11h January 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 9

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Saturday, January 11, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

All are agreed, that the increase of learning and good morals are great blessings to society Dawood in Pak, joint efforts with US to nab him: Shinde

She means business!

First round of Polio Immunization on Jan 19 [ PAGE 2]

US scrambles to avert civil war in South Sudan

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 8]

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–Joseph Lancaster

Pironkova beats Kerber for Sydney title [ PAGE 10]

Undiplomatic coUnter Blow

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Khobragade indicted by US grand jury, on way back; India asks US to withdraw diplomat from New Delhi

The statement further expressed discontent at an alleged unwarranted police action resulting in the “arrest” of the Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC) General Secretary, K. Solomon Rengma on the night of January 9. The statement alleged that Dimapur police raided the residence of the RNPC general secretary and arrested him based on hearsay that Solomon was harbouring NRHPF cadres.

“It defies logic that 30-40 police personnel went to

arrest a civilian and a public leader” and “the police instead of finding militants armed to the teeth were embarrassed to find several Rengma Naga refugee families of Assam being sheltered by Solomon and family,” it stated.

Questioning the police action, the Hoho posed, “Is the police action guided by political agenda? How does the state government justify this action?” and appealed “to all right thinking citizens to condemn this attitude of the police.”

nEW DELhI/nEW york, January 10 (rEutErs): India ordered the United States on Friday to withdraw one of its diplomats from New Delhi, as the Indian consul at the centre of the row between the two countries flew home after she was indicted in New York for visa fraud.

Devyani Khobragade, 39, who India’s deputy consul-general in New York, was arrested on December 12 and indicted on Thursday before being effectively expelled from the country.

Her arrest set off a furore in India amid disclosures that she was handcuffed and strip-searched.

“We called the U.S. mission to withdraw an officer of similar rank of Devyani as reciprocal action,” a government official with knowledge of the decision told reporters.

Tit-for-tat withdrawals of embassy staff are common when countries become locked in diplomatic disputes. The U.S. embassy in Delhi and the Indian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In New York, a federal grand jury indicted Khobragade for visa fraud and lying about her nanny’s pay, but allowed to leave after

kohIMa, January 10 (DIPr): The Nagaland state government has directed the Deputy Commissioners of all districts in the state to ensure security of the Karbi community. The Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner for Nagaland, Banuo Z Jamir in an order informed that the law and order situation prevailing in the Karbi Anglong, Assam and the recovery of

nine dead bodies under Dimapur district, which have since been identified to belong to members of the Karbi tribe of Assam, have resulted in a lot of tension and apprehension in the minds of the public at large.

In order to prevent the further escalation of the situation, an urgent need was felt to create an environment promoting a sense of security for all

concerned and thereby reducing the tension, particularly amongst members of the Karbi community, residing in Nagaland.

The order directed all Deputy Commissioners to immediately take necessary action to ensure the security of persons belonging to the Karbi community, residing within their respective district.

The administration has also been informed to take

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Night curfew reinforced in Assam - Nagaland border Mokokchung, January 10 (DIPr): The Additional District Magistrate for Sivasagar Assam, Sub-Divisional Officer (C), Rajesh Soundararajan has informed that night curfew has been reinforced from dusk to dawn in the 5 Km belt of Assam side, bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. This has been done to detect movement of antisocial elements as there is sufficient ground for taking precautionary measures for prevention of untoward incidents. The order will be enforced for a period of 60 days with immediate effect. Civil officials deployed on duty are exempted from the purview of the prohibitory order.

Imchen questions public attitude towards politicians

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Longsa, January 10 (MExn): Minister for Health & Welfare, Imkong L Imchen today said that politicians, especially Ministers are continually berated by a section of Naga society.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) at Longsa, the Minister minced no words as he stated that the general Naga public mentality is against the politicians, especially the ministers. Stating that society is questioning the integrity of politicians and ministers, Imchen termed it as “very, very unfortunate” that the Naga public is treating the politicians and ministers as “condemned” objects and “outcasts.” Imchen while asserting that leaders are chosen by God said that the politicians are also trying in their own ways to be honest and to serve the people in their best way.

He asserted that the elected members represent the people, their actions reflect public interest and that they serve the public. The Minister while citing the NPCC’s relentless demand for his resignation stated that the Congress party has yet to “convince” him to resign from the government.

OKM celebrates golden Jubilee on page 2

A train passes along the coast at Saltcoats in Scotland, Friday, January 10 2014, as Britain is braced for the worst as a combination of high tides, heavy rains and strong winds are expected to bring yet more severe flooding to many parts of the country. The storm follows severe weather in early December and over Christmas. (AP Photo)

rengma Hoho calls for peace

DIMaPur, January 10 (MExn): The Rengma Hoho has called for peace between Rengma and Karbi peoples, while expressing its desire for calm between the two communities. “... The Rengma Hoho as a responsible body is desirous that, henceforth, peace should prevail between Rengma Nagas and Karbis in Assam and elsewhere,” read a statement from its president, Sawathang KezSeb. The apex Rengma organisation in Nagaland

held an emergency meeting at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on January 10, wherein it resolved to work towards a return to peaceful coexistence. Reiterating that the role of Karbi civil society is crucial for peace to return, it stated, “... The Hoho would like to appeal to Karbi civil society including Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF) and other frontal organisations to rein in KPLT militants so that Rengma villagers can live in peace and security in their own lands.”

she was granted a higher level of diplomatic immunity. She faces arrest if she returns to the United States.

The month-long row has soured the broader U.S.-India bilateral relationship, leading to sanctions against American diplomats in New Delhi and the postponement of visits to India by senior U.S. officials and another by a U.S. business delegation.

Incensed by the treatment of Khobragade, India removed some security barriers from near the U.S. embassy and reduced the number of envoys with immunity. On Wednesday, it ordered the U.S. Embassy to close a club for expatriate Americans there.

While both New Delhi and Washington stressed the importance of their bilateral relationship during the crisis, it has taken weeks of complex wrangling to find a workable solution both sides could live with.

It will likely take time to dispel the bad feeling that has built up between New Delhi and Washington. With national elections due in India by May, political parties have seized on the case and labelled it an attack on national sovereignty.

“We’ll focus on one day at a time, today is the day we focus on getting Devy-

ani back,” said India’s foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin.

Akbaruddin said Khobragade left after being granted full diplomatic immunity and was being transferred to a post in New Delhi. Her father said she was expected to arrive in the capital late in the evening. Khobragade risks arrest if she return to the United States. Her husband and children, who are U.S. citizens, are expected to follow her to India shortly, her father said.

“Upon her departure a warrant may be issued for her arrest and should she seek to enter the United States she could be arrested,” a U.S. diplomatic note said.

There was no immediate comment from the Indian Embassy in Washington or its mission to the United Nations.

The foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement: “At the time of her departure for India, Counsellor Khobragade reiterated her innocence on charges filed against her.

“She also affirmed her determination to ensure that the episode would not leave a lasting impact on her family, in particular, her children, who are still in the United States.”

Related story on page 8

stock of the situation and take necessary measures in co-ordination with the Police and the public towards this end.

Informing that a large number of Karbis are occupied in daily wage and other petty works in different parts of the State, the District Administration has further been advised to establish communication with members of the Karbi community and in-

volve the respective tribal hohos, civil societies and NGOs. This is to be done to create maintain normalcy and in providing a sense of security to members of the said community. The Deputy Commissioners may also identify the respective employers of the Karbis working in the district and sensitize them to the requirement for providing security to their employees, the order stated.

Scientist finds way to DCs directed to ensure security of Karbi Community treat deadly malaria nEW york, January 10 (Ians): A common but dangerous strain of malaria that hides in the liver, re-emerging years later to trigger new infections and is harder to prevent, diagnose and treat, can soon be treated.

According to Niraj Tolia, assistant professor of molecular microbiology and biochemistry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, they have found how a form of malaria - common in India, southeast asia and south America - attacks red blood cells by clamping down on the cells with a pair of proteins.

“More people live at risk of infection by this strain of malaria - called plasmodium vivax - than any other. We are now using what we have learned to create vaccines tailored to stop the infectious process by preventing the parasite from attaching to red blood cells,” Tolia added.

The study, appeared in the journal PLOS Pathogens, provides details that would help scientists design better vaccines and drug treatments for this strain. Earlier studies had suggested that one P. vivax protein binds to one protein on the surface of red blood cells.

Tolia’s research reveals that the binding is a twostep process that involves two copies of a parasite protein coming together

like tongs around two copies of a host protein. “It’s a very intricate and chemically strong interaction that was not easily understood before,” Tolia said.

“We have had hints that other forms of malaria, including the African strain, may be binding in a similar fashion to host cells, but this is one of the first definitive proofs of this kind of attack,” he added.

Tolia suggested that blocking any of the proteins with drugs or vaccines will stop the infectious process.

“For example, some people have a mutation that eliminates the protein on red blood cell surfaces that P. vivax binds to, and they tend to be resistant to the parasite,” he added. The parasite protein is very large, and human antibodies bind to it at many different points along its length. The researchers observed that the ones that are most effective so far are the antibodies that bind to the protein at the region highlighted by the new findings,” the study said.

According to the world health organisation (WHO), there were more than 200 million malaria cases in 2012. India records between 30,014 and 48,660 malaria deaths per year. The deadliest form of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, is most prevalent in Africa. But P. vivax can’t be ignored especially in India.

PHED tests innovative solution to water scarcity Our Correspondent Kohima | January 10

In what is seen as a path breaking and revolutionary technology for solving drinking water supply problems in rural areas, the state’s PHE department has successfully implemented a new technology using solar energy developed by the Mumbai based Company, Additya Corporation.

The Solar Powered Water Treatment Unit using advanced membrane filtration system is currently being implemented in three villages of Kohima district; Meriema, Tsiesema and Kijumetouma. The system is being implemented under the National Rural Drinking Water Program, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India.

The system, powered by solar energy, is capable of filtering 1200 litres per hour and can pump water to a height of 200 metres (approx. 650 feet). It is fully automatic in its operation,

Er Kevisekho Kruse , CE PHED along with SE (M&I) , field Officers and the Managing Partner, the Additya corporation, Mumbai seen at SPWTU site.

with no necessity of human intervention for day to day operation of the system.

The system, with ultra filtration, gives out treated water that is of high quality standard for drinking purpose. The water is free from all objectionable physical, chemical and biological contamination.

Since the need of hu-

man intervention is totally done away with in this new technology, it is seen as a very appropriate system for rural people who are generally not capable of sustaining any system that require regular and intensive supervision.

The Chief Engineer for PHED, Er Kevisekho Kruse along with SE (M&I) Er

Repang Longkumer , concerned EE, SDO and other staff members visited the project sites and interacted with the beneficiaries at the main reservoir site of Meriema on January 10.

The Chief Engineer pointed out that, in view of the severe water shortage problems being faced by the village, the now avail-

able high quality water should be used very judiciously and for drinking purpose only rather than for other non essential uses like vehicle washing etc.

It is expected that the projects will be completed in all respects in a few weeks time and that many people from these three villages will be relieved to a significant level during the onset of the dry winter season. The Chief Engineer also pointed out that once the pilot projects are fully completed successfully, the same would be implemented in large scale in all other districts facing acute water shortage problems with no available gravity water supply source.

The Additya Solar powered water treatment unit, with advanced filtration system being tested successful for the first time in India, promises to become a strong water solution technology for many parts of the country, especially the hilly and mountainous regions of the country .

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Saturday 11 January 2014

First round of Polio Immunization on Jan 19 Migrant population to get special focus

KohIMA, JANUARY 10 (MExN): The first round of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) programme in Nagaland for the year 2014 will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2014.

Department of Health & FW, Kohima, State Immunization Officer, DR. M. Kire stated in a press release that the Department is all geared up to administer Polio drops to over 2.46 lakh eligible children from 0-5 years throughout the State in 2,462 Polio Booths to be manned by 9,848 vaccinators and 492 supervisors along with vaccines

and other logistics. Special focus will be given to the migrant population with an aim to prevent importation of Polio cases.

He said that this programme is our nation’s contribution to the global effort of eradicating Polio disease from the world. Due to the active participation of all concerned, the State has had no case of Polio since 1997, which is indeed an achievement to be proud of. “However, we cannot remain complacent till every corner of the country, in the world, is declared free of polio,” he added.

While thanking every-

one for their past cooperation, the Department appeals all sections of the people, Agencies (Govt. and Non-Govt., including the security forces and police), organizations, and especially community leaders and parents of children below 5 years to come forward and ensure that all eligible children receive the “two drops of life” (Polio drops) on January 19, 2014.

For any further information kindly contact your nearest Health Centre or the Chief Medical Officer/ District Programme Officer (RCH-UIP) of your district.

LocaL

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DIMAPUR, JANUARY 10 (MExN): The apex Sumi students’ body, Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SKK) is all geared up to commemorate the union’s yearlong platinum jubilee starting with the launching ceremony and unveiling of the jubilee monolith on January 15 at Imulomi village under Atoizu sub-division in Zunheboto district.

Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice HK Sema, who was also the sixth president of SKK will unveil the platinum jubilee monolith at Imulomi village, which hosted the first SKK (formerly Sumi Students’ Conference) conference in 1940.

At a press briefing here at Circuit House on Friday, members of the planning board and other committees of the SKK platinum jubilee led by chairman, Kitoho S

Convenor of Planning Board Platinum Jubilee of Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Kitoho S. Rotokha (centre sitting) and other board members after a press conference at Circuit House, Dimapur on Friday. (Morung Photo)

Rotokha, informed about the various programmes and events to be organized

by SKK during the year-long celebration, which will culminate in January 2015 at Zunheboto town.

With “A glorious generation” as theme, the jubilee will highlight, retrospect and deliberate on the contribution of Sumis to Nagas

show of solidarity for the ferently abled children. dedicated services being Dr. Lima, Co-ordinator rendered by the non-profit of TNCC gave an introorganisation towards dif- duction about the project

‘Blessed to Bless’, a givingback initiative acknowledging Gods bountiful blessing on TNCC. NT Kikon, Direc-

tor of Wondang Ki, Maong Jamir, Assistant Director of Prodigals Home, Teplol Amri, Administrator of Ebenezer Children’s Home, Victor Murry, President of Special Olympics Bharat Nagaland, enlightened and encouraged the gathering by relating the nature of their work, hardships encountered, and the joy and satisfaction in doing something for the marginalised section of society.

T Renthunglo led the time of fellowship and interaction, Jethro Merry conducted presentation of sponsorship, P Aienla Longkumer delivered words of gratitude and N.T. Kikon pronounced benediction.

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association (NCWA) held its annual executive meeting on January 7 in the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Kohima. Women representatives from all over Nagaland participated in the meeting.

The meeting commenced with the reading of the Word of God by Floret Sekhose, General Secretary, NCWA. Gwanile Femy invoked God’s blessings for the success of the meeting. In her welcome address NCWA president, Aney Kath encouraged the delegates to go ahead with the various NCWA activities and thus continue serving the society in various districts of the state.

2014 being the ‘Year of the Family’ Sr. Sandra SCCG, Women Coordinator, enlightened the participants on the family’s role in wiping out HIV/ AIDS from the Naga society by teaching children and youth to ‘live a meaningful life’. She exhorted adults to come down to the level of the youth and

to walk with them in their hazardous journey of life.

The NCWA executive meeting chalked out its major programmes and projects for 2014. Some of the major proposals of this meeting included to amend the NCWA Constitution according the needs of the present times. It proposed to organize regional seminars in different areas of the

state, encouraged members to be at the side of the people especially in their moments of crises, proposed to organize fund raising activities to assist people in their dire needs, and decided to plan well for the NCWA Convention to be held in 2016.

This was stated in a press release issued by Jonas Kerketta SDB, Christ King, Kohima.

The Nagaland Chamber Choir with others during the special function held at Hotel Tragopan, Dimapur on December 20, 2013.

Strive for collective responsibility to be victorious

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The lone woman participant at the ‘Ola Agutsuba’ (traditional way of giving publicity) at the indigenous games competition during the golden Jubilee celebration of OKM. (Photo Courtesy/Sashi Jamir)

OKM celebrates golden Jubilee Our Correspondent Longsa | January 10

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Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (Ongpangkong Range Students Conference) under Mokokchung district celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1964-2014) at Longsa village from January 9 & 10, 2014 on the theme, ‘Alizung’ (which literally means Goal Setting).

More than 800 delegates, invitees and guests attended the jubilee celebration.

The golden Jubilee celebration which started on January 9 evening culminated today, with the main proagamme being graced

by Nagaland Health Minister Imkong L Imchen as the chief guest. Imkong L Imchen, while speaking at the programme, encouraged the students to take whatever resolutions they pass at the golden jubilee very seriously and try to implement it wholeheartedly. He encouraged the students to be an ‘ambassador’ and

spread the points of resolution to their respective village councils and the villagers, so that the ‘resolution’ could be implemented fully.

He maintained that if the ‘office bearers’ do not implement the ‘resolutions’ and if the students depend on the office bearers to implement the resolutions then, it will lead to nothing but failure. He therefore asked for collective responsibility from each and every Ongpangkong range students so that they can become ‘victorious’ at the end.

Meanwhile, the first president of OKM, Merenjemba also spoke at the programme and narrated the hardships that the pioneers of the OKM underwent while they were about the start the OKM. He pointed out that there was no telephone and no vehicles, they had to walk on foot to different villages and spared the idea of starting the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang. He advised the students to be honest, to have integrity and fear God, so that the OKM can invoke more God’s blessings.

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SKK to commemorate yearlong platinum jubilee

‘Blessed to bless’ - TNCC gives back

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Chamber Choir, in pursuance of its commitment towards sponsoring underprivileged children and orphans commemorating their 10th anniversary, organised a special function on December 20, 2013 at Hotel Tragopan, Dimapur.

In its noble venture, three children- Abale Nandu, Rachel and Akatoli were selected from Wondang Ki, Ebenezer Children’s Home, and Prodigals Home. A financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 was given to each sponsored child to cover the educational expenses for a year. TNCC also donated Rs.5000 to Special Olympics Bharat Nagaland as a

The Morung Express

Representatives from entire state attends NCWA meeting

in general in all aspects including Naga political, socio-cultural and economic.

It may be mentioned former Himachal Pradesh Governor, late Dr. Hokishe Sema, and former chief minister KL Chishi were the third and eight presidents of SKK respectively.

The series of events and programmes of the year-

long jubilee celebration include training on entrepreneurship in April at Niuland, awareness camp on competitive exams in the month of July, observation of Sumi ‘Patriots’ Day’ on August 4 and celebration of Ahuna and Tuluni festivals.

SKK will also conduct seminars and debate on the impact of ‘communitization’

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policy on education.

SKK will also construct a Jubilee memorial hall (multipurpose building) in Zunheboto and another Jubilee memorial institution (skills development and vocational centre) in Niuland, as part of the jubilee celebration.

For successful coordination and smooth functioning of the jubilee celebration, SKK has convened a meeting with all Sumi frontal organizations and civil societies on January 16 at ‘Sumi Hoho Ki’ in Zunheboto.

Other SKK platinum jubilee board and committee members present at the press briefing included Aheto V Yepthomi (convenor programme committee), Hukavi T Yepthomi (convenor souvenir committee), Khevishe Achumi (co-chairman planning board) and SKK president Holuvi Chophy.

Kipili graces KDSSU 14th general session

Nitoi Students Union presenting cultural dance during the inaugural function of Kiphire district Sumi Students Union 14th general session on January 9. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kiphire | January 10

C. Kipili Sangtam Parliamentary Secretary, Power today graced the inaugural function of Kiphire district Sumi Students Union (KDSSU) 14th general session under the theme ‘Glorious Generation’ as chief guest.

