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FriDAY • june 24 • 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 172 • 12 PAGes • 5
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ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
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T R u T H
In all our deeds, the proper value and respect for time determines success or failure — Malcolm X Brexit or no, Europe’s “realists” to contain “utopians” PAGE 09
SBM Situational Analysis and Impact Assessment underway
BCCI names Kumble as India’s head cricket coach
PAGE 02
PAGe 12
Nagaland’s stalled SARDP-NE 181 helpline for women project: PM asked to intervene Morung Express News
Governor assures memo will reach PM
Dimapur | June 23
A conglomeration of 5 tribe bodies of Nagaland has appealed to the Prime Minister of India for resuming work on the stalled 329 km SARDP-NE (Special Accelerated Road Development Programme – North-East) project in Nagaland. The over Rs. 1000 crore 2-lane road project covers 4 sections: Mon-TamluMerangkong, LonglengChangtongya, Phek-Pfutsero and Chakabama-Zunheboto and was sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) in early 2011. Subsequently, earthcutting work had started only to come to an abrupt halt in June 2012 for undisclosed reasons. The half-done work has left the stated sections of roads in deplorable conditions; turning into sludge tracks during the monsoon and dust bowls during the dry season. While the project touches six districts, overall, the roads in question act as vital links within the state. Considering the significance of the roads, 5 tribe bodies, namely: Phom People’s Council, Sumi Hoho, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Ao Senden and Konyak
Presidents of the Phom People’s Council, Sumi Hoho, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Ao Senden and Konyak Union handing over the memorandum to the Governor, PB Acharya in Dimapur on June 23.
Union through a joint memorandum has sought the Prime Minister’s attention for resumption and early completion of the project. The memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Nagaland on June 23 in Dimapur to be forwarded to the Prime Minister. As per the memorandum, the work halted and could not be resumed pending non-approval of “Revised Estimate” by the MoRTH submitted by the company – M/S MaytasGayatri (Joint Venture). While stating that numerous public representations to the authorities to revive the project have not had the desired impact, the memorandum said that “the affected par-
Kandi range village councils condemn assault DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): The Kandi Range Village Councils, namely, Kandinu, Ehunnu, Yikhanu, Sishunu, Kandinu Station, and Tsonsa have condemned the alleged “manhandling” of Johny G. Rengma, National BJP Vice-President (ST Morcha) on June 19 at his residence at Kandinu Station, “by purported NSCN (IM) cadres.” A joint statement from the village councils of the aforementioned villages condemned the “humiliation meted out to one of our tall leaders who has not only been acknowledged at the national level but respected as well.” It informed that two miscreants “claiming to be cadres of the NSCN (IM), man-handled a bonafide Kandi citizen without any reason…” The statement asked that the NSCN (IM) authorities “give an appropriate clarification.” “After being caught by the youths, the miscreants confessed that they were sent to Johny’s residence by a certain NSCN (IM) functionary and therefore, the Kandi Range would like to publicly question the NSCN (IM) as to what action the organisation would take,” the statement demanded. “Since the miscreants have already been arrested by the police, the concerned authorities should also book the culprits under NSA as they were found to be in possession of arms,” it urged.
ties” filed a Public Interest Litigation in court. “That after a gap of more than 2 years (which was learnt to be the grace period given to the authorities to approve and sanction the Revised Estimate of the Project) the Honourable Court had appointed an Independent Commissioner with direction to submit a detail report to the court after site inspection.” Consequent to the submission of the inspection report sometime in 2015, the PIL was disposed by the court through an order dated October 13, 2015; while directing “the respondents to do the needful within a month’s time,” it stated. Despite this, the memorandum maintained that
there has been no visible reaction till date to resume the work. While stating that hardship of the people should not be ignored, the memorandum said: “Revised Estimate with higher Schedule of Rates had been approved by the Ministry” in other NE states. Terming it as a “clear case of discrimination”, the memorandum nevertheless expressed hope that this time appeal of the people will be acknowledged. Further stating that “the undersigned will be compelled to take our own course of action” if the matter is not attended with urgency, it added, “and in such eventuality the Government shall be held solely responsible.”
NEDA seeks larger fund allocation
DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): Leaders of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) have pointed out to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi that annual fund allocation to the North East has been stagnant at Rs 800 crore and appealed to him to institutionalise budgetary provisions so that 10% of the funds of the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) is mandatorily deposited with the Ministry of DoNER. A press note from the Nagaland CMO informed that this appeal was made in a memorandum jointly signed by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang; Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, Arunachal Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul, Assam Minister and Convenor of NEDA, Himanta Biswa Sarma; Meghalaya MP Lok Sabha and President of NPP, Conrad Sangma; Ex Chief Minister of Mizoram and President of MNF ZoramThanga; Assam Minister and AGP President Atul Bora; Working President of UDP and former Meghalaya
Minister Paul Lygndoh, among others. “What we require today is greater empowerment of the Ministry of DoNER and the NEC to serve as effective vehicle for transferring resources and capacities to the Northeastern States,” stated the memorandum. It requested that annual fund allocation to the NEC be “substantially enhanced and mechanisms be created and systems put into place.” In the recent past, it noted that the quantum of funds allocated to the Northeast under the NLCPR has been declining. At a time when the fund allocation to the Ministry of DoNER and the NEC should have increased with corresponding rise in cost index, it is ironic that it has stagnated, to the extent that it currently has only an annual allocation of about 800 crores, it said. Lamenting that this has greatly impacted the growth of the states, the NEDA asked the PM for his personal intervention in this issue.
Monsoon brings joy to Naga farmers
A Naga woman working in a paddy field at Kigwema village under Kohima district. (Photo by Chizoko Vero)
Our Correspondent Kohima | June 23
After years of enduring lack of rains, farmers in Nagaland this year are in a jubilant mood as adequate
rainfall has allowed them to have a successful paddy transplantation season. “The farmers are attending their paddy fields normally with the availability of sufficient water
for cultivation,” this time, said Phek Farmers’ Club (PFC) Chief Coordinator, Thuputhiyi Venuh. This has enabled farmers in the state, who practice terrace cultivation, to carry
out paddy cultivation in the appropriate time, thereby increasing the chances of a fruitful harvest. The best season for paddy cultivation start from last week of May till second week of July. Unlike in the past, Venuh said most of the farmers have been able to get their work done early this year. The entire process of cultivation is likely to be completed by this month (June) end. Over the past few years, the farmers were compelled to undertake paddy cultivation even up to the first week of August due to scant rainfall. This had also affected the yield in a negative way during the past years. Moreover Venuh said there has been no report of major landslides or flashfloods that affected the paddy fields in Phek area out of heavy rainfall.
The Governor, PB Acharya responding to the signatories of the memorandum stated that it will be forwarded to the Prime Minister immediately. Expressing his concern over the points mentioned in the memorandum, the Governor wondered as to what could have possibly compelled the company to halt the work midway and why the approval of the reported “Revised Estimate” is being delayed. “Either it is a fraud company or we gave them trouble,” the Governor remarked when no plausible explanation was forthcoming. Raising concern on the corruption prevalent, he held that the people should voice out to curb any form of malpractice detrimental to public good. According to him, development funds from the Centre are “flowing in freely” only with little or no visible result on the ground. The signatories later queried as to what is dogging the SARDP-NE project replied, “We’re not concerned with what might be the internal problem. All we want is the completion (of the project).”
DIMAPUR, JUNE 23 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland and Assam, PB Acharya today launched a women helpline - 181 in the premises of the District Hospital Dimapur and also inaugurated Sakhi- One stop Centre, indented to support women affected by violence. ‘Sakhi-One Stop Centre’ is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) to be funded through Nirbhaya Fund. The objectives of the One Stop Centers are to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces under one roof and to facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counseling support to fight against any form of violence against women. In the first phase, one centre is being established in every State/UT on a pilot basis and the OSC will be integrated with 181 (Women Helpline) and other existing helplines. The women helpline will also provide 24 hour emergency response to all women affected by violence, through referral (linking with appropriate authorities such as Police, OSC or hospital) and information about women related government schemes and programmes across the country through a single uniform number -181. In Nagaland, the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) has been appointed as nodal agency to implement the OSC and 181. Addressing the gathering, Acharya reminded that society is witnessing women who are marching ahead in every field. He also highlighted on the multi roles played by women as home makers, guardians of children
and the hard work put in by them in every field. “Yet despite all these, sometimes women are taken for granted and not looked at as human beings due to greed for money and entertainment and we should change this mindset with all seriousness”, the Governor said. He observed that domestic violence is committed by one’s own nearest and dearest people. Terming women as the living force behind the human species, Acharya reminded the gathering that women are our own mothers, our sisters and our daughters. He was optimistic that problems of distressed women would be addressed through this project and also appealed to all stake holders for extending cooperation, so that violence against women would decline. Nagaland Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, said Nagaland is committed to the welfare and safety of women and children. “Violence against women is being reported from all other districts and I look forward to having more One Stop Centers in Nagaland, which will be integrated with the 181 Women Helpline”, the Minister said. Peseyie also remarked that the Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Gandhi, “has made a landmark change in the Ministry and her constant support for all kinds of development for our state.” Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Dellirose M Sakhrie, in her keynote address also highlighted on the objectives of the dual scheme for women. Chairperson, Nagaland State Commission for Women, Dr. Temsula Ao and DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, also spoke on the occasion.