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www.morungexpress.com
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 102
The Morung Express “
www.morungexpress.com
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past
Modi, Rahul are ‘rakshasas’ of corruption: Kejriwal
By Sandemo Ngullie
[ PAGE 2]
Ukraine Prez threatens military operation [ PAGE 9]
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Are you satisfied with the way Nagaland State Government is addressing the AssamNagaland border issues? Yes
no
Others
AYO, CYF condemn April 9 Kohima attack KOHIMA, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) and the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) have condemned the April 9 attack on two persons in Kohima. A press note from the two organizations termed the act as “illicit and a disgrace.” It called upon the NSCN (K) leadership to “own up to and respond in principle to the demands made on behalf of the victims by the ACAUT without fail and without the faction’s justification.” It further demanded that the concerned authority book the culprit at the earliest, “as the identity of the culprit is well established.” The organizations further cautioned of action against any organization/ bodies/ individual bailing out the culprit. “Failing to react appropriately within ten days of this publication, AYO and CYF will be constrained to react in manners deemed fit,” it added.
PDCA condemns shooting incidents
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DIMAPUR , APRIL 14 (MExN): The Peace Committee Dispute Area (Assam-Nagaland) has condemned the incident where two Naga youths were shot on April 11 at Nitozu village gate and another incident on April 9, when one truck driver was shot at Luhezhe village by unidentified persons. A press note from the PCDA stated that such incidents “often occur in the border belt,” where “innocent travelers are harassed and robbed of their belongings at gun point.” While condemning the incidents, the PCDA has urged the law enforcing bodies to nab the culprits responsible and to ensure the safety of people living in the border areas.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Thomas Jefferson
Oscar Pistorius: ‘I Did Not Fire at Reeva!’ [ PAGE 12]
“crusader or conspirator?” AHrc concerned by status Deals new blow to the PM of free media in north east
Retired Coal Secretary says Manmohan Singh’s inability to take on vested interests led to the socalled Coalgate” scandal You locals can do what you like with your cars, lands and latest phones but don’t you ever, ever forget I paid for them.
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WVC demands changes in Dikhu project DPR
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reflections
Rowan Atkinson Splits From Wife
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NEW DELHI, APRIL 14 (REUtERs): A new book accuses Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of being weak and unable to stamp out corruption on his watch, the second recent attack by an insider that undermines the Congress party as it seeks re-election despite trailing in opinion polls. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cast the world’s largest ever election as a battle between its dynamic and assertive leader Narendra Modi and the relatively ineffective incumbent premier Manmohan Singh. That impression was underlined in a book, published on Monday, called “Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths” by P.C. Parakh, who retired as coal secretary in 2005. It said Singh’s inability to take on vested interests led to the so-called “Coalgate” scandal, which rocked his premiership. It was the second book in the last week to portray 81-year-old Singh, prime minister since 2004, as a well-intentioned man of high personal integrity but one often unable to assert his authority. The other, by a former media adviser to Singh, was greeted with glee by the BJP, and the party is expected to seize on the Coalgate book to try to land another blow at a crucial time.
Nothing to hide in coal • Calls for safe and better working environment for journalists • Urges media houses to honor and implement the recomallocation, asserts PMO mendations of Majithia Wage Board for journalists and
A detail of a portrait of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which is part of the exhibit “The Art of Leadership: A President’s Diplomacy,” is on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas. The exhibit of portraits of world leaders painted by former President George W. Bush runs through June 3, 2014. (AP Photo)
tioned the government’s awarding of mining concessions without competitive bidding, which it said unduly benefited chosen private and state companies and potentially cost the treasury billions of dollars in lost revenues. Parakh said that Singh, though keen to introduce open bidding, could not tackle resistance from coal ministers in his administration. Parakh said he himself came under pressure from people interested in acquiring coal blocks. “Pressures come in the form of “SOME RESIST, OTHERS SUCCUMB” enticements such as post-retirement The Coalgate scandal erupted in assignments, partnership in busi2012 after the public auditor ques- ness, bribery, blackmail or pure in-
NEW DELHI, APRIL 14 (IANs): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Monday said the matter relating to exploitation of coal reserves was under judicial scrutiny and the UPA government has nothing to hide in the matter. “This matter is under judicial scrutiny and the government is assisting the investigating agency on the same. Several statements have been made on the subject in the past including in the parliament also which are in public domain. The law is taking its course. The government has nothing to hide,” the PMO said in a statement. Earlier in the day, former coal secretary P. C. Parakh has alleged that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did little to rein in ministers responsible for coal allocations while launching his book “Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and other Truths”.
timidation. Pressures also come from friends and relations,” Parakh wrote in the book. “Some can resist these pressures. Others succumb,” he said, adding that at no time did the prime minister’s office make recommendations or exert pressure in favour of any party. Singh has consistently denied his government did anything wrong, blaming the delay in introducing competitive bidding on resistance from coal-rich states ruled by opposition parties. He has said the findings of the state auditor in the 2012 report were “clearly disputable”.
non-journalists
DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has expressed numerous concerns regarding the status of free media in the North East. The AHRC, in a press note, stated that there are major concerns regarding the working conditions of media persons in the region and called upon the state governments to ensure a safe working atmosphere for journalists and make provisions for social benefits like health and life insurance. The AHRC stated that there have been many cases of harassment of media persons in the form of “killings, bombings, threat to life and property, assaults and arrests.” It informed that since 1991, in Assam alone, “26 journalists had been killed by militant outfits, the timber mafia, criminal gangs, and ‘unidentified killers’.” However, no single person has been brought to book for these crimes, it stated. It further said that, from 1993 till date, “seven
journalists have been shot dead in Manipur” and that “vicious attacks and bombings have become a part of their working environment.” This, according to the AHRC, has resulted in suspension of publication, blank editorials, and demands to the government for a safe working environment. It further informed that in the case of five of the seven deceased journalists, “No action and arrests has resulted.” The AHRC informed that from September 1997 to August 2013, 29 FIRs in connection with “harassment of journalists by underground groups” have been filed in Manipur, out of which 24 of the cases remain “unresolved.” In terms of “harassment of journalists in Manipur by State/ Central forces,” 18 cases have been registered and 11 of these cases remain “unresolved,” it added. The AHRC lamented that these statistics “paint a grim picture of the scenario in the North East,” and “illustrates the inability of law enforcement agen-
cies to take stringent action against the culprits.” As such, it called upon the respective state governments and the Government of India to strengthen protection for journalists and to act swiftly to investigate and prosecute those responsible for killing and assaulting journalists in the region. The AHRC further expressed concern on the salary and working conditions of media persons in the region. “In the last few years there has been a major change in the profile of media houses, with an increasing number of high profile business persons/ organizations making an entry. Yet, working conditions for media personnel remain close to the same,” it stated. Referring to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board for journalists and nonjournalists on their pay structure, the AHRC urged media houses to honor and implement the recommendations “as a matter of priority.”
‘Rhinos may be extinct by 2020’ ‘IDU is “major cause” of HIV infection in Nagaland’ LONDON, APRIL 14 (PtI): Rhinoceros in the wild may be pushed to extinction by the end of this decade if their unrelenting poaching continues at the present rate, experts have warned. The poaching of black and white rhinoceros has soared in last six years. While as 13 rhinos were slaughtered in 2007, that number spiked to 1,004 last year, experts said. “There are now just 20,000 white rhino and 5,000 black rhino left in the wild. If poaching carries on at the rate it is now for six more years it will devastate the numbers,” Will Travers, chief executive of the Born Free Foundation, said. “There will probably be no free-living rhinos as the remaining numbers will be fenced off in military-style compounds which are alarmed and heavily guarded by armed patrols,” Travers said, while
speaking after attending a summit on wildlife crime in Pretoria, South Africa, recently. Criminal gangs are making millions of pounds a year by hacking the animals to death for their horns, The ‘Daily Express’ reported. These horns are used as traditional medicine in the Far East to treat ailments such as hangovers in powder form. “Poaching is a low-penalty crime and that has to change. We need better intelligence gathering and more equipment and manpower,” Travers said after the conference. Attended by 140 experts, the conference was organized in response to plans by the South African government to legalise the trade in rhino horn so the proceeds can be used for conservation, the report said. Travers, however, said that charging a three pounds conservation tax from tourists would work far better.
Narendra Modi vows to clean up Indian politics
NEW DELHI, APRIL 14 (IANs): Vowing to clean Indian politics within five years, if voted to power, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi Monday said that he would put all politicians with criminal backgrounds behind bars without any discrimination. “There is a lot of discussion these days on how to stop criminals from entering politics. I have a cure and I have vowed to clean Indian politics... all I need is people’s support,” said Modi in the second round of 3D rallies, addressing around 100 locations in 15 states. Modi said that he would set up special courts under the observation of Supreme Court and all the councillors, panchayat heads, legislators, MPs will go through a screening process and those with criminal backgrounds will be prosecuted
in a time-bound manner. “The cases will be disposed within a year and I am positive that after five years of our rule, the system will be absolutely clean and all criminals will be behind bars,” he said. “I promise there will be no discrimination and I won’t hesitate to punish culprits from my own party,” he added. Taking on the Congress, Modi accused the party of humiliating Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a key architect of India’s Constitution, and accused party vice president of taking all the credit for the work done by Ambedkar. “He (Rahul Gandhi) only talks about his own family’s history and has no knowledge about the contributions made by other people in the building of the nations. He likes to take credit for all the good things that Baba Sahib did,” he said, referring to Ambedkar.
Morung Express news Dimapur | April 14
The increasing cases of HIV/ AIDS in Nagaland are particularly based on intravenous drug use and unsafe sex, informs a study published in the International Research Journal of Medical Science. The study titled ‘Assessment of HIV/AIDS Sero Positivity in Nagaland’ states that the prevalence of infection among IDUs has been a cause of major concern. It further notes that instances of HIV cases has been gradually increasing among “vulnerable” population groups, including women, young people, high risk groups and bridge populations. It added that young
people within the age group of 20-29 are contributing the highest number of HIV/AIDS patients in Nagaland state. In this age bracket, the report informed that the highest mode of transmission is through the sexual route. It further stated that the incidence of HIV/ AIDS infection among STD clinic attendees and ante natal (transmission from mother to child) cases in “rural” Nagaland have also been increasing, thereby posing a major challenge for health managers. It said that rising numbers of pregnant women, “whose sexual behavior is not believed to be risky,” are testing to be HIV positive. While the study showed a decrease in the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among IDUs,
it however noted that this mode of transmission still remains the principle driver of the infection in Nagaland. Although inconsistent, the study informed that prevalence rates, for the most part, amongst attendees of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres shows a declining trend. This, according to the study, indicates a slowing down of HIV transmissions. Concerning the sexual route of transmission, it stressed on incorporation of life skills in schools and colleges. “Since society is still very apprehensive of talking about sex, there is need for young people to have adequate information about going into pre-marital sex,” it added. The study further advised taking
proper steps like putting the “facts of life” in proper perspective, and “normalization” of condom use. It asserted that accurate information on how to avoid the infection and elimination of stigma against its victims can help stem the tide of the “epidemic.” The study received funding from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and aimed to observe the positivity rate of HIV/AIDS in all eleven districts of Nagaland state. It collected data from six different sources viz Sentinel Serosurveillance among antenatal clinic attendees, Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Centers, Blood Banks, Female Sex Workers, Injection Drug Users and Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers.
Border shooting heightens tension Morung Express news Dimapur | April 14
The Karbi-Anglong-Dimapur border continues to remain tense as the land dispute drags on. On April 14, one person suffered gunshot wounds after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of people, who were reportedly clearing jungle near Dikoi village. The person, a man in his thirties, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The injured was from one of the many groups who are clearing land in the disputed border belt, to make way for farming and human settlement. The settlers at Dikoi said that the firing started at around 9:00 am and lasted for two hours. The gunmen were in ‘khaki’ and in
A portion of Dikoi village as seen on April 14. (Morung Photo)
civvies, the settlers said, while it could not be confirmed who were behind the shooting. It was report-
ed that a number of people were injured while running for cover during the shooting . After a lull, more shots
rang out in the afternoon lasting a few minutes. No casualty was reported in the second firing incident,
which occurred today. Dikoi village fall along the disputed Karbi-Anglong-Dimapur border, and is bounded by Rangapahar Military Station on the east, Aoyimkum on the north, Sangtamtilla on the south and the Assam-Nagaland interstate border on the west. The gunshots came from the south-west, it was added. The settlers at Dikoi claimed that the village was established in 1989 and is recognised by the Nagaland state government. One man, identifying himself as the secretary of the village council, said that it is receiving village development funds, ration dole-out and government-approved headman like any other village. According to the present count, the village has a population of 500.
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The Morung Express 2 LocaL TUCT appeals for shifting of dist HQs to Chumu WVC demands changes Dimapur
Tuesday
15 April 2014
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in Dikhu project DPR
The newly constructed Deputy Commissioner's office of Dimapur district at Chumukedima.
Dimapur, april 14 (mExN): The Tribal Union Chumukedima Town (TUCT) while lauding the completion of the new DC office at Chumukedima District HQs has requested the competent authority for shifting of the same “since the empty building does not help the public.” A press release issued by TUCT president Neisalie Losou and its publicity &
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information secretary Ishmael Newme stated that, two decades ago, the proposal for shifting of Dimapur District Headquarters to Chumukedima was accepted by most of the citizens of Dimapur district as a necessity and a sensible decision. “The government initiated the project with much fanfare and after some unfortunate hiccups the proj-
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NSWW general conference on April 16 Dimapur, april 14 (mExN): The general conference of the National Socialist Women Wing (NSWW) of the GPRN/NSCN will be held at Khehoi Designated camp on April 16, 10:00 am. As informed earlier, all women members of the GPRN/NSCN including the Naga Army and regional staff, wives and widows of National workers have been asked to attend the conference without fail. Induction of new executive members will also take place on the said date. Those in need of transportation have been asked to report at the 4th Mile weekly Bazaar, opposite Central jail at 08:30 am. Bus will be provided. This was informed in a press release issued by Secretary, NSWW Akheli Yepthomi.
27th convocation of IGNOU regional centre Kohima
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Kohima, april 14 (Dipr): The 27th convocation of the IGNOU Regional Centre Kohima will be held at IGNOU Study Centre-2001, Modern College, near SBI Lerie Branch, Kohima on April 16 from 2:30 pm. ProVice Chancellor Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Prof. A. Lanunungsang will grace the convocation as Guest of Honour. Highlights of the programme includes welcome address by Ezhuni Chache, special song by students of Modern College, Regional Director Dr. T. Iralu’s report, address by Guest of Honour, distribution of Degrees, sharing of experiences, and vote of thanks by Assistant Regional Director, IGNOU, Dr. Imnainla. The Convocation programme is being simultaneously conducted with the 27th convocation of IGNOU at New Delhi where Secretary, Department of Higher Education, MHRD, Ashok Thakur and Vice Chancellor, Srilanka Open University Dr. Vijitha Nanayakkara will be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
Mokokchung DPDB on April 22 Dimapur, april 14 (Dipr): The monthly Mokokchung District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting will be held on April 22 at the conference hall of ADC Planning, Mokokchung from 11:00 am. Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Muroho Chotso, has informed all members to attend the meeting. It was also informed that the meeting which was scheduled earlier on April 7 had to be postponed due to the conduct of the Lok Sabha election.
KSSATA informs Kohima, april 14 (mExN): Kohima SSA Teachers Association (KSSATA) has appealed to all its members to attend the general meeting on April 16 at APO Hall, 11:00 am positively to support the ongoing agitation called by the Nagaland SSA Teachers Association over non-payment of salaries and arrears. KSSATA further appealed to all the VECs/SMDCs/Head Teachers/ Teacher In-Charge to bear with the inconveniences caused by its members by boycotting the classes “since it is very difficult for the teachers to make both ends meet at this juncture.” A press release issued by KSSATA vice president Francis Magh stated, “It is highly expected from each teacher to make no lame excuses in failing to attend this crucial meeting.” For any queries, call 9856364548 or 9856626439.
PSU bans hunting and flora collection
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Dimapur, april 14 (mExN): In order to preserve flora and fauna, the Porbami Students’ Union (PSU) has banned all kinds of hunting and collection of flora in certain reserved forest areas namely, Vanbu, Nisonizou, Shuwho, Wutio, and Muthotu. A press release issued by PSU president Veku Lohe and its general secretary Rukuvo Sakhamo informed that with the onset of animal breeding season, the prohibitory order comes into immediate effect. Violation of the order will invite a fine of Rs. 5000/- or more, the note cautioned. It further informed that a standing student volunteers shall be deputed in various pockets of the said reserved forested areas to keep vigil on the movement of people. In this regard, the union has appealed to all the citizens, particularly the neighbouring villages and towns to co-operate with the order.
ect has become a reality today. But, to our dismay, it has become apparent that the whole issue is being politicized due to ego clashes and ulterior motives,” it added. The Tribal Union Chumukedima Town (comprising all Naga tribes residing in and around Chumukedima), according to the note, is of the view that there should be
no "ours' or "yours" impression in this matter. “We believe that Dimapur district inhabitants are the most educated, enlightened, well to do and progressive citizen of our state. It is therefore clear to everyone that is a shift to a better place where there is ample parking place, better environment, and scope for expansion and development of Dimapur City and most
importantly easier access for citizen residing outside Dimapur,” the note stated. In light of this, TUCT has appealed to the state government and the Dimapur district administration to “stop delaying and carry out the shifting process immediately so that the forth coming benefits may be granted to the citizen of the district sooner, rather than later.”
m o N, a p r i l 1 4 (mExN): The Wanching Village Council (WVC) has written to the Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Power, expressing concern over the latest Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the proposed Dikhu Multi-purpose Power Project. The WVC stated that Manu Energy System Pvt. Ltd, charged to initiate the project, had earlier “confirmed that this project is situated under the jurisdiction of Wanching village of Mon District.” However, it stated that in the latest DPR, the project is “referred and assumed as located under Longleng District.” Terming this as a “diversion and distortion of facts,” the WVC asserted that the contents of the DPR “cannot be tolerated.” “This is a complete bias and total apathy towards the Wanching Village and its ownership,” it stated. It further informed that “some villages have claimed that the land on the western side of the Dikhu river as belonging to them.” The WVC stated that these “claims for ownership are baseless and ridiculous.” “In fact, the ownership of the whole part of Tamlu area belongs
Kyong Students’ Union observes Martyrs Day WoKha, april 14 (Dipr): Kyong Students Union on April 14, 2014 observed Black Day (Martyrs Day) in rememberance of the two "martyrs" who sacrificed their precious lives on April 14, 1977, when the then Lotha Student’s Union was organising a silent procession in protest against the "inhuman act and manhandling" of the then SDO (C) Ralan by the Assam Police. Since then, KSU has been observing the day as Black Day/Martyrs Day in memory of Lt.Thungkumo and Lt.Chumdamo Lotha. The KSU officials led by its President, Amos Odyuo paid floral tribute at the Martyrs Park and visited the two "martyrs’" parents and family members and held a floral laying cere- President of Kyong Students’ Union, Amos Odyuo laying wreath at the Martyrs Park on April mony at their graveyards. 14 at Wokha Town. (DIPR Photo)
KASSU to support SSA teachers agitation
KiphirE, april 14 (mExN): The Kiphire Area Sangtam Students’ Union (KASSU) has appealed to the Nagaland Education department to release the pending salaries of SSA teachers across the state. A press release jointly issued by Litsapi Sangtam, President KASSU and L Issac Sangtam, Vice President KASSU stated that non-payment of salaries to teachers in the state is hampering the career of the student community. “As the government has satisfied and appointed them to be a teacher, the government should not hesitate to pay
the salaries of the teachers,” the release stated. It stated that the state government should realize the “hue and cry” made by the teachers and should respond quickly. The union further extended support to the ongoing agitation staged by the aggrieved teachers. The KASSU also stated that children of most poor parents who cannot afford to send them to private institutions are being hampered as teacher are not willing to perform their duties without payment. The KASSU called upon the state government to take serious note of the issue.
to Wanching Village. This claim is supported by both traditional and historical facts,” it added. The WVC said that the whole length of Yeangnyu River, starting from Aoying to the dam site and further till Menyupheng, “belongs to Wanching Village, except for a small portion of Aophai (between Aoying and damsite) which was given to Yongjong Morung of Yongnyah Village by Wanching.” It informed that another branch of the Lai River, extending till Yongpan Vuhleng, “belongs to Wanching Village.” The council affirmed that ownership of these rivers is supported by the fact that “Community Fishing in these rivers is only initiated under the authority on Wanching Village.” Further, it said that the “whole length of the river is divided into several parts with each part having an owner which belongs to Wanching Village.” “In these portions of the river, the owner performs rituals and sacrifices on the day of community fishing. And after the fishing is completed, the owners collect fishes (Aonyah shaipu) from all the participating groups from other villages except from the Wanch-
ing Villagers. And during community fishing in the Lai river portion, fish tax is gifted by the Tangha Village to Wanching Village as recognition of the ownership of the river,” it stated. Regarding the land, the WVC informed that Kanching, Anaoshai (Anaki), 4 morungs of Bura Namsang, Kangtsung, Wakamen and Tamlu villages used to pay annual taxes or tributes to Wanching village. “In the light of these aforementioned facts, the arguments for ownership of land and river by other villages are baseless,” it stated. The WVC stated that it would oppose the latest DPR prepared by the Manu Energy until “it is corrected and made right.” It further resolved that until the said project reflects the “former DPR aspirant, which confirmed the project site belonging to Wanching,” the village would “neither allow a single pace of work to continue nor give an inch of our land and river for the project.” It demanded that the Company remove all workers and machineries from the location at the earliest, failing which the WVC cautioned that “it would not be held responsible in the event of any untoward incident at the project site.”
