20th January 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 18

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www.morungexpress.com

Monday, January 20, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

[ PAGE 8]

Polio immunization held across Nagaland [ PAGE 2]

South Sudan peace talks may be too late to stop war

[ PAGE 11]

Private schools are very, very difficult to get into. So forget it and finish your high school from here eh?

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Do you think that social media is being misused in Nagaland? no

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12 year old found dead Morung Express news Dimapur | January 19

A twelve year old girl was found hanging by the neck at her house in Thaheku Block 6, Dimapur on Sunday, at around noon. Police informed that the deceased, identified as Christina, was found by her three younger siblings, with the ropes of an indoor swing entangled around her neck.

According to police, the parents of the deceased had gone to collect firewood in the morning, leaving their four children in the house. Police informed that the parents have refused to allow a post mortem to be carried out on the body; but added that it could be an accident.

Over 2 lakh children administered polio drops in Nagaland

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KOHIMA, JANUARY 19 (PTI): Over two lakh children, below the age of five years, were administered polio drops as a part of the National Polio immunisation campaign today, a senior official said here. Over 2.46 lakh children, under five years throughout the state, were administered polio drops,” Department of Health and Family Welfare, State Immunisation Officer, M Kire said. During the programme, Special focus was given to the migrant population in order to prevent importation of polio cases, Kire stated in a notification, adding, that the Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) campaign was carried throughout the state in 2,462 polio booths today. The doorto-door immunisation would be held tomorrow and on Tuesday throughout the state.

More on page 2 and 5

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Jt. Secy. Shambhu Singh speaks on NE

By Sandemo Ngullie

Are naga politicians working diligently to earn the respect and trust of the public?

Ivanovic knocks out Serena

–Marie Curie

[ PAGE 9]

reflections

Yes

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Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less Shashi Tharoor Selena reveals pledges she gets cooperation relationship for probe into advice from wife’s death Katy Perry

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An old Yimchungrü warrior sips local brew before taking part in a cultural dance during the ‘Tsungkam neo’ festival celebration held at Shamator public ground in Tuensang recently. ‘Tsungkam neo’, a thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest is celebrated by the Yimchungrü nagas every year in the month of January. (Photo by Ashikho Pfuzhe)

Growth of urban centres not due to industrialization in nagaland Our Correspondent Kohima | January 19

The growth of urban centres is not driven by industrialization in Nagaland State, according to Thematic Report 2009 ‘Rural-urban migration,’ a GoI- UNDP Project (Strengthening of the state plans for human development).

Till date there are “no major industries or corporate establishments worth mentioning and the government remains the largest employer in the state,” the report stated.

In such a situation, a

large proportion of the rural to urban migrants who come in search of better livelihood and employment remain unemployed.

They constitute a large section of the “urban poor.” Though no systematic study on urban poverty in the State has been done, it is estimated that urban poverty is one of the emerging major problems of the urban areas.

The report stated that the term “urban poor” refers to people in urban and urbanized areas who are without houses and whose income falls within the poverty

line set by the government.

The most commonly used way to measure poverty is based on income and consumption levels. A person is considered poor if his or her consumption or income levels fall below a minimum level necessary to meet basic needs. This minimum level is usually called the ‘poverty line’, which varies across countries and time.

The report added that such measurements of income-poverty has always been an important component in studies of poverty as income often is the de-

ciding factor in determining their condition.

The areas for expenditure being wider for urban households, they are more vulnerable to poverty. In the urban areas, a typical household budget would go towards: transportation; getting to and from workplace, children’s school and essential services, housing and maintenance; rented included, if living in rented house, access to clean water, sanitation and garbage disposal as payment to cleaners, health care and children’s’ education, the report stated.

fire breaks out in chumukedima Morung Express news Dimapur | January 19

Eleven shops were completely razed down by a fire, which broke out in Chumukedima, at around 2:30 pm on Sunday. Sources informed that five fire trucks, three from Dimapur and two from Chu-

mukedima, arrived at the scene promptly and doused the flames within an hour.

The damage assessment and cause of the fire could not be ascertained till the filing of this report.

A press note from the Chumukedima Chamber of Commerce and Trade Association lauded the fire

tenders for their quick response and expressed concern that this is the fourth such case of fire outbreak in the Chumukedima area, within a period of one month. It urged the people to be cautious and called upon the concerned authority to probe into the latest incident.

New DelHI, JANUARY 19 (VISION COMMUNICATIONS): The Centre has issued a warning to Manipur based United Naga Council (UNC) saying it will not tolerate any disturbance of national projects – Trans Asian Railway line and 400 KV power grid transmission line in the State.

Talking to the Vision Communications in an exclusive interview on Sunday, Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, also ruled out any immediate talks with the UNC. Reacting to the UNC threat of agitation, Shambhu Singh declared, “Centre will come down heavily on the UNC, and take recourse to various stringent provisions of law, if they dare to disrupt the ongoing construction work of the Trans Asian Railway line and 400 KV power grid transmission line in Manipur.”

The UNC has announced three pronged protest programmes – (a) mass rally in all four Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur –Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong on January 23 (b) boycotting Republic Day (January 26, 2014) and (c) ban on construction work in Trans Asian railway line and 400 KV power grid transmission line from February 3. The UNC however exempted electricity, health and drinking water supply offices from the six day protest.

MHA Joint Secretary took serious objection to boycotting Republic Day by the UNC. “This has serious implications. Either they don’t consider themselves to be Indian or they call our Republic Day function as Indian Republic Day programme. This statement has secessionist overtones and they should be very cautious before making any such statement,” Singh said.

The government is ready to face any eventuality. The 400 KV transmis-

sion line is being built for Naga people living in the hilly interiors and not for the people residing in the valley area. “Now Naga people should judge whether the UNC is working for the interests of Naga people or against the interest of Nagas,” Singh observed.

Clarifying the delay in holding political level tripartite meeting with the UNC, Singh said, “the process has already started.

Manipur government has to discuss with all the political parties and talk to all the MLAs before holding talks at the political level.”

