17th January 2014

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 15

The Morung Express “

www.morungexpress.com

Any idiot can face a crisis - it’s day to day living that wears you out

‘POSCO to start work in coming weeks’ [ PAGE 8]

Selena pushing Justin Bieber to get help with anger

[ PAGE 2]

Catalonia holds key vote in secession drive

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 9]

–Anton Chekhov

Beats the heat Sharapova into 3rd round [ PAGE 12]

‘Nagaland roads need immediate treatment’

Morung Express news Dimapur | January 16

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Friday, January 17, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

‘Tsungkam Neo’ of friendship, peace, love and unity

Pachaspura killing: SIT remains tight-lipped Confidentiality, marked with apprehension, surrounds the investigation into the Pachaspura killing at 7th Mile, Dimapur.

Two weeks on, the Special Investigation Team set up to probe the discovery of nine bodies on January 3 remains tight-lipped on the progress of the case, while the Centre and the Assam government mulls over the idea of a central agency handling the case.

SIT head, DIG Liremo Lotha, IPS, DIG (Range/NAP) Kohima, maintained his earlier position stating that the team is on the job and cannot disclose anything at this stage, while citing that it may jeopardize investigation. “We are on the job.

When we’re able to make a breakthrough we will definitely tell you,” said DIG Lotha outside the SP’s office in Dimapur on Thursday evening following a meeting of the investigation team. The SIT, according to sources, has got clues which might aid investigation. Queried on this, DIG Lotha replied, “We are working on certain leads, so now at this juncture if we start publicising all this, we have an apprehension that it will jeopardize our investigation.” Asked whether the SIT has been able to establish the authenticity of the Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force’s reported claim of having committed the killings, Lotha said that the team is conducting the investigation “keeping all options open.”

”

C M Y K

Chizokho Vero

Kichilimi | January 16

Yakov Godorozha of Ukraine competes in men’s short program at the European Figure Skating Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Jan. 16. (AP Photo)

‘NE will have surplus power by June’

agarTala, January 16 (ianS): The industrystarved northeastern region of India would be a power surplus area by June, when ONGC’s 726 MW power project starts full capacity generation, a top official said here Thursday.

The 726 MW capacity combined cycle gas-based thermal power project (using both water and natural gas) at Palatana, 60 km from Agartala, in southern Tripura is the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) first commercial power project in India.

“The generation from

the first unit (363.3 MW capacity) of the power plant began Dec 31, 2013, and the generation from the second unit (363.3 MW capacity) would start in June,” ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) managing director Sudhindra Kumar Dube said. “However, there are some problems of transmission of electricity in the region. We expect these problems would be overcome,” he told reporters.

According to the official, the current peak-hour demand of electricity in the seven northeastern states is 2,200 to 2,300 MW. Now,

the shortage of power is around 100 MW. “After the generation of the second unit of the Palatana power plant, the northeastern states would be able to supply its surplus power to other parts of the country through the national grid,” Dube, a renowned power engineer, said.

The Palatana power project was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee June 21. After that, the power plant faced some technical hurdles, but started full generation of electricity from the first unit Dec 31. OTPC is a spe-

cial purpose vehicle (SPV) promoted by ONGC, Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL & FS) and Tripura government, created in 2004 for execution of the 726.6 MW combined cycle gas-based thermal power project.

Dube said that from this power plant, Assam will get the maximum share of 240 MW of electricity, followed

by Tripura (196 MW), Meghalaya (79 MW), Manipur (42 MW), Nagaland (27 MW), Mizoram (22 MW) and Arunachal Pradesh (22 MW), while IL & FS and OTPC keep 98 MW.

Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and parliamentary affairs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu today rued the “pitiable” road condition in Nagaland State is like a person with cancer. In this, the minister said that the “pitiable road condition in Nagaland needs immediate treatment.”

He stated that though Nagaland is a non-revenue-generating State and has shortage of funds, the Government of Nagaland will try its best to improve the road condition in the State and hoped that the Government of India will extend required assistance.

He said this while addressing the 43rd general conference of the Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SAKK) at Kichilimi village under Pughoboto sub division.

Referring to the memorandum submitted by the village councils for construction of an all-weather road from Mukalimi Junction to Hoishe village via Kichilimi (Approximately 28.23km), the minister assured that he would try and do whatever is possible. Nienu said that he will coordinate with parliamentary secretary for irrigation and flood control Y. Vikheho Swu to pursue the matter.

The minister said that

development is a multi dimensional concept; it is a system to ensure education, a system to ensure health care, security, stability and also to ensure revenue generation. This, he maintained, can be done solely by initiating human

Azo says that though Nagaland is a non-revenuegenerating State, the government will try its best to improve road conditions resource development, on which depends the “march forward.”

Taking human resource development in the right way, Nienu asserted, will ensure a bright future but taking the same without earnestness would lead to a “dark and disastrous future.”

Stating that students are the backbone of the society and the future, the minister stated that it is time for Nagas to invest in their children and mould them in the correct manner. He urged upon students to be more sincere, dedicated and committed to whatever they do.

Also stressing on the need to have quality education to compete with the

fast changing world, he said we need the best among the best today. Nienu encouraged students to concentrate on self determination and career guidance that would help them achieve their goal.

In his New Year greetings, the minister said “As we start the New Year, we believe we will start afresh with new friendship, strengthen our bonds and brotherhood and march forward.” He wanted 2014 to be a year of “peace, reconciliation, understanding and coordination amongst the Naga brothers.”

The minister was accompanied by parliamentary secretary Y. Vikheho Swu, Shetoyi, MLA Er. Picto, and others. Earlier, SAKK president Caleb Swu delivered the presidential address while welcome address was delivered by Kughakhu Sheqi.

Bito Yepthomi, speaker, All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) also shared greetings. SAKK advisor Kalito H. Chishi chaired the inaugural function.

Meanwhile, parliamentary secretary Vikheho Swu will grace the cultural event on January 17 at 9:30am. The conference, which started on January 15, is being held under the theme ‘Re-generation.’ 22 units under Pughoboto sub division are taking part in the conference.

Arunachal tribe to check rising suicide We must learn to help bridge the gap: NSCN (IM)

iTanagar, January 16 factor”. “Suicide is an accepted eryone’s life when one feels there’s DiMaPur, January 16 amount to “fishing in the trou- sage but interpret suitably (agEnciES): Awareness pro- practice in the community,” he said. no other way out. What is needed (MExn): The NSCN (IM) has bled water” with the motive in their liking which does not grammes are being held among the Euthanasia prevails among the more to check suicides is emotion- stated that the abandonment to harvest “favour” from the surprise us anymore.”

Vote on www.morungexpress.com Mishmi (Idu) people in Dibang and Mishmi (Idu) people and the ailing al support and guidance,” he said, of their camp at Mukalimi vil- Sumi people. It is clear that The NSCN (IM) termed it SMS your answer to 9862574165 Lower Dibang valleys, which have re- or aged who wish to end their lives, adding that according to him, lack lage was to “avoid unneces- their objective is to bring en- “strangely unfortunate” that Are Naga politicians working corded the highest number of suicide are laid to rest in their burial plac- of education and exposure is the sary confrontation and the mity between NSCN and Sumi “when the highest level leaders diligently to earn the respect loss of more sons of the soil.” community thereby sowing from the entire Naga nationalcases in the country in recent times. es. Linggi compared this practice prime reason for suicides. and trust of the public?

A study by Dr Tarun Mene, a with other communities where Stressing on the need for psy- This decision, they stated, seeds of hatred, revenge and ist are to meet soon for reconciliation, such propaganda deresearch scholar from the Rajiv suicide is condemned and the bod- chological counseling among was arrived at “knowing that rebellion against us.”

The NSCN (IM) said it was void of truth and sincerity are Yes no Others Gandhi University, revealed that ies of those who have committed youths, who are attempting sui- the fight is not with the Sumi the community has seen more suicide are shamed. “Change can- cides, IMCLS women’s wing mem- community.” This was stated “interesting” that “the mes- being displayed without any in a press release from the sage sent to our Sumi com- compunction of sensitivity and than 226 suicides in less than four not be expected overnight. But we ber Desai Linggi said the family sta- MIP today. munity” by the Yaruiwo Isak sentiment to the Mukalimi indecades. In the past 30 days alone, need debates and discussions to tus plays a big role. “If we study the Referring to the GPRN/ Chishi Swu is “conveniently cident.” “We must learn to help there were three suicides - one in end this practice,” insisted Linggi. backgrounds of those who commit- NSCN statement, the NSCN interpreted as a threat to Sumi bridge the gap and not bomb Lower Dibang and two in Dibang Assistant professor of the In- ted suicide or those taking drugs, (IM) noted, “Such devious leaders when it was meant to the already shaky bridge if one Valley districts. dira Gandhi College, Tezu, Razze- they mostly come from broken posturing at the time when reconcile and understand one is a genuine seeker of Naga uniEnju Linggi, president of IM- ko Dele, felt suicides cannot be homes or where elders have failed NSCN and Sumi community A mind being ruled ty and reconciliation,” stated SibSagar, January CLS, the apex body of the com- blamed on the “culture factor” to provide them with proper guid- are trying to find ways and another. by negative thought will never the MIP note.

16 (PTi): The body of top munity, blamed it on the “cultural alone. “There are moments in ev- ance and support,” said Desai. means to resolve differences grasp the content of the mesFull text on page 4 ULFA-I leader Partha Asom “executed” by the outfit’s anti-talk faction was recovered on Thursday from the Naginimara police station area of Nagaland borderMorung Express news services to rural areas. ing Assam, police sources Huwoto Sema informed Dimapur | January 16 said. The outfit informed that the various activities a local village headman Haven’t we all heard about will be carried out by the about the body lying in a energy savings? For examPSU Oil Companies operdense forest 25 km away ple, the all too well known, the State of Nagaland was Civil Supplies (F&CS) urged ating in the state, to create from Naginimara police driving in the correct gear, today inaugurated at Bam- the gathering to lose the “we awareness on better and station this morning, the switching off the engine at boo Resources Centre, Di- can afford it” attitude, and to efficient use of oil and gas. sources said. The headman red lights and using public mapur, with Parliamentary use energy wisely.

The activities include The Chief Guest lament- quiz and painting competiinformed the police who in transport are all ways to Secretary for Excise, Ecoturn informed its adjacent save energy. Little known nomic & Statistics, Legal ed on Nagas being totally tion in schools and colleges, Bihubor police station in facts like over-head racks Metrology and Consumer dependent on the Centre, cycle rally, workshops on Assam, they said. A joint on top of vehicles results in Protection, T Torechu as in contrast to other states saving LPG/kerosene for being self dependent to a house wives, tips for savteam of Assam and Naga- more fuel consumption or the Chief Guest.

Sanjib Chakraborty, certain extent. Speaking ing petrol/diesel: Clinic for land police recovered the that joining a carpool can body, which had two gun- reduce the fuel bill by at State Level Coordinator to a gathering comprised Bus/Truck/2,3,4 - wheeler for Ministry of Petroleum mostly of dealers and dis- drivers, tips for saving petshot wounds on the head least 50%, can contribute & Natural Gas, GoI, and Se- tributors of oil companies rol/diesel for drivers/Oil to energy savings. and sent it for post mortem Dependency on energy nior Divisional Manager, and their employees, he Industry, and, Technical at the Sibsagar Civil Hospi- is universal and the rate at IOCL, gave a brief introduc- appealed to them to prac- Meet for Industries. tal in Assam, sources said. which society uses fuel is a tion of Petroleum Conser- tice truthful means in their Banners and posters vation Research Associa- everyday dealings, so that will be put up at all Petrol cause for concern.

The ill-fated bus as seen after the accident.

In an effort to create tion (PCRA) and of the how the company benefits and Pumps and LPG distribuDiMaPur, January in flipped on its side on the ing at the doorstep of the torships and in prominent Oil and Gas Conservation in turn the country’s econawareness on wastage of Apropos to the news item fuel, the Ministry of Petro- Fortnight began. He in- omy benefits. places at various towns. 16 (MExn): One person road leading to Doyapur in bus when it flipped. The published on January 16, leum & Natural Gas, Govern- formed that the aim of this Torechu urged oil com- Leaflets will be distributed was killed in a road mis- Toulazouma. The accident bus was headed to Doyaunder the headline, ‘Justice ment of India, has declared program was not to stop panies to see to it that the to consumers at all ROs and hap on Thursday. The occurred at around noon. pur from Dimapur. Other demanded for gang rape January 16-31 as Oil and the usage of fossil fuels but dealers and distributors do LPG distributorships and deceased, identified as According to the police, passengers survived unvictim,’ it is clarified that the Gas Conservation Fortnight. to stop their wastage. not indulge in malpractices. literature for students will Akheto Zhimo (40), was the deceased, said to be scathed. The deceased protest took place at the DC TK Sukhalu, Commis- The chief guest also urged oil be distributed separately in pinned to the ground after the proprietor of the bus hailed from Khekiho vilThe Oil and Gas Consercourt and not as published. vation Fortnight, 2014, for sioner and Secretary, Food & companies to render proper schools and colleges. the bus he was travelling (NL 01B 0217), was stand- lage.

Executed ULFA leader’s body found in Nagaland

Developing energy consciousness! One killed in bus mishap Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight from January 16

C M Y K

Clarification

C M Y K

C M Y K

2

Dimapur

LocaL

Friday 17 January 2014

The Morung Express C

‘Tsungkam Neo’ of friendship, peace, love and unity

Morung Express News Tuensang | January 16

Tsungkam Neo, the premier festival of Yimchungü tribe was celebrated at Shamator public ground with R. Tohanba, Parliamentary Secretary CAWD government of Nagaland as chief guest on January 16. Tohanba said Tsungkam neo festival is the most important festival of Yimchungüs and that Tsungkam Neo advocates friendship making, inviting guests, merry making, engagement of all social relation, forgiving ones enemy, peace, love, unity etc. among our people.

“Today we (Naga) as a whole are recognised all over the earth because of our distinct traditional and cultural practices. And even the map of Nagaland becomes one of the hot spot for tourist in today’s world because of our richness

Parliamentary Secretary CAWD, R Tohanba, dancing along with a cultural troupe during the Tsungkam Neo festival celebration held at Shamator, Thursday. (Morung Photo)

in traditional and culture Nagas have tremendously values by organising state tribes of the state an equal practice. Under the lead- encourage the importance Road Show, Hornbill festival importance to uphold the ership of Neiphiu Rio the of traditional and cultural and giving opportunity to all traditional and cultural val-

ues,” the chief guest said. He also urged and request the people to uphold the value of simplicity, truth, bravery, hardworking, respect which we have inherit from our fathers which is equally important in our present society.

Earlier, Yankiuba, President Thuneo (TOCST), chaired the programme, invocation by Rev. Z. Thsankiu executive secretary (YBBA), welcome address by Kejingkhum Jt. Secy. (TOCST), Tsungkam Neo special number by GB’s of Shamator, significance of festival by Shophu Khupong, short speeches

by Yanpvuthung Kikon ADC Shamator and Tokiu YTC Treasurer Shamator, vote of thanks by Kiuji treasurer (TOCST) and benediction

by Father Kukdo Shamator Parish and followed by festival bamboo climbing and traditional dances.

Hindi teachers appeal for release of salary

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): The Hindi teachers appointed under Central Sponsored Scheme 2012-13 have urged the government to release the pending salary for the month of December 2013 and arrear of the year 2013. All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (2012-13 batch), Executive Member, Nelson Yhokha in a press release stated that it queried on how arrear of some SDEO has been released with lesser amount?, why there is no timely uniform in releasing the salary of

these 1379 Hindi teachers? Moreover, why these teachers are been treated with harassment by delaying the salaries for 4-5 months?

It requested to the Government of Nagaland to look into the matter at the earliest keeping the view of the suffering teachers before any unwanted situation and misunderstanding arises between the authority and the suffering teachers. The Union also appealed to release the pending salary and arrear at the earliest.

IDA Nagaland State Branch elects executives C M Y K

MLA, Advisor, NBDA and Chairman, Mokokchung DPDB, Dr. Longrineken and others during the inauguration of Imrongmen Government Primary School building at Khar village under Mokokchung district on December 27, 2013. The two storied building was constructed under the flagship programme of SSA 2006-2007 and contribution made from Khar village council, well wishers and alumni of the school. According to School authority, the construction was completed at the cost of about Rs.18 lakhs. (DIPR Photo)

CBCC prayer day on January 19

C M Y K

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): CBCC Executive Secretary, Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo has made an appeal to all the Chakhesang wherever they are to commit themselves to Pray on January 19 (Sunday) 2014 as individuals and families remembering what the Lord Jesus said, “… apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5b ). All the Pastors of Churches under CBCC are requested to select relevant topic on prayer to preach on this day and spend enough time to pray together with the congregation. They are requested to pray fervently following the prayer points distributed by mail that covers thanksgiving prayer for what the Lord has done in the year past and pray for peace in our land, for our leaders, students, widows and widowers, orphans state political leaders, national workers, administrators, police, prisons, and many others. “Let every family begin the year with prayer that will lead to bring Revival in our families, churches and land,” the appeal note added.

KBUD fasting on January 25

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): Kangching Buhu Union Dimapur has informed that a Fasting Pro gramme would be held on January 25, 2014(Sat), 7:00 a.m. onwards at Dimapur Phom Baptist Church, near New Dhansiri Bridge, Burma Camp, Dimapur. KBUD Secretary B Manpa Phom in a press release has requested all registered and non-registered members, students, women and children of KBUD to attend the fasting programme.

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): The India Dental Association (Nagaland State Branch) 11th annual general meeting cum dental education was held from January 9 to 11 at Niathu Resort, Dimapur with Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS as the chief guest.

The resource persons for the conference included Dr. Anirban Bhatacha-

rya, professor, Haldia Institute of Dental Science and Research Haldia (West Bengal) and Prof. Shabnam Zahir, MDS (Cal) professor and PG Guide, Department of Pedodontics, Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science & Research. The spoke on the topic canal guided endodontic and smart clinical approach to your paediatric dental pa-

tients respectively.

During the AGM, the house elected executives for the tenure of 20132014 with president-Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, state secretary-Dr. I Simon Sema and treasurer-Dr. Naomi Rio Zhimomi. The state secretary stated in a press release that list of district representatives will be published later on.

Taxi and bus drivers sensitized on road safety

Our Correspondent Kohima | January 16

“You are carrying someone’s life while driving,” said W. Honje Konyak, Deputy Commissioner Kohima during the sensitization and orientation training to taxi and bus drivers in Kohima to commemorate the 25th National Road Safety Week 2014. Under the theme, “You First” the Transport Commissioner, Motor Vehicles Department organized the awareness program on January 15 at the Zonal Council Hall Kohima.

Honje Konyak shared on three major points to maintain road safety that is to avoid using mobile phones while driving, to learn traffic rules and to avoid alcohol.

Konyak further requested

MEx File

Commendation Certificates for forest personnel

the driving community to tackle and discuss such issues. Pukhavi Sema, RTO, Kohima chaired the event while the sensitization awareness was facilitated

by Mhilite Kapfo, DSP (Traffic), Kohima and Tatong, Senior MVI, Kohima. The

facilitators shared on basic traffic rules, road signs, hand signals, rules on road safety and crucial acts and laws in India for safe road safety. “Despite trainings, accidents cannot be prevented unless the driver changes his or her attitude.

There needs to be a change in the driver’s attitude,” said Mhilite Kapfo.

In India, one person is killed every six minutes due to rash driving. Atleast 1,20, 000 people are killed and 5, 50,000 are injured every year in road accidents.

Y K

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): The Commendation Certificates will be given to the personnel of Forest Protection Force and officers involved in the protection and safe passage of Amur Falcons from the State last year (2013) in appreciation of their efforts

by ML Rao, principal chief conservator of forest & head of forest force on January 20, 10:45 am at Conference Hall, Forest Office Complex, Dimapur. Chief Wildlife Warden, T Lotha in a press release has requested all the Dimapur based forest officers and executives including ministerial staffs to attend the function without fail as directed by the PCCF Kohima.

Community hall of Penli ward inaugurated

mokokchung, January 16 (Dipr): Chief Secretary, Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir IAS on January 15 inaugurated the newly constructed community hall of Penli ward Mokokchung. Speaking on the occasion, Alemtemshi said that the community hall is an asset for the ward and the hall is for all purposes. The Chief Secretary also mentioned that for community development, self sacrifice and voluntary service is important.

He urged the people to understand the strength within them and to give their best in contributing their efforts in developing our land saying that government will help only those who help themselves. Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Muroho Chotso, Takomeren of Penli ward and all Ward Chairman, Watimongba also delivered short speeches.

e-Governance in Agriculture training rescheduled

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): The training programme on ‘Improving e-Governance in Agriculture’ co-organized by MANAGE, Hyderabad and scheduled from January 27 to 30 at SAMETI, Medziphema has been rescheduled from January 28 to 31.

