STATE PREPARED FOR H1N1 FLU
The Department of Health & Family Welfare is well prepared in
tackling the H1N1 flu in the state. This was stated by the Minister of H&FW, Nagaland,
Kuzholuzo during a press briefing held in his office chamber today. The State also has
sufficient stock of Tamiflu, the antibiotic used for treatment of the swine-flu, in case
of an outbreak of the disease in the State, the Minister assured. These medicines have
been sent to all the districts while there are reserves at Kohima spare, it was disclosed.
All the
districts have their own action plan, wherein various sectors have been roped in including
the church, he informed. However, Zunheboto and Wokha districts have been asked to upscale
their action plans, the Minister said.
Airport
screening has started and 4 Rapid Response Team consisting of 4 doctors in each team has
been constituted to monitor the situation, while with regard to surveillance, reports of
daily monitoring of the state are being sent to Delhi, the Health Minister said.
‘As long as
we remain healthy and our immune system is strong, the H1N1 virus will not attack us’,
said the Minister and called upon everyone to be health conscious by taking care of their
diet and by being hygienic. He also advised the public to keep in touch with the ‘Do’s
and Don’ts of Swine Flu’.
(Limawati, Lolano & Watimenla)
WORKSHOP ON HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT HELD AT MON
An exclusive
workshop on Mon District Human Development Report 2009 was held with Additional Chief
Secretary & Development Commissioner, Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS as the Chief
Guest and Prof. Manoj Pant, School of International Studies, Jawaharal Nehru University, New
Delhi as the Guest of Honour on 27th August 2009 at the DC’s Conference hall, Mon.
In his inaugural
speech the Chief Guest called upon the participants to give constructive feedbacks and
suggestions to enable the resource persons to frame a genuine Report on Human Development
of Mon district. He said that District Human Development Report is very crucial because
this report will enable the National Planning Commission and the State Government to
implement various policies and programmes which will affect the people of the district.
In his
interaction with the Administrative Officers, Agri. & allied departments, DBs and the
BDOs of the district, Alemtemshi Jamir highlighted that due to global climate change there
is a late monsoon yielding very poor harvest this year and the state Government has
declared drought like situation in Nagaland. In this regard he directed the officers to
prepare an advance district action plan to supply food grains and other relief and also to
issue various Kharif seeds to the farmers to recover the poor Rabi harvest. He warned the
officers to see that no starvation death is reported from the district and informed that
the concerned officer will be held responsible for any death due to starvation.
In his key-note
address the Guest of Honour stressed on the features of Human Development. He said the
study of the human development is to focus on the various developmental activities that
are taking place between the States and the Nations. He also said that Human Development
should not be reported by a few individuals but needs the participation of all concerned
and urged the participants to give feedbacks according to the voice of the people.
While giving
brief introduction on Mon District Human Development Report, Kevileno Angami, IES, OSD,
Planning & Coordination Department said three districts including Mon, Peren and
Kohima have been selected with a view to identify and study the gaps between the most
underdeveloped and the most advanced districts. Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Dinesh Kumar,
IAS in his welcome address presented a power point presentation on the human development
definition and index of Mon district while the Statistical Officer, Charles Kikon,
highlighted how data has been collected and the methods applied in the survey of Mon
district.
The resource
persons Dr. Kilangla Jamir, Lead Author (Agriculture), NU Lumami; Dr. Nandira Changkija,
Lead Author (Health Issue), NHA, Kohima; Chozüle Kikhi, Lead Author (Gender Issue) Deputy
Director, Horticulture; F.P. Solo, Lead Author (Education) Commissioner & Secretary,
Higher & Technical; Athili Kathipri, Lead Author (Connectivity/Infrastructure)
Additional Director, IT&TE and Dr. Temjenzulu Lead Author (Basic Service) NU, Lumami
presented their respective power point presentations on human development of Mon district.
At the closing session the resource persons also reported the feedbacks and suggestions
contributed by the participants after subject wise discussion in various rooms at DC’s
office complex.
The workshop was
attended by Government Officers, heads of offices, representatives of Civil Societies,
KNSKS, KU, KSU, DBs and public leaders of Mon district. DC, Mon, Dinesh Kumar chaired the
inaugural function.
