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tuesDAY • November 15• 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 314 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men Sweltering 2016 to set heat record, stoked by man-made warming: WMO PAGE 09
NST Meluri office in deplorable condition DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 14 (MExN): The Pochury Hoho today expressed concern at the deplorable plight of the NST office in Meluri. A press note from the Pochury Hoho informed that it had visited the NST office at 10:00am on November 14 to take stock of the exact prevailing condition of the department. The Pochury Hoho revealed that “no one was present, the office locked and just a single bus was parked in the station, while it was said that there are (22) employees” headed by a Yard Master. It added that the Yard Master has “been absenting from his duties since last year,” and expressed disappointment at the condition of the office. The public of Meluri sub-division, it informed are “facing immense problem of transportation/ communication due to the shortage of NST bus.” It asked for steps to resume bus services on the following routes: Meluri – Phek, Meluri – Laruri, Meluri – phor, Meluri – Phokhungri, Meluri – Dimapur, Meluri – Kohima, Meluri- Dimapur, Dimapur - Meluri (night service).
CHILDLINE Se Dosti Campaign in Kohima
T R u T H
— Gloria Steinem
Messi reluctant to renew contract with Barcelona
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4 months needed to replace demonetised notes
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 14 (IANS): Fifty days of pain is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked people to endure for his sudden demonetisation move. But going by the rate at which fresh currency is being disbursed, even this time will prove grossly inadequate to set the economy right. As per data furnished by the Finance Ministry, Rs 17,50,000 crore worth of currency notes were in circulation in October-end, out of which around 84 per cent or Rs 14,50,000 crore is in the now defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Against this, data furnished late on Sunday by the Finance Ministry said in the first four days — Nov 10 to Nov 13 — Rs 50,000 crore were dispensed to customers — in Rs 100 and Rs 2,000 denominations — either by withdrawal from their accounts or ATMs, or exchanged at bank and post office counters. This, in 18 crore transactions, which has already made the banking system burst at its seams. In fact, on most days so far, and in most bank branches and ATMs, the money is getting
exhausted even before the serpentine queues close in. This does not go well with assurances given by the RBI that it has enough currency to replenish banks. This, also after RBI printing presses are said to have started printing the new currencies several days ago. Accordingly, even if we assume that the full amount of Rs 12,500 crore is being disbursed in Rs 2,000 denomination on a daily basis, it will take 116 days to replenish the financial system with what has been declared illegal. This also assumes that the total amount of currency declared illegal would be replaced with new notes. It is not without reason a strong warning against demonetisation by the direct tax administration just four years ago, on what ill-effects it can bring and how futile the exercise can be — all of which is waiting to play out in full bloom today. “One common demand from the public is that high denomination currency notes particularly Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 should be demonetised,” said the report authored by
New measures announced to increase supply of cash • Old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes can be used at petrol pumps, government hospitals till November 24 • Withdrawal limit at recalibrated ATMs hiked from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 a day. • Weekly limit of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank counters increased to Rs. 24,000. • Over-the-counter cash exchange limit at banks increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. • The per day withdrawal limit of Rs 10,000 has been scrapped. One can withdraw the entire amount in one go through cheque transaction. • You will be allowed to withdraw cash from your banks multiple times in a day. • Micro ATMs deployed in large number of areas to dispense cash against debit and credit cards. • There are separate queues for senior citizens and differently-abled. the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes in 2012, titled: “Measures to Tackle Black Money in India and Abroad.” “In this connection, it is observed that demonetisation may not be a solution for tackling black money or economy, which is largely held in the form of benami properties, bullion and jewellery,” said the 109page report. Further, it said, such a step will raise costs, as more currency notes will
have to be printed, cause an adverse impact on the banking system, mainly on logistics issues, make transportation of cash difficult, inconvenience the public and play havoc with disbursal of wages. “Demonetisation undertaken twice in the past — 1946 and 1978 — miserably failed, with less than 15 per cent of high currency notes being exchanged, while more than 85 per cent of the currency notes never surfaced, as the owners
suspected penal action by chance of rethinking. The mood of the nation is in government agencies.” favour of Modi Govt and No rethinking on everyone in the meeting demonetisation agreed that it is a historic Despite criticism from decision.” He added that the Opposition and de- temporary pain that people mand for a roll back of de- of the country are facing is monetisation of high value ‘for larger gain.’ currency, the government on Monday made it clear SC to hear PIL on that there will be no re- scrapping of Rs 1,000 and 500 notes today thinking over the issue. Amidst unprecedented After BJP’s parliamentary party in the national panic rush in banks and capital, Union Miniser ATMs across the country, Venkaiah Naidu said, “No the Supreme Court would
self-determination – a resource for JustPeace Morung Express News Dimapur | November 14
Self-determination is understood as a source of conflict in mainstream narrative. But how do we imagine it as a source of peace and de-constructs the traditional Westphalian paradigm? This is one among many provoking questions and dilemmas, the book, “Self-determination – A Resource for JustPeace” wrestles with and provides new pathways to re-imagination. The book authored by Dr. Aküm Longchari, the Editor of The Morung Express, and published by Heritage Publishing House was released here today at DABA’s Elim Hall, Dimapur by Dr. Xonzoi (Sanjay) Barbora, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). A challenge to Western model Giving a prelude to the book, the author said while the world’s most violent armed conflicts in the last century have revolved around the question of the right to self-determination, most of the time it was clothed in “exclusive western legal language.”
