Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXVII No. 271
DIMAPUR, tuesday, september 5, 2017 Pages 12 ` 4.00
Daily revision of fuel prices to continue, says Pradhan
Sharapova knocked out of US Open
UN for more sanctions against N Korea
business, Page 8
sports, Page 12
international, Page 9
Centre may soon invite NNPGs for talks: RN Ravi
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, SEP 4 (NPN): Government of India’s Interlocutor to Naga Talks, R.N. Ravi has indicated that the Centre was likely to invite the six groups- under the banner of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs)- to be part of the ongoing peace process. Ravi, in an exclusive interview to Nagaland Post, said: “I am likely to engage them in the peace process soon, maybe this month.” The interlocutor also reiterated his earlier statement that “there will be only one peace process and one agreement for the Naga. The following is the excerpts of the interview. NP: When is Government of India going to invite NNPGs for formal talks? Ravi: Government of India is committed to an inclusive solution to the Naga political issue. Coming of the six Naga groups together is an encouraging development consistent with the spirit of inclusiveness.
One held for attempted rape Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEP 4 (NPN): An elderly man, non-Naga, was reportedly apprehended by residents of Sovima village for allegedly trying to rape a minor girl on Monday night. According to reports, the victim was a class III student. The accused was brought before the public by the womenfolk of the village and was later handed over to police. When contacted, PRO Dimapur police confirmed that the accused was nabbed by the residents and handed over to police. PRO however said that the details were yet to be established. Meanwhile, a resident of Sovima village said that the incident took place when the victim’s parents were away from home. The accused in his mid 60s came to the house and allegedly attempted to rape the minor. However, it was only when a teenage girl in the neighbourhood-- sensing something suspicious, saw the incident and alerted the nearby residents. The womenfolk swung into action and apprehended the accused with the help of others and handed over to the police.
This is it!
“All these Teacher’s Day felicitations mean nothing to us who haven’t been paid salaries for months.” K Y M C
They are in touch with me and they have assured me of constructive cooperation. I am likely to engage them in the peace process soon, maybe this month. NP: A section of the media has been publishing alleged details of the ongoing negotiation. How far is it true? Ravi: I have seen some of this media reports. These are ill informed, speculative and mischievous apparently with an intention to undermine the peace process. NP: Has the Centre come to an agreement with NSCN (I-M) for separate Naga national flag, constitution and defence? Ravi: These issues along with several others have been on the table, but the final agreement is yet to materialise. Government of India and NSCN (I-M) have been seeking to resolve the Naga issue with due regard to each other’s positions, difficulties and contemporary realities. NP: When are you likely to sign final agreement?
Ravi: The ongoing talks with the NSCN (I-M) is in the advanced stage. I have made it clear that there will be only one peace process and one agreement because we cannot fragment the Naga issue. While the formal negotiation has been going on with the NSCN (I-M) I have been reaching out to other stakeholders for their views and cooperation. Of course we cannot wait indefinitely for those who do not respond positively to our call of inclusiveness. We are working towards signing a final agreement at the earliest. NP: With talks in the advanced stage. How are you going to accommodate other Naga Political Groups in the peace process? Ravi: I have made it clear that the ongoing talks are about the Naga issue and not about the NSCN (I-M) and the leaders negotiating with me are Naga interlocutors. However, since the solution to Naga issue has to be inclusive there is ample space to accommodate all in the Naga Peace Process.
RBI: no info on how much black Army carries out op against NSCN(K) money removed by note ban along Indo-Myanmar border; 1 killed
NEW DELHI, SEP 4 (AGENCIES): The RBI has told a parliamentary panel that it has “no information” on how much black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation of Rs 500/1,000 notes or about unaccounted cash legitimised through exchange of currency post note ban. Stating that an estimated Rs 15.28 lakh crore in junked notes has come back “subject to future corrections based on verification process”, the Reserve Bank also said it has “no information” whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals. The RBI has been facing flak from the opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits. Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the
junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15.28 lakh crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. Replying to queries from the panel, the RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests. The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved. “Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in estimation of SBNs received back is possible. Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion,” the RBI said in its written reply to the panel.
