February 25th, 2017

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SaturDaY • FebruarY 25 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 53 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

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By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures VX nerve agent killed North Korean leader’s half brother: Malaysian cop

Govt take stock of offices damaged in Kohima on Feb 2

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— Proverbs

O’Keefe’s six puts Australia in command against India

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Wui struggles to preserve the GOI has recognized legal rights of the Nagas: NSCN (IM) states traditional art of iron smelting There was a time when daos & spears forged from Wui were highly valued possessions Imti Longchar Wui | February 24

There was a time when Wui village was famed far and wide for its distinct iron tool production. Almost all the Khiamniungan villages, including those from the far-flung Myanmar would journey to Wui to have them forge a neu (dao) or a spear or an octje (axe). For the Wui villagers, with demand high for their prized iron smelting tools, this craft was once the primary source of livelihood. With the passage of time, Wui, the only known village among the Khiamniungan Nagas that practice the craft of iron smelting, is under threat of losing its glorious past and craft. In fact, in the present day, not many will have heard about this village where traditional technology for iron smelting has been practiced for generations. Located around 52 kilometers away from Noklak town, Wui has a household of 150 and is now a neglected village in the remote corner of Tuensang district bordering Myanmar. The Wui indigenous art of iron smelting, a craft perfected by their ancestors, is slowly growing obsolete by the day and becoming eco-

Readymade daos forged at Wui village. (Morung Photo)

nomically unviable as signified by the young generations of the village as they leave the village gate for the urban areas in pursuit of better opportunities. Tsothung, a village guard commander at Wui village reveals there are now only 20 people from the village who knows the traditional art of iron smelting. Most of them are young men who are still learning the craft. The last of the fading generation who possess the knowledge and skills of the craft are only a handful-five of them to be exact. Unlike older times when daos, spears or axes were everyday tools and therefore always-in demand, the present day usages of these

tools/weapons have been relegated to mere objects of display- to be hung in the drawing room or flaunted at festivals. “It is not easy to sustain simply from forging daos and spears alone, times has changed,” says Thangmong, a 30-year old blacksmith, one of the young generations who chose to learn the craft from his father instead of exploring for opportunities outside like his peers. And unlike his forefathers who used local mineral sources accessed from the village area, Thangmong has to procure engine parts of vehicles like Gypsy, Tata and Sumo to manufacture the iron tools. Apart from the accounts that

their forefathers accessed iron ores to forge the tools from a swamp area called ‘Malai Dai’ located just above the village, the present generation Wui villagers has no specific knowledge or details. The young blacksmith supplies at the most 70 daos and other iron tools in a year, which fetches him around Rs 20-25, 000. Most of these orders come from Kiphire district where farming is still widely practiced and occasionally from handicrafts stores outside. “The demand for our iron crafts is growing less by the day. It is not enough to sustain my family with the income I earn from this,” Thangmong reveals. It is for this reason that the young blacksmith says he took up farming. The elders in the village are also aware that this indigenous art of iron smelting handed down to them by their ancestors may disappear if efforts are not made for its perseverance. With no assistance coming from the government agencies, there is little that the village can do to sustain from this traditional art. “We have been holding discussions on how to preserve this legacy from vanishing. So we figured on the need to teach this art to the young generations so that it can find a new leash of life,” Tsothung informs. “The commercial aspect is not imperative anymore. What is vital here is to teach the art to the youngsters so that it is not lost,” Tsothung says.

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today stated that “whether we like it or not there is going to be a transformation in the history of the Nagas very soon.” It also revealed that the Government of India has “recognized the legal rights of the Nagas” and “candidly proclaimed integration the legitimate right of the Nagas.” A press note issued by the MIP of the NSCN (IM) stated that the Framework Agreement signed with the Government of India has become a “milestone.” The Naga issue, it affirmed, has entered a “new remarkable stage” and has “gained momentum” during the last few years, engaging a dialogue with the GoI in the right direction and where both the entities were “seriously committed to inking on a deeper level than ever before for unconditional settlement.” It however lamented that “some greedy people” are “trying to rebut the Framework Agreement without any decency” and trying to distort the agreement “with itchy drive so called the content of its Agreement to be disclosed with their obligatory manner…” It further stated that while the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has

reposed “authenticity towards the Naga aspiration,” the Naga people “should have more accommodative spirit to shoulder the destiny of the Nagas.” “The attitudes of few dogmatic writers,” it added, “are confrontational to Naga solution.” “If we are true Naga one should not create any logjam towards our objective. Seeing the present grim scenario, it is mixed with disappointment created by some few vested people,” it said. The NSCN (IM) went on to state that “when the entire Naga populace are sincerely yearning for the final settlement there are some individuals trying to sabotage the peace talk between the NSCN and GoI by projecting a new means as ‘Nagas of Nagaland’ and spreading a treacherous venom to mislead the people by their menacing atrocious strategy with a tagline ‘The Content of its Framework Agreement.’” This, it alleged, is being done to “disgrace the aspiration of the Nagas.” It however claimed that this would not deter the “dedication of the true Nagas.” “The Naga are sure that NSCN will bring peace and honorable negotiated settlement of the Naga goals,” it said. The NSCN (IM) fur-

