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ThursDAY • FebruArY 02 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 30 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
P o W e R
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness
— Lucius Annaeus Seneca
ESTD. 2005
Government slashes anonymous political funding, opposition calls it hogwash PAGe 08
Cosplayers in Nagaland ready to take it to the next level
o F
T R u T H
Lucky to be alive, says Hull City’s Mason after horror injury
PAGe 02
PAGE 12
The Aftermath: Nagaland still on edge
JCC bandh and CrPC 144 still in force in Dimapur Morung Express News Dimapur | February 1
Dimapur remained tense today in the aftermath of the January 31 unrest that resulted in two deaths and five wounded in police firing. Two parallel restrictions remained in force – the indefinite bandh called by the JCC and the prohibitory order promulgated under Cr.PC 144 by the district administration. The day passed off without any untoward incidents, while a condolence service for the two youths, who fell to police firing, was conducted at the entrance to the Agri Expo, 4th Mile. It witnessed attendance of roughly 3000-4000 people. While the Dimapur municipal area witnessed relatively moderate police presence, a heightened sense of nervousness prevailed beyond Purana Bazaar in the lead up to the condolence service. Police deployment backed up by para military and army personnel was mostly concentrated between the Purana Bazaar-5th Mile stretch with a sizeable number of police personnel manning the 3rd Mile junction of the approach road leading to the Chief Minister’s Dimapur residence. Beginning with the Diphupar village junction at 4th Mile, bandh volunteers and barricades dotted the highway even upto Chumukedima with no presence of police personnel except a few para military personnel. The stretch from 6th Mile till 7th Mile became virtually impassable for vehicles as road blocks were set up every few metres by bandh volunteers. The materials used for barricading the highway ranged from boulders, rolls of woven bamboo strips, concrete rings to fallen trees and even a rundown autorickshaw.
Ambulance shot at DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The General Practitioners Association Dimapur has condemned the incident wherein an ambulance of Nikos Hospital was shot at on the night of January 31. A press note from the association informed that the ambulance was returning from Chumukedima after delivering a dead body. “Inspite of Safe Passage given to Medical Services during bandhs this violent act was committed. Whether by security forces or by some irresponsible elements we condemn such acts. We request that such barbaric acts against medical services are not repeated,” it demanded.
JACWR dissolved; civil appeal & writ petition withdrawn from SC
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DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Joint Action Committee on Women’s Reservation (JACWR) today informed that the committee has been dissolved as of February 1. A press note from the JACWR informed that this has been done with the withdrawal of the Civil Appeal and the Writ Petition from the Supreme Court of India. “All respective Organisations will from now on, function independently on the issue of Women reservation, after the withdrawal of the SLP,” it stated. The JACWR further appreciated the committed support for the last six years from all the apex women organisations in the state. Meanwhile, the JACWR submitted applications for withdrawal of a writ petition no.242 of 2014 and civil appeal no.3607 of 2016 from the Supreme Court of India, both pertaining to the holding of ULB polls with 33% reservation in Nagaland State.“Now due to circumstances beyond our control we regret to inform this Court that we are unable to proceed with the above mentioned civil appeal and the above mentioned writ petition, both filed in the public interest and hereby withdraw the civil appeal: 3607 of 2016 and the writ petition no: 242 of 2014 from this Court,” read the application.
‘Public Demand’
• Nagaland state government asked to step down • Suspension of Commissioner of Police, Dimapur and the police personnel involved in the January 31 firing • Nullify the polling held on February 1. • JCC informs bandh in Dimapur will continue till the demands are fulfilled. A military convoy reportedly conducting flag march to restore public confidence was made to turn back towards town at 6th Mile as the road became impassable. One volunteer said that an officer alighted from one of the vehicles and trekked pass the barricades to get into another. The rest of the convoy turned back. The stretch of the road became off limits to most vehicles taking the route, Nagaland government vehicles in particular. The barricades were briefly set aside in the afternoon to make way for the funeral procession carrying the mortal remains of the two youths to Kohima. Meanwhile, it was informed that one of the injured identified as Nokuzo and who was under intensive care, underwent surgery this morning. His condition was stated to be stable. Sporadic incidents of violence in Kohima and Mokokchung Kohima and Mokokchung experienced sporadic incidents of violence during the day. In Kohima, two vehicles were torched as the town observed the 8:00 am-3:00 pm bandh called by the Angami Youth Organisation and waited to receive the funeral procession of the two youths, who fell to police firing in Dimapur. The incidents occurred at the High School junction and at PR Hill. The 8:00am-4:00 pm bandh called by the Ao Senden in Mokokchung was marred by sporadic incidence of violence as youth volunteers
vandalised the district Deputy Commissioner’s office, NPF Mokokchung Division office and the district Election office. The bandh culminated with burning of effigies of Chief Minister TR Zeliang and NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie. It was around 4:30 pm when the vandalism occurred. An improvised explosive device reportedly exploded inside the NPF office. There was no report of any casualty.
