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SaturDaY • JanuarY 07 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 05 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past
World heat shatters records in 2016
P o W e R
T R u T H
— Thomas Jefferson
Kohli named new India limited overs skipper
Polling stations for town ULB elections
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join BJP to contest nil nominations in only nine Eight ULB polls in Dimapur town and municipal councils Morung Express News Dimapur | January 6
At least 268 candidates as on January 6 Morung Express News Dimapur | January 6
The number of town and municipal councils heeding to the call of the civil societies and tribal hohos to oppose the ULB election dwindled to a handful on Friday leaving only five-district headquarters standing opposed to the conduct of the civic election in principle. Except for the district headquarters of Mokokchung, Kohima, Kiphire, Mon and Tuensang and a couple of sub-divisions namely Changtongya, Chumukedima, Medziphema and Pfutsero where there was nil nominations till January 6, the remaining 23 town and municipal councils out of the 32 in place paved way for candidates to file the nomination papers. Overall, at least 113 candidates from the NPF, BJP and Independent filed nominations on Friday. On January 5, the total number of candidates who filed nominations from 15 towns was standing at 155. Adding today’s figure, at least 268 candidates have filed nominations so far. The number of candidates who reportedly filed nominations for the Longleng town council on Friday could not be confirmed. From Dimapur, 18 more candidates including 5 women filed nominations on Friday. Out of these, 7 were from BJP and 11 Independent. From Zunheboto town- according to reports, 12 NPF candidates which include 8 males and 4 females filed nominations. The nominations could be filed only after a scuffle with the volun-
refleCTions
By Sandemo Ngullie
Chozuba town under 144 Cr.PC
CHOZUBA, JANUARY 6 (DIPR): Opposing the upcoming town Council election at Chozuba town a mob tried to forcefully snatch away the nomination papers at ADC office Chozuba town on January 5. And in the midst of the scuffle between the mob and the security personnel inside the ADC’s Office, some government properties including office windows were slightly damaged. Sensing the volatile situation to sabotage the upcoming town Council election the ADC has promulgated 144 Cr. P.C at Chozuba town. This Volunteers of the Angami Youth Organisation from the various wards and villages in Kohima order has come into force from January 5 till further orders. are seen picketing the Kohima Deputy Commissioner’s office on January 6. (Morung Photo)
Total bandh today in Khm, Medziphema and Chumu
AYO total bandh from 7:00am-3:30pm
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) today informed that it is compelled to enforce a total bandh at the Kohima, Medziphema and Chumukedima municipalities on January 7 from 7:00am to 3:30pm. A press note from the AYO said that the bandh is being enforced to “avoid
any unfortunate event on the final day of the filing of nominations to the municipal elections.” Stating that it was “upholding the majority of the Naga Public view and sentiment, and also reiterating the resolution of APO,” the AYO said that “any person/persons attempting to file nomination shall be ostracized as outcast from society by way of excommunication. Notwithstanding, filing of nominations in some other
district headquarters, we shall never allow the same to happen in the mentioned places.” The AYO informed that all business establishments, pedestrian and vehicular movements will be totally restricted during the bandh. However, exemptions have been made for medical purposes, paramilitary forces, media and district administration exclusively. While expressing regret for the inconvenience, it urged the general public not to take
unnecessary risk. Meanwhile, the Returning Officer for the Chumukedima Town Council in a notification today reminded that nomination papers need to be delivered to the Town Council Returning Officer (RO)/ Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) at the office of the Chumukedima Town Council or the office of the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Conference Room by January 7 between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
teers who were keeping a sentinel of the DCs office and party workers of a political party. In Noklak, eight nominations including a female-7 from NPF and 1 Independent were registered. While from Bhandari, 8 (eight) candidates –five men and three women from the BJP filed nomination. While there was nil nomination from Tuensang town, which collected 47 nomination forms, in Longkhim sub-division – two (2) candidates 1 from BJP
and 1 Independent filed nomination. In Mangkolemba sub-division under Mokokchung district- 6 NPF candidates including one female filed nominations. In Aboi and Tobu subdivisions under Mon district, altogether 18 candidates which include 6 women filed nominations. In Peren town, 8 NPF candidates filed nominations while from Tening, 9 NPF and from Jalukie 9 NPF and 4 Independents filed nominations. From Pungru
sub-division under Kiphire district- 11 candidates (inclusive of 2 females) which include -8 NPF, 2 Independent and 1 BJP filed nominations. Meanwhile, in Mokokchung, it was reported that the 9 candidates who were summoned by the Ao Senden on January 5 for going against their directives and filing nomination to contest in the Tuli Town Council did not respond to the summon. Sources said the landowners of Tuli town were also not in
agreement with the stand of the Ao Senden to boycott the ULB elections when other districts were filing nominations. In Pfutsero, for the second consecutive day, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) did not allow candidates to file nominations to the town council election. Candidates were frustrated that they were being singled out when Phek town and Chozuba had already filed nominations. The last date for filing of nominations ends on Saturday.