Challenging the student community the chief guest said, “being the leaders of tomorrow students should know what to do at the right time and how to take wise decision in every field so that the generation, society and community is benefited through you.” The chief guest called upon the student community to put dedication, sincerity and punctuality first so that one’s aim is

achieved and added, “gone are the days where ‘might is right’, but today it is proved otherwise” and said, “reconciliation unity and peaceful coexistence with friends and neighbor is the only way to achieve the goal.”

Also recollecting the past years, the chief guest said, “During our time as student we have to collect firewood, water and sometimes serve as servant to earn education but today you are being provided with the best of all so you have to strife foreword to achieve the goal.” Advising the parents he said, “Home is the first institute for child and being a responsible parents

you have feed your child in the right perspective so that peace prevail in the society.”

General Secretary SKK while greeted the gathering call for peaceful coexistence where ever one is and also added, we the students should humble our self so that community around is impressed by us.

He also said with the change of education policies we are going to become certificate students till class VIII and asked the student to have quality education and not certificate student.

Cultural display by Phisami Student union, Nitoi students union, and Sitimi Town students union mark the day.

1 Death Anniversary st

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of our beloved Late Matsung Pongener

In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still We hold you close within our hearts And there you will forever remain.

We miss you and always will, Your vacant place there is none to fill.

Down here we mourn, but not in vain, For up in Heaven we will meet again.

Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association members during the annual executive meeting on January 7.

Loving wife, children, in-laws & grand children

LoCATIon

FACILITIES

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Dimapur

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Regional

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11 January 2014

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Manipur students flay RSS remarks on AFSPA IMPHAL, JAnuAry 10 (Tnn): The Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) has taken strong exception to the recent remarks made

by Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) national executive member Arun Kumar on the relevance of Armed Forces Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Describing Kumar's statement as 'barbaric' and 'biased', MSF's public-

Interaction on crimes against women held

IMPHAL, JAnuAry 10 (nnn): “Total implementation of every single law for crimes against women is highly considered necessary in every states of India in dealing with these crimes against women,” said Mamta Sharma, chairperson, National Commission for Women, New Delhi while addressing the interaction programme organised today by Manipur State Commission for Women on “Ima Keithel” at Classic Hotel here.

The NCW chief further suggested that correlated authorities should help the Manipur State Women Commission in its administrative policy and programme.

Mamta also said that crimes against women such as the recent Delhi gangrape case, which had outraged the whole nation as well as the international community, can be daunted only when anti-crime laws for women are enacted.

At the same time, she said all the state Women Commissions and their allied NGOs should spread awareness among women and these organisations should also visit every educational institutions and hold various programmes.

State Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai also attended the opening ceremony of the interaction programme. She said the state Women Commission since its inception in 2006 has been insistently working hard and taking up various steps to stop crimes against women in the state.

“Let’s work together irrespective of sexes to ward off crimes that are committed against women,” Mirabai appealed.

ity secretary MA Wakil Alsari said, "The situation in Manipur won't be solved by this draconian law and being a dharma leader, Kumar should remember the triumphant history of Gandhiji's non-violence."

It added that arbitrary killings, torture, cruelty, inhuman treatment and forced disappearances have taken place because of the Act. Pointing out the unbri-

by Congress leader Veerapa Moily had recommended repeal of the Act. The MSF said the United Nations, too, had on March 31 last, asked New Delhi to revoke the AFSPA, saying it had no place in a democratic country like India. A highpower committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Santosh Hedge, constituted in January 2013, found six persons killed in

A couple keep themselves warm over a small fire early in the morning on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam on Thursday, January 9. Though India is famous for its brutally hot summers, temperatures fall sharply for a few weeks in December and January, badly affecting means of communication as visibility suffers due to heavy fog, and leads to deaths of poor people who are forced to spend nights away from the warm comforts of homes. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

'encounters' in Manipur did not have any criminal records, it added.

On August 15, 2004, MSF adviser Pebam Chittaranjan Mangang self-immolated seeking withdrawal of the Act. Human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on a fast since November, 2000, pressing for the repeal of the Act. The MSF also recalled how a group of women staged a nude

protest at the entrance of the Kangla Fort gate here in protest against human rights violations in the state.

On December 31, the MSF banned the RSS from carrying out its activities in the state, accusing the right wing organization of undermining human values of the people of Manipur.

Prior to this, the RSS had issued a statement saying its leader had been misquoted

by the media. But the MSF pressed for a formal announcement by Kumar.

The MSF said the RSS had said it would send letters to media houses clearing its views on the AFSPA. "But the RSS willfully ignored its agreement with us. He (Kumar) failed to send his clarification to the papers concerned," said MSF president Kh Serajuddin on Thursday. The

MSF said despite pressure from many countries and strong resistance from the people of the region, especially Manipur, the Centre has not withdrawn the AFSPA. It added that politicians treat the issue of the AFSPA withdrawal as a tool to garner votes. "The MSF concludes that Manipuris will continue to fight for the right to life and repeal of the AFSPA," it said.

AIZAWL, JAnuAry 10 (nnn): Dr. Charan Das Mahant, Union Minister of State (Agriculture & Food Processing) today reviewed the progress of various central government schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (RKVY), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and National Mission of Food Processing (NMFP), among other things in Mizoram.

The Union minister also paid visits to various centres of agriculture and allied departments in Mizoram.

Soon after his arrival on Thursday, the Union Minister had a review meeting at the State Guest House Conference Hall with R. Lalzirliana, Agriculture Minister of Mizoram, Lt. Col.(Rtd) Z. S. Zuala, Parliamentary Secretary and officers of agriculture and allied departments.

Dr. Charan Das Mahant appreciated the efforts of the various line Departments in the agriculture and allied sectors and ex-

pressed satisfaction in the way RKVY was being implemented in the state.

Mizoram Agriculture minister R. Lalzirliana expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for his visit and requested him to take steps for the materialization of the plan to set up Horticulture College in the State which the Union Minister of Agriculture Shri Sharad Power had promised during his visit to Mizoram in 2011.

Joint Secretaries Smt. Rani Kumudini and Smt. Anuradha Prasad who accompanied the Union Minister also spoke on the need for farm mechanization and expansion of food processing industries in the state and promised to extend all possible help to the state government in these two crucial areas.

The Union Minister and officials today in the morning visited College of Veterinary Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram where Dr. Charan Das Mah-

ant inaugurated the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and Agricultural Technology Information Centre Centre (ITAC) in the campus of the college.

The Union Minister also released a farmers’ guide magazine ‘Kisan Diary’ on the occasion. He commented that Mizoram, with its temperate climate is high-

ly suitable for agricultural and livestock production.

Agriculture being a significant employment generator, it is important that advances are made to modernize cultivation process and technologies. In this regard, the KVK centre should be utilised to have a wide reaching effects, the Union minister suggested.

the encounter which took place in the early morning.

There is no casualty in our side," the ZUF claimed.

At Naga United Village 4th Mile, Dimapur

Union Agri Minister visits Mizoram

Shootout in Manipur's Tamenglong district IMPHAL, JAnuAry 10 (nnn): Security forces and suspected ZUF militants engaged in intermittent gunbattles for about two hours at two separate places under Noney Police Station in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, early Friday.

Police reports informed that an exchange of fire took place between troops of 10 Assam Rifles and the Zeliangrong United Front at Langkhong Khunthak.

The gunbattle that started around 5 am continued till 7 am. However, the casualty report was unconfirmed till late evening. Police also said the gunbattle ensued after the

Mizoram govt keen to set up Lokayuka

AIZAWL, JAnuAry 10 (nnn): If everything goes well, Mizoram is likely to set up a Lokayuka, anticorruption ombudsman, which shall look into the allegations against public functionaries. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) headed by its leader Lal Thanhawla in its meeting resolved to take prompt steps so that the anti-corruption institution is set up soon in the State.

The meeting decided that quick steps be taken

dled powers given to the armed forces under the Act, the MSF said the Act has no place in any civilized society and democratic country. It added that the Prime Minister, keeping in mind the Jeevan Reddy Commission report, had earlier said the Act would be amended to make it 'humane'. It maintained that the second Administrative Reforms Commission chaired

such that Mizoram has Lok Ayukta soon, as has been promised in the Congress manifesto. "Even before a bill (for Lokayukta) can be put up in the State Assembly, ordinance may even be issued," the CLP meeting decided.

Besides the agenda of Lokayukta, the CLP meeting also decided not to hold public interview in the morning at the residences of Chief Minister, Ministers, Parliamentary secretaries and MLAs.

AR troops spotted a group of camouflaged militants moving close to their route on the hill side, which prompted them to launch a sudden attack at the militants. The militants also returned fire.

Meanwhile, the ZUF militants fleeing the AR attack at Langkhong Khunthak launched a retaliatory attack on their way at 143 Battalion CRPF camp in Irang around 7 am. The militants reportedly hurled hand grenades and used sophisticated weapons in the attack. The CRPF personnel in retaliation fire several rounds, resulting in an encounter. No casualty

was reported in the second encounter too. Irang is located about 6 km from Noney Police Station.

On the other hand, the ZUF has expressed its regret and termed the incident as unfortunate which had occurred near Upper Langkhung village, Tamenglong district.

"Against the interest of the Front during the festive season of Christmas, New Year and Ganh –Ngai for peace and good will, the courageous boys were provoked by the unidentified appearance of uniformed and armed cadres in the vicinity. We were compelled to defend our camp and

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If seen kindly contact: 9856 265 172.

RECRUITMENT RALLY FOR 164 INFANTARY BATTALION TA (H&H) NAGA 1. A recruitment rally for enrollment of resident Naga Tribal of Nagaland State into 164 Inf Bn (TA) (H&H) Naga as Soldier General Duty, Clerk and Tradesman categories, would be held from 16 Jan 2014 to 19 Jan 2014 at Hockey Ground, IG Stadium, Kohima (Nagaland) for vacancies of Sol (General Duty)-36,House Keeper-01, Clerk (Staff Duty)-01.

2. The qualitative requirement (QR) are as follows :(a)Educational qualification :(i) Soldier General Duty and House Keeper - Class 8th pass. (ii) Clerk (General Duty) - Class 12th pass with 50 % (over all) from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science with 50% marks in aggregate. Should have studied English and Maths/Accounts/Book as compulsory subject in 10th or 12th standards. (b)Height : Minimum 152 cms, Weight : Minimum 50 kgs( + 2 Kg),Chest Minimum 77 cms with expan sion of 5 cms. (c) Age : Between 18 to 42 years (should not have been married before the age of 21 years). Should not born before 16 Jan 1972 and after 16 Jan 1996. (d)Should be gainfully employed in Govt/Semi Govt/Pvt Sector or self employed. (e)Must be of resident Naga Tribal of Kohima and Peren Districts, Nagaland State.

3. The screening of candidates will commence at 0600 AM on 16 Jan 2014 and the Medical Examination and Documentation of all candidates will be done after initial selection. The screening will be done as under:(a) 16 Jan 2014 - Peren Sadar and Kohima, New Reserve, Lerei, New Minister Hill, AG Colony, Potor Lane, Chandmari, PWD, Agri Colony, Officer Colony. (b) 17 Jan 2014 - Peren Jalukie Sub Div and Kohima, Raj Bhawan, Para Medical, Midland, New Market, Hospital Colony, Daklane, Naga Bazar, Kitsobozuo, Mission Compound. (c) 18 Jan 2014 - Peren Tening Sub Div and Kohima, Cherry land, Tinpati, Sepfyzuo, Bayavu, Kezeikei, High School Colony and remaining wards of Kohima district. (d) 19 Jan 2014 - Written Exam.

4. Preliminary screening. Before conduct of test, candidates will be put through a preliminary screening for Height, Weight and permanent body tattoos which are only permitted on inner face of forearms i.e. from inside of elbow to the wrist and on the reverse side of palm/back (dorsal) side hand. Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body is not acceptable and candidate will be barred from further screening.

5. The candidates will have to undergo physical tests, Run of 1.6 Km, Chin Ups, Balance Beam and 9 Feet ditch followed by written test of short listed candidates after screening.

6. Documents Required to be Submitted are as under. Candidates to bring two photocopies of these document at the time of reporting :(a)Education certificate and Character certificate (should not be six months old on the date of rect rally). (b)Permanent residential/Indigenous/Domicile certificate. (c) Unmarried Certificate. Certificate from village Administrative head duly endorsing his office seal for candidate below 21 year of age. (d)Two copies of latest passport size coloured photograph of candidate in light blue or white background. Photograph should not be attested.

7. Terms and conditions. (a)Annual Training Camp. Present Govt sanction for the Battalion is till 30 Mar 2015, thereafter the candidates will be called for two months Annual Training Camp each year and will be disembodied on completion of said Annual Training Camp, in case embodiment under Rule-33 is not extended. (b) Pay and Allowances. The selected candidates will be employed in 164 Inf Bn (TA) (H&H) NAGA. The pay and other facilities during embodiment will be after Rect trg Basic Pay - 6400 + 2000 (Grade Pay) + 2000 (MSP) per month + applicable Dearness allowance, Free food, accommodation, uniform, CSD facilities, Free medical facilities and Other allowances as applicable to Regular Army and Pension Benefit if individual completes 15 yrs paid service.

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Admission GoinG on Courses Offered 1. DMLT 2. ANM 1. Nursing Assistant

Eligibility 10 Passed 10 Passed 8 Passed

Duration 2 Years 2 Years 1 Year

Office Timing: 9 am – 1 pm (Monday-Friday) For details contact:

8974600544/8731961913 9862639134/9863691731 9089513467/8014704861

Excellent Institute Micro World Computer Education (B.R) P.R. Hill, (Opp. PHQ), Kohima

Admission going on for: • NPSC(Prelim) 2014, UPSC, SSC, Banking, • JEE/AIPMTI & NERIST (I,II & III)-2014 • Computer (Basic, DCA, PGDCA, Hardware & Networking).

• Spoken English & Spoken Hindi.

• Short time Computer Course (During Winter Vacation).

Intensive Coaching for CI-10 & 12 (Arts, Sc. & Com.) Contact: 0370-2241518, 9863143390, 9436830040 N.B: Hostel available for Both Boys and Girls.

VISION SECONDARYSCHOOL SCHOOL VISIONHOME HOME HIGHER HIGHER SECONDARY DIPHUPAR: DIMAPUR

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 Submit own handwritten application with bio-data along with copies of necessary documents.

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Date of interview: 24th January 2014 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Contact No. : (1)9856581824 (2)9612542539 PRINCIPAL

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4

businEss

Saturday

Dimapur

11 January 2014

Government notifies new gas pricing guidelines

new delhI, JAnUAry 10 (IAnS): The government Friday notified the domestic natural gas pricing formula for all natural gas produced in the country. The Domestic Natural Gas Pricing Guidelines, 2014 notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will apply to all natural gas produced domestically, irrespective of the source, whether conventional, shale or coal-bed methane (CBM).

The ministry in a statement said gas from April will be priced at an average price of liquid gas (liquefied natural gas or LNG) imports into India and benchmark global gas rates. This formula will be applicable for five years till March 31, 2019. The new rates, which will vary every quarter, based on the 12-month average of global rates and LNG import price with a lag of one quarter, will apply to all gas produced by both public sector firms like ONGC and private companies like Reliance Industries Ltd. The statement added that RIL may sell natural gas at the revised doubled price from April provided the firm gave a bank guarantee. The bank guarantee, which will be around $9 billion, will be encashed if it is proved that the company hoarded gas or deliberately suppressed production at the main Dhirubhai-1 and 3 (D1 and D3) fields in the eastern offshore KG-D6 block.

The issue had held up notification of the new gas pricing formula that will be applicable to all producers and all forms of gas including CBM and shale gas. “These guidelines shall not be applicable where prices have been fixed contractually for a certain period of time, till the end of such period,” the ministry said. “These guidelines shall also not be applicable where the production sharing contract provides a specific formula for natural gas price indexation/fixation,” the statement added.

Spy cameras’ sales go up in Delhi, courtesy Kejriwal

new delhI, JAnUAry 10 (IAnS): With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal encouraging people to carry out sting operations to catch the corrupt red-handed, sellers of spy cameras in Delhi’s popular Palika Bazar are a happy lot with sales doubling overnight. According to shopkeepers, the range of spy cameras is vast and can cost between Rs.400 to Rs.30,000 depending on the product, its audio and video recording quality, memory and other features.

However, pens, buttons, key chains, pen drives and sun glasses installed with spy cams are the most soughtafter because of their price -- between Rs.400 and Rs.5,000 -- and size.

“The sales have double since the announcement came. Earlier we would sell around 15-20 pieces of small-sized spy cams in a day. The figure is close to 40 now,” Sachin Dutta of Electronic Zone in Palika Bazar, the underground shopping complex in central Delhi’s posh commercial hub Connaught Place told IANS. “Products in the price range of Rs.400 to Rs.5,000 are selling the most and customers are a mix of people from all age groups,” he added.

Kejriwal had Wednesday announced a helpline to help trap those demanding bribes. The complainants would be taught how to carry out a sting operation by the anti-corruption wing of the Delhi administration.

Pradeep Sharma of Rhythmics, too agreed with Dutta and said that he was anticipating more sales in the coming days. “Customers are enthusiastic and a lot of them are visiting us eager to know how a spy cam works sales have increased definitely,” he said.

However, some like Mohammad Ali who had ordered extra stock of spy cameras immediately after Kejriwal’s announcement was disappointed.

“I was expecting the sales to rise dramatically and had ordered extra stock but sadly it has remained the same.

Maybe people prefer to use their phone cameras instead of spending on a new spy cam,” he said.

Mumbai unveils revamped airport MUMBAI, IndIA (AP): India’s overcrowded financial capital unveils its long-awaited $2 billion new airport terminal on Friday, an ambitious, artfilled space that developers hope will be a showcase success in a country struggling to modernize inadequate infrastructure that is holding back economic growth.

Hemmed in by Mumbai’s sprawling slums, the renovated Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was delayed for nearly two years and overran its construction budget by 25 percent. The project was dogged by political disputes, regulatory snarls and difficulty reclaiming more than 300 acres (120 hectares) of airport land near the runway occupied by tens of thousands of squatters.

“Most people, if not all, wrote it off,” acknowledged Sanjay Reddy, vice chairman of India’s GVK Group, which leads the publicprivate venture that developed the airport. He said the project will show that India can produce worldclass facilities “and not

In this Wednesday, January 8, photo, security guards stand inside the new airport terminal at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. India’s overcrowded financial capital unveils its long-awaited $2 billion new airport terminal Friday, an ambitious, art-filled space that developers hope will be a showcase success in a country struggling to modernize inadequate infrastructure that is holding back economic growth. (AP Photo)

only can we do it, we can do it better.”

The finished terminal has a sleek and airy design, abundant greenery and some 7,000 pieces of Indian art.

The art works — some of them centuries-old artifacts and others by up-andcoming contemporary artists — are the centerpiece

new delhI, JAnUAry 8 (AgencIeS): Mahindra École Centrale, an engineering college set up by premier European institution École Centrale Paris (ECP) and Indian IT major Tech Mahindra, is set to kick-start its academic session from 2014. This seems like good news in the education space.

There is a predicted shortage of employable engineers of 2.45 million by 2020. In an optimistic scenario, the shortage would still be 1.6 million in 2020, according to the National Council of Applied Research.

Interestingly, ECP, founded in 1829 to cater to the French industry’s needs, is the institution where Gustave Eiffel, the creator of Eiffel Tower, studied. Mahindra École Centrale (MEC) Hyderabad is set to admit its first batch in the summer of 2014. The college will take students on the basis of the JEE exam along with a possible interview process.

Sanjay Dhande, Founder-Director, MEC, said, “Quality engineering education is the single most powerful intervention that the industry requires right now to bridge the gap between the demand and the supply. We need institutes which work on the industry-

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box co ntains the digits 1 through 9.”

