January 30th, 2017

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MonDAY • JAnuArY 30 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 27 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

If a problem has no solution, it may not be a problem, but a fact - not to be solved, but to be coped with over time — Shimon Peres

Akhilesh predicts 300-plus seats for Congress-SP alliance PAGE 08

IPPI: Children administered polio drops in Nagaland

Federer outlasts Nadal in Melbourne for 18th grand slam

PAGE 05

PAGE 12

CM firm on ULBs election in Nagaland Indefinite bandh

in Dmp from today

• Informs that ULB election will go ahead despite bandhs • Says government is on right side of law & Constitution

JCC says bandh cPo imposes total bandh will continue till from January 30 onwards target is achieved DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Chakhroma Pub-

our Correspondent Kohima | January 29

Morung Express news

Despite stiff opposition from Naga tribe organizations, Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang continues to stand firm that the government will go ahead with ULB elections in the state. He said today that the State Government, without taking a confrontational attitude, will carry out its constitutional obligations, and ensure that free and fair polls are conducted to the municipal and town councils with women reservation. “It is my sincere appeal to all sections of people of the State not to take law in their hand, and allow people to exercise their democratic rights as provided by the law of the land,” the CM urged, while addressing a press conference here this evening at the State Banquet Hall. He said no political party can force any candidate to obtain their party ticket to contest in any election, adding that it is the decision of the candidate to apply for tickets, and accordingly, respective parties issue the tickets. However, civil organizations (non-political party), obtaining withdrawal letter/retirement letter from contesting candidates under threat/intimidation /vandalism are not acceptable in any democratic society, or in any democratic set up, he added. The CM stated that no organization or individual should take undue advantage of the government’s policy of non-confrontation, and requested all to refrain from creating lawlessness. “If anyone is aggrieved by any act of the government, he/she can approach the Court of law to redress the grievances, but not

The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) has retracted its earlier announcement of daily 12-hour bandh till February 1 and stated that it will be indefinite from January 30. At a media briefing on Sunday evening, JCC convenor Supu Jamir informed that the bandh, relaxed on Sunday, will resume and come into effect from 7:00 am, Monday. It was though unclear whether the term “indefinite” implied till February 1 or beyond. “The bandh will start at 7:00 am and will continue till we achieve our target,” said Jamir. It will be followed by a rally at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on January 31. Stating that the bandh will remain in effect, Jamir termed the proposed rally as “a final call (to the state government) not to conduct the elections” scheduled on February 1. In this regard, “respective hohos” were asked to inform members to reach the venue by 9:00 am. With the January 28 bandh marred by alcohol-fuelled bandh enforcers resorting to unruly and unsavoury conduct in certain pockets, the JCC appealed “volunteers to be disciplined” and behave “while discharging their duties.” While it appealed the state government to review the decision to conduct the ULB elections, the JCC warned that the state government and the candidates in the fray will be held equally responsible if any unwanted situation occur. It further appealed election officials

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang addressing the media in Kohima on January 29. (Morung Photo)

through violent attitude or actions,” he said. “In a Christian state, let us try to live as good Christians, so as to make our land peaceful, and leave behind a good example to our posterity,” the CM appealed. The Nagaland CM also stated that there is no question of withdrawal of candidature after the expiry of withdrawal date on January 17. He lamented that some organizations have forced the candidates to sign bonds not to contest the poll even after the expiry of withdrawal. “Election will go on whether there is bandh or no bandh or agitation there or not,” he said, adding that on polling day everybody should be allowed to vote. He further stated that if there are any problems like zero vote or people unable to cast their vote, re-polls would be conducted. “If anybody tries to disrupt the process of the election, the security force will take action on spot,” he said. Zeliang further stated that the government does not wish to have a confrontation with the agitating groups. He however pointed out that the government would protect the democratic rights of the people. He also claimed that by and large people were supportive towards conduct of polls to Urban

