14th February 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 42

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www.morungexpress.com

Friday, February 14, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

Taylor Swift rocks her new blonde bob

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Dmr producing about 80 metric tons of waste per day [ PAGE 2]

Syria killing accelerates as peace talks falter

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 8]

[ PAGE 9]

Morung Express News Chokihola | February 13 Sir, The house is in full swing .you should go back home.

Mokokchung DC informs travelers Mokokchung, February 13 (DIPr): In view of the road blockade called by the Longkhum Lanur Telongjem (LLT) on NH-2 (NH-61), passing through its jurisdiction with effect from February 14, Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Murohu Chotso has informed commuters taking the National Highway from Kohima-Wokha-Mokokchung to take the alternative route via VK-Akuluto-Lumami-Ungma, till the road blockade is called off.

The DC has also requested his counterparts in Kohima, Wokha, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Longleng and ADC Tuli to inform the public in their respective districts.

India ranks 140th in world press freedom

WaShIngTon, February 13 (agencIeS): India has been ranked 140th in the list of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2014.

“India experienced an unprecedented wave of violence against journalists, with eight killed in 2013.

They are targeted by both state and non-state actors,” Reporters Without Border said in its latest annual report. “Almost no region is spared but Kashmir and Chhattisgarh continue to be the only two where violence and censorship are endemic,” it said. “Those responsible for threats and physical violence against journalists, who are often abandoned by the judicial system and forced to censor themselves, include police and security forces as well as criminal groups, demonstrators and political party supporters,” said the report. Finland has been ranked first in the list.

‘Vitamin C can help fight cancer’

LonDon, February 13 (IanS): High doses of Vitamin C can help boost the ability of the chemotherapy process to kill cancer cells, says a new research. According to US scientists from University of Kansas, if Vitamic C is given by injection then it could be a potentially safe, effective and low-cost treatment for ovarian and other cancers, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

In a study of 27 patients newly diagnosed with stage three or four ovarian cancer, researchers found that patients who were injected with a high dose of Vitamin C experienced fewer negative side effects from their treatment. They also found that Vitamin C can help to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

MS Dhoni snubs media as India prepare for decider

–Thomas Merton

[ PAGE 12]

examination in the face of govt apathy lok sabha Mayhem Internally displaced children of Karbi Anglong brave tension to appear for class 10 board examination

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Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another US envoy praises Modi’s model of governance

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Nearly four lakh students from Assam faced their first paper on February 13 for their Higher School Leaving Certificate (HSLC)— “matric”— examination.

Most of these students would have prepared in the comfort and safety of their homes, except about 30 Rengma Naga students from Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) who spent their preparatory time hiding in jungles or in relief camps. On the exam day, they were herded into a pick-up truck, and a security van accompanied them to their exam centre.

Nearly 700 Rengma students (from all age groups) have been affected by the violence that erupted in December last year—along with their homes, all their books, certificates, school uniforms and futures were reduced to ashes. Till date, the Government of Assam, or the KAAC, has not stepped in to provide any basic assistance to the students. Khurang Rengma (15) is weak in Math and English but tuitions were impossible to come by at the relief camps where she, and the rest of the students, had to prepare. The Government cared little.

“Till last night, they were hunting for school uniforms,” said Jokhen J. Rengma (51), father of Wathi (15), as she sat in the exam hall of Chokihola High School, under semi tight State security, waiting to write what she could not

Under examination from many fronts, students of Chokihola appear for their first class 10 board examination paper on February 13 under State security due to the sensitive situation in Karbi Anglong. (Morung Photo)

prepare for. “With more than thousand people at the relief camp, and Xeroxed notes, there is little the students could study. They are disturbed. There is much doubt in my mind whether they will get the required percentage to study further,” admitted Wathi’s father who, like other parents, hopes for the intervention of god now.

“I doubt if any Rengma student will pass this year,” confessed Sheno Seb Rengma (60), a lower primary school teacher from Chokihola— not because the students are weak but because their circumstances are. Sheno is accommodating four students at his place currently who are appearing for their class 10 board exams from the nearby Chokihola High School.

Like him, some other families have stepped in to provide temporary study-cum-living spaces in their little homes to these students as even hostels where Rengma students

used to put up to study in the vicinity—there is no electricity or schools in most Rengma villages in KAAC—were burnt down. Rolend Rengma (55), one of the parents, is volunteering his pick-up truck and time to ply the 16 students to their exam centres in Nillip constituency (the rest will appear from Santipur and Diphu).

The possibility of Sheno’s prophecy taking shape is high due to the apathy of the Government of Assam, and the KAAC, which has managed to provide merely ration and some security personnel to the displaced till date.

The Rengma Naga Students’ Union, Karbi Anglong (RNSU), which visited the students of Nillip constituency to instill some confidence in them before the exam, had submitted a memorandum to the Government of Assam for at least hostels to be provided to the children wherein to study; for uniforms and

books to be provided. Nothing came. “Hurt,” but optimistic all the same, the RNSU president, Phenpiga H. Rengma, asserted, “We are looking for more intervention from the Government of Assam for the students so their future is not completely destroyed.”

Faced with the current situation and the regional context of armed conflict, the Government of Assam can ill afford to be apathetic to the situation. “Without a good matric percentage, they will not get into good colleges, and the prospect of further education is bleak, as is their future,” says Sheno with a hint of timeless sorrow hidden behind a smile. Too many young people from the region have taken to violent means, having seen their futures destroyed, with no way to take control of their lives, and their elders hope naught for any more of it. The Government needs to take better note of this.

neW DeLhI, February 13 MPs. Seventeen MPs were suspend(aFP): India’s parliament erupted in ed from the house over the behaviour, chaos on Thursday over a bill to cre- which also saw lawmakers rip up ofate a new state, as angry MPs came to ficial papers and smash a glass. Othblows and pulled out a microphone ers wore black blindfolds as a sign of and one pepper-sprayed the chamber. protest.

Holding banners and shouting sloIn the confusion one MP from gans, lawmakers disrupted the lower Andhra Pradesh, who opposes Telanhouse of parliament as the Congress- gana, was accused of brandishing a led government introduced the con- knife in the chamber, a claim he detentious bill to carve a new state out of nied. “I pulled the microphone in front the existing Andhra Pradesh. of my seat, not a knife. Why apologise?

Legislators opposed to the new I will not apologise,” Venugopal Reddy state of Telangana shouted at an NDTV tried to rip out the • Parliament erupts in reporter. speaker’s microL. Rajagopal chaos, pepper spray used was equally defiant phone while one unleashed a can • Speaker suspends over firing the pepof capsicum spray, per spray, saying he seventeen MPs prompting a rush for used the can in selfthe exit, TV channels defence after other reported. Several lawmakers climbed MPs “pounced” on him. “They startinto ambulances suffering breathing ed attacking me. So immediately as a problems before reportedly being tak- self-defence, I used the pepper spray,” en to hospital.

Rajagopal told reporters. Cabinet last Small fights also flared between week approved the creation of TelanMPs opposed to the bill and several gana from the southeastern state of trying to stop the chaos and restore Andhra Pradesh, after a decades-long order, as the parliament -- known for and sometimes violent campaign. its disruptions -- was adjourned, the Mainly tribal groups have demandPress Trust of India (PTI) said. ed Telangana be carved out of a northParliamentary Affairs Minister ern, impoverished and drought-prone Kamal Nath slammed the unrest as part of Andhra Pradesh, which supa “big blot on our parliamentary de- porters say has long been neglected by mocracy” and called for the strongest successive state governments. possible action against the offending Related story on page 8

CFMG wants NSCN (IM) to handover 7 accused

kohIMa, February 13 (PTI): Alleging that seven persons allegedly involved in last month’s murder of nine people in Pachaspura were hiding at the NSCN (IM) headquarters, the CFMG today asked the organization to hand them over to the police, a senior official said.

“I have conveyed to the NSCN (IM) to handover the seven accused to the police so that law can take its course of action,” CFMG Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) N K Singh said, alleging that the seven accused were reportedly hiding in the outfit’s headquarters at Camp Hebron, Dimapur.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with the NSCN (IM) led by its Convener K Chawang here today, Singh said that the involvement of the NSCNIM has come to light after the arrest of three alleged accused persons.

Singh said that though NSCN (IM

)was not bound to follow the CFMG’s request to handover the accused, Chawang had assured of a discussion with its top leaders on the issue.

The chairman said that NSCN (IM)’s request for another designated camp within Zunheboto district was, however, turned down. NSCN (IM) designated camp at Mukalimi was overrun by people on December 30 last, to protest an alleged rape and molestation attempt of two female passengers in a Zunheboto-bound vehicle by four NSCN (IM) cadres. Bodies of nine persons, who were blindfolded with hands tied and shot from close range, were found at a gorge at Pachaspura, near Chumukedima last month. The corpses were stacked atop each other and were covered with a polythene sheet on which some boulders were placed.

Pachaspura incident

irregularities in rMsA funds July 4 murder: fsl report still awaited

DIMaPur, February 13 (Mexn): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee today severely criticized the “blatant mismanagement of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan funds by the Nagaland Education Mission Society (NEMS).”

A press note from the NPCC Media Cell slammed the Nagaland state government’s inability to fill up vacancies of both teaching and non teaching staff under RMSA as sanctioned by the GoI, the delay in disbursement of salaries and the downgrading of 129 out of 147 newly upgraded Government High Schools across the state.

NPCC informed that the Ministry of HRD, Government of India had, from 2009-10 till 2012-13, sanctioned Rs 6292.18 lakhs to the state for implementation of RMSA, according to reply furnished in the State Assembly. However, while furnishing reply through an RTI, the NEMS furnished the total amount sanctioned by the GoI as only 5874.78 lakhs, a shortfall of 417.40 lakhs from the figure given in the Assembly. NPCC added that the actual expenditure incurred was only 5708.495 lakhs, thereby “highlighting a financial misappropriation of 583.685 lakhs.”

It added that the out of

Posts sanctioned by GoI under RMSA (2009-13)

SN 1.

2.

3.

4.

Post Head Master Subject Teachers Lab Assistants Office Asst/ Duftry

2009-10 35 245 35 35

the Rs 6292.18 lakhs, sanctioned by the GoI (MHRD), the total amount released to the districts was only Rs 22,02,47,531 (Recurring components – 4,69,13,197 and Non Recurring – 17,33,34,334), excluding Consultancy fee amounting to 8,60,94,480. The total amount spent on civil works amounts to Rs 2139.05 lakhs, while the Aizawl based North East Consultancy Services was paid Rs 8.60 crores “without any tangible services rendered,” informed the NPCC. It stated that releasing only one third of the total sanctioned amount of Rs 6292.18 lakhs to the districts “exposes the functioning of the NEMS, where a major portion of the sanctioned amount are utilized without reaching the intended beneficiaries on ground.”

NPCC further informed that when 147 Government Middle Schools were upgraded to Government High Schools from 2009- 2013, the GoI had sanctioned a total of 1380 posts of both teaching and non teaching staff under the RMSA and accordingly

2010-11 67 469 67 67

2011-12 45 225 45 45

2012-13 Nil Nil Nil Nil

released an amount of Rs 2424.05 lakhs for salary.

Out of 1380 posts sanctioned by the GoI from 2009-13, including Non Teaching staff, NPCC stated that the department had appointed only 202 Graduate Teachers as on April 17, 2013, while the remaining posts are yet to be filled.

It then stated that the NEMS had deposited an amount of Rs 2121.869 lakhs for teacher’s salary into the Department of School Education Head of Account from March 2012 to March 31, 2013. However, the actual salary paid to the 202 Graduate Teachers from April 2013 to October 2013 was only Rs 379.25 lakhs. Citing the surplus of Rs 1742.619 lakhs available for teachers appointed under RMSA, NPCC stated that the question of delaying the teacher’s salary should never arise.

NPCC stated that the said “irregularities” have jeopardized the career of thousands students studing in government schools and called upon the Nagaland CM, who is also the President of NEMS, to bear responsibility.

DIMaPur, February 13 (Mexn): Dimapur Police today informed that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, regarding the July 4 Dimapur murder case, is still awaited.

However, trial of four accused persons is underway and at the stage of recording statements and evidences, informed a press note from the Additional Superintendent of Police, Dimapur.

In order to ascertain the degree of involvement of the accused persons, blood samples of the accused, along with swabs from the victim’s body, were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kolkata on July 17.

Police informed that reminders, in the form of letters, for early submission of the FSL report were sent on October 18, 2013 and January 21, 2014. However, the report is yet to arrive.

Police stated that the investigating

Officer in the case was deputed to CFSL, Kolkata, in order to “personally apprise” the CFSL Director regarding the urgency of the report. According to police, it was informed that the CFSL has run out of a chemical reagent required to conduct examination of the samples.

It added that order for the reagent has been placed and that examination of the samples would be conducted immediately, on arrival of the reagent.

Dimapur Police assured that it would submit a supplementary charge sheet to the court, as soon as the FSL report is received and if the results incriminate the accused persons.

It may be noted that the Special Investigation Team, constituted to investigate the case, had established a prima facie case and submitted a charge sheet on October 2, 2013. According to police, this was done “on finding ma-

terial and circumstantial evidences of involvement” of the four accused, namely, Rikumkaba, Yimyapangba Ao, Samarenba and Santosh Nath.

Three accused obtain bail Meanwhile, three of the four defendants in the case - Yimyapangba Ao, Samarenba and Santosh Nath – are out on bail. The bail petition of Yimyapangba Ao, the brother-in-law of the victim, was heard on February 13. According to the counsel representing the government in the case, Public Prosecutor Kathu Rengma, the court upheld the defendant’s petition. The bail petition of the other two, Samarenba and Santosh Nath were heard in a separate hearing earlier. The court after hearing the petitions and counter arguments, ruled in favour of the two defendants, the Public Prosecutor added.

Chumu public reiterates ‘one government one tax’ Morung Express News Dimapur | February 13

Citizens of Chumukedima have decided to expel any businessman or shopkeeper within Chumukedima jurisdiction who pays “tax” on the sly to Naga political groups.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by hundreds of citizens at a general public meeting of the Chumukedima area, convened by the Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce & Trade Association (CCCTA) at Chumukedima Weekly Market on Thursday.

The public also reiterated the resolutions adopted at the October 31, 2013,

public rally, under the aegis of Action Committee against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT).

The first resolution of the October 31 public rally reads, “The Naga public recognizes ‘One Government One Taxation’ only and the Naga public has decided to pay only one tax to one entity. This also means that as long as factionalism exists, the Naga public shall not pay tax.”

Co Convener of the ACAUT, Joel Nillo, in his introductory speech, said that the public should fully support the “one government, one tax” declaration, in order to do away with

unabated taxation. He then urged the Nagaland state government to recognize the pulse of the people and initiate remedial measures to mitigate the sufferings of the people. Nillo further informed that the ACAUT would spread to all districts and become a statewide movement.

Former bureaucrat, Khekiye K Sema pointed out that unless Naga political groups unite and form one “government”, the public cannot continue to pay tax to the different groups. Reminding the gathering that the Naga political movement started with the objective that Nagas would not pay tax to others,

Khekiye however rued that presently, Naga political factions have abandoned the said objective by imposing multiple taxation on their own people. He added that by paying tax to the different groups, the public was encouraging formation of more groups.

Representatives from the Business Association of Nagas, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Naga Blog, Chakroma Public Organization, Chumukedima Mothers’ Association and others also pledged their full support to the ACAUT resolutions.

President of the CCCTA, Avi Chase, chaired the public meeting.

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Dimapur

LocaL

Friday 14 February 2014

The Morung Express C

Dmr producing about 80 metric tons of waste per day Pro Rural Dimapur conducts National Environment Awareness Campaign 2013-14

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): “Each person including a new born baby is producing about 200 grams of solid waste per day. A household of six persons is producing a minimum of 1200 grams or 1.2 kg. With a population of four lakhs, Dimapur is producing about 80 metric tons per day. In a month, the city produces 2400MT approximately and in a year, about 28,800MT solid waste is produced. If this is the scenario, how much are we doing to manage the wastes in our homes and city?”

This was discussed and deliberated during a National Environment Awareness Campaign Programme (NEAC 2013-14) organized at Kuda Village, Mao Baptist church, Dimapur on February 13 on the theme: “Kitchen waste management towards building a healthy environment”.

According to a press release, in collaboration with Nagaland NEAC Waste bins being distributed during a National Environment Awareness Campaign Programme (NEAC Pollution Control Board and Min- 2013-14) organized at Dimapur on February 13. istry of Environment and Forests, play an important role in manag- regate household waste into difNew Delhi, Pro- Rural Dimapur house-wives at Kuda Village.

The programme especially ing the households. The resource ferent waste bins and to dispose carried out the programme and interacted with the mothers/ targeted the housewives as they persons spoke on the need to seg- off or re-use them accordingly

Free surgery camp for cleft lip & cleft palate patients

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Kohima, February 13 (mexN): Mission Nagaland, 19th phase under Smile Train Shija Cleft Project will be organizing a three days free surgery camp for cleft lip and cleft palate patients at Oking Hospital & Research Clinic (P) Ltd., Kohima from February 20 to 22.

The camp is being organized as a joint initiative between Shija Hospitals, Imphal and Oking Hospital & Research Institute (P) Ltd., Kohima. Dr. Kh. Palin, MCh (Plastic surgery), HOD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute Pvt. Ltd., Imphal will be conducting the operation procedures.

Dr. Vikethonyü Kesiezie, Managing Director, Oking hospital said the project is an endeavor towards rendering new smiles, new hopes to cleft lip and palate patients living in Nagaland.

A cleft is a separation or gap in the body structure.

Two major types of oral – facial clefts are cleft lip and cleft palate.He also said research reveals that one in every 600 to 800 live birth is born with cleft. With a population of around 19, 81,000, it is estimated that about 3,300 cleft patients are still hiding in Nagaland.

Till date, 189 cleft patients from Nagaland have availed of free corrective surgical treatment under this project. The services being

offered under this project include free medicine, treatment and accommodation at Oking Hospital along with free gifts and backpacks with information regarding Smile Train for every operated patient, he maintained.

Dr. Vikethonyü Kesiezie appreciates the role of media for extending cooperation and support in disseminating the information to the people of Nagas. He requested all the social, political and church leaders to support the cause.

For further information and advance registration, contact Oking Hospital & Research Clinic (P) Ltd., Kohima at 0370-2290080 or Explore Nagaland, David Angami 9774039490.

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Liquor Destruction Committee Phek along with other organization destroys bottles of assorted IMFL & beer in Phek on February 12.

pheK, February 13 (mexN): Total 303 bottles of assorted IMFL & beer was destroyed in Phek on February 12. Phek Excise personnel seized the destroyed IMFL & Beer during the year

2013, stated a press release issued by Phek, Superintendent of Excise & Prohibition S. Chanlei Angh.

The seized items were destroyed by Superintendent of Excise & Prohibi-

tion Phek and Chairman Liquor Destruction Committee Phek S. Chanlei Angh along with other Committee members consisting of Hollohon SDO (civil), OC Police Station Phek, Ranyi

A villager in an interior village in Tuensang district listens to music from his mobile phone as he and his daughter wait outside their house for the return of other family members from the field. Cell phones have penetrated to almost every household even in the interior eastern districts of Nagaland though the network connectivity is erratic and “unreachable” most of the time. (Photo by Ashikho Pfuzhe)

Vero President Phek town Colony chairman Forum, Mothers Association Phek and in presence of excise staff and other public During a brief programme before the destruction, the President of the Phek town colony Chairman Forum expressed happiness to the Excise department for conducting such destruction programme, which indicates that the department is active in Phek district. He further stated that this is first time that such kind of liquor destruction program is being held in Phek town.

He also assured fullest cooperation to the department in fighting against Liquor menace in the district.

Nozulu Chakhesang who prayed for the programme also expressed happiness and assured cooperation to the department on behalf of the mothers of Phek.

Trade test at ITI Phek pheK, February 13 (Dipr): The Trade Test under State Council of Vocational Training (SCVT) at Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Phek started from February 10 and will continue till February 15. All together 33 students were enrolled during the session 2013-14 in four Trades i.e Carpentry, Plumbering, Motor Mechanic and Hair and skin care.

