C M Y K
www.morungexpress.com
The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 348
“
www.morungexpress.com
Jacqueline Fernandez named Peta India’s Woman of the Year
[ PAGE 08]
METU (JYOTI) - A Ray illuminating Nagaland [ PAGE 2]
Aussie PM: System failed to track siege gunman
We have no civic sense? Well then, let's buy some from the stalls.
An elderly Indian wrapped in a blanket squats on a roadside on a cold evening in new Delhi on Wednesday, December 17. The winter chill gained intensity in northern India Wednesday with temperatures dipping in most parts, according to local reports. (AP Photo)
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
Rio censures harassment to air passengers
Yes
no
Others
Massive fire affects around 40 houses Kohima, December 17 (mexN): A fire broke out at Kenchenshyu village under Mopong Circle of Mon district this morning at 10:30 AM, causing massive damage to a number of houses and structures. Sources informed that the fire completely burnt down 19 houses, four granaries, while another 11 houses and one village guard barrack were partially damaged. No casualties were reported. It was informed that the fire broke out as a result of an electrical short circuit. Meanwhile, Yanithung Ngullie, EAC Mopong and Wati Toshi Jamir OC Tobu visited the spot and held a meeting with the villagers.
Defamation hearing deferred to Feb 2015
C M Y K
Dimapur, December 17 (mexN): A hearing on the defamation lawsuit filed by Roads & Bridges Minister, Kuzholuzo Nienu, which was scheduled on December 17, was deferred to February, 2015. The case was filed at the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima in the month of October after contractors, A. Neangba Konyak and Yashitsungba Aier, alleged the R &B Minister of demanding money in return for award of works contract for the Foothill Road project. Dimapur-based newspapers, which had subsequently carried the allegations leveled by the two contractors as news items, were also named as ‘proforma defendants’ in the libel suit. The R&B Minister’s legal counsel, N. Mozhui informed on Wednesday that the respondents (the contractors) were scheduled to file “replies” today. The judge, hearing the case, is currently not in station, away on training, Mozhui said. He added that the hearing has been deferred to the first week of February 2015.
[ PAGE 12]
PM urged to tackle ‘pressing problems’
By Sandemo Ngullie
Should Naga women be given the right to inherit land?
”
– Aung San Suu Kyi
Vijay ton puts India in driver’s seat
[ PAGE 09]
[ PAGE 11]
reflections
Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165
Thursday, December 18, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4
Fundamental violations of human rights always lead to people feeling less and less human ‘Terror incidents call for world to come together’
C M Y K
NeW DeLhi, December 17 (mexN): Member of Parliament from Nagaland state to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio has written to the Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati apprising the latter of incidents where certain commercial flights have not used the night landing facility in Dimapur airport, thereby causing inconveniences to passengers. The Nagaland MP informed the Minister that on December 13, passengers travelling to Dimapur from Kolkata underwent “incon-
venient harassment” as they were made to sit inside the aircraft for more than two hours after hours of delay and were finally told that the flight has been cancelled. This adversely affected the schedule of the travelling passengers, including those who were waiting at Dimapur. The MP stated that “apparently, the flight was cancelled as the return take off from Dimapur would have been under night conditions, despite the fact that the airport has night landing facilities and the facility had been used only recently.”
In this connection, the Nagaland MP has urged the Civil Aviation Minister to intervene and issue instructions to the concerned Airline authorities so that such occurrences are not repeated in the greater interest of the passengers and the general public who are totally dependent on Air India for air connectivity in this part of the country. Appropriate action also needs to be taken on those responsible for causing the inconvenience to the passengers, he stated.
Naga Council Dimapur informs Narendra Modi of the alarming increase of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants Dimapur, December 17 (mexN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has, in a memorandum, urged the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi to look into “pressing problems” faced by citizens of Nagaland state. The memo, which was submitted to the PM during his visit on December 1, made specific reference to two issues, which the NCD described as “most pressing. They included the “alarming increase of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs) into the state” and “unabated taxation” by the Naga Political Groups. The NCD termed the increase in the influx of ‘IBIs’ into Nagaland state from Assam as “a very serious matter,” and urged the Government of India to the tackle the issue with “outmost priority.” Compounding this issue, the NCD stated, is the non availability of any “comprehensive data on the actual numbers of Bangladeshis” in the state. It however estimated that the numbers are between 3-5 lakhs.