Standing together in solidarity Public mourning held for two killed in police firing
Mokokchung bandh on Feb 2 Meanwhile, the Ao Senden declared that Mokokchung will observe a ‘mass mourning day’ on February 2 as a mark of respect to the two deceased youths. All shops, offices and institutions will remain closed and vehicular movements will be restricted, which will start from 9:00 AM and will continue till the burial service at Kohima. Ao Senden further informed citizens of Mokokchung to assemble at the main town to join in the mass mourning. Further, Ao Senden informed that it will initiate “befitting course of action” against Kangtsung and Merangkong villages for going The bodies of the two deceased who were killed during police firing in January 31 in Diagainst the former’s resolution on the mapur, during a public mourning service in Kohima on Tuesday. (Morung Photo) ULB elections. Morung Express News wards the right direction. for others is truly the way Pastor Metha further of life and our two heroes Kohima | February 1 Watsü Mungdang to prayed for understanding have truly shown us how withdraw from JACWR and wisdom for the Nagas to live our life.” The bodies of Thejavizo The Watsü Mungdang also held “We stand together in an emergency meeting today and re- Metha (also known as to go ahead. Remarking their solidarity, and we stand Khriesavizo) and Bensolved to withdraw from the Joint Action Committee on Women Reserva- dangnungsang, who deaths as “a refining mo- together for a common were killed during po- ment for the Naga family cause for the betterment of tion (JACWR). lice firing in Dimapur on and a defining moment for our society,” Dr. Vinito ChJanuary 31, were brought democracy,” Dr. P Ngully ishi from Sumi Hoho said, Longleng and Phek calm Longleng town was stated to be to Kohima at around 5:00 from the Lotha Hoho said, and expressed regret over calm following the unrest of January pm on February 1. Brav- “Our two sons have given the two lives lost. “This 31. It was informed that all 33 candi- ing the chilly weather, the supreme sacrifice and should never happen in dates for the Longleng Town Council people from various sec- I am sure that this will take future. We need to fight tions gathered outside the Nagas forward. They together to fight for the Polls “withdrew” today. The bandh, called by the Chakhe- the MLA junction to pay have truly shown the way common cause. We need sang Youth Front (CYF) in the respect to the two. A short for the Nagas on how to to hold on to the truth, the absolute truth. Today we Chakhesang region of Phek district, ceremony was held at the live.” passed off with no report of untow- MLA junction. Dr. Ngully further stat- must resolve together that ard incidents. CYF president Welete Pastor S. Metha prayed ed, “They say that the tree we will all stand together, Kapfo said the bandh was observed that through their death does not eat its own fruit, encourage one another so peacefully at Phek town, Pfutsero, the Nagas will move to- the sun does not require its that we can move forward Chozuba, Chetheba and Sekruzu. own heat. The way to live for the progress of Naga-
land,” he added. Paying tribute, Dievi Yano, President of the Angami Students’ Union condemned the “horrific act of the Nagaland police who under the supervision of the so called leaders of the state have caused bloodshed and killing of our Naga brothers.” Solidarity messages and tributes were delivered by the Kohima Sümi Students Union, and Ao Senden. “The time has come that we must ask to each and every one of us whether we are loyal to ourselves, whether we are loyal to the land, and whether we are loyal to our sons and daughters. And now is the time that we should be united with one voice and one action. Let us go forward and protect our land, our culture, our tradition,” stated a message from the Ao Senden. Meanwhile, despite the appeals made by APO, the public refused to leave after the ceremony ended. Till the filing of this report, the bodies were being kept outside the MLA junction. Around 400 volunteers stood guard over them. Slogans were shouted by the gathering, including calls for the resignation of the Chief Ministers, MLAs and Parliamentary Secretaries. Funeral service is scheduled to be held on February 2.
Govt should own moral responsibility: Ao Senden State Cabinet sets up JIC, SEC
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Ao Senden has expressed shock at the killing of two people in the January 31 incident in Dimapur and condemned “in the highest terms the barbaric actions of the government.” “With profound sadness the Ao Senden mourns the martyrdom and share the sorrow with the bereaved families
of those who laid down their precious lives for the cause of the Nagas. It is our prayer that the Almighty God rest their souls in peace and grant solace to the bereaved families,” the Ao Senden said in a press note. The Ao Senden said that the loss of lives and unwanted situation in Nagaland is the result of the evil designs of the state
Governor appeals for calm DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today appealed to all to remain calm for the larger interest of the public and express their demand by peaceful democratic methods. A press note from the Governor expressed shock over the January 31 incident in Dimapur and Longleng and urged everyone to ensure peace and tranquillity. He appealed to the public, civil society, tribal hohos, etc to “take care that there would not be violence and take precaution that no one carries weapons in public place.” He further stated that difference in opinion should be resolved in a democratic way i.e. through dialogue and negotiation. Violence is not democratic method, he said.
