Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 39
Rajnath Singh seeks report on Manipur ambush
Rajnath Singh (File)
DIMAPUR, sunday, january 15, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Nagaland’s Trekking Hotspots
Kane hat-trick sends Spurs 2nd in PL
BRICS cooperation to be strengthened during Chinese presidency: KV Kamath
Sunday Post Supplement
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
ENPO asks ENWO to quit JACWR Urges govt. to indefinitely defer civic polls Sets deadline for withdrawal of nominations DIMAPUR, JAN 14 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland Pe o pl e s’ O r g a nisa tio n (ENPO), which had on January 4, 2017 decided to leave the matter of holding municipal/town councils polls in ENPO areas to the “understanding and responsibility” of the respective tribes, has now resolved to oppose the urban local bodies (ULB) elections (in principle) within its jurisdiction and asked Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation to “immediately withdraw” from the Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) in the larger interest of ENPO public. Reiterating the ENPO Noklak resolution No. 4 dated December 29, 2016, ENPO president S Khoiwang Konyak and secretary MC Ongbou Chang in a press note said a joint emergency consultative meeting of ENPO with six tribal federating units and frontal units was held on January 14, 2017 at CKS hall, Tuensang in connection with the
impending issues relating to ULB elections in Nagaland. The house resolved to appeal ENWO to immediately withdraw from JACWR and affirmed that ENPO general would not be held responsible for any future consequences and implications resulting out from non-compliance of its appeal. According to the signatories, the house also appealed to all six federating tribal units to abstain from participating in the ULBs/ municipal and town council election. It also directed all responsible intending candidates to “withdraw their nomination on or before January 17, 2017 since it has serious legal implications upon the spirit of Article 371A.” The house has also cautioned that any individual under ENPO participating in the ULB elections against the general wishes of ENPO would be doing so at their own risk and responsibility. Further, the house af-
ter thorough deliberation resolved to appeal the state government to indefinitely postpone the ensuing proposed ULB elections in the larger interest of Nagas till consensus decision of the Naga civil society organisations of Nagaland was arrived at. The above resolutions were adopted after the house deliberated at length the matters pertaining to ULB elections in Nagaland vis-à-vis ENPO’s previous resolutions on the issue. At the meeting, references were also made to resolution No. 14 of October 28, 2011 at Tuensang Hq. and its subsequent reaffirmation on October 12, 2012 at Dimapur, Hotel Acacia resolution on August 17, 2016, the Noklak resolution on December 29, 2016 and the Hotel Saramati resolution on January 4, 2017. The members present felt that accepting Central Act of Parliament at its present status form infringed the vibrant and age-old traditions and customary practices. They also noted that the state government has also failed to satisfy the clarification sought by ENPO on the issue.
Wokha distt candidates ready to withdraw nominations, claims LH
Lotha Hoho (LH) on Saturday claimed that most of the intending candidates for elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) from Wokha district have expressed their willingness to withdraw their nominations. The decision was conveyed during a meeting held at Town Hall, Wokha on Saturday in the presence of all Lotha frontal organizations, Wokha town public and surrounding villages, said Lotha Hoho in a statement signed by its president Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary Mhondamo Ovung. At the meeting, three independent candidates-Zaremo Murry, Janponthung Ngullie and Abel Ennio-- signed their ‘Withdrawal Bond’. This was done so since Saturday was a no-working day and the office of the RO was closed, LH added. LH said other candidates also assured the house, through N. Mhabemo Ezung (ward No.11 candidate), to collectively withdraw nomi-
