Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXX No. 84
DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00
Push for ‘Zero Waste’ in India’s mountain states
NZ rock India in Christchurch
China COVID-19 toll-2,835
Sunday Post Supplement
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
M’laya: 1 more dead in fresh clashes
Fuel prices to go up HLC formed to look into appts in Police dept from April 1 as BSNCEs, DGP stated that the Appts in accordance with established government had issued an VI regime kicks in CURFEW REIMPOSED, INTERNET SUSPENDED; 8 HELD OVER ICHAMATI VIOLENCE NEW DELHI, FEB 29 rules & standing guideline, says DGP Order No. POL/ESTT/ MISC/6/2018, Dated 5th
Correspondent
SHILLONG, FEB 29: Situation in Meghalaya’s capital-- Shillong seems to remain tense as the state government Saturday reimposed curfew in some areas of Shillong after miscreants went on a stabbing spree killing one person and injuring eight others at Iewduh, the main market of the city. Police said that one Rupchand Dewan, a trader from Assam’s Barpeta district succumbed to his injuries while the injured, some in critical condition, were rushed to Shillong Civil hospital and a private hospital. The violent scene in Shillong was reportedly a fallout of Friday’s incident where a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) member--Lurshai Hynniewta, was killed during clashes with non-tribals at Ichamati village under Sohra Sub-Division, police said. The clash on Friday, broke out between the Khasi Students Union (KSU) members and non-tribals during anti-Citizenship
ASTD backs DAYO, CNSA stand against NSF ultimatum DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has come out in support of Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) and Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) statement against Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) ultimatum on the state government. While appreciating stand of NSF against the “rampant backdoor” appointment in government departments, depriving educated unemployed youths of the state, ASTD president L. Wati Jamir and secertary K. Mar Lemtur however said that the NSF involving tribes (signatories) from outside the state has raised a big question amongst the tribes of Nagaland. ASTD reminded that as far as governance of the state of Nagaland was concerned, there was a clear demarcation between Nagaland and other neighboring states. Therefore, ASTD said NSF should have kept this in mind and pointed out that cross border organization was not feasible for a just growth of the Nagas. It opined that the ultimatum should have been issued from and within the ambit/parameter of the state of Nagaland.
This is it!
“There, all my clothes are winter wear. Now what do I wear from today?” K Y M C
A busy road in Shillong wears a deserted look following reimposition of curfew on Saturday. (NP)
Amendment Act (CAA) and pro-ILP meeting held in the Ichamati area of East Khasi Hills district close to the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mobile internet services will continue to be suspended in six districts-- East, West Jaintia Hills, East, West, South West Khasi hills and Ri-Bhoi-- until further orders, officials said. SP in-charge East Khasi Hills district, Claudia Lyngwa said that eight people were arrested on Saturday in connection with Friday’s clashes in Ichamati village based on a FIR lodged by KSU.
Those ar rested included Sushan Das, Ranjit Baidya, Bijit Baidya, Kanal Baidya, Sajol Das, Indromohan Sharma and Rajesh Sharma. However, Lyngwa said that police were yet to identify the stabbers involve in Saturday’s violence. “We have registered a case based on the FIR lodged by the family members of the deceased and the injured persons,” SP said. “The situation is under control in Shillong and Ichamati but we are keeping a close watch,” the police official added.
Five additional companies of armed police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas. A magisterial inquiry has been instituted to probe into the clash at Ichamati, officials said. Meanwhile, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Sangma also appealed to citizens to refrain from any kind of violence and ensure that peace is maintained. Congress Leader of opposition, Mukul Sangma condemned the incident and perpetrators of the crime on Friday and pointed out that the “nasty communal violence and loss of precious life is a fallout of the ‘unacceptable, divisive CAA.” “The Nation is in turmoil because of the mistrust and hatred generated by the intent and the foreseeable fallout of the CAA. It is only a strong indication of the justification of the demand for repeal of this divisive act-the CAA,” Mukul said.
Oppn NPF moves high court, seeks disqualification of suspended MLAs Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEB 29 (NPN): After almost 10 months of filing disqualification petition against the seven NPF MLAs for defying the decision of the party during the parliamentary election 2019, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has taken the matter to Gauhati High Court seeking disposal of the petition lying with Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker. Reliable party sources told Nagaland Post that petition has been filed in the higher court since NLA speaker did not act on it. They said that the petitioners were expecting court directives to NLA speaker to dispose the case so that suo motu case could be taken up. It may be recalled that NPF had suspended seven of its MLAs from the both primary and active membership of the party on April 16, 2019 for extending support to the ruling National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) can-
didate in the Lok Sabha election, 2019. The seven NPF legislators included Kejong Chang (Tuensang Sadar II), EE Pangteang (48 Moka), Eshak Konyak (Aboi), CL John (Tehok), BS Nganlang (Tamlu), N Thongwang Konyak (Mon Town) and Toyang Chang (Tuensang Sadar-I). Meanwhile, in a similar case in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Supreme Court in January had directed the Speaker’s tribunal to decide the disqualification petition within four weeks. The disqualification petition was filed by Congress MLAs in 2018 against one of its congress member Th Shyamkumar under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Congress MLA defected to BJP in the run up to government formation after the assembly elections in 2017. The petitioners had approached the Supreme Court after the case was pending at the speaker’s tribunal and in January 2020.
