C M Y K
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 73 • 12 PAGes • 5
www.morungexpress.com
FriDAY • MArch 17 • 2017
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
T R u T H
Great knowledge is universal. Small knowledge is limited. Great words are inspiring; small words are chatter Captain Amarinder Singh sworn in as Punjab CM PAGE 08
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
SHGs to have single database with unique identity
— Zhuangzi
Third Test: Smith, Maxwell lead Australian charge
PAGE 02
PAGE 12
facing apathy, Hindi teachers continue protest Morung Express News
to go early and catch the bus (which moves by 4:30 am) on time because if you miss it, you will have to wait the entire day to book the night bus,” narrates Vingusanuo. From Loakkun, the first destination is to reach Kanubari bazaar where travelers have to hitch ride in private vehicles to go to Tizit. After boarding the sole Tizit bus to Dimapur, the mother then had to catch a taxi to Kohima. “From Dimapur, I caught a taxi till Kohima town and then I had to hire another taxi to go to Porterlane at by parent’s house. I reached home only at 6.30 in the evening. With so much difficulty I came here,” exclaims the aggrieved teacher. The stress that Vingusanuo goes through is beyond financial. With an enrollment of more than 140 students in the Lower Primary School Loakkun, she is the sole Hindi Teacher in the school. Even during pregnancy and after delivery, she had to go to school despite being on leave. “Exams were approaching and I was worried for the students so I had to go to school despite being on leave. There was no one to take my place. We did all this without any salary.” When asked how she is surviving without salary for nine months, Vingusanuo says that she is dependent on others for her survival. Expressing her disappointment over the failure of the government to provide their salaries, Vingusanuo laments, “The government pretends as if they haven’t seen our misery, even though they can clearly see it.”
Kohima | March 16
A different year it may be, but the same protests continue in Nagaland. The anger of the protestors is slowly fading to exhaustion. Yet, the struggle has not waned. The salary issue for teachers has been going on since 2013, says Sherinlo Keppen, from Dimapur who mentions that the CSS Hindi teachers never received regular salary since then. Last year in November a meeting held with the officials of Department of School Education came to an Not overcharging me? agreement that all the pending salaLook, ‘truth knows all your lies’, ok. So careful, auro ries will be paid within 2016, however CSS Hindi teachers protesting outside Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Thursday. (Morung Photo) the teachers are running on the tenth daam thek thek kopi. chased away by the house owners. We teachers. The reason being that two will be fully responsible for the Act.” month now without salaries. “To maintain our dignity, we re- have to borrow money with an interest months’ salary will not be enough to sorted to non-violent agitation where of 10 percent. We have been threatened pay the credit that the teachers have A teacher’s ordeal Eldest among Vingusanuo is a Hindi teacher at wore black badges to work in the of being jailed. We cannot bear it any- taken for nine months besides the inJain community we Lower Primary School Loakkun, Mon. first phase. But it hurts our sentiments more. We are also human beings. But terest that has piled up. “What can we do with two months’ Travelling for almost 14 hours all the that none of the leaders, the officials our misery is not being understood by in Nagaland and Ministers have come to talk with us the people in power,” laments Keppen. salary?” questions Elika, adding that way from Mon, changing five vehicles, passes away Leaving her two month old baby unless the department fulfills their de- Vingusanuo made it to the capital on or enquire about our conditions,” says DIMAPUR, MARCH Keppen, stating that the officials con- in Dimapur, Elika, CSS Hindi Teacher mands to pay their nine months’ salary, borrowed money. Carrying her four month old child, Vingusanuo is pro16 (MExN): Notable so- tinued to give excuses mostly passing Convenor, has joined the protest. Elika the agitation will continue. explains that although all the Hindi Another demand is the absorption of testing outside the Secretariat Complex the blame on the Central Government. cial worker and the oldSome of the excuses given, accord- teachers are suffering the same misery, the CSS Hindi Teachers in the State plan. in Kohima on March 14. est person among the The CSS Hindi Teachers and ANHWhat could have been a six hour Janin community in Na- ing to Keppen, were: ‘The MHRD of- the worst hardships are faced by teachgaland, Phuli Devi Sethi ficials keep changing’, ‘Since the Plan- ers in far flung areas. “We are feeling TU have decided to go on an indefinite journey was extended to 14 hours bepassed away in Dimapur ning Commission was changed to Niti tired of sharing our grievances to the agitation at the Nagaland Civil Secre- cause of the lack of transportation in tariat Kohima. In a statement written to Loakkun. today. She was 95. Wife Ayog with the emergence of