“Everyone has to be taken into confidence before initiating next round of talks to be held at the political level as promised by us in the last round of talks held in New Delhi on 30th August, last year. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha elections are approaching. Delhi Assembly elections were held and the Chief Minister has to come to Delhi to attend the AICC session. All these developments have further delayed the process.”

The MHA Joint Secretary continued, “I am really perplexed after seeing the press release issued by the UNC. I was waiting all this while. They did not bother to communicate with me before chalking out such a harsh agitational programme. And they mentioned that even if we invite them now for holding talks, the agitation programme will continue as per the schedule. Then, what is the point of inviting them now?

Let them continue with their agitation. People of Manipur, particularly people living in the hill districts, will suffer. UNC decision will lead the Nagas nowhere.

And we are not to be blamed for the consequences. It is their unilateral stand.”

On the killing of innocent civilians in Assam’s Kokrajhar area, Singh asserted that “the state government has been asked to take all possible measures to flush out terrorists from

within the state.”

Singh continued, “since there was no designated camp for the NDFB (R) faction who have recently signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government of Assam and the Centre, it was difficult for the security forces to identify the NDFB (Songbijit faction) cadres.”

The camp is now ready and all the NDFB (R) cadres and commanders would take shelter in the designated camp within next few days’ time. Soon after the security forces would go all out to exterminate these criminals who have unleashed a reign of terror in the Bodoland area, Singh asserted.

Confirming the report of the execution of antitalk ULFA cadres and top leader Partho Baruah by its self styled Commanderin-Chief Paresh Baruah for their move to surrender to the Assam government, Joint Secretary Singh said, “ULFA leader Paresh Baruah has become totally bereft of human values. His collaborators had recruited some youth saying that they would be given jobs in Bangalore, Hyderabad and some other big cities. But later they found themselves inside Myanmar training camp. Youth of Assam should look at the real face of Paresh Baruah and refrain from joining his outfit.”

Singh also revealed that the MHA has cleared the cabinet note sent by the Meghalaya government on the increase of existing 29 seats in the Garo Autonomous District Council to 40 seats to pave the way for signing the long-awaited peace accord with the ANVC outfit. ANVC underground signed SoO agreement in 2004. Once the state cabinet approves the proposal, surrender package would be finalised and subsequently a final date for arms-laying-down ceremony would be announced by the state government, Singh added.

Bamboo: Promoting sustainable development in nagaland Morung Express Feature Dimapur | January 19

The Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) has had a fruitful journey since its inception in 2005.

Its aim to create awareness and understanding of bamboo as “green gold” among farmers, traders, industry and the people in the State, and to utilise its full potential to galvanise the economy of the State has proved very successful. Not only has the State seen tremendous increase of bamboo plantation but NBDA has also been successful in promoting bamboo based industry in the State thereby generating income for hundreds of people.

A home based society like Aitlenden in Tuli under Mokokchung district which was struggling to generate income is now weaving baskets of success. Formed by 10 women members in the year 2008, the society was heading nowhere until the NBDA stepped in. The Agency imparted training

(Left) Stylish hand woven bags made from bamboo on display at the nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre gallery in Dimapur. (Right) The Bambusa restaurant at the nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre in Dimapur. The restaurant serves authentic naga food as well as Sikkimese food.

in mat and basket weaving to the women and later officially engaged them in the business. The society now takes monthly orders from the Agency and their work is well appreciated by customers.

“Even the chief minister’s wife has ordered from us,” said Amen, one of the founding members proudly. When they are not weav-

ing for customers outside, they take orders from local customers to keep their business going. For every order placed, the women make a profit of about 10 to 15 thousand rupees. With this, the women share the profit while the capital is reinvested in procuring raw products.

“Our financial conditions have improved

drastically. Now we don’t have to worry about our children’s school fees and other household expenses,” Amen said. At present, 32 self help groups from across the State are working with the NBDA. Numerous individual craftsmen and entrepreneurs are also engaged with the Agency in making bamboo charcoal and briquettes, incense

sticks, bamboo curtains and engineered bamboo products like floor panels, door mats and other bamboo handicrafts.

While the rural people engaged with the bamboo mission are reaping the fruits of their labour, many urban educated youths are also giving a new dimension through their entrepreneurial skills. Medo

Putsure, an MBA graduate from London who runs the ‘Bambusa’ restaurant at the Bamboo Resource Centre aims to do more than just serve good food. “The idea is not just to set up a restaurant but to showcase and promote Naga craftsmanship,” Putsure says. True to his words, the entire structure of the restaurant has been made by Naga crafts-

men. As he says remarkably: “it is like a chain. Helping locals build each other.”

Like him, Moa Yaden, formerly in the media, now runs the bamboo charcoal unit. “There is a lot of potential in this business.

This economical and more environment friendly charcoal is a hit not only in the State but outside as well.” he says. Obviously happy to be associated with NBDA, Yaden has no hassles about investing time and money into his business and even aims to increase production if possible.

Apart from young educated youths like Yaden and Putsure, several designers, photographers, architects are engaged with the bamboo mission, making NBDA a perfect platform for skilled and semi-skilled professionals. What is more unique is the fact that the Agency has managed to give value addition to traditional craftsmanship while also promoting sustainable development of bamboo resources in the State.

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Monday 20 January 2014

The Morung Express C

New sub-station to boost power supply in Chessore

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TuEnSanG, January 19 (mExn): Parliamentary secretary for CAWD, R Tohanba, inaugurated a 500 KVA 33/11 KV sub-station at Chessore in Tuensang district on January 17.

The sub-station constructed under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.54 crore will augment power supply to Chessore (town and village) and four to five neighbouring villages.

The parliamentary secretary reiterated that electricity is one of the most important requirements to speed up development in the rural areas. Tohanba lauded the Power department for successfully constructing Parliamentary secretary for CAWD, R Tohanba (2nd left) inspecting the newly inaugurated the sub-station and bringing 500 KVA 33/11 KV sub-station at Chessore in Tuensang district on January 17.

transmission lines from Tuensang district headquarter despite the difficult terrains.

He impressed the area people of their responsibility to pay electricity bills in time and to take care and safeguard public property.

