C M Y K
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SaturDaY • JanuarY 23 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 21 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
Home is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness Myanmar govt releases political prisoners before power transfer PAGE 09
Campaign on mother & child health and MI held
o F
T R u T H
— Desmond Tutu
Super Serena, Djokovic soar into Australian Open fourth round
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PaGE 12
corruption down as nuts and bolts tightened: Modi
Female civil defence personnel march during the full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on January 22. (REUTERS)
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
60 MLAs came together only for 30 minutes on Naga Issue: Therie
DiMapur, January 22 (Mexn): Dismissing the contention that the 60 Legislatures in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have came together to stand unitedly on the ‘Naga Issue,’ the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President K Therie today ridiculed the same saying, “they come together only for 30 minutes.” He said this while adits freezing , You will get cold, wear a jacket...and bath. dressing a public rally on the second day of the ongoThe Morung Express ing NPCC Mass Contact for Tour at Phek and Poll QuEsTion Change at a meeting with elders at Vote on www.morungexpress.com Meluri today. SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 According to a press note from NPCC MeAre Naga leaders and organizations more dia Cell, Therie further concerned with the maintained that the presbudget and buildings than the people? Why?
Yes
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others
Curbs on travel on Myanmar border
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new DeLHi, January 22 (THe HinDu): To tackle the movement of extremists along the porous Myanmar border, the government is mulling over to change the “free border movement” arrangement in existence in the bordering States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur since Independence. This will lead to a radical shift in India’s policy towards Myanmar, a friendly country, with which it shares unfenced borders and unhindered movement of people across the border. Based on a high-level committee report submitted by Joint Intelligence Committee chief R.N Ravi, the government is all set to change the “misnomer” related to “free border movement” and will try to replicate the model prevalent along the Bangladesh border. The report has suggested dedicated crossing points in border villages, where policemen would be in charge of regulating the movement of people. “The movement of people will not be curtailed, as they have strong social and cultural ties across the border, but instead it will be regulated. Every citizen would need to have an identity proof like a passport,” said a senior official.
ent ‘imbroglio’ involving the 8 Congress MLAs has emerged because they failed to uphold the Party’s Social, Secular and Democratic principles and ideologies. Despite the Party making its stand clear time and again that it cannot be a partner with BJP because of their opposing ideologies and principles, they had ignored the directives of the AICC and joined the NPF led BJP-DAN Government, Therie reportedly told the gathering. The NPCC President criticized the Nagaland State government saying that the people had given their mandate and voted the NPF to power but was rewarded with “no roads,
no power, no water, no infrastructure and successive deficit budgets.” Further questioning the present Central government under Bharatiya Janata Party, he claimed that during 60 years of Congress rule, the nation has never been divided by religion, caste, tribe and food but under the present dispensation, “Churches were burnt down, Christians were persecuted and temples were built in place of Churches.” Highlighting the NPCC Roadmap Therie urged the people to join hands and march forward if they want change. “The Party is willing to work with like-minded people for a common future,” Therie maintained.