Zeliangrong prayer day

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): The Zeliangrong Prayer Day will be held on the last Sunday of February every year “to seek the blessing of God to forgive and forget the past misdeeds, for the solidarity of Zeliangrong consanguinity, peace and prosperity, and for all the executive members of Zeliangrong Baudi.”

This refer to the Resolution No. 4 of 5th Dimki/Assembly Session held at Nchurelo Village, Mahur, Assam, on December 6, 2013, and Resolution No. 1 of the Central Executive Meeting, held at Tamzaham, Senapati District, Manipur on February 8, 2014.

A press release issued

by Zeliangrong Baudi (AMN) general secretary, Dr Gairiangmei Maringmei informed that the first Zeliangrong Prayer Day will be observed on Sunday, February 23, 2014 in all the Zeliangrong inhabited areas irrespective of different denominations of Christianity, Heraka, Tingkao Raguang Chapriak (TRC), traditional Pou-Pei Chapriak, Champa and other faiths.

In light of this, Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) has appealed to all the churches, parish, TRC Kalumkai, PouPei Chapriak, Champa, pei, youth club, women societies to observe the day in any possible manner.

Workshop on mock drill at Zbto CCPRA CTC organizes workshop

ZuNheboto, February 13 (Dipr): Workshop programme on mock drill was held on February 13 at DC’s Conference Hall Zunheboto.

Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and DDMA Zunheboto organized the programme.

ADC Anthony Ngullie in his brief address called upon all the staffs to be involved in the Mock Drill to give active participation. The workshop was conducted by following resource persons Dr. Imti Medical Officer HMDHZ; T.Vihoto Chisho OC Fire Station;

L. Henito District Commandant, Home Guard and Civil Defense and Theja Ngullie Zao District Project Officer, Zunheboto.

The Mock Drill will begin on February 14 morning by 10:00 a.m. at 4 (four) locations at Zunheboto Town i.e. (1) Centre Police Point, (2) District Hospital, (3) Shovishe Memorial School (4) Planning Office. The activities undertaken will be covered for photo documentation. The programme was chaired by SDO (C), Kikumsangla Jamir.

for graduating students

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): The newly released Handbook on Political Theory by Dr. Achanger Aier published by Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur (ISBN: 978-93-80500-55-3) is available at Heritage Publishing House as well as Signet Books, priced at Rs 280.

A press release issued by Heritage Publishing House & Signet Books, Dimapur stated that the Handbook on Political Theory gives a concise yet detailed frame on political theories and its underpinnings. It has been written

very systematically in accordance with the Nagaland University new syllabus for second semester students of Political Science. It will also serve as a handy book for students going for competitive exams. The author has also written a similar Handbook on Political Theory for first semester students.

It may be mentioned that Dr. Achanger Aier did his MA, M. Phil and Ph. D from JNU, New Delhi. He teaches at Modern College Kohima and has a broad specialization in Political Theories and concepts, and International Politics.

Students with the resource person during the workshop organized by Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action, CTC on February 12.

Handbook on Political Theory available

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KNO general session today

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Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): Kyong Nchumchio Okho (KNO) had convened a general session on February 14 at the residence of KNO Vice President Yanbemo Humtsoe, Lotha Colony Dimapur, at 2:00 pm. The session shall comprise of yearly review reports, annual plan and. Therefore, all the members of KNO are requested to attend the meeting with various agenda/project to be deliberated and taken up for the current year. Meanwhile the Executive councils and the assigned individual concern are requested to bring their reports and related information for review and deliberation. The members are also notified that screening and validation of its members should be rescrutinized to authenticate its membership. Therefore, all the members are asked to attend positively, failing which disciplinary action shall be initiated against those members.

Dimapur Mission Agencies Fellowship meeting

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): The Dimapur Mission Agencies Fellowship meeting will be held on February 18 at Help International, Landmark PWD at 2:00 pm. All the mission agencies and organizations working in Dimapur have been requested to attend the fellowship meeting without fail. Contact Lipok Phom 8974068089 and Rev. Amos Humtsoe 9402642538 for further information.

Krishi Vasant of Nagpur 2014 webcast in Kohima

Kohima, February 13 (Dipr): The inaugural programme for webcasting of February 11 and 12 Krishi Vasant of Nagpur 2014 was held on February 11 at DC’s conference hall, Kohima. Speaking as the guest of honour, Director of Agriculture & State Nodal Officer (ATMA), N. Tekatushi Ao said agriculture in the country and the State has moved ahead in the last fifty years. He stated that due to technological intervention, productivity has increased over the years, therefore encouraged all to make best use of those technologies for maximum benefit. He also asserted that the world has come to our doorstep and hence the seminar at Nagpur is being webcast at Kohima site for the welfare of the farmers. The Director also mentioned that ATMA Kohima and Mokokchung have already developed their own websites adding globalization has taken place due to information and communication technology.

He urged upon one and all to be aware of emerging challenges and move ahead. The programme was chaired by DAO & PD (ATMA), Kohima, Nosezole. APPO, DAO Office, Kohima was the webcast interpreter.

KVC informs

Assorted IMFL & beer destroyed at Phek

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towards building a better and cleaner environment. It further shared on the four R’s in waste management: reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse on how they can create healthy environment.

Interactive session was taken up with the group where some women shared about how they managed the daily wastes and utilize them. Concerns were raised in regarding to the use of polythene bags, which adds more to the waste every day. It also further pointed out the concerns on how to manage broken glasses like bottles, electric bulbs and tubes and other hazardous materials.

Waste bins were also donated to the mothers/housewives during the programme to consciously start practicing waste segregation at source, which will control creating wastes at large. The programme concluded with a positive note from the participants to be agents of Environment Awareness Campaign in their own homes and the society at large.

Kahuli Swu, L. Kamo and Athilu Khrasi from Pro Rural Organization facilitated the programme.

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Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): The Kiyevi Village Council (KVC) has informed all concerned neighbouring villages to restrict within the village jurisdiction any activities such as hunting, farming, fishing or any developmental activities. KVC chairman Y Akato Zhimomi in a press release informed all individuals and group to abide with the resolution, which was passed on February 8. The chairman also added that council has the authority and responsibility to deal with any issues concerning Kiyevi Village as per the customary law.

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Sensitization of PNDT held in Mkg

moKoKchuNg, February 13 (mexN): Orientation on sensitization of pre-natal diagnosis and testing (PNDT) was held on February 12 at CMO’s Office Chamber Mokokchung. Private practitioner having ultrasound facility and Officials from the District health department attended the meeting. Dr. S.S.Akaba Longchar CMO in his welcome speech addressed the importance of the PNDTAct. He stated that sex determination should be strictly prohibited and it has to be displayed in the clinic. And Records of using examinations must be properly maintained. The resource person of the programme Mr. Mosem Longkumer (Advocate) explained on the legal aspect of the act. The meeting ended after a brief discussion with good response from the participant.

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Registration and renewal of shops fees

Kohima, February 13 (Dipr): The Government of Nagaland, Department of Labour and Employment Vide notification NO LAB-6/1/2013-14 dated 10th February 2014 has in exercise of the powers conferred under section 36 of the Nagaland Shops & Establishments Act, 1986; modified partially the fees for registration/ renewal of shops and establishment in the whole State of Nagaland as appended in Schedule-1 Part 1 & II and Schedule II, with effect from the date of issue of this notification. The modified Schedule of rates can be obtained from all DCs/ ADCs/ Assistant Labour Commissioner of Districts/ All Chairman of Municipal Councils/Town Councils and Office of the Joint Labour Commissioner Kohima Nagaland.

Second Round of IPPL from Feb 23

moKoKchuNg, February 13 (Dipr): As per Government of India directive, the State of Nagaland will be conducting second round of IPPL (Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization) for children of 0 to 5 years from February 23 to 25. In this regard, a meeting of District Task Force (DTF) would be held on February 13 at DC office Chamber, Mokokchung at 11:00 am.

Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Murohu Chotso has informed all DTF members to attend the meeting without fail.

SKH meeting

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH) has called for a general meeting of its executives and representatives from various areas on February 17 at its office at Zunheboto. Informing this in a release, SKH general secretary, Hukato Shohe has asked all concerned to attend the meeting positively.

Sumi hymnal book second edition

moKoKchuNg, February 13 (mexN): The Clark Centre for Peace Research and Action (CCPRA), CTC organized a workshop for the graduating students of Clark Theological College on February 12 at Jungshinokdang Hall.

The resource person for the workshop was Talichila Imchen, Training Consultant

Youth Net. Talichila Imchen motivated the students with her powerful presentations around the theme ‘Peace Within’ with emphasis on knowing self, building confidence and positive attitude, time management, effective communication, SWOT analysis, catering to the Nextgen, personal relationship skills, professionalism in minis-

try, financial management and leadership skills.

Zulu Lemtur, Program Coordinator CCPRA chaired the workshop and Rev. Dr. Mar Pongen, Academic Dean, CTC delivered the welcome address. Altogether 64 graduating students attended the workshop, stated a press note received here.

Dimapur, February 13 (mexN): The Sumi hymnal book second edition with staff notation will be releasing on the March 2, 2014 Sunday morning at Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur. The project is the joint efforts of Sumi different denomination comprising SBAK Nito Mount, SBAK Aizuto, Sumi NCRC, SABAK Pughoboto and WSBAK Akuvuto and was sponsored by the Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur. The Sumi Baptist Convention has requested all the Sumi denominational leaders to attend on this Hymnal release day. Sumi Baptist Convention Director Rev. Khehovi Shohe in a press release informed that the Convention is also convening an emergency meeting of SBC Council on the March 1, 2014 at 3:00 pm at Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur where Sumi hymnal revision committee members are also requested to attend for prayer fellowship and to wind up the programme.

C M Y K

Regional

The Morung express

Friday

14 February 2014

Educate Delhiites about grievances of North East: HC New Delhi, February 13 (iaNS): Stating that people should "cultivate the ability to live together", the Delhi High Court Wednesday directed the city government to "educate and sensitise" people about the grievances of people from the northeast residing in the capital.

Expressing concern over the "disturbing trend" of violence against northeast people, a division bench of Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw issued certain directions for the central government, Delhi Police and the city government. While passing the order, the bench said: "Today, when boundaries between countries and restrictions on movement internationally are disappearing, it is unfortunate that a small cross-

section of society is attempting to put up barriers to movement within the country." The high court ordered trial courts to expedite the hearing of 26 cases pending for 4-5 years and related to harassment of people from the northeast, so that conviction, if any, can act as a deterrent.

"No native of any state of India can be allowed to, by harassing, offending and by other criminal acts, prevent people from another state to settle and carry on any business or vocation therein," the court said.

"There are bound to be cultural differences between people from different states of India. Such differences are the essence of humanity.

The said differences, rather than becoming a sources of hatred or conflict and separating us, should be respected and harnessed to

bring a collective strength that can benefit the entire country."

"If this country is to survive and be at peace, each of us has to respect the rights of others and cultivate the ability to live together. Tolerance is a requirement for survival. Mahatma Gandhi said 'No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive'," the court said.

The bench further asked Delhi Police to identify discrepancies in delay in post-mortem reports and directed it to take steps to ensure that the reports reach the investigating officers immediately when furnished by hospitals.

The city government was also directed to expedite the setting up of forensic labs. On setting up of separate helpline to prevent offences against northeastern people, Delhi Police was directed to

immediately take steps for operationalisation of the helpline within six weeks. The bench also asked the centre to take steps to recruit people from the northeast in Delhi Police and publicise vacancies among all the northeastern states.

It said posting of sufficient number of Delhi Police personnel from the northeastern states in the 11 districts of Delhi will increase the level of interaction with the public as well as investigation. It will go a long way in building confidence in the people from the northeast in Delhi police and also in familiarising police personnel with the people and culture of the northeastern states, the court said in the order. It also asked the central and state governments to give thought to the possibility of bringing legislation for preventing natives of

'North East states should pursue green development'

New Delhi, February 13 (iaNS): As Uttarakhand and the northeastern states are geographically similar, the latter need to take lessons from the 2013 disaster that struck the north Indian state and pursue a green development vision, experts said here Wednesday.

"Geographically, the northeastern states are similar to Uttarakhand. Therefore, it is important these states start using local technology for building houses and stop using reinforced cement concrete (RCC)," said Rajendra Desai, managing trustee, National Centre for People's Action in Disaster Preparedness, Ahmedabad.

Addressing the International Conference on the Eastern Himalayas organised by the Centre for Northeast Studies and Policy Research at the Jamia Millia Islamia here Wednesday, Desai said Sikkim is giving false sense of security to people by increasingly using RCC for construction, which should be stopped immediately.

"The use of cement and steel increases the carbon footprint, which is highly detrimental and also contributes to climate change.

The use of load-bearing masonry construction such as stone, timber, mortar will only help to reduce the long-term vulnerability of the region," he said.

Ravi Chopra, director, People's Science Institute, told IANS: "Climatologists have warned that because of global warming, destructive weather events will become more frequent in the future. In the times of climate change, the Himalayan states need to focus on their special characteristics and pursue a green development vision."

The experts said the government's intervention is required because getting local materials are difficult due to court orders. "Taking sand from the river and procuring timber is considered stealing," Desai said.

According to him, even after disaster, the Himalayan states should focus on midterm settlement and post

disaster house-to-house damage assessment, which Uttarakhand has not been able to follow.

"Mid-term shelters are the best way for rehabilitation as these houses can be dismantled once new ones are constructed," he said.

Chopra also said since all these states are prone to disaster, their first priority should be to expand forest cover. "To expand forest cover, the local communities must be made custodians and managers of their environmental and natural resources," he said.

Chopra said since its formation, Uttarakhand has lost 30,000 acres of forest land in the name of development.

"To avert disaster, good governance is essential to raise awareness among people. In Uttarakhand, people are being given money under several schemes but they do not know how it is to be spent," Chopra added.

The experts stressed it was poor governance that caused the deluge in Uttarakhand as the state disaster management was dys-

functional and there was no co-ordination between research and practice. Uttarakhand was hit by one of the worst floods in recent times, leaving thousands dead and causing extensive damage.

one state from harassing migrants from other states or from indulging in hate crimes against them.

The court asked the legal services authority of the city government to hold workshops to educate residents and sensitise them to the grievances of people from the northeast. The court also asked the governments to undertake a study to determine the cause of such attacks against people from the northeast.

It took suo motu cognizance of an incident where Nido Tania, son of Arunachal Pradesh legislator Nido Pavitra, was allegedly beaten up by shopkeepers Jan 29 in south Delhi's Lajpat Nagar market following a row over his appearance and clothing. He died of his injuries in a hospital the next day. The court will now hear the matter March 5.

FOR SALE GYPSY SOFT TOP (1999) GYPSY KING ERO-III Power Steering Mfg.11/2010 Ph.No.: 8974489899

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Dimapur

3

Police assault journalist, scribe union prepared for court battle iMPhal, February 13 (NNN): A group of India Reserve Battalion personnel led by Havildar Md Mujibur assaulted and injured Aribam Chaoba, senior staff reporter, Imphal Free Press, at the northern gate of Kangla Fort here on the night of February 10. He was returning home from his office when the incident happened.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) today said that it was prepared for a court battle over the assault case.

“We cannot settle with the accused in the assault case of Aribam Chaoba, senior staff reporter, Imphal Free Press. AMWJU has prepared for court fight,” union president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai told a press conference here at the press club. Shyamjai

further accused the Imphal Police Station of refusing to register FIR and start investigation of the case on time.

Imphal Police registered an FIR number 59 (2) 2014 IPS U/S 325/506 /34/IPC only yesterday (February 12) in connection with the attack that occurred on February 10. Section 325 concerns causing grievous injuries, section 506 relates to criminal intimidation, and section 34 concerns common intention. Under these sections if convicted the culprit is punishable with a jail term of seven years with fine. While appreciating the step initiated by the Imphal Police AMWJU, in a press release, expressed dissatisfaction with the IPC sections mentioned in the FIR since under these sections the accused could get bail.

I, VUNGTHUNGLO LOTHA have lost my Class X Admit Card and Provisional Certificate.

Name : Vungthunglo Lotha F/Name: Khocheo Ezung D.O.B. : 15/02/1983 Roll No : 140982173 Finder may kindly contact at 9856448242

NAGALAND ADVENTURE & MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION Regd.No H/Rs-1338.Dated 15/02/01 116, Duncan Road, Dimapur-797112, Nagaland (India) E-mail: info@namsa.co.in , website: www.namsa.co.in

FELICITATION The Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) is issuing this press release to congratulate Shri. Abu Metha, Advisor cum Chairman, NAMSA and President, Federation of Adventure & MotorSports Associations of North East (FAMSANE) who has been elected to the prestigious post of Regional Director of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in the recently held FMSCI elections on 3rd February, 2014. The NAMSA also extends its appreciation to the FMSCI and all affiliates for recognizing the efforts of Shri. Abu Metha towards promotion of Motorsports in the region and in the rest of the country and also his tireless efforts in promoting the cause of the youth and in empowering the sportspersons and the youth in the entire region. The NAMSA while thanking the FMSCI, assures the National body of all the cooperation and assistance in achieving our common goals. We also wish Shri. Abu Metha all success in his responsibilities and assure him of our fullest cooperation.

(THONGDE IMLONG) General Secretary, Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association Dimapur: Nagaland

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE CANCER SURGEON FOR CONSULTATION

Dr. GANESH DAS MBBS, MS (PGIMER) Trained Cancer Surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai will be available for consultation on 15th February 2014 (Saturday).

UROLOGIST FOR CONSULTATION/OPERATION

Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS.DNB (Surgery), DNB Urology, FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 19th February 2014 (Wednesday). *** LASER TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR URINARY STONES*** Patients requiring Consultation/Operation for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone may contact the Reception for Registration.

Patients requiring Consultation/Operation may contact the reception for registration.

For Registration, please contact:  03862- 231864, 227337, 224117

C M Y K

4

businEss

Friday

Dimapur

14 February 2014

Government unlikely to meet fiscal deficit target

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 13 (PTI): Ahead of interim Budget, a United Nations report today said the government is unlikely to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.8 % of the GDP in the current fiscal due to low growth and high subsidy. “Given the weak growth momentum in the region and the difficulties in raising tax revenues and curbing expenditure growth, fiscal deficits will remain substantial in the near term,” the report titled ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects 2014’ said.

“In India, the government is unlikely to meet its target of reducing the deficit to 4.8% of GDP in the current fiscal year 2013-14 since growth is below projections and the depreciation of the rupee pushes up the subsidy bill,” it said. The government of India had budgeted to bring down fiscal deficit to 4.8 per cent of GDP in the current financial year, from 4.9 per cent in 201213. The interim Budget for 2014-15 is scheduled to be presented in Par-

liament on February 17.

With regard to economic expansion, the report said, India is expected to grow at 4.8 per cent in the current fiscal but would rise to 5.3 per cent in 2014-15 on increased domestic demands and other factors.

“Economic growth in India is expected to accelerate to 5.3 per cent in 2014 as a result of a good monsoon season, a slight pick-up in investment activity, and stronger export growth supported by a cheaper national currency and improved demand for goods from the European Union and the US,” it said.

Economic growth in India decelerated from 5.1% in 2012-13 to 4.8% in 2013-14, it said, adding the country’s economic slowdown is due to weak household consumption and sluggish investment. On exports, the report said it is likely to pick up in the coming quarter due to depreciation of the local currency in India. The report observed that the tapering of the Fed’s bond buying programme

public discoursE God’s revelation for the Nagas

could result in significant capital outflows, requiring further monetary tightening, especially in India.

“This could weigh on economic growth. In addition, higher consumer price inflation, resulting for example from subsidy cuts for food and energy or from further depreciations of currencies, could slow household spending and domestic demand, while also limiting room for monetary easing,” it said.

The report noted that the current economic slowdown in South Asia would put further pressure on government finances, which were already strained by low tax bases and rising expenditure needs as the authorities confront many development challenges. In recent years, the government regularly missed their deficit-reduction targets by a wide margin, it said, adding growth projections proved too optimistic and expenditures on food, fuel and fertiliser subsidies were significantly higher than anticipated.

