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ThursDAY • MArch 23 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 79 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
Thought and learning are of small value unless translated into action ‘For talks, Pak should commit to end terror’ PAGE 08
P o W e R
o F
T R u T H
— Wang Yangming
Reclaiming Humanity: A call to care for Akumdong
Warriors win ‘Curry Bowl’
PAGE 02
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NSCN (IM) for ‘harmonious Turtle species thought extinct in interdependent relationship’ the wild discovered in Nagaland General (Retd) Kholi Konyak
Black Soft-shell turtle classified as Extinct in the Wild by IUCN discovered in the wetlands of Old Akuk village in Wokha district Imti Longchar Dimapur | March 22
In a hugely significant finding, a fresh water turtle species-Black Soft-shell turtlewhich is categorized under the Extinct in the Wild (EW) of the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been discovered in the wetlands of Old Akuk village in Wokha district, Nagaland. This was confirmed after results of DNA sample of a turtle resembling the Black Soft-shell species captured from Wokha district, which was sent to Bangalore, arrived in the positive on March 20, 2017. The Red List of Threatened Species, compiled by the IUCN, is widely recognised as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of animal and plant species. Each species assessed is assigned to one of eight different categories, based on a series of quantitative criteria. Species classified as Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered are regarded as threatened; Extinct in the Wild means that these species are known only to survive in human care.
The Black Soft-shell turtle found in Wokha district.
Black Soft-shell turtle (scientific name Nilssonia nigricans) is a critically endangered species classified as Extinct in the Wild since 2002 and reported as endemic only to Assam and Bangladesh. This turtle was long thought to exist exclusively in one manmade temple pond at the shrine of Sultan al-Arefin Hazrat Bayazid Bistami in Chittagong, Bangladesh where they are dependent on humans for survival. Only recently, the species was confirmed at a few spots in the Brahmaputra River and tributaries in the state of Assam and in some of the region’s temple ponds and tanks including the Kasopukhuri pond on Nilachal Hill, next to the Kamakhya Temple at Guwahati. The discovery of this extremely rare species in the wild of Wokha district of Nagaland was made after Lansothung Lotha, a Forest Ranger under the Department of Forests, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife, Nagaland saw a picture of
a captive turtle resembling the Black Soft-shell species being circulated in social media platform and decided to investigate the origin of the photograph and possibly rescue the animal if alive. The Forest Ranger contacted Steve Odyuo, founder of Natural Nagas, an NGO working for conservation of wildlife and environment based in Wokha for assistance. On inquiry, it was learnt that the turtle, was reportedly caught from Wozhu Tsophow wetlands at Old Akuk village area and already sold to a customer. In a joint venture, Steve and Lansothung along with other wild life conservationists Suren Enny, Zanbenthung Enny from Wokha town and Nokten, Assistant Veterinary from Animal Health Care, Dimapur, after several days of gathering information, traced the turtle to one Chonchithung Kikon from Wokha town. He had purchased the turtle from a villager with the intention of keeping
it as a pet. However, after convincing him that this amphibian could be a very rare species, he willingly handed over the turtle. The turtle was then send to the Nagaland Zoological Park in Dimapur and kept under the guardian-ship of Thiru, a Zoo Biologist. Since there are other turtle species, which bears resemblance to the Black Soft-shell, for instance the Peacock Soft shell turtle (Nilssoni hurum) and the Indian Soft-shell turtle (Nissoni Gangetica), Lansothung said he dispatched a DNA sample of the captive turtle for confirmation. The DNA sample was initially send to an NGO in Assam, but with no response forthcoming, it was then dispatched to Bangalore. The rediscovery of this rare and nearly extinct turtle in the wilds of Nagaland comes as another indication of the rich biodiversity of Nagaland, which harbors a remarkable array of plant and animal species. “It is highly likely that
As India marks World Water Day, clean Governor asks Northeast and safe water still a challenge in country people to be cautious
DELHI, MARCH 22 (AP): Government records show that in 1980, just 1% of India’s rural areas had access to safe, usable water. By 2013, that had increased to 30%, but the majority of rural India continues to live without proper access to safe drinking water. A WaterAid report in 2016 ranked India among the worst countries in the world for the number of people without safe water. An estimated 76 million people in India have no access to a safe water supply, and the situation is only getting more serious. Almost 19,000 villages across the country still do not re-
