NEPS News Service – Manipur News

Nagaland: When will TR Zeliang expand his Ministry ?

By Oken Jeet Sandham When the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directive to the two NPF groups on March 27 to hold their “General Convention” with their active

By Oken Jeet Sandham

When the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directive to the two NPF groups on March 27 to hold their “General Convention” with their active members to end their crisis, things have taken place in that direction as both the groups have issued necessary notices for the same. The directive of the ECI has been seen some sort of “peacemaking mission.” It has not given any ruling on who is right or who is wrong. In other words, the ECI directive has clearly indicated that the issue is “internal of the NPF.”

The most interesting part is the ECI directive in its para 10 says, “No record has been placed, nor even vaguely averred, by either of the two groups before the Commission showing that the remedy provided in the Party constitution for determining the dispute out of the present split has been resorted to, exhausted or even attempted. When there is a specific and express remedy provided in the Party constitution itself which is binding on all members of the party, to deal with any specific issue concerning the party, such remedy should be exhausted first before seeking a decision from the Commission. The Commission is thus of the considered view that it would be premature for the Commission to pass orders on the present question of the split at this stage.”
The ECI has directed both NPF groups to follow Article XIV of the NPF Constitution for “getting the dispute resolved with the decision of the Active Members of the party as per the procedure laid down therein.” And the outcome of the meeting being conducted as per Article XIV of the Party Constitution should be submitted to the ECI.

More interestingly, the ECI in its directive in Para 11 says: “The Commission hopes and expects that the internal dispute in the party will be settled amicably within the framework of the Party constitution which would pave way for its harmonious function, not only in its own interest but also in the interest of the State of Nagaland where it is ruling party.”
After carefully observing the aforementioned points of the ECI, its role is a “peacemaking mission” something like “conflict resolution.” Never mind, the people of the northeast has been living in the midst of “all types social and political conflicts due to unresolved political conflicts nearly 70 years.” Nearly 90% of the population in the whole of the northeast were born after India gets her Independence and they have been hearing only “conflicts” and many intellectuals, educationists, political pundits usually love talking about “political conflicts” of the region with New Delhi. Ironically, it goes on without giving any remedies till now.

There are pseudo-intellectuals in our society all along talking with beautifully orchestrated “conflict resolution theories” with blank input of solution. So when the ECI plays more of a “peacemaking” role for resolving the conflict of the NPF groups by wisely referring to the party’s Constitution, it works.
Yet, politics is, no doubt, an art of compromise as often said, “There is no permanent friend or foe in politics.” After all, it is all politics and it surprises none.
However, the question is – “Why did Chief Minister TR Zeliang move for “Confidence Motion” of his government when the “NPF” had “internal crisis?” What happened to his government when 22 NPF dissident MLAs led by G Kaito Aye challenged his leadership?
But Kaito had his own political maneuver by supporting the “Confidence Motion.” Corroborating their move, the veteran lawmaker justified that they would not go against “our DAN government” as their move was purely against the leadership of TR.

The Opposition Congress, which played a very crucial role in rescuing the beleaguered TR from the unprecedented political web, would have hit the jackpot, had the BJP MLAs remained neutral during the “Confidence Motion.” But the BJP High Command played another political maneuver by pulling the rug at an unpredicted time. This is also “politics,” anyway.
Nevertheless, the most interesting part is not the ECI’s directive but Chief Minister TR Zeliang’s fumbling on the expansion of his Ministry. It has been three and half months since 22 dissident NPF MLAs openly revolted against his leadership that he has been running the DAN government without filling up the four Cabinet Ministerial Posts which remained vacant after G Kaito Aye, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Noke Wangnao and Dr Benjongliba Aier were dropped. Expectations are running high that he will exercise expansion of his Ministry, at least, after March 27 ECI directives. But things remain the same if not complicated.

But the question is – How long will TR continue his government without expanding his Ministry? Is there any logic for him to remain in the same fashion? If he further delays expansion of his Ministry, then the people of Nagaland will be made to believe something otherwise on him. If he continues with the current mode with no efforts to expand and restructure the Ministry, he will only push the state backward. The world is moving so fast and we seem to be more complacent even after fully knowing of the continuous deficiencies in the governing. The present trend should not continue further as it will cause irreparable loss to the people of Nagaland in the long run.

Nagaland : Patton appeals to YTC leaders to attend “Tripartite Talk”

SHAMATOR, Mar 30 (NEPS): Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton said the upcoming “Tripartite Talk” to be held on April 7 at Kohima would be crucial as it was to find

SHAMATOR, Mar 30 (NEPS): Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton said the upcoming “Tripartite Talk” to be held on April 7 at Kohima would be crucial as it was to find amicable and lasting solution to the “Chang and Yimchunger” issues.

Addressing a huge crowd here at Shamator HQ, under Tuensang district Monday, the Minister appealed to the leaders of the Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC) to attend the “Tripartite talk” to be held on April 7 next month at state capital, Kohima.
Reminding that the government and its machineries had been making every possible effort to see that all their Chang and Yimchunger brothers live peacefully as they had been living as one family, Patton said, “I make this special request to YTC leaders that please come and attend the upcoming tripartite talk and share your problems there. After sharing with whatever you have in your mind, we will take decision as to how we will move forward for amicable and lasting solution to your problems.”

It may be mentioned that YTC did not give their green signal for attending the “Tripartite talk” but after Home Minister made a special request during the public meeting today, they had reportedly hinted their willingness to attend the talk. The “Tripartite talk” to be held with the two tribes – The Chang and the Yimchunger – to find amicable and lasting solution to their problems has been initiated by the state government.
The Minister also appreciated the various mass based civil societies including Chang Khulie Setshang (CKS) and YTC, church leaders, police, district administration and individuals for bringing normalcy in the Tuensang district.

Patton said he was unhappy with the recent development within the NSCN (K) and further called upon all the Naga national workers for “reconciliation and unity” among them. “Without unity, we cannot achieve a lasting and permanent peace in our land,” he said.
MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for CAWD, Economics & Statistics R. Tohanba, Deputy Speaker NLA, Levi Rengma, Tokiumong, DIG (R/NAP), Tuensang, RV Ezung, SP, Tuensang, Rhovisie, Commandant, 3rd NAP, Tuensang were among others who accompanied the Home Minister.
Tohanba, Levi, YTC President Keozhe also spoke on the occasion.

On his arrival at Shamator, the Minister also laid a foundation stone for “Langa bridge” and urged the people to provide peaceful environment for the construction work to go undisturbed. “Peace is pre-requisite for all round development,” he said.