Varanasi, January 22 (ians): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that corruption has considerably come down ever since his government came to power in May 2014 as “nuts and bolts” have been tightened. Speaking at an event after distributing special aid equipment to 9,296 differently abled people at DLW grounds in his parliamentary constituency, Modi claimed this has been achieved largely by “tightening the nuts and bolts”. By filling up the lacunae and ensuring that the role of middlemen was completely erased in government dealings, the prime minister said welfare schemes are being implemented faster and other projects are being fast-tracked. The prime minister added that his government is committed to assimilating all sections, specially poor, weaker and marginalized sections of the society into the mainstream. Modi said that attempts like the one in Varanasi distribution of aid equipment in large programmes - have ensured that the role of middlemen is completely done away with. In the same breath, he mused how these middlemen were overworked now as they had the task of attacking him every now and then. “But let me assure all of you that I am not deterred by such criticism as this would distract me and I will not be able to work on my mission for the people of India,” he said while assuring that he would, in times
Saddened by Rohith Vemula’s death
Lucknow/new DeLHi, January 22 (ians): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday broke his silence on the suicide of Dalit scholar from University of Hyderabad, Rohith Vemula, saying that he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. In his speech at the 6th convocation of the Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow, he choked and paused while referring to the scholar’s death on last Sunday, triggering protests across the country. “I am not going into the reasons, politics of the issue, but I empathise with the family who has lost so much,” he said as tears welled up in his eyes. He said that at a time when the entire nation looks up to the youth for inspiration and strength, a news like this brings sadness. to come, “continue to trouble such people”. He said that the mindset towards the differentlyabled people must change and the word ‘viklang’ (disabled) should be replaced with ‘divyang’ (endowed with special faculties). “What I want to do is change the mindset about differently-abled people. When I say let’s use the word ‘divyang’, it is about that change,” he said. In his December 27 ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio address, Modi based his concept of ‘Divyang’ on the premise that the people with physical diabilities tend to develop special
He told youngsters not to daru Dattatreya. take such drastic steps. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala Students disrupt told reporters here that PM’s speech concrete action needs to Earlier at the event, two be taken to do justice to the students raised slogans memory of Vemula. “We against the prime minister want to humbly tell the as union Home Minister prime minister that mere Rajnath Singh concluded crocodile tears will not rehis speech and Modi rose turn Vemula or do justice to address the gathering. to him. For doing justice, for As they shouted that the eroding anti-Dalit mindset killers of Rohith Vemula of ABVP, BJP, concrete acwere still alive and raised tion will have to be taken,” slogans like “go back Modi”, Surjewala said. police officials whisked Surjewala said the parthem away and the prime ty had hoped the prime minister began his speech. minister would announce “sacking” of Human ReCongress disappointed source Development The Congress on Friday Minister Smriti Irani and said Prime Minister Naren- Labour Minister Bandaru dra Modi’s remarks on the Dattatreya and also acsuicide of Dalit scholar Ro- tion against the univerhith Vemula have “deeply sity vice-chancellor. “But disappointed” the country Modi did not say anything. as he did not announce ac- The entire country stands tion against union minis- disappointed deeply,” he ters Smriti Irani and Ban- said. faculties that even the fully ‘able’ lack. “We see a person’s disability with our eyes. But our interaction tells us the person has an extra power,” Modi said in his radio address of last month. The prime minister said his government has been working for the betterment of the poor ever since it was formed. “We are constantly thinking about how development will reach the poor and how the lives of the poor will be transformed,” he said. On day one of his government he had announced that “it will always
be there for the poor and for those who have faced struggles in life”, Modi said. Modi set a record of sorts by distributing 15,746 special aid equipment to 9,296 differently abled people here. On Friday, equipment worth Rs.7.07 crore was distributed. This included 3,458 tri-cycles, 1,800 crutches, 686 wheelchairs, 1,400 digital hearing kits, 446 kits for low IQ children, 589 artificial limbs and 300 walkers, Avnish Awasthi, joint secretary in the union ministry of social justice and empowerment, department of disability affairs, told IANS.
