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saturDaY • November 21 • 2015
DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 317 • 12 PAGes • 4
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Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again — Joseph Campbell Call to accelerate growth of food processing
Nitish again Bihar CM, Lalu’s son his deputy PaGe 8
Nagaland Police duty-cumsports conclave concludes
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MALI HOTEL ATTACKED eight MlAs of nagaland cong • 10 gunmen attack Radison Blu hotel with merge with naga People’s front AK-47s and hand grenades
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BAMAKO, NOVEMBER 20 (REUtERs): At least 27 people were reported dead on Friday after Malian commandos stormed a luxury hotel in the capital Bamako with at least 170 people inside, many of them foreigners, that had been seized by Islamist gunmen. The former French colony has been battling Islamist rebels for several years, and the jihadist group Al Mourabitoun, allied to al Qaeda and based in the deserts of northern Mali, claimed responsibility for the attack in a tweet. By late afternoon, ministerial adviser Amadou Sangho told the French television station BFMTV that no more hostages were being held. But a U.N. official said U.N. peacekeepers on the scene had seen 27 bodies in a preliminary count, and that a search of hotel was continuing. It was not clear whether any of the gunmen, who were said to have dug in on the seventh floor of the hotel as special forces advanced on them, were still active. State television showed footage of troops in camouflage fatigues wielding AK47s in the lobby of the Radisson Blu, one of Bamako’s smartest hotels and beloved of foreigners. In the background, a body lay under a brown blanket at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
• Special forces storm hotel to free hostages • UN peacekeepers saw 27 bodies at the hotel
A Malian security officer armed with a pistol helps out hostage after he was freed from the Radisson Blu hotel.
The peacekeepers saw 12 dead bodies in the basement of the hotel and another 15 on the second floor, the U.N. official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. He added that the U.N. troops were still helping Malian authorities search the hotel. A man working for a Belgian regional parliament was among the dead, the assembly said. Minister of Internal Security Colonel Salif Traoré said the gunmen had burst through a security barrier at 7 a.m. (0700 GMT),
spraying the area with gunfire and shouting “Allahu Akbar”, or “God is great” in Arabic. Occasional bursts of gunfire were heard as the assailants went through the seven-storey building, room-by-room and floorby-floor, one senior security source and a witness told Reuters. Some people were freed by the attackers after showing they could recite verses from the Koran, while others were brought out by security forces or managed to escape under their own steam. One of
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NPCC expels twelve members for 3 years
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expelled twelve (12) of its members for three (3) years with effect from November 20, 2015 onwards. It also recommended to All India Congress Committee (AICC) for disciplinary action against four members. The expelled members include Supongmeren, Nillo Rengma, Vaprumo Demo, Konngam, Sulanthung, H. Chuba, Prasilie Pienyu, G. K. Rengma, while K. V. Pusa, Asu Keyho, Joshua Sumi and Tarie Zeliang, besides being expelled, were also recommended for disciplinary action against them. In a press statement, NPCC president K Therie informed that the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) constituted Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2003, as they have become members of the Naga People’s Front with the presentation of claim of merger as aforesaid, you are kindly requested to show them as NPF members in all Assembly records pending issuance of appropriate order by you under the said Rules,” read the notification issued to the Speaker. The eight Congress members who are now members of the political and the legislature parties of the NPF are SI Jamir, Tokheho Yepthomi, C Apok Jamir, S Hukavi Zhimomi,
to examine the alleged misconduct of those members found that they “neither denied nor regretted their anti-party activities and misconduct.” “They also ignored the authority of NPCC by not replying to the alleged breach of discipline and challenging its authority,” Therie added. According to the statement, DAC had served show cause notice to the twelve members of the Congress for their misconduct during the NPCC delegates meeting at Congress Bhavan, Kohima on September 24 where general secretary, AICC incharge of Northeast, V Narayanswamy was also present. It also stated that the members “ignored the authority of NPCC by not replying to the alleged breach of discipline and challenging its authority.”
Dr Imtiwapang Aier, Imtikumzuk, Eshak Konayk and Khekaho Assumi. This new development comes in the backdrop of infighting within the Congress party in Nagaland with new president K Therie and his supporters in one boat and supporters of the eight MLAs along with senior members of the Indian National Congress on another. After the eight Congress MLAs joined TR Zeliang’s DAN government by voting in his favour in a ‘motion of confidence’ in the floor of the Assembly on February 6, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) had is-
sued show-cause notice and suspension order to the members for ‘violating’ its direction of not to join the NPF government headed by Zeliang, if BJP is also a part of the government. The Congress had also filed disqualification petitions before the Speaker of NLA against its eight MLAs for attracting the provisions of the anti-defection law framed by the Assembly. The inclusion of the Congress MLAs in the alliance and the government means there is no opposition party in Nagaland and a realization of Zeliang’s ‘all-party government’ in the State Assembly.