The Dean, SASRD; Director, NRC Mithun; Jt. Director, ICAR, Jharnapani; DAOs; Project Directors, ATMA; Project Officer, SARS Yisemyong; Pogramme Coordinators of KVKs, and Officer i/c Tissue Culture Lab, Dimapur are requested to send nominations to Director, SAMETI Medziphema by Telefax:03862-247034 or 0370-2243970/2243116 or by email: agrilan@rediffmail.com/ sametimedz@rediffmail.com. This was informed in a press release issued by N.Tekatushi Ao Director of Agriculture & SNO ATMA

IPPI first round at Phek

phEk, January 16 (mExn): District Health Society Phek will be conducting the 1st Round of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) on January 19 and 2nd Round of IPPI on February 23. Neposo Theluo Deputy Commissioner Phek will administer the first Polio drops. Phek Media Officer, Kutolu Nakro stated in a press release that Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru Chief Medical Officer Phek request all the parents to bring their children who are five years of age and below for polio drops at their respective colony/ village polio booth.

C M Y K

JD (United) Nagaland meeting

Dimapur, January 16 (mExn): The central executive meeting of Janata dal (United) Nagaland State Unit will be held on January 18 at 1:00 pm at the main officer, near Belho Nursing Home, Walford Colony, Dimapur. JD (United) Nagaland State Unit general secretary (org) Elvis Yanthan in a press release has asked all the State level and district office bearers to attend the meeting without fail.

Membership collected for the respective district unit are requested to bring along with two passport size photo.

IGNOU Study Centre shifted

A section of the participants during the training for taxi and bus drivers in Kohima commemorating the 25th National Road Safety Week 2014 on January 16. (Morung Photo)

M

kohima, January 16 (mExn): The IGNOU Study Centre 2001 at State College of Teacher Education (erstwhile Nagaland College of Teacher Education), Kohima has been shifted to Modern College, Kohima. All IGNOU learners attached to Study Centre 2001 are requested to contact the Coordinator, IGNOU Study Centre 2001 at Modern College, Dzuvuru Area, Kohima, for all kinds of learner support services. This was stated in a press release issued by Dr. Imnainla, Regional Director (incharge) IGNOU Regional Centre-20 Kohima.

C M Y K

Mass social work at Phek on Jan 18

phEk, January 16 (Dipr): This is to inform all Phek dwellers that a Mass Social Work will be conducted on January 18, 2014 from 6:30 am in and around Phek town.

All Deptt. Heads are requested to ensure their participation. SP, Commandant 5th NAP, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B), Executive Engineer (PHED), Executive Engineer (POWER), Town Council of Phek district has been requested to kindly provide 1 (one) Truck each to dispose all waste materials. The various points where the Social Work will be conducted are: NAP Camp - Clock Tower, Clock Tower - Medical Junction, Medical Junction - DC's Office junction, DC's Office - Petrol Pump, DC's Office - Bible Hill, Bible Hill - Petrol Pump, and Forest Colony - Bible Hill. All are requested to be there without fail and extend full co-operation to celebrate the "Red Letter Day".

Objection notice invited

mokokchung, January 16 (Dipr): DC Mokokchung, Muroho Chotso has informed that Longjongkong village under the administrative jurisdiction of EAC Ongpangkong Circle, Mokokchung District is applying for recognition under the state govt. of Nagaland. In this regard, objection, if any, regarding the recognition of the said village may be submitted within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue this notification to this office otherwise the matter shall be forwarded to the Government for recognition and registration under the laid down procedure. Boundaries of Longjongkong village is: North- Ongdang Hill/Tsuset River; South- Tsujemyong River; East- Amomi Hill; West - Tsuet River.

Zunheboto DPDB meeting held

C M Y K

For information on registration, all the Haggai Alumni of Nagaland can contact: menuo@haggaiindia.com or call 1. Menuo Keditsu (State Coordinator)-09436000598 2. Imti Longchar (HIAAK President)-09436005293 Last date for registration will be 28th January 2014.

ZunhEboto, January 16 (Dipr): Zunheboto DPDB meeting was held at DC’s Conference Hall on January 16. Deputy Commissioner, L. Akato Sema NCS, who chaired the meeting, extended New Year greetings to all the members and thanked DPO & Secretary DPDB, Sukhamo who would be retiring from the service this month, for his dedication and sincere service rendered towards the Zunheboto district. In the meeting, DPO & Secretary DPDB also took time, expressed his profound gratitude to all the past and present members of the Board, and highlighted some of the projects and works initiated under his tenure.

Highlights of the meeting included work distribution for the upcoming Republic day celebration, road safety week to be observed from January 17 to 23, and construction of dustbin at public local ground, which was being referred to next meeting and observance of National voter’s day on January 25. All HoDs and schools under Zunheboto attended the meeting.

C M Y K

Regional

The Morung express

UNC to start agitation from Jan 23

SENaPaTI, JaNuary 17 (mExN): The United Naga Council has decided that sustained civil actions will be taken up in protest against the government of India and the government of Manipur and to press for immediate intervention of the GoI with alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. The decision was taken in the UNC presidential council meeting convened on January 16.

UNC in a press note informed that a mass rally will be organized in all Naga districts on January 23. It further called for abstention from participation in the Republic Day

programme and bandh on construction work of Trans Asian Railway line and 400 KV power grid transmission line and also closure of state district offices simultaneously for a period of six days from February 3 to February 9. It however added that educational institutions, health, electricity and water supply department would be exempted from the purview of the closure.

All Tribe Councils/Regional Organisation will enforce the ban on construction and closure of District offices in their respective jurisdictions, it added.

The UNC lamented

Northeast Briefs

Meghalaya to impart self defense training to women SHILLONG, JaNuary 16 (NNN): The Meghalaya Civil Defence and Home Guards has decided to provide self defense training to young girls and women. The aim is to improve confidence in women folk, who are often subje cted to sexual harassment. Speaking to reporters, Director of Civil Defense and Home Guards, Kulbir Krishan stated that the department will provide self defense and unarmed combat training to at least thirty girls. He said that the department planned the training to inculcate more confidence in women, in view of the ongoing crime against women that has been reported in the state as well as other states of the country. Pointing out that the training would improve confidence level in women to defend themselves in times of such unwanted situations; he said that similar training is being provided in other states of the country as well. The training will be provided in the headquarters of Civil Defense and Home Guards at Mawdiandiang. The training was scheduled to start much earlier but the ILP controversy forced it to be delayed, since all the resources of the Home Guards had to be given to state police. Krishan expressed his happiness over the fact that the response of the proposed training has been overwhelming and many young girls have come forward to be a part of the training. Initially, the department plans to conduct one course but depending on the demand, the department can conduct 2-3 such training programmes. It is expected that the proposed training will be of great help to young girls and women of the state, where instance of rape and sexual harassment on women seems to be rising with each passing day.

Manik Sarkar urges banks to increase loan sanctions for poor

aGarTaLa, JaNuary 16 (PTI): Requesting to sanction more loans to the poor, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday requested United Bank of India (UBI) authorities to increase its credit deposit ratio from 39 per cent to 50 per cent in this financial year itself. Sarkar said this while inaugurating ten new branches of the bank switching an electronic device at the Nazrul Kalakshetra here while assuring all help to bankers in smooth operations in the state. Chairperson and Managing Director of the UBI Archana Bhargav, who was present on the occasion said that the bank has plans to open 36 more branches in the state in near future. Among others state Chief Secretary SK Panda was also present in the occasion.

Bomb explodes at the house of Congress MLA

ImPHaL, JaNuary 16 (PTI): A powerful bomb hurled by suspected militants exploded at the house of a Congress legislator in Sangaiporou area on the outskirts of the capital complex, but no one was injured, police said Thursday. The bomb was hurled at the gate of the heavily guarded house of MLA N Loken last evening. The explosion was so powerful that the sound was heard from a distance of about a few kms.

Loken and his family members were inside the house at the time of the explosion which damaged parts of the building, police said, adding no one was injured in the incident.

that while it has upheld the democratic process of dialogue with respect and expectation of the resolution for which the dialogue process was initiated, the manner in which the process has been treated with disrespect by the GoM and the lack of will on the part of the GoI to proactively facilitate the resolution has eroded their faith in the democratic process and the seriousness of the GoI. It added that the GoM has been giving public statements that dialogue is welcome and issues can be discussed. UNC stated that “this hypocritical posture is further accentuated with

the unabated policies of the communal GoM for depriving the tribals of their land by transferring tribal areas to police districts of the Imphal valley and Jiribam.” The jurisdictions of civil administration and the police district are to be co-incident by all considerations of convenience and effectiveness and the ulterior motive behind this nonsensical aberration is obvious, it added.

The above civil actions decided upon would be carried out irrespective of whether any communications are received from the GoI on the talk process.

UNC stated that after

completion of the same, further actions would be taken up in manners and measures suitable to the emerging situation. It informed that Naga public to be “mentally prepared for a long drawn out civil actions in the entire Naga territory” and to stock up essentials commodities to meet eventualities. It further appealed to the public for their solidarity and cooperation towards the “democratic civil actions in pursuance of our political aspirations.” It cautioned that “any individual who wilfully defies the scheduled strictures would be doing so at their own risk.”

SHILLONG, JaNuary 16 (IaNS): Thirteen pressure groups in Meghalaya Wednesday announced the suspension of their agitation demanding the re-introduction of the British-era Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to tackle the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

The declaration came after a meeting with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma who offered the examination of 52 existing laws connected with the issue of tackling influx and illegal migration to the state. The last meeting held Aug 29 last year between the two sides had failed, leading to a

series of violent agitations.

"There has been an agreement to study the 52 existing laws on tackling influx and illegal migrants.

We have also decided to suspend all agitation during this period," Khasi Students' Union (KSU) chief Daniel Khyriem told journalists.

However, Khyriem said the groups have not abandoned the demand for implementation of the ILP in the state.

"We have sought clarification from the government as to why the permit cannot be implemented in Meghalaya," he said. The 13 organisations include the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia, Garo People

and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front. They say the absence of the ILP system would lead to the number of people entering Meghalaya getting out of control, given the state's proximity to Bangladesh and Assam.

The ILP is an official travel document issued by the union government to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area for a limited period. It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain permit for entering into the restricted areas. Chief Minister Sangma said the government and the pressure

Trinamool Congress candidates for the Darjeeling constituency, where the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) calls the shots.

Asked about the possibility of his joining politics or contesting in next year's general election, the footballer from Sikkim refused to comment. If he wins, he is going to be only the second footballer with an India cap to become a member of the Lok Sabha.

Earlier this year, Prasun Banerjee, a former midfielder, won a by-poll in West Bengal contesting on a Trinamool Congress ticket to become a member of Parliament (MP).

People from Sikkim such as the late Sonam Wangfel Laden La have been community leaders in Darjeeling, said a Trinamool Congress leader who did not want to be named. But that was way back in the first three decades of the 20th century.

The Gorkhas elected the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) Jaswant Singh in 2009 and the Congress's Dawa Narbula in 2004, but

17 January 2014

GuwaHaTI, JaNuary 16 (IaNS): A large number of legislators in Assam, cutting across party lines, Thursday pledged to make their constituencies free from tobacco and save children in the state from the menace.

The MLAs took the pledge as part of an anti-tobacco drive carried out by the Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA), a nonprofit organisation involved in the field of public and rural health, in association with Voice of Tobacco Victims.

Its aim was to create awareness among politicians on the hazardous im-

this time, the GJM wants one of its own leaders to represent the constituency in Parliament.

It is not going to be easy for the Trinamool Congress to find a native Gorkha to take on the GJM, said the leader cited above, adding, "Nepali-speaking Baichung is our best bet at this time."

GJM, Chhetri said, would field one of its own leaders as the candidate so that that person could take the Gorkha community's movement to Delhi. Darjeeling has had too many "visiting MPs", Chhetri said, when asked if an alliance with the Trinamool Congress was a possibility. "We won't accept anybody imposed on us," he added.

In the 2009 general election, BJP's Singh received 51.5% of the polled votes thanks to the GJM backing. The Congress candidate, who had won from Darjeeling in the previous election, received 19.4% of the polled votes and finished third behind Jibesh Sarkar, the Left Front candidate.

Venue Theme Date

pact of tobacco and also seek their support in making Assam a tobacco-free state.

"The legislators signed a pledge to this end today (Thursday) and promised to make all educational institutions tobacco-free in his or her constituency," said Ruchira Neog of the VHAA. They also pledged to put in efforts for total prohibition on the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational Institutions, and prevent buying or selling of tobacco products by anyone below the age of 18, Neog said.

The Global Adult To-

Dt. Dimapur the 16th Jan’ 14

NO.REV-1/90-D/13824-25/Notice is hereby given that Shri. Bapan Dey resident of Dimapur who has apply for issue of mortgage clearance concerning to Patta No. 611, Dag No. 1/712, Measuring an area of 00-00-15 1/2 located at Block No-08, which has been mortgage in the UCO Bank.

Claims & objection if any on the aforesaid land may be submitted in written in the court of the undersigned on or before 23/01/14.

Sd/Deputy Commissioner Dimapur: Nagaland

POST VACANCy 1 Post: Science Teacher (B.Sc) Physics & Chemistry must 1 Post: Computer Teacher (PGDCA) Eden Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur Churches Colony, Near Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur Handwritten application to be submitted to the Principal on or before 25-01-14 during School Office hour 9:00am – 12:00 Noon.

Contact No. 03862-228706/ 8974025529(Principal)

MISSING

Programme : : : :

Khrieneiu, Pastor, Peniel Church Faith Harvest Church Neikuonyu Zuyie, Pastor, Rokabozou CRC Rev. Dr. Luozilie Sanchu, Ex- Secy ACRCC

Interactive session Date Venue

: 17th January 2014 Time: 1:00- 3:00pm : Khuochiezie, Local Ground, Kohima

Session Leader Resource Person Topic

: Nzanbeni : Rev. Moa Longchar : Sin, Repentance & Salvation

Prayer Groups for Fasting and Prayer Date Venue Group

: 17th January 2014 Time: 7:00am – 12:00 noon : Khuochiezie, Local Ground, Kohima : All Nagaland Bodyguards & Drivers Association

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL WELFARE NAGALAND :: KOHIMA

NO.SW/ESTT-53/99(Pt-1)

bacco Survey, carried out in 2010, said that in Assam, the percentage of tobacco users is 39.3 compared to 34.6 percent across India.

Over 52 percent of males and 25 percent females use tobacco in some form or the other, Neog said.

A.C. Kataki, director of the Dr. B. Barooah Cancer Institute in Assam, said smoking and chewing tobacco were the most important risk factors for cancer, and 55-60 percent of all cancers in male and 25-30 percent in females are tobacco-related in the northeastern region of India.

IN THE COuRT OF DEPuTy COMMISSIONER DIMAPuR DISTRICT: NAGALAND

: Khuochiezie, Local Ground, Kohima : “Arise and Shine”……… Isaiah 60:1 Time: 4:00pm : 17th Jan, 2014

Leader Praise & Worship Offertory Prayer Speaker

3

groups stressed the need to find a way forward in coming up with an institutionalised mechanism to tackle influx.

Liangmai annual Magazine released TRANSFORMATION CRuSADE

DImaPur, JaNuary 16 (NNN): The Global Liangmai Forum (GLF) released its annual magazine-2013 at Nchangram village, Tening, Nagaland yesterday.

The magazine was released byNamri Nchang, honourable MLA, Tening constituency, Nagaland. Well known personalities of Liangmai community, scholars from JNU, members of the Forum from abroad like Scotland, West Indies, Japan, and elders of our community etc have contributed articles for the magazine.

The goal of releasing the magazine is to bring awareness to the Liangmai community on different burning issues concerning the community, which include issues on environment, social, economic and history of Liangmai people, stated its convener, Angambou Kalengta. The editorial team of the magazine is Tasongwi Newmai, Assistant Professor, NCERT (editor-in-chief); Kalengta Angambou; Albert Njuta Chawang; Dr. Widinibou Charengna; Angam Niumai; Manu Ningning Niumai and Kendibou Pamai.

Dimapur

Assam legislators pledge to make state tobacco-free

Agitation over illegal migrants suspended

GJM to oppose Baichung's candidature for Darjeeling KOLKaTa, JaNuary 16 (TNN): The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha will oppose the candidature of footballer Baichung Bhutia from Darjeeling for the forthcoming general election. The Trinamool supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her willingness to field Baichung's as Trinamool candidate from Darjeeling.

However, GJM leader and Kalimpong MLA Harkabahadur Chhetri said, "We oppose Baichung Bhutia's candidature. Neither he is from Darjeeling, nor is he the face of hill people. We will support the candidate, who is son of the soil".

Significantly, Darjeeling is one of the few Lok Sabha constituencies among the 42 in West Bengal in which the dominant Trinamool Congress does not have a fighting chance of winning.

So, if GJM opposes Baichung's candidature, his chance of winning the poll will be bleak.

Nepali-speaking Bhutia is seen as the frontrunner among potential

Friday

Dated Kohima the15th Jan. 2014.

NOTIFICATION The following are the Roll Nos. of Candidates in order of Sl.No. who are qualified in the written examination held on 17th December 2013.

Stenographer : Roll Nos :- 6,7, 8. 17, 29, 30, 97, 105.

LDA-Cum-Computer Assistant :Roll Nos. :- 298, 869, 975, 1045, 1082, 1135, 1136, 1149, 1332, 1461, 1462, 1477, 1733, 1785, 1831, 1841, 2059, 2079, 2113, 2152, 2163, 2248, 2254, 2273, 2349, 2388, 2411, 2467, 2468, 2891, 2973, 3079, 3183, 3234, 3389, 3455, 3628, 3720, 3882, 4053, 4073, 4079, 4240, 4336, 4340.

They are hereby directed to appear for the viva- voce and computer test for LDA-Cum-Computer Assistant and Short Hand and Computer Test for the Stenographer under the establishment of Directorate of Social Welfare.

The above candidates are directed to report in the office of the undersigned at 9:00 AM on 6th February 2014 for Short Hand test for (Stenographer) and Computer test for both Stenographer and LDA (Dist.)

Viva-voce will be conducted on the same day for both the posts in the office chamber of the Director Social Welfare, Kohima at 11:00 AM onwards.

The above listed selected candidates are directed to bring all their original documents during the interview.

No separate calling letter will be issued. ( KHEVITO T.SHOHE ) Director.

1

2

Particulars Name Gender Father’s Name Age Height Skin tone Hair I.D Mark

MISSING PERSON 1 Mamoni ALIAS Mamu Female Pathur Tate 16 years 4’5” approx Dark Short boy’s cut Dimples

Tribe Village

Adivasi Dinghea Gaon, Assam

MISSING PERSON 2 Meribon Female Beren 8 years 3’9’’ approx Fair Short boy’s cut Black mole on left cheek near nose

Both speak fluent Nagamese and English. Missing from lower forest colony since 15th January 2014.

If seen kindly contact: 8575271060

C M Y K

The Morung Express 4 businEss public discoursE Apple to relaunch 8GB iPhone 4 in India Friday

Dimapur

17 January 2014

KOLKATA, JANUARY 16 (ER): Apple is set to relaunch the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 in the Indian market after losing sales and market share in the middle segment to rival Samsung in the last quarter after pulling out the model as part of a global strategy.

The US company, pressing hard to raise its market share in India, will price the device at around 15,000 through buyback and EMI schemes compared with its old retail price of Rs 26,500, Apple’s four top trade partners in India said requesting anonymity due to confidentiality clauses.

The model launched three years ago has been succeeded by the 4S, 5, 5c and 5s, the last of which starts at Rs 53,500.

Since Apple stopped pro-

BIRTHDAY GREETING

My Sweetest “CHERRY” You deserve all the happiness and love in the world.

On this special day of urs wishes flies from the bottom of my heart because only deep inside all great wishes start!!! Celebrate this special day and hope this wonderful time in our lives goes on forever. May you get the best of everything in life cheery…. Happy Birthday, sweetheart!!!

With Love; Alys Urs, Pari Idiot

duction of the iPhone 4 last August-September, the company is likely to source unsold inventory of the model from around the globe for the Indian market. However, this could not be independently verified.

“While there is still a latent demand for the iPhone 4 due to its attractive price in India, the model has lost favour in matured markets and hence it may not make sense for Apple to start fresh production since it follows economies of scale,” said a senior executive at a top electronic retail chain.

An email sent to the Apple spokesperson at regional headquarters in London did not elicit any response until press time on Monday.

The company’s decision to stop selling the 8GB iPhone

4 in the last quarter to push its latest devices helped the company gain value share but meant ceding ground in unit sales, with the 5c not reaching expected numbers and the company having no presence in the sub- 30,000 segment.

“Apple’s iPhone 4 8GB model used to rank amongst the top three selling models by unit sales and fight neck and neck with Samsung, but with its exit the company lost much ground,” said a senior executive at a top electronic retailer.

In his chain, which has more than a hundred stores, the iPhone4 used to account for almost 15-20% of sales compared with Samsung’s 50% in the Rs15,000- Rs 20,000 segment, he said.

Now Samsung has more than

70% share.

Apple’s market share in the Indian smartphone market peaked to more than 4% in October-December 2012 and January-March 2013 before dwindling to 1.4% in October 2013, according to CMR data.

Samsung’s share, in contrast, rose to 42% from 33% in the same period.

Another senior executive with a leading cellphone retail chain said Apple’s two distributors, Redington and Ingram Micro, have sounded the trade out about a big relaunch of the iPhone4 8GB model as early as next week so that the company can take advantage of a Republic Day sales bump.

“However, inventory is yet to enter the stores,” the executive said.

