It expressed concern that the death toll, unfortunately, is expected to exceed the figure issued by the Government of Myanmar. “As per the government’s figure, more than 200 people are under infection, but this figure might not reflect the ground reality either.
The latest report is that at least 13 villages under Lahe, Namyun townships and Donhi sub-township are already affected and the confirmed information of the infected ones from Namyun Tsp alone shows 183 whose blood samples are still awaited,” the Council of Naga Affairs stated. It further lamented that donations that are being collected in Myanmar from well-wishers “are also short of the needed amount because the expenditure soars up due to transportation problem in the affected areas.” It informed that the villagers in Lahe and Namyun Tsps have been seriously affected not only in terms
of sickness but also their livelihood as they could not go into the fields for already months. “And more seriously, the quarantine period will go on till a certain amount of time - until the outbreak comes under total control, meaning that their sustainable health and food security are also under a great threat as a consequence. This critical situation highlights that the villagers are in need of not only medicines but also good food, nutritions, hygienic materials and basic needs,” it added. Therefore, it sought help from the Nagaland CM. “Your act of kindness will always be remembered in our hearts and history,” it appealed.
Tension in Arunachal capital as Irom ends 16-year-long fast ex-CM Kalikho Pul takes own life
iTanagaR, auguST 9 (ianS): Tension gripped the Arunachal Pradesh capital on Tuesday after former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, unseated on July 13 by a Supreme Court ruling, committed suicide, police said. Pul, 47, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his official residence. Incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein confirmed to IANS that Pul had committed suicide. “We have also recovered a suicide note from the room where the former Chief Minister committed suicide. I am not in a position to divulge much at this moment,” said a senior police official. Hundreds of people, including supporters of Pul, took to the streets as news of the suicide went viral and shouted slogans against the present government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The agitated crowd gathered in front of the Chief Minister’s residence and destroyed a coffin brought for Pul. The demonstrators defied the security forces guarding Chowna Mein’s house and entered and vandalized it. They also destroyed some parked ve-
hicles. Some of them demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to find out what forced Pul to kill himself and demanded the resignation of the Khandu government. Pul was widely admired for his compassionate approach towards the needy. He was known for high probity in public life and honest politics. Khandu called an emergency cabinet meeting and has announced a three-day mourning. Although Khandu became the Chief Minister on July 16, Pul was yet to vacate the Chief Minister’s residence as his house was being renovated. A Congress leader, Pul took office on February 19, unseating then Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. Later, Pul and his supporters joined the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA), a regional outfit. After the Supreme Court reinstated the Tuki government, Pul and his supporters returned to the Congress and supported Khandu to become the Chief Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi also condoled Pul’s death.
Indian human rights activist Irom Sharmila addresses a news conference in Imphal, August 9. (REUTERS)
imphaL, auguST 9 (ianS): Manipuri activist Irom Sharmila on Tuesday ended her 16-year-long fast against imposition of the “draconian” AFSPA in her state and announced that she wants to join politics and become Chief Minister one day. Sharmila, who has been on fast unto death since 2000 to demand lifting of the Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Manipur, got emotional as she licked some honey to mark the ending of her fast. Earlier, doctors removed the nasal feeding tube that was used to forcefeed her. Speaking to reporters, including from the foreign media, Sharmila said she will use everything in her power to create a positive society and the “foremost
will be removal of this draconian (AFSPA) law.” The AFSPA gives sweeping powers to security forces. “I want to be the CM of Manipur to help the people,” she said. Earlier, Sharmila told a court that she wants to end her fast. She was released on bail on Tuesday. She told newspersons that she will contest the 2017 assembly elections from Khurai Assembly constituency as an independent. Doctors are not allowing her to eat normal solid food immediately. It was announced that Sharmila will stay in hospital for the next three days under medical supervision. During the time, she will be administered solid food gradually and her health closely monitored. Sharmila began her hunger strike in November 2000 following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces. She was arrested by the Manipur government the same year on charges of attempting to commit suicide. She has always denied the charge, saying she is using the fast as a weapon.