December 9th, 2015

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wednesdAY • december 09 • 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 335 • 12 PAGes • 4

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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T R u T H

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses — Confucius Storm over Herald case: Cong alleges vendetta, Govt denies PAGe 8

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Kohima-Dimapur 4 lane project

Top 5 Mokokchung events this December

Involve local contractors or face agitation: NCSU

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PAGe 5

‘extend naga Unity beyond culture’

naga civil society an important stakeholder of the peace process Morung Express news Kohima | December 8

Two plate of Mc rum and...?

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The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Is the annual Hornbill Festival benefiting the ordinary people of Nagaland? Yes

no

others

Public Information All press statements, memorandums, articles, reports and news related documents should be sent to the official email address:

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Press releases will be accepted only till 8:00 pm Editor, The Morung Express

Power supply to Pughoboto, Tseminyu & Wokha disrupted

(Right to left) interlocutor to the indo-naga peace talks, Rn Ravi with Parliamentary secretary for Tourism, C Apok Jamir and Parliamentary secretary for Work & Housing, Er levi Rengma during day 8 of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama. (Morung Photo)

our Correspondent Kohima | December 8

Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga Peace Talks, RN Ravi today urged the Naga people to come together, while affirming that “unity is not impossible.” Speaking at the morning session of the ongoing Hornbill Festival at Kisama on December 8, Ravi expressed optimism at the “spirit of unity displayed through the celebration.” He stated that the Nagas have every reason to be proud of their unique culture, at the same time, the obligations to preserve it. “I have an appeal to the Naga people to please extend the unity beyond culture... extend it to other facets of Naga life…” he further urged. While assuring that India is serious towards finding a solution to the Naga political issue, he however said that the Naga people, including the armed groups have to unite in order achieve it. Referring to the division within Naga society as his most “extreme concern,” Ravi, however, stated that by “seeing the spirit of cultural unity, unity is not impossible.” “I am touched by the spirit of unity being celebrated despite the diverse culture of the Naga people.

KOHIMA, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): Power supply to Wokha district, Tseminyu and Pughoboto sub divisions have been disrupted due to technical problem at the 132/33 kV Sub-Station at Wokha. This was informed today in a press note from the Executive Engineer, Transmission Division, Kohima. “While the Department is trying its best to restore the said SubStation at the earliest, the public is requested to bear with the inconvenience caused which is highly re- NEw DElHI, DECEMBER 8 (IANS): The govgretted,” it stated. ernment is keeping a close watch on some insurgent groups trying to regroup in the northeast, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju DIMAPUR, DEMCE- said on Tuesday. BER 8 (MExN): The Naga “There are reports of Christian Fellowship some insurgent groups try(NCF) Chennai has in- ing to regroup in the northformed those who cannot eastern region,” Rijiju statget in touch with their fam- ed in a written reply in the ily members and friends in Chennai after the recent heavy rains and massive flooding to contact the NCF Chennai Pastor, Wapangtoshi at 09840127998 immediately to take the necessary steps with the help of the city authorities. A press note from the NEw DElHI, DECEMNCF Chennai Pastor in- BER 8 (MExN): Nagaland formed that after the dev- state Chief Minister, TR Zeastating rain and floods liang on Tuesday met union in Chennai, life is back to HRD Minister Smriti Irani to normalcy with electric- enlist her help in setting up a ity, mobile, Internet, ATMs, centrally-sponsored school flights, trains, buses, etc., of planning and architecin all parts of the city. “So ture in the state. far there have been no caDuring the interaction, sualties reported from the the CM suggested that the Chennai Naga community institute be set up at around members despite a large Dimapur area, as there is number of Naga students no such school in the enleft the city for safety and tire North East Region at also because of their institutions have been closed present, informed a press down due to the rains,” he note from the Chief Minstated. He meanwhile cau- ister’s Office (CMO). He tioned against rumours also stated that the School on social media and asked of Planning and Architecpeople not to panic with- ture (SPA) would meet the out proper verifications. requirement of the entire The NCF Chennai Pastor North East Region. The Union Minister refurther acknowledged the people and churches for portedly accepted the protheir concern and prayer posal and has asked the Chief Minister to submit for the Nagas in Chennai.