Airtel to buy Loop Mobile for Rs 750 cr

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 16 (PTI): Bharti Airtel is in talks to buy out Mumbai-based Loop Mobile in a deal that will give the telecom major about 3 million customers. Loop Mobile, which owns a mobile telephony licence for the Mumbai circle, is in negotiations with Bharti Airtel and other telecom firms to sell its business in a Rs 750 crore deal.

Loop Mobile has debt of Rs 400 crore, which is likely to be included in final deal size.

While Loop Mobile and Bharti Airtel declined to comment, sources privy to the negotiations said Loop was in talks to sell both its mobile and tower business. Loop Mobile holds 8 megahertz of spectrum in the premium 900 MHz band, which as per latest base price, is valued at Rs 2,624 crore. The

operator has about 2,000 operational mobile tower sites, of which 500 are companyowned.

Some suitors want only Loop’s mobile business, while a few are interested in the combined entity. If Bharti Airtel buys Loop’s mobile business, the Khaitan-owned company will sell the tower business separately. A successful deal will reduce the number of claimants for the premium 900 MHz band in the Mumbai service area. Bharti Airtel had 4.1 million customers in Mumbai at the end of September and was ranked third in terms of subscribers. The addition of Loop Mobile’s customer base would make Bharti Airtel the top operator in Mumbai, where Vodafone is currently the market leader with 6.8 million cus-

tomers.

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio Infocomm yesterday applied to participate in the spectrum auction and bid for the scarce 900 MHz band, which is crucial for both Bharti Airtel and Vodafone. The government plans to auction 16 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz band each in Delhi and Mumbai and 14 MHz in Kolkata. Applicants have to bid for a minimum of 5 MHz. At the base price, 5 MHz of spectrum will cost Rs 1,800 crore in Delhi, Rs 1,640 crore in Mumbai and Rs 625 crore in Kolkata.

Loop has decided to skip the spectrum auction scheduled on February 3. Its Mumbai licence expires in November and the company is required to bid afresh for airwaves to continue operations.

48% Indian households expect economy to worsen

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 16 (PTI): Nearly half of Indian households expect the economy to worsen this year and more than three-fourths fear that prices of groceries, fuel and other household items will go up in next 12 months, a report says.

According to Principal Retirement Advisors (India)’s first financial well being index, that aims to measure the financial well being of Indian households/workers, 48% of the households expect the economy to worsen in 2014.

Despite wholesale price inflation falling to five-month

low of 6.16%t in December, around 77% respondents feel that the prices of groceries, fuel and other household items would go up in next one year. The study was conducted along with its research partner - Nielsen Company in the last quarter of 2013.

Respondents feel that increase in prices for food and beverages and transportation are likely to affect household budgets seriously and 78%t are concerned about rise in home loan interest rates in the next one year. “Indian households are maintaining a cautious outlook as they

approach 2014,” Principal Financial Group Country Head - India Rajan Ghotgalkar said.

Overall however, respondents feel they are in control of their financial situation and are making good progress towards their financial goals. “...

It is encouraging to see that a majority of them feel that they are in control of their financial situation and are making decent progress towards achieving their financial goals,” Ghotgalkar said.

The research was conducted in 11 cities with a total sample size of 1,664 respondents.

The respondents were in the

age group of 25 to 60 years with an annual household income of more than Rs 5 lakh.

Some of the top concern areas for the economy in the next one year include - fuel prices, food prices, rising inflation and unemployment, the report said.

Buying a house/property and children expenses (education and marriage) are the key big ticket expenses expected in 2014, it added. The Well-Being Index is an initiative of the Principal Financial Group and the group launched the Principal Financial Well Being Index for India this year.

_

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 # 2764

Marauding imposter at their best: NSCN-IM

A

propos to U (K-K) group rumbling over the Mukalimi incident, NSCN felt it quite amusing that a group of thugs could really pretend to behave civilized when their hands and foots are blood soaked from the killing and torture of our own Naga people. Such devious posturing at the time when NSCN and Sumi community are trying to find ways and means to resolve differences amount to” fishing in the troubled water” with the motive to harvest “favour” from the Sumi people. It is clear that their objective is to bring enmity between NSCN and Sumi community thereby sowing seeds of hatred, revenge and rebellion against us. All the money extorted from the Naga people in the name of Unification seems to have invested into fuelling Naga disunity, chaos, tribalism, regionalism and pleasure.

The abandonment of our Camp in Mukalimi village is to avoid unnecessary confrontation and the loss of more sons of the soil. It is to be understood that such decision arrived knowing that the fight is not with the Sumi community. However, imposters of Naga unity must be disappointed that we vacated the camp and losses of more Naga souls are avoided.

T

It is also interesting that the message sent to our Sumi community by His Excellency Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu is conveniently interpreted as a threat to Sumi leaders when it was meant to reconcile and understand one another. A mind being ruled by negative thought will never grasp the content of the message but interpret suitably in their liking which does not surprise us anymore. Such a treacherous design to manipulate the opinion of the Naga people at this juncture of seeking peace and unity is quite unfortunate.

It is strangely unfortunate that when the highest level leaders from the entire Naga nationalist are to meet soon for reconciliation, such propaganda devoid of truth and sincerity are being displayed without any compunction of sensitivity and sentiment to the Mukalimi incident. We must learn to help bridge the gap and not bomb the already shaky bridge if one is a genuine seeker of Naga unity and reconciliation.

Kuknalim.

MIP-GPRN.

What is Taekwondo?

aekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional martial arts, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become a global sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics.

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the word “Tae” “Kwon” “Do.” It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean. “Tae” means “foot,” “leg,” or “to step on”; “Kwon” means “fist,” or “fight”; and “Do” means the “way” or “discipline.” If we put these three parts together, we can see two important concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do”.

First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon ‘fists and feet,’ or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists andfeet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon ‘to put fists under control’ [or ‘to step on fists’]. Thus Taekwondo means “the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world.”

Taekwondo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea, being called by several different names in the

one and the same. On the other hand, the right poomsae lead to the right confrontation, which will eventually produce great destructive power.

How come we reach such a unity in Taekwondo? Taekwondo is a way of life, much like having a job, raising a family, fighting for a cause, or any one of numerous raison d’etre. What makes Taekwondo different from these is that it is an activity for survival in extremely antagonistic situations. One must always overcome the enemy that is trying to cause harm. But simply winning a fight is not enough to guarantee one’s safety, because the enemy may recuperate and attack again. Moreover, there may be many other enemies than the one that was just defeated. One cannot ever feel safe unless one gains permanent peace. To attain this permanent or lasting peace, one needs unity.

This is what Taekwondo aim for.

Otherwise Taekwondo would be no different from any other street-fighting skills.

Taekwondo pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities. This is why one could say Taekwondo is a way of life. To ultimately enable ourselves to lead more valuable lives, we would do well by finding the guiding principles deeply hidden in Taekwondo.

course. In Korea, Taekwondo began as a defense martial art called “Subak” or “Taekkyon,” and developed as a way of training body and mind in the ancient kingdom of Koguryo, under the name of “Sunbae.” In the Shilla period, it had become the backbone of Hwarangdo that aimed at producing leaders of the country.

Taekwondo today is similar to the martial arts in other Oriental countries and shares some features with them, because in the course of its evolution it has gained many different styles that existed in the martial arts of the countries surrounding Korea, like Japan and China.

But Taekwondo is very different from many such oriental martial arts. First, physically it is very dynamic with active movements that include a mirage of foot skills.

Second, the principle physical movements are in simpatico with that of the mind and life as a whole.

Third, it possesses dynamic poses from another perspective.

Taekwondo can be characterized by unity: the unity of body, mind, and life, and the unity of the pose [“poomsae”] and confrontation, and cracking down.

When you do Taekwondo, you should make your mind peaceful and synchronize your mind with your movements, and extend this harmony to your life and society.

This is how in Taekwondo the principle of physical movements, the principle of mind training, and the principle of life become

Tapan deb kanungoe Coach (Royal Dynamic Taekwondo Teams)

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

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2775

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 # 2763

KOHIMA

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

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

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

O

R

VocAbulArio

ALGEBRA

GEOMETRIA

AMABLE

GRANDE

ARITMETICA

HERMANO

ARTE

HISTORIA

BIOLOGIA

INGLES

CIENCIAS

INTELIGENTE

CIENCIAS

INTERESANTE

SOCIALES

ITALIANO

CLASE

LENGUAS

DEPORTE

MATEMATICAS

DIFICIL

MATERIA

DISCIPLINA

MUSICA

ESPANOL

OTRO

FACIL

PEQUENO

FISICA

PROFESOR

FRANCES

SOCIOLOGIA

GEOGRAFIA

D R G E O G R A F I A I F R A N C E S N

I N G L E S M A I Y A P P E Q U E N O

S E R O D I S C I P L I N A E R O R C M

T R E T N E G I L E T N I K O T I M U

E R O I O A D P R O F E S O R C E A I I

O O N A I E I T A L I A N O N T U V A

P R T E H S O J R O R A M C E C G A I

A E A E T E P T U D T I J I M I G E T T

D R R U R A R A E R N A A E L R O E D

N I E T M N O F E E S T N E E A M I M

R B T S E A O E T G S I C E L N N E W D

I M A G N L A A O C I L H B G D T D F

C O E N D O M I C A A A V I A U E R I I

L T T J R E I S S O N V S M A K I F S

O I E L X A F A C I L B T A S F A I I

H G C Q H L T S O C I O L O G I A O C C

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

A O S O I T I O S D D E I T M O T L O

ACROSS

B A J Y T A L G E B R A A F C L A S E

1. Small terrestrial lizard 6. Church alcove 10. A territorial unit of Greece 14. Reef material 15. Devil tree 16. Nile bird 17. Cemetery 19. Male offspring 20. Ancient ascetic 21. Travel through the air 22. Hint 23. Everglades bird 25. Tumbler 26. Smack 30. Ring around the nipple 32. Guarantee 35. Emptied 39. Look up to 40. Fleet 41. Misinform 43. Roomette 44. Stick on 46. Lease 47. Strike 50. Skirt fold 53. Used to be 54. Which person?

55. Lollipop 60. Winglike

61. Continual and persistent demands 63. Anagram of “Meat” 64. Misled 65. Smells 66. Rind 67. Information 68. Refute

DOWN 1.Skin disease 2. “Comes and ____” 3. Circle fragments 4. Filly’s mother 5. Without company 6. Big fuss 7. Purloin 8. Artificially formal 9. Not difficult 10. Disavowal 11. African virus 12. Subtract 13. S S S S 18. Dowel 24. Rodent 25. Menacing look 26. Travelled through water 27. Dry riverbed 28. Not legs 29. Involving three parties 31. By mouth 33. Mountain crest

34. Tidy 36. Back of the neck 37. Biblical garden 38. Blowgun missile 42. Water flea 43. Female pronoun 45. Wardrobe 47. Marsh 48. Donnybrook 49. Angry 51. Donkey 52. Coach 54. Not tame 56. Formally surrender 57. A round handle 58. Beige 59. A musical pause 62. Actress Lupino

Ans to CrossWord 2774

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

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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

222246 222491

CHEVROLET CARS PRICE FOR JAnuARy ‘2014 CAR MODELS

STARTING PRICE

SPARK 1.0 MCE

3,38,705/-

BEAT 1.2 (PETROL)

3,91,493/-

BEAT 1.0 (DIESEL)

4,77,441/-

SAIL U-VA 1.2 (PETROL)

4,23,265/-

SAIL U-VA 1.3 (DIESEL)

5,33,999/-

SAIL 1.2 (PETROL)

5,03,799/-

SAIL 1.3 (DIESEL)

6,34,665/-

ENJOY 1.4 (PETROL)

5,53,163/-

ENJOY 1.3 (DIESEL)

6,73,963/-

CRUZE 2.0 LT

13,96,498/-

CAPTIVA 2.2 LT

22,66,213/-

* CONDITION APPLY *3 YEARS / 100,000 KMS WARRANTY * FOR PETROL *CASHLESS OWNERSHIP MAINTENANCE OFFER

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

61.3 100.04 7.89

61.73 101.16 7.97

Australian Dollar

53.76

54.53

Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

47.99 55.94 58.34

48.57 56.62 59.05

Euro

83.29

84.21

Public SPace/lOcal 5 The Legitimacy and Illegitimacy RHSC questions NHRC’s silence on victims in Rengma villages of Governments and its Authority T Friday

The Morung Express

Kaka D. Iralu

17 January 2014

or any government to exercise its political authority over its citizens, it must first have the mandate of the people in its formation and establishment. In other words, some people cannot just form themselves into a government and try to govern a people without first having the people’s approval and mandate. In democracy which is the government of the people by the people and for the people, this model of governance is absolutely necessary. It also must be noted that in democracy- which is the rule of law, it is an accepted fact that behind the law is the Lawgiver who is the moral and personal God of the universe. The moral laws that this personal God has given forms the basis of all our judicial systems of justice. In true democratic governments, the political authority that an elected government exercises and executes over its citizens is in fact derived from divine authority. It is a political authority based on the moral laws of God who alone is the law giver.

These moral laws which have been divinely instituted by God empowers a civil government to pass even the death sentence on those

who break the moral laws of God. In this dispensation and execution of God’s justice, the word of God says in Genesis9:6: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of god made he man.” In Deuteronomy19:21, the word of God again says: “And thine eyes shall not pity, but life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot.” Then in Romans 13:4 it says: “But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he (Civil Governments) beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the Minister of God to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

In contrast to this democratic concept of the rule of law, in socialist or communist political ideology and law, behind the law is the barrel of the gun. In these atheistic political ideologies, political power and authority is derived from the barrel of the gun which is, but an impersonal metallic object only.

Coming back to the issue of legitimacy and illegitimacy of governments and its authority, in the light of the above stated laws, the following corollary facts must be noted.

Any government that is self appointed and does not have the necessary man-

date of the people is an illegitimate government. It also must follow that such an illegitimate government will not be able to exercise any political authority over its own citizens.

In the case of Nagaland and the Naga people, a foreign government called the Indian Government has been ruling over our lives and affairs for the past fifty years and even more. This Indian Government in Nagaland was hurriedly established in 1960 in an attempt to nullify A.Z. Phizo’s address to the international world press where he was going to present the fate of the Nagas to the international press. This meeting was scheduled for July26, 1960 at London. But in order to sabotage this important meeting, the Indian government, on July 25, 1960 sent an Indian Airplane to Jorhat and the 19 members of the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) were hurriedly taken to Delhi where the 16 Point Agreement was signed on the same day. This act on the part of the NPC nullified all the Naga people’s sacrifices for a sovereign independent Nagaland which was declared on 14th August, 1947. The NPC in making this agreement with In-

Whereas the elders gathering organized by WSH and photo published in your esteemed paper on 16th Jan’ 2014 is commendable, the undersigned would like to correct and clarify the

spelling error and vague account of the person presented.

The name of the eldest women shown and mentioned is Solhenulu Rhakho and not as published. She is

the w/o late. Zachipo Rhakho a member of the Thuvopisumi Welfare Union, Dimapur and a proper resident of Zani village, Dimapur III. .

F

CorreCtion of name

Dezoto Rhakho Concerned citizen

dia did not have the Naga people’s mandate. They also completely bypassed the Federal Government of Nagaland while signing this agreement. However, with the might of the Indian army and its government, the NPC was able to impose an Indian made government into Naga lives and affairs. The first election to this government was done in 1964 where villagers were gathered and compelled to cast their votes under Indian military supervision.

Because of all these political facts and events underlying the formation of the present Indian state of Nagaland, the state authorities are hopelessly handicapped to exercise political authority over the people of Nagaland. The recent Mukhalimi incident is a classic example of how an illegitimate government cannot exercise political power or authority over its own citizens even when the citizens take the law into their own hands.

After all, what moral or political authority can the Nagaland state exercise when the very foundation upon which the state is founded is the political lie that Nagas are Indians and Nagaland is Indian Territory? In any crisis like this, the state authorities will always have to refer back to the Central authorities because in article 371A (1) (b), they had already given their consent to be ruled by an Indian Governor in all matters of law and order pertaining to the administration of the state and its people.

he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued notice to the Assam and the Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) the discovery of nine decomposed bodies from Pachaspura near Chumukedima, Dimapur on 3rd January. They were identified to be from Bokajan in Karbi Anglong district of Assam aftermath the attack of Rengma villages in the same district. NHRC states that taking suo motu cognizance of media report it observed that the report raises serious questions of violation of human rights of victims.

The NHRC has through the noticed directed the DGPs of Assam and Nagaland and Dimapur SP to submit the report within four weeks.

Well, the nation has to honor the service of the supreme human rights body of the country which is to address all kinds of human rights violation with impartiality in diversified nature of the Indian society and ensure the fundamental rights and human rights guaranteed by the constitution of India and in order to promote equality, justice, secularism, prosperity and integrity among the people in India.

However, it is very much unfortunate that the NHRC has not bothered to take suo motu cognizance of the report in case of the victims in Rengma villages. Nzanken Rengma of Guzenlanyu gaon (Khawani) was kidnapped on October 21st and murdered by Karbi Peoples Liberation Tiger (KPLT) which served ultimatum to the Rengma villages for Rs 50,000/- per house hold as tax from agriculture produces. The KPLT is demanding Karbi statehood with Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State (JACAS) for the Karbis of east Khasi hills in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh and Tezpur, Sibsagar, Darrang, Morigaon and Lakhimpur districts

of Assam from where they have been constantly entering the Rengma territories since the inception of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in 1951 for they are thoroughly scattered tribe with no homeland.

This aspired statehood is to be placed in Rengma Hills, the homeland of Rengmas.

The KPLT imposed the indefinite road blockade on Rengma villages from 21st November 2013 and prevented them from selling their oranges, shopping and marketing at the nearby towns for celebration of Christmas which is the only festival for the Christians in the whole year. The KPLT killed seven Rengmas including five women. One of the women was burnt alive.

Other six were shot dead at point blank. Two women were burnt with kerosene and the rest of them were cut with machetes by karbi villagers after been shot to dead by the KPLT with sophisticated weapons. Four persons including three women were killed on 27th December at Khawani village and two old Rengma women were shot dead nearby Sathi gaon under Nilip Block under Chokihola PS. The KPLT assisted

by Karbi villagers continued killing and burning down of Rengmas and their houses from village to village for a week. Burnt down granaries, killed domestic animals and cut down horti-farms. Villagers were chased away like animals.

The following villages were burnt down to ashes.(i) Khawani(Guzenlanyu) (ii) Sathi(Choginlashunyu) (iii) Borlanso(Tsugvuchonri) (iv) Renong and (v) Tarajan(Lorenyu). About 270 houses were burnt down. The destruction is numerous and huge and irreparable. For hundreds of

relief campers nothing is left out except remnants of charred materials. No shelter to dwell. No paddies and rice to eat. No clothes to wear. No animal and no orange for sale. All burn, killed and destroyed. The fear psycho has been created in the minds of women and children who saw their closed persons killed, burnt alive and house burnt Some injured and badly deformed fire victims are struggling between life and dead. As per media report 1375 inmates were enrolled by the police at the relief camps. While about 200 displaced Rengmas stayed in different places. About 150 of them went out to stay with their relatives in Nagaland and about 50 of them went to other districts of Assam for various reasons including medical treatment.

Those who died during the attack are dead. But, the future of displaced people and their children grooms in the darkness. The carnage and plunder carried out by the militant with the help of villagers is an act of war and terrorism. They had declared war against the Rengmas as intimidated earlier that they were preparing for war with the Rengmas. No terrorist in the world has ever burnt houses, killed domestic animals, cut down horti-farms and burnt granaries after killing human beings.

The NHRC also asked the Delhi government for reports within four weeks for the death of two homeless. But, it has remained mumped in case of the death of Mouzadar of West Rengma Mouza (or present Diphu) instituted by the British India in 1861 and GB of Nkhenlari village died in the relief camp.

Way back in 2001 the Rengmas in Rengma Hills, Karbi Anglong district of

Dimapur

Assam sought the help of NHRC for extreme exploitation against them. The NHRC agents simply visited the highway towns and generalized the matter without entering the interior Rengma villages. The Karbis could have exploited and dominated the Rengmas in various ways because of the empowerment of tribal people under the 6TH Schedule of the the constitution of India in the form of autonomous council. Therefore, the problems of the Rengmas are not only the issues of Assam but issues of the national importance as the errors occurred are deeply rooted with the provision of the constitution of India and can only be rectified with the help of the same.

In January 2013, Baruddin Khan, private secretary to the union minister for minority affairs acknowledged that the same had taken up the matter of the Rengmas with the union home mister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, regarding the exploitation and injustice meted out to the Rengma Nagas by the Karbis in Assam. But nothing has materialized till date.

The Assam government had already announced Rs 6 lakhs each exgratia to the families of nine killed cited above. The government of Nagaland announced Rs 1 lakh ex gratia each to the families of the same. But the government of Assam is silent regarding the Rengma families of those killed by the KPLT and Karbi villagers. Assam govt. has also not reciprocated its counter state. It is ironic that all the media reports of the events in the national TVs and news papers since day one of the attack on the Rengmas have unexpectedly failed to convince the NHRC, the government of Assam and the central government.

K. Thong Convenor, Rengma Hills Support Centre

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.

rnPC demands nia probe into recent violence

PhENtsERo, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Rengma Naga People’s Council (RNCP) has written to the Union Home Minister demanding that the National Investigating Agency probe into the recent violence in Karbi Anglong and the recovery of nine dead bodies in Dimapur. The letter issued by RNPC President, Shahi K Rengma and General Secretary, K Solomon Rengma stated that the violence in Kabi Anglong has taken scores of lives and has put more than 2000 Rengmas in relief camps.

