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ThursDAY • AuGusT 25 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 233 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
The beginning is the most important part of the work “Voices under the rubble” after quake hits Italy; at least 73 dead
AGARTAlA/NEw DElhI, AUGUST 24 (IANS): For the second time in two days, several NE were rocked on Wednesday by a quake in adjoining Myanmar, but there was no report of major damage. “The 6.7 magnitude tremor with epicentre in central Myanmar hit various states of the eastern and northeastern region of India at 4.04 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon,” a meteorological department official said in Agartala. “There is no report of major damage in Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and adjoining areas of the northeast yet. However, we are yet to get complete information from all affected areas of the northeast region,” Disaster Management Coordinator Sarat Das told IANS. the epicentre of the earthquake was at a point 190 km south of Myanmar’s Mandalay city.
Nagaland sees drop in Math and reading skills DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): ASER Centre, the autonomous research and assessment unit of Pratham, today released data on the trend of basic reading and math skills in Nagaland from 2010 to 2014. The ASER, in a press release, today informed that over the years there have been considerable drops in the reading ability of Std V children. “This drop is significant for the state of Nagaland in comparison to the neighboring states like Manipur, and also the All India average,” it stated. Since 2010, the drop is close to 12% for the state of Nagaland. It further informed that Nagaland is performing lower than its neighboring state Manipur when it comes to Math. Similarly with reading, there is a decrease in the performance of Std III and Std V students over the years. The Annual Status of Education (ASER) effort for 2016 is scheduled to kick off on August 30 and the report to be released by mid-January, 2017.
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A chAnce to prove ourselves!
• 33% reservation to empower women and change the structure of society • Why not Nagaland state govt “pass their own state assembly resolution to give provision to women?”
Involve women in peace talks: Governor
Vishü Rita Krocha Dimapur | August 24
The landmark decision of the state government to conduct elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 by granting 33% reservation for women, has ignited a ray of hope for intending women candidates to start taking part in the decision making bodies. It is like an answered prayer for the 38 year old contending woman candidate, Khazü Dukru, who is planning to contest from one of the colonies in Pfutsero town when the 33% reservation for women is implemented. “Without reservation, I may not contest,” she said, while stating that politics has been the domain of men for all these years. “Politically, it is the man’s decision,” she added and enun-
Naga women line up to cast their vote in a polling booth.
ciated from many past experiences and observations that even if a woman candidate is far better than a male candidate, the public vote would naturally go to the latter. In this regard, she felt that the chances to win without reservation would be very slim. “I am also apprehensive because many people would say, ‘I will support you if you contest’, but when the real time comes, the vote speaks for itself,” she explained. She sadly observed that women themselves end up following their husbands when it comes to elections. Further speaking on the influence that men have dur-
ing elections, she added, “men always support men, and women always support their husbands.” Therefore, she asserted that the 33% reservation would make the much needed base for women. Not all women, or even men for that matter, may play their roles efficiently, but “give us a chance to prove ourselves,” she appealed. Khazü Dukru is currently a member of the Pfütsero Citizens Welfare Forum and has been actively involved in working towards the welfare of the town. The Director of Kalos Society, Pfutsero, Kupelhi Losou said that 33% reservation for women will not
only empower women but also change the structure of the society. Strongly advocating for women participation in decision making, he said, women tackle issues “faster” than men. He further cited the instance of Pfutsero Citizens’ Welfare Forum wherein he observed that the few women members have responded faster to problems and issues. “I am not saying that the menfolk are not doing their part, but the women members are doing far better than men,” he noted. Meanwhile, Commissioner and Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Menukhol John said that, “since the government has decided
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today stated that it is high time that women should be included in peace talks with various militant groups in the North East. A press note from the Raj Bhavan reported the Governor as saying that the protection of women & children from violence must be prioritized. “Peace and security to acknowledge the disproportionate impact of violent conflict on women and children recognizes the critical role women should and can play in the processes of peace building and conflict prevention, conflict mediation, and all aspects of post-conflict reconstruction,” the Governor added. He further stated that in politics and to go ahead with the elections, we’ll have to follow the norms on how the 33% reservation is to be marked for the wards and alternatively, we will have to follow the logistics of how soon we can have the elections.” “We are working on the formalities at the moment,” he said. The dates of the elections have, however, not been decided yet. It may be noted that the Naga Hoho and Ao Senden have strongly opposed the cabinet decision to conduct elections to the ULBs with 33% Reservation for women. Naga Hoho has earlier said that it is “premature” to introduce 33% women reservation in the
property ownership, “there is no space for women in Nagaland. There is no women representative in the 60 member state Assembly. North East records the highest number of women trafficking cases.” Stating that women are the worst affected in the conflict zone, the Governor added that women are the main stake holders. “Different women’s group demand to include women in peace talks has to be seriously considered.” He appealed to all stake holders, civil societies, NGO’s, student bodies etc to promote women participation in conflict prevention and peace talks, since they played a major role in the past and can still continue to contribute in the peace process.