Executive engineer (Power) Tuensang, Er. Atoho Achumi also reminded the public on the need to pay power bills in time in order to avoid disconnection.

Er. Atoho informed that in 2013, the revenue collected by the Power department in 2013 stood at Rs. 85 crore as against power purchase of Rs. 230 crores. EAC Shamator, Athsangla, also exhorted the gathering. SDO (Electrical) Shamator, Er. JK Limbu chaired the inaugural programme.

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): A team from the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch Kohima (IRCSN), led by its chairperson, Abeni TCK visited the Rengma people from Karbi Anglong who were taking shelter at Rengma Baptist Church in Dimapur in view of the conflict between the Karbis and Rengmas in Karbi Anglong. IRCSN provided 35 bags of rice, blankets and readymade garments and also provided three wheel chairs to three paralyzed persons, according to a press release issued by IRCSN general secretary, Zakie Kire.

During the visit, the note said, it was learnt that many Rengma families were stranded in the interior areas of Karbi Anglong and facing untold miseries as no organization could reach them because of the prevailing tense situation.

Therefore, IRCSN team on December 31 visited four relief camps in Shantipur, Silonijan, Chokihola and

and sacrifice. The lessons, practical as well as mental, learnt while being part of the organisation will not only benefit the individual to become a better citizen but also the society at large, he said. The “small things” learnt, though it may look insignificant, “if taken care of will lead to accomplishment of bigger tasks.” While expressing contentment at the way the camp was conducted, he urged the participants to apply the skills learnt in everyday life.

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IRCSN carries out Hindustan Scouts & Guides camp conclude Polio immunization relief operation

Albert Ezung, SDO(C), Peren administering the first polio drops during the inaugural function of IPPI in Peren on January 19.

held across Nagaland

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Kohima, January 19 (mExn): Along with the rest of the country, Kohima organized Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) on January 19, Sunday.

It was officially launched by ADC Kohima, Asangla Imti, who also administered the first polio drops, at a small function organized in the premises of Booth No. 42, Lower Chandmari junction.

Welcoming the officials and parents gathered, Dr. Avile Zao, District Programme Officer (RCH-UIP) stated that with the efforts of health workers and the support of people, the country has been polio free for the last two years. She also added that by 2015 the country would be completely polio free if people maintain or sustain this level of dedication and support. A press release stated that IPPI has been regular activity with a goal to eradicate polio in the country since 1995.

Mobile Polio Teams on IPPI would be visiting Transit Points, especially bus and railway stations and taxi stands all over the state for the next two days. The house to house visit will be held on January 20 and 21, the note added.

Peren: The first round of IPPI 2014 successfully started in Peren district on January 19 with an inaugural function at District Hospital, Peren. With the target to immunize 13,293 children and also to prevent import of Polio in the district, Polio drops will be administered through 157 Polio booths and 3 Mobile units. Further, in order to make sure that not even a single child falling between the age group of 0-5 years is left unimmunized, the health workers and the volunteers will carry on with house to house coverage on January 20 and 21, a release said.

During the inaugural function, Albert Ezung SDO(C), Peren who administered the first Polio drops of the district, briefed about how IPPI has come a long way since 1996 when Global Polio Eradication Programme was launched and is now one of the most successful programmes. As per report, around 2 lakhs children were crippled every year in the world with Polio and India had half of these children. But, as a result of the success of IPPI now, India has been declared Polio free and in this regard, he congratulated the district medical department led by the Chief Medical Officer and all the District Programme

Officers for their commendable job in contributing to declaration of India as a Polio free country.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung joined the nationwide fight to eradicate the crippling childhood disease polio on January 19 with 198 booths around the district. During a brief programme held at Imlong place here, Dr. Limatula Aier, DPO RCH& UIP highlighted on the importance of immunization of children from 0-5 yrs of age.

Addl. SP Mokokchung, Yanren Ngullie encouraged the volunteers to be more responsible and dedicated in their assigned duties. Officers from the Health Department, Administration, and Police Department have been mobilized to supervise the success of the programme throughout the district.

Altogether 800 personnel comprising of health workers, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, volunteers from Rotary Club Mokokchung, IRCS Mokokchung and youth volunteers from across the district are participating in the first phase of IPPI, informed a press release.

Health workers and volunteers would also be conducting house to house visits to cover those children who could not receive the polio drops on Sunday.

Mon: In Mon, the IPPI inaugural function was held at District Hospital, Mon on Sunday with CMO, Mon Dr U.K Konyak, gracing the programme as the chief guest, who also administered the first polio drops. According to a press release, Dr Supongmenla DPO (UIP&RCH) during the function said, “India celebrates three years since its last case of polio, despite once being considered the most challenging place to end the disease.” However, he added, “We still need to stay alert and sensitize the public on the importance of immunization.”

Phek: District Health Society Phek also observed Polio Sunday on January 19 at District Hospital Phek. A press release informed that Neposo Theluo, Deputy Commissioner Phek administered the first Polio drops to Yevelu Swuro, 5 months old, in the presence of CMO Phek Dr. Kevichusa, Dy.CMO Dr. Ritu Thurr, Dr. Neisakho DPO (NVBDCP) & DPO (RCH & UIP) Dr. Hezo. Dr. Kevichusa, CMO also gave a brief message on the importance of Polio immunization.

Jompha village. In all the relief camps, IRCSN provided rice, blankets, readymade garments etc. to both the communities of Rengmas and Karbis.

On January16, IRCSN again visited four relief camps - Shantipur Relief Camp, Govt. L.P. school Barpathar Relief Camp, Old Barpathar Govt. Girl High School Relief camp, and Govt. L.P School Silonijan Relief camp. The IRCSN provided food items, utensils, clothing, linens, and blankets etc to the Karbis and Rengmas in the camps.

The release acknowledged that Muslim Council Dimapur, M/s. Jack & Jill, Vidya Bhavan High School, Junior Red Cross Unit Kuda village ‘C’ Khel, Khriehulie Kire Colony, Kuda village, Dimapur, and many well wishers donated blankets, readymade garments and cash towards the relief operation.

