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Guwahati: Nagalands Wokha district is in mourning as six lives were tragically lost due to a fire in a coal mine according to sources.  This unfortunate incident took place around 2 pm on Thursday in Russain village, which's part of the Bhandari subdivision in Nagalands Wokha district. Reports suggest that the fire broke out when flammable gas from the mine ignited, leading to consequences. Furthermore four individuals were injured in the blaze. Have been taken to Dimapur in Assam for medical treatment.  All six victims were from Assam highlighting the impact of this tragedy on the region. While coal mining is not prohibited in Nagaland it operates under a legal framework as the government lacks jurisdiction over mining activities on land owned by local villagers and communities. However state officials express their concern that safety protocols were not adequately followed by the miners leading to a severe outcome.  The loss of these lives emphasizes the need for improved safety measures and regulatory oversight, within Nagalands mining industry as authorities grapple with the aftermath of this distressing event.

Tragedy strikes Nagaland's Wokha district as a coal mine fire claims six lives. Urgent calls for enhanced safety measures.

Coal Mine Tragedy: 6 Lives Lost in Nagaland

Chiephobozou (Nagaland): In a press conference held in Nagaland during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed optimism on Tuesday that the seat-sharing issues within the I.N.D.I.A bloc would be successfully resolved. He confidently asserted that the coalition, characterized as an ideological formation in opposition to the RSS and BJP, would triumph over the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls scheduled for this year.  Gandhi emphasized the mutual respect and affection prevailing among the leaders of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, describing it as an ideological formation staunchly opposed to the BJP-RSS ideology. He assured the public that discussions on seat sharing were progressing well and that the matters at hand were not overly complex.  "We are in conversation with our partners. The issue of seat sharing is being taken up. Those discussions are ongoing and I think they are going quite well. Let us see where those discussions end," Gandhi stated.  Responding to media reports suggesting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's discontent after a recent meeting of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, Gandhi dismissed them as an overplay by the media. He emphasized the existing mutual respect and affection between the leaders, urging the media not to spotlight isolated issues.  "The media overplays these things. By raising one issue, you (media) make that the main issue. There is mutual respect and affection between the leaders of the INDIA formation," Gandhi remarked.  Highlighting the ideological stance of the I.N.D.I.A bloc against the BJP-RSS, Gandhi expressed confidence that any minor issues within the coalition would be resolved, and together they would effectively challenge and defeat the BJP in the upcoming elections.  As discussions on seat sharing continue, certain states like Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal have become focal points of contention among the I.N.D.I.A bloc partners. Nevertheless, Gandhi remained steadfast in his belief that the opposition alliance would emerge victorious in the Lok Sabha polls, expected to take place in April-May.  "I see the I.N.D.I.A bloc placed very well in taking on the BJP in 2024," he affirmed.  The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, commenced in Thoubal, Manipur, on January 14 and reached Nagaland on Monday evening. The yatra is slated to traverse 6,713 km, passing through 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states, using various modes of transportation, and is expected to conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.
—Input from Agencies

Rahul Gandhi assures resolution of I.N.D.I.A coalition's seat-sharing issues, confident of victory in Lok Sabha 2024.

Rahul Gandhi Confident on Seat-Sharing Resolution, Predicts Victory for I.N.D.I.A Coalition in Upcoming LS Polls

Kohima (Nagaland): The ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi progressed into Nagaland on Monday evening, marking the continuation of its journey after spending two days addressing issues related to ethnic violence in Manipur. During his stay in Manipur, Rahul engaged with civil society organizations and citizens from diverse backgrounds.  Commencing from the Khongjom War Memorial on Sunday, the yatra navigated through areas predominantly inhabited by the Kuki and Naga communities on its second day. Rahul's aides noted that the Congress leader undertook the yatra in Manipur amidst considerable security challenges.  Setting up his base in Khuzama, Nagaland, for the day, Rahul traversed through Sekmai, Kangpokpi, Senapati, and Mao, a Manipuri town bordering Nagaland, negotiating challenging terrains.  Expressing his thoughts as he bid farewell to Manipur, Rahul shared on social media, "Today, Manipur is looking towards the entire country with hopeful eyes. We have to erase the pain from their eyes and light the 'lamp of hope'. Our journey is a balm of unity and love on the soul of India wounded by BJP's politics of division and neglect. We will walk together, we will fight together. To fight for justice, until we get it."  Initiating the day's yatra from Sekmai, Rahul interacted with locals who gathered on the streets to catch a glimpse of the Congress leader. Inside the bus, several children engaged in brief interactions with him, holding hand-written posters that conveyed messages such as "Uncle Rahul, we are India's future, and our future depends on you" and "We walk with you in the journey for 'nyay.'"  The evident societal divisions in Manipur following ethnic violence were noticeable during the yatra, with Meitei community party workers withdrawing before reaching Kangpokpi. Former Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, a Meitei community member, did not accompany Rahul in Kuki-dominated areas. Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar highlighted the division, mentioning that drivers from the Meitei community refused to come to Kangpokpi and vice versa.  On Tuesday, Rahul is expected to hold a press conference near Kohima around noon.
—Input from Agencies

Follow Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, addressing ethnic violence in Manipur. Unity, love, and political developments unfold in Nagaland.

Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Advances to Day 2, Night Rests in Nagaland

Kohima (Nagaland): Joining the rest of the country, Nagaland observed the nationwide cleanliness drive on Saturday, a day ahead of the proposed date declared by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan said “The cleanliness drive is a symbolic programme and people should see that the surroundings are maintained clean that is the most important thing. The State had decided to conduct the cleanliness drive in advance because of its situation and today the Raj Bhavan, alongwith its staff and the Deputy Commissioner, Nagaland are undertaking part in the programme. 'Our priority should be to maintain cleanliness'.”
"Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath" is one of the pivotal events of this year's 'Swachhata Hi Seva' (SHS)’ campaign, motivating citizens from across the nation to volunteer one hour towards cleanliness, at 10 a.m., on 1st October 2023.
“As the Prime Minister has declared the country open defecation-free, most of the villages in Nagaland are now open defecation-free, that is the foremost thing for maintaining cleanliness,” the Governor said. The cleanliness drive began at the Raj Bhavan till the Heritage, Nagaland. The cleanliness drive was initiated by the Kohima Municipal Council amidst condemnations from various organisations in Nagaland to the Prime Minister's call for a nationwide cleanliness drive on October 1. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon citizens to participate in a nationwide cleanliness drive on October 1 ahead of Gandhi Jayanti. The call to action– “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath” – aims to unite citizens from every corner of the country for one hour of collective “shramdaan” on October 1 starting at 10 am. “A big event on cleanliness is going to be organised on October 1 i.e. on Sunday at 10 am. You too should take out time and help in this campaign related to cleanliness. You can also join this cleanliness campaign in your street, or neighbourhood or at a park, river, lake or any other public place,” PM Modi said during the 105th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
—ANI

Joining the rest of the country, Nagaland observed the nationwide cleanliness drive on Saturday, a day ahead of the proposed date declared

Nagaland starts nationwide cleanliness drive

Kohima: A day after all the members of Nagaland Assembly, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, strongly opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the House on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution against the proposed law.
After the Chief Minister moved the resolution against UCC, the House unanimously adopted it and recommended to exempt Nagaland from the purview of the proposed law. Rio said the Central government had appointed the 22nd Law Commission on February 21, 2020 whose term has been extended to August 31, 2024.
The Law Commission had issued a public notice on June 14 inviting views and ideas from all the stakeholders on the UCC. Rio informed that the government of Nagaland, through a Cabinet decision, had submitted its views on the subject to the Law Commission on July 4, conveying its opposition to UCC on the grounds of the unique history of Nagaland and the constitutional guarantee given under Article 371 (A).
The Chief Minister stated that in the consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the UCC organised by the state government on September 1, the representatives of various Tribal Hohos and organisations had expressed their strong resentment and objection to the idea of having a UCC.
The state government’s view is that UCC would pose a threat to the customary laws, and social and religious practices, which would be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC, Rio said. He added that Article 371(A) provides for the protection of the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
—IANS

A day after all the members of Nagaland Assembly, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, strongly opposed the Uniform Civil Code

Nagaland Assembly unanimously adopts resolution against UCC

Mumbai: Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) caved to the aspirations of its elected MPs on Wednesday and declared its support for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio without committing to joining the cabinet.
NCP general secretary Narendra Verma said on Tuesday that Chief Minister Rio had been chosen to lead the party "in the bigger interest of the state of Nagaland" after meeting with Pawar and Baramati Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule.
Even though the BJP is a coalition partner of Rio's Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, the NCP didn't even name them in a statement released on Wednesday (NDPP).—Inputs from Agencies

Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) caved to the aspirations of its elected MPs on Wednesday and declared its support for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio without committing to joining the cabinet.

Nagaland: NCP supports CM Rio, ignores his ally BJP

Kohima: With practically all parties providing unconditional support to the NDPP-BJP alliance that won the polls held last month, the new Nagaland administration is moving towards an opposition-less government despite having one of the biggest numbers of political parties.
Pre-poll alliance partners NDPP-BJP won 25 and 12 seats respectively, for a total of 37 in the 60-member House in the state Assembly elections, the results of which were announced on March 2.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) gained seven seats, the Nationalist People's Party (NPP) five, the Loktantrik Janata Party (LJP) (Ram Vilas), the Naga People's Front (NPF), and the Republican Party of India (RPI) (Athawale), one, and the Democratic Party of India (DPI) four.—Input from Agencies

With practically all parties providing unconditional support to the NDPP-BJP alliance that won the polls held last month, the new Nagaland administration is moving towards an opposition-less government despite having one of the biggest numbers of political parties.