ceive regular water supply. Safe drinking water, a basic amenity has become a luxury in many Indian households, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Official figures show that each day, approximately 500 million litres of wastewater from industrial sources is dumped into the Ganga. Several initiatives by government and non-government bodies have been undertaken to deal with the water crisis looming ahead of India. The Asian Development Bank has forecast that by 2030, India will have a water deficit of 50 per cent.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 22 (MExN): Reacting to news reports regarding crimes against North East people including those affected by shady land deals in Noida, Gurgaon, Solan and other areas, Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya has taken note of the situation and has cautioned the North Eastern people to be more aware and not let people hoodwink them. In a press release issued through the PRO, Raj Bhavan, the Governor mentioned that he had met the Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal during his visit to the capital, discussed and highlighted problems faced by the North East people in Dehil and appreciated the proposed welfare and security programme by the Delhi Government for the North East people. The Governor further lauded the Delhi police for keeping a check on the crimes committed against North Eastern people while stating that “one should be more careful in future and keep guard so as not to be lured by such unwanted elements.”
‘NSCN (K) committed to inherent Naga rights & dignity’
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DIMAPUR, MARCH 22 (MExN): The Naga-Myanmar Ceasefire Office, Lahe town of the NSCN (K) observed the Naga Republic Day with a prayer session on March 21. A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (K) informed that dignitaries from Naga Self-Administered Zone representing various Ministries and Departments attended the prayer programme and expressed solidarity with NSCN (K). Church leaders and civil society leaders also attended the prayer service, it added. Law and Justice, Kilonser, Thom and Medical Kilonser Nyeiton delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks respectively. MIP In Charge, Col Isak Sumi spoke on the significance of the day and presented a “brief history on 38 Years of republic” and reiterated that
“no force is strong enough to defeat the aspiration of the Nagas to remain a people’s republic on the firm foundation Nagaland for Christ.” The service was chaired by Paho, CF Office Assistant and prayer was invoked by Pian, Evangelist, Lahe Baptist Church. The NSCN (K) meanwhile thanked “the Almighty for his abundant grace in sustaining the Naga people’s struggle through thick and thin and also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the common Naga mass, the Churches, civil societies including the Naga Mothers, Students, apex tribal Hohos, individual businessmen and various professionals for assisting the Naga National Movement in various capacities without any reservation for the last nearly three quarter of a century till today and most assuredly in the days to come too.”
It further remembered the “priceless sacrifices of the pioneers and thousands of courageous Naga patriots that which inspires us to continue the struggle to this day despite overwhelming odds.” It also honoured “every brave Naga soldiers fighting in the frontlines and those being held in various prisons and permanently maimed while in the line of duty.” The NSCN (K) meanwhile asked “every Naga across the length and breadth to be steadfast in their commitment towards the just cause and to uphold in prayer NSCN/GPRN under the leadership of S.S.Khaplang...” It further affirmed that the NSCN (K) would “under no condition yield to the treacherous forces at work every day but hold on to the inherent rights and dignity of the Nagas at the cost of our lives.”
there will be more population of the Black Soft-shell turtles from where it comes from,” an excited Lansothung observed while adding that the finding is an important record, not only for the state, but for science as well. According to a source from Akuk village, the villagers, unaware of the turtle as a nearly extinct species, had been capturing them from the lake for human consumption and commercial purpose. “At least 5-6 such turtles are captured every year from the wetlands,” the source revealed. Lansothung said a proper survey of the habitat where the turtle was found need to be done at the earliest besides earnest awareness and capacity building for turtle conservation in the village communities. He also pointed out that it is impossible to bring in conservation without awareness. Natural Nagas founder Steve Odyuo said the rediscovery of the rare Black Soft-shell turtle in the wild adds another feather to the rich biodiversity of Nagaland “The authorities should now put in all efforts to conserve the only natural habitat in the world,” he stated. “Biodiversity in Nagaland is so rich that there is a lot to be discovered and documented, efforts have to be made to create awareness, document for the success of conservation,” Steve pointed out. The rediscovery of this nearly extinct amphibian gives hope for a species that has been thought to be extinct in the wild.
