C M Y K
www.morungexpress.com
ThursDAY • November 03• 2016
DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 302 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens Nagaland achieves 87.5% legal literacy under ‘Saakshar Bharat’ (Adult Education)
Six Pakistani High Commission officials leave India PAGe 08
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
o F
T R u T H
— Thomas Jefferson
City stun Barca, Ozil magic as Arsenal progress
PAGe 02
PAGE 12
Utter neGlect in tHe BorDer
Monyakshu village in Mon district bordering Myanmar is a living testimony of neglect - with crippling education, health and sanitation sectors- just like any other villages along the border Limasenla Jamir Monyakshu (Mon)| November 2 Yes, yes, you’re right, SSA is dead without teachers. Oh by the way, what’s the fire brigade got to do with quality education?
Make necessary amendment in Nagaland Municipal Act: APO DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): The Angami Public Organization (APO) has urged the Nagaland Government to make necessary amendment in the Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) before election to the urban local bodies is conducted while reflecting on the actual legal position of Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes in the State. Full Text on Page 10
Nagaland govt assures payment of SSA teacher’s salary within Nov
C M Y K
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government has assured that it would release the pending salaries of SSA teachers within the month on November 2016. In a letter to the President of the NSSATA, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, FP Solo assured that inclusion of SSA teacher’s salary under Non Plan would be taken up at the “appropriate time” as and when the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of SSA comes to an end. The Commissioner and Secretary stated that the state government has been following the rules and guidelines of the National Mission Authority of the SSA and gave surety that it would continue to follow them so as to facilitate timely release of instalments and avoid delays in payment of salary. He further stated that the state government would take all necessary steps and measures “to the extent possible” to ensure timely release of salary for SSA teachers. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), meanwhile, while acknowledging the government for addressing the demands put forth by the NSSATA further urged the Government to strictly adhere to the written assurance given to the teachers association. It also appealed to the teaching community to sincerely discharge and execute their duties.
Situated at 1650 meters above sea level along the Indo-Myanmar border, Monyakshu village gives the impression of natural beauty, serenity and divinity with the massive green hills surrounding it. With more than 900 households and a population of 6,886 people (2011 Census), Monyakshu village is among one of the biggest villages in Mon district. Women and young girls pounding rice, kids running around carrying their younger siblings at the back, old men sunbathing outside the morung while others busy themselves by weaving or making daos and muzzle loading guns at the blacksmith station- this is how a normal day looks like in this Konyak Naga village.
Everything appears to be blissful until you look a little deeper. About half of the populations are children. An average family consists of nine to ten members. With the system of joint family being practiced in the village, the village council chairman’s family has forty one people living under one roof, which is the highest in the village. The health condition in the village is very poor. In spite of the massive population, the village doesn’t have a Primary Health Centre. With just one sub-centre in the village without a doctor, the health problems never seem to cease in the village. “Villagers come to me everyday asking for medicines. Fever, itching diseases, stomach aches…I am not a doctor so I cannot help much,” says Moba, a 27 year old, who is the
(LEFT) An old man sunbaths outside the morung with his pet dog on a lazy Sunday morning at Monyakshu village, Mon District. (RIGHT) Two young girls carry their brothers at the back as they return home after witnessing a balloon fight match in the village ground at Monyakshu village, Mon District. (Photo Courtesy/Meren Pongen)
pharmacist in the subcentre. This year itself, six children died when a measles epidemic hit the village. The nearest hospital for them is in Tobu town, but since there are no buses or taxis plying to Tobu town, they go to Mon town, which is 130 kms away. In most cases, the patients die on the way to the hospital. “Poor sanitation system and illiteracy is the main cause of health problems in the village,” asserts E. Moba, the general secre-
tary of Monyakshu Village Student Union (MVSU). Open defecation is still practiced in some parts of the village where human excreta is directly consumed by the pigs. With the support of the Eleutherous Christian Society (ECS), Tuensang and the PHED Department, the MVSU has launched a Total Sanitation Drive where they plan to completely stop open defecation and build individual household latrines for every family. But the task is challeng-
ing. “Gauri he dangor wala ase latrine pura tu” (Pig is more important than the latrine) was the comment from one villager when asked why he was reluctant to build the latrine. Coupled with that, the villagers hardly get any electricity. Ever since the village started taking the electricity from Mon headquarters in 1997, it has become very irregular and we have been living like this for almost two decades, L. Sangti, the village council chairman stated.