MESSAGES Dear Kik., I never would be able to know what wrong have I done u made me stranger but am no stranger. I adore u and really wanna u to be mine forever. God bless u....

Yours admirer Linus....

Hi Jaan...

The most awaited day has come. The day that make you smile & feel blessed by God. A day that make U more matured & proud to say that U R been loved.

So on this day count not the candles... see the light they give!

Count not the years....

But the life U live! Happy Born Day My Luv Always loving you, Urs Nanu

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone displays a Hewlett Packard (HP) tablet computers Slate 6 during it launch in New Delhi, India Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014. The HP launched slate 6 and 7 Thursday. (AP Photo

‘Apple may introduce large-screen iPhone’ NEW YoRk, FEBRUARY 13 (PTI): Apple, which posted its lowest growth in handset sales last year, may release a largescreen version of its iconic iPhone in 2014, research firm IDC said. However, the California-headquartered company will not abandon its 4-inch screen models. “iOS posted the lowest positive growth for both quarter (Oct-Dec) at 6.7 per cent and for the year at 12.9 per cent, underperforming the overall market in both instances,” IDC said in a statement. For 2013 calendar year, Apple sold 793.6 million units of its smartphone operating system (iOS) against

500.1 million in 2012. Shipments of iOS enabled smartphones stood at 51 million units in October-December last year from 47.8 million in the year-ago period.

In 2012, Apple’s smartphone operating system shipments rose by 46 per cent to 135.9 million units against 93.1 million units in 2011. For Q4 2012, shipments rose by 29.2 per cent to 47.8 million units against 37 million in the same period of 2011. According to research firm Canalys, iOS shipments in 2011 rose by 96 per cent to 93.1 million units compared to 2010.

_

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 # 2791

The Morung Express

1. Money lenders; on 1st April, 2003 at 01:30 a.m. almighty god spoke to me to aware those money lenders, societies, groups etc, who forcefully ceases away the properties of the defaulters, of the sufferings that would befall upon them. Those who confessed their misdoings were saved but many met unfortunate fates such as deaths, losing sanity, diseases etc. among the family members. God has again spoken to me that

many such hearted lenders would meet the same fate yet which would pass on to generations. So money lenders should hand back such properties and remain forgivingly patient on the defaulters. As the word of God says. Ezekel 18:7, 13&17.

2. Kidnappers and abductors; God has issued warnings to abductors who duels with the life of another human being for hefty sum of money. These kinds of behaviour should be altered, if

not, the punishment for such conducts is not retractable.

Ezekiel 13:16, 19; 1st Corrt 6:9 to 11.

3. Loss of vehicles; This is to aware the people that there would be a mass vehicle theft following. So owners should be careful and refer the vehicle no. and dedicate it with prayer and offering .Amos 3:7 The following were revealed to me on 25th Jan. 2014 at 10:05 a.m. All the prayer centers, prayer

groups, prayers warriors and individuals should pray so that the circumstances do not have bitter consequences. These are not mine, but the words of God. “He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the churches” Rev 3:22 S/d Mrs C.Liboni Chairperson Faith in Action Healing Prayer Center Seitheke Basa, Dimapur, Nagaland

Rejoinder to NTC and ENPO on Rongmei recognition

I

am compelled to clarify the statement reflected by NTC and ENPO in one of the local papers under the caption; Tribe Recognition: NTC, ENPO reiterate stand. It is morally obliged to state the true intention and understanding of the Gauhati Court in matter of Rongmei recognition as per the Court reply order No W.P.(C) No.95/99 and W.P. (c) No.137(K)/2001 to avoid any further misconstruing, wrong perception and any further undesirable complication that may scale up to provoke tribal contention in the stateThe reason that, the Guahaiti high court could not by-pass the constitution of India in matter of recognizing a tribe to be scheduled tribe in a state without the presidential order as per the constitution of India art.342.

The Court misconstrued the demand of the Rongmei Council Nagaland to have been pleading for enlisting of the Rongmei Tribe along with/in the five scheduled tribe list recognized and enlisted in the state of Nagaland; eg. Naga, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir, Garo. The Govt. of Nagaland stated that, “the question of tribe within the tribe does not arise.” It mean, under Naga scheduled tribe all the Nagas in the state of Nagaland is inclusive. The Court order; “ the affidavit also shows that there is no proposal at hand to accord scheduled tribe status to the Rongmei Community residing in the state of Nagaland.” Here it mean the five scheduled tribes list of the state of Nagaland. Further, the court order. para, 23; “ Therefore, taking the stand of the state government into consideration and keeping in mind the law laid down by the apex Court as quoted above, this court is of the opinion that the court cannot add Rongmei Community as a scheduled tribe to the presidential order when there is no specific provision to that effect in the presidential order.

The Rongmei Community, therefore is not a scheduled tribe in the state of Nagaland.” Para. 24. “for the aforesaid reasons I find no merit in this petition and

accordingly it is dismissed.” Here the intent and understanding of the court order is made cleared and it( the court order status) does not apply to the demand of the Rongmei Council for inclusion of Rongmei in the state under NAGA tribe in the state of Nagaland. After the dismissal of the first writ petition, another petition was filed to the higher court (double bench) for redress. The court has directed the Rongmei Council to take up the matter to the civil authority. Accordingly the matter was then put up to the Govt. of Nagaland for political decision and settlement.

The Govt. of Nagaland clearly understood the subject matter of scheduled tribes in the state of Nagaland; as reflected in the govt. letter to the Rongmei Council Nagaland. Ref. The Govt. of Nagaland. Home department vide No. HOME/CL/3/81 dated. The 22nd January 1982. “That the Rongmei residing in Nagaland state belong, to the scheduled tribe(any Naga Tribe) and they are entitled to all benefits as enjoyed by other scheduled tribes and to the question of tribe within a tribe does not arise” As per Govt. Notification No. HOME/SCTA-6/2007(PTI) “In pursuance to the decision of the Cabinet Meeting held on 23rd July 2012, the Governor of Nagaland is pleased to recognize Rongmei as one of the Naga tribes”. Here the Governor did not define the Rongmei as a separate scheduled Tribe of the state. Nevertheless, the Govt. of India has recognized the Rongmei of Manipur, but then, the Rongmei of Nagaland do not claim it.While asserting the right of the Rongmei Naga of Nagaland whose recognition/enlistment in the tribe list was left out since the attainment of the statehood out of ignorant induced by deception meted to Rongmei in the guise of/ pretext of being already registered/ enlisted as Zeliangrong in the list under Naga Tribe. The justly approach for enlisting the Rongmei Tribe under the

tribe list of “Naga” in the state of Nagaland was delayed, ignored and refused for many years.

It is observed that, some govt. Govt. officials of Nagaland attempted to twist and temper the law and order to suit to the whim and rhyme of some few Naga publics leaders without considering the morality, conscience and the truth of humanity. The fact that there are no criteria of the Govt. to classify between the inhabitants and Naga tribe status of Nagaland. All the five enlisted scheduled tribes in the state maintain their tribal status as indigenous without complaint from any quarter. Why denying only to Rongmei who are qualified and deserved to be enlisted under the Naga tribe? It may be referred to the scheduled order 1950 of Manipur, wherein a few residents belonging to Angami and Sema have been separately enlisted and recognized as scheduled tribes. What disturb the minds of the Nagas? Illusory fear or apprehensive mentality about the tribe should never be the guiding principle of the people.

There is no ground or reason that only those tribes, which have their own territory in the state, should be entitled the Naga tribal status. The Rongmei also has their landed properties, villages, duly recognized by the state Govt. of Nagaland even though they do not have a separate territory of their own.

I therefore appealed and urged the concerned organization that, enlisting the Rongmei of Nagaland would not harm or hamper in any respect or aspect, rather it enhance the pride, the scope, the progress and create a conducive environment for all the Nagas to live and prosper together as one people. I believe this art will served to be a source of understanding and pave the way to avoid needless confusion.

T.A.Rongmei Former President Rongmei Council Nagaland

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.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2802

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

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

Answer Number # 2790

KOHIMA

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

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

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

O

R

PirAte’s treAsure

AHOY

PARLAY

ARRGH

PARROT

BLACKBEARD

PEARL

BLIMEY

PILFER

BUCCANEER

PIRATE

CAPTAIN

PLANK

CHEST

PLUNDER

CROSSBONES

RIGGING

EYEPATCH

SHIP

GOLD

SHIVER ME TIM-

HOOK

BERS

ISLAND

SILVER

JEWELS

SKULL

JOLLY ROGER

SWAB THE DECK

LANDLUBBER

SWORD

MAP

TELESCOPE

MAST

TREASURE

MATE

D O S I L V E R R L T E L E S C O P E

H H F P I H S A A B U C C A N E E R

S S O C L S N Z R N E P A R R O T R W

B W O T S I E R D V J E N D C F T I

E K T A K A D L G L S R E T J R D R B

U R R B N P C H U P I L F E R R E Y

V V R U T H E E B H G O U W A O A G

A C G L O E H E Y B C T U E E L W S N

R P O S P U E O E Y E M I L B S U I

R O P T L E I P D R X Y G A S R O R G

S E L A D E R L E A T D A O I I E G

S S G A A O A A L C A P T A I N G I

C B K Y R N I E R T T K Y O H A A P R

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

N L X F E P R J O L L Y R O G E R M

H E L S R E B M I T E M R E V I H S J

S L E E T H I S L A N D M A T E R T

ACROSS

F T B L A C K B E A R D S Y P A M E

1. Vice ___ 6. Filly’s mother 10. Credit or playing 14. Something to shoot for 15. Adjoin 16. Chocolate cookie 17. Small terrestrial lizard 18. Cummerbund 19. Short sleeps 20. Leather shorts 22. No charge 23. Large indefinite quantity 24. Highest goals 26. Bottomless 30. Female pronoun 31. Vehicle 32. Sea eagle 33. On the left or right 35. Gave out 39. Urinary organs 41. Patron 43. S S S S 44. Plateau 46. Give as an example 47. Explosive 49. Collection 50. Leisure 51. Edict 54. Hissy fit 56. Shade of blue

57. Bombastic 63. Curtail 64. Hindu princess 65. Potato state 66. Salute 67. Killer whale 68. Santa’s helpers 69. Wings 70. Bobbin 71. Considers

DOWN 1. Ampule 2. Border 3. Absorb written material 4. Identical 5. Warning signal 6. Sexual pleasure from punishment 7. Chagrined 8. Ploy 9. Cultural 10. Meeting 11. A kind of macaw 12. Fend off 13. Units of medicine 21. Impudent girl 25. Carpenter’s groove 26. Apollo astronaut Slayton 27. Twin sister of Ares 28. Terminates

29. Capable of being penetrated 34. Vital 36. Largest continent 37. Plenty 38. Tall woody plant 40. Feudal worker 42. Terrace 45. Gist 48. Panic 51. Russian country house 52. Identical 53. Papal court 55. Attempted 58. Rabbit 59. Doing nothing 60. Grotto 61. Throat-clearing sound 62. Not a win

Ans to CrossWord 2801

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

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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

222246 222491

CHEVROLET CARS PRICE FEBRuARy ‘2014 CAR MODELS

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For details & Test drive Contact: Urban Station, Near NSC Petrol Pump, 6th Mile Dimapur. Ph No : 240994 CURRENCY EXCHANGE CURRENCY NOTES BUY(Rs) SELL(Rs) US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar

62.05 101.07 7.98

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

Friday 14 February 2014

Dimapur

5

ANIEF resents reNew members take charge of cSu verification of SSI units KohiMA, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): The handing over and taking over charge for office bearers of Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU), for the tenure 2014-2016, was held on Wednesday at Jubilee Hall, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima.

In the formal handing over ceremony, Thupukutho Lohe, the outgoing President handed over the office to incoming President, Seve R. Vadeo in the presence of the new team.

The outgoing President expressed confidence that the new team will continue to work for the welfare of the community and carry it forward to greater

heights. He advised the new team to be bold in the face of challenges.

For the wellbeing of the Chakhesang community, he urged the incoming team to carry forward the pending issues which were left behind. He then expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation during the outgoing team’s tenure.

Taking charge as the new President, Seve R. Vadeo appreciated the outgoing team for rendering their tireless services to the Chakhesang community in particular and Nagas in general. He further assured to provide their utmost services for the wellbeing of the commu-

WoKhA, FEBRUARY 13 (DiPR): Training and capacity building for village health committee members under Wokha district was held on February 11 at LTC Hall, Wokha, with Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Vyasan R. as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest said, the government with a view to reach out to the community has introduced communitisation involving the people to give quality service in various sectors. He appealed to the village health commit-

tee members to be active and take the responsibility of putting efforts in areas where change is required.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. C.W. Tungoe, while giving the keynote address said, communitisation is a process of the government and the community getting into partnership, working together and sharing responsibilities in the management of Public Institutions and services in order to make them function optimally and deliver quality services for the overall growth and development and society.

nity. In this, he requested the outgoing team to support and guide the new office bearers throughout their passage.

Naga Students' Federa-

tion (NSF) General Secretary, Easter Rhakho, who was also the former President of CSU, called for better coordination among the team in order to de-

velop better relationship.

She also advised the team to consult their seniors in their future endeavors.

Former CSU President, Vevoyi D Vadeo urged the team to develop the feeling of oneness among the communities in order to secure cooperation. He stressed on the importance of preserving and safeguarding the rich heritage of the Chakhesang peoples.

While stressing on the important of teamwork, he advised the new team to have teamwork among themselves, as well as other frontal organization for better co-operation to resolves any issues arise.

The new team of office

ticipatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) survey was conducted by KVK, Longleng at Yongam village on February 6 for future planning of agricultural and allied activities of the village.

agriculture, horticulture and animal resources in the village and mobilising the farmers to adopt new technology for livelihood development.

During the PRA, village map, resource map, venn diagram,

tural operation was done by participants.

The village history, educational status, economic status and baseline information was collected by questionnaire method.

Outgoing President of the CSU, Thupukutho Lohe handing over office to the incoming President, Seve R Vadeo.

bearers include: President Seve R. Vadeo, Vice president- Senolü Veswu, General secretary- Ngapunyi Krocha, Assistant General Secretary - Küvoto Khamo, Finance Secretary-Wezazi Mero, Banker- Dukholü D Vadeo, Social & Culture Secretary-Vengota Rhakho, Games & Sports Secretary-Verazo Medeo, Publicity & Information Secretary-Chisakho Demo, Education Secretary- Tshekhro Thopi and Editor- Nüvokho Rhakho.

Members of the Union Assembly include: Speaker-Dode Nakro, Deputy Speaker- Vipanyi Krome and Rite Khutso as Assembly Secretary.

daylong programme including KVK Longleng officials. Village Council members, Church members, women SHG members and progressive farmers represented the village.

Village Health Committee KVK Longleng conducts PRA survey at Yongam village FEBRUIt was conducted for water resource map and la- Altogether, 25 farmers acmembers asked to be active LoNGLENG, ARY 13 (MExN): Par- identifying the thrust areas of bour engagement in agricul- tively participated in the

‘Foothill Road should not be compromised’

KohiMA, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): A consultative meeting, consisting of Lotha Gazzetted Officers’ Association, Kohima Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lower Lotha Public Organization, Kohima and the 40 Bhandari A/C MLA, Mmhonlumo, under the aegis of Kohima Lotha Hoho has “unanimously resolved” that “under no circumstances should the smooth construction of the Foothill road be compromised.”

A press note from the Kohima Lotha Hoho Chairman, Nchumbemo Tungoe and General Secretary, Thunglamo Ovung informed that the Children participating at the social work drawing compe- meeting was held on Februtition on the theme ‘Biodiversity’ conducted by Radiant ary 12 at Kohima. It further appreciated the concern Club on February 8 and 9.

T

Kyong Hoho officials meet Mmhonlumo

WoKhA, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): A meeting of Kyong Hoho officials with MACROFED Chairman and MLA, Mmhonlumo Kikon was held with regard to the Foot Hill Road construction within Wokha district. A press note from the Kyong Hoho President, Yansathung Jami and General Secretary, Michael Yanthan informed that the meeting was held at the MLS’s residence in Kohima on February 13. The meeting deliberated over the representation letter submitted to the Nagaland state government by the government registered Cl 1 Lotha Contractors Union Wokha, for non allotment of works in Wokha district. The Hoho officials apprised the MLA on the concerns raised by the contractors. The press note said that the Kikon expressed the policies and programmes of the government and assured the members present that the matter would be pursued for the interest of the Lotha community.

raised by the Wokha District Class-1 contractors’ Union and hoped that their grievances would be addressed suitably, as assured by the area MLA. The press note stated that the meeting took “strong exception to the deplorable statement demanding for

temporary suspension and re-alignment of the FHR construction work made by the unauthorized Kyong Hoho, since threadbare deliberations and decisions had been made well in advance involving all stakeholders.”

It added that the land owners had even agreed to

Public SPace

free usage of their land for the road. Therefore, in the larger interest of the Nagas, the meeting appealed for the Nagaland Foothill Road Construction Committee (NFHRCC) and the State Government “not to be perturbed by such irresponsible statements.”

KohiMA, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): The All Nagaland Industrial Entrepreneurs Federation has urged the State Department of Industries and Commerce to immediately stop the ongoing process of re-verification of the Small Scale Industrial (SSI) units pertaining to the pending cases under Central Transport Subsidy (CTS) and Central Capital Investment Subsidy (CCIS) for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

This was resolved during the All Nagaland Industrial Entrepreneurs Federation (ANIEF) executive committee meeting held on February 12 at Kohima.

ANIEF president Povotso Lohe, in a press release, stated that all the pending cases under the scheme for the periods as stated has already been verified or re-verified several times by the concerned department. “The claims of the pending cases have been pre-audited by the Audit by Department of Industrial Promotion & Policy (DIPP) Government of India during 2011 and release of funds awaited,” the Federation added.

Hence, the Federation alleged that the present exer-

cise of resorting to another round of verification is not justified.

“How many times the Department of Industries & Commerce undertake the job of verification and re-verification of the pending cases, which were already cleared by the State Level Committee (SLC) some years back?,” the Federation asked. It added that re-verification of the industrial units through backdoor by the department staffs is a ploy to cause undue financial hardship and harassment to the selected units, “showing the sheer apathy of the Government and indifferent attitude of the concerned department.”

The ANIEF therefore, expressed strong resentment over the manner in which Department of Industries & Commerce has resorted to another round of re-verification of the units on the basis of pick and choose randomly is without any justification.

Therefore, it demanded that the present exercise of reverification of the pending cases be stopped immediately and if another selection of units is done at this stage be treated null and void.

MEx FILE

54 A/C NPF hold meeting TUENSANG, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Front (NPF) 54 A/C Tuensang Sadar II conducted a co-ordination meeting at the residence of Parliamentary Secretary, Kejong Chang on February 11 and discussed various issues relating to the party’s smooth functioning. A press note from B Ramchi Chang, President of the NPF 54 A/C Tuensang Sadar II informed that the meeting was attended by area party leaders, including all frontal organizations, advisors and veteran leaders. The house resolved to strongly adhere to party norms under the leadership of Parliamentary Secretary, Kejong Chang and Chief Minister, Neiphio Rio and to work in support of a DAN consensus candidate for the forth coming Lok Sabha election 2014. In order to facilitate the smooth functioning of the party, it was further agreed upon that party functionaries of the area would have to compulsorily attend the office during working days, unless they provide valid reasons for their absence.

Retrospection on the failure of NSCN

he so-called National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) is the most disgrace organization in the running history of Nagaland. Because it was founded on falsehood and its deeds are evils, such as killings, torturing, intimidation, telling lies, deceiving, cheating, money extortion, kidnapping etc. etc.

Some past events of NSCN are recollected as follow for the interest of analyzers and researchers of young generations.

Before the formation of NSCN, in the last part of 1979 and first week of January 1980, the killings started by them (Isak, Muivah) in Heimi Region, Eastern Nagaland, for the reason almost all Naga national leaders and top Naga Army officers strongly opposed Muivah's socialism.

