Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 66
Indefinite bandh from February 13
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): JCC has informed that it would intensify the ongoing bandh indefinitely starting February 13 if the chief minister does not resign within the 3-day deadline that expires February 10 midnight. JCC has therefore appealed to all to be prepared for the bandh. The committee also advised the public to stock up on essential commodities. NTAC and JCC has appealed to all the citizens of Nagaland to be prepared for any eventuality in the event chief minister T.R. Zeliang failed to step down by midnight of February 10.
APO reaffirms appeal to Angami legislators KOHIMA, FEB 10 (NPN): Angami Public Organization (APO) reaffirmed its fervent appeal to all Angami MLAs to immediately withdraw their support to chief minister, T.R. Zeliang in the interest of the Nagas of Nagaland matured and responsible leaders. In a press note, APO president Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi said a resolution to reaffirm their appeal was adopted during the APO executive council meeting held on Friday. APO also resolved that any democratic protest within Angami territory would be non-violent and reminded all the political parties in the state that APO was an apolitical organization. APO also reaffirmed its endorsement to the representatives nominated by APO to Nagaland Tribe Action Committee. Meanwhile, in view of the forthcoming examinations, APO has urged upon all concerned to maintain a conducive atmosphere in the interest of student community, and also appealed all the educational institutions to bear with the prevailing situation and the inconvenience caused.
Sumi Hoho disowns
D I M A P U R , F eb 1 0 (NPN): Drawing attention on the “resolution” of the “All Naga Tribes Council of Nagaland (ANTCN)”, the Sumi Hoho has clarified that it has never endorsed any person by the name Vitohe Sumi to be its representative in any body/forum. In a joint statement, SH president Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary Vihuto Asumi informed that the Hoho had never heard of “ANTCN” till date. Further SH warned that any conflicting resolution/statement issued by Vitohe Sumi as president of “ANTCN” shall be at his own risk and he alone will have to bear the consequences. (Advt on p-4)
This is it!
“Sasikala has the elected and Paneerselvam he has the electors. It’s a political marriage gone wrong.” K Y M C
DIMAPUR, saturday, february 11, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Women have key role in ensuring global peace: Dalai
FIFA U-17 WC mascot unveiled
Turkey sets Apr 16 for vote to expand Erdogan powers
national, Page 5
sports, Page 11
international, Page 9
DAN’s appeal to lift bandh
Ind. MLA cautions
DAN Legislature party meeting at the State Banquet Hall on Friday evening. (CMO) Correspondent
Kohima, Feb 10 (NPN): With the three-day deadline issued by apex tribe organisations on T.R. Zeliang to resign on moral grounds ending on mid-night of February 10 but with the chief minister remaining adamant, the stalemate could push the state into the brink of mass civil unrest with grave consequences. There was much speculations and expectations that the legislators would urge upon the cabinet to take the call at the meeting of the DAN Legislature party held in the State Banquet Hall Friday evening.
However the meeting turned out to be only for making an appeal as contained in the “communiqué” from the Chief Minister’s Office through its Media Cell. CMO said the emergency meeting discussed the present situation and concluded that as elections to Urban Local Bodies was over and entire process “declared null and void” , the stage was now for “dialogue and negotiations” on the future course of action to be taken. The DAN legislature therefore appealed to the “agitating groups to lift the indefinite bandh” and take up the government’s offer of dialogue so as to amicably
resolve the ULB issue in the state. CMO disclosed that the DAN legislature meeting was attended by 53 legislators including the Assembly Speaker, chairman of DAN and president NPF Dr.Shürhozelie Liezietsü, vice chairman DAN and state BJP president Visasolie Lhoungu, K.G.Kenye MP(RS) and special invitees. Sources said the chief minister initiated the discussion by briefing the DAN legislators about his meeting with union home minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Thursday where the situation in Nagaland featured.
JCC reacts to Patton’s statement Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): The Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) on Friday dismissed Nagaland home minister Y. Patton’s statement on the January 30 tripartite agreement between state government and JCC in the presence of NBCC (third party) saying the statement was nothing but just a “wild imagination” of Patton to mislead the Naga people. JCC convenor Supu Jamir said Zeliang clearly stated in the said meeting that postponement of ULB elections will be done with immediate effect but with regard to 2-month duration as demanded by JCC, Zeliang and Patton reportedly stated it will be subject to cabinet and SEC and not as stated by Patton. He dismissed Patton’s statement as a blatant lie. He maintained that JCC’s had at no point
in the meeting agreed to holding ULB elections with 33% women reservation and added JCC sought 2-month time to educate and dialogue with the public with regard to reservation and the outcome of which was to be intimated to the state government. The sentence “subject to decision of the cabinet and state election committee” was meant solely to discuss the timeframe/duration of postponement and nothing else, Supu stated. Therefore, Patton’s statement that JCC agreed to hold ULB election with 33% women reservation is nothing less than his wild imagination, Supu stated. Supu also shot back at Patton saying JCC appealed for postponement of ULB elections in the whole state and not partially. According to him, the definition of ‘ULB elections’ was self-
explanatory as it means elections for the entire state and that there shouldn’t be any confusion. JCC also refuted the ‘shortage of time’ statement by Patton saying the meeting stretched on for almost three hours and thus both side had amble time to discuss all issues. The committee also questioned the home minister as to who he was referring to when he say ‘nonstakeholders, as JCC was empowered/endorsed by apex tribal hohos. With regard to NBCC not saying they were ‘betrayed by the chief minister and government’, JCC said NBCC may not have uttered a word but the deceit of JCC and NBCC by the government was well known to the Nagas and therefore the home minister should know that ‘action speak louder than words’.