Flower exhibition in Kohima today Kohima, april 14 (mExN): The Nagaland Flower Growers Society (NFGS) is organizing flower exhibitioncum-sale from April 15 to 16 at TT Indoor Stadium, Officer’s Hill, Kohima. Dr. Lallan Ram, director, Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema will grace the occasion as chief guest at the inaugural function on April 15 while Chandak AK , wife of Governor of Nagaland will be the guest of honour at the valedictory function on April 16. The inaugural function will start from 10:00 AM onwards. Meyievino Thelüo will chair the function while welcome address will be delivered by NFGS president Akruzo Putsure. Brief history of NFGS will be given by NFGS general secretary Sungtinaro Jamir. Closing function has been scheduled at 2:00 PM on April 16. Watienla Jamir, director, department of horticulture will deliver short speech. Asangla Francis will chair the function while vote of thanks will be proposed by Kaisa Rio, wife of the chief minister of Nagaland.
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WCMA condemns attack Dimapur, april 14 (mExN): The Western Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (WCMA) has strongly condemned the “attempt to life” of Abe Mero on April 9. WCMA president Bino Kenye and general secretary Akhrole Venuh in a press release have urged the authority to award befitting punishment to the perpetrators at the earliest.
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Legal aid clinic launched in Zunheboto
ZuNhEboto, april 14 (Dipr): For the very first time, Legal Aid Clinic Cell attached to the Sub Jail Zunheboto was launched by the chairperson District Legal Service Authority Zunheboto (DLSA) and District Session Judge Khesheli Chishi Swu under the aegis of DLSA Zunheboto on April 11. DSJ, Khesheli Chishi in her short speech lauded the Zunheboto Sub Jail authority and her junior colleagues and staff. She exhorted the inmates, 23 in total, of their rights and also stressed on self sustenance, rehabilitations and post parole endeavours. She also appointed two
volunteers from the jail authority and district judicial respectively to monitor, supervise and address the complaints and problems of the inmates at regular intervals. Advocate Katovi Awomi speaking on the occasion as the resource person highlighted a detailed note on “Right to Legal Aid” its history, aims and objectives to the inmates. He also briefed on “Para Legal Volunteers” across the land. Senior citizens, economically weaker sections of the society, victims of natural calamities, ST/SC community(s), beggars and other poor and helpless individuals who can-
not afford lawyers etc are entitled to free legal services by the respective DLSA. Senior Superintendent of Jails K.K. Awomi lauded the DLSA Zunheboto, district administration, police department, Zunheboto Sub Jail personnel and several others for the cooperation, maintenance of law and order which had led to the smooth functioning of the Sub Jail, Zunheboto. Awomi maintained that the Sub Jail Zunheboto has no records of jailbreaks, violence amongst the inmates or casualties for a long period of time. He highlighted that “the contemporary Jails are not primarily or exclusively for the punish-
ments against the crimes committed, but jails are presently a place for reformation, transformation and rehabilitation etc.” Civil Judge, OP Phom delivered a keynote address and APP Zunheboto also spoke at the gathering. Earlier, the programme was chaired by advocate Anne Sumi, member DLSA and began with an invocation prayer by the jail Chaplain. The District administration, police personnel, DBs, Judicial staff, DPRO staff, Red Cross Society, Consumers Rights Forum, frontal NGOs, elders and several others from different walks of life attended the gathering.
Muffet’s Pantry: New café in town Morung Express News Dimapur | April 14
For the food and café lovers of Dimapur, there has been an addition of a cozy spot to hang out in town. Moreover, if you want a feel of home while out, Muffet’s Pantry could be the one you are looking for. Located at Duncan Bosti, the basic idea of Muffet’s Pantry is to make customers feel like they are entering their own kitchens as the name suggests. The café is an outcome of the owner’s love for cooking. She has no professional training in cooking; however, she has always been passionate about it. In an interaction with The Morung Express, the
owner, Merenla Imkong, said the café will serve no specific cuisine, but variety of stuff focusing on providing casual dining. However, it was revealed that Merenla’s cheese cake, kimbap, and sandwich are pretty famous among her friends and families. She also emphasized on serving quality and comfort food. A teacher by profession, the café is Merenla’s first business venture. She expressed hope that with Nagas developing the culture of eating out, the café will do well, provided its quality is sustained. Muffet is also the nickname of the owner given by her aunts. The café was officially opened for custom-
ers on April 14. It will be open 11:00 am to 7:00 pm throughout the week except Mondays. On Sundays, there will be buffet different from the usual menu. The café will also provide catering services. Apart from what’s in the menu, the Pantry can also take orders for other dishes. Not forgetting Naga dish in its menu, Muffet’s Pantry will serve sticky rice with spicy non-veg chutney. One can also follow the café on Facebook @ Muffet’s Pantry for updates on special dishes et al. The whole idea of the café, Merenla said, is to make people feel comfortable and at home, hence “the décor is more like Owner of Muffet’s Pantry, Merenla Imkong (second from right) chats with friends during the opening of the café in Dimapur on April 14. (Morung Photo) home.”
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REgional
The Morung Express
Tuesday
15 April 2014
'ECI to remove Bru voters form Mizoram electoral roll' AIZAWL, APRIL 14 (NNN): The Election Commission of India (ECI) will soon make provision for removal of Bru voters from Mizoram electoral roll. According to Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla the Election Commission of India (ECI) will take initiative on any day to remove the displaced Brus from Mizoram electoral roll. Lal Thanhawla told reporters that displaced Bru voters camping at six transit camps in Tripura who are reluctant to return to their respective places in Mizoram would be permanently removed from electoral roll. “The ECI will make a provision for deletion of Bru voters who do not return to Mizoram within three months counting from May 16”, the chief minister of Mizoram further said. “For several times appeals were made to the ECI to remove those Bru voters from the elec-
toral roll who obstinately continue to reside at refugee camps in Tripura despite repeated calls to return to their places in Mizoram," stated Lal Thanhawla, adding, "If P Chidambaram had still been the Union Home Minister, they (Bru) would have not casted votes even in the last assembly election”. According to the Chief Minister, repatriation for Brus camping at refugee camps in Tripura has been opened since 2007. “We did not force them to leave the state. But asked them to return for a number of times and we may need to shout for their return in the future,” he said. He also said that the government of Mizoram would not feel regret if the Bru refugees do not return to Mizoram. Mention may be made here that the Lok Sabha election in Mizoram was held on April 11
Northeast Briefs Doc arrested from MLA’s house GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (AGENCIES): The Paltanbazar police have arrested a prominent doctor in Guwahati charging him with assaulting his wife on Monday. Identified as Dr Prakitish Bora, the veteran pediatric was arrested from the residence of his father law Capt Robin Bordoloi who represents East Guwahati in the Assam Legislative Assembly. Sources told Assam Times that Dr Bora was assaulted during his alleged detention inside the house of Bordoloi alleging torture on his wife Ashima Bordoloi who happens to be the daughter of the legislator. Later police arrested Dr Bora on basis of the complaint field by Ashima Bordoloi who is the deputy mayor of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.
12 CISF persons injured in road accident HAFLONG, APRIL 14 (PTI): Twelve CISF personnel were today critically injured in an accident when their vehicle collided with a dumper truck in Dima Hasao district, police said. A team of CISF personnel was travelling in their utility vehicle, which collided with a dumper head on at a remote area under Harangajao police station, they said. The 12 critically jawans have been referred to Gauhati Medical College Hospital while others were being treated at Haflong Civil Hospital, they said.
Petroleum plant opens in Arunachal GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (TNN): A large petroleum installation with tankers and other state-of-the-art facilities was inaugurated in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday. The project is a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum and the Army. Chief managing director of Bharat Petroleum S Vardarajan inaugurated the plant in the presence of commander of Army Eastern Command, Lt Gen MMS Rai and other dignitaries. The plant was built at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore and will serve the remote areas of the northeast.
2 killed in clash over land dispute GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (AGENCIES): Two persons were killed and five others have been critically injured when two groups of people clashed with each other in Nagaon district on Monday. The incident took place in Bokulguri area where both the groups clashed over a plot of land. The situation was brought under control after policemen had arrived in the spot. Two persons died on the spot while the five critically injured persons including two women are undergoing treatment at Jamunamukh Hospital. Police investigation is going on.
instead of April 9 following the 72-hour bandh called by various civil society organisations of the state against the Brus camping in Tripura refugee camps to cast vote in Mizoram. Irked by the ECI's green signal for Brus to vote, five influential civil society organisations in Mizoram had agitated under the aegis of the Co-ordination Committee five organisations of Young Mizo Association (YMA), MUP, MHIP, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and Mizo Students Union (MSU) by imposing the state-wide total bandh for 72 hour starting from 5 am of April 7. In the past few months, these civil society organisations of Mizoram have been threatening to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state if the Election Commission of India (ECI) does not entertain to their demand to disallow the Brus camped in Tripura from voting
in Mizoram in the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll. In January, Mizo Students' Union (MSU) had lodged a complaint to Union Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde regarding the troubles and obnoxious acts created by Bru community against the Mizos. The MSU had also urged the Election Commission of Indis (ECI) not to allow the Brus residing outside Mizoram to cast their votes in Mizoram. Also on January 23, MSU had re-submitted a petition to Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath requesting him to take immediate step to disallow those Bru voters who continue to live outside Mizoram deliberately to cast their votes in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram. Hundreds of Brus had left Mizoram in 1997 and in 2009. The first case was triggered
when Bru militants murdered two Mizos who were forest guards on October 21, 1997. The second case happened after a 17-year-old Mizo boy was killed by the Brus near Bungthuam village on November 13, 2009. When the Bru left Mizoram they had driven out some Mizos in villages of Sakhan Hill Range in Tripura like Sakhan Serhmun, Sakhan Tlangsang, Sakhan Tualsen and Upper Dosda which had kicked up much ruckus in Mizoram then. Meanwhile, a couple of years ago, head count conducted by the MBDPF found that there had been 31,703 Brus in the relief camps belonging to 5,448 families who were bona fide residents of Mizoram. The repatriation of the 1997 batch of Bru refugees was underway until it stalled by the November 13 killing. In the
year 2011, conglomeration of major NGOs in Mizoram had submitted a joint memorandum to the then Union Home minister P Chidambaram to rehabilitate displaced. The memorandum was signed by representatives of four large NGOs in the state-the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the MZP, the Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) or elders association and the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) or the women's federation and four political parties. The memorandum had mentioned that more than 80 Mizo families displaced from Tripura's Sakhan Hill range in 1998 after being threatened by Bru militants should be adequately rehabilitated by the Centre, otherwise, the repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura relief camps should not be allowed.
After polls, Assam celebrates Rongali Bihu GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (IANS): After two phases of hectic campaigning and balloting for the Lok Sabha polls in Assam, the state Monday got into a exuberant mood to celebrate its most colourful festival - Rongali Bihu. Although it is the most colourful and widely celebrated festival of Assam, the ongoing Lok Sabha elections have overshadowed the festival. Since two phases of polling in the state are over and the third phase for six Lok Sabha seats is to be held on April 24, the break has made it convenient for people to celebrate the festival. ChiefMinisterTarun GogoiMonday launched the Bihu celebrations at the historic Latasil playground in the main city Guwahati. "Rongali Bihu brings inspiration and infuses a positive energy among each individual in Assam," Gogoi said, adding that the festival also strengthens the age-old bond among the communities in the state. Governor J.B. Patnaik also greeted the people on the occasion. Rongali Bihu starts on the last day of the 'Sot' (or the month of Chaitra) - which was Monday. The first day of the festival is dedicated to cattle and is called "Goru Bihu", when cattle are given ceremonial baths in rivers and ponds, tied with new ropes, and rubbed with turmeric paste and worshipped. The actual celebration starts from the second day, which is also the first day of the Assamese New Year that starts with the month of Bohag. People wear new clothes and younger people seek blessings
Artists perform Bihu, a folk dance, during celebrations to mark Rongali Bihu festival in Gauhati, Assam on Monday, April 14. Rongali Bihu marks the onset of the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
from elders and heads of the family so that the year brings prosperity, good health and good luck. People throng Bihutolis (venues where Bihu programmes are organised) and take part in traditional games of the state. The celebrations will continue
for next seven days. The first phase of the Lok Sabha polls in the state April 7 covered five constituencies of Tezpur, Jorhat, Kaliabor, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur, while the second phase April 12 saw polling for three seats of Silchar, Karimganj and Diphu (Au-
tonomous District). Balloting in the last six Lok Sabha constituencies - Gauhati, Nawgong, Barpeta, Mangaldai, Kokrajhar and Dhubri - will take place April 24. Assam sends 14 members to the Lok Sabha.
Gogoi says ‘no’ to diktat on Hindi
NDFB-S militant killed in Majbat GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (AGENCIES): A hardcore NDFB-S militant was killed at an encounter with army in Udalguri district on Monday. The encounter took place at Mitunmai area in Majbat in the morning. Acting on a tip off that a group of NDFB-S militants are camping in the area, police and army conducted a raid where the encounter took place. Identified as Mustak Khan Mooshahary, the Bodo militant died on the spot. Notably, a section of NDFB-S militants has been unleashing terror in the area in the form of kidnapping, extortion and killing.
More new BOPs on Indo-Bangla border AGARTALA, APRIL 14 (PTI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will set up 81 new composite Border Outposts (BOPs) along the 856 km long Indo-Bangla border in Tripura by 2017 in addition to the existing 245 BOPs, BSF sources said today. The BOPs would have electronic surveillance equipment, communications and helipads besides living rooms for the men as also generators, the sources said. BSF said 80 per cent of the border fencing was complete and the remaining 20 per cent could not be completed due to tough terrain and large populations near the border. Border fencing was constructed 150 yards away from the demarcation line in adherence to Border management agreement signed between Bangladesh and India in 1974. The Ministry of External Affairs has taken up A rogue elephant is seen foraging for food in broad daylight, some few meters away from NHthe matter with Bangladesh for allowing erection of fenc- 29 in Lahorijan under Karbi Anglong district area, near the Assam-Nagaland border on Monday. Onlookers said that decreasing forest covers due to rampant cutting down of tress and ing near the zero line in view of the difficult situation. human settlement have led rising cases of animals being leaving their herds. (Morung Photo)
GUWAHATI, APRIL 14 (AGENCIES): Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said on Monday that art and culture cannot be confined to a particular state or area as Assam is proud of its unity in diversity. Talking to reporters in the sidelines of a bihu function at Latasheel Playground in the morning, Gogoi said that the performers have every right to perform in any language in the bihu functions. “Nobody can stop them from performing even Hindi songs. Accordingly, no performer will abide by a diktat if somebody passes,” said the chief minister before hoisting the flag of the festival. Gogoi’s comment assumed significant three days after ULFA-I asked the artists not to perform Hindi songs in the bihu functions.
ZB, ZSU condemn assault on four persons in Manipur Newmai News Network Imphal | April 14 As a fallout of the JiribamTamenglong district boundary dispute, a house was burnt down and four persons were assaulted late Sunday, alleged Zeliangrong Baudi and All Zeliangrong Students Union. A joint press communique attached with the photos of the remnants of the engulfed house and one of the victims' picture by AZSU and Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) was issued to the media houses here. According to the two Ze-
liangrong organisations, four unidentified persons assaulted three persons hailing from Zeliangrong community on Sunday at 11.50 pm. "The miscreants entered the house of Poukiuda Mathew Gangmei, Jiribam, Imphal East district, and started beating the innocent persons. Later, they closed the door from outside, sprinkled kerosene and lit the fire to burn alive the four Zeliangrongs. This act is an attempt to murder," stated the AZSU and ZB-AMN. Loveson Kamei, (13), s/o Luangkaosin, a class VIII student of Sarok Atingbi School,
Jiribam; Chingampou Gonmei, (19), s/o Chingthuanang of Luangkao and Kachiugai Gonmei, (14), s/o Mathiuning Gonmei, a Class X student of Jiribam Model High School, Jiribam have been identified as three names of the four victims. The victims/tenants were staying at the resident of Poukiuda Mathew Gangmei, s/o Lianggijinang Gangmei, Kamranga village, under Gularthol police station, Jiribam, Imphal East district, as tenants. The miscreants set fire, cylinder gas burnt and burn down the house and properties including victims’ materials worth Rs. 4, 00, 000, AZSU
and ZB said. "The unfortunate incident is directly or indirectly the outcome of the boundary/land dispute between Taosem sub-division of Tamenglong district and Jiribam sub-divison of Imphal east district, Manipur. The disputed area has been encroached by residents from Jiribam area creating communal tension in this portion for a long time. The Government of Manipur is not taking necessary actions to resolve the land dispute issue till date so the state government is responsible for this mess. It is high time that the state government should
take necessary action to solve the problem and restore the communal harmony," the Zeliangrong bodies urged. "The concern authority must immediately arrest the miscreants and punish according to the law of the land. Anything less will only invite further attacks against the people of the surrounding areas. The barbaric attacks on the four persons will also invite and create communal tension between the hills and valley people living in Jiribam areas for decades if the concerned authority does not take necessary action timely," the Zeliangrong organisations said.
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Security tightened for Manipur general LS seat IMPHAL, APRIL 14 (THE HINDU): The Strategic and Operations Group (SOG) has given final touches to a security plan to maintain law and order during the election of the general seat of the Lok Sabha in Manipur scheduled on April 17. The SOG decided to deploy 74 central, 32 state and seven Assam Rifles companies in view of the continuing threats from some Maoist groups. Besides there will be 30 teams of flying squads in the valley districts. 35 companies of Assam Rifles which are in Manipur already have been dispersed at different places of the valley districts. There are 1154 polling stations and a little more than 8 lakh voters in this constituency. Eight candidates including a woman independent are in the fray. The electioneering will end at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. There have been various threats from the underground organisations which are boycotting the elections. There were allegations of booth capturing, impersonation and threats from some armed persons in the reserved Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency where elections were held on April 9. There were also demands from the BJP and the Naga People’s Front to order repolls in 73 polling stations in the reserved seat. But the Election Commission ordered repolls in six polling stations. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister and also PCC president Gaikhangam Gangmei have been saying that the armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) have been carrying on the electioneering on behalf of the NPF candidate Soso Lorho. However the NPF refuted the charges. Unlike the 2012 Assembly in Manipur the corcom the apex body of six underground organisations in the state is not boycotting the Parliamentary elections. Leaving nothing to chance the SOG has tightened the security measures. What is worrying the law enforcing agencies is that the insurgents manage to have the last laugh. All sections of people are keeping their fingers crossed since nothing has been predicted now.
