Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXII No. 107
DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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Govt starts process to amend IPC, CrPC Seeks suggestions from Governors, CMs, MPs, Judges NEW DELHI, MAR 23 (PTI): Aiming to make comprehensive changes in criminal laws, the government has initiated the process of amendment to laws such as Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act in consultation with all stakeholders, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra also said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought suggestions from governors, chief ministers, lieutenant governors and administrators of union territories, Chief Justice of India, chief justices of vari-
ous high courts, Bar Council of India, Bar Council of various states, various universities, law institutes and all MPs regarding comprehensive amendments in criminal laws. Mishra said the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs in its 146th report had recommended that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system of the country. Earlier the Parliamentary Standing Committee in its 111th and 128th reports had also stressed upon the need to reform and rationalise the criminal law of the country by introducing a comprehensive legislation in Parliament rather than bringing about piecemeal amendments in respective acts. “With a view to make comprehensive changes in the criminal laws of the
country to provide affordable and speedy justice to all, create a people centric legal structure, the government has initiated the process for comprehensive amendments to criminal laws such as Indian Penal Code, 1860, the code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 in consultation with all stakeholders,” Mishra said in a written reply to a question. The minister said a committee had been constituted under the chairpersonship of the vice chancellor of National Law University, Delhi to suggest reforms in the criminal laws. “The government is committed to bring out a comprehensive legislation taking into account the recommendations of the committee and the suggestions received from all the stakeholders,” he said.
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Week-long rain spell over NE NEW DELHI, MAR 23 (AGENCIES): Parts of Northeast India are set witness fresh wet spell during the week, which has remained mostly dry since the start of March. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather forecast, isolated or scattered rainfall of light to moderate intensity is set to drench Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura till March 25. The precipitation will be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The yellow watch will also cover Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on Thursday and Friday. This level of advisory urges residents to stay updated on the local weather conditions. Peren, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon and Longleng are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning over isolated places, mainly on March 24-25.
Pushkar Dhami takes oath as U’khand CM NATIONAL, PAGE 5
Except NPF no other parties to be included in Govt, says Manipur CM Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAR 23: NPF will be the only alliance partner of BJP government in Manipur. Confirming this, N Biren Singh, who assumed office as chief minister of Manipur for the second consecutive term on March 21, mentioned that BJP welcomed support from other parties and categorically stated that only NPF legislators would be included in his council of ministers. “NPF will be the only partner of the government. But, we will accept external support from other parties,” he told reporters on the sideline of his visit to the historic Ima Keithel (all-women market) in the heart of the city here on Wednesday. BJP had won 32 seats in the recently-concluded Assembly elections. NPP, which was a part of the BJPled ruling coalition, bagged seven seats while its other partner NPF won five seats. JD(U) with six legis-
N Biren Singh (File)
lators and Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) with two legislators have also extended support to the Biren Singh government. Two of the three Independents have also submitted their letters of support to the government to the governor. Interestingly, after a meeting with the chief minister on Tuesday, the seven NPP MLAs also announced extending their support to the BJP-led government. In the letter by the seven NPP legislators to the governor on Wednesday, it was stated they would like to extend support to the BJPled government in the State as alliance partner of NEDA
and NDA. Even as parties like JD(U) and KPA extended their support to BJP, only one MLA of NPF was inducted into the council of ministers. Five MLAs were sworn in as cabinet ministers on the day Biren was sworn in as chief minister. Among them was an NPF legislator– Awangbou Newmai– while the others were from BJP. Responding to another query, the chief minister confirmed that his council of ministers would be expanded further. However, it would take some time and likely taken up after the Assembly session. The governor had already summoned the first session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday. It will commence soon after the election of the Speaker. Responding to a query, the chief minister clarified that there was no consideration about drafting a common minimum programme of his government for the time being.
Covid containment measures to end from Mar 31 SAPO extends NSF slams Along’s remark on Naga issue Wearing of mask, social distancing to continue NEW DELHI, MAR 23 (PTI): In view of the continuous dip in Covid cases, the home ministry has decided to end all Covid-19 containment measures from March 31, two years after their implementation following the outbreak of the pandemic. However, wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing norms will continue. In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states, Union Home
Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that over the last 24 months, significant capacities have been developed for various aspects of management of the pandemic, such as diagnostics, surveillance, contact tracing, treatment, vaccination, hospital infrastructure. Also, the general public now has much higher level of awareness on the COVID-appropriate behaviour, he said. “Taking into consideration the overall situation and preparedness of the Government to deal with the pandemic, NDMA has taken a decision that there may not be any further need to invoke the provisions of the DM Act for COVID containment measures,” it said.
