Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 50
DIMAPUR,thursday, january 26, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Kohli, Sakshi, Deepa for Padma Shri
Prez optimistic on demonetization
Nikki Haley confirmed as new US envoy to UN
sports, Page 11
national, Page 5
international, Page 9
Bandh in abeyance on CM’s request JCC TO DECIDE BANDH AFTER CABINET MEETING ON JAN 27
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on Wednesday informed that the committee has decided to defer the state-wide indefinite bandh which was reportedly scheduled to be held on January 27 after chief minister T.R. Zeliang requested the committee to wait till January 27. This was conveyed to the JCC members when they met Zeliang at Kohima on Wednesday. Chief minister also informed the members that since all the cabinet ministers were out of Kohima to attend Republic Day celebrations, the cabinet meeting would be held only after January 26. In this regard, JCC has decided not to go ahead with the indefinite bandh from January 27 but wait for the outcome of the cabinet meeting. A JCC member told Nagaland Post that chief minister informed them that the cabinet would be meeting on January 27 to take the call on whether to go ahead with the Urban
BJP candidates reiterate stand DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Ten BJP candidates, who have filed nominations for DMC election, have reiterated that they would only forfeit their candidatures, only after other political parties including NPF do first. The candidates- Hokivi Chishi ward 19, Hokuto Zhimomi ward 22, Vikheho Zhimo ward 17, Simon Yeptho ward 23, Moa Jamir ward 16, G. Kits ward 20 and Meweu Lasuh ward 1. Ikato V. Sumi ward 7 and P. Avi Awomi ward 6- in a press hand out stated that they respect the views and decisions of the respective tribal bodies including the Joint Coordination Committee to withdraw/forfeit their candidatures. “However, forfeiting our candidatures at our own cost and win of other candidates is not acceptable”, they stated.
Candidate backs-out
Meanwhile, a woman BJP candidate, Kavili Chishi of Ward 21 on Wednesday decided to back out from the Dimapur Municipal elections citing reasons that she supported the call of the Naga civil societies. This was stated in a letter addressed to the Returning Officer (RO), which was accepted by the DC’s office on January 25.
This is it!
“So you expect me to make your tiffin on the day you’ll be enforcing total bandh against women?” K Y M C
Local Bodies (ULBs) election or not. However, JCC warned that it will go ahead with the indefinite bandh starting from January 28, if the outcome of the meeting was not in their favour. Further, the committee also reiterated its appeal on the candidates to pull out of the fray by listening to the voices of the people. Here, JCC said that once when all the candidates pulled out then there would be no election and bandh. Meanwhile, at the consultative meeting convened by JCC at Dimapur on January 25, the house formed a youth organization under the banner Dimapur Naga Youth Organization. The meeting was attened by all the tribal bodies.
JCC clarifies
JCC has issued a clarification on Article 371A in response to statements by minister of school education & SCERT Yitachu and subsequently the chief minister T.R. Zeliang and other functionaries who maintained that holding elections to
ULBs was not against the customs, traditions and usages of Nagas. On Yitachu’s contention that under the constitution of India provisions of Article 371A can be implemented by the 1. central government- the president, council of ministers both houses of parliament and Supreme Court with all their machinery in Part V of the constitution; 2. the state of Nagaland- governor, state assembly, council of ministers and high court with all its machinery in Part VI of the constitution and panchayats which form Part IX of the constitution from Article 243 to 243-O and by virtue of Article 243 ‘M’(2)(a) of the state does not apply but after enactment of the Nagaland Village Area and Regional Council At 1972, the village councils are constitutionally established authority at the local self government level to implement and enforce Article 371A. 4. Municipalities which forms Part IXA of the constitution from Article 243-P to Article 243-ZG and by the Municipal and Town Coun-
cil Act 2001 with 33% women reservation(amended 2016) is constitutionally established authority in urban areas which fulfil criteria as municipal and town council; 5.cooperative societies which form Part IX 13 of the constitution . JCC reiterated that the contention of Yitachu was in contravention of the provisions as incorporated in the 16 Point Agreement at serial 8 wherein the local self government- where each tribe through the (a)village council (b) Range council and (c) Tribal council will be law making and administrative bodies to deal with matters concerning respective tribes and areas. Since Nagaland is 100% tribal and where respective tribes follow and practice their own customs and traditions since time immemorial, unlike in mainland India, JCC pointed out that there has been no practice of discrimination on the ground of sex as females were considered equal in Naga society. It said that since according to customs and traditions, males took
part in decision making, this practice cannot be changed nor be distorted for the sake of fund that was pending for municipalities. In view of 33% women reservation infringing on the customary practice, JCC said it objects to civic poll under the present context and therefore demands that the state government invite all tribe hohos and apex civil societies to hammer out a solution as per customary and traditional practices at a consultative meeting and in the interest of women. JCC asked the government not to curb public interest for the sake of money and not to project holding of civic polls as being in the interest of the people. JCC also noted that advisor urban development had disclosed that more than Rs.200 crore was kept idle in the ministry of urban development of Nagaland. JCC warned that in the event the government turned a deaf ear to its appeals for deferment of polls, the government will be held responsible for any eventualities.