(DPRO,
Mon)
APPLICATION FOR CM CORPUS FUND UNDER KOHIMA
Interested
candidates of eligible unemployed youth for self-employment from indigenous tribe of
Kohima district and other tribes permanently settled in Kohima are invited for the
collection of prescribed application forms for CM Corpus fund during 2009-10 under Kohima
district from 1st September 2009 during office hours.
To obtain the
form the candidate must produce the following relevant particulars/documents issued by
competent authority in support of the candidature such as Certificate of Indigenous
inhabitant of Kohima district; Candidates must be within the prescribed age group of 25
years to 40 years old as on August 2009; Certificate of Date of Birth and Certificate of
unemployment registration with Employment Exchange Kohima district. Any of the candidates
who have availed assistance for self-employment programme from any government agencies
need not apply as the list of candidates will be endorsed to all concerned departments for
cross checking which will lead to deletion of names of such candidates. The project report
prepared outside the concerned sector department of the district will not be accepted and
it should be approved by the head of the concerned district office. The last date for
submission of the duly filled up application form with project report and other required
particulars will be 25th September 2009, the interview schedule will be held
on 12th – 16th October 2009. Application form will be issued on
first come first basis. This was notified by Deputy Commissioner & Member Secretary,
District Corpus Fund, Kohima, Beiu Angami.
(DPRO,
Kohima)
PEREN DPDB MEETING HELD
The monthly
meeting of Peren District Planning & Development Board for the month of August 2009
was held on 28th August 2009 at DC’s conference hall under the
chairmanship of Chairman DPDB & Minister, Planning & Coordination, T.R. Zeliang.
After reviewing the last meeting minutes the board finalized and unanimously approved LADP
schemes including Common Pool 2009-10 in respect of 6 Tenning A/C and 7 Peren A/C.
District Tuberculosis Officer, Peren, Dr. Yanger and CMO Peren,
Dr. L. Kuotsu gave a power-point presentation on swine flu during the board meeting. The
Chairman briefed the board members on drought like condition in Nagaland. He asked the
Agri and Allied department officials under Peren district to seriously study and prepare
reports on alternative crops to mitigate the farmers’ situations as delayed monsoon
has adversely affected the paddy crops in Peren district. The Chairman also informed the
house about the forth coming Road Show in Peren to be held on March 2010. In the meeting
the board also recommended the following agenda - Taxi permit to ply between Athibung and
Dimapur, Taxi permit to ply between Kezanglwa to Dimapur and application for construction
of Peren Government College, Peren. Lastly the
Chairman on behalf of the DPDB members and on his own behalf extended gratitude and
appreciation to the outgoing Deputy Commissioner, Peren, N. Mesen for his sincerity,
co-operation and invaluable service to the district people during his stay at Peren. The
Chairman also wished the officer success in his future endeavors.
(SDIO,
Peren)
WAITING SHED AT LINGRIJAN INAUGURATED
Dimapur
Municipal Chairman, Khekhaho Assumi inaugurated the Waiting Shed at ‘Y’ junction
near Cambridge School, Lingrijan, Dimapur on 29th August 2009.
Speaking at the
function Assumi expressed his gratitude to the well-wishers and the people of the six
colonies for constructing the shed for the benefit of the colony people and the public as
a whole, without any assistance or aid from the Government. He said that it is a very good
example to other colonies and public and hoped that others would also follow the good
example shown by Lingrijan public. He expressed hope that more of such activities would be
taken up in future and encouraged the colony people to take up other avenues such as
central works and private sector works to bring prosperity in the society. He assured the
colony people that blacktopping would be done from the newly constructed waiting shed to
Lingrijan and Duncan Basti boundaries. He also donated Rs 20,000/- for the inaugural
expenditure from the DMC discretionary fund.
Short speeches
were also delivered DMC members present at the function and the Village Council Chairman,
N. Matong Jamir. Others present in the function included DMC members Thungchanthung Lotha,
I. Nungsang Jamir and Lipok Pongen. The programme was chaired by Chitenlemba Imsong while
welcome address was delivered by Panger Tsudir. Invocation and dedicatory prayer was said
by Associate Pastor, DABA, Wati Kichu and benediction was said by O. Lanu, Deacon.
