November 4th, 2015

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www.morungexpress.com

wednesdAY • november 04 • 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 300 • 12 PAGes • 4

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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T R u T H

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment — Jim Rohn India has 75-125 nuclear weapons: US report PAGe 8

Amur Falcons arrive at Intanki National Park

Sachin urges resumption of India-Pakistan cricket ties

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rs. 15000 crore for roads but with a rider! Morung Express News Dimapur | November 3

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The central government has promised the Nagaland State Government an additional Rs. 15000 crore worth of road projects by next year if it manages to expedite land acquisitions in Nagaland. Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, said this today while unravelling the foundation stone for the proposed four lane Dimapur-Kohima highway near Chathe River Bridge, Patkai College junction, Chumukedima. The project was promised by former prime minister AB Vajpayee after he travelled by the Dimapur-Kohima road in October 2003. In this first visit as a minister, Gadkari promised central assistance to Nagaland in agriculture, industry and any other additional sector where such may be required as “we are part and parcel of the same nation, and it is our duty to provide equal opportunities to all.” He said this in the presence of a host of ministers from Nagaland State alongside Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Governor of Assam and Nagaland, PB Acharya. The Dimapur-Kohima four lane highway (NH 39) will be built as a three part project by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE) scheme. The first part of the project will be for a length of 14.935Km at a cost of Rs. 373.07 crore, the second for 13.715Km at a cost of Rs. 396.52 crore and the third for 14.210Km at Rs. 429.52 crore. With

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

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a construction period of three years each, the State claims to have acquired 90% of the land needed for the same. The Union minister suggested that contractors from Nagaland be given maximum contracts for these projects such that they may create employment potential for the people of the State.

Other projects in the NE pipeline

Stating that the Government of India is giving the “highest priority to development of the North East,” Nitin Gadkari announced a number of other projects being undertaken by his ministry for the North East region. For this, Rs. 1 lakh crore has been planned for making more than 10,000 km of roads in the region. Of this, 23 projects for 744km at a cost of Rs. 10,491 crore have already started, informed the Minister. There are plans to start 20 more projects this year for the construction of 900Km of roads at a cost of Rs. 10,000 crore. Another 84 projects for 5,505km at a cost of Rs. 50,000 crore could begin by next year but are subject to land acquisition, stated Gadkari. Gadkari also announced projects approved by the Government of India for which DPRs are being prepared. They are NH-39 Kohima – Imphal road covering a distance of 126km at the cost of Rs. 1250 crore; Peren – Dimapur road for a distance of 63 km at the cost of Rs. 364 crore and Kohima Dimapur by-pass road covering distance of 61km at a cost of Rs. 550 crore. He further announced a Rs. 250 crore package for NH-39 falling within the city limits of Kohima and Dimapur covering a distance of 25

Past leaders should ‘guide and motivate’ people to bring change Nitin Gadkari attends Rani Gaidinliu’s birth centenary celebration in Peren

Morung Express News Peren | November 3

Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, today said that the lives of past leaders and freedom fighters like Rani Gaidinliu should guide and motivate the people to bring positive changes. Gadkari was speaking at the birth centenary celebration of Rani Gaidinliu held at DC Complex Peren, which he graced as the chief guest. On the occasion, he declared the construction of the two-lane Maram to Dimapur Road via Peren. Gadkari said the construction of the 181km MaramDimapur at an estimated km—for four lanes, expansion of bridges, provision of footpaths and beautification by planting trees. The central government will sanction and construct the same and hand it over to Nagaland. The Union Minister urged the Chief Minister of Nagaland to arrange land acquisition, as well as forest and environment clearance at the earliest so that work on these can start by March 2016. He made clear to the Government of Nagaland that money is not a problem if there is political will to expedite infrastructure development. For the development of the country, you need agriculture and industry

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cost of Rs. 750 crores would commence by March 2016. The Union Minister said that Nagaland can become one of the most advanced states in the country if there

is “political will.” Urging the people of Nagaland to make a commitment that they can transform Nagaland into a prosperous state, Gadkari said more

than the government, it is the people who can bring change if they desire so. He asserted that one of NDA Government’s visions is to eradicate poverty. “We

don’t want to play politics with race, caste creed or religion,” and iterated that the NDA government is for all citizens of India. Nagaland Governor, PB

to develop, he said in his speech. For this you need water, power and transport. “North East is a land full of minerals,” he noted, and that it has “tremendous” potential to develop the tourism sector. Keeping the state of unemployment here in mind, the Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping said that it is “time for the people of Nagaland to explore all possibilities of development as per needs of the State.” Maintaining that the central government is committed to growth and development, Gadkari asserted that “politics is an instrument of socio-economic re-

form. It is a system by which we can implement appropriate policies to eradicate poverty and increase employment potential.”

propriate industry for the North East region. With unemployment a big problem here, he asked the State ministers to plan a “vision document” through which the centre and state, together, can execute more projects in the next five years than have been done in the past 50 years. “If employment potential increases, then GDP will increase and thus the growth rate,” he observed. “We are a rich country with a poor population. Our subjects are at times too politicalised (sic),” said Nitin Gadkari, referring to the resistance to ‘growth and development’ in various parts of the Indian Union. He

asked the Nagaland State Government to use new land acquisition acts as well as those existing in the State to get past these.

Coal for Urea from Nagaland

Nitin Gadkari informed the gathering today that India has been importing vast quantities of urea from China, which the latter produces through its coal. India could stop the nationwide subsidies currently given in urea if prices of the same could be reduced by producing urea in India itself. Pointing out that there is “lots of coal in your area,” the Union Minister hinted how this would be an ap-

CM appeals to contractors and landowners

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, said at the event that this is a “historic moment” for the Nagas and that the project will benefit the Naga people as well as the whole of the North East of India. It will be the foundation for Government of India’s Act East Policy. He appealed to local contractors to take up the challenge and work hard to show that “we are second

to none.” He also appealed to landowners to be “reasonable” and “cooperate with the government” on compensation rates. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya pointed out the problems of connectivity faced in the North East region. But “unless the North East develops, India cannot develop,” reiterated the Governor. Education, electricity and employment are the most important markers of growth, and hoped that the central government will help Nagaland in these sectors so that “we can march ahead with the other states in India.” Related story on page 5

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Rijiju has shamed the Northeast: NPCC Meghalaya Hc directs centre

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 3 (MExN): The comment by Union Home Minister of State Kiren Rijiju on Jawaharlal Nehru has not gone down well with the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC). Rijiju had criticized the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 125th birth anniversary of “letting people of northeast region down” during the 1962 Indo-China war, while accusing the Congress of “forgetting” the “true heroes” Subhash Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A statement from NPCC president K Therie said Rijiju’s comment has deeply shamed and disturbed the minds of the northeast people and scoffed at the union home minister of We don’t take free money. Accha. Give him 250 cop- state that “it was too early for a greenhorn to ies of our 2016 calendars … equal himself to an internationally acknowledged leader.” yes, @ Rs 500/- per copy. According to NPCC, “Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was the protector of the Northeast and the diverse culture, customs and social prac-

tices of the nation” and therefore it would be a “serious mistaken imagination to think that he had abandoned the Northeast.” It pointed out that Pt. Nehru was the “giver of Nagaland state” when he declared on August 1, 1960 in the Lok Sabha the decision to create a new 16th State within the Indian Union. “The creation of the State of Nagaland is the consummation of the policy laid down by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru that the tribal areas should have as much freedom and autonomy as possible so that they can live their own lives according to their customs and desire,” the NPCC statement read. Also maintaining that Pt. Nehru had always taken a profound interest in tribal people and showed great affection for them, NPCC said it is only appropriate for Northeast to pay “our respect and honour to him for we owe him all that we have after India’s Independence.”

BRUSSELS, NOVEMBER 3 (IANS): Federica Mogherini, EU’s high representative has called for the ending of intimidation and violence on journalists across the world. November 2 marks the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. Mogherini said in a statement that many journalists risk their lives and liberty on a daily basis to ensure that their audiences get a true picture of events in some of the world’s hotspots. “The media are the mirror of our societies: if they are free and critical, we are free and safe,” she said. Regrettably, reporters in many countries across the world face an increasing level of intimidation and violence.

brought about by the ongoing consultations with the civil society groups. We are coming to a common ground. Hopefully, something good will come out,” Ravi said. Of late, non-Naga communities in Manipur are apprehensive that the peace accord could harm their interest. Civil societies and political parties including the ruling Congress have shown stiff opposition against the move of the Government of India (GoI) to strike a peace deal with the NSCN (IM). NSCN (IM) signed the Framework Agreement with the GoI in New Delhi on August 3 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which triggered hostility. In the meeting, it is learnt that the demand for disclosure of all details of the Framework Agreement was raised by the civil societies including the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO).

EU calls for ending of violence on journalists

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Union minister for Road, Transport, Shipping and Highways, Nitin Gadkari (centre) flanked by Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya (left) and chief minister, TR Zeliang, at the birth centenary celebration of Rani Gaidinliu held at DC Complex in Peren, Tuesday.

Acharya, in his address recounted the contributions of Rani Gaidinliu in India’s freedom movement and said all Indians should be proud of her contributions. Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, said the controversy surrounding Rani Gaidinliu should end and said good sense should prevail among the Naga brothers in the spirit of forgive and forget. He also made a fervent appeal to respect each other’s religion and be a good follower of one’s own faith because India is a secular state. Chairman, Yimrup Village Citizen’s Union, in his speech recollected fond memories of Rani Gaidinliu who stayed at Yimrup village in Tuensang district for 12 years after she was released from Tura jail. A host of cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs attended the programme.

RN Ravi hopeful of breakthrough Our Correspondent Imphal | November 3

Centre’s interlocutor for Naga peace talks, RN Ravi has expressed confidence that a “very amicable” solution would be brought through the ongoing consultations with various civil societies in Manipur over the Naga peace process. On Tuesday, Ravi arrived in Imphal for a two-day visit to Manipur. The Centre’s interlocutor held consultations with representatives of civil society groups at Classic Hotel here. Ravi has been making efforts to find a way to solve the “problem” created by the recent Framework Agreement. Speaking to the media at the Imphal Airport, Ravi said that he was hopeful of a breakthrough after consultations with the leaders of Manipur social organizations. “I hope a very amicable solution will be

to enforce AfsPA in Garo Hills

SHILLONG, NOVEMBER 3 (IANS): The Meghalaya High Court has directed the central government to enforce the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, (AFSPA) 1958 in the insurgency-ravaged districts of Garo Hills to control the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The high court also directed the union home secretary and defence secretary to ensure compliance by placing this order before the central government to consider the use of AFSPA and deployment of armed and para-military forces in the Garo Hills. It further directed the principal secretary in the PMO to place the order before Prime Minister Narendra Modi for perusal and consideration. The order of the full bench of Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh, Justice T.N.K. Singh and Justice S.R. Sen, issued late Monday, is significant coming in the wake of the recent kidnapping and killing of an Intelligence Bureau officer Bikash Kumar Singh and businessman Kamal Saha by A’chik Songna An’pachakgipa Kotok militants and abduction of government official Jude Rangku T. Sangma by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants. Sangma was released early Tuesday. “We have no option but to direct the central government to consider the use of AFSPA in the Garo Hills area and deployment of armed and para-military forces to control the situation in the aid of but certainly not under the command of civil and police

authorities till life becomes normal and the incidents of rampant kidnapping and killing are totally stopped,” the court noted. “We are also not oblivious of the fact that with great power comes great responsibility to exercise self-restraint, especially in the exercise of powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, but now since the law and order situation in the Garo Hills has deteriorated beyond redemption, we have no option but to issue certain serious directions in order to protect the civil liberties and fundamental rights of the common citizens as well as the public servants,” the order stated. Maintaining that the central government can enforce AFSPA for the purpose of deployment of armed forces in the aid of civil administration in order to restore public order and maintain the law and order, the court said: “Such deployment of armed forces would be only for the purpose of enabling the civil authorities in the state to deal with the situation effectively so that there is a regime of rule of law.” Observing that there was no end to violent incidents perpetrated by Garo National Liberation Army and other militants, including calling bandhs in Garo Hills, the court said: “... the police and civil authorities, despite the best of their efforts, are not able to control the incidents of kidnapping for ransom and killings on non-fulfilment of illegal demands and the native population is totally exposed to the influence of militancy, and the funds allocation by

the Central Government has not helped in ameliorating the decline of law and order”. The court has fixed November 18 as the next date for hearing of the matter. In its 13-page order, the court also quoted data supplied by the Meghalaya Police on the abduction of 87 people -- 25 civilians, 27 businessmen, 25 private sector employees, five government employees and five teachers -- for ransom in different parts of Garo Hills from January to October 31 by Garo militants. “It is also informed that the majority of Garo population reside in villages and they are basically dependent upon agriculture for their livelihood. Though the population is just about seven lakh, yet they are not feeling secured and they have to live totally exposed to the mercy of insurgents who raise all kinds of illegal demands, including food and shelter,” the order said. Pointing out that even the chief justice and judges of the high court were getting “veiled threats” through anonymous letters, the bench said: “It may not be proper for us to say anything about our security which is, for the present, being looked after by the state. “Generally, we put all such anonymous letters into shredders but since two of us are to lay our office in January and February, 2016, and third one in March, 2019, one cannot claim to be fully safe and secured.” The court has fixed November 18 as the next date for hearing of the matter.

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