May 19, 2017

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 162

DIMAPUR, friday, may 19, 2017 Pages 16 ` 4.00

Lalu is blackmailer, Nitish a Dhritarashtra, says Griraj Singh

Monaco lift Ligue 1 title after 17 yrs

May vows she will slash immigration below 100000

national, Page 9

sports, Page 15

international, Page 12

DPP formation a boon: NPF

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 18 (NPN): Ruling NPF functionaries in Kohima have dismissed any notion that formation of the new regional party, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Thursday in Dimapur would weaken the party by maintaining that the formation instead, would strengthen NPF by filtering out those elements. This message was reiterated by NPF spokesperson Achumbemo Kikon and vice president Zaku Tsukru held a joint press meet with the local press at Hotel Japfu Thursday. Kikon said NPF was least bothered about the formation of DPP, saying NPF strength has been consolidated because it has gotten rid of those who had been working against the party. He said even as efforts for reconciliation with dissidents were pursued, some were already planning to form their own party. With those undesirable elements now out, Kikon said NPF has been cleansed and its functioning will be streamlined before the next election as the right people will be chosen in all the constituencies. He cited the

PAC to verify police project works D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): In connection with the examination of report of the CAG of India for the year 2013-14, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) would undertake an “on-the-spot verification” of various projects/works carried out by Home (Police Engineering Project) for 9th, 10th and 5th NAP (IR) Battalions on May 22 and 27, 2017. The committee led by chairman, CM Chang, MLA, with six other members accompanied by commissioner & secretary, with 13 other officials and staff would undertake the verification. In a press release, commissioner & secretary, NLA, N Benjamin Newmai, stated that the PAC would visit 9th IR Battalion Saijang, Peren district and proceed to 15th IR Mahila Battalion Mpetsa, Dimapur district on May 22, 2017. The committee would then visit 10 NAP (IR) Battalion Zhadima, Kohima on May 27, 2017. All the PAC members have been requested to participate in the tour. The committee has also directed the concerned department representatives to be present at the project sites with relevant information to assist the committee as per the tour programme.

This is it!

“The potholed road is down below. Guess nature has also heard our cries.” K Y M C

example of the Asom Gana Parishad (Progressive) a breakaway AGP formed by former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. He said Mahanta was the only member of the breakaway AGP who won the election. Taking a dig at the DPP, Kikon predicted that there won’t be any takers for the new party and that the word “Progressive” in DPP like in AGP will be a bad omen. With assembly election round the corner, Kikon said it was likely that new political parties might mushroom, but reiterated that only NPF can sustain and will continue to speak for Naga political issue. He said after election, all such parties will fizzle out as in the past and even those winning election will seek to join the NPF which will remain unchallenged. NPF vice president Zaku Tsukru described the launch of the DPP as a relief for NPF since they were none other than a few who were sidelined and a majority were not even NPF members. Tsukru said that the aims and objectives of the DPP contained nothing new and was bereft of any new idea. He described those behind formation of

DPP as “desperados” since they knew that NPF tickets would not be given to them. Chipping in, NPF Farmer’s Wing president Lanukaba pointed out that since formation of NPF over several decades, many other political parties merged with it. He described NPF as a “paddy field which never dries up” while DPP would become like a “jhum field” which cannot survive. When asked again if NPF felt threatened with the formation of the DPP by dissidents, Kikon rejected it outright saying that the launch was only to mislead the primary and active members of NPF. He claimed that “many things” were going on internally within the new party. Asked about the absence of Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio from the programme at Niathu Resort Dimapur, Kikon reiterated that Rio was definitely involved in the formation of DPP going by the sequence of events that began after the January-February 2016 Sovima crisis. During the Sovima episode, Kikon said the dissidents attempted to “snatch NPF by choosing Noke Wangnao as their party president”. However to-

