February 1st, 2017

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wednesdAY • FebruArY 01 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 29 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

I would rather be accused of breaking precedents than breaking promises — John F. Kennedy

Fired: Trump dumps top lawyer who defied immigration order PAGe 09

NSLSA holds meet on Access to Justice Project in Nagaland

Manipur’s Asian Games hero now battling cancer, poverty

PAGe 02

PAGe 12

ULBs polls: joint pact dissolves; protests erupt 144 CrPC promulgated in Dmp DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur has promulgated 144 CrPC prohibiting assembly of five or more persons, carrying lethal weapons and arms in public places including lathis, dagger, sticks, spears, catapults etc in areas within Dimapur Town up to Chumukedima. Morung Express News Dimapur | January 31

Just as a semblance of normalcy was returning, the Nagaland state government’s move to announce the conduct of polls to 12 town councils on February 1 led to violent upheavals in Dimapur and Longleng. In Dimapur, two persons were killed and at least five others were injured; while seven people were injured in Longleng in police firing. The government going back on its words and announcing polls despite agreeing to defer the February 1 polls ignited emotions in an already tense atmosphere. In the lead up to the violence in Dimapur, a meeting scheduled by the Joint Coordination Committee at 2:00 pm in Dimapur on January 31 to take forward the NBCC brokered January 30 meeting between the JCC and the Nagaland state government ended abruptly after news of impending polls circulated. Apparently feeling betrayed, youths in a highly agitated state called for ‘lighting bandh’ across the state at the meeting held at the Tourist Lodge. The JCC subsequently announced an indefinite bandh beginning 6:00 pm, Tuesday while wrapping up the meeting to head to its temporary office at the

Police stated that this has been necessitated as “some individuals/groups and organizations are likely to create trouble thereby causing disturbance of public peace and tranquillity, endangering life and property.” The order will be in effect from 8:00pm of January 31 till further orders.

BandHS On FEBrUarY 1

• Dimapur: Jan 31 6:00 pm till indefinite • Phek: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm • Tuensang: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm • Tseminyu: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm • Kohima: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm • Mokokchung: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm • Longleng: Jan 31, 6:00 pm till Feb 1, 6:00 pm • Wokha Town: Jan 31 evening till Feb 1, 6:00 pm

Violence erupts in Dimapur and Longleng

2 killed, at least 12 injured as police resort to firing Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) complex. Businesses though began to down shutters by 4:00 pm. As dusk fell, youth assembled at the Tenyimi Union Dimapur complex where a brief yet adrenaline charged meeting was held. The youth then dispersed apparently headed to the Chief Minister’s Dimapur residence at 2 ½ Mile. Police set up barricades at the Dhansiri bridge to prevent the apparent move but hordes of youths managed to bypass taking alternatives routes. Report from the site of the confrontation said that the police deployed water cannon to disperse the gathering crowd only to be responded with catapult shots and other projectiles. It happened at the NH 29 junction of the approach road leading to the CM’s residence, said the report. It was around 10:00 pm when the police personnel retaliated with gunfire, said one person from the site of the incident. Three of the injured protestors were admitted to the CIHSR while another

was admitted to the ZHRC. One of the dead victims was reportedly brought dead to the CIHSR while the other was reported to have succumbed at the ZHRC. The injured in Dimapur were identified as Nokuzo (23), Abenjang (48), Moa (32), Rongsentoshi (63). One of the dead was identified as Avizo, while the other’s name could not be ascertained. The firing was reported to have lasted for over an hour which occurred as the NBCC met the JCC in Dimapur. Earlier, in the evening, JCC convenor, Supu Jamir said that the JCC declined an invite from the NBCC to meet, only for the meeting to take place later. Before the violence erupted, the JCC co-convenor, Vekhsayi Nyekha responding to queries from media persons at the TUD complex, had expressed displeasure at the state government’s perceived failure to uphold the January 30 assurance and stated that the government will be held responsible for any untoward incidents. “The government has turned

