Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXX No. 296
DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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Indefinite economic bandh on
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): In the absence of any positive response from the State government to their demands, truckers under five truckers’ associations began their “indefinite economic blockade” from Tuesday morning. The indefinite economic bandh was called by Dimapur District Truck Owners’ Association, Dimapur Truck Drivers’ Union, Dimapur District Truck Drivers’ Welfare Trade Union, Lahorijan & Khatkhati Truckers’ Welfare Society and Bokajan Truck Owners’ Association. Banners and slogans that read: “Stop extortion in Nagaland”; “Stop illegal multiple taxation system in Nagaland”; “We want justice for late Jiten Gogoi”, etc, were hung at the New field Check gate. Police sources said that initially till afternoon several trucks entering Dimapur were provided armed escorts but by evening, no truck arrived. The sources said some volunteers in Karbi Anglong had reportedly stopped Dimapur-bound trucks from proceeding further.
A banner pasted on the windshield of a truck and other banners seen near New Field check gate. (NP)
The blockade has brought movement of all trucks to and from Nagaland’s commercial hub to a grinding halt between inter-state check gates at Dillai and New Field. The truck associations had demanded compensation for the family of the driver-Jiten Gogoi-who was shot dead in the wee hours of September 22 near IMC Hall Dimapur. They have also demanded that the district and state authorities resolve various problems faced by them in their ultimatum dated September 24. Meanwhile, speaking with Nagaland Post, Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo disclosed that investigation was on over the killing of the truck driver and police have
identified the prime suspect besides interrogation of around 19 persons and also detained some underground cadres. He expressed the hope that the case would be cracked soon once the prime suspect was arrested. Tetseo also said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed for the purpose, headed by additional SP (crime). He also condemned the killing and said it “unfortunate” and which should not have occurred at this juncture, especially when the Naga peace talks were at the final stage. Regarding providing police armed escort to trucks till Dimapur town/Chümoukedima check gate, the CP said it was being provided even before the police commissionerate was
established. He also said police have been and will continue to provide any needed assistance. Recalling his meeting with representatives of the truckers’ associations on September 26, Tetseo said an appeal was made to the associations to observe their indefinite stir peacefully. Asked about complaints of extortions, Tetseo said 150 extortion cases were registered last year and that 160 persons were arrested under suo motu cases and investigations were also on, in which the police were complainants. The CP further claimed that not a single individual complaint had been received regarding extortion, and so urged upon public to cooperate. (Cont’d on p-8)
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NPCC accuses PDA of double talk on solution DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): In a sharp attack, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Tuesday accused the ruling PDA government of having turned “anti-Nagaland” and “once again successful” in delaying the deadline of solution. NPCC president K Therie said the “anti-solution forces are once again successful in delaying the dateline” by speaking for early solution before the people, but before the government of India they fight for delay in the name of inclusiveness. “I do not know how long it will be delayed again. Nagaland state government will know better,” Therie said, adding that 23 years of negotiations was itself enough. Stating that both the state and centre knew each other “perhaps more than husband and wife”, Therie said that the government of India had also spelt out “what is givable and what is not givable.” Assuring that the Congress stood by the demand of the stakeholders,
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Consultations on top gear among various stakeholders Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 29 (NPN): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi determined to close the chapter of unresolved Naga political issue and speculations that an agreement between the government of India and Naga Political Groups-- NSCN (I-M) and WC of NNPGswas likely by October-November; hectic consultations are being held in Nagaland among other stakeholders to ensure early smooth passage for a solution. JLF mulls inclusive meet: State Assembly speaker and chairman of the Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga political issue, Sharingain Longkumer disclosed that the forum was planning to hold an “inclusive” consultative meeting with all stakeholders. Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the “Fit India Freedom Run” organized by the 78th CRPF battalion at NLA premises here on Tuesday, Sharingain said that the objective of the “inclusive” discussion with civil society organizations, political parties cut(Cont’d on p-5) ting across party lines was
to deliberate on the Naga political issue and bring the Naga Political Groups to one table in order to resolve all issues. Maintaining that the Naga political issue was dear and important for the young Naga generations of the state, Sharingain hoped that leaders will make it convenient to resolve the issue and look forward to a new future if talks are resolved. Sharingain said that the JLF had recently held a consultative meeting with the Working Committee of the NNPGs. However, he said that the forum was yet to hold such meeting with the NSCN (I-M). Since NSCN (I-M), as the stakeholder of the Naga political issue, was currently engaged in talks with the Centre in Delhi, Sharingain was hopeful that as time permits, the JLF would hold a meeting with the NSCN (I-M) soon. Meanwhile, informed sources disclosed that chief minister Neiphiu Rio held a consultative meeting the representatives of the 14 apex tribal hohos of Nagaland during which he briefed them about his recent meeting with union
Home minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Rio had reportedly emphasised on unanimity on issues discussed between the government of India and Naga groups. It was also disclosed that the 14 apex tribal hohos of Nagaland had also reemphasised on issues over which they had adopted resolutions which were in public domain. PAM delegation heads for Delhi: A 9-member delegation of the Political Affairs Mission (PAM) of the opposition NPF flew to Delhi Tuesday morning by Indigo flight. As stated by PAM, its members were to hold consultations with NSCN (I-M) leadership to discuss the “competency clauses of the Agreement” so that a clearer picture can be drawn as assumptions could mislead the people. The delegation included NPF legislators- Imkong L. Imchen, Y. Vikheho Swu, Dr. Chumben Murry, YM Yollow Konyak, Azheto Zhimomi, Chotisuh Sazo, Khriehu Liezietu, Muthingnyuba Sangtam and NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon.