(Sashimong
IA, Dimapur)
HEALTH CAMP CONDUCTED AT MITELEPHE
A health camp
was held at Mitelephe village on 27th August 2009 as a part of health centre management
committee mission. Dr. Khriekuolie Liezietsu, M.O., PHC Kimipfüphe and his team
consisting of medical staff and CDPO Jakhama, Kezevi-o undertook the venture with the
support and co-operation of the village authority. The programme was chaired by Khasüdi
Tepa, Chairman VHC while invocation prayer was said by Pastor Neizelie Zochü. Dr.
Khriekuolie gave a brief introduction on the significance and importance of the programme.
He stated that it was initiated with much effort and therefore urged the community to make
full use of the programme.
In response to
the clarion call, elders, mothers, youth and children flocked to the camp for the services
available. Altogether 47 patients registered their names and underwent check up, while 34
persons had blood test. The day long camp was successfully concluded with vote of thanks
by Vizakie Keyie, Chairman, Village Council.
(IA,
Jakhama)
WEEKLONG TRAINING ON ‘DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL SKILLS FOR ITI INSTRUCTORS’ UNDERWAY
The inaugural
programme for one week off-campus training on ‘Development of Instructional skills
for ITI Instructors’ was held at ITI complex, Kohima on 31st August 2009 with Joint Secretary, Labour &
Employment, K. Miasathou as the chief guest.
Addressing the
gathering the chief guest appealed to all the instructors to improve and equip themselves
by upgrading their skills and knowledge with the latest technological inputs to meet the
requirements of the students in the present fast changing scenario. He added that the
training courses are coordinated and conducted by well-experienced faculty members having
expertise in various fields who have trained in reputed premier institutions in India and
abroad.
Deputy Director,
Training Institute (FTI) Jamshedpur, M.K. Parial in his introduction address added that
the institute had conducted more than 400 programmes facilitating the upgradation of about
6000 personnel. He said that the courses offered are in the field of quality control,
programmable logic controller, industrial electronics, microprocessor, machining skill
development process, supervisory and skill development.
Principal, ITI
Kohima, K. Wati in his address urged the trainees to take the opportunity with serious and
positive approach to educate the students by improving overall competencies of a middle
management personnel through various supervisory skill development programes with a focus
to develop quality and productivity.
The programme
was chaired by Joint Director, E&CT Kohima, Muthingnuba Sangtam. Short speech was
delivered by Director, E&CT, N. Panger Jamir. Introduction to the course content was
given by Deputy Director, Training Foremen Training Institute (FTI) Jamshedpur, M.K.
Parial and vote of thanks by Principal ITI Kohima, K. Wati.
(Temjenkaba)
WEBSITE FOR ATMA MOKOKCHUNG LAUNCHED
A Website for
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Mokokchung had been launched. The website
created by ATMA Mokokchung was formally launched by Director, Agriculture Dr. Supong
Keitzar at the meeting of departmental officers in the Deputy Commissioner’s
conference Hall on 27th August, 2009. The website can be accessed at
www.atmamokokchung.org.
In
his speech, Dr. Supong said that ATMA had been the outcome of the new initiative of
restructured Extension Reforms for Agriculture, where farmers occupy the first position
and that all ATMA activities should revolve around the farmers. Stressing on the need to
attain food security, Dr. Supong, who is also the State Nodal officer for ATMA, also
mentioned about the importance of the role of mass media for farmers to access proven
technologies even in the remotest areas.
On the
occasion, the activities of ATMA, Mokokchung was presented by AO, I. Lipokmeren Jamir.
Joint Director, T.V Holo exhorting the members at the meeting said farmer to farmer
extension is effective in motivating and convincing other farmers to adopt improved
agricultural technologies and thus such techniques should be encouraged for technology
dissemination through public-private partnership. Dr. Amenla, Lady Training Officer, LTO,
while addressing the meeting gave more insight on the new activities to be implemented by
ATMA and reiterated that 30% of ATMA fund would be utilized for extension activities
targeted towards women farmers. The meeting was chaired by Tekatushi Ao, Project Officer,
State Agriculture Research Centre, Yisemyong and Project Director, ATMA Mokokchung.
