18th June 2014

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Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 165

The Morung Express “

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Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes

Modi’s Bhutan visit gave foreign policy signals to neighbours [ PAGE 8]

2014 FIFA World Cup

”

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Carly Fiorina

Governor awards scholarships to 21 NCC cadets

Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Single Life

[ PAGE 2]

US forces move into Iraq with security mission

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 9]

India humbles Bangladesh after scoring 105 [ PAGE 12]

in Peril: Pangsha grapples with HiV/AiDs Imti Longchar

Pangsha | June 17

Pangsha, last of Nagaland’s villages under Tuensang district, bordering Myanmar, is silently grappling with HIV/AIDS. Its people, formerly renowned for their bravery and valour, are on a face18th June - 09:30 PM off with a threat far ominous and fatal Australia vs netherlands than the guns and machetes they were 19th June - 12:30 AM used to go to battle with.

In the early 1980’s, this border area, Spain vs Chile inhabited by the Khiamniungan Nagas, 19th June - 3:30 AM connecting to Lahe and Khamti towns of theNagaareasinMyanmar,wasnotorious Cameroon vs Croatia for illicit drug trafficking and gun running.

This led to a high rise in the number of Injecting Drug Users (IDU). This was further confounded by unsafe pre-marital sex

By Sandemo Ngullie and an unaware population in an underdeveloped world - it is now taking its toll.

The villagers do not have much of an inkling of what they are up against.

• • •

At least 104 tested positive since 2006 ART centre urgently required in Noklak Comprehensive education from NGOs need of the hour

reflections

The numbers Data received from Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) on Pangsha’s HIV/AIDS scenario reveals that at least 104 people from Pangsha village area were tested HIV positive as recorded from 2006 till date.

This figure was reported from the four villages under Pangsha area namely Pangsha Old, Pangsha New, Dan village (International Trade Centre) and Wontsoi, with a total population of Yes, I did say I might join hardly 6000. The villages are located a the BJP. What’s wrong with few kilometers apart with the nearest that? town Noklak located 30 km away.

Out of the total tested positive, 58 are The Morung Express female and 46 male. Further, 48 of them POLL QUESTIOn are in the age group of 25-34 years of age, Vote on www.morungexpress.com 39 between 15-24 years, 11 between 0-14 SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 years and 6 between 35-50 years.

Given the external indicator, the Is the over-dependency on prevalence of HIV is expected to be much government jobs leading to rise in unemployment higher, keeping in mind that the summain Nagaland? ry of the data indicated are only records of people coming voluntarily to get tested at the Integrated Counseling and TestYes no Others ing Centre (ICTC), Noklak and Tuensang District Hospital Voluntary Counseling Testing Centre (VCTC). “If there is to GPRN/NSCN on and be a compulsory testing of HIV in all the stand of Naga MPs said villages, the figures may turn out to be very frightening,” fears a village youth of Myanmar

NSCN (K) responds to Khehoi Camp Full text on page 4

ACAUT is neither for nor against prohibition but against corruption Full text on page 5

Chief Minister’s Secretariat rectifies error

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KOHIMA, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Chief Minister’s Secretariat today clarified that when MLA, Imtilemba Sangtam was being appointed as Chairman, MACROFED, “an inadvertent error crept in and the Cabinet Secretary’s Notification No CAB-1/2013, dated June 1, showed him by mistake as Advisor, MACROFED,” though there is no such designation. A press communiqué from the Senior Principal Secretary and Advisor to the CM, Lalthara informed that the Nagaland CM “immediately corrected the error” by issuing a letter No CMN/21 (B)/PA/2014 on June 3 to the Chief Secretary. Consequently, it added that the correct notification No COP-1/53/81, dated June 12, appointing Imtilemba as Chairman, MACROFED was issued. The CM’s Secretariat has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the MLA.

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The Pangsha village area in the remote eastern corners of Tuensang district is grappling with the problem of HIV/AIDS, cases of which refuse to decline. (Phot by Imti Longchar)

from Pangsha new village.

Earlier, a blood testing camp held at Old Pangsha during 2004-05 by the Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) Tuensang and ICTC Noklak reported a total of 54 HIV positive out of 740 villagers tested.

Noklak, a node for the eastern Tuensang region, does not lag far behind in numbers. Latest reports from Noklak ICTC reveal that the HIV scenario in Noklak is spiraling up at a disturbing rate. Out of 1136 tests made from 2013 till date, 82 were tested positive- which includes 22 male and 21 female from the general population and 39 during Antenatal Care (ANC).

A comparison of the HIV prevalence rate with other areas/district in Nagaland State in terms of population and area could reveal that Pangsha area and Noklak town stand out with the

highest rates.

Resistance to “new activities” Pastor of Old Pangsha, Pungom Lam, recalls how the villagers, wary of “new activities” at first, were reluctant to have their blood pricked out and tested. “It was only when we, the Church leaders, led the way for the blood test that they were encouraged to follow suit,” said pastor Lam. According to the pastor, nearly 30 of them have already died.

Drug users have comparatively lessened- with only ten of them identified in one of the villages, (as per the village council), pre-marital and unprotected sex with low level of contraceptive knowledge and teenage pregnancy remain an issue of great concern and is the main source of contracting

and spreading the virus.

Haimong Lam, village council chairman of Pangsha Old, maintains that villagers are gradually becoming more informed on the deadly virus as compared to earlier years, chiefly because of awareness provided by NSACS and other NGOs. Nonetheless, comprehensive education reaching all sections of the population still remains the need of the hour.

As chairman Lam puts it, “There are villagers who have been tested positive but simply refuse to take medication while some get angry when asked to take medication because of friends telling them they have bad disease (sic).”

“There are also instances of HIV positive people stopping medicine and discarding them because it causes measles-like skin diseases,” he added.

Intervention The village council, Church and students union have now begun to play a role in the intervention process, the chairman said. “If we suspect that a villager might be HIV positive, we urge him to go for blood test and take Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).”

Chairman Lam admits there have been seminars in the villages but few and far in between. For Pastor Lam too, “concerned NGOs need to hold regular awareness campaigns, educate the villagers on a war footing.” He maintains that a large chunk of the population is still not serious and considers the disease lightly.

“Though people here are aware, they don’t take it seriously. Sensitization and awareness need to be conducted in every household to make them understand, instead of confining to Public Health Centres (PHC) alone,” said T Hosea Meya, Pharmacist at PHC Pangsha New. Lack of knowledge or the inability to comprehend the gravity of the situation might have to do with lack of proper education among the villagers. Education arrived very late in the area with the villagers still struggling with a first generation of school-going children, many of whom have not passed class ten.

Pinpointing the alarming rate of HIV prevalence at Pangsha area and Noklak, aggravated by lack of proper road communication to avail treatment, pharmacist Meya and chairman Lam pointed out that an ART centre either at Noklak or in the Pangsha range is the need of the hour. At present, ART centres are located at Tuensang town and Longpang village, more than a hundred kilometers away from Pangsha and take two days to reach.

“Majority of the villagers here cannot afford to travel all the way to Tuensang to avail medicine and get treatment. It’s too expensive for them. In addition, there is no public conveyance, and villagers have to hire private conveyance to travel even to Noklak which is too expensive for the farmers,” Meya said.

“Until and unless there is intervention from the outside on logistics and knowledge, HIV scenario at Pangsha will remain a major threat to its population,” Thangoi, an inhabitant of Noklak town said.

Streamline Nagaland’s financial position: TR ‘Zotoro’ – Made in nagaland

KOHIMA, JUNE 17 (DIPR): Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today admitted that the poor financial status of the State was a mistake. Everyone has gone wrong somewhere down the line and all are responsible, he stated, while speaking at a joint meeting of the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Advisors, Chairmen of various boards, AHODs and HODs to discuss the finan-

cial situation of the State.

The meeting was held at the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima on Tuesday.

“You are responsible, I’m responsible and unless we take a U-turn, these corrective measures cannot come along,” the CM asserted. The CM appealed to the Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Advisors, Chairmen, AHODs & HODs to collectively take constructive measures to solve the prevailing issues.

He stressed on the need to streamline the financial position by avoiding future excess appointments.

On Article 371 (A), the CM urged the gathering to approach the said article in a way, which would bring about constructive results.

He cautioned against any negative approach to the article. The Chief Minister also suggested improvement measures on the land revenue collections in the State. He urged the gather-

ing to be positive and transparent in functioning so as to leave a lasting legacy for the future.

The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the State Chief Secretary, Banuo Z Jamir.

A presentation on the introduction of the subject matter was given by the Finance Department, which was initiated by the Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, Toshi Aier.

NCP Nagaland questions ‘merger’

DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Nagaland State unit has requested ‘party deserters’ not to “mislead” the public by making claims “for the sake of publicity.”

The NCP State unit, through a press release from its vice president Er. TL Semdok and general secretary (Admn.) Miathou Krose, informed that it was constrained to issue a clarification with regard to the defection of three NCP MLAs along with some party workers to BJP. “It may be noted that the contradictory statements by the defecting legislators have created confusions amongst the public,” it stated.

“Whereas they have claimed a ‘merger’ with BJP, on the other hand they have also stated that NCP will remain as a party with one MLA and other party officials,” the NCP Nagaland noted.

The claim of joining BJP ‘enbloc’ is “misleading”, according to NCP Nagaland, because “most of the state officials, frontals and district units are still intact. Except for the President of Youth wing, all the other officials of the state youth wing are also with NCP. Among the district units, except for Wokha all the other units are still

very much with the party. Frontal organisations like legal cell and Kisan Sabha are also intact.”

The NCP Nagaland requested “party deserters not to mislead the public with terminologies like ‘merger, enbloc’ just for the sake of publicity.” This “unfortunate political development” for the NCP in Nagaland has been reported to their central leaders whose response is still awaited, it was informed.

Semdok and Krose, on behalf of NCP Nagaland, also expressed appreciation of L. Khumo, Parliamentary Secretary, for his loyalty to the party and reaffirmed their commitment to support and strengthen the DAN III Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang and DAN Chairman Dr. Shürhozelie.

Neiba Ndang refutes NCP merger with BJP National Secretary of the NCP, Neiba Ndang today refuted “claims” that the Nagaland state NCP has merged with the BJP, along with 90% of its total strength. A press note from the NCP National Secretary termed the decision of three NCP MLAs and “some officials” to join the BJP as “unfortunate.” Ndang further clarified

that “a host of frontal organisations and district units still remain faithful to the party despite of the betrayal of the three MLAs.” He stated that the MLAs had joined the NCP party “only on the eve of elections” and have now “changed camps eyeing the change of guard at the centre and the BJP party coming to power.”

Ndang lamented that despite having a series of meetings, many party officials, districts units, frontal organisations and even the state unit youth wing were not consulted, made aware or invited to those meetings.

However, he added that the party “shall be strengthen and taken to a higher strata in the days to come.”

Er. TL Semdok given interim in-charge Meanwhile, an Office Order from NCP’s Hony. Permanent Secretary & Member Working Committee, New Delhi, S.R. Kohli, has announced that the national president of NCP, Sharad Pawar, has given charge to Er. TL Semdok as its interim in-charge of Nagaland State unit, with immediate effect.

It also informed that the Nagaland State NCP committee is intact and continues to function under Semdok, till further order.

Liyo Kikon releases second mobile game

A screenshot from Liyo’s new game called ‘Zotoro.’

DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): Liyo Kikon, founder of Naga Headhunters Entertainment, has released his second mobile based game called ‘Zotoro.’

Liyo had earlier released an Android based game called ‘Color the world’ which was received with positive response from game developers and gamers, particularly in the US and the UK. Following the release of his first game, Liyo began working on and conceptualizing a bigger gaming project, which eventually culminated in the development of ‘Zotoro.’ Five months were spent on the project. ‘Zotoro’ is an endless speed racing game, where players get to race against several obstacles to become the best racer in the world. In this game, Liyo chose to use simple graphics, thereby making it workable on any mobile phone.

In order to make the

game available in various mobile platforms like Android, Windows and iOS, game developers need to apply for expensive licenses. During the final stages of completion, Liyo did not have the financial resources to purchase the game licenses for Windows and iOS. He then sent his game to Microsoft for a review. The team at Microsoft was so impressed with ‘Zotoro’ that they offered Liyo a free Windows Developer License and a free copy of Windows Enterprise

by Microsoft.

The original soundtrack for ‘Zotoro’ was composed and produced by DJ Ina Zhimo, a young Naga musician who is now rated among the top EDM (Electronic Dance Music) producers in India.

The word ‘Zotoro’ in Lotha Naga translates to ‘Car’.

Mobile gaming enthusiasts can now download the game for free from Google

Play. Initially the game will be available for Android after which the Windows and iOS versions will be released shortly.

Liyo is a self taught pioneer in film production, animation and special effects.

He founded Naga Headhunters Entertainment as a young boy, one of the first companies in Nagaland to enter into the highly specialized domain of producing high quality 3D animation and film production.

The 28 year old is a self confessed gaming freak and has made an entry into the billion dollar booming game development industry, which still remains an uncharted territory for most Nagas as a career option. Taking time off from film making at night, Liyo started reading tons of ebooks on computer programming, joined forums of game developers and watched dozens of Youtube tutorials in before venturing into game development.

“Nagas have the potential to advance and progress if we stop depending on the Government for everything and start believing in ourselves and harness our own potentials,” says Liyo.

He adds that if Nagas work hard, “we can surpass any state or country as we are already blessed with a lot of talent and creativity. We just need to unleash our potential through hard work and dedication.”

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Governor awards scholarships to 21 NCC cadets

Kohima, June 17 (mexn): Governor of Nagaland, Dr Ashwani Kumar awarded Cadet Welfare Society (CWS) Scholarships to 21 NCC Cadets of Kohima Group NCC at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan on June 17.

The Governor congratulated all the awardees for their exemplary performances and asked them to be always humble and thank the Almighty God for bestowing good health as without His grace and will nothing could be accomplished. At the same time, he also asked them to remember their teachers, parents and well wishers who had been supportive throughout the year. He said that the NCC which was formed in 1948 with its motto, “Unity & Discipline” was important for success and survival not only as

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NICGOA general meeting on June 20 Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar speaking during the award ceremony of Cadet Welfare Society Scholarship at Raj Bhavan on June 17. (DIPR Photo)

an individual but also as an institution. He asserted that discipline was the most important element to forge ahead and one has to have discipline on regulation of one’s behaviour and following of rules despite

distraction and opposition.

The awardee cadets belonged to 1 Nagaland Girls Battalion NCC, Kohima; 1 Nagaland Air Squadron NCC, Dimapur and Sainik School, Punglwa. CWS scholarship had been insti-

Kohima, June 17 (DiPR): Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, W. Honje Konyak during the monthly meeting of Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) gave an appraisal on the cleanliness deliberation held at the State capital last week where a thorough discussion was initiated to find out ways and means to keep the capital town clean. He asserted that cleanliness should start from each person and suggested that the Kohima DPDB members should take a pledge to contribute towards a green Capital town. He also emphasized on cleanliness awareness among the citizens.

The meeting on June 16 at DC’s conference hall, Kohima was held under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, Kohima DPDB & DC Kohima, W. Honje Konyak.

While reviewing the last meeting minutes, it was decided that the Sub-Committee headed

by CEO, KMC, Lithrongla Tongpi will submit their report in the next meeting and the Board agreed in principle on trail basis to go for checking/ re-locating the footpath vendors. Regarding the ‘Non-Detention Policy’ in Schools which the Board felt is

adversely affecting the students, the Board decided to constitute a committee headed by SDO (C) Sechu to study the matter and present a report in the DPDB meeting. The members include Land Resource Officer, Deputy District Education Officer and Presidents of Angami Students Union and Rengma Students Union as co-opted members.

A report on the Kohima DPDB Exposure Trip to Asia’s ‘Cleanest Village’, Mawlynnong, Shillong was presented by ADC Chiephobozou, Bodeno S. Colo and Administrator, KMC, Lithrongla Tongpi. A documentary on the visit to Mawlynnong, directed

by DPRO Kohima, Asangla Imsong and Information Assistant, IPR, Mhathung Ngullie was also screened. Two delegates from among the team (from Kitsubozou and Phekerkriema) shared their experiences.

School recommended for grant-in-aid and opening of new schools was also discussed in the meeting. An agenda regarding shifting of T.B. Hospital, Khuzama was also discussed where the House decided to form a committee headed by SDO (C) Jakhama to study the matter.

tuted by Director Gen NCC, New Delhi and is awarded every year to junior and senior NCC cadets for performing well in academics, being regular in training parades and displaying exemplary discipline, in-

DimaPuR, June 17 (mexn): As part of the ongoing series of Tribal Community Learning Programme designed by NEZCC, the third group consisting of 3 resource persons and 25 students from the Chakhesang community successfully completed their training programme on June 17.

The programme has been initiated to address the challenges posed by the advent of modernity and the resultant impact created in the society, especially on the urban youth, according to a press release issued by NEZCC Jt. Director Talinokcha.

The programme culminated at NEZCC where the students performed various forms of art and traditional knowledge they had gathered relating to their community during the ten days’ period and shared their experiences as to how they benefitted from such a creative programme. Lipokmar Tzudir, Director, NEZCC in his brief introductory address thanked the resource persons and the Chakhesang Community leaders of Dimapur for their support and cooperation extended in making the training programme a success, said the note.

Mikha Lomi, NCS (Rtd) Dep-

formed PRO Defence Lt Col Emron Musavi in a release.

The award carries a sum of Rs. 6,000 and is given to students who have passed class X and XII with good percentage marks.

The ceremony was at-

tended by Chandak Ashwani Kumar, representatives from Youth Resources and Sports, Defence PRO, parents and faculty members of institutions and officers and staff of NCC Group Kohima.

(With DIPR inputs)

The landslide in Sakshi village under Longleng district.

LongLeng, June 17 (mexn): One house was completely damaged and two pig sties were swept away in a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on the night of June 15 at Yanji Morung, Sakshi village under Longleng district. Japheth Woch, Sub-

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Kohima, June 17 (mexn): The general meeting of Nagaland Industries & Commerce Gazetted Officers' Association (NICGOA) has been scheduled on June 20, 1:00 PM in the conference hall of the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Kohima. Therefore, all NICGOA members have been requested to attend the meeting positively. As discussed in the Executive Committee meeting on May 9, 2014, members have also been reminded to bring registration fees (for new members) & annual membership fees and submit to the NICGOA treasurer. This was informed in a press release issued by NICGOA president Er. S. Temsulong Jamir.

WSBAK counseling on June 21 DimaPuR, June 17 (mexn): The Youth Department of WSBAK is organizing one day ‘life career counseling’ for working youths and those seeking jobs on June 21 at Dimapur Sümi Baptist Church with the theme, “Risking All for Christ, our only Hope”. Kahoshe Sümi, Asst Registrar, Nagaland University Kohima Campus, Merima will be the resource speaker.

Short message will be delivered by Juliet Shikhu, Pastor, DSBC. The Youth Secretary has requested all the youth leaders under WSBAK to encourage the youths to attend the seminar and be blessed. Everyone has been requested to reach the Dimapur Sümi Baptist Church by 9:00 am.

School Campus Idol elimination round

Menfolk from Chakhesang tribe perform during the Tribal Community Learning Programme organized by NEZCC.

uty Commissioner present in the function gave a brief review and expressed that the creative idea of the present director in organizing the Community Learning Programme series is well appreciated and more such programmes should be organized in future which are accessible to more number of urban youth of

the State. He also gave away the certificates to the participants.

In this ongoing series, the next group of 3 experts and 25 students from the Chang community will commence their learning programme for the next ten days beginning June 18 in the same venue. The programme is free entry for anyone interested.