Cases rise for 2nd straight week: WHO
AP: The number of new Covid cases globally increased by 7% in the last week even as reported deaths from fell, WHO said. WHO cautioned that with many countries dropping widespread testing programs, many infections are likely being missed and new case numbers should be interpreted cautiously. There were more than 12 million new weekly cases and just under 33,000 deaths, a 23per cent decline in mortality, according to WHO’s report on the pandemic issued late Tuesday.
ongoing bandh
DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has condemned what it called the “arguments forwarded” by minister and BJP state president Temjen Imna Along Longkumer during his speech in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) against the stand of the Naga people for the flag and the constitution to be accepted and recognised by the Government of India through the proposed solution to the protracted “IndoNaga” political issue. In a press release, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep and general secretary Sü(Cont’d on p-8) puni Ng Philo said Along’s
DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) Wednesday announced its decision to extend the ongoing total bandh to an indefinite bandh with effect from March 24 midnight within Southern Angami jurisdiction. In a press release, SAPO president Kevipodi Sophie and general secretary Swelul Pucho stated that the decision was taken after the Manipur government failed to withdraw its armed personnel and permanent structures within 72 hours from Kezoltsa area.
JCC invites CPO, WSH CAKU not to attend Mar 25 JCC meeting MAR 23 (NPN): that Luola-o Usou had expressed his for consultative meet DIMAPUR, Chakhro Angami Kuda Union inability to discharge his duties and
DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): A day after the Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) appealed for including them in consultative meetings, the Joint Co-Ordination Committee (JCC) has expressed regret for not mentioning “CPO & WSH” in the call for consultative meeting scheduled to be held on March 25, 2022. JCC secretary W Rainbow Ngullie admitted the “bonafide and unintentional error” and said the committee believed CPO and WSH were also included when it invited CNTC, ENPO, TPO and all Dimapur-based civil societies. “The error as it appeared may be considered as unintentional,” said JCC and urged all apex tribal hohos, CSOs, CPO and WSH to participate in the crucial consultative meeting.
This is it!
“Fuel price is rising but economy is growing, so passengers should not complain about higher fares.” K Y M C
(CAKU) has announced that it would not attend the consultative meeting convened by former Joint Co-ordination Committee (JCC) convener Luola-o Usou on March 25. CAKU president Zhato Kimho and secretary Azuo Miacheo said that the JCC meeting convene by Luola-o Usou on March 17 had resolved to hold a consultative meeting on March 25 with Naga Tribes Action Committee and all apex tribal bodies/hohos and other tribal and civil society organisations over the March 9 resolution adopted by the State government and apex tribal bodies and CSOs pertaining to holding urban local body polls with 33% reservation for women. CAKU said it had issued a press release in this regard on April 26, 2021 for information to general public
functions as the nominated councillor to Naga Council Dimapur (NCD). As such, having given its utmost consideration to the matter, CAKU said his request was accepted and consequently rescinded his nomination to NCD. They mentioned that the release was also made it clear that should NCD continue to retain the services of Luola-o Usou, any act or functions performed by him for the council would be deemed and construed to be done purely in his personal capacity and not as a representative of CAKU or under its authorisation or mandate. Therefore, CAKU said the March 25 meeting convened by Luola-o was deemed to be unauthorised as he was no longer under the patronage of CAKU nor was he a representative of Angami Community in JCC.
“insinuation” that certain Naga political groups were indulging in delaying tactics “for their selfish gains” only reflected the “shallow” understanding of the issue that was just, fair and righteous. Accusing Along of indulging in rhetoric that “pleases his political bosses at the centre,” the NSF said the minister has altogether forgotten the blood, sweat and tears of those who gave up their everything in order to usher in a solution that was inclusive, honourable and acceptable to every Naga individual. The federation asserted that Along’s “public advocacy” for the Naga solution
to be brought within the framework of the Indian Constitution, which cannot be accepted by the Naga youth and student community, undermined the “founding principles of the Naga homeland”. Fur ther, NSF said Along’s “conviction” that separate flag and constitution would not form a part of the ‘solution’ “reeks of a conspiracy” to deprive the Naga people their legitimate rights. The federation expressed dismay that the elected people’s representative failed to truly comprehend the larger issue at hand (Cont’d on p-8)
Fuel prices hiked for 2nd day in a row DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Wednesday increased the prices of petrol and diesel prices by 80 paise a litre each for the second day in a row. As per the IOCL website, petrol in Dimapur now costs Rs.98.59 per litre as against Rs 97.75 on Tuesday while the diesel rate has gone up from Rs 84.49 per litre to Rs 85.30. Similarly, in the state capital Kohima, petrol price rose to Rs 99.73 per litre and diesel price increased to Rs.86.20. Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes. A record 137-day hiatus in rate revision ended on March 22 with an 80 paise per litre increase in rates.