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NUN urges release of HIV/AIDS funds nagaland government fails
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) has taken a serious note of the non release of funds to fight AIDS, and said that this threatens to disrupt the service provided to the Injection drug users (IDUs) under the Nagaland AIDS Control Programme (NACP). A press note from the NUN stated that HIV prevention and control programs are undergoing a setback due to the financial crisis as a result of the non timely release of funds by the state government to the NGOs implementing harm reduction programs. Ever since the detection of HIV in 1990, the state has started impleParliamentary Secretary? menting 31 OST programs and 53 TI Hoi, accha, so, what’s your projects, of which majority are impleline of work? mented with the injection drug users,
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the rescued hostages, celebrated Guinean singer Sékouba ‘Bambino’ Diabate, said he had overheard two of the assailants speaking in English as they searched the room next to his. Twelve Air France flight crew were in the building but all were extracted safely, the French national carrier said. A Turkish official said five of seven Turkish Airlines staff had also managed to flee. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua said three of 10 Chinese tourists caught inside had been rescued.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): Wiping out any remnants of the existence of the ‘opposition’ in the Nagaland State Assembly, the eight Nagaland Congress MLAs who joined the Naga People’s Front (NPF)-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government in which BJP is also have a partner merged with the NPF. The erstwhile Congress members presented the claim of merger as per the format required under the members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2003 along with other supporting documents to the Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Friday. Subsequently, NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Chief Minister TR Zeliang issued separate notifications to the Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) informing that the Congress members have merged with the NPF in accordance with the law laid down by the Gauhati High Court in Writ Appeals Nos.297 & 298/2014 (judgment delivered on 12.11.2014) and thus are protected against disqualification on ground of defection. “In terms of Rule 4 of the Members of Nagaland
NTC cautions against ‘tribal polarizations’ DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has asked that the matters of public importance should not be viewed through the “prism of tribal fabrics.” A press note from the NTC lauded the “recent development of consciousness” amongst civil bodies and the citizens on unabated corruption, misuse of fund and manipulations, particularly issues on backdoor appointments in various government departments. Terming it as a sign of “social awakening,” the NTC assured cooperation to the “courageous moves” of ACAUT, HRLN, CSU, KSU and “public spirited citizens” who have taken matters of corruption to the courts for legal scrutiny. “The enormous trust of the people towards judicious review and expeditious delivery of justice to rectify the erroneous actions of the executives and the law makers is a way forward to build transparent and accountability measures for a healthy society that calls for radical changes,” the NCT said. It further stated that the issues of cut-off year and yardsticks on effective coverage on legislated laws should be placed before the court of law for correct interpretation and necessary directions. “The petitioners efforts to collect evidences and establish the case of public interest is laudable and therefore require maximum restrain to view the matter through the prism of tribal fabrics and raise public speculations to defeat the genuine endeavor,” the NTC advised. “When issues are viewed through the angular prism, the refraction tempts the viewers to compromise with the targets,” it cautioned. As such, it appealed for all concerned not to bring in “tribal equations and polarizations in line of tribal differences in matters of great public importance.”
where the needle syringe exchange program is a key component in the prevention of HIV, the NUN said. It stated that services such as counselling, referrals, abscess management, OST, and NSEP etc play a very crucial role in the life of an IDU. However, it lamented that the lack of funds make it impossible for the NGOs to deliver these services. The NUN stated that this financial crisis is a result of “lack of Political will” and also questioned the commitment of the Nagaland Government in addressing the burden of HIV/AIDS in the state. Ketho, Coordinator of the NUN stated: “over the years, the prevalence rate of HIV among IDUs has significantly decreased due to effective harm reduction service implementa-
tion” and lauded the NGOs for their contribution. “However, such a financial crisis will let loose the AIDS virus, whereby rampant spread will occur and our fight against this epidemic will be defeated,” he cautioned. While acknowledging the new financial policy and with the World AIDS day fast approaching on the December 1, the NUN has urged the government to fast track the file process and release the funds to NSACS, “lest the day’s observance see the display of black ribbons instead of the universal red ribbon symbol.” The NUN further called for a long term solution to end this imbroglio so that the state does not continue to struggle every quarter due to such a financial crisis.
NSCN (IM) asks Nagas to be cautious of rumours
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today urged the Naga people to be “cautious against rumours aimed at sabotaging what is being worked out as best for the Naga people.” A press note from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) said that “history will judge those who attempt to polarize the Naga issue and her people for vested interest.” Referring to the GPRN/NSCN’s 8th Naga Unification Anniversary set to be held on November 22, the NSCN (IM) expressed concern that the anniversary would discuss the Framework Agreement between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India. It stated that “such unnecessary drama to mislead and confuse the Naga people at this most crucial juncture is tantamount to reflecting their negative attitude and approach to the Naga political issue and the peace process.” It accused the GPRN/NSCN of having a “clear bankruptcy of policies, visions and showcase political nagging and childishness.” It further alleged that the GPRN/NSCN is “no more fighting for the rights of the Naga nation but reduced to seeking positions in the puppet Nagaland state,” and as such “don’t have the rights to say on Naga national issue.” “Such undesirable crowd who are hell-bent in destroying the foundation of Naga nationhood by professing and propagating regionalism and tribalism, antagonist to the aspiration of Naga unity needs to be placed in the right perspective by the Naga people,” it added.