KiPhiRe, June 17 (mexn): The elimination round of School Campus Idol will be held on June 19 from 3:00 pm onwards at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire. A press release from Eastern Explorers’ president Horiba Sangtam informed that based on the judges’ point and public voting, 5 will be selected for elimination. These five will be given a chance to perform one song each and the one best among them will be given an opportunity for entry in the next round. The next round scheduled to be held on June 30 will be a Judge round. In this round, the contestant will perform one song each of their choice. No public voting will be entertained in this round. However, basing on their individual performance and caliber, the judges will directly select Top 12 for the last stage show, scheduled to be held on July 10 at Public Ground Kiphire. The Grand Finale will be held in the first week of August 2014.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Explorers has requested the school authorities concerned to forward the participating students’ academic performance before July 30.

Landslide destroys house in Sakshi village New DGAR reviews security situation in Nagaland

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Kohima, June 17 (DiPR): The ADC & Electoral Registration Officer, Kohima has informed electors seeking correction of wrong photo and particulars in the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) to apply application in Form-8 between June 20, 2014 to July 20, 2014 to the Polling Station Booth Level Officers concerned.

The passport size photo should be in colour measuring 3.5cm x 3.5cm in size. Application in Form-8 should be supported by attested photocopy of document for proof of the defective EPIC. Form-8 can be obtained from the Polling Station Booth Level Officer and office of the District Election Officer, Kohima concerned.

Kohima DPDB deliberates Chakhesang tribe participate at Tribal keeping the capital clean Community Learning Programme

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Divisional Officer (Civil) & I/C EAC, Sakshi Office of the Deputy Commissioner Longleng informed that the District Administration, Longleng led by him visited the affected area along with Red Cross Society, Longleng and donated cash and kinds to

the affected persons. No loss of life was reported, he said. The heavy rainfall which occurred on the night of June 15 which continued till the morning of June 16 has also damaged roads connecting EAC Sakshi area, it was added.

IMMANUEL COLLEGE, DIMAPUR Felicitation of Nagaland University Topper No.1 On 13th June 2014, IMMANUEL COLLEGE, Dimapur had a felicitation programme for Nagaland University TOPPER No.1 in Degree Examinations 2014, Mr. Litsüvi Rume, B.Sc.(Zoology Honours) and other meritorious students. Altogether 56 students both from Degree and HSSLC Examinations 2014 were given cash awards. Subject teachers were also given cash awards and momentos for their role in producing good results.

Kohima, June 17 (mexn): The newly appointed Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR) visited Kohima on June 16 and 17 and reviewed the security situation in Nagaland. During the course of his visit, Lt Gen R K Rana, SM, VSM, also called on Dr Ashwani Kumar, Governor of Nagaland wherein he discussed the steps being taken to further consolidate the security situation in Nagaland.

According to a press release issued by PRO, IGAR (North), the general had wide ranging discussions with the governor to include the development projects being undertaken by the Assam Rifles in Nagaland. They also discussed the ways in which the Assam Rifles could

contribute to enhance job opportunities, education and sports facilities for the people of Nagaland, it said.

The DGAR also inaugurated the “Pineapple Canning Plant” established under Military Civic Action programme at Medziphema (Ghaspani).

A first of its kind, the plant has been dedicated and handed over to the local village council who has been entrusted to run the factory, thus enabling employment for twelve locals, including four women, the release added.

Prior to his departure, the DGAR complimented all ranks of Headquarters Newly appointed DGAR Lt Gen R K Rana during his visit to Nagaland.

Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) for their to live up to their motto of, preciation and gratitude to and media of Nagaland for dedication and devotion “Friends of the Hill People”. the populace, civil admin- their continued cooperato duty. He reminded them He also conveyed his ap- istration, NGOs, Church tion with the Assam Rifles.

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Peace Club inaugurated at Nagaland University

Lumami, June 17 (mexn): Peace Channel organized the inaugural function of Youth Peace Club, Nagaland University, Lumami campus on June 13. The programme was graced by Theodore Yanthan, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung as chief guest and Prof. B.K. Konwar, Vice Chancellor NU as special guest, informed a press release.

The chief guest congratulated the Peace Club members of NU, Lumami Campus and called for a collaborative effort towards peace. While lamenting that Nagaland is living in a Pseudo–peace situation, he challenged the students present to work hard for peace. “In everyone’s heart, peace has been a concern,” he added. He further pointed out that peace

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Peace Club members of Lumami Campus, Nagaland University during the inauguration programme on June 13.

will not come to us, but we should fight for it and drew example from leaders like Mahatma Gandhi who had always worked for peace.

Meanwhile, Prof. B.K

Konwar shared on working hand in hand for Peace.

Referring to the inaugural function, he expressed his great joy and stated, “An occasion like this is for a

good cause.” Further, citing the increasing conflicts and turmoil in all parts of the state, he requested the students present to make “our” survival beautiful

for the next generation to come and called for all to join hands in the fight for peace. 50 students of NU, Lumami Campus were inducted into the Peace Club.

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The Morung Express

Wednesday 18 June 2014

48-hour UNC bandh in Naga areas begin SenaPatI, June 17 (nnn): The United Naga Council (UNC) 48 hours bandh crippled all the national highways and inter-state highways except the ImphalChurachandpur road today.

In the district headquarters of Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and the subdivisional headquarters in these four districts witnessed normal activities being severely affected. However, since the educational institutions are exempted from the purview of the bandh, students were seen going to their respective institution on the first day of the bandh today.

The bandh began since midnight of Monday. There was no untoward reported anywhere due to the bandh today.

The UNC has called the bandh in protest against what it called 'communal onslaught' of the Manipur Government that

continues relentlessly through administrative orders, gazettes, notifications etc. to usurp the land and destroy the traditional institutions and village republics of the Nagas and tribals.

The UNC said that although there is a process of dialogue of the Government of Manipur, Government of India and the Nagas in Manipur under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) to address the demand for an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur outside the Government of Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue, in utter disrespect of the democratic process, the communal onslaught of the Government of Manipur continues.

According to the UNC, instead of amending the Village Authority Act of 1956 and empowering their traditional institutions which has been the

Assam party slams Modi over Bhutan power project guwahatI, June 17 (IanS): Assam's regional party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Tuesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the launch of a hydro power project in Bhutan, saying it will endanger the lives and property of people in certain districts of Assam. Modi had laid the foundation stone of the 600 MW Kholongchu hydro-electric project, a joint venture between India and Bhutan.

AGP general secretary Durgadas Bodo said Modi had spoken against big dams

during his election campaign in Assam. "However, in less than a month after coming to power, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of such a huge power project in Bhutan that will endanger the lives of people in certain districts of Assam," Bodo said. He said the dam of the 60 MW Kurichu hydel project in Bhutan had caused devastating floods in five districts of Assam in 2004 and 2007. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has also demanded a white paper from the union government on the project.

long standing demand of the tribal people, the Government of Manipur has issued an office memorandum dated 6th January 2014 in its Gazette for establishment of “Village Development Committee” (VDC) in each village in the name of development. The VDCs are to be chosen by the general body of the village but without the involvement or endorsement of the village council/village authority, the ultimate traditional authority of the village.

Instead of strengthening the village council/village authority, a parallel body with development function is to be put in place. The village which is the primary polity of the tribal is being pushed into a conflict and division situation. This is a move to destroy the village republic system of the Nagas and the tribal.

The UNC pointed out that

aged in the Vision 2020 document, was discussed in a meeting held at NEC Secretariat today under the Chairmanship of M. P. Bezbaruah, Member of North Eastern Council. Bezbaruah emphasised the need to have a coordination mechanism by the State Government to look into the various aspects of water resource activities like power, irrigation, water shed programme, fisheries, agriculture, horticulture etc. so as to maximize the utilization of water for the benefit of the people.

NEC Secretary reviewed

agartala/aIzawl, June 17 (IanS): The much-awaited repatriation of tribal refugees from Tripura didn't resume Tuesday as the displaced men and women refused to go back to Mizoram unless their demands were met.

Over 36,000 Reang tribals are sheltered in seven camps in northern Tripura for almost 17 years.

"We want financial assistance of Rs.150,000 per family, political settlement of the ethnic problem and adequate security from paramilitary forces," refugee

all ongoing NEC funded schemes in the North Eastern States. Luikham emphasised that timely completion of the projects/schemes by the implementing agencies is a must for the States to achieve the developmental goals. He also informed the various schemes available in NEC with regard to Irrigation and Flood Control and Water Shed Programme in particular in the survey and investigation including preparation of DPRs for hydro power projects so as to meet the future requirements of the NE States.

leader Ranjit Reang said.

He was speaking to reporters at Kanchanpur, 185 km north of the Tripura capital Agartala.

The Mizoram government earlier announced they would make necessary arrangements to take back the tribal refugees. But no officials of the Mizoram government Tuesday came to the refugee camps in Tripura.

The refugees, including women, began a sit-in demonstration at the Kanchanpur refugee camp Tuesday in support of their demands, which also in-

India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina during her visit to India in January 2010.

"Total cost of the proposed project is estimated at Rs.252 crore. The Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON) would lay the new railway tracks on both sides of the border," a senior official (construction) of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) told reporters.

Of the 15 km rail line, five km of tracks fall in the Indian territory. The official said: "With the establishment of the new railway link, northeast India will be connected to the Chittagong international sea port by rail."

He said: "The proposed rail link will not only improve bilateral ties but also help in establishing connectivity with inaccessible areas in the northeast as journey from Kolkata to Tripura and other northeastern states via Bangladesh will save cost, time and distance travelled."

Surface connectivity is an important factor as India's northeastern states are surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and China. The only land route to these states from within India is through Assam and West Bengal. But it passes through over 70 percent hilly terrain with steep roads and multiple hairpin bends.

India has for long been seeking land, sea and rail access through Bangladesh for ferrying goods and heavy machinery to its northeast from abroad and

Imphal valley districts and by diluting the distinct district boundaries," the United Naga Council press note stated.

According to the UNC, there is clear intent to alienate the tribal from their traditional land and weaken their village republics by stealth and seemingly innocuous administrative orders/ notifications and to also deprive them of every opportunity. Prior consent of the tribal people, the stakeholders, is not obtained. It is an alarming situation where the tribal people have to be ever vigilant. The intervention of the Government of India with an alternative arrangement outside of the Government of Manipur therefore assumes greater urgency to prevent the legitimisation of the usurpation of the lands of the tribal people and destruction of their traditional institutions, the Naga body added.

cluded signing an agreement between the refugees, the union home ministry and the governments of Tripura and Mizoram.

North Tripura District Magistrate Sandeep R. Rathod told IANS on phone that they had arranged a large number of vehicles for the refugees to move to Mizoram.

"But no tribal is ready to go back to western Mizoram," he said.

Over 36,000 Reang tribals, locally called 'Bru', are sheltered in seven camps in northern Tripura since

October 1997.

They fled their villages in western Mizoram following clashes with the majority Mizos over the killing of a Mizo forest official in October 1997.

The Mizoram home department said in Aizawl that the central government had sanctioned Rs.7.87 crore as financial assistance for the repatriated refugees.

"An adequate amount of foodgrain has been stored to provide free ration to the repatriated tribal refugees for one year," an

official added.

The official said refugee leaders had told the Supreme Court's Special Commissioner Harsh Mander that if the Mizoram government ensured their security and livelihood, they would return to their villages.

Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana met senior officials in Aizawl recently and decided to facilitate the return of the refugees.

Only about 5,000 refugees have returned to their homes in the past three-and-a-half years.

3

Arunachal HM vows to make capital 'crime free' zone Itanagar, June 17 (PtI): In the wake of reported spurt in crime rate especially in the state capital, Home Minister Tanga Byaling has vowed to make the twin capital town of Itanagar and Naharlagun a 'crime free' zone, according to an official statement here Tuesday.

"Why peace and order cannot be restored in the capital?" Byaling wondered at a meeting yesterday at said his priority would be to improve the law and order front of the state capital and other districts in phased manner.

He urged all the stakeholders including councilors of Itanagar Municipality to bear collective responsibility for effective policing, the statement said. "I will not tolerate law-breakers ? be they relatives of ministers, MLAs or higher-ups or any officers. Police and magistrates should not show any leniency to criminals," he said at the meeting.

Byaling said the government was contemplating to issue ILP (inner line permit), gun license, PRC (permanent resident certificate) and driving license to beneficiaries online to put a check on third-party involvement linking money transaction.

He also announced to establish police posts in at least 15 out of 30 wards in Itanagar municipality to keep a vigil on law-breakers.

He said half of the crimes and law and order problems would be minimized upon installation of CCTV cameras and high-mast lighting system at vulnerable points, the statement said.

Kuki tripartite talks in Delhi on August 22 IMPhal, June 17 (nnn): The long halted tripartite talks involving the two umbrella Kuki underground organizations – Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) – the Government of India and the Manipur government will be held on August 22 in New Delhi.

This matter was discussed in a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) meeting of the KNO, UPF and the Manipur government at the Banquet Hall of First Manipur Rifles, Imphal today.

The Manipur government side was led by Principal Secretary (Home)

Work on new India-Bangladesh railway link from 2015 agartala, June 17 (IanS): The Indian and Bangladeshi governments will start work early next year on a new rail link to ease surface transport, officials said here Tuesday.

India will build a 15-km railway tracks linking Tripura's capital Agartala with Bangladesh's southeastern city of Akhaurah, an important railway junction connected to Chittagong port, resourcerich Sylhet and Dhaka.

An Indian delegation and a Bangladeshi team attended the third meeting of the Agartala-Akhaurah railway link project steering committee here Tuesday. They will Wednesday go for a field inspection on the Indian side.

"The work for new Agartala-Akhaurah railway link will start early next year. The DPR (detailed project report) will be finalised within a month or so," India's external affairs ministry's joint secretary Alok K.Sinha told reporters after the meeting.

Sinha, who led the Indian delegation, said: "...

We will mutually sort out if any problem comes up...

The fourth meeting of the project steering committee will be held in Dhaka in December." The Bangladesh delegation was led by its railway ministry's joint secretary Sunil Chandra Pal. Pal said: "With the setting up of the new railway connectivity between India and Bangladesh, people of two countries will benefit as they will come closer.

Men and materials will be ferried very smoothly."

An agreement to implement the railway project was signed between

is a subtle move to get around the MLR&LR Act and legitimize the usurpation of the ancestral lands of the tribal, the UNC said.

"We had also brought out in the public domain vide our Press Statement dated 14th October, 2013 our strong views on the inclusion of 120 tribal villages under Saikul Sub-division of Senapati District by the Government of Manipur under various police stations of Imphal East District and Thoubal District, both of which are valley districts. Why can the tribal villages not continue under the original Police stations or if felt necessary, why cannot new police stations be opened up in the respective Districts? The communal Government of Manipur seeks to control the tribals and their land through its policing machinery by tagging the above villages to Police Stations of the

Refugees don't leave Tripura for Mizoram

NEC sanctions project for creating infrastructure in Meghalaya DIMaPur, June 17 (DIPr): NEC Secretary Ameising Luikham informed that NEC has sanctioned a project for “Creating necessary Infrastructure for Storage of water to meet the Emergency needs of the State capital Shillong in the State of Meghalaya” for Rs. 1500 lakhs recently. This project will meet the emergency need of Shillong town and its adjoining areas. This project will have a combined water storage capacity of 5.6 million litres.

A strategy to develop the river basin plan, as envis-

although Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms Act, 1960 (MLR&LR Act) is not applicable in the tribal area of the hills, the Government of Manipur after passing the bill for a Separate Revenue Directorate for the Hills in 2012, has proceeded with notifications dated March 3, 2014 to extend the jurisdiction of the Revenue Tribunal Manipur to Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur and the District Judge, Senapati has been appointed as the Presiding Officer, Revenue Tribunal Senapati. Every Naga village and tribe has its own distinct territorial boundary and jurisdiction.

The tribal have their own way of life. To them the land and the people cannot be parted as their culture, tradition and identity are interwoven with the land.

The constitution of Revenue tribunals in the tribal districts

Dimapur

other parts of the country. Chittagong international Agartala is 1,650 km sea port is just 72 km. from Kolkata and 2,637 km from New Delhi via Guwahati and West Bengal, whereas the distance between the Tripura capital and Kolkata through BanMaruti SX4 ZXi NL-01 gladesh is just about 350 2008 Model, 33000 km. The NFR is now laying Km done in exceltracks to connect Tripura's lent condition or exsouthern most border town change with Bolero Sabroom, 135 km south of 2009, 10 or 11 model. here. From Sabroom, the Contact: 9436219054

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Suresh Babu while around 22 leaders of KNO and UPF participated in the meeting. JMG-UPF Convener Sanga Hmar led the UPF team while Dino Zou, convenor of JMG-KNO led the KNO delegation.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) LM Khaute, Additional Secretary (Home) Bobby Waikhom and two officials from IGAR (South) also took part in today's meeting with Principal Secretary

chairing the programme.

Issues on the coming New Delhi Tripartite talks dominated today's meeting. The controversial KNLF designated camp of Semol in Chandel district was also discussed. KNLF is a unit of KNO. The KRF, a unit of UPF

will have now its designated camp at Phingsat in Sadar Hills, Senapati district which was earlier opposed by certain groups. The demand to raise the monthly stipend or salaries of the cadres under Suspension of Operation (SoO) was also discussed.

The outfits under SoO have been demanding to raise the monthly stipend/ salaries which is manageable for a family. Issue of providing licensed guns, ID cards and opening of bank accounts for the SoO cadres were also discussed.

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4

public discoursE

Wednesday

Dimapur

18 June 2014

Who should be blacklisted?

A

pompous order was published in local papers on 16.6.2014 in connection with road work for Longtho-Liphanyan Governor’s camp in Wokha District by GPRN/ NSCN Lotha Region. Three factions do use GPRN/ NSCN, and therefore I do not know to which faction this regional authority belonged. If the people who issued the said statement are genuine and intended to warn the Regd. Contractor M/S Vilelie Khamo and sons who is found wanted in workmanship and other deficiencies as alleged for the sake of public interest it befits them as revolutionaries.

During the 1970s when we were in Shillong, Nagas did not have a public hall to house social gatherings or Gospel services, and we used to hire such halls for all our functions. After many

years of departure, I visited Shillong and went to halt at Nagaland House. There I was surprised to find a nice multipurpose public hall. I asked who constructed it. I was informed that Govt. of Nagaland was providing fund, but before the contractor could get any payment from Govt. he completed the building in advance. The contractor is no other than Sri. Vilelie Khamo, perhaps the only Naga contractor who gave the building to public prior to receipt of payment. Although I do not know much of his other activities he had proved himself as a doer in that instance. Thus I came to know this contractor who is facing threat to his life.

In contrast, many contractors kept the finished buildings under lock and key till their final payments are released to them. How many registered contrac-

tors in Nagaland today refused to start the given work asking for advance payment? How many contractors used to refuse to carry on the ongoing work till enhancement of the estimate is approved?

The contractor gave clarification in local papers dated 17.6.2014. I am now convinced that there was certain reason why this intimidation and reputation damage were opted by those who man Lotha region. The text message published along with the reply of the contractor has enough prima facie that the regional authority demanded 5% payment from the contractor. Again, in the contractor’s reply it is understandable that he had already complied as per the general practice in Nagaland meaning such compliance cannot be unlimited. The Contrac-

tor has replied that he followed the specifications prescribed by the Govt. in his execution of the road work and accordingly the competent authority issued Completion Certificate to him on 31.3.2014.

Yet, the regional authority called it ‘nefarious’ and ‘sub-standard’. If the allegations are true why it was disclosed only after failing to get 5% demand.

