A Konyak amongst the Top List in the Commerce Stream

              "Congratulation Monglih Konyak. We are Proud of you"

MON DISTRICT HSLC Exam Results 2013

Mon District HSLC Exam Results 2013

A Big Congratulation to all the successful candidates !!

And for all those who couldn't make it this time, better know that the world is not yet over, you have still many more wonderful surprises by God. Never ever give up !! Trust Him.

Best Wishes!!!

KSU directive to govt officials, staff

Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), in a bid to maintain good departmental working decorum in the district has decided to impose the policy of ‘no work no pay’.

In this regard, all HODs/officers/staff within Mon district have been requested to cooperate and to abide by the union’s directives so to keep the government machinery system “active” in the district.

KSU vice president Joseph and general secretary Manwang Konyak in a press release stated, “It was disheartening to admit that Nagas, while facing huge unemployment crises; the privileged or employed groups should not create chaos or contaminate the society due to their inefficiency in performing out their duties”.

KSU said such situations create “dual chaos” in the society which needs urgent rectification and that such individuals/staff/officers should “gracefully resign” on his/her own lest he/she will “face forced termination/suspension” so as to accommodate thousands of unemployed youth in the state.

KSU also said it had received reports that almost all HODs within Mon districts come to Mon only to attend DPDB meet, adding, “Such irregularity and negligence will not be tolerated by the union”.

“Since the HODs are never in station, the whole department is paralyzed where the staff remains inactive, works and file kept in pending, information/policy/programmes from the concerned directorates never get disseminated to the public and by the whole system remains at stack”, disclosed KSU.

KSU also highlighted that as per the ENSF study report/ on the Works Programme 2012-13, Mon district had received only a marginal share of 3.2% of the total state work plan.

“Such findings have raised our sentiments”, added KSU and notified that such annomalities were “partially accountable due to the inactiveness/inefficiency of the all the HODs concerned on account of failing to disseminate the information or guide the public”.

Therefore, in an act of rectification drive, all government officials and staff have been requested to strictly adhere to the union directives with effect from May 20.

1.  All heads of the department (HOD) should be at station and should monitor/supervise his/her respective department efficiently. He/she shall be directly held accountable for the following incumbencies.

• Irregularities and inefficiencies of employees/working staff.
• Transfer with post from his/her concern department during his tenure.
• Appointment made without the consent of the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU). The concern HOD should report/intimate the union on vacancies beforehand.
• Any other issue that might arise on account of his/her inefficiency and absence.
• Should furnish the list of appointment since 2011 and transfer along with post if any by 30th May 2013.
• Should furnish the list of all the employees/staffs (Bureaucratic order) under respective department to the Union by 30th May 2013.

2. Appointment: Any Vacancies within Mon district under any existing department on account of retirement/death etc should be strictly reserved for the locals of Mon district. Any department if found violating such directives should be held accountable for any untoward incident.

3. Transfer with Post: Any individual if/if found trying to transfer himself/herself along with the post from Mon district then, he/she shall face stern actions from the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU). The HOD concerned and any Konyak employees in the same department should intimate such matter to the KSU for information and rectification.

4. Mid-day meal: The concern implementing agency/department is directed to submit its implementation report for the year 2012-13 on or before 30th May 2013. It is expected that the Mid Day Meal (MDM) should be served daily in all the schools. Government should take serious note on it. Any agencies or individual if found hoarding such provision meant for the poor children will not be tolerated.

5.  Adult education programme (Shakshar Bharat): The Concern Implementing agency is hereby directed to report to the KSU office along with detail implementing reports till date on or before 30th May 2013.
The union further appealed to deputy commissioner Mon to take serious note on the stand of the Konyak Students Union (KSU) and immediately issue notification to all the departments.

(NPN)

KU elects new office bearers

 Konyak Union (KU) during its 33rd general session held elected S Manlip Konyak as its president and Y Hosea as general secretary along with six other office bearers. Minister for tourism and culture, E.E. Pangteang Konyak and advisor DUDA, Naiba Konyak also spoke and exhorted the leaders of the Konyaks.  Besides the two cabinet ministers, other legislators of Mon, Pohwang Konyak, C.L. John, Thongwang, Yollow and Eshah Konyak also attended the meeting.  Meanwhile, Konyak union also felicitated the elected members of the district.  All the Konyak top leaders - ex-ministers and MLAs, former KU office bearers, political and public leaders, unit presidents and secretaries, village council chairmen, DBs & GBs and other NGO leaders attended the programme.

(NPN)

MLA Thongwang inaugurates GMS

MLA & Chairman of NKVIB & DPDB, Mon N. Thongwang Konyak called upon the people of his constituency to forget all political differences of election and march together focusing on peace and development of the people. He was addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the Government Middle School, Mon Town ‘A’ on May 17 at School compound.

Thongwang who did his primary education from this school also shared his early school days, and said that it was the will of the Almighty God to inaugurate the school by him as the chief guest. He also assured to construct protection wall for the school and black topping of the school road and asked the WEC and the teachers to report the status of the school such as toilet, desks and benches, shortage of teacher, computer set, water and electrification and other grievances faced by the school for necessary action.

DC, Mon Angau I Thou lauded the workmanship and quality construction of the building in the district under SSA. Emphasizing on the urgent need of quality education in the district to be at bar with others, she said unless a child is properly nurtured and educated during primary stage we cannot expect quality education. The DC seek the consolidate efforts of the teachers, parents and the Government to provide quality education at the primary level and added, without quality education we cannot compete with others in the present competitive world. She also said that the sense of ownership of the building has to be with the community to take proper care of the school and other Government property. Speaking on behalf of the Education Department Manshah, SIS (Coordinator EBRC, Mon) also exhorted the teachers to impart quality education to students.

Later in the evening Thongwang also inaugurated a Government Middle School at Totok Chingha village. He reiterated to the people of Totok to erase all pre-election difference from their mind and marched together for development of the village and the area. He further urged the people to give full co-operation and support to the Government to ensure more development.

DC Mon exhorted the teaching staffs, the elders and the leaders of Totok to make the GMS a center of learning to produce quality students from the village. She also emphasized on proper utilization of time and its value in every sphere of our lives.

(MExN)

ATMA Tobu block, Mon training

Two-day demonstration on hybrid maize, poultry, weaving, okra seeds and colocasia was conducted at Mopong and Monyakshu on May 14 and 15 by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), KVK Mon (Aboi).

Resource persons, subject matter specialist (Plant Protection), KVK Aboi, Martha Chakruno imparted training on plant protection and demonstrated at Monpon.

Subject Mater Specialist (Plant Breeding), KVK, Aboi, Dr. M.S. Sachan imparted training on plant breeding through scientific technology and demonstrated at Monyakshu village.

The resource persons also highlighted new varieties of crops with highly nutritious value to the SHGs. Poultry chicks, hybrid maize and okra seeds freely were distributed to SHGs. 65 beneficiaries of various SHGs attended the training programme.

Mon legislators urge officers to develop work culture

Legislators of Mon at the DPDB meeting cum felicitation programme at DC’s conference hall, Mon on Wednesday. 

Legislators of Mon district urged officers to inculcate work culture and discharge their responsibilities by remaining at their respective place of posting.

The legislators made this appeal at the district planning and development board meeting-cum-felicitation programme for the newly elected legislators of the district on May 15.

According to DIPR report, to rope in developmental activities in the district, the legislators sought co-operation and support of officers and appealed to them to maintain good relationship with elected members with a new vision to eradicate backwardness of the district.

