Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXII No. 233
DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Modi declares open FIDE 44th Chess Olympiad SPORTS, PAGE 12
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Sonia, Smriti face-off in Lok Sabha
NEW DELHI, JUL 28 (AGENCIES): A high-voltage drama was on Thursday witnessed in the Lok Sabha when Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Smriti Irani got engaged in a bitter face-off that escalated the already raging row over Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury calling President Droupadi Murmu “rashtrapatni”. Chowdhury’s remark on Murmu has triggered a war of words between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has demanded an apology from Gandhi over the same. Chowdhur y issued a clarification on Twitter over his statement on President Murmu and asked the media to refrain from involving ‘madam’ Sonia Gandhi in the row. “If I am at fault, hang me. Don’t
State logs 13 fresh Covid cases, 1 death DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday registered 13 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while one more fatality was reported during the day. Of the fresh cases, five were from Kohima, three in Mon, two each in Dimapur and Zunheboto and one in Mokokchung, taking the total caseload to 35,751. One more patient succumbed to the infection in Kohima, pushing the death toll to 769 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). PTI adds: India added 20,557 new coronavirus infections pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,39,59,321, while the active cases increased to 1,46,323, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 5,26,211 with 44 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.33 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.47 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 1,297 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. According to the ministry, 203.21 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 5.18 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 4.71 per cent, according to the ministry.
This is it!
“After retirement he sits and reads like he’s in his office. For me, no retirement from cooking.” K Y M C
BJP members protest in the Lok Sabha during ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, in Delhi on Thursday. (PTI)
involve madam,” he said amid remarks from the BJP that they felt “threatened” upon Gandhi walking the treasury bench amid the ruckus. Chowdhury said he will apologise to President Murmu but not to “these pakhandis” (hypocrites). As the Lower House of Parliament adjourned soon after 12 noon, Gandhi walked across to the Treasury benches and asked BJP member Rama Devi why she was dragged into the “rashtrapatni” controversy. At the same time, Irani,
who was reportedly seen gesturing towards Gandhi, raised slogans ‘maafi mango’ (apologise) along with a few women BJP MPs as the Congress chief continued her chat with Devi ignoring them. Seeing Gandhi surrounded by BJP MPs, NCP member Supriya Sule and TMC member Aparupa Poddar immediately escorted Gandhi away, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi tried to calm the treasury benches. Later, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara-
man alleged in the House that Gandhi had spoken in a “threatening tone” to a BJP member, an apparent reference to Irani. Sitharaman claimed that Gandhi told BJP members “you don’t talk to me” when they sought to know what was the issue being discussed. While speaking to the media later, Devi said that Gandhi sought to know why her name was dragged into the issue. “What is my fault,” Gandhi asked Devi, who said she told Gandhi that her fault was that she had selected Chowdhury as the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed Irani’s behaviour as “outrageous” and tweeted, “Atrocious and outrageous behaviour by Union Minister Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha today! But will she be pulled up by the Speaker? Are rules only meant for the Opposition.”
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Sec 144 CrpC clamped in Wokha town
DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): District Magistrate (DM) of Wokha, Ajit Kumar Ranjan on Thursday has clamped prohibitory orders under Sec 144 of the CrPC in whole of Wokha town, all wards and perimeter of five kilometers around the town including Vankhosung Mission Centre till 6 a.m. of July 31. In an order, DM said that information was received about opposing groups of people mobilizing and congregating in and around Wokha town, creating a likely situation of confrontation and causing apprehension of breach of public peace and tranquillity. Meanwhile, police, security forces, magistrates on duty, fire & emergency services, health services, education/financial institutions and government departments have been exempted (Cont’d on p-7) from the restrictions.
Russia attacks Kyiv area for the first time in weeks INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
Dr. Jamir asks youths to chalk out future and not to dwell in the past
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Former Nagaland chief minister and governor Dr SC Jamir called upon Nagas to strive for a better future instead of living on past glories. He said this while speaking at the seminar titled “Issues confronting State of Nagaland” organised by Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) here on Thursday. Dr. Jamir said Nagas were more obsessed with the past than the future and in doing so, have forgotten to live in the present or think for the future. He therefore urged upon the young members of the present generation to think of the future. The veteran Naga leader also lauded NLSF for arranging the seminar at a “very appropriate time” when Naga people were at the “crossroads”. Referring
Former chief secretary Talitemjen Ao passes away DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Former Nagaland chief secretary P. Talitemjen Ao passed away early Thursday morning after a brief illness at a private hospital in Kohima. He was 78 and leaves behind his wife, two sons and one daughter. According to family sources, the funeral will be held on July 29 at 9 a.m. at the Heritage (Old DC Bungalow), Kohima after which the body will be taken to Akhoya village and laid to rest.