(DPRO,
Mokokchung)
78th MARTYR’S DAY OF HAIPOU JADONANG HELD
The 78th Martyr’s day of
Haipou Jadonang was organised by Heraka Vidya Bhararti School, ‘B’ Jalukie on 29th August 2009 with P.F. Zeliang, Commander 9 IRB, Saijang as the chief guest
and Ranger, Forest Department, Jalukie, Rampaukai as guest of honour. The programme was
chaired by Isaac.
Speaking on the
occasion as the main speaker, Abraham said that Haipou Jadonang was born in the
Zeliangrong community in 1905 in Kambiron village in Tamenglong district of Manipur. From
his childhood he was mild, most truthful, peaceful, hardworking and helpful. Jadonang was
a divine soul born out of Tingwang’s wish to redeem Naga society from the events and
ills of the community. He was a fortune-teller, a divine leader, a saint,
spiritual leader, social reformer, lover of indigenous religion and culture, a successful
organizer and extensive traveller and a bold military commander, all rolled into one
person called Haipou Jadonang. He preached teachings and lessons to masses, constructed a temple
of God Bishnu in his Kambiron village and another at Binnakandi on Cachar district.
He abolished many taboos and superstitions and established a reformed cult-Heraka, which
means ‘Pure’. Jadonang led a pilgrimage to Bhuvan cave where he preached
spirituality and ideals of divine life. He was a strict follower of discipline. The young
Gaidinliu assisted him in this divine work. He evolved scientific military training and
military caution. He composed patriotic songs to be sung during military adventures. He
composed hymns and devotional songs, which are very popular among Zeliangrong people
particularly the Heraka followers. He innovated and invented different dance forms. He was
a freedom-loving spiritual leader and wished his people to live peacefully free from
foreign yoke. That is why he established a Naga army to protect his people from British
rule. He visualized a kingdom (Makam Gwangdi) of his people, which British described as
Naga Raj. The Britishers wanted to remove this obstacle called Jadonang from their path
for smooth expansion of colonial rule. They fabricated a case of murder of four
Manipuri traders and falsely implicated him in these murder cases. British invaders hanged
him in Imphal on 29th August 1931.He preferred to die than to sacrifice his religion,
culture and above all the freedom of his people. People throughout the world are generally
found having pride in the history of their forefathers. The divine revolutionaries Haipou
Jadonang and spiritual lady Rani Ma Gaidinliu sacrificed their lives for us. They laid
their lives for our better tomorrow and through their untiring deeds the cultural identity
of Zeliangrong people could be kept intact. Abraham said that the 78th Martyr’s Day is being observed for a great
leader of national stature. The highlights of the programme included Zeliangrong
dance/Hindi geet, while a Gujarati dance was performed by students. Vote of
thanks was pronounced by Tasile, Headmistress. A large number of
people including government officers, public leaders and town council members
attended the function.
(IA,
Jalukie)
FREE MEDICAL CAMP CUM HEALTH AWARENESS
PROGRAMME HELD AT JALUKIE
A free medical
camp cum health awareness program was organised by the Elite Club, Jalukie town on 29th August 2009. Around 1000 patients from all walks of
life were treated and free medicines were distributed. The program was chaired by
Bandangienla, Lecturer, GHSS, Jalukie.
The
function started with invocation prayer by Among Mpom, Pastor. A brief history of the
club and its aims and objectives were delivered by Hupon, President, Elite Club while
Doctor, Mani Micho, SMO, CHC, Jalukie spoke on health awareness on the present incidence
of swine flu (H1N1), HIV, AIDS etc. Dr. L. Kuotsu, CMO, Peren also delivered short speech.
