C M Y K
C M Y K
www.morungexpress.com
SunDAY • AuGuST 28 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 236 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
Voters don’t decide issues, they decide who will decide issues FBI raids home of formerCollege Board official in probe of SAT leak
By Sandemo Ngullie
Take remedial measures to mitigate power crisis APEN says that it is not too late for the Government to act on the situation Kohima, august 27 (mExN): The Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) has requested the Nagaland State Government to take remedial measures to mitigate the power crisis prevailing in the State but also appealed to customers to maintain calm and bear with inconvenience due to frequent power outage. An ‘Appeal’ from APEN President Er. Shikato Sema and its General Secretary Er. Rukongutuo Suohu acknowledged that for the last few months, power supply to districts like Kiphire, Phek, Kohima, Wokha and Dimapur has been “badly affected due to the sudden breakdown of Power Transformers.” While power outage in these districts has caused “unprecedented loss and hardship” to citizens, the APEN stated that it had anticipated the situation beforehand. This has happened, it stated, because the State Government “could not provide the bare minimum basic consumable items required for the upkeep of Power and Distribution transformers, High Tension lines and Low Tension distribution lines.” The APEN also reiterated that it is not too late for the Government to act on the situation.
T R u T H
Rose denies Liverpool win at Tottenham
PAGE 02
PAGE 12
Nagaland gets its first No relief or rehab for cancer treatment centre flash flood survivors yet
No power, and to escape the blazing heat .. the Dimapurians are making the most of the city’s deplorable roads.
The Morung Express App for Android phones is now available for free at the Google Play Store. Download now.
o F
— George Will
‘Need to build robust and weatherproof economy in Nagaland’
PAGE 09
reflections
P o W e R
The Eden Medical Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, is seen here flanked by its staff
Morung Express News Dimapur | August 27
After decades of waiting, Nagaland, which is amongst the highest cancer prevalent states in the country, finally inaugurated a multi-specialty hospital specializing in cancer treatment. Eden Medical Centre (EMC), a 75-bedded hospital specializing in cancer treatment, was formally inaugurated here on Saturday by Nagaland State Minister for Health & Family Welfare (H&FW), P Longon. The EMC plans to upgrade itself to a 100-bedded hospital, which includes suites, cabins, and male and female wards.
The Minister, in his address, said that Nagaland State has achieved a lot in healthcare system but more needs to be done. “Our State being located away from mainland India, we are facing a lot of problems while tackling health issues as demanded by our people.” Longon said earlier that in order to avail health care facilities, patients from Nagaland had to go far off places and cities thereby incurring heavy expenses both from the individual and State government side. The Minister was especially referring to the huge number of cancer patients from Nagaland who had to go outside the State for
treatment. “But today, we are proud to have this Eden Medical Centre providing quality cancer care services to our patients at our doorstep by our own doctors. I am greatly encouraged to see this type of hospital coming up in our home city where the state-of-the-art medical treatment is being provided to the patients at an affordable limit,” Longon said. He expressed optimism that the creative innovation of the proprietor and team of doctors at Eden hospital would definitely change the outlook of the patients while struggling from their sickness. “I strongly believe that this hospital will bring
changes in the life of cancer patients keeping in mind the value of human lives,” he said. 60% of cancer cases preventable Chief of Dr. BR Ambedkar Institute-Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. (Prof) GK Rath, who also graced the inaugural ceremony, said of the various diseases, cancer is among the three top causes of death in India. However unlike other diseases like diabetes or blood pressure, cancer is curable, more so when detected at an early stage, he said. Dr. Rath said 60% of cancer cases are preventable and 80% curable if detected early. On the occasion, the H&FW Minister released the Hospital magazine and Dr. Rath launched the hospital website. Proprietor and the brain behind EMC, Yashitsungba Ao, presented mementos to guests. Earlier, Dr. Lima Imchen delivered the welcome address. Departments in the hospital Radiation oncology, radiology and imaging, casualty, OPD &IPD, General Medicine, Surgery, Obstretics & Gynaecology, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Dentistry (Oral and Maxillofacial surgery), Pathology and Orthopedics. The EMC has resident doctors, consultants and visiting consultants.