1

SUDOKU Game Number # 2758

of the terminal, embedded in a 3-kilometer (1.9mile) -long internal wall that runs along the departure and arrival gates of the four-story building.

The check-in facility has a gleaming-white, 11-acre (4.5-hectare) roof with dozens of skylights that resemble the plumage of a peacock, India’s national

bird. The 700,000-square foot (65,000-square meter) retail and gateway areas feature more than 1,000 lotus flower-shaped chandeliers.

Aiming high, Mumbai International Airport Ltd. has declared the facility will be “one of the best airports in the world that consistently delights the pas-

sengers.”

For those accustomed to Mumbai’s less-thandelightful current international terminal, where the main escalator to departures has been broken for months, the upgrade is likely to seem dramatic.

The airport will shift all international carriers to the new terminal within a few weeks and hopes that most domestic airlines will operate from a lower level in the same building in about a year after it demolishes the current terminal and finishes the fourth leg of the new, X-shaped building.

The difficulties of the project in India’s largest city of 21 million people — an estimated 60 percent of whom live in its vast slums — have mirrored many of the problems the country faces in building the new roads, power plants and other projects necessary to ease chokepoints that have contributed to a sharp slowdown in economic growth.

“It’s an absolute microcosm, representing practically every challenge facing development of Indian infrastructure,”

said Amber Dubey, an infrastructure expert for KPMG. Problems included a protracted political battle over moving a statue of the 17th-century Hindu warrior king after which the facility is named. The airport operator eventually agreed to install another statue and a museum to Shivaji nearby.

About 300 acres (120 hectares) of the airport’s land is taken up by a vast shantytown overlooking the runway, housing about 75,000 people. It is part of a wider slum of around 200,000 people surrounding the airport.

So far the airport operator says it has relocated only about 100 families, and the inaccessible land is blocking its plans to finish the new terminal and also regain its huge investment by developing commercial space around the facility.

Slum dwellers say they shouldn’t have to move, arguing that many who built their modest dwellings by hand have been there for decades and are demanding compensation or new houses elsewhere.

Mahindra’s engineering institution to Don’t eat onions, prices start first academic session from July will dip, SC tells petitioner academia relationship model. MEC will lead this effort.”

On how this college plans to stand out among the thousands of engineering institutions in India which have mushroomed over the past many years, Dhande said, “ MEC is committed to providing world-class research infrastructure to support a strong research vision.”

While MEC is set to bring an international flavour to the education space in India, one might think that the French model, very different from the Indian academic model, may be difficult to apply here. But, John Cagnol, Deputy Dean of Studies, ECP, says, “We are trying to create a school that fosters the DNA of École Centrale Paris and the DNA of Mahindra. Each country has different needs but these are linked to the international scene.”

ECP sends each student abroad for at least six months. The student does not get the degree if he or she has not spent this time abroad either with companies, laboratories or universities. Interestingly, the institution already has a successful six-year programme in China.

_

LEISURE

The Morung Express

But in India, every kid who wants to become an engineer dreams of going to an IIT. To this Dhande said, “We are in the no-competition zone, locally speaking. We have embarked on creating an entirely new model of education that is inter-disciplinary, activity based and industry oriented with an emphasis on humanities, social and management sciences.”

The AICTE approval process is well underway and MEC has been aligning itself both in terms of infrastructure facilitation as well as administrative adjuncts. While the fee structure will be announced at the time of admission, Christopher Cripps, Dean of International Affairs, ECP, said, “We are talking about potential scholarships for students from economically weaker backgrounds. We want our registration to be totally merit based, and we don’t plan to leave anybody behind because of financial difficulties.”

On different employment scenarios in the two countries, Cagnol said, “The question is not the France job market or Indian job market but how we can add value to the international job market.”

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2769

new delhI, JAnUAry 10 (IAnS): The Supreme Court Friday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking direction to the government to regulate the prices of onions, potatoes and other seasonal vegetables. “Stop eating onions for two months, prices will come down to Rs.15 per kg,” said a bench of Justice B.S. Chauhan and Justice J. Chelameswar adding: “Now we have no other business. We have to arrange cheap onions and potatoes.”

As the court junked the PIL telling the petitioner Vishnu Pratap Singh Langawat not to burden the court with such public interest suits, in the same breadth, it observed that clients are willing to pay high fees. Langawat had sought the direction to the central government for enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 especially with respect to onions, tomatoes and potatoes.

Parliament, the PIL said, in 1955 enacted the Essential Commodities Act to control the production, supply and distribution of commodities which are specified in the legislation to be essential commodities. But despite unprecedented rise in the price of essential commodities, especially vegetables like tomatoes, onions, potatoes, garlic etc. which are the basic ingredients of Indian meals, the central government did nothing to control prices of the said foodstuffs by invoking the act against middlemen and traders for alleged excessive hoarding, it contended.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital: Shamrock Hospital Zion Hospital: Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dimapur hospital Apollo Hospital Info Centre: Railway: Indian Airlines Chumukedima Fire Brigade Nikos Hospital and Research Centre Nagaland Multispecialty Health & Research Centre

Answer Number # 2756

KOHIMA

Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home:

232224; Emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 228846 228254 231864, 224117, 227337 228400 232106 227607 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

O

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FrieNdly CirCle

CHRIST

PRACTICAL

CHRISTIAN

PRESENCE

CONDITION

PRESENT

CORINTHIANS

PROCLAMATION

EXPERIENCE

PROFOUND

FAITH

READERS

FRANK

REDEMPTIVE

FREED

RIGHTEOUSNESS

GALATIANS

ROMANS

GOSPEL

SIN

GRACE

SPIRITUAL

LETTER

SPREADING

LIVES

UNBELIEF

MANDATORY

VERSE

PEOPLE

D

L P Q F R C P R O F O U N D O O

G A R C A M H L E T T E R P P C

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L A C O O I A R U I A D F R R O

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1. An elongated leather strip 6. Walking stick 10. Send forth 14. Habitual practice 15. Ends a prayer 16. Cypher 17. Country estate 18. Container weight 19. Poems 20. Creator 22. Tidy 23. Bloodsucking insects 24. Shiny 26. Frozen 30. Grippe 31. Sweet potato 32. Connecting point 33. Apprentice 35. Fogs 39. Urinary organs 41. Truss 43. Hair net 44. Infiltrator 46. Emanation 47. Central 49. Thorax protector 50. Young sheep 51. Set aflame

54. Matured 56. A noble gas 57. Deaths 63. Diva’s solo 64. Way out 65. Medical professional 66. Long ago 67. Found in some lotions 68. Gleam 69. You (archaic) 70. Care for 71. Fertile areas

DOWN 1. Japanese wrestling 2. Russian emperor 3. Hindu princess 4. All excited 5. Risk 6. Catastrophe 7. Not a professional 8. Roman emperor 9. Power 10. Frugal 11. Ways 12. Notions 13. Cantankerous 21. Very good 25. Tibetan monk 26. Writing fluids 27. Metal money

28. Cocoyam 29. Denote 34. Obliged 36. Gull-like bird 37. School session 38. Knife 40. Modify 42. Renegade 45. Speech 48. Overpower 51. Awkward 52. Hebrew unit of weight 53. Clamor 55. Wild dog of Australia 58. Spindle 59. A city in western Russia 60. Colored part of an eye 61. Feudal worker 62. Collections

Ans to CrossWord 2768

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/101 (O) 9436601225 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862-282777/101 (O) WOKHA: 03860-242215 (O) 9402643782 MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/101 (O) 9856872011 (OC) PHEK: 03865-223838/101 (O) 9436012949 (OC)

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

MON: 03869-290629/101 (O) 9856248962/ 9612805461 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

KOHIMA: 0370-2222952/101 (O) 9436062098 (OC)

ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-220444/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home: Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

TAHAMzAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

222246 222491

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

Saturday 11 January 2014

Dimapur

5

Step by step handover of Mon appeal to strengthen government schools January 10 happiness to witness the interest pertaining to eco- schools and urged the govdistrict hospital underway ViSwEma, (Dipr): Parliamentary Sec- huge gathering, which nomic capability of the com- ernment teachers not to retary for IPR and Economics & Statistics, Er Kropol Vitsu today expressed regret that many government schools go dilapidated owing to public apathy and administrative neglect. He narrated that often, in such situations, the blame is on the Government and the Department, or the people who are responsible give "lame excuses."

The parliamentary secretary was speaking at the inauguration of new building of Government Middle School, K. Khel, Viswema.

The school which was upgraded to Middle School in 2010 was accorded a sanction of Rs. 17,19,000 for construction of a CGI sheet new building. The land was donated free of cost by the villagers, who also contributed Rs. 24,500, for the construction of the building into an RCC. Er. Kropol expressed

mon, January 10 (mExn): A significant step has been made in the handover process of the Mon District Hospital from Medecins Sans Frontiers/ Doctors without Borders (MSF) to the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW). A press release from Beatrice Barbot, Field Coordinator for MSF in Mon informed that on January 1, the inpatients department, the emergency room, the referrals to tertiary structure, hygiene and infection control and the provision of electricity of the said hospital were handed over to the control of the DoHFW. MSF, in partnership with the DoHFW has been supporting Mon District Hospital since 2010. An initial 3 years Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July 2010 and an extension for one year was agreed in 2013, bringing the collaboration between MSF and the DoH&FW to an end in July 2014.

The Chief Medical Officer of Mon district commented on the handover of control by stating, “The handover process may be difficult but we accept it with an open heart and I believe that with God’s help we will be able to manage it.”

The handover process is being done in steps, in order to ensure the best possible handover and follow up of activities. It may be noted that the OPD department, waste management and lab and blood transfu-

sion activity were handed over to the DoHFW on June 1, October 1 and November 1, 2013 respectively.

The release informed that OPD (SRH), Gynecology, Obstetric, neonatal care, pharmacy management, supply of non medical items and provision of water would be handed over to the DoHFW on February 1. Eventually, on April 1, the infrastructure maintenance and the TB will be handed over. On June 1, the health promotion programme will be handed over, thus completing the phase of transition.

MSF will, however, still be present in Mon District Hospital until July, 2014 and will be directly involved in other activities, as well as monitoring and supporting the Hospital staff to help with the smooth transition process.

To ensure the best possible handover, MSF and the DoH&FW need the continued support of the community, stated the release.

Beatrice Barbot, MSF Field Coordinator, in the press release stated, “I am very pleased that we have a very good partnership with everyone involved in the hospital, as well as very good support from the community and local NGOs in Mon, especially during this handover process. We hope this continues in the future as it is so essential that the hard work done by everybody involved in the Hospital continues for the years to come.”

Dimapur, January 10 (mExn): Two Naga musicians DJ Ina (Ina Zhimo) and Tuden Jamir have made it to the VIMA INDIA Music Awards of 2014. Ina is part of New-Delhi based band called BK&INA, featuring one of the best rappers in India Borkung Hrangkhawl from Tripura. BK & INA has been declared the 1st runners-up in the category of “Best Genre Bender” for their debut single ‘FREE’.

Meanwhile, indie-pop singer from Dimapur, Tuden has been nominated

mon, January 10 (Dipr): MLA & Chairman NKVIB & DPDB Mon N. Thongwang Konyak has appealed to the people of his constituency to leave behind all political differences and extend full cooperation to the government to pave way for community development.

Speaking at the inaugural of Chi Chingngoi Chun-

hoa morung of Chi village on January 9, he informed that smooth development cannot take place in any society without peace and unity of the people. Thongwang also assured he was ready to take up any projects for the development of the community. Emphasizing on need of quality roads, he said without proper transport and com-

munication, we cannot achieve economic development.

Informing that morung is a place of learning to teach all kinds of human development and behaviour, he urged the people to uphold the moral values and tradition of the morung, and make it a centre of learning.

He also lauded the leaders of the morung for taking the

reflected solidarity over political differences. He urged the denizens of Viswema Village, VEC and the Managing Board to ensure proper running of the school by maintaining the building and enforcing regular and quality teaching by the teachers. He expressed optimism that the public, faculty and students would reciprocate to the benevolence of the government and the department.

Er. Kropol stated that much better results are expected from government schools, since the teachers are paid much higher than their private counterparts and are made eligible only after possessing high requisite qualifications. He reminded the gathering on the great importance of education today.

The MLA, who is from the village, shared his concern over issues of public

munity by wise utilization of wealth, good savings and investments. He also urged for urgency of concern from the community regarding recognition of ‘Kirha Village’ in Dimapur, since the village was established even before statehood.

Director of School Education Saveyi Nyekha exhorting the community requested for greater awareness and support. He cited how people place their demands for construction of schools, appointment of teachers and staff, but fail to reciprocally ensure efficiency in performance of teachers and staff or fail to safeguard and maintain the assets. He enlightened the gathering that the ‘Anganwadi’ centres are to perform the basic education of children in literacy.

He urged the village authorities to lay greater attention to government

feel inferior or proud, but be exemplary persons.

The Director was of the opinion that, the public can play crucial role in improving the government schools. He informed the gathering that the public should be taught what RTE Act says on compulsory education upto class eight and village authority must take up the responsibility.

Puvil Kikhi, a senior officer of the community exhorted the community as guest of honour. He fully endorsed the views of the Director of School education on the expected role of the community. He added that the school building has been inaugurated but students must be enrolled. However, the enrollment will increase only if it shows results, for which, he opined, ensuring regularity and sincerity of quality teachers is the solution.

among the top 5 artists in the Best Pop song category for his hit single ‘About a hat’. The song is from his debut EP The Renaissance Man, which can be downloaded from www.indihut. com. Along with Tuden,

and BK&INA, another band from the North East ‘Yesterdrive’ hailing from Arunachal Pradesh has been listed in the Best Rock Song category with their debut single ‘Hold On’.

Coreconxept, a produc-

tion company headed by creative Northeast youngsters, led by Yanger Lemtur from Nagaland, has helped in producing top quality music videos for these artists and is fast emerging as one of the top audio/video production companies in the region.

These selected winners will now go on to compete against the rest of Southeast Asia in the VIMA Asia grand finals which will be held at Platinum Lifestyle Club in Malaysia on March 22 this year.

initiative and completing the building in time.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mon Angau I Thou, IAS, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour recalled that morung imparts training to the youths to become a responsible citizen of the society as per the traditions and culture of the Nagas. She appealed to the youths and the leaders of

the Chingngoi Chunhoa morung to take the initiative of transforming the mindset of the Konyak society and set good example to the people of the district to march forward. She also advised to have strong determination to acquire quality education for human development and extend full cooperation to the government for all round development of the

district.

The Chief Guest along with the Deputy Commissioner and his entourage also visited Longgok Morung and interacted with people.

Earlier, welcome address was proposed by Hanlong Konyak, Chairman Construction Committee. The celebration was marked by cultural dances and special numbers.

in Karbi Anglong including Karbi relationship with other ethnic minorities is not handled with care. However, instead of sincerely addressing the concerns of the Rengmas in Assam, Kathar has chosen to play politics thereby hurting the sentiments of the Rengmas in Nagaland. Taking advantage of the overzealous hospitality of some organisations in Nagaland, Kathar talked about Naga-Karbi unity and at the same time cunningly sought to isolate Rengmas with his ‘third force’ propaganda for which unnecessary suspicions has been created. Any roadmap for peace in Karbi Anglong shall take into consideration the express wish of the Rengmas in Assam and the question of their future political identity shall determine the outcome of peace.

exposed children. Antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis should be administered to the child, depending on what mother has already received.

What are feeding options of the infant?

The HIV infected mother should be already informed - counseled before the delivery, regarding the feeding options of the baby.

Studies have shown that, if a mother infected with HIV, without any treatment and intervention breastfeeds her baby, the chances of transmission is almost 2035%. Hence, mothers are strongly advised by health care providers to go for replacement feeding. But we should also remember that sometimes replacement of feeding may complicate certain situation which

Naga musicians make it to VIMA Awards Malaysia

MLA Thongwang appeals to end political differences for development

W

hy is JI Kathar and his Karbi Anglong Pe a c e For u m (KAPF) going around Kohima and Nagaland spreading pure canard that “third forces” are responsible for the Karbi-Rengma conflict?

Why is he so eager about “tribal unity” in Karbi Anglong at this juncture? Is it because the Joint Action Committee for Autonomous Statehood (JACAS) has hit a wall of which Kathar is the Convenor? JI Kathar solicited the support of Rengmas in support of Karbi statehood which the Rengmas and other ethnic groups of Karbi Anglong declined to join since the Karbi-Kuki clash, Karbi-Dimasa clash, Karbi-khasi clash, KarbiAdivasi clash, Karbi-Hindi speaking community clash in Karbi Anglong is still fresh in most people’s mind. Sens-

A

ccording to UNAIDS 2012 report, 34.2 million people are living with HIV worldwide. Among them, women represent half of the population. As per the report, 3.4 million children globally are living with HIV infection where 2,50,000 children who are less than 15years die from AIDS-related causes.

Back home, according to Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS 2013) there were 14,563 people living with HIV, out of which 16% were between the age group of 15 to 24 years, making Nagaland as the top 6 states with HIV in the country. It is estimated that out of 27 million pregnancies every year in India, nearly 49,000 occur with HIV-positive women.

So now, are all the child born to HIV positive mothers infected with the virus?

MTCT (Mother-To-Child-

Public SPace

letter to Ji Kathar

ing the disunity among the different tribal communities of Karbi Anglong, Central leaders are believed to have told JACAS that Karbi statehood is not possible. Given the circumstances, the sudden turnaround of Karbi civil society blaming ‘third forces’ for the killings of Rengmas and thereby washing their hands off the whole affair is understandable. Kathar and AIKNA have been on damage control mode ever since by expressing desire for unity and brotherhood amongst the tribals of Karbi Anglong.

This they have also sought to achieve this by raising the bogey of Bengali-dominated Karbi Anglong! To his credit, Kathar, the intellectual has realized, though belatedly, that the Central government is in no mood to talk about statehood when Karbi militant groups in one guise or

the other has been involved in slaughtering women and children from different ethnic communities since 2003, the latest being Rengmas.

However, the insincerity of Kathar leaves much to be desired. Judging from the way kathar has been addressing the Naga media, the Karbi civil society is still not ready to admit that its militants were involved in the killings and displacements of ethnic communities, including Rengmas in Assam since 2003. Rather, it’s amusing at the way Kathar and KAPF has been hoodwinking Nagas with talk of ‘third forces’ being responsible for all the carnages in Karbi Anglong, Assam and patting us for the safety of Karbis in Kohima.

Why is Kathar calling for a CBI enquiry into all the ethnic clashes in Karbi Anglong?

Calling for CBI inquiry is a calculated risk Kathar has taken since he knows it’ll not happen. However, the underlying message he is sending is diabolic. In essence, he is saying, “Dear Nagas, Karbis are not responsible for any blood spilt in our Karbi Anglong. No, we did not kill the Kukis, the Rengmas, the Adivasis, or the Dimasas even though they dared to demand an autonomous council within Karbi Anglong.

Believe me, Tarun Gogoi, the RAW, the IB, the ISI and the Bengalis are responsible for the killings.” This is not a message Naga people should be hearing at this juncture. If Kathar and KAPF truly de-

sire peaceful co-existence between Nagas and Karbis, it’s good but judging from the utterances, we’re confused as to whether Kathar’s trip is a peace mission or to spread lies.

As expressed by him, Kathar is very worried in case the tribal population in KAAC falls below 50% (Morung Express). Such a scenario is frightening, to say the least, since it may allow the Central government to remove the autonomous nature of the KAAC and reduce it to a mere district of Assam with just 4 MLAs to show for it ! Did the MHA hint of this possibility when JACAS met the officials in September and November 2013? As Convenor of JACAS, it’s apparent that instead of a state, Kathar sees the possibility of a mere district for the Karbi people if the Rengma issue

Transmission) remains the commonest mode of transmission in children. However, not every child born to HIV infected mother is HIV positive. That is, MTCT is not 100%.

