Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 62
CMO on meeting DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): Nagaland Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in a clarification informed that the chief minister, T.R. Zeliang would be holding separate meeting with the tribal hohos on February 8 and with the Naga Hoho, CNTC, ENPO and All Nagaland GBs Federation on February 9, commissioner secretary to CM, Himato Zhimomi stated in a press note. All members have been requested to attend the meeting. Press meet today: The chief minister has also called for a press conference on February 7 at 3 p.m. at the Chief Minister’s residential office. All media personnel have been requested to bring along with them proper I-Cards and to reach the venue by 2.50 p.m.
Bandh imposed on state govt in Zbto DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): Based on the resolution of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), Sümi Hoho (SH) on Monday started to impose bandh on government offices and movement of government vehicles in Zunheboto. In a press release, SH general secretary Vihuto Asumi stated that the Zunheboto Town Youth Organisation (ZTYO) has been entrusted to enforce the bandh till the government fulfilled the demands of NATC.
USLP supports ENPO resolution
DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) has resolved to stand by the resolution of ENPO adopted at an emergency meeting on February 4, 2017 in Dimapur, wherein ENPO resolved to support the demand of NTAC and JCC that the DAN government headed by chief minister TR Zeliang should step down. In a press release, USLP vice president Chamose also demanded the termination of erring police personnel and suspension of officers involved in the firing incidents in Dimapur and Longleng. Meanwhile, USLP has conveyed condolences to the bereaved families of late Avizo Metha and late Bendangsungsang, who were killed in police firing in Dimapur on January 31, 2017. USLP said the two slain youths had sacrificed their lives for the cause of Nagas. It also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. Further, USLP also extended deep condolences to the bereaved family of late Tsapise, who passed away February 5 succumbing to injury he suffered at Longkhim town from ULB related incident.
This is it!
“Mobs can be of various squads- demolition squad, fire squad or assault squad.” K Y M C
DIMAPUR, tuesday, february 7, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Need consensus between Centre, states on UBI: Jaitley
Cameroon lifts Africa Cup of Nations
Queen Elizabeth II marks Sapphire Jubilee
national, Page 5
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
NTAC, JCC decline Gov invitation for meeting
Demand for Zeliang to resign non-negotiable: NTAC, JCC Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 6 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), formed in February 2 and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) formed in January 5, to take up demands of apex Naga tribe organisations with the state government, have declined a meeting invitation from Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya scheduled on Monday (February 6 at 3 p.m.) along with NBCC delegation and chief minister T.R. Zeliang. NTAC media cell disclosed that the decision was made after a discussion at a joint coordination meeting between NTAC and JCC. Also, the meeting extended invitations to all tribe hoho leaders at the coordination meeting to be held at APO Hall Kohima at 11 a.m. on February 7 (Tuesday). In a letter addressed to
the Governor, NTAC convenor K.T. Vilie and JCC convenor Supu Jamir have stated that since he (Governor) was aware that their demand was “non-negotiable”, the only solution to the ongoing crisis is when T.R. Zeliang steps down from the office of the chief minister. The two committees have reiterated the reasons for the above demand as Zeliang was held squarely responsible for the sequences of events beginning from the vehement protests against holding of ULB elections exhibited by destruction of residences of candidate in Phek town, expulsion notice served on a cabinet minister from Mokokchung district to intervention to the crisis by the highest church body in Nagaland , the NBCC resulting in the signing of the tripartite agreement at Chumukedima on January 30,2017 where the chief
CPO asks Chakhesang MLAs to withdraw support to CM DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) has urged all the four Chakhesang MLAs to withdraw support to chief minister T.R. Zeliang, as he cannot be trusted and moreover was capable of retracting his own statement. According to CPO president Kekhwengulo Lea and general secretary Mutsivoyi Kotso, the whole incident flared by due to the greed, arrogance and lack of statesmanship of T.R. Zeliang. It stated that even through the mortal remains of two youths (killed in the police firing) were buried the tension was yet to recede as the impasse remain unresolved. CPO further stated that had the chief minister honoured the wishes of the people, the unwanted incidents
would have been averted. CPO also branded T.R. Zeliang as “most unreliable, dishonest and flip-flop leader” among all the successive chief ministers. They stated that the announcement made by T.R. Zeliang that the whole ULB election process had been declared null and void was doubtful as he had “the habit of saying one thing and doing another thing”. In this regard, CPO reminded T.R. Zeliang that any leader whether political, social or church, it was expected from them to be upright, responsible, committed; responsive and honest to the people to whom they are accountable. Further, CPO also directed Chakhesang Mother Association to withdraw support to NMA in view of the latter’s stand on ULB election.