IRCSN also thanked chief minister and IRCSN vice president Neiphiu Rio and DC Dimapur Hushili Sema for their support.

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): Nagaland Association for Adventure Mountaineering and Education (NAAME) organized its 4th Mt. Japfu Climbing 2014 as part of awareness creation campaign on January 18.

76 nature lovers enthusiastically trekked the peak with a theme “Save our mountains, stop burning”.

The youngest among the trekkers was Notonu Yienie, 8 years 11 months old.

A press release issued by NAAME president, Ruokuovikho Chale informed that Dr. Akho Yhokha, Rtd. Addl. Director, Veterinary & AH, in his short exhortation before the flag- off said mountains are closely associated with

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books was used.

Although well planned and written, the note suggested, the text books need to be revised as resource persons expressed concerns especially on appropriate use of words and their representations by the pictures, use of mother tongue in teaching –learning of Hindi as the second language, making the content more contextual as per the socio-cultural and geographical locations of the

brotherhood, leadership and discipline.

Thirty-two participants from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland took part in the camp hosted by Holy Cross Higher Secondary School. The camp concluded with the Commandant of the 173rd battalion, CRPF, Anupam Sharma attending the valedictory function as the chief guest.

In his address, Sharma averred that Hindustan Scouts & Guides typifies discipline, determination

Participants of 4th Japfu Climbing 2014 pose for a photograph while trekking the Mount Japfu peak on January 18. (Photo by Pukil Kintso)

God everywhere in whatever ways it may be. “When we go to mountain, we go to animal’s kingdom and to nature and feel closer to God,” he said. He urged the youths

Changes recommended in elementary Hindi textbooks during the seven days, resource persons evaluated the Hindi textbooks of class I to V of Nagaland and recommended few changes in the text books. The recommendations pertained to various aspects of photograph/pictures, cover page, productions/layout, curriculum load, contents, child-centered learning and national concerns, etc. provided in the text books.

Tool developed by NCERT to evaluate the Hindi text-

DimaPur, January 19 (mExn): A six-day long training camp of Hindustan Scouts & Guides (North-east region) concluded Sunday, January 19 in Dimapur. The organisation as a movement is dedicated to the mental, physical, and spiritual development of youth. Members, who sign up are trained and imparted vocational skills to undertake activities relating to community development, social service and environmental conservation; to foster the spirit of patriotism,

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Eco-enthusiast youths climb Mt. Japfu to create awareness

Kichilimi villagers perform a cultural act during the inaugural function of the 43rd general conference of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu at Kichilimi village under Pughoboto sub division on January 16. (Morung Photo)

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): Resource persons at a workshop held to evaluate Hindi textbooks (Elementary Level) of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh from January 13 to 19 at SCERT, Kohima, have recommended few changes in elementary Hindi textbooks of Nagaland.

According to a press note from Dr Philip, Local Programme Coordinator & Hindi Coordinator, Directorate of School Education,

Participants demonstrate during the valedictory function of the Hindustan Scouts & Guides (North-east region) training camp hosted at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on January 19. (Morung Photo)

State, removing all those contents and pictures which reinforce gender stereotypes, integrating environmental concerns and values in the contents, use of modern ways of CCE in the exercises given at the end of chapters, making the chapters more imaginative and creative, etc.

K. Phesao, Director, School Education (Higher Secondary & Hindi Education), also visited during the workshop and interacted

with resource persons and exhorted them to do a thorough job about the evaluation of Hindi text books including the review of grammar and CCE and also to make the Hindi textbooks easier in the context of urban as well as rural areas.

The workshop was organized by North East Regional Institute of Education (NERIE), Shillong in collaboration with Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore.

to nurture nature saying they sustain our lives.

George Richa, NAAME programme coordinator reminded about the Kigwema Biodiversity Re-

served Area and briefed the participants about the DOs and Don’ts while trekking in the Reserved Area. The participants were asked not to light any fire, not to

litter the area with nondegradable items, not to shout as it disturb animals, not to roll down any stones but to listen to the wind, the chirping birds and enjoy the nature to the most.

The president and colleagues of NAAME have conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the print media, Dr. Akho Yhokha, ALTRURA Society Dimapur, Catholic Youth Organisation, Chedema, Hemant Kamdi (IFS) and Zuthunglo IFS (Wild life Wing, Nagaland), Sidramapa MC IFS, DFO Kohima, Lokeswar Rao IFS, PCCF, Nagaland, all the members, participants and well-wishers for their support to the zero budget NAAME event.

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Social entrepreneur Dr Yan felicitated by IIM-Lucknow

DimaPur, January 19 (mExn): Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, one of India’s premier management institutes on Sunday felicitated selected social entrepreneurs from around the country who have made impactful contributions to society. Dr. Yan Murry, CEO & Secretary of Society for Education, Empowerment & Development (SEED) and Pinnacle Skills were among the nine social entrepreneurs selected as a ‘Prerak Fellow’.

Organized by the Centre for Business sustainability, IIM-Lucknow as part of the Annual Manfest Business Conclave, the selected social entrepreneurs have to undergo the Prerna fellowship program at the institute after which they are accorded ‘Prerak Fellow’.

A press statement received here said Dr Yan has been working in the field of skill development and edu-

Dr. Yan Murry (right) receives the ‘Prerak Fellow’ certificate from Prof. Sushil Kumar, Head - Centre for Business Sustainability, IIM-Lucknow.

cation which has provided gainful employment to many youths. His other notable achievements are initiatives in web based technology interventions for which he has won many national level awards including the Na-

tional Tourism Award 2011.

While congratulating Dr. Yan, Chairman of SEED, Dr John Murry has encouraged him and other young members of the organization to put sincere efforts and make a difference.

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Regional

The Morung express

One person killed, one injured in Assam GUWAHATI, JANUARY 19 (IANS): In continued attacks for the third consecutive day Sunday by the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), one person was killed and another injured, police said.

According to police, two fresh incidents took place Sunday morning in Kokrajhar and in Sonitpur districts. While one body was recovered from Kokrajhar district, the militants injured another person in Sonitpur district.

