Konyak unions refuse to accept DHM equipments

Hospital Management Committee (HMC), District Hospital Mon  (DHM)along with Konyak Union (KU), Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khung (KNSK) and Konyak Students Union (KSU) Wednesday refused to verify and accept the materials/equipments supplied for the newly upgraded 100 bedded District Hospital Mon on the grounds that the equipments were being supplied too early before the completion of the building.

Pic : Construction underway at District Hospital Mon

During a joint meeting held at the Medical Superintendent’s office, Mon along with two member verification team from the Directorate, Health & Family Welfare, the civil societies pointed out that the installation of expensive equipments like-- Ultra sound, X Ray, Endoscopy and others, in an under construction building would be risky and of no use.

Moreover, adding to their discontentment, they said that the suppliers failed to furnish the name of the company/brand, model and price list of the materials and equipments that were being supplied to DHM. They also said that the suppliers were unwilling to agree to the terms of the civil societies, to install the equipments and issue the warranty only after the completion of the building construction.
The bodies lamented and questioned: “when the government could sign MoUs with other health centres to supply the materials and equipment after the completion of the building construction, why the same could not be applied for DHM”.

The unions also appealed to the concern department “to first verify and look into the needs of the concern hospital before randomly providing/supplying materials so that the needs of the people are met and at the same time save the fund of the government.”

Meanwhile, it was is learnt that the government had supplied only one quantity/item each--  one bed, one bed sheet, one pillow, one cradle and one mosquito net including others for the 100 bedded DHM.

‘We have suffered enough. We need peaceful development’

The Eastern Konyak Union Unit (EKUUM) has condemned the high handedness of Assam Rifles personnel, who have been alleged of preventing road works from Chen Moho to Nyanching via Throilu under the Indian Myanmar Friendship Project Scheme.

A press note from the EEKUM alleged that on April 7, personnel of the 33 AR, 5th Battalion “blocked” construction of a 15 meter stretch of the road and seized goods from members of the public. It further stated that the AR personnel had “forbidden” people from travelling across the road from one village to another.

The EKUUM has appealed to both the Assam Rifles and the Naga political groups for a peaceful atmosphere in the area. “We are not in favour of any group. We need peaceful development only.”

The said road project, construction for which began on 2013-14 is yet to be completed. On the other side of the border, the EKUUM informed that the road from Monyakshu to Nyanching via Chen Hoyat had also been left incomplete without any notification on October 2013, with only a few kilometers completed.

The EKUUM asserted that the road is not only for people in the border areas but is a link to connect Eastern and Western Nagas. It reminded that the significance of the road project had also been stressed on by Nagaland MP and former Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and the former R&B Minister as well.

The EKUUM questioned as to “who has been prohibiting the workers or contractors to stop immediately before the road is completed.” It urged the concerned authority to complete the road construction as per the agreement.

The people on the border areas, the EKUUM, lamented have lived in a state of constant struggle. People here, it recalled have not been able to live freely due to continuous turmoil in the area beginning in the 1950s. “We have suffered enough as human beings and we want justice on humanitarian grounds,” appealed the EKUUM.

Children at Yakshu Village

Children at Yakshu Village- a small village located in Mopong Circle of Mon district with total 577 families residing as per Population Census 2011. In Yakshu village population of children with age, 0-6 is 214, which makes up 4.96 % of total population of village.

Yakshu village has lower literacy rate compared to Nagaland. In 2011, literacy rate of Yakshu village was 32.13 % compared to 79.55 % of Nagaland. (Photo by Longsakumba Longkumer)

‘One Student, One Tree’

Mon Forest Division in collaboration with the Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Dimapur conducted an orientation programme in the Divisional Forest Office, Mon.

The teacher representatives of Eco-Club schools have been asked to ensure that one tree is planted by every student in Mon District basing on the theme ‘One Student, One Tree’ for the Eco-Club schools under Mon.