NSCN (R) says cadres increasingly attacked Questions the silence of Naga NGOs, the Naga Hoho, ENPO, NTC, CNTC, NMA, NSF, ENSF and the churches
Dimapur, august 27 (mExN): The NSCN (Reformation) has now revealed that factional torture of their cadres is on the rise. In a press release from its MIP, the NSCN (R) alleged that GPRN/NSCN has been “arresting, beating and imposing fine” on the former’s cadres and then making them sign bonds with heavy fines for their release pitted to be up to Rs. Ten lakh. This heavy bond amount and fine has to be then paid by the family members of the cadres, informed NSCN (R), and further that more than 40 of their workers have gone through this treatment before their release from custody. It noted that the recent cases were those of Thiapa Leacy on June
14, Athrongpa A.S.O. on July 3, Thritsapa S.O. on July 4 and Phuhoto C.C.M on August 26. Actions of the GPRN/NSCN seem “too heavy to bear any longer” noted the NSCN (R) which may compel it to act as the situation demands. Its patience, stated the group, should not be mistaken as a “sign of weakness” and that it will “fight back squarely” if the situation continues. However, it also stated that NSCN (R) considers the GPRN/NSCN and otherNagaPoliticalGroupsastheir“own brothers fighting for a common cause”
butsaiditseemedtothemlike GPRN/NSCNhas“nohuman compunction”towardsthem. The NSCN (R) also questioned the Naga NGOs, the Naga Hoho, ENPO, NTC, CNTC, NMA, NSF, ENSF and the churches about their silence in the face of such conditions being faced by its workers. It raised three questions for GPRN/NSCN: What is your problem with NSCN (R)? Why are you targeting and attacking only NSCN (R)? Is it the decision of your government or individual action? Based on the response to these questions, the NSCN (R) stated that it will act. It also asked the Naga people not to blame them if any “unwanted situation” cropped up due to this.
Some survivors of the August 16 flash floods are seen here at the public meeting held by a joint team of civil society organizations on Friday, August 26, 2016, at Khanari Village, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
Karbi Anglong orgs appeal govt for compensation & long term development Morung Express News Diphu/Dimapur | August 27
A joint team of civil society organizations from Karbi Anglong district in Assam have now urged government authorities for “immediate relief and rehabilitation” for the flood survivors of east Karbi Anglong’s Nilip constituency. The joint team consisting of Karbi Students’ Association, Rengma Naga Students’ Union (RNSU), Dimasa Students’ Association, Kuki National Assembly, Asom Jatyabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, Students and Youth Council, Hills People’s Cultural Forum and Hills State Demand Council (CWC) visited the flood affected areas on August 25-26. Flash floods on the wee hours of August 16 led to considerable damage of paddy fields, houses and loss of livestock in Rengma and Karbi villages, including Rechangari, Khanari, Khonwani, Choshengtongri, Ridongü, Phangcherop, Mai Gaon, Lakhiram Gaon, Chekso and Hanse Gaon. “People were left homeless, and without granaries to survive through the winter,” stated the RNSU in a press release from its President, Phenpiga Rengma, and General Secretary, Thangshi Jishing, following their visit. This information had been shared with the District Administration of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), National/District Disaster Management Team and the Joint Director of the Medical Department on August 17 by the RNSU team, it stated. However, “no relief such as medicines and food supplies had reached the affected villagers.” The joint team of the above mentioned organizations has now demanded that compensation for property loss and valuable assets, including livestock, be provided by the government immediately. They have also called for “immediate developmental schemes” for the area as well as basic amenities like a public healthcare centre, PHE, PWD, irrigation, agriculture and housing services which are conducive for the “welfare and wellbeing” of the people. “We held a public meeting at Khanari
Village and distributed some rice bags and potatoes to the severely hit victims. Our vehicles could reach only till Phangcherop Village. Rest of the villages could only be covered by foot,” stated the RNSU. It also informed that many people in the villages are suffering from diarrhea and viral fever, even as they cannot access basic healthcare—this area has no bridges across damaged roads, no electricity, no healthcare facility or any developmental activities whatsoever. Handicap in governance An officer at the Sub Divisional Office (Civil) in Bokajan, while speaking over the phone, acknowledged that the KAAC has not given enough attention or resources to this region. “With no roads or mobile connectivity, it is difficult for us to carry on governance work in this area that has more than 25 villages spread over a vast underdeveloped area,” he said, adding that their office has been instructed by the Medical Department to make visits to the villages every 2-3 days but they are unable to do so due to lack of connectivity. “It is a big handicap for us,” he admitted. Another officer from the Assistant Revenue Office (ARO) of the KAAC who made a visit to the flood affected areas in the Naga Rengma Mouza, soon after the floods, was equally shocked by the conditions. “I had visited that area once in 2001. It is still exactly the same,” he said. The ARO team, along with the Agriculture and Veterinary Departments, has already made and submitted a detailed report of the damages but no action has come from the KAAC or its district administration so far. 96 families have been affected in various ways with large swathes of paddy fields completely damaged. “The paddy fields have become riverbeds as the river has changed its course,” noted the officer, who explained how the government team, which had visited on August 18, had to cross three rivers and walk several more kilometers to assess the situation. “The government has not looked after this area at all. They don’t even have water supply or electricity. They only depend on cultivation for their food and earn some money from selling Raja Mircha, oranges etc. for which they have to go 40km in such conditions to access the market in Silonijan. This year everything is destroyed. How will they survive?” wondered the officer.
