Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 101
DIMAPUR, saturday, march 18, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Manoj Sinha tipped to be next UP CM
India 120/1 in reply to Australia’s 451
Tillerson on North Korea: Military action is ‘an option’
national, Page 5
sports, page 12
international, Page 9
CM’s Road Fund hits big pothole
D IMAPUR, MAR 17 (NPN): Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) through its media cell, has gone on overdrive at damage control to defend as “clerical error” a document signed on March 8, 2017 by T.R. Zeliang as chief minister (when the fact remains that Dr. Shürhozelie took over as CM on February 22, 2017). The document contained a list of beneficiaries of the CM’s Road Development Fund (2016-17) which was published in local media on March 16. CMO explained that the list was prepared in January and submitted to the department of Roads and Bridges on January 23,2017. It claimed that after Dr. Shürhozelie took over, he suggested “some alterations” at a review meeting with T.R. Zeliang (ex-CM) on March 8, 2017. After changes were made in the list, CMO sur prisingly claimed the designation of T.R. Zeliang was not rectified and appeared on the document that was submitted on January 23, 2017. CMO also claimed that the ex-CM through oversight signed on the document as “presented to him by the
Decision on UP CM today LUCKNOW, Mar 17 (Agencies): Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who ruled himself out of the race for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister earlier, is in fact emerging as the most acceptable candidate, sources said. BJP chief Amit Shah was expected to hold consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS and finalise who will be UP’s new Chief Minister, reported NDTV. Saturday, the party’s 312 newly-elected legislators will formally elect their leader and a grand show of strength is planned at the oath ceremony on Sunday. (More on p-5)
Saturday working day DIMAPUR, MAR 17 (NPN): State government has declared all the Saturdays for the month of March 2017 as working days to facilitate government transactions on account of the financial year ending.
NPSC exam rescheduled
DIMAPUR, MAR 17 (NPN): Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) written examination of the NCS, NPS, NSS and Allied Services 2016, which was scheduled to be held from April 10 to 12, 2017 has been rescheduled to be held from April 25 to 27, 2017. (See Advt. on p-9)
This is it!
“The govt has money to buy a water cannon but no money to pay us salaries.” K Y M C
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CM’s office misused: Therie Correspondent
KO H I M A , M A R 1 7 (NPN): Amidst a raging controversy over purported signature of former chief minister T.R. Zeliang on chief minister’s road development fund document, which was widely circulated on social media, the NPCC president, K. Therie, said it only showed misuse of office and funds. Speaking to Nagaland Post at his office chamber at Congress Bhavan here Friday, Therie said the funds were meant for their pocket and not meant for political programme. “I think Naga society has to wake up,” Therie said, adding that Nagas should not allow “these people to misbehave with our people and mismanage the public fund.”
(1) Document signed by T.R. Zeliang on March 8, 2017 and (2) The back dated copy of the signed document.
staffers.” In the communiqué, the CMO’s media cell slammed “a certain organisation” and chided it by saying: “It shall not behove of any responsible organisation or individual to jump the gun relying on a clerical mistake and shoot down the down the whole town due to a typing error.”
However, on scrutiny, certain facts didn’t seem to add up with regard to the CMO’s damage control bid. The original document signed by T. R. Zeliang on March 8, 2017 was endorsed to R&B minister Vikheho Swu who signed it on March 9, 2017 and then forwarded it to the CE (R&B) to “process for tender”.
The EE-III of the department also signed on the same document on March 11,2017. Since all the signatories had signed on the same document on different dates of March, it did not suggest any typing or “ clerical error”. The “corrected” document appended by T.R. Zeliang as chief minister
was dated January 23,2017 and expressly signed by the R& B minister the very next day on January 24,2017 but which no longer had any signature(s) of the Engineer of the department. The total fund involvement in CMO’s corrected document was Rs.15 crore while the total fund in the original document was Rs.12.50 crore.