ITANAGAR/NEW DELHI, SEP 4 (AGENCIES/PTI): The Army on Monday carried out a major operation against Naga insurgent group NSCN (K) near the IndoMyanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh in which one hardcore militant was killed and another injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to Myanmar tomorrow on a three-day visit during which the issue of defence and security cooperation, including cross-border activities by certain insurgent groups, are likely to figure in his talks with the leadership there. The Army team destroyed a temporary hideout of the NSCN (K) and recovered an AK 47 rifle, ammunitions and radio sets in the operation near Votnu village in Longding district, a senior army official said. In New Delhi, Army chief General Bipin Rawat met Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal, and the operation against the Khaplang faction of the
NSCN is believed to have figured in the discussion. Myanmar is one of India’s strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640km-long border with a number of northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh, militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. India has been concerned over some militant groups from the Northeast region taking shelter in Myanmar. The country has been assuring India that it would not allow any insurgent group to use its territory against India. In June, 2015, the Indian Army had carried out an operation in areas near the Indo-Myanmar against the NSCN (K) militants, days after militants had killed 18 Army men in Manipur. Gen Rawat, however, sought to downplay the operation saying such encounters occur regularly. “It was a normal encounter. These operations go on everyday. Nothing big about this operation,” he told reporters after the meeting. Army sources said similar operations against
NSCN(K) have been taking place in Changlang and Kunnu areas in the last 10 days. An NSCN (K) militant was killed near Kunnu village on September 1. The Army today launched a “swift and stealthy” operation after getting specific inputs about presence of NSCN(K) militants in near Votnu village, said an army official. The forces came under heavy fire from the rebels and retaliated in which one militant was killed and another was injured, Defence spokesman Col. Chiranjit Konwer said in Itanagar. Today’s operation has struck a blow to the illegal activities being carried out by the underground outfit in the area, he added. Using the cover of dense vegetation, the remaining militants escaped. The team later located and destroyed a shelter, the officials said. A massive search operation has been launched in the area to capture the militants who managed to escape, they said.
Gov denounces practice of proxy teachers ANTA threatens state-wide taxi strike DIMAPUR, SEP 4 (NPN): On the eve of the Teacher’s Day, the governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, has strongly denounced the prevalent practice of proxy teachers in government-run schools in the state, saying “such practice should stop.” In his message on the occasion of Teacher’s Day, Acharya pointed out that gover nment appointed teachers were getting good salary compared to private school teachers. However, he said that some of the government teachers escape from their duties by appointing proxy teachers against their name in the place of postings. The governor said that even though a small section of government teachers carry out such practices, it cannot be pardoned by God and the government. While extending his greetings and felicitations to teachers throughout the state, the governor said
Teachers’ Day was an occasion when the dedicated services of the teachers of the nation were recognised. He said teachers were engaged in building and strengthening the intellectual and ethical foundations of the children. “A teacher is one of the most regarded professions in the society and is respected as next to God,” Acharya said. Asserting that every successful person remembered with joy and pride the elementary school days and their teachers, the governor, however, said that the greed for easy money has changed the scenario and education has become a business. He maintained that teaching was not just another profession but was a divine responsibility to guide and enlighten. Achar ya reminded the teachers that the influences and experiences they share with their students
would remain with them for a lifetime. “You are also laying the foundation and the building blocks of the society,” Acharya said. Further, the governor said that teaching was a responsibility of great significance “because on this depends how our present and future generations will thrive.” Urging the Teachers to be the ‘game changer’ and socially accountable, the governor said that the students, when they come out, must be an asset to the society, employable, create wealth out of natural resources. In the present day, Acharya said learning was often equated with either collection of information or mastery of skills for occupations and jobs. “Yes, that is important but I call upon you to widen the horizon of thinking of your students,” he said. The governor also urged the teachers to en-
courage students to think critically about broader issues concerning the nation, society and the environment. “Our goal must be to create good Citizens who are capable of preserving the past and creating the future,” Acharya said. According to governor, the lessons in good citizenship inculcated at a young age would go a long way in creating a better society. He said that this could be as simple as traffic rules, cleanliness, gender sensitization, concern for the weak and reverence for the elders. “Let us re-dedicate ourselves to this task and this duty,” Acharya said. Meanwhile, the governor conveyed his good wishes to the entire teaching community and expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Nagaland for their lifetime of dedication and commitment to the great cause of educating the youth.
Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 4 (NPN): All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) has threatened to resort to indefinite statewide taxi service bandh if the responsible authority, within one week, failed to bring to book the perpetrators responsible for the murder of one of its members. ANTA has expressed strong resentment against the brutal murder of its member late Swudeve Nakro, whose body was found on September 3 near Dzüvüzie, between Chiechama village and Nachama village junction under Kohima district. In a representation submitted to the deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, the ANTA president, Vibasetuo Solo, and general secretary, Ketsusielie Khruomo, urged the authority to provide / enhance safety and security measures for all taxi drivers
ANTA president addressing members outisde DC’s office, Kohima. (NP)
especially at night. The association also appealed to the authority to provide exgratia to the bereaved family of late Swudeve Nakhro and to pursue the case at the earliest in order to avoid all complications and further misunderstanding between the public and the association. ANTA warned that during the period of bandh if any private vehicles found indulging in ferrying/carrying passengers, the drivers/ owners of those private vehicles would held solely responsible for any untoward incidents.
DC Kma, Sr. SP assure DC Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan, interacting with ANTA office bearers, assured to take up the matter seriously and book the culprit (s) at the earliest. He also expressed sadness over incident and conveyed condolences to the family members. Senior superintendent of police Kohima, Joseph Hesso, who also present, assured to take up the investigation at the earliest and sought cooperation from the association members. (Cont’d on p-7)
BRICS declaration names Pak-based terror groups Education minister initiates XIAMEN, SEP 4 (IANS): In a big win for India’s campaign against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, the BRICS countries on Monday named the Pakistanbased groups like Lashkare-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) while calling for a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism. Last year at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, China had reportedly opposed the inclusion of the Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits in the declaration. “We express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/ DAISH, Al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and Hizb ut-Tahrir,” said
the Xiamen declaration, adopted at the 9th BRICS Summit here. The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Presidents Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Michel Temer of Brazil and Jacob Zuma of South Africa. JeM chief Masood Azhar has been blamed for deadly cross-border terror attacks on Indian military establishments. India has moved the UN to declare Azhar an international terrorist but China has repeatedly put a hold on the proposal. The LeT was held responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attack that left 166 Indians and foreigners dead. The Xiamen declaration condemned terrorism in all its its forms and manifestations, saying there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. And
it deplored all terror attacks worldwide, including in BRICS countries. Without naming Pakistan, the statement said: “We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organising or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable. “Recalling the primary leading role and responsibility of states in preventing and countering terrorism, we stress the necessity to develop international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of international law, including that of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.” The BRICS countries backed the efforts of the Afghan security forces to defeat terrorism. “We strongly condemn terrorist attacks resulting in death to innocent Afghan nationals. There is a need for immediate cessation of
violence. “We reaffirm our support to the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve ‘Afghan-led and Afghan-owned’ peace and national reconciliation, to the ongoing international efforts... We support the efforts of the Afghan... security Forces in fighting terrorist organisations. “We call upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include countering radicalization, recruitment, movement of terrorists including foreign terrorist fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism including, for instance, through organised crime by means of money-laundering, supply of weapons, drug trafficking and other criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of the internet including social
media by terrorist entities through misuse of the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). “We are committed to prevent and counter the growing spread of terrorist narratives, and to tackle all sources, techniques and channels of terrorist financing... We recall the responsibility of all States to prevent financing of terrorist networks and terrorist actions from their territories.” The declaration urged the international community to establish a genuinely broad international counterterrorism coalition and support the UN’s central coordinating role in this regard. “We stress that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the UN, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms...
action to revamp department
DIMAPUR, SEP 4 (NPN): Taking serious note of the complaints received from various organizations, Nagaland School Education minister, Tokheho Yepthomi has initiated the process of revamping the School Education department. In a letter reportedly written to the legislators, Tokheho sought their cooperation with the department, while undertaking the process of redeployment of attached teachers to their respective place of posting, for smooth functioning of government schools in the state. According to the letter, 734 teachers were not performing their duties as assigned, creating problems in the management and functioning of government schools in the state. In a startling revela-
tion, it was pointed out that 43 teachers were attached to various VIPs, 76 Teachers attached to the directorate of school education. On the other hand 64 teachers were attached to state mission office (RMSA) and state mission authority office of SSA while 551 were attached to various DEO and SDEO offices in the districts and sub-divisions. Tokheho appraised the MLAs that the School Education department had been facing problems due to the shortage of teachers in various government schools in recent years. The letter was purportedly intended to send out a message to the legislators not to interfere in the revamping process, since most of the postings may have been carried out based on their recommendations. K Y M C