Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 49
DIMAPUR,wednesday, january 25, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Rajnath warns Pak to mend its ways
Kenekhoyi is Chetheba wrestling champ
Mike Pompeo sworn in as CIA director
national, Page 7
sports, Page 11
international, Page 9
CM Zeliang firm on civic body polls
Correspondent
KOHIMA, JAN 24 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang Tuesday appealed to all tribe organisations, opposed to women reservation and ULB elections, to reconsider their stand by allowing the elections to be held as scheduled. He made the appeal while speaking as chief guest at the ‘National Girl Child Day’ held at the Capital Convention Centre Kohima under the theme ‘My Girl Child, My Asset, Not Liability’. With both the tribe organisations and government firm with their opposing stands, the chief minister told the tribe organisations not to impose views and opinions on others through threat and intimidation. Zeliang maintained that since time immemorial, Naga women were never given the opportunity or responsibility to take part in the field of politics or decison making process. Due to such, he said it was necessary to fully empower women and to enable them to contribute to the society, by having more
4 days Karbi Anglong bandh Correspondent
Diphu, Jan 24: Four militant groups have called for shut down in Karbi Anglong to boycott Republic Day celebrations on January 26 and to pressurise Centre for passage of the Autonomous State Bill in the next parliament session. Altogether the separate bandh calls would be effective from January 25 to January 28, 2017. United Peoples Liberation Army (UPLA) has called for boycott to Republic Day celebration from January 25, 5 a.m. to January 26, 5 p.m. On the other hand, IK Songbijit-led PDCK including NDFB-S, NLFT and KLO has called for a 24-hour shutdown on January 26 from 12:01 a.m. to 11.59 pm. KANCHASDCOM and its allied organizations KSA-Inglongpho, Karbi Riso Adorbar, Karbi So-Arlo Amei and Karbi Unemployed Youth Association have also called for a 24-hour shutdown in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao autonomous district from January 27, 5 a.m. to January 28, 5 a.m. to pressurize Centre for passage of the Autonomous State Bill in the coming of Parliament session.
This is it!
“I think they ought to enact a law to protect human lives rather than animal lives.” K Y M C
T.R Zeliang addressing the ‘National Girl Child Day’ programme at Kohima on Tuesday. (DIPR)
women representation in non-traditional institutions like the state legislative assembly and Urban local bodies. He also said it was necessary to provide reservation to women in politics just as in government jobs and in technical education for the backward tribes and communities etc. Zeliang lamented the despite claims of Naga history being unique due to its rich culture and tradition and also duly recognised by the government of India, some tribe organisations had taken certain actions against its own brothers and sisters which were not as per Naga customary system. He therefore appealed to such organizations “not
to misuse the unique customary system, which was well crafted with great wisdom”. “As freedom loving people living in a modern civilized society, let us respect each other’s views/ opinions and the due process of law and refrain from taking the law into our own hands,” he asserted. Also speaking on the occasion, as guest of honour, Social Welfare minister Keyanilie Peseyie encouraged all join hands and to raise their voices for the girl child. He also appealed for commitment towards imparting quality education for the girl child. Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar spoke about the ‘State Vision for Girl Child’, saying the starting point
would be to look at the needs of the girl child, access to food, education, health care; a loving and caring environment at home and outside. While underlining the need to provide good water supply to the households in the State, he also emphasised on the urgency to provide good health care and educational facilities to womenfolk, especially the girl child. Earlier delivering the opening remark, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Dellirose M. Sakhrie stated that Nagaland has been celebrating National Girl Child Day since 2008 at the Anganwadi Centres, it was only this year that it was being celebrated at the state
level. She reiterated that the occasion was not only to remove discrimination, exploitation of all kinds but also to secure the rights and provide girl child with equal opportunities in all spheres etc. Mission director SRCW, Daisy Mezhur stressed on the need for mothers to change their mind-set by allowing the girl child to participate in various activities instead of restricting them. Mezhur also appealed to all to give the girl child, a dream, a dream of hope, equality, dignity, and opportunity for better future making and to make the child an asset. She further appealed to the chief minister to consider ‘Girl Child’s Policy’ even in Nagaland. The programme was chaired by a nine old girl-Jentina Yaomei Shangkhu while Benjongsola Jamir and Ruovilhou Kense, both 11 year old girl and boy presented special number making the event more attractive. On the occasion the national bravery award winner of 2015, Mhonbeni Ezung (9 year old) was also felicitated.
Polls to go ahead JCC calls upon citizens to be as scheduled: prepared for any eventuality State EC to govt. Staff Reporter called for a consultative D I M A P U R , JA N 2 4 (NPN): State Election Commission (SEC), after examining the memorandum submitted to the chief minister by JCC, has informed the chief minister’s office that there was no alternative but to complete the electoral process as announced. In a letter addressed to the commissioner & secretary to CM, the State Election Commissioner, Sentiyanger Imchen informed that the Commission after examining the memorandum referred to the SEC, concluded that the election process which got underway since December 21 consequent to the issuance of a notification cannot be stopped/postponed/ deferred. Imchen further stated that the entire electoral process once set in motion has to be taken to its logical conclusion. On January 23 JCC, after the public rally, in a memorandum to CM demanded deferment of civic polls on or before January 26, failing which it said an indefinite state-wide bandh would be imposed .
DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): Determined to go all out against the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, the Joint Coordination Committee comprising of Ao, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhro Angami and Chakhesang on Tuesday called upon all citizens to be prepared for any kind of eventuality if the state government turn deaf ears to the voices of the people. A JCC member reminded the state government that it was not just on single tribe or individual’s voice but the voices and appeal of all Naga tribes. As announced during the mass public rally on January 23, the JCC reiterated that the Naga public would impose an indefinite state-wide bandh if the state government failed to defer the elections on or before January 26, 2017. JCC in this regard has appealed to all citizens not to undertake any journey programme, official engagements, parties, meetings etc. with effect from January 27 to February 1, 2017. Meanwhile, JCC has
meeting on January 25, 3 p.m. at Chakhesang Hoho building, Dimapur near hill star cinema hall. The committee has requested-- Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Wester n Chakhesang Hoho, Chakhroma Public Organization, Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur, Naga Council Dimapur, Dimapur Urban Colonies Chairman’s Federation, Dimapur GB’s Union (Sardar), Dimapur District GB’s Union, Dimapur Ao Youth Organizaiton, Western Chakhesang Youth Organization, Western Sumi Youth Front, Chakhroma Youth Organization, Dimapur Lotha Youth Organization, Youth Association of Nagaland, ENPUD Youth Organization, Diphupar Youth Organization and all tribal students’ unions leaders to attend the consultative meeting. Further, JCC acknowledged all tribal organizations and communities for their participation in making the January 23 mass public rally a grand success and peaceful.
Govt. to pump in Rs 5500 cr ZTYO backs JCC’s ENWO plea to allow ULB elections in NE to beef up connectivity demand on ULB polls GUWAHATI, JAN 24 (AGENCIES): What is expected to beef up connectivity in the insurgency dominated pockets and international border areas, Union Ministry of telecommunication will install around 6000 towers across Northeast India under the comprehensive telecom development plan for Northeast India. Secretary department of telecommunication (DOT), J.S Deepak spent two days in Northeast India and had meeting with CMD of BSNL, Bharat Broadband Network Ltd and Rail Tel. Deepak told ET on Tuesday, “We have discussed state wise what were hurdles and what ways to overcome it were. 2017 as far as DOT is concerned is year of focus of Northeast India.” The project will connect 8250 villages across the region in next two years. Deepak added, “We have sanctioned project for providing connectivity to 9000 villages which do not have connectivity. This has to be done in two parts; one part will be done by BSNL and other by private telecom service provide. BSNL will do this work in Arunachal Pradesh, Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong. Tender of
this project is in process and we will launch the same next month.” He added that second project is to connect the district and state headquarters in optical fiber ring. This is in progress and by 2018 it will be completed. Fund is not a problem and this is clear vision of Prime minister, Narendra Modi. “In two years time from 2017 and 2018, we are investing close to Rs 5500 Crore in Northeast India.” BSNL Assam has proposed to install over 1000 mobile towers. BSNL has submitted a proposal for setting up 2000 mobile towers, out of this at least 920 towers will come up in insurgency infested and disturbed areas of KarbiAnglong and Dima Hasao, Bodoland and pockets of Upper Assam.” Around 108 mobile towers will be installed along Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Bangladesh. Most of these towers will be run via satellite.” Deepak said that, “Northeastern states have assured that mobile towers will be allowed to installed in government buildings and radiation will be not in the way. Time taken for right of way approval and cost of it will be taken care of. There is delay in giving approval in right of way approval, states have assured they will look into it.”
DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): Zunheboto Town Youth Organization (ZTYO) has endorsed its firm support on the demand of Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to defer Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election in the state, with a warning that it would enforce indefinite bandh within its jurisdiction in the event government ignore the appeal of the people. Media cell of ZTYO vowed to stick by its apex organization, Sumi Hoho’s stand, a co-organising member of JCC, and warned that the state government would be held solely responsible in the event of any untoward incident occur during the enforcement of the bandh. Reminding state government that going against the wishes of the people was against the principles of democracy, the youth organization urged the government to initiate necessary consultative process with all stakeholders so that certain amendments are made before implemented, instead of “adamantly forcing” through the ULB Act 2001, which was against the wishes of the people. Further, the youth organization urged state government to abide by the chief minister’s statement, who categorically stated that, “elections would not be held in places where there is opposition”.
DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland Wo m e n O r g a n i s a t i o n (ENWO) has appealed to various organisations in the state opposing the urban local bodies (ULB) elections to reconsider their stand and allow elections to take place peacefully. In a press release, ENWO president, Birila Tokiu, and vice president, Pejem Konyak, also appealed to all Naga brothers opposing women’s reservation “to change their attitude towards women and start respecting their mothers through whom they came.” Expressing “shock” that “unchristian methods” like banishment and excommunication of the candidates was taking place in a Christian society like the Nagas, ENWO said if Naga men “truly respect their women”, then they must support women reservation in ULB. The organisation argued that reservation of seats was “right instrument”
to empower women in the state as the power of decision making and leadership in society played a vital role to empower a voice that was “being constantly suppressed.” Further, ENWO maintained that reservation for women would also encourage and instil confidence in women, adding that unless reservation was granted, they would hesitate to come forward. ENWO termed as “unfortunate” that in a 60member assembly, not a single member was a woman, “and yet we still claim that men and women are treated equally in Nagaland.” Women participation in the municipality level local self government, ENWO said would enable better understanding of women’s problems and facilitating their uplift. It went on to assert that women participation and contribution would be helpful in handling matters like hygiene, sanitation, health, waste management and other civic issues that
were primary role of municipal authorities. ENWO also said that equal participation of every section of the society in the administrative process, especially at local level, such as a municipality, was essential to a progressive society. Pointing out that it becomes “close to impossible” for any woman to contest against a man in a society where the concept of patriarchy has been deeply rooted, the ENWO said the concept of reservation was therefore important for truly empowering women in the state. Meanwhile, ENWO has thanked and appreciated ENPO, ENLU, ENGOA, ENSF and all the tribal leaders for standing in support of the women’s reservation. It further urged them to stand by their women till the process of elections was over, saying women needed their blessings and support to be able to take the mantle of leadership roles in the form of town councillors.
State BJP unit urges people to avail all central schemes Governor’s appeal DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): State BJP has appealed to people of the state to avail facilities to help bring development to the state by highlighting some relevant central schemes for the benefit of people. The appeal was contained in a statement issued by state BJP general secretary (media) & spokesperson, Jaangsillung Gonmei, who pointed out that the BJP-led NDA government at the centre has launched several pro-people social security and developmental schemes to create an equitable society. Among several schemes, meant to address the needs of people in urban and rural areas, farmers, youths, women, poor, general public, industrialists, etc. certain relevant schemes needed to be given adequate attention as necessitated to bring about an all round development. One such scheme, the state
BJP spokesperson said was Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM), which was approved by the union cabinet on September 16, 2015 chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crore, to drive economic, social and infrastructure development in rural areas. As the mission was to transform rural areas into an economically vibrant urban area, the state BJP said the scheme was therefore termed as “Rurban” mission. The mission aims at development of rural growth clusters that have latent potential for growth, in all States and UTs, which would trigger overall development in the region. Those clusters would be developed by provisioning of economic activities, developing skills and local entrepreneurship and providing infrastructure amenities.
Further, those clusters would be well delineated areas with planned layouts prepared following the planning norms (as laid down in the State Town and Country Planning Acts/ similar Central or State statutes as may be applicable), which would be duly notified by the State/UTs. Finally those plans would be integrated with the district plans/master plans as the case may be. The state governments would identify the clusters in accordance with the Framework for Implementation prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development, which would be geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats with a population of about 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas. For the selection of clusters, the Ministry of Rural Development would adopt a scientific process of cluster
selection that involves an objective analysis at the District, Sub District and Village level, of the demography, economy, tourism and pilgrimage significance and transportation corridor impact. Following this analysis, the ministry would provide a suggestive list of sub districts to the state and the state governments would then select the clusters following a set of indicated principles included in the Framework for Implementation. The mission aims to create 300 such Rurban growth clusters over the next three years, across the country. The funding for Rurban Clusters will be through various schemes of the Government converged into the cluster. To ensure an optimum level of development, fourteen components have been suggested as desirable for the cluster. The States would prepare Integrated Cluster Action Plans
for Rurban Clusters, which would be comprehensive plan documents detailing out the strategy for the cluster, desired outcomes for the cluster under the mission, along with the resources to be converged under various Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored and State Sector schemes, and the Critical Gap Funding (CGF) required for the cluster. While these were being implemented nationwide in varying degrees and progress with astounding successes, the state BJP lamented that certain pockets of the country lacked the pace of gradual implementation. In this regard, the BJP general secretary mentioned that the BJP Nagaland unit president Visasolie Lhoungu has also appealed the people and government to avail of these facilities for the overall development of the state.
to sponsor girl child DIMAPUR, JAN 24 (NPN): Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya on the occasion of ‘National Girl Child Day’ appealed to all social organisations, professional and commercial groups in Nagaland to sponsor girl children for education under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme. For this, a press note issued through the PRO Raj Bhavan stated that the Governor had opened a bank account in State Bank of India No. 35843617072, where a cheque can be deposited for Rs 2500 per year per child and to intimate Governor’s office by e-mail or over phone the sponsor’s name, number of girl child sponsored for education, bank details and date of deposit. Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya in his message reminded that the National Girl Child Day was observed to reaffirm and protect the right of the child and to highlight to the citizen of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme. K Y M C