March 21th, 2016

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DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 78 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

MonDAY • MArch 21 • 2016

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen Don’t turn backs on refugees, pope says at Palm Sunday service PAGE 09

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

o F

T R u T H

— Aristotle

Oxygen Gas Manufacturing Plant in Nagaland!

Rosberg wins dramatic season-opener in Melbourne

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cultural activities a strong CAG report detects anomalies in SARDP-NE project in Nagaland medium to create peace: Gov ‘Despite spending Morung Express news

Rs 602.34, not a single kilometer in any of the four roads under the project were completed’

Dimapur | March 20

Nagaland and Assam Governor, PB Acharya on Sunday said a small state like Nagaland should be very proud that it has abundance of rich cultural activities with each tribe having their own dance, songs and drama. Inaugurating the ‘PopAree... no welfare pro- ular Music Night’ on the gramme for me? last day of the Spring Festival 2016 organized by the The Morung Express North East Zone Cultural Poll QuEsTion Centre (NEZCC) here in Dimapur, Acharya, who is Vote on www.morungexpress.com also the Chairman of NEsMs your answer to 9862574165 ZCC, wanted that the peoMinister, legislators ple of Nagaland, while beand senior officers have ing proud of their culture, decided to voluntarily to work towards preserving forego allowances as well as promoting them. for refreshments, newspapers and He reminded the gathermagazines. Is Nagaland ing of how a person without government serious about a culture is a helpless man austerity measures? because he has no identity. At a juncture when Yes no others the whole world requires peace, Acharya mainShould theologians and Church leaders get tained that cultural activiinvolved in politics in ties are a strong medium to Nagaland? Why? create peace in the minds 42% Yes of all the people. Narrating his experience during the 46% no recently held World Cul12% others ture Festival organized by Details on page 7 the Art of Living, Acharya enlightened how 35,000 artistes from all over the world came together in affinity in one platformdemonstrating the greatness of art and music. He also expressed pride our Correspondent at how Nagaland state with Kohima | March 20 a 100 strong performers The Nagaland State Home Department has disclosed that 1236 cases of crime have been registered and 1066 persons were arrested during 2015 under the DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 IPC. According to the an- (MExN): The Nagaland nual administrative report Pradesh Congress Com2015-16 of the Department mittee (NPCC) President, tabled by Home Minister K Therie today stated that Y. Patton in the just con- talking about the Framecluded NLA session, the work Agreement “for days 1236 cases registered included 55 murder cases, and years without knowing 49 attempt to murder cas- the contents presents the es, 10 culpable homicide sordid state of affairs plagunot amounting to murder ing the so-called opposicases, 30 rape cases, 84 kid- tion-less Government.” A press note from the napping and abduction cases, 3 dacoity cases, 44 NPCC President claimed robberies, 48 burglaries, that the present state gov432 theft cases, 4 criminal ernment “fear people will breach of trust cases, 46 think they have betrayed cases of cheating, 6 FICN because they have come tocases, 159 extortion cases, gether in the name of Politi4 cases of rioting, and 262 cal Solution. Yet when they other cases. Under local talk, people understand and special laws, 626 cas- that they don’t know what es were registered and 872 they are talking about.” persons arrested. They in“If MLAs are talking clude 156 under the Arms without authentic inforAct, NDPS Act & DC Act- mation and if MLAs are 106, NLTP Act- 216, NSR Act- 38, Explosive Sustenance Act- 32, Foreigners Act- 3 and other Special and Local Law at 75.

1236 crime cases registered in Nagaland during 2015

our Correspondent Kohima | March 20

nagaland Governor PB Acharya beating a traditional drum to signify the opening of the Popular Music night at the last day of the spring Festival 2016 at nEZCC Complex on sunday.

took part in the Destination North East in Delhi and World Culture Festival in Delhi recently. Pointing out that the North East figures in the top in the whole of the country in the sphere of cultural activities, the Governor highlighted how NEZCC, which is one of the regional cultural centre in India, has been striving to showcase the cultures of all the eight states-with the spring festival being one such event. Acclaiming the spring festival as a wonderful idea, Acharya said through such events, different states get to showcase their music, drama and cultural activities and at the same time create friendship, peace and happiness. The Governor, however, termed it unfortunate that

except for Dimapur residents, other parts of Nagaland are denied of witnessing such a show. He therefore suggested that NEZCC authorities decide on four places in Nagaland where the spring festival can be held. “It may be in faraway Mon, Tuensang or Mokokchung or any of the places apart from Dimapur...they also should have opportunity to witness such wonderful music, drama and song,” he said. “For this, opinion can be taken from all people and decide on where the festival can be held,” he added. Sunday evening also witnessed a rewind of the cultural dance and folk music of the North East States with performance of Bro-

Zai dance of Arunachal Pradesh, Dhol Cholom and Thang-Ta Meibul of Manipur, Warrior Dance from Nagaland, Bordioshikla and Bihu Dance from Assam, Wangala from Meghalaya, Hozagiri from Tripura and Cheraw dance from Mizoram. The evening concluded with performances by Alobo Naga and the Band and Indian Idol Season 3 winner Prashant Tamang to a rapturous crowd. The Spring Festival is aimed at showcasing the cultural heritage of the North East region. At least 400 performers from North East states took part at the festival. The festival also has cuisine and crafts fair for visitors and competitions, play activities and competitions for children.