Naga society. When asked what it exactly means by “premature”, General Secretary of Naga Hoho, Mutsikhoyi Yhobu observed that at a time when the Indo Naga Political talks are going on, “further division between men and women” or if gender issue comes up, it would be another big issue for the Nagas. He further maintained that the “33% reservation is only the component of the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Act itself is very much against Article 371 A- the provision which has been given to Naga people to fight for their sovereign right.” He said that the Article 371
Clause A is not the final solution for the Nagas, because of which, we are still struggling, but added that if this provision to fight for our sovereign right is affected because of 33% reservation by accepting the Municipal Act of India, the whole system is going to be affected. He went on to state that, “If women so desire to have that kind of reservation, instead of accepting this Municipality Act, why not the state government pass their own state assembly resolution to give provision to women?” Under this act, if reservation is accepted by the State Government, it is going to infringe upon the Article 371 A, he reiterated.
‘Promote brotherhood among Nagas and Kukis’ Talks progressing positively: NSCN (IM)
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): President of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), PS Haokip has written to the GPRN/NSCN Chairman, Neokpao Konyak, appreciating the latter’s decision to “entrust three eminent leaders of GPRN/NSCN - C Singson, Adviser to Collective Leadership; Alezo Venuh, Envoy to the Collective Leadership; and Ritsa L Thongru, Secretary to GPRN/NSCN to meet with your Kuki brothers to convey a message of peace and love from the Naga people.” The KNO President, in his letter made available to the media, stated that “Unification is indeed an essential quality precious in the eyes of God. In the fullness of His time, I
believe you will succeed in bringing all of your people under one political umbrella.” He reminded that Naga and Kuki relation “goes way back to Khonoma Angamis and Kukis as brothers drank wine from the barrel of Gun, broke the skull of a dog symbolizing the same fate would meet either party that reneged from the bond of brotherhood and commitment to peace.” “In keeping with the bond, when Khonoma Nagas fought the British, Kukis gave them some Cannons made of mithun hide. Similarly, Pu Lengjang Kuki was a signatory to the Simon Commission of 1929 and was also member of the Naga Club,” he added. Haokip hoped that the act of
sending emissaries from the GPRN/ NSCN would “establish peace and promote brotherhood among Nagas and Kukis.” “This should also put an end to misunderstanding among our people if any and usher in an era of peace and harmony, which will be pleasing in the sight of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he added. The KNO President further accused NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th Muivah of “creating false propaganda about Kukis” and called for looking into the killing of Kuki people from 1992 and 1997. “With growing retaliation from the Kukis, in 1997 he cleverly signed a peace treaty with the Government of India,” the KNO President stated.
MTLT lock offices of Mokokchung Power Department
Our Correspondent
matter till the end. No incidence of violence was reported during the protest.
Mokokchung | August 24
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Liverpool cruise, Chelsea squeeze in League Cup PAGE 02
MoKoKchunG poWer crIsIs Frustrated over the continuous disruption of electricity supply in Mokokchung, hundreds of youth under the aegis of the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) on Wednesday locked the three offices of the Department of Power. The three offices locked by the youth include Executive Engineer (Electrical Division), Executive Engineer (Transmission Division) and SDO (Electrical Division) – which are located in different parts of the town. The Executive Engineer (Electrical Division) Mokokchung was out of station, reportedly at Dimapur overseeing the restoration of the damaged transformer under repair. The SDO (Electrical Division) who was in office, assured that the department is working on a war footing to restore regular power supply in the town. After locking the offices, the youth marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s
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NBCC consultation on Vision 2030
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North East shaken by Myanmar quake
P o W e R
Youth under the aegis of the MTLT protesting outside one of the Power Department offices in Mokokchung on August 24.
