20 july

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 224

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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SPORTS, PAGE 12

PDA-NPF move towards all-party govt.

NDPP calls for urging negotiating BJP TO CONSULT CENTRAL LEADERS OVER THE PROPOSED PERMUTATION parties to deliver final solution Correspondent cal Affairs Mission (PAM) KOHIMA, JUL 19 (NPN): In a major political development, the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) have agreed to work together as an all-party government supposedly for the Naga political issue in pursuance of the objective of ‘one solution, one agreement.’ The coming together was facilitated after formation of the Core Committee for Naga Political Issue on June 16, 2021. According to sources, NDPP invited NPF to be part of an all-party government after which NPF legislators met at Dimapur on Monday. After a marathon meeting, 18 NPF legislators decided to accept the offer without pre-conditions in the interest of Naga political solution. Interestingly, it was learnt that the BJP, a constituent of the PDA coalition was yet to make its stand known. The sources said BJP legislators will consult central BJP leaders before taking any decision. State BJP president

State records 62 fresh cases, 2 Covid deaths DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Nagaland on Monday reported 62 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while two more succumbed to the infection. Of the fresh cases, 22 were from Kohima, Longleng-17, nine in Dimapur, six in Mokokchung, three each in Mon and Tuensang and two in Wokha, taking the total caseload to 26,744. With two more fatalities-one each in Dimapur and Kohima, the death toll surged to 530 (including 14 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). PTI: India saw a single day rise of 38,164 new coronavirus infections, while the death toll climbed to 4,14,108 with 499 fresh fatalities, the lowest in over three months, according to the Union Health Ministry. The Covid-19 case tally has climbed to 3,11,44,229. The active cases have declined to 4,21,665 and comprise 1.35 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 97.32 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

This is it!

“These rates were fixed two days ago. Rates increase everyday due to fuel prices.” K Y M C

(L-R) State chief minister Neiphiu Rio and leader of opposition T.R. Zeliang. (File)

and minister Temjen Imna Along could not be reached for his comments. If the latest arrangement of an all-party government takes place, it will be for the second time in Nagaland. The first all-party government was formed during DAN-III in 2015 when all eight Congress MLAs joined the government and subsequently merged with the NPF. Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee president K. Therie has been critical of the formation of the stand of the Core Committee on Naga political issue especially for claiming that its goal was to facilitate early solution to the “ongoing talks”. Therie asked what was the need of such committees when the Interlocutor

had said in 2019 that all negotiations concluded on October 31, 2019? He said such committees were a waste of time and a drain on the exchequer. He had also said legislators have no direct role in the process so the entire purpose of creating forums and committees but was only to cause confusion and delay to an early political solution. It may be recalled that Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) comprising of all elected members of the state assembly was formed in 2009 under the assembly speaker, to act as facilitator for the Naga peace talks. In August 2020, NPF parted ways with JLF due to loss of confidence in the leaders of the ruling party. NPF then formed its Politi-

with the same objective. It may be mentioned that government of India’s Interlocutor to Naga Peace Talks R.N. Ravi, who is also governor of Nagaland, declared that official negotiations with all stakeholders concluded on October 31,2019. However, agreement appears to be in limbo over the issue of flag and constitution which were rejected by the Modi government. Ravi said flag and constitution were not mentioned in the Framework Agreement. The NSCN (I-M) maintained that the Framework Agreement, which spoke of the unique history of Naga people and their sovereign independent identity, embraced separate Naga flag and constitution and therefore, there was no scope provided to have separate talks for flag and constitution. On October 15, 2020 both ruling and opposition legislators including tribal hohos, NGOs etc resolved to work together for the “peace process and strengthen the negotiations” at the consultative meeting at Chief Minister’s Banquet Hall.

Need to reorient education system in Nagaland, says Rio DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio has called upon the Education department to reorient the education system to equip students to face the world with confidence and help them realise their full potential. Speaking at a virtual felicitation programme for 50 meritorious students who were awarded Chief Minister’s Meritorious Students’ Fellowship (CMMSF) on Monday for securing top ranks in the High School Leaving Certificate, 2020 conducted by Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Rio observed that the world was changing at a rapid pace, especially in science and technology. He said the State has introduced various skill/ vocational subjects at secondary and higher secondary levels in 35 government schools and at three private schools keeping in mind the importance of practical life skills. Congratulating the achievers, Rio remarked that their success was a

result of their hard work and determination, and expressed the hope that they would bring more laurels to the State in future. He expressed happiness that, in spite of the hard times faced due to Covid-19 pandemic, result of the last NBSE exam showed improvement in pass percentage.