The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has found various anomalies in the implementation of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East (SARDP-NE) in Nagaland State. The CAG, in its report tabled at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Saturday stated that the preliminary activities taken up by the Public Works Department (PWD) were inadequate for timely implementation of the project. It said that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared for four roads were not based on adequate surveys and investigation. This, the report said resulted in large deviation in the implementation of the works from the approved DPRs. It also stated that a proportionate amount of Rs. 36.44 crore paid to the consultant for preparation of DPRs for four roads was a “waste.” “As a consequence, not a single kilometer in any of the four roads was com-

ACAUT demands action on CAG revelations of corruption

DIMAPUR, MARCH 20 (MExN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has meanwhile stated that the detection of anomalies and rampant corruption in various governmental department by the CAG report is “startling by any standard yet it comes as no surprise.” A press note from the ACAUT stated that the findings of the CAG are “just the tip of the iceberg in the sea of corruption that goes on in Nagaland…” What strikes, according to the ACAUT is the “impunity of the officials involved in corruption.” The ACAUT pointed to “gross misappropriation of MGNREGA funds for Aghunaga,” the alleged “payment of Rs. 2.32 crores to 48 ineligible and seven non-functional societies allegedly by the Director of Industries and Commerce,” and the alleged diversion of funds by the Department of Youth Resource and Sports as reported by the CAG, as examples of how “governmental departments are deeply mired in rampant corruption” and practiced with impunity. The ACAUT demanded that the government immediately suspend the officials implicated/alleged of corruption in the CAG report, immediately seize moveable and non moveable assets of those who have been implicated in the CAG report, prosecute those implicated of corruption, and bring in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial inquiry. pleted as per the objectives of the scheme despite an expenditure of Rs. 602.34 crore on execution of work so far. No further progress of work has been achieved on any of the four roads since August 2012. The singlelane roads which previously existed had since degraded and have been rendered almost unusable causing hardship to the commuters,” the report stated. It may be noted that the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH),

Government of India had, in April 2008, initiated a mega road development programme in the North East region under the banner SARDP-NE. On April, 2010, the Ministry approved for two-laning of the four roads in the State of Nagaland in one package for Rs. 1,296 crore including centage charges. Accordingly, administrative approval, technical approval and financial sanction for the works were accorded in December 2010.

Govt talking for the sake of talking: NPCC Exiled Tibetans to elect leader to sustain struggle against China

F&ES saved property worth Rs. 1851.10 lakhs in 2015 our Correspondent Kohima | March 20

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From January 2015 till November 2015, various categories of 100 fire/rescue calls have been to responded to by the state’s fire and emergency services and have saved property worth Rs. 1851.10 lakh. This was stated in the annual administrative report 2015-16 of the State Home Department tabled by Home Minister Y. Patton in the just concluded NLA session. The report stated that estimated property lost during this period was Rs. 325.52 lakhs. The report further stated that 9 lives were lost during the period due to fire incidents.

talking wishful thinking, who should be presenting the facts to the people?” Therie questioned. Therie further claimed that national political leaders have assured support to the PWC of the JLF “provided it is good for the people.” “National leaders have asked them if they know the contents of the Framework Agreement, they could not reply.” He stated that national Congress President, Sonia Gandhi had “said in clear terms to the Chief Minister, the MP and PWC delegates, that the Congress will support any solution that is good for the people but cannot give a blank cheque.” “I have also heard leaders talk for an early honourable and acceptable solu-

tion. The words honourable and acceptable sound nice... nice words do not qualify for solution. We have to make a list of things that are honourable and acceptable to the people,” Therie said. Stating that some people think there is need for a referendum, the NPCC President said: “I don’t know, may be in good time. For now, people aspire for peace, safety, security, freedom, one tax, one government and development.” He further asserted that the Congress would not “talk for the sake of talking nor beat around the bush.” “In our endeavour to solve the political problem, we will present a list of things that we believe are honourable and acceptable to the people,” he added.