OFFICE OF THE
JALUKIE HEKUINA GÜTDI FELICITATION
The Jalukie Hekuina Gütdi (JHG) would like to extend heartiest congratulations to Mr. Robin NCS, on being promoted to the post of Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), which is indeed a milestone for the Jalukie people in particular and the whole Zeliang community in general. Jalukie Hekuina Gütdi also conveys profound gratitude to Govt.of Nagaland and concerned authorities for effecting timely promotion of the committed officer. The Union wishes him and his family a blessed life and success in all future endeavours. (IRAI HINGLEU) President Jalukie Hekuina Gütdi
(RAMPAUKAI MPOM) Secretary Jalukie Hekuina Gütdi
DECLARATION AFFIDAVIT/DECLARATION Regd. No: 1022 Date: 17/02/14 I, Shri. PANGERNUNGBA KECHU S/o Watiangshi aged 40 years resident of Kongkrokong Sector H/No: 130, Khensa Village, Mokokchung, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly declare and affirm as under: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India. 2. That in my Passport/educational/official documents my name was entered/recorded as PANGERNUNGBA. 3. That PANGERNUNGBA KECHU and PANGERNUNGBA is one and same person and hereon, my correct and official name shall be PANGERNUNGBA KECHU in all official record and communication. 4. That this affidavit is made for the purpose of declaring that PANGERNUNGBA KECHU and PANGERNUNGBA are my names. 5. That the statements made in para 1-4 of this affidavit are true and correct and no material facts are concealed in any manner whatsoever. DEPONENT Signed by the deponent on this 17th day of Feb. 2014. MAGISTRATE/NOTARY PUBLIC
KOHIMA IRON & STEEL FABRICATION UNION The Kohima Iron & Steel Fabrication Union held its 1st general meeting cum picnic on 5th of April 2014, at Vadeo Hotel and elected new office bearers for the tenure 2014-2017. President - Ketholezo Paphino Vice President - Melengol Rossa Gen.Secretary - Viphrelie Sorhie Press Secretary - David Pusa Finance Secretary - Vikietuo Belho Treasurer - Vitsalhou Solo Advisor - Rüvokhrielie Angami For further information contact9856178008 9856452352 9863174177 9856300824 (KETHOLEZO PAPHINO) President
(DAVID PUSA) Press Secretary
C M Y K
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Dimapur
businEss
Tuesday 15 April 2014
The Morung Express
Micromax eyes stake in S Korea’s Pantech ‘Global trade to rise by 4.7% in 2014’
seoul, April 14 (reuters): India’s No.2 smartphone marker Micromax Informatics Ltd has expressed interest in buying a stake in South Korean peer Pantech Co Ltd as part of its drive to expand overseas and go upmarket, two sources said on Monday. Pantech, South Korea’s No.3 smartphone maker, has been under a debtrestructuring programme after suffering six consecutive quarters of losses due to fierce competition. “Micromax told Pantech that it was interested in a stake in the company,” one of the sources said, declining to elaborate on the size of a potential deal and other details. Nine creditor banks own a combined 37 percent of Pantech, while Qualcomm Inc (QCOM.O) has a 12 percent stake and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd holds 10 percent. “Mic-
Micromax mobile phones are displayed at a mobile store in Mumbai December 4, 2013. (Reuters File Photo)
romax is among those who are interested in Pantech,” another source said. The two sources declined to be identified because of the confidentiality of the sales process.
Divine Valentine God incarnate Grace not fate Christ crucified By faith I’m justified Your ceaseless love flows as crimson blood On Love’s palms, my name engraved His heart pierced for my sins Never will You forget me Never will You forsake me I’m loved by Love Himself!
Hi Dearest Birthday gal Kenino (Jolly-no), Everyone is blessed indeed having YOU as a FRIEND(jolliest friend). May ur cheerfulness be with U always & success multiply with ur kindness... With lots of LOVE wishing You a very Happy BirthDay!!! Always 4m ur Classmate.
under consideration of the Micromax Informatics board,” the Indian company said in a statement, adding it would not comment on market speculation. High-end smartphone
new Delhi, April 14 (Agencies): Korean auto major Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has registered around 11,000 bookings for entry-level sedan XCent within a month of launch. Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice-president (sales & marketing), HMIL, said, “There is a positive momentum building up in the market which will show results in a couple of months. The last few products we have launched have given us a strong push in sales. We have got over 100,000 enquiries for the XCent and have an order book of 11,000 units for the model.” Interestingly consumers, who Lovisenla a few months ago were lining up to drive home diesel variants, have shown an increased preference for petrol options of the XCent. Around 52 per cent of the bookings have been made for the petrol-powered option, the rest being for the diesel-driven XCent. The waiting period on the model, depending on the variant, now stands up to two months. Hyundai triggered a price war in the entry-level sedan segment with the launch of Hyundai XCent tagged between Rs 4.66 lakh and Rs 7.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) on March 12. The entry-price of the base variant of the XCent around Rs 19,000 lower than the comparable variant of segment leader Maruti
Suzuki DZire, which is priced at Rs 4.85 lakh. The petrol driven versions of the Xcent comes for between Rs 4.66 lakhand 7.19 lakh, while the diesel versions are tagged between Rs 5.56 lakh and Rs 7.38 lakh. Maruti Suzuki DZire currently costs between Rs 4.85 lakh and Rs 6.66 lakh for petrol versions, the diesel-powered options are dearer at Rs 5.78 lakh and Rs 7.32 lakh. The XCent, which is based on the Grand i10 platform is available in two engine options - 1.2 litre Kappa Dual VTVT petrol engine and 1.1 litre advanced second generation U2 CRDi diesel engine. Hyundai is also offering two petrol-powered automatic transmissions options of the XCent priced at Rs 6.28 lakh and Rs 7.19 lakh. Apart from Maruti Suzuki DZire and Honda Amaze, Hyundai XCent will take on Tata Motors’ entry-sedan Zest, which is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2014. “With the Xcent, we have entered one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian car market. Last year (2013), the compact sedan segment grew by 28.5 per cent at about 24,000 units a month. We want to be asignificant player in this segment,” added Srivastava, The new sub-4m sedan XCent has localization levels of around 90 per cent, which has helped Hyundai to price the car
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LEISURE
Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”
SUDOKU
new Delhi, April 14 (iAns): Global trade is expected to increase by 4.7 percent in 2014, better than the average of 2.2 percent in the past two years, on the back of projected improvements in the developed economies, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said. The world trade growth is projected to accelerate to 5.3 percent in 2015. “For the last two years trade growth has been sluggish. Looking ahead, if GDP forecasts hold true, we expect a broad-based but modest upturn in 2014, and further consolidation of this growth in 2015,” said WTO Director General Roberto Azevêdo. “It’s clear that trade is going to improve as the world economy improves. But I know that just waiting for an automatic increase in trade will not be enough for WTO members,” Azevêdo said in a statement. Although the 2014 forecast of 4.7 percent is more than double the 2.1 percent increase of last year, it remains below the 20-year average of 5.3 percent. For the past two years, growth has averaged only 2.2 percent. The sluggish pace of trade growth in 2013 was due to a combination of flat import demand in developed economies (0.2 percent) and moderate import growth in developing economies (4.4 percent). On the export side, both developed
and developing economies only managed to record small, positive increases (1.5 percent for developed economies and 3.3 percent for developing economies). In 2013, the dollar value of world merchandise exports rose 2.1 percent to $18.8 trillion, while the value of world commercial services exports rose 5.5 percent to $4.6 trillion. The trade forecast for 2014 is premised on an assumption of 3 percent growth in world GDP growth at market exchange rates, while the forecast for 2015 assumes output growth of 3.1 percent. “Risks to the trade forecast are still mostly on the downside, but there is some upside potential, particularly since trade in developed economies is starting from a low base,” the WTO said. However, volatility is likely to be a defining feature of 2014 as monetary policy in developed economies becomes less accommodative, it said. “Concluding the Doha round would provide a strong foundation for trade in the future, and a powerful stimulus in today’s slow growth environment. We are currently discussing new ideas and new approaches which would help us to get the job done and to do it quickly,” Azevêdo said.
Blackberry plans Heartbleed Hyundai XCent gets 11,000 bookings within a month of launch patches as mobile threat scrutinized
poETry
birThday MEssagE
“Any matter such as partnership or acquisition is a subject matter of approvals by the Micromax board of directors and statutory rules and regulations. No such matter is currently
maker Pantech has struggled against competition from giant rivals Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics Inc in South Korea, where nearly 70 percent of mobile users have smartphones. Pantech also sells phones in such markets as the United States and Japan. Micromax has brought smartphones to the masses in India’s price-sensitive market where basic handsets still dominate, with heavy advertising and phones based on Google Inc’s (GOOG.O) Android software starting at $50 - almost half the price of a comparable Samsung model. Now the unlisted company backed by private equity firms TA Associates and Sequoia Capital is trying to push into pricier segments dominated by global brands and break into overseas markets.
Game Number # 2848
aggressively to take on rivals. According to industry estimates, Maruti Suzuki DZire with average monthly sales of 16,500 units accounts for 68 percent share in the sub-4metre sedan market. Honda Amaze comes a distant second with share of 20.6 per cent, followed by Tata Indigo CS with 10.3 per cent. The Xcent is Hyundai’s fourth offering in the sedan segment after Elantra, Sonata and Verna. The new sedan qualifies for the excise duty benefit, enjoyed by small cars in India and has enabled Hyundai to price the car aggressively in the Indian market. At present, any car with a petrol engine capacity under 1,200 cc or diesel engine under 1,500 cc, but length shorter than four metres, attracts an excise duty of eight per cent. Bigger vehicles attract excise duties of 20 and 24 per cent. With the launch of the XCent, Hyundai is hoping for a positive sales growth this year after witnessing an overall decline of 1.2 per cent at 633,000 units in 2013. The company has total production capacity of 675,000 units per annum at its facility in Chennai and aims to utilise it fully in the current financial year. While the company is focussing on the Indian market, it also plans to export the Xcent in due course of time.
Boston, April 14 (reuters): BlackBerry Ltd said it plans to release security updates for messaging software for Android and iOS devices by Friday to address vulnerabilities in programs related to the “Heartbleed” security threat. Researchers last week warned they uncovered Heartbleed, a bug that targets the OpenSSL software commonly used to keep data secure, potentially allowing hackers to steal massive troves of information without leaving a trace. Security experts initially told companies to focus on securing vulnerable websites, but have since warned about threats to technology used in data centers and on mobile devices running Google Inc’s Android software and Apple Inc’s iOS software. Scott Totzke, BlackBerry senior vice president, told Reuters on Sunday that while the bulk of BlackBerry products do not use the vulnerable software, the company does need to update two widely used products: Secure Work Space corporate email and BBM messaging program for Android and iOS. He said they are vulnerable to attacks by hackers if they gain access to those apps through either WiFi connections or carrier networks. Still, he said, “The level of risk here is extremely small,” because BlackBerry’s security technology would make it difficult for a hacker to succeed in gaining data through an attack. “It’s a very complex attack that has to be timed in a very small window,” he said, adding that it was safe to continue using those apps before an update is issued. Google spokesman Christopher Katsaros declined comment. Officials with Apple could not be reached. Security experts say that other mobile apps are also likely vulnerable because they use OpenSSL code. Michael Shaulov, chief executive of Lacoon Mobile Security, said he suspects that apps that compete with BlackBerry in an area known as mobile device management are also susceptible to attack because they, too, typically use OpenSSL code. He said mobile app developers have time to figure out which products are vulnerable and fix them. “It will take the hackers a couple of weeks or even a month to move from ‘proof of concept’ to being able to exploit devices,” said Shaulov.
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 2857
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 # 2847
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
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V P C N R E I T S I R H C A N N A C L N E
I P R A C G H D G J G D B T R B D N J F I
C A N R Y N Y B A B P U G N I G N I R B G
T H J G L L H T R O W S D O D C X N N T H
O T R A L W A Y S G O O D B Y E D T P G T
R I K T H E F R O N T P A G E Q T R G B Y
Y X T Q B L I T T L E M I S S M A R K E R
F K N P R K T T E C A F R A C S Y R R R J
ACROSS 1. Leg joint 5. Stinging insect 9. Distinctive flair 13. Not difficult 14. Group of eight 16. Schnozzola 17. Bloodsucking insects 18. Overact 19. Threesome 20. Luxurious 22. Gastronomist 24. Foot digits 26. Trap 27. Condemned 30. Burning 33. Gossamer 35. A barrel slat 37. Prompt 38. Intertwines 41. Chop off 42. Smells 45. Tubelike 48. Hard glossy coating 51. Candidate 52. Melodies 54. Bell sound 55. Witness 59. Marsh growth 62. Nonsense (British)
63. Pandemonium 65. Diva’s solo 66. Sea eagle 67. Paperlike cloths 68. Obtains 69. Encounter 70. Stringed instrument 71. Historical periods
DOWN 1. Large brown seaweed 2. Found on a finger 3. Shield 4. Blight 5. Suffering 6. Highest point 7. Ceases 8. Verdigris 9. Implore 10. Old stories 11. Largest continent 12. A noble gas 15. A type of coffee 21. Inheritor 23. Website addresses 25. Search 27. A style of design 28. Chopin composition 29. One of the tribes of Israel 31. Slacker 32. Call forth
34. Part of a mouth 36. Type of sword 39. Can 40. Smudge 43. Anagram of “Chatter” 44. Porn 46. Arab chieftain 47. Bloodline 49. Make into law 50. Deadly 53. Frothy 55. Flower stalk 56. Minute opening 57. Feudal worker 58. Lion sound 60. Devil tree 61. Back talk 64. South southeast Ans to CrossWord 2856
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LOCAL
The Morung Express
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Dimapur
5
Public SPace
The Position Of Rongmei Recognition
I
t is pertinent to once again apprise and reiterate/restate the rights of the Rongmeis of Nagaland to the general Naga publics on the issue of Rongmei recognition in the state of Nagaland. The continual refusal and denial of the fact by some sections of leaders in the pretext and aegis of NTC and ENPO is generally reflecting or indicating certain defects notion or rationale deficiency of the Naga society. The syndrome of shortcomings needs to be diagnosed and remedy has to be worked out. Reasoned that, the apprehensive and discriminative motive of some few Naga brothers and leaders against the Rongmei community is very unthought-of. The intention to de-recognize and reject the Rongmei Nagas in the home state is ruthless and unexpected to have experienced in the supposedly Christian Naga society. The present state of affairs or prevailing scenario is regretted and sorrow-ridden. The communal issue-based composing NTC is still actively displaying a show of rejection against the recognition of Rongmei Tribe in the state, creating false public opinions, fallacious notions and out-rightly denying the fellow Naga brothers without realizing the facts, logics and the deserving status of the Rongmei citizens in the state. The fact is politically tempering, tuning and aggravating to suit to the advantages of the many evil designers in the Naga politics and society. Reasoned and affirmed that the Rongmeis of Nagaland too are
members of Naga common family of the same racial stock like any other Naga tribe in the state. They too suffer pains and loss like any other Naga tribes in varying degrees for/in the cause of the Naga struggle as well as in the process of building the Naga society in the state; both in the Government and social organizational set up. The Rongmeis never claim or beg the share of other Naga brothers in any manner but justly claiming their deserving share from the constitutional provision as equal citizens of the state of India. The cruel measures meted out against the just demand of the community are humanly wrong and legally unlawful. The rights of being the indigenous citizenship are naturally and constitutionally guaranteed already to every tribe in the state without tribal distinction or criterion. Understood that, enlisting the Rongmei tribe in the state’s Naga tribe list will not hamper or hinder the progress or program of the state or people therein in any manner or measure, rather it enlarges or increases the grant of appropriation central provision for the state and create better advantage in building the whole Naga society and people in all fronts. There is no good or right logic to deny the advantage of being together in equality and in unity as a people. Having fulfilled all the criteria laid down by the Govt. of Nagaland, the Rongmeis of Nagaland are pursuing their rights to assert their citizens’ status under the legal constitutional provision of the state and country, guided by the
James Akham President | Rongmei Council Nagaland
spirits and principle of the universal human rights. What authority or legal sanction has NTC to reject or oppose the just cause of the Rongmeis of Nagaland? When the tribal Hohos and its Apex Naga Hoho in the state understand and felt compassion for the just cause of the deprived and left out Rongmei Naga Tribe of Nagaland, the government of Nagaland after much studied and with strict application have officially recognized the only categorized members of the Rongmei as one of the groups of the Naga tribes of Nagaland. What wrong or harm does the recognition in question make to the people? Let us exercise a sense of humanity and understand, respecting each other’s person or tribe in the perspective of Human rights and refrain from making narrow domestic wall of partition among ourselves. We have greater common issues and threats posing us and endangering our survival as a free people in our own land. The Rengmas of Assam and the Rongmeis of Nagaland and many other Nagas within and without the state are entangling in the outside political trap and prisons with constant threats posing them. The issues and problems within are many and overwhelming the people today with no adequate and complete solutions or strategy to resolve in place. Citing and comparing the example of the Hindu Manipur state, wherein a few persons of Sema and
Awareness on fire prevention Our Correspondent Kohima | April 14
In commemoration of the fire service week, the state’s fire and emergency services today carried out an awareness programme on fire prevention and safety measures here in the state capital. The awareness programme touched CRPF junction Lerie, Mohonkhola junction, PHQ junction, Old MLA Hostel Junction, New NST, Keziekie market, Tinpati and High school junction. Similar awareness programme was also conducted in Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mon, Wokha, Phek, Chumukedima and Kiphire. The significance of the fire service week dates back to the fateful yet histori-
cal day on April 14, 1944 at Bombay Dockyard popularly known as the “Great Bombay Dock Fire.” It was on this day that a massive and devastating fire broke out on a ship the “S.S Fort Strikene” which was carrying 1200 tons of explosives. Consequently, 336 persons died and 1040 were injured including 66 fire service personnel. There were enormous fires across 100 acres and 14 other ships were also subsequently set ablaze by the explosions, which were recorded 1000 miles away in Shimla, Firemen along with military and naval personnel eventually extinguished the fires. Norman Coombs, the chief fire officer of the Bombay Fire Brigade was also badly burnt in the fire and was awarded the “Bar to the King’s Police and Fire service medal”
Tribute monument to be inaugurated at Jotsoma KohIMA, APRIL 14 (MExN): The inauguration of the monument built in tribute to Maj. Gen. John ML Grover, MC, General Officer Commanding 2nd Division, 33 Corps and his officers and soldiers will take place on April 16 at 9:00 AM at Shohuza, Jotsoma village under Kohima district. The monument will be inaugurated by Brig. G.K. Bibby, CBE, Commander 15 (North East) Brigade. Prayer of blessing will be pronounced by Kolhulie Nagi which will be followed by inauguration of monument, paying of homage, national anthems of UK and India, traditional gun salute, photo session and briefing. At 9:40, the team will proceed to Khel I (Thekriinoma)
Power dept clarifies Apropos a photo caption depicting “fallen high tension cables” at Circular Road Dimapur, which was published in this daily, Executive Engineer, Dimapur Electrical Division, Er Moameren has clarified that they were bunch of cables which belonged to BSNL broadband line, local cable distributor and telephone lines and not a high tension cables of power department.
where traditional wear display will be held. By 12:20 pm, the team will proceed to the formal function venue where welcome address will be delivered by Golepra Peseyie, chairman JVC. Special number by Baptist youth choir, speech by Celia Grover, KET/KES, release of souvenir by Brig. G.K. Bibby, traditional song, display of WW II antiques will mark the occasion. Speech on behalf of the people of Jotsoma will be delivered by Krurovi Peseyie, chairman, monument committee while vote of thanks will be pronounced by Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie. The programme will be also feature visit to Tsukhwesetsie view point and ascend to Puliebadze/Gaziphe. Keneido Peseyie and Neingulie Nakhro will compere the proceeding of the programme.
for his gallantry, a distinction normally awarded posthumously. The “Fire Service Day” is celebrated on every April 14 in commemoration of the 66 gallant officers and firemen of the Bombay Fire Brigade who laid down their lives in fighting the great fire. This day is also observed as “Martyrs Day” to pay homage to those brave firemen who lost their lives while performing their duties. This day is also set aside for mass awareness campaigns on fire hazards and safety measures by conducting public education programmes through various methods such as fire safety and evacuation drills, public lecturers, demonstrations, mock drills etc. across the country. The fire service week will go on till April 20.
Minor raped in Kohima
KohIMA, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Poumai Public Union Kohima (PPUK) and Poumai Women Organization Kohima (PWOK) have vehemently condemned Povetso of Pholami New village, Phek district, presently residing at New Minister Hill Kohima with his elder brother’s family for reportedly raping a minor girl, a student of Class B on April 13 at
around 9:00 PM. PPUK and PWOK in a joint press statement have urged the law enforcing agency to book and punish the accused as per the law and appealed the judicial authority not to grant him bail under any circumstances. The statement also appreciated the South Police Station authority for timely intervention and arresting
the accused and appealed for befitting punishment of him. Further, it appealed to every right thinking citizen to condemn such “senseless and inhuman act committed by the culprit as there is no room for such a person who has barbaric sense in the Christian society.” The statement was appended by PPUK president C.D. John and PWOK chairperson S.P. Rocinah.
DNSU urge auto drivers to abide by DC’s order DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Dimapur Naga Students Union has appealed to auto drivers to strictly abide by the Dimapur DC’s order regarding 15 per cent discount on auto fares for students in uniform. A press note
from the DNSU informed that the union has received several complaints from students regarding the non-compliance of the order. It asserted that the future of the students cannot be compromised in any way and cautioned
auto drivers not complying with the order that necessary action will be taken strictly as deemed fit by Union. DNSU further requested the DDADU office to keep strict vigil and conduct routine checks.