Modi Gov- officials,” she states. On March 14, the Chief Secretary the Principal Secretary of School Edu“I borrowed money to come to Koof late late Nemichand ernment, the system has been changed had tried to negotiate with the teach- cation, it stated, “If something happens hima for the protest. We don’t get taxis Sethi and belonging to which is one major problem’. “We have families, we have bills to ers to agree on two months’ salary but to teachers during the agitation from in our area. There is only one day bus in Mahabir Rice Mill family, she leaves behind 4 sons pay, we need food. Some of us have been this was flatly refused by the agitating the government’s side, the government Tizit that goes to Dimapur so you have and a daughter, 18 grandchildren and 26 greatgrandchildren. Born at Minda, Rajasthan, she got married in her teens to Late Nemichand Sethi IMPHAl, MARCH 16 (IANS): MLAs to take stock of the situation DIMAPUR, MARCH 16 (MExN): MP the NE after Guwahati, which caters to up- metres, Rio questioned as to why the parin the forties whose famarising out of the economic block- to the Lok Sabha from Nagaland State, per Assam, Army and Para-military Forces ticular line was shelved. Regarding the ily had already settled in The United Naga Council (UNC) Dimapur, Nagaland. The has rejected Manipur’s new Chief ade imposed from November 1 Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday spoke at the and also the State of Manipur. For which, Amguri, Naginimora, Furkating and Baghfamily established the Minister N. Biren Singh’s appeal against the government move to Parliament and stressed on the need to de- he emphasized that Dimapur Railway Sta- ty Valley, Rio stated that the work should be velop the rail networks in the North East re- tion be made into a smart station and pro- taken up on priority. first industry in Naga- to end the economic blockade of create two new districts. The then Congress govern- gion, and in particular Nagaland state. land, Mahabir Pd. Many the state. vided with all the facilities and amenities. Further on the Look East Policy and Act During his election campaign, ment hit back by forming seven enterprises have been In regard to the new line between Di- East Policy, Rio reminded that the originalRio stated that the railway fund alloestablished by the fam- Prime Minister Narendra Modi had districts. cation to the NE has been encouraging mapur to Tizit, Rio stated that the line goes ly proposed and planned Trans Asian Rail TheblockadebyNagasofthetwo since it has been enhanced to around Rs. through the foothills, which is fertile and Network should not be abandoned. The acily in last 100 years in Na- vowed to end the blockade within galand. Meanwhile, in 48 hours if the Bharatiya Janata Par- main highways that link Manipur 69,029.89 crore. However, he lamented on rich in minerals and has a huge deposits tual plan route was from Dimapur-Kohima, mourning of her passing ty (BJP) took power in the state. with Assam, Nagaland and Myan- the work pace of the Dimapur — Kohima of oil and coal. Therefore, he said that the Senapati-Imphal and Moreh to South East away the NIIT, Dimapur But the UNC made it clear that mar have led to major shortages in Railway project, which is 88 kilometers. project be taken up in urgent manner and Asia, which is parallel to the National Highcenter will remain closed the blockade would continue un- the state, particularly in Imphal. The MP also stated that he has learnt that on top priority. The line between Dimapur way. But the proposed plan was abandoned on March 15 and 16. Late til the government held talks with However, around 900 trucks car- only 26 kilometres can be completed in to Tizit is a stretch of 257 kilometers and and the work of the railways started from DiPhuli Devi Sethi was cre- it over its demands. rying supplies are allowed to reach two years time. Adding that the pace is very touches five districts - Dimapur, Wokha, mapur to Zubza without reaching Kohima. mated in the Hindu CreManipur in a week. But residents say slow and it has not been connected to the Mokokchung, Longleng and Mon. This “The government has not inRiosuggestedthattheoriginalplanshould matorial ground, Walmuch of what they carry almost improject was approved by the Railway Board not be ignored, although he is not against the vited us for talks on the issue. The State capital – Kohima, Rio asked that imford, after a procession was undertaken from the economic blockade shall contin- mediately reaches the black market. mediate survey to be taken up so that there in 2013-14, under item 21 and has been en- present work. He however stated that the ongoing work from Jiribam to Tupul and then to Biren Singh will face a floor test on is no time overrun and no cost escalation. tered in the Pink Book of the Railways. family’s residence near ue,” a UNC leader said. Regarding the BG line connecting Tuli Imphal, which is going on a rapid progress has He also mentioned that Dimapur is the Biren Singh chaired a meeting March 23 to prove his majority in the Durga mandir, Dimapur. second highest revenue earning station in and Tuli Town, covering only 9 to 10 Kilo- no habitation and unfavourable terrain. of ministers and ruling coalition 60-member assembly.
