Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Terror emanating from Pak serious concern for India: HM
Vol XXVI No. 318
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Multiple rate GST will be disastrous: Chidambaram
DIMAPUR tuesday, october 25, 2016
Manipur CM escapes life attempt
state capital on a two-day visit, condemned the attack. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president TN Haokip while condemning the incident said it was unfortunate that government’s developmental initiatives were being sabotaged.
Correspondent
IMPHAL, OCT 24: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Monday escaped unhurt when suspected militants opened gunfire moments after the entourage took off by helicopter at the Ukhrul helipad. Manipur’s deputy chief minister and in-charge of Home, Gaikhangam informed this to media persons at a press conference held in Imphal Monday evening. Amidst boycott and total shutdown in Ukhrul and surrounding areas under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Long-- apex body of the Tangkhul community, Ibobi and his entourage landed at the helipad at around 9.30 a.m. The CM had several programmes lined up at Hunphung village and at Chingai village in Ukhrul district. Ibobi was to travel to Hunphung to inaugurate the 100 bedded Ukhrul district hospital besides a power sub-station, sources said. However, due to stiff protest the CM and his entourage was unable to move out of the helipad. Civil Society organisations put-up a road blockade along the three km route to Hunphung from the helipad, the sources said. Though there was enough security personnel, Gaikhangam said security forces were directed not to retaliate, to avoid large scale casualty of innocent civilians in the arera. A jawan of the 6th
NSSATA phase-II stir from Nov 1
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Nagaland SSA Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) has directed its 2600 members of 2010 & 2013 batches to prepare for phase-II protest, which is set to begin on November 1, 2016. As part of its phase-I agitation, NSSATA has been boycotting classes from October 17, 2016 till date demanding fulfilment of its four-point charter of demands. According to the association, despite two rounds of negotiations with the state government there has been no outcome yet. Therefore, the NSSATA has directed all its 2600 members to be stationed in Kohima by October 31, 2016, in order to express resentment towards the government’s lackadaisical approach towards regular payment of salary. It warned that stern action would be initiated against those teachers who failed to turn up for agitation. Meanwhile, NSSATA stated that number of schools across the state have been paralyzed completely due to boycotting of class called by SSA and Hindi teachers.
Corrigendum
A p r o p o s n ew s i t e m “ENCSU temporarily suspends stir”, published in this daily on October 24, the Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) has stated that it would temporarily suspend its ongoing third phase of agitation on October 25 and not as rendered.
This is it!
“For UP election, people only speak about caste and religion. That leaves us without any segment.” K Y M C
NPCC condemns
Police personnel take stock of the situation as protestors torch a vehicle in Ukhrul district.
Manipur Rifles was injured in the firing. Protestors also torched two vehicles, a Gypsy and one Tata Sumo, belonging to the state police, parked near the helipad to escort the chief minister. Both the vehicles were completely damaged, even as the fire-tenders rushed to douse the fire. Ibobi had no option but to cancel all the programmes and flew back to the state capital where he called an emergency cabinet meeting, the source said. Earlier, a jawan of the Indian Reserve Battalion sustained splinter injuries in a bomb attack by suspected militants on the newly constructed hospital in the wee hours today before its scheduled inauguration, police said. Two blasts occurred at
the hospital, either from a lethod gun or rocket launcher, the official said. At remote Chingai village, Singh was scheduled to inaugurate a power sub-station, a BDO office and a bank building. Though no insurgent groups have claimed responsibility for the attack, Manipur’s deputy chief minister and incharge of Home, Gaikhangam vehemently condemned the incident and pointed fingers at NSCN (I-M) for carrying out the attack. Despite strong protest, not to let the CM’s entourage enter Ukhrul, Gaikhangam told mediapersons that the entourage got the clearance from the GOC 57 Mountain division. “It is an attack to the state, the nation and its people not to the chief minister and his
entourage,” Gaikhangam said. “State government takes the incident seriously and will take the matter to the government of India,” he said, while reminding that the NSCN (I-M) was engaged in peace talk with the Centre. “It has been now very clear that some forces are behind the screen to stall government’s efforts to bring balance development in hills and valley,” he said. “It is the sabotage of development and welfare initiative of the government. Let the people judge whether they will go with the non-democratic forces hindering development in hills,” he added. Meanwhile, Union minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER,) Dr Jitendra Singh, who is in the
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has condemned the alleged bid made on the life of Manipur chief minister, O Ibobi Singh, on October 24, 2016, who was being also accompanied by the deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam Gangmei. In a press release, NPCC president, K Therie, said the Congress believes that whatever differences may be there could be solved through dialogue, adding that taking a life would only multiply the problems and would not solve any issue. “Surely, no one can rest in peace by taking another’s life,” Therie said. NPCC president maintained that the Ceasefire should be complete and not partial. “When we don’t have Ceasefire with our own people, there is no meaning in having Ceasefire,” he said, adding every citizen should abide by total Ceasefire. Meanwhile, NPCC has thanked the Almighty God for providentially saving both O. Ibobi Singh and Gaikhangam Gangmei from the unseen perils.