Gloria Patri, worship event starts in Dimapur
DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): ‘Gloria Patri’ (for the Glory of the Father), the 7-day long worship event commenced at IMC Hall, Dimapur on April 14 evening with people from different churches, ministries and groups gathered to sing praises and worship together. The event, which is probably a first of its kind, has been organised to bring all people together, regardless of background and denomination under one roof to glorify the Father, stated a press release. The evening kick-started with powerful praise and worship by Sinai Ministry. As the evening progressed, several people came up to the stage with testimonies and visions. For a first day, it was heartening to see the positive response by the size
NSCN(K) informs DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): NSCN(K) Kilonser in-charge of Chaplee Affairs, Starson has informed all the business establishment, Head of Department, and contractors of the district concerned that the following officers have been assigned to deal all financial matters for the fiscal 2014-15: Tuensang and Kiphire districts – Moses, CCM; Phek district –
Angami were recognized in the state under the scheduled tribes Act of 1950, unopposed or not a complaint ever meted against their status and existence. What better Christian examples can Nagas reflect or exemplify to the world? Clearing the confusion and distortion created by certain sections of the NTC leaders, the Rongmei Council (Hoho) Nagaland is morally and socially obliged to state the facts, imploring the wisdom and social conscience of the Naga society to reason and understand for themselves what went wrong and what happened to the Nagas that has created the present ugly reality and scenario in the state. The undeniable history of the Rongmei community in the present state of Nagaland created out of the erstwhile Assam since the regime of the British India is self explanatory. During that period of time, there was peaceful coexistence among different communities such as Garos, Kacharis, Kukis, Mikirs and the Nagas in the whole of Naga Hills. Sooner after the inception of the statehood of Nagaland in 1963, that cordial and harmonious relation has turned turmoil and distrustful creating unfriendly climate in the Naga society. Subsequently and unfortunately, as fate would have befallen upon the Rongmei people, the oppressive and depriving environment has been created adding hardships and complicacies fated for the people. In such a hard and adamant
climate of the Naga society, the few Rongmeis of Nagaland are struggling to assert their feeble and worn out position to be elevated by the Government. Responding to the lowly and humble petition of the deprived Rongmeis, the Govt. has recognized with certain limitations and bindings by order/notification of the Governor of Nagaland. Even that recognition is being opposed by some sections of the Naga society, causing disappointments and insecurity to the aggrieved community. What status or class do the NTC have in mind for the Rongmei tribe to be cornered in the state? It is imperative to understand that, the government’s notification of 1977 was only and solely specified and defined criteria meant for employment and facilities to be given to the citizens of the state of Nagaland without specifying or legalizing a person/tribe on the basis of aboriginal status or tribe as criteria for obtaining govt. provisions. It did not design or made to treat only to the Rongmei but to all the inhabitants of the state. Therefore all must be subjected under its criteria without exception or specification. Having reasoned and understood the legitimacy of the Rongmeis of Nagaland to be enlisted in the state as one of the Naga tribes, the Govt. of Nagaland has duly studied the matter and recognized and notified through the Governor’s Notification. What if the recognition is rolled back just because of the pressure of some sections of leaders? What and how the stability and prestige of the Na-
N. Zacopuyi Chakhesang; Mon and Longleng – Col. Apang Konyak; Wokha – Maj. Nongothung Lotha. The Kilonser in a press release cautioned that any business establishments, contractors and heads of department dealing any matters relating to the financial affairs without the above assigned officers will be doing so at their own risk.
galand Government and Naga society at large will look like? Perceives that, if the Nagas’ continue to discriminate or classifies among themselves on petty matters, will there be united Nagas tomorrow? The trend of splitting and divisions among the Nagas within and without the state is taking a dangerous shape in the society. The Naganess will soon loss its, sanity, fiber or bond in the state resulting to looking at each other with an eye of tribal line or even location, as Nagas of the eastern Nagaland, Nagas of the Northern Nagaland, southern, western etc and further goes on to say, greater Nagas, lesser Nagas or adopted Nagas till the term Nagas is lost to only Tribal identity confined within the states of India. The sectional organization emerged out of the members of Nagaland tribes apart from the respective tribal Hohos in the form of the so called Nagaland Tribes Council(NTC) is seen as a rising crisis and chaos of the people. The Rongmei Council Nagaland, through the media would like to appeal to the wisdom of the Naga leaders and the conscience of the Naga society to see the reality, the vision and aspiration of the common Nagas for ultimate political victory and strive together toward attaining it in the spirit of oneness. The Rongmei people shall remain faithful and steadfast on their stand as one of the Naga tribes of Nagaland committing its loyalty toward building the common cause and general welfare of the Nagas as a people.
MEx FILE Dimapur excise seize cough syrup DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Dimapur District Excise personnel seized 200 bottles of Codeine cough syrup (Rexcod and Daslin) at Chumukedima Excise Check Gate on April 14 at around 6:00 am. In this connection, one accused identified as Lobo Sumi, 29, of Satakha Town was arrested and a case has been registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Superintendent of Excise & Prohibition, Dimapur, KY Sangtam, while informing this in a press release has lauded the effort of the Check Gate duty party under the command of AIE Benjongwati for seizing such illegal drugs.
Mezo-Vihutsu Mechü Kehou informs DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Mezo-Vihutsu Mechü Kehou will erect the Medziphema Village establishment monolith on April 22, 2014 at 10:00 am, Medziphema town. A press note issued by Thepfukrulie Rhitso, general secretary, Mezo-Vihutsu Mechü Kehou, requested all the Mezo- Vihutsumia to attend the program as scheduled without fail.
TUK condemns attack on Manipur deputy speaker KohIMA, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Tangkhul Union Kohima (TUK) has strongly condemned the life attempt on the deputy speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly (MLA) MK Preshaw Shimray on April 9 at around 3:30 pm near Leingangching, Litan police station under Ukhrul district. TUK president and its secretary in a press statement asserted that “attempting someone’s life through planting bomb and gun culture is an inhuman, uncivilized, unlawful activity” as it threatens peace and brotherhood among the people. “After all, MK Preshaw is the mandated representative from Chingai 45 assembly constituency to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.” Any misunderstanding can only be sorted out/ solved through dialogue instead of violent approach, the union stated. The union further appealed to refrain from such violent activities in near future, “as people of the community/ state/ country want to live in peace and harmony in this civilized world.”
NPF Minority Cell extends Bihu greetings Praise and worship team of Sinai Ministry on the first day of Gloria Patri at IMC Hall, Dimapur on April 14. (Photo courtesy/ Aden Jamir)
of the crowd who turned up for the programme, added the note. The week-long event will see worship teams from different churches and ministries leading the congregation into worship and prayer. One can listen to the live stream of the event by logging on to www.nagalandchristianradio.com
which will be broadcast till April 17. From April 18-20, video coverage of the same will be aired live on www. nagalandchristianradio. com/live. The note mentioned that Gloria Patri is jointly organised by Baptist Youth Fellowship Dimapur, Baptist Revival Church, Lotha AG Church, Kingdom Culture Project, Help International,
YWAM Dimapur, TROTB, The Jam Tree, The Connect Studio, IMC, The Watchman, Release Worship Team and Sinai Ministry. Media partners of the event are Symbios, Highland Dawn Media, Nagaland Christian Radio Online, The Morung Express and Nagaland Printing Solutions, Pro-driver Kohima, and Zip Sound.
NTC expresses dismay over assault DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has expressed dismay at “the most brutal action of the culprit who attempted the life of Abe Mero, a dynamic lady committed for social justice and a member of ACAUT, Nagaland” on April 9, 2014 at Jail Colony, Kohima. The NTC, in a press release issued by its secretary I&P Theja Therieh and acting president Lendinoktang Ao has urged the au-
thorities concerned to gear up and immediately arrest the culprit and award befitting punishment as per law to prevent such recurrence in future. It also appreciated the courage and prompt action of Abe Mero for timely filing of the First Information Report (FIR) at the police station and bringing the matter before the State law enforcing agency for necessary action to deliver justice to innocent citizens. “Every
sensible citizen must rise to the occasion and fight against such evil forces attempting the life and security of the peace loving citizens,” it asserted. The NTC condemned the incident and expressed commitment to pursue the matter till the accused is punished and also urged all authorities concerned not to show fear or favor, but make all its citizens accountable before law so that peace and security prevail in the society.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): President, NPF Minority Cell while extending warm greetings to the people of Nagaland and neighbouring areas, on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and also Bengali & Assamese New Year has wished for peace and prosperity in the State. “The spirit of this kind of festival, unite the people of North East and instills new enthusiasm amongst all,” stated the president in a press release issued by NPF Minority Cell general secretary Mahendra Thousan.
SAKK condemns murder DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): The Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SAKK), the apex student’s body of Pughoboto area has vehemently condemned the murder of an “innocent” youth Kuhovi Swu, 31, allegedly by Kaito Swu at Ghathashi Town on April 13, 2014. The president of SAKK in a press release stated that such kind of barbaric and merciless act of killing should not exist in a peace loving society and appealed to the competent authority and Village Council to punish the accused “even up to the extent of life imprisonment so that such kind of incident may not occur again.” Further, SAKK conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for their comfort.
STH condoles DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH) has expressed shock at the demise of Scato Swu, former MP Rajya Sabha on April 7 at his Satakha residence. In a condolence message, STH president Kitoli Naje described late Scato Swu as one of the tall and prominent persons among the Nagas and contributed a lot towards shaping the destiny of the Sumis in particular and the Nagas in general. "The vaccum created out of his death will be difficult to replace," STH stated and further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
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 TuEsDAy 15 APrIl 2014 volumE IX IssuE 102
Sorry, as a Starting Point
I
n situations of armed conflict, where suspicion, resentment, confusion, division, political violence and loss of human life dominates human affairs, the challenge to recovery often lies in finding a starting point, that not only breaks the vicious cycle of destruction, but also offers new hope. Human experience shows that the very act of saying Sorry is always a good starting point to begin some form of honest conversation around broken and hurt relationships between people. It does not imply that everything is okay, nor does it suggest that the hurt committed is acceptable. Sorry only represent the willingness to begin a process of repentance, forgiveness and to provide an opportunity to allow the transformation of broken relationships. It takes enormous moral courage and political will to be able to say Sorry, largely because there is so much fear of reprisals and a lack of understanding of what it is perceived to represent. History has quite clearly shown that only those political leaders with some sense of vision and will have the political courage to take the profound decision to acknowledge injustices and hurts meted out on the people, and to say Sorry for the harms caused. The process that emerges out of the act of an apology can help shape the future towards a direction of mutual acceptance and healing. For people who have been wronged and on the receiving end of injustices, an apology may only represent a symbolic form of public acknowledgement in which their injustices are being recognized, and not brushed under the carpet. And yet, it is a step that allows them to begin the process of breaking from a hurtful past to that of people who have survived. An apology is a fundamental necessity to enable a reconciliation process to have relevance and to allow a pathway to respect possible. Sorry is not just a social and spiritual necessity, it is foremost a political act with consequences that go far beyond politics; it impacts all spheres of human life. After all, Desmond Tutu reminds us, there is no future without forgiveness. Unfortunately the acts of repentance and forgiveness has not been fully appreciated nor fully understood. Political leaders have not quite fully realized how historical injustices burden the paths of the future; and how the act of genuinely saying Sorry begins to liberate the present and future from the past. Nagas feel we have been wronged by others, but it is equally true that we have wronged others; and most importantly we have profoundly hurt and wronged each other. Hence it is only necessary that Nagas say Sorry to those who we have hurt, so that we too may be lifted off the burdens of our own history. But this may be made possible only when Nagas have the courage to admit and say Sorry to each other so that an honest conversation may begin to take place on how to address wrongs committed from within. At this juncture, it is of vital importance for our Naga political leaders to chart a new direction in the building of a shared Naga future by saying Sorry and seeking forgiveness from the people. In a time where Naga leaders are seeking to come together, it would be prudent on their part to publicly say Sorry to the people so that the broken relationships may begin to be addressed.
lEfT wiNg |
Esther Htusan Associated Press
WAITING For WATEr: Myanmar villages left behind
E
very afternoon, the long lines start to form, hundreds of men, women and children waiting to dip their plastic buckets into the lotus-filled reservoir just outside Myanmar's biggest city, Yangon. It's their only source of clean drinking water, they say, and during the dry season, April and May, there is only so much to go around. "It wasn't always this way," says 72-year-old Tin Shwe, one of the village elders, as he looks at the queue, some boys as young as 8 waiting their turn, yokes at their side. "It used to be only paddy fields. Only a few houses. There was enough water for all of us." Myanmar only recently emerged from a half-century of military rule. Nascent democratic reforms implemented by the new civilian government since 2011 have resulted in a development boom, with the World Bank and others pouring billions of dollars into the country of 60 million as it starts to open up to the world. But so far, it is the big cities that are seeing the benefits. Even places like Dala township — just a 20-minute boat ride from Yangon — have so far been left out. Authorities tell residents that maybe next year the government will start installing pipes so that water can be delivered straight to their homes. The water shortages began with a population boom in the 1980s, with the number of inhabitants jumping from a few dozen to more than a thousand in part because they wanted to be close to the big city. With no restrictions on how much water each family could take, the natural, fresh-water pond started running low. Eventually, just a decade ago, it dried up entirely. With no offers of help from the government, men like Tin Shwe decided to step in, devising a rationing system as water started seeping back so that residents could rely on it year-round. Villagers have only one hour — between 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. — to get their water during dry season to limit its use. They are charged a tiny sum — 10 kyat for each bucket, or 10 U.S. cents. With so many takers it's enough money for small upkeeps, like fixing the fence that surrounds the reservoir or stringing up electricity for lights. People walk for up to five kilometers (three miles) with their empty buckets. They are allowed to fill up two each. If they need more, they can get back in line. When they are ready they begin the long, hard trek home. "I usually get three buckets," said 19-year-old Aye Thu Zar as she neared the front of the line. "There are seven in my family, so that's enough for drinking and cooking. But the walk home hurts my shoulders. My legs, too. I can barely sleep at night the pain is so bad." She and others hope the new Myanmar will eventually reach Dala. But for now, says Ko Ko, one of the villagers waiting his turn, "we are like water shortage refugees."
THE EDIT PAGE
C O M M E N T A R Y
Susan Waltz
How human rights went global
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n one sense, the very existence of the Universal Declaration is extraordinary, because at the opening of the UN's first meeting in 1945 there were no plans to draft a human-rights declaration and nothing made that outcome inevitable. During the war years, of course, the Allied powers had promoted human rights and fundamental freedoms, but the draft UN Charter negotiated by the US, the UK, the USSR and China at Dumbarton Oaks in 1944 made only a single reference to human rights. For Latin American states this was a disappointment, as human rights had been part of their own agenda since 1933 and they were keen to see the promotion of human rights included as part of the mandate of the new United Nations. Latin American countries thus figured prominently among states that helped ensure that human rights would be part of the core work of the new international organisation. The Chilean lawyer Alvaro Alvarez had in fact drafted a text for a human-rights declaration and at the UN's inaugural meeting Panama's delegation formally urged its adoption. Representatives of the 50 convening states declined to take up the proposal on the spot but agreed to enhance the prominence of human rights in the UN Charter and charged the UN's Economic and Social Council to create a Commission on Human Rights, which in turn would have responsibility for making recommendations about an "international bill of rights". Roosevelt’s apartment In February 1946, the 18-member commission was appointed and the task of producing a declaration was assigned to its three officers, Eleanor Roosevelt (USA), Charles Malik (Lebanon) and Pengjun Zhang (China). The three met for the first time one Sunday in Roosevelt's New York apartment to discuss the project but reportedly spent much of the afternoon entangled in philosophical debates, with Malik promoting the idea of natural rights and Zhang arguing the merits of a Confucian approach. To break the impasse, a larger drafting team was assembled. John Humphrey from Canada, director of the new UN Division of Human Rights, was asked to prepare the outline of an eventual declaration of human rights. In so doing, he drew heavily on materials at hand—including the Alvarez draft and a compilation of constitutions from around the world. The French legal scholar René Cassin drafted a preamble and organised the operative articles into a legal format suitable for discussion and debate. The draft declaration went through multiple reviews before it was submitted to the General Assembly plenary for the historic vote of December 1948. A first complete draft was readied by the summer of 1947. Over the next year, the full Human Rights Commission and its drafting sub-committee debated and massaged the text, clarifying concepts and inserting important provisions along the way. Gender equality Delegates from China, the Philippines, the UK, Australia and the USSR, for example, worked with their counterparts from Latin America to negotiate and articulate a list of socio-economic rights to be included in the declaration, resulting in the establishment of the right to food, clothing, shelter and medical care as well as social security, education and decent working conditions. Delegates from India, the Dominican Republic and Denmark were ardent defenders of gender equality and succeeded in replacing the phrase "all men" with "all human beings." The Soviets and their allies in the
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ozambique is a land of contradictions. Women were active in the independence struggle. Strong female civic leaders, like Graça Machel, participate actively in public life. And the government unequivocally supports international norms on women’s equality, such as the Beijing Platform for Action and the Millennium Development Goals. Even the UN Website in Mozambique proudly asserts “there is a juridical, political and institutional structure in Mozambique favourable to the promotion of gender issues and the empowerment of women.” Yet Mozambique remains a very difficult place for girls and women. Female literacy rates, their education attainment and poverty levels, and their health outcomes are appalling. Sexual and physical abuse is widespread. It has one of the world’s highest rates of child marriage. Sexual assault in school is common, from boys as well as some teachers who demand sex as a condition for grade promotion. Clearly the rights of women and girls are not respected, protected, or even properly understood. Recent actions by Mozambique’s Parliament underscore this point. A revised Penal Code, clearly violating the fundamental rights of women and girls, passed through one reading in Parliament last December with no signs of dissent. Most shocking: the Speaker and 39% of the Parliamentarians are women. Article 223 of the proposed code is entitled “Effects of Marriage.” It states that a rapist will not be prosecuted if he marries the girl or woman victim, provided he stays married to her for five years. Other problematic elements include its failure to recognize marital rape, nonconformity to the international definition of a child as under 18 years, failure to acknowledge discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and incomplete definitions of sexual harassment. The offending article will hopefully not be in the final version of the Penal
Communist bloc meanwhile ensured that phrases like "no one" and "everyone" were inserted into the text of nearly every article, stamping the declaration with the language of non-discrimination. And the Egyptian delegate supplied phrasing for the preamble that most directly and unequivocally asserted the declaration's universality, mandating that rights were to be upheld everywhere, "both among the peoples of the Members States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction". When the commission concluded its work in the summer of 1948, the draft was forwarded for formal review to the Third Committee of the General Assembly. From late September to early December, accredited delegates to the committee (from 56 states) scrutinised the draft text, considering more than 150 amendments and taking votes article by article. Participation was widespread, with 40 states offering commentary in the opening session. Malik presided over all the sessions, using a stopwatch to keep the debate manageable while providing access to all participants. Delegates discussed the structure of the draft declaration as well as its contents, and the text of each article was carefully examined with an eye to future interpretation. Arguing that slavery needed to be addressed in all of its forms, for example, Poland's delegate pointed to the problem of human trafficking. The representative from the Philippines argued convincingly that torture could not be attributed to cultural differences, in the face of a suggestion that allowances might be made for cultural practices. Representatives from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia engaged in a debate about child marriage, with the Pakistani delegate refusing to accept a change to the wording from "full age" to "legal marriageable age". She successfully argued that the original wording more clearly conveyed the purpose of the article—to prevent child marriages and non-consensual marriages—and the Third Committee ultimately decided to retain the wording "full age".
