Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 79
Cab agrees to implement 7th RoP in principle Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 23 (NPN): Soon after assuming office on Thursday, chief minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and his cabinet agreed in principle to implement the 7th Revision of Pay for Nagaland government employees from the financial year 2017-18. The decision was made on Thursday at the first cabinet meeting chaired by the chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, two ministers confirmed this to Nagaland Post. It was informed that the state government would require Rs. 954 crore annually to cover the salary component under the 7th RoP. Being a salaried economy and totally dependent on Central funding, Nagaland is already burdened with excess of employment, most of which are backdoor appointees. Unless the state government cracks the whip, the move to implement 7th RoP would be a herculean task As stated by minister Yitachu: “if the random appointment of employees was not controlled, it will destroy state’s economy, government’s functioning and eventually destroy ourselves.”
GPAD asks clinics to close for today DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): A senior Dimapur-based doctor, Dr. A.B. Choudhury passed away following a heart attack on Thursday. As a mark of respect to deceased senior member, the General Practitioners Association, Dimapur (GPAD) president Dr. Z Mozhui has requested all private practitioners and members of IMA and GPA to close their clinics on February 24, 2017. NMDA: Meanwhile, Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has expressed grief at the sudden demise of Dr. AB Choudhury, who it said was known by all for his soft spoken nature and kind heartedness. In a condolence message, NMDA said Dr. Choudhury was famous for his dedication to his job and treating poor patients free of cost. The association extended condolences to the bereaved family members at this time of grief and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
NLA session on Mar 21
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya, has summoned the fifteenth session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on March 21, 2017 at 9.30am in the Assembly Hall, Kohima.
This is it!
“We’re attending office not for salary but for financial year.” K Y M C
DIMAPUR, friday, february 24, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Trump revokes guidelines on transgender bathrooms
Man Utd seal Europa last-16 spot
Feeling lonely in the absence of Jayalalithaa, says Sasikala
international, Page 9
sports, Page 12
national, Page 7
Peace requisite for progress: CM Centre-NSCN (I-M) agreement Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 23 (NPN): Chief Minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Thursday called upon the people of the state to ensure peace prevails in order to let Nagaland progress. “Without peace and complete understanding among the people, our state cannot progress,” said Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, while talking to media persons after assuming office at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat. Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu lamented that the recent unrest had caused great loss to the Nagas in many areas and most of all he said the state’s economy was adversely affected. To this, Dr. Liezietsu assured that his priority was to bring back normalcy to the state. As assured, he emphasized on the need to create a public platform where leaders from cross sections of the Naga society would debate, share and hear out each other’s voice to resolve issues. He also expressed pain over the loss of the three lives during recent unrest and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members. Recalling the recent inci-
Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu
dents, Dr. Liezietsu said the government had everything at its disposal to control the mob, but avoided any kind of confrontation. As over 20 offices were damaged in Kohima during the protest including the old NLA secretariat, he assured that better infrastructure would be setup in the days to come. On the allegations that some government servants were involved in the protest, Dr. Liezietsu did not deny, saying he had seen some of them with his own eyes. When asked whether the government would be initiating any disciplinary action, he said there were many involved and one cannot pinpoint any, only time will tell. Responding to ACAUT’s statement that
over Rs. 5000 crore was stashed in the state’s coffer-which was possible to clear pending salaries etc.-- the chief minister said he was not aware of it and assured that the matter would be inquired. Portfolio allocation: When asked about distribution of portfolios to cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries, he disclosed that status quo would be maintained and the exercise would be completed in a day or two. If there were some changes to be made, it would be done so on complete understanding, he added. With regard to assignments to three new cabinet members, he said: “We have something at our disposal”. As to who would take the chair of the NLA speaker, after Chotisuh Sazo resigned, he said it was yet to be discussed since they had received the names of twothree legislators. Appeals to media: Vowing to project the good side of the state to the outside world, the chief minister sought the support of the state’s media and also assured full cooperation of the government “to do something better.” He said media
NPF hails legislators decision to elect Dr Shürhozelie as CM DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) Central has welcomed the decision of the legislators in electing NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu as the leader of the DAN Legislature Party and chief minister of Nagaland. NPF media and press bureau, asserted that under the leadership of a veteran politician, a new era of progress, development and better understanding amongst all sections of the Naga society would be witnessed in the coming days. The party appealed to the government employees to follow the directives of the chief minister and emulate from his example, when he along with the cabinet team reached the office at 9.30 am sharp on his first day in office on Thursday. According to NPF, chief minister has asked the employees to be punctual, maintain decorum and dignity of office in order to ensure the best of services to the
public. NPF also put on record the gesture shown by chief minister and cabinet colleagues for paying respect to the two unfortunate victims of January 31 violence by laying wreaths at their graves at a short prayer service led by Rev K Luruo. The party also praised the party legislators, DAN partners and Independent legislators on their unanimous decision to elect Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu as chief minister. It appealed all sections of the society to cooperate with the chief minister and his colleagues in order to bring all round development, peace and harmony in the society. Further, NPF expressed gratitude to former chief minister for his ultimate sacrifice in vacating his chair for the sake of peace and harmony in the society. NPF also stated that T.R. Zeliang by stepping down with no fault of his had proved his love of the people and party more than the comfort of office.
