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SaturDaY • julY 02 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 180 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
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Time crumbles things; everything grows old under the power of Time and is forgotten through the lapse of Time KU declares zero tolerance against ‘renegades’
Chinese President Xi warns on graft, security PaGE 09
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
T R u T H — Aristotle
Portugal wins shootout to reach Euro 2016 semis
PaGE 05
PaGE 12
Disturbed Area Act extended in entire nagaland naga civil society questions Goi’s sincerity following DAA extension • A complete contradiction from GoI: NPMHR • Proof of insincerity of central leaders: Naga Hoho • Total violation of democratic rights: NMA • Such hostility from the GoI: NTC Morung Express News
Man cannot live by prayer alone
Dimapur | July 1
Petrol, diesel rates cut NEW DELHI, JULY 1 (IANS): State-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC) has cut the price of transport fuel effective on Friday by under a rupee each, of petrol by 89 paise a litre and of diesel by 49 paise, both at Delhi with corresponding decrease in other states.
ULFA (I) condoles DIMAPUR, JULY 1 (MExN): The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) today condoled the passing away of NSCN (IM) Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu. A press note from the Chairman of the ULFA (I), Dr Abhizeet Asom called Swu as a “tower of a man in politics of the Naga peoples as a whole. “A deeply religious man with an amiable personality which was a great asset for his group in bringing unity between tribes and taking forward the Naga cause with fortitude which will be given any revolutionary inspiration to fight on,” he stated. “With his mature skill and statesmanship he tried to undo the shackles of the 1975 Shillong Accord. Due to his infirmity, he unfortunately had to leave this world his work unfinished, but, nevertheless undefeated at the hands of the treacherous Indian establishment, with the laurel on his head as a Naga National hero,” the ULFA (I) Chairman added.
File photo of Assam Rifles jawans in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
NEW DELHI, JULY 1 (PTI): The Centre has renewed for six months its “disturbed area” notification on the entire state of Nagaland, allowing the armed forces power to search, raid and arrest without a warrant under Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). In its notification, the Home Ministry said that it is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of Nagaland “is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition” that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary. “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a ‘disturbed area’ for a period of six months with effect from June 30, 2016 for the purpose of that Act,” the notification said yesterday. The announcement came three days after the demise of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), at a hospital here fol-
lowing multi-organ failure. Though the notification did not specify the reasons for declaring the entire Nagaland as “disturbed area”, officials said it is continuation of an order issued years ago and is based on the assessment of the prevailing situation in the northeastern state, which has continued to be “critical.” Killings, extortion, factional clashes and other subversive activities have been going on in different parts of Nagaland at the behest of a few insurgent groups, they said. Even though NSCN-IM has been engaged in a peace dialogue with the central government, another faction led by SS Khaplang continues to attack security forces both in Nagaland and in Manipur, the officials said. Many groups in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir have demanded scrapping of AFSPA terming it as “draconian”. However, the armed forces are opposed to any move to dilute the Act on the ground that it protects the security forces from “unnecessary harassment.”
Naga civil society groups on Friday reacted strongly to the extension of the Disturb Area Act for another 6 months and termed it as an insult to the Naga people and a contradiction to the peace process and the ongoing political negotiation. “When everybody is talking big and positive, particularly from the Government of India side on the ongoing political negotiation, this comes as a complete contradiction and goes on to show that the GoI is not sincere with the peace process,” secretary general to the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Neingulo Krome told The Morung Express on Friday. Krome said Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and DAA have no room in the peace process and therefore the extension of the same is an insult to the intelligence of the Naga people. He also questioned the justification for the extension of the DAA when “in fact, Nagaland is the most peaceful state in the whole of North
East India at present.” “There seem to be a contradiction between the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs, there is lack of coalition between the two,” Krome noted. Naga Hoho president Chuba Ozukum said the extension of the DAA is once again a proof of the insincerity of the top rung political leaders at the centre at a time, “when Naga people keeps on appealing for withdrawal of AFSPA and DAA, when Nagaland is enjoying a peaceful atmosphere and keeping in mind the seriousness of the peace process.” “Such hostility from the Government of India,” Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) secretary, Information & Publicity, Theja Therieh reacted on the extension of DAA in entire Nagaland. “I don’t know in what way Nagaland is disturbed and dangerous. On one side, there is the ongoing peace process and political negotiation and on the other such hostility from the GoI.” Therieh also asserted that there are no anti-terror activities in Nagaland, while killing, extortion and kidnapping, if considered as a justifi-
cation for imposition of the Act takes place everywhere. “We don’t need an anti-terror Act to tackle such issues, these are State law and order problem,” he maintained. The NTC secretary also pointed out that imposition of such act is one reason why North East people feel alienated and is made to believe that they are given the step motherly treatment. Advisor to Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Dr Rosemary Dzüvichu said it is highly questionable that the home ministry seems bent on taking contradictory stand as far as Nagaland is concerned. “We have strongly opposed the imposition of the AFSPA and the DAA in the midst of the peace process and ongoing peace initiatives and talks. And to extend this Act for another six months proves beyond doubt the insincerity of the central government in ushering peace,” Dr Rosemary said. As mothers and women who have borne the brunt of militarization, violence and killings through the Act, the NMA advisor condemned the undemocratic extension of the Act and urged the GoI to “help us build peace and not escalate tensions and another era of militarization for the Nagas who years for peace and an end to violence.” “Allowing further militarization when the state is peaceful is in total violation of our democratic right to peace and security,” Dr Rosemary stated.