Late P. Talitemjen Ao
led in expressing condolences to the wife of late Talitemjen along with various leaders. Nagaland Governor Prof. Mukhi said that the away of Talitemjen Gov, CM, others condole passing was an irreparable loss to the Nagaland gover nor people of the State. Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and Prof. Mukhi recalled chief minister Neiphiu Rio that relentless and selfless
services towards the people of Nagaland by late Talitemjen during his career would be remembered for many years to come. The governor, on behalf of the people of Nagaland, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members in this hour of bereavement. CM: State chief minister Neiphiu Rio also expressed shock and pain to hear about the passing away of P Talitemjen Ao. Rio said late Talitemjen was a God fearing, conscientious, upright and dedicated officer, who left his imprint of hard work, honesty and integrity in all his assignments and post-
ings. “He was a true gentleman, who was always calm and collected even in the most difficult of situations, and was a role model to many within and outside the Government,” Rio said. Recalling his long and fruitful association spread over several decades, Rio said it was a pleasure to work with late Talitemjen who was a man of principle and a noble soul. His death is a great loss for the people of Nagaland in general, and the Ao community in particular, Rio added. He said late Talitemjen held important posts throughout his career, and
during the most critical times he stood steady and firm like a steel frame providing the strength to the government. Rio described him as an officer with a high degree of professionalism, punctuality and sense of duty. After being appointed as the state’s first Chief Information Commissioner, Rio said late Talitemjen was responsible of setting up the office of the State’s Information Commission from scratch. Rio along with his family conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the soul to rest in peace.
Dr SC Jamir (NP)
to the ongoing Naga political issue, Dr. Jamir, who stood for peaceful solution with the government of India, lamented that even after 20 years of negotiations, solution to the Naga political issue was nowhere in sight. He said it was time for all Nagas to stand united and to put pressure on the stakeholders to hammer out a solution sooner than later and to maintain peace within Naga society. Dr. Jamir also pointed out that the youth with their enthusiasm, energy and new ideas, could contribute
towards achieving permanent peace in Nagaland. He however cautioned that mere outward exhibition of enthusiasm or concern will not bring peace to Nagaland. He also reminded that the north east region is the corridor between mainland India and Southeast Asian countries and goods and traffic will pass through it and fuel economic growth. Dr. Jamir therefore urged upon the people, especially the youth, to prepare themselves and not to lose the opportunity of reaping economic benefits. For this, he encouraged all youth to become torchbearers of peace and harmony and to have an approach and thinking that was different from the older generation. Dr Jamir, had completed his LLB in 1958 from Allahabad University and was among the firstgeneration lawyers from Nagaland. (Cont’d on p-7)
Massive landslide blocks Nagaland-Manipur highway Correspondent
KO H I M A , J U L 2 8 (NPN): A massive landslide near Khuzama check gate Thursday afternoon completely cut off the National Highway-2 (NH-2) that connects Nagaland and Manipur. According to reports, loose soil from above the road, which uprooted trees, completely blocked the road sometime around 3:30 p.m. Soon after the landslide, excavators were reportedly pressed into ac(Cont’d on p-8) tion to clear the road, but
no work had started till the filing of this report. A subsidiar y road above the highway in the vicinity of the TB hospital was being used by light vehicles to traverse around the blocked road. However, heavy vehicles had started to get stranded from both the sides as there was no alternative route. Though travel advisory was yet to be issued, clearing the landslide could take some time given the size of the landslide. No injuries or damage to properties were reported.