Meanwhile, at the meeting, the board forwarded the following agendas to the department in-charge for approval.

The agendas are - financial assistant to Lotha Community, Mon to compensate damaged caused by landslide; upgradation of Government Middle School, S/Tangten to High School; Langsa Hill School, Lampong Sheanghah for recognition of Class – VIII; increasing the strength of home guards personnel and a plot for office building; construction of Multipurpose Sports Complex at Mon; dismantling of CAWD store for construction of School; construction of wooden bridge at Techa ward; taking over of 6th NAP private School, Tizit by the government, approval/recommendation for Town Council of ADC Hq. Aboi, Tobu and Tizit and opening of SBI branch and SDPO post at Tobu.

The felicitation programme was led by deputy commissioner, Mon Angau I Thou while the DPDB meeting was held under the new chairmanship of Khadi & Village Industries and DPDB, Mon, N. Thongwang Konyak.

The board also had a lengthy discussion on shortage of teachers and improvement of road to Wangkhao College.

In this regard, the board decided to check proxy teachers, redeployment of teachers and to withdraw teachers attached to politician if any in the district.

With regard to this, DEO Mon has been directed to submit the status report of teachers of respective schools for redeployment of teachers while KSU has been asked to check for proxy teachers.

The meeting was attended by EE. Pangteang, Naiba konyak, C.L. john, Pohwang Konyak, Paiwang Konyak, N. Thongwang Konyak, Yollow Konyak and Eshak Konyak.

(NPN)

Attention: Severe Weather Alert

Heavy storms expected in the next 48 hours

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has informed the general public that ‘Mahasen’, a tropical cyclone originating from the Indian Ocean is expected to landfall in the Bangladesh and Myannmar coast. A press note by the Home Commissioner of Nagaland, Temjen Toy stated that this would result in heavy thunderstorm/squalls in the north east of the country including Nagaland during the next 48 hours.

In this regard, the public has been requested to not panic or spread rumours but to stay alert. The Home Commissioner informed that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), a specialised force, “trained and well equipped has also been alerted for any emergency.” He informed the public to read the ‘dos and don’ts’ issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, and to be prepared for the expected severe weather condition.

Cyclone/Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Before The Cyclone/Thunderstorm 
•    Secure loose tiles, carry out repair works for doors and windows 
•    Remove dead woods or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects like lumber piles, loose tin sheds, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds 
•    Keep wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed 
•    Keep battery operated torches and enough dry cells 
•    Keep dry non-perishable food for emergency use 

When The Cyclone/Thunderstorm Occurs
•    Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings). 
•    Ignore rumors and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic. 
•    When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings. 
•    A cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours. Stay alert. 
•    Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded 
•    If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safer part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate. 
•    Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place. 
•    Provide strong suitable support for outside doors. 
•    Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitable vessels. 
•    If you are to evacuate the house move your valuable articles to upper floors to minimize flood damage. 
•    Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room. 
•    Make provision for children and adults requiring special diets. 
•    If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction. 
•    Switch off electrical mains in your house. 
•    Remain calm.

When Evacuation Is Instructed
•    Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last you a few days, including medicines, special foods for babies and children or elders. 
•    Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area. 
•    Do not worry about your property 
•    At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge. 
•    Remain in the shelter until you have been informed to leave 

Post-Cyclone/Thunderstorm Measures
•    You must get inoculated against diseases immediately. 
•    Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from the lamp posts. 
•    If you are to drive, drive carefully. 
•    Clear debris from your premises immediately. 
•    Report the correct loss to appropriate authorities. 

Nagaland State Disaster 
Management Authority

Landslide damages Telangsao MHP turbine generators; storm lashes Dimapur

(L) The damaged turbine generators Telangsao Mini-Hydro Project, Mon. (R) Storm-toppled eucalyptus trees damaged a kuchha house, terrace wall of a building in Dimapur, Sunday.

Heavy rains lashed many parts of Nagaland Sunday. Dimapur experienced heavy downpour around noon as the commercial hub was hit by a moderate storm that uprooted trees in some pockets.

The strong winds that accompanied the rain lasted over 20 minutes in Dimapur. The storm-toppled trees damaged a kuchha house as well as the terrace wall of the forest department staff quarter, Midland area, Dimapur.

Meanwhile, villages in and around Changlangshu village in Mon district continued to reel without power as a heavy landslide caused damage the power house at Telangsao Mini-Hydro Project in Mon district.

According to a press release issued by Head GB B.N. Wanmai and village council chairman S. Kehoang of Changlangshu Village, the landslide in the wee hours of May 9 damaged the turbine generators at the power house.

The two said after the turbine generators were damaged, electricity supply to seven neighbouring villages including Tobu sub-division were cut off.

The head GB and the village council chairman have requested the state government to look into the damages caused and restore electricity supply at the earliest.

Tumei village first in the state to adopt 3D Land Use Plan Model

Angau I Thou (5th from left) along with UNDP staff and village leaders led by Chief Angh of Tumei village

Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Angau I Thou, inaugurated the 3D Land Use Plan Model and handed over to the people of Tumei village on May 11.

In her inaugural speech, the deputy commissioner, Mon, said that selection of Tumei village for pilot project was done with a vision and urged Tumei villagers led by the Angh to make Tumei, a model village and set good example to the other village of the district.  

She said the systematic and scientific way of planning of the land use plan has to be achieved and implemented and that constant efforts of the consultant and UNDP staff for 14 days should not go in vain but adopt a strong resolution and implement the project successfully for the development of the village.

Highlighting the bottom-up policy of the government and decentralization of planning through VDB, she said one of the factors for failure of VDB in the district might be due to planning and implementation of VDB schemes without “consultant”.

She said under Land Use Plan, the land is identified accordingly for various purposes by the consultant and was optimistic that the village would achieve its target.

Angau also called upon the people to stop hunting and fishing especially during breeding season to conserve and preserve wildlife and prevent ecological imbalance prevailing in the world.

She also emphasized on community development of the village and urged the people for community participation for community development.

Later, UNDP team and the consultant Andras Darabant led by deputy commissioner visited Shangsa village under Tizit sub-division and interacted with the villagers regarding social economic lives of the people.  

Earlier, Andras Darabant, the resource person presented a keynote address on the important aspects of Land Use Plan. Welcome address was proposed by Khekihe K. Zhimomi, DPSO, UNDP, Mon, and invocation by pastor Tumei.

Short speeches were delivered by P. Khongwang Angh and VCC Tumei village. Vote of thanks was delivered by chairman of the Land Use Committee, Tumei village, Letpong.

It may be mentioned that Tumei village may be the first village in the state to adopt the 3D Land Use Plan Model.

Land Use Planning is a systematic assessment of land and water, alternative for land use and economic and social condition in order to select and adopt the best land use options. Its purpose is to select and put into practice those land uses that would best meet the needs of the people while safeguarding resources for the future.

ENSF throws light on poor fund allocation

The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has expressed its discontentment over the allocation of funds meant for the Eastern Nagaland region. A press note issued today stated that the ENSF was shocked after going through the Government Works Progamme (2012-13), especially over the way fund allocation has been made under various departments.

“The cumulative shares of the four Eastern districts were only 16% of the total Nagaland state shares. If there is an equitable distribution of state shares fund, then each district must get about 9.2 % of shares but keeping in mind on the major chunk of investment/shares on Directorates, the percentage of annual state works plan could be compromised to at least 7-8% which needs to be allotted to each district in the state”, stated the ENSF in a press note issued by Honang M Jessuhu, General Secretary and Shahsha Menhahu, Vice President.