ther stated that the Indian Prime Minister “has been deeply concerned in resolving the protracted Naga political issue,” and had pronounced the Framework Agreement as a “shining example of what India can achieve.” The Prime Minister, it informed, had stated that “India will not only try to heal the wounds and resolve the problem but also be a part of Naga pride and prestige and declared Nagalim as the ‘Guardian of Indian Eastern Frontier and the Gateway to the world beyond.” “Equally India will also join the Nagas in shaping the future and dignity of Nagas as we dawn a new glorious chapter with sense of self confidence and self respect,” it added. The NSCN (IM) further stated that the “majority of the Naga people had democratically mandated in favor of the Naga solution through numerous consultative meetings.” It asked the Naga people to realize that “we have entered a decisive step in the recent past which firmly takes Nagas ahead in her aspirations.” “Naga people should also know that there can be no better platform to contemplate our actions towards our goal if we miss this opportunity,” it stated.

2 yr-old killed List of Ministers/ Parl. Secretaries/ Advisors/Chairmen with portfolios Govt informs on working Saturdays KohIMA, FEBRUARY 24 (DIPR): The Government of Shetoyi Fisheries, Printing & Stationery Minister in road mishap Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu Chief Nagaland has declared February 25, 2017 (fourth SaturL. Khumo Land Revenue, VG, Women Dev P&AR; Food & Civil Supplies, Er. Levi Er. Picto N. Jacob Zhimomi Cabinet MiniSterS Pukhayi Kiyanilie Peseyie Social Security & Welfare, Parl. Affairs Amenba Yaden Yanthungo Patton Home Y.M. Yolow P. Longon Health & Family Welfare Toyang Chang Kipili Sangtam Power S. Chuba Longkumer C.L. John R.D., REPA Hukavi Zhimomi Yitachu School Education, SCERT Paiwang Konyak Transport & Civil Aviation, IT & C, Border Affairs Eshak Konyak Vikheho Swu Roads & Bridges Khekaho G.Kaito Aye National Highway, Political Affairs Vikho Yhoshü Imkong L. Imchen Environment & Forest, Climate Change Torechu Chotisuh Sazo PHED Tovihoto portfolios not allotted to others.

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 24

A two and a half year-old child was killed in a tragic road accident in Dimapur on February 24. The child was on a 2-wheeler (scooty) with his mother when it was reportedly struck by the rear of a truck at the Burma Camp traffic point at around 7:45 am. The Traffic police said that the mother identified as Shoba Gurung, a teacher by profession, was on way to school. The child was identified as Reshab Gurung. The truck was reportedly making a turn at the traffic stop when it knocked down the scooty behind, the Traffic police said, adding that the child fell under the rear tyres. The mother was also injured with two fingers severed. The truck driver identified as Maynal Hoque (29 years) was arrested and the truck seized.

ParLiaMentary SeCretarieS Kejong Chang Horticulture, DB & GB C. Apok Jamir Tourism Deo Nukhu Higher & Technical Education R. Tohanba Municipal Affairs Khriehu Liezietsu MTF & State Lotteries Dr. Benjongliba CAWD, Taxes E.E. Pangteang Home Guard & Civil Defence, Seri B.S. Nganglang Land Resources Dev. & Excise

aDviSorS N.Thongwang Konyak S.I.Jamir Imtilemba Sangtam Naiba Konyak Dr. T.M. Lotha ChairMen Dr. Longriniken

A step towards inter religious dialogue Morung Express News Dimapur | February 24

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A two day national seminar on ‘World Religions: a step towards inter religious dialogue’ organized by the Department of Philosophy, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) and sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), commenced here at PCC on Friday. In the first session, a host of resource persons including scholars, intellectuals and leaders of different religious faiths presented their papers. Executive, SD Jain Samaj Dimapur, Ajay Sethi in his presentation ‘Jainism: a way of life’, said for Jains, the purpose of life is to attain ‘moksa’, or release from the cycle of rebirth and in order to achieve this, a person has to undertake ‘Five great vows’ namely Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmachara (celibacy) and Apaigraha (non-acquisition). Anjan Kr. Borah, DCB Girls College, Jorhat who spoke on ‘Buddhism as the religion of a human world’, said the philosophy and teachings of Lord Buddha has become most relevant in the context of the 21st centu-

