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FriDAY • December 04 • 2015
DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 330 • 12 PAGes • 4
T H e
ESTD. 2005
It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered 269 dead, millions suffer, Chennai under water PAGe 8
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— Aristotle
South Africa’s Supreme Court finds Pistorius guilty of murder
Hornbill Bamboo Carnival in Dimapur PAGE 10
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NE Media urged to take proactive role Morung Express News Dimapur | December 3
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Garo tribesmen perform a folk tale called ‘The Cannibal Demon’ on the third day of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama, some 15 kms away from Kohima, Nagaland on Thursday, December 3. Photo by Caisii Mao
NSCN (R) to vacate Padumphukri office Morung Express New Dimapur | November 3
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NSCN (R) members on Thursday agreed to vacate the building at Padumphukri Village, Dimapur which was being set up as a Cease Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) office after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India (GoI) reportedly approved of the location. Tensions had been brewing for the last few days for citizens of Padumphukri village after the GPRN/ NSCN opposed the move and warned of consequences if the NSCN (R) failed to vacate the place. Padumhukri Village Council Chairman Vitoka Katty informed The Morung Express on Thursday that NSCN (R) members had assured to vacate the said building by Friday for the interest of peace and public safety. Katty said the village council had been actively negotiating with both the Naga political groups to come to an amicable solution to their prob-
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
lems since the standoff began. “Listening to our appeal, the NSCN (R) has assured that they will vacate the place on Friday,” Katty informed. Meanwhile, President of NSCN (R), Y Wangtin Naga has requested the collective leadership of the
Wangtin Naga appeals to GPRN/NSCN collective leadership GPRN/NSCN to “avoid any form of confrontation that may damage future relationship.” “I have been serving under the leaders of two great Babas for couple of years till 2011 split and served with honestly, sincerely and truthfully, proved what I was for them,” said Wangtin Naga in a press note today. “As a human being I may commit some mistake unknowingly under certain circumstances when I was with them for which I apologise. I
A milestone- nagaland Post turns 25
It’s everybody’s anniversary, a tribute to support of the people, says Geoffrey Yaden
Morung Express News Dimapur | December 3 C M Y K
Here is the receipt for the Rs 1500 fine. Next time use less lights.
NSEAOA suspends agitation
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KOHIMA, DECEMBER 3 (MExN): The Nagaland School Education Administrative Officers Association (NSEAOA) has suspended its mass casual leave agitation for the time being. A press note from the NSEAOA President, Y Khetoshe Yepthomi and General Secretary, Chonpa Pochury informed that this decision has been taken following a meeting with the Minister for School Education and SCERT, Nagaland, where the Minister assured “99 percent to give promotion to the deserving officers in the department within a short time.” As such, the NSEAOA has informed all its members to resume their duties from December 4 onwards.
also apologise for any form of crime and mistake that might have been committed by any workers who are working under my leadership these days. I also request the collective leaders of GPRN/NSCN to reason at least for a while as to where we are heading instead of pointing to the past mistake,” he appealed. He affirmed to meet the Naga leaders “anywhere and anytime for the goods of the Nagas,” and stated that “attacking the NSCN (R) suboffice by GPRN/ NSCN is almost self infliction because ultimately we will become one because we are for one cause and one goal.” Wangtin Naga further stated that any form of misunderstanding that may arise “will be amicably resolved in the interest of the Naga nation,” while appealing to the GPRN/ NSCN Chairman Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak and General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi not to resort to “senseless action which will be irreparable in the future.”
In Nagaland, do we understand what development is? With this core question, a one-day North East Media Conclave on ‘Media Perspective on Development’ was held at Hotel Lake Shilloi here today. It was organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Nagaland Post. “Ordinary people cannot relate to most policies and schemes implemented by the government. Can the media be a catalyst to help people get a hang of development planning?” wondered Editor of Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden, in his welcome address. Affirming the thought, Chief Guest on the occasion, C Apok Jamir, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, said that the media can play a prominent role if it takes into account the “ground reality,” whether economic, social or political. The media, he noted, can be “constructive or destructive” as per the requirements of the place. It thus has the added responsibility of being “sensitive to the prevailing situation” in order to push development for the society at large. The conclave had in attendance prominent media personalities from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram, apart from an array of intellectuals, and former and current bureaucrats from Nagaland. “There is a sense of pes-
A portable type writer, an old faithful ambassador, a semi-auto press, a nondescript corner at Industrial Estate (Shed No.5) and an Editor with a ‘mission mode’ describes the journey of Nagaland Post - from a humble beginning to being the leading newspaper in Nagaland. The first daily newspaper of the State, which initially started in tabloid size format on December 3, 1990, Nagaland Post on Thursday marked its remarkable 25 years journey with a befitting thanksgiving celebration here at Oasis, Dimapur. The event saw people from all walks of life, including Nagaland Governor PB Acharya; Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and a strong contingent of legislators, bureaucrats, media fraternity from the region and beyond, business communities and others paying glowing tribute. “It’s everybody’s anniversary, a tribute to support of the people,” Nagaland Post Editor and founder Geoffrey Yaden said in his welcome address. He attributed the success to the constant support of the people as well as extended family of Nagaland Post – past and present.
