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wednesdAY • june 22 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 170 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
T R u T H
The God who existed before any religion counts on you to make the oneness of the human family known and celebrated
Bale’s Wales delight after topping group
Reverend Lano Longchar laid to rest
US Senate rejects gun-control measures PAGe 09
— Desmond Tutu
PAGe 02
PAGe 12
Millions stretch, bend on nagaland congress in state international Day of Yoga Toisfightlaunched 2018
CHANDIGARH, JuNe 21 (ReuTeRs): Millions across India on Tuesday celebrated the International Day of Yoga, the country’s signature cultural export, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining 30,000 participants in a mass session of exercise and meditation. Modi pushed for the annual event to be celebrated worldwide soon after winning power in 2014, lending his political weight to an industry that has grown up around the ancient physical and spiritual discipline and is estimated to be worth $80 billion. The 65-year-old premier, who is reputed to rise at dawn to do yoga exercises before starting work, joined school children, residents and government employees in Chandigarh for an early-morning mass yoga session. “With zero budget, yoga provides health assurance and it does not discriminate between rich and poor,” Modi said in his speech before the session. He also called for a focus on mitigating diabetes through yoga. The number of adults with diabetes has quadrupled worldwide in less than four decades to 422 million, and the condition is fast becoming a major problem in poorer countries, a World Health Organization study showed in April. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and spiritual gurus Sri Sri Ravishankar and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev all supported the yoga initiative, with several events. Modi’s ministers joined in at sessions across India, with several of them posting tweets and pictures. “Extremely happy to be amongst you all to participate and practice yoga,” tweeted Urban Development and Housing Minister Venkaiah Naidu. Hundreds of thousands gathered at spots across New Delhi to join in the government-organised mass yoga sessions in parks and on Rajpath. Last year, the Indian capital set a world record for the largest yoga demonstration at a single site. “I like the idea of yoga becoming the norm in our homes. Seems like fun, and with phenomenal consequences,” Tarot card reader Ruchira Mittal tweeted on social media.
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
We’re cut off due to fresh landslides? Oh hoh ooh, that means he is stuck in our village indefinitely.
Pfustero town needs a new 5MVA capacity transformer
DIMAPuR, JuNe 21 (MexN): Two weeks since the break down of the 2.5MVA transformer at Pfutsero town, the Pfutsero Town Youth Forum (PTYF) has questioned the Department of Power over its sluggish response towards addressing the problem. A press statement from PTYF, while highlighting the undue hardship and suffering faced by Pfutsero citizens, has demanded that a new transformer with higher capacity (5MVA) should be installed at Pfutsero sub-division. The Forum also stated that it will not to accept the repaired 2.5MVA transformer. It also demanded a concrete assurance from the concern department in written format on or before June 25, 2016.
general elections
Morung Express News Dimapur | June 21
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) performs yoga during World Yoga Day in Chandigarh, June 21. (REUTERS)
Yoga is a science: Nagaland Governor Our Correspondent Kohima | June 21
Over 1300 people today joined the Nagaland state level function of 2nd International Day of Yoga here at Indira Gandhi Stadium in the presence of Nagaland’s governor P.B. Acharya to spread the message and importance of Yoga. Acharya was accompanied by MPs Prahlad Singh Patel, Ram Narain Dudi, Mahindra Singh, Dr Yashwant Singh, Ram Narain Dudi along with Dr. Neikesalie Kire, Minister of Forest Environment and Climate Change, Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary Youth Resources & Sports, Er. Levi Rengma, Parliamentary Secretary Works & Housing, A.K shah, Director Lokh Sabha Secretariat, R. Benchilo Thong, Addl. Chief Secretary and a host of top government officials of the state. Later, interacting with media persons, Acharya stated that Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, which helps in balancing of mind; body through an action while at the same time also assists in changing one’s life style and creating consciousness. He also added that Yoga has nothing
to do with religion and maintain that it is a science and an exercise to keep our body fit. Governor P.B. Acharya and Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang in a joint message handed out to the media today stated that adopting Yoga as a way of life creates foundation for a healthy life. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative for observing the International Day of Yoga, it has become immensely popular in the international arena. “The entire global fraternity has now developed a keen interest in discovering the scientific essence of Yoga and adopting it for a healthy life,” the message read. Stating that steps have been taken in the state of Nagaland too for celebrating the day along with the rest of the country at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, the message stated “My government will take all endeavors to carry the message of Yoga in every parts of the state.” Senior citizens and students from different schools and colleges joined the programme. Organized by Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports Nagaland in collaboration with National Cadet
Corps (NCC) Kohima, National Service Scheme (NSS) Nagaland Bharat Scouts & Guides (NBS&G) Kohima, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Kohima and Patanjali Yog Samity (PYS), the Yoga exercise started from 7am till 8am. A brief report on the 2nd International Day of Yoga in Nagaland from Zonal Director, NYKS Nagaland Zone informed that there was a total of 2321 participants in the eleven districts of Nagaland. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland unit also observed International Day of Yoga at Brahma Kumaris Centre, Kohima. State BJP president Visasolie Lhoungu exhorted the people to adopt Yoga as a way of life for healthy living. He also stated that Yoga has become immensely popular in the international arena, which is also the pride of India. Amongst the leaders, Eduzu, general secretary BJP Nagaland, Vizopal Chaya DAC convenor, Vineizo Tsiirho ST Morcha president, Thomas Magh president Minority Morcha and a host of party workers attended the programme, according to Vidilhoulie Theiinuo, president BJP Kohima district.