What is MTCT (Mother-To-Child-Transmission)?

MTCT is when an HIVpositive mother passes the virus to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery or breastfeeding (WHO 2011).

How common is MTCT today?

In developed countries MTCT has been almost completely eliminated as a result of effective voluntary testing and counseling services, access to safe delivery practices, and the widespread availability and safe use of breast-milk

substitutes. In the absence of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and other intervention in India, MCTC is about 25-30%. However, with intervention and medication it can be as low as 1-2%.

Globally in 2012, 62% of pregnant women living with HIV received the most effective drug regimens - Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) (as recommended

by WHO) to prevent Mother-To-Child Transmission (MTCT) of the virus.

How to Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT)?

In July 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new HIV and AIDS guidelines on treatment for PMTCT and on HIV and breastfeeding 1. An HIV-positive mother can pass the virus

to her baby any time during pregnancy, labor, delivery and breastfeeding.

Therefore HIV-positive pregnant mothers should take Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as soon as possible throughout pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding and continue for life.

2. As soon as the infant is born, the baby should also be given ARV drugs. It is highly recommended that the child should be given only artificial feeding rather than breastfeeding. Exceptions only on cases like increased risk of death from diarrhea and malnutrition.

Barriers and challenges in PMTCT 1. In many low and middle-income countries, health systems are often poorly staffed and re-

sourced; clinics struggle to provide existing services.

2. Even where quality PMTCT services are locally available, there may be social, cultural stigma or personal reasons why women do not access PMTCT services 3. Fear of disclosure and being known by others is a common reason why women are reluctant to go to HIV clinic/ health care services.

4. Poor adherence to ARTs. How to Care for HIV Exposed children?

Women with HIV who take ART and related medication during pregnancy as recommended, can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their babies. Therefore, the immediate period after birth is very crucial to prevent transmission in

Joel Nillo Kath

Toshimoa Jamir performs at ‘JBC Live - MTF Series’ on January 10, 2014 at Jumping Bean, Dimapur. JBC Live MTF Series, an initiative of Music Task Force, takes place second Friday of every month. Other performers on January 10 evening included Divas Unleashed, Setolu Kat Minx & Homies, and No Strings Attached.

MEx FILE SBAK condemns Dimapur, January 10 (mExn): Sumi Baptist Churches Association (SBAK) Aizuto has vehemently condemned the assault of Akivito Sumi, a class X student of CHSS, Dimapur on December 28, 2013, which led to his death on December 30. A press release from SBAK-Aizuto stated that such inhuman and uncivilized behaviour is unacceptable in a society and should be condemned by all right thinking citizens.

SRSU 54th annual session held

Suruhuto, January 10 (Dipr): Suruhuto Range Student's Union (SRSU) commenced its 54th annual session at Lithsami village on January 8 with the theme “A Glorious Generation”. Parliamentary Secretary Soil & Water Conservation& Fisheries, Shetoyi Sumi who graced the inaugural function as chief guest encouraged and challenged the students and youths to take up the role in removing the corruption practices in election in Nagaland. He encouraged the youths and students to build work culture by asking them to take up farming in commercial cropping that could support livelihood. He gave a call to action to do what is right for the greater good and a glorious generation. The Chief Guest called upon the youths and students in building a brighter future generation. He was accompanied by C. Konyak, SDO (C) Suruhuto, GB's, elders, public leaders & leaders of political parties of 33 A/C Suruhuto.

Wallet found at Samziuram Dimapur, January 10 (mExn): A wallet containing some cash was found on January 7, 2014 at Samziuram, Peren District. The right owner has been requested to contact the following mobile numbers: 9436821608/ 9615103592.

Clarification on Chakhesang Baptist Church Toulazouma Chakhesang Baptist Church Toulazouma clarifies the rumours spread by somebody regarding the functioning system of the church. It is regretted and unfortunate that somebody questioned the sanctity of the church in some local dailies regarding the appointment of church head deacon and its tenure. The church has taken this opportunity to let the readers know that, head deacon, Neitsolo Venuh has never summoned and threatened the deacons with pistol inside the church. The committee of the church appointed head deacon with a tenure of three years with

Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV

may overweight the risk of HIV infection. So in order to avoid complications, it should be ensured that replacement feeding is Acceptable, Feasible, Affordable, Sustainable and Safe (AFASS).

In case the mother opts for exclusive replacement feeding, then it is important to remember that they should use clean preparation of the feed and preference of the use of spoon and cup instead of nippled bottle in order to prevent contamination. However, if the mother opts for exclusive breastfeeding, then she should remember to give exclusive breastfeeding for six months without mix feeding even water, as mixed feeding are most risky in the context of HIV transmission. Mother

the rest of other church workers not as stated as life time.

Regarding former pastor Mosa Nukhu who is now on further study in Korea, the church is helping him financially. The church has platform for everyone to freely share the human flaws so that we grow together towards His perfection. Whatsoever God is the best judge.

Let us not forget to love one another so that our joy shall be complete and others will know that we are the disciples of Christ.

Neipete Therie Secretary Chakhesang Baptist Church Toulazouma Dimapur: Nagaland

should take immediate treatment for cracked sore nipples during breastfeeding period. Furthermore, the mother should also ensure that abrupt replacement of feeding should be done on weaning.

What about Immunization of the Infant?

Immunization like BCG and oral polio live vaccine (OPV) should be avoided if the baby is already symptomatic of HIV infection.

Hence, we learn that consequences such as Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) of HIV can be prevented by taking sensible medical guidelines and prognosis. Above all, one should not shy away, wish or curse the disease but rather have a big heart to accept the sickness and a steeled determination to live and let live.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper.

Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

Bendangmenla (Pediatric Nursing) CIHSR, Dimapur Nagaland

6

People, life, etc...

Saturday | 11 January, 2014

Crusading for God in Ourselves or Against the Devil in Others?

T Niketu Iralu

he ugly events during the Christmas – New Year season just ended have shaken us because the society we have created together has revealed its raw capacity to destroy us. We are discovering that the priorities and agendas guiding our society are too selfish. The result is our responses to the unavoidable challenges coming to us are too inadequate, even destructive.The questionable values with which we have built our lives have produced “incredible shallowness of thought and intolerable mischief of action”. Our thoughtlessness has to change. Is this not the new Naga struggle?

We are deeply disturbed because we know we cannot continue any longer at the dangerouslevel of blaming, provoking revenge and counter revenge that we have become so used to. Why should we needlessly commit joint suicide? With thesequestions in mind I have greatly appreciated two courageous expressions of honest convictions published in Morung Express on January4. They must not be misinterpreted,as we tend to do, but understood so that we build on them. They give hope.

The first one is what Y. Wangtin Naga has shared in his survey of what has happened to the Naga struggle for their aspirations. His though-provoking insights and observations on the creation of the State of Nagaland, the Shillong Accord, the emergence of the NSCN –IM & K, Naga Hoho and so on, deserve proper discussion and understanding. Wangtin is agonised by his apprehension that Nagas are on the path once more “to commit another political suicide ‘’.

What is meant by honourable and acceptable solution? In response to this fundamental question Wangtin declares his conviction that the time has come when we must rise above the competing egos and competing agendas that have rendered the struggle impossible to pursue and destructive to itself, andwisely thrash out together what would be right and best for the Naga family through constructive dialogue. This is what the people expect from responsible leaders.

Many are likely to disagree with his view that what happened to NSCN–K in Mokokchung in 2002 that displaced hundreds of its was “highest crime ever committed by civilians against its own national government” and the recent upheaval in Zünheboto against NSCN –IM “where Naga publics took law into their hands and gone against the Naga national workers” was also unfortunate and “and beyond comprehension”. Given the provocation in both cases his criticism of the “enough is enough” reaction from the exasperated public will not find many tak-

Naga tribe dancers in traditional attire, perform a dance during the Hornbill festival at Kisama village on the outskirts of Kohima, Nagaland, India on Monday, December 2, 2013. The 10-day long festival named after the Hornbill bird is one of the biggest festivals of India’s northeast that showcases the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the indigenous Nagas. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

ers. But he is deeply worried the Nagas will ‘throw the baby out with the bath water’, as the old saying puts it, if we do not care for the consequences of our actions.

What the costly struggle has indeed achieved is the baby! We must evaluate it and understand it properly.

Thank God and one another for it by fairly acknowledging the sacrifices all tribes and individuals have made for it. Then the present and coming generations will understand the precious gift passed on to them and they can be trusted to build on it.

Foreseeing “the Naga national spirit for nationhood” withering and drying day by day Wangtin asks “Who is to be blamed for our situation inviting humiliating and condemnation? And who among us will stone the Samaria woman for her adultery when none of us is sinless? Shall we be blamed?” He then asserts “I want our

Naga national leaders to be far sighted and overpower selfishness, arrogance and self-pride“.Calling for acceptance of responsibility by all Nagas Wangtin states, “The Naga national workers have committed immeasurable crimes against our fellow Nagas, for which all Naga political groups should apology to the Naga publics. At the same time, the Naga publics should realise that they have gone too far against the nation for few erring cadres. We cannot bury our past glory and its unmarked history. The Naga national movement was not against either India or any other countries”.

His wide ranging worriesdrive him to the central conviction that “the remedial will be found only when we come together and reason together”. This opening must be recognized and pursued.

2. The second one is:“Speaking the truth but with

love” by Rock Naga Lungleng in The Naga Blog.

Raising his voice in support of the apology Principal Dr. Tuisem Shishak had expressed a few years back “to all the Nagas from Nagaland for all the crimes and injustice committed by the Tangkhul IMs…..standing in the gap to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between the Nagas of Nagaland and Tangkhuls”, Rock expresses his own apology as a Tangkhul for “reconciliation and unity among Nagas”. He adds his belief that 2014 will be “A year for rebuilding our nation “.

Many Tangkhuls may disagree with his statement, or the way he has put it. But his simple, courageous obedience to a clear discernment in his heart and conscience is the action of a daring pioneer treading a path all Naga tribes must learn to walk where we are ready to be the change we want to see in the world thus inspiring others to do the same.

English writer Aldous Huxley’s observation never fails to illuminate and show the way in crisis situations: “Those who crusade, not for God in themselves, but against the devil in others, do not succeed in making the world better. It is exceedingly dangerous to be more against the devil than for God”.

I believe what the two Naga brothers from two extremities of our loved but troubled homeland have shared are examples of crusading for God in oneself.

It comes down to this – I know I or my side are not the only ones who are wrong or have made mistakes. But what God or simple wisdom is telling me is to leave others to deal with their devilish wrongs and deeds. My greatest responsibility is to truthfully identify specifically the places where I know I or my side are wrong and we are not happy because of them. And simply do as God tells us byadmitting the wrong, saying sorry, asking for forgiveness and making restitution for the harm done or hurts caused. These are the 4 boosters for the reconciliation rocket to get launched and stay afloat to take us where we should go.

The sailors of the ship in dire danger of sinking in the raging storm came to Jonahand asked what they were to do because he had told them he was a running away from God’s task entrusted to Him. Jonah, an honourable fugitive, straightaway told them, “Throw me into the storm for I am the cause of this storm”. They did and the ship with all on board and the goods were saved. We know Jonah’s extraordinary adventure that followed!

Jonah did not waste time doing all the things that would have simply created more problems. He crusaded for God in himself and let Him and His plan win. God took care of the rest.

A diplomat and a double-standard laid bare Jonah Blank

Beria is R in the village council

Source: reuters

Tungshang Ningreichon

Tungshang Ningreichon (L) and Beria Wanglum ( R) are seen here at the 9th Women’s Conference and Assembly held at Chandel in October 2013.

I

met Beria Wanglum at the 9th Naga Women’s Conference and Assembly that was held from 4-7 October 2013 in Chandel.

Beria is a beautiful 35 year old Anal woman from a village called Cheengkhu that houses about 42 families. Anal is one of the Naga tribes of Chandel, a district in the state of Manipur, named as one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640) in 2006 by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Beria is the eldest among 11 siblings of 9 boys and 2 girls. Her parents are cultivators and uneducated, but did not hesitate to send their children to school; Beria studied and graduated in Chandel. She then moved to Delhi and worked there for 3 years in two places: a mobile showroom and a department store. In Delhi she met a Tibetan guy, fell in love and got married. In 2005 she returned home to deliver their baby and did not go back to Delhi but decided to stay on in the village with her daughter.

Today, she is the secretary of the Cheengkhu Village Council and is, perhaps, the only woman to be in a Village Council from among nearly 1000 Naga villages in Manipur spanning across different districts.

The polity of the Nagas lies in the village where the political authority ideally rest with the people and the legislative, executive and judiciary powers are exercised through these councils, which are formed by male clan representatives. Women traditionally do not participate in the vil-

lage council and any attempt is met with resistance. In a tradition where chieftainship is hereditary and lineage traced through the father, it is rare for a woman to be in such a place and this is what makes Beria’s participation exceptional.

Curious about how a small village like Cheengkhu accommodates a woman in a traditionally male bastion, I asked Beria what prompted her to join the Council and if she had to struggle her way in. She said that ‘Anal customary law does not allow women to be elected to the village authority. However, people are slowly beginning to understand the importance of women’s contribution and participation in political spaces’. She mentioned the role of an organization called Christian Social Development Organization (CSDO) that works in 16 villages across the district including Cheengkhu village which has been advocating for integration of women in village administration. The impact is being seen and, in 2009, Cheengkhu village drafted a new constitution giving women the right to be in the Village Council. Following this, a decision to elect a woman was taken in one of their village assembly meetings.

A year later, Beria was elected as a member and eventually as the secretary of the Council.

What is it like to be in a male dominated space? She confessed that she was initially nervous as she had little idea about the Village Council and its administration; however, with the co-operation of the local pastor, women’s society and

youth organization of the village she slowly gained confidence in carrying out her duties as the secretary.

She was also the women’s co-ordinator of the Anal Students Union in Chandel but joining the Council has given her more determination, direction and strength; she is grateful that some male church leaders have been instrumental in bringing about these changes in the village.

I asked her about her dreams for her people. She shared, rather modestly, that she would like more women in the Council and that she is working towards the same. She also dreams of good education for her people, especially girls. She is of the view that education of girls is important and should be promoted so that they may excel in society.

She feels shy about her non fluency in the English language. It reminded me of my war with this language and took me back to memories of my struggle with it during my graduation days. I told her about how nervous I used to be but was forced to speak English when I joined college outside the state. She looked at me with interest. I told her about how very hard we tried not to mingle with English speaking people because we worried that when we speak, it would sound like a song gone awfully wrong and our grammars fly like that of the drunkard in the village.

We laughed and held hands and deep down I celebrated the journey that Naga women have made against war, violence and patriarchy, with Beria as one of its wayfarers.

elations between the United States and India have crashed to their lowest ebb since the last millennium, something many Americans might have missed during the holiday buzz. A spat over the treatment of a diplomat and her maid threatens the foundations of a key international partnership, and the implications extend far beyond foreign policy. This case could endanger American diplomats, businesspeople and tourists travelling abroad.

The fight began with the December arrest of Devyani Khobragade, India’s Deputy Consul in New York. Khobragade, a young mother accused of under-paying her maid and making a false statement on a visa form, says she was hand-cuffed, stripsearched, and thrown in a holding facility with violent criminals. India regards her arrest as a violation of diplomatic immunity. The United States argues that such immunity does not extend to consular officials.

The incident provoked widespread protests in India, and the government withdrew many privileges accorded to American diplomats. Some, such as a suspension of the right to import liquor, are inconveniences. Others, like the removal of security barriers outside the embassy in New Delhi, and issuing officials with ID cards noting that their bearers are subject to arrest for many offenses, could put U.S. diplomats in physical danger. Indian officials have demanded an apology, but the United States has offered only a statement of “regret.” The federal prosecutor who launched the case, said, “Ms. Khobragade was accorded courtesies well beyond” those to which she was entitled.

Why are Indians more

Indian activists of an organization called Dalit Cobra shout slogans during a protest outside the U.S. consulate in Mumbai, India on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. The arrest of an Indian consular Devyani Khobragade in New York, arrested and strip-searched for allegedly forcing her maid to toil for little pay, sparked a diplomatic furor between the United States and India. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)

outraged by a diplomat stripped naked than by a maid (also Indian) allegedly stripped of her pay?

For starters, there is a deep strain in Indian society that sees the forcible disrobing of a woman as an unspeakable humiliation. One of the most famous episodes in the ancient epic Mahabharata describes the heroine Draupadi being hauled before a hostile mob, and saved only when her sari becomes infinitely long as her assailants try to rip it from her body.

Modern-day India is wrestling with a rash of vicious gang rapes, and trying to deal with sexual humiliation of women that had traditionally been kept secret.

In this context, many were shocked by the spectacle of a government official denuded in a foreign holding-cell.

But there is another reason, one that should be of even greater concern to Americans: The perception by many that this incident laid bare not merely a diplomat, but a double standard. Many in India (and elsewhere) feel the United States has one set of rules for itself, and a different one for the rest of the world. This perception poses a danger to U.S. policy, U.S. diplomats and to ordinary Americans

wherever they may travel.

Less than three years ago, the United States was on the other side of a diplomatic dispute—only the official in question was no diplomat (he was a CIA contractor) and his offense was far more serious than visa fraud (he shot and killed two men on a crowded street in Pakistan). When Raymond Davis was arrested, the United States claimed complete diplomatic immunity, and rejected the argument it is making now: that consular staff have far less immunity than their embassy colleagues. From the perspective of India, not to mention Pakistan and many other nations, the United States expects privileges that it does not grant to others.

Every day, Americans abroad benefit from special treatment to which they are not entitled. When Americans make mistakes on a customs form or have a fender-bender while driving a rental car in a nation whose signage they can’t read, they are usually not hauled off to prison. The letter of the law can be harsh: India’s former finance minister urged that American officials with same-sex partners be prosecuted under a controver-

Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

sial law recently upheld by the Supreme Court. In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal to drink beer. In Thailand, showing disrespect for the king is punishable by a prison term of up to 15 years. If the United States subjects foreign visitors (particularly diplomats) to the strictest possible interpretation its own laws, it had better be prepared for other nations to do the same.

There is an easy way out of this: the Justice Department can exercise prosecutorial discretion and drop the case against Ms. Khobragade (she has been transferred to the Indian mission at the U.N., but this provides only temporary protection).

If the charges against her stand up to scrutiny, the United States could withdraw her diplomatic credentials and send her home: That is how diplomats who commit crimes abroad, even those far more serious than visa fraud, are generally punished. India should restore full protection to the U.S. embassy and diplomats.

This unnecessary conflict must be resolved quickly, or the real losers will be the citizens of the United States and India alike.

The following essay is commentary. The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of Reuters

7

Morung Youth Express

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

11 January, 2014

Thinking outside the Paving way ethnic box in S Sudan News Review

K. Filip Sumi

for others

O

n January 5, the first Sunday of this year, among many other news that appeared in the local dailies, one which caught the attention of the readers was the report about Chief Secretary, Alemtemshi Jamir contesting the State’s lone Lok Sabha seat in the coming months. It was felt that the report perhaps sought to test the reaction of the people about the Chief Secretary’s political ambitions. The same day the Naga People’s Front (NPF) had reportedly asked the Chief Secretary to issue clarification as it was reported that he would be contesting on NPF ticket. While Alemtemshi clarified that the report was published without proper authentication, he admitted that he was contemplating premature retirement in order to pave way for other Naga officers who would retire before him, to enable them to occupy the same chair. This is a very welcome gesture and deserves appreciation if there are no political ambitions as reported but clarified.

