11th April 2014

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VOL. IX ISSUE 98

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Friday, April 11, 2014 12+4 pages Rs. 4

rr ci da yo ve her cue of an ac “I've ne g a the sa re, and w your this mor ntional. becomin ped 10 he sure ho In short will inte ned on til I bum on- quite turn out! on that and plan crew, un isement ed will professi nge you es. cabin an advert t, submitt one is a ays challe your to the into one nigh d then and alw you on tability is she rthline sume an e other oha keep unpredic b, I feel”, the ng a bi t my re led to th day in D ew”, The of this jo pses into marki es star g toe ndle, , all fir or a soul ws glim crew. dene's is thin I am to bin cr ing ca forest sing a n ld ro l burn ing a a bles ther everyo who here as a ca it, th a cabi wou le a smal e consum either be -made. Ei keep And one t to love working . is into at life of ung Jamir as a peop oill it w n gh ys a as f man ildfir ca ab ther eck. e got Whe raging w k. 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Brain e sics eep, do r her fam nindu combat ae first test s to have st fire do e stand in speak- taught a cleane O of m membe back from at, ‘beings- job ne ill pow ember, th - her sl and sit fo oo fry di ese CE lly d w d rem in ev cook and al e th and- fire, also od new e of fore where w chnically ssors em th us di equa would the bin ny fe told th le help r and an y an to take wn at rice, dal nch. Onc plished, as ca nt forest hile it’s goy, the issu us think which, te I lu m a, compafrom who nd peop ves bette with studill power at is thro king save W h da make ent, ny.” e rece as ner ors are acco about Dohree, e wor d to th in th tion mpa ng in a w arou rsel ore nm ld e 7t ey ar avel an ey to go d al e are ersity genera n- co Worki 7000 crewshe goes cover ou agree m w real- erything sp on th er, it shou r enviro ’t e I no d as u.” ly Th to tr mon home t orld, first ok , ther bin go is out an ovie biodiv le of this we can co pos ly dn of m ul Rath otecting ou nt ha of al yo pare ys for a ca un- she it on a m ading a bo tchus not on crew enough own eir st olve ew I co op loss the sion meeting - -save to their art up th m, Ap al da of pr our life. aginable the pe of how be nts from cades all over th “when asks is him beca I have ev profesis , be ng, re just ca es t of ng st is gh of y, er is w sa th me no norm ach fli n way shoppi om or iends. - This pr enues rse back back y and e law fir s/ , it ng ing, e unim somethi d think ate incide s and de wildly on to tion a stra u from?" ow ize horson and helped ar Th e is av an its ow engers. in her ro her fr abso . “E dive help in countr n privat er studie a fir kn es pe upon fortun took ye d been much ith so crew ble in also e yo ow e open from rforest ld ponder t such un re. What the area ha ine, how by a qu here ar portant to entity, a sion has PR skills.’ was a predicta the pass the pas- ing up w would al e mor a people s but also own pe e very ce for high or open up to r to e ag "w ry im id n e th y an nd e's she shou e to aver near futu tion in ys. Imag ss, caused 2 ve ots and nded, orof hone m t, when ould have r thanks ’t matte just had ththe Sh ly encour to join en grou eving on s. I had ith a fin ecializatio va ut is da e lo er ib e page th ro of tr ng in on ou e s Ye dy w be in he It won s if you eak of d lute youths hers ev at achi dream ing w ro- sp ic. cons ter ild th d. on bo r to call up lack one' main gr be just on em e ss th sonal of fly , a mic in as nger art br st ha Naga Cont peni odiversity just a mat to rebu no to lik e, d re th d, e d cl ro ge e ill ha ki ined he Becaus was se est he you ju hatd th iro sion to of bi umed in it take us w e profes putting ac travel an r privile r from Ca Tehran anuth ment ction of ity. That else we w that serv ag day. ild, I d bigg y or e rn im us ld ns ve ” fle . s e to m co er wou fire. ate go also re cala we ar beca u "hav while rice k the ys to furthe lawye t from om So ). ntur face s a ch us an oes long l spark of at the st e fire is with such epared nisms the icken with ld thin ant is sh e says, “a ischievo t have ce ur perioday be, yo pas- this job pa that, she end on biologis Doctor fr e a few smal e fact th contain th to deal of how pr t mecha d re- ch One wou t attend our sh ughty, m s. I don’ ning a yo er it m to your u will not only get to sp re and also a (to nam Th re to ou t he then rica glam at na nturou s of ow out ev attend riod. Yo nonnism estion vernmen e duty an ng the a fligh ds, “y lp ou nt echa life of filled withd while th ain adve memorie ess, I was e fa- to" ers. Pe crying liday ad urself, he ired and rson- Af the Ce r own m to the qu Putting go is also th rt in savi one style, an to a cert is any ie or a dr ploring th our sengve babies active ho fill of yo ere if requ in your pe of ou brings us s strike. se but it play a pa role in true ofession al- Barb out ex er near ok- ha , hyper g a re tim- th to save unt too. also n disaster ething el tizen to ctive sity, and a proa r biodiver st of may be , the pr ithout ch y and ab Milak riv in Mok rs, stop ers wantin es, first ons get nk acco whe ace is som every ci ay s in tt ad ba fir ly pl , ou extent nly not w n I get re of mou d/colony my brothebing mak s and w l the bu then al in pl sibility of pecial ystem ess, by spon ronment. le can ese, our ecos e awaren selves. st. And certai es. “Whe clueless that war g with es, clim it), beer trying al set, and envi ung peop r heritag ting mor are them tire fore rtainly leng ty, I am out of e- chun ing marbl plum (fru ses, ers the hand Yo ng ou in crea and aw an en n ce for dut to expect The unprb is play s, stealing hool glas little on vi rn ay n ca ful preserlead the w ious, care spark to bu directio wha or flight. this jo ing tree king sc e to the ea of ar y ng and ing caut ly a little the right da ility challe e. br ng a sc all, be takes on tle step in dictabt I find e same tim at givi It e, a lit wha Fun at th ession th or . theref the world and is a prof save This

Rapists do not deserve death, boys commit mistakes: Mulayam

Animation films hit by budget roadblocks in India: Sonakshi

[ PAGE 8]

Fire Service WeekApril 14 to 20, 2014 [ PAGE 2]

Human trafficking is an open wound on society: Pope [ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 11]

By Sandemo Ngullie

New Delhi, April 10 (iANS): Some 120 million penin Job O people Thursday voted in 14 states and union territories in a critical third phase of general election to pick AND RCE 91 of the 543 MPs, includAGAL MME OF N IES & CO L A T I N R E R TO from the seat ing seven UST IMA ERNM Dof E TU GOV TE OF IN ND: KOH PRIM RA AGALA power in New Delhi TOwhose C E N R DI control is considered vital for any party to rule India.

Men and women cutting across social and economic strata poured into 140,850 polling ancentres cy from the timeJothey 14 b vFoar bcatch 20opened at 7 in the morning for the 11-hour balloting. TAILS CONTACTIMA H 59 E FOR D R’S HILL KO 62in1 The entire exercise, 8 667 OFFICE 974998178 / 9 .:8 o N e n volving tens of thousands Pho of staff and security personnel, was “overall very peaceful”, Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi told the media in the evening.

The overall voting percentage was almost 63.

There was a record voter turnout of 73.4 percent in Indigenous Kandha women stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station at Kutamgarh village in Kandhamal Kerala, where balloting took district, in Odisha, Thursday, April 10. Millions of people are voting in the third phase of the elections, covering parts of place for all its 20 parliamen- 11 of India’s 28 states. (AP Photo) tary constituencies. In most Narasimha Rao said Thurs- ing all through the day. ploded a land mine in han was equally confident states, voting percentage day’s polling was impor- Delhi’s Chief Electoral Of- Munger district. Maoists that the BJP would crush went up from the 2009 level. tant because the 91 seats ficer Vijay Dev credited the also blasted a school in the Congress thanks to the In town after town, vot- were almost a sixth of the overwhelming turnout to Lakhisarai district.

“Modi wave” -- a reference er enthusiasm was high in total Lok Sabha seats. This the campaign carried out The Election Commis- to his party’s prime minisboth working and middle round is also crucial be- in the last few months to sion has ordered a repoll in terial candidate Narendra class areas. In some places, cause it includes three make people vote.

22pollingstationsinthestate. Modi. “Modi wave is a realwinding queues of men states where the BJP failed With a total of 1,414 The only place where ity,” his colleague and New and women snaked out- to win a single seat in 2009: candidates, Thursday’s bal- just 51 percentage of the Delhi candidate Meenside the school buildings Kerala, Delhi and Haryana. loting covered all 20 seats electorate voted was Ba- akshi Lekhi told IANS. which were converted into For the same reason, the in Kerala, 10 each in Uttar star, the sprawling region in Congress leaders polling centres.

Congress, which won some Pradesh, Haryana, Maha- Chhattisgarh where a Mao- claimed that voters were Although the stag- 50 more seats in 2009 over rashtra and Odisha, nine in ist fiat managed to keep sure to give the Congress-led gered nine-phase polling 2004,hastoretainitsLokSab- Madhya Pradesh, all seven many voters at home.

UPA another five-year term. began April 7, the first two ha seat tally if it has to stand seats in Delhi, six in BiCongress president So- Kejriwal voiced confidence rounds involved only 13 up to the aggressive BJP. har, four in Jharkhand and nia Gandhi, her son and the AAP would win all seven constituencies from the Thursday’s balloting is one each in Chhattisgarh, party vice president Rahul seatsinDelhi,theparty’sorigcountry’s northeast where also important for the Aam Chandigarh, Lakshwadeep, Gandhi and AAP leader inal hub which he ruled for 49 the Bharatiya Janata Party Aadmi Party, the Sama- Andaman and Nicobar Is- Arvind Kejriwal voted in days until Feb 14. Six more (BJP), which is determined jwadi Party, the Bahujan land, and Jammu. separate polling centres rounds of polling for the reto take power after ending a Samaj Party, the Shiv Sena, In Bihar, two Cen- in New Delhi. Former BJP maining Lok Sabha seats will decade of Congress rule, is the MNS, the Left and the tral Reserve Police Force president Nitin Gadkari take place. The millions of not a major player.

Janata Dal-United.

(CRPF) personnel were voted in Nagpur. votes polled will be counted Political analyst G.V.L. Delhi saw hectic poll- killed when Maoists exBJP leader Harsh Vard- across the country May 16.

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“Proxy? What proxy eh?”

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Are Naga institutions and churches doing enough to nurture value based leadership in the society? no

Others

CM commends peaceful polling KOhiMA, April 10 (MexN): Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has lauded the people of Nagaland State for successful conduct of polling for the LS election in the State. A press note from the CMO’s office stated that “polling was peaceful all over the State and the process was conducted in a smooth and efficient manner, except for one polling station in Longleng.” “The high voting percentage which is above 84 percent is amongst the highest in the country so far and the electorate deserves appreciation for believing in democracy,” he said. The CM further congratulated the Election Commission of India, the State Election Department, the entire State Government machinery and all agencies who contributed towards the peaceful and smooth conduct of elections. “Most importantly, the people of the State, who have come out to participate in the most important exercise of democracy, the universal adult franchise, deserve to be commended. The electorate of Nagaland has once again reposed its faith on democracy and the people’s voice will be sounded though their vote,” he added.

–Les Brown

Atletico beats Barcelona to reach CL semis [ PAGE 12]

120 million vote in critical third phase of election

reflections

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If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams

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Show the finger, get freebies

New Delhi, April 10 (reuterS): Showing the finger can get you a punch in the face in many parts of the world.

In India, during this general election at least, it can earn discounts at gas stations, restaurants, spas, stores and hospitals after voting.

In a move to increase political involvement, Young Indians, a group linked to Confederation of Indian Industry trade association, launched the “Show the ink, See prices sink” campaign, which gives discounts and other incentives to people who vote. “Among youngsters it’s become a cool thing to flaunt their fingers after they’ve cast their vote,” said D.N.V. Kumara Guru, national chairman of the group, saying more than 100 businesses had signed up for the campaign. “There is a lot of momentum across the country.”

During this year’s election, which began on Monday and runs until May 12, 815 million voters will be eligible to participate. Besides the discounts, the Election Commission has issued newspaper advertisements using celebrities like Virat Kohli, the cricket star heartthrob of millions, to exhort people to vote.

In the capital, New Delhi, which went to the polls on Thursday, people

who show the marked forefinger can get a discount of about 0.7 percent on petrol at any one of 67 pumps in and around the city during the day.

“It’s our moral and social duty to motivate citizens of India. After a long freedom struggle we got this right,” said Ajay Bansal, general secretary of the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders.

Gas station owners wanted to share the cost of travelling to a poll booth by offering this measure, Bansal said. They also wanted to encourage youngsters because in India people can start to vote at the same age they can begin to drive a car.

In the tech capital of Bangalore, the Sakra World Hospital is offering a 10 percent discount on outpatient services such as health check-ups and consultations between April 18 and May 1 to people with an ink-marked finger.

Virgin Atlantic Airways VA.UL, known for its unusual promotions, announced voters have the chance to win cabin upgrades, lounge access and goodie hampers in a lucky draw.

But there’s a catch - they need to be travelling a bit farther than the distance to the polling station, they have to be booked on a Delhi-London flight with the British airline.

focus on the world’s poorest: World Bank Post-matric scholarships for STs

wAShiNgtON, April 10 (iANS): With close to one-third of the world’s extreme poor concentrated in India and another onethird in four more countries, a sharp focus on them will be central to ending extreme poverty, says a new World Bank paper.

The top five poorest countries - India (with 33 percent of the world’s poor), China (13 percent), Nigeria (7 percent), Bangladesh (6 percent) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (5 percent) - together are home to nearly 760 million of the world’s poor.

Adding another five countries -- Indonesia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya -- would en-

compass almost 80 percent of the extreme poor.

Tackling poverty requires understanding where the greatest number of poor live, while at the same time also concentrating on where hardship is most pervasive, according to the World Bank paper “Prosperity for All”, released here Thursday.

This entails concerted efforts in countries where large numbers of the world’s 1.2 billion poor live, it says.

While economic growth remains vital for reducing poverty, growth has its limits, the paper said suggesting that countries need to complement efforts to enhance growth with policies that allocate more resourc-

es to the extreme poor.

“These resources can be distributed through the growth process itself, by promoting more inclusive growth, or through government programmes, such as conditional and direct cash transfers,” it said. Citing the example of India, the report notes that in recent years, new Information Communications Technologies (ICT) applications have created opportunities to re-engineer and upgrade traditional systems and to empower beneficiaries.

“India’s ambitious new programme” to provide its citizens and residents a unique, official identity, the UID (Universal Identity) “aims to improve the

delivery of government services, reduce fraud and corruption, facilitate robust voting processes, and improve security”, it noted.

“However, the benefits are not automatic and our understanding of its impact is yet incomplete.”

“Economic growth has been vital for reducing extreme poverty and improving the lives of many poor people,” said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. “Yet, even if all countries grow at the same rates as over the past 20 years, and if the income distribution remains unchanged, world poverty will only fall by 10 percent by 2030, from 17.7 percent in 2010.” “This is simply not enough,” he said.

Youth stabbed, mob gherao Dillai check-post Morung Express news Dimapur | April 10

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The burnt motorcycle at Dillai check-post. (Morung Photo)

An angry mob laid siege to the interstate border police check-post at Dillai on Thursday evening. It was sparked by a stabbing incident in which a youth was injured. The injured, identified as Zuben Shitiri (28) of Rilan Yan village, sustained trauma on the scalp of the head inflicted by a pair of scissors.

According to Shitiri, he intervened to break up an argument between his friend and another youth, whose identity could not be ascertained. The quarrel occurred at a shop at the Dillai checkpost at around 5:00pm. In the process, the unidentified youth stabbed him on the head and absconded, Shitiri said. It was added that the youth got inside the compound housing policemen on duty

at the check-post and escaped leaving behind his motorcycle, which did not bear a registration number.

News spread and an angry crowd gathered at the check-post, alleging that the police let the youth escape. The crowd, demanding that the absconding youth be handed over to them, set on fire the motorcycle. Police later informed that the “absconding youth” was in custody, under arrest.

The SDPO, Dimapur, who was at the site, disclosed that the youth was arrested while trying to escape after the stabbing incident. Meanwhile, Rilan Yan village council, while condemning the incident, stated that an FIR would be lodged against the youth. Residents of the area alleged that the unidentified accused frequents the area to collect ‘tax’ from cargo vehicles.

Morung Express news Dimapur | April 10

Unknown to many students in Nagaland State, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, has provisions for financial assistance to students belonging to Scheduled Tribes since 1947.

However, many Naga students are unaware of the provision, which provides full reimbursement of their study fees. This was disclosed to media persons during a joint press conference addressed by the Eastern Naga Students’

Union Dimapur (ENSUD) and Divya Jyoti Group of Institution, Delhi NCR in Dimapur on Thursday.

To avail the post-matric scholarship, the annual income of the student’s parents should be below Rs 2.5 Lakh from all sources.

Another eligibility criterion is that the student must secure 45 % marks. The students can get their total course fees reimbursed irrespective of whether they studied in government or private institutions anywhere in the country.

However, a registration fee of Rs. 5000/- and a secu-

rity deposit of Rs. 10,000/(refundable) would be realised from the students, ENSUD office bearers said.

To create awareness on this scheme, the ENSUD has signed an MoU with the Divya Jyoti Group of Institution, Delhi NCR, which has tied up with 12 institutions in the country.

For further details, ENSUD has informed students to either visit its office located opposite sub-jail house no.

5 Dimapur or contact the following mobile phone numbers: 8974977845, 8729873698, 9774435459 and 9612569997.

No place for violence in a democracy: Manipur CM newmai news network Imphal | April 10

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has asserted today that though the State Government is not a party in the peace talks between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre, his government will not remain an onlooker to the “violence and crime perpetrated by NSCN (IM) cadres.”

O Ibobi Singh was speaking to a section of the media after having called on Manipur Legislative Assembly deputy speaker MK Preshaw Shimray in the latter’s official quarter here Thursday morning.

MK Preshaw Shimray escaped an assassination bid on his life suspected to have been triggered by hill based armed cadres at around 3:10pm in Ukhrul district on Wednesday.

Ibobi Singh, along with Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei and Heingang Assembly Constituency MLA N Biren, visited the deputy speaker this morning.

Following this meeting, the chief minister said his government will not remain mute on the violence and crime activities “carried out by the NSCN (IM) cadres in Manipur.”

The chief minister, how-

ever, did not directly blame NSCN (IM) cadres for the attack on the deputy speaker on Wednesday.

Condemning the incident, O Ibobi Singh termed the attack as not only an attempt on the life of Shimray but also on the democratic principle of the country.

“In a democratic country there is no place for violence. Violence will only increase the miseries of the people,” the chief minister stated.

Ibobi Singh then challenged, “The outcome of the Lok Sabha election will prove the futility of gunculture in a democratic society.”

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11 April 2014

Kingdom Culture Project; Alemsunep Jamir, TROTB; Robert Kikon, The Watchman; Pastor Lulu, Bap-

KGUK seminar on April 12 Kohima, april 10 (mExN): The Kandi Group Union Kohima (KGUK) is organizing a seminar on career guidance on April 12 at RBC Kohima at 10:00 a.m.

Shri. Kenilo Apon, Director State Lotteries will be the main resource person. The students of Class10 and above besides those who had completed studies, discontinued in studies are requested to attend the seminar. Meanwhile, parents/guardians are requested to attend the seminar along with their children/wards.

tist Revival Church; Lipok Phom, Help International; C Meren Jamir and Wabang Longchari from Sinai Min-

istry. The worship teams are Release Worship Team, James Basnet, Tali Angh, Ringo Odyuo and Sinai

Ministry.

The Nagaland Christian Radio online will stream LIVE on Radio from Monday to Thursday and LIVE video from Friday to Sunday at www.nagalandchristianradio.com/live The churches, ministries and group involved for the ‘Gloria Patri’ are Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur, Baptist Revival Church, Lotha AG church, Kingdom Culture Project, Help International, YWAM Dimapur, TROTB, The JamTree, The connect-studio, IMC, Zip Sound, Pro-driver Kohima, Release Worship Team, Highland Down Media, Nagaland Christian Radio online, The Watchman, The Morung Express, Sinai Ministry, Nagaland Printing Solution.

SPIC MACAY musical tour concludes

Unity College ParentsTeacher meeting M Y K

Dimapur, april 10 (mExN): Parents-Teacher and Management meeting of Unity College will be held in the college campus at 10: 00 am, on Friday, April 11. Unity College Principal has informed in a press release that issues related with welfare of the Students, growth of the College and formation of Parents’ Association will be discussed. Therefore, all parents and guardians are requested to be present for the said meeting.

ZSU executive meeting on April 12 Kohima, april 10 (mExN): Zhavame Students’ Union (ZSU) has convened its executive meeting on April 12 at 2: 00 p.m. at its Woman welfare secretary, Natukholu Dukru residence, PR Hill Kohima. All executive members are requested to attend the meeting.