Culture defines the unique identity... it is the under feeling of Naga nationalism,” he said. Conveying Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s wish that “resolution of the Naga issue has to be on the principle of equality and mutual understanding and respect,” Ravi stated that “there is no big or small and there cannot be a better foundational principle than this

rible things have happened in the past; there are deep wounds of having lost the dear ones.” “Now we have to make a choice... do we remain hostage with the bitter memories, do we remain trapped in the past or should we move forward to meet our destiny and dream,” he stated. Acknowledging that it is not easy and “rather impossible to forget the past,” Ravi however stated that “it will be not fair for the future.” Let us strike a balance between memories and dreams. For this to happen, Naga society has to unite, he urged. Ravi further made it clear that the process towards solution to the Indo-Naga issue is inclusive and all stakeholders will be taken on board. “I have been reaching out to all the different groups, civil societies, including the Naga armed groups,” he assured. Therefore, he urged the Naga people to appreciate the importance of this occasion and opportunity. Meanwhile appreciating the efforts of RN Ravi towards the Naga issue, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Apok Jamir, said that it is the collective effort of the Nagas that will ensure the fulfilment of dreams.

Let us strike a balance between memories and dreams, urges RN Ravi on which the whole hope of solution is built and to achieve this, it is very important to be united.” This “foundational principle,” he said has been enunciated in the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM). “It is just the beginning... crucial yet a significant step that we have decided to work out the solution in the spirit of equality and mutual understanding,” Ravi said. Ravi conceded that “lots of bitter memories are there as most hor-

Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga Peace talks, RN Ravi today said that “Nagas should not give up sovereignty,” while stating that the Constitution of India is “flexible, adaptable, it can be changed.” He said this while talking to media persons after a three hour long closed door meeting with various Tribal Hohos at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima. It may be noted that media persons were not allowed to enter the hall during the interaction. “Our approach is inclusive. The solution that we wish to arrive is comprehensive. When I say inclusive, it is not just Naga armed groups but it is also the civil society. They being the important stakeholders, the civil society, I wanted to get their views, their doubts and their questions,” he added, while terming the meeting as “positive.” 57 representatives of various Naga tribes were given time to express their views on the current Naga political issue. Ravi said that it was just an exercise in reaching out, to know what is there in the mind of the Naga people. Ravi stated that the Government of India is trying its best to bring a solution early, a solution which is comprehensive and inclusive. “And as a result reaching out to the rest and trying to persuade. It takes time,” he explained. On NSCN (K) ban and DAA On banning of the NSCN (K), Ravi viewed that the abrogation of ceasefire was done by the NSCN (K) while the GoI waited. “In between the Naga civil society made appeal, we tried, the Government of India tried and I made it public despite they having abrogated the ceasefire. But when violence continued and they started forming alliances with groups in Assam, Manipur. Perhaps, we lost hope,” said Ravi. He stated that one cannot perceive the Government of India banning the group as an act out of its choice. Regarding the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA), Ravi stated that the Act has been in place for the last 60 years. We were hopeful that we will be able to dispense it, stated Ravi but lamented that the

‘argument of not extending it’ was lost after the abrogation of ceasefire by the NSCN (K). ‘Any act of violence must be accounted for’ On atrocities committed by the armed forces and the question of justice, the interlocutor replied that “any act of violence must be accounted for.” However, as an interlocutor, Ravi mentioned that redressal was not his prerogative and that he is not a judge on what is happening whether it is violence committed by the security forces or the Naga political groups. On being asked whether the Government should take cognizance of the atrocities committed by the armed forces, Ravi noted: “they must take cognizance.” Naga civil society share concerns Meanwhile, Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi, President, Angami Public Organisation (APO) informed that the meeting was a frank and informative interaction with mutual trust. Dr. Seleyi asserted that the main emphasis APO put forward in the meeting was the creation of proper interstate and historical boundaries. “Even if the political issue is solved, if the land/territorial and historical boundaries are not settled then there will always be tension and problems,” he said and appealed to the stakeholders to settle the mentioned issue with political will and political power. Issues raised by the other Hohos during the meeting included the division of a tribe in different states and countries, unification of all Naga political groups, and the collective settlement of all Nagas spread across four states and two countries. While there were mixed reactions, Chuba Ozukum, President, Naga Hoho noted that it was a fruitful and informative meeting with concerns raised by the Tribal Hohos on the Disturbed Area Act, AFSPA, unity of all Nagas, sovereignty etc. “We have insisted upon the Government of India to expedite the process towards finding an early solution,” stated Ozukum, further pointing out the Naga Hoho’s position on Naga sovereignty and integration as non-negotiable.

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Indian Govt watching insurgent groups ‘Centre examining Manipur’s three bills’

NCF Chennai informs C M Y K

Lok Sabha. “The activities of such groups have been kept under close watch.” According to the minister, the government had taken up with some neighbouring countries where some of the Indian insurgent groups were said to be setting up hideouts or temporary camps. “These countries have assured our government that they will

not allow anti-India activities from their soil,” he said. Rijiju said the central government was supplementing the efforts of the state governments of the region to curb the activities of the insurgents by deploying additional central security forces, sharing intelligence, and giving financial assistance to strengthen police forces.