(PTI): National oil marketer Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) said it was ready to supply low emission BS-VI fuels from April 1 and that there will be a marginal increase in retail prices. The largest oil supplier has spent over Rs 17,000 crore to upgrade its refineries to produce the lowsulphur diesel and petrol, the company’s chairman Sanjiv Singh told reporters here. Without disclosing the quantum of price increase, Singh said, there will definitely be a marginal increase in retail prices of the fuels from April 1 when the whole country will be run on new fuels, which will have sulphur content of only 10 parts per million (ppm) as against the present 50 ppm. But let me assure you, we will not be burdening the consumers with a steep hike, Singh said. He said, state-r un oil marketing companies (OMCs) have invested Rs 35,000 crore to upgrade their refineries, of which Rs 17,000 crore have been spent by IOC alone.
DNSU to remain vigilant on follow of liquor
DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): Naga Tribal Union Chumoukedima Town (NTUCT) has served an ultimatum on the police department to cancel 934 candidates “recruited without open recruitment”. In an ultimatum addressed to the DGP Nagaland, NTUCT president Lhousito Khro demanded that the remaining appointments be cancelled except 206 advertised posts and conduct general recruitment for 934 posts including 400 remaining vacancies as admitted by deputy CM in the recent concluded Assembly, failing which the union would take its own course of action. NTUCT expressed dismay over state government’s “failure” to resolve the issue during the Assembly session. The union also stated the documents it received during a meeting called by DGP on February 21, 2020 had no relevance to the present imbroglio. NTUCT said that those documents pertained to constitution of committees to look into the (Cont’d on p-7) random affairs of the department
DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), which had on February 21, 2020 served a seven-day ultimatum on the excise department to close down all illegal liquor dens, Saturday reaffirmed to remain vigilant and ensure that Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 was effectively enforced as long as the Act exist. DNSU through its media cell said the reaffirmation was made at an emergency presidential meeting held on February 29, 2020 with its constituent units. Dimapur Naga Students’ Union said its emergency presidential meeting lauded the prompt action take by Excise department led by Advisor Excise, Sericulture and Minority Affairs, Zhaleo Rio.
Zalmay Khalilzad (L) and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar shake hands after signing a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar, Saturday (AP/PTI)
as the two inked the deal, after urging the insurgents to “keep your promises to cut ties with Al-Qaeda”. On the eve of the signing, President Donald Trump urged the Afghan people to embrace the chance for a new future. “If the Taliban and the government of Afghani-
stan live up to these commitments, we will have a powerful path forward to end the war in Afghanistan and bring our troops home,” he said. But the position of the Afghan government, which has been excluded from direct US-Taliban talks, remains unclear and the
also sought to clarify doubts regarding appointments of constables by pointing out the existing legal and procedural provisions. Citing the Nagaland Police Manual Part-III, Rule 20(A), DGP said unit commanders viz commandants of NAP Battalions and SSPs of DEF were delegated the authority for appointment of Police Constables while the criteria for appointment such as age, physical standards, medical qualification etc. are laid down under Nagaland Police Manual Part– III, Rule 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. He said since the department primarily deals with law and order duties, vacancies cannot be kept for long. As such, DGP cited the P&AR Office Memorandum No. AR-3/ Gen147/2007 (Pt), Dated 7th Dec’2016, which has exempted the department from the purview of the OM-- setting out the procedure for filling up Grade-III & IV Posts in government departments. However, in order to streamline excess appointment of constables/
NTUCT serves ultimatum over Police recruitment issue
US, Taliban sign historic deal on Afghanistan’s future DOHA, FEB 29 (AFP): The United States signed a landmark deal with the Taliban on Saturday, laying out a timetable for a full troop withdrawal from Afghanistan within 14 months as it seeks an exit from its longest-ever war. The agreement is expected to lead to a dialogue between the Taliban and the Kabul government that, if successful, could ultimately see an end to the grinding 18-year conflict. Taliban fighter-turneddealmaker Mullah Baradar signed the accord alongside Washington’s chief negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad, at a gilded desk in a conference room in a luxury Doha hotel. The pair then shook hands, as people in the room shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest). US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo looked on
DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): As announced by chief minister, Neiphiu Rio during the recently concluded Assembly session of setting up a panel to review appointment system in the police department, Nagaland DGP, T. John Longkumer Saturday informed that the state government through a notification No. POL/ESTT/ RECRUITMENT/1/2020 Dated 20.02.2020, constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) headed by addl. chief secretary level officer. The committee was tasked to examine and study all matters and procedures relating to recruitment of all ranks outside the purview of the NPSC in Police department and recommend necessary changes/modifications for streamlining as well as for enhancing transparency in the mode and manner of the entire recruitment process. In this regard, Longkumer said that the committee submitted its report to the government, which was now under examination. Clarification on appts: The DGP, in the statement,
country is gripped by a fresh political crisis amid contested election results. The Doha accord was drafted over a tempestuous year of dialogue marked by abrupt cancellation of the effort by Trump in September. The signing comes after a week-long, partial truce that has mostly held across Afghanistan, aimed at building confidence between the warring parties and showing the Taliban can control their forces. U.S. and its allies will withdraw all their forces from Afghanistan within 14 months if Taliban abide by the terms of the accord. After an initial reduction of troops to 8,600 within 135 days of Saturday’s signing, the U.S. and its partners “will complete withdrawal of all remaining forces from Afghanistan” within 14 months.
