Page 3 - Nagaland

ENPO raises louder demand for carving out separate state from Nagaland

The ENPO, which is demanding a separate state carved out of Nagaland, declared a "public emergency" in six districts, stating that it would not allow any political party to campaign for the Lok Sabha polls. The decision was taken by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO) after it held a meeting with tribal bodies and frontal organisations in Dimapur on Tuesday. "In view of the Government of India delaying to settle the offer for creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) through the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Tribal Bodies and Frontal Organisations hereby declare Public Emergency all over Eastern Nagaland with immediate effect," it said in a statement. ENPO has been demanding a separate state since 2010, claiming that the six districts -- Mon, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator, in the eastern part of Nagaland have been neglected in all aspects for years. It also decided "not to accede to any assurance that may come up with by the MHA to be implemente

Nagaland CM presents Budget, announces universal life insurance scheme

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday announced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme as he presented the Budget for 2024-25 which did not propose any hike in taxes. Presenting the budget on the second day of the ongoing session of the State Assembly, Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio, said gross receipts are estimated at Rs 23,978.05 crore and the gross expenditures are pegged at Rs 23,727.88 crore. The budget estimate is an increase of Rs 644.22 crore compared to the previous financial year where the amount was at Rs 23,083.66 crore. Rio termed the budget as people centric and tax-free for the welfare of the people in general. Among significant measures, the state government announced a fully-funded universal life insurance scheme to mitigate financial hardship due to untimely demise of a family's breadwinner. The Chief Minister's Universal Life Insurance Scheme will be fully funded by the state government. A life insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh will be

Nagaland govt employees protest, demand restoration of old pension scheme

A large number of government employees in Nagaland took to the streets on Friday, demanding scrapping of the new pension scheme' and restoration of the earlier system. State government employees recruited after 2010, the year the new pension scheme was implemented, converged at the civil secretariat junction here under the aegis of the Nagaland National Pension System Government Service Employees' Forum (NNPSGSEF). NNPSGSEF president Moanungsang said the peaceful dharna was held to stand in solidarity with the national strike organised by the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF). He said the forum had submitted a representation to the state government in September 2023, but there has been no response. NNPSGSEF said the old pension scheme provided social security to employees with guaranteed life-time reasonable pension. However, the new scheme does not provide social security and guarantees lower pension per month to long-surviving pensioners, it claimed.

Sidbi commits over Rs 100 cr for entrepreneurship projects in Nagaland

SIDBI has entered into an agreement with the Nagaland government, committing over Rs 100 crore for entrepreneurship projects in the northeastern state. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the apex regulatory body for overall licensing and regulation of micro, small and medium enterprise finance companies in India. It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance. SIBDI Chief General Manager Subhransu S Acharya, during an event on Tuesday night, said it would fund four projects, including setting up of industrial infrastructure for MSMEs under cluster development fund and Swavalamban Connect Kendras (SCK) for all the 16 districts to boost the spirit of entrepreneurship. SIDBI also announced sports scholarships of Rs 5 lakh each for the training of five promising sportspersons. It would also provide seed funds to support the entrepreneurs in their startup journey. Nagaland Advisor for Industry and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu Kense and SIDBI Chairman and Managing

At least six die, four critically injured in coal mine accident in Nagaland

At least six workers were charred to death and four critically injured in a fire accident inside an illegal coal mine in Nagaland's Wokha district, an official said. The incident took place at Richanyan village under Bhandari sub-division of Wokha district around 1pm on January 25, Bhandari MLA Achumbemo Kikon told PTI here on Friday. Kikon, who is in Bhandari to take stock of the situation, said the workers, all from Assam, were engaged in digging inside the illegal rat-hole mine when there was a fire killing six of them and critically injuring four others. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Dimapur, an official said. Expressing concern on such illegal coal mines in Bhandari, the MLA urged the state department to take stringent steps to stop such mines.