People’s voice must prevail: NNC DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Naga National Council (NNC), while stating that it has “nothing to do with Indian Constitution or State elections,” however said that it cannot remain silent at the situation getting worse in Nagaland state. A press note from the NNC President, Thinoselie M Keyho questioned: “Who is Mr. T R Zeliang to defy and challenge the Naga peoples’ voice and their peaceful movement? … He has set Nagaland on fire, and so he and his Government will have to bear all the consequences.” “The Peoples’ Voice must be prevailed,” the NNC affirmed, while conveying its sympathy and blessings to the people.
ABCC urges state govt to wake up DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) has expressed its “utter disappointment” at the Nagaland State Government “for giving a deaf ear to the voices of the people pertaining to ULB election in Nagaland, resulting in loss of lives, including one of its members, and several injuries.” A press note from the ABCC stated that Nagaland “has just witnessed what can happen when leaders do not listen. The people have raised their voice in series of protest earlier, and yesterday with their very own lives.” It urged the government to “wake up and address the issues which every Naga holds so dearly in his or her being.” It meanwhile conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
government. It further stated that “state government should be held solely responsible for any kind of consequences…” It questioned whether the state government “value innocent lives more or ULB elections, was it so necessary to conduct elections when Nagas are mourning the loss of innocent lives killed at the behest of the
state government?” It stated that the government should “own moral responsibility for ugly turn of events in the entire state relating to ULB election,” and affirmed that the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 will be rejected unless amendments are made to the satisfaction of the Naga people.
Neiphiu Rio says govt ‘betrayed’ the people
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): Nagaland State MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio, while expressing pain at the violence in the state, today said that the “reluctance of the State to listen to the voice of the masses has resulted in total breakdown of a peaceful atmosphere culminating in the loss of two precious lives and injury to many.” Rio, in a press statement, lamented that the state government “confronted every section of society” despite the appeals of the apex tribe bodies and civil society organisations. “I had also clearly stated in my statement dated 19th November 2016 that the issue of conduct of ULB elections needs to be implemented only after dialogue with all stakeholders and the tribal hohos. Sufficient warning was issued by the hohos and mass based organizations, yet the State Government continued to pursue conduct of the ULB elections,” he reminded. The Nagaland MP said that blunders committed in the lead up to the violence, “could have been avoided if only the State had taken the people into confidence.” “It goes without saying that in a democratic society,
the elected government must listen to the masses whose mandate is the very reason why the government exists,” he said. The intervention and concern of the Church, he added is “appreciated and most welcome.” The MP, however, lamented that the government “went back on its word and betrayed the confidence of the people, especially the Church.” He appealed to all sections for restraint and once again urged the State to listen to the voice of the people in the greater interest of the Nagas. Rio asserted that, “the only way forward to overcome this serious crisis is understanding, dialogue along with genuine concern for the welfare and future of the Nagas.” Rio also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, while stating that the two who were killed in police firing “have made the supreme sacrifice by giving their lives while responding to the call of the Naga people.” “Their sacrifice will be recorded in the annals of our history for all times to come. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured persons and once again appeal for calm, restrain and understanding,” he added.
withholds ongoing poll process
DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 1 (MExN): The Nagaland State Cabinet today decided to set up a Judicial Inquiry Commission to inquire into the incidents of January 31 in Dimapur and Longleng, and payment of ex-gratia to the victims. It also asked the State Election Commission “to withhold the ongoing process of elections to the ULBs and take up with the remaining postponed process of the elections to the ULBs as notified by the SEC on 31.1.2017.” The SEC meanwhile in a separate notification directed that the “ongoing process of elections to the ULBs is withheld in all remaining ULBs and will be taken up as notified on 31/01/2017.” (Full text in Box) A press note from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) expressed anguish over the violent events in Dimapur and Longleng and sadness over the death of two persons and injury to other persons. The CMO meanwhile informed that Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh today called up the Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang and enquired about the law and order situation in the State. The CMO further reported the Union Minister as stating that the “decision taken by the State Government to fulfil the constitutional obligation of holding elections to the civic bodies was not wrong at all, and advised him to patiently convince the people of the State to accept the reality.” Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya also called up the CM and called for adequate security measures to maintain normalcy.
State Election Commission Notification
In continuation of Commission Notification of even number, dated 31/01/2017, taking cognizance of the abnormal situation prevailing in the State and as desired by the State Cabinet communicated vide letter NO. MA65/2016, dated 01/02/2017, the Commission directs that the ongoing process of elections to ULBs is withheld in all remaining ULBs and will be taken up as notified on 31/01/2017. This is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 30 of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, read with Rule 20 (7) of the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules, 2003. Sentiyanger Imchen State Election Commissioner
CM expresses anguish Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang expressed anguish at the events in Dimapur and Longleng and said: “As a father myself, I understand the immense grief and sorrow the parents and family members of the deceased Khriesavizo and Bendangnungsang must be going through at this moment and I sincerely sympathise with them. It is most lamentable that two precious lives have been lost in such an unfortunate incident last night.” He conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to let the departed souls rest in eternal peace.