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Vol XXXII No. 137
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Dimapur, Niuland and Phek enter quarterfinals
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SPORTS, PAGE 12
‘Won’t hesitate to cross borders...’: Rajnath talks tough to terrorists
Rio stresses on need for water conservation
Rajnath Singh (PTI)
GUWAHATI, APR 23 (PTI/AGENCIES): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that India would not hesitate to act against terrorists who target the country from across the border. Speaking at a programme, where Assambased veterans of 1971 India-Pakistan War were felicitated, Singh said the government was working to wipe out terrorism from the country. “India has been successful in giving out the message that terrorism will be strongly dealt with. We will not hesitate to cross borders if the country is targeted from outside,” he maintained. Singh also said that the eastern boundary of the country is currently experiencing more peace and stability compared to the western frontier. “The problem of infiltration has almost ended. There is peace and stability at the border (in the eastern frontier) now,” he said. On the recent withdrawal of AFSPA from different parts of northeast, Singh said the government did so whenever the situation in a place improved. Maintaining that there was a “public misconception” that the Army always wanted AFSPA to remain in force, Singh said “It is the situation that is responsible for imposition of AFSPA, not the Army.” He said AFSPA was lifted from 23 districts of Assam and 15 police stations of Nagaland and Manipur due to huge role played by chief minister North-eastern states.
NNC, FGN to observe Phizo’s 32nd death anniv
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) informed that it would be observing the 32th death anniversary of AZ Phizo, former president of NNC and “father of the Naga Nation”, on April 30, at 7 a.m. at Phizo Hill, Kohima, along with NBCC leaders and Naga dignitaries. FGN through its Rali Wali ministry has requested all fellow Nagas to participate on the occasion.
Rio with his colleagues and officials after the inauguration of HPCC on Saturday. (NP)
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Describing land and water as the “most valuable natural resources”, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio Saturday urged upon the people to adopt better practices in utilization of water, which caters to the needs of all. Rio said this during the inauguration of the Hydrology Project Convention Centre (HPCC) at EE Investigation call, 4th Mile, here besides commissioning of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) and Peizometer, constructed under National Hydrology Project (NHP). While stressing on water management, Rio said “mother Earth” provided human needs but not greed and that people should take care of the environment that helps sustain life of all living beings. Citing the example of states having water disputes with their neighbours during dry seasons, the chief minister opined that Nagaland could also face the same scenario if citizens fail to conserve water. He also expressed grave concern over shrinking and drying streams, rivers and traditional wells due to excessive usage of water.
Taking the example of Israel, which is renowned for skills in management of water, Rio urged upon the people to practise conservation of water. He said over 70% of the state population were engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. Rio expressed hope that the newly inaugurated HPCC would meet the needs of all. Rio also expressed hope that the facility would go a long way in helping the state improve management of water and its uses in farming and industrial sector, including domestic sector. He also acknowledged the department for putting up hard work and dedication. Meanwhile, advisor water resources, Namri Nchang, informed that HPCC was constructed under the NHP. He said that the ministry of water resources, river development and ganga rejuvenation was coordinating the implementation of NHP as a central sector scheme with World Bank assistance. Nchang said approval of the union cabinet for implementation of NHP was conveyed on June 23, 2016 for duration of eight years. He said that under the project, the department was able to establish hydrometeorological observation
networks and Real Time Data Acquisition Systems (RTDAS). “RTDAS consists of a telemetric network of automated rainfall stations, automated weather stations and water level recording stations along the major rivers,” Nchang stated. He said it was imperative to check the quality and constituents of water, be it for domestic, industrial or farming purposes. “I presume that with these initiatives, days are not far when the state of Nagaland will be at par with all the leading mainland states in the areas of water resources management,” he stated. Short speech was also delivered by chief engineer, WRD and nodal officer (NHP), Er Hotovi Ayemi, while welcome address and technical report delivered by executive engineer and project manager, HPCC (NHP), WRD, Er Keduvizo Sophie and vote of thanks proposed by superintending engineer and deputy nodal officer (NHP), WRD, Er Chubasashi Chang. Earlier, the programme was chaired by secretary, project coordinator (NHP), WRD, Kevisa Kense and invocation was offered SBC Diphupar deacon, Azhebo Shohe.
