June 3rd, 2016

Page 1

C M Y K

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 151 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • june 03 • 2016

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another 24 held guilty, 36 freed in Gulberg massacre; Zakia calls it ‘half justice’ PAGe 08

By Sandemo Ngullie

PAGe 11

With regard to the news item that appeared on June 2 edition of The Morung Express under the headline ‘NUTA Lumami protests harassment & assault’, it is clarified that the NUTA-L submitted two representations and met the Nagaland University authorities five times and not as mentioned. The inadvertent error is regretted.

PAGE 12

BJP, Independent MLAs give TR Zeliang a boost

Kohima | June 2

Corrigendum

Lionel Messi testifies in tax fraud trial

A fearless fighter; celebrating the beautiful life of Lamtsala H Sangtam

Chizokho Vero

DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has decided to begin its second phase agitation, demanding an SDEO Office at Longkhim Town. The USSC had been undertaking its first phase agitation but with no positive response from the Nagaland State Government. A press note from the USSC informed that the second phase agitation would begin on Monday. The second phase agitation will include shutting down of all government offices and establishments, and restriction on movement of government vehicles within the entire Sangtam jurisdiction in Kiphire and Lonkhim sub divisions. The USSC has appealed for cooperation from the public. During the period of agitation, the USSC informed that security forces, administration, educational institutions, medical personnel, paramilitary and emergency services will be exempted from the purview of the bandh.

— Jonathan Swift

‘The songs has ended but the melody lingers’

NDA’s 2 years progress card made known to Nagaland

USSC to begin 2nd phase agitation

T R u T H

‘Government needs to go to the people’

reflections

Ah ah. Not yet. We will officially inform you when to reconcile.

o F

As part of the month-long ‘Vikas Parv’ programme, which was launched to celebrate the completion of two years of BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, Union minister for law & justice D.V. Sadananda Gowda; Union minister of state for Panchayati Raj, Nihalchand Meghwal and National BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabudhe today highlighted the various activities and achievements of NDA government led by Narendra Modi. Among the many initiatives highlighted, include the impact of Make in India, Skill India, Stand up India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat etc. In a function held here at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Union Minister for Law & Justice D.V. Sadananda Gowda said it is the responsibility of a conscientious government to go to the people and interact with them, get feedback and address to whatever has been left out. In this, he also urged the people to give suggestions so that government will take care of it. Gowda also revealed that there will be a transparent financial transaction in the country by adopting various measures. He said that safety and security of women is one

Chief minister T.R. Zeliang with Union Ministers and Nagaland legislators during the 2nd anniversary of NDA government programme in Kohima on June 2. (Morung Photo)

of the main concern of NDA government,beside employment for youth, farmers welfare etc. Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Nihalchand Meghwal called upon Nagaland state to avail the benefits of various Central schemes announced by the Prime Minister. He also appealed to the State government to constitute two or three tier gram Panchayat to directly get benefits from the Centre and improve the lives of rural masses. Appreciating the State government for sincerely implementing MGNREGA, he informed that the centre has already sanctioned Rs 100 crore MGNREGA fund for Nagaland. National BJP Vice President Vinay Sahasrabudhe said that during the last two years, as far as the government at the centre is concerned, the media were not able to use the word of “scam or corruption” even for once, which he claimed is a world record. Terming NDA government as one spotless ad-

ministration, Sahasrabudhe said not a single minister was under the allegation of any scam, or scandal or corruption. He said there is transparency, accountability and good governance under NDA government. Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang in his address thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA government for their very bold and positive approach towards the Naga political issue. “Many prime ministers have come and gone since India’s Independence, and many of them have spoken their good intentions about resolving the Naga issue through peaceful means. But no Prime Minister has taken such a bold step and positive step like Narendra Modi,” he said. Zeliang said the Framework Agreement of 3rd August 2015 is a clear example of his straightforward and bold approach toward resolution of the Naga political issue. He also thanked all the ministers and other leaders of the NDA government at the Centre, for always giv-

Agitation affects govt schools across Nagaland Morung Express News Kohima | June 2

The ongoing agitation of the All Nagaland School Teacher’s Association (ANSTA) and the Nagaland Secondary School’s Field Officer Forum (NSSFOF) across the state has affected the functioning of government schools in Nagaland. At Merhülietsa Middle School Kohima, only 9 teachers out of the 19 teachers are managing the school. “It is very difficult,” said a teacher at the school, affirming that some classes are left on their own. The school which has Class A

to 8 has about 300 students which has to be managed by the nine teachers. The agitation has affected school functioning in all parts of the state. “We are trying to manage the best that we can but it is difficult,” complained a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Noklak. The school which has a total strength of 27 teachers managing class 7 to Class 12, have 15 teachers on agitation leaving the rest of the 12 teachers to run the school. The teacher said that the 12 teachers who are all Higher Secondary teachers now have to teach the high school students.

ANSTA and NSSFOF agitation to continue

all,” it cautioned. The NSF informed that as per the NESO meeting, the memorandum to be submitted to the Prime Minister is a reminder of the memo submitted to the previous UPA government under Dr Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister. “The concern of the NSF is on the continuous influx of illegal immigrants from India’s neighbouring countries,” it said. The NSF, it asserted has been fighting and shall continue to fight against any kind of act or bill passed against the interest of the Nagas, “irrespective of the artificial/arbitrary boundaries.” “Therefore, alleging and dragging the name of the NSF by some elements in the infamous 3 anti-tribal bills passed by the Government of Manipur is unfortunate,” it added.

party have nothing to do with us.” However, the Independent MLAs informed that they have resolved to “appeal to the variant groups within the NPF to sink their differences, if any, so that the party is not weakened in any manner, which would naturally strengthen the NPF-led DAN government headed by Zeliang.” While maintaining that it is the choice and prerogative of any Independent MLA to choose whom to support or go against, it however stated that they (the six Independent MLAs) on their own volition extend full support to Zeliang. They espoused confidence that the present leadership is determined to bring all-round development in the state against all odds; and definitely in a position to provide a stable Government to the people. The Independent MLAs also resolved to continue to extend full support to the on-going political talks between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) and the Framework Agreement, and as decided by the Parliamentary Working Committee. In the same vein, the BJP Legislature Party, NLA reiterated full support to the DAN government headed by TR Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland; and resolved to ren-

der their best to strengthen the pre-poll alliance partnership of DAN, which was formed in 2003, “so that the DAN partners can return to power in the State after 2018.” The BJP legislatures- P Paiwang Konyak; Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikonalso resolved to appeal the NPF leadership to extend support to the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) floated recently by the national BJP president, Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Guwahati. It also resolved to put on record their deep and sincere appreciation to the NPF party leadership for going all out in support of the BJP party in the recently held elections in Assam thereby, ensuring the resounding victory of BJP party in the neighbouring State. The BJP legislatures further congratulated Sardananda Sonowal for becoming the first BJP Chief Minister of Assam. “We are hopeful that the NDA and like-minded parties in the North East Region can make its presence felt in other neighbouring States in the near future so as to bring the region at par with the rest of the country in matters of development and better and improved lifestyle to the people of the region,” the press statement maintained.

on a bed of rocks: Longsa villagers finds daily livelihood

Meanwhile, the NSSFOF and the ANSTA have decided to continue their indefinite cease work agitation. A joint statement from the two organizations informed their members that the “total indefinite cease work will continue as it is till the genuine demand is achieved.” The organizations reminded their members across the state to observe it till further information is being conveyed by the central executives and the core committee. They further asked members “not to attend the duty by remaining at home in the station.” (LEFT) Labourers working in a stone quarry along NH-69 Wokha Road in Longsa Village. (RIGHT) The two huge

NSF refutes allegations of NGBF asks Lotha orgs to support for ‘anti-tribal bills’ withdraw PIL on oil issue DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today refuted allegations that the federation had expressed support to three bills recently passed by the Manipur government, which have been termed as “anti-tribal.” The NSF said this in a press note issued to clarify on allegations that the federation had expressed support to the bills during the North East Student’s Organisation (NESO) meeting held in Guwahati on May 17. “The allegation is baseless as the NESO meeting never discussed on the three bills and the federation in no way supports the bills which are anti-tribal. Certain organisation or individuals trying to distort the facts and twist the story according to their vested agenda will not be tolerated at

ing them the time to hear problems concerning Nagaland whenever they approach them, and for their sincere efforts to develop Nagaland and the North East Region. Naga People’s Front (NPF) President and DAN Chairman Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu said that for some time, Nagaland was the only state in the whole of Northeast which remained as an alliance partner of NDA. However, changes have been taking place now like in Arunachal and Assam, he said. “Next we will see the fall of Congress under Mr. Ibobi in Manipur at the beginning of the Year,” he said. In Nagaland, Dr. Shurhozelie said NPF will remain regional in character with national outlook, adding “We will continue to play the role of the big brother with sincerity.” The function was chaired by Nagaland state BJP president, Visasolie Lhoungu while welcome address was delivered by Rajya Sabha MP, K.G. Kenye.

DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): In a show that there is no fissures within the NPF led DAN government, legislatures of the Independent and BJP from the current Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has reiterated their support to the leadership of incumbent Chief Minister TR Zeliang. Two separate press statement reiterating allegiance to TR Zeliang from the two NPF partners as per their resolve adopted in meetings held on Thursday was received by the media from the Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). “We, the Independent MLAs of the current NLA, resolve to reiterate our unwavering support to the leadership TR Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland,” a press statement from the legislatures of the Independent party said. There are six Independent MLAs under the NPF led DAN government, namely Er Levi Rengma; Er Picto, N. Jacob Zhimomi, Amenba Yaden, YM Yollow and S Chuba Longkumer. The press statement also maintained that being Independent MLAs, they are “not bound by any political party’s constitution and shall not comment on the suspension or showcause notices served to members of the NPF since the happenings or developments in any political

DIMAPUR, JUNE 2 (MExN): The Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) undertook a “goodwill mission” to Wokha and held meeting with the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Wokha GB Association, Lotha Students’ Union, Lotha Youth Hoho, ACUAT, Team Metamorphosis, Wokha chamber of commerce and senior citizen. During the meeting, the house discussed the issue of oil extraction imbroglio with the Nagaland State Government, which is now sub-judice in the Court. Shikuto Zalipu, General Secretary, read out the appeal letter of the NGBF requesting to withdraw the PIL filed against the State by Lotha Hoho “for the interest of all the Nagas.” The NGBF suggested settling the issue amicably under Naga Customary Law. “The Article 371 (A) of Indian constitution empowered us to take decisions even on our Land and its resources. But taking our grievances to the Court and ignoring our rich Customary Law might bring adverse consequences in near future which may affects the entire Nagas,” said a press note from the NGBF. It therefore appealed to the Lotha Hoho to look into the matter with concern, and “for the greater interest of Nagas, withdraw the case and NGBF also offer intervention while negotiating with any concerned parties for impartial judgments.”

natural rock formations that served as an entrance or gate to Longsa Village. Villagers built stone steps leading to the church. (Morung Photos)

Ashikho Pfuzhe Wokha | June 2

Since ‘time immemorial’, Longsa village in Wokha district has been sleeping on a bed of rocks. Now villagers are hewing these rocks to make their houses, as well as making a living out of these stones from the dozen quarries dotting the village. “We have constructed our own house from the earnings from the quarry and also using the stones to build the house”, said Oponsalie Lotha, who along with her husband runs a stone quarry along National Highway-69 just before reaching Wokha town. One of the biggest and oldest Lotha villages, Longsa in Lotha dialect literally means ‘long’ – rock/stone and ‘sa’-embed. The village stone industry is not only a source of income to the villagers but is also a source of employment to scores of workers and masons, mostly from Eastern Nagaland. “Each quarry employs around a work force of 30 to 40, mostly locals

and from Eastern Nagaland. A quarry worker gets Rs. 500 as daily wage. But if they undertake the work on ‘theka’ (contract basis), then their daily earning goes up to Rs. 700-1,000”, said another owner of a stone quarry. On any working day, the quarries are abuzz with activities with a sizable number of women work-force from Longsa and neighbouring villages seen transporting and feeding stones to stone crushing machines and contributing in keeping the family fire burning. “After hewing the rocks, the stones are cut into different sizes like ‘radha’ (size boulder), which costs Rs. 15 per piece, ‘joita’ (middle boulder) costing Rs. 100 per bucket, and chips”, the owner said. “We are subsisting on rocks but due to abundance of rocks, there is scarcity of water in our village. On the other hand adjacent Wokha town and Wokha village have plenty of water and my friends there are thriving on flower and seed nurseries”, said Oponsalie with a smile. Of late, activities in some quarries along NH-69 have slowed down as a couple of 33 KV towers above the

road and supplying power from Doyang Hydro Electric Project to Kohima and Imphal are on shaky ground due to quarrying works below. Various Lotha apex organizations have appealed for shifting of the towers taking into consideration the economic importance of these quarries. “Last year the Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho and Lotha Sudents’ Union had a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Wokha to highlight this problem. The DC assured to take up the matter with the authorities concerned as hundreds of people are dependent on these quarries for their food and shelter”, said Bankathung Lotha, husband of Oponsalie. There are plenty of folklores on rocks surrounding the village. Interestingly, two huge natural rock formations resting on a hillock served as an entrance or gate to the village. Bankathung said in earlier head hunting days, Longa warriors sharpened the ‘daos’ (machetes) on these rocks, which also serve as a vintage point to spot enemies. Now the village church stands serene on the hillock.


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