Nagaland Current Affairs Digest – December 2021

Nagaland Current Affairs Digest – December 2021

01 December 2021: 22nd edition of the Hornbill Festival begins in Nagaland

• The 22nd edition of Hornbill Festival kicked off after a gap in 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
• Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi inaugurated the 22nd Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama,Kohima.
• Naor Gilon, Ambassador of Israel to India, US Consul General Melinda Pavek, and Germany Consul General Manfred Auster also graced the opening ceremony as guests of honour.

04 December 2021: Oting Killings – Security Forces killed 14 civilians at Oting, Mon, Nagaland

• Oting Killing happened on the evening of 4th December 2021 at Tiru-Oting road under Tizit and Naganimora sub-divisions of Mon district of Nagaland.
• Total 14 civilians were killed in a botched operation and 11 more injured in separate incidents.
• As per media reports, the first firing by the security forces killed six (6) civilians. Apparently, the army mistook coal mine workers returning home in a pick-up truck to be insurgents belonging to the banned outfit NSCN (K-Yung Aung faction), about whose movements they had been tipped off.
• Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Nagaland Government to probe the incident.
• Following the incident, Cultural activities at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama were suspended for a day (6 December). However, several tribal organization pulled out of the Hornbill Festival celebrations to stand in solidarity.
• Candlelight vigil services were held across the state.
• Demand to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA – 1958) grows.

The unfortunate incident leading to killing of civilians at Oting, Mon is highly condemnable.Condolences to the bereaved families & speedy recovery of those injured. High level SIT will investigate & justice delivered as per the law of the land.Appeal for peace from all sections

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) December 5, 2021

Names of the 14 victims of Oting Killings:

(Source /Credit: Morung Express)

06 December 2021: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) takes suo motu cognisance of media reports on the killing of civilians in Oting, Mon

In a press release by NHRC, it stated that the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports on the killing of civilians when their vehicle was fired upon in an alleged botched up operation by the Army Para Commandos late Saturday on 4th December, 2021. This triggered several incidents of arson, rioting and attack on soldiers and Assam Rifles camp resulting in more injuries and deaths, including that of one soldier.

The Commission has issued notices to the Union Defence Secretary, Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Nagaland calling for a detailed report in the matter within six weeks.

08 December 2021: Nagaland Agri Department launches State Agriculture Portal

Department of Agriculture Nagaland launched the State Agriculture Portal (SAP) nagafarmer.nagaland.gov.in at the Directorate of Agriculture conference hall, Kohima on 8 December 2021. M Ben Yanthan, Director of Agriculture, informed that the portal aims to provide a single access point to government information and services related to agriculture sector

10 December 2021: Ivan Zhimomi of Nagaland receives Rural Futures Rewilding Award 2021

Ivan Zhimomi of Nagaland received the Rural Futures Rewilding Award 2021. The recipient, Ivan Zhimomi of Nagaland, is a local champion of mobilising the people in the region to establish a network of community conserved areas (CCA) – The Tizu Valley Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Network at Zunheboto.

The award was presented by Chanakya Chaudhury, Vice President, Corporate Service on the last day of the 9th edition of the Eastern Himalayan Naturenomics™ Forum, a flagship annual event of the Balipara Foundation, on the theme ‘Ecology is Economy.

10 December 2021: Nagaland Police First Hackathon

Nagaland Police conducted its first Hackathon 2021 at PHQ Conference Hall, Kohima on December 10, 2021. Director General of Police (DGP) TJ Longkumer informed that the Nagaland Police Hackthon 2021 is aimed at arriving at solution to four problem statements – fake news in social media, integrated check gate management system, highway security solution and vehicle monitoring system.

• A project on “Highway Security Solution” by Team May bagged the first position.
• A project on “Integrated check gate management system” by Team Solvs won second position.
• Team Enigma, represented by Thejavilhou and Chubalemba on “Highway Security Solution” stood third position.

13 December 2021: Three health workers from Nagaland received National Award

Three health workers from Nagaland received National Award on December 13. The awards were given under the category of ‘Best Ayushman Bharat—Health & Wellness Center—Primary Healthcare Team Award‘ for their commendable performance in delivering the expanded package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care.