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Gloria Patri: For glory of the Father Fire Service Week-

Dimapur, april 10 (mExN): “It is not a programme…It is life in reality,” Wabang Longchari of Sinai Ministry said sharing about the upcoming, “Gloria Patri-7 Nights of authentic worship for the glory of the Father.” “It is gathering worshippers from different churches, ministries and groups under one roof to worship the Living God,” he said.

Under the call, ‘Gloria Patri’ seven nights of authentic worship for the glory of the Father, would be held from April 14 to 20, 2014 at IMC, Fellowship Colony Dimapur.

Charismatic and anointed preachers will bring the word of God. The team of preachers include Visasier Acüu Kevichüsa,

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The Morung Express Y K

April 14 to 20, 2014

Kohima, april 10 (mExN): The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Service, Nagaland along with other fire services across the Country will commemorate the Fire Service Week commencing from April 14 till April 20, 2014.

Nagaland DIG (F&ES) Neilasa Sopfii has informed in a press release that in this regard, awareness on fire prevention and safety will be held on April 14 in Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, Wokha, Phek, Chumukedima and Kiphire. Various stoppage points have been identified where the programme will start at 8:00 am.

The significance of ‘Fire service Week’ relates to the Bombay Explosion (or Bombay Docks Explosion) that occurred on 14 April 1944, in the Victoria Dock of Bombay (now Mumbai) when the freighter SS Fort Stikine carrying a mixed cargo of cotton bales, gold, and ammunition including around 1,400 tons of explosives, caught fire and was destroyed in two giant blasts, scattering debris, sinking surrounding ships and setting fire to the area killing around 800 people.

“This day is also observed as ‘Martyrs day’ to pay homage to those brave firemen who lost their lives while performing their duties. This day is also set aside for mass awareness campaigns on fire hazards

Fire Exigencies for information, safety and compliance: 1. Call and inform fire services immediately as and when fire breaks out. Don’t panic.

2. Do not misuse fire services telephone numbers. It is a punishable offence.

3. Give right and precise information.

4. Use appropriate fire extinguishers at the initial stage to contain fire.

5. Do not pour water on oil and electrical fire. Use appropriate fire extinguishers.

6. Inform power department to cut off power line in the locality to avoid further disasters.

7. Give way to fire tenders to pass unobstructed.

8. Fire sirens are not to be used by any other individuals or organizations. VIPs and other utility services may kindly use their respective sirens.

9. Locate the fire incident spot, guide and show fire personnel the shortest possible route.

10. Locate source and supply water at the vicinity of fire incident.

11. Do not disturb or drag the delivery hose while fire personnel are combating fire.

12. Install fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire hydrants and sprinkler systems at homes.

13. Every household should maintain a small water tank to meet any fire hazards before fire personnel arrives.

14. Kitchen fire/gas, candles, lamps etc should be properly extinguished when not in use.

15. Use certified and standard electrical appliances viz., wires, plugs, fuse, switches, sockets etc.

16. Prepare family fire evacuation plans and have regular mock drills. and safety measures by conducting public education programme through various methods such as fire safety and evacuation drills, public lectures, demonstrations, mock drills etc across the country,” Neilasa Sopfii added.

Central, State, Local Governments and Industrial Fire Services arrange

befitting ceremonial programmes to pay homage to the brave departed firemen’s soul. Fire Services Week (14th April to 20th April) is also arranged to promote fire prevention activities and to create fire safety awareness amongst the masses by arranging lectures, demonstrations and screening film shows.

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KLBC Women Deptt seminar

SPIC MACAY artists pose with officials of Directorate of School Education Nagaland, members of WEC of Kohima, april 10 Midland Govt. Middle School and Rattle & Hum Music Society.

Kohima, april 10 (mExN): SPIC MACAY (Society for the promotion of Indian classical music and culture amongst youth) led by Bibhas Malakar coordinator SPIC MACAY North East Region performed a total of 16 concerts in Government Schools in Dimapur and Kohima from March 18 to 27.

The artist not only enthrall the students but also imparted

knowledge of the various instruments. The performing artist were Dr. Kamala Shankar from Varanasi, a renowned exponent of Indian classical guitar, and creator of the Shankar Guitar.

Sandip Banerjee from Kolkata a veteran tabla player, whose professional career spans four decades, a well known artist in Europe, and co-author of 'Le Tabla'

Kohima DPDB on April 15

Kohima, april 10 (Dipr): The monthly meeting of the Kohima District Planning & Development Board meeting will be held on 15th April 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Zon-

M

al Council Hall, Kohima.

Power point presentation on the following topics will be presented- stress management by a medical professional and preparation of Kohima City Develop-

ment Plan under Urban Development by ICRA, 1-Macs Consultants. All members have been requested to note the change of the meeting venue and attend the same.

PNBA youth conference concludes

which was released in Paris and Nirmal Saini from Jaipur who is a student of Dr. Kamala Shankar and holds a degree on Sitar from university of Rajasthan.

The tour was sponsored by Ministry of DONOR and coordinated by Directorate of School Education Government of Nagaland and Theja Meru - President Rattle & Hum Music Society, Nagaland.

(Dipr): The Kohima Liangmai Baptist Church (KLBC) Women Department will organised a one day seminar under the theme “Women Connect: Connecting with self, other women in Christ” on April 12 at the Kohima Liangmai Baptist church D. Block.

The Programme is being organised under the women Leader, Kaikhi-

ulule Chawang. The one day seminar will commence from morning 9.30 a.m. till 3.00 p.m. The recourse persons for the day will be Talichila Imchen the training Consultant of Youth Net and Alise Chawang, Women secretary LBA. Resource persons will speak on the topic of Women Connect, Connecting with Self and Other Women, Women Connect with

21st century and Women Connect with Christ.

The one day seminar moderator will be the former women leader Akengiu. The programme committee has requested all the women folk from the Kohima Liangmai Baptist church to come and avail the rare opportunity and also requested all the believers to uphold the programme through their prayer.

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RSU cautions govt employees under Tseminyu Sub-div tsEmiNyu, april 10 (mExN): The Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) in its initiative to keep the irregular government employees under check shall inspect every government offices/educational institutions on regular basis. RSU Vice President Zapi Kath through a press note has apprise the employees to reside/settle in his/ her posting place for the smooth functioning of offices as committed to serve the public in general. Meanwhile, the union also strongly warns the irregular and proxy teacher’s, as it is practicing in some of the government schools. Beside, proxy teachers shall not be excused and the same shall be forwarded to the higher authority for necessary action. It also warns those schools which are having so many restricted local holidays. Further, the Union is strongly against the transfer of teachers as the academic session is running almost in the middle of the year since it will affect the students’ career.

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ATMA, Phek, Meluri Block organized a demonstration programme and field day on April 3 at Akhegwo Village, Phek. The various topics covered were vaccination of poultry birds, value addition of banana and IPM with Shetalu Vadeo, AO Pfutsero; BTM Keduwete-ü Lomi, and VFA Nochutho as the resource persons. Altogether 42 participants from neighbouring villages benefitted in this programme.

Land Resources Zbto commemorates 50 years of Statehood

A group participates in the song completion during the Poumai Naga Baptist Association (PNBA) youth conference.

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Kohima april 10 (mExN): A three-day Poumai Naga Baptist Association (PNBA) youth conference with the theme “Go ye” was held at Pural Akutpa Baptist church and concluded on April 6.

Rev. R.L. Simon pastor MBC centre church Imphal, R.Th. Paolu youth secretary PNBA and Rev. Dr. W. James lecturer ETC were the speakers of the conference.

Rev. R.L. Simon in his message encouraged the young people to occupy their activities with good deeds. He said youth has the potential to change the society as God has given them the strength and capability if they fear God. He advised the young people to overcome trail and temptation with the strength of God.

Reverend reminded the youth that whoever fears God their strength would be renewed though they grow weak and will have better relationship with God. Rev. Simon cautioned the gathering about their youthful desire and urged them to wait upon God for the right time. Encouraging the hundred youths to be hard working with God fearing in their lives he said “your are the architect of your own life”.

Youth secretary PNBA R. Th. Paolu in his speech said preaching the word of God was a Jesus’ commissioned for every believer and not only for the Jesus’ disciple alone. He encouraged the young people to serve the lord while they are still young and active physically and mentally. He said knowing Christ and accept-

ed Him is more important than attending many youth and bible camps.

Dr. Rev. Woba James lecturer ETC in his message challenged the youth to stir up for the Lord by forgetting the past wrong doing and move forward with the gift of God. Encouraging the youth to accept Christ as their personally savior he said life without Christ has no meaning. Referring from the Bible Matthew 7:24-27 he urged the youth to build their career with God like building their house on the rock.

Various competitions were conducted which includes song competition, choreography, bible quiz, solo and extempore speech. Around 600 youths from 32 churches attended the program.

ZuNhEboto, april 10 (mExN): The Department of Land Resources Zunheboto, in commemoration of 50 years of Statehood, under the umbrella of SPEED programme organised training and awareness programme on animal health care cum vaccination camp at Kitami Village on April 8.

Hoto Yeptho, Additional Director Department of Land Resources, also the Supervisory Officer of Zunheboto District was the specila guest of the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Hoto said that Nagaland spends huge amount annually in importing pigs from other States. He encouraged the villagers to take a close look on the fact and contribute in the economic process by rearing pigs on a large scale to meet the demand of local meat.

Levi, DPO Land Resources Zunheboto highlighted the purpose of the programme and thanked the villagers for their cooperation due to which various activities of the Depart-

Addl. Director, Hoto Yeptho(1st row-extreme right) with officals and trainees at KItami Village

ment in the village has been implementing successfully.

Resource person Dr. Samuel, WDT gave an overview of the social care system of rearing animals. Stressing on pig farming, he said that maximum piglet mortality occurs due to crushing because of negligence and lack of care and thus, utmost care should be given during pre and post- farrowing. Special emphasis was laid on care and management practices

of sow during gestation, farrowing and lactation, care of new born pigs, signs of illness and administering of medicines, feeding and nutrition needs of swine, housing system and sanitation.

Clean and healthy rearing of animals and awareness on various Zoonotic diseases in relation to public health was also discussed during the programme. 21 piglets were distributed to 11 (eleven) landless house-

holds for their economic upliftment. After the training programme, vaccination of dogs for anti-rabies and pigs for swine fever was carried out. Consultations and free medicines for poultry, pigs and dogs were also distributed to the villagers.

Delivering the welcome address the VCC extended his gratitude to the department and asserted that the SPEED Programme as one of the programme which

closely look to the need of the village for the holistic and Integrated Approach for rural area. The Department Officials also visited the field where preparation for rubber plantation

by Kitami villagers was going on and gave technical instruction on how to undertake the plantation.

Eyelobeni, Facilitator of Kitami Village chaired the programme which attended by 107 trainees.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Friday

11 April 2014

Dimapur

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Mizoram Lok Sabha polls to be held today AizAwl, April 10 (iANS): Balloting for the lone Lok Sabha constituency and a by-poll for an assembly seat in Mizoram will be held Friday, after it was postponed due to a three-day shutdown and boycott call by NGOs and students' groups, an official said here Thursday.

"All arrangements have been made for Friday's election. Some polling personnel escorted by security forces left for their booths Wednesday and the remaining will be leaving Thursday," an election commission official told reporters.

With a population of 1,091,014, Mizoram's 702,189

Northeast Briefs

NSCN (K) cadre apprehended

iMpHAl, April 10 (NNN): Troops of Red Shield Division conducted an operation in the general area Rongkhong Part-I today and apprehended one armed NSCN (K) cadre, claimed the PIB-Defence Wing.

The cadre has been identified as Dingamlung Dangmei alias Winner, (26). One 9 mm Chinese pistol with magazine, four 9mm live rounds and two hand grenades were ecovered from the apprehended cadre. The apprehendee alongwith the recovery were handed over to PS Patsoi. Meanwhile, a Chinese hand grenade was found planted on Wednesday night in front of Eastern Mortors (Showroom) in Chingmeirong, Imphal. Personnel of 10 Assam Rifles recovered the bomb and disposed it off at Mantripukhri firing range.

Repoll in Assam: 75.8% voting in six booths GUwAHATi, April 10 (pTi): Nearly 76 per cent polling was recorded today in six booths of three Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam where repolling was ordered due to EVM malfunctioning. Jorhat registered 74 per cent turnout, Dibrugarh 74.8 per cent and Tezpur 74.6 per cent. In Jorhat, repolling was held in booth no. 38 in Sensua Gaon LP school, booth no. 61 in Khargarh LP School, booth no. 5 in Pukuhuria LP School and booth no.

84 in Bahboria LP School (West), the sources said.

In Tezpur, repolling was held in election booth no. 86 in Borgang High School (South), while in Dibrugarh repolling was in booth no. 122 in Laina LP school.

Campaign for Tripura East LS seat ends AGArTAlA, April 10 (pTi): Campaign for Tripura East (ST) Lok Sabha seat, which is scheduled to go the hustings on April 12, ended today.

The seat will witness multi-cornered contest among CPI(M),Congress, Trinamool Congress and BJP. There are 12 candidates in the fray, including CPI(M)'s Jitendra Chowdhury, who is the state industries and commerce minister and a prominent tribal leader, Congress' Sachitra Debbarma, a prominent educationist, Parkshit Debbarma, BJP's candidate and an ex-armyman and Trinamool Congress leader Bhriguram Reang.

electorate, including 355,954 women, would decide the fate of three candidates in the lone Lok Sabha constituency.

Around 4,500 polling personnel have been appointed in 1,126 polling stations, of which 385 centres, mainly in urban areas, would use the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system with the electronic voting machines.

The VVPAT was used in 10 assembly segments in last year's polls in Mizoram.

In Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha constituency, it will be a triangular fight between incumbent member C.L. Ruala of the

Congress, Robert Romawia Royte of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and M. Lalmanzuala of the Aam Aadmi Party.

The main opposition UDF is an alliance of eight parties led by the Mizo National Front (MNF), which ruled the state for two terms (1998-2003 and 2003-2008). The UDF is supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The MNF had won the Lok Sabha seat, reserved for tribals, in 2004.

The by-election for the Hrangturzo assembly seat would also be held Friday.

The by-election was necessitated after Chief Minister

Lal Thanhawla, who won from two constituencies in the assembly polls held Nov 25, vacated the seat. Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu of the Congress would contest against UDF leader H. Lalduhawma, who unsuccessfully contested the last election from the same seat.

Tight security arrangements have been made across the state and along the international border with Myanmar and Bangladesh to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner. Eight companies of central paramilitary forces and six battalions of state security forces have been deployed.

to boycott the polls protesting the Election Commission's decision to allow tribal refugees in Tripura to cast their votes through postal ballot.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla last month urged the Election Commission not to take votes of the refugees.

The chief minister and the voluntary organisations have been demanding that the refugees be repatriated to their villages in Mizoram and then allowed to cast their votes in the normal process.

Of the over 36,000 Reang tribal refugees living in seven camps in Tripura for the past

17 years after fleeing their villages in Mizoram, 11,500 were on electoral rolls in Mizoram and 71 percent of them voted through postal ballot last week.

In view of a threat by NGOs to obstruct counting of postal ballot papers in Aizawl, the poll panel decided to count them in Kanchanpur in north Tripura May 16, Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nantu Das told IANS. The Reang tribals - locally known as Bru - fled their villages in Mizoram and took shelter in neighbouring Tripura in October 1997 after an ethnic conflict broke out with the majority Mizos over the killing of a Mizo forest official.

Campaigning ends for elections in Sikkim GANGTOK, April 10 (AGENCiES): The highvoltage campaigning for the Sikkim Assembly elections came to an end on Thursday. Around 3,68,948 voters will elect a new government through 32 Assembly constituencies on 12 April along with the lone Lok Sabha seat.

Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front president Pawan Chamling addressed a rally in Jorethang in South Sikkim's on the last date of his campaign and appealed people to vote his party for the fifth consecutive time for "peace, prosperity and development".

Chamling accused opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) for doing "politics of violence" to destablise the peace of the border state.

Prem Singh Golay-led SKM has been hurling massive corruption charges on the SDF government and called for a change in Sikkim.

Former chief minister and Sikkim Sangram Parishad president Nar Bahadur Bhandari has announced his open supA woman holds her child and sells vegetables on a roadside at Senapati in Manipur on Wednesday, April 9. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) port for the SKM and even

Need to address issues in Manipur: CPI leader iMpHAl, April 10 (NNN): CPI national executive member and Member of Parliament (MP) Gurudas Gupta today stated that in the last 25 years, he has not heard a single MP from Manipur raising issues like unemployment or problems of Manipur in the Parliament.

Addressing a crowd at Lamlai in

Imphal East district today, Gurudas Gupta said that Manipur is rich in culture and tradition and is known for patriotism and revolutionary spirit. However, corruption, unemployment and other issues have spoilt the state, he added. While asserting that the CPI supports the people's demand, Gurudas Gupta

said issues such as AFSPA, corruption and unemployment in Manipur should be fought by the whole nation and not only by Manipur alone.

He said it is the common people that are hit the most by the issues. "We need a change and please vote for the change," urged Gurudas Gupta.

Also speaking on the occasion,

CPI candidate for Manipur Inner parliamentary constituency Dr M Nara alleged that he had seen Congress workers distributing Rs 100 each to the voters at Wangjing in Thiubal district, when he was there to cast his vote. He said the people should strongly condemn such activities of the Congress.

‘Meet the candidate’ held in Manipur FELICITATION

iMpHAl, April 10 (NNN): Assurances for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur, bettering youth and economic policy and election reforms were agendas drawn by candidates in fray for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency, at the second phase of the ‘Meet the Candidate’ interaction programme organized by Editors’ Guild, Manipur.

The event was held under the sponsorship of Chief Electoral Office (CEO), Manipur at Hotel Classic here today. The first phase interaction programme for the Outer candidates was held on April 4.

With Yumnam Rupachandra, chief editor of IMPACT TV as the moderator, six candidates out of the total eight, were present at the event. INC candidate and sitting Lok Sabha MP, Dr. T. Meinya said that he had already promised and committed to the people of the state for the repeal of AFSPA ,1958 and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur, to which he would fervently imply with his words.

On the other hand, CPI candidate, Dr. M. Nara stressed on the need to make electoral reforms in the state to prevent the occurrence of state maladies like corruption. He said that electoral reforms are a must in the state, as various forms of destruction has been caused due to the weak electoral system prevalent in the state.

Further, he stated that new economic policies would be framed for the state if he is successful at the upcoming election.

Moreover, he promised to solve the prevailing conflicts in the state.

BJP candidate, RK Ranjan speaking on the occasion told that his party would extend full support towards the Meiteis' Scheduled Tribe (ST) Demand Committee seeking for the ST status of the Meiteis. The party would strive hard to meet the demand sought by the section of people, the BJP candidate added.

Independent candidate, Oinam Indira, on the other hand briefed the occasion on the fact that no single woman has been elected for the Inner Lok Sabha since the year 1951.

Due to the non-election of women MPs from Manipur, women struggle hard to exercise their power, he said.

“Women from Manipur are still seeking for their rights in the form of women organizations or through individuals. But their rights are hardly, at times, heard and provided, the main reason being the lack of women MPs in the Parliament,” Indira added.

She also stated that the repeal of AFSPA, 1958 and Women Vensdors’ Right are the two immediate acts which the women of Manipur seek.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, Dr. Ibomcha spoke of uprooting discrimination faced by Indian citizens on grounds of social strata and race. He said the main agenda of the party is removal of corruption and framing a common man’s life for all.

Candidate Dr. G. Tonsana (MDPF) spoke about solving the conflict situations prevailing in the state so that social harmony can be restored in society. He stated that since power lies within the armed personnel, common men find it impossible to exercise their rights.

Campaign ends for three LS constituencies in Assam GUwAHATi, April 10 (pTi): An indefinite bandh by a militant outfit in the Autonomous District (ST) along with last minute canvassing in two constituencies of Karimganj (SC) and Silchar in the Barak Valley marked the end of a high pitched campaigning today for three constituen-

Mizoram shares a 404-km unfenced border with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh. The mountainous terrain and dense forests make the border porous and vulnerable to smugglers, illegal migrants and intruders.

Polling in Mizoram was scheduled to be held April 9 but the Election Commission deferred it to April 11 due to a three-day shutdown and poll boycott call by NGOs and students' groups in the state.

Six voluntary organisations and students' groups led by the Young Mizo Association called the three-day state-wide strike from April 7 and urged people

cies in the second phase of Lok Sabhapolls in Assam on April 12.

The Karbi Peoples' Liberation Tigers (KPLT) militant outfit had called for an indefinite bandh since April 8 in the Karbi Anglong district under Autonomous District (ST) demanding immediate creation of

a separate autonomous state.

Altogether 37 candidates are in the fray with 17 in Silchar, 15 in Karimganj(SC) and five in Autonomous District.