Dr Akum Longchari’s book is a challenge to the dominant narratives where peace building becomes a part of foreign policy
A comprehensive peace building approach to self-determination was missing, Dr. Longchari pointed out, though events in the last century created conditions for it to be the “century of people’s determination” based on shared values, dreams and imagination. The book challenges the dominant narratives where peace building becomes a part of foreign policy, he added. “If we are to enable the self determination of the people, challenge the dominant narrative where the idea of peace building never incorporated those living in the state of conflict.” Voices of ‘unrepresented and unheard’ Deliberately avoiding the state-centric or top-down approach to peace process, the author examines the Naga struggle for self-determination through the lens of civil society; and from unrepresented and unheard people. Thus, deliberate choice
was made not to interview representatives of the State and Naga nationalist groups (NPGs), Dr Longchari sated. “The rationale was to primarily elicit the perspective and experiences of a vast section of ordinary people that largely goes unrepresented and unheard of in the theatre of power politics,” Dr. Longchari explained. Furthermore, according to the author, the purpose of this book is not to indulge in the historical intricacies and chronological events of the Naga struggle. The intention is to explore how the idea of having a shared language of inclusive selfdetermination can act as a potential resource in unlocking the deadlock to finding Justpeace in the Naga context. Engaging with truth though encounters Dr. Lansuangla Tzudir, chief editor and publisher of Heritage Publishing House said, “This is not a random collection of data for the sake of doing
research in order to get a PhD but his clarion call to embark on a journey of imagination exploring the dream and vision of self-determination from the perspective of a Naga man.” During an interactive session, Dr. Longchari said that Naga nationalism has become an “Exhausted Nationalism” – needing a new pathway. For the Naga Caravan to move forward, ideological and philosophical framework has to be clear. Nagas should write their own story, a story before the colonial narratives and a story transcending the colonial framework, he argued. Joining the debate, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that the book is a call to get away from idealism, deconstruct and imagine a new reality devoid of the “seduction of tribeness.” On his part, Dr. Longchari said that the book is a work in progress. “Rip it apart, refine it and engage in constructive conversation. My hope is to provoke you to ask question and thinks outside the box and challenge the common narratives and reimagine the idea of self determination.” The book is currently available at Books & Books, Dimapur and Crossword, Kohima.
Thuwu-Ni: CelebraTiNg iNdigeNous life Morung Express News Pughoboto | November 14
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The 3rd edition of ‘Thuwu-Ni’ coinciding with the Sumi festival ‘Ahuna’ kicked off with traditional pageantry here at Pughoboto public ground on Monday. This year the three-day (November 1416) post harvest festival is celebrated on the theme ‘Celebrating Indigenous Life.’ Nagaland Home Minister, Y Patton, who inaugurated the festival in his address said the theme of the festival is befitting and relevant to the celebration as the objective of the festival is to bring all citizens of Pughoboto area as well as people from other parts of Nagaland to celebrate Naga way of life as indigenous people. “We must remember that our culture and traditions are our identity and therefore we should continue to preserve and promote our culture in all possible manners lest our identity will vanish and we will become an extinct race”, Patton said. The Home Minister said villagers and farmers of Pughoboto area are fortunate as they are not very far from the state capital in terms of distance and so they can go to Kohima, sell their agriculture products and other eatables and return to their villages the same day. “What I am trying to convey to the farmers and villagers here is, if only you are hardworking, even your perish-
A cultural troupe from Ghokimi village presenting a traditional game at Thuwu-Ni festival celebrations in Pughoboto.
