Owning moral responsibility for the Congress’ poll debacle in Assam, the party’s longest-serving CM of the state, Tarun Gogoi, today announced of resigning from the position.
He said he will soon meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi to put in his papers but added that he will continue to be part of active politics and help the party revive its fortunes.
The Congress, which had remained undefeated in elections at all levels in the state since 2001, could manage to secure only three seats in yesterday’s results, down from the seven seats it had won in 2009 general elections. Among the three winners for the party is Gogoi’s son Gaurav from Kaliabor constituency.
It had won a thumping majority of 79 legislators in the state Assembly of 126 members in 2011 polls.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan here, Gogoi said, ‘I will soon meet Sonia Gandhiji and tell her that I want to quit office, owning moral responsibility for the party’s defeat here.’
‘But I will not leave politics and will continue to work to revive the party,’ he added.
He said it was up to the party high command to decide on his fate.
The CM had announced before the polls that he will resign if the party’s tally went down from seven in the state.
Gogoi, however, defended Sonia-Rahul Gandhi over the Congress’ national drubbing in the polls and said, ‘I believe that Sonia-Rahul Gandhi are true leaders of the Congress. They have an unmatched commitment to the nation.’ ‘Except Mahatma Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi was the only person who could resist becoming the PM even when she had the mandate for it,’ he said, referring to Ms Gandhi’s refusing the PM’s chair when UPA-I had come to power in 2004.
On the probable causes of the party’s defeat in the state, the CM said, ‘We will analyse the results constituency-wise. We will have to find out why we failed to reach out to the people despite our numerous welfare activities.’
He conceded that the party perhaps failed to attract the young voters, who were swayed by Narendra Modi’s assurances.
‘Power sometimes brings a sense of arrogance and complacency. After so many wins, we (Congress) may have fallen to these vices to some extent. We have to look into all these,’ Gogoi added.
On APCC chief Bhubaneswar Kalita’s hinting at resigning as the state party president yesterday, Kalita, who was present at the CM’s press conference, said he had no such plans immediately.
‘I accept moral responsibility for the defeat but I will not resign now. Whenever I decide to do so, I will inform the press,’ Kalita said.
~NagalandPost
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Congress has not defeated us, Nagas have defeated us: Rio
Rio leaves for Delhi
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 17
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also the MP elect from Nagaland state, left for New Delhi today. He was accompanied by Home Minister, G Kaito Aye; Minister for Planning & Coordination, TR Zeliang and Minister for School Education, CM Chang. The delegation is scheduled to meet top leaders in Delhi, where the process of installing a new government is underway.
“Solution to Naga political problem is one of the most important promises we made to the people. Therefore, we will pursue vigorously which we have committed to the people”, said Rio while asserting that all Naga Political Groups should unite to achieve this common aspiration.
Rio lamented that during the last ten years, when the Congress led UPA was in power, most of state projects could not be implemented due to fund constraint.
TR Zeliang also said that solution to the pending Naga political issue will be the foremost task. He said Nagas could not move any further because of the pending Naga political issue, and therefore priority would be given to bringing an acceptable solution. He sought the cooperation of all legislators on this matter.
Zeliang exuded confidence that Rio being present at the Centre would make a difference and expressed hope that the latter would create an impact on all fronts, especially with the Naga Political Issue. He further expressed hope that the new government at the Centre will give collective attention towards the progress and development of the North East.
“We have many challenges before us,” Zeliang stated and asserted that his first and foremost duty will be to bring permanent peace so that development would follow.
Commenting on the defeat of the NPF in the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, Zeliang said “we were defeated by ourselves.” He said there were three Naga candidates (NPF, Independent and BJP), but lamented that Naga votes have been divided.
‘Nagas have lost
golden opportunity’
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, commenting on the NPF’s defeat in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, today said that Nagas have lost a “golden opportunity.” “I felt very bad. It is bad luck for the Nagas”, Rio said. He said that if the NPF had won in Manipur, it would have made things different and that Nagas could have benefited a lot, particularly on emotional integration and the Naga Political Issue. “Congress has not defeated us, Nagas have defeated us,” Rio rued.
~Morung Express
TR Zeliang to spearhead DAN govt
(L-R) Chotisuh Sazo, Kuzholuzo Nienu, TR Zeliang, Neiphiu Rio and Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu during the formal declaration of the new leader for the NPF Legislature Party in Kohima on May 17. (Morung Photo)
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 17
Kohima | May 17
Nagaland Minister for Planning & Coordination, Evaluation, Geology & Mining, TR Zeliang has been formally and unanimously elected as the new NPF Legislature Party leader. He will spearhead the NPF led DAN-III government in Nagaland after Neiphiu Rio, the present Chief Minister, demits office.