Gov meets Naga Hoho & APO, appeals for free & fair polls
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6 (MExN): The Nagaland State Governor today met Naga Hoho leaders to discuss the concerns regarding the upcoming ULB elections as pointed out by the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR). The Governor met with Naga Hoho President Chuba Ozukum and Assembly Secretariat, Elu Ndang, wherein the former appealed to the Naga Hoho and all concerned to accommodate and understand the situation and allow the election to be held in a fair and free manner. He further stated that any intimidation, threat and ex-communication Dad is shouting about miss- is against the democratic spirit. On the issue of 33% reservaing some important meeting today, why’d you lock him tion in Municipal/Town Counup in the store room mom? cil elections, the Governor urged
for the process to go on as per the law and asked people to be broad minded. He said that Naga women are second to none and “we should whole-heartedly support them.” A press note from the Raj Bhavan reported the Naga Hoho President as stating that their executive has delegated the respective tribal Hohos to take a decision on the above matter and also suggested that the Government can call all tribal Hohos for a dialogue with them as well as extend the time for filing nominations to hold the election if there is any provision in the Act However, since the last date for filing of nomination for the Municipal/Town Councils ends on January 7, the Governor again appealed to all to abide by the rules and urged that no untoward like intimida-
tions, threats and ex-communication should occur. Meanwhile, the Governor also met with a team of seven senior office bearers of the Angami Public Organisation (APO), led by its President, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi. The Governor strongly appealed to the APO to follow the law and to allow the Municipal/Town Council elections to go ahead as announced by the Government in order to protect and preserve the democratic ideals of Nagaland and also appealed to the APO and all concerned to accommodate and understand the situation and allow the election to be held in a fair and free manner. He reminded that any intimidation, threats and ex-communication is against the democratic spirit.
Nagaland gets India’s first NII pilot project
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KOHIMA, JANUARY 6 (DIPR): Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today inaugurated the 1st National Information Infrastructure (NII) Pilot Project of the country at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima. The project provides three wireless broadband internet services to each administrative Hqs and all recognized villages under Peren district. Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister congratulated the Department of IT&C in achieving another milestone and for being the first in the country to launch the NII. The Chief Minister also requested the Joint Secretary, MeitY, Government of India, Sanjiv Mittal IAS, who represented the Government of India, to facilitate so that more IT related projects are approved for implementa-
tion in the State and also to cover all the districts of Nagaland under the NII project. TR Zeliang also thanked the Ministry of IT, Government of India for giving due recognition to IT related activities in the state of Nagaland. The Chief Minister hoped that the younger generation will make good use of this technology and will become not only better individuals but also contribute more to national building. Joint Secretary, MeitY, Government of India, Sanjiv Mittal IAS, while delivering a speech on behalf of the Government of India, informed that Nagaland has earned the distinction of being the first state to be ready with the necessary ICT infrastructure and to have it operationalised. He explained that the planned pilot project in the State covers seven blocks, 89 Gram
Panchayats (GPs) and 311 government offices till GPs in Peren district and that task of deploying infrastructure has been fully accomplished. He also informed that the BSNL towers have been utilized for mounting in wireless equipment for banks to have connectivity and thanked the BSNL for their prompt cooperation and assistance. The Joint Secretary hoped that the State will fully harness the infrastructure created and deliver various services online at the GPs level. He also made a special mention as the untiring sincere efforts put up by Commissioner & Secretary, IT, KD Vizo and his team for the successful implementation of the project. Minister for IT&C, P. Paiwang Konyak in his speech stated that the Department of IT & C has emerged as a top performing department in the State and con-
gratulated the officers for putting the state of Nagaland in the national map of e-Governance and said that the department aims to make Nagaland the next IT hub in South East Asia. The Minister also informed that Nagaland is now ranked among the top one in eDistrict Mission Mode Project along with six other states in the country. Chief Secretary Nagaland, Pankaj Kumar, IAS who chaired the programme said that the district of Peren has been provided with high speed wireless connectivity to all administrative Hqs as well as village in the district. He said it was up to the various departments and the district administration to make the most of the facilities provided. The Chief Minister also conducted an online video conference with the DC, ADC’s, SDO (C), EACs and Village Chairman during the inauguration.
