August 10, 2016

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

MPC to decide on interest rates in Oct 4 policy: Rajan

Vol XXVI No. 243

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DIMAPUR wednesday, august 10, 2016

Arunachal ex-CM found dead; supporters protest

(L) Body of late Kalikho Pul kept at the CM’s residence for people to pay their last respects. (R) Policemen cordon off agitated supporters of Pul in Itanagar on Tuesday. (PTI) I TA NAG A R , AU G 9 (AGENCIES): Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday; weeks after Supreme Court unseated him and restored the Congress government, sparking violent protests in the state capital, Itanagar. 47-year-old Pul was found dead at the Chief Minister’s official residence which he was yet to vacate, police said, adding that one of his wives found him hanging from the ceiling fan in his bedroom. According to the doctors, the death occurred between 7 and 7:30 a.m. “The body was found hanging around 9 am by a servant. He may have committed suicide on Monday night itself,” DGP Arunachal Pradesh S Nithianandam told Hindustan Times. “A long note titled ‘My Vichar’ (my thoughts), which contains details on various subjects, was found in the room where the body was hanging.

Power deptt on Mkg transformer issue

DIMAPUR, AUG 9 (NPN): Department of Power has communicated its position concerning the recent damage of the 5 MVA, 33/11KV power transformer at Mokokchung power house. In a press release, chief engineer (D&R) Er. G. Chishi said that since the day the transformer was damaged, the department was making every effort to restore the power supply at the earliest despite being plagued by fund constraints. He said the damaged transformer was being repaired at Dimapur central store and would take approximately two weeks as it involved tedious process of rewinding of core, placement in heat chamber for removing moisture and testing. Further, the chief engineer also informed that recently a team of manufacturer engineers were deputed to Mokokchung power house to assess the quantum of repair works required to restore the defective protective equipment and devices. He said the required parts were being arranged on credit and restoration work would start immediately on receipt of the spares. Meanwhile, the department said it was “appreciative of the All Ward Union Mokokchung (AWUM) in handholding with the department for collection of revenue in town”. It, however, said the revenue from electricity cannot be utilized by the department for any purpose, which gets remitted in to government exchequer as state revenue.

This is it!

“I’m sure it’s measles but these days, we have to take several tests to satisfy all of us.” K Y M C

I won’t call it a suicide note,” Nithianandam said. Preliminary investigation did not reveal any foul play. Police have taken possession of the body and sent it for post mortem. OC of Itanagar Police Station Sora said three to four persons have been injured in incidents of stone pelting during the protests. As soon as the news of Pul’s death spread, scores of his supporters gheraoed chief minister Pema Khandu’s bungalow in Niti Bihar area and demanded a probe into Pul’s “unnatural” death. They also set on fire an under-construction building of Deputy Chief Minister and damaged two official bungalows. Pul, who is survived by three wives and four children, had not met any outsider for the past seven days, according to his family. Pul briefly served as the chief minister from February 19 replacing Nabam Tuki and remained in the post till July 13 before the government headed

by the Congress rebel was unseated by the apex court. Pul’s supporters said they would not allow his body to be taken out from his bungalow at ESS sector and demanded that he be buried inside the premises. A coffin, which was brought from outside, was damaged and set on fire by the crowd before the assembled media. A section of the supporters headed towards the official residence of Deputy CM Chowna Mein, less than 100 metres away, damaged the outer wall and at least 10 vehicles parked in the premises. An under-construction premises of the Deputy CM was also set on fire, police said, adding there were no casualties. Protestors also damaged the official bungalow of Industries Minister Tapang Taloh. Pul’s eldest wife has appealed to the public to maintain calm and not indulge in violence. Meanwhile, chief minister Pema Khandu has expressed shock over the sudden and pre-

mature demise of his former colleague Kalikho Pul. In his condolence message to Pul’s wife, Khandu wrote, “It pains my heart to write to you at this moment of extreme grief.... The news of the sad demise of Pul has come as a shock to me. Pul was a seasoned and veteran leader who served the state in various capacities.” The Arunachal Pradesh government Tuesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of Kalikho Pul. “The state government has ordered an inquiry to investigate whether there is any foul play in his (Pul’s) death,” chief minister Pema Khandu told reporters here.

3-day state mourning

Arunachal Pradesh government declared a three-day state mourning following the death of Pul, who would also be accorded a full state funeral. This was decided at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Pema Khandu. The Cabinet conveyed its condolences to the family members of Pul.