With the objective of providing a suitable political platform to aspiring leadership and public participation towards preserving, protecting and promoting, in letter and in spirit, the inbuilt identity, autonomy and welfare of Nagaland State, a new political party under the nomenclature, Nagaland Congress was launched in Dimapur at Hotel Saramati on Tuesday. Unlike the word, ‘Congress’ which is generally perceived as Indian National Congress, the Nagaland Congress is a regional party with “national in outlook and regional in content.” Nagaland Congress was formed by like-minded senior politicians including ex-Ministers and ex-Parliamentary Secretaries most of whom were formerly members of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee. The newly launched party with a Naga Morung symbol in the centre of its flag is headed by Nillo Rengma as President, Z. Lohe as Treasurer, three vice presidents including Dako Phom, Prasielie Pienyu and Khuosatho and four general secretaries namely S. Supongmeren Jamir (Admn), Vaprumu Demo (Media & Spokesman), G.K. Rengma (Finance) and Dr. Roland Lotha (Protocol & Frontals). Delivering keynote address, NC President, Nillo Rengma said that the party aimed to reform Nagaland, safeguard the rights of Nagas, to make it free from corruption and clean the elec-
Officer bearers of Nagaland Congress after its launching in Dimapur on Tuesday. (Morung Photo)
toral roll. He asserted that the NC would support the Church to make clean election a reality in the state. Further, Nillo said that the NC would fully support the Indo-Naga peace process for early settlement which should be acceptable to all sections of the people. “NC will respect the sentiment of every section of community and extend solidarity as and when needed,” he added. Nillo also said that the party would strive for unification of all Naga inhabited areas under a single administrative unit, to protect the rights and privileges of minorities living in Nagaland and to promote and safeguard the tradition and rich cultural heritage of Nagas. He informed that the party would contest the 2018 state general elections. Launching the new party, ex-Speaker, NLA, Z. Lohe said that the need of the hour for Nagaland was “change.” “The change can be brought about at the sincere and dedicated initiative of few humble leaders. But a change cannot become complete at the initiative of those leaders alone till positive responses come from the people,” he said. Lohe maintained that Nagaland was in a “total mess” today since it is being managed in the manner of running a private firm. Short speeches were
delivered by Dako Phom ex-Parliamentary Secretary, Prasielie Pienyu ex-candidate, G.K. Rengma ex-member Dimapur Town Committee and Dr. Roland Lotha ex-chairman NHHDC. During the programme, Chairman, NC Constitution Drafting Committee, Joshua Sumi read out the constitution which was adopted and approved by the house. The headquater of Nagaland Congress will be in Dimapur.
Resignations
NPCC members, Joshua Sumi, Dako Phom and Dr. Roland Lotha has resigned from the Indian National Congress citing “arbitrary functioning” of NPCC president and “forcing the expulsion of 8 senior Congress leaders in November 2015.” AICC member Joshua Sumi in his resignation letter to AICC President said, “the AICC and the oneman show of the NPCC under Therie has failed to read the pulse of the party men and women and has set the party on the road to further degradation.” While Dako Phom and Dr. Roland Lotha in their resignation letter to NPCC President said they, “have lost all confidence in your leadership of the party since you are more concerned with vindictiveness and scant regard for others’ opinion.”
NSCN (IM) Leacy charged Kohima gears up for 2nd round Smart City Mission with the rape of a minor
DIMAPuR, JuNe 21 (MexN): In a be- on his involvement in the crime. The final lated report received here, one NSCN punishment would be awarded as per the (IM) cadre is learnt to have been arrested gravity of his crime, the NSCN (IM) stated. The Chakhesang National Workers Foon June 15 for alleged rape of a minor from rum (CNWF) in a press note condemned Kitsubozou colony, Kohima. and denounced the The accused, idenNSCN (IM) suspends despicable act of rape tified as Khüchopra Veswü, reportedly a ‘Leacy,’ sets up inquiry on a minor by one of its member and as‘Leacy’ of Chakhesang committee and says sured full cooperation Region, NSCN (IM) had allegedly carried out the final punishment would to “award more severe be awarded as per the punishment than the despicable act on the universally binding law 13-year-old minor for gravity of his crime for rape” to the accused. over a year. Kohima Police confirmed of the arrest made and said the accused presently CKH, CYOK condemns Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Hoho kept under judicial custody. PRO, Kohima Police Atu Zumvu said the accused con- Kohima (CHK) and Chakhesang Youth fessed to his crime before the Court and a Organization Kohima (CYOK) has concriminal case under IPC has already been demned the ghastly act of rape on a 13 year old minor by one Khüchopra Veswü filed against him at North Police Station. for over a year. Apologise to victim, family A joint statement from the two organizations on Tuesday said the culprit who member and community Admitting the report, the NSCN (IM) claimed to be an NSCN (IM) cadre carried through its MIP on Tuesday apologised to out the insane act by intimidation and the victim, family member and the com- threat to life of the minor. Further, the accused even threatened munity for the appalling act committed by to take the life of the minor and her family one of its member. “Such heinous crime against hapless members in the near future after his serving minor cannot be tolerated of a nation his sentence, the two organizations alleged. In this connection, the two organizaworker who owes allegiance to the national principle,” the MIP note stated. It also tions while condemning the shameful and prayed for the normal recovery of the vic- inhumane act have appealed concerned tim from the trauma of the tragic incident. authorities to take severest action as per Furthermore, Secretary to NSCN (IM) the law. It also expressed appreciation to the bearing the directive of the Kilonser, Kilo Affairs suspended Khüchopra Veswü Kitsubozou Women Organization (KWO) and all concerned individuals and authorfrom active service. An inquiry committee has been set ities for taking sincere initiatives and arup with immediate effect to investigate resting the culprit.
Partial view of Kohima, capital of Nagaland
Our Correspondent Kohima | June 21
Having missed to figure in the 23 fast track smart cities, Kohima is now gearing up to compete for another second round of the competition. Kohima scored 51 points (3 points short to get qualify in the last fast- track competition). The state government will submit the revised/ upgraded proposals to the Ministry by June 30 this year. To carry forward the process of the 2nd round competition, views and opinions were taken at state level consultative meeting held here today in the presence of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, Administra-
tive Heads of Departments (AHODs) and Heads of Departments (HODs). Addressing the meeting, Minister for Social Welfare & Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie said it was the duty of the entire citizen to give effort and contribute their best to translate the dream for Kohima Smart City project into a reality. He said that the remaining ten fast track cities including Kohima, which could not qualify, would now be participating in the main round 2 of the competition and have to submit their revised/upgraded proposals by June 30. Further, Peseyie appealed for the participation of every citizen and all the departments to extend
their cooperation and support to the government so that the aims and objectives of the Smart City project can be fully achieved. Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, Economics & Stastics, R. Tohanba said the consultative meeting was called to gather views before submission of the upgraded proposal to the Ministry. He said the Municipal Affairs Department with Kohima Municipal Council, consultants from Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd and stakeholders are doing its best to get Kohima qualified in the smart city list. Municipal Affairs Secretary Dr. Maongwati Aier said three international agencies namely World Bank, Asian Development
Bank and London School of Economics have actively been involved and supervising the ongoing Mission on regular basis. Stating that the Project would be implemented on Public-Private Partnership (PPP), he said some firms have already shown interest in this. The State Government departments will also play its role on convergence programme. State consultant on Kohima Smart City Mission made a power point presentation on upgraded Kohima Smart City proposal, which is to be submitted to the ministry for round two of the competition. Kohima, the capital of Nagaland has a unique topographic setting. The city is characterized by rugged hilly terrain, improved quality of life, surrounded by lush green forest, enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate, and possesses rich historic and cultural heritage which serves as an excellent base for developing the city as one of the tourism destinations of India. However, the vulnerability of Kohima to Natural Disasters is very high. It lies in the seismic zone 5, which makes the city prone to earthquakes and frequent landslides due to heavy rainfall.