"Either he was killed Sunday or Saturday night," police said, while confirming the role of NDFB militants behind the incident.

A group of armed NDFB militants attacked one Bikram Rai at Batasipur area

under Dhekiajuli police station in Sonitpur district and injured him.

"The militants had served him extortion demand, to which Rai refused.

A group of militants came and fired at him from close range Sunday," police said.

Eight people have so far been killed and 10 others injured in the spate of violence since Friday.

A faction of the NDFB, opposed to peace talks, killed one person Saturday evening at Ambagan in Udalguri district in the Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts, police said.

The NDFB militants also fired indiscriminately at Bagidara village in Chirang district, killing one person and injuring five others Saturday.

Northeast Briefs

5 from Manipur killed in Assam bus accident GUWAHATI, JANUARY 19 (TNN): At least five people were killed and 10, including a child, injured when the vehicle in which they were travelling hit a bridge on NH-34 at Kolajal in Kamrup district of Assam, some 45 kilometre from Guwahati on Saturday. All the passengers in the vehicle were from Manipur. The mini bus, which was travelling from West Bengal's Siliguri to Manipur through Assam, is suspected to have hit a bridge.

It might be the driver's fault as the bus had hit the bridge on the wrong side, said a police official. Four died on the spot while one breathed his last on his way to Gauhati Medical College Hospital , the official added.

Protest over non implementation of ALT

GUWAHATI, JANUARY 19 (AGENCIES): The Asom Sahitya Sabha officials came out to the streets on Sunday in protest against the non implementation of the Assam Language Act----making it mandatory for the government to use Assamese language in the official functionings. The protesters removed some English and Hindi hoardings and banners on the streets. A section of Sahitya Sabha officials blackened the hoardings and banners. A section of the Sabha officials told assamtimes that they would intensify the agitation in the run up to the special session in the city. The protest in this form assumes significance a few days after a cement factory instructed its workers and employees to avoid Assamese language inside the factory campus.

Tripura man held in fake passport racket

AGARTALA, JANUARY 19 (IANS): A man has been arrested for involvement in a fake passport racket, police said here Saturday. “Maharashtra police arrested Mansoor Ahmed, 47, at the Mumbai airport Jan 5 with a fake passport while he was flying to Dubai. Ahmed told police that he is a Bangladeshi citizen and one Mushayed Ali, 49, in Agartala helped him to get the fake passport,” a Tripura police spokesman said. The spokesman said a team of Maharashtra police arrived here Friday and arrested Ali, who was subsequently presented before a court here for a transit remand. The team left for Mumbai Saturday along with Mushayed Ali for further probe.

Arunachal and Meghalaya CM briefed on benefits of geo textiles

ITANAGAR, JANUARY 19 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and his Meghalaya counterpart Mukul Sangma were jointly briefed about the benefits and potential of geo textiles based activities in the north eastern states by leading government and industry experts at Delhi. In a comprehensive presentation given by representatives of union Ministry of Textiles, National Jute Board, Ernst and Young (Business Advisory Firm) and Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association yesterday, the benefits of the use of geo textiles in the infrastructure sector, anti erosion and flood protection, irrigation, disaster mitigation and avenues for entrepreneurship development in the sector were highlighted, official sources said today. The special briefing came in the wake of a recent policy initiative by the central government to extend financial support to geo textile based projects to promote ecologically balanced techniques in various sectors ensuring minimum environmental impact. Both the chief ministers agreed to the suggestion to take up select pilot projects in the states with assistance from the Centre within this financial year, sources said. An expert team would visit both the states to work out the modalities for the implementation framework within this month, the sources added.

Solar lights to illuminate Meghalaya

SHILLONG, JANUARY 19 (TNN): The Meghalaya government has sanctioned Rs 25 crore for installation of solar lights under the Green City Project (GCP), which will replace the existing street lights. "The Rs 25-crore project has been earmarked and sanctioned by the state government for the purpose of installing over 378 points of solar lights in the urban areas and cities of the state," Meghalaya Power Corporation Limited Engineer's Association president B Khonglah said. Khonglah said this in the course of his address at the XI General Conference of the association held in the city. "We have identified the locations which will include government institutions and educational institutions in Shillong while for Tura, the locations would soon be finalized," added Khonglah. He said the government has so far sanctioned Rs 5 crore for implementation of the first phase of the project, which has been entrusted with the Philips Electronic India Limited. To begin with, the implementing company has been asked to install at least 3 points of solar lights in Shillong, the performance of which would be examined before handing over the entire installation work to the company, he added. Keeping in mind possible cases of theft of batteries and other equipment, the state power department has decided to install the LED solar street lights in protected locations, he added.

Monday

20 January 2014

Dimapur

3

Dimapur to Imphal journey made easier

Bodo militants had killed five civilians and injured four others in Kokrajhar district Friday night.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has sent top police officials to the BTAD areas to tackle the situation.

Sources said the state's Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Atowa Munda is likely to reach Kokrajhar district Sunday to review the situation with police and the district administration.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had asked police to deal with the situation firmly and a major offensive had already been launched against the Tribal Tiwa people participate in the Jonbeel festival near Jagiroad, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) east of Guwahati, Assam NDFB's anti-talk faction on Friday, January 17, 2014. Tribal communities like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia from nearby hills participate in large numled by I.K. Songbijit. bers in the festival that signifies harmony and brotherhood amongst various tribes and communities. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Tension rises in Mizoram over kidnapping

AIZAWL, JANUARY 19 (NNN): Tension is on the rise in Mizoram with the people angry over alleged false information given by the state government in connection with the kidnapping of three civilians

by Bru militants.

On January 15, the state government officials had reportedly said that two of the three persons kidnapped by the Bru Democratic Front of Mizoram militants had been released.

The January 15 news had calmed the volatile situation as Bru people were fleeing from Mizoram

to Tripura fearing the reprisal from the Mizo community, as two of the three abducted persons are Mizos.

However, on Staurday, an angry mob gathered at Mamit accusing the government of giving wrong information about the release of two Mizos--Sanglianthanga and Lalzamliana. The angry mob burned the effigies of Mizoram Home minister R. Lalzirliana and demanded the government to reveal the truth behind the hostage.

