Kiphire Town Students’ Union seizes shops selling expired goods

Photo: KTSU executives burning the expired goods on Monday

Kiphire Town Students’ Union (KTSU) in the presence of GBs and public Monday the burnt the expired goods which was seized last January 7 from some shops during a surprise checking by volunteers of KTSU at Kiphire town. 

Yangkimong Sangtam, Hd. GB Kiphire who was present at the site encouraged the students to conduct such checking on illegal and expired goods for the welfare of the general populace.

Meanwhile, KTSU cautioned the shopkeepers not to keep illegal and expired goods in their shops and informed to conduct surprise checking in the town.

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation phase III stir & Socio Economic Caste Census in abeyance

Phase III agitation would be launched only after a proper consultation with ENLU, ENGOA - ENSF .

Third phase of the ongoing agitation by Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) against GT/UGT teachers’ recruitment would be launched only after a proper consultation with Eastern Nagaland Legislatures’ Union (ENLU) and Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officer’s   Association (ENGOA). 

ENSF also said that Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) exercise in the four districts of Eastern Nagaland would be kept in abeyance till the state government invited Government of India officials and convened a consultative meeting with ENSF. 

The decisions were taken after an emergency meeting of ENSF Sunday at Tuensang. According to Likhumse Sangtam, ENSF vice-president ENSF, the on-going indefinite agitation launched in protest against the state government’s failure to implement its five-point charter of demand would be continued in the same manner till the third phase of agitation was announced by ENSF office.  

However, speaking to Nagaland Post, ENSF general secretary Changsang Soted said “ENSF was prepared to stage third phase of agitation on January 30 but upon the request of ENLU, the agitation has been kept in abeyance”. 

ENSF stated that that on account of ENPO’s meeting on January 31at Mon, the federating units would allow plying of government vehicles used by ENLU and ENGOA. It also fervently appealed to ENLU and ENGOA to attend the meeting in the larger interest of the Eastern Nagas.

ENSF also said that, the education department has recently advertised Hindi teachers post in the state, in this connection, the federation reminded the department to implement the 25% job reservation which was accorded by the state government for the people of Eastern Nagaland in “letter and spirit”.  

It may be recalled that ENSF had earlier directed all its federating units and the general public to be prepared for the third phase of agitation. 

Mon public support ENSF stand
MON: Although the ENSF shutdown entered its fifth day Sunday, the daily day-to-day affairs of the general public remained unaffected. 
Except for few government vehicles seized by Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) volunteers, which were released later after 6:00 p.m., no untoward incidents were reported in Mon.

The people in Mon district have given their support to ENSF and were of the opinion that the student federation was doing the right thing in launching the agitation. Some went on to express the view that even the office and vehicles of the district administration should be within the preview of the shutdown.  

It may be mentioned that, except for the first two days (1st phase), the ‘bandh’ on all essential commodities, public transport, bank, schools and other private establishments were lifted. When a group of educated unemployed youths were asked of their opinion on the shutdown, they said that ENSF was going “very soft” by calling just for a ‘shutdown’. 

According to them, the people of the Tuensang, Kiphire, Mon and Longleng districts would be most willing to be “aggressive” in demanding for implementation of the ENSF demands. They also accused the state government of “playing with the people of the four districts”.  

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) stir continues, says 3,789 teachers in Eastern Nagaland

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Saturday said that there were 3,789 teachers (both PG/GT) in Eastern Nagaland while the entire state had 20,000 teachers and asserted that the people of the region were facing acute shortage of teachers.

Addressing a press conference Saturday evening along with the representative of its six federating units here ENSF expressed dismay over the state government’s non-implementation of its demand on the issue of teachers’ recruitment and restoration of posts in Mon, Tuengsang, Longleng and Kiphire districts. The federation said that despite repeated appeals and reminders, the state government was reluctant to implement its demand and this had forced the students to launch the agitation. 

The state government instead of addressing the grievance of the people, was creating further division amongst the people and it was most “unacceptable and unjustifiable”, stated ENSF. According to ENSF, the Government of India sanctioned enough money and schemes to the state but was not implementing them in the right direction. The federation also accused the commissioner & secretary, DSES of not knowing the actual grievances being faced by the people in the region. 

ENSF stated that it stood firm on its five-point charter of demand. It said that the assurance on positive five-point charter of demand was not a “backdoor agreement” but an “open agreement” which was also widely covered by various local dailies. While asking the government why it issued a positive nod when it was not in a position to meet the demands, ENSF asserted that it would not compromise with its stance. 