Speaking at the programme, adviser school education KT Sukhalu commended the awardees for their achievement and urged them to be torch bearers for all students who would be following their footsteps. Pointing out that there was so much ahead of them, he advised the students not to get distracted. NBSE chairman Asano Sekhose spoke about CMMSF and the eligibility criteria. She explained that the board granted fellowship to top 50 students as per the HSLC exam result. Available for indigenous Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland, she said the fellowship provided financial assistance to selected students for further studies and was valid for five years, depending on their performance that would be continuously monitored. Awardees Azizi Phesao from Model Hr Secondary School and Ngamjong Jn Yanlem from St John Hr Secondary Residential School, Dimapur also spoke on behalf of the recipients

HSLC 2020 toppers get CM’s Meritorious fellowship award He urged the student community to be committed, stay focused and not allow the pandemic to stand in the way of their studies or their future careers. Rio encouraged the students to select their line of study carefully, keeping in mind their talents and subjects of interest, and advised them not to limit their arena to a government job in the State. Expressing concern at few Naga youth qualifying for IAS and other Central services, he advised the students who are academically gifted to prepare for various competitive examinations under UPSC.

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has appealed to everyone to impress upon Government of India (GoI) and all negotiating parties to bring about a final solution to Naga political issue by brining the peace talks to a logical conclusion at the earliest. Asserting that the leaders were working tirelessly towards realising “our” dream of wanting a final and honourable settlement that would be acceptable to the people, NDPP in a press communiqué also appealed to the people of the State to stand in solidarity and support the leaders and continue to uphold them along with members of the negotiating parties, including GoI, in their prayers. “Just as how our leaders have come together, standing united for our common cause, we as stakeholders must also stand together towards achieving our goal of a final settlement acceptable to all of us,” it stressed. Appreciating the resolution passed by the newlyconstituted Parliamentary Core Committee on Naga Political Issue on July 9, the party said (Cont’d on p-8)

Foreign missions call for Taliban ceasefire INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Pegasus spyware issue rocks Parl as Oppn corners Centre NEW DELHI, JUL 19 (AGENCIES): The Monsoon Session of Parliament kicked off on Monday amid a storm over the Pegasus spyware issue as several Opposition leaders targeted the Centre over the reports that the spyware was used to hack the phones of several prominent journalists and politicians in India. The Congress on Monday demanded an independent probe into the issue involving alleged phone tapping of prominent personalities including journalists in India using Israeli Pegasus spyware. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was also among the potential targets of the Pegasus software, took a swipe at the prime minister on the matter using the hashtag “Pegasus”. “We know what he’s been reading- everything on your phone”, he said on Twitter.

Illegal surveillance not possible, says IT minister

I

nformation Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw dismissed reports about the use of Pegasus hacking software to spy on journalists, activists and Opposition leaders, saying that with checks and balances in place, illegal surveillance was not possible in India. As the revelations led to protests from the Opposition during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, the IT Ashwini Vaishnaw minister said similar claims were made about the use of the Pegasus spyware through WhatsApp. “I’m wondering what you guys are reading these days,” Gandhi had said two days ago in a tweet. An international media consortium reported on Sunday that more than 300 verified mobile phone numbers, including of two serving ministers, over 40 journalists, three opposition leaders and one sitting judge besides scores of business persons and activists in India could have been

targeted for hacking through an Israeli spyware sold only to government agencies. CPI Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam had given a suspension of business notice under Rule 267 over the revelations of the scale of use of the Pegasus spyware in India. Similarly, AAP MP Sanjay Singh has also demanded a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the Pegasus spying case under Rule 267.

Congress wants Shah sacked, Modi probed

Congress on Monday accused the Narendra Modi government of ‘treason’ and compromising national security reports of Pegasus software being used to spy on people and demanded the dismissal of Home Minister Amit Shah and an inquiry into the role of the Prime Minister. Following reports that Rahul Gandhi could have been a potential target of illegal hacking, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, Correspondent Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and KO H I M A , J U LY 1 9 chief spokesperson Randeep (NPN): The recently formed Surjewala addressed a joint Core Committee on Naga press conference. Political Issue, comprising all elected members, is scheduled hold crucial meetings with the Working Committee of the NNPGs and the NSCN (I-M). When contacted, core committee member secretary and minister, Neiba D I M A P U R , J U L 1 9 (NPN): State PWD (M&H) Kronu confirmed to Nagaminister Tongpang Ozukum land Post that the meeting Monday said that Nagaland with the NNPGs is sched- ranked highest in Covid uled to be held at Niathu death rate and second-lowResort on July 20. est in testing and vaccinaWC, NNPG leaders tion among the North Eastled by its convenor N. Kitovi ern states. Speaking at the Zhimomi are expected to sensitization programme on attend the meeting. COVID-19 testing and vacThis would be the first cination organized by the meeting of the commit- Kohima District Task Force tee with the Naga political (DTF) at Kohima Village groups after its formation. council hall, Tongpang, who He also informed that is also the minister in charge the core committee will be of Kohima district, pointed meeting with NSCN (I-M) out that late hospitalization on July 21. The meeting and self-treatment at home which is likely to be held at was one of the factors for the Chümoukedima police com- rise in mortality rate. plex, will also be attended He therefore appealed by NSCN (I-M) general to the villagers to come forward honestly for testing secretary Th. Muivah.