able goods will not go wasted as there is availability of market for you unlike other villagers who are living in remote areas”, Patton said. He said since the festival is basically organized in order to help the villagers to exhibit and dispose their products, the villagers should strive to be more productive as Thuwu-Ni festival gives them an opportunity not only to enjoy the festive occasion but also to earn. “Your yearlong labour and sweat has not gone in vain but it has brought dividends”, he added. On the occasion, the Home Minis-
ter also said that the present NPF-led DAN government under the leadership of Chief Minister TR Zeliang has taken various initiatives for economic uplift of villagers. The minister also inaugurated the stalls of all 24 participating villages. Earlier, Executive Secretary, NCRC (Sumi), Rev. Tokheho Swu, invoked God’s blessings and president of Sumi Aphuyemi Hoho, Inavi Swu, spoked on the significane of Ahuna. Highlights of the first day of the festival included ‘Ami Kukula’ (traditional fire making), ‘Akhetsu’ (top spinning), ‘Ka-
kapo kuluxu’ (bamboo stilt race), ‘Amuto ghokuxu’ (bamboo basket making), ‘Aqhedu kimli (greased bamboo climbing), badminton tourney, flower show and the fame ‘Akikiti’ (Sumi kick fight). The evening entertainment event ‘Ahuna nite’, which extended well into the night, featured ‘guest artists’ Guru Mashangva (folk singer) and popular Naga comedian Purniken aka ‘Born Again’, ‘showstopper’ finalist of India Next Top Model, Gloria Tep and supermodel Ketholeno Kense as ‘guest appearance.’ Thuwu-Ni, a unique festival introduced in 2014 is a conscious initiative by a group of people to make a collective effort towards enhanced economic outcomes and improved social conditions by optimizing production capacity and fully realizing the potentials and skills of the local people in all fields. The definitive purpose of the festival is to eradicate the chronic economic dependence on external dynamics, facilitate the prospective and alternative avenues of employment for the youth and ultimately, to build a productive, progressive and conscientious society rooted in diligence and industriousness. The festival celebrated in the form of a fair, was a veritable showcase of finished products, both agriculture and otherwise, to a broad spectrum of prospective consumers and visitors from both within and outside the state.
hear a batch of PILs seeking quashing of the government’s decision to demonetize Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes on the grounds that it infringed citizens’ right to life and trade among others today. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice D Y Chandrachud has listed for hearing as many as four pleas against the November 8 decision of the Narendra Modi government that these notes are no longer a legal tender.
NPCC demands Chief Minister’s resignation Says DAN government is mired with corrupt practices DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 14 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today stated that the present DAN government in Nagaland State is mired with “lapses, blunders and corrupt practices,” and called for the resignation of the Chief Minister. It further called upon the Governor to step in and dismiss the present government without further delay. A statement from the NPCC Working President, Ayang Aonok lamented that voices of dissent are being “trampled upon” and “dictatorial tendency is raising its head…” to the extent of “curtailing the session of assembly to a few hour and debarring MLAs from raising question in the Assembly.” It claimed that the financial health of the state is “deteriorating by the day,” and “policy paralysis and mishandling of almost every issue has dogged the DAN resulting in total collapse of governance.” The NPCC stated that the DAN government has “scant regard for state government employees” and treats them with “disdain; salaries are withheld in many departments, backdoor appointments continue unabated but at the end of the day, government servants are blamed for consuming a major chunk of state budget.” It added that teachers are being treated as “bonded labor making them work without salaries for months together.” The NPCC further stated that the DAN government “erred in welcoming and joining the mainstream of GST regime,” and accused the TR Zeliang government of making a “u-turn on the issue of urban bodies elections oblivious of the select committee of Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2012 under his chairmanship unanimously resolved to reject applicability of part 1XA of the constitution of India and further recommended to the assembly to pass a resolution to frame own laws for conduct of Municipal and Town Committee elections in lieu of part 1XA of the constitution.” The NPCC meanwhile pointed out that the Supreme Court
in a recent judgment ruled that election of a candidate can be set aside for making false declaration on educational qualification in the nomination papers. It alleged that the Chief Minister is “hiding behind legal nicety and refuses to speak the truth,” regarding his educational qualifications, “unlike Neiphiu Rio, who had openly clarified through the print media.” The NPCC further pointed to anti corruption movements in the state and to “skeletons in almost all key departments and putting the government on the mat through RTI and other reliable sources.” The petroleum issue is a case in point, it said, while stating that “this narrative encompasses everyone and therefore the government should have handled the issue with utmost sincerity and sensitivity.” It however lamented that the DAN government “unleashed police force to contain the protestors.” The NPCC then reminded that the Governor had also expressed anguish “over the manner in which funds were siphoned off and had appealed to the people to get hold of the person who is siphoning all the money.” “The anguish expressed through the media by no less a person than a Governor in such a candid manner is unprecedented and speaks volumes of the morass that we are in. To buttress the Governor and add insult to the injury, NPF ally, BJP has boldly gone on record to say that DAN government is corrupt; DAN government has crossed all limits, and acknowledged that people were in utter misery,” the NPCC stated. In the light of the Governor’s frustration, it pointed out that the “NPF’s most prized ally BJP’s candid admission of corruption and a series of ultimatum served on the government over corruptions and mismanagement by various organizations is a pointer to the fact that Nagaland is headed towards a despotic and kleptocratic regime.” No other government in the state, the NPCC claimed, “has been so mired in corrupt practices as DAN regime, and therefore, the only course left before the beleaguered Chief Minister is to resign from office or the Governor should step in to dismiss the government without further delay.”