minister and the home minister “agreed in principle” to postpone elections(ULBs) for two months. However, contrary to hope that the government would deliver, the cabinet instead, “decided against the wishes of the people” and the protests led to the firing incident where two innocent youths were killed and several other injured in Dimapur besides several injured in another firing incident in Longleng town. These incidents culminated in the destruction of several government offices and properties, stated the joint release. Also, they said the chief minister instead of “owning moral responsibility for the carnage along with the loss of two lives” by stepping down honourably, instead “sarcastically” appealed for peace which was adding salt to injury. In view of the above cited reasons, NTAC & JCC maintained they would “not participate in any discussion in presence of the chief minister, who was described as being (Cont’d on p-8)
government and unilateral withdrawal from the agreement arrived at between the state government and Joint Coordination Committee, witnessed by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, was the spark for lighting the explosive situation and deserved utmost condemnation. Further, the association expressed regret that the woman activist[s] pursuing the matter of 33% women reservation in civic bodies poll, “for reasons best known to themselves”, refused to accept the offer of 25% nomination for women, with voting rights. This nomination if accepted, the association, said would have equally empowered the nominated women councillors on a par with elected councillors. “It is unfortunate that the activist wanted to have the cake and eat it too,” the
G U WA H AT I , F E B 6 (AGENCIES): After Arunachal Pradesh episode, the BJP is getting ready to turn Nagaland saffron by merging the Nagaland Peoples’ Front (NPF) led by chief minister T.R. Zeliang into the party, reports The Asian Age. NPF sources in Kohima told Asian Age that the BJP central leadership had given Zeliang the go-ahead to merge his faction of the NPF with 42 legislators into the BJP. Zeliang is understood to have begun consultations with his legislators stranded in their respective constituencies. The BJP has four MLAs in the present 60member Nagaland Assembly, and is also part of the government led by Zeliang. The reports said political observers felt that in view of the mounting pressure by NTAC on Zeliang to step down, this may also prove to be the safest escape route for him so he readily agreed to the merger. Sources said it was likely to be announced in a day or two, but also said there was every possibility of a split in NPF as a large section of MLAs were opposed to it.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 6 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Monday slammed the state government for “failing” the people and demanded imposition of President’s Rule (PR) in the state. The Congress said the state government has lost the confidence of the people and had no moral authority to rule the people of Nagaland. Addressing media persons at Congress Bhavan here, NPCC president, K. Therie, said when the entire government machinery was paralyzed, the best for the Nagas was to have President’s Rule and have early election. He said fresh mandate was required for the Nagas to settle their mind. “If the elected government is not sensible to the people’s demand, they are unfit to rule”, he said. Therie reiterated that NPCC after assessing the situation had urged the government to postpone the ULB election on January 12 and to have wider consultations. However, he said Congress appeal was ignored, add-
K. Therie (File)
ing that nullifying the ULB election showed complete failure on the part of the government. On the cabinet decision to move an ordinance to amend the constitution, Therie said the State Assembly (NLA) must understand the power of the Parliament and the state. He said the cabinet’s move would embarrass the people of Nagaland as Nagaland Municipal Act was an Act of NLA. Therie said that under Article 371A and State List, the NLA has the prerogative to delete, add or amend, adding that it was not necessary to go to Government of India as it was not the Centre that had asked the state to enforce. He also criticized the government for being ignorant about the Nagaland Municipal Act and for fail-
ing to educate the people about the Act. He said had the government understood the Act there would not be any crisis leading to death and destruction of offices. Therie expressed optimism that the governor would apply his mind and ensure the safety of the people and restore governance in the state. “Let the welfare of the people be the final law,” he said. Therie said it was too late for the state government to invite the tribal Hohos for the consultative meet. According to Therie, the relation between the government and the tribal Hoho has become so stiff that there would be no sign of cordial relationship to work together anymore. He accused the government for creating division between men and women, tribe and government. Therie said providing 33% women quota was the prerogative of the state, but nominating 33% women reservation was the prerogative of the party, which NPCC still holds the same. He said government has lost people’s confidence and therefore government cannot run smoothly.
CMO reacts to NTAC over ordinance AYO demands immediate D imapur , F eb 6 (NPN): After having drawn flak from various quarters over the cabinet decision to seek intervention of the prime minister to issue an ordinance to exempt Nagaland from Part IXA of the constitution dealing with women reservation, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said it was taken after legal advice from the state’s Advocate General and other legal experts. According to CMO, the JACWR had already submitted a petition in the Supreme Court for withdrawal of SPL that sought 33% women reservation in ULBs. However it said there was no guarantee that in future any person, lawyer or woman activist and not necessarily Naga, would not file a similar petition. Due to such a possibility, the cabinet opined that at present Nagaland was not exempt from Article
AKMWP slams govt’s adamant stand DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) has expressed deep pain over the unfortunate turn of events that resulted from 33% woman reservation in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). In a press release, AKMWP president, Neibulie Kiewhuo, general secretary, Theja Sokhose, and joint secretary & legal adviser, Hukato Chishi, vehemently condemned the killing of the two innocent unarmed Naga youths in the Police firing in Dimapur on January 31 and subsequent arson and destruction of public properties in the form of numerous government offices at Kohima. Lamenting the government’s failure to consider the wishes of the people and their tribal hohos, the AKMWP said the adamant position of the
Speculation on NPCC demands imposition of PR T.R. Zeliang-BJP merger deal ‘NPF-led DAN govt has lost confidence to rule Nagas’
Association stated. Meanwhile, the association has lauded the involvement of NBCC and others, who had tried to resolve the matter “in the interest of the innovative measures adopted to cause minimal inconvenience to the general public during the bandhs called in various places.” Fur ther, AKMWP also has appealed to all parties involved, to bring about restoration of normalcy at the earliest, so the innocent public could go about with their lives. Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat also appealed to all responsible organization and leaders to ensure that any democratic protest initiated for the common well being was not hijacked and defeated due to irresponsible, hasty and emotional actions of a few participants.