Local Bodies, while lamenting that a section of people are misleading the masses. The Chief Minister further questioned “why can we not look forward for the betterment of our society?” “Let us not only look back, but look at the present situation of modern society,” he stated. The CM said that “before British entered in our land woman/ children are not allowed to be present in any customary court, but today, Naga women are the judges of our district courts, and settle many cases of ours.” He then reminded that during the debate on women reservations in municipal and town councils, the tribal organizations, particularly the APO and the Ao Senden, requested the government to remove provisions relating to taxation on land and buildings, and also the provisions relating to SC reservation. Heeding their requests, the Nagaland Municipal Third Amendment Act, 2016 was passed in December, 2016 session of the Nagaland’s Legislative Assembly removing the taxation and Scheduled Caste reservation provisions from the original Act. The CM also stated that the government is on the right side of law and Constitution. “The tribal organizations may have a rethink

on their aggressive path so that rule of law and the Constitution prevail in the state,” he said. The decision to conduct polls was opposed by many Naga tribe organizations, he stated, while pointing out that some of these organizations are of the opinion that article 243T relating to women reservation compromises the customary law position of Nagaland under Article 371(1) (a) of the Constitution of India. He reminded that in order to dispel misapprehensions, a consultative meeting with the Naga Hoho, ENPO and other tribe organizations was held in Kohima on November 16, 2016. The misgivings on the women reservation issue however continued. “The government cannot interfere with the process of elections already set in motion, which is under the direction, supervision and superintendence of the State Election Commission,” the CM stated. He said the cabinet decided not to interfere with the poll schedule as originally slated by the State Election Commissioner and to give full support to the State Election Commissioner in completing the poll process. The cabinet, he added, has also decided to keep the doors open for dialogue with the tribal organizations.

UlB elections should be through consensus: nsf DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today asked the Nagaland State Government to “consider and relate to the suggestions of all the stakeholders through meticulously consultation” and stated that the decision to conduct the ULB elections should be taken through “consensus.” A press note from the NSF while welcoming any form of developmental initiatives, however expressed concern at the “unfortunate situations surfacing since the last few days and which could rather have been averted or addressed.” Considering the mass opposition on the conduct of the ULB election in the state by the Naga Hoho and various tribe organisations in its present form, the NSF appealed to the state government to address to the strong objections raised. It also urged upon the various mass based organizations to register their resentment in a peaceful manner and refrain from resorting to violent protest. to refrain from the poll process. Ward/colony chairpersons and headmen were also asked to not allow poll related activity in their respective jurisdictions. JCC says one Ind candidate ‘retires’ Reiterating the call to contesting candidates to withdraw, the JCC stated that 24 have so far withdrawn. As per the JCC, the latest to “retire” was an Independent candidate from Ward 20, who tendered letter of forfeiture to the Returning Officer on January 29. Exemptions from the

Chaos, anger as Trump order halts some Muslim immigrants

NEW YoRK, JANUARY 29 (REUTES): President Donald Trump’s order to restrict people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States sparked confusion and anger on Saturday after immigrants and refugees were kept off flights and left stranded in airports. In his most sweeping de“Eueff...It is decaying due to over ripening? Oh hooo, cision since taking office a week ago, Trump, a Repubbetter not to open it now. lican, put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the Press statements, memo- United States and temporarrandums, articles, reports ily barred travelers from Syrand news related docu- ia and six other countries. Civil rights and faith ments should be sent to groups, activists and Demomorung@gmail.com cratic politicians were furious Editor, and vowed to fight the order. Capping a day of confuThe Morung Express sion and chaos and protests in several airports across the The Morung Express country, a federal judge in Poll QuEsTion Brooklyn, New York, grantVote on www.morungexpress.com ed a temporary reprieve. sMs your answer to 9862574165 The American Civil Liberties Union successfully argued Is the lack of independent, for a temporary stay that alinformed and objective lowed detained travelers to information creating more confusion and division? stay in the United States. Supporters outside the Brooklyn courtroom and at Yes no others protests at airports in Dallas, From the following Chicago, New York and elseoptions, which institution where cheered the decision, holds the most power in the present Nagaland but a bigger fight lay ahead. state context? Why? The court action does not 26% • State Government reverse Trump’s order, which • Tribe Organisation 13% was criticized by some of 10% America’s closest allies. • Church Trump, a businessman 51% • Others who successfully tapped Details on page 7 into American fears about

Public Information

C M Y K

Dimapur | January 29

lic Organisation (CPO) has decided to impose a total bandh under its jurisdiction from January 30 onwards. A press note from the CPO advised all travellers to bear with the bandh and “understand the stand of the people as it fights against the alien laws in our land.” The bandh will be ineffect from Piphema till the Assam-Nagaland border on National Highways and all adjoining routes from 7:00am to 5:00pm.