has been playing its role to inform about what was happening in the state and cannot be blamed for carrying out its bounded duty. He reiterated his appeal to the media in order to project the brighter side of the state. Manipur polls: Dr. Liezietsu, who is also the party president, said NPF had issued 14 tickets and would be concentrating in the hill districts of Manipur. He said a team of NPF leaders would campaign in Manipur, including himself if time permits. Earlier, on arrival at Nagaland Civil Secretariat to attend office, Dr. Liezietsu was received by the CMO staff. After a brief prayer service, Dr. Liezietsu held his first cabinet meeting. The chief minister also addressed the AHoDs/HoDs at the Secretariat Conference Hall. Later, Dr. Liezietsu accompanied by his cabinet colleagues visited the graveyards of the two youths at Old MLA Hostel Compound (Phoolbari) who were killed in the police firing on January 31 night and laid the wreaths, followed by a brief prayer service which was led by Rev. K Luruo.
Correspondent
KO H I M A , F E B 2 3 (NPN): A day after assuming the office as the 11th chief minister of Nagaland, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, along with his cabinet ministers, on Thursday held a meeting with the Administrative Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) at the secretariat conference hall, Kohima. At the meeting, the chief minister urged the senior officers to strictly maintain working hours and set the offices in order, saying it has been observed that many government servants were not seen in office and in return government sink in liabilities after liabilities. Dr. Shürhozelie reminded that it was the executive that had to execute the policies of the
state government, adding that any government that came to power depended on the effectiveness of the executive. He said legislature may come and go but executive was the main body that continues. The chief minister also told the officers that they were all expected to advise the legislature in every possible manner. “During this short period, we can achieve something good to the people,” he said. Also, appreciating the wisdom of the public, Dr. Shürhozelie expressed hope that situation would normalize very soon. He said that without peace it was not possible to work freely to develop the state. Minister Y. Patton said bureaucrats should play the role of mediator for the government as they have direct contact with the people. He
TRAPPIST-1 System
Relative scale of Earth
Star and orbits shown in scale Planets enlarged approximately 7,600x
Planets e, f, and g— marked in green are directly in the “habitable zone” of this star system. (NASA)
are conducive to life,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of the NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “Answering the question ‘are we alone’ is a top science priority and finding so many planets like these for the first time in the habitable zone is a remarkable step forward toward that goal,” said Zurbuchen. At about 40 light-years - 235 trillion miles - from Earth, the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius.
NEW DELHI, FEB 23 (AGENCIES): Interlocutor for Naga talks and chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), R.N. Ravi said the ‘Framework Agreement’ between Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) is not the final agreement, and that it is still work in progress. In an interview given to ANI, Ravi, when asked why the framework agreement has been kept a secret and not released in the public domain, said, “The framework agreement is not the final agreement and we don’t serve half-cooked meals, because, as and when we will reach the final agreement, this (the framework agreement), will be part of that. Ravi said that it would not be in the nation’s larger interest to release the framework agreement when its details are not yet finalized. “I have explained it to all the stakeholders by and large, by going and meeting them, and discussing the issue with them, what (the framework agreement) contains. So, a document as such, as I told you that since it is not a complete agree-
R.N. Ravi (NP File)
ment, and an incomplete agreement can create issues, so, I think, it will not be proper,” Ravi said. When asked whether a deadline has been set for the framework agreement to come out in its final form, the chairman of the JIC, said, “No, we can’t have a deadline. We are trying to make it as early as possible. Well, we are trying our best, but we can’t set a deadline.” His comments came a day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh issued a clarification on the framework agreement signed between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, during his visit to Manipur capital Imphal. His clarification that
“no word related to Manipur contained in the Framework Agreement signed between GOI and NSCN (IM). There is no such provision in the agreement. Even the name of Manipur is not mentioned in it, failed to convince representatives of civil society and students’ bodies. O n We d n e s d ay, a large number of womenfolk and volunteers of the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) thronged the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, asking the Governor to urge the Centre to produce the signed agreement before the public. Talking to media, Manjit Sarangthem, secretary general, AMSU, said that they will continue the agitation until the Government of India produces a White Paper of the framework agreement. The All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) organised the rally as a part of the campaign which was kicked off demanding disclosure of the details of the framework agreement between the Centre and NSCN-IM under the theme ‘Protection of historical and political Identity of Manipur’.
