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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 16
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Govt can put 15,000 CCTVs for US Prez Obama but not for Indians: HC
Day 5 at Maati Ke Rang at NEZCC
‘Positive change lies in ballot not in politics’ [ PAGE 2]
Storm cuts short Pope’s trip to typhoon-hit Philippine city
[ PAGE 11]
By Sandemo Ngullie
NIA gets 4-day custody of three Bodo militants Guwahati, January 17 (ianS): Three top Bodo militants, who were arrested from Nagaland capital Kohima, were Saturday produced in a court which sent them to four-day custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA is probing the December 23 massacre in three districts of Assam -- Kokrajhar, Chirang and Sonitpur -- that left over 75 people dead and displaced over two lakh people. Although the NIA sought 10-day custody, the special NIA court granted only four days for the three National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) militants -- Ajoi Basumatary alias B. Buhum (32), Dilip Basumatary alias Bir Baisa alias Lambu (40) and Khamrei Basumatary alias Udla (35). They were arrested Wednesday in Kohima by a team of the investigating agency and Nagaland Police. While Ajoi Basumatary is a ‘commander’ of the outfit’s 3rd battalion, Dilip Basumatary is the ‘forest secretary’, and Khamrei Basumatary is the ‘deputy commander’ of the outfit’s 14th battalion. Dilip Basumatary was responsible for coordinating the NDFB’s activities in reserved forest areas of Assam along the international border with Bhutan and along the inter-state border with Arunachal Pradesh.
Tripura man tries to bury 9-year-old daughter alive
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aGartaLa, January 17 (ianS): Police have arrested a man on the charges of attempting to bury his nine-year-old daughter alive in Tripura, an official said here Saturday. “Abul Hussain, 30, tied the legs and hands of his daughter Joshna and tried to bury her in a pit in a deserted field near his residence in Boxanagar Friday night,” police spokesman Uttam Bhowmik told IANS. “When a neighbour noticed the crime and raised an alarm, other people came to the spot and nabbed Hussain,” Bhowmik said. Police with the help of local residents rescued the girl who had been half buried. The incident took place when Hussain’s wife Ayesha Kathun was not at home. The couple has two daughters. The man reportedly disliked his daughter and wanted a son. The girl was admitted to a government hospital where her medical condition is stated to be critical.
– Winston Churchill
NBA: Hawks win on the road yet again [ PAGE 12]
the ‘Game of thrones’ in nagaland
Governance, accountability and the public welfare are the biggest casualties
Petrol price down-Why is that nothing goes down when it goes down?
Sunday, January 18, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4
[ PAGE 9]
[ PAGE 8]
reflections
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I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught
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Morung Express Feature Politician: A Frankenstein of our own creation? Dimapur | January 17 The common person The people of Nagaland in Nagaland is now getting State gave a resounding “whipped” by the same mandate to the Naga Peo- rope they handed over to ple’s Front (NPF) in Feb- the leaders. “The people ruary 2013 to govern the are at fault for disempowerState. With a clear major- ing themselves,” says senior ity, and a negligible op- journalist Bano Haralu— position, the NPF had the they have been “short-sightbest opportunity to deliver ed” about elections. Sema is candid in his good governance. Yet, it has gone through three analysis that the presmajor political upheav- ent crisis is the “deadly als engineered internally consequence(s)” of vote since it came to power and selling. “When we go to a now seems to be on the shop and buy ‘something’ verge of destroying itself and then destroy it right in from within in their bat- front of that shopkeeper, he tle for the ‘throne.’ Where dare not question our action does that leave the people because what we destroy has of Nagaland, languish- already been purchased... ing in bad roads and poor We have a Government we healthcare; and with what deserve,” he argues. Calling it an “unforrecourse or future? The common specta- tunate and bothersome” tors without doubt, writes situation, Colo Mero, soKhekiye Sema IAS (Retd), cial entrepreneur says, “We knows “the outcome of this have become fixated and tournament will have abso- dependent on anything polutely no positive relevance litical – from job to survivor benefit for them... yet as al- that the general public sports loving people, all are seems to be affected greatly making an educated guess by the crisis.” I am not surprised at as to which camp may score the ‘sudden death’.” the “crisis of power,” notes The primary question is, he educationist Dr. Lanusashi continues, “Will anything Longkumer, adding that the really change for the bet- present democratic framework in Nagaland is devoid ter?”