back on its word… it has rendered yesterday’s agreement null and void,” further said Nyekha. “We’re happy the NBCC intervened but it’s unfortunate the situation has come this,” added Nyekha as emotions rose on the streets. ENPO Advisor, Toshi Wongtong termed the act of the government as “blasphemous and treacherous.” “They have cheated the people and the church. The government owes the people an apology. No one can say what will happen on February 1. Full responsibility lies with the government,” said Wongtong. On the mobilisation of youth, that subsequently tragically went awry, the JCC said that no instruction was given to create disturbance. Meanwhile, at Longleng town, eight polling stations, including ballot boxes were destroyed on Tuesday evening by protestors opposing the decision to hold polls to the Longleng Town Council. Seven people were injured in police firing during the violence, informed the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO). Three of these people, the ENPO stated, were in critical condition. Longleng has 11 polling stations. The situation at Longleng was said to be tense.

Miscreants fire shots at Industries AMK dissociates from NMA & Commerce Director’s residence

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): Unidentified miscreants fired at the private residence of the Director of Industries and Commerce at United Colony, Dimapur on January 30, around midnight. Fortunately no one was home during the incident. Police informed that 7 empty shells were found on the ground near the entrance gate to the residence. The iron gate bore 2 bullet marks, 2 went through ventilations on the first floor, one hit the balcony ceiling and 3 more bullet marks were found on the roof. Police said that an FIR to this connection was received in the morning while the motive

NBCC Statement

The January 30th (2017) Agreement signed between the State Government and the Joint Coordination Committee, initiated by and in the presence of the NBCC, was a welcome news to the Naga people. However, with much sadness, because of the stance of the State Government and the directive of the State Election Commission, the January 30 Agreement could not be taken forward. Despite the painful situation that affects every Naga citizen, we remain hopeful. Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho General Secretary, NBCC

Govt has duped people: Ao Senden

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Ao Senden, while calling for a total bandh on February 1 across Mokokchung district from 8:00am to 4:00pm has accused the Nagaland State Government of “committing a sinful act by going against the very ethics of Christianity when even the highest Christian body in the state was taken for a ride by nullifying the signatures of NBCC which was made on January 30, 2017.” It accused the state government of “duping the Naga people and denying their rights.” The Ao Senden meanwhile informed that military, medical and press personnel would be exempted from the purview of their bandh.

was still to be established and that investigation was on. Police stated that the interior of the house was still to be checked as the owner of the house was in Kohima. Meanwhile, the Nagaland Industries & Commerce Gazetted Officers Association (NICGOA) has condemned a firing incident. ApressnotefromtheNICGOAstatedthatunknown miscreants had “attacked and threatened the life of the Director and his family.” “This kind of barbaric action cannot be tolerated at any costs,” it stated while appealing to the district administration to expedite the processofinvestigationandarresttheculprit/ culprits, and book them under relevant laws.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Angamimiapfu Mechu Krotho (AMK) today informed that it has decided to “dissociate itself completely and immediately” from the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) for the “time being until further notice.” A press note from the AMK informed that on January 26, the JACWR in its meeting held in Kohima had reviewed the situation leading upto to the announced ULB polls vis-a-vis the appeal made by the state government and various tribe bodies for the JACWR to withdraw the Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court and decided to take steps for the same. However, the AMK lamented that “without the knowledge of AMK and with no consultation” the NMA has filed a PIL on the same matter in the Principal High Court at Guwahati.” This, it stated has caused “a lot of misunderstanding, distrust and possibilities of inciting other negative repercussions.”