Will apprise Centre of unofficial State services bodies to NSCN (I-M) camps: Manipur CM go ahead with agitation Correspondent
IMPHAL, Mar 17: Manipur chief minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh Friday said he would apprise the Centre about presence of “unofficial designated camps of NSCN (I-M) in Manipur with hard evidences.” “We have heard of unofficial designated camps of NSCN (I-M) located in Manipur. If it sure I will take the matter with the Centre,” Biren Singh told reporters on the sidelines of his meeting with Manipur’s titular king, Leishemba Sanajaoba. The camps would be identified first and thereafter produce evidence, with photographs, to the Centre, he said. He said even though the NSCN (I-M) was engaged in peace talks with the Centre, the government would have to find out as to how unofficial designated camps were allowed to be setup in the state. “Was there any understanding with the state government or whether the state government has
the knowledge of it should have to be studied. Only then I will approach the Centre for taking up appropriate action,” he said. The chief minister stressed on the need to have “emotional integration of all communities in Manipur in order to make the state stronger. For this, he said Meiteis who are in majority, needed to play the big brother role. Biren Singh: “Today, we are proud of being a ‘Manipuri’ who always feels that no one can suppress us. This is because of the kings who ruled in Manipur had protected the territory of Manipur and bestowed their love and affection to all the communities living in Manipur”. In this regard, he said every citizen of Manipur has to think and act on to protect the state’s integrity rather than uttering venomous words to hurt the sentiments of others. The chief minister appealed to all the citizens of the state to address them as “WE” in place of “I” to usher in unity and communal harmony.
DIMAPUR, MAR 17 (NPN): State services associations on Friday affirmed to begin the proposed pen/tool-down agitation from March 20, 2017 if the state government failed to meet their demand for the implementation of the 7th ROP w.e.f. March 1, 2017. This was conveyed to the additional chief secretary and finance commissioner Nagaland by members of the various associations during a meeting convened by the former in his office chamber. Members of the various state service associations have been requested to remain alert and extend cooperation in the larger interest of the state employees. Meanwhile, the various service associations have extended solidarity to the Hindi teachers demanding release of pending salary. The association have also appealed to the state government to find ways and means urgently. NSSA supports: Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) has decided to participate in the agitation with no exemption on any of its members. The decision was taken at the emergency general meeting of the association on Friday. NSSA has also endorsed the legitimate demand of the state government employee for implementation of 7th ROP with effect from March 1, 2017. (More on p-3)
On the CMO’s clarification over signature issue, Therie said three signatures appended in the same document dated March 2017 confirmed of mismanagement of office. NPCC president lamented that many issues raised by the Congress were not heeded. He said even the vigilance commission declined to take up the petition filed by Congress. He said even Lok Ayukata was not put forth and that way corruption was completely protected. Therie also expressed apprehension that the elected members would be forced themselves to sit in the forthcoming NLA session scheduled to begin on March 21. He said none of them will open up and speak for their people.
He said during the forthcoming NLA session, the elected members must discuss the Naga political issue and press the government of India. He, however, expressed doubt that they would barely discuss the issue. Meanwhile, NPCC president has asked the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) whether their target was being pursued since their main agenda was to amend Nagaland Municipal Act. He asked the two committees what way they wanted to amend the Act. Therie cautioned that if they were not able to hit their own target and harboured some political front then that would not go well with the society.
NTAC slams CMO’s clarification
NTAC through its media cell has slammed Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) after it issued clarification on the signature purportedly appended by former chief minister T.R. Zeliang on an official document of Chief Minister’s Road Development Fund (CMRDF) 2016-17 as chief minister dated 8-3-17, which was widely circulated in social media. T.R. Zeliang resigned as chief minister on February 19, 2017 and was succeeded by Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu. NTAC termed CMO clarification as unconvincing and accused Zeliang of misusing the highest public
office for his “political interest on ground of pure preferential treatment which possibly is unconstitutional if not unethical”. As enough damage had been done to the state, NTAC wanted that the people of Nagaland should be emancipated from corrupt politics of TR Zeliang. Also, reacting on the issue, JCC and NTAC stated that TR Zeliang was made to relinquish office as chief minister on February 19, 2017 but has appeared to be chief minister again. The stand of JCC and NTAC was that, however cunning a person can be, the documents do not lie and his reappearance to sign as chief
minister in the distribution of beneficiaries on 8-3-2017 was an insult to the voice of the people, when he was dislodged from the position. Zeliang’s action has also invalidated Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu as having taken over as the new chief minister on February 22, 2017, NTAC media cell said. Media cell also stated that it came as shocking to the general public to once again witness the “blatant bamboozling and abetment” of corruption in the system of governance and management in the affairs of the state by TR Zeliang, who even manipulated the (Cont’d on p-8)
Blockade: Manipur govt to hold talks with UNC Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAR 17: BJP government in Manipur has decided to hold talks with the United Naga Council (UNC) on March 19 (Sunday) to discuss ways and means to lift of the ongoing economic blockade. The decision was made at the first cabinet meeting of the BJP-led coalition government chaired by chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh on Friday. The government has decided to invite the UNC for the talks, said cabinet minister
N Biswajit after the cabinet meeting. Reports said that the new government had even held talks with some leaders of the UNC at Senapati regarding the matter. The cabinet further resolved to commence the first budget session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly from March 20 during which the floor test would be held, after administering oath to the newly elected members of the house. Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla has appointed veteran legislator Sanasam Bira Singh of Congress as
the protem speaker. He will take oath as protem speaker on Sunday (March 19), an official source informed. Meanwhile, in an interesting development, all the newly elected BJP MLAs were taken to Guwahati by a flight on Thursday. BJP Media cell secretary L Basanta, when contacted over phone, said the MLAs had gone to Guwahati “to relax themselves”. However, reports were doing the rounds that they were camped at Guwahati in order to prevent some members from defecting to Congress for cabinet berth.
