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05/16/2009: "NSCN (I-M) convicts ‘Lt. Col’ Hopeson (NPn)"
NSCN (I-M) convicts ‘Lt. Col’ Hopeson (NPn)
DIMAPUR, “General Court Martial” (GCM) of the NSCN (I-M) after thorough hearing of the murder case of Dr.Kishan and his driver Aribam Rajen and an official Y.Token, who were killed February 17 near Senapati, has convicted ‘Lt.Colonel’ Hopeson Ningshen, the then “Commanding officer” of Kiusumong Battalion Naga Army posted in Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR).
The NSCN (I-M) through a statement issued by its MIP Thursday said that as per Naga Army Act of Rules and Regulation (NAARR) 2002 “Lt.Colonel” Hopeson Ningshen bearing Army No. ST-28014, was convicted guilty of abduction, illegal detention and ultimate murder of Dr.Kishan and his two associate Aribam Rajen and Y.Token under Article 70 Clause 3, Sub Clause V Article 76 Clause ii of NAARR. The MIP release further said that GCM was satisfied to terminate “Lt.Colonel” Hopeson Ningshen with immediate effect from the service of the Naga Army.
The GCM has also dismissed all his services rendered to the Nation, including all military decoration and ranks awarded to him has been stripped off, it stated.
Further, the MIP informed that he would undergo rigorous imprisonment for seven years starting from the day he was arrested. Beside he would also have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000 to the GPRN. In default of which he shall undergo simple imprisonment for another one year six months, MIP/GPRN added.
NSCN law for SDO killer - Manipur panel rejects outfit’s verdict on cadre OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Imphal, May 15: A “sentence” handed by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to a cadre who had killed Ukhrul subdivisional officer Thingnam Kishan was rejected by a Manipur action committee which wants the culprit to be punished according to the “law of the land”.
The Naga outfit yesterday announced in Dimapur that a “court martial” found “Lt Col” Hopson Ningshen guilty of “abduction, illegal detention and killing” of Kishan and two subordinate staff.
The outfit terminated Ningshen’s services and sentenced him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. Kishan, who was posted at Kasom Khullen of Ukhrul district, was abducted along with Y. Token Singh and A. Rajen near Ukhrul town by unidentified gunmen on February 14.
Their mutilated bodies were recovered three days later in Senapati district. Three other subordinate staff who were abducted were let off by the kidnappers. The killings caused an uproar and the NSCN (I-M) finally admitted that its cadres were involved in the abduction and killings.
“We do not accept the verdict of the NSCN (I-M). The culprits should be tried and booked under the law of the land. They should be handed over to the Manipur government,” Salam Token, chairman of the action committee protesting the SDO’s killing, told the media today.
The action committee also rejected charges levelled against Kishan by the NSCN (I-M).
While announcing the court martial verdict, the outfit said Kishan had ignored repeated warnings against running his office from Imphal and corrupt practices. The committee said the NSCN (I-M) was fully involved in the murder and that Kishan was killed over monetary demands.
The NSCN (I-M) had allegedly demanded Rs 2,68,676 as “royalty tax” from the fund of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme allocated to Kasom Khullen block, the action committee said. Th. Rainam, “finance in-charge” of Wung Tangkhul Region of the NSCN (I-M) served the demand letter on July 7 last year to Kishan.
He also served a reminder on a later date. Copies of the demand letters were distributed among reporters today. The action committee announced that it would hold a public interface on Sunday at Kangla auditorium where community leaders will decide the future course of action. A declaration would be submitted to Governor Gurbachan Jagat and chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, the committee said.
Protests had earlier prompted the chief minister to place Ukhrul deputy commissioner Pankaj Kumar and superintendent of police L. Dorjee under suspension for dereliction of duty. The government also handed over the case to the CBI.
Azheto promises to foster peace morungexpress
Azheto Zhimomi, MLA elect from Dimapur III is being felicitated by his supporters in celebration of his victory over INC candidate Vikheho Awomi by over 8,000 plus votes on Friday, May 16. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, May 16 (MExN): After much hula-boo over his resignation from the Congress party and subsequently joining the ruling NPF to contest the bye-election, MLA elect from Dimapur III, Azheto Zhimomi today beamed over his victory over INC candidate Vikheho Awomi by over 8,000 plus votes. He said that the victory today was “a dream come true.” Azheto, who was earlier elected member to the state assembly on an INC ticket, resigned in the month of February which sparked rumors that he was “bought” by the NPF and promised a ministerial berth. However, Azheto speaking to a section of the media at his private residence after result declaration dismissed them as rumors and there were no such pre-poll arrangements. He said, “I did not ask anything.”
