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08/26/2006: "Nagaland adopts resolution Nagarealm.com"
Nagaland adopts resolution Nagarealm.com Kohima, Aug. 25:
The Nagaland Assembly today passed a resolution to broaden the special federal relations between the state and the Centre. But the Opposition Congress said statehood was not a final settlement to the Naga political issue.
Leader of the Opposition I. Imkong Ao praised the government’s resolution to improve the federal relation with the Centre by constituting a standing committee of the Assembly for scrutinising the acts of Parliament, including amendment of the Constitution applicable to Nagaland under Article 371-A(1)(a). He said statehood, which was born out of this Article, was not a final solution to the Naga political problem. He added that the Article should be brought under this resolution.
The resolution said the history of Nagaland was unique, particularly the history of its evolution as a state in India. Article 371-A, particularly Clause (1)(a) thereof, is a fundamental constitutional law regulating the special federal relations between Nagaland and the Centre.
The resolution also stated that since the enactment of Article 371-A, Parliament had passed several acts with none of them being scrutinised by Nagaland toknow their impact on the article.
“As of now, the state of Nagaland does not have any mechanism to identify those acts of Parliament that shall not be applied to the state of Nagaland unless the Assembly of Nagaland by a resolution so decides,” it stated.
Regarding exercising its power under Article 371-A (1)(a), the Assembly resolved that a standing committee be constituted for each Assembly through a provision in the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly for scrutinising and reporting the existing acts of Parliament and the acts that may be made from time to time.
Nagaland to scrutinise Parliament Nagarealm.com
Kohima: After 43 years of formation of the state, Nagaland government on Tuesday moved a resolution in the Assembly seeking constitution of a house committee to scrutinise various Acts passed by Parliament under the article 371(a) of the Constitution Article 371(a) under which Nagaland was formed in 1963 provides special Constitution provisions to safeguard the tribal states ensuring that no Acts passed by Paliament will be applicable to Nagaland unless those are passed by the state Assembly.
Moving the motion, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on opening day of the current monsoon session of the House, said as the history of evolution of Nagaland state was unique, the government sought constitution of a standing committee of legislative Assembly for scrutinising the application of Acts passed by Parliament in the state.
Pointing out that the Article 371-a, particularly clause 1(a), provides special federal relations between the state and the union of India, the Chief Minister said, Parliament, since enactment of the Article 371-a, had passed several Acts in the past and accordingly Nagaland Assembly passed or adopted them without much discussions. Nagaland assembly never scrutinised those Acts, including the constitutional amendments, to know their impact on the state, Rio said adding till date the state did not have any mechanism to identify those Acts of Parliament that should not be applied to Nagaland unless the legislative Assembly by a resolution so decided.
Rio eyes air and rail links Correspondent Nagaland Post
CHIEPHOBOZOU (KOHIMA), AUG 25 (NPN): Chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said the detailed survey of Ciethu Airport under Kohima district was under process and the state government had already handed over Rs. one crore to the Airport Authority of India.
Rio also informed a survey of railway routes to the state capital was done including Niuland-Zhadima-New Secretariat Complex and Kohima-Imphal-Kiphire routes. Addressing a public gathering at Town Hall Chiephobozou, after the simultaneous inauguration of up-gradation of administrative headquarter of ADC Chiephobozou, office buildings of BDO and DIS Chiephobozou, the chief minister said the DAN government has plans to usher development through out Nagaland.
With the inaugural, Chiephobozou became the 17th ADC head quarter in Nagaland. Claiming there was visible development on all fronts during the three and half years of DAN rule, Rio said this was mainly due to peace being maintained in the state. Highlighting on the government's focus towards the backwards areas in the state, Rio said an amount of Rs.76 crores has been earmarked for road development in Mon, Tuensang, Longleng and Kiphire districts.
Minister for School Education, I. Imkong L. Imchen, who inaugurated the DIS office at Chiephobozou, said the development policy of the government is decentralization, which would bring development to the doorsteps of the people. Minister for Rural Development, Noke Konyak, who inaugurated the BDO office, urged the public to take care of government properties while availing the facilities. Minister for Planning & Urban Development, Dr Shürhozelie, who also spoke on the occasion, said the ADC Hq at Chiephobozou had become a reality because of the initiative of the chief minister.
Dr Shürhozelie further stressed on the role of the Gaonburas in the administrative set up and said the state government was coming up with schemes to assist the GBs where family benefits would also be available. Additional chief secretary & commissioner, TN Mannen in his exhortation said Chiephobozou advised the people to take full advantage of the facilities given by the government.
Chairman, Kohima Village Council, Atuolie Mepfü-o also gave a brief speech.
DC Kohima R Ramakrhisnan chaired the function, NAPO president Kruzolie gave the welcome address while ADC Chiephobozou K Apon gave the vote of thanks.
Burmese soldiers arrested 3 Naga women with livestock Document Actions indo Burma News Davies Mizzima News:
Three Naga women were arrested and their livestock seized by the Burmese Army Infantry battalion -229 in Swanmayar, Indo-Burmese border in the second week of this month. The women were involved in the customary barter trade. Three Naga women were arrested and their livestock seized by the Burmese Army Infantry battalion -229 in Swanmayar, Indo-Burmese border in the second week of this month. The women were involved in the customary barter trade.
According to sources on the Indo-Burma border, the women have been identified as a Phaitei, Mayraitei, Zin Hnintei. The three pigs they had with them were seized. All the arrested women are above 30-years of age and are from the same village.
“They were arrested by Captain Thet Tun Naing Oo and were sent to Layshi town for further investigation,” said Shana Sentei, secretary of the Naga Women’s Organization based on the Indo-Burma border.
The group in a statement released yesterday demanded the released of the arrested women and their cattle, saying that the villagers are accustomed to barter trade with their local products including cattle and crops with neighboring villages.
Shana also condemned and accused the military of persecution and oppression of local women.
“This boils down to exploiting our women,” said Shana. But she was unsure of the reason for the arrest. Villagers usually bring commodities to the Indo-Burma border which is only nine miles away. The Homemalin Township is far at around 80-miles from the village. Military troops usually come to the village once a week and extort crops, food and cattle from the villagers, according to the statement.
Where are we heading to?- Nagaland Post Opinion
Close on the heels of the 'Quit Notice' by the NSCN-(K), I share my reservation as to the nature of its intent which is blatantly communal. Unity and reconciliation being the desired goal of every Naga, my concern and attention has also been drawn to the headline "NSCN-IM demands Rs. 50 lakhs from IOC" in the local papers. Conjectures whether IOC will yield does not interest me.
I foresee, given the present global scenario of interdependence and respect for each other, utter lack of foresight and any shred of wisdom. It once again opens up a series of disturbing questions and places choices before us which I hope will reframe our inner resolutions and perspectives towards posterity. In addition, given the fragile energy security scenario, I don't think this issue will be taken lying down from any quarters. We live in an age of realization and change. In the 21st Century more than ever the challenges of poverty, unemployment, quality heath care and education, good environment etc., require involvement from all corners, the government agencies, NGOs and very importantly the corporate sector. Therefore, the culture of threat and intimidation will not serve the purpose of the common good.
In this context, may I make mention of the "The look east policy". This a holistic vision envisaged by the government of India for development of the north east region. This is genuine, noble and relevant in its intent. We must stay alert and support such initiatives thus creating a congenial atmosphere where the risks of investment are minimized. Retrograde actions which stigmatize the future of everybody must be condemned. Let us understand that, company boardrooms are not churches, temples or mosques and even if this demand is later retracted dismissing it as the handiwork of whatever rank cadre, in the market where profit and competition are determining yard sticks, forgiveness is neither cool nor saleable or even less trendy. I cannot even begin to comprehend the futility. Also, we bear a testimony to the entire world; Nagas are peace loving, hospitable and simple. These are great resources and we must protect them. The outside world will have taken note and regarding their reaction to ventures of any economic activity here, 'forget it'. We have reduced our prestige in their eyes, materially and morally.
Also wither Dimapur, pride of the Nagas and our commercial capital with all the locational advantages served by the NH 39, I am certain of the added vigor and momentum to which efforts are already on to by-pass Dimapur and develop Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar-Jaribum-Imphal road connectivity. These realizations pains me. We are to blame ourselves for this mess. Will we ever admit? Having mastered the art of making enemies, no Naga is secure in any way. Johnny G. Rengma, Executive member, BJP.
Election Commission gives Imkong a clean chit Kuknalim.com
KOHIMA, Aug 25:: In a major boost to the opposition Congress, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has given a clean chit to the opposition leader I Imkong on the alleged holding of office of profit... and the Governor subsequently issued an order on August 22 last, clearing the opposition leader from disqualification. The ECI gave its opinion on August 10 and conveyed the same to the Governor of Nagaland after the case was heard on July 5 last, followed by written arguments from both the contending parties within a period of one week. Interestingly, the Governor order was published on August 22 in the Nagaland gazette but the same was allegedly delayed for three days by the government and made known to the Opposition Leader only today morning. Addressing a Press Conference at his official residence, Opposition Leader I Imkong said he was surprised as to why the state government had kept silent on the order for three days.
"At one time, they alleged the Governor of delaying the matter. I failed to understand why so much publicity has been made as if the governor was summoned to Delhi to support my case," Imkong said. The governor in his order stated that "in exercising powers conferred to me under clause (1) of Article 192 of the Constitution, do hereby decide that Shri I.Imkong is not disqualified from being a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly".
Nine ruling legislators led by Naiba Konyak had earlier filed a petition dated March 29, 2006, to the governor demanding the disqualification of opposition leader I.Imkong, alleging him of holding office of profit. Governor Shyamal Datta referred the matter to the Election Commission on March 30, 2006, seeking the opinion of the commission. The ECI after close examination of the matter and the argument put forth by both the parties and also the legal positions on various aspects involved, gave its opinion to the Governor in favor of the opposition leader.
It was learnt that the petitioners (nine ruling Legislators) were represented by their counsel N S Nadkami while the respondent (Opposition Leader) was represented by his counsel Ranji Thomas during the hearing of the ECI on July 5 last. Meanwhile, it was learnt that the ECI had heard the case of the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio who was alleged by the opposition of holding of office of profit and sought his disqualification. Both the Chief Minister and the petitioner (11 opposition MLAs) were represented by their respective counsels in today's hearing.
Earlier, eleven members of the opposition Congress had filed a petition to the governor on March 28, demanding the disqualification of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his alleged holding office of profit by being the president of the State Sports Council and the Chairman of State Bamboo Mission. The governor then referred the matter to the ECI for its opinion.
Meanwhile, despite uncertainty on the fate of the state chief minister in the case of the Office of Profit, the opposition Congress today ruled out filing more petitions against the other legislators for alleged holding of office of profits. Reacting to queries during the press conference, opposition leader I Imkong accompanied by other senior Congress legislators, said that the party will not file more petition against the other MLAs. "If we are to, we would have done so earlier, we're not vindictive," the Congress leaders said. Moreover, the opposition leader reiterated that their intention in filing a petition against the chief minister was to create awareness and not a personal target. "Our purpose is served," Imkong said. (NPN)
Oil crisis likely to blow over Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 25: The problem of shortage of fuel in Manipur might blow over by August 19 and supply from the oil pumps may be normalised by then, if the State administration can have its way. According to information received by the press, around 60/70 oil tankers reportedly left Imphal to lift the oil yesterday under security escort. MR personnel escorted the oil tankers till Mao Gate and from Khozuma of Nagaland, the oil tankers will be escorted by the Nagaland police till Dimapur. The same security arrangement would also be followed for the return journey. If no untoward incident occurs along the way, the oil tankers may arrive here on August 27 and supply of fuel may from all the oil pumps by August 29.After the oil tankers have stopped lifting the oil due to monetary demand of NSCN (I-M), an understanding had been reached on August 20.However, in view of the threats from various other underground organisations all along the National Highway 39, the oil tankers refused to go and lift oil without the security, thus leading to the crisis of shortage of oil in Manipur.
ECI gives Imkong a sigh of relief Correspondent Nagaland Post
KOHIMA, AUG 25(NPN): In a major boost to the opposition Congress, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has given a clean chit to the opposition leader I Imkong on the alleged holding of office of profit and the Governor subsequently issued an order on August 22 last, clearing the opposition leader from disqualification.
The ECI gave its opinion on August 10 and conveyed the same to the Governor of Nagaland after the case was heard on July 5 last, followed by written arguments from both the contending parties within a period of one week. Interestingly, the Governor order was published on August 22 in the Nagaland gazette but the same was allegedly delayed for three days by the government and made known to the Opposition Leader only today morning.
Addressing a Press Conference at his official residence, Opposition Leader I Imkong said he was surprised as to why the state government had kept silent on the order for three days. "At one time, they alleged the Governor of delaying the matter. I failed to understand why so much publicity has been made as if the governor was summoned to Delhi to support my case," Imkong said. The governor in his order stated that "in exercising powers conferred to me under clause (1) of Article 192 of the Constitution, do hereby decide that Shri I.Imkong is not disqualified from being a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly".
Nine ruling legislators led by Naiba Konyak had earlier filed a petition dated March 29, 2006, to the governor demanding the disqualification of opposition leader I.Imkong, alleging him of holding office of profit. Governor Shyamal Datta referred the matter to the Election Commission on March 30, 2006, seeking the opinion of the commission. The ECI after close examination of the matter and the argument put forth by both the parties and also the legal positions on various aspects involved, gave its opinion to the Governor in favor of the opposition leader.
It was learnt that the petitioners (nine ruling Legislators) were represented by their counsel N S Nadkami while the respondent (Opposition Leader) was represented by his counsel Ranji Thomas during the hearing of the ECI on July 5 last. Meanwhile, it was learnt that the ECI had heard the case of the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio who was alleged by the opposition of holding of office of profit and sought his disqualification. Both the Chief Minister and the petitioner (11 opposition MLAs) were represented by their respective counsels in today's hearing.
Earlier, eleven members of the opposition Congress had filed a petition to the governor on March 28, demanding the disqualification of chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his alleged holding office of profit by being the president of the State Sports Council and the Chairman of State Bamboo Mission. The governor then referred the matter to the ECI for its opinion.
Meanwhile, despite uncertainty on the fate of the state chief minister in the case of the Office of Profit, the opposition Congress today ruled out filing more petitions against the other legislators for alleged holding of office of profits. Reacting to queries during the press conference, opposition leader I Imkong accompanied by other senior Congress legislators, said that the party will not file more petition against the other MLAs. "If we are to, we would have done so earlier, we're not vindictive," the Congress leaders said.
Moreover, the opposition leader reiterated that their intention in filing a petition against the chief minister was to create awareness and not a personal target. "Our purpose is served," Imkong said.
RJD shocked Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 24: Expressing shock on report of ‘quit notice’ served by the NSCN (K) to Tangkhuls residing in the state of Nagaland, vice president of Rashtriya Janata Dal, manipur W Joram fervently appealed to the NSCN (K) to reconsider their stand and revoke the ‘notice’ in the interest of Naga unity and integrity.
Quoting the proverbial saying ‘God created land, Man created boundaries’ the RJD leader suggested ‘it is not wise to create more smaller boundaries for the Nagas in particular as in the eyes of God all human beings are one irrespective of their caste, religion, creed etc’.
Nagas should be one and united wherever they are, added Joram while conveying hope and pray that very soon cordial situation will prevail in the State.
Naga unification day Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Aug 25 : The Memei Hoho under the aegis of United Naga Council is organising the Naga Unification day on August 27 at Mao Gate. In a statement Lohrii Adani, convenor of the organising committee said that Naga leaders from civil societies, community based organizations and village elders will be participating in the programme which will be addressed by the president of Naga Hoho.
36-hr bandh affects normal life in Arunachal Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Aug 25 – A 36-hour bandh demanding re-draw or refund of tickets of a controversial lottery organised by a reputed public school have affected the normal life in Arunachal Pradesh.
Shops, markets, educational institutions, banks and post offices were closed due to the bandh, the second time in a week today.
The Lottery Ticket Holders Committee (THC) which called the bandh had observed a 12-hour Itanagar bandh on the same issue on August 21.
The THC demand was being supported by BJP and student bodies. But, unlike the previous bandh, attendance in the State Secretariat was normal following a circular that strong action would be taken against those who failed to turn up.
Chief Minister Gegong Apang is the chairman of the Donyi Polo Public School which held the lottery with expensive cars like Toyota Landcruisers as prizes. The number of tickets was limited to two lakh, each costing Rs. 200.
A THC spokesman said they submitted a written complaint to the police that the time and venue of the lottery draw was changed without giving any prior notice. “But the complaint was not registered”, he said.
The THC, he said, was demanding that the Chief Minister and Public Health Engineering Minister Tatar Kipa, who was the secretary of the lottery organising committee, should resign.
Meanwhile, Apang told a local TV channel that if the ticket holders had any complaint, they could file an FIR against the members of the lottery organising committee.
The school, he said, was not responsible for holding the raffle draw. – PTI
Reduced to a rubber stamp Sangai Express editorial
Manipur is once again caught in the vicious cycle of fuel scarcity and this time this has come after the NSCN (IM) reportedly slapped a demand notice of Rs 50 lakhs on the oil depot setting August 20 as the deadline to cough up the demanded amount. Not surprisingly oil tankers refused to hit the road and bring in fuel to the State from Assam, leading to the fast depletion of the fuel stock at the Chingmeirong Oil Depot. The State Government was forced to intervene and the Chief Secretary had to even write to the Union Home Ministry highlighting the matter. That the NSCN (IM) ultimately withdrew its demand after the Centre intervened is another matter, but this episode is once a grim a reminder of how the Ceasefire Ground Rules have been reduced to something of a big joke. In fact the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell appears to be functioning only on paper, for the fact stands that the NSCN (IM) is virtually running a parallel Government in its area of dominance with the Government machineries reduced to nothing much more than a rubber stamp. Taxes continue to be collected from the highways. Contract works can be garnered only after getting the blessings of this outfit. This scenario, pertaining to contract works, can also applied to some of the underground outfits operating in Manipur. We really do not know if it has officially come to the notice of the Government or not, but the office and staff quarters and workshop of the DIC at Ukhrul have been razed to the ground at the instructions of the NSCN (IM) to pave the way for a Church to come up. The detention centre of the outfit which was busted by the Assam Rifles and the spectacular rescue of the IM cadres picked up from the detention centre from the premises of the CJM of Ukhrul are all testimonies of how an armed group, which is engaged in a peace talk with the Government of India has been virtually running a parallel Government in some parts of Manipur.
When we talk about a parallel Government it would be wrong to pick out only the NSCN (IM) for the fact stands that the writ of the Government does not run much beyond Imphal where security is understandably tighter than the remote areas of the State. Everywhere the hands of non-State actors are clearly visible and it is they who call the shots, reducing the Government to something of a farce. Given the conflict situation in the State, the presence of non-State actors and their widespread influence can be understood but when this influence and hands begin to interfere and throw the daily activities of the civil population into disarray then something has to be done to restore the rule of law. It is against this backdrop that the Centre and the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell should take a relook at the ground rules of the cease fire and see how far they are being adhered to by the armed outfit with which Delhi is engaged in a peace talk. With the peace talk in progress, the ban imposed earlier on the NSCN (IM) has been lifted and this in effect means that their cadres can move around freely. However this should not mean that they have been given the right to displace the existing machineries and start a parallel Government where everything has to be done with their consent and where everyone is expected to fall in line with the diktats and orders it issues.
Peace in mind, investors eye Assam Nagaland Post
Guwahati, Aug 24 (IANS): Dozens of prospective foreign investors are keen to set up businesses in India's northeastern state of Assam following peace moves and visible signs of an end to a long running rebellion. "We are getting queries and proposals from various investors, both domestic and foreign firms, ready to do business in power, hydrocarbon and food processing," said Industry, Commerce and Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi.
A Canadian and a British oil exploration companies are already working in Assam - both Canoro Resources Ltd and Premier Oil have struck crude oil and natural gas in the state.
"Both the companies have struck extremely high quality oil and gas," Bordoloi told IANS. He said the Assam government would go all out to woo investors willing to do business in the state. "We are ready to walk the extra mile to facilitate someone willing to set up business here or forging partnerships with the government." The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), one of the most powerful militant groups in the region, is in talks with the Indian government through emissaries. There is a possibility of the group giving up its separatist agenda. As part of the government's business policy, two special economic zones would be set up with a view to promoting exports of items like handicrafts, ethnic garments and textiles, besides horticultural products. "A few firms from Singapore have shown interest in doing business in the food processing sector especially in items like orange, pineapple and ginger," Bordoloi said. The minister added that several resourceful Indian investors were also making queries about setting up power plants in the state.
"There is tremendous potential in the power sector and talks are on with some firms although it is an infant stage." He said both foreign and domestic investors were keen to pump money for doing business in Assam after the state witnessed relative calm with prospects of peace dawning in the region.
"The atmosphere of peace and the government's will to solve insurgency is encouraging investors to come to Assam for doing business and this is a healthy sign." The state is all set for a major leap with a whopping Rs.54 billion integrated petrochemical project expected to change the economic face of the region. The project, popularly referred to as the Assam Gas Cracker, is to be implemented by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) with 70 percent equity participation in five years. The remaining 30 percent equity would be shared equally among Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and the Assam government. "The Gas Cracker project is expected to help an estimated 100,000 people get employment as a result of investments in downstream plastic processing industries and allied activities," the minister said. According to preliminary estimates, at least 500 plastic processing industries are likely to come up in the region when this project becomes operational. As part of the Assam government's aggressive policy to give a fillip to industrial activities, it has agreed to grant exemption from entry tax on capital goods for the Gas Cracker project, works contract tax during the construction period, sales tax and VAT on feedstock for 15 years from the date of commencement of production.
Patil shield for worship places By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 25: Places of worship in the North Eastern region are all set to witness enhanced security cover if assurances of the Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to shield religious sites are translated into action.
The Union minister, according to an ISKCON devotee Banamali Das, gave the assurance to a team of ISKCON led by its international governing body chief Gopalkrishna Maharaj recently.
speaking to The Sangai Express today, Banamali Das quoted the Maharaj as saying that Shivraj Patil had verbally assured to step up security measures at worship places in the violence ravaged region particularly in Manipur in view of the August 16 terror attack during Janmasthami celebration.
“We have received official intimation of the home minister’s verbal assurance to step up security measures to foil any attempt to trigger violent activities”, Banamali added.
While five persons died many people including foreign national devotees were injured in the blast at the crowded place.
similar assurance has been received from Padma-nabhaiah, interlocutor in the IM peace talk, informed another devotee Ajit Das who is also the president of Imphal Iskcon temple.
On the other hand, the State Government has beefed up security arrangement in connection with the Radha Asthami celebration which falls on September 1.
Among the visible security steps include deployment of armed police personnel at the temple premises and construction of fencing wall in the temple complex.
As pre-emptive measure for Radha Asthami, police have written certain guidelines to Iskcon authori- ties including prohibiting setting up/opening of shops or kiosks on the particular day.
The police prescription also said that media persons possessing camera should obtain permission of Iskcon authorities for coverage of the event.
A number of devotees from across the country are expected to participate.
Meanwhile, Ajit Das informed that ISKCON’s International Director Swami Damodara has developed problem in the left ear drum probably due to impact of the explosive.
The injured Damodara is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kolkata.
Bryan Nash of the US who was also injured in the blast has been referred to a hospital at Bangkok, Ajit said adding that at least Nash would have to stay there for about six weeks.
India lodges strong protest with Dutch Govt Assam tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 25 – Twelve Indians arrested in bizarre circumstances in mid-air on a US airliner and then questioned for two days at Amsterdam were headed for Mumbai today amidst a diplomatic row between India and the Netherlands over their treatment, reports PTI. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Dutch ambassador here and lodged a strong protest at the way the incident was handled.
Ambassador Eric Niehe was summoned by Secretary (West) Shashi U Tripathi and told that the way the 12 men were treated was “not in conformity with the friendly relations” between the two countries.
“We have taken strong notice of this development. It is not only unfortunate, it should have never happened,” Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told reporters.
He said the Dutch government has expressed regret over the incident.
“We lodged a strong protest at the way the incident was handled,” MEA spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters after Niehe was called to the ministry.
New Delhi asked for complete details about the incident from the Dutch government. Niehe promised to get the details from The Hague and revert.
The Government is particularly peeved at the treatment meted out to the 12 men, detained for “flight disruption” while travelling by a Northwest Airlines flight from Minneapolis in the US.
NCP to extend support to Rymbai
NCP not in favour of frequent change of government: Sangma Sentinel
SHILLONG, Aug 25: NCP leader Purno A Sangma today said his party would extend support to the Rymbai led government if he needed to prove his majority in the floor of the House.
NCP, the main opposition party in the state, has seven MLAs in a House of 59 members.
“We will extend our support to Mr Rymbai if he needs to prove his strength in the House,’’ the Garo political stalwart told UNI here, over phone from New Delhi. The latest offer to Mr Rymbai came in the backdrop of AICC leaders trying to iron out differences within the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) that surfaced over the past one-month. Mr Sangma, the former Lok Sabha Speaker, said the NCP’s decision to support the Rymbai government was taken to ensure stability of the government and because of Mr Rymbai’s ‘clean image’.
“We are not in favour of frequent change of government and hampering developmental projects in the state,’’ he said adding that Mr Rymbai’s brief stint had already shown some changes. “He (Rymbai) should continue to lead the government, as long as the people in the state are happy with his approach to develop the state,’’ the NCP leader asserted.
A confident Chief Minister J D Rymbai before leaving for New Delhi yesterday told UNI that he was ready to prove his majority in the floor of the House when required. Of the 29 Congress legislators in the state, at least fifteen legislators have openly revolted against Mr Rymbai, demanding reinstatement of former Chief Minister D D Lapang as their Congress Legislature Party leader.
Earlier, leaders of the four regional parties - United Democratic Party (8), Meghalaya Democratic Party (4) besides two each from Hill State People’s Democratic Party and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement - had informed Mr Rymbai that they still reposed faith in his leadership.
Meanwhile, the regional parties, which are part of the Congress led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, urged the AICC not to take a unilateral decision regarding change of guard in the state. UNI
36-hour Arunachal bandh begins against lottery scandal Sentinel
ITANAGAR, Aug 25: Life was badly affected in Arunachal Pradesh today following 36-hour state-wide bandh called by the All Arunachal Pradesh Donyi-Polo Vidhya Bhawan Raffle Lottery Ticket Holders’ Committee (AAPDPVBRLTHC) in protest against ‘unfair’ draw of a lottery.
The bandh which began at 0500 hours this morning was total as all the business establishments, commercial institutions, post offices and educational institutions remained closed. Public and private transport remained off the roads. However, state service buses were seen plying with escort. The government offices too recorded thin attendance. Barring a few stray incidents of stone pelting, so far no untoward incident had been reported from any part of the state. “The bandh is absolutely peaceful throughout the state and we are making elaborate security arrangements to provide security to the people’’, Director General of Police Amod K Kanth told UNI.
“All the offices are running as usual and attendance would be increased as the day progress”, he added. This was the second phase of agitation launched by the AAPDPVBRLTHC, the first being a 12-hour Itanagar bandh on August 21 last.
The draw of the lottery which was organised in aid of Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan, a reputed institution of the state, had snowballed into a major crisis, as the prizes were allegedly won by the committee members and relatives of Chief Minister Gegong Apang, who is the chairman of the institute. The state unit of BJP, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) and Arunachal Chambers of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) have already extended their support to the agitating people and urged the committee to re-think its decision and to re-schedule the game to ease out the ongoing tension.
AAPDPVBRLTHC president Toko Doni has said the bandh would be carried out and appealed to the citizens to support the strike for legitimate demands of the common masses. Highlighting demands of the aggrieved ticket holders, Doni urged parents of the Doni-Polo Vidhya Bhawan to withdraw their wards from the school till a concrete solution was meted out on the issue. “The safety of children and the school can not be guaranteed by us and parents should bear with us in the fight against a common state issue”, he added. Among other demands of the AAPDPVBRLTHC included refund of the cost of lottery ticket or immediate fair re-draw of the Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan raffle, which should be taken up by the state lottery department and monitored by Papum Pare deputy commissioner as judge, a secretary on behalf of the state chief secretary, a prominent public leader, besides presence of the chief minister himself along with public. The AAPDPVBRLTHC also demanded resignation of the Chief Minister on moral ground, dropping of the state Public Health Engineering and Water Supply minister, immediate suspension of extra assistant commissioner Naharlagun and PS to PHE&WS minister for unfair conduct of the raffle draw, and immediate registration of FIR at Itanagar police station against raffle organising committee. UNI
Mizoram anthurium export to UAE Sentinel
AIZAWL, Aug 25: The first export consignment of anthurium from the Northeastern region was today sent to the United Arab Emirates from here. A bunch of 750 anthuriums was sent to Al-locrits International, Dubai through Zopar Export Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, State Horticulture Information officer M Vanlalzami said. The consignment of Zo-Anthurium Growers Association’s 750 flowers was flagged off by Mizoram Home Minister Tawnluia. At least 1,500 anthuriums would be exported weekly from the first week of October, Vanlalzami told PTI. Altogether 5.5 lakh flowers had so far been sold outside the state through Zopar Export since October 2003. Encouraged by the income of 24 growers, initially selected by the department in November 2002, which was between Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per month, there are at least 300 anthurium growers in the state, she said. About three lakh planting materials of different varieties have so far been provided to the farmers, she said, adding different international varieties were being cultivated by the growers. “The success of anthurium in the state inspired our neighbouring states like Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Orissa to come to Mizoram to study the technique of anthurium cultivation,” she said. Most of the selected growers are women fulfilling the aim to uplift the women of the State, she said. Union Horticulture Ministry's Technology Mission was the main force behind the success of anthurium cultivation in the State, she said, adding more areas were being covered to increase the production of the highly expensive flower. (PTI)
