Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 251
DIMAPUR, wednesday, august 16, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Kim Jong-Un briefed on Sam Querrey leads old guard Guam missile plan: KCNA into second round at Cincinnati international, Page 9
sports, Page 11
Infotainment, Page 10
PM vows to create a ‘New India’ by 2022
NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for a “New India” that will be free of casteism, communalism, terrorism and corruption as he urged those wielding the gun in J&K to join the mainstream so that the Kashmir problem is solved through “embrace”. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on India’s 71st Independence Day, Modi invoked Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, apart from Mahatma Gandhi, while asserting that each Indian had a role to play in the making of a new India by 2022.He said that those born in the 21st century will decide the future of the nation and the year 2018 would be crucial for them in that quest. From January 1, 2018, the millenials would start turning 18 and will then decide the future of the 21st century and shape the vision of a “New India”, he added. “So I invite them to take this opportunity to shape the future of the nation and participate in India’s development.” The Prime Minister said that through collective
efforts, sacrifice and commitment of 125 crore Indians, especially the younger generation, a new India would be created which is secure, prosperous and powerful, and where all Indians are equal. He further went on to warn those indulging in mob violence, saying attacks in the name of “aastha” (faith) was not something to be happy about and won’t be accepted. In a 54-minute speech his fourth from the Red Fort – PM Modi touched upon various topics including demonetisation, black money and corruption and promised to take India ahead “with greater speed”. Cow Vigilantism: Deprecating violence in the name of faith, Modi said: “India is about shanti (peace), ekta (unity) and sadbhavana (harmony). Casteism and communalism will not help the country. There should be no violence in the name of faith. Hospitals cannot be burnt, government properties cannot be destroyed, our cultural heritage cannot be lost. Earlier, it was Quit India now it is Unite India. Everybody should be taken along.”
Narendra Modi addresses during the 71st Independence Day on Tuesday. (PTI)
Black Money & Corruption: Referring to his government’s war against black money and corruption, Modi said this will intensify. He talked about the seizure of benami properties worth over Rs 800 crore that were untouched for a long time. “This has given confidence to the ordinary people that this is a land for the honest. Those who are honest are celebrating. The dishonest have no place to hide.” On demonetisation, he took a jibe at critics who had said “Modi is finished”. But, he said, it had brought back Rs 3 lakh crore into the
banking system. “More than Rs 1.75 lakh crore suspected deposits are under scrutiny and Rs 2 lakh crore in black money has reached banks.” He said 18 lakh people had been identified with assets more than their known sources of income. “Of this, 4.5 lakh people have accepted their fault. Interestingly, one lakh had never heard about income tax.” “I have launched a big war on black money and corruption in the interest of poor and future generations,” he said Terrorism: “There is no question of being soft on terrorism or terrorists. You (terrorists) come to the mainstream... Only mainstream can bring new energy in life,” he said. Unlike last time, Modi made no reference to Pakistan -- or the border row with China. But he said India was not alone in its battle against terror and had the active support of many countries who shared intelligence inputs. He said the world had accepted India’s “might and strength” after the surgical strike against terror launch pads in Pakistan last year. GST: Dealing with the new Goods and Ser-
vices Tax, he said this was brought and implemented in a short span of time, stunning the world. Asserting that GST would bring about transparency, he said removal of checkposts had led to 30 per cent efficiency in goods transport system. Modi said a new hope had replaced hopelessness in India. “The usual attitude of ‘chalta hai, theek hai, chalne do’ (complacency) has been replaced and a new chapter has begun.” Concluding his hourlong speech, the Prime Minister resolved to make India a country where everyone will have full opportunity to grow and which will also be clean, healthy and fulfill the dream of Swaraj. Earlier during the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag. The unfurling of the tricolour was synchronized with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 2281 Field Regiment (Ceremonial). Modi also inspected the Guard of Honour at Red Fort and visited the Rajghat to pay floral tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Clarification to ACAUT’s allegation Centre orders social media to May 2017 and payments made accordingly to the Contractor for the work. The amount was released since the validity of the drawal authority issued during April 2017 had lapsed and funds were not utilized, CE stated. Therefore, the question of drawing the same amount twice as mentioned was incorrect, the CE said. The CE further clarified that although the drawal authority was issued in favour of EE, PWD (R&B), South division, Kohima, the funds were transferred to EE, PWD(R&B), Mon Division. Accordingly, CE said that the payments were released to the contractor by R&B Mon division and not South division. The records were also available in the department and the respective R&B divisions (South division, Kohima and Mon division).
remove Blue Whale game links
DIMAPUR, AUG 15 (NPN): Reacting to the statement by ACAUT, alleging blatant corruption for construction of a single bridge over river Tizit, the Finance department and PWD (R&B) department have stated that the allegations were made without ascertaining the facts. In a rejoinder through the DIPR, Finance department OSD (Gen & Bud), V. Kezo clarified that the first drawal authority with validity date upto 20.04.2017 had lapsed without being drawn as per the decision of the Works & Housing department. The file was subsequently re-submitted to Finance department to re-validate the earlier drawal authority. Accordingly, a fresh drawal authority was issued in May in supercession of the earlier one since it had lapsed without being drawn, Kezo said. Further, Kezo also
clarified that the word ‘nondevelopmental’ is being used now to classify expenditure in the State’s budget following the decision of the Central government in order to do away with the traditional classification of expenditure into ‘Plan’ and ‘Non plan.’ It reflects capital expenditure that has not been allotted to Planning department, he added. However, Kezo said the expenditure in question had been captured in the records as “capital expenditure”, and does not attempt to conceal anything. The Finance department urged ACAUT to first ascertain the correct facts before making such allegations of serious nature In a separate press release, Chief Engineer (CE) PWD (R&B) clarified that the drawal authority for an amount of Rs. 2854.97 lakhs was received from the Finance department during
Scuffle between Indian and Chinese troops
NSCN (K) signing NCA hinges on cross-border agreement
NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): Concerned over the rise in suicides by children, the Central government has banned “deadly” online Blue Whale Challenge game, in which the final task requires the player to commit suicide. Centre has asked all major social media and communication platforms to “immediately remove” any links pertaining to the game that has led several children around the world, including India, to commit suicide as a final task in the game, and asked for proponents of the fatal and masochistic game to be reported to law enforcement agencies. The Electronics and Information Technology Ministry in an order issued last Friday has asked the heads of Google India, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Microsoft India
as well as Yahoo India to prevent the dissemination of the Blue Whale Challenge citing “instances of children committing suicide while playing the game.” “The government is concerned about the availability of such games on Internet. It is understood that an administrator of the game uses social media platform to invite/incite children to play this game, which may eventually lead the child to extreme steps for self-inflicting injuries including suicide,” senior director in the ministry Arvind Kumar noted in his order. “You are hereby required to ensure that any such link of this deadly game in its own name or any similar game is immediately removed from your platform. The proponent of this game should be reported to law enforcement agencies,” the order stressed.
NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): A major scuffle took place between Indian and Chinese soldiers along the Line of Actual Control at eastern Ladakh on Tuesday.
YA N G O N, A U G 1 5 (AGENCIES): Without reaching an agreement that covers the ethnic Naga people in both Myanmar and India, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khap(Full report on p-5) lang (NSCN-K) will not sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), according to peace negotiator U Kyaw Wan Sein of the NSCN (K), reports The Irrawaddy. “We are not yet ready to sign the NCA, and are still discussing it. Naga people live both in Myanmar and India. And we can’t sign the NCA for only Naga people in Myanmar. It should cover Naga people in both countries, otherwise there is no way we can sign it,” U Kyaw Wan Sein told The Ir“Frankly I don’t know rawaddy. Little is cur rently how long can we have known about the movea government without a ment of the NSCN (K) in party and party without the northwest of Myanmar, a government?” except that the NSCN (K)
Broad-based consultations will help resolve political problem: Zeliang
T.R. Zeliang taking the salute as the 15th Mahila Bn (IRB) pipe band march past the podium durnig the Independence Day celebration in Kohima. (NP)
Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 15 (NPN): State chief minister, TR Zeliang, on Tuesday expressed confidence that broad-based consultations with all sections of the society would facilitate resolution of the Naga political problem that was “inclusive, honourable and acceptable to all”. Delivering speech at the main state-level Independence Day function held at the Secretariat Plaza here, Zeliang said the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), with the objective for a more substantive contribution of the state, had constituted the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to vigorously pursue with the government of India for early settlement of the Naga political problem. The chief minister said people were encouraged to witness the proactive steps being taken on the matter in the recent consultations with all the apex Naga civil society organisations including the Nagaland GBs’
Federation. In his fourth Independence Day speech as chief minister, Zeliang said the even as the country, since independence, has taken great strides in all fields, Nagaland has also made significant achievements in many areas with the participation and support of the people. The chief minister, however, admitted that the state was still faced with many problems, which he said needed to be overcome and resolved. He expressed hope that all problems can be resolved through mutual understanding and cooperation with the support of the people. With regard to law and order in the state, the chief minister asserted that the situation has significantly improved, saying the state has remained peaceful during the last one year barring the eruption of mass protests during February this year against conduct of urban local bodies (ULB) polls. He said that the state government has already ini-