Why was there no reaction when Completion certificate was about to be issued? If the allegations are true, why should the onus be passed only to the contractor? Had the payment been made as demanded on time will the regional authority be satisfied with the quality work?

This episode is the tip of the huge iceberg. We all know how developments face dire predicaments in Nagaland today. No devel-

opment is spared without being bruised, smashed, squeezed and tampered.

The honest contractors who are sincere enough to leave their footprint of durability are not allowed to work honestly and with peace of mind in their domain. They are the most harassed section in our society.

We cannot go on at this rate. How long shall we remain as spectators?

This type of eye opening cases used to crop up but left unattended without reaction from State Govt.

Let there be inquiry and find out whether the allegations made are true. In the inquiry if this regional authority of GPRN/NSCN is found making false allegations for selfish interest they should rather be blacklisted.

A

A

traveler journeying across our state can see a lot of new roads being cut and new bridges being constructed and inaugurated. Good roads are signs of development and progress; but it may be more appealing if the existing roads are maintained along with it. The Swedish Proverb goes “Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water”. An ordi-

nary person like me finds it very difficult to understand the logic behind why go on cutting the new roads and building new bridges and inaugurate consecutively while the existing roads remain abandoned or untouched or not maintained.

Is it because the people in authority want to divert the routes towards their villages? Or do they want to create a name, “during my tenure” this was done?

Coming to Kohima in particular, can the toll taxes, parking taxes and other taxes collected for a day or two be utilized to cover up the pits along the National High Way especially between the BOC to Lerie point? Our children walking to schools in their beautiful uniforms face the toughest difficulty. The rich people’s children are dropped by vehicles but pity to those who come from economically poorer

NSCN (K) responds to Khehoi Camp

s usual, the Khehoi camp since its formation in 2011 has no other agenda but to attack NSCN/GPRN un-wavering stand on Naga “Sovereignty”. The NSCN/ GPRN therefore asks Khehoi camp to specify it’s grievances so that NSCN may endeavour to address them.

Khehoi camp must also explain to the World and the Nagas in particular as to the reasons for it’s vehement opposition to NSCN/GPRN uncompromising stand on Naga sovereignty. If “Naga Sovereignty” is an obstacle to Khehoi camp, they should make it clear so that the Nagas and NSCN/ GPRN may intervene and end their discomfort at an earliest possible time.

Khehoi camp may also highlight their aims and objectives if at all they possess rather than always allowing themselves to be used as mere pawns against Naga sovereignty. Relying solely on anti-Naga and anti-sovereignty agendas for their own survival is crystal clear and it only remains to be seen how long as to such anti-Naga campaigns would sustain them.

Khehoi camp unreserved haste in appreciating Naga MP’s of Myanmar opZ. Lohe position to NSCN/GPRN stand on “Sov-

The 29 National High Way (R & B) Looking at the present condition of the road no one will be left without feeling pity for the vehicles especially plying between Dimapur –Kohima on the so called National High Way 29 and the passengers for the tedious back breaking and bone crushing horse ride.

The concerned department had assured the public to change the face of this road before next April.

But the monsoon season is at our door step with the showers. While waiting 10 – 11 months for a better road, the monsoon rains may worsen the condition of the road! I wonder why the road is not repaired at the earliest. At least hire a JCB and a roller for a day or two to fill and level it with some pebbles/stones the ‘fishery-pond-type-roads’!

Is the department so poor to hire a JCB for a day or two? Can’t the representatives of the people share the responsibility to do something for these pathetic roads which belongs to all the Nagas or one has been elected only to mind one’s own department! Are these not priorities? If not, what?

The Morung Express

families because they have to walk and reach their schools. Let the story of Rich and Lazarus given in Luke’s gospel (16:19-31) remind us to be mindful of our neighbours. The rich man landed in the place of torment, not because of any murder, theft, rape or any other commission, but because of the sin of omission.

Rev Fr. George Rino Cathedral Church, Kohima

Birthday Greetings Dearest Likivi Chophi…!

On this special day, We wish you all the very best, all the joy you can ever have and may you be blessed abundantly today, tomorrow and the days to come!

May you have a fantastic birthday…

May all of your wishes come true - today and always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Loving Mom, Dad and Afo Avity & Achi Hosh.

T

ereignty” is only natural and well understood. For the consumption of the Nagas in general, the NSCN/GPRN once more reiterates it’s position on the issue.

The Naga Myanmar MP’s like any Naga India MP’s are constitutionally bound and therefore obligatory to express confidence towards Myanmar Union. However, that, in no way do change the history and identity of the Nagas or for the matter NSCN/ GPRN stand on Naga Sovereignty.

For instance, the Naga India MP’s and politicians like late Hokishe Sema, SC Jamir, Reishing Keishang etc had throughout their political career been vociferously opposed to “Naga Sovereignty” and though had effectively been an obstacle, yet, could not succeeded in defeating the determined struggle of the Nagas.

Similarly, any such divisive anti-Naga forces in the form of Khehoi camp, no matter how vocal and sinister their propagandas be, would barely impact on NSCN/ GPRN stand on “Naga Sovereignty”.

Lt. Gen. Niki Sumi Military Supervisor, Nagaland NSCN/GPRN

GPRN/NSCN on stand of Naga MPs of Myanmar

he GPRN/NSCN through its MIP appreciates the Statement issued by the Naga MPs of Myanmar that appeared on esteemed dailies on 13/06 2014, and made their stands clear about the decisions of the Myanmar Nagas who along with other ethnic Groups have signed the Ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar Government in an effort to end Armed conflict/s and to hammer out some ‘Some Solution/s or Settlement/s’ through talks.

The statement is in sharp contrast and serves as a rejoinder to the Contradictory Statement issued by one Gen. Niki of NSCN (K) aimed at creating more ‘Speculations and further Confusions and Complications’ to the Nagas of Nagaland who are already in the confused state of mind, where issues relating to the ‘Naga National Movement’ are being manipulated by some few vested interest with Sinister designs and Diabolical Intent, despite being fully aware that any

such moves will have deep prejudicial impact and invite seeds of discord among the Naga Brethren which as a result, the future of the Nagas be put at Stake.

The signatories (Naga MPs of Myanmar) outrightly rejected the Statement issued by Niki as ‘Purely a Personal View/s which has got nothing to do with them’. They are also of the view that, “We are all Naga Brothers by blood, and will remain so, but due to the Geographical demarcation, we are unable to live together”.... hence expressed their desire that they (Myanmar Nagas) want to decide their own future.

The MIP opines that as much as we (Nagas of Nagaland) has the liberty to make our own choice and decide our own future, so do they (Myanmar Nagas ‘or’ Others) too have theirs.

We once again make our stands crystal clear that we will neither Persuade or Force others to join our Movement nor would we deny our brothers if they

want to join the Brotherhood, but since the Myanmar Nagas has expressed their desire to decide their own future, we Respect and Honour their decisions. We are also hopeful that some positive solutions may be arrived at, between the Myanmar Nagas and the Myanmar Government.

In the light of the above developments, it is now for the People to give a serious thought as to whether the K group has the Legitimacy to decide or represent the Naga People leave alone imposing ‘TAXATION’ in the name of Sovereignty.

As for the GPRN/ NSCN, we again reminds the people that despite knowing the truth, if any Individual/Persons/Groups etc are found collecting any Tax or harbouring this illegitimate Group will be viewed seriously, and may tag them as “ANTI-NAGA AND ANTI-PEOPLE” The Ministry of Information & Publicity (MIP), GPRN/NSCN

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

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2911

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2918

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 # 2910

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 PUPPY KITTEN JOEY PIGLET FAWN CALF KIT CUB

HATCHLING CHICK WHELP LARVA PULLET COLT FOAL DUCKLING EAGLET TADPOLE POLLIWOG GOSLING KID FILLY SHOAT CRIA LAMB CYGNET

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MOKOKCHUNG:

G D K K P N F U A J L O Q X B X B F H R

ACROSS 1. Jests 5. Jittery 10. Pulp 14. At the peak of 15. A river through Paris 16. Savvy about 17. Carpenter’s groove 18. Victims 20. Temporary housing 22. Easily cracked or fractured 23. Charged particle 24. Trifled (with) 25. Disaster 32. Leaves out 33. Mistake 34. Unhappy 37. Anagram of “Note” 38. Tartan 39. Solitary 40. Wild blue yonder 41. Paces 42. A type of small mammal 43. Overly 45. Concatenation 49. French for “Summer” 50. Reap 53. A window above a door 57. Air 59. Early 20th-century art

movement 60. Clairvoyant 61. Moses’ brother 62. Terminates 63. Countercurrent 64. Ancient Greek unit of length 65. A musical pause

DOWN 1. Cushions or mats 2. Salt Lake state 3. Connecting point 4. To plunder 5. A movement upward 6. Close 7. “___ the season to be jolly” 8. Give the cold shoulder 9. 365 days 10. Slogan 11. Accord 12. Inscribed pillar 13. Fleeced 19. About a US quart 21.

Throw 25. Camp beds 26. Out of control 27. Small 28. Museum piece 29. Give a speech 30. One who is excessively

proper 31. A box for bricks or mortar 34. A few 35. A Freudian stage 36. Declare untrue 38. Latin for “Peace” 39. Lilac 41. Segments of DNA 42. Devil tree 44. Calm 45. Pursue 46. Despised 47. Possessing a weapon 48. Shade of white 51. Resorts 52. Not this 53. Stepped 54. Rational 55. Probabilities 56. Spar 58. Historic period Ans to CrossWord 2917

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

W

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

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The Morung Express

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Dimapur

5

Organizations react to GPRN/NScN lotha region's allegation Mima bodies

The Mima Village Council, along with other organizations under it, held an emergency meeting on June 16 to discuss the statement made by the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region on June 15. The latter had alleged that work for construction of road from Longtho to Liphanyan Governor's Camp under Wokha District, which was allotted to M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons was "sub¬standard and unfit" and demanded that the contractor be "black-listed and be banned" and further stated that they would take their own action against the contractor.

A press note from the Mima Village Council Chairman, Khriesavilie Khamo and Mima Youth Organization President, Thepfulelhou Peki stated that the proprietor of M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons is a bonafide member of Mima Village and that he, “as a Contractor, has been doing very well in his profession and his works are being appreciated by all those who come across them.” “He even completes the works allotted to him well before the stipulated period and even without getting his final bills. He also goes the "extra-mile" by executing additional works outside the original project putting the interest and welfare of the public before his own financial profits,” the note stated.

They added that, in regard to this particular road, “it has been confirmed that the concerned Department has already issued Completion Certificate and therefore, the question of sub¬standard and unfit does not arise.”

They termed the allegations of the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region that the work in question is "sub-standard and unfit," as a “character assassination…” The organizations further condemned what it termed as the "threat issued to Vilelie Khamo and consider it as a direct challenge not only to Vilelie Khamao alone but to all Mima citizens as a whole.”

The organizations then stated that in the event if “any harm or any unpleasant things happen to Vielelie Khamo or any of his family members, GPRN/NSCN Lotha

Region will be held fully responsible and we will not remain mere spectators but will be compelled to take our own course of appropriate actions…”

ACUAT demands apology

The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation Nagaland has responded strongly to the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region’s allegations and said that the latter’s statement has “in an almost delusional sort of way people were led to believe that GRPN/ NSCN had stepped in for the interest of the public and check corruption in developmental activities in the state.”

A press note from the ACAUT Nagaland stated that it is “disgusted that the GPRN/NSCN Lotha Region tried to play with the sentiments of the Naga people by whipping up the issue of poor quality workmanship.” It said that if indeed the quality of the road is poor as alleged, then the issue is genuine and has to be tackled appropriately by all concerned including the right of intervention by the NPGs.” However, it alleged: “it becomes apparent from the SMS sent to the contractor that the motive of the GPRN/NSCN Lotha Region is to extract money from the contractor.” ACAUT Nagaland stated that “trying to extract Rs. 8.50 lakhs from the contractor simply because he has withdrawn Rs. 1. 70 crores for the work done is shameless.” It demanded that the GPRN/ NSCN “disown the statement of its Lotha Region and issue a public apology.”

ACAUT Nagaland stated that M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons “has taken the right decision not to make the payment and boldly go public with the SMS threat.” Stating that Vilelie Khamo is a bonafide member of Nagaland 1st Class Government Contractors Union, ACAUT Nagaland asserted that “any threats and intimidations against Vilelie is condemnable and the ACAUT Nagaland fully supports the contractor on this issue.”

ment over what it termed were “threats and intimidation issued by the GPRN/ NSCN through its MIP” to one of its bonafide member, Vilelie Khamo.

A press note from the KYO President, Medo Keyie and Finance Secretary, Okolie Zashomo stated that the allegations of the GPRN/NSCN are “preposterous.” It further took serious note of the GPRN/NSCN’s demand for blacklisting the contractor concerned and viewed it as a “veiled threat to our respected members in particular and our people in general.”

In this connection, KYO declared that “in case of any untoward incident we shall not remain a mere spectator.” It further called upon all “right thinking individuals or groups directly or indirectly associated with this statement to address it as uncivilized utterance which may put wedge amongst people.”

It expressed bewilderment at the allegation that "awarding of all major contract works in the Lotha region to outside contractors was the main reason for the poor execution of works and appealed to Lotha leaders to ponder over the issue". It said that this “insinuation of other Nagas other than Lotha's as outsiders is a mere statement of tribalism which is totally unbecoming of organization purporting to work for the Naga cause.” It further urged all “right thinking leaders of GPRN/NSCN to correct such negative perspectives within its ranks.”

NCSU demands clarification

The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) in its executive meeting held on June 17 at its Head Office Kohima expressed serious concern over the manner in which the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region had leveled allegations against one of its members, Vilelie Khamo regarding the duly completed road construction from Longtho to Liphayan Governor’s Camp under Wokha district.

A press statement issued by NCSU president Pele Khezhie and general secreKTO condemns The Kimipfuphe Youth Organisation tary John Kath stated that the allegation of (KYO) has expressed shock and resent- GPRN/NSCN Lotha region that the work

executed by M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons, Kohima was found “sub standard and unfit” and that “the contractor be blacklisted and he would not be allowed to execute contract works in the Lotha region” was not justified, hasty and drastic. Stating that the matter raised above rests with the state PWD department, NCSU has demanded from the department concerned to publicly clarify the said allegations within seven days.

It further cited the clarification issued in the local dailies on June 17 by Vilelie Khamo that the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region in a text message sent to him on June 6, 2014 had demanded 8.50 lakhs as 5 % commission and said that was the reason of misunderstanding between them. Asserting that this is a matter of serious concern, NCSU in good spirit has requested the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region to substantiate its allegations within one week’s time.

It further pointed out that the contractors in Nagaland are facing undue hardships from all kinds of unabated taxation and commission hampering the activities of the contractors. Therefore, it has requested all the national workers to understand the difficult position of the contractors in their endeavours to develop Nagaland and its people.

SAYO & SAPO

The Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and Southern Angami Youth Organiation (SAYO) have called the allegations of GPRN/NSCN Lotha region against M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons as “purely founded callousness with vexatious attitude to tarnish one’s personal image.” A press release appended by SAPO president Zadehol and SAYO president Kekhriiho Mekro stated that the press release by the GPRN/NSCN Lotha region rejecting the contract works of M/S Vilelie Khamo & Sons from Longtho – Liphayan Governor’s Camp was malicious. The two organizations further asserted that it will not co-operate with the GPRN/NSCN unless the case is resolved amicably and asked the group to desist all activities within the southern Angami area.

Guitar Prodigy video round Entries invited for poster with slogan competition MokokchUNg, JUNE 17 (MExN): In commemoration of ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on June 26, Nagaland Police is organizing a poster with slogan competition on the theme. A press release from Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, Vikram M Khalate informed

DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The blistering sun and humid conditions in Dimapur did nothing to dampen spirits of the sixteen contestants of the first Guitar Prodigy Talent Hunt, as Dimapur witnessed sixteen aspiring young guitarists below the age of 21 years showcasing their guitar playing prowess at the video round held today at Upstairs, Dimapur.

The show hosted by Moalemla witnessed the young artistes perform different genres ranging from jazz, classical, rock to funk music, with Moa Longkumer of UDX and Atsa Long Roths of Incipit. Organised by Barefoot productions Ltd., Aircel are the title sponsors for the Talent Hunt while Queensberry Foun-

dation, State Bank of India and Ezung’s Driving School, Movie World Kohima are co sponsors of the event.

Voting for the first round will be opened from June 18 and closed on July 3, 5pm. The voting cards will be made available at Crescendo (8575886319) and Li Ning, Dimapur; Lineage (9856484156), Kohima; Cosmos Entertainment (9862118137); Hills Enterprises (8118975772), Wokha and Wacky Collection (8974802418), Tuensang. Four out of the 16 contestants will be eliminated in the first elimination round. Tune in Infotainment, Shillong were the Videography partners for the event while Music Channel were the sound partners.

that the entries can be posted on the Facebook page “Nagaland says no to drugs” for which the last date is June 23, 2014.

The entries should also be emailed to spnarcotics@ gmail.com, with email address and phone numbers. The competition is open to all. The school and college students have been especially request-

ed to participate.

The criteria of judgment will be: Likes voted

by Facebook users on the Facebook page, and by a panel of experts on the basis of relevance, creativity, originality and presentation.

The posters should be of A-4 size and in 150 resolution in JPEG format.

The prizes will be award-

NPF 51 Noksen A/C demands clarification within 15 days NoksEN, JUNE 17 (MExN): NPF 51 Noksen A/C has reiterated its earlier demand of clarification and explanation from the party high command for “unceremoniously” dropping their elected representative CM Chang from the cabinet berth during the recent reshuffle “without and valid reason.” The party had sent a representation to the Nagaland NPF president dated 02-06-2014 seeking written clarification and explanation.

NPF 51 Noksen A/C president H Changlemba and secretary press & information MC Ongbou reiterated that the NPF 51 Noksen during the 2013 general election had put an end to

the decades old Congress bastion/rule in the constituency (from 1969-2013) by electing NPF candidate CM Chang, IAS Rtd. and former MP(Lok Sabha).

In a press release, the party stated that CM Chang had also sacrificed his Assembly seat for the general interest of the NPF Party by resigning from MLA few days after he got elected in order to avoid Parliamentary byeelection in the state. “This stern step was taken by our elected member CM Chang, being the senior party worker and being the founding member of NPF during the year 2002 to show allegiance to his NPF party.”

It also reminded that, in the recently concluded 16th Lok Sabha election, 51 Noksen A/C, under its elected member managed to garner 87.5% votes in favour of DAN consensus candidate, adding “Such a sacrifice and loyalty are proof enough of how much CM Chang and his party worker of 51 A/C is committed towards the NPF party.”

The NPF 51 Noksen A/C further expressed that despite all its commitment to the NPF Party, it was totally shocked and put in confusion by the stern reward from the party high command by dropping its elected member from ministerial berth. It said

Public SPace ACAUT is neither for nor against prohibition but against corruption

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s per the Excise Commissioner apology letter dated 12th June 2014, published in all the local dailies, it stated that he had “Personally enquired and verified from the personnel of the Dimapur District Excise office on 27/5/14 and it was found that the Superintendent of Excise, Dimapur did not bring the entire consignment as per the claim of ACAUT for which the Show Cause notice was issued (to the Supdt of Excise).” Whereas, as late as 3nd June, 2014, Excise Commissioner Maongwati Aier still defended his position and insisted that ACAUT was in the wrong. He claimed in the media that “they (ACAUT) have counted on their own which does not tally with official report of the Destruction Committee…the Destruction Certificate was signed by all the Destruction Committee members.” He also stated that “On the strength of the Destruction

ed to only two best entries - Rs. 15,000/- for 1st Prize and Rs. 10,000/- for 2nd prize.

