August 18, 2017

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 253

DIMAPUR, friday, august 18, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00

Saudi Arabia reopens Qatar border after surprise meeting

Real beat Barca to lift Spanish Super Cup

President bats for safety of miners

international, Page 9

sports, Page 12

national, Page 7

No specific deadline for solution: Ravi, Atem

Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , AU G 1 7 (NPN): Setting at rest, various media speculations, which claimed, that government of India and NSCN (I-M) would be signing “final accord” by September 2017; Interlocutor to Naga Talks, R.N. Ravi and NSCN (I-M) member, collective leadership, V.S Atem, in separate conversations have made it clear that there is no such deadline for signing a permanent agreement between the government of India and the NSCN (I-M). In a telephonic interview with Nagaland Post, R.N. Ravi rubbished various reports about signing a final agreement within September 2017. “Any talk about setting a date for agreement is mere speculation,” he said. When asked if there was any period set for arriving at a final agreement, Ravi replied “No, we can’t give the date. We are moving fast but we can’t set the date.” On reports that government of India has

Quake jolts Nagaland D I M A P U R , AU G 1 7 (NPN): A magnitude 4.6 earthquake shook Nagaland on Thursday at around 1:08pm. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre of the earthq u a k e wa s l o c a t e d a t 25.8635N 94.536E around 11km south of Zunheboto. The quake hit at a depth of around 62km, the USGS said. The mild tremor triggered panic among residents but there were no reports of damages or casualties.

Govt declares Dec 5 as ‘Nagaland Honey Bee Day’

D I M A P U R , AU G 1 7 (NPN): Government of Nagaland has declared to observe December 5 every year as “Nagaland Honey Bee Day” in order to create community awareness on the role of the Honeybees as a contributing factor in the conservation of biodiversity as an agent of food chain. According to an official bulletin, the agriculture production commissioner (APC), in a notification, stated that it was also aimed to promote and create a platform for beekeeping technology to the farmers in the field as an important system of organic farming and sustainability by establishing a vibrant cottage industry in the state.

This is it!

“The CM is fly ing to assess the flood and not to rescue victims.” K Y M C

agreed for a separate flag for Nagalim, Ravi said “NSCN has raised the issue of flag. It is not being settled as yet.” On whether he would be taking other Naga Political Groups (NPGs) onboard before finalising a final agreement, the Interlocutor reiterated that he remained committed to inclusive solution. Towards this objective, Ravi said he would be happy to engage all the stakeholders with constructive orientation to seek solution. Nagaland Post also contacted senior NSCN(I-M) leader and member of collective leadership V.S. Atem regarding speculations on the expected final agreement. He told Nagaland Post “I cannot say the exact date and time but we are trying to sign as early as possible.” Centre’s Interlocutor for Naga Talks, R.N. Ravi and NSCN (I-M) leaders led by ato kilonser and chief negotiator, Th. Muivah have been holdings series of meeting to chalk out the final agreement. Both the parties have reportedly been holding

two sitting every week to hasten the process. R.N.Ravi has consistently maintained that it would be most desirable if all stake holders, especially the NPGs, could be included in the consultations before finalising the agreement. Meanwhile, the six NNPGs— GPRN/NSCN [‘Gen. (Retd)’ MB Neokpao Konyak and N. Kitovi Zhimomi], NSCN (R) [Wangtin Naga and P Tikhak], NNC/FGN [‘Brig. (Retd.)’ Shingnya and ‘Gen. (Retd)’ Thinoselie Keyho], NNC (Parent body) [Z. Royim Yimchungru and V Nagi], NPGN/NNC [Tsangthungo Ovung and Hozheto Chophy], GDRN/NNC [Kiumukam Yimchungru] — have reiterated their stand that they represent people of Nagaland and so no talks can be conclusive without their official participation. NNPGs sources lamented that though there had been couple of informal meetings with the Interlocutor, the NNPGs Woking Group was yet to receive any formal invite for talks.