NEw DElHI, DECEMBER 8 (IANS): The central government has received three bills passed by the Manipur assembly on August 31 and is discussing them with the concerned ministries, union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday. “The government has received the three bills passed by the state legisla-

ture on August 31 this year and reserved by the governor of Manipur for President’s assent,” Rijiju told the Lok Sabha. He said the government was scrutinising the three bills with the help of other departments. He was answering a question by Nagaland’s parliamentarian Nephiu Rio as to the status of the three bills and whether the

government has taken cognizance of the impact of the three bills on public sentiments of the hilly areas of the state. The three bills include Protection of Manipur People Bill, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment Bill), and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill.

Manipur has witnessed violence and death of nine tribals following the passing of the three bills in a specially called assembly session on August 31 this year. Hundreds of people also have been protesting in the national capital for over a month, demanding that the central government refuse to clear the three bills.

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Nagaland CM wants centrally- Assam-nagaland Border Dispute sponsored architecture school UNTABA slams Nagaland govt for failing to file counter-suit

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concept note for follow up action. Meanwhile Lalthara, Advisor to the Chief Minister told IANS that “it was a courtesy call but there was a lot of discussion regarding education in Nagaland. The CM has emphasised on setting North East’s first school of planning and architecture in Nagaland.” Zeliang discussed with Irani about collaborations and setting up of new universities to boost education in the state, which currently has only one central university, he added. The location of the proposed school was not decided yet, but the Chief Minister apprised Irani of the resources that the state government could make available to the project, Lalthara said. “Minister Irani has

asked the CM to send a proposal once he returns to Nagaland, so that the issue can be officially taken up.” Irani had recently been invited to Nagaland’s Hornbill festival, which she had declined on health grounds. Later on the Nagaland state CM also called on Union Finance Minster, Arun Jaitley and reminded him about the memorandum submitted to him earlier, requesting for financial assistance for completion of all the ongoing projects being undertaken in the state under state plan, such as NCA, SPA and SCA etc which have been discontinued. The Union Finance Minister reportedly assured to look favorably into the needs and requirements of the state. With Inputs from IANS

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas (UNTABA) today stated that any likely judgment that may be delivered by the Supreme Court on the pending suit regarding the Assam-Nagaland border dispute “can never be accepted by the Naga people as a whole, least of all - the people living in and around the border areas.” The current hearing or cross-examination may or may not be final, said the UNTABA, in a press note from its Chairman, Hukavi T Yepthomi and General Secretary, Imsumongba Pongen. UNTABA stated that the pending ‘original suit’ No. 2 of 1988 on Assam – Nagaland border issue being considered in the Supreme Court is “long

overdue.” With apprehension on the ‘likely outcome’ of the trial on the “inherent historical, traditional and political rights of the Naga people over our land and its resources, the recorded histories of which precedes the formation of the present State of Assam,” the UNTABA said it had already prepared to file a writ petition in the Supreme Court so as to counter the original suit as well as to claim the “inherent rights of the Naga people over our land and its resources in a legal course.” However, it informed that the Advocate General of Nagaland state and the political leadership in the Government of Nagaland (GoN) had requested the association to wait, since the Government of Nagaland as respondent No. 3

would be filing a counter Suit. “Now it appears that the GoN have failed to file a counter Suit on the stipulated time line as assured to the association,” the UNTABA lamented. The UNTABA asserted that the history of the Naga people over its land “precedes the formation of the present State of Assam because the recorded history of the Naga people over its ancestral and traditional land and its resources started from ‘Treaty of Yandabo’ in 1826 followed by the formation of ‘Rengma Naga Hills’ in 1841; the formation of first administrative headquarter at Asaloo for Naga people in 1852, the formation of ‘Naga Hills District’ in 1866 headquartered at ‘Samaguting’ or present Chumukedima and the final boundary

demarcation of Naga territories in 1875 and the subsequent divisions of Naga areas into different territories for administrative purposes of those days.” It further stated that these recorded histories on the inherent rights of the Naga people over its territories and resources was recognized by the Government of India in the first and original ‘Political Agreement’ made between the ‘Interim’ GoI and the Naga people represented by the undivided Naga National Council (NNC) in June 27 – 29, 1947 at Kohima just prior to the declaration of Indian Independence, known as ‘Nine Points Agreement’ for the perusal of the ‘Constituent Assembly’ for re-organization of the States of independent India.

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December 9th, 2015 by The Morung Express - Issuu