The Range Officer Mon highlighted the teachers of the objective and various activities of the Eco-Clubs in Mon. The Divisional Forest Officer Mon encouraged the teachers to play a pivotal role in developing a bond between students and the nature so that when they grow old, they become a protector and a conservationist by itself. Several other issues have been sensitised on environment and other ecological problems.

Konyak Union (KU) to celebrate Aoleang Monyu

 Konyak Union (KU) and the Aoleang organizing committee have informed that the Konyak Aoleang festival would be celebrated on April 4 at 11 a.m. at football ground, Mon town, with MLA and Chairman KVIB, YM Yollow, and the Deputy Commissioner, Mon, W Honje, as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. KU has invited all officers and different community leaders of Mon and well wishers from other places to join the festival and share the Aoleang feast on the day.

Happy "AOLEANG MONYU" to all the people of Konyak Naga Tribe

AOLEANG MONYU- The most important festival of the Konyaks.

"AOLEANG MONYU"
(The Festival of Konyak Tribe)

The entire Konyak Community of Nagaland, observed Aoleong Monyu in the first week of Aoleong Lee (April) every year since time immemorial. Aoleang is observed after completion of sowing of seeds in the new fields and to marks the end of the old year and to welcome the new year beginning with spring when a riot of flowers in every hue start to bloom. It is time to ask Almighty God for beautiful harvest of crops in that very year.

The Aoleang Monyu is spread over six days. Each day has separate names and different significance : (1) Hoi Lai Yah Nyih (2) Yin Mok Pho Nyih, (3) Yin Mok Shek Nyih (4) Lingnyu Nyih (5) Lingha Nyih and (6) Lingshan Nyih.

1. The first day is called "HOI LAI YAH NYIH" which means the preparation day of the Aoleong Monyu. On this day every arrangement is made for the Aoleaong, like collection of firewood, banana leaves, vegetables etc. The rice beer is also stored on this day. New clothes are woven and all necessary ornament are prepared. On this day, the head of the family goes to the jhum field and sacrifices a chicken and sprinkles its hot blood on the "WUMJONG" altar with an invocation to the supreme Power for helping to grow crops well. By taking out the intestine, he predicts the future of his family. A leg of chicken with food is given to the neighbour of the new jhum field of that year. The food is carefully put into leaves and brought home and given to the family members after the prayers and ceremony. On that day also, a stage called "Aoleang WAKAM" is constructed in every "PANS" Morungs for the dancing parties.

2. The second day is called "YIM MOK PHO NYIH" The domestic animals like Buffaloes, Mithuns, Cows and Pigs etc. have to be searched and roped in and tethered to a past to be killed during the Aoleang. In addition to that young boys those who have not yet joined in head hunting were taken to the jungles for proxy head hunting . On their return from the jungles, the next day, young boys and girls have to be tabooed on that day.

3. The third day is called "YIM MOK SHEK NYIH" which means the day for killing of animals. On this day, the green signal for the start of the festival is given by hosting of well decorated Bamboo Flag "KOIPHONG" Right after the hosting the young men start playing the logdrum and go to their own houses to kill the animals. All the men gathered at the Morung will have best chosen food and rice beer before they go to their houses. The youngsters in the age group between 15 to 20 years together kill some domestic animals and take the meat to their parents after they enjoy the day.

4. The fourth day is called "LINGNYU NYIH" which means the great day amongst the six days of Aoleang Monyu. On this day, men and women wear beautiful ornaments and spend the whole day in community feasts, amusements, dances and merry making. Every house prepares the best feast and shares it with friends, relatives and neighbours. In the afternoon, all the men go to the main entrance gate of the village and have a feast there and teach the young men the art of head-hunting. On their return from the place called "PEJONG" which means entrance of the village, the men group themselves according to different Morungs and start dancing. Led by their leaders, they visit each other’s Morung and express each other’s good and bad qualities through songs.
The normal themes of the songs are the victory over the enemy, asking Almighty God for bountiful crops etc. The dance party holds enemy’s heads in their hands and display in front of others Morung  their victory over their enemies. In the evening, all the groups gather at a place called "SHAOCHONG" where the heads, legs and hands of enemy are kept. All the groups dance together and fire the guns. The old and young men who can shoot the gun go to their own houses with loaded gun and fire in front of their houses to signify the "LINGNYU NYIH".