Even before this agitation, youths in Mamit town numbering about 200 people had assembled

before the deputy commissioner's office complex and demanded that the government reveal what how the situation was exactly.

Mamit DC, V Lalremthanga on the other hand told the gathering mob that the government is trying its level best to rescue the abductees and that they are taking utmost step for the immediate release of the three civilians.

On November 23 last year, Sanglianthanga s/o Vanlalhmuaka, a taxi driver from Mamit; Lalzamliana s/o Buanga, Pickup truck driver of Zuangtui Muanna Veng, Aizawl

and Deep Mondal s/o Nikil Mondal, an engineer from Airtel Company were abducted by Bru militant outfit Bru Democratic Fromt of Mizoram from Old Chikha Anti Poaching camp. The kidnappers demanded Rs 5 crore as ransom from the Mizoram government.

On January 15, the media had reported that the two Mizos, Sanglianthanga and Lalzamliana, were delivered by Bru militants to Mizoram police (special force) at around 12 noon. However, Deep Mondal was still being held hostage, the report had added.

IMPHAL, JANUARY 19 (NNN): The distance between Imphal and Dimapur has been made shorter by Tata Winger van services.

The morning to evening slow-pace, long and tiresome journey of passenger bus services between Imphal and Dimapur is going to be written off soon, thanks to the introduction of fast and swift and easily available Tata Winger van services.

Travelers today can reach the Nagaland commercial hub Dimapur by 12 noon from Imphal and have enough time to re-charge energy before they begin the long train journey elsewhere from Dimapur railway station.

According to Anil of Ningthou Travels, there are about 150 Tata Winger vans plying between Imphal and Dimapur.

With the introduction of Tata Winger van services, passengers are not compelled to rush to the station early in the morning. From 5 am till 2 in the afternoon, van services are available between Imphal and Dimapur while from Dimapur to Imphal, the services are available till 11 pm. This means that travelers from Dimapur to Imphal can embark on the journey at any moment.

However, there are still few travelers whp choose the bus due to the cost factor. Only a few buses are plying the route these days. including the Nagaland State Transport buses.

Police told not to disturb East Siang records increase in revenue deposit innocent people: Sarkar "Increase

AGARTALA, JANUARY 19 (PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today asserted that the threedecade-old insurgency in the state could be contained as the government has ordered the police to handle militants with a firm hand without disturbing innocent people.

"We do believe that cops have no right to disturb the peace loving people and at the same time the government has mandated the police to act against those who pose threat to peace and tranquillity," Sarkar said in a seminar on police reform, organised by

Police Accountability Commission (PAC).

He said that police must be accountable for its deeds and they were also human being and work with a human face. "We should not have complacency that militancy was wiped out completely," he said. The chief minister also stressed for sensitisation and modernisation of police for better contribution to the society.

"People have been facing various problems and increasingly becoming restive as their basic needs are not addressed. In such a situation, it's tough for police to maintain peace," he said.

in revenue from excise, goods tax and VAT"

ITANAGAR, JANUARY 19 (TNN): East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh is not industry-friendly, but it has witnessed an upward spiral in revenue deposit under tax and excise department. But the state government has claimed that it is losing

huge amounts in revenue due owing to tax evasion.

Revenue collection from excise duty, good tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) on inter-state export and import articles is showing an increasing trend for the last three years, a source said here on Saturday.

The revenue collected by the department for the fiscal year 2011-12 was Rs 6,194 lakh, which increased up to 6.778 lakh in 2012-13, the source said.

The department has collected revenue amounting to Rs 5.505 lakh till October last year.

The average revenue collection under the de-

partment is Rs 50 lakh per month, the source revealed. There is a Border Facilitation Centre (BFC) at Ruksin gate bordering Dhemaji district of Assam, which collect good tax from articles traded on daily basis. Besides, more than three dozen countrymade liquor shops doing brisk business at Ruksin, Pasighat and Pangin-Boleng areas are contributing handsomely to the considerable chunk of revenue collected through wholesale business and renewal of the trade license, the source added.

On the other hand, the state government has

claimed that it is losing huge amounts in revenue due to tax evasion through under-declaration of goods by transporters in 17 Border Facilitation Counters (BFCs) at different locations. Tax evasion has always been a serious issue which cannot be detected without the help of specific machines to monitor or ascertain the actual weight of the goods.

So, the state government had sanctioned funds under Special Plan Assistance (SPA) of 2011-12 for installation of electronic weighing bridges at BFCs in Ruskin besides Likabali, Sunpura and Namchik.

AMC Licensing Regulations to come into effect Newmai News Network Aizawl | January 19

The contentious and dissented Aizawl Municipal Council (AMC) Licensing Regulations, 2012, will soon come into effect after necessary improvements have been made in the regulations, as has been resolved by the AMC Board meeting.

The Mizoram Merchant Association (MIMA) had disapproved AMC Regulation 2012 and termed it as unsafe. MIMA had also said the Aizawl Municipal Council (AMC)’s demand of every entrepreneur and merchant group to register themselves in Aizawl Municipal Council as per the Aizawl Municipal Council Licensing Regulation, 2012’ and it is

found that the regulation does not provide any right for protection and safeguarding of the native merchant (son of soil).

Consequent upon the finding of insecurity with the regulation, MIMA sternly asked every entrepreneur and merchant group not to register under the regulation.

It can be noted here that the AMC Licensing Regulation could not be enforced due to stiff oppositions from various organizations including Young Mizo Association (YMA), MZP, MSU and MIMA alleging that the Licensing Regulation does not envisage any provision for protection and safeguarding for the 'sons of the soil'.

Following this, the Aizawl Municipal Council (AMC) has

accordingly made changes in the Regulation and now the Board meeting has decided to put the AMC Licensing Regulations, 2012, into effect after necessary changes incorporated in the regulations.

The resolution of the AMC Board of Councillors meeting under the leadership of AMC Chairman, CT Zakhuma reads, "The AMC notification which notifies for holding of license by the shops and other business establishments within Aizawl city, as per Licensing Regulations, 2012 and AMC Licensing (First Amendment) Regulations, 2013, may be followed as such".