Until a communal clash occurred between the Changs and the Konyaks in 1990, Tobu Sub Division under which Monykashu Village falls, was a part of Tuensang District. Monyashu Village lurks behind in all area of developments. With the efforts of the MVSU and also the dedication of one administrative officer posted in Monyakshu town headquarters, the village is seeing a little ray of hope. However, just a little is not enough for such a big vil-
lage like Monyakshu. Developing human resources is the key to the future but with the crippling education, health and sanitation sectors, it remains a huge challenge. Human conditions are deplorable, government officials are like ghosts and development funds disappear halfway in the potholes. More needs to be done. The government needs to put more attention and focus on the many villages lying along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Sandy problems as truck drivers protest Govt spent 13.72 Crores on SUVs & other vehicles during 2013-16 Morung Express News Dimapur | November 2
Sand supplies into Dimapur have virtually been brought to a halt as protesting truck drivers continued with their stir for the second day at the Dillai Gate in Dimapur. The truck drivers have been protesting since November 1 against what it alleged is the existence of a “syndicate” in the sand supply business. Hekiye Awomi, Finance Secretary of the Dimapur District Truck Drivers’ Welfare Union (DDTDWU), stated that truck drivers have been facing undue harassment as a result. According to Awomi, all sand supply to the state is sourced from Karbi Anglong district in Assam. There are 13 mahaldars (contractors who have sand mines under lease) in Karbi Anglong. Each truck pays Rs. 13000 for a trip and the drivers are directed to a plot for sourcing sand by the mahaldars. In the past few weeks leading up to the protest, Awomi alleged that truck drivers were directed to areas 70-80 kms deep into the jungles with virtually no sand. However, with payments already made, the truck drivers were compelled take back low quality sand, and sometimes even mud. This had led to drivers being harassed by the owners and sand stockists and in some cases, even physically assaulted. “Apparently, the owners and sand
stockists under the belief that they were being taken for a ride, had harassed and even physically assaulted the drivers,” Awomi said. A protesting truck driver who spoke on the condition of anonymity claimed that “internal business rivalry” among sand stockists in Dimapur was the reason behind all the problems. He alleged that a conglomerate of sand stockists in Dimapur has bought off the 13 mahaldars and drivers of those who are not among the conglomerate are being directed to areas with low quality sand. Awomi had similar views to share. He informed that truck drivers in the past were given a “freewill” to source their sand once they made payments. The “freewill” to source sand had resulted in “healthy competition”, the Finance Secretary insisted. In this regard, the DDTDWU on behalf of the protesting drivers has called for a return to the earlier model where the drivers were permitted to “freely” choose the place of sand procurement. It stated that “vested interests” were making truck drivers face undue hardships and informed that the protests, which began on November 1, will continue until their demands are met. The union has also sought the help of the Dimapur District administration and the Nagaland state government in resolving the issue.
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): From 2013 to 2016, the Nagaland State Government has spent approximately Rs 13.73 Crores for the purchase of SUVs and other vehicles, excluding buses. This was revealed by the State Transport Department in a reply to an RTI filed by the ACAUT Nagaland. The documents, made available to the media, show that in 2013-14, the government purchased 18 Boleros, 18 Innovas and 8 other vehicles for Rs 3.85 Crores. In 2014-15, 2 Boleros, 8 Innovas, 3 Fortuners and 12 other vehicles were purchased for Rs 3.04 Crores; while in 2015-16, 25 Boleros, 30 Innovas and 2 other vehicles were purchased for Rs 6.83 Crores. The documents also showed that no buses were purchased by the government in 2013-14 and 2014-15, despite 37 buses being condemned in 2013-14 and 39 buses being condemned in 2014-15. The shortfall of buses in the state as of March 2016 was 135. The department, in its reply, stated that the reason for shortage of buses is due to condemnation of buses owing to old age and inability to replenish the fleet strength. The reason for in-
Shortfall of 135 buses in Nagaland as of March, 2016
ability to replenish the fleet strength, it informed, was due to non receipt of fund from the government during 2013-14 and 2014-15. It however stated that in 201011, 12 buses were bought for Rs 1,45,31,728; in 2011-12, 14 buses were procured for Rs 2,71,16389; and in 2012-13, 20 buses were purchased for Rs 3,82,37,928. Overall, from 2010 to March 2016, the documents showed that only 46 buses were purchased, with the number of buses condemned being 181; a shortfall of 135 buses. The department has already submitted proposal to the government for purchase of 40 new buses which is under consideration of the government. Regarding the decision to buy brand new vehicles, the Transport Department in its reply stated that it is the prerogative of the department. “The department buys new vehicles
based on urgent requirements within the specific fund allotment made for the purpose,” it added.
