Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 250
Akuluto-VK area bodies to impose indefinite bandh from Aug 17
D I M A P U R , AUG 1 4 (NPN): Akuluto Area GB’s Association, Akuluto town GB’s council, V.K. Area GB’s Association , V.K. Area Public Organization, Akuluto Range Students’ Union and V.K. Range Student’s Union have decided to impose an indefinite bandh under Akuluto and V.K. jurisdiction from August 17, 2017. In a joint statement, the organizations further informed that the bandh would be imposed along NH- 2 (from Izheto village to Doyang bridge V.K Town) and NH-702 (A) from Sumi Settsu Village to Zunhekuta Akuluto Town). However, military (security forces) and medical emergency duty have been exempted from the purview of the bandh. The organizations have appealed to the students and the public to bear with the inconvenience.
Mkg Sumo taxi strike from Aug 16
MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 14 (NPN): Following the assault and threat meted out to one of its members, the Sumo Drivers Union Mokokchung (SDUM) on Monday decided to stage a strike by staying off the roads from August 16. In a press note, SDUM president Yanger and secretary Ajung alleged that the member was threatened and physically assaulted by “manager of Kupok counter Kohima”. The accused was summoned by the union on August 14 but failed to show up, SDUM stated. In this regard, all Sumo taxis Mokokchung district resolved to stay off the roads until the matter was resolved, SDUM stated.
2 state police officers get President’s medal
D I M A P U R , AUG 1 4 (NPN): Two senior IPS officers from Nagaland have been awarded the coveted President’s police medal for distinguished service and police medal for meritorious service on Independence Day. IGP, Bendang Lemtur has been awarded President’s police medal for distinguished service and IGP, S.R. Saravanan for meritorious service.
Final notice to T.R. Zeliang and Rio group
DIMAPUR, tuesday, august 15, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
68 militants surrender in Manipur
Real beat Barca in Super Cup first leg
Top US military officer warns N Korea, says military ready
Northeast, Page 4
sports, Page 11
international, Page 9
President Kovind bats for New India, unity
New Delhi, Aug 14 (Agencies): President of India, Ram Nath Kovind in his first address to the nation on the eve of India’s 71st Independence Day, invoked ‘New India’ in his message to the nation on Monday evening, and spoke of the need for being united to ensure progress. Kovind emphasised sharing, philanthropy and values of good neighbourliness as the principal creed of India. He referred to Jawaharlal Nehru as a brave freedom fighter, one of the many who helped India gain its freedom. In the same breath he mentioned Ambedkar who instilled rule of law and the value of education; and Sardar Patel who introduced discipline in the national character. Interestingly, he highlighted the contribution of Matangini Hazra of Tamluk in West Bengal, who was an active member of the Indian National Congress. He also named Ashfaqullah Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and
Ram Nath Kovind
Birsa Munda as brave warriors for freedom. Making no bones about the fact that he did not consider any Indian an alien, regardless of religion, Kovind called for a partnership-- between citizen and government, between individual and society, between a family and the wider community. He had a special message for gau rakshaks and vigilante groups without naming them. “The government can frame laws and strengthen law enforcement — but it is for each of us to be a law-abiding citizen. And to build a law-abiding society” he said. There was also a pat on the back for the volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayam-
sevak Sangh (RSS) without naming them. “There are so many people and organisations that work quietly and diligently for the poor and the disadvantaged. They could be running schools for street children, caring for stray animals and birds, and providing water to hard-to-reach tribal communities in remote areas. Or cleaning rivers and public places. They are nation builders in action, and we need to draw inspiration from them” he said. Kovind’s speech made no mention of business, capitalism or industry but only emphasising the national duty to pay tax and extolling both demonetisation and the rollout of the goods and services tax. Kovind’s social message was that India must strive to be a compassionate society towards scheduled castes and tribes, towards those Indians who lived in the North East and were not understood by the rest of India and an egalitarian society that did not discriminate on the basis of gender or religion.