ACAUT responds to Finance deptt, PWD D I M A P U R , AU G 1 7 (NPN): ACAUT Nagaland has termed as “vague and hogwash” the OSD finance department’s clarification to its allegation of blatant corruption for construction of a single bridge over river Tizit by the finance department and PWD. ACAUT through its media cell said a more detailed and reasonable clarification backed by irrefutable evidence was expected from the Finance department to such a serious issue. ACAUT demanded that the OSD produce evidence to prove that no money was drawn in the first instance. Without producing evidence, ACAUT said OSD should not comment in public, adding that only an independent inquiry committee should be able to get to bottom of the matter. ACAUT alleged that Finance department was issuing “fabricated statements and absolute lies to misguide the public” regarding the classification of expenditure under nondevelopmental heads. Reiterating its earlier claim, ACAUT said two drawals totalling Rs. 57.9

crore were drawn under Non-Developmental heads -- one for construction of a bridge under E.E. Dimapur Division dated May 3, 2017 amounting to Rs. 2447.17 lakhs, which was issued under State Plan. Further, it said Rs 12.52 crore drawn on October 20, 2016, for construction of a bridge on Mon-Tizit road over River Tikang, was also issued under Non-Plan. In this regard, ACAUT queried if there was centre’s decision to do away with traditional classification of expenditure into state plan and non plan (as stated by the Finance department), then why was it classified as state plan and non-plan in the above mentioned drawals? “This is nothing but heights of falsehood and deception,” ACAUT said. ACAUT also stated that finance department did not specify whether the NonDevelopmental funding was under NEC, NLCPR, or under additional grant. With regard to PWD (R&B) clarification that Rs. 2854.97 lakh amount was drawn in favour of (Cont’d on p-7)

Zeliangrong bodies urge NSCN 13 killed, 64 injured in (I-M), ZUF to exercise restrain Barcelona terror attack DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): Zeliangrong frontal organizations have expressed displeasure over what was described as the “present undesirable development” taking place in Zeilad region between the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN (I-M) cadres engaging in gunfight and creating fear psychosis among the general populace. A joint consultation meeting of Zeliangrong frontal organizations, which was held at Mhainamtsi village, Peren on August 17, resolved to appeal both the groups to maintain needful understanding and exercise utmost restraint. The organisations included Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), Zeliangrong Baudi (N), Zeliangrong Mipui Organization, Zeliangrong Youth Front, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland, Zeliang People Organization and all subordinate bodies.

In a press release, the media cell of the consultation meeting said that the house affirmed the public support to the “progressive Indo-Naga political talks”, anticipating for “early political solution honourable and acceptable to the Naga people.” Further, the house also condemned the “brutal act and cold blooded murder” of Elimelech Gangmei on August 13, 2017 at Namdailong (Jiribam) allegedly by cadres of NSCN (I-M) Zeilad Region. The frontal bodies stated that current confrontational scenario must be stopped and the matter be politically sorted out amicably. Meanwhile, the members also expressed concern over the “plight of the people and their land in position.” The media cell said the Zeliangrong people reiterated and affirmed its stand to defend and safeguard the people and the land in all fronts.

MADRID, AUG 17 (AGENCIES): At least 13 people have been killed and 64 injured after a van ploughed into terrified shoppers in Barcelona in a depraved terror attack this afternoon, according to local media. And reports say that a hostage situation involving two armed men is ongoing at a nearby Turkish restaurant. In chilling echoes of the London Bridge attack, armed police have stormed La Boqueria open-air market amid claims that two terrorists are armed with rifles. Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reports that one suspect has been arrested by brave Catalan cops. Cops clad in black and carrying machine guns were seen entering the market backed up by regular police armed with pistols. Footage has emerged of terrified people being evacuated as police locked down and surround the area where the suspects are reportedly holed up. And a third man, believed to be the van driver, is being hunted amid reports he too is holed up in the Turkish restaurant. One of the vans involved in the deadly attack was reportedly rented by a man named as Driss Oukabir who is said to be a Spanish national of North African descent. A huge emergency response rushed to the scene on the iconic Las Ramblas tourist hotspot at around 4 p.m. Thursday.