According to the ENSF, several irregularities and anomalies were being detected in the Works Programme (2012-13). In the Education sector, it was pointed out that from the total state share only 11% was allocated under School Education and 9% under Higher Education for the region.

Further it stated that Kiphire and Tuensang districts had been stroked off from receiving any benefits over the year under School Education and Higher Education respectively.
In the Medical, Health & Family Welfare sector, the four eastern districts hold only 5.4% of the total state share, the ENSF informed. Regarding water supply, it was pointed out that Tuensang and Kiphire has no share in this sector while Mon and Longleng hold about 7.5% of the total State share.

In the Roads & Bridges segment, it was informed that the region had received only very marginal shares of 2.2% for road construction and 9% for bridges out of the total State shares. This is despite the deplorable road condition in the region, the ENSF stated.

Regarding Youth Resource & Sports, the ENSF pointed out that the concern department had totally failed to attend or fulfill such policies and that the region had been totally exempted from any State share. On Social Security and Welfare programmes, it was lamented that the four backward districts hold only 1.5 % of the total State share.

The ENSF pointed out that about 12 major departments had not allocated any share to the four districts of Eastern Nagaland and about 10 (ten) departments had allotted its shares to only one of the four districts. While narrowing down to the district level, about 32 departments have not included any works plan for Tuensang district followed by Kiphire with 27, Longleng with 25 and Mon with 22 departments.

On the much talked about Special Package for Eastern Nagaland, it was pointed out that the introduction of the Special Package had instead “cut down or sliced off the actual shares of the four Eastern districts from the actual normal state share”.

“Had the Special Package been included, the percentage of shares for the four eastern districts would have been just 25% which is far below an average,” it stated.
The ENSF was of the view that if special attention is to be given for the development of the four Eastern districts then, the region deserves about 30-36% of the total state shares, which is about 7-8% per district.

The Federation strongly felt that the region should not be entertained with the so called special packages but rather strongly demanded for equitable allocation of 8% per share for all four backward districts of Nagaland where works/plan should be included accordingly.

The Federation further appealed to all the 20 elected members of Eastern Nagaland to be cautious and to be aware of such negligence and to voice out in the State Assembly, so that every elected member fulfills the purpose of his representation in the government on behalf of the people. The concerned department should also retrospect on its previous works plan allocation/programmes and should rectify it without delay, the ENSF demanded.

Union Minister assure to enhance PMEGP by 60%

N. Thongwang Konyak, MLA & Chairman NKVIB and KH Muniyappa, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSME, New Delhi.

Chairman of Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board and MLA N. Thongwang Konyak today disclosed in a press statement that Union Minister, KH Muniyappa has “made a commitment to enhance the existing amount of current annual sanction under PMEGP by 60%.”

NKVIB Chairman stated that the ‘commitment’ was made during a meeting held at the office chamber of KH Muniyappa, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India at Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi on May 6. Others present during the meeting were Jt. Secretary, MSME and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), KVIC, Mumbai and also K. Jimo CEO, NKVIB and Kivishe, Executive Officer from Nagaland.

In the meeting, N. Thongwang Konyak apprised the members present in the meeting about the challenges faced by the state in addressing the issue of unemployment, and the limited employment avenues for the educated unemployed youths, as there are no big industries and limited private enterprises to accommodate them. Basing on which, he highlighted that the Prime Minister’s Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) if enhanced can address the problem of unemployment in Nagaland largely.

Konyak stressed on the need for infrastructural development and shared about the construction of Khadi Plaza at Dimapur, where the work has been blocked for three and half years due to non-release of funds. The Union Minister assured to sanction the same in phase wise to ensure that the construction of the Khadi Plaza at Dimapur, the only of its kind in the country if completed will be dedicated to the people of Nagaland.

Earlier, N. Thongwang Konyak, MLA and Chairman NKVIB after taking over the new assignment as the Chairman of NKVIB made his maiden visit to New Delhi and met KH Muniyappa, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India on April 29. During his meeting with the Union Minister, Thonwang apprised him of the various programmes undertaken and the challenges faced by NKVIB including infrastructural requirements and other developmental aspects. 

ENPO declares non-cooperation to NSCN (I-M)

Consequent upon the expiry of 48-hours deadline extension to the NSCN (I-M) to hand over the April 19 culprits, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) has declared “Non-cooperation” to the NSCN (I-M) with immediate effect.

In a press release, ENPO president, P. Pogom and general secretary N.T Thamlong Phom said the declaration was as per the November 29, 2005 Longleng resolution and December 18, 2007 Tuensang resolution.

ENPO said follow up “actions for implementation of the ‘Non-cooperation’ movement will be decided at the meeting of all the central executive members, federating organizations, frontal organizations and prominent leaders to be held on May 21, 2013 at ENPO H.Q Office, Tuensang”.

This notification, ENPO said comes as per the decision of the central executive, federating organizations and frontal organizations meeting held on May 4, 2013 in Kohima. The ‘non-cooperation’ call was in connection with the assault on former ENSF Speaker by some NSCN (I-M) cadres.

Free higher education for ‘poor meritorious students’

The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the All Assam Students’ Association (AASA), which would allow 300 ‘poor meritorious students’ from Nagaland to study ‘Engineering, Medicinal and Management Courses’ free of cost from different institutes in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

Termed as the Free Higher Professional Education Scheme for National Backward Minority Students, the ENSF-ASSA initiative is based on the Free Reimbursement Scheme sponsored by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. According to AASA representatives, the AP government has agreed to accommodate 1000 students from the North East under this scheme from this year onward.

“This opportunity may be availed by 50% students from Assam, 30% from Nagaland, 10% from Manipur, 10% from Meghalaya and 10% from Tripura and Mizoram,” according to an AASA statement. The AASA was formed in 2009, initially, to work for the safety of students studying outside. Under this scheme, eligible students could complete their courses free of cost as their total expense would be incurred by the AP government.

The AASA officials told a press conference today that they have decided to extend their hand to the ENSF after taking note of the ‘condition of students’ in the area covering the eastern part of Nagaland. The ENSF and its federating units have been charged with the responsibility of identifying the eligible, poor and meritorious, students from Nagaland.

Some of the main criteria include, at least 50% marks aggregate, 10+2 from a recognized university and income limit of no more than Rs Two lakhs per annum for the students’ parents. The official stated, “Finally, a panel of 400 students will be prepared on the basis of evaluation, both merit and economic status. Out of this, top 300 hundred students will be given opportunity for free study.” ENSF officials said that ‘apart from four backward districts of Eastern Nagaland, preference shall also be given to those least represented communities.’ Interested students can avail the forms form the offices of the ENSF federating units.

Tobu SDPDB meeting held

Tobu SDPDB meeting was held under the chairmanship of Advisor DUDA Naiba Konyak and Secretary Thungchabemo, EAC Mopong on May 2 at ADC conference hall Tobu. Speaking at the meeting Naiba expressed gratitude to all party workers and electorate for their support and hard work during the recently concluded Assembly Election. He thanked the Almighty God for his victory and also lauded the efforts made by the security forces, district administration, various NGOs and public leaders for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the poll in the constituency. He also thanked the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for giving him the portfolio of Advisor DUDA. Besides various agenda, developmental activities were discussed and forwarded to the higher authority. Word of thanks was delivered by SDO (C) Muknyakshu.