Court restrains Rio-led NPF group ‘Dr. Shürho insulting voices of majority’
D I M A P U R , AUG 1 4 (NPN): I n a major setback for the NPF under the interim president and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, a local court on Monday passed an interim order restraining Rio-led group from using the name of Naga People’s Front, its symbol and flags and also against the opening of any office using the name of NPF party. This was stated in a press release issued by the NPF central media and press bureau. The court further restrained the defendant (Rio) from opening of any new office using the name of NPF party till the next hearing scheduled for September 27, 2017. According to NPF, the court order has categorically pointed out that no other individual or group can claim the original NPF party or setup up any office.
NPF M&PB said that the plaintiff-- NPF Mon division president, L Yanlong who had filed a civil suit in the court of the civil judge (senior) Mon division, submitted that the defendant (Rio) was appointed as the “interim president” of the NPF on July 31, 2017 by a group of expelled/suspended NPF legislators and had opened an office at Hotel Legacy, Kohima, using the name of NPF and its symbol and flags. The counsel for the plaintiff informed the court that 20 NPF MLAs were expelled and another 12 suspended on various dates from active and primary membership of the party. The counsel contended that there was no such post by the name and style of “interim president” as per the constitution of the NPF.
Following the expiry of the 15-day ultimatum on August 13 served on Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu to step down as NPF president, five legislators under Kohima district said that the latter was still clinging on to the chair “by totally insulting and damaging the voices of the majority, which is the fundamental structure of the Indian constitution.” In a joint statement, Dr. Neikesalie Nicky Kire, Er. Kropol Vitsu, Er. Vikho Yhoshü, Er. Levi Rengma and Dr. Neiphriezo Keditsu reminded that the 48 DAN legislators selected Neiphiu Rio as the interim NPF president. Accordingly, they said the 48 DAN legislators resolved to serve a 15-day ultimatum on Dr. Shürhozelie to step down as NPF president due to his dictatorial (Cont’d on p-8) actions against the party and
D I M A P U R , AUG 1 4 (NPN): ACAUT has accused the state Finance (Budget & Monitoring Cell) and PWD department for resorting to “blatant corruption” by way of releasing a whopping amount of Rs 5709.94 lakhs (2016 & 2017) for construction of a single bridge over River Tizit on Mon-Tizit Road. ACAUT media cell said an amount of Rs 2854.97 lakh was released on April 17, 2017 under “Non Developmental” against construction of the same bridge and that the drawal limit of the sanction was valid till April 20, 2017. However, it said another drawal authority of the same amount for the same project was released amounting to Rs 2854.97 lakh on May 29, 2017, mentioning that the amount release order was issued in supersession of the earlier order dated April 17, 2017. When the first amount of Rs 28.54 crore was allowed to be drawn on or before April 20, ACAUT said the Finance department issuing such belated supersession order has
raised doubts. This points to blatant corruption since the so-called supersession order in effect had allowed two withdrawals amounting to Rs. 57,09,94,000 crore, ACAUT stated. ACAUT also expressed surprise that the project which was under EE PWD (R&B) Mon, the drawal authority was instead issued in favour of EE PWD (R&B) Kohima South division. This itself was enough proof that the bill was totally fictitious, ACAUT alleged. ACAUT said it has never heard of such a scheme called “Non-Developmental” under which the two release orders were issued-- April 17 and May 29, 2017. As per RTI informations, expenditures are incurred under Non-Plan/ State Plan/CSS etc. but “Non-Developmental” is a new term coined by the authorities to simply fool the public and draw public money, ACAUT stated. If Rs 5709.94 crore were the total project cost for one single bridge, ACAUT said it wondered whether the government was try-
ing to construct a ‘Golden Bridge’ in an area where the road condition was one of the worst in the state. The government drawing fictitious bills over the same project repeatedly is a criminal offense, it added. It further went on cite the case where an amount of Rs 1251.90 lakh was released on October 20, 2016 against clearance of pending bills for “Construction of 34.00M Long Steel Concrete Composite bridge over river Tikang on Mon-Tizit Road” . It said the clearance of pending bills would indicate that the construction of the bridge was completed. However, ACAUT said if the clearance of pending bills alone could amount to more than Rs. 12 crore then the earlier amount paid for construction of the bridge could well run into hundreds of crores of rupees. Asserting that it was beyond tolerance to accept such corrupt activities, ACAUT has put forth several demands to be disclosed within one week in public domain over various issues: (Cont’d on p-8)