Pres, PM others condole

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday condoled the untimely death of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, who was found hanging from a ceiling fan. In a message to his wife, Dangwimsai Pul, the President said: “I am shocked and distressed to learn about the untimely demise of Shri

Kalikho Pul. Words are difficult to give solace at this moment of deep loss to your family and you.” “Pul symbolised the hopes and aspirations of the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. He made significant contribution towards the welfare of the people of the state. In his death, we have lost a promising young leader who rose from a humble background and worked for the common man,” Mukherjee added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Kalikho Pul, saying his services to the state will be remembered. “My thoughts are with the family & supporters of Kalikho Pul on his sad demise. His service to Arunachal Pradesh will be remembered,” Modi tweeted. Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed shock over his death. Extending her condolences to the family of Pul, Gandhi said: “I pray for the peace of the departed soul.” Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said he was “shocked and deeply saddened over the untimely demise of Kalikho Pulji. My heart goes out to his family”. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Development for Northeastern Region, added: “Pul had a promising career that has been cut short.” Communist leader D. Raja called the suicide “shocking” and said it was for the central government to find out what had happened. (CM, NPCC condole on p-7)

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No info on external support for insurgents in NE: Govt NEW DELHI, AUG 9 (PTI): Government on Tuesday said there is no information so far that insurgent groups in the North East are getting support from neighbouring countries and incidents of insurgency there have declined over the years. Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told the Lok Sabha if there is any such report that insurgents in the North East are getting external support, then it would be looked into and action would be taken. During Question Hour, Ahir said government does not have any such information so far that neighbouring countries are supporting insurgency activities in the North East. There is also no information about such groups getting financial support, he added. In a written reply, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said there is no specific information that NSCN (Khaplang) was acting at the behest of neighbouring countries. “... there is intelligence that Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) have established their camps, shelter houses and training centres across the border in neighbouring countries of North Eastern Region,” Singh said. His response came to a query on whether insurgent or extremist groups in the North Eastern Region were reportedly getting external support from neighbouring countries. Another question was whether the government

was aware that NSCN (Khaplang) was acting at the behest of neighbouring nations. “The neighbouring countries have been urged to take stern action against the leaders of IIGs and dismantle their safe houses/hideouts in their country,” Singh said. Stating that incidents of insurgency have come down over the years, Ahir said, “we are working with neighbouring countries, Bangladesh and Myanmar, and are helping each other to deal with insurgency”. He said Bangladesh has shut down most of the terror camps in their soil and it has always been the effort of both countries to close down such camps. The Home Minister also said the government has always shown willingness to enter into peace dialogue with any insurgent group that abjures violence. Noting that law and order is a state subject, Singh said the Centre was supplementing the efforts of state governments to control militancy. “Besides, the government has always shown its willingness to enter into peace dialogue with any insurgent group which abjures violence. As a result, a number of militant groups have surrendered after laying down arms. “Sustained insurgency operations are continuing against the insurgent groups who are indulging in violent activities,” Singh said.

Sharmila ends fast; wants to be CM to remove AFSPA Correspondent

IMPHAL, AUG 9: Irom Chanu Sharmila, popularly known as the iron lady, who had campaigned against Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), ended the world’s longest hunger strike on Tuesday. “I will never forget this moment,” Sharmila told media reporters after breaking her fast with honey. Sharmila was on a hunger strike for 5757 days and was being force-fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive at a prison-turned-hospital in Imphal. Talking to reporters at the crowded room of legal aid clinic in Chirap court complex after the hearing, she reiterated her stand that she would want to contest the Assembly elections. “If I win the election and become chief minister I promise you to repeal the act (AFSPA),” she added. Sharmila, who broke down while announcing her decision to end the fast, said that some “radical groups” were against her decision to get into politics During the hearing, the court examined two witnesses. As she had expressed her desire to end the fast, the assistant public prosecutor (APP) prayed the court to close the hearing. However, the CJM while announcing court decision to release her on bail asked her to furnish PR bond of Rs 10,000 which she (Sharmila) refused at first but later admitted that she will furnish the PR bond.

‘Scrupulously’ adhere to OM: HC to Nagaland to get 3 colleges in the next 5-year plan: CM govt on back door appointments Correspondent

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, AUG 9 (NPN): In a significant development, Kohima bench of Gauhati High Court has directed the state government to “scrupulously” adhere to the criteria laid down by its June 6, 2016, Office Memorandum (OM) with regard to appointment in government offices. While disposing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by ACAUT, the high court in its order on August 5, 2016 made it clear that the petitioners- P. Leonard Aier, K. Savi and K. Lun Tungnung- have the liberty to file any other suit if there was any violation of the clauses contained in the OM, which has banned appointments of all ad-hoc/casual/temporary/ work-charge employees in government departments. The PIL was filed by ACAUT in November 2015 that involved ( as respondents) ten departments-- Health and Family Welfare, Social Wel-

fare, Home department, Rural Development, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Vigilance Commission, AG and SCERT, Higher Education and NPWD on the backdrop of series of backdoor appointments. The high court in the order stated “in view of the office memorandum dated 6/6/2016, the grievances expressed in PIL stands substantially redressed and therefore, this court is of the opinion that for the present, nothing survives for adjudication in this PIL”. Further the order however made it clear that “the PIL petitioner would be at the liberty to approach this court by filing appropriate petition in the event there is any violation of the clauses contained in the notification dated 6/6/2016”. Addressing a press conference, member ACAUT advisory committee, Khekiye K. Sema, who hailed the judgment said, “This is not the end

but the beginning”. ACAUT will not stop from here but will continue to pursue and ensure termination of those contract and backdoor appointments, he said. Khekiye also cautioned that officers not complying with the OM would be liable for prosecution and brought to justice. ACAUT also warned state government that it would take up legal action if OM was not followed. Khekiye also criticized the people in the power for violating the rules and regulation set by the government. He said despite number of OMs that banned contractual appointments, those people in the authority had been violating the regulations. Due to violation of the rules and regulations, many of the poor were deprived and meritorious were thrown out, Khekiye said. “Fairness must be available to all the generation and meritorious should be allowed”, he added. (Cont’d on p-7)

KOHIMA, AUG 9 (NPN): Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh, assured Nagaland that Centre would include setting up of three colleges– horticulture, forestry and fishery– in the next 5-year plan. Chief minister, T.R Zeliang, informed this while interacting with media persons after the cash award ceremony to honour sportspersons at IG stadium, Kohima on Tuesday.

