February 20th, 2017

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www.morungexpress.com

MonDAY • FebruArY 20 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 48 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand Uttar Pradesh Election: Over 61 percent turnout in phase 3 polling

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): The 5 Assam Rifles today apprehended Inaque Chopy, Vice Chairman, Sumi Region of the NSCN (K) from Old Akuba village. A press note from the IGAR (N) informed that the Vice Chairman was apprehended from the house of “an over ground worker” with one 5.56 mm A-1 Rifle, one Pt 22 mm Pistol and “other war like stores.” The AR alleged that Inaque Chopy was involved “in collection of illegal taxes, extortion money from general public,” and “was also involved in planning and conduct of subversive activities against the security forces in the area.” The apprehended persons along with the recovered items were handed over to Zunheboto Police Station.

Suicide bomb in market in Somalia capital kills 39 MOGADISHU, FEBRUARY 19 (REUtERS): A car bomb ripped through a market in Mogadishu on Sunday, killing 39 people and injuring around 50, a local official said, days after Somalia elected a new president. The car was driven by a suicide bomber, said Ahmed Abdulle Afrax, the mayor of Wadajir district where the bombing happened. “We carried 39 dead bodies and there were many others injured,” Dr Abdikadir Abdirahman, director of the Aamin Ambulance Service, told Reuters. Madina hospital took in 47 injured people, Dr Mohamed Yusuf, the manager, said. Witness Abdulle Omar said the market was destroyed. “I was staying in my shop when a car came in into the market and exploded. I saw more than 20 people lying on the ground. Most of them were dead,” he said.

South Asian nations vow to meet the challenges of climate change

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INDORE, FEBRUARY 19 (IANS): The joint declaration of the South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Sunday asserted that the Paris Agreement must continue to be guided by the principles of UN Framework Convention and called for greater cooperation among the member countries to meet the challenges of climate change and related disasters. The South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is attended by South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The declaration stressed that the Paris Agreement should continue to be guided by the principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate change, especially the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The joint declaration of the seven countries also agreed to consider setting up of a joint parliamentary groups under the forum to deliberate upon and deepen cooperation on relevant issues.

o F

T R u T H

— Guinean proverb

Is the Centre using the women quota row to influence Nagaland’s political future?

PAGe 08

AR apprehends NSCN (K) Sumi region Vice Chairman

P o W e R

Bale back with a bang as Real tighten grip

PAGe 05

PAGE 12

Nagaland CM tenders resignation Governor accepts resignation, asks CM and cabinet to continue till alternative arrangements are made Morung Express News Dimapur/Kohima| February 19

Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today accepted the resignation of the Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang. Zeliang the 16th Chief Minister of the state was sworn in on May 24, 2014. The CM tendered his resignation, after he had three days ago appealed for the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to give him “2-3” days to ensure smooth transition of power. The CM submitted his resignation to the Governor on Sunday night, which the Governor promptly accepted. A press note from the Governor’s office informed that the latter however asked Zeliang and his council of Ministers to continue “till alternative arrangements are made.” Earlier in the afternoon, the CM had issued a statement informing his intent to step down from the post of Chief Minister. Zeliang had said: “I have decided to step down from office.”

Emergency Meeting Today The CM also called for an emergency meeting of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party at 10:00am on Monday, February 20. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, and has been convened in order to select a new consensus leader to succeed the present Chief Minister. This meeting, it was informed, would be followed by another meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party at 11:00am on Monday in the same venue. The Chief Minister has requested all members to attend the meeting so as to “select a consensus leader to ensure smooth transition of office and to provide the best governance to the people of Nagaland.”

Little chance of PR, Zeliang assures Earlier in the evening, while briefing legislators at the State Banquet Hall about his trip to Delhi, the CM said that “he had learned in the course of his interactions

Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang with Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya after tendering his resignation on Sunday, February 19.

with various central leaders that there were various reports submitted to the Government of India asking for imposition of President’s Rule in Nagaland.” “Besides normal and regular reports passed on to the Central Government from the Governor, the Intelligence Bureau, the Assam Rifles and the CRPF, there were reports submitted by the NPCC and a learned retired Supreme Court Judge recommending immediate imposition of central rule by the President of India owing to what they said was a breakdown in the Government machinery. But I pointed out that Naga people cannot afford to have PR when