UNC blockade continues in Manipur Rio urges devp of rail networks in Nagaland
It’s a big world out there
Naga Cyclist Sievituo Solo on his journey across 24 countries Morung Express News Kohima | March 16
C M Y K
A night alone in the wild amidst thunderstorms and wildlife, landing up in a billionaire’s home in Switzerland, sharing rides with a Korean Scooterist , relishing Naga food in Croatia, stranger’s kindness and the curiosity of Balkan kids—these were the memoirs of Sievituo Solo’s journey on a Bamboo cycle to Europe and USA. Riding on his self-made Bamboo cycle, Solo travelled for 210 days in 24 countries covering a distance of 13,000 km from May 2016 to January 2017. On January 21, Solo returned to Kohima, and has since continued his work at Project 72 hours. Sharing his experiences on his fourth expedition on March 16 at Dream Café, Solo said, “The whole point of the journey was to bring back something and educate and share the knowledge with our people.” His first three expeditions with Ruokuo Kire began with a tour of Nagaland in 2011, followed by South Asia and India in 2013, and South East Asia in 2014-15. The bamboo cycle, which he learned to build from Manipur, was redesigned and restructured by
Mithun Mela stresses on increasing the animal’s population in nagaland
Nagaland spends Rs 231 crore annually on import of livestock Chizokho Vero Saptiqa | March 16
A photo of Sievituo Solo taken during his journey on a bamboo cycle across Europe.
Richard Belho and together with the team of Project 72 they built the bike. To undertake the journey, Solo partnered with Zynorique, Dream Corp, NBRC, IDBI bank, Project 72 hours and the Government of Nagaland which helped him in obtaining his visa. The people in Europe, they could not believe that the cycle was made of bamboo, says Solo who mentions that the first impression for him in his journey was the revelation that the world outside was hardly aware of Nagaland and Nagas.
“We Nagas take so much pride in our hospitality, but in actuality our hospitality is just’ another’ hospitality. The hospitality outside is so real and different,” said Solo, while narrating how strangers just welcomed him in their homes, and offered food, lodging, essentials and some even offered money. On things he witnessed during his journey, Solo said: “People respect their government, they take care of public properties and people definitely do not waste time on candy
crush.” In his lone expedition, Solo also mentioned how on occasions he experienced fear especially the time when he was off road in Croatia, and landed up in the wild with no human in sight except for wild animals. In his next expedition, Solo plans to travel through Africa. “After experiencing all these, now I am more open to places where I can learn new things. Africa is the hub of innovations at the moment. Learn, experience life and share these experiences,” he says.
The need to conserve and increase the population of Mithun in Nagaland from the existing numbers of 35, 000 plus was stressed on today at the Mithun Mela cum Regional Livestock Show held in Saptiqa under Zunheboto district. Mithun is the state animal of Nagaland and featured in the state logo. Recently, Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya had also called for efforts to increase the animal’s population up to at least a lakh in the state. Today’s Mithun mela brought several Mithun farmers together to showcase the wealth and pride of Mithuns and its benefits in boosting the rural economy. The Mela aims to increase awareness regarding scientific methods of rearing, disease and opportunity for farmers to exchange views and update technical skills, said Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, S Chuba Longkumer.
Parliamentary Secretaries, S Chuba Longkumer and Er. Picto with others during the Mithun Mela at Saptiqa on March 16. (Morung Photo)
He said the department is giving its best to encourage the Mithun farmers and has already assisted over 130 Mithun rearing villages in the state. Longkumer said since time immemorial, the Mithun has been deeply rooted in the life of Nagas. In all important social events, ceremonies, in the barter trade etc, the number of Mithuns used was considered a social standing. Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice and SIRD, Er. Picto meanwhile made an appeal to the department to spontaneously assist Mithun projects in Saptiqa area. There are about 250 Mithuns in Saptiqa area. “I own six Mithun. It is
beneficial to rear Mithun as a single Mithun fetches upto Rs. 1 lakh,” said Shitokhe Awomi of Zhevishe village who won second prize in the best bull category. “Mithun rearing is viable here and I will continue to engage in it,” said Niheto of Shena Old village who too owns six Mithun. He owns a Mithun weighing 300-400 kgs. Appreciating the government for organizing the mela, Niheto, the winner in the best bull category requested the government to continue to assist the Mithun farmers. MK Mero, Commissioner and Secretary for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services informed that the state has a shortfall
of meat production. The state, he added spends Rs 231 crore annually on import of livestock with Rs 92 crore on pork alone. Stating that the department had set a target to attain self sufficiency in livestock production by 2025, he called upon the people to increase the livestock production. He assured that the department will continue to assist Mithun farmers in the state. Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR- NRC on Mithun, Medziphema meanwhile said that the Mithun does not destroy forests; rather it helps the forest to grow better. He encouraged the people of Saptiqa area to rear more Mithuns and gain maximum benefit from it. He also encouraged Mithun farmers to conserve the biggest and healthiest Mithuns for breeding purpose. Dr. IP Khala, Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services also spoke during the occasion. A Mithun herd display was also held at Ustomi and Shena old/new village. The programme was jointly organized by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland and ICAR- National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema.