Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVI No. 337
DIMAPUR, sunday, november 13, 2016
A trip to Nallong village
Vineeth’s brace scripts win for Kerala
Kamala Harris has potential to be first woman US Prez: Report
Sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Sunday Post Supplement
Demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ grows MHA jt. secy addresses public meetings at Mon & Tunesang
(3rd from right) Satyendra Garg with the cultural troupe in Mon along with other officials. (NP)
Pages 12 ` 4.00
said he was surprised to see the Tizit-Mon road condition. He said “travelling from Tizit to Mon is revealing about the basic infrastructure deficiency of the Eastern Nagaland” and expressed pain and sympathy with the people of the area. Garg said he was informed that the said road was handed over to the Centre since April 2016. In this regard, Garg assured that he would talk with the concerned authorities at the Centre for the improvement of the road from Tizit to Longwa. He said ENPO has dynamic and persistent leaders, adding that due to which he was compelled to continuously meet them in the past year and make this visit to get the first-hand knowledge on the situation of the ENPO area. Garg said he has seen, heard and understood the aspiration of the people of ENPO that the area has lesser resource and people of the area, scattered by border demarcation, have the feeling of being discriminated. He assured that the centre was aware of the problem and would do whatever was possible to resolve and en-
sure that the people get their rightful due. “Everybody has the right to develop to the best of his/her capacity”, he added. Speaking on behalf of Konyak and Phom community, various speakers highlighted the historical background of the merger of present ENPO Area with the Union of the Republic of India. They reminded that the people of the area had joined the Indian Union in good faith and with the hope that the Area will be developed. However, they lamented that even after more than 50 years of merger, the area was lagging behind in every aspect. The speakers accused the state government of giving step motherly treatment to the people of the area. Despite having representatives in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, some of the speakers alleged that those representatives were helpless and were like handicapped as there were no ENPO bureaucrats to guide them. They went on to allege that some bureaucrats even mislead the representatives of ENPO area. One of the speakers, a
93-year-old man, Meiwang Konyak (retired DB), who is one of the oldest men in the district, became emotional when he expressed his desire to see the achievement of Frontier Nagaland before he die. Also, speaking at the rally, ENPO advisor, Toshi Wangtun, said “while the sun has risen to mid-noon, to see the light of freedom, liberty and development” for the rest of the countrymen, in Eastern Nagaland the people were yet to see the freedom and development; freedom from oppression, suppression and denial. “We are yet to see freedom from poverty, political oppression thread and insecurity,” he added. Wangtun said having no hope and no future at this pace, the ENPO, with all seriousness and sincerity, had therefore taken this extreme step of demanding separate statehood. Some of the speakers also warned that the people would continue to fight and demand for separate statehood and could even create “constitutional crisis” until the demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ was met.
Territorial integration a legitimate aspiration: Ravi Tinakali Sümi
NEW DELHI, NOV 12 (NPN): Government of India’s Interlocutor to the Naga Talks, R. N. Ravi, said that Nagas’ demand for territorial integration was a “legitimate aspiration” which was not opposed by the government of India but which should be pursued through a “democratic process”. Ravi said this at an interview to Nagaland Post when asked whether the Government of India and NSCN (I-M) have come to a certain understanding with regard to the latter’s demand for territorial integration. The Interlocutor reiterated that the demand was “legitimate because this aspiration has been articulated since long and not since the cease-fire.” Ravi however said the “unfortunate reality of today” was that there was no “sincere conversation” between the Nagas and their neighbours. He said there was a “huge trust deficit” between the neighbours because of “mutual misunderstanding”. Ravi said the problem could be overcome only through a process of (Cont’d on p-7) honest conversation in the
essence of a democratic process. Elaborating on “democratic process”, he said it was a universal principle of conflict resolution through dialogue instead of violence. In a dialogue, he said, each side tried to understand the other’s perspective and made efforts to reach a common understanding. Without a process of dialogue each side remains trapped in its own position and prejudices, Ravi added. Asked when was it likely for the two parties to arrive at an early agreement, Ravi said the “Framework Agreement” was the agreement on the fundamental principles of togetherness. He said the next step would be the final agreement within the Framework, saying “final Agreement is a matter of elaborate details and we are moving fast to work that out.” Asserting that one could choose one’s friend but not neighbours, Ravi said in the interest of enduring peace and happiness it was important that “ a solution to Naga issues which has impact on the neighbours should be duely sensitive to be neighbours perspective as well.”
MON/TUENSANG, NOV 12 (NPN): Continuing with the demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) on Saturday organised a mass public rally in Mon and Tuensang. In Mon, people from all walks of life, young and old, from towns and villages and even from Myanmar gathered at Local Ground,
Mon town, holding banners and placards, some of which read “We are excluded in all front”, “Too little too late ‘except frontier Nagaland’”, “give us what is due to us”, “we are not demanding what is not ours, we are demanding what is right to us” etc. Addressing the mammoth gathering, Ministry of Home joint secretary (in charge of North East), Satyendra Garg, who was here on the invitation of ENPO,
Dmu youth attacks woman to loot ornaments in Jaipur
Transport services may come to grinding halt Re-calibration of ATMs will be completed within 2 weeks: FM
Correspondents
VA R A NA S I , N OV 1 2 (AGENCIES): Government Railway Police (GRP) Mughalsarai on Saturday succeeded in nabbing a Dimapur based youth identified as Rahul Jain, who had stabbed an elderly woman in Jaipur (Rajsthan) to loot gold ornament of over Rs 8 lakhs on November 9, reports TNN. According to inspector GRP Mughalsarai Tripurari Pandey, after being tipped off the GRP personnel carried out a massive checking drive on platforms of Mughalsarai railway station after Friday midnight. GRP personnel caught a youth at platform 3. When police checked his luggage gold ornaments were recovered in huge quantity. During initial interrogation he confessed that he had gone to Jaipur for sightseeing. During his stay in Jaipur he became friend of a local youth Ishu, the son of a medical practitioner Sunil Jain. On November 9 Ishu took Rahul to his residence. While staying there Rahul noticed gold ornaments of Ishu’s grandmother Shanti Devi. When Ishu went somewhere Rahul stabbed Shanti and fled away after looting her ornaments. Later, Rahul had boarded a train to reach Nagaland and was caught in UP.
This is it!
“This is all the cash I could withdraw. How are we to shop with only Rs.10,000.?” K Y M C
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, NOV 12 (NPN): The withdrawal of currency notes of the denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 has adversely affected the massive trucking industry, forcing almost all truckers across the country, under the banner of All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), to stay off the roads. While not denying that the demonetization was to fight against black money, AIMTC however said the road transport fraternity of India is facing the worst crisis. AIMTC said that the limit of Rs.10000 withdrawal per day and maximum Rs. 20,000 per week is minuscule and has paralyzed the transport business, which would in turn affect every individual of this country. The supply of essential commodities like milk, veg-
etables, fruits, medicines and food items would be affected with immediate effect. “With acute liquidity and financial crunch, the transportation services (both cargo and passenger segment) in the country are poised to come to a standstill,” AIMTC cautioned. AIMTC had stated that the union established since 1936, had been representing the interest of over 90 lakh truckers and around 50 lakh buses, cabs and tourist taxis. However, the union said 70% of all the expenses a trucker incurs when cargo is being transported from one city to another are paid in cash like-fuel, toll, food for the drivers and helpers and overhead expenses like repairs etc. The union further pointed out that almost all the transactions for toll, fuel and the like were done with Rs 500 or Rs 1000 notes. But with the sudden blanket ban, AIMTC said over 20 crore
people directly and indirectly associated with the transport sector has been affected. One of the member said, far-flung places like the North Eastern states would be the most affected as most transporters that ferry essential commodities would not like to take the risk. According to report, Malkit Singh Bal of the AIMTC said since early Wednesday morning, almost 90 per cent of cargo being transported nationwide had ground to a halt. “This includes goods for time-bound shipments for export from ports, perishable goods, import containers ports and essential items. It is an unprecedented situation,” he said. Singh said that even the order to allow only Rs 10,000 as maximum withdrawal from banks every day is going to hit the industry. “The much-touted e-toll system has also failed,” he said.
NEW DELHI, NOV 12 (IANS): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that it will take two-three weeks to recalibrate the ATMs across the country for the new notes. “It will be a slow process. Such a big cash replacement cannot happen in a mechanical way overnight,” he said. Jaitley was addressing the media after an emergency meet with bank heads in New Delhi. At the meeting, he said around Rs. 2 lakh crore has been deposited till 12.15 pm on Saturday in banks across the country, following the demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes. “The largest banker in the country State Bank of India (SBI) saw deposits of Rs. 47,868 crore till Saturday afternoon,” Jaitley said while briefing the media here. Giving an indication of the process being long-drawn before things return to normal, he said: “It is a massive operation which has just started. How big will it become, it can be estimated only on basis of these illustrative figures.” He said that Rs. 14 lakh crore is in circulation in the economy in high denomination notes, though it remains to be seen how much of it comes back into the banking system. The Finance Min-
ister said that it was to maintain secrecy that the two lakh ATM machines of the country were not recalibrated in advance. Jaitley also said that despite allegations by opposition parties that there was a spike in bank deposits prior to the demonetisation announcement, no such spike has been seen in any month, except September 2016. “That month the increase was because of money released on account of the Seventh Pay Commission payments,” he said, adding that therefore there was no substance in the allegations that information about demonetisation was leaked. He reassured people that there is sufficient time till December 30 for people to deposit the demonetised notes. “We are constantly monitoring the cash crunch prevailing. Finance Ministry is constantly in contact with the RBI over the issue. In the short run there may be some disruptions, but in the long run it is good for the economy,” he said. Jaitley said that there will be no exemptions to any section of the society on the basis of pleas like large traders and wholesalers need huge amounts of cash for transactions.
Acharya extends Ahuna greetings D I M A P U R , N OV 1 2 (NPN): Nagaland governor, PB Acharya, has extended greetings to the Sumi community on the occasion of Ahuna Festival 2016, a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis. In a message, Acharya called for thanking Almighty God for His unceasing love and blessings for the abundant harvest. “Today we express our gratitude to our ‘Kisans’ and pray for their welfare,” Acharya said. Pointing out that India was an agricultural country, the governor urged all to come together and be nodal agents to reach the Kisans and involve them in various central and state welfare project/schemes for the welfare of farmers. As the Ahuna is celebrated with an array of cultural activities in songs, dances, traditional sports and feasting, Acharya called upon all to rededicate themselves to make the atmosphere in their towns and villages conducive for an all round development. Acharya prayed that the festival bring peace, unity and communal harmony to all people.
Gov’s greetings on Guru Nanak Jayanti D I M A P U R , N OV 1 2 (NPN): On the occasion of 548th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, on November 14, Governor, PB Acharya, has extended greetings to the Sikh Community living in Nagaland and across the World. Acharya said Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab was one of the most revered day observed by the Sikh community to glorify the doctrine of Sikhism. “The historic day is celebrated across the world by Sikhs with great fervor and collective spirit and effort, asserting the message of morality, hard work and truth inherent in the preaching of Guru Nanak,” he said. On the occasion, Acharya appealed to the Sikh community to imbibe inspiration from Guru Nanak’s preaching and also to pass on the legacy to the new generation. He further appealed to the Sikh Community to take part in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign as a part of this celebration.