Prominent candidates included three time sitting BJP MP in Silchar Kabindra Purkayastha, two time sit-

ting Congress MP in Karimganj Lalit Mohan Suklabaidya, four time Congress MP from Autonomous District Biren Singh Engti and Congress candidate from Silchar Sushmita Dev, also the MLA from Silchar and daughter of former Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev.

The Mao Students’ Union Kohima, would like to congratulate Miss. Hraziia, D/o K.Heni Retired Secy. (Finance), for being conferred the Degree of D octorate in Electronics (Ph.D) from Telecom Paristech University, Paris, France, on Thesis of “Embedded Hybrid Non Volatile SRAMs for information back up”.

The Union wishes her success in all future endeavours.

Henry Matiso Vice President

spoke at the party's concluding election meeting in Rangpo on Wednesday.

A total of 124 assembly candidates including six independents and six Lok Sabha candidates are in fray. The SDF, the SKM and the Congress have fielded their candidates in all 32 seats, while the BJP has 13, Trinamool has seven and Aam Admi Party has put up five candidates.

According to the state election department, there are 33 critical polling stations in the East district, 51 in West, eight in North and 29 in South Sikkim as identified by the concerned SPs

of all the four districts.

An additional force of 15 companies of West Bengal Police has been deployed across the state along with Sikkim Police and Sikkim Armed Police Personnels.

Besides, every constituency will have two flying squads and one surveillance team to assist in free and fair polls.

The state had received 2,000 EVMs from Bangalore out of which only 1,240 will be used during the polls. They will be stored at strong rooms at all four district headquarters after completion of the polling process.

NPSC / UPSC (Prelim - 2014), SSC, Banking

NOTICE

This is for the information of all concerned that whoever has purchased land within the jurisdiction of H. Khehoyi Village, Dimapur without the consent and knowledge of the undersigned has done so at your own loss as has been in practice from before and it will be the same for any future land dealings. Further, establishment of new colonies and villages within the village jurisdiction is not allowed. Unauthorised hunting of animals, birds and fishing within the village jurisdiction is banned and violators will be taken action against them.

Head GB K. Kughaho Sumi Zhimomi

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION NAGALAND:KOHIMA.

NO.HED/GIA-1/2013-14

Dated Kohima the 10th April 2014.

NOTICE

Selected beneficiaries under Grants-in-Aid for the year 2013-14, are hereby, informed to collect the Grants-in-Aid amount from the undersigned during Office hours on or before 5th May 2014, positively. Request for payment will not be entertained after the last date. Beneficiaries are further informed to submit the APR in their Official Writing Pad only.

Issued by : (C.KHALONG AO) Director Higher Education.

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puBlic discoursE

Friday

Dimapur

11 April 2014

G

od is the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

When there were no heavens and earth, God had planned to create the heavens and the earth. According to the word of God, God commanded the heavens and the earth to be formed, they were formed and came into existence. By His life, wisdom and power He created the heavens and the earth and all things in them. The universe was created by His word.

So when the heavens and the earth were created, besides God there was nobody and nothing. So not a bit thing of the universe is created by any power besides God. The whole universe is created and existing by the life, wisdom and power of God alone. Human body, soul and spirit is created and existing by the eternal life, wisdom and power of God. Even a hair, a heart beat, a breathe in and out of the air, a twinkling of the eyes, a drop of dew are by the life, wisdom and power of God. All our needs for our sustenance are

by His life, wisdom and power.

Human beings live, die and will live in eternity by His life, wisdom and power alone. God created us, saved us and redeemed us by His life, wisdom and pow-

Let Us Know The Creator er. We are living and rejoicing in His life, wisdom and power. So we are filled with the wonderfulness of God and His praises.

Knowing the Creator is the greatest thing for human life.

One who knows the true God will live according to his knowledge about God and a man who does not know God but have superstitious belief, he will live according to his superstitious belief. One who has great faith in the great God, he will live according to the great faith. True knowledge about God results in trusting in Him, fearing Him and obeying Him. The universe is existing by the life, wisdom and power of God alone and human beings cannot live God related life without having relationship with Him and relationship with Him is possible only by keeping the law of human ethics of relationship with God, “KNOW GOD, BELIEVE IN HIM, FEAR HIM AND OBEY HIM.” 1. Why Belittle God And The Mind ?

When the wonderfulness of the greatness of God cannot be described by human words,

why worship pieces of stones, trees, hand made crafts, fire and certain animals ? The whole universe is the expression of the wonderfulness of His life, wisdom and power and human beings have to lift up the heart unto God and worship Him and praise Him. Emboldenment can be received by calling on the Creator alone and not the creations.

2. Why Born Higher And Lower ?

The Potter made countless of earthen pots with the same clay. The pots are of different sizes and shapes but all are made of clay. From among the pots some ones claim being higher or lower but all are made by the Potter with same clay. So the question of born higher or lower does not arise.

3. The Creator Alone Is To Be Addressed.

When a natural calamity or any event of great tension is forecast, generally the people say, “Let the people pray to their own gods.” There is a Creator and Lord. He created the heavens and the earth and all things

in them. The events are in His hand whether to allow them to happen or to stop. There are not many creators but one Creator and Lord. He is the Father of human family. So in any time whether at normal time or abnormal time the people should look up to Him and pray to Him. Seeking the true Creator together will bring the people closer to God and to one another. The Creator is our heavenly Father, Lord and Shepherd. So pray together to Him and Him only. He is the Creator of all and Lord and Power over all.

4. The Commandments Of The Creator Of The Heavens And The Earth.

1. All things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, you even so to them.

2. Love your neighbour as yourself.

Naturally all human beings who have flesh and blood want love and kindness. All want god treatment. All want truth and honesty. All want to be helped in time of need. All want to be safe and secure. All want peace and joy and peaceful co exis-

tence. All want honest guidance and advice in time of confusion.

All want justice and due respect and honour. All want to be forgiven. All want encouragement.

If every body maintains ethical characteristics , good relationship will prevail. A man who does evil upon another, what he does is a violation of his ethical characteristics. He will be conscious that he does wrong and he does not want others do similar thing upon him and his relatives. Naturally a murderer says, “I have put a man to death but don’t put me to gallow.” If the law or human ethics of relationship is honoured and kept, there is no room to violate ethical characteristics. When the Creator of the heavens and the earth commanded human beings to love one another as loving self, any amount of sacrifice even up to giving life for the good of fellow human beings is not too great or too small, instead of destroying fellow human beings which is condemned by God and human beings.

Do not repay any one evil

for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of every body. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with every one. Do not take revenge , my friend, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, It is mine to avenge. I will repay, says the Lord. On contrary , If your enemy is hungry, feed him, If he is thirsty, give him some thing to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.(Rom 12:17-28) The love of God in us constrains us to do good for fellow human beings.

5. Character Development Educational and economic development should be with the objective of character development. a. A church was split into two congregations which are in the same complex. Both congregations compete in weekly, monthly and yearly programmes for the progress of all spheres of Christian activities even in Bible studies, prayer and fasting between themselves. Both sides have devel-

RUSA- the need of the hour

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uring the 12th Plan period, 80 new universities would be created by converting autonomous colleges/ colleges in a cluster to State universities.

100 new colleges, including professional/ technical colleges would be set up and 54 existing colleges would be converted into model degree colleges. Infrastructure grants would be given to 150 universities and 3,500 colleges to upgrade and fill critical gaps in infrastructure especially libraries, laboratories etc. RUSA would also support 5,000 faculty positions. In the 12th Plan period, RUSA would have a financial outlay of Rs. 22,855 crore, of which Rs.16,227 crore will be the Central share.

In addition, allocation of Rs. 1,800 crore in the 12th Plan for the existing scheme Sub-Mission polytechnics would also be subsumed in RUSA. Thus the total central share, including the existing scheme of polytechnics will be Rs. 18,027 crore during the 12th Plan. Centre-State funding would be in the ratio of 90:10 for NorthEastern States, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 65:35 for other States and Union Territories. The country will substantially increase the number of students in higher education in next seven years. The presentation made by the HRD Ministry to the Consultatative Committee expressed that Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) will increase the Gross Enrol-

ment Ratio (GER) from 18% to 30%. The scheme estimated to cost Rs.99000 crore will include other existing schemes in the sector. The highlight of the scheme will be that central funding from the Ministry and UGC to institution will be through the State Council of Higher Education as against the direct funding by the Centre and UGC to educational institutions of higher education. Moreover, the funding by the Centre will be upto 90% and it will be available to even private institutions based on certain norms.

The scheme emphasizes to promote reforms in the State Higher Education System by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level. It will help to promote autonomy in state universities and include governance in the institutions. One of the goals of RUSA will be to ensure academic examination reforms in the higher education institutions and enable conversion of some of the universities into research universities at par with the best in the world.

The project will be implemented through HRD Ministry as a centrally sponsored scheme with matching contribution from the State government and Union Territories. It is proposed to set eligibility criteria for states to achieve a high and sustained impact of the project through monitoring and evaluation. The primary responsibility of the monitoring will lie with the

institution themselves. The State Government and the Centre through The Project Appraisal Board will monitor the project annually. The main component of the programme is to set up New Universities and Upgrade the existing autonomous colleges to universities. The other attempt will be to convert colleges to Cluster Universities and set up new Model Colleges. The strategy will also include converting existing Degree colleges to Model Colleges.

Objectives: RUSA aims to provide equal development to all higher institutions and rectify weaknesses in the higher education system. Its target achievement is to raise the gross enrolment ration to 32% by the end of XIII Plan in 2016. The major objectives are to: 1. Improve the overall quality of existing state institutions by ensuring that all institutions conform to prescribed norms and standards and adopt accreditation as a mandatory quality assurance framework.

2. Usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in state universities and improving governance in institutions.

3. Ensure academic and examination reforms in the higher educational institutions.

4. Enable conversion of some of the

universities into research universities at par with the best in the world.

5. Create opportunities for states to undertake reforms in the affiliation system in order to ensure that the reforms and resource requirements of affiliated colleges are adequately met.

6. Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions and ensure capacity building at all levels of employment.

7. Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to devote themselves to research and innovations.

8. Expand the institutional base by creating additional capacity in existing institutions and establishing new institutions, in order to achieve enrolment targets.

9. Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education by facilitating access to high quality institutions in urban and semi-urban areas, creating opportunities for students from rural areas to get access to better quality institutions and setting up institutions in un-served and underserved areas.

10. Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities of higher education to SC/STs and socially and educationally backward classes; promote inclusion of women, minorities, and differently abled persons.

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.

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LEISURE

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.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 2845

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The Morung Express

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Climb Every Mountain...Range ADIRONACK

KLAMATH

ALLEGHENY

LARAMIE

BLUE RIDGE

OZARK

COLUMBIA

PACIFIC COAST

CUMBERLAND

ROCKY

GREAT SMOKY

RUBY

GREEN

SAN GABRIEL

GUADALUPE

SANTA CRUZ

HARTZ

SELKIRK

HAZELTON

SIERRA NEVADA

INNUITIAN

SPRING

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R W A H A B L U E R I D G E K F

G B T E G R E A T S M O K Y A R

T S A O C C I F I C A P R A O O

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S A N T A C R U Z R I U D E G C

S E H A Z E L T O N B A R B L K

D I O Z A R K C V Y V E M G E Y

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S L L A R A M I E E O K U Y I K

C U M B E R L A N D L A N T R A

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U I E S N E R R M A O N K T A I

E R V O O R N A L L R L H S G R

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T G R E E N T U U E E T K A N O

E N M I R H P M F S T G Z N A N

CROSSWORD # 2853

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A T S E I E B G N I R P S Y S A

O N A I T I U N N I E F T T G C

N E A L A O A L L E G H E N Y K

Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi

NIOS Exam Scam – The Untold Story

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he recent headline ‘DNSU alleges education scam’ in the News Papers could have NOT horrified many in the education sector of Dimapur as the facts disclosed were a sort of open secret. It is a shame that the well organized crime has been committed by a group of people who are expected to preserve the dignity of teaching profession and safeguard the welfare of the students and the society. May be no one dared to open the can of worms due to the fear psychosis instilled in the mindset of people. I am happy that the finally the right time has come to wipe out the evil practice from our society. I sincerely appreciate the NGO Child Line and the functionaries of DNSU for exposing the major scam that silently jeopardized the academic career of thousands of students who have been spending years of hard work in schools.

I do not like to go in to the details of many unanswered questions and the roles of officials involved in this dirty game and I am confident that our investigating agencies would definitely look in to all the aspects of the scam. But I would like to high light a very distressing factor of this whole episode to my friends. Whom do you think could have approached these gangsters for indulging in the unethical practices; the students? Never! I am sure that in majority of the cases it should have been the parents and guardians! Many parents of today’s materialistic society knowingly or unknowingly hamper the future of their own children by encouraging indulging in unethical practices. Even many educated ‘over caring’ parents find it difficult to say ‘NO’ to their children and accede to their unreasonable demands.

During my student life, I remember parents of some of my lazy classmates approaching the teachers with reDr.R.K.Behera quests to detain their son for a year as promoting them to higher class without the required knowledge would not help them to succeed in life. But now incidents of parents approaching school authorities to make their (undeserving) children pass and issue Transfer Certificates could be witnessed everywhere. What kind of future society could we expect if we encourage our children to indulge in unethical practices instead of preparing them to face the challenges of life through honest ways? Attitudes and good morals cannot be developed in the young minds through theoretical class room teachings alone. Parents and Teachers should serve as examples to their children and that would greatly help in inculcating the virtues of honesty in our children. Let me conclude my writing by sharing an experience from my own life.

Few years’ back I went to buy some stationery with my son (7 yrs old). When we went near a shop, he suddenly pulled my hand and said, “Daddy, let us not buy from this shop”. I obeyed and asked him, why? He said, “Two months back I & Mummy purchased some materials from this shop and we had to give him a balance of two rupees as there was no change available. But we didn’t come to this area after that and now the shop keeper might feel that I have cheated him”. I patiently explained to him, “Of course you have not cheated and the shop keeper might have also forgotten the incident. But you have not forgotten the 2 rupees and you would definitely carry the feeling of guilt for a long time”. I took him back to the shop and made him pay the two rupees and say sorry for the delay. The expression of relief in my son’s face made me happy and I am sure that he had learned a lesson for his life.

DAILY CROSS WORD

Answer Number # 2844

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oped in many ways but after decades of years their difference could not be settled amicably and no gesture of character development is seen so far. b. Certain religions are ritual oriented religions and not for character development or improvement. The priests are not concerned about teaching the people with moral and spiritual value but are fully occupied with the task of distributing flower petals and smearing the foreheads of the devotees with paints. c. In some villages though there are prominent preachers, boundary feud between the villages could not be settled for more than half-century.

The people all over the world have to draw the attention of the people to the knowledge about the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Unless the people come to know the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the problem of superstitious belief which enslaves the people cannot be resolved. Human ethics of relationship alone can have free access to all impenetrable areas to reach the people from ethical perspective.

ACROSS 1. Biblical kingdom 5. Vamoose 10. Conspiracy 14. Not false 15. Small African antelope 16. Prospector’s find 17. Belonging to the past 19. Auspices 20. Night before 21. Primp 22. Corrupt 23. Connected by kinship 25. Twosomes 27. Zero 28. Threshold 31. Mayhem 34. Lists of dishes available 35. Frozen water 36. Dogfish 37. Not drunk 38. Dull pain 39. Clothe 40. Not silently 41. Eyeshade 42. Circumventing 44. Precious stone 45. Eyelets 46. University 50. Fastener 52. Makes well

54. Born as 55. Fluff 56. Instigator 58. Initial wager 59. Unwarranted 60. Arm or leg 61. Stag or doe 62. Untidy 63. Plateau

DOWN 1. Aromatic solvent 2. Go by car 3. European blackbird 4. Got together 5. Reddish brown 6. Wept 7. Type of cereal grass 8. Forfeited 9. .001 inch 10. Beseeches 11. Provision 12. Norse god 13. Exam 18. Sight-related 22. Sailors 24. Dwarf buffalo 26. Not mine 28. Remove errors from 29. Reflected sound 30. Equal 31. Derbies or berets

32. Out of control 33. He takes the law into his own hands 34. Corn liquor 37. Faux pas 38. Goals 40. At the peak of 41. Line of a poem 43. A list of names 44. Kitchen 46. Tenth cranial nerve 47. An independent film company 48. Abounds 49. A tea-like beverage 50. Attired 51. Connects two points 53. Terminates 56. A type of liquor 57. A high alpine meadow

Nellayappan B Principal’s Quarter GHSS Colony, Bhandari.

BirThday grEETing Dearest Ruovizokho (Ruovi) Ziephrü

Ans to CrossWord 2852

Happy B’Day to you may you live long God bless you. Many, Many happy returns of the day to you.

With love:- Unty, Uncle, Grandma, Grandpa, Tutu, Mengu, Viketoulie.

Public SPace/lOcal

The Morung Express

Friday 11 April 2014

Dimapur

5

Impending ban on ‘Modi’ worries Nagas T

Kallol dey

he unprecedented and eerie quiet, which marked the election process in Nagaland, has sociologists worried, especially after a low voter turnout on Wednesday contrary to the government’s claim of 80 per cent plus. Initial investigations point to the ‘modi’ factor.

The pot-holed streets of Nagaland sport a deserted look a day after people here grudgingly exercised their franchise even as political parties and their supporters continue to choke traffic nationwide while beefing up their respective vote-banks for the crucial Modi-Sabha Elections 2014. Investigations into the mystery has revealed that industrious Naga men and women of Nagaland are engaged indoors in preparation for ‘doomsday’ after media reported the bonhomie shared by their Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with his Gujarat counterpart, vegetarian Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi, who has tipped himself to be the next prime minister of India. Rio and Modi share the distinction of being the only two chief ministers to be in the running for Parliament. While the word ‘modi’ (which in Angami dialect means large chunk of cooked bovine meat) usually would make mouths water, the Gujarati manifestation of it has Nagas in tears these days.

It has been reported that Naga men and wom-

en are working at a furious pace in tandem – the males busy carving out secret chambers in their homes to stash away the beef and females busy drying and pickling the red meat for preservation purposes. Unconfirmed reports also say that moneyed people have employed labourers to dig tunnels across districts to smuggle beef in the lean days ahead.

Meat loving gorging Nagas are reportedly seeing red at vegetarian Modi’s ‘Pink Revolution’ tirade.

While the Naga aam admi would otherwise not lose much sleep over who gets to head the chaotic country of billions, what has them worried this time around is the impending ban on beef consumption once Modi takes over the reins of the country as its charioteer.

Narendra Modi’s oft-repeated stress on ‘protecting the Gau-Mata’ and banning cow slaughter has reportedly got Nagas in Nagaland worried sick with their chief minister signing his allegiance to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Rumour mills are working overtime in Nagaland as people speculate what fate their palate would suffer. Restlessness has been growing since the rumour began doing rounds that Rio bargained for a cabinet berth by pledging ban on beef-consumption in his State.

Even before the Naga aam admi cast their vote, they were caught in a

a deserted poll booth in nagaland Catch-22 situation. If they did not vote Rio to the lone Lok Sabha seat, Nagaland would fall out of favour with the Centre in the most likely event of Modi becoming the PM. If they did vote for Rio, he might have to toe the line over grave issues like cow slaughter.

An amazing number of domestic tourists, who in their home towns and cities are forced to either adhere by the social norm of considering cows as just milch animals or are deprived due to non-availability of good beef, but relished varieties of Naga style beef preparations on the sly while visiting Nagaland, are also aghast with possibility of a ban on beef

in Nagaland. They plan to give the Hornbill Festival a miss this year if mouthwatering dishes like smoked beef in dry bamboo shoot, smoked beef in kochu and the all time favorite beef pickle (made from dried beef, garlic, dried bamboo shoots and the Naga Mircha) to go with the local brew, are not on the menu.

Not to forget the spicy sidedishes of beef innards, a backpacker added while speaking to this journalist.

Kitchens in Naga households, which usually echo with the sounds of laughter and endless chatter, now resound with strains of mourning and occasional sizzle made by pork and beef fats trickling

down on the fire. It is being reported that the crisis has brought together members of families who now gather in the kitchen inadvertently by evening to sit around the hearth and sing songs of sadness as they watch the best cuts of beef roasting over the fire. The mouthwatering sight of chunks of beef being smoked over open fire might soon be a thing of the past.

A fragmented and weary Nagaland State Congress, which giving a choice would have closed shop by now, had latched onto the issue a couple of weeks before the poll date and made another futile attempt to beef up their candidate’s chances in this election. A Naga

Congress leader reportedly had hundreds in tears while campaigning for his party’s candidate in a village after he warned them of Nagaland Assembly emulating the law in Gujarat, which protects the cow’s progeny and bans cow slaughter, if Rio becomes a minister under the NDA government at the Centre.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio heads the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Government. The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland spearheaded by Rio’s Naga People’s Front (NPF), single largest party in the State Assembly, comprises of BJP and JDU. A former Congressman himself, Rio has been instrumental

Peaceful polling across State diPr news April 10

Tehok: All the 24 polling stations under 45 Tehok A/C saw peaceful polling for the Nagaland Lok Sabha seat without any disturbance on 9th April 2014. One balloting unit (BU) of an electronic voting machine was replaced at polling station 45/1 Chen headquarters.

