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saturDaY • februarY 20 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 48 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
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P o W e R
o F
The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become Nagaland prepares for second round of IPPI
JNU ROW: Opposition slams government PaGe 08
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
PaGe 02
PAGE 12
Sonia Gandhi expresses Truckers denied basic amenities solidarity to Naga people Dimapur | February 19
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PR lifted from Arunachal NEw DElhI, FEBRUARY 19 (IANS): President’s Rule has been lifted from Arunachal Pradesh, a Rashtrapati Bhavan official said on Friday. The step comes after the Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the revocation of central rule in the northeastern border state as it vacated its own order of status quo passed on Wednesday. The central government had on Wednesday recommended lifting President’s Rule from the state. The decision was however held back in the wake of the status quo order passed by the apex court. Related news on page 3
Indefinite Road blockade at MarianiSonowal-Mkg route
C M Y K
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): Mariani-based civil society has announced an indefinite road blockade at the Sonowal stretch of the Mariani-Mokokchung road beginning February 20. The blockade was jointly called by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and All Assam Tea Tribes’ Students Association (AATTSA), informed a press release from the Border Peace Coordination Committee - Assam-Nagaland (BPCC – A-N). The release stated that the organisations have been demanding the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to repair and improve the Mariani-Mokokchung sector for the past one year to no avail. “During last year too, the civil organisations have resorted to road blockades to impress the higher authority for a prompt action but except assurances, the BRO did nothing.” With the BRO remaining unresponsive, the organisations on February 18 locked the BRO office at New Sonowal, which is located a few kms beyond Mariani town towards the Tsutepela Nagaland Police checkpost. The organisations subsequently announced an indefinite road closure at the said stretch of road beginning Saturday morning. In view of the situation, the BPCC – A-N informed travellers to avoid taking the road starting from Mariani Zero Point to New Sonowal till the blockade is lifted. School children, fire and medical services and press are exempt. The Amguri Road leading to Sonari and Tuli will however remain open.
— Charles Du Bos
BCCI to file affidavit in SC on Lodha Report
Morung Express news
Are discussions and decisions in Nagaland influenced more by personal opinions and views than by facts and figures?
T R u T H
Congress President, Sonia Gandhi is seen along with the delegation of ‘Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator’s Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue’ in this photo released by Chief Minister’s Office, Kohima. The Forum had called on Congress President at her official residence to discuss Naga political issue on February 19.
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): While ruling out a categorical support to ‘Naga Peace Accord,’ the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi today assured that it would support the same if the “the contents of the agreement were in the interest of the Nagas, Northeast and the Nation.” According to a press communiqué from the Media Cell of the Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland, the Congress President stated this when she met the delegation of Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator’s Forum (JLF) on Naga Political Issue who called on her on February 19. Member of Parliament to Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio was also part of the delegation. “We are not privy to the contents of the Naga peace
• Centrehaskeptthecountrydarkaboutthecontents, nature and status of the peace dialogues • Assures to support the ‘Naga Peace Accord’ if the contents of the agreement were in the interest of the Nagas, Northeast and the Nation’
accord and we cannot give a blank cheque of support as of now,” the Congress chief told the delegation. According to the communiqué, Sonia Gandhi in the course of interaction admitted that the Government at the Centre has so far kept the country in the “dark about the contents, nature and status of the peace dialogues.” She, however, expressed solidarity with the Naga people for the need to find an amicable, honourable and permanent peace in the State and the region. The delegation also told the Congress chief that the
JLF comprising of leaders of all political parties in the State was formed last year to project a “common front and voice of the representatives of the people of Nagaland” on the urgency to solve the protracted Naga political problem. The delegation also pointed out to her that it was her party’s Government at the Centre in 1992 which recognized the Naga problem as a national problem which requires a political solution, and not a military solution Further justifying the formation of “Oppositionless Government” in the
Rio calls for cohesive Naga family
Extends call for friendship and understanding to neighbors DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio on February 16 underscored the need for “unity and oneness of the Naga family” to realize the people’s aspiration for permanent peace and political solution. He also extended the call of “friendship and understanding” to all other communities, especially the neighbors of the Naga community. The former Chief Minister said this while attending the Oriah Festival of the Wancho Naga tribe as a Chief Guest at Kanubari, Arunachal Pradesh, on February 16.
According to a press communiqué from the office of the MP, Rio further urged all sections to come forward and support the peace process in the aftermath of the Framework Agreement. In this, he exuded confidence that the Government of India was sincere in its efforts to resolve the decades old Indo-Naga political issue. Rio also called upon the people to celebrate the festival under an atmosphere of brotherhood and also reach out to other communities to foster friendship, unity and understanding. Naga Hoho General Secretary Metsekhoyi Yobo, ENSF President Sasha, representatives of ENFO, NPF and BJP leaders, and representatives of civil societies and NGOs were also in attendance at the festival.