“This number may seem inconsequential if not for the fact that the overall population of the state is approximately 20 Lakhs (2011 Census) only,” it added. According to the NCD, the ‘IBIs’ “easily cross over from their country into Assam and get legal Indian documents making it very hard for authorities to check their nationality once they cross over to India.” To prevent this, the NCD urged the PM to “urgently finish the on-going fencing work along the Indo-Bangladesh border.” The NCD also lamented that “for decades the Government of Assam has turned a blind eye to this influx leading to a nightmarish national security problem and it has already come true with the Al-Qaeda and its affiliated organisations setting up bases in Bangladeshi dominated areas of Assam.” As such, it urged the centre to take up this issue with the Assam government as well. Regarding the issue of “unabated taxation” the NCD informed the PM of the ACAUT Nagaland movement in its endeavour to address this issue and to simultaneously tackle “rampant corruption” in the state. It informed that the ACAUT “has been putting pressure on the NPGs to forgo rampant taxation and come under One Umbrella, not for anything else but to bring to an end to the protracted Indo-Naga conflict through negotiations with the Government of India.” In this, it urged the centre
to expedite a solution to the Naga political issue so that permanent peace finally dawns. Peace, the NCD, stated would enable the Act East Policy to finally come to fruition. It added that “almost 7 decades of conflict and militarisation of our region is unthinkable in a new but resurgent India willing to occupy the world’s stage. It further informed that the NCD has extended full support to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation’s (FNR) call for peace and reconciliation. The NCD further urged the PM to consider the infrastructural demands of the citizens which are yet to take off due to financial constraints. Referring specifically to Dimapur, the NCD asked the PM to sanction the construction of a Convention Hall/Auditorium with all the required amenities in Dimapur on the lines of the India Habitat Centre or Sirifort Auditorium, New Delhi. It then called for sanctioning the construction of flyovers in & around Dimapur to ease the ever increasing traffic and development of a modern drainage system in the town. However, it added that any sanction for developmental activities in the state should be strictly monitored by the Centre, making reference to “corruption” in the state. The NCD expressed hope that its concerns and demands would be taken up by the PM, thereby paving the way for greater opportunity for the Naga people.
ANSWFSEA questions Nagaland state govt Dimapur Night Carnival – Six nights of food, fun and music
Dimapur, December 17 (mexN): The All Nagaland Social Welfare Field Staff Employees’ Association (ANSWFSEA) has urged the Nagaland state government to “come out clean over the validity of regularization of Class-I Gazzetted via suitability test,” which it stated is “in violation of the service rule.” This, it added has been done when the Supervisors, “who have rendered 23 years of continuous service to the department are still dreaming of first promotion.”
Terming this practice as a “misdemeanor,” the association further cautioned against regularization of “backdoor appointees as there is no justification for regularization whatsoever except that they are kiths and kin, political sympathizers of the people in authority…” “The failure and negligence of the concerned authority to discharge their routine duty in requisitioning the vacant post at the right time as per the service rule and termination of
contractual appointees should not be a basis for regularization,” it added. A press note from the ANSWFSFEA further informed that a meeting of the executive members and district representatives has been convened on December 20, 11:00 AM at Tribal Welfare Complex, Diphupar. It requested the organizations including the NSF, ENSF, ENPO, ACAUT, CNTC, Survival Nagaland, the media and other delegates to attend the same.
