July 8, 2017

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 212

DIMAPUR, saturday, july 8, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00

Arunachal CM calls for a strong monitoring system in health sector

India seal ODI series Vs WI

Government wants to revive small savings: Sitharaman

northeast, Page 4

sports, Page 11

Business, Page 8

NPF faces 4th crisis

Staff Reporter

Dimapur, Jul 7 (NPN): It would seem that the game of throne in Nagaland’s political arena will continue to haunt the NPF on its third successive term, as reports indicate that ousted chief minister T.R. Zeliang has marshalled majority support of legislators to overthrow present incumbent Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu even before the latter could enter the house through a bye-election scheduled on July 29, 2017. It may be recalled that the NPF suffered dissidence in 2006 when then minister Z. Obed with 17 MLAs out of 31 attempted to oust Neiphiu Rio but it did not materialise. The second dissidence took place during first week of May 2014 when then chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who had won the Lok Sabha election from the state, was to hand over the baton. Rio had planned to hand over to the senior most elected regional leader Noke Wangnao but majority of legislators including the party president favoured T.R. Zeliang. The rivalry led to the first camping episode when

MALT serves ultimatum on PHED

DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem (MALT) has served an ultimatum on the chief engineer, PHED, to replace SDO, PHE at Mangkolemba by a responsible and sincere officer on or before July 31. In a press note, MALT president, I. Tia Jamir, and general secretary, Sentimeren Imchen, stated that an ultimatum was served on the chief engineer, PHED, on August 24, 2016 through local dailies for replacement of incumbent SDO latest by September 30, 2016 for his alleged failure to attend office and “irresponsible and lackadaisical attitude” toward duty at Mangkolemba. However, the signatories said the failed to heed to their reasonable demand till date. MALT said that the continuous absence from duty by the present SDO has given rise to many grievances in the smooth functioning of the department at Mangkolemba and the sub division. Maintaining that MALT has patiently waited for nine months for positive action from the department, the signatories cautioned that failure to replace within the stipulated period would compel MALT to initiate “appropriate actions to release its objective.”

majority of MLAs went to Kaziranga to escape any attempt at poaching. However, T.R. Zeliang again faced another serious revolt in January 2015, when a majority of MLAs around 22 out of 38 demanded leadership change and camped at Niathu Resort/Sovima. Those with T.R. Zeliang and party president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu remained within the confines of Hotel de Oriental Grand, Kohima. T.R. Zeliang managed to overcome the stiffest challenge of his innings with the help of eight independent legislators and the number stacked up in his favour by eight Congress legislators who ultimately merged with NPF on November 2015. The fourth crisis had its genesis in 2016 over the issue of holding elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The handling of the crisis worsened the situation and public rose in mass protest especially violent incidents during JanuaryFebruary 2017. Ultimately, T.R. Zeliang had to step down, not due to the numbers in the game of thrones but pressure from public. It was largely expected

that former chief minister and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio would take over from T.R. Zeliang but subsequent events in Kaziranga proved otherwise as Dr. Shürhozelie became the alternative and who was sworn in on February 22,2017. According to inside sources within NPF, the understanding was that Dr. Shürhozelie would hold the reins for two or three months after which T.R. Zeliang would reclaim the CM’s chair. However, when by election was proposed and the 10 Northern Angami-I constituency was vacated by sitting MLA Khriehu Liezietsü for his father Dr. Shürhozelie, the dynamics within the NPF changed. If sources are to be believed, both T.R. Zeliang and his arch rival and former leader Neiphiu Rio have decided to bury the hatchet in order to chalk out their moves. Whether related or not, intense speculations on “interim government” as a primary outcome of a solution and the three-day visit of Interlocutor R.N. Ravi to Nagaland appear to coincide with the sudden political development.

Govt lifts ban on appointments of primary teachers Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUL 7 (NPN): The state government has lifted the ban on appointment of primary teachers (PTs) which it had kept in cold storage since 2013. The decision to fill up the posts of PT which fell vacant on various grounds was taken at a meeting of the cabinet held on July 4 in the office chamber of the chief minister at civil secretariat. According to the minutes of the meeting, the cabinet discussed the school education department’s proposal to “lift the freezing of teachers posts with effect from 1st July 2017” and allowed the department of school education to fill up the vacant posts through normal procedure of recruitment. It stated “for those vacancies of PT posts that occurred by way retirement, resignation, death cases etc with effect from June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2017, the department of school education shall work out the shortfall of such teachers, with exception to those posts appointed

by Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu. Apart from NDA Presidential candidate, Ram Nath Kovind, short speeches were delivered by BJP national general secretary, Ram Madhav and NEDA convenor and Assam Finance minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. While extending support on behalf of the DAN, T.R. Zeliang pressed upon Kovind to remember the state of Nagaland when he becomes the President of India. “I urge you not to forget a small State called Nagaland when you become the President of this great Country,” he appealed. Kovind was accompanied by Union Minister for Rural Development, Narendra Singh Tomar; BJP national general secretary,

Ram Madhav; Lok Sabha MP, Rakesh Singh; Rajya Sabha MP, Ram Vichar Netam; NEDA convenor, Himanta Biswa Sarma and a host of ministers and dignitaries from various states. Sources said that UPA backed opposition Presidential nominee, Meira Kumar was also expected to visit Nagaland to seek support of the legislators. Both Kovind and Kumar are in the NE states to garner support of MPs and MLAs from their respective party and alliances. Of the seven states in the North East, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are ruled by BJP. In Nagaland, NDA partner NPF is in power. Meghalaya and Mizoram are ruled by Congress and the Left Front is in power in Tripura.