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Pages 12 ` 4.00
degree case: NH wants NLA to review Rio’s HC stays sessions Municipal Act, not cabinet court order Emilo K. Konyak
KOHIMA, Oct 24 (NPN): Reiterating its demand, Naga Hoho said the state government should take up the Municipal Act in the state legislative assembly and review certain clauses but not through a cabinet decision, since the resolution of 2012 was passed unanimously by the house. Talking to Nagaland Post over phone, Naga Hoho (NH) president P. Chuba Ozukum admitted that even though he had not read the September 22, 2012 state assembly resolution on exemption of 33% women reservation in civic body polls, the issue should be taken up by the house, even if it is a special session of one hour. Ozukum also renewed the appeal for review of the Act since the report of the house committee in 2012 had found that the 2006 amended Act infringes upon Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. Ozukum reminded that the Naga Hoho had pointed out certain clauses in the Municipal Act besides the 33% women reservation, which should be reviewed before holding any civic body polls. He also mentioned that NH held a meeting with the chief minister and that the government sensed it had no scope of winning the case in the Supreme Court. As various organisations are divided
over the issue, Ozukum said: “I feel government should not go ahead with the polls”. Ozukum said the Naga Hoho held the view that the state government should seriously address any section of clause in any acts that may infringe upon Article 371 (A). Further he said it was a fact that some women (NMA/ JACWR) went to court to claim their rights as per the provisions of the Indian law. However, he said Nagas also have a special law and for which such protective rights should not be undermined by courts. He said the NH’s approach was for nomination of women with voting rights and not by election if the issue of women reservation was unacceptable to Nagas in general. However he said there had to be ways and means to resolve the issue through understanding adding “that is our only approach”. The Naga Hoho president also opined that even without the judgment of the Supreme Court, the issue can be resolved despite the chief minister having attempted to do so on numerous occasions. Ozukum added that the only way was that all stakeholders and people from all sections of Naga society, should be taken into confidence before taking any final decision and resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all.
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench has stayed the order of District and Sessions judge, Kohima dated September 23, 2016, wherein two complaint cases were transferred to the JMFC, Kohima from CJM, Kohima. Both cases pertained to MP Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio, for reportedly filing false affidavit in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. In a press note, S. Shingyu and Hanghu Konyak said they lodged FIR against Rio and basing on the FIR, a case GR No.33/16 was initiated against Rio and Zetso Sakhrie, former vice principal, Kohima College, who had issued graduation certificate of Rio. They said JFMC court, Ko h i m a b y o r d e r d a t e d 07.10.16, clubbed together the FIR (GR case No 33/16) with the complaint case No. 1/2016 as both matters pertained against Rio filing false statements in his affidavit during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. FIR (GR 33/16) was heard on 21.10.16 on the discharge petition filed by Zetso Sakhrie praying before the Court of JMFC, Kohima to discharge her from the case. However, by order dated 21.10.16, the court rejected his discharge. The complainant in the complaint case No 1/16 filed a criminal revision petition before the Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench challenging the impugned order dated 23.9.2016 passed by the Session’s Court, Kohima.
ACAUT demands cancellation of NIT in F&CS CMO reacts to Thomas Ngullie; JACWR stand on 33% quota DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Alleging anomalies in the recently Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on contract and supply works, floated by Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) department, ACAUT Nagaland Monday demanded that the department cancel the NIT immediately and issue fresh tender after taking necessary action on the discrepancies. ACAUT media cell in a letter addressed to director F&CS, pointed out that if the tender process was allowed then the department will modify the tendering process in favour of individuals and syndicate “who have been running the department as transporters and suppliers for the last 15-20 years without any proper open tendering process”. Media cell alleged that despite the knowledge that the contractors were involved in the entire racket of siphoning and pilferage of PDS for the poor, the department instead of taking action has extended their contract year after year in a fraudulent manner.
