March 12th, 2016

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SaturDaY • March 12 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 69 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime North Korean leader Kim orders more nuclear tests PAGE 09

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

1861 cough syrup bottles Government of seized; woman arrested reconciliation?

C M Y K

Three frontal organizations including the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC) and the Akehda Sangtamlaru Thsingmujang (AST) today held a silent protest march against the Nagaland State Government for failure to fulfill their charter of demand submitted on March 8 regarding the February 6 killing of a couple between Kiphire from Shamator. Dr Tinojungshi Chang ADC Kiphire who addressed the gathering in the DC office complex said the Nagaland government has constituted an SIT team and the case is being looked into by them. He added that since the area of incident is in Tuensang, the Kiphire district administration does not have full hand in the matter. He, however, assured that the administration would pressure the government to take necessary action. While appealing for peace in the district, the Kiphire ADC assured that the message of the three organizations would be communicated to the government. He further sought support and cooperation from the public to the government. Earlier, Justin Kahtomong, Executive Secretary of the USSC expressed concern that even after a month since the incident, the Nagaland government has failed to take any concrete action. He questioned the government’s seriousness on the issue. Kahtomong further noted that while the CM was able to visit Shamator for inauguration of the town council, he failed to show concern when the killing occured on February 6.

NAYPYITAW, MArch 11 (reuTers): Myanmar’s military nominated a former junta stalwart who remains on a U.S. sanctions list as its choice for vice president on Friday, pointing to battles ahead for National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her handpicked president. Myanmar’s first democratically elected government for more than 50 years faces a formidable challenge delivering the reform and economic growth demanded by the electorate while working alongside a military that retains much political power. The lower house of parliament voted on Friday to confirm Htin Kyaw, a close friend and confidant of Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, as its presidential candidate. That brought the top office a step closer for the man expected to rule as her proxy. Across town in the capital of Naypyitaw, military MPs met behind closed doors and nominated retired general Myint Swe as their candidate. He was head of the feared military intelligence under former junta leader Than Shwe. When Than Shwe ordered a crackdown on anti-junta protests led by Buddhist monks in 2007, known as the Saffron Revolution, Myint Swe was the head of special operations in Yangon. “We held a meeting to decide the vice presidential candidate. There was no one who disagreed on the proposal,” one of the 166 military lawmakers, who under the constitution hold a quarter of seats in parliament, told Reuters. Suu Kyi has said she planned to form a government of reconciliation to help bridge the deep divisions in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, after nearly 50 years of

military rule. “We will hold on the national reconciliation policy no matter what the military decides,” said NLD spokesperson Zaw Myint Maung. “We will try to work with the military for national reconciliation.” RIFT WITH MILITARY But a rift between Suu Kyi and the military widened in the run-up to the presidential nominations. Sources in her camp say she became frustrated with military intransigence on issues ranging from amending the constitution that bars her from the presidency to minor formalities such as the location of the handover of power. The military has declined to comment on negotiations with the NLD. Some in Suu Kyi’s party said the choice of Myint Swe went against the spirit of reconciliation. “Aung San Suu Kyi tried really hard to negotiate with them for national reconciliation,” said one senior NLD official. “They don’t trust us. It’s their final shot to protect themselves and their interests.” While Than Shwe disappeared from public life after handing over power to a semi-civilian government in 2011, Myint Swe’s nomination will fuel the suspicions of many in Myanmar that the former junta leader still holds considerable sway. “Myint Swe is very close to former senior military officials, especially former supremo Than Shwe,” said political analyst Yan Myo Thein. “His nomination may mean Than Shwe is still influencing behind the scenes.” Myint Swe is listed on the U.S. Treasury Department list of sanctioned individuals due to his role in the former military government.

Myanmar military chooses hardliner to work with Suu Kyi’s proxy president

Kohima | March 11

Kiphire | March 11

T20 WCup: Rajnath assures security to Pakistan team PaGE 12

Our Correspondent

Our Correspondent

T R u T H

PAGE 02

I want women to join political system: Therie

Silent protest march in Kiphire

o F

— Aristotle

RHPPT lays foundation stone for children home in Tizit

Worried about your speech? You can repeat what you said at the women’s day function. No one, not even the officers will notice.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) K Therie on Thursday said he wanted to see women join the political system. “We are for 33% women reservation. The issue now is that the driver must know how to drive. Therefore, we will train and issue learner driving license and then license to drive,” Therie said in his address at the International Women’s Day organized by Nagaland Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee here at Congress Bhavan on Thursday. “We want women to come out above 33%. They should not be less than 50%...not only in Assembly but in all levels of the political structure and platforms that determine and make decisions for the people. The day women decide to vote together and do it will be the day that menfolk will be more careful,” he said.