ENSF said that justice should be delivered at the earliest to the people and that it was not asking something new to the government but only reiterating their demand which was agreed upon by the government in principle. It has once again threatened to launch its third phase of agitation with no specific time frame but warned that it would be more “severe and stringent”. 

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) terms DSES response ‘ridiculous’

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has termed “ridiculous” education department’s request to ENSF to submit a detailed list of those transferred along with posts out of four districts in eastern Nagaland without corresponding replacement.

ENPO general secretary N.T. Thamlong Phom and press secretary Mosa Konyak, in a release, appealed to the government to “immediately” implement written assurances given to ENSF by chief secretary on August 14, 2011.


Stating that it was not the first time government “back tracked” on its own assurances, ENPO rued it clearly demonstrated “sheer lack of commitment towards the grievances” of the people. ENPO said it was high time government initiated “sincere efforts” to address backwardness and under-development of four districts. While asserting that situation now demanded “extra efforts”, ENPO said process of implementing demands should begin in “letter and spirit” to gain the confidence of agitating students.

Eastern Nagaland Legislatures’ Union consultative discussion on Feb 2

An emergency meeting was convened on January 27 by Eastern Nagaland Legislatures’ Union (ENLU) members at conference hall Saramati Hotel, Dimapur. 
After deliberating the situation relating to the demands and ongoing agitation, ENLU members empathized ENSF and felt urgency to address in sorting out an early solution. 
The member however called upon ENSF officials to resolve the issue amicably and call off the ongoing agitation and invited ENSF officials to conduct a consultative discussion with ENLU on February 2,11am at DUDA guest house, Kohima.

ENSF adamant over demands; to intensify phase III agitation

Photo: Empty road, shops shut in Tuensang Town on Thursday

Cabinet reiterates CS’s stand, says transferred posts to be restored soon Reacting to the indefinite agitation enforced by the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) over the GT/UGT teachers’ recruitment under RMSA and SSA, Nagaland state cabinet Thursday stated that it “concurred and reiterated” the earlier assurance given by state chief secretary on August 14, 2011 that all the teacher posts that have been transferred out of Eastern Nagaland areas with incumbents without corresponding replacement would be restored in a “phased manner” within the “shortest possible time”. An emergency cabinet meeting held Thursday at the residential office of chief minister Neiphiu Rio along with parliamentary secretaries decided that the steps would be taken after “ascertaining” the actual number of posts transferred out in the past “without corresponding replacement”. The cabinet decided that if it was difficult to arrive at the actual number, then it would go ahead after ascertaining the “actual position of shortage of teachers school-wise” in Eastern Nagaland. The minutes of the cabinet meeting signed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and chief secretary Lalthara, stated that the process of ascertaining the actual shortage of school teachers in the region may be “completed” by the School Education Department (SED) within “15 days” from Thursday. However, the cabinet was of the view that the figure of 1500 to 1600 teachers who have been transferred as “claimed” by ENSF was “hypothetical and not based on factual calculation”. It has directed the SED to “clarify” the actual figure for “public consumption”. The cabinet meeting also urged that Legislators of Eastern Nagaland to “urgently” discuss the matter with ENPO and other tribal councils/hohos and thrash out solutions or suggestions for tackling the issue. While disclosing the details of the cabinet meet, the minutes also stated the   cabinet expressed its “displeasure” at the way in which ENSF was carrying out its agitation on the issue. Reacting to ENSF’s indefinite agitation, the cabinet said it was “most unreasonable and disproportionate to the issue at hand” to have asked the public not to attend the Republic Day functions in the region’s four districts and prevent ministers and parliamentary secretaries from attending the same. ENSF threatens severe agitation; shutdown peaceful  Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Thursday asserted it was prepared to launch its phase III agitation after January 28 across Eastern Nagaland which would be even more “severe and stringent” and added it would not compromise with its stand.  It has also directed all federating units to be “mentally and physically” prepared for the proposed agitation. While stating that phase III agitation would be launched as the “Eastern Naga People’s Movement”, ENSF said it would select volunteers from every village in their jurisdiction and seek the cooperation of every citizen in the region. The federation revealed that its volunteers were active and were “deployed” across Eastern Nagaland. Addressing a press conference Thursday at ENSF HQ, Tuensang, ENSF representatives said they were not boycotting the Republic Day but showing “resentment  and non-cooperation” against the wrong policy of the state government towards non- implementation of its demand. The federation said indefinite shutdown would continue till its demands fulfilled. ENSF questioned the state government that if it was not in a position to implement the chief secretary’s assurance, why it went ahead to give a positive nod. It also asked Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union where it was, when such “ill-treatment” was meted out the student community of the region. The indefinite shutdown enforced by ENSF in all the four districts and sub-divisions across Eastern Nagaland has been observed “peacefully and successfully” without any untoward incident from any quarters Thursday. It was part of ENSF’s second phase agitation as all government offices and business establishment were shut and vehicles remained off the roads. However, the para-military forces, mass media, bank, hospital and pharmacies functioned as usual. ENSF added that for the current shutdown, it would relax restriction on business establishment and allow plying of Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses and private vehicles from Friday. KIPHIRE: As per the directive of ENSF, United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) successfully enforced day two of the indefinite agitation in the entire Sangtam jurisdiction. The general public here abstained from participating in the 63rd Republic Day celebration, as a sign of resentment to the state government for not implementing the ENSF’s charter of demand. USSC sources said that the organization would continue to enforce the indefinite shutdown till the state government implemented their demand. However, business establishment, plying of Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses and private vehicles would be lifted from Friday. No untoward incidents occurred till the time of filing this report. MON: Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) in its meeting has decided to partially lift the shutdown with effect from Friday. According to a statement issued by KSU, shops, banks and other establishments would be allowed to function and movement for people and private vehicles would be relaxed. However, KSU would still continue to enforce closure of government offices and restriction imposed on movement of government vehicles except for the office and vehicles of the district administration. Meanwhile, Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUF), Eastern Naga students’ union Kohima (ENSUK) and Khiamniungan students union (KSU) have supported the move initiated by ENSF. The three student bodies in different press releases reiterated the demand to implement the five-point charter of demand made by the ENSF in letter and in spirit at the earliest.