Wokha bomb blast in Nagaland seriously injured three women, one nine-month old baby

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Mar 26 (NEPS): Another bomb blast this morning at the heart of Wokha Town has inflicted injuries to three women and one nine-month old baby

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, Mar 26 (NEPS): Another bomb blast this morning at the heart of Wokha Town has inflicted injuries to three women and one nine-month old baby boy.
The bomb, which was reportedly placed near a shop at the PWD Junction, Wokha Town by two unidentified men who came in a bike this morning, went off at about 9 AM, injuring three women and one nine-month old baby boy.

nine-month old baby boy victim of wokha bomb blast

The two seriously injured women and the nine-month old baby boy have been brought to Naga Hospital Kohima while the other woman and the mother of the baby boy was under treatment at Wokha Civil Hospital as her condition is not that serious.
The nine-month old baby identified as Yanrenthung, son of Mhonpamo Khuvung, is from Sonkiton Village. His mother, Lina, who also received injuries, is undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital Wokha, as her condition is not that serious. The right hand of the baby boy was damaged while the splinter of the bomb hit his left stomach and his intestine came out.

The other two ladies who received serious injuries are identified as Thosano Ezung, 55, wife of Nymthungo Ezung of Longsachung Village and Benchilo Kikon, wife of Simon is from Lakhuti Village. Benchilo Kikon is the sister Dr M Kithan, Additional Director, H & F W. Legs of both the ladies were badly damaged.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Y Patton has strongly condemned the blasts – the one exploded at Dimapur yesterday at about 7:30 PM and the one exploded this morning at PWD Junction, Wokha at about 9 AM.

victims of wokha bomb blast

Terming as “cowardly and dastardly” the acts of the miscreants inflicting serious injuries to women and child, the Home Minister said all sensible people should condemn the acts of “terrorism.”

“It is very unfortunate that when the Naga people and various agencies have been making their concerted efforts to see that the Naga peace process reaches its logical conclusion, there are still some elements hell-bent on creating confusion and disturbances in the society,” the Home Minister said.
Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured Wokha bomb victims, Patton said the state government would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to see that “peace and tranquility is not disturbed in the state.”

BJP MLA Dr TM Lotha also condemned the bomb blast at Wokha.
Stating that the incident was very unfortunate, the BJP MLA from Wokha said such incidents had been taking place in Wokha Town including the recent one on February 24 and further urged the State Government to constitute a High Power Committee (HPC) to thoroughly investigate into the incident to know the facts and bring those responsible to book.

Urging the District Administration and Law Enforcement Agencies to ever remain alert, so that such unwanted incidents do not occur again at Wokha Town, Dr Lotha also requested the Chief Minister to pay ex-gratia to the bomb victims who had been undergoing treatments at Naga Hospital, Kohima and District Hospital, Wokha.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Nagaland heading for Opposition-less government; not healthy in democratic government

By Oken Jeet Sandham When press people asked Chief Minister TR Zeliang as to when he would fill the vacant Cabinet posts in his Council of Ministers. “Any time after

By Oken Jeet Sandham

When press people asked Chief Minister TR Zeliang as to when he would fill the vacant Cabinet posts in his Council of Ministers. “Any time after the Assembly,” he told the good-tempered journalists who still wanted to know about the Congress’ joining his Ministry. The suave Chief Minister gave his final nod approving the Congress’ joining the DAN government. “It will now be a party-less government in Nagaland,” he said.

Everyone has been nervously watching at every move of TR and things now become crystal clear that the Congress will be a part of his DAN government in Nagaland. In fact, hours after winning the “Confidence Motion” with 59 Members in the House of sixty voting in favor it, TR, while talking to the press at his official residence, only hinted that there would soon be “a party-less government” in Nagaland.

CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi has already stated that they would now join the DAN government in the state, and according to sources, at least two Cabinet posts will go to the Congress while the rest may be awarded with Parliamentary Secretary posts. The Congress has eight MLAs. The BJP, an important ally of the ruling DAN since its inception in 2003, has four MLAs. There are diametrical political ideologies between these two giant national political parties not only at the Center but also everywhere in the country. Dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads the current BJP-led NDA government at the Center while the Congress plays main Opposition. In fact, the Congress, which led the 10-year old UPA government at the Center, suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in the last 16^th Lok Sabha elections. They had even double humiliations as the strength of the Congress MPs did not qualify them to have “Leader of the Opposition” tag in Parliament, though they still emerged as the largest Opposition party among the Opposition parties.

The fundamental question arises is can the Congress and the BJP go together in the same boat in any state or for that matter in Nagaland. It is very unlikely but the case in Nagaland becomes rare. And when the press people asked TR as to how two political parties having history of bitter political rivalries in the country would allow their party MLAs to be part of the same government in Nagaland, his reply was more classic saying “National issues are different from local issues.” There should not be any problem having both the Congress and the BJP in his DAN government in Nagaland, he replied.

We all have to remain finger-crossed and watch how TR is going to play his magic wand till such time formal induction of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries take place. In all likelihood, there will be some reactions after the induction ceremonies.

It is also understood that TR has to fulfill whatever he had a deal with Congress because the party’s (Congress) crucial role played at the time of “Confidence Motion” changed the entire political equation in the state. The survival theory as TR thought of by taking the support of the main Opposition Congress during his trial time might be politically correct but he cannot overlook the importance of BJP as they are currently at the helms at Delhi.

After taking the Congress to his boat, Nagaland Chief Minister, who is also Minister in-charge of Finance, will not be that lively in re-pleading with the ruling Central BJP leaders to rescue the state from its financial quagmire. He, while presenting the Vote on Account on the Floor of Assembly on March 17, highlighted his passionate pleadings with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister on many occasions to rescue the state from its precarious financial position. So, his magic wand should be watched in what manner the Central BJP leaders will be convinced for taking the Congress into the ruling DAN fold.

Bottom Line:

Actually if there is party-less government in Nagaland, then it should not be the problem. The problem is Opposition-less government which is not healthy in a democratic system of government.

In the last SC Jamir Congress ministry in Nagaland, only one Independent MLA Mavil Khieya was acting all along as the “lone Opposition” in the House of Sixty. Numerically, a single opposition MLA in the House of Sixty sounds funny but Khieya not only kept the 60-Member House a good-humor atmosphere but also could embarrass then Leader of the House Jamir and his Deputy Neiphiu Rio, who was Home Minister. Many legislators, media personnel, state officials and publics appreciated Khieya for his bold role as single Opposition Member in the 60-Member House. Had Khieya not been there as lone Opposition, we would have dormant government then in Nagaland.