Mokokchung: In Mokokchung District, polling for the lone Nagaland Lok Sabha seat passed off peacefully with no report of any untoward incidents from any part of the District.

The Polling which started at 7:00 AM in all

the 218 polling stations in the District continued till 4:00 p.m. At the commencement of the polling there was report of delay in some polling stations due to technical problems in the EVM. However, it was rectified with the arrival and prompt action of EVM Engineers and Master Trainers.

Polling personnel with polling materials arrived in Mokokchung with no report of any untoward incidents.

Fine weather facilitated the voters to turn up in large numbers and cast their votes in an around Mokokchung.

Pughoboto: Out of 12,708 electorate under

13-Pughoboto Assembly constituency total vote casted 11,897 (male-5980 and female-5987) with 94.16 percent.

Tseminyu: Tseminyu sub-division started casting of vote of the 16th parliamentary elections at the scheduled time and concluded peaceful in all the 41 Polling Stations under five sectors of the sub-division.

The civil administration led

by ADC, Tseminyu, Vikh- inaugural-cum-induction programme of iGnou study Centre, modern College, Koweno Meratsu, the Sector hima, was held on april 5 in the college auditorium. dr. t. iralu, regional director, magistrate, Polling Officers iGnou, Kohima, was the chief guest. and the security personnel maintained a tight watch over the whole process.

The overall voters turnout was 90.8%.

New office bearers for LSUD

AR apprehends NSCN (KK) cadre ZUNHEBOTO, APRIl 10 (MExN): In a delayed report, 5 Assam Rifles apprehended one NSCN (KK) military wing cadre from

Amphuto Colony, Zunheboto, on April 5. The cadre has been identified as SS Maj Shekugha Zhimo, of Ghukiye village in Zunheboto.

A .32 inch Pistol with magazine and live rounds was also recovered from the cadre.

The cadre was handed over to Zunheboto Police Station.

AR recovers arms and ammunition DIMAPUR, APRIl 10 (MExN): In yet another operation on April 5, 31 Assam Rifles recovered huge quantity of arms, ammunition and warlike stores. The recoveries include one 40mm Lathode (made in USA engraving) with seven live rounds, one AK-56 rifle with two magazines and 125 live ammunition. The above stores were recovered 3 kms SouthWest of Akhoia village, where 31 AR was patrolling. Cadres from an unknown faction appeared to have halted for the night and while fleeing made that Changtongya and tional activities. On March left behind arms and am- surrounding area has been 29, an inter factional clash munition. Mention may be witnessing increased fac- took place.

AR commission bus shed at Pimla DIMAPUR, APRIl 10 (MExN): As part of a long standing requirement of the people of Pimla Village, Shokhuvi, a bus shed was commissioned on

April 10. Brigadier K Narayanan, Commandant, Assam Rifles Training Centre and School, was the Guest of Honour. The Bus Shed was inaugurated

by the junior most recruit trainee in the ARTC&S, Balram Ojha, and the programme was attended by members of the village council.

AR donates tank at Wakching MON, APRIl 10 (MExN): In yet another step towards uplifting the living conditions of locals in remote border areas, one Sintex tank was installed in Yongmaoh village, Wakching, by 33 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarter 7 Sector Assam

Rifles. During the presentation ceremony held on March 31, the village authorities and NGOs acknowledged the commitment of AR towards the well being of locals. They also expressed their appreciation and willingness to cooperate with the security

forces in whatever way they can in the future. AR reiterated its commitment towards the progress of the local tribal population. The presentation ceremony was attended by civil administration, village Angh, GBs, Chairman, NGOs, and Officers of Assam Rifles.

NEW DElHI, APRIl 10 (MExN): The Lotha Students’ Union, Delhi, held their 23rd elections on February 8 for the tenure 2014-2015. The election was conducted by 3 elected Election commissioners. There were 69 voters present at the venue who each gave their votes to the candidates to uphold a democratic voting system.

With the successful

completion of the election, following are the newly appointed executives of the LSUD for the tenure 20142015: Lichumo Ngullie (President), Yilobeni Patton (Vice President), Echungthung Ezung (General Secretary), Yanbemo Ezung (Assistant General Secretary), Zuthunglo Ezung (Finance Secretary), A Lansojan Ngullie (Games and Sports Sec-

retary), Chombemo Yanthan (Assistant Games and sports), Chonbeni Patton (Cultural Secretary), Yantsuthung Erui (Assistant Cultural Secretary), Thungjano Kikon (Women coordinator - North), Naomi Murry (Women coordinator South), Emi Lotha (Information Secretary - South), Longshithung Ngullie (Statistical Secretary).

Midland Panchayat, MYO, assist in observing free and fair poll KOHIMA, APRIl 10 (MExN): In a welcome move, the Midland Panchayat and Midland Youth Organization (MYO) assisted the polling officials for free and fair poll in three polling stations falls under Midland here in the Lok Sabha elections on April 9. MYO President

Thejazelie told the Morung Express that the Panchayat and the youth stuck to the policy of “one man one vote,” adding that proxy voting was not allowed. He also stated that on polling day the volunteers were engaged in visiting the polling stations to ensure free and fair election. Fur-

Condemnations NMA The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) vehemently condemned the intimidation and attempt to life of Abe Meru, who is also the finance committee of NMA, on April 9 at Jail Colony, Kohima, by some armed groups.

“When the Naga society is going through a process of Peace and Reconciliation and better understanding, such behaviour is a mockery and an insult to the society,” NMA stated and further made a strong appeal to the law enforcing agencies

to take stern action against the culprit.

CSUD The Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) strongly condemned the life attempt on Abe Mero, a member of ACAUT, on April 9 at Jail Colony, Kohima, by NSCN (K) cadres. "Justice shouldn’t be denied or postponed," CSUD stated and urged the competent authority to detain the culprit and impose the deserved punishment immediately.

ther, he said that polling was conducted smoothly in all three polling stations under Midland. It may be recalled that the Panchayat and the youth did a similar job in the last state assembly elections as well.

in dislodging the Congress government in Nagaland in 2004 and subsequently dismantling the State unit of Congress. With three consecutive victories in the state assembly elections – after barely surviving a coup during downsizing of ministry – Rio has now decided to graze on greener pastures sharing space with the ‘auspicious cow’.

The Cock – symbol of the erstwhile Nagaland People’s Front, now Naga People’s Front – had banished the long dominating Hand in the 2003 state polls. The victory came partly riding on the visit and promises of then Prime Minister of the NDA coalition, Vajpayee, and a pre-poll alliance with BJP in the state. But Rio, himself an avid meat lover, went chop chop after the Nagaland BJP with a meat cleaver in 2009, coercing its top leadership to serve him or be served empty naught. In 2004 BJP won unprecedented 7 seats but as Rio beefed himself up, BJP was decimated, managing just two seats in the next elections and then ending up with just one in the 2014 polls. After 10 years, NPF or rather DAN has rejoined the BJP led-National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The NPF and DAN Coordination Committee have meanwhile rubbished reports of Neiphiu Rio agreeing to any prepoll conditions in lieu of a cabinet berth. “Rio is of the Nagas, by the Nagas and for the Nagas. He loves beef

as much as you all do,” assured the chief minister’s aide.

Rio in his recent address to the people of Nagaland urged Nagas not to be misled by false propaganda of the Nagaland Congress.

“I assure you there will be no ban on cow slaughter and beef consumption in Nagaland. Nagaland enjoys special status under Article 371A and I will ensure that it is amended to exempt us from the cowslaughter law. If all else fails, I will urge the NDA’s Home Minister to bring the ‘cow-slaughter’ issue under the purview of Naga Political Talks. And once that is done, we shall continue to relish beef for another decade.”

A NPF leader speaking off the record to the media noted that “Gujarat and Nagaland already share a bond over both being Dry States. We shall further strengthen that bond by banning beef.”

Taking a swig from his glass of scotch, a veteran Naga politician quipped: “Does Nagaland look Dry in any way? Why then are people worried about beef? It might get banned but will always be available in abundance in the black market although we will end up paying thrice the market price. Beeflegging makes more sense than bootlegging at least.”

(The above article is a work of satire and fiction)

FOUND Name : Mhayani Age : 8 -9 years Sister’s names : Zubeni and Rosy The girl child was found on 09.04.14 along Kohima road, Chumukedima area.

Parents and guardians can kindly contact 03862- 280884 or 1098 toll free number (BSNL) CHILDLINE.

mex file FMPB get-together DIMAPUR, APRIl 10 (MExN): Friends Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB), Dimapur, is organising sponsors, partners, prayers partners get-together at 2 pm on April 12 at Horeb Guest House, near Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar.

NCSU asks members to attend joint meeting with ACAUT KOHIMA, APRIl 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union (NSCU) head office, Kohima, has informed all the executive members, action committees, advisors of head office, presidents and general secretaries of all the district units of NCSU to attend a joint meeting with ACAUT on April 15 at 12 noon at NCSU conference hall without fail.

Vehicle Recovered DIMAPUR, APRIl 10 (MExN): GPRN/NSCN Town Command has recovered an Alto (LX), Silver Colour, bearing Engine No. F8DN4377809, and Regd. No. MA3EAA61SO1671624. A press release in this regard from Lt Col Ilhovi Aye, Dimapur Town Commander, informed the rightful owner to claim the vehicle within 5 days with proper documents from his office.

CondolenCes for sCato swu Sumi Council, Dimapur The Sumi Council, Dimapur, expressed condolences on the demise of Scato Swu. Chairman of the council, Kuhoi Zhimo, in press statement called him “a tall leader of the Nagas who was involved both in the national struggle and the Indian parliament as a member of the Rajya Saba.”

“Besides being in public life, he was also an intellectual who contributed immensely in shaping the destiny of the Nagas,” the council stated.

“In his death we have lost a guide and a philosopher who was a father figure,” stated the council.

While praying for the departed soul to rest in peace, the Sumi Council, Dimapur, also prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the bereaved family members.

N Theyo N Theyo, Ex-Minister, has deeply mourned the demise of Scato Swu. Theyo, stating that he knew late Swu personally, called him “a man of peace.”

Theyo informed that as an MLA, he along with late Vamuzo, who was then a student from Wilson College, Bombay, had gone to Chedema Peace Camp to meet late Swu. “You are

constructing road to bring Indian Army to crush Nagas,” late Swu had said then, to which Theyo replied, “It is but a means for bringing people together.

Indian Army can go anywhere in Nagaland to restore peace.” During Swu’s leadership, “ceasefire was affected and political talk started between the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Government of India at the highest level of Prime Minister,” Theyo stated.

Theyo further prayed for his soul to rest in peace and God’s blessings to his sons and daughters at this time of bereavement.

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.

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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express FrIDAy 11 APrIl 2014 volumE IX IssuE 98

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Polls, cctVs and truth

A

very interesting thing that was noted a few days prior to the election and reported in the media was about how both the ruling NPF and opposition Congress reacted to the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to select a few polling stations where webcasting through CCTV would take place. Initially the Congress in Mokokchung District complained that only its stronghold had been selected for such webcasting. A few days later, the NPF Dimapur Division likewise made a similar complain about selecting polling stations under Jharnapani, Medziphema and Ghaspani, describing it as its ‘stronghold’ and alleging that the party was being targeted in favour of the opposition. Not surprisingly the reaction of both the NPF and Congress is along similar lines. Now the question arises as to whether the political parties have any justification to complain about such webcasting, which has been introduced solely for the purpose of ensuring free and fair polls. Perhaps the way our parties are responding to the installation of CCTVs, it is quite clear that they will not be able to indulge in illegal practices as was done in the past. The decision to introduce webcasting in polling stations across the State is a step in the right direction. However since only a few polling stations have been selected this time, hopefully in future elections the use of technology will become the norm and not an exception.

Coming back to some of the measures taken by the ECI to ensure free and fair elections, including having micro-observers, video and still camera or webcasting, these are all welcome as it will help to make things transparent at Polling Stations. And in tune with the directives of the ECI, the CEO Nagaland was able to webcast live the proceedings of polling in 83 polling booths covering 11 districts HQs in Nagaland. As mentioned by the CEO media cell office, the entire recording done through web-casting would be closely monitored to keep check of illegal activities such as booth capturing, bogus voting and other mal-practices to ensure free and fair elections. While booth capturing or bogus voting is not a phenomenon witnessed only in Nagaland, the fact remains that this is quite rampant and widely prevalent in our Christian State. The ECI has now tried to identify those polling stations where such malpractices take place. In a recent circular for the coming Lok Sabha elections, the ECI has mentioned about how to identify “critical Polling Stations” and the measures to be taken to ensure free and fair elections. In this regard, the ECI has laid down the criteria for identification of critical Polling Stations.

Now whether the Congress or the NPF likes it or not, such identification is being done based on past trends of voting behavior and not whether a polling station is someone’s stronghold or not. The ECI has now decided that the “polling station wise election results available…with reference to the past general election shall be analyzed”. And “all such Polling Stations where percentage votes polled was more than 90% and where more than 75 % of votes have been polled in favour of one candidate shall be identified as critical Polling Stations”. Going by the few shots that this writer was able to watch of the live streaming on polling day, it must be said that everyone seemed to be on their best behavior. Although there seemed to have been the occasional attempts, for whatever reasons, to switch off the cameras, put it on pause or change its angles, incidents of poll malpractices would have come down, at least in those polling stations with CCTVs. Despite being a cent percent Christian State, Christianity and the fear of the Lord has become redundant, especially during time of elections. Going by how our political parties and their leaders have shown apprehension to installation of CCTVs in polling stations, it is obvious that we fear the video camera or web casting more than God. However if technology can help us to be truthful Christians, no one should complain.

(Feedback can be send to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

Lumtsase C Sangtam Japfu Christian College, Kigewma: Kohima

What will be the response if Jesus enters Nagaland

W

hen Jesus, the King of Kings entered Jerusalem, a very large crowd spread their cloaks on the roads, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowd that went ahead of him and those who followed him shouted “Hosanna to the son of David”, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, “Hosanna in the highest”.

The people were rejoicing and singing because the savior was entering their city and the multitude gave and laid on the roads everything they possessed. As Jesus entered the Temple of God, people were engrossed in their own worldly affairs; businesses were going on for the greed of money so Jesus cast them out from the holy place and said unto them it is written “my house shall be called the house of prayer”; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” How sad Jesus was when He saw it but yet He forgave because He is a forgiving Lord.

Today if Jesus is to visit Nagaland, what will be the response?

I believe He will not visit Nagaland in a luxury car because we don’t have a good road condition and He will be caught in traffic jam because our King of Kings will not be using beacon and people will not recognize our Lord Jesus. Rather, we , the Nagas will start judging Him by His appearance by saying “This person does not know fashion”, and among friends, whispers will go around that may be he is from a village as He won’t be using branded clothes or shoes. What a huge difference would it be in the reception given to our Lord in Jerusalem and in our land? Would we welcome Him with joy laying bare all our possessions or would we crucify Him with out judgments? It’s sad to say that our human character is so blemished and flawed.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem the people with joy welcomed Him but when the day came, with anger they crucified Him. In our context today how many of us really work according to His will by doing what is right? It is high time for us to work according to his will. Many make profit in His name and that is the reason why many conflict arises. People fight and politicize religion to work in some religious fields where both income and fame is high. But Jesus wants someone to work for Him selflessly.

He wants us to be genuine believers and law abiding people because it is not only sin that is killing and stealing but also through our wrong motive by not doing right after knowing it is right and not speaking after knowing it is wrong.

I believe if Jesus is to visit Nagaland, many families and individuals will donate lots of money and give lots of contribution in the name of hospitality because we Nagas are very good in giving openly letting everyone know what we are doing. But what will happen if He instructs us to burn away our wealth. If Jesus were to enter Nagaland, He will be very sad to see some of His children being homeless and struggling for their basic needs.

So it’s high time for us to start helping one another by doing what is right and by giving to those who does not have rather than to someone who has more than enough.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Kristin Moe YES Magazine

Get IntersectIonal!

H

ere’s the scenario: This year’s epic drought devastates agriculture in California. Water use is rationed, so the cost of grain goes up, and, because cattle eat grain, the cost of beef goes up too. To cut expenses, the owners of a fast food restaurant cut a worker's wages and benefits by a couple bucks an hour. Next month he won’t be able to send money to his wife and kids back in Mexico, where the same drought is also decimating farms—and may be contributing to even more northward migration.

What’s the origin of the restaurant worker’s predicament? Is it climate change, which makes droughts more severe and more likely to persist? Is it the labor policies that allowed the worker's wages to be cut? Or is it that NAFTA has flooded the Mexican market with cheap, U.S.-grown corn since 1996, forcing him to leave his family’s farm and migrate to California in the first place? The likely answer is that it’s a little bit of everything. “People don’t have one dimensional identities as human beings,” says Brooke Anderson—a Labor Fellow at the Oaklandbased nonprofit, the Movement Generation Justice and Ecology Project—and the issues that affect them aren’t one-dimensional, either.

There’s a word for this kind of thinking: "intersectionality." And while the word has been around for more than 25 years, it’s being used more and more frequently all over in social justice movements today, from climate to reproductive rights to immigration. It’s a way of thinking holistically about how different forms of oppression interact in people’s lives. More recently, it's also led to a more collaborative form of organizing that reflects that, rather than taking on one issue at a time. “Intersectionality” has become a buzzword in activist circles, at conferences, and in progressive media.

Google searches for this term have gone up 400 percent since 2009. Last year’s Power Shift youth climate conference featured a workshop called “Why the Climate Movement Must Be Intersectional.” It’s a trendy word in academia, the subject of countless papers and panel discussions, and in the feminist blogosphere.

But is it more than that? Does adoption of this concept signal a sea change in social movement thinking away from single-issue platforms and toward a more holistic worldview, one that fosters strong alliances and therefore might help build a movement broad and complex enough to take on the myriad forms of economic, racial, and gender oppression we face?

Possibly—but first, it’s important to understand what intersectionality really means. The term has evolved since Kimberlé Crenshaw, a law professor at UCLA and Columbia University, first coined the term in a legal article published in 1989. In the article, she tried to contextualize a 1964 lawsuit against General Motors, in which five black women sued for discrimination. They were prohibited from working in the factory, they claimed, which was reserved for black men. But they were also prohibited from working in the front offices, which were for white women.

The workers' case was dismissed, Crenshaw says, because the discrimination they faced didn’t apply to all women, or all blacks—just to black women. It was a loophole in legal protection. But for Crenshaw, it also revealed a larger pattern: that individuals have multiple identities, and the oppression they experience is the interaction of all of those identities. Crenshaw was able to articulate what so many black women already knew: You can’t tease these identities apart, or prioritize one over the others. We are all of these things. A “single axis” approach to social change, then—advocating just for women’s rights, or just for racial equality—only addresses part of the problem.

Intersectionality grew out of black women’s lived experience, became a flashpoint in academia (where it is still heavily debated), and has since trickled back out into the world of organizing. The meaning has

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry couldn't hide his frustration anymore as the US-sponsored Palestinian peace process continued to falter.

After eight months of wrangling to push talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority forward, he admitted while on a visit to Morocco on April 4 that the latest setback had served as a "reality check" for the peace process. But confining that reality check to the peace process is hardly representative of the painful reality through which the United States has been forced to subsist in during the last few years.

The state of US foreign policy in the Middle East, but also around the world, cannot be described with any buoyant language. In some instances, as in Syria, Libya, Egypt, Ukraine, and most recently in Palestine and Israel, too many calamitous scenarios have exposed the fault lines of US foreign policy. The succession of crises is not allowing the US to cut its losses in the Middle East and stage a calculated "pivot" to Asia following its disastrous Iraq war. US foreign policy is almost entirely crippled. For the Obama administration, it has been a continuous firefighting mission since George W Bush left office. In fact, there have been too many "reality checks" to count.

According to the logic of the once powerful pro-Israel Washington-based neoconservatives, the invasion of Iraq was a belated attempt at regaining the initiative in the Middle East and controlling a greater share of the energy supplies worldwide. Sure, the US media made much noise about fighting terror, restoring democracies and heralding freedoms, but the neo-cons were hardly secretive about the real objectives. They tirelessly warned about the decline of their country's fortunes. They labored to redraw the map of the Middle East in a way that they imagined would slow down the rise of China and the other giants that are slowly but surely standing on their feet to face up to the post-Cold War superpower.

All such efforts were bound to fail.

The US escaped from Iraq, but only after altering the balance of power and creating new classes of winners and

expanded over the years from a concept specific to black women to something applicable to all types of marginalized identities—Asian, queer, immigrant, trans, low-income, Muslim.