Azheto refused to comment on what might be in store for him after his victory and said he has left all decisions to be made by party leaders. Azheto, however, spelled out the improvement in the NPF party’s position in Dimapur after he joined the party. “Let the party think of me. They know the kind of work I have done,” he said. But very tactfully Azheto said that if he is inducted into the cabinet, his priority will be development and to foster peace and calm amidst rising crimes in the city. Azheto will be the only NPF legislator within Dimapur district. Three other legislators belong to the INC while one is an independent MLA from Ghaspani II.
Queried on why he chose not to contest as an independent candidate in the last general election instead of jilting the Congress, Azheto said being an independent doesn’t carry much weight.
Azheto, though not satisfied with the margin of votes which gave him a sweeping victory against his INC rival, attributed his success to his supporters, party workers and party leaders. Thronged by well wishers at his residence, the MLA elect said that it his duty now to “revive Dimapur” and promised a pack-full of changes. Azheto is likely to leave for Kohima tomorrow on a call from Kohima. Azheto will be back in Dimapur for sometime thereafter which he will again leave for Kohima for the swearing-in ceremony.
NSCN (IM) verdict on Dr Kishan murder case morungexpress
Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): The ‘general court martial’ (GCM) of the NSCN (IM) looking into the murder case of Dr Kishan and his driver Aribam Rajen and another official Y. Token on February 17, 2009 near Senapati , has found “lt. colonel” Hopeson Ningshen, the then “commanding officer of the Kiusumong Battalion Naga army posted in Wung Tangkhul region”, as guilty.
Informing of this, an MIP note of the outfit stated that as per “The Naga army act” of “rules and regulation (NAARR) 2002”, Ningshen has been ‘convicted’ as being guilty of abduction, illegal detention and ultimate murder of Dr.Kishan and his two associates Aribam Rajen and Y. Token on the 17th of February 2009 under what was stated to be ‘article 70 clause 3, sub clause V article 76 clause ii of NAARR’.
Hopeson discharged, awarded ‘seven year rigorous imprisonment’
The outfit has terminated Hopeson Ningshen, with immediate effect, from the service of the ‘Naga army’. The GCM also dismissed all his ‘services’ rendered to the ‘nation’. All ‘military decoration’ as well as ranks awarded to him have been stripped off, it was stated. He is also to undergo ‘rigorous imprisonment’ of seven years counting from the day he was ‘arrested’.
Besides he will have to pay a fine of Rs. 50,000/- (fifty thousand) only to the GPRN. In default of which he shall undergo simple imprisonment for another one year six months.
The GCM has however “discovered that the murder was committed not without provocation” and that the “arrogance added with reckless corruption of Dr. Kishan the SDO of Kasom Block has not only shocked the people of the area but it has also infuriated all the people including Lt. Colonel Hopeson Ningshen who is also from the same area”. “Repeated warning against running his office at Imphal went unheeded and the deceased did remain impenitent about his corruption in spite of public outcry”, stated the MIP press note.
The NSCN (IM) has stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Pankaj Kumar Pal had a “long standing and violent ego clash with his SDO” and that the IAS officer “exploited the situation leading to the ultimate murder of the latter”. “Circumstantial evidences have convicted the Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pal as the master mind of the murder of Dr. Kishan and his two staffs”, the MIP note stated.
The MIP note also pointed out that the Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh who is also the Home Minister and Ranjit Singh, Work Minister had visited Kasom Khullen the next day of abduction of Dr. Kishan and Staffs and that they had to share responsibility in the death of the victims. “They must therefore be prosecuted as required by law”.
NPF heading for a clean sweep in Nagaland PTI
Kohima, May 16 (PTI) The ruling Nagaland Peoples Front is heading for a clear victory in the lone parliamentary seat and won by-election to all four assembly constituencies in the state.
As per trends available till noon, NPF candidate C M Chang was leading by over three lakh votes over rival Congress candidate K Asungba Sangtum in the lone Nagaland parliamentary constituency, officials said.
The NPF won by-elections to Tizit, Dimapur-III, Chizami and Tuensang Dadar-II seats.
Aloh Konyak of NPF defeated his closest rival Peiwang Konyak of RJD by a margin of 2,840 votes in Tizit seat in Mon district while Azheto Zhimomi of NPF defeated Congress candidate Vikheho Awomi by over 8,032 votes.
