Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 91
DIMAPUR, wednesday, march 8, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
DU prof gets life imprisonment for Maoist links
Ashwin spins India to 75-run win in 2nd Test
UN chief visits Somalia amid famine
national, Page 5
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
NNPGs want solution for Nagaland Ministers, parl. secys back TR to return as CM Asks GoI to initiate prompt steps to finalize acceptable solution for Nagas outside Nagaland state
galand and its inhabitants?”. The WG made it clear that they will not oppose any acceptable solution and arrangement that fulfilled the aspirations of Nagas of Manipur. They also informed the government of India that the territory of present Nagaland state “should not be infringed at any cost nor transplant population from beyond the boundary of present Nagaland state, while arriving at a solution with NSCN (I-M)”. “The GoI must initiate prompt steps to finalize acceptable solution for Nagas outside Nagaland state,” WG stated. The WG also acknowledged that Nagas lie scattered across Myanmar, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and maintained social, culture and historical affinity for decades. However, WG said the arbitrary division of “our land and people” and the attempt to destroy people’s distinct history and identity by Great Britain, government of India and Myanmar “is a crime against humanity”. They warned that nations responsible for “tearing Naga homeland apart shall answerable” during three quarters of a century
of death and destruction in Naga homeland. Therefore, having suffered at the hand of “occupational forces” through weakness and divisions among Nagas , it was natural to pursue “our rightful place in the world”, Nagas across the length and breadth of Myanmar and India should understand that “if physical integration of Naga areas is not possible at a present time,” then the government of India and Nagas of mainland Nagaland should arrive at an honourable and acceptable solution, while maintaining emotional integration with Nagas across artificial boundaries.” The WG reiterated that present Nagaland state has been the cradle of Naga political struggle and “idealism and gross political assumptions and historical errors must be corrected through practical political steps.” WG further appealed to all tribes in Nagaland state in particular and Nagas in general, to prepare themselves for “greater responsibilities in the near future” and added that the longer the government of India held people to ransom, the people of Nagaland ‘shall not rest”.
Dimapur, Mar 7 (NPN): Several cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries have issued a strong reminder that all legislators still support T.R. Zeliang and indicated that his return as chief minister was imminent. Making this stunning declaration, barely two weeks after Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü took over as chief minister from T.R. Zeliang against the backdrop of massive public demands for his resignation, Media & Press Bureau (M&PB) of the NPF, Central Office disclosed that the statements to this effect were made at the launching of National Rurban Mission at Pedi (Ngwalwa) in Peren district on Tuesday morning. M&PB said the legislators lamented that despite enjoying support T.R. Zeliang had to step down due to the “violent mobs who demanded his resignation within a specific period” and for which he (Zeliang) “gracefully resigned for the sake of peace and harmony in the society.” According to M&PB, PHED minister Chotisuh Sazo claimed that though all 60 members of the assembly supported T.R. Zeliang, he “sacrificed for the sake of peace and harmony in the society.” Further Sazo reasserted that the decision to conduct elections to ULBs was a collective one to “pre-empt the Supreme Court from passing any adverse decision which would affect Article 371A.” Sazo said civic societies protested against ULB elections with 33% women reservation to protect traditional and customary practices as enshrined in Article 371A but when vested political interests entered the
DIMAPUR, MAR 7 (NPN): “Working Group” (WG) of five Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) drew attention on various statements made by union home minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Home Kiren Rijiju and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the recent election campaign in Manipur where they had stated that ‘Manipur’ was not mentioned in the framework agreement and vowed that “no force on earth can disintegrate Manipur territorial integrity.” The WG in a joint statement issued by- 1.GPRN/ NSCN (M.B. Neokpao/N. Kitovi Zhimomi; 2.NSCN (R);3.NNC(Parent Body) Z. Royim/V. Nagi; .NNC/ NPGN (Hozheto/Tsanthungo) and 5.NNC/GDRN (Kiumukam/Hetoi), said they were raising the issue to enable Naga people to know the bare facts confronting them. If there was no question of integration, then was
