February 24, 2020

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 78

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Trump visit: India prepares grand welcome

1st Test: Boult puts NZ in charge against India

S Korea on high alert as COVID-19 cases surge

national, Page 5

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Govt set to regain Kolkata NL House complex PDA govt firm on ending over 3-decade sell out agreements

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 23 (NPN): Like the story of the ‘Arab and the Camel’, after nearly 36 years of the one-sided tenancy agreements signed between past state governments with Civil Engineers Enterprise Pvt Ltd (CEEPL) over Nagaland House Commercial Complex Kolkata, finally, the deck has been cleared for the state to retain legal possession of the complex at Kolkata. Talking to Nagaland Post, state chief secretary Temjen Toy, IAS said the state government is determined to wrest back the complex that has been with CEEPL and that eviction orders through court is being prepared in this regard. He reiterated the present PDA government’s determination to regain total ownership of the complex after the process for eviction is effected. He declared that the property that belonged to the Nagas would be taken

KU appeals for early inaugural of Mon dist hospital DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Konyak Union (KU) has appealed to the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department to expedite inauguration of the district hospital at Mon where foundation stone of the proposed medical college would be laid during inauguration. Acknowledging and expressing gratefulness to the Government of Nagaland headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and H&FW minister Pangnyu Phom and the department for proposing before Government of India for setting up the medical college at Mon, the union also urged the H&FW department to undertake the project at the earliest. Mentioning that it would monitor and supervise the project, KU also assured full cooperation to the department in ensuring smooth execution of the medical college project so that no hindrances and misunderstandings arose during its construction. It also acknowledged landowners and Chi Village Council and residents for donating land for the proposed medical college. This was stated in a press release by KU general secretary Wango Konyak and press secretary Pangmei.

This is it!

“Sir, I think we’ve found an antidote. The odour from his kitchen is enough to kill Coronavirus.” K Y M C

The prime property (white building) in Kolkata that belonged to Nagaland Government. The green building in the foreground is the present Nagaland House.

back and that the government was working on it though it would be a long and arduous task. It may be mentioned that CEEPL has been in possession of the complex through one-sided rent lease agreements signed by the state under various governments. The state Cabinet during its meeting on February 5, 2020 authorized chief secretary to file for eviction orders through court. It may be recalled that Nagaland Post has been highlighting the issue through several reports since

1992 regarding the one-sided lease agreements signed by the state which virtually handed over the entire commercial complex to CEEPL (erstwhile Engineers India Pvt. Ltd.) The construction began sometime in 1979 and after work began, the government could not provide funds and midway in 1982, the contractor-- M/s Engineers India Ltd- pioneered and floated by a former retired engineer under the government of Nagaland, made a deal to ‘save the project’ by getting SBI loan but on the

condition he was given the power of attorney over the entire premises for the purpose of obtaining loan. The one-sided agreement handed over around 2/3rd of the most valuable and prime plot in Kolkata at 11, Shakespeare Sarani (erstwhile Theatre Road), to Civil Engineers Enterprise Pvt. Ltd (CEEPL) which also houses the massive office of the State Bank of India and M/s Nightingale Nursing Home. It may also be recalled that during the recentlyconcluded fifth session of

ZCOs reject Pan Naga Hoho DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Zeliangrong Baudi- Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB-AMN) and its frontal organizations Zeliangrong Pui Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and All Zeliangrong Students’ Union have rejected the demand of NSCN (I-M) for Pan Naga Hoho during the Indo-Naga peace talks. On the contrary, the Zeliangrong civil organisations (ZCOs) demanded extension of the provisions of Article 371 (A) of Indian constitution to all Naga-inhabited areas of North East. In a statement, the organisations asserted that Zeliangrong people living in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland would never accept the “powerless and illogical” Pan Naga Hoho. They alleged that the demand had been one of the causes for creating confusion among the Naga community and was delaying the 23-year-old lndo-Naga peace process to reach a logical conclusion. Taking advantage of the cease fire and political negotiations, ZCOs alleged NSCN (I-M) was engaging in deception to split

the Naga family, particularly the Zeliangrong community, which was highly condemnable. Pointing out that prolonging the Indo-Naga peace process was obstructing peace and development in the region to some extent, the bodies urged Government of India and the stakeholders to urgently wind up the peace talks. They termed the decision of 14 Naga tribes of Nagaland to reject Pan Naga Hoho while welcoming the genuine demand of Working Group (WG) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) for extension of Article 371(A) in all Naga areas as an encouraging step. They appreciated the decision and extended co-operation in the matter. The ZCOs urged Government of India to bring an amicable solution at the earliest that was acceptable and workable for both the Nagas and India so that permanent peace and tranquillity prevailed once and for all in the region in particular and the nation at large. This was stated in a press release by media cell of ZCOs.

