16th March 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 71

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www.morungexpress.com

It takes vision and courage to create - it takes faith and courage to prove

Indian diplomat re-indicted in US visa fraud case

[ PAGE 2]

By Sandemo Ngullie

Your favorite televangelist is a very, very effective, and highly skilled salesman, na?

PWD (NH) clarifies to contractors KOHIMA, MARCH 15 (MExN): The Public Works Department (NH) has clarified to contractors that “As per the standard bidding document of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, it is mandatory that the work should be allotted to the technically qualified bidder who offered the lowest rate.” Chief Engineer PWD (NH), Er. V. Kehie, in a press release also pointed out that “If the rate is substantially low and unrealistic, the employer is bound to obtain his analysis of rate and bank guarantee of the unbalance amount should be deposited within 21 days.” Further, “The department is strictly following the specification and maintaining the quality of work, if found otherwise, the contract will be cancelled and the contractor is liable for punishment to the extent of debarring from future bidding process and his BG for the unbalanced bid will be forfeited.” This came with a reference to the news item on “strict monitoring mechanism” wherein contractors have expressed that “they have no option but to compromise with quality and quantity of work due to unsolicited tax and the cost below the schedule of rate.”

ASU submits representation to education minister

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reflections

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Repentance, forgiveness and thanksgiving

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Sunday, March 16, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Owen D. Young

Hamilton takes pole at Australian GP [ PAGE 12]

MH370 Disappearance Deliberate Dimapur-KA border KUALA LUMPUR, MARCH 15 (AP): The missing Malaysian jetliner was deliberately diverted and continued flying for more than six hours after severing contact with the ground, meaning it could have gone as far northwest as Kazakhstan or into the Indian Ocean’s southern reaches, Malaysia’s leader said Saturday.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s statement confirmed days of mounting speculation that the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 to Beijing more than a week ago was not accidental. It also refocused the investigation into the flight’s crew and passengers, and underlined the complicated task for searchers who already have been scouring vast areas of ocean.

“Clearly the search for MH370 has entered a new phase,” Najib said at a televised news conference. Najib stressed that investigators were looking into all possibilities as to why the Boeing 777 deviated so drastically from its original flight path, saying authorities could not confirm whether it was a hijacking.

“In view of this latest development, the Malaysian authorities have refocused their investigation into the crew and passengers on board,” Najib told reporters, reading from a written statement but not taking any questions. Police on Saturday went to the Kuala Lumpur homes of both the pilot and co-pilot of the missing plane, according to a guard and several local reporters.

One possibility they have raised was that one of the pilots wanted to commit suicide. The plane was carrying 239 people when it departed for an overnight flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing at 12:40 a.m. on March 8. Its communications with civilian air controllers were severed at about 1:20 a.m., and the jet went missing — heralding one of the most puzzling mysteries in modern aviation history.

China, where the bulk of the passengers were from, expressed irritation over what it described

Malaysian jetliner was deliberately diverted and continued flying for more than six hours after losing contact with the ground

A foam plane with messages and other cards with personalized messages dedicated to people involved with the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner MH370, is placed at the viewing gallery at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 15 in Sepang, Malaysia. The Malaysian passenger jet missing for more than a week had its communications deliberately disabled and its last signal came about seven and a half hours after takeoff, meaning it could have ended up as far as Kazakhstan or deep in the southern Indian Ocean, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Saturday. (AP Photo)

as Malaysia’s foot-dragging in releasing information about the search. Investigators now have a high degree of certainty that one of the plane’s communications systems — the Aircraft and Communications Addressing and Reporting System — was disabled before the aircraft reached the east coast of Malaysia, Najib said.

Shortly afterward, someone on board switched off the aircraft’s transponder, which communicates with civilian air traffic controllers.

Najib confirmed that Malaysian air force defense radar picked up traces of the plane turning back westward, crossing over Penin-

sular Malaysia into the northern stretches of the Strait of Malacca.

Authorities previously had said this radar data could not be verified. “These movements are consistent with deliberate action by someone on the plane,” Najib said. Although the aircraft was flying virtually blind to air traffic controllers at this point, onboard equipment continued to send “pings” to satellites.

The prime minister said the last confirmed signal between the plane and a satellite came at 8:11 a.m. — 7 hours and 31 minutes after takeoff. This was more than five hours later than the previous time given by Malaysian authorities as

the possible last contact. Airline officials have said the plane had enough fuel to fly for up to about eight hours. “The investigations team is making further calculations which will indicate how far the aircraft may have flown after this last point of contact,” Najib said.

Fourteen countries are involved in the search for the plane, using 43 ships and 58 aircraft.

A U.S. P-8A Poseidon, the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world, was to arrive over the weekend and sweep parts of the Indian Ocean, the U.S. Defense Department said in a statement.

area remains tense Morung Express News Dimapur | March 15

An incident of arson was reported on March 15 in the Dimapur-Karbi Anglong disputed border area during which an encampment of huts was burned at a place said to fall under Dhansiri Reserve Forest.

The incident occurred at dawn at Khukhuri Basti near the Rangapahar Border Outpost of the Assam Police, the Assam Police informed. The Additional Superintendent of Police (Border), Diphu, said that around 90-100 people, allegedly from Nagaland, set afire nine thatched structures.

Two of the structures were dwelling houses while the rest were huts. The perpetrators retreated when police reached the scene, it was added.

According to another source, the two houses were owned by an unnamed individual with close links to a Naga armed group. The owner however is not Naga, the source said. Though no arrests were made with regard to the incident, two persons were named as suspects. One Bindu Debnath alias Kala and one Sunil Dutta led the group of people, the ASP (Border) said. Debnath alias Kala, according to the ASP (Border), is an employee of the Military Engineering Services.

In two other incidents during the day, five people were arrested from two separate locations along the DimapurKarbi Anglong border, allegedly for clearing jungle. Two who are said to be minors, were later released.

The ASP (Border) said that two minors were picked up from the Disapur area under Dillai police outpost. The other three were arrested from Nagaon Basti, near the Rangapahar Army Cantonment, around

afternoon. The unnamed trio was taken to Diphu police station, the ASP (Border) said.

Indefinite Karbi Anglong bandh from today

An indefinite Karbi Anglong bandh has been called beginning 5:00 am, March 16.

The bandh has been called by the Karbi Anglong Kave Arat. It is not related to the DimapurKarbi Anglong border issue, sources informed, but to a land dispute between locals and the Assam Forest department. The former have been accused of occupying parts of Diphu Reserve Forest.

According to a PTI report, police today opened fire to disperse a mob which allegedly attempted to occupy forest land and settle on it in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. There was no casualty or injury during in the firing. More than one thousand people armed with sharp weapons gathered in the Forest land near Diphu and attempted to occupy it but police rushed to the spot and asked them to clear the area but they refused following which they were tear-gassed and fired upon, police sources said. The police claimed that there was no injury or casualty in the firing and the people also dispersed from the area. The situation in the area was currently tense but under control, the sources said, adding four persons have been arrested by police in this connection. Some people had earlier attempted to encroach forest land near Diphu on March 13 but police and forest officials rushed to the spot and stopped them, police said. A meeting was held yesterday to discuss the matter. In the meeting the Forest officials maintained that the land belonged to the Forest department and it will not be given for human settlement.

With PTI inputs

ls Polls: ncP resolve to support rio Music stands by Solidarity, Hope & Faith

Morung Express News Dimapur | March 15

The Nagaland State NCP has resolved to support Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, and DAN consensus candidate in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and also to extend full support to the NPF-led DAN government in the post-poll (Lok Sabha elections) scenario in Nagaland. The decision was arrived Saturday evening after a NCP Nagaland State co-ordination meeting held here at Hotel Saramati.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, the newly appointed State NCP

president and legislator, Imtilemba Sangtam and NCP party legislature leader, Dr. TM Lotha informed that the decision to support Rio in the parliamentary elections was taken mainly on the issue of the protracted Naga political problem. Both the leaders also informed that the decision was based on the advice and directive of the National NCP. Both the NCP leaders were of the view that Rio, who has been taking initiatives for settlement of the Naga problem, is the fittest Naga leader to persuade and impress central leaders to bring about an hon-

ourable and acceptable solution to the decades-old Naga political issue.

Dr. TM Lotha said that the Naga political issue is on Rio’s “finger tips” and that only a tall leader like Rio can convince the Delhi leaders to bring solution without “any pre-condition.”

Today’s meeting also resolved to strengthen the NCP not only in the State level but the district level and grass roots and towards this end, the new State NCP president, Imtilemba, said that the party would go on overdrive to revamp the party after the Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting also expressed gratitude to the central NCP leaders for appointing Imtilemba as the new State president, for elevating former State NCP president, Neiba Ndang, to the post of national secretary and appointing NCP legislator, Mhonlumo Kikon, as the election observer for North East Region.

Among others, State NCP general secretary (administration), Miathou Krose, president Nationalist Youth Congress, Chonben Yanthan, state NCP vice president, Er. TL Semdok and State secretary, Mrs. Alem, attended the meeting.

Nagaland joins ‘My Space, My unManifesto’ Morung Express News Dimapur | March 15

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Nagaland has joined the one of its kind ‘unManifesto’ campaign – a nationwide youth driven movement aimed at creating people-sourced manifestos for political parties. The campaign was initiated by Delhibased ‘Community – The Youth Collective’ and is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with 30 different groups and organisations spread across the country.

The concept of the campaign is to encourage political parties to incorporate the wishes and desires of the youth in its party manifestos, while making the process of creating manifestos democratic and people-centric.

Current predications suggest the youth population of India will reach the half-a-billion mark by the turn of the next decade. Figures suggest that the youth had a healthy representation in the first and second Lok Sabhas at 26 percent and 32 percent respectively. It has now dwindled to 6.3 percent.

The campaign further seeks to abolish the negative impression most young Indians have of politics (‘as a dirty game’) by thrusting them to the forefront of the political sphere. Encouraging more young adult Indians to vote (though not blindly) is a means to the end, the campaign believes.

In Nagaland, the movement is spearheaded by the Youngs’ Club, The Naga Blog, Peace Channel and Youth Net. On March 15, a 10-point

‘unmanifesto’, sourced and selected from thousands of entries put up by the youth, was handed over to political parties active in Nagaland.

An interactive session set on the lines of a panel discussion was the highlight of the event held at the IMC Hall, Dimapur. Secretary of the NPF Central Youth Wing, Kraiba Chawang; president of the Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress, Joshua Swu; and the NCP’s youth wing president, Chonben Yanthan were on the panel.

The focal points of the event were the unprecedented amount of money spent by candidates during elections and corruption. “Who is to blame? Is it the politicians, who circulate money and liquor to buy votes; or is it the voters, who sell their right to politicians,” was central to the discussions.

Sing for a Cause- In aid of displaced Rengma children of KA

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Nise Meruno, Alobo Naga, Joey Woch and other musicians came together at the Rengma Baptist Church, Khermahal, on March 15, to sing in support of the displaced Rengma children of Karbi Anglong (Photo by Betoka Swu)

Morung Express News Dimapur | March 15

A group of artistes and concerned youth full heartedly embraced the cause of the Rengma children in crisis struck Karbi Anglong.

This evening, at Rengma Baptist Church, Khermahal, renowned and acclaimed Naga musicians, Alobo Naga and the Band, Zowe Madrigal led by Nise Meruno and guitarist Joey Woch staged a music concert. The total proceeds will go towards the welfare of the displaced Rengma children particularly for their health, food, education, and clothing aspects. Spark Venture Production, a non-profit social organization, organized the fund raising concert on the theme ‘Light Your World’.

As numerous Rengmas of Karbi Anglong are languishing in two relief camps in Bokajan sub-division in

Karbi Anglong, the local NGO along with the musicians came forward to express solidarity to those dislodged from their homes following the recent violence. It was also mentioned that the concept for ‘Light Your World’ concert was originally initiated by the artistes themselves.

An impressive crowd turned up for the event, expressing their concern for the plight of the Rengmas of Karbi Anglong. Nagaland Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, Er. Levi Rengma, and Parliamentary secretary for veterinary and animal husbandry (V&AH), Yitachu, were also present and exhorted the gathering.

During the show, singer Alobo Naga attested to the crowd that when our Naga brothers and sisters are suffering, it is our duty to help. “We as Nagas, we are one,” he shouted out.

It was also a special moment when world-class renowned musician

peaking to The Morung Express, Obed Kath, member of Spark Venture Production (SVP), said that the production team of SVP has been given charge of the funds raised in the concert. He also stated that information is yet to be collected on the approximate number of Displaced Rengma children; how exactly the funds would be distributed and used is yet unplanned. This, he explained, was due to the fact that it was unknown how much fund would be raised eventually.

However, “it is our intention to utilize the funds raised and make its distribution transparent for everyone to see,” he said.

Nise Meruno, sang the Anthem of the event ‘Light Your World.’ Earlier, Nise shared with The Morung Express that as he was preparing for the concert, he was inspired to write a song not just to serve as the theme song but a personal letter to all the children signed with a big hug. Deeply moved, the artist said, “It’s a love letter to the children from a heart that truly cares. I will be thrilled to know my song/letter has made them dream again.”

As he sang the Anthem chorus lines, “I’ll let you rise again, I’ll help you live again. Carry you through the darkest hour. I’ll let you dream again, wipe all your tears away. I’ll hold your hand and light your world,” even though the children were not present to witness the love and support, it was a defining moment when many of the attendees seemed to realize the enormity of the impact the crisis had created, especially for the children.

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Dimapur

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Sunday 16 March 2014

Kohima | March 15

Based on the scripture portion taken from II Chronicles 7: 14, Nagaland Day of Prayer was held at Union Baptist Church, Kohima from 8:00 am to 12 noon on March 15.

Various denominations, public leaders, church leaders and politicians attended the program. L. Anjo Keikung, General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Council of Churches (NBCC) spoke on ‘Why Prayer?’ where he stated that prayer has the power to change the place where we live. “Today Nagaland is plagued with administrative corruption, political corruption and spiritual corruption. It is time we humble ourselves before God and confess our sins. We have used the

Believers from different denominations and churches pray for Nagas and Nagaland on March 15. (Morung Photo)

name of God in vain. We have failed to keep the Sabbath day holy. We have led hypocrite lives,” said Rev. Dr. Thupuo Nyekha, Pres-

Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja appointed Gen Secy of IRCSN

Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): Subsequent to the completion of tenure of Zakie Kire, General Secretary, IRCSN, the Managing Committee Members, IRCSN in its emergency meeting held on March 3 selected Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja, Retd. Director Medical Services, Nagaland and Member, State Managing Committee as the General Secretary, IRCSN. The formal handing and taking over was done on March 11 at the Office chamber of the General Secretary, IRCSN in the presence of Abeni TCK, Chairperson, IRCSN and Sawathang Kez, Member, State Managing Committee, IRCSN. All correspondence and emergencies should be addressed to Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja, General Secretary, IRCSN, Contact No. 9436000861.

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Repentance, forgiveness and thanksgiving

Our Correspondent

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The Morung Express

ECI decides to issue Election Duty Certificate

Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Nagaland comprises of one parliamentary constituency only. Therefore the ECI has decided that only Election Duty Certificate will be issued in the State and postal ballot will not be used except for service voters. All officers and police personnel on polling duty and election related duty will be eligible for EDC. This includes drivers attached to officers on poll related duty, videographers etc.

Besides drivers and helpers of requisitioned vehicles will also be eligible.

The election officers in the districts have been briefed and necessary instructions issued in this regard. Therefore, it is for the information of the public and all concerned that those on election related duty and poll-

ing duty should apply to the respective ARO/DC of the district for issue of EDC in Form 12 A so that they can exercise their democratic right to vote.

However, it is to be noted once an elector applies in Form 12 A for EDC and he/ she does not collect it, he/ she will be unable to cast vote in his/her original polling booth since against his/ her name in the marked copy of the E-Roll, the remark EDC issued will be entered.

Moreover, with the EDC, EPIC or any supporting document approved by the ECI will have to be produced before the Presiding Officer allows him/ her to cast the voteChief Electoral Officer Nagaland Sentiyanger Imchen (IAS) issued this in a press release, vide order No. ELE/ CDT-171/2013 dated 15th March 2014.

byter, Nagaland Assembly of God church, Kohima while leading a prayer session. The intercessory sessions were taken out to

pray for all the Naga leaders overground and underground and civil society members, armed forces, bureaucrats, lawyers and all

issues affecting Nagaland.

In the closing prayer, Dr. Atsi Dolie, Executive Secretary, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC)

led the thanksgiving and commitment, where he asserted that the church leaders on their part has failed to live exemplary lives and are in greater need of prayer.

Citing from Joshua 24, he said that Nagas could learn from the Israelites. He said, “We have gone through so much together and still going through so much but we have not reached the point where we are satisfied. We need to look beyond the uniqueness of the Naga nation because all these have happened because of God’s hand on our people.”

The programme started with the song ‘Saviour like a shepherd lead us’ by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship as 23 Church leaders from different denominations lead the sessions in prayer.

ToT on Micro Credit Plan for NSRLM staff concludes

Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Training of Trainers on Micro Credit Plan (MCP) for staff of Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) was held from March 11 to 15 at AIDA, Dimapur.

The schedule consisted of theoretical and demonstrative classes and field exercises. Resource persons were T. Ravinder Rao, K. Venkateshwar Rao and P. Umapathi from NRLM Resource Cell, NIRD, Hyderabad. Trainees were taught introductory aspects of MCP and preparatory MCP exercises were carried out with four SHGs in Aoyimkum Village, Chumukedima RD Block, Dimapur. Formats were prepared with the help of SHG members on MCP features such as; Comprehensive profile of SHG, Socio-economic profiles of members, Member-wise Income and Expenditure statement, Member-wise portfolios of opportunities identified by them with costs and repay-

CEO NSRLM, Visasolie Lhoungu and resource persons from NIRD with NSRLM staff and SHG members during the valedictory function of ToT on Micro Credit Plan held at AIDA, Dimapur on Saturday.

ment schedules, Prioritization plan, Rotation plan and Micro Credit Investment Plan for SHGs. A valedictory function was held on March 15 at the conference room, AIDA with CEO, NSRLM Visasolie Lhoungu delivering the concluding remarks. In his address, he stated that Micro Credit Plan is one of the most important components for success of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) programme.

He stressed that SHG members with NSRLM staff as facilitators need to be thoroughly aware of the subject and how to carry out MCPs so as to better enhance the groups to strengthen their existing livelihood. Expressing gratitude to the resource persons from NIRD, he requested for timely and continued services from the institute in order to ensure attainment of goals.

Giving a short speech during the function, T. Ravin-

der Rao assured all assistance whenever required, and also informed that a special Training & Capacity Building plan was being formulated especially for Northeast States which has already been approved by the Ministry of Rural Development. Findings were presented by trainees and discussions were held on how best Micro Credit Plan can be adopted and implemented by the SHGs nurtured by the State Mission.

be delivered by a candidate or by any of his proposers to the Returning Officer or to L. Limsong Assistant Returning Officer, in the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, on any day (other than public holiday) not later than March 22, 2014 (Saturday). Forms of nomination paper may be

obtained at the place and time aforesaid.