After they were killed and in order to justify the killings, they told lie to the Naga people that they were killed because they supported the Shillong Accord.

And in order to justify the formation of NSCN, they also told lie that the NSCN was formed because the NNC has failed. As it was founded on the falsehood, its activities are evils. The Bible says; "If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked". (Proverb 29:12).

The sovereignty of Nagaland has bestowed by God our Lord, but not the achievement of any Naga leader and it has been protecting by God Almighty, thus we are still proud of as a sovereign nation till date.

The NSCN leaders however, shamelessly declared on the very day the NSCN was formed, January 31, 1980, that the Naga nation has

surrendered. And hence, they stopped observing Naga Independence Day and Plebiscite Day, as they attempted to rewrite the Naga National history on their own whims under the banner of NSCN. But they have failed to do so and then started to observe Naga Independence Day since 1996 and also joyously observed the Golden Jubilee of the NNC (Naga Independence Day) on 14th August in 1997 and yet, in contrast their speeches have been delivered saying; the Naga nation has surrendered. Also submitted their 31-Point (now 33-point) competencies proposal to the Government of India (GoI) in 2001; and they are indulging in political negotiation with Indian Government based on the said proposal demanding an autonomous state with integrated Naga inhabited areas under a single political roof of NSCN. Again in order to justify their demand Th. Muivah shamelessly said on February 29, 2012 at Niathu Resort meeting in Dimapur; that "Independence in the international context and integration of Naga areas in India and Myanmar are not possible" When the GoI failed to defeat the Nagas politically, the Indian leaders played their political game aftermath of the Accord by saying the Naga nation has surrendered by signing of an accord, which was done to bluff the world. And played the game through the NSCN leaders and attempted to internalize the Indo-Naga conflict. But the Nagas under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC) did not sway away from their

national stand.

When the NSCN was three years old, late Tubu Kevichusa, NNC General Secretary (killed by them on 4th June 1996) wrote a letter to Isak and Muivah on 9th July 1983, with an intention to remind them the formation of NSCN was wrong, His letter is quoted as follow: "You simply just cannot expect the people to accept a manifesto drafted in a remote jungle hideout as a gospel truth! Our people have a strong sense of tradition and the only ism that they know is Naga Nationalism so that a Socialist manifesto is an obscure to them as some ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic. As for the intellectuals and pseudo intellectuals, a Socialist manifesto is just another piece of literature which they come across daily, to be read, discarded and forgotten".

"What I am trying to say is that while both of you (Isak C. Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah) are capable leaders, none of you are theoreticians. Hence your attempt to provide a new theoretical basis for the Nagas is bound to fail.

With certain exceptions, theoreticians cannot be leaders and leaders cannot be theoreticians. And what I am trying to plead for is that we, just cannot ignore tradition and we must never pollute the spirit of Naga Nationalism with other forms of ism".

In 1992, Muivah and Isak slipped out from Nagaland to abroad and admitted in the UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and People's Organization) on 23rd January 1993 and also attended in the Inter-

Thomas

NNC Member national Human Rights ers who have projected the Conference of Indigenous Nagas as an ‘indigenous’ people in Geneva on 27th people may have a correct July 1993. That was indeed perspective of National Obattempted to label Naga jective.”

“It is not only impornational affairs into indigenous and human rights tant to know who we are. issue. In this time too late It is equally important to Eno Tubu issued a state- say clearly as to who we ment on 25th August 1995, are. For people will take us so as to remind them Nagas according to what we say are a nation by clearly stat- we are. If we say we are an ‘indigenous’ people, then ing as follow: “…All in all, indigenous the world will think so acpeople as in commonly cordingly and the matter understood are those who would end there. If we say have been completely sub- we are a Nation, then ultimerged and assimilated mately men of good reason into the political system of will recognise us as a Naanother race who is in the tion. It is not only impormajority and who control tant to speak one voice. It is the government and the equally important to speak economic and social sys- on one issue only.”

If they truly bore in tem. This very fact, among others, qualifies them to their mind that the Accord join the International Hu- was the main barrier for man Rights Conference of them to reunite with the NNC and Federal GovernIndigenous people.”

“What we have to un- ment of Nagaland (FGN), derstand at this juncture we could have been easily is that our struggle is not solved our differences long for recognition as an indig- before through peaceful enous people but for due means without bloodshed. recognition as a Sovereign Because the NSCN top leadpeople. As a Sovereign Na- ers (Isak, Muivah) clearly tion, we have no tribe, na- knew the fact that the NNC tive or indigenous persons. did not surrender the sovUnder our national Yehza- ereignty of Nagaland by bo, we only have citizens of signing an Accord in 1975. the Republic of Nagaland.” Thus, in Eastern Oking “We have been reluc- (Headquarters), they altant to publish our opin- ways lead to observe Nagaion on the use of the word land Independence Day joy‘indigenous’ as we did not ously on 14th August every want to hurt the feelings year before the formation of of some of our Naga broth- NSCN. Only they stopped to ers who think that to be observe it for some years aflabelled as an ‘indigenous’ ter the NSCN was formed, as people is a big deal. At the mentioned above. But they same time, we cannot af- knowingly and intentionally ford to dilute our National used the Accord to magnify Objective with any other their political game, to jusside issues. Hence this pub- tify the formation of NSCN lication, with the hope that and the killings. This is the those of our Naga broth- main reason that they did

not accept our suggestion to have removed if any misunderstanding we have in our mind by building up mutual understanding through free and frankly discussion in a meeting, no matter even words be exchanged with animosity and vituperation, instead of fighting against each other with bullets.

The NNC General Secretary late Tubu Kevichusa sent a letter to Isak and Muivah which is mentioned above; also urged them to ignore the Accord as mere scrap of paper as it was useless to harp on something which we have nothing to do. He said, "I have a mission to fulfill and my mission is to make Naga solidarity a reality. My prayer to you both is that you should once again take up the trust reposed on you by the people by again taking up the leadership of the Naga National Council. I on my part, will bow down in favour of Thuingaleng Muivah whom I have regarded as my brother. My suggestions may not be entirely acceptable to you, I shall therefore be grateful if you can give some counter suggestions. But for God's sake, let us exchange words, may even be hot words instead of exchanging bullets."

The President of the FGN, Eno Zshei Huire also wrote consecutive letters to Isak and Muivah from 1978-1984 in the interest of mutual understanding.

From them the last words are quoted. "… You got the assumption that the Shillong Accord of 1975 is a total capitulation before the Government of India and thus pulled down the pedestal of the Naga nationhood. And for that reason you had detach yourselves

from the national politics and declared a new set up altogether. My present stand is that the Federal Government of Nagaland is in existence, and the Naga issue with the Government of India is in the hands of the Naga National Council.

We take India as the other party in the conflict".

"First of all, I am pursuing the solidarity of the Nagas and in this respect I am requesting both of you not to hesitate by this or that apparent reason. The history of the world is moving very fast. We cannot afford to put the Naga solidarity in a dilemma. We cannot allow the coming generation to curse the Naga leaders of the last quarter of the twentieth century. Please make up your mind to tell me about anything that would go to restore the solidarity of the Naga people there and everywhere". (dated Oct. 5, 1984).

But Isak and Muivah failed to response to the genuine call for healthier and mutual understanding, instead they continued with the killings and it is still unabated till date, running 34 years. They have no apparent reason to reject the earnest request made by the NNC/FGN leaders for a meeting or to give counter suggestions by them, in order to build up mutual understanding among us and to restore national solidarity.

They might have the only reason to reject the NNC/FGN leaders' call for peace and reconciliation was, as they did not accept the policy of peaceful solution to Indo-Naga conflict.

Because they declared on 31st January 1980, that “We rule out the illusion of

saving Nagaland through peaceful means. It is arms and arms again that will save our nation and ensure freedom to our people".

However, their policy became apparently clear as a failure before the NSCN split into two factions in 1988. Indeed, their policy was not to fight against their own Naga brothers.

But they continued with the killings up to date were only for the reason to keep the NSCN alive.

The NNC/FGN leaders and the Nagas have done nothing wrong to say the truth that the sovereignty of Nagaland did not surrender at any point of time in the running history of Nagaland. But why the NSCN leaders vociferously shouting from the top of their voice, saying; 'the Naga nation has surrendered' is known to them alone. They have never shown a green signal to admit their misdeeds or to declare the formation of NSCN was wrong in the interest of peace and reconciliation among the Nagas. Such their pigheaded attitude will therefore remain as an obstacle for reunification of the Naga people unless they are ostracized by the Nagas following the actions of Sumi, Tangsa, Nokte (Arunachal) and Shepaomaramth people.

This story and failure of NSCN is retrospect in the interest of young people who would have right analysis and digest that there was no apparent reason and obstructive for the NSCN leaders to reunite with the NNC/FGN if not they have been attempting to destroy the Naga nation intentionally since the formation of NSCN.

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.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express FrIDAy 14 FEbruAry 2014 vol. IX IssuE 42

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Enriching Lives

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f ever we as an individual, family, society or a nation have to choose a mantra for living an enriched life, the proverb 'healthy, wealthy and wise' ought to be embraced not just as a common saying or belief but as a value system. The saying, 'early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise' should not be treated as out of date or as just another nursery rhyme, taught to children.

It has currency for people of all age, race or time. Even the slogan of peace and development, trumpeted about by governments, can find a more meaningful success if we can have a basis for nuturing the above two goals through the simplicity of leading a healthy, hardworking and thoughtful life. We need to look beyond our conventional models of peace and development. Can Nagaland lead the way in developing such a policy that will lead to enriched lives? This calls for a paradigm shift in the way our current system functions, including our society, government and politics.

Consider the fact that we spent considerable amount of our wealth and resource looking for cure and treatment.

Readers will perhaps recall this popular life lesson. The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.” This quote from the Dalai Lama will hopefully strike a note and that wisdom will not slip away when it comes to seeking healthy lifestyles in our lives. Very often, government policies do not give priority towards health promotion. There is a need to promote a positive attitude to health and wellbeing.

Along with a healthy lifestyle, we need to also improve the material wellbeing of our people. To be wealthy and financially secure is by no means a sin. Gain by honest means is a wonderful thing to emulate and teach to our children.

For this, we need to give our support and encouragement to hard, diligent work instead of glorifying easy money and corrupt practices. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship in our society is the need of the hour. In fact, the United Nations has a definition of what it calls 'inclusive wealth', which includes the sum of natural, human and physical assets. Wealth is not just about money in your bank account.

It includes natural resource and its proper utilization; human capital such as people's education and skills and physical capital like infrastructure.

If we look closely our social, religious and political landscape is besot with all kinds of problem--physical illness or disease; corruption and moral decay; misunderstanding and loss of trust leading to violence, killing and civil unrest. If we are unable to contain the stated problems, the wellbeing of our people is at stake. A unhealthy population means less productivity; corruption will further widen the gulf between the haves and have-nots; division and conflict as a result of poor judgment or unwise action only makes it difficult to nurture a peaceful and prosperous society. We are going to pay a heavy price if we continue to be as we are. To begin with we can revisit the sound doctrine of living a life of joy, balance and contentment based on good health, prosperity and wisdom. It should not be just seen as an uplifting proverb but should uplift our lives through appropriate government policy and societal intervention.

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

lEfT wiNg |

Serge Halimi Le Monde diplomatique

Against censorship, in any media

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reedom of speech is something we only really talk about with reference to statements we condemn.

Damage done to this principle may last long after the motive and the rulers who exploited it have been forgotten. In the atmosphere of near-panic immediately after 9/11, only one US senator, Russell Feingold, voted against the Patriot Act with its freedom-destroying raft of measures, which were adopted en bloc by Congress on the pretext of combating terrorism. Thirteen years and one president later, these emergency measures are still in force.

We know that ministers of the interior are more concerned with order and security than with freedom.

Every new threat encourages them to call for a fresh repressive measure that will attract the support of an anxious or outraged public. In January, France decided to ban meetings and shows judged contrary to “proper respect for human dignity”. Interior minister Manuel Valls, repelled by the anti-Semitic tirades of the controversial comedian Dieudonné, whom Valls claimed “is no longer funny” and whose behaviour “has nothing to do with creativity”, warned: “Nothing is ruled out, including stricter laws”. But a democratic state should not agree easily to allow the minister in charge of the police to rule ex officio on humour and creativity — even where both are conspicuously absent.

In July 1830 Charles X issued a decree revoking the freedom of the press, and one of his supporters justified the reintroduction of the principle of prior censorship to replace after-the-fact appeals to the courts: “The damage is already done when the law intervenes; far from repairing the damage, punishment merely adds scandal and debate”. Ways were found to ignore the decree and next day the newspapers appeared as usual without prior authorisations. The public rushed to read them and discuss the contents. Charles’s reign ended in revolution.

Now rebels, pariahs and reprobates have tens of thousands of subscribers on Twitter; they can hold “meetings” through YouTube sprawled on couches in their living rooms. If we ban shows and public meetings, must we also penalise broadcasting of the same content on social networks? That would turn scandalmongers into victims of “the system”, and justify their most paranoid accusations.

Responding to Valls’s initiatives, a former Socialist minister acknowledged his concerns regarding “a deeply retrograde step, introducing a preventive measure ... preemptive moral censorship of free speech.” He concluded, perhaps charitably: “Our best minds have been swayed by emotion, anger and revolt against infamy”.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Maria Xynou

INDIA'S SURVEILLANCE STATE: Big Democracy, Big Surveillance

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orried about the secret, mass surveillance schemes being carried out by the NSA? While we should be, some of the surveillance schemes in the world's largest democracy, India, are arguably in the same league.

Surveillance is being globalised to the extent that even India, a country with huge poverty issues, is investing millions of dollars in creating an expansive surveillance regime. However, why would communications monitoring interest Indian authorities, when the majority of the population lives below the line of poverty and only 17% of the population has access to the Internet?

The official political motivation behind surveillance in India appears to be the government's determination to tackle terrorism in the country. The 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks were arguably a similar landmark to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, and both governments officially announced their intention to carry out surveillance as a counter-terrorism measure. However, unlike in the west, terrorist attacks in India are much more common, and the National Security Adviser reported in 2008 that 800 terrorist cells were operational in the country. With India’s history of major terror attacks in India over the last 25 years, it's easy for one to be persuaded that terrorism is actually a major threat to national security.

India's surveillance schemes India’s surveillance programs mostly started following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. That was when the Ministry of Home Affairs first proposed the creation of a National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), which will give 11 intelligence and investigative agencies real-time access to 21 citizen data sources to track terror activities. These citizen data sources will be provided by various ministries and departments, otherwise called “provider agencies”, and will include bank account details, telephone records, passport data and vehicle registration details, among other types of data.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought over Rs. 3,400 crore (around USD 54 million!) for the implementation of NATGRID, which aims to create comprehensive patterns of intelligence by collecting sensitive information from databases of departments like the police, banks, tax and telecoms to supposedly track any terror suspect and incident.

But NATGRID is far from India's only data sharing scheme. In 2009 the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the creation and implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), which would facilitate the sharing of databases among 14,000 police stations across all 35 states and Union Territories of India, excluding 6,000 police offices which are high in the police hierarchy. Rs. 2,000 crore (around USD 32 million) have been allocated for the CCTNS, which is being implemented by the National Crime Records Bureau under the national e-governance scheme. The CCTNS not only increases transparency by automating the function of police stations, but also provides the civil police with tools, technology and information to facilitate the investigation of crime and detection of criminals. But apparently, sharing data and linking databases is not enough to track criminals and terrorists. As such, in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian government also implemented various interception systems. In September 2013 it was reported that the Indian government has been operating Lawful Intercept & Monitoring (LIM) systems, widely in secret. In particular, mobile operators in India have deployed their own LIM systems allowing for the so-called “lawful interception” of calls by the government. And possibly to enable this, mobile operators are required to provide subscriber verification to the Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) cells of the Department of Telecommunications.

In the case of Internet traffic, the LIM systems are deployed at the international gateways of large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and expand to a broad search across all Internet traffic using “keywords” and “key-phrases”. In other words, security agencies using LIM systems are capable of launching a search for suspicious words, resulting in the indiscriminate monitoring of all Internet traffic, possibly without court oversight and without the knowledge of ISPs. India has also automated and centralized the interception of communications through the Central Monitoring System (CMS). This project was initially envisioned in 2009, following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and was approved in 2011. The CMS intercepts all telecommunications in India and central-

T

wo giant leaps by a 22-year-old woman, and another small step for womankind. Like Neil Armstrong, Carina Vogt carved her name into history. No, she didn't land on the moon.

Only 12 men got to do that. Women have had to do all of their flying on or around Earth. And, oh, did Vogt fly Tuesday.

Her huge leaps and steady nerves made her the first female ski jumping champion in Olympic history. Floating above the gleaming, flood-lit white hill, the German gracefully shattered a glass ceiling that should been dismantled years ago.

Battling long and hard for this, their rightful place at the Olympics, made the ski jumping women into a close-knit, even more determined sorority. But as emancipating as it was to see Vogt and the 29 other pioneers soar with their braids and ponytails, this night isn't even the beginning of the end of the fight for gender equality in sports.

Trends of girls doing less sport than boys start in childhood. Too often, women athletes who do reach the top see less money, less sponsorship and less media coverage than men. So the groundbreaking must not stop with these women with their big skis and big hearts who proved to a global audience what they themselves already knew: that they can hurl themselves down an icy hill and into the void with the best and bravest.

In the crowd on this chill and his-

In India, surveillance is on the rise by the state to tackle crime and terrorism, and private companies are eager to meet the demand ly stores the data in national and regional databases.

The CMS will be connected with the Telephone Call Interception System (TCIS) which will help monitor voice calls, SMS and MMS, fax communications on landlines, CDMA, video calls, GSM and 3G networks.

Agencies which will have access to the CMS include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Unlike mainstream interception, where service providers are required to intercept communications and provision interception requests to law enforcement agencies, the Central Monitoring System will automate the entire process of interception. This means that the CMS authority will have centralized access to all intercepted data and that the authority can also bypass service providers in gaining such access. Once security agencies have access to this data, they are equipped with Direct Electronic Provisioning, filters and alerts on the target numbers, as well as with Call Details Records (CDR) analysis and data mining tools to identify the personal information of target numbers.

Given that roughly 73% of India's population uses mobile phones, this means that the Central Monitoring System can potentially affect about 893 million people, more than double the population of the United States! However, how is it even possible for Indian authorities to mine the data of literally millions of people? Who supplies Indian authorities with the technology to do this and what type of technology is actually being used?

India's surveillance industry India has the world's second largest population, consisting of more than a billion people and an expanding middle class. Undoubtedly, India is a big market and many international companies aspire in investing in the country. Unfortunately though, along with everything else being imported into India, surveillance technologies are no exception.

Some of the biggest and most notorious surveillance technology companies in the world, such as ZTE, Utimaco and Verint, have offices in India. Even FinFisher command and control servers have been found in India. However, in addition to allowing foreign surveillance technology companies to create offices and to sell their products and solutions in the country, local companies selling controversial spyware appear to be on the rise too.

Kommlabs Dezign is an Indian company which loves to show off its Internet monitoring solutions at various ISS trade shows, otherwise known as “the Wiretapper's Ball”. In particular, Kommlabs Dezign sells VerbaNET, an Internet Interception Solution, as well as VerbaCENTRE, which is a Unified Monitoring Centre that can even detect cognitive and emotional stress in voice calls and flag them! In other words, Kommlabs Dezign makes a point that not only should we worry about what we text and say over our phones, but that we should also worry about what we sound like when on the phone.

Vehere is another Indian company which sells various surveillance solutions and notably sells vCRIMES, which is a Call Details Records (CDR) analysis system.

VCRIMES is used to analyse and gather intelligence and to unveil hidden interconnections and relations through communications. This system also includes a tool for detecting sleeper cells through advanced statistical analysis and can analyse more than 40 billion records in less than 3 seconds.

Paladion Networks is headquartered in Bangalore, India and sells various Internet Monitoring Systems, Telecom Operator Interception Systems, SSL Interception and Decryption Systems and Cyber Cafe Monitoring Systems to law enforcement agencies in India and

abroad. In fact, Paladion Networks even states in its website that its customers include India's Ministry of Information Technology and the U.S Department of Justice.