But in the present case where TR is going to run a new form of Opposition-less government will not healthy at all. Because, in a democratic form of government such as ours, the role of opposition is a must so that the welfare state does not suffer. In the absence of Opposition, no government can function effectively.

Yepthomi, CLP leader, without doubt, is the most vocal opposition face in the Assembly. He is well-versed with many areas of governmental and administrative loopholes. He did his homework well before coming to any Assembly Sessions. His suggestions on important issues during Assembly Sessions were always taken seriously and even majority Members in the Treasury Bench appreciated his in-depth knowledge in many areas concerning the state. His and other Congress MLAs’ joining the ruling DAN will be the beginning to end the charm of democracy till another real opposition emerges.

Yes, many might have perceived that the legislators belonging to NPF (N) would act as Opposition in the Assembly. But in all likelihood, such thing may not happen because they had categorically stated on the Floor of the House minutes before voting in favor of “Confidence Motion” on February 5that they would not go against their “own government.”

Dimapur Rape and Mob Lynching: Home Minister visits Dimapur Central Jail, takes stock of situation

By Oken Jeet Sandham DIMAPUR, Mar 9 (NEPS): A High level team led by State Home Minister Y Patton has today visited the Dimapur Central Jail and inspected the

Home Minister Y Patton, 3rd left with his ministerial colleagues visits Dimapur Central Jail on March 9, 2015 to stock of the situation following March 5 incident.(NEPS Photo)

By Oken Jeet Sandham

DIMAPUR, Mar 9 (NEPS): A High level team led by State Home Minister Y Patton has today visited the Dimapur Central Jail and inspected the jail cells where a strong mob of thousands had on March 5 stormed the jail while searching the alleged rape accused Syed Farid Khan.

Ministers, Nuklutoshi, Kipili Sangtam, Deputy Speaker Er. Levi Rengma, Parliamentary Secretaries, Er. Picto, Y Vikheho Swu, Jacob Zhimomi, DGP L Doungel, ADGP (L&O) G Akheto Sema, IG (Int) Renchamo Kikon, IG (R) Wabang Jamir, DIG(R) Liremo Lotha who is also in-charge of Dimapur District, Secretary Home Bendangkokba and other officials accompanied the Home Minister while visiting the Dimapur Central Jail to take stock of the situation.

Later, he was also briefed by the high ranking police personnel at the office of Dimapur Superintendent of Police of the measures they had taken to contain the law and order situation in the wake of the March 5 incident at Dimapur.

Later addressing the press conference at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Dimapur, Patton described as “unfortunate” the incident that had taken place on March 5 at Dimapur. He also disclosed that the rape allegedly committed on a Naga girl on February 23 last was confirmed prima facie as per the preliminary medical report. He, however, explained they should wait the final report from the “One-Man judicial Inquiry” which has already been constituted. So, he requested the press to wait till such time the finding of the Inquiry committee is submitted.

The Minister also announced during the press conference that ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh would be given to next kith and kin of the one who lost his life in the unfortunate March 5 agitations at Dimapur. He also announced that Rs 50000 would also be given to those who received injuries during the agitations on March 5.

When asked whether the ex-gratia would also be given to the deceased alleged rapist, the Minister said, “We will examine on the finding of the Inquiry Committee.” “Right now, we can’t give,” he added.

When asked about the fate of Nagas living outside the state, the minister said that the state Chief Minister was keeping in touch with his counterparts to see that proper security measures for the Naga living in all over the country have been given.

He also announced that the CrPC 144 which has been relaxed in Dimapur from 6 Am to 12 Noon on March 9 would be further relaxed tomorrow in a phase manner from 6 AM to 4 PM so that schools, shops and business establishments remain opened. However, at the same time, the District Administration will also have a security review meeting to assess the prevailing situation and take necessary steps leaving nothing to chance.

Patton regretted that the Government had to take steps to block for SMS and Whatapps services in Nagaland for 48 hours. He informed that the people of the state should bear with the inconveniences for this and further informed that the blocking of the SMS and Whatapps services has already been extended for another 48 hours beginning from 6 PM on 9^th March keeping in mind in the larger interest of the people.

He said the Government has been making every possible effort to bring out the truth and so far the police had already arrested 43 people who were allegedly involved in the March 5 incident at Dimapur. “I want to assure everyone that the government is taking every step to bring the situation to normalcy,” he said and further appealed to the people to “extend cooperation to the Government” so that normalcy returns in the state in general and Dimapur in particular.

Nagaland : All start eyeing on the Governor

By Oken Jeet Sandham When Chief Minister (CM) TR Zeliang met Governor PB Acharya on January 9 and submitted him a proposal to summon a Special Session of the Nagaland

By Oken Jeet Sandham

When Chief Minister (CM) TR Zeliang met Governor PB Acharya on January 9 and submitted him a proposal to summon a Special Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for “Trial of Strength” of his government, the picture of the ongoing “political crisis” within the ruling major NPF was clear that it was beyond its control.

The simmering leadership issue within the NPF legislature party has been going ever since Zeliang took over from Neiphiu Rio, and even high pitched dissenting voices kept coming out on the issue but none of them had such a proportion like the current one fast engulfing every institution in the state.

Leadership crisis in every political establishment used to happen. But when such crisis takes place, the polarization within the party occurs. There will be a lot of unwanted developments and the innocent common men, even within the same community, will also be sharply divided. Because, most of them normally listen to and are loyal to their own respective representatives who have been elected by them. In this way, social disturbances are bound to happen.

As soon as the news of the 22 dissident NPF MLAs camping at Sovima to replace Zeliang’s leadership flashed early this month, Zeliang’s boat started having a stormy journey. NPF has 38 MLAs in the house of 60. The situation began worsening when NPF president Dr Shurhozelie issued suspension order of 7 dissident NPF legislators, G Kaito Aye, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Zhaleo Rio, Pukhayi, Pohwang Konyak, Shetoyi and Tovihoto, from the 22-member dissident group led by Kaito on January 5. This was followed by the dropping of them from the Zeliang ministry.

The suspension of 7 dissident NPF lawmakers did not stop the Kaito group from continuing the move. They even reasserted that their move was to replace the leadership in the NPF legislature party and not against the DAN government. They have 22 NPF MLAs while 15 NPF MLAs without Speaker are with Zeliang. After the suspension of 7 MLAs, Kaito’s strength has reduced to 15 but then subsequent suspension of 2 more NPF dissident MLAs, Noke Wangao and Imong L Imchen, on January 10, it has reduced to 13.

So, in the leadership crisis, when voting takes place to choose a new legislature party leader, the suspended MLAs will have no voting right except on the Floor of Assembly.