Russia renews assault on Mariupol INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
Naga political solution in the court of stakeholders, says Rio Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Nagaland chief Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said that the Government of India was serious to resolve the vexed Naga political issue. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of the inaugural of Hydrology Project Convention Centre (HPCC) and commissioning of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) and Peizometer, Rio said when he along with UDA chairman TR Zeliang and deputy CM Y. Patton had recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah in Delhi, both Modi and Shah were serious and eager to resolve the Naga issue. In this regard, he said
the Centre had sent Government of India’s representative for Naga talks AK Mishra to Nagaland in order to stay here for at least a week and to hold thorough discussion with all stakeholders till they find a meeting point to have a settlement. Rio said that the ball was now in the court of all stakeholders to push for early solution. “The ball is in the court of all the stakeholders. Public support is required whether we want peace or not, whether we want settlement or not and whether the issues that are making a road block… should find a way for coming together to find the solution,” Rio said. When asked whether the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue had
recently met Mishra, Rio said the members had been meeting him regularly and that Mishra has been given free hand to hold parleys with those engaged in negotiations with the Centre. On fuel adulteration: Meanwhile, when asked about the fuel adulteration racket busted by the Rising People’s Party and the latter accusing the government of turning blind eye to such issue, Rio said blaming it on the government for everything was unfair. He said the public should report on such matters so that the government could take necessary action, adding that the “government cannot watch everybody’s kitchen”. Rio, however, assured that the government will do what is possible.
Mishra holds 3rd round of talks with NSCN (I-M)
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Government of India’s representative for Naga talks, AK Mishra on Saturday held the third round of close-door meeting with NSCN (I-M) led by ato kilonser and chief negotiator Th. Muivah at Police complex, Chümoukedima. Besides Muivah, who is camping at the Police complex, the 35-member delegation included NSCN (I-M) chairman Q. Tuccu, vice chairman Tongmeth
Wangnao and other senior leaders. Mishra is scheduled to hold another round of closed-door meeting with Th. Muivah before he returns to Delhi on Monday. When asked about the meeting, a senior NSCN (I-M) leader who was part of the delegation said that they held a fruitful threadbare discussion. No further details were made known about the meeting. PTI adds: NSCN (I-M) home kilonser M Daniel
Lotha said that Mishra assured the group that the final solution to the vexed Naga political issue will be based on the Framework Agreement of 2015. The assurance was given by Mishra to Th Muivah, Daniel Lotha told PTI. Asked if any major decision was taken, he said “The talks for a final solution will continue between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India based on the Framework Agreement”.
NH appeals NPGs to let good sense prevail DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Naga Hoho delegation met the Government of India’s representative for Naga talks, AK Mishra, at Police Complex Chümoukedima on Saturday. NH said that Mishra apprised the team about the ongoing talks with the Naga political groups and assured that solution would
be honourable and acceptable to all the Nagas. NH expressed appreciation to Mishra for the “painstaking efforts” to come to Nagaland to carry forward the peace negotiation and understand the sentiments of the people by taking into confidence the voices of the Nagas. Stating that every Naga soul was yearning for peace-
ful solution, NH appealed to all Naga political groups to let good sense prevail and avoid provocative statements against each other as Nagas anticipate a common solution for all Nagas across borders. The six-member Naga Hoho team was led by its president HK Zhimomi and general secretary K Elu Ndang.
PM to hold meeting with CMs on Covid
Narendra Modi (File)
NEW DELHI, APR 23 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with chief ministers on the emerging COVID-19 situation in the country on Wednesday through video conference, official sources said on Saturday. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will make a presentation on the matter, they said. With 2,527 coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India’s total tally of cases rose to 4,30,54,952, while active cases have increased to 15,079, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll has climbed to 5,22,149 with 33 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.04 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.75 per cent, the health ministry said. An increase of 838 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in 24 hours. The weekly positivity rate in the country currently stands at 0.50 per cent, while the daily positivity rate has reported considerable rise at 0.60 per cent, as per the Health Ministry report on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 187.65 crore on Saturday. More than 17 lakh vaccine doses have been administered till 7 p.m. on Saturday, as per the Health Ministry report.