P o W e R

The seized cough syrup in the custody of the Excise (Narcotic Cell), Dimapur on March 11.

Morung Express News Dimapur | March 11

One woman was arrested after Excise (Narcotic Cell) personnel confiscated a huge cache of codeine-based cough syrup at the Khuzama inter-state check-post on March 10. According to Deputy Commissioner, Excise (Nar-

cotic Cell), the illicit consignment containing 1861 bottles was seized from an Imphal-bound truck (NL 07 A 4819). It was concealed among cement bags. Interrogation of the truck driver, one Beribal (29 years), led to the arrest of a woman, who had dispatched the contraband from Lahorijan. The wom-

an, identified as Rahama Tulabi (27 years), was arrested soon after. She was later charged under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. A Lahorijan resident and originally hailing from Senapati, the woman revealed to the Narcotic Cell that the cough syrup was sourced from Guwahati to be disposed in Imphal. She

had reportedly paid Rs. one lakh for the consignment. As per her statement, this was her second trip after a successful first outing in February during which she smuggled around a thousand bottles into Imphal. The street value of the seized consignment in Imphal was approximated to be Rs. 2 lakhs.

Only NFP candidate files Mtlt question ‘lackadaisical Nagaland CM meets paper for RS in Nagaland attitude’ of Mokokchung Dc Prime Minister Modi

MokokchuNg, MArch 11 (MexN): The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) today expressed concern at the “lackadaisical attitude” of the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Sushil Kumar Patel over the Mid Day Meal (MDM) rice issue in Mokokchung town. The MTLT had on March 9 revealed that consignments of rice under the MDM Scheme in Mokokchung schools were found containing worms. A press note from the MTLT informed that the Mokokchung DC is also the chairman of the District Mission Authority (DMA), and “as such the proper implementation of the different schemes under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and other centrally sponsored educational schemes should be his outmost concern.” However, it alleged that the DC has been taking the issue “very lightly since it was brought to light on March 9, 2016.” The MTLT expressed disappointment that while it was hoping for positive action from the Education Department and the District Administration on the issue, the DC instead issued an order stating that searches by individuals or groups are illegal and “the persons aggrieved (private or Government officials) by such searches may seek legal remedy under sec 441 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Criminal Trespass) against the perpetrators of such illegal action”. “Though the Deputy Commissioner has not named the MTLT directly, but issuing an order right after the ‘visitation’ to the schools by the MTLT, is evident for all to surmise that the order was directed against the MTLT,” it reasoned. The MTLT clarified that the “visitation” was undertaken after “precise information was received from school employees who informed about the uneatable rice and also from students who complained that they were not getting midday meal.” It claimed that the “visitation” was done on a “goodwill basis in the greater interest of the stu-

MTLT cannot be harassed: ACAUT

DIMAPur, MArch 11 (MexN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has also questioned the Mokokchung DC on the way he has dealt with the MDM rice issue and the earlier PDS Rice scam in the district. A press note from the ACAUT Nagaland questioned the DC’s order and asked “whether there are two sets of law, one to protect the rich and the affluent and another to harass progressive minded organisations and individuals who are solely concerned for the good of society.” “Had the DC been quick then to cite CrPC, 1973, as he’s doing now to intimidate MTLT, the Storekeeper, F&CS would have been promptly arrested and suspended by now,” the ACAUT stated, with reference to the earlier PDS Rice scam in the district. It said that the DC “should have recommended the immediate suspension of the Store Keeper, F&CS department, instead of setting up an Inquiry Committee which the common folks understand as ‘allowing the guilty to go scot free.’” The DC, ACAUT alleged “managed to wash off his hands from the whole sordid affair as well as protect the real masterminds when it was within his power to take appropriate action.” It further alleged that “no sincere effort was made by the Mokokchung police to arrest the accused.” “Quoting Section 441, IPC, 1896, whereby the DC suggested that aggrieved government officials could seek legal remedy against MTLT, is a classic case of Defence Mechanism where one takes an aggressive stand to instil fear and discourage dissent, in this case, their non-justifiable positions. On one hand the government’s political rhetoric is asking people to be vigilant against corruptions but in practice it is just the opposite,” the ACAUT stated. It asserted that the MTLT “cannot be threatened and harassed for doing what the DC himself should be doing,” and expressed support to the MTLT. dents and the educational institutions.” The MTLT further questioned “whether there has been any complaint from any quarter regarding the “visitation” from the school authorities; whether there was any ‘criminal trespass’ and whether anyone has lodged an FIR against the MTLT in this regard.” It stated that the DC’s order has “deeply hurt the sentiments of the public and also disregarded the positive role being played by the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem.” “Trying to invoke Sec 441 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Criminal Trespass) amounts to imply that the MTLT undertook a criminally unwarranted and forceful ‘search’, which is totally untrue. The public is well aware of the visitation, and the MTLT has every right to visit any school

or public institution,” it said. The MTLT alleged that the DC’s order is “nothing but just a ploy to hide his incompetence in tackling the issue at hand.” It demanded that if the Deputy Commissioner “cannot tackle the issue or stand up for the young children or the society at large, then he should apply for transfer or the state government should relieve him of his responsibilities as the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner.” Meanwhile, the MTLT also expressed concern about the “thousands of students studying in the different government, primary and middle schools who are deprived of their midday meal at their schools.” So, far there seems to be no clear-cut action on the part of the Education Department to ensure that the children avail their midday meal in their schools,” it stated.

NeW DelhI, MArch 11 (MexN): Nagaland State Chief Minister TR Zeliang today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the DAN coalition’s choice for the lone Rajya Sabha seat which fell vacant due to demise of MP Khekiho Zhimomi last year. Election to fill up the vacancy has been scheduled for March 21 and the DAN coalition partners have chosen veteran regionalist and Secretary General of the Naga People’s Front KG Kenye. A press note from the Chief Minister’s Office today stated that the BJP had “agreed in principle to go with the NPF and the Independent MLAs’ choice.” “The NPF is an ally of the NDA at the centre and we shall look forward to work together in the years to come for the betterment of the State and the nation,” the

Chief Minister assured the PM. The Nagaland CM was accompanied by Nagaland State Home Minister, Y Patton. The CMO stated that the Prime Minister has “welcomed the selection and expressed his wishes to work together with the Nagas for the upliftment of the State and the region as a whole.” Later in the day, the Chief Minister joined the Prime Minister at the World Culture Festival as Guest of Honour where the PM was the Chief Guest. The Festival is being organised by the Art of Living foundation to commemorate its 35th Year in the “service to humanity, and has been dubbed as a unique platform for spiritual and religious leaders, politicians, peace makers and artists to spread the message of global peace and harmony in diversity.”

kohIMA, MArch 11 (PTI): Ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) nominee K G Kenye is the only candidate who filed nomination for the lone Rajya Sabha seat in the state as the filing of documents ended today. “K G Kenye is the only candidate who filed nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat in Nagaland,” an official of State Assembly Secretariat said. With eight Congress legislators joining the ruling NPF in November last year, the 60 member Assembly has 48 NPF, 4 BJP and 8 Independent MLAs. While BJP as an ally of the NPF-led DAN government has extended support to the NPF nominee for the lone seat, eight Independent MLAs are also with NPF. As per the election notification, scrutiny of nomination paper will be done tomorrow, while the last date of withdrawal is March 14. Election if necessary will be conducted on March 21.

ANCSU keeps agitation in abeyance Nagaland State Government assures action within a week Our Correspondent Kohima | March 11

The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCU) today decided to keep its ongoing agitation in abeyance after getting an assurance from the Nagaland State Government that it would initiate action to address their concerns within a week. Responding to ANCSU representation dated March 9 regarding irregularity in the functioning of the Technical Education Department, Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar in a letter addressed to ANCSU stated “The state government will initiate action within a week towards addressing the three issues raised by ANCSU.” Speaking to The Morung Express, ANCSU President Zhoku

A banner put up by ANCSU as part of its protest against alleged irregularities in the Technical Education Department. The ANCSU, after receiving assurance from the government, has decided to keep its agitation in abeyance for a week.

Thuluo said the union decided to keep its agitation in abeyance and give a week’s time for the government to fulfil the union’s demands. He said that the third phase of the ANCSU agitation against “loopholes and irregularity in the Technical Education Department” had demanded that the department office be “vacated till their demands are delivered.”

It started at around 9:00am today in the form of picketing the office of the Directorate of Technical Education. Among the many posters put up by ANCSU along the road side included “Enough is enough, keep the promise,” “You are killing our dreams,” “We deserve to getjustjustice,” “Why is the government playing with the career of students?”


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March 12th, 2016 by The Morung Express - Issuu