CBI raids Lalu Prasad and family NEW DELHI/PATNA, JUL 7 (PTI): RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Friday sank into deeper trouble with the CBI conducting raids across four cities in a corruption case in which his wife Rabri Devi and son Tejashwi are among the accused. The case relates to alleged manipulation in award of contract for maintenance of two hotels run by a subsidiary of the Indian Railways--IRCTC-- when the RJD chief was railway minister in the UPA government. The searches, which started at 7 am and included Rabri Devi’s Circular Road residence in Patna, were spread across 12 locations in Patna, Ranchi, Gurgaon and Bhubaneswar. The raids included the premises of the Yadav family as well as those of his confidante Prem Chand Gupta, a former Union minister, whose wife Sarla Gupta is listed as an accused in the FIR. The raids came at a time when there was visible strain in Bihar’s ruling grand alliance, comprising JD(U), RJD and the Congress, after chief minister Nitish Kumar declared support for NDA’s presidential nominee Ramnath Kovind. (More on p-5)

Solution should be inclusive: CNTC tells Ravi NPA cautions govt against NAI DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R.N. Ravi, who is on a three-day visit to the state, met Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and United Naga tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) in Dimapur Friday. In a press release, media cell said CNTC affirmed its stand “loud and clear” that any solution should be inclusive of all groups and all stakeholders taken into account. CNTC cautioned that “any quick-fix solution will bring only bigger problems like in the past which history has taught us very well.” Appreciating Ravi for making every effort in reaching out to hear the views and opinions of the Naga civil societies, the CNTC opined that it was “indeed a praiseworthy step”, saying this showed

that Government of India was sincere in resolving and bringing the decades old Naga imbroglio into a logical conclusion. It also pointed out that Naga people were now fed up of fratricidal killings among the Naga brothers and the yearning for peace was growing. Further, CNTC maintained its stand that for any permanent peace and settlement all factions/ groups should be taken into consideration without which it will be only a futile exercise as in the past. Ravi on Thursday told media persons in Kohima that he “had come to consult the civil societies, hear their views and suggestions and said he will take back the suggestions”.

Chumukedima on Friday, reminded on its demands put forwarded earlier to the Prime Minister’s Office through him on several occasions. In a press release, UNTABA joint secretary, Ruchuyhun Keppen, said the team reiterated the demand on the restoration of the traditional and historical Naga lands that were still under Assam administration. The team also explained to Ravi that the inordinate delay in transferring back those lands to its rightful owner has been the major cause of the Naga national movement in the late 40s and early 50s. The team, therefore, asserted that all those Naga lands should be brought to Nagaland at the UNTABA reminds back time of political settlement, Ravi of its demands adding that political settleUNTABA team mem- ment without boundary bers, who met RN Ravi at settlement on the historical

basis of erstwhile Ahom kingdom and Naga people would be meaningless. Further, the UNTABA also explained its opposition to the formation of any boundary commission if so initiated by the government of India in due course of time “owing to the fact of history that no boundary Commission had ever respected the traditional and historical facts of Naga people over its land and resources.” The team members included Ex. Minister Tiameren Aier (advisor), Dimapur District GBs Association president Tokuho Neho (advisor), executive member Isamteing Zeliang, executive member Silas Khongsai, UNTABA chairman Hukavi T Yeputhomi, general secretary Imsumongba Pongen, joint secretary Ruchuyhun Keppen, Sheyrhunlo Lorin and Aga Rengma.

DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): Nagaland Press Association (NPA) on Friday said it was surprised to learn about a memorandum submitted to Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya by “Newspapers Association of India” (NAI) led by one Monojit Singha, convener North East zonal committee and accompanied by Thungchamo Humtsoe claiming to be the state coordinator of NAI. NPA in a statement pointed out that the memorandum was personally received by the Governor himself on April 18, 2017 at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. NPA said it also learnt that the chief secretary’s office directed the concern department to look into the memorandum. N PA s a i d i t wa s shocked to see that the so called Newspapers Association of India had formed its Nagaland chapter and had met the head of state

without even bothering to inform and coordinate with the existing Newspapers published from Nagaland. “None of the functional newspapers in Nagaland are aware of this recent initiative of the NAI and it has been verified that the so called office bearers of its Nagaland Chapter are not affiliated to any of the local newspapers,” NPA stated. Though NAI may have good intentions, the NPA said it cannot simply accept the manner in which NAI had taken such a step to connect with the Nagaland government “through the backdoor and more disturbingly engaging with local youths who have no credibility or authority to represent the existing newspapers.” It said one youth by the name C. Atsaba Sangtam was the state president NAI while Chichamo Humtsoe as vice president and one Thungchamo Humtsoe as the

general secretary. Further, NPA said it was equally shocked that the office of the Governor, chief secretary and DIPR did not find it worthwhile to cross-check and verify with the Editors and Publishers of newspapers in Nagaland. “Instead showing utter neglect and ignorance, the government has gone to the extent of entertaining such organizations who come through the backdoor and whose representatives have no connection at all with the local media,” NPA stated. In this regard, NPA has urged upon the state government to carefully scrutinize the genuineness and credibility of any organization, like the one in question, before it entertains officially and clarify the matter in order to protect the image and credentials of the genuine media persons in Nagaland.