Six former DMC Councillors and Advisors, one active party member – all from NPF and one Congressman resigned from their respective parties and joined BJP on Friday to contest the forthcoming civic body elections in DMC. The six resigned NPF DMC Councillors and Advisors include Hokivi Chishi, T. Vikheho Zhimo, Hokuto Zhimomi, G. Kits, Yangertoshi, and Simon Yeptho. Another active NPF party worker, P. Avi Awomi also resigned from the party to contest the DMC elections from ward no. 6. Dimapur Congress Treasurer and Youth Advisor, Moa Jamir also resigned from the party and joined BJP to contest DMC polls from ward no 16. Out of the eight leaders who joined BJP, five of them have filed nominations today. The newly joined BJP members held a press conference in Dimapur on Friday. Speaking on behalf of the former DMC members of NPF, Hokivi Chishi said they did not join BJP because they were denied party tickets but because they wanted to work for the people. He said party tickets were denied to them for reasons best known to the party higher ups. Hokivi said likeminded leaders have joined BJP to work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a transparent and accountable manner and thanked the BJP for accepting them under its party fold. “We are hopeful of taking over the DMC,” he added. Hokuto Zhimomi who was also given NPF party ticket along with Pukhavi from ward no 22 said he has resigned from the party along with his supporters and decided to contest on BJP ticket. He said the NPF party lacks policies to uplift the grassroot people and that the party was filled with “misuse of power
and self styled governance.” G. Kits said that the NPF party was “not a stable party.” The six former DMC councillors and advisors in a joint statement said that “this likeminded front” was necessitated to provide a paradigm shift towards an alternative good governance to ensure that transparent and corruption-free governance can be a reality in the State. They appealed all like-minded citizens who desire for change to join the cause to fight the antipeople forces and pave the way for change that will usher in an era of inclusive development. In a separate statement handed out to the media, the office bearers (19 members) of NPF unit Ward no 19 led by its President, Kiyegho Aye informed about its decision to resign en-masse from the party for declining its recommendation to issue party ticket to former Vice President, NPF Dimapur Division, Hokivi Chishi. Addressing media persons separately, BJP Convenor, Finance & Development Committee, HK Khulu informed that the party has filed eight nominations including two women on Friday for the DMC elections and that more nominations would be filed on Saturday. He said there was no pre-poll alliance with any party for the civic body elections but added that the DAN alliance at the state level remains the same. He said that the civic body elections would be a “friendly contest” among the DAN alliance. Khulu said that the party has been boosted and encouraged by the joining of former NPF DMC Councillors and Advisors and other party members. He maintained that the party strength was growing by leaps and bounds. Former Minister Kheto and other BJP leaders were also present at the press conference.
Resentment against divisive fencing of Naga lands grows
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6 (MExN): Opposition to the border fencing work at the Indo-Myanmar international boundary grew today as the NSCN (IM), NNC, ENDO and the NYW expressed their resentments against the physical fencing works that would divide the Naga lands. Despite opposition from the indigenous people here, the Governments of India and Government of Mynamar have begun preparations to seal off 3500 acres of Khiamniungan Naga land. The NSCN (IM) said that the Naga people would no longer accept any policy to further divide the Naga family in the form of artificial border fencing. A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) reminded it had also expressed “objection against the construction of border fencing in the southern part of Nagalim.” It said that the territory of the Nagas was in existence since time immemorial even before the formation of the Union of India and Myanmar. “Naga people have our own territory, customs, tradition, dialect, culture, long history and distinctive identities,” it affirmed. Such artificial boundary fencing imposed upon the Naga people is against the will of the people and a gross violation of human rights, it maintained. The NSCN (IM) said that the fence would segregate age old tradition, custom, economic and social relationships. The NSCN (IM) said that
despite atrocities and oppression committed upon the Nagas both in Myanmar and India, the NSCN (IM) in response to the people’s wishes for peace, engaged in political talks with the GoI leading to the signing of the Framework Agreement. The fencing work at this juncture of the talks is “questionable and unacceptable,” the NSCN (IM) said. Affirming that the Naga people have the right to maintain and protect its own territory, identity and social and political institutions, the NSCN (IM) cautioned that ignoring the will and interest of the people may give rise to unfavourable situation, for which both India and Myanmar would be responsible. The Naga National Council (NNC) rejected the ongoing border fencing works and termed it “outrageous.” A press note from the NNC Joint Secretary, W Shapwon stated that the Nagas “had been living in this land Nagaland since thousands of years.” “The Nagas knew nothing about Burmans and Indians and neither did the Burmans and Indians know about the Nagas. They came to know the Nagas only in the British Colonial era, and only yesterday they came to occupy our land forcefully. How then can they have the right to fence in the heart of Nagaland?” the NNC questioned. It further said that the Nagas “rejected the cursory boundary drawn by the British in the heart of Nagaland in 1914 without the knowledge
of Naga people, and neither recognize the dissection of our land by India and Burma in 1953 after they had emancipated from the yoke of the British Colony.” It stated that the Nagas also reject the cursory border fencing works in the heart of Naga country by “alien nations, India and Burma… because they have no right to fence in between our homes and farms, in the hearth and bed room.” Nagaland, it stated “is not their country, but just occupying by them forcefully.” It said that “they have no history to prove that an inch of land in Nagaland belonged to their Kings.” Since this is not their country, they have no legal and moral right to fence in the heart of other country, the NNC maintained. “What they are doing to fence in the heart of Nagaland will not benefit to them and to the Nagas either, but it will remain forever as a black mark of their occupation in history,” the NNC cautioned. Meanwhile, the Eastern Naga Development Organisation (ENDO) and the Naga Youth Network (NYW) demanded that there should be no restriction between Naga brothers who are in India and Burma from communication for economic, social and culture. A joint statement from the two organisations demanded the fencing work to stop immediately. “The Naga people are living as free people from time immemorial and want to live as free people without disturbance by any foreign people,” it added.