Phom Monyu greetings

The organizing committee of Phom Monyu festival, Pongo village wishes the people of Phom and Nagas in general a “manifold blessings” of Phom Monyu which is slated to be celebrated on April 2. The festival is celebrated yearly in the first week of April after the sowing season, the press note said. It further stated that the forefathers celebrated this festival to give thanks to the God of nature for the past year and also to offer prayer for a good harvest. It is a festival of songs, dances, feasts and a time of renewed love and affection, it added.

CM Chang on Lok Sabha seat, Ministerial position

Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Nagaland CM Chang has issued a clarification through his Press Secretary, Timir Choudhury, on his retaining the Lok Sabha seat at the Centre and also being a Minister in the State.

According to the press note CM Chang expressed surprise on what it termed as the ‘ignorant statement made by Congress MLA C. Apok Jamir wherein the latter was quoted in one of the local newspaper as “questioning about the step taken by the Lok Sabha MP opting to resign from the Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly after bring elected as MLA and having sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on March 5, 2013.”

Reiterating what CM Chang had stated earlier, the press note pointed out that he could ‘remain as minister in the DAN-III government and also continue to be the Lok Sabha MP as per election law”. “He has decided to sacrifice his assembly seat to remain as Lok Sabha MP till bye-election is held for the 51 Noksen A/C as per schedule by the ECI in order to avoid Parliamentary bye-election in the State which could possibly be held in September-October 2013 and again the 16th Lok Sabha election by April-May 2014”, the press note stated.

Referring to Apok Jamir’s statement, CM Chang stated that it was “his free will and the election law does not deter him from contesting the assembly election even if one has to resign later while still a sitting Member in Parliament.” Further the press note stated that CM Chang has every right to attend the assembly session, having been sworn in as minister in the State and clarified on his earlier statement to the press that “he resigns from MLA and not from minister in the State”.

The press note also termed as misleading the report in the media that CM Chang had given up his “plump portfolio of School Education to remain as opposition MP at the Centre”. It was clarified that “one can be nominated as minister in the State for a period of six months besides being an MP until one got re-elected within a period of six months”.

It was also pointed out that the question of allotting Cabinet berth to “disgruntled senior elected legislators as reported in the press does not arise” and termed it as misleading. Finally the press note reiterated that CM Chang will contest the by-election for the 51 Noksen A/C whenever it is scheduled by the ECI within six months. It advised the Opposition Congress not to mislead the people by issuing ‘ignorant statement”.

Toyang wins 53 Tuensang Sadar-1

Toyang Changkong Chang

In his maiden electoral fray 33-year old Toyang Changkong Chang, who contested as an Independent candidate, won the 53 Tuensang Sadar-I assembly seat defeating NPF candidate L.Elam Chang by a margin of 2,272 votes in a straight fight. Counting of votes began at 8 a.m.

Tuesday for polling held on March 23. Toyang polled 9,534 votes while his NPF opponent L. Elam Chang polled 7,262 votes.

Counting was held amid promulgation of section 144 CrPC by the district authorities and beefed up security to prevent any untoward incidents.


It may be mentioned that 53 Tuensang Sadar-I has a total electorate of 22,049 of which 11,579 are males and 10,470 are females. In the March 23 election, 16,040 out of 22,049 exercised their franchise recording a voter turn out of 72.75 %.

Polling on March 23 was by and large peaceful and incident-free barring seizure of a total of 145 voter slips from unauthorized voters.

There were 30 polling stations under the constituency and all of which were declared hyper-sensitive by the authorities. A total of 56 persons were taken into custody for poll malpractices.

The election to the constituency was adjourned from the scheduled date of February 23 to March 23, following the demise of the sitting Congress candidate and former minister P. Chuba Chang on February 22 in Naga Hospital Kohima.

It may be mentioned that 33-year old Toyang Chang, has emulated his late father and former Congress minister Changkong Chang, in winning an election in the first attempt.

Late Changkong Chang won the seat in 1987 as Congress candidate and retained it in 1989 and 1993. For Elam Chang, it is his second consecutive loss as NPF candidate-in 2008 and 2013.

Toyang Chang’s victory takes the total number of independent members to an all-time high of eight (8). After the result of the election to 53 Tuensang Sadar-I was declared, the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly now has a full complement of 60 members.

The strength of the ruling DAN coalition has also gone up to 52 after Toyang Chang pledges support to it. The opposition Congress has 8 members.

Meanwhile, speaking to Nagaland Post Tuesday, Toyang Chang thanked the voters for his maiden electoral victory.

C.M Chang quits NLA; retains Lok Sabha seat

C.M. Chang

In a surprising political development, by-election to the 51 Noksen assembly constituency in Tuensang district may be on the cards within the six-month stipulated period after C.M. Chang of the ruling NPF and present minister of education quit the assembly.

Talking to Nagaland Post over phone Tuesday evening, Mr. Chang, who had won the 51 Noksen assembly seat defeating his Congress rival and former minister H. Chuba Chang on February, said that he had submitted his resignation from the house to the Speaker on March 14, after the newly elected MLAs had taken the oath of affirmation.

Earlier, Mr Chang had taken the oath of office on March 5 and given the portfolio of school education. The portfolio was earlier held by Nyeiwang Konyak, who lost the February 23 election for the 47 Aboi to Eshak Konyak of the Congress.

Asked if he had resigned/vacated the lone Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland, Chang replied in the negative.

He clarified that he had disclosed during the campaign period, that he would be resigning from the Lok Sabha. However, media reported that he had resigned from the Lok Sabha.

“I have decided to sacrifice my assembly seat and not resign from the Lok Sabha” Chang told Nagaland Post.

Chang explained that he could remain as minister in the DAN-III coalition government as per the election law, for a period of six months during which,  by-election will have to be held.

He referred to an earlier instance when late Vamuzo, who became chief minister of the JLP without being a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Late Vamuzo won the 17 Chizami assembly seat unopposed as NPC candidate in the November 1990 by election.

The seat was vacated by the sitting MLA Kewezu Kenye of the NPC to facilitate late Vamuzo’s continuance as chief minister.

Chang also asserted that he will contest the election for 51 Noksen whenever scheduled by the ECI within the six-month period.

The main argument why Mr Chang is not relinquishing the Lok Sabha seat he won handsomely in 2009 as NPF candidate, was that if he quits the seat, then by-election to the lone Lok Sabha seat would have to be held within six months, possibly by September or October 2013.

It may be pointed out that the term of the current 15th Lok Sabha ends by May 2014. If by-election to the Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland is held in Sept-Oct 2013, it would again have to be held next year by April-May 2014, along with all other states.

Interestingly, when Nagaland Post contacted Election department sources, it was revealed that till date, no intimation whatsoever has been received from Nagaland Legislative Assembly regarding C.M. Chang’s resignation from the house.

Sources said on receipt of the notification, the same would be forwarded to the ECI to decide when the by-election would be held.

When asked why so much time had elapsed between March 14 to March 19, the sources opined that there could be some technicalities involved.

Kiphire hospital ‘sick’ with many problems

The new multi storied building under construction for the District Hospital Kiphire provides some hope. But no one is sure as to when it will be completed.

The 50 bedded District Hospital in Kiphire (DHK) established in 1980 is crippled with multiple problems resulting in various health problems for the people. The people have to silently bear with this problem as their repeated grievances have not been addressed by anyone.

The biggest health care institute in the district is running not only with a shortage of doctors and nurses but it also lacks the basic laboratory facilities and other infrastructures.
While speaking to this correspondent, the Medical Superintendent (DHK), Dr. Pensokyu stated that the hospital is running without enough faculties as there are only 13 nurses, including the NRHM staff. He added that not even a single laboratory technician is employed by the District Hospital in Kiphire and that the only Lab Technician employed from the NRHM works on a contract basis.

Disclosing the shortage of manpower, the Medical superintendent informed that the DHK should have 30 nurses as per the survey of beds and the patients ,including 5 allopathic doctors. However, he lamented that the hospital has only 4 allopathic doctors and only 13 nurses including the NRHM employees.
Pointing out more problems faced by the DHK, the Medical superintendent said that the hospital has only one ambulance which needs repairs as its service is required almost every week. He stated, “We are in need of more ambulances but we are helpless as our grievances are not addressed even after repeatedly highlighting our issues to the concerned authorities.”

The MS however said that with the encouragement and initiative of the Deputy Commissioner who is also Chairman of the District Health society Kiphire, Kesonyu Yhome (IAS), the DHK could purchase a portable X-Ray machine under RKS fund. He said that the machine is installed in the Dental room. This has however led to another problem because there is “no room for the dentist to work,” he stated.

Commenting on the non usage of blood banks, the MS said, “we have received a fridge for the blood bank with a capacity of 12 units but the problem is that there is no technician to make use of it. There is also a lack of rooms and electricity as there is no generator.”  He cited cases where patient could have been saved, had there been a blood bank.

It is to be noted that a multi storied building is coming up for the District hospital in Kiphrie and the authorities feel that after the completion of this building, all laboratory equipments like X-Ray, Ultrasound, Scanning etc would reach the hospital. However, no one knows as to when the building will be completed.

The RKS fund which was 5 lakhs earlier is now reduced to 4 lakhs for the new districts. This has further added to the complexity of the problems faced by new district as this fund had earlier helped hospitals to buy some equipment.

Congress questions size of DAN ministry

Opposition Congress member C.Apok Jamir criticized the DAN-III coalition for creating a jumbo-sized government comprising  of 12 cabinet ministers, 21 parliamentary secretaries, NPF and independent legislators.

Participating in the debate on the motion to Governor’s address Monday, C.Apok said the criteria should be on who could deliver and not solely for accommodating all NPF and independent legislators.

Criticizing the logic behind, Apok reminded that the upkeep of such a jumbo-sized government involved huge expenditure particularly when the state is reeling under a severe financial crisis.

He further claimed that the unofficial figure of election expenditure by all candidates during the February 23 election was around Rs.1000 crore.

Apok said if all the candidates had sincerely adhered to the Representation of People’s Act, almost all ministers including the chief minister would be disqualified for spending way beyond the permissible limit of Rs.8 lakh each as fixed by the ECI.

He also said if election code of conduct was enforced, more than half of the officers sitting in the officers gallery would have been immediately suspended for misuse of official position for direct or indirect involvement in election.

Apok pointed out that the total election expenditure for the February 23 election was almost equal to the state budget deficit for 2012-13 and the amount  could have wiped out the deficit.

He also described the recent election as abnormal under abnormal  environment. He said this posed a challenge before the government to normalize the abnormal condition that was eating into the very vitals of Naga society- socially, economically and politically.

Apok said it also included churches, civil societies, tribal organizations, women organizations, youth frontal organizations and all the right thinking citizens of the state.

Further, he also reminded the treasury bench members that though the opposition was just a few members, yet the opposition would not be deterred from exposing  corruption.

He reiterated the Congress party’s commitment in playing the role of an effective opposition for   better governance and that it would leave no stone to expose corruption  from bureaucrats to chief minister, ministers or parliamentary secretaries, if their actions were contrary to the interests of the Naga people.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Khekaho Assumi said MGNREGA that aimed to enhance the livelihood and security of the people of rural areas should be well implemented and no one should take “cuts or percentage” out of the funds allocated for it.

He cautioned the leader of the house as to whether the Local Area Developmental Fund (LADF) was a party fund or for local area development since in his constituency (31 Akuluto A/C) there was no developmental work taken up under LADF for many years.

Congress MLA Eshak Konyak supplemented on the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) and asked the government to evade transfer of teachers on political grounds.

He also pointed out that government has made a wrong decision on opening bank accounts of the teachers who struggles more in drawing their salaries, since that was not much applicable to the teachers in rural areas and urged the leader of the house to see the matter.

Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) Tokheho Yepthomi expressed his unhappiness on the indifferent attitude of the DAN government towards the ENPO areas questioning as to why the DAN government failed to release DUDA fund when the current fiscal year was almost closing.

He said this while seeking clarification from the Leader of the House on the Demand under DUDA Head, which was moved to vote on the closing session of the 1st session of the 12th Nagaland Assembly Session Monday.

Congress member explained that DUDA was created to uplift the backward areas of the Eastern Nagaland but questioned the credibility and sincerity on the part of the DAN government when they failed to release the fund under DUDA as the current fiscal year was about to end in few days’ time.

Yepthomi urged the government not to repeat the same in future otherwise the very purpose of creating the DUDA was defeated.

He asked the Leader of the House to release the fund well ahead of the closing of the fiscal year so that it reached the target.

Leader of the House, while admitting their inability to release the fund till now, assured the Opposition Congress Leader that in future such thing would not happen.

While moving supplementary demands for grants for 2012-13 by the chief minister on housing, CLP leader Tokeho Yepthomi sought clarification for the grant of Rs. 2 crore to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the leader of the house replied that the Rs. 2 crore was granted to NBCC for the construction of NBCC convention hall funded under NEC.

Taking up the grievances of the media, Jamir also pointed out that after the press and media gallery was shifted, most of the members on the floor, heads of departments could not be seen.

It may be mentioned here that the media personnel from the balcony could see only 18 members including leader of the house sitting in the treasury bench on the floor. Members in the opposition benches could not be seen at all.

ENLU elects new team

Eastern Nagaland Legislatures’ Union (ENLU) has elected a new team of office bearers for the tenure 2013-2018. The election of the new ENPU office bearers was held at a meeting in Kohima March 15.

The new team of office bearers would be headed by M Noke Konyak as chairman. Others include S Pangyuh Phom vice-chairman; R Tohanba general secretary; P Paiwang Konyak assistant general secretary; CL John finance secretary and C Kipili Sangtam treasurer.

The advisory board comprises of CM Chang as convenor with P Longon, Imtilemba Sangtam, Kejong Chang and Pohwang Konyak as members.

The plights of government school in Kiphire

Though according to Census 2011, Kiphire district along with Longleng, Tuensang, Zunheboto and Mon, saw a huge increase in the levels of literacy ranging from 14.77% to 28.28%, the Government High School, Kiphire like many other government schools in Nagaland, is still confronting with number of plights.

Keen to learn more about this educational institute, a correspondent of The Morung Express paid a visit to the school. What he discovered and came across was nothing new to the students or the concern authorities.

Established in the year 1972, Government High School, Kiphire was “upgraded” to higher secondary level few years back but ironically only for “official correspondence.” In the last three-four years, they have received official correspondence and post addressed as GHSS. However, the school authorities are totally uninformed of the functioning of the higher secondary level despite the fact that the construction of the building for the upgraded section is almost complete.

The authorities shared concern that they are also in a fix as to whether the School will be able to conduct the number of 220 working days as earmarked in RTE for one academic session for secondary level, which the School is yet to initiate.

At the Government High School, Kiphire out of 600 plus students from class 7 to class 10 enrolled in 2012, only around 200 students turned up for admission for 2013 academic year.  Whereas their counterparts in other parts of the district are preparing for their first quarter and midterm, GHS Kiphire is still on the admission process as the School building was till recently occupied by paramilitary force who were deployed for the general assembly election duty.  The authorities are not sure if the School can resume regular classes in the month of March, as it is also an exam centre for the ongoing HSLC examination.

Interacting with the correspondence, the Asst. Head Master of the School, Robert N. Marathon who was recently stationed to the School said, “We are trying our best to improve the educational system but we need the support of the locals to move forward and work towards the dream to make the society better.” The Asst. Head Master also said, “Work culture should be inculcated in each one of us so that things will be in order. Many of us fail to realise that school is the temple of learning which is more important than church as this is the only platform to shape human in the right direction.”

He also added that the location of the public ground near the School also effects the schooling environment. “The only public ground in the Town is the place where all the functions are held which makes the students moves away their interest even if they are in the class. This ground is like a training place for vehicle learners and other unhealthy activities,” said Robert.

Not surprisingly, another senior teacher also shared concern that the government school in Kiphire, as elsewhere in the State, is almost entirely filled with children from poor families, who cannot afford to send them to a private school or children staying as maid or helper. The senior teacher provides old used notebooks to most of the students, as they cannot afford to buy notebooks for test copy. He also said, “With the introduction of RTE students feel they will pass even if they don’t come to class.”

It may be mentioned that for the last two years, GHS Kiphire has achieve a low record of 5.05% and 11.4% respectively in HSLC exam.

Morung gutted at Pongo village : Jhum fire razed down traditional morung to ashes

The traditional morung razed down to ashes, the charred remains of the morung at Pongo village

A large traditionally decorated morung with various woodcraft of animals and a log drum, which was located at the site of Phom Monyu festival village, Pongo village was completely gutted down by fire on March 9 at around 1:30 pm. It was the venue for the celebration of ‘Monyu’ the premier festival of Phoms on April 1 and 2.

According to Monyu festival committee chairman, L Yingsham Phom, the unfortunate incident occurred when the fire lid by some villagers to clear the jhum field lid by some villagers to clear the jhum field accidentally spread to the nearby uncut jungle that ultimately reach the Morung due to the sudden strong winds and reduced the morung into ashes.

In this connection, an FIR was lodged at the Longleng police station to investigate the case.
The unfortunate fire incident has caused a great lost to the village which in terms of money is estimated to be property worth Rs. 4.75 lakhs was destroyed in the fire.

The chairman termed the incident as a “great loss” for the village not only in monetary terms but also for the time constraint caused by the incident as the village was to host the Monyu festival.

Monyu festival committee, chairman L Yingsham Phom in a press release has appealed all concern to bear with the inability to organise this year’s Monyu festival in a big way as in the past due to the unfortunate fire incident.

Naga children lured with false promises

Despite numerous shocking cases widely reported in both national and local media, where conmen and their accomplices were caught after luring children from poor economic background with free hostel and educational facilities and also young girls with big and rosy promises of jobs in cities, the trend continues.

The reality, as per past cases revealed, that most of the children were either used as child labour or as inmates for the bogus religious charitable institutions that seek financial support from donors.

Children as young as five were kept in so-called homes run by ministries without proper accommodation or decent food; a far cry from the rosy promises.

Children were also not given education as promised but made to work for their living while the promoters sent pictures of their ‘ministries’ to make money.

Incidentally, a large number of such children are from the north eastern states such as Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.

In the latest case, on March 14,2013 forty nine(49) children(aged between 4 and 14) including 27 girls from the north east including Nagaland, were rescued by Police in Rajasthan from the clutches of a so-called pastor Jacob John.

A television news channel, had shown numerous bottles of liquor found in the illegal orphanage in Jaipur.

The fraud pastor had collected the children from various state of the north east with the usual promises of free hostel and educational facilities.

It has also been widely reported in the past, that some foreigners conned many young girls from the north east including Nagaland with promises of free training and lodging for jobs in beauty parlours.

In reality, in most cases, the young girls are given “in -house training” as waitresses in bars or massage parlours.

This was the case when on November 23,2011 this newspaper published reports of seven Naga girls from Nagaland (aged between 17-25),who were lured to Chennai by a Korean national, posing as a God-sent man with promises of excellent job opportunities.

The girls eventually ended up working in massage parlours and a hotel-cum-bar and lured into prostitution.

Last year in June 2012, 179 girls were trafficked from many places including eight from Nagaland, to Goa with promises of good jobs but were eventually used for commercial sexual exploitation.

On June 9,2011, some 19 children among the 25 children were rescued from Detheaba Children Home in Maharashtra’s Karjat district by officials of the Tamenglong Child Welfare Committee, Manipur Social Welfare Department and Indigenous Women and Children Foundation (IWCF).

On January 25,2010, some 76 northeast children were rescued from an unregistered children’s home in Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier on July 31,2009, police rescued 22 child labourers hailing from Nagaland’s Samziuram village in Peren district in Nagaland when they were allegedly being used for menial jobs.

The 22 children aged between six and 14 years were kept in an orphan children’s home in Miryalaguda in Nalgonda district run by EARE and Harvest India, promising them food and quality education.

It is reportedly learnt, that some Asian foreigners were still coming to Nagaland posing as missionaries, seeking young boys and mostly girls and promising them training so as to get employment either in cities or abroad.

Pangyu assures to revive industries & commerce

The first meeting between the newly appointed Minister of Industries & Commerce S. Pangyu Phom and the departmental officers of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce from all districts was convened at the Conference Hall of the Directorate today.

In his inaugural speech to the officers, S. Pangnyu Phom related on how he himself served as a government servant for 22 years. He said, there were rumors of how the department was dogged with scandals and problems, when he first joined office. However, he took this as a challenge believing that everything was possible through teamwork and interaction. He encouraged the officers to join hands with him to steer the department to work for the benefit of the State.

The minister assured that his priority would be to revamp and revive the department with co-operation from every individual. Available funds and proposals entitled for the department would be fully utilized, he said. The minister while inviting free and open interaction with the officers pledged full support to the department, officers and all employees, to work and bring about changes and to open avenues to the educated unemployed youths. The minister also stressed a need to identify the real entrepreneurs and advised the officers to be sincere, honest and unbiased in their duty.

Chairing the meeting LH Thangi Mannen, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce expressed gratitude to the minister who himself had desired to meet all district officers of the Directorate in person. Apprising him of the issues that were yet to be tackled by the Directorate, the commissioner expressed her confidence that the minister would be able to revamp the whole system. The commissioner welcoming the officers encouraged them to interact with the minister about projects for their respective districts, stressing on the need to work as a team, in order to take the department forward.

The Director of Industries and Commerce, Thekruneituo Kire presented an overview of the department. Kire explained the objective of the department was to promote industrial activities in the State, with a view to promote local entrepreneurship. The director highlighted an outlay of the organization of the department, its schemes and programmes, projects undertaken like the Urban Haat Dimapur, SAZ Ganeshnagar, IIDC Kiruphema, Border Trade Centre Reguri, budget outlay of the department 2012-2013 and projects under implementation like the construction of common facility centre at Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire, Longleng and dismantling and reconstruction of the State Emporium at Kohima. An accomplishment of the department in National Trade Fair Events around the country was also made known to the Minister.

In an interaction with the minister, representatives from NIRMC, NIDC and NHHDC stated the visions of the various corporations in promoting, developing, establishing industries with the latest machineries through diversification of productions instead of the usual products available in the market. They also highlighted the plight of the various corporations and requested the Minister to look into the disbursing of salaries to the employees at the right time, and materializing the MoUs that had been previously signed.

The meeting concluded with Addl. Director of Industries & Commerce, Keneilel Angami giving the vote of thanks. Addressing the meeting, Keneilel expressed his happiness because the department had found one of the most efficient ministers to oversee the system, in addition to getting a full-fledged cabinet minister for the department. He stressed that meetings was important because teamwork starts with constant interaction and the meeting had seen one of the largest gathering of district officers of the department. He further added that the department will take a giant leap under the minister’s leadership.

Appeal to maintain Changtongya-Longleng road

The Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, K Libanthung Lotha has written to the Chief Engineer (National Highway), Kohima for immediate maintenance of Changtongya-Longleng and Merangkong-Tamlu road.

The DC Longleng has stated that the road was undertaken under SARDP-NE by M/S Maytas-Gayatri Pvt Ltd and halted in the month of May 2012 even before fully completing the earth cutting and widening.

He stated that during rainy season starting from May 2013, it will be quite difficult to ply heavy and medium vehicles which will certainly effect transportation of passengers and essential commodities as these are the only two roads which is the life line for Longleng district.

In addition, he stated that there are no machineries, nor man powers or official presents in the roads for maintenance of the roads and the people are facing acute problems especially between Changtongya and Longleng as of now.

Further, the officials of the construction company could not be contacted as none of the Company officials are present in the location and all their contact numbers are found not in use.

Therefore, the DC Longleng has requested the Chief Engineer (National Highway), Kohima to initiate to address the problems at the earliest.

Local bricks for cheaper price in Kiphire

(L -R) Bricks ready to go to furnance, and the brick furnance at Valley of Zungki River, Kiphire.

Kiphire district, the farthest district in the state shares her border with Myanmar which is around 326 Km away from the commercial hub Dimapur. The district transports all raw materials, starting from kitchen goods to that of building materials at a very high cost. Adding to that, truck owners have to be cajoled as lots of problems  arise on the way before it reaches its destination, but there might be an end to this ordeal as local products of bricks are set to go to market in few weeks.

Tsoinju, a young entrepreneur came up with the idea of producing brick after testing raw materials, and constructed a brick kiln at the Valley of Zungki River, which flows down to Chindwin River. The bricks produced here will be cheaper by few rupees from the market price of Rs 15-17 per brick. The cost of any essential commodities to reach Kiphrie from Dimapur is Rs 2.50 per Kilo which is the highest in the district.

The rudimentary brick furnace constructed without the help of any agencies has an area of 12,800 Sq ft. It is estimated to produce 80,000 pieces of bricks initially while 50,000-60,000 bricks are in the line.

Tsoinju said, the project was taken up only after samples and raw materials were checked for quality competence. Raw materials were also taken to some industries in Manipur to check their quality, he added.

Sharing the problems and obstacles Tsoinju said, “Lack of man power, cash and demand placed by some organization before the product is produced are some of the problem faced in this unit.”

However, he expressed happiness that villagers, council and citizen of Tethuyo village were giving all support to the project. He also added, since the unit is new, experts from Manipur have come to help him out, but in the future, he will employ locals so that they learn the art of making bricks.

Tsoinju also said no one has come forward or placed an order of any brick so far, but he has hope that his product will be fine as he has tested its quality. “I have christened the name of the brick as ‘O2R’ as it is 2 Km from the national highway road,” he said.

This young entrepreneur fear that the kiln may run short of firewood as it has already consumed 18 truck load, and there is no alternative fuel  available. He also asserted that the unit, if taken care properly will be able to sustain for decades as raw material are available.

It may also be mentioned that Government of Nagaland has proposed for construction of dam at Zungki for production of 150 mega watts Hydel electricity. If this materialize the brick unit, along with all the resources will submerge under the water and all this will become an oral history for the generation to come.

NPF Vrs Ind for 53 Tuensang Sadar-I A/C

Election for 53 Tuensang Sadar I Assembly Constituency on March 23 would witness a straight fight between Naga People’s Front (NPF) candidate L. Elam Chang and Independent candidate Toyang Changkong.

General poll observer R.M. Jadav and police observer Sailesh Kumar Singh have arrived Tuensang and would remain till completion of the polling.

DC and RO Tuensang district T. Mhabemo Yanthan in a press release  informed that the two observers will camp in the  Tuensang House, above DC’s Bungalow and general observer R.M. Jadav could be contacted at 9436275031.

Election to 53 Tuensang Sadar I A/C was adjourned following the demise of the three-time elected sitting member  and former education minister P. Chuba Chang, who passed away on February 22 at Naga Hospital, Kohima. Late P. Chuba represented the constituency in 1998 and 2003 as independent candidate and 2008 as a Congress candidate.

Congress backs IND: 
Meanwhile, Ward Youth Congress (WYC) of Bazaar ‘A’ Tuensang has “unconditionally” accepted the directive of District Congress Committee (DCC) to support Independent candidate Toyang Chang for the March 23 poll.

Toyang is the son of late Changkong Chang, former Congress minister who held the seat in 1987,1989 and 1993.

DCC president N. Chuba Chang and WYC secretary Kumsola have also refuted reports of a ‘mass merger’ of Congress with NPF 53 Tuensang Sadar I A/C.

It may be mentioned that some sections of the local dailies reported that NPF 53 Tuensang Sadar-I A/C had claimed some Congress members decided to support the NPF candidate in a meeting on March 2.

Khiamniungan people “deeply hurt” without a cabinet berth

Stating that the DAN government has totally ignored the “people’s mandate”, desiring development instead which is “in contrast” to its election manifesto, the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) has expressed “anguish/displeasure” over the distribution of cabinet berth in the DAN III ministry. “The Khiamniungan area is the least developed and neglected part of the state despite the fact that nearly 159 Km of the international border falls under Khiamniungan jurisdiction,” states a press release from the organisation’s President and General Secretary.

The statement asserts that this is the third consecutive time that P. Longon has been elected by the people “with the hope” that the DAN government “will allot a better cabinet position” to benefit the people. The Khiamniungan people’s contributions for the “common cause and attainment of Nagaland statehood” have also been mentioned. The KTC is “deeply hurt” that the “backward people” have been ignored by denying a cabinet berth to P. Longon through whom the Khiamniungan people could have ventilated their grievances.

NPF units resent

Discontentment over non-inclusion in the cabinet and portfolio in the NPF party continues to cause impediments to smooth transition of the DAN-III government.

NPF youth wing president of 46 Mon Ngamom and general secretary N. Puching appealed to NPF party authority and chief minister Neiphiu Rio to allot a portfolio to  N. Thongwang equivalent to parliamentary secretary status.

The plea of the 46 Mon NPF, was that the seat had been held by an opposition party for the past 20 years and therefore lacked development and employment opportunities.

They said the gap could be filled if N. Thongwang was given a suitable portfolio with additional charges.

In other release, NPF youth wing Kiphire divisional unit expressed dismay over the denial of a cabinet berth to T. Torechu who was elected from 60 Pungro-Kiphire two times.

Vice presidents of NPF youth wing divisional unit I. Yingchothong and Kiusumiu and secretary Kiutsumong JK regretted that chief minister Neiphiu Rio has not fulfilled his commitment to the people of Kiphire district by denying Torechu a cabinet berth.

Stating that Torechu defeated his Congress rival by a big margin, they said he was a “qualified person” who could bring development to Kiphire which was upgraded to a district in 2004.

They urged NPF leaders reonsider the case at the earliest so as to avoid “unwanted consequences” in the district.

NPF Pungro asks CM to fulfill ‘personal commitment’

The NPF office of 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire while congratulating Neiphiu Rio for his victory in a letter said that the Chief Minister should consider the merits of T. Torechu, a senior most experienced and diehard regionalist since the start of his political career in 1980’s and therefore, allocation of cabinet berth in DAN-III is most deserving. It stated in the letter, ‘with deep anguish in our hearts for our leader T. Torechu whom we have elected with all our hopes but have been sidelined in your present government.’

The letter appended by Tsipongse, president, H. Thsangtsumong, working president, of NPF 60 A/C Pungro Kihpire respectively and Mark Lisemong, Advisory Secy, Divisional Unit, NPF also reminded that the Chief Minister had given a personal commitment to offer a better office during the party rally in Kiphire held on February 11, 2012 and had been received in good faith by the people of Kiphire district and added, “…It is injustice on your part and on your government on offering a portfolio to T Torechu as Parliamentary Secretary in DAN-III”.

It further cited that 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire has never witnessed minister/cabinet representative for the last ten years in the Dan government and hence put forward the letter to the chief minister for immediate and prompt perusal.

Clarification on Noke-Kiyanelie portfolio swap

A clarification has been issued by N. Loipang, NPF general secretary of 43rd Tapi to the media on the recent portfolios allocation vis-a-vis news item appearing in local dailies on reported portfolio swap between Noke and Kiyanelie. It stated that the Department of Social Welfare was allocated to Noke and as this department alone was not acceptable to party workers and supporters, being the senior most minister, it was placed before the Chief Minister for bigger portfolio or addition of some other department(s).

“In the subsequent meeting with the Chief Minister, a swap of portfolio was suggested by Chief Minister to Minister SSW and PHED to which Noke have made it very clear that further consultation will be required with party workers and supporters before final decision as such is given on the issue. However, quite surprisingly on March 7, 2013 it came out in front page of leading papers on exchange of portfolios between Ministers SSW and PHED which is not factually correct and misleading,” the clarification note stated and further added, ‘the party workers and supporters have made very clear that we will not accept any change of Department and the same was resolved and communicated accordingly’.

In the backdrop of above and in absence of any official notification, the party stated that it is extremely displeased in the way the whole issue has been handled and treatment meted out to their senior most minister who otherwise should have been fully involved in the government formation and allocation of portfolios to ministers.

Rio re-jigs portfolios; more appointments likely

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, heading the third consecutive coalition, the DAN-III, continues to grapple with dissatisfaction among some NPF legislators over demands for plump portfolios or appointments, a day after the swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan and allocation of portfolios to 12 ministers and 21 parliamentary secretaries.

The DAN-III has a total of 40 members that includes-38 NPF and one each of the DAN alliance partners the BJP and JD(U).

Portfolio switch was effected between former Speaker of the 10th and 11th NLA, Kiyanilie Peseyie who won the 8 Western Angami (for the third consecutive term in 2003,2008 and 2013) and No.2 in the cabinet Noke Konyak, who won the 43 Tapi seat (in 1974,1977,1982,1987,1989, 2003 and 2013). Social Welfare held by Noke was re-allotted to Kiyanilie and PHED held by  Kiyanilie was re-allotted to Noke Konyak.

 In another development, Dr Nicky Kire who retained the 9 Kohima Town seat which he had won in 2008, was also re-allotted Labour & Employment in addition to Justice & Law and Land Revenue.
Both supporters of Kiyanilie and Dr.Nicky were dismayed by the distribution of portfolios on Tuesday and had been demanding “better portfolios”.

Meanwhile,  Khriehu Liezietsu, son of former minister and NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsü who won the 10 Northern Angami-I assembly seat on his maiden election,was appointed chairman, Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) and Advisor, New and Renewable Energy (NRE) and Music Task Force (MTF).

Dr. Longrinuken who won the 29 Jangpetkong assembly constituency in his second attempt and N. Thongwang who won the 46 Mon Town assembly constituency in his third attempt, were reportedly in the process of being given appointments.

With a total of 36 elected members of DAN inducted as ministers, parliamentary secretaries, chairmen and advisors, the four remaining could be given appointments to head various state government undertakings.

The government undertakings yet to be allotted include: chairman, Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board (NKVIB); chairman Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC); chairman Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC); Advisor Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), chairman MARCOFED, chairman NIDC & NHL and chairman Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN).

It is also speculated that after DAN legislators were accommodated, the seven independent MLAs  giving outside support to DAN-III could possibly be appointed to head the seven undertakings.

Nchang takes oath as pro-tem speaker
Namri Nchang, a member of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) representing 6 Tening, Peren district was administered oath as the pro-tem speaker of the assembly by governor Nikhil Kumar Wednesday.

According to a DIPR report, he would hold office with effect from the date and time of vacation of the office by the speaker of the 11th NLA and until a new speaker was elected by the assembly.

Namri Nchang was appointed under clause (1) of Article 180 of the Constitution of India. Others who were present during the oath taking function include NPF MLA Khriehu Liezietsu representing 10 Northern Angami-I A/C, NPF MLA Dr. Longrinuken from 29 Jangpetkong, Congress MLA Khekaho from 31 Akuluto A/C, NLA secretary, commissioner and secretary to the governor were present during the oath taking function.

Burma Nagas optimistic about DAN-III government

Naga MPs in Myanmar and the Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), while congratulating the DAN-III government for its victory, have expressed optimism that the government will “continue to safeguard the spirit of oneness among the Naga brethren irrespective of territorial demarcation.”

A joint statement stated, “Without realizing the importance of unity among the Nagas, we will be a lost nation and one of the most pitiable ethnic groups on the planet.” It expressed hope that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Naga people will experience “prosperity, unity and peace in the state.” It also added that the ENSA and the Naga MPs in Burma look forward for “co operation” from India at this “transitional point of time” in Burma. The joint statement was issued by ENSA president Michael Kaita, vice president Mankhat Konyak and general secretary, Y Khomong Khiam and by U Hla Tun, U Myat Ko and U Zin Wan on behalf of the MPS.

Rio sworn in as CM for 3rd term

Governor Nikhil Kumar along with chief minister Neiphiu and the newly inducted cabinet ministers after the oath taking ceremony in Kohima.

11 other NPF MEMBERS ADMINISTERED OATH AS MINISTERS
DAN legislature party leader Neiphiu Rio (63) was sworn in for a third straight term as chief minister of Nagaland Tuesday along with 11 ministers by the governor at a function at the Raj Bhavan, Kohima. 