Training on mass production of maize in Mon

Keeping in mind that maize is the second most important cereal crops for the people of Mon district after rice, one day training for mass production of maize was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mon on May 2.

Even though maize is an integral part in the lives of Mon people, the varieties cultivated by the people are mostly local and composite which have low production, nutrition and long duration. Therefore, taking into account the importance of the crop, KVK Mon introduced high yielding, short duration and high nutrition value hybrid variety for mass production purpose and imparted the training for the benefit of the farmers of the district.

Resource persons at the training, Dr. M.S. Sachan, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), Martha Chakruno, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection) and Dr. Paihem Michui, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science) spoke on “Production technology of hybrid Maize”, “Pest Management of Maize” and “Maize as important feed for livestock” respectively. Altogether 25 farmers from different villages attended the training programme, where four new farmers club were also formed.  

NSCN(K) opposes DAN Govt’s move on 18th tribe status

Close on the heels of the move by the DAN government in Nagaland to accord recognition to the Mao community as scheduled tribe of Nagaland, NSCN (K) sources told this Correspondent that top leaders of the outfit were in touch with various underground outfits from Manipur to quell tension over the matter.

NSCN (K) sources told this Correspondent that underground groups in Manipur such as - KYKL, KCP, UNLF, UPPK, PREPAK and others- strongly opposed the move to accord recognition of the Mao community as the 18th tribe of the state.

They said the move should be withheld “till integration and sovereignty issues are settled with the Centre.”

It may also be recalled, that the DAN government had, prior to the February assembly election, recognized the Rongmei community as the 17th tribe of Nagaland.

Senior NSCN (K) kilonser for law and justice Kughalau Mulatonu told this Correspondent over phone that the move by the Neiphiu Rio-led government violated all terms and agreements in the creation of Nagaland statehood.

Slamming the move as “unconstitutional” Mulatonu claimed that neither the Mao nor Rongmei communities demanded recognition but it was decided “only in Rio’s chamber.”

Mulatonu claimed that the GPRN under the leadership of SS Khaplang would not allow recognition of any other tribe or community from outside Nagaland to be recognized as among the state’s tribes.

He warned that the NSCN (K) would oppose the move, tooth and nail and cautioned those who “masterminded” the move.

Mulatonu also accused chief minister Neiphiu Rio of trying to create problems when the state is already reeling with several others. He said such a move would only compound the problem in the state particularly in the job sector.

Mulatonu said that Nagaland was created with only 16 Naga communities and did not include Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if Mao and Rongmei communities have to be recognised as tribes of Nagaland then the Manipur government should also “return the favour”.

Meanwhile, according to reports, leaders of other national political parties in Nagaland have also expressed their disenchantment over the DAN government’s move.

Pohwang grateful

Naga People’s Front (NPF) 44 Phomching assembly constituency conducted felicitation programme in honour of Pohwang, parliamentary secretary fire & emergency service and relief & rehabilitation, April 23 at its office Mon.

Speaking at the programme, the parliamentary secretary expressed gratitude to all the party workers and the electorates of 44 AC for their support and hard work during the recently concluded assembly election, stated a press release, NPF Phomching unit general secretary C.Ngamching Konyak.

Parliamentary secretary Pohwang also urged the party workers and his supporters to work hand in hand for all round development of the area.

Further, he asserted that cooperation and coordination was the only way to success in every endeavour.

Others who spoke at the programme included NPF 44 Phomching unit president Aluh, Chief Angh; Wangnyem PS to parliamentary secretary and various party workers.

Projects abandoned due to land ownership issue: Paiwang Konyak

Art. 371, a privilige for Nagas, but holding back development - Paiwang Konyak .
Parliamentary secretary for transport & communication P. Paiwang Konyak Tuesday said most transport and communication related projects in the state have been “abandoned due to landownership problem or lack of availability of required land for the projects.”

He pointed out Article 371 of the Constitution of India was a privilege for the Nagas but at the same time it was also pushing the state backward as the same held back development of the state due to landownership.

Paiwang raised these points in a meeting chaired by him which was held in Dimapur to discuss ways and means to expedite introduction of railway connectivity in the state.

The meeting was attended by the department of state transport (NST), railway officials from North East Frontier Railway (NEFR) and Dimapur district administration.

According to a DIPR report, Paiwang said despite the efforts of the railway to introduce rail connectivity in the state, it has not achieved its target due to “some lapses.”

Stating that the lack of development in the state could not be blamed on the government alone, the parliamentary secretary said the people of the state had equal responsibility and that they should realize why state could not take forward the development process.

Paiwang also said NGOs in the state had a vital role to play and social organizations had to come forward in assisting the government for implementing developmental projects in the state.

He pointed out Article 371 of the Constitution of India was a privilege for the Nagas but at the same time it was also pushing the state backward as the same held back development of the state due to landownership.

Referring to railway connectivity in the state, the parliamentary secretary said he would go on knocking from door to door to see that the project becomes a reality.

Chief engineer (construction) NEFR, Maligaon Madan Sen informed railway department has conducted line survey from Dimapur to Zubza earlier but the survey had been abandoned due to exorbitant land rate of Rs. 60 per sq. feet. Railway authority of India has fixed the rate at Rs 25 per sq. feet.

The second phase survey was also abandoned as the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment did not give clearance for the railway line to pass through the zoological park Rangapahar.

Sen also said railway authorities had taken up third phase survey and an estimate has been prepared for railway connectivity (88 km) from Dhansiripar (Assam) to Zubza at the cost of Rs. 2440 crores which would also require 944 hectares of land.

Center planning to set up University in Mon

It is good news for the people of Mon district as the Government of India has reportedly chosen the district for the establishment of a Central University. According to sources, the Government of India has already announced to establish a Central University in each state of the country.

With efforts to uplift the district, it is reported that the Government has chosen Mon as it is the most backward district in the state. It is also reported that the Center has already sought necessary clearance from the state government for the establishment of the University in the district.

Methna Konyak, president of the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU), has confirmed this development saying that land was not the problem for establishment of the Central University in their district. “We have already conveyed that land very ideal for establishment of any Central University is available in the district,” he told NEPS from Mon headquarters on Friday. “But the state government is buying time taking excuse of not having colleges in the district,” he added.

“The backwardness of the district is not the fault of the people in the district but the state government,” he said describing the backwardness of the district as “man-made.” He further asked, “Where have the DUDA, Special Plan Assistance (SPA) money of Rs 300 crore, LADF and other fund meant for ENPO area development gone?” “All those claims of development under various schemes are only in the papers and not in reality,” he alleged saying that successive governments had been neglecting the district.

Meanwhile, the KSU leader lauded Parliamentary Secretary for High Education, Deo Nukhu for having visited the only Wangkhao Government College in the district and providing assurances for setting up a “science stream” in the college. “This college is the only college in the district,” he disclosed and further asked the Parliamentary Secretary to expedite construction works of various college blocks. “All the construction works of the various blocks of the college remained dormant since long time back,” he disclosed.

Konyak also said that the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio while attending a rally in Tuensang promised to open a “Science College” in Mon district.

“Although we are very happy for the assurance given by the visiting Parliamentary Secretary, it is appropriate to also introduce science streams in Higher Secondary Schools at least in Tizit and Aboi areas,” Methna added. He informed that at the moment, there is only one Higher Secondary School at Mon with science stream but hardly 50 students could be accommodated in a year. “So unless few more Higher Secondary Schools, at least one each at Tizit and Aboi are given Science Streams, introducing Science Stream in Wangkaho College itself will not help,” he added.