ClearTrail Technologies is yet another Indian company which not only sponsors global surveillance trade shows but also sells a wide range of monitoring solutions to law enforcement agencies in India and abroad.

ComTrail is a solution for the centralised mass interception and monitoring of voice and data networks, including Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, BlackBerry, ICQ and GSM voice calls. Furthermore, ComTrail is equipped to handle millions of communications per day, correlating identities across multiple networks, and can instantly analyse data across thousands of terabytes.

ClearTrail also sells xTrail, which is a solution for the targeted interception, decoding and analysis of data traffic over IP networks and which enables law enforcement agencies to intercept and monitor targeted communications without degrading the service quality of the IP network. Interestingly, xTrail can filter based on a “pure keyword”, a URL/Domain with a keyword, a mobile number or even with just a user identity, such as an email ID, chat ID or VoIP ID. Apparently, some the biggest challenges that law enforcement agencies face when monitoring communications include cases when targets operate from public Internet networks and/or use encryption. However, it turns out that ClearTrail's QuickTrail solution is designed to gather intelligence from public Internet networks, when a target is operating from a cyber cafe, a hotel, a university campus or a free Wi-Fi zone. This device can remotely deploy spyware into a target's computer and supports protocol decoding, including HTTP, SMTP, POP3 and HTTPS. Additionally, QuickTrail can identify a target machine on the basis of metadata, such as an IP address, and can monitor Ethernet LANs in real time, as well as monitor Gmail, Yahoo and all other HTTPS-based communications. ClearTrail's mTrail is designed for the passive 'off-the-air' interception of GSM communications, including the interception of targeted calls from pre-defined suspect lists and the monitoring of SMS and protocol information. MTrail also identifies a target's location by using signal strength, target numbers, such as IMSI, TIMSI, IMEI or MSI SDN, which makes it possible to listen to the conversation of so-called “lawfully intercepted” calls in near real-time.

In short, it looks like India is reaching the top league when it comes to surveillance technologies, especially since many of its companies and their products appear to be just as scary as some of the most sophisticated spying gear sold by the West. India may be the world's largest (by population) democracy, but that means that it has a huge population with way too many opinions...and apparently, the private and public sectors in India appear to be joining forces to do something about it.

So do Indians have nothing to hide?

A very popular rhetoric in both India and the west is that citizens should not be concerned about surveillance because, after all, if they are not terrorists, they should have nothing to hide. However, privacy advocate Caspar Bowden has rightfully stated that this rhetoric is fundamentally flawed and that we should all indeed “have something to hide”. But is privacy just about “having something to hide”? Jacob Appelbaum has stated that this rhetoric is merely a psychological copying mechanism when dealing with security. It's probably rather comforting and reassuring to think that we are not special or important enough for surveillance to affect us personally. But is that really up to us to decide? Unfortunately not. The very point of data mining is to match patterns, create profiles of individuals and to unveil hidden interconnections and relations. A data analyst can uncover more information about us than what we are even aware of and it is they who decide if our data is “incriminating” or not. Or even worse: in many cases it's up to data mining software to decide how “special” or “important” we are. And unfortunately, technology is not infallible.

The world's largest democracy, which is also one of the most corrupt countries in the world, is implementing many controversial surveillance schemes which lack transparency, accountability and adequate legal backing, and which are largely being carried out in secret. And to make matters worse, India lacks privacy legislation. Over a billion people in a democratic regime are exposed to inadequately regulated surveillance schemes, while a local surveillance industry is thriving without any checks or balances whatsoever. What will this mean for the global future of democracy?

A giant leap but also small step for women John leicester AP Sports Columnist

toric Russian night were parents whose persistent lobbying and simple argument — "Our girls can jump!" — embarrassed and helped wear down stick-in-the-muds in skiing and at the International Olympic Committee who eventually ran out of excuses. They included Peter and Barbara Jerome, parents of Jessica, from Park City, Utah.

She placed 10th. Peter said the trek his daughter and the other women had to take to get this far taught him "that life is not fair."

"Women are the underdog in sport because, I think for whatever reason, they are the underdog in producing revenue," he said.

But achieving equality in sport — indeed in life — isn't merely a question of finance but also of will and of challenging tradition. At the Sochi Games, the IOC added more opportunities for women to compete. Biathlon and luge, for example, both

have new relay races with men and women teaming together. Still, there are 1,712 male athletes in Sochi to 1,155 women, and 18 of the 88 countries brought no female competitors. Nordic combined, where athletes ski jump and race cross-country, has no women competitors.

Ski jumping gave the women one competition, for 30 jumpers. The men got 70 competitors and three competitions, one on the socalled "normal" hill that the women jumped and another two on the even larger hill that remains an exclusive male preserve at the Olympics and will stay that way at the next games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Women have two large hill events on their World Cup circuit. But the ski federation which organizes the Olympic jumping competition only wants to add a mixed-gender team event on the smaller hill in 2018. That will double the women's

wRiTE-wiNg

medal chances but also mean they remain junior partners to the men. "The discipline is still very young," said the federation's ski jump competition director, Walter Hofer. "Step by step we will improve."

Peter Jerome doesn't buy that.

Women jump on larger hills "all the time. They are more than capable," he said. "It's always easy to justify a goslow approach."

For the record, Vogt's first jump of 103 meters was further than all but two of the men, although the women did start from slightly higher up on the hill.

Perched on the seat at the top, Vogt stared through her goggles at the giddy drop-off and threw herself down it.

Into a crouch, arms behind her, accelerating to 90 kph (55 mph) in around five seconds — faster than most sports cars.

The rumble of her skis on the ice grew to a roar underneath her.

Then silence.

She was in the air.

Flying, flying, flying.

Then down.

The "oooh!" from the crowd drowned out the gunshot-like crack the skis make on landing, slapping against the hard snow.

As she came to a stop, James Brown singing "I Feel Good" played over the speakers.

Quite a night.

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PERSPECTIVE

7 sting follows Breaking the Habits of Machismo Corruption Indian athletes to Sochi Friday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

14 February 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Michelle a. Gonzalez

F

Sojourners

OR CENTURIES Christians have pondered what it means to be created in the image of God. Throughout my own academic career, I’ve been haunted by the mystery of Genesis 1:27: “God created humanity in God’s own image, in the divine image God created them, male and female God created them” (CEB).

What does this passage reveal about us, and consequently, what does it reveal about God? The second half of the passage is equally contentious and challenging.

Does “male and female God created them” imply that men and women reflect the image of God equally?

While Genesis 2 to 3, with its narrative of sin and betrayal, is captivating, there is something about the simplicity, mystery, and implications of Genesis 1:27 that resonates even today. I would argue that Genesis 1:27 is the foundation of an egalitarian anthropology where male and female are at the center of theological reflection, where they reflect the image of God without hierarchy or preference. The existence of distinctive genders in humanity does not imply any sort of sexuality within God. Instead, the metaphor retains the unknowability and mystery of God. It reminds us that there are similarities and great differences between the created and Creator. The metaphor “image of God” both reveals and conceals something about the nature of God—and the nature of humanity.

Genesis 1:27 has been a source of inspiration, debate, and controversy throughout the history of Christianity. The church fathers (writing between 150 and 500 C.E.) often implied that women must negate their very womanhood in order to reflect their creation in God’s image. These male writers in the early church viewed female bodies as an impediment to reflecting the image of God. Augustine of Hippo argued that although women spiritually share the image of God, they do soin spiteoftheir bodies—women’s bodies corrupt and diminish their ability to reflect the image of God. In this thinking, women reflect a distorted image; we are inherently deficient.

Centuries later, medieval thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas were profoundly influenced by Aristotle, who viewed women as a lesser species than men. Aquinas described women as “defective” and “misbegotten.” In describing women as misbegotten males created solely for the purpose of procreation, Aquinas perpetuated an Aristotelian and unbiblical notion of humanity that leaves a mark on Christian theology today.

The traditional theologians and church fathers acknowledged the rationality of a woman’s mind but— because women are symbolically tied to their bodies— argued that her salvation must be seen as the negation of her nature. In other words, women are redeemed in spite of their femaleness. In this view, a woman’s reflection of the imago Dei is something she lost in the Fall and will only fully recover in the afterlife.

DESPITE TREMENDOUS spiritual growth and new understandings, both in science and theology, there are still aspects of Christianity that are overtly or covertly shaped by this kind of theological framework.

Contemporary Christian notions of what it means to be male and female remain influenced by an obsolete misogynist ideological framework that views women as the passive recipients to the active male principle. This leads to a “separate but equal” mentality that maintains the male as primary.

An egalitarian notion of the imago Dei is the foundation for a theological anthropology that reflects a deeper understanding of Genesis 1:27. In order to achieve this vision of the human, the underlying patriarchal worldview that has shaped the Christian tradition must be acknowledged and transformed. One cannot simply add women as “equals” into a malformed patriarchy and produce an egalitarian anthropology. The distorted structure itself must be redeemed.

An emphasis on male or female bodies leads us to examine how humanity’s sexual embodiment contributes to the distinctiveness of our humanity. To put it rather bluntly, men and women are embodied in very different ways. If you take the body seriously, then you must examine how this distinctive embodiment shapes one’s theological anthropology. These differences between us do not automatically lead to a theology of “complemen-

I

t was very interesting to read the article “Rio-Alemtemshi: New Politics?” written by Along Longkumar and published on 5th February in the Morung Express. Yes indeed, the two men at the helm of affairs presently seem to be Neiphiu Rio and Alemtemshi Jamir. All eyes are on them and all wait eagerly to see the outcome of their new speculated endeavors.

Neiphiu and Alem are two persons who have been walking in the corridors of power here in Kohima for more than 25 years now. And both of them have already achieved in their respective careers what many of their counterparts can only dream of. For any state politician, the ultimate aim is to one day sit in the CM’s chair. Likewise, for any IAS officer, the ultimate aim is to sit in the Chief Secretary’s chair one day. Therefore, both Neiphiu and Alem have already occupied and enjoyed the highest, most prestigious and glamorous position that their respective careers could offer them. And as such, it is no surprising that, as they intend to enter a new phase in their public life and in their service to the people, they have once again captured the attention and imagination of the people.

Neiphiu Rio, son of Late Guolhoulie Rio, has undoubtedly become the biggest name in Nagaland state politics in recent times. And he has already proven his mettle in more than one situation. It was during the chief ministership of SC Jamir (1993 – 2003) that Neiphiu slowly rose to become the No.2 in the hierarchy of power in Nagaland state politics.

And by the time the Jamir era came to an end in 2003. Neiphiu’s moment of history had come. It was in this way, more than 10 years ago, that Rio’s moment of

Some churches calling themselves Christian continue to act as if women are second-class citizens in the kingdom of God— despite what the Bible says

tarity.” We need to understand ourselves as whole, not fractional individuals that are completed once we find our “other half” in the opposite sex.

Our deeper understanding of the egalitarian metaphor in Genesis 1:27 not only dramatically affects our human relationships, but it also has implications for how we understand God. The same misinterpretation from the Christian tradition that led to patriarchal church teachings (and therefore structures) has also led to a patriarchal image of God. The two feed off of each other, especially in the context of the imago Dei. To truly understand the imago Dei as a dimension of humanity that is shared by women and men equally, we must re-examine how we understand the divine.

When our interior image of God and our exterior references to God are exclusively male and “father,” we reinforce patriarchal constructions of the image of God that are based on a hierarchy that values men at the expense of women.

This has real-world effects. It leads to women not being allowed to preach, lead from the altar, celebrate communion, administer rites, pastor congregations, or teach, and a myriad of less-overt restrictions in the here and now. It’s seen in the manner in which women’s bodies are constantly reduced to objects of sexual temptation, sometimes with dire consequences. These attitudes can lead to greater violence against women, such as we see in the increasing exploitation and attacks on young women and how social media is used to perpetuate and document these horrific acts.

As the broader church reclaims the divine image shared equally between women and men, our symbols and language of the divine are transformed. When our image of the divine is transformed, then our human relations are also redeemed.

Human equality is a value held by most faith traditions. Even if some denominations or nondenominational movements limit women’s access to leadership or deny women’s call to certain forms of ministry, most still uphold the value that a woman’s sacredness is not diminished because of her gender. But if we say we believe that men and women are made in God’s image, then aren’t we required to make it a tenet of faith and take the necessary steps to put this aspect of our faith into practice?

Recently, thanks largely to the refreshing new spirit of Pope Francis, the question of women’s full participation in Christian life has been revived.

(It never went away, but the spotlight has now returned.) In Pope Francis’ widely circulated September interview in La Civiltà Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal, he called for the fuller participation of women in the Church. “Women are asking deep questions that must be addressed,” he said. “We have to work harder to develop a profound theology of the woman ... The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions.” Pope Francis appeared to critique the theology of gender com-

plementarity that has dominated Vatican rhetoric, noting that it is too often “inspired by an ideology of machismo.” Yet this is tempered by his comment earlier in the summer that the issue of women’s ordination to the Catholic priesthood is a closed matter, as well as by his upholding the investigation of women religious in the U.S. (at least so far).

Additionally, a movement has arisen in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Mormon Church) advocating that women be ordained.

Despite Mitt Romney’s quip during the 2012 presidential debates that he had “binders full of women” to choose from for his gubernatorial cabinet, his church has not recognized women’s call to the priesthood. The Ordain Women website advances full ordination for Mormon women. “To deny women access to decision-making authority in any community—religious or otherwise—opens up a space for the more extreme forms of discrimination and abuse that millions of women in the world endure,” says Ordain Women’s Lorie Winder.

Statistics increasingly show that the rise of the religiously unaffiliated (“nones”—those who list their religious affiliation as “none of the above”) among Roman Catholics, Latinos, and youth across the United States is changing our religious landscape. Increasingly, youth describe Christianity as anti-gay and anti-woman.

The “nones” are challenging the values gap they perceive in the way churches put their faith into practice.

As one “none,” who is young, Catholic, and a woman, put it, “I think the only way for churches to reverse the exodus of the ‘nones’ is by becoming different churches.” Sentiments like these and the statistical trends in Christianity remind us that the issue of women’s role in churches and on altars is far from decided.

While some may decry a lost generation that has become morally bankrupt and less religious, I would argue that our youth are challenging us to reassess some traditional Christian habits—particularly those that stem from a patriarchal past and outdated customs.

ALL THIS BRINGS me back to Genesis 1:27.

Through our relationship with God, our fellow human beings, and the rest of creation, we reflect the image of God within us. This is not an uncritical and romanticized understanding of relationships. Not all relations reflect the image of God. Relationships that limit women’s full participation in their churches, that deny their call to ministry, or place women in positions of submission do not authentically reflect imago Dei relationships. Male and female reflect the image of God equally and express this image through their own historical, social, and cultural particularity.

As we look to the future of Christianity, we must lay aside theologies that are more rooted in maleoriented power structures than in Jesus Christ, our icon and mirror. Too often Jesus’ maleness becomes normative within a patriarchal theology. Making an idol of Jesus’ maleness has the effect of putting limitations on women reflecting the image of God. To deify maleness takes us back to the fundamental flaws in the church fathers who argued that men reflect God’s image more appropriately than women. Our theologies must draw all God’s creation toward the Creator—equally, fully—to be redeemed.

Women’s role in the home, workforce, and society are still contested in the United States. What is the “ideal” Christian woman celebrated in our churches?

What messages are our churches sending women— especially the 75 percent in the U.S. who work to support themselves and their families? What messages are our churches sending women about their own moral agency, about stepping into authority, about ethical leadership, about preaching, teaching, and administering the Word of God? These are all clues into the still-limited manner in which women are understood within Christianity.

What will it take to break down the habits of machismo still present in Christian communities? Where in our churches is the genius of women restricted, curtailed, or even threatened? What steps can we take to fully embrace a “profound new theology of women”?

Gratefully, we can find the roots of this transformation within the wealth of our Christian tradition itself.

Michelle A. Gonzalez is associate professor of religious studies at the University of Miami. Her books include Sor Juana: Beauty and Justice in the Americas and Created in God’s Image: An Introduction to Feminist Theological Anthropology.

Men of the Moment Khrietuonyü Noudi

Straight From The Heart History, Politics, Culture… truth came when he deserted the Congress party and came within the fold of the ‘Cock Party’ with chief ministerial ambition. And as the events unfolded, the gods certainly seemed to be on his side as he not only became the Chief Minister but his power and influence seemed to grow with every passing year. The result of all these was that the Cock Party led by Rio was able to inflict even more humiliating defeats upon the Congress in 2008 and 2013. Now news is doing the rounds that Rio may contest the upcoming Lok Sahba elections. If this happens, another big question crops up – who will be the next to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair?

The Nagas will grade the reign of Neiphiu according to their own assess-

ments and observations. And as such, the conclusions and judgments would be different from person to person. For me, some of the notable features of the reign of Rio would be instating the Governor’s Award for excellence in arts, music and literature in 2003, internationalizing the Hornbill Festival, Service Regularization of more than 4000 graduate and primary teachers in the school education department, passing the Superannuation Bill and of course, launching the Naga People’s Party in the neighboring states of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Neiphiu still seems to be strong and invincible physically as well as mentally.

Therefore, if he does contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and becomes an

MP, my only hope is that he turns out to be someone with a recognizable voice in the Indian parliament. I say this because none of the Naga MPs have had any recognition at the national level thus far.

In his article, Along Longkumar describes Alemtemshi as ‘a cut above the rest’ – which is indeed a befitting tribute to the man. Whenever we talk about IAS or IAS officers in Nagaland, the first person that comes to the minds of most of us is Sir.Alem followed by his lady wife Banuo. Like Along, I also do not know Sir.Alemtemshi personally. But I guess I do have something which I can say about him. This story goes like this: In the year 1996 when I was waiting for my PU results to be out, I worked for six months on contract basis as an LDA in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat. I was attached to the office of Colney who was then the additional Chief Secretary of Nagaland. During this short period of time, I saw Sir. Alem on a couple of occasions and he made an instant impression on me. He was always smartly dressed as he roamed around talking fluent English. In the secretariat complex, I usually saw him roaming without any bodyguards and whenever I greeted him, he always replied politely.

I was in the secretariat only for few months as I did not renew my six-month contract. However, since my experience there more than 15 years ago, I have followed Sir. Alem closely in the newspapers and other medias. And like many other Nagas, his latest move to have caught my attention and interest is his voluntary retirement from service. Because even if he retires from service, it may certainly not mean that Sir Alemtemshi is going to spend the rest of his life reading newspapers in his verandah……

C. Rajshekhar Rao

T

associated Press

he taint of corruption followed India's Olympic athletes everywhere in Sochi. They were not allowed to enter the Olympic stadium marching under the Indian flag. They were warned the national anthem would not play if they won any medals.

But the athletes had done nothing wrong.

Their administrative exile was the result of ethics violations by the Indian Olympic Association, which had elected two corruption tainted officials as its leaders. Although the IOC executive board reinstated the Indian Olympic body Tuesday, five days after the games began the episode laid bare India's intractable problems with corruption on an international stage.

"The whole world is watching and when the Indian flag doesn't fly, people know that it's because of corruption and it's not a nice image for the country," said luger Shiva Keshavan, India's top winter sports athlete. "Symbolism is really important at the Olympic Games," he told The Associated Press in Sochi.

The bureaucratic bumbling had all the makings of a national scandal, touching on resonant issues of national pride and prestige. But despite the sting of embarrassment for the athletic community, the episode has failed to stir up much outrage among ordinary Indians.

The muted response stems, in part, from India's virtually non-existent presence at the Winter Olympics. It is likely the public sense of embarrassment would have been greater had the controversy broken out before a summer Olympics.

India has never won a medal at the Winter Olympics, and the three Indians competing this year at Sochi — a luger and two skiers — are not household names. Keshavan finished 37th out of 39 competitors in Sunday's men's singles event for luge.

In a country where cricket is the pastime of choice, and where temperatures are scorching for much of the year, winter sports have never gained much traction here.