Lok Sabha Speaker for unanimous passage of women’s reservation bill

INDORE, FEBRUARY 19 (IANS): Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Sunday said the much awaited women’s reservation bill should be passed unanimously and respectfully by Parliament. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the South Asian Speakers’ Summit here, Mahajan said: “Women’s reservation is needed definitely but that does not mean they are weak. They are as able as men... think like any men.” “But the demand for women’s reservation is only asserting their basic human, civil and political rights. They need equal opportunities,” she added. She also hit out at those opposing women’s reservation in Parliament. “Some one tears up the pages while someone raises slogans. Such behaviour should not take place. All should unanimously and respectfully pass the bill,” she

said in an apparent reference to members who even attempted to physically attack Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari to disrupt its tabling. The bill seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. Introduced by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance-I government in May 2008, it also envisages one-third of the total number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to be earmarked for women. Similar bills have been introduced thrice earlier in the late 1990s but lapsed with the dissolution of the respective Lok Sabhas. Last time, the bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but could not be passed in the Lok Sabha.

the political talks are going ahead to solve the Naga political issue,” he said. He however assured that “there is little chance of PR being imposed in Nagaland.” “To arrive at a consensus decision requires time, and so I have accordingly asked for a short period of time to be given,” he stated. The CM further added, “Central leaders and some groups I met in Delhi told me they have received suggestions that Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio should come back to the State and take over the helms of affairs, but I made it clear to them I cannot decide by myself in Delhi and that I have to consult the NPF legislators, and the alliance partners. However,

I have told them that I shall take the suggestion back to Nagaland and let the legislators and the party decide.”

Leadership crisis continues, new names pop up While the Governor formally accepted the Nagaland Chief Minister’s resignation, the question as to who would succeed him continues to intrigue. A meeting of legislators to deliberate on the same was scheduled to be held at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on Sunday afternoon. All legislators, including those who had camped in Kaziranga on Saturday were expected to attend. The

venue was however moved to the CM’s residence, due to a confrontation between supporters of different camps within the party. MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio and NPF President, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu were the frontrunners to succeed Zeliang, with legislators split into two camps. However, several legislators who had joined Rio in Kaziranga on Saturday have reportedly gotten cold feet, and are insisting that Rio’s suspension from the NPF be revoked before they pledge support to him. Sources meanwhile informed that there are several options being discussed within the party in order to resolve the leadership crisis. One option suggested is that Rio’s suspension order would be revoked, enabling him to take over as CM, provided that the present cabinet is maintained with the same portfolios. Another option on the table is for neither the Lok Sabha MP nor the NPF President to take over, enabling some other leader to become the CM. To this end, the names of Ministers Nicky Kire and Kiyanelie Pseyie have popped up within party ranks.

some legislators are of the opinion that any leader who takes over as Chief Minister should be a sitting MLA. This would discount both the MP as well as the NPF President. One legislator, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed that during the NPF and DAN legislature party meetings on Monday, if only one name is suggested for the CM’s post, the proposed leader would approach the Governor for formation of government. However, if more than one name is suggested for the CM’s post, the Governor will most likely call for a floor test. This, it was informed, would prompt the party to issue a whip to its members. While sources informed the NPF President’s name would be nominated, it is reported that the Lok Sabha MP’s supporters could propose the names of either Noke Wangnao or G Kaito, both former Ministers. Meanwhile, it was reported that the Governor held a meeting with the Chief Minister, TR Zeliang; Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio; NPF President, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Advisor to Urban Development, SI Jamir on late CM should be Sunday night. Details of the a sitting MLA meeting however could not It was also learnt that be ascertained.

JCC bandh in Dimapur partially lifted

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): In light of the official confirmation of the Chief Minister’s resignation, the JCC has called for partial lifting of the bandh in Dimapur. A press note informed that all businesses, central offices, schools and colleges, banks etc will be exempted from the bandh. However the bandh will continue for state government offices and state government vehicles. The JCC has meanwhile requested 100 volunteers from each tribe to assemble at DC’s office at 8:00am on February 20. It further cautioned the Nagaland state govern-

ment “against any action on any of the government employees who have responded to the clarion call by their respective tribal bodies, JCC and NTAC to support the people’s movement.” The JCC also rejected the one man Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) set up by the government to look into the January 31 incident in Dimapur. It rather demanded that the judicial inquiry commission should be head by 3 persons, with one person from an NGO selected by JCC. It meanwhile also reiterated the demand for the