The Chief Secretary retires in January 2015. If he is to retire prematurely before the Lok Sabha polls, the first officer to benefit and occupy the same chair would be Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland, Banuo Z. Jamir who is none other than his wife. Banuo retires in September 2014 and would enjoy the position for sometime depending upon when the incumbent officer resigns. She would then become the first female, in the state if not in northeast, to occupy the position of Chief Secretary. After her retirement in September, the next in line is Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, Toshi Aier who retires in December 2014 and would become Chief Secretary for three months from October till December. The third person would be Additional Chief Secretary in-charge of Law & Justice and Personnel & Administrative Reforms, C.J. Ponraj who would get only two months to be Chief Secretary as he retires in February 2015. However, if the incumbent Chief Secretary serves his full term till January 2015, then none of the aforementioned officers, except C.J. Ponraj, can occupy the highest bureaucratic chair as they would be retiring before him. In such case, Ponraj would be getting only one month to enjoy the position. As a matter of fact, the list of probable incumbencies depends on whether the Centre extends the term of any of the Chief Secretaries. Normally, the centre extends the tenure of Chief Secretary for two years. Therefore, in the light of the fact that two other Naga officers would be able to become Chief Secretaries in the event of his retirement before Lok Sabha polls, the incumbent Chief Secretary’s ‘contemplation’ and concern for other officers deserve wide applause. Only Alemtemshi himself can prove and show his already expressed concern for other Naga officers. Nevertheless, having talked about paving way for others and feeling it “befitting that the tenure be shared” among officers, it does not mean the Chief Secretary has denied or discarded political ambitions.

In fact, retiring prematurely could serve two purposes – paving pay for other officers; and venturing into political arena. Two birds would be killed with a stone – premature retirement. As for the twin issue of Karbi-Rengma and Sumi-NSCN (IM) conflicts, people are questioning as to why the State government has not announced ex-gratia for the victims of Rengmas and Sumis killed while for the Karbis it was immediately announced. Some sections of the people also have long been discussing on a popular social networking site as to why the State Chief Minister remained silent on the Sumi-NSCN (IM) issue leaving only to the Home Minister to haplessly tackle the public uprising but vehemently spoke out over Karbi killing. If the head of the government can intervene in the killing of outsider Karbis, then the killings of own Nagas - Rengmas and Sumis needed more sincere intervention and not to be relegated to subordinates. People are studying.

The writer has earlier run a weekly column for Nagaland Post titled, “Week in Review” featuring every Sunday. On similar lines, he will be writing from time to time for The Morung Express with a new title, “News Review.” This column will be a monthly feature.

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halom 2014. Each and every one of us can play a part in God’s plan to remake our world into a new one. “The wealth of 200 richest people exceeds the combined annual income of the world’s 2.5 billion poorest people” Rositsa Zaimova SHIP2B. The planet is ruled by economics, aimed at making profits with no end, often without ethics and moral values. This has generated fierce competition at all levels, which advocates unlimited consumerism and materialism as the driving self centered motive among many. The resultant vicious cycle created two vastly different worlds on one single planet. Consequently, the planet that we share absorbed a huge quantity of waste and suffered destruction that caused climatic change and disastrous environmental pollution.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi). We need to learn that other people too matter and elevate each other. In such a case there can be no full stop to what we can achieve in our goal of a better world, provided we do not mind who gets the credit. You are what you think you are. Let go of the past hate and failures. First change your thinking, you owe your behaviour and life to others but more importantly you owe it to yourself. The key to remake our world is to be true to self and God. God created man in His own image with great expectations for the extension of His kingdom on earth. We only need to be committed to His purpose, absolute love, honesty, purity and

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion.

The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog

Politics for the New Naga Generation

In this photo taken on Thursday, January 2, 2014, displaced people walk to find an unoccupied patch of ground where they can rest after arriving by river barge from Bor. Thousands fled the recent fighting between government and rebel forces in Bor by boat across the White Nile, in the town of Awerial, South Sudan. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Interpreting conflict as merely ethnic is not only superficial but also dangerous if it drives policy and peace deals Peter Greste

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Al Jazeera

outh Sudan’s deepening conflict looks to be a tragic replay of an old, familiar story: rival African tribes killing one another in the latest round of an age-old conflict, this time made more deadly by the presence of modern automatic assault rifles and heavy weapons.

It’s a narrative that confirms all that people thought they knew about Africa – that ancient, intractable tribalism once again brings a country to its knees.

It's an analysis that seems to explain everything without actually telling us anything. It allows us to nod sagely, and dismiss the violence as something embedded deep in the blood of the communities now killing one another. At the same time, it excuses us from understanding what really is driving the violence. Interpreting the conflict as “tribal”, is after all, an inherently racist understanding that implies there is something primal and undeveloped about African states in general, and that South Sudan in particular is somehow being dragged down in a bloody, historical inevitability.

In fact, it is an interpretation that is superficial at best, but when it drives policy and peace deals, it becomes downright dangerous.

In South Sudan’s case, this particular episode had its roots in the civil war that split the greater Sudan, and created South Sudan in the first place. The causes of the war seemed pretty obvious: the black Christian south rebelled against ethno/religious domination from the Arab Muslim north. It was a narrative that played particularly well in the United States, where the south received political and financial support from two of the biggest lobbies – African Americans and the evangelical Christian churches.

It also led to the only obvious solution – separate the warring ethnic groups. Problem solved.

But the conflict was never really about ethnicity or religion. It is true that Arab Muslims dominate the north, and black Christians the south, but during the war thousands of southerners sought refuge in Khartoum. And Khartoum sought allies among the southern groups – including the current “rebel” leader Riek Machar.

At its heart, the civil war was about politics. It was a rebellion by the periphery against the control of power and resources by a Khartoum-based elite.

The late John Garang understood that.

He led the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – the dominant rebel force in the south – until he died in a helicopter crash soon after signing the comprehensive peace agreement with Khartoum. But he never believed in dividing Sudan. He always argued that the south could achieve its aims through a political revolution, and that its interests were better served by remaining a part of the greater Sudan.

Using ethnic patronage When he died, that vision went with him. And so did any chance of real political reform, either in Khartoum or in Juba.

Because the focus of the peace negotiators was on an ethnic solution, nobody tackled the far tougher but more fundamental problem of the underlying political crisis. (And because Khartoum’s corrosive, selfish politics never changed, it triggered the Darfur crisis, and rebellions in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile provinces).

Not only did the politics remain unchanged in Khartoum; it also remained the same in the newly independent Juba. Instead of solving the problems that triggered the war in the first place, the negotiators simply chopped them into two.

There is of course an ethnic element to the crisis – the slaughter of one tribe by its rivals is plain enough to see. But for anyone who cares to look closely enough, there are enough exceptions to befuddle the notion that blood alone is enough to explain the killing. Rival warlords have never let ethnicity stop them from making deals when it suited them.

The fault lies not in the DNA of the South Sudanese tribes. It lies with the political leaders who use ethnic patronage to build their power bases; or who incite their ethnic kin to carve out a geographic or political niche.

In Juba, as in Khartoum, the institutions of state have centralised power around the presidency. And the political leaders who all came to power as military commanders, have continued to run politics as they did their armies – in a topdown manner, delivering orders and micro-managing control, and ruthlessly punishing dissent.

Of course that is the polar opposite of the way a democracy is supposed to work. Democracies are messy things, that demand negotiation, compromise and patience. South Sudan’s oil wealth hasn’t helped, turning the business of government into more of an unseemly scramble for the money than any attempt to create a healthy functioning democracy.

So ultimately, any solution that fails to change the fundamental way politics is done in South Sudan is no solution at all. If we wind up with a “power sharing” deal that papers over the structural cracks without tackling the political culture, the country will settle back into an uneasy calm but it will, inevitably, explode once again. It may take years or even decades, but it is almost guaranteed.

Be a builder of a New World Kuolachalie Seyie unselfishness. Let’s check ourselves with the attitude and character of the three bricklayers. It was told in their story that on being asked what they were doing, the first replied, “Laying bricks”, the second “Making 9.30 USD an hour” and the third “I’m building the world’s largest cathedral”. The first two bricklayers lacked vision and purpose, so they will ever remain as simply bricklayers or possibly worse.

There was nothing in their hearts to propel them forward to greater success. It also speaks about how they were not interested in their given assignment, except earning money for their bare subsistence. They are alive physically but dead spiritually.

To be a builder of a new world we must be committed and interested in whatever profession - big or small- we are in with utmost integrity as doing for the Lord. In their story doubtlessly, you can wager every single rupee you have for the third bricklayer who visualized himself as builder of the largest cathedral. Surely he would not remain just as a bricklayer, for he has his commitment, vision and enthusiasm in his given work. Perhaps with that quality of life, attitude, and

approach, he could become a foreman, leader or even possibly take the whole responsibility of the cathedral after its completion. His right attitude and forward thinking towards his assignment tell a lot about himself and his latent potential for greater success, responsibility and accountability. From there he would move farther forward. He indeed is a builder of a new world rather than just building the world’s largest cathedral, likewise we all can contribute in remaking our world. The way you react, respond or behave towards whatever you come across – good or bad, big or small, says a lot of things about you, to everyone with whom you may come in contact. As far as success in life or remaking the world is concerned, people are not measured in inches, pounds, university degrees, financial status, or family background.

They are measured by the size and quality of their thinking that makes all the difference. The lack of vision, purpose and enthusiasm into our given mission reduces our own standing as illustrated in the story.

Create a culture which replaces greed with generosity and equality,

or savage conquest, control, expansion, exclusion with justice, compassion, integrity, faith in one another and God. Replace selfishness with social welfare enterprise and philanthropy thus forgiveness and generosity become the order of the day and no one starves because of another’s greed or suffers because of another’s lust or feels dejected because of another’s hatred or fear. Search for solutions, focusing on what is right rather than who is right.

Nature provides everyone’s need but not greed. Get out of your comfort zone, be alert and guard your mind, live without excuses, unpack your dreams, expand your horizon, get a new vision, stretch the boundary of your faith and let faith blossom always, let there be consistency in focusing on your goals, expect great things to happen! If you can visualize the possibility of what your future can hold, as the third bricklayer did in “God’s plan” it can become an inspiring reality in your life; so begin to look within your reach and beyond, recognize what you have, be a new creature and live to be God’s favoured person, develop a healthy self- image by the meaning of your superior creation.

Be as bold as a lion, do your part right to be a “Can Do” person from glory to glory as being one of God’s people. Overcome all kinds of temptation, corruption, violence and hatred which always propel us to do wrong things. Live wisely, be an inspiration to others and give all the best choosing to be a builder of a new world.

Yanpvuo Kikon: The Editorial in today's Morung Express by Along Longkumer | Consulting Editor 'From VIP Culture to People's Power', gave me thoughts about whether we the Nagas truly value and understand the essence of Politics in a Democracy?

This paragraph is a wonderful food for thought, "Politics will perhaps never be the same again. The rules are changing.

It is not about POWERFUL POLITICIANS anymore but the EMPOWERING of the COMMON PEOPLE...."

The Aam Admi Party went to the Swearing in ceremony in PUBLIC TRANSPORT – The Metro! That makes us wonder on how our Naga Politicians embarked on their first day to work?

I think some got a little carried away and even bought a Range Rover Evoque which is more of a young corporate Millionaire or Business Tycoon's drive, while Kejriwal still continues to drive in his Wagon R. As soon as the Party was sworn in, THEY GOT TO WORK! THEY ADDRESSED THE ISSUES AND WORKED TOWARDS announcing the implementation of its key poll manifesto such as providing free drinking water and subsidised power! Whereas our Nagas Politicians, as soon as they were sworn in, they resorted to power mongering and fighting over plump portfolios! The reason why swore that anti-bribery helpline would be opened in Delhi.

Sceptics call the AAP - Theatrics and a Delusion. But I call it a Revolution because where were the skeptics when all the mega corruption scams and power hunger, GREED, status, prestige mongering were going on? DId the sceptics just wake up. Even if something bad happens sceptics will criticize, when if something good happens, they will still choose to see the tiny speck of dirt by overlooking the rest of the positive attributes. In short, a pessimist never seeks to strive for positive change!

Democracy is a beautiful system if practised by a people who understand the power vested in us - We the People. The Government and those in Power whom we love to point our fingers at, are nothing but the REFLECTIONS of ourselves. Ask the question - Who elected them to power? They did not elect themselves to power. It is the People who sent them to the Legislative Assembly and the Parliament to become 'THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE'.

But are they the Voice of the People? In Nagaland we all know how our system is corrupted from the top to the grassroots. Only a small handful of new generation Nagas like you and me are waking up now to think more rationally and have the vision to realise that we are doomed if we get drowned in money, greed & power mongering today. For CHANGE to TAKE PLACE and bring Development, Progress, Peace, Prosperity; Good Roads, Free of Corruption, Free of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants(IBI’s), Nagas Taking control of our own Economy and Good Governance etc. IT ALL BURNS DOWN TO THE 'COLLECTIVE CONSCIENCE' of the Nagas - THE MINDSET NEEDS TO CHANGE! So how do we change the Mindset? Through FORUMS like TNB, Social gatherings like conferences and even Churches where SPEAKERS will constantly need to PRICK the conscience of the people to ELECT LEADERS who will work for the reason why they are elected – To work for the people and our land and not for themselves. They are sent to the Assembly to represent the people, not themselves. And PEOPLE need to HAMMER this into our minds - "DON'T ASK FOR MONEY, ASK FOR DEVELOPMENT." Even people I know in TNB have this mentality of depending on the Govt servants and Politicians for money to enjoy, celebrate and organize events! I THINK NAGALAND HAS HAD ENOUGH OF EVENTS ALREADY! It is time for us to minimize all the events, endless Jubilee celebrations, enjoyment, merry making and START WORKING; being productive, generate revenue and IMPROVE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY, which will also generate employment opportunities.

Although an Engineer by profession, I am a big fan of Social thinkers like Pareto, Durkheim, Marx and a staunch believer in Karl Marx's theory that everything burns down to the ECONOMICS and the disparities which leads to a Revolution. ACAUT and the social movements and the Revolutions which we have seen in our generation is in itself, a manifestation of Marx's theories, although with minor deviations.

"Arvind Kejriwal is a CM without an official house, yet his priorities are not about security for himself, power and privileges or even the comfort of a home but fighting corruption and providing good governance to the people. This should be a lesson for many of our CMs ruling in different States." ~Along Longkumer Disclaimer: This doesn't mean I am endorsing the AAP  I am simply analysing their method as an academic exercise and the need for tailoring such a Movement to suit our local scenario maybe in a few years from now because Change is always a slow and gradual process. Be consistent and Persistent!

TNB Relief Drive for Displaced and affected Rengma people

Atsung Imchen(Admin): It is my pleasure to inform all the bloggers that the Donation drive which TNB took up along with Nonbloggers for helping those people affected by the recent events in Karbi Anglong had a very fruitful result in such a short time span.

It was a surprise when we tallied the final amount as we never imagined we would reach that amount in such a short time. A MASSIVE “Thank You” to those who took their time to step up and help in whatever little they could contribute, goes not just to show the generosity of the Nagas but in general re-assuring each and every one of us that, whatever happens we’ve the help of our brothers and sisters from other communities/Tribes in times of need and most of all the CHANGE in the way of our thinking and approach.

The total amount which we collected in cash is Rs. 1,03,990 (One Lakh Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety) and relief materials wise- 10 kgs of Sugar, 3 Bags of Cloths, Sack of clothes, bags and shoes and 16 Blankets.

The amount along with the other relief materials was handed over to the Rengma Baptist church Khermahal Dimapur, with the aim to help those people still stuck in those hard hit areas. A very, very heartfelt gratitude to Peter Rutsa, Kevin Yepthomi Naga, Amen Jamir, Bubbu En, Kevi Angami, Kevi Viswentso and everyone else for owning this initiative and making this donation drive possible. Also to all the Business establishment who offered their shops for drop points, Thank You! Lastly once again to all the DONORS and those who wanted to and could not due to time constrain. Thank you and God Bless.

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday)

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

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Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 11 January 2014

The Morung Express

Khobragade leaves US to calm diplomatic row New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (reuters): Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade whose arrest and strip search caused a major rift in U.S.-Indian ties was flying home on Friday after a deal in which she was indicted for visa fraud and underpaying her nanny but allowed to leave because of diplomatic immunity. Khobragade, who was deputy consul-general in New York, was arrested on December 12 and indicted on Thursday before being effectively expelled. Her arrest set off protests in India amid disclosures that she was handcuffed and stripsearched.

The month-long dispute has soured the broader U.S.India bilateral relationship, leading to sanctions against American diplomats in New Delhi and the postponement of visits to India by senior U.S. officials and another by a U.S. business delegation. It was not immediately clear whether the return of Khobragade would be enough to dispel the bad feeling that has built up between New Delhi and Washington. With national elections due in India by May, political parties have seized on the case and labelled it an attack on national sovereignty.

“We’ll focus on one day at a time, today is the day we focus on getting Devyani back,” said foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin. While both New Delhi and Washington stressed the importance of their bilateral relationship during the crisis, it has taken weeks of complex wrangling to find a workable solution both sides could live with.

Devyani Khobragade’s return a defeat of the nation: Yashwant Sinha

In this Dec. 8, 2013 file photo, photo shows Devyani Khobragade, who served as India’s deputy consul general in New York, during the India Studies Stony Brook University fund raiser event at Long Island, New York. In a move that could cool a smoldering diplomatic dispute, the U.S. allowed Khobragade to leave the country Friday after she was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury, giving both countries a way to claim victory. (AP Photo)

Akbaruddin said Khobragade left after being granted full diplomatic immunity and was being transferred to a post in New Delhi. Her father said she was expected to arrive in the capital late in the evening. Uttam Khobragade said his daughter rejected an offer of a plea bargain to resolve the dispute and be allowed to stay in the United States. Her children and husband, a U.S. citizen of Indian origin, will soon follow her to India, he said.

If the diplomat had accepted the plea bargain, the charges against her would have been dropped but she decided against it,

he said. “Devyani said, this amounts to compromising the sovereignty of the country,” Uttam Khobragade said, noting that the dispute with the housekeeper was being dealt with by Indian courts.

Documents and statements from U.S. officials reveal a dizzying 24 hours in which the State Department granted Khobragade diplomatic immunity, unsuccessfully asked India to waive that immunity and ordered her to leave the country immediately.

According to documents provided by Khobragade’s lawyer Daniel Arshack, the U.S. mission sent a letter to

Khobragade on Wednesday granting her diplomatic status as of 5.47 p.m.

(2147 GMT) that day.

INDIA INCENSED On Thursday, the Indian mission to the United Nations rejected the State Department’s request that her immunity be waived. Then in a diplomatic note, the U.S. mission requested Khobragade’s immediate departure from the United States and said it would take steps to prevent her from obtaining a visa in the future. It also said Khobragade, 39, risked arrest if she tried to return.

“Upon her departure a warrant may be issued for her

New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (aNi): Commenting on Indian diplomat Dr. Devyani Khobragade’s coming back to India after being given diplomatic immunity, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha on Friday said that taking Khobragade back was the nation’s defeat, as a case will be registered against her in America. “From the beginning it was clear that American government would not bow down in this case and will do what they wanted. Taking Khobragade back is our defeat, as a case will be registered against her in America,” said Sinha.

“Government runs on avouchment, and Indian government’s avouchment has ended. Her husband is an American national but she won’t be able to go back to America now. There are several matters, for which if the correct language is not used, the country will not understand,” he said. He further said that the American diplomats in India commit a lot of wrong things but get away with it.

“American embassy sent Sangeeta Richard’s family to America from here, and we are still not speaking anything. They were our responsibility, we had to save them but they took them away from here,” he said. arrest and should she seek to enter the United States she could be arrested,” the note said. There was no immediate comment from the Indian Embassy in Washington or its mission to the United Nations.

The foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement: “At the time of her departure for India, Counsellor Khobragade reiterated her innocence on charges filed against her. “She also affirmed her determination to ensure that the episode would not leave a lasting impact on her family, in particular, her children, who are still in the United States.”

India was incensed by the

“We are not taking this issue as seriously as we should. Here, American embassy people have been doing very wrong things, but we never stopped them. We have to tell them that we will reciprocate and will do what they do to us. We have to remove the inferiority complex,” said Sinha.

“Today, even if America’s smallest minister, a member of parliament, comes to India, we treat him as if President Obama himself has come here,” he added.

Indian diplomat Dr. Devyani Khobragade has been given diplomatic immunity and is flying back to India, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said on Friday.

Akbaruddin further said that Khobragade, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, was accredited on January 8 and given the privileges and immunities of a diplomatic envoy under the terms of Section 15 of the Headquarters Agreement between the United Nations and the United States. According to Akbaruddin, at the time of her departure to India, Khobragade reiterated her innocence regarding charges filed against her and affirmed her gratitude to the Indian government, the people and the media for their support during this period.

treatment of Khobragade and has curtailed privileges offered to U.S. diplomats in New Delhi. On Wednesday it ordered the U.S. Embassy to close a club for expatriate Americans there.

Also on Wednesday, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz postponed a visit to India scheduled for next week. This move came days after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Nisha Desai Biswal delayed her first visit to the country to avoid the trip becoming embroiled in the dispute.

The arresting authority, the U.S. Marshals Service, characterized the strip search as a routine procedure im-

posed on any new arrestee.

India was also angered that the United States took it upon itself to fly the nanny’s family out of India. The prosecuting attorney, Preet Bharara of Manhattan, an ethnic Indian, said attempts were made in India to “silence” the nanny, Sangeeta Richard, and compel her to return home. Safe Horizon, a non-government group that campaigns for victims of abuse, said that although Richard’s legal presence in the United States was tied to her employment, she had been granted temporary permission to remain while she cooperates with

law enforcement as a victim of human trafficking.

“I would like to tell other domestic workers who are suffering as I did - you have rights and do not let anyone exploit you,” Richard said in a Safe Horizon statement.

The group said Richard was likely to apply for a special “T-1” visa reserved for trafficking victims. Such a visa would be valid for up to four years and allow her to work in the United States. It can also lead to lawful permanent residence.

UNDERLYING PROBLEMS Khobragade’s departure would remove the focus of current friction between New Delhi and Washington, but it is unclear how long it will take the anger to subside. The continued presence of Richard in the United States could prove an irritant. The case has exposed underlying problems in a bilateral relationship that has failed to live up to its billing by President Barack Obama in 2010 as “a defining partnership for the 21st Century.”

Critics accuse Obama of failing to pay sufficient attention to ties with a country viewed as a key strategic counterbalance to China and as an engine to boost the U.S. economy, while American hopes of building a more robust business relationship with India have run into bureaucratic hurdles. Indian sourcing rules for retail, information technology, medicine and clean energy products are contentious and U.S. firms complain about “unfair” imports from India of everything from shrimp to steel pipes.

Posco plant gets environment clearance Dawood in Pak, joint efforts with US to nab him: Shinde New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (Pti): India’s most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim is in Pakistan and joint efforts with the US were being made to nab him, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Friday.

“As per our information, Dawood is in Pakistan. When I went to America last year to discuss inland security, I met the Attorney General who looks after the FBI. “I talked to him and we decided that we will pass whatever in-

In this Monday, July 25, 2011 file photo, Indian women stand near the stems of trees chopped for the proposed $12.6 billion steel plant by South Korean conglomerate Posco at Noliashai in Jagatsinghpur district of Orissa state. (AP File Photo)

New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (aP): India’s environment ministry has cleared South Korean steel giant Posco’s planned $13 billion steel plant in eastern India but has asked the company to spend more on social welfare, an official said Friday. The clearance was given a few days ago and will allow Posco to go ahead with the massive plant in Odisha state, the official said.

He was speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media. He did not give further details.

The Odisha steel plant would be the largest-ever foreign investment in India.

The country has been embroiled in fierce debates over how to protect its environment while lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty through investment

and infrastructure. Posco spokesman Jeong Yong-min in Seoul said the Indian government has asked the company to spend 5 percent of its $12.6 billion investment in Odisha on social commitments.

But Jeong said no agreement has been reached on how much the company would spend on its social projects. The project is expected to produce 13.2 million tons (12 million metric tons) of steel per year. It has been delayed for years following protests about environmental damage and land procurement hassles.

The Odisha project requires about 4,000 acres (1,620 hectares) of land for the steel mill as well as an affiliated power plant, railway line, road, water supply infrastructure and port.

formation we have on Dawood amongst each other. We decided we will make joint efforts,” Shinde said when asked about the whereabouts of Dawood who is wanted in a number of cases by Indian agencies including the 1993 Mumbai blasts.

The minister was addressing his monthly press conference. The home minister, on the same question about Dawood last year, had said all such wanted elements will be brought back “one by one”. “All

firm matched with bank guarantees to be reclaimed after the helicopters were delivered, said the defence officials, who asked not be identified. The company also put up a separate small deposit worth 5 percent of the contract, bringing the total value of the guarantees to around 270 million euros.

“The government now wants to get back all our money by invoking the bank guarantee,” said one defence ministry official who declined to be named. “This has to be returned.” State-controlled Finmeccanica did not respond to requests for comment. It is not clear in which country or at which banks the guarantees, which can be in the form of cash deposits or bonds, are held.

New Delhi froze payments for the helicopters last February after Italian police arrested Giuseppe Orsi, Finmeccanica’s then chairman and chief executive, for allegedly paying bribes to middlemen to se-

United Nations in an attempt to freeze his assets across the world and crack down on his operations. During the tenure of Shinde as home minister, security agencies successfully brought back several wanted terrorists including Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, key plotter of Mumbai attack terrorists Fasih Mahmood aka Fasih Mohammed, Abdul Karim Tunda and Yasin Bhatkal.

Shinde became the home minister on July 31, 2012.

Person not named in FIR can be AAP eyes 10 mn members, launches drive New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (iaNs): missed call can be given on 077982 20033, AAP Friday launched a free national one can register on the AAP web site, go to a tried if evidence crops up: SC The membership drive called “Main bhi Aam membership camp or fill up a form attach-

New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (Pti): The Supreme Court on Friday held a person can be made an accused by the trial court in case evidence crops up during the proceedings even if he has not been named in the FIR or chargesheet. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam said that the trial court has powers to summon a person as an accused despite his name being not mentioned by the investigators in the FIR and chargesheet.

The bench clarified that Section 319 of Criminal Procedure Code empowers the trial court to proceed against a person who appears to be guilty of offence but not named in the FIR or charge sheet. The judgment could have implications in some cases arising out of the 2G scam in which the trial judge had summoned as accused some corporate honchos despite they being not named by CBI in the FIR and charge sheet.

The businessmen have approached the Supreme Court against the trial court’s summoning order. The apex court is yet to pronounce its verdict in the case.

India seeks to recover $367 mn from AgustaWestland

New Delhi, JaNuary 10 (reuters): Italian defence giant Finmeccanica’s(SIFI.MI) troubles in India are deepening, with the New Delhi government seeking repayments worth some 270 million euros over a scrapped helicopter deal. The government’s demand threatens to complicate efforts by AgustaWestland, a division of cash-strapped Finmeccanica, to mend fences with India, the world’s biggest arms buyer.

India last week cancelled a 560-million-euro deal with AgustaWestland for 12 AW101 helicopters over what it termed a breach of integrity relating to alleged corruption. New Delhi, however, agreed to AgustaWestland’s calls for arbitration. It will use this process as part of its push to get back the amount it has already paid, defence ministry officials told Reuters.

AgustaWestland has received just over 43 percent of the deal’s value, a sum that the Anglo-Italian

will come. Just wait,” he had said.

Dawood, who heads a vast and multifaceted illegal business, has emerged as India’s most wanted terrorist after the 1993 Mumbai bombings, which he allegedly organized and financed.

An Interpol red corner notice is still pending against him. According to the US, Dawood maintains close links with terror outfit al-Qaida. As a result, the US declared him a “global terrorist” and pursued the matter before the

cure the deal. Orsi denies the charges and his trial is ongoing at a court near Milan. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also launched an official probe into the deal last year.

GRAFT AN ELECTION ISSUE The Congress-led government is keen to be seen as tough on graft in the lead up to parliamentary elections due by May 2014. Congress performed poorly in state polls last year due to rising public anger over a string of corruption scandals. Yet both sides are treading cautiously.

India is wary of scaring off foreign defence contractors while Finmeccanica wants to stay in the hunt for future defence deals.

The government is wary of spooking defence companies as it seeks to spend $100 billion over a decade to upgrade its military, often through partnerships between foreign and local companies to help India build a homegrown industry. The three-person

Aadmi”, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying the party wanted to enrol 10 million people by Jan 26. “We have a target of (achieving) one crore membership

by Jan 26,” Kejriwal told the media, adding 300,000 membership applications had been received online.

This special membership drive would end Jan 26, the Republic Day. From now on, he said the membership would be free. Earlier, people had to pay Rs.10 to become a member. “From now on, no one will have to pay a single penny to become a member of AAP,” said Kejriwal, who led the Aam Aadmi Party to a spectacular showing in the Delhi election and became the chief minister Dec 28.

The AAP, founded just over a year ago, has seen a dramatic surge in membership since it took power in Delhi. The party says some 15,000 people are joining it across the country daily. Kejriwal said one could join the AAP in five ways. An SMS can be sent or a

ing a copy of the voter ID. “If anyone wants to become an AAP member through SMS, the individual will have to send his name, STD code and name of his constituency,” the chief minister said.

He said AAP volunteers would hold camps in various parts of the country so that the people do not have to struggle to become AAP’s member.

“Once individuals send a message to 077982 20033, they will receive a confirmation message giving details of the registration.” Gopal Rai, a senior AAP member looking after the membership drive, said one mobile number can be used only once for membership registration. The AAP has also so far collected Rs.53.6 million in donation, according to its web site. Friday’s collection, until 5.15 p.m., stood at Rs.1 million. Most donations have come from India, the US, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Britain and Canada.

arbitration tribunal will consist of one person chosen by each side and one mutually-agreed neutral member. It will take place in India, giving what lawyers say is a home advantage to the government, although there are examples of New Delhi losing cases.

The tribunal has the power to reinstate the deal but it is unlikely to force New Delhi into a total uturn, lawyers say. Any decision will be enforced by India’s courts. No date has been set yet for its start, and the case could take months or even years. One issue that will complicate India’s claim to the cash is that three of the 12 helicopters have already been delivered. The air force is yet to decide whether or not it wishes to keep the choppers, defence ministry officials said.

The AW101 helicopters were intended for an elite squadron of the Indian Air Force which ferries An elderly Indian man shares a blanket with his son as they wait at a railway station on a around the president, the prime cold morning in Allahabad, India, Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. Fog and mist paralyzed train serminister and other top-level VIPs. vice and affected normal life and traffic across the state. (AP Photo

International

The Morung Express

Saturday 11 January 2014

Dimapur

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US ScrambleS to avert civil war in SoUth SUdan WASHINGTON, JANuAry 10 (AP): Three years after midwifing South Sudan’s birth, the United States is desperately trying to prevent the world’s youngest nation from falling apart.

Yet despite shared consternation by the Obama administration and Congress, no one is quite sure what the U.S. can do to bring peace to a country that in many ways owes its existence to the United States. The violence has killed more than 1,000 people and driven 180,000 from their homes in the last month, and spread to neighbors killing each other purely on tribal identification, threatening a place that until recently was viewed by Democrats and Republicans alike as an American success story in Africa.

The crisis has sowed deep concern at the White House. President Barack Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, called Thursday for an immediate ceasefire, warning that South Sudan could otherwise witness the escalation of a crisis that its people cannot afford.

The risk of all-out civil war is growing, said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the top U.S. diplomat for Africa.

“There is clear evidence that targeted killings have taken place, with Dinka killing Nuer, and Nuer killing Dinka. Countless civilians, particularly women and children, have become victims,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

For the United States, South Sudan’s instability isn’t just another example of a weak African state struggling to deal with political infighting, endemic poverty and deadly battles between the military and rebel groups. Because of its history as a largely Christian nation that was able to win its freedom from Muslim-dominated Sudan, South Sudan has a powerful constituency in Washington. And the bloodshed is proving an embarrassment to the U.S., which has provided hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the country and been its strongest international champion.

The crisis began with a political dispute on Dec. 15 as President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, accused his former vice president, Riek Machar, an ethnic Nuer, of trying to overthrow the government. Machar denies the accusation, accusing the government of rooting out political opponents.

Thomas-Greenfield said

the U.S. had no evidence of a coup attempt, putting the initial blame on the government for raiding Machar’s home.

But the violence has spread significantly since, sparking a series of ethnically motivated attacks and counterattacks while groups allied to Machar have claimed military victories and greater control of territory. Meanwhile, Uganda has sent in hundreds of troops and provided Sudanese government forces with military hardware, and threatened deeper intervention if militants move on the capital, Juba.

Washington has mobilized on two fronts, organizing peace talks between representatives of both sides in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and getting the U.N. Security Council last month to approve 5,500 more peacekeepers to South Sudan.

The peace talks have yet to stop the fighting, though Thomas-Greenfield said a cease-fire was all but agreed if Kiir releases 11 high-level political detainees. Help also could also come soon for the 7,600-strong U.N. force in South Sudan, she added, even if only a Bangladeshi police unit has arrived thus far.

In a solemnly worded statement late Thursday, Rice said the U.S. wants both sides to sign a ceasefire immediately, although she singled out Machar, calling his insistence that detainees be released as a precondition “unacceptable.” At the same time, she said the U.S. was disappointed South Sudan hadn’t released the detainees and called on Kiir to release them without delay.

“It is the obligation of both President Kiir and Mr. Machar to ensure that the lives of their people and future of their young country are not further marred by continued violence and atrocities,” Rice said.

Washington has clear security interests at stake.

Having seen al-Qaida gain a foothold in several nearby countries over the last couple of years, the U.S. doesn’t want to see terrorist groups infiltrate yet another place wracked by internal fighting. And it also is keeping a wary eye on Sudan, which fought for 22 years to hold onto the oilrich territory and which the United States still considers a state sponsor of terrorism. Its president has suggested joint security patrols with South Sudan’s government, which the U.S. has yet to respond to.

Refugees who fled the recent violence in South Sudan and crossed the border into Uganda arrive and await transportation from a transit center in the town of Koboko, Uganda, to a nearby settlement in Arua District, in northern Uganda Monday, January 6. Officials close to the talks between representatives of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar in Ethiopia said Monday that direct talks between the warring factions of South Sudan have stalled after hitting a snag over differences on the agenda. (AP Photo)

While the focus is currently on diplomacy, U.S. officials and congressional aides said the military also has begun studying scenarios under which the United States could consider supporting local partners such as Uganda, Ethiopia or Kenya to move into South Sudan to restore order. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Under no scenario are U.S. military boots on the ground envisioned in the country.

The United States has some leverage. After help-

ing secure peace with the north in 2005, Washington guided South Sudan through a referendum three years ago to the day approving its independence. Since, the U.S. has intervened to secure a series of agreements with Sudan on sharing oil revenue and managing, if not solving, their border disputes. When South Sudan became its own country in July 2011, President Barack Obama hailed it as a “reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible.”

But since winning freedom, South Sudan’s patch-

work of ethnic loyalties and political rivalries has been tearing at the seams. Before even the latest bout of violence, Secretary of State John Kerry and members of Congress warned Kiir this summer to halt a series of ethnically motivated atrocities against minorities or risk losing vital U.S. aid and diplomatic support.

American security funds — representing just a fraction of the $1.8 billion in total assistance that has been approved since 2011 — has dried up. And the White House recently vowed a complete aid cutoff to anyone who seizes

power by force. The threat carries greater force than in Egypt, for example, because the United States has been so instrumental in creating and sustaining South Sudan over its short history.

In response to the violence, Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. was providing an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. But with the fighting preventing access to many parts of the country and a dearth of aid workers on the ground to deliver assistance, it is unclear what that commitment will mean in the short-term.

French president angry over report on love life Attacks on UN staff increased in 2013: Report

PARIS, January 10 (AP): French President Francois Hollande threatened legal action Friday over a magazine report saying he is having a secret affair with an actress, the latest breach in the French media’s practice of turning a blind eye to presidential love affairs.

Rumors have long circulated that Hollande might have a lover. The magazine Closer published images Friday showing a bodyguard and a helmeted man it says is Hollande visiting the apartment of Julie Gayet, a moderately known French actress who appeared in a clip for his 2012 presidential campaign.

French media faces strict privacy laws, as well as a longtime tradition of ignoring the private lives of public figures.

Former President Francois Mitterrand had a daughter with his lover that the French media knew about but never revealed, until the president himself appeared publicly with his daughter coming out of a restaurant.

But the publication marked the latest incursion into the once-sacred private lives of French politicians. The tradition of keeping private lives private has been chipped away since Hollande’s predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy divorced his wife Cecilia, who was having an affair, and remarried model and singer Carla Bruni.

Bloggers, tweeters and other online sources have tapped into public curiosity and pushed the borders

In this September 3, 2013 photo, French president Francois Hollande and his companion Valerie Trierweiler wait for German President Joachim Gauckand, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. (AP Photo)

of French privacy. Closer last made a splash when it published topless photos of British Prince William’s wife, Kate.

Hollande said in a statement he “deeply deplores the attacks on respect for privacy, to which each citizen has a right.” He is weighing possible action, including via the courts, it said. He did not address the alleged affair.

Hollande, who was dubbed “Monsieur Normal” by French media, has never married. He had four children with politician Segolene Royal, and has been living in recent years with his partner, journalist Valerie Trierweiler, considered France’s first lady.

Gayet’s lawyer and agent did not immediately return

phone and email messages Friday about the Closer report. The actress, who has performed in nearly four dozen films and sometimes appears on talk shows, praises Hollande in the campaign spot for his humility and character, and says he is someone who “really listens.”

Closer published images it says show one of Hollande’s bodyguards at the door to Gayet’s building, and a motorcyclist arriving to drop off a helmeted man on the night of Dec. 30 and escorting him away the next morning. The magazine, a tabloid known for suggestive photos and gossip, says the alleged affair raises questions about the president’s security, if he is sneaking out

with a single bodyguard and traveling exposed on the back of a motorcycle.

It is unclear how a potential romantic scandal might affect Hollande’s presidency. His popularity is already very low, largely over voter frustration at his failure to reduce unemployment and get the economy growing.

Last year, according to French media reports, Gayet filed a lawsuit accusing some websites of invasion of privacy over reports on the alleged affair. Her lawyer issued a statement to AFP at the time saying that she was targeting “a rumor spread on the Internet that attributes to her, without any basis, a romantic relationship with the president.”

NeW yOrK, JANuAry 10 (IANS/WAM): Working for the UN became more dangerous last year, the world body’s staff union warned Friday, noting that at least 58 personnel were targeted by terrorists and insurgents.

The highest number of casualties occurred in attacks targeting the UN in South Sudan, Somalia, and in the Darfur region of Sudan, according to figures released Friday by the UN Staff Union’s Standing Committee for the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service.

It found that 58 UN personnel, including 33 peacekeepers and 25 civilians and associated personnel, were killed in 2013 while working for the organisa-

tion. The number represents an increase in the death toll from attacks on UN staff members compared to the previous year when 37 UN personnel were killed.

Among the horrific assaults was the killing of 12 people associated with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) during an ambush April 9, 2013, in Jonglei state.