control ‘wanton’ checking by Nagaland government signs paramilitary forces: Ao orgs MoU for Veterinary College
MokokcHung, January 22 (Mexn): The three organizations of the Ao community today petitioned the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner to control the ‘wanton’ checking of vehicles by paramilitary forces in the three permanent check-gates in Mokokchung district. There are three permanent Assam Rifles check gates in the district – Sewak (NH-2), Tuli Town (NH-2) and Longtho (recently declared a national highway). “It is for the convenience of the innocent travelers travelling on the highways and to maintain the congenial relationship between the paramilitary forces and the general public,” the organizations stated in a joint memorandum addressed to Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner. The Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Watsu Mungdang (Ao Women Organization) and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) – in the joint memo said that their attention has been drawn by the untold inconveniences caused to traveler due to the wanton checking of vehicles by the security forces at the various check gates. “We have no objection if the paramilitary forces conduct mobile checks as per the situation and time. However, to have
permanent gates by security forces along public highways … is quite questionable,” the three organizations argued. The organizations quoted travelers, mostly responsible citizens, complaining that “It is very demeaning, irritating and tiring to be stopped every time at AR check gates by a jawan with a stick and to be asked in Hindi ‘kon hai, kahase’ etc and have the details of their vehicles entered in a register”. They also pointed out absence of fe-
that Human rights is one of the most important and burning topics in the world today, more so in a conflict area like Nagaland, the joint memo further argued. Most international organizations including UN mandated bodies have pointed out that AFSPA and DAA as extraconstitutional having no place in a democracy and should be repealed, they highlighted in the memo. Consequently, terming the wanton checking at different check gates as “an infringement on personal dignity of the citizens” and “…the excuse of AFSPA or DAA” cannot be given for “causing inconveniences, or in most cases, even humiliation to travelers,” the joint memo argued for controlling it immediately. Reminding that the issue has been in discussion even in the past, the organizations urged the DC to take up the matter with the appropriate authority and take necessary action at the earliest so that it is not “blown out of proportion and break the congenial relationships between the paramilitary forces and the general public”. The joint memo was appended by Ao Senden Vice president O Shilu, Watsu Mungdang President Moachila and AKM Vice President Akummeren Longchar.
Three Ao organizations implore redressal from Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner male security personnel at the check gates which has caused much unease among the women travelers. Further questioning the placing of oil barrels at the highway, the organizations pointed out that ‘As per National Highway specifications, even speed breakers are not allowed to be constructed’. In this connection, the apex Ao organizations termed the check gates as “illegal,” asserting that ‘Under a democratic setup, there are no provisions for construction and manning of check gates along highways by paramilitary or army.” While legislations like AFSPA and DAA which are still enforced in Nagaland, “It cannot be an excuse keeping in view
our Correspondent Kohima | January 22
The Government of Nagaland and the Central Agriculture University (CAU), Imphal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishment of the College of Veterinary Science, Nagaland at Jalukie under Peren district at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 22. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Nagaland by the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar, IAS while the Registrar, Dr. P. Madhusoodanan Pillai signed on behalf of CAU. Er. Victor Kumrah, Executive Engineer, CAU and Santanu Mandal, Sr. Manager, NPCC Ltd were the witnesses for the University while MK Mero, Commissioner and Secretary, Vety & AH Nagaland and Dr. R Thungchamo Ezung, Director, Vety & AH attested for the Nagaland Government. According to the MoU, Nagaland Government will provide 266 acres/107.6 hectares of land on 99 years lease “free of cost and all encumbrances” located at Jalukie. “The proposed area of land will be clearly demarcated with boundaries and the University will take possession of it so that academic and research activities are taken up,” it stated. The MoU allows the University to construct necessary buildings in the land without restrictions for the functioning of the college and will also be allowed access to irrigation water from the existing sources for development and maintenance of its facilities.
nagaland Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar (left) is seen presenting the documents of the Mou to Dr. P Madhusoodanan Pillai, Registrar, Central Agricultural university, imphal, Manipur after the signing ceremony at the Chief secretary’s Conference Hall, Kohima on January 22.
Later addressing a press conference, officials from Veterinary department informed the media that it owns 1000 acres, out of which the 266 acres have been allotted for the College. All the land has been has been acquired with the consent of the people, the official claimed, adding that it has been acquired through negotiated purchase. The Chief Secretary affirmed the same. According to the DIPR, the lease deed was signed between DC Peren, Peter Lichamo on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and Registrar, CAU, Imphal on behalf of the Vice Chancellor CAU, Imphal on January 21 at Peren. Talking about the modalities of the college, the CAU Registrar informed that that the selection of students will be done by the
Veterinary Council of India and it will start with 20 students by this year. “The first course the University will be offering is Bachelors in Veterinary Science and will further upgrade to Masters in 16 disciplines including PhD courses in the future,” he added. The admission for students will follow State Government norms including reservations, stated Dr Pillai who added that Nagaland will receive maximum number of preferences. He further informed that Faculty selections will be published in advertisements in the daily papers and Recruitments will be mainly within Nagaland. The Institution is expected to start in June or July after receiving clearance from Veterinary Council of India. (With DIPR inputs)