How can govt claim it has no money: ACAUT
Meanwhile, the ACAUT Nagaland in a press note questioned: “How can the government claim it doesn’t have money” to pay teachers in the state. It claimed that the amount spent on government vehicles, excluding buses, and the alleged “siphoning” of money through discrepancy in the distribution of SK Oil and wheat in the state shows that “it had more than enough funds at its disposal to not only pay the 10% state share but to even pay the entire salaries of SSA/ RMSA combined if needed be.” Condemning the use of water cannon during the NSSATA protest in Kohima, the ACAUT asked the government not to trivialize agitations. “When the SSA, RMSA and Hindi teachers haven’t been paid for more than half a year, the habitual attitude of the government to dismiss the genuine grievances of the teachers as politically motivated is uncalled for, immoral and highly condemnable,” it added.
UlBs elections by January 2017: cM ‘Learn to reconcile, unite Chizokho Vero
Chozuba | November 2
Chief Minister T R Zeliang today said that elections to the urban local bodies will take place in the month of January next year. He said Nagaland Government will go ahead with the elections in those places where there are no opposition to women reservation and requested the people to cooperate with the government since development of small townships which do not fall under the categories of villages or Municipals have been lagging behind in development. Zeliang also said he failed to understand the opposition to reservation of 33% for women when men folk are agreeable to 33% for women through nomination with full voting rights. Inaugurating Chozuba Town Council under Phek district, he said there are 3 municipal and 29 town councils including Chozuba in the state as of now. Towards this, Zeliang said the DAN government has taken one-
step ahead to march towards progress and development in the area of urbanization and urban development. He underscored that the state government has created municipal affairs department for better administration to cities and town through municipal and town councils. The Chief Minister called upon the public to give suggestions when they are not satisfied on any policy and at the same time to extend support when the policy is right. He assured that the government will not disturb the function and customary system of the villages and landholding system. On the agitation of Nagaland SSA teachers for non-payment of salary, Zeliang said the state government will clear it even if the money is not released by the centre. “We will not deprive our students,” he claimed adding that the priority of the government is “our youth and students.” On the occasion, Zeliang also informed that Nagaland vision document will be released during
the forthcoming Hornbill Festival. Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who is an elected representative from 18th Chozuba A/C said that Chozuba is one of the oldest towns in Nagaland but still lacking in many developmental activities. He was optimistic that the inauguration of Chozuba Town Council will be a contributing factor towards rapid growth of the town. Sazo also stressed on the need to speed up the commercial activities in the town. Minister for Home Y. Patton, Minister for School Education & SCERT Yitachu, deputy speaker Imtikumzuk and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Under no obligation to give reasons for dropping Mmhonlumo: CM
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Wednesday defended his action of “sacking” Mmhonlumo Kikon, MLA from the post of Parliamentary Secretary and said he was not under obligation
to give any reason or justification for such actions. “As per the Constitution of India, and as per the conventions being followed in parliamentary democracy, the appointment or sacking of any Minister is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. So is the case with Parliamentary Secretaries and Advisers,” a press note from CMO media cell asserted. It pointed out that in the case of any disciplinary action taken by any political party on suspension or expulsion from the party against any Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Adviser or MLA, show cause notice is always served, and the concerned person is given an opportunity to defend himself, or to rebut the charges or allegations against him. However, as sacking or dropping of a Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, Advisor etc from the Council of Minister is not a disciplinary action; no such procedures need to be followed in the State or Centre, the press note from CMO stated.
& move forward together’
NNC/FGN appeals to all Naga national workers to come together to form a National Government
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): General (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho, President of the NNC and Brigadier (Retd) S Singnya, President of the FGN today made an appeal to all Naga national workers to “come together to form a National Government and also elect National Leaders in order to guide and serve our Nation as in the past.” A joint statement issued through the MIP of the NNC/ FGN cautioned that “until this is done we feel that no concrete or lasting solution can be reached and will only prolong the sufferings of our people.” It stated that the “inability on our part to make a decision to come together at this juncture may lead to further alien-
ation and create undesirable situations which may make it impossible to come into contact each other again and the different groups or factional leaders will have to bear the responsibilities and consequences of the activities of their respective groups.” We believe, the statement affirmed, “that it is the Will of our Almighty God and an ardent desire of our people that we all come together and as one pursue our National aspirations.” “Unless we learn to forgive each other, reconcile and unite and move forward together, our common dream will just remain a dream,” it added. It asserted that the need of the hour is not in seeking positions but in “putting the National goal and aspiration above everything else including ideological differences for the sake of the love for our motherland. If our people so desire we can render our best services.”