Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 92
DIMAPUR, thursday, march 9, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
No place for gender biases in modern India: President
CL: Real fend off Napoli; Bayern humiliates Arsenal
South Korea court to rule on Park impeachment Mar 10
national, Page 7
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Polling in Manipur and UP end RECORD 86% turn out in MAnipur; over 60% in Uttar Pradesh
EVM destroyed by miscreants at a polling station. (NP)
Correspondent/PTI
IMPHAL/Lucknow, Mar 8: The second and final phase of polling for 22 seats in Manipur ended Wednesday with over 86% turnout recorded amid incidents of violence. The first phase, on March 4 also saw over 86% polling recorded for 38 seats. Manipur’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Vivek Kumar Dewangan said the overall voter turnout was recorded at 86% and that the final percentage would be ascertained only after receiving reports of polling stations at remote and far flung areas of
Aadhaar mandatory for crop insurance policies: Agri Min NEW DELHI, MAR 8 (PTI): The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for availing crop insurance policies from the upcoming kharif sowing season. The Agriculture Ministry has issued a directive to rural financial institutes to comply with the new rule from the kharif (summer) season starting April 1. “The Government of India has notified that farmers availing crop insurance schemes administered/implemented by the Department of Agriculture from kharif 2017 are hereby required to undergo Aadhaar authentication or furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar,” said the directive. The banks have been asked to persuade farmers to furnish Aadhaar identification card at the time of sanction/renewal/disbursement/inspection of loan or on visit at bank branches, it said. Till the time Aadhaar is assigned to an individual, crop insurance under any of government-run schemes – Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather-based Crop Insurance (RWBCI) may be availed by farmers by furnishing documents such as bank passbook, Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, voter ID and MGNREGA job card.
This is it!
“One is new CM who will be ex-CM while the other is ex-CM who may become next CM.” K Y M C
Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati districts. Destruction of EVMs and violence were reported from over a dozen polling stations spread across Ukhrul, Kamjong and Chandel districts. Voting in one polling station at Ashang Khullen was postponed after a polling official, who was wounded in a bomb blast, died on Wednesday. K. Raikalung, a teacher, was injured in Tuesday’s bomb explosion near Ashang Khullen village. The government announced an ex gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the bereaved family. Voting in this polling station would take place on March
10 along with other polling stations if re-poll was necessary, CEO said. EVMs at some polling stations in Chingai A/C of Ukhrul district were also destroyed by miscreants. Womenfolk also destroyed EVMs at some polling stations at Chingjaroi Khullen village. Voting at a polling station at Khambathel village under Chandel A/C of Chandel district was also suspended after the EVM was snatched and destroyed by suspected militants. CEO said Thoubal and Kakching districts together recorded 89.6% voter turnout, followed by Chandel and Tengnoupal 91%, Ukhrul and Kamjong together at 79%, Senapati at 81.7%, Tamenglong and Noney together 82% and Jiribam recorded an overall voter turnout at 76 which was the lowest among the districts that went to poll on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the election authority has ordered re-poll in 34 polling stations. The re-poll would be held on March 9 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Uttar Pradesh: Over 60 % of the 1.41 crore voters exercised their franchise in the seventh and last phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in 40 seats, bringing down the curtain on a gruelling two-monthlong process. “60.03 per cent votes were polled till 5 PM,” Uttar Pradesh CEO T Venkatesh said. The turnout for these seats was 57.92% in the last Assembly polls in 2012. The average turnout in the seven phases of polling that began on February 11 has been around 6061% compared to 59.48% in 2012. Poll percentage in the first phase was 64.22, in the second 65.16, third phase 61.16, fourth phase 60.37, fifth phase 57.37 and sixth phase 57.03. Today’s exercise passed off by and large peacefully and no untoward incident reported from the three constituencies in the Naxal-affected districts of Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli. Poll percentage in these areas was Chakia 59, Duddhi 62 and Robertsganj 58.
NTAC, JCC serve 7-day deadline on state govt. DIMAPUR, MAR 8 (NPN): As resolved on March 3, Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) and Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) served 7-day deadline on state government for suspension of former Police Commissioner Dimapur, DC Longleng and all personnel involved in the January 31 incident in Dimapur and Longleng, with effect from March 8, 2017. In the ultimatum served on chief secretary, NTAC convenor K.T. Vilie and secretary C.T. Jamir and JCC convenor Supu Jamir said they were forced to initiate such steps, since the state government ignored the demands of the people which was “long overdue and delinquent”. The committees said since a judicial inquiry was setup, it was a valid ground to place the officers under suspension to hold an impartial enquiry without any influence. NTAC and JCC demanded the government to take the issue seriously without any doubts and also warned that if it failed to respond positively, the people would be compelled to taking drastic measures.