The nomination papers will be taken up for scrutiny at the Office of the Commissioner & RO, Nagaland on March 24 (Monday) at 11:00 am. Notice of withdrawal of candidature may be delivered either by a candidate or by any of his proposers or by his election agent

who has been authorized in writing by the candidate to deliver it to either of the officers specified in paragraph (2) above at his office before 3:00 pm on March 26, 2014 (Wednesday). In the event of the election being contested, the poll will be taken on April 9, 2014 (Wednesday) between the hours of 07:00 am and 04:00 pm.

DECLARATION

Wedding Anniversary

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Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Brigadier KK Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM Director Directorate Sainik Welfare & Resettlement has informed that the following vocational training program would be organised free of cost at the Directorate for Ex – servicemen, families and youth: (a) Embroidery, kitting and stitching from March 18 onwards minimum qualification Class Eight (b) Career guidance and Awareness capsule from March 19, 10:40 am onwards; (c) Coaching classes for Indian Navy and Territorial Army recruitment from March 25 onwards. All interested candidates are requested to visit the Directorate above Alder College HS Road Kohima for registration and enrollment starting March 18 onwards.

Holikali Yepthomi appointed in NEICC Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): Holikali Yepthomi (M.Th) has been appointed as the Secretary, Women Assembly of the North East India Christian Council (NEICC) based in Shillong, Meghalaya. She will be officially installed on April 6 during the 11th Biennial of the NEICC Women Assembly. The NEICC is an ecumenical body of the Protestant churches in North East India, which is a constituent member of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). SBTA General Secretary, Phushito L. Chishi in a press release while felicitating Holikali Yepthomi hoped that she will discharge her duties diligently as assigned and under the patronage of NEICC. She will be further trained for the greater needs of the church and society.

NECU resolves to check illegal connection Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Nagaland Electrical Contractors’ Union (NECU) has resolved to check illegal service connection and electrification without permit. According to a press release issued by NECU president Kevichulie and vice president H Thong, this was decided during an emergency meeting of the union held in Dimapur on March 12 in the presence of NECU president. The union stated that it will keep vigil against unauthorized person executing electrification works either big or small. It also informed that penalty will be strictly enforced upon the person/ party.

phEK, march 15 (Dipr): The Phek District Level Medical Board Meeting has been scheduled on March 20 at the SDO (C) HQ Chamber Phek at 11:00 a.m. for exemption from Election duty on medical ground for the forthcoming 16th Lok Sabha Election 2014. Assistant Election Officer, Phek Olivi Thur has directed all Committee Members to attend the same.

Polling personnel training in Mkg

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moKoKchuNg, march 15 (mExN): Deputy Commissioner & Assistant Returning Officer, Mokokchung, has informed all concerned that the training schedule for the polling personnel in connection with 16th Lok Sabha election will be as follows: March 24 – 2nd polling officers and 3rd polling officers; March 25 – Presiding officers and 1st polling officers; April 7 – All polling personnel combined. The time for all the trainings will be from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Town Hall, Mokokchung. All polling personnel have been directed to attend the training without fail. Failure to attend the trainings shall be viewed seriously and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated as per the provisions of law.

Rengma Students Union supports NSSATA TsEmiNyu, march 15 (mExN): The Rengma Students Union (RSU) strongly support the Nagaland Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers Association (NSSATA) and appeal the Education Department to release all the pending salaries of the SSA teachers as it is the only source of income for the teachers to make ends meet and they rightly deserve to be paid in time. RSU Vice President Zapi Kath in a press release said that the Union is taking the matter with serious concern as the Government Schools were affected owing to boycotting of classes by SSA teachers besides the future of thousands students were at stake if the issues were not solved. The RSU appeal the Department of School Education to address the issue sincerely and solve the problem before the prevailing situation becomes irreparable.

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ZuNhEboTo, march 15 (Dipr): In view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, training for the polling personnel has been fixed in phase wise. 2nd phase training for presiding and 1st polling officers at town hall Zunheboto on 18th March 2014 at 10:00 a.m., 2nd polling and 3rd polling officers at town hall Zunheboto on 19th March 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and 3rd Phase of training for presiding and 1st polling officers at town hall Zunheboto on 4th April 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and 2nd polling and 3rd polling officers at town hall on 5th April 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Therefore all the polling personnel are directed to attend the training programme without fail and that all are further directed to submit two (2) passport size photographs on the 2nd phase of training.

Work-charged staff in Dimapur district informed

Sd/President Chuchuyimlang Village Council

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Free vocational training

Training for Zunheboto election officers

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Parliamentary Secretary Mechanical & National Highway, Nuklutoshi along with Dimapur Area Chuchuyimlang Senso Telongjem (DACST), Chuchuyimlang Riongsanger Putu Menden, Advisor to CM Chingwang Konyak at a declaration programme initiated by Chuchuyimlang Village Council to cast 100% vote to support for Neiphiu Rio (NPF candidate) for the upcoming Lok Sabha election at CM residence, Dimapur on Saturday (15-03-2014).

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Phek Medical Board for exemption of election duty

State Returning Officer issues Notice of Election

Kohima, march 15 (Dipr): Returning Officer, Nagaland Parliamentary Election 2014, Temjen Toy, IAS has on March 15, issued Notice of Election that an election is to be held of a member to the House of the People in the Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency.

Nomination papers may

MEx File

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In this image, heavy machines like JCB and truck are seen at the riverbed of Dhansiri River near Circuit House and Urban Haat engaged in illegal extraction of sand. Dhansiri River Flood Control Board Chairman Hokheto Kiba has stated in a press note that such illegal extraction of sand are leading to soil erosion and damaging the embankment.

Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): All the department work-charged staff under Dimapur district are informed that there will be an emergency meeting on March 17, 10:00 am at Dimapur State Stadium concerning the Nagaland Inter-Departmental Field Staff Association’s proposed demonstration on March 21. All the work-charged staff concerned have been requested to attend the meeting.

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Tozheli & Phughoto

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16-03-1989 to 16-03-2014

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Wishing you love and happiness forever!

-Your Loving Children

A team from Dr. Sümeren Charitable Health Care conducted a free medical camp for students of Sinai Educational Centre, Island Colony Dimapur. Two nurses and one technician assisted Dr. Sümeren during the camp. Altogether 38 students were examined and provided free medicines by the medical team.

The Sinai Educational Centre (SEC) plans to organize more such camps in the future for the benefit of the students. Sinai Educational Centre is a project of the Sinai Ministry based in Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy/Aden Jamir)

REgional

The Morung Express

Sunday

16 March 2014

Dimapur

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To protect our future, defend our rivers UKHRUL, MaRcH 15 (MExN): The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Citizens Concern For Dams And Development (CCDD), Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), Committee On The Protection Of Natural Resources In Manipur (CPNRM) jointly celebrated the International Rivers Day at Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) on March 14, 2014, at Riha Village along Mapithel Range in Ukhrul District, with a public consultation followed by a mass protest rally. A press note from Sanaton Laishram, President, CRAM, R Sakhathan, Chairperson, MDAVO, Aram Pamei, CPNRM, and, Joseph Hmar, Secretary, CCDD, informed.

The celebration, organised to observe the importance of the rivers in sustaining life and health of the planet, was attended by communities affected by

the ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam of the Thoubal Multipurpose Hydroelectric project and environmental activists, Aram Pamei, Co-Chairperson, CCDD, and Joseph Hmar, Secretary, CCDD, and representatives of MDAVO. Pamei, explaining the significance of rivers in sustaining life, expressed concern with the increased introduction of large hydropower projects such as Mapithel dam, the 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam, and several other dams in Manipur. Stating that the present day generation inherited the rivers, forests, and land, from our forefathers and not from the government, she asserted that the present day generation has the responsibility to safeguard and protect the resources from its exploitation by the government and profit mongering corporations.

Hmar, meanwhile, expressed his reservation to-

A protest rally at Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) on March 14, 2014, at Riha Village in Ukhrul District, on International Rivers Day. (NNN Photo)

wards the increasing corporatisation and privatisation of land, rivers and other natural resources, particularly damming of rivers of Manipur and across India’s North East region. Damming industries has become a very profitable business whose

benefits have been confined to the few corporate at the cost of the lives of indigenous people. The necessity to take Free Prior and Informed Consent, to conduct social, environment impact assessment and to recognize communities’

projects that don’t benefit the common mass for which the projects were taken up.

He exclaimed “Think globally, act locally”. The representatives from different villages affected by Mapithel dam such as Riha, Thoyee, Chadong, Lamlai Khunou

communities of Manipur depending on land, rivers, wetlands, forest etc. for livelihood and survival.

The participants of the International River day celebration adopted the following resolutions: 1) The Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) is the life, source of history, culture, livelihood and identity of communities along the River. 2) We will protect the Thoubal River, preserve it and to ensure its Free Flow. 3) We reaffirm our call to “Let the Thoubal River (Yangwui Kong) flow free.” 4) The ongoing Mapithel dam construction on Yangwuikong River/ Thoubal River is giving a widespread devastation on people and environment, so the Mapithel Dam should be reviewed at any cost to respect the wishes, aspiration and demands of all affected communities. 5) To protect our future, we will defend our land and river at all cost.

Rs. 4 cr forgery case emerges in Manipur

Kukis, Nagas boycott Cong in Saikul IMpHaL, MaRcH 15 (NNN): Election canvasses in Saikul sub-division or Saikul assembly constituency in Sadar Hills, Senapati district, are yet to be seen owing to the ban declared by apex social organisations of both the Kukis and the Nagas of the area.

Though election related posters, banners and other canvassing activities of political parties are seen but not that of the Congress party with regard to the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

Today, the Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai (KISG) and Saikul Area Naga People's Organisation (SANPO) reiterated their earlier stands of banning the Congress party in the area in the ensuing Lok Sabha elecions.

Both the Kuki and Naga organisations have banned the putting up of Congress party flags, banners, posters and plying of vehicles of the Congress party in connection with the election campaigns since March 8.

The two apex social bodies of the two communities in the sub-division or constituency said that they have taken this drastic step as the State Government continues to remain indifferent to the various requests put forth by the two bodies to the Government of Manipur.

The two Kuki and Naga organisations have been demanding from the State Government to cancel the Manipur Home Department's orders regarding the police district boundary and police station jurisdictions, wherein, more than 120 villages of Saikul subdivision are included in the jurisdictions of valley districts' police stations. These orders were issued without the knowledge and consent of the villagers concerned, KISG and SANPO alleged.

In this connection several representations have been made to the chief minister and the deputy chief minister to cancel the said orders and also to withdraw all the villages of Saikul sub-division from the jurisdictions of valley districts' police stations, “but to no avail,” rued KISG and SANPO.

rights over land, forest and waters is blatantly violated in pursuing such mega dam development in the region, Hmar stated.

Thanmi Kashung, a member of MDAVO, expressed his reservation towards welfare policies and

etc. shared their views and experiences of the Thoubal River on their livelihood and culture. A representative from Thoyee expressed the significance of Yangwui Kong River on people’s survival, securing them self sufficiency. A representative from Chadong village had earlier expressed resentment towards the half hearted ERC of the government which has created social divisions.

Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Secretary General, Lifewatch, expressed that any development initiatives that affect people and environment should be subjected to thorough review and the impact of projects on people should be assessed.

Sanaton Laishram, President, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, expressed the necessity to strengthen communities resolve and determination to strive for a sustainable and secure future for all

Newmai News Network Imphal | March 15

A hefty sum of over Rs 4 crores of a Manipur Government department was found deposited in a man's bank account by means of forgery and later this amount was transferred to the bank accounts of six different individuals. However, over Rs 3 crores have been recovered so far, according to the police.

In this connection, the Chief Secretary of Manipur has instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to arrest all the seven culprits within 24 hours and also recover the remaining amount that was withdrawn, a wellplaced source confided to Newmai News Network this evening.

According an FIR lodged at Thoubal district police station by Dem-

kholam Kipgen, Senior Manager of United Bank of India (UBI) on March 12, a cheque bearing No.645274 dated 3-3-2014 for Rs 4,20,00,000 (four crores twenty lakhs) was deposited in the SB account No. 0353010112182 by one Yumnam Hemanta Singh, a resident of Tangjeng Kiyam Siphai, Thoubal along with a forwarding letter on March 10 around 1 pm, the police stated.

The FIR said, according to the police, the cheque is now said to be a forged cheque as per reports received from the concerned department, i.e. Manipur Minorities and OBC Economic Development Society (MOBED), an autonomous society under the department of MOBC, Government of Manipur.

According to the FIR, some amounts were withdrawn in cash and

some amounts were transferred to six different accounts on subsequent dates, the police source stated.

The six individuals in whose accounts the money was transferred have been identified as Mutum Ranjit Singh of Kiyam Siphai Mamang Leikai, Md Sanatomba of Lilong Tolenkhul, Md Abdul Hassan Shah of Lilong Litan Makhong, Md Hesamuddin of Lilong Haoreibi Chandrakhong, Md Syed Ahamed of Lilong Masjid Road and Jamia Qasmia of Lilong Tolenkhul, all from Manipur's Thoubal district.

The source said that so far Rs 3,76,00,000 (three crores seventy six lakhs) have been recovered while the remaining Rs 43,80,000 (forty three lakhs eighty thousand) have been withdrawn by these individuals.

All these seven individuals are said to be absconding, the police added.

Cong not doing any good for people: Nagaland CM SHILLoNg, MaRcH 15 (IaNS): The Congress was not doing any good for the people and the populist schemes launched by the outgoing UPA government were meant to "fool the people", Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said here Saturday.

"The Congress adopted the right to education realising that people need to learn and write only after they governed the counLeader of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Assams main regional party, Birendra Prasad Baishya, try for 50 years, and realiscenter, receives a huge floral garland by his supporters in Guwahati Assam on Friday, March ing that people are hungry 14. Baishya is likely to contest from Gauhati for the upcoming general elections. India will and angry, they passed the hold national elections from April 7 to May 12. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) food security bill," Rio said

Stringent security measures for Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur IMpHaL, MaRcH 15 (NNN): Stringent security measures are being taken in connection with the visit of AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi to Manipur. Combing operations have begun in various places starting today in Thoubal district in connection with the visit.

A massive combing operation led by Dr S Ibomcha, Additional Superintendent of Police, Thoubal district, was conducted today morning at Wangkhei Sanabam Leirak and Moirang Mayum Leirak. Combing operations were also conducted at Haokip Veng and Mahabali in Imphal East district by the police commandos. The combing operations will be conducted every day till March 19.

Rahul Gandhi will address the public on March 19 at Wangjing Kodompokpi Ground in Thoubal district which is the border area of Outer and Inner Parliamentary constituencies of Manipur.

while launching the Lok Sabha campaign for United Democratic Party nominee Paul Lyngdoh for the Shillong seat.

The Nagaland chief minister is the chairman of the North East Regional Political Parties Front, an umbrella group of regional parties. "I welcome the food security bill because the people are hungry. But I personally feel people want job security instead of food security. By having the job security bill, jobs would be created, people would get the opportunity to work,

day event which starts with fireworks. In Assam's Sattriya tradition, Holi is a festival of heaven.

In Barpeta, Holi is a celestial celebration played in their own small earthly heaven.

Srimanta Sankardev was a 15th century saint-scholar, poet, playwright and social reformer who steered Assamese culture towards a Neo-Vashnavite movement. Present-day Assam's artistic, cultural and literary traditions bear the unmistakable stamp of his influence.

Sankardev's Bhakti movement led to large regular congregations of devotees, evolving the institution of Sattras, a kind of monastery. These are today the hub of all Vaishnavite religious and cultural activities.

Barpeta Sattra is one of the important institutions of this tradition. It came up in the 15th century. Its founder is credited with having started the present form

northeast need to make a collective effort to fight unitedly for the common cause of development.

"We need to work together so that our voice is heard in parliament," he said.

LOST LOST NOTICE NOTICE I, Kaisu Arche am applying for a duplicate copy of Registration card of Nagaland University as I have lost it.

Name: Kaisu Arche Father's name: LAshikho Arche Registration No- 550 of 20002001 of Nagaland University College:Kohima College, Kohima.

Tripura opens helpline for women in distress agaRtaLa, MaRcH 15 (IaNS): The Tripura Police, as part of its initiatives to curb rising atrocities and crimes against women, has launched a toll-free helpline for women in distress to lodge their complaints, an official said here Saturday.

"The helpline (1091) would be operational 24 hours and anyone across the state can dial the number to seek help or alert the police about any incident relating to women or an imminent threat," a police spokesman told IANS. He said: "Immediate action on receipt of calls would be taken by the control room by intimating concerned police stations or police officials. Counseling would also be provided to women through the helpline

number, in case of need."

Two women police officers, one familiar with the Bengali language and the other speaking 'Kokborak', a tribal language, will attend to the complaints.

"The Tripura government has recently recruited 300 more women police constables and 50 women police officials and set up more all-women police stations to curb crimes against women," the police official said adding that with the new recruits, the percentage of women police personnel increased to 10 percent in the state.

Currently four all-women police stations are functioning in the state and one more would be started soon. "Women help desks are operational in

all the 70 police stations in the state," the police official said.

Crime against women in Tripura are rising. In 2011, 1,503 such cases were registered while the number went up to 1,650 in 2012 and 1,706 in 2013. According to the National Crimes Record Bureau, Tripura ranks second after Assam in the number of crimes against women in northeast India.

Women's organisations believe that low conviction rate, lack of prompt action by police and victims shying from lodging complaints resulted in rise in such crimes. According to the police official, the conviction rate of all types of crime in Tripura is 15 percent against the national average of over 42 percent.

Assam celebrates Holi in a unique 3-5-day long affair BaRpEta, MaRcH 15 (IaNS): While Assam celebrates Holi more or less the way northern India does, the festival of colours takes a unique form in one part of the state: Barpeta.

In most places in the country, the festival is associated with the story of a devout Prahalad and his arrogant father Hiranyakashyap who schemed to kill his own son with the help of his wicked sister Holika. Holika was burnt to ashes while trying to immolate Prahalad - and Holi became a symbol of victory of faith and devotion over arrogance and evil.

In places like Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana, Holi is associated with the legend of Lord Krishna and his soul mate Radha.

A variation of Holi is celebrated in Barpeta as the Dol-mahotsav - or the great Dol festival.

It unfolds as a three-to-five-

earn and eat," he said.

He lashed out at the outgoing Congress-led union government for not implementing the right policies to improve the living conditions of the tribal. "Tribal and backward communities continue to remain backward because of the poor policies, but I am sure the Congress will not come to power and a new government which will assume power will frame policies to ensure that people get their benefits," he said. Rio said the regional parties in the

of Dolmahotsav in Barpeta Sattra.

It seems that Srimanta Sankardev, who travelled to far corners of India before returning to Assam to propagate his Bhakti movement, brought back the concept of Holi with him - and it became a part of Assamese culture.

On the first day of celebration known as Meshadaha, the beard of a he-goat is burnt in a fire lit in front of the Sattra. This is considered a symbolic ritual to mark the killing of the demon Mahisasur.

Festivities in the following days revolve around the story of Krishna andhis two wives, Lakshmi andGhunucha. As the legend goes, Krishna, known here as Kalia Thakur, was already married to Lakshmi when he also promised to marry Ghunucha, the daughter of Indradinna.

His secret visit to Ghunucha was discovered by Lakshmi who in her anger wrecked the kingdom

of Indradinna and reprimanded Krishna when he returned home after his dalliance with Ghunucha. Krishna sought forgiveness.

During the festival at Barpeta, as a symbolic visit of Krishna to Ghunucha, the idols of Mahaprabhu Dol Govinda and Kalia Thakur are taken out in decorated palanquins. People sing and dance to the tune of cymbals and drums. They throw Faku, a pink powder, in the air. Everyone is smeared in colours - and joy.

The celebrations continue through the days and nights with singing of devotional songs and dance. On the final day, when Krishna returns to Lakshmi, the celebrations are at its peak. From early morning, people converge at the Sattra complex dancing and singing.

By evening, the massive temple complex is filled to capacity with devotees and onlookers. In

spite of the huge gathering, there is no rowdiness.

When the palanquins carrying Dol Govinda and Kalia Thakur reach the gates of Sattra, the devotees form two groups, one each representing the brigades of Lakshmi and Krishna. The people of Lakshmi bar the entry of Krishna with two thick bamboos; Kalia Thakur's followers try to force their way.

In what follows, crowds look like a sea of humanity swaying to and fro. Finally the bamboos give way, making great crackling sounds; there is a deafening applause from the crowd. The procession then proceeds to take seven rounds of the temple, with people aesthetically dancing and rejoicing behind.

The Lord is then ceremonially placed on his throne at the sanctum. The great Dolmahotsav of Barpeta ends.

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C M Y K

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public discoursE/local

Sunday

Dimapur

16 March 2014

THE FINAL CHAPTER

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history. Just so that the Nagas put to rest this controversial issue of the existence or nonexistence of this Accord, let us take a peek at what the Mr.I. Temjen, the sole surviving signatory of Shilling Accord, had to say on August 2013.

He issued a declaration of rejection of this accord in these words (Quote) "It is now my responsibility to reaffirm the rejection of the Accord before it is too late so that the tragic legacy may not be passed on to the coming generation." (Unquote). Now ask yourselves this question: what was the need to reject an Accord that they, the Accordists faction, claim did not exist? The Transit Peace Camp (TPC) was born out of Clause 2 of this Accord. Mr. I. Temjen made mention of TPC in this rejection statement of August 2013 as follows:(Quote) "Having clarified the rejection of Shillong Accord, I, I. Temjen further clarify that the Transit Peace Camp, Kohima which belongs to us and its utility cannot be questioned, however, as the same has created a lot of confusion and animosity among the Nagas, we, of our own volition vacate the Transit Peace Camp today for the unity and harmony of the Nagas" (Unquote). Yet on 14th March 2014, Mr. I.Temjen issued a press statement on "Shillong Accord 1975" in the local dallies from this very Transit Peace Camp that they were supposed to have vacated. Such inconsistency only erodes credibility. The desperate effort to exonerate the role of Mr. Phizo in this imbroglio was most unnecessary. No one accuses Mr. Phizo of personal involvement in the signing of this Accord. However history holds him accountable for his inability to condemn it. Therefore, rather than vitiate the atmosphere by trying to find excuses to absolve him, Nagas should learn to accept this human error forthrightly and move on without demeaning the stature of Mr. Phizo that rightly deserves acknowledgement. Despite the negative ramification of the Shillong Accord, the one positive reality that has often escaped evaluation of the Nagas is that at this critical juncture of History, the Naga National Movement was on the verge of being wiped out. The final remnants of the movement was holed out in the nooks and corners of Kohima District, with fluent communicate capability among themselves totally disrupted. All other Districts had fallen. Naga Peace Council brokered this disadvantageous Shillong Accord, which in the end bought crucial breathing space and time

uch of our Naga History has been written and shared in the print media for some time now...views that have either been accepted and acknowledged as the truth or being relegated to the dustbin as a misrepresentation and misinterpretation of facts...continuously subverting the Naga History into the realms of controversy. Finding clarity within this mired confusion is no mean task for sure and yet this is an imperative exercise that each concerned Naga citizen must now decipher in an effort to discover the truth with an open unbiased mind.

67 years has been a very trying time that has been spent in indifference and Nagas must now take a stand to end this confusion without fear or favour... for the sake of our posterity. Truth must be given an honourable space in all our discourse.

1. Nagas began a publically visible journey of self-determination in 1929 with a "leave us alone" representation to the Simon Commission. The 1951 Plebiscite laid the all important foundation of legitimacy to this claim. Mr. Phizo was solely instrumental in awakening the dormant Naga minds to strive for our own separate identity and sovereignty, without which the Naga History could have been entirely different. For this one inspirational act of self discovery, Nagas owe Mr. Phizo an eternal gratitude.

The Nagas took the first determined step towards this common goal in complete unabridged unity making super human sacrifices along the way, some more than the others perhaps, nevertheless full heartedly partaken by all the Tribes without exception. Chapter I of Naga History therefore recorded the honourable years of innocence and supreme sacrifices with NNC/FGN in the forefront as a single United Naga House for the ultimate cause.

2. Then came the deluge... the infamous Shillong Accord of 1975. It is about time that the Nagas deal with this issue pragmatically and honestly by accepting the reality that this accord did get enacted on the ground. The argument that it was signed by "Representatives of Underground organization" without the mention of NNC/FGN does not nullify the fact that this agreement was now a reality, seriously considered and reviewed by NNC/FGN in an emergency meeting on the 29th November to December 1st 1975 and Clause 2 of the Accord was officially implemented. Clause 1 and 3 were officially forwarded to Mr. Phizo for his considered view.

All these are raw facts of recorded

Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Rtd) Forest colony, Kohima

allowing the NNM to recuperate and regenerate its lost ground. To that extent it would not be wrong to concur Mr. Temjen's view of a Divine intervention. Imagine the realistic emergent circumstance if Shillong Accord had not stemmed the tide of Indian Army operation ...the end of NNM was an eminent possibility. They say all is fair in love and war. Mr. Phizo had every right to condemn this Accord in the aftermath as a document signed under duress instead of ignoring it as a non-issue. He failed to take stock of the critical cracks that had begun to appear within the ranks at home on account of this accord. His misjudgement of the ground reality was a monumental failure on his part for which there can be no justifiable excuse. The one thing that Nagas must accept is that Mr. Phizo too was a mortal like anyone else, susceptible to mistakes...and that his failure to condemn the Shillong Accord was a mortal disaster for the NNM. No amount of excuses can exonerate him of this default.

Inspite of this, the iconic stature of Mr. Phizo cannot be reduced or denied in the pages of Naga History for his invaluable contribution towards defining our birthright and identity that the Nagas did not even have a serious inkling at that time. As things stand therefore, it is incumbent upon the NNC/FGN to right this wrong by condemning the Shillong Accord 1957 and most importantly disband the NNC Acordist faction and everything that is linked to this accord... like the TPC, and regroup as NNC/FGN as it once used to be.

This is the only option in hand to salvage and reclaim the legitimacy of 1951 Plebiscite. Once this exercise is completed and achieved, NPGs could perhaps give it a serious rethink of coming back to the original fold under the banner of NNC/FGN with acceptable leadership endorsed by all the Factions. Nagas have lived under a democratic norm all these years and would find it awfully uncomfortable under a Chinese Socialistic pattern of governance. The all worrying question in everyone's mind is this: Are the Nagas fighting for independence so as to lose our individual freedom?

This could very well be the case if collective leadership and one party hierarchy system is to be the norm of governance. Would individual ownership of property be curtailed to the limits fixed by the Government of the day? With one party hierarchy, will democracy be stifled? There are hundreds of worrisome questions such as

these lodged in the minds of the people without a clarity in the form of answers. Perhaps the simplest solution therefore is to conform to the original structure of NNC/FGN where the democratic spirit finds space to thrive and not be restricted. If not, NSCN should clearly specify its intention of governance to the people, should we finally find this elusive solution, to avoid any misgivings.

3. Nagas have consistently displayed an inaptitude for compounding problems rather than solving them in very many critical circumstances. When Mr. Phizo failed to condemn the Shillong Accord, the legitimate Government had an open-ended option to demand for his official clarification on this, failing which other alternative options should have been considered within the legitimate framework of the existing Government, rather than form another parallel Government. Whatever be the circumventing circumstances, this, as a matter of historical analysis, was another unfortunate blot in the Naga history that destroyed the momentum...and effectively introduced a crippling division within the NNM. The fact that Mr. Muivah had a plenipotentiary authority invested in him at that time should have counted for something...call for a National Assembly and forthrightly deal with the matter commensurate with the National survival...impeach Mr. Phizo as President of the NNC. The NNM then began its floundering course downhill with one unfortunate fragmentation after another making the original National charted course redundant. With so many undesirable factions...we now own a damning history that we ourselves have begun to see it with absolute revulsion. The NPGs must read the pulse of the people correctly or be damned...now or later. The people are clearly fed up with the current Mafia oppression of unbearable taxation for a make believe sovereignty... negotiation for which we know absolutely nothing about. Finding a realistic solution through such chaotic environment is unimaginable, least of all attainable. If National interest is truly a focused interest of the NPGs, it is incumbent upon each Factions to take a conscious stock of the irreparable damage that they have already inflicted against the NNM by their prioritised self-interest and ego and consider the reconstruction of a United Naga House from whence we all began. It is only then that the Nagas can hope for a fruitful closure of the final chapter of our Naga history.

The Morung Express

Public awareness on IRS for malaria control

Kohima, march 14 (mExN): Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) with DDT is found to be a safe and effective method for malaria control under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).

Malaria is a disease associated with fever, which is transmitted by the bite of female anopheles mosquitoes. To prevent malaria, it is important to control the mosquito vector population, so that transmission of the disease may be stopped, stated a press release issued

by NVBDCP, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare.

NVBDCP carries out IRS every year from midMarch to mid-August in two rounds. This covers the main transmission season

of the vector mosquitoes.

It is carried out in selected malaria endemic ‘high risk’ areas. In the selected villages, DDT spray is carried out covering all the households. On the appointed days, trained workers carry out the spray operation.

DDT spray is found to be safe if the technical guidelines are followed. Spray should be carried out indoors in all the rooms in the house. Food stuff, utensils and other household materials should be moved out or covered with plastic sheets before the spray operation.

The sprayed surface should not be washed or plastered for 4 (four) months, the release added.

It further added that indoor spray is found to be ef-

fective in controlling mosquito population. When the adult mosquitoes rest on the sprayed surface, they are killed by the DDT. Spraying outside the house is not effective as it gets washed away with the rain. Also spraying outside the house poses environmental hazard.

Accept only Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) of DDT, NVBDCP Kohima advised.

It urged to cooperate and support the spray workers so that technical guidelines and precautionary measures are followed. “Avoid misuse of DDT as it is supplied by the Government of India only for Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.”

Training on animal health held at Shotomi ZuNhEboto, march 14 (DiPr): A two days training on animal health care cum vaccination camp was held at Shotomi village on March 14 with ADC Zunheboto, Nungsangmenla as chief guest. The programme was held under special programme for environment and economic development (SPEED) and organized by department of land resources, Zunheboto.

The programme started with placing of commu-

nity waste bins followed by training programme with Dr Samuel Sumi as the resource person. The topics for the training included, management practices on livestock and awareness of Zoonotic diseases in relation to public health. The department also vaccinated livestock animals and distributed medicines to the villagers.

The programme was chaired by Kekong Yimchungru, facilitator (SPEED)

WDT (M), LRD, Zunheboto; invocation was said

by Shikheto, pastor, Shoto village; welcome address

by Inakhe, Village council Chairman; and short speech by Levi, District Project Officer, Land Resources, Zunheboto.

Tseminyu SDPDB meeting held tsEmiNyu, march 15 (DiPr): Tseminyu Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board (SDPDB) meeting was held on March 12 at ADC’s conference hall under the chairmanship of ChairmanSDPDB&DeputySpeaker NLA, Er. Levi Rengma. He welcomed the new ADC of the sub-division, Vikhweno M.Meratsuandobservedthat the sub-division is once again fully equipped to function under the dynamic administrative officers who are well versed with the departmental activities.

The Chairman stated that cooperation of the board members is necessary

Birthday Message

Dear

for smooth and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. He also stated that the assignment entrusted to the members during the board meeting should be taken and treated seriously and also performed accordingly.

ADC Vikhweno M. Meratsu appealed the board members and NGOs to cooperate with the civil administration in their plans and vision for the welfare of the public. She also gave a directive to all the board members to be in the station during the forthcoming election. The next board meeting will be held on April 14.

Joel Basumatari

Friends... The only thing you could never have too many of! A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. Thank you for being our friend. May all your birthday wishes come true!

With Love Asen and Thia

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.

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2821

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2832

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 # 2820

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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ACROSS 1. Units of medicine 6. Accomplishes 10. Mother 14. Submarine 15. Church alcove 16. Adjoin 17. Hangman’s knot 18. Close 19. Respiratory organ of aquatic animals 20. Tympani 22. Bright thought 23. Region 24. Preoccupy 26. Not fully closed 30. Altitude (abbrev.)

31. Mesh 32. Gown 33. Fastened 35. Delete 39. Soap for hair 41. Demesnes 43. Follow as a result 44. Where a bird lives 46. Ripped 47. Indian bread 49. Neither ___ 50. Type of sword 51. Current amount 54. Dour

56. Rude person 57. Illogical 63. Diva’s solo 64. Satyr 65. Wild Asian dog 66. Outlay 67. Apiary 68. Fathers 69. Leg joint 70. Sleigh 71. Volumes

DOWN 1. Immerse briefly into a liquid 2. Double-reed woodwind 3. Lampblack 4. Where the sun rises 5. Grave marker 6. Bitterwort 7. Perform surgery on 8. Brother of Jacob 9. Homily 10. Judge 11. Put up with 12. Work animals 13. Collection of maps 21. Muse of love poetry 25. Red vegetable 26. Backside 27. One of the 4 gospels 28. Garments of goat hair

29. Compensate 34. Devastated 36. At the peak of 37. Arid 38. Feudal worker 40. Sweet gritty-textured fruit 42. Swagger 45. Etch 48. Horse sounds 51. By surprise 52. Fool 53. Composure 55. Center 58. Agitate 59. Buckeye State 60. Standard 61. Away from the wind 62. Not more

Ans to CrossWord 2831

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

Sunday 16 March 2014

aSu submits representation to edu minister Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has submitted a representation to the state Minister of Education urging for immediate redressal of matters pertaining to the well being of the educational system of the state and society.

The representation appended by President Zakie Khate, and General Secretary Sedevikho Tsiikrii stated that Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 has been introduced in Nagaland.

However, ASU observed that certain unprecedented technical failures are being confronted both by the students and the system itself.

The non-detention policy until standard 8 under the

Act is the most crucial and inapplicable factor to our education system, it noted.

It argued that if there had been any government policy for alternate measures in place for the drop outs in this filtering process, then perhaps, the act would normally run smoothly.

In 2013, ASU pointed out, 35000 students appeared Class IX, but 15000 students failed and 20,000 passed (57 % passed and 43% failed). “If this trend continues at an average 10,000 drop outs every year, our education system itself has the alarming potentiality to produce 50,000 drop out in a period of 5 years.”

The complacent and very casual manner of both the teachers and students with least concern of giving any effort in most cases and coupled with that, very casual notion that no matter whatever the case maybe,

of private undertakings fare much better than the government institutions. ASU maintained that government institutions are getting huge amount of funding under RMSA and SSA schemes, but the private

es in Nagaland. Such community sponsored institutions deserves attention by the government, the representation asserted.

ASU also lamented that little or no history of Nagaland about its social, economic, religious and political education is found in “our” educational system in the initial stages. Very bulky and strenuous studies on ancient and medieval Indian history formed its curriculum.

In light of the above issues, ASU recommended that non-detention policy under RTE Act be removed.

RMSA and SSA funding should include commu-

Calls to remove non-detention policy, include Nagaland's history in school curriculum... none can be detained is taking a very heavy toll, ASU added.

ASU further pointed out that comparative results between government run and private run institutions show that the passed percentage or rather success

institutions without such funding could still succeed.

The more experienced teachers and best recruited through NPSC are in the government institutions, it said. Most private institutions are operated by the community or the Church-

nity and Church managed and sponsored institutions. Nagaland’s history particularly its social, religious, economy and political history must be a part of the curriculum in the initial stages between standard 1 and 8. The same must be done through reduction of the rather very bulky and strenuous studies, it stated.

ASU further asked the minister to discuss the aforementioned three matters in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly and subsequently initiate measures through which necessary rectifications can be made in the Act by instituting an expert panel or committee.

Crude bomb found near Jain Temple World Consumer Rights Day celebrated Dimapur | March 15

A crude bomb was recovered beneath a tree located around 200 yards away from Jain Temple and SD Jain School and College here around 10:00 am on March 15. The Police along with the Bomb Disposal & Detection Squad (BDDS) team diffused the bomb within few minutes after they arrived at the site, according to the Police. Meanwhile, eye witnesses said they found the bomb lying underneath the tree as they were proceeding to Jain Temple for prayers. Police informed

Bomb Disposal & Detection Squad takes away the crude bomb found on March 15 in Dimapur. (Photo: Rupak Chetri)

that investigation is on to uted by Citizen Journalist Runab the culprit(s). (Contrib- pak Chetri )

NWA mourns demise of former champion Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) has deeply mourned the untimely demise of NWA former champion Vecühu of Porba Village under Phek district on March 14 at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) after a brief illness.

NWA Technical Secretary, Hukhonieyi Soho in a condolence message said that Lt Vecühu who was

presently serving as DB under Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office, Phek was crowned as the champion of the 4th NWA Meet in the year 1976 at the age of 27 years weighing 86 Kg. Lt. Vecühu was also the champion of 4th Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) Meet in the same year.

Terming Lt. Vecühu as an honest and disciplined man, NWA expressed its

disheartenment over the death, adding it was “a moment of dark for the NWA in particular and the entire Naga community specially the wrestling lovers.”

NWA while sharing pains and sorrows with the bereaved families also extended its gratitude to Vecühu for his immense contributions to NWA in the past years and also lauded his skilful participation in the NWA meet.

PTCCF unanimously dissolves forum phEK, march 15 (mExN): The Phek Town Colony’s Chairman Forum (PTCCF) in its meeting on February 20, 2014 at the residence of the Forum’s Chairman Ranyi Vero unanimously decided to dissolve en mass the so called PTCCF with effect from March 1, 2014 for the larger interest of the society.

Chairman of PTCCF, Ranyi Vero said that all 11 chairmen of the colonies

in a letter dispatched to all the authorities concerned and other relevant official correspondence stated that any issues to be intimated to PTCCF should be addressed to colony chairmen hereafter and not to PTCCF as before.

The house unanimously set aside a provision to reform the PTCCF as and when it requires depending upon the demand and needs of the public.

