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monDAY • june 20 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 168 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
T R u T H
Religion is not a department of life; it is something that enters into the whole of it — Alan Watts After protest, residents get assurance from railway authorities to clear drain
European history hovers close to reverse gear PAGe 09
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
PAGe 02
Morung Express news
The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion
Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Do you support the Nagaland Tribal Council’s appeal not to extend the Disturbed Areas Act beyond June 30, 2016 in Nagaland?
Yes
no
others
Is public denial and our unwillingness to accept ground reality the greatest hindrance in fighting child labour? Why? Yes
65%
no
20%
others
15%
Details on page 7
85 year old man dies after being hit by train Morung Express news Dimapur | June 19
In a tragic incident, an 85 year old man died after being hit by a train in Dimapur on Sunday. According to a report, the deceased was making his way across the rail crossing below the New Flyover when the accident occurred. It was around 12:25 pm. The deceased, identified as Shovixe Chophy (85 years), a resident of Niu colony, Burman Camp, was returning home after attending Father’s Day church service.
Nagaland to observe Int’l Yoga Day on June 21 DIMAPUR, JUNE 19 (MExN): Nagaland State along with the rest of the India and the world will observe International Day of Yoga on June 21. This was informed in a press note from the Nagaland State Governor’s Secretariat stating that the day will “spread the message and importance of Yoga.” The State Level function organised by the Government of Nagaland will be held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima from 7:00am to 8:00am. Governor of Nagaland & Assam, PB Acharya is scheduled to attend and grace the function.
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PAGe 12
time to transcend differences and strengthen naga common aspiration
ANSAM Memorial Park inaugurated to observe Martyr’s Remembrance Day They all want me to be this and that, by the time they’re done deciding my future, all college admissions will be closed.
Rosberg wins inaugural European GP
Chandel | June 19
Naga Hoho President, Chuba Ozukum, today stated that, “It is time to go beyond our affiliations and think in the lines of the Naga Struggle to achieve the dreams of our Naga people.” He was speaking during the observance of martyr’s Remembrance Day and the inaugural of the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) Memorial Park at Kapaam Village in Chandel District Manipur. The martyr’s who were remembered during the day were Shelley Chara (1958-1995), Ashun R. Jangvei (1961-1998), Ng. Sani (1920-1998), Namthiurei Abonmei (1966-2005), Gemcliff Zimik (19722007), Neli Chakho (19902010), Dikho Loshou (19902010), Ramkashing Vashi (1988-2014), and Mayopam Ramror (1979-2014) Ozukum laid a wreath in remembrance of the martyrs and also inaugurated the park – situated on a picturesque hillock donated by Kapaam Village. Terming the memorial park as “a symbol of a new Naga land”, Ozukum
stated that the park stands as “a symbol of witness and resilience” of the Naga people. He expressed hope that the park will one day be a testament that the Nagas will overcome all hurdles. Urging a commitment to love and peace, he said: “Let this be a period of meditation to honour the past, recognise the present and define our tomorrow.” Seth Shatsang, President, ANSAM, reflecting on ANSAM’s journey stated that the association since inception has been working relentlessly along with other organisations in the struggle to live as one people under one administrative roof. Initially, ANSAM started off being concerned with only students’ affairs but in time, ANSAM’s challenges changed and responsibilities became bigger, he informed. Pointing out that the Naga struggle is still not over, Shatsang maintained that colonial policies to takeover Naga land still exist. Saluting the martyrs, he stated that their struggle for the historical and political rights of the Naga people continues. “May their spirit
Epitaph: The voice you raised, The ground you defiantly stood upon, proudly calling your own, For a life of dignity and honour for us all. For the ultimate sacrifice, from which the living draw strength, To the valiant heroes and the unnamed known unto God, Our highest tribute of gratitude.
Families of the 9 martyrs with officials of ANSAM and other civil societies.