day Noke has been forgotten and instead, another leader in the form of Chingwang Konyak has been elected he said. Kikon said people from Eastern Nagaland would best introspect the motive behind choice of leaders from their area. Asked if the NPF would initiate action against party members including elected members for involvement with DPP, Kikon said appropriate steps will be taken when the charges are established and that as a matured party, NPF did not act on allegations. Kikon also disclosed that he was in touch with NPF legislators whose names were dragged as having joined DPP in the social media. He said if it was proven they have either joined or was involved with formation of DPP, then action will have to be initiated as per NPF constitution. Asked if NPF was contemplating any move to expel Neiphiu Rio from the party since the party said it was well aware of his antiparty activities, Kikon said there was a reason for inaction. He explained that for the “time being, suspension serves our purpose better than expulsion.” (Cont’d on p-9)

Naga Hoho appeals NIA over arrests D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): Observing that recent arrests of Nagaland government officials by National Investigating Agency (NIA) for providing financial aid to different Naga political groups could be in exercise of fulfilling constitutional provision, the Naga Hoho (NH), however, maintained that different Indian agencies must at the same time look into the problems from social and political perspective. In a press release, NH president, P.Chuba Ozukum, and vice president, H.K. Zhimomi, said the administration of post Indian Independence “attempted to subjugate Naga people and its territories under the guise of law and order problem.” However, NH said the military generals and various prime ministers of India have realized the necessity to deal with the issues peacefully and politically

towards bringing permanent solution. In this backdrop, the Hoho said that “no sensible person can expect to have conducive atmosphere in Naga areas as the people’s resistance movement has been ‘guerrilla warfare’ in nature and as such any struggling nation or people cannot survive without depending on the people’s contribution and cooperation.” The need of the hour, NH said was to focus seriously towards early political settlement so as to eradicate all forms of social problems and injustice in the society. NH said it strongly felt that be it government employees or businessman was providing the assistance willingly or unwillingly but under compulsion. Therefore, NH said that the arrested government officials should not be treated as law breakers. In this regard, the Hoho strongly appealed to

the NIA “to ponder with all seriousness and avoid misdemeanours while dealing with such issues.” Meanwhile, the NH also termed as “uncalled for and beyond tolerance” the arrest of wife and relatives of Niki Sumi, NSCN (K) leader, in Manipur recently by Assam Rifles “merely on suspicion”. Arresting of innocent Naga people by Armed forces and putting under various sections of infamous laws was unacceptable, NH said, adding that such inhuman act has been meted out to the kith and kin of Naga national workers even in the past whereby many were executed and tortured mercilessly. Naga Hoho has therefore urged the authorities to discontinue with the trial of those arrested persons and look beyond the horizon by realizing the plight and rights of the people.

ECI asks states to launch special drive D I M A P U R , M AY 1 8 (NPN): Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday informed that a ‘Special Drive’ would be launched in all the states from July 1 to 31 for maximization of enrolment of eligible young electors, particularly for those in the age group of 18-19 years. In this regard, EC has directed states to launch a comprehensive SVEEP campaign for enrolment with special focus on first time electors of above age group, an official bulletin informed. EC said special focus should be given to “Para B (g) under Youth Enrolment (including newly eligible)”, wherein the second phase of ‘Interactive School Engagement’ is to be integrated with the special drive. EC said since the 1st phase of Interactive School Engagement was carried out in January, 2017, the period for this exercise would be carried out within a month, every year in two phases as given: 1st Phase- January, ahead of the National Voters’ Day: It is also instructed (Cont’d on p-9)

GST rates decided on 1,211 items NEW DELHI, MAY 18 (AGENCIES): Making further progress on rolling out the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by July 1, the GST Council on Thursday decided the tax rates for 1,211 items, a majority kept at 18 per cent, though the rates on gold and beedi remained undecided. The Council did not take any decision on services tax rates. The two-day meeting will take up the exemption of essential services on Friday. “There is no increase in taxes of the items considered today. In fact, for many of them, taxes have come down,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the media here after the first day of the GST Council meet. Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said that an overwhelming 81 per cent of items will attract tax of 18 per cent or below. Only 19 per cent of items will be taxed at the highest rate of 28 per cent, he said. Foodgrains, cereals, milk, jaggery have been completely exempt from GST. Indian sweets (like gulab jamun. Rasgulla etc.), edible oil, sugar, tea, coffee and coal will attract 5 per cent GST. Hair oil, toothpaste and soaps are in the 18