Print media plays a vital role in resolution of conflict: CM
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Thursday acknowledged that the print media plays a vital role in resolution of conflict between various entities. He was speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of Nagaland Post at Oasis, Dimapur. Zeliang, however, cautioned against speculative reporting as well as sensationalism. Speculative reporting no matter how tantalizing should be avoided at all cost, he said while advising the media not to “put oil on the burning fire, but try to collect people together.” Accurate reporting and authenticity is most crucial, he stressed. The Chief Minister also lamented that Nagaland is often depicted in media for all the wrong reason. “There is more to life than insurgency. Violence is sporadic and life goes beyond that and is under control,” he said. Meanwhile, Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya while alluding to his recent ‘controversial’ support over a notification sent by the Assam Rifles to the State media commented, “Freedom goes hand in hand with accountability and responsibility.” He also maintained that investigative journalism is the need of the hour as well as molding the public opinion in right way. Yaden said it was neither an ambition nor a motive, but with the recognition that Nagaland needs a daily paper that made him undertake the risky venture with a ‘sense of mission.’ I thought it was ironic that we had to depend on papers from outside to read about us, Yaden said adding that the news was often inaccurate and depicted the state of affairs negatively. He also acknowledged the influence made by erstwhile weeklies like The Citizen’s Voice, Nagaland Weekly and others. According to Yaden, starting a daily was risky, “Problems were aplenty – technical, financial and political - and skeptics were abound. They gave us 3-5
months initially. With diligence, we marched on and here we are today.” Yaden also took the occasion to acknowledge the constant and unfettering support of his family, particularly his wife’s devotion. Of the future, Yaden said Nagaland Post would aim to be a ‘catalyst for change’ and will strive to do better. “The biggest room for change is the room for improvement,” he maintained. Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya lauded the commendable effort of the paper in acting as “the voice of people and voiceless” and congratulated the editor for not only “having a dream but realizing the dream.” Pointing out that it was
due to dedication and hard work that Nagaland Post reached today’s milestone, Acharya further lauded the paper for safeguarding the liberty of the people with integrity and steadfastness. The next step is to enter into electronic media, he advised. Chief Minister TR Zeliang, said Nagaland Post sustained because of the hard work of the editor and his dedicated team. Also complimenting Mrs Yaden’s contribution towards the growth of the paper, the Chief Minister quipped, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman who stands firm and says no.” Zeliang said what Nagaland Post has done since its establishment was real social service – more of a service to the people and not a business venture. “During the complex political situation before, when the situation was worse, I can only imagine the hardship” he said adding that, “deep suspicion and pressure from different state and non-state actors might have made the job more challenging. But Nagaland Post withered all these storms and came out triumphant.” In a brief tribute, Naga People’s Front (NPF) President, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu called Nagaland Post – the BBC of Nagaland. He also released a memento on the occasion. Director of the Nagaland Post, Aochuba Yaden said, “We will not rest on the laurels and the mission is still on fire.”
Call for ‘fair deal’ on air and rail travel from the NE Guwahati airport should be made the hub of air travel for the eight states of the North East. Nagaland State Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu, said this today while taking part in the North East media conclave at Hotel Lake Shilloi here today. “All states in India have foreign consulates and international airports. But there are none in the North East. Instead of Kolkata, Guwahati should be made the base region of operation for foreign consulates as well as airlines for the North Eastern states,” said Nukhu. Adding to the pertinent point, Editor of Nagaland Post, Geoffrey Yaden, called for a “fair deal” for rail passengers travelling from Dimapur as well. “There are no long distance trains from Dimapur while most passengers travelling on this sector board from Dimapur, giving much more business to the railways than it gets from Jorhat,” observed the Editor. simism among the youth. Is the government doing wrong or has the media built up this perspective?” questioned Nagaland’s former chief secretary, Alemtemshi Jamir. Stressing on the need for a positive outlook in assessing the changes around us, he said that progress can take place if development is looked at from a “proper perspective.” Instead of “wallowing in our misery” in Nagaland, Jamir asked the media to give fresh inputs that rise above “insular thinking.”