The NSCN (IM) affirmed that 18 years of Cease Fire and political negotiation with the Government of India had made the GoI recognize the unique history and situation of Nagas on July 11, 2002 at Amsterdam, “which means that Nagas were never a part of India either by consent or by conquest.” Both parties, it stated, mutually agreed that there is need for an early political solution leading to the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 at New Delhi. “The signed document duly respects and recognises the nature of Naga history. It also acknowledges the importance of sharing sovereign powers and the need for peaceful coexistence between the two entities,” the NSCN (IM) said. It further stated that the Agreement shows “political wisdom and statesmanship of Naga leadership and GoI under the dynamic leadership of Narendra Modi.” It reminded that after the signing of the Framework Agreement, the NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th. Muivah had “widely open doors for togetherness to every faction to join us in fructifying the Framework Agreement in the true spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, with clear intent to reach out to every section of our people (including other NPGs).” It further stated that the NSCN (IM) President, Isak Chishi Swu had also appealed to “let bygone be bygone and come together in the name of Christ so that Nagas can chart out together our common future based on the historical and political rights of the Nagas.”
to release scholarships
3615 Naga students still denied of scholarship, students wear black badges in protest Morung Express News Kohima | November 20
The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANSCU) began its first phase of agitation by wearing black badges/ribbons due to the failure of the State Government to release the Post Matric Scholarships despite several appeals and requests. While students in other states received their scholarship by early May or June every year, students of Nagaland continue to suffer with the delay of their scholarships. “This year it is worse,” infromed ANSCU, with the delay being extended to more than four months now. On February 15, the central government had already sanctioned its share for 90 percent of the scholarship amount to Nagaland. However even after 9 months since the centre released its share, the Nagaland government has failed to release its 10 percent share. “We have served so many requests and appeals to the State Government. Recently an ultimatum was given to the State Government to release the pending scholarships on or before November 19. 10 days is enough time to complete all the procedures but they have failed,” said ANCSU President, Zhoku ThuluoduringapressconferenceheldatANSCUofficeon November 20. “As a student organization, we believe that the investment in education
NSF slams govt’s ‘blame game’ Expressing displeasure at the government’s failure to release scholarships for students in the state, the Naga Students Federation (NSF) today stated that the “blame game among the government agencies for failing to disburse the amount is uncalled for.” A press note from the NSF stated that the utmost concern for any government should be the welfare of the student community. It demanded that the state government release the Nagaland state merit scholarship and the Scheduled Tribe scholarship without any further delay. sector is one of the best investments but it is very sad that the Nagaland Government has failed to realize the importance of education,” stated ANCSU General Secretary, Benjongakum Longchar. He further questioned why scholarships are never disbursed on time in Nagaland. Asserting that many students depend much on the scholarship to pay their education fees, ANSCU lamented that not only does the State delay the release of scholarship but is not even able to give all the scholarships at one go. “It has become a tradition and a trend to delay,” stated ANSCU. No response has been given by any of the concerned authorities, whether it is the Department of Higher Education or the Finance Department on the delay of the disbursement of scholarships. However when the ANSCU send their appeals, assurances are always given but never delivered. “As Nagas, we believe and value commitments and assurances but we have lost faith in their assurances,” stated ANSCU. It stated that they have reached a point where they cannot even convince the students anymore. Until the money is credited to the account of all the
students, the ANSCU has decided to agitate and remain firm on their stand. The ANSCU submitted an appeal on May 25 and further sent a reminder on June 20. Its latest ultimatum, which was issued on November 9 expired on November 19. ANSCU in their ultimatum noted that the scholarship for the remaining 3516 students is due to the non-release of 10% state share. Meanwhile, the Director of Higher Education, Chubatola, in a letter dated November 20, has given assurance that the State Merit Scholarship and Research Scholarship for 2014-2015 would be released by the Finance Department on November 20. The Director also notified that the 10% State share of centrally sponsored scheme of post matric scholarship to ST students will be released only in the 2nd week of December. For 2014-2015, the Government of India under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs sanctioned an amount of Rs. 27,03,30, 887 (90%). The State share of 10 percent requires an amount of Rs2,70.33 lakh and the delay has denied 3516 students of their right to scholarships. It may also be noted that the 3516 students denied of their scholarship on time are Nagas studying outside of Nagaland.
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