July 28th, 2016

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C M Y K

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

thursDAY • julY 28 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 206 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Clear thinking requires courage rather than intelligence Democrat Clinton makes history with US presidential nomination

By Sandemo Ngullie

o F

40th Inter district Badminton C’ship underway

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tseminyu rAllies for A District

“Tseminyu is the 5th administrative headquarter of Naga Hills but still remains a Sub-Division. Where is justice?” Our Correspondent Tseminyu | July 27

He’s in dilemma. He promised the people good road knowing full well that there’s no money … that even a footpath is unaffordable.

DoF&CS responds to NPRAAF on backdoor appointments Dimapur, July 27 (mExN): The Department of Food & Civil Supplies, Government of Nagaland, has responded to the demands of the Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) by looking into ‘irregular and anomalous’ appointments in the Department. In that, the DoF&CS has “rectified and necessary corrigendum issued accordingly” with regard to three (3) LDAs which were appointed in March 10, 2016 on regular basis, reported the Information & Publicity Cell of the NPRAAF today. “The three appointments have been rectified as contractual appointments subject to their regularization/fresh appointment made through open interview/departmental screening committee,” stated the NPRAAF. It may be noted that the NPRAAF has taken up the issue of 73 + 3 (76) backdoor appointments; 3 being the above mentioned LDAs and 73 appointments made from January 2003 to November 2015. The Department has reportedly told NPRAAF that it was “seriously examining the issue of 73 appointments taking into consideration the legalities involved and other practical details.” The NPRAAF expressed optimism on this. Appreciating the DoF&CS for “cancelling the appointments” on “regular basis” and rectifying it as “contractual,” the NPRAAF, however, made clear that “fresh appointments or open interview should be held against the three LDA posts on expiry of their contract appointments on March 20, 2017.” “Regularizing the three appointees through departmental screening committee will amount to another but continued form of backdoor appointment through which the three entered service,” it stated, adding that the Forum will “not allow” any policy of “continuing/regularizing” backdoor appointments. Meanwhile, the NPRAAF also reminded that the issue of the Director of Food & Civil Supplies reportedly making a phone call to NPRAAF official on May 20, 2016, saying that he took the issue raised by NPRAAF “personally” is “still unresolved since there was no clarification/ apology from the Director as demanded by NPRAAF.” “This particular issue will be clubbed with democratic protest against irregular distribution of PDS to beneficiaries, to be organized by NPRAAF very soon,” the Forum reiterated.

T R u T H

— Thomas Szasz

Fisheries & aquaculture prospect in Nagaland

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reflections

P o W e R

The Rengma community held a public rally on Wednesday to press for the creation of Tseminyu ADC to a District Headquarter on the grounds of its unique historical significance, necessity and tribal consideration. A memorandum, addressed to Chief Minister of Nagaland was also submitted through the ADC Tseminyu. Given justification for its demand for creation of Tseminyu district, the memorandum pointed out that Nagaland state was created not on the basis of population and territory but out of necessity of tribal consideration on political ground and to meet the sentiments and aspiration of Naga people. “If we talk about population and territory for creation of a district, in that case none of the districts in Nagaland is qualified

because the whole of Nagaland state is less than one district population of UP and Bihar. All eleven districts in Nagaland were created purely out of necessity, not on the basis of population and territory nor MLA seats. In the same way, Tseminyu ADC should be upgraded to district headquarter on the ground of necessity and on tribal consideration like other cases,” the memorandum urged. The memorandum recalled history that when Naga Hills district was created with headquarter at Samuguting (Chumukedima) in 1866, Rengma was the backbone for formation of the district because major portion of Naga Hills district was Rengma’s land. That point of time, the memorandum pointed out, the district consisted only five tribes, viz- Rengma, Zeliang, Angami, Lotha and Sema. All four tribes now have their own districts except Rengma tribe.

Rengma community at the public rally demanding the creation of Tseminyu district on Wednesday. (Morung Photo)

Asserting that Rengma like other Naga tribes have equally contributed for the cause of Nagas if not more, it pointed out that during the First World War, Naga Hills sent 2000 labour corps to France, and Rengma alone were 200 corps for the service of the nation. The Nagas returned home from Europe and formed Naga Club in 1918 to raise voice to outside world, where Nrilo Rengma from Rengma tribe was one the founder members of the Club. Naga Club was the first

