Oppn-less Govt: focus on Naga pol solution and ENPO demand

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 12 (NPN):

Close on the heels of the swearing-in of the 12-member PDA 2.0 alliance led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio which was followed by the appointment of 24 elected members from both NDPP and BJP, barring one NDPP member- there are speculations of the ‘expected’ formation of the third oppositionless government is gaining ground.

Nagaland Post on its March 4 issue reported on opinions of several nonNDPP and non-BJP parties that the recently elected members who will be take oath as members of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, were expecting to be part of the formation of the third opposition-less government.

The pre-poll alliance of

NDPP with 25 and BJP with 12 elected members are in absolute majority with 37 in a house of 60. NDPP increased its tally from 18 in 2018 to 25 in 2023 while the BJP won the same number of 12 seats both in 2018 and 2023. While NDPP functionaries remained tight lipped

Heroin worth Rs 30 cr seized along Nagaland border

Correspondent about an opposition-less government, BJP appeared less enthusiastic especially with regard to NCP as the latter is not part of NDA. The NPP is part of BJP-led NEDA headed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The LJP and RPI are also part of NDA at the Centre. The JD(U) which won one seat in Nagaland was dissolved when party unit expressed support to Rio without obtaining approval of the national leaders.

Even if not an ideal situation the opposition-less government has been justified on the basis of getting all MLAs and society including Naga stakeholders on board especially since solution including ENPO issue is likely to dominate the political landscape in the next coming months. Leaders of parties which have expressed support

Assembly poll results in 3 NE states set the tone for 2024

AGARTALA, MAR 12

to the Rio-led coalition government include: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by founder-president Sharad Pawar with 7 members; National People’s Party led by its national president and Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangama with 5 members; JD (U) with one member, NPF, Lok Jan Shakti (Ram Vilas), Republican Party of India (Ramdas Athwale) with 2 members each and 4 Independents, have expressed support to the coalition government. Even though the nonPDA parties have 23 elected members, they have shown no inclination to form a postpoll opposition alliance. This is because most of the elected members of several parties are considered close associates of either chief minister Neiphiu Rio or ticket aspirants of BJP.

Centre opposes same sex marriage at Supreme Court

NEW DELHI, MAR 12 (AGENCIES): Ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on the legalisation of same sex marriages, the move had received vehement opposition from the Centre. The government said that such a move would not be ‘comparable with the Indian family unit’. Centre opined that same-sex relationships and heterosexual relationships are clearly distinct classes which cannot be treated identically.

In its affidavit, filed before the court, scheduled to hear the matter on Monday, Centre said living together as partners and having sexual relationship by same sex individuals (which is decriminal-

With H3N2 as predominant sub-type, combination of viruses causing infections

NEW DELHI, MAR 12 ised now) is not comparable with the Indian family unit concept, urging the court to reject challenges to the current legal framework lodged by LGBTQ+ couples.

(IANS): A total of 3,038 lab-confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza including H3N2 have been reported till March 9 by states, as per the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP. This includes 1,245 cases in January; 1,307 in February and 486 cases till March 9.

A real-time surveillance of cases of Influenza like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) presenting in OPDs and IPDs of health facilities is undertaken by Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“Amongst Hindus, it is a sacrament, a holy union for performance of reciprocal duties between a man and a woman. In Muslims, it is a contract but again is envisaged only between a biological man and a biological woman. It will, therefore, not be permissible to pray for a writ of this court to change the entire legislative policy of the country deeply embedded in religious and societal norms,” Centre said. The affidavit came as a counter to demands raised by several petitioners seeking legal recognition of same sex marriages. The government asserted that the petition was “wholly unsustainable, untenable and misplaced”.

“It must be kept in mind that granting recognition and conferring rights recognising human relations which has its consequences in law, and privileges, is in essence a legislative function and can never be the subject matter of judicial adjudication,” it said.

Centre said that marriage was recognised “statutorily, religiously and socially” as a union between a man and a woman. It added that the heterogeneous institution of marriage was also accepted by the Indian society based upon its own cultural and societal values which are recognized by the competent legislature. “There is an intelligible differentia (normative basis) which distinguishes those within the classification (heterosexual couples) from those left out (same-sex couples).

This classification has a rational relation with the object sought to be achieved (ensuring social stability via recognition of marriages),” it said. Centre said that despite the decriminalization of Sec 377 of the IPC, the petitioners “cannot claim a fundamental right for same-sex marriage to be recognised under the laws of the country”.

ENNG chief along with 14 others surrender

government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to bring all misguided persons, who have taken up arms against the establishment for one or other reason, back to the mainstream and provide them with a normal and better life.

ITANAGAR, MAR 12

(IANS): A total of 15 militants belonging to Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) led by its president Tosha Mossang surrendered to the Arunachal Pradesh government and deposited a huge cache of arms and ammunition at a function on Sunday.

The militants, active in the state’s three eastern districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding, laid down their arms at a ‘Homecoming Ceremony’ at the state police headquarters in presence of chief minister Pema Khandu.

