18th February 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 46

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www.morungexpress.com

10-point agenda to make India 3rd largest economy [ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

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Without knowledge action is useless and knowledge without action is futile Warne beams as he’s reunited with Hurley

An Interview to Inspire: Issac Kario [ PAGE 2]

Thai PM under siege, protests take toll on economy

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 9]

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Abu Bakr

New Zealand in command against India [ PAGE 12]

embattled UPA govt defends record in budget

chidambaram rejects the argument of policy paralysis Cars, SUVs, two-wheelers, BuDGet HiGHliGHts

You seized 1890 cases of IMFL? That is chicken feed, an hour ago I seized 98000 cases, last night 80909,night before 99098.,

NPCC Political Affairs Committee Questions NPF led DAN Govt Full text on page 4

Longkhum blockade temporarily suspended MOKOKchuNg, February 17 (MexN): The Longkhum Lanur Telongjem (LLT) has temporarily suspended the indefinite blockade on all roadways under Longkhum Village jurisdiction with effect from 6:00am of February 18. This was informed in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, from president of LLT, Lolen Jamir, and secretary, Toshi Pongen. The suspension came following requests made to the body

by DC, Mokokchung, Commissioner of Nagaland, Kohima, the Ao Senden, Ao Kaketshir Mongdang and Watsu Mongdang. The blockade has been temporarily suspended, stated the LLT, “although the Government of Nagaland, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur; Dimapur District & Session Judge; Superintendent of police, Dimapur have not fulfilled even a point of our humble demands.” While reiterating their demands submitted on February 14, the LLT stated that in the event of “failure on the part of the above mentioned authorities to give true and speedy justice to the murdered victim at the earliest, the LLT will again resort to our own course of action that we deem fit and proper after the lapse of a reasonable period of time, and we shall not be responsible for any untoward incident that shall arise out of our action.”

Tejpal charged with rape: police

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New Delhi, February 17 (PTi): Tehelka founder-editor Tarun Tejpal was on Monday charged by Goa Police with rape, sexual harassment and outraging modesty of a woman journalist in a lift of a five-star hotel in the resort town in November last year. If proven guilty, Tejpalcanbesentencedformore than seven years of imprisonment. Investigating officer Sunita Sawant has charged Tejpal under sections 354, 354-A (sexual harassment), 341 and 342 (wrongful restrain), 376 (rape), 376(2) (f) and 376 (2)(k) (takes advantage of his official position and commits rape on a woman in his custody). The 2,684-page charge sheet filed before chief judicial magistrate Anuja Prabhudesai has examined 152 witnesses including the victim, staff of Tehelka magazine and the investigating officer in the case.

Related story on page 8

People watch a display screen on the facade of the the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai on Monday Feb. 17. India’s Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has unveiled a conservative budget for the government’s remaining time in office through May in parliament. (AP Photo)

New Delhi, February 17 (aFP): India’s embattled government said on Monday it had lifted tens of millions out of poverty as it trumpeted its record in the last budget before elections it is widely tipped to lose.

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram talked up his government’s achievements over the past decade and announced a package of cuts in indirect taxes in the budget for the next financial year starting April 1. Struggling to be heard above protesting lawmakers,

Chidambaram steered clear of a populist spending spree to win over voters, despite the Congress-led government’s almost certain defeat at the polls due by May. Chidambaram said the fiscal deficit would be contained at 4.6 percent of gross domestic product in the current financial year. “I can confidently assert that the economy is more stable today than what it was two years ago,” Chidambaram told parliament. “The fiscal deficit is declining, the current account

deficit has been contained, inflation has moderated, the quarterly growth rate is on the rise, the exchange rate is stable.” “I reject the argument of policy paralysis,” he added.

Chidambaram outlined the budget for the full year even though the new government, to be formed after elections due by May, will draw up its own spending and tax plans. Asia’s third-largest economy is facing the worst slowdown in a decade, with shrinking manufacturing, poor jobs growth and stub-

) No change in income tax rates ) Allocation of Rs.115,000 crore for food subsidy ) Rs.65,000 crore for fuel subsidies ) Defence expenditure enhanced 10 percent to Rs.224,000 crore ) Excise on small cars/two-wheelers lowered to 8 percent, on SUVs to 24 percent, on large cars to 20 percent ) Excise duty on mobile handsets to be restructured ) Plan expenditure in 2014-15 at Rs.555,322 crore; non-plan expenditure at Rs.12,07,892 crore. ) Fiscal deficit at 4.6 percent in 2013-14, to be at 4.1 percent in 2014-15 ) Current account deficit at $45 billion ) Growth estimated at 4.9 percent in 2013-14 ) India’s economy at 11th globally; aiming to be third ) 100 million jobs to be created in a decade India not unaffected by events in global economy.

Detailed highlights on page 8 bornly high inflation. Opinion polls show Congress headed for defeat at the elections, with voters disenchanted by a string of corruption scandals as well as perceived mismanagement of the economy and policy paralysis.

But Chidambaram said the government had successfully steered India through the global economic slowdown. He listed a string of domestic achievements, including helping the poor and raising food production. “Our greatest achievement is lift-

ing 140 million people out of poverty,” he told lawmakers.

The budget envisages total spending of 17.6 trillion rupees ($284 billion) in the next fiscal year, higher than the 15.9 trillion in the current year. Analysts said the budget was unlikely to stimulate economic growth but the tax changes would create a “feel good factor” and some superficial demand. The minister on Monday forecast growth of 4.9 percent in the current financial year which ends March 31.

Details on page 8

mobiles, soaps to be cheaper

New Delhi, February 17 (PTi): Ahead of the upcoming general election, finance minister P Chidambaram on Monday sought to lighten the burden on the middle class by lowering excise duty on cars, SUVs and two-wheelers and proposed no increase in taxes on other products.

“To give relief to the automobile industry which is registering unprecedented negative growth, I propose to reduce excise duty..,” Chidambaram said while presenting the interim budget for 201415. As per his proposal, excise duty on small cars, motorcycles, scooters and commercial vehicles has been cut to 8 per cent from 12 per cent earlier.

Likewise, the sports utility vehicles will attract 24 per cent excise duty, down from 30 per cent earlier, while large cars that used to attract excise of 27 per cent will now be levied only 24 per cent. Moreover, the excise duty on mid-sized cars will be 20 per cent from 24 per cent earlier.

While giving sops to the automobile sector, Chidambaram said: “I propose to make appropriate reductions in excise duty on chassis and trailers.”

Mobile phones manufactured in India could also see price moderation with the finance minister announcing a proposal to boost domestic manufacturing. However, a majority of mobile phones sold in India, even by domestic firms like Micromax, Lava and Karbonn, are imported.

However, Samsung and Nokia have manufacturing facilities in the country and the excise duty rejig may lower their cost of production.

Another daily use item, soaps that are manufactured in India can also witness a softening of prices. Chidambaram rationalized customs duty structure on non-edible grade industrial oil and its fractions, fatty acids and fatty alcohols at 7.5 per cent. Rice can also be expected to be cheaper with the finance minister exempting service tax on loading, unloading, packing, storage and warehousing of the commodity.

NPCC to announce candidate for LS polls soon truck falls into gorge; 4 dead

KOhiMa, February 17 (MexN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said today that it would soon announce the name of its candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election. This was mentioned in a press release from convener of NPCC’s search committee and its former president, KV Pusa.

For this purpose, names have already been shortlisted, stated Pusa. He said several capable persons are willing to serve the people but the party has decided to field a suitable person who could work in the interest of Naga people. Welfare of the people topped the Congress agenda, he said.

Reacting to Naga Peoples Front’s (NPF) statement seeking Congress support during Lok Sabha election,

the opposition Congress said it would soon announce the name of the party’s candidate who could work in the interest and aspiration of Naga people.

“Totally rejecting” support to an NPF candidate, Pusa said four MPs were sent to the parliament to speak for the welfare of the people but they had “betrayed the masses and had come back to the state politics and now Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio wanted to contest leaving the highest post which would be a total betrayal of the people.”

Rebutting reports of BJP’s assurance to Rio for an early settlement of the protracted Naga political problem, Pusa, also convenor of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the NPCC, said even during the

time of then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vijpayee, there were several rounds of talks between the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thiungaleng Muivah but no solution could be hammered out. He said the BJP’s assurance was only an “empty rhetoric to woo the innocent voters.” Towards this effort, observed Pusa, the PAC had already asked the Centre to expedite the peace process with renewed effort.

Pusa also stated that during the UPA tenure there has been considerable progress in the peace process. “There has been a maximum progress in the peace process. The ceasefire was signed during the Congress period and it

would continue with the process so that acceptable and honorable solution could be hammered out,” he stated.

The Congress leader, referring to Rio “hobnobbing with the Hindu rightwing party BJP,” wondered “how Chief Minister, Rio could be with the communal party when 95% of the populace in Nagaland is Christian.

Rio should keep in mind that India is a secular country so also Nagaland while he is trying to align with a communal party.”

Pusa said though Rio has said there was no high command in his party, “he is searching for a high command in New Delhi regularly meeting the top BJP leaders, including Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Arun jaitely, Sushma Swaraj etc.”

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung | February 17

A Mokokchung-bound truck bearing registration number AS 03 AC-5021 carrying essential commodities from Jorhat, Assam fell into a gorge Monday, around 2:00 am, near Changki village, Mokokchung.

Four of the six occupants in the ill-fated truck were killed in the accident. The truck handyman, who escaped with injuries, is reported to be undergoing medical treatment at Jorhat. The status of the sixth occupant could not be established till the filing of this report as recovery operations continue. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Police and volunteers from Changki village were engaged in recovering the dead bodies that have all been identified.

The lone survivor of the accident was identified as one Balaji, around 20 years s/o Babul, while the driver of the truck was identified as one Allim Uddin s/o Azizur Ramman. The other deceased include one Sentilemba s/o Nokchensashi of Chungtia village and a resident of Longjongkong (New Camp) running a hotel. The two women were identified as Tara d/o Dil Bahadur, resident of Dimapur and Mon Maya, also d/o Dil Bahadur. Both were sisters-inlaw of the deceased Sentilemba.

The third woman in the accident, who is yet to be found, has been identified as Don Maya, wife of Dil Bahadur and mother-in-law of Sentilemba.

According to sources, Sentilemba went to Maraini to pick up his in-laws who were coming from Dimapur to visit him and his wife in Longjongkong.

‘tBs of pay’ within 30 days: AnefWA Threatens Nagaland State-wide agitation

KOhiMa, February 17 (MexN): The All Nagaland Electricity Field Workers Association (ANEFWA) has issued an ultimatum to the Chief Engineer of the Power Department of the Government of Nagaland that if the workers’ “TBS of pay” is not awarded in time, it will initiate a Contempt of Court action against “the respondent” and start a Nagaland State-wide agitation to the extent of “Tools down.”

Faced with an “apathetic attitude” from the authority concerned, the ANEFWA said it is “compelled” to issue this “instant ultimatum.” The statement from the ANEFWA’s president, Kelhousevi, and general secretary, Ayeto Sumi, reminded that after having been denied their rights, the matter was taken to the Guwahati High Court.

While ruling in the ANEFWA’s favour, the Court di-

rected “the respondents” to “pay us the TBS of pay from the date when the same became due within 3 (three) months in the light of the judgment and order dated 23-08-2012 and having not meet the directions in pretense that we are not entitled for the same by misinterpreting the Rules, by the second round of litigation initiated by us, the Hon’ble Court again directed the respondents to comply with the direction given by the Hon’ble Court Vide order dated 23-08-2012 passed in W.P(C) No. 63(K) of 2012 within 3 (three) months by order dated 06-05-2013 and the targeted date set by the Hon’ble Court have expired on 08-08-2013.”

Despite the lapse of six months after the targeted date set by the Court, the Government has been unable to pay the “TBS of pay” to the workers, it was in-

formed. Some of the workers from the Association have been entitled to the same since 1995 while some have already retired from service without getting their due benefits, highlighted the letter. Having been “denied” justice for long enough and having the Power Department staff not discharge their duties on the matter, the Association decided to issue this ultimatum through a resolution dated February 14, 2014, by its Executive Council.

It noted that “this Association is compelled to submit this ultimatum and direct you to award the TBS of pay from the date when the same became due and to pay the past arrear till date in total compliance of the Hon’ble Court’s Order within a grace period of 30 days from the date of receipt of this ultimatum

failing which, it is hereby made clear that this Association have resolved to initiate Contempt of Court Proceeding against the respondent.”

The ANEFWA also revealed that “employees of only 2 to 3 Division have been awarded TBS of pay and arrear bill of the same up to date submitted to your office which is yet to be paid and for the remaining Divisions, TBS of pay have not been added in the salary and arrear bill have been prepared only for the work-charge period and not up to date which is in total violation of the Rules and the Hon’ble Court’s direction.” The body reminded the Government that it is a “big force” with enough “caliber and competence” to “mobilize public opinion and judgment and bring to book the condemner of the Hon’ble Court’s Order.”

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Tuesday 18 February 2014

The Morung Express

An IntervIew to InspIre: IssAc KArIo

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Yanpvuo Kikon, founder of the Naga Blog interviews Issac Kario, first MMA fighter from North East Knock Out(TKO). Issac Kario is an alumnus of St. Joseph's College, Jakhama.

Yanpvuo: What inspired you to take up fighting as a career choice in a country like India Yanpvuo: From a small town in one of the re- where martial arts is still considered an undermotest corners of India to winning the Super ground sport?

Fight League in India is indeed a big inspiraIssac: Personally I think MMA is the ultitional story for the youngsters in North East mate pure sports and I simply decided to exIndia. And now winning an Epic fight at the plore a passion. I do not look at it as a career.

Emerald Queen Cagesport in Washington, USA. Closer home, Superfight league (SFL) has Take a moment and tell me how do you feel? done an awesome job of popularizing MMA Issac: Hardly epic but thank you for the in India. Sadly I'm not sure if I'll be fighting for chance to share my experience with you. It's them again as we have had differences. That's pretty satisfying thinking I've come this far in also the reason I had to wait so long to comunder two years. Well worth all the sacrifices. pete here in the States.

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anpvuo Kikon, founder of the Naga Blog caught up for a têteà-tête with Issac Kario who is the Champion of the first ever Super Fight League in India and later on moved to the United States to win his first fight at the Emerald Queen Casino Cagesport Battle in Washington. Mixed Martial Arts is considered to be the ultimate professional Martial Arts Sport in the world where the best athletes from around the world battle it out to become the ultimate fighter on the planet. Issac Kario made his debut in MMA on February 8, 2014 where his opponent broke his arm in the first round but Kario managed to fight through for two five minute rounds and landed a couple of hammer fists in the last moments of round two and won via Technical

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Yanpvuo: What is your source of motivation?

Issac: I love a line from the poem 'The fool'

by Patrick Pearse... "A fool that hath striven to give a life...to a dream that was dreamed in the heart, and that only the heart could hold."

For me, that's the way to live. I guess I just live with the thought that I'll look back someday and be happy I gave myself a chance.

Yanpvuo: Tell me about your childhood, where you grew up and the challenges you faced?

Issac: I was born in Karong. And that's where I still call home though I am from Punanamei. I'm grateful I am from a small place.

It has taught me to deal with struggle. I did my primary schooling in Mumbai, high schooled at St. Joseph's, Tadubi and attended college at St. Joseph's Jakhama. I grew up with a liking for sports like any youngster. I love basketball and chose my college primarily because it had the best court around! It wasn't an easy choice giving up my job as a flight attendant and getting into something completely different; job security, late age, no combat sports experience. It's been rough the last two years but it's worth it. I am happy that I have a chance to live a dream - Being a professional sporstperson.

Appeal to promote Naga Heritage Village

Yanpvuo: Moving to the United States to compete with the best fighters in the world? How did this happen?

Issac: I'm blessed to have met my coach and good friend UFC veteran Dennis Hallman. He invited me to train at his gym after I won the SFL reality show. MMA is huge in the

States. Especially towards the NorthWest. It's thought. Of course, it's not conventional but not without risk but it's a privilege to be train- in my own little way, I hope to be an example. ing with world class fighters.

I never did anything much with my college degree. Careers and jobs will fall in place if Yanpvuo: How did you train? Your training one is really passionate about anything, not and diet routines? just sports.

Issac: I like to think myself first as an athlete, and then a fighter. And I try to train with that in mind. MMA is an interesting sport as it is multidimensional and one can't rely on one style of fighting. Everyone have their own strong points. Personally, I try to be an overall pound for pound better athlete, it's worked out well for me that way. Trainings are centered around fight schedules. I take it easy and train a session or two a day. But if I got a fight coming up, the training sessions become intensive. Training 2/3 times a day 6/7 days a week, alternating between sparring, grappling, cardio, strength and conditioning.

MMA is an interesting sport as its multidimensional and one can't rely on one style of fighting. Meal plan is usually 6/8 small meals every 2/3 hours throughout the day. I watch what I eat at what time.

Yanpvuo: Some differences between Indian and American sportsmen/athletes and Indian athletes?

Issac: Umm, I'm not really sure how to put a fair comparison between the two. The way I see it, it's all down to an individual-how hungry, how far they want to go. As far as my experience with MMA athletes allows me, I'd say fighters here are more experienced and have a more professional approach, it's a big sport here. I absolutely believe there are promising fighters in India too. I'm going to stray away from the question a bit but I really want to share this thought. A lot of our people think sports isn't a wise choice of profession.

That schools and colleges education is the way to succeed. That's sadly an old school of

kohIMa, February 17 (MexN): All tribal hohos, NGOs, government departments, NITCCs, VDBs and private establishments are requested to collaborate with the Department of Tourism to promote Naga Heritage Village Kisama as a ‘hub.’ The Director of Tourism Purakhu Angami in public notice encouraged the concerned to avail Kisama for all events, meetings, conventions, seminars, camps, wedding planners, event organisers etc by utilizing the tourism facilities created and made available at this ethnic setting. This will not only augment the value of Kisama as a cultural activity centre but also transform the spot as a year round destination for people and tourists alike. All other existing formalities such as seeking permission to the Directorate of Tourism/ Bamboo Mission) Art & Culture/ Horticulture etc a nominal entry fees would still apply as this will also, in turn, generate rev- A view of snowcapped mountains as captured from Choklangan village bordering Myanmar under Tuensang district. Naenue for the Government in whatever small way possible. galand state has been experiencing severe cold in the last couple of days. (Photo by Vishü Rita Krocha)

Mkg to host national level vendor development prog

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MokokchuNg, February 17 (MexN): Br. MSME-DI, Dimapur and the District Industries Centre, Government of Nagaland, Mokokchung in association with the Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Mokokchung is organizing a three-day national level vendor development programme-cum-exhibition from February 25 to 27 at Mokokchung.

The exhibition will be held at MSME-PAVILION –2014, Imkongmeren Me-

morial Sport complex, Mokokchung from10:00 am to 5:00 pm, in which public sector undertakings units and large Industries and MSEs will be displaying their products. More than 500 purchase managers, executives from different organizations, various bankers, consultants and experts are expected to visit the exhibition.

The special focus will be made on handicrafts (for household, hotels, offices, parties), engineering

Notification on misquoting of ‘Tening’ as ‘Tenning’

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TeNINg, February 17 (MexN): The Tening Students’ Union (TSU) in consultation with the Tening Village Council (TVC) has brought to the notice of all concerned that some offices and departments in both government and non-governmental firms, have been misquoting the nomenclature ‘Tening’ as ‘Tenning’.

The village council stated that Tening is one of the oldest towns in Nagaland. “Misuse or misquoting of its nomenclature should have been avoided or should not arise. With concern over the wrong quoting of the nomenclature, it has been notified in the form of press release in the past years. However, coming across the continuous usage of wrong quoting, we take it as lackadaisical attitudes and undermining the citizens of Tening and its historical name,” the two organisations stated in a joint press release.

Therefore, the student’s body and the village council have notified to all concerned for immediate rectification. The nomenclature of Tening is to be quoted as ‘Tenning’ and not as rendered by some offices and departments. All concerned are informed to rectify wherever necessary with immediate effect from the date of publication of this notification. Failing which the TSU and TVC will not hesitate to take up its own course of action and for which the defaulting office/department will be held responsible.

goods, facilities and services for bamboo works, machinery, food industry, automobile, wooden products, plastic products, metallic products, handloom products, lighting and allied products, automobile industries and renewable energy products, etc.

Some of the objectives are that the programme would act as a platform for interaction among the buyers and sellers; provide opportunities to the existing and new entrepreneurs for

diversification and development of new products and enhance opportunities for marketing.

It aims to showcase the competencies of SMEs as well as the needs of large, central/state government departments, defense, railways, public sector undertakings, corporations, for products & components of agro based enterprise, food processing enterprises, wood curving enterprises, handicraft enterprises, hand loom en-

terprises, mineral based enterprises, machinery & equipments manufacturing enterprises, electrical and allied products enterprises, solar lightings manufacturers, energy saving systems, software control of lights and computers, automobile & lighting products, plastic based enterprises, leather and rexine based enterprises and IT related enterprises etc.

Dy. Director in charge Tali Longchar in a press re-

lease stated that the vision of the NLVDP is to create an excellent platform for public and Private sectors, Buyers & Sellers of PSUs and MSEs Sector, Exhibitors and investors and supporting organizations’ to forge linkage, in addition, to also promote progressive Agriculture Development by showcasing agriculture & allied products, MSEs products ,thereby promoting trade and investment opportunities for the North East States.

Media certification and monitoring committee constituted

kohIMa, February 17 (DIPr): In pursuance to Election Commission of India direction contained in letter No. 491/Paid News/LS/2014 dated 5th February 2014, the State Level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) is hereby constituted with the following officers.

Chief Electoral Officer as Chair-

man; Joint Chief Electoral Officer as Member Secretary and other members include Any Observer appointed by the ECI, Director Field Publicity Nagaland Kohima, Director/Joint Director IPR and President Kohima Press Club Kohima.

The Committee shall have the following two major functions besides previewing scrutinizing

and verifying all the advertisements by individual contesting candidates or political parties before it is inserted in the electronic media: Deciding appeal from the District Committee on Certification of advertisement as per the aforesaid Commission order dated 15th April, 2005: and Examination of all cases of

Kohima DPDB meeting conducted

kohIMa, February 17 (DIPr): The Kohima District Planning and Development Board meeting was held on February 15 at DC’s Conference hall, Kohima under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, W. Honje Konyak.

After the review of the last DPDB meeting, ADC Planning, Ketoho Luho appraised the members on their visit to Mokokchung DPDB as part of reaching out to other districts with the concept of ‘Village Vision Cell’. He said that he along with Assistant Director, Urban Development, Tarachu Fithu visited Mokokchung to attend the DPDB February meeting as it is the strongest and one of the most established DPDBs among the districts.

He said that a power point presentation on the year-long activities of the Kohima DPDB was given by Tarachu Fithu after which he spoke on the concept of ‘Village Vision Cell’ which was positively received by the members. He further stated that such visitations to other DPDBs would lead to learning from each other for further progress and development.

A report on visitation to Kidima village on October 17, 2013 by the Village Visitation Team was presented where it was stated that the village has been adopted as a ‘Green Village’ and villagers are almost wholly engaged in vegetable farming and rice cultivation. The team appraised the house on the activities going on in the village and certain requirements that have to be looked into.

DIG, Fire and Emergency Service, Neilasa Sopfü gave a presentation on Village Vision Cell, Chiechama where he highlighted on the initiatives taken up by the VVC Chiechama, which is one of the most successful VVCs in the district. He stated that the VVC has embarked on providing drinking water, power supply to small scale industries, bamboo plantation and conservation of forest, integrated farming, 100% children enrollment in primary schools, vocational training, and sanitation and village beautification.

Issues regarding to vegetable vendors were also discussed. DFO, Kohima, Sridanappa IFS gave a briefing on forest fire awareness.

Paid News on appeal against the decision of District MCMC or cases that they may take suo motu, in which case it shall direct the concerned ROs to issue notices to the candidates.

This was stated in an Office Memorandum issued by the Election Department, Government of Nagaland.

Yanpvuo: What advice would Issac Kario give to the youngsters back home?

Issac: Not an advice per se but if I may share a thought- Dream...and live it!

Yanpvuo: What are your next plans? And your future plans?

Issac: Fight career wise, start training again as soon as my arm heals up. I will compete as long as my body allows me to. As much as I dread cutting weight, I think it'll be wise for me to compete at bantam weight. There are other interests I'd love to pursue too but it's all about MMA right now. One step at a time.

MEx File

Farewell prog for Phek DC today Phek, February 17 (DIPr): Farewell programme for Phek DC Neposo Theluo will be held on February 18 at DPDB Hall at 1 p.m. SDO (C) Phek, Hollohon Yepthomi will chair the function while invocation prayer will be pronounced by Sr. Pastor PTBC Rev. D.N. Soho. President Chakhesang Mothers Association Zaposhelu will deliver a speech on behalf of NGOs of Phek district while Accountant DC Office Phek Thepuchyi will speak on behalf of the clerical staff. ADC Chozuba, Polan John will also deliver a speech on behalf of the administrative officers. The outgoing and incoming DCs Phek will also speak during the farewell programme.

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Medical camp organized at Sathazu Nawe village

Phek, February 17 (MexN): 111 BN BSF organized a medical camp at Sathazu Nawe village, covering the nearby villages Sathazu Nasa Phugwi, Sekruzu, Khutsami and Terhutsesemi village, which are located near ‘F’ Coy of 111 BN BSF Satakha Nagaland on February 9. According to a press release, Sathazu Nawe village under Phek district is located in a very hilly and remote area. Though a PHC is available at Sathazu Nawe, the neighbouring villages have little or no access to medical facilities, the note said. A total of 206 patients availed the free medical check-up. Besides, canteen and ration items were also made available to the locals.

Chairman, GBs and other villagers of Sathazu Nasa Phugwi, Sekruzu, Khutsami and Terhutsesemi village appreciated the activities of BSF, the release added.

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Saakshar Bharat training on interpersonal media campaign

kohIMa, February 17 (MexN): Saakshar Bharat training on interpersonal media campaign will take place from January 18 to 21 here at Zonal Council Hall. Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, commissioner & secretary health & family welfare & CEO will grace the inaugural function as the chief guest 10:00 AM. T. Imkonglemba Ao, IAS, commissioner & secretary school education & SCERT will chair the function. Topics to be covered during the four day long programme included disaster management and civil defence by Dr. Hovithal N. Sothu, state coordinator (DM Cell) ATI, electoral literacy by Vekho Vero, deputy chief election officer, interpersonal media campaign by Debajyoti Banik, SRC Tripura, preparation of NIOS exam i.e preexam, during exam and post exam activities by SLMA, financial literacy by Rajib Malla SRC Tripura, electoral literacy by Tanuj Sharma, disaster management by Abhijit Sarkar SRC Tripura etc. The valedictory session on February 21 at 12:00 noon will be graced by K. Phesao, director school education.

ANIEF general meeting on Feb 25

Parliamentary Secretary for IT&C, Science & Technology, Technical Education and Taxes, Tovihoto Ayemi (2nd from right) on Monday inaugurated Hotel City Palace at MP Road Dimapur. The 22 bedded AC and non-AC hotel is owned by Vishnu Prasad. (Morung Photo)

kohIMa, February 17 (MexN): The All Nagaland Industrial Entrepreneurs Federation (ANIEF) has convened its general meeting on February 25 (Tuesday) at 11:00 am at the Red Cross Complex Conference Hall, RR, Hill Kohima to discuss the latest position of the pending eases for the year 2007, 2008 & 2009 under transport subsidy and capital investment subsidy. The ANIEF president Povotso Lohe and general secretary Orenbomo Humtsoe in a press release expressed strong exception to the manner in which the State department of Industries & Commerce has resorted to another delay tactic of undertaking another round of re-verification of the pending cases of transport subsidy and capital investment subsidy particularly 20089-2009 batch on selective basis without any justification as published by ANIEF in local dailies recently. Therefore, all the ANIEF State office bearers, district representatives and all the beneficiary units of the pending cases from all over 11 districts are requested to attend this general meeting without fail. If any selected beneficiary representative fails to attend this meeting, their cases will not be taken care of and the Federation will not be held responsible.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Tuesday

18 February 2014

Dimapur

3

Manipur: A part of India where Korea rules Imphal, February 17 (al Jazeera): Sixteenyear-old Kinchit sits transfixed, every time the Korean soap opera The Heirs makes it to the television screen, doing no more than scribbling a few Korean words from time to time. At her home in Imphal, the capital of India's northeastern state Manipur, she has a collection of 85 Korean films and soap operas.

She is a huge fan of Korean films and her hunger for anything Korean makes her want to learn more Korean words. She already knows a smattering of them: from Sarang hae (I love you) to anna saiya (hello). But that is not enough and she has recently bought a copy of the Speak Korean With Me For Foreigners. Her excitement is shared by a majority of locals, as the state separated from New Delhi by about 2,433km is swept by an unprecedented Korean wave of cultural export.

Manipur has been mired in insurgency since long. In 2000, a powerful local group, the Revolutionary People’s Front, ordered a ban on Hindi films and channels to "stamp out Indianisation". As theatre and cable operators capitulated, Korean fare stepped in to fill the vacuum. First, Airarang TV, a 24-hour English

language network based in Seoul, set the scene for the fixation. Korea's KBS World ushered in dramas later, and soon the streets of Manipur were swamped with pirated Korean DVDs. Fourteen years later, the ban on Indian fare has grown porous but remains largely in place. And Manipur continues to remain in the thrall of Korea: even mannequins wear wigs styled after Korean spiky haircuts, and youngsters have Facebook profiles with Korean names.

Cultural proximity Research scholars Otojit Kshetrimayum and Ningombam Victoria Chanu writes: the first Korean Wave to hit India was economic, when Hyundai, LG, Daewoo, and Samsung, entered Indian homes. The second wave was cultural, which Manipur experienced at the same time as other Asian nations. According to their research, "The key factor that abets the popularity of Korean wave is the cultural proximity of Korean and Manipuri societies in terms of both being of Mongoloid stock; both societies being based on clan communities." Similarity in religious structures, philosophy of traditional music and dance and folk games also helped.

ATSUM calls off Bandh

Imphal, February 17 (NNN): The Emboi Serto-led ATSUM decided to call off its indefinite economic blockade imposed along the two National Highways in Manipur from 8 am tomorrow (Tuesday) after an agreement was reached between the state Government and the agitating tribal student body on Monday. In a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the Government assured ATSUM leaders to meet its demands at the earliest following which the agitating student body decided to cancel its indefinite economic blockade that began from last midnight.

AFFIDAVIT

I, Mrs Babli Kumari (Old Name) wife of Hav/Clk Ajay Kumar should be known as Mrs Babli Sharma (New Name) by Affidavit No. 92/14, Dt 11 Feb 14.

LOST NOTICE

I, VILASETO SOLEHO have lost my vehicle Bolero Camper bearing Regd.No. NL-01K 3250 on 16th February 2014.

Engine no-GHC1G34534 Chassis no- MA1ZN2GHKC1G55613 Colour- white Mob.No9436062639/ 8575631337

Alienation People from India’s northeastern states, including Manipur, have long complained of racial discrimination in the rest of the country."A young person from northeast who is wearing a spaghetti top in Delhi is not doing something different from the rest of the country. It is not the dress

but the racial profiling; we are from the northeast and we look different because of our race. We are more mongoloid. There is verbal humiliation, physical humiliation," laments Binalakshami Nepram, a Manipuri activist.

Gangphun of Style and U ouajim. Meanwhile, Yuring out to watch 20 episodes of girls watch it in groups. The salon in Churachandpur Won and her friends are Stairway to Heaven. "It will actors are so cute," she says district. He shows a folder planning a weekend hang- be a marathon. All young with a giggle. with black and white photocopied pages of headshots.

Posters of Korean actors are plastered on the wall. For clothes, the go-to place is the Gambhir market in Imphal.

Fashion "Mostly young men are craCopying Korean hair- zy about the cool Korean styles is common, says K S look," says Dono Ningth-

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The following positions are available for an upcoming 100 Bedded Multi-Speciality Hospital in Kashiram (Near Sub-Jail), Dimapur, Nagaland. Accommodation shall be provided within the campus as per availability.

DOCTORS MD General Medicine MS General Surgery MS ENT MD/MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology MD Paediatrics MD Radiology MD Pathology MS Orthopaedics MD/DA Anaesthesiology MD/MS Dermatology MD/MS Ophthalmology MBBS Medical Officer (MO)

NO.CE/NH/NIT-2/2013-14/11

NURSES Qualification Required –GNM/BSc Nursing

(National competitive Bidding through e-Tendering mode only) The Chief Engineer, PWD (NH) Nagaland, Kohima on behalf of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, invites bids in two cover systems for the construction of the works detailed as below:

MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (PATHOLOGY, HAEMATOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY) Qualification Required – Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology/Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology/BSc Medical Laboratory Technology RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN (X-RAY, CT SCAN AND MRI MACHINES) Qualification Required – Diploma in Radiology Interview for Nurses : 10:00 AM, 11.03.2014.

Venue: Hospital Site, Rangapahar Road, Kashiram (Near Sub Jail), Dimapur Interview for Technician: 10:00 AM, 12.03.2014.

Venue: Hospital Site, Rangapahar Road, Kashiram (Near Sub - Jail), Dimapur Interested doctors can kindly contact 08414978454 for details.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER OFFICE PWD (NATIONAL HIGHWAYS) NAGALAND: KOHIMA

NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING

Sl. No. 1 1.

Dated Kohima the 17th February 2014.

Length Cost of Pro- Approx. Value of Bid Period of in km cessing fee Work in Rs Security Completion 2 3 4 5 6 7 Construction of Intermediate lane road having carriageway of 5.5 m from Pfutsero (Nagaland to Tebup1.00% fu) in Manipur under Centrally 25 1,00,000/38,69,33,697.00 of work 36 months Sponsored Scheme of Inter State value Connectivity (ISC) in the State of Nagaland Cost of processing fee is Non-refundable in DD form only from any Bank in favour of Chief Engineer PWD(NH) payable at Kohima.

Last date of On-line Submission is 11.03.2014 upto 1700 Hrs (SERVER TIME) Bid security as detail in SBD from scheduled banks/nationalized banks.

Name of Work

INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS FOR e-TENDERING over http://www.tenderwizard.com/MORTH portal.

Details of this NIT are available from the website - https://www.tenderwizard.com/MORTH To participate in the e-tendering submission, it is mandatory for the applicants to get registered their firm/joint venture with e-tendering portal of MORTH https://www.tenderwizard.com/MORTH to have user ID & Password which has to be obtained by submitting an annual registration charges of INR 2247.00 (inclusive of all taxes) to M/s. ITI Ltd. through e-payment gateway of Punjab National Bank using Credit Card/Debit Card (Master Card and VISA Card only) or net banking (Punjab National Bank Account holders only). Validity of online registration is 1 (one) Year.

The complete bid documents can be viewed / downloaded free of cost from MORTH Portal – http.// www.morth.nic.in or e-tender portal of MORTH – https://www.tenderwizard.com/MORTH from 17.02.14 to 11.03.14 upto 12:00 hrs.

The Pre-bid meeting will be held in the Conference hall of the Chief Engineer PWD (NH), Kohima on 21.02.2014 at 1200 Hrs (IST). Other details can be viewed from bidding document.

Sd/Chief Engineer PWD (NH) Nagaland: Kohima

C M Y K

4

businEss

Tuesday

Dimapur

18 February 2014

The Morung Express

Automobile industry welcomes excise duty cut public discoursE New Delhi, February 17 (iaNs): Indian automobile industry Monday welcomed Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s move to cut excise duty on several product types of the sector.

“We believe this reduction in excise duty would reduce the acquisition price, thereby making vehicles more affordable - which would improve the consumer sentiment, and hopefully revive the demand for vehicles,” Vikram Kirloskar, president, Society of Indian Manufacturers (SIAM), said.

Kirloskar described the automotive industry as the engine of manufacturing sector growth for and a key support to sub-industries like components, capital goods, raw materials, electronics, chemicals, plastics and software.

“Revived growth in the automotive industry would have significant positive impact on these key downstream and upstream manufacturing sectors that largely depend on the performance of the auto sector,” Kirloskar added.

Mahindra and Mahindra’s

In this February 6 photo, Honda’s NSX concept car is displayed at the 12th Indian auto Expo in Noida.

(AP File Photo)

executive director Pawan Goenka told a television channel that the utility vehicles manufacturer would pass on the excise duty reduction to consumers and that he saw a reduction of Rs.40,000 in sports utility vehicle (SUV) prices.

In the interim budget 201415 speech Finance Minister Chidambaram reduced the central excise on small cars, scooters/two-wheelers from 12 to 8 percent. He also reduced the central excise from 30 percent to 24 percent on

SUVs, and medium segment sedans from 27-24 percent to 2420 percent, respectively.

Duty cuts positive for automobile sector: Analyst Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s decision to reduce ex-

cise duty on many vehicle segments is positive for two- and four-wheeler makers, said an analyst.

“The duty cut is positive for companies like Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra and Mahindra. The announcement by the finance minister is positive for the automotive sector and is likely to boost demand in the near term,” Yaresh Kothari, a research analyst at Angel Broking, told IANS here.

Chidambaram reduced the excise duty on small cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles to 8 percent from 12 percent. He also cut excise duty on sports utility vehicles (SUV) to 24 percent from 30 percent and medium sedans from 2724 percent to 24-20 percent.

For a long time, the automotive industry had been demanding cut in excise duty to spur demand. The manufacturers have been increasing the vehicle prices due to hike in their input costs.

Android app to solve ‘Airtel to buy Loop Mobile in Rs.700 crore deal’ February 17 (re- said the sources, who have direct potential acquirers in India. Both had Bengal farmers’ issues MuMbai, uters): India’s largest cellular car- knowledge of the matter. They de- to scale back their Indian operations

KolKata, February 17 (iaNs): West Bengal is set to introduce an android application that will link farmers with agricultural experts to provide solutions to their crop cultivation issues, a state agricultural department official said Monday.

Special agri-tech workers will relay the problems faced by farmers via an app to specialists who will aid in trouble-shooting.

The app ‘Mati Katha’ has been created with an investment of Rs.2.39 crore (in the first phase) with the help of a team of agricultural experts and the state information technology agency WEBEL. According to Himangshu Mondal, nodal officer, directorate of agriculture, 127 workers, who were recruited by the state government as part of the Krishi Proyukti Sahayak (KPS) or agri-tech assistants, will act as the inter-phase between the farmers and the specialists in six districts.

“The KPS are posted in gram panchayat levels and will be provided android tablets with GPRS connections to facilitate audio and video messaging, real-time, that will relay the problems to the agri-experts,” Mondal told IANS. “The project will be implemented in six districts - Burdwan, Nadia, North 24-Parganas, Hooghly, Bankura and Jalpaiguri - in the primary phase. It will be functional in a few days,” Mondal said.

Initially, it will run on 2G network and details of the service will be made available on the agriculture department page.

rier, Bharti Airtel Ltd, will buy small mobile operator Loop Mobile for about Rs.300 crore, two sources said, the first merger in six years in an industry long seen as ripe for consolidation.

Loop, which operates only in Mumbai with about 3 million subscribers, was up for grabs as a potential acquisition as its spectrum licence lapses on 28 November.

A purchase would enable Bharti to surpass Mumbai market leaderVodafone India Ltd by customer numbers, although not by revenue. Mumbai is one of the biggest cellphone markets in India.

The deal, which would also see Bharti take on Loop’s debt of Rs.400 crore, could be announced this week,

clined to be identified because the talks are not yet public. Bharti and Loop declined to comment.

“Loop was an old player with a base of higher-paying customers in a key market, so the deal is attractive for the acquirer,” said Rikesh Parikh, vice president for equities at Motilal Oswal Securities Ltd. Industry consolidation has been slow to take place in the world’s secondlargest cellular market due to challenging merger rules, including a new requirement that the buyer pay separately for the target company’s airwaves based on prices determined at an auction.

Norway’s Telenor ASA and Russia’s Sistema have also been seen as

Tata Sky launches DTH Karaoke service

MuMbai, February 17 (ageNcies): Direct-tohome (DTH) service provider Tata Sky has announced the launch of a new videobased music service, Actve Karaoke in partnership with Hungama.com.

The service is available for Rs 1990 which includes a mike and annual subscription. The service will be available from 20th February 2014 and is currently

available to subscribers with the Tata Sky+ HD box.

On-going annual subscription will cost Rs 600/- and one album will be available free. Albums available on the service include popular songs of Salman Khan, romantic hits, party hits and a range of collections featuring Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal among others.

Tata Sky’s Karaoke service showcases music vid-

_

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

because of a court order revoking all permits awarded in a scandal-tainted 2008 government process.

Sources said in 2012 that Telenor was in talks with Tata Teleservices, while media reports have linked Sistema to Aircel, the sixth-biggest carrier.

Parikh at Motilal Oswal Securities said similar deals to Loop were unlikely as there aren’t too many other small players with sufficient spectrum or an attractive customer base.

Loop Telecom, an associate company of Loop Mobile, lost its permits in 21 of India’s 22 telecoms service areas after the Supreme Court order on the 2008 wireless permits. Loop has denied any wrongdoing.

Game Number # 2795

eos along with lyrics and has a feature called the ‘Sur Meter’ that rates an individual’s singing performance and provides for interesting competition opportunities.

The song library will be refreshed on a monthly basis.

Vikram Mehra, chief commercial officer, Tata Sky said, “The love for singing and dancing is epitomized

by Bollywood movies. Be it wedding celebrations, a

picnic or a night out with friends, singing our favourite Hindi songs in loud chorus adds tremendously to the fun factor of any evening.

Capitalizing on this sentiment, Karaoke enables our subscribers to share a few laughs and great moments with family & friends without the need for an occasion.

Simply, tune into the service any time of the day for nonstop entertainment.”

NPCC Political Affairs Committee Questions NPF led DAN Government

T

he PAC seriously views the non performance of the NPF led DAN govt which has become immune to the woes and sufferings of the people. The total collapse of the state govt machinery on law and order front, the rampant unabated taxation by different organisations compounding the harassment of business community and burdening the public, the deplorable condition of roads across the state, the total apathy towards education sector by downgrading of 129 GHS, the random creation/ upgradation of administrative HQs without proper infrastructure, the inability to hold elections to local bodies are some of the major failures of the NPF led DAN govt for the past decade.

Since issues of public importance cannot be brushed aside, the NPF led DAN govt will have to answer the following questions on matters of governance where it faltered badly.

1. What happened to the promise made during 2003 state assembly elections by the NPF and its coalition partners of bringing solution to the Naga political problem within three months if voted to power? After 11 years in power, the NPF led DAN govt is still searching for that elusive solution.

2. Why the Hon’ble Chief Minister choose to remain silent on the entire Mukalimi episode when he is always quick to voice his support on issues concerning outsiders? Is the Chief Minister unhappy with a particular tribe for demanding punishment of criminals belonging to NSCN (IM) who had the audacity to outrage the modesty of a lady or whether the Chief Minister wanted the confrontation and bloodbath to continue?

3. What action is being taken by the NPF led DAN govt on the plight faced by the Rengmas of Assam who have been displaced from their homes in which they have been settled for centuries?

4. Why allow a chargesheeted criminal Imkong L Imchen to continue as Minister? Is Imkong L Imchen so powerful that the DAN govt is unable to take any action against him?

5. Why corruption has reached its zenith under the NPF led DAN govt? What has the Govt done to curb its menace?

6. Why there has been no action to curb the menace of unabated taxation that has severely crippled the state economy?

7. Why the state deficit has ballooned to unmanageable level despite enough budgetary allocation from the centre for the past decade?

8. Why drives the state govt on a borrowing spree with high rate of interest from different Financial Institutions? Why loans and advances are taken well above the permissible limit to land the state into a possible debt trap?

9. What prevents the state govt from submitting the Utilization Certificates for 2012-13 which has affected the state allocation from the centre during the current FY 2013-14?

10. Why the state govt failed to bring out “Works Programme” for 2013-14? Was it a gift to the people in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of statehood?

11. Why is the NPF led DAN govt scarred of holding local elections to municipal and town councils for the past four years on one pretext or the other? Is it a ploy to keep appointing NPF party workers as Chief Advisers and Advisers without any accountability and reduce the relevancy of these local bodies to a mere tax collecting agency without any visible development on ground?

12. What prompted the state govt to downgrade 129 GHS out of 147 newly upgraded GHS? 13. Why are the newly created/ upgraded Administrative headquarters not fully functional after gaining enough political mileage during 2013 assembly election?

KV Pusa Convenor, PAC

Joshua Sumi Member Secretary, PAC

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 # 2806

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 # 2794

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

BoNes of The humAN Body

CARPALS COCCYX FEMUR FIBULA MANDIBLE METACARPALS

RIB SACRUM SCAPULA STERNUM TARSALS TIBIA

METATARSALS

ULNA

PATELLA

VERTIBRAE

PHALANGES

XIPHOID

RADIUS

PROCESS

D S T M E T A C A R P A L S T B C E

L T V D R G U A O I I U T O M S L

S I N E E T I I T N K D A N N E C I

G A E W L A H T W D U A E R T A N

E X I P H O I D P R O C E S S A P R

J N O O O O S P T T P T F S T U C

A F O U S A R A Z Z H A I E A A L O

C I R P I T A A A E E B M C R A C

A R H A E L A L M A F I U R S H C

R R E I L R G A A K R R A R U A E Y

P T L B E N N T E B G K S M L E X

C A A N I G D A I L I R F T I S K I

L M L E I R N I E T A I E O C T T

S A S B S U B O B R D B R T Q I T

H I O L A R L N V A E I U N W V C I

N E L W A N K I R V U L U U J N L

ACROSS

W S S I U A R H T Y S A M E L U I

1. Aquatic plant 5. A type of dance 10. Schnozzola 14. Beloved 15. Unpaid 16. Not legs 17. Information 18. Deaths 20. Determine 22. Reasonable 23. Furrow maker 24. Narrow fissures 25. Upkeep 32. Large Asian country 33. More or less 34. Clothe 37. Blend 38. Love intensely 39. Guy 40. Female sheep 41. A garment 42. Sage 43. Ceramic ware 45. Not a single time 49. Dashed 50. Unceasing 53. Affinity 57. Clamorous 59. Notion

60. A Freudian stage 61. A shoulder firearm 62. Jetty 63. Stringed instrument 64. Aquatic mammal 65. Terminates

DOWN 1. Contributes 2. Jump 3. Way in 4. Spider 5. Caramelized sugar 6. On the road 7. Louse-to-be 8. Annoying insect 9. Leer at 10. Area of South Africa 11. Small African antelope 12. Refine metal 13. S S S S 19. Map within a map 21. Greek letter 25. Marcel Marceau was one 26. Again 27. Doing nothing 28. Point of greatest despair 29. Cancel 30. Not south 31. Prompt 34. A city in western Russia

35. Smell 36. Heredity unit 38. “Eureka!”

39. Downspout 41. Anagram of “Fires” 42. Break 44. Found at the end of a pencil 45. Pertaining to the oceans 46. Hard wood 47. Parish priest 48. Ancient Roman magistrate 51. Roman emperor 52. Fortitude 53. Govern 54. Norse god 55. Marsh plant 56. Sailors 58. Frequently, in poetry

Ans to CrossWord 2805

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

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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

222246 222491

CHEVROLET CARS PRICE FEBRuARy ‘2014 CAR MODELS

STARTING PRICE

SPARK 1.0 MCE

3,38,705/-

BEAT 1.2 (PETROL)

3,91,493/-

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4,23,265/-

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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

61.6 103.11 7.92

62.03 104.26 8.01

Australian Dollar

55.45

56.22

Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

48.77 56.01 60.42

49.34 56.69 61.15

Euro

84.26

85.18

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Mass social work in Kohima postponed SbaK ends pastors’ seminar kohima, February 17 (mexN): In view of the sudden inclement weather condition, the wards mass social work in Kohima scheduled for February 19 has been postponed to February 22.

It may be recalled that the mass social work organized by the state government was scheduled for February 19 at 7:00 AM to clean respective areas of the wards within Kohima in view of the visit of the Princess of Thailand to Angami Sekrenyi

on February 25.

On the request of the state government, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industries (KCCI) appealed all its members to participate in the said social work. KCCI joint secretary Kekhrienuo Moor in a release requested all the executive members to attend an executive meeting at KCCI Tower at 12:00 noon on the same day and discuss some very important issues.

Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): Sumi Baptist Churches Association (SBAK) Aizuto has concluded pastors’ renewal and development seminar, which was held under the theme, “The life of pastor and his family.” A total of 65 delegates (pastors) from different churches attended the seminar, according to a press release issued by Media & Communication, Literature in-charge SBAK, K Nitoyi Awomi.

The resource persons were Rev. Dr. Joshua Rochill, Executive Secretary; Hetoli Wokha, February informed all the beneficia- harassed by the banks for I. Chishi, Women Secretary; 17 (mexN): The Wokha ries under year of entrepre- a very long time.” In order District Entrepreneur Asso- neur (YOE), Government of to show grievances and to ciation has decided to hold Nagaland 2010, and PMEGP pave way for the future unagitation against State Bank 2012-13 to be present dur- employed youths of Wokha of India (SBI), Bank of Baro- ing the agitation on Febru- district, the Association felt da, and Axis Bank, and all ary 24, 8:00 am sharp at SBI, necessary to take up the is- Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): Nathe implementing agencies Wokha Town. sue in public, it stated.

(KVIB, DIC) for non-release Meanwhile, the AssoThe Association fur- tional Vector Borne Disof Prime Minister’s Em- ciation informed all public ther requested the public of ease Control Programme ployment Generation Pro- that “the agitation is be- Wokha Town for their kind (NVBDCP), Nagaland congramme (PMEGP) 2012-13. ing called as Wokha dis- co-operation and to bear ducted one-day training In this regard, the Associa- trict PMEGP beneficiaries all inconveniences caused on Indoor Residual Spray tion in a press release today were being delayed and by the agitation.

(IRS) for malaria vector control in collaboration with Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL) on February 4, 2014 at CMO conference hall, Dimapur.

A press release informed that IRS, a proven and highly effective malaria control measure, involves coordination, timely spraying of the interior walls of homes with insecticides. Mosquitoes are killed or repelled by the spray, preventing transmission of the disease.

Dr. T. Basu from HIL was the resource person of the training, where 60 district vector borne disease consultants (DVBDC)/ Malaria Technical Supervisor (MTS), MalarMembers of Rotaract Club Kohima during the first aid training with Kholie Dolf, lec- ia Inspector (MI) and Surturer in First Aid from St John Ambulance of India at LifePro, Kohima on February 15. veillance Inspector (SI)

Wokha entrepreneurs to agitate for non-release of PMeGP 2012-13

Rev. Picuto Yeputhomi, Mission & Evangelism Secretary; Rev. Mulato Chishi, principal, ATC. They spoke on the topics: “Renewal & development vision of pastors,” “Shepherding the sheep,” “How to bring lost souls to Christ,” and “Expository preaching & contextualizing the gospel” respectively.

The seminar speakers were Rev. Yehoto Chishi, Evangelist; Rev. Vitoshe K. Aye, Youth Secretary cum Director Urban Ministry; Rev. Tokhezhe Kiba, Executive Director, NSBAK. The Executive Secretary,

the note said, extended gratitude to all program officials for their effort and resourceful messages and also all church leaders for cooperation in making the program a grand success.

Administrative building of SBAK Aizuto was also inaugurated on February 16, 2014 by Rev. Dr. Joshua Rochill, Executive Secretary, in the presence of Council members, SBAK staffs, Church leaders, well wishers, and Er. Kahoto Sema, Chairman, Executive Council and Additional Director, Industries & Commerce Nagaland, Kohima.

Training held on malaria control measure

Dimapur

5

MEx FILE Dimapur Bar Association meeting Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): Dimapur Bar Association (DBA) has called a general body meeting on February 19, 1:30 pm. Therefore, all the members have been requested to attend the same without fail. All applicants seeking enrolment to the Bar have also been notified by DBA president, Imti Imsong and its secretary, Hukavi Zhimomi to be present for approval of their induction.

Naga Council calls meeting

Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): As per the request of Dimapur District Disabled Person Parents Association (DDDPPA) to have a co-ordination meeting for public awareness and for the welfare of disabled persons, Naga Council has scheduled a meeting on February 19, 11:00 am at Naga Council Unity hall. All Naga Council executive councilors, tribal Hoho, NWHD, DNSU, DDCCCF, GBs have been requested to attend the meeting. NGOs having concern for the welfare of disabled persons have also been invited to the meeting.

Assam Rifles apprehends armed miscreants

Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): Personnel of 29 Assam Rifles apprehended two armed individuals from a Maruti Swift Dzire (Registration No AS 01 W 6385) in Gholapatti area, near DDSC Stadium here on February 13 around 1:00 am. One .22 pistol along with a magazine was recovered from the two persons, identified as Andrew N Yepthomi (27) and Hoto Chishi (27), said a press release from Assam Rifles. The two were handed over to the East Police Station, Dimapur. The release informed that the operation was launched based on specific information about movement of armed individuals in the area.

AR apprehends extortionist Officials participate at the one-day training on Indoor Residual Spray held in Dimapur on February 4.

from all the districts participated. Dr. Sao Tunyi (M & E Consultant, NVBDCP, Nagaland) chaired the training. Dr. P. Tia Jamir (SPO, NVBDCP, Nagaland) highlighted about the importance of IRS. In the first session, Dr. T. Basu gave a PowerPoint presentation, in which he briefed about the objectives of IRS which is to reduce the life span of female mosquito population. In the second session, Dr. T Basu imparted a practical

Public SPace

training on the use of spray pumps, pump checking, nozzle checking, preparation of suspension, spraying practice (Distance, speed, time test) and pump cleaning which was followed by demonstration.

The success of IRS program lies on the efficient and uniform application of recommended insecticides on vector resting surfaces. The technical skills of spray operators are a critical requirement, the release noted.

Dimapur, February 17 (mexN): 37 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 6 Sector Assam Rifles launched an operation in Chumukedima on February 14 and apprehended one extortionist from Ward No 2. Assam Rifles, in a press release informed that a .22 pistol along with one magazine, two live rounds, and other miscellaneous items were recovered from the car of the accused identified as Zasiratuo Doze (37). According to Assam Rifles, public reported that the individual was involved in extorting money in the area since the past one month. The apprehended person was handed over to Diphupar police station.

CoRRIGeNDuM

The All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union 2012-13 batch has corrected that apropos to the press release published on February 17, “All Nagaland Hindi Teachers Union, Kohima Unit” should be read as All Nagaland Hindi Teachers Union 2012-13 batch and not as Kohima Unit.

When Nagaland Chief Minister wants to go to Delhi as Nagaland Member of Parliament Oken Jeet Sandham North East Press Service

E

ver since the rumor of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s desire to go to Delhi as an MP from the State broke out, many started studying on his political activities. Some political mild tremors have been going on for quite some time and almost all the NPF legislators in the State have also made their best efforts to reconsider his decision to go to Delhi as an MP from Nagaland. But all their attempts, reportedly, failed and it is now almost clear that he is going as a Nagaland MP to Delhi.

This unusual political development has thrown split opinions among the ruling political circles as to who would succeed him in the event of his departure from the State politics as an MP. Because one has to step in to lead the DANIII Ministry. Some of the senior Ministers namely

TR Zeliang, G Kaito Aye, Noke Konyak have been seen as main contenders in the race for CM’s post. It is, however, reported that Noke Konyak is not interested for the top job.

Talks are also reportedly doing the round that NPF President Dr Shurhozelie might be approached to take the baton from Rio if the leadership crisis is not resolved. But in the past also, some NPF legislators allegedly approached the NPF supremo to run the Government. But he reportedly turned down the idea. It may be mentioned that then Nagaland People’s Council (NPC) leader late Vamuzo, who was not an MLA then, also became Chief Minister of regional party in Nagaland in 1990.

In the House of 60 in Nagaland, the NPF legislators including the Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker, Chotisuh Sazo, are 38. So if the Chief Minister goes to Delhi as an MP and without the Assembly

Speaker, the NPF legislators will be 36 and these legislators (36 NPF) will have to decide who will be their next legislature party leader. And any legislator elected as their legislature party leader from amongst them will be their next Chief Minister.

Whether one likes it or not, formation of any Government in any given crucial period is a numbergame as the one who gets more legislators in his side automatically becomes leader. After all it is a democracy. If there is consensus, the problem ends. But if there are contenders for the leadership of the NPF legislature party, they have to go for votes and who get more legislators becomes their leader. There is no doubt about it.

If one looks at the fast emerging trend as the NPF party is going to sit to formally endorse the candidature of Chief Minister Rio as the official NPF candidate from the State for the

upcoming Lok Sabha elections, uncertain political wind has already started blowing and many seemed to be floating unknowing whom to support in case there is a contest for the leadership of the NPF legislature party.

But looking at the imminent unpredictable political scenario, the NPF legislators may study various factors including the stalled Naga political process between the Government of India and the Naga underground leaders before zeroing in on any one to be their next legislature party leader to become the next Chief Minister of Nagaland.

The State is still having many issues and they are yet to be addressed. The future is bleak. Unemployment has increased and likely to increase manifold.

Our economy will have a nosedive as the State’s finances are not seen improving. We can still remember how the last State

Rainbow Choir on participating at India’s Got Talent

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ainbow Choir, Nagaland came into existence with the motive and vision to be instrumental in bridging the gap between the NorthEast and the rest of India, through showcasing of North-Eastern cultural attires, patriotic lyrics and of course the universal language of music. As stated by our spokesperson during our Mega Audition performance, ours’ is not an aim to compete but rather to identify ourselves as Indians albeit differences in appearance and culture.

Thankfully our humble steps were attended by success as we made our way through the Mini Audition at Swabhumi Heritage Plaza, Kolkota on September 26, 2013 and Mega Audition at India’s Got Talent Studio Mumbai on November 29th, 2013. The

competition especially at the Mega Auditions was exhilarating as far as our experience goes, because we received extremely favourable comments from the esteemed panel of judges.

While none made any negative comment, Kirron Kher expressed her joy at our motive and participation; Karan Johar said, “Rainbow Choir, why did you stop singing, I want to hear you for the next fifteen minutes”; Malaika appreciated our art and costumes. What was most exciting was that we were assured pass into the semi-finale. Elated, we returned home on December 2nd, 2013 amidst euphoria to await dates for the next trip to MumbaiIndia’s city of dreams.

Wasting no time, we started preparing songs and costumes once again for the next round. The

atmosphere was urgent, warm and euphoric as we practised early morning after late night; the repeated mails we received from the organisers confirming our entry into the semis only fuelled our enthusiasm.

Nonetheless, confusion and doubt started creeping in as friends and fans started asking why our performance was never once telecast. Unwillingly, we had to note that something was amiss especially as our calls and emails went unanswered. Meanwhile pressure has been mounting as we ask ourselves if our performance as scrapped, we would answer our many benefactors who’ve been helping us in cash and kind. And till today, were preparing and waiting and asking and expecting while India’s Got Talent has gone on to announce the list of semi-finalists while our

name has been unceremoniously dropped.

A dozen questions cross our disturbed minds. Have we unwittingly become victims of discrimination like many of our North-Easterner friends? Is our wish to showcase the Indianness of Northeast too silly for India’s Got Talent platform?

Why have we been suddenly hung in the balance without any information?

We are left askance and there are no answers.

However, we refuse to be beaten. Rainbow Choir will bravely and proudly strive forward and explore avenues and platforms which respect our cause and art.

And with the blessings of many kind friends and well-wishers in our home state and beyond, Rainbow Choir keeps striving.

Rainbow Choir Nagaland

Annual Plan Size was finalized. In fact, over the last few years, no major developmental activities did take place in the State. There is hardly any visible sign of improvement in many sectors. They remain the same if not worse.

In the political front, in spite of Rio’s ruling for the last 11 years, no significant progress in the Indo-Naga political process was seen. Unfortunately, no party, whether it is the State Government or Delhi or NSCN (IM) leaders, can make the status of the Indo-Naga talks public even after 17 years of peace process. In fact, the tempo of the Indo-Naga political process is fast waning. The Government of India’s failure to even appoint new interlocutor for the resumption of moribund talks with the NSCN (IM) itself is a sign of weakness.

The State has also wit-

nessed the emergence of a new State Civil Body as Nagaland Tribal Council (NTC). Over the last few years, ENPO, the apex body for districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longlen and Kiphire, has even gone to the extent of demanding a full-fledged statehood of “Frontier Nagaland.” After this movement, they seemed to be growing stronger and united.

There are also some talks doing the round like Tenyide factor, ENPO factor, etc. coming in while searching new NPF legislature party leader. But such issues may not have any impact as many leaders had already experienced that such a bloc hardly worked except bringing more divisions. If there is no consensus, let there be free and fair election for the post of NPF legislature party leader and the outcome should be supported by all.

These are some of the

issues confronting us and the new Chief Minister whoever may be should be able to handle them with a fine equation.

Let us see the districtwise NPF legislators: Kohima – 6 NPF; Dimapur – 2 NPF; Peren – 2 NPF; Wokha – 1 NPF; Phek – 5 NPF; Zunheboto – 4 NPF; Mokokchung – 5 NPF; Mon – 6; Tuensang – 4; Kiphire – 2 and Longlen – 1.

Bottom line: Things are still vague the way Rio expressed his desire to go to Delhi as an MP because we have a slim chance to play any important role in the Parliament.

In fact, it would have been nice if he had some formal or informal consultations with the leaders of DAN allies like BJP and JD (U). Both the allies have one MLA each. NCP, which is also having 4 MLAs, supports the DAN Government.

The current Lok Sabha electioneering wave across

the country appears to be giving more weight to the BJP led by its dynamic Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. The country is heading for a hung Parliament, though the BJP is likely to emerge as the single largest political party in the event of the Lok Sabha elections. The North East Regional Political Front (NERPF) with Rio as its leader is unlikely to have any impact on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region.

In any case, a NPF MP is hardly seen any factor to the would-be post-poll BJP-led NDA scenario. The only factor is the Central BJP leaders may not ignore Rio as he has been seen as a strong anti-Congress stalwart in the region, besides his Christian background.

Surprisingly, the Naga issue has not come at the center stage in the current electioneering waves. It’s very interesting indeed.

service. For more accomplishment, the government has to give more sincere efforts and take constructive decisions.

The government as it moves ahead with achievements should see where it is failing. As they cannot succeed without solving the problems and challenges on their way. For instance, the most crucial issue recently is the inability of the government to pay the salaries of all its teachers. The hardworking SSA teachers are not getting their salaries regularly.

They get their salaries after three to four months. This is causing a lot of problems and hardships to the teachers. In fact, the more teachers’ suffers, the more the chances of student’s failure.

If this system continues it will not only cause troubles to teachers, but also lead to failures in the education system very soon. The salary is the only income for a

teacher to survive and run a family and home. Besides, how can a teacher be regular and sincere at school if they don’t get their salaries?

And if a teacher is irregular at school, how can the students receive quality education. The teachers are doing their best at school; they are also contributing to the government’s endeavor of imparting quality education.

It’s so very unfair not to get paid in spite of all the hard work and dedicated service.

Moreover, the state government is also receiving 90% of the funds from the central government to pay salaries to the SSA teachers. The state government’s burden is to pay only 10%.Despite this, something is wrong and the government is not in a position to pay the salaries. As it’s a new year, the teachers and students are looking forward for the start of new academic session.

It’s an appeal and expecta-

tion that the government will pay the teachers’ salaries on time.

As the government continues this unending task of education, the contribution and service of the teachers is indispensable. The government cannot achieve success without the commitment and active participation of the teachers. The government needs the teachers and the teachers need the government. The students depend on their teachers, and the teachers and students again directly or indirectly depend on the government. If the government fails, or delays to perform its duty, it results to damaging impacts on the teachers and students.

The right decision of the government can bring the right changes to the teachers, students and the education system of Nagaland.

The Government and SSA Teachers

D

id you know? The DAN government is doing its best to promote and develop education in the state. It’s one of their priority tasks as a responsible government .The government has done a commendable job by constructing more school buildings in towns and even in the remotest areas.

To activate these schools, the government has also recruited many new teachers. With availability of many government schools, children can have access to school education for free.

The positive result is that, the enrolments in the government schools are increasing every year. This means that the quality of education in government schools has improved.

The government deserves praise and support. The credit also goes to the sincere and qualified teachers for their dedication and

Thungchamo Lotha Primary Teacher Dimapur

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

6

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express TuEsDAy 18 FEbruAry 2014 vol. IX IssuE 46

Behind the Façade

B

ehind the façade of uniformity in every government bureaucracy or organization, you will find real people with a wide spectrum of reasons for maintaining rank within the hierarchy. Often these reasons have more to do with basic human survival, the desire to have work and status, rather than based on ideological affinities and shared values.

A deeper understanding of what motivates people to do what they are doing to maintain a façade of uniformity, especially in the context of a government, enables reflective discourse for social change. This does not mean that people in the workforce are aware of supporting the status quo or a condition of uniformity. For instance, it was a matter of colonial policy to choose and organize the military based on sectarianism and ethnicity. Similarly, colonial governments offered substantial benefits to those who cooperated with them in dominating their own people. Colonial policies were introduced with the intention to divide and rule.

Communication is difficult and sometimes impossible in situations of conflict which makes it imperative for leaders to carefully nurture and create opportunities to build relationships with ordinary people. Many times persons in leadership roles are too consumed with the day to day work, especially in conflict torn societies, that limits their ability to reach out to the people they are serving. If the work of government and other organizations was truly people centered, most aspects of their work would shift because it would require the people’s input. All too often differences grow out of misunderstandings which could easily have been prevented by adopting simple measures to strengthen effective communication, consultation and participation.

One constructive shift is to transition from a consultative process to more inclusive processes with an ongoing process of dialogue which involves action and reflection; and a paradigm shift from a monologue to a dialogue. This can be accomplished using various approaches to engage people, giving them the opportunity to participate in different ways. One approach could be using both consultations and public rallying, as they are interrelated, each with significant functions. Public rallying creates space for expressing support of an idea, whereas consultation secures sincere and critical suggestions and opinions on decisions whose outcome has not yet been fully determined. However, the dialogue would be the superglue providing the continuity between these various approaches where people could give their feedback, preferences and lessons learnt.

Engaging active people’s participation and inspired leadership are both essential for social change to come about. Through encouraging and supporting leaders, their political will becomes stronger enabling them to initiate transparent and inclusive processes that ensure full participation. This has the potential to catalyze nonviolent social action and stimulate political imagination, which goes behind the façade of uniformity.

lEfT wiNg |

Gaurav Sharma IANS

49 days of adrenalinepumping; will it return?

I

IN-FOCUS

t was yet another day when I was woken up by the alarm tone of my mobile phone at 7.30 a.m. only to realise that I would no longer be covering the feeble-looking but feisty Arvind Kejriwal who shook up Delhi's political landscape in just 49 days as the chief minister.

The resignation of Kejriwal and his six young cabinet ministers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the stalling of Jan Lokpal Bill - touted as the panacea for corruption - in the assembly has ended a chapter which some would term "glorious" and others "turbulent".

It all began Dec 28 when the activist-turned-politician took oath as the chief minister at the historic Ramlila Maidan in the heart of the capital that was thronged by over a lakh of people hoping to see a new alternative political system.

Choosing a sprawling ground for the swearing-in over the Delhi assembly was his first step towards breaking political conventions.

There was a sense of scepticism among the fraternity of journalists - which seeps into their personality over a period of time - whether Kejriwal's intention to "serve the people" was kosher as he had taken outside support of the Congress to form the minority government.

Under the weight of expectations of 16 million people, the rookie establishment set sail by reshuffling bureaucrats considered "loyal" to the Congress which ruled Delhi for 15 years.

Delhi Secretariat was thrown open to public on the AAP's maiden day in power - an unprecedented act.

Within a few days, the AAP began delivering on its big ticket promises on which it had wrested power from the Grand Old Party of India - the Congress - which has ruled the country for over five decades.

Contrary to the expectations of its critics and political opponents, who had termed its promises impractical, the AAP delivered on cheap water and power.

The government worked on weekends, giving a tough but exciting time to journalists who were never short of stories.

Even a single line statement by the chief minister was a story for journalists, who relentlessly reported each and every step of the government. It seemed like a carnival.

Reporting on the AAP government in Delhi proved to be a blessing as I was becoming a part of the history which I do not see being repeated in the foreseeable future.

Despite being under pressure to deliver stories on time, what kept me going were the anecdotes I will regale posterity with.

I might not get a chance to see any chief minister staging a sit-in in his own state and sleeping on the road. And I might also not witness the sight of a law minister (Somnath Bharti) raiding a house with a posse of party men, allegedly to uncover a drugs and prostitution ring.

It will be hard to see another chief minister eschewing red beacon motorcades and sprawling colonial-era bungalows.

His grey coloured muffler and floater sandals worn over socks became the talk of the town.

The 49-day tumultuous and action-packed reporting on AAP government has come to a sudden - though, I think, scripted - end.

It would be interesting to see whether the AAP will be able tap into the disgust of people over pervasive corruption and bureaucratic indifference and enter the Indian parliament with the same bang it entered the assembly of Delhi.

It may be premature to write the political obituary of a man who scripted his 'sudden death'. There is little doubt he will remain a tormentor of the Congress and the BJP and will continue to set the political agenda in the months to come.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Neil Howard

The transforming power of metaphor

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want to talk about metaphors. In particular, how metaphors structure what we think about society, ‘human nature,’ and thus what kind of world we believe is possible. What I’m going to say isn’t revolutionary - in the sense that it hasn’t been said elsewhere by other people - but it does have revolutionary implications.

What is a metaphor? We use them all the time: they are simply a way of thinking about something in terms of something else. To illustrate, let’s use the example of sport. Three common metaphors are below: • ‘Bayern Munich are a machine’ (that’s a German football club in case you didn’t know) • ‘Peyton Manning is a metronome’ (he’s a quarterback in the other, American brand of football) • ‘Old Trafford is a fortress’ (ok, another football example, that’s Manchester United’s ground)

None of these statements is literally true. Bayern Munich are obviously not a machine – they are 11 welltrained guys running around and kicking a football. But the idea of a machine expresses how well they function at what they do. By saying that ‘they are a machine,’ we evoke characteristics like power, efficiency and reliability.

The same is true of ‘Manning’s metronome.’ Peyton isn’t a real metronome, of course, but his arm is so accurate and highly-attuned that he reminds us of something metronomic. Likewise with Old Trafford, which isn’t a real fortress, but it used to be so hard to go there and win that fans would use the idea of a fortress as something imposing, fearsome and impenetrable to express that fact.

Why are metaphors so important?

First, because human brains and language operate by using them - they are basic building blocks of how we think and communicate. We make sense of the world by seeing how one part of it relates to and is reflected in another.

Second, metaphors are important because they structure not only how we see the world, but also how we are able to see it, and thus how we are able to remake it.

What do I mean? To continue with the football analogy, it used to be said that teams who went to Old Trafford were always half-beaten before they’d arrived. This wasn’t just because Manchester United were a very good team; it was also because teams went there thinking of Old Trafford as a fortress from which they’d never emerge other than defeated, so they denied themselves even the possibility of a victory. Teams went there with self-defeating fear.

Let’s take another example from beyond the realms of sport. A common metaphor in society, and one examined at length by the those who first started looking at this stuff in detail, is the metaphor that ‘argument is war.’ Think of the following everyday expressions: • ‘Your claims are indefensible’.

• ‘I demolished her argument’.

• ‘He shot down all of my positions’.

• ‘You can’t win a debate like that’.

We talk about arguments in terms of war, and so we see and experience them in that way. We think about winning or losing. When someone challenges what we say, we see that person as a threat, and

T

he robust growth of the Indian media industry over the past two decades has been well documented.

From a single state-owned news channel (Doordarshan) and radio station (All India Radio) until the early 1990s, the figures have grown exponentially.

In his essay “More News is Good News: Democracy and Media in India”, eminent journalist Prannoy Roy estimates that there may be as many as 250 news channels before the general elections of 2014. There has been a similar growth in the radio industry with nearly 250 private FM stations, although they do not have the license to broadcast news. Newspaper circulation has also increased with the spread of education.

However, the boom in the news industry has been accompanied by growing calls for content regulation. Although the conduct of the print media is under the vigilance of Press Council of India (PCI), the electronic media is largely unregulated. The proposition of PCI’s chairman Markandey Katju to bring the electronic media under the purview of the Council has been largely debated and contested.

In a democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. While the other three pillars, that is, executive, legislature, and judiciary are institutionally accountable, the media has a free run, leading to demands for external regulation of content.

However, many argue that the media has an internal system of checks and balances and tampering with this system might curb the powers of the press to act as the watchdog. External regulation might lead to stringent censorship of the Press as was the case during the Emergency imposed

Metaphors are the basic building blocks of how we think and communicate with one another. Let’s use more that speak to the highest elements of human nature, not just war and competition

adopt a defensive position. I have done this consistently throughout my life, and now I see how destructive it can be.

But what if I’d used a different metaphor for disagreement, like a ‘dance’ or a ‘team-game’? In the former case, I wouldn’t think of winning or losing, attacking and defending; I’d think of harmony, balance and the dovetailing of movement. In the latter, I’d have seen every position as a building-block towards the creation of shared meaning: ‘what you say adds to what I said, and together we can improve on both.’

So, metaphors do matter. They represent and create meaning. They create the world as it is and as it can be. What of the major social and political metaphors we live by? What are their implications?

The dominant socio-political metaphor of our time is that of competition, as in ‘life is a competition, and human beings are competitors built to play it’.

Let’s think about this first at the macro-level, in terms of society and the economy. How often do you hear from politicians that ‘we need to be more competitive’, that ‘we’re in a global race’, that we need to be ‘streamlined and efficient’, because in races there are only winners and losers? Have you heard about China ‘overtaking us’, about the need to ‘get educated and get ahead’, about our labour-market needing ‘greater flexibility’ in order for us to innovate and ‘stay in front’? What about the notion of ‘limited resources’ over which we must compete, lest our competitors take them and we are left with nothing?

This thinking also applies at the level of the individual. When we hear about ‘human nature,’ it’s frequently in the context of reports that tell us that people are innately selfish, or that they’ll scrounge off you if they can get away with it. Capitalism, the market-society, is the only system we can have because communistic cooperation ‘goes against human nature.’ In scientific thought, human beings evolved as the victor in a competitive, genetic race to universal dominance, the ‘survival of the fittest.’

I don’t deny evolutionary mechanisms or argue that all competition is bad. Far from it. Some competitive instincts are fundamental to our species, and some competition is great - in football, for example (there’s a surprise).

But competition is not all that we are. So when we limit ourselves to understanding individuals and societies in terms of competition alone, we deny the co-operative element that is equally fundamental to our nature and also the potential key to a better, freer, fairer world.

Co-operation is everywhere. It is sewn into the fabric of our lives. Very few parents approach their children as competitive enemies, for example. Or think of the times on the bus when you see someone offer their seat to an older person, or when someone carries someone else’s bag up the stairs. Think of when you exchange glances with a stranger, even for just a second, and you share that most basic, non-competitive of gestures, the smile. Or think of Wikipedia - an entire global phenomenon built by people who co-operate for nothing, simply to enjoy themselves by sharing knowledge for the good of humanity. That too is ‘human nature’.

That’s precisely what feminists, ethics-of-care theorists and a good many socialists have been arguing for years: that we human beings are far more than just competitors, we are also lovers, carers, protectors and providers. We are hard-wired by evolution not only to compete but also to work together and to help each other through the messy business of survival. In fact, without the ‘human nature’ of care and co-operation, there would be no competition at all, because none of us would make it past the entirely-dependent stage of infancy.

The metaphor that humanity and society equal competition is a lie: if all we did was compete, we simply wouldn’t exist.

What are the implications of all this for society and politics? If the metaphors we live by structure how we think and what we do, then they also limit or free us to create a different world. Currently, we live in a narrow-minded world that tells us we’re built to fight against each other and that competition is unavoidable. This is a world that teaches us that life is a winner-takes-all race and that those few who win it - 85 of them according to Oxfam - are entitled to be as rich as the poorest 3 billion people put together. This is nonsense. What metaphors show us is that life is only a competitive race if we believe that it’s only a competitive race. That means that another world is possible.

This isn’t to deny the militarized obstacles and organized injustices that oppress us and stand in our way, or to pretend that the entrenched interests that are ranged above us won’t fight to keep competition front and centre. I’m not saying that ‘if you simply change your mind, the whole world changes with you.’ But by changing our metaphors, we can change our minds, and make a pretty good start at changing the world around us. Other worlds only become possible when we realise that the one we live in isn’t inevitable. Understanding metaphor shows us that this venal, competitive, rat-race of a world isn’t all that ours could be.

We can, wherever possible, choose not to compete. We can choose to try and create more co-operative, loving, caring relationships and communities; ones that are structured to bring out those higher elements of our ‘human nature.’ We can reject the rules of those who tell us that extreme inequality and poverty are inevitable, simply because ‘competition’ says so. We can be more open, more prepared to share and distribute what we have among ourselves according to our needs, rather than our power.

Wouldn’t that be better than staying on the ‘battlefield?’

Indian Mass Media: What lies beneath Malyamita bandyopadhyay Countercurrents.org

by Indira Gandhi. Any form of external regulation will curb the ambit and meaning of free press.

Others, like Krishna Prasad, the Editor-in-Chief of Outlook magazine say that content should not be the major concern, but what drives the production of inferior quality content should.

Media practitioners are concerned about ownership patterns and trade practices that govern the industry, as the content is largely determined by these factors.

Despite subscription and advertisement-based revenue models, the media has not been able to resist corporate influence. Reliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani’s recent investment of purchasing 95% of the stocks of Infotel, a TV consortium with 27 entertainment and news channels in almost all regional languages is an example.

Apart from this, the media is also viewed as a platform to influence the public and get votes, and hence political parties float news channels to widen their voter base. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s Kalaignar TV floated in opposition to Kalanidhi Maran’s Sun TV is an example of

this. Others like Jaya TV function as the mouthpiece of AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) headed

by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha. Such political allegiances disrupt fair exchange of ideas and hinder a democratic decision-making process. There needs to be strict governance about corporate and political alliances of media houses as the content they generate is largely determined by their owners.

Trade practices like cross-media ownership also need to be regulated.

The absence of restrictions in this regard has allowed certain conglomerates and companies to dominate markets horizontally (that is, control certain geographic locations), as well as vertically (that is, own different media platforms like press, radio, internet and television).

In a report to the government of India, Advertising Standards Council of India, a self-regulatory voluntary organization, pointed out that the practice of cross-media ownership is highly concentrated in regional media markets in comparison to national markets. Such tendencies shut out all avenues of healthy competition, leading to monopolization and cartelization

wRiTE-wiNg

of the media, wherein, the content is largely coloured to suit the interest of the corporate or political owner.

There also needs to be regulation as far as integrity within the news media is concerned. In recent times, the Indian media has seen the phenomenon of paid news, where the electronic media, newspapers and magazines publish articles in favour of institutions and political parties in exchange for money. The news is like an advertisement without a tag, and often deceives readers. Moreover the payment practices violate tax laws.

P. Sainath, journalist at The Hindu says, “The phenomenon of “paid news” goes beyond the corruption of individual journalists and media companies. It has become pervasive, structured and highly organized and in the process, is undermining democracy in India.” Corruption within the media undermines its own function of maintaining the democratic structure of India by keeping a check on the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Content is the final outcome of the different influences that govern the functioning of the media. Thereby imposing regulations on content will be a superficial solution to handling problems like inferior standards of reportage and sensationalization of news. It is important to look deeper at the underlying malaise that afflict the news media and impose regulations on the system that govern its functioning, rather than concentrating merely on the end result.

Malyamita Bandyopadhyay is a student of journalism studying at Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. I am interested in politics and current affairs.

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 Transforming societies in Myanmar:

TuEsday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

18 February 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

The Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation Lahpai seng Raw Source: kachinlandnews.com Ethnic Relations With regard to how the Bamars – the ethnic majority group – view ethnic minorities, a couple of quotes I found, stuck away in apparently non-contentious articles, to be quite disquieting and revealing.

Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, on her recent visit to Chin State was quoted in The Irrawaddy as saying: “The government should keep in touch with ethnic people to learn what they need.”

To me, the quote comes across as saying: ‘We the government; We the NLD; We the Bamas; will look after you’. The way I see it, if ‘the government’ includes true representatives of the ethnic peoples – not just those that are centrally handpicked – they will make sure their constituents’ interests and needs are heard and attended to. That is what federalism is about.

On a similar note, Dr. Dagmar Hellmann-Rajanayagam of the University of Passau, Germany, explains in her paper “Approximations to the Kachins”, why the British were caught so off guard in 1946, when the Kachins opted for independence and Union with the Bamars and other ethnic groups.

She writes: In hindsight, it is not really difficult to see why. The Kachins were treated by the British something like the gnomes of Harry Potter fame, the useful and loyal, but in the first place slightly dumb and easily-led lesser beings, who are supposed to exist to serve the higher wizards. The perceptions of the British were coloured by their own interests: they presumed to speak for the Kachins, but rarely bothered to find out what the latter actually thought and wanted.

I sincerely hope today’s Bamars, the elites and the more educated, do not have the Harry Potter wizard syndrome.

In the years after independence, ethnic nationals, cofounders of the Union, finding themselves marginalized and excluded from the decision making process, took up arms to make their voices heard. Decades of armed conflict in ethnic regions have resulted in uneven distribution of wealth and lack of access to education. This has the potential of making minorities more susceptible to populist ideas, the false promises and short-term development offers of government cronies and foreign companies out to further their own economic interests.

Another equally appalling instance is a draft drawn up by a government committee for the Comprehensive Education Sector Review. The section on education goals states, “students have to be taught to have the right idea based on Myanmar national characteristics.”

“Right idea”?? Only “Myanmar national characteristics”?? What of all the other ethnic groups?? Many were horrified to think how this could be interpreted or put into practice. On the positive side, these objections and queries have been put up to the committee for review.

And yes, we the minority, the non-Bamar ethnic nationals, must also realize that it is high time to cultivate the Bamar majority’s support in our cause and merge our respective goals into one.

The success of the Save the Irrawaddy Campaign is just such an example. The fight to stop construction of a major dam on the Irrawaddy Confluence was first initiated by the Kachins, at the upper reaches of the river. But when the devastating consequences of such a dam caught nationwide attention, concerned citizens from all walks of life and ethnicity joined hands to launch the campaign that compelled the President to suspend construction during his term of office.

organizations get. In other words, strengthening Civil Society and Building Peace are intertwined.

A woman smokes as she waits for customers at a local bazaar near a railway station in outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday, February 6, 2014. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

the Constitution stipulates that constitutional amendments can only be made by a vote of more than 75% of all the representatives of Parliament.

Also of serious concern is the very structure of the State in which military spending is estimated to take up as much as 21% of the national budget. Added to this is the burden borne by communities in ethnic regions for the upkeep of non-state military groups, and people’s militias created by the Tatmadaw to further expand military control over contested territories and act as counters to ethnic opposition forces.

As long as conflict continues, maintaining these forces will be a drain on local finances and communities.

All armed groups would do well to take note that provisioning their troops with local supplies invariably incites the people against them, as evidenced by the end result of Napoleon’s strategy of living off the land during the early 19th century Peninsular War that led to his down fall.

A Federal Army?

In the face of all these complexities, transitioning the present Tatmadaw into a more inclusive federal army, as envisioned by 17 ethnic resistance organizations, presents itself as an attractive, viable alternative.

Gen. Gun Maw, deputy chief of the Kachin Independence Army, a key peace talks negotiator, and Myanmar’s 2013 Person of the Year according to an online survey conducted by the Democratic Voice of Burma, had this to say when asked on the topic in a recent Irrawaddy interview.

“What we want is a Tatmadaw that includes all nationalities, because we all live in this country together.

That is why we are calling for a Federal Union Army. But how to transform the current Tatmadaw is something that we have to discuss with everyone concerned.”

A good model for such a force would be the British Armed Forces, with its proven track record of integrating different national contingents like the Irish, Gurkha and others from Commonwealth countries under one command. The UK, in my opinion, is in a very good position to enable this process as it is currently “engaging with” the Tatmadaw, and providing “training aimed to expose future senior officers to new thinking, and encourage the Tatmadaw to prepare for a new role.”

In this centennial year of the outbreak of WWI, I would like to challenge the British government to commit to this cause in commemoration of the Kachins, Chins and Karens who served and fought valiantly for the British Empire in the Mesopotamian Campaign in WWI, and the Allied cause in WWII. President Thein Sein’s monthly radio address on February 1, urging lawmakers to take into account the demands of ethnic armed groups in any future constitutional amendments, is reason to hope that the evolvement of the Tatmadaw into a more ethnically integrated military can become a reality once a strong federal structure is in place.

The Role of the Military Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander in Chief of the Defence Services, in his 2013 Armed Forces Day speech, sums up the 3 main objectives of the Tatmadaw (as the military is known in Myanmar) as: nondisintegration of the union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Article 340 of the 2008 constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar states: “With the approval of the National Defence and Security Council, the Defence Services has the authority to administer the participation of the entire people in the Security and Defence of the Union. The strategy of the people’s militia shall be carried out under the leadership of the Defence Services.”

There can be no dispute that in present day Myanmar, the role of the Tatmadaw is not simply confined to national defense. The Tatmadaw is currently the most powerful single component in Parliament, with 25% seats held directly by military personnel and a further 52% held by the military-backed Union Solidar- Constitution ity and Development Party. This gives the Tatmadaw in Myanmar’s current constitution is not inclusive essence, absolute legislative control, as Section 436 in and neither does the current initiative for peace lay

W

hile Vladimir Putin and rich Olympic sponsors watch the Winter Games in gleaming arenas, boys in nearby Bolshoi Kichmai herd their goats by tying them to rickety bicycles, riding against the wind through a rocky valley where invading Russian armies slaughtered their ancestors 150 years ago.

These Circassian boys, their families and neighbors are the real hosts of the Sochi Olympics. Circassians, a Muslim ethnic group native to these lush lands that Putin chose for his hegemonic Olympic project, were massacred and exiled by czarist troops, persecuted under Stalin and largely ignored in the run-up to the Sochi Games.

Members of the Circassian diaspora from New Jersey to Turkey and Israel have protested, arguing that Olympic skiing and other events are being staged on the blood of their forebears. But Circassians who still live in villages sprinkled through the Sochi region are loath to put up a fuss.

The people of Bolshoi Kichmai worry more about securing a long-awaited gas pipeline and paved roads than righting historical wrongs. And they fear that confronting powerful Russian authorities could invite new discrimination against a long-powerless minority.

"We don't need to throw stones at the past, we need to look forward," said Aisa Achmizov, who runs the small folk art museum in Bolshoi Kichmai, which he hopes will

out a clear plan to address the legitimate concerns of the co-founders of the Union, the non-Bamars. The reality so far is a huge contestation. It is not encouraging that amending this flawed constitution is in the hands of a handpicked legislature which in no way is a body representative of society as a whole.

Resource sharing Resource sharing is another contentious issue in our country. Myanmar is a resource rich country, and government revenues come chiefly from selling off resources found mainly in ethnic minority states. As a result, one large and growing barrier to peace is the resource trade.

There is bound to be conflict when the government acts arbitrarily in garnering and profiting from the country’s natural resources. The inequity in resource sharing, the land grabbing and environmental destruction that accompany resource extraction, have further exacerbated the acrimony that already exists over political inequality.

The UN Human Rights Rapporteur Mr. Quintana, whose visit to Rakhine in August 2013, coincided with the local people’s call for resource sharing had this to say: “Addressing the issue of underdevelopment and poverty, including the sharing benefits from the state’s natural resources with local inhabitants, must be considered as vital to finding solutions to the crisis in Rakhine State.”

The Rakhines simply wanted to know what they, as the locals, would get from all the resource trade in their region. It is only natural that they should want a certain amount of local autonomy, budgeting, authority in education and legislation to develop their own communities and state. This call of the Rakhine represents that of all other states – Chin, Kachin, Shan, Karen, Kayah and Mon. In short, it is important that as our country presses on to resolve a myriad of underlying political difficulties and grievances, it should not be allowed to sidestep resource sharing issues. Durable peace and genuine transition to democracy must be inclusive and take into consideration the needs of all ethnic groups within the country.

The Peace Process Currently, our government is pushing for a nationwide ceasefire that would lead to a peaceful settlement with the armed ethnic groups. Those of us who have doubts about the capacity and political will of the government’s professed search for peace should consider ways and means of transforming conflict into lasting peace.

Ceasefires are of no value unless transformed into lasting peace. And for that to happen, civil society needs to be at the helm as the real owner of the process.

Armies can agree to ceasefires between themselves, but they cannot make peace – peace requires the people.

We need to look at a comprehensive peace process that involves grassroots people and civil societies, not just military and political leaders. A successful transformation will rely on the extent to which communities are empowered, and the support local

Civil Society Organizations Years of mismanagement by successive authoritarian governments and unabated armed conflicts have impacted Myanmar society and paralyzed them. There is no short cut to reverse this, but the fact remains: getting civilians to make their own choices and getting their voices back are the deciding factors in bringing about lasting peace in our country.

For those advocating change in Myanmar, I would caution them not to undermine local initiatives, as the reality is that local agendas are vital to bringing about true democracy and lasting peace.

Interestingly, over the last 20 years, scarcity of aid in our country had actually created more room for local agencies to determine eventual programming. Had we been flooded with aid after the 1990 elections, local NGOs like Metta, Myanmar Egress, Paung Ku, Ecodev, Shalom, etc., would not have had the chance to grow and flourish as they have done. It is ironic that now that the country has become more open, more challenges are being faced to strengthen civil society.

To those who think Myanmar civil society groups do not have the capacity to act as agents of change, let me give a couple of case studies: • A local group of women, self-funded and working as a small group with no staff, launched the Whistle for Help campaign to help young women who faced sexual harassment daily as they bus to school and work. In about a month, the women gathered over 300 volunteers, distributing over 30,000 whistles and information sheets. This campaign was the first led by women for their own benefit in the country’s history, without outside determination of need, funding, or the banner of “women’s empowerment”.

• In the wake of clashes between Burmese government forces and the Kachin Independence Army around Mansi Township in November 2013, up to 3,000 Kachin villagers were forced to flee their homes, trekking through the jungles for days. It was only through the efforts of local NGOs that they were brought to safety.

This incident clearly shows that local NGOs are in a better position to operate more efficiently in assisting the IDPs. They are the lead agencies and have the local context. They are the ones who are able to reach the IDPs in conflict zones, even in the most difficult of times.

Because of their efforts, no Kachin IDP has died of hunger. They are, however, very much in need of funding.

Internally Displaced People (IDP) There are currently 500,000 IDPs nationwide, with half of them in Kachin and Rakhine, living in appalling conditions and in need of urgent humanitarian help in spite of the basic help, which local NGOs – above all in Kachin – can and do supply. In addition to providing for the basic needs of these innocent civilians caught up in the crossfire of conflicts, we need to explore existing and potential solutions to ensure their protection and rights.

The Census Process Almost all non-Bamar ethnic nationals have expressed their concerns about the population census process assisted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). They have expressed doubts about the validity of the government’s official tally of 135 recognized ethnic groups. The census procedure is seen as alienating and breaking up ethnic national identity, and objections have been made to the highest levels of authority.

A centrally controlled process without the full participation of, and dialogue with all stakeholders, should be avoided at all cost, especially in a country ridden with complexities such as ours.

Conclusion To sum up, the hard work begins: constitutional reform, legal reform, investment reform, redefining the role of the military, tackling systemic corruption, achieving sustainable economic development, restoring rights to public education and health care, preventing human rights and environmental abuses – all of which will take many years. Needless to say, an enabling environment in which civil society can thrive is crucial.

There will be no lasting peace settlement in Myanmar unless there is a just and equitable relationship among the various ethnic groups and faith communities. Failure to do so will only perpetuate long-standing conflicts, human suffering and political crises, with the potential of straining once again, Myanmar’s relations with the international community.

(Excerpts from the keynote address given at the Asia Pacific Sociological Association Conference, Chiangmai University, on February 15, 2014; reformatted and edited in part)

Olympics divide Sochi's indigenous Circassians

bring in more visitors thanks to the Olympics. "You have to know the history of your country. But I don't want to say too much."

Russia's most prominent terrorist, Doku Umarov, made matters worse by adopting the Circassians' cause. In a warning last year, the Chechen rebel leader urged Muslim extremists to target the Games.

Circassians insist they are peaceful and have nothing to do with Umarov's threat.

But it has made the villagers of Bolshoi Kichmai even more wary of speaking out.

Activists say Umarov's threat has provided Russian security services a pretext to increase document checks and pressure on women in headscarves and men with long beards across the Caucasus.

The Circassians are one piece in a patchwork of more than 100 ethnic groups across the Caucasus whose warrior traditions and resistance to outside rule loom large in Russia's history and collective consciousness.

The people of Bolshoi Kichmai are from one of several Circassian groups, the Shapsug.

That diversity contributes to Russia's cultural wealth — and has posed challenges to Russian rulers ever since they brought the soaring peaks and seashores of the Caucasus region under the imperial yoke.

The conquest ended in the 1860s after

angela Charlton associated Press decades of scorched-earth warfare, mass killings and expulsions that some label genocide. The Circassians surrendered in 1864 in the city of Sochi, and exiled Circassians scattered across the Caucasus and around the world.

Today, Circassians in New Jersey have a tight-knit community whose congressional representative defends their interests.

Circassians in Jordan are among the country's elite.

Circassians in Bolshoi Kichmai, by contrast, struggle to get by on tourism in a town with few amenities, just a few dozen kilometers from Olympic events but a world away from their glory.

The toilet at the folk art museum is an outhouse with a hole in the floor. Firewood is the primary fuel for many families. Grandparents fight a losing battle to ensure that the goat-herding boys and other village children speak their native dialect.

And well water is running dry, after a company building railroads for the Olympic project hauled away huge amounts of gravel from the Shakhe river, disrupting its flow through town. Residents filed a

lawsuit against the company, but are still waiting for results.

It's the latest of many ways the Circassians have been wronged.

The No Sochi campaign (www.nosochi2014.com) wants Russian authorities to recognize what happened in 1864 as a genocide, to allow Circassians from around the world to move back to ancestral lands, and an end to de facto quotas for Circassians in local police, government and other positions.

Amid the pressure, regional authorities belatedly acknowledged that the Olympic sites are on what was once Circassian land, and Olympic organizers hastily erected a Circassian House in Olympic Park.

A mini-museum displays a sanitized version of their history, with iron and bronze tools and embroidered sheepskin robes. An adjacent stage hosts children's dances and harmonic songs of Circassian love and legend. In each room stands what appears to be a minder from the security services, watching in silence.

The Circassian House falls far short of a national apology. And Putin last week dismissed Circassian protests abroad as a tool in a campaign against Russia's global influence.

"Efforts to restrain Russia are cropping up here and there, including, un-

fortunately, efforts to use the Circassian factor as an instrument concerning this Olympic project," he told a Circassian leader at a community meeting.

Some ethnic Russian visitors at the games reflect their leader's view.

"In the history of any country there are moments like this," said Igor Negubailo, a lawyer from the regional capital of Krasnodar. He said he looked online to learn more about the Circassians after hearing the diaspora was protesting the games, but dubbed it a "provocation" and insisted that his Circassian friends don't share the same concerns.

Few foreigners at the Olympics seem familiar with the Circassians' story. Athletes from the U.S., Germany, Slovakia and Finland returned puzzled stares when asked about them.

Matt Chelap, a sports marketer from Atlanta watching luge races, said, "Coming from the United States and how we treated native Americans, I guess I'm not surprised by it. But it is sad to hear indigenous people were taken out of it."

Circassian spectators are hard to find.

Bolshoi Kichmai's residents are leading their lives as if the Olympics weren't happening just a few valleys away.

Beekeeper Khamed Komzh shrugs when asked about how history has treated his people.

"Well, what can we do? It is done. God will be their judge."

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

Tuesday 18 February 2014

The Morung Express

10-point agenda to make India 3 largest economy

New Delhi, February 17 (iaNS): Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Monday unveiled a 10-point agenda that would help make India the third largest economy by 2043 only behind the US and China.

While presenting the interim budget for the fiscal 2014-15 in the Lok Sabha, the finance minister said the size of Indian economy is the 11th largest in the world.

“I wonder how many have noted the fact that India’s economy, in terms of the size of its GDP, is the 11th largest in the world. There are great things in store,” he said.

“There is a well-argued view that in the next three decades India’s nominal GDP will take the country to the third rank after the US and China,” the finance minister said.

“Just as the fortunes of the developed countries affect the emerging economies today, the fortunes of China and India will, in the future, have a significant impact on the rest of the world. We, therefore, owe a responsibility not only to ourselves but to the whole world to keep our economy in robust health,” he added.

He listed 10 tasks that the government need to focus on to achieve the target of making the economy third largest.

- Fiscal Consolidation: A target of fiscal deficit of 3 percent of GDP must be achieved by 2016-17 and must always be kept below that level.

- Current Account Deficit: Since the economy will run a Current Account Deficit every year for some more years, it can be financed only by foreign investment, whether it is FDI (foreign direct investment), or FII (foreign institutional investment), or ECB (external com-

rd

Consolidated budget highlights

The following are the consolidated highlights of the interim budget for 2014-15 presented in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister P. Chiddambaram on Monday:

Indian Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, center, shows a briefcase containing interim budget for the fiscal year 2014-15, with state ministers of finance Namo Narain Meena, left, and J.D. Seelam as they arrive at parliament in New Delhi, on Monday, February 17. Chidambaram unveiled a conservative budget for the government’s remaining time in office through May. He said the government has narrowed its fiscal deficit and pledged to keep government spending at the same level. (AP Photo)

mercial borrowings) or any other kind of foreign inflow.

Therefore, foreign investment must be encouraged.

- Price Stability and Growth: In a developing economy where the aim is high growth, a moderate level of inflation will have to be accepted. The RBI must strike a balance between price stability and growth while formulating monetary policy.

- Financial Sector Reforms: The recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission must be implemented immediately as they do not require any change in legislation. Also, a timetable must be drawn for other recommendations that require legislation.

- Infrastructure: The country must rebuild its infrastructure and add a huge quantity of new infrastructure. Every proven model must be adopted but the PPP

Prez imposes PR in Delhi

New Delhi, February 17 (iaNS): President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed President’s rule in Delhi and accepted the Arvind Kejriwal government’s resignation, authorities said Monday. “The President, on the advice of union cabinet, has imposed President’s rule in Delhi. The resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi, along with his council of ministers, has been accepted by the President with immediate effect,” said the press release issued by Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung’s office Monday.

Official sources said the assembly will be kept in suspended animation. Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told the Lok Sabha Monday that the President has accepted the recommendation of the union cabinet for imposition of President’s rule in Delhi.

Shinde also said that Jan Lokpal bill sought to be introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government was a “finance bill” and its introduction needed prior approval of the central government as per rules.

Arvind Kejriwal resigned Friday after his party’s efforts to introduce the Jan Lokpal bill aimed at curbing corruption in high places was stalled. The Kejriwal government, which survived on outside support of the Congress, lasted 49 days. Jung then wrote to assembly Speaker M.S. Dhir that the Jan Lokpal bill should not be tabled as he has not approved it.

Spare a day for anti-graft, welfare bills: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, February 17 (iaNS): Assuring activists that the government will try its best to get antigraft and social welfare bills passed during the current session of parliament, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Monday urged political parties to spare a day for the purpose.

Interacting with activists and members of NGOs at the Congress party office here, Gandhi said legislations, including the bills on street vendors and on disability rights, were aimed at benefiting people.

“I am standing with you (non-governmental organisations and activists)... The issue is that parliament should function... Whatever power we have, we will use it,” Gandhi told the activists, who were demanding passage of these bills at the earliest.

Asked by an NGO worker how they could help him in getting the bills passed, Gandhi said they should continue mobilising public opinion. “Do it the way you are doing, help us like that.” When another worker told Gandhi that their protests faced the water cannon from the police, he quipped: “Make me sit (with you).”

Responding to Nikhil Dey, an anti-corruption activist, who said activists would not leave the issues hanging, Gandhi said: “I will also not leave the issue.” “I want to say to other parties, take out a day and help us in getting the bills passed. If we are together, only then the bills can be passed. (We) need your support,” Gandhi said. “These are important bills for India and I think we should do a favour to this country and push these bills,” the Congress vice president added.

Dey said the bills for which they are seeking support included the Grievance Redressal Bill, Whistleblower Protection Bill, Disability Rights Bill and Street Vendors Bill.

He said the activists also wanted the act relating to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to be strengthened. Dey said the activists would also meet Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Monday to seek their support on the bills. The second part of the winter session of parliament has seen repeated disruptions over the move to create Telangana.

The session, which began Feb 5, would end Feb 21.

model must be more widely used. New financing structures must be created for long term funds and pooling of investments.

- Manufacturing: The government must focus on manufacturing and especially on manufacturing for export. The minister proposed that all taxes, central and of states, that go into an exported product should be waived or rebated. He also proposed that there should be a minimum tariff protection so that there is an incentive to manufacture goods in India rather than import them into India.

- Subsidies: Given the limited resources, and the many claims on the resources, the government must choose the subsidies that are absolutely necessary and give them only to the absolutely deserving.

- Urbanisation: The country’s cities will become

ungovernable, and perhaps unliveable, if attention is not paid to the decay in these cities. Cities have wealth and also create wealth. But that wealth should be tapped for resources to rebuild the cities with a new model of governance.

- Skill Development: Skill development must rank alongside secondary education, university education, total sanitation and universal health care in the priorities of the government.

- Sharing responsibility between states and the centre: States have the fiscal space to bear a reasonable proportion of the financial costs of implementing flagship programmes and must willingly do so, so that the central government can allocate more resources for subjects such as defence, railways, national highways and telecommunications that are its exclusive responsibility.

* No change in income tax rates * Rs.3,370 crore transferred to 2.1 crore LPG beneficiaries * 57 crore Aadhaar cards issued so far * Allocation of Rs.115,000 crore for food subsidy * Rs.65,000 crore for fuel subsidies * Defence expenditure enhanced 10 percent to Rs.224,000 crore * One rank one pension demand accepted; to be implemented with Rs.500 crore in 2014-15 * Excise on small cars/twowheelers lowered to 8 percent, on SUVs to 24 percent, on large cars to 20 percent * Excise duty on mobile handsets to be restructured * Plan expenditure in 2014-15 at Rs.555,322 crore; non-plan expenditure at Rs.12,07,892 crore. * WPI inflation at 5.05 percent in January * Core inflation at 3 percent * Fiscal deficit at 4.6 percent in 2013-14, to be at 4.1 percent in 2014-15 * Current account deficit at $45 billion * Growth estimated at 4.9 percent in 2013-14 * India’s economy at 11th globally; aiming to be third * More than 41 lakh women’s self-help groups provided credit of Rs 36,893 crore by December 2013 * Major relief for education loan borrowers, 900,000 student borrowers to benefit * Modernization plan of over Rs.11,000 crore for Central Armed Police Forces. * Ministry-wise allocations for flagship schemes: Rs.82,200 crore rural development, Rs.67,398 crore for human resource development, Rs.33,725

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crore for health and family welfare, Rs.21,000 crore for women and child development, Rs.15,260 crore drinking water and sanitation Government succeeds in obtaining information in 67 cases of illegal offshore accounts; prosecution launched in 17 cases Capital infusion of Rs.11,200 crore in public sector banks Public sector general insurance companies opened 1,849 offices in towns with population of 10,000 or more in 2013-14 Lending to minority communities soars to Rs.66,500 crore in 2013-14; minorities have 43,52,000 accounts in areas where there is concentration of minorities; loans to minorities stood at Rs.211,451 crore at the end of December 2013 Additional assistance of Rs.1,200 crore to northeastern states, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Allocation of Rs.48,638 crore for Scheduled Castes sub-plan, Rs.30,726 crore for tribal subplan To promote entrepreneurship among the Scheduled Castes and to provide concessional finance to them, IFCI to set-up venture capital fund of Rs.200 crore, which can be supplemented every year 100 million jobs to be created in a decade During 2013-14, 68,043 youth enrolled and 77,710 completed their training under National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme Target of agriculture credit of Rs.800,000 crore for 2014-15 Steps to deepen Indian financial market: To liberalise the rupee-denominated corporate bond market; to deepen and strengthen the currency derivatives market to enable Indian companies to fully hedge against foreign currency risks; to create one record for all financial assets of every individu-

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al; to enable smoother clearing and settlement for international investors looking to invest in Indian bonds; Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act (FCRA) be amended to strengthen the regulatory framework of the commodity derivatives market.

No policy paralysis Budgetary support to railways at Rs.29,000 crore in 2014-15 Central assistance of Rs. 338,562 crore in 2014-15 Over 29,000 MW of power capacity added during 2013-14 Construction underway for 50,000MW of conventional power Four solar generation plants of 500 MW each to be constructed in 2014-15 Direct Taxes Code (DTC) to be posted on finance ministry website for public discussion Duties cut to revive economy All taxes on exports to be waived for manufacturing sector Exports estimated at $326 billion in current fiscal Two projects sanctioned under Nirbhaya Fund; original Rs.1,000 crore made nonlapsable; another Rs.1,000 crore granted Blood banks exempted from service tax Research funding organisation to be created to promote scientific R&D PPP model to be increasingly viewed Community radio to be promoted with Rs.100 crore 19 oil blocks allocated in 201314 Seven new airports under construction Food grain production in 201314 estimated at 263 million tonnes Hope to add $15 billion to forex reserves Challenges we face common to emerging economies India not unaffected by events in global economy (Source: IANS)

Defence allocated Rs 2,24,000 Tarun Tejpal case: Goa police crore, 10% more than last time seeks trial on day-to-day basis

New Delhi, February 17 (PTi): Amid its modernization drive, the defence ministry was on Monday allocated Rs 2,24,000 crore in the interim budget, marking a 10 per cent increase over the last budget.

The allocation for the ministry in the last financial year (2013-14) was Rs 2,03,672 crore, of which around Rs 80,000 crore was to be spent on modernization. The allocation was announced in the vote-on-account presented by finance minister P Chidambaram.

Last time, the hike in allocation was 14% compared to the previous year. The ministry had spent 82% of that amount till the start of this month.

The hike in allocation comes at a time when the ministry has a number of procurements in the pipeline while some are in their final stages and expected to materialize in the coming months.

These include the deal for 126 multi-role combat aircraft which is expected to cost thousands of crores of rupees. Other acquisitions

in the pipeline include deals for 22 Apache combat choppers, 15 Chinook heavylift helicopters and the 126 Rafale combat aircraft.

Defence ministry is also in advance stage of negotiations for a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme with Russia, on which it is expected to spend around Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the next 10-15 years.

It is also in the process of issuing the tender for the approximately Rs 60,000 crore deal for procuring six large conventional diesel electric submarines for the Navy.

The ministry has been seeking additional funds of Rs 40,000 crore since last year, but that request has been turned down in view of the slowdown.

In view of certain defence scams in which foreign firms were involved, the ministry has also worked towards promoting indigenization in the defence sector for which it made a major procurement policy change to make the importing of weapons systems the last option for the three services.

PaNaji, February 17 (iaNS): Capping a two-andhalf-month-long investigation, the Goa crime branch Monday formally charged Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal with raping a junior colleague. Tejpal was also charged with sexual harassment and other sections of the new Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, in the 2,846-page charge sheet.

The charge sheet filed with District and Sessions Judge Anuja Prabhudessai contains statements of over 150 witnesses and over 1,400 pages of annexure documents. The documents include sketches, hotel bill receipts, authenticated copies of email conversations, copies of CCTV grabs and the complaint recorded before a magistrate.

Police sources said a bunch of emails written by Tejpal to the woman journalist and to Tehelka’s former managing editor Shoma Chaudhury virtually confirming a sexual encounter was a key evidence

mentioned in the charge sheet.

“The last days have been most testing and I squarely take the blame for this. A bad lapse of judgement, an awful misreading of the situation, have led to an unfortunate incident that rails against all we believe in and fight for,” is a passage from an email from Tejpal that was quoted in the charge sheet.

After the charge sheet was filed by Inspector Sunita Sawant, Deputy Inspector General O.P. Mishra told reporters that the case was water-tight and that he was hopeful that the trial would be completed within 60 days as per provisions of the amended law after the Dec 16, 2012, gang rape. “The special public prosecutor will also request the trial judge to conduct the hearing on a day-to-day basis. Under amended section 309 (i) of the Indian Penal Code, the trial has to be completed in 60 days,” Mishra said.

Mishra also said that before being arrested Nov 30, Tejpal had

Jagan slams Sonia for Telangana decision

New Delhi, February 17 (PTi): Launching a fresh protest against bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress leader Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday accused Sonia Gandhi of dividing the state for political gains.

Sitting on a dharna along with a large numbers of supporters at Jantar Mantar here, Jagan charged that the ruling party came up with the idea of dividing the state with the sole aim of making Rahul Gandhi Prime Minister as it hoped to win some seats by aligning with TRS in Telangana.

Referring to Sonia Gandhi’s Italian background, he dubbed the Indian National Congress as “ Italian National Congress” and said, “Even Britishers did not do what she did to my state of Andhra Pradesh”.

He said the use of a pepper spray by a Congress MP in Parliament to protest the state’s division was a Congress conspiracy to suspend Seemandhra MPs.

A supporter of YSR Congress party hits a portrait of Congress party president Sonia Gnadhi with a shoe to show his displeasure during a protest against the division of Andhra Pradesh into two different states, in New Delhi, on Monday, February 17. (AP Photo)

“Congress has engineered the chaos. They have plotted it ... Knowing very well that their fortunes are down to practically zero, these people have ignited passions. Months before elections they have broken my state,” he charged. The

Seemandhra MPs were “undemocratically” suspended

by Parliament to muzzle their voice. “The ruling party wanted to push through the bill to create Telangana without any debate,” he said.

The YSR Congress leader said that he would

support anybody, including BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, if they support the move to keep Andhra united. Jagan has met leaders from various political parties, seeking their support for keeping the state united.

led investigators on a hunt across India, with Goa Police teams having to fan out across Mumbai, Delhi, Noida, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Tejpal has been charged under various charges, including sexual harassment, wrongful restraint, taking advantage of official position, and rape.

The junior woman colleague accused Tejpal of raping her during a high profile conference organised by the Tehelka founder in Goa. Tejpal, who had initially evaded arrest, was subsequently arrested Nov 30 in full media glare. Mishra also said that attempts made to get Hollywood actor Robert de Niro’s statement proved futile.

“We have established contact with his attorney, who has been talking to us. Since he has been travelling, he has not been able to reply (to a police questionnaire) as of now. But there is enough evidence to establish that he (de Niro) was at the hotel when the incident happened,” he said.

AAP against crony capitalism: Kejriwal

New Delhi, February 17 (iaNS): Perceived as anti-industry, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said his Aam Aadmi Party is actually against crony capitalism. “We are not against capitalism, we are against crony capitalism”, Kejriwal told members of the Confederation of Indian Industry national council here.

Emphasising that there is “a very small section of businessmen who are looting the country” and the AAP was only against them, Kejriwal said: “This is a wrong perception that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is against business.” “We might have made mistakes, our policies might be wrong, but our intentions are not corrupt,” the former chief minister said.

“Time has come to define what is the government’s role,” Kejriwal said, adding that the government has no business to be in business, which is best left to private players. Pointing out that AAP is completely against “licence raj and inspector raj”, Kejriwal said whatever the form of government, it has three primary tasks - providing security, justice and a corruption-free administration.

“Unfortunately, no party speaks of these things, which are essential for doing business. It is the Aam Aadmi Party that has come for the first time speaking of providing security, giving justice and a corruption-free administration.”

He said the AAP cannot be against business “because if business stops how will employment be generated”.

Saying that business people are creating wealth and employment for the nation, Kejriwal said a two-fold move was required to promote this. “Existing procedures and rules need to be revisited and required to be changed and simplified. Secondly, policies have to be made on a proactive basis that encourage, rather than discourage business,” he said.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Dimapur

9

Thai PM under siege, protests take toll on economy

BANGKOK, FeBruAry 17 (reuters): Protesters seeking to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra surrounded Thai government headquarters on Monday in response to police efforts to clear them from the streets, as farmers besieged her temporary office to demand payment for rice.

Thailand has been in crisis since November, when Bangkok’s middle class and the royalist establishment started a protest aimed at eradicating the influence of Yingluck’s brother Thaksin, a populist former premier ousted by the army in 2006 who is seen as the power behind her government.

Data published on Monday showed the economy grew just 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter from the third and, with the country likely to be without a fully functioning government for months, the state planning board slashed its forecast for 2014.

About 10,000 anti-government demonstrators surrounded Government House in Bangkok, taking back control of a road the police had cleared them from on Friday in the first real sign of a pushback by the authorities after months of protests. These

think about us,” said one protesting farmer. “Farmers are tough people, they wouldn’t normally speak out but they are at the end of their tether.”

The country’s anti-corruption agency is investigating allegations that Yingluck, who is head of the national rice committee, was negligent in her role overseeing the programme. Bluesky TV, the anti-government protest movement’s own channel, also showed demonstrators spilling into the grounds of the Ministry of Education near Government House.

Anti-government protesters march in to shut down the education ministry located near the prime minister’s office of government house during a rally in Bangkok, on Monday, February 17. Suthep Thaugsuban led hundreds of protesters to surround the government house after hearing that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will this week return to work at her office. (AP Photo)

protesters view Yingluck as a proxy for Thaksin, who has chosen to live in exile since 2008 rather than face a jail term for abuse of power handed down in absentia that year.

“We will use quick-dry cement to close the gates of Government House so that the cabinet cannot go in to

work,” said Nittitorn Lamrue of the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, aligned with the main protest movement. It was a symbolic gesture, Yingluck having been forced to work elsewhere since January.

Rice farmers helped sweep Yingluck to power

in 2011, when her Puea Thai Party pledged to pay them way above market prices for their harvest, but the programme has run into funding problems and some farmers have not been paid for months.

Television showed farmers climbing over barbed wire fences and

more than 140,000 people have been killed, according to activists. The U.N.’s human rights office said in January it has stopped updating the death toll from the war, confirming that it can no longer verify the sources of information that led to its last count of at least 100,000 in late July.

Millions have been driven out of their homes, seeking shelter in neighboring countries and in safer parts of their homeland. Washington and its European and Persian Gulf allies are backing the opposition in Syria’s conflict. Russia and Iran are supporting Assad’s government.

“The talks themselves are taking a recess for the moment,” Kerry said Monday. “But all of us need to remember that there is no recess for the people of Syria who are suffering.” He added: “The international community needs to use this recess in the Geneva talks to determine how to use this time most effectively in order to bring about a political solution. We still believe there is no military solution.”

KAthmANdu, FeBruAry 17 (AFP): Nepalese police on Monday discovered the wreckage of a plane carrying 18 people that had gone missing one day earlier in the country’s mountainous west, but no survivors have been found, an official said.

The Nepal Airlines plane with 15 passengers and three crew crashed into a forested hill in Arghakhanchi district, 226 kilometres (140 miles) west of the capital, with aircraft pieces found in a nearby village, an aviation official told AFP. “The plane crashed into a hill, police have found its wreckage in a village, but no survivors,” Bimlesh Lal Karna, chief air traffic controller at the country’s largest airport in Kathmandu, told AFP. “Most of the plane is completely broken into small pieces, no one could have survived the accident,” he added.

The plane, carrying locals and one passenger from Denmark, lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after taking off from the popular tourist town of Pokhara on Sunday afternoon. The aircraft

Bashar Assad accused of stonewalling in peace talks

JAKArtA, FeBruAry 17 (AP): U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of stonewalling in peace talks and called on Russia to push its ally to negotiate with opposition leaders.

“Right now, Bashar alAssad has not engaged in the discussions along the promised and required standard that both Russia spoke up for and the regime spoke up for,” Kerry said during a press conference in Jakarta with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. He said Assad’s team “refused to open up one moment of discussion” of a transitional government to replace Assad’s regime. “It is very clear that Bashar Assad is trying to win this on the battlefield instead of coming to the negotiating table in good faith,” Kerry said Peace talks last week in Geneva ended with no progress toward breaking the impasse in the nearly 3-year-old conflict in Syria.

Kerry also had harsh words for Assad’s allies in Mos-

cow. “Russia needs to be a part of the solution and not be contributing so many more weapons and so much more aid that they are in fact enabling Assad to double down,” he said. Russia has told the U.S. it was committed to helping create a transitional government, Kerry said, but has not delivered “the kind of effort to create the kind of dynamic by which that could be achieved.”

On Sunday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid alMoallem blamed the U.S. for the breakdown in negotiations, saying the U.S. tried to “create a very negative climate for dialogue in Geneva.” U.N.-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi apologized to the Syrian people for failing to reach progress. “I am very, very sorry, and I apologize to the Syrian people that their hopes which were very, very high that something will happen here,” Brahimi said.

Syria’s conflict started as largely peaceful protests against Assad in March 2011 but later degenerated into a civil war in which

barriers at a Defence Ministry compound where Yingluck has set up temporary offices. They pushed back riot police, who retreated from confrontation, but did not enter the building.

“The prime minister is well off but we are not.

How are we going to feed our children? I want her to

DYSFUNCTION Many other ministries and state bodies have been forced to vacate their offices, adding to the dysfunction in government. Yingluck called a snap election in December and has since led a caretaker administration with only limited authority.

The election took place on February 2 but it was disrupted in parts of Bangkok and the south and it may be many months before there is a quorum in parliament to elect a new prime minister. The Election Commission has set April 27 as the date to rerun voting that was disrupted but the gov-

ernment said on Monday it wanted the much earlier date of March 2.

“According to the law, the House of Representatives must convene 30 days after a general election ...

This is why we propose that elections take place on March 2,” Pongthep Thepkanjana, a deputy prime minister, said after a meeting between the commission and government representatives. That date seems improbable, especially as the commission and government can’t agree on the proper procedures for the fresh voting and the Constitutional Court may be asked to rule.

The anti-government protesters, who are aligned with the main opposition Democrat Party, have rejected the vote, which Yingluck’s party looks set to win. They want electoral arrangements changed to limit Thaksin’s influence before an election is held, although more than three months into their campaign their demands remain vague.

They accuse Thaksin of nepotism and corruption and say he used taxpayers’ money for generous subsidies and easy loans that have bought him the loyalty of millions of poorer voters in the north and northeast.

Led by firebrand former deputy premier Suthep Thaugsuban, the protesters say they will remain on the streets until Yingluck is gone. The government, haunted by memories of a bloody crackdown by a previous administration in 2010 that killed dozens of pro-Thaksin “red shirt” activists, has shunned confrontation. Despite that cautious approach, 11 people have been killed and more than 600 hurt in sporadic violence between protesters, security forces and government supporters.

Consumer confidence sank in January to its lowest level in more than two years and, with big infrastructure projects on hold because of the political vacuum, the planning agency cut its forecast for economic growth in 2014 to between 3.0 and 4.0 percent from 4.0-5.0 percent seen in November.

“Confidence is low and private sector demand in the domestic economy remains weak given the political deadlock,” said Gundy Cahyadi, an economist with DBS Bank in Singapore.

“There are downside risks to growth momentum this year, despite the fact that Thailand should benefit from the slightly stronger pick-up in global growth.”

Missing Nepal plane found, no survivors

Nepalese police officers and army soldiers inspect the wreckage of Nepal Airlines’ Twin Otter that crashed Sunday at Khachikot in Argakhanchi district in western Nepal, on Monday, February 17. (AP Photo)

from the state-run carrier encountered heavy rain en route from Pokhara to the town of Jumla, 353 kilometres west of Kathmandu.

The downpour hampered Sunday’s efforts to locate the plane, with two helicopters forced to turn back because of bad weather. Police resumed their search at first light on Mon-

day, finally spotting scattered pieces of the wreckage during an aerial search of Arghakhanchi. Steep terrain prevented the helicopter from landing in the forested area, prompting police to be dropped to the ground instead, aviation official Karna said. The passengers included Manab Sejuwal, a local politician

from the ruling Nepali Congress party.

More than 150 Nepalese soldiers and police had fanned out across the hilly region from Sunday afternoon, trekking uphill and using mobile phone signals to try to locate the aircraft, officials said. “Some of the passengers’ mobiles are still on, so we used the help

of phone companies to get a rough idea of the area where the planes might have crashed,” Karna said.

The incident again raises concerns about the Himalayan nation’s aviation sector, which has come under fire from international authorities after a series of fatal accidents. The European Union in December banned all the country’s airlines from flying to the EU. Nepal, which counts tourism as a major contributor to its economy, has suffered a number of air crashes in recent years, which have usually been attributed to inexperienced pilots, poor management and inadequate maintenance. A Chinese tourist and a local pilot were killed when an ultra-light aircraft crashed into a hill in Pokhara last October. Last May, 21 people including eight Japanese tourists were hurt when a small plane skidded off an airport runway in northern Nepal and plunged into a river. Fifteen people were killed at the same airport in May 2012 when a plane carrying Indian pilgrims crashed into a mountain.

Ethiopian plane hijacked to Geneva Kim warned he might face charges over atrocities

Police stand on the stairs after passengers were evacuated from a hijacked Ethiopian Airlines Plane on the airport in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, February 17. Swiss authorities have arrested the hijacker. (AP Photo)

GeNevA, FeBruAry 17 (AFP): An Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Rome was hijacked on Monday by its co-pilot and forced to land in Geneva, where the hijacker has been arrested, officials said.

Flight ET-702 from Addis Ababa to Rome “was hijacked... it landed in Geneva at 6:00 am (0500 GMT),” Geneva police spokesman Christophe Fortis told AFP, adding that the alleged hijacker “has been arrested.” “The situation is under control... Police intervened and arrested the hijacker,” said a spokesman for the airport, which was briefly closed.”

The co-pilot said he had seized his chance when the pilot went to the bathroom, Geneva police spokesman Eric Grandjean told reporters. “He said he felt threatened in his country and wants to seek asylum in Switzerland,” he said.

The man, born in 1983 and an Ethiopian citizen, had contacted Geneva airport and said “he needed to land to fill the tank. After that he announced the hijacking,” Staempfli said. “At 6:02 am,

the plane landed safely,” he said, adding that the copilot had left the plane by scaling down a rope he had thrown out of the cockpit window. “He didn’t have a weapon with him,” he said, adding that the hijacker would go before a judge Monday.

Technically, he can be charged with “hostage-taking,” and could face up to 20 years in prison, Staempfli said. There were no immediate reports of injuries and Ethiopian Airlines said in a statement in Addis Ababa that “the passengers are safe and sound”. The plane was parked at a far end of a runway crowded with police and other emergency vehicles, with passengers filing out with their arms up in the air before getting onto waiting buses, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

“Who was behind this hijacking and who this guy is is not yet known,” Ethiopia’s Information Minister Redwan Hussein told AFP. The minister said officials were also trying to establish how the hijacker managed to get on the Rome-bound flight at Addis Ababa’s airport.

GeNevA, FeBruAry 17 (reuters): North Korean security chiefs and possibly even Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un himself should face international justice for ordering systematic torture, starvation and mass killings bordering on genocide, U.N. investigators said on Monday.

The investigators told Kim in a letter they were advising the United Nations to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure any culprits “including possibly yourself” were held accountable. North Korea said it “categorically and totally” rejected the investigators’ report, which it called “a product of politicisation of human rights on the part of EU and Japan in alliance with the U.S. hostile policy”.

The unprecedented public warning and rebuke to a ruling head of state by a U.N. Commission of Inquiry is likely to complicate efforts to persuade the isolated country to rein in its nuclear weapons programme and belligerent confrontations with South Korea and the West.

The U.N. investigators said they had also told Kim’s main ally China that it might be “aiding and abetting crimes against humanity” by sending migrants and defectors back to North Korea, where they faced torture and execution - a charge that Chinese officials had rebutted.

As referral to the ICC is seen as a dim hope, given China’s likely veto of any such move by Western powers in the U.N. Security Council, thoughts are also turn-

ing to setting up some form of special tribunal on North Korea, diplomatic and U.N. sources told Reuters.

“We’ve collected all the testimony and can’t just stop and wait 10 years. The idea is to sustain work,” said one.

“REMINISCENT OF NAZI ATROCITIES” Michael Kirby, chairman of the independent Commission of Inquiry, told Reuters the crimes the team had catalogued in a 372page report were reminiscent of those committed by Nazis during World War Two. “Some of them are strikingly similar,” he said.

“Testimony was given ... in relation to the political prison camps of large numbers of people who were malnourished, who were effectively starved to death and then had to be disposed of in pots burned and then buried ... It was the duty of other prisoners in the camps to dispose of them,” he said.

The independent investigators’ report, the size of a telephone directory, listing atrocities including murder, torture, rape, abductions, enslavement, starvation and executions.

“The gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a state that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world,” it said.

The findings came out of a year-long investigation involving public testimony by defectors, including former prison camp guards, at hearings in South Korea, Japan, Britain and the United

States.

Defectors included Shin Dong-hyuk, who gave harrowing accounts of his life and escape from a prison camp. As a 13-year-old, he informed a prison guard of a plot by his mother and brother to escape and both were executed, according to a book on his life called “Escape from Camp 14”.

North Korea’s diplomatic mission in Geneva dismissed the findings shortly before they were made public. “We will continue to strongly respond to the end to any attempt of regime-change and pressure under the pretext of ‘human rights protection’,” it said a statement sent to Reuters.

“DELIBERATE STARVATION” The abuses were mainly perpetrated by officials in structures that ultimately reported to Kim - state security, the Ministry of People’s Security, the army, the judiciary and Workers’ Party of Korea, according to the investigators, led by Kirby, a retired Australian chief justice.

“It is open to inference that the officials are, in some instances, acting under your personal control,” Kirby wrote in the three-page letter to Kim published as part of the report.

The team recommended targeted U.N. sanctions against civil officials and military commanders suspected of the worst crimes. It did not reveal any names, but said that it had compiled a database of suspects from evidence and testimony.

Pyongyang has used food as “a means of control over the population” and “deliberate starvation” to punish political and ordinary prisoners, according to the team of 12 investigators.

Pervasive state surveillance quashed all dissent. Christians were persecuted and women faced blatant discrimination.

People were sent to prison camps without hope of release.

The investigators were not able to confirm allegations of “gruesome medical testing of biological and chemical weapons” on disabled people and political prisoners, but said they wanted to investigate further.

North Korea’s extermination of political prisoners over the past five decades might amount to genocide, the report said, although the legal definition of genocide normally refers to the killing of large parts of a national, ethnic or religious group.

North Korean migrants and defectors returned by China regularly faced torture, detention, summary execution and forced abortion, said the report. Kirby warned China’s charge d’affaires in Geneva Wu Haitao in a Dec 16 letter that the forced repatriations might amount to “the aiding and abetting (of) crimes against humanity”, it said. Wu, in a reply also published in the report, said that the fact that some of the illegal North Korean migrants regularly managed to get back into China after their return showed that the allegations of torture were not true.

10 Champions excited by Vanessa Mae's debut Dimapur

Tuesday

18 February 2014

Former musician Vanessa-Mae, who will compete for Thailand as alpine skier Vanessa Vanakorn stands on the alpine skiing training slopes at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Monday, Feb. 17 in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia. (AP Photo)

ROsA KHutOR, FEBRuARy 17 (REutERs): When it comes to Olympic skiing, violin virtuoso Vanessa Mae may be more like an amateur plucking away on a one-stringed banjo than a professional slalomer but some of the sport's biggest names are thrilled to have her competing.

The 35-year-old makes her Games debut on Tuesday representing Thailand in the giant slalom, the only discipline she is entered for after meeting the qualifying standard with a late flurry of races last month. Completing both legs will be no small achievement for the diminutive Singapore-born musician, whose fame far exceeds most of those competing for the medals.

And while she will not win any prizes for performance, she can expect plenty of attention at the finish.

"Of course I'm excited. It's nice to see such a great musician take part in our sport and hopefully reach a good result," Germany's 2010 giant slalom gold medallist Viktoria Rebensburg told reporters.

Compatriot Maria Hoefl-Riesch, a triple gold medallist who won the 2010 Olympic slalom title, was also delighted to be in the same race - at least on paper. "I find it thrilling that people like that (are here)," she said. "When you see Vanessa Mae, she's so small and fragile, you can't imagine how she can finish a run like that or even hit

a gate. Babsie (team mate Barbara Wirth) told us that she didn't do so badly and we'll be watching closely."

Wirth, the 24-year-old slalom specialist who is also making her Olympic debut on Tuesday, trained with Zermatt-based Mae in the Swiss Alpine resort last summer and spoke warmly of the experience. "In the beginning it was a little strange and then it was a nice moment because she's a great musician and you think ‘How great that someone like that trains with us'," she said. "And then the reaction was actually the other way round. She was totally happy that she was allowed to train with us and that was a nice moment.

"It was interesting how ambitious she is and it's good to see that someone like that starts in our race and is brave enough and bothers with the preparation for a race like that.

That's impressive," added the German. Mae, a British citizen competing under her natural father's name of Vanakorn, started skiing at the age of four and will be only the third person to represent Thailand at the Winter Olympics.

She made her mark on the musical stage by breaking from tradition with a sexy, glamorous violin style that mixes classical with pop. Her first techno pop-style album. "The Violin Player', was released in 1995 and reached number 11 in the UK albums chart, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide.

Bryant frankly discusses future

NEW ORLEANs, FEBRuARy 17 (AP): Kobe Bryant acknowledges the best days of his brilliant career might be in the past. He still wants to play in another NBA All-Star game, though. The 16-time All-Star made that much clear while sitting out Sunday's 2014 edition with nagging pain and swelling in his left knee, stemming from a broken leg. He said he would even be interested in entering a future 3-point contest.

Playing in an All-Star game "means you're one of the best players in the world," Bryant said shortly before Sunday night's game, which he watched from the bench in a tan suit. "It's obviously a goal of mine."

The Los Angeles Lakers star is trying not to delude himself about how much longer he can play at the level to which he's been accustomed. He has played in only six games this season, fracturing his tibia shortly after his return from an Achilles tendon injury.

Asked if he was concerned his body might be starting to give out, he responded, "Of course. Absolutely." "That's part of the excitement of the challenge, that level of uncertainty: Is this it? ... Are my best days behind me?" Bryant said. "To have those conversations with yourself and not be intimidated by that and ... not succumbing to that is part of the challenge."

As for the Lakers, who are 18-35 and virtually out of playoff contention, Bryant sees a chance for a quick turnaround.

"What we have coming up this offseason with the cap space, and what we have ahead of ourselves seems to be right in the Lakers' wheelhouse, in terms of turning things around pretty quickly," Bryant said. "We've had summers like this, and they have never really faltered. They have normally made really sound and excellent decisions that put us right back in contention."

Juventus beats Chievo in Serie A Daniella Matar

Associated Press

Juventus eased to a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Chievo Verona in Serie A as its remarkable home record continued on Sunday. Juventus, which has now won all 12 of its home league matches this season, remained nine points clear of Roma, which beat Sampdoria 3-0 in the day's late kickoff and has a game in hand.

It was coach Antonio Conte's 100th match in charge. Kwadwo Asamoah, Claudio Marchisio and Fernando Llorente scored for Juventus, which conceded a comical own goal.

"It's tough to be aggressive for the entire 95 minutes," Conte said. "But we can't allow ourselves to let up during this particular period. The minute our attention levels drop for a second, everything happens.

"It's not easy for anyone to win for three years in a row, but these lads are doing just that. Everyone has surprised me in a positive manner, and I hope they keep doing so."

Napoli remained four points behind Roma after beating lowly Sassuolo 2-0.

"We created several chances to score, I can't be anything other than happy," Napoli coach Rafa Benitez said. "I never talk about individuals, but I see (Marek) Hamsik is improving game after game." Earlier, Catania pulled off a surprise 3-1 victory over Lazio to move off bottom spot.

Also, it was: Genoa 3, Udinese 3; Atalanta 0, Parma 4; and Cagliari 1, Livorno 2. Juventus took the lead in the 18th minute when Asamoah curled a powerful effort into the far side of goal from just outside the area. The Serie A leader doubled its advantage 11 minutes later.

Chievo goalkeeper Michael Agazzi did well to parry Andrea Pirlo's free kick but Marchisio was on hand to net the rebound.

Juventus had squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at promoted Hellas Verona last week and it risked falling foul of another Verona team after a sluggish start to the second half.

Chievo pulled one back six minutes after the break as Stephan Lichtsteiner's attempted clearance ricocheted off teammate Martin Caceres and into the back of the net.

SPORTS

The Morung Express

ArsenAl AdvAnces to FA cup quArterFinAls

Mourinho silly and disrespectful: Wenger

Liverpool's Luis Suarez, second right, is marked by Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini, right, Nacho Monreal, left, and Mesut Ozil during their English FA Cup fifth round soccer match at Emirates Stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 16. (AP Photo)

LONDON, FEBRuARy 17 (AP): Just as it did last weekend at Anfield, Liverpool got off to a flying start against Arsenal. But this time, the Gunners weathered the storm.

Arsene Wenger's team was on the ropes in the early stages of a lively FA Cup tie, until Alex OxladeChamberlain scored a goal against the run of the play.

His strike shifted the momentum in the hosts' favor and he set up another for Lukas Podolski as Arsenal won 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Following their 5-1 thrashing at Anfield in the Premier League, when they conceded four goals in the opening 20 minutes, the Gunners got their revenge after surviving another sustained period of Liverpool pressure in the second half.

They will next face Everton at home after the Toffees booked their place with a 3-1 defeat of Swansea, while Manchester City will face Cup holder Wigan in a rematch of last year's final.

"The intensity of the performance pleased me, I am very proud of the way we responded to the huge defeat that we had last week," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, chasing his first piece of silverware since the 2005 FA Cup. Liverpool again looked the stronger team in the early stages. A superb through ball from Steven Gerrard

found Daniel Sturridge, but the England striker's low shot was parried away by keeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Luis Suarez's flicked pass then picked out Sturridge's run behind Per Mertesacker, but Fabianski forced him to shoot wide. "I thought the best team lost. I thought the very least we deserved was a replay," Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said. "We probably should have been 2-0 up inside those first six or seven minutes. Going forward we were outstanding.

I'm disappointed with the goals, the first one in particular was just a long ball into the box."

Though Arsenal struggled to keep the ball, Oxlade-Chamberlain put the home side ahead after Liverpool failed to clear a free kick. Yaya Sanogo, making his first start for Arsenal, saw his shot blocked

by Gerrard but the ball rebounded for OxladeChamberlain, who confidently slotted home from close range past Brad Jones in the 16th minute.

Arsenal was sharper on the ball after the goal but Liverpool remained dangerous on the break, with Suarez combining well with Sturridge on a swift counterattack. Raheem Sterling then showed his speed and technique down the left flank, rounding Carl Jenkinson before his tired effort from a narrow angle was diverted away for a corner.

Suarez had two more opportunities to put his team level before halftime but Fabianski, having a superb game, dived well to deny his low shot before the Uruguay striker missed the target with a chip from the edge of the box. Suarez went close immediately after the interval when he almost beat Fabianski with a low shot that forced the keeper into a fine reflex save. Arsenal doubled its lead on the next move, a slick-passing counterattack concluded by Podolski, who scored with a clean finish from Oxlade-Chamberlain's cutback in the 47th.

Arsenal then had a good spell of possession but, after Suarez unleashed a powerful volley over the bar and Mesut Ozil threatened Jones with a low shot, the Uruguay striker won a penalty when Podolski clumsily clipped his ankle in the box. Gerrard coolly converted from the spot to pull one back, sending Fabianski the wrong way in the 59th minute.

Suarez was jeered by Arsenal supporters when he went down after a hefty collision with Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box with 26 minutes to go. Referee Howard Webb ignored the visitors' appeals for another penalty. Substitute Santi Cazorla should have restored Arsenal's two-goal lead in the 73rd when he thumped a volley far over the bar while unmarked from the edge of the box.

LONDON, FEBRuARy 17 (REutERs): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger continued the war of words with Jose Mourinho on Sunday, calling the Chelsea coach's criticism of him 48 hours earlier "silly disrespectful remarks". On Friday, Mourinho dubbed the Frenchman "a specialist in failure" for going almost nine years without winning a trophy. Wenger was then on solid ground to offer a withering response after Arsenal edged a rousing FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. "I don't want to get into those silly disrespectful remarks," Wenger told BT Sport television. "I never spoke about him in my press conference and I will not start that. The only thing I know, it's more embarrassing for Chelsea than for me. "I am embarrassed for him ... honestly."

Twenty-four hours after Mourinho's verbal attack on Wenger, his Chelsea side lost 2-0 at Manchester City in their fifth-round encounter. "I am more disappointed for Chelsea than for me," added Wenger of the Portuguese's verbal attack. "I am not interested in the subject at all and that is really genuine. "Honestly I cannot force my interest in things I am not interested in," he told reporters. "I love football and I am sorry to disappoint you but what is interesting for me is what happens on the pitch." Mourinho's criticism was in response to Wenger who had said earlier on Friday that the Premier League title was Chelsea's to lose as they were top of the table.

FEAR OF FAILURE He also hinted that the Portuguese had ruled his side out of the race because of a fear of failure. In terms of matters on the pitch, Arsenal were not at their best against Liverpool but took a 2-0 lead with goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski. Liverpool struck back with a Steven Gerrard penalty after a foul on Luis Suarez, missed several other good chances and were denied a second spot kick by 2010 World Cup referee Howard Webb.

Suarez, tripped by Podolski for the first penalty, was involved again when he was clattered by OxladeChamberlain but this time his appeals were waved away. "The second one was even clearer than the first," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. "Howard was in a great position. I am not sure if it was because it was so close to the other but we are bitterly disappointed. "It looked a blatant penalty. It can be the defining moment once again." The same referee also denied Liverpool a penalty when Suarez appeared to be fouled

by Samuel Eto'o in their 2-1 league defeat at Chelsea in December. Rodgers said he hoped Suarez's reputation for going to ground too easily did not cloud Webb's judgement. "I think it's the type of player he is. We provoke a lot of challenges because of the aggression in our offensive game," the Liverpool manager explained.

"Luis is always in the box and quite a lot of the time he does not get what he deserves. The one at Chelsea was a clear penalty and if it is a penalty he should have had it independently of his reputation."

Real Madrid wins to restore 3-way tie at top

BARCELONA, FEBRuARy 17 (AP): Karim Benzema and Jese Rodriguez scored early to help Real Madrid ease to a 3-0 win at Getafe and restore a threeway tie for first place in the Spanish league on Sunday.

Madrid's win matched Barcelona and Atletico Madrid's victories on Saturday to keep the trio level after 24 rounds, and 16 points clear of the nearest chaser Athletic Bilbao after it lost 2-1 to visiting Espanyol.

With leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo serving the second of a three-game suspension, the 20-yearold Jese scored for a third straight round to get Madrid going in the fifth minute at Alfonso Perez Stadium. Benzema made it 2-0 from Angel Di Maria's pass in the 27th, and midfielder Luka Modric added another goal from long range in the 66th.

"The team played well from the start and the first goal made things easier for us at a ground that has always been difficult," Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez said. "We played in an effective manner knowing we needed to win."

Also, Espanyol earned an entertaining win to deal Bilbao its first loss in 12 league games at its new

Real's Jese Rodriguez scores his goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 16. (AP Photo)

San Mames Stadium, while Granada edged Real Betis 1-0 to leave the league's bottom dweller 10 points from safety.

Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves saved Ivan Rakitic's 63rd-minute penalty kick in a 0-0 draw at Sevilla with his team playing with 10 men. Both teams were left level on points with Espanyol and Levante at 12 points from fourth place and the last Champions League spot.

Getafe, which never threatened Madrid, remained winless in nine straight rounds and four points from the relegation zone. While Getafe hasn't won in the league since November, Madrid hasn't lost in 14 rounds going back to October.

Madrid again proved that even without the reigning Ballon d'Or winner in Ronaldo it has more than enough talent in its star-studded squad to keep

winning against the Liga's middling teams.

Behind Ronaldo's league-leading tally of 22 goals, Benzema has scored 14 times in the league for Madrid this season, while Jese has managed five goals in what is becoming a breakthrough season for the young forward.

Jese took Ronaldo's spot on the left side of the attack and used his pace to take Gareth Bale's pass, move the ball to his right

foot, and flick a shot just inside the far post.

Benzema doubled the lead when he chested down Di Maria's lobbed pass on the break before driving it under goalkeeper Miguel Moya.

Modric finished Getafe off by sending a long shot off the turf and past the diving Moya.

Espanyol forward Sergio Garcia scored his 10th league goal of the season with a solo effort in the

sixth. After Carlos Gurpegui leveled for Bilbao in the 56th, Espanyol defender Diego Colotto used his knee to deflect in Simao Sabrosa's corner kick in the 65th for the winning goal.

Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz was sent off with his second booking with three minutes left.

"Athletic had more of the ball and pressed us, but we have our own playing style and are comfortable without the ball," Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre said.

Aguirre said that with 34 points Espanyol was close to its goal of 42 points for the season, the mark it hopes will ensure it avoids the drop.

Granada forward Francisco "Piti" Medina scored what proved to be the winner at Los Carmenes Stadium in the 31st when he controlled a long pass and slotted inside the post.

Granada ended a threegame losing streak to move six points clear of the relegation zone.

Both teams finished with 10 men after Granada substitute Dani Benitez got a straight red card for a bad foul on Jose "Nono" Delgado in the 79th, and Betis' Antonio Amaya received his second booking in injury time.

Entertainment

The Morung Express

Tuesday 18 February 2014

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BAFTA awards are lined up, Monday, in London, ahead of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards on Sunday.

(AP Photo)

British wetel actor Chirives foEjiofor arr the B is rithe force of "Grav- including best director for mali pirate in "Captain A h Academ y ity" was strong at Alfonso Cuaron. The 3-D Phillips." The 28-year- Pawards 2014 AFilm fter at th the British Academy special effects extravagan- old called his experi- v e nrty o r H o e Grosence of going from obza also took the awards for t e l, in Film Awards on Sunday centra l — but it was unflinching sound, music, cinematogra- scurity in Minnesota to Sunday. L o n d o n , (AP Ph drama "12 Years a Slave" phy and visual effects. And stardom — complete oto)

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Named best film at BAFTA

that took the top prize.

Steve McQueen's visceral, violent story of a free black man kidnapped into servitude in the 19th-century U.S. South was named best picture. Its star, Chiwetel Ejiofor, took the male acting trophy.

Ejiofor thanked McQueen, a visual artist who turned to filmmaking with "Hunger" and "Shame," for bringing the story to the screen. Holding the trophy, the British actor told McQueen: "This is yours. I'm going to keep it — that's the kind of guy I am — but it's yours." McQueen reminded the ceremony's black-tie audience that, in some parts of the world, slavery is not a thing of the past. "There are 21 million people in slavery as we sit here," he said.

"I just hope 150 years from Britain's Duke of Cambridge meets the crowd as he arrives for the EE British Academy now our ambivalence will Film Awards 2014, at the Royal Opera House, in London Sunday. (AP Photo) not allow another filmmaker to make this film."

The prizes, coming two weeks before Hollywood's Academy Awards, are watched as an indicator of likely Oscars success. It was a good night for lost-in-space thriller "Gravity," which won six prizes,

despite its mixed parentage — made in Britain by a Mexican director and starring American actors —it was named best British film.

Cuaron paid tribute to star Sandra Bullock, who is alone onscreen for much of the film. "Without her performance, everything would have been nonsense," he said. Con-artist caper "American Hustle" charmed its way to three prizes, including original screenplay and supporting actress for Jennifer Lawrence. Its spectacular 70s stylings took the hair and makeup award.

The best-actress prize went to Cate Blanchett for her turn as a socialite on the slide in "Blue Jasmine."

She dedicated the award to her friend and fellow actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died this month, calling him "a monumental presence who is now sadly an absence." "Phil, buddy, this is for you, you bastard. I hope you're proud," Blanchett said.

The supporting actor prize went to Barkhad Abdi, who made an explosive screen debut as a So-

with an Oscar nomination — "surreal." In the past few years, the British prizes, known as BAFTAs, have helped underdog films, including "Slumdog Millionaire," ''The King's Speech" and "The Artist," gain Oscars momentum.

The prize for adapted screenplay went to "Philomena," based on the true story of an Irish woman's decades-long search for the son she was forced to give up for adoption. The awards have become an essential stop for many Hollywood stars before the Academy Awards, held this year on March 2.

The temperature in London was hardly Hollywood, but Britain's fickle weather relented ahead of Sunday's ceremony. The sun shone as nominees including "Wolf of Wall Street" star Leonardo DiCaprio and "12 Years a Slave" performer Lupita Nyong'o— striking in a green Dior gown — walked the red carpet outside London's Royal Opera House.

Best-actress nominee Amy Adams wore a black dress by Victoria Beckham,

and revealed the inspirations for her "American Hustle" character's faux-British accent: "Marianne Faithfull and Julie Christie."

There was royalty of the Hollywood kind — Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, wearing matching tuxedos. And there was British royalty, too, in the form of Prince William, honorary president of the film academy.

The documentary prize went to Joshua Oppenheimer's "The Act of Killing," a powerful look at hundreds of thousands of killings carried out in 1960s Indonesia in the name of fighting communism.

Will Poulter ("Son of Rambow," ''We're the Millers"), a 21-year-old actor, won the rising star award, decided by public vote.

Director Peter Greenaway received an award for outstanding contribution to British cinema for a body of unsettling, comic and erotic films that includes "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover" and "The Draughtsman's Con-

tract."

Greenaway said he hoped the trophy would encourage those, like him, "who believe that cinema has to be continually reinvented."

Helen Mirren received the British Academy Fellowship in recognition of a career that has ranged from a hard-nosed detective in TV series "Prime Suspect" to Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen."

Mirren, 68, said she was "almost speechless" at receiving the honor, whose previous recipients include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor and Judi Dench.

"It's been an amazing journey up to now," she said. She was given the trophy by Prince William — who said he should probably call her "granny."

Mirren won an Oscar for playing his grandmother, Britain's monarch, in "The Queen." "I wanted to have a hanky in my bag and take it out and spit on it and clean his face," Mirren joked.

Warne beams 'I never knew how much love as he's reunited and pride you could feel ' with Hurley

Actors Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy pose for photographers on the red carpet at the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Opera House on Sunday, in London. (AP Photo)

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From left, Alfonso Cuaron, Oprah Winfrey and David Heyman, winners of outstanding British film for Gravity, pose for photographers in the winners room at the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Opera House on Sunday, in London. (AP Photo)

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Actors Angelina Jolie and Brad PItt pose for photographers on the red carpet at the EE British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Opera House on Sunday, in London. (AP Photo)

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fter months of speculation, it appears as though Liz Hurley and Shane Warne are back together after they were pictured in London on Saturday. The couple haven't been seen together since November last year, shortly before it was reported that they had gone their separate ways.

After hinting at a reunion last week during a radio interview, the former cricketer was seen unloading a number of suitcases alongside the actress at her home in the west of the city.

Sporting a smart navy jacket, the 44-year-old beamed at photographers after opting for jeans, a grey jumper and dark sunglasses. His former fiance also looked chic in dark skinny jeans and a blue wool coat, as she carried her designer luggage into her house. The 48-year-old showed off her trim figure in her off-duty outfit as she draped her tan Birkin handbag over her arm.

The mother-of-one, who accepted Shane's marriage proposal in September 2011, finished off her ensemble with black ankle boots, a brown jumper and large sunglasses. A spokesman for both Liz and Shane has been contacted following their photo together. The previous day she had been spotted out food shopping with her son Damian after picking him up from school.

Wearing the same wool coat and boots, Liz added an injection of colour to her casual ensemble thanks to a bright purple scarf.

Speaking on KIIS 106.5 to breakfast hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, Shane said: 'I’m just sitting on the fence on that one,' when he was pushed him about his 'on again, off again' status with Hurley. 'But we’ll see how things unfold over the next few months… I’ll inform you soon.'

Despite his ambiguous response onair, Shane took to Twitter after the chat to set the record straight. 'FTR I did not split up with EH because of my ex wife, secret phone or that I didn't set a wedding date!' he said.

'ALSO FTR & I know it's nobody's business, I'm not in a relationship, smitten by anyone or seeing anyone, all absolute rubbish & made up lies.'

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e became a proud father for the first time when he welcomed baby son Eric into the world on Valentine's Day. And doting dad Simon Cowell has now shared a touching first photograph of he and Lauren Silverman's little bundle of joy. Posting a series of artistic black and white shots on his Twitter page on Sunday evening, the 54-year-old music mogul revealed he was unprepared for how much 'love and pride' he would feel towards his 'handsome' baby son.

One adorable snap showed him and Lauren gazing adoringly at the new addition to their family, with the American socialite tenderly stroking little Eric's head as Simon cradled the tot in his arms. Alongside the photograph, he wrote: 'Mum, Dad and Eric. Now two days old.'

Another shot showed the X Factor supremo affectionately patting his son's forehead as Eric clasped onto his thumb with a firm grip alongside the text: '…. now you can see how very handsome little Eric is.' A final photograph showed Simon looking every inch the proud father as his newborn son nestled into his chest with his eyes closed. He wrote: 'I never knew how much love and pride I would feel.'

Lauren gave birth to their healthy baby boy on Friday.

And after what must have been some much needed rest, Simon arrived back at the hospital in New York City on Saturday, to see his brand new son Eric experience his second day out in the world.

The 54-year-old music mogul

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and new father was every bit the proud, radiant parent as he gave onlookers the thumbs up on his way in to see his two loves.

Simon shielded himself from the cold with a heavy trench coat and warm grey scarf as he trudged across the snow-laden road. He carried a mysterious red carry bag, perhaps containing some surprise goodies for the mother of his firstborn. The famously harsh judge wasn't playing any hardball on this particular day, opting instead to grin, give the thumbs up

Simon Cowell became father for the first time on Valentine’s Day

and throw up a peace sign for good measure.

Lauren would obviously have been staying at the hospital with her second son - she has an eight-year old called Adam with ex-husband Andrew SIlverman - who was born at at 17.45 EST on Friday, Valentine's Day, weighing 6lbs 7oz. A source told MailOnline: 'Lauren's mother and sister were in the delivery room with them when she gave birth. Simon's mother, Julie, is looking forward to meeting the baby in the UK.' Cowell tweeted just hours later, giving away the infant's name: 'Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm.

Healthy and handsome.' He later added an explanatory note: 'Named after my dad'.

Close friend and ex girl-

friend Terri Seymour said: 'I called him tonight and he is so excited. It really is all change for him, but he is ready. Eric is a great name. It is great that he picked that name in honour of his father. It is very touching. I can't wait to see them all.'

Mario Lopez threw in his two cents too, saying: #Congrats to my boy @SimonCowell & his Valentine's Day baby!!! Smooth move... Only you could pull that off Sir.' Music icon Tom Jones took time out from his performance in aid of the red carpet at the Mending Kids International All Star Concert for Children Worldwide In Los Angeles. Tom revealed to MailOnline, that Simon will be able to mix his workaholic nature with being a father: 'So good luck to him and his partner and his new child. I think having a child is a responsibility. 'I had a child when I was 17 years old and you can do both, The Voice UK judge explained. 'You can have a family and still enjoy being in showbusiness.

Asked if Cowell's time being taken up with child-rearing could impact on the TV battle between the X Factor and his BBC rival, Tom smiled: 'I don't know about that. Simon Cowell is a lovely fella. I have met him and he is a solid man.' Nigel Lythgoe told us exclusively: 'I look forward to working with Simon again on a brand new production, "My Kid's Got Talent.'

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New Zealand in command against India

Isabella Tobias and Deividas Stagniunas of Lithuania compete in the ice dance free dance figure skating finals at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Monday, Feb. 17, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. (AP Photo)

Sachin, Viru nominated for special award

NEW DELHI, FEbruary 17 (PTI): Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag will be amongst the nominees for the 'ESPNcricinfo@20 Cricketer of the Generation' award, with the cricket news website on Monday announcing two more categories to its seventh annual awards. The two new special awards - Cricketer of the Generation and Contribution to Cricket will add to the six categories announced earlier.

Besides Tendulkar and Sehwag, West Indian Brian Lara, Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka, Australia's Shane Warne and South African Jacques Kallis will also be in fray. As the closing element of ESPNcricinfo's 20th anniversary celebrations, a 50-member jury of current and former cricketers and leading sportswriters will pick the finest player of the last 20 years to honour with this award.

The winner will also be presented with

a Renault automobile. The website last month announced nominees for the annual ESPNcricinfo Awards, sponsored by Renault, which recognise the best cricket performances in 2013.

The winner of the 'Contribution to Cricket' award will be nominated by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid. This award will consider contributions from all over the cricket ecosystem, from groundsmen to pitch curators, umpires to grassroots organisers, or just about anyone who has made a positive impact on the game.

"The Contribution to Cricket award was conceived to reward values that are pivotal to the sport - hard work, commitment, selflessness, fair play, and a dedication to the game. These are attributes embodied by many people across many aspects of the sport who are rarely - if ever - given credit for the amount they contribute to this great game," said Dravid.

SINGaPOrE, FEbruary 17 (aFP): Li Na moved to an Asian-record world number two and Peng Shuai was rated the top women's doubles player in a big boost for Chinese tennis in the new rankings released on Monday. Li, who won her second Grand Slam title at last month's Australian Open, underlined her status as the best ever Asian women's player by rising to second behind Serena Williams.

The Wuhan native, who turns 32 later this month, had already achieved the highest ranking by an Asian woman by reaching world number three last year.

She now moves to second spot with 6,690 points, still some distance behind American great Williams, the 17-time

Grand Slam title-winner, on 12,380.

Li's continuing success is a huge plus for women's tennis, which has bet big on Asia by organising several tournaments in the region this year including one in Wuhan. "As they have done throughout their careers, both players (Li and Peng) continue to set new milestones for Chinese tennis," Women's Tennis Association (WTA) chief Stacey Allaster said in a statement.

"Their accomplishments are truly inspirational and the WTA is fortunate to have such ambassadors representing the sport around the world." Li's rise in the rankings comes despite a blip at last week's Qatar Open where she was ousted in the third round

by Czech unknown Petra Cetkowska.

Rankings records for China's Li Na, Peng Shuai

Brendon McCullum remained unbeaten on 281 runs and shared a world record partnership of 352 runs for the sixth wicket with BJ Watling (124), helping New Zealand reach a formidable 571/6 at stumps and take a 325-run lead over India at the Basin Reserve.

WELLINGTON, FEbruary 17 (PTI): India's listless bowlers allowed New Zealand off the hook as the home team rode on skipper Brendon McCullum's monumental double century to continue their remarkable fightback and take a commanding lead on the fourth and penultimate day of the second Test on Monday.

McCullum remained unbeaten on 281 runs and shared a world record partnership of 352 runs for the sixth wicket with BJ Watling (124), helping their side reach a formidable 571/6 at stumps and take the game away from India at the Basin Reserve.

India, who had New Zealand in a spot of bother at 94/5 in their second innings on Day 3, are now facing the prospect of even losing the match with the hosts swelling their lead to 325 runs.

The duo defied the visitors for 123 overs and turned around a 246-run deficit into a massive lead with one day left in the match.

McCullum was still batting after nearly six sessions at the crease, facing 525 balls and hitting 28 fours and 4 sixes. At the other end, James Neesham brought up his maiden Test fifty and was unbeaten on 67 off 93 balls, with 9 fours.

For India, Zaheer Khan (3/129), Mohammad Shami (2/136) and Ishant Sharma (0/124) toiled hard on an unresponsive pitch, particularly with the third new ball. Ravindra Jadeja (1/108) was rendered inef-

India’s Ishant Sharma, left, shakes hands with New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum at the end of play as he reached his highest score of 281 on the fourth day of their second cricket test mat at Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand on Monday. (AP Photo)

McCullum on the brink of greatness

WELLINGTON, FEbruary 17 (rEuTErS): An exhausted Brendon McCullum stood on the cusp of history on Monday after he had saved the second test against India and set up his side up for a tilt at what would be an astounding victory on the fifth and final day.

The 32-year-old captain ended the fourth day on 281 not out, the second highest individual score by a New Zealand batsman and within sight of Martin Crowe's 299, which was also scored at the Basin Reserve in 1991. He had also combined with BJ Watling (124) for a world record sixth wicket partnership of 352 and batted the visitors out of the match and series. New Zealand were 571 for six at the close of play, a lead of 325 runs, and with Jimmy Neesham

fective as well. Part-timers Rohit Sharma (0/40) and Virat Kohli (0/13) were given a go to try something different, while skipper MS Dhoni (0/5) also bowled after the tea break.

Starting at 440/5 after tea, the set batsmen had another string of batting records coming their way, with the pitch playing perfect foil to them. As Dhoni bowled his gentle mediumpace first up, McCullum and Watling crossed the 350mark for their partnership in the 159th over.

An over later, they brought up the highest ever sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket breaking the

East beats West in NBA All Star Game gave it a 155-153 lead with 1:59 left. Indiana's Paul George made three free throws, Anthony nailed his final 3-pointer, and James scored to make it 161-155.

George closed it out with two more free throws and finished with 18 points.

The game that usually

well set on 67 the pair should resume for at least the first hour on Tuesday to make sure that India cannot win the match and level the series. While McCullum and Watling took the plaudits for their battling display, having been thrust together after lunch on Sunday with New Zealand 94 for five and in danger of losing the game inside three days, the focus now turns to McCullum's chance to join a select few players.

The instinctively aggressive batsman is just 19 runs away from becoming the first New Zealand player to score a test triple century and with the match virtually safe, odds are that he will at least attempt to get that milestone and then give his bowlers 70-odd overs to try to bowl India out.

"That's what we have to look at," Mc-

351-mark by Mahela and Prasanna Jayawardene, also set against India at Ahmedabad in 2009. Their lead also swelled to 200 in the meantime. The third new ball was taken immediately and the Indian pacers put in a lot of effort to change the direction of the match. Mohammed Shami got the breakthrough finally, in the 161st over, trapping Watling lbw.

He faced 367 balls in his innings, hitting 13 fours.

Meanwhile, McCullum carried on and crossed the 250-run mark, starting to climb the ladder for the highest individual score for a New Zealand batsman. At the other end, Neesham too

Cullum told Radio Sport when asked if he would continue to bat or declare overnight and give his bowlers a full day to dismiss India. "We are obviously 1-0 up in the series and have worked really hard to get back into this contest and the decisions we have to look at is if we look to push on for a test win or if we look to consolidate the lead we have got.

"Those are the decisions we have to mull over overnight and they were decisions we didn't have a couple of days ago. "It is nice to be in that luxury position and have those decisions to make." While McCullum would not definitively state whether he would continue to bat on the final day, Watling, however, may have let the cat out of the bag about the team's early thinking.

joined in the fun and struck some lusty blows, matching his partner for strokes.

They continued to punish the hapless bowling on a flat track and in the final session put on 125 runs for the seventh wicket, as the hosts crossed the 550-run mark.

McCullum heaped misery on India, finishing as the second-highest runscorer for New Zealand, behind Martin Crowe's 299 scored against Sri Lanka at the same ground in 1991.

On the final day, he will attempt to become the first Kiwi batsman to get a Test triple hundred. Earlier in the post-lunch session, McCullum and Watling

continued their brilliant domination of this Indian attack on a pitch that completely changed character to become a batting beauty.

They brought up the 350mark for New Zealand in the 128th over, first one after the break, and then carried on to reach personal milestones.

First up they broke the highest partnership record for New Zealand for any wicket against India, passing the 271 runs scored by Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder in Napier in 2009. Then in the 138th over, Watling brought up his 3rd Test century in 420 minutes, facing 297 balls and hitting 12 fours.

doesn't get tight until the final minutes was close throughout the fourth quarter, neither team leading by more than four until the final minute. Chris Paul had 11 points and 13 assists, and first-time All-Star Stephen Curry had 12 points and 11 assists for the West.

16th DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Our Beloved Father

LATE BRIG REIVILIE NAGI

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West Team's Chris Paul, of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) heads to the hoop as East Team's Joakim Noah, of the Chicago Bulls (13) defends during the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16 in New Orleans. (AP Photo)

NEW OrLEaNS, FEbruary 17 (aP): The Eastern Conference finally stopped Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin — then stopped its losing streak at the NBA All-Star game.

Kyrie Irving had 31 points and 14 assists and was voted the game's MVP, Carmelo Anthony made a record eight 3-pointers and scored 30 points, and the East rallied for a 163-155 victory over the West on Sunday night in the highestscoring All-Star game ever.

"It's a great honor," Irving said. "We had a few MVPs. Everyone out here today is an MVP." Durant and Griffin each finished with 38 points, four shy of Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star game record.

But the East scored the final 10 points to pull out a game it trailed by 18. "We wanted it," LeBron James said. "I've been a part of the last three and in defeat."

Irving scored 15 points in the fourth quarter as the East ended a three-game losing streak. James had

22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. "The superstars of our league were just telling us to compete on every play," Irving said.

"Trying to play as much defense as possible. You know, sticking to our game plan. We had a game plan going in and we executed."

The 318 points broke the record of 303 set in 1987. Griffin shot 19 of 23, while Durant finished with 10 rebounds and six assists.

But the West was shut out after Durant's 3-pointer

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ather, though you left us for your heavenly abode, yet your love, concern and memories are still fresh in our hearts. We treasure your memories and are grateful for your immense sacrifice for our nation. Your nationalism spirit is still in our midst, we are proud to own.

May you rejoice in arms of the Lord till we join you.

~ Love and affection Your children

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