From new Govt. to flash floods, Nagaland has seen it all in 2018
Dec 30, 2018:
This Northeastern state has witnessed a series of activities (in varied forms) this year, some of which are pleasant while others are quite disheratening.
Here's what made Headlines in Nagaland in 2018:
1. Nagaland witnessed a new government coming to power in after Assembly elections
Nagaland began the year with the crucial Assembly elections.The polls were held in 59 out of 60 constituencies in the state on February 27while the counting took place on March 3.
Nine parties registered to contest the poll. 11 independentcandidates also contested. The NDPP and the BJP, which snapped ties with formerally NPF, formed the People Democratic Alliance (PDA) and fought the electionon a 40:20 seat sharing basis and managed to win 29 seats (17: NDPP, 12: BJP)to dethrone the 15-year-old NPF government.
After no other candidate was nominated against him in the Northern Angami II constituency, Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive party was declared elected uncontested and was later chosen as the new CM of Nagaland.
ALSO READ | How 2018 fails to realise Nagaland's dream!
2. 'People's DGP' Rupin Sharma removed as state police chief
The removal of IPS Rupin Sharma from the post of Director General Police – Nagaland state in the month of June evoked criticisms from several quarters of the society even as people termed the act as 'worst decision of 2018'.
The state government was questioned by several civil societies for its decision to remove Sharma stating that it was an attempt to replace "an honest officer with someone who would play by their rules."
The issue ended with the appointment of IPS TJ Longkumer as the new DGP of Nagaland despite a series of protests from several quarters.
READ MORE | Nagaland citizens question govt's 'repeated attempts' to replace current DGP Rupin Sharma
3. Resurgence in demand of ILP following Assam's NRC declaration
There was a resurgence of the demand for inclusion ofDimapur district into the fold of Inner Line Permit as the Naga Students'Federation carried out mass public rallies demanding ILP imposition in Dimapurfearing mass exodus of illegal immigrants into the state following Assam'sdeclaration of the final draft of National Register of Citizens.
4. NSCN (K) agrees to re-enter into ceasefire with Centre
After repeated appeals by the state government, Naga tribalbodies, FNR, Naga Mothers Association and Goan Burahs Federation, the NSCN(K)earlier this month declared its willingness to re-enter into ceasefire with theCentre.
The Naga peace talks has received a fresh push from afaction of NSCN (Khaplang), which expressed its willingness to resume theceasefire with the Centre "in order to pursue the Naga politicalissue."
Read more here: Konyak-led faction of NSCN(K) to join Indo-Naga talks
5. Impeachment of Khongo Konyak from NSCN(K)
National Socialist Council of Nagaland NSCN (K), on August17, reportedly impeached its chairman Khango Konyak after the outfit had given him a safe passage to go wherever helikes without any harm.
The impeachment led to creation of a new rebel group andfounder chief late S S Khalang's nephew Yung Aung took over as its chairman.
Read more here: Nagaland: NSCN (K) gets new 'acting chairman' in Khaplang's nephew
6. Shashi Tharoor lands in hot water after "outlandish" Naga headgear remark
The Thiruvananthapuram MP waded into a fresh row by callingthe Naga headgear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore during a visit to thestate "outlandish".
The comments prompted Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio,Kiren Rijiju and the Naga Hoho to demand an apology from Tharoor.
Read full story here: Nagaland CM, Kiren Rijiju, Naga Hoho seek apology from Tharoor
7. Nagaland plunged into an emergency situation with flash floods and landslides
Floods and landslides ravaged different parts of the stateduring the monsoon season with several villages in the 12 districts remainedcut off from the mainland.
As per the assessment of damage inflicted since thebeginning of monsoon carried out by the Nagaland State Disaster ManagementAuthority (NSDMA), Home Department, 12 lives have been lost, 532 villages and48821 families affected and 2,61,115 population, which is 13.19 pc of the totalpopulation, bore the brunt.
Read more here: Nagaland | 48821 families affected in state's monsoon floods
8. Nagaland joins other NE states in opposing Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016
Coinciding with the series of protests against theCitizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 this year, the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC)has voiced its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) bill and extendedsupport to the voices of indigenous people of Assam and other northeasternstates against the proposed legislation.
The NTC also accused the state government of inaction in opposing the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Read full story here: Nagaland: Zeliang writes to Rio; demands clarification on cabinet's stand on Citizenship Bill 2016
9. BJP faces widespread criticism over immersion of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ashes
The Naga Hoho and Christian bodies in the state slammedBJP's decision to immerse former PM Vajpayee's ashes in the Christian-dominatedstate's rivers.
Read full story here: Nagaland | Christian bodies slam BJP decision to immerse former PM Vajpayee's ashes in state rivers
10. The case of the jailed Nigerian national
A Nigerian national made the headlines after he was reportedto have been languishing in Dimapur District Sub jail since September 2016despite the fact that he had already served his imprisonment period for havingbeen caught without a valid visa.
After two years and an SC order, Nweze Raymond Chinenyeubawas finally released on November 23.
Read full story here: Nagaland: The curious case of a Nigerian National and how it took SC to get him out of Dimapur jail
11. Import of fish banned in the state
Reports of detection of formalin-laced fish imported fromoutside the Northeast has rocked the region with the Nagaland governmentsbanning sale of fish in the state.
Watch video on case here:
12. Two officers from state among President's Police Medal awardees
Two police officers from Nagaland have been awarded 'PoliceMedals' on the occasion of India's 72nd Independence Day.
The two officers were awarded the Police Medal forMeritorious Service (PMMS).
Read story here: Nagaland | Two officers from state among President's Police Medal awardees
13. Nagaland ends the year with the Hornbill Festival
2.5 lakh visitors came together for the Hornbill festival atNaga heritage village Kisama this year.
The "festival of festivals" came and went withmuch aplomb, with several activities showcasing the state's rich traditions,winning hearts of the many visitors.
The festival also saw a K-Pop group called MONT gracing thestage this year. This performance was Mont's pre-debut concert in India andtheir first in Nagaland.