Cabinet reiterates CS’s stand, says transferred posts to be restored soon

Reacting to the indefinite agitation enforced by the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) over the GT/UGT teachers’ recruitment under RMSA and SSA, Nagaland state cabinet Thursday stated that it “concurred and reiterated” the earlier assurance given by state chief secretary on August 14, 2011 that all the teacher posts that have been transferred out of Eastern Nagaland areas with incumbents without corresponding replacement would be restored in a “phased manner” within the “shortest possible time”.

An emergency cabinet meeting held Thursday at the residential office of chief minister Neiphiu Rio along with parliamentary secretaries decided that the steps would be taken after “ascertaining” the actual number of posts transferred out in the past “without corresponding replacement”.

The cabinet decided that if it was difficult to arrive at the actual number, then it would go ahead after ascertaining the “actual position of shortage of teachers school-wise” in Eastern Nagaland.

The minutes of the cabinet meeting signed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and chief secretary Lalthara, stated that the process of ascertaining the actual shortage of school teachers in the region may be “completed” by the School Education Department (SED) within “15 days” from Thursday.

However, the cabinet was of the view that the figure of 1500 to 1600 teachers who have been transferred as “claimed” by ENSF was “hypothetical and not based on factual calculation”.

It has directed the SED to “clarify” the actual figure for “public consumption”.
The cabinet meeting also urged that Legislators of Eastern Nagaland to “urgently” discuss the matter with ENPO and other tribal councils/hohos and thrash out solutions or suggestions for tackling the issue.

While disclosing the details of the cabinet meet, the minutes also stated the   cabinet expressed its “displeasure” at the way in which ENSF was carrying out its agitation on the issue.

Reacting to ENSF’s indefinite agitation, the cabinet said it was “most unreasonable and disproportionate to the issue at hand” to have asked the public not to attend the Republic Day functions in the region’s four districts and prevent ministers and parliamentary secretaries from attending the same.

ENSF threatens severe agitation; shutdown peaceful 

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Thursday asserted it was prepared to launch its phase III agitation after January 28 across Eastern Nagaland which would be even more “severe and stringent” and added it would not compromise with its stand.

 It has also directed all federating units to be “mentally and physically” prepared for the proposed agitation.
While stating that phase III agitation would be launched as the “Eastern Naga People’s Movement”, ENSF said it would select volunteers from every village in their jurisdiction and seek the cooperation of every citizen in the region.

The federation revealed that its volunteers were active and were “deployed” across Eastern Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference Thursday at ENSF HQ, Tuensang, ENSF representatives said they were not boycotting the Republic Day but showing “resentment  and non-cooperation” against the wrong policy of the state government towards non- implementation of its demand.

The federation said indefinite shutdown would continue till its demands fulfilled. ENSF questioned the state government that if it was not in a position to implement the chief secretary’s assurance, why it went ahead to give a positive nod. It also asked Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union where it was, when such “ill-treatment” was meted out the student community of the region.

The indefinite shutdown enforced by ENSF in all the four districts and sub-divisions across Eastern Nagaland has been observed “peacefully and successfully” without any untoward incident from any quarters Thursday.

It was part of ENSF’s second phase agitation as all government offices and business establishment were shut and vehicles remained off the roads.

However, the para-military forces, mass media, bank, hospital and pharmacies functioned as usual. ENSF added that for the current shutdown, it would relax restriction on business establishment and allow plying of Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses and private vehicles from Friday.

KIPHIRE: As per the directive of ENSF, United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) successfully enforced day two of the indefinite agitation in the entire Sangtam jurisdiction.

The general public here abstained from participating in the 63rd Republic Day celebration, as a sign of resentment to the state government for not implementing the ENSF’s charter of demand. USSC sources said that the organization would continue to enforce the indefinite shutdown till the state government implemented their demand.

However, business establishment, plying of Nagaland State Transport (NST) buses and private vehicles would be lifted from Friday. No untoward incidents occurred till the time of filing this report.

MON: Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) in its meeting has decided to partially lift the shutdown with effect from Friday. According to a statement issued by KSU, shops, banks and other establishments would be allowed to function and movement for people and private vehicles would be relaxed.

However, KSU would still continue to enforce closure of government offices and restriction imposed on movement of government vehicles except for the office and vehicles of the district administration.

Meanwhile, Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUF), Eastern Naga students’ union Kohima (ENSUK) and Khiamniungan students union (KSU) have supported the move initiated by ENSF.

The three student bodies in different press releases reiterated the demand to implement the five-point charter of demand made by the ENSF in letter and in spirit at the earliest.

                                 

ENSF four district ‘shutdown’ begins; prevents VVIPs’ entry

Photo: Mon and (inset) Kiphire town wears a deserted look after total shutdown enforced by the ENSF in four districts on Wednesday.

Eastern Naga Students’ Federations (ENSF) strictly enforced its ‘indefinite bandh’ in all four districts Wednesday which prevented four VVIPs from traveling to the district headquarters to unfurl the national tricolor at the Republic Day celebrations Thursday.  The four VVIPs included  NLA speaker Keyaneilie Peseyie, forest minister M.C. Konyak, agriculture minister Dr. Chumben Murry and  parliamentary secretary P. Dako Phom, who were scheduled to unfurl the national flag at Tuensang, Kiphire, Mon and Longleng respectively. Home Commissioner J. Alam in a communiqué  said the state government had assured ENSF that it would look into grievances by addressing issues raised by the students. However, since the ENSF informed DC Tuensang that it had decided to go ahead with its agitation despite the state government’s assurance, the four VIPs returned back to Kohima after being made to wait for several hours. All the district headquarters of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng wore a deserted look as offices, shops, bank and other establishments were closed, except offices of the DCs which functioned with skeleton staff Even vehicles went off road.  It may be recalled that the ENSF had issued a five-point charter of demand but owing to the state government’s alleged failure to meet them, it decided to  call for an indefinite shutdown beginning Wednesday. According to KSU president, Methna, in Mon district alone,  of the 284 teachers post approved by the project approval board (PAB), (112 Graduate teachers, 124 Under Graduate Teachers under SSA and 48 Teachers post under RMSA) the concerned department had advertised only 256 posts, with a shortage of 28 posts as approved by PAB. ENSF vice president Likhumse Sangtam talking to Nagaland Post from Kiphire over the phone said, unless and until the five-point charter of demand which was accepted in person by chief secretary was being re-advertised and the required posts was given to the Eastern Nagas, ENSF would not call off the indefinite ‘shutdown’. ENSF said it would call off the agitation only after the demand was fulfilled and a copy of the advertisement “officially” reaches its office. Further, ENSF has directed its six federating units to effectively carry out the indefinite shutdown till further notice was issued from ENSF. The federation also cautioned that if law and order situation arose during the indefinite agitation, the government would be held responsible since its inaction had led the ENSF to take up drastic steps. However, the first day of the shutdown passed off peacefully without any untoward incidents till filing of this report. Edn minister appeals to ENSF State education minister Nyeiwang Konyak Wednesday requested the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) to withdraw its plan of “non-cooperation” with the government programmes, assuring that government would restore all teacher posts that had been transferred out of eastern Nagaland. In a letter to ENSF, the education minister also invited the federation for a meeting at Kohima to discuss the issue. He also asked them to bring the list/details of the posts transferred out of eastern Nagaland areas in the past along with the list of schools where there were shortage of teachers and whatever details available. “In view of the above assurance and invitation, you are hereby requested to withdraw your plan of non-cooperation with the government programmes, including the coming Republic Day functions,” said Nyeiwang Konyak in the letter. ENSF rejects govt. plea Eastern Nagaland Students Federation (ENSF) Wednesday rejected the state government’s call for a meeting. Speaking to Nagaland Post, ENSF general secretary Changsang Soted, said state government has called the federation to discuss the ongoing issue, however, he said there was nothing to be discussed “unnecessarily”. “We are just asking the government to implement our demands for the teachers recruitment which was already issued in a written notification by the state chief secretary on August 14, 2011, to revert back around 1500-1600 posts,” he said. The federation warned that it would initiate more severe phase of agitation if demands were not implemented. Against the backdrop of government failures to implement its demand, the ENSF Wednesday launched its second phase of indefinite “closure/shutdown” in all the four district of eastern Nagaland. All the government offices and government vehicles across eastern Nagaland remained closed. ENSF general secretary Changsang Soted said the federation was not demanding “something new”. “All we are demanding is that the government show some sign of implementing what they have assured earlier,” he said. On the request of Educaion Minister for a meeting, Changsang said “we have nothing more to discuss. All we want is that government implement notification as assured.” He also confirmed that the shutdown would continue January 28, 2012. ENSF vice president Likhumse Sangtam, talking to Nagaland Post over phone, said “no positive response” from government’s part was made regarding the five-point carter of demand. However, Sangtam said a letter issued by education minister calling for a meeting was received Wednesday, and described it as “not satisfying.” “Even if the government calls us we will not respond to it because we are fed up with the government’s attitude and holding the same meeting again and again over the same issue,” Likhumse said. Until the five-point charter of demand, which was accepted by chief secretary, was re-advertised and the required posts given to the Eastern Nagas, the ENSF said it would not call off the indefinite shutdown.

ENSF indefinite ‘shutdown’ of four districts from today

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Tuesday resolved to indefinitely “close/shutdown” all four districts of Eastern Nagaland from Wednesday onwards in protest against the state government’s failure to implement its five-point charter of demand in connection with teachers’ recruitment process.

The federation has also directed the public in the district to “abstain” from participating in the Republic day celebration. 

A letter addressed to the DCs-- Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng signed by ENSF president Hawang T. Wangsha and general secretary Changsang Soted stated that all government offices would be shutdown “completely and indefinitely” in all the four districts except administration, medical, educational institution, police, para-military forces and mass media. All government vehicles would “not be allowed to ply, enter or move out of” the four districts until further order from ENSF. 

The resolution to “shutdown” was taken during an emergency ENSF presidential meeting held with its federating units (KSU/PSC/CCSU/YAA/KSU/USSC) Monday at Tuensang.

It was adopted as part of ENSF’s phase II “response” to the state government’s failure to implement its demands. While asking the Eastern Nagas to “cooperate”, the letter also warned that ENSF would initiate even more severe phase III boycott if its demands were not met.

The letter reminded that the state chief secretary had already issued a written “Notification” on August 14, 2011, to revert back around 1500-1600 posts transferred along with post outside the region from the SSA/RMSA newly created posts but it was “not implemented” by the Department of school education in the current recruitment process. 

It was a direct “negation/confrontation” to the assurance of the state government and the people of Eastern Nagaland, the letter added. 

CASU: Chare Area Students Union (CASU) has said they would begin “indefinite” shutdown starting January 25. CASU, in a statement issued by its general secretary Nohochem Sangtam, urged state chief minister and education department to fulfill the ENSF demand or it would continue with the stir.

Kiphire Correspondent adds: United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) one of the federating unit of ENSF has decided to support the ENSF’s resolution to ‘shutdown’ the four districts of Eastern Nagaland. The indefinite ‘shutdown’ starts from 6.00a.m. Wednesday and would continue till further notice from ENSF. 

According to USSC sources, all business establishments, offices would remain closed during the ‘shutdown’ and government vehicular movement would also be restricted including VIPs. District administration, police, para military, medical and media have been exempted for the preview of the ‘shutdown’ in Kiphire.

ENSF boycotts teachers’ recruitment

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Saturday boycotted the graduate teacher and primary teacher recruitment exam in all the four district of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire.

According to sources, the aspiring candidates at Tuensang turned up for the exam but the ENSF volunteers prevented them to enter as well as from conducting exams.

It was also reported that their admit cards were also not issued. 
The ENSF stands of the boycott for the teachers recruitment said there were 1500 to 1600 teachers post for eastern Nagaland which was fulfilled last year by the State Government in their 5-point charter of demands. 

But to their utter surprise, the state government approved only 800 posts to the eastern Nagaland this year. 
Therefore, the ENSF questioned the state government where were the remaining posts left for the eastern Nagas. “We need our proper vacancy,” the ENSF demanded.

Further, the ENSF warned it would continue their agitation till the government fulfilled its demand. When contacted, the district education officer (DEO) Tuensang said the whole preparation was in full swing for conducting the examination; however, the students could not appear their exam as the ENSF did not allow them to appear. 

The DEO Tuensang also said “we have performed our duty along with the police and district administration but unfortunately the students could not appear their exams.”

In Mon district the boycott was spearheaded by Konyak Students’ Union (KSU).
Interestingly the aspiring candidates failed to turn up for the exam indicating cooperation with ENSF. When contacted ENSF general secretary Changsang Soted said “we are not in pursuance with something new, rather we are demanding the government to implement the written assurance.”

According to ENSF, as per the existing vacancies in the four districts, out of the total number of posts advertised, 2400 posts should be for the four districts.

“It was difficult to argue or demand for cent percent retention of the teachers’ post at one go but had the government retained at least 1500 to 1600 posts the matter would have been dealt with understanding,” said Soted.

In Longleng, the boycott spearheaded by Phom students’ conference volunteers along with ENSF representatives could be carried out peacefully.

In Kiphire the boycotting of UG and GT tests passed off peacefully with United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC) volunteers initiating the stir. 

The exam was scheduled to be held at Government High school Kiphire. No aspiring candidates turned up for the exam though all seat arrangements, police security and administrative arrangements were.

Meanwhile, the ENSF has reportedly notified it federating units to attend an emergency meeting on January 23 at Tuensang to discuss further course of action with regard to the issue. It is also learnt that the ENSF might boycott the republic day celebration in four districts if the government failed to comply with their demand. 

ENSF said it was “very serious” about the teachers recruitment process, adding it would continue to struggle until the demand which was agreed by the state government was fully implemented. 

In the meantime, the ENSF has thanked its federating units, district administration, police department, education department officials, GBs, DBs, senior citizens, student communities, general public for peaceful and successful boycott. 

It has also thanked all the aspiring candidates “for their unconditionally support and having faith upon the ENSF stand and action.”

ENSF to boycott teachers’ recruitment

Irked by the “non-implementation” of the five demands of the Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) last August, the organization is all set to boycott the teachers’ recruitment drive to be held on January 21.


Speaking to this correspondent, vice president of ENSF Likhumse Sangtam said the organization had no intention to boycott the recruitment drive. However, he said the government compelled the ENSF to boycott the scheduled recruitment. The agitation of August 14, 2011 was called off after the ENSF received written assurances that the demands would be fulfilled, he lamented. But “only a partial demand was done and rest are yet to implement,” he said. Asserting that the ENSF will not compromise with ‘partial fulfillment,’ the student leader said the organization will boycott the teachers’ interview on January 21 in all the four districts in the districts Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng.


Also the president of the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), Methna said the state government failed to implement the demands ‘even after 4 months of its written assurance.’ He said that the ‘government should not involve politics in educational system.’
Regretting the “inconveniences” caused to aspiring candidates, he also appealed all the examinees of the Eastern Nagas to understand the position of the ENSF behind boycotting the said interview. President, Phom Students’ Conference, (PSC) Longleng, Malang Phom also said that since the government is not been responsive according to its assurance, the PSC is all prepared to boycott the teachers’ interview extending its support to the ENSF. The ENSF units United Sangtam Students’ Conference, Kiphire and Confederation of Chang Students’ Union of Tuensang also said it would boycott the recruitment drive.


Mention may be made here that the ENSF launched indefinite agitations in the month of August last year making demands that teachers of both primary and graduates under SSA be given to “eastern” Nagaland; all vacancies arising within the so-asserted “eastern Nagaland” areas be filled by inhabitants of six tribes and that no post be transferred out of the district along with the post. The transfer of more than 1500 teachers, both primary and graduate along with the post from four district of eastern Nagaland has led to acute shortage of teachers, the student organization claimed in its demands.

Khiamniungans celebrate Khaotaosey festival

Minister for land resources development, soil & water conservation P. Longon addressed the Khaotaosey festival at Thonoknyu headquarter as the chief guest on January 18. Parliamentary Secretary for fisheries relief & rehabilitation printing and stationery S. Heno graced the occasion as the guest of honour.Addressing the gathering Longon declared Khaotaosey festival as the “festival of festivals” among many festivals in Khiamniungan. 

Longon also stated that DAN government have initiated a lot of developmental activities in various sectors specially for giving due importance to undeveloped areas like sub-division of Noklak and others. He appealed to the Khiamniungans to cooperate with the government and to maintain peace and unity amongst themselves. 

He also donated `1 lakh for the construction log drum house to Thonoknyu, `1 lakh for the log drum to Peshu village respectively and `10 thousand each to the dancing troupes of each Khiamniungan village. Heno also donated `10 thousand each to the dancing troupe. 

Significance of the festivals was delivered by Puchai P.M. Ex-Secretary Khiamniungan Tribal Council. The programme was chaired by W. Chuba Lam President, KTC. Earlier, dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Rev. Hanpao, Youth Secretary KBCA while welcome address was delivered by Thangou Convenor Planning Committee.

 Vote of thanks was proposed by Y.P. Chillio, Secretary Planning Committee and benediction prayer by Liang Pastor Thonoknyu town. ADC Noklak Taniu and EAC Noklak Thangpong and government officials attended the function.

ENSF urges authorities to comply with its stand

ENSF Thursday requested the district administrations of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng to “comply” with its decision to boycott GT/PT teachers’ recruitment process on January 21 and “apprise” the police departments in these districts to avoid “unanticipated” disturbance. 

A letter signed by ENSF president Hawang T. Wangshe, general secretary Changsang Soted and assembly secretary Toshi Chang was sent to DC Tuensang to disseminate information to authorities at Mon, Kiphire and Longleng “urgently”. ENSF has also apprised its units (CCSU/KSU/PSU/KSU/USSC/YAA) to prepare for the boycott in all the four districts of Eastern Nagaland. 

It has reminded the aspiring candidates to bear with the “drastic decision” as it was taken for the “welfare” of the unemployed students of the six communities in the region. The letter also further reminded the public to “abide” by the decision and “action” taken by the resolution of the ENSF.

Response to NSCN (I-M) bandh call

Photo: In Dimapur, busy Nyamo Lotha road wears a deserted look; In Kohima, Kiphire and Tuensang where business remain standstill on January 17,2012 (Tuesday)

Nagaland saw a peaceful and near total shutdown of shops and business establishments following the 12-hour lighting “shutters down” call by the  NSCN (I-M) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. across “Nagalim” in protest against the conditions imposed on the visit of Isak and Muivah planned for January 13-15 to Zunheboto. 


In Dimapur, the bandh passed off peacefully. S.P. Dimapur,  Z Mero, revealed that he came to know of the 12-hour bandh only through the media.  Security forces were seen frisking of motorists in certain pockets of the town.  

Vehicles plied normally though attendance in offices were thin.Hospitals and  pharmacies remained open though banks also closed down at around 1 .m. in Dimapur as there were hardly any customers. Police sources said there was no report of any untoward incident in Dimapur and around the state.

KOHIMA: Kohima wore a deserted look on Tuesday with all shops closed in response to the 12-hour  “shutters down” call though no untoward incident was reported. 
 
ZUNHEBOTO, MOKOKCHUNG & KIPHIRE: Shops and business establishments in the three districts remain closed   from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bandh  passed off peacefully. 

TUENSANG: Reports coming in from Tuensang said that NSCN (I-M) “regional authority”  expressed gratitude to the business community in the district and the general public for their “co-operation towards the success of the bandh”. 

WOKHA: NSCN (I-M), Kyong region, in a press release issued by K. Chenio Kyong. “CAO” has also expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to civil administration, NGOs, students, public leaders, Hohos, business establishments and general public for observing the bandh at Wokha town.

MON: Life remained normal at Mon district headquarters and the bandh failed to evoke much response. However, there were reports that shops and business establishments in Tizit and Naginimora towns, under Mon district remained closed.

PHEK/MELURI: In Phek district headquarters, the bandh evoked no response as shops remained open and life was normal. However, in Meluri town offices were open but business establishments remained shut. The bandh passed off peacefully, reports reaching here said.


People flock at Lahorijan for refuel, buying essentials. 
Business in Lahorijan, at nearby Karbi Anglong, thrived as scores of people from Dimapur drove to the hamlet for buying food and other items. A few hundred vehicles also rushed to Lahorijan and Khatkhati to buy fuel since all pumps closed down in Dimapur. 

In Dimapur, the bandh, closure of business meant loss of several crore rupees in transactions. One vegetable dealer, expressed fears that fresh stocks would perish by evening.  Some even took empty bottles for filling them with petrol. 

Assam Police personnel were also around as security precaution. The manager of a petrol pump told this reporter that he estimated over one hundred vehicles queuing up to buy fuel. He said the number was more than double than on other days.  

MANIPUR: Normal life was partially affected Tuesday in Naga inhabited areas of Manipur following the 12-hour bandh called by NSCN (I-M) across “Nagalim”. 
Due to the bandh, shops and other establishments including government and private institutions setups remained close for the day in Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel. 