"People haven't been bothered much about the developments on the Olympics front," said T.S. Sampath, a businessman in New Delhi and an avid sports lover. "It's not been very important for me even though I'm a sports lover because I don't think our performance level is good at the (winter) Olympics."

The quiet reaction to the Olympic snub is starkly different from the national mood ahead of the Commonwealth Games of 2010, which deeply embarrassed India on its own turf. India's preparations for the games were seen as an international humiliation, with filthy athletes' housing, a collapsed pedestrian bridge, security worries, corruption accusations and even an outbreak of dengue fever.

Still, the Olympic snafu was no small matter, particularly as the country tries to showcase its clout as a superpower.

"It's a big disgrace to be suspended because of any reason, more so because we were seen to have tainted officials," said Randhir Singh, a member of the IOC and a former secretary-general of India's national Olympic body. "It's a matter of shame if a country's athletes are unable to participate under the national flag, irrespective of how many medals you're expected to win."

India's performance at the Summer games has also never been stellar. Its maximum haul is six medals at London in 2012, none of them gold. Its only individual gold at any Summer Olympics was won by rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra in Beijing in 2008.

India has won eight gold medals in field hockey, the last time in Moscow in 1980.

India was suspended in December 2012 for electing scandal-tainted Abhay Chautala as president and Lalit Bhanot as secretary-general. Bhanot spent 10 months in jail on corruption charges stemming from the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, while Chautala is charged in a recruitment scam not related to sport. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

The IOC executive board reinstated India Tuesday after the Indian Olympic Association held another election over the weekend to replace Chautala and Bhanot, who were not allowed to contest. This complied with IOC ethics rules barring corruption-tainted officials from running for election, and cleared the way for India's three athletes to compete under their national flag for the rest of the Sochi Games.

Because of the scandal, the athletes entered the games under the Olympic flag and wearing the white uniforms of independent competitors.

It is the first time in history that a suspension of a national Olympic body has been lifted during the games, the IOC said.

The quick resolution of the dispute was largely because neither the Indians nor the IOC wanted India to carry the stain ahead of the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to be held between July and September this year.

India does relatively well at these two events, and it would have been a black mark on the games themselves had a major country participated while continuing to be in disgrace.

The IOC reinstatement came too late for Keshavan, who competed as an independent athlete Sunday. But cross-country skier Nadeem Iqbal and slalom skier Hamanshu Thakur can now represent India in upcoming races.

Although India is now back in the fold, not everyone is satisfied.

Rahul Mehra, an Indian lawyer and sports activist, said there should have been more national outrage. The weekend ballot, he says, resulted only in "a change of face" in the Indian Olympic body which will do no good to Indian sport.

"These are all proxies of the Bhanots and the Chautalas," said Mehra, who has fought several court cases in Indian courts in a bid to change the running of sport. "These are fiefdoms that have been distributed at the cost of Indians."

He said he was not happy that the IOC welcomed India back to the fold so eagerly.

"This is a cruel joke," he said. "This is a shame."

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 14 February 2014

The Morung Express

Pepper spray leaves Lok Sabha - and nation - in tears

New Delhi, February 13 (iaNS): Indian politics touched a new low Thursday as an Andhra Pradesh MP opposed to Telangana used pepper spray in the Lok Sabha, triggering unprecedented clashes and leaving 16 MPs suspended for turning parliament into a house of shame.

Lagadapati Rajagopal, one of six MPs expelled from the Congress this week, was assaulted by fellow parliamentarians and taken out of the house by marshals after he sprayed the pungent pepper at startled parliamentarians to vent his anger over the decision to carve out Telangana state.

During what turned out to be another tumultuous day in parliament over Telangana, MPs came to blows, a mike was ripped out, glass shattered and a computer was smashed.

Both Speaker Meira Kumar and leaders of political parties described the Thursday turmoil as a blot on Indian democracy.

Janata Dal-United’s Sharad Yadav branded Rajagopal’s conduct as sedition. “This is an attack on our democracy and it is nothing short of sedition,” said Yadav, who was in the Lok Sabha when Rajagopal did the unthinkable.

“If the strongest action is not taken, it will be difficult for parliament to run.”

Rajagopal’s frenzy sent scores of MPs and Lok Sabha officials -- and journalists in the media gallery -running for cover, coughing violently and with a burning sensation in their eyes.

A pungent odour enveloped the house, adding to the chaos caused by the unending sloganeering and disruptions since morning. Amid the commotion, the UPA government man-

‘Used pepper spray in self-defence’

An unidentified member of India’s parliament covers his face with a handkerchief after being affected by pepper spray gas in New Delhi, on Thursday, February 13. Congress party lawmaker L. Rajagopal from Andhra Pradesh sprayed pepper spray inside the parliament from the main speaking zone, creating chaos that left his colleagues coughing and crying as they were ushered from the hall, in a protest over a long-contentious proposal to create a new southern state of Telangana from the existing Andhra Pradesh state. (AP Photo)

aged to introduce a bill that would pave the way to carve out a Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh -- precisely the issue over which Rajagopal was protesting. But the BJP and some others contested this claim.

TDP member M. Venugopala, who too is against Andhra Pradesh’s break up, wrenched the speaker’s microphone. He refused to apologize for the behaviour. “No, I didn’t do anything wrong,” the agitated MP said. “I was protesting.

How dare they break up Andhra Pradesh?” Sixteen Lok Sabha MPs were suspended for five days. They included five of the Congress, four of the TDP, two of the YSR Congress including its leader Y.S. Jaganmo-

han Reddy as well as five expelled by the Congress this week.

The Lok Sabha did meet again but there was no normalcy. Andhra Pradesh MPs again walked towards the speaker shouting slogans, joined by Tamil Nadu members equally angry over the attacks on their fishermen by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Amid the renewed chaos, an Andhra MP collapsed and was rushed to hospital. If all this wasn’t enough, supporters and opponents of Telangana fought with one another outside the house, leaving an unspecified number injured.

The Rajya Sabha, which too witnessed noisy disturbances, was adjourned for the day. And so was the Lok

Sabha. In the upper house, Congress member K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao and TDP’s Y.S. Chowdhary and C.M. Ramesh stood in front of the chairman’s podium holding placards that demanded a “United Andhra Pradesh!” TDP’s Gundu Sudha Rani and some Congress leaders in turn flashed a placard seeking Telangana.

The Lok Sabha developments drew widespread condemnation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said Thursday’s ruckus “is a big blot on our parliamentary democracy... It is a very shameful act”. Said Meira Kumar: “Our democracy is admired throughout the world. What has happened today is a blot.”

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde promised “strict action” against the MPs. Rajagopal and other MPs from the Seemandhra region are bitterly opposed to the division of Andhra Pradesh. They have been staging noisy protests in the Lok Sabha right from the day it convened Feb 5, leaving both houses crippled day after day.

The BJP and the CPI-M blamed the Congress for the chaos, saying it was not unable to rein in its own ministers and MPs. BJP leader L.K. Advani, one of India’s most experienced parliamentarians, described the events as “disgraceful”. There will be no parliament session Friday on account of a holiday.

New Delhi, February 13 (iaNS): Suspended Congress lawmaker L. Rajagopal who used pepper spray inside the Lok Sabha Thursday said he took the step in “self-defence”. “I used pepper spray in selfdefence. I rushed to the well only when a Seemandhra MP was attacked,” Rajagopal told reporters referring to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Venugopal Reddy.

Lagadapati Rajagopal, the Lok Sabha member from Vijaywada, released the pepper spray towards fellow members after Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde tabled the Telangana bill at noon. Rajagopal was quickly overpowered by fellow MPs and marshals.

The strong, pungent odour triggered coughing among the parliamentarians who rushed out of the house. Doctors were called and three MPs were taken to hospital. “Even the non-Andhra MPs of the Congress were in well, they were attacking us,” Rajagopal alleged. He was among six MPs from Seemandhra who were expelled from the Congress Tuesday. Rajagopal is among the richest MPs from Andhra Pradesh, with Rs.300 crore to his name, ac-

cording to his affidavit to the election commission in 2009.

Meanwhile, Reddy, who was involved in a fracas over the Telangana bill and was accused of bringing a knife to the house, termed the allegations a lie. “I was not carrying a knife inside the house. This is a lie being spread by the government. I was holding a mike which may have looked like a knife,” Reddy told reporters outside parliament.

The TDP MP called it a “black day in the history of parliament”. “I was opposing the introduction of the Telangana bill in the house when these things happened.

They wanted to forcibly introduce the bill,” he said. “I pulled the mike in front of the secretary general. It was the only instrument I had in my hand. I have been falsely implicated by Sushilkumar Shinde and Kamal Nath,” he said. Reddy alleged that 10 MPs - including Raj Babbar, Ponnam Prabhakar, Anjan Kumar Yadav, Vijaya Shanthi and Nama Nageshwar Rao - beat him up.

“They want to kill me politically and physically. The Congress MPs became marshals today”.

MPs meet speaker, say Telangana bill not introduced

New Delhi, February 13 (iaNS): A group of Lok Sabha MPs Thursday met Speaker Meira Kumar and said they did not agree that the Telangana bill was introduced in the house.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Communist Party of India (CPI) and Trinamool Congress leaders met the speaker after the bill was introduced amid ruckus and violent protests.

According to sources, the members told the speaker that the bill should again be introduced. “Our stand is that the bill should be introduced in the right way,” CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta, who was among the MPs who met the speaker, told IANS.

He, however, refused to divulge the details of the conversation. Samajwadi Party leader Shailendra Kumar told IANS his party did not agree with the way the bill was introduced.

“Samajwadi Party leaders met the speaker and told her that we did not agree with the way the bill was introduced,” he said. Asked if the bill shall be introduced again following due procedure, he said “absolutely”.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj also questioned if the Telangana statehood bill was formally introduced in the Lok Sabha. She said it did not happen as long as she was in the house.

“Until I was in the house, they had not even read an ‘I’ of introduction.

I was in the house for a long time. I wanted to sit even after they used the spray, but the marshals told me the gas can be harmful and I should leave. I don’t know when the speaker came, when the bill was introduced,” she told reporters.

There was commotion and confusion in the Lok Sabha during introduction of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill for forming Telangana, as MPs were involved in clashes.

Expelled Congress MP L. Rajagopal used pepper spray, sending scores of MPs, officials and journalists in the media gallery running for cover, coughing violently and with a burning sensation in their eyes.

The government later said the bill was introduced.

Obama’s state dinner ‘India among nations trapped by imperfect democracy’ PC rejects charge of February 13 (iaNS): “However, a government con- eral election”. for Manmohan Singh was beijiNg, humiliating officer, says India is among a number of Asian na- strained by votes can only bet on However, the article said, the situtions that are trapped in “imperfect social welfare and exchange it for ation in Nepal has been relatively mild most expensive: Report democracy”, according to a leading votes,” it pointed out, adding that “as the election deadlock that had didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings Chinese daily. this was the reason “why some Asian been dragged for months ended”. “But

waShiNgToN, February 13 (iaNS): State dinners don’t come cheap. The White House spent over $1.55 million on the first five dinners on President Barack Obama’s watch with the one for Indian Prime Minister being the most expensive of them all.

The tab for the Nov 24, 2009 state dinner for Manmohan Singh, his very first for a foreign leader, where a gate crashing couple stole the show was a whopping $572,187.36, according to records from the State Department Office of Protocol, whose budget covers state dinners.

The State Department released the information in response to a Freedom of Information request from CBS News made 13 months ago. The May 19, 2010 State dinner for President Felipe Calderon of Mexico was the second most expensive at $563,479.92. The Jan 19, 2011 State dinner for President Hu Jintao of China cost $412,329.73 but the one for Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany on June 7, 2011 cost only half as much at $215,883.36. The Oct 13, 2011 dinner for President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea cost even less at $203,053.34 CBS said it has been waiting for over seven months for the State Department’s rundown of the expenses for the sixth state dinner honouring British Prime Minister David Cameron on March 14, 2012. The Congress has been waiting for similar information on State Dinners from the State Department even longer, it said.

In a letter to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dated Nov 1, 2012, Darrell Issa, Republican Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, expressed concern about the costs of state dinners and asked for an accounting. “Please provide,” Issa was quoted as saying, “an itemised list of costs and expenses for each of the last six state dinners, including, but not limited to, amounts paid, including reimbursements, for non-government event planners, entertainers and chefs.” Issa gave Clinton two weeks, until Nov 15, 2012, to respond to his request. A staffer cited by CBS said the Committee never received a response from Clinton or the State Department. The bill for Obama administration’s seventh state dinner Tuesday for visiting French President Francois Hollande is yet to be made public.

Satisfying the needs of the people living at the bottom of the society, who form the biggest source of votes, determine the country’s politics, an opinion piece headlined ‘Imperfect democracy traps Asian nations’ said Wednesday.

“Satisfying the needs of these people without limits becomes the sole condition of whether the rulers can remain in power,” it stated. “In India, parliament is clearly aware of the elections taking place in 2014, so it passed a bill to provide subsidised food to two-thirds of the population last year.”

The article said this would only add to India’s already huge budget deficit and the money should instead have been used in building infrastructure like ports and roads or promote the productivity of the manufacturing sector. “Like other developing countries, what India needs now is not subsidy but real actions,” it said.

countries always linger in the middle income trap”. According to the article, helping more people out of poverty is not the only solution but the key is in also increasing their productivity.

“When the economy is favourable, the former may be achieved, satisfying the needs of both the middle class and the bottom class,” it said. “But when the economy is not in a good condition, the interests of the middle class will be divided to make up for those of the bottom class, which will lead to resentment of the middle class and the split between the two classes.”

In the case of Bangladesh, it said parliamentary elections in the beginning of this year were marred by large-scale disturbances resulting in a number of deaths and over 120 polling stations being torched.

Thailand too “has been gridlocked in sharp conflicts since protests disrupted voting in the country’s gen-

the new prime minister (Sushil Koirala) has only brought dim hope of stability to the public,” the article stated.

“The real problem might be that the current imperfect democratic systems have offered room for populism, and caused confrontations among different religious groups, among various social classes and among different political parties,” it opined. “For the countries whose social and economic conditions are far from ideal, an imperfect representative democracy has gradually created a fundamental issue that makes society split because of votes.”

It said when populism is attributed to the power of votes, social welfare “becomes a commodity that can be exchanged for votes”. “When democracy turns into confrontation, elections become the battlefield. The head-on clash between two parties only brings about disorder,” it added.

New Delhi, February 13(PTi): Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday rejected a charge by an officer that he had insulted him during a meeting and said he had not hurt anyone’s feelings.

“I don’t know what the controversy is about. He (Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna) was speaking in a mixture of Hindi and English, which I could not understand. I told him that he may speak in English or, if he was more comfortable, speak in Hindi and someone could help me understand,” he said in a statement.

Two newspapers reported the correct version of what happened during the meeting, he said, adding, “I have nothing more to add. There was no question of hurting anyone’s feelings.” Krishna, who reportedly felt insulted, wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh complaining about the alleged remarks of Chidambaram at the meeting, saying the “tone and tenor (of the minister) was expressly humiliating.”

The meeting had been called to discuss additional central assistance for Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission projects that were sanctioned and were awaiting release of funds by the Finance Ministry. Besides Krishna, the meeting was attended by the Expenditure Secretary and officers of the Finance Ministry and the Urban Development Ministry.

US envoy praises Modi’s model of governance

gaNDhiNagar, February 13 (ageNcieS): US Ambassador Nancy Powell held discussions with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Thursday, signalling a thaw in Washington’s 9-year-old boycott of him over the Gujarat riots. Reports claimed that Powell praised the ‘good model’ of governance in the state and said that it could be replicated in other parts of the world.

Earlier, Modi greeted Powell with flowers and a hand shake when she arrived at Chief Minister’s residence here for the meeting. Modi also welcomed other members of the US delegation. It is the first high profile meeting between Modi and a US official since the US State Department revoked his visa in 2005 on grounds of “severe violations of religious freedom” in Gujarat.

The US Embassy said Nancy Powell’s meeting with Narendra Modi was part of US Mission’s outreach to senior leaders of Indian politics. Powell “has shared and listened to views on the US-India relationship” and she “continues to emphasize that the partnership is important and strategic, and that the United States looks forward to working closely with

In this photo released by India’s Gujarat state government, US Ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, left, receives flowers presented to her by India’s opposition Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, right, as she visits him at his residence in Gandhinagar, on Thursday, February 13. (AP Photo)

the government that the Indian people choose in the upcoming elections”, the statement added.

New agency PTI quoted official sources as saying that Powell praised the “good model” of governance in Gujarat which she felt

could be taken to other parts of the world. They said the US envoy told Modi that there was an “excellent investment climate” in Gujarat which she was visiting after 20 years. Powell was quoted as saying that she was highly impressed

with the progress the state has made over the last two decades.

The sources said Modi raised the issue of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade and was assured by her that the US was committed to speedy resolution of the matter.

However, the visa issue was not part of the agenda. For the record, the US has said that there is no change in its visa policy and Narendra Modi is free to apply again.

But the BJP has indicated that Modi is no hurry to apply for a US visa. The US can also breathe easy, for now, as revoking of the ban at this juncture would have had exposed it to risk of being accused of adding Modi ahead of the polls.

What has forced US to shake hands with Modi is the growing possibility of him taking over as the next prime minister of the country.

Over the years, the US and India have forged closer ties on a number of issues and are now ‘strategic partners’ with bilateral trade standing close to $100 billion.

Clearly, the US does not want to be wrong side of the fence if the BJP rides comes power. A BJP leader said, “America had no other option but to approach Narendra Modi in a friendly manner, that was the demand of democracy.” The Congress refused to get drawn in to a debate on PowellModi meet. “I am not the Visa Officer of the USA, its really for them to decide whatever and not for us to discuss,” Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister, said.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Friday 14 February 2014

Dimapur

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Syria killing accelerates as peace talks falter BEIRUT, FEBRUaRy 13 (REUTERs): More Syrians have been killed in the three weeks since peace talks began than at any other time in the civil war, activists said on Wednesday, as troops pounded rebel towns on the Lebanese border and negotiations faltered in Geneva.

More than 230 people have been killed every day in Syria since January 22, when international mediators brought President Bashar al-Assad’s government and its opponents together, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. That is more than in any other three weeks since the war began in 2011.

It is unclear how far the bloodshed is a consequence of the talks, as both sides seek to improve their bargaining positions by gaining territory. On Wednesday, Assad’s army and fighters from Lebanese ally Hezbollah pounded the strategic border town of Yabroud where rebels prepared to resist a ground offensive.

The United Nations says more than 130,000 Syrians have been killed in nearly three years of fighting. Totalling at least 4,959, the three-week death toll compiled by the Observatory included 515 women and children. The group estimated about a third of all the dead were civilians.

A Syrian woman who fled from Yabroud, the last rebel stronghold in Syria’s mountainous Qalamoun region, prays as she sits next to her belongings, in Wadi Hmaied between the Lebanese-Syrian border and the town of Arssal, eastern Lebanon, on February 12. In Lebanon, preparations were underway to receive more Syrians fleeing the area. (AP Photo)

“This is the highest average we have had,” said Rami Abdelrahman of the Observatory as the group urged a suspension of negotiations at Geneva if there was no immediate ceasefire.

There was little sign of an early breakthrough on the third day of a second round of talks in the Swiss city. The opposition, which has little sway over rebels fighting on the ground, called for a transitional governing body to oversee a U.N.-monitored ceasefire and expel foreign fighters

in a paper that avoided any mention of Assad - whose departure the government delegation has refused to discuss.

The confidential paper, seen by Reuters, did not draw an immediate official response from the government, although the foreign minister said driving out foreign fighters could be worth discussing in time rare common ground. Foreign, anti-Western Islamists are a major force among the otherwise Western- and Arab-backed rebels. The

opposition wants rid of Hezbollah and Iranian auxiliaries fighting for Assad.

Wednesday was the last day of a three-day extension of a humanitarian ceasefire allowing the delivery of aid and evacuation of civilians from the city of Homs although it could be extended again, the city’s governor Talal al-Barazi said. Syrian army soldiers used mobile phones to try to take pictures of the evacuees, convinced they were among the rebels fighting there, in scenes illustrating

the fear and suspicion unleashed by the conflict that has torn the country apart.

