C M Y K
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 55 • 12 PAGes • 5
www.morungexpress.com
SaturDaY • februarY 27 • 2016
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
Lying increases the creative faculties, expands the ego, and lessens the frictions of social contacts Donald Trump’s march stirs a growing sense of dread among US Republicans PAGE 09
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
Honda launches CB Hornet 160R and CB Shine 125 SP in Nagaland
Dimapur | February 26
Morung Express News Dimapur | February 26
The Manipur State Police have suspended five police personnel who were involved in the February 14 incident at Mantripukhri, where Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) leaders were harassed. Following the action taken by the Manipur Police, the NSF called off their bandh which had been imposed since February 24. An order by the Manipur ADGP, C Doungel, dated February 25, ordered the suspension of the five personnel. In a letter to the NSF, the ADGP termed the February 14 incident as “unfortunate and regrettable as it caused inconvenience to some members of the NSF travelling to Ukhrul on that day.” The NSF acknowledged the Manipur State Government for taking action on the issue and also appreciated the efforts of Investigation Officer (Enquiry Committee), IK Muivah, DIG. The NSF expressed hope that the Manipur Government would uphold their commitment in letter and in spirit. NSF further informed that the Manipur Government has also assured of providing security to Nagas and Nagaland vehicles in and around Imphal valley. Meanwhile, a report from IANS stated that the “Union Home Ministry had instructed the Manipur Government to initiate necessary steps against the police personnel.”
Two die in Nepal’s second plane crash in two days
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KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 26 (REUTERs): Two people were feared dead after a small plane crashed in western Nepal on Friday, an army official said, just days after 23 people were killed in a similar accident in the Himalayan nation. The incident spotlights the poor safety record of Nepal’s aviation industry, particularly after Wednesday’s crash in bad weather in the same region, which was the country’s second air disaster in as many years. Nine of those aboard the aircraft were injured in Friday’s crash in Kalikot district, 320 km (200 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu, army officer Tara Bahadur Karki said. The plane, operated by Kasthamandap Airlines, was on a flight from Nepalgunj in the southwest to Jumla. A search and rescue party had set out for the crash site on foot, chief district official Pradeep Shrestha said.
Rookie Rashford to United’s rescue in Europa League PAGE 12
MsMe to focus on special needs of north east Morung Express News
Five Manipur Police personnel suspended NSF calls off bandh
T R u T H
— Clare Booth Luce
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Union Minster Kalraj Mishra urges state governments to take proactive steps in bringing forth larger number of proposals under the various schemes of his ministry
Probably confused by the new traffic regulations.
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Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra on Friday called upon the eight states of the North East Region to take proactive steps in bringing forth larger number of proposals under the various schemes of his ministry. Inaugurating the ‘Regional Conclave of MEMEs’ with North East states in focus at Rohododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chumukedima, Dimapur, Mishra, who is on his maiden visit to Nagaland said it is the endeavor of the ministry to focus on the special needs of the NE states with respect to entrepreneurship and industrialization. The main purpose of the regional conclave, a first for Nagaland, organized directly under the personal initiative of the union minister, was to get first hand feedback about the schemes done by ministry, to evaluate the performance of the ongoing schemes and problems jointly with the state counterparts and associations of the region. “I reassure the eight NE states that the Union Gov-
ernment, especially the ministry of MSME would process your proposals expeditiously and render all possible assistance in their implementation, the union minister stated. Pointing out that the primary responsibility of promotion and development of MSMEs is of the state governments, Mishra urged all the respective government to ensure proper functioning of MSE Facilitation Councils to address and resolve the concerns of MSME units on delayed payments. He said MSME sector has been playing an important role in socio-economic development of the country contributing around 38% of GDP, 44% of total exports and around 45% of manufacturing output. Laying emphasis on the need to create and spread awareness about the various MSME schemes, Mishra said NE has great potential and called upon all state and ministry officials to join hands to find fields of intervention to create a masterpiece NE addition of the grand ‘Make in India’ drive. At the same time, he urged all his officers to help North East states in discov-
Union Minister, MSME Kalraj Mishra felicitated with Naga traditional attires by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang at the inaugural of the Regional Conclave of MEMEs at Police Complex, Chumukedima on Friday. (Morung Photo)
ering their inherent potential and setting up of enterprises n the field of their natural advantage. “And without development of NE region, India cannot be a developed country,” the union minister asserted. Mishra also highlighted the different schemes under the MSME ministry such as the PMEGP for assisting young entrepreneurs to set up new micro enterprises in manufacturing as well as services sector, the newly launched ASPIRE to set up network of technology and incubation centres to accelerate entrepreneurship and start-ups for innovation,
SFURTI scheme to organize the traditional industries and artisans to make them competitive and provide support for their long term sustainability and economy of sale etc. Mishra also expressed happiness in learning that as many as 600 students have passed out from the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) and found successful placement and many of them have started their own smart enterprises. The union minster said he would visit the centre on Saturday along with senior officers to find ways as to how it can become more efficient and produc-
tive in imparting job oriented training to youth in the area. The MSME union minister also assured to provide Rs 6 crore for the completion of Khadi Plaza in Nagaland. The union minister also launched a magazine called ‘Laghu Udyog Samachar’ on the occasion. Legislators and government officials from the eight states of NE attended the conclave.