NPF leaders and supporters were seen in a jubilant mood over the poll results and trends available till noon. PTI
NPF sweep in both LS and assembly by-polls in Nagaland Indopia
Kohima , May 16 Riding high on its performances in development front in the state, the ruling Nagaland Peoples Front (NPF) today made a clean sweep in both the parliamentary poll and by-elections to four assembly segments.
The NPF candidate C M Chang won the lone L S seat in the state with a record margin of 4.83 lakh votes defeating former MP K Asungba Sangtum of Congress.
The regional party also wrested all the four assembly seats of Tizit, Tuensang Sadar-II, Dimapur-III and Chizami from the opposition Congress as its tally in the 60-member state assembly went up from 26 to 30.
With these four wins the total strength of NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) rose to 40 in the assembly.
Dimapur business community protests rampant extortion morungexpress
Traffic was stranded along the Golaghat Road stretch of NH 39 on Friday, May 15 as traders of the area led by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce (DCC) stage a lightning road blockade called in protest against rampant extortion in Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur | May 15 : Shopkeepers and business establishments in a strong statement against extortion, shut down their shops and blocked the NH 39 today, bringing traffic to a standstill on the busy highway for nearly two hours. Traders and businessmen of Golaghat road, Zakiesato Colony and Ghora Patti area led by the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce were compelled to take the drastic action following a series of extortion that occurred on May 12 and May 14 in the said areas.
On May 12, one Nur Ahmed, owner of a PCO at Golaghat Road was assaulted and robbed of Rs 1500 at gunpoint by two miscreants. According to the owner two persons came inside his shop and served him a demand slip of Rs 5000. The demand slip bore the name of one of the Naga underground factions. Ahmed unable to meet the demand was assaulted and robbed of Rs 1500. It was disclosed that three other accomplices were waiting in an auto rickshaw while two of them went inside the shop.
On May 14 around 2 pm one Md Akram, owner of a cyber café at Golaghat Road was served with a similar demand notice by four people. Recounting the incident, Akram said that four persons came inside his shop and shut the door from inside. Unable to produce the amount on the spot, the miscreants took away Rs 400 that was kept at the cash counter of the café, warning him that they would return the next day to collect the remaining amount. However, they failed to return, as most shops along the road remained closed since morning on May 15.
Along with the monety, it was learned that Rs 800 worth of pre-paid top-up cards, one digital camera and a mobile phone were also taken away. It is believed that the incidents were the handiwork of the same group of people. Following the incidents, shopkeepers of the areas decided to close shop on May 15 in protest.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce getting whiff of the incidents staged a road bloc along with the shopkeepers demanding action from the police and the administration. They demanded the SP come in person to the spot and assure them of appropriate security measures. The SDPO Dimapur intervening on behalf of the SP reassured the protestors that the police were doing everything within their means to check extortions in the town. Meanwhile, he called upon the public, shopkeepers in particular, to willingly cooperate with the police in checking such crimes.
The Chairman of the Dimapur Municipal Council was seen pacifying the angry protestors. The chairman is also the representative from ward no. 2 in the DMC under whose ward jurisdiction comes the area in which the incidents occurred. The protestors finally called off the blockade at around 1 pm.
In another case of extortion that occurred yesterday morning, one pan shop owner of Eros Lane was reported to have been served similar demand notice by two motorcycle borne youth. The shopkeeper unable to meet the demand was robbed of around Rs 700 by the miscreants.
Meanwhile, the public are requested to call up the following phone numbers in case of any emergencies in Ward No. 2 (Zakiesato Colony):
1. Khekaho Assumi, Chairman DMC (Ward 2 Member) –9612000888, 9612000999
2. Kakihe Zhiomi, Council Chairman Ward 2—9436266284
3. Arenla Ao, Council Member Ward No. 2 –9862226327
4. Shitovi Sema, Vice-Chairman, Ward Council—9856831022
5. SDPO Dimapur—9436261174
6. East Police Station—227607
7. West Police Station—232181
8. SP Dimapur—9436002399
9. Additional SP Dimapur--9436002398
‘A broken society cannot hope to achieve aspirations’
NAGA HOHO CONSULTATIVE MEET ON RAPE, CRIME AND EXTORTION
Our Correspondent | EMN
KOHIMA, MAY 15: The rampant occurrences of grave crimes like rape, extortion and murder in the state has spurred the mass-based civil organisations to contemplate on the worsening health of the Naga society
and today a meeting of all major civil organisations and NGOs under the umbrella of apex Naga Hoho agreed to revise and strengthen the existing mechanism of law in keeping with changing times.