continue to guide us in our struggle in the days to come that we may carry forward our movement,” he concluded. Subenthung Kithan, President, Naga Students’ Federation, in his solidarity message, paid rich tribute to the martyrs. To the family, he said, “your son, your husband, your father, has made the Nagas proud.” Stating that Nagas are sharply divided today, he called upon the younger generation urging them to join together and work together. “The time has come for us to make the pieces into piece.” Reego Shonshei, Presi-
dent, Eastern Naga Students’ Association (Burma), in a solidarity message pointed to the political divide between Nagas and said, “By blood, by right, I am here as a Naga.” Asserting that there are external forces wanting to divide the Nagas, he urged: “Let us remind ourselves that we are one family and we will not be divided.” Phenpiga Himbu, President, Rengma Naga Students’ Union, Karbi Anglong, also paid respect to the martyrs. “Death by forceful means lays a strong foundation for people’s struggle,” he noted and extended solidarity to the
cause of the Naga struggle. UNC Vice President also delivered a solidarity message. LM Tabitha, President, Naga Women Union, in her solidarity message stated that “the spirit of conviction shown by the martyrs will continue to inspire us.”It is a moment for us to renew our commitment in our struggle as a people. We reaffirm our commitment and dedication and pledge to work with more courage and dedication, she stated. Neingolo Krome, Secretary General, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, noted that Naga people have been living in
a lot of losses and failures. He cited refusal of the past Naga leaders to join the British Colonial Crown; the 9 points agreement – which the Government of India subsequently betrayed; the 16 point agreement – which divided Nagas into Nagas of Nagaland and others; the Shillong Accord; and Ceasefire with the NSCN. Today, many factions have come up, he rued. He also pointed out that in the last 19 years of ceasefire, more Naga people have been killed by their own than by the Indian army. “But we have also seen some positive developments,” he said highlighting that in the said period, “India has accepted Nagas as a different entity”. Mentioning Article 371A, he stated that it was “taboo” to talk about it in the past. “Today, people are saying 371 is the best solution,” he observed. Maintaining that we have to complement each other if we really want to fulfill our dreams, he stated, “Naga people must build mutual
respect.” “The negotiator must respect the Naga people and not use them to run errands.” In return, he said, “The Naga people must respect the negotiator and not criticize.” Towards this he said, “Other groups must also join.” Further expressing hope that Nagas do not address each other as “Nagas of Myanmar”, “Nagas of Nagaland” etc. in the future, he said: “Hope there is only one Nagas of Nagaland.” Rev. L Simon Raomai, Pastor, Manipur Baptist Convention Centre Church, Imphal, in his message credited Christianity for bringing Nagas together. “The Gospel opened the eyes of the Nagas and made aware the rights of the Nagas. Today we are here as one people,” he stated. Further stating that Nagas are a “chosen people” he stated that God has been leading the Naga nation. “Let us retrospect how we have been living for God as a people under the banner of ‘Nagaland for Christ’”.
UNTABA asks Nagaland govt to ‘stop unlawful undertaking Let law take its course: NPF Peren on CM education row
DIMAPUR, JUNE 19 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association of Border Areas (UNTABA) today expressed concern at information that the Government of Nagaland has “directed the Land Revenue & Survey Department, District Administration and village authorities to undertake survey on the now infamous ‘Notification of 25/11/1925’.” A press note from the UNTABA noted that the mentioned notification “has not been men-
tioned in either ‘Naga Hills - Tuensang Area Act’ of 1957 nor in the ‘State of Nagaland Act’ of 1962 and therefore this notification can never be the basis for inter-state boundary demarcation, the sole reason for litigation process pending for almost 30 years now in the Supreme Court.” It reminded that the Government of Assam, in its Civil Suit No. 2 of 1988 filed in the Supreme Court against: i) the Ministry of Home Affairs, ii) the Election
Commission of India; and, iii) the State of Nagaland, had been insisting and pleading on 1925 Notification to be the basis of inter-state boundary demarcation. “During the process, the Government of Assam unilaterally prepared ‘16 Toposheets’ and ‘22 Toposheets’ so as to justify their claim of 1925 Notification to be the basis of demarcation. However, the Supreme Court had so far denied such unilateral claim in the litigation process undergo-
ing presently,” it added. The UNTABA questioned “how can the authorities in the Government of Nagaland undertake such erroneous step which are completely detrimental to the historical facts of Naga people over its land and territories? Who will bear such enormous responsibilities?” It asked the concerned authorities to “desist and stop this unlawful undertaking forthwith in the greater interest of the Naga people’s history.”
Judicial inquiry commission for Wuzu firing incident holds meeting at Meluri Morung Express news Meluri | June 19
The Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC) for the July 16, 2015 Wuzu incident met with Pochury frontal organisations at Meluri Town on June 18. At the meeting, the JIC, headed by Veprasa Nyekha, retired District and Sessions Judge as the Chairman and K. Nabem as Secretary briefed the concerned parties and villagers regarding filing of written statements before the Commission and other norms of inquiry proceedings. Two children, Aso (13) and Tüzali (14) were killed and a woman, Esther Jorror was injured in the firing at Wuzu allegedly by the Assam Rifles. A team of AR personnel was enroute Meluri town, transporting the bodies of two NSCN-K cadres, who were killed in an operation at Avangkhu, when the firing and the killing the two minors occurred. Subsequently, the JIC was set up by the Nagaland State Government on November 22, 2015 to investigate into the incident. Present at the press conference were the Village Chairmen of Wuzu, Phor and New Phor, Pochury Mothers’ Association, Pochury Students’ Union, Pochury Youth Organisation. Injured victim Esther Jorror as well the parents of the two deceased minors
Members of the Judicial inquiry Commission (JiC) for the July 16, 2015 Wuzu incident interacting with Pochury frontal organisations at Meluri Town on June 18.