243T under Part IXA of the constitution and Article 371A “cannot come to our rescue in this matter, as the constitutional provision only aim for participation in the ULBs.” CMO said if present stakeholders failed to arrive at an amicable settlement at the present juncture, then the best option was to seek exemption from applicability of Part IXA which contained a mandatory provision under Article 243T for 33 % women reservation. Such a step would put to rest the issue and also avoid further misunderstanding, added CMO. In view of the above, CMO said the cabinet “in its wisdom decided to seek exemption from Part-IXA which has to do with ULBs” and in the same way that Nagaland has been exempted from application of Part IX(73rd Amendment) relating to
panchayats. CMO maintained that exemption from Part IX (73rd Amendment) enabled Nagas to have their own established village councils as per traditional customary laws. Therefore, if Nagaland was to be exempted from Part IXA, Nagas will also have the liberty to constitute their own municipal act. Such a scenario would remove any apprehensions in the minds of people over 33% women reservation diluting provisions of Article 371A. CMO further stated that the issue was in the interest of the Nagas and therefore, all right thinking citizens “are requested to actively and positively contribute towards finding the best possible way out” through dialogue etc so as to usher a peaceful future for the young and upcoming Naga generation.
resignation of Angami MLAs
KOHIMA, FEB 6 (NPN): In total support of the Angami Public Organization’s (APO) directive to the Angami legislators to resign, the Angami Youth Organization (AYO) has asked the legislators to “resign cooperatively with immediate effect.” In a press note, AYO media cell said it was a serious desire to establish their position unequivocally clear to demand their resignations. “This clarion call is made once again trusting that without resorting to compulsive moves which are bound to develop if it is not responded positively,” AYO stated. AYO warned that noncompliance of the MLAs, would invite non-cooperation and societal reactions now and even in the future. For any such reactions, the concerned individuals/ MLAs would be hold entirely responsible, it added.
Further, AYO reiterated its demand that the state government immediately lift Section 144 CrPC imposed in various localities of Kohima town. It said such unnecessary measure has only made it look like a warlikesituation by deputing thousands of cops, creating fear psychosis in the minds of the public. It would only provoke further escalation of violence which AYO said they completely abhor. However, in the event of any unfortunate developments in these areas, AYO said that the government would be held solely and specifically responsible. Meanwhile, AYO has appealed to the citizens of Kohima to bear a black flag or badge or anything black to signify and register their committed protest against the government at homes/ vehicles or in any form. (Cont’d on p-8)
NMA must also be held Patanjali to invest Rs.500 cr in KA responsible: TYOD DIMAPUR, FEB 6 (NPN): Tenyimi Youth Organization Dimapur (TYOD) in a press statement asserted that Naga Mothers Association (NMA), who spear headed the implementation of 33% women quota should also equally share the blame and responsibility for all the consequences. TYOD president Thejangulie Angami and general secretary Khrozote Kapfo said if NMA had stop pursuing the issue by listening to the people, the situation could have been averted. In the same manner, TYPD said those un-retired candidates should also be held responsible. It stated that if they (unretired candidates) had withdrawn their candidatures, by listening to the appeal of the people, the situation would have been different. Therefore, TYOD in view of the decree passed by respective hohos, has decided to penalize candidates under its jurisdiction, who failed to withdraw from the fray, with immediate effect. TYOD also condemned the indiscriminate firing by police forces that led to the death of two youths on January 31, and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
CEO of Patanjali, Acharya Balkrishna along with KAAC members on Monday. (NP)
Correspondent
Diphu, Feb 6: Ayurvedic giant Patanjali has decided to invest Rs.500 crore to promote medicinal plants and herbal products in forest rich Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. This was announced by herbal medicine connoisseur and chief executive officer of Patanjali, Acharya Balkrishna at Diphu on Monday. The company also plans to establish world class educational centre and hospital with learning facility for the welfare of the tribal population. After holding official meeting with members of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council along with Chief
Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang and departmental heads, Balkrishna told media persons that apart from scientists and technical heads, every job would be offered to the local youths. “We are offering government land particularly in inter-state and inter district borders in some specified areas for cultivation of medicinal plants and herbal products. This will help the unemployed youths and save the environment,” said Ronghang. “Land will be made available by the council authority and Patanjali will extend all technical help and necessary investment to the local farmers as well,” said divisional forest officer of West KA, Jotin Sharma. K Y M C