5. The fifth day is called "LINGHA NYIH". This day is observed by honoring each other ; the old men are honoured by the young ; young boys and their parents call on their married sisters and daughter’s respectively and after them best feasts ; married daughters also visit their parents and offer them the best feasts; married daughters also visit and offer grand feasts to their parents. On this day  families of the dead visit the burial sites of their dead relatives and pay their last homage to the departed souls. A special feast is arranged on this day to renew the friendship made by parents and to make the friendship last for posterity amongst the descendants. They also visit permanently declared household friends and exchange best prepared food items.  permanently declared households friends and exchange well-prepared food items. Permanently declared household friendship continues for years together best portion of meat are exchanged between these households.

6. The sixth day is called "LINGSHAN NYIH" which means final day of the Aoleang Monyu. The day is spent in cleaning the village and houses which were made dirty during the Aoleang Days.


May our Almighty God bless our people and land..... 

Mother-daughter duo killed in Mon road mishap

In a freak accident, a mother and daughter duo were crashed to death in the heart of Mon town Saturday morning at around 11.30 a.m. after a water tanker hit them from behind as they were walking by the roadside.

The mother identified as one Kiukhemshi alias Akumla (46) and her daughter Merentola (15) were instantly killed when the water delivery tanker (mini truck 407) bearing no. NL 04 A 8960 hit them from behind.

Sources informed that the truck was returning after delivering water to customers.
Sources said Kiukhemshi was a nurse by profession while her daughter Merentola was a Class X student of Don Bosco School, Mon.

Meanwhile, the driver of the water tanker identified as one Tozunt was arrested and kept under the police custody. The cause of the accident has not been ascertained till the filing of this report and investigation was on, source said. Following the incident, district administration headed by the DC Mon, visit the site of the accident.

"Rest in Peace"

District Congress Committee (DCC) Mon condemns

District Congress Committee (DCC) Mon has strongly condemned the brutal murder of John Konyak of Longwa village by a group of persons at Phomching town in Mon district on March 8. Its president L Takyong Konyak said such brutal act does not find place in Konyak society in the present age of peace and tranquility. DCC (I) Mon has urged the law enforcing agency to take appropriate action against the guilty as per the law and also conveyed condolence to the bereaved family.

Forged list submitted to ECI: 45th NPF Tehok A/C

Clarifying its stand on what it called the formation of a “fake” NPF party in the constituency, the 45th NPF Tehok A/C, Mon district today claimed that the list of office bearers submitted by NPF “dissident group” to Election commission of India (ECI) was bogus and baseless.

The list was given without the consent of the concerned person with bogus father name and forged signatures, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) 45th Tehok A/C contented in a press note appended by its president, L Wangnok Konyak and general secretary, K Chingkai Konyak.

“It is to kind information to one and all that so far there is only one NPF party in 45 Tehok A/C,” the press note stated, adding that it had given mandate to CL John during the last assembly election and had constant allegiance with Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu leadership.

“Hence, the existence of a ghost NPF party... [and] exploitation of innocent office bearers name without the consent their consent is a big question and tantamount to summon in customary court to deal as per customary law,” it further argued.

