Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Mother Teresa: A saint despite spiritual ‘darkness’
(9)
DIMAPUR thursday, september 1, 2016
Vol XXVI No. 265
CNTC disassociates from Naga Hoho D I M A P U R , AU G 3 1 (NPN): On expiry of its 30day deadline on Naga Hoho, to withdraw its endorsement to the government for recognition of Rongmei as a tribe in Nagaland, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has resolved to disassociate itself from the Naga Hoho. According to Central Nagaland Tribes Council president Hokiye Yeputhomi and general secretary Imtinochet Kubzar, this was resolved on July 22 and later reaffirmed at a meeting of constituent three apex tribal bodies-- Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho and Sumi Hoho-- which on August 24, reaffirmed the course of action to follow in case of failure by the NH to comply with the demand. The CNTC further stated that henceforth, the three apex bodies have also withdrawn its support and participation in the Naga Hoho with immediate effect from September 1, 2016. In this regard, Central Nagaland Tribes Council has also informed the representatives of the three tribal bodies to gracefully exit with immediate effect respecting the moral authority of the apex bodies which sent them to the Naga Hoho.
NSCN (I-M), Rengma leaders discuss Naga issue D I M A P U R , AU G 3 1 (NPN): A consultative meet on the Naga political talks was held at Tseminyu town on August 30, 2016 between the Rengmas and NSCN (I-M), wherein the ongoing political issue and the frame work agreement were discussed at length. In a press release, Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep said the Hoho and its frontal organizations comprising of GBs, student leaders, mothers, youths and members from different village councils attended the consultative meet. The NSCN (I-M) team led by CFMC convenor K. Chawang and Tatar Hoho Speaker Zarzie Nyuthu and a host of kilonsers addressed the meeting. RH president said the gathering felt “the necessity of settlement of the Naga political issue will be at the interest of all the Nagas” and therefore endorsed the negotiating party to continue the talk for a final settlement keeping in mind the interest and rights of Nagas were honoured and protected. The meeting appreciated the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sincerely taking the Naga issue on top priority, RH president said, adding that the meeting also expressed confidence on the interlocutor RN Ravi and Naga negotiating team. The meeting appealed for taking into account all the stakeholders and sections of the society and fulfil the desire of the people for the inclusiveness in the final settlement.
This is it!
“They’re locking the office because they allege that officers and staff don’t come for work.” K Y M C
Minimum wage hike for unskilled labourers ‘historic’: FM Jaitley ( 8 )
Brazilian President impeached
BRASILIA, AUG 31 (AGENCIES): Brazil’s Senate ousted Dilma Rousseff as president Wednesday, voting overwhelmingly to impeach the leftist leader in the culmination of a protracted process that has divided the country. The vote to impeach Rousseff was 61 to 20. Twothirds of senators — 54 out of 81 — were needed for impeachment to pass. Senators broke into cheering and applause after the electronic voting was announced, concluding a process that was given the go-head in December. The long-awaited Senate proceedings dragged on a bit longer than expected Wednesday as senators and Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, who was presiding, debated points of order. Emotions ran high as senators for and against Rousseff ’s removal made emotional speeches. “Scoundrels!” roared Lindbergh Farias, from her left-wing Workers’ Party. Conservative Sen. Ronaldo Caiado retorted that the Workers’ Party was the real scandal for bringing Brazil to a “critical political and social moment.” Rousseff was suspended in May after the Senate confirmed a lower-house vote to send her to trial on charges that she broke budget laws. Her former vice president, Michel Temer, took over as interim president. Temer now is scheduled to be confirmed
Dilma Rousseff presenting her final arguments in the impeachment process to the Senate, in Brasilia.
as president in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony for the rest of Rousseff ’s term, which ends in December 2018. Rousseff declared her innocence. She and her supporters denounced her impeachment as illegal and undemocratic. Rousseff was elected to a second term in 2014, but her ratings tumbled amid a severe economic recession and a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal at state-controlled oil company Petrobras that has tarred much of Brazil’s political class. Over the past year, huge street protests erupted calling for her impeachment. Tens of thousands also demonstrated in her favor, but support has dwindled in recent days as Brazilians have resigned themselves to her fate. Rousseff was charged with financial irregularities — using government banks to temporarily fund social pro-
grams and issuing spending decrees without congressional approval. But many Brazilians saw the proceedings as a ploy by conservatives to oust an unpopular leader. Under Rousseff, Brazil’s first female president, the economy sharply contracted while unemployment, inflation and public spending rose. The country lost its precious investment grade rating. During her spirited defense in the Senate on Monday, Rousseff blamed global economic conditions and the end of the commodities boom for Brazil’s troubles. Temer, who belongs to the more conservative Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, is trying to introduce austerity measures such as a lid on public spending and changes to Brazil’s generous pension system. Financial markets expect him to move ahead with such reforms, but even with the
Congress behind him he faces a difficult job, Castro Neves said. “Loyalties to him do not run very deep,” he said. “It’s a very unpopular agenda, and he is facing a very fragmented Congress.” Aécio Neves, a senator from the center-right Brazilian Social Democratic Party who lost to Rousseff in 2014, said his party is focused on what happens next. It joined Temer’s interim government in May. “Brazil needs to regain its capacity to grow, to generate employment and hope for its people. The stability of the country is essential,” he said. In his favor, Temer has extensive congressional experience and is a wily political operator, said Jairo Nicolau, a professor of political science at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The Temer government’s principal advantage “is its capacity to negotiate with the Congress,” he said. But Temer could still be embroiled in the Petrobras case, which has led to investigations of politicians from his party as well as Rousseff ’s. A former Petrobras executive cooperating with the investigation has said that Temer asked for an illicit $400,000 campaign donation in 2012 for his party’s candidate for mayor of Sao Paulo. Temer denied the allegation. “The problem is if there is a bruising denunciation against Michel Temer,” Nicolau said.
