February 28th, 2017

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C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 56 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

TuesDAY • FebruArY 28 • 2017

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

The path that leads to truth is littered with the bodies of the ignorant Famine-hit South Sudanese eat weeds and water lilies to survive

Nine bank unions to go on strike on Tuesday

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reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Kohima | February 27

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 27

Five people, including a minor had a narrow escape on February 27 when the vehicle they were travelling in rolled off the road at NH 29, Chumukedima. The accident occurred around 12:30 pm at a spot between the Chumukedima Police Checkpost and the Chathe Bridge, stated the Traffic police. The occupants of the vehicle – a Mahindra Xylo, survived with injuries. The injured included a pastor, his wife and their 4 year-old son. The other two were the driver and the pastor’s sister. As per the Traffic police, the family was heading to Dimapur from Zunheboto when the vehicle went off the road and fell some 70-80 feet below. They were admitted to a hospital in Dimapur.

Transport Commissioner, RTO office shifts to Solidarity Park Kohima, February 27 (mexN): The Transport Commissioner’s office and the Regional Transport Officer’s office have been temporarily shifted to Solidarity Park, Nagaland Civil Secretariat Area. It is also informed that the two offices will resume the normal office works by March 6, 2017. This was informed in a press release issued by State Transport Commissioner, Elias T. Lotha.

NAFO cautions ‘hunting parties’

C M Y K

Dimapur, February 27 (mexN): The Nsong Area Frontal Organisation (NAFO) has expressed strong resentment over the “presence of hunting parties from outside in the area during this dry season.” The stand of NAFO banning the exploitation of wild flora and fauna in the form of hunting and fishing in Nsong area has been informed time and again for preservation of ecological balance,” NAFO President, Kalak Pame reminded in a press release. The Organisation said, “Nsong area is home to the revered Hornbill during this migratory season which is the pride of all Nagas.” The NAFO therefore, once again issue warning to one and all that strict action will be taken against defaulters of this notice. Those defaulter’s belongings will be seized and a penalty of Rs. 20000 will be fined by volunteers, it added.

Manchester United lifts League Cup PAGE 12

nagaland heading to a breaking point? Vibi Yhokha

Five injured in road accident

T R u T H

— Miyamoto Musashi

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As the dust settles, here is a look at the factors that defined the February uprising that shook the State

Siesta time. It’s ok hon, I know his sermon by heart.

o F

“There is a breaking point which ultimately leads to revolution when the gap between the haves and the have-nots increase. We are almost reaching that breaking point.” These words of premonition came from an IAS officer and DC Dimapur, Kesonyü Yhome while addressing a students’ conference (Angami Students’ Union 26th biennial conference) in March 2015. Nagaland experienced near breaking point in February 2017 as agitated masses took to protests in almost all the districts in the State following the abrogation of the January 30 agreement by the Nagaland Government to postpone the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections. On January 31, when news reached the people that the Government had gone back on their words and decided to conduct the ULB elections in districts where there were no oppositions, angry protestors marched to the Chief Minister’s private residence to vent their resentment. In the follow-up violent incident outside the CM’s residence, two youthKhriesavizo Metha and Bendangnunsang Longkumer fell to bullets in an alleged police firing. The death of the two