The three health workers who were awarded are—

1. Community Health Officer, Viseno Dolie of Anatonger Health & Wellness Center (HWC), Kiphire;
2. Rhikiuchi, ANM of Phelungre HWC, Kiphire; and
3. Kesangcetle, ASHA at Pungwla HWC, Peren

The awards were given on the occasion of Universal Health Coverage Day, 2021 with Union Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar as the chief guest in New Delhi.

14 December 2021: Naga Lady, Mhabeni Ngullie among Top 5 of India’s first baking reality show

• A Naga lady, Mhabeni Ngullie is among Top 5 bakers in a baking reality show organised by ‘Greed Goddess’ under the banner “Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly Bakers’. 15 bakers were selected from across the country for the final round.
• The 36-year-old Mhabeni Ngullie was adjudged as one of the top 5 winners in the show. She received a professional kitchen baking setup worth Rs 5 lakh from Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly. With this, she is being recognised as one of the country’s “Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly Chef Ambassador” for a period of one year.

16 December 2021: Nagaland CM launches more modules on the Nagaland’s online Inner Line Permit portal

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio launched additional modules on the online Inner Line Permit Portal at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima on December 16, 2021.

• Home Department, Government of Nagaland issues the Inner Line Permit.
• The requirement of Inner Line Permit is laid down in the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, which has been in force in the Naga Hills (present Nagaland) since 1873.
• Nagaland launched the online Inner Line Permit portal in November 2019 with a module for tourists ahead of the Hornbill Festival. Nagaland was the second state after Arunachal Pradesh to launch online ILP system in 2019.
• For online ILP application, procedures and more information, visit: https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in

The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, aims to protect and safeguard the identity and existence of the indigenous people of Nagaland. The Regulation makes it obligatory for anyone, both Indian Citizen and Foreigner, who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland, to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in such form, and with such conditions, as may be prescribed by the Government of Nagaland, to enter the state of Nagaland for a limited period.

17 December 2021: Rally organized in Kohima for repeal of AFSPA

A rally to demand the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was held in Kohima on December 17, which was organized by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF). After the rally at Old MLA hostel junction, a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India through the Nagaland Governor’s office was submitted. Signed by NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep and General Secretary, Süpuni Ng. Philo, the memorandum demanded immediate justice for the Oting victims and expedite delivery of justice to all pending cases related to excesses committed by the Indian armed forces on Nagas.

17 December 2021: The Enforcement Directorate attaches assets of 3 NSCN-IM members in money-laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth Rs 7.65 crore belonging to three members of NSCN-IM in connection with a money-laundering investigation linked to charges of alleged extortion. The attached properties belong to :
(1) Alemla Jamir alias Mary Shimrang alias Atula Tongar,
(2) P H Shimrang alias James Jamir and
(3) Massasosang Ao and some other members of the NSCN(IM).

• Alemla Jamir is the wife of self-styled ex-army chief of NSCN-IM Phunthing Shimrang. Funds parked in 17 bank accounts, three fixed deposits and a residential property bought by Alemla Jamir in her name at Mohammadpur in R K Puram, Delhi have been attached as part of a provisional order issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said.
• Alemla Jamir and her brother-in-law Massasosang Ao are currently lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail, while P H Shimrang is absconding, the ED said. The ED claimed the “extorted” money was used by Jamir and her associates to give loans to business entities and an exorbitant rate of interest was charged by them to “continuously grow” the illegal funds accumulated by them.

18 December 2021: Nagaland Government created three more districts – Tseminyu, Niuland and Chümoukedima

On 18 December 2021, Nagaland State Cabinet decided to create three more districts viz. Tseminyu, Niuland and Chümoukedima.

• 13th district of Nagaland: Tseminyu
• 14th district of Nagaland: Niuland
• 15th district of Nagaland: Chümoukedima

With that, Nagaland now has 15 districts.