Now, the whole issue goes in different direction after the Kaito group called a Special Emergency Meeting of the NPF on January 12 and electing suspended senior regionalist Noke Wangnao as new president of the party. Soon after his election, all the suspended orders had been revoked and in a more dramatic manner, they had even suspended Dr Shurhozelie from the NPF. Now the media started using as “NPF led by Noke Wangnao” or “NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie” while filing their news, may be for clarity of the news.

The ongoing crisis within the NPF, if not resolved, will lead to constitutional breakdown, though Zeliang has already submitted a proposal to governor Acharya on January 9 for summoning a Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly for “Floor Test.” Perhaps, the governor’s failure to give decisive response to the proposal, the Zeliang government might be compelled to call for a cabinet meeting. So the cabinet of the Zeliang government had its meeting on January 15, 2015 and finally recommended for “Trial of Strength” on January 20, 2015.

But the Kaito group has questioned the motive behind Zeliang’s move for “Floor Test” saying that their move was not to challenge his government but his leadership. Zeliang, however, explained that the “Trial of Strength” was the only option to solve the current crisis.

The governor is not only the head of the state but also the custodian of the Constitution. He is well equipped with Constitutional machineries that can solve the present political crisis in Nagaland. So far, he has not acted upon the crisis with these machineries. He might be holding series of consultations with constitutional experts before taking any measures but the government cannot be kept in suspense. Now it has been 13 days that both sides have been camping in two different locations.

Now that the Zeliang Cabinet has recommended for “Motion of Confidence” of his government on January 20, 2015, everyone starts eyeing on the governor.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/01/nagaland-all-start-eyeing-on-the-governor/

Nagaland News: Chizami Za (Day) celebrated amid fanfare

CHIZAMI (Phek), Jan 11 (NEPS): For the first time, a grand Chizami Za (Day) has been celebrated with pomp and gaiety on January 8 here at the Chizami Local Ground

Chizami Za celebration picture. Chakhesang Tribe of Nagaland

CHIZAMI (Phek), Jan 11 (NEPS): For the first time, a grand Chizami Za (Day) has been celebrated with pomp and gaiety on January 8 here at the Chizami Local Ground under Phek district. Around four thousand villagers and families of those who married to other non-Chizamians attended the spectacular “Chizami Za” celebration organized under the theme “Recognizing history, celebrating the present, inspiring the future.”
Rich traditional songs and dances, cultural items, Music, Indigenous Games, Sports, Education and Religious Ceremonies, war preparation show and other cultural items like Lorhi Ketshe and Makru Kefu dominated the Chizami Za celebration. There were also highlights of colorful extravaganza of Arts and Crafts, Food, Flowers, Attires, and Sales during the celebration.

Chizami Za celebration picture. Chakhesang Tribe of Nagaland

Speaking on the occasion, Lhiwepelo Mero, Retd Director, Agriculture, urged the people of Chizami to learn how to live on their own feet. “Let us not be beggars or depend on others to live,” he said and further asserted that nothing was too small to do.
Calling emphatically upon the Chizamians to work to be independent, Mero also stated that they should not depend for everything on politics. “Give your best in whatever field you are by putting your full trust in God,” he added.
He called upon the Chizami men to love their wives, while encouraging the Chizami women married to non-Chizamians to love their husbands. “So that together we can make Chizami a model village,” he added.

On behalf of all the in-laws, Oken Jeet Sandham, Editor of the NEPS News and president of Muaythai Federation of India, who married a Chizamian, delivered greetings on the occasion. He called upon the Chizamians that they should give up the hedonistic lifestyles and must learn not only how to live independently but also try to know what their counterparts had been doing and how the world was going on. “We must know how to choose a good and capable leader in order to bring changes in the village,” he said. “Politics can never thrive when we remain aloof from the people and grassroots people.”
Oken Jeet Sandham also assured the Chizamians that wherever they were, they would always see that the welfare of the people of the Chizami would be given top priority in whatever capacity they could.

Chizami Za celebration picture. Chakhesang Tribe of Nagaland

In his welcome address, Kewepelo Tsuhah, Chairman, Village Council Chizami, said the Chizami Za was a time to inspire the future and called upon the people to give their best to the younger generation who would be their future pillars.
The significance of Chizami Za is to preserve, promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and social dynamics of Chizami Village. It is also to renew and build family ties, friendships and unity through bringing together every Chizami citizen, in-laws and well-wishers settled across the State and beyond.
For visitors it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of the village in particular and Chakhesang Nagas at large, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of its people.

Chizami Day has been organized under the aegis of the Chizami Village Council and it will be celebrated after every 5 years.

Nuklutoshi regrets decline on Christian principles in Nagas

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Jan 2 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi expressed his unhappiness on the fast decline of Christian spirit and the principles

Nagaland Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi (6th left) with Ao Church leaders and invitees during a grand New Year program for the Aos living in and around Delhi at Delhi on January 1, 2015.ga

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, Jan 2 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for National Highways and Mechanical Engineering Nuklutoshi expressed his unhappiness on the fast decline of Christian spirit and the principles among the Naga people. He said only a small per cent of Naga people lived as true Christian while sizeable number them did not even go to the Church to worship.

After attending a grand New Year program for the Aos living in and around Delhi organized by the Ao Baptist Church at Delhi on Thursday, the Minister, while talking to NEPS over phone, agreed that the Naga people were not serious with God and they continued to ignore the warning of God. “The Naga people will earn rather curse than blessing if we don’t return to the path of God,” the Minister said urging the Nagas to be true Christian rather than remaining a namesake Christian.

Stating that it was high time for the Naga people to worship God faithfully, Nuklutoshi asserted that they should stop being Christian only inside the Church “for one hour.” “We should change from such spiritual hypocrisy,” he said adding that even in the Bible, God did not like people with hypocrisy.

Wishing the Naga people wherever they live a very happy and prosperous New Year, the Minister called upon the people of Nagaland to make a promise to follow the resolutions they make more strictly and achieve what they truly desire in their life. Along with all the new hopes and promises that the New Year would bring Hope it also brings them a lot more opportunities to work together, he added.

Injustice to Indian boxer Sarita tarnishes images of boxing world & 17th Incheon Asian Games

By Oken Jeet Sandham In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have

By Oken Jeet Sandham

In my 36 years of sports careers particularly in the field of martials arts – Karate, Kick-Boxing and later 25 years in Muaythai – I have never come across such a humiliating sporting incidents like the one where India’s boxing star Sarita Devi’s semifinal fight against her South Korean opponent Jina Park on September 30, 2014 on the ongoing 17^th Asian Games at Incheon, South Korea.