However, vehicles were seen moving as usual, reports received from these four Naga majority districts said. No untoward incident related with the bandh was reported from any part of the state during the bandh hour. 

Yimchungrus celebrates ‘Tsungkam Nio’ festival

‘Tsungkam Nio,’ festival another important and premier festival of Yimchungru community was celebrated Monday with much ‘pomp and gaiety’ at 3rd NAP Sector Tuensang organized by Yimchungru Union NAP Sector Tuensang.                                              


                         The Tsungkam Nio festival which falls in the month of January, every year, is observed to signify the year long harvest. During this festival the young men and women of the village gather together and go round dancing to every house of the village in merriment. 
                          In turn every household provide meat, wine and rice cooked and would keep ready for the team. This procession would go round the entire village and complete within stipulated time. The first day of the festival is spent on cleaning the village and thereafter eating, drinking and dancing starts. 
                         The festival was a peace festival celebrated with much joy and merrymaking. It is during this festival wherein misunderstandings were buried for lifetime and also new relationship starts. This festival was also marked by sharing of foodstuff among the Yimchungrus.

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation to ‘boycott’ teachers’ exam

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Monday announced that it was left with no option but to boycott the teachers’ recruitment process scheduled to be held January 21 “tooth and nail” in all the four districts--  Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng.

In connection with this, ENSF has directed all its federating units to prepare for the boycott and wait for final direction from its office. 
The federation has also appealed to the aspiring candidates of eastern Nagaland to bear with its decision, saying it was for the welfare of the educated unemployed of six tribes - Konyak, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Phom, Chang and Yimchungrü. It was contained in an ENSF letter to state chief secretary, signed by federation president Hawang T. Wangsha and general secretary Changsang Soted.

The letter also reminded that an open letter dated December 19 by ENSF had urged the authorities to “immediately rectify” the “anomalies” detected in the department of school education. 

ENSF had listed four points the education department had not addressed in the advertisement. 
First, it said the “shortage of teachers” in Eastern Nagaland due to “transferred along with posts” of about 1500-1600 which was agreed in principle under “Sl,No.3” of the chief secretary’s letter to “restore back under SSA/RMSA” found no mention in the advertisement. 

The other three points include, district-wise distribution of posts that was “not categorized”, not “authentically” advertising the hidden vacancies due to the Nagaland Retirement Act, 2009 and “criteria No.12” in the advertisement” which contradicted the government notification dated January 9, 2009. 

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) opposes SECC 2011

Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Wednesday opposed the Socio-economic & caste census (SECC) 2011, scheduled to begin from January 16. The decision was based on a resolution adopted by ENSF federal assembly at Tuensang last year. 

A letter addressed to the DCs of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longjang and signed by ENSF president Hawang T. Wangsha and general secretary Changsang Soted stated that federation was “duty bound” to oppose the SECC as the nature of the drive was “unknown and vague”. 

Asserting that ENSF would not let the people become “scapegoat in the wrong policies of the state government”, they said decision was taken at its federal assembly held at Tuensang in 2011. The resolution of the assembly directed all its units - (USSC/KSU/CCSU/PSC/KSU/YAA) “not to corporate” in SECC exercise. It stated that state government could not “disseminate” necessary information and the “motive/objective” behind such a drive by the authorities.

The Brotherly Love among Eastern Nagas

EAC Hq Kiphire Er. Namang Supong Chang flagging off relief material distribution drive on Monday, January 9, 2012 ----------------------->>>







<<<--------- Er Namang Supong Chang, EAC HQ Kiphire with the relief team members before leaving for Mon at Kiphire.                                                                                                                                                                   







EAC Hq Kiphire Er. Namang Supong Chang speaking at the flagging off programme of relief material distribution drive at Kiphire said the noble cause that Eastern Nagaland Social Service Society (ENSSS) extend today(Monday) would not only encourage the affected villages but will bring stronger bond of love and relationship.

Ten members of the Eastern Nagaland Social Service Society (ENSSS) Kiphire Hq, under the theme ‘With Love from Kiphire’ today i.e. Monday left for Yakshu and Yongkhao village under Mon district which was devastated by fire disaster on December 20 and 21, 2011.

ENSF vice president Likhumse while sharing solidarity with the relief team said, the humanitarian cause that ENSSS involved was encouraging while adding that service to men was service to God.

Chairman Relief Committee ENSSS Tsointhe also expressed gratitude to donors, well-wishers & sympathizers and said the society would involve in such mission even in the days ahead.