SEC postpones elections of 7 ULBs for 2 months

Elections for twelve ULBs today

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government today informed that elections to twelve town councils in the state will take place as scheduled, that is, on February 1. A press note from the Nagaland State Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) informed that the twelve town/municipal councils where elections are scheduled to be held on February 1 include Peren, Jalukie, Tening, Aboi, Tobu, Tizit, Naginimora, Shamator, Noklak, Pungro, Longkhim and Longleng. The Nagaland State Election Commission (SEC) has meanwhile postponed the ULB polls to Dimapur Municipal Council, East Dimapur Town Council, Kiphire Town Council, Tseminyu Town Council, Bhandari Town Council, Wokha Town Council and Zunheboto Town Council for a period of 2 months. A notification from the SEC informed that the commission has taken this decision after receiving a letter from the Home Department conveying reports from the concerned district administration and IGP (Intelligence) that it is not conducive to conduct free and fair polls in view of the serious apprehension of law & order situation for holding peaceful elections. The SEC also received the State Cabinet decision dated 31/01/2017, impressing upon the commission to postpone the election process in 7 municipal and town councils. Meanwhile, it was informed that candidates for Meluri, Phek and Longleng have been declared elect-

Elections postponed in seven Municipality and town councils: 1. Dimapur Municipal Council 2. East Dimapur Town Council 3. Kiphire Town Council 4. Tseminyu Town Council 5. Bhandari Town Council 6. Wokha Town Council 7.ZunhebotoTownCouncil

Three Town Councils where candidates have been declared elected, and hence no polling is necessary: 1. Meluri 2. Phek 3. Tuli

ed, and hence no polling is necessary. The CMO release further stated that nominations to ten municipalities and town councils, including Kohima, Mokokchung, Pfutsero, Chozuba, Mangkolemba, Changtongya, Tuensang, Mon, Medziphema and Chumukedima could not take place, and hence no election will be held. The CMO also informed that the Guwahati High Court today ruled that the State Government should constitute the Municipalities and Town Councils in the State with 33% reservation of seats for women. The judgment, it informed, came in the wake of a petition which had informed that “some extra constitutional bodies, who are opposed to election, are creating hurdles in holding the election freely and fairly and that the State Government be directed to ensure holding of free and fair elections to the ULBs with 33% reservation of seats for women.”

The judgment which was passed this morning by Chief Justice Ajit Singh and Justice Achintya Malla Bujor Barua stated: “Having regard to the fact situation of the case, we are prima facie convinced that as per Notification dated 21.12.2016 of the State Election Commission, the election to constitute the Municipal Councils and Town Councils in the State of Nagaland with 33% reservation of seats for women should be held freely and fairly.” The Court went on to direct the State “to ensure that the election, in question, is held freely and fairly and if necessary, adequate security provided to the candidates and voters.” However, the CMO stated that “considering the fluid situation prevailing in several towns and Municipal areas,” the State Cabinet as mentioned wrote to the SEC for postponement of polls to the above listed seven municipality and town councils.

Nominations to the ten Municipalities and Town Councils could not take place, and hence no elecElections in twelve town tion will be held: councils to take place on 1. Kohima February 1, 2017: 2. Mokokchung 1. Peren 3. Pfutsero 2. Jalukie 4. Chozouba 3. Tening 5. Changtongnya 4. Aboi 6. Mangkolemba 5. Tobu 7. Tuensang 6. Tizit 8. Mon 7. Naginimora 9. Medziphema 8. Shamator 10. Chumukedima. 9. Noklak 10. Pungro Issued by Media Cell, 11. Longkhim Chief Minister’s Office, 12. Longleng Nagaland