I was having food while Sarita’s boxing match with her South Korean opponent Park came in on live TV. I just shoved my plate aside and started gluing to the live TV showing her dominating fight against her opponent. The first round was somewhat neck to neck though she was slightly ahead of her opponent. But the rest of the rounds, she gave her ferocious punches to her opponent with her fantastic footwork. Even at following rounds, Park simply could not defend herself Sarita’s ferocious attacks and was off-balanced at many times.

Being in sports for 36 years and also having judged on many world kick Boxing and Muaythai tournaments including 13^th Asian Games at Bangkok in 1998 and also 24^th SEA Games at Korat, Thailand in 2007, I was banging my dining table as soon as the Sarita’s fight against Park was over, shouting, “Oh, Sarita wins.” But in no time, all hell broke loose when the referee lifted Park’s hand as winner. I was still speechless and remained as stupor unbelieving the judging over this match, because it was so hugely different the boxing skills and prowess between the two boxers. Sarita’s boxing skills and prowess dominated during the fight. This greatest injustice sent instant shock waves across the world.

I would not have much thinking even if Park was declared winner if their fight was somehow neck-to-neck or near neck-to-neck. But in the case of Sarita’s semifinal fight against Park on September 30 at Seonhak Gymnasium was something no judges could manipulate for the simple fact that Sarita had far exceeded than her opponent in attacks and punches with excellent footwork.

Then seeing the points given by the judges on their match becoming more ridiculous because the entire judges came in favor of Park and not even one judge came in favor of Sarita. This incident has simply tarnished the image of the technical officials of AIBA besides creating massive question mark on their activities.

In any game, the standard of the match depends on the quality of judging and not the match. Even for any new game to get Olympic recognition it’s judging and refereeing needs first examining. And if the judging and refereeing are not up to the mark, no game can be qualified to enter into Olympic Games or Asian Games.

Whatever the explanations or arguments that might come after this highly questionable and controversial match, the simple and plain truth is this historic match has been video recorded and telecast worldwide. The match has been in YouTube and other social media networking sites and it can never be misinterpreted.

In fact, the whole country was overjoyed when legendary India boxer Mary Kom won Gold Medal in 51kg category in the Asian Games a day after Sarita’s final berth in the 60kg category was deliberately robbed off. But Sarita’s controversial match was prominently splashed in all the front pages of newspapers in India and the country’s media had done remarkable justice by openly defying the controversial results given by the judges on Sarita’s fight against Park. They said she lost out due to “unfair” decisions during her bout. They all agreed that Sarita was the real winner in her historic semifinal match against Park. Even for the first time, international media had given coverage prominently around the world on the controversial boxing match between Sarita and Park.

Some papers feel Sarita Devi was a “clear winner” in her lightweight (57-60kg) semifinal bout against South Korean Ji-Na Park on Wednesday.

The Indian Express says” “Sarita appears to be a clear winner in the bout… dominating the proceedings with such ferocity that Park barely managed to stand the assault. But much to the shock of the Indian contingent and the spectators, the judges awarded the bout to Park.”

A report on the Mint website says the controversial result has been “widely condemned as unfair and biased towards the host country.”

Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal and her outburst of emotions on the podium dimmed the celebration of Mary Kom’s victory. But the Mint website adds that “it was a day of tears in the boxing arena at the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Some happy, some sad.”

The follow up developments have exposed a very shoddy affairs of the boxing officials from India as well as the officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). I have agreed that a grave injustice was meted out to Sarita by the judges but it was a double whammy that no officials either from Indian Boxing or Indian Olympic came forward to formally lodge complaints forget about consoling her. It was simply unimaginable that Sarita had to borrow money from the Indian media persons for protest fees. But she as a player could not lodge any complaint whatsoever with the Judging Committee. Where were the officials be it Indian Boxing officials or Olympic Officials. Are they aware of the rules of the games that in the event of any controversial results given by judges, officials were the ones authorized to formally lodge complaints along with whatever protest fees prescribed as per the rules and regulation framed by that respective International Federations.

Although some including deputy general of Incheon’s organizing committee (IAGOC) say that Sarita’s refusal to accept her bronze medal on the podium went against the values of sportsmanship, no one at home takes it that way. Everyone in India appreciated her actions rather, though it happened with her unprecedented emotional outburst. But the mistake was not Park’s but the judges who should be suspended from judging any future boxing tournaments.

At the same time, the injustice meted out to Sarita tarnishes the beautiful image of the 17^th Asian Games at Incheon. It also exposes shoddy attitudes of Indian Boxing officials as well as Indian Olympic officials.

Nagaland – TR Zeliang should show something on the ground

By Oken Jeet Sandham Ever since the TR Zeliang government came in a little over one month back, the overall administration and political environment continues to remain still unpredictable. No

By Oken Jeet Sandham

Ever since the TR Zeliang government came in a little over one month back, the overall administration and political environment continues to remain still unpredictable. No major programs and policies are initiated and the state government machineries are still visibly weak. Things are increasingly complex day by day and looking at the whole scenario, it appears that chief minister TR Zeliang is being bogged down and helpless in bridling his “jumbo size ministry.”

For the first time after becoming the chief minister of Nagaland, he admitted state’s pathetic financial position during the joint meeting of council of ministers, AHODs, HODs, on June 17 at secretariat conference hall, Kohima. Then after few days, he had given a statement to the press mentioning state’s estimated deficit at the tune of over Rs 1200 crore. This is not everything for the financial woes of the state, the loans taken by the state since 2003 to 2013 is Rs 5972.93 crore which in fact has exceeded the permitted limits of taking loans by the state. Although his remark that further appointment should be stopped was heard, it is extremely doubtful that such step would work.

It is true that then NDA prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had shown extra-ordinary care and concern for then Neiphiu Rio’s 1^stDAN government which was, in fact, fortunate enough that it had not only got Rs 365 crore as one time grant to wipe out state’s accumulated deficit but also received another huge economic package of Rs 1053 crore. But such sops from the Vajpayee government in 2003 did not stop the Rio ministry from taking loans as stated above. However, one should not forget that then Rio’s 1^st DAN government had enjoyed that entire unprecedented economic grant and package from then Vajpayee government was only because seven BJP MLAs were there in the ministry. In the 1^st DAN government, the BJP was the second largest party with seven MLAs while NPF with nineteen MLAs.

The DAN-I government after enjoying all these economic facilities from then Vajpayee government had to continue for the next 10 years with the next Congress-led UPA governments at the Center. During this period, the Annual Plan Size of the state kept increasing till such time the state had to experience negative Plan Size in 2013. Only after this expected trend, state government started narrating different stories that the Center had done away with the funding pattern which it enjoyed till 1989. This is the same story Dr SC Jamir as chief minister used to tell us demanding the Center to revert back to the pre-1989 funding pattern.