The Licensing Regulations is not a trade license, but is a restriction to business houses for

the safety of the people and for their health in the wake of fast development of Aizawl city and the resultant traffic congestion or overcrowding thereof, BoC meeting explained.

AMC CEO, M Zohmingthangi has, as per AMC Licensing Regulations, 2012, notified that business hubs and shops within Aizawl city must own license from AMC, mentioning the same would come into effect from January 5, 2014. As per the AMC Licensing Regulations, anyone intending to open shops or other business enterprises within the area of AMC, will now have to first obtain license from AMC, and will also need to pay licence fee annually. Existing shops and business houses are also

to obtain license from AMC within 6 months from January 6, 2014. The improvements made in the AMC Regulation includes: 1. The explanation of the term ‘license’ given in the Regulation 2(m)-which says - 'Licence means licence issued by the Aizawl Municipal Council for the purpose of trade' has been changed to 'Licence means licence to use a particular place or location for the purpose of doing business within AMC area'. 2.

A clause which reads 'Trade licence granted by the earstwhile Mizo District Council for non-indigenous persons' has been added to Regulation 4(f ) - which specifies the documents to be attached by applicant.

Seven candidates likely for Transformation Crusade Manipur Outer Parliamentary seat Theme: “Arise and Shine”… Isaiah 60:1 (15th – 26th January 2014)

IMPHAL, JANUARY 19 (NNN): As many as 7 candidates are likely to contest from Manipur Outer Parliamentary seat in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

There are two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur--one for the reserved category (Outer) and the other (Inner seat) for the general category.

Political parties such as the Congress party, BJP, Naga Peoples Front (NPF), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress will field their respective candidate in the Outer Parliamentary constituency.

A couple of Independent candidates will also be

in the fray, as confirmed by this news agency. Newmai News Network was that they will be contesting the election as Independent candidates and both are meeting tribal leaders and tribal organisations as part of their poll campaigns.

Regarding the Congress party, of the eight applicants for the party tickets, three of them are concertedly lobbying in New Delhi with the AICC leaders.

These three intending candidates have no political backing from the Congress leaders in Manipur. These three young candidates have good rapport with the Congress young turks and

are hopeful of winning the heart of the Congress 'high command.'

Regarding the NPF, the party's 'search committee' has almost completed its job and in the next few days things will be clear.

"Yes, we will be naming soon," said an NPF leader regarding the party's candidate's name. Meanwhile, for the BJP, the candidate is Prof Gangmumei and for the Trinamool Congress, it is former, MP Kim Gangte. For the Aam Aadmi Party, it is speculated that All India Tribal Students Association (AITSA) chief, K Zou is likely to be fielded.

Venue: Khuochiezie, Local Ground, Kohima Date: 20th Jan, 2014

Time: 4:00pm

Programme

Leader

:

Praise & Worship Speaker

: :

Prayer and Fasting Group :

Surjay Asst.Pastor, Nepali Baptist Church Faith Harvest Church Rev. Shan Kikon, Pastor, Faith Harvest Church Nagaland Christian Revival Church, Prayer Centre, PR Hill (7:00am- 12:00noon)

ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED

Come with faith and receive healing, deliverance and redemption. *** Counseling is open every day starting from 12:00 noon

C M Y K

The Morung Express 4 public discoursE Assam-Rengmas and Karbi Embroilment II Peace effort and settlement Monday

Dimapur

20 January 2014

A

necessary evil of the Freedom of Expression is the Right everybody has to express his or her opinion in the News Media; not every expression that appear in the News Paper are however of equal value: most of them are commonly good, informative and useful; some are precious Stones, a few are Gems and may even change the course of the life of the Reader or influence the whole Society to change its views, but some are just mere door mats.

The Individual Reader and the Public may see all the News; but they would need to winnow the materials carefully, pick out the gems and relegate the trash into the Public dust Bins to enable the Municipal Trucks to collect and dump them in the Land-fills outside the City.

Recently, there have been a lot of statements from this and that Organization on the Assam-Rengma and Karbi imbroglio. We have learned a lot of the stories and views of the Partisan Groups on the Issue.

There have been a good number of NGOs from both the sides and from the middle for the Peace Making. These steps are good first steps and necessary for the journey of perhaps a thousand kilometers.

So far, if my information is right, these Organizations plead for Peace to the Contending Parties. The prime object these Organizations would do well is to help bring the Contenders to a Conference Table to thrash out a Solution in a face to face exchange of Ideas by the Contenders themselves. Without a Solution, Peace is no Peace.

The Peaceful FNR is no Peace to the Political imbroglio in the Naga National Scene because the FNR has not been able to bring the Naga National Groups to a common Conference Table and thrash out a Solution themselves in the last 16 long years. The foremost task is to bring the Contenders to a Conference Table to find the Solution themselves!

This Writer in his 1st

businEss

Wal-Mart sets up new company in India

New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (PTi): Global retail giant Wal-Mart has registered a new company in India as it prepares to enter the country’s lucrative multi-brand retail market with a new partner. The American retail major and Bharti Enterprises decided to part ways in October last year, bringing an end to their six-year long partnership.

The retailer has registered a new company called ‘Wal-Mart India Private Ltd’ in the country, according to the data available with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. According to the information, the new entity was registered on January 15, 2014. After parting ways with Bharti group in October last year, Wal-Mart had said it was studying the feasibility of India’s FDI policy in multibrand retail before finalising plans to enter the segment.

The retailer and Bharti Enterprises had last year decided to independently own and operate separate business formats in the country. Wal-Mart is looking for a partner in India. In December 2013, Wal-Mart received the green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to purchase Bharti group’s almost 50% stake in their Indian joint venture for wholesale stores business.

The joint venture -- Bharti Wal-Mart Private Ltd -- was set up to operate wholesale stores under the Best Price Modern Wholesale brand. It was not catering directly to retail consumers in the country. Wal-Mart has been lobbying with American lawmakers since 2008 for facilitating its entry into the Indian market, according to lobbying disclosure reports filed by the company in the US. A probe, ordered by the Indian government in December 2012, into lobbying activities undertaken by Walmart to enter Indian retail market remained inconclusive.