The CEO of the Club formally declared the health camp open. The Elite Club Jalukie has
extended its gratitude and appreciation to the following for the successful conduct of the
free medical camp –T.R. Zeliang, Minister, Planning; Directorate of Health &
Family Welfare, Indian Red Cross Society, Medicines Stockists Dimapur, M.R Union, Dimapur
and C.M.O Peren for contribution of medicine; S.M.O Doctors and staff CHC Jalukie, Dr.K.
Huirem and staff, Dr. Martha and medical staff of IRB, Saijang, Jalukie Town Council for
Midnight Market Shed, seat arrangement and volunteers. The Elite club also expressed
gratitude to all well-wishers and public for success of the camp. The leftover medicines
were handed over to CHC, Jalukie.
(IA,
Jalukie)
ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN ON HIV & AIDS HELD AT DIMAPUR
Nagaland
Legislators’ Forum on AIDS, in collaboration with Nagaland State AIDS Control Society
(NSACS), Network of Naga people living HIV and AIDS (NNP+) and Dimapur Baptist women union
conducted on advocacy campaign on HIV and AIDS with a theme ‘Together we can - a
response’ at IMC Hall, Dimapur on 28th August 2009.
Speaking on the
theme, local MLA from Dimapur II A/C Imtisunget while expressing concern over wide spread
incidence of HIV among the young generation of the state, stated that being an elected
member of the state Legislative Assembly, his duty is not only confined for development of
the state and to enact laws but it is his moral responsibility to bring better health care
system for the general population of the state. He appealed to the state government and
the NGOs’ forums like NSACS and NPP+ and civil societies to continue this noble
venture to fight against AIDS. He said that though we may not completely eradicate this
dreaded disease, together we can fight to prevent the disease. He stated that we can
create more platform to eradicate stigma and discrimination against the infected persons.
Former Leader of
Opposition & MLA, I. Imkong while speaking at the function stated that in today’s
context of global issues, the challenges that lies ahead of us are global warming,
terrorism and AIDS epidemic. He said that though Nagaland is a small state it is recorded
that Nagaland is in the high prevalence rate of AIDS epidemic, for which all sections of
the society need to come together and fight against this disease. He said we should not
allow this disease to wipe out the whole generation of our state. He also said that during
the initial formation of this Legislators Forum, the state faced many hurdles due to fund
constraints and people’s attitude but our state has realized the importance of this
Forum, therefore the Legislators are now donating generously from their funds to fight the
spread of the disease. The attitude of the people has also changed as people have realized
that if we are not serious enough to fight against this disease, one day the whole
generation would be wiped out. He appealed to the young generation of the state, parents,
civil societies to come forward and not to feel shy of talking about condom and AIDS to
prevent the spread of this disease.
Deputy
Commissioner, Dimapur, Maongwati Aier who is also the Chairman of the Dimapur District
AIDS Control Committee, in his welcome note stated that Nagaland state is being recognized
by the world because of high prevalence of AIDS disease among its citizens, which is not
something to be proud of. He said that most of the AIDS infected cases are happening due
to lack of strong moral will of an individual as this disease is spread through having
multiple sex partners and use of intravenous drugs. He said that it is our moral
responsibility to fight against this disease. He also said that high prevalence of the
disease is occurring between the age group of 16-30 years, which is our future generation.
He appealed to the organizers to give more attention towards this age group to prevent the
spread of this disease to save our future generation. He stated that there is need for
care and support to those infected, without stigma and discrimination.
DMC Chairman
Khekaho Assumi, speaking in the programme said that the main focus of AIDS issue in the
state is mainly based in Dimapur district, as the number of infected persons in Dimapur
may be more than what the record shows. He appealed to the Government forums such as the
Nagaland Legislators Forum on HIV & AIDS, NGOs and civil societies to have proper
planning to fight against this disease. He also appealed to the organizers to include DMC
in future activities, as a civic body like DMC should be an active partner involved in
eradicating such disease.