ACAUT went on to allege that the terms and condition furnished in tender documents was a mockery and was “one of its kinds never found in National or Nagaland Contract and supply tendering system putting shame to all other corruptions”. According to ACAUT, the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) for contract and supply was fixed @1-2% in the state and event at the national level. However, ACAUT claimed that the F&CS has fixed EMD at Rs. 25 lakh irrespective of contract value, and surprisingly the EMD for all the districts was fixed uniformly. This, itself was a clear case of manipulations to shelter department syndicates and cronies who were running the department de-facto for years, ACAUT said. On the security deposit on contract works, ACAUT claimed that the department has fixed Rs. 75 lakh for the whole district without following the rate which is fixed @3-5 %. ACAUT also contended
that majority of the contractors has given the power of attorney to the third party, which clearly showed that those firms and individuals were not capable of carrying out the contract awarded to them. Despite of this, the department extended their contract year after year without transparency. Therefore, ACAUT demanded that the department should immediately blacklist those firms and individuals from participating in any contract and supply work in the department. Further, ACAUT also demanded that those APL contractors, who have been running the contract under power of attorney should be immediately blacklisted and tender be immediately invited though NIT for transport of APL. In the light of the above, ACAUT said it will not hesitate to take the issue to the public and warned that any situation arises out of inaction the issuing authority of NIT will be solely responsible.
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Chief minister’s Office (CMO) through its media cell has attacked independent MLA Thomas Ngullie for having questioned chief minister T.R. Zeliang and the cabinet over the decision to hold civic polls with 33% women reservation without having consultations with stakeholders and also over riding the September 22, 2012 resolution of the state legislative assembly. In a strongly worded response, CMO’s media cell instead chose to attack Thomas by accusing him of making ridiculous statements “just for the sake of grabbing ephemeral headlines in the local media.” CMO said the state assembly had in 2001 passed the Municipal & Town Councils Act when Thomas was minister under the Jamir-led Congress ministry. It also stated that the state assembly had in 2006 amended the Municipal Act 2001 by inserting relevant clause to incorporate 33% women reservation. CMO said that due to opposition by tribal organisations, chief minister T.R. Zeliang as then minister
parliamentary affairs headed the committee to recommend passing of resolution and framing of laws as per requirement of public to conduct Municipal and Town Council Act in 2012. Naga Mothers Association (JACWR) then went to court against the resolution and refused to accept government’s offers. CMO pointed out that the cabinet deliberated on civic polls with 33% women quota as “accepted earlier by the government in 2006.” It also denied that neither the CM nor the cabinet had “attempted to override the provisions of the constitution and the privileges given to the people of Nagaland, as obnoxiously stated by the honourable MLA”. Instead, CMO maintained, the present government only upheld decisions of previous governments under Dr. S.C. Jamir in 2001 and Neiphiu Rio in 2006. CMO also countered Thomas that if he was so concerned about Article 371A then he should try and convince his community (Lothas) to withdraw the PIL filed in the High Court over Petroleum
and Natural Gas as it has imperilled the very constitutional safeguards for the state and its people which he(Thomas) was talking about. (Full text on p-6) JACWR: Joint Action Committee on Women Reservation (JACWR) Monday clarified its stand on holding of Municipal and Town Council elections with 33% women reservation. JAC W R c o nve n o r Abeiu Meru and co-convenor Rosemary Dzuvichü, said the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), on behalf of JACWR filed petition in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench in June 2011 after state government failed to hold the elections with the implementation of 33% women reservation as per the Nagaland Municipal First Amendment Act passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in 2006. On October 21, 2011 the court in its judgment directed State government to hold municipal elections with women reservation within one month. This was contested by the State government by approaching the Principal bench
Gauhati High Court in 2012, and the division bench allowed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to re-visit the Act. In response, the petitioners (representatives of NMA) filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the July 31, 2012 judgement of the Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court. The Supreme Court on April 5,2016 granted the appeal and also stayed the application of the impugned order of the Division Bench Gauhati High court. However, neither the State government nor the petitioners asked for a stay on holding of elections throughout the whole Court process, JACWR said. JACWR expressed appreciation on the State government for deciding to hold municipal elections in the interest of the public and women in particular, in accordance with the revival of the single judge order of October 21, 2011. JACWR also pointed out that to all different tribal leaders, including the Chakhroma G.B’s Union, that 25% reservation for women was being (Cont’d on p-5)
Lotha organizations to hold protest over Oct 23 killing CM leads in condoling ex-ENPO president’s demise DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Even as several organisations expressed strong resentments over the killing of a GPRN/ NSCN cadre and injury to another, in the operation carried out by 28 Assam Rifles at Okotso village on October 23, the Lotha Hoho and Lotha frontal organizations Monday announced to hold “public protest rally” on October 26 at 9 a.m. in Wokha town. Lotha Hoho chairman Mhao Ezung and general secretary Er. Mhondamo Ovung in a press note informed, that the rally was to protest against “unprovoked violation” of the peaceful atmosphere by 28 Assam Rifles at Wokha district. LH has asked all citizens of the town, including students, to be present in traditional Lotha/concerned tribe attire, college and school uniforms, at main Police point, Wokha town. Educational institutions and business establishments have been asked to co-operate. While informing that the rally will be peaceful, LH however asked district administration and police to ensure security.