Addressing the function, Khandu said that the Central

DIPHU, MAR 12: In its continued fight against trafficking of drugs and other narcotics, Karbi Anglong Police on Sunday seized 5 kg heroin worth Rs 30 crore from a vehicle in Khatkhati area. The vehicle was enroute Nagaon from Dimapur. Police claimed that the consignment was concealed and packed in 390 soap cases.

“The consignment was concealed by making a secret chamber in upper part of the vehicle’s body. The secret chamber was welded properly to hide the consignment,” SDPO Bokajan John Das told the media.

Based on specific input, the police set up a naka along the highway near SBI Khatkhati branch and intercepted the white Bolero (AS 09 J 4746) that was coming from Dimapur around 10 a.m. Police arrested the driver Mohammad Fujel Ahmed (41), resident of Islam Nagar, Hojai district Assam. Upon interrogation, the police claimed that Fujel confessed that the consignment from Dimapur was supposed to be dropped in a particular place near the Nagaon bypass.

(IANS): The recent assembly elections in the three northeastern states - Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland - has set the tone for next year’s parliamentary elections with as the BJP has consolidated its position and the Congress trying to revive.

Ahead of the assembly polls in three northeastern states, there was no Congress legislator in Meghalaya and Nagaland and was a lone MLA in Tripura.

In the assembly polls, Congress secured five seats in Meghalaya against 21 in 2018 and three in Tripura while the party, like in 2018 assembly polls, could not open its account in Nagaland. The three states have 60 seats each in the assemblies. The Congress drew blank in 2018 polls in Tripura.

Though BJP and its allies came to power in three states, their vote and seat share remained the same or less in the polls compared to the 2018 polls.

The saffron party in Nagaland and Meghalaya secured 12 and two seats both in 2018 and 2023 polls respectively. In Tripura, the party this time bagged 32 seats, four seats less than the 2018 assembly polls. Of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the eight North Eastern states, the BJP has 14 seats and the Congress has four. While the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF in Assam), Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP in Nagaland), Mizo National Front (MNF in Mizoram), National People’s Party (NPP in Meghalaya), Naga People’s Front (NPF in Manipur), Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM in Sikkim) and Independent (in Assam) have one seat each.

The ruling BJP is the dominant party in the alliance government in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura while the saffron party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners -- Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mizo

National Front (MNF) and National People’s Party (NPP) lead governments in Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya respectively.

Since 1952, the northeastern states had been a stronghold of the Congress but over the years the party lost its organisational base leading to the emergence of the BJP and several regional parties.

Eying 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, the Congress like previous efforts, has started to form a ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance) with the likeminded parties.

The Congress on Thursday in Guwahati held a meeting of 10 opposition parties excluding Lok Sabha member and leading Muslim leader Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Aam Aadmi Party and Trinamool Congress.

“Violence is no solution to any problem. Peace, dialogue and commitment are the solution to every problem,” he said.

Welcoming the “misguided” militants, he said that with their joining the mainstream would inspire those still underground to shun the path of violence and terror.

Silsako Beel eviction: Assam govt to acquire land allotted to 17 institutions

GUWAHATI, MAR 12

(PTI): The Assam government will acquire 179 bighas (59 acres) of land allotted to 17 institutions that will be evicted from Silsako Beel (lake) in Guwahati, an official order stated.

The institutions to be evicted include Tata Group’s Ginger hotel, apex literary body Asam Sahitya Sabha and residential units of the state assembly and Doordarshan Kendra. The state government faced flak from the public and opposition during a recent eviction drive at the lake.

After the acquisition process is over, the buildings will be demolished like many structures were brought down for several days since February 27 by the Kamrup Metropolitan District authorities.

Some other institutions whose legally allotted land will be acquired are Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development-- an autonomous research institute of ICSSR and Government of Assam, and the Chilarai Bhawan of All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani.

Land parcels given to All Assam Tennis Association for a tennis complex, Asam Sahitya Sabha, National Institute of TV and Theatre, one vet- erinary hospital, and Assam Assembly and Doordarshan Kendra for building residential quarters for their staffers will also be cleared. The list of 17 institutions also contains several schools, one college and land allotted to Asom Saah Shramik Kalyan Parishad.

During the recent eviction drive in the heart of the capital city, scores of houses, offices and shops were pulled down. Most of the people affected in this drive are from indigenous communities such as Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Ahom and Bishnupriya Manipuri among others.

Curriculum activities organised for students individual but that he was a philosophy and a culture. Imbibing the spirit of unity and non-violence, he urged the youth to rise against social injustice and denial of rights.

Chenio Lotha briefed the students on securities market and financial management, and stressed on opting for careers in the financial sector.

SC: The Photography Club of Sazolie College undertook a trip to Dzuleke on March 7, under the theme, “Celebrating timeless pieces in fashion”.

Dr. Sentinaro Ao and members of GNHSI. Officials of KVIC and students. Photography Club of Sazolie College at Dzuleke.

DIMAPUR: Educational institutions, government agencies and others have been organising various activities for the students and staff, across the state, as part of the yearly curriculum or extracurricular activity.