WYSU express aYO calls for 8am-3pm bandh on Feb 1 WYH, support to JCC

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) today called for a bandh on February 1 from 8am – 3pm in Kohima and Dimapur, with Chakhroma Youth Organization entrusted to coordinate with the Dimapur Naga Youth Front in Dimapur. A press note from the AYO condemned the “diabolical plan” of the state government to “fool Nagas with divide and rule policy.” “Keeping in mind the interest of

the public residing in Angami areas chairmen will not be allowed to pitals will function of Kohima, the public are advised appear in public or traverse dur- • Public movement will not be not Panic and take note of the exing the bandh. stopped, be it pedestrian or veemptions and restrictions,” the AYO • Nagaland Armed Police includhicular stated. ing the Indian Reserve Battalion • District administration, Raj Bhawill also not be allowed to move van, Police Headquarter, SP ofRestrictions: about during the bandh. fice, north and south police sta• All government Offices will not tions, Chiephobozou Police be allowed to function Exceptions: Station, Khuzama Police Station, • No government registered vehi- • Businesses activity, trade and Zubza Police Station, Phesama cles will be allowed to ply commerce, shops will not be afpolice station, Kezocha Police • Legislators including the chief fected station, fire services, power deminister and officials of any polit- • Media and banks exempted partment and para military forcical party, including presidents/ • Educational institutions and hoses exempted.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Western Yimchunger Hoho (WYH) and Western Yimchunger Student Union (WYSU) have expressed support to the JCC agitation. A joint statement from the two organizations further appealed to the YTC to support JCC’s call for postponing /boycott the ULB election.

CPO bandh from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) has informed it will impose a total bandh under its jurisdiction on February 1 from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. A press note from the CPO informed that the bandh will be in effect from Piphema to Assam-Nagaland border on the National non-compliance with the peo- Highway and all adjoining routes. Police and ple’s request, and the failure to army personnel on duty, magistrates, ambulance and media have been exempted from fulfil its assurance. It also expressed its “re- the bandh. morse on the Government’s adamant move to conduct the election in places it deems safe by dividing Nagaland electorate.” DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) today informed that it would impose bandh in the Chakhesang region of Phek district on Februal. Meanwhile, it further in- ary 1 from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Hospitals, pharformed that a PIL was heard macies, security forces, administration, medtoday by the Chief Justice at ical duties, wedding and funeral parties and Guwahati and the State Gov- power department are exempted from the ernment has been directed by purview of bandh, informed a press note from the Court to give full security the CYF. The CYF directed that government for voters and candidates for registered vehicles are to remain off road. It the ensuing ULB elections in also asked the town/village youths to make Nagaland. necessary arrangement in this regard.

Special initiatives for NE, Railway Listen to the voice of the people: ABAM to Govt projects worth Rs 10,000 Cr: Prez DIMAPUR, JANUARY ABAM while appreciating the NEw DElhI, JANUARY 31 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the government is taking special initiatives to develop the North East region, including by developing railway projects worth Rs 10,000 crore. “My government is taking special initiatives to develop the North East region. Special attention is being given to provide financial assistance with the ratio of 90:10 for the central Centrally Sponsored Schemes. For the Railways related development the government has already poured in 10,000 crore,” said Mukherjee addressing the joint session of Parliament. For the first time in India the Union Budget will be presented on February 1. Talking about other initiatives for the North East region, Mukherjee said: “Arunachal Pradesh has been brought in the Railway map.” On the setting up of various new organisations in North East, Mukherjee said: “Organisations like Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited, Numaligarh Refinery and others are new projects which will create tremendous job opportunities in the region.”

31 (MExN): The Ao Baptist Church Association (ABAM) today appealed to the Nagaland State Government to listen to the voice of the people to ensure that peace and harmony prevails. A press note from the

initiative taken by NBCC as mediator between the Government of Nagaland and JCC in signing the Tri-partite agreement at Chumukidema, however expressed “displeasure in the strongest sense” against the Nagaland State Government’s

JACWR informs on withdrawal of appeal

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): The Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) has followed up its decision on withdrawal of the SLP, with the two petitioners on Monday submitting signed petitions at Delhi, for withdrawal of the Civil

Appeal and the writ petition from the Supreme Court of India. A press note from the JACWR informed that necessary formalities will be done by their advocate Dr. Colin Gonsalves and copies will be served to the Government of Nagaland on the withdraw-

12 hour bandh in Phek on February 1


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