Dr. Shürho asks officers to maintain working hours
Seven new Earth-like planets discovered: NASA WASHINGTON, FEB 23 (PTI): Astronomers have discovered the first known system of seven Earth-sized planets around a single star –– located a mere 40 light years away –– that could have liquid water, and possibly host alien life. Three of these planets are firmly located in the habitable zone, the area around the parent star where a rocky planet is most likely to have liquid water, NASA said. The discovery sets a new record for greatest number of habitable-zone planets found around a single star outside our solar system. All of these seven planets could have liquid water –– key to life as we know it –– under the right atmospheric conditions, but the chances are highest with the three in the habitable zone. “This discovery could be a significant piece in the puzzle of finding habitable environments, places that
yet to be finalized: R.N. Ravi
Since they are located outside of our solar system, these planets are scientifically known as exoplanets. This exoplanet system is called TRAPPIST-1, named for The Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope (TRAPPIST) in Chile. In May 2016, researchers using TRAPPIST announced they had discovered three planets in the system. The mass of the seventh and farthest exoplanet has not yet been estimated
– scientists believe it could be an icy, “snowball-like” world, but further observations are needed. “The seven wonders of TRAPPIST-1 are the first Earth-size planets that have been found orbiting this kind of star,” said Michael Gillon, from the University of Liege in Belgium. “It is also the best target yet for studying the atmospheres of potentially habitable, Earth-size worlds,” Gillon said. The study was published in the journal Nature.
Dr. Shürhozelie addressing the AHoDs and HoDs at the secretariat conference hall.
also said that bureaucrats should protect and stand for the government. Patton appealed to the officers to re-dedicate themselves in the service of the people. During the recent crisis, Patton said he personally observed that many government servants and bureaucrats “directly or indirectly” played as inciters of the situations against the government. He said this was very unbecoming of any government servants
and maintained that such acts should be discouraged. Minister Yitachu said Nagaland was a salaried economy and cautioned that if the random
appointment of employees was not controlled, it would destroy state’s economy, functioning of government and “ourselves”. (Cont’d on p-8)
Saturdays to be working day till March
Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar on Thursday announced that all government offices would remain open on Saturdays, with effect from February 25 till March. Kumar said this was done so in order to make up for the days that were lost owing to the bandh on government offices, and particularly to complete official works in view of the financial year end.
Rio fetes Dr. Shürho NSCN cadre, civilian killed
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Lok Sabha MP and former chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, has congratulated Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on being sworn in as the chief minister of Nagaland and expressed confidence that his wide experience and wisdom would be of significant benefit to the state. In a congratulatory note, Rio said the feeling of regionalism under the leadership of Dr. Shürhozelie was bound to be further strengthened. MP said he was certain that the regional party would take further strides forward. He also assured the state his fullest cooperation and assistance in achieving “our collective goals for accelerated development and economic progress.” Wishing the chief minister success during his tenure, MP said he looked forward to witnessing Nagaland taking giant strides under Dr. Shürhozelie’s lead(More on p-2) ership.
in Manipur encounter
IMPHAL, FEB 23 (PTI): An NSCN-IM militant and a civilian were killed during an encounter between the Army and the banned outfit in the wee hours today at Khoupum old village in Manipur’s Noney district, police said. Jawans of the Gurkha Regiment were carrying out a search operation in the village at around 3.30 a.m. when they were fired upon by the NSCN (I-M) cadres. The jawans returned fire and the gunbattle continued for around 45 minutes in which one NSCN (I-M) cadre was killed, police said. A villager, identified as 50-year-old Anjina Rongmei was killed by a stray bullet, police said. However, another conflicting report stated that an elderly woman was grievously injured when a stray
bullet hit on her face. Earlier, police had said that the encounter took place in Tamenglong district. Noney district is among the seven new districts created by the state government. Noney was created by bifurcating Tamenglong district. Correspondent adds: In another incident, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadres reportedly waylaid NSCN (I-M) cadres while on the move after the gun battle with 5/2 Gorkha troops. ZUF intercepted NSCN cadres near Goipijang village, Noney district. In the gunfight, it was reported that two NSCN cadres were injured Police reports said security forces have intensified operations in sensitive areas, ahead of the Manipur elections in order to flush out insurgents. K Y M C