State
Coordinator (LFA-UNAIDS) Nagaland, Dr. Vinito Chisi, while speaking on the need for
advocacy on HIV and AIDS said that ever since the first case of HIV case in Nagaland was
detected in 1991, a lot of activities has been initiated in the state to create awareness
and to promote enabling environment through NSACS and other partner NGOs. To promote
supportive environment through social mobilization and sensitization about the epidemic,
NNP+ in collaboration with key stake holders with support from LFA-UNAIDS has been
conducting advocacy campaigns involving the concerned MLAs of each constituency as well as
active participation from all section of societies and NGOs like student bodies, women
Hoho/Mothers Association, church leaders, GBs, Municipal Councils/ Town committees,
public/party leaders, Police and media. This advocacy programme envisages a call to create
supportive environment for the people living with HIV & AIDS through advocating key
issues and building linkages with stake holders at all levels so as to reduce stigma and
discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS, showcasing political response and community
participation affecting ownership by the community.
(SDIO,
Dimapur)
COMMISSIONER NAGALAND CLARIFIES NEWS REPORT ON ASSAM NAGALAND BORDER ISSUE
The
Commissioner, Nagaland & Principal Secretary, Border Affairs, H.K. Khulu has clarified
on news item which was published on 28th August issue of ‘The Sentinel’, Guwahati. The full text of the letter to the Editor, Sentinel
News Paper, Guwahati is as follows:
‘On the subject referred to above, I would like to draw your
kind attention against one of your staff correspondent from Jorhat base who is indulging,
time and again, feeding your esteem daily with irresponsible and distorted facts about
Assam-Nagaland Border issue for cheap publicity, without even realising the fact that such
distorted reporting may lead to serious consequences and spark off serious law and order
problem between the two states.
Your Staff
Correspondent from Jorhat in your esteem daily of 28th August, 2009 edition has alleged that the Naga
encroachers are all set to establish a new Naga Police camp at Bihoto Basti in Sector-B of
the Bordering areas and preparation is also on to create a new sub-division by Nagas in
Sarupathar area and the required papers works are being carried out in the department
concerned of the Nagaland Government. From what source your staff correspondent has relied
his report is a matter for your esteemed daily to make an enquiry, but the fact remain
that there is no such village call Bihoto in the entire Sector-B of the Assam, Nagaland
border areas, hence, the question of setting up a new police post does not arise and there
is no such plan of the Government of Nagaland to set up any new Sub-Division in the so
call Sarupathar area. Your staff Correspondent may well explain why he is so interested in
one police post of Nagaland whereas Assam has 44 AAP posts set up all along the
Assam-Nagaland Border in violation of the Interim Agreements.
Your
Correspondent also accused the Nagas for setting up madrassas and has mentioned three such
madrassas at Gelajan, Bidyapur and Dayalpur areas with more than 500 suspected Bangladeshi
students taking religious teaching every year and regularly being shifted to various parts
of the state for religious purposes. In this regard if the report of your staff
Correspondent is correct than perhaps the onus of this state of affairs squarely lies with
the Assam Government for setting up such villages for illegal Bangladeshi in the disputed
Rengma Reserve Forest areas under Sector-C despite strong objection from the Government of
Nagaland. The Nagaland Government is aware of the state of affairs and illegal activities
being taking place in Bidyapur areas and the Border Magistrate of Nagaland has pointed out
these facts to their counter part Assam and even suggested joint operation against this
illegal settlement and trade but it was the district administration of Assam who has
opposed such a move. Your Staff Correspondent, instead of accusing the Nagas of any wrong
doing, will do well in apprising the Government of Assam to initiate action against this
illegal settlement and trades prevailing in Bidyapur area of Sector-C of the disputed
border areas, which has resulted on account of the mismanagement of the Assam Forest
Department and the Government of Assam.