State Govt still witholding Pillai’s termination order

Correspondent

KO H I M A , AU G 1 7 (NPN): Despite what had been stated with regard to termination of contract appointment of M.K.R.Pillai, consultant in PHQ by DGP Nagaland, LL Doungel and former chief minister, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, official sources told Nagaland Post that so far no official order was issued in this regard. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official in the Home department informed Nagaland Post Thursday that the file (supposed to contain termination order) was sent to the “higher ups” for clearance. However, the sources disclosed, that till date the file to clear the termination order of Pillai’s contract appointment has not been forwarded. This has led to the usual washing off one’s hands among the ruling politicians and bureaucrats about the mystery regarding inability of the entire government machinery to terminate the

contract appointment of a retired Addl.SP who is currently under investigation of IT authorities. It may be recalled that DGP Nagaland, L.L. Doungel on June 14 had informed media persons that Pillai’s consultancy contract was terminated with immediate effect. On July 12, the government under former chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu had also conveyed the cabinet’s decision to terminate Pillai’s service. However, incumbent chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on July 25 informed media persons that he was yet to see the termination order. It was also pointed out that the very appointment of Pillai as consultant to DGP was not processed through proper norms and procedure. When the Vigilance Commission recently enquired from the Home department about Pillai’s appointment (after the IT scam broke out), the Commission came to learn that no clearance was issued from the Personnel & Administrative Reforms or the

state cabinet. Meanwhile, talking to Nagaland Post at his office chambers, DGP L.L Doungel said PHQ had already recommended for the termination of Pillai’ services and that it was upto the state government to do what was needed. Asked if Pillai was still attending office in PHQ even after being removed as consultant, the DGP said he was unaware but opined that Pillai might have attended office to clear some files. On the police truck parked at Pillai’s residence in Pandalam, Kerela, DGP said “the vehicle was sent to collect garden tools and sprinklers manufactured in Cochin for office and individuals as well.” He also informed that the PHQ received certain queries from IT department which were to be submitted by August 14. However, Doungel said since he was out of station, the PHQ had sought more time to respond as they had to go through several records to respond. (Cont’d on p-7)

CNTC asks NHIDCL to provide quality works DIMAPUR, AUG 17 (NPN): Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) on Thursday asked the National Highway Infrastructure Development Limited (NHIDCL) to provide quality works on the ongoing projects in the state and warned that no compromise will be made on the quality workmanship. CNTC conveyed to HIDCL at a meeting in Dimapur, CNTC media cell stated. CNTC said it also supported the demand placed before the chief engineer (NH), by Lotha Hoho to furnish details of the DPR and copies of sanction order and work orders.

CNTC further asked NHIDCL not to sublet works to local contractors on the Wokha-Merapani NH/789. According CNTC, NHIDLC assured to provide the quality works. On four laning of KushiabilPatkai stretch, NHIDCL reportedly assured completion of the project within the stipulated time. CNTC affirmed that no organisations-- “overground or underground”, should disturb any ongoing developmental works. Further, CNTC assured to provide all out support to NHIDCL together with the people of Nagaland against any elements that were anti-development and anti-people.

Blue Whale: Parents, teachers asked to be vigilant New Delhi, Aug 17 (PTI/Agencies): The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), apex body for child rights, has urged parents and teachers to “keep a watch” on children showing abnormal and erratic behaviour due to exposure to ‘Blue Whale Challenge’, the lethal online game which is suspected to have led to suicides in Kerala and elsewhere in the country. ‘Blue Whale’ is a controversial Internet game in which a series of tasks, most brutal, are given to players for a period of 50 days by the administrators with a final challenge requiring them to commit suicide. The player is asked to share photos after finishing the different levels of the game. The game is spread via links on social media platforms. More than six children across India in the age group of 12-19 years are suspected to have taken

their lives playing this game within a span of two weeks. “We appeal to parents, teachers, students and all concerned individuals to keep a close watch on all those who may be showing abnormal and erratic behaviour because they may be playing online games such as the Blue Whale Challenge,” the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said

in a press statement. The move comes after the government asked internet majors like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo to “immediately remove” links of the deadly game from their platforms. The deadly game has since reportedly claimed at least three lives in India while a few other cases of teenagers being saved at the

last moment were reported. The infamous internet challenge that ends with the players killing themselves has allegedly taken over 150 lives in Russia and Europe. In Mumbai a 14 year old boy committed suicide by jumping off a seven-storey building in Andheri. A 15year-old boy killed himself by suffocating in Kolkata. In Kerala, a 16-year-old, Class 11 student, hanged himself to death on July 26. Meanwhile, the death of a 18-year-old youth from Manipur also came under scanner as to whether it was a case of suicide. The youth fell to his death from the terrace of an eatery in Hauz Khas, Delhi. Police are scanning CCTV footage from 25 restaurants nearby. Acting on a hunch that Siddharth Singh might be a victim of the notorious Blue Whale game challenge, police are also checking his phone and laptop. K Y M C


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