The programme was chaired by Meshiang Konyak (B.A.6th semester) and welcome address was delivered by HoD, department of history, Meripeni Ngully. Around 200 students, eight faculty members and one guest participant from IIT, Guwahati participated in the walkathon which started from Riverbelt Junction and culminated in DGC.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Aotoshi spoke on the importance of Dandi March. He reminded that the historic event Dandi March that took place on March 12, 1930 with 78 followers.

He said that when many have started dismissing Gandhi, it was heartening to see youth of the academia coming together to awaken the spirit of Gandhi.

Dr Aotoshi stated that Gandhi was just not an

FGN to observe ‘68th Nagaland Republic Day’

DIMAPUR: Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) Ministry of Rali Wali has informed that the Naga National Council (NNC) and the FGN would observe the “68th Nagaland Republic Day” on March 22, 10 a.m. at Transit Peace Camp (TCP) Kohima. All have been invited to participate in the function.

AR conduct ‘Op Sadbhavana’

DIMAPUR: Ghaspani Battalion and Shamator Battalion of Assam Rifles of HQ IGAR (North) under Op Sadbhavana provided materials to Ghokito village in Niuland district and Chilliso Village Council, Chilliso village, Noklak district. Meanwhile, the villagers extended gratitude to the Assam Rifles for providing materials to their villages.

KCK: Kohima College Kohima (KCK) Kohima College Students’ Council (KCSC) & Cultural Cell, KCK organised its 54th “cultural cum literary day” under the theme, “cultural integrity” on March 11 at KCK courtyard with assistant professor of department of English KCK, Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu as speaker.

Speaking on the theme, Keditsu emphasised the need to research, re - vive, reject and reinterpret (4Rs) the Naga traditional culture. She stated that equating everything from the past as regressive and modernity with progressive values was harmful and harming.

Dr. Keditsu underscored the importance of taking the best of tradition and modernity and creating more inclusive practices, which embodies ethical, moral values and enrich lives.

She said understanding and respecting one’s own culture was the beginning of understanding and respecting other cultures, and appealed to use such opportunities as this programme to foster and value each other’s culture. Dr. Keditsu this would bridge the differences and create empathy.

During the programme, KCK vice principal, Keneilesa Neikha delivered the welcome address; Girls Welfare secretary, Meribeni delivered a short speech in commemoration of International Women’s Day; Gwanyele

Kent said the invocation prayer and social & cultural secretary KCSC, Iteibuibo delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Sameer Khati.

Cultural presentations included a cultural dance by the Zeliangrong Troops, a flute performance by Sogwalo Seb, indigenous song by the Chakesang students of KCK, a folk fusion song by Arola and Akhrienuo and an ethnic fashion show I/c Thejavizo Venuh.

GNHSI: Grace Nursing & Health Sciences Institute (GNHSI) Padum Pukhuri Village Dimapur celebrated its first lamp lighting and oath taking ceremony for first year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) students on March 9.

During the programme, chief guest, deputy director cum registrar Nagaland Nursing Council (NNC), Dr. Sentinaro Ao inspired and motivated the nursing students by encouraging them to be a source of light and hope for others and a candle for those who

Ever In Gratitude

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” II Tim. 4:7.

Words are barely enough to express our gratefulness to all those who stood by us and shared our sorrows through prayers, physical presence and financial assistance throughout the illness and at the demise of our beloved Late Vilhoubeilie Yashü.

We may never be able to repay you for your kind gestures shown to us, so, it is our humble prayer that the Lord Almighty showers His countless blessings for your good deeds done to us.

We deeply regret our inability to express our thankfulness to each and everyone by person but we would like to convey our special thanks to;

1. Pastor Khrieneiu Metha and members of Peniel CRC Kohima.

2. Rev. Vilazhu Lhoungu, Pastor CRC Dihoma.

3. Mr. Diethometuo Asst. Pastor CRC Dihoma.

4. Mr. Avolie Kezo & family.

VILHOUBEILIE YASHÜ

Died on 6th March 2023

5. Peniel CRC, Women Dept. & Messianic Praise Band, Kohima.

6. Grace Fellowship kohima

7. Staffs of GMS midland Kohima.

8. Neighbours and loved ones from Ziekezou colony Kohima.

9. In-laws and loved ones from Kikruma, K. Basa, Chetheba and Rüsoma.

10. K. Basa Union Chetheba & Kohima.

11. Baptist Church Chetheba Town

12. CRC Dihoma.

13. Dihoma Pensioners Association.

14. Well Wishers.

K-513/23

OBITUARY

Through this column, the family members of Late LIPOK JAMIR (Khensa) would like to share our heartfelt gratitude to all friends, colleagues, kins, churches, doctors, nurses and acquaintances who have supported us physically, financially, morally and in prayers during the time of his sickness till his final breath on the 9th March 2023. May our good Lord continually bless you all. We remain indebted.

MKC-92/23

From; Loving Wife, Son, Daughters, In-laws & Relatives

5th DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Lt. M. Chenlom Phom 01.01.1932 – 13.03.2018 are in the dark.