The colony members concerned included Kuvchosa Hoshi of Phek Bible Hill, Zhokhochi Venuh of Jericho-I, Kuvesitso Hoshi of Mission Compound, Huvosa Venuh of Bethany-I, Venuta Venuh of Hebron-I, Ngupelhi Tsuha of Bethnay-II, Khochipa Keyho of Hebron-II, Vesapa Nienu of Bethel, NUchicho Keyho of Jericho-II, Ranyi Vero of New colony and Shesakho Hoshi of Zion colony.

Public SPace Misunderstanding Resolved

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cting upon the statement issued by the Mao Hoho Dimapur dated November 9, 2013, concerned Elders from Mao community on 10th March 2014 had declared that any kind of misunderstanding among different parities or

I

individuals on the fallout of the 16th October, 2013 incident in connection to October 14, 2013 rape case at Viola Colony, Dimapur has been closed once and for all, which is required for maintaining peace and harmony in the community.

lore with faculty entries in the EPIC which nullifies the very purpose for which they are being issued.

As an instance, I would present my own case where my name in the EPIC is not mine but the photograph is. However, in the case of my wife, it is more unique as the name is hers, but the photograph is that of a male and on the back side the gender is mentioned as female. It is most unlikely that she will be allowed to exercise her right to adult franchise and moreover it is not expected that a dignified lady will make a mockery of herself by producing a card which displays a male photograph. The idea here is not to gain cheap publicity by going to the press but it is felt that there may be many

plained how the department of LM&CP has been the nodal department of consumer protection in the state. Jamir stated that he had chosen MMC and organized the program jointly with the Consumer Club of MMC with a vision to impart knowledge about consumer rights to young people.

The guest of honour exhorting the gathering acknowledged the LM&CP department and further expressed that it was a great honour for the college and public of Chumukedima.

Earlier, Onentemjen Ao, Vice Principal, MMC, gave the welcome speech. Other highlights of the program were speeches from three students of MMC on consumer rights, and a special number from a student.

Kohima: Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, Kohima district along with Consumer Clubs celebrated World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 at Phesama. The program was chaired by Apeno Khale, Coordinator of Consumer Club, St. Paul School Phesama while the invocation was pronounced by Rev. Fr. Felix, principal, St. Paul School.

Kezhokhoto Savi, advocate and president of Nagaland Voluntary Con-

sumer Organisation, was the resource person. According to a press release, he spoke on the importance of ‘Consumer Rights in the Digital Age.” He highlighted the importance of Consumer Protection Act 1986 (COPRA), “which in today’s world is the guardian of every consumer from large corporations and unscrupulous business from taking undue advantage of the consumers.” He also stressed on the importance of already framed guidelines by the United Nations for consumer protection.

Tuensang: In Tuensang, the World Consumer Rights Day was celebrated at CKS conference hall under the theme ‘Consumers’ rights in the digital age’ organized by the Department of Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection in collaboration with consumers organizations and consumers clubs. The programme was attended by students of various schools like St John’s Hr Secondary, St Xavier School, Government Higher Secondary School, Tuensang, Baptist Thangnyen School. The resource persons were Imsu Sangla, Advocate and Antimangyang, Advocate. They both commented on the awareness of legal rights and Consumer Protection Act. (DIPR)

ElEction nEws

DC Phek notifies to deposit arms phEK, march 15 (Dipr): Deputy Commissioner Phek, CM Tsanglao, IAS, has issued ordered that in view of maintaining law & order/ peace & public tranquility and for ensuring free and fair Lok Sabha election, all gun licenses along with gun, under Phek district shall be deposited as per the following arrangement: Phek Sadar Area - To be impounded, observing all legal procedures and deposit the licensed gun in the malkhana of Police

Station, Phek; Pfutsero Sadar Area - To be deposited in the malkhana of Police Station, Pfutsero; Chizami Sub-Division - To be deposited in the malkhana of Police Station, Chizami; Chozuba Sub-Division - To be deposited in the malkhana of Police Station, Chozuba; Meluri Sub-Division - To be deposited in the malkhana of Police Station, Meluri.

All the fire Arms are to be deposited on or before March 25 with proper receipt. Those persons/individuals found

in possession of any licensed weapons after promulgation of this order shall be subjected to prosecution as per the relevant provision of Law and their licensed weapons shall be confiscated. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain valid till the election is over.

5

MEx FILE ACCC 3 Dimapur-III A/C meeting Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): Assembly Constituency Congress Committee (ACCC) 3 Dimapur-III A/C has convened an emergency meeting on March 17, 10:00 am at Congress Bhawan Dimapur. All office bearers of ACCC, AYC, DCC executives, DYC executives DMCC, NPMCC ward and unit office bearers of parent body Mahila, youth representatives of Sevadal, NSUI, Minority Cell under 3 Dimapur-III A/C have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

DPC general meeting on March 18 Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): Dimapur Press Club (DPC) will hold its first general meeting of the tenure 2014-2016 on March 18, 11:00 am at Rotary Club of Dimapur, Midland. DPC President Moa Longkumer in a press release has requested all bona fide members to attend the meeting positively.

Special voter registration camp today Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): Deputy Commissioner Dimapur has informed that the second special camps for voter registration will be held on March 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in those polling stations where Form 6 were received in the first special camp. All BLOs have been directed to report to their respective charge officers without fail.

IGNOU counselling class today Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): IGNOU Study Centre 2002 (Dimapur Government College) has informed the learners enrolled for July session in MA English (MEG), MA Political Science (MPS), MA History (MAH), and M.Com that special counselling class will be held at the study centre on March 16 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

This was stated in a release issued by coordinator, IGNOU SC-2002, Khrieo Rutsa.

Pfuchatsumia Youth Organisation invites Kohima, march 15 (mExN): Pfuchatsumia Youth Organisation has invited all its members to the inaugural program of Khriesanuomia Badze, P Khel Village near Jawahar Novadaya Vidyalaya (school), Yakukie on 17 March at 11:00 am. The press note issued by Medozhatuo Rutsa, president, Pfuchatsumia Youth Organisation further stated that Badze will be inaugurated by Vilie-o Rutsa, president, Northern Angami Public Organisation (NAPO).

UUF condoles ZuNhEBoTo, march 15 (mExN): The Usutomi Urban Forum has expressed sadness at the demise of Shihoi Shohe, GB of Usutomi village on February 4. The Usutomi Urban Forum acknowledged in a press note, that shohe was an “honest, dedicated and hardworking person who had firmly stands for the welfare of our village.” All the young and old of Usutomi village remembered him as a generous and sociable person, it added.

The Usutomi Urban Forum conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the almighty God would give them strength and peace of mind in their hour of grief.

Western Chakhesang Hoho general session Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): The 19th general session of Western Chakhesang Hoho will be held on March 18 at Bade Village, Dimapur with Neiba Kronu, parliamentary secretary as chief guest. All frontal organizations of Western Chakhesang, mother association, youth organization, students union, GBs union, clergymen, senior officers, elders, unit chairman and well wishers have been requested to attend the programme.

ANSTRSU condemns Dimapur, march 15 (mExN): All Nagaland State Transport Running Staff Union (ANSTRSU) has strongly condemned the March 12 incident where Vekhota allegedly attempted on the life of Vesheto Riga, bus conductor of NST. ANSTRSU president Vimedo Chase and general secretary R Loyamba in a press release have urged the law enforcing agency to book the accused and reward befitting punishment while appealing all Naga community to be aware of such “evil practice” in the near future.

SDEO Pfutsero informs teachers on election duty

It may be stated here that the case of the rapist has been taken up the law of the land where the concerned Court shall take its own course of action as pfuTsEro, march 15 deemed fit. (mExN): Sub-divisional Th. Kashiprii S. Daihrii Education Officer (SDEO) Pfutsero has informed all teachers that the list of selected teachers for the 16th Lok Sabha election duty/ training to be held on cases which needs to be ad- March 17 and 18 has been dressed immediately as the fault doesn’t lie with the unsuspecting public who had to queue up for days together to get themselves enrolled.

There is every possibility that illiteracy of the peo- moN, march 15 ple may be used as an alibi (Dipr): In connection with while making entries for the Parliamentary Election the epic by those who were 2014, Deputy Commissioninvolved. So I would like to er & Assistant Returning cite my own case as I am a Officer, Mon, Angau I Thou doctor by profession and (IAS) has informed all Govmy wife is also a doctorate ernment officials who have and teaches in a college but applied for medical exempour cards are faulty. tion from election duty that Lastly, I would like to Medical Board for examiappeal to all concerned de- nation would be held on partment to help all those March 18 at the office of the case where errors have been Chief Medical Officer, Mon found. at 11:00 am.

Dr. A. B. Choudhury The DC further inPresident, formed all gun license holdIndian Medical Association Nagaland Chapter ers to deposit their Arms

Appeal to Election Department

t is indeed wonderful that the Election Commission of India has completed the herculean task of bringing into force the EPI card for the coming Lok Sabha polls 2014.

While appreciating the effort to implement its use in the largest Democracy in the world, it must be pointed out that there are errors which need to be rectified with certain urgency.

As it is with all Government Departments, It is literally extremely difficult to approach them to get a wrong corrected. Moreover, the enormity of the task compels one as a responsible citizen to bring to the notice of the concerned authority with the help of the print media for early rectification. There are cases ga-

chumuKEDima, march 15 (mExN): World Consumer Rights Day was celebrated today at Mount Mary College (MMC), Chumukedima. It was organized jointly by the Department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection (LM&CP), Dimapur, and Consumer Club of MMC. Runavilhuo Kin, President of Chakro Public Organisation Chumukedima Circle, was the guest of honour, stated a press release from Limatoshi Jamir, Assistant Controller, LM&CP, Dimapur.

In a keynote address, Assistant Controller, LM&CP, narrated the history of World Consumer Rights Day and explained the importance of observing the day. Mentioning that this day is observed in commemoration of the historic speech delivered to the US Congress by President John F Kennedy on March 15, 1962, Jamir made known the four rights that President Kennedy assured the American consumers: Right to safety, Right to choose, Right to information, and, Right to be heard.

On this foundation, the World Consumer Rights Day was first observed on March 15, 1983, and ever since has been observed every year to promote the basic rights of consumers. Jamir also ex-

Dimapur

pasted in the office notice board. All teachers have been requested to come and collect the detailed information. A copy of the list has been sent to all the heads of institution under the jurisdiction of SDEO Pfutsero.

Mon dist Medical Board examination on March 18 along with the Arms license to the nearest Police Station till the completion of election. However, as per the decision of the District Level Standing Committee on parliamentary election, locally made Muzzle loading guns which are part of Konyak culture will be exempted from the purview of the order till April 6, 2014 in view of the Konyak Aoleang festival from April 1 to 6.

Use of Muzzle loading guns from April 7 till the completion of election process is restricted.

DCs and SPs of Longleng and Sivasagar jointly verified Ladigarh village polling station of 49 Tamlu assembly constituency on March 14, 2014. The background of the image is the Nagaland Government Primary School building and designated polling station under the occupation of Assam Armed Police

Training schedule for polling personnel of Phek phEK, march 15 (Dipr): The training schedule for polling personnel of 16th Lok Sabha Election 2014 under Phek District will be as follows: 1st phase of training at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Phek (New Building): March 18 - All Presiding Officers and 1st Polling Officers; March 19 - All 2nd & 3rd Polling Officers. 2nd phase of training: March 28 - All Polling Personnel to attend the training at their respective ADC HQs except Phek HQs. 3rd phase of training at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Phek (New Building): April 5 - All polling per-

sonnel. Time schedule for all the trainings will be 9:30 am till 4:00 pm.

According to Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Phek, CM Tsanglao, IAS, all officers and staffs drafted as polling personnel shall be deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission of India and accordingly shall be subject to the control, superintendence and discipline of the Election Commission of India till the election process is over.

Therefore, all Heads of Departments under Phek district have been directed to ensure that all officers and staffs who have been

drafted as polling personnel are informed to attend the training programme without fail. It is further informed that attendance of all polling personnel for the training would be strictly monitored and anyone found absent would be seriously dealt with and proper action shall be taken under relevant section of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

In the event of any polling personnel failing to report to the training, the Head of Department concerned shall be responsible and any action deemed fit as per Election Laws shall be initiated against him/her.

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.

Sunday 16 March 2014

6

www.morungexpress.com

EXPRESS

Review

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

No Indian university in top 100 global list, Harvard voted best Research defines the ranking N M Ramya

one of the IITs have made it to the top 100 of a global list released by the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings on Thursday.

None of India's 700 universities and 35,539 colleges has made it to the top 100 list of the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings released on Thursday.

This means that academics don't think too highly of the capabilities and work of our higher educational institutions.

The ranking, drawn on the findings of an invitation-only academic opinion survey, is based on the subjective judgment of around 60,000 senior, published academics considered as "the people best placed to know the most about excellence in our universities".

Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University in the US lead the list followed by the UK's University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Agency reports said that Punjab University, the alma mater of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, found a place in the unranked section of 226 - 300. It is followed by the IITs in Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Roorkee between ranks 351 and 400.

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore is ranked highest among Indian institutions, at just below 200, from its 130th place last year. IIT-Bombay figures among the 210-220 group, and IIT-Delhi and IITKanpur are ranked below 250.

The US has the most representation with more than 45 institutions figuring in the top 100 followed by the UK with 10 institutions, Germany with six and Japan and Australia with five. India is the only BRIC country that is not represented in the top 100 list. China has two of its institutions on the list while Brazil

and Russia have one each.

Though based on perception experts said the reputation ranking cannot be taken lightly. In his article 'Credit check' on the website, Times Higher Education Rankings editor Phil Baty said that reputation is the currency of global higher education today, and is accepted by scholars, students, donors and industry.

"In today's academy, reputation is the currency: research has shown that institutional standing is the top consideration for academics when moving jobs, is vital for the formation of international collaborations, and is essential in persuading philanthropists to give and industrial partners to invest," Baty said.

According to data put together by the Institute of International Education on international student mobility in 2012, the number of foreign students registered in Indian higher education institutions in 2012 is 27,000, much lower than in other Asian countries like China (3.28 lakh) or Japan (1.37 lakh).

"Personal experience has shown that IITs are incredibly highly valued in institutions like MIT or Caltech. When we host international delegations in the realm of technology, we find that IITs are as good as any other institution," said R Nagarajan, dean, international and alumni relations, IIT-Madras. But he maintained the stand that it was unfair to compare IITs which are technical institutions with universities that also ran other courses.

VIT University chancellor G Viswanathan said that the visibility of Indian institutions outside the country is poor. "If we want to be known outside the country, we must have partners around the world and get international accreditation. Senior institutions like the IITs are only taking the initiative to get international students or faculty," he said.

U.S. universities continue to dominate the World Reputations Rankings.

T

Bincy Mathew

imes Higher Education has released the World Reputation Rankings 2014.

It is based on a university’s prestige as judged by leading scholars around the world.

Ten thousand academics around the world have been surveyed. PHIL BATY, editor Times Higher Education Rankings, speaks to Bincy Mathew about the rankings.

Why do U.S. universities continue to dominate the rankings? How has Harvard University managed to retain the top spot?

There are a lot of factors that have allowed the U.S. universities to dominate the rankings so dramatically. The first aspect is money.

These universities have extremely generous resources. Harvard has a huge endowment. It has a very large stream of private income and is able to win competitive funding. Students pay high tuition fees. So it is an exceptionally rich university. It also has more than a century of tradition and a huge pedigree. It continues to attract the brightest and best talent — top academics and students. This requires money and resources, but it also requires reputation for outstanding education and research.

How did South Korea rise in the ranking from number 41 last year to number 26 this year?

Seoul National University has been the national flagship in South Korea for some time now.

It was given special independent status, which was specially designed to allow it to compete on a global stage.

It has embarked on a specific programme of internationalisation — it’s forging partnerships with leading universities and drawing in

faculty and students from around the world.

One aspect that allows universities to thrive in a competitive global market is freedom from central bureaucratic control, to have flexibility, to be agile, to respond better to changing situations globally.

Why have Indian universities not made it to the list?

The challenge in India is that though the IITs are renowned for quality teaching, they tend to be less well established in research. Publishing world class research in leading journals is a powerful way of demonstrating excellence to the world. Moreover, this survey is based more heavily on research excellence than teaching.

Also, in India, the focus is on expanding capacity — coping with the huge increase in student numbers. But there has been a slight lowering of quality as a result.

The next challenge is to make sure the best of the universities here are able to compete with the best institutions in the world.

universities with the funding they need so that they can be among the world’s best.

The government recognises that it does not have many natural resources. The economy depends on new knowledge creation and innovation. It relies on its "brains" and its "people", so it needs to invest in universities.

Singapore is truly international in outlook.

It is a diverse country with a large number of nationalities, a hub for international talent with outstanding facilities for academics. It is able to attract a large number of foreign academics to come and work in Singapore and provide their expertise.

There have been some fluctuations in the rankings with respect to U.K. universities.

What’s the picture like?

The U.K. has a superb position in the rankings, but excellence is concentrated in London and the South-East area. The U.K. has lost powerful institutions like Leeds, Bristol, and Sheffield in the rankings over the years. Some of the small specialist universities such as London Business School and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine are in the top 100.

You would imagine universities having a bigger footprint with better faculty and students in a wider range of activities to do well as they have larger number of interactions. But we found that smaller universities, that excelled in a concentrated area, have made it to the list.

Germany ranks third for having the maximum number of institutes. Your comments.

Germany has made a conscious policy decision in the last decade to concentrate more of its resources on a smaller number of universities to allow them to compete globally, under a programme known as excellence initiative. This has allowed universities to raise their global profile and compete more aggressively on a global stage.

World Reputation Ranking 2014 Germany is also competing for interna1. Harvard University tional students. It is teaching in English, and 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology trying to add English language degrees to try 3. Stanford University and attract Asian students. It is internation4. University of Cambridge alising campuses and advertising more on a 5. University of Oxford global scale.

6. University of California, Berkeley 7. Princeton University How does Singapore fare in the rankings?

8. Yale University Singapore has a powerful formula for ex9. California Institute of Technology cellence in higher education. There is a strong 10. University of California, Los Angeles commitment from the government to provide

India among 30 countries where ‘education’ attacked most often: Study Shreya Roy Chowdhury bout 140 schools were attacked by militants in the period 2009—2012 - a number high enough to put India in a list of the top 30 countries where education - teachers, institutions, students - has been the target of violence. Education Under Attack 2014, "a global study of threats or deliberate use of force against students, teachers, academics, education trade union members and government officials" was released recently.

The 30 countries have been divided into three categories: countries with a 1,000 or more attacks are "very heavily affected", the ones that have seen between 500 and 999 attacks from 2009 to early 2013 are "heavily affected" and those with less than 500 attacks are "other affected." India belongs to the third category along with several south Asian countries - Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, The Philippines. Afghanistan and Pakistan are both in the "very heavily affected" category with the Pakistani Taliban alone attacked over 830 schools. The same group, in 2012, attacked school girl Malala Yousafzai whose miraculous survival and subsequent campaign inspired the report. The previous two editions of Education Under Attack - 2007 and 2010 - were both by UNESCO. This one, covering over four years, is by the group Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA).

"Most attacks on education occurred in states affected by a longrunning insurgency led by Maoist and other left-wing armed groups also referred to as 'Naxalites'," says the report of the situation in India.

"Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa were among the states most affected by the

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conflict in 2008," says the report adding that the number of attacks "peaked" in 2009 and has "declined steeply" since. It cites a Home Ministry report from 2011 which stated there were 71 schools attacks in 2009, 39 in 2010 and 27 in 2011 across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Only 12 incidents were reported in 2012. A 2013 Save the Children commissioned study - Caught In Crossfire: Children and education in regions affected by civil strife covering Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha, had reported in detail on the state of schools in districts with high Maoist activity. However, Maoists weren't the only agents of violence - the GCPEA report also mentions attacks on Christian institutions by Hindu and Muslim extremists. In the final count - covering incidents reported by human rights groups and the media - "at least 13 teachers, one catering staff member and four students were killed from 2009 to 2012. At least 73 teachers and 11 students were injured. Seven teachers were abducted, five of whom were subsequently found dead, and at least two students were kidnapped."

The GCPEA study "examines threats and deliberate use of force against students, teachers, academics, education trade union members, government officials, aid workers and other education staff and attacks on schools, universities and other education buildings carried out for political, military, ideological, sectarian, ethnic or religious reasons in 2009-2013." It examines, in particular, use of education infrastructure by armed groups or national armed forces which it says is "one of the key factors that can lead to attacks on education." Of India, it says "there was widespread use

rmal Ali lives in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India. The family of 11 occupy a breeze-block shack with no windows. Ali works all day at a hand loom, sitting cross-legged on the ground, making embroidered saris that are highly prized across the subcontinent. But local residents know too well that such work wrecks eyesight and causes chronic backache.

Ali hopes that his daughter Ousma, 9, will lead a different life. "Nothing special," he says, "but at least sitting at a desk, for instance, with plenty of light around her." He would also like her to speak English, like "the people in suits who talk about money all day on television".

But when her father fell ill, Ousma had to leave her private school, as the family could no longer pay the fees. There was no free state school nearby.

Increasing numbers of Indians,

of schools as barracks or bases by government forces, mostly in the east of the country."

Fact file: 1. Attacks on education was reported in at least 70 countries.

2. The 30 countries are: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Central African Republic (CAR), Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel/Palestine, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

3. In 24 of the 30 countries, armed non-state groups and/or state armed forces used schools as bases, barracks, weapons caches, detention centers and even torture chambers... These occupations lasted for weeks, months or, in some cases, years.

4. In 28 of the 30 countries, higher education facilities and/ or students and staff were attacked or institutions were used for military purposes. Attacks damaged or destroyed university and college buildings in 17 of the 30 countries.

5. The six "very heavily affected" ones are: Afghanistan, Colombia, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Syria.

6. In many countries, individual students, teachers, academics and other education staff were murdered, abducted, threatened with violence, or illegally detained or imprisoned, and in some cases tortured.

7. In some countries, children were captured en route to and from school or taken from their classrooms and recruited as soldiers.

India will take around 56 years to achieve female youth literacy: Report Manash Pratim Gohain iteracy is still a distant dream for vulnerable young women. Going at the present pace of development, India will take at least another 56 years to achieve female youth literacy.

A serious gender imbalance in global education has left over 100 million young women in low and lower middle income countries unable to read a single sentence, and will prevent half of the 31 million girls out of school from ever enrolling. These are among the main findings of the gender summary, which analyses data from the Unesco Education for All Global Monitoring Report.

As per the South-West Asia factsheet of the report, young people who have spent just a few years in school do not develop literacy skills and in some cases even completing primary school is not always a

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guarantee for literacy. The report cited the example of India where after completing up to four years of school, 90% emerge illiterate and after five to six years in school, around 30% still emerge illiterate.

Poor women are the most vulnerable, with two out of three of them in South and West Asia who cannot read are from this category. While poorest young females in Bhutan are not projected to achieve universal literacy until 2083, Pakistan will not reach the target until the 22nd Century.

India is no better, projected to meet the target between 2070 and 2080.

The new summary, launched in partnership with the United Nations Girls Education Initiative, calls for equity to be at the forefront of new global development goals after 2015, so that every child has an equal chance of learning through quality education.

Despite some progress, in 2011,

only 60% of countries had achieved parity in primary education and only 38% of countries had achieved parity in secondary education. Among low income countries, just 20% had achieved gender parity at the primary level, 10% at the lower secondary level and 8% at the upper secondary level.

It is projected that only 70% of countries will have achieved parity in primary education by 2015, and 56% will have achieved parity in lower secondary education. Unless improvements are made, the poorest girls will achieve universal primary completion 60 years later than the richest boys.

"It is simply intolerable that girls are being left behind. For poor girls, education is one of the most powerful routes to a better future, helping them escape from a vicious cycle of poverty," said Irina Bokova, director general, Unesco.

Poor state education in India threatens the futures of millions of children rich and poor, are paying for schooling. The share of pupils in private education has risen from 28% to 33% in just three years. In rural areas it has almost doubled in eight years, from 16% to 29%.

Private schools organise classes in tiny rooms, sometimes outside.

Even if rain means lessons are cancelled, it is still better than a class without a teacher, as is often the case in state schools where teachers are absent one day in five, on average.

This statistic sums up the learning crisis that, according to many researchers, now threatens development in India, where half the population of 1.27 billion is under 25.

The Annual Status of Education Report, carried out in rural areas by the non-governmental organisation Pratham, reveals that though enrolment is still high, at over 96% (a free

Julien Bouissou mid-day meal is a major incentive), pupils do not learn a great deal. After three years 60% of them still cannot read, except for their first name maybe, compared with 54% four years ago.

A Right to Education Act, passed in 2010, requires all children aged six to 14 to attend school but pays little attention to what they learn when they are there. The act is more like an architect's brief, specifying the minimum dimensions of classrooms and playgrounds.

So how does one recognise a good school in the impoverished countryside of Uttar Pradesh? For one thing it should be near a road, enabling teachers to get there by car ... quickly, if they find out an inspector plans to visit.

In a little village in the district of

Sitapur the primary school is deserted, but for dogs and livestock. One of the out-buildings is used for storing hay. We found the teacher sitting outside in the sun, reading the paper, with the few remaining pupils serving him tea.

Ali Ahmad is an assistant teacher and his job mainly involves child-minding. He earns about $55 a month, 10 times less than a qualified primary schoolteacher and without the job security. "The teacher doesn't often come, because he lives in the town, a long way from here. So it's up to me to do the teaching," Ahmad explains.

In Uttar Pradesh teachers enjoy a higher standard of living than most people, roughly 10 times the per capita GDP in the state. But this may be

the root of the problem. "Such a high pay could be counterproductive, attracting the wrong kind of people," Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, both professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote in a recent article in the Indian Express, particularly as "there is no obvious reward for performance" and "children are promoted automatically".

Parents in one village we visited in Utter Pradesh prefer to pay around $1.20 a month to one of the many nearby private schools.

To begin with, five or six children had private tuition under a tree with a retired teacher. A few years later there were about 160 of them, studying in various shacks. "At least we have a timetable. The kids know beforehand whether they'll be doing maths or reading, and the teachers are here every day," the

head proudly explains.

Many parents are illiterate so they have little idea what their children are learning. But the idea of private school implies success. "It must be better than the state school because we pay for it," says one mother. Private schools have become so popular in Uttar Pradesh that they even win votes at elections, or so a candidate asserts: "Rather than handing out free alcohol the new thing is to build private schools."

The experts recommend reforms, such as grouping pupils according to their grade, rather than age, or streamlining the syllabus.

When Ousma left her private school in Lucknow she enrolled at an education centre set up by Pratham, where she has lessons in a small group of comparable level. In just a few months she learned to read and write, and now dreams of becoming a teacher.

This article appeared in Guardian Weekly, which includes material from Le Monde

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.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS 16 March 2014

www.morungexpress.com

AUTHENTIC SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE

-How do I know my spiritual experience is authentic?-

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oday there is much talk about spiritual experiences and people are interested in the supernatural and spiritual things. While this hunger is good, it is also dangerous because it elevates spiritual experiences to a level where it becomes unhealthy to the authentic Christian spiritual reality. This hunger for spiritual experience, which we see today, is often vague and not pointed or focused, and has the potential of leading us to all the wrong places.

Psalm 63 has a few pointers for us here. This Psalm describes David’s spiritual experience and hunger. David’s seeking after God is not a vague groping in the dark for some spiritual experience, but a very focused and pointed seeking for God himself: “Oh God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you.”

One test for authentic spiritual experience is this hunger after God who relates to us personally (My God). David seeks after God very earnestly and will not be satisfied with anything less; and this becomes a test and a model for us to follow. Here, “seeking after God” does not mean a religious seeking for the true God, or even some spiritual experiences, but our seeking after God is the result of having found Him. This is not a religious search where God seems to be playing hide and seek with us, but it is like taking a journey with someone you love. As your journey progresses, you get to know more and more of that person. Your hunger and desire remains focused on that person and you are seeking to know more and more about her or him.

Other faiths may also have a religious seeking after God, or seeking after some spiritual experiences, but this kind of focused hunger for the person of God which David displays is possible only when you have found the true God of the Bible. The way you know you have met the true God is when you begin to hunger after God. Nothing else will do. That is why David later says, “Your love is better than life”.

To put it another way, when you feel the lack of God’s presence in your life, that is a sign that God has indeed touched you. For example, when you are in love with someone, you miss him or her when you are apart from each other. The fact that you miss him so much is

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od doesn’t want us to live in isolation. I realized many years ago that I desperately need people in my life in order to fulfill my purpose. My parents invested in me, and so did teachers, coaches, employers, pastors, role models and good friends. I am not self-made, and neither are you. Any success we have achieved is the result of someone taking time to instruct, encourage or correct us.

That’s humbling!

Mentorship is a basic biblical principle. The book of Proverbs opens with an exhortation to listen not only to parents but also to the “words of the wise” (Prov.

1:6, NASB). Moses mentored Joshua, Naomi mentored Ruth, and Elijah mentored Elisha. Jesus spent most of His time teaching a small group of disciples. One of those, Peter, discipled his spiritual son, Mark (1 Pet. 5:13), who in turn wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter’s testimony.

The message of Christ is best transmitted through the process of mentoring. But this art has been lost in today’s church— partly because of family breakdown and partly because our celebrity-obsessed culture values self-effort and instant results.

Mentoring is too slow for most of us because we prefer the overnight sensation.

God’s kingdom is built through a tedious process we don’t have the patience for.

Yet I believe we can reclaim biblical discipleship. In fact, I’m convinced the church

Naga Christianity Naga Christianity is a kettle of fish. A turbulent voyage it is. Intellectualism stirs the calm sea of orthodoxy; as galaxies of secular worldviews storms and challenges the pure ethos of the Bible; as west wind of change of liberalism threatens to shipwreck biblical integrity that the church held with pride; as waves of atheistic free-thinking strikes and confronts the morality laid plain in the scriptures; as pirates of Satanism tries to invade the souls of the young; as the crews of denomination stayed occupied in their rivalry. The people who are passengers are now confused and challenged; some shouts in hoot and holler others chant their last prayers. What has become of us? Are we doomed?

This read aspires to consider the different voices that were raised concerning the church. Today, with online advances, one can half doze in the room and raise their voice high and loud virtually through a phone, tablet or computer against the church or government or anybody. Of late, my eyes and mind were kept equally busy with the different write ups, blogs, and comments of juvenile concerning the church. Personally, I take them serious because micro-blogging is shaping the opinions of people especially the young minds. Doing the math, I need to loosen my rib to breath. Thank God. I have one missing.

These young souls (not all) hate the church. They don’t want to do anything with NBCC or NCRC and the likes. They deemed the church and the councils as totally corrupted like the political parties. The clergy are stereotyped to be immoral. Pastors are considered comfort loving, living luxuriously. Prayer warriors are ridiculed. Prayer Centres are viewed as business maneuver. Theological students are demeaned lazy trying the easy way

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INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

Kedo Peseyie

proof that you love him and that he is involved in your life. We often feel the lack of God’s presence in our lives, and we must realise that this lack we experience is actually the starting point of true Christian spiritual

reality. We ought to be wary of those who try to overcome this lack by filling it with anything less than God Himself, which includes spiritual experiences evoked by miracles, signs and wonders.

Another sign of authentic spiritual experience is when the benefits become secondary and you begin to love and seek God for Himself and not for what He can do for you; or when we can come to the level where we can say with David, “Your love is better than life”. Many times, we miss the greater reality because we go seeking our own life, and the things we want from life.

Spiritual experiences in themselves carry within them the danger of ruining our appetite for the one true personal God. David was aware of this danger, and therefore he made sure that his spiritual seeking and hunger stayed focused and clear. He hungered after God Himself, and not the benefits.

Some may ask, does this mean I have to give up the world, my ambitions, and deny all hopes of being blessed materially by God? No. Because the Bible says when we seek God first, then everything else falls into it proper place. We may see signs, wonders and miracles in our Christian walk, but they will be nothing compared to knowing God personally, loving Him, and being known by Him and loved by Him. This is better than life itself.

We must never lose this hunger for God Himself. Seeking for shallow spiritual experiences ruins this appetite more than anything else. The example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is helpful here.

They knew God could deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar, but if not, they were willing to die without a sign, a miracle or a wonder. But they also knew something which eludes many of us too often. It is this: they knew too well that Jesus Himself was the greatest sign, the greatest miracle, the greatest wonder. And at the lowest point of their spiritual reality, when they thought God was too far away, they found Jesus standing with them in the fire. They were in the heart of one of the greatest miracles in history, and yet, I suspect they had no clue about it, or even cared about it, because they were too busy enjoying the presence of Jesus Himself.

Mentors who can help you grow spiritually

5. Reverse mentors. You can also learn from younger people. I invest in a lot of Timothys, and they love to ask me for counsel. But I sometimes flip roles and pick their brains. One of the guys I’m mentoring, Alex, is a tech geek—so I know he will have the answer when I have a question about my computer, my smartphone or the J. Lee Grady latest app. I also get regular feedback from is shifting radically back to God’s original things he said to me that day still ring in the guys I’m mentoring because I want to plan as we reject the program-driven, im- my ears. I may never visit him again, but know if I’m communicating in a way that personal, televangelistic one-man show he made an eternal investment in my life. is relevant to their generation. Sometimes of the past season. Everywhere I go I find the best way to mentor is to ask questions! people who are hungry for authentic rela- 3. Supportive friends. A mentor does not have to be 20 years older than you.

6. Spiritual fathers and mothers. God tionships that can help them become team I have a close group of peers who some- has used many different mentors in my players and mature mentors.

I’ve found six types of mentors who times gather from four states just to pray life, but there are some who invested in for each other. We call this group “the me in a very personal way for a long span have helped me in my spiritual journey: band of brothers.” I am constantly on of time. One of them, Barry St. Clair, invit1. Distant mentors. British author the phone with a few of them. We share ed me to a discipleship group when I was Charles Spurgeon died in 1892, but I con- prayer requests and offer advice—and only 15. He taught me the basics of the sider him a mentor because I read his we aren’t afraid to step on each others’ Christian life during those Bible studies books often. The same is true of other toes if necessary. You need friends like in his basement, and we have stayed condead authors such as Andrew Murray and that to survive life’s challenges. nected for 40 years. This month the two of A.W. Tozer. You don’t have to know a perus are doing a conference together in Atson to receive instruction from them. I’ve 4. Negative mentors. Not everyone you lanta! Barry has been a role model, counmeet is a good example.

I have sometimes never met author Henry Blackaby, but his selor and spiritual father most of my life, books, especially Experiencing God, have encountered people in positions of lead- and his investment in me has now been ership who had serious flaws.

Some had profoundly influenced me. prideful attitudes; others had poor people passed on to dozens of others.

If you don’t have mentors, I urge you to 2. Occasional mentors. Brother Andrew, skills; a few had selfish agendas. Rather find them. If you are fortunate to have been the founder of the Open Doors minis- than allowing myself to become bitter mentored, then pay forward what you have try, became a hero to me after I read his or judgmental, I studied their behavior received—and invest in someone else. book God’s Smuggler in the 1970s. Then and determined to avoid doing the same J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You in 2004, I had the privilege of interviewing things. I said to myself, “Let this be a les- can follow him on Twitter at @leegrady. He is the author him in his home in Holland. Some of the son. That is not how to lead.” of 10 Lies Men Believe and other books.

Ukraine's intercessors standing in the gap for peace George Thomas

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kraine's acting president Oleksandr Turchynov, a man of deep faith and prayer, is in the center of the storm in Ukraine, but he's not alone. Turchynov is seeking an increase in the country's armed services as he has called on parliament to turn Ukraine's interior ministry troops into a national guard to defend the nation against aggression. He's also called for the mobilization of military reservists and volunteers into the armed forces. Pastor Wolodymyr Kunets, with Word of Life, couldn't be prouder of his country's new leader.

"He is a born again Christian and loves God!" Kunets told CBN News. For several years, Turchynov has attended Kunets's church in Kiev and serves as deacon. "It is very rare, not just for Ukraine, but the entire region, for a Baptist Christian to run the country," Kunets said. Turchynov recently told a Christian magazine that God is working in his country despite the political chaos. He's asking believers worldwide to pray.

"I'm so glad he's been given such a position, but from another perspective it is very scary because we are experiencing very difficult times," Kunets said. "We are bankrupt as a nation and there are many enemies who don't want to see Ukraine do well."

When protests started last November, Ukrainian Christians found themselves playing the role of peacemaker. Ostap Kryvdyk is a leader of the anti-government demonstrators. "During the gun fights there was a priest who was standing there and who gave his last words and last service to dying people," Kryvdyk, with Maidan Self Defense unit, said. "And he personally told me that 20 people died in his arms."

Men like Father Theodosiy Ivashko, with the Greek Catholic Church, literally risked their lives to stand in the gap. "It happened just a few feet from here: Hundreds of Ukrainian police stood on one side and anti-government demonstrators on the other, and we took our place in the middle calling for calm," Ivashko said.

Victoria Semenikhina traveled to Maidan, ground zero of the mass demonstrations, to pray for families that lost loved ones. She also gives thanks for men like Father Ivashko. "I saw Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and other Christians who were helping those for and against the government," Semenikhina, who is from Kharkav, said.

"These men and women are also heroes, as much as those who gave their lives for freedom."

For months here on Maidan, the Ukrainian church, across denominations, played the role of peacemaker.

Today it is preaching a message of reconciliation. "We are preaching this message in almost every service and encouraging people to demonstrate in practical ways how we can help heal our nation," Kunets said.

Parliament member and well-known Christian Alexandr Dubovoy said his country has a small window of opportunity to get things right or else. "People are clearly not happy, but we cannot overcome evil with evil. We have to be more forgiving," Dubovoy said.

Days after the massacre that killed more than a hundred and injured some 600 others, Larissa Litvin's church erected a tent for counseling. "So many people have come for prayer. Entire families with children are coming and asking how they can help move our country forward after all the violence and bloodshed," she said. "This is a critical moment for us." One that Litvin and believers here say must be covered in prayer and forgiveness.

Naga Christianity: Holy Mess vs Holy Mass out of life. Best mentioned, “Nagaland for Christ” is a good joke.

Holy Mess My universe won’t shake an inch on reading the FrontPage of the dailies, “SCAM SCAM! Pastor breached and embezzled Church funds.” My heart will not skip half its beat when my ears are phoned with news that that clergy is in an illicit relation with that girl in that ministry. They aborted the child. At best, I will shrug my shoulders in neglect. We won’t need Sherlock Holmes to find the religious frauds in our churches.

The CID team in that Sony TV show will do. I guess, duh.

Hypocrisy among clergy is as plain as the nose on the face. Need I mention them?I heard of power play in the church and council. If your nose can smell, that stinks. I hate that ingratiating smile on the Pastor’s face at the entrance when the Director of that department entered. “Pastor, you can kiss his hand too.” The deacons will follow suit. And what is that contractor/officer doing in the church committee meeting. Hello Pastor and deacons (of course, who else, retired officer), why the scorn in the smile. Honest to goodness. That guy is not your enemy. Just from another denomination.

Did you say the Prayer Warriors? I am little under the weather to say anything about them. You know, I don’t want to go 40 days fasting confessing my sins just because I pointed their errors. Some questions will do. Why are all the officers’ lives short when you pray? Now they have to give you money and sent you somewhere far for missions so that their life will be prolonged. Why is it often the will of the Holy Spirit to

Mezhiisevi Mark Ziitso

My nous on Nagas and the Bible

The writer is currently doing his Master of Theology (Th.m) majoring in Biblical Theology in Asian Christian Academy and also works with Christ in Youth Team, Kohima.

go and pray for that minister? Why not the family next door? Yes, that poor alcoholic family. Why everybody you prayed for have to fast 21 or 30 or 40 or even 90 days to get rid of problems? There are things called as work and education. We need them.

Last one, why that guy had to do that good thing or else that destruction will come to him. Oh crap, let me say it. I will confess my sins later. Why he has to give you 10000 rupees or else he will meet an accident?

You know what you will be best called, “Holy Extortionist.” I sympathized with our CM Rio. Every month in budgeting (if he does) he has to set money for the four five six Nagaland for Christ factions. He also has to reserve some for the holy extortionist or else very soon there will be a divine revelation. “Thou wilt not stand the next election”. “Somebody will attack you on the way.”Talking of prayer centres. Let them mushroom.

Everybody start one. Beg around for buildings to come up in the Centre.

Start a shop. Call it “Fortune telling.”

That way it will be a fair business.

What can I say; business these days is tough and competitive especially in Dimapur.

Wannabe theologians, how cute are you. Remember you were drop out in matriculation. Your parents send you off for good to the seminary. You were such a menace in the family. Nuisance best defined you then. Look at you now; you have the cup, holier-than-thou. You know it all. You are good at all. You took some acting class in the seminary? I bet your professors were good. You might have come across this word ‘woe’. Yap, just to say, ‘Woe is you.’

Holy Mass Is that all we’ve got? Are the church and clergy that corrupted?

All I hear and read in internet blogs and pages will faintly say. Yes, that’s it, we guess. I wrote what some of you want to read. Allow me to write some more. Remember the high school cliché, “half knowledge is dangerous.”

It applies today too.

Rest assured. Our churches are not all that corrupted. God is faith-

Oleksandr Turchynov

ful. There is always a remnant. In our case, majority are remnants. We have more good churches and clergies than the bad ones. Comparing to places around us. Nagaland is paradise for Christians. I have friends who can get killed in their own home, when they say. They believe in Jesus.

There was this church with 20 people working. This theologian, a clergy at the church could not control his lust. He went and impregnated another clergy’s daughter. The news wild fired. Nagas, the best we do, stereotyped the whole church.

Youths stopped coming to that church. Other churches and people spread rags of rumors around. But hold on, do the math. Out of 20 one was lustful, the other 19 were not.

What about the other 19, who are still faithful? Judas, for one, out of the 12 disciples betrayed Jesus. But that doesn’t qualify the other disciples were betrayers. All to say, mind out your mind. Be aware. Be careful, very careful and don’t drag in the whole NBCC/NCRC and the likes when a pastor wronged. The best lies are from the truth. Don’t be a part of a half-baked truth which eventually becomes a lie.

I am thrilled to bliss to see the faithful men and women of God in our land. My heart reaches my throat in excitement to see churches all geared up for revival. Look at our leaders who intercedes day in day out, crying to the Man upstairs for change in our land. They implore the Heavens for souls not to be damned. Fingers crossed, they relentlessly chant for healing in our land. I have seen tons of mothers moan and groan with ceaseless tears on their untiring knees for transformation in their family and church. This will not go unheard.

We have pastors who live in rake and scratch, yet untiringly laboring for the church. They have the same smile for Mr. Rio and the farmer in the village. Hypocrisy is an asset they don’t want to own. I have seen Prayer Groups and Warriors waged in hunger and thirst behind locked doors crying for the transgressions and iniquities of our land.

They wrestle for days in fasting. I have friends who spend their entire time in Prayer Centres out of compassion. They pray for people who are in need. I saw the others pray for our land and churches every three hours; others in chain of prayers for 24 hours. Have witness tons of people being born again, healed, changed, and transformed in Prayer Centres. God isn’t heedless after all.

Speaking of theologians, let’s shrink from the assumption that all theological students are college drop outs, unruly delinquents, jobless in gimmick…I know of many theologians who had equal and enough opportunity to be somebody in the secular world. Yet, they heed the call of God, sacrificed their ambitions to serve God. Not all theologians are judgmental nincompoops.

An Appeal All that to say, be mindful when you judge the church and clergy. It is the house and the men of God. Admonish it in ways it needs to be but with proper knowledge. Do not post or blog on hearsay. Get your facts right. To my young readers, do not post against the church just because your father is a deacon and he stopped you from partying that night.

We are in confusing, testing, and difficult times. A turbulent voyage it is indeed. Yet I won’t sweat my pores nor sink my heart down my stomach.

For I know who is on deck. He has the helm in control. Jesus is still the captain of the ship. We won’t sink.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Sunday 16 March 2014

The Morung Express

Indian diplomat re-indicted in US visa fraud case

NEW YORK, MaRch 15 (aP): An Indian diplomat was re-indicted Friday on U.S. visa fraud charges that touched off an international stir after she was arrested and strip-searched last year.

The new indictment, filed Friday, essentially just reinstates recently dismissed charges against the diplomat, Devyani Khobragade — charges that now arrive with her out of the United States.

A judge threw out last year’s virtually identical indictment Wednesday on diplomatic immunity grounds, but the ruling left a door open to reviving the case and federal prosecutors quickly suggested they would. It accuses Khobragade of lying to the U.S. government to get her housekeeper a work visa.

Khobragade’s lawyer, Daniel Arshack, had no immediate comment Friday.

He said Wednesday that reindicting his client “might be viewed an aggressive act and one that (prosecutors) would be ill-advised to pursue.”

Khobragade is back in India. There was no immediate response to messages left at India’s embassy in Washington and consulate in New York.

The arrest roiled U.S.Indian relations, with India taking such steps as removing concrete traffic barriers around the U.S. Embassy and revoking diplomats’ ID An Indian laborer carries a sack of onions at a wholesale market on the outskirts of Jammu, India on March 15. India's key inflation rate has dropped to its lowest level in nine cards. After being indicted, months. The easing of the price increases comes less than a month before general elec- Khobragade complied with a Department of State retions in the world's most populous democracy. (AP Photo)

quest to leave the U.S., and the Indian government then asked Washington to withdraw a diplomat from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi.

The U.S. complied.

It’s unclear when, if ever, she might appear in court in New York again. It’s unlikely she would ever be forced to appear through extradition.

The U.S. State Department had filed court papers opposing Khobragade’s bid to get the charges dismissed and stands by it, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters Friday in Washington.

Khobragade was a deputy consul general in New York when she was arrested in December near her children’s Manhattan school.

Prosecutors say she told the government she was paying her Indian housekeeper $4,500 per month while actually paying her less than $3 per hour and often making her work up to 100 hours a week.

“Khobragade did not want to pay the victim the required wages under law or provide the victim with other protections against exploitative work conditions mandated by U.S. law,” the indictment says.

In the initial case, she pleaded not guilty and argued she was immune from prosecution.

The arrest sparked an outcry in India, particularly because of the strip-search.

The U.S. Marshals said Khobragade was treated no differently than others who

are arrested, and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said she indeed was afforded courtesies most Americans wouldn’t get, such as being allowed to make phone calls for two hours to arrange child care and sort out personal matters.

Bharara, who is himself Indian-born, also said Khobragade wasn’t handcuffed, restrained or arrested in front of her children and was given coffee and offered food while detained. And he questioned why there was such a furor over what Khobragade experienced but “precious little outrage” over how the housekeeper was allegedly treated.

Still, many in India saw the arrest as deeply disrespectful.

Indian officials also said the

housekeeper, Sangeeta Richard, had tried to blackmail the diplomat; Richard’s advocates disputed that.

Safe Horizon, an antihuman-trafficking group that represents Richard, said earlier this week it hoped Khobragade would face a new indictment, calling the case “a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate our nation’s commitment to fighting exploitation of workers.”

When Khobragade was arrested, U.S. officials said her status as a consular officer provided immunity limited to acts performed in the exercise of official functions. She disagreed.

Then, on the day before her Jan. 9 indictment, she was accredited to India’s

BaNGalORE, MaRch 15 (PTi): Senior BJP leader and deputy leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday said the only link between good economy and good politics is good governance and government under the leadership of Narendra Modi will provide it.

“The only link between good economy and good politics is good governance, you talk of entrepreneurship, you talk of policy initiatives....under Narendra Bhai we can assure you good governance, enabling

BaNGalORE, MaRch 15 (iaNS): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal said Saturday the media has no guts to expose the darker side of Gujarat under the leadership of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

“Has media guts to expose Modi? They are only repeating all the lies he tells in campaign speeches about the so-called development in Gujarat,” an unfazed Kejriwal told reporters here during the AAP road show underway in this tech hub.

Continuing his vicious

attack on the media, especially news channels, Kejriwal said the truth about Modi’s development claims was hollow.

“The question, however, is which media house will dare show that. For instance, about 800 farmers committed suicide and about 16,000 small scale industries shut down under Modi’s regime. But these stark facts are neither shown nor reported,” Kejriwal said.

Recalling his recent visit to Gujarat for a firsthand account and assessment of the

much-touted Modi’s development model and growth across sectors, Kejriwal said corruption was no less in that state than elsewhere.

“Corruption reeks across Gujarat even 11 years after Modi became its chief minister. Why doesn’t media go there and verify what I am saying. Is it not its job or duty to tell people the harsh reality there? Will media have the courage to tell the truth about Modi’s Gujarat at least now for people to know before the general elections?,” Kejriwal said.

Lamenting that some

Second indictment of Devyani Khobragade unnecessary: India

NEW DElhi, MaRch 15 (iaNS): India Saturday said the second indictment of diplomat Devyani Khobragade in a visa fraud case in the US was an “unnecessary step”.

“The second indictment of Devyani Khobragade is an unnecessary step.

We are disappointed. We reiterate that the case has no merit,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said in a tweet. “India’s government will no longer engage

on this case in the US legal system,” he said.

Dashing hopes of a closure of the Khobragade affair, Indian American prosecutor Preet Bharara secured a fresh indictment of the Indian diplomat, who is at the centre of a major India-US diplomatic row.

Two days after a New York judge dismissed the visa fraud case against Devyani Khobragade, India’s then consul general in New York, whose Dec 12 arrest and strip search strained

ties between the two countries, a US grand jury Friday again indicted her on same criminal charges.

Khobragade’s father, Uttam Khobragade also lashed out at the US Saturday. “This was not done by court, it has been initiated by the prosecutor. This is a clear attack against the sovereignty of India. This shows that the US doesn’t even respect their own court rules and are flouting it brazenly,” Uttam Khobragade has said.

U.N. mission, a role that conferred wider immunity.

U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin decided in a ruling Wednesday that the later appointment gave Khobragade immunity when indicted and meant that indictment had to be dismissed, without settling the question of whether the alleged crimes would have been considered “official acts” covered by the earlier, more limited immunity.

But the judge wrote that there was “no bar to a new indictment against Khobragade,” whose immunity ended when she left the country. She still works in foreign affairs for the Indian government, but now in New Delhi, according to Arshack.

Country waiting for Modi to take the mantle of PM: BJP Media has no guts to expose Modi’s Gujarat: Kejriwal atmosphere, which will provide an opportunity for all of you to grow,” Prasad said at an event here, attended also by BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi.

Speaking at the Idea Exchange Forum organised by the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CEE), he said enabling atmosphere comes from good political decision making. Prasad said, “You talk about gloom and despair that the country’s economy is going through, but why is it and how is it state after state mostly ruled by BJP is posting a growth rate of 10 per

PM did not meet the media despite our pleas: Chacko

KOchi, MaRch 15 (iaNS): P.C. Chacko, Congress spokesperson and Lok Sabha candidate from Kerala’s Chalakudy constituency, Saturday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh refused to meet the media despite repeated pleas by party workers.

“All of us told him several times that if not once a week, at least once in two weeks he should meet the media. But despite several pleas, for some reason he did not do it. We even lost our patience on this,” said Chacko while speaking to the media here Saturday. mChacko was the Joint Parliamentary Commission chairman on the 2G scam and represents the Thrissur constituency in the outgoing Lok Sabha. “We (second UPA government) failed to reach out to the people on what we have done,” Chacko said.

Chacko, who faced strong opposition from his fellow party workers in Thrissur, swapped his seat with that of K.P. Dhanapalan, who was elected from the Chalakudy constituency - both constituencies are in Thrissur district. He also said the situation is not favourable and only time will tell if there will be a third UPA government. “Even if the Congress party at the national level is going to face problems, the party would do well in Kerala,” Chacko added.

Chacko is pitted against popular comedy artiste Innocent who has been fielded as a CPI-M supported independent candidate from Chalakudy.

cent plus.”

Citing lack of strong decision making leadership for the situation, without making any direct reference, he said, “Our commitment to you all is, we will provide you enabling atmosphere; this enabling atmosphere comes from good political decision making.”

“The Prime Minister of a great country like India has to be a popular leader, who must have the ability to take decision, right decision, strong decision.”

Quoting examples of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Atal

Bihari Vajpayee as great Prime Ministers, Prasad said, “In Narendra Modi we have a leader for whose arrival the country is waiting for and take over the mantle.” “That is the legitimacy factor of a political leader,” he added. Assuring enabling atmosphere for businesses and entrepreneurs to grow if NDA was voted to power, Prasad said, “We shall be very clear that what is doable shall be done, what cannot be done will be conveyed to you with a request how to have the alternative.”

An Indian boy watches from a broken windshield of an old lorry, or a small truck, in New Delhi, India on March 15. (AP Photo)

After victory over polio, measles the next target

March 16 is Measles Immunisation Day NEW DElhi, MaRch 15 (iaNS): After India was declared polio free earlier this year, health experts stress that eradication of measles is the next “achievable target” among childhood illnesses.

“After the victory over polio and officially being declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), measles becomes our next achievable target among the killer diseases of childhood illness,” Himanshi Kashyap, pediatric consultant, Rockland Hospital, Manesar, told IANS. According to WHO, mea-

sles is a highly contagious viral disease which mostly affects children. The disease is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected people. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10-12 days after infection include high fever, running nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth.

Experts say that the key public health strategies that can help combat deaths caused by measles include promotion of mass vaccination programmes and increased coverage of routine vaccinations. “Universal immunisation remains the main strategy. However, measles being an infectious

disease, improving hygiene, sanitation, living conditions and economic upliftment of people have to be given equal importance,” said Arvind Gupta, head, department of pediatrics and neonatology, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad.

Agreed Sarath Gopalan, paediatric gastroenterologist, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute, Seikh Sarai, who said that the most effective way to prevent a disease against which vaccination is available is vaccination itself.

“A child who has been given the measles vaccine is much less likely to develop life-threatening complica-

tions of measles such as pneumonia and encephalitis,” he said.

However, on being asked why, despite the availability of vaccines, measles remains a leading cause of infant deaths, Himanshu Batra, pediatric expert at the Columbia Asia Hospital in Gurgaon said: “Poor vaccination coverage and compliance along with predisposition to malnutrition are the challenges”.

Batra pegged the global figure of deaths related to measles at 122,000 globally in 2012 or 330 deaths per day. Gupta blamed the inadequate immunization coverage and the poorly monitored cold chain for

transporting and storing vaccines as the prime reasons behind measles resulting in infant deaths. “Measles significantly decreases the immunity of the babies, predisposing them to serious medical problems like pneumonia and tuberculosis. In the setting of poverty, lack of adequate medical facilities and poor immunity, mortality still remains high, especially in low socio-economic strata,” Gupta told IANS. According to Kashyap, the effort to eradicate measles is an “uphill battle”.

“The need of the hour is intensified control measures and renewed political and financial commitment to

lay the foundation for future global eradication of measles,” she said. Experts said the intense immunisation polio campaign launched by the government to contain polio should be followed by one to battle measles too.

“Every government has to have its priorities. In the health sector, especially in the field of immunization, a lot has been done by the government and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

Eradication of polio from our country is an example of the government’s determination to do its best for children. May be we need to take up the drive to eradicate measles in the same way as polio,” Gupta said.

sections of the media were deliberately misleading the people by bluffing about the development in Gujarat under Modi, the former Delhi chief minister said a makebelieve image was being created to influence the people to vote for the BJP. “It is not just the BJP which is desperate to grab power, but some media houses, which are showing and writing on opinion polls based on false surveys on behalf of vested interests who are keen on making Modi prime minister,” Kejriwal said.

Poll panel takes fizz out of Holi events

lucKNOW, MaRch 15 (iaNS): The colours will be there, so too would be the bonhomie. But what could well go missing at Holi gatherings organised by political parties would be freely flowing liquor and bhaang as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set to play spoilsport. The first phase of the Lok Sabha poll is to be notified March 15 and barely two days later is the festival of colours March 17. The poll panel has set its sights on the `Holi milan’ functions that are a must in the Hindi heartland. Special teams have been set up to keep a close watch on these dos where almost all politicians gather and hug the people, promising them a better life. Liquor, bhaang, flow freely at the events, where political parties and supporters pull out all stops to make the day a memorable one.

With elections around the corner, these Holi events can also be used by political parties and groups to lure voters, feel election commission officials. “The ECI has a clear view on the matter. Any event or function that witnesses distribution of freebies, gifts, and is used for campaign is against the model code of conduct and will invite reprimand,” a senior election official told IANS. mPoliticians confide in private that these Holi milans are “electorally very fruitful”. Not so this time, as more than 20 poll panel teams are in the state capital alone to keep an eye. The poll panel will also be maintaining a strict vigil on the flow of liquor on Holi. Bacchus lovers are angry at the strict checking of liquor shops around the state on the election commission’s instructions. Officials say a control room has been set up specially at the state excise department headquarters in Allahabad to keep a watch on liquor consumption in the run up to the general poll. Director General of Police (DGP) Anand Lal Banerjee concedes that liquor in the poll season is seen as a great dole by politicians and hence is on the radar of the police and excise department.

Joint teams of the excise department and police are on highways and stationed at important places. “Special teams of police have been put in place for checking liquor movement,” he added. Liquor vends across the state have been listed and a report of the bottles of various brands of wines, whisky, rum, vodka and others is being sought on a daily basis, said an official. “Any erratic and unusual fluctuation in sales at a particular shop or area or district” is an alert for us, said an election commission official.

Umesh Sinha, chief electoral officer of Uttar Pradesh, said: “Free distribution of liquor has been a complaint during elections and we are extra vigilant this time.” Earlier this week, several hundred litres of liquor was seized in transit.

Liquor vend owners rue the diktat and say that frequent checking by police and election commission flying squads were deterring liquor lovers in this festive season.

Statistics support the claims. Last year on the two days preceding Holi, in Lucknow alone 110,000 bottles of countrymade liquor, 250,000 beer cans and 200,000 bottles of whisky were sold. “The sales during Holi alone outdo sales during many months,” said S.P. Singh, president of the Liquor dealers association. Sales in army cantonment canteens have also seen a spurt, a source said.

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Sunday 16 March 2014

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Clinton records: President feared 1994 losses

WASHINGTON, MArcH 15 (AP): President Bill Clinton worried in the summer of 1994 that Republicans were energized heading into the midterm congressional elections while his Democratic base was deflated.

“There’s no organization, there’s no energy, there’s no anything out there,” Clinton said of his own party. “They’re organized and they’re working,” the president observed of conservative activists, according to an August, 1994 transcript.

“And our cultural base. ...

They walked off.”

Clinton’s concerns turned out to be justified: In the wake of a failed health care reform effort led thenfirst lady Hillary Rodham Clinton , Republicans swept

to power in the congressional elections, wresting control of the House of Representatives and Senate from the president’s party. The transcript was among 4,000 documents released Friday by the National Archives.

They’re just part of the roughly 30,000 pages expected to be released in coming weeks. The documents, which cover Clinton’s two presidential terms, are much anticipated in the political world, partly because Hillary Clinton is considering her own bid for the presidency in 2016. The documents shed ample light on her husband’s administration, highlighting the behindthe-scenes maneuvering of aides, the stroking of allies and erstwhile opponents

and the sting of the first Republican takeover of Congress in 40 years.

Clinton was in touch with the Republican surge more than two months before the November election, the newly released documents show. “Basically you’ve got Republicans running like a house afire all over the country and running against me, and saying that Washington has too much government and taxes and too little morality. I mean, that’s their message. It ain’t so, but it’s what they’re selling,” Clinton vented to an unnamed aide, according to an Aug. 25, 1994, transcript. “And there’s no organization, there’s no energy, there’s no anything out there. And we’re out of position on this

Chris Brown Jailed For Allegedly Violating Parole In Malibu T

he 25 year-old was arrested Friday (March 14th) for allegedly violating his parole that stems from a 2009 assault charge, where he beat up his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Brown has been a resident in a Malibu rehabilitation facility for the past four months, but after being kicked out, local police arrested him and took him to Inmate Reception Center at the L.A. County Jail, TMZ reports.

A Los Angeles County Sheriff confirmed this report to the NY Daily News, as the newspaper was told, I can confirm Chris Brown was arrested on a warrant.

The judge in Brown’s Rihanna assault case ordered the ‘Don’t Wake Me Up’ singer to spend 90 days in rehab for anger management, and he completed this course earlier in the month. But in

Rwandan ex-intel chief convicted in genocide trial PArIS, MArcH 15 (AP): Paris court delivered France’s first-ever conviction for genocide Friday, sentencing a Rwandan former intelligence chief to 25 years in prison over the 1994 killings of at least 500,000 people in the African country. The landmark trial of 54-yearold Pascal Simbikangwa sets off what could be the first of dozens of French trials into one of the 20th century’s greatest atrocities — two decades after it happened — and provides a judicial reckoning for a former colonial power that still has many ties to African countries like Mali, Central African Republic and beyond.

In a late-night verdict after 5 ½ weeks of trial, the nine-person jury found Simbikangwa guilty of genocide and complicity to crimes against humanity for killings in Kigali, the capital, while throwing out other counts involving killings in the western town of Gisenyi. His defense lawyers said they would discuss Saturday with Simbikangwa (Sim-BEE-kangh-wah) whether to appeal. Defense lawyer Alexandra Bourgeot said she was “appalled” at the verdict, accusing the court of a poor understanding of the case and expressing bafflement at the “incoherency” that a genocide conviction would merit 25 years in prison. Simbikangwa, however, wasn’t surprised at the verdict, she said: “He himself told us beforehand, ‘I have lived through a lot of things that I can withstand.’”

Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for the International Federation of Human Rights, which lined up behind the state’s case, declined to comment whether on the sentence suited the crime: “I don’t have personal satisfaction knowing whether he got 25 years or a life sentence. What was important was the guilty verdict.”

In many ways, the trial was less about a littleknown man’s role in a vast killing machine and more about a coming-to-terms with a judicial blindness in France, a country that sees itself as a paragon of human rights but has had its own culprits of crimes against humanity, such as during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II. Only a few years ago, such a trial might have been unthinkable — until a thaw in bilateral relations allowed for French investigators to start traveling to Rwanda to build their cases.

The trial wasn’t likely to shed vast new light on the genocide: A U.N. tribunal and other courts have already sent dozens of defendants to prison, some for life. A key question was whether France could deliver a fair verdict on the subject of genocide in a country — Rwanda — that for years it was anything but impartial: Critics say France was too supportive of the Rwanda’s Hutu-led government whose supporters carried out the genocide, and France turned a blind eye to the killings for too long.

Critics — many of them French citizens — say authorities from then-President Francois Mitterrand on down thought that France’s strong support for the Hutu-led government was wise. Naively at best, those officials helped some perpetrators to flee Rwanda and others with ties to the genocide lived in France for years unpunished, the critics say.

government rhetoric deal.”

By October 1994, Clinton advisers urged the president to put forward a reform agenda “to make government, Congress and the political system work.”

As part of it, advisers suggested 14 Cabinet-level agencies could be condensed into seven: Defense, State, Justice, Treasury, Human Resources, Natural Resources and Economic Policy. Clinton’s advisers also suggested a 25 percent cut in congressional staff, a congressional and presidential pay freeze and a constitutional amendment that would allow states to limit members of Congress to 12 years in office.

Days before the elections, four Clinton advisers wrote that the “public

is now more disillusioned, more embittered, than it was in November 1992,” that the “’mad-as-hell’ atmosphere is not a flash in the pan, but a fireball in the night.” The papers also provide examples of the outsized flattery that sometimes flies in all directions among power brokers.

In March 1993, a researcher told Clinton political director Rahm Emanuel, a future chief of staff to President Barack Obama and now Chicago’s mayor, that former House Speaker Tip O’Neill was “deeply touched” by a video tribute that Clinton had recorded for O’Neill’s birthday party. “He said Clinton may turn out to be the best President since FDR,” wrote communications researcher Carter Wilkie.

Brown’s last court hearing, the judge ordered him back to the facility until his next court hearing on April 23rd. If the ‘Fine China’ singer was to leave court before then, he would automatically be jailed without the possibility of jail.

During his time at the treatment facility doctor’s have closely examined Brown and in last months’ probation report, it was revealed he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, severe insomnia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mr. Brown became aggressive and acted out physically due to his untreated mental health disorder, severe sleep deprivation, inappropriate self-medicating and untreated PTSD., the report stated.

The documents also praise Chris for his improved attitude, hard work and remained drug-free thought out the duration of his stay. ‘’Mr. Brown’s attitude has been beyond exemplary in regard to his community service responsibilities, it continued.

The ‘Fortune’ hit maker was reportedly meant to stay in the Malibu facility until his lawyers attempted to resolve his Washington DC assault case, which stems from last October (2013). The incident occurred outside the W Hotel on K Street around 4.30am, where Brown supposedly attacked a man after shouting gay slurs and jumping into a photograph with the singer. It was this arrest that forced the judge to revoke Brown’s probation and send him to rehab.

The R&B star, who is currently in rehab for anger management, was arrested for reportedly getting kicked out of the facility.

In this October 30, photo, former President Bill Clinton speaks in Charlottesville, Va. The National Archives plans to release about 4,000 pages of previously confidential documents involving former President Bill Clinton's administration. Some of the topics include the president's health care task force and the 9/11 Commission Report.

The papers could shed light on Clinton's presidency and provide insight into a future presidential candidate: former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. (AP File Photo)

Ukraine accuses Russia after deadly clashes

KIEV, MArcH 15 (rEuTErS): Ukrainian authorities accused Russia on Saturday of provoking a fatal gunfight in the eastern city of Kharkiv overnight, fearing Moscow could use violence against ethnic Russians to justify invasion.

The interior minister said police arrested about 30 people involved on both sides of the clash after two men, aged 20 and 31, were killed late on Friday when pro-Russian demonstrators fought rivals near an office of a Ukrainian nationalist group.

Both groups used firearms, Arsen Avakov said.

Moscow, whose troops last week seized Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula on the grounds that its ethnic Russian majority feared the new authorities in Kiev, has said it is prepared to step in to protect its compatriots elsewhere in Ukraine.

A day after a fatal clash between rival demonstrators in Donetsk, another mainly Russian-speaking eastern city, Avakov and Kharkiv’s governor accused Russian activists of fomenting violence and urged people not to be goaded into fighting back. “Tonight’s incident

was a well-planned provocation by pro-Russian activists,” said governor Ihor Baluta.

He said people on a minibus had deliberately provoked a dispute with a group holding a pro-Russia demonstration before driving off again. Pro-Russian activists came in pursuit and found the van parked by a building containing offices of Ukrainian nationalist groups, and fighting began.

“Hired provocateurs from a neighboring country are staging professional provocations,” Avakov said.

He accused allies of ousted, Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovich of financing unrest in eastern Ukraine, aided by “extremist Russian forces”. He issued an appeal on Facebook to Ukrainians: “Don’t let them manipulate you!

Stop this hysteria ... This isn’t a game of toy soldiers - this is a real conflict and people’s real lives.”

In Moscow, a senior foreign ministry official with responsibility for human rights issues, Konstantin Dolgov, said on Twitter that the arrest in Kharkiv of people he described as “neo-fascist militants” must be followed by

wider action to “neutralize and punish rampant extremists”.

Western powers, preparing economic sanctions against Russia over a referendum in Crimea on Sunday to pave the way for annexation by Moscow, largely dismiss Russia’s characterization of the new authorities in Kiev as strongly influenced by the far-right, Ukrainian-speaking nationalists who hold some posts.

The Russian foreign ministry responded to the death of a demonstrator in Donetsk on Thursday evening by warning that Moscow had a right to protect its compatriots in Ukraine - though the dead man in that city was identified by officials as an activist of a right-wing Ukrainian nationalist party.

Authorities in Kharkiv banned political gatherings that were planned in the city over the weekend.

A court in Donetsk, however, rejected a similar ban requested by officials there.

Ukraine’s acting president has said Russian troops are massed on the eastern border “ready to invade at any time”. The Russian foreign minister denied any invasion plan on Friday.

cal Islam. Last year, clashes between authorities and members of the minority group left scores dead, including 40 police officers.

The U.S. State Department urged Thailand to protect the group, which it identified as Uighurs. “We are concerned about Uighurs generally (and) welcome reports that these Uighurs were rescued,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters Friday in Washington, without directly addressing the possibility of the group’s re-

patriation to China. “We’re encouraging Thailand to make sure their humanitarian needs are met.”

New York-based Human Rights Watch called on Thai authorities to ensure the group is not forced to return to China, which has intensified a crackdown on the ethnic minority. “Thai authorities should realize that Uighurs forced back to China disappear into a black hole,” Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch said in a statement, adding that Ui-

ghurs forcibly returned to China face credible threats of torture.

Thailand has long been a transit point and hub for human traffickers, mostly transporting ethnic Rohingya fleeing violence and persecution in neighboring Myanmar. More than 800 beleaguered Rohingya were found in raids in Songkhla in January 2013 after they fled sectarian violence in western Myanmar that has killed hundreds of people and displaced some 100,000 more.

Thailand faces calls not to deport Uighurs

BANGKOK, MArcH 15 (AP): Thailand said Saturday it suspected a group of 200 people recently rescued from a human trafficking camp were ethnic Uighur Muslims, as calls mounted from the international community to protect the group and ensure they are not forced back to China. Thai police discovered the group, which included 78 men, 60 women and 82 children, on Wednesday at a secluded jungle camp behind rubber plantations in southern

Songkhla province.

“From what we see, they are likely Uighurs but we cannot confirm that until the identification process is completed,” said Thailand’s immigration police chief Lt. Gen. Panu Kerdlarppol. Authorities initially said they believed the group was Turkish, because they claimed to be from Turkey. Chinese and Turkish diplomats have visited the people, who so far have refused to speak with the Chinese official, said Panu. “After we know

their nationalities, we will press charges against them on illegal entry and push for deportation,” Panu said.

The Turkik-speaking Muslim Uighurs originate from China’s western region of Xinjiang, home to a simmering insurgency by the native Uighurs against what they see as discrimination and religious suppression

by China’s majority Han people. The government has responded with a crackdown on what it calls terrorism incited by separatists who are influenced by radi-

Russell Brand plans to buy property In India

Veena Malik anti-India tweet trends on Twitter

I

F

unnyman Russell Brand is reportedly determined to buy property in India and live there six months a year. The 38-yearold comedian is apparently so obsessed with yoga, Hinduism and all other things that he wants to have his

own house there, reportedly.

Russell consulted his Indian guru early this year about the idea and is now making noise about buying an estate or plantation in India, reportedly. He wants to be closer to his various

spiritual, dietary and heath guides in the country and is telling pals that he would like to spend as much as six months out of the year in India, the source added.

Brand was in India in 2010, where he tied the knot with his former wife Katy Perry.

t seems that Veena Malik has a knack of getting herself in trouble. The Pakistani actress, who faded from the limelight after getting married, is in news again after she tweeted an anti-India tweet.

The actress, who has tried her hand in Bollywood, has praised India and Indians several times before. However, now she has a negative opinion about the country that gave her so much fame and recognition.

She first retweeted a news about a 23-yearold German student who was allegedly molested and robbed by some auto drivers in New Delhi. She then tweeted, India sucks. The two words were enough to draw the ire of Indians and within hours she started trending on Twitter.

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Sunday 16 March 2014

The Morung Express

Pennetta shocks Li Na Australia beats Clippers extend streak SAfrica in 3rd T20 to 10 with Jazz win

Li Na, of China, returns a shot to Flavia Pennetta, of Italy, at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 14 in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo)

IndIAn WELLS, MArCh 15 (AFP): Flavia Pennetta shocked Li Na in the semi-finals at Indian Wells, beating the Australian Open champion 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to set up a title clash with Agnieszka Radwanska. Li, the Chinese world number two who was the top seed in the elite WTA premier event, had pounded winners past Pennetta in a crushing 6-2, 6-2 victory in the Australian Open quarter-finals in January.

But her bid to reach the final in the California desert for the first time on Friday

was hampered by a welter of forehand errors and nine double faults.

"I don't think I was playing bad," Li said. "I think it was pretty high level match. Some points I was feeling I still have chance (but) more important point I got double fault." Eight of her nine double faults came in the opening set, including one to hand Pennetta the set on her second set point in the tiebreaker.

Li put the double faults down to a change in the mechanics of her serve, and said it was something she would just have to fight through.

"Of course if I want to change something, you cannot change for one or two days," she said. "You need time to organize everything. "I was feeling better and better. Should be OK in next tournament or tournament after," she added.

Pennetta, ranked 21st in the world and seeded 20th here, had never made it past the fourth round in 11 prior appearances. Now she will vie for the title on Sunday against Poland's Radwanska, the world number three and second seed who beat sixth-seeded Romanian Simona Halep 6-3, 6-4.

CEnTUrIOn, MArCh 15 (AP): Australia outlined its World Twenty20 credentials as it chased down South Africa's target in just 15 overs to win the third and final T20 international by six wickets at Centurion on Friday. Where South Africa had made the pitch appear stodgy and batting seem difficult, Australia proved conditions were not so tricky as Aaron Finch hit 39 from 27 balls and Shane Watson struck two sixes in his 35.

South Africa's only meaningful contribution with the bat came from Quinton de Kock, whose 41 came at a run a ball as it posted 128-7 in 20 overs.

Yet Australia reached 1294 with five overs to spare to win the three-match series 2-0 ahead of this month's global tournament in Bangladesh.

"Obviously the conditions in Bangladesh will be difficult, but we'll take some confidence into the World T20," Australia captain George Bailey said. "We've won our last five matches in a row now."

South Africa's innings never gathered momentum after it lost the toss and was asked to bat, as Mitchell Starc trapped Hashim Amla lbw early on and Glenn Maxwell dismissed both Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy.

Australia's 43-year-old spinner Brad Hogg backed that up with the key wickets of AB de Villiers and De Kock, as South Africa limped to 81-6 in the 14th over. Albie Morkel hit a couple of sixes in his 18, but when he was bowled by Starc it was left to the lower order to try and get the hosts to a reasonable total, which it was unable to do.

"We didn't play too well at the start and while we rebuilt they kept getting wickets," South Africa captain Du Plessis said. "It wasn't a big enough total at Centurion because at night the ball skids on. The dot-ball percentage is something we look at."

Australia openers Aaron Finch and Cameron White quickly proved how inadequate South Africa's score was when they hammered 38 in the opening four overs, and although White fell in the next over, Finch continued the assault with Watson.

Finch's dismissal off the bowling of Imran Tahir slowed the scoring rate momentarily, before Watson and Maxwell took 18 runs off an Albie Morkel over to put the result beyond doubt.

Both batsmen fell before the target was achieved, but George Bailey and Brad Hodge hit a six apiece to finish the job in style.

Anelka leaves West Moyes concedes Liverpool are favourites Brom following ManU to take on the Reds at Old Trafford today quenelle ban WEST BrOMWICh, MArCh 15 (AP): Striker Nicolas Anelka announced Friday he was leaving West Bromwich Albion and terminating his contract with immediate effect after being suspended for five matches by the Football Association for a racially aggravated goal celebration. The Premier League club responded by saying the player's statement was invalid but that it is firing him for "gross misconduct" over the announcement and criticized him for posting it on Twitter — creating yet another spat involving the controversial player. The former France forward was suspended last month for performing a gesture which is known in France as a "quenelle" and regarded as anti-Semitic.

Anelka said on his Twitter account on Friday that he decided to leave the club because he could not accept West Brom's conditions for being allowed back into the squad.

"Proposals have been made for me to rejoin the group under certain conditions that I can't accept," Anelka said in French on his 35th birthday. "Wishing to keep my integrity, I took the decision to free myself and end the contract linking me with West Bromwich Albion until 2014, with immediate effect." However, West Brom said Anelka had not informed the club of his decision and that his "purported termination of his Premier League contract this evening via social media was invalid as this was not conducted under the correct legal process as required by his contract."

Liverpool have turned the tables this season and approach this weekend's match 11 points above their floundering foes Manchester United in the Premier League table.

LOndOn, MArCh 15 (rEUTErS): Manchester United manager David Moyes conceded that Liverpool probably start as favourites to win what he described as "the biggest club game in England" when they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Liverpool are second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand, but 11 points clear of United, who are sixth with no realistic chance of retaining their title. Former Liverpool striker Ian Rush said earlier on Friday that Liverpool go into the match as the clear favourites and Moyes did not disagree.

"Their league position suggests they are ahead of us and they possibly do come here as favourites.

Liverpool are having a very

good season and we will have to do everything we possibly can to beat them."

Liverpool, who have won their last four league matches, have not finished above United since 2002 and although they look like doing so this season, Moyes told reporters at his pre-match news conference that United still had plenty to play for.

"It would be a big boost for us to win on Sunday," he said. "I think everyone knows the importance of Manchester United v Liverpool games. "I think it is the biggest game in the country. There is great history between the two clubs going back years and I think this is the biggest club game in the Premier League." Liverpool (18) and United (20) have won 38 league titles between them.

United, who finished

champions five times and runners-up three times in Alex Ferguson's last eight seasons in charge at Old Trafford, have not finished outside the top three since 1991, but they will almost certainly do so this season.

Moyes, who has had a difficult introduction since succeeding Ferguson at the start of the season, said there was plenty of positives to take from their recent form, having kept clean sheets in their last three league matches.

"We are not in as strong a position as we'd like, but we are normally very good coming into the final furlong and we have big games coming up this month. Our motivation is to make sure we keep progressing," he said ONLY DEFEAT Their only defeat in the last six weeks was a 2-0 re-

verse at Olympiakos in a Champions League last 16 first leg last month. Moyes added: "With the exception of Olympiakos we have been progressing and improving. I see signs of it in training, the players are looking well and sharp and I am looking forward to it."

Striker Robin van Persie appeared on Thursday to allay fears that he was looking to move away from Manchester United by saying he wanted to stay beyond the end of his current contract and that he had learnt a lot from Moyes' training sessions.

"It's nice of Robin. Robin is happy here and we are very pleased about that," a naturally delighted Moyes said. "He has a couple of years left on his contract and I am sure that's something the board will look at. I have always said we have two outstanding forwards in Wayne Rooney and Robin.

"Both of them are capable of winning games on their own and both are pivotal international players for Holland and England and are the sort of players any side in Europe or the world would want in their team. "I am delighted to have them here and that both of them want to be Manchester United players is even better." Winger Nani has returned to the United squad ahead of Sunday's match at Old Trafford, while Rafael, Javier Hernandez and Jonny Evans all have a chance of being involved, Moyes said.

Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin (32) dunks as teammate Danny Granger (33) and Utah Jazz's Richard Jefferson (24) and Derrick Favors (15) watch during the second half during an NBA basketball game Friday, March 14, 2014, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo)

SALT LAKE CITY, MArCh 15 (AP): After spraining his ankle, Chris Paul might have lost some quickness. He compensated with determination. Paul shook off the injury and the team's early sluggishness to score 18 points and extend the Los Angeles Clippers' winning streak to 10 with a 96-87 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

"I knew I had just had to find a way," Paul said. "We already said at halftime, it's not going to be pretty every night, but stay the course and find a way to win."

Before Paul got hurt, it certainly wasn't pretty and the Clippers struggled.

Blake Griffin had 20 points, even though he never got into a comfortable flow.

"It's never an easy game coming into a place like this," he said. "You can't relax and walk into a building and think you'll just win because of who you are or what you done, or a streak you're on." Los Angeles had its lowest points total during the streak, but the Clippers won this time with defense, forcing 20 turnovers by the Jazz that led to 31 points.

"That's what we kept saying in the huddle, 'Let's play our defense!'" Paul said. "Early in the game, it was like they were just in a rocking chair. They were swinging it and getting everything they wanted."

The Jazz led 70-60 in the

third quarter, but the Clippers capitalized on a rash of Utah miscues and poor shot selection to go on a 20-2 run. "We locked in. The intensity and the effort was finally there," Griffin said.

In the midst of the surge, Paul landed awkwardly after scoring and sprained his left ankle. "It was the freakiest thing ever. I layed it up and no one was around me but when I landed, my left foot was on the stanchion," said Paul, who returned after quickly getting the ankle taped between the third and fourth quarters.

The point guard limped up and down the court, but still quarterbacked the Clippers' come-from-behindthird quarter burst. He had seven points and three assists in the six-minute run that ended with Will Green's 3-pointer with 10:37 to play that made it 80-72.

Griffin's inside basket extended the lead to 85-74 before the Jazz made one final surge. Hayward made a 3-pointer that closed the gap to 90-85 with 3:25 remaining, but the Jazz couldn't score again until 24 seconds remained and the game was decided.

Trey Burke had 18 points — his third straight with at least that many — and Derrick Favors also scored 18, but the Jazz made only seven of 19 fourth-period shots and have dropped eight of nine contests. The Clippers

Tendulkar voted Cricketer of the Generation MUMBAI, MArCh 15 (PTI): One of the greatest batsmen of all time, the iconic Sachin Tendulkar was on Friday voted Cricketer of the Generation as he staved off stiff competition from spin legend Shane Warne and all-rounder par excellence Jacques Kallis at the ESPNcricinfo awards function.

The award is meant to honour the most outstanding cricketer between the years 1993 and 2013, and the occasion also marked the 20th anniversary celebrations for the cricket website. "I am speechless, honestly," said Tendulkar after receiving the award.

"Thanks to ESPNcricinfo for considering me worthy enough. When Martin (Crowe) and Rahul (Dravid) both spoke about me, I didn't know how to react."

Tendulkar has been the most successful batsman of his generation, having set innumerable records in both Tests and ODIs. He rewrote some of the most coveted batting records, including those for most Test runs and Test hundreds, and for most ODI runs and ODI hundreds. The Mumbaikar is the only cricketer to score hundred international centuries.

On Kallis, Tendulkar said, "I first saw him in 1996. He looked an okay player and I thought, this guy could become a decent allrounder. But over a period of time, how he changed his batting technique and worked on his bowling was incredible.

"Kallis used to walk with his head down and I used to tell my teammates that once he has realised which way the blades of the grass are, he is going to make you pay."

Talking about Warne, he said, "I first played against Warne in 1992 and you could make out he had the talent, but he wasn't consistent enough in the first game.

"The second time I faced him was in Sri Lanka and I was beaten by his spin. I charged him next ball and was lucky to get away.

Warne came up to me and tried to charge me up, but I turned towards square leg and ignored him. Post match, i asked him, 'Warne, what were you trying to say?' From then onwards, we became good friends."

Tendulkar ended his glorious 24-year international career last November, signing off with an elegant 74 against the West Indies in his final Test innings.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma won the awards for best batting performances in Tests and ODIs while Mitchell Johnson and Shahid Afridi bagged the top prize in Test bowling and ODI bowling, respectively, in the seventh annual ESPNcricinfo Awards.

Dhawan, who slammed the fastest century as a debutant scoring 187 against Australia, got the award for best Test batting.

His opening partner Rohit Sharma won the award in ODIs for his brilliant 209 against Australia in Bangalore. He beat the likes of Virat Kohli and Kiwi top-order batsman Martin Guptill. Aussie speedster Johnson, who has been at the peak of his form, was awarded with the best bowling performance in Test cricket for his match winning spell of seven for 40 on a flat wicket in Adelaide against arch-rivals England in the Ashes series.

Mercurial Pakistan player Shahid Afridi bagged the award for best bowling in ODIs, for his devastating spell of seven for 12 against the West Indies in the Carribean.

Promising Indian pacer Mohammad Shami won the award for the best debutant that was voted by the fans, while Tarak Sinha

got the award for contribution to cricket that was decided by a panel headed by former India captain Rahul Dravid.

Sinha is the first recipient of this award and he was recognised for producing 11 international cricketers and over 100 first-class cricketers. Dravid got the cricket for good award for his support to other sports and taking up the role of mentor for India's Olympic prospects. Tendulkar said his 114 at Perth in 1992 was a game changer for him. "Perth innings was a game changer for me because from that point onwards I thought I was ready to take on the world. I had a lot of belief on my ability, but that innings took it to next level." He also felt Test cricket is in safe hands. "I still believe Test cricket is in good hands. If you see around the world, most matches have results, which is probably due to T20 too, so the formats are complementing each other."

scored an average of 115 points a game in their previous nine, but were sluggish early against Utah.

The Jazz led by as many as 13 in the first half as they played with more energy than they've shown in the past several games. One thrilling sequence exemplified Utah's determination near the end of the half.

Jeremy Evans and Gordon Hayward blocked back-toback fast-break layups by the Clippers and brought the crowd to its feet.

"Our biggest area of growth will be maintaining that type of intensity throughout the game and playing that way for 48 minutes," Burke said.

The Clippers missed the shooting and playmaking of Jamal Crawford (calf), but turned to their stars, Paul and Griffin, to bring them back and claim their ninth straight against the Jazz. "Chris started being more aggressive," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers said. "I think sometimes he wants to be the point guard, but tonight we needed his scoring."

Griffin ranks fourth in the league with more than 28 points per game since Feb. 3 and has now scored at least 20 points in 25 consecutive games, the secondlongest current streak in the NBA. But it was defense that turned the tide. "It was definitely a defensive thing," Griffin said.

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Suns score last 7 points, beat Celtics

Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) reaches for a rebound with Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker during the second half of the Suns' 87-80 win in an NBA basketball game in Boston Friday, March 14. (AP Photo)

BOSTON, MaRch 15 (aP): The Phoenix Suns needed help to snap a three-game losing streak that hurt their postseason prospects. They got it when the Boston Celtics had their worst shooting game of the season. The Suns still had to finish well and they did by scoring the last seven points for an 87-80 win Friday night that moved them one game behind Memphis for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. ‘‘Our offense wasn’t very good,’’ Phoenix coach Jeff Hornacek said. ‘‘Defense, when you aren’t shooting the ball well, can win you the game and I think it did tonight.’’ The Suns scored just 58 points in the last three quarters. But the Celtics made a season-low 30.9 percent of their shots and missed 65. Boston coach Brad Stevens was especially upset with his team’s play after Jeff Green’s two free throws for the Celtics made it 80-80 with 2:02 left, the fourth tie of the fourth quarter. ‘‘We didn’t play with any poise,’’ he said. ‘‘The last 40 seconds were awful.’’

Alex Len started the decisive spurt with a threepoint play on a tip-in and a free throw with 54.1 seconds left. The Suns (37-28) finished the scoring with a dunk by Markieff Morris and a layup by Goran Dragic, who led them with 20 points. Before the season people said ‘‘we were going

to have 15, 16 wins,’’ Dragic said. ‘‘We don’t care if it’s pretty or ugly. We need to have those wins.’’

Eric Bledsoe had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Morris added 15 points for Phoenix. Kris Humphries led the Celtics with 11 points, 13 rebounds and one thrown towel while on the bench when they collapsed in the final minute. ‘‘He’s upset because we lost and he certainly has got a right to be,’’ Stevens said. ‘‘That was not a good ending. It was not a good performance.’’

Chris Johnson also scored 11 for the Celtics, but threw a bad pass that was stolen by P.J. Tucker and led to the dunk by Morris with 23.1 seconds to play.

The 7-foot-1 Len put the Suns ahead to stay after entering the game in the fourth quarter when Miles Plumlee went out after being poked in the eye. The rookie center was averaging just 2.4 points and 9.1 minutes per game before Friday but finished with six points and three rebounds in nine minutes. ‘‘Obviously, the tip was huge,’’ Hornacek said, ‘‘but I think (with) just his size in there, he does a nice job of sliding his feet and getting in a good position, making guys shoot over him.’’ The Celtics lost for the 10th time in 13 games while shooting worse than their previous low for the season of 32.3 percent in a 109-85 loss to the Houston Rockets on Nov. 19.

City maintain pressure on Chelsea

ENgLaND, MaRch 15 (agENciES): Manchester City survived the 10thminute dismissal of captain Vincent Kompany to win 2-0 at Hull City on Saturday and reduce Chelsea's lead in the Premier League to six points.

Kompany saw red for a last-man foul on Nikica Jelavic, but David Silva put City ahead with a glorious curling effort just four minutes later and Edin Dzeko made sure of victory at the death. It was City's first league match for three weeks and they still have two games in hand on Chelsea, although the leaders can reassert their nine-point advantage with victory at Aston Villa later on Saturday.

City's success at the KC Stadium also saw them climb to second place above Liverpool, who visit Manchester United on Sunday, and Arsenal, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur later the same day. City were missing top scorer Sergio Aguero due to injury and they received a further setback in the 10th minute when Kompany was given his marching orders.

Jelavic appeared to foul Kompany as they jostled for possession, but play was allowed to continue and when the City captain hauled the Croatian down, referee Lee Mason immediately brandished the red card.

Kompany kicked out at a door in frustration as he

10-MAn MAnCHeSteR City beAt Hull City

Manchester City's Javier Garcia, centre, Edin Dzeko, centre left, and Martin Demichelis, centre right, defend a free kick from Hull's Nikica Jelavic, right, during their English Premier League soccer match at the KC Stadium, Hull, England, Saturday March 15. (AP Photo)

stalked down the tunnel, but City reacted in stirring fashion, with Silva gathering a pass from Yaya Toure and arcing a glorious shot inside the lefthand post from 25 yards. Visiting right-back Pablo Zabaleta then saw a tremendous volley

hit the bar and bounce on the goal-line, but Hull finished the first half strongly.

Jelavic had earlier put a volley wide from an Ahmed Elmohamady cross and after David Meyler had seen a goal ruled out for offside,

Jake Livermore drilled a shot just off-target from long range. Joe Hart saved from Shane Long, twice, and Jelavic early in the second period, while substitute George Boyd had a penalty appeal turned down after

tumbling over a challenge by the City goalkeeper.

Fernandinho spurned a gilt-edged chance to double City's lead when he scuffed wide from only 10 yards, but Hart saved from Boyd and Jelavic to preserve the visi-

tors' advantage. Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor prevented Dzeko from putting the game to bed in the closing stages, but the Bosnian atoned in the last minute by sweeping home from Silva's incisive pass.

Suarez at Messi/Ronaldo level, says Rooney

LONDON, MaRch 15 (aFP): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has hailed Liverpool counterpart Luis Suarez as "one of the best players in the world" ahead of the teams' Premier League encounter on Sunday.

Liverpool approach the match at Old Trafford with an 11-point lead over their old rivals and Suarez has been a key factor, scoring 24 of the 73 goals that Brendan Rodgers's side have plundered this season. Suarez has formed an impressive understanding with Daniel Sturridge, who is Rooney's strike partner at international level, and the United striker feels that the Uruguayan now merits comparison with the very best.

"Suarez, for me, is up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world," Rooney told United's in-house television station, MUTV. "He has been that good and the two of them together have been in great form this season. We

will have to do everything we can to stop them on Sunday.

"I think they are both fantastic players and obviously it is good to see Sturridge doing well because he has never really had a chance at his previous clubs.

"Brendan Rodgers has given him a chance and he has taken it with both hands. That is good for

England as well."

While Sturridge has contributed 18 goals to Liverpool's league-leading tally, Rooney and Van Persie have found the net only 11 times each in the league this season. Both players have had to contend with injuries, but they are now fit, and having each committed their futures to the club,

Rooney is hopeful that the goals will soon begin to flow.

"We can do better and if we are not at the top of the league then that will get looked at, and we understand that," he said. "We can score more goals and we know we can.

We are working hard to do that, we have to keep going and hopefully that will come." United, the de-

fending English champions, face an uphill battle to qualify for next season's Champions League, having fallen nine points below fourthplace Manchester City, who have two games in hand. Not since 1995 have United failed to qualify for Europe's premier club competition and Rodgers feels that missing out on next season's tournament could have long-lasting ramifications for David Moyes's side. "We still have a lot of work to get in to the Champions League," said the Liverpool manager, according to reports in several British national newspapers on Saturday.

"But when you're not in it, even though this club is a worldwide, monumental club, we found it difficult because the best players want to play in the best competitions. "This was Liverpool and we weren't in the Champions League. In order to get in some of the type of players we want, that's where we need to be and we're trying to be.

Hamilton takes pole at Australian GP

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MELBOURNE, MaRch 15 (aP): Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for Formula One's season-opening Australian Grand Prix in a rainy qualifying session Saturday, while four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel will start the race from 12th after being caught out by the wet conditions.

Vettel was joined by fellow big-name drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button in dropping out of qualifying in the second session as they struggled on the wet surface at the Albert Park street circuit.

While Vettel struck trouble, his new Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo thrived, qualifying second, three tenths of a second behind Hamilton's pole time.

Ricciardo narrowly missed becoming the first Australian to take pole in his home race. Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg qualified third, ahead of McLaren's impressive debutant Kevin Magnussen, who put in a heady drive in tricky conditions, and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Hamilton's pole position took him level on 32 career poles with British compatriot Nigel Mansell.

"Today was so much harder for everyone in these conditions," Hamilton said.

"These cars are a lot harder to drive in the wet and the

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain left, leads Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland down the straight during qualifying at Albert Park ahead of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on Saturday, March 15. Hamilton took pole with team mate Nico Rosberg of Germany second fastest and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia third. (AP Photo)

first time for me driving this car in the rain. To be up here is a great showing for the team."

Vettel had complained during the pre-qualifying practice session about the handling of the car, describing it as "horrible." The car's handling seemed to deteriorate even further dur-

ing qualifying, with Vettel ending up 2.4 seconds off Ricciardo's pace in the Q2 session. "I struggled with drivability," Vettel said. "We have lost that overnight, so we need to find out why that was."

Raikkonen had lagged behind his Ferrari teammate Alonso through the

race weekend as they embark on what should be a keen rivalry, and his qualifying ended when he crashed into a track wall after hitting a wet patch when accelerating away from a bend. McLaren's Button was caught out by the yellow flags from the Raikkonen incident and quali-

fied 11th.

Button, Vettel and Raikkonen will all be promoted one spot on the grid because Williams' Valtteri Bottas was given a fiveplace penalty for changing a gearbox. Ricciardo notched his career best in qualifying, bettering his fifth place at last year's British Grand Prix. "I'm really excited but at the same time still staying calm and collected because tomorrow is what counts, so there's no point in having a party tonight," he said.

Rosberg's third position was less than he had hoped after topping the timesheets in pre-qualifying practice and in the Q1 session, but Mercedes had clearly been the fastest car over the weekend and he is still well positioned to fight for victory. "It could have been better but third was OK and we have a good racing car, so from third anything can happen," Rosberg said.

Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne qualified sixth in another career-best performance — beating his seventh position at Canada last year. Force India's Nico Hulkenberg was seventh, followed by Toro Rosso's 19-year-old debutant Daniil Kyvat in an impressive eighth and Williams' Felipe Massa in ninth. Bottas qualified 10th but drops down because of the penalty.

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