Learn To Lead: Westside School aims to provide quality education Morung Express news Dimapur | December 17 With the objective of providing high quality education and to facilitate all round development and growth of human personality, body mind and soul, a new institution, Westside School in Kiyeto village under Dhansiripar subdivision, Dimapur was inaugurated by Minister for Industries & Commerce, G. Kaito Aye. Located around 21 km from Dimapur town, Chairman, Westside School, Rev. Dr. Phughoto Aye in his vision statement said that the school began as a preconceived notion that education liberates human beings, a powerful tool to bring about desired changes in the world from ignorance. “With utmost endeavour the school shall live upto its motto, ‘Learn to Lead’ with special emphasis on character nurturing and inculcation of leadership quality besides their academic learning,” he said. Rev. Dr. Phughoto added that the school would also be affiliated with the CBSE. The school is funded by Founder & Director of Fire Around the World,
A front view of the Westside School at Kiyeto village, which was inaugurated by Minister G Kaito on Wednesday, December 17. (Morung photo)
USA, Rev Daniel F. Hurt, his wife Sandy Hurt and a host of people from USA. Rev. Dr. Phughoto thanked everyone involved for their untiring initiatives in raising sufficient funds besides their huge personal contributions towards the project. Chief Guest, Kaito lauded Rev. Dr. Phughoto for opening the school in the area and expressed the hope that the institution would deliver the needed services to the people. He said private schools have been filling the gap wher-
ever government schools were failing to implement the policies of the government. In this regard, Kaito said the teachers have a huge responsibility to produce responsible citizens for the future. He asserted that proper education enables society to grow in the right direction. Kaito urged the people of the area to think and feel that the school belongs to them and accordingly extend their cooperation to the management. He also urged the school management to sincerely render
their services to the people. Parliamentary Secretary for IT&C, Science & Technology, Technical Education and Taxes, Tovihoto Ayemi, who was the honoured guest, said that education was the driving force behind any progressive society and appreciated Rev. Dr. Phughoto for coming out with a noble venture of providing education and uplifting the people of the area. However, Tovihoto said education in itself would be rendered meaningless if it lacked quality. He then expressed optimism that the school was prepared to provide high quality education to the students who will grow up to be leaders in the future. “The motto of the school is also very apt – Learn to Lead, because students would be learning today so that they can lead tomorrow,” he added. The school was dedicated by Rev. Daniel F. Hurt while invocation was pronounced by Principal OTS, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier. The gathering was entertained with a melodious tune by the Nagagenous team. Ex-MLA Azheto Zhimomi proposed the vote of thanks. Westside School will start functioning next year from Kindergarten upto Class V.
A child along with her mother at the Dimapur night Carnival, which began on December 15. The carnival will continue till December 20. (Photo: Caisii Mao)
Morung Express news Dimapur | December 17 In a city which sleeps as dusk sets in, the sixday Dimapur Night Carnival is providing a rejuvenating experience to many in Dimapur. On the second day of the carnival on December 16, as some enjoyed a not-so-quiet dinner, young people took pictures with Naga version of their superheroes, while men crowded the game zones to win chicken or other prizes. Then, there were clothing, jewellery and accessory stalls attracting many others. The venue at Super Market area was still lively at 9pm with families, couples, young and old people thronging the myriad stalls, though the official timing of the carnival is from 5pm – 9pm. Besides the food (which ranges from Naga, Indian to authentic Korean dishes), games and music the visitors enjoy, the carnival is an income generating avenue for many. Kevi Solo (28), who works in Kolkata, is spending his holiday productively. Apron tied around his waist, Kevi in his food stall, expressed contentment and confidence that he’ll make profit by the end of the carnival. However, he has one suggestion to make – to limit the number of stalls. There are too many stalls that he doesn’t experience rush hour. “Whoever is opening stalls should get profit,” he added. Parliamentary Secretary Tovihoto while inaugurating the carnival had mentioned there were more than 300 stalls. Meanwhile, at a handmade flower booth opened by a group of older women, the business is slow this year and the owners are unsure whether they can make any profit. The group made good profit at last year’s carnival, which was smaller. Akrole
Losou, one of the members, cannot pinpoint the reason behind the sluggishness, but added in jest there are many visitors, but few buyers. On the other hand, she opined that placing together the stalls selling similar items unlike the present random arrangement might work to the advantage of both sellers and visitors. Meanwhile, for people like Akavi N Zhimomi Naga (24), the carnival is an opportunity to “set an example of dignity of labour.” Between hastily making egg rolls at his stall opened under ‘Survival Nagaland,’ he quipped, “As long as you enjoy what you do, you won’t regret it.” He looked at the carnival as motivating and encouraging young entrepreneurs. “Maximum Nagas are buying from Nagas so it’s encouraging,” he said, adding even verbally, visitors motivate and encourage. Nevertheless, the carnival is not without shortcomings with basic amenity like washrooms missing. One of the stall owners revealed there was no toilet arranged. Lucky for him, he has a friend nearby, but for the less fortunate, the experience might by agonizing. There is a similar issue with garbage. For want of any assigned site to dump waste, people take the liberty of leaving garbage anywhere they please, the stall owner said. He further underlined the haphazard electrification at the venue. Pointing to the electric wires messily connected near his stall, he expressed concern of imminent accidents while highlighting the absence of switch boards. The carnival, organised by Dimapur district administration and various non-governmental organisations, also promises to have musical entertainment every evening.
C M Y K