Nagaland Cong Committee stages protest, alleges violence against Nyay Yatra

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee staged a protest demonstration at Congress Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday, and condemned the alleged acts of violence against the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra convoy in Assam

Doesn't matter if you're small state, feel equal: Rahul Gandhi in Nagaland

Nagaland has an area of 16,579 square kilometres with a population of 19.79 lakhs, according to the 2011 Census. It is the fourth-smallest state in the country in terms of area

Three groups join for talks with Centre to Naga Political Issue's solution

Three Naga groups have come together and decided to pursue negotiations for a solution to the decades-old Naga Political Issue with the Centre jointly. The decision was taken on Saturday during a meeting attended by leaders of the three groups -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN led by Khango and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z Royim. All three are splinter groups. "The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024," said Akato, while addressing journalists after the meeting here in the presence of leaders of the other two groups. Asked if they have already approached the Centre with their decision to hold a dialogue, he said, "We have made separate approaches in the past but now we will make a joint effort on the Naga issue." Akato also affirmed that they would be holding a dialogue separate from the negotiations being held by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) with the Centre.

Three Naga groups approach Centre over decades-old political issue

Three Naga groups came together on Saturday and decided to pursue negotiations for a solution to the decades-old Naga Political Issue with the Centre jointly. The decision was taken during a meeting attended by leaders of the three groups -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) led by Akato Chophy, NSCN led by Khango and Naga National Council (NNC) led by Z Royim. All three are splinter groups. "The three groups have come together to have a joint political venture in 2024," said Akato, while addressing journalists after the meeting here in the presence of leaders of the other two groups. Asked if they have already approached the Centre with their decision to hold a dialogue, he said, "We have made separate approaches in the past but now we will make a joint effort on the Naga issue." Akato also affirmed that they would be holding a dialogue separate from the negotiations being held by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) with the Centre. The

Former Nagaland governor Padmanabha Acharya passes away

Senior BJP leader and former governor of Nagaland Padmanabha Acharya passed away in Mumbai on Friday, party sources said. Acharya (92), who hailed from Udupi in Karnataka, breathed his last at his house here, the sources said. The BJP veteran had also worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. Acharya had served as governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and also handled the responsibilities as the governor of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In his condolence message, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Acharya remained committed to the organisation's ideology.

Nagaland elections: Over 96% voter turnout for Tapi Assembly bypoll

The by-election to the Tapi Assembly seat in Nagaland's Mon district ended peacefully on Tuesday with 96.25 per cent of 15,256 voters exercising their franchise, an official said. Voting was incident-free and peaceful across the 23 polling stations from 7 am till 4 pm, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vyasan R said here. Webcasting was conducted in all the polling stations, he said. The electorate comprised 7,788 men and 7,468 women. The by-election was necessitated following the death of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) MLA Noke Wangnao on August 28. Ruling NDPP candidate Wangpang Konyak and Congress nominee Wanglem Konyak are in the fray. The counting of votes will take place on December 3.

2 EAC-PM members on 5-day Nagaland tour, to meet with key stakeholders

Two members of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) have arrived in Nagaland on a five-day visit during which they will hold discussions with key stakeholders, and look at ways to bolster development of the region, officials said. The members Sanjeev Sanyal and Devi Prasad Mishra arrived in the northeastern state on Friday, a release issued by the Nagaland Planning & Transformation Department said. The visit focuses on catalysing economic growth and development in the region, and holds promise for strengthening vital sectors as well as forging collaborations, it said. The EAC-PM members will engage in extensive discussions with local entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders and community representatives during their stay, the release said.

AFSPA extended in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland for another 6 months

The government has issued two separate notifications, the decisions have been taken after a review of the law-and-order situation in both states

Include local dialect in Gramin Dak Sevaks recruitment: NSF to Centre

Welcoming the Centre's decision to open new branch post offices (BPOs) in the state, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has requested it to include proficiency in local dialect as an additional qualification for recruitment of Gramin Dak Sevaks. NSF said it has learnt that the department of posts intends to recruit 173 Gramin Dak Sevaks, branch postmasters (BPM) and assistant branch postmasters (ABPMs) to serve in these newly established BPOs. "The NSF is delighted to acknowledge the ministry of communication's initiative in the department of posts to open 70 new BPOs in Nagaland. These BPOs are expected to bring essential banking and postal services closer to remote villages of the state, a commendable step towards rural development," a statement by the NSF said. Welcoming the recruitment drive, the NSF said the draft model notification by the department of posts stipulates Hindi or English as the local language for the engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks in Nagaland. "While these ..