there any more need to continue talks with the NSCN (I-M)?, asked WG. Further they asked how could the government of India “even think about political solution in Nagaland” without involving them? They also pointed to the statement made on February 28 by the parliamentary standing committee, headed by P. Chidambaram, former union home minister, that all groups (stakeholders) must be taken on board to arrive at a solution and that even neighbouring states must also be consulted. They said it was unwise to entrust the state governments of Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh, to decide on the destiny of Nagas of mainland Nagaland. The WG opined that since integration has been set aside, will the government of India call upon the neighbouring state governments to “decide the existence and future of Na-
Terror alert sounded across India: MHA
2 terrorists holed up in Lucknow; ops continues
NEW DELHI, MAR 7 (AGENCIES): The Centre today sounded an alert across the country in the wake of a suspected terrorist, having possible links to a train blast in Madhya Pradesh, hiding in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. “We are alert. We have sounded an alert all over the country,” Union Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir told reporters here. The minister said that the Uttar Pradesh Police was doing a commendable job to nab the terrorist holed up in a house in Kakori area in the outskirts of Lucknow. “Terrorists do not have any ideology and create disturbances whenever they get a chance. The police is on the job to nab such elements,” he said. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad has launched an operation to flush out the suspected terrorist holed up in a house on the outskirts of Lucknow following inputs that he may be linked to Bhopal-Ujjain train blast this morning. The encounter in Lucknow began hours after blast on the Bhopal-Ujjain train, where at least eight people were injured.
This is it!
“Forthcoming budget can be copy pasted from the previous year’s. It makes no difference.” K Y M C
ATS personnel during their operation inside a building. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, Mar 7 (Agencies): The hourslong gunfight in Lucknow between two suspected ISIS operatives and Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) continued late on Tuesday night as the alleged terrorists remained holed up and refused to surrender. One of the men is believed to be one Saiful and
he’s allegedly involved in this morning’s bomb attack on a train in Madhya Pradesh. “The operation is still on. We thought initially that there is one youth inside, but there are two,” said Daljit Chaudhary, ADG Law & Order, to ANI. “The suspect holed up in Lucknow belongs to a localised group, influenced
by ISIS and its literature,” Daljit Chaudhary told PTI. He also said that since the operation was taking place in a restrained manner, it could take some more time. The ATS, based on “concrete” information from intelligence sources, had gone to apprehend Saiful for suspected involvement in the train blast. The suspected terrorists then suddenly began to fire on the ATS team from the house in Thakurganj’s Haji Colony, a densely populated neighbourhood. Following this, ATS commandos returned fire at Saiful and the other suspected militant who were on the first floor. An official at the site said that they were trying to ensure the duo is arrested alive and there is no collateral damage as this is a residential area. While there was an initial exchange of fire,
the gunfire stopped briefly, after which the ATS commandoes lobbed chili bombs inside the house to incapacitate the suspect. That didn’t work. Police have since cordoned off the area in the colony and have asked people to stay indoors. Some adjacent houses have been asked to vacate as well. With the operation continuing into the night, toplevel equipment like night vision glasses, ambulances, fire brigades and additional security reinforcements have been summoned. At least eight persons were injured in an explosion in a passenger train, going to Ujjain from Bhopal, in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district on Tuesday, authorities said. “We got a lead on these operatives from outside the state and we are on the trail,” said ADG (Law and Order) Chaudhary.