The KSU leader also said that there was a shortage of science and math teachers numbering about 50 in the district and further opined that recruitment of teachers for the district should be open in an all India level. “We want dedicated teachers here,” he added saying that “Our local teachers, once appointed to service in the district, will go away within no time along with the posts and the ultimate victims are the innocent students in the district.”

Minister Pangteang inspects tourism projects in Dimapur

Minster for Tourism, Art & Culture and Elections, EE Pangteang along with others during the inspection at summer designation camp at Hokhezhe, Niuland .

A team lead by Minster for Tourism, Art & Culture and Elections, EE Pangteang, along with Director, OSD (IHM) two SDOs, PRO, TO and staff of Tourism Department on April 13 inspected the ongoing mega (3 star) project, convention centre, institute of hotel management (IHM), Lavi Lake and completed projects of tourist destinations at Niuland and also the upgraded tourist lodge, all located in Dimapur district headquarters.

A press mote issued by Department of Tourism, Public Relations Officer, Lisapila Anar stated that the Minister was impressed by the projects taken up which was funded by the Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and the North East Council (NEC).

However, on seeing the level and standard of infrastructure set up by the engineering wing, due to workmanship and skills, he was not satisfied with some of the projects. He advised them to strictly follow the architectural designs and specifications of the layout diagrams by the Luit Valley Pvt Ltd Guwahati, without any deviation and modification and supervise the quality control works from time to time so that quality infrastructure and assets could be worked out in the near future. He also advised the contractors to execute and complete the works as per the works allotted time.

Furthermore, the Minister mentioned that the upgraded Tourist Lodge at Dimapur should be re-launched and run in a systematic way and managed properly by the Department soon to generate revenue and also cater to the needs of tourists and other visitors once the necessary ground work preparation is being made.

Kevilevor Phizo passes away

Kevilevor Phizo

Naga National Council leader Kevilevor Phizo passed away today in London, at around 3:30pm (Indian Standard Time). Eldest among the sons and third among the children of the legendary Naga leader AZ Phizo, Kevilevor was based in London with his older sister Adinno Phizo, the president of the Naga National Council. Born on February 20, 1939, Kevilevor is reported to have been a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Naga National Council.

Without culture, We lose our identity......Vibrant colors and log drums mark Aoleang in Mon

(LEFT) Konyak Union President, Khoiwang Wangsa, and Nagaland Minister for PHE, Noke Wangnao arrive at the Mon ground to celebrate the Aoleang festival on April 5. (RIGHT) Women in traditional ornaments proceed to take their place in Mon ground where their places were marked by rings. 16 regional units of the Konyak Union participated in the Aoleang festival in Mon on April 5.

An old man in glasses, shorts and traditional finery could not control his enthusiasm—he insisted on beating the log drum alone even after his team walked out of the field. Everyone enjoyed the solo as Mon has been in high spirits for a few days now—the festivities around Aoleang began on April 1. Today’s celebration at the football ground in Mon town was symbolic of this spirit. It came decked in orange and blue beads, red and green sashes, bells, wild boar ivory, shells, wood, metal heads and feathers. The Konyak people, in all their finery, welcomed the coming of spring and the start of the agricultural season, drums, guns and hums announcing the productive year to come.

Celebrated every year, Aoleang was arranged in Mon town by the Konyak Union for the third time this year. 16 regional units of the Konyak Union participated in the gargantuan gathering at the football ground with thousands of spectators. As the sun blazed, the groups (some of men, others of women) danced together in separate rings, marked out on the ground beforehand.

All maintained the necessity of saving the Konyak cultural heritage for posterity. “The festival has changed in many ways over the years due to modernisation,” said M. Noke Wangnao, Nagaland state minister for PHE, in his speech as the chief guest before joining the participants in their dancing rings. “Nonetheless, our traditions should be maintained as they are for future generations. When we go outside, interact with other people, we should be proud of saying that we are Konyak,” he added to his speech that was delivered in Konyak.

“Culture and tradition are still considered evil deeds,” stated Khoiwang Wangsa, President of the Konyak Union, following an invocation by M. Chemyuh, Executive Secretary of KBBB. “But we must remember that by following them, we reiterate our identity. These symbols are our culture, without which we will lose our identity,” Khoiwang articulated. He also acknowledged the state government’s Road Show initiative which seeks to trace “our culture”, thereby strengthening identity.

Aoleang is celebrated over a period of one week, with related activities running even 15-20 days before the festival. It is regarded the most important festival of the Konyak Nagas, requiring the participation of all individuals of a village, with special significance for the youth, as well as for peace and reconciliation.

Preservation of these traditions has become challenging for the community. Changes have marked the cultural landscape since the advent of Christianity. In an attempt at preservation ideas, Noke Wangnao suggested that “traditional attires should be uniformed—some wear shoes with attires and this should stop.” Belonging in an agricultural community, the incentives to celebrate Aoleang, however, remain. “Having completed the sowing in March, the Konyak Nagas relax and enjoy the beginning of the new year in the spring season when in the countryside, there is a riot of flowers of all hues and colours,” explained Rev. Y. Chingang Konyak in a speech on the significance of Aoleang.
With half of modernity creeping into Konyak society, it might seem like the enthusiasm for the festival might dwindle.

But the Konyak youth volunteered at the festival in ornaments and proud ownership of their heritage. Despite the lag in electricity, roads, water and all other markers of modern civilisation, with doctors doubling up as sound engineers, Mon beat its drums and shot its guns loud and clear—traditional and cultural significance of Aoleang, making itself an identity of the Konyak people, will stay on as intended. This was clear as Noke Wangnao, Khoiwang Wangsa, S. Manlip (Convenor of the Aoleang Committee) and others hopped from one group to the other, in their traditional hats, breaking hierarchical barriers and dancing all afternoon with the people.

Aoleang celebrated with festivities

Alemtemshi Jamir being traditionally escorted during the Aoleang festival Kisama

Hundreds of people from the Konyak community residing in and around Kohima thronged the Bamboo Hall Kisama Wednesday to celebrate its premier festival Aoleang with chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir as the chief guest.

The celebration showcased the rich cultural heritage with indigenous dances, songs and games combined with the modern music talents. The crowd also witnessed the performance of deputy commissioner Kohima, Honje Konyak who had enthusiastically joined the cultural troupes.

Addressing the gathering, chief secretary Alemtemshi said Mon district inhabited by the Konyak community had rich mineral deposits and potential agricultural lands. He said that with all nature’s bounty, Mon district could become one of the most prosperous districts.

He also pointed out the Konyak community was has the single largest tribe in Nagaland and their lands extended upto Arunachal Pradesh in the north and Burma in the east. He exuded confidence that the Konyaks would lead the Nagas one day. While lauding the creativity and versatile skills of the Konyak people, Jamir however suggested that the community should talk less of its “backwardness” by getting rid of its “weaknesses”. He urged the participants to be prepared for a change with the passage of time.

Earlier Konyak Union (KU) president P. Longang Konyak delivered the welcome address while deputy commissioner Kohima Honje Konyak briefed the crowd on the significance of the day. Government officials, federating units of ENPO and others also joined the celebration.  