Illustration By Sandemo Ngullie
of ethics, morality and dignity and is an expression of politics of manipulation, lies, money and power. Even after 50 years of statehood, it is unfortunate that our “supposedly elected” political leaders indulge in this kind of politics. Who is the real victim? “For me whether the politicians are fighting for certain principles or personal interest, the public is the real victim,” feels Mero, maintaining that the former may lose a position, but welfare of the people as well as governance suffers. If they were fighting for welfare, it could have done wonders for Nagaland. If 10% of them are genuinely concerned about
governance and welfare, I will be surprised, says Dr. Lanusashi. “They are birds of the same feather; it’s a matter of chance and circumstance that they happen to be in the same game.” As the world is refining itself towards a better democratic character, the Nagas are backtracking and seem to be fighting only for power. The road condition is the best depiction of what kind of governance exists, but the Naga electorate remains a mute spectator, he maintains. According to retired government official and political commentator, Thepfulhouvi Solo, the Naga people have been unable to find their footing in the modern democratic
processes, and such values as caring for neighbours, the needy or the compactness of human life. In the new dispensation, the common person, is at a loss in this world, and the leaders of Nagaland have contributed “more than 95%, wholly, to this.” Bano Haralu argues that the elected representatives have a far greater responsibility than looking for “lucrative posts.” “Whoever is close to the top leader waits for their share of the booty it’s a black hole.” Young people, she says, have the right to be disenchanted.
politics anymore? According to Haralu, the NPF has itself “finished off” regionalism, which came about to counter the domination of national parties. “Now they cannot wait for a national party to take over—how ironic is that?” wonders Haralu, foreseeing the rise of the BJP in the next decade in Nagaland. Disturbed and disappointed, rights activist and educationist, Rosemary Dzuvichu, says, “It is time for regional parties to look internally and see if they have anything to offer the Naga.” “Regionalism,” she maintains, “will always be strong among the Nagas, but it is time for serious coalitions with serious politicians who genuinely want to bring change.” She further remains worried about how young people are getting divided on tribal lines, on social media for instance, and any new leader needs to rise above ‘isms.’ For Dr. Lanusashi, however, this factionalism that exists even beyond the social media is confined to a minority.
The way forward: Where are the voices of change? “The Naga public does badly during elections and never voices out during such upheavals, but too much time is being given to the matter by the Governor...perhaps President’s End of the road Rule (PR) will help clean up for regional politics? matters,” Rosemary sugWhere is the region- gests. The suggestion is not al character in Nagaland lost on others. An associate
professor from a government college has gathered extensive opinions from a cross section of the Naga society, and PR wins the run. There is a firm feel that nothing will change with any new leadership—no development or political solution will come— as long as power hunger remains. All the current tussle will achieve is a “vertical split” in the NPF, with the crisis strengthening the BJP, is the forecast. And thus, notes Solo, there is no use of President’s Rule in Nagaland State as the current crisis has been achieved due to greed and power mongering. “The Government of India’s rule of law should be imposed in a serious way— the CBI should investigate MLAs in power strongly and meticulously, and Tihar Jail should become home for a few of them,” says a firm Solo. “We now need a new breed of leaders with some ideals,” Haralu asserts, reflecting that politics is not only about wit, but also about integrity. “Where are the voices of those Nagas who have been talking about transformation, corruption and clean election?” wonders Dr Lanusashi. “The electorate, however, is genuinely observing. People should call out their respective MLAs and tell them: we have not elected you to be confined in a camp.”
‘Bring out the truth’ Myanmar: 1,000 villagers trapped by fighting Lotha Hoho urges Governor’s intervention
wokha, January 17 (MExn): The Lotha Hoho in Wokha has appealed to the Governor of Nagaland to “bring out the truth” in the recent allegation of “fraudulent transaction” against the Chief Minister of Nagaland and also resolve the impasse within the NPF legislators. In a letter to the Governor, Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary, Mhondamo Ovung today stated that the alleged “fraudulent trans-
action” is “extremely of serious social concern” and requires the personal intervention of the Governor. As per the response of the Chief Minister who had urged for investigation by the highest investigation agencies of the country, the Lotha Hoho urged the Governor’s office to expedite the matter at the earliest and “punish the guilty without fear or favour.” Asserting that no society can progress without honesty, justice and
discipline, especially in regard to public finances, the Lotha Hoho expressed full support to the mission of the Governor to fight against all forms of corruption in the governance of the State. Meanwhile, regarding the present impasse within the NPF legislators, the Hoho observed that “it is a great disservice to the general public,” and called for “urgent resolution” of the issue in the interest of the people of the State.