Naga common organization, which submitted the memorandum to Simon Commission on January 10, 1929 to exclude the Naga Hills from the proposed Reforms scheme where Rusilo Rengma, a Dobashi was one of the signatories of the memorandum. “That was the first Naga memorandum submitted to the Government for Naga common welfare. Rengmas are second-tonone for the cause of Naga people. Nagas got statehood because of their struggle since the forma-

tion of Naga Club, in 1918,” the memorandum read. It also stated that NNC president AZ Phizo began the Naga National movement from Rengma’s land by hoisting the first Naga national Flag at Parshen in Rengma area on March 22, 1956 by declaring Nagaland as sovereign Nation. The memorandum also claimed that the Naga National flag was made by four Rengma women of Sendenyu village on the advice of AZ Phizo, which was first used at Parshen on the first day of celebration

of Naga Republic. “Rengma has contributed and sacrificed maximum for common cause of the Nagas,” it therefore asserted. Coming to the present, the memorandum recalled that Tseminyu SDPDB has approved for creation of Tseminyu District and forwarded to the Government of Nagaland on March 18, 2016 this year. “Tseminyu is the fifth administrative headquarter of Naga Hills but still remains a Sub-Division. Where is justice? Tseminyu

administrative headquarter is now 69 years old, most deserving Sub-Division to be upgraded to district,” the memorandum lamented. The memorandum informed that Tseminyu Sub-Division has a population of 56, 844 with 9, 152 households, having 38 recognized village, 3 unrecognized village and 3 township. It stated that when Longleng Sub-Division in Nagaland having a population of 50,854 (as per 2011 census) was upgraded to a district out of political necessity likewise Tseminyu Sub Division having a 56, 844 population (as per 2011 census) deserve to be a district. The Rengma Hoho and its frontal organizations elicited hope that the Government of Nagaland will consider their genuine demand and upgrade Tseminyu ADC to District Headquarter in the best interest of general public. The public rally was addressed by Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing, Er. Levi Rengma, ex-ministers R. Khing and Nillo Rengma among others.

Kiphire - ‘nerve centre’ of Zeliangrong people want NSCN (IM) power dept in darkness to stop ‘illegal logging’ immediately

A staff of power department while on duty repairs live wire with - a plier. (Morung Photo)

Four wards in Kiphire town without power for more than two and half month Morung Express News Kiphire | July 27

With power blackout continuing for two and half months in four Wards of Kiphire town without respite after a transformer broke down, citizens are now questioning the recent assertion made by the Department of Power that the district is the “nerve centre of the power department in Nagaland.” The tall claim, reportedly made by a high-ranking official of the power department during the inauguration of the upgradation of SDO Electrical to Executive Engineer on February 6, 2016 had the citizens actually considering it as a beacon of hope. However, with the recent damage of the 500 KVA, 33/0.4 transformer which was installed in the early 90s and the bleak prospect of not knowing when the transformer would be restored despite two and a half months gone, citizens are now crying foul over the “rhetoric.” According to sources, the transformer reportedly broke down due to overloading. With no replacement, consumers numbering around 350, particularly the students have been facing untold miseries while waiting for the return of the repaired transformer. “If Kiphire is the nerve centre of power in the state, it is so ironic that in reality the town is suffering with acute lack of electricity and we are unable to perform our own work as a consequence, a Nagaland Government employee rued in the backdrop. Members from the councils of the four Wards said they have been patient with the power department and extended full cooperation by way of pacifying the consumers in the ward- so far. “Now we are also running out of patience and if the consumers pressure us, we would be left with no option but to

move ahead to our own course of action unless the department restore the transformer at the earliest,” Ward council members sounded caution while speaking to this Correspondent. Out of the 24-MW hydroelectricity that the district produces from Likhimro Hydro Power Project, 10% of the total power produce is consumed by the district. Even after this, the district has to undergo frequent power cut owing to different factors, Kiphire citizens complained. With the power department already running at a loss of revenue due to leakage and power theft, the damage of transformer for more than two and half month has already incurred a loss in revenue of around Rs 1,75,000/- to the department, a person in the knowhow of the economics of profit-loss of the department revealed. Besides the woes of the consumers, the workforce of Kiphire power department also have their own share of burden, apparently due to inadequate or lack of equipments and infrastructure. “We are asked to go and repair and replace electric posts which are on the verge of collapsing. But there are no materials in the departmental store, how can we perform our duties,” staffs on duty of the Kiphire power station questioned-an instance of the surmountable problems they encounter while on the field. The staffs also revealed that the entire town is in the need for repair work by way of re-conducting since the strength of the wire has weakened. This has been lessening the supply of electricity and at the same time causing short circuit, which lead to fire outbreaks. The Kiphire Area Sangtam Students’ Union (KASSU) has already served an ultimatum to the power department to restore electricity within a week time. “If the department fail to act, we will take our own course of action, KASSU vice president stated. Kiphire Area Students’ Union (KASU) is also learnt to have served an ultimatum to the department to restore power.