Tseminyu sub-division under Kohima district has been upgraded to a district, while Niuland and Chumukedima have been carved out of Dimapur district. Dimapur district was created as the 8th district in 1997 by carving out Niuland, Nihokhu, Dimapur Sadar, Chümoukedima, Dhansiripar and Medziphema circles out of Kohima district.

Home Minister, Shri. Yanthungo Patton took to Twitter and congratulated the people of the newly created districts.

Official notifications were released on 20th December 2021 by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland.

State Government notifies upgradation of sub-division / creation of District for Tseminyu, Niuland and Chumoukedima.@NagalandCS @dipr_nagaland pic.twitter.com/zlKccQpgCt

— MyGov Nagaland (@MyGovNagaland) December 21, 2021

18 December 20201: Sedevizo Keretsü is the “Strongest man in Nagaland”

Nagaland Strongman & Fitness Association (NSFA) organized the 4th edition of Nagaland Strongman (Men) and CrossFit Competition (Men & Women) at Old NST on December 18, 2021. The event was held under the theme “Eat Smart Eat Safe,” supported by Nagaland Tourism Department, Kohima Smart City Development Ltd, IDBI Bank and Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Nagaland.

• Sedevizo Keretsü won the “Strongest man in Nagaland” title. Tsuknunakum Jamir, Mangoulen Haokip and Kevidi Linyü stood runners-up.
• Bisekhoto Gwirie – ‘Fittest Man’.
• Peiheiteile – ‘Fittest Woman’ .

20 December 2021: Miss Kawimaningsiliu Mharoni Khüvüng crowned Miss Nagaland 2021

Miss Kawimaningsiliu Mharoni Khüvüng from Peren district was crowned Miss Nagaland 2021 at an event held on 20th December 2021 at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Kohima.

• Lika Chophy from Zunheboto district was adjudged first runners up.
  • Also won the title: Miss Perfect 10
• Lovi Awomi from Dimapur district was adjudged second runners up.
  • Also won the title: Miss Beautiful Skin

Miss Nagaland 2021 – Miss Kawimaningsiliu

• Age: 21
• Vital Stats:32.4-26-37
• She also won the sub-title ‘Queen of Hearts.’
• Miss Nagaland 2021 will be the brand ambassador of Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) and also gets direct entry to Miss North East 2022.
• Miss Nagaland 2021 will also be the state SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) icon for the Election Commission in Nagaland.

The beauty pageant was organized by the Beauty & Aesthetics Society of Nagaland (BASN). A total of 12 contestants competed for the title of Miss Nagaland 2021.

See full list of Miss Nagaland winners here.

21 December 2021: Nagaland Government appointed new DCs for three new districts created

On 21st December 2021, Nagaland Government ordered the posting of deputy commissioners for the three newly created districts—Tseminyu, Chümoukedima and Niuland.

• 13th district of Nagaland: Tseminyu
  • First DC of Tseminyu district: Dr. Zasekoulie Chusi, IAS, Additional Secretary Home was transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, Tseminyu.
• 14th district of Nagaland: Niuland
  • First DC of Niuland district: Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, ADC Tuensang has been transferred and posted as DC, Niuland.
    
• 15th district of Nagaland: Chümoukedima
  • First DC of Chümoukedima district: Abhinav Shivam, IAS, ADC Pungro was transferred and posted as deputy commissioner, Chümoukedima

30 December 2021: Centre declared Nagaland as ‘Disturbed Area’. AFSPA extended for six more months till 30 June 2022

• The Central Government declared Nagaland a ‘Disturbed Area’ and extended the controversial ‘Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA)’ in entire state of Nagaland for six more month, that is, till 30 June 2022.
• This comes amid the protests for the withdrawal of the AFSPA going on in several districts of Nagaland over the killing of 14 civilians by the security forces in Mon district earlier this December, mistaking them as insurgents.
• For AFSPA to be in force, an area is declared ‘Disturbed Area’ under section 3 of the AFSPA. The AFSPA empowers the security forces to conduct operations and arrest anyone without any warrant. It also gives immunity to the forces if they shoot someone dead.

30 December 2021: Adv. P. Pius Lotha re-elected as Chairman of Legal Cell, North East India