Pages 12 ` 4.00
Solution for all Nagas, reiterates NSCN (I-M) DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has categorically asserted that when the “IndoNaga political negotiation” was about to arrive at honourable solution it was “never wise” to talk about the “Nagas of Nagaland, the sons of the soil or Nagas of outside Nagaland”. In the joint statement, vice chairman ‘gen.’ (Retd) Kholi; collective leadership members- A.K. Lungalang, Tongmeth Wangnao and Q. Tuccu- reiterated that the framework agreement (signed on August 3, 2015) between the government of India and Nagas was a result of prolonged, dedicated and prayerful outcome between the two parties. The four signatories asserted: “Nagaland state is never the best thing to have happened for the Naga people” adding Nagas knew how it came about in a “defining moment and treacherous situation” facing them. Further, they enunciated on the recognition of Naga situation by the leaders of India and also reiteration of successive prime ministers about Naga issue being a unique and ruling it was not a law and order problem. They said the realisation that seeking military solution proved futile and thus, it had to be solved politically between Naga people and the government of India. The signatories therefore asked sections of “our own people, groups and
individuals” not to “confuse our command majorities” over the current political situation. The four described Nagaland state as “already and abrogated agreement” since the 16th state of India, which was a “brain child of an arrangement” had been severely condemned by the NNC. They quoted NNC leader late A.Z. Phizo who asked who were the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) and who mandated them to enter into an agreement with the government of India? Further, while saying the creation of Nagaland had “benevolent provisions in the form of 371(A), there are vital clauses which have already been knocked out.” The signatories further stressed on the hard work and painstaking efforts between the government of India and Naga leaders in collaboration with internationally renowned legal experts, constitutional experts, experts in conflict resolutions and people committed to peace around the globe, had worked this far to obtain a permanent settlement between the government of India and Naga people wherever they are. They said Nagas living in other parts of India and Myanmar had to live “under politically tormenting situations” and were not as happy and comfortable as those who benefitted out of the “quick-fix 16th state of India”. (Full text on p-6)
TMLAJC opposes LH backs 33% Cab approves new norms to push construction sector diversion of NH projects women quota MEASURES APPROVED DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Tobu-MopongLongching Area Joint Committee (TMLAJC) for NH 702 & 702B has expressed opposition to the purported move to alter the “legitimately prepared and approved” detail project report (DPR) of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and divert the national projects without any substantial reasons. In a representation addressed to the minister PWD (NH), the committee convenor Aknyu Konyak, co-convenor A.M. Kaiba Konyak and secretary Hongnaw H.A Konyak stated that they strongly opposed partial diversion of NH702 at Longching sector and complete diversion of NH 702B from Mon and Tuensang districts to Mokokchung district. The committee requested the minister not to divert the two NHs in any form, but to implement the projects as approved earlier. They also demanded positive response in written confirming the retention of NH.702 & NH 702B as per the original proposal. Failing which, the committee said the people of TobuMopong- Longching areas living under five administrative HQs namely Tobu, Monyakshu, Mopong, Angjangyang and Longching would be compelled to “fight for our rights with all possible means until our demands are fulfilled.” In the event of any unfortunate circumstances that may arise, the committee said the responsible authority would bear all the responsibility.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUG 31 (NPN): Despite stiff opposition from various quarters against implementation of 33% women reservation in the Urban Local Bodies/Town Councils, the Lotha Hoho has extended its support to the decision of the state government. Informing this to Nagaland Post, Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhao Lotha said the hoho had made known its “decision and clearance” during the meeting with the Lotha Eloe Hoho on August 18. LEH president, Mhonchumi Humtsoe also informed that since they have received the clearance from LH, the women’s body would now work out the modalities for the election. While acknowledging the Lotha Hoho for supporting women reservation, LEH also thanked the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues for taking the bold decision for the uplift of women the society.