NSCN (K) cadre killed
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): A cadre of the NSCN (K) was killed in an encounter with the Assam Rifles on February 18, stated the AR in a press release. According to the AR, the cadre identified as ‘Lieutenant’ Inato Ayee, was killed near Chumukedima village after the 37 AR launched an operation “in the area of Paglapahar and Razephema” following receipt of information about “presence of NSCN (K) cadres attempting to re-establish extortion network in Dimapur, Chumukedima and along NH- 29.” The cadre was killed in retaliatory fire after he shot at the AR troops, who were conducting search at the road leading from Rezephema towards Paglapahar Bridge, the AR stated, while adding that it occured around 9:00 pm. A cache of arms and ammunition, which included one 9mm pistol with ammunition, hand grenades and lathod rounds was recovered, the AR said, and informed that the body of the deceased was handed over to Medziphema Police Station. According to the AR, the slain cadre was recently appointed as “Tax Collection In Charge of Zunheboto” and added that “he was probably dispatched to Chumukedima for re-establishment of extortion network in the area.” The AR further said that the deceased cadre had served as body guard of ‘Brigdier’ Akaho Sema, “who
is now the Finance Secretary of NSCN (K).”
State, the JLF explained to her that it was created to “give a more cohesive, more concerted voice and views on the Naga political problem.” “The merger of the Congress party legislators with the NPF was solely for the purpose of finding an early solution to the Naga political problem and not because of any other exigency,” the delegation told the Congress Chief. After giving a “patient hearing,” she reportedly assured her party’s support in the Parliament “as and when” the Bill comes up for discussion “if it was in the interest of the Nagas, the Northeast and the nation.” The JLF delegation left Delhi this afternoon and will be meeting the All India Trinamool Congress leader at Kolkata tomorrow, informed the CMO.
Trucks drivers in Dimapur have been demanding the district administration to provide them with basic amenities such as designated parking lots, emergency medical facilities, and security for drivers. Upon inquest by The Morung Express, it was learnt from the Dimapur District Truck Drivers’ Welfare Trade Union (DDTDWTU) that the current truck parking lot at Khermahal was born out of an MoU between the union and the land owners and that the district administration did not have any role in facilitating the present parking site. While other commercial vehicles such as autorickshaws and taxis have designated parking lots, there is no such space allotted for trucks in Dimapur. With no option left, the union negotiated with petrol pump owners to allow their premises to be used as makeshift parking sites. “But how many trucks can be accommodated in the petrol pumps when we have more than 500 registered members which counts to the same number of trucks?” an office bearer of the union wondered. With no space for parking, the trucks are sighted randomly parked along the National Highway and other roads thereby endangering the life of other commuters as well as the truck drivers. There have been several cases of road accidents reported involving roadside-parked trucks. The union leaders also decried that they have been made to work at odd hours with the enforcement of No Entry Zone into town area for heavy vehicles from 9 am to 5 pm. However, on this point, they appear to have remained settled taking in consideration that traffic jams would become unmanageable subsequently affecting the larger population if heavy vehicles were allowed entry without a regulated time. On four occasions, the DDTDWTU has written to the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur to look into their grievances but to no avail. According to a copy of the representation dated 02/02/2016 and other previous representations, which this newspaper has obtained, the Union has appealed to the administration to provide basic human amenities at No Entry Zone, Chumukedima. The requirements include sanitation facilities such as toilet and
NE filmmakers for exchange of films to ‘foster unity’ in region
Padmashree Aribam Syam Sharma from Manipur and budding filmmakers from North East during a discussion at the Film, Northeast 2016 festival at itanagar on Friday. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news Itanagar | February 19
Deceased was living as a normal Filmmakers from the North East Region on Friday viewed that exchange civilian: Civil society orgs Meanwhile, the Western Yimchungru Student’s Union (WYSU), Western Yimchungru GB’S Union, Old Showuba Village Council today accused the Assam Rifles of premeditating the killing. The organisations in a joint statement, said that “late Inato was arrested by IRB personnel when he was NSCN (K) on September 2013 at Kohima under Arm Act.” However, having served time, and after his release, Inato “was living as a normal civilian,” they stated. Alleging that the killing was a “premeditated plan,” the organisations stated that Inato had left his home at Old Showuba on February 18 with nothing but the clothes he wore. His body was later found with six bullet marks “as if he was killed in a battle field,” it was added. “The cruel murder of late Inato Sumi was a premeditated plan... We request the concern investigation officer to oblige their duty with truthfulness and seriousness to bring the culprit to book at the earliest and let truth prevails,” the organisations stated. The organizations informed that Inato was a permanent resident of Sukiur ‘B’ Village under Shamator Sub-Division and had been presently residing at old Showuba village.