Now, flying may cost more from December 1 PM warns of further action against black money NEW DELHI, NOV 12 (AGENCIES): Starting December 1, air-travel is set to become slightly more expensive. With the government finally announcing its decision to levy an amount ranging from Rs 7,500 to Rs 8,500 on each domestic flight departure on major routes to fund its Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), airlines are expected to pass on the levy to passengers. According to civil aviation ministry officials, the levy on airlines operating on major routes, if passed on to passengers, will result in an increase of about Rs 60 to Rs 70 per ticket. Other estimates put the additional burden on each passenger at Rs 100. The price of tickets will go up depending on the number of seats in that particular flight. Many airlines are reportedly unhappy with the government’s move and had earlier opposed the proposal for the levy. But the government went ahead to realise
the Regional Cennectivity Scheme that seeks to make flying more affordable for the masses flying to smaller towns and rural areas, thereby stimulating demand in the aviation sector nation-wide. The RCS was re-christened last month and is now popularly known as UDAN — Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (May the common citizen fly). The government has created a Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) to which the levy will be credited. “The amount collected as RCF will be used to provide financial support to airlines (operating on the RCS routes) in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for operations under the scheme,” the Civil aviation ministry said on Friday. The government estimates that with the levy it will have Rs 400 crore per annum for RCF. “On top of that, another 20 per cent (funding) will come from state governments. We are roughly looking at around Rs 500
crore per year available in the kitty,” Civil aviation secretary R.N. Choubey said. The RCS is to be financed by both the Centre and the states. About 80 per cent of the cost will be borne by the Centre and the rest 20 per cent by the respective states except in the North Eastern states where the Centre will contribute 90 per cent and the NE states the remaining 10 per cent. The 80 per cent contribution by the Centre (or 90 per cent in the Northeast) will essentially be the money collected as levy. Till now, 19 states have either signed or given their consent for the UDAN scheme. Choubey, explaining the details of the levy, said, “The levy for up to 1,000 kilometre length of scheduled flight will be Rs 7,500 per flight, Rs 8,000 for a 1,000-1,500 kilometre flight and Rs 8,500 for flights above 1,500 kilometre.” It will be applicable only on scheduled domestic flights
operating on major routes and excludes regional flights, he said. He was speaking at a stakeholders’ conference and pre-bid meeting on implementation of the UDAN, whose final contours were unveiled last month. He said that even if the levy burden is passed on to customers, the air fares will not go up significantly. The Modi government had last month unveiled the finalised version of its ambitious RCS or UDAN — wherein air-fares have been capped at Rs 2,500 for a onehour flight (476 to 525 km) and a maximum of Rs 3,500 for a distance of 800 km and beyond for 50 per cent of seats on flights from an “unserved” or “underserved” airport to another or to a major airport. The distances covered under the scheme range from 151 km to 800 km and above and the fare caps vary accordingly.
KOBE, NOV 12 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned of further action against those with black money once the December 30 deadline expires for disclosing demonetised notes, saying they will have to “pay for” unaccounted cash. At the same time, he said honest people have nothing to fear from the government. He also made a veiled attack on the Opposition, saying a section of the people was “egging” others to speak against him on the scheme. “I want to tell the people again and again that the government will do everything to protect the honest. But the dishonest beware, I will make you pay for it,” he said addressing the Indian community here at a reception before winding up his three-day visit to Japan. In a speech laced with barbs and humour, Modi said opportunities were given to those with black money to come clean. “It is not as though opportunity was not given. Then also if you feel that it will be business as usual, I cannot be faulted. “After December 30 scheme (the last date for depositing demonetised notes) if you feel that there will be no action, there is no guarantee that something new will not be introduced to pun-
ish you (thikane lagane ke liye),” Modi said. Referring to his November 8 announcement cancelling the legal tender status of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Modi said the government had not done it all of a sudden. The government, he said, had earlier brought out schemes for declaration of black money, the first of which fetched Rs 67,000 crores. “Even then people said Modi has failed. In the last two years a sum of Rs 1.25 lakh crores has been unearthed,” he said. Modi said what the government has done was not to harass anybody. “Difficulties have been there. I have given 50 days time for people to go and deposit their honest money. But I make it clear, that if anything unaccounted comes up, then I will dig the records since Independence. “I will deploy as many people as required for this. Honest people will not face any problem. No one will be spared. Those who know me, they are intelligent as well... They think it is better to offer it to the Ganges than put it in banks... people would refuse to put even 25 paise into the Ganges,” Modi said. He was referring to reports of the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes dumped into the river. K Y M C