The selected posters shall be declared property of the police for use in campaigns against drug abuse, the release said.

The award ceremony will be held on June 26, 2014 at PHQ. The winners will be intimated personally.

Committee the destruction was done on 26/5/14….” To recap, in his apology letter, the Commissioner admitted to finding lapses on 27th May itself, whereas, till the 3rd of June he was defending his position and his department in the local papers. Therefore, it’s a clearly established fact that the Commissioner of Excise has been falsely misleading the public and in the process attempting to shrug off personal responsibility which is not at all acceptable. Hence, ACAUT will pursue the matter till the facts are established and the law takes its own course.

Also, the Commissioner in his apology letter used the term “For the misdeeds of the departmental officers.” Here, the ACAUT would like to clarify that personal responsibility has to be fixed and giving apology for the “For the misdeeds of the departmental officers” is neither called for nor will it wish

the matter away nor are we on a witch hunt. However, in our meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary, Excise, on 9th June, we sought apology from the Excise Commissioner for misleading the public on the above anomaly and not for the misdeed of the department. In our meeting we also clarified that all the guilty personnel should be brought to book irrespective of rankings and political cloud.

Therefore, the show cause notice and apology letter are mere eyewash to hoodwink the public and both are simply public relation exercises to show to the public that the department has done a tremendous job to check corruption.

The ACAUT Nagaland demands that: 1. The missing cases of 2054 IMFL/beer amounting to not less than several lakhs of rupees- street value upward of Rs. 20-30 lakhs- should be depos-

ited in cash to the Government treasury by the Excise department. The monetary value of the missing cases has to be determined by a committee comprising of NGOs such as NCD, NWHD, etc.

2. As stated, issuances of show cause notice and apology letter are mere eyewash which is not acceptable. If at all the department is sincere about this issue, it is requested to institute a thorough enquiry and fix personal responsibility. The Excise department is being given another 7 days, that is, till 23/6/14 to address the issue.

It may be also clarified that the ACAUT is neither for nor against prohibition but against corruption. In this case, pilferage to the tune of 2054 cases of IMFL/beer worth several lakhs of Rupees has to be accounted for and the guilty persons punished.

Issued by media cell ACAUT Nagaland

that CM Chang not only represented the area but was the sole cabinet representative from the Chang community HQ at Tuensang “whose sentiments may have hurt so much though unspoken and yet waiting patiently for the time to spell itself.”

In light of this, it has sought written response from the party high authority as to why its representative was dropped from the ministerial berth. “We anticipate firm response from the NPF party authority within 15(fifteen) days from the publication of this press to avoid any blame, emulsion, dissidents or untoward incidents within the party.”

Appeal to bring Income Tax branch to Dimapur

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ost respected our student leaders/ NGOs of Nagaland, this is to bring to your notice that Income Tax Department, Government of India in Dimapur is not issuing tax exemption certificate from salary as you all know that section 10(26) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 exempts a member of Scheduled Tribe from payment of income tax in respect of income.

Three years back, Income Tax department had a branch in Dimapur for taking out tax exemption certificate from salary but now we have to go down to Jorhat, Assam to procure certificate which means we have to visit Jorhat four to five times to get it done.

Please look into the matter and bring back that branch office in Dimapur. So many Naga youth are working in MNC & private sectors and we are facing a lot of problem.

Temsuwati Ao Dimapur

In this June 17 image released to the media, a monument stone is being erected in memory of Supong Temjen, who was shot dead by Assam police personnel on April 30 at the Naga occupied land near Indisen. The stone was erected by the FIRMS (Frontal Integrated Ranges of Meranger and Sensolikum). FIRMS, in a press release, expressed gratitude to all well wishers and executive bodies for their co-operation and participation in the erecting of the monument stone.

MEx FILE Dimapur Police raids restaurants and lounges DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): Dimapur Police, on June 16, conducted raids at restaurants and lounges in and around Circular Road and Nagarjan Junction, Dimapur. A press note from the Dimapur Police informed that a large amount of IMFL was seized and a number of arrests made. The places raided included Fusion Fuss, Escape Lounge and Savour in Circular Road and Pebbles, Spills and Blues in Nagarjan junction area. Alcohol seized during the raids included 289 cans of beer, 49 pints of beer, 58 pints of breezer, 4 bottles of scotch whiskey, 3 bottles of vodka and 2 bottles of wine. The six persons arrested were Aso Yimchunger (19) of Pebbles, Tokato Achumi (19) of spills, Athong Sangtam (21) of Blues, Akaash Das (20) of Fusion Fuss, Mahindra Chettri (24) of Escape Lounge and Sunil Chettri (28) of Savour. The arrested persons and the seized liquor were forwarded to court after a case was registered under the NLTP Act.

Mao orgs mourn professor’s death DElhI, JUNE 17 (MExN): Various Mao organizations in Delhi have expressed sadness over the death of Prof.

Dr. Ashikho Henia, Department of Education, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. A condolence message jointly issued by Mao Welfare Association Delhi, Mao Students’ Union Delhi, and Mao Christian Fellowship Delhi stated that Dr. Ashikho Henia was one of the pioneering educationists in the Naga community. She did her B.A (Honours) and M.A in Education from Guwahati University and ventured to the premier Jawaharlal Nehru University and completed her M.Phil and P.hD, it informed. She is the first among Mao women to complete her Doctoral degree in 1988 from JNU. “In the age of knowledge society, when the society needs her service the most her demise has left a huge vacuum, which will not be easy to be replaced,” the note added. The organizations further extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

GPRN/NSCN terminates one DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The GPRN/NSCN terminated Likhumse, Razou Peyu, hailing from Anangba Village under United Sangtam Region (USR) on June 17. A press statement from GPRN/NSCN informed that after thorough deliberation, the GPRN/NSCN through Kilo Office terminated Likhumse from the active national service for involving in anti-social activities which breached the “Ahza of the National.”

NSCN (IM) USR to check offices DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The NSCN (IM), United Sangtam Region (USR) has taken serious note of the general public complaint against dereliction of duties and non attendance of office by Head of departments (HODs) and staff. Stating this in a press release through MIP, CAO of USR asserted that “such utter disregard to the needs and demands of the general public will no longer be tolerated.” The release informed that USR will conduct regular checking falling under its Jurisdiction and put things right from now on. “It is desirable that this notification is observed in letter and spirit by all the stakeholders concerned in order to avoid unwanted actions to be followed herewith,” it cautioned.

DNSU condemns DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The office of the Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) has vehemently condemned the “cruel murder” of Harider Rai allegedly by his wife Shalu Rai @Salma Ansari, her mother Manun Nisha Ansari and her brother Javed Ansari on October 29, 2013. Terming the “cold blooded murder” as unwanted and unacceptable act of human being in the society, DNSU has urged upon the law enforcement agency concerned to punish the accused in the strongest term. Meanwhile, DNSU in a press release issued by its Speaker U/A Petevito Nakhro also called upon all the peace loving citizens to rise up and condemn such inhumane act. DNSU also appealed to the authority not to release the accused on bail. It further lauded the Dimapur Police for their timely action in arresting the accused.

Rape condemned DIMAPUR, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Chiecha Ramia Krotho, Kohima has strongly condemned the rape of one of its minor members on the night of June 3 allegedly by Thsukuosie Phoji and his accomplice Yantsula Yimchunger. The organization further extended solidarity with the victim and urged the law enforcing authority to award befitting punishment to those involved as per the law. It also appealed to the sensible and responsible individuals and society to condemn the shameful act.

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

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Liam D. Anderson

Nepal's Truth and Reconciliation Us and Them Commission - revised, but revitalized?

WEDnEsDAy 18 JunE 2014 volumE IX IssuE 165

I

t seems that the culture of blame has gripped not just the Naga way of life, but the present Naga worldview as well. Sadly it is based on this culture of blaming the ‘other’ that Nagas are defining their existential worldview. This disastrous attitude nurtures a stand-point that constructs the meaning of right and wrong, not based on values and principles but on very narrow and concrete understanding of humanity that is fear driven.

The culture of blame couple with fear is often responsible for dichotomizing human life into pockets of insular thinking that clearly defines ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Considering that the polarization is established along the lines of ‘us versus them,’ the culture of blame inevitably leads in creating an unforgiving society which simultaneously breeds a culture of impunity for its own.

The fear and hate for the perceived other lies at the heart of impunity. It doesn't take much imagination to understand how people find brief moments of unanimity when they have successfully identified the ‘other’ as the real source of their own insecurity. This practice of naming and branding occurs in international relations as well. For instance, repressive and insecure groups in the Islamic world demonize a mythical Christian 'West', while culturally confused, sceptical and frightened European and North American societies cling to the picture of a global militant Islam, determined to “destroy our way of life.”

It is not surprising that the concept of fear and the culture of blame have together formed an attitude which is responsible for fueling and sustaining many conflicts in the world today. This is not to dismiss the fact that some of the fears are real. Yet, it is the exploitation of these fears that are the problem. And it will not be wrong to say that in a culture of blame, the exploitation of fear is a silent accomplice. It is this deliberate exploitation that prevents the possibilities of finding a peaceful solution; and this breeds a collective untruthfulness, which makes any rational handling of such fears infinitely harder.

Most of us are guilty for colluding with the system of fear, which stifles human hopes and dream. Yet, there is hope. This system of fear can be changed when we begin to recognize that our complicity has ensured its continued survival. Indeed, we need to believe and embrace in the alternative values that are life-giving. And this process can begin with de-constructing the myth of “us’ and “them.”

lEfT wiNg |

V. Nick Pay

The rise of Christianity in the Islamic Republic

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he Islamic Republic of Iran appears to be an inexhaustible social laboratory that never ceases to surprise external observers. As prominent scholar of Iran Professor Axworthy once said, if a Martian came to earth and wanted an overview of the entire human experience, Iran would provide a very good introductory course.

Iran has controversially proven to be the most pro-western state of the Middle East, hardly what the founding fathers of the Islamic Republic envisaged in their revolutionary anti-imperialist propaganda. Striking social statistics show that the Islamic Republic of Iran has got one of the world’s highest levels of alcohol consumption, as well as a surprisingly liberal perception of relationships and sex that could seriously undermine the claims of morality and rectitude inherent in the religious propaganda of the regime. The spectacular failure of the state on numerous social grounds is controversial, to say the least, in an allegedly divinely endorsed system whose constitutional role is claimed to be that of “extending the rule of God on earth”.

The Christian threat Most interestingly, this monopoly of the administration of morality seems to have broken down most completely on religious grounds. In recent years a considerable number of Iranians have been rallying to embrace other alternative religions and sects that have found extremely fertile ground in which to grow, in spite of the extreme restrictions on the practice of any cults other than the officially endorsed version of Shi’a ideology.

Two aspects of this trend to embrace other faiths, in particular Christianity, are interesting to highlight. Firstly, this could be interpreted as Iranians being astonishingly susceptible and sympathetic to any cultural products of the west, whether these are to do with fashion, music, or other social phenomena. Secondly, the 'social glue' that these religious congregations provide must strike a chord in a country where most manifestations of group association are outlawed.

Most interestingly, certain strands of Protestantism, in particular that of the Evangelical Church, can be identified in numerous social trends which are at odds with the state’s prevailing prescriptions for leading a pious life. These range from live music entertainments, strictly forbidden by the Islamic state, to other more private individual liberties regarding personal relations, alcohol consumption and freedom in private spaces. If one adds to this the relatively light and flexible requirements that practicing these new creeds entails, it is not difficult to imagine the social appeal underpinning the success of this branch of Christianity in Iran.

Another reason for the curious appeal of this ideology in Iran appears to be its endorsement of worldly pursuits, in particular, the legitimacy of pursing wealth and the perception of material success as a 'blessing from God'.

It is not difficult to see a clear resonance of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism with the striking direction that Iranian society has taken, due to the significant level of social stratification and the deficiency in providing an acceptable level of distributive fairness. This is arguably the unsurprising result of the rampant corruption and materialism that the Islamic Republic has paradoxically engendered. Widespread financial and economic clientelism and numerous episodes of financial favouritism and their ensuing scandals are all instances of this epistemological centrality of a prevailing quest for material wellbeing.

There are other elements that appeal in modern day Iran.

Among these, one important element is the denial of the religious hierarchy for instance, and the refutation of the need for a superior interpretative knowledge of religious dogma by qualified ecclesiastic models for emulation.

Thus it should come as no surprise that the leaders of the Islamic Republic see this social trend as an existential threat. It could potentially undermine the innermost ideological foundation of a theocratic system that advances claims of authenticity fundamental to its official version of truth and path to salvation.

ly amended and made "victims-friendly". Some changes were included, but were insufficient, and even largely disregarded the recommendations of the government’s own taskforce. The bill separated the TRC and disappearance commission, but still failed to address vague wording allowing high discretion on amnesties even for serious crimes.

UCPN-M Maoists have often called for a TRC, but with amnesty provisions. While electorally weakened after November 2013 polls, the UCPN-M can still dissent to hinder comprehensive investigation, and in mid-April it stalled the Constituent Assembly over the prosecution of Maoist cadres in regular courts outside of the TRC. The hardliner splinter-party CPN-M is relatively small but could cause public disruption or use intimidation if members feel threatened. With upcoming local-level elections this year parties could work on this issue to gain support but, unfortunately, other parties have also previously resisted comprehensive TRC legislation. Some politicians repeatedly emphasize the paramount importance of reconciliation and national unity. This is undoubtedly necessary for transition and durable peace, and victim support must be addressed alongside investigation.

However, reconciliation must not be used as a screen for impunity for serious crimes, undermining participatory truth-seeking, reparations, and rule of law.

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n January 2014 Nepal’s Supreme Court passed a directive to restructure the still unestablished Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), most importantly prohibiting potential amnesties for serious crimes. Over seven years since the decadelong civil war, this represented some hope for tired Nepalis to finally end impunity for war-time crimes.

However, criticism at the 110th session of the UN Human Rights Committee in March 2014 nearly 3 months later illustrates continuing slow progress in the reforms, and demonstrations and hunger strikes reflect victims’ deep frustration with this stalling. In April, TRC legislation was finally voted through the Constituent Assembly, but controversy remains.

History of violence Following the war, the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provided for a TRC. This has, however, been long delayed by political power struggles, and military and political leaders’ reluctance to open their war-time pasts to scrutiny. Post-war transition has been slow and shaky, and prospects looked even bleaker with the Constituent Assembly’s dissolution in early 2012, after running out several extensions of its mandate to draft a new constitution.

November 2013’s successfully-held Constituent Assembly elections, though, and the fresh parliamentary composition, are hopefully the basis for progress in transition and development.

During the war an estimated 17,800 died according to Nepal’s government, hundreds were forcibly disappeared, and thousands more suffered injury, torture, and rape. Civilians were targeted with extrajudicial killings and torture by both state security services and rebels, in battles and repression of enemy support. Unfortunately, corruption and torture in detention continue to be serious post-war problems among the police, army, and party cadres.

While the Maoists’ People’s Liberation Army has since been dissolved, the Nepali Army remains, and has changed little since the undemocratic monarchist regime save for its name losing ‘Royal’. The military was under monarchist control during the war, and helped to suppress the 2006 Jana Andolan II mass popular protests against the last king Gyanendra’s autocratic and militaristic rule. It has long faced calls to democratize and ‘right-size’. It lacks a culture of accountability and has been resistant to changes outlined in the CPA, including down-sizing and establishing a TRC. Numerous post-war politicians, particularly those in war-time positions of power on either side, have been similarly slow to act, and have even used

C

ontinued growth in developing countries, along with povertyreduction policies, have helped to improve both income and food security globally. Still, eradicating hunger remains an enormous challenge that has an impact on every other attempt to improve lives. An estimated 842 million people were found to be chronically hungry between 2011 and 2013. Globally, one in eight people are unable to gain regular access to enough food to be able to study, work, ward off disease, and otherwise live healthy and productive lives.

Agriculture remains the key pathway to improving both access to food and income for most vulnerable families worldwide. Policies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and rural development, especially when smallholder producers are targeted, can help to create employment opportunities and achieve hunger reduction — even where poverty remains widespread. But the quest for better lives must necessarily address another, often intertwined issue, that of malnutrition in all its forms. At least two billion people suffer from various vitamin and mineral deficiencies and related diseases. Malnutrition undermines wellbeing at all ages, and is seen as the underlying cause of death for some 2.6 million children annually.

In some of the world’s most vibrant and influential developing countries, malnutrition is threatening the next generation of parents, teachers, scientists and leaders. Inadequate nutrition causes stunting, weakened immune systems and difficulties in learning and concentration. If having access to enough food is necessary for a person’s survival, then getting an adequate combination of safe and nutritious foods is fundamental to his or her future, and to the wellbeing, health and development

broad discretionary powers in transitional legislation to interfere in investigation, essentially avoiding effective prosecution. This lack of progress has been exacerbated with parties’ power-play and their apparent wariness of antagonizing the military.

A successful TRC depends on the cooperation of military figures and politicians, especially from either Maoist party – UCPN-M or CPN-M – who likely fear their own investigation. Despite some judicial counter-efforts, successive post-war governments have withdrawn hundreds of cases, including many murder charges, often on the basis that security personnel were “acting in good faith”, especially with politically-affiliated individuals. The lack of any effective prosecution of war-time crimes is a major injustice to victims, and this impunity could potentially cause serious unrest and undermine Nepal’s fragile transition towards stronger democratic institutions.

Supreme Court safeguard In March 2013 controversial TRC legislation was opaquely pushed through. It merged the TRC and disappearance commissions and, despite CPA and international legal obligations, gave wide scope for arbitrary decisions on amnesty even for serious crimes. The Supreme Court suspended it two weeks later, responding to wide civil society criticism and petitioners demanding public consultation and restriction of amnesty powers.

The January 2014 Supreme Court ruling then fully overturned this legislation. This limited amnesty provisions, separated the TRC and disappearance commission to ensure their effective implementation, made suspected human rights violators ineligible for commission appointment, and reduced the politically-appointed Attorney General’s discretionary power to decide on prosecution. These were important decisions for transitional justice and independent investigation, and their passing early in the new Constituent Assembly’s tenure put the long-neglected issue into fresh focus. Civil society, legal professionals, and victims’ groups, have also made repeated public demands for truth and justice, and maintained pressure with protests and efforts to record testimonies of abuses.

Political obstruction Legislation to establish a TRC and Commission for Inquiry of Disappearances was voted through on 25 April, although opposed by some smaller parties.

Nepali and international rights groups widely criticized it for having effectively just lightly reworked the version already rejected by Nepal’s Supreme Court, and quickly demanded that it be significant-

Challenging a culture of impunity The transition has not yet overcome a deep culture of impunity, despite pressure on political and military leaderships. International criticism is rejected by some as foreign interference, but claims of threatened sovereignty appear as a rather transparent attempt to dodge accountability, especially with heavy criticism from domestic rights and victims groups, and even scepticism from some members of the largest three parties. Furthermore, the military, sometimes directly contravening Supreme Court orders, has continued to be criticized for shielding and even promoting personnel accused of crimes, while reportedly punishing those taking positive steps towards investigation.

Military figures may exert pressure on politicians to weaken investigation, but with public pressure visibly against this, this influence may be gradually tempered. Similarly, they lack the international support of past years, and accusations of human rights abuses and endemic impunity continue to taint the military’s image. In January 2013, the UK detained Colonel Kumar Lama on war-time torture charges, meeting criticism from Nepal’s military and government but praise from human rights campaigners. Indeed Sheila Varadan, an International Commission of Jurists advisor, warned that “there will be more Lamas” if Nepal does not legally reform to address war-time crimes.