office; however the DC, Sushil Kumar Patel, was out of station as well. Therefore, the agitators met the ADC, Bendanglila and handed over a charter of demands addressed to the Minister of Power, Government of Nagaland. While accepting the ‘demand charter for power’, ADC Bendanglila said she would immediately dispatch the document to the state government and also discuss on the gravity of the situation with the concerned department and
the state government. The ADC also provided her assurance in a written document to the officials of MTLT. The MTLT reiterated that the locked offices should remain closed until the state government gives a positive response ‘in writing’ to its demands. It cautioned that if the offices were opened, they would resort to stringent actions; the consequences of which would be borne by the district administration. Later, the MTLT held a
closed door meeting and discussed about the day’s action and future course of action if the state government failed to meet their demands. Earlier in the morning, the MTLT held a short meeting which was also attended by representatives from the All Ward Union, Mokokchung (AWUM). The AWUM extended their support to the MTLT and added that the two organizations are working for the same cause and therefore urged them to pursue the
MTLT demand charter for power in Mokokchung • Immediately replace the damaged 5MVA transformer at the power station and with a higher capacity transformer. • The present 2.5 MVA at the power station be upgraded. • The government must keep a spare transformer at the power station to be used during emergencies. • Set another power station (10MVA) at Majakong Ward and an additional 10MVA at the existing sub-station at Salangtem (as per the assurance made to MTLT at DPDB meeting in 2015). • Support AWUM demand for an exclusive transmission line for Mokokchung Town. • Demand the utilization certificate of amount sanctioned to the Mokokchung Power Division during the financial year 2014-15 for maintenance works within 7 days.
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 24 (MExN): Stating that every round of the peace talks is progressing positively with the Government of India, the NSCN (IM) today informed that its Steering Committee Member, Eustar Chishi Swu for the first time participated in the talks with GoI on August 19 in New Delhi. A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM)
stated that the NSCN (IM) has a “high hope that under the leadership of Narendra Modi and RN Ravi, interlocutor, GoI, and the collective leadership, its members and the talk team of NSCN would apply its best wisdom to resolve the issue which is acceptable and honourable to both parties at the earliest.” The NSCN (IM) stated that there has been a “para-
digm shift” to the approach of Indian leaders resulting in understanding and viewing at the problem from the perspective of both sides. “Appreciation of the difficulties of the opposite party has brought the two sides closer than ever, solution can be brought about only when reality is admitted and mutual respect prevails upon imposition of other’s will,” it added.
CM stands firm on 33% women reservation Our Correspondent Kohima | August 24
Nagaland Chief minister TR Zeliang today stood firm on the state government’s decision to conduct municipal elections within this calendar year with 33% reservation for women. Addressing the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of Naga People’s Front (NPF) here today, he said due to opposition from certain quarters, the state had not been able to hold municipal elections for the last ten years. “This is definitely not a healthy development, nor contributing to good governance! Our municipalities are being run by just one officer, designated as Chief Executive Officer, with the support of a few municipal employees. Due to this state of affairs, we have not been able to get the grants for urban local bodies recommended by the Finance Commission, and we are losing every year valuable funds, much needed for improvement of our urban infrastructure and facilities,” he said. He added that Kohima’s bid for the smart city project is also handicapped by the lack of an elected municipal council. “Although a case filed by NWA is pending in the Supreme Court, we decided not to wait for the final outcome, which may take a few more years. Our legal advisers are also of the opinion that we can only delay, but our chances of winning are really slim. Above all, the state Government stands for women empowerment, and we believe that giving them this 33% reservation in municipalities will be one important step towards women empowerment,” he said. He called upon the party to help in its smooth implementation through awareness campaign and mobilization of public opinion in its favour. “If we are to argue, there is no end to it, but, we have to accept the present situation, which is different from the past situa-
tion. When it comes to our customary right, we are well protected through the village council act, and the Municipal Act will not touch our villages. If we seriously talk about development of Towns - in every town, the Government had decided to acquire the land with outright purchase, and we are following that policy. But if we allow the land owners to dictate the Government in such townships, how can the Government move forward with its plan and programme? It’s high time to know and understand what is township and what is village! We want a smart city, but the question is how can you have a smart city without municipal council?” he questioned. The CM then added that the NPF Legislature party and the NPF-led DAN Government is united and stronger, pointing out that in a house of 60, the NPF now has 48 MLAs, whereas DAN partner BJP has 4 MLAs. The 8 Independent members are also part of the DAN Government. He said this new found unity came from the collective desire of the legislators, not only to facilitate, but to give a stronger push for an early settlement of the Naga political issue. “We also have 8 Independent MLAs, who are now part of us, and part of the DAN Government, along with their followers. We should, therefore, be aware that there is a need for some adjustments with our new members, especially at the district and Assembly Constituency levels. Both the old and new party workers have to work as a new team...” he added. He called for strong foundation at the grass-root level, with the party backing up the state government with sound advice. “We are open to constructive criticisms and positive suggestions, but party men should refrain from negative altitude, loose talk and back-stabbing at all costs,” he said. Zeliang also said that the vision documents of DAN-III will be brought out very shortly, and the draft will be placed before the cabinet on or before 31st August, 2016.