tiated remedial measures to resolve contentious issues. On the unprecedented natural calamities caused by heavy rains in many parts of the state, Zeliang said the government was fully seized of the situation and all possible steps were being taken to restore normalcy to the affected areas. On the finance sector, the chief minister, who also holds finance portfolio, said that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices has increased to Rs.21,119 crore during 2016-2017 (Advance Estimates), registering an increase of 9.91%. Pointing out that the state did not have adequate resources of its own and had to depend on central funds for development, the chief minister, however, said that the finance department has undertaken e-governance initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency of tax administration and facilitate better tax services of the citizens. (Cont’d on p-5)
Thousands attend I-Day celebration in Dimapur Staff Reporter
D I M A P U R , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Braving the scorching heat, thousands of people attended Independence Day celebration at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur. The celebration began with the unfurling of the national flag by chief guest -NLA speaker, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier. In his speech, Aier called for public participation and teamwork to resolve the problems and challenges faced by the state. While highlighting various activities taken up by the state government, the NLA speaker admitted that the state still have a long way to go to realize the vision for progress and development for all. However, he was optimistic that with determination and hard work, the goal of peace, progress and prosperity would be achieved. Earlier, Aier inspected the parade contingents. He also inaugurated the exhibi-
tion stalls-cum-sale under the banner of ATMA Dimapur. Department of excise and prohibition Dimapur displayed seized items in one of the stalls. One of the main attraction was “know your army weapons and equipment” displayed by 32 AR HQ-6 Sector. Various stalls were also setup by different SHGs under District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) Dimapur. Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), district industries centre, Nagaland handloom and handicrafts development cooperation Ltd, Khadi and village industries commission, Dimapur District Legal Service Authority (DDLSA), Nagaland beekeeping and honey mission, Dimul and 173-BN CRPF Dimapur also set up stalls. Highlights of the celebration included entertain-
Dr. Aier taking the salute. (NP)
ment, extravaganza and cultural show by Color Keys and dog show by 173 Bn CRPF. Cultural items were presented by Burkhang cultural society M.Kachari, Chang Cultural troupes, Dimapur, Kuki cultural troupes, Dimapur, Chakhesang cultural troupes, Dimapur and Zeliang cultural troupes Dimapur. In the afternoon, an exhibition football match was played between Dimapur Veterans Football Association and Dimapur District Football Referee Association followed by prize distribution.
NPF Kohima division reacts to 4 MLAs
This is it!
K Y M C
We’re slaves until we get freedom from corruption: Kamal Haasan
A meeting between UPWC and NSCN (K) at Myanmar Peace Center in Yangon. (File photo)
signed a ceasefire agreement with U Thein Sein’s government on April 9, 2012, but has rarely been seen in ongoing peace talks, only taking part as observers. The NSCN (K) participated as an observer to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement -drafting process, but stated it was not interested in signing it. It has instead proposed that a “tripartite dialogue” involving Myanmar, India and the Naga be used to
reach a solution. The current National League for Democracy government’s peace negotiators, led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, invited the NSCN (K) to attend the latest 21st Century Panglong peace conferences in August 2016 and May 2017, but it did not attend. U Hla Maung Shwe of the government peace commission told The Irrawaddy: “There was no fighting with the [NSCN (K)] and the Tat-
madaw [Myanmar Army] after 2000. We have smooth relations with them. But, it will take time to talk them into signing NCA.” The NSCN (K) reportedly operates in the areas of Lahe, Leshi, Hkamti and Namyun townships in Sagaing Region. The ethnic Naga in Burma were given a self-administrative zone in Leshi, Lahe and Namyun townships under the military-drafted 2008 Constitution.
DIMAPUR, AUG 15 (NPN): NPF Kohima division while reacting to the four suspended legislators condemning the ultimatum served by the 10th Northern Angami-I A/C youth wing, reminded them to know the fact that nowhere in the constitution of the NPF party mentions about having a parallel office and an “interim president post”. In a press note, NPF Kohima division media cell asked the four legislators as to how the NPF central office under Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, had come under dispute, when it was the only legitimate office and functioning smoothly without the interference of suspended MLAs. The division reminded the legislators that they were elected through the NPF party and not by their leadership quality, but by the blessing of NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and the faithful NPF loyal elector-
ates, whom they have betrayed time and again. As elected leaders, the division said people expected maturity from those legislators who shamelessly shift their loyalty at any given opportunity for their lust for power and self-interest. While stating that it fully understood the desperation and frustration of T.R Zeliang and Rio-led group, the division said it would appreciate if the fallen MLAs desist from using name of the NPF party in vain. “Whether they enjoy majority, or for that matter command 2/3rd of the MLAs, it holds no water,” the division said and reminded the MLAs to stop issuing cheap and misleading statements in the media. Meanwhile, the division has called upon all the suspended MLAs to come back to the party fold headed by Dr. Shürhozelie, when the door was still open for them. K Y M C