After over seven years of slow progress, political and military figures who continually hinder truthseeking, against vocal criticism from Nepali and international civil society, are likely to lose further popular credibility. A seriously flawed transitional justice process would only worsen existing socio-political tensions, and could also damage Nepal’s image globally or threaten international aid and assistance. Participation in UN missions could be restricted, to which Nepal has contributed significantly and which are sources of army funds, and personnel may avoid such international trips if they risk criticism or detention.

Under the monarchy’s militarist system the army was powerful, important for cooperation with influential India, and little troubled by accountability.

Since the war, having defended the defunct monarchy, repressed Jana Andolan II, and been subjected to demands for democratization and investigation, the military would invite further criticism and isolation if they continue to indefinitely resist accountability. Nepali citizens have long been denied justice, but continued civil society pressure on the new, long-delayed Constituent Assembly will hopefully improve parliamentary efforts to give the dragging peace process and long-awaited TRC some resolution.

not only Hunger, but malnutrition Too José Graziano da silva Inter Press Service of entire communities and economies.

Some progress has been made in reducing hunger over the past two decades, as measured by the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) objective of halving the prevalence of dietary energy undernourishment by 2015. Already, about 60 countries have achieved the target against 1990-91 benchmarks, or are on track to do so. There has been progress, too, in combating malnutrition. Child stunting – a key indicator of malnutrition – has declined, but if present trends continue, half a billion more children will still experience stunted growth over the next 15 years.

Meanwhile, around one-and-a half billion people are overweight, with half a billion deemed obese, and hence, more vulnerable to diet-related non-communicable diseases. Malnutrition has a price tag. It could cost as much as five percent of global income – 3.5 trillion dollars, or 500 dollars per person – in terms of lost productivity and healthcare expenses. All this makes nutrition a public issue. And the conversation about malnutrition and hunger may be scientific, social and economic, but above all, it is political.

Tackling malnutrition Good nutrition starts with access to nutritious food. Food systems must be improved in ways that make nutri-

tious foods available and affordable to people throughout their lives, as shown by the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) most recent ‘State of Food and Agriculture’ report. But overcoming malnutrition in all its forms – caloric undernourishment, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity – requires a combination of appropriate interventions in food systems, public health, education and social protection to guarantee availability and access to nutritious food, reduce the vulnerability of poor populations to disease, and improve consumer awareness of the sources of good nutrition.

Food systems must place extra priority on meeting the special needs of mothers and young children. Malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days from conception can cause permanent physical and cognitive impairment in children and lasting damage to mothers’ health.

In most governments, nutrition lacks a natural home and a responsible official. Nutrition is a public issue and tackling it is a complex task requiring strong political commitment, leadership at the highest levels, as well as unprecedented cooperation and coordination among various ministries and partners.

Turning up the volume Fortunately, policymakers and

wRiTE-wiNg

community leaders around the world are making some progress in turning up the volume of the conversation on malnutrition and placing the topic, along with food security, at the apex of the international development agenda.

The U.N. Secretary-General’s Zero Hunger Challenge, launched in 2012 at the Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference, recognised the intrinsic link between development and proper nutrition for all. It calls for a world without hunger, no more stunting, zero food waste and loss, sustainable agriculture and a doubling of poor farmers’ incomes.

Food security and nutrition have also been placed squarely at the center of discussions to define the work of the HighLevel Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda; and at high-level meetings hosted in London in 2013 by the UK and Brazilian governments. The volume of the conversation on nutrition is about to be notched up further. On Nov. 19-21, the FAO, World Health Organisation (WHO) and others in the U.N. system will co-organise the inter-governmental Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), 22 years after the first one in 1992.

ICN2 will establish the bases for sustained international cooperation and improved policy coordination to overcome malnutrition. It should also help to ensure that different voices are heard in the debate. While governments have the final say on policy matters, non-state actors have important contributions to make to the multi-dimensional challenge of improving nutrition. By cooperating more effectively, we have a real chance of ending this blight on humanity within a generation. But only if the conversation turns to concrete, consistent action that reaches every family.

José Graziano da Silva is the directorgeneral of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome

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.

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PERSPECTIVE

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

18 June 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

What’s mine is mine; what’s yours is negotiable

“T

Alain Gresh Le Monde diplomatique

he negotiations had to start with a decision to freeze settlement construction.

We thought that we couldn’t achieve that because of the current makeup of the Israeli government, so we gave up,” a senior official in the Obama administration told Nahum Barnea of the Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot about the failure of the IsraeliPalestinian negotiations. (He asked to remain anonymous.) “We didn’t realise Netanyahu was using the announcements of tenders for settlement construction as a way to ensure the survival of his own government.

We didn’t realise continuing construction allowed ministers in his government to very effectively sabotage the success of the talks. ... Only now, after talks blew up, did we learn that this [the building of 14,000 dwellings] is also about expropriating land on a large scale.”

When asked if he was surprised to discover the Israelis didn’t really care what happened in the negotiations, he replied: “It surprised us all along the way.

When [Moshe] Yaalon, your defence minister, said that the only thing [US Secretary of State John] Kerry wants is to win a Nobel Prize, the insult was great. We were doing this for you and for the Palestinians.” Though all Barnea’s sources are anonymous, he had access to all US officials, and especially to Martin Indyk, President Barack Obama’s special envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The main argument can be summed up as “we [the US] did not know”. They didn’t know what settlement meant; they didn’t know that the Israeli government was not interested in negotiating.

Is that credible? How, after being involved in the “peace process” for four decades, could the US, Israel’s main ally, not know? Is it possible that Kerry can have devoted so much energy to resolving this conflict — flying to the Middle East so many times, holding hundreds of hours of talks, telephone conversations and video conferences, and meeting most of the region’s leaders one-to-one — and have discovered only at this stage that the Israelis were not interested in the negotiations? The Oslo process has been dead and buried for more than a decade. More than 350,000 Israelis have settled in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1993. And Washington still hasn’t understood?

‘You just don’t see us’ What is going on in John Kerry’s mind? Why does he keep persevering in the face of failure? Did he really not know? The reality is that Kerry and Obama, and all their predecessors, have espoused Israel’s views so closely they are unable to see the truth, and cannot understand the Palestinians’ point of view. Saeb Erekat, chief Palestinian negotiator, told the Israelis: “You just don’t see us; we are like ghosts to you”. His remark applies equally well to the Americans. The US and Israel alike are working to an old principle: “What’s mine is mine; what’s yours is negotiable.” Israel sees the territories it conquered in 1967 as “contested territories”, and all the Palestinians’ rights as negotiable, whether they relate to East Jerusalem, the settled territories, security, refugees or water. It’s the occupied nation that has to make concessions, not the occupier. So when Israel agrees to give back 40% of the West Bank, it is able to declare it is making a painful concession that undermines its security and the rights of the “Jewish people” to Eretz Israel, the land of Israel.

This stance allows the Israelis to pile up obstacles. They demand one concession after another, and none of them is ever enough. If the Palestinians recognise the state of Israel (though Israel does not recognise Palestine), they must also recognise its Jewish character — something Israel has never asked Egypt or Jordan to do, or the Palestinians during Binyamin Netanyahu’s first term as prime minister (1996-99).

This time, Israel’s arrogant intransigence has drawn an irritable response from the Americans.

Obama, among others, has said that the only alternative to the two-state solution is a single state in historical Palestine. Kerry warned of the danger of creating an “apartheid” system — though he has now retracted his words.

A

nyone who joins a political movement will recognise the importance of asserting their right to belong to that movement by using the right language. When I became active in feminist politics in the eighties, one of the first signifiers of my new consciousness was to use the word ‘survivor’ to describe women rather than ‘victim’, a way of thinking popularised perhaps by Liz Kelly in her book Surviving Sexual Violence Describing women as survivors rather than victims was to emphasise the positive, the heroic; it was a triumph of hope over despair, of the future opening up rather than closing down. Partly it was also a question of accuracy: many women who had faced the most appalling levels of violence had escaped, survived and gone on to build a life for themselves.

Partly it was a question of jettisoning all the negative connotations that had attached themselves to the concept of victim: ‘helpless’ and ‘passive’ particularly grated on feminists when our political project was all about the fight back. Passive, in particular, smacked of weakness and quintessential feminine qualities.

‘Damaged’, ‘powerless’ and the shamefulness of being considered weak were also part of the baggage of victimhood.

Besides, the terminology laid down a clear marker of difference between feminists and bureaucrats because government policy documents had yet to come round to the use of ‘survivor’.

In the 70s and 80s, when activists were setting up refuges and centres in the UK to deal with domestic and sexual violence, it was strategic to construct women as victims of male violence in order to win over public sympathy to their cause and government funding for their services.

Having portrayed domestic violence as a toxic situation and the perpetrators as indefensible, activists needed to find a way of explaining why battered women often returned to their abusers and answering the age-old question, ‘why didn’t she leave’ in such a way that no blame was attached to the victim. “To the extent that victims are presented as trapped, and survivors, conversely, are shown as making choices, they are constructed in ways

Palestinian children watch the funeral procession of slain Palestinian Ahmad Arafat Sabarin, 20, who was killed by Israeli army fire early Monday, during a confrontation between stone throwers and soldiers, in the Palestinian refugee camp of Jalazoun, on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, June 16, 2014. Israeli troops on Monday rounded up dozens more senior Hamas activists and killed a Palestinian in a clash with stone throwers — part of a feverish search for three kidnapped Israeli teenagers who Israel alleges were seized by the Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Abbas’s advances The US was initially pleased with the progress of the negotiations, which started in July 2013 and were scheduled to last nine months. The Palestinian Authority made a number of concessions on international legality: the demilitarisation of the future Palestinian state; an Israeli military presence on the Jordan for a period of five years, to be replaced by a US one; the transfer of the Jerusalem settlements to Israeli sovereignty; an exchange of territories that would allow 80% of the West Bank settlers to be integrated into the Israeli state; and, finally, the return of the Palestinian refugees being conditional on Israel’s agreement. No Palestinian leader has ever made as many concessions as Abbas, and it’s unlikely that any Palestinian leader will in the future.

Israel’s response to all these advances (or steps backward) was a resounding “No!” As one of Nahum Barnea’s US sources explained, “Israel presented its security needs in the West Bank: it demanded complete control over the territories. [The US never says ‘occupied territories’, in spite of UN Security Council resolution 242 of November 1967.] This told the Palestinians that ... [Israel’s] control of the West Bank would continue forever.” Yet security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has never been so close, Israel’s security never so assured — at the expense of the Palestinians, who are caged in by the division of territories, humiliated by incessant checks and regularly shot in the West Bank and Gaza; 36 Palestinians were killed in 2013, three times more than the previous year, according to human rights organisation Btselem.

A few weeks before the 29 April deadline, it became clear that Netanyahu was only playing for time.

He began by going back on his promise to free a fourth group of Palestinians who had been in prison since before 1993. The Palestinian Authority responded by ratifying a number of international treaties — notably the Geneva conventions governing the obligations on occupying powers, which the Israeli government has flouted since 1967. But the PA has, for the moment, refrained from ratifying the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC), which would make it possible to try Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC regards settlement in an occupied territory as a war crime.

When the Israeli government confirmed its in-

tention of prolonging its control of the West Bank “for ever and ever” (Book of Daniel, 7:18), President Mahmoud Abbas, unpopular and facing strong opposition from within Fatah, decided it was time to end the division that has been weakening the Palestinian cause since 2007. The conditions were ripe on both sides. Hamas rallied to the idea, weakened by the joint blockade by Israel and the new Egyptian government; by the violent anti-Palestinian campaign orchestrated by Cairo; and facing opposition from more radical organisations within Palestine, notably Islamic Jihad and groups claiming affiliation with Al-Qaida.

Palestinian unity?

On 23 April an agreement was signed for the establishment of a government of “technocrats”, to be headed by Abbas, and the holding of legislative and presidential elections within six months. The Palestine Liberation Organisation is also due to hold internal elections and admit Hamas, which has never been a member. The agreement conforms to the one signed in Cairo in 2011 and confirmed at Doha in 2012 but never implemented. It raised no strong objections in Washington and was hailed by the EU, but Israel used it as a pretext to break off negotiations that had, in any case, reached an impasse. “[Abbas] must choose. Does he want reconciliation with Hamas, or peace with Israel?” declared Netanyahu, who, over the preceding months had questioned Abbas’s “representativeness”, on the grounds that he did not control Gaza. Abbas replied that the future government would be made up of technocrats and independents: “[The Israelis] said: Does the government recognise Israel? I said: Of course. Does it renounce terrorism? Of course. Does it recognise international legitimacy? Of course”.

One could ask the same questions of Netanyahu and his government coalition, and of the fascist parties it includes, such as Naftali Bennett’s Jewish Home, which has 12 members in the Knesset (out of 120). Do they recognise an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, or the UN resolutions? Of course not.

But the prolonged suspension of the negotiations puts both the US and Israel at a disadvantage: “There’s a bigger problem threatening Israel in the immediate future. This is a very concrete threat. If Israel tries to impose economic sanctions on the Palestinians, it could boomerang,” a senior US official told Nahum Barnea.

“There’s great potential for deterioration here, which could end with the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority. Israeli soldiers will have to administer the lives of 2.5 million Palestinians, to their mothers’ chagrin. The donating countries will stop paying up, and the bill of $3bn a year will have to be paid by your finance ministry”.

Moreover, as long as the “peace process” continues, calls for boycotts and sanctions against Israel are less credible. It’s no accident that the German government decided, after the talks were suspended, not to subsidise Israel’s purchase of German nuclear submarines, which will cost Israeli taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. And the EU, after so much procrastination and so much pandering to Israel, could impose sanctions.

One thing will never change: no matter how many violations of international law it commits, the US will stand firm behind Israel. As Martin Indyk said recently, “The US-Israel relationship has also changed in quite dramatic ways [since the October 1973 war]. Only those who know it from the inside — as I have had the privilege to do — can testify to how deep and strong are the ties that now bind our two nations. When President Obama speaks with justifiable pride about those bonds as ‘unbreakable’, he means what he says. And he knows of what he speaks”. Indyk explained that, unlike after the October 1973 war, when US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger negotiated an agreement between Israel, and Syria and Egypt, Obama would never suspend military relations with Tel Aviv as Richard Nixon did.

The US position still boils down to “A Palestinian state tomorrow, but not today”. We must accept that Washington will not bring about peace in the Middle East alone and without pressure. There will have to be strong measures and sanctions against Israel by states, and boycotts by civil society, before the Palestinians are finally able to celebrate their own “next year in Jerusalem”.

'Victim' vs 'survivor': Feminism and Language Rahila Gupta

that place them at opposite poles of an agency continuum” says Jennifer Dunn who has traced the history of the changing terminology. Activists cited psychological motives such as being trapped by fear, love, guilt or societal expectations of a woman’s role i.e. they constructed a narrative in which the ‘victim’ could not be held responsible for her misfortunes. But this devaluing of women’s capacities did not sit well with feminist politics. Activists began to construct a narrative that posited staying in a violent relationship as a form of resistance and not merely a coping strategy. When ‘staying’ is constructed as a woman exercising choice, the concept of choice becomes so elastic that it’s likely to boomerang and cause serious injury. I part company with such idealisation - especially when there are systemic reasons such as lack of refuges or loss of financial support - which prevent women from leaving, particularly in the developing world. The downside of the political drive to endorse a woman’s actions is to underplay the oppressive power of the system.

It is the same language of choice that is used by supporters of prostitution to portray women entering the sex industry as free agents. Women like the research scientist, Brooke Magnanti, who worked as a prostitute to finance her studies and wrote a blog under the pseudonym of Belle De Jour, helped to perpetuate that myth. For the same reasons, women like Laura Maria Agustin who support sex work, dismiss mounting evidence of trafficking of women and girls because any element of ‘coercion’ destroys the central plank of their argument. Agustin rails against what she calls the trafficking ‘rescue industry’ because it takes away the agency of sex workers and ‘objectifies them, treating them as unthinking things that are moved around the world

against their will’. However, a group of ex-prostitutes, ESSO, claim that only 2% of women freely enter the sex industry.

It is also estimated that 70% of those recruited into prostitution are minors who, by definition, cannot be seen to have made a free choice. Add to this, poverty, homelessness, a history in care, a history of physical or sexual abuse, and drug addiction: if a ‘victim of circumstances’, opts for prostitution as an escape route, it is hardly an example of agency.

There are those who argue that the victim narrative saturates first world discourse about third world women.

Chandra Mohanty in her famous essay Under Western Eyes objects to the representation of third world women as ‘victims’, and questions feminist scholarship that homogenises a category as wide as ‘third world woman’ without taking into account the specificities of class, religion, cast and culture. While I would agree with her, this approach has also spawned a problematic antiorientalist feminist scholarship; any critique of harmful cultural practices, religious orthodoxy and their impact on women tend to be dismissed as Orientalist. In 2012, openDemocracy carried a series of articles on ‘Citizenship after Orientalism’, some of which exhibited exactly this tendency. For Lisa Pilgram, any opposition to shari’a law is a form of orientalism. Similarly, Letitia Sabsay believes that any challenge to the hijab is reproducing the Orientalist trope of victimhood that has bedevilled the Muslim woman.

However, what this counter narrative cannot accommodate is the existence of dissenting traditions and voices like mine, speaking from within the culture whilst being critical of it, and so it too, ends up homogenising third

world women as a group who happily accept their culture as it stands.

An enabling state with better resourced provision of shelters, and better implemented legislation on violence against women, reduces the prospect of women becoming victims.

As it happens, an unpalatable fact to some, this is more likely to be found in the developed world rather than the developing world. Educated urban women in employment and with access to some personal wealth in places like the Indian sub-continent are less likely to become victims of their circumstances. But many women and girls, by reason of poverty, misogyny, entrenched caste prejudice and a negligent police force, like the recent shocking case of the Dalit girls, who were gang-raped and hung, are victims. Others like the Delhi based sisters, who were blinded and burnt by acid thrown over their faces by a rejected and vengeful suitor, on whose behalf Southall Black Sisters ran a fundraising campaign in 2010, may have survived, but their lives are blighted with depression and suicide attempts. Although the fundraising campaign dutifully referred to them as survivors, they are, in fact, victims; they are surviving, not living.

There are also practical implications of the terminology used which can lead to a withdrawal of support or funds from the state or other donors.

For example, Rob Jenkins, while discussing the role of women in food security and peacebuilding in post-conflict states, has argued that women’s rights campaigners in emphasising the agency of women in opposition to the ‘tendency to characterize women as ‘victims’ (of war, of development, of states, of patriarchy)’, have unwittingly sided with neoliberal demands for minimal state intervention.

Whilst I understand why victim became a dirty word in feminism, I feel that the insistence of ‘survivor’ does a disservice to feminism: 'survivor' celebrates the individual, but 'victim' recognises the enormity of the system we are up against, and its brutalising potential.

The World Cup has kicked off and if we were in Brazil watching it live right now, then we would be meeting people from all over the world, each of them with their own unique identity, language, culture and food. The world becomes a much more beautiful place to live when we can all gather together, sit down and unite because of a common love. However, many times, instead of our similarities as human beings, we tend to focus on our differences and start harbouring feelings of superiority which can sometimes turn into racism without us even realising it.

It maybe something as simple as saying “Nagas are superior to Indians” or vice versa. It’s time to look beyond a person’s genes, the colour of their skin or the slant of their eyes and instead see the brother, sister and friend that each one of us can be.

Living as One Ester E, 2nd semester( History hons)

R

acism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race. It is also a belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to another. Racism has existed throughout human history.

In simple words, racism is the feeling of hatred towards one another on the basis of caste, creed, colour, religion, race, etc.

India is one country where racism is widely prevalent. So far nobody dare voice out or is able to tackle racism. People stay in behind closed doors, though everyone knows that it should be wisely tackled or discussed.

There comes a moment in our life when we feel it is time to awaken ourselves enough to struggle, enough of pessimism, of fighting and enough of crying. At this stage, we blink our tears and through a mantle of wet lashes we begin to look at the world through new eyes. We then awaken to the fact that it is time to stop hoping and wanting for something to change.

India today needs change more than anything else, in several areas. She has to eradicate her narrow concepts and see things with broader minds and accept challenges with open arms. Racism is one of the burning issues in our country. As an Indian, it is our sole responsibility to take the initiative in tackling problems of racism that prevail around us.

Racism is very common in our country. People discriminate one another on the basis of caste, creed or colour differences.

We notice one caste or group possessing a sense of superiority over others. In many instances North East Indians are widely discriminated because they look different from the mainland Indians. Differences in complex or appearance don’t necessarily mean that people should create a wide gap in between.

Racism can be tackled in an efficient way by profound and deep understanding. People need not stay aloof from this awareness but should come together and work hand in hand in eradicating racism. Awareness campaign or information through media must be carried out. People should renew their thoughts, ideologies and concepts regarding racism. The most important thing that people need to do is have a broad mind and develop their thoughts. Indians need not discriminate one another rather love one another and co-operate with each other. They need not discriminate but rather unite themselves and work together as one. The feeling of oneness should be encouraged and developed from deep within.

Indians should accept the fact that people differ in race, culture, caste, creed, religion and customs. They need not pin point others or look down on each other. Instead of building a barrier between the other Indians and North East Indians, they need to break down the barrier and encourage equality.

Once Indians overcome this racism, there can be tremendous changes in the country where people live harmoniously together as one. Indians need not disregard or disrespect the culture, tradition and custom of other regions in India. We consider our country as the largest democratic country. People have every right to enjoy democracy and liberty without hindering other’s freedom.

In India, while the tri-colour Indian flag flutters atop the hills of the North-East, her Mongoloid inhabitants cannot conceptually connect to the notion of being ‘Indian’. The recent incident of young Nido Tania’s death in the national capital has witnessed mixed reactions s from people all around Indiain a way that such activities are considered as anti-national activities. Now the question that arises is why can’t the people of North-East enjoy their own rights, which means - freedom to reside anywhere in the country, study in any institution, work in any company and pursue higher knowledge without any sort of discrimination? Infact, Indians should be happy to have different types of people with their unique heritage. We should stand together and stronger under the same umbrella so that we gain more knowledge from each other and develop positive aspects of life when under the same shade.

It is now high time to wake up from our deep slumber and develop a positive outlook towards racism. Respect and regard should be given to each and every race regardless of their status, backwardness or difference. We live, at present, where there is an intense need for us Indians to enjoy the harmonious relationship with one another.

Our future depends on how we prepare for it today and that is by learning lessons from past mistakes. Therefore, now is the right time to prepare a racism free India through mending and learning from the past failures and errors. Racism is ugly as it divides people from ‘us’ to ‘them’, but it can ultimately be put to an end by overcoming prejudices and discrimination towards each other. Universal brotherhood and a feeling of oneness should be planted in each and every individual’s heart so as to put an end to any sort of racist tendencies. Racism has never been a pleasant experience and we should put enough effort to eradicate it completely.

“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College.

For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”.

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

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NATIONAL

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Kerala vows to curb rising road accidents

ThiruvANANThApurAm, JuNe 17 (iANS): Authorities in Kerala will get tough to curb rising fatal road accidents in the state, Transport Minister T. Radhakrishnan said Tuesday. Addressing the assembly, Radhakrishnan said there was no need to bring in a new set of laws for this purpose. “From now on, the authorities will be acting tough as precious lives are being lost and numerous people are getting injured in road accidents,” he said. “Licenses of those caught driving under the influence of alcohol ... can be cancelled through an executive order,” he said.

The minister spoke after CPI-M legislator E.P. Jayarajan pointed out that 4,258 people were killed and 40,344 injured in road accidents in Kerala in the 2013-14 fiscal.

“The major causes of the accidents include driving under the influence of alcohol, rash driving and poor condition of roads,” Jayarajan said. He quoted a professional body as stating that roads in the state were poorly planned and there was hardly any space for parking. Pedestrians too were affected.

Radhakrishnan said the total number of registered vehicles in Kerala had crossed 8.2 million, of which 65 percent were two-wheelers. “The growth of vehicles is mindboggling... We will leave nothing to chance and act tough against erring drivers. And that’s one of the ways to bring down the accident rate,” he said.

Delhi LG sanctions Rs.1 cr to dead constable’s family

New Delhi, JuNe 17 (iANS): Delhi Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung Tuesday sanctioned Rs.1 crore to the family of a police constable who was run over by a car while on duty in the capital.

Earlier, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal wrote a letter to Jung, requesting Rs.1 crore as compensation to the family. Constable Manna Ram was run over by a car Saturday evening when he tried to stop it from entering a “no entry zone” in west Delhi. Jung said the government will explore the possibility of extending all help to the family and a job, subject to fulfilling certain requirements.

The government had earlier announced Rs.10 lakh compensation to his family. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Tuesday constituted a three-member team of inspectors from the Crime Branch, the Traffic Unit and the Moti Nagar police station to probe the case. Ram, 28, was on picket duty with one of his colleagues when he was hit by a white coloured Maruti Ritz car driven by Ramakant, a driver by profession in the Moti Nagar area of west Delhi.

Ramakant, later arrested along with his two minor friends (aged 15-16 years), was on a joy ride, police said.

The Morung Express

Exodus of UPA-era governors: PM Modi begins mass clean-up

New Delhi, JuNe 17 (AgeNcieS): Call it part 2 of the NDA-UPA war, or at the very least a bloody epilogue. Many heads rolled today in the mass exodus of UPA-II appointed governors.

At least three - Uttar Pradesh Governor BL Joshi, Karnataka Governor HR Bhardwaj and Assam Governor JB Patnaik have resigned from their posts today, with Home Minister Rajnath Singh saying “If I were in their position, I would have quit a long time ago.”

The move comes in the midst of a growing perception that the Modi-led government is on an overdrive to wipe-out all traces of a Congress presence in the states.

That said, the move to dismiss Governors, however is hardly unprecedented. The first decision to replace Governors took place under the regime of the Janta government in 1977, when it replaced appointees made by the previous Congress government.

In October 1980, the dismissal of then Tamil Nadu Governor Prabhudas Patwari established the principle that governors serve at the President’s “pleasure” under Article 156 (1), which in turn can be used by the Prime Minister to dismiss any Governor for political reasons, and without assigning any cause.

In more recent years, such mass resignations have

Move to remove governors ‘dictatorial’:Cong

BL Joshi

HR Bhardwaj

JB Patnaik

become norm, starting with when the UPA government replaced the NDA government in 2004. The incoming UPA also replaced Governors in various states before their term expired, including Babu Parmanand (Haryana), Vishnu Kant Shastri (Uttar Pradesh), Kidar Nath Sahani (Goa) and Kailashpati Mishra (Gujarat).

The UPA policy was also heavy-handed with transfers, and in 2010, the Supreme Court slammed the government saying it cannot arbitrarily transfer appointed Governors without ‘compelling’ reasons. During the arguments, the then UPA government had contended that the conflict of Governor’s view with the national policy could invite his/her removal from the office by cutting short the five-year tenure. The UPA had

also said that Governors act as a bridge between the Centre and the state governments and as such they cannot disagree on their own with the views of the government.

Given the UPA precedent, the Modi sarkar’s actions are hardly without and precedent, and it would be a stretch to describe them as “politically unethical and constitutionally incorrect,” as CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury declared.

But there is little doubt about the underlying political acrimony. Sheila Dikshit, for instance, was made Kerala Governor after her party’s humiliating loss in the Delhi Assembly elections, partly as a recognition of her longstanding closeness to Sonia Gandhi. She has refused to quit, and the government for its part will ensure that she will be transferred to a small and

less significant state.

There is no word on Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva’s fate, as yet. Alva met Prime Minister Modi this afternoon, and is likely to meet President Pranab Mukherjee as well.

Alva was Joint Secretary of the Congress party, and was elected as MP to Lok Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.

But it’s not just UPA governors who are getting the axe.

Prime Minister Modi appears to be determined to make clean sweep at all levels. Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth identified six UPA-era bureaucrats who have retained key positions within the government -- and the PMO has since put on hold their appointments.

The list includes the Private Secretary of Rajnath Singh who earlier served under External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.

New Delhi, JuNe 17 (iANS): The Congress Tuesday termed as “dictatorial” the reported move by the BJP-led government to move out governors of some states, saying it was against the very grain of democratic traditions and constitutional propriety.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said in a statement that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance was indulging in political vendetta instead of fulfilling its promises. “The move, if at all taken forward, will be fraught with serious repercussions and that will have a debilitating impact on our constitutional democracy,” Azad said.

Referring to the May 2010 judgment of the Supreme Court, Azad said the union government does not have the brief to remove the governors “in arbitrary and capricious manner with the change of power”. The apex court had said in its judgment that a governor cannot be removed on the ground that he is out of sync with the policies and ideologies of the union government or the party in power at the centre.

BJP leaders have defended the government’s reported move to ask some governors appointed by the Congress-led government to resign. Party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said governors resigning after change of government was not new. He said the United Progressive Alliance government had in 2004 replaced some governors appointed by the previous NDA government. BJP parliamentarian Prabhat Jha said the governors should have resigned on their own after change of government.

Iraq violence: Evacuation of Indians’ possible US Sikh group opposes immunity to Manmohan Singh New Delhi/BAghDAD, JuNe 17 (iANS): As the situation in Iraq worsened, the Indian government called in the Iraqi envoy here to discuss ways of helping Indian nationals trapped in the affected areas of Mosul and Tikrit and also held a crisis management meeting. The government is keeping its options open for possible evacuation if the situation demands, a source said.

The external affairs ministry Tuesday evening announced the setting up of a 24-hour control room to provide information to all concerned. The Indian embassy in Baghdad has also set up a 24-hour helpline.

There are 46 Indian nurses - most of them from Kerala - stranded in Tikrit and 41 construction workers are in Mosul. Al Qaeda-linked Sunni militants have overrun large swathes of area in northern Iraq and taken over Mosul and Tikrit, killing hundreds of Shia troops.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has been monitoring and reviewing the situation on a regular basis and in accordance with her instructions, the Indian embassy in Baghdad is providing updated reports on the Indian nationals in the affected areas, said ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. Anil Wadhwa, secretary (East) in the ministry, met Iraqi Am-

We are like prisoners here: Indian nurses New Delhi, JuNe 17 (AFp): Indian nurses stranded in northern Iraq have been living like prisoners at a state-run hospital in Tikrit after being abandoned by their employers as well as the military, reports said Tuesday. As many as 46 nurses from the southern Indian state of Kerala are in Iraq waiting for the turmoil to subside, NDTV and other media reported.

“We are afraid because we have no security here,” Marina Jose, one of the nurses, told NDTV by phone from the northwestern city, which was seized by Sunni insurgents recently. “All the military, police, everybody escaped from here. Only we are here. We are literally prisoners within the hospital premises.

There are no Iraqi employees here,” she said.

Since the insurgents launched their lightning assault on June 9, they have captured Mosul, a city of two million bassador Ahmed Derwari in South Block Tuesday.

Wadhwa also chaired a crisis management meeting on the Iraq situation to discuss possible ways to provide ground level help to the Indians there, said the spokesperson. The Indian government is also keeping its options open for possible evacuation if the situation demands, a source added. According to R. Dayakar, who retired as Indian ambassador in Iraq, while the situation in Iraq is cause for “enormous anxiety”, the need of the hour is to “keep cool” and let the

people, and a big chunk of mainly Sunni Arab territory stretching south towards the capital. The offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and sent jitters through world oil markets as the militants have advanced ever nearer Baghdad leaving the Shia-led government in disarray.

Jose said the Red Cross had made contact with the group. “If it is safe they (Red Cross) can take us from here. Otherwise we have to stay here,” she said.

The Indian foreign ministry said the situation in Iraq was receiving “high priority” but ruled out any immediate emergency evacuation of its nationals.

“Crisis management meeting underway on situation in Iraq and possibilities of assistance to Indian nationals,” foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin posted on Twitter on Tuesday, adding that a “24 hour control room to provide information on Iraq.”

Indian embassy in Baghdad handle the affairs. “The Indian mission is doing the best job it can,” he said.

Dayakar, who was envoy for eight years in two stints, said the areas that have been taken over by the Sunni militants do not have a large Indian populace. Most of the Indians in Iraq are in Basra and Kurdistan, which are relatively safer places. What makes providing safety to the Indians in Tikrit difficult is that there is no flight service from the city to Baghdad.

“The only way to the Iraqi capital is over land.

There are chances of encountering jihadists at the fake check points they set up on the road,” Dayakar told IANS. The former envoy, who was also joint secretary in charge of the Gulf in the ministry, said the fighting in Iraq is mainly political and, barring an incident where they took the Turkish envoy hostage, they have not harmed foreigners so far. He also said the jihadists have not so far indulged in any kidnapping incidents either.

“The foreigners are not the targets (of the jihadists),” he said.

wAShiNgToN, JuNe 17 (iANS): US based rights group “Sikhs for Justice” has challenged US government’s suggestion to a Washington court to grant immunity to former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in a human rights violation case.

The US Department of Justice in a May 2 submission asked the Washington federal court “to recognize Prime Minister Singh’s immunity from this suit while in office” as determined by the US government.

The determination was “in consideration of the relevant principles of customary international law, and in the implementation of its foreign policy and in the conduct of its international relations,” it said.

However, “The United States expresses no view on the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims against Prime Minister Singh”, the submission added. Challenging the submission, SFJ Monday asked the court to take a “judicial notice” of the fact that Manmohan Singh is

no longer the Prime Minister of India and therefore does not enjoy immunity as “head of a foreign government”.

The Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act (FSIA) also does not cover acts committed by the foreign officials in their “official capacity,” it said. In April, deputy principal legal advisor of the US State Department had asked the Department of Justice to submit “Suggestion of Immunity” to the court and take necessary steps for dismissal of case

against Manmohan Singh.

A Federal Court in Washington had issued summons to Manmohan Singh on charges of “funding several counter insurgency operations in state of Punjab during the 1990s resulting in more than hundred thousand Sikhs being killed extra- judicially by the security forces”. The case against Manmohan Singh was filed during his September 2013 visit under the Alien Tort Claims Act (ATCA) and Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA).

SC axes Jayalalithaa plea in assets case

New Delhi, JuNe 17 (iANS): The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a plea by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa seeking that the trial in a disproportionate assets case be put on hold till a Bangalore court decides the ownership of the immovable assets alleged to be hers.

“We find no merit, dismissed,” said the bench of Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh, dealing a blow to the chief minister.

The trial over the disproportionate assets - valued at Rs.66 crore - has been going on in a special court in Bangalore since 2010.

Appearing for Jayalalithaa, counsel Shekhar Naphade assailed the special court for committing impropriety by not carrying out the orders of the Madras High Court to first decide the title of the immovable assets shown to be that of Jayalalithaa.

He also assailed the Karnataka High Court for taking “lightly” the

special court defying the direction of the Madras High Court.

Pointing to Tamil Nadu’s vigilance and anti-corruption department moving the special court for withdrawing an earlier application for the attachment of the immovable assets, Naphade said it was “a clear attempt to over-reach the order of this (apex) court and a grave contempt”.

Counsel for the vigilance and anticorruption department told the court that the special court in Bangalore has not refused to comply with the orders of the Madras High Court but has only said that it would hear claims over the immovable properties before the final arguments in the disproportionate assets case commence.

The department has opposed Jayalalithaa’s plea seeking stay of the trial court proceedings in the disproportionate assets case till the matter regarding the ownership of the immovable assets shown to be hers was

settled.

The department in its response to Jayalalithaa’s plea told the apex court that “since the petition for attachment (before the special court in Bangalore) is being withdrawn, the special leave petition (by Jayalalithaa and others) will now become infructuous”.

It said the plea by Jayalalithaa and others was “only a device to postpone the hearing” before the Bangalore special court.

Jayalalithaa had moved the apex court challenging the May 20 order of the Karnataka High Court.

By the said order, the Karnataka High Court had rejected her plea seeking direction to the Bangalore special court, trying the disproportionate assets case, to first decide the claim of M/s Lex Property Developer Pvt. Ltd. and others over the assets being attributed to her and then take up the disproportionate assets case against her.

Modi’s Bhutan visit gave foreign policy signals to neighbours

Thimphu, JuNe 17 (iANS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bhutan visit provided an assurance to a long-time subcontinental ally, with whom relations in the recent past suffered some jitters, of the importance it occupies in the scheme of things of the new government in New Delhi.

The two-day visit, Modi’s first foray abroad after assuming office May 26 following a stupendous election victory, also gave a message that the new regime’s foreign policy attaches primacy to the neighbourhood. China has been aspiring to rival India as a dominant and benevolent power by undertaking development projects like construction of ports in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Modi’s laying the foundation stone for a 600 MW hydel power project – a joint venture between Indian and Bhutanese companies – and inau-

gurating the new Supreme Court of Bhutan building constructed with Indian assistance, were intended at reinforcing India’s desire to be seen as a valuable partner in Bhutan’s development.

Bhutan has been perhaps India’s only unwavering ally for decades in the South Asian region, known for intense rivalries among nations.

Sandwiched between two big regional powers, India and China, the tiny mountainous nation of pristine natural beauty and 750,000 easy-going people is of strategic importance to New Delhi.

India has also been its biggest trade partner, but of late China has been endeavouring to engage with Bhutan, and the two countries are slated to hold a further round of talks in the coming months, even though Beijing has no diplomatic representation in Thimphu.

In June last year, the then

UPA government’s decision to reduce subsidy on cooking gas cylinders to the Himalayan nation, before again reversing its decision, had hurt Bhutan badly. Observers were quick to interpret the short-lived step as New Delhi’s punitive reaction to Bhutan’s tentative engagements with China.

Modi’s visit, in that sense, succeeded in dispelling whatever doubts Bhutan may have had about India’s intentions and its continuing assistance.

The hydropower project was of special importance, with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay – hours after Modi left Thimphu terming the hydro-power cooperation as the “centre-piece of the two countries’ cooperation”. Bhutan has fixed a target of producing 10,000 MW hydropower by 2020.

Modi’s comment “terrorism divides, tourism unites” and his suggestion that the

two countries formulate a policy for a joint tourism circuit, besides holding an annual sports meet of northeastern Indian states and Nepal and Bhutan, also underlines a pro-development outlook to a slightly nuanced neighbourhood foreign policy of the new government.

For Bhutan, a landlocked nation dependent on India for its daily needs, a major plus is India’s decision to exempt it from any ban or quantitative restrictions on exports of items like milk powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and nonbasmati rice.

A major gain for New Delhi is the mention in the joint statement issued at the end of Modi’s visit that Bhutan agreed with India “not to allow each other’s territory to be used for interests inimical to the other”.

In 2003, the Royal Bhutanese Army conducted a mili-

tary operation flushing out anti-India insurgent groups who had set up hideouts in its territory. Mentioning the 2003 operation, Tobgay said the joint statement represented a continuity in relations between the two countries.

On the question of continuity, Modi’s announcement that his government would fulfil the commitments made by its predecessor UPA regime to Bhutan is highly significant.

Though he specifically talked about Bhutan, the message would also not be lost on India’s other neighbours who may have been edgy about the line that the new BJP government could follow.