State observes Intl Women’s Day
Kiyanilie Peseyie, Dr. Temsula Ao, Pankaj Kumar along with other at NU, Merima campus. (NP)
Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAR 8 (NPN): Minister for social welfare and parliamentary affairs, Kiyanilie Peseyie, on Wednesday said that the International Women’s Day (IWD) was a global day that celebrated social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and also marked a call for action to accelerate gender parity. T h e m i n i s t e r wa s speaking as chief guest at the International Women’s Day celebration at the Nagaland University (NU), Kohima campus. The programme was organized by the Department of Social Welfare in
collaboration with Nagaland State Social Welfare Board, State Resource Centre for Women and Women Studies Centre, NU on the theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 5050 by 2030”. Kiyanilie further said that IWD was all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action, adding that this special day has been occurring for well over a century and it continued to grow from strength to strength. On the occasion, the minister acknowledged all the women in “our lives” including mothers, wives, daughters, friends and colleagues. In her address, the
Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) chairperson, Dr. Temsula Ao, said that in Nagaland scenario to “Be Bold for Change” –– IWD 2017 campaign theme ––was ironic and challenging. On the recent events in that unfolded in the state, Dr. Temsula said initially focus was on the inclusion of women in civic polls through a reservation policy, but the opposition move led to tragic and angry confrontations and deaths obfuscating the women’ rights issue to such an extent that women hohos today find themselves in self-isolation and disarray (Cont’d on p-8)
M’laya not to follow Good Dr. Shürho’s leadership in question: NPCC UNC blockade disrupts GoI-NSCN (I-M) talks Governance Day, Yoga Day S H I L LO N G, M A R 8 (AGENCIES): The confusion over the Centre’s Good Governance Day, which hurts sentiments of Christians was finally raised in Meghalaya legislative assembly on Tuesday. The legislators who took part in a discussion on the matter were united in opposing the Centre’s decision to declare December 25 as Good Governance Day. Replying to a motion moved by HSPDP’s Ardent Basaiawmoit, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, “Meghalaya government did express its displeasure at the Centre’s decision by not observing the day on December 25 but on December 24.” “Government departments have been asked not to observe these days,” Sangma stated while referring to International Yoga Day. However, Daddengre
MLA James Sangma added Meghalaya is observing Good Governance Day on December 24 but instead it should be observed one or two days before since December 24 is also an important day for Christians. Earlier, while moving the motion, Basaiawmoit mentioned the decision is a direct interference in the beliefs of the Christians. Chief Minister also asserted HSPDP MLA’s views on Good Governance Day would be sent to the Centre. He informed the house that only central institutions and private schools in Shillong are observing Good Governance Day and International Yoga Day. Independent MLA John Leslee Sangma remarked the Centre’s decision a violation of the constitutional rights and stressed on the need to take a stand on the matter.
DIMAPUR, MAR 8 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday said NPF legislators “continuous parroting” about TR Zeliang’s “supreme sacrifice” despite his “ineptness and treachery” was an insult to the people of Nagaland and particularly to the memory of those who paid with their lives during the recent public agitation. NPCC through its media cell said the statements made by NPF legislators at Peren on March 7, 2017 showed no confidence in the leadership of Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, who it said seemed to be losing his undisputable hold on the party. “Perhaps the lure of power has blinded the political wisdom of Dr. Shürhozelie to ‘magnanimously part with most of his powers to make TR Zeliang as comfortable as he can be’ in the role of a dual chief minister,” NPCC said. According to NPCC,
Dr Shürhozelie portraying himself as reluctant chief minister was further creating instability with dual power centres. It said if 60 MLAs still supported Zeliang as per legislators’ statement, why was Dr. Shürho risking his reputation in being openly ridiculed by his own party men? Further, NPCC said if Dr. Shürhozelie, after more than four decades in electoral politics, has any iota of self respect, he should ask his cabinet to recommend dissolution of state assembly and seek fresh mandate or else he would be remembered as lame duck chief minister for all times to come. NPCC also said that bankruptcy of leaders in the NPF was slowly unfolding before the people. It said dissident leaders who were accused of creating trouble to topple the government were forgiven and rewarded within fortnight, adding that
indiscipline seemed to have become the gateway for success in NPF’s rotten boat. Further, the congress accused NPF leaders of having fully lost their moral conscience, saying it was evident from their “betrayal” of NBCC brokered agreement with JCC. “Going one step further, they have proclaimed that NPF will continue in power till the second coming of Christ,” said NPCC in an apparent reference to purported remark made by minister CL John at Peren on Thursday. NPCC said it was “unimaginable” that NPF leaders, who were practicing Christians, could stoop down to such levels to boast about their supposed future, saying it was “nothing short of blasphemy.” Change of leadership by NPF, was just an “eye wash exercise” to hoodwink the people in the face of massive social unrest arising out of misgovernance, it added.