Naga Hoho: In connection with the incident, Naga Hoho (NH) Monday met D.K Pathak, CFMG chairman at Kohima and appraised him over the “high handedness” by security forces, said NH president P. Chuba Ozukum and general secretary Mutsikhoyu Yhobu in a press note. The hoho also condemned the “blatant act” of 28 AR, saying such killings could have been averted had the Assam Rifles dealt the situation with better understanding and reasoning. NH alleged that, security forces have been deliberately demeaning the existence of Naga armies under the pretext of AFSPA. Therefore, it appealed AR not to break the breach of trust and honour the cease-fire ground rules with seriousness. Further, the hoho appealed to all armed forces to maintain utmost restraint, rather than perpetrating violence and killing human life under the excuse of maintaining law and order. NGBF: Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) vehemently condemned the excessive
action of the 28 AR in attacking GPRN/NSCN cadres. In a condemnation note, NGBF president Shahlem Konyak and general secretary Shikuto Zalipu alleged that AR calling themselves, Friends of the Hills, was trying to jeopardize the peace process. NGBF said that “any clarifications will not be substantiated for this act of cowardice, slaughter the laid down ground rules and rules of engagements”. At this crucial period, when various groups have signed cease-fire with government of India for amicable solution, the motive behind the attack in the heart of peace zone, “compelled the Nagas to apprehend the hidden agenda of GoI”, NGBF said. “Therefore, before situation get worse, we need to nib on the bud” said NGBF. Further, NGBF urged government of India to set up an inquiry commission and expose the culprits by awarding befitting punishment deem fit under the law of the land. NGBF further conveyed condolences to the bereaved
family, and wished speedy recovery to those injured. YAN: Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) in a press statement expressed dismayed over the action of 28 AR, resulting in the death one GPRN/NSCN cadre and injuring another. YAN president Hetoi Chishi and vice president Taka Temjen, said that the action was “abstruse and highly abusive to the Ceasefire ground rules”, as the incident took place 40 km away from AR post, which did not fall within the purview of ceasefire between GoI and GPRN/NSCN. It appealed senior AR officials to probe into the incident and initiate action against irresponsible officers, and further explain to the Naga people at the earliest. Further, YAN reminded Government of India and its law enforcing agencies that Nagas had every right to protect its land and people at any cost. YAN said it would be appreciable anywhere/any time if the sentiments and lives of each other were respected and valued.
DIMAPUR, OCT 24 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang, Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio and Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union have condoled the demise of former Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) president Mangko Phom. In a condolence message to Mrs. Sikhlong Phom, Zeliang expressed grief to learn of the sudden demise of Mangko Phom on Monday afternoon. Describing him as a pioneer among the Phom community, Zeliang said late Mangko whole-heartedly took up the responsibilities as ENPO president from 2008 to 2011, as an active social activist with genuine concern for his people and region. Zeliang said he met Mangko on several occasions, the last being in the later part of July when he had gone to Mon by road to attend the ENSF fiesta. “He jokingly thanked me for travelling by road to experience first-hand the inconveniences faced by the people of the district, and requested me to ensure that the conditions of the roads are improved at the earliest,” Zeliang added. A man of few words, Zeliang said he rarely spoke unnecessarily and when he did speak, it was invariably for the uplift and betterment of the people of the Eastern areas. He said, Mangko firmly believed that people of the region would benefit more if the ENPO areas were granted statehood, for which he spearheaded the movement with the state government and government of India. In his demise, the people of the Eastern Nagaland have lost a towering leader whose concern for the welfare of the people was most remarkable, Zeliang said.
Along with his wife and the people of Nagaland, Zeliang expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty grant solace and comfort and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace. MP: Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio has also expressed deep pained over the demise of Mangko Phom. In a press note, Rio said late Mangko was a dedicated social leader who had served the society in different capacities and as the president of ENPO. Rio said Mangko made significant contributions towards the overall welfare of the society, particularly the weaker sections. The demise of an experienced and senior citizen is a huge loss to the society, especially the Eastern Nagas, he added. Rio said he along with his family convey heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to let the departed soul rest in peace. ENLU: Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) has expressed deep pain over the demise of Y. Mangko Phom, former ENPO president. In a condolence note, ENLU president P. Longon said late Mangko Phom was the second graduate amongst the Phom community and as public leader, social worker he dedicated his life for social service. Describing late Mangko as a man of dignity, modest, ENLU said his committed services rendered towards the Phom community and the Eastern Nagas in general would always be remembered. ENLU conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul rests in eternal peace. K Y M C