suspension of the former The NTAC further inCommissioner of Police, formed that the bandh on Dimapur, till the investiga- government offices and tion is complete. movement of government vehicles will continue till Bandh on govt vehicles further information. In this and offices remain connection, it asked tribe The NTAC meanwhile hohos in their respective met the Governor on Sun- districts to employ their day and reminded him of volunteers in ensuring the the CM’s earlier appeal enforcement of bandh on seeking 2-3 days for him to movement of government step down. In this connec- vehicles and closure of tion, the NTAC submitted a government offices. representation to the GovNTAC also appealed to ernor, which stated: “Your private hospitals and medintervention is therefore ical establishments “to be solicited immediately and on standby for any casufailing which your good alty or emergency cases self, as the Constitutional should situation as apprehead of the state shall be hended aggravate and go solely held responsible.” out of hand.”

Handicrafts exports from North Commotion outside as legislators meet East poised for quantum jump NEw DElHI, FEBRUARY 19 (IANS): India’s north-eastern states, one of the richest in terms of ecofriendly crafts, exported handicrafts and handloom products to the tune of Rs 1,121.75 crore during the year 2015-16. The eight north-eastern states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura - are home to a large number of tribes and sub-tribes who bring into this region’s export basket, natural and handmade products from about 450 different communities. “Handicraft exports from north-eastern states are poised to make quantum jump. During 201516, the handicrafts exports were to the tune of Rs 1,121.75 crore over the previous year from that region,” Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Executive Direc-

tor, Rakesh Kumar, told IANS. The north eastern states have abundant natural material such as cane, bamboo, timber, silk, clay, natural fibre, etc. As many as 26 crafts exporters from the northeastern states are showcasing their products at the 43rd Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF)Delhi Fair Spring 2017 in the India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida Expressway. “I am sure the participation of handicraft and handloom exporters from north-eastern states in the mart would further increase with the help of focused export promotion programmes by providing a platform to the artisans, crafts persons and manufacturers of north eastern state in the fairs and trade shows being organized by EPCH as well as in international fairs abroad where

EPCH participates,” Kumar said. For the first time, Kumar said EPCH also set up a thematic display of north-east products in the renowned Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair at Hong Kong under the North Eastern Region Trade Promotion Scheme of Ministry of Textiles. The handicraft and handloom exporters from the region showcased their cane and bamboo based basketry, lamp shades, gift items, decoratives and utility products as well as furniture; cushion covers and stoles; water hyacinth products, and silk based traditional artistic textiles; products made of kauna grass; jute based bags and accessories; hand loomed artistic textiles; and handicrafts using other local materials. “We have also provided handholding to five entrepreneurs towards this

participation. This international participation will definitely boost the morale of the small and upcoming entrepreneurs of this region and motivate others to step-up their efforts in product design and innovation, so that they can also get connected to the international buying community,” he said. Over 6,500 foreign buyers from more than 80 countries, buying agents based in India and domestic retail volume buyers visited the mega fair to source their requirements. Apart from exporters from the north-eastern states, more than 3,000 exhibitors, including 900 permanent marts from all over the country, are also showcasing products in 14 different categories, at “the world’s largest congregation of handicrafts exhibitors under one roof” which will culminate on February 20.

One of the groups who were involved in a commotion while legislators met on February 19 in Kohima.

KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 19 (MExN): Tensions rose in Kohima today as two groups of people confronted each other prior to the meeting of legislators scheduled to be held at Hotel Japfu. The commotion started at around 12:20pm, as a group of people tried to stop the meeting from taking place. It was reported that legislators from the Kaziranga

camp had booked rooms for 90 people at Hotel Japfü for a meeting on February 19. The meeting was later shifted to the CM’s official residence. “20 legislators were planning to meet Dr. Shürhozelie. So we came here (Hotel Japfü), not to confront but to give them a free passage,” informed one of the people involved in the incident.

Although there was no violence, the stand-off continued for almost 4 hours, as one group gathered outside the NPF office while the other gathered at the taxi stand below the NPF office. At around 6:00pm, both groups began to gather near the BSNL office below the CM’s residence. However, the crowd dispersed after the meeting ended.


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February 20th, 2017 by The Morung Express - Issuu