Tinakali Sümi
DIMAPUR, MAR 8 (NPN): After the United Naga Council (UNC)-spearheaded economic blockade on Manipur since November 1, 2016, there has been no talks between Centre’s Interlocutor for Naga Talks R.N. Ravi and NSCN (I-M) leaders for over a month. Both sides used to hold both formal and non formal meetings almost on a regular basis but the UNC economic blockade appears to have caused some disruption. According to reliable sources, Ravi has not been available for the meetings, which used to be held at least twice or thrice a week. Sources said Ravi appeared to have been “upset” with the economic blockade and “NSCN’s highhandedness”. The source also went on to
state that solution would be difficult to achieve, if “NSCN keeps fighting the stakeholders”. It maybe be mentioned that in recent interviews to various sections of media, Ravi had said that UNC economic blockade in Manipur would have a serious impact on the Naga peace talks. Ravi was also quoted as saying that the blockade had brought about serious misapprehension between the Nagas and non-Nagas in the Northeast and which would make his task of finding an early amicable solution to Naga issue difficult. Ravi also expressed displeasure over the “stubborn attitude” of NSCN (I-M) on the issue of economic blockade. He also expressed serious concern that the attitude of the group’s leaders would have adverse impact on the progress of the talks.
HC order stays village council resolution NSSATA demands pending salaries Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAR 8 (NPN): Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench by an order dated March 8, 2017 stayed “resolution dated 02.03.2016” passed by the Merangkong Putu (village council) until further order. The order was issued by High Court judge, Justice LS Jamir after hearing the petition filed by-Wapongtemjen, Temjenzulu, Lanuwapang and Lepzungchiba. Among the petitioners, three of them were serving as state vice president of Bharatiya Modi Army (BMA), a unit of Yuva Swabhiman Sewa Samiti. The petitioners contended that the Merangkong Medemsanger Putu Menden resolved on “02.03.2016 to allow only the present MLA, T. Amenba Yaden to contest the 2018 Assembly elections and not to allow
any other candidate to contest.” The petitioners who hail from Merangkong village said they were aggrieved by the village council’s decision “in selecting a person of their choices i.e, the present sitting MLA, T. Amenba Yaden of the 21Tuli Assembly Constituency as the village candidate” for the 2018 elections. As per the village council resolution dated “02.03.2016”made available to the court, it was stated that in 2013 the Merangkong Senso Telongjem (citizens) during an emergency meeting selected the incumbent MLA as the village candidate and continues to be the MLA till date. It said “besides the present MLA, it has been decided and resolved in the joint meeting of the Merangkong Putu and Putu Lanu on 31.01.2017 that: no other new candidate is allowed to
discuss politics or campaign for election from amongst the citizens of Merangkong village. That: under the jurisdiction of Merangkong village, if any anyone is found misleading and distributing money on behalf of some unknown person, the putu will impose punishment on those violators. The resolution signed by secretary Medemsanger Putu Merangkong, Kumsangchiba further stated that any person found violating the order would be held personally responsible. It was also decided give the responsibility to the Merangkong Senso Mongdang Tuli “to carry out the decision.” In this regard, the petitioners pointed out that they were not aware of the impugned resolution dated 02.03.2016, while claiming that no such meeting was held. They alleged that it was the work of few vested
interest persons holding the post in the council. The petitioners were of the opinion that such arbitrary decision of the village council was “illegal”since it was against the Constitutional provisions as well as the provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Asserting that incumbent MLA was not a consensus candidate of the entire village, the petitioners said “village authorities, whether be it village council/putu menden/putu lanu, citizen forum or any other village organization cannot select a candidate of their choice and impose a diktat on the entire village to vote for the candidate selected by them.” The court in this regard suspended the 02.03.2016 resolution till further order. The mater would be listed in the court after four weeks, the order stated.
DIMAPUR, MAR 8 (NPN): Nagaland SSA Teachers Association (NSSATA) has demanded that the State government to immediately release all pending salaries from November 2016 to February 2017 along with arrears of 2016 as assured by the state government on November 2, 2016. NSSATA (2010 and 2013 batch) president Aliba Sangtam and assistant general secretary Asungla Lemtor warned that failure to comply would compel the teachers to deploy any form of action in their fight for survival and livelihood. Also, clarifying on the funding pattern on Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme, NSSATA said that the statement issued by principal secretary, FP Solo on releases of funds for implementation of various CSS like SSA, RMSA and Hindi teachers had
only revealed that the State government was not adhering on the central funding pattern. According to the association, the Centre releases adhoc grants in April every year for the start-up programme followed by two instalments- first instalment in April was for expenditure between April to September followed by second instalment in September for expenditure between October to March. Further, as per the Project Approval Board (PAB) GoI rules/guidelines and procedure for release of funds, NSSATA said that whenever the government of India releases
the fund, the State has to immediately transfer the entire amount to its implementing agency (SMA) not later than 15 days and to deposit its matching share (10%) to the State society within 30 days of the receipt of Central fund. After which, state government would submit the Utilization Certificate on time to ensure smooth implementation of the programme. Therefore, NSSATA argued that the question of delay in release of funds by MHRD and payment of (2010 & 2013 batch) teachers’ salaries raised by F P Solo does not arise. (See table)
Procedures for release of SSA funds as per MHRD guidelines for a financial year, in comparison with fund received by State No. of Actual month Period of instalments to receive the fund Expenditure Adhoc Grant April 2016 Start-up programme 1st Installment April 2016 April-September 2nd Installment September 2016 October-March
Date of fund received by the State 10th May 2016 11th November 2016 16th February 2017 K Y M C