DIMAPUR, MARCH 22 (MExN): NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th Muivah today stated that the NSCN (IM) is for “harmonious interdependent relationship with our neighboring peoples and nations on the basis of mutual respect and recognition of right.” In a statement, Muivah however stated that it is opposed to the politics of isolationism and jingoism. “Our neighboring people and nations should be our political and defense partners. They should also be the hinterlands of our markets and industries. We have lived with them for thousands of years and we will do so in years to come,” he added. However, he also affirmed that the NSCN (IM) clings to the principle of self-reliance. This doctrine of self-reliance is applied in all fields - political, economic, military, educational, cultural and science and technological, he stated. Stating that “our national movement is principle-based,” he affirmed: “so our fighting and negotiation are also principlebased and that solution has to be principle-based.” The Framework Agreement, Muivah noted, recognizes the unique history, the identity, the sovereignty, the territories of the Nagas. “It also recognizes the legitimate right of the Nagas to integration of all Naga territories. It also says co-existence of the two entities and share-sovereignty of the two entities,” he added. The NSCN (IM) General Secretary stated that the agreement does not betray the principle and assure that “it is one of the strong
& General Secretary, Th. Muivah re-elected for 6 years
DIMAPUR, MARCH 22 (MExN): A Council meeting of the NSCN (IM) held on March 22 at Council Head Quarters, Hebron re-elected and re-affirmed Vice Chairman, General (Retd) Kholi Konyak and General Secretary, Th. Muivah for another term of 6 years. The meeting was attended by more than 3000 active NSCN members, informed a press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM). The NSCN (IM) leaders were administered an Oath of Allegiance and Secrecy by Domai Dani Saheni, Convener, National Judiciary Board (NJB). All the Reverends of Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) invoked God’s blessing upon the two elected leaders. Further, all the active NSCN members who attended in the meeting re-dedicated their life by declaring vow before God and the people by appending signature that “they will be loyal to the sacred cause of the nation to the end and also will be loyal to the principles of the council of the NSCN and the Collective Leadership with impeccable integrity and justice”. To mark the meeting, a brochure of ‘The Line of National Socialist Council of Nagalim’ defining the concept and purpose of the council was published and circulated by the Ministry of Information & Publicity (MIP). foundations for amicable solutions for the Nagas at this given point of time, rejection of which will take the Nagas back to far behind of others.” It will, he said “safeguard the present and the future of the Nagas.” He further called upon all members to “inculcate the spirit of ‘my people and my Lord’ so that he may discipline his body and mind perfectly.” He stated that every NSCN member is “exhorted and rectified through the principle of reward and punishment.” The good workers are rewarded whereas the errant workers are punished so that the position of the organization is strengthened and consolidated, he said.
