May 20, 2017

Page 1

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXVII No. 163

DIMAPUR, saturday, may 20, 2017 Pages 16 ` 4.00

June 30 deadline for Aadhaar not to be extended: Govt to SC

Mumbai beat KKR to enter IPL final

Japan cabinet approves bill allowing emperor’s abdication

national, Page 7

sports, Page 16

international, Page 13

Maintain standard of work: CM to policemen Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu (NP) Staff Reporter

D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Friday called upon the Nagaland Police Service officers to maintain standard of work and physical fitness, saying being overweight was unbecoming of a uniformed service. He was speaking as chief guest at the 46th General Conference of Nagaland Police Service Association (NPSA) held here at Police Complex, Chumukedima. Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu reminded the officers of their “indispensible role in maintaining law and order in the state”, urging them to be impartial, more dedicated

BJP unit slams AICC secretary’s remark D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): Hitting out at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary in-charge of Nagaland, Dr. Jayakumar for his recent statements, the State BJP unit reminded the Congress that the BJP was a secular political party with its focus on development under the theme “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas.” In a press note, BJP media cell said the allegation by Congress was “to fool and mislead the common people in the state.” BJP said when Dr. Jayakumar had openly confessed about the misrule of Congress party in Nagaland as well as the Nation, “how can he claim that other political parties including BJP ruling Nagaland will be “Land of Satan”? It said Congress party’s policy was family politics and divide and rule. Accusing Congress party as the mother of all corruptions, BJP alleged that the Congress which had ruled the nation for over five decades, lured electoral politics with corrupt money and cheap propagandas, leading the nation into scams and scandals. It said BJP was firm against corruption and was working hard to make India corruption free.

and more disciplined than other categories of government employees. Transfer or posting, he said, was “putting the right person at the right place” and therefore shouldn’t be considered a punishment. “Few transfers will be affected soon,” he hinted. The chief minister further maintained that the image of the police needs to be improved in order to ensure effective policing in a modern society. “This has to be earned by the police themselves by becoming more efficient, friendly and helpful, while also becoming less corrupt in public perception,” the chief guest added. Dr. Shürhozelie also lauded the police force, saying Nagaland police has been doing quite well in maintaining law and order and had brought laurels to the state. “You cannot afford to remain contend with what you already know,” the CM said, accentuating on the need to keep updated with various technologies, keeping in mind the changing

dynamics of crime in a sophisticated world. Citing the recent ransomware attacks that affected computers across the world, Dr. Liezietsu said: “Ultimately, Nagaland Police also will have to brace up for investigating such types of cyber crimes.” He also suggested developing a software and to put in experts to man the systems for effective management. On the need for reforms in the state police, the chief minister pointed out, among other things, the “faulty system of police recruitment” that had attracted much criticism in the media. He was hopeful that such issues would be deliberated during the conference and come up with suggestions and solutions for consideration of the government. ADGP (Adm), L. Singsit also spoke on the occasion as special guest. On the occasion, NPSA president, Vekhosa Chakesang, submitted a representation to the chief minister. The chief minister was accompanied by Home minister Y. Patton.

UNC, GoI & GoM hold Services to have 4-slab GST rates second tripartite talks Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 19: The second round of tripartite talks between Government of India, Manipur government and United Naga Council (UNC) was held at Senapati on Friday. Besides deliberating on several issues, Friday’s tripartite meeting also came out with a four-point agreement primarily focussed on UNC’s core demand-- to roll back the decision of creation of seven new districts According to the first point, it stated that “the grievances of the UNC which led to the imposition of economic blockade were recognized, as there was non-adherence to the four memoranda of understanding and government of India’s assurance on the matter and Government of Manipur agree to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same.” “The focal point no.1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017 is reaffirmed by both the parties,” it stated. The second point also stated that Manipur government would be represented

NBCC alarmed by rise in communalism in India Dimapur, May 19 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) reiterated that India is home to diverse religious and ethnic groups where diversities as enshrined in its constitution guarantees the privilege to enjoy basic civil and political rights and freedom to pursue one’s beliefs. However, NBCC said it was deeply alarmed at the resurgence of attacks on Christian minorities in India which have increased since 2011. It pointed out that Christians in India formed less than 3% of the country’s population though in majority in Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya. NBCC said beyond the north east, Christians constitute a significant segment in Kerala and Goa. Since Christians in other parts of India like- Gujarat, Rajasthan,Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh- are insignificant in number, rules on conversion and baptism are made complicated. NBCC said Christians in these states face official intimidation when they attempt to formalise their identity as Christians and those converting are made to seek permission from the government agencies. NBCC said these rules were clearly against the right to

freedom of religion. NBCC termed the recent resolution by state BJP made at its 5th executive meeting in Kohima, to “safeguard the Christian faith”, as the first of its kind for a political party to courageously come out in defence of Christian minorities in India. However, NBCC pointed out that the state unit’s expressed disappointment on the church in defending its own faith stood contrary. Of late, NBCC said rise in suppression of faith and practice not in line with mainline practices in India were on the rise and there was no doubt that the centre was “politically motivated to suppress the minorities. It cited incidents such as making Good Governance Day on Christmas, Digital India on Easter Sunday besides the attempt to have a ‘Uniform Civil Code’ and unleashing of ‘Cow Vigilante’ that has led the religious minorities feel insecure in a democratic and secular country. NBCC said the church has a responsibility towards the well being of its members and therefore obligated to examine and educate members of the plans and policies of any political party which made Christians in particular, feel these policies were

Landslide affects fuel supply to Kohima

KOHIMA, MAY 19 (NPN): Due to massive landslide near Peducha area, supply of fuel has been adversely affected in Kohima though no prior warning was issued to public about fuel pumps going dry. It was a surprise to many motorists in Kohima Friday when most of the fuel pump outlets had shut down since there was no fuel. Police on duty at the landslide area informed Nagaland Post that the situation did not appear to be too bright for restoration of the road due to rainfall. Police said over 200 trucks, mostly Manipur bound trucks were stranded along the highway. “No driver wants to cross the area as the landslide is very bad,” police informed. Excavators have been put in place to clear the road at the earliest. However, if it continues to rain, it would take more time to clear the debris, police sources said. Besides Peducha area, there were reports of landslides in other pockets along the (Cont’d on p-9) highway between Dimapur and Kohima.

This is it!

Nagaland Tribes Council delegation at the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“We’re all praying that after retirement in October, you’ll contest the election.” K Y M C

GST rates for bio-diesel, beedi, footwear, textiles, agricultural implements and gold,” said Rajeev Dimri, Leader Indirect Tax, BMR & Associates in a statement here. Given that consensus is still elusive on the fitment of some items, Taxmann.com Senior Consultant V.S Datey said: “Thus the chances of introducing GST by July 1 appears doubtful.” Rating agency ICRA’s Senior Group Vice President Subrata Ray said the prices of relatively price sensitive small cars may increase marginally post GST, while original equipment manufacturers would pass on the benefit of lower taxes to customers on bigger vehicles and SUVs. “GST rates are likely to be almost neutral for the commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, and would marginally increase for three-wheelers. The automobile sector will also see some benefits by virtue of input tax credit norms,” Ray said. Sachin Menon of international accounting firm KPMG in India said the increase in the GST rate for telecom and financial services will be negative for the sector. “Multiplicity of tax rates for services will add complexity to the compliance in GST regime,” he said. “Levying GST at the demerit rate of 28 per cent for 5 star hotels could be a dampener for the tourism sector especially in cases of business travel,” he added. CRISIL Research felt the benefits of GST on business practices and company strategies will only be seen in the medium term.