Konyak Aoleang Monyu begins today

A Konyak dance troupe

Aoleang Monyu festival is one of the biggest traditional festivals of Konyak (Naga) tribe which would begin April 4. The spring season is a favorable and beautiful time for feasting and merry making as cold winter is over and rainy and heat summer are yet to arrive. The activity of the cleaning jungle and burning of Jhum land is finished and the varieties of new sowing seeds begun. So it marks the end of a year and heralds a coming new year. Therefore in other words, Aoleang festival is also a New Year festival for Konyak.

According to a release issued by P. Longang Konyak, president KUK, the main objective of the Aoleang festival was to invoke a divine blessing on the newly planted seeds on Jhum land and garden etc and many rituals are performed to succeed in war, good health longevity of life production of numerous livestock and to reap bounty harvest.

The word Aoleang derived from the Konyak dialect in two syllabi, ‘Ao’ which means bird and ‘leang’ means craving sexual gratification. Therefore Aoleang means bird’s sensual season as the birds of the air started crossing during this spring season and incubates to hatch to produce offspring’s. This Aoleang Monyu festival falls during the season when the birds of the jungle starts for new family and nature is budding with its new shoots.

Aoleang is marked by singing folk song, dancing and feasting in age wise group. During this festival, friends and relatives and especially guests from neighboring villages and in-laws were invited and best food and meat items are served while also gifts are distributed. This festivals also strengthens the bond of family as lady members married with other clan, village and community attends the feast and lady members from the family visits their parent’s house and feasts with the parents and sibling

Aoleang is also a time when boys and girls, attending adult starts wearing traditional attires and ornaments to join the adult group “Aih’ singing and dancing on the Aoleang feast occasion. Proposals for marriage are made during this season by the boy’s parents. Advent beating of log drums till midnight by the male folk signals the close arrival of the festival and the log drum continues to beat till it bids farewell to the Aoleang festival. It bids adieu to the festival  with serving of varieties of food, dancing, singing beating gong and log drum and gun shots till mid night till the early next morning, the festival decoration is demolished by singing and weeping and birds bids adieu to Aoleang festival and to arrive the Aoleang festival son in next year.

CM sends Easter and Aoleang greetings

The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio extends greetings on the occasion of Easter. In his message, he describes Easter as the most solemn festival celebrated by Christians all over the world commemorating the triumph of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ following the pain of Christ’s Crucifixion.  “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us hope and a promise of everlasting love,” he says. “Irrespective of religious beliefs, we can all rejoice in the central message common to all religions of love, tolerance and compassion.”

The CM also extends his best wishes on the occasion of Aoleang festival which is celebrated by the Konyak community. He mentions that Aoleang is the most important festival of the Konyak community and it marks the beginning of spring and a new year as “we pray for a successful year ahead”. May the festival be celebrated in a successful and peaceful manner, he adds.

Innovative Tuberculosis treatment in Mon hospital

M. Konyak, a farmer from Shanghah village of Mon — a remote district in Nagaland — is currently undergoing treatment for drug-resistant TB at the Civil Hospital in Mon town.

His village is a long way from the clinic and so each month, he has to take a bus early in the morning to reach the hospital to collect his monthly medication. The journey to the hospital takes him three to four hours over bumpy roads and sometimes just a dirt track. If he misses the bus back home at midday, which is the case more often than not, then he has to find somewhere to stay overnight as there is only one bus service back home.

Konyak was initially diagnosed and put on TB treatment in a private clinic in Sonari in the neighbouring State of Assam in 2010. He underwent treatment for two years in a private hospital there. But a few months after completing his regimen, he started coughing again and had chest pains. He then underwent a further round of treatment at another clinic in Dimapur. However, when his condition failed to improve, the doctor advised him to consult the hospital in Mon.

Suspecting DR-TB, doctors at Mon sent his sputum to Kohima and later to Mumbai for testing which confirmed drug-resistant TB. His treatment began in December 2012. “In the three months since I started taking the medicines, I have become very weak. During the treatment in Dimapur, I was not at my best but I could at least walk. Now my back hurts all the time due to the daily injections. I cannot sleep and even my coughing has got worse. I have become very skinny. I was never very healthy but at least I used to look like a human being. Now my weight is below 40 kg,” says Konyak. Konyak takes 13 pills a day and an injection daily as part of his treatment. Suffering from so many side-effects, he often feels like quitting therapy.

But the counsellors are encouraging him to continue. “When I am cured I would like to sit and chat with my friends in the evenings. I would like to open a shop and sell groceries and earn for my kids to give them a better future.” Like Konyak, many suffering drug-resistant TB, find it challenging to undergo the painful treatment. In Mon, the long distance to hospital and back makes it more difficult for patients to adhere to the course.

Since 2010, Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) has been fully supporting the Civil Hospital in Mon, under the public-private partnership of the National Rural Health Mission. Together with the National TB programme, the MSF started treating patients with drug-susceptible TB and drug-resistant TB in April 2012. Since then, about 190 sensitive TB patients and DR-TB patients have been put on treatment. MSF has introduced an innovative home-based model of care in Mon wherein patients diagnosed with DR-TB are admitted to the hospital initially for a month and provided treatment under close supervision. The patients and their caretakers are also counselled about the therapy and how to contain infection.

Later, medicines are given to these patients and their caretakers/DOT provider on monthly basis, as the patients have to travel long distances to reach Mon town and they cannot afford to pay for the transport to access the treatment more regularly. “Drug-resistant TB is a problem in India with non-adherence to medicines being the main reason for developing resistance to drugs. TB drugs are strong with acute side-effects and patients find it difficult to tolerate them,’’ says Anshu Prakash, joint secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The drugs are to be taken for 6 to 9 months but patients discontinue as they start feeling fine in two months, he explained.

MSF projects in India are seeing increasing numbers of people with MDR-TB, with drug resistance found not only among patients who have previously failed TB treatment but also in patients newly diagnosed with TB – a clear sign that MDR-TB is being transmitted in its own right. “We have been waiting for half a century for new drugs that are effective against tuberculosis,” says Joanna Ladomirska, Medical co-ordinator for MSF in India. “People with MDR-TB often experience awful side-effects from the drugs they are taking and quite often it is very challenging for us to motivate them to continue with treatment,” says Ladomirska. “We need a much shorter, less toxic, and oral treatment urgently.”

Naiba stress on need to implement programmes

The Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) had an interactive session with the Advisor, DUDA, Naiba Konyak in the Directorate of the Underdeveloped Areas on March 26, 2013.

 Addressing the officers and staff during interactive session, Naiba Konyak, Advisor, stressed on the need to ensure that there were no missing links while implementing the programmes in the backward areas. He also encouraged the officers and the staff of the department to be more sincere and diligent while performing one’s duty and see that all programmes are completed within the time frame.

Further, the Advisor instructed that projects should be verified by both technical and non-technical officers and staff. He urged the department officials to foster the spirit of unity and cooperation as it is the essence of building a strong department provided everyone performs duties in a coordinated manner to accomplish the aspiration of the people at large.

The programme was chaired by the Commissioner & Secretary, T.C. Sangtam who congratulated Naiba Konyak on his appointment as Advisor, DUDA and briefed on the activities of the department. The Director, DUDA Alan Gonmei welcomed the Advisor and assured cooperation of the department and expressed hope that under his able leadership, the department would be able to achieve the desired targets.

Mon private schools informed

All the private school authorities under Mon district are informed that, the mother tongue Text Books, i.e., Konyak are available in stock. The books can be purchased from the Literature Committee, Mission Centre, Mon. For any information regarding the matter, concerned persons can be reached at 8974918784 or 9615792340.