The first of its kind consultative meeting on rape, murder and extortion at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima organised by the Naga Hoho was convened to collectively address the social evils in contemporary Naga society which were unheard of in the days of Naga forefathers and the reasons thereof.
The marathon meet adopted a five point resolution with stress to endorse the demand and suggestions of the Nagaland State Women Commission and other women organisations, constitute an expert committee to address these issues, widen the process with inclusiveness and proper taxation policy by the political groups and the state government.
The Naga Hoho also called upon the Church to rightly address issues that have gone hidden because of taboo and lack of space within the parameter of the church.
Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo felt that the church was scared and time has come for it to wake up and say what is right and what is wrong.
He stressed that time has come for the church to take a proactive initiative to implant moral values into the people while also maintaining that no social organisation has moral authority to do moral policing, as an organisation is a temporary attachment, not lifelong like the church .
In his keynote address, the Hoho chief said, “We have been talking a lot about political issues and affairs for the past many decades and years, we are yet to see the dream that we have started for. However in the process of our political struggle, we also need to look back at our own society.”
“A broken society cannot achieve what we have started for our political vision, we need to have to have a vibrant, a progressive society where we can enhance the political process. Without that a dying society cannot dream of making nationhood. For this very reason we are calling upon each and every one of you to give your vision, your contributions so that we can march forward for a new future,” he appealed.
Stating that the issues can be addressed with collective wisdom and responsibility, he urged the civil societies to have a combined force to fight for the future, to reconstruct society and pressurize the government and other agencies to deliver justice.
He also took a swipe at the Judiciary urging courts to understand the sentiments of the people when giving bail to criminals as people cannot remain silent anymore to the practices of the judiciary.
He felt that though people are governed by laws, if the guardians of law cannot perform to the satisfaction of the public, they can reasonably question the justice system in the state and adapt Article 371(A) as per local situation.
Other recommendations were uniform customary code in the state, checking illegal immigration, review of liquor prohibition act, setting up of juvenile delinquent homes etc.
Nagaland State Women Commission Member Abeni TCK suggested that customary laws be revised and strengthened to deal with crimes. She also urged for speeding up justice on rape cases through fast track court, adequate compensation to rape victims, fearless church besides sensitization about legal rights in all levels of society.
Expert Member NCW, North East, Rosemary Dzüvichü suggested setting up of counselling centres with trained staff, women cells in all districts, 10 percent women in police force, inclusion of women in Naga Hoho and up gradation of existing Kohima and Dimapur women cell.
Kohima District Bar Association President, K Savi meanwhile said that women organisations have to also bear responsibility as most shout but shirk to file an FIR, adding that for a prosecution to be effective, timeliness matters.
The meet was attended by all apex organizations in the state, NMA, NPMHR, NBCC, NSF, UNC, ENWH, ENPO, ENSF, KDBA, DNH, DWH, AWO, Watsu Mundang, Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho, Sumi Totimi Hoho, USLB, GBs and DBs amongst others.
Mandate for UPA, Cong sweeps polls Assam Tribune PTI
NEW DELHI, May 16 – Riding on a strong performance in game-changing States, the Congress today powered the UPA for another term in office with the coalition close to majority in the Lok Sabha without the need for allies like the Left parties. The party has won 76 seats and was leading in 129 others in a House of 543, its best performance after 1991 when it secured 244 seats. And with allies DMK and Trinamool Congress, who have done exceedingly well, the Congress-led UPA is poised to get 257 seats. The NDA led by BJP was far behind at 166 seats with the saffron party alone winning 50 seats and was ahead in 67 others.
BJP ally Shiv Sena has won 3 seats and was ahead in 8 while other allies Akali Dal was ahead in 4. Its another ally RLD has won one seat and was ahead in four.
The Third Front, including the Left parties, was ahead in 76 constituencies while the Fourth Front comprising RJD and SP was leading in 26 seats.
On its road to victory, the Congress humbled the Left Front in its bastions of West Bengal and Kerala and put up an impressive showing in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu that vastly tilted the scales in favour of the UPA. The party also did well in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. As results trickled in, celebrations started at the Congress party headquarters and Sonia Gandhi declared that Manmohan Singh will be the Prime Minister again. An exuberant Singh praised the leadership of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and said he would like to have him in his Cabinet. Sonia Gandhi said it would be the Prime Minister’s decision.