Correspondent
K O HI M A , A UG 1 4 (NPN): The four-day protest launched by the NPF central youth wing against Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya ended peacefully on Monday. Addressing the party men on the last day of the sit-in protest, Vikheho Swu, MLA accused T.R. Zeliang of playing the highest political betrayal game. He questioned Zeliang’s integrity by saying “how could he lead the people and the government when he cannot keep his word.” Swu reminded that the MLAs had forced Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, who had retired from politics, to salvage the party and the government by taking over as the chief minister. Despite all the 60 MLAs agreeing to let Dr. Liezietsu contest the bye(Cont’d on p-8) election, Swu alleged that it
NPF legislators. While admitting that the ongoing leadership dispute and the tussle within the NPF was clearly an internal party affair, the five MLAs noted that the ECI was seized of the matter and was optimistic that the issue would be resolved by the ECI within no time. The MLAs maintained that they were “standing simply on the ground that Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha MP, three time chief minister and the tallest Naga leader, enjoys the support of a vast majority of NPF party organisation”, while chief minister, T.R. Zeliang commanded the support of more than the 2/3rd absolute majority-- 48 MLAs in the NPF-led DAN government. Stating that the leadership dispute in the NPF party cannot be resolved in
was only T.R Zeliang who had instigated the game to remove Dr. Liezietsu. He also pointed fingers at Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio for creating the mess after his failed attempt to get a cabinet berth at the Centre. Swu also questioned Rio’s double game by forming the DPP under his patronage, while at the same time accepting the post of interim NPF president. Swu further expressed anguish over actions of the Governor and NLA Speaker. He said the constitutional guardians of the state were confusing the Nagas. But the truth will come out soon, he added. Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, MLA urged the party workers to stand firm and let the Cock crow again. Sazo said Governor’s arbitrary action compelled the party to launch the protest. Sazo said when Governor himself was out of station, he had summoned two as-
sembly sessions. Since the Governor had always been away during crisis, Sazo said why should he remain in Nagaland when he does not want to stay. On disqualification issue, Sazo challenged that if the NLA Speaker wants to disqualify the 11 MLAs out of the way, then the 11 MLAs will also act out of the way. All these were happening under the instruction of the Governor P.B Acharya, he alleged. Yitachu, MLA criticized the governor for violating the constitution and for misleading the people during such crisis rather than guiding the citizens in the right path. Yitachu said Naga National Political groups declared Naga Independence Day in 14 August 1947 but Government of India did not allow Naga Yehzabo to be enforced. (Cont’d on p-8)
Naga Political Groups celebrate ‘Naga Independence Day’
Kholi urges Nagas to be prepared and alert
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Guwahati, Aug 14 (IANS): Over 30 lakh people in Assam have been affected by the devastating wave of floods that affected the state in the last few days leading to death of over 20 people and inundating over 3,000 villages in 25 districts even as the entire northeast remained cut off from other parts of the country due to snapped rail lines. Assam State Disaster Management Authority officials said that 31,59,029 people have been affected by the floods in 3,192 villages in the affected districts. Railway Board has decided to cancel inbound trains from other parts of the country to the northeastern region as rail links have been snapped in different places due to heavy rains in Assam, West Bengal and in Bihar in the past 72 hours. Northeast Frontier Railway has cancelled at least 11 trains and terminated four others on Monday due to heavy rainfall. However, trains from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri to Guwahati, Guwahati to Dibrugarh and Murkongselek continues to be normal and trains in these routes are plying in normal schedule.