NEW DELHI, AUG 31 (IANS): In a bid to lift the fortunes of the beleaguered construction sector, the government on Wednesday approved new norms to ensure quicker resolution of disputes, kick-start stalled projects and make access to financing easier. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it was important to quickly address the issues related to the construction sector, which contributes 8 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Among the measures approved are: Circulation of a model draft for turnkey projects; release of 75 per cent of money earmarked for infrastructure companies towards completion of existing projects; and coverage of disputes between companies and civic bodies under a new arbitration law. Based on the recommendations of NITI Aayog, the 75 per cent of the arbitral award amount owed by government agencies will be deposited into an escrow account, which can be used to repay bank loans or to meet commitments in ongoing projects. The minister also said the Department of Financial Services
Circulation of a model draft for turnkey projects.
Release of 75 per cent of money earmarked for infrastructure companies towards completion of existing projects . Coverage of disputes between companies and civic bodies under a new arbitration law.
and the Reserve Bank of India would try and prepare a policy on how to deal with those companies which have got a lot of stressed assets in the real estate sector. “We hope that a series of these decisions will pump in a lot of liquidity into the sector, activate real estate projects and infrastructure projects which have been stranded for some time and support the entire process of dispute resolution in relation to construction and real estate,” Jaitley said. “It is particularly because there is a huge employment potential, the sector itself is a large contributor to GDP and in future we need more housing, more urbanisation, more commercial spaces. It will take care of that,” he added. For all new
Ethnic peace talks seek to pave new path for Myanmar NAYPYIDAW, AUG 31 (AGENCIES): Peace talks between Myanmar’s government and warring ethnic minorities kicked off Wednesday in a bid to end decades of conflict that have claimed thousands of lives and kept the country mired in poverty. A sea of colour filled the vast conference hall in the capital Naypyidaw as delegations from Myanmar’s myriad ethnic groups mingled with stony-faced military officers decked out in full regalia. The summit is veteran democracy activist Suu Kyi’s much-trumpeted effort to reshape Myanmar as a federal democracy following decades of oppressive military rule. The Nobel laureate has made bridging the ethnic fault lines that have fractured the nation since its mid-century independence a priority of her new government, which took power in March. “So long as we are unable to achieve national reconciliation and national unity, we will never be able to establish a sustainable and durable peaceful union,” she told delegates. “Only if we are all united will our country be at peace. Only if our country is at peace will we be able to
stand on an equal footing with the other countries in our region and across the world.” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who is attending the talks, described the gathering as a “historic” moment for the country following its transition towards democracy. “The long civil war has cost numerous lives and robbed successive generations of their dignity, tranquillity and normalcy,” he said during a speech to delegates. “It is now clear that there can be no military solution to your differences.” Few expect a concrete deal to emerge from the five-day talks, which are seen as the start of a peace process that could take years. Seventeen rebel groups have joined the talks in the capital, but others have not laid down their arms and some remain locked in combat with the military. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini urged negotiators to seek a “new path towards sustainable peace, equitable development and the wider consolidation of the democratic reform process”. The US also backed the talks, calling it an “important process
towards a lasting peace” in a statement from its Yangon embassy. ‘Tragic drift’: Any hope of a nationwide ceasefire has been snuffed out by fresh flare-ups of violence in some northern states ahead of the summit. Khua Uk Lian of the Chin National Front, which has its own ceasefire with the military, said he was optimistic but warned fighting would be hard to stop on the ground. “You have local commanders fighting about local problems,” he told AFP. “It’s been like this since we have been fighting.” Communities in the conflict zones live in stark poverty despite the rich jade, tin and teak wood forests that dot their lands and lie at the heart of many of the battles. Bringing peace could rejuvenate economies in the war-ravaged regions, and open up investment to foreign powers who are keen to scoop up its vast resources. But distrust of the Tatmadaw, as the Myanmar military is known, runs deep among minorities after decades of oppression, marked by torture, rape and mass killings. Negotiators from Suu Kyi’s government have said privately they are hamstrung by working with the army, which still controls borders,
defence and a quarter of parliament seats. Commander in chief Min Aung Hlaing urged ethnic groups to join the ceasefire the previous military-backed government signed with eight groups last year. “We need to end this tragic drift,” he told the conference, according to an English transcript. But he also warned against drawn out peace talks. “If the peace process takes longer than the appropriate time, there may be more outside instigations, interferences and manipulations disturbing the process,” he said. Wednesday’s meeting comes almost 70 years after Suu Kyi’s father, independence hero Aung San, signed a landmark agreement to devolve powers to some ethnic groups after independence. The deal collapsed after he was assassinated, before Myanmar broke from Britain in 1948, triggering the civil wars that have rumbled across the country’s borders ever since. Suu Kyi has dubbed her summit the ‘21st Century Panglong’ in reference to the agreement brokered by her father, who remains a deeply revered figure.
