Month: August 2017

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 14

NSCN (IM) vice president, General (Retd) Kholi hinted today that the Naga political issue will be settled “at any moment from now”. He said that the Naga people “are now blessed with the finest opportune time to see the glory of God”.

At the same time the NSCN (IM) leader however said, “Let us remind ourselves that, nothing is certain until it is achieved. Therefore, all the sons and daughters of Naga motherland, both the national workers and the public, should make concerted efforts with full sense of responsibility and accountability towards achieving a lasting solution to our political problem with India.”

This speech of the vice president was read out by the outfit’s home minister Hukavi Yepthomi during the Nagas’ Independence Day observation at Camp Hebron, off Dimapur today.

The 71st Naga Independence Day was observed across ‘Naga areas’ in the States of Nagaland and Manipur today. The main programme was held at the outfit’s headquarters Hebron which witnessed the participation of civil bodies and the cadres/officials of the NSCN (IM).

General Kholi on the other hand asked the Nagas to “be prepared with all the requisite skill and resources to build our nation”.  He said that the solution to “our problem will not be the end in itself; rather it will be just a new beginning for Nagas to build our nation”. He further said that it will depend greatly on “our concerted efforts how our nation” should progress and prosper. 

Meanwhile, UNC president, Gaidon Kamei while delivering a speech said that as long as the Nagas remained united the Naga society will remain intact, “our history will remain intact.” Gaidon Kamei also said that Nagas have come thus far suffering and being harassed for the past 70 years. “We have overcome this ordeal,” he stated. He added that the UNC will “support the NSCN till the end.”

Rh Raising, convenor of NSCN (IM)’s highest decision making body ‘Steering Committee’ in his speech said that 70 years ago, the Naga people declared their independence day on August 14, 1947, but “sadly the government of India did not recognise it”. Rh Raising, however, said that the “Framework Agreement will be the beginning of a new relationship between India and the Nagas.”

Naga Hoho leader HK Zhomomi speaking on behalf of the organisation said that there was some misconception on the Naga peace talks. “Actually, the ongoing Naga peace talks is for all the Nagas, and you will know this when you meet the government of India,” said the Naga Hoho leader.

A leader of the Naga People’s for Human Rights (NPMHR) representing the organisation, while quoting John F Kennedy, urged the Naga people “at this crucial stage” to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

A leader of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) while speaking on the occasion said that the students’ body “would like to convey a message loud and clear to the world that the Naga younger generation will never give up the spirit of true nationalism and our fight for self-determination will continue till we achieve it fully. We know that the road is not easy but we shall never give up”.

A leader of the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) said that the Nagas are thirsty for peace, and we are hopeful that the ‘Framework Agreement’ will usher in the lasting peace.

Leaders of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum while participating in the programme today said that they support the ‘Framework Agreement’.

DIMAPUR | Aug 14 (NNN)

The Dr Shurhozelie group of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) claimed that a local court has passed an interim order restraining Neiphiu Rio from using the name of Naga People’s Front, its symbol and flags and also against the opening of any office using the name of NPF party.

It may be noted that the Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu and the other NPF led by Neiphiu Rio have been engaging in tussling work to hold the forte of the party.

According to the NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu, L Yanlong, president of the NPF Mon division had filed a civil suit in the court of the Civil Judge (Senior) Division in Mon district  submitting that the defendant Neiphiu Rio has been appointed as the “Interim President” of the NPF on July 31, 2017, by a group of expelled and suspended legislators of NPF and had opened an office at Hotel Legacy, Kohima, using the name of NPF and its symbol and flags.

Counsel for the Plaintiff pointed out that 20 legislators of the NPF were expelled and another 12 were suspended on various dates from active and primary membership of the party, it said.

The basis of the contention was that there is no post by the name and style of “Interim President” as per the Constitution of the NPF and that any official post of the party will have to be appointed by the General Convention of the party as per para 2 (c) of Article IV of the Constitution of the NPF party.

The learned Civil Judge was satisfied that the plaintiff had made out a case for grant of ad-interim injunction and accordingly passed an order restraining the defendant Neiphiu Rio from using the name of NPF, its symbol and flags and further restrained the defendant from opening of any new office using the name of NPF party till the next returnable date which has been scheduled for September 27, 2017.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 6

A minor girl from Churachandpur district is suffering from an unusual breast enlargement believed to be a rare side effect of Efavirenz, the first line of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS.

Life for 17 year old Jenny (name changed) has become a daily struggle physically and mentally for the past two years, since she developed the rare side effect.

But, things got worst during the last six months when her deformity increased at a very unusual way.

Jenny who is studying in class XII standard had to even stop her schooling since then.

When Imphal Free Press first contacted Jenny’s family they initially hesitated to disclose her HIV status.

Yet, the family was apparently desperate to know the cause of the unusual physical changes that has been bothering the minor.

According to Jenny’s family she had undergone pregnancy test six times following advice from doctors.

They have been even told that the minor girl could have been suffering from cancer.

When this reporter informed of similar case occurring to a man, who was on ART, several years back, they finally found themselves in the position to be more open.

The minor girl disclosed that she started having the physical problem after taking ART two years back.

Initially, she felt discomforting and had itching sensation on her chest which continued for about a year.

After a year on ART, Jenny said that she started experiencing excruciating pain on her chest occasionally followed by enlargement of her breast.