Tussle over NFP party leadership, office setup Protest against Gov ends peacefully
D I M A P U R , AUG 1 4 (NPN): Despite final notice served by 10th Northern Angami-I A/C Youth Wing on August 14, 2017 to shut Staff Reporter/Correspondent down the illegal office, the suspended and expelled DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, AUG 14 (NPN): legislatures and their supNSCN (I-M) on Monday celebrated “71st porters are still operating Naga Independence Day” at Council Headtheir illegal office at Bayavü, quarters (CHQ) Hebron on Monday with kilo Kohima. kilonser, Hukavi Yepthomi, as chief guest. (Cont’d on p-8) Kilo kilonser, who hoisted the Naga national flag, also read out the speech of NSCN (I-M) vice president “Gen (Retd)” Kholi Konayk on the occasion. In his speech, “Gen(Retd)” Kholi urged Hukavi Yepthomi (NP) the Nagas not to take anything for granted “at this last and crucial stage of our political negotiation with the Government of India” but be more alert and better prepared “to neutralize any negative element that tries to disrupt us.” Reminding the Nagas that “nothing is certain until it is achieved”, the NSCN (I-M) vice president appealed to all including “National workers” and the public to make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving “a lasting solution to our political problem with India.” He cautioned that unless Nagas were ready to collectively realize the danger of ‘self-destruction’, Nagas would face destruction beyond repair. (Full text in p-6) Elaborating on the peace process, NSCN (I-M) steering com“We are rich in garbage mittee convenor, Rh Raising, said that the ‘historic’ Framework b u t u n f o r t u n a t e l y Agreement signed on August 3, 2015 between government of i t c a n n o t g i v e u s India and NSCN as two entities was based on the unique history anything.” of the Nagas. (Cont’d on p-7)
This is it!
ACAUT alleges blatant corruption by Finance (B&MC), PWD deptt
NE states remain cut off due to floods
Naga history cannot be tempered: Kitovi Determined to uphold legacy: Addino Phizo Naga history unique: Wangtin
GPRNN/NSCN functionaries during the I-Day celebration.
Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRNN/NSCN) on Monday celebrated 71st Naga Independence Day at its council headquarters; Khehoyi designated camp. Speaking on the occasion, GPRN/NSCN Ato Kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, said that Naga political right and history cannot be tempered with or interpreted conveniently to suit either the Government of India (GoI) or a section of Nagas. Ato kilonser asserted that it was a grave political judgement to attempt an exclusive solution when a people’s or a nation’s political fate is at stake. “It must be noted that hurriedly signed political accords or agreements, as past episodes tells us, without the real stakeholders is futile and unforgivable,” Zhimomi said, adding that it would only inflame the patriots to explore and execute appropriate actions deems fit in order to defend a people’s sovereign right. (Full text p-6)
Naga National Council (NNC) commemorated 70th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day at Peace Camp, Chedema, Kohima Monday. FGN Kedahge “Gen (Retd)” Viyalie Metha, unfurled the national flag paid respect to “all those heroes who laid down their lives in defence of Nagaland”. FGN vice president, L Kiaso, L Kiaso (NP) read out the speech of the NNC president Adinno Phizo in her absentia. In her speech, Adinno Phizo said commemorating 70th anniversary of Naga Independence was a great day for the Nagas to look back not in anger but wonder and be thankful to God how Nagas people could pull through in various obstacles and overcome in every difficult time in the past years. She said that present generation were determined to uphold the legacy handed over by the past Naga leaders. . (Full text on p-6) In his address, FGN Kedahge “Gen (Retd)” Viyalie Metha lamented that ever since Naga declared independence on August 14, 1947, Nagas have been suffering from the hands of the overwhelming Indian occupational armed forces in the land. He said India thinks it had inherited Nagaland from the British but the fact was that Nagaland was (Cont’d on p-7) never a British Subject.
National Socialist Council of Nagaland/ Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland (Reformation) on Monday celebrated 70th Naga Independence Day at Wangtin Naga C F S B o f f i c e Mon which was graced by its president Wangtin Naga. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Wangtin Naga saluted all responsible for their selfless sacrifice rendered for the nation thus far supporting the survival of “our tiny Naga Nation in the face of multiple hurdles and catastrophe caused by our adversaries.” He also acknowledged the past Naga leaders for making Naga history a unique one, saying “this unique history is the only inherent property of the Nagas today”. (Full text on p-6) K Y M C