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) in New York said about 30 peacekeepers were escorting a civilian convoy when they were ambushed by some 200 armed, unidentified men near the settlement of Gumuruk. The firefight that followed claimed the lives of five Indian peacekeep-

Brain too pays the price for learning, in sleep!

NeW yOrK, JANuAry 10 (IANS): What does sleep do to your brain? Allows it to reset, help integrate, consolidate memories and so on. But not by strengthening brain connections as was thought earlier but actually weakening the connections among brain cells. Really?

If we believe sleep scientists from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, sleep is the price the brain must pay for learning and memory. “Sleep is important because it weakens the connections among brain cells to save energy, avoid cellular stress and maintain the ability of neurons to respond selectively to stimuli,” said Giulio Tononi of the UW centre for sleep and consciousness.

The sleep scientists developed a model called synaptic homeostasis hypothesis of sleep (SHY) challenging the theory that sleep strengthens brain connections. During the waking hours, learning strengthens the synaptic connections throughout the brain, increasing the need for energy and saturating the brain with new information.

Thailand plays down talk of military coup

BANGKOK, JANuAry 10 (reuTerS): Thailand on Friday played down talk of a military coup ahead of a planned “shutdown” of the capital next week by protesters trying to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and said life would go on much as normal.

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said it was alarmist of the U.S. embassy to advise its citizens on Friday to stock up on two weeks’ supply of food and water ahead of what protest leaders say will be a prolonged siege of Bangkok.

“Maybe they worry too much ... People will live their normal life. Don’t be afraid of things that will happen because we try to control the situation,” he said.

Demonstrators led by former opposition politician Suthep Thaugsuban aim to paralyse the capital for between 15 and 20 days by blocking seven main intersections, causing gridlock in a city clogged with traffic at the

best of times.

The turmoil is the latest episode in an eight-year conflict that pits Bangkok’s middle class and royalist establishment against the mostly poorer, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The protesters want to suspend what they say is a fragile democracy destabilised by Thaksin, whom they accuse of nepotism and corruption. They want to eradicate the political influence of his family by altering electoral arrangements in ways they have not spelt out, along with other political reforms.

Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006 and sentenced to jail in absentia for abuse of power in 2008 but he still looms large over Thai politics, the dominant force behind his sister’s administration from his self-exile in Dubai.

ing police at the main airport, to maintain order in the streets.

Rumours of an impending coup have intensified. The army has staged or attempted 18 coups in 81 years of on-off democracy, but it has tried to tried to remain neutral this time and its chief, Prayuth Chan-ocha, has publicly refused to take sides.

The government has repeatedly played down talk of a military intervention but said on Friday if there was one, it would counter it. “We already have a plan ...,” said Surapong, offering no elaboration.

He said the government would operate during the shutdown from backup locations at the national police headquarters and at an army base in the north of Bangkok.

He said Yingluck would not relocate her government to other COUNTER-COUP PLANS provinces. She heads a caretaker The authorities say they will cabinet after calling a snap elecdeploy more than 14,000 troops tion in December. and police on Monday, includPolling is set for February 2,

ers, two national staff and five contractors.

Overall, 16 peacekeepers were killed in Darfur, seven in South Sudan, four in Mali and four in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN Staff Union reported.

In addition, five civilian staff members, four of them working for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), were killed in Syria.

The Staff Union’s overview comes just months after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed to member states and host governments to support all measures of safety and security to improve the operational environment for UN personnel and humanitarian workers.

but the Election Commission said on Friday the government should consider pushing back the date.

It said some candidates had been unable to register in 28 districts in the south - a stronghold of the anti-Thaksin protesters and that could delay the reopening of parliament if there were not enough lawmakers elected to meet the quorum of 95 percent of the seats in the house.

The protesters have rejected the election, demanding that the government step down to be replaced by an unelected “people’s council”.

The courts may play a part in forcing the government out, as legal cases are building up against Yingluck and her allies.

The country’s anti-corruption body pressed charges on Tuesday against 308 lawmakers, mostly from her Puea Thai party, for trying to make the Senate a fully elected chamber, which a court ruled illegal in November.

Puea Thai officials have ex-

pressed concern the government’s enemies might be plotting a judicial coup and accuse the courts of bias. They say they are alarmed at the speed with which such matters are being processed, in contrast to cases against opposition figures, including protest leader Suthep, that have languished in the courts for years.

“They (the protesters) want to grab power unconstitutionally ... but the Constitutional Court ruled that there was no case (to answer against that),” Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana told foreign media on Friday.

“In this Constitutional Court there are some judges ... who had an explicit role against the government in 2006,” he added, referring to when Thaksin was toppled.

The judiciary has intervened several times in the past to throw out governments linked or allied to Thaksin.

“Sleep allows the brain to reset, helping integrate, newly learned material with consolidated memories so the brain can begin anew the next day,” said co-author Chiara Cirelli, professor of psychiatry. ‘Synaptic homeostasis’ refers to the brain’s ability to maintain a balance in the strength of connections within its nerve cells, said the study published in the journal Neuron.

Why would the brain need to reset? Suppose someone spent the waking hours learning a new skill like riding a bike. The circuits involved in learning would be greatly strengthened, but the next day the brain will need to pay attention to learning a new task.

Thus, those bike-riding circuits would need to be damped down so they don’t interfere with the new day’s learning, the study added. “Sleep helps the brain renormalise synaptic strength based on a comprehensive sampling of its overall knowledge of the environment rather than being biased by the particular inputs of a particular waking day,” said Tononi.

ray of hope for kidney patients

LONdON, JANuAry 10 (IANS): In a path-breaking discovery for kidney patients, a new research revealed that certain cells contribute to kidney function decline - making them attractive targets for treatments against kidney failure. The blood-filtering cells in the kidneys - called podocytes - are critical to kidney function, and kidney failure can occur when as little as about 20 percent to 30 percent of them are lost, said a new study that appeared in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Scientists tried if they could manoeuvre podocytes to be generated from other key kidney cells - termed parietal epithelial cells (PEC) - as a potential treatment strategy for kidney failure. In experiments done in mice, the researchers found that podocytes cannot be renewed from parietal cells. In fact, after the loss of podocytes, parietal cells play a negative role by causing kidney scarring that contributes to progressive kidney function decline. “This opens a key strategy to prevent loss of kidney function by inhibiting the parietal cells from doing their destructive work,” said Marcus Moeller from RWTH University of Aachen in Germany.

The researchers, however, found an additional but limited reserve of podocytes that are present at birth and become mature and functional filter cells by adulthood.

“Our results indicate that research efforts should be directed towards preserving our limited pool of filter cells and to develop pharmacological strategies to inhibit scarring of the kidney by parietal cells,” concluded Moeller.

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Dimapur

SPORTS

Saturday 11 January 2014

The Morung Express

Pironkova beats Kerber for Sydney title Rejuvenated Knicks cools off the Heat

Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria, left, and Angelique Kerber of Germany poses for a photo after their finals match during the Sydney International Tennis Tournament in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Jan. 10. (AP Photo)

syDNEy, JaNuaRy 10 (aFP): Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova crowned a stunning week of

top ten scalps with a straight sets victory over fifth seed Angelique Kerber in the final of the Sydney Interna-

tional Friday. Pironkova, the a 6-4, 6-4 win in 96 minutes. world number 107, defeatPironkova became the ed her third top-ten ranked first women qualifier to opponent of the week with win the Sydney Interna-

tional, which is one of the oldest tournaments in the world, for her maiden WTA title. She reached her debut WTA final with a last four win over second seed Petra Kvitova after beating Italian third seed Sara Errani in the quarterfinals.

The Bulgarian's powerful backhand constantly had the German left-hander under pressure and she finished the stronger despite playing her eighth match in eight days.

Pironkova broke Kerber's service six times and lost her serve four times in a physical contest between two big hitters on the women's circuit. It was a draining week for the Bulgarian, who had one thigh strapped and showing the effects of her heavy schedule as she heads to next week's Australian Open.

She will face Spaniard Silvia Soler-Espinosa in the opening round and is in the same half of the draw as top seed Serena Williams.

Rooney issues rallying 18 Winter Cricket Challenge cry to United faithful DIMaPuR, JaNuaRy 10 (MExN): Four of the 28 teams that vied for the 18th edition of Winter Cricket Challenge will lock horns Saturday to enter the final to be played on January 13. Lokha Peter, Branch Manager, SBI, Wokha is sponsoring the balls of the Tournamennt.

In the two matches played on Friday, Valiant CC defeated UCC Tsumang by 6 wickets and in the second match, EYL defeated Lancer CC by 12 runs to book their berth in the semi final of the covetous tournament, organised by Senior Noble Klan, played at cherry town, Wokha.

UCC Tsumang won the toss in the first match, and opting to bat first set up a victory target of 88 runs with a contribution from ekon 24runs and Nzanthung 20 runs. Chasing the target Valiant CC reached the target in

the 19th over of the inning with a contribution from Limhatenzuk 29, he was accompanied by lichanbemo 14 runs and Chumben 16 runs respectively.

In a close last quarter finals match, on time champion EYL, won the toss and opting to bat first set up a victory target of 104 runs with a contribution from James 35runs and Tsenpon 24 runs. Lancer failed to reached the target as they were bowled out 13 runs short of the victory Target. Limhathung 26 runs and Nchumbemo 21 runs could not help the Lancer CC to reached the target.

James who also claimed 2 wickets while bowling was adjudged the Man of the match.

MaNCHEstER, JaNuaRy 10 (aFP): Wayne Rooney has called on Manchester United's fans to remain behind the team as they look to end a threegame losing streak against Swansea on Saturday.

The Premier League champions lost to Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day and that result was followed by an FA Cup exit at Swansea before more cup misery came in the shape of a 2-1 reverse in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal with Sunderland.

United now lie 11 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal heading into this weekend's fixtures, with their hopes of finishing in the top four and so qualifying for next season's Champions League under severe threat.

United's supporters have also watched their team lose four times already in the Premier League at Old Trafford this season, the defeats adding to the pressure manager David Moyes already faced in

succeeding the retired Alex Ferguson.

But Rooney, battling to be fit to face Swansea after missing the last two games with an abductor problem, urged fans to remain loyal to both the team and Moyes.

"The fans' support is very important. The fans have been great here, especially now when we are not in the best of form and we have lost the last few games," he said.

Saturday Matches "We need them to sup1st Semi Final: Mavericks CC Vs Valiant CC port us through this time," 2nd Semi Final: Lhomithi Sporting Club Vs EYL the England striker added.

"We will get stronger and we will get better. The fans are vital in being patient with us and letting us try to get there. I am sure we will."

It is not clear if Robin van Persie will be fit to return to action against the Swans.

The Dutch forward has been out for a month with a thigh strain and media reports in Britain suggested he has returned to training but Moyes is expected to provide an update on his Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) officials posing for lens , who are officiating fitness on Friday. the volleyball matches at 61st KVSA meet, 2014 at local ground Kohima.

KOHIMa, JaNuaRy 10 (MExN): The 21st wrestling meet of Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) Group D will take place from January 17 to 18 at Chiechama village.

Parliamentary secretary for rural development & rural employment & poverty alleviation will grace the occasion as the chief guest while

Er. Kelhoupu Rio, executive engineer PWD (H) Central Division Kohima Nagaland will be the guest of honour.

The inaugural function will take place at 9:00 AM. The programme will be led

by Thepfukhrietuo Rüpreo.

Rev. Levi Rio, pastor CRC Chiechama will pronounce invocation prayer while NASA Group D president

NASA Group D wrestling meet at Chiechama

KMC informs wards

KOHIMa, JaNuaRy 10 (MExN): The Kohima Municipal Council has informed all ward panchayat chairmen that on account of the 50 years of Nagaland’s statehood, the state government has desired that all nineteen wards under KMC jurisdiction participate in the Republic Day on January 26. A press note from the KMC stated that in this regard, a tug of war competition of all the nineteen wards is organized for the evening programme. The preliminary cum knockout round will be held from the Secretariat Plaza ahead of the evening program and only the match of the wards who qualify from the pre quarter final will be displayed during the main function. As such, all ward panchayats have been requested to arrange 20 persons each for the event with 5 participants as reserves. All wards have also been requested to confirm their participation to the CEO of the KMC on or before January 20 without fail.

KVSA 61st meet to conclude today

Wrestling, cross country race today KOHIMa, JaNuaRy 10 (MExN): The 61st meet of the Kohima Village Sports Association (KVSA) will conclude here on January 11 at the Kohima Local Ground. Wrestling event will take place from 9:00 AM onwards on January 11.

KVYO secretary Thepfukhrielie Kire will administer oath to the wrestlers. Round 1 will feature D. Khel vs P. Khel, T. Khel vs L. Khel, Round 11: P. Khel vs T. Khel and L. Khel vs D. Khel. Round 111: P. Khel vs L. Khel and D. Khel vs T. Khel. A cash prize of Rs, 25,000, Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 is set for the champion, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place respectively in Naga wrestling. Meanwhile, cross country race will take place at 12:00 noon with starting point at TCP Gate. The route will be TCP Gate- Pezieliecie- Don Bosco, ATI- Kitsubozou – Khuochiezie. Khriehu Liezietsu, advisor New & Renewable Energy, Music Task Force and chairman DPDB Kohima will grace the closing ceremony at 3:30 PM. Vote of thanks will be proposed by KVYO games secretary Phoukuotuolie Dzüvichü. It will be followed by prize distribution, musical extravaganza and fireworks show. The next KVSA meet will take place in 2016.

Kechangulie Kense deliver presidential address.

Special number will be presented by Vibeizonuo Rüpreo, Kids for Fame 2010 finalist while Mezhülhoutuo Rio & party will present folk tune. Atu Metha will administer oath to the wrestlers.

Categories for National style wrestling included (Men) 55 kg and below, 55-

60, 60-66, 66-74, 74-84, 8496, 96-120 and 120 & above.

Women: 48 kg & below, 4851, 51- 55, 55-59, 59-63, 6367, 67-72 and 72 & above.

Prize sponsors for Naga wrestlers are: Ist Prize Rs. 25,000 by Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu (Chiechama), 2nd prize Rs. 15,000 by Er. Teisovilie Seyie (Tuophema), SDO social welfare department,

3rd prize Rs. 10,000 by Hebou Rio (Tuophema), CDPO Chiephobozou and 4th prize Rs. 7,000 by Thekruvilie Vitho (Gariphema) secretary Wrestling NASA D. Meanwhile, there will be a presidential meeting and technical session for referees and judges on January 16 at Chiechama Local Ground at 3:00 PM.

Miami Heat's LeBron James, top, dunks the ball in front of New York Knicks' Andrea Bargnani (77) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 9 in New York. (AP Photo)

NEW yORK, JaNuaRy 10 (aP): They don't look like the lowly losers of last month. The New York Knicks are playing as if it's last season — when they even had mighty Miami's number. Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points, Andrea Bargnani had 19, and the Knicks beat the Heat 10292 on Thursday night for their season-high third straight victory.

"You can tell it's different than one month ago," Bargnani said. "Our faces are different, our body language is different."

Raymond Felton had 13 points and 14 assists for the Knicks, who seized control with a 16-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters and beat the Heat for the fourth time in five meetings over the last two seasons.

New York was second to Miami in the Eastern

Conference last season when it won the series 3-1, but there was little reason to suggest until recently the Knicks were ready to compete with the NBA champions this season. New York is 13-22 but has won four of five in 2014, with victories over San Antonio and Miami — last season's NBA finalists. "It wasn't going to last all season like that," Felton said. "We were just going through a slump, now I feel like we're out of it."

With Tyson Chandler out sick and J.R. Smith stuck on the bench as an apparent punishment, Amare Stoudemire contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. LeBron James scored 32 points for the Heat, who played without injured starters Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier and didn't get much from Chris Bosh, who was held to six points on 3-of-

10 shooting. "All I know about this game is they outplayed us and they earned that win," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Dwyane Wade scored 23 points but missed all six free throws after sitting out the morning shootaround as Miami had its three-game winning streak snapped. "I only missed six," Wade said. "I didn't miss 20. It wasn't that damn bad." Smith didn't play after the reigning Sixth Man of the Year's latest trouble, a $50,000 fine when he attempted to untie an opponent's sneaker for the second straight game, after he'd been warned by the NBA not to do it again.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson criticized Smith's behavior during a radio interview Wednesday but said before the game he wouldn't discuss Smith any longer.

All-Star guard. Coach Scott Brooks couldn't find a complementary scorer for Durant, who carried the load but couldn't do it all. "Today they were sitting there and watching me," Durant said of his teammates. "I take full responsibility. As the leader, you take the good and the bad."

Durant had half the team's points late well into the third quarter, and no other Thunder player reached double figures until guard Reggie Jackson hit two free throws with 2:56 left in the third. By then, Denver was in control of the game. Jackson finished with 13, and Thunder guard Derek Fisher had 12, all in the fourth quarter.

"We took a lot of tough shots and we missed a lot of shots," Brooks said. "Third quarter we took too many bad shots. It's tough to make those shots consistently."

With the Nuggets leading 72-61, Foye hit two 3-pointers and Fournier sank another as the lead grew to 8161. Center Timofey Mozgov made a jumper to give Denver an 89-66 lead heading into the fourth.

The lead grew to 25, and Durant, who came out of the game late in the third, never

got off the bench in the last 12 minutes, although he did get hit with a technical foul with 4:41 left. "They made 14 out of 31 3s tonight," Durant said. "A team that goes 14-for-31 from the trey is hard to beat." Brooks stuck with his bench for the entire fourth quarter, and the reserves made it respectable but never seriously threatened Denver.

Foye was happy to see Durant keep his warmups on. "When (Brooks) took him out, I said to myself, 'Don't let that guy get back in,'" Foye said. "He's dangerous." The Nuggets (1817) led for most of the first half thanks to contributions from bit players. Fournier came off the bench to score 11 points, and forward Quincy Miller, in his first career start, had five in 10 first-half minutes while playing serviceable defense on Durant. Miller finished with nine points.

Durant scored 24 of the Thunder's 51 first-half points. "We talked about Kevin Durant getting his. He had 24 at halftime, but we didn't want anybody else to get into a rhythm," Shaw said. "We did a pretty good job of that for the most part."

Streaking Nuggets cruise past Thunder

DENVER, JaNuaRy 10 (REutERs): The Denver Nuggets traded for guard Randy Foye because he could hit jumpers. Despite relentless practice and preparation, things weren't going well for the veteran.

One conversation was all it took for Foye to turn things turn around. Foye scored a season-high 24 points, guard Ty Lawson added 16 points and 14 assists, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-88 Thursday night.

Guard Evan Fournier came off the bench to score 19 for the Nuggets, who won their fourth in a row following an eight-game losing streak. Foye is playing a big part in Denver's resurgence. He is averaging 18.5 points during the winning streak, and Thursday set a season scoring high for the second straight game. All it took was a little pep talk from coach Brian Shaw.

"Coach sat me down and said, 'You've been in this league eight years. You've done this over and over,'" Foye said. "'Last year you made 178 3s. This is what you have done. I need you to be aggressive. I need you to shoot more.' They said they

Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) is fouled by Denver Nuggets' J.J. Hickson (7) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 9 in Denver. (AP Photo)

needed me to be a vocal leader." He was a leader on offense, hitting six of the team's 14 3-pointers. "Randy's in a nice groove," Shaw said. "He has a nice rhythm. We're in a good place right now." Forward Kevin Durant scored a

game-high 30 points for the Thunder, who dropped their second consecutive game.

Durant scored half of his points from the free-throw line, where he was 15-for16. Oklahoma City (27-9) has been a .500 team since

losing guard Russell Westbrook to a right knee injury in late December. The Thunder stumbled into Denver following an 11-point loss to the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.