This was unanimously resolved during the NPF Legislature Party meeting and the joint meeting of DAN-III Legislature Party, comprising of the NPF, BJP, NCP and JD (U), along with the Independent MLAs supporting DAN. The meetings were held at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on Saturday.
The resolution of the DAN-III Legislature Party and Independent MLAs joint meeting was signed by DAN Coordination Committee Chairman, Dr. Shürhozelie while Minister for R&B and Parliamentary Affairs, Kuzholuzo Nienu signed a resolution of the NPF Legislature Party meeting.
Earlier, TR Zeliang’s name was proposed by Kejung Chang, Parliamentary Secretary for Jail, HG, VGs and DB/GBs while Forest Minister Y. Patton seconded the proposal. The programme was presided over by Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated TR Zeliang and said that the NPF led DAN has achieved a lot but that it still has a long way to go. Extending his best wishes to Zeliang, Rio said that there had been a communication gap and expression of different opinions during the transitional period. However, he stated that misunderstandings have now died down.
“To run the government for the third and fourth time will not be easy. It will be possible only when the party remains united” Rio said and urged upon the new leadership to give priority to the backward regions.
Zeliang accepted the party’s decision and stated “I accept with all humility and I will try my level best to fulfill expectation in leading the Naga people to peace and prosperity in line with the manifesto of the party.” He appealed to the legislators to extend unwavering cooperation and support.
In his acceptance speech, Zeliang congratulated Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his landslide victory in the Nagaland State Lok Sabha election. He thanked the Party President, the Chief Minister and all legislator colleagues for enabling and ensuring smooth transition of leadership in the DAN Legislatures Party.
Referring to Rio’s leadership, TR Zeliang said, “His charismatic nature has instilled an admirable and inspirational sense before the people.” Stating that Rio has enabled the NPF party to become a household name, Zeliang asserted that his contributions to the party, which will have a place now in the national arena, can never be erased.
“I would like to wholeheartedly assure you of my personal and of the state’s government support to all your ventures in central politics for the benefit of the Naga people in particular and the country as a whole. We would carry forward the legacy and vision that you have left to us for the progress of our people,” he added.
Zeliang also acknowledged “the magnanimous gesture” of his colleague Minister for PHE, Noke Wangnao, who Zeliang said, “tirelessly and steadfastly remains in the regional party and has strived for the upliftment of backward region.”
“Noke Wangnao, as a person I know, belongs to the generation of leaders who silently work, but strongly deliver. We are all indebted to him for his broad mindedness and warm hearted approach in resolving this dilemma,” he said.
Zeliang further lamented that there has been speculation that division/dissidents have been created in course of the transitional period of leadership in the NPF led DAN government. He asserted that a constructive attitude is required at this juncture to further unite and strengthen the party and government.
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Afghan landslide: 350 dead, hundreds missing
More than 300 people were killed and hundreds of others feared dead after a landslide buried an Afghan village, officials said, as rescue teams on Saturday rushed to the scene in the hope of finding any survivors.
Local people used shovels to search for anyone trapped under a massive river of mud and rocks that engulfed the village in Badakhshan province, leaving little sign of the hundreds of homes it destroyed.
The United Nations confirmed that 350 people were dead, and provincial officials said more than 2,000 were still missing more than 20 hours after the disaster.
Emergency workers arrived at the scene on Saturday morning to be confronted by the enormous scale of the landslide, hundreds of homeless families and the risk of more earth sweeping down the hillside.
Badakhshan governor Shah Waliullah Adeeb told AFP that 2,500 people were missing.
"Our initial findings based on local people's reports show around 2,500 people, including women and children, might be dead," he said late Friday.
"It is difficult to get confirmed information from the scene and we are seeking to determine the facts." Provincial officials said that two successive landslides hit Aab Bareek village within one hour.
Villagers were at Friday prayers in two mosques when they were entombed by a tide of debris, and the second landslide hit many who had rushed to assist those in need.
"The number of deceased has increased to 350," the UN mission in Afghanistan said. "A response is being mobilised for those who survived but were displaced, with some partners already on the ground.
"(The NATO military) Regional Command in the north (is) in contact with the Afghan National Army in regards to search and rescue efforts."
Badakhshan is a remote, mountainous province in northeast Afghanistan bordering Tajikistan, China and Pakistan.
It has been relatively peaceful since the US-led military intervention began in 2001, but has seen increasing Taliban activity in recent years.
Assam violence: Bodies of 4 children among 9 recovered, toll rises to 32
GUWAHATI: Nine more bodies were recovered from a village in Baksa district early Saturday, taking the toll to 32 in the violence unleashed by NDFB-Songbijit militants in Bodoland Territorial Administration Districts (BTADC) area in Assam.