Nagaland sets up select committee to examine state's Municipal Bill 2023

The Nagaland Assembly on Thursday constituted a seven-member Select Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang to examine the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023. The Assembly had on Tuesday decided to refer the Bill to the Select Committee after the members deliberated on the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) election which has not been held in the northeastern state for almost two decades. The announcement about the formation of the Select Committee was made by Speaker Sharingain Longkumer before declaring the session sine die. The detailed order on the working of the Committee will be notified by the Assembly Secretariat, but normally any such panel set up to refer to a government bill needs to submit its report within three months, Longkumer told PTI. The Bill was tabled in the House on September 12 by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio following a deliberation of the members on matters of urgent public interest on Urban Local Bodies Elections. During its March session, the Assembly had

Nagaland Assembly passes bills to revise taxes on motor vehicles and goods

The Nagaland Assembly on Tuesday passed two bills that seek to revise taxes on motor vehicles and goods transported in them. Another bill was for amending an Act to include various new subjects to be taught in the North East Christian University. The Bills were introduced on September 11, the first day of the monsoon session. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the transport department, said the motor vehicles tax for transport vehicles was last revised in 1999 and for private vehicles, the same was done in 2009. The tax rate prevalent in Nagaland is low as compared to other states in the country, Rio stated adding that the hiring charges for transport vehicles have significantly increased and the road conditions too have improved over the years. Taking into account the rise in price and to improve the financial health of the state, he said the government proposes for revision of the Motor Vehicles Tax by amending the Act. The Nagaland Motor Vehicles Taxation (Amendment) B

Shops burnt after fire broke out in commercial buildings in Nagaland

Hundreds of shops with properties worth crores of rupees have been razed to ashes after a fire broke out in a few commercial buildings at High School junction here in the early hours of Saturday, police said. The Fire & Emergency Service Department received the information around 2:30 am and the blaze was brought under control by 5 am, they said. Officials of the High School Traders Union said some people suffered minor injuries while trying to protect the properties inside more than 100 shops. There was no report of any fatality. The blaze is suspected to have erupted due to a short-circuit in one of the shops, police said. Further investigation is underway.

Nagaland govt launches Tele-MANAS to fight mental health challenges

To provide mental health support to people to those in need in Nagaland, the Tele-Mental Health and Neuroscience (Tele-MANAS) initiative was launched on Tuesday, an official said. Tele-MANAS would provide mental health services to those in need by offering remote access to mental health professionals, said Mission Director National Health Mission, Dr Ritu Thurr during the launching ceremony held at the State Mental Health Institute here under the auspices of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. The initiative facilitates early identification of mental health issues, enabling timely intervention and care, he said. Highlighting the comprehensive nature of mental health, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being, he said mental health extends to thinking patterns, emotions, behaviour, stress management, relationships, and decision-making. Through technology-driven mental health services, Tele-MANAS aims to minimise the stigma attached to seeking mental health support, he ...

Naga flag, constitution inseparable from sovereignty of people: NSCN-IM

NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah on Monday asserted that the separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, contentious issues that have stalled the peace process, are inseparable from the sovereignty of the people. The Framework Agreement signed between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) to bring lasting peace in Nagaland was inked in 2015 recognising the unique history and sovereignty of the Nagas, Muivah said. We must defend what we have achieved with our own sweat and blood. On the issue of integration of all Naga areas, the government of India has officially acknowledged that it is the legitimate right of the Nagas and therefore, it shall be finalised accordingly, he said. Muivah was speaking on the occasion of the NSCN-IM's independence day' celebration at its headquarters in Hebron, 30 km from Nagaland's commercial hub of Dimapur. The Naga national resistance movement is all about defending the inherent sovereign right of the Na

PM Modi urged for honourable solution for Naga-Centre peace talks

The United Naga Council (UNC) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after thousands of Nagas of Manipur took out rallies in areas inhabited by them to press for the successful conclusion of peace talks between the Centre and Naga groups based on the Framework Agreement. The memorandum, which was submitted through Senapati deputy commissioner, stated, "We call upon the government of India to honour the Framework Agreement in letter and spirit by accepting the universal fact that sovereignity lies with people and by extension, that the Naga national flag and Constitution must be an integral part of the shared sovereignity". Naga peace talks have been in a stalemate for long over a demand by the NSCN(IM) that Nagaland be allowed a flag and a chapter in the Indian Constitution. The UNC also requested the PM that "Naga areas" should not be touched while attempting to address demands of "any other community". The Naga body's appeal comes at the backdrop of t