Independent MLA from 39 Sanis A/C N. Thomas Ngullie, who broke ranks with the “oppositionless state assembly” to become its lone opposition voice, said he decided to attend the meeting even though he was not invited. In an interview to Nagaland Post, Thomas said he voiced his concern over the situation prevailing across Nagaland because of the loss of three precious lives. Thomas said he appealed to the members to hear the cries of their people across the length and breadth of Nagaland and hoped for God’s wisdom upon the members and the cabinet to respond to the cries of their people. He reminded them about his November 24,2016 speech in the Assembly when he expressed the hope that Nagas would not call their elected members as “cowards” for not taking the right decision. He was the only member who spoke against the motion against revocation of the September 22, 2012 resolution after which he walked out in protest.
NMA cautions DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has cautioned that if any untoward incident or violence befell any member of the association, those organizations blaming the NMA would be held solely responsible. In a press note, NMA also cautioned those organizations besides blaming NMA, for threats and intimidation being given to NMA leaders. NMA has asked all its units, being directed to withdraw from NMA, to stand firm in their principle and to withstand against any pressure. However, NMA also stated that those units under threats and pressure could take their own decision. M e a n w h i l e, N M A said its central body would continue to function and promote the rights of Naga women. NMA reiterated that no outside body could dissolve or pressure the NMA to dissolve.
NPF women wing appeals JCC to KUT demands dissolution of KTC call off bandh Khiamniungan Union Tuensang (KUT)
KTC disowns attendees at CM’s meeting DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) has disowned KTC officials who attended the consultative meeting convened by the state chief minister at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on February 8, 2017. In a press release, KTC president said he and the KTC would not be responsible in any manner, saying they attended that meet “at their own personal vested interest and capacity”. He said the attendees led by KTC general secretary Puchai PM, ignored and disregarded his directive to abstain from attending the consultative meet. Mongchua said that he detailed and authorised four KTC officials to attend on condition that if other tribal bodies of Nagaland attend. However, KTC president said after learning NTAC and JCC decision to abstain from attending the proposed consultative meet, he told KTC general secretary, Puchai PM, over phone not to attend. But, ignoring his directive, they have attended the meet, Mongchua said. Further, the KTC president said that he and Khiamniungans in general would not be held responsible and affirmed that they stood “strongly in support of the rest and majority of the Nagas.”
has demanded dissolution of the present team of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) within February 15, 2017, failing which it would be compelled to take own course of action in the interest and welfare of the community. In a press release, KUT president, M.Neolo, and executive committee chairman, N.Ltangsoi, said the union at an emergency executive meeting on February 10, 2017, unanimously condemned the decision taken by KTC, which had accepted the ULB elections at Noklak. The signatories said KTC officials had betrayed the Khiamniungans in the whole process of ULB election by taking “un-realistic and hasty decisions damaging the image of the Khiamniungans.” KUT said Khiamniungan Nagas could therefore no longer remain silent with regard to all the decisions taken by the KTC “in failing to lead our general public in solidarity with the rest of our other Naga public”. KUT has appealed to the Khiamniungan GBs’ Union to take over the office of the KTC right after the dissolution of KTC in order to safeguard the integrity and to maintain the sanctity of the entire Khiamniungan community. Meanwhile, the KUT has re-affirmed that it would continue to extend its full support and stand in solidarity with the rest of the Nagas under the initiative of the NTAC and JCC at all cost.
D I M A P U R , F eb 1 0 (NPN): NPF Central Women Wing while acknowledging home minister for bringing out the “factual position” on the January 30 agreement between the state government and JCC in the presence of NBCC, appealed JCC to immediately call off the bandh that has paralysed the functioning of government offices. Working president of Women wing Khriezobeinuo Sanchu also urged JCC to embark on a mission by hold talks with the different tribal bodies and educate the public toward conducting a well-informed election to promote development and common good for the Nagas. She said people have now realized after going through the full text of the January 30 statement, and that, “we are now wiser and know that it is the other way round.”