Bringing it to the movements Some call intersectionality "divisive," because they believe it highlights the differences between people rather than the similarities. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The meaning of the term has evolved from a way of describing the problem—the interactions between different forms of oppression—to a way of describing the solution.

The challenge now seems to be to take the complex analysis of those problems, and create a movement that reflects that complexity. For Anderson and her colleagues at Movement Generation, intersectional thinking has been part of the analysis from the beginning. Of her work with labor unions, she says: We can either keep fighting for the five cents here and the ten cents there … or we can view this as an opportunity to pick our heads up from those very small contract fights that we’re struggling so hard on and look around and say: What’s the broader system, the reason why our … wages are going down?

Maura Cowley, executive director of the youthbased Energy Action Coalition, says environmental groups across the spectrum are realizing that not only does climate change disproportionately affect certain groups—predominantly low-income people of color— but “the same disproportionate impacts that we see in climate change … are prevalent across a whole spectrum of issues.” There’s a recognition that “simply advocating on any single issue doesn’t really solve the full spectrum of problems.” Examples of issue organizing across issues abound: National Nurses United lobbying to stop Keystone XL; The Black Women’s Health Imperative taking on the myriad ways in which the bodies of women of color are put at risk; “Undocuqueers”—undocumented, LGBTQ immigrants—lobbying for citizenship rights for same-sex couples.

Imperfect intersections Anderson and Cowley make a good case that Intersectionality can help movements think in new ways about long-term solutions to social and environmental problems. But the idea has been around for 25 years—why is it catching on now?

For one thing, this might just be how young people think. “This is not a generation where people care about one issue or feel impacted by one issue,” says Cowley.

Millennials don’t join one organization and read the newsletter every month, she says; they’re affiliated with multiple organizations. And, they’re on social media, a terrain upon which ideas converge. She says people scroll through their news feeds and think, “Wait a second. It’s not just climate, it’s also prisons, it’s also immigration, it’s also food justice … down the line.” Another factor might be the Occupy Movement that began in late 2011, which brought citizens and activists from all sectors together in the same space. Many stayed for weeks or months, and regardless of the movement’s outcomes, those tent cities provided a physical intersection at which different people with different ideas converged.

Anderson and her colleagues at Movement Generation caution against giving too much credit to millennials, however. She points to a long, creative tradition of intersectional organizing. She also points out that the term intersectional might not be the best way to capture the complexity of systems thinking: “There’s two lines that cross, and there’s only one small point at which they intersect, which I think shrinks our vision of what’s possible,” she says, which is “to build social movements that are based not just on that one intersection but on an entire sys-

tem.” The risk, she says, is that you focus on that one point of intersection “rather than a shared vision for a solution.” She also emphasizes that intersectionality isn’t something that you can slap onto the surface of a particular campaign. “At worst, it’s symbolic and it’s transactional,” Anderson says—as in, “we’ll come out to your thing and you come out to our thing.” Solidarity is crucial, but “it has to go beyond the transactional … and become deeply transformative.”

The Cowboy Indian Alliance, for example, has spent years building personal relationships between members of two infamously opposed groups: white, western ranchers and Native American tribal groups. Later this month, when they lead a five-day action to oppose Keystone XL in Washington, DC, it won’t be a one-off event but rather the result of intentional alliance building that goes beyond political convenience. One way to take alliance building a step further is to reframe issues so that they’re no longer issues, which can be divisive, but values, which have more power to unite.

Eveline Shen is the executive director of Forward Together, an Oakland-based nonprofit that originally worked with Asian Americans around reproductive justice, but has since shifted toward a broader framework. Shen and her colleagues brought together leaders from different organizations and asked, “What are the core themes that intersect all of our work?” The answer was clear: families. Thus, the Strong Families Initiative was born—and it has since gone from 10 to more than 100 organizations and eight different sectors, each working to support strong families in their own ways, united not around an issue but around a value. This, Shen points out, is something that the Right has been doing well for decades.

But Shen also sees real structural barriers to this kind of organizing, the largest of which is funding. Recently, the Strong Families Initiative began work on a guide to the Affordable Care Act for LGBT people.

When she tried to raise money from LGBT funders, they said, “We’re not working on health care.” When she turned to funders that do work on health care, they said, “We’re not funding LGBT issues.” Since funders control the purse strings, they also to some degree control how social change organizations go about their work. And as long as funders are driven by single issues, Shen says, the work of social change will also be that way. Furthermore, short grant cycles of one to two years “keep us from thinking holistically” because the goals are by necessity short-term.

The movements for social justice are at their own sort of intersection. The nonprofit models that have flourished over the last half-century—foundationfunded, membership-based, and focused on tackling a particular issue in a particular place—are ready for a reevaluation, especially in the context of issues like climate change that are fundamentally global and intractably connected to diverse social problems.

Intersectionality may be a guide as organizers and activists muddle through the messy process of change. There’s a lingering idea, though, that intersectionality is divisive because it breaks up some long-held ideal of a “united front”—of women, of people of color, or of immigrants, each group fighting its own battles. It’s possible, however, that these united fronts never really existed to begin with, and that by erasing diversity, they also erased the complexity that gave them strength. The task now is to create movements that reflect not just the complexity of issues, but of people’s lives. It may be that, as movements become more nuanced and interconnected, their strength will come not from a pretense of unity that erases difference, but an embrace of difference that makes their points of unity stronger than ever.

New US reality: An empire beyond salvation ramzy Baroud Asiatimes losers. The violence of the invasion and occupation scarred Iraq, and also destabilized neighboring countries by overwhelming their economies, augmenting militancy and creating more pressure cookers in political spaces that were, until then, somewhat stable.

The war left the US fatigued and set the course for a transition in the Middle East, although not the kind of transition that the likes of former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had championed. There was no "New Middle East" per se, but rather an old one that is in much worse shape than ever before.

When the last US soldier scheduled to leave Iraq had crossed the border into Kuwait in December 2011, the US was exposed in more ways than one.

The limits of US military power was revealed - by not winning, it had lost.

Its economy proved fragile - as it continues to teeter between collapse and "recovery". It was left with zero confidence among its friends. As for its enemies, the US was no longer a daunting menace but a toothless tiger.

There was a short period in US foreign policy strategy in which Washington needed to count its losses, regroup and regain initiative, but not in the Middle East. The Asia Pacific region, especially the South China Sea, seemed to be the most rational restarting point, and for a good reason.

Writing in Forbes magazine in Washington, Robert D Kaplan described the convergence underway in the Asia pacific region. He wrote, "Russia is increasingly shifting its focus of energy exports to East Asia. China is on track to perhaps become Russia's

biggest export market for oil before the end of the decade." The Middle East is itself changing directions, as the region's hydrocarbon production is increasingly being exported there; Russia is covering the East Asia realm, according to Kaplan, as "North America will soon be looking more and more to the Indo-Pacific region to export its own energy, especially natural gas."

But the US is still being pulled into too many different directions. It has attempted to police the world exclusively for its own interests for the past 25 years.

It has failed. "Cut and run" is essentially an American foreign policy staple, and that too is a botched approach. Even after the piecemeal US withdrawal from Iraq, the US is too deeply entrenched in the Middle East region to achieve a clean break.

The US took part in the Libya war, attempting to do so while masking its action as part of a larger drive by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization so that it shouldered only part of the blame when things went awry, as they predictably have. Since the January 25 revolution, its position on Egypt was perhaps the most inconsistent of all Western powers, unmistakably demonstrating its lack of clarity and relevance to a country with a massive size and influence.

However, it was in Syria that US weaknesses were truly exposed.

Military intervention was not possible - and for reasons none of which were moralistic. Its political influence proved immaterial. Most importantly, its own legions of allies throughout the Middle East are walking away from beneath the US leadership banner. The

wRiTE-wiNg

Kristin Moe writes about climate, grassroots movements, and social change.

new destinations are Russia for arms and China for economic alternatives.

President Barack Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia in late March might have been a step too little too late to repair America's weakening alliances in the region. Even if the US was ready to mend fences, it has neither the political will, the economic potency, nor the military prowess to be effective. True, the US still possesses massive military capabilities and remains the world's largest economy, but the commitment that the Middle East would require from the US at this time of multiple wars and revolutions is by no means the kind of commitment the US is ready to impart. In a way, the US has "lost" the Middle East.

Even the "pivot" to Asia is likely to end in shambles. On the one hand, the US's opponents, Russia notwithstanding, have grown much more assertive in recent years. They too have their own agendas, which will keep the US and its willing European allies busy for years.

The Russian move against Crimea had once more exposed the limits of US and NATO in regions outside the conventional parameters of Western influence.

If the US proved resourceful enough to stage a fight in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the battle - over energy supplies, potential reserves, markets and routes - is likely to be the most grueling yet. China is not Iraq before the US invasion - broken by decades of war, siege and sanctions. Its geography is too vast to besiege, and its military too massive to destroy with a single shock and awe.

The US has truly lost the initiative, in the Middle East region and beyond it.

The neo-cons' drunkenness with military power led to costly wars that have overwhelmed the empire beyond salvation.

Now, US foreign-policy makers are mere diplomatic firefighters, from Palestine, to Syria to Ukraine. For the Americans, the last few years have been less a "reality check", more the new reality itself.

Ramzy Baroud is an internationally syndicated columnist, a media consultant, an author and the editor of PalestineChronicle.com. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Exeter, UK. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza's Untold Story (Pluto Press, London).

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

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.

7

Friday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

11 April 2014

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

India and South Africa: Forsaking human rights?

Mandeep Tiwana

I

Open Democracy

ndia and South Africa are increasingly tarnishing their reputations as democratic and rights respecting nations. Most recently by unsuccessfully seeking to undermine a resolution on the right to peaceful protest at the UN Human Rights Council. Wrangling at the world’s premier human rights body this March has marked another low in international relations for India and South Africa.

In a discussion at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on the creation of a safe and enabling environment for civil society, both countries struck a sour note when they sought to unsuccessfully undermine the work and contributions of human rights defenders. The UN Human Rights Council’s debate during its recent session from 3-28 March was prompted by an alarming rise in repressive laws, physical attacks and other forms of persecution of human rights defenders in many parts of the world over the last few years.

On 11 March Indian diplomats delivered a statement on behalf of a group of ‘like-minded’ countries comprising some of the world’s most egregious violators of democratic freedoms including Bahrain, China, Egypt, Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and Zimbabwe urging the international community to exercise caution in supporting “causes of civil society.”

This statement was also endorsed by South Africa.

On 25 March South African diplomats, supported by the Indians and some authoritarian governments, attempted to impede the passage of a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the ‘promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests.’ They proposed that the right to peaceful protest should be qualified by the need to ensure stability of the state and friendly relations with foreign countries.

Although the proposals, supported by South Africa and India were defeated when put to vote, it is deeply troubling that two proud democracies with vibrant civil societies that contribute substantially to national life should make common cause with authoritarian and repressive governments to undermine well established principles of international law.

Worryingly, this seems to be part of a growing trend. In October 2011, the South African government delayed granting a visa to the Dalai Lama os-

B

amboo is ubiquitous in Chinese culture. Sturdy and tenacious, it symbolises virtue. In fact, the plant has had a profound impact on the daily life, culture and spirituality of the Chinese. In the past, a wide variety of products were made from bamboo - from roof tiles and rafts, to shoes, furniture and agricultural tools. But despite the close relationship between Chinese-speaking societies and the natural material, Taiwan's bamboo industry has suffered a decline in recent decades.

It nearly collapsed because of people's preference for more modern-looking products, or just cheaper plastic goods - and the impact of less expensive bamboo imports from China and South East Asia.

Nowhere was this more apparent than in central Taiwan's Zhushan or "Bamboo Mountain" town.

Hundreds of families used to make bamboo products there in the centre of the country's bamboo industry. Now there are only about 50. It's a trend reflected in other parts of Taiwan - only about 240 bamboo-products businesses remain on the island.

"In the past, every part of Taiwan had people working in this industry, but over the years, bamboo has been replaced by plastic or steel to make all sorts of products, such as clothes hanging poles, baby cribs, and furniture," says Yang Chun-hsien, director of the Forestry Bureau's reforestation and production division. In recent years, bamboo has been used to make items never before associ-

tensibly under pressure from the Chinese government. The spiritual leader of the Tibetan people was forced to cancel plans to attend the 80th birthday celebrations of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A court later ruled the government officials “unreasonably delayed” action on the Dalai Lama’s visa application.

On 27 March this year, India abstained from a vote at the UN Human Rights Council demanding an international investigation into the commission on war crimes by Sri Lanka during the final stages of the 2009 civil war. Sri Lanka’s government has been accused of openly intimidating civil society activists demanding accountability from its security forces.

India and South Africa also share the blame for their failure to censure the Assad government for carrying out murderous attacks on largely peaceful pro-democracy protestors in the early days of

the Syrian crisis.

Such short-sighted conduct in their foreign affairs is a far cry from the path of principled diplomacy pursued by modern India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru and South Africa’s first democratically elected President, Nelson Mandela. Both leaders were strong proponents of respect for human and democratic rights at home and abroad.

Nehru’s unwavering support for anti-colonial struggles in the 1950s and the early 60s drew inspiration from the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Newly independent India’s moral stance at the United Nations played a critical role in the demise of colonialism in the second half of the twentieth century. Moreover, India’s dogged determination to oppose institutionalised racism by South Africa’s apartheid regime contributed to international pressure that helped bring about apartheid’s demise.

Nelson Mandela was acutely aware of the role that international solidarity played in supporting anti-apartheid activists as they mobilised on the streets. As president, he made a compelling speech at the Southern African Development Community’s periodic conference in 1997 in Blantyre, Malawi. He urged that national sovereignty and non-interference in the affairs of other countries could not blunt the common concern for democracy, human rights and good governance in the regional grouping.

Mandela called upon his fellow leaders to recognise the right of citizens to “participate unhindered in political activities.”

The recent unfortunate positions adopted by India and South Africa at the Human Rights Council are an absurd reversal. The justification being proffered by diplomats seems to be that they wanted to challenge western hypocrisy and hegemonic moralising on human rights, particularly in developing countries. While it is true that the three permanent western members of the UN Security Council have selectively invoked human rights to advance their own geo-political and strategic interests on several occasions, in this case western countries did the right thing by voting in favour of the resolution.

India and South Africa on the other hand have severely tarnished their reputations as democratic and rights-respecting nations by voting alongside some of the most intolerant regimes on the planet.

Notably, Brazil who is a strategic partner of both countries in the IBSA trilateral, which seeks democratic reform of global governance institutions, voted in favour of the resolution despite the fact that the country was hit by a spate of protests in 2013. Some other countries from the global south that voted in favour of the resolution are Argentina, Benin, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Peru, Sierra Leone, and South Korea.

India and South Africa’s anti-civil society actions obstructing the right to peaceful protest are indeed quite perplexing. Both countries are facing general elections this year in which their populations are mobilising on a massive scale through public assemblies. Hopefully, the backsliding at the Human Rights Council on the right to protest will not be an indicator of how they will deal with dissent or protest at home. National populations in the two countries would be outraged if any new measures were introduced domestically to diminish their right to demonstrate without fear of reprisals.

It’s ironic that the Indian and South African delegations adopted such a regressive position in Geneva this March when the foundations of their states were forged by the blood and sweat of civil society activists who used civil disobedience as a key weapon to challenge injustice.

Mandeep Tiwana is heads of policy and research at Civicus: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, a global civil-society coalition headquartered in Johannesburg. Mandeep specialises in legislation affecting the core civil-society freedoms of expression, association and assembly.

A century in measuring social progress amit Kapoor

G

ross domestic product (GDP) has dominated as a measure of national performance over the large part of past 100 years. But an intellectual debate has also raged over finding a better and more representative measure of assessing progress. Interestingly, the debate itself was initiated by Simon Kuznets, the architect of GDP and a Noble laureate: "The welfare of a nation can scarcely be inferred from a measurement of national income as defined by the GDP." The limitation of the GDP as a measure was that it did not measure or reflect upon the disparity that exists, available access to basic amenities & utilities, wellbeing of its citizens and the prejudices that could exist within the society.

Overcoming these limitations, a new index measuring outcomes of social progress titled Social Progress Index has been developed by Michael Porter of Harvard University, Scott Stern of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Michael Greene of Social Progress Imperative.

The index makes measuring social and environment performance integral to national performance measurement, moving beyond and complementing the traditional measure of GDP and GDP per capita. The underlying idea for the index is that it would provide economists unique ways to look at progress, help policy makers make better policy choices.

The index is methodologically superior to many similar initiatives in the past like the Human Development Index, OECD Better Life Index, Happy Planet Index etc. and looks at 54 indicators that get bracketed into basic human needs, foundations of wellbeing and opportunity.

The social progress index, in its inaugural avatar, looks at 132 countries across the world wherein they rank and bracket them into tiers. The most interesting aspect that gets ascertained or depicted through the index is that a definitive relationship exists between economic growth and well being.

However, economic growth and performance alone does not fully explain social progress.

In light of this, it becomes interesting to see the state of affairs in India wherein we have been brow-beating our progress and growth over the last two decades. Shockingly (I would rather presume that a lot of us knew this though wouldn’t want to discuss) India gets ranked at 102 on the index and lower then its neighbors Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

To put things in better perspective, one should mention that India is the worst performing of the BRICS as well wherein Brazil is ranked 46, South Africa at 69, Russia at 80 and China at 90. The only saving graces as per our febrile imagination could be that Pakistan is ranked 124.

This is where we need to sit back and appreciate that if the ranking of Pakistan and its state of affairs is any indication, than we are probably staring at a social disaster that is just looming at the horizon.

If we dig deeper into the index we would find that India remarkably lacks in shelter, tolerance and inclusion relative to a peer group of 15 countries with similar GDP per capita.

Going beyond the peer group, we find that India performs dismally under various parameters as political terror (One would presume the terror bureaucracy unleashes on its citizens), sanitation facilities, water withdrawals, modern slavery, religious tolerance, community safety net and inequality in the attainment of education.

The insights from the index gives a picture of stark and a dismal reality we in India face and clearly compel us to think that we as a nation are really in immediate need of getting our act together or an upheaval awaits us that could be disastrous for the largest democracies in the world.

To ascertain what ails India, a deeper look at the level of states (provinces) would be required. As the report suggests, economic progress is not equally distributed within countries and neither is social progress.

The index would be extended to the sub-national level over a period of time wherein the Institute for Competitiveness (India) plans to work on the same and get insights and see whether provinces with better performance in economic progress are those that have achieved higher levels of social progress. One would rather suspect that this would be true, though this might as well be construed as a political statement supporting a certain model of growth on the day of the elections.

Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness, and editor of Thinkers.

Why bamboo is booming again in Taiwan ated with the plant - from shampoo and insect repellent, to socks, gloves, and even roasted peanuts.

This reinvention of how bamboo is used has made it possible for the small family businesses which make up the industry to stay alive and to start reversing the decades of decline.

Health benefits?

At the height of bamboo production in Taiwan in the 1970s, more than 13 million stalks were harvested each year, and sales of the stalks alone - not including the finished products - amounted to $3.5m (£2.1m) per annum. But in the past decade, the annual harvest amounted to only about 1.67 million stalks with sales adding up to just $456,000 - a little over 10% of the peak level. Production and sales, however, have been steadily climbing in recent years.

Following a devastating earthquake on 21 September 1999 centred in Nantou county, where Zhushan lies, the central government decided to help the local economy by commissioning the country's non-profit Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to find new ways to help the bamboo industry grow.

ITRI developed a method to carbonise bamboo stalks to produce high quality bamboo charcoal, which has a multitude of different uses. Naturally insulating, the

Cindy Sui BBC

Chen Ching-fu's Bamboo Culture Park aims to highlight the importance and benefits of using bamboo.

charcoal can be turned into fibres and woven into fabric to make hats, scarves, gloves, socks and pants.

Also said to be health giving, it is increasingly added to bodycare products, such as skin creams.

Meanwhile, in industry it is used to purify water and air. Yet its most unusual application has to be in the production of bamboo charcoal-coated peanuts - which look exactly as they sound - peanuts covered with charcoal. Many people who have never tasted them

are queasy about giving them a try, but they actually taste good, not at all like charcoal, and are believed to have health benefits. Such diversification has bought new hope to Taiwan's bamboo industry.

"When I was growing up, the toys we played with were made of bamboo," says Chen Ching-fu, general manager of the Bamboo Culture Park in Zhushan - a manufacturer of bamboo product, and the first visitor attraction in Taiwan devoted to the plant. "Bamboo was all around

iANS

us, but never did we imagine bamboo can be used to make so many different types of products."

Like other businesses, Mr Chen's now sells not only traditional bamboo furniture, but other products such as air fresheners and clothing.

Besides bamboo charcoal, the Taiwanese have also found ways to use the actual bamboo to make a much wider variety of products than their ancestors did, including floor panels, pens, clothes hangers and even laptop casings.

Sales of goods made from all forms of bamboo in Taiwan now reach $100m, with exports increasing alongside domestic sales.