Write-up on the Imbroglio some weeks ago mentioned the Assam-Rengma and Karbi Imbroglio involves complicated History of the Land for many tumultuous centuries, the Rights of the various Ethnics Groups living there for centuries and the events that led up to the present difficulties. These difficulties can be settled only through an Honest, Free and Fair discussions Face to Face across a Conference Table between the involved Parties, in an Attitude of Give & Take based on Ground Realities, and not through the News Papers wars.

So far there seem to have been several NGOs -each or combined- pleading for Peace from distance; and from the contending Parties, a plethora of Blame Games but no Goals Scored, not even an attempt at the Goal; there seems to be a paucity of goal scorers on the scene in the likes of Messi, Ronaldo or Ribery. When Manchester United Team got a stunning clubbing at the hand of the Manchester City

-5 Goals to 0- the inimitable United Manager Sir, Ferguson called all his world class players: “Idiots” in disgust!

As far as my limited information goes; the mysterious search, -for a “third Force” in Assam responsible for the imbroglio in the Blame Gameis only an imaginary ‘self delusion’. This so-called ‘third Force’ in Assam causing the imbroglio has no human Form or Face, it has no legs, it cannot attend a Conference, and it has no stetopegya to sit on a Chair!

Without a Resolve to Face a Conference Table to work out a mutually satisfactory Solution, then, neither the NIA nor the CBI, not the Assam Government or the Contender itself, singly on its own, could bring a Solution.

Peace cannot take root on stony ground. Peace -without a solution thrashed out from a face to face Conference Table between the Contestants- would be like Seeds sown on a stony ground; the seeds would sprout immediately from the night dew but

they would wither as soon as the Noon day Sun comes up to its position. It would be like Seeds sown by the wayside only to be trampled up by the Travelers going up and down the Road.

The Palestinians refuse to sit face to face and make Peace Agreement with Israel for the West Bank; North Korea refuse to meet South Korea face to face for solution of the problem between the two Koreas; recently the Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Abe proposed a meeting for discussion of the Shinkoku (Dioyu?

Chinese) Island problem with China but China declined and the problem continue despite the world’s mounting worry.

If the Contending Parties could eliminate innocent Villagers and Civilians but if they fail to face each other for a mutually peaceful Talk on the Solution of their common Problem themselves, then they may deserve forced Solution from Strangers.

Thepfulhouvi Solo

2nd rejoinder to Ape Venuh

I

am once again compelled to reply to the recent rejoinders issued by my “old friend”, NSCN (IM) kilonser and caretaker UT-1, Ape Venuh, and

by Toulazouma Village Council (TVC) and Church Baptist Church Toulazouma secretary on his behalf, which appeared in local media.

To the rejoinders of TVC (Jan 15) and Toulazouma Church secretary (Jan 11) on issue of “mithun” and termination of pastor and head deacon of Toulazouma Village, can you deny that you recently summoned them to Hebron Camp and forced them to issue the rejoinders in your favour? Now if you a God fearing and moral man as you profess, give a free hand Toulazouma villagers with regard to MGNREGS job cards, power bills, VEC and VDB funds etc. and let them live their own lives in peace and harmony without your or any outside interference.

On the 1984 rape incident in Phek town wherein you denied your involvement, if you swear that you did not rape the maid servant of your brother-in-law, then ask your brother-in-law and your sister since they are the best judge and witness. If

you compel me to furnish the names of witness, then I am willing to lay bare the names of witnesses including present kilonsers in the NSCN (IM).

With regard the 2012 incident about Ape taking one of his maid servants to Kolkota on the pretext of medical treatment, my old friend Ape if you say I am lying, then ask your own wife as she is the best judge. Also remember that you and your wife were divorced for nearly a month because of your Kolkota escapade.

Ape, whatever I have said about you is to my best of knowledge, true and based on facts, as you yourself declared in your response that appeared in local papers dated Jan 12 and 13, where you also claimed that my allegations were “unbiased.”

On my side, I personally thank you, my “old friend” for agreeing with my presentation about your past life, as in your own words, my accounts about you were “unbiased.”

Lastly, my old friend, I have to respond with mixed feelings to your foreboding challenge “This is between Shri. Vedeta Nienu and myself and none other. It all depends upon now who takes the first step.” Like

the English proverb “Barking dogs seldom bite”, my old friend Ape also is one of those barking dogs whose tails are always between their legs once they venture outside.

Now, since you have thrown an open challenge, I too have to reply in the same coin like a man. In the New Year 2014, I will salute you if you once leave your beloved Jalukie Zangdi village near Hebron Camp and set foot in Dimapur or even spend one night in your residence opposite Don Bosco HSS. You are also most welcome to visit me (whether surprise or informed visit) in my present residence, the location and address you know very well.

But don’t also forget that once you venture out from Jalukie Zangdi, I will not be the only one to seek you as over the years because of your “arrogant and dictatorship” attitude you have also earned the wrath of many from various communities including Angami, Chakhesang, Sumi, Thetsumi (Ape’s village) and business community of Dimapur.

Col. (retd) Vedata Nienu, Deputy Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN

R

in Rengma hills, Assam

abolished without delay, for it is not only an evil itself, but also it is a high fertile source for further evils because it invites reprisals. The government must compensate fairly to the displaced Rengmas and provide rehabilitation aid to the destruction meted by KPLT and Karbi mobs.

The KAAC and Assam government responsibility to rebel against the atrocities meted out to Rengmas by implying law to check injustice has instead converted the law into instrument of invincible weapon of injustice by their agendas. Instead of rooting out the injustices found in society, they make these injustices general with their political power.

The conversion of justice and protection law into an instrument of plunder has left the citizen with cruel alternative of either losing moral sense or losing respect for the law.

These two evils are of equal consequence, and it would be difficult for a person to choose between them. If under the pretense of organization, regulation, protection, or encouragement, the law takes property from one person and gives it to another; under these circumstances