Zeliang with ministers & parl. secys at the launching of the Rurban Mission. (NPF M&PB)
movement, T.R. Zeliang had to resign. Er. Picto parl. secretary law and justice and SIRD echoed the same by saying that all 59 legislators supported the leadership of T.R. Zeliang but that he had to vacate his seat due to “outside forces.” Er. Picto also illustrated the point with a narrative. C.L. John minister of RD and REPA and guest of honour on the occasion, spoke about how T.R. Zeliang was “crucified for no fault of his” and how the government was saved by his “supreme sacrifice.” He said the CM’s chair did not belong to any single person and cited how Dr. Hokishe and Dr S.C. Jamir both vacated the chair but reoccupied it. In the same, way C.L. John expressed confidence that T.R. Zeliang would reoccupy the chair. He further claimed that NPF would continue “till the second coming of Christ” . He also said after the smooth transition, NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsü “magnanimously parted with most of his powers to make T.R. Zeliang as comfortable as
he can be.” C.L. John also mentioned projects launched when T.R. Zeliang was chief minister such as national highways, road black topping and bridge constructions in Peren district. Khekaho Assumi, parl. secretary YR&S said people of Peren should not be disappointed since there was no doubt even for a moment that T.R. Zeliang would “come back to head the state sooner or later.” He also echoed the same point that holding ULB polls was a collective decision of the cabinet where even parl. secretaries were invited to give their opinions. Advisor Finance, T.R. Zeliang was the chief guest for launching the state’s first National Rurban Mission at Ngalwa which is to provide facilities to rural and village dwellers having population from 5000 to 15,000. Zeliang was accompanied by ministers-- Longon, C.L. John, Chotisuh Sazo, G Kaito Aye and parl. secys.- Tohanba, S Chuba, T. Amenba Yaden, Eshak Konyak, Er. Picto, Er. Levi, Yolow, Toyang, Khekaho and Khumo. (More on p-3)
Gender equality need of the hour: Governor DIMAPUR, MAR 7 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, has called upon the people of Nagaland to uphold women’s achievements, recognise challenges and to focus greater attention on women’s right and gender equality. In his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Acharya extended his wishes to the women of Nagaland in particular and the country in general. He said March 8 was celebrated across the world to support, raise, inspire and motivate women across all fields of work. Acharya said it was also day to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who had played extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Acharya said Naga women were second to none and have
been contributing towards the progress of the society in every field. He called upon the people to remind themselves that empowerment of women and equality; liberty and dignity were sacred rights of women. He added that gender equality was the need of the hour. Acharya also stressed on several challenges concerning issues of women rights in India. He said this issue had to be addressed in a proper manner so as to empower women and also wipe out the discrimination against women. “There is a need for change in perception towards women and society would benefit most only if women are treated equally and not deprived of their rights,” Acharya said. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to all women, who he described as the “backbone of the society.”
DC Dmu directive to deptt, organizations DIMAPUR, MAR 7 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur has reminded the responsible department/organisations to remove their materials from the Old Dhansiri Bridge, which is being dismantled for reconstruction of a new RCC-T beam bridge. In an official order, DC Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, said many organisations viz electrical, Airtel, Aircel, BSNL and all cable operators including MES and Railways have not removed their materials from the site hampering the ongoing developmental activities. In order to ensure smooth execution of the construction works, the DC has directed all responsible departments to remove all their materials within ten days w.e.f. March 10, 2017. Failing to do so would not put any liability on the implementing agency, DC cautioned.