New spin One of the trends helping to drive the revival of the industry is the return of second or third generation young people to help run family businesses.

Lin Li-wei, 36, worked at a post office in the capital Taipei after graduating from college. But, making only about $600 a month, he came back to assist his father, who made bamboo ear diggers used by Chinese and Japanese people to remove earwax. He's now put a new spin on the family business - making modern looking clocks, lamps and wall lights out of bamboo. He has been receiving orders for his creations. "My father supports me trying to innovate," says Mr Lin. "Only through innovations can we

add value to our products and continue our business."

Now he and his father make $5,000 a month. Many of the manufacturers in Zhushan are breaking even, but not making big profits.

Still, they persevere, seeing it as their mission to continue to promote the use of bamboo.

Bamboo grows fast - just five years to reach maturity, making it one of the most environmentallyfriendly plants to use. So growers and industry leaders hope they can replace the use of many types of other wood, and plastic.

"Plastic is very cheap and can be used for a longer time, but what a shame. Bamboo is more environmentally friendly, no chemicals are used to make bamboo products, and the trees grow without the need for fertiliser or pesticides," said the Forestry Bureau's Mr Yang.

"Bamboo can also absorb a lot of carbon dioxide and can reduce greenhouse gases." Back at the Bamboo Culture Park, Mr Chen has created a do-it-yourself workshop where schoolchildren and other tourists can learn how bamboo charcoal is made and make their own bamboo products.

"Taiwan can't be without bamboo because it's a material we've relied on for generations," says Mr Chen. "I want to help people understand the importance and benefits of using bamboo." However, an earthquake and strong resolve on the part of the government and industry to continue using bamboo have led to a revival and transformation in its use.

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.

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Friday 11 April 2014

The Morung Express

High turnout in 91 seats in phase 3

neW delhi, aPril 10 (Pti): High voter turnout was recorded in the 91 constituencies in 14 States and Union Territories which went to polls in the third and substantial phase of Lok Sabha elections, with Chandigarh witnessing the highest percentage of 74.

Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Bihar witnessed Naxal-related violence which left 2 CRPF jawans and one State security person dead. The voter turnout this time was substantially higher over the last Lok Sabha elections in all the constituencies.

Muzaffarnagar and Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, which witnessed comunal riots in August 2013, recorded “above average” voter turnout of 67.78 per cent and 70.85 per cent, respectively, Deputy EC Vinod Zutshi told reporters in New Delhi.

The 10 seats of Uttar Pradesh, which went to polls on Thursday, reported a record turnout of 65 per cent as compared to 51.30 per cent recorded in the last LS polls.

The turnout in Delhi was 64 per cent, up by 12 per cent as against 2009 elections. Chandigarh constituency recorded the highest turnout of 74 per cent, against 64 per cent in 2009 polls. Kerala, which went to polls in single phase on Thursday, recorded 73.4 per cent voter turnout, up from 73.2 per cent last time.

Chhattisgarh’s Bastar seat witnessed the lowest voter turnout among the 91 seats of 51.4 per cent. But it was higher as compared to 47.33 per cent recorded in the last LS polls.

EC maintained that the turnout could be “much higher” in all the seats as final reports were yet to come in with voting still on after the stipulated hours in various areas.

In Odisha, maoists snatched EVMs and took away the battery of one voting machine. EC has decided to postpone polling in 22 places in Bihar — 19 in Jamui, two in Nawada and one in Gaya — as polling personnel were not sent there keeping in mind their safety.

The fresh date of polls in these areas will be decided soon. Jharkhand’s four seats witnessed 58 per cent turnout, which was higher than the 50.89 per cent recorded in last general elections.

Madhya Pradesh, where nine seats went to polls, saw an average turnout of 54.13 per cent, while in Haryana it was 65 per cent.

All the 10 seats of Haryana had a single-phase poll. In the last elections, the turnout in Haryana was 68 per cent. “The turnout could be 73 per cent in Haryana when we get the final figures,” Deputy EC Alok Shukla said.

The Jammu seat also saw an impressive turnout of 66.29 per cent — 17 per cent higher than in 2009.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands also witnessed a record turnout. Till the last count, it was 67 per cent, higher than last time’s 64.15 per cent. But in Lakshadweep, the turnout was 71.34 per cent, lower than last time’s 85.98 per cent.

Delhi records highest voter turnout in 3 decades

Indian villagers sit outside a polling station in Kutba village, Muzaffarnagar, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Thursday, April 10, 2014. The area witnessed one of the worst Hindu Muslim riots of recent times in which 69 people were killed and over 40,000 were rendered homeless. Indians voted in the crucial third phase of national elections Thursday, with millions going to the polls in the heartland states that are essential to the main opposition Hindu nationalist party’s bid to end the 10-year rule of Congress party. (AP Photo

First time voters’ demand Job security, women’s safety neW delhi, aPril 10 (ianS): Employment opportunities, women’s security, better economic policies and communal harmony are among the top issues which brought youths, mostly first-time voters, to the polling stations to get their fingers inked for the Lok Sabhaelections in the national capital.

“Safety for women and price hike are the issues. But the key issues for us is creation of jobs,” 20-year-old Anjali said after casting vote.

First-time voter, Saurav Janana (18) proudly flashed his voter ID card with a smile as he was very excited on exercising his franchise.

“Delhi students should get some kind of reservation in Delhi University. I want the next government to work on it,” Saurav said.

Hoping for the situation to change in the country, 22-year-old Akanksha Basoi said women-centric issues are of grave concern, be it women safety or women empowerment. “It’s really the time for change and the focus should be on women,” she said.

First-timers want to judiciously use their vote, with a strong belief that change will come only through them.

“I feel like a responsible citizen after voting. We always blame the administration for lack of drinking water facility, sanitation, rising crimes but then we have to participate in the electoral process if we want to bring about a change,” said 23-year-old Mohammad Javed, a resident of Gole Market area.

18-year-old Sheena Dhankhar asserted that women are not safe in Delhi and she wants the capital to be such that women can roam around freely anytime. “After women issues, the government should work on

Rapists do not deserve death, boys commit mistakes: Mulayam

Moradabad, aPril 10 (ianS): In remarks that raised a storm, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said Thursday the death penalty in rape cases was “unfair” as boys make “mistakes”. At a Lok Sabha election rally in Moradabad, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister told the gathering that if his party leads the government at the centre, he would change the law.

“Ladkon se aisi galtiyan ho jaati hain to iska ye matlab nahin ki phaansi de di jaye (Boys do make such mistakes but that does not mean that they should be sent to the gallows),” he said. Referring to the Shakti Mills rape case in Mumbai, Mulayam Singh whose party is in power in Uttar Pradesh, said: “Two or three accused have been given the death sentence in Mumbai. We will change such laws when we come to power ... we will also ensure punishment of those who report false cases.”

Three of the four men found guilty of gang raping a 23-year-old photojournalist in the abandoned Shakti Mills in central Mumbai last August, were given death sentence after they

were found guilty in another rape case. “If boys and girls have difference, and the girl goes and gives a statement that I have been raped, then the poor fellows are punished,” he said.

The comment drew flak across the lines. Congress leader Shobha Oza said: “Congress condemns the comment. There is zero tolerance for crime against women.” She added there are provisions for action in case a frivolous complaint is filed. Soon after the statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flayed Mulayam Singh for his “insensitive and shameful” statement.

Vijay Bahadur Pathak, state spokesman of the BJP, said the former chief minister’s comments were unacceptable and very sad. Pathak said the statement of the SP supremo comes as a shock as he was very critical of rape cases during the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party regime in the state. Noted lawyer Vrinda Grover said he was using the law to attack women’s rights.

“Death penalty is an alibi for Mulayam Singh to attack the new law that recognises the integrity of

woman’s body. Right from the beginning, he and his party were creating impediments in the way of stringent laws to protect women. His utterances support the view that women have no rights over their body and they are something of a plaything for males,” Grover said.

She said the former chief minister’s utterances show how far behind he was of the present day youth. “It is incumbent upon the youth to ensure he is defeated in the election,” she added. Eminent Supreme Court counsel Kamini Jaiswal called it “unfortunate and insensitive”.

“What Mulayam Singh has said is both ‘unfortunate and insensitive’. It is unfortunate that this was coming from a politician who is aspiring to be the prime minister of the country and his party having a national presence in the country’s polity,” said Jaiswal.

“There are many who are not in favour of death sentence but it could not be used as a pretext to assail the law that secures the safety and security of women,” she said. Former policewoman and social activist Kiran Bedi said no one should vote for him.

neW delhi, aPril 10 (ianS): Delhi Thursday recorded its highest voter turnout in the last three decades with 64.77% polling. The capital saw a 64.88% turnout in the 1984 elections, held post the assassination of prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The turnout in 2009 election was 51.85%.

“The high voter turnout was because of the awareness campaign started by the election commission since the Delhi assembly polls in December 2013,” said chief electoral officer Vijay Dev. Of Delhi’s seven parliamentary constituencies, North East recorded the highest voter turnout - 67.08%.

The three main contenders for this seat are Congress’ J.P. Agarwal, Aam Aadmi Party’s Anand Kumar and Bharatiya Janata Party’s Manoj Tiwari. Chandni Chowk, held by union minister Kapil Sibal, recorded 66.8% voting. The AAP had fielded journalist-turned-politician Ashutosh against him while the BJP had put it its state unit chief Harsh Vardhan.

North West (reserved) recorded 61.38% - the lowest. Here Congress’ Krishna Tirath is trying to retain the seat against former Delhi minister Rakhi Birla of the AAP, and the BJP’s Udit Raj. Like other constituencies, New Delhi also saw a three-way battle. If Congress’ Ajay Maken wins, it will a hatrick for him.

He faces journalist-turned-politician Ashish Khetan of the AAP and Meenakshi Lekhi of the BJP. East Delhi recorded 65.59%. The AAP and the BJP have fielded Rajmohan Gandhi and Mahesh Giri against Sandeep Dikshit, the son of former chief minister Sheila Dikshit. A total of 65.64% voting took place in West Delhi. AAP has fielded exjournalist Jarnail Singh against sitting MP Mahabal Mishra of the Congress, while the BJP candidate is Parvesh Verma. South Delhi saw 62.67% voting. Sitting MP Ramesh Kumar (Congress) faces AAP’s Devinder Sherawat and BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri.

eradication of corruption,” she said.

Bansal siblings, Sandhya (24) and Nidhi (22) from a posh South Delhi locality expressed concerns for the economic situation in the country. “We expect the next government to have better financial policies. In the recent time, the economy has slowed down,” they said.

“Women safety is of utmost importance but I’m not sure if any party could make Delhi safe,” said a skeptical 23-yearold, Surabhi Ranjan.

Delegation from 19 countries witness Delhi polls neW delhi, aPril 10 (ianS): A 30-member delegation from 19 countries, including many from Africa, Thursday visited some polling stations in the nation capital to observe the Indian democracy at work, said a senior poll panel official here.

300 students hit as Trinamool activists attack poll Maoists blow up school officials, under EC scanner

Patna, aPril 10 (ianS): At least 300 students in a village in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district lost their school which was destroyed in a blast by Maoists ahead of voting in six parliamentary constituencies of the state Thursday.

The new building of the government high school at Narotampur under Kazra police station totally collapsed in the blast late Wednesday night. The school was targeted as paramilitary personnel were camping in it. “After the blast, studies in the school will be badly hit and students will either miss their classes or will have to sit under shadow of trees for classes if teachers go ahead,” said district administration official Sukhdeo Singh.

According to local police officials, angry villagers protested the incident and demanded the building be rebuilt. Maoists used eight cylinder bombs to blast the school building. Police have also recovered three live cane bombs from the school premises.

A police official said that Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were camping in the school for last few days ahead of polls in the neighbouring Jamui constituency. “When Maoists attacked and blasted school building, the CRPF personnel were out on duty,” the police official said.

KolKata, aPril 10 (ianS): Trinamool Congress activists Thursday allegedly assaulted Election Commission officials in West Bengal’s Malda district for objecting to a party candidate’s rally, the district authorities said. The poll panel has sought a detailed report on the incident.

The incident happened in Manikchak area, when officials objected to a motorbike rally being taken out in support of the party’s candidate from Malda South, Moajjim Hussain as such rallies are prohibited. As soon as the officials protested, several Trinamool activists assaulted them. Malda District Magistrate S.K. Dwivedi told IANS: “A report in this regard has been sought from the block development officer, and whoever is found guilty will be punished.”

“The party workers had not taken any police permission for the rally and there were about 250300 bikes in the rally despite this being prohibited. When we tried to stop them, several Trinamool activists assaulted and abused us.

Narendra Modi discloses marriage for the first time

Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi takes an oath as he files his nomination for the upcoming general election in Vadodara, on Wednesday, April 9. To some, the man in pole position to be India’s next prime minister is a visionary reformer, while to others he’s an autocrat in bed with big business cronies. (AP Photo)

ahMedabad, aPril 10 (reuterS): Narendra Modi, the Hindu nationalist who is front-runner to become India’s next prime minister, has publicly stated for the first time that he is married. He made the declaration in election papers filed this week, having long avoided questions on his personal life.

Modi has campaigned as the standard bearer of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which polls show will win the biggest chunk of parliamentary seats in the five-week election that started on Monday, but fall short of a majority.

Yet the chief minister of Gujarat is a solitary figure who has little contact with his family and entered politics through a grassroots Hindu organisation that prizes celibacy. He rarely gives interviews and little is known about his private life.

India’s ruling Congress party has repeatedly called for Modi to disclose his marital status, following local reports in recent years that he had an arranged marriage at the age of 17 to a woman whom he soon deserted but never officially divorced. Critics say the episode exposes his poor attitude to women.

In election papers filed on Wednes-

The delegation included representatives from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana and Lebanon. “The representatives were also briefed about the elaborate arrangements made by the Election Commission to make the elections successful.

They saw the voting process and the security arrangements made to ensure fair and safe eelctions,” the official told IANS. “The delegation visited the polling stations in New Delhi and south Delhi constituencies,” the official added. The official added that the delegation was also informed about the special arrangements that were undertaken this time for the disabled to ensure that they don’t face any problems when they vote.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) and UNDP have a memorandum to jointly promote exchange of visits and sharing of experiences and skills in the field of electoral management with developing countries.

growth in a decade and create jobs for its booming young population.

He has also told voters that he is not corruptible partly because he has no close family to enrich.

“Narendra was married to Jashodaben Chiman Modi at a very young age by our parents, but it was only a formal ritual as Narendra left the house in those days itself,” Modi’s older brother Som said in a statement issued by the party’s Gujarat wing on Thursday.

Women are an increasingly important voter block in India, making up 48 percent of the electorate this year as compared to 38 percent when such data was first collected in 1957.

The poor treatment of women in India has become a political issue after the gang-rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi in 2012.

Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that leads Congress, has made vows to support India’s minorities and its women central tenets of his election campaign.

In a country that places a huge social value on marriage, neither Gandhi nor Modi have wives with them on “ONLY A FORMAL RITUAL” Modi has based his high-octane the campaign trail. Gandhi is a bachelection campaign on vows to res- elor who shown little interest in getcue India from its slowest economic ting married. day to run for a seat in Gujarat’s Vadodara constituency, Modi wrote the name “Jashodaben” in a mandatory column regarding his marital status.

He had left the column blank on previous occasions, including in the last Gujarat state election in 2012.

“Modi accepts his Marital Status.

Can Women of this Country trust a Man who ... deprives his wife of her right?” Congress’ general secretary Digvijaya Singh tweeted on Thursday.

Modi wrote “not known” in the affidavit as to further information on his wife, such as the details of her income and assets. In Gujarati, the formal term “ben” is often attached to the end of women’s names and “bhai” is used for men.

Jashoda Chiman Modi, now a retired schoolteacher, lives frugally on a monthly pension of 14,000 rupees, according to an interview she gave to the Indian Express newspaper in February. She said Modi left her after three years, during which they spent some three months together, and they parted amicably.

They even broke our camera. We are feeling apprehensive doing our work for the EC,” said one of the assaulted officials, Ajit Das. Though he was caught on camera, Hussain has denied his presence at the site. The EC has received a preliminary report about the incident from the district administration and two first information reports have been filed. “We have received a preliminary report regarding the assault on a model code of conduct violation monitoring team. We are awaiting the detailed report which will be sent to the Commission,” said Amit Roy Chaudhury, officer on special duty.

“Two FIR have been lodged at Manikchak police station regarding the assault on officials and unauthorised bikes,” he aid, adding security of officials is “under active consideration” of the commission.

The incident comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a rally, vowed to avenge the “insult” inflicted by the EC when it ordered the state government to transfer eight officials.

‘52 censorships in India in 2014’ neW delhi, aPril 10 (ianS): There have been 52 instances of censorship in India by the government, political parties and other groups in the first three months of 2014, a media watch website said in a report released Thursday. The quarterly report by The Hoot. org website said censorship in democratic India continues to be on the rise and was exercised on books, newspapers, films, posts on social network Facebook, telecasts, exhibiting of films and staging of plays.

“Actors as diverse as courts, student organisations, state governments, publishing houses, Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Central Board of Film Certification, a lawyers’ association, Hindu groups like the Shiv Sena, RSS and the Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti, the ministry of information and broadcasting, Tamil groups and individual industrialists moved to exercise various forms of censorship,” a statement said.

It said the “most newsworthy blackout” was by the Lok Sabha Secretariat of the final moments of voting in parliament in February to create a new state of Telangana. “In the first three months of this year, Hindu groups of different kinds triggered censorship of books, films, and performances in as many as 12 different incidents,” the release said.

A case that attracted the most attention was the decision of Penguin Books to withdraw American author Wendy Doniger’s controversial book “The Hindus”. “It was reported that Penguin Books India agreed to withdraw all published copies of this book and also decided to destroy all remaining copies they have.”

Friday

international

the Morung express

11 April 2014

Dimapur

9

Human trafficking is an open wound on society: Pope

Vatican city, april 10 (agencies): Meeting four victims of human trafficking, dozens of religious sisters and senior police chiefs from 20 countries, Pope Francis praised their coordinated efforts to fight against a “crime against humanity.”

“Human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ,” he said.

The Pope spoke at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences earlier today to participants in an international conference on combating human trafficking, which was organised by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster.

Human trafficking “is a crime against humanity” that requires continued global and local cooperation between the Catholic Church and law enforcement, Pope Francis said.

The twin strategies of police cracking down on the criminals behind trafficking and Church and social workers aiding victims “are quite important,” he said, and “can and must go together.”

Pope Francis called the Vatican meeting “a gesture of the Church and of people of good will who want to scream, ‘Enough!’”

The April 9-10 gathering of 120 people representing national and international police agencies, women and men religious and humanitarian workers aiding victims was the second in-

In this photo released by Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano Pope Francis arrives at a conference about the human trafficking, at the Vatican, Thursday, April 10, 2014. Pope Francis has denounced human trafficking as a crime against humanity after meeting with four women who were forced into prostitution. Francis attended a Vatican conference Thursday of church workers, charity representatives and police chiefs from 20 nations, who pledged greater cooperation to encourage victims of trafficking and slavery to come forward. (AP Photo/

ternational conference on trafficking hosted by the UK bishops at the Vatican.

Three of the four victims attending the conference also spoke to the assembly about how they fell into in the snares of criminal gangs and escaped from their ruthless traffickers.

A woman from Hungary told attendees how her own sister had sold her into slavery. She was separated from her two-yearold daughter and was even “traded for a car” by her traffickers.

She was abused, beaten and bullied by the family housing her, including the family’s three-year-old boy, she said. She was forced to prostitute herself “24 hours a day,” seven days a week for three years.

The conference focused on showcasing a joint initiative between police and the Church that began in London three years ago; it’s a model the British bishops hope will be copied and adopted around the world.

Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland of Scot-

land Yard’s trafficking and organised crime unit explained in his talk on Wednesday how, when the police conduct raids on suspected brothels and potential crime scenes, they have group of nuns speak with the women found inside because the women often don’t want to talk to the police, but they do open up to the sisters.

The sisters pass on to police additional testimony they receive from the women while they are living under the sisters’ care.

Disclosures of rape and other crimes “led to immediate arrests” and the identification of perpetrators as well as brought down a major trafficking ring, he said.

Sacred Heart Sister Florence Nwaonuma of Nigeria told the conference today that because the world’s religious sisters are on the ground with the people they know “exactly what is happening” when it comes to victims, clients and traffickers.

“But we need the empowerment to challenge

these unjust structures that are pushing our women out of Nigeria,” and they need more vocations to religious life “so we can continue our work,” she said.

Another Sacred Heart sister from Nigeria, identified as Sister Antonia, asked participants to think of ways the Church can help the men seeking prostitutes. “Most clients are Catholics and family men, even teenagers,” she said.

She called for approaches that would help men see “that they are using these girls and that they are not objects.”

She and other religious said as long as nothing is done to amend the poverty and injustice that is rendering people more vulnerable to traffickers, the supply of people for sale will never end.