Nagaland heading for opposition-free govt

New Delhi: On Tuesday, Nagaland's Election Commission said that on March 1, revoting will take place at four polling sites throughout the state's same number of assembly constituencies.
The judgement was made by the EC after considering all "material circumstances," as reported by General Observers.
According to the EC's directive, the new voting will take place between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm.—Inputs from Agemcies

On Tuesday, Nagaland's Election Commission said that on March 1, revoting will take place at four polling sites throughout the state's same number of assembly constituencies.

The EC orders a re-vote in four Nagaland voting locations on Wednesday

Kohima: A vehicle carrying election duty workers was involved in an accident in the Wokha district of Nagaland on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of one person and the injuries of fifteen others, officials said.
Kohima officials reported that a vehicle transporting poll workers was involved in a crash near the Thillong bridge over the Doyang River on the way to Sungro. An instantaneous lethal force was used against the motorist.
All fifteen of the injured were taken to the district hospital in Wokha town, and a new team of polling personnel, complete with polling materials, EVMs, etc., was sent out from the Wokha district headquarters.—Inputs from Agencies

A vehicle carrying election duty workers was involved in an accident in the Wokha district of Nagaland on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of one person and the injuries of fifteen others, officials said

 Driver killed, 15 polling staff injured in Nagaland accident

Dimapur: For the next Nagaland Assembly election on February 27th, the JD(U) has presented its first candidate.
Kitoho S Rotokha, general secretary of the state party, will run for office in Chumoukedemia district, representing the Ghaspani-II seat. On Sunday, JD(U) president Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated his party would execute the Naga political solution if it had "enough support" at the polls.
Singh announced that his party will run in the upcoming state election because it is committed to delivering on the hopes of its constituents.—Inputs from Agencies

For the next Nagaland Assembly election on February 27th, the JD(U) has presented its first candidate.

JD(U) announces first candidate for Nagaland election

Kohima (The Hawk): The "Naga National Flag" has a great deal of sentimental meaning to the Naga people and is all about the "God given history" and identity of the Naga people, according to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM).
The NSCN-IM stated in the November issue of its monthly mouthpiece, "Nagalim Voice," that "What God has given cannot be a question of negotiation on the negotiating table."
The Naga National Flag, which represents the idea of one people, one nation, is being desperately attacked, according to the NSCN-IM.
The Central government and the Naga organisations, led by the NSCN-IM, have held more than 80 rounds of negotiations, but the sensitive issues of a separate Naga flag and constitution have not been resolved.
The former government liaison and former Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi repeatedly rejected the NSCN-demands IM's for a distinct flag and constitution.
"Ironically, it is the Government of India's excessive use of the "delaying game" that is grating on the NSCN Talk Team's nerves. Even though we occasionally found the government's cynicism tiresome, we will nevertheless maintain our position."
It stated that it is not surprising that the Naga political issue has dragged on for more than 25 years given its intricacy.
The spokesperson warned, "However, the complexity should not be used for any nefarious play."
The NSCN-IM reaffirmed that under no circumstances could the "one people, one nation" guiding concept of the Naga political movement be compromised.
Neiphiu Rio, the chief minister of Nagaland, recently stated that the unresolved Naga political issue was the reason why the state continued to lag behind other states in all areas of development.
The Chief Minister had stated that even if the Central government and the Naga Political Groups sign a final peace deal or settlement, there won't be true peace if the Nagas can't operate as a single people.
(Inputs from Agencies)

The "Naga National Flag" has a great deal of sentimental meaning to the Naga people and is all about the "God given history" and identity of the Naga people, according to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM).

No discussion about the "Naga National Flag," according to NSCN-IM

Kohima:&nbsp;Nagaland on Wednesday reported 13 fresh COVID-19 infections, three more than the previous day, pushing the tally to 35,816, a health department official said.Dimapur district reported seven infections, followed by four in Kohima and one each in Tuensang and Wokha districts, out of the 162 samples tested, he said.Thirteen more patients recovered from the infections during the day taking the total number of recoveries to 33,464, he said.The COVID-19 death toll remained at 771, he said.Nagaland currently has 76 active COVID-19 cases, while 1,505 patients have migrated to other states thus far, he said.Altogether 4,77,560 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the state so far.A total of 18,63,723 doses of coronavirus vaccine have been administered in the state till Tuesday, the official said.—PTI

Nagaland on Wednesday reported 13 fresh COVID-19 infections, three more than the previous day, pushing the tally to 35,816, a health department official said