Panel Discussion
The panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Neel Konwar, heard from Aküm Longchari, Editor of The Morung Express, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, senior journalist with The Indian Express in Guwahati and Dasho Neten Zangmo, Executive Director of Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative in
Bhutan. “Can we have a new imagination of non state centric notions of development that keeps people at its core?” offered Aküm Longchari, drawing the story of the Naga Caravan, hijacked on its way. “We are in a conflict economy where people are reduced to objects, where a culture of impunity operates leading to the unequal distribution of resources, turning us from producers to consumers,” he noted. Without challenging this reality, any form of development, he maintained, would be “short sighted, increase dependency and strengthen the status quo.” By “reconceptualising time,” thus, Longchari called for development to be part of the larger context of “recovery and reconstruction,” which happens in sync with “resolution and reconciliation”—social,
economic and political. Samudra Gupta Kashyap noted that media is already a tool for development. But is the society talking about development? Are universities talking about development? How many development related questions have been asked by the MPs of the North East in the parliament? “Our priorities are somewhere else and we are talking only about things not to do with development,” he said, asking for the media, as well as other institutions in the region, to study the myriad reports produced on the region’s development in depth. The underpinning issue to development, however, is governance, noted Dasho Neten Zangmo. “So much rich biodiversity and culture of the region has been lost to materialism and greed,” she said. It is, thus, pertinent to ask how the wealth and resources of the country is being distributed. It is important for the youth globally to be able to access an “honest and responsive” government. In that, the media has an important role to play in voicing “people’s voices particularly of the marginalised,” she asserted. Corruption is merely the symptom of a larger disease, and to fight it we need “conviction, commitment and courage,” said Zangmo. A healthy discussion ensued that attempted to put on the table a range of issues related to development and media.
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Aadhaar Card not mandatory, informs Nagaland government DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 3 (DIPR): The Government of Nagaland has notified that it is not mandatory for a citizen to obtain the Unique Identification Number or the Aadhaar card. The production of an Aadhaar card will not be condition for obtaining any benefits otherwise due to a citizen, informed the Nagaland government through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). Unique Identification Number or Aadhaar card may be used for PDS Scheme like distribution of food grains, cooking fuel, such as
kerosene and LGP Distribution Scheme. The information about an individual obtained by the Unique Identification Authority of India while issuing an Aadhaar card shall not be used for any other purpose, save as above, except as may be directed by a Court for the purpose of criminal investigation. This has been notified in pursuance of the Supreme Court Order dated New Delhi August 11, 2015 in Writ Petition (Civil) No.494 of 2012 (Justice K.S Puttaswamy (Rtd.) & Another-VersusUnion of India & Others).
Student exodus a result of govt delaying PMS: ENSUD Morung Express News Dimapur | November 3
The Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD) stated on December 3 that the exodus of students from the Divya Jyoti Institute of Engineering and Technology, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh was a result of the Nagaland State Government delaying release of Post Matric Scholarship (PMS). Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu, while blaming the ENSUD for the fiasco has maintained that the State Government has no hand in it. According to Nukhu, the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the ENSUD and the Divya Jyoti Group of Institutions (DJGI), which runs the Modinagar institute, was an agreement between the two parties with the Nagaland government having no role in it. The MoU - which resulted in 150 Naga students joining the institute – was signed without the knowledge of the state department in concern, Nukhu had maintained. Countering Nukhu’s statement, the ENSUD stated that the government was well aware of it as the ENSUD had earlier requested the Parliamentary Secretary to expedite the release of scholarship before the news of the Naga students leaving the Divya Jyoti institute hit the limelight. The ENSUD also produced a copy of a letter
written by the Director of Higher Education Department addressed to the Director of the DGJI. The letter dated November 23, 2015, requested the DGJI to “allow the students from Nagaland studying in your institution to appear their semester examinations and also not to expel them as the department is in the process of releasing the scholarship at an early date.” According to the ENSUD, the 150 students are covered by the Post Matric Scholarship scheme of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs under which any ST/ SC student is eligible to apply and not any other scholarship programme. It stated that the role of the ENSUD in the MoU was solely as facilitators and not as benefactors. Its role was limited to facilitate Naga students’ wishing to join DJGI-run institutes, the ENSUD maintained. On the pending scholarship (PMS), the ENSUD said that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had released the first instalment of PMS for the state of Nagaland amounting to Rs. 5, 47, 00,000 for the year 2014-15 in June 2014. The final instalment of Rs. 17, 82, 58,638 for the same year was released in December 2014. Stating that the government is only “deteriorating the issue and hijacking the rights of students,” the ENSUD appealed the government to release the scholarship without further delay.
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