TB case detection rate 77% in Mon district

Participants at a TB rally in Mon.

DTO, Mon, Dr. Imyangluba, stressing on the significance in observing ‘World TB day’ said the greatest threat of TB was that it infects all and kill mostly the youth who were in their productive years, at the same time, stressed on the scenario of Mon district where the case detection rate was 77% and cure rate at 95%.

He said this while addressing the gathering on ‘World TB day’ March 24 on the theme “Stop TB in my lifetime” at Konyak Baptist Church, Mon.

He mentioned that TB treatment was free in all government run hospitals and was also available at district hospital or DMC at Wakching, Tobu, Tizit and Aboi.

Health promoter, district hospital, Eunice Thalih, while speaking on basic information on tuberculosis said that TB was highly infectious bacterial disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis and an air borne infection which could affect any part of the body but could be treated. Chingshen and Ngepchem shared their experiences as TB cured patients, while Shetoni, nurse superintendant, DHM, and Nockyam, of World Vision, delivered short speeches.

The programme which was chaired by Bonnie, DPM, NRHM, started with a scripture reading and invocation prayer by Taochi, youth director, Konyak Baptist Church youth and Ao Baptist Church youth presented special songs while Menuolhoulie, pastor, Tenyimi Church pronounced the benediction.

The programme was jointly organized by RNTCP, Mon, District Hospital MSF, Project Axshya -CHAI/DAN, DAPCU, World Vision and NRHM.

Congress 48 A/C Moka refuses to accept apology

Congress party workers 48 A/C Moka has refused to accept apology from NPF Mon division “in any form” for the delay in responding to the false allegation made by the latter on February 18.

A statement issued by 48 A/C Moka, president, Hongpe Konyak and PCC member and Congress candidate P. Longang Konyak, said, the party would seek legal advice for “defamation”.

It may be mentioned that on February 18, NPF Mon division alleged that a deal was signed between Dr. S.C. Jamir and the Congress candidate, without having proof of evidence and without their knowledge.

Congress candidate, P. Longang Konyak in his earlier rejoinder refuted the news item alleging that the NPF party Mon division has tarnished his image and denied that no statement or commitment was made/submitted to Dr. S.C Jamir.

Mon DPDB meeting

Mon district planning & development board (DPDB) meeting was held under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner, Mon Angau I Thou on March 15 at DC’s conference hall, Mon.

DC in her welcome address, thanked all HODs/nodal officers for peaceful conduct of election in Mon district, stating the recently concluded assembly election concluded peacefully because of the consolidate efforts of the HODs/nodal officers, government officials and NGOs of the district who rendered their sincere service.

She appealed to the DPDB members to uphold the same team spirit and to be prepared for the Lok Sabha election scheduled next year.

AEO, Mon Joybell, thanked RO, AROs, sector magistrate, master trainers, polling personnel, and all the government officials who were engaged in election duty.

Reviewing the last meeting minutes, DC urged ADC Naginimora and DFO, Mon to immediately submit the status report of coal mining at Kongan and Tiru for further necessary action.

Highlighting 5 villages as tourist attractive spots under Mon district, she urged the administrative officers and the tourism officer, Mon to prepare a concept note of these villages for inclusion in the tourist map of Nagaland.

She also urged the EE, PHED Mon to submit a concept report of water supply to Mon and Tizit town and asked all DEO & SDEOs to strictly implement mid-day meal at least 5-days a week and to identify schools that need up-gradation.

DCO (culture), Mon; DPO (land resource), Mon and principal DIET gave power point presentation about their respective departments.

In his presentation, principal DIET, Yevito Sema reported that there was inadequate staff/senior lectures as a result of which, the institution was running with only 11 staff and a single senior lecturer at present.

He informed that as per the norms, there should be 17 staff inclusive of 7 senior lecturers.  Yevito also informed that a major chunk of the teachers in the district were untrained, besides poor response from in-service teachers to undergo training in DIET which may be due to presence of proxy teachers.

He also said that the number of pre-service teachers’ trainings declined after the government fixed 45% as qualifying marks for PSTT.

In this regard, the board had a lengthy discussion to do away with proxy teachers and the need for quality education at primary level.

DC also informed that next DPDB meeting cum felicitation for elected members would be held on April 15 at DC’s conference hall, Mon. She directed DEO (education) and DFO (forest), Mon to present their departmental activities both in hard and soft copy in the next meeting.

E.E. Pangteang meets tourism officials

Minister for Tourism and Art & Culture, E.E. Pangteang met the officials of the two departments in his residential office on March 11. 

A press note stated that the minister by way of self-introduction thanked his constituents for electing him to represent them and the Chief Minister for reposing confidence in him and elevating him to the cabinet rank and entrusting him with Tourism and Art & Culture department. He stated that these two departments have been given a Cabinet Minister “after many years and hopes to uplift it with the blessings of the Chief Minister and the cooperation of his Council of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.” He added, “We should seek each other’s cooperation and work in unison like a team.”  

The Minister also sought the status report of both the departments in order to keep himself abreast and to be thoroughly conversant with the activities of the department. 

The meeting was chaired by Himato Zhimomi who assured the Minister of cooperation and hard work from the staff of both the departments.

Monyakshu village council (MVC) refutes Pessao village blockade claim

Monyakshu village council (MVC) has refuted and condemned the claim of Pessao village GB, K.S. Wenlang and village council member, Y. Eangba that Monyakshu village had imposed road blockade against Pessao village.

Calling the allegation as “false and baseless”, MVC secretary S.Wangsha, in a press release, clarified that there was no post-poll tension between Monyakshu and Pessao villages. Claiming that road to Pessao village connects only Pessao village alone, MVC said the question of blockade hampering other villages under 55 A/C Tobu did not arise.

MVC secretary claimed that three truckloads carrying essential commodities, a Tata pick-up carrying pigs have been sent to Pessao.

He also said vehicles including one passenger vehicle were plying freely between Monyakshu and Pessao.

MVC also accused Pessao village GB and council member, who were purportedly in Kohima, of trying to tarnish the “good old relationship” between two neighbours without knowing the facts happening back in their village.

“This faulty and baseless publication has tarnished the image of the Monyakshu village and angered its peace loving citizens,” said Wangsha.

Monyakshu village council has cautioned that GB and VCM would be held responsible if any untoward incident arose between the two neighbouring villages in future.

Pessao village GB and VCM had claimed that lives of the villagers were insecure due to “unpredictable eventuality” that could arise out of “unceasing tensions” between the two villages.

They had urged the responsible authorities and government to examine the prevailing situation and take positive measures.

Schools in Mon in pathetic condition

The functioning of many schools in Mon district has come under close scrutiny. Many schools in far flung areas have been reportedly functioning with 2 to 3 teachers. It is said that many representations had already been submitted to the concerned department, but no positive response has come so far.

Disclosing the pathetic condition facing the poor students in the district, President of the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) Methna Konyak said they had submitted many representations to the concerned department about the prevailing situation besides having discussed with them the matter many a time. “Regrettably, they hardly pay heed to our complaints,” he said.

The KSU leader also said many school authorities have been taking admission fees randomly from the students. They took Rs 500 to Rs 1000 from the students as admission fees, whereas these students are supposed to have their education free of cost as per the Right To Education Act 2009.