Nagaland logs 13 fresh COVID-19 cases

New Delhi:&nbsp;Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed with him various issues concerning the state, that include the ongoing Naga peace process.Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the convener of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), was present in the meeting."Today, I met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. NEDA convener and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present in the meeting. We discussed the Naga issue," Rio told reporters outside Parliament.When asked about resolving the border dispute with Assam, Rio said it will be done after the assembly elections next year.On Naga peace process, Rio said, "Negotiations are going on. It depends on the negotiating parties...We are hopeful."The Government of India had signed a framework agreement with the major Naga group National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) on August 3, 2015, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to find a permanent solution.The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years, with the first breakthrough made in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland, which started soon after India's Independence in 1947.However, talks with the NSCN-IM are currently going nowhere as the group has been insisting for a separate Naga flag and constitution, a demand rejected by the central government.Separately, the government is also holding peace parleys with splinter groups of the NSCN after entering into ceasefire agreements.The groups which have entered into ceasefire agreements are: NSCN-NK, NSCN-R and NSCN K-Khango.The central government had signed a ceasefire agreement with another faction of the Naga insurgent group led by a dreaded militant Niki Sumi.All these outfits are breakaway factions of dominant groups NSCN-IM and NSCN-Khaplang.—PTI

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed with him various issues concerning the state, that include the ongoing Naga peace process.

Nagaland CM Rio meets Amit Shah; discusses peace talks

Kohima:&nbsp;The Nagaland government's Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (NPI) urged the NSCN(IM) to continue the negotiations with the Centre.The Core Committee, headed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, made the appeal during a marathon meeting with the NSCN(IM) on Saturday, ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairman TR Zeliang said. After Centre's interlocutor AK Mishra visited Nagaland in April, NSCN(IM) leaders went to New Delhi and returned last week. Following their return, they have been saying that they will not hold any further discussions with the Centre, Zeliang said. The Core Committee requested the NSCN(IM) to continue the talks as any settlement can take place only through it, he said.The Core Committee will convey to the Centre whatever has been discussed with NSCN(IM), he said. Government spokesperson Neiba Kronu said that the meeting was held for a better understanding with the NSCN(IM) over an early solution to the Naga issue. The meeting, which lasted for nearly four hours, deliberated on the competencies, he said. It was agreed that further discussions are needed on the demands of the NSCN(IM) for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas, Kronu said. He said that they also discussed the need for the support of Assam Chief Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convener Himanta Biswa Sarma. "It is better that someone can speak for both the Centre and even for the Naga people."Asked if the NSCN(IM) has agreed to involve Sarma in the process, Kronu said it has no problem.—PTI

The Nagaland government's Core Committee on Naga Political Issue (NPI) urged the NSCN(IM) to continue the negotiations with the Centre.

Nagaland govt urges NSCN(IM) to continue negotiations

New Delhi: In a major political development, 21 MLAs of the Naga People's Front on Friday joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.NDPP spokesperson Merentoshi R Jamir said that after these legislators of the NPF, which had 25 legislators earlier, switched sides, the party now has 42 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.While the NPF is left with four MLAs, the BJP has 12 while there are two Independent members.Assembly speaker Sharingain Longkumer accepted the decision of the 21 NPF legislators to change party.The development occurred ahead of the Assembly elections due next year and two days after NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu told reporters that the party would contest the polls on its own.Chief Minister Rio and state Bharatiya Janata Party president Temjen Imna Along have said that they would continue with the alliance and contest the elections with the 2018 seat sharing formula of 40-20. The NPF had joined the ruling People's Democratic Alliance comprising the NDPP and the BJP in August last year to form the United Democratic Alliance, an opposition-less government in the state with the object of pushing the Naga political issue forward.Minister and government spokesperson Neiba Kronu said that despite the fresh development, the UDA will continue to function. "As political leaders, it is up to the legislators to join another party," he said, adding that the four remaining NPF legislators continue to be in the UDA.The BJP knew about the development, according to the NDPP spokesperson. There is a need for a strong regional and a national party to work together, Kronu asserted.—PTI

 In a major political development, 21 MLAs of the Naga People's Front on Friday joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. NDPP spokesperson Merentoshi R Jamir said that after these legislators of the NPF, which had 25 legislators earlier, switched sides, the party now has 42 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.

21 NPF MLAs join CM Rio-Led Alliance In Nagaland

 In a major political development, 21 MLAs of the Naga People's Front on Friday joined the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
NDPP spokesperson Merentoshi R Jamir said that after these legislators of the NPF, which had 25 legislators earlier, switched sides, the party now has 42 MLAs in the 60-member assembly.







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Coal Mine Tragedy: 6 Lives Lost in Nagaland

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