Joint ownership During the negotiations, cold-war tensions were ubiquitous, anti-colonial sentiments were rife and many delegates argued unabashedly for provisions tailored to their parochial concerns. Nevertheless, the negotiations moved forward. At times, the political undercurrents threatened the entire process and led some to despair but, in the end, many acknowledged that the arduous process of negotiation had given a sense of joint ownership. On December 7th 1948, the declaration's basic text was approved in the Third Committee and two days later it was taken up by the General Assembly in plenary session for its final vote. As Emile Saint Lot (Haiti) said to the plenary in his capacity as committee rapporteur, "The United Nations representatives had sought out, among old-established or recent political, economic, social and cultural rights, formulas which might be acceptable to men from the four corners of the world. The text of the draft declaration represented a kind of common denominator for those various ideas. It was perhaps not perfect, but it was the greatest effort yet made by mankind to give society new legal and moral foundations." After a final review of the text and votes on several more amendments, the declaration was approved unopposed on December 10th. Although eight countries abstained, including South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Soviet bloc states, these positions were not definitive. Eighteen years later, the two human-rights covenants, on civil and political and economic and social rights, were approved with the unanimous support of a greatly expanded UN membership. In presenting the draft Universal Declaration of Human Rights for its final vote, Malik summed up the process and underscored its significance: "Thousands of minds and hands have helped in its formation. Every member of the United Nations has solemnly pledged itself to achieve respect for and observance of human rights. But precisely what these rights are we were never told before, either in the charter or in any other national instrument. This is the first time the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms are spelled out authoritatively and in precise detail. I now know what my government pledged itself to promote, achieve and observe." As the current generation of diplomats, NGO representatives and UN staff look to build on this proud legacy and construct a Human Rights Council that can effectively safeguard the rights so painstakingly discussed and set down between 1946 and 1948, it is important to recall and be inspired by those momentous days. In particular, it is important to remember that the Universal Declaration was crafted not by one or two pairs of hands, and certainly not solely by Western hands, but is rather the product a global co-operative effort and is thus the inheritance of all people everywhere. As the president of the General Assembly, His Excellency John Ashe, said at the opening of the council's 25th session, "In these troubled times, let us take a moment to remember that a mere three years after the founding of the United Nations, our assembly of nations stood together to reaffirm their faith in universal human rights as a main pillar of the organisation, and that the Universal Declaration transformed into reality, for many generations and many more that are still to come, the bold and audacious premise that all people—regardless of circumstance—are born free and equal in dignity and rights." This article was originally published by the Universal Rights Group, a Geneva-based human-rights think tank which aims to strengthen international human-rights policy through research, analysis and providing a platform for dialogue.
Women’s rights in the developing World: Build it and it will Come? valerie Percival Code. Civil society groups organized a protest. Donors forcefully objected. Parliamentarians visiting from Canada expressed their dismay. In response to this bad publicity, the chair of the Parliamentary Committee claimed it was a misunderstanding – the problematic elements of the Code had already been removed months ago. Parliament just neglected to publicize these changes. His response strains credulity, but shows that pressure works. Yet an important question remains: how could Parliament have even considered this Article? Was it an oversight, where Parliamentarians missed it in a complex and lengthy piece of legislation? Or a reflection of Mozambique’s culture that outsiders cannot understand? Or an indictment of national and international efforts to promote gender equality? Retaining Article 223 was no mistake. Mozambique’s Penal Code remains a relic from Portugal, the colonial power. The colonial Code included Article 223, but it was not implemented. Civil servants revised the code and sent it to Parliament in 2008. Activists assured me that the civil servants’ version did not include Article 223. Between 2008 and 2013, Parliament undertook discussions with community and religious leaders. Only then did Article 223 reappear. But why add this clause? Some Parliamentarians argued that Mozambique’s culture warrants Article 223. Mozambique remains a patriarchal society where polygamy is common and girls and women are seen as the property of their family or husbands.
Rape victims – particularly girls - are frequently ostracized. For cultural apologists, allowing the rapist to marry his victims provides them with some social and economic protection. What of Mozambique’s rhetorical commitment to gender equality? Is this a signal of national indifference to gender equality? Or does civil society’s opposition to the bill show the strength of this commitment? Fighting patriarchy is grueling. Mozambique’s civil society groups deserve much credit for leading the fight against Article 223. Activists have shoestring budgets and are roundly criticized for their efforts. Their work is lonely and difficult, their battle is definitely uphill, and the outcome is not certain. But what of international efforts to promote women’s rights, and support this work? In New York and Geneva, country representatives debate progressive norms that promote the equality of men and women, recognize the constraints to women’s empowerment, and acknowledge the ordeals of the girl child and adolescent girls. Yet in countries like Mozambique, the international community focuses on indicators: increasing the numbers of girls in school; pregnant women receiving medical care; breastfeeding mothers receiving anti-retrovirals; and the number of women in parliament. In the era of the Paris Principles and the MDGS, funding is targeted to meet indicators, and resources are channeled through governments – even patriarchal ones. This process builds a ‘gender equality skeleton.’ An institutional structure is created (e.g. women in Parliament),
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and targeted interventions work towards achieving outcomes of a more equal society (e.g. by meeting indicators on educating girls and maternal health). The approach to gender equality is - build it, and it will come. Yet this conveniently avoids confronting patriarchal structures and difficult conversations about gendered behaviours and roles. In some Islamic countries where insurgent groups use the fight against women’s rights as a mobilizing tool, this approach may have strategic short-term benefits. It also ensures accountability for development programs. But in Mozambique and many other countries around the world, cultural norms and traditional roles devalue and denigrate women and girls, and undermine and restrict their social status, livelihood opportunities, behaviours and freedoms. Too often we avoid directly challenging these cultural norms for fear of being insensitive to local circumstances and disrespectful of national traditions. But cultural norms are not sacred cows. Particularly if they hurt women and girls. Nor is culture homogenous or rigid – it can change. So to truly promote gender equality, the international community must do more than preach the gospel in New York while quietly establishing checklists of technical indicators. We must loudly and unequivocally promote the equality of men and women and the rights of girls and boys. National groups should receive the financial support necessary to lead this advocacy and to facilitate debate on the implications of those rights. Women’s rights have never been realized without a fight. That fight may not be pleasant. It will be uncomfortable. And it cannot be encapsulated in a graph plotting progress on indicators. But as Article 223 shows, without changing mindsets, we could so easily regress. And that is something the women of Mozambique and other developing countries cannot afford.
Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender. Readers may please note that the contents of the articles, letters and opinions published do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
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THE MORUNG EXPRESS
15 April 2014
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
Scottish independence and the ‘democratic’ left rESpONSiBlE pArENTHOOD O “Arena of Mind” portrays a space for idea germination, a field where ideas from multi-disciplinary viewpoints fertilize the world of intelligence. The writers aspire to envision a new future by exploring the mind, discovering new seeds of insights and unleashing them to enlightenment.
Robert Lamb ne of the most remarkable things about the success of the Scottish nationalist movement, over the last ten years, has been the role of the left in making the political case for it. This is strange because the battle-lines of Scottish politics had long been drawn according to the traditional hostility between the labour movement and nationalisms of all stripes: the left being proudly outwardlooking and cosmopolitan, appealing to what unites the exploited and the downtrodden, rather than to any parochial view of national identity that might be thought to divide them. For proponents of such a cosmopolitan viewpoint, any mythical appeal to blood and shortbread nationalism has usually been dismissed as thoroughly reactionary. Nevertheless, of late, Scottish nationalism has increasingly been championed by the left. In particular, a kind of leftist, ‘democratic’ argument has been put to work in defence of Scottish independence: put plainly, the claim is that a dismantling of the Union will improve or enable real democracy in Scotland. The narrative supporting the argument runs something like this. All the recent historical evidence points, overwhelmingly, to the conclusion that Scotland is significantly more left-wing in its political orientation than England. In 1983, the Labour party won more votes than any other in Scotland – in spite of its notorious ‘longest suicide note in history’, anti-nuclear, socialist manifesto – while it was rejected spectacularly in England, in favour of the monetarist Thatcherism of the Tories. During the 1980s, Scotland opposed the privatisation of national assets, rebelled violently against the Poll Tax and, in the 1990s and beyond, always retained a canny suspicion about the New Labour project, about Tony Blair’s pandering to ‘Mondeo Man’ and his imperialistic, military adventures. Then, as soon as Scotland achieved a portion of meaningful political autonomy through its parliament in Edinburgh, it pursued properly egalitarian policies, such as the abolition of University tuition fees and of NHS prescription charges, which can, in turn, be compared to the ‘austerity’ agenda of public sector cuts pursued by the Con-Lib coalition at Westminster. The conclusion, seemingly irresistible to many, is that were Scotland to completely unfasten itself from the Union, it could continue to enact progressive legislation, while the English drift ever more towards the marketworshipping, small-state xenophobia that befits their political orientation, something recently revealed further by the successful right-wing populism of Ukip. Hence, the democratic argument for independence: left-wing, Scottish policies, for left-wing, Scottish people. That many features of this narrative depend on suspensions of disbelief – that the non-means tested policies of the Scottish parliament are actually at all progressive, or that New Labour was not, in fact, actually a political project conceived of and driven by Scots, or that people north of the border are themselves strangers to xenophobia – can be put to one side for the moment. What is far more worrying is the misleading claim to democracy that this historical narrative then seeks to pursue. For the left, the obvious attraction of the democratic argument is that it can endorse Scottish independence without nationalism. The argument is that independence is necessary for the democratic will of the Scottish people to be guaranteed, for its true political character to be properly revealed, instead of continually being thwarted
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here are many Scotlands – generational, by social background, interests, opinions and beliefs. One Scotland that tends to get overlooked is the thoughtful, but sceptical part of our nation – not Yes but not completely No – who look on with bewilderment and an element of confusion at much of what passes for public debate. We owe it to ourselves to reach out and to understand this Scotland. Refrains heard recently from this group include, ‘When will this be over’ and ‘When will it ever end’. What does this sense of wariness and resignation signify? Part of it must be an understandable revulsion from the official politics/media ‘civil war without the guns’. But something else is at work which can be summarised as a contest between the Scotland of myth – of our society as a comfortable, centre-left place versus the potential of this debate to demythologise and challenge these myths. That is uncomfortable for some. Second, there is for some doubt about the Scottish Government prospectus on independence, summarised in the view, ‘I distrust the bright, shiny, optimistic take on independence being put forward’. Where they ask is the honesty about the difficulties and challenges which would undoubtedly characterise the early years of independence? Nowhere they surmise. Thus, they conclude that Scottish people are being offered a version of their society which people don’t see themselves reflected in and which doesn’t quite feel real and true. Third, there is the fear of the ‘divided Scotland’ syndrome. This questions what do we do post-September 18th particularly in light of a narrow result either way. How do the different elements of our country, including those most passionate, partisan and vocal, learn to live in Scotland if they have ‘lost the vote’? Or be magnanimous if they have won? This perspective draws from a deep Scottish well of insecurity and fragility: of the time-honoured concern over Scots division: Highland/Lowland, Catholic/ Protestant, left/right, unionist/nationalist. Yet, we have to face that while we do have a significant empathy deficit and problem in recognising the validity of dissenting opinions in places, the vociferous, combative, almost quasi-militaristic Scotland is a tiny minority. Most of our nation is not currently divided into two warring camps, and nor will it be post-September 18th. Fourth, there is the very powerful sense that some people imagine of waking on the morning of September 19th 2014 and feeling that they have just got the most almighty constitutional hangover, and that Scotland has become another country
In this photo taken on March 15, 2014 a man wears a multitude of 'yes' campaign badges during a pro-independence march in Edinburgh, Scotland for the upcoming vote on Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom. Scotland's swithering "middle million" has Britain's future in its hands. "Swithering" means wavering, and it's a word you hear a lot in Scotland right now. Six months from Tuesday, Scottish voters must decide whether their country should become independent, breaking up Great Britain as it has existed for 300 years. Faced with the historic choice, many find their hearts say "aye" but their heads say "why risk it?" Polls suggest as many as a quarter of Scotland's 4 million voters remain undecided, and their choice will determine the outcome. Many long to cut the tie binding them to England, but fear the risks _ and the financial fallout. (AP Photo/Jill Lawless)
through the domination of its right-wing neighbour. The central myth that this argument trades on is, of course, the political unity of Scotland. Such unity is obviously a fiction. As the comedian Billy Connolly recently observed, there is actually a more manifest cultural commonality – and more substantive grounds for political solidarity – between the working poor of mighty British industrial powerhouses like Glasgow and Liverpool than there is across Scotland. There is ostensibly not much that unites the political interests or cultural identities of residents of the central belt with those of the rural Highlands or Lowlands. From certain vantage points Scotland may seem to possess a single political identity, but a moment’s thought shows this to be untrue; there is in fact significant ideological and cultural diversity north of the border that cannot simply be wished away by the left. The Tories may now only have one British parliamentary seat in Scotland, but they nevertheless won 16.7% of the vote at the 2010 General Election, which was just 3% behind the SNP and only 2% behind the Liberal Democrats. It is often conveniently forgotten that although Labour were the largest party in Scotland at the notorious 1983 election, the Conservative Party polled an impressive 25%. The fact that one in four Scottish voters actually plumped for Thatcher, freshly wrapped in post-Falklands patriotism, is very rarely mentioned and its significance never acknowledged. 25% is obviously a very sizeable minority of voters and it is worth wondering, were a similar
outcome to take place at a future election, what proponents of the democratic argument for Scottish independence would have to say about this. They would probably say that it does not matter much: the interests of a Tory minority, no matter how sizeable, should not be allowed to trump the interests of a significant left-leaning majority. In fact, the proponent may insist that this is the whole point of the democratic argument, that independence protects the will of the majority. Though superficially compelling, what this logic really reveals is a kind of betrayal of democratic values. Democracy is, by definition, an inclusive concept, one that seeks to invite the voices of all the citizenry into the realm of political discourse. When we talk of widening or deepening democracy, we mean to devise new techniques of bringing people into the political process, such that their voices are properly heard, that ‘the people’ are somehow individually empowered. Such democratic empowerment certainly does not mean that the relevant community should be truncated until everyone in it agrees on the same political values. Not only would it be impossible to eradicate the political diversity in Scotland, the very desire to do so reveals a basic hostility to the spirit of democracy, which is rooted in and thrives on disagreement, argument and heterogeneity. At its heart, democracy thrives on conflict of opinion and is fundamentally opposed to blandness, unity and homogeneity. The whole point of it is to provide a mechanism through which the various elements that make up a society can air their views publicly, in as purple and passionate a manner as possible, hoping to win but, crucially, prepared to lose, whichever argument they are engaged in. And this is exactly what the leftist case for Scottish nationalism increasingly reveals: an unwillingness to lose and, by implication, an unwillingness to engage in meaningful democratic battle. If one wishes to make the case for, say, the radical redistribution of wealth within society, that person should be prepared to actually marshal the political, economic and moral arguments for it and then attempt to persuade the sceptic of their merits. Until the sceptic is persuaded, the argument has not succeeded, and resurrecting a legislative Hadrian’s Wall in order to secure majority opinion for your own viewpoint within civic discussion is nothing less than the act of a political wimp, taking refuge with those who think alike and afraid to engage with those that do not. The leftist argument for Scottish independence is not actually democratic at all: those that advance it merely want to be part of a community where theirs is the majority opinion. The aim is seemingly to rig the political process, circumventing the disagreement that defines a pluralistic democratic society. At its worst, such a position is redolent of intellectual and moral cowardice, signalling a political culture characterised by ressentiment and bitterness, one that has failed to make its peace with the ghosts of Thatcherism and the 1980s. When the democratic argument is unmasked, shown merely to be a way to avoid pugnacious political contestation, leftist supporters of Scottish independence face real political embarrassment. This is because all they have to fall back on are ideals that are both tenuous and alien to their worldview: a parochial, tartan vision of national identity and, ironically enough, the claim to private property ownership over the fossil fuel most infamously associated with the excesses of global capitalism.
Sceptical Scotland needs to be listened to and respected Gerry Hassan
with all the resultant anxiety, uncertainty, worry over risk and tangible feeling of loss. This last sentiment: the sense of loss has to be understood. Change is always unsettling and fundamental, far-reaching change such as the birth of a new nation state is undoubtedly a threat to how some people see themselves and their world. Scotland is already becoming a different country: different from the old Unionist nation, and one more independent and self-assertive in how it sees itself. September 18th this year is one more stage in this, not an end point. Fifth, there are worries over the border, border controls and the anxiety about Scotland/rest of UK becoming foreign to each other. One friend put it to me that ‘they didn’t want Scotland to be defined by its border’ and when I gently observed that Scotland was already characterised by having a border, they said, ‘I mean a legal border’. When I then pointed out we already had a legal border, they then said, ‘I mean a real border’. Clearly the judicial, geo-political and porous or not nature of the border matters to many people. Then there is the ‘foreign country’ argument and the idea that families would become estranged or even torn apart. This is the mindset of ‘divorce is an expensive business’, which presents independence as costly, harmful and painful. But what it downplays is the reality of the UK, and 300 years of shared union, partnership and common endeavour which are not about to be denied by Scotland’s independence debate. If Ireland can be recognised as not a ‘foreign country’ by the 1949 Ireland Act which is still in force, and retain a common travel area with the UK, then surely Scotland can too. Sixth, the comparison between Scotland and Ireland is a salutary one. When the measured contents of the UK’s agreement with, what was, Eire in 1922 are invoked, some people dismiss this claiming that this was all because ‘the UK felt guilty about Ireland’ and compensated in its actions. They then jump to the conclusion that no such compensating tendencies will be at work post-Scottish independence and we will face much harsher realities of what the UK state is really like. This doesn’t seem like great history, but nor is it an accurate reading of how the UK has done international statecraft. Finally, there is what we could call ‘the
problem with Britain’ viewpoint. Several people have been of the opinion that we might face a situation whereby Scotland votes for independence and then the UK/ rUK rump takes it badly and decides to behave in a punitive, punishing way in negotiations. Apart from the fact that we don’t know whether this would be so, this stance brings up the issue of the character and nature of the British state in these sceptical positions. Are people really saying that one reason to remain in the union is through fear of the actions of the UK/rUK Government, because if so it would be the ultimate low point for any pro-union argument? The fears and doubts expressed in the above sentiments touch deeper anxieties about attachment to the idea and worry about the future direction of the United Kingdom. There is also the added ingredient of doubts about the Scottish capacity to go from a formal success of self-government, to flourishing under it, and having the willingness to make difficult choices. The devolution years haven’t exactly been filled by these; nor has the SNP version of independence. The above deep seated and genuine feelings can only be overcome by admitting that they are understandable, and talking and reflecting on the emotions and motivations which are behind them. For some our current debate is disorientating and disconcerting. Others would rather it were not taking place at all. This sense of loss and worry has to be listened too and seen in a longer historical timeframe. For many of us by the time we came to the 1997 devolution referendum, Scottish people had already decided they wanted a Parliament and that the existing order didn’t work; any sense of tangible loss was tiny and didn’t really register. The forces of change had already won. The more relevant analogy is with the first 1979 devolution referendum when a huge, vocal part of the nation, amounting to nearly half of those who voted, most institutional opinion and establishment voices, were against change because the existing system worked fine for them. Feeling unsettled, a palpable unease and sense of loss were all powerful drivers in the No vote then. If that was true then over devolution in 1979, it is even more so for
independence in 2014. The SNP have answered the above state of affairs by offering what can be seen as continuity independence: a version of the future where many of the things we know and are familiar with remain: from the Queen to the currency, European Union, Treasury, Bank of England and NATO. This may have been tactically correct, but such an approach does not reassure some of sceptical Scotland, and instead merely worries it about the panglossian, remorselessly upbeat vision of independence. They don’t believe it, and they don’t think it prepares Scots for the bumpy ride and road ahead. Part of sceptical Scotland will remain that. Yet the doubts and fears present in many necessitate not only that we understand and respect them, but we don’t accept the narrow framework of the safety first independence on offer. Instead, we have to talk about the scale and challenges of change that independence would bring about, and the degree of change and transformation that Scottish society requires if we are to live up to the values we purport to represent. Then there are the future challenges coming anyway: public spending constraints, demographics and an ageing population and environmental challenges to name the three biggest. Independence is not just about politics, politicians and the powers of the Parliament. It is about society, who we are as a nation and as a people, the values we champion and the collective stories and myths we choose to tell ourselves. So far our independence debate has been about the narrow, constricted way we have traditionally interpreted politics, but another more transformative version is bubbling up beyond the system. It is for the Scotland beyond the certainties of Yes and No that I have written Caledonian Dreaming: The Quest for a Different Scotland published this week. It is a book for those interested in changing Scotland, seeing past the certainties which pass for public debate, for that huge constituency which is ‘the middling Scotland’ and for the sceptical Scotland I have described above. Scotland desperately needs social change, and it needs to free itself and have the courage and imagination to start being bold, daring and challenging some of our ancient and not so ancient shibboleths. In the resulting debate, we need to listen to the many and multiple voices of different Scotlands, not just the most certain or noisy. No one ever said it was going to be easy, but bringing about change requires building alliances, listening and empathising with people we disagree with. Never have such qualities been more required than in the Scotland of 2014.
sr. annie cmc
Assistant professor Department of History St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama
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esus’ love for each one of us urged Him to undergo such passion and death. It is nice on our part to examine ourselves how we respond to that immense love which is lavished upon us. At this point, we need to ask ourselves, how can we respond to that love as a married Christian? What are our responsibilities and duties as married persons!? 1. Christian family: What is a Christian family? Christian family is a Christ centred family and is a confluence of threefold love: - i. Conjugal love- (between husband and wife) ii. Parental love (towards children) iii. Filial love (towards parents). The supreme rule of the Christian family is mutual love and the consequent unity of mind and heart. Family is a community formed by blood relationship and love, where there is mutual love and respect. It is to be an abode of sweet consolation, peace and order. Family is the place where the parents and children enjoy peace, joy and consolation. To live in a family without consideration for each other, life is miserable. 2. Positive family values: Family is the smallest unit of the society. Husband and wife must recognise fully their duties towards God and towards society in a correct hierarchy of values. Husband and wife is bond to keep up their mutual relationship in harmony and there by fulfil each other’s duties in a perfect manner. In order to respect and to maintain the greatness and the preciousness of married life, the most essential element is relationship. Relationship is one of the important ways in which they can achieve happy family life. Human happiness is essentially relationship, because the need for relationship comes from deep within, and without it one cannot grow into maturity. In order to develop and mature socially and emotionally, we need to be related and connected well with God, with one another, and with own self. 3. Duties of parents towards each other: Foster love and respect towards each other create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and tolerance, a spirit of giving and receiving, a spirit of forgiving and forgetting and caring and sharing. Above all they have to be loyal to one another. Thus expression of love is not only when they are together, but all the time, whether near or far, bad time or good time. They should persevere in prayer. Then they will be able to do only what pleases the other. 4. Mutual help: Husbands and wives should be mutual guardians. They should nurse any selfish desires. They must do all they can, to make the likings of their partners. It may be difficult. But they should endeavour to do so for a successful marriage life. There should be a proper coordination of authority, powers, opinions, and desires. Among them none is smaller and none is bigger. They are equals. Both should be ready to recognize what is good and be patient at the shortcomings of the partner. Never abuse and laugh at the partner in the presence of children or others. If they live with mutual love respect they will become a model for others, especially for their children. 5. A treasure house of goodness: All people have some priceless goodness. So, realise that your partner too has much goodness. But often couples fail to recognise the virtues hidden in them. The husband should be able to find out the goodness in his wife, and the wife should be able to recognise the goodness of her husband. They should be able to encourage and motivate each other. This is the responsibility of both the partners. 6. Duties of parents towards children: Parents gives the child a sense of security and trust. Parents influence in the early education of children can be summed up as one in which they bring out the best in children by their love, affection, and understanding. They shape the character and personality of children to a great extent. Without the wisdom and touch of parents, children cannot achieve their objectives. Parents teach their children by examples which have the strongest and lasting impact. Parent, whether literate or not, have an important role in the education and the character formation of the children. 7. Duties of children towards parents: Children, you are bound before God, to respect and love your parents and never give an occasion to your parents for sorrow. When you love, respect, and obey your parents and fulfil your responsibilities, you contribute for the happiness of the family immensely. In such an atmosphere you yourself will grow in body and wisdom. The value system of parents influences the value system of their children and they make the family, society, nation great and prosperous.
Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
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Dimapur
NATIONAL
Tuesday 15 April 2014
The Morung Express
Modi, Rahul are ‘rakshasas’ of corruption: Kejriwal
New Delhi, April 14 (AgeNcies): Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday defended his party’s decision to quit governing Delhi 49 days after taking oath but admitted the manner in which it was done was sudden. Speaking during a Google Hangout in association with Network 18, Kejriwal said it was a communication problem that led to the perceived anger among people. “I admit we suddenly resigned... no one expected us to and people were shocked with that... the decision to resign was fine but it came as a shock. If we had to go to the people and explain they would have been fine with it,” he said during the Hangout which was moderated by editor-in-chief of IBN-18 Rajdeep Sardesai. Here are the highlights of what Kejriwal said on various issues: On quitting government within 49 days and facing re-elections On quitting government within 49 days and facing re-elections After we quit the government, both the Congress and BJP ganged up against us. The Congress party did not want elections to happen again because of a hung assembly. We did expect elections to happen along with Lok Sabha elections. There was no need for an assurance from the Lieutenant Governor, it should have happened as natural course.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or common man party, chief Arvind Kejriwal speaks after releasing his party manifesto ahead of the general elections in New Delhi, India, Thursday, April, 3, 2014. (AP FIle Photo)
We were the ones who went to the Supreme Court. If we had to run away why would we be ready to contest elections again? On the allegations that they failed to govern Delhi There are two types of people : those who have experienced the benefits of our 49 day government -- reduction in CNG prices, electricity rates, decrease in corruption among others. Now that we have gone, they are upset. They are angry that we quit, but they want us back. The other set of people are those who wanted Kejriwal for CM and Narendra Modi for PM. This section of the middle class is very angry that Kejriwal is now contesting against Modi. On perception that
Mukhtar Ansari withdrew to give AAP support We have not spoken or had any meeting with him. We have also not asked for his support. He has not said whether he will support us, he has just decided not to contest. There are no Mukhtar Aansari supporters, there are only his workers. I can categorically assure you that we will have no communication with him. On contesting against Modi only from Varanasi I didn’t know he was going to stand in Vadodara... he had initially said only Varanasi, I asked the people during a rally and they agreed. I didn’t think he would run and contest from two places. If there indeed is a Modi wave why
should he contest from two places? He should have just contested from one. What is he so afraid of? Also, what do I gain by contesting against Modi? Is it to get media coverage? On whether he is hungry for power If I wanted to go to Parliament, I would have just contested from Delhi and won. That is not my aim. I want to tell the people that Sonia, Rahul and Modi are all the product of one political system. Modi, Rahul are the rakshasas of corruption in India. On pre-poll surveys giving AAP dismal numbers for the upcoming polls When AAP contested the Delhi elections, you’ll had said the same thing. There is something divine
happening in this country... I’m returning from Punjab after campaigning there and I have never seen such support before. I urge you to put your confidence in the people of India and not your surveys. Whether Modi’s promises of growth will be chosen by people over anti-graft You think economic growth is possible without eradicating corruption? Fruits of economic growth will go to a few people. Growth in GDP doesn’t translate to benefits for everyone, but only for a select few. On whether AAP should have had a better strategy Elections are not about my ambitions, if it was about an ordinary party, then yes we would have strategised a growth chart. AAP or Kejriwal isn’t important for us, the country is. Who fought the Delhi polls? Did anyone know our candidates? They were ordinary people who defeated Congress and BJP candidates who have won for 20 years. AAP is a platform where people can come and clean up governance and politics in India. On allegations of AAP candidates having criminal records We are very careful about giving out tickets to candidates. Some have hidden their crime record from us and we gave them tickets. We then came to know about it only when they filed their nominations. We immediately can-
celled their candidature. The people you are talking about are those who have had cases against them due to activism. There are so many cases against me, I’m the biggest criminal in my party. In fact, Prashant Bhushan does an investigation into potential candidates before it goes to the internal Lokpal. On reservations in the education sector There is a section in society facing untouchability and oppression in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. It still exists. Such people should get reservations and support from society. It has been proved that families of those who have got reservations, have benefited. We felt that reservations should be limited to just one family member so that a larger number of people benefit. If you have political will, education in government schools can be at the same level of private schools. In one generation we can level education across sections. On being repeatedly slapped during rallies I think it’s tragic that people think I did it myself, as in stage managed it. We have attacked people like Salman Khurshid, Sheila Dikshit, Narendra Modi, Mukesh Ambani, Nitin Gadkari -- you think they’ll just let us go so easily? Have you ever thought about why BJP and Congress don’t attack each other and instead only at-
tack us? Because they have an understanding. Why hasn’t the BJP government in Rajasthan initiated action against Robert Vadra in the land scams? Only we do. They won’t because they have mutual interests. Of course I’m fearing more attacks on me. Since when have attacks begun? since I went to Gujarat... since then it has been repeatedly happening. Since we have challenged such a big figure (Modi) you think they will spare us? On AAP being synonymous with anarchy Please go to people’s houses and see the chaos inside them. So many Punjabi youth are facing drug problems. The drug problem has a green signal from political parties. Yes we are creating chaos but inside the homes of politicians. They are the ones saying there is chaos, we need to demolish this corrupt system and establish a new one. AAP only an urban phenomenon? Our priority is to improve condition of farmers. We must give rural areas more job opportunities. Everyone is migrating to urban areas. If we provide rural areas with infrastructure, the ruralurban migration will end. Perception that we have no presence in rural areas is wrong. We went to Punjab and Haryana and we had many people welcoming us. Media has large presence in rural areas through penetration of television and people know about us.
On constant flip-flopping and AAP being in a hurry I agree we have changed decisions sometimes, there is nothing wrong with that. We have changed our statergy, but no decision was illegal or immoral. We are in a hurry because this country won’t last for too long. We don’t care if AAP remains or not, we have to save the nation. On chances against Modi, Rahul In Amethi, we are going to defeat Rahul by 2 lakh votes. In Varanasi, people say they will vote against Modi. In fact, after resigning I travelled across the country and have not seen any Modi wave... It’s only on your television screens. On whether AAP is ready for investigation into foreign funding You think we have to be ready for it? does the law ask you if you are ready for an audit? I-T will come and raid your house and just slap a notice on you. We don’t have to be ready for it. we are a part of the country and we abide by law. AAP has not got a single rupee from the Ford Foundation. The Home Ministry has said BJP, Congress have got foreign funding not AAP. I’m willing to go to jail if I have got foreign funding. On whether AAP will play a role in forming government at the Centre We will not support or take support from either the BJP or the Congress. BJP will get less than 200 seats, I don’t know what will happen to the Congress.
India to conduct complex interceptor missile test 20-hour gunbattle ends in Srinagar, two terrorists killed
hyDerABAD, April 14 (AgeNcies): In another fortnight, India will be conducting one of the most complex interceptor missile tests. For the first time a state-of-the-art interceptor missile at supersonic speed will seek to engage and destroy an incoming target missile at a very high altitude of 120-140 km over the Bay of Bengal. Entirely new interceptor and target missiles have been developed by scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the upcoming engagement, to be conducted in exo-atmosphere (altitude above 40-50 km) on April 27 or 28. The test was originally planned to be conducted in November, 2013 but had been delayed since then. A real battle-like scenario would be simulated for the test, DRDO missile technologists told The Hindu. For the first time, the interceptor missile (PDV) would be seeking to destroy the separating payload of the target missile (a modified PAD) after discriminating between the booster and the payload. Both the new missiles have been configured to have two stages. While the tar-
get missile would be launched from a ship near Paradip, the interceptor would take off from Wheeler Island the moment the incoming target missile is detected. The long range radars would track the missile and the information would be passed on to the interceptor’s on-board computer as it homes in on to the target. The entire exercise would be fully automated and there would be no human intervention, the scientists said. The kill vehicle of the interceptor, equipped with an attitude control mechanism, would hurtle towards the target’s missile payload at a speed of 1500 metres per second as it seeks to engage and destroy it. India plans to deploy a two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system to protect important cities from external threats. In the first phase, incoming enemy missiles of 2,000-km range are envisaged to be waylaid and destroyed, while those with about 5,000-km range would be tackled by the interceptors in the second phase. So far, six of the seven interceptor missile tests, carried out by the DRDO, have been successful.
sriNAgAr, April 14 (pTi): A 20-hourlong gunbattle between two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists and security forces in the outskirts of Srinagar ended on Monday with the killing of both the ultras and injury to two policemen. “The encounter at Ahmadnagar locality of Buchpora ended with the killing of both the terrorists holed up in a house,” a police officer said. He said bodies of both the terrorists were recovered along with a cache of arms and ammunition from the encounter spot. A police spokesman identified the slain terrorists as Abu Huzaifa and Chota Hafiz. The gunbattle started last evening when police, assisted by security forces, launched a search operation following specific information about presence of militants in the house in the locality. A policeman was injured in the initial exchange of fire but the operation to neutralize the militants was suspended to ensure safety of civilians, including a couple in whose house the militants had got into, the officer said. After a night-long lull, the encounter resumed this morning after the ultras let go the house owner Abdul Majid Rangrez and his wife, he said.
A Kashmiri Muslim woman wails outside houses damaged during a gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar, on Monday, April 14. A nearly 20-hour gun battle in Indian-controlled Kashmir ended Monday after government troops killed two suspected rebels in the Himalayan region’s main city, a senior police official said. (AP Photo)
‘Rapist should face strict punishment after guilt is proved’ Jaya targets BJP, says it ‘betrayed’ people
New Delhi, April 14 (iANs): Rape is a reprehensible act and every perpetrator of the crime should be punished severely and strictly but only after the accused’s guilt has been proved beyond doubt, the Supreme Court has said as it set aside the conviction of a man for rape. “Rape is indeed a reprehensible act and every perpetrator should be punished expeditiously, severally and strictly. However, this is only possible when guilt has been proved beyond reasonable doubt,” said a bench of Justice K.S.Radhakrishnan and Justice Vikramajit Sen in their recent judgment. The court said while setting aside the Kerala High Court verdict holding Vinod guilty of rape and sentencing him to four years in jail. The high court, while holding Vinod guilty, had however reduced his jail term from seven years as he was sentenced
to by the Thiruvananthapuram additional district and sessions judge. Vinod, who was already married and had two children, got into a relationship with the college-going girl. She eloped with Vinod on April 19, 2000 after finishing her examination earlier in the day. Thereafter, both travelled to different places before her uncle Abdul Rasheed chanced upon then in a market. While Vinod claimed that he had told her about being already married and having children, the girl said that she was unaware of Vinod’s marital status otherwise she would not have consummated their marriage which they had entered into by way of an agreement. Yet despite arriving at this conclusion the high court termed her a victim,”which seems to us to be an incongruous factual finding leading to a misconception and consequently a misapplication of the law”.
“In our deduction there was no seduction; just two persons fatally in love, their youth blinding them to the futility of their relationship,” said the apex court. “Rape is indeed a reprehensible act and every perpetrator should be punished expeditiously, severally and strictly. However, this is only possible when guilt has been proved beyond reasonable doubt,” the court said. The apex court said it had no doubt that the girl was aware that “the appellant (Vinod) was already married but, possibly because a polygamous relationship was not anathema to her because of the faith which she adheres to”. However, it noted that Vinod “is not an innocent man inasmuch as he had willy-nilly entered into a relationship with the prosecutrix, in violation of his matrimonial vows and his paternal duties and responsibilities”.
cheNNAi, April 14 (pTi): In their first attack against each other ahead of Lok Sabha polls, ruling AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa on Sunday slammed BJP for “betrayal” on Cauvery water sharing issue, prompting Narendra Modi to hit back accusing her and DMK of being perpetually engaged in decimating each other, ignoring people’s welfare. Raising the political temperature in the run up to the 24 April elections, Jayalalithaa, who has hitherto avoided criticism of BJP, launched a sharp attack on the saffron party at a rally in Karur in the Cauvery belt, saying it was no different from Congress on the emotive issue. Jayalalithaa, straining every nerve to win all 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state to realise her ambition of playing a pivotal role in the next government, asked the electorate to ensure that the candidates of DMK, Congress and BJP forfeited their deposit in all seats for their “betrayal” of the state
on the vexed river water dispute with Karnataka. “With an eye on Lok Sabha seats in the elections, BJP has not even mentioned the issue in its 2014 poll manifesto,” Jayalalithaa, perceived to be a natural ally of NDA post the elections, said. Losing no time, Modi hit back at Jayalalithaa saying her AIADMK and arch-rival DMK were never concerned about the welfare of the people but only focused on finishing off each other politically. Modi, addressing his first rally in the state after the BJP stitched a 6-party alliance including DMDK and MDMK, also raised the emotive issue of recurring attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan navy and vowed to protect them if the NDA was voted to power. Earlier, Modi candidate met film superstar Rajnikanth, who showered praises on Modi. However, the actor, made clear that their meeting had no political significance, setting at rest speculations that he might throw his weight behind the BJP.
China ‘confident’ that good ties ‘consensus of all Indian parties’
BeijiNg, April 14 (AgeNcies): A senior official said on Monday said the Chinese government was “confident” that the new government that takes charge in New Delhi following the Lok Sabha elections - no matter which party was in power - would ensure friendly ties with Beijing, as both sides held strategic talks aimed at laying the groundwork for a series of highlevel engagements in coming months. “We are confident that to promote China-India friendship is a shared consensus of all political parties in India. So I am confident that whichever party comes into power in India it will stay committed to friendship and cooperation between the two
countries”, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin, who is also the Foreign Ministry’s main interlocutor on India, told reporters, speaking ahead of the sixth round of the annual strategic dialogue, which took place in Beijing at the Diaoyutai State guesthouse on Monday. He told Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh at the start of the talks that China “highly appreciates” that the strategic dialogue was being held despite the fact that India was occupied with the ongoing elections. “I wish to mention in particular that India is undergoing a very important election. Therefore you have chosen to come to China at this very special time to have this
strategic dialogue with us. This shows the tremendous importance that the Indian government and you yourself attach to this bilateral relationship and we highly appreciate that,” he said. Singh said the aim of her visit was “to reiterate to the government of China that the government of India attaches the highest priority to India’s relations with China”. The message from officials of both countries is that the dialogue here will stress continuity in ties at a functional-level even as political engagements remain on hold on account of the elections. Besides bilateral engagements, the dialogue will look at the entire breadth of the re-
lationship as well as common regional concerns such as the situation in Afghanistan. India and China have expressed willingness to do more to coordinate their efforts there, including on joint projects. Liu said the bilateral relationship “has already gone beyond the bilateral scope”. “Naturally, besides bilateral cooperation we are also going to talk about regional and international issues. We can see three levels of India-China cooperation: on the bilateral-level, regional-level and international-level. It is a very important bilateral relationship”. “We hope in today’s dialogue we will have the opportunity to have an in-depth ex-
change of views on bilateral relations and those efforts to implement the consensus achieved by leaders of both countries, discuss important arrangements for bilateral exchanges this year, discuss cooperation between the two counties in various areas and exchange views on issues regional and internationally [where we have] shared interests,” he added. The talks will also firm up what officials described as “a packed calendar” of bilateral visits in the coming year, which is being marked as “a year of friendly exchanges”. A highlight could be the first visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India. Xi has ex-
pressed his desire to visit India later this year on what would be his first trip to the country after taking over as President in March 2013, as The Hindu first reported last month. Monday’s strategic dialogue will be followed by a high-level military-level dialogue in New Delhi next week, when a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) delegation led by the Deputy Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo, travels to India for DGMO-level talks on the boundary issue, to be held on April 22. The talks will also firm up plans for annual defence exercises, which will be held in India later this year. Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wan-
quan is also expected to visit India later this year. Next week, the two Navies are also slated to have talks with a delegation from India set to visit Qingdao, the north-eastern headquarters of the PLA Navy’s North Sea fleet, where the PLA is hosting an international fleet review to mark its 65th anniversary. The stealth frigate INS Shivalik will participate in the review. China had invited India’s Navy chief to Qingdao, but following the resignation of Navy Chief D.K. Joshi a month ago and a successor yet to be appointed, the Navy will send a “fairly high-ranking” officer to lead the delegation, officials said.
InternatIonal
the Morung express
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Dimapur
9
Ukraine Prez threatens military operation S L A V I A N S K / K I E V, AprIL 14 (rEutErS): Ukraine’s president on Monday threatened military action after pro-Russian separatists occupying government buildings in the east ignored an ultimatum to leave and another group of rebels attacked a police headquarters in the troubled region. Acting president Oleksander Turchinov also held out the possibility of a referendum on the future shape of the Ukrainian state, partly addressing demands made in the largely Russian-speaking east for more control over their local affairs. As the 9 a.m. (0600 GMT) deadline issued by authorities in Kiev expired, a Reuters reporter in the flashpoint city of Slaviansk, where armed men had seized two government buildings, saw nothing to show the rebels were obeying the ultimatum. At least 100 pro-Russian separatists attacked the police headquarters in the city of Horlivka on Monday, a witness told Reuters, and video footage on Ukrainian television showed an ambulance treating people apparently injured in the attack. Angered by the death of a state security officer and the wounding of two comrades near Slaviansk, Turchinov warned rebels that an anti-terrorist operation involving the army would begin unless they laid down their arms, and
Masked pro-Russian men attack British photojournalist Frederick Paxton, 2nd right, during the mass storming of a police station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Horlivka Monday, April 14. Several government buildings has fallen to mobs of Moscow loyalists in recent days as unrest spreads across the east of the country. Western journalists have routinely been targeted for intimidation by crowds during the stormings. (AP Photo)
that the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine “will soon be stabilised”. His warning raised fears of possible Russian military intervention, but there were no signs of any Ukrainian forces in Slaviansk on Monday and no sign of an anti-terrorist operation. Outside the city council offices stood a group of about 12 armed men in matching camouflage fatigues, with black balacla-
vas, one of whom was holding a Russian flag. They said they were Cossacks but did not say where from. One told Reuters: “The borders between Ukraine, Russia and Belarus are artificial and we are here to take them away.” The new element in the operation announced by Turchinov is the inclusion of the army which has not been involved in more than four months of turmoil and
is untested in dealing with internal disorder. The move to bring in the army shows a lack of confidence in the 30,000-strong interior ministry troops which have been discredited by identification with the leadership of ousted president Viktor Yanukovich.
RUSSIAN SPEAKING Turchinov and other leaders blame Russia, which annexed Ukraine’s Crimea region when Mos-
cow-backed Yanukovich fled after months of proWestern protests, for inspiring and organising a rash of rebellions in Slaviansk and other Russianspeaking towns in eastern Ukraine. Turchinov said the Kiev leadership was “not against” a nationwide referendum being held on the type of state Ukraine should be and added he was sure it would confirm the wish of the majority
for a united, independent country. The holding of a referendum has been one of the demands of the separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, although they envisage a poll being held only in their home region. Turchinov such a referendum could be held at the same time as a presidential election on May 25. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine’s Russian-speaking eastern regions should be involved in drafting a constitution that should be put to the referendum. Lavrov said it was not in Russia’s interests for Ukraine to break up, but Moscow wanted all citizens of the country to be given equal treatment by Kiev. He denied Ukrainian and U.S. allegations that Russia had undercover agents fomenting unrest in eastern Ukraine, and said he was seeking explanation of media reports that the director of the CIA, John Brennan, had visited Kiev. The crisis in Ukraine has brought relations between Russia and the West to their worst since the end of the Cold War in 1991, and also risks unleashing a “gas war” which could disrupt energy supplies across Europe. Ukraine said on Saturday it would stop paying for Russian gas because the price was too high. Russian stocks and the rouble fell sharply on Monday, reflecting fears of further Russian military in-
tervention in Ukraine and keep their children indoors. more western sanctions Alexei Myzenko, a against Moscow. 38-year-old bank teller, was at work as usual, but “CRIMINAL ORDER” he said he and his wife had Use of force by Kiev’s told their son, who is at unipro-Europe authorities versity in the eastern town could trigger a fresh con- of Kharkiv, not to attend frontation from Russia. lectures on Monday. Russia’s foreign ministry “We didn’t want anycalled the planned mili- thing to happen to him,” tary operation a “criminal said Myzenko. “Of course, order” and said the West some people are afraid. But should bring its allies in they are still lining up to get Ukraine’s government un- their pensions,” he said. der control. Myzenko said his wife, The United Nations who is a teacher, had been Security Council held an called by the town adminemergency session on Sun- istration to tell her that day night, and the United school was cancelled until States warned that it was further notice. likely to impose further Iryna Zemlyanskaya, sanctions on Russians close 62, who works as a pharto the Kremlin if the esca- macist, said: “I am going lation in eastern Ukraine to work. They’ve promised continues. to use force so many times European Union for- and have not done a single eign ministers were due to thing. No-one’s even afraid discuss whether to impose anymore.” further sanctions on MosWith East-West relacow. tions in crisis, NATO deIn Slaviansk as of 9 a.m. scribed the appearance local time on Monday, a in eastern Ukraine of men Russian flag still flew over with specialised Russian police headquarters, one of weapons and identical unitwo buildings taken over by forms without insignia - as the separatists in the town, previously worn by Moswhile masked men contin- cow’s troops when they ued to man barricades of seized Crimea - as a “grave sandbags in front of it. development”. Even as the deadline Ukraine has repeatedly passed, a truck appeared said the rebellions are inbringing more tyres to spired and directed by the heap on top of the barri- Kremlin. But action to discades to reinforce them. lodge the armed militants There was tension in risks tipping the standthe air as people tried to go off into a new, dangerabout their normal busi- ous phase as Moscow has ness, though school and warned it will protect the colleges have been closed region’s Russian-speakers and parents advised to if they come under attack.
Nigeria bus station bombing kills seventy-one North Korea vows Seoul will
ABuJA, AprIL 14 (rEutErS): A morning rush hour bomb killed at least 71 people at a Nigerian bus station on the outskirts of the capital on Monday, raising concerns about the spread of an Islamist insurgency after the deadliest ever attack on Abuja. Suspicion fell on Boko haram, though there was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Islamists who are mainly active in the northeast. As well as 71 dead, police said 124 were wounded in the first attack on the federal capital in 2 years.
Security experts suspect the explosion was inside a vehicle, said Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, director of search and rescue operations. The bus station, 8 km (5 miles) southwest of central Abuja, serves Nyanya, a poor, ethnically and religiously mixed satellite town where many residents work in the city. “I was waiting to get on a bus when I heard a deafening explosion, then saw smoke,” said Mimi Daniels, who escaped from the blast with minor injuries to her arm. Bloody
remains lay strewn over the ground as security forces struggled to hold back a crowd of onlookers and fire crews hosed down a bus still holding the charred bodies of commuters. “These are the remains of my friend,” said a man, who gave his name as John, holding up a bloodied shirt. “His travel ticket with his name on was in the shirt pocket.” The attack underscored the vulnerability of Nigeria’s federal capital, built in the 1980s in the geographic centre of the country to replace coastal Lagos as the seat of
government for what is now Africa’s biggest economy and top oil producer. Boko haram militants fighting for an Islamic state have largely been confined to the remote northeast. They have been particularly active there over the past few months and are increasingly targeting civilians they accuse of collaborating with the government or security forces. “NO SURPRISE” “In some ways it’s not a big surprise,” said Kole Shettima, director of the abuja office of U.S. charitable institution, the MacArthur Foundation. “The situation has been escalating. “It’s a statement that they are still around and they can attack Abuja when they want, and instill fear.” The Islamists, who want to carve an Islamic state out of Nigeria, have in the past year mostly concentrated their attacks in the northeast, where their insurgency started. There had been no such violence near the capital since suicide car bombers targeted the offices of the newspaper this Day in Abuja and the northern city of Kaduna in april 2012. Security forces at the time said that was because a Boko Haram cell in neighbouring Niger state had been broken up. A Christmas Day bombing of a church in Madalla, on the outskirts of Abuja, killed 37 people in 2011, although the main suspect in that attack is now behind bars. Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for a bomb atPeople gather at the site of a blast at the Nyanya Motor Park, about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the center of Abuja, Nigeria, on Monday, April 14. An explosion blasted through a busy commuter bus station on the outskirts tack on the UN’s Nigeria headquarters that killed 24 people on Aug. 26, 2011. of Abuja before 7 a.m. (0600 GMT) Monday as hundreds of people were traveling to work. (AP Photo)
pay ‘dear price’ for insults
SEOuL, AprIL 14 (AFp): North Korea warned South Korea on Monday that it would pay a “dear price” for recent criticisms of Pyongyang’s nuclear programme and political system, saying they violated a no-slander agreement. The warning from the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea (CPRK) came days after Pyongyang blasted South Korean President Park Geun-Hye’s proposals for Korean reunification as the “daydreams of a psychopath”. Park was again the focus of the North’s anger, with the CPRK denouncing comments she made during a recent tour of Europe. “Our servicemen and people ... will never tolerate the enemy forces’ attempts to insult our system and will make sure they pay a dear price for their madcap comments,” the committee said in a statement carried by the official KCna news agency. During her tour, Park had warned that Pyongyang’s nuclear material could end up in terrorist hands and warned of a possible Chernobyl-style disaster at the North’s main nuclear complex. The CPRK also took issue with Park’s “viciously slanderous remarks” regarding political repression and human rights abuses in North Korea. “This shows Park is the true kingpin and major culprit of slanderous insult,” it said. Under an agreement reached during rare, high-level talks in February, the two Koreas had resolved — at Pyongyang’s insistence — to cease trading
verbal insults. The “no-slander” clause was always going to prove problematic, with North Korea insisting it should extend to the South Korean media as well as private groups and individuals. Pyongyang saw Park’s comments in Berlin and elsewhere as violating the agreement, and in recent weeks has directed increasingly personal attacks on the president, describing her at one point as “a peasant woman babbling to herself”. Monday’s CPRK statement also criticised Park’s defence, unification and foreign affairs ministers, as well as the “human scum” who testified before a UN-appointed panel investigating rights abuses in the North. “Inter-Korean relations collapsed due to the ugly fantasies and vicious smear campaigns of the South’s authorities ... and wicked conservative media,” the CPRK said. “We will never tolerate the mean smear campaigns by the South and will respond resolutely,” it said. The statement also included the first flat denial that north Korea was linked to three crashed drones found in the South. Seoul’s defence ministry said last week it was convinced the North was behind the three camera-equipped drones recovered in different parts of the country. “The enemy forces are further stepping up their slander and smear campaigns by fabricating the ridiculous drone incident,” the CPRK said.
False leads in search for missing Malaysian jet The Associated Press April 14
If the SIgnaLS detected deep in the Indian Ocean are truly from the wreckage from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, they ultimately will close the book on a frustrating long list of false leads in the effort to find the jet. Here are the most prominent moments in which hopes of solving the tragic aviation mystery were dashed: March 8: Around 9:00 a.m., more than an hour after Malaysia Airlines reported the Boeing 777 missing, rumors spread on the Internet that the plane had safely landed at an airport in southern China. These quickly turn out to be baseless. Later in the day, search planes spot two long oil slicks in the South China Sea, but tests later show the oil was not from an aircraft. March 9: Vietnam says a search plane spots objects in the South China Sea suspected to be from the plane, but they turn out to be unrelated. Malaysia’s air force chief says there were indications on military radar that
the jet may have turned back from its flight path and crossed the Malay peninsula after its communications systems went off. Authorities intensify their search on the western side of the country and in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca. March 10: Searchers spot a floating yellow object, spurring speculation it could be a life raft, but it is found to be moss-covered piece of sea trash. March 11: News early on that two of the 239 passengers on board used stolen passports fueled speculation of terrorism. Malaysian police determined that two men who boarded the plane with stolen passports were Iranians seeking to illegally migrate to Europe and not terrorists. March 12: A Chinese state agency releases images of three white objects floating in the sea close to the plane’s last confirmed position in the South China Sea, but Vietnamese and Malaysian searchers find nothing at the spot. Three days later, Malaysia’s prime minister says satellite data showed the plane
could be anywhere on two huge arcs: a northern one stretching from Thailand up to southern Kazakhstan, and a southern one from the western tip of Indonesia’s Java Island to the southern stretches of the Indian Ocean. March 19: Australia’s prime minister says satellite images show two large objects floating in the southern Indian Ocean. They were never found. March 22: A search plane spots a floating wooden pallet that appeared to be surrounded by straps of different lengths and colors, but spotters were unable to photograph it. A New Zealand military aircraft tried to find the objects for closer inspection, but found only clumps of seaweed. March 23: A French satellite detects 122 floating objects, but search planes were unable to locate them. A day later, Malaysia’s prime minister says new analysis of the satellite data shows the plane crashed into the southern Indian Ocean, somewhere west of the city of Perth. March 27: A Thai satellite detects about 300 objects float-
ing in the Indian Ocean. They were never verified to be from the plane. March 28: The Australian agency coordinating the search shifts the search area about 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) to the northeast after analysis of radar data suggested that the plane flew faster than thought and used up more fuel, thereby reducing the distance it traveled. March 30: Malaysia’s defense minister says investigations of a flight simulator in the pilot’s home, including a check by the FBI, turned up “nothing sinister.” April 10: An Australian aircraft picks up another possible underwater signal, but this is later found to be unrelated. The false lead came days after the Ocean Shield, an australian ship, detected underwater “pings” on two days that were consistent with signals emitted from an aircraft’s black boxes — the first major breakthrough in the search for Flight 370. April 11: Australia’s prime minister says authorities are now confident underwater sig-
n this March 11, 2014 photo, members of the media scramble with their smart phones and cameras to photograph pictures of the two men, a 19-year-old Iranian identified by Malaysian police as Pouria Nour Mohammad Mehrdad, left, and the man on the right, his identity still not released, who boarded the missing Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 with a stolen passports, held up by a Malaysian policewoman during a press conference, in Sepang, Malaysia. News early on that two of the 239 passengers on board used stolen passports fueled speculation of terrorism. However, Malaysian police determined that the men were Iranians seeking to illegally migrate to Europe and not terrorists. (AP File Photo)
nals are coming from the missing planes jet’s flight data recorders in an area about 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) deep. He cautions that retrieving them
from the ocean floor will be very challenging. April 14: With no signals detected for six days amid speculation the black boxes’ batter-
ies have expired, the head of the joint search mission says an underwater submersible will be launched to scan the seafloor for remains of the plane.
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Atletico wins to extend lead in La Liga Dipika loses in Texas Open final
HOustON, ApRiL 14 (pti): Dipika Pallikal stumbled on the final hurdle against Egyptian teenager Nour El Sherbini in the title clash of the Women's Champion Fiberglass Texas Open on Monday. Eyeing maiden major title of her career, world No 12 Dipika faltered against the 18-year-old qualifier 7-11, 11-5, 7-11 to lose in 48 minutes. The 22-year-old Dipika was celebrating the biggest Tour final of her career while world junior champion El Sherbini was continuing the form of her life which had seen the youngster reach last month's WSA World Championship final after upsetting world No 1 Nicol David. The Chennai girl had earlier packed off eighthranked Madeline Perry in the semifinal but failed against the 13th-ranked Egyptian. The match brought to a climax a sensational week for El Sherbini of Alexandria, Atletico's Diego Costa, right, scores his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Getafe and Atletico Madrid at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez who removed three seeds stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, April 13. (AP Photo) including Malaysia's event upright. Godin put Atletico competition. It advanced favourite and world No7 BARCELONA, ApRiL 14 coach Diego Simeone said pened to Diego Costa." Costa was back in Atleti- in front when he rose up to the semifinals of the Eu- Low Wee Wern - en-route (Ap): Diego Costa was car- about his leading scorer. ried off with a bloody leg af- "We now have five games co's starting 11 having recov- over his marker to guide in ropa League against Vater scoring Atletico Madrid's left, and we have to play each ered from a right thigh injury Juanfran Torres' cross with lencia after eliminating FC that sidelined him for two a well-placed header over Porto earlier this week. second goal in a 2-0 win at one like it was a final." Despite the scare, At- games. The Brazilian-born Codina, who was caught "We are only think10-man Getafe on Sunday, although the team said its letico took advantage of player is having a breakout off his line and yet nowhere ing about (our next game against) Granada, because star striker escaped without Barcelona's loss on Sat- season that has earned him a near Godin. Also on Sunday, for- we don't depend on oura serious injury. Atletico ex- urday to open up a three spot on Vicente del Bosque's tended its Spanish league point lead over Real Ma- squad for Spain in this sum- ward Kevin Gameiro selves," Emery said. "The pARis, ApRiL 14 (Ap): scored twice to help Se- best part of the season is Mercedes tore into rival lead to three points with five drid with Barcelona anoth- mer's World Cup. He showed no signs villa win a bad-tempered still to come. If we work team Red Bull at an appeal rounds to play as it closes in er point behind. Defender on what would be its first Diego Godin gave Atletico of slowing down as he de- derby at 10-man Real Betis hard we will enjoy it." court hearing Monday over the lead in the 40th before ployed the same physical 2-0 and stay in the hunt for The loss left Betis lan- the disqualification of Danleague title in 18 years. Costa slammed into the Getafe's Alexis Ruano was style of play that has made Spain's final Champions guishing in last place, some iel Ricciardo at the Austrapost while poking in his 26th dismissed with a red card him the revelation of the League berth. Gameiro 10 points from safety with lian Grand Prix. goal of the season in the 84th in the 66th for pulling Mi- league this season, earning converted a penalty in the five rounds to go. Valencia Red Bull argued that minute, opening a cut on his randa down in the area, three fouls and two yellow 30th after Juan Carlos Perez goalkeeper Vicente Guaita race officials should not left shin and requiring the with goalkeeper Jordi Co- cards for Getafe's defend- was sent off for fouling Car- saved a penalty to ensure a have stripped Ricciardo stadium's medical crew to dina saving Diego Costa's ers in the first half hour. los Bacca. Gameiro added 2-1 win at home over Elche. of his second-place finish, carry him off the pitch while penalty and Raul Garcia's And after Codina blocked another goal in the 82nd. Pablo Piatti and Dani Pare- and the 18 points that go he covered his face and muf- follow-up try. Atletico then his penalty kick, Costa kept Sevilla's victory moved it jo scored for Valencia with with it, for breaching Forapplied the same stout de- hustling and got his chance to within three points of Ferran "Coro" Corominas mula One's new rules on fled his screams. While his teammates fense that it used to elimi- to pull to within two goals fourth-place Athletic Bil- getting Elche's goal. Espan- fuel usage. Representing looked distraught as he nate Barcelona from the of league leader Cristiano bao before the Basque side yol defender Diego Colotto Red Bull, lawyer Ali Malek writhed on the pitch, Atletico Champions League this Ronaldo when he slid to hosts Malaga on Monday. scored two minutes from argued to the InternationUnai Emery's Sevilla time to salvage a 2-2 draw at al Court of Appeal in Paris said less than 10 minutes af- week to keep Getafe in the meet Adrian Lopez's cross. The goal came at a high continues to have a strong home with Rayo Vallecano. that a fuel sensor used on ter the match on Twitter that relegation zone. "This was a "luckily Diego Costa only has tough rival to beat because price, with his cries heard second half of the season Christian Stuani opened Ricciardo's car was "obvia cut after hitting the post." a lot was on the line," Go- across the pitch at Alonso with eight wins in the last for Espanyol before Iago ously unreliable" and that "He's fine, calm, a cut doesn't din said. "(And) the victory Perez Coliseum following nine rounds as it aims for a Falque and Joaquin Lar- his disqualification was do any more harm," Atletico is a bitter one for what hap- his brutal collision with the return to Europe's top-tier rivey scored for Rayo. based on a "flawed and in-
to the final of the WSA Gold 50 event at The Downtown Club at the Met. El Sherbini was quick share her joy with her Facebook fans. "So happy to win my 4th and my
biggest title in my career in the Texas Open -it's been an amazing week here started from the first round of the qualification," she posted on her facebook page.
Paris court hears Red Bull appeal in fuel dispute correct" interpretation of F1 rules. At the March 16 race, officials for governing body FIA ruled that Ricciardo's car "consistently" exceeded fuel-flow rules which restrict usage to no more than 100 kilograms per hour at any time. Lawyer Paul Harris, acting for Mercedes, argued to the court that Red Bull was in "flagrant breach" of F1 rules. Harris accused Red Bull of knowingly and repeatedly ignoring instructions from FIA official Fabrice Lom to turn down the fuel flow to Ricciardo's engine, because the team did not want to slow down its Australian driver. Harris said FIA-approved sensors that teams are supposed to use
to measure their rates of fuel usage are "rigorously tested and rigorously calibrated." He also argued that Red Bull's own alternative system which the team used to measure Ricciardo's fuel use is not "100 percent" accurate. "Red Bull thinks it is entitled to pick and choose between the measurements," Harris said. FIA lawyer Jonathan Taylor argued to the court that the "essence" of sport is that all competitors abide by the same rules. "A team cannot pick and choose," he said. Red Bull confirmed to the court that it initially turned down the fuel flow in Ricciardo's car during the race, because Lom asked the team to do so.
Liverpool in charge of Tired Chelsea still in title hunt Premier League title race
Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho right, celebrates with teammate Steven Gerrard left, after he scores the third goal of the game for his side during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City at Anfield in Liverpool, England, Sunday April. 13. (AP Photo)
LiVERpOOL, ApRiL 14(Ap): Liverpool took command of the captivating Premier League title race by beating Manchester City 3-2 in a match of wide-ranging emotions at Anfield, although the destiny of the trophy is also in Chelsea's hands after its win at Swansea on Sunday. Hull's 5-3 victory over third-tier Sheffield United in the second FA Cup semifinal, which set up a meeting with Arsenal in the final, was overshadowed by the latest installment in the fight for the league title that still has some way to run. Seeking a first championship in 24 years, Liverpool is the favorite after taking its winning streak to 10 games thanks to Philippe Coutinho's match-clinching strike in the 78th minute against City. Tears were shed by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as he embraced his teammates and made a rousing speech at the end of an emotional contest that was played to a backdrop of tributes marking
the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans died. "We live with Hillsborough every day — the families and the victims are in our thoughts every day," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. "It was an inspiration for us, rather than something that held us back." While thirdplaced City, which is seven points behind Liverpool with two games in hand, is relying on a slip-up from the rampant leaders, second-placed Chelsea is in charge of its own fate after Demba Ba's goal secured a 1-0 win in south Wales. Liverpool is two points clear of Chelsea with four games each left but the pair meet at Anfield in two weeks in what is likely to be a defining match in the race for the title. If Chelsea takes anything from that game, City is back in the frame and will capture the league by winning all of its remaining games. "It is not the end of the Premier League," City
manager Manuel Pellegrini said. "The most important thing today is now it is not dependent what we do in the future." Ba's winner in the 68th minute — a leftfoot strike from the edge of the area — ended Swansea's stubborn resistance, with the hosts forced to play most of the match with 10 men following the 16thminute dismissal of Chico Flores for two yellow cards. It capped a successful week for Ba, who scored a late goal in Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal against Paris SaintGermain to put Chelsea into the last four. At Wembley Stadium, Hull twice came from behind to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in its 110-year history and stay on course to win its first major trophy. Arsenal beat second-tier Wigan in a penalty shootout on Saturday and is one more win away from ending a nineyear trophy drought. "All the pressure is on Arsenal," Hull manager Steve Bruce said. "They haven't won anything for years." Hull was transformed after halftime, with Matty Fryatt equalizing for 2-2 before Tom Huddlestone and Stephen Quinn gave the northeast team what appeared to be a comfortable cushion. Even though Jamie Murphy pulled a late goal back for United, David Meyler quickly responded to secure Hull's first trip to a major final. Even if Hull beats Arsenal, the story of the season is likely to remain Liverpool's resurgence to the top of the English game, which the club dominated in the 1970s and '80s. Thousands of Liverpool fans lined the streets outside Anfield hours before kickoff to cheer the team bus into the ground and the sea of flags, scarves and banners in the iconic Kop stand harked back to the club's glory days.
LONDON, ApRiL 14 (REutERs): Chelsea struggled to break down 10-man Swansea City on Sunday because of their "physically and emotionally draining" Champions League victory over Paris St Germain in midweek, coach Steve Holland said. Chelsea toiled to a 1-0 Premier League win against a Swansea side, who had defender Chico Flores sent off after just 16 minutes, thanks to a second-half goal from Demba Ba. It was the second time in five days that the Senegal forward has proved decisive after his late strike against PSG put Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals. "We played in the Champions League in the week, and it was a physically and emotionally draining game," the assistant coach, standing in for manager Jose Mourinho, told the BBC. "It was difficult to go again, but we stuck to it and came through," Holland added.
Chelsea's Oscar., left, is tackled by Swansea City's Leon Britton during their English Premier League match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea Wales Sunday April 13. (AP Photo)
Sunday's victory moved Chelsea to 75 points, two behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who they play in a potentially deci-
sive clash on April 27, and five ahead of third-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand. Chelsea were lethargic
for large periods in south Wales and struggled to break down a stubborn Swansea side whose task was made much more difficult when
Nagaland State “A” Chess Premier 2014 underway Our Correspondent Kohima | April 14
A four day long 14th Nagaland State “A” Chess Premier 2014 got underway here today at Red Cross Society Conference Hall under the aegis of Nagaland Chess Association (NCA). The tournament was formally inaugurated by Thejao Vihienuo, State Mission Director, Rashtriya Madhyamik Abhiyan, Nagaland. Speaking on the occasion, Vihienuo asserted that the game of chess is gaining popularity. He said it helps develop decision making, planning and also acts as a problem solving mechanism. It also helps improve concentration and memory, independence and imagination as well as improving creativity in the play and also improve selfmotivation and self- es-
Thejao Vihienuo inaugurating Nagaland State “A” Chess Premier 2014 in Kohima on Monday. (Morung Photo)
teem, he added. Today, he said, chess is finding its way in the curriculum of school education. Also lauding the efforts and initiatives of the NCA in promoting chess in the state, he encouraged the Association to take the game to the educational
institutions by conducting chess tournaments at the school level and also getting women involved in the games. He was of the view that if chess is taken to the school level a lot of changes will take place in the mind of the children. Earlier, NCA president
K. Sekhamo delivered the welcome address. Special number was presented by Besuto Nienu while vote of thanks was proposed by NCA general secretary Denis Angami. Azaina Haikam compered the inaugural function. The tournament will go on till April 17.
Flores was sent off after receiving two early bookings. The London club finally made the breakthrough in the 68th minute when Ba, rewarded with a rare start after his Champions League heroics, hit a low shot that bobbled past Swansea keeper Michel Vorm. "I've been here three times with Chelsea without winning before today," Holland said. "Swansea can frustrate you. They're good at retaining possession. "With the game at 0-0, they've got everybody behind the ball every minute of the game. You've got four defenders, four midfielders and one attacker to get through. "We had total control of the game, but still had to find a way through. When you do that, the spaces are there." Captain John Terry said their patient approach after the sending-off proved crucial. "Patience was the key today," he told Sky Sports.
NTF champ's in 7th Asian Taekwondo C'ship DimApuR, ApRiL 14 (mExN): Menuodilhou Maurice Usou & Obed Khiamniungan from Nagaland Taekwon-Do Federation (NTF) got selected for the upcoming 7th Asian Taekwondo Championships to be held from April 18 to 23 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Sports Council, Kathmandu, Nepal. A press note informed that both the participants are all set for the Asian C'ship, where they will be participating in their respective weight category viz: (65-72) kg & (50-57) kg. They were trained under Yimkongniken Aonok and Sujit Roy.
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he 2014 MTV Movie Awards were handed out Sunday at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The night kicked off with Jared Leto winning biggest on-screen transformation for Dallas Buyers Club -- a role for which he also earned an Oscar earlier this year. “The Academy is really prestigious but this is unique because everybody has the right to vote and you get people from all over the world that chime in and say whatever you want to say so it means a lot,” Leto backstage of his win. “It’s nice to be able to get up on stage and to thank people directly.” C o na n O ' B r i e n hosted the event, which aired live on MTV. Mark Wahlberg and Channing Tatum also were honored during the ceremony. Also during the show, new clips of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Fault in Our Stars debuted.
Talented twosome: Rihanna and Eminem made sure to delight the A-list audience at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre on Sunday night when they performed their latest track, The Monster, live on television for the first time
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around saying he was the Messiah. That’s why he was crucified. He was crucified because he said he was the Son of God. 'So, he either, in my view, was the Son of God or he was nuts... And I find it hard to accept that whole millions and millions of lives, half He is known for his the Earth, for 2,000 years forthright views. But while have been touched, have U2's Bono can command felt their lives touched and the attention of world leadinspired by some nutter. I ers, the Nobel Peace Prize just, I don’t believe it.'Aside winner has revealed he gets from his prolific music cahis inner strength from Jereer, Bono is an avid phisus. The singer-humanilanthropist and social entarian, who has been seen trepreneur. attending Presbyterian serIn 2002 he co-foundvices, says he and his family ed DATA, an AIDS and pray to 'the risen Jesus' on poverty awareness orgaan outsized family bed. nization that would go on to create ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History. Before Bono introduced Stevie Wonder in New York's Global Citizen Festival last year, he performed at the event, whose mission it is to end p over ty w orldwide. Bono was one of the invite d guests to speak on a panel at the Clinton Global Initiative event in New York City last year and did a spot-on impression of the former US president. His faith has been an ongoing factor in his advocacy work, and it even cropped up in the lyrics of some Famous father: U2 front man Bono, of his most famous with wife Ali (L) and daughters Eve and U2 hits including I Jordan (far right) Still Haven't Found Opening up about his pray.' What I'm Looking For, When asked who he Tomorrow and The Wanreligious views, the singer, 53, revealed that he and prays to and for what, derer. wife Ali Hewson, and four Bono replied: 'The risen JeWhen Bono and his children Eve, Jordan, Eli- sus.' He said: '[Jesus] went family want to worship,
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BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE BEST MUSICAL MOMENT Backstreet Boys, Jay Baruchel, Jennifer Lawrence, The Hunger Seth Rogen and Craig Robinson perGames: Catching Fire form in Heaven, This is the End BEST MALE PERFORMANCE Josh Hutcherson, The Hunger THE GENERATION AWARD Mark Wahlberg Games: Catching Fire BRE AKTHROUGH PERFORBEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR The Hunger Games: Catching Fire MANCE Will Poulter, We're the Millers BEST ON-SCREEN TRANSFORMABEST SCARED AS-S*** PERFORTION MANCE Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club Brad Pitt, World War Z BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE BEST ONSCREEN DUO Jonah Hill, The Wolf Of Wall Street Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, Fast & Furious 6 BEST VILLAIN Mila Kunis, Oz The Great And BEST CAMEO PERFORMANCE Powerful Rihanna, This Is The End BEST SHIRTLESS PERFORMANCE BEST HERO Zac Efron, That Awkward MoHenry Cavill as Clark Kent, Man ment of Steel TRAILBLAZER AWARD #WTF MOMENT Channing Tatum Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street THE BEST KISS Will Poulter Jennifer Aniston, and FAVOURITE CHARACTER Shailene Woodley, Divergent Emma Roberts, We're The Millers
The ultimate Grecian goddess: Ellie Goulding went rocked two Grecianinspired ensembles.
U2's Bono reveals he worships with his family on a giant bed jah and John Hewson, hold impromptu prayer sessions in honour of sick members of the family and those generally struggling in life. In an interview with Ireland's RTE One, the rock star said: 'I pray to get to know the will of God, because then the prayers have more chance of coming true, I mean, that’s the thing about prayer,' Bono told interviewer Gay Byrne. He added: 'We don't do it in a very lofty way in our family. It’s just a bunch of us on the bed, usually, we’ve a very big bed in our house. We pray with all our kids, we read the Scriptures, we
15 April 2014
MTV movie awards 2014 winners list
'We pray to the risen Jesus' C M Y K
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they read Scriptures, go to church or sometimes just pile into bed and pray, he says. He said: 'We read the scriptures and sometimes we just slip into church as it's ending and find some peace and quiet and say our own prayers.'
She bounced back fast! In her first public sighting since giving birth, Gwen Stefani showed off a very svelte post-pregnancy bod while performing on stage with Pharrell at Coachella on Saturday
Vision in white: Lorde strayed from her usual grunge meets gothic look as she took to the stage at Coachella in an all-white ensemble.
Rowan Atkinson Splits From Wife B ritish actor Rowan Atkinson has split from his wife of 23 years, according to U.K. reports. The Mr. Bean star is said to have separated from his longtime partner, Sunetra, after a period of estrangement. Atkinson has yet to confirm the split rumours, but he fuelled the gossip last week (ends13Apr14) when he was photographed enjoying an outing to a garden centre in London with actress Louise Ford, 31. The 59-year-old funnyman appeared on stage with Ford last year (13) in a West End production of Quartermaine's Terms.
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Josh Duhamel Cleans Up Park For Volunteer Drive
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ctor Josh Duhamel got his hands dirty by helping New Yorkers clean up the city's Franz Sigel Park as part of a new volunteer initiative. The Transformers star cleared litter and hauled new soil and woodchip material to invigorate the inner-city park in the Bronx area of the Big Apple on Saturday (12Apr14). The clean-up was part
of painkiller company Advil's Relief in Action drive, which promotes volunteer services across the U.S. The star says, Rather than putting on a suit and going to events, I wanted to actually do something, and Advil's Relief in Action is really about getting people to participate in the community and we're hoping people will pledge... to volunteer.
LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT - AND WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR IDEA OF A ‘VIBRANT LIFE’ THROUGH YOUR LENS. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, ON THE THEME ‘VIBRANT LIFE’, WITH AN EXPLANATORY CAPTION BY AUGUST 30, 2014 TO opinion2mex@gmail.com. SELECTED PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE MORUNG EXPRESS 2015 CALENDAR.
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Oscar Pistorius:
‘I Did Not Fire at Reeva!’
Reeva Steenkamp. File Photo
PrETOrIA, APrIL 14 (AgENcIES): Oscar Pistorius has broken down on the stand for a second time today, as the prosecution continues its attempts to slowly tear apart his version of the night he shot and killed Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius claims he thought an intruder was in his home that night, and that in his fear of a perceived attacker, fired four times through a closed cubicle door. State prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked about the noise Pistorius heard that made him believe someone was in the en suite bathroom. Armed with his gun in the passageway between his bedroom and the bathroom, Pistorius said he wanted to chase these perceived intruders out of his house to protect Steenkamp. Nel then asked if Pistorius if he wanted to do to them what he'd done "to the watermelon". Last week, the court was shown a video of the athlete firing on a watermelon with a high powered gun, exploding it. The athlete said he did not want to do such a thing to the intruder. Pistorius had already shouted in the passageway, and when Nel asked him what he said, Pis-
torius began weeping again. Through tears he relayed what he had said: "get the f*ck out of my house, get the f*ck out of my house." He turned away from the court, tears in his eyes, and the court adjourned for him to compose himself. When Pistorius returned, Nel accused the athlete of screaming for Steenkamp to get out of his house, not these perceived robbers. Nel said this was why he had started to cry at the mention of the shouting. Pistorius said he became emotional because of the traumatising nature of the night of the shooting. The athlete was then asked what he said to Steenkamp when he thought someone was in the house. Pistorius said he was unable to remember exactly what he'd shouted at the model, but said it closely resembled: "Reeva, call the police." Nel said it didn't make sense that just seconds prior, Pistorius had been whispering to her, and the situation had not changed. Pistorius said he hadn't screamed before because he was concerned for the couple's safety. The athlete then told the court of how after entering
the bathroom, he could see slightly better because of the ambient light from outside. Pistorius said he peered inside to see if someone was inside to ambush him. Then he said he started shouting again. But Nel pointed out that the athlete had failed to mention the second noise - the sound of the cubicle door shutting - that had perturbed him so much. Pistorius insisted he had mentioned that he had heard this noise in the passage. However, Nel was insistent Pistorius had not. Pistorius said he'd heard the cubicle door slam after screaming at Steenkamp but before he'd entered the bathroom. Nel asked if Pistorius was convinced the sound was indeed the door slamming, which the athlete confirmed. Pistorius said he'd thought someone inside had kicked or bumped the door closed. When he arrived in the bathroom, Pistorius saw the bathroom window open and the toilet door closed. Nel once again asked why such an important detail about the door slamming was not in his bail application. Pistorius again said he was not sure. "It's even more devastating for your story that it's not in your plea explanation," Nel went on. "I put it to you, it's because you never said it to your counsel." The lawyer then referred to Pistorius' bail affidavit, where no mention of the door slamming was evident. "There are many things that I told my counsel that are not in there," said Pistorius. The athlete then moved on to his thoughts as he walked into the bathroom and saw the toilet door closed. He said he was scared anyone could come out and attack him. Pistorius said he then heard a noise inside the toilet, of "wood moving", or possibly the door opening. "As I heard the noise, I fired," said Pistorius.
Britain's Prince William holds the Cricket World Cup trophy as his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, smiles during a promotional event at Latimer Square during their visit to Christchurch, New Zealand, Monday, April 14. (AP Photo)
Argentine club named for Pope Francis opens play
LUJAN, APrIL 14 (AP): A new Argentine football team named after Pope Francis and meant to promote nonviolence has played it first official match in a regional league — a 2-2 draw that saw four players sent off. The Papa Francisco team was founded by Jorge Ramirez, an admirer of the pope. It has 47 members and was set up in meetings at Ramirez's house, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Buenos Aires, shortly after the archbishop of the city, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, was named pope. Pope Francis is an avid football fan and a supporter of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo. He has no official connection to the Papa Francisco club. The semi-professional team plays in the lower regions of the Argentine league system, and chose the nickname: "The Saint of the South." The behavior on the pitch in the first game against Trefules wasn't particularly saintly, though, as two players from each team were
Ernesto Ortiz, from the new semi-professional soccer team "Papa Francisco," or Pope Francis, kneels and gestures to the sky after missing a chance to score against Trefules during their debut game in Lujan, Argentina, Saturday, April 12, 2014. The team named in honor of the Argentine pontiff chose the colors of the Vatican flag for their uniforms. (AP Photo)
sent off. "Our motto is no hooligans, Ramirez, the club president. no violence and no insults," said The club could serve as a much-
needed antidote for Argentine football, which is plagued at all levels by violence and hooligan groups known in Spanish as "barras bravas." Violence is endemic in the Argentine game, and the Argentine Football Association has been criticized for doing little to stamp it out. The club was almost named Real Buenos Aires, in honor of the famous Spanish club Real Madrid, but eventually the idea of naming a club to honor the Argentina-born pope prevailed. The first match was played appropriately in Lujan, a site revered by local Roman Catholics. Its famous Basilica of Our Lady of Lujan could be glimpsed from the playing field. Several players acknowledged it may be difficult to always be on their best behavior. But's is clear they will try. "It will be a complicated thing if we insult others," midfielder Fabian Gaddi said. "But the pope is Argentine and he knows and understands us."
Pacers continue to eye top seed in East Domenicali quits as Ferrari team principal
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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, right, fouls Indiana Pacers guard C.J. Watson as he grabs a rebound in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 13, 2014. Ibaka was also charged with a technical after complaining about the foul call. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 102-97. (AP Photo)
INDIANAPOLIS, APrIL 14 (AP): The Pacers were back to being themselves Sunday. They made shots. They defended hard for 48 minutes. Lance Stephenson regained his swagger and, yes, the reeling Pacers even looked like a playoff-ready team. David West made three free throws in the final 15 seconds and Stephenson produced his league-leading fifth triple-double to give Indiana a 102-97 win over Oklahoma City 102-97, putting the Pacers on the cusp of clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. "We're going to treat it (the season finale) like a playoff game. We have to get
that No. 1 spot," Stephenson said. "That's what we wanted from the beginning of the season so we have to take it, not get it, we have to take it." All they need is a win Wednesday night at Orlando or one more Miami loss. The Heat visit Washington on Monday and host Philadelphia on Wednesday. It's been a wild secondhalf ride for Indiana (5526), which held the top spot in the East from opening night in October until the last week of March. When the Pacers beat the Heat on March 26, they had a threegame lead and a seemingly firm grasp on home-court advantage. As the losses mounted, though, Miami
charged back and finally took the top spot on March 31. But rather than pulling away, the two-time defending champs gave the lead right back. Miami retook a one-half game by beating the Pacers at home Friday, then fell into a tie with Indiana after losing Saturday night in Atlanta. The Pacers went into Sunday's game with six losses in eight games and the knowledge that all they had to do was win their last two - because they have a better conference record than the Heat. So just like that, Indiana flipped the switch and got back to looking the a championship contender.
Six players reached double figures including West, who had 21, and Stephenson, who had 17 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. He broke Detlef Schrempf 's franchise record for most triple doubles in a season (four in 1992-93). "He's a big part of our personality, a big part of our edge, a fan favorite with good reason and he's one of the head coach's favorites," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said after getting a low-five from Stephenson after a late 3-pointer. Paul George finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds and C.J. Watson scored a season high 20 points. The Pacers didn't even need much from Roy Hibbert, who had six rebounds, no points and was 0 for 9 from the field. The Thunder (58-22) shot 42.9 percent from the field, were 7 of 28 on 3-pointers and were outrebounded 46-32. NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant had 38 points and Russell Westbrook had 21 as they rallied Oklahoma City from a 10-point deficit over the final seven minutes. The Thunder, who were trying to lock up the No. 2 seed in the West, have no doubt Indiana can play with the best in the NBA. "What's surprising to me is the people who are down on them," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "In an 82-game season, you're going to have some tough times. Unfortunately for them, they're having it late in the season. But all it takes is a game or two to get back on." What changed for the Pacers, aside from returning to their home court?
MArANELLO, APrIL 14 (AP): Stefano Domenicali resigned as Ferrari team principal on Monday and will be replaced by Marco Mattiacci, president of Ferrari North America. Domenicali stepped down after six years in charge following a poor start to the season. "There are particular moments in everyone's professional life in which you have to have the courage to make difficult and very agonizing decisions," Domenicali said. "It's time to make an important change. As chief, I take on the responsibility of the situation we are in. It's a decision made with the desire to do something to shake things up and for the good of this group." Domenicali replaced Jean Todt at the end 2007 and helped Ferrari win the constructors' championship in his first year in charge. However, the team has failed to secure a driver's title
Stefano Domenicali. (AP File Photo)
under his guidance. Felipe Massa was close in 2008, while Fernando Alonso lost out in the final race in 2010 and again two years later. Ferrari has not won a race since Alonso's victory at the Spanish Grand Prix almost a year ago, the team's worst run in nearly 20 years. It was hoped the new changes
to the sport would help turn the tide but Ferrari has remained off the pace. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo attended his first grand prix of the season this month in Bahrain, where he watched Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen finish ninth and 10th, respectively. "I thank Stefano Domenicali, not only for his constant dedication and effort, but also for the great sense of responsibility he has shown, even today, in always putting the interests of Ferrari above all else," Di Montezemolo said. "I hold Domenicali in esteem and I have watched him grow professionally over the 23 years we have worked together, I now wish him every success for the future. "I also want to wish all the best to Marco Mattiacci, whom I know to be a highly regarded manager and who knows the company well. He has accepted this challenge with enthusiasm."
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