The RNCP alleged that

Reiterates demand for bifurcation of Karbi Anglong

the “carnage in Rengma Hills was carried out by Karbi Peoples Liberation Tigers (KPLT) ultras and Karbi mobs from nearby Karbi villages, resulting in the death of six Rengmas, all from gunshot wounds.”

It added that a “mass exodus of Rengmas followed the burning of entire villages to ashes, the burning of granaries, chopping down of orchards and betel trees (the main economic activity of Rengma Nagas), and slaughtering of domesticated animals

Day two of Transformation Crusade held in Kohima

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): On the second day of the ongoing Transformation Crusade, Rev. Shan kikon, Pastor, Faith Harvest Church shared that God’s Love is unconditional and cannot be bought but was given to us freely.

A press note cited the reverend as stating that “God wants to forgive, love and bless us but we assume that God hates, curse and judge us which is a deception in which our mind is trapped. “ “God’s Love is always constant and is manifested in the cross of Jesus. We have to share with people the love of God,” he added.

He further stressed that “miracles, prophecies and dreams are going to increase and even false spirituality and satanic worshipers will also increase in the last days and we have to decide whether we live in the light or in the darkness.”

He further stated that the Church is not only a building and an organization.” Elaborating more on “Our God is a loving Father” (I John 4:8) Rev. Shan said “There is a new wave

coming to Nagaland” in the form of Revival, because God loves the Naga people.

He added that ‘Revival’ is a gift from God and cannot come from the world and further shared on the book of Romans 2:4, “........ the goodness of God leads us to repentance”. Romans 5:8 “.........while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.

Rev. Shan further explained that repentance out of fear won’t last but it has to be by God’s love and mercy and added that in church history, revival came after God’s goodness was seen and is felt by the people.” Life may not be perfect and churches as well but His love is perfect” John 3:16, he added.

Earlier, Faith Harvest Church led the praise and worship, while Pastor Hovikrol NCRC, PR Hill said the offertory prayer.

The programme was led by Zelhoutuolie Zumu, Pastor, Tuophema Baptist Church.

It was further informed that there would be counseling from 10am onwards for those having problems in life at the Local Ground.

and fowls.”

It however lamented that three factors have “relegated” the grievances of the Rengma Nagas in Karbi Anglong to the “background.” According to RNPC, the factors include the recent recovery of nine dead bodies in Dimapur, the Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force (NRHPF) subsequent claiming of responsibility for the killings and the reference made

by Karbi Civil Society to a “third force” responsible for the violence.

The RNPC said that “implicit in the theory of third force is the denial that neither Karbi civilians nor the KPLT are responsible, but that certain elements are out to chase the Rengmas from their homeland, with a view to sabotage the Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State’s (JACAS) statehood demand.”

It alleged that the Karbi civil society, “fearing the JACAS agitation falling by the wayside, has accused third forces of orchestrating trouble in KA since

2003, thus directly absolving Karbi militants of any hand in ethnic clashes in Karbi Anglong.”

It added that investigation is also needed into allegations that the NSCN (IM) is “orchestrating trouble in Rengma Hills,” since “it relegates the sufferings of Rengmas and its decades old agitation for political identity to the sidelines.”

It added that the 28 non Karbi communities of KA “oppose the statehood demand of the JACAS” and that the “political stand” of

the Rengmas is “independent of any demand by any entity, including the NSCN (IM)’s Greater Nagaland demand.”

The RNPC further reiterated its demand that Karbi Anglong be “bifurcated into two; one comprising of an area of 8724 sq km, which shall be the new autonomous district council of non Karbi communities, with its headquarters at Bokajan.” Stating this, it urged the Government of India to protect its minorities and negotiate with the 28 non Karbi communities, “willing to live under a united Assam state.”

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): Ujjal Pal of Greenonwheel.com, who is on a whole India cycle expedition to spread the message of a greener and cleaner India, reached Dimapur on Thursday. A press note informed that he was received by members of Green Succession of Nagaland State Greensons, Dimapur.

Ujjal started his journey

from the Sunderbans, West Bengal and has covered 21,300 km on his bicycle, spreading the message of "plant trees and save nature.”

He has visited 21 states and 4 union territories.

On his way, he delivers discourses in schools and colleges, universities, eco clubs, NGO'S and different institutions. Incidentally he is prepared to talk to the students of Patkai College

Dimapur too, the press note informed.

He urged the people of Nagaland to plant at least one tree in their entire life and nourish it for two-three years. Ujjal will continue his journey to the state capital on January 16.

Ujjal informed that he doesn't have any major expenses. His food and stay is taken care of by schools, forest department, NGO'S

who meet him on the way without any pre-arrangements.

He plans to journey to Imphal, Mizoram, Tripura through Bangladesh and will conclude his tour in kolkotta within a months period.

Ujjal plans to spread the same message internationally in the near future, by covering a journey of 5lakh and 20 thousand km approximately within 10 years.

Cycling for a greener environment

MEx FILE Liquor seized DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The 29 Assam Rifles while conducting routine frisking recovered illicit liquor from a car at Golaghat Road, Dimapur on January 16. One person, identified as Hakim Ali (27 years), a resident of Lahorijan, was detained and handed over to the District Excise. Ali was driving the car (NL 07 6067) when it was intercepted at around 6:00 pm. 20 cases of illicit IMFL was recovered from the vehicle.

DPE condemns Jan 9 assault

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Dimapur Pangti Ekhüng condemned, in its strongest term, the physical assault on one of its villager, Zanabemo CBO helper (electrical) on January 9 around 10pm at Chumukedima Electrical Control Room by miscreant in the duty room. A press note from the DPE stated that supply of power, when there is load shedding in the area, “is not in the pocket of the poor employee and without ascertaining the technicality such condemnable act of high handedness and taking the law in one’s hand cannot be acknowledged in the present day civilized world.”

Therefore, the DPE urged upon the concerned departments to bring the culprits to book at the earliest so as to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future.

TTU demands justice for gang rape victim

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Tikir Tribal Union has submitted a memorandum to the District and Session Judge, Dimapur demanding immediate delivery of justice to the victim of the January 12 gang rape in Dimapur. The memo appended by the TTU President and General Secretary stated that a “fair and complete investigation” be done and that a “neutral and impartial officer” be given charge of the investigation and preparation of the charge sheet. It further appealed that no bail should be granted to the accused, in view of the seriousness of the crime, and that serious action be taken against the accused persons promptly. The TTU cautioned that it would initiate further necessary steps if justice is not delivered promptly.

66th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang General Conference concludes Morung Express News Chuchuyimpang | January 16

The 66th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) General Conference concluded this evening with Dr N Benjong Aier, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Chairman NSAMB as the chief guest. The three day general conference concluded with the apex students’ orgnaisation of the Ao community adopting a six point resolution here this evening.

The Ao Students Conference resolved to open a new college at Mokokchung district and to further encourage the existing colleges in the district. And to

The new AKM officials being introduced to the conference.

have a re-look at resolution No. 12 of Mongsenyimti conference, a special committee will be formed.

It also resolved to compile a book containing the pio-

neers of Aos in all the fields, to justify the declaration of Mokokchung as the “Land of Pioneers”.

The third resolution stated that the AKM will

find the proper means to renovate and make new “Ring Roads” in and around Mokokchung town. Another important resolution was to review the function-

ing of ‘Survival Mokokchung’; it resolved that the campaign will be strengthened and continued.

The AKM also resolved that any Ao family that

employs a domestic help should treat them properly so as not to bring any defamation to the society. Finally it resolved that the findings during the workshop held on January 16 on the theme ‘Orientated Citizen” would be put into words. A new team of office bearers was also elected during the 66th AKM General Conference.

The new team is headed by L Jemdi Longchar as the president and Bendangkumba Aier as the General Secretary. S. Chuba Lkr, MLA and Vice Chairman NSAMB was the guest of honor at the programme.

The 67th AKM General Conference will be held at Changtongya village.

6

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express FrIDAy 17 JAnuAry 2014 vol. IX IssuE 15

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Salvation in our Land Culture of Compromise must stop

I

s it a good thing to compromise? Or to put it differently, doesn’t life require compromise? The answer could perhaps lie in what we are compromising on. If we compromise in order to forgive or reconcile with someone to restore peace, then it is well and good. However if we were to compromise, say on the quality of road construction, then this is obviously wrong. So while talking about compromise, there is both a positive as well as negative connotation. Many of the problems confronting our Naga society today is perhaps a fallout of the latter and this is why we need to reflect upon where we have gone wrong. Just look around us and one will notice that a culture of compromise has seeped into all aspect of our living—social, economic, political and religious.

We have surrendered or compromised on our Christian teachings, traditional ethos, political ideals, Naga nationalism, individual values, to name a few, all at the altar of money and power worship. We don’t need to study rocket science to understand where exactly we have gone wrong as a society and people. To put it simply, we have failed to do good, to speak the truth and to uphold what is right. And how we have done this is by compromising on our human ideals.

Against the backdrop of this ominous state of affairs that we find ourselves in, one of the silver lining is that in recent years, well meaning Naga citizens are starting to openly discuss about the ills facing us as a people. Whether it is our Churches, tribal hohos, the political establishment, national workers or even the public, we have all been guilty of compromise one way or the other. One of the issues that need to be addressed is corruption. Recently there have been some adverse comments about how the institution of the Church in Nagaland has given legitimacy to corruption by way of receiving huge amount of donation (as tithes and offering). The claim is that some of these offering/s made from time to time are nothing but misappropriated public money. If the Church is party to such nefarious activity, one can well imagine the moral health of other institutions in our society. There have been suggestions that the Church should be circumspect and not blindly accept donations that are suspect. If our Churches cannot set ethical standards of behavior for its members, one can well imagine the kind of society we will degenerate into. First and foremost therefore, the Church ought not to compromise.

As already mentioned, this culture of compromise is not just confined to the Church alone but has entered every facet of life including our politics. Naga leaders and their followers, the general public, do not seem to be very fond of principles. Most of them will go where there is opportunity for power and money.

Especially during and after elections, leaders and their supporters will be seen jumping from one party to the other. Except for a few diehards, party ideology has no meaning for many within our political class. Curiously, even the coalition principles at the national level do not work when it comes to our State politics.

There is too much of contradiction in our ideology and belief.

We seem to be concerned only with power and money. In essence we don’t have any conviction to stand for what we believe.

The description ‘lukewarm Christians’ aptly applies to many of us. Mahatma Gandhi was insightful enough to tell missionaries, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This culture of compromise has to stop if we want to the assurance of salvation in our land.

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

lEfT wiNg |

Sreeparna Chakrabarty Source: IANS

Chilly winter can affect the eyes too

B

IN-FOCUS

lurred vision, scratching and burning sensation and irritation in the eye - these are not minor irritants in your daily routine but might be the pointers to a condition called the dry-eye syndrome which plagues many people during an extreme winter.

According to doctors, even though a person's entire body might be covered up as a protection against the chilly winter winds, there is one part that is always exposed: the eyes.

The surface of the eye is covered with a thin layer of liquid known as the tear film, which is essential for its health. A dry-eye condition caused by cold winds evaporates the tears, which could partially affect vision and cause constant eye pain. "Occurrence of dry-eye syndrome is very common during the winter season because of the cold, dry outdoor air and dry indoor heat," Sanjay Dhawan, director of ophthalmology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS. Dhawan said when there is insufficient lubrication in the eye, the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye) becomes much less moist than normal. He said this causes severe pain, discomfort and inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, due to inadequate tear secretion.

It is a common problem faced by both men and women above 50. "Sometimes it becomes severe as this abnormality may result in disruption of the ocular (eye) surface, causing difficulty in vision," Dhawan said.

The other symptoms of the eye problem include a persistent watery discharge and irritation if one is using contact lenses. "If menopause occurs at an early age, then the chances of developing dry-eye syndrome during the winter gets increased even among middle-aged women," Dhawan said, adding that at an initial stage, it may seem like a minor irritation but can become potentially serious.

According to Kinshuk Biswas, opthalmologist at Gurgaon's Columbia Asia Hospital, the condition could also be a result of constant use of a computer. "Dry-eye syndrome is caused by the low humidity factor during winter which leads to evaporation of the lubricant in the eyes. Another contributing factor for this condition is the use of a computer and continuously looking at the screen for long," Biswas told IANS. To prevent this condition, one should use eye drops (as prescribed by a doctor) three-four times a day. One could also close the eyes for half-a-minute while sitting in front of the computer screen to bring moisture back to the eyes, Biswas said.

Listing out the preventive steps, Dhawan said patients should wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from the cold wind, while artificial tears - also known as tear substitutes should be applied at least four times a day.

If the condition aggravates, use lubricating ointment at bedtime and run a humidifier to put moisture back into the air.

Also, lay a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a couple of minutes, drink extra fluids and use a hot- or cold-air humidifier, Dhawan said.

According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, approximately 3.2 million women and 1.7 million men over the age of 50 suffer from chronic dry eyes.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Moriel Rothman Sojourners

Confessions of a Violent Peacemaker

I

AM A conscientious objector, and I am drawn What a relief it would be to to violence. My attraction to violence is both innate and learned. When something frightdwell in [faith] communities ens me, my hands clench into fists. When where we acknowledge something angers me, I want to inflict pain upon that thing. But a person cannot inflict pain upon our shadows in a healthy a thing, so I seek out those whom I deem responsible for said thing and my desire to inflict pain acceptance of ourselves as upon a thing morphs into a desire to do violence to another person. Since I was a child, I have fan- containers of all the opposites! tasized about using violence to stop what I see as It may prove beneficial to bad and thereby become good.

It is from this point—from these fantasies of be forced to face, daily, the righteous violence—that I begin this essay on my humiliating fact that some journey to principled nonviolence and conscientious objection. This is a story of change and of us are no less violent than choice, but it is not a story of transformation: I am who I have always been. those whose policies we In fall 2012, I spent three weeks in Israeli oppose - Walter Wink, military prison for refusing to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces. (Every Israeli citizen, except Engaging the Powers for the ultra-Orthodox and Palestinian citizens of Israel, must serve in the military.) My sentence was brief, but the process that brought me to the Palestinians have a right to a state of their own; the prison’s gates took almost a decade.

“Right,” when it acknowledges that there is an occupation, does not view it as a high priority, emphasizTHE STORY BEGINS: I am 12 years old. I live in a ing instead the need for absolute security and a Jewsmall town in Southwest Ohio. I am Israeli-born ish state). These friends are all preparing to enlist in and Jewish and embrace both identities fiercely. On the army. I am faced with a decision afforded by the my bookshelf are copies of Leon Uris’ Mila 18, a fic- privilege of my dual Israeli-American citizenship and tionalized account of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, upbringing: Do I remain in Israel when I turn 18 and and Rich Cohen’s The Avengers, a stark biography get drafted, or do I return to the U.S. for college? of Abba Kovner, the Lithuanian-Jewish partisan who I want to be a peacemaker. I also want to be a solbattled the Nazis during WWII and helped lay plans dier. I want to be brave. I also want to be a hero. Mayto poison German citizens and POWs after the war. be I can be all: I imagine myself writing a book: MemI am in a field with several other boys. It is snow- oirs of a Soldier, Memoirs for Peace. I also want to go ing. We are fighting. to college, though, and through a series of decisions “Stop!” Devon yells. “Stop, stop, stop!” His lips largely unideological in nature (parental encourageare quivering and his wide brown eyes are wet like ment, curiosity about academia, romance, and social his face, glossed with tears and melted snow. He is pulls), I decide to delay my army service. I enroll in a three years younger than we are, and slender. He is small school in Vermont, sign up for the Arabic proimploring Karl to stop throwing snow into his face, gram and courses on Middle East history, and begin a but Karl does not stop. Karl is older, heavier, and process of learning that will last four years, spanning something of an outcast. I see this and think: This is two summers spent in a Palestinian village inside of wrong. Karl is bigger, Devon is smaller. Karl is white, Israel, Israel’s 2008-09 massive bombing campaign Devon is black. Karl is bad, Devon is good. I run over of Gaza witnessed via computer screen (a campaign and leap onto Karl’s back, pulling him into a head- launched with the stated aim of stopping Hamas lock and backward onto the ground. We fall, and from firing rockets into Israel, but resulting in mass then Karl turns over, raises his fist, and punches me destruction and more than 1,400 Palestinian deaths in the mouth. My friends rush over and begin kicking that to me crossed over lines of proportionality and Karl in the side. He gets up and runs off. He makes a defense and into the realm of collective punishsound that may be described as whimpering. ment and careless cruelty), hundreds of books, I am not very strong, and especially after the fight various forms of student activism, and an eventual with Karl, not very brave. I want to be brave, though, decision to return to Israel-Palestine. and I want to be strong, and I want to be heroic, and I want to be good. On my bookshelf next to Uris and THE STORY REACHES ITS CLIMAX: I am 22 years Cohen is a book of letters by Yonatan Netanyahu old. I live in Jerusalem. But I am standing on the (brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- cracked and breathless ground of the South Hebron yahu), who was killed as he led a raid on the Entebbe Hills in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The air airport to rescue a hijacked plane filled with Israelis is filled with chants and the odd odor of combined from Idi Amin’s grasp. On my wall is an Israeli flag. On sweat, dust, and tear gas. I am on the outskirts of a my Discman is an Israeli rapper named Subliminal, Palestinian village called Susiya. Susiya has recently whose lyrics glance over heavy beats and between received demolition orders from the occupying Isexhortations to dance and forceful declarations of raeli authorities—for the whole village. This is benationalism. On my life’s to-do list: Enlist in the IDF. cause Susiya was built without permits from the This “to-do” item, while perhaps somewhat unique Israeli authorities. This is because it is virtually imin its intensity, did not arise in a vacuum: From Zion- possible to get building permits from the Israeli auist summer camps to Jewish federations, from NGOs thorities if you are Palestinian. such as Friends of the IDF to Birthright trips, the IsI am angry. Many people at this demonstration raeli military is revered by much of the established are angry. Some of the soldiers with sunglasses covAmerican Jewish community—as well as by many ering their eyes may be angry, too. It is hard to tell. segments of the American Christian community. Is- I am not thinking much about what they feel. I am raeli army service is often portrayed as the ultimate angry at them for doing this, for following these orway to contribute to the Jewish people’s wellbeing. ders, for hurting these people. I want to hurt them.

I am also angry (and confused and afraid—which THE STORY CONTINUES: I am 17 years old. I live in may just be another way of saying “angry”) for ana small town in the north of Israel. I am completing other reason: A few days earlier, I received a draft 12th grade in a kibbutz high school. I have latched notice to enlist in the Israeli military. onto the beginnings of a political identity. My Israeli friends fondly call me “The Leftist” (which means And then: a moment. Whether this moment acI am critical of the occupation and believe that the tually occurred, or whether it was a series of mo-

ments stretched over days and months, I cannot honestly say. But I remember it as a singular moment: In the front of the protest line, I come face to face with a soldier with short brown hair, one of the few not wearing sunglasses. The French-Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas wrote that the “infinity of [human] transcendence ... [is] stronger than murder” and that when we truly look into the eyes of the Other—the only part of our external bodies that naturally exposes what is inside—we are made aware of our capability to kill the Other, of the Other’s absolute fragility, and of the Other’s infinity. From there we are drawn to love the Other. “[Infinity] from the depths of defenseless eyes rises firm and absolute in its nudity and destitution. The comprehension of this destitution ... establishes the very proximity of the other.”

This soldier’s eyes are watery and deep brown, the left one slightly bigger than the right, and faintly crossed. Sad and afraid and angry, ultimately killable and ultimately infinite. In this moment, I understand in a heavier, sharper way than I ever have before that my anger toward him must become anger for him. I recall Karl’s squeals of pain as my friends kicked his side, and I desperately do not want to hurt this soldier or any soldier or any person. But neither can I sit quietly as soldiers hurt the residents of Susiya, who are also people with eyes that contain equal amounts of staggering infinity.

In this moment, standing across from this young, infinity-eyed soldier, I think of the platform I have been given to express all that I feel—my draft notice.

I decide: I will refuse to join the army. I will channel the anger I feel and the violent urges I experience into this struggle. I will do it in a way that humanizes and considers the people of Susiya and of Palestine that suffer from a violent occupation at the hands of the Israeli army, and also the soldiers of Israel who are encouraged and made to do such violence.

THE STORY NEARS ITS END (which is also another beginning): A few months after the moment in Susiya, almost a decade after my fight with Karl and half a decade after my peacemaker-soldier-student dilemma, I publish a letter, “Why I Refuse: On God/Love, Nonviolence, and Israel’s Military Occupation of the Palestinian Territories.” A few weeks after that, I am sentenced to two consecutive 10-day terms in Israeli Military Prison #6. My applications for conscientious objector status are thrice denied, and I am eventually released, like the majority of left-wing refusers, on pro forma mental health grounds. (While technically the IDF offers the option of exemption due to conscientious objection, one cannot object only to Israeli policies but must claim general pacifism. I argued that I would indeed refuse service in any military, but emphasized that the occupation is a particularly unjust manifestation of organized violence; the army declined to even hear my appeal for a “conscience committee.” Getting an exemption from within jail on mental health grounds is the route most political and ideological “refuseniks” eventually take.)

Nonviolence, wrote Walter Wink, is the “the spiritualization of violence, the overcoming of violent desire.” Just as we all have the capacity for violence, so too do we all have the capacity for nonviolence.

A week before completing this article, my partner and I, along with a few others, were arrested in the city of Hebron, where the occupation’s violence is most manifest and severe, for erecting a protest tent and declaring our rejection of the status quo. The action channeled our anger at the situation—perhaps even our desire to hurt those responsible—into an aggressive and loving and contained act of spiritual nonviolence. Through the calm we radiated toward the police officers that took us in, and through our renewed anger at the sight of three Palestinian children blindfolded and handcuffed on the floor of the police station, the story continues.

Moriel Rothman is an American-Israeli activist, writer, and spoken word poet.

Five Spiritual Resolutions for 2014 Jim Wallis

T

Sojourners

his past year taught me so much about the gospel and caused me to go deeper into my faith. As this New Year begins, here are five spiritual resolutions I learned from last year:

1. Return to the gospel.

Gordon Cosby, the founder and pastor of The Church of the Saviour in Washington, D.C. passed away in early 2013. He was a mentor, elder, and spiritual director to me. I miss Gordon greatly and often have things I would like to talk with him about. But I usually know what he would say to me and it would always be about returning to the gospel. In his last sermon, spoken from his death bed, he spoke of Jesus’ “clear and frightening statement that the last shall be first and the first shall be last.” In every place I go this year, I want to remember that. Gordon said, “The warning of Jesus is being ignored. The warning is against what is the dominant consciousness now. What constitutes a good life, a successful life in our culture is exactly the opposite of that to which Jesus calls us. If one is successful in the world’s sense then the very things we boast about are signs of our failure.” Success for Christians is always returning to the gospel that turns the world upside down.

ern preacher and writer also passed this year. Will was often described as “provocative” for his courage to believe, preach, and act upon the gospel.

Will was one of the first white ministers in the south to embrace the civil rights movement, but later confronted northern liberals by the way he pastored his white rural neighbors, still steeped in racism, with his gospel full of grace. He would often finish his very brief sermons in big rich churches by telling them to sell their buildings and give the money to the poor. Will regularly surprised and irritated people on all sides of the political and theological spectrum by simply preaching the gospel as he saw it in the Scriptures. I too pray for the courage to preach the gospel boldly.

not only taught us the ways of justice, but also the way of forgiveness and that is the gospel that few revolutionary leaders ever learn. Mandela showed us that the way to great leadership is accepting sacrifice, and not just pursuing your own success. I have never been in the presence of a leader with more moral authority than Nelson Mandela, and he showed me the meaning of my best quote, “Hope is believing, in spite of the evidence, and then watching the evidence change.”

4. Remember that gratitude is the best response to the gospel.

When I got the diagnosis of prostate cancer, my first very human response was “why me and why now?”

But after finally accepting what was happening to me, being loved by my family, prayed for by my friends, and cared for by my wonderful doctors the frustration and denial turned to gratitude. I was extremely fortunate that my doctors found the cancer early and removed it completely. It has made me more thankful and grateful than ever before — for my wife, Joy, and my boys, Luke and Jack, for waking up another day with my health, for having significant work to do, for seeing the difference we can make in the world, but also seeing how very human and

wRiTE-wiNg

3. Never forget the hope of the gospel.

The whole world felt the passing of Nelson Mandela. “It always seems impossible until it is done,” said Mandela.

The greatest leader of the 20th century knew oppression like few others and his 27 years in prison formed Mandela spiritually into the leader he became.

“There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely 2. Find the courage tested, but I would not and could not to preach the gospel. give myself up to despair. In that way Will Campbell, the iconic south- lay defeat and death.” Nelson Mandela

limited we really are — which actually can allow us to have a little more fun.

5. Smile and laugh more often.

Gratitude, humility, and fun can make us more human as we try to make the world more human. Even after we have talked about the most important issues in the world, my older son, Luke, will sometimes say to me, “Smile Dad.” Nobody makes me laugh more than my younger son, Jack! And nobody likes to throw a party more than my wonderful wife, Joy! A sign I now have up on my bookshelf, at eye level in my home office where I often work, simply says, “Don’t Postpone Joy.” I want to increasingly learn to enjoy the world while trying to change it. And perhaps doing both makes God smile too.

The beginning of each New Year brings out the best in us all. It is a time to reflect on what we’ve done and where we’ve come from, while re-imagining who we are and where we are headed.

As you think about your own resolutions, I hope my reflection points towards a greater truth that we need to be reminded of every now and then: God’s grace is sufficient to cover our mistakes, heal our wounds, and even make us happier! The life we’ve been offered through Christ brings us the hope of a transformation for both ourselves and the world. Blessings to you for 2014!

Jim Wallis is president of Sojourners. His book, On God's Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned About Serving the Common Good, is now available.

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

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

PERSPECTIVE

7 Agent Provocateur par excellence Friday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

17 January 2014

A

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Rakesh Shukla Himal Mag

drive through any of the glitzy new satellite townships of Delhi means experiencing the in-yourface corporatisation of India. Transnational corporations make their presence felt in everything from luxury brands to health care. Yet in these same neighbourhoods, some hospitals are named after their doctors/owners. ‘Kailash’ and ‘Bharadwaj’ hospitals proclaim their owners’ status in huge neon signs. Such selfpromotion would have been frowned upon in an earlier era; the hospital might have been named after the owner’s grandfather or father, in line with the tradition of classical musicians referring to their Guru first and themselves as humble disciples later. Is what might be called ‘healthy’ or ‘balanced’ narcissism in Indian society changing?

Explaining the transformation of the self in the present era of flux is Ashis Nandy, one of the most original and provocative thinkers of his time. In Regimes of Narcissism, Regimes of Despair Nandy writes, “These essays are about an India that is no longer the country on which I have written for something like four decades... the mythos on which modern India built its self-definition is under severe stress.” Nandy explains that narcissism is not just plain self-centredness, but has as its underside incapacitating self-doubts and feelings of inferiority. This in turn, he continues, leads to an overdone investment-in-self to cover up for these doubts and the gnawing absence of self-esteem. Nandy illustrates the notion by referring to Antilla, the billion dollar residence built by tycoon Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai as “a desperate affirmation that one has survived”.

Yet, this seeming aggrandisement goes along with darker processes of despair. Nandy refers to the implosion of mighty empires following the collapse of the underlying mythos. The note of utter despair carries on, describing the “succumbing to despair” and self-destruction of a resilient and confident peasantry and the suicide of farmers in Punjab, the state made prosperous by the Green Revolution.

Courting controversy Nandy’s penchant for going out of his way to be provocative gets ample play in Regimes of Narcissism. Indicting the pursuit of happiness as a twentieth-century product of the Enlightenment, in the chapter ‘Happiness’ Nandy criticises the pursuit of happiness through the seeking of therapists and gurus. So far so good.

Then he goes on to remark that in some Indian texts the search for happiness is seen as slightly déclassé.

According to Nandy, Valmiki’s Ramayana tells us that the benefits of reading the epic are different for different castes: the Brahmins get knowledge, the martial Kshatriyas fame/glory, the business-minded Vaishyas money, and the ‘lowly’ Shudras get happiness.

Fortunately, the remarks in the book seem to have gone unnoticed by the general public. If they had been voiced at an event attended by the media they could have led to a spate of First Information Reports against Nandy, as happened at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) in January 2013, when some individuals and communities felt hurt and humiliated by his words regarding corruption among dalits, adivasis, and OBCs, and used the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act) against him. Following his remarks at the JLF, the Supreme Court of India stepped in and stayed the arrest of 76-yearold Nandy in four FIRs lodged in four different states. In his defence Nandy asserted that the remarks were pulled out of context and distorted, and the matter rests with the courts.

In a similar vein, Nandy states in this book that a recurrent theme in the testimonies of survivors/victims of the 1984 Delhi Sikh massacre was one of casteism. Victims said “they got us beaten up and killed by the Bhangis (Untouchables)”.

Critiquing the reports on the massacre for omitting this theme, Nandy looks upon it as reflective of a way of thinking in which “the ‘strange’, politically incorrect categories of those at the receiving end of a social order are an embarrassment and must be quickly forgotten, presumably for the benefit of the victims themselves”, in this case the Sikhs.

The politics of names Today, the use of terms like bhangi and chamar (derogatory terms in Hindi for castes engaged in cleaning toilets and working with leather) is on shaky legal ground. The terms have the potential to hurt the sensibilities of the communities concerned. Mahatma Gan-

O

konkwo, the protagonist in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, is faced with a tragic paradox: he aspires to become the lord of his clan, but fails because his “chi [personal god] said nay despite his own affirmation” - an irony that is very real for much of the world’s poor who feel constantly challenged by a system that seems rigged against them.

As the gap between the haves and the havenots keeps increasing, the opportunities start shrinking as well, and as Joseph Stiglitz once observed, this creates new distortions “undermining efficiency and hurting the nation in the long run”. It is pointless, Amartya Sen might well argue, to try lifting millions of poor people above a notional poverty line without effectively providing them with meaningful opportunities that can allow them to pursue the things they value in order to live a flourishing life, and to live it with dignity.

While the near impossibility of manoeuvring an exit from poverty seems menacing for the poor, the better off amongst us consider the poor to be either lazy (which is actually why they are poor) or careless as they make unwise decisions. We are quick to castigate the worst off for the bad choices they make in life, because apparently, it is these that lead them to becoming or staying poor. This presupposes that poor people have unimpeded access to the right opportunities, and are in the right position to make wise choices.

So, do the poor choose badly, or is impaired decision-making actually a result of something else, such as the context that the poor inhabit? And how might an understanding of this particular phenomenon improve our policy approaches towards poverty alleviation?

The poverty trap Poverty in its extremes is tragically self-perpetuating. The poor are trapped in vicious social contexts where scarcity, oppression and status hierarchy lead to es-

dhi’s harijan (literally ‘God’s people’) has given way to the more empowering dalit, preferred by the politicised movements of the erstwhile ‘untouchables’. Similarly, some castes traditionally associated with cleaning and sweeping prefer the term Valmiki, tracing their lineage to the author of the Ramayana, a member of their community. In fact, on 2nd October 2013, Gandhi’s birthday and usually an occasion for the announcement of welfare schemes, some Valmikis protested that many of them were educated but unemployed and that the government need not associate the community solely with sweeping and cleaning tasks. Use of the customary derogatory terms prolongs the association of the communities with the customary tasks, and has specifically been made into an offence under the SC/ST Act. In his essay ‘Humiliation’, Nandy criticises the renunciation in the United States of the term ‘Negro’, then ‘Black’, in favour of ‘African-American’. Remarking that ‘Whites’ have not given up the term ‘White’, Nandy considers the renaming by the ‘Blacks’ as admission that memories of slavery and racism are more shameful for blacks than for whites.

The essay carries the logic further with postulations such as “unless the humiliated collaborate by feeling humiliated, you cannot humiliate them”, and comes dangerously close to victimising the victim. Nandy seems to underplay the role of structures of power and domination in society with an extraordinarily disproportionate focus on the factor of the subjective perceptions of the individual victim/survivor. In his view, regardless of structures which oppress the marginalised on basis of categories like caste, class, race and gender, the process would not be complete without collaboration by the victim. Perhaps in reaction to the iron clad laws of the objective historical materialism of Marxism, the pendulum seems to swing to the other end in Nandy’s formulations.

Modernity versus tradition There is no doubting the insightfulness and originality of Nandy and his welldeserved position as one of the foremost public intellectuals of Southasia. In a book dealing with narcissism it is fitting to quote Nandy to describe the unique position he enjoys: “the occasional spectacular success of a few have merely underlined the imitative, conformist, repetitious nature of much of the enterprise called social sciences.” The essay ‘Modernity and the Sense of Loss’ postulates that a component associated with many great artists, writers and thinkers elsewhere is “a sense of loss brought about by the allround, decisive victory of modernity”. Emphasising the ‘sterility’ and imitativeness of modern social knowledge in the “southern hemisphere”, Nandy attributes it to the absence of this component of a sense of loss among the thinkers of this region. Elaborating that rather than a unilateral zealous embracing of current notions of ‘progress’, taking on board concern for things which are being lost in the process, would temper the juggernaut of ‘modernity’ bulldozing the underprivileged, “those who are being gleefully deposited in the sprawling waste yard of History”. Nandy describes intellectuals in the “Southern world” as having chosen to live in a narcissistic regime of modernity-as-a-besieged-utopia. This he contrasts with living and vibrant traditions in society. The modern intellectuals are then placed as having positioned themselves as vanguards who look upon communities as dumb victims waiting to be emancipated by them.

The material in the book will be familiar to those who have been following Nandy, from his classic At the Edge of Psychology: Essays on Politics and Culture (1980) and The Savage Freud and Other Essays on Possible and Retrievable Selves (1995), to the more recent Time Warps: The Insistent Politics of Silent and Evasive Posts (2002). Most of the essays in the current volume were lectures delivered in In-

dia, Japan, China and Germany. Using the psychoanalytical frame of ideology as a vector in the inner life of a person, Nandy, from the vantage point of the political psychologist, examines the lives of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the father of militant Hindutva, Nathuram Godse, hanged for Gandhi’s murder, and the little-known Madanlal Pahwa, who had attempted to kill Gandhi. With his characteristic flair for words, the chapter on Savarkar is titled ‘The Demonic and the Seductive in Religious Nationalism’.

Nationalism versus patriotism In a studied and deliberately provocative fashion, Nandy argues that Gandhi was not a “genuine” nationalist, a fact understood more clearly by his assassin than by many Gandhians. Similarly, Rabindranath Tagore is placed together with Gandhi as incorporating the religious and cultural plurality of Indian society. Nandy demonstrates through Tagore’s writings that though he wrote the national anthem of India, he was opposed to nationalism and foresaw the devastation that European nationalism was pushing the world towards. In fact, Nandy views the Hindu nationalist Savarkar as an extreme result of an acceptance of European notions of nation-building and state formation by Southasian political activists and ideologues.

Love for the land, rivers and mountains where one has grown up and lived has always seemed a positive emotion, yet patriotism embodying love for one’s country seems to require an enemy ‘other’.

Nandy makes a distinction between nationalism and patriotism. He describes nationalism as an “egodefensive” compensatory mechanism with fearful dislike of, if not hostility towards, “outsiders”. He sees this as a reaction to unacknowledged fears of atomisation and alienation brought about by technocratic capitalism, urbanisation and industrialisation.

Nationalism is looked upon

by Nandy as supplying “nation” as a “pseudo-community”, while patriotism has been posited as presuming the existence of communities other than the country.

Indians are familiar with hoardings proclaiming “we are Indians first, then Sikhs, Hindus or Muslims”, along with a collage of images of people from different communities.

Nandy views these slogans as reflecting the nation-state’s fear of other identities as subversive presences and rivals.

At one time Sikhs were suspect because of the Khalistan movement, Tamils after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi by the LTTE, Kashmiris because of the long secessionist struggle, Nagaland and Manipur have been suspect since Independence, and Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar because of the Maoist movement. Muslims ever since Partition and the creation of Pakistan have been permanently suspect to the Indian nation state. A huge percentage of people belonging to India seem to be suspect, giving credence to Nandy’s formulation that the insistence on the primacy of national identity leads to “ample scope in nationalism for identifying deviants and traitors and for witch-hunts”.

Ideologies and isms It comes as something of a shock to know that in the diverse, amorphous sea of Hinduism, Savarkar forged Hindutva – the militant organisation of Hindus as a nation – in a purely instrumentalist way. Understandably, neither the Hindutva brigade nor secularists dwell on the atheism of Savarkar. Nandy emphasises that Savarkar declared that there should be no Hindu rituals after his death and refused to allow any Hindu rites after the death of his wife. He ate meat because he associated it with virility and masculinity; he attached no sacredness to the cow and publicly supported cow slaughter. In a strange parallel, Gandhi too writes in his autobiography that he tried eating mutton as he thought the English were strong and ruled India because they ate meat.

In Nandy’s analysis, Hindu nationalists carried contempt for Hindus and elements of self hatred for being inferior to the ‘strong’ Europeans, with their more focused nationalism. However, this is part of the author’s tirade against all ideologies, including Marxism, developmentalism, feminism, secularism and Hindutva.

Nandy asserts that these ‘isms’ have discomfort and ambivalence at best, and contempt, at worst, for their supposed beneficiaries. According to him it is the same story with the left’s discomfort with the insufficiently revolutionary masses, and Hindutva’s contempt for Hindus who are not adequately masculine. Secularism, one of Nandy’s pet flogging horses, is dismissed as serving to produce docile, manageable versions of religion with which the modern state can cut a deal.

After attacking all isms and ideologies, it is something of a surprise to come across assertions about universal human nature in this book. A couple of examples from ‘Coming Home: Religion, Mass Violence, and the Exiled and the Secret Selves of a Citizen-Killer’ are illustrative of Nandy’s assertions about human nature: “After all, killing does not come naturally to human beings”, or “how difficult it is to weaken the inner resistance to killing in human beings and how much effort has to go into that weakening”.

Using the ‘natural’ argument in support of propositions is a hazardous tack to take. Research on species ranging from swordfish to monkeys leads us to conclude that hierarchy is ‘natural’. Some studies show that territoriality and fighting are ‘natural’, and others describe the phenomenon of a ‘natural leader’ of the pack. A case can thus be made for the acceptance of hierarchy, nationalism, conflict and authoritarian leaders as ‘natural’ for human society. Elsewhere, in an essay on the demonic and seductive in religious nationalism, while speaking of the fear of de-demonising an enemy, Nandy seems to take the psychoanalytic view that the enemy may not turn out to be so alien, and we carry as much the potentiality for murderous rage and killing. The bloodletting and killing in the twentieth century seem to indicate the unabated human propensity for aggression and violence. The focus would then be how to devise processes to contain these emotions so that they do not lead to killing.

Ideology and inner life The psychoanalytic framework of viewing ideology in the context of the inner life of an individual has few takers and does not go down well with activists in particular. A framework which views political activity as meshing with some aspects of the inner life of an individual can seem harsh and uncharitable to many who devote their life to social change. However, approached with an open mind, Nandy offers a fascinating analysis of Savarkar’s relationship with his mother as a refuge from his stern, disciplinarian father, and links it to the “maudlin nationalism in his early years” associated with deification of Mother India. The trauma of the death of his mother when he was aged ten is linked to the later disowning of the softer feminine part and the total masculinisation of Hindu nationalism. India is generally referred to as mathrubhumi, motherland, but Savarkar introduced pitrubhu, fatherland.

Nandy’s argument is that Savarkar, seeking legitimate targets for the free-floating rage within him, “grasped the scope modern rationality offered to act out the hate within him”. Savarkar reached the conclusion that only religion could be a building block for nation and state formation in Southasia, and used both Hindutva, and Hindus and Muslims in a purely instrumentalist manner. Savarkar died a bitter man as Hindus had failed to appreciate him and as Nandy notes “had not given him or his party a respectable voice in any election in independent India”. The resurgence of Hindutva in the 1990s with the virulently aggressive iconography of Ram with a drawn bow and arrow, and the present scenario of posters in Delhi of the celibate Narendra Modi described as the roaring “lion of Bharat Mata” in contrast to the emasculated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, seem to indicate that Savarkar’s vision may have more takers today than in his lifetime.

It is reflective of the unique space inhabited by Nandy, and perhaps ironically fitting that in a book on narcissism, the individual most often referred to is Nandy himself. Yet, this exploration by an extraordinarily sharp and astute mind into the arena of narcissism in Indian society in this era of dramatic changes is fascinating and holds up a prism to what the future portends.

How poverty impedes the cognitive function trangement and disease affecting them both mentally and physically, and these in turn render people poorer and more marginalized than ever before.

With pressing realities of everyday existence constantly demanding poor people’s attention, which is most often focused on satisfying immediate hungers, it becomes difficult to break free from the cycle of poverty, or to think for the long-term, and for this reason, decision-making becomes problematic in such contexts.

Also, people have to be capable of choosing wisely, and be suitably placed to do so.

Therefore, context is key to how we make decisions, and how well we make them.

A recent study explores this further to explain why people who happen to be in poverty may be choosing badly: It is to do with the reduced mental bandwidth available for people under stress. The state of being poor itself, being highly stressful, constrains a person’s mental capabilities from making wise choices, and from effectively converting opportunities into desired ends or outcomes.

The study, Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function by Harvard economist Sendhil Mullainathan along with Anandi Mani (Warwick), Eldar Shafir (Princeton) and Jiaying Zhao (UBC) helps us to comprehend a different dynamic that is characteristic of decision-making among people living in poverty.

One might argue that bad decision-making is not exclusive to poor people, because the human brain is fallible, and is not always guided by perfect logic. Rich or poor, we are all perfectly and ‘predictably irrational’, as psychologist Dan Ariely would have us believe. This has been the logic behind paternalistic policy interventions, such as, mandatory seatbelts for drivers or default options in pensions, where the State stands justified

Sumithra Prasanna in impinging on our personal or individual freedoms to put us out of harm’s way.

So, if we are all prone to making irrational judgments and bad decisions, why are poor people alone chastised for theirs? Are the poor more susceptible to bad decisions than their rich counterparts, or is the magnitude of the impact of such decisions larger in the case of the poor, often with grave implications?

Scarcity and its impact To test this assumption, the researchers conduct a series of laboratory and field experiments and find out that poverty exerts a huge cognitive load on individuals. It taxes their mental bandwidth whenever they think about financial problems. The poor, with impending worries about finances suffocating their minds, end up with “less effective bandwidth” while making important decisions, thus often choosing badly.

Mullainathan and Shafir, exploring the theme further in a book (Scarcity: Why having too little means so much), emphasize that anyone facing a situation of scarcity (of any kind) is prone to bad decisions, and define poverty in terms of “the gap between one’s needs and the resources available to fulfil them”. While the stress caused by tight deadlines is beneficial and makes one focus, this does come at a price. Scarcity focuses our attention making us neglect everything else, even things we value, by creating a “tunneling effect”, taxing our cognitive bandwidth, and inhibiting our “most fundamental capabilities”.

In the specific case of poor people who may be moving in and out of extreme poverty or experiencing scarcity repeatedly, the tunneling effect can prove to be disastrous

with potential long-term effects. This tunneling is the equivalent of tunnel vision where everything inside the tunnel is in sharp focus while excluding everything else outside the tunnel, making us blind even to things of possible importance. However, what gets impaired is not the inherent capability, but really how much of that capability is available at the time of making decisions. The size of the impact of such scarcity could be equivalent to losing about 13 IQ points, comparable to being drunk behind the wheel!

Tests with sugarcane farmers The field experiments, done in collaboration with IFMR Lead (formerly IFMR Research), Chennai, takes the researchers to Thanjavur in South India to study the cognitive variations in sugarcane farmers who experience cycles of poverty annually, poor before and rich after harvest. Through a series of intelligence quotient tests done pre- and post-harvest, more specifically, before and after receiving payment for produce, the study finds that the average number of errors committed by farmers were more before harvest than after. The farmers faced greater financial pressures pre- than post-harvest, reflected in the fact that they pawned more items or had more loans before harvest. This financial stress led to diminished cognitive capacity as evident in the tests, thus, suggesting “a causal, not merely correlational, relationship between poverty and mental function”.

The study ends up offering a different perspective to the aspect of fallibility of human behaviour under stressful conditions (applicable to both the rich and the poor) by explaining it in terms of scarcity of cognitive resources and tunneling effect. The stress owing to present needs blanks out the significance of decisions that could have far-reach-

Rakesh Shukla practices law and psychotherapy.

This article was originally published in Kathmandu based magazine Himal Mag

ing implications, namely future benefits.

Implications for policy Viewed from a policy perspective, it becomes important to recognize the “cognitive taxes” imposed on the poor during wellintentioned government interventions.

Changing rules and regulations, lengthy application forms, or complex incentives are all impediments for the poor accessing welfare programmes.

The timing of these interventions must also be well thought out to account for variations in one's cognitive capacity, as in the case of sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu, pre- and post-harvest. A 2011 study published in the American Economic Review revealed that farmers made better decisions right after harvest regarding the use of fertilizers, thus enjoying higher returns.

What must be understood is that mental bandwidth is a limited resource which is used for everything, and if we can make some things like banking easier for the poor, as psychologist Eldar Shafir says in an interview, “the most important change may not be in their finances, but in their parenting, because you’ve liberated some bandwidth for other things.”

The finding of this study is extremely pertinent as it can be applied to any context where people are constantly experiencing scarcity, and where pressing monetary concerns of the present thwart any possibility of thinking for the long-term, whether in terms of savings or insurance or planning for children’s future. It is not just money that is scarce, but also critical cognitive resources.

What the poor truly need is access to enabling environments that can empower them to be the architect of their own lives, and to make decisions that are right for them.

Policy interventions ought to expand poor people’s opportunity sets by freeing up rather than taxing their cognitive capacities. This can help the poor make the best decisions they can to effect the best outcomes possible.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Friday 17 January 2014

The Morung Express

‘POSCO to start work in coming weeks’

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (reuTerS): South Korea’s POSCO will be able to finally start work on its planned $12-billion Indian steel plant over the coming weeks, India’s prime minister said on Thursday, after being stuck on the drawing board for eight years. Manmohan Singh also said the firm’s request for an iron ore mining license - the final regulatory hurdle for the project which would be the biggest foreign direct investment in India - was in “advanced stage of processing”.

The 12 million-tonnesper-year plant will help India, the world’s No.4 steel producer, to expand output. India produced 77.6 million tonnes in the past fiscal year, just a fraction of top producer China’s nearly 800 million tonnes last year. POSCO has already received a go-ahead from India’s environment ministry for the plant. South Korean President Park Geunhye’s ongoing visit to India seems to have pushed forward the project that has been hobbled by delays in getting clearances, acquiring land and obtaining an iron ore mining licence.

“I am very happy that the large-scale POSCO steel project in Odisha is set to be operational in the coming weeks, following the revalidation of its environmental

India, SKorea ink MoU to boost bilateral trade

South Korean President Park Geun-hye, left, shakes hand with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before their talks in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. Park is on a four-day state visit to India. (AP Photo)

clearance,” the Indian prime minister said after a meeting with Park, referring to the start of construction work for the project. “Grant of mining concession for the project is also at an advanced stage of processing.”

Obtaining a mining licence for the plant in eastern

Odisha would mean clearing the last major hurdle for POSCO. Reuters reported in July that India’s mines ministry was in favour of giving a licence to POSCO. The company is expected to be given a prospecting licence, which is generally valid for three years and after which a pros-

pector needs to apply for a mining lease.

Access to iron ore, the main raw material in making steel, is the most important factor in POSCO deciding to set up the plant in India, experts have said. POSCO officials say the company came to India to have a strong base

in an emerging economy as its presence in China was below expectation. POSCO first signed an agreement with Odisha in June 2005 to set up the plant on 4,004 acres of land. It is seeking 2,700 acres to begin the project’s first stage, which involves setting up two 4-million-

NIA: Five years on, only one case wrapped up

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (iaNS): India’s federal anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has completed five years but managed to successfully prosecute only one case. Experts say the top agency needs advanced scientific techniques and more courts for speedy disposal of cases. “The record of the agency reflects that it has done too little as compared to the tall claims that were made when it was set up five years ago,” senior advocate Aman Lekhi told IANS. The agency was set up on Jan 18, 2009, in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack with the government realising the need for a central agency to combat terrorism. NIA was created by an act of the parliament for investigating and prosecuting offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India and plays the role of the national counter-terrorism law

enforcement agency. Radha Vinod Raju was its first director-general.

So far, it has only managed to achieve a legal conclusion in the case of a bomb blast at a bus depot in Kozhikode in Kerala in 2006. Two accused, including Lashkar-e-Taiba militant T. Naseer, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. According to Lekhi, the NIA has “failed” to do its job. “We need more courts to exclusively hear NIA cases. This is the only way to solve the pending cases. But it can only achieve legal conclusion if NIA efficiently probes the cases,” Lekhi said.

The advocate feels the muchhyped agency has suffered due to “lack of systematic updates” on terror outfits. NIA is investigating over 72 cases across the country, including last year’s Hyderabad blasts in which 18 people were killed and over 100 injured and the multiple Bodh Gaya blasts in

which five people, including two monks, were injured. It is also handling the 2011 Delhi High Court blasts, the David Coleman Headley connection to the Mumbai attack, the Malegaon bombings of 2006 and 2008 and the Samjhauta Express terror attack of 2007.

The arrests of Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives Yaseen Bhatkal and Abu Jundal are its top catches. It has filed charge-sheets in around 30 cases till date. Well-known criminal advocate and Bhatkal and Jundal’s counsel M.S. Khan has demanded the introduction of advanced scientific technology during the investigation of terror cases.

Over the past several years, India has been the victim of largescale terrorism, mostly sponsored from across the borders. “There have been innumerable incidents of terror attacks and bomb blasts.

As most of the cases have complex

inter-state and international linkages it takes time to link all the angles,” a senior NIA official told IANS, pleading anonymity. The NIA has to also probe the possible connection of smuggling of arms and drugs and circulation of fake Indian currency with terror financing.

NIA counsel Ahmad Khan said that due to international linkages in the terror cases, they take a long time to investigate and achieve a legal conclusion. “As there is no any specific court that can hear terrorrelated matter on a daily basis, the trial takes more time. So far only one case pertaining to a bomb explosion at a bus depot in Kozhikode has been disposed off,” Khan told IANS. However, witnesses’ statements are being recorded in many cases, including that related to the Delhi High Court blasts, he added.

He demanded that exclusive courts be set up to deal with NIA cases.

‘Education standards is dropping in India despite funding’

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (aFP): Standards of education in rural India have declined almost every year since 2009 despite huge government investments, one of the organisers of a major new study said Thursday.

The annual survey by Indian education research group Pratham showed that the proportion of children aged about 10 who are able to perform a basic reading task dropped from 52.8% in 2009 to 47% in 2013.

Rukmini Banerji from Pratham said although the latest 2013 figures were little changed from 2012, the drop in standards over the longer period showed a cause for concern. The findings of the survey are more bad news for the Congressled coalition government which is trying to fight off a looming defeat in general elections due by May after a decade in power.

Congress has ploughed billions of dollars into education, including building

schools and encouraging children to enroll, particularly in impoverished rural areas.

A Right to Education Act passed in 2009 guarantees state schooling for children from 6 to 14 and enrolment levels reached 96% in this age category in 2013, little changed from 2012, the study said. “This decade has been good for schooling, for improving infrastructure and development. But learning for all is only just beginning and it

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (iaNS): The level of political awareness of Indian youth is much higher than among the adults and in the coming years they will be the biggest contributing factor to the political change in the country, a political scientist said here. Speaking at the launch of his book “Youth and Electoral Politics: An Emerging Engagement” at the India International Centre here Wednesday evening, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies director Sanjay Kumar said in the upcoming general elections the youth will be the catalyst behind the change in the country.

The book, an outcome of the survey and analyses done by the professor and his research team, summarises how the mindset of the Indian youth has over the decades become more participatory towards politics and will be increasingly targeted as a “vote bank” by political parties. “Indian youth is participating actively to bring about change in the country, and in the coming time it will be this section of society that will be targeted by political parties as a vote bank,” Sanjay Kumar told IANS. He also said that factors such as nepotism, money power and muscle power kept the youth from active politics till now. When asked about the role of the Indian youth in the 2014 general elections, Sanjay Kumar said the result of these Lok Sabha polls will be highly influenced by the votes cast by the youth.

“Even in the Delhi assembly elections, the emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party as the second largest party in the state was a result of the votes cast by the youth section seeking change in the regime,” he noted. The book also throws light on why the youth of the country are more likely to vote for a young candidate than an older candidate during the next elections.

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (PTi): Union Minister Shashi Tharoor was on Thursday at the centre of a cross-border tweet war between his wife and a Pakistani woman journalist.

Sunanda Pushkar, the wife of Tharoor has accused the Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar of “stalking” her husband and trying to “break” her marriage when she was away for treatment for three to four months.

She also reportedly alleged that Tharoor was having an “extramarital affair” with the journalist and that she would “seek divorce”. Lahore-based Tarar is a mother of a 13-year-old son and a former Op-ed writer and a contributor to a Pakistani daily. Pushkar said Tharoor and she are a “very happily married couple” and accused the journalist of trying to berate her for some strange reasons. She further alleged that Tarar wanted to have a “relationship” with her husband and asked her to stay away.

‘Youth will catalyse India’s political change’

really needs to pick up momentum,” Banerji told AFP. The survey showed 52.8% of children in standard 5 (children aged about 10) across government and private schools were able to read a text from standard 2 (children aged about 6) in 2009. This fell to 47% in 2013, according to the report released.

In maths, 33.2% of children in standard three in government schools (children aged about 8) were able to solve a simple two-

digit subtraction problem in 2010. This fell to 18.9% in 2013.

The drop was smaller in private schools, with 47.8% of children able to solve the same problem in 2010, compared to 44.6% in 2013. “The guarantee of education is meaningless without satisfactory learning. There are serious implications for India’s equity and growth if basic learning outcomes do not improve soon,” the report said.

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (PTi): India and South Korea on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral trade and investments. “This (MoU) provides a platform where technical know-how of both the countries in developing infrastructure can be exchanged. It is also important to explore possibilities in the urban transport sector,” said minister of state for urban development Deepa Dasmunshi at the MoU signing ceremony here.

The tripartite MoU was signed between engineering exporters’ body EEPC India, industry body CII and the Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). “We are committing ourselves to boost mutual trade and investment so that both India and South Korea can shield themselves from the global headwinds which are blowing mainly from the western economies of the US and continental Europe,” EEPC India chairman Anupam Shah said.

India and South Korea had operationalized a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in 2010. The MoU is likely to improve the flow of information between India and South Korea which is key to the business communities of the two countries. The business to business contact will also be improved through

tonne plants in 2 phases.

More than 1,700 acres have already been handed over to the company, Trade Minister Anand Sharma said on Wednesday. “We’ll do everything possible to have the project expedited,” Sharma said. POSCO has said if it gets the required land this

trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars and other promotional activities.

The signing of the MoU coincides with the visit of Korean President Park Geunhye to India. Although India’s exports to South Korea have grown well, the overall trade remains highly skewed in favour of the latter. Against imports of over USD 13 billion, India’s exports to Korea were just about USD 4 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

Main Indian exports to Korea comprise petroleum products, cotton yarn, ferro-alloys, unwrought aluminum and zinc, metal scrap, oil cakes, iron-ore, sesame seeds and marine products.

Major Korean export items include automobile parts and accessories, telecom equipments, ships, petroleum products and hot rolled products of iron. South Korean investment in India is centered around Chennai, Pune, Noida and Gurgaon. .

Around 600 Korean companies have business operations in India and the major ones include Hyundai Motor, Samsung, LG Electronics, Hyundai Mobis, Wia Corporate, Lotte Group, Doosan Heavy Industries and Posco. Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra are among the Indian companies which have major investments in Korea.

year, the first-phase of the plant may be commissioned sometime in 2018.

POSCO may have received most of the government clearances but it is still waiting for India’s environmental court to lift a ban on felling trees for the project. The court’s order

was pending the environment ministry’s revalidation of lapsed clearance for POSCO, which finally came through last week. Though the company hopes the court will remove its order, it could still face some protests from environmentalists and other activists.

‘No Gandhi can save a dead Congress’

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (ageNcieS): In probably the sharpest attack so far on the country’s first family - the Gandhi family - one of its prominent member and senior BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Thursday said that neither Sonia Gandhi’s son Rahul nor his sister Priyanka can save Congress. Coming down heavily on the ruling party, Maneka said, “Congress has party has looted the country in the past ten years. People are so fed with the Congress rule that they are not going to vote for the party in the next elections. No Gandhi can save a dead Congress.”

Speaking to a private TV news channel, the senior BJP leader called Congress a sinking ship and said, “No body can now save Congress. Corruption and scams have badly tarnished the party’s image and its leaders have constantly looted and cheated the nation in all these years. Congress is in such a situation that no one, not even Rahul Gandhi neither his sister Priyanka can save the party.” When asked how would she react to media reports that Congress apex leadership is mulling to give a bigger role to Rahul Gandhi, Maneka said, “It will make no difference as who leads the pack of forty thieves.”

When she was reminded that even the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has recently praised Rahul’s “outstanding potential”, the BJP leader said, “I want to ask if the person who said all this has really served as the Prime Minister of the country. The whole country knows that both Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul has kept the reins of power in their own hands. So what

difference it will make as who gets what responsibility.” Calling Congress a party of bad people, Maneka said, “The party urgently needs to change its image and people’s perception about it.”

When asked to comment on reports that Congress is planning to give a major election-related role to Priyanka Gandhi to revive its fortunes in the upcoming polls, “I don’t want to comment on her role. Congress has been projecting Rahul Gandhi for the past ten years but what happened? The situation is so worse for the party that even Priyanka Gandhi’s glamour can’t save the Congress now.”’

Finally, when asked to react on the comparisons being made between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, she said, “Rahul is no match for Modi ji. It is like a battle between a lion and a bird. Modi Ji is an elected leader with huge experience, while Rahul has failed on all fronts. Obviously, he is no match for Modi ji.” This is possibly the sharpest attack on the Gandhi family by none other than one of its prominent member Maneka Gandhi, who along with her son Varun, are affiliated to Congress’ arch-rival rival BJP. The reactions from Maneka have come at a time when Congress is brainstorming whether Rahul Gandhi should be given a bigger role in the party or made its prime ministerial candidate for 2014 polls. Interestingly, the AICC is also scheduled to meet on January 17 where a major announcement on Rahul is expected to be made.

Tharoor at the centre of cross-border tweet war We are ‘happily married’: Tharoors

New Delhi, JaNuary 16 (PTi):HRD minister Shashi Tharoor on Thursday issued a joint statement along with his wife in which the duo have stated that they were “happily married”, but distressed by “some unauthorized tweets”. “We are distressed by the unseemly controversy that has arisen about some unauthorized tweets from our twitter accounts,” Tharoor said in a joint statement which has appeared on a Facebook page.

The controversy started after intimate messages, allegedly sent to him by a Pakistani woman journalist, were posted on his widely-followed twitter account. Tharoor’s wife Sunanda claimed on the microblogging site that she had posted from her Shashi Tharoor with his wife Sunanda Pushkar: (File Photo) husband’s account, the allegedly private

As the indecorous controversy surrounding Tharoor escalated amid exchange of some intimate messages. Tharoor, one of the most popular Indian politicians on the networking site, on Wednesday claimed his Twitter handle was hacked. The tweets instantly created a buzz on social media websites.

“Sorry folks, my @Twitter account has been hacked &

will be temporarily deactivated. Bear with me while we solve this,” he told his followers in his page.

Most of the tweets from his hacked account were addressed to Tarar, who was taken aback by the flurry of messages from the minister’s handle.

allegations as untrue and said she was totally amused. She said Pushkar has gone out of her mind.

Tarar said she will file a defamation suit against Pushkar for defaming her by alleging she was an agent of Pakistan’s spy agency ISI. “I have nothing to say to a woman clearly out of Tarar threatens to sue her mind. To be called an Pushkar ISI agent, a stalker… I have Tarar dismissed the nothing to add. Just shows

messages sent to him by Lahore-based journalist Mehr Tarar, to show the world “how she is stalking my husband”.

“We wish to stress that we are happily married and intend to remain that way. Sunanda has been ill and hospitalized this week and is seeking rest. We would be grateful if the media respects our privacy,” the statement said. “Various distorted accounts of comments allegedly made by Sunanda have appeared in the press. It appears that some personal and private comments responding to these unauthorised tweets — comments that were not intended for publication — have been misrepresented and led to some erroneous conclusions,” the statement added.

who she is,” Tarar tweeted.

“So I ‘stalk’ on bbm and phone. The last I checked it was a two-way thing, or maybe technology changed while I ’stalked’? “For a woman to trash another woman linking her w/her husband is the lowest form of sickness ever. It’s nauseous. No respect for her marriage,” the journalist said in a series of tweets.

Tarar said she had great

respect for Tharoor and that everything about him on her Twitter account was on her timeline. She said Tharoor’s view on politics had always fascinated her. Pushkar claimed on Twitter that she was posting from her husband’s account, intimate private messages sent to him by Tarar, to show the world “how she is stalking my (husband)..”

International

The Morung Express

Friday 17 January 2014

Dimapur

9

Catalonia holds key vote in secession drive BARCELONA, JANuARy 16 (AP): A European season of separatist fervor kicks off Thursday with Catalan lawmakers voting on whether to seek the right to hold a referendum on independence from Spain. The EU will be watching closely as Belgium’s Dutch speakers gear up to push for greater autonomy in May elections, and Scotland prepares to hold its own referendum on breaking away from Britain in the fall.

Thursday’s vote is a milestone in years of mass protests by Catalans, who are fiercely proud of their distinct culture and language, demanding the right to decide whether they want to secede. But it is also largely a symbolic one.

Catalonia can ask Spain for permission to hold an independence vote all it wants; Madrid still has the power to say “no” — and it almost certainly will.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has repeatedly said he will not allow a Catalonia secession referendum because Spain’s 1978 constitution doesn’t envision anything but a unified Spanish state, and mandates that referendums affecting Spain must be held nationally and not regionally. He has an abso-

In this photo taken on Sunday, January 12, a man wearing an “estelada” flag holds her daughter during a pro-independence event in Barcelona, Spain. After years of mass protests by Catalans demanding the right to decide whether they want to break away from Spain and form a new European nation, the wealthy northeastern region’s lawmakers vote to ask permission from Spanish authorities to hold a secession referendum in November. The request eight months ahead of a Scottish independence referendum is certain to be denied by the central government in Madrid but is virtually guaranteed of generating even more separatist fervor. (AP Photo)

lute majority in Parliament that assures he will prevail, and the main opposition Socialist party also opposes a referendum vote.

Still, the Thursday vote, expected to win easily, could fan the flames of an already impassioned independence drive, especially if it garners the two-thirds majority that supporters

are hoping for. A strong separatist message may also inspire independence movements elsewhere in the EU at a time when European unity has been rocked by economic crisis.

In Spain, the momentum generated by this week’s events will put wealthy Catalonia “into a head-on collision with the Madrid gov-

would then have kids not dependent on caffeine and energy drinks just to stay awake in class,” said Julie Boergers, co-director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island, US. The problem is particularly acute among teenagers as most of them undergo a biological shift to a later sleep-wake cycle, said the study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediat-

rics. Sleep deprivation is epidemic among adolescents, with potentially serious impacts on mental and physical health, safety and learning. “Early high school start times contribute to this problem,” stressed Boergers. More interestingly, the later school start time had no effect on the number of hours students spent doing homework, playing sports or engaging in extracurricular activities, the study said.

Know why your kid does not wake up for school NEW yORK, JANuARy 16 (IANS): Is your school-going kid sleepdeprived or throws tantrums? Blame it on early school timings, says a study. If school schedules are aligned with adolescents’ circadian rhythms - physical, mental and behavioural changes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle - and sleep needs, the students would be more alert, happier and better prepared to learn. “We

Our brain good at vision multitasking

LONdON, JANuARy 16 (IANS): When it comes to vision, the brain can perform more than one function without sacrificing time or accuracy. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Bristol in Britain have shown that during visual sampling - the act of picking up bits of visual information through short glances - the brain can handle various visual functions simultaneously.

To support their findings, they looked at two vision processes: foveal analysis and peripheral selection. When something catches your attention, you swing your gaze to it - allowing for closer inspection - known as foveal analysis. This process helps you read, examine and search for specific objects or people. Whatever falls outside that narrow zone becomes blurry and less distinct, said the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Plus.

But when looking for something - say, a

specific book among a group of books on a shelf, or a prescription in a medicine cabinet, or even a friend in a crowd, you use peripheral vision. “Though you might not be aware, your brain is evaluating and deciding where to direct your gaze as you decide whether or not the thing you are focused on is the object you have been seeking,” said Miguel Eckstein, professor in the department of psychological and brain sciences at UCSB. Eckstein, along with professors Casimir JH Ludwig and J Rhys Davies of University of Bristol, discovered that the human brain has the capacity to perform both functions - foveal analysis and peripheral selection - rapidly and accurately, at the same time and independently. Using an eye-tracker, they monitored the accuracy of both the observers’ foveal and peripheral perceptual judgments and their point of gaze. The researchers visualised how the brain utilises information through time to direct the gaze and to influence the foveal perceptual judgments.

2014 is the year of action: Obama

WASHINGTON, JANuARy 16 (PTI): US President Barack Obama has declared 2014 as the year of action to accomplish his key administrative goals and said he would continue to use his executive authority — his pen and phone — to get things done. “This has to be a year of action,” Obama said at an event in North Carolina on Wednesday.

“The President has declared 2014 a year of action, and while he will continue to use his executive authority — his pen and phone — to get things done. He will also work with Congress to make progress on behalf of the American people,” the White House said after Obama’s meeting with Senators. He reiterated the line at a White House event later in the day and also during a meeting with members of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

During the meeting, Obama and Senators discussed their shared goals for 2014, to continue to advance a number of priorities for the year to strengthen our economy, create jobs and build the middle-class. “I think the point that the President has been making and others have made on his behalf is that in many ways the American economy, as it has emerged from the recovery, has grown steadily and created 8.2 million jobs, is on a precipice of even greater strides forward,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

“We want to do everything we can, using our authorities, the President’s authorities to take action through the executive and through the power of the pen and the power of the phone, as well as take action through and with Congress legislatively on immigration reform and so many other issues that we can work together on,” he said.

Carney said there are a lot of positive things that can happen and are happening on behalf of the economy and the middle class and the American people. “We just need to keep moving forward. So the President is going to talk a lot about, in the days ahead and in the State of the Union address, ways that we can use all the tools available to us to grow the economy and create jobs that middle-class families can depend on,” he said.

ernment,” predicted Hugh O’Donnell, professor of cultural politics at Glasgow Caledonian University. “I think the political temperature in Spain is going to increase very significantly.”

Even if Madrid refuses to allow an independence vote, Catalan politicians might decide to try to hold a referendum anyway. That

would put them in perilous legal terrain: When the northern Basque region, where separatist sentiment has also raged, failed to obtain permission for a similar referendum in 2005, Spain said Basque leaders could face jail time if they went ahead and held the vote anyway.

A less extreme scenario would be to use Catalan regional elections as a kind of unofficial referendum, with parties obliged to clearly state where they stand on independence. Under such a situation, any vote for a pro-independence party would be taken as a de facto vote for independence. A big “yes” turnout would give further ammunition to independence supporters to push for a referendum, with or without Spain’s approval.

Even though Catalans know the chance of getting Madrid to let them hold a referendum is virtually nil, they still headed to the streets in Barcelona last weekend in droves to hold mock votes with ballot boxes set up on card tables on street corners. They also held noisy protests while waving flags bearing redand-yellow stripes, a blue triangle and white star symbolizing Catalonia’s in-

dependence drive.

Gemma Mondon, a real estate agency administrator from Barcelona, became convinced as Spain’s financial crisis deepened after the 2008 global economic meltdown that Catalonia should strive for independence. She was planning to buy a new independence flag to show her support for a referendum by hanging it from a window in her apartment, replacing the faded one she first put up two years ago.

“In Scotland they are doing the vote and the English government is saying ‘yes.’ I don’t understand why they are so afraid for us to say out loud what we want,” said Mondon. “We don’t know what the answer is and I think people should have the right to decide.”

The secession question isn’t so easy for Monica Casares, an unemployed events organizer from the Catalan city of Badalona, who wants to be able to vote in a referendum but worries about whether her small children would be better off in an independent Catalonia or as Spanish citizens.

“My husband is ‘yes’ without a doubt and I am closer to ‘yes’ than ‘no’ but it’s a very difficult deci-

sion for me,” said Casares.

“Many of my friends are for ‘yes,’ some of my family are ‘no,’ and I’m in the middle.”

Polls show Catalans overwhelmingly support the right to hold an independence referendum and are roughly evenly split on independence — but that figure drops significantly when people are asked if they favor an independent Catalonia outside the European Union. The European Union and NATO have warned Catalonia it would be excluded if it seceded and would have to reapply for membership.

Catalonia has had a long history of separatist sentiment, especially since its own language and cultural traditions were harshly repressed by Gen. Francisco Franco’s military dictatorship from the end of Spain’s Civil War in 1939 until his death in 1975.

Despite sharing cultural traits with the rest of Spain, many Catalans take pride in deep differences based on their language, spoken sideby-side with Spanish in the area that has a 23 percent unemployment rate compared to Spain’s national rate of 26 percent. And separatists make their views known at home games for

the famed Barcelona soccer team, chanting in Catalan for independence and waving their flags.

Artur Mas, the regional president of Catalonia, began pushing for the referendum after he failed to clinch a better financial pact for Catalonia with the central government in 2012 following a massive demonstration across Catalonia a year earlier in favor of a secession vote that energized independence supporters.

Catalonia is one of the country’s most powerful regions and represents roughly a fifth of Spain’s 1.1 trillion euro ($1.5 trillion) GDP. Its population of 7.5 million is greater than those of EU members such as Denmark, Ireland or Finland. Other Spaniards are keenly aware of the blow Catalan independence would inflict to a nation already struggling with economic devastation.

In Madrid, Jesusa Pollan said it would be unfair to Spaniards to let the Catalans alone vote on their own future. “Either we all vote, just like the Constitution says, and we do whatever we all decide,” said Pollan, “or they have no right at all to vote on their own.”

Thai protesters march on new govt targets

BANGKOK, JANuARy 16 (AP): Anti-government protesters were on the march again in the Thai capital Thursday, targeting government offices they have not previously interfered with to keep up pressure on the prime minister to resign and call off next month’s election.

The marches appeared to be a way to maintain momentum amid a decline in the number of protesters who have blocked key intersections in Bangkok for four days now in an attempt to shut down the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Their numbers could swell again this weekend.

Yingluck’s opponents, mostly from the urban middle and upper classes, claim she is carrying on the practices of her billionaire brother by using the family fortune and state funds to influence voters and cement her grip on power.

But she has widespread support among Thailand’s poor majority in the countryside because of the populist policies carried out by her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in self-imposed exile to avoid being imprisoned on a corrup-

Anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters march past Victory Monument on January 16, in Bangkok. Anti-government protesters were on the march again in the Thai capital Thursday, targeting government offices they have not previous interfered with to keep up pressure on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign and call off next month’s election. (AP Photo)

tion conviction.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday night urged followers to march to offices of the Revenue Department, noting that other government agencies had already been forced by the protesters’ sieges to move to temporary premises or allow employees to work at home. Throngs of whistle-blowing demonstrators marched to surround three branches of

the Revenue Department and asked officials inside to leave the buildings.

The demonstrators also targeted the Public Health Ministry and Public Works Department. Another group led by a Buddhist monk claimed to be headed to the office of the Department of Special Investigation, Thailand’s FBI. The protests this week have been mostly peaceful, although there have been random acts of violence including gunshots

in the middle of the night at protest venues.

Overnight, a small explosive device was hurled into the residence of protest leader Issara Somchai Issara, damaging part of a motorcycle in the garage, according to Police Col. Pong Sangmurin. Since the latest wave protests started

in November, eight people have been killed and more than 450 have been injured. Despite pressure from the protesters, Yingluck said that the Feb. 2 parliamentary election will go ahead. She had dissolved parliament and called the early vote to defuse tension that has been building over the past three months.

But her opponents don’t want an election because they know that her rural supporters would almost certainly give her victory.

Instead, they are calling for an unelected “people’s council” to replace the government and amend laws to fight corruption.

Yingluck told reporters after a meeting with Cabinet members, registered candidates and a top electoral official that there was no legal way for the Election Commission to delay it. “The rights of the people are important,” said Yingluck. She also had offered to meet with rivals Wednesday to discuss an Election Commission proposal to delay the Feb. 2 vote.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Friday 17 January 2014

The Morung Express

Cristiano Ronaldo on target as Madrid reach Copa quarters

MADRID, JANUARY 16 (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his Ballon d'Or triumph by scoring from one of his trademark free kicks as Real Madrid beat Osasuna 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Wednesday. Ronaldo smashed a swerving shot from 25 meters around the defensive wall and straight at goalie Andres Fernandez. The keeper tried to punch it out but ended up sending it down off the ground and between his legs into the net.

Ronaldo's 22nd-minute strike effectively sealed the contest, with Osasuna having lost the first leg 2-0.

Osasuna forced Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas into a number of saves to close the half after having rarely threatened before Ronaldo's opener.

Angel Di Maria capped a quick counter in the 56th by sweeping home Jese's cross following a long run from the halfway line, securing a 4-0 aggregate victory at El Sadar Stadium.

"The team looks better with every game," Jese said.

Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao was shown a second yellow card in the 85th Adelina Sotnikova of Russia performs during the women's short program at the European and Madrid finished with Figure Skating Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday, Jan. 15. (AP Photo) nine players after substi-

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, center, duels for the ball with Osasuna's Oier Sanjurjo, second right, during their Spanish Copa del Rey round-16 second leg soccer match at El Sadar stadium, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014. (AP Photo)

tute Alvaro Morata came off minutes later with his left eye swollen shut following a collision earlier on.

Ronaldo's 30th goal in all competitions this season — and 37th when counting those scored for Portugal — further justified the forward's pick as world player of the year ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.

Ronaldo made way for Gareth Bale in the second half but the world's most expensive player made little impact.

Madrid will next play Espanyol, which eliminated second-tier Alcorcon 4-3 following a 4-2 home win on the night. Portuguese forward Pizzi curled home an 86th goal to en-

sure Espanyol's progress at the expense of Alcorcon, which famously knocked Madrid out of the competition in 2009.

A rematch with Madrid had looked on the cards after Alcorcon midfielder Javier Peral made it 2-2 in the 80th minute, with his side holding a 1-0 lead from the home leg. Victor Alva-

rez put Espanyol 3-2 ahead minutes later but the second division side was still through thanks to the awaygoals rule — until Pizzi's curler from the left side.

Also, Mikel Rico scored two goals to send Athletic Bilbao into the last eight with a 2-0 victory against last-place Real Betis. Bilbao, trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Seville, leveled the contest on aggregate in the 23rd minute when Rico produced a magnificent touch to gather Ander Iraiola's lofted pass into the area on the run and score with a left-footed shot.

Athletic, a 22-time winner of the cup, secured its passage at its San Mames Stadium in the 67th minute when a poor clearance rolled to Rico and his angled shot secured a 2-1 victory over two legs.

The Basque club will play defending champion Atletico Madrid next.

Levante beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 thanks to David Barral's first-half goal to advance by the same scoreline.

Levante is most likely to play Barcelona, which leads Getafe 4-0 before Thursday's return leg. Real Sociedad is at Villarreal on Thursday after a scoreless first leg with the winner going on to play third-tier Racing Santander next week.

ICC mulling two-tier Test system to revive five-day format: Report

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 16 (TNN): With the International Cricket Council's World Test Championship plan going nowhere, the world body is now mulling a system of relegations and promotions in the five-day format, according to a report on a cricket website.

"The ICC executive board is expected to consider the proposal at the next round of meetings

later this month," the report said.

The two-tier Test system, if introduced, may threaten the continued participation of bottomtier teams like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Tests and open the door for associate teams like Ireland and Afghanistan to get a taste of the game's original format at the highest level.

However, in a 'no-disadvantage' condition, according

to the plan, none of the current ICC full-member nations will lose Test status or its financial advantages even if they are relegated to the lower rank, the report said. With the World Test Championship running into trouble with unenthused broadcasters, the ICC is considering the option of introducing the promotion/relegation system with play-offs for Test sta-

DDFA meeting on January 18

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16 (MExN): The Dimapur District Football Association President has requested all members and executive members that there will be an emergency meeting on January 18 at 3:00 PM at DDSC Office. A press release has requested all to attend the meeting without fail.

tus once in four years.

Associate nations, meanwhile, will have to perform well against lower-ranked full members to press for a spot.

"This will provide strong incentive for nations currently playing Test matches to improve themselves while also offering opportunities for associates to compete at the highest level," the report said.

Reportedly, the ICC is also considering greater financial reward for the team which earns the No. 1 spot in Tests.

Current rules requiring all full member teams to play against each other may also be eased, reducing the pressure on members to follow the Future Tours Programme (FTP). The report stated that former England captain Michael Vaughan was

the first to press for a two-tier system in Tests, writing in his column in the Telegraph: "Just imagine if New Zealand have to come to England and win one out of three Tests to stay in the first division or win promotion.

If there is a proper financial incentive to playing in the first division, like there is in football's Premier League, then players would be less likely to

choose the IPL instead."

The ICC has already said the promotion/relegation system may be introduced in One-day Internationals following the 2019 World Cup. It now appears the World Test Championship, postponed first from 2013 to 2017, may not come to pass after being cold shouldered by broadcasters and sponsors who are concerned about its appeal.

F1 needs Ecclestone to Clippers storm over top stay in charge: Horner of Mavericks 129-127

LONDON, JANUARY 16 (AP): With Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One future in doubt amid bribery allegations, one of the most influential team bosses on Wednesday said the series' prosperity relies on him remaining in charge.

Christian Horner, team principal of reigning constructors' champion Red Bull, believes Ecclestone is "the only guy" who can ensure F1 maintains its global reach as the premier motorsport series. The 83-year-old Ecclestone, who has built his F1 powerbase since the 1970s, is awaiting the outcome of a $140 million bribery trial relating to F1's sale in 2005.

Evidence was heard at A volleyball event at the ongoing 43rd general conference of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi KuqhakuLondon's High Court at the lu at Kichilimi village under Pughoboto sub division on January 16. (Morung Photo)

end of last year about the measures Ecclestone allegedly took to maintain his grip on F1, claims the billionaire denies.

The banker Ecclestone is accused of bribing has already been jailed in Germany for taking a payment from the billionaire, who is also waiting to hear if he will have to stand trial in Munich on charges of bribery and incitement to breach of trust. Regardless of those legal fights, Horner still strongly backs his longtime friend, dismissing any fears the cases are damaging F1's image.

In fact, Horner fears the series could be damaged if Ecclestone was no longer serving as its commercial chief.

may Saina, Sindhu bow out of Malaysia Open Schumacher never wake up from

KUALA LUMPUR, JANUARY 16 (PTI): India’s campaign in the women’s singles came to an end at the USD 500,000 Malaysia Super Series Premier badminton event after both Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu lost their respective second round matches in contrasting styles, here Thursday. While Olympic bronze medallist Saina fought hard before going down 21—16, 10—21, 19—21 to a lower-ranked Yao Xue of China in a 56-minute contest, Sindhu lost to sixth seed Yeon Ju Bae of Korea 16—21- 19—21 in 45 minutes at the Putra Stadium.

World No. 8 Saina, who had endured a tough season last year as she could not win a single title, failed to turn around her fortunes in her season opener here. Saina lived up to her billing in the first game as she faced little trouble in overcoming World No. 25 Xue. Despite it being a close affair till 12—12, Saina kept her calm to seal the opening game 21—16. But the Indian was in for a rude shock in the second game as the Chinese girl maintained an upper—hand throughout. Saina, surprisingly, could not catch her opponent even once during game two. After taking the initial lead, Xue simply kept on moving ahead and opened up a massive gap. She eventually sealed the second game without breaking a sweat.

In the decider, Saina got her act together and took a 7—4 lead before moving to 10—8. But Xue came back strongly to level the scores at 10—10 before slowly opening up a gap at 18—14. Saina, however, showed a lot of character as she fought back to pocket three successive points and reduce the margin to 17—18 before catching up with her rival at 19—19. But the Chinese raised her game India's Saina Nehwal plays a return to China's Xue Yao during their when it mattered the most and bagged two quick women's single match at the Malaysia Open Badminton Super points to stun her fancied Indian opponent.

Series in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, Jan. 16. (AP Photo)

'medically-induced' coma: Reports LONDON, JANUARY 16 (ANI): Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, who has been in a medically-induced following a skiing accident in late December, may reportedly never regain consciousness.

The seven-time German champion has been unconsciousness for 18 days since smashing his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in the French Alps, although theoretically, the coma means that oxygen to his brain is reduced, allowing him to make a speedier recovery.

However, the Daily Star reports that a German publication had quoted medical experts who said that Schumacher's condition is so grave that there is a chance he will not awaken, adding that doctors currently have no plans to try to rouse him from his coma. The report mentioned that patients placed in comas are usually brought out of them before 14 days, adding that doctors gave Schumacher a fresh scan this week, with a neurosurgeon fearing that the long coma indicates serious brain damage.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, center, puts up a shot as Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 129-127. (AP Photo)

LOS ANGELES, JANUARY 16 (AP): The Los Angeles Clippers came from 17 points down with only 4-1/2 minutes to play to beat Dallas 129-127 in a Wednesday thriller, moving two games clear atop the NBA Pacific Division.

The Clippers eked out their lead over Golden State, which was beaten at home by Denver, while Washington recorded a surprise victory over Miami and San Antonio hung on to edge Utah and continue its winning streak.

Los Angeles' J.J. Redick scored a career-high 33 points and Matt Barnes added 25 for the Clippers, who improved to 18-3 at home but had to fight hard to overhaul the Mavericks.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points for Dallas, which could not hold a seemingly invincible 123-106 lead.

Denver's Nate Robinson scored 14 of his 24 points in

the fourth quarter to steer the Nuggets to a 123-116 win at Golden State.

J.J. Hickson grabbed a season-high 24 rebounds for Denver, which outshot its opponent 54 to 43 percent and gave first-year coach Brian Shaw a victory in his home town of Oakland. David Lee had 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors, who took the lead with 1:13 remaining before the Nuggets pulled away again.

Washington saw its 34-point lead against Miami whittled away to single digits but hung on for a 11497 victory. John Wall scored 25 points, and Bradley Beal and Nene had 19 apiece to lead seven players in double figures for the Wizards, who shot a season-high 55 percent and closed the game with a 17-9 run.

Chris Bosh scored 26 points for the Heat, which has dropped three straight, all on the road.

Miami's Greg Oden stepped onto the court for his first regular-season game in over four years since the latest in a series of knee injuries. He played nine minutes and scored six points. San Antonio pushed its winning streak to six games by rallying for a 109-105 win over Utah.

Tony Parker had 25 points and nine assists while Marco Belinelli, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard all had 15 for the Spurs, who led by 18 points in the first half but in the end had to cling on as Utah closed on a 19-7 run.

Enes Kanter had 25 points off the bench for the Jazz, which was again without injured leading scorer Gordon Hayward.

Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 18 rebounds, scoring nine straight points that pulled the Trail Blazers in front of Cleveland for a 108-96 win.

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

Johnny Depp to shoot Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 at year's end

J

be taking a starring role, though it's possible she could make a very small cameo, MailOnline has learned.

In this new installment of the Disney franchise which is set for a 2016 release - Jack and his team are in search of The Trident, which Keith's Teague holds valuable information to The villain this time is Captain Brand, a ghost that wants the Trident so he can get his revenge on Jack.

Brand believes Jack turned his brother Eric into a pirate, which led to his death.

Christopher - best known for his turn in Quentin Tarantino's 2009 hit Inglourious Basterds - is interested in playing Brand. Also in Dead Men Tell No Tales, Jack becomes enchanted by Bar-

bosa's daughter, Carina Smyth. She's a beautiful woman in her late 30s who is called a witch by some but is really an adept astronomer. 'She falls for Jack as their adventures keep them together, but he rebuffs her advances in fear of angering Barbosa,' script notes obtained exclusively by MailOnline reveal. Carina has not yet been cast, but Rebecca Hall of Vicky Cristina Barcelona fame has reportedly been mentioned for the part. The role calls for a woman in her 30s.

Before Penelope, Keira Knightley was the female lead of the franchise. The script is by Jess Nathanson and producers include Johnny and his older sister Christi Dembrowski, as well as Jerry Bruckeheimer.

Dust falls. Something is coming. Something terrifying,' the script read. RadarOnline said they did not pay the source who identified himself as a film staffer for the material. The source said he was one of 75 people who had access to 332 copies of the script. It was the second time this month that a portion of the script has been leaked. An a r ticle published b y Hypable. com revealed that mutant Colossus played

by Daniel Cudmore 'may meet his demise after attempting to destroy one of the Sentinels that are being introduced by actor Peter Dinklage‘s character, Bolivar Trask.' The eyes have it: Fan Bingbing plays the mutant Blink in the new film The film directed by franchise veteran Bryan Singer has a scheduled release date of May 23. The prequel sequel also will feature Jennifer's real-life boyfriend Nicholas Hoult, 23, who will reprise his role as a young Hank McCoy and Beast. It also will star 36-year-old Michael Fassbender and 74-year-old Sir Ian McKellen as younger and older Magneto and James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart as younger and older Professor X.

till sporting his polar beard, a dresseddown Prince Harry takes his even more casual girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, out for a burger. Admittedly it wasn’t any old burger bar.

The venue for their dinner date was Byron, the upmarket chain so beloved of Chancellor George Osborne, who was criticised for being out of touch when he Tweeted a picture of himself tucking into one of their take-aways while preparing his spending review last June. A Byron burger with bacon cheese and dressing costs a tasty £9.25 - and that’s without fries, which adds an extra £2.95 to the price. The 29-yearold prince popped out to his local branch in Kensington High Street, just a few minutes’ drive from his bachelor pad at Kensington Palace, with former dance student Cressida, 24, on Monday night.

Their show of togetherness scotched recent illfounded reports that they had split up. And the presence of Harry’s much-admired beard, which he grew during a charity trek to the South Pole in aid of Walking With The Wounded before Christmas, also put paid to claims that the Queen, who is said to dislike facial hair, had ordered him to shave it off. Cressida was sporting trendy orange beanie hat, skinny black jeans, black bomber jacket and ultrafashionable Nike Air Max trainers. Her blonde hair had been plaited into two long braids, showing off her hooped gold earrings, and she was carrying a casual

Script leak reveals opening scenes and dialogue of X-Men: Days Of Future Past

I C M Y K

t won't hit screens until May. But the first scenes from the highly anticipated superhero film XMen: Days of Future Past were revealed on Wednesday in a leaked script. The sequel to X-Men: First Class has been three years in the making and will feature a star-studded cast including 45-year-old Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, 23-year-old Jennifer L aw re n c e a s M ys tique and 4 7 - ye a r old Halle Berry as Storm.

T h e leaked excerpt was obtained

by RadarOnline.com and was provided by a source hoping to sell it to a media publication. Twilight star Booboo Stewart, 19, has the first line of dark dialogue as his character James 'Warpath' Proudstar addresses Chinese actress Bingbing Fan, 32, who portrays Clarice Ferguson aka Blink. 'They're here,' Warpath said as the duo rush through a portal to 'a vast bomb shelter under the Kremlin,' according to the script. 'Shelves are full of food, the floor full of bunks, all inhabited by a band of mutant refugees' with a shrine to slain mutants in a far corner. 'Time's up,' Blink tells the gathered mutants as she and Warpath enter the room. 'MASSIVE DEEP SHOCKWAVES echo from above.

estiny’s Child reunited to celebrate little Blue Ivy Carter’s second birthday festivities! Beyoncé revealed fun new pics from her daughter’s animal-themed birthday bash, and she even got the ladies of Destiny’s Child to don butterfly face paint!

See the pics, here.

Destiny’s Child got together in honor of Blue Ivy for her extravagant jungle adventure birthday party.

Jay Z and Beyoncé invited Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to celebrate their daughter’s milestone: turning two! Beyoncé revealed new photos on Jan. 14 from her daughter’s birthday bash: and they’re filled with the perfect cake, some exotic animals and colorful face painting! The

Prince takes girlfriend out for dinner

umors have been swirling for months now about Harry Styles and reality star Kendall Jenner’s relationship status. Now, things are about to get a lot more messy — because British model Daisy Lowe has been added to the mix!

Harry Styles has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood over this past year, and he’s already been romantically linked to some of the industry’s hottest young stars. The last cou-

S

black rucksack. An outfit unlikely ever to be seen on her potential sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Harry was wearing a navy shirt and trousers with desert boots and a blue baseball cap pulled down low to disguise his face.

The pair - who were accompanied by two bodyguards - spent more than an hour in the restaurant before walking to the prince’s waiting car, driven by a third officer, and whisked away to Kensington Palace. The couple have been dating for more than 18 months and although they have been forced apart of late - Harry spent Christmas with his own family as did Cressida, who then immediately jetted off to the Caribbean with her half-sister, Isabella Branson - are said to be as ‘rock solid’ as ever. The couple were introduced by Harry’s cousin and Cressida’s best friend, Princess Eugenie.

In fact the trio were out on Saturday night together at Jak’s bar in the capital.

Cressida is the daughter

T

C M Y K

11

C M Y K

Queen of pop granted us access to her little heir’s second birthday party, and we’re so glad she showed off more intimate snaps from Blue’s Miami Jungle Island Zoo bash.

Beyoncé and Blue, matching tiaras in tow, shared tons of laughs at their party. Beyoncé, Kelly, Michelle and Beyoncé’s cousin, Angela all got into the birthday fun by getting their faces painted. Kelly, Michelle and Angela went for mask-like butterfly paintings, while Beyoncé opted for an elegant flower on her forehead.

Proud dad Jay Z showed off his present for Blue in one of Beyoncé’s snaps: he gifted her a fun four wheeler toy.

The daddy-daughter pair wore matching Air Jordans to the party, of course.

Harry Styles stuck in a R love triangle

Tetseo Sisters perform Li at Urban Winter Festival 2014

he second edition of Metropolis was held at Shraddhanjali Kanan, Guwahati from January 10 to 12 under the aegis of District Administration (Kamrup Metro) and Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Colorful live installations by layout, experimental artists, painting, photography exhibition by promising artistes, photographers, adventure, alternate sports, bullet ride, gaming, live performance by folk rock

Dimapur

17 January 2014

Destiny’s Child reunites for blue Ivy’s birthday D

ohnny Depp better load up on sunscreen.

On Wednesday Norwegian directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg told Deadline they will be shooting Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 - titled Dead Men Tell No Tales - in both Puerto Rico and New Orleans 'at the end of the year.' Johnny is set to return as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Geoffrey Rush is locked in as Barbosa and Keith Richards will reprise his role as Captain Teague, MailOnline has learned.

As MailOnline exclusively reported in December, Christopher Waltz is in the running to snap up the role of the film's villain. Penelope Cruz, who played the fiery Angelica Teach in Pirate's 2011 film On Stranger Tides, will not

Friday

of four times married and divorced former society girl Lady Mary Gaye Curzon - she has five children by three of her exes - who once scandalised her family when she posed semi naked covered in oil for the coffee table photographic book Birds of Britain.

Cressida’s father is the businessman Jeffrey Bonas, Mary Gaye’s third husband.

She is currently working for her half-brother, Charles Bonas, who runs a respected private tuition and educational consultancy firm.

Last year there was much talk of an engagement, although friends of Cressida have stressed to the Mail that she is still young ‘and has a lot she wants to do with her life yet.’ ‘They enjoy each other’s company very, very much, but are just seeing how things go at the moment,’ said one.

‘There’s no pressure whatsoever on them yet.’ With Harry due to celebrate his 30th birthday later this year, however, might he be tempted to put a ring on his girlfriend’s finger yet?

ple of months have been all about the One Direction star and his current flame Kendall Jenner, but now Life & Style reports that Harry was still dating British model Daisy Lowe when his current relationship with Kendall began!

Daisy, who is rocker Gavin Rossdale‘s daughter and a famous model overseas, was first linked to Harry back in December. The two were reportedly introduced through a mutual friend, and Life & Style‘s inside source

says that “She’s not ready to walk away quite yet. She’s hoping for a proper longterm relationship.”

Harry and Kendall recently hit the slopes together and seemed to be having a great time, but their romance has been tarnished with rumors that Harry finds Kendall boring, and that he is only attracted to her physically. If the rumors are true, do you think that Harry should dump Kendall for someone he has more in common with?

Selena Gomez pushing Justin Bieber to get help with anger

S

elena is begging Justin to take a course in anger management after the police raided his home on Jan. 14, a new report claims. However, HollywoodLife.com has learned the truth about Selena’s supposed ultimatum to Justin — and it’s not what you might expect.

Even though Selena Gomez is understandably “upset” about Justin Bieber‘s alleged involvement in the egging of his neighbor’s home, she’s “not giving him any ultimatums.” Selena knows that what Justin needs more than anything right now is her support and understanding, a source tells HollywoodLife. com EXCLUSIVELY. Selena Gomez On Justin Bieber’s Anger: Is She Pushing Him To Seek Help?

— The Truth Selena has told Justin that he MUST go to anger management if he wants to get back together with her for good, a new report from Yahoo! claims.

While it’s true that Selena is worried about Justin’s behavior, a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that she’s not pushing him to do anything he doesn’t want to do.

“Selena is not giving Justin any ultimatums,” the source reveals. “She’s upset but she’s just trying to be supportive of him. So many people are getting on Justin’s case and the last thing she wants to do is come down on him. She’s very, very much on his side.”

“As far as her telling him to go to anger management, that’s not happening,” the source adds.

Justin is so lucky to have

C M Y K

Selena to help him through this troubling time! We just hope it’s not taking too much of a toll on her wellbeing.

Despite warnings from family and close friends to say away from Justin, Selena is determined to stand by him — even if it’s not good for her health.

“Selena has been told repeatedly to avoid stress at all costs when it comes

to her overall health,” a friend of Selena’s tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “Lupus is triggered by stress and anxiety, and right now Selena is completely stressed about Justin and this whole egging nightmare. She’s worried sick about him, but at the same time won’t leave him.

She’s basically picking Justin over her own well-being.”

25

18

18 bands, fashion shows, cartoon and literary workshops, interactive sessions, organic food, craft mela, urukar haatare

were the main highlights of 'Metropolis: Urban Winter Festival 2014.

The Music lineup included Soulmate, Papon,

Rewben Mashangva, Tetseo Sisters, Street Stories and Warklung among others over the 3-day celebrations.

C M Y K

C

C

M

M

Y

Y

K

K

Nadal & Federer both win in straight sets

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 16 (AGENCiES): Unusually for the two biggest stars in tennis, they found themselves playing at exactly the same time, under the roofs on Rod Laver and Hisense Arena. And, after starting their matches together, they also finished them within a couple of minutes of each other, both securing straight-sets wins.

Top seed Nadal faced the lowest-ranked player in the draw, 17-year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis, the world number 570. The Australian gave a very good account of himself but, not surprisingly, found Nadal too tough, the Spaniard winning 6-2 6-4 6-2. Federer raced through the first two sets against Slovenian Blaz Kavcic but was given a tougher test in the third before coming through 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7/4).

The sixth seed had been 3-0 down in the tie-break but Kavcic rather blew his opportunity and then failed to pull off two consecutive diving volleys on match point. Remarkably, it was the first match Federer had played away from Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park's centre court, for 10 years.

The Swiss joked he headed out early to make sure he did not get lost, but said: "It was nice, I enjoyed it. "It's not really different to Rod Laver Roger Federer of Switzerland runs to return a shot to Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia during their second round match at the Arena. The dimensions feel Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Austra- the same. I don't feel like you need to make an adjustment. lia, Thursday, Jan. 16. (AP Photo) The crowds were really nice.

It was a great atmosphere over there. I was happy playCanara Bank ing there. "It was a good first SPACE REQUIRED FOR ATM two sets I thought. I played really aggressively and it Suitable commercial space is required for installation of Off Site worked out. In the third set ATMs at each of the following locations on Ground Floor with area of about 70 to 100 Sq ft on main road with 24 hours access and clear I think he was more convisibility. The premises should be within the radius of 500 Metres sistent. He served better. from the respective branches (Address) mentioned hereunder: In the process, it got closer.

BRANCH ADDRESS I'm happy I got it done in KOHIMA, MOHAN KHOLA, NEAR INDIAN OIL PETROL three." The extreme heat NAGALAND PUMP, N.H.- 29, KOHIMA - 797001. policy was in operation Space for installation of V-Sat Antenna should be available while Federer and Nadal on the roof top. were playing after temperaThe offer letter may be collected from the address given tures peaked at 43.4C. That below. The offer letter should reach at our end latest by meant play was suspended 23.01.2014. on the uncovered courts, Bank reserves the right to accept/reject any or all the offers with Federer revealing he without assigning any reasons whatsoever. was not allowed to practise Asst. General Manager outdoors. Nadal was more Canara Bank, Premises & Estate Section than happy to play indoors Circle Office, Near Bora Service Station and was very impressed Place: Guwahati Ulubari, Guwahati – 781007 with his young opponent.

Date: 15.01.2014

Ph. 0361-2466820

Morung Exp. (Nagaland) D.O.P.- 17.01.2014 Size: 8 cm x 8 cm Page: B/Page (without extra)

C M Y K

Beats the heat Maria Sharapova into 3rd round

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 16 (AP): Soaked with sweat and clinging desperately for survival, Maria Sharapova was only a point from victory when Australian Open organizers finally decided that the searing heat was extreme enough to suspend matches.

The four-time major winner was serving at 5-4 in the third set, 2 hours and 38 minutes into her second-round match against No. 44-ranked Karin Knapp on Thursday. But the reprieve wouldn't apply to the pair on Rod Laver Arena, because the longdelayed Extreme Heat Policy only kicks in at the end of sets in progress. It took another 50 minutes before Sharapova converted her fourth match point for a grueling 6-3, 4-6, 10-8 win.

The temperature was 39 C (102 F) when Sharapova's match started at just after 11 a.m. local time and increased to almost 43 C (109 F) by the time she finished during the third straight day of a heat wave in sweltering Melbourne. At 3 hours and 28 minutes, it was the longest women's match so far in the tournament.

"I wanted this match," Sharapova said. "I didn't play my best tennis; I didn't do many things well ... (but) I got through it, and sometimes that's what's important. "When you win match point you get off the court, no matter how you feel and how tough it was ... I love these moments."

Playing conditions improved considerably after that. Caroline Wozniacki followed Sharapova on Rod Laver Arena and, with the roof closed, described the conditions as "pleasant" in her 6-0, 1-6, 6-2 win over Christina McHale. Roger Federer played on the second show court at Melbourne Park for the first time in a decade, and raced

Maria Sharapova of Russia serves to Karin Knapp of Italy during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014.(AP Photo)

to a 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 ( 4) win over Blaz Kavcic under the roof at Hisense Arena.

At the height of the heat, Sharapova wasted three match points on serve in the 10th game of the third set, and then had to save break points and serve to stay in the match. She earned a crucial break seven games later, but it wasn't a simple matter of serving out. Three double-faults in the last game — Sharapova's 10th, 11th and 12th of the match — gave Knapp another break point and a

chance to extend it further.

But with a reflex backhand from Sharapova that just caught the line, and two errors from Knapp, it was over. She hit 34 winners but made 67 unforced errors in an increasingly frustrated push to finish points early.

The four-time major winner will next meet No. 25 Alize Cornet of France, who sobbed on court after beating Camila Giorgi of Italy 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in 2 1/2 hours. "I went really further than my limits. It was really hot, that's why I'm

so emotional," Cornet said of the conditions. "Doing something physical in this heat it's just unbelievable."

No. 29 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova had a 6-2, 6-2 win over Mandy Minella in 1:17, but said her two firstround matches had taken a toll. She said she'd almost passed out in her firstround match.

There were nine retirements in the first round, equaling a Grand Slam record. Ivan Dodig's retirement on Wednesday increased the tally to 10

— Dodig said he felt like he could die on the court. Others said it was inhumane to make players go on court — and that was before Thursday's peak temperatures.

Crowd numbers have been down compared with previous years at Melbourne Park, and hardy fans have had to be resourceful to keep cool. The concourse level at Rod Laver Arena, where tickets are not needed for entry, was crammed with hundreds of fans trying to escape the outside temperatures.

Manchester City crushes MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament Blackburn in FA Cup replay

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, center right, scores against Blackburn during their English FA Cup third round replay soccer match at The City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester on Jan. 15. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, JANUARY 16 (AP): Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko grabbed two goals each and Sergio Aguero scored on his return from injury as Manchester City swept to a 5-0 win over Blackburn in an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday.

In taking its goal tally to 99 in all competitions already this season, City delivered another demonstration of its lethal firepower at Etihad Stadium to set up a fourth-round match at home to another secondtier team — Watford. City's largely second-string lineup took a while to get going, with Negredo opening the scoring in first-half injury time, but

the Premier League side was irrepressible after the break.

Aguero scored within a minute of coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute following a month out with a calf injury, capping a perfect night for City manager Manuel Pellegrini.

"You saw the difference between a (League) Championship and a Premier League team," Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer said. "That was clinical ... It's phenomenal."

The 1-1 draw at Ewood Park on Jan. 4 was the only time City had failed to win in its last 10 matches and this replay will have been an irritation for Pellegrini, with his team's fixture schedule clogged up due to its

continued involvement in four competitions this season. For that reason, he fielded a shadow side except for Fernandinho in central midfield and the twin strikeforce of Dzeko and Negredo, who have been in great form during the eightgame absence of Aguero. Negredo, in particular, has been proved unstoppable this season and the Spain striker took his tally in five months in English football to 20 goals with a header that lit up an otherwise forgettable first half. Jesus Navas set clear Fernandinho down the right and the Brazilian's cross to the back post was headed forcefully into the net

by Negredo.

MOKOKCHUNG, JANUARY 16 (MExN): Ascesis CC and Züngamedem filled the last two spots for the semi-finals in the ongoing MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament after winning their respective quarter final matches on Thursday played here today. In the first match of the day, Ascesis beat Skylark by 6 wickets to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time in the club's history. Skylark after winning the toss elected to bat first and managed to score a decent score of 126/8 in 20 overs. Vijay Rai was the top scorer with 25 runs. Akhari and Imcharen also contributed 22 and 20 runs respectively for Skylark. Alemwapang of Ascesis took 2/19 in his 4 overs.

Ascesis chasing the target were in control from the start and chased down the target in the 19th over losing only 4 wickets, winning the match my 6 wickets. Funa hit 34 runs and Supong later in the inning scored a quickfire 22 runs. Yapang was the pick of the Skylark's bowlers with a figure of 2/20. Supong of Ascesis was named the Man of the Match for his 22 runs and picking 1 wicket.

The second match, which was also the last quarter-final match of the tournament, turned out to be an exciting match with yet another nail-biting last over finish. In the battle of nerves and temperament, Züngamedem eventually came on top winning the match by 4 wickets against a strong Sovran side. Sovran CC is comparable to the South African national team in International Cricket who are tagged as Chucker Team. Sovran are one of the best and most consistently performing sides in Cricketing Mokokchung but always ‘choke’ when it comes to winning crucial games. They qualified for the quarter-finals as toppers of Group D winning all their three league matches convincingly.

Earlier, Sovran elected to bat first after winning the toss. They managed to score a respectable target of 136/7 in 20 overs with Lensa scoring a half century and Sunep supporting him well with a knock of 21 runs. Lensa scored 57 runs which included three

FRIDAY'S FIXTURE

1st Semi-final Titans CC vs Ascesis CC ( 8:00 am ) 2nd Semi-final Mustang United vs Züngamedem CC ( 12:00 noon)

huge sixes. Funet was the best bowler for Züngamedem with a figure of 2/22 in 4 overs. Züngamedem has a strong bowling attack and Lipok, Moalong, Toshi and Wapang took 1 wicket each in today's game.

Their fielding, however, proved too sloppy yet again dropping a couple of catches and giving up on many half chances. The only plus point on their fielding department was Imkum's two wonder catches in the deep that can be said to be the turning point of the match.

Chasing the target of 137 set by Sovran CC, Züngamedem got off to the worst possible start they could have even imagined, losing their top three wickets within the first 6 overs. But Moalong, unbeaten on 52 runs and Imkum 14 runs, with their mature batting approach made it sure that they don't give away their wicket easily and played according to the merit of the ball. Moalong's knock was the deciding factor of the match. Sovran CC could have come back into the match had they taken the two vital dropped catches towards the end of the inning.

Eventually, Züngamedem chased down the target of 137 set by Sovran in 19.2 overs losing 6 wickets and winning the match by 4 wickets. Liso was the best bowler for Sovran with a figure of 3/27 in four overs. Temjen 2 wickets and Sademmeren 1 wicket were the other successful bowlers for Sovran.

Man of the Match for this match was awarded to Moalong of Züngamedem CC for his 52 not out and also picking up 1 wicket. The two semi-finals of the tournament will be played tomorrow between the four remaining teams - Titans CC, Ascesis CC, Mustang United and Züngamedem CC trying to make it to Saturday's Final Match.

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 236871, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 236871, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722

C M Y K