Need to strengthen ties with Nagaland, says Manipur CM IMPHAL, MAY 18 (AGENCIES): Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh in an interview with Times of India spoke on the steps taken by him to improve ties between Manipur and Nagaland. On his role in improving Manipur-Nagaland ties, Singh said, “no state can ever think of changing its neighbours. We need to love and respect each other. I appreciate Shurhozelie’s visit to Manipur. I, too, want to visit his state soon by road. Both of us want to make a new start.” He said in the past, some leaders from both Nagaland and Manipur were working to promote their vested interests and did a lot of damage to the age-old ties between the two states. Shurhozelie, too, shares this view. On the Nagas’ demand for unification of Naga-dominated areas of other states: The Nagas of Manipur are our brothers and we will live together in Manipur. Nagaland is a good neighbour. NPF (which also supports the integration of Naga areas) has lent us unconditional support, said Singh.

per cent bracket along with capital goods and industrial intermediaries. Nearly 81 per cent of the items will fall under the sub-18 per cent GST rate slabs and Only 19 per cent of the goods will be taxed above 18 per cent Small cars will face 28 per cent GST, along with a small cess, while luxury cars will attract 15 per cent cess in addition to GST, Consumer durables such as air conditioner and fridge too are in the 28 per cent GST bracket. Although officers said given the current incidence of 30-31 per cent, there should be a reduction in prices. “No increase on any commodity. On many of them there is a reduction and tax on will also go away. Overall, there will be a reduction... One criteria in mind is that overall impact should not be inflationary,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. Of the 1211 items, 7 per cent will be exempted, 14 per cent will be in the 5 per cent slab, 17 per cent in the 12 per cent bracket, 43 per cent in the 18 per cent segment, while 19 per cent will go into the top bracket of 28 per cent, the Revenue Secretary said. Under the

current system, a product is taxed multiple times with different state levies and taxes. Around 400 items are currently exempt from excise and VAT under the existing indirect tax regime. According to sources, Jaitley asked the states during the meeting to keep exemptions to the bare minimum. “Of several commodities, we have consciously brought down the tax. In the overall basket there would be a reduction, but we are banking on the hope that because of a more efficient system, evasion would be checked and tax buoyancy would go up. That despite reduction the revenue neutrality and tax buoyancy thereafter would be maintained,” Jaitley said. Commenting on the GST Council’s deliberations, a senior tax analyst said the rates announced were along expected lines. “However, it seems a lot of work is yet to be done. Exemptions and issues related to reverse charge mechanism have not been finalised, and looks doubtful that it will be done in a day,” said Taxmann.com Senior Consultant V.S Datey. “Thus the chances of introducing GST by July 1 appears doubtful,” he added.

Environment Minister Dave passes away NEW DELHI, MAY “Absolutely shocked by 18 (IANS): Union Enthe sudden demise of vironment Minister my friend and a very reAnil Dave, a commitspected colleague, Davted environmentalist eji. My condolences,” who had worked on Modi said in a condogreen projects including lence message. conservation of the Nar“I was with Davmada river, died here eji till late last evening, on Thursday morning discussing key policy following cardiac arrest. issues. This demise is He was 61 and was a a personal loss,” Modi bachelor. said. One of those who Anil Dave (File) Meena Agarwal, attended that meeting the wife of Dave’s family recalled that Dave was physician Bharat Agarwal, told IANS looking “pale and weak but sat through that his family tried to wake him up in the long meeting with the Prime Minthe morning but he appeared uncon- ister”. scious. He was rushed to the AIIMS at Mukherjee said Dave’s tenure as 9 a.m. “in a stage of cardiac arrest”, a the minister was “distinguished by exhospital statement said. tensive efforts to conserve nature and Dave hailed from Madhya Pradesh protect environment”. and was inducted into the Union CounBJP president Amit Shah, senior cil of Ministers on July 6, 2016 as leader L.K. Advani, Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for Environment with CM inister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and independent charge. President Pranab a host of ministers, including Home Mukherjee and Prime Minister Naren- Minister Rajnath Singh, Information dra Modi led the nation in mourning and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah the loss of Dave whom he had met Naidu and Congress president Sonia only on Wednesday evening. They Gandhi condoled Dave’s death. expressed shock over the sudden death. (Imchen condoles on p-9)