Jenny said that when she told her relative of the problem they assumed puberty could be the cause.

With each passing days, her unusual physically anomaly was taking over her life to the extent that she finally forced herself from stepping outside of her home.

Her physical changes attracted the unwanted attention of everyone and everywhere she goes, claimed Jenny.

“Whenever I step outside I hear people talking bad about me. Some of them think that I was pregnant or I have intentionally enlarged my breast for getting attention of boys. Sometimes don’t wish to live”, she said with a trembling tone.

Jenny contracted the virus from her parents. They (Jenny’s parents) contracted the virus from their cousins who were drug users. With no background of drugs and possibilities to get HIV, the parents were believed to have contracted the virus while taking care of their sick cousins.

Jenny’s parents came to know of their status when her (Jenny) mother felt terribly ill just months before her death in 2010. The father who could not comprehend the lost of his wife turned to alcohol and passed in 2011.

Before his death, Jenny’s father had his daughter tested HIV status and found positive when she was about six years old.

Since her parents passed away, Jenny is taken care of by his maternal relatives particularly her god father A Guite.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 14

Imphal West arrested three persons in relation with the second blast of Kakwa Naorem Leikai yesterday. Huge quantity of bomb making materials were recovered from the culprits, Imphal West superintendent of police Themthing Ngashangva told a press conference today at his conference hall.

Speaking to media persons, Themthing said after yesterday’s second blast Imphal West police team immediately conducted a massive search and raided different places to nab the perpetrators.

During the search and raids credible information was received that the IED blast was carried out by proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) under the command of one Aheiba Nagngom alias Tamocha alias Premkumar alias B. Koijam of Bashikhong who is self style finance in-charge of PREPAK (VC).

He said in the raid one person namely Sapam Nanda alias Makar (50) son of S. Sanatomba of Bashikhong Torban, CDO Imphal East was apprehended. On interrogation he revealed the name of two other persons namely Pipa Yaima Maring (29), CDO Imphal East, son of B. Angphun of Kangkoi Khullen under Machi police station and Thingbaijam Sanjoy (35) son of Th. Dronjit of Kakwa Naorem Leikai who were involved in the crime. The two were also arrested yesterday without delay.

On further interrogation the three accused confessed to have committed the crime and revealed the details of the plan. They confessed that they assemble the IED yesterday morning and planted it at around 7 am and waited for opportune time to target the security forces, Themthing said.

He further said they exploded the IED by using a remote control device from a distance of about 300 metres. They also disclosed that the bomb materials were kept at different places to be used during the Independence Day celebration Themthing added.

Police recovered bomb making materials from their disclosure such as 81 number of Gelatin sticks (power gel), two TNT cases of 500 grams each of military grade, six electronic circuits, one remote control device, three mobile phones, and five subscriber identity module (SIM) cards.

A case has registered under FIR number 252 (8) 2017 under Singjamei police station u/s 307/506/427/34 IPC and 20 UA (P) Act read with three explosive substance Act have been registered in c/w the IED blast at Singjamei police station and further investigation is in process, Themthing said.

Elangbam Nikita & Ningthoujam Prasant

IMPHAL | Aug 14

 Laishram Guramangi (LG) Rose Garden, a well known and popular recreational garden, has a nursery where plants are cultured and nurtured in bulk before being retailed to other nurseries, who in turn sell them to the general public.

The garden which is owned by Laishram Dewakar is known for floriculture, a branch of agriculture concerned with the development of flowering and ornamental plants for home gardens and and other hobbyists.

The garden creates diverse types of plants such as pot plants, house plants, flowers, fruit bearing and ornamental trees.

“The trend for retailing flowers and other ornamental trees is increasing nowadays. Several women vendors come four to five times in a week to make bulk purchases. Additionally, individuals flock the garden to purchase seasonal flowers and other ornamental plants mainly during festivals, such as Diwali and in the wedding seasons,” said Thokchom Ibochou, an experienced nurseryman of the garden.

He said peak sale generally happen during November and February. The sales can go up to Rs. 10,000 per day during that period, claimed Ibochou, adding that Marigold is the much sought after during Diwali.

Ibochou was despondent about the state not having the capacity to create flowers and plants which can be exported to other states. He said Leihao saplings and other flowers and plants are supplied from Kolkata and Guwahati.

He expressed dissatisfaction on the requirement for saving indigenous plants of the state, for example, Urirei, Nageshwor, Labangga and so forth which are scarcely available.

One reason for such slack in the field of management of plant is the absence of work culture, especially among the young people, he said. Unemployed young people can procure and help themselves by filling in as a gardener or nurseryman instead of indulging in drugs, he suggested. The L.G. Rose Garden will offer a 3-month course from March next year in which 10 ccandidates will be chosen for training in the management of plants and nurseries. The scope of management of plants extends from vegetables to flowers and other ornamental plants, he further added.

Ibochou claims that the garden has more than 500 varieties of roses. Different types of flowers and plants include Kaboklei, Leihao, Azalea, U-thambal, Seed-less orange, sweet lemon, foxtail palm, traveller tree and so on. Some of the techniques used for the propagation of plants are cutting, layering and grafting. He stated, “With various 18 nurserymen, the nursery is kept up in the most ideal approach to keep the plants healthy by utilizing ‘cow dung’ as its main manure.”