While pointing out that “collective decision is far superior to that of the wisest dictator,” Muivah said that the “NSCN practices the collective decision making culture.” “Problems are analyzed among the authorities on the basis of objective information to arriving at concrete decision. Failures and achievements are evaluated objectively. The culture of collective decision making dispels the doubts and distrusts caused by non transparency in the matter of financial, political, military, administrative decision and formulation of program and policy. Collective decision making culture is the essence of democracy,” he claimed. Full text on Page 10
Sumis replace usage of GB with ‘Akukau’ Morung Express News Dimapur | March 22
The Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH) has resolved to replace usage of the title Gaon Bura (GB) with ‘Akukau’ in all Sumi villages. ‘Akukau’ in Sumi dialect means ‘Village Chief’ and the title has been used since time immemorial and handed down through generations as part of the Sumi customary practice. This was one of the 7-point resolutions adopted by the Sumi Kukami Hoho during a meeting of all Sumi GBs including representatives from Northern Sumi Kukami Hoho, Eastern Sumi Kukami Hoho, Western Sumi Kukami Hoho and Sumi Kukami Hoho at Kiyezhe village, Dimapur on Wednesday. Another resolution adopted stated that there would not be any age bar for any Sumi to be appointed as GB since as per Sumi customary practices, GBs are inherent and hereditary. The SKH also resolved that any Sumi Head GB could become the Chairman of his Village Council. Another resolution stated that there would not be any criteria such as population or number of household for eligibility of any Sumi village to appoint a GB. “If any new GBs are to be appointed in a village, then the Head GB will have the power to make such appointment in consultation with other GBs in the village,” it stated. Further, it was resolved that those Sumi individuals appointed by the State Government in wards, towns, colonies, sectors etc might continue to use the title GB since their appointment was time bound and not hereditary. “They (GBs appointed by government) cannot use the title ‘Akukau’ since it is handed down through family lineage,” it added.
The SKH also resolved not to accept any appointment of GBs made by the State Government in Sumi villages. In order to carry forward these resolutions and approach the appropriate authority, the house selected a 7-member Sumi Kukami Hoho Resolution Drafting Committee to be led by Ex-Minister, Hewoto Awomi as the Convenor. Earlier, Executive Secretary, WSBAK, Rev. Hevukhu Achumi delivered a brief sermon on the Gospel during the first session of the meeting while Western Sumi Kukami Hoho, President, Vihuto Yeptho delivered the welcome address. During the second session, Nihoto Chishi, retired Secretary, Law & Justice, highlighted on the powers and functions of GBs and various Acts passed by the government since 1937 in connection with village and tribal councils. OSD, Department of Justice & Law and Advisor SKH, Khesheli Chishi, District and Sessions Judge (retd), Khevihe Chophy and host of the meeting, KL Chishi, former Chief Minister also exhorted the gathering.
‘Govt not following procedures in passing Acts’ Justice, H. Khetoho Sema, Supreme Court Judge (retd) on Tuesday maintained that the State Government was not following proper procedures in passing many Acts. Justice Sema said that the government has to first introduce a bill in the Assembly before passing the Act. “The Nagaland Government only refers to a Select Committee after which an Act is passed in the Assembly,” he said during a meeting of Sumi GBs at Kiyezhe village in Dimapur on Wednesday. He emphasized on the urgent need for the State to have Law Com-
mission, Human Rights Commission and Lok Ayukta in order to keep a check on corruption and other excesses committed by the government or individuals/groups. The retired Judge said it was most important for Nagaland to have State Law Commission since proper procedures were not followed in enactment of laws and Acts. “If Lok Ayukta is adopted by the State Government, then it (Lok Ayukta) can act as a corruption watchdog but the government is shying away from adopting it since their grazing fields will vanish,” he asserted. On the issue of 33% reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies, Justice Sema said that the State Government was “legally and constitutionally right but hasty” in trying to implement it. The retired Judge also described it as “absolutely wrong” the government’s notification issued on March 10, 2016 which stated that a GB cannot become Chairman of a Village Council. He said the notification was an infringement of Sumi customary practices which is safeguarded under Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution. Justice Sema also criticized the government’s decision to set an age bar for a person to become a GB. According to the speaker, a GB or village chief in Sumi customary context is inherent and hereditary and hence there cannot be any age bar to become a village chief. “Our democracy is still a mockery and it is the people who will have to bring a change,” he said and added that the Indian Constitution has safeguarded Naga customary laws and practices but that the Nagas were mishandling it. Justice Sema urged upon the GBs to strongly uphold their principles without taking any sides.