At the end of the meeting, “The Santa Marta Group,” an international group of senior law enforcement chiefs, was formally established.

The group — named after the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence where the conference participants stayed and where the Pope lives — will be led by Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

More than 20 police chiefs signed the new group’s declaration of commitment today and pledged to meet again in London in November to share expertise, training and “practical things we can do” to fight human trafficking.

Hogan-Howe challenged the police chiefs, saying “the test” of the new initiative’s success will be seeing if “we all (will) be there in London if the Holy Father is not there,” a comment met with laughter from the people in the conference hall.

Ronald Noble, secretary-general of Interpol, said modern-day slavery is a huge business. The United Nations estimates 2.4 million people are trafficked at any given time and generate $32 billion in annual profits for criminals.

But he said, it’s the real human being, “a name, a face, a voice crying for help,” that should move people into action, not the statistics.

“Police and spiritual leaders have different roles, but walk the same streets” and need to work together, he said.

Cardinal Nichols said, “Only one percent of people in slavery are identified and rescued.” Even while one life is saved, there are still millions of women, men and children in the grips of traffickers, he said.

“We need legislation, concrete action and robust funding” to do more, he added. Hogan-Howe said more also needs to be done to encourage victims to not be afraid or embarrassed to come forward and denounce their oppressors to the police.

Auxiliary Bishop Patrick Lynch of Southwark, England, urged the world’s bishops “to have the confidence to approach the local

chief of police” and urged local police chiefs “to have the confidence to contact the bishop” and find ways to work together.

Earlier this week, Cardinal Nichols and Home Secretary Theresa May, who also attended the conference, wrote a join article in the Daily Telegraph in which they warned that British companies must ensure that their suppliers were not in anyway connected to trafficking or exploitation.

They wrote that “modern slavery” can take many forms, from being “trafficked for cheap labour, into prostitution, domestic servitude or forced into a life of crime”.

Of those enslaved in Britain, they wrote, “some wish to return to their home countries, others were trafficked with the collusion of their own families and want to stay in Britain. But what they all tend to have in common is that they are socially and economically vulnerable, on the margins of society. Organised criminal gangs deliberately prey on and exploit people they perceive to have no voice.

That is why we must all become their voice and speak loudly for them.”

Last week, Pope Francis and US President Barack Obama agreed to work together to tackle human trafficking and the Vatican said this week’s conference was a “practical step in fulfilling this aim”. The Pope has previously described human trafficking as a “scourge” of the 21st century.

Heartbleed bug causes major security headache Knife-wielding student wounds 22 in school san FranciscO, april 10 (ap): A confounding computer bug called “Heartbleed” is causing major security headaches across the Internet as websites scramble to fix the problem and Web surfers wonder whether they should change their passwords to prevent theft of their email accounts, credit card numbers and other sensitive information.

The breakdown revealed this week affects a widely used encryption technology that is supposed to protect online accounts for a variety of online communications and electronic commerce.

Security researchers who uncovered the threat are particularly worried about the lapse because it went undetected for more than two years. They fear the possibility that computer hackers may have been secretly exploiting the problem before its discovery. It’s also possible that no one took advantage of the flaw before its existence was announced late Monday.

Although there is now a way to close the security hole, there are still plenty of reasons to be concerned, said David Chartier, CEO of Codenomicon. A small team from the Finnish security firm diagnosed Heartbleed while working independently from another Google Inc. researcher who also discovered the threat.

“I don’t think anyone that had

been using this technology is in a position to definitively say they weren’t compromised,” Chartier said.

Canada’s tax agency isn’t taking any chances. Citing the security risks posed by Heartbleed, the Canada Revenue Agency shut off public access to its website “to safeguard the integrity of the information we hold,” according to a notice posted on its website Wednesday.

The agency said it hopes to re-open its website this weekend. The lockdown comes just three weeks from Canada’s April 30 deadline for filing 2013 tax returns.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service said in a statement Wednesday that it’s not affected by the security hole.

TurboTax, the most popular U.S. tax preparation software, also issued a Wednesday statement reassuring people that its website is now protected against Heartbleed.

Computer security experts are still advising people to consider changing all their online passwords.

Google is so confident that it inoculated itself against the Heartbleed bug before any damage could be done that the Mountain View, California, company is telling its users they don’t have to change the passwords they use to access Gmail, YouTube and other product accounts. More than 425

million Gmail accounts alone have been set up worldwide.

Facebook, which has more than 1.2 billion accountholders, also believes its online social network has purged the Heartbleed threat. But the Menlo Park, California, company encouraged “people to take this opportunity to follow good practices and set up a unique password for your Facebook account that you don’t use on other sites.”

Online short messaging service Twitter Inc. and e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. say their websites weren’t exposed to Heartbleed. Ebay Inc., which runs the PayPal payment service as well as online shopping bazaars, says most of its services avoided the bug.

Changing passwords on other online services potentially affected by Heartbleed won’t do much good, security experts said, until the problem is patched. The trouble-shooting software was released Monday.

So far, very few websites have acknowledged being afflicted by Heartbleed, although the bug is believed to be widespread.

“This is going to be difficult for the average guy in the streets to understand, because it’s hard to know who has done what and what is safe,” Chartier said.

pennsylVania, april 10 (reUters): A 16-yearold student wielding two knives went on a stabbing rampage in the hallways of a Pittsburgh-area high school on Wednesday, wounding 22 people before he was tackled by an assistant principal, officials said.

The attacker moved furtively through the halls of Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, stabbing his victims in the torso and slashing their arms and faces, students and officials said. Some of the injured taken to nearby hospitals were listed in critical condition.

Alex Hribal, a 16-year-old sophomore, was taken into custody, said Captain Rob Liermann of the Murrysville Police Department.

Charged as an adult, Hribal faces four counts of attempted homicide and 21 counts of aggravated assault, Liermann said, and was ordered to face a preliminary hearing in seven to 10 days.

Students described a scene of panic, with the school hastily evacuated after a fire alarm was pulled.

“He did it so stealthily that at first no one knew what was happening,” freshman

Parents and students embrace along School Road near Franklin Regional High School after more than a dozen students were stabbed by a knife wielding suspect at the school on Wednesday, April 9, in Murrysville, Pa., near Pittsburgh. (AP Photo)

Josh Frank said. “We heard a girl scream bloody murder. Then two seniors were running down the hall and we followed them out of the school.”

The attacker, described by a classmate as a quiet boy who kept to himself, began the stabbings at around 7:13 a.m. EDT (1113 GMT), walking along the hallways to several classrooms at the school in Murrysville, 20 miles (32 km) east of Pittsburgh, officials said.

Assistant Principal Sam King tackled the boy, who

was armed with two straight knives about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) long, and an armed security officer handcuffed him with help from King, said Murrysville Police Chief Thomas Seefeld.

Twenty-one students and a security officer were stabbed in the incident, said Dan Stevens, a spokesman for Westmoreland County emergency management.

Two other students suffered minor injuries trying to get out of the school, Stevens added. He said the teenage suspect was not counted

among the wounded.

The suspect was also being treated for injuries to his hands, Seefeld said. By late afternoon, he said, one or two of the victims were “still pretty critical.”

Among those praised for heroics during the incident was Nate Scimio, the student who pulled the fire alarm and helped shield classmates, witnesses said.

“There’s not enough words to describe how much of a hero he is,” classmate Trinity McCool posted on Facebook.

Afghanistan begins inquiry into attack on AP journalists

In this Saturday, April 5, 2014 photo, roses lay in front of a picture of the Associated Press photographer Anja Niedringhaus, 48, who was killed April 4, 2014 in Afghanistan, in Paris. (AP Photo)

KaBUl, april 10 (ap): Afghan central government authorities on Wednesday began questioning the police commander who killed an Associated Press photographer and wounded an AP reporter, a day after he was transferred by he-

licopter to the capital — a rare case in which an Afghan officer or soldier who shot a foreigner was captured alive.

Local security officials who spoke with the suspect after he was first detained said he seemed a calm, pious man who

may have come under the influence of Islamic extremists calling for vengeance against foreigners over drone strikes.

Witness and official accounts so far have suggested the shooting was not planned.

But the Afghan Interior Ministry, which is overseeing the investigation, told the AP it won’t speculate about a motive so early in its probe into the attack, which killed AP photographer Anja Niedringhaus and seriously wounded senior correspondent Kathy Gannon.

The suspect, identified as a unit commander named Naqibullah, surrendered immediately after the attack Friday in front of dozens of security forces and election workers on a heavily guarded government compound in eastern Afghanistan. The shooting was the first known case of a security insider attacking journalists in Afghanistan, part of a surge in violence targeting foreigners.

Niedringhaus and Gannon were traveling in their own car with an AP freelancer and a translator in a convoy of work-

ers transporting election materials from Khost, the capital of the province of the same name on the border with Pakistan, to the outlying district of Tani.

The convoy went first to the district government’s headquarters. The two foreign correspondents spoke to and photographed Afghan policemen and soldiers in the area, witnesses said, but it started to rain and they were worried about their equipment so they got back into the backseat of their car to wait for the convoy to move to deliver ballots to a nearby village.

The shooter, who was wearing his police uniform, approached the car and stuck the barrel of the AK-47 in the backseat window, shouted “God is great!” and started firing, according to the witnesses and officials.

“The good thing is that he is alive in this case because usually in these kinds of incidents the shooter either is killed or he escapes from the scene,” Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said Wednesday in an interview, referring to attacks

by Afghan police or soldiers on foreigners. “But this time our police acted professionally and he was immediately arrested.”

Gul Zahir, the Tani district police chief, said he was one of the first people to see Naqibullah, who was tackled by security forces after the shooting.

“I took custody of him. I asked him, ‘Why did you do this thing?’” he said in a telephone interview with AP. “Naqibullah said, ‘I don’t know.’”

Gul Mohammad, the counterterrorism director in Khost who participated in the initial questioning, said Naqibullah at first claimed the attack was in revenge for a Jan. 15 airstrike in the Ghorband district of Parwan province, a bombing which prompted a wave of anger against foreigners.

The Afghans claimed 12 civilians and four Taliban fighters were killed in the airstrike. The U.S.-led coalition said the Afghan government had requested the operation ahead of the country’s April 5 presidential elections because the area had fallen under Taliban control.

But the Interior Ministry said Naqibullah was from an area in Parwan that was not connected in any way with the airstrike.

“There was no record of any drone strike in the whole area where he lived, where his family is living,” Sediqqi said. “The initial statement does not really indicate anything so far. We do not have still any clarity on the motives.”

The Khost counterterrorism director said Naqibullah also claimed he was inspired by a lawmaker and a cleric who encouraged holy war against Americans and other foreigners. “He said, ‘Thank God I didn’t kill any Muslims.’”

Sediqqi, the Interior Ministry spokesman, said he had seen reports from local authorities describing Naqibullah as a calm person who prayed five times a day, had been stationed in Khost for a year and a half, had no criminal background and was not known to use drugs.

“His (previous) behavior was quite normal,” Sediqqi said.

Zahir, the district police chief, agreed, though he noted that Naqibullah prayed five times a day as is Muslim tradition and constantly read the Quran, Islam’s holy book.

He said Naqibullah had asked for his own room on the base so he could have privacy to read but that there was not enough space so he had to share with a roommate. He said the suspect, who is in his late 20s, was married three months ago and had no children.

“I knew this guy,” Zahir said.

“He didn’t cause headaches, wasn’t smoking hashish. ... He was a very religious person.”

Naqibullah was armed with only a pistol on Friday but demanded a subordinate give him an AK-47 automatic rifle, which he used to open fire on the journalists, according to regional officials. Past insider killings have raised concern about the infiltration of the Taliban and allied militants in the government security forces, although other motives have ranged from personal disputes to traumatic stress.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Friday 11 April 2014

The Morung Express

bayern beats manchester United 3-1 in cl

MUNICH, APRIL 10 (AP): Bayern Munich needed a bit of a wake-up call against a surprisingly resilient Manchester United team. Once it came, there was no stopping the defending champions from reaching a third straight Champions League semifinal. Bayern came back quickly after falling behind in its home stadium, equalizing within two minutes and then scoring two more goals to win 3-1 in the second leg of their quarterfinal Wednesday and go through 4-2 on aggregate.

"I think it was very important we scored straight after they did," Bayern winger Arjen Robben said.

"It was crucial today. It looked like a wake-up call because the first 10 minutes of the second half were a disaster the way we played.

We were so slow, we were not there and you cannot do that in the Champions League - you will be punished. That's what they did, but it was a wake-up call and we scored three goals.

After Patrice Evra put United ahead with a superb volley in the 57th minute, Mario Mandzukic got the quick equalizer, Thomas Mueller made it 2-1 in the 68th and Robben secured the victory in the 76th.

"I had no time to tell my players anything or to think what we could do after we concededthatamazinggoal," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. "I am very proud of my team and of this club. ... They have a big heart and reacted very well. As title holders, we have a lot of pressure."

The loss means United

Rooney gamble backfiRed: moyes

Manchester United's goalkeeper David de Gea reacts after Bayern's Arjen Robben scored his sides 3rd goal during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, April 9. (AP Photo)

looks set to miss the Champions League next season for the first time since 199596. David Moyes' team is only seventh in the Premier League, with only the faintest of hopes of finishing in the top four. Its only realistic chance of qualifying for Europe's top competition was to win it this season, but

now the team's last chance for a trophy is also gone.

Bayern dominated the first half but failed to make much out of its possession advantage, and Evra gave United a surprising lead. Antonio Valencia's swinging cross sailed over everyone in the area but fell to Evra, who unleashed an unstoppable

shot into the upper corner.

But two minutes later, Bayern was back in the match. Franck Ribery crossed form the left and Mandzukic's diving header beat David de Gea. "We concentrated so fabulously but to give up that goal at that moment was very disappointing," Moyes said.

"I thought the players did a great job today. We made it difficult for them for long periods but at the end we just couldn't keep it." In the 62nd, Wayne Rooney fluffed a shot while having only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to beat and squandered a great opportunity. Rooney had not trained the whole

week because of a toe injury and took an injection to play.

Bayern punished the miss in the 68th, when Mueller knocked in a low cross from Robben. And in the 76th, Robben cut inside from the right and made it 3-1 with a low shot that clipped the foot of Nemanja Vidic and rolled into the net,

MUNICH, APRIL 10 (AGENCIES): David Moyes admits Wayne Rooney was rushed back into the Manchester United line-up for the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

The England striker, who sustained a toe injury last week, was passed fit to take his place in United's starting XI, but could not prevent the Red Devils from exiting the competition at the Allianz Arena.

Three second-half strikes from Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben cancelled out Patrice Evra’s spectacular opener, and the United manager suggested afterwards that he felt forced into fielding his star player.

"I felt at times tonight he was having a struggle striking the ball but he's such a vital player for us," Moyes told reporters. "I never thought we were out of the game, I always thought we were in with a chance.

"When it was 2-1 we needed to score one more to get us to 2-2, but obviously that didn't go for us. I thought it was a bit of bad luck in that third goal.”

Manchester United were ahead for just 73 seconds before Bayern’s equaliser, and despite the Scot being pleased with the overall performance of his players, he bemoaned his side’s lack of focus from the re-start.

“If you lose a goal right after you score it makes the job really difficult. If you're a schoolboy you get told once you score make sure you don't conceded right away and we conceded too quickly," he said.

"I don't know if it was a bit of concentration after we got the goal but we had enough experience on the pitch tonight.” United have been in each of the last 18 seasons of the Champions League, but this run would now appear at an end, with the side seven points adrift of fourth in the Premier League with five games remaining. with de Gea on the wrong foot. "I knew it would be difficult, it is not easy to play against eight players in the box. We tried to create passes and to go to wings but they defended well against crosses," Guardiola said.

Bayern had failed to win its last four matches at home against English opposition

but once it stepped up the pressure and the pace there was little doubt about the outcome. United remained winless in the Bavarian capital in five outings. "I think it's great how we came back despite this little setback," Mueller said. "If we look at both matches, I think we deserved to come through."

Williams sisters will not face France in Fed Cup NBA: Stronger Thunder

CHARLEStON, APRIL 10 (AP): Top-ranked Serena Williams is too wiped out to play in the Fed Cup against France on April 1920, U.S. captain Mary Joe Fernandez said Wednesday. "She is mentally and physically exhausted and needs a break, so bad timing for us, unfortunately," Fernandez said in a telephone interview. "But that happens sometimes. She's been going hard the past couple of years and needs to get refreshed."

Neither of the Williams sisters was on the roster

submitted Wednesday by Fernandez for the upcoming World Group playoff, to be played on an indoor hard court at Saint Louis University.

"Serena and Venus both wanted to play," Fernandez said, "and I was looking forward to having them."

She called the 32ndranked Venus' absence the result of "an innocent mistake": According to Fernandez, Venus signed up for the hard-court tournament being played April 14-20 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, not realizing that

14th nagaland state premier DIMAPUR, APRIL 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Chess Association is all set to conduct its 14th Nagaland state premier 2014 from April 14 to 17. A press note informed that Thejao Vihienue, State Mission Director for Rashtriya Madhyamilk Abhiyan nagaland kohima will attend the occasion as chief guest on April 14 at Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima. The NCA has requested all chess lovers to witness the chess championship. Lhokiye Yeputhomi will be the Chief Arbiter and Pele Khiezhe, the Arbiter for the said event.

was the same week as the Fed Cup matches. Without being able to rely on the sisters — who both have been ranked No. 1 and have a total of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, 17 by Serena — Fernandez picked a young roster that includes 18thranked Sloane Stephens, No. 42 Madison Keys, No. 49 Varvara Lepchenko and No. 57 Christina McHale.

"My team is gaining experience," Fernandez said.

"I'm not sure who will play singles or doubles. We'll see how the practice week goes, and we'll go from there." Af-

ter losing at a tournament at Charleston, South Carolina, on April 1, Serena said: "I'm really just dead. I need some weeks off where I don't think about tennis and kind of regroup."

Fernandez said she spoke to Serena recently about pulling out of Fed Cup. "Unfortunately, I guess Serena hit the wall after Charleston," Fernandez said. "It's difficult for them because the priorities are the big tournaments.

Hopefully we can get a (Fed Cup matchup) that's convenient (for) timing and

opens gap on Clippers

argentina faces Tevez dilemma ahead of Wc

i knew i'll be back in india: gary kirsten NEW DELHI, APRIL 10 (tNN): Gary Kirsten is back on Indian soil. On his last day of official duty as India coach back in April 2011, Kirsten had witnessed unprecedented scenes at the Wankhede when MS Dhoni lifted the World Cup. On Wednesday, the South African began a new relationship with India, this time as coach of Delhi Daredevils. Kirsten got down to business immediately after getting into town as the Daredevils conducted their first practice ahead of their UAE sojourn.

So is life as an IPL coach different for Kirsten?

"There are many different things to being an IPL coach. I believe there is lot more intensity to it. But then it's just my first day. I am finding my way into it," Kirsten told the media after a training session at Palam grounds here on Wednesday. The former South Africa opener had a memorable journey with Team India and says he was itching to return to the country. "IPL is a very important tournament for everyone involved, not just Indian players. I always felt that I was going to come back to the country and it was just a matter of time. I love watching T20 and it's good to be back here in this new role," the 46-year-old from Cape Town said.

After working with the likes of Dhoni and Graeme Smith in his previous assignments, Kirsten has a new companion in Kevin Pietersen. The former England captain was believed to be a disruptive element by his own country but Kirsten sees no such issues. "KP has been an outstanding player for the Daredevils and a great contributor for the team. The team management and owners have a lot of belief in him. I see no reason why he can't turn out to be a terrific leader," he said. It was not a strenuous first practice session and focus was on bonding and fielding drills as Kiwi players Ross Taylor and Jimmy Neesham joined the side this morning.

Kirsten is not perturbed that he has to build the Daredevils up from scratch this season. "This was auction year and we made a conscious decision not to retain any players. We have decided to start from scratch - whether it was a smart decision only time will tell," Kirsten felt. One of the concerns for Daredevils could be dearth of options in the spin department.

geographically," she added. French captain Amelie Mauresmo's players are No. 22 Alize Cornet, No. 74 Caroline Garcia, No. 76 Virginie Razzano and No. 87 Kristina Mladenovic.

The winning nation will enter the World Group in 2015 and compete for the Fed Cup title. The loser will drop down to World Group II. The United States has won the Fed Cup 17 times, but not since 2000. France won it in 1997 and 2003. "It's going to be tight," Fernandez said. "It's going to depend on those big points."

BUENOS AIRES, APRIL 10 (AP): Argentina will be heading to the World Cup with the spotlight split between Lionel Messi and a player who's unlikely to make the cut.

Carlos Tevez is just as famous as Messi in Argentina and even more popular among many fans. Formerly at Manchester United and Manchester City, the hard-working striker now plays in Italy for Juventus and is the team's top scorer this season.

Still, the 30-year-old Tevez is unlikely to be called when Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella picks his squad for Brazil.