Excess smoking, narcotics use cause infertility 21-gun salute at cHQ Hebron
NEW DELHI, JULY 1 (IANS): Excess smoking and use of other narcotic substances, including marijuana, can cause infertility in both males and females, doctors have said. They said while cigarettes do not necessarily cause infertility, they can have an adverse effect on a couple’s ability to conceive. The problem exists in men as much as in females, the doctors said. “One should avoid using tobacco (cigarettes) and marijuana. They reduce fertility, especially by reducing sperm counts. Smoking damages sperm, making them less likely to fertilise eggs. The embryos they create are less likely to
survive,” said Nupur Gupta, associated with the Well Women Clinic. According to Gupta, women who smoke tobacco, marijuana and several other narcotic products may have early menopause. Studies have also revealed that compared to non-smokers, active smokers were 14 per cent more likely to be infertile and 26 per cent more likely to have early menopause. World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that as of 2015, India with 12 per cent of world’s tobacco users, has 108 million smokers. Parbeen Mehta, a gynaecologist at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospi-
tal, said human sperm cells carry two tiny, highly charged proteins called protamine 1 and protamine 2, which are in a perfectly balanced one-to-one relationship. “However, sperms of the smokers carry very little protamine, which makes them highly vulnerable to DNA damage,” said Mehta. She said passive smoking may also affect male fertility. “Male smokers can suffer decreased sperm quality with lower mobility and it boots numbers of abnormally shaped sperms. Also, if one is a chain smoker then it might also decrease the sperm’s ability to fertilise eggs,” said Mehta. NSCN (IM) cadres carry the coffin of their Chairman Isak Chi-
NSCN (IM) holds State Funeral Service for Swu
Braving rain, Kohima bids farewell to Isak Swu Our Correspondent Kohima | July 1
Braving heavy rainfall, hundreds of people today gathered here at Old MLA Hostel Junction to pay their homage and last respects to Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman NSCN (IM) as the entourage accompanying the mortal remains of the veteran leader passed through the land of the Angamis. A public reception programme was organized by the Angami Public Organization (APO). APO President, Dr Vilhusa Seleyi said the demise of Isak Chishi Swu comes as shocking news. Dr Seleyi said: “The Angami Public Organization solemnly mourns the passing away of a great patriot who has made outstanding sacrifice for the Naga cause...In this fight against a giant nation for decades together, there may have been some controversies in his ideology. The APO however, earnestly appeals to the general public and the leaders in particular, to realize the value of reconciliation and to reaffirm the Naga unity while paying tribute to our leader who has worked to this end till his last breath.” Niketu Iralu, in a solidarity speech said as Chairman Isak Swu played his political leadership role, he held on with evangelical fervour and zeal to his Christian faith which he had inherited from his pioneering father. Many have stressed this
Kohima citizens braved the Friday downpour to wait for the entourage carrying the mortal remains of the Naga veteran leader Isak Chishi Swu. (Morung Photo)
quality in their tributes to him. “I believe it can be said to his credit that Isak Swu never let go Christ’s imperishable injunction- ‘To give unto Caesar what belonged to Caesar and to God what belonged to God.’ In the leadership he sought to give, there can be no doubt about the place he gave to his command, from above the battlefield of politics and life. I believe it will turn out that it made a crucial difference in our crisis, and it will be remembered with gratitude as his special contribution. Nagas will pray that the legacy of his commitment to his faith will be brought to bear on the tough issues still to be resolved in the common journey ahead of all of us,” Iralu added. He further expressed hope that the Nagas will rise to meet
the need for change that will enable Nagas as a people to win together that the departed leader yearned for. He called for the forging of a solidarity that will be sustainable and productive because we will decide to “go beyond seeing only where others have hurt us, and be ready to see where we too may have provoked them to hurt us, so that forgiving and being forgiven will become possible.” Iralu added: “Kohima was a very small town when Isak Swu came to study in the Government High School. He made lasting friendships with individuals and families here who value him and his family. There is poignancy and grief in the thought that this will be his last earthly passage through the Kohima he grew up in.” Kohima Village Council
Chairman, Medoselhou Keretsii said: “We have gathered here to pay our homage and respect to this great soul because somewhere somehow we have been touched by his life.” “Here is a man who gave his whole life for our national cause, his demise has shaken our nation, but let me take this platform to urge my brothers and sisters to stand together united, let us be one. I am sure he had this dream,” Keretsii said. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Vipralhou Kesiezie, Advisory Board Chairman, APO; while Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo, Parish Priest, SFS Kohima pronounced benediction. Several organizations and individuals laid wreaths. A tribute song entitled “Ara Kezievi” was sung by the Angami Students’ Union.
shi Swu during the state funeral service at Camp Hebron on Friday. Photo by Caisii Mao
Morung Express News Dimapur | July 1
Three rounds of a 21-gun salute, the highest military honour accorded at a State Funeral, were dedicated today to Late Isak Chishi Swu (19292016) at the State Funeral Service by the Naga Army of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN). The gun-salute was not just by way of a State farewell to the ex-Chairman of the NSCN (IM) but its disciplined precision was a sign of the commitment that the workers of the NSCN (IM) had strengthened under the leadership of the Late Yaruiwo, Isak Chishi Swu. Held at the Council Headquarters, Hebron, from 8:00am to well after noon, the State Funeral Service also saw the acknowledgement of values and strategies of revolutionary struggle that the NSCN (IM) under the leadership of Swu, and Thuingaleng Muivah, had brought to North East India, North West Burma region and far beyond. “He will be remembered as the father of the suppressed and oppressed people of the region,” noted Anjali Daimary of the Bodo Women’s Justice Forum. Similar messages from the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB),
NDFB (Progressive), the United Peoples’ Front, Zomi Reunification Organisation, Meitei National Front and even the Maharaja of Manipur focussed on how Swu had become a “source of inspiration for peoples’ struggles.” The inspiration spread to Swaraj Kaushal, a former interlocutor for the Government of India (GoI) in the Indo-Naga peace process. In his condolence message on the demise of Swu, Kaushal noted that the GoI should have negotiated with AZ Phizo when he had gone to meet Morarji Desai. Remembering Swu to be a “silent, serene, dignified” soul, Kaushal maintained that the Naga issue must be solved with the “fathers of the nation” or “we could be too late.” Today’s tribute was as much emotional as formal. Many soldiers of the Naga Army stayed up all night, after Swu’s mortal remains arrived at Hebron Camp on the night of June 30, mourning the loss of their leader who passed away on June 28. NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th. Muivah, found only tears as he laid a wreath on the coffin of his friend, philosopher and guide of 52 years, for whom it became “too much” to part with Swu. Gen. (retd) VS Atem, Member, Collective Leadership, broke down as he gave
his condolence message. Capt. (retd) Singyaola Zimik, Chairperson of the National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim wept uncontrollably before giving her message. Qhevihe Chishi Swu, Convener, Steering Committee, Rh. Raising, Kilo Kilonser, Lt. Gen. Phungthing Shimrang, Longvibu, Naga Army and Mingthingla, Chairperson, Naga Freedom Fighters’ Widow’s Welfare Fund— all gave stirring speeches in recognition of Swu’s contributions to the Naga national cause. Eustar Chishi Swu reminisced their life together of 40 years through starvation and struggle, with a single minded focus on the Naga nation and God. For Rev. Dr. Tuisem Shishak, an old friend of Chairman Swu’s, Isak was the spirituality for Muivah’s brain power which made them an “inseparable pie;” one cannot be without the other, he noted.
Legacy of Naga independence
“We thank him for leaving us with the legacy of Naga independence,” said Gen. (retd) Kholi Konyak, Vice Chairman of the NSCN (IM) in his condolence message, and his first speech at Camp Hebron. “All future generations will bless him for it.” Acknowledging that Late Isak Chishi Swu and he have worked together “from the beginning” with a few years’ gap due to “misunderstanding,” Gen. (retd) Kholi stated that he will never forget his years of work with Swu. “There are many educated people today but none as sacrificing as them,” he stated, referring to Swu and Muivah. It is time now to “forward the work they have done till date.” “It is the sunset of our life— time has brought us up till here. It is now up to the new generation to happily, and with strength, try to follow what we have given and bless those who have left us,” he said.