It also urged the authority concerned to consider the same and declare the “highly objectionable and baseless” list submitted by NPF “dissident” group as “null and void.”
For further information and clarification regarding the constituency, the general public can contact the president and secretary of 45th NPF Tehok A/C at 9436830990 and 8414848010 respectively, the press note added. (MExN)

Cultural exchange programme held

In order to strengthen peace and harmony across the two State of Assam and Nagaland, a daylong cultural exchange programme was held at Bagicha LP School compound, Namtola, Assam on February 28 with Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar V. Mitral, and ADC Tizit Remabomo Odyuo, as special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC Sivasagar and ADC Tizit both called upon the people to maintain peace and harmony in the border for furthering development in the areas. They also appealed to uphold the age old relationship between the two neighboring state.

The rich cultural heritage with colourful traditional attire of the Ahoms and the Nagas were displayed at the program. The highlights of the day long program was marked by friendly football match between Sonari Sub-Division and Tizit Sub-Division, Tug of War by both men and women, Exhibition of food stall and handicrafts from the Self Help Groups of both the state were also displayed.

The DC Sivasagar was accompanied by SP Sivasagar, SDO Sonari, and CO Sonari, while ADC Tizit was accompanied by the CO 6th NAP, Addl. SP Mon, DCO Mon, SDPO Tizit and EAC Tizit.
(MExN)

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon new office building inaugurated

The Deputy Commissioner, Mon Angau I. Thou IAS who is also the chairman of the District Health Society, Mon has formally inaugurated the new office building of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mon on March 5.

In her inaugural speech, the Deputy Commissioner said the Government is emphasizing on bottom up policy to provide better health care service to the people in their doorstep and called upon the authority to check and to do away with proxy ANMs and nurses. She asserted that keeping proxy ANMs and Nurses who are untrained could prescribe wrong medicines, which are unsafe for the patients.

Pointing out that doctors and nurses are next to God concerning the life of a patient, she appealed to the medical staffs to rededicate to their profession and work sincerely for the service of the people. She also urged upon the staffs to leave behind a good legacy of their respective occupation. She was optimistic that under the new building the staffs would work actively with dedication and cater to the needs of the people, and march along with the trends of development with others.

In her short speech, the CMO, Mon Dr. UK Konyak briefed on the construction of the building and thanked the Deputy Commissioner for her support and cooperation extended to the department during her tenure. He asserted that the office building was constructed for the Nursing Hostel initially but was diverted to CMO’s officer under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Commissioner.

Bangchem Phom proposed invocation while Dedication Prayer was done by Pastor David, Chaplain, District Hospital. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Bonnie Konyak, DPM, Mon.

(MExN)

Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Nagaland conducted survey in Mon and Longleng

Directorate of Economics & Statistics has conducted sample survey to study the underlying probable reasons on the low sex ratio in Mon and Longleng districts.

In India, population census defines sex ratio as the number of female per 1000 male by residence. As per 2011 population census, these two districts viz. Mon and Longleng have the lowest sex ratio in compared with the other districts in the State.

Photo : Officers and staff of Economic & Statistics Department along with village functionaries of Shetap village in Longleng district.

It is to be noted that as per the 2011, population census, sex ratio for Nagaland stands at 931. However, Mon and Longleng districts recorded sex ratio of  899 and 905 respectively, which is below the State average as well as the national average of 943.

The survey was conducted in the third week of February 2015. A total number of 19 villages including 5 from Longleng and 14 from Mon district were covered on the basis of sample drawn across these two districts.

The team from the Directorate was led by Neisatuo Puro, Assistant Director, and Charles N Kikon, Assistant Director, along with Neyshoto Nyuthe, Statistical Officer, Ms. Holivi Chophi, Statistical Officer, and host of technical staff from the Directorate Office and from the District Statistical Offices of Mon and Longleng.

The low sex ratio in the two districts could be caused by several factors such as social practices, gender biasness, illiteracy, biological etc. The survey was conducted to gather information on those parameters which are essential for deriving the sex ration of the selected sample villages and to comprehensively analyze the issues leading to skewed sex ratio.
(NagalandPost)

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) prayer and fasting

In view of the alarming increase in the persecution of Christians in India and around the world and the conflict situation in Tuensang, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called upon all its member churches to stand in solidarity with the “suffering believers” through prayer and fasting on February 28 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at their respective churches. All the churches are requested to cooperate with the directives sent by their respective associations. 

Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) has convened a joint meeting with PWD (R&B), contractors from Mon sector and Konyak Union on February 14 in the residence of its treasurer, Yashitsungba Aier, Khermahal, Dimapur, at 2 p.m.

The Committee convenor Sapu Jamir has requested all the concerned parties to attend the meeting without fail. The joint meeting has been called to resolve certain important issues concerning the ongoing Nagaland Foothill Road Project.

Meanwhile, NFHRCC appealed to both the Chang and Yimchunger tribes to maintain maximum restraint to avoid escalation of the present situation. Further, the Committee also appealed to the State government to exercise its wisdom wisely so that the rule of law would prevail in the society.

Hepatitis awareness camp in Mon

Hepatitis Coalition of Nagaland (hepCoN) and NUN has decided to organized an awareness programme on Hepatitis C in collaborating with Mon Users Network (MUN) at Leprosy Hall, District Hospital, Mon, on February 13.

The programme is been organized by MUN in consultation with PNGOs, DAPCU Mon, where drug users in majority and various facilities like ICTC, OST, NGOs etc and members from MUN are expected to attend the programme.

The programme would start at 11 a.m. with Abou Mere and Ketho as the resource persons. NUN Coordinator, Ketho, informed that the Team of NUN and HepCoN would make a visit to the OST Centre at the District Hospital prior to the programme. Later in the day, NUN has convened its Board and Advisory meeting in the presence of MUN officials.

Deenix A lift cricket running trophy in Mon

Deenix A won the 7th Deenix running trophy for the third consecutive time on February 7 at Mon local ground. The trophy organized by Deenix Cricket Clup, Mon, and sponsored by Darshan Travels and co-sponsored by Rajputana Group of Company (India) began on January on 29.
Altogether 8 (eight) teams participated in the tournament.

The winning team received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 while the 1st runners-up Amigoz CC pocketed Rs 10,000 and 2nd runner up Centuria CC got Rs 5000.
Player of the tournament was adjudged to Chingkap from Deenix (A) CC, while the Best batsman went to Poona from Centuria CC.

Best bowler was bagged by Chingkap from Deenix (A) CC; best fielder to Khamnyei from Deenix (A) CC; Hamjai from Deenix (B) CC  was named best wicket keeper and the man of the match was won Phonglan from Deenix (A) CC.

Player of the tournament was sponsored by Evergreen Welfare Society Mon where the cash prize of Rs 5000 for the 2nd runner up was sponsored by NSUI, Indian National Congress (INC).

Konyak Students Union Dimapur (KSUD) has expressed strong condemnation over the killing of late Chongma Chang and Chipong Yimchunger on February 6 in Tuensang.
KSUD through its vice president Sangti Konyak also expressed grief over witnessing conflict in the district that had paralysed the peaceful environment during the past weeks.
KSUD said it was confident that efforts of tribal leaders, student bodies, young intellectuals from both tribes, ENSF, ENPO and ENWO would restore peace and understanding among the two tribes. The Union also urged upon individuals and organisations to continue with playing active role in shedding light on the issue and to promote a peaceful solution at the earliest.
KSUD expressed condolences to the bereaved family members and outrage at the “abhorrent ferocity” committed on “our own family.”

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) installed new Team

The new batch of NBCC office bearers was also installed on the occasion where Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho took over as the general secretary NBCC; Yamyap Konyak as finance secretary; Visa Dolie as women secretary; Rev. C. Amop Noklang Phom as NDO director and Rev.Kuzerang Thou as state chaplain. The vice presidents included-Rev.Dr.Mar Atsongchanger executive secretary ABAM, Rev.Hotokhu executive secretary SABAK and Anung Chang, pastor Chang Baptist Church Kohima. 
Vice president of American Baptist Churches, Rev. Judith K. Fackenthal and Rev. Dr. Reid S. Trulson, executive director American Baptist International Ministries (ABIM) were the main speakers at the convention. Rev. Tonglong Konyak Pastor Dimapur Konyak Baptist church translated the sermon in local dialect.