yanGon, January 17 (aP): Trucks were on standby Saturday to try to rescue more than 1,000 residents trapped in two villages in Myanmar’s restive state of Kachin, where fierce fighting broke out between government troops and rebels, residents said. The displaced, including children, sought refuge in Buddhist monasteries and Christian churches, said Gam Aung, a resident in Lone Khin, a town within earshot of the gunbattles in the northern state. “Everyone is terrified,” said Tin
Soe, an opposition member who lives in the area. Heavily armed soldiers have so far blocked efforts to ferry them to safety, said Dawng Hka, a spokesman for the ethnic insurgents. There was no immediate comment from the government. Myanmar, also known as Burma, was under dictatorship until 2011, and President Thein Sein’s nominally civilian government has spearheaded the country’s bumpy transition toward democratic rule. With many of his early reforms now stalled or slid-
ing backward, he is trying to end decades-long civil wars in resource-rich border regions before his term ends later this year. His administration has already agreed to tentative truce agreement with 14 insurgent factions, but Kachin rebels continued to hold out, demanding rights to self-determination before signing on. The latest round of violence broke out Thursday after members of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) briefly took hostage a state transport
minister who was traveling through the region in a convoy, the governmentbacked Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported. He has since been released, but three police accompanying him remained in rebel hands. Fighting between the army and Kachin insurgents broke out in 2011, ending a 17-year truce. Since then, more than 100,000 Kachin civilians have been displaced, and the rebels have progressively lost territory, pressed closer and closer against the Chinese border.
Maati Ke rang: A celebration of cultures National Bravery Award “Let us all move forward in for 8-year-old Naga girl
DiMaPur, January 17 (MExn): The five-day national cultural festival, Maati Ke Rang, concluded here today at NEZCC complex with a mega cultural programme. The closing ceremony witnessed the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya being welcomed with traditional fervour. The Governor, who is also chairperson of the NEZCC, stressed that “India is a secular, plural and diverse country,” while pointing out North East is full of diversity, and India is known for its unity in diversity—different cultures thriving together. “There are 8 states in the North East but sometimes it feels like one way traffic,” acknowledged Acharya, stating many people from here go to metropolitan cities in India but people from there do not visit the North East so often. “It is their loss,” he noted. Nagaland, the Governor asserted, has mineral,
a democratic way. Violence and guns are not the answer”
oil, cement, coal, gems, gold (near Tuensang area) and “our youth.” Highlighting that in India, 68% of the population is currently between 18 to 35 years of age, Acharya maintained, “The 21st century belongs to India—we have the potential to take it forward. With technology and a secular state at hand, we can progress greatly—all religions can live in this country freely.” Expressing hope that “people-to-people meets can take our relationships forward,” Acharya further encouraged the performing artists from neighbouring countries to take home the message, “Let us all move forward in a democratic way. Violence and guns are not the answer.”
Additional Secretary to Government of India’s Ministry of Culture, and also the chief guest for the closing ceremony, KK Mittal, informed that the Government of India had intentionally decided to host this edition of the festival in the North East. “We, the Government of India, are trying to generate cross cultivation of cultures in India, and this is possible through festivals like Maati Ke Rang,” he said. There is a special component in “our schemes,” he stated, to provide artists and the people the chance to see various cultural forms prevalent in the country. “This is an opportunity for the people of the North East to witness cultures from other parts of India and vice versa
and it raised awareness of cultures.” Meanwhile, director of NEZCC, Lipokmar Tzudir, while acknowledging the opportunity given to NEZCC to host the festival assured, “We are capable of holding national cultural festivals in the future too.” He placed the suggestion before the Ministry of Culture to have an annual cultural festival of this kind in each of the states of the North East. “Beyond the building of infrastructure here, the success of this festival is to have brought the nation together on the 20 acres of land at NEZCC. We have grown together in the last 5 days, and it is our earnest request that that we take forward our experiences,” said Tzudir. He informed that 33 international performing artists, 468 crasftspersons, performing artists and food experts from all over India, 255 artists and youth from Dimapur participated in the festival.
Mhonbeni Ezung with her father.
DiMaPur, January 17 (MExn): This year, a Naga girl is listed among 24 children from across the country to receive the prestigious National Bravery Awards. Eight-year-old Mhonbeni Ezung from Wokha had displayed extraordinary courage and presence of mind to save her grandmother during an outing by a river. According to a press release from the PRO (Defence), Kohima, Mhonbeni along with 23 other children, will be presented the awards by the Prime Minister on the eve of Republic Day. It will be followed
with the children taking part in the Republic Day parade the next day. The list of awardees for the Bravery Awards 2014 was finalised during a special selection gala held at the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW) premises on January 17, said the release. The award for bravery includes a medal, certificate and cash incentive; the awardees also receive financial assistance until they complete school, while the ICCW grant scholarship to those who opt for professional courses, it added. Describing the event that resulted in the recognition for young Mhonbeni, the release said, “During the winter vacation, Mhonbeni had gone to stay with her grandmother at the latter’s village.” With the holiday drawing to an end, Mhonbeni’s toting grandmother took her on an outing by the Anunga river. Unfortunately, her grandmother experienced a severe case of high blood pressure during the outing. Immobilised, she fell into the river. Displaying great courage and strength, Mhonbeni rescued her grandmother from the river and brought her to ground. After bringing her aground, she then ran to the village to get help. “Mhonbeni’s courageous action saved her grandmother’s life,” stated the release.
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