contracts relating to construction, there will be a conciliation board provision, he said, adding: “This conciliation board will comprise of independent subject experts.” According to the cabinet note, besides its major contribution to the national income, the sector is the largest creator of direct and indirect jobs, employing about 40 million people. It is also a highly employment intensive sector, creating an estimated 2.7 new jobs indirectly for every Rs 1 lakh invested. “In recent years, the construction sector has been affected by large number of projects which got stalled during the period of stagnation between 2011 and 2014,” it said. “The banking sector also has a large exposure to construction, estimated at over Rs 3 lakh crores -- 45 per cent of the bank loans in the sector are under stress.” This apart, an estimated Rs 70,000 crore is tied up in arbitration between government agencies and construction companies. “Over 85 per cent of the claims raised against government bodies are still pending of which 11 per cent is pending with the Government agencies, 64 per cent with arbitrators and 8.5 per cent with courts.”
Petrol prices hiked by Rs 3.38/litre, diesel up by Rs 2.67 NEW DELHI, AUG 31 (PTI): Petrol price was on Wednesday hiked by a steep Rs 3.38 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.67 a litre, reversing a two-month declining trend. The hike in fuel price, necessitated by a 13 per cent rise in international oil rates in the last fortnight, comes on the back of four reductions. Rates were last cut by Rs 1 per litre in case of petrol and Rs 2 in diesel on August 16. The four reductions in last two months had led to the price of petrol in Delhi coming down by Rs 5.56 a litre and Rs 4.92 per litre in case of diesel. “During the current fortnight, crude oil prices in the international market have witnessed a steep increase by 13 per cent (over USD 5 per barrel) compared to previous fortnight, with a corresponding increase in the international prices of petroleum products. “The current level of international prices warrant an increase in prices of petrol and diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers,” IOC said in a statement.
Arunachal clash: Army refutes claims by terror groups
D I M A P U R , AU G 3 1 (NPN): Refuting the “claims made by some terror groups that 10 army personnel were killed” in an ambush in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh on August 29, the Indian Army through its PRO (Defence), Kohima, Col. C. Konwer stated that the claims were “absolutely devoid of any empirical facts.” PRO further said it was also a clarification to several queries it had received, with regard to the claim, as well as to the news telecasted in various channels. In the skirmish at Changlang district, with members of one of the outlawed groups, PRO said two army personnel suffered minor injuries. “Army has been carrying out extensive area domination to prevent these anti-national groups from carrying out there activities with impunity and preclude any possibility of allowing them to create trouble in the region,” PRO stated. It said that such false narrative has been spread by these terror groups with an ulterior objective of undermining the security forces and to create terror and panic among the peace loving populace of the region.
Wka police clarifies on Aug 12 incident DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Wokha police has issued a clarification with regard to the August 12 incident wherein two NSCN (I-M) functionaries were apprehended by police. Narrating the sequence of the incident, PRO Wokha police and Addl. SP, Tokavi Achumi said on August 12, DEF personnel while conducting regular MVCP under the command of SDPO Wokha, received information of extortion taking place at Santsuphen (Lotha-Rengma boundary) from commercial vehicles plying along the highway. PRO said the police led by SDPO Wokha rushed to the spot to apprehend the perpetrators. On seeing the police convoy, the perpetrators tried to flee from the scene, PRO said, adding they were however caught in the jungles after the police gave a good chase. Referring to the statement made by NSCN (I-M), PRO clarified it was not the public that apprehended the NSCN (I-M) functionaries and that “no manhandling or atrocity took place”. Though the public had inadvertently gathered, PRO said the two accused were in police custody
and all measures were taken for their safety, while being brought to Wokha Police Station. PRO said the duo identified themselves as Renchamo Khuvng (33) ‘sgt’ NSCN (I-M) s/o Konpvu Khuvung of Shaki village and a resident of Saron Colony Wokha Town and Ngachanbam (31) s/o Suisa Kasar of Kachi village belonging to Thongbo Brigade. Police also seized Rs. 9240, vouchers/coupons, three mobile phones, six coupons in the name of Dimapur Truck Owners Association, one coupon in the name of JCB Excavator carrying Agency, one coupon in the name of Dimapur Taxi Owners Association , two ATM cards (Central Bank and Axis Bank) and one wallet. PRO said the two accused also confessed that they were “extorting/collecting money under the direction of one ‘maj’ Nrikhon ZCO and town commander of Wokha who is also wanted in another case vide Wka PS C/No. 0024/2016 U/S- 384 IPC R/W- 7 NSR Act”. PRO said an FIR was filed with documental proof and the police were on the look-out for the absconder to ensure justice as per law. K Y M C