The bodies of the victims, including four children and two women, were recovered from Khagrabari village under Salbari sub-division adjacent to the Manas National Park, official sources said.
Bodies of two children were identified as Ilina Khatun and Ariful Islam.
Three children, aged between seven and ten years, who were hiding in a forest on the banks of river Beki were also rescued, the sources said.
Police arrested 12 people in Baksa in connection with the terror attacks and eight people have been picked up for questioning in Kokrajhar, according to TV reports
Indefinite curfew was imposed in Kokrajhar, Baksa and Chirang districts of Assam following the violence.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has called for an emergency meet over the violence.
(With inputs from PTI)
The bodies of the victims, including four children and two women, were recovered from Khagrabari village under Salbari sub-division adjacent to the Manas National Park, official sources said.
Bodies of two children were identified as Ilina Khatun and Ariful Islam.
Three children, aged between seven and ten years, who were hiding in a forest on the banks of river Beki were also rescued, the sources said.
Police arrested 12 people in Baksa in connection with the terror attacks and eight people have been picked up for questioning in Kokrajhar, according to TV reports
Indefinite curfew was imposed in Kokrajhar, Baksa and Chirang districts of Assam following the violence.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has called for an emergency meet over the violence.
(With inputs from PTI)
Two Manipuris among those hurt in Chennai Express blast
IMPHAL, May 2 : Two Manipuri players were injured when a bomb exploded inside Guwahati Express (train) travelling from Bangalore to Guwahati at around 7 am yesterday.
A Manipur team was returning home after participating in the 5th National Open Karate Championship held at Devanagiri, Karnataka on April 28 and 29 when the bomb exploded inside the train compartment where they were seated, said chief coach Th Ibungochoubi.
As the train halted at Chennai central, Ibungochoubi went down to buy breakfast items. It was at this moment a bomb exploded inside their compartment leaving two injured.
Six Manipuris were seated together in the compartment. Altogether 20 Manipur players and officials were travelling together in the train.
The injured victims have been identified as Th Bijenkumar (14) from Samurou and Altab Khan (17) from Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai. They are currently undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, Chennai.
Altab Khan may be discharged today or tomorrow but Bijenkumar would require treatment for a few more days, said the chief coach.
Team members who escaped the blast unscathed left for Guwahati in Howrah Mail last night.
The Manipur team clinched four gold medals, four silvers and 11 bronze medals in the national championship.
~Sangai Express
A Manipur team was returning home after participating in the 5th National Open Karate Championship held at Devanagiri, Karnataka on April 28 and 29 when the bomb exploded inside the train compartment where they were seated, said chief coach Th Ibungochoubi.
As the train halted at Chennai central, Ibungochoubi went down to buy breakfast items. It was at this moment a bomb exploded inside their compartment leaving two injured.
Six Manipuris were seated together in the compartment. Altogether 20 Manipur players and officials were travelling together in the train.
The injured victims have been identified as Th Bijenkumar (14) from Samurou and Altab Khan (17) from Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai. They are currently undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, Chennai.
Altab Khan may be discharged today or tomorrow but Bijenkumar would require treatment for a few more days, said the chief coach.
Team members who escaped the blast unscathed left for Guwahati in Howrah Mail last night.
The Manipur team clinched four gold medals, four silvers and 11 bronze medals in the national championship.
~Sangai Express
ACAUT condemns NSCN (K) threat
Death threat issued to DDPVDU president: ACAUT
ACAUT Nagaland has alleged that NSCN (K) had recently issued a death threat to Dimapur District Pick-Up Van & Drivers’ Union (DDPVDU) president Akaho Awomi for refusing to pay ‘tax demand’ of Rs, 5000 per vehicle for 2014-15.
While strongly condemning the threat, ACAUT Nagaland media cell in a press release said such as threat was not the “operating procedure of a revolutionary organization but the hallmark of mafias.”
On April 24, ACAUT claimed that one NSCN (K) ‘maj.’ Shitokhu sent an sms to Akaho in Sumi dialect which read: “Mr. President, Tata Mobile, NSCN (K) Government Ye Nono Tsumopani Keghenguno Lumo Ikemu Headles (read as Hit list) Number 1 (One) Ye Nokene, Okuxuke Ogho. NSCN (K) Major Shitokhu.” In English, ACAUT said it roughly means: “Since you have refused to pay, we’ll not take. However, know that you’re in Hit-list no. 1. Your life, your wish.”
Prior to sending of the sms, it has been learnt that Akaho Awomi received a letter from the NSCN (K) Urban Town Commander K. Aye, under the caption of “Nagaland for Christ” asking the DDPVDU to pay an amount of Rs. 5000 per vehicle, said ACAUT adding that in later telephonic conversations, the union was ordered to pay the amount in Kohima.