Another plainclothes member of the security forces was overheard saying his role was to greet each of the evacuees to see if their accents betrayed foreign nationality.

report said fewer women are dying in pregnancy and childbirth, primary school enrollment is approaching 90 percent, nearly one billion people have moved out of extreme poverty and more women are working and participating in political activities.

But the population fund’s executive director, Babatunde Osotimehin, told a news conference launching the report that “in many countries and regions, progress is limited to the wealthy, with enormous numbers of countries being excluded from the process and benefits of development.”

“More than half of absolute gains in global income from 1998-2008 went to the richest 5 percent, and none went to the bottom 10 percent,” he said. “In the poorest communities, women’s status, maternal death, child marriage and many other concerns of Cairo have (made) so little progress over the last two decades.”

At the Cairo conference,

world leaders adopted a 20-year Program of Action demanding equality for women through education, access to modern birth control, and the right to choose if and when to become pregnant as well as by improving their status and economic well-being.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Cairo also “affirmed sexual and reproductive health as a fundamental human right, and it emphasized that empowering women and girls is key to ensuring the well-being of individuals, families, nations and our world.” Yet, Osotimehin said: “Today, there is no country in which women are equal to men in political and economic power.”

“Too many people, particularly the poor, live without access to sexual and reproductive health services including family planning,” he said. “Indeed, more than 200 million in the developing world who want contraception aren’t getting it.”

Although maternal mortality worldwide fell by nearly half between 1990 and 2010, the report said, every day an estimated 800 women across the world still die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications, “and the differences between developed and developing regions remain stark.”

“Discrimination against women is nearly universal, and manifests in violation and abuses of their human rights, in unequal opportunities to expand their capabilities, in unequal pay, and in many other ways,” the report added. As one example, it said hundreds of millions of women live in countries where domestic violence is not a crime, or where laws against it are not enforced.

Underlying the 100page Cairo action plan were studies that show educated women have fewer children, a key to curbing the world’s population explosion. According to the report, global fertility rates declined 23%t from 1990 to 2010 — a dra-

matic reduction since the Cairo conference. Nonetheless, the global population surpassed 7 billion in late 2011 — a doubling since 1970 — and the U.N. projects it will reach 8.4 billion by 2030 and 9.6 billion by 2050 with virtually all the growth in developing countries.

BORDER BATTLE The fighting around Yabroud is part of a broader “Battle for Qalamoun”, the mountainous border area near Damascus that offers control over routes

Rich countries advance women, poorest don’t: UN

UNITED NaTIONs, FEBRUaRy 13 (aP): Richer countries have made advances toward equality for women and provided greater access to sexual and reproductive health care over the past 20 years — but the poorest countries have made little progress, according to a U.N. report released Wednesday.

The report by the U.N. population fund said many of the estimated one billion people living in the 50 to 60 poorest countries will stagnate as the rest of the world gets richer, and the growing inequality threatens economic development and will undo significant gains in health and longevity.

To sustain the gains, it urged governments to adopt and enforce laws to protect the poorest and most marginalized, singling out adolescent girls and women affected by violence and people in rural areas.

Since a groundbreaking U.N. population conference in Cairo in 1994, the

Past 2 years ‘atrocious’ for journalists

UNITED NaTIONs, FEBRUaRy 13 (aP): The past two years have seen an “absolutely atrocious” number of journalists killed and imprisoned because of their work, with Syria the deadliest country and Turkey the number one jailer, a press freedom advocacy group said Wednesday.

The Committee to Protect Journalists’ annual report “Attacks on the Press” also takes sharp aim at sprawling government surveillance by the U.S. and others as a growing threat. “Journalists must hang together in holding our metastasizing surveillance states accountable. If not, we shall all hang separately,” the report said.

Joel Simon, the New York-based committee’s executive director, said 2013 saw “a near record” of 211 journalists imprisoned and 70 killed — slightly fewer than 2012, when 232 journalists were in jail and 72 were killed. That’s tied with the highest death toll of the Iraq war. “The last two years have been absolutely atrocious, the worst ever in CPJ’s history,” Simon said.

He blamed that in part on the deadly conflict in Syria, where “there is no respect whatsoever for the work of the media,” with journalists being targeted and killed in crossfire. He said “anti-terror” charges are the main factor in the increasing imprisonment of journalists. Globally, the overwhelming number of killings last year, or 94 percent, were committed with complete impunity, the report says.

According to the report, Egypt experienced the greatest deterioration in press freedom in 2013 between the regime of President Mohammed Morsi and the state of emergency im-

posed after the military ousted him.

Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Mideast and north Africa coordinator, said for the first time Egypt was among the top jailers of journalists in 2013, and it was the third deadliest country with six journalists killed.

Syria remains the most dangerous country for journalists with more than 63 killed since 2011, including 29 last year, and “an unprecedented number of kidnappings” — more than 80 since 2011 including 57 in 2013, Mansour said. CPJ has also documented more than 70 Syrian journalists forced into exile, he said. Turkey was the world’s “leading jailer of the press,” the report says, with 40 journalists behind bars.

After anti-government protests in the summer, nearly 60 people who reported on them were either fired or forced to resign.

The new report also singles out surveillance activities as a “unique threat to journalism in the digital age,” after a series of revelations last year by former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden angered American allies such as Germany and Brazil. With the vast sweeping-up and storage of phone calls, tests and emails, “it could soon be possible to uncover sources with such ease as to render meaningless any promise of confidentiality a journalist may attempt to provide,” the report warns.

It adds that the U.S. with its surveillance activities “has undermined its own global leadership position on free expression and Internet openness, especially when it comes to battling efforts by repressive countries like China and Iran to restrict the Internet.”

More traditional threats to the media continue, the report says. Iran remains the second major jailer of journalists, with 35 behind bars at the end of 2013, he said, and in Iraq 10 journalists were killed in the last quarter of 2013, compared to zero in 2012.

China had the third-highest number of journalists behind bars, with 32. Committee members found “particularly alarming” that the traditional safe haven of Hong Kong is coming under greater pressure from Beijing, resulting in increasing self-censorship by journalists and less aggressive reporting on mainland issues.

Vietnam’s crackdown on bloggers worsened, with the country second only to China in Asia for holding the most journalists, with 18 imprisoned.

Even as Russia continued to celebrate its hosting of the Winter Olympics, Nina Ognianova, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia coordinator, said “Russia and Turkey have gotten progressively more repressive for journalists” over the past year.

“The current climate for freedom of press and freedom of expression ... has not been as repressive since the collapse of the Soviet Union,” she said.

In Latin America, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia all ranked in the world’s top 10 worst countries for fighting violence against the press.

Venezuela, the report says, has been left with “no reliably independent and critical broadcaster.”

Mohamed Keita, CPJ’s Africa coordinator, said “a great press freedom crisis” also persists in Ethiopia, Somalia, Congo and Gambia, and “there are alarming trends or backsliding in countries that are relatively democratic....”

to Lebanon and between the capital and the coastal stronghold of Assad’s minority Alawite sect.

Government forces seem to have had the better of recent fighting, but outright victory seems out of reach. As U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper put it on Tuesday, a “prolonged stalemate” seems likely, extending what he described as “an apocalyptic disaster” in Syria.

A spokesman for the rebel unit Liwa al-Ghuraba at Yabroud, said Hezbollah fighters and Assad forces were trying to position themselves on nearby hilltops to attack the town.

“They are gathering their forces with the hope of taking the border road,” said spokesman Abu Anas.

“Right now no one is moving in Yabroud. The rebels are blocking the offensive.

“The hospital is filling up with wounded.”

Assad’s forces had, he said, sent envoys in the days leading up to the attack to try to convince leading citizens in nearby towns to accept a truce. Some villages accepted, but most towns, like Yabroud, refused, Abu Anas said. “The battle for Qalamoun was supposed to just be a propaganda campaign,” he said. “But the regime got itself in a

mess: the army sent people to convince us there could be a peaceful solution if we raised the government flag and took photos. Instead, we refused.”

OPPOSITION GAMBIT Concern about talks running into the sand prompted the mediator in Geneva, Lakhdar Brahimi, to bring forward by a day to Thursday a meeting with Russian and U.S. officials in an effort to get Washington, which backs the rebels, and Assad’s ally Russia, to press their proteges.

Continued strains between Russia and other world powers that have so far blocked U.N. action against the Syrian government showed little sign of easing. Russia said it would veto a U.N. resolution on aid, saying its wording seemed meant to open the way for foreign military action. And a foreign ministry spokesman in Moscow said Barack Obama had “intentionally distorted” the Russian position in remarks the U.S. president had made on Syrian aid on Tuesday.

The struggle on the Syrian border risks fuelling sectarian tensions in Lebanon, where Sunni-Shi’ite divisions deepened by the conflict in Syria have al-

ready triggered instability.

The violence in Syria has set off a wave of tit-for-tat car bombings in Lebanon, as well as street clashes. On Wednesday, the Lebanese army arrested an al Qaeda militant whom security sources called a “mastermind of car bombs”.

In Geneva, opposition and diplomatic sources said the transition proposal from the opposition avoided reference to Assad, in line with a text agreed by world powers in June 2012 which calls for a body with full executive authority but leaves the president’s fate open - something Russia has insisted on.

Asked why the document did not go into the fate of Assad, the opposition’s chief negotiator, Hadi al-Bahra, told Reuters: “We can no longer talk about one person as the sole embodiment of Syria. We deliberately presented a legal paper.” The memorandum was presented to mediator Lakhdar Brahimi and the government delegation.

The transitional authority will be “the only legitimate body that represents the sovereignty and independence of the Syrian state and is the only one that represents the Syrian state internationally”, the paper said.

SAINIK SCHOOL, PUNGLWA (NAGALAND) [Under Sainik Schools Society, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India and Affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education] PHONE: 03839-262004/262002 Advertisement No: SSPN/EST/147 dated 14 Feb 14

Name of the Post

Essential Education Qualification

General Employee 2 Posts Matriculation – Both Purely Contractual

Desirable (a) Experience as cook, conversant with Indian and Chinese Cuisine. AND/OR (b) Experienced driver fluent with driving and routine maintenance of Light and heavy vehicles. (c) Age below 35yrs

Eligible candidates may apply with an application letter addressed to the ‘Principal, Sainik School, Punglwa BPO, Medziphema SO, Dist – Peren (Nagaland), Pin – 797106’ along with one recent passport size photograph, Xerox copies of the Mark Sheets and testimonials, Driving License and work experience.

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EmmANUEL HOSPItAL ASSOCIAtION Axshya Project –The Global Fund Round 9 Tuberculosis Project Position –District Coordinator

Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) is one of the approved Sub-recipients (SR) of the Global Fund Rd 9 TB grant's Principal Recipient (PR) The Union. EHA is implementing the Civil Society Components of the grant in 25 districts across 8 states of North, Central and North-east India.

For this project EHA seeks to appoint District Coordinators in various locations. This post is offered under EHA's terms and conditions on a contractual basis from 1st March 2014 to 31st March 2014, with possibility of further extending the contract based on funding and performance of the person.

Positions Available :2 Locations : Zunheboto and Wokha in Nagaland Essential Qualification - Masters in Social work/Rural Development orpostgraduate in science/social science - Atleast 3-5 years of workexperience in any publichealth programor development sector in asupervisory capacity.

Highly Desirable - Good Networking skills - Ability to plan and execute district level activities - Good communicationskills in local language - Willing to travel extensively in thearea of work - Proficiency in computer skills – MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Job Specification/Responsibilities 1. Work directly under the Project Manager/Assistant Project Manager and have overall responsibility for planning, training, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of all the ACSM activities for Sub-recipients under the GFATM Rd 9 Project through NGO/CBO groups, rural health providers and TB forums in the assigned districts.

2. Is to identify and sign MoU with 4 NGOs in the district to implement the project activities throughout the district, with especial focus on poor performing DMC. EHA Unit/ CHDP as one of the four NGOs in the district 3. Establish linkages and work closely with the district health and TB officers- DTO, MOTCs, STSs and STLSs, and DMCs in the assigned districts - be visible to the RNTCP as a person for Project Axshya in the district and for coordinating with NGOs. 4. Will network with other related offices/departments/personnel – CMO, DPM-NRHM, DACO, WHO Consultant for the district - and participate in their regular monthly/quarterly meetings 5. Collect and utilise baseline data/district profile.

6. Prepare and maintain a directory of a. TU, DMCs, PHIs, ICTCs, and existing DOT provider network in the assigned districts b. NGOs, CBOs, SHGs and rural health providers c. Information on existing RNTCP master trainers, existing health staff, existing district TB forums, DLNs, and community groups 7. Prepare Individual Quarterly District action plan with guidance from Project Manager for the assigned districts and ensure that the plans are prepared along with the NGOs and District TB officers and their solicitation sought.

8. Identify and train NGOs, CBOs, rural health providers, and health staff to help the RNTCP program reach the communities.

9. Facilitate the formation of TB forum groups at the district, sub-district and field level 10. Facilitate events around advocacy, awareness 11. Facilitate sputum collection, transport and retracing initial defaulters from the communities 12. Supervise and monitor the NGOs/ CBOs implementing the activities in a planned and regular basis.

Attends at least 1 CBO sensitization of each NGO per month and does a monthly monitoring plan.

13. Visit and collect data from all the DMC at least once in a quarter 14. Facilitate regular meetings between various stakeholders at the district, sub-district and field level.

15. Participate in/facilitate regular Quarterly Review Meetings of the RNTCP both at District and State levels 16. Generate timely and quality quarterly and annual performance based reports on the given formats and send to the Project Manager 17. Prepare accurate and timely periodical financial and administrative reports and ensure that internal control systems are functioning and all relevant records are maintained as per EHA norms 18. Reporting on the web based reporting site Axreal on a regular basis.

19. Any other job assigned by the PM and APM as per the project need Interested candidates are request to email their Curriculum Vitae to estherghosh@eha-health.org by 23rd Feb. 2014.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Friday 14 February 2014

Arthur was wrong for Australia: Ponting

SYDNEY, FEbruarY 13 (aP): Former test captain Ricky Ponting says Cricket Australia made an error in appointing South Africa's Mickey Arthur as national coach in 2011. In a recorded interview, to be aired Saturday on Australia's Nine Network, Ponting said Arthur, who was one of the world's most successful and admired coaches at the time of his appointment, wasn't the right man for the job.

Arthur's tenure lasted 19 months and ended immediately before the Ashes series in England last year, when he was replaced by former Australia test batsman Darren Lehmann. "Mickey might be one of the great cricket coaches in the world but he wasn't the guy, the personality, the coach that Australian cricket needed at that time." Ponting said. "We needed to bring the old, hard-nosed Aussie way back."

Meanwhile, Ponting says powerful Indian cricket authorities had a hand in the chain of events that prematurely ended the test career of Australia allrounder Andrew Symonds. Ponting said the Board of Control for Cricket in India influ-

enced the handling of the so-called "Monkeygate" affair which followed the test between Australia and India in Sydney in 2008. India spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of racially abusing Symonds and was suspended for three matches but his penalty was reduced on appeal.

Ponting suggests the BCCI used its power to influence that decision and Symonds' loss of trust in Cricket Australia set in train the circumstances that led to the end of his test career. "I knew how powerful Indian cricket was — everyone did," Ponting said. "But at the same time, I know how powerful racism is in society as well. "And I know as an Australian cricket captain, or a member of society in Australia, I have to do whatever I can to make sure that doesn't happen anywhere around me. I was told every day, every week

by Cricket Australia that we had to stamp it out of the game. "And (when) it did (happen), I had to make a stand against it. I followed the instructions to the letter. I did everything I was expected to do. I know there are a lot of administrators in Cricket Australia who can't say the same thing."

The Morung Express

NAAME creates awareness on adventure sports DIMaPur, FEbruarY 13 (MExN): The Nagaland Association for Adventure, Mountaineering and Education (NAAME), under the motto “Inculcate in Youth Value of Nature for Healthy Living,” conducted an awareness programme at Green Park, Dimapur on February 13. A press note from Dr I MaoWalling, Deputy Director for State Horticulture Nursery informed that the programme was organized by the State Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, for select classes of the Delhi Public School and Sacred Heart School.

Ruokuovikho Chale, President of NAAME demonstrated all the kits associated with adventure and mountaineering to the students and a free demo was conducted at the Green Park. Later, the two schools participated at the Guerrilla Paint Ball Battle Zone. Some of the activities which are set up in the Green Park, SHN for the public are Zipliner (100 m), Water Zorbing, Burma Bridge, Spider Web, River Crossing and Guerrilla Paint Ball Battle Zone. It will be open to the public for all week days In this image made with a multiple exposure, Finland's Antti Ollila competes in the men's ski slopestyle qualifying at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13 in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo) at the Green Park.

Arsenal retreat to draw blank with ManU

LONDON, FEbruarY 13 (rEutErS): Arsene Wenger acknowledged the 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool at the weekend forced his Arsenal side to retreat into their shells to avoid defeat at all cost against Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Londoners would have gone top with a win against the champions but few chances were created in a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Emirates. Former Arsenal favourite Robin van Persie almost stole victory for United with a late header that drew a breathtaking one-handed save from Wojciech Szczesny.

"Our defensive focus was extreme today because we conceded so many goals on Saturday. It was important not to lose tonight," manager Wenger told reporters. "United restricted us to very few chances but our team was highly focused not to concede tonight and maybe that restricted our game going forward.

"We were certainly hit by the five goals we conceded on Saturday and you could feel that a little bit tonight. I think we were nervous where we are usually very dangerous breaking through the middle with speedy passing," the Frenchman added. "We lost two points tonight but the point keeps us in the race."

Arsenal are second,

Moyes looks to past for inspiration

one point behind Chelsea, while United are seventh, 15 points off the pace.

Wenger's side have taken just five points in six games against Chelsea, Manchester City (in third place), Liverpool (fourth) and United.

Arsenal let in four goals in the opening 20 minutes against Liverpool and Mikel Arteta's mistake after 90 seconds almost led to another early setback.

TERRIBLE START Szczesny, however, saved the home side from another terrible start by guessing the right way as Van Persie shot from close range with his favoured left foot. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who caused United captain Nemanja Vidic problems in the air all evening, missed a clear header from eight metres following a Santi Cazorla corner soon after.

Good chances, though, were few and far between in a dislocated and often frantic first half between two sides searching for their best form. Mesut Ozil, Arsenal's 42 million pounds buy from Real Madrid in August, was more involved than at Anfield at the weekend. "He was one of our best players," said Wenger.

Van Persie, returning to the club he represented for eight seasons, shot across goal when well placed after 18 minutes but United again failed to make

Arsenal Oliver Giroud, left, attempts to head the ball under pressure from Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, No 15, and his teammate Patrice Evra, No 3, as Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, right looks on uring their English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in London, Wednesday, Feb. 12. (AP Photo)

the most of new midfield signing Juan Mata. Jack Wilshere was at the core of most of Arsenal's best moments and received consistently rough treatment from the visitors.

United full back Rafael, injured in an aerial challenge with Giroud, was re-

placed by Rio Ferdinand for the second half which triggered a reshuffle of the back line but the match followed the same pattern of high tempo movement but little penetration and no end product. Laurent Koscielny had a header from a corner cleared from

under the United crossbar

by Antonio Valencia after 63 minutes and Giroud narrowly failed to connect with a cross in front of goal.

Wayne Rooney, agitated and buzzing in the first half, all but disappeared in the second period before setting Van Persie up for his

had played a superb defensesplitting pass into his path.

Richardson put the Cottagers back in front in the 63rd minute, only for Philippe Coutinho to equalize in the 72nd and skipper Gerrard to coolly convertfrom the spot.

"Steven Gerrard is peerless in situations like that.

He showed brilliant composure," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said.

"It was a great result. We've had to show character to come from behind twice. A brilliant victory." Liverpool named an unchanged starting line-up for the match against the struggling London team, which is four points adrift of safety.

Fulham made a positive start, forcing Simon Mignolet to parry Ryan Tunnicliffe's shot away in the second minute. But the Reds keeper was powerless when Toure sent the ball into his own net six minutes later. Toure then accidentally bumped straight into referee Phil Dowd and sent him tumbling but the official was unscathed.

Liverpool strike pair Luis Suarez and Sturridge struggled to link up throughout the first half, while Fulham missed the chance to double its lead when Darren Bent headed just over the bar in the 34th.

Suarez looked sharp toward the end of the match, with his best effort being a 35-yard (meter) free kick that flew just wide.

HOuStON, FEbruarY 13 (aP): James Harden scored 35 points and his layup with 0.7 seconds remaining lifted the Houston Rockets to a 113-112 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

The victory sends Houston into the All-Star break with a season-best seven-game winning streak.

John Wall gave Washington the lead with a pair of free throws with 4 seconds left. Trevor Ariza fouled out when he pushed Harden to the ground on the ensuing inbounds pass. It was ruled a foul away from the play, giving Houston one free throw and possession.

Harden, who was 16 for 16 at the line, made the free throw before grabbing a pass from Chandler Parsons and driving into the lane for the winning shot.

The Wizards had a chance to win at the end, but Kevin Seraphin's shot clanged off the rim. Ariza had a season-high 32 points with a career-high 10 3-pointers to lead the Wizards.

They trailed by 18 in the third quarter before a barrage of 3s from Ariza got Washington back in the game. His 10 3-pointers were the most ever against the Rockets. Ariza was 7 for 7 on 3s in the third and made six in a 4-minute span late in the quarter, including three in an incredible 32-second stretch.

Five straight points,

late header. Arsenal were robbed of possession and suddenly Van Persie came to life. He fed Rooney and raced into the area where he met the England forward's cross with a meaty header which the Polish keeper pushed on to the bar and away.

LONDON, FEbruarY 13 (aFP): Manchester United manager David Moyes wants his players to draw inspiration from the club's history as they attempt to resurrect their imperilled bid for a Champions League place.

United have only 12 games in which to reverse the situation if they are to avoid missing out on a place in Europe's premier club tournament for the first time since 1995, but Moyes refuses to give up the fight.

"All I can do -- I keep saying it -- but I'll try and win the next game and see if we can pick it up," he told journalists at the Emirates Stadium. "If there's one club in history who've been great at winning games in the second half of the season and putting pressure on the teams above, it's been Manchester United. "We'll continue to try and do that and see if we can make it work."

Asked if United's multiple trophy-winners still had the requisite hunger, he replied: "I believe so. "I see them, I think they're great lads, they're fantastic with their attitude, their training. Their commitment is first-class. "You saw tonight (Wednesday), how good

Vida (Nemanja Vidic) was, how good Rio (Ferdinand) was when he came on.

"They're a great group of players, a very experienced group of players, and you have to say they've been winners, all of them.

"They've all got medals, and when you've won, you want to win more. They're all still hungry and determined to be succesful."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger voiced support for Moyes and said that United's performance proved that they remain one of the country's leading sides. "Man United is a good team who can play against anybody in our league," he said. "At the moment they're not where they can be, but you cannot say with the players they have on the pitch that they are not quality."

When pushed on United's chances of finishing in the top four, however, Wenger would only say that it was "not mathematically impossible". Arsenal had been humbled 5-1 at Liverpool in their previous outing and Wenger felt that the trauma of his side's experience at Anfield had had an inhibiting effect on their performance against United.

Liverpool wins in last-minute penalty Rockets keep Wizards at bay

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard scores their second goal of the game from the penalty spot, during their English Premier League soccer match against Aston Villa at Anfield, Liverpool, England, Saturday, Jan. 18. (AP Photo)

LONDON, FEbruarY 13 (aP): Steven Gerrard scored a last-minute penalty as Liverpool followed up its weekend thrashing of Arsenal with a gritty 3-2 win at last-place Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday to revive its title campaign.

Gerrard stroked home the spot kick after Sascha Riether floored Daniel Sturridge with a rash challenge

in the 90th minute. After routing Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday, Liverpool had to come from behind twice for a precious victory at Craven Cottage. Liverpool remained fourth in the standings but reduced the gap on league leader Chelsea to just four points.

"We deserved the victory after all our hard work.

It was important we kept our mentality, we showed

resilience and broke them down in the end. It's too early to say that (we're back in the title race), noone is getting over excited," Sturridge said. Liverpool's Kolo Toure gifted Fulham the opening goal as the defender sliced the ball into his own net from Kieran Richardson's cross.

Sturridge leveled before the interval, slotting home off the post after Gerrard

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, second from left, is grabbed by Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) as Wizards' forward Nene, right, goes to the basket guarded by Rockets forward Terrence Jones, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 12. (AP Photo)

capped by a three-point play

by Wall, put the Wizards up 110-108 with 2:21 remaining in the fourth. Houston had a shot-clock violation on the next possession, but Nene fouled out with an offensive foul on the other end. Harden made two free throws with 23.2 seconds left to tie it at 110.

Nene had 21 points, Bradley Beal scored 20 and Wall finished with 19 points, 14 assists and three steals. Dwight Howard added 24 points with

16 rebounds for Houston, and Parsons scored 18.

An 8-3 run by Washington cut Houston's lead to two midway through the fourth quarter. The Rockets scored the next five points to stretch the lead before five quick points by Washington got it back down to two with 4 minutes left.

A 3-point shot by Beal got Washington within five with about 9 minutes left in the third quarter. The Rockets scored 13 straight points after that to extend

the lead to 83-65. Harden had five points in that stretch, and he and Howard brought the crowd to its feet when Harden found Howard for a monster alley-oop dunk.

The Wizards missed shot after shot and didn't score four more than 4 minutes while Houston built the lead. They missed from long-range, mid-range and even botched two layups.

Washington finally ended the scoring drought thanks to Ariza.

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

Taylor Swift

rocks her new blonde bob boots. She went bold on the make-up, with hot pink lipstick and winged eyeliner. Taylor unveiled the new bob in an Instagram shot posted Tuesday as she geared up to jet out of London after one final show at the O2 Arena on Tuesday. In the picture, the singer's hair is worn in a wavy style, with a glamorous side-swept fringe.

She wears a blackand-grey plaid shirt and sports coral lips as she embraces British singer Ellie Goulding, with whom she sang in her final show.

'London, I could never thank you enough. See you next time! PS: short hair, don't care. (!!!),' she cap-

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here's something to be said for flying first class. Taylor Swift stepped off her transatlantic flight looking fresh from the shower after wrapping up her Red world tour with a final show in London on Wednesday. Her lipstick perfect, the 24-year-old singer rocked her newly cropped hair, as she made her way through the Los Angeles International Airport, carrying her guitar and a little black purse.

The I Knew You Were Trouble singer's hair stood out against a dark outfit consisting of a black top and black skirt, with black tights, and dark red ankle

tioned the image. Meanwhile, Taylor opened up about her preppy, polished persona for the March edition of Glamour.

'I find it relatively easy to keep my clothes on because I don't really feel like taking them off,' the

everyone knows who that person is. 'That's putting myself out there, maybe even more than taking my shirt off.'

Boy-crazy Taylor also shared several savvy relationship tips with the mag, like never stooping to yell during an argument.

Swift advised: 'Silence speaks so much louder than screaming tantrums. Never give anyone an excuse to say that you’re crazy.' The single songstress should know having romanced boybander Joe Jonas, Twilight's Taylor Lautner, Glee's Cory Monteith, musician John Mayer, hunky star Jake Gyllenhaal, and One Direction frontman Harry Styles.

Taylor unveiled the new bob in an Instagram shot

U2

will perform at

24-year-old singer told the magazine. 'It's not an urge I have. For me "risky" is revealing what really happened in my life through music. Risky is writing confessional songs and telling the true story about a person with enough details so

Jessica Daisy Elizebeth Healy arrives to Dimapur

Friday 14 February 2014

Dimapur

11

Coffee House V Day Special

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his Valentine’s Day, the Youth department of Town Baptist Church Dimapur will have a Coffee House V Day Special.

The Coffee House Ministry is part of their Urban Youth Ministry Outreach Programme that caters to the youth of this town, with open-air music from all genres featuring Alobo Naga and The Band, We

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The Giants and opening acts by Paper Sky and V.O.T (Voice Of Truth). Denny John from Mumbai will be sharing on Who Our True Love Is. The concert is free to all with free coffee and will start at 4:00 PM at the Church lawn. The youth department has invited all to come and be blessed with awesome music and God’s Love this valentines.

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2 are set to perform at the Oscars next month. The Irish rockers will take to the stage to perform their track 'Ordinary Love,' which is nominated for best Original Song, at the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2. Confirming the news on Wednesday (12.02.14), the event's producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said it will be the first time the band perform the song, which was written especially for the 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' soundtrack, live.

Members Bono, Larry Mullen,

Adam Clayton and The Edge, who are currently in the studio working on their new album, face stiff competition in the Original Song category from Pharrell Williams for his hit 'Happy' from 'Despicable Me 2,' 'Let It Go' from 'Frozen', and 'The Moon Song' by Karen O, who is the vocalist for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from the movie 'Her'. Pharrell, 40, confirmed earlier this month that he would be taking to the stage at the 86th annual ceremony, which will be hosted by Ellen DeGeneres.

Meanwhile, Demi Lovato, who recorded the single version of 'Let

It Go,' will not be singing at the Oscars as she is scheduled to perform her 'Neon Lights' tour in Fairfax, Virginia on March 2. 'Frozen' star Idina Menzel sings the song in the movie and will perform instead.

The 42-year-old actress, who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Elphaba in Broadway's 'Wicked' in 2004, shared her excitement with fans on Twitter on Tuesday (11.02.14), writing: ''It's really happening. I'm singing on the Oscars! Surreal. Thank u frozen family and Oscar producers for this incredible opportunity. (sic)''

aren't competing with Boyzone insist there is no rivalry between them and One Direction because their music is ''more grown-up'' than the 'Story of My Life' hitmakers' sound.

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oyzone insist there is no rivalry between them and One Direction. The Irish boyband, who first rose to fame in 1993, claim they aren't worried about the 'Story of My Life' hitmakers stealing their fan base because their own music ''is more grown-up.''

Member Shane Lynch told Dubai's Ahlan! Magazine ''One Direction are 20 years younger than we are and I hope they're still around in 20 years time, but our fans are very different to theirs. Boyzone

have an incredible fan base which is built on a foundation, a solid rock.''

The 37-year-old singer, who is part of Boyzone with Keith Duffy, 39, Mikey Graham, 41, and Ronan Keating, 36, added ''We don't compete with any of those youngsters anymore for number ones. We're a bunch of 40-year-old men and that's reflected in our music. It's more grown-up now and on our new album we have a sound we are proud of that reflects where we are today.''

The 'Love Will Save

Abhishek

essica Daisy Elizebeth Healy, CEO of Indeliblestyle London based “Image and Brand consulting firm”, is being received at the Dimapur Airport by the Oranisers and the members of Get Gorgeous Society, Nagaland. Jessica will be the main Judge for the Ethnic Outfit and Voice Fusion (Fashion Category) for the 3rd elimination round to be held on 14th Feb at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.

North East India, Ethnic Outfit and Voice Fusion, is a dual event project promoted by Better Life Foundation, Nagaland in collaboration with Worldview Impact Foundation, London. The project focuses on, to identify, nurture and promote local talents in singing and fashion designing. The project in its year1, cover the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland.

The winners and runners-up in both the categories Ethnic Fashion & Voice Fusion will go home with 1 lakh & 50,000/- each respectively along with a promotional tour to London.

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The Day' hitmaker thinks the band's new album, 'BZ20,' is their best to date. He said ''We basically recorded a whole lot of songs and put a load in the mix and picked out the best ones. It's still pop music, but we feel it's right for us.''

bAchchAn

Named Ambassador For Health Campaign

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ndian actor Abhishek Bachchan has been named an ambassador for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases' End7 health campaign.

The Guru star will be responsible for raising awareness about the organisation's efforts to eliminate five of the Ntds which affect impoverished communities around the world.

He says, India represents 35 per cent

of the total global burden for Ntds, causing massive suffering among our poorest citizens. As a parent, I am deeply moved by the devastating toll of Ntds on children, and I want to ensure that no Indian child has to suffer needlessly. I am proud to serve as the End7 campaign's ambassador in India and hope that others will join me in ridding our country of these preventable diseases.

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Dhoni snubs media as Li Na wins at Qatar Open MS India prepare for decider

China's Zang Hong warms-up for the women's 1,000-meter speedskating race at the Adler Arena Skating Center during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on Thursday. (AP Photo)

The two-man team from Jamaica JAM-1, piloted by Winston Watts, brake in the finish area during the men's two-man bobsled training at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13 in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo)

dOHa, February 13 (aFP): Li Na's return to action after last month's stunning Australian Open triumph proved a tough battle as she eventually prevailed in three sets over Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova in the WTA Qatar Open on Wednesday. The top-seeded Chinese player needed two and a quarter hours to overcome blustery wind and Rybarikova, the world number 32, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, which reversed the result of their only previous meeting in 2009.

That was when Rybarikova denied Li a grass court title at Birmingham, England, winning the final of a Wimbledon warm-up event; five years later Li is a better and more ambitious player. "When I was training with Carlos (Rodriguez, her coach) I was working mentally, you know," she said. "He thinks technique is not a big problem for me, but if I cannot control myself I become a big opponent for myself.

"So I have changed my training on the court a lot.

But also off the court.I have changed a lot." She took five games in little more than 20 minutes, but errors flowed more frequently from her racket in an up-and-down second set. During that phase Rybarikova played intelligently, tenaciously, and with variety, although she looked a little jaded in the latter stages of the final set, perhaps an aftermath of Tuesday's three-hour match with Francesca Schiavone, the former French Open champion.

Li responded well to the challenge of a final set, breaking serve at once, saving a break back point in the fourth game, and maintaining only a slightly lower level of aggression but with importantly fewer errors. It was as well she did, for this was a day in which more seeds went out - two of the better known ones - making eight out of the 16 gone half way through the third

Na Li of China returns the ball to Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia during the third day of the WTA Qatar Ladies Open in Doha, Qatar,Wednesday, Feb. 12. (AP Photo)

day.

Ana Ivanovic, the ninth-seeded former French Open champion from Serbia, lost 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to Klara Zakopalova, the world number 34 from the Czech republic, while Samantha Stosur, the 12th-seeded former US Open champion from Australia, went down 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 against Jana Cepelova, the world number 82 from Slovakia. Neither was helped by being scheduled on outside courts where the effect of the wind was often greater. The centre

court, by contrast, saw a great escape by Petra Kvitova, the third-seeded former Wimbledon champion, to win 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (9/7) against Venus Williams, the seven times former Grand Slam champion, who was producing flashes of her formidable best in the match of the tournament so far.

Williams led 4-1 in the final set and would have reached 5-1, with a double break of serve, had she not unaccountably put a drop shot into the net with the court wide open. Kvitova

struck the ball so resolutely that she often forced her opponent to contain and defend, but missed two match points, one when she failed to close the match out on her serve at 5-4, and another at 6-5 in the tie-break.

When Williams got a match point of her own at 7-6 it looked as if she would progress but Kvitova launched an improbable forehand blast down the line and completed a memorable win two points later by forcing a forehand error from her opponent.

Barca to face Real in Copa del Rey final

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away to Real Sociedad on Wednesday to progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Lionel Messi continued his return to goalscoring form after netting twice against Sevilla on Sunday, with a fine solo run and finish to put Barca in front midway through the first-half. The hosts were then thankful to a number of saves from Enaut Zubikarai to prevent Barcelona extending their lead on the night, but the Basques got some recompense for their efforts three minutes from time when Antoine Griezmann thumped Chory Castro's low cross past Jose Manuel Pinto. Barca boss Gerardo Martino was happy to have reached his first major final since taking charge at the start of the season, but said it was far too early to judge who will be favourites to lift the trophy come April. "There were three objectives this year and we have managed to make the final in one of them. Now we have to try and win it, but we have complied with the demands until now," he said.

Sophie Caldwell of the United States skis with a sleeveless "It is a long way away, it is a Clasico so top as temperatures go well over the freezing point during the women's 10K classical-style cross-country race at the it always has special importance. Madrid winning last night made it even more im2014 Winter Olympics. (AP Photo)

from their bowlers' third innings performance and better batting in the fourth innings of the match.

Pacemen Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan ripped through New Zealand's second innings, dismissing the hosts for 105 before India's batsmen, led by Dhawan's second test century, had pushed them to the brink of a remarkable victory. "The last test match, we fought back really nicely and that second innings we batted really nicely," Dhawan said.

"There are lots of positives to take from the last test match, so it is helping build our confidence. "We have got very good fast bowlers.

Hopefully they can repeat that (performance) and get them out for a low score.

"We are confident and looking forward to the match."

GREEN WICKET New Zealand enter the match riding high, having won their previous three tests, which started with an innings and 73-run rout of West Indies on a green Basin Reserve wicket last December. "It looks bit greener than what we had against West Indies," New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said of the current wicket being prepared for the match. "It looks a bit harder as well. Hopefully with a bit of pace and bounce and some sideways (movement) too. "Although what worked for us best against West Indies was the ability to swing it in the air.

"Hopefully we will be able to generate that swing and that will be key for us."

New Zealand enter the match with two debutants in batsman Tom Latham and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham having started the last three test matches with an unchanged lineup.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina, center, goes for the ball between Real Sociedad's Jon Gaztanaga, right, and Mikel Gonzalez, left, before to scoring his goal, during their Spanish Copa del Rey semifinal second leg soccer match, at Anoeta stadium, in San Sebastian northern Spain, Wednesday, Feb. 12. (AP Photo)

Canada's Yuki Tsubota takes a jump during the women's freestyle skiing slopestyle final at the Rosa Khutor Extreme Park, at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo)

France's Martin Fourcade prepares to shoot during the men's Madrid, February 13 (aFP): Barcebiathlon 20k individual race, at the 2014 Winter Olympics on lona will face Real Madrid in the Copa del Thursday in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo) Rey final on April 19 after they drew 1-1

WeLLiNGTON, February 13 (reuTers): India cricket officials shut down any questions about a fixing scandal ahead of the series deciding second test against New Zealand with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni a no show for the traditional captain's pre-match media conference on Thursday.

A committee set up by the Supreme Court on Sunday found Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of the country's cricket board chief and an official of the Chennai franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL), guilty of illegal betting during last season's Twenty20 competition. The scandal surfaced last year when former test bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and two other local cricketers were arrested on suspicion of taking money to concede a fixed number of runs.

With India 1-0 down and facing their first series loss to New Zealand since 2002, Dhoni, who plays for the IPL's Chennai team, was expected to attend the news conference by the local and travelling Indian press contingent. He was instead replaced by opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan for the team's only media conference ahead of the match at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

A team official also refused to allow any questioning on matters other than the test and when one reporter tried to ask how the team had prepared for the match with reports of the IPL scandal swirling in India, he refused to allow Dhawan to answer and shut down the conference shortly afterwards. New Zealand won the first test in Auckland by 40 runs last Sunday though Dhawan said his side had drawn confidence

portant for us not to miss this special date.

"But it is hard to make a judgement because the final is still two months away. There are loads of important games between now and then for both teams and we don't know how both sides will get there in terms of form, confidence or injuries." Martino showed he wasn't prepared to rest on last week's 2-0 win in the first leg at the Camp Nou as he named a strong side and the visitors managed to take the sting out of the game early on by dominating possession without overly threatening the Sociedad goal.

However, after Zubikarai had parried a long-range effort from Dani Alves, the 'keeper would have been disappointed to see Messi's low strike squeeze under his outstretched arm and trundle into the net.

Zubikarai quickly made amends, though, as he denied Pedro Rodriguez from close range. At the other end Carlos Vela had Sociedad's best chance of the first half, but, after knocking the ball past Pinto, Dani Alves was on hand to clear off the line. Barcelona continued to look the more likely to score after the break as Andres Iniesta fired just wide from the edge of the area before Zubikarai made a brilliant double save to deny Messi and Cesc Fabregas.

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