On Thursday, they again felt the absence of their

Entertainment

The Morung Express

Saturday 11 January 2014

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Director : Peter Berg

Producer : Mark Wahlberg, Akiva ReviewGoldsman, Sarah Aubrey, Randall Em-

mett, Norton Herrick, Stephen Levinson, Barry Spikings Screenwriter : Peter Berg Starring : Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Eric Bana, Alexander Ludwig, Jerry Ferrara, Yousuf Azami

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he title kind of gives away the ending of this harrowing true story, which is worth a look despite its tendency to exaggerate the heroics. But it's also an unusually wellmade military thriller that throws us right into the middle of the chaos with visceral filmmaking. And it's impossible to miss the point that these men rely on each other every moment of every day: they certainly can't survive alone.

The events take place in 2005 Afghanistan, where a Navy Seal team is sent into the mountains to find a feared Taliban leader

(Azami). These men are like brothers, with Marcus (Wahlberg) leading Mike, Matt and Danny (Kitsch, Foster and Hirsch), under the command of Erik (Bana) back at the base.

As they head out on their mission, everything goes to plan until they run into a group of innocent goatherds. Letting them go will compromise their mission, but it's clearly the right thing to do. And this decision sparks an escalating situation that seems increasingly hopeless.

From the very start, we know these Seals aren't normal soldiers: they undergo

The centre of attention: All eyes were on Julia Roberts at the HBO Winter 2014 TCA Panel in Pasadena

especially gruelling training and then bond tightly as colleagues, relying on their ruggedness, tenacity and camaraderie. Which of course allows writer-director Berg to portray them as superheroes. This is a problem, because it reduces the Afghans to faceless, murderous villains, at least until the much more complex final act in which an entire village risks its life to save an injured American soldier.

And this strikingly moving sequence is the one we remember much more than the chest-pounding patriotism.

Thankfully, the film's

performances are grounded all the way through, with Wahlberg and Kitsch providing the tough-guy heroics opposite more engagingly layered work from Foster and Hirsch. There's also a nice turn from Ludwig as a rookie back at the base. And as the events progress, the cast and crew make the most of each heart-stopping sequence with energetic filmmaking and astonishingly bonecrunching stunt work.

While these guys might be a bit too macho to identify with, we can't help but be inspired by their dedication and resilience.

Fatherhood will change Simon, feels Alesha Dixon

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inger Alesha Dixon thinks fatherhood will transform music mogul Simon Cowell and that he will make a great dad.

The 35-year-old star is confident that Cowell will become a kinder and more considerate man when he welcomes his first child with his girlfriend Lauren Silverman later this year, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think it will change him.

Simon's a great guy, I think this

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he was at an event to promote her new TV movie, and Julia Roberts ensured everyone could see she meant business at HBO's Winter 2014 TCA Panel on Thursday.

The actress looked gorgeous in a smart but chic ensemble, highlighting her slender legs in skintight cropped leather trousers.

There were also leather panels on Julia’s black blazer, which she wore over a long cream shirt.

The 46-year-old stands at 5ft 9in but still opted to give herself a boost with a pair of platform heels, which were white and black spotted.

Julia showcased her natural beauty with little makeup, and her auburn hair fell in waves, parted at the centre to frame her pretty face.

The August: Osage County star topped off her look with a pair of maroon framed cat-eye sunglasses.

Julia was joined at the Television Critics Association panel discussion in Pasadena by her co-stars, along with director Ryan Murphy, best known for being the cocreator of Glee.

The HBO movie boasts an impressive cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Matt

'I was the poster child for being 'Jai Ho' reflects country's both skinny and unhealthy' current political scenario Cameron Diaz on how her teenage love for junk food caused painful acne

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will make him an even nicer person. Having children does change you, it makes you become a better person because you want to set an example. I think he'll be a great dad," Dixon told Bang Showbiz at the launch of her perfume Rose Quartz at St. Martin's Lane Hotel here Wednesday.

Dixon herself welcomed her first child, a daughter - Azura Sienna, with her partner Azuka Ononye October 2013.

She means business!

ameron Diaz has you really are what you eat, I opened up about the would have been a bean burunhealthy junk food rito with extra cheese, extra habit that caused her teen- sauce, no onions!

‘Sometimes on a Friage acne. The actress and author of The Body Book, day-night drive-through 41, tells Seventeen’s Febru- run, I would order a double ary issue that she was able cheeseburger with French to eat whatever she wanted fries and onion rings. I was without gaining weight, but her 'All that fried, greasy, propainful pimples cessed artificial crap was setmade her 'mis- ting off a hormonal surge that erable'. sent my skin into crazy town!'

'I used to have horrible acne – deep, the poster child for being boiling pimples – the kind both skinny and unhealthy – that hurt so badly, I didn’t and I had the zits to prove it.’

The actress reveals that want to leave my house.

My friends said they didn’t she tried everything but notice, but I'd say, "It's the changing her diet to rid only thing anyone can see!" herself of acne, but once No amount of concealer she did cut the junk food, and foundation could take the difference was radical.

‘I didn’t realize all that away the texture of my skin, the embarrassment I felt, fried, greasy, processed aror the pain of those raging tificial crap was setting off a hormonal surge that sent pimples. I was miserable.

‘At the same time, I was my skin into crazy town!’

Once Ms Diaz traded her this skinny girl who could eat anything I wanted without favorite fried and processed gaining an ounce – so I did. If meals for more natural

foods, her acne disappeared and she noticed a huge burst in her energy levels.

She added that while she doesn’t avoid onion rings completely, she really appreciates them when she treats herself.

And indeed she does over Christmas she admitted that she ate roast pork at Christmas and tacos the day after. ‘I eat the pork skin, pork fat and the beef fat,’ she said. ‘That’s my treat.’

Ms Diaz has been heavily-promoting her new book lately, making candid admissions about her body and lifestyle.

One chapter in the book, titled: ‘In Praise of Pubes’, sees the actress advise readers to steer clear of laser hair removal, don’t follow the trends and ‘consider leaving your vagina fully dressed.’

And on Monday she confessed to Entertainment Tonight she has now embraced aging naturally after she saw how ‘weird’ Botox made her face look.

‘I’ve tried Botox before, where it was like [a] little tiny touch of something,’ she said. ‘It changed my face in such a weird way that I was like, “No, I don’t want to be like that.”’

W

hile superstar Salman Khan has been urging not to link his upcoming film "Jai Ho" with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), his brother and actor-filmmaker Arbaaz Khan says somewhere there is a connection between the movie and the country's current political scenario.

"It's a very good co-incidence that 'Jai Ho' somewhere reflects the current scenario in the country," Arbaaz told reporters here Thursday at a Gillette event.

AAP formed by Arvind Kejriwal, who is now Delhi's chief minister, came into existence in 2012, and since then it has come a long way.

Its stunning show in the Delhi assembly elections last December showed the power of the common man

All present and correct: Julia was joined by (L-R) The Normal Heart director Ryan Murphy and her co-stars Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons and Taylor Kitsch

Bomer, Jim Parsons and Taylor Kitsch, who were all at the event.

Julia revealed that it took rather a long time to convince her to join the project, which is an adaptation of the Larry Kramer play.

The Pretty Woman star had been approached twice before for the role, and still wasn’t keen when Ryan asked her.

Julia will be playing Dr. Emma Brookner in the film, a physician who treated some of the first HIV-AIDS

patients.

And she admitted that she had an ‘inability to fully understand who this character was,’ which led to her turning down the part.

But that all changed after Julia watched a documentary about polio, which Dr. Brookner suffered from during her childhood.

‘It unlocked the door to who this woman is to me and where her relentless, furious pursuit of correctness comes from,’ Julia said.

She then added: ‘It was

just such a beautiful experience to get to play her.

‘Interestingly enough, my relationship with Ryan has provided me with such an incredible education. This is another stone on that path.’

Julia also commented on her shock at seeing Matt Bomer’s transformation, as he lost 40lbs for the character of Felix.

‘We all took a very small break [during production], and he came back half the person he was and twice the man!’ Julia said.

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and also pushed the Congress to a humiliating third spot in its bid for a fourth term in office.

"Jai Ho", directed by Salman's youngest brother Sohail, also focusses on the power of a common man.

"The film has been made by my brothers (Sohail and Salman) and it's a very good film. It will come out Jan 24. I wish them all the very best," he added.

Arbaaz is all praise for the film and hopes it becomes a huge hit.

"People will get to see the Salman they have always wanted to see. The film has turned out very well on the whole. Inshallah, it will be a huge hit," Arbaaz said.

"Jai Ho" also features newcomer Daisy Shah and A kid in full traditional attire during an event at Viswema village in Kohima district reTabu. cently. Photo by Chizokho Vero

Cameron Diaz as a teenager in 1998, when junk food gave her painful acne

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5 Things to Know about the Australian Open Real wins to advance To combat the weather, the Australian Open continues to lead the way with covered venues. Rod Laver and Hisense arenas both have retractable roofs. A roof over Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Park's third featured arena, is under construction and will be fully retractable by next year.

in Copa del Rey

SHOW THEM THE MONEY: In October, Tennis Australia said it would increase prize money by $2.8 million to bring overall player compensation to $31 million. In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four of the sport's major tournaments have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years.

Wimbledon now offers about $36.5 million, while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the French Open went up to $29.7 million. This year, the singles champions in Australia will receive $2.35 million.

WHO'S HOT, WHO'S NOT: Serena Williams beat

In this photo released by Tennis Australia, defending champions Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenk of Belarus pose with their trophies prior to the official draw at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Victoria Azarenka in the Brisbane International fi- Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal jumps in between players as he tries to score Jan. 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Tennis Australia,Fiona Hamilton) nal a week ago to continue during a Spanish Copa del Rey soccer match between Real Madrid and Osasuna at the SanDennis Passa situated along the banks of and finished the season with THE WEATHER: where she left off last year. tiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Thursday, Jan. 9. (AP Photo) AP Sports Writer

The Australian Open begins Monday at Melbourne Park, the first Grand Slam of the year. Here are five things to know about the tournament at Melbourne Park, which is within minutes of the city center and

the Yarra River:

REIGNING CHAMPIONS: Welcome back Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka. Djokovic, who has won the last three titles here, went on from Melbourne Park to win seven titles in nine finals in 2013

a 24-match winning streak.

He lost the No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal on Oct. 7. Azarenka, the two-time defending women's champion, won two additional titles in 2013 at Doha and Cincinnati. Azarenka was one of only three players to beat Serena Williams in 2013.

Always a factor — it can be intensely hot one day, cool and wet the next.

The tournament's Extreme Heat Policy gets invoked most years, meaning matches can be moved indoors, or suspended or prolonged by extra breaks given to players.

She won 11 titles in 2013 — the most by a player on the WTA tour since Martina Hingis' 12 in 1997.

She compiled a 34-match winning streak and earned more than $12 million in prize money. She comes to Melbourne on a 22-match winning streak.

MI retain Rohit, Malinga, Pollard, Bhajji and Rayudu

MuMBAI, JAnuARy 10 (PTI): Defending champions Mumbai Indians on Friday retained five players including skipper Rohit Sharma and dashing West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, for the upcoming seventh season of Indian Premier League. Apart from skipper Rohit and Pollard, the three others retained are senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga and talented batsman Ambati Rayudu, who can also double up as a wicketkeeper.

Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson will now be favourite to be

obtained through 'Right to Match' cards that the franchise can exercise during the two-day auction on February 12 and 13.

"The formidable combination of these five players - Rohit, Pollard, Malinga, Bhajji and Rayudu - forms the nucleus of Mumbai Indians. They have exemplified the spirit of Mumbai Indians and are match-winners in their own right," Nita Ambani, owner of MI, was quoted as saying in a press release.

"With the retention of the core players, Mumbai Indians look forward to build a stronger, well-knit

Er. Kruse to grace TYO 50th sports anniversary

KohIMA, JAnuARy 10 (MExn): The 50th sports anniversary (19642014) of Thevomia Youth Organization (TYO) will take place on January 15 at Khonoma Community Hall Terhotsiese at 9:30 AM under the theme “Towards Greater Heights.” Er. Kevisekho Kruse, Chief Engineer PHED Nagaland will grace the occasion as the chief guest.

Welcome speech will be deliv-

ered by KTU Nagaland president Dr. R. Zinyü while jubilee greetings will be shared by TYO Khonoma president Nikeselie Punyü.

Short speeches will be delivered

by Megokholie Pier and Abi Yalie.

The function will be led by Nisavi Hieme, convenor organizing committee. The occasion will also witness traditional games, feast and KTU Nagaland Day.

MoKoKchung, JAnuARy 10 (MExn): Sovran CC and Team Bendangsunep registered comprehensive wins on the 8th day of the ongoing MDCA Inter Club Cricket tournament played here today at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.

In the first match of the day, Sovran CC defeated Epullient CC by 58 runs. Earlier, Sovran captain won the toss and elected to bat first. They could manage to score 138/9 in their allotted 20 overs with Among and Sunep contributing 25 and 24 runs respectively. Moa of Epullient CC took 4 wickets conceding just 18 runs. Chasing the target of 139, however, Epullient had a good start but their batting order collapsed in the middle overs and were bundled out for 80 runs in 18.2 overs with Toshi of Sovran scalping three wickets for 14 runs in his four overs.

No Epullient batsman could withstand the tight bowling attack of Sovran. Amongba of Sovran CC was named the Man of the Match for his 25 runs and 2 wickets.

In the second match of the day, one of the highly anticipated matches of the tournament, Team Bendangsunep after defeating the reigning champions Brotherhood in their first match came in with high confidence to face an equally pumped up Mustang side who also came into the match with two back to back wins. Mustang captain after

winning the toss elected to bat first.

They could manage to score only 118 runs losing 8 wickets in the 20 overs. Imliakum scoring a steady 32 runs and later a quick fire 18 off just 6 balls from Nukshi which included two huge sixes helped Mustang team to reach that score. Tejosol of Team Bendangsunep was the nemesis of Mustang batsmen who finished with the spectacular figure of 5/4 in his 4 overs.

He was well supported by all the other bowlers. In the second innings chasing the modest target, Team Bendangsunep batsmen played sensibly and achieved the target in the 18th over losing only 2 wickets and winning the match by 8 wickets. Team Bendangsunep's batsman Imliwati continued his good form with the bat and notched up his second half century of the tournament in as many games. He made an unbeaten 70 runs and was supported till the end of the match

by Tejasol who also remained unbeaten on 18 runs.

Only Alem and Meren picked up a wicket each for Mustang. Imliwati of Team Bendangsunep was named the Man of the Match.

team and share the joy of an enthralling and entertaining performance with its ever-growing fans in the coming season," she further added.

Dinesh Karthik is another player who has missed out on retention as Rayudu being a specialist batsman and his ability to do a decent job behind the stumps tilted the scales in his favour.

As far as Malinga is concerned, he has been a 'Game Changer' for MI at the death overs and the possibility of some of the matches being played in Sri Lanka may have prompted the team management to take a call in the slinger's favour. Mumbai Indi-

ans have had phenomenal success over the last four years, both on and off the field, emerging as one of the most successful and followed teams.

As a favorite sports team, Mumbai Indians is closely followed by 4.2 million fans across the globe.

Brand Mumbai Indians was ranked No. 1 cricket club in India and 146th among the 250 best sports brand in the world (BrandFinance pls, UK 2012). In the Social Media space, Mumbai Indians featured among the top ten most followed Indian brands (INCITE 2012 by Nielsen & McKinsey).

Pregnant Ennis-Hill to miss Commonwealth Games

MDCA Inter Club Cricket tournament

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Saturday's Fixture: 8:00 am – Ascesis CC vs Züngamedem CC 12:00 noon Ethnic CC vs Euphemia CC

MADRID, JAnuARy 10 (AFP): Real Madrid took a huge step towards the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win over Osasuna in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Thursday. Karim Benzema got the hosts off to the perfect start when he headed in Luka Modric's cross after 19 minutes.

Jese Rodriguez then gave Madrid breathing space in the tie when he chipped home Cristiano Ronaldo's pass after halftime. And Madrid were only denied a third in comic circumstances moments later as Ronaldo deflected Gareth Bale's goalbound effort behind.

"Winning 2-0 is a good result. We tried to score the third and we were very close on a few occasions," said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. "The game in Osasuna will not be easy, but it is a

Britain's Jessica Ennis. (AP File Photo)

LonDon, JAnuARy 10 (AFP): Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill announced on Friday she is pregnant and will miss the Commonwealth Games. "I am sorry I won't be in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, but know it will be an amazing occasion. I will be at home awaiting the arrival of a little Ennis-Hill," she said. The child will be the first for the 27-yearold athlete and her husband Andy Hill, who wed last year.

Ennis-Hill, one of the poster girls of the 2012 London Olympic Games, said she hoped to return to training after the birth and compete at the Rio Games in 2016. "We are completely overwhelmed, with excitement and a degree of anxiety that I am sure all first-time parents will relate to," she said in a statement. "My plans for 2014 have

been completely turned upside down, but having had a couple of weeks to think about things from a career point of view I am 100 percent set on returning to full-time athletics once our baby is born and go for a second gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 -- that challenge really excites me. "But in the short term I will make our baby a priority and enjoy the whole experience as much as possible."

While several female athletes have returned to high-level competition after giving birth, fellow British heptathlete Louise Hazel questioned if EnnisHill could do so while remaining in the seven-discipline event.

"Is it possible to be an elite sportswoman and have a baby?

Yes. Is it possible to come back from Olympic gold as a heptathlete and go on to Rio... it throws

good result going forward."

Ancelotti named a strong side with Bale returning to the starting line-up for the first time in four games following a calf injury.

Despite failing to find the net, the Welshman showed flashes of his best form in the second-half and Ancelotti is confident he will go from strength to strength having completed the 90 minutes. "Bale played very well and was very dangerous," he said.

"Everyone knows he had injury problems and he is a player that needs to be in optimal condition. For that reason he played the whole game. "In the second-half the game was more open and it suited him more, but we are all very happy with him." Jese was also given a rare chance from the start and he thought he had won his side a penalty on

16 minutes when he went down under a challenge from Osasuna goalkeeper Asier Riesgo. However, after originally pointing to the spot, referee Jesus Perez Montero reversed his decision and harshly booked Jese for diving.

Minutes later Madrid were in front as Benzema flicked home Modric's freekick to register his 99th goal for the club. Ronaldo passed up a great chance to double the advantage when he fired straight at Riesgo after a lovely scooped pass from Bale as Madrid began the second-half with more purpose than they ended the first. And the hosts took advantage of some woeful Osasuna defending to make it 2-0 just before the hour mark as Benzema and Ronaldo combined to tee up Jese to loft the ball over Riesgo.

a huge question over the continuation of a career as a heptathlete and that's just being realistic.

"I think she'll be able to come back and compete. The question is: in what event?," Hazel said. "Will she be able to get back to the same form she's been showing in recent years and be competitive?," added Hazel, the Commonwealth Games title-holder who won in Delhi in 2010, when Ennis-Hill did not compete.

"You have to look at people like (England's) Katarina Johnson-Thompson, who's been breaking Jess's junior records non-stop," said Hazel, who has since retired from heptathlon but is looking to continue her athletics career in other events.

Ennis-Hill's absence deprives Glasgow of one its major crowd bankers amid ongoing doubts over the participation of her fellow London 2012 gold medallists Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprint star, and Mo Farah, the British long-distance runner.

Meanwhile the Glasgow 2014 Twitter feed responded to her announcement by saying: "Congratulations to Glasgow2014 ambassador @J_ Ennis & husband Andy on the exciting news that they're expecting their first child."

Gold in the Commonwealth Games has so far eluded EnnisHill, who took bronze in 2006 in Melbourne behind fellow Englishwoman Kelly Sotherton.

Ennis-Hill went on to win the 2010 European Championships before taking silver at the following year's World Championships behind Tatyana Chernova.

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