The economic growth pushes nation’s wealth and also enhances its potential for reducing poverty and solving other social problems. However, such trend failed to make the human development progressed. Instead such economic growth was achieved at the cost of greater inequity, higher unemployment, weakened democracy, loss of cultural identity, or overconsumption of resources needed by future generations. As the links between economic growth and social and environmental issues are better understood, experts including economists tend to agree that this kind of growth is inevitably unsustainable—that is, it cannot continue along the same line for long, stated a recent document of the United Nations.

The United Nations explains that it is not difficult to point out which country is richer and which one is poorer. But indicators of wealth, which reflect the quantity of resources available to a society, provide no information about the allocation of those resources—for instance, about more or less equitable distribution of income among social groups, about the shares of resources used to provide free health and education services, and about the effects of production and consumption on people’s environment. Thus it is no wonder that states with similar average incomes can differ substantially when it comes to people’s quality of life: access to education and health care, employment opportunities, availability of clean air and safe drinking water, the threat of crime, and so on.

To be sustainable, economic growth must be constantly nourished by the fruits of human development such as improvements in workers’ knowledge and skills along with opportunities for their efficient use: more and better jobs, better conditions for new businesses to grow, and greater democracy at all levels of decision making.

Looking at the present state of affairs in Nagaland, the chief minister will have a very unpredictable journey and of course, one can’t blame him as he inherits the state of affairs. Yet he as chief minister is accountable to the state and one wonders how he is going to develop the state when he literally has nothing at hand.

On the other hand, we can still see the complaints and disappointments from the ruling NPF over the distribution of portfolios. Some legislators appointed as chairmen of various boards with Cabinet status do not have their offices as yet due to “jumbo size ministry.” Even some former ministers are still occupying ministerial bungalows which have already been allotted to new parliamentary secretary. Some parliamentary secretaries are still using their Boleros allotted by Assembly Secretariat.

Ironically, the initial jubilation that the powerful BJP-led NDA government at the Center will rescue the trouble-torn and cash-starved TR government in the state is fast dwindling. At the same time, after carefully studying the start-off of the Narendra Modi government at the Center, the scene becomes crystal clear that no bounty is likely to come hastily to the ever fragile TR government in Nagaland.

However, the recent merger of three NCP MLAs with the BJP in Nagaland has given some breather in the minds of the general publics for the fact that the Center is currently ruled by the BJP-led NDA. This masterstroke by the three NCP MLAs smacked other political detractors in the state as the move came at a time when the Center is ruled by the BJP-led NDA. However, it is still doubtful that the Center will come forward to lend their ears to the financial quagmire of the NPF-led DAN government.

Nagaland is a small state that depends for everything on the Center. The only way to convince the Central leadership is Zeliang has to start exercising frugality in his government and show some positive result on the ground. He also should ponder over his “jumbo size ministry” which simply defeats his point of argument seeking any kind of financial grant from the Center. He should exercise some kind of visible curtail of his jumbo size ministry, though they may be hard exercise. Then only will the Central government start contemplating to work out a grant for the state.

Nagaland: NCP cannot suspend members of other political party – Dr TM Lotha

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Jun 26 (NEPS): The news of the formal merger of three NCP MLAs, Dr TM Lotha, Imtilemba Sangtam and Mmhonlumo Kikon, with the BJP in

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, Jun 26 (NEPS): The news of the formal merger of three NCP MLAs, Dr TM Lotha, Imtilemba Sangtam and Mmhonlumo Kikon, with the BJP in Nagaland, which was done on June 16, 2014, refuse to die down as the NCP National Party continues to mislead the general public on the “merger” with the BJP in Nagaland.

Reacting to a news item appeared in section of local dailies that “NCP National president Sarad Pawar, angered over the second such defection of NCP legislators in the State, has issued suspension orders against the three – ex-president Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikon,” Dr Lotha wondered as to how they would issue such orders on June 17, 2014 in the “post-merger” development.
“Because the three NCP MLAs including myself with our supporters have formally merged with the BJP in Nagaland on June 16, 2014 and all the constitutionally relevant papers to this effect have also been officially submitted to the Honourable Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly on the same day at 3:00 PM,” he asserted. He further termed as “ridiculous and misleading” the so-called “suspension orders” issued by the NCP National Party on June 17, 2014 in the post-merger of the three NCP MLAs.
“I want to further make it very clear that when the three MLAs formally merged with the BJP, they had become bonafide members of that party (BJP), and then the NCP president has no locus standi to suspend another national political party which does not belong to their party,” he said.
Dr Lotha, who was first BJP Home Minister in the DAN-I Ministry, categorically stated that there was nothing wrong for them as elected members of a political party to merge with another political party as such exercise is permitted as per the “10th Schedule of the Anti-Defection Law” of the Constitution of India.

Asked why he had to leave the NCP in Nagaland, Dr Lotha said there was no future for NCP in Nagaland and they could not afford remaining as NCP MLAs when there was no future. “So after thorough deliberations, we have resolved to formally merge along with our supporters with the BJP in Nagaland for the larger interest of the people of Nagaland and the BJP,” he stated.

Asked his comment on the delay of issuing any notification to their merger claim by the Speaker, he said after submission of all the relevant documents with regard to their three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with the BJP in Nagaland to him (Speaker) on June 16, 2014, they had also provided some more additional documents as desired by him. Besides that the former NCP Office Bearers led by Imtilemba Sangtam appeared before him on June 24, 2014 to validate their credentials. “I think the ball is in his court,” he added.

Nagaland: Either maintain status quo or review portfolios – Zunheboto NPF

KOHIMA, June 25 (NEPS): The fragile TR Zeliang Ministry continues to face blitzkrieg from various NPF District Divisions for what they called his failure to maintain “status quo” of the

KOHIMA, June 25 (NEPS): The fragile TR Zeliang Ministry continues to face blitzkrieg from various NPF District Divisions for what they called his failure to maintain “status quo” of the previous ministry or “discrimination” in portfolio allocations to Zunheboto district, etc.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister TR Zeliang, NPF Zunheboto Division, while demanding for reviewing of entire portfolios of NPF legislators of the district (Zunheboto) or maintaining status quo, disclosed that only the “sick and improvised portfolios” had been allocated to their legislators. “These portfolios cannot cater to the needs of the people of Zunheboto district,” the NPF Zunheboto Division stated.
Terming as “discrimination” the Chief Minister’s allocation of portfolios to the NPF legislators of the Zunheboto district, the representation further regretted that even the “portfolios of Home, Soil & Water Conservation, and Women Development” had been “snatched away.” Because of this development, schism of opinions had been created among the various party (NPF) loyal men and women in the district, it added.
The Zunheboto NPF Division demanded the Chief Minister either to maintain the “Status Quo” of the previous ministry or review and complete overhaul the entire process of portfolio allocations of the present ministry on or before the next Nagaland Assembly Session for “equal justification.”
It further warned that the entire NPF establishment of the Zunheboto District would remain as “Animated Suspension” if the Chief Minister failed to redress to their demands.

Nagaland: NCP and BJP official notification for merger expected by Wednesday

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, June 24 (NEPS): Former office bearers of NCP, Nagaland Unit led by its former president Imtilemba Sangtam, MLA, have appeared before the Speaker of the

By Oken Jeet Sandham

KOHIMA, June 24 (NEPS): Former office bearers of NCP, Nagaland Unit led by its former president Imtilemba Sangtam, MLA, have appeared before the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chotisuh Sazo at his Office Chamber on Tuesday to validate their resolution passed on June 16, 2014 for their formal “merger claim” with the BJP in Nagaland.

Photo caption: Nagaland Assembly Speaker (left) at his office examining the documents of three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with BJP, Nagaland. (Right) Former NCP office bearers with Imtilemba Sangtam, MLA, coming out after appearing before Speaker, Nagaland Assembly on June 24, 2014. Photo by Oken Jeet Sandham/NEPS

Sazo, who was out for a week, reached Kohima late last night and could not attend to the documents of the 3 Nagaland NCP MLAs’ merger claim with the BJP in Nagaland. He, however, called the Nagaland Unit of NCP’s former office bearers and their president to appear before him at his office on Tuesday and validate their signatures appended to the “resolution” passed by them on June 16, 2014 for their merger claim along with their three MLAs with the BJP in Nagaland.

At about 3 PM on Tuesday, the former NCP Nagaland Unit office bearers led by Imtilemba Sangtam, MLA, appeared before the Speaker at his office chamber and verified all their signatures appended to their resolution for merger claim with the BJP, Nagaland.

Talking to NEPS soon after appearing before the Speaker, Sangtam said the Speaker was now satisfied after crosschecking their credentials and expressed the hope that “Official Notification” for the “Merger” of three NCP MLAs along with their party supporters with the BJP, Nagaland could be issued by Wednesday.

Talking to NEPS at his office chamber on Tuesday, Speaker Sazo disclosed that he had called the NCP office bearers and their president to appear before him at his office as he wanted to crosscheck their credentials on their “Resolution” passed on June 16, 2014 of their formal “merger claim” with the BJP, Nagaland.

Sazo also disclosed that he received documents from the three NCP MLAs—Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr TM Lotha and Mmhonlumo Kikon—with their party resolutions and Nagaland BJP’s acceptance resolution of the merger on June 16, 2014. “But I sought some more additional documents from them to furnish whether there was any resolution of the NCP National Political Party deciding to merge their party with the BJP or any authorization to the State Unit of NCP to take any decision in this regard. At the same time, whether there was any resolution of the BJP National Political Party accepting the merger of the NCP with BJP” he said.

“Because this is Constitutional matters and I need to thoroughly examine by consulting with legal and constitutional experts before any official notification with regard to the merger claim is issued from my office,” Sazo explained. “At the same time, I also have to listen to the views and counter views expressed by the parties concerned to the present development following the three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with the BJP.”

Asked when he would give official notification to the three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with the BJP, Nagaland, the Speaker said, “May not be today.” Although he did not specify the date of issuing the official notification, it is believed that “Official Notification” for the three NCP MLAs’ merger claim with BJP, Nagaland may be issued by Wednesday.

Nagaland Speaker urges youth for work culture, respect for elders

YORUBA (Phek), Jan 9 (NEPS): Speaker of Nagaland Assembly Chotisuh Sazo called upon the youth to maintain and preserve their age old cultures and traditions and also continue to maintain their respects for the elders as their elders had been … Continue reading →

Nagaland Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo addressing on the occasion of the 34th Cultural Day that coincides with the Sukrunye (premier festival of the Chekhesangs) organized by the Model Village Yorubami Youth Association (MVYYA) at the Yorubami Public Ground January 9, 2014. (NEPS Photo)

He was speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion of the 34^th Cultural Day that coincides with the Sukrunye (premier festival of the Chekhesangs) organized by the Model Village Yorubami Youth Association (MVYYA) here at the Yorubami Public Ground Wednesday. The Chief Guest said when they cared and respected for their elders, God would shower blessings upon them.

Sazo also expressed worry of the lack of work cultures among the present day youth who mostly preferred easy life without laboring which, he described was a dangerous trend and would not auger well for the future of their generations. He emphatically urged the people particularly the youth to develop the work culture that would be the only self-reliance for them in future.

While appreciating the Members of the MVYYA for organizing the program without indulging in any sort of fund drive like “lottery, buffet program etc, which are now a common feature today,” the Speaker said this way they had shown to others about their work culture values and self-reliance.

Paying rich tribute to former Chief Minister late Vamuzo who hails from this village (Yoruba), Sazo said he (Vamuzo) was visionary leader and pioneer of many developmental models in the village.

He also appreciated the organizers for their warm receptions given to him and his entourages.

Earlier in his welcome address, President MVYYA Vezota Veswuh said in the present global village, they had to make rapid progress without giving up their true “tradition, culture, values and customs.” He further stressed the importance of giving more emphasis on their “customs and traditional activities.”

Folk dance, folk tune, duet and traditional fire making competitions were the salient features dominating the “34^thCultural Day and the Sukrunye” today which was attended by large number of villagers from Yoruba and neighboring villages, besides CPO President, prominent social workers from various Chakhesang villages.

Sazo along with Chitsoru Vasa enthralled the crowd by their duet folk song.

The function was chaired by YSU President, while the greeting was given by Chairman, Village Council Yoruba.

Nagaland State completes 50 years without a Medical or Engineering or Technical College

In few hours from now, the State is going to witness the historic celebration of the 50th year of Nagaland Statehood with the President of India Pranab Mukherjee inaugurating it. The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated by the 2nd President of India Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as the 16th State of the Indian Union on the 1st of December, 1963 at the Kohima Local Ground.
While commemorating this “Historic Event” on 1st of December, 2013 in the State, one cannot help but fondly remembers those who made the Statehood happened 50 years ago. These Naga leaders who had formed the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in late 50s had sacrificed, toiled and even risked their precious lives during that turbulent period and finally could succeed to convince the Union Government under the first Prime Minister Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru to create a separate State of Naga people on the basis of a “16-Point Memorandum” which finally became the “16-Point Agreement.” This “Agreement” was signed between the Government of India and the NPC in 1960 and that led finally to the formation of the State of Nagaland in 1963.