NPF-BJP rule a threat to Nagas, says NPCC Hindi teachers to get salary; call off stir Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAR 17 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie lashed out at the NPF and BJP saying if the NPF was allowed to continue to run the government, the special rights of the Naga people guaranteed by the Constitution (Article 371-A) “will be taken away as the BJP government in the Centre.” Accusing NPF of facilitating the BJP, he said if the right wing RSS truly takes over India under BJP rule, Naga culture, customs, traditional practises and rights would all be wiped out. Nagas are under threat as this was clearly stated by Union Finance minister, Arun Jaitley in the Parliament on two occasions-- for removal of Article 371 (A), he said while addressing the introductory programme of the newly appointed 17 office bearers of Nagaland Pradesh
Youth Congress at Congress Bhavan Kohima. Therie further went on to hit out at the NPF saying Nagas of Nagaland were suffering by electing “robots to suppress and dictate” for the last 15 years. “They are not themselves but robots that do not fear God but fear money and power,” he added. He also accused NPF of becoming a “comfort party” of the BJP. He said the BJP believes in dividing the people and religion. And if BJP and NPF were allowed to rule for another five years, Therie said Churches would become empty as people would be lured by money to forget their religion and roots. Therie also took a dig certain people who wanted to form a “third party” in Nagaland terming it as a “suicide party”. He said they were those people who could not go back to NPF and were scared to join Congress. On Naga political issue,
Therie said he “does not see any bright future immediately”. The recent statements made by Central leaders in Imphal led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were all in different tunes, he said. Alleging that the BJP at the Centre wanted Nagas to suffer with no solution in place, he said it was not possible for the present “facilitator” to solve the issue. Unless government is changed, solution would be impossible, he asserted. NPCC president however expressed confidence that a “difference would be seen in the next election” and appealed the people and the party workers not to be disheartened with the small changes that had taken place in the country, referring to the recently concluded elections. On the recent assembly poll results in five states, Therie expressed doubts that the EVMs were “tempered”, as claimed by other political parties including the Congress.
“EVMs can be tempered and manipulated and the voter will never know where the vote is cast even if he/she presses at the right button, but ballot papers will carry the right stamp chosen by the voter,” he said. In this regard, he said the state Congress would approach the Election Commission to hold the 2018 Nagaland Assembly election through ballot papers and not EVMs. He said the allegations made by BSP chief Mayawati that EVMs were tempered in the UP elections was justified since had the EVMs were transferred from Gujarat. Therie said there were evidences of EVM tempering, which was why the Germany constitutional court declared EVM machine as unconstitutional and non-transparent. EVMs were also banned by countries like Netherland, America, Japan and Australia, he said.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAR 17 (NPN): On receipt of written assurance from the state government, the All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (ANHTU) on Friday called off its indefinite phase-III agitation, which began on March 15, against non-release of their nine months’ salary. The state government in its written assurance agreed to pay two months’ salary by March 2017 and Agitating Hindi teachers shouting slogans in the remaining pending salary within front of the Civil secretariat gate Friday (NP). April 2017 based on the release of funds by ministry of human reeducation, chief secretary, finance comsource development (MHRD). missioner and officials of school educaIn a written assurance, the state tion department, the agitating teachers chief secretary, Pankaj Kumar, stated became impatient and started shouting that if there was delay in release of and entered the first gate. However, the funds by MHRD the state government police personnel prevented them from would release pending salary from the proceeding beyond the second gate. state budget two months at time from Later, commissioner and secretary April onwards till all the dues were school education, FP Solo, appeared at cleared. main gate and read out the assurance letIn this regard, the chief secretary ter to the agitating Hindi teachers. appealed to the agitating Hindi teachers Solo informed that MHRD reto call off the agitation. leased only Rs. 6 crore against the Earlier, while the ANHTU repre- requirement of Rs. 50 crore, which he sentatives were having marathon meet- said could not even meet for two months ing with chief minister, minister school salary. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C