Landslide damages paddy fields Gov, CM, others greet on Tuluni MGNREGA: ACAUT files

A paddy field completely damaged by the landslide at Kiruphema village. (NP) Correspondent

K Y M C

(5th from left) Ramnath Kovind with chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, DAN chairman, T.R. Zeliang and central BJP leaders at IMC Hall, Dimapur

DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): BJP-led NDA Presidential nominee, Ramnath Kovind who is on a campaign trail in the North Eastern region arrived Dimapur on Friday accompanied by a host of senior central BJP leaders and ministers to garner support of its ally-- NPF legislators and MPs. A close door meeting in this regard was held at the IMC hall, Dimapur on Friday afternoon, wherein the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) extended unanimous support to NDA Presidential nominee for the upcoming Presidential election to be held on July 17. The meeting was chaired by DAN chairman and advisor to CM (Finance), T.R. Zeliang while the wel(Cont’d on p-8) come address was delivered

This is it!

“With rise in prices of building materials, it’s only right that our labour rates also increase.”

DAN extends unflinching support to NDA presidential nominee Kovind

KOHIMA, JUL 7 (NPN): A major landslide in Kiruphema village along the NH-29, caused by incessant rain, has destroyed around 16 paddy fields, massive area of tree plantations and forest area. According to some villagers, the landslide was also the result of improper dumping of soil dug-up

from the construction site of the four lane project. According to Dzüvi-u Zhünyü, a local resident of Kiruphema village, the landslide at Merü area in Kiruphema village under Kohima district was the most affected, damaging properties worth crores of rupees. Due to the landslide, commuters to and from Kohima have also been adversely affected,

since the debris has blocked the highway. The affected land owners have appealed the concern district authority and contractors of the four lane project to take stock of the situation for immediate respite to the affected people. Unremitting rainfall for over a week hit Nagaland disrupting normal life and causing landslides in many places throughout the state.

DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, and chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, have extended greetings to the Sumi community on the occasion of Tuluni festival. In his message, Acharya said Tuluni was a festival of great significance and was marked with feasts as the occasion occurs in the bountiful season of the year. “This midyear festival is a time of communal harmony and merry-making for the Sumis through dance, songs and food and thanks giving to the deities for good fortune and blessings,” he said. Acharya also urged the community members to take time to thank Almighty for His unwavering love and blessing. Governor called for safeguarding and promoting the rich culture and traditions through festivals. Further, he appealed to the people to come together and rededicate themselves to make the atmosphere conducive in towns and villages for peaceful

co-existence and for all round development in the State. Conveying best wishes to the Sumi community during this festive period, the governor prayed that the festival of Tuluni bring peace, unity and prosperity to the Sumis in particular and Nagas in general. In his message, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, wished the Sumi community a happy and fruitful Tuluni celebration. “This important festival is a special time for them as they get to rest and celebrate the completion of a farming season of hard work in their paddy fields,” said the chief minister. The chief minister said that the Tuluni, which is the most significant festival celebrated by the Sumi Naga tribe, was celebrated to rejoice the most abundant and fruitful season of the year. Liezietsu asserted that the practice of working together in groups was common for the Sumi agriculture farmers.

FIR against RD deptt

DIMAPUR, JUL 7 (NPN): Taking cognizance of the alleged deduction of MGNREGA fund under Chumukedima block, the ACAUT Nagaland has filed an FIR against the Rural Development department/BDO Chumukedima. ACAUT in its complaint, and also taking note of the CAGBA statement, alleged that 80% of MGNREGA funds were deducted as Convergence Fund by Rural Development department officials of Chumukedima Block. In the FIR, filed by ACAUT members Hukiye Yepthomi and Tia Longchar, alleged that “the modus operandi of the department was to first put the funds meant for works programme under MNREGA schemes into the account of each VDB, then the VDB secretaries are made to withdraw the money and hand over 80% of the total amount as convergence fund to the BDO’s office, Chumukedima, after signing the receipt of the money meant for MNREGA programmes.” Such illegal deduction of fund as convergence fund, when in fact the VDB secretaries were made to sign under ‘receipt of money for MNREGA works and programmes,’ is prima facie extortion, ACAUT alleged. Therefore, ACAUT alleged that such act of extortion from the helpless villagers and village council was a clear-cut case of corruption and that the police (Cont’d on p-8) have no option but to register the case. K Y M C


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