Dimapur, July 27 (mExN): Apex bodies of the Zeliangrong people have written a strong note to the NSCN (IM) demanding the ‘immediate stoppage’ of ‘illegal logging’ in Zeliangrong territory by functionaries of the political group. In a memorandum to the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM) on July 7, made public today, the Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam Manipur Nagaland, and the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam Manipur Nagaland, have called for “stringent action” in the “best interest of justice” on the works of some senior functionaries of the NSCN (IM)’s Huthrong Brigarde who are allegedly involved in timber logging in the traditional land of Chaka/Kanem, a Zeliangrong village under Senapati District in Manipur. The ZB (AMN) and AZSU (AMN) also demanded the transfer of the commander, ranks and files of the brigade involved in the racket and

immediate revocation of the “Bond of Agreement” signed by Chaka and Kanem villages “under duress” on April 18 last. In the memorandum, ZB (AMN) and AZSU (AMN) stated that Razaima (Maram) village under Senapati District is under the traditional land of Chaka/Kanem, a Zeliangrong village. Pointing to a land dispute in the last few years, the apex bodies revealed that subsequent to the dispute, the NSCN (IM) Kilo Affairs ordered a total ban on logging in the area on February 19, 2016. However, in spite of the ban order, the “Commander of Huthrong Brigade and some of its cadres started illegal logging with vested interests engaging machineries like earthmovers into the forest destroying the ecology and environment of the dense virgin forests,” informed the organizations. When villagers of Chaka and Kanem villages protested, they were reportedly summoned to their camp

on April 18 last and made to sign a statement called ‘Bond of Agreement’ under duress, the memorandum disclosed, an action which they found “highly objectionable and uncalled for.” In the “pretext of solving the land dispute” of Chaka/Kanem and Razaimai, the NSCN (IM) cadres are involved in illegal logging operations, “in full view of the innocent villagers armed with sophisticated weapons which is unbecoming of the national workers,” stated the Zeliangrong apex organizations to the Collective Leadership. In this light, the organizations made three demands: to immediately stop illegal logging in Chaka/ Kanem Zeliangrong areas; to immediately transfer the officers and cadres involved from Huthrong Brigade and withdraw all machinery sent by ‘top ranking’ NSCN (IM) functionaries, and to immediately revoke the forced ‘Bond Signed Agreement’.

Hepatitis c an ‘emerging threat’ in nagaland: nnagaDAo reveals

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day 2016

Dimapur, July 27 (mExN): On occasion of the World Hepatitis Day, which is observed every year on July 28, the Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organisation (NNagaDAO) has sounded caution on the emerging threat of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) in Nagaland state. In an open letter addressed to the Special Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Director General, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), NNagaDAO president and Director of Kirpa Foundation, Abou Mere urged for inclusion of Nagaland in the Hepatitis National Program, which would be launched on World Hepatitis Day. “The Hepatitis C issue in Nagaland has emerged to be of urgent concern but even in recent years, not much has been done by the state government, civil organizations or the NGOs working in the field of HIV/

H

HVc Disease

epatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C virus is a blood borne virus and the most common modes of infection are through unsafe injection practices, inadequate sterilization of medical equipment, and the transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. Globally, between 130–150 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C infection. A significant number of those who are chronically infected will develop liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Approximately 700 000 people die each year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases 1. AIDS and other health sectors, whereas the epidemic continues to spread rapidly and at an alarmingly rate,” the NNagaDAO press statement read. It pointed out that the emerging threat needs to be addressed now or else the people of Nagaland in general and the Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) in particular stand to face a “huge HCV disease burden” which will challenge the State health programs in the coming years. The NNagaDAO recalled that the burden of HCV in Nagaland emerged after the documentation of research data of Phek and

Wokha districts by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR/RMRC) through the Integrated BioBehavioral Assessment (IBBA) study among IDUs in 2006 and 2009. According to the Data (Ref 2), the prevalence rate in Phek stood at 5.4% (2006) to 8.7% (2009) and 16.7% (2006) to 20.8 % (2006) in Wokha, signifying not only an alarming rate of HCV infection among this community but also an ever increasing trend. While highlighting this, the NNagaDAO has urged NACO to include Nagaland in the Hepatitis National Program.

2016 a pivotal year for viral hepatitis: NNP+

Network of Naga People Living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) on Wednesday said the year 2016 is a pivotal year for viral hepatitis. A press note from NNP+ on World Hepatitis Day 2016, said this would be the first time national governments sign up and commit to the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis. At the World Health Assembly held in May, WHO Member States had pledged to adopt the first ever Elimination Strategy for Viral Hepatitis with ambitious targets and a goal to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. And while supporting this global event and to elevate the theme of ‘Elimination,’ World Hepatitis Day programs are being jointly organized by HepCoN, NUN, Kripa Foundation, NNP+, NSACS, in the districts of Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung, Satakha (Zunheboto District), Pfutsero (Phek District), Kiphire, Tuensang and Mon.


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