and for streamlining administrative/appointment irregularities. On the claims of empowering unit commanders under Nagaland Police Manual, NTUCT said all departments have designated officials empowered to make appointments strictly in accordance with law by following recruitment process. However, it said the police department was exempted from making appointments without following recruitment process neither under the Constitution nor in any state statutory Rules and Regulations. On the justification of the department through RTI reply dated February 24, 2020 that the non advertised posts recruited from Districts DEF included years of accumulated back log vacancies, the NTUCT said “the fact that there was no advertisement for general recruitment” was the issue, adding that unless all the vacancies were advertised it would not relent or compromise with options and assertions made by the department.
NSF’s demand for NSSB unfortunate: KU
DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): Terming as “unfortunate” the NSF ultimatum served on the state government to approve and implement the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) policy, the Konyak Union (KU) Mon has asserted that “such domestic and reformative thoughts should have been rooted” after thorough debate and consultation within the state. In a press release, KU general secretary Wango Konyak and press secretary Pangmei Konyak asserted that since Nagaland was a tribal state implementing such policy required “tribal endorsement.” It also stated signatories of the ultimatum involving “our Naga brethren from Manipur seem lost and confused on this very practical issue.” KU added that it should be left to Nagaland government and its citizens to determine on the system of governance and execution. Along with Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), the KU also affirmed that Nagaland was not yet ready for NSSB, adding that “Our Naga brethren from Manipur should understand it in good faith.” Further, KU has appealed to every Naga civil society group to understand the pleas of those deprived section or tribe in (Cont’d on p-7) the state.
Sept 2018, to constitute Scrutiny Committee, headed by IGP (Hqr) with DIGP (Hqr) and AIGP (Adm) as members. The committee scrutinizes the applications received by the units and at PHQ, the committee after thorough scrutiny of the applications, obtain the concurrence of the DGP and forward the eligible candidates to various units. Upon receipt of the selected list from PHQ, the unit commanders appoint the candidates after ensuring that the eligible criteria are fulfilled. The DGP therefore clarified that all appointments were done against the clear existing vacancies. Even though there was no mandatory provision for an open recruitment in the Nagaland Police manual or any other order issued by the government, he said the department, for the first time in its history, in the absence of no new battalion creation, conducted an open recruitment rally in 2019 to fill up of 206 regular vacancies in the post of constables. (Cont’d on p-7)
4-lane: Restriction extended DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): Total restriction of all movement from Chathe River Bridge (Patkai Bridge) to Kukidolong has been extended from 8:30pm to 5am (the next day) with effect from March 3, 2020 to April 3, 2020. In a circular, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, expressed regret for restriction of movement, but said that it was being imposed as a preventive measure and to avoid loss of life property and other injuries. DC informed that alternative route from Dimapur-Kohima/Kohima-Dimapur for light vehicles was available via 7th Mile-New DC office-Shokhuvi-Razaphe-MhaikamPimla-Mhainamtsi-Jhornapani/ Medziphema and vice versa.
Bank strike deferred
KOLKATA, FEB 29 (PTI): The proposed three-day bank strike in the country called by various unions from March 11 has been deferred following ‘positive’ developments at the bipartite meeting held in Mumbai on Saturday, an AIBEA statement said here. The strike had been called by the constituents of United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the umbrella body of the trade unions in the banking sector. All India Bank Employees’ Association (AIBEA) statement said that in the bipartite meeting, which was held between the unions and Indian Banks Association (IBA), discussions were held in respect of offer of increase in pay slip cost to 15 per cent, demand for five-day banking among others. The statement added that IBA has agreed to discuss all other issues raised by the unions. Bank unions had observed a two-day strike from January 31 after talks over wage revision failed to make headway with the IBA.
Dimapur traffic advisory
DIMAPUR, FEB 29 (NPN): In view of the ongoing four-lane construction works, the Dimapur traffic police Saturday informed that entry of heavy vehicles from New Field Gate Dimapur to Police Check Gate Chumoukedima and vice versa would be restricted from 9am till 7pm and from 9am till 3pm respectively. Dimapur police PRO stated that the new traffic regulation/restriction would apply to all heavy vehicles including local trucks plying along the mentioned stretch. Police have requested all responsible to abide by the new traffic regulation for smooth flow of traffic. K Y M C