Vatican envoy to visit Nagaland
DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India & Nepal (Vatican Ambassador), is scheduled to visit Nagaland from March 26-29, 2022 to attend the first Convocation of St. Joseph University. According to Diocese of Kohima, the Vatican Ambassador is expected to arrive Dimapur on March 26 and proceed to Kohima, where he will be the main celebrant for the Holy Eucharist at the Cathedral, on Sunday (March 27, 2022). On March 28, he will attend the first Convocation of St. Joseph University, Ikishe Model village, Chümoukedima. On March 29, before leaving, he would be the main celebrant at the Holy Eucharistic celebration at the newly built Mt. Carmel Church, Chekiye village.
Forest fires reported in Kohima district
Correspondent
KO H I M A , M A R 2 3 (NPN): Forest fires have been reported over the past few days in and around the State Capital. Confirming this, Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) inspector Chumbemo Patton told Nagaland Post that forest fires had been breaking out regularly in the past few days. He said these were an annual recurrence around this time of the year due to dry season and attributed their occurrence to people still practising jhum in many parts of the State. The fire official advised the people to be careful while smoking and throw-
personnel immediately if they notice any fire. Meanwhile, timely intervention by assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Haitilo Semy and personnel from F&ES station, North, prevented a major catastrophe by dousing a jungle fire. No casualty was reported from the fire, whose cause was yet to be ascertained. On the other hand, a massive jungle fire broke out at Kisama Heritage Village, which was doused by ASI Takuwapang Lemtur and his team from F&ES Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) personnel dousing on time. Annual forest fires forest fire in Kohima on Wednesday. in Nagaland over the years ing away match sticks near to be aware of such emer- have damaged precious flora forests and urged the public gencies and contact F&ES and fauna.
CAG detects anomalies in various govt departments LH banning LBCA is illegal: LPO DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in a report for the year ended March 2020 pointed out that sixteen government departments did not submit the Detailed Countersigned Contingent (DCC) bills against the drawal 379 Abstract Contingent (AC) bills involving Rs. 548.69 crore, which were outstanding as of March 2020. In the report, it said the departments failed to submit the DCC bills against drawal of 125 AC bills amounting
YEAR WISE PROGRESS IN SUBMISSION OF DCC BILLS AGAINST AC BILLS
(` in crore)
Year
Opening Balance Addition Clearance No. Amount No. Amount No. Amount Up to 2017-18 107 194.85 103 166.26 43 40.17 2018-19 167 320.94 144 225.13 20 19.30 2019-20 291 526.77 125 96.22 37 74.30 Source: Finance Accounts, 2019-20 and information furnished by PAG (A&E)
to Rs. 96.22 crore before the closing of the accounts for the financial year 2019-20. The CAG report said that there was no assurance that the expenditure of Rs.96.22 crore has actually been incurred during the fi-
nancial year for the purpose for which it was authorised by the legislature. In addition to this, the report said that 254 AC bills amounting to Rs. 452.47 crore drawn up to 2018-19 were also outstanding as on
Closing Balance No. Amount 167 320.94 291 526.77 379 548.69
March 31, 2020. “Advances drawn and not accounted for increases the possibility of wastage/ misappropriation/ malfeasance, etc.,” the report stated. It was observed that out of 125 AC bills, 70 AC bills for an amount of
DIMAPUR, MAR 23 (NPN): Describing as “illegal” the Lotha Hoho (LH)’s recent move to dissolve and ban all activities of Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) administration, the Lotha Public Organization (LPO) has stated that the church is a separate entity under God, answerable to God and accountable to God only. In a press release, LPO chairman Sulanthung Humtsoe and vice president Phyobemo Odyuo stated that LH and LBCA were (Cont’d on p-8) two totally different bodies
Rs. 17.47 crore (18.16 per cent) were drawn in March 2020. Out of the drawal in March 2020, four AC bills for Rs.0.48 crore were drawn on the last two days of the financial year. These details clearly indicated that the Drawing and Disbursing Officers and Treasury Officers concerned failed to ensure compliance with the extant Central Treasury Rules and that AC Bills were drawn without adjustment of previously drawn AC Bills, the report stated.
with their own set of constitution and functions. “Lotha Hoho which is un mandated controversial body ignorantly dictating registered society is an abuse of law and is therefore answerable,” LPO stated. Raising objection to LH’s involvement in the church administration, the LPO pointed out that no civil organisations or NGOs had “obligation to act as the judge or executioner”. LPO said they could be at best act as the mediator to bring peace and harmony. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C