Formulate NER specific schemes and programmes: TR
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang said a more concerted effort in terms of formulating North East Re-
gion specific schemes and programs in the MSME sector, or modification of existing schemes to the specific requirements of the region would yield better results. Addressing the conclave, Zeliang in his address pointed out that the NE states have not been able to seize the benefits of the MSME sector with development of the region far behind the rest of the country. He however said tremendous potential exist, which are waiting to be exploited. Highlighting that the region has vital geo-political location, with 92% of its borders behind international boundaries, has vast untapped natural resources, and a rich social capital, Zeliang said India should pay special attention for the development of the region. He also observed that the geographic and strategic importance of the region has increased in the context of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and in the context of emerging global market economy. “The North East Region has potentials, which if explored in right earnest, could transform the region into a hub of MSME, as we as start-up ventures,” Zeliang maintained. Agriculture; biodiversity, horticulture, floriculture, medicinal herbs and plants, sericulture, bamboo harvesting, IT are some of the potentials and
strength of the region, the chief minister highlighted. “All these have the capability to spawn a new generation of entrepreneurs and enterprises in the region, he added. According to the chief minister, multiple factors such as lack of basic infrastructure, both physical and financial, required for the industry to take off, are the main constraining factors which need to be addressed in a more holistic manner.
BAN seek redressal from union minister
Stating that the Naga business community is in dire need of Government’s intervention and strong will to promote the new generation business community, Business Association of Nagas (BAN) in a memorandum addressed to Union Minister MSME called his attention on a number of proposals. It has sought for setting up of a Manufacturing Park; Revival of North East Industrial Policy, Upgradation MSME Office to MSME Directorate in Nagaland, North-East Cell under MSME, Setting up of Food Testing Laboratory in Nagaland. It reminded the union minister that his kind and prompt redressal of their request will be a mile stone in ushering in a “New Economic Era of Nagaland.”
nagaland Youth summit gets underway PDS Rice Scam: MTLT inform no clear cut progress in investigation process Morung Express News Kohima | February 26
Celebrating young Nagas, the Nagaland Youth Summit began on February 26 at NBCC Convention Centre. The two day summit which is organised by YouthNet in collaboration with the Government of Nagaland to commemorate its ten year anniversary witnessed the participation of thousands of young Nagas on the first day. Three plenary sessions were held on the first day focusing on role of entrepreneurs in building the economy of the state, role of young government officers in good governance and young Nagas in Entertainment, sports and music. Chairing the session on the role of entrepreneurs in building the economy of the society, Abokali Jimomi (Organic Nagaland) opened the discussion stating that entrepreneurs create jobs, wealth, and prosperity in the country and often the wealth of the country is determined by the wealth of entrepreneurs. The panelists Karen Yepthomi (Dzükou Tribal Kitchen), Zaren Odyuo (Tribal Group), Abenla Ozukum (ABEN), Filafi Fithu (Founder of Filafi Fithu shoes) and Theja Meru shared their personal experiences as entrepreneurs and the importance of entrepreneurship in a developing state like Nagaland. Zaren Odyuo stressed on the need for political stability, infrastructure and banking and finance for entrepreneurship to thrive in Nagaland. Odyuo encouraged the young crowd to start small in business. The problems we face are not because of lack of skills and ability but the failure to realize alternative
Abokali Jimomi, Filafi Fithu, Karen Yepthomi, Abenla Andrew, Zaren Odyuo and Theja Meru at one of the panel sessions of the Nagaland Youth Summit on February 26. (Morung Photo)
ways, viewed Fithu, who also asserted that for entrepreneurship to thrive in Naga society, it requires an environment of passiondriven, talent driven and concerted efforts of government and non-government bodies. Stressing on the importance of seeking opportunities even in the circumstances of lack, Abenla Andrew opined that Nagas possess artisanal work of good quality, while also drawing attention to the social impact of entrepreneurship. Theja Meru asserted that people who succeed are the ones who are prepared to meet their dreams. Meru concluded with the question, “Are you prepared to meet your dreams?” An essential pre-requisite for good governance is an enlightened public, affirmed Panelist Livitoli Sukhalu, NCS during the session on the Role of Young government officers in good governance, which was chaired by Yanpvuo Kikon (The Naga Blog). The panel included Sharon Longchari, NCS, Shouka Kakheti, NPS, Joel Kath (ACAUT), Livitoli Sukhalu,