Naga issue panel to meet NNPGs, NSCN (I-M) leaders

Terming IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement in the Lok Sabha as ambiguous and rounadabout, party’s parliamentary leaders said they will demanded a debate on the floor and jointly formulate strategy with other parties. “The person responsible for deployment of this illegal spyware Pegasus is no less than the Home Minister, who must be sacked,” Surjewala said, adding, :Our first demand is the immediate sacking of Minister of Home and Internal security Amit Shah and a probe into the role of PM in the matter”. Targeting Shah, Kharge said, “If you can’t run the of-

fice you hold as per the rule of law, then you shouldn’t be occupying such an office”. Chowdhur y said “Modiji promotes Digital India, but what we are seeing is Surveillance India”. Congress posed a set of questions to the Prime Minister including who-- whether the PM or the HM-- ordered the purchase of Pegasus and how much money has been spent. “Is spying on India’s security forces, judiciary, Cabinet Ministers, Opposition leaders, journalists and other activists through a foreign entity’s spyware not ‘treason’ and an inexcusable breach of national security?” Surjewala asked.

Nagaland tops in Covid-19 death rate in NE: Tongpang

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Delayed hospital admission reason for higher mortality and treatment if symptoms appear so that it would help in containing the virus from spreading further. “If we are safe, we can save our family and the community. We must not fall victim to rumours and hearsay about the vaccines and maintain the SOP’s religiously at all times as directed by the government”, he said. Tongpang hoped that with the continued support of the frontal apex organisations under Kohima district,

the district administration will be more prepared to combat the imminent threat of the third wave, saying government alone cannot fight this pandemic. “This is the time for Kohima to lead by example. And as the intellectual hub and the district belonging to the most progressive people amongst the Nagas, we must show the way forward to others, be it in vaccination and maintaining government rules regarding Covid-19”, he said. He thanked the Northern Angami Public Organisation for relaying their mature decision to cooperate with the government and district administration towards the fight against the pandemic. (Read more on p-2)

PDMGDVA’s serves 30-day ultimatum on state govt ZCCI petitions DC against DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Phek District Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victims’ Association (PDMGDVA) has served a 30-day ultimatum on the State government to file reply before Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench where a case was pending on the issue of paying compensation to victims of the JV. In a memorandum to the chief secretary through Phek deputy commissioner, association’s general secretary Kuvesa Medeo and convener Pushovoyi Nyekha also demanded the government to

give assurance through a notification within 30 days from the date of submission of this memorandum, that it would own responsibility and release entire amount of compensation to all victims of Phek district within six months. They warned that if the State government failed to respond positively to the two demands, the association would resort to indefinite blockade on ChakhabamaZunheboto two-lane road in Phek district and PfutseroPhek two-lane road with

immediate effect till justice was delivered. Mentioning that a PIL for claiming compensation for damage was filed at Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench by Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) on behalf of Maytas-Gayatri joint venture (JV) victims of Phek District on December 13, 2019, PDMGDVA regretted that despite the matter coming up before the court 12 times between January 2020 and May 2021, the government failed to file its reply even once on flimsy

grounds. And despite several court orders, it alleged that the government failed to comply with them to date. The memo stated that the State government took cognizance of the huge damaged caused to thousands of individuals during construction of Chakhabama-Zunheboto and Pfutsero-Phek two-lane roads by MaytasGayatri JV and notified respective district administrations to assess the damaged properties. Accordingly, the district administrations along

with allied departments and village authorities conducted physical verification of the affected areas and subsequently fixed the damage at Rs 55,12,66,695 for Chakhabama-Zunheboto section in Phek district and Rs 5,81,69,989 crore for Pfutsero-Phek section. Surprisingly, PDMGDVA recalled that NHIDCL objected inclusion of Maytas-Gayatri victims in the order and the compensation released in 2018 excluded the latter completely.

poor mobile connectivity

DIMAPUR, JUL 19 (NPN): Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ZCCI) has urged Zunheboto deputy commissioner (DC) to take steps to improve mobile network connectivity in the town. In a representation to the DC, ZCCI president Kikheto Muru and general secretary Inahoto G Assumi stated that telecom services were deteriorating and the people were looking for a (Cont’d on p-8) solution, with appeals being

made by different organisations. They said even though subscribers were persistently enduring the hardship with the hope that things would improve, the problem was worsening, adversely affecting the general public and business and student communities in particular. ZCCI also conveyed to the DC their unhappiness at the alleged insincere effort and weak authority of the district (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C


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