bathroom with running water, restroom, information system and office, cafeteria and food facilities and detailing security for the safety of the drivers from unwanted elements. The DDTDWTU which is registered under the Indian Trade Union Acts vide registration no. LBR/TECH-61/2013 dated 23/08/2013 has also appealed the district authority to provide proper parking facility for trucks considering the convenience of both the truckers and the public. Another point of appeal includes allocation of fund earmarked annually for emergencies and accident related cases. It has also requested the administration to provide Recovery Van and Ambulance service. However, the union in one of its meetings resolved to procure a Recovery Van and Ambulance Van on its own by collecting voluntary welfare fund within its members to meet the same. “The same noble objective was misinformed and misinterpreted by the law enforcing agencies maligning the good image of DDTDWTU,” stated the representation and cited instances when its members were taken into police custody. Maintaining that the Union has been actively assisting the district administration as and when required, the union has appealed the authorities concerned to communicate with its office concerning truck drivers to avoid misunderstanding in the future. The Union has recently procured a Recovery Van on its own and the effort to get an Ambulance Van has been delayed owing to lack of resources. On its own initiative with the land owners, the DDTDWTU has also opened a transit camp at New Chumoukedima village facilitating Dimapur truckers as well as other districts and states with lodging, toilet, running water, first aid facilities etc. With its subsequent appeals with ‘genuine reasons’ falling on deaf ears, the DDTDWTU leaders said they have at times considered strikes but fathoming the consequences that it would bear upon the public, neighbouring districts and Manipur, such decisions were kept in abeyance. The union further reiterated its appeal to the district administration to look into the “grievances considering the uniqueness and urgency of the matter at the earliest.”
of films among the eight states for screening, with the initiative of respective state governments, could help foster unity among the people of the region and bring the concept of ‘North East’ to reality. At the same time, it will also help popularise the films of the region which largely remain overshadowed by the commercial film industries such as Hollywood and Bollywood. This idea was articulated during a dynamic discussion on the topic, ‘Is there a cinema of the north east or a cinema of eight states’ and underlying issues on regional cinema, and of the concept of North East in the role of film making at the ongoing Film, Northeast 2016 festival at Annexe Lawns, IG Park, Itanagar. Film, Northeast 2016, a festival of cinema was conceptualised and organized by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in partnership with Film Federation of Arunachal to promote an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of cinema in the North East Region.
Budding filmmakers assembled from the eight sister states also felt that for North East cinema to gain popularity, audience from the region should be the prior target. Creating a market for films of North East among audience has been an impenetrable wall for filmmakers. Despite having a history of artistic success of film directors like Jahnu Barua from Assam and Aribam Syam Sharma from Manipur, whose films are internationally acclaimed, the cinema from the region has not managed to make a breakthrough on the national scene. “It is very important to help each other. We need to start exchanging films of each state so that we understand and learn the cultures and social issues of this diverse region and foster unity,” Pradip Kurbah, a filmmaker from Meghalaya shared. He highlighted how Meghalaya government was trying to connect with the local audience to popularize locally produced films by screening them in community halls in the rural areas. According to DK Thoungun, a filmmaker from Arunachal Pradesh, sharing of films among the north eastern states can help strengthen
the concept of ‘North East.’ “We did not create this concept of the ‘North East’...However since it already exists, we must strive to take advantage of this concept in uniting ourself,” Thoungun maintained. Aribam Syam Sharma, one of the most accomplished filmmakers from India noted that the concept of ‘North East’ was created only on the basis of the mongoliod features of the people residing in the region. He also said stakeholders must convince the Government of India on the importance of films made in the North East. Kivini Shohe, filmmaker from Nagaland said contemporary stories need to be told instead of stereotyped replay on North East. “People look at Nagaland and they think we are all the same head hunting tribes. It is far from true. And we are not gun toting people either. We are different. Go to the villages, there are stories of people struggling with spades and tools,” Shohe reflected. Meena Longjam from Manipur noted that cinema has become a vital tool to portray art form - any kind of anguish, turmoil affecting the society and therefore have become an impact tool for youngsters. “What is important is that we need to understand ourself as an identity, try to bridge the barrier of language and identity and create a kind of identity where all can call as North East,” was Thoungun’s suggestion. Diversity of language has been regarded of as a barrier in the progress of filmmaking in many of the North Eastern states. Thoungun however thought otherwise. “If we can understand Korean, why can’t we understand each other,” he quipped while illustrating the wave of Korean movies that have influenced the cinema culture of North East youth.