All the 11 ministers were from Naga People’s Front (NPF) which had won 38 seats in the 60-member house supported by two alliance partners - BJP and JD (U) with one MLA each. The DAN has the unconditional support of 7 Independents.

A host of dignitaries including independent MLAs, NPF president Shurhozelie, senior bureaucrats, officers from the police and paramilitary forces and representatives of NGOs attended the swearing-in ceremony.

After the swearing in ceremony, the portfolios of Rio’s council of ministers along with that of parliamentary secretaries were announced in the evening. 

The chief minister would also now holds the portfolio of finance, personnel & administrative reforms and any other portfolio(s) not allotted to any ministers. 

Governor Nikhil Kumar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rio followed by his ministers. As speculated, the names of the 11 ministers were Noke Konyak, T. R. Zeliang from 6 Tening retained planning & co-ordination minister’s post with additional charge of evaluation, geology & mining minister’s post.

The speculation that the former home minister Imkong L. Imchen would be given a lower portfolio came true with G. Kaito Aye from 36 Satakha who was the former road & bridges minister elevated to the post of the home minister (political, police, general administration, secretariat administration).

Imkong L. Imchen has now been given health & family welfare portfolio while Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu who held the same post during DAN II has now been given roads & bridges with additional charge of parliamentary affairs.

Former speaker Kiyanilie Peseyie 8 Western Angami A/C has now been awarded with the ministerial post of public health engineering while 37 Tyui A/C representative Y. Patton got elevated to forest, border affairs’ post from being a parliamentary secretary in the last government.

Lok Sabha MP C.M. Chang who has recently resigned from the Lok Sabha after being elected from 51 Noksen on an NPF ticket has been given the post of minister for school education while MLA from 48 Moka A/C E.E. Pangteang got tourism, art & culture, election portfolio. S. Pangnyu representing 50 Longleng A/C has also been elevated from being parliamentary secretary for rural development and REPA to minister of industries & commerce.

The youngest elected NPF member of the assembly Merentoshi R. Jamir (32), a first timer has been given the ministerial berth of youth resources & sports, labour & employment. It was learnt that some senior NPF elected members were not happy for awarding a cabinet berth to Merentoshi R. Jamir.

Cabinet status for 4
NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and former urban development & higher technical education minister who did not contest this time in favour of his son Khriehu Liezietsu from 10 Northern Angami-I A/C has also been rewarded with a post of cabinet rank as the chairman of DAN & convenor of PAC.

P. Longon from 56 Noklak who had reportedly declined to accept the offer of the post of speaker has been given the post of chairman, state planning board (cabinet status) while Naiba Konyak of 55 Tobu got the post of advisor, DUDA (cabinet status). 

As reported earlier, Chingwang Konyak had been rewarded with the post of advisor to chief minister – political (cabinet status). 

21 Parl. secretaries
Unlike speculations of having 18 posts for parliamentary secretaries before the announcement, Rio and his senior members of the selection team have increased the number to 21.

They are Kejong Chang for the post of jail, home guards, village guards, DB/GB; Yitachu for veterinary & animal husbandry; C. Kipili Sangtam for power; Deo Nukhu for higher education, state council of education research & training; T. Torechu for economic & statistic, excise, legal metrology & consumer protection; Pohwang for fire & emergency services, relief & rehabilitation; Pukhayi for cooperation, women development, sericulture; Neiba Kronu for horticulture; R. Tohanba for civil administrative works; C.L. John for rural development & rural employment & poverty alleviation; Vikho-o Yhoshü for Housing; Neikiesalie Nicky Kire for justice & law, land revenue; Nuklutoshi for mechanical, national highways; Shetoyi for soil & water conservation, fisheries; P. Paiwang Konyak for transport; B.S. Nganlang for land resources; Zhaleo Rio for urban development; Dr. Benjongliba for agriculture; Y. Vikheho Swu for irrigation & flood control; Kropol Vitsu for information & public relations, printing & stationery and Tovihoto Ayemi for information technology & communication, technical education, science & technology.

It is worth mentioning that all the former parliamentary secretaries of DAN II government who won the February 23 elections have been accommodated in the list. Of the total number of NPF winning candidates (38) who could not make it to either of the list include - Namri Nchang  from 6 Tening who has been given the chance to be the pro-tem speaker; Khriehu Liezietsu from 10 Northern Angami 1; Dr.Longrinuken from 29 Jangpetkong and N. Thongwang from 46 Mon Town. Chotisuh Sazo from 18 Chozuba has been offered the post the speaker.

ENSUD forms admission committee

Eastern Naga Students’ Union Delhi (ENSUD) has formed an admission committee for 2013-14 with a view to assist student community seeking for admission in Delhi. The admission committee will assist applicants in all admission process.  For further queries or information one can contact: Chubalemla (9971465462), A. Hanso (8826517698), Sometnaro (9910573301), Messim (9540352963), Nokkum (9654057776), Along (9716006797), Soteth (8285928444), Lakiu (8377973727).

Pungro-Kiphire NPF resents over cabinet berth allocation

Asserting that it was dismayed by allocation of cabinet berth in the DAN ministry, NPF Kiphire area unit of 60 Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituency Tuesday said despite “ample reason” to offer ministerial berth to the representative of the constituency, T.Torechu, the party denied the privilege.

In a press release, Kiphire area unit president A Rhaki pointed out that Torechu won the last three elections with good margins and firmly aligned with the NPF since he won the first election.

It wondered how the nominating committee had to neglect the district in general by not awarding cabinet seat, depriving a senior leader like Torechu, who always had faith in the party. 

NPF Kiphire area unit stated the outcome of Torechu’s sincerity to the party was what frustrated NPF 60 Pungro-Kiphire assembly constituency.

“To renew faith on party the unit has the hope that the committee will satisfy the constituency by allotting some important portfolio in the DAN ministry,” said unit president.

Governor to administer oath to Rio, others today

Neiphiu Rio

Swearing-in ceremony of the new council of ministers for the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly would be held on Tuesday (today) at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan Kohima.

State governor Nikhil Kumar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Rio. The list of the cabinet ministers is likely to be submitted to the Governor by Tuesday. 

Naga People’s Front (NPF)-led DAN, having 40 elected members, along with the support of seven Independents had already staked claim to form the government.

According to a DIPR report, Raj Bhavan, Kohima has invited all the newly elected MLAs, dignitaries of political parties, administrative heads of departments, heads of departments, heads of central organizations, dignitaries of public enterprises, heads of NGOs and representatives of government and private media to the swearing-in ceremony.

Swearing-in of parl. Secretaries: 
The function of oath taking for parliamentary secretaries would take place Tuesday at State Banquet Hall, Kohima at 3 p.m.

In a statement, the chief minister’s secretariat has invited all MLAs, dignitaries of political parties, administrative heads of departments and heads of departments, heads of central organizations, heads of NGOs and representatives of government and private media to attend the function.

Tussle for cabinet berths in DAN-III
For incoming chief minister Neiphiu Rio, leading the ruling Naga People’s Front(NPF) not only to its third innings in power but for the first time, with an overwhelming majority of 38 seats may have been easier than finalizing the list of 12 ministers and proposed 18 parliamentary secretaries for the new DAN-III government. 

Rio has been given a list of names for induction as ministers on Sunday by a three-member committee (T.R. Zeliang, G. Kaito Aye and Kuzholuzo Neinu). 

The committee authorized the chief minister to complete the list as representatives for Mokokchung and Longleng remained undecided. 

Five of the six ministers including the chief minister in DAN-II who were re-elected find mention in the probable list. 

The five include- Neiphiu Rio (CM) and ministers- T.R. Zeliang, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, G. Kaito Aye and P. Longon. 

Outgoing Speaker of the 11th NLA, Kiyanilie Peseyie’s name has been included as representative from Kohima district.

Inclusion of Imkong L. Imchen former home minister was kept in abeyance till he cleared the pending case against him for the February 18 seizure of weapons, cash and IMFL by Assam Rifles near Longsa village in Wokha district.

The “tussle” for cabinet berth from Mokokchung district has become a two-way race between Nuklutoshi chairman NIDC and NHC in DAN-II and first timer Merentoshi R. Jamir. 

Besides Mokokchung, the other district where claimants have pushed themselves include Longleng. It was also learnt that there would be no representative from either Dimapur or Kiphire. 

In addition to tussle for cabinet berth, it was also learnt that demand for plump portfolios among aspirants was ongoing. 

There has been so much speculation over portfolio allocations but informed sources said it will be clear only after the swearing-in on March 5.

With as many as 8 former parliamentary secretaries, four chairmen of various government undertakings, a deputy chairman State Planning Board and four Advisors expecting elevation, Rio has to walk a tightrope as he would have to appease those who cannot become ministers with plump portfolios.

Earlier, the name of P. Longon was doing the rounds as the next Speaker of the 12th NLA. However, it was learnt that Longon had declined the proposal and wanted cabinet berth. 

The name of Chotisuh Sazo former parliamentary secretary was doing the rounds as the next Speaker of the 12 NLA. 

As per the constitutional amendment, only 12 (including the chief minister) can be made ministers in a house of 60. 

The new DAN-III ministry could also have as many as 18 parliamentary secretaries which would also include some six to seven new faces.

Pochury community demands cabinet berth for Yitachu
Pochury community represented by Pochury Public Forum, Pochury Students’ Union, Pochury Hoho, Kohima, Pochury GBs’ Union, Pochury Mothers’ Association and Pochury Women Organization, Kohima, has appealed the chief minister Neiphiu Rio and top NPF party functionaries to accommodate MLA Yitachu from 20 Meluri A/C to the DAN III council of ministers.

Stating that 20 Meluri A/C was the second largest constituency in terms of geographical area covering more than 50% of Phek district, it said that since Nagaland attained statehood, elected members from the constituency have never been given any major portfolios. 

Seeking special attention for the backward tribe, the organizations said Yitachu has been representing the constituency for the last three terms has been bringing programme of the government to the people. 

In view of his unwavering loyalty to NPF, Yitachu should be given a cabinet berth to make him more effective, the organizations argued.

NPF RULES EASTERN NAGA AREAS IN ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2013

ELECTION 2013 RESULTS IN OUR EASTERN NAGALAND:

NPF: 13
INC: 1
BJP: 1
NCP: 2
JD(U): 1
IND: 1
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Total: 19

Note: Tuensang sadar I is pending which is to be conducted in March 23,2013.

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WINNER DETAILS:
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NPF: 13 CANDIDATES

(1)LONGLENG : S.PANGNYU (Naga Peoples Front)

(2)MOKA : E.E. PANGTEANG (Naga Peoples Front)
(3)MON TOWN : N. THONGWANG (Naga Peoples Front)

(4)NOKLAK : P. LONGON (Naga Peoples Front)
(5)NOKSEN : C.M. CHANG (Naga Peoples Front)

(6)PHOMCHING : POHWANG (Naga Peoples Front)
(7)PUNGRO KIPHIRE : TORECHU (Naga Peoples Front)

(8)SEYOCHUNG SITIMI : C. KIPILI SANGTAM (Naga Peoples Front)
(9)SHAMATOR CHESSORE : R. TOHANBA (Naga Peoples Front)

(10)TAPI : NOKE (Naga Peoples Front)
(11)TEHOK : C.L. JOHN (Naga Peoples Front)
(12)TOBU : NAIBA (Naga Peoples Front)
(13)TUENSANG SADAR II : KEJONG CHANG (Naga Peoples Front)

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INC: 1 CANDIDATE

(1)ABOI : ESHAK KONYAK (Indian National Congress)

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NCP: 2 CANDIDATES

(1)LONGKHIM CHARE : A. IMTILEMBA SANGTAM (Nationalist Congress Party)
(2)THONOKNYU : L. KHUMO KHIAMNIUNGAN (Nationalist Congress Party)

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JD(U) : I CANDIDATE

(1)TAMLU : B.S NGANLANG [Janata Dal (United)]

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BJP: 1 CANDIDATE

(1)TIZIT : P. PAIWANG KONYAK (Bharatiya Janata Party)

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IND: 1 CANDIDATE

(1)WAKCHING : Y.M.YOLOW (Independent)
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES. MAY GOD GUIDE, BLESS AND TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL.