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.