youth figuratively turned the tide of the protest against the ULB election into a volatile uprising which turned into what the JCC and NTAC termed as a “people’s movement.” What followed was the imposition of weeks of statewide bandh, riots and vandalism on government properties and the demand for the CM to step down on A group of women casually sit on a fallen tree kept to block the NH-29 to restrict vehicular movements at 6th Mile, Dimapur. (Photo by Moa Jamir) moral grounds. of a long, accumulated and a youth leader who wished down and the bottom up.” Women reservation pent up frustration of the to remain anonymous Angami Youth Orgathe core issue? Nagas against the ones in summed up. nization (AYO) president Advisor to Naga Moth- power. “No opposition in the Neinguvotuo Krose says ers’ Association (NMA) Dr assembly means people the boycott of ULB elecRosemary Dzüvichü, who Pitfalls of an opposition- feel they are not being tion was to demand from have been in the eye of the less government heard, so the opposition the government to give storm insist that there is no The emotions of the from the street,” asserts an- some space and review denying that women reser- people over pulse-less atti- other youth. the act again-review as per vation was a core issue of tude of the opposition-less the suitability and convethe protest against the ULB government who stopped Fear of intrusion nience of Nagaland state elections. listening should have been on the Naga system and only after that hold the “Looking back, the core a clear read on the face, “If you are to go back election. “Otherwise we are issue was definitely wom- which however, the people to the genesis of the issue, not against the women resen’s reservation, no matter sitting in the power chose the Naga people are not ervation,” Krose claims. what kind of justification is to ignore. adverse towards the ULB, Despite the governgiven out now. That is the Which is clearly why a the main thing that the ment agreeing in principle, most unfortunate part of number of youths had this Naga people could not ac- there was no written assurit. We had the whole world to say- “The opposition- cept was that the Nagaland ance on the removal of the watching us,” Dr Dzüvichü less government became Municipal act violate the clause of the land tax in the maintains. arrogant, they stopped lis- Article 371A,” states Dr. P. act, Krose also points out. Yet there are critical un- tening to the people.” Ngully, a psychiatrist and a dercurrents, which cannot Protest against the ULB NTAC representative. Growing resentment be overlooked like land tax- elections were a product of According to Dr Ngul- against government ation, growing resentment a gradual stir against an op- ly, reservation can be dis- & civil societies against government over position-less government cussed within the Naga In the recent years, the years, the growing dis- which failed to raise ques- realm and not under the particularly 2016, Nagaparity of the rich and poor tions, provide construc- Indian Constitution while land had witnessed proin Naga society and yes, the tive criticism, and where adding that another factor tests against issues rangconsequences of an oppo- the Nagaland Legislative was the top down approach ing from nonpayment of sition-less government. Assembly was a ‘taken for taken by the government, teachers’ salaries, backMany assert that the granted’ session lasting which eventually became door appointments to fuel movement was an outburst not more than 27 minutes, a conflict between the “top adulteration. Dr. Nuglly be-

lieves these factors started affecting people’s beliefs, in themselves and in the society. “Fuel adulteration, PDS scam, no salary and when people protested for their rights, their voices were drowned with water cannons. This has led people to come out and say enough is enough. When the resentment and problems emerged, the government failed to address them and eventually the problems were swept under the carpet,” says Dr. Ngully. “Had the TR Zeliang government addressed these accumulated problems, the riots and protests would not have emerged.” There is also a growing resentment among the public against the supposedly ‘voice of the people’ civil societies for alleged ties with the people in power. This resentment, mostly coming from the young generation is seen in bitter statements/outburst expressed in social media forums and discussion. “The NMA, Naga Hoho, NSF, were all working closely with the government,” a disenchanted youth points out. “JAWCR failed to create consciousness – it is a very elite movement in the sense it never really cared about the common women,” is the utterance of another youth. The political factor Despite denial of political influence and continuous affirmations of remaining apolitical, the political rifts within NPF remained a complication in the move-

ment, where several protestors included supporters of a group. “Political opponents definitely took full part in the protest,” is the simple response from Dr Dzüvichü. On the other hand, Dr. Ngully denies there was any political factor while claiming that ‘if such a factor is there, there cannot be a spontaneous Naga response like this.’ He says, “When life is lost … all these rights does not matter. These rights are necessary only when life is preserved. That was the reason for which the movement took a different turn for the Nagas.” According to a youth leader, since the Naga community is a small community, the influence of politics is bound to happen. Krose feels that political parties did try to take the advantage of the situation. “We made a decision not to let anybody politicize the issue because this issue is for the cause of the Nagas,” he maintains. Notwithstanding the different assertions, the political game play that ensued for the chair of the Chief Minister in the corridors of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly can be construed as a testimony in itself. Now as the dust settles with normal life restored following the resignation of TR Zeliang, the new Chief Minister, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu has a series of task on his hands; the most important being – to address immediate public concerns and aspirations before it reaches breaking point.

‘AFSPA is not the ‘BJP confident of forming govt in Manipur’ cure for militancy’ Morung Express News Dimapur | February 27

New Delhi, February 27 (pTi): The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act -- the AFSPA -- is not the medicine for militancy and it is there to “extract resources” from Manipur, Irom Sharmila’s party PRJA has said. To drive home the point, the Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) said that there were only four insurgent groups when the draconian AFSPA was introduced in Manipur in the 1980s and the number has gone up to 32 since. The PRJA, which was formed by Sharmila after she ended her 16-year-long hunger strike against the AFSPA in August last year, is making its electoral debut in this Assembly polls, fielding candidates in three of the states 60 seats. “The AFSPA is not about militancy and counter-insurgency. It is something beyond that. To deal with militancy and counter-insurgency, you may need laws and programmes but the AFSPA is not one of them. “In the 1980s when the AFSPA was introduced in Manipur, there were only four insurgent groups and in 2016 there were more than 32 groups reported... The AFSPA is not the medicine for militancy. It has clearly multiplied the disease. The AFSPA is there to extract resources from Manipur,” PRJA convener Erendro Leichombam said in an email interview to PTI. He said that his party would work towards the removal of the Act, which gives sweeping powers and immunity to the army in conflict-ridden areas, from Manipur first and “then move Parliament to repeal it from all places across India”. Asked whether the electoral fight this time was “symbolic”, the 33-year-old leader