Zeliang said while interacting with Radha Mohan in Chumukedima on August 7, he informed the minister to establish Central Agricultural University (CAU) in the state. The same demand was made by Nagaland University and Naga Hoho. However, Zeliang said the minister informed that forestry, horticulture and fishery colleges needed to be established first before establishing CAU. According to Zeliang, the minister has already provided Rs. 2.15 crore for

Mithun rearing and has further assured to provide more funds for Mithun project in Nagaland. On construction of four-lane highway between Kohima and Dimapur, the chief minister said the work would begin in next two-three months, saying the work order yet was to be issued. In this regard, Zeliang has appealed to the citizens to co-operate. He also urged the local contractors and land owners not to stand on the way. (Cont’d on p-7)

LS passes bill to include Nagaland under CAU Imphal

NEW DELHI, AUG 9 (PTI): Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to include Nagaland under the jurisdiction of Imphal Central Agriculture University (CAU) to help the north-eastern state achieve higher growth in animal husbandry sector. The Central Agricultural University (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was introduced by Minister of State for Agriculture Sudarshan Bhagat last week. Replying to a debate on the bill, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said Nagaland has been devoid of the advantages of agriculture and allied education for the last 20-21 years. The law will help in promoting the sector in for 10 central government Nagaland, he said. flagship schemes: IAY, JSSK, ICDS, MDM, MGNREGA, RKVY, NBA/TSC, RGGVY, NSAP, and TPDS. The survey also found that DIMAPUR, AUG 9 (NPN): for 70% of households, their Parliamentary secretary for names as beneficiaries were Housing, Er.Levi Rengma, announced at Village Council who is also the chairman of the meetings; only 50% of house- select committee on the Naholds received sanctioned work galand Lokayukta Bill, 2015, order after registration; 40% has convened a meeting of the of households took between select committee on August 6-12 months to complete the 18, 11 a.m. in the committee construction; around 20% of room of the Assembly Secreall houses are still incomplete; tariat. In a press release, NLA and that 80% of the households secretariat has requested all the started construction before re- committee members to attend the scheduled meeting. ceipt of first installment. IAY is a flagship programme of the ministry of rural development launched in KOHIMA, AUG 9 (NPN): 1996 as part of a larger strategy Naga students’ Federation of rural poverty eradication. It (NSF) would be holding a is a public housing scheme for protest rally against AFSPA houseless families and those on August 11, 11 am at local living in dilapidated and kut- ground Kohima. NSF, Naga cha houses with a component Hoho, NMA and NPMHR for provision of housing sites would be addressing the gathto landless families. The objec- ering followed by submission tive of IAY is primarily to help of memorandum to Nagaland construction/upgrading of governor. The rally would be houses SC/ST members, to simultaneously held in all the free up bonded labourers and headquarters of its federating (Cont’d on p-7) units and sub-ordinate bodies.

Public unaware of IAY entitlements in Wka Correspondent

WOKHA, AUG 9 (NPN): More than 90% of the households surveyed in Wokha district were not aware of the money they are entitled to receive under the Indira AwaasYojana (IAY) flagship scheme while 85% of the households have not received their registration numbers. These, and other startling facts, have been brought to light in a survey conducted as part of a European Union (EU) funded project on ‘Improving access to information and delivery of public service schemes in remote and backward districts of NE states’. Carried out in the later part of 2015, the survey which covered 28 villages from 2 blocks of Wokha district also found that most of the problems faced by public were related to approval of application and construction of the house even as 30% of all beneficiaries suggested that increasing accountability on part of the implementers would help in increasing the scheme’s efficiency.

This EU-funded project covers seven backward districts across five NE states, namely, Goalpara and Cachar in Assam, Ri-Bhoi in Meghalaya, Churachandpur and Chandel in Manipur, Lawngtlai in Mizoram, and Wokha in Nagaland. The project is being implemented by Paris-based French NGO Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED) along with Guwahati-based North East India Committee on Relief and Development (NEICORD) which in partnership with local NGO Team Metamorphosis (TM) is responsible for field implementation, Bangalorebased Public Affairs Center (PAC) which is tasked with the research component, and the Guwahati-based Nanda Talukdar Foundation (NTF) as its media advocacy component. The project seeks to achieve three main results, namely, to encourage demand for improved service delivery, improved access to and quality of public services particularly for the most marginalized and women, and to enhance transparency of service providers

NLA panel meeting on Lokayukta bill

NSF protest rally today

K Y M C


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