Further, your
Staff Correspondent has also accused Nagas of violation of the Interim agreement signed in
1985 to maintain status quo. But the fact is that in order to enforce the terms of Interim
agreements signed in 1972 a Neutral Force were agreed to be deployed under mutual
understanding between the two state Governments. Infact both the two Chief Ministers of
Assam and Nagaland as per agreement dated 7/6/1985 in presence of the Governor at Imphal,
Manipur, agreed for deployment of BSF as the neutral force under the command of the GOC 8th Mountain Division for
the entire disputed border areas of Assam and Nagaland, however, this arrangement could
not be materialised as the then Union Home Secretary was of the view that fresh induction
of BSF may not be possible and both the state has to rely on whatever force available with
them. Thereafter, instead of pursuing a mutually acceptable deployment of Neutral forces
in the disputed border areas the Assam Government unilaterally started deployment of its
own forces CRPF/AAP all along the disputed border areas with a unilateral Standard
Operational Procedure (SOP) wherein the so call neutral force has to take the command from
the Thanas (Police Station) and District Administration of Assam only. Your staff
Correspondent has mentioned about the Standard Operation Procedure agreed to in 1979.The
Nagaland Government has been insisting that the Standard Operation Procedure agreed to in
1979 only should be observed in letter and spirit all along the Assam, Nagaland border.
However, the Nagaland Government cannot agree to the unilateral deployment of forces and
unilateral SOP issued by the Assam Government in gross violation of the Interim Agreements
and in violation of natural justice and fair play. In fact the above SOP was agreed to be
reviewed in the Chief Secretary Meeting held at Guwahati on 16/5/2005 and during the
Divisional Commissioner level meeting held at Numaligarh on 23/9/2005. However, Assam has
failed to honour their agreement and the matter is still yet to be reviewed. Therefore,
your staff Correspondent should desist from irresponsible reporting and distortion of fact
to gain cheap publicity.
Your may also be
aware of the fact that under the terms of the Interim Agreements of 1972 the Government of
Nagaland agreed to allow temporarily the management of all the Reserve Forest to the Assam
Forest department and in turn the Assam Government agreed that all the reserve forest
shall be maintained as such and no fresh lease or contracts will be entered into by it in
respect to all the said Reserve Forest during the continuance of this agreement and the
Assam Government shall furnish to the Nagaland Government within ten/fifteen days of this
agreement a full and complete list of leases and contracts already entered into in respect
of all the said Reserve Forests, which they have failed to provide till date. Further, in
dealing with encroachments, the Assam Government agreed to enforce uniform policy
irrespective of the area or state to which the encroachers belong and also agreed that the
Naga settlement existing on the date of this agreement will not be disturbed.
Now over the
years due to the mismanagement of the Assam Forest department peoples from the Assam side
and Nagaland side had settled in this disputed forest areas and subsequently both the
Government of Assam and Nagaland has given recognition to this settlement. Therefore, any
arbitrary and unilateral action on the part of Assam to evict Naga settlers only from the
disputed areas will amount to violation of the aforesaid agreements and will also
tantamount to infringement on their rights as citizen of India and their rights to settle
anywhere in the country as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
You may also be
aware of the fact that the Assam Government had file an original suit dated 10/12/1988 in
the Supreme Court of India in the matters of encroachment into their territory, but till
date notwithstanding the prayer made by the Assam for Interim Injunction/relief on the
matter to give full administrative control and other incidental benefit exclusively on the
area which falls within the so call constitutional boundary of Assam no interim order
whatsoever had been issued by the Hon’ble court as prayed for or otherwise instead
the Hon’ble court has appointed a Local Commission to identify the boundaries between
the states of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for which the hearing is in progress.
Therefore, your Correspondent should not decide nor come to such conclusion which portion
of the disputed border areas of Assam-Nagaland will fall under whose jurisdiction on the
basis of the Topo-sheet prepared by the Survey of India wherein the survey of India has
also categorically stated that the boundary shown on the Topo-sheet in regard to the
Inter state boundary between Assam and Nagaland is yet to be verified on the ground. Since
the above matter is subjudice in the Supreme Court matter may be left for the court to
adjudicate and to the Government of Nagaland and Assam to decide and not left to some
cheap correspondent from Jorhat.
In the light of
the above and in the interest of both the states, and the people specifically living in
the border areas along the disputed border belt, I would like to request your esteemed
daily to kindly restrain your Correspondent from cheap and irresponsible reporting without
facts on the Assam-Nagaland border issue as this may lead to serious law and order
problem, but rather focus on unbiased reporting in the larger interest of maintaining
peace and harmony all along the disputed border areas of Assam-Nagaland and towards an
amicable solution of the border problem between the two sister states.’
(DIPR)
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