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) adopts new Resolutions

Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) held its four-day 20th triennial convention in Mon which concluded on Sunday under the theme “In Step With The Spirit” at the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjum (KBBB) Mission Centre, Mon.
The last day of the convention was attended by a host of people including delegates from within and overseas at the KBBB. Among the resolutions drafted and adopted at the last day of the convention, included a reaffirmation on freedom to choose and propagate religious beliefs without allurement or threat etc. The convention also resolved to strengthen commitment to the Christian faith by conducting bible study, revival meetings and care ministry in line with the theme “In Step With The Spirit”.
The drafting committee had drawn the resolution against the backdrop of spiritual decadence and rise of various other social evils that pose a threat on the church.
The committed noted that Nagas practiced indigenous faiths in the pre-Christian era, but were not Hindus as being portrayed. In this regard, the NBCC would hold fasting and prayer meetings in all churches on February 28 to be followed by a rally across Nagaland. The rallies would end with submission of a memorandum to the government of India with a copy to the state government to condemn recent forced ‘conversion/re-conversion’ and vandalism on churches and persecution of Christians across India.
The Convention also expressed pain over the conflict between Changs and Yimchungers and appealed to both communities to restrain from further retaliation. It was also resolved to depute a seven-member peace mission to Tuensang on Monday and also reaffirmed the resolution adopted. (NP)

Tension Grips Again in Tuensang

After a brief lull, tension gripped Tuensang on February 6 following a shootout about 10-15 kilometers away from Tuensang district headquarters. A 14 year-old boy was killed in the incident, while a woman and an 8 year-old girl went missing in the aftermath.

According to the Tuensang police, the shootout occurred in a patch of paddy fields between Sotukur and Chingmelen villages. It started around 9:30 am and lasted for about 45 minutes. The police said that the victim (name withheld) succumbed to injury before he could be taken to a medical facility.
Stating that security has been beefed up in the area, it was added that several empty shells of 7.62, 7.65 and .303 calibre ammunitions were recovered from the site of the incident.

The day’s violence heightened tension in an area already affected by sporadic incidents of clashes between people. Additional security personnel have been deployed in the area, while the district administration is in the process of meeting villagers and elders to maintain calm.

144 CrPC promulgated
The Tuensang district administration has promulgated section 144 of the Cr.PC in the area prohibiting movement or assembly of not more than 3 people. With prohibitory orders (evening to dawn) already in effect in Tuensang town since December, security was further tightened in the town following the day’s incident.

Nagaland govt beefs up security measures
Meanwhile, the Nagaland State Government today issued several directives to address the law and order situation in Tuensang district. A press release from the Additional Chief Secretary & Home Commissioner, informed that it has directed the district administration to take action for deposit of all arms and ammunition in the affected area. “Bond/undertaking will be obtained from the villages in the affected area for maintaining peace under appropriate provision of law.” As per the directive, no activity by the public will be permitted in the disputed area near Chendang Saddle, while the district administration has been directed to submit a survey report of the disputed area to the government. In addition, “(the) District Administration shall send comprehensive proposal for provision of relief or the property destroyed/damaged in Tuensang Town and Chedang Saddle.”

The Commissioner, Nagaland has been asked to take necessary action accordingly. The Director General of Police has been requested to constitute a new SIT for investigation into the incidents leading to loss of life and property. It was further informed that two companies of the Nagaland Armed Police are being rushed to Tuensang to augment forces available there.

The Nagaland State government has further announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh for the person killed on February 6.

(MExN)