ACAUT Nagaland said it was deeply concerned with the way in which NSCN (K) was randomly targeting individuals and the business community in general. ACAUT reminded the NSCN (K) to clarify to the Naga people whether or not the group’s cadre Vicky Sumi was responsible for the grenade attack on Maruti Trading Company on April 22.
Unless the NSCN (K) leadership clarified its position on the above mentioned two incidents, the Naga people would be inclined to believe that NSCN (K) has gone haywire contrary to national principles, said ACAUT furthering asserting that the ACAUT movement would be forced to question the legitimacy of NSCN (K).
Village chairmen, GBs adopt resolution: Chairmen and GBs of urban and rural Dimapur held a joint meeting with ACAUT Nagaland Friday and adopted resolutions on “one tax, one government” and “threats”.
According to ACAUT Nagaland media cell, chairmen and GBs reiterated to abide by the October 31 Naga public resolution on “one government, one tax and decided not pay any form of tax to any underground factions including household and ration tax as long as factionalism existed in the Naga movement.
The house also resolved that any threat or intimidations against any village or colony chairmen/GBs by any factions on the issue of tax would be taken as threats against the chairmen and GB’s community in particular and Nagas in general.
The media cell informed that one hundred chairmen and GBs representing Dimapur urban area of well over 80 colonies and the following villages representing rural areas, such as, Naharbari, Ekranipathar, Tenyiphe-I, Kashiram, 7th Mile village, Padumpukhuri, Sovima, Darogajan, Chumukedima Ward-6, Sodzulhou, UAVU area, etc., passed the resolution extending full support to ACAUT Nagaland.
~Nagaland Post
ACAUT Nagaland has alleged that NSCN (K) had recently issued a death threat to Dimapur District Pick-Up Van & Drivers’ Union (DDPVDU) president Akaho Awomi for refusing to pay ‘tax demand’ of Rs, 5000 per vehicle for 2014-15.
While strongly condemning the threat, ACAUT Nagaland media cell in a press release said such as threat was not the “operating procedure of a revolutionary organization but the hallmark of mafias.”
On April 24, ACAUT claimed that one NSCN (K) ‘maj.’ Shitokhu sent an sms to Akaho in Sumi dialect which read: “Mr. President, Tata Mobile, NSCN (K) Government Ye Nono Tsumopani Keghenguno Lumo Ikemu Headles (read as Hit list) Number 1 (One) Ye Nokene, Okuxuke Ogho. NSCN (K) Major Shitokhu.” In English, ACAUT said it roughly means: “Since you have refused to pay, we’ll not take. However, know that you’re in Hit-list no. 1. Your life, your wish.”
Prior to sending of the sms, it has been learnt that Akaho Awomi received a letter from the NSCN (K) Urban Town Commander K. Aye, under the caption of “Nagaland for Christ” asking the DDPVDU to pay an amount of Rs. 5000 per vehicle, said ACAUT adding that in later telephonic conversations, the union was ordered to pay the amount in Kohima.
ACAUT Nagaland said it was deeply concerned with the way in which NSCN (K) was randomly targeting individuals and the business community in general. ACAUT reminded the NSCN (K) to clarify to the Naga people whether or not the group’s cadre Vicky Sumi was responsible for the grenade attack on Maruti Trading Company on April 22.
Unless the NSCN (K) leadership clarified its position on the above mentioned two incidents, the Naga people would be inclined to believe that NSCN (K) has gone haywire contrary to national principles, said ACAUT furthering asserting that the ACAUT movement would be forced to question the legitimacy of NSCN (K).
Village chairmen, GBs adopt resolution: Chairmen and GBs of urban and rural Dimapur held a joint meeting with ACAUT Nagaland Friday and adopted resolutions on “one tax, one government” and “threats”.
According to ACAUT Nagaland media cell, chairmen and GBs reiterated to abide by the October 31 Naga public resolution on “one government, one tax and decided not pay any form of tax to any underground factions including household and ration tax as long as factionalism existed in the Naga movement.
The house also resolved that any threat or intimidations against any village or colony chairmen/GBs by any factions on the issue of tax would be taken as threats against the chairmen and GB’s community in particular and Nagas in general.
The media cell informed that one hundred chairmen and GBs representing Dimapur urban area of well over 80 colonies and the following villages representing rural areas, such as, Naharbari, Ekranipathar, Tenyiphe-I, Kashiram, 7th Mile village, Padumpukhuri, Sovima, Darogajan, Chumukedima Ward-6, Sodzulhou, UAVU area, etc., passed the resolution extending full support to ACAUT Nagaland.
~Nagaland Post
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