NCS and Er. Namang Sepong Chang, NCS. Stressing on the strength of an enlightened public, Livitoli posited that society can only function as rules allow it to. However rules can only change if the public allows it to change. While the crowds present at the summit were from urban areas, Sukhalu reminded that majority of the Naga population are farmers and stressed on the need to focus on villages. Sharon Longchari asserted that good governance involves civil society, government institutions, political society, economic society, judiciary and bureaucrats. Joel Kath meanwhile blamed the bureaucracy for the lack of governance in Nagaland. He further called for structural changes in the state. Responding to this, Longchari stated that “there are some heroes who bring governance to the doorstep. They are going above and beyond the call of duty.” During the Q&A session, a student from Kohima College asked, “Who is the culprit (in corruption)the Bureaucrat or the Poli-
tician? Is there anything to pave way for a young student like me?” No answers were given, however the student urged the young officers to “Fight against corruption to let youngsters fight for a good governance.” Another participant asked the panelists, “Why are our youth so indecisive in our career choices?” to which Sukhalu answered young Nagas are obsessed with government services. “We have to be stronger than our family, the social prejudices and the stereotypes. We have to be stronger than the people around us,” expressed Sukhalu. Er. Namang also viewed that education should be directed towards skill development and indentifying the skills of the young. The session on young Nagas in Entertainment, Sports and Music was chaired by Abu Metha, Founding Editor, Eastern Mirror with panelists Nise Meruno (Musician), Opang Jamir (Mr. India International), Imlibenla Wati (Miss World Beauty India) and Atoto Kire (Nagaland Wrestling Champion 2014).
MOKOKCHUNG, FEBRUARY 26 (MExN): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) today expressed concerned at the lack of progress of the investigation into the PDS Rice Scam in the town, which came to light earlier this month. A press note from the MTLT lamented that even after nearly a month there is no clear-cut progress of the investigation process. According to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner “three persons were apprehended while another person was absconding.” The MTLT recalled that on February 14, the Food & Civil Supplies Secretary had stated that “if any official(s) or staff or PFS(s) is found guilty,” the department would take appropriate action. The MTLT questioned why the fourth person involved in the case, “who is said to be a store-keeper in the Food and Civil Supplies Department Mokokchung,” is yet to be arrested. It further questioned whether the concerned store keeper has been suspended. Further, the MTLT demanded that the full report and recommendations of the government formed Inquiry Committee into the issue be made public. It recalled that the Mokokchung DC had informed that the Inquiry Committee’s report has been submitted, which includes its findings and suggestion in the report. It therefore demanded that the administration divulge the full report at the earliest. The MTLT informed that as per the ‘Suo-moto complaint’ case number - PS-I case No 003/16 u/s 7 EC Act
NPCC criticizes department for its ‘conspicuous silence’ DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has censured the Department of Food and Civil Supplies for being “conspicuously silent” on the PDS Rice scam and for “ignoring the Governor’s directive” to “bring out the truth within three days. “ A press note from the NPCC media cell further expressed concern at the slow pace of the enquiry into the said scam. The department, the NPCC stated “is still maintaining a studied silence and chooses to ignore the directive of head of the state, the head of the District administration and the demand of entire civil societies. It appears that this scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.” The NPCC demanded that the Department spell out “where do they stand?” It alleged that this silence “reflects the total apathy and insensitivity of not only the Food and Civil Supply department but the entire governmental machinery.” The NPCC appealed the Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, who is in-charge of Food and Civil Supply Department, “to take responsibility for the entire episode and set up an independent enquiry so as to bring the culprit to book without fear or favor and dispense justice…” 12/w 482/483/486/PC – registered on January 31, 2016, the raiding team found 123 FCI empty rice-bags and around 520 rice bags of ‘Swastik Brand’ inside a store in Tongdentsuyong ward and 35 empty ‘Swastik Brand’ inside another store in Arkong Ward. According to the police, “FCI rice is diverted to the open market for sale under the brand name ‘Swastik Brand’ and it was also found that they were using rice bag stitching machine to pack the rice in ‘Swastik Brand’ rice bag.” “With all the details at hand, what makes the authority stop in expediting this serious case? It must be understood that public patience is reaching its limit,” the MTLT stated. It questioned why the authorities are “taking so long to indict those people who are named in the police
complaint.” The MTLT further alleged that the Additional Director of Supplies (ADS) Mokokchung would “often direct” a Fair Price Shop to disburse the PDS rice to “those who seek the rice carrying VIP chit.” It asked why this was done and on what official grounds does the ADS dispense such VIP chit distributions. It further questioned how and why there was excess quantity of unaccounted PDS rice at the said godown. The MTLT demanded that the concerned authority urgently expedite the case and book those found guilty in the scam, and to make known the steps taken regarding the scam. It further cautioned that “if the authority fails to meet our demands, the MTLT would have no option but to take our own course of action at will.”