R-Day red alert: ‘LeT may use charter flights to attack Delhi’
SSB and Delhi Police personnel checking a vehicle in New Delhi. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba might be planning to use helicopter charter services and charter flights to launch attack through air during the Republic Day celebrations, according to the intelligence inputs. Delhi Police along with other security agencies have been put on high alert and are keeping a tight vigil across the national capital. According to PTI, Police is using anti-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object. Apart from this, security personnel will be stationed atop tall build-
ings with anti-aircraft guns. CCTV cameras have been installed and control rooms have been set up to monitor the feed from the cameras, a senior police officer told PTI. The advisory that has been issued to security agencies states that “it is imperative for the security forces to be familiar with the range of threats for devising appropriate counter means” since the use of conventional weapons by the terrorist and criminal groups is a part of an ongoing process to develop new techniques and tactics. Meanwhile, Intelligencies agencies have also
warned the security agencies that there’s a possibility of Pakistan terrorists sneaking in the country with the help of Afghan Ids. Security agencies have also been warned that some Muslim extremist organisations are planning 9/11 type of attacks using aeroplanes carrying personnel and weapons on board. No landing or take-off of any commercial flight will be allowed from IGIA in New Delhi between 10:35 to 12:15 p.m. More than 60,000 securitymen and NSG commandos, have been deployed in the national capital till January 26.
Avoid malpractices during polls: CS Kiphire bodies endorse SH, WSH issue final directive Correspondent
KOHIMA, JAN 25 (NPN): Nagaland chief secretary, Pankaj Kumar on the occasion of ‘National Voters Day’ called upon every citizen to avoid indulging in any kind of malpractices during elections so that the people choose the right leader. Dwelling on the theme ‘Empowering Young and Future Voters’, during the programme held at Zonal Council hall in Kohima, Pankaj Kumar opined that the youth of today hold great responsibility to keep check of malpractices so that every individual is given the choice to choose the right leader. He further noted that 2018 would be a litmus test for new and young voters and reiterated his appeal to educate individuals to strengthen democracy by way of having free and fair elections. While appreciating the initiative taken up
by various organizations in Mizoram, he said Nagaland in 2013 did attempt to create awareness on ‘Clean election’ but was not up to the expectation. To bring about a change, he said the only way was to first begin from within and later taken up by groups. Earlier, people had less confidence in the election process after witnessing booth capturing, open violence and use of “might is right”. However, unlike in the past, he said in today’s context people were more conscious and valued their vote. Secretary, co-operation and director ATI Lithrongla G. Chishi also shared her experience, while as a district election officer. She stressed on the need to have more awareness campaigns in order to educate the mass about election process and participation. “If we do not participate in elections, we cannot demand our rights,” she said.
Also speaking on the occasion, advisor Nagaland State Disability Forum, Diethono Nakhro lamented that the public including the government have ignored people living with disability
Jan 14 ENPO resolution
Correspondent
Kiphire, Jan 25 (NPN): Joint Co-ordination meeting comprising of United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Tikhir Tribal Council (Cont’d on p-8) (TTC), Kiphire district GBs, VCCs, village head GB, union presidents, ward chairmen and public leaders resolved to support ENPO resolution of January 14, 2017 to oppose elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The decision was In a startling revela- taken at the joint meeting held on Wednesday at tion, State Chief Electoral Hopongkyu Memorial Hall. Officer (officiating), N. A joint press statement from USLP vice Moa Aier on Wednesday president K.Tsilise Sangtam, TTC president disclosed that over two lakh Topan K and KDGBSA president also stated bogus names were deleted that the house has directed all the intending from the electoral roll. candidates, polling and chief agents to refrain As per 2011 census, from taking part in the forth coming ULB elecNagaland had approxi- tion. The committee further warned that any mately around 13.38 lakh individuals, who override the resolution, shall voters, he said. “Now the face the wrath of general public. The committee Electoral Roll is less by maintained that the public was not against the over two lakh, standing conduct of ULBs election but was against the at 11.38 lakhs voters,” he irregularity in the present Municipal Act and informed. He also pointed state government failure to listen to the voice of out that though electoral the public. roll may still not be pure, Further, USLP and TTC appealed to the but it was getting purer general public to prepare physically and menevery year. tally and stand united to face any consequences.
2 lakh bogus voters deleted, says CEO
SMMHSS students decry polling station in campus Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Students of St. Mary’s Montessori Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on Wednesday staged a protest against the decision of the state government to have all the five polling stations of Ward 19 (DMC) within the school campus. Justifying their stand, the school authorities said students demanded shifting of the polling stations in view of the ongoing examination and approaching NBSE board exams. The school authorities in this regard appealed to DC Dimapur to shift the polling stations taking into consideration the welfare of the students’ community. However, the school lamented that the district administration informed them since the application for change of polling station was received after notifica-
Students of SMMHSS holding placards. (NP)
tion and election programme was announced, the matter has been forwarded to State Election Commission (SEC) for perusal and further necessary direction. During the protest, students were seen with placards which read-- ‘allow us to have peaceful examination’, ‘we oppose polling station at our school
during examination’, ‘polling means no school’, ‘no students from 30th January to 3rd February as per the order’ etc. One of the school authority expressed shocked that the government order was received only on January 23, 2017 (the day on which voters slips were distributed). This was the
first time that the school was allocated to have polling stations, the authorities said. SEC urged to shift polling station from school Coming out in support of the school, ward. 19 council chairman Atoi Shohe, GB A. Kayum Talukdar and members Hotopu and Kiyegho wrote a letter to the State Election Commissioner (SEC) urging the latter not to relocate the polling station from the earlier assigned place—M.C. Complex.The ward members said M.C. Complex had been the polling station area for the past 30 years during elections and was centrally located and convenient for voters. If polling were to be held inside the school campus, the students and management of the school would face hardship, as exams were on going and also in view of the forthcoming board exams, they said.
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Sumi Hoho (SH) and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) have issued final directive to all Sumi candidates of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections to “retire/forfeit” their candidature on or before January 27, 2017 (January 26 being national holiday), failing which, they would be excommunicated as per the January 11, 2017 Sumi Hoho resolutions. In a joint press release, SH president, Toniho Yepthomi, and WSH president, Zheshito Swu, said this was resolved at an emergency meeting on January 25, 2017 at Dimapur, wherein other resolutions were also adopted. SH and WSH have also fully endorsed joint coordination committee (JCC) resolution of January 23, 2017 rally calling for imposition of state-wide bandh and empowered the Zunheboto Town Youth Organisation (ZTYO) and Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) to implement the bandh. The two hohos cautioned that in the event the state government installed the council at Zunheboto against the wishes and rights of the
Gov greets on Republic Day
DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, greeted the people of the state on the occasion of the Republic Day and called upon all to make Nagaland a “Golden Nagaland.” In his Republic Day eve message, Acharya touched upon issues such as development, corruption, skills-based education, women empowerment, peace etc. Acharya described corruption in public life as “a matter of great concern” and said Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, have vowed to remove corruption from all walks of life. The governor said that demonetization was “a bold and correct step in this direction” and urged upon all citizens to move forward towards cash less economy that would be a strong deterrence against (Cont’d on p-8) corruption. (Full text on p-6)
people, complete non-cooperation would be imposed upon the council. They said no forms of taxation and contributions would be levied from the Sumi public, adding ZTYO would be fully empowered for implementation. Further, SH and WSH said non-cooperation would be applied to all Sumi ULB candidates/councillors in the form of debarring from all Sumi social activities and platforms. Meanwhile, SH and WSH have warned “in the event of government forcefully imposing the ULB elections and installations resulting in any untoward eventualities, the government shall be held fully responsible.” It may be mentioned that Sumi Hoho at its executive meeting held on January 11, 2017 at Sumi Hoho Ki, Zunheboto resolved that any candidate failing to withdraw nomination paper would be ‘excommunicated’ from the Sumi society for a period of 10 years. SH, which adopted a four-point resolution also resolved that until and unless the state government reviewed the existing Municipal Act, SH would continue to oppose the ULB elections.
NMA appeals for smooth conduct of civic polls DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (NPN): Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has appealed to the joint coordination committee (JCC) and various tribe organizations opposing the urban local bodies (ULB) elections to reconsider their stand and allow peaceful conduct of elections. In a press release, NMA president, Abeiu Meru, and secretary, Lochumbeni Humtsoe, termed as “unfortunate” that the issue of women reservation in municipal election has been “misinterpreted.” The signatories also lamented over the use of force, threats of banishment and ex-communication, including women candidates and forced withdrawal even after filling of nominations. “Such use of force in a civilized society is condemnable,” NMA said. They asserted that the Joint Action
Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR), which was formed with leaders of NMA, ENWO, Watsu Mungdang, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) and Tenyimi Women Organisation (TWO), demanded their constitutional rights as equal citizens as human beings under the constitution and were not confronting or challenging men. NMA therefore appealed to all tribe organizations to ensure that “we respect each other” and promote a culture of respect for the rule of law and a sense of tolerance for diverse and opposing views. NMA appealed to various organizations to ensure participation of citizens in casting their votes and extend full co-operation to the state government for smooth conduct of ULB elections with women reservation in the state. K Y M C