terror attacks during his campaign, had promised what he called “extreme vetting” of immigrants and refugees from areas the White House said the U.S. Congress deemed to be high risk. He told reporters in the White House’s Oval Office on Saturday that his order was “not a Muslim ban” and said the measures were long overdue. “It’s working out very nicely. You see it at the airports, you see it all over,” Trump said. Along with Syria, the ban affects travelers with passports from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The Department of Homeland Security said about 375 travelers had been affected by the order, 109 of whom were in transit and were denied entry to the United States. Another 173 were stopped by airlines before boarding. The order “affects a minor portion of international travelers,” the department said in a statement, saying the measures “inconvenienced” less than 1 percent of travelers. The new rules blindsided people in transit and families waiting for them, and caused havoc for businesses with employees holding passports from the targeted nations and colleges with international students. Related news on Page 9

bandh include, pharmacies, medical establishments, para-military, police, district administration, press, newspaper vendors, funerals, weddings, students on exams and patients seeking medical assistance, including attendants. Newspaper vendors have been asked to finish dispatch by 7:00 am and in the event there are delays, the JCC appealed bandh volunteers to consider. Meanwhile, on Sunday, residences of as many as four contesting candidates were locked down by people opposing the elections in Dimapur.

CYF informs DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Chakhesang Youth Front has ‘barred’ 8 persons from the Chakhesang region of Phek district as per CPO Order dated 17/01/ 2017 for defying the CPO resolution on ULB election. A press note from the CYF informed the eight concerned that “failing to comply to this the CYF shall take any sort of action against you.” It further cautioned that “any individual/ group dealing with these persons within the Chakhesang region of Phek District shall be doing so at their own risks.” It meanwhile informed that the CYF would relax bandh in the Chakhesang region of Phek district till further notice.

Dimapur Police prohibits carrying of arms Vehicles out in Dimapur on Sunday as fears of a prolonged shutdown compelled many to stock up on supplies. The Joint Co-ordination Committee today informed it would impose an indefinite bandh starting 7:00am of January 30, opposing the upcoming ULB elections. (Morung Photo)

NEC sanctions 615 km roads across 7 NE states ShIlloNg, JANUARY 29 (PTI): The North Eastern Council has sanctioned construction of 615 km long roads across seven states in the North East under the NorthEast Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS), officials said here today. This was the first major project undertaken by the NEC under the new scheme which covers 14 roads connecting the neighbouring states and would be taken up during 2017-18, they said. The NERSDS was aimed at maintenance, construc-

tion and upgradation of roads which remained neglected because of being low in the priority, according to NEC secretary Ram Muivah. The 67 km long MeboDholla road connecting Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, 51 km long Tening (Nagaland) and Lekie (Assam), upgradation of NH 202 and NH 150 and upgradation of NH 2 to Dikhu bridge via Longmisa in Nagaland, would be taken up under the scheme. In Meghalaya, the NH 217 in Damra connecting NH 127

via Mendipathar has also been identified in the first list. The Kawnpui-Bairabi road in Mizoram, the Belonia-Amlighat-Sabroom road in Tripura, the upgradation of Longleng to Tuensang, the RCC bridge over Dhansiri in Udalguri district have been taken up among others, an official notification said. The NHIDCL has been asked to prepare DPR and execute these projects this year, while the remaining eight projects, including the one in Sikkim would be taken up in the next fiscal, it said.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Commissioner of Police and District Magistrate, Dimapur, under section 144A CrPC has prohibited any person from carrying arms in their possession within the district of Dimapur till further notice. This was informed in a press note today issued by the PRO, Dimapur Police.

Sumi Hoho notifies DIMAPUR, JANUARY 29 (MExN): The Sumi Hoho has informed all the Sumi areas under Zünheboto district to depute minimum fifty volunteers to reinforce the ZTYO with regard to the upcoming ULB polls in Zunheboto. A press note from the Sumi Hoho informed all the Chairmen of Area Kukami (GBs) Association along with area representatives to Sumi Hoho to mobilize the volunteers in their respective areas and accompany them, to show their solidarity with Sumi Hoho’s and Naga civil bodies stand on the forthcoming ULB elections in the state. “Furthermore, every area is informed to be prepared to send more volunteers as per required in the coming days,” it added


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