DoSE on fund release for implementation of CSS Manipur: Poll official, AR jawan injured DIMAPUR, MAR 7 (NPN): Drawing attention to the issues relating to delay in payment and non payment of teachers’ salaries under centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) of SSA, language teachers (Hindi) and RMSA, the Department of School Education (DoSE) has sought to bring out the “factual position” of the releases of funds for implementation of various CSS like SSA, RMSA and Hindi teachers. In a press release, the principal secretary to the government of Nagaland, FP Solo, pointed out that for 2016-17, an amount of Rs. 30780.84 lakh was approved by the Programme Approval Board (PAB) for implementation of various components including recurring and non-recurring grants under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Out of the approved budget, Solo said the share of the Centre, which is 90%, was Rs. 27070.96 lakh. He said the Centre so far has released Rs. 10725.34 lakh in three instalments – May 10, 2016 (Ad hoc) Rs. 2600 lakh; November 11, 2016 (1st) Rs. 5813.46 and February 16, 2017 (2nd) Rs. 2311.88. Principal secretary said there
were strict guidelines and norms for utilization of funds for recurring and non-recurring grants, adding that general and recurring grant cannot be used for non-recurring grant and viceversa. Salary comes under General and recurring grant, he said. Solo said out of the 2nd instalment of Rs. 2311.88 lakhs, which the department was yet to receive including state matching share, the department would therefore be able to meet only two months’ salary of SSA teachers from November to December, 2016. He said the department was however hopeful of getting more release from the Ministry of Human Resource Development during March 2017 to meet the salary requirement for the remaining months of 2016-17. Principal secretary said though the annual work plan of the state under SSA was approved after thorough appraisal, the department was informed by the MHRD that BE for SSA during the current year 2016-17 was Rs. 22,500 crore against the overall approved PAB outlay of Rs. 74,248 crore for all 36 States and UTs of which the central component comes to
Rs. 46,700 crore. He said MHRD was reportedly making all efforts to secure additional funds at RE stage from the Ministry of Finance. Under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) scheme, the principal secretary said during the 2016-17, the PAB had approved an amount of Rs. 7747.08 lakh out of which Rs. 3548.07 lakh for nonrecurring grant and Rs. 4199.00 lakhs was for recurring grant. An amount of Rs. 3983.33 lakh out of the recurring grant was meant for teachers’ salary, he said. Out of the PAB approved outlay of Rs. 7747.08 lakhs during 2016-17, Solo said the Centre has released Rs. 2519.58 in three instalments – May 3, 2016 (ad hoc) Rs. 105.14 lakh; July 11, 2016 (1st) Rs. 1321.27 lakh and November 26, 2016 (1st) Rs.1083.17. Informing that release of the 2nd instalment was awaited from the MHRD, Solo said department would be releasing at least two months’ salary of RMSA teachers for the months of November and December, 2016 within March as soon as fund was released by the Centre. (Cont’d on p-8)
in 2 blasts; irate mob torch 5 vehicles
Correspondent
IMPHAL, MAR 7: Barely a day for the second phase polls in Manipuir, an Assam Rifles jawan and a polling official were injured when two separate IEDs exploded at two polling stations of Phungyar Assembly Constituency under Kamjong district Manipur on Tuesday. The first blast took place at a polling station at Aishi village under Chasad police station where the 31 Assam Rifles jawan was injured. The other blast, where the polling official sustained splinter injury, took place at a polling station located at Ashang Khullen village, reports said. Police sources said the two IEDs blasts went off in a span of half an hour from each other. M e a n w h i l e, C h u -
rachandpur town was haunted by post poll violence wherein at least five vehicles were torched by a group of people agitating against former minister and NPP candidate, Phungjathang Tonsing Tuesday evening. All the six assembly segments under Churachandpur and new Pherzawl district went to polls peacefully in the first phase poll on March 4. However, tension ran high in Churachandpur town and its adjoining areas the very next day (March 5) after two brothers were brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants. Registering strong protest against the assault on Thangmuansang (26) and his younger brother Thangsuanmung (16) of Lamzang village, the town observed a dawn to dusk total shut-
down on Monday (March 6). However, on Tuesday a woman identified as Baby, wife of another brother of Thangmuansang, was brutally beaten up by miscreants. She was found abandoned in an unconscious state near Ngoiphai village. As the news spread like wildfire, villagers of Lamzang and its adjoining areas rose up and blocked all kinds of vehicular movement in the area. They demanded handing over of the two persons arrested by the police earlier in connection with assault case of two brothers. As people took to the streets, irate mob torched at least four vehicles in protest and also targeted the residence of former minister, Phungjathang Tonsing, who left Congress joined NPP to contest the polls. K Y M C