APPOINTMENT OF BOGUS TEACHERS TO BE KEPT ON HOLD; TO DEAL FIRMLY WITH EXTORTIONS
In a significant development Saturday, the state cabinet has recommended to the Centre for creation of an autonomous council encompassing four districts- Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire- against the backdrop of the demand for a separate ‘Frontier Nagaland’ by the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO).
The cabinet’s decision for creation of an autonomous council under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India was taken at a marathon cabinet meeting held at the chief minister’s residential office Saturday afternoon.
Once the government of India approved the proposal, the Autonomous Council of the four districts would have authority to administer the area and have legislative, administrative, executive and financial powers. In another landmark decision, the state cabinet has also decided to keep in abeyance the recent appointment of suspected bogus teachers in the school education department, after verification. The decision was seen as a response to various tribal students’ bodies which have vehemently opposed the reappointment and deployment of the teachers to their respective jurisdiction.
In another significant move to curb rampant extortion and illegal taxation in various forms by undergrounds and other organizations, the state cabinet has reportedly to come down heavily against such illegal activities without fear or favour The cabinet also approved the decision not to provide security escort to the Naga underground leaders unless specifically directed by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). A high level official meeting convened by home minister Imkong L. Imchen on Friday took the decision that henceforth, the Nagaland Police would not provide security escort to Naga underground leaders unless the state government was specifically directed by government of India with specific purpose, location and occasion. The cabinet is also learnt to have discussed on various issues such as the unilateral extension of Disturbed Area Act to the entire state by the centre despite the state not being in favour of extension, in view of the “prevailing peaceful atmosphere” in the state and ongoing ceasefire and “Indo-Naga” talks.
Cabinet recommendation after PM sought states opinion: CS
Meanwhile, state chief secretary Lalthara in a press release explained that the state cabinet on Saturday, took note of the resolution adopted at a joint meeting of DAN legislators and MPs on July 20, 2011 which had recommended to the cabinet, the creation of an autonomous council for areas falling within the jurisdiction of Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO).
According to Lalthara, the cabinet has decided to forward its proposal for creation of the autonomous council of ENPO areas to the government of India “for consideration.” It was also pointed out that the recommendation of the cabinet had a “certain historical background” that was reflected in the provisions of Article 371-A (2) of the constitution of India and also in lieu of the four districts being comparatively less developed.
He said the cabinet, had earlier on November 25,2010 deliberated on the prime minister’s note seeking the state government’s views on the memorandum submitted by the ENPO to the prime minister , for a separate state, comprising of the four districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng and Kiphire. Lalthara said a high level official committee headed by the chief secretary , formed by the cabinet to study the ENPO’s demand as well as other points it raised; had submitted its findings and recommendations to the state government on May 23,2011 and subsequently, the cabinet further constituted five sub-committees, to pursue the findings as contained in the high level committee report and these five sub-committees have already begun work to find solutions and redress grievances and other problems as highlighted both the ENPO memorandum as well as the report of the high level official committee, “provided it is the desire of the people” to be expressed in a democratic manner through their constitutionally elected representatives including other popularly accepted public organizations and platforms.
Lalthara said the cabinet was of the view, that the government of India was expected to know what was the best way to resolve the issue (ENPO demand) keeping in view the larger interest of the Naga people. He said the cabinet, therefore decided to request the government of India to intervene in the matter by taking an early decision so that further problems did not arise in a state that “is already faced with multiple problems.”
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