were also present. The JIC chairman, Veprasa Nyekha at the meeting stated that the intention was to enquire the truth of the Wuzu incident and to deliver justice to the victims. “We are here for Aso and Tüzali,” said Nyekha, who urged the villagers and eye witnesses present to reveal the truth and to file and testify whatever they have seen in affidavits, which will be sent to the District court. The affidavits that will be filed will further undergo cross examination. This will be followed by court summoning of the eye witnesses and parties that have filed the written statements. The reports then will go to the Defence Ministry and Home Ministry, it was stated.
While briefing the gathering, Nyekha also stressed on the imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland, which is nearing almost 60 years, and the impunity it gives to the armed forces, which has led to the killing of many innocent lives. “There was no judicial inquiry back in the 70s, neither were there journalists. But now judiciary is developing and so is journalism,” stated Nyekha, who encouraged the gathering to have hope in the judiciary. Penthü Pochury, Pochury Hoho president updated the Commission on the Wuzu firing incident. He alleged that the Assam Rifles were responsible for the incident, while stating that “the government officials came and examined.” “They know and
they have seen all the marks and evidences,” he added. The government provided one lakh as ex gratia to each of the deceased family and Rs. 25,000 to the injured; however Penthü pointed out that money was not enough to cover the loss of life. The gathering also expressed their disappointment over the “false reports” allegedly given by the Assam Rifles over the Wuzu incident. Joyson Pfithu, President, Pochury Students’ Union held that the incident could have been avoided had the administration played its role properly. Reports following the incident pointed to the administration failing to play its part. According to the reports, there were no police personnel accompanying the Assam Rifles, who were transporting the bodies of the slain cadres. Pfithu also expressed disappointment over the delay in inquiry, which has reached the seventh month. “In this period of seven months, details can get lost,” remarked Pfithu, who requested the Commission to take the matter seriously and deliver justice to the victims. ADC Meluri while appealing to all concerned for cooperation for ensuring justice, urged the eye witnesses in particular to file and record their accounts in affidavit.
DIMAPUR, JUNE 19 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) Peren Unit today hit out at the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) for the latter’s recent statement regarding the Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang’s education issue. A press note from the President of the NPF Peren, Haigam Kauring said: “We are at a loss as to how the Chief Minister has belittled the people of Peren.” “Or does the Working President of the Congress party, a non-entity here in the district who might not even know where the district is, think that we the constituents and people of the district of Peren are so naïve as to think the rare opportunity of having our representative as the Chief Minister of the State is belittling?” it asked. “As far as we are concerned, we the people of Peren District do not need a highly qualified person such as an IAS, and IPS, and Engineer or a Doctor to represent us. We select our own and of our own choice, and we have found that a simple person like TR Zeliang is best suited to represent us since he, like most of us, is from a humble background and knows the problems we common people face and the solutions we need,” the NPF Peren Unit said. Affirming the unit’s support towards the leadership of TR Zeliang in the years to come, it stated that it is up to the Congress party of Peren District to “search for a leader who is highly qualified in the arts, sciences, medicines or engineering.” “We are happy with the leadership of TR Zeliang. And we are fed up with the educa-
tional qualification issue. After all, what has qualifications got to do with service to the people? What is qualification in politics? Does anyone need to qualify to enter politics? Is politics anything like NPSC or UPSC where one needs certain degrees to qualify participation? We the grassroots level party workers do not bother about our leader’s qualification; we are contented that his leadership qualities have been recognised at the State level when he was made the Chief Minister, and at the international level when he was given a prestigious International Award at Bali, Indonesia,” it further stated. The NPF Peren Unit reminded that while TR Zeliang was filing his nomination papers in 2013, and at the time of scrutiny, the Congress “were given all the papers and asked if they have any objection or have clarification to make.” “However, they declared before the Returning Officer that they have no objection. But after facing defeat in the polls, and after three years have lapsed, how is it that the allegation and objection is being raised now on the nomination papers of the Chief Minister?” it questioned. “Let the law take its course. Why so impatient? And why this trial by media?” it questioned. The NPF Peren Unit further claimed that “we do have some people from the district who are professionals in filing RTIs and filing petitions in the courts for material returns.” “...these individuals have not done any good to the district or the people,” it said, while however stating that “they are at a liberty to go file cases and make fools of themselves.”