said, “Absolutely not. I think one PRJA MLA is worth 60 other MLAs. We are going to create so much ruckus inside the Assembly and expose the lies that people are going to ask for more.” Asked whether the party would support either the Congress or the BJP in case of a hung verdict, Leichombam just said, “We are not going to ally with the Congress.” On the possibility of a future alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in view of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals appreciation of Sharmila, he said, “We are a very new party, we are barely five months old. We want to make sure we establish our own identity and foundation and once we are assured of the party strength, only after that we will be looking at an alliance.” Besides removal of the AFSPA, the nascent party is fighting the election on the planks of ending corruption, reducing unemployment, implementing Lokayukta, and ensuring a harmonious and inclusive Manipur. Manipur is going to polls in two phases on March 4 and March 8 and the counting will be held on March 11. The Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress dispensation has been in power in Manipur since 2002. Asked about the party’s take on the economic blockade by the United Naga Council and its impact to the economy of the state, he said, “Every day, people are struggling because of the economic blockade. The Congress and the BJP are in power in the state and at the Centre, respectively. It is their job to resolve this at the earliest but they are just taking political mileage out of this.

National Vice President, BJP ST Morcha, in-charge North East, Johnny Rengma on Monday exuded confidence that the BJP would form the next government in Manipur. He was addressing media persons in Dimapur after an extensive weeklong election campaign from February 21 to 25 in tribal areas of Manipur. “Almost 100 percent EPIC

cards have been distributed to the electorate in tribal areas and I’m quite confident that the BJP will form the next government with absolute majority and will usher in peace and development,” Johnny said. He also said it was no more a surprise that BJP would form the government since the party wave has cleared the doubts of the electorate. Johnny expressed the hope that with the BJP coming to power in Manipur after the polls, people-to-people friendly

and closer relations would be created with the Nagaland government. Asked whether any alliance was being forged with NPF, Johnny said that the party was fighting alone. He said that the NPF being the longest surviving regional party in Nagaland should remain a friendly party in Nagaland adding, “But I don’t know what necessitated it politically to have the party in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.” He expressed apprehen-

sions that the NPF has antagonized and created more divisions among the tribal and that NPF-led Nagaland government cannot solve the Naga problem in Manipur. “The NSCN (IM) should understand its engagement with the BJP-led Government of India to resolve the Naga political issue and refrain their involvement with certain political parties in the elections in Manipur particularly tribal dominated areas,” the BJP leader added.

Ibobi created human tragedy by creating divisions: Rijiju Morung Express News Talui | February 27

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju today claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the only party which can solve all problems. Rijiju was speaking during a campaign programme for Sword Vashum, the BJP candidate for 45 Chingai (ST) Assembly Constituency, at Talui Village under Ukhrul district. Starting off his speech with the Tangkhul greeting “Leikashiya Iramnaobing” which roughly translates to “Beloved Countrymen,” the Union Minister of State went on to lash out at the successive Congress governments both at the Centre and in the States. The region never had good governance/government who understood the pains of the people; Rijiju insisted and added, “Whenever problems arose they would send the army.” Pointing to the numerous underground groups operating in the North East, the Arunachal West Member of Parliament maintained that the situation would be different today “if the Congress had listened to the people since inde-

Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju addressing an election campaign at Talui village, Ukhrul district on Monday.

pendence.” The Union Minister of State also claimed that former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee “understood” the Naga issue but lamented, “Unfortunately Vajpayee’s government did not last long.”

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rijiju stated, “Naga problem will be solved during our time” before adding, “That’s why the Framework Agreement was signed.” Accusing Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh of

undermining the office of the Chief Minister and trying to take undue advantage, Rijiju alleged that Ibobi had created a “human tragedy” by creating divisions on the line of religion, ethnicity etc. “only for the sake of votes.” “We had warned the Congress in Manipur not play with the sentiments of people,” the Union Minister claimed and added, “Ibobi created a situation - indirectly forcing people to impose economic blockade.” “Form a BJP government in Manipur, we will solve your problems,” he stated and urged the gathering to tell the people in neighbouring areas not to waste their votes by voting for the wrong individual/party. Meanwhile, the Union Minister in a veiled threat asked armed groups to refrain from derailing the election process. “If you try to derail the election process, you are closing your own doors,” he cautioned. “There will be no doors open for you.” Further, the Union Minister gave his commitment that he will use his office in Delhi to extend all possible help to the region and to ensure that the promises of the BJP are fulfilled.


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