Rio effects minor reshuffle: Patton divested of R&B Youth bodies undertake joint verification of FHR
Correspondent
KOHIMA, APR 23 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday carried out a minor reshuffle of portfolio as deputy chief minister Y. Patton, who holds charge of Home and Road & Bridges department, was divested of R&B. Informing this in partial modification of the February 9, 2022 notification, cabinet secretary J. Alam said the chief minister has re-assigned portfolios of two advisors—H. Chuba Chang and KT Sukhalu. Adviser H. Chuba Chang, who was holding charge of Justice & Law and
Y. Patton (NP File)
SCERT, has been relieved from both departments and assigned the department of Road and Bridges. Adviser School Education, KT Sukhalu has been given additional charge of SCERT. When contacted, deputy chief minister Y. Patton informed Nagaland Post that it was the prerogative of the chief minister to decide on
portfolio allocation and did not wish to comment on it. With reports doing the rounds that the change in portfolio allocation was in connection with the Rajya Sabha seat that was given to the BJP, Patton said the present development had nothing to do with it. Patton clarified that it was a commitment made by NDPP in 2018 to support a BJP Rajya Sabha candidate in return for support extended to the NDPP candidate for the Lok Sabha. This commitment was made in the presence of central BJP leaders, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and cabinet ministers in Del-
hi where NDPP had also agreed upon, Patton said. It was learnt that Patton was in Guwahati, the nerve centre of the BJP in the North East, to meet Assam chief minister and NEDA chairman Himanta Biswa Sarma and other BJP leaders. It was not known whether his trip to Guwahati was in connection with the recent development. Meanwhile, NDPP p r e s i d e n t C h i n g wa n g Konyak informed this Correspondent that the changes were made after due consultation with all concerned and leaders of the two parties including the State BJP president (Cont’d on p-8)
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Three youth bodies—Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO), Lotha Youth Organization Dimapur (LYOD) and Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF)— on Saturday undertook a joint physical verification of the foothill road connectivity from Niuland to Doyang bridge. WSYF through its media cell stated that the three bodies, after observing the progress of the works including the ongoing Doyang bridge construction, resolved that workmanship should not be compromised. They said that works should be carried out as per the
DAYO, LYOD and WSYF during the joint physical verification.
DPR and should be completed within the specified timeframe. The three youth bodies affirmed not to remain a mere spectator if the same was not adhered to. After the inspection, the three organizations had a meeting at Hovukhu village council hall and resolved to
appeal to the Naga political groups to exempt upcoming local entrepreneurs from taxation so they could compete with others in the market. At the prog ramme hosted by WSYF, three organizations expressed gratitude to Hozukhe village for extending support.
This is it! Fuel adulteration: UDA govt silence is admission of guilt: RPP Gov, CM, DyCM extend Tsukhenye greetings DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has
“Don’t know whether the car broke down due to mechanical or petrochemical problem.” K Y M C
DIMAPUR, APR 23 (NPN): Rising People’s Party (RPP) has hit out at the UDA government for its “deafening silence” on the multi crore fuel adulteration scam, alleging that it was “nothing but an admission that the Food and Civil Supplies department is directly involved in the racketeering through diversion of Kerosene to the fuel racketeers.” While asking the government and the advisor for Food and Civil Supplies “to show some guts and stop running scared on the issue”, RPP demanded to know as to how
many litres of kerosene the State of Nagaland receives each month? and how many agencies across Nagaland are allotted the same? While pointing out that the name of the accused (the same person involved in the previous adulteration case) was clearly mentioned in the video by those at the adulteration site, RPP said that the authorities man-hunting for some Ashok was akin to ignoring the elephant in the room. Reacts to IOCL clarification: Further, RPP said it was also surprised to note the clari-
fication made by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) deputy general manager Huwuto Sema that their tankers were at the adulteration site for repairing works on the night of April 21. RPP said there was no question of the trucks being there for repairing as the video evidence clearly showed IOCL tankers being connected to the motor pumps used for fuel adulteration. “Very importantly, unless one is stupid, no fully loaded tanker drivers will enter workshops where gas or electric
works are carried out,” the party said. With regard to GPS live tracking being fitted into the oil tankers, RPP said that the IOCL depot in Dimapur was very much aware of fuel adulteration racket that was taking place in that particular area. The Rising People’s Party alleged that the active participation of the local IOCL in the racket could not be ruled out. It my be recalled that the RPP on Thursday exposed a fuel adulteration racket that was being run at Gorapatti ward No 2 area in Dimapur.
extended greetings to the members of the Chakhesang community and to the people of Nagaland on the occasion of Tsukhenye festival. In his message, Prof. Mukhi said Tsukhenye, which marks the end of a successful harvest year and the preparation for the arrival of spring, was also a time for seeking God’s blessings to replenish with good health and strength. He said it was a time to revive and rejuvenate before heading to the toiling work for the next seasonal harvest. On the occasion, governor wished all with good health, peace and happy celebrations. CM: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy CM, Y. Patton extended greetings to the Chakhesang community on the occasion of Tsükhenye festival. In his message, Rio wished that God Almighty bless the Chakhesang community with good health, happiness and a blessed and fruitful year ahead. Dy.CM: Deputy CM, Y Patton also wished the community a fruitful year with abundance of crops, vegetables and livestock. Patton also urged upon the people to celebrate with the traditional touch associated with it. K Y M C