ASTD sets guidelines for money lending CMO clarifies stand on allegations
Interest rate not to exceed 3 % Morung Express News Dimapur | August 27
After doing away with the ‘chief guest culture’ within its jurisdiction, the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has come up with another initiative of social reformation by setting guidelines for local money lending systems to come into immediate effect. Addressing media persons in Dimapur on Saturday, ASTD office bearers pointed out that local money lenders were not adhering to regulations of The Nagaland Money Lenders Act 2005. They said the unregulated local money lending system has become a “social menace” entrapping many people, even leading to divorce and severing of family ties. “To curb
such social evils, we have set certain guidelines for local money lending system which will be binding on all Ao individuals, societies, groups or associations involved in money lending business within the jurisdiction of ASTD,” said ASTD President Supu Jamir. Against the prevailing rate of interest which is as high as 7% to 10 % per month, the ASTD has set a new rate of interest not to exceed 3 % per month and no compound interest is to be charged whatever the duration of the loan is. The prevailing practice of the debtor paying 10 % to the broker has been rectified too. From now, the lender has to pay the broker his/ her percentage. However, the broker’s percentage has been left to the broker and the lender for mutual understanding and negotiation. Aimed at controlling misuse of land patta for
mortgage, the ASTD said that from now on, only the original patta holder shall duly sign for mortgages to be witnessed along with signature by his/her close relatives or legal heir. The ASTD also decided not to burden the Courts of the Naga Political Groups for issues relating to money lending. “From today, no Ao citizen, individual, groups or associations should give burden to the Courts of any Naga Political Groups as they have enough burdens.” It was also informed that the set guidelines would apply only when the money lender (individual or NGO) is from the Ao community. The ASTD has empowered all village units within its umbrella to oversee and monitor the implementation of these guidelines and take necessary action against the defaulters.
Kohima, august 27 (mExN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland State, TR Zeliang, has clarified that the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, is “not with him or the State Government” and thus “we have to trust the negotiators and their statements that the best interests of the Naga people would be ensured while evolving a negotiated settlement.” This was stated through a press note from the Media Cell of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Nagaland. The CMO stated that, “The attention of the Chief Minister has been drawn to some serious but unwarranted allegations raised against him by various Naga National Political Groups which appeared in the media this morning, thereby warranting this clarification.” In that, the CMO of-
fered that “If anyone has any doubts, or wants to know the details (of the Framework Agreement), RN Ravi (interlocutor) is always there to clarify instead of speculating and interpreting as per one’s own understanding.” According to some people, “there is nothing for the people of Nagaland in the present Framework Agreement, which would make it appear that they have seen the contents of the Agreement,” observed the CMO, while on the other hand, some people ask how “we can support without seeing the Agreement.” The CM maintained that people should not be confused with such “ambiguous statements.” The press note also reminded that the talks on the Naga political is-
sue between the Government of India (GoI) and the NSCN (IM) started 19 years ago, in 1997. Eventhough Ceasefire Agreements were signed between the GoI and other NSCN groups, successive Governments of the State
sured that the CM stands for an inclusive solution, further noting that “all Nagas should be stakeholders, wherever they are, in the final solution.” Whereas, TR Zeliang is the Chief Minister of Nagaland and not of the neighbouring States, “when it comes to the Naga issue, whether he remains the Chief Minister or not, he is determined to speak for all Nagas and will continue to do so till the issue is honourably resolved,” the CMO stated. In terms of inclusiveness, the CM has repeatedly requested the interlocutor to meet all NPGs for dialogue to bring out a lasting solution. According to the CMO, at the Chumukedima Consultative Meeting on March 9, 2016, the CM also expressed his willingness to facilitate a meeting if any
Reassures that the Chief Minister stands for an inclusive solution had taken the stand to facilitate the peace process, and the present Government continues to abide by that declared stand. “It is unfortunate that some people are talking as if the Peace Talks started only during the tenure of the present Chief Minister which, in fact, has completed just a little over two years,” maintained the CMO. The CMO also reas-
group wanted to meet the interlocutor. The CMO further clarified that the inauguration of the Veterinary College at KVK Jalukie was organized by the ICAR, a central government institution. A ceremonial lamp was lit and a coconut was broken to signify good luck and prosperity by the Union Minister—the CM and State Government had no part in the arrangement of that inauguration, maintained the CMO. Further, invocation prayers were offered by the State Chaplain Rev. Kuzeirang Thou, with the Foundation Stone of the Farmers’ Training School laid by the CM where the Pastor of Jalukie Town Baptist Church, Mongzeu, offered the invocation prayers. Therefore, “attributing the Chief Minister of indulging in Hindu or Heraka rites are false and baseless,” asserted the CMO.