"Carlitos" hasn't played for Argentina since a disappointing Copa America on home turf in 2011, where

his missed penalty proved decisive as Argentina lost to Uruguay in a quarterfinal shootout.

Sabella, who took charge of the national team after that tournament, hasn't shown any interest in Tevez, despite a mounting chorus of fans who say the team needs his grit and fighting spirit to go all the way. "It's only Sabella's choice," Tevez said earlier this year. "I don't know if it's a political choice. I think it all depends on Sabella."

Having grown up in a poor, high-crime neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Tevez has the gritty character of a boxer who gets up before the count of 10.

That has given him more passionate support among Argentines compared with

the distant admiration that many feel for Messi, who moved to Barcelona as a teen. The problem is that for all his heart, Tevez faces tremendous competition. Besides Messi, Argentina has impressive attacking quality in Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

It doesn't help that Tevez has a history of getting into conflicts with coaches, including when he refused Roberto Mancini's orders to enter as a substitute in a Champions League match with Manchester City in 2011.

"I've got confidence in the strikers that I have. They are all stars at the highest level," Sabella said after Argentina's 0-0 draw in a March 5 friendly against Romania, appearing to close the door on Tevez.

With or without him, Argentina is one of the big favorites to win the World Cup, along with host Brazil, defending champion Spain and Germany.

If there's one player the team can't do without, however, it's Messi. A series of injuries last year raised some concerns about his fitness, but he's back in familiar goal-scoring form for Barcelona this year.

Despite Messi's wealth of club titles and individual accolades, some say he needs to win the World Cup with Argentina to cement his place among alltime greats such as Diego Maradona and Pele.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook drives past Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Paul, rear, and Blake Griffin, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 9. (AP Photo)

LOS ANGELES, APRIL 10 (AP): A strengthened Oklahoma City beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107101 in Wednesday's clash of NBA divisional leaders, with Russell Westbrook scoring 30 points in his return to the lineup. The Thunder opened a 2-1/2 game lead on its Western Conference rival on a day of playoff-shaping results.

Faltering Miami lost again, beaten by a Memphis team that kept up its postseason push, Denver hung on to beat playoffbound Houston, and Chicago improved its chances of taking the third seed in the East by beating Minnesota. Oklahoma City also got 27 points from Kevin Durant, who had their starting five together for just the second time since Christmas Day. Westbrook had sat out two of the previous three games and has missed 34 games this season with a variety of injuries. Blake Griffin had 30 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, who could have claimed the tiebreaker over the Thunder if they had won. Instead, the teams split their season series 2-2.

Memphis kept up in the playoff race by winning

107-102 at home against Miami.

Zach Randolph had 25 points and 11 rebounds while Marc Gasol added 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who stayed one game off the final playoff spot in the West.

LeBron James led the Heat with 37 points, connecting on 14 of 23 shots, including 3 of 5 from beyond the arc, but the defeat dropped Miami into second in the East, behind Indiana. Denver's Randy Foye scored 24 of his 30 points in the second half to allow the Nuggets to hang on and beat Houston 123116. Kenneth Faried had 23 points. Jeremy Lin led eight Houston players in double figures with 18 points.

Chicago stayed level with Toronto for third place in the East after winning 102-87 at Minnesota.

D.J. Augustin scored 21 points and Joakim Noah posted his league-leading fourth triple-double of the season, with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Kevin Love had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves. But he only made 7 of 20 shots and missed six of his eight 3-point attempts.

Chicago was 11 for 21

from 3-point range while Minnesota was just 4 for 17.

Charlotte won its fifthstraight game and moved into sixth in the East with a 94-88 overtime win at Washington.

Kemba Walker made the only field goal for either team in overtime and finished with 17 points and 12 assists, while Al Jefferson had 20 points and 18 rebounds for the Bobcats, who are on their longest winning streak since 200910; the only other season they made the playoffs.

Washington was 0 for 8 from the field in overtime, scoring just one point from a free throw.

Phoenix remained a game ahead of Memphis for the last playoff spot in the West by winning 94-88 at New Orleans.

Gerald Green scored 21 points and Goran Dragic had 20 points and nine assists for the Suns, who have won three straight.

Rookie center Jeff Withey had a career-high 17 points for the Pelicans, who have lost six in a row.

Por tland's D orell Wright hit a 3-pointer with 7.9 seconds left to give the Trail Blazers a 100-99 win over late-charging Sacramento.

Harper Beckham

C M Y K

named most stylish celebrity kid

Friday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

11 April 2014

Dimapur

11

features

C M Y K

The first HipHop/Rap crew from Northeast (India) to be on ‘Vh1 Hit Factory’

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ormer soccer star David Beckham and fashion designer Victoria Beckham `s two-year-old daughter Harper has been named the most stylish celebrity kid by a popular footwear company. According to a survey, Harper bagged the top spot. The company had surveyed mothers to vote for the most stylish celebrity kid.

Harper`s 15-year old brother, Brooklyn was on the second spot, while their 11-year-old brother Romeo came third. Her third brother Cruz landed on sixth place. Last year Harper had sat on the front row at her mother`s show at the New York Fashion Week.

Johnny Depp to reform rock band

moment of pride as the Hiphop/Rap crew, 'Still Rhyming', whose first official music video titled, 'Give Peace A Chance', already aired on Vhl last year, is now on MTV India. Their music video will be aired on MTV Roots Section- a 30 minute weekly music block that showcases music by bands and artists. You can watch their music video today at 9.00 pm.

Still Rhyming are the first Hiphop/Rap Crew from Northeast India to be on Vhl Hit Factory'. They have released their first official music video titled 'Give Peace A Chance' on 4th August, 2012, via YouTube and the music video has not only won the hearts of people, but the 'Best Music Video' Award and 'Best Direction' Award at the Annual Music Awards of Nagaland at the same year and it also got nominated for the International Song for Peace Competition, 2013.

Still Rhyming was formed on 5th of September, 2011 with two rappers `Rhymez Disguised' and 'Doak 17' hailing from Dimapur, Nagaland. The duos writes their own lyrics, and

composes them with their own ideas. The rappers are at their early 20's which also implies that they are also the youngest Rappers/ Hiphop Artists in India to be both on Vhl and MTV. No sponsors yet, but they have managed since 2011, and is still managing to get through the passage of music independently.

This is just the start as the crew have decided to walk a longway till they reaches the top crossing boundaries. They have also released a demo/mixtape

album, 'Shooting Star' in the month of November 2011. They have innumerable number of unrecorded songs under their belts, which is composed and written by themselves.

They also like and have experimented their music with genres like, Punk rock, urban pop, etc.

Recently, they have been featured by 'EMERGING INDIE BANDS', a website run, managed and owned by Tim Whale from London, UK. They have also been interviewed by

'NE INDIE ROOTS' online Radio Channel radioHEX. com on their show, "ARTIST CONNECT".

At present, the duo rappers are working with a very talented guy named, Imliakum Aier aka 'Shadow Beat Master', as their official beat maker and a producer for their upcoming debut Album titled 'INSTALLATION COMPLETE'. He has worked under the ROADRUNNER RECORDS, an American Record Label, done his majors in music, also a

composer and a writer too.

Recently, Still Rhyming has released their official song titled 'Wake Up! (Before it's too late)' which is from their upcoming debut Album, 'INSTALLATION COMPLETE'. Till now, they have released only two official songs namely, "Give Peace A Chance' and 'Wake Up! (Before it's too late)', both defines the problems faced by Nagas and other people of the world and with a solution to how to eradicate those problems.

The crew is planning for a musical tour in parts of India soon but they haven't decided as their debut Album is under process. Still Rhyming has also performed at various venues like the Northeast Agri Expo, Miss Dimapur (2012), Hornbill Kids Carnival, Hornbill Bamboo Carnival, Pre-Christmas Open Air Concert, Jumping Bean Café, Music Awards of Nagaland and many other different gigs and parties.

One may get in touch with them by logging onto their facebook page facebook.com/StillRhyming or simply mail them at their Email ID: boyrhyming@ gmail.com for more details.

Mickey Rooney's wife, estate tussle over actor's remains

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he estranged wife of actor Mickey Rooney and his estate are locked in a legal tussle over the remains of the late Hollywood movie star, who left an estate of only $18,000, according to court documents.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James

C M Y K

J

ohnny Depp is reportedly planning to reform his old rock band The Kids, after being encouraged by his new fiancé Amber Heard.

The 50-year-old star is reportedly planning on putting his acting career on hold so that he can get back together with his former band The Kids, who he split from 30 years ago. A source told The Sun newspaper ''It's something he's wanted to do for a while. ''He's a frustrated rocker and for all the success he's had as an actor, he still wishes he could make it in the music world.''

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor is said to

have been encouraged by his new fiancée Amber Heard, who he met on the set of 2011 film 'The Rum Diary', to reclaim his position as lead guitarist in the rock band. The source said ''This will be his chance to live out his fantasies and see what might have been.

But he's nervous the music critics might give him a hard time.

The Kids decided to part ways in 1984 after moving from Florida to Los Angeles when Johnny landed a role in 'A Nightmare On Elm Street'. The source added ''They've played the odd gig since but it's 30 years since they officially called it a day.

''Johnny thinks it's the perfect opportunity for them to go on tour and maybe even record an album. The band changed their name to Six Gun Method before they split so it will probably be under that name.''

The 'Lone Ranger' star has previously shared his musical talents with other artists, teaming up with Marilyn Manson in 2012 for a cover of Carly Simon's 'Your So Vain'. He also worked with Babybird and played guitar on Fade In-Out' from Oasis' 1997 album 'Be Here Now'. In 2011, the actor joined Alice Cooper on stage at London's 100 club.

remains will be released from an area mortuary to his wife, Janice Rooney, or to his conservator.

The versatile character actor, who was one of Hollywood's biggest stars in the 1930s, died at age 93 on Sunday from natural causes. He disinherited his wife and all his children in

Mark Rooney, who with his wife served as Rooney's caregiver.

Rooney's conservator, Michael Augustine, was granted a court order on Tuesday stopping Janice Rooney from removing the actor's remains from a mortuary in Glendale, California.

Augustine said Rooney

ever cemetery, where many Hollywood actors are buried, or at a cemetery for U.S. veterans. Rooney served in the military as an entertainer during World War Two. He also has a burial plot in Westlake Village, California.

"We think we'll be able to cut a deal, a deal being between me and her," Augustine said.

An attorney for Janice Rooney was not immediately available to comment.

Rooney wed eight times, including a marriage to actress Ava Gardner. In 2011 he testified before a U.S. Senate committee that he had been emotionally and financially abused by family members, sapping much of his savings.

Rooney and his last wife did not live together after 2012. She will receive his Social Security and some of his pension benefits, which will total about $8,400 a month, Augustine said.

Rooney earns about $20,000 to $25,000 per year Actor Mickey Rooney and his wife Jan arrive at the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild on residuals from his later Awards in Los Angeles January 27, 2008. film work, Augustine said.

Steele will decide at a hearing a will dated March 11, leav- wanted to be buried at Los The actor was one of on Friday whether Rooney's ing his estate to stepson Angeles' Hollywood For- the last living links to Hol-

lywood's silent era, and did not earn residuals from early classics like 1944's "National Velvet."

"He gets more money from the 'Care Bears' than he does from that," Augustine said, referring to the 1985 animated film in which Rooney voiced the character of Mr. Cherrywood.

In 2011, Rooney sued stepson Christopher Aber and his wife, alleging elder abuse and mismanagement of his funds. Augustine said the couple agreed to a settlement worth millions with Rooney, but the actor's estate has been unable to collect because of Aber's financial troubles.

Rooney is survived by eight children and two stepsons. His son Timothy Rooney died in 2006.

Augustine said Rooney's funeral is expected to be small and attended by family with a larger public tribute planned later.

Rooney starred in the "Andy Hardy" movies as a teen during the Great Depression and acted alongside Judy Garland and later Elizabeth Taylor.

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Animation films hit by budget roadblocks in India: Sonakshi Amanda Bynes not schizophrenic, says lawyer

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ctress Sonakshi Sinha feels that animation films are yet to take off in India primarily due to budget constraints. I think animation films abroad have taken off on good way since 12-15 years or so. May be here nobody has taken that seriously or not got into it seriously. We have the potential to make good animation films, Sonakshi, 26, said. But I think we are lacking in terms of budget. We don't have budget to make films on that level yet, she added.

Sonakshi and Imran Khan have lent their voices to the main characters for the dubbed Hindi version of 'Rio 2', which is the sequel to 2011's hit animation film. While Sonakshi has dubbed for the character of Jewel, Imran has lent his voice for Blu. When popular actors come on board for animation films, Sonakshi thinks it gives a boost to such movies.

It (presence of actors) attracts eyeballs it helps in

film has become so good that is not only meant for kids but for adults as well.

'Rio' part one was successful and when they called me to be part of the second installment I agreed immediately, Sonakshi said.

They gave me freedom to do whatever I choose to.

They approached us so that we could bring our personalities to the characters as well. It was fun dubbing for the character, she said. 'Rio 2' is releasing on April 11 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telegu. getting attention if popular actors are associated with the film, she said.

'Rio 2' is an adventure comedy set in the Brazilian city of Rio De Janeiro. The movie will feature the return of Blu, Jewel and their three kids who leave their domesticated life for a journey to Amazon rain forest.

I like watching animation films since childhood and even watch it now.

The quality of animation

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ormer American actress Amanda B y n e s' s l aw y e r Tamar Arminak has rubbished rumours that she was ever diagnosed with schizophrenia. Bynes decides to leave the spotlight after she was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment for her erratic behaviour last year, reports

contactmusic.com.

There has been much speculation about Amanda's medical condition. She asked me to dispel certain rumours. For the record, Amanda does not have schizophrenia, nor has she ever been diagnosed with it, said Arminak.

Maintaining that the actress never had a his-

tory of alcohol abuse or hard drugs, Arminak added She's currently on zero medication, and is devoted to living her life as healthy as possible.

She continues to undergo outpatient therapy several times a week. She's still working through the causes of her past bizarre behaviour, said a source.

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Atletico beats Barcelona to reach CL semis

MADRID, APRIL 10 (AP): Atletico Madrid finally got the better of Spanish rival Barcelona on Wednesday as Koke's early goal guided his team to a 1-0 win and into the Champions League semifinals with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Adrian Lopez filled in for injured striker Diego Costa and created the fifth-minute goal after hitting the post, as the Atletico forward headed an ensuing cross on to Koke to fire home.

The boisterous atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon Stadium unsettled Barcelona early on, and Atletico striker David Villa hit the woodwork twice within the opening 20 minutes. Barcelona dug in but produced few tangible scoring chances apart from a pair of first-half misses by Lionel Messi.

Atletico, which leads Barcelona by one point in the league, reached the last four of Europe's top competition for the first time since 1974.

The teams had played four previous games this season which all ended in draws, but Atletico's breakthrough kept Barcelona from the semifinals for the first time in seven seasons.

"We just have to keep working hard and stay calm because we still haven't won anything," said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, whose team will face either crosstown rival Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Bayern Munich in a two-legged semifinal. Bayern beat Manchester United 3-1 on Wednesday to eliminate the English champions 4-2

Barcelona's Lionel Messi kicks the ball in front of Atletico players during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 9. (AP Photo)

overall. Adrian replaced Costa after Atletico's star striker failed to recover from a hamstring injury and the little-used forward immediately made a mark by rocketing a shot off the near post just before the

opening goal. Adrian eventually headed the ball back across the area for Koke to score from close range to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Atletico, feeding off the roar of its home supporters,

had Barcelona consistently on the back foot early on and Villa found the post in the 11th-minute.

Barcelona controlled possession but Atletico was dangerous on the counter as Villa fired on the run over

goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto but off the crossbar — the team's third touch of the woodwork.

Messi had Barcelona's lone scoring chances of the first half as he headed Dani Alves' cross past the near

post in the 13th before firing wide past the opposite post near the break after Neymar's quick footwork created the chance inside the area. Barcelona took control from the restart as Atletico hung back, with

goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois doing well to poke the ball away at Messi's feet as he darted through the area and then recover in time to ensure the ball was deflected over goal in the ensuing scramble.

"There was a big difference between one team and another early on. We couldn't string together four or five passes like we needed to," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. "If we had managed to equalize we might have been able to play the game we wanted."

Adrian was taken off to a rousing ovation in the 61st and replaced by Diego Ribas, who scored Atletico's goal in the 1-1 draw in the first leg. Minutes later, Pinto was diving to save from the Brazilian on a counterattack before Atletico's penalty appeals were waved off when Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano tripped up Villa inside the area.

Villa and Gabi Fernandez led another counter in the 70th, only for Pinto to kick out Gabi's weak shot.

Barcelona failed to muster up anything more and Pinto had to make a late save on Villa to keep it close, but the Catalans could not break through the hosts tight defense.

"I thought we deserved the draw," Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez said, despite his team managing just five attempts on goal to Atletico's nine. "The game got away from us." After walking off the pitch to loud cheers, the Atletico players re-emerged again to celebrate a memorable victory with the nearly 50,000 fans.

"The five games (between Atletico and Barcelona this season) all turned out nearly the same way, there weren't any major differences except there was a clear winner this time," Martino said.

Wisden names Steyn world’s leading player Kerala football fans want Tendulkar to bid for Kochi in ISL

PRETORIA, APRIL 10 (AGENCIES): Dale Steyn joined an exclusive club in being named "Leading Cricketer in the World" for last year in the 2014 edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, published on Wednesday.

Jacques Kallis, who got the award in 2007, is the only other South African honoured in this way.

Steyn is the 11th winner of the award, inaugurated in the Almanack in 2004. The

first recipient was Australian Ricky Ponting. India’s Virender Sehwag is the only player to have won it twice, for his performances in 2008 and 2009.

Last year Steyn took 51 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 17.66 and claimed 27 wickets at 15.85 in 13 one-day internationals. "Most remarkable, perhaps, for a man of his pace, was his meanness: an economy rate of 3.65 was comfortably the lowest among bowlers to have sent down 100 one-day international overs in 2013," Wisden editor Lawrence Booth wrote.

"Fast, penetrative and parsimonious — it was some combination.

"He shows no signs of slowing down or losing his enthusiasm. ‘I enjoy taking wickets more than most people can understand,’ he says. ‘I’m addicted to that feeling. I live in the moment, but I hope there are many more years of it to come.’"

Steyn was a Wisden "Cricketer of the Year" in the 2013 edition. This year the players recognised in this way are England captain Charlotte Edwards — only the second woman on a list started in 1889 — Shikhar Dhawan of India, Australians Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers, and England’s Joe Root.

A focus of the 151st Wisden is the hostile takeover of the international game by the "big three" — India, England and Australia. "Divide and rule at the ICC (International Cricket Council): The great carveup of world cricket," is the headline on an essay by Australian cricket writer Gideon Haigh.

NEW DELHI, APRIL 10 (PTI): Sachin Tendulkar has mesmerised millions of cricket fans during his 24-year-long illustrious international career and the Indian batting legend has now become the source of hope for some young sports enthusiasts, this time from football, in Kerala.

A group of 16 young football fans, under the banner of World Malayalee Football Fans Association, has begun a social media campaign in favour of Tendulkar bidding for Kochi franchise in the Indian Super League football tournament, scheduled to be held in September-October.

Reports have been do-

ing the rounds that Tendulkar may bid for the Kochi team, one of the likely franchises of the much-anticipated ISL, an IPL-style football league to be organised by IMG-Reliance.

Rijni John, a telecommunication professional from a town near Kasaragod and the brain behind the campaign, said Tendulkar could be the godsend for the revival of football in Kerala if he happens to buy a Kochi-based team in the ISL. "We have been praying that the God of cricket himself gets involved in the ISL. We read news reports that Tendulkar may bid for Kochi franchise in ISL (along with

PVP Ventures). We don't know the exact position but we are hoping that he actually buys the franchise.

That will be the godsend for the revival of football in Kerala," John told PTI over phone from Kerala.

The deadline for buying "invitation to bid" tenders had expired on March 27 and bid winners for the eight-franchise tournament are likely to be announced in a few days.

The facebook page 'Sachin Irro - Sachin For Kerala Campaign' says the initiative is 'an online pro-

motion to show support for Sachin Tendulkar's bid for Kerala team in the upcoming Indian Super League'.

"I started the facebook page on April 3 to drum up support among football fans for Tendulkar's bid for Kochi franchise in ISL. Since then around 600 football fans and corporate groups have joined our group," said the 30-yearold John, a B Tech degree holder.

John said if Tendulkar gets involved in Kochi franchise, it will do wonders for the revival of football in

Kerala, once a nursery of Indian football and provider of several national team players, including the legendary IM Vijayan.

"A Kochi-based team in the ISL with Tendulkar brand in it will do wonders at a higher level of football in Kerala. But more important aspect will be his involvement at the grassroot level," said John who works as Lead Engineer Managed Services Operations at the Bangalore office of Parisbased global telecommunications equipment company, Alcatel Lucent.

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