Four Naga students to take part in Asia youth science event Assam planning crackdown on online abuse Correspondent

K O H I M A , M AY 1 8 (NPN): Four Naga students were among the few from the country who have been selected to participate in the week-long Japan-Asia youth exchange science programme in Japan. Two students each from Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School (MGHSS) and Tuensang Government Higher Secondary School, were selected on merit basis, among the government schools, for securing 85% and above. The Sakura exchange programme in science was an initiative of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The students would be leaving for Japan on May 19 accompanied by a teacher. Addressing the RMSA

The four students along with department officials and others on Thursday (NP)

organized orientation programme for the students here at DUDA guest house, secretary School Education, Neposo Theluo encouraged the students to participate in the programmes with zeal and curiosity to learn something and to return with good experiences so that they would be able to inspire thousands of students here. RMSA mission director, Limawabang Aier expressed joy for the opportunity given to the stu-

dents and said through the exchange programme, the students would become an asset to the society one day. NPSC chairman Asano Sekhose in her brief address advised the visiting students to be punctual while attending the programmes, keeping in mind the strict maintenance of timing in the advanced countries like Japan. Reminding that they (four students) were the most privileged students

among thousands, Asano encouraged them to utilize the opportunity to get maximum knowledge. The week long exchange programme would provide the students an opportunity to see the most advanced scientific technology of Japan and enable them to meet outstanding scientists. Five students from each state were invited for the exchange programme under the guidance of the MHRD.

Guwahati, May 18 (Agencies): Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has asked the state police to take stern action against those using social media platforms to attack others, following several incidents of online abuse of politicians and prominent people. On Wednesday, Sonowal “directed police officials to deal firmly with the issues of online abuse and attack and urged the cyber cell to be more vigilant”—the chief minister’s Twitter handle informed. “Online abuse and attacks will be dealt with seriously. We have taken action against some recently and the drive will continue,” Assam police DGP Mukesh Sahay told the Hindustan Times. On Wednesday, police in Tihu town, located 10km west of the state capital, booked a man called Rakesh Misra for allegedly posting objectionable statements against local MLA Pabindra Deka. Deka belongs to Asom Gana Parishad, a partner of the one-year-old Bharatiya Janata Partyled coalition in the state. Earlier this month, Parimal Gore, an office bearer of Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation’s youth wing, was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy and intention to promote enmity between communities.

The man from Biswanath district had shared a post originally written by Bipul Sharma that was highly critical of the chief minister and accused him of being an opportunist. Last month, rights activist Bondita Acharya was threatened with acid attack and rape online by activists of a saffron outfit after she condemned the arrest of 3 people for allegedly possessing beef. Assam’s popular singer Zubeen Garg was threatened with murder on Facebook last month by a man, who was later arrested. Another post, which went viral, made sexual innuendoes about another female singer. Last week, state chief secretary VK Pipersenia had come under scanner for reportedly asking the police to take action against TV channels and newspapers carrying news of terrorist outfits. Sonowal clarified no such directive has been issued by the state government. “Our govt is committed to upholding freedom of press and at no point shall we allow Fourth Pillar of Democracy to be affected in any way,” finance, health and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had tweeted. The Sonowal-led government will complete one year in office on May 24. K Y M C


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