Patton now lauds seat sharing with NDPP Hundreds join two-day ‘Naga Solidarity Walk’
DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): In a marked departure from his earlier statement, where he expressed unhappiness at not being consulted before deciding on the seat sharing between NDPP and BJP for the 2023 assembly polls, deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y Patton has welcomed the BJP central leadership’s decision for continuance of the 40:20 seat sharing formula. Patton recalled having reiterated on several occasions that the BJP-NDPP alliance would complete its full term and even beyond. He claimed that State Assembly was functioning
smoothly for about four-anda-half years without any hindrance, until an oppositionless government was formed. Patton said a final decision on any issue in any national party solely rested on the “high command”, keeping in view the larger interest of the country and the prevailing situation. He expressed gratitude to the BJP Central leadership for their wisdom to let the alliance continue keeping in mind the national interest and regional context. He appealed to BJP legislators and karyakartas not to be dismayed by the seat sharing arrangement
as it was done in the best interest of the people and as per a long-term vision of the party. According to Patton, what set BJP apart as an organisation was that its every member was committed to serving the interests of the party and people. Hence, Patton called for giving unflinching support to the alliance because it was coming back stronger and better than last time. “Together we shall commit ourselves and strive to strengthen the BJP-NDPP alliance for the greater good of the people of our State setting aside selfish aspirations,” Patton stated.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 28 (NPN): Nagas from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal and Myanmar joined the “Naga Solidarity Walk” which commenced at Kohima Thursday. The solidarity walk called by Global Naga Forum (GNF) and being organised on the theme “One People One Destiny” was flagged off at around 6 p.m. after a brief programme at Lerie Kohima. The two-day walk would culminate at Senapati Town in Manipur on Friday afternoon covering a distance of 81 km.
Participants during the ‘Naga Solidarity Walk’ in Kohima on Thursday. (NP)
Speaking at the flag off, GNF advisor, Dr Visier Sanyü, said Naga family was deeply divided, but there was a time for everything—time to love and to cry—and that this was the
Naga patient house in Vellore to start soon: Ozukum Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 28 (NPN): Minister PWD (housing and mechanical) Tongpang OzukumThursday disclosed that construction of Naga patient house in Vellore (Tamil Nadu) and Meghalaya would start soon. It may be recalled that Ozukum had called met Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin in Chennai on February 14, 2022 over allotment of a plot of land in Vellore for construction of Naga patient house. Speaking at the inauguration of furniture Godown below NPWD office complex, here Thursday, the minister said that the Tamil
(2nd from R) Tongpang Ozukum with officials and others at the inaugural programme on Thursday. (NP)
Nadu government allotted a plot free of cost for setting up Naga patient house in Vellore, adding that a letter has also been received. Understanding the problems and hardships faced by the patients travelling to Vellore for medical
treatment, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio had written a letter to his counterpart on February 1, 2022 seeking allotment of land. As a follow-up up to the letter, Ozukum met Stalin. On the occasion, the minister also advised the
department officials to come up with comprehensive study on construction considering the many incomplete projects under the department. Asserting that the department was facing a big problem to complete the ongoing projects, Ozukum said the projects were not able to complete for more than 20 years. He said it was time for the department to take a call whether to continue or do away with the projects, which cannot be completed. The minister asserted the godown project could not take off due to lack of funds even as the work order was issued in 2006. Ozukum said that the project would
have been completed by 2007 had the fund been provided in 2006. However, he acknowledged the contractor for completing the project within a year after the fund was made available. The minister thanked the contractor for dedicated effort in completing the project. He urged the department to make good use of the godown. He said that taking 20 years to complete a project, which costs Rs.20-30 lakh, was “amazing”. Ozukum said the department needed to filter which projects to be continued or discontinued.
right time for Nagas to come together to build “our” nation as one people for one destiny. He said that in the past, Naga ancestors fought to defend the land with guns
but violence has an expiry date and that period is gone, adding that “today we want to fight for our people with our heart and love.” Dr Sanyü said the Solidarity Walk was aimed at bringing love to replace the hate, harbour unity where there were divisions and that today the people want to fight their heart and love. He said that through the walk the world would come to know that Nagas were one and would go the distance to do the right thing for themselves at the same time to unite Nagas as one and to defend the land. (Cont’d on p-8)
NPAC to hold mass public rally for early solution on Aug 5
DIMAPUR, JUL 28 (NPN): Recently formed Nagaland People’s Action Committee (NPAC) has decided to hold a mass public rally on August 5 in Dimapur, to press for an early solution to the Naga political issue. NPAC said that the decision was made during a joint meeting held at Hotel Saramati Thursday with representatives from all tribal hohos, Dimapur-based civil organizations, non-Naga community, business associations etc. In pursuance of the proposed rally, the meeting also formed a local committee comprising of the follow(Cont’d on p-7) ing as members- presidents
of NCD, WSH, ASTD, CNCCI, DUCCF, Private MCD, DNSU, Bus Association, Dimapur Women Hoho, Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum, Dimapur District GB Association, Dimapur Auto Drivers’ Union, Niuland GB Association , Chümoukedima GB Association while Akhu Gangmei Naga has been made the member secretary. In this regard, NPAC has appealed to all the public of Dimapur and neighbouring districts to support the call for peaceful and solution to the Naga political issue by participating in the proposed rally so as to voice the desire and wishes to all concerned. K Y M C