State COVID tally crosses 6000 Bypolls in 14-Southern Angami, COVID-19 STATUS AS ON september 29, 2020 60-Pungro Kiphire ACs on Nov 3 ACTIVE CASES AsSymptomatic ymptomMod- Se- Critical-ICU Mild atic erate vere On Ventilator Dimapur 723 28 4 1 1 Kiphire 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 241 0 1 0 0 Longleng 1 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 9 0 0 0 0 Mon 12 0 0 0 0 Peren 1 0 0 0 0 Phek 2 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 6 0 0 0 0 Wokha 1 0 0 0 0 Zunheboto 6 0 0 0 0 Total 1002 28 5 1 1 District
ReMiTotal cov- Death grated Cases ered
2394 12 1682 4 37 295 271 33 72 25 117 4942
14* 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 17
28 0 6 4 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 44
3193 12 1931 9 46 315 272 35 78 26 123 6040
*5 deaths not due to Covid-19 *2 deaths in under investigation
DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): Nagaland’s COVID-19 tally breached the 6000-mark on Tuesday after 83 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from across the state-- 77 in Dimapur and 6 in Kohima, taking the tally to 6060 cases. Further, out of 6040 positive cases, the distribution across various categories of people include 2863 cases from the armed forces/ police, 1488 returnees, 1347 traced contacts and 342 frontline workers.
India’s COVID-19 cases top 61 lakh PTI adds: COVID-19 cases in India mounted to 61,45, 291 with 70,589 new infections, while the death toll reached 96,318 after 776 people succumbed to the disease in a span of 24 hours, Health Ministry said. Daily COVID-19 cases in India dropped below 75,000 and less than 1,000 deaths were reported in a day after nearly a month.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 29 (NPN): Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for by-elections in 14-Southern Angami-I (ST) and 60-Pungro Kiphire (ST) Assembly constituencies (ACs) along with 54 constituencies of various State Legislative Assemblies. Stating this at a press conference here on Tuesday, additional chief electoral officer (CEO) N Moa Aier said the last date for filing nominations has been fixed as October 16, while the date for scrutiny of nominations will be October 17 and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 19. He said polls would be held on November 3, counting of votes would take place on November 10 and the entire electoral process would be completed by November 12.
Solution: LPO rejects authorisation of LH DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): Lotha Public Organisation (LPO) has rejected outright the authorisation granted by Lotha frontal organisations to Lotha Hoho (LH) to represent the tribe in all consulta-
This is it!
“By the way, you politicians are pro-farmers when in opposition but once in power, you turn anti-farmers.” K Y M C
tions, decision making and signing of any document related to Naga political settlement. Reacting to a statement issued in this regard by LH chairman Mhondamo Ovung and jt. secretary Amos Odyuo, LPO alleged that the current hoho was an “unmandated, unapproved and unrecognized self-styled organisation” and did not have consensus from Lotha tribe. LPO chairman Sulanthung Humtsoe and vice-president Phyobemo Odyuo in a release further alleged that the two hoho leaders were only representing their own personal and individual interest, and not the interest of the Lotha people. They asserted that the current LH had no moral authority or devoir rights to decide or pass any resolution relating to Naga
political movement as the Lothas had their own Naga national workers to represent on behalf of their community. They said the meeting of all Lotha organisations on Naga political issue held at Wokha and convened by an “unmandated organisation” on September 23 was a mockery as it did not reach any consensus and did not the confidence of all “sensible and right thinking” Lothas. LPO recalled that then LH under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Nyanbemo Ngullie had during a general meeting on April 19 and 20, 2002 passed a resolution that Lotha tribe would welcome early settlement of the Indo- Naga political issue, provided the settlement was honourable and acceptable to the Nagas.
Stating that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force with immediate effect in the districts of Kohima and Kiphire, Aier said the code would be applicable in all areas under the two Assembly constituencies. He added that MCC would be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the State government, besides the Union government for the districts concerned. Sharing the broad guidelines issued by ECI while conducting the bypolls in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic, Aier said PPE kits, hand wash and hand sanitizers would be provided to all officials and electors. During the polling, he said the voters would have to come with masks, while hand gloves would be given to press the EVM button. (Cont’d on p-8)
H&FW clarifies on legal notice
DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare department has issued clarification regarding the legal notice served on it by legal counsel of one Kuputo Chophy, whose brother one Lovito Chophy (37) died at District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) in August last allegedly due to medical negligence. Specifically drawing attention to allegations that the department failed to reply to legal notice dated August 26, 2020 within a stipulated time of 30 days, the principal director H&FW, Dr. Vizolie Z Suokhrie, in a letter to the legal counsel, clarified that reply to legal notice was intimidated dated September 10, 2020, which was sent through post and which was apparently not received by the legal counsel cannot be attributed as a default on the part of the department to (Cont’d on p-8) reply to the legal notice. K Y M C