DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 354 • 12 PAGes • 4
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ThursDAY • December 31 • 2015
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in Modi wants to revamp ‘Stand up for cabinet, but can’t find the people what is right’
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T R u T H
— Morrie Schwartz
Ali spins England to crushing win in S. Africa
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2015: A TorTUoUs YEAr for nAGAlAnD Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30
Nagaland witnessed a tortuous year mired with political upheaval; a horrific crime that the whole world took note of, widespread protest against nonpayment of salaries, backdoor appointments, ceasefire abrogation and the signing of a Framework Agreement which may change the course of the Naga political history. The Morung Express highlights some of the important events that unfolded. THE NPF CONUNDRUM Right after New Year’s Eve, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) kicked up a political storm after the TR Zeliang ministry faced open upheaval with 22 NPF MLAs demanding change of leadership on January 5. This led to sacking of four cabinet ministers and nine parliamentary secretaries. The dissent also forced Zeliang to move for trust vote in the assembly on February 5 wherein all the elected members, including the BJP and the opposition Congress, voted in favour of his leadership. Months later, with the 8 legislatures of Congress joining the NPF in November, Nagaland assembly formally became an opposition-less government. This may not necessarily be good news as demonstrated by the 30 minute winter session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly held on December 14-despite a number of urgent and pressing issues waiting to be tabled, discussed or resolved.
C M Y K
MARCH 5 MOB LYNCHING In one of the most horrific incident to haunt Dimapur, on March 5, one Syed Farid Khan detained at Dimapur Central
rEflEcTions
By Sandemo Ngullie
Jail under suspicion of rape was dragged out, paraded naked and lynched by a mob of thousands in a case of vigilante justice. Disturbing images of the incident were widely circulated in the social media which was quickly picked up by the print and visual media. The incident brought widespread censure and put Dimapur under the radar of the whole world. Following the incident, Nagaland government, in damage control mode, restricted telecom services in the region. Internet was blocked for 48 hours in the state. SMS and MMS services were also blocked. Three government officials were suspended and Nagaland government recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. Several issues were also highlighted in the process - crime against women, issues of illegal Protesters at the NSF rally in Kohima against the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act on July 23. migrants, need for effective judi- (Morung File Photo) ciary and preserving the interest Seven departments - Ru- women’s reproductive health National Rural Health Mission of the local community. (NRHM), District Rural Devel- ral Development, State Coun- in Nagaland, registrations on NONPAYMENT OF SALARIES opment Agencies (DRDA), etc cil of Educational Research births and deaths, Nagaland Year 2015 will also be re- voiced protest against the State &Training (SCERT), Health & government’s failure to provide membered as a year of agita- government for leaving them Family Welfare, Higher Edu- basic health facilities in districts tion against the Nagaland State on the lurch by depriving them cation, Social Welfare, Roads and villages, misappropriation & Bridges (NPWD) and Home of over Rs 62 crores in the health government for nonpayment of of their salaries. - have been made respon- sector under the National Rural salaries. Those in the teaching dents. Also, the Department Health Mission (NRHM). MOVEMENT AGAINST profession suffered the most. Protest began with the All BACKDOOR APPOINTMENTS of Law and Justice and NPSC In its relentless fight against have been made respondents STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi All Nagaland College Teachers Association (ANAH- corruption and backdoor ap- too. Besides ACAUT, other TA) launching agitation on pointment- endemic in Naga- organizations also alleged Students’ Union (ANCSU) February by boycotting classes land State government depart- backdoors appointments in launched protest demanding in protest against non-payment ments, Against Corruption and the Nagaland Public Service the release of pending scholof their salary for more than six Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Commission, Office of Com- arship for 3615 students under filed a Public Interest Litiga- missioner of Taxes, Agricul- Centrally Sponsored Scheme of months. The apathy of the State gov- tion (PIL) on corruption on ture Department and the Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students (PMSSTS) and 7217 ernment was harshly apparent public employment at Guahati Home Department. eligible students under State as the aggrieved Hindi teach- High Court. Merit Scholarship & Research ACAUT said the PIL was 20 PIL AGAINST ers were still demanding salary Scholarship for the year 2014even in November. Through- necessitated as the Govern- HEALTH DEPARTMENT The pitiable health-care 15. out the year, employees under ment of Nagaland failed to The fate of some 150 Naga a number of State government take appropriate action de- services in Nagaland manidepartments and centrally spite the series of backdoor fested with the filing of 20 PIL students studying at Diva Jyoti sponsored programmes name- appointment exposés start- by Human Rights Law Network Group of Institutions (DIGI), ly the Nagaland RMSA teach- ing with RD department in the (HRLN), Nagaland Chapter on Modinagar, UP were put in seriissues relating to the status of ous jeopardy after the institute ers, Nagaland SSA teachers, month of June 2015. Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30
The “Say no to crackers” campaign launched by concerned citizens of Dimapur received a “thumbs up” sign from majority of Dimapurians who have been accustomed to the barrage of crackers on the eve of every New Year. Scores of volunteers and individuals drawn from various groups, churches and social media- facebook lined up the stretch of the commercial hub’s “Flyover” Wednesday afternoon to spread the message of the negative impacts of bursting crackers. Carrying placards some of This New Year experience the joy of giving... release which read “Let’s have an ecofriendly New Year celebration”, our salary!! “Save Nature, celebrate New Year The Morung Express to the environmental friendly way” cost `5 from Jan 2016 and “Let’s fill our home with prayers Dear Readers, This is to inform you that the cover price of The Morung Express will be `5 beginning, January 1, 2016. The primary factors affecting the paper’s production costs are that all items related to printing the newspaper have steadily increased, in combination with the poor economy. Also, print materials are imported from outside Nagaland as they are not readily available here. Please know that this was a difficult decision to make and ask for your support offsetting these costs and greatly appreciate your committed readership throughout the years. We thank you for your support and understanding. The Morung Express
refused to allow the students to continue their studies due to non payment of fees. Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD), who initiated the free education scheme for the students, said the fees were to be paid by the Nagaland State government in scholarship format. The Nagaland State government shifted blame to the ENSUD. A committee has been constituted to inquire unto the issue. NSF PROTEST AGAINST DAA, AFSPA Naga Students Federation on July 23 protested the imposition of Disturbed Area Act (DAA), Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the state and the killing of two children at Wuzu village by security forces. The protest was attended by thousands and supported by various other civil societies. But the act is still in force. ABROGATION OF CEASEFIRE In a setback to the Naga peace process, the NSCN (K) abrogated a 14-year old ceasefire with the Government of India on March 27. Following the abrogation, eight Assam Rifles troopers were killed in Mon district of Nagaland, and another 20 soldiers of the Dogra regiment unit in Chandel, Manipur. It also led to the birth of a new faction NSCNReformation by expelled senior NSCN-K leaders P Tikhak and Wangtin Naga. The GoI announced a bounty on information leading to the capture of SS Khaplang and its military commander Niki Sumi. FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT After almost 18 years of political negotiations a Framework Agreement was signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India on
‘say no to crackers’
and light-not with fumes and crackers”, the volunteers also distributed pamphlets on the negative aspects of crackers to every passing vehicle. Renponi Naga, the person who initiated the campaign on facebook, said the campaign was a “sudden” event but was reciprocated by various unions, churches and individuals including the Watchman, Believer’s Church, Muslim Council Dimapur, AG Church, Indian Red Cross Society, Cleaning Brothers from East Police Colony and others. Various speakers including member secretary, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Rusovil John, also spoke on the harmful effects of bursting of crackers and fireworks. The campaign kicked off with invocation by Rev Moses Murry, Youths display placards with message on the negative aspects of burst- general superintendent of Asseming crackers at one of Dimapur’s flyover on Wednesday. (Caisi Mao Photo) bly of God Eastern India.