The Left parties, which had a combined strength of 59 and were instrumental in the UPA coming to power in 2004, fared badly in the elections in its citadels.
The CPI-M, which had 43 seats in the outgoing Lok Sabha, has won only 9 seats and was ahead in 7. The CPI, which had 10 seats, has bagged one and was leading in three. Forward Bloc and Revolutionary Socialist Party were ahead in two seats each.
The Trinamool Congress, which tied up with Congress, has emerged as a leading party in the UPA after Congress with one seat in its bag and leading in 18 others. The other ally, DMK, comes next with seven wins and leading in 11.
The Fourth Front, whose parties had allied with the UPA but fought against Congress in Bihar and UP, also floundered. The SP, which rescued the government on the Indo-US nuclear deal issue, emerged weaker from the hustings winning six seats and leading in 17. It had 39 seats in the outgoing House but still managed to emerge as the single-largest party in UP.
Lalu Prasad’s RJD, which was the largest constituent of UPA after the Congress with 24 seats, bit the dust leading only in four seats. The other Bihar constituent of UPA, LJP led by Ram Vilas Paswan drew a blank in 12 constituencies it contested. Paswan himself lost in Hajipur. In Tamil Nadu, while the DMK did well its alliance partner Congress lost in eight seats. The losers included Union Ministers Mani Shankar Aiyar, EVKS Elangovan and former minister R Prabhu.
The AIADMK which made a big issue of the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, won in four seats and was leading in five. Its ally, PMK drew a blank in the seven constituencies it contested. Another ally, MDMK, also lost badly winning only one of the four seats it contested. Its leader Vaiko lost in Virudhunagar to a political novice from Congress. –
Race among NE MPs for ministerial berths Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, May 16 – With Dr Manmohan Singh all set to induct new faces in his council, the race for a berth among the senior MPs from Assam and North-east is likely to gather momentum in coming days. Even as AICC is in the midst of hectic exercise to cobble together a majority, senior Party leaders said that the race for ministership among Congressmen from the region would unfold in the coming days.
What has made the race attractive this year is that both the Union ministers, including Santosh Mohan Dev and P R Kyndiah are out of the race. Minister of State, BK Handique has made it to the 15th Lok Sabha.
A party leader said that while Handique, who is close to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi may be promoted to Union Cabinet minister status, others in the fray may be PCC president Bhubaneswar Kalita and Paban Singh Ghatowar from Assam. Another MOS may be selected from the region to fill the quota.
With the Congress doing reasonably well in the North-east, the Prime Minister may have to give adequate representations. The Chief Minister, meanwhile, is expected to arrive in the capital on Monday and meet the senior AICC leadership including the Congress president and the Prime Minister. With seven seats under his belt, he is emerging as one of the tallest leaders of the region.
The most serious consultation, said an AICC leader was about possible alliance with AUDF. Last evening, Political secretary to Congress president, Ahmed Patel last evening called up Ajmal to explore the possibility of post-poll alliance.
With just one seat, the AUDF may not be left with much bargaining power, but being part of the third front, Ajmal may join hands with Samajvadi Party to get a good deal. PCC president Bhubneswar Kalita has already said that they were ready to welcome AUDF into the UPA family.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) has been convened on Sunday to discuss the poll results. The Congress Party has decided to wait for the allies to arrive in the capital by May 18 before making its next move. A common minimum programme is likely to be drafted.
Party sources said the UPA is going to wait for a call from the President, which is likely after the 14th Lok Sabha is dissolved. A new House has to be in place by June 2. Party sources said they propose to induct smaller regional parties and not try to woo larger parties. Meanwhile, the party headquarters here wore a festive look with supporters burning crackers, dancing to drum beats as they hailed party president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi for leading the party to yet another win. “We are bursting crackers to celebrate the victory of the UPA. It is the victory of Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. The entire country is very happy and celebrating,” said Onkar Singh, a Congress party worker.
Many of the supporters sang “Jai Ho”, the Oscar-winning number by A R Rahman in the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. A large flowered cut-out of the country has also been installed outside the residence of Sonia Gandhi at 10 Janpath.
In a striking contrast, the BJP headquarters at 24 Akbar Road wore a deserted look and was bereft of any such activity with only senior leaders like Prakash Javadekar, Balbir Punj and Najma Heptullah present at the office.