Outside the region, to the world at large, Modi’s parleys in Bhutan are likely to be seen as India’s efforts to foster brotherhood in a conflict-torn region, instead of playing the “big brother” to its smaller neighbours.

An Indian woman holding an umbrella wades through the banks of the flooded River Ganges in the rain at Sangam, the confluence of rivers the Ganges and the Yamuna in Allahabad on Tuesday, June 17. The confluence is considered one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. (AP Photo)

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US forces move into Iraq with security mission WASHINGTON, JuNe 17 (AP): Nearly 300 armed American forces are being positioned in and around Iraq to help secure U.S. assets as President Barack Obama nears a decision on an array of options for combating fast-moving Islamic insurgents, including airstrikes or a contingent of special forces.

The U.S. and Iran also held an initial discussion on how the longtime foes might cooperate to ease the threat from the al-Qaidalinked militants that have swept through Iraq. Still, the White House ruled out the possibility that Washington and Tehran might coordinate military operations in Iraq.

Obama met with his national security team Monday evening to discuss options for stopping the militants known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Officials said the president has made no final decisions on how aggressively the U.S. might get involved in Iraq, though the White House continued to emphasize that any military engagement remained contingent on the government in Baghdad making political reforms.

Still, there were unmistakable signs of Americans returning to a country from which the U.S. military fully withdrew more than two years ago. Obama notified Congress that up to 275 troops would be sent to Iraq to provide support and security for U.S. per-

sonnel and the American Embassy in Baghdad. The soldiers — 170 of which have already arrived in Iraq — were armed for combat, though Obama has insisted he does not intend for U.S. forces to be engaged in direct fighting.

“We are hard-wired into their system,” the fledgling democracy that America helped institute, said Ryan Crocker, a former U.S. ambassador to Baghdad. “We can’t walk away from it.”

About 100 additional forces are being put on standby, most likely in Kuwait, and could be used for airfield management, security and logistics support, officials said.

Separately, three U.S. officials said the White House was considering sending a contingent of special forces soldiers to Iraq. Their limited mission — which has not yet been approved — would focus on training and advising beleaguered Iraqi troops, many of whom have fled their posts across the nation’s north and west as the al-Qaida-inspired insurgency has advanced in the worst threat to the country since American troops left in 2011.

Taken together, the developments suggest a willingness by Obama to send Americans into a collapsing security situation in order to quell the brutal fighting in Iraq before it morphs into outright war.

If the U.S. were to deploy an additional team of

special forces, the mission almost certainly would be small. One U.S. official said it could be up to 100 special forces soldiers. It also could be authorized only as an advising and training mission — meaning the soldiers would work closely with Iraqi forces that are fighting the insurgency but would not officially be considered combat troops.

The White House would not confirm that special operations forces were under consideration.

But spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said that while Obama would not send troops back into combat, “He has asked his national security team to prepare a range of other options that could help support Iraqi security forces.”

It’s not clear how quickly the special forces could arrive in Iraq. It’s also unknown whether they would remain in Baghdad or be sent to the nation’s north, where the Sunni Muslim insurgency has captured large swaths of territory ringing Baghdad, the capital of the Shiite-led government.

The troops would fall under the authority of the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad and would not be authorized to engage in combat, another U.S. official said. Their mission would be “non-operational training” of both regular and counterterrorism units, which the military has in the past interpreted to mean training on military bases, the official said.

Iraqi men flash victory signs as they leave the main recruiting center to join the Iraqi army in Baghdad, Iraq on Tuesday, June 17, after authorities urged Iraqis to help battle insurgents. Hundreds of young Iraqi men gripped by religious and nationalistic fervor streamed into volunteer centers across Baghdad Saturday, answering a call by the country’s top Shiite cleric to join the fight against Sunni militants advancing in the north. (AP Photo)

However, all U.S. troops are allowed to defend themselves in Iraq if they are under attack.

The three U.S. officials all spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the plans by name.

Obama made the end of the war in Iraq one of his signature campaign issues, and has touted the U.S. military withdrawal in December 2011 as one of his top foreign policy successes.

But he has been caught over the past week between Iraqi officials pleading for help — as well as Republicans blaming him for the loss of a decade’s worth of gains in Iraq — and his anti-war Democratic political base, which is demanding that the U.S. stay out of the fight.

The crisis has sparked a rare alignment of interests between the U.S. and Iran, which wants to preserve Iraq’s Shiite-dominated government. The U.S. and Iran are engaged in sensi-

tive nuclear negotiations and used a round of talks Monday in Vienna, Austria, to hold a separate bilateral discussion on Iraq.

While the U.S. and Iran have similar short-term goals in Iraq, they have different long-term aims. The United States would like to see an inclusive, representative democracy take hold in Iraq, while predominantly Shiite Iran is more focused on protecting Iraq’s Shiite population and bolstering its own po-

sition as a regional power against powerful Sunni Arab states in the Gulf.

Crocker said that Iran should “use all the influence” possible to keep the al-Qaida-style Islamic group from exacerbating the sectarian strife in Iraq.

Appearing Tuesday on “CBS This Morning,” Crocker said if he’d have Secretary of State John Kerry “on a plane right now for Baghdad.”

“I would have liked to have seen more sustained,

high-level diplomatic engagement with the Iraqis,” Crocker said. He said that for the country to have any change at survival there must quickly be a show of “Kurdish, Shia and Sunni” solidarity.

Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Washington must move immediately “to disrupt their ability to continue their operations.” He said the insurgents are holding sway currently and that “all the ingredients are going into the stew. We see it happening on our watch.”

Appearing on CNN, Rogers said he believes there still is time for the United States to make a difference, but that Washington must move now. While the White House continues to review its options, Iran’s military leaders are starting to step into the breach.

The commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, Gen. Ghasem Soleimani, was in Iraq on Monday and consulting with the government there on how to stave off insurgents’ gains. Iraqi security officials said the U.S. government was notified in advance of the visit

by Soleimani, whose forces are a secretive branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard that in the past has organized Shiite militias to target U.S. troops in Iraq and, more recently, was involved in helping Syria’s President Bashar Assad in his fight against Sunni rebels.

Prince Zeid to be next UN rights chief 15 killed in fresh Kenya attack, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility

Jordan’s ambassador to the United Nationas, Prince Zeid al Hussein. (AP File Photo)

uNITeD NATIONS, JuNe 17 (AP): Prince Zeid al Hussein of Jordan, a veteran diplomat and campaigner for international justice, will become the first U.N. human rights chief from the Muslim and Arab worlds following his unanimous election Monday by the U.N. General Assembly.

Zeid, who is currently Jordan’s U.N. ambassador, praised current U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay of South Africa “for her courageous endeavors” and pledged “to build on her noteworthy achievements.” His four-year term in

the post which was created by the General Assembly in 1993, will begin on Sept. 1.

“I am going to be the first high commissioner from the Asian continent and from the Muslim and Arab worlds,” the prince said. “This reflects the commitment of the international community towards this important dossier, and this important commitment to push it forward in this continent (Asia) as well as in other regions of the world.”

Zeid stressed the independence of the high commissioner’s job which he said “requires wisdom and a high

level of coordination and communication with different governments as well as with civil society and all the U.N. agencies.”

The European Union’s Thomas Mayr-Harting, one of many regional representatives to welcome his selection, said the prince’s “proven track record in the promotion and protection of human rights, the fight against impunity as well as his exceptional diplomatic experience will be an invaluable asset” in his new job.

Zeid spent five years as an officer in the Jordanian desert police, the successor to the Arab Legion, before joining the U.N. protection force in former Yugoslavia from 19941996. In his long diplomatic career, he has been ambassador to the United Nations twice as well as ambassador to the United States from 20072010.

The prince is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, has served as president of its Assembly of States Parties, and has spoken out often against sexual violence. Zeid was a candidate for secretary-general when Ban was chosen for the job.

NAIrObI, JuNe 17 (IANS): In a fresh attack a day after massacring 48 people in a Kenyan coastal town, Al-Shabaab militants killed 15 people in a village in the same area, police said Tuesday.

Lamu county Commissioner Stephen Ikua said the militants killed 15 people in Poromoko village Monday night, a day after they massacred 48 people in the Kenyan coastal town of Mpeketoni. The gunmen attacked villagers and set houses on fire, Ikua said. “We have received reports of fresh attacks and we have sent a contingent of police officers to establish the

number of casualties and nature of attack,” Xinhua quoted Ikua as saying Tuesday.

The victims were shot dead at close range by the assailants.

The attack came despite strong government assurances that it would protect the citizens and arrest the assailants. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks. In its radio broadcast, the militant group said it carried out fresh attacks in Mpeketoni and killed more than 20 people, including police, and burned houses in the area.

“Mujahideen conducted an operation in villages near Mpe-

ketoni last night killing 20 enemies, mostly soldiers,” Xinhua cited Al-Shabaab’s Andalus radio as saying. The group claimed the attack was to avenge the killing of Muslims allegedly by Kenyan security forces in the coastal city of Mombasa.

Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki confirmed that more bodies have been recovered. “I can confirm there were fresh attacks in Mpeketoni last night but I am unable to give you the exact number of casualties,” he told Xinhua over phone.

Top security chiefs led by Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku

visited the affected areas while more security forces are being deployed.

Analysts said the latest attacks, the deadliest since the Westgate shopping mall attack in capital Nairobi that killed 68 people, were a blow to Kenya’s already troubled tourism which relies heavily on foreign visitors who often combine safaris with beach holidays in Mombasa. Al Qaeda-linked Somali militants have vowed to attack Kenya after Kenyan soldiers crossed into Somalia in 2011 to flush out the insurgents Nairobi blamed for kidnappings of tourists.

Trash concentration in the ocean as dangerous as Climatic Change SyDNey, JuNe 17 (IANS/eFe): Large concentrations of trash in the oceans, also known as “plastic soups”, are as dangerous as climatic change, one of the experts in the field, Mike Moore said, Australian media reported. These high concentrations of ocean garbage “are currently killing a more animals than climate change”, Moore said.

Mike Moore was the first person to document the large amount of trash in the Pacific Ocean in 1980.

The scientist of California-based Algalita Marine Research Institute told the local channel ABC that “35 percent of fish caught

have on average one or two plastic pieces in their stomachs”, reports EFE. “We are facing a new phenomenon. In fact, it is a new habitat which does not have precendents in the planet’s history,” Moore added.

Moore, along with a group of scientists, will travel to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also known as Pacific trash vortex, in July this year. This large amount of garbage, composed mainly of plastic and sludge, curently measures around 700,000 sq km and is extended from the Californian coast, surrounds Hawaii and reaches up to Japan.

Also, studies conducted using computer

simulators suggest that the tsunami of 2011 brought a lot of debris to this vortex.

Last year, scientist Erik Van Sebelle, who led the study for the Australian Research Council (ARC), alerted that the “plastic soup” will keep on increasing for the next 500 years despite all the efforts to eliminate it. This huge surface of trash comprises of large quantities of palstic and other residues which remain trapped due to the currents of the five major ocean gyres and eddies. The plastic particles are sometimes very small and occupy extensive areas that many fish species confuse with planktons.

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US emergeS victorioUS againSt ghana

Brooks' goal happened just like in a dream

NATAL, JuNe 17 (AP): Smiling ear to ear after winning a World Cup match with his first international goal, John Brooks had a story to share. "I told some teammates that I dreamed that I scored in the 80th minute and we won the game," he said. "And now it was the 86th minute and we won."

One of the surprise picks by U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Brooks hadn't been in the starting lineup for the Americans' World Cup opener against Ghana.

But after central defender Matt Besler felt tightness in his right hamstring during the final five minutes of the first half, Klinsmann inserted the 21-year-old Brooks for the start of the second.

Just four minutes after Andre Ayew's 82nd-minute goal wiped out a lead Clint Dempsey had given the U.S. just 29 seconds in, the 6-foot-4 Brooks outjumped Ghana's John Boye to meet Graham Zusi's corner kick and bounced an 8-yard header past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.

Overcome with emotion, Brooks ran in disbelief, slumped to the ground arms first and felt teammates pile onto him. When United States' John Brooks, second from left, scores his side's second goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United they finally moved off, he put both hands to his lips States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. The United States defeated Ghana 2-1. (AP Photo) NATAL, JuNe 17 (AP): Two hours after opening the World Cup, the United States could dream about defeating Portugal and world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. The Americans' confidence is soaring from Monday's 2-1 win over Ghana, the team that knocked them out of the last two World Cups. "Anything is possible in football," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said.

Trying to reach the knockout stage of consecutive World Cups for the first time, the Americans went ahead when Clint Dempsey scored 29 seconds in. The night ended with another adrenaline rush on 21-yearold John Brooks' 86th-minute goal,

just four minutes after Andre Ayew had scored for Ghana.

Fast-paced end-to-end action in between included a broken nose for Dempsey and hamstring injuries to forward Jozy Altidore and defender Matt Besler. "It showed our resilience.

I thought our maturity was awesome," goalkeeper Tim Howard said.

Dempsey became the first American to score in three World Cups; a converted midfielder, he also became the first U.S. forward to get a World Cup goal since Brian McBride in 2002.

Brooks became the first U.S. substitute to ever score in 30 World Cup games over 84 years when he rose to head in Graham Zusi's corner

kick from 8 yards. Brooks, one of the team's five German-Americans, fell to his knees and pushed his face into the ground, his hands on his head, overcome by his first international goal.

He thought back to two nights earlier. "I told some teammates that I dreamed that I scored in the 80th minute and we won the game," he said. "And now it was the 86th minute, and we won." He dreamed of scoring on a header. From a corner kick. Just liked it happened.

Now the U.S. is in good position in Group G, where Germany opened with a 4-0 rout of Portugal. After the game, Vice President Joe Biden visited the victorious Americans in their

locker room. "I just think it shows our character," Dempsey said. "We did a good job of grinding out the result. It's a huge three points for us."

Klinsmann had predicted this would be like a final. Altidore was hoping it wasn't his finale. The forward was carried off on a stretcher after his left hamstring gave out in the 21st minute when he tried to control a long ball. He awaits tests that will determine whether he can return for this World Cup. "I was sprinting and I felt something. We'll see what happens," said Altidore, who will have a scan Tuesday back in Sao Paulo. "I was crushed."

Dempsey went down, too, on a balmy

Ronaldo storms past reporters after Portugal flop

SALVADOR, JuNe 17 (AFP): World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo stormed past reporters on Monday after tasting defeat for the fourth consecutive time against Germany as Portugal lost 4-0 in their World Cup opener.

The 29-year-old Portuguese captain played the full 90 minutes of the Group G clash despite recent injuries,

but he was powerless to prevent his side being over-run as Germany's Thomas Mueller scored a hat-trick. "Three players are down to talk to the media and I am not one of them," he said, brushing off requests for mixed zone interviews at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova. The Real Madrid star endured a subdued afternoon with five shots on goal as Portugal failed to

make an impact on the German defence.

This was the fourth time Portugal has lost to Germany at major tournaments having been beaten by them at the 2006 World Cup -- in the third place match -- plus both the 2008 and 2012 European championships. Portugal's record goal-scorer made his 112th international appearance,

but failed to add to his goal tally of 49, which includes just two World Cup goals.

On the eve of the match, Ronaldo baulked when asked if his World Cup record -- the Portuguese went out to eventual champions Spain in the last 16 in 2010 -- was the only blot in his stellar career. "I don't think I have to show anyone anything. If you look at

my statistics and CV you'll see that," he said brusquely in Sunday's press conference. "I have no words for that question, I just have to continue my career, which has been great so far."

Portugal now play the United States on June 22 and 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana on June 26 in their remaining group games.

and blew a kiss.

Brooks thought back to two nights earlier and the dream. It also was on a header. From a corner kick.

Just liked it happened. "It was unbelievable," Brooks said. "I couldn't believe it."

K linsmann chos e Brooks over Clarence Goodson, an unused substitute on the 2010 World Cup team. Among the five German-Americans on the 23-man roster, Brooks made his national team debut last August and had only four appearances entering the World Cup. He was benched twice last season by Hertha Berlin, his club in the German Bundesliga, for a poor performance in December and being unable to train in April because he was hampered by a tattoo on his back.

"With John, I saw, we saw, very early that his passing is amazing. He's very calm for his age. Obviously he's very strong in the air because he's so tall," Klinsmann said. "This is what you read, then you have to figure out is he ready for such a big thing like a World Cup already or maybe does it take another year or two in his development?"

Klinsmann consult-

late-autumn night. The U.S. captain ended the first half with a tissue up his nose to stop the bleeding after John Boye's shin to his face during a battle for a header in the 31st minute. "I just had trouble breathing," Dempsey said through a swollen nose. "I was coughing up blood a little bit. Hopefully I'll be able to breathe through my nose again before the next game."

Klinsmann considered that knock minor. "I broke mine three or four times and it's all right," he said.

"We'll give him a few days." Howard made several sprawling saves. The Black Stars had 59 percent possession and outshot the U.S. 21-8. Besler felt tightness in his right hamstring, and

ed with Hertha coach Jos Luhukay and sporting director Michael Preetz. "They expected more from him the last season.

There he got a little bit of a lesson from his coach," Klinsmann said. "It's part of growing, as well. But we knew that if we had the time now for more than a month to work him through every training session, to teach him some elements of the game, that he's willing to take that on and learn it quickly. And obviously he learned it quickly."

As the American Outlaws chanted their way out of the stadium, Brooks missed the chance to meet Vice President Joe Biden when he visited the locker room. Brooks and Jermaine Jones had been chosen for random drug tests.

Brooks, who lives in Berlin and has family in Chicago, has only visited the U.S. for training camps and vacation. But speaking one day in California last month, he said, "When I'm here, I'm a full American. I play with heart for America." He had nerves initially Monday, yet is thrilled with how things ended. "I think the first goal was perfect, a perfect start. Couldn't be better," Brooks said.

Brooks entered at the start of the second half. Zusi came in for Alejandro Bedoya in the 77th minute.

Odds now favor advancement; 39 of 46 teams that won openers in the last four World Cups reached the knockout rounds. Thousands of American fans who made the trek south of the equator left chanting the same words as when they entered: "I believe that we will win! I believe that we will win!"

But Klinsmann also was a bit wary of Portugal, next weekend's opponent in the rain forest capital of Manaus. "I don't know how Cristiano Ronaldo behaves when he's angry," he said.

result, not performance, the focus for england

german media heap praise for Portugal rout Loew praises disciplined defence

Erik Kirschbaum Reuters

German media was full of praise on Tuesday for a sterling performance by Joachim Loew's team in their opening 4-0 World Cup win over Portugal that instantly wiped away fears they might have lost their edge.

From the Black Forest in the south to the Baltic Sea in the north, newspapers and commentators expressed awe over the way hat-trick hero Thomas Mueller and his team mates destroyed Portugal - considered their toughest Group G opponents.

"This is going to be our World Cup," wrote Germany's best-selling daily Bild newspaper. "Mueller is already talking about winning it all." Even though German newspapers are usually critical and tend to look for the fly in the ointment, they could find nothing to complain about with the dominant performance against Portugal. "Mueller destroys Portugal," read the headline in Die Welt.

The conservative Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) said "everything went perfectly against Portugal" and added that everything Loew had wanted to happen had happened. "Everything Loew planned worked out well," wrote the FAZ. "Everything he wanted worked -- a lot of variety, quick attacks that originate in midfield and overwhelming the

Germany's Thomas Mueller (13) kicks the ball at Portugal's goalkeeper Rui Patricio to score his side's fourth goal as Portugal's Joao Pereira (21) watches during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16. (AP Photo)

opponent with speed and shifting positions."

The paper said Germany had "made Portugal dizzy with the way they played". It added: "This match was the way Loew wants Germany to play soccer, a style that had only succeeded in brief phases so far this year."