the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, chief minister Neiphiu Rio had asserted that Calcutta High Court had directed that “In such circumstances, it would be appropriate to observe that the order dated 14th, May 2018 will not prevent the defendant/respondent (Government of Nagaland) from evicting the plaintiff/petitioner from the suit property, in accordance with law”. Rio informed the House that the cabinet had on February 5, 2020 authorised the chief secretary to file eviction suit against the tenant (CEEPL) in Calcutta High Court, adding a suit had been prepared under the guidance of the State’s advocate general and was in the process of being filed. During the debate, the NPF Legislature Party leader T.R.Zelianghad lauded the State government and advocate general for the favourable order of Calcutta High Court and opined that the interim order of the court should now stop the government from accepting Rs 7 lakh per month, which the tenants used to pay, and stick to the current market rate of Rs 2.20 crore per month. (Cont’d on p-7)

Mild tremors felt in Assam, Nagaland GUWAHATI, FEB 23 (IANS): Two separate mild earthquakes with a magnitude 2.8 to 3.4 hit some parts of Assam and Nagaland on Sunday. There was no report of any damage or casualty, an official said. According to the official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the first quake with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale hit Wokha in western Nagaland at 5.12 a.m. The IMD official said that another tremor with a magnitude of 2.8 on the Richter scale hit Tezpur in northern Assam at 5.35 a.m. The two tremors, which lasted a few seconds, were measured at 28 to 30 km depths of the earth. According to the IMD observations, at least 27 separate moderate and mild shakes struck this month in different Northeastern states.

WC/NNPGs to meet Ravi today on inking of final agreement Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Amidst speculations of a stalemate between the government of India and NSCN (I-M) for inking the final agreement, convenor of Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs N. Kitovi Zhimomi, made it clear that “Nagas of Nagaland should not be sandwiched between government of India and NSCN (I-M)”. Kitovi said this to Nagaland Post over telephone, ahead of the meeting with Nagaland Governor and Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, RN Ravi on February 24 (Monday) in Delhi. The 18-member WC delegation led by Kitovi will finalize the negotiated points (after signing of the ‘Agreed position’ on November 17, 2017), NNPGs media cell stated. Commenting on the impediment against signing of the final agreement despite conclusion of “negotiations over contentious issues” on October 31, 2019, Kitovi said, “Some groups are purposely prolonging the signing of the final agreement. They only know why they are pro-

N. Kitovi Zhimomi (NP File)

longing the solution.” He said it was apparent that it would not be possible to “bring all the groups together to unanimously sign the final agreement, when some groups are deliberately prolonging it”. Referring to the resolutions made by tribal bodies, civil society organisations, GBs and Nagas in general for early settlement of the Naga political issue, Kitovi asked, “Why solution must be delayed for some groups with vested interest?” Kitovi made it clear that Nagas of Nagaland should not be “sandwiched” between government of India and NSCN (I-M) and that their rights “should not be crushed”. On the prolonged negotiations between NSCN (I-M) with government of India, Kitovi said, “The

outcome of 22 years of negotiations of NSCN (I-M) is nothing but PAN Naga Hoho, which also lacks clarity”. Kitovi also said that the proposed PAN Naga Hoho (a social-cultural body of all Nagas) had confused the Naga people for a while. However, he said the people of Nagaland have now “outrightly rejected PAN Naga Hoho without integration”. Maintaining that there was no reason to prolong signing of the final agreement, the WC convenor said WC has come to an understanding that “whatever is not possible today would be pursued though a democratic process after signing of the final agreement”. Kitovi rubbished speculations that NNPGs are negotiating only for Nagas of Nagaland. He reiterated that special status like separate Regional Territorial Council has been worked out for Nagas living outside Nagaland. Asked about Monday’s meeting with Ravi, Kitovi reiterated “There is no agenda; nothing to discuss. We will only talk about the final agreement signing ceremony”.

DAYO backs DNSU demand to No antisocial activities shutdown illegal liquor outlets will be tolerated: DCCI DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) has announced support to and appreciated the demand of Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on February 21 to commissioner of excise, Dimapur to close all illegal liquor outlets within seven days. In a release, the organisation said it also respected, appreciated and supported Central Nagaland Tribes Council’s (CNTC) appeal to all GBs, chairmen and colony councils to penalise landlords and house owners of properties from where liquor outlets operated. Acknowledging the initiatives of DNSU and CNTC, DAYO announced its support in this regard and pledged to extend full cooperation to end the social concern. Referring to the ultimatum served by Naga

Students’ Federation (NSF) on February 22 and expressing its appreciation to the federation for its concern and voicing against the practice of backdoor appointments in all government departments, DAYO expressed shock that communities and organisations outside the administrative jurisdiction of Nagaland government were also signatories to the ultimatum. The ultimatum served to the chief minister of Nagaland by outsiders was ridiculous and uncalled for, it added. As the issue of backdoor appointment was purely an administrative Issue within the State of Nagaland, the organisation stressed it was not necessary that those outside Nagaland had to be a signatory to the ultimatum. Let any issues and grievances be resolved and decided by the stakeholders, it appealed.

DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), while expressing happiness for the return of Parimal Ghosh, owner of the Nagaland Cold Drinks after he went missing, warned that it will not tolerate any kind of anti-social activities and anti-social elements. Assuring full cooperation to law enforcing agencies to root out such elements, DCCI urged all business establishment to be vigilant and extend cooperation with the law enforcing agencies. Further, DCCI also warned of taking appropriate action against those NGOs, “extorting business community under the guise of contribution”, and expose the unscrupulous money mongering so called leaders and the NGOs besides reporting it to law enforcing agencies. In this regard, DCCI has directed the business community not to cooperate with such demands for the lager interest of the business community. Meanwhile, DCCI lauded the Dimapur Police and the Commissioner of Police for making all out effort for the safe release of Parimal Gosh. It urged the police to put those responsible behind bars and leave no stone unturned to give them maximum punishment possible under the law.

All district headquarters to have coffee shops: Kronu SSAALWC serves ultimatum on DC Zbto Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 23 (NPN): With Nagaland entering the world coffee map and Coffee Board of India recently rating Nagaland coffee as one of the best coffees in the world, Nagaland may soon emerge as one of the largest organic coffee producing States in the country. And to enable people to have a taste of Nagaland coffee, the Land Resources department, nodal department for promotion/plantation of Coffee in the State, would soon establish coffee shops in all district headquarters in 2020-2021 even as the State has earmarked Rs. 2 crore for nursery to enhance coffee production. This was stated by Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister Neiba Kronu during an interaction with a section of media persons at his

residence here. He said the land resources department had brought 8,000 hectares of land under coffee plantation till date, and it was expected that over 3,000 metric tons of coffee would be harvested annually in the next five years. The minister revealed that the department had set a target to bring 50,000 hectares of land under coffee plantation by 2027, as envisaged in Nagaland Vision 2030 document, with an objective to provide economic benefits to rural farming communities with support of the government by engaging them. A l o n g w i t h wa t e r resources adviser Namri Nchang and treasuries & accounts and national highways adviser Dr Longrineken, Kronu had toured Myanmar and Laos from August 19 to 27, 2019 to study coffee plantations in these

countries, besides exploring tourism opportunities. Realising its vast potential, the minister opined that farmers must take up coffee farming on a large scale so that the State’s revenue could be increased manifold in the next few years. He said though the Indo-Naga political issue was yet to be settled, daily activities must go on to improve the State’s economy. He remarked that even if the State government gave jobs to all educated unemployed, Nagaland would still lag behind as its economy would not grow. And as the State already had huge farming potential, Kronu said Nagaland coffee and honey could enter the world market as demand for coffee would never go down, adding there was huge demand for coffee in European countries too. He said protecting environment was everyone’s

concern and coffee, which required trees, would not damage the environment. He also mentioned that areca nut (tamul), black pepper and bamboo could fetch good market and help enhance the State’s economy. Kronu exuded confidence that Nagaland could become a hub for coffee and honey, which in turn could become a tourist attraction. The minister said coffee seeds sponsored by the UN were expected to reach Nagaland by March, which would be distributed to coffee growers. Meanwhile, Dr Longri said Coffee Board of India had failed the farmers during 1980s, which discouraged farmers from taking up coffee plantation. However, now that market linkage had been set up, Nagas could take up coffee plantation on a large scale, he averred.

DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners’ Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) has served an ultimatum to deputy commissioner (DC) Zunheboto to stop the two-lane road work under SARDP-NE project in Sumi area until the second phase of compensation were paid to landowners. In a representation to the DC on February 17 and signed by its convener Ghuvishe Zhimomi and secretary Kakheto Zhimo, the committee also threatened to file a PIL, if its ultimatum was ignored. SSAALWC pointed out that though the affected land owners had approached the DC on various occasions seeking halt to the project work till second phase of compensation for damaged property was paid, these were of no avail. Hence, the representa(Cont’d on p-7) tion explained the affected

land owners had resolved and reaffirmed that no contractor/ firm should execute the work within the affected jurisdiction until the compensation was cleared. The committee also warned that in case of an untoward incident arising out of the decision of landowners, the authority concerned would have to borne the responsibility. Mentioning that whether the second phase of compensation was under arbitration or not had nothing to do with the landowners, SSAALWC said it was the government’s responsibility to fulfil the demand. Further pointing out that Madhucon Projects Ltd had been awarded contract by NHIDCL on the same project that was abandoned by GayatriMaytas joint venture and not some other project at

a different location, the committee reasoned that the question of administration allowing Madhucon to carry on work without any hindrance did not arise. Hence, it demanded that the present contractor must halt the ongoing work and leave the site immediately from the date of publication of the resolution. Admitting that overall development was required, SSAALWC however emphasised that NGOs or security forces could not command “our land” forcefully for any developmental work without addressing the genuine issues with the landowners as Nagas had ownership rights that nobody could compromise it. The representation said without halting the ongoing work the second phase of compensation would not come about. Hence the landowners took the decision, it added. K Y M C


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February 24, 2020 by Nagaland Post - Issuu