Alcohol related road mishaps on the decline Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30
December is typically characterised by revelry. Celebrations pour in and revellers up their ante. Amidst the celebratory mood hangs an air of foreboding as the narrow roads of Nagaland witness a marked increase in vehicular movement. Prone to accidents all year round anyway, the roads become particularly unsafe in the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Dimapur traffic police are on the field doubling their duty hours anticipating alcoholfuelled road mishaps. This December too, the roads of Dimapur have become chock-ablock with vehicles and shoppers alike during the day and by night loud music blaring from cars. Road safety has inadvertently become a priority for the State. The Dimapur Traffic police have stepped up vigil to keep a check, par-
ticularly on drunk driving. Using breathalysers, Traffic personnel assisted by the NAP (IR) are conducting checks frequently, stated ACP (Traffic Zone I), Seyiesezo Peseyie. However, on the frequency of accidents, seasoned Traffic cops stated that Dimapur has witnessed relatively less number of accidents this December. They cited December 24 as an instance during which only 5 minor road mishaps were reported from Traffic Zone I and another from Traffic Zone II. “Surprisingly low,” one cop observed, compared to other years when Christmas and New Year revelry were marred by fatal accidents. According to data made available by the traffic police, a total of 521 road-related accidents were reported in Dimapur in 2015 till date. Traffic Zone I reported 280 accident cases starting April till date in which there were 25 fatalities and 134 were injured. Traffic Zone II reported 241 cases be-
tween May-December 29 with a reported death toll of 15 and injury to 223 people. In 2014, the death toll was 45 and 215 injured in as many as 635 reported road mishaps. In 2013, it was 548 accidents, 42 fatalities and 283 injured. The year 2012 reported the highest number of fatalities at 65 and 248 injured in many as 625 reported cases. 2011 witnessed 589 cases, 43 deaths and 227 injured. While no details could be provided on the number of people penalised for drunk driving this year, Peseyie informed that those found drinking alcohol beyond the permissible limit while driving are being detained. Such offenders normally get away with a ‘challan’, which comes with a monetary penalty, but driving licences are seldom impounded. The offenders are released after sobering up or are handed over to relatives. Asked whether breathalysers would be seriously employed this
New Year’s Eve, Peseyie said that it becomes a mammoth task as majority of drivers have alcohol on their breath on the eve of Christmas Day and the New Year. Dimapur Traffic police has only two breathalysers, one each for the two traffic zones. Beside breathalysers, the Dimapur Traffic police are continuing with a media campaign for road safety during the festive month. Urging revellers to stay safe, Peseyie discouraged driving after alcohol intake for the sake of oneself and also for others on the road. New Year’s Eve is approaching and so is apprehension. According to Peseyie, additional Traffic personnel were detailed for field duty on December 24 till 3:00 am, December 25. The same level of vigil will be employed on New Year’s Eve, he added. Heightened Traffic vigil and extended duty hours have become a trademark of the traffic police during festive occasions.
August 3, 2015. The NSCN (IM) said the framework agreement would work as a preamble based on which a solution to the uniqueness of the Naga history and political rights would be reached. NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah said the framework agreement has been concluded basing on the unique history and position of the Nagas and recognising the universal principle that in a democracy, sovereignty lies with the people. Interlocutor of the Government of India to Naga peace talks RN Ravi and the NSCN (IM) held several round of talks with the Naga civil society organizations after the signing of the framework agreement. With the contents of agreement not made available, the Naga civil society groups has asked for their disclosure for further deliberation before any final settlement is arrived at. There were also protest registered from the Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam government fearing the agreement would affect the boundary of their states. Question on the inclusiveness of all the Naga political groups also emerged as a point of deliberation for the Framework Agreement to see reality. JAPAN-NAGALAND RECONCILE AFTER 70 YEARS Reconciliation between Japanese and Naga Christians for the atrocities caused to one another during the World War II marked the 11th month in the state capital. Seventyone years on, the two communities came together to seek forgiveness from one another in a true Christian spirit, closing the wounds of the War in the hope to bring healing to the people of both the countries and to develop friendship through evangelism.
Dear Readers, The Morung Express wishes you a very Happy New Year. We extend our appreciation for your committed support and solidarity through the years. We thank you for your constructive suggestions and patient understanding which has been our constant inspiration. As we step into 2016, we look forward to your continued steadfastness. The Morung Express wishes you a year of blessings and good will, wonderful happiness, good health, prosperity, purposeful living, and may the New Year bring you the warmth of love and a light that will guide your path.
From all of us in
The Morung Express will remain closed on December 31, 2015 and January 1, 2016. Our offices will reopen on January 2, 2016 and copies of the next issue of The Morung Express will be available from January 3, 2016.