NTAC seeks Governor’s immediate intervention Says, total breakdown of state govt. machineries KOHIMA, FEB 10 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), Kohima and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) Friday sought immediate intervention of Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya over the complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state. In a joint memorandum NTAC and JCC said the representatives called on the Governor on Friday afternoon to apprise him on the present situation. NTAC and JCC said all the government offices have not been functioning for the last eight days. They said this demonstrated total failure of governance in the state, as untold hardships were be-
ing faced by the people. NTAC and JCC went on to remind the Governor of his February 3 assurance- to punish the wrongdoers as per Constitution. They however expressed dismay that the Governor failed to carry out any action, despite the fact that chief minister, T.R. Zeliang himself had “admitted his wrong deeds and apologized on behalf of the government through mass media on February 8, 2017.” They said “the seat of the chief minister is honorable and fit only for virtuous and not for a wrongdoer.,” Nagaland Tribes Action Committee and Joint Coordination Committee also apprised the Governor of three lives in total that were lost and injury to several others, while 24 government offices were razed to the ground causing huge loss to public property. They said that despite all these, TR Zeliang as chief minister, remained
adamant and refused to listen to the voices of the people by stepping down from the chair. Considering the volatile law and order situation in the state, the two committees said “it was high time for your honour to intervene and to take immediate action as has been assured by you on the February 3, 2017.” The memorandum was appended by NTAC convenor K.T. Vilie; NTAC secretary, C.T. Jamir and JCC convenor, Supu Jamir. A copy each of the memorandum was also sent to the President of India, Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. Staff Reporter Adds: Meanwhile, at a press conference in Dimapur JCC convenor, Supu said JCC and NTAC made it clear to the Governor that in the event of failure to meet their demands, the consequences will be severe for which state chief minister as well as the governor would be held responsible.
Lotha Hoho questions CM’s Delhi trip stead of running around for alliances so as to pave way for restoration of normalcy in Nagaland. LH also reminded Zeliang that as elected leaders, he should bear in mind that the people have elected them for the welfare of the people, to stand for the right of the people and not to harass the people. Further, the hoho asserted that since chief minister was chosen from among the elected leaders and therefore, when the leaders go against the electorate, the electorate has the right to demand for their resignation. The Hoho also questioned home minister Y Patton as to “why should the MoU, or decision on ULB election be for a part of the state?” Just as the JCC and NBCC went away taking for granted that the MoU is for the entire state; so
also, it was understood by one and all that it is for the entire state, which the NPF leaders later decided to bifurcated into two categories: “troubled” and “untroubled”, which was the usual NPF practice of mocking the people, the statement stated. LH also demanded that the NPF division Wokha immediate clarify on the statement issued by NPF party divisions Wokha, president Mhonthung Patton. The hoho also demanded clarification from Manthungo Kikon, NPF press secretary Wokha for side tracking on the undertaking of January 16, 2017, that he will remain respectful and loyal to Lotha Hoho. However, the hoho said he took a U-turn and extended support to T.R. Zeliang, whose immediate exit is demanded by the LH.
Pochury youth demand apex body to disband PPF
Bishop requests all for prayers
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): Lotha Hoho (LH) has slammed chief minister T.R. Zeliang for taking a trip to New Delhi to meet the Central leaders when several part of the State is under turmoil. The hoho questioned Zeliang, why he had to run away to align with someone instead of dousing the fire? It reminded him that Naga people were against such kind of attitude. LH chairman Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary Mhondamo Ovung, in a statement further questioned, T.R. Zeliang for seeking alliance with someone to help protect, one’s adamant manoeuvres? Instead, LH stated that it did not want its leaders to instigate outside authority to harass the Nagas. In this regard, LH said that T.R. Zeliang should “go away immediately” in-
DIMAPUR, FEB 10 (NPN): Three Pochury youth organizations- Meluri, Akhegwo and Lephori, have demanded that the Pochury Hoho executives to immediately impeach the “self branded organization, Pochury People’s Forum” (PPF) consisting of Monte, Vichutho, Joyson Pfithu, Atsopu and Junte for tarnishing the image of Pochury in attending the boycotted consultative meeting called by chief minister on February 8. The three organizations also demanded stringent disciplinary action against them, deem fit as per customary law of the land. In the event of failure to respond positively, the Pochury youth organizations cautioned that it would initiate its own course of action. The organisations asserted that some “high
handed selfish” individual was misleading and directing them on the wrong path. This tantamount to selling out the rights of the Nagas, they said. In this regard, the youth organizations clarified that action did not reflect the general view of Pochury people as a whole. In a joint press statement Müluo Shefüri Kügharü acting president Kuothosi, Akhegwo Youth Organisation vice president Nuepeng and Lephori youth organization vice president Dizusie also stated that despite, Monte and Vichutho Nyusou, who attended the NTAC and JCC meeting on February 7, 2017 and agreed to the call of the Nagas by appending their signatures to boycott the consultative meeting called by the chief minister, they went ahead and attended the consultative meet.
D imapur , F eb 1 0 (NPN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima, joining the clarion call of NBCC, has requested faithful to pray for peace and serenity in Nagaland especially on February 12 (Sunday) as they gather in the Churches. In a statement, the Bishop of Kohima said at this critical juncture the people need the grace and blessing of God to take right and meaningful decision that will usher in peace and prosperity. He also appealed all leaders to cultivate and cherish the spirit of calmness and patience, discussion and dialogue, sharing and caring and give and take keeping in mind the common good and goal of peace and progress. “Let us remain united and resolve our difference in the true Christian spirit of love and reconciliation, the Bishop added. K Y M C