ry. He said the core of Buddha’s teaching of ‘Dharma’ is to abstain from evil, to accumulate what is good and to purify one’s mind. Borah also expounded on the four noble truths of Buddha’s teachings – the truth of suffering, truth of the cause of suffering, truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. Prof. RC Pradhan of University of Hyderabad in his discourse on ‘Religious humanism and the new world order’ explored the possibility of humanism within the religious framework and its relevance to the emerging new world order. “It is the demand of the new world order that religions across the globe promote humanism without which the world order may not survive the onslaught of anti-humanist forces. There is a need for reestablishment of human values at the heart of the religious life of the people in general,” he said. Dr. CP Anto, principal NEISSR, and founder Peace Channel in his paper presentation ‘Peace Channel: a model for inter-religious harmony and universal peace’, said today there is a growing awareness

among the followers of different religions living in India that they have to integrate themselves with the reality of pluralism (that no public function or celebration is done without intermingling of religions) and the ideologies of the land if they want to fulfill their obligation and responsibility in building up a new humanity. Anto said Peace Channel draws inspiration from various traditions, civil society practices, religions and philosophies that engender a more peaceful, just and a harmonious society. Dr. Temjenkala Jamir of Fazl Ali College Mokokchung who dwelled on ‘The assertion of religious studies in the segment of inter-cultural dialogue’, said in a world of diverse cultures and religions, the main aim of inter-cultural dialogue is to create social attitudes which can help the people to understand, appreciate and respect other cultures. She added the dialogue is not just about intellectual understanding of other cultures but to look at the broader perspective by embracing the diversity of culture and by pushing oneself into critical dialogue, which would enhance the boundaries of our humaneness.

Ahidur Rahman, working president Muslim Council Dimapur, in his presentation ‘Islam” a step towards religious dialogue’, said though there might be serious differences among different faiths, which also change with the passage of time’ yet the fundamental concepts of all religions are universal peace and harmony. Stressing on inter religious dialogue to promote cooperation, bondship and remove misconceptions, Rahman also quoted from the Holy Quran, “Invite (all) to the way of the Lord, with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (Al-Quaran 16:25) Other resource persons and their topics in the first session were Dr. Vanlaltanpuia of Pachhunga University College, Aizwal (‘Re-interpreting mysticism in dialogue with Eckhart-Heideggerian Hermeneutics” and Dr. Bishnu Charan Das, Assam University (‘Humanity is divinity’). Prof Xavier P Mao, HoD, Department of Philosophy NEHU and observer from ICPR, New Delhi, chaired the first session. Both Prof Xavier and PCC principal, H Epao addressed the seminar.

Housing Justice & Law, SIRD Irrigation & Flood Control Soil & Water Conservation Industries & Commerce Agriculture NRE, Fire & Emergency Services Vet & A.H Jails & Science & Tech., KVIB Art & Culture Sports & Youth Resources Mechanical, NSMDC Election & Evaluation Economics & Statistics

DUDA, LM & CP, NIDC Urban Development Cooperation, R&R., MARCOFED Geology & Mining Tr./Ac; Labor/Employment, Skill Dev

day) and second and fourth Saturdays of March, 2017 as working days for all Government offices in Nagaland on account of the Financial Year ending and several working days being disrupted by agitation.

Power shut down on February 25 DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): All consumers under Dimapur Electrical Division are informed that there will be a jungle cutting/maintenance work on February 25 from 5:00 am till 10:00 am. During this period there will be a total power shut down, hence if any group or individual wanting to cut/trim trees near their residence/compound are requested to do so. Dimapur Electrical Division, Executive Engineer Imsenkabe has requested all to note the timing of power shut down, if any work is to be done.

TR Zeliang is appointed Finance Advisor to govt Our Correspondent

DAN, NBRM

Nagaland Gov for focused education on conservation DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 24 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today advocated for a widespread and focused education initiative on nature conservation. This he stated is imperative, as the bulk of Nagaland’s forests fall in community owned areas and there is need to involve stakeholder groups like the Church, schools, markets and villages. He further stressed on the need to develop programmes to train Naga youth as animals watching guides, to meet the growing demand for such guides, and to provide these prospective youth with alternate employment. The Governor said this during a meeting with the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Dimapur, Obed Bohovi Swu at Raj Bhavan on January 24 to discuss the conservation of biodiversity in Nagaland. During the discussion, the Governor expressed the need of saving the state’s flora and fauna, and urged the people not to kill animals. He also asked the Forest Department to bring up proper measures to motivate the younger generation to conserve nature. He encouraged rearing of pets, domestic animals and birds “since it reduces stress at the same time it also gives us personal satisfaction by living in harmony with nature,” informed a press note from the PRO to the Governor. The Governor presented, as a token of this idea, two small rabbits reared in Raj Bhavan to the Assistant Conservator of Forest for his personal home rearing as a model.

Kohima | February 24

Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today appointed former Chief Minister, TR Zeliang as Advisor (Finance) to the Government of Nagaland in the rank and status of Cabinet Minister with immediate effect. He will be entitled to pay and allowances and all other facilities admissible to a Cabinet Minister. This was stated by Cabinet Secretary Pankaj Kumar. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu has appointed Pele Khezhie as PRO to CM and Diethoselhou Sachü and James Liezietsu as personal secretary to CM. This was communicated by I Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister.


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