Correspondent

(Cont’d on p-9)

NEW DELHI, MAY 19 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) delegation called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Friday at his official residence,

cent,” he said. “The uniform GST will be at 12 per cent, while the entire credit inputs will now be available and, thus the level of taxes will come down below the present level,” he added. “Those paying service tax will not be able to take benefit of input credit as petroleum is not in GST,” he said. IT, telecom and financial services will be taxed at the rate of 18 per cent. While five-star hotel services will be taxed at the highest 28 per cent, restaurants with a turnover of Rs 50 lakh and less would be levied at 5 per cent. “Non-air conditioned restaurants will have 12 per cent, while air-conditioned restaurants will have a service tax of 18 per cent,” Jaitley said. “Those restaurants located inside 5-star hotels will have same service tax as applicable to the 5-star hotels,” he added. He also said that entertainment tax will be merged with the service tax at 28 per cent. Hotels, gambling, race club betting and cinema will all be levied GST at 28 per cent. Jaitley said most of the work for rollout of GST from July 1 have been completed. “Six items still have to be decided and we need more time for discussions,” he added referring to the 6 categories of goods. Reacting to the announcements, industr y said it may increase taxes for some stakeholders, but hoped to get benefits through the input credit system. “Some of the key areas which would be discussed on June 3 would include

A fuel outlet remains shut on Friday in Kohima. (NP)

NTC delegation call on PM Modi

Spl. Correspondent

at the political level in the next round of talks. In the third point, it agreed to respect the points agreed upon during tripartite talks held on March 19, 2017 by both Manipur government and UNC mutually at the time of arriving at an amicable settlement to the issue of creation of new districts.As agreed in the fourth point, it was decided to hold the next round of talks at Senapati within one month time. Friday’s meeting was chaired by Government of India’s representative, MHA joint secretary (NE) Satyentra Garg and attended by an 11-member delegation of the UNC led by its president Gaidon Kamei, while chief secretary O Nabakishore represented the Manipur government. After the talks, Gaidon Kamei told reporters that the talks was mostly concentrated on the Naga bodies objection to the creation of new seven districts. “We stick to our demand to roll back the decision of creation of seven new districts. So, we are trying to bring a logical conclusion,” Kamei said.

SRINAGAR, MAY 19 (IANS): In a move expected to bring prices down from the current levels, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Friday decided on a four-slab tax rate for services along with the novel concept of input credit for goods used. The Council concluded its two-day meeting here with the decision to apply the same four tax rate slabs for services as for goods, but exempted healthcare and educational services from the purview of the GST. However, no consensus could be reached on the rate to apply on gold as well as beedi. The Council will meet again on June 3 in New Delhi for a decision in this regard. Briefing reporters here following the meeting, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that under GST, services will get the benefit of input tax credit for the goods used, effectively making the real incidence of taxation lower than the headline taxation rate. He said that while “luxury services” would attract the highest rate of 28 per cent, health and education services would be exempt categories. Jaitley said there would be a 5 per cent tax on carriage of goods by rail, road and air transport services because their main input is petroleum. Work contracts currently attract central tax at 6 per cent, while state taxes vary between 1-5 per cent, but no input credit is available for these services, the Minister noted. “Most of the inputs for work contracts... cement, steel are taxed at 28 per

7, Lok Kalyan Marg. According to sources the delegation apprised Prime Minister Modi about the current situation in the state. Sources said that the delegation also apprised

Modi about the urgent need for solution to the vexed Naga issue at the earliest. The NTC delegation had also submitted a representation to the PM. The meeting was also attended by NSA, Ajit Doval.

Gov condoles Dave’s demise D I M A P U R , M AY 1 9 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, has expressed shock and sadness at the sudden demise of Union Environment Minister, Anil Madhav Dave, on May 18, 2017 in New Delhi. In a condolence message, the governor described Anil Madhav Dave as a devoted public servant and was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment. His contributions to the cause of environmental protection would always be remembered, Acharya stated and conveyed his deepest sympathy and prayers to the bereaved family and all near and dear ones at this time of sorrow. K Y M C


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