Brilliant Mueller The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper in Munich said the only blemish was an injury to defender Mats Hummels. "Germany opens

its tournament with otherworldly strength," wrote the Sueddeutsche. "The start of the World Cup could not have been any better for the Germany team. Mueller was brilliant with his three goals." Berlin's Der Tagesspiegel newspaper said Loew deserved credit for the daunting performance.

"Eins, zwei, drei, vier!

Germany beats Portugal 4-0 and Joachim Loew did everything right before the match," der Tagesspiegel said. "The injury to Hum-

mels is the only downside but apparently that's not even as serious as first thought." ARD TV commentator Reinhold Beckmann also got caught up in the euphoria. "The 4-0 win over Portugal now makes it clear that Germany are among the top favorites to win the tournament alongside Brazil and the Netherlands," said Beckmann. "Germany showed a lot of courage in the match.

But where was the self-appointed superstar named Ronaldo?"

SALVADOR, JuNe 17 (AFP): Germany coach Joachim Loew was just as pleased with his team's defensive effort in shutting down world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo as he was with his forwards in their 4-0 opening World Cup win over Portugal on Monday. "Naturally it was an excellent first match, we had no option but to win," Loew told a news conference. "The team showed the spirit we expect. We dominated the first half in the midfield with fast through balls to the strikers. We were clinical in finishing our chances, we had four goals from about six chances."

Loew said his players did well to keep tabs on Portuguese forwards Ronaldo and Nani in the Group G match. "The team played well and didn't let Portugal have many chances," he said. "We played at high pace in the first half to get our chances. It's important to prevent Ronaldo from getting a run going because he's very dangerous then."

D e f e n d e r Je ro m e Boateng was assigned to mark Ronaldo. "Our goal was to disrupt him as soon as he got the ball and Boateng did that very, very well," Loew said.

England national soccer team player Wayne Rooney, center left, smiles as he stands with his teammates, from left, Raheem Sterling, Glen Johnson and Jordan Henderson during a squad training session for the 2014 soccer World Cup at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, June 16. (AP Photo)

RIO De JANeIRO, JuNe 17 (AP): England's players felt a bit uneasy about being praised back home despite losing their World Cup opener. From now on, they know it's the results they'll be judged by, not the entertaining value of their games.

"I don't want to go home early performing well but not getting results," Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge said Monday. "It's the results that count, it's not about the performances and we realize that as a team as well."

That doesn't necessarily mean the team is ready to abandon the attack-minded philosophy employed by coach Roy Hodgson in the 2-1 loss against Italy in Manaus. Avoiding defeat against Uruguay on Thursday in Sao Paulo should keep England's Group D hopes alive, but a victory will put the team in a more advantageous position going into the final match against Costa Rica.

"I don't feel we need to change much," Sturridge said. "I just feel as though maybe we need to get those little bits of luck, a little bit of a break." Sturridge started up front against Italy in the central position where

Wayne Rooney can thrive.

With Rooney on the left flank in the first half, and the right after the break, his bearing on the game was limited apart from setting up Sturridge's goal.

The failure to hit the target extended Rooney's scoreless run at World Cups to three tournaments, and he looked stone-faced while talking on the training pitch with Hodgson on Monday.

"It could be quite frustrating at times for anyone playing out of position but that's football and you've just got to deal with it," Sturridge told a briefing at the team's training camp at the Urca military base in Rio de Janeiro. "I know Wayne is experienced, he can handle pretty much every situation as he has been through a lot in his career. You say he's playing out of position but he's played there plenty of times for Manchester United. He is accustomed to that position."

Wherever he plays, Rooney will have a "massive impact" against Uruguay, England and Manchester United teammate Danny Welbeck predicted, despite recent performances in the England shirt suggesting otherwise.

"All the forward play-

ers at England, they've all got the flexibility to move in and around and interchange positions," Sturridge said. "Obviously Wayne was on the left in the first game and in the second or third game he could be in a different position.

"Wazza (Rooney) is the top all-time scorer for England currently playing and he's got 93 caps, he's very experienced so when he's on that pitch he can make a difference."

While Sturridge and Welbeck were eager to defend Rooney, they were more reluctant to discuss a striker they could be facing against Uruguay: Luis Suarez. Sturridge, Suarez's Liverpool strike partner, said he isn't even on "texting terms" with the Uruguayan in the buildup to the match, which assumed greater importance after Uruguay also made a losing start against Costa Rica.

Suarez missed the game while recovering from knee surgery, but said Monday he is fully fit. "I don't think Luis is going to want to tell anybody about how he is feeling," Sturridge said. "I hope he's OK, I hope he's fit, I hope he's fighting fit because I never wish injury on any footballer.

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Celine Dion Planning I-Day with Lonely Airport Guy

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eline Dion has made good on her promise to reward superfan Richard Dunn with a once-in-a-lifetime Las Vegas experience by inviting him to spend America's Independence Day with her.

Dunn has become known

as Lonely Airport Guy after he found himself stranded and alone in Sin City recently. Bored and frustrated, he shot cellphone footage of himself wandering around the deserted airport miming to Dion's rendition of break-up bal-

lad All By Myself.

Amused by the online video, Dion offered Dunn tickets to her show - and the use of her private bathroom in a message she posted last week (ends13Jun14) and now she has invited the Internet sensation to join

her on 4 July (14). Sources tell Tmz.com he'll be in the audience for her concert at Caesar's Palace and Dion has agreed to put him and a guest up at the hotel. She is also planning to meet Dunn before she hits the stage.

Coldplay invite Australian fans to join video shoot

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embers of British rock band Coldplay have invited fans in Australia to appear in the video for their single “A Sky Full Of Stars”. The “Yellow” hitmakers have travelled to Sydney, Australia to shoot the promo for the latest single from their hit al-

bum “Ghost Stories”, and they want their followers to make cameos in the clip, reportedly.

A post on the band`s official Twitter page reads We`re shooting the video for A Sky Full Of Stars on the streets of Sydney tomorrow.

Does anyone want to be in it!... 250

fans needed for #Asfos video tomorrow (Tues). Meet 11.30am at Courthouse Hotel, 202 Australia St, Newtown, Sydney. Bring a smile.

The band landed in Sydney Monday morning and they will film the video ahead of a show at the city`s Enmore Theatre Thursday.

Iron Maiden among winners of Metal Hammer Awards

18 June 2014

Dimapur

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Jennifer Lopez Opens Up About Single Life: "I'm Stronger and, I Think, Better"

and you feel a little off. It made me want to get back into the studio without that cage I had put on myself.

Once I let that beast loose, I was doing things I didn't know I could do.

As a newly single mother, Lopez cannot really determine what will happen in the near future, but this is something she embraces. I don't know what I'm going to be doing in the next

six months. I really don't.

And that's OK for me, she said. Because what I like is, whatever happens is supposed to happen. And I'm good. I can roll with that.

Kim Kardashian to relaunch pop career

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ron Maiden and Steel Panther were among the winners at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods last night (16.06.14). The ceremony, in association with World of Tanks, was held at London's IndigO2 and Of Mice and Men and Avenged Sevenfold were also among the acts who took home big awards.

Death metal band Behemoth opened the show and Steel Panther also per-

formed a mind-blowing set. The 2014 best band awards, as voted for by the readers of Metal Hammer magazine, included Best UK, Best International and Global Metal Act, which were won by Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold and Orphaned Land.

Metal Hammer editor Alexander Milas said ''Heavy metal's been around for over 40 years, and as this year's winners prove, it remains

as vibrant as ever. ''From world-beating prog metal visionaries Opeth to a genuine guitar hero like Michael Schenker, to absolute legends Hanoi Rocks who first married the words 'glam' and 'metal' and inspired a movement, to Orphaned Land, whose integrity as artists and spokespeople for the power of metal to unite people genuinely blew us all away tonight, this was a night for the history books.

Aamir Khan launches India's first One Stop Crisis Centre in Bhopal

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ollywood actor Aamir Khan launched India's first One Stop Crisis Centre, which aims at protection for women, today in Bhopal. During the press conference, the 49-yearold actor said, I'm extremely happy to be here today, and the reason is the launch of our country's very first One Stop Crisis Centre, which is an important first step towards protection for women. Khan, who had raised women protection issues through his show 'Satyamev Jayate' on television, added, Thought it's a beginning to a long term solution, it is essential for people to know that they will be punished for the crime, and they will be caught, and the centre will assure that.

Speaking on the recent remarks by Indian politicians regarding rape, the actor said, It's sad that such comments come from the administration. I think people only make such statements when they don't have enough knowledge

about the crime. We hope and expect that the leaders we have chosen will take the right steps to ensure our safety. One Stop Crisis Centre, which is a collaboration of many organizations, will be opened in every district of Madhya Pradesh.

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fter recently becoming single, the 44 year-old singer feels refreshed and has a new-found confidence about her career I don't feel like I have anything to prove anymore. The 44 year-old songstress recently split from her boyfriend Casper Smart, after two and a half years of dating, but she seems to be coping very well. With this most recent separation, Lopez recently admitted to discovering her confidence once again.

The revelation came when the star featured cover of Billboard magazine's July 2014 issue. I don't feel like I have anything to prove anymore, Lopez told the mag. Things have changed so much for me. Adding, I had to really do some soul searching and just realize a lot of things about love, and now I feel like I come from a place where I'm stronger and, I think, better.

As previously reported Casper and J-Lo, who began dating shortly after she split from ex-husband Marc Anthony, are still on amicable terms but they decided to call it quits after simply growing apart. Now the 'Dance Again' singer is focused on promoting her brand new album 'AKA.' I never put myself out there to show the world what I could do in the best way I could, she told Billboard of her singing career.

And touring, you gain a lot when you go out there every night and sing when you feel good, or even when your voice is scratchy

Kim Kardashian is reportedly having vocal coaching and songwriting lessons as she wants to relaunch her pop career.

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Wednesday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

he 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star - who released a single, 'Jam (Turn It Up) in 2011 - has been having vocal coaching and songwriting lessons and will be enlisting the help of her husband, Kanye West, when she enters the recording studio. A source told The Sun newspaper ''Kim has told pals she's keen to be taken seriously as a vocal artist. Kanye will advise on the project, which he's given his full backing. ''She's started vocal coaching and songwriting lessons and set up meetings with record companies.''

It seems Kim - who has 12-month-old daughter North with Kanye - has had a change of heart as she previously vowed never to make music again following her chart flop. She previously said ''No, I'd never [make another single], that was just

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for fun, and for charity.'' Asked whether the 'Mercy' rapper might get her to collaborate with him on a hip-hop track in the future, Kim said ''No, as good as I think he is, it's just not my thing.'' However, it could be the 'Bound 2' hitmaker behind her plans to return to making music as the brunette beauty admitted in the past it was Kanye who encouraged her to record 'Jam (Turn It Up).

She said I'm not a singer, this isn't what I do. I have too much other stuff going on. ''I thought 'Is this really something safe for me to do' Kanye was actually one of the people who really talked me into doing it and telling me, like, 'Hey, look, what do you guys do for fun You guys go shopping, you go to the movies. Kind of step into our world for a second and have fun, and we go to the studio.' I'm just doing it for fun.''

'I want to empower women'

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he has always seemed to strive for what she wants out of life after tasting success with the Spice Girls and now as a fashion designer. But Victoria Beckham has revealed she wants to help give women the confidence to go allout to achieve their own goals. Speaking in an interview as ELLE Singapore magazine's July 2014 cover star, the 40-year-old beauty admitted she hopes that through her Victoria Beckham clothing line she can help women feel their 'best'.

When asked who she thinks wears her Victoria Beckham attire, she told the publication: 'I think that she’s a woman that wants to look good. Appreciates luxury. Likes fashion. I want to make a woman feel her best.

I want to empower women.'

Victoria - who has four children, Brooklyn, 15, Romeo,

11, Cruz, nine, and two-yearold daughter Harper with husband David Beckham - looked stunning in her latest photoshoot in an elegant knee-length dress, while her shoulders were covered with a grey cardigan.

Despite being known as Posh Spice since her early days with the Spice Girls, the brunette insists she loves to poke fun at herself.

She added to the publication: 'People are probably surprised that I have a sense of humour. I like to take the mickey out of myself. 'As much as I take what I do very seriously, I also want to have fun. I like to poke fun at myself… And I think that surprises people.'

While Victoria has tasted plenty of success with her label - winning the Best Emerging Luxury Brand at the 2011 Walpole Awards, and Designer Brand of the

Victoria Beckham poses for high-end fashion shoot as she reveals a desire to make females feel their 'best'

Year at the 2011 British Fashion Awards - she insists she doesn't feel the need to compete against other companies. She said: 'I’m not competing with anybody else

out there; I’m just competing with myself. I never went into this to prove anything to anybody, other than myself.

'I think if you’re too afraid of failure then you won’t chal-

lenge yourself, then you won’t move forward. I like to challenge myself.' The full interview can be found exclusively in ELLE Singapore’s July 2014 issue.

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Glimpses of Brazil 2014

India humbles Bangladesh after scoring 105

MIRPUR, JUNE 17 (AP): Bangladesh plumbed new depths of embarrassment when it was dismissed for a record-tying 58 while chasing 106 to beat India in their second one-day international on Tuesday.

After routing India for 105 in 26 overs, India's lowest score against its neighbour, Bangladesh was confident of squaring the three-match ODI series.

Bangladesh was cruising at 50-3 in the 13th over, when it sensationally collapsed. The hosts lost seven wickets for eight runs, and were all out for 58 in 17.4 overs, matching their worst ODI score, against the West Indies at the 2011 A supporter dressed as 'The Incredible Hulk' waits for the World Cup. India seamer Stuart start of the group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Binny, playing his third Brazil on June 17. (AP Photo) ODI, recorded figures of 6-4 off 4.4 overs, the best by an Indian in an ODI. Mohit Sharma also took a careerbest 4-22. "I'd love to bowl on this wicket every day," Binny said.

India won the series 2-0, with the third and last match at the same Shere-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Debutant Mithun Ali was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 26, but his was the first wicket for Binny, and sparked the remarkable revolving door of Bangladesh batsmen.

Mushfiqur Rahim was the only other Bangladeshi in

India's Mohit Sharma, left, celebrates with captain Suresh Raina, center, and teammate Ajinkya Rahane, right, after the wicket of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan during their second one-day International cricket match in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, June 17. (AP Photo)

double figures, with 11.

The final blow for Bangladesh came when Sharma took out Shakib Al Hasan, who nicked a gem of a fast ball on 4.

Binny said India wasn't fazed by having to defend such a low total. "The plan was to come out hard, bowl

in good areas, and don't give away easy runs," he said. For Bangladesh, the day began almost perfectly.

Teenage fast bowler Taskin Ahmed took 5-28 on debut to help Bangladesh shoot India out for a record-low 105. It eclipsed India's previous lowest

total against Bangladesh of 191. The 19-year-old Ahmed became the first Bangladeshi bowler to claim five-for on debut. He was supported by senior pacer Mashrafe Mortaza, who returned 2-35.

In overcast conditions ideal for the seam bowl-

ers, Bangladesh had India wobbling right from the start with Mortaza trapping Ajinkya Rahane leg before off the second ball.

The match was halted in the sixth over for 2 1/2 hours because of rain, after which it was reduced to 41 overs per side. Soon af-

ter play resumed, Ahmed claimed Robin Uthappa for 14 and Ambati Rayudu on 1 in quick succession. India skipper Suresh Raina resisted for the top score of 27 off 23 balls before he was run out at 66-6. Only three others, including Uthappa, reached double digits.

Spain hopes to reverse maracana luck

Spectators cheer before the start of the group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on June 17. (AP Photo)

RIO, JUNE 17 (AP): The Maracana is not filled with many fond memories for Spain, whose World Cup title is on the line at the iconic football stadium.

Spain returns to the Maracana for Wednesday's must-win match against Chile nearly one year after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

Spain's 5-1 loss to the Netherlands to open Group B was its heaviest competitive defeat since a 6-1 defeat to Brazil at the famed stadium in Rio de Janeiro at the 1950 World Cup. Spain isn't letting its poor history at one of the sport's most storied settings become a distraction, however, as it looks to reverse its poor start.

"The Maracana is mythical, but the only wish is for the result to be completely different from last year's Confederations Cup final and we can win," Spain midfielder Juan Mata said.

Spain can take heart from two victories at the Maracana during the 1950 World Cup, 1-0 against England and 2-0 against Chile.

Spain now needs to repeat that win over Chile, but preferably with an even bigger scoreline to make up for its poor goal differential. "It's a stadium with so much history, and we've played there

BRASILIA, JUNE 17 (AP): As two of world football's underachieving nations, Ivory Coast and Colombia will be desperate not to let slip a rare chance to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup when they meet in Brasilia on Thursday.

Both teams opened Group C with victories, meaning another in the Brazilian capital will almost certainly guarantee a place in the last 16.

"It's looking a little bit like a final of the group," Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi said, "(and) I'm pretty sure the winner will be qualified for the next phase." That would be a first for the Ivorians, who failed to get out of difficult groups in 2006 and '10 — their only previous appearances on

assets," Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. "We can play, we can create good opportunities and we can take them.

"All the players did what they were expected to do and that makes us very confident." Much of the talk surrounding Ivory Coast also centers on a striker. The 36-year-old Didier Drogba, one of Africa's greatest players and taking part in what surely is his final World Cup, inspired a turnaround in the Ivorians' opening match against Japan when he came on as a substitute with his team 1-0 behind. Within four minutes, they were 2-1 ahead and that's how it finished.

Will that be enough to earn Drogba a starting spot ahead of Wilfried Bony?

Probably not, Lamouchi

A Brazilian girl tries on a Charro hat, worn by Mexican cowboys, as she talks to a Mexico fan during the 2014 soccer World Cup in Fotaleza, Brazil, Tuesday, June 17. (AP Photo)

Spain's Gerard Pique kicks the ball during a training session at the Atletico Paranaense training center in Curitiba, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. Spain will play in group B of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. (AP Photo)

already. It's an important place and hopefully that can work in our favor," said forward Pedro Rodriguez, who many expect to replace David Silva in the starting lineup on Wednesday. "What's clear is that we cannot afford to fail." Spain will also have to deal with another change in temperature as it goes from the cool, winter weather of its training base

in Curitiba to the warmer, muggier confines of Rio de Janeiro. The team tired in the humidity of Salvador against the Dutch.

"We'll adapt to the change of temperature, I don't think it will affect our chances," Pedro said.

Mata also thought the team would have enough time to adapt after traveling to Rio late Monday.

Knockout stage in sight for Ivory Coast, Colombia

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the world's biggest stage. It continued a trend of underperformance at major tournaments following failures at the last five African Cup tournaments when they were favorites each time.

Colombia, meanwhile, has only advanced from its group once in four World Cups — in 1990 when the team was eliminated in the following match. Expectations had been tempered this time round after star striker Radamal Falcao was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

Yet a 3-0 win over Greece has raised belief that the Colombians have the tools to cope without their one world-class player, with decent alternatives in attack. "Colombia proved (against Greece) that we have many positive

suggested. "People love Didier Drogba and I know there are a lot of lovers of Drogba's style," Lamouchi said. "But you have to understand the last time he played 90 minutes was a few months ago in Turkey.

He's just recovered from injury. He made a lot of sacrifices to be here at the World Cup." In Falcao's absence, Teofilo Gutierrez is having to step up as Colombia's chief striker and he is already off the mark in Brazil, scoring the team's second against Greece.

In fact, coach Jose Pekerman is blessed with forwards in the country's new generation, with back-ups Jackson Martinez and Carlos Bacca having just enjoyed strong seasons with Porto and Sevilla.

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