The State was born out of “Political Agreement” between the Government of India and the NPC and some of the salient features of this “Agreement” are the incorporation of certain points such as — 1. Religious and social practices of the Nagas, 2. Naga customary laws and procedures, 3. Administration of civil and criminal justice involving Naga customary laws and 4. Ownership and transfer of land and its resources— in the Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. This makes the State and its people “unique.”

Some of the signatories of the “16-Point Agreement” became Chief Ministers in the post-Statehood periods. They were late P Shilu Ao, late JB Jasokie and Dr SC Jamir. Vizol was one of the signatories in the 16-Point Memorandum but was not a signatory when the “16-Point Agreement” was inked between the Government of India and the NPC. It is so poignant at this junction to say that Dr SC Jamir is still alive and keeping well. He is presently Governor of Odisha. He will have a lot to tell the moving history of the pre and post-Statehood eras.

It is also equally emotional to note that seven who served as Members of the Interim Body of Nagaland are still alive. It is really a momentous for these grand Naga leaders and they should be well-honored.

50 years is a long journey in human history. The State has produced nine Chief Ministers since 1964 till date (this is not included in the Chief Ministers’ multiple tenures). They are late P Shillu Ao, late TN Angami, late Dr Hokishe Sema, late Vizol, late JB Jasokie, Dr SC Jamir, KL Chishi, late Vamuzo, and Neiphiu Rio. It may be mentioned that late Dr Hokishe Sema was the first Naga who became Governor of Himachal Pradesh from 1983 to 1986. They were all “unique” leaders in their times and also many of those who served in the Interim Body Period became successful politicians in later part of their lives. They all are now “history.”

This writer was privileged to have interviewed late Dr Hokishe Sema, late JB Jasokie, late Vizol and late Vamuzo while they were alive. These leaders had visions for the Nagas. They had done their parts in shaping the destiny of the Nagas.

While remembering these leaders, we can flash back a little bit of what the State was in 1963. The population of the newly created Nagaland State was 3.69 lakh. Literacy was at the nadir with little over sixty thousand Nagas were literate. Not a single college was there when the State was created, except two Government High Schools. Only 11 Government Middle Schools and 180 Government Primary Schools were there. There were only two civil hospitals and smaller hospitals and dispensaries in the whole of the newly created State of Nagaland in 1963. Road communication was horrible as blacked-topped roads totaling about 168 kilometers at that point of time. Basic necessities such as water supply, electricity, were nil.

Today, the State has about one lakh Government employees in a population of nearly two millions. It has now 28 Government Higher Secondary schools, 273 Government High Schools, 878 Government Middle Schools and 1794 Government Primary Schools. On top it, nearly 900 private schools are there. The State’s road stretch altogether is now 10176 kilometers. Today the State is proud of having 58 Colleges when it did not have even a single College in 1963. In Health Sectors too, the State has progressed immensely. There are many departments now. The State has progressed a lot in many areas in the last 50 years and successive Government under various Chief Ministers had contributed their shares in shaping the State. It is a process and it has to go on and there is no limit in the journey of development and progression.

While saying so, some very pertinent issues remain critical till today and these need paying immediate attention. That unlike other states, the State of Nagaland does not have any source on its own to generate income and it had to depend solely on the Center for the overall wellbeing of the State. Earlier the State had two Mills namely Sugar Mill and Paper Mill. Unfortunately, both of these Mills miserably failed in spite of several attempts to revive by the successive Governments in the State. Somehow, a ray of hope has come this time, when the Center has approved the revival of the sick Paper Mill at Tuli under Mokokchung district with the releasing of Rs 100 crore as first installment.

We can write many things of what had happen in Nagaland in the last 50 years but it is not possible to narrate stories of 50 years in just 1000 words or so. But the fact is many things are yet to be done. Today’s Naga youth are more informed, educated and well-versed. They cannot be easily fooled by some dramatic gestures of politicians. They know where they are headed to.

The State has the highest literacy in the country, but the “employable factors” used to come in from time to time. Our educational systems are not up to the mark. The saddest part is the State does not have even a single Engineering College or a single Medical College or a single Technical College ever after 50 years of its Statehood. And we are expecting our educated youth to compete with their counterparts who have been brought up and educated in an environment of modern educational facilities.

This writer has been persistently highlighting about the pathetic condition of the State particularly with regard to not having any single Medical College or Engineering College or Technical College even to the extent of discussing the matters with various union Ministers and high profile officials of the Center. They listened to and even sometimes made emotional apologies that the State of Nagaland underwent in such a way without such facilities till date. They also assured that they would look into the matters and see that things were happening on the ground. We should also admit at the same time that the State seemed lacking political will as well as bureaucratic bargaining skills. Nevertheless, the President while inaugurating the “Golden Jubilee Celebration” of the Nagaland Statehood should think for a moment whether it is right that the people of Nagaland deserve this kind of treatment even after 50 years of Statehood which they got through series of “political negotiations and bloodsheds.”

Nagaland: Sazo comes down heavily on bogus societies, asks citizens to be aware of such developments

NEPS News Service Nagaland, KOHIMA, June 26: Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Child and Women Development, Chotisuh Sazo, has come down heavily on those “bogus societies and their agents” in… Read more »The post Nagaland: Sazo com…

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Nagaland: Kaito says his department making extra efforts to solve disturbances in roads during monsoon

NEPS News Service: Nagaland, KOHIMA, June 27 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye said his department was making all out efforts to see that people did… Read more »The post Nagaland: Kaito says his department making extra …

NEPS News Service: Nagaland, KOHIMA, June 27 (NEPS): Nagaland Minister for Roads and Bridges G Kaito Aye said his department was making all out efforts to see that people did… Read more »

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World Music Day: Handshake Concert at Bangkok a “most memorable and ever enjoyed”: Azo , Nagaland Minister for Health and Family

NEPS News Service KOHIMA, June 26: Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu described the recently held “Handshake Concert” on June 21 at the Thai capital, Bangkok,… Read more »The post World Music Day: Handshak…

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Naga Lady Major’s highest peak conquer story would inspire youngsters to challenge bigger things in their lives

NEPS News Service Nagaland, Kohima, June 23: The panelists in this week’s DDK Live Discussion under its regular — “Trend of Nagaland” — have lauded the remarkable achievement of Maj… Read more »The post Naga Lady Major’s high…

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