“When we enquired why they had taken admission fees from the students as such practices should not be there, the reply from the teachers as, they did not get any money from the government for the maintenance,” the KSU president disclosed. “In this, we advised them to take at least Rs 200 from each student if they think so.” It is reported that students in this remotest district get their mid-day meals once in a month.

CL John addresses project directors and BDOs

The general conference of project directors and block development officers was graced by CL John, Parliamentary Secretary, RD & REPA on March 12 at RD Directorate Conference Hall, Kohima.

A press note received here stated that the Parliamentary Secretary, in his speech, thanked the Government for entrusting him with the opportunity and responsibility of looking after the welfare of the rural population. While expressing his hope for discipline and punctuality in the officers, he reminded them that it was a matter of privilege to be in a position where they can help the people especially the poor and needy. He lauded the efforts of the officers in implementing the various programmes successfully and at the same time called for cooperation and collectivity and take on their responsibilities seriously. He also assured his commitment to support Department.

Metsubo, Director RD, who chaired the Conference, expressed his gratitude to the government for giving a leader like the parliamentary secretary to the department. While revealing that the Parliamentary Secretary was someone having vast knowledge in the field of rural development, the Director stated that he looked forward to working together and learning from his expertise.

In his welcome Address, V. Sakhrie, Commr & Secretary, RD assured the support of the department as he moves forward to take up this new assignment, which will be quite challenging and at the same time interesting.

Director SIRD, Limasenla Jamir, G. Thong, General Secretary, NRDSA and Er. Atu Imsong, BDO Medziphema also welcomed the parliamentary Secretary to the department. Hilo Semp, Joint Director, who gave the vote of thanks also gave assurances to the Parliamentary Secretary to recommit to their responsibilities and work wholeheartedly for the upliftment of the Department. Earlier invocation was pronounced by R. Vasa, Asst. Director.

KU informs on change in nomenclature

The General Secretary of the Konyak Union, Lahe Township, K Honwang has stated that the nomenclature of the Eastern Konyak Union has been changed to the Konyak Union. A press note stated that the change in nomenclature was undertaken by the Konyak Union, Mon and the Konyak public leaders of Lahe. Honwang added that the Eastern Konyak union had been dissolved on December 14, 2012 by the EKUB advisory board. He further stated that the Eastern Konyak leaders collectively held a meeting at Nyanching village on October 11 and a decision was taken to change the nomenclature of the union and to appoint new office bearers. It was also decided that the Konyak Union would act as the apex body of the Eastern Konyak people.

KSU,WSSU demand re-arrest of murder accused

Konyak Students Union (KSU) and Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) have demanded the re-arrest of those accused involved in the murder of late Kavito Awomi and also to immediately stop coal mining operations in Naginimora.

Stating that they have come to learn that the accused arrested was released,  KSU president Methna Konyak and WSSU president Mughato N. Awomi, demanded that those released be re-arrested.

Expressing deep reservation on the authorities, KSU and WSSU questioned as on what ground were the culprit(s) released and  urged upon the law enforcement agency to halt all coal mining operations in Naginimora till the case was solved.

They also demanded that no bail should be granted to any of those arrested so as to avoid “possible communal tension among Naga brothers.”

They said in case the accused person(s) were not re-arrested, then those who bailed them should be arrested otherwise, the law enforcement agency would be held solely responsible for any untoward incident if the those released were not rearrested.

46 Mon NPF unit 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.

Water scarcity hits Mon town

Residents of Mon town have been reeling under acute shortage of potable water over the last few weeks. Students appearing for their HSLC and HSSLC examinations have been under severe stress as they are often engaged in fetching water. “Water scarcity has hit Mon town and greatly disturbs our student communities as most of the time they roam around looking for water during their study time,” said Methna Konyak, President of the Konyak Students Union (KSU) over the telephone today. Explaining the pathetic condition given the water scarcity, the KSU President said some miscreants had damaged water pipelines from Chi and Lengha villages to Mon town. This has badly affected water supply in Mon town, he pointed out, forcing residents to search for water elsewhere. Appealing to the people of Chi and Lengha to help prevent recurrence of such unwanted activities by miscreants, Konyak urged the concerned department to immediately look into the matter.

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.

NPF 43 A/C Tapi expresses dismay

The 43 A/C Tapi NPF expressed shock and surprise over the portfolio allotted to one of the senior most veteran regionalist in Nagaland, Noke. The office bearers of 43rd Tapi AC Mon in a press note stated, “It is an open insult and disrespect on the part of so called core committee headed by Chief Minister on portfolio allocations." The NPF questioned "how the core committee was formed without the knowledge and inclusion of the founding members of its own party and elected member Noke and party President Dr. Shurhozelie Lieziietsu. It is also an injustice to find junior members with plump portfolios who were elected only for three or four terms to the NLA and even cabinet minister for newly elected one.”  The 43 A/C Tapi NPF expressed deep disappointment and appealed the Chief Minister to restore respect and dignity of the senior most party leader who worked for the growth of the regional party for last nearly four decades.

Rio gives in: reallocates portfolios

•Kiyanilie to hold Social Welfare; Noke gets PHE.

•Kire gets additional charge for Labour & Employment.

A day after allocating portfolios to cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretaries, sources confirmed that former Speaker, Kiyanilie Peseyie, who was given Public Health Engineering (PHE) portfolio, has now been reallocated Social Welfare which was initially given to Noke Konyak. As per reports, Noke will now hold PHE.

While negotiations are on to reallocate some other “lucrative portfolio” to Dr. Nicky Kire, it is reported that he has been given additional charge of Labour and Employment while Merentoshi Jamir will continue to hold Youth Resources and Sports.

Reportedly, Khriehu Liezietsu has been accommodated as chairman of Kohima District’s Planning and Development Board (DPDB), advisor to both Music Task Force and New and Renewable Energy.

With these arrangements in progress, the earlier threats issued by supporters of some elected MLAs from Kohima regarding a shutdown of Kohima, a bandh on the National Highway and cutting off water supply have been kept in abeyance.

Meanwhile, disgruntled supporters of various elected MLAs from Kohima continued to gherao Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s residence in Kohima on Wednesday over the issue of what they called “uneven” allocation of portfolios.

On Wednesday, at around 5 pm, supporters of Dr. Nicky Kire and Kiyanilie Peseyie gathered outside the gate of the CM’s residence demanding better portfolios for their candidates. Rio was inside the house while the crowd gathered outside. However, the crowd dispersed within an hour, said personnel present at CM’s gate. Security has been tightened at the entry points of CM’s residence to prevent any untoward incident.

Mon district candidates' Portfolio in Rio's DAN Government

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.

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.

Out of the 11 cabinet ministers, there are 2 ministers from Mon district. They are :
(1) Noke Konyak got Social Welfare. (NPF)
(2) E.E. Pangteang got tourism, art & culture, election portfolio. (NPF)


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). 

Here, out of  4 cabinet status, there are 2 again from Mon district. They are:
(1) Naiba Konyak got the post of advisor, DUDA (cabinet status). (NPF)
(2) 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.

And out of 21 parliamentary secretaries, there are 3 from Mon district. They are :
(1) Pohwang for fire & emergency services, relief & rehabilitation. (NPF)
(2) C.L. John for rural development & rural employment & poverty alleviation. (NPF)
(3) P. Paiwang Konyak for transport. (BJP)

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.

The lone NPF successful candidate from Mon district who couldn't make it in the above list is N. Thongwang from 46 Mon Town.