IMPHAL, JAN 14 (IANS): Home Minister Rajnath Singh has sought a report on Thursday’s ambush on National Highway 37 in Manipur in which one person was killed and three injured, officials said on Saturday. Two of the injured persons are in the ICU of a private hospital in Imphal. However, one wounded victim said: “About eight tribals in combat fatigues climbed down from the nearby mountain and opened fire at us. Speaking tribal dialect, some of them mocked us and opened fire again.” Meanwhile, police investigation has not made any headway and no arrest has been made. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that from the very beginning, Manipur has been urging the central government to set up a highway protection force since NH 2 and 37 are the only D I M A P U R , J A N 1 4 authorities on the issue of lifelines of Manipur. “HowWarns of strict action against party (NPN): Joint Action Com- elections to Urban Local ever the centre maintains that as law and order is a candidates withdrawing nominations mittee on Women Reserva- Bodies”, JACWR also said tion (JACWR) has respond- “misunderstanding and state subject Manipur should deploy its forces along the DIMAPUR, JAN 14 ers of the party, after ad- ed to the appeal made by threats of expulsion” do chief minister T.R. Zeliang not portend well for Naga highways,” he said. (NPN): Naga People’s ministering pledge, no at a meeting in the latter’s Di- society. Front (NPF) has resolved NPF ticket holder should mapur residence Saturday, According to Joint Acto go ahead with the civic withdraw from the fray. by deciding to withdraw the tion Committee on Women polls as per the schedule The party has warned Special Leave Petition filed Reservation the state govannounced by the state that stern disciplinary by it in the Supreme Court ernment and the State ElecSpl. Correspondent election commission. action would be initiated on the condition, that the tion Commission were only This was resolved against those candidates NEW DELHI, JAN 14 at a meeting of all NPF who withdraw their nomi- “ongoing process of elec- carrying out their bounden tions to the ULBs, could be duty to hold elections to (NPN): Lauding the Indigo officials held on January nation papers. decision to fly “mortal re- 14, 2017 in Kohima, at Further, NPF also completed as notified by the ULBs as necessitated by Article 243T with reservamains” of deceased human the residence of the party expressed dismay over state government.” JACWR convenor Mrs. tion for women (enacted in beings free of cost to various president, Dr. Shürhozelie the alleged use of force destinations in the North Liezietsu. by some organizations Abeiu Meru and co-conve- 2006 by the state assembly); East, the Union Minister of In a press release, in preventing some of nor Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu while various tribal organisaState (Independent Charge) NPF working president, the NPF ticket holders in in a joint statement also tions were apprehensive that for DoNER, Dr Jitendra Apong Pongener, said the filing their nomination explained that the decision holding such elections with was to allay the fears of tribal women reservation “would Singh has said that “a re- meeting, which took stock papers. quest to this effect had been of the situation arising out Meanwhile, the NPF organisations that the case infringe upon Article 371A made to all the Airlines of the ensuing municipal has appealed to the Naga filed by them in the Supreme of the constitution.” operating in the region and I and town council elec- Hoho, ENPO, all tribe Court “would infringe on JACWR leaders opined am glad that Indigo has been tions in Nagaland, adopt- Hohos and the citizens of Article 371A of the constitu- that Article 243T did not prompt to respond”. infringe upon Article 371A ed five-point resolution. the state to cooperate and tion of India.” Indigo Airlines vice Expressing pain at what in any way nor would it go It was resolved that support the government’s president, Vikram Chona, since tickets of NPF were decision to conduct the was described as “ongoing against the customary and personally called on Dr Jiten- given to primary and ac- election of urban local tussle between the tribal social practices of Nagas dra Singh here and formally tive membership hold- bodies (ULBs). organisations and the state since town and municipalihanded over a letter from the president of Indigo, Aditya Ghosh, addressed to Dr Jitendra Dr Jitendra Singh said that the gesture shown by Indigo, was not only a NEW DELHI, JAN 14 India’s engagement with Vietnam reflection of human concern, (AGENCIES): China has leaves China fuming but is also an extension of the warned small and mediumPublic Private Partnership sized countries in the Asia(PPP) model with the gov- Pacific not to take sides ernment and private sectors “among big countries”. jointly offering services to In a white paper it recitizens at different levels and leased earlier this week on in different situations. Asia-Pacific security cooperation, Beijing also said major countries should treat strategic intentions of others in an objective and rational manner, reject the Cold converged sharply with the it has built in South China tion in the UN, Brics, G20, China-India-Russia and War mentality, respect oth- US Rebalance in the region Sea. The white paper did other mechanisms. On the ers’ legitimate interests and with New Delhi helping concerns and respond to Washington to draw in- not touch upon India’s con- issue of counter-terrorism, challenges with concerted ternational focus on the cerns over China’s refusal to though, China again seemed significance of freedom of clear its path to the member- to bat for Pakistan. efforts. “China believes diaThis is significant in navigation and overflight in ship of the NSG, or even its decision to block UN sanc- logue among different civilithe context of India’s own South China Sea. China’s state-run Glob- tion of JeM chief Masood sations should be enhanced attempts to deepen security and defence ties with coun- al Times warned the US of a Azhar, but said China’s stra- and a holistic approach tries in the region, most “devastating confrontation” tegic partnership with India taken to eliminate the breednotably with Vietnam and and called for the two coun- for peace and prosperity had ing grounds of terrorism... there should be no double Japan, who are involved in tries to prepare for a military deepened. clash after Rex Tillerson, It said the two coun- standard in fighting terror, serious maritime territorial “Father and son are fighting who will soon head the state tries had maintained com- which should not be associfor the bicycle symbol. disputes with China. department, declared that munication and coordina- ated with a particular counAfter PM Narendra They may have to share Modi took over in 2014, China had to be denied ac- tion on international affairs try, ethnicity or religion,” it 50:50.” India’s Act East Policy has cess to the artificial islands and enhanced collabora- said.
nations along with the NPF party candidates. The house fur ther unanimously reaffirmed the January 8 Lotha Public Resolution-- that any candidates failing to withdraw their nomination “will bear the responsibility for any consequence”. Lotha Hoho said the terms and conditions for failure to withdraw nomination include non cooperation, social exclusion, barring from leadership, responsibility for any eventuality related to ULB elections 2017. Meanwhile, the hoho along with the Lotha public have expressed appreciation to all candidates who had withdrawn their nomination and further urged other candidates to do so at the earliest. The Hoho said it has also kept the option to withdraw nomination through LH till 12 a.m. (midnight) of January 16. For withdrawal of nomination through Lotha Hoho, candidates have been asked to contact-- 9612050357 and 9436078556.
State govt misled to extend date for nomination: NPCC DIMAPUR, JAN 14 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has charged the NPF-led DAN government of “misuse of power” in order to “mislead the innocent general public” with regard to the process of conducting elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Stating this, NPCC vice president Khriedi Theünuo pointed out that the government extended the last date for filing nomination for the February 1, 2017 civic polls to 3 p.m. of January 9,2017 on the basis the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2003. He said the SEC notification stated that the extension was being carried out under sub rule(7)of Rule 20 of the NME Rules 2003 . However, Khriedi said NPCC was of the considered view that the sub rule as mentioned above was “applicable only subject to the provisions of sub rule(6) which stated that last date for nomination, scrutiny and withdrawal “shall not be public holidays”. Further, he cited that is any of the date of the above purposes were public holiday, then such nomination, scrutiny
or withdrawal “shall take pace the next succeeding day, which is not a public holiday”. He contended that as per programme schedule for civic polls issued on December 21,2016 the last date for nomination was January 7,2017, which was not a public holiday. Further, NPCC said it was of the opinion that rules cited by SEC, which could have been done in consultation with the state government, did not have provisions for extension of dates for nomination because of “not receiving nominations”. Hence, he said it was a “clear violation of election process by the concern authority” and so such misinterpretation was to mislead innocent general public by those at the helm to serve their interest. NPCC said this was not acceptable and went against the interest of public as well as against laid down rules governing conduct of elections. In this regard, NPCC demanded postponement of civic polls and to reschedule only after implementing given rules for the general welfare or else it will not “deter to take the matter with the appropriate forum.”
NPF to go ahead with polls On CM’s appeal, JACWR to withdraw SLP after polls Dr. Shürho takes exception
DoNER minister lauds Indigo Airlines
ties were not traditional concepts not institutions of Nagas. Further JACWR stated that “various observations” by courts including Supreme Court have clarified that civic polls have nothing to do with Article 371A. JACWR leader expressed gratitude to the “government of the day” for calling for civic polls with women reservation and that it was proof that Naga women were ready to shoulder responsibilities as many women have filed their nominations despite stiff opposition from various corners. Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation leaders also appealed to all tribal organisations to “desist from using threats and intimidations to banish, expel, excommunicate anyone” and instead to allow due process of elections to be completed “without any untoward incident or ill feeling.”
to Ao Senden’s resolution
DIMAPUR, JAN 14 (NPN): NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu has raised strong objection to the Ao Senden resolution (quit notice) against minister of National Highways and Mechanical, Nuklutoshi and the statement for calling him “so called minister of Nagaland”. In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Shürhozelie reminded that Nuklutoshi won the elections from 22-Arkakong A/C by securing 8,544 votes, defeating his nearest rival by a margin of over 1000 votes. He was then appointed as cabinet minister by Nagaland Governor under the recommendation of the chief minister and took ‘Oaths of Allegiance and Secrecy’ on May 24, 2014 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, he said. All these steps were taken up strictly as per the provisions of Article 164 (1) of the Constitution of India, he added. Since then, Shürhozelie said the minister had been discharging his duties as a cabinet minister. As a legally appointed minister, he said anyone calling him a “so-called minister” was an expression not only to disgrace minister Nuklotoshi, but the more serious issue was challenging the validity of the Indian Constitution. “As a result, the expression has become illegal,” he said. He was performing his duties as a minister following the decision of the government to conduct Municipal/Town council elections, said Dr. Shürhozelie. “If this is done intentionally, this will be viewed with all seriousness. But if this mistake is done emotionally, the best course for Ao Senden is to withdraw the resolution”, Dr. Shürhozelie said adding, such serious case as this, “tendering apology was not sufficient to cover up the mistake”.
As India looks east, comes a Chinese warning Changtongya, Akhoya village
This is it!
K Y M C
firm against civic body polls
DIMAPUR, JAN 14 (NPN): Changtongya village and Akhoya village councils (Putu Menden) were firm against holding of the Municipal/Town Council elections, saying it was against the wishes of the stakeholders. In a press note, chairmen of Changtongya village council, I. Kumzuk Lkr and Akhoya village council, S. Kilang Lkr said the election would be against the public sentiment and traditional landowners of both villages. In this regard, they said the villages including All Ward Chairman Forum of Changtongya town had decided to boycott the “so called election”. The councils reiterated that “if the state government does not positively respond to the demand the public”, they will continue to boycott the ULB elections even in the
future. The village councils further lauded all intending candidates for cooperating and abstaining from filing the nomination papers and thanked the public for supporting the boycott call. Meanwhile, the councils also condemned the “modus-operandi” of the authority concerned for extending two more days for filing nominations. They questioned the authority as to how the latter had “arbitrarily shifted” to three locations within four hours to allow candidates to file nominations (Changtongya to Tuli to Chuchuyimlang) when there was no law and order problem in and around Changtongya town. In this regard, the village councils demanded to know “under whose power and authority such extra judicial power was exercised against the wishes of the peace loving citizens?”
23 dead as boat capsizes in Ganga PATNA, JAN 14 (AGENCIES): At least 23 people drowned and another 12 were feared dead when an overloaded boat capsized in the Ganga here on Saturday evening. The dead included men, women and children who had gone to a kite flying festival organised on the sandbar across the ghats. The boat, designed to carry 25 people, was carrying at least 50 people when it overturned at 5.45pm. Seven people were rescued. “The boat was overloaded and it capsized when it started from the diara side (Sabalpur),” said Manju Devi of Ranipur, one of the survivors of the tragedy, undergoing treatment at PMCH. Reports said chief minister Nitish Kumar ordered a prone into the accident and announced a payout of Rs 4 lakh for the victims’ families. K Y M C