DHARAMsAlA, MARCH 20 (REUTERs): Exiled Tibetans across India and overseas started voting on Sunday to elect a political leader for the next five years, in a bid to help sustain their struggle to secure complete autonomy for Chinese-ruled Tibet. Thousands of monks and nuns in maroon robes, students, and men and women queued to vote outside polling booths in Dharamsala, a town in India’s Himalayan foothills where a community of Tibetans live in exile with the Dalai Lama, hoping for resumption of talks with China. The second such election follows a decision by the charismatic monk, an 80-year-old Nobel Peace

Laureate, to relinquish his political authority and vest it in a democratic system that could outlast him. China does not recognise the government that represents nearly 100,000 exiled Tibetans living in around 30 countries including India, Nepal, Canada and the United States. Election results will be out between April 27 and 28, with more than half of the 90,377 eligible voters expected to exercise their franchise, according to the election commission. The “Sikyong”, or elected leader, will be solely responsible for political and diplomatic decisions, as the Dalai Lama steps back from the limelight amid uncertainty over how his successor will be chosen.

“With regard to dialogue with China, we have been making initiatives, efforts,” Lobsang Sangay, the incumbent Sikyong, told Reuters after casting his vote. “It takes two to clap. Our side is willing and ready and as soon as the Chinese give us the positive sign, we will be ready to take it further.” Concern about the Dalai Lama’s health, after his admission to a U.S. hospital this year for treatment, has reinforced the importance of the vote in keeping the issue of Tibet alive. Tibetan Buddhism holds that the soul of a senior lama is reincarnated in the body of a child after he dies. China says it must sign off on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, who

fled into exile in 1959 after a failed uprising. The election will decide who leads the parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala. Exiled Tibetans consider the CTA to be their legitimate government, but no country recognises it. China has lobbied to sideline the Dalai Lama from the international circuit, although he did address an audience in Geneva last week despite those efforts. “Many people like us are in exile but more important (are the issues) of the people who are inside (Tibet) and are suffering,” Kelsang, a woman in her 30s who gave just one name, said after voting.

SKK brings together intellectuals for ‘Doing Right’ Morung Express news Dimapur | March 20

In connection with its mission of “Doing Right,” the Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) on Saturday organized ‘Lotsumi Kukuputsa’ (Intellectuals’ Meet) at Town Hall, Dimapur and deliberated on the four agendas of its mission. The four agendas on which four resource persons talked included clean election; ban on proxy teachers, clean and sincere execution of public offices and institutions; and right implementation and execution of all contract works under right specifications. The issues are to be taken up in all Sumi inhabited areas. Resource person Justice H. K. Sema, former Judge, Supreme Court of

India said the election system in Nagaland State is a “mockery of democratic process” which would continue unless people change their mindset. He said every educated person is capable of doing right if s/he so desires and urged upon educated youngsters to correct wrongdoings, in their own capacity. Stating that value based education was a product of good teaching, he wondered how value based education could be brought about while teachers still practise proxy system. Justice H.K. Sema spoke about the urgent need to have Nagaland State Human Rights Commission, Law Commission and Lokayukta. He said that the need for human rights commission was

Resource persons of ‘intellectuals’ Meet’ organized by sKK in Dimapur on saturday. (Morung Photo)

needed more in Nagaland which has frequent cases of police/army atrocities and other anti-social elements. He also reminded about the recent notification of Nagaland Government which stated that a person can be appointed a GB only after s/he attains the age of 40. The retired judge said this particular notification

was contravening Article 371 (A) and contradicting the customary practices of the Sumi community which appoints GBs on a hereditary basis. Expressing happiness about SKK’s mission, he urged upon the student leaders not to give up halfway and pursue their goal till it reaches logical con-

clusion. Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing, Himato Zhimo IFS said that for a student to do right, the number one priority is to study right. He also encouraged students to take up vocational courses side by side, as skill development was important when it comes to employability. He

also discouraged seeking backdoor appointment. K.T. Sukhalu IAS, Vigilance Commissioner, said that SKK’s mission is a “herculean task” but it is not impossible if all stakeholders are desirous of positive change, and extended their cooperation and support. On education, he said the government was providing funds but the failure lay in the implementation. He said Village Education Committees (VECs) were set up with good intention but many VECs are not functioning as expected. H.K. Khulu IAS Additional Chief Secretary (Retd) said, “To do right, one has to introspect what went wrong earlier and then carry forward the objective with strong resolve and sincerity.”

He asked students not to be discouraged even if their mission could not be fully achieved during the current tenure since it is a mammoth task. On proxy system, he said that students and quality education become casualty when proxy teachers were set in place. He also spoke about landowner problem, multiple and unauthorized taxation as a hindrance to development. Khulu asked students to be “modern, scientific and open minded and cut the negativity.” Western Sumi Hoho, President, Hokiye Yeptho also exhorted the gathering. In his address, SKK President, Ninoto Awomi appealed people to extend their cooperation towards the mission of “Doing Right.”


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March 21th, 2016 by The Morung Express - Issuu