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SunDAY • June 11 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 158• 12 PAGes • 5
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There is no nation so powerful, as the one that obeys its laws not from principals of fear or reason, but from passion Al-Jazeera a target in Gulf confrontation with Qatar
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Khaplang was keen for dialogue with india on issues of substance
CM Shürhozelie leads tributes to SS Khaplang Khango Konyak to take over Morung Express News litical problem which is Dimapur | June 10
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‘None facing difficulty for cow notification in NE’
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GUWAHATI, JUNE 10 (PTI): Rubbishing reports of trouble in the Northeast following the Centre's notification on cow slaughter, Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said nobody was facing any difficulty in the region over the matter. Charging the Congress and "pseudo secular" groups with raising an "obsolete issue", he asked media persons to visit the north eastern states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur to see whether anyone was facing problems due to the notification. "It is not at all an issue. There is no difficulty in the north eastern region. Everyone is eating what they like. (There is) no clash, no arrest. No one is put behind the bars," the Minister of State for Home Affairs told reporters here. "The Congress is making an issue out of nothing as there is no issue for them. Congress and some pseudo secular groups are raising unnecessary issues which are obsolete. People have rejected them," he said. On being quizzed about protests in some tribal states, he termed them as "political". Asked about the resignation of two BJP district unit chiefs in Meghalaya opposing the notification, Rijiju said, "Only Congress and some others are making it an issue. Do not make an issue out of an individual resignation from the party. "Only Congress is protesting. They are falsely creating an issue of an individual resignation," he said. The Union minister stressed his government would transform the country into a developed one. "The North East was devastated in these years. We will correct it. We will not allow ourselves to get trapped in their (Congress and others) diversionary tactics," Rijiju said.
Political leaders and parties from Nagaland, cutting across party lines, today paid glowing tributes to veteran Naga leader late Shangwang Shangyung Khaplang, the Chairman of NSCN (K) who passed away at the Council Headquarter in Taka on June 9. He was 77. Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said it was tragic that such an important Naga leader like Khaplang has expired at a time when the protracted Naga political problem is on the verge of being resolved, and the need for all different Naga political groups to come together to air their views and aspirations to the Government of India in one voice is absolutely imperative. The Chief Minister rued that tragedy occurred when Khaplang had, a few months back, conveyed his willingness to have dialogue with the Government provided “issues of substance” were discussed. In memory of the departed soul, and before the mortal remains are interred below ground, Dr Shürhozelie has appealed to “all grieving Nagas to resolve and dedicate ourselves to endeavour with renewed vigour and determination to find a solution to the Naga po-
honourable and acceptable to all stakeholders; and that this protracted problem be resolved during our lifetime and not to bequeath it to the future generations.” “In memory of the departed leader who had dedicated all his life to the cause of the Naga people, let all Naga people dedicate ourselves to strive for peace, harmony and wellbeing of the entire Naga family so that we and our children can march ahead with the rest of the world as equals in the 21st cenChairman SS Khaplang at NSCN (K) Council Headquartury and for ever more,” ters in Taka during a goodwill mission undertaken by Sumi the press statement read. Hoho from February 15 to 23, 2017. (File Photo) Nagas have lost a great patriot: Rio Lok Sabha MP and former Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio termed the passing away of Khaplang as the end of an era. “Nagas have lost a great patriot, a legendary personality and one of our tallest leaders. He was a person who made every possible sacrifice for the cause of his people and stood up for his people till his last breath,” Rio in his condolence message stated. And as Nagas mourn his demise, the Lok Sabha MP gave a clarion call for Nagas to “rededicate our self towards the cause of unity and work unitedly for achievement of real and genuine peace for our people.”
Nagas have lost a bold leader, says Zeliang Meanwhile, Chairman DAN & Advisor Finance, TR Zeliang expressed regret that Nagas have lost a bold leader before he could fully realize the mission and cherished dreams of the Nagas. Zeliang said during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Nagaland, he had made several efforts to reach out, to request Khaplang to come back into a Ceasefire Agreement with the GOI. “I was deeply touched and impressed when he sent back words of appreciation on sending the Naga Hoho, ENPO, NMA and Church leaders on their second trip to Myanmar with the same mission for Peace,” the DAN chairman recalled.
Indian govt will rehabilitate NSCN (K) if they give up violence: Kiren Rijiju GUWAHATI, JUNE 10 (PTI): A day after the death of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) chairman S.S. Khaplang, the centre on Saturday said all Indian citizens in the Naga rebel group will be rehabilitated if they abjure violence. “We appeal that all the Indian Nagas in NSCN-K should surrender and return to the mainstream. We will rehabilitate them. Anybody who gives up violence, we will rehabilitate them. We are giving rehabilitation package from the Indian government,” said union minister Kiren Rijiju. “Anybody who abjures violence and respects Indian Constitution is wel-
come,” said Rijiju. The rebels should take advantage of the rehabilitation package and return, he added. Rijiju, however, said India cannot talk about Myanmarese citizens, who are part of NSCN-K. The minister said Khaplang was the “the heart and soul” of NSCN-K and without him, the organisation will be in a disarray. “The objective of the organisation will never be fulfilled now. So they (rebels) should come back for the sake of the society,” the minister of state for home affairs added. Khaplang died on Friday night following a cardiac arrest at Takka in Kachin state of Myanmar
at the age of 77. The minister said that Khaplang was a Myanmar citizen and he had strong influence in Myanmar. “So some of the Indian insurgent groups were taking shelter under the influence of S.S. Khaplang. So his death is a setback for all dependent organisations,” he added. Rijiju said the Indian government had withdrawn from a ceasefire with NSCN-K after banning it in 2015 through a special notification. “We are facing lots of difficulties due to NSCN-K in areas like Nagaland, east of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and some impact in Assam as well. It’s an illegal organisation,” he said.
Air India making profits in NE; plans Guwahati-Bangkok flight GUWAHATI, JUNE 10 (PTI): Air India's operations in north- east are profitable with a market share of 17% and it is now looking to expand presence in the region, including a direct Guwahati-Bangkok flight, a top official said today. "Some of our routes are not very profitable in north-east and has less occupancy. But we get a viability gap funding from the NEC. So, overall our operations are profitable in NE," Air India Chairman and MD Ashwani Lohani told reporters here.
The company received a funding of Rs 35 crore from the North Eastern Council (NEC) during 2016-17 to operate flights to loss making routes in the region, he added. Lohani said the state-run carrier operates 24 flights daily to and fro north-east and is currently enjoying a market share of 17 per cent in the region against the panIndia share of 13-14%. Talking about addition of new flights, the CMD said Air India is considering to operate a direct flight either between Guwahati and
Bangkok or between Guwahati and Kunming thrice a week. The airline is planning to start a new flight between New Delhi and Guwahati from June 28, taking the number of flights on this route to two, he said further. From September 1, there will be a flight service betweenGuwahati-DibrugarhPasighat and a new route either between Mumbai and Guwahati or between HyderabadandGuwahati.AirIndia will also introduce a DelhiDibrugarh flight in November this year, he said.
Dedicated his life to steer Nagas’ destiny: NPCC The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee President K Therie in his condolence note stated that Late Khaplang dedicated his entire life to steer the “Nagas towards the destiny of the noble goal and remained steadfast in the endeavour without wavering all his life.” “His passing away at this crucial juncture of our history has created a huge vacuum which cannot be filled particularly as he had expressed willingness for dialogue, at a time when all sections of society are yearning for peace,” it said. His contribution to the noble cause will be remembered in the annals of Naga history and his legacy inherited for generations to come, it added.
as new Chairman: news report KoHImA, JUNE 10 (IANS): Veteran Naga leader Khango Konyak will take over as the new chief of Myanmar-based National Socialist Council of NagalandKhaplang (NSCN-K) following the demise of S.S. Khaplang, a source close to the outfit said on Saturday. However, no official announcement has been made from the NSCN-K yet on the appointment of a new chairman.
Konyak, who held the rank of Lieutenant General in the Naga Army -- the armed wing of the NSCN-K, was elected as Vice Chairman of NSCN-K in May 2011. He had undergone guerrilla warfare training in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and in China. Apart from military services, Konyak had held the post of Chairman, Konyak Region, and president of the Tuensang-Mon Regional Union.
NSCN (K) Chairman eulogised by NPGs & NE groups DImAPUr, JUNE 10 (mExN): Several nationalist political groups today paid rich tributes to the NSCN (K) Chairman SS Khaplang who passed away in Taka on June 9. The NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah extended his deep condolence to the bereaved family members of late SS Khaplang. “The NSCN invokes the blessings from the Almighty to give comfort and sustenance to the saddened and pained hearts of the bereaved family and grant eternal rest to the departed soul of the leader,” Muivah said in a condolence message. Based on the declaration made by its former Chairman late Isak Chishi Swu on forgiveness and reconciliation, Muivah said all “political mistakes” were forgiven in “the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Gen. (Retd) Thinoselie M. Keyho, President, NNC and Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge, FGN in a joint press statement had this to say of their old comrade Khaplang, “You had not only run your race well but inspired many of us to run and keep running. Though God has called you home to be with Him before you could see the end purpose of our common struggle and that this reality pains us greatly, those of us who are still alive will continue to run the course for the sake of our upcoming
generations in keeping with our pledge to our people.” Y. Wangtin Naga, President NSCN/ GPRN (Reformation) said the demise of Khaplang is a great loss for all the Nagas. “He was a great leader and big star among many stars,” Wangtin said in a press note. Recalling his first meeting with late Khaplang in October 1998, Wangtin said the former whom he considers as his ‘Baba’ convinced him to join Naga National Movement. The Chairman “love the Nagas more than his own body” and which he has proved during his long union with him, Wangtin further stated. Deeply regretting his demise, the NSCN (R) President shared “all the distresses and grieves with demise family and all the Nagas and Pray to God that, His Holy mercy may keep departed soul in heaven.” ULFA (I) chairman Dr Abhizeet Asom in a condolence message said the Naga nation has lost a true and uncompromising nationalist without equals who “brought affinity” and a united stand” in the region. “This grandee of the indigenous citizens of WeSEA (Western South East Asia) will be greatly missed in the vales and hills of the compact.” The National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) in a condolence message issued by its president D Yamrok stated that Khaplang will always be remembered as a great revolutionary leader.
IT raids on former Nagaland cop Steps to be determined by the ‘merit of the case’ Morung Express News Dimapur | June 10
As the Income Tax raids on assets owned by a former Nagaland Police officer make headlines, information remained vague as regards the raids reported to have been carried out in Nagaland. A number of raids were also carried out by IT officials in Dimapur and Kohima. One of the raids occurred as early as June 6 with official sources in Kohima stating it took place at a house in the Chandmari locality. The sources said that IT officials conducted search at the house said to be a private residence of MKR Pillai, a retired officer of the Nagaland Police. The house was reportedly without any occupant at the time, the sources said, while adding that the IT officials “sealed two almiras” as the raid concluded. Similar raids were reported to have taken place in the subsequent days at undisclosed locations in Dimapur. IT officials could not be contacted on Saturday to corroborate the reports. With regard to the relation of the Nagaland Police to the man at the epicentre of the IT raids, the Nagaland Police chief main-
IT sleuths to file report on raids
KocHI, JUNE 10 (IANS): IT sleuths are to file a report on the alleged huge unaccounted wealth of former Additional SP of Nagaland MKR Pillai, uncovered in raids across several locations in the country, an official said. A top IT official told IANS that the raids started on Thursday at 30 centres across the country, including Nagaland. "Some places where the raids took place have been sealed. Once the probe is completed we will file an enquiry report," said the top official who did not wish to be identified. Pillai, who hails from Pandalam in central Travancore, started his career as a constable in Nagaland police in the 70s and retired as Additional SP. Since then he has been working as a consultant with tained the association is confined to “consultancy” services. DGP LL Doungel, when contacted on Saturday stated that Pillai’s present association with the Nagaland Police is in the capacity of a consultant. “He is not in the payroll as an employee of the Nagaland Police. We are employing him as a consultant on issues relating to (Police) Modernisation,” said Doungel. In the aftermath of the allegations, when asked on the steps the Nagaland Police would take, Doungel said, it will depend on the “merit of the case.” Pillai, Doungel added, is currently on leave and is expected to return next week to Nagaland. A DNA report citing the
the same employer. A President's Police Medal winner, Nair during his stint in Nagaland had very close links with prominent people. He came under the IT scanner postdemonetisation. In a calculated and pre-determined move the IT sleuths swooped down on Thursday on 30 centres in the country in four states, where he has interests. According to speculation, Pillai's assets which are linked to a leading business group in Kerala is in excess of Rs 1,000 crore. "Our officials met up with Pillai during the raid here. It's too early for us to give any quantification of the seizure," added the IT official. Pillai is expected to return to Nagaland shortly.
Intelligence and Criminal Investigation wings of the IT, Kochi, Kerala that investigation brought to light unaccounted wealth worth Rs 400 crore from a business group owned by Pillai. Other reports have speculated that the amount could be much higher. These reports however could not be independently confirmed. The DNA further cited investigations to probe the possible involvement of politicians and bureaucrats in Nagaland, and whether there was diversion of government funds.
to the IT officials stationed in Nagaland and the State Vigilance Commission (SVC). According to the ACAUT, the IT in Nagaland while it assists the IT sleuths probing the case “should also act own their own in unearthing more such shady financial dealings.” It further demanded that the SVC should investigate Pillai’s “stint in service as consultant” to the Nagaland Police. Stating that corruption in Nagaland has gone to such an extent that “revelations of corruption no longer seem to incite anger on ACAUT demands the people’s part or shame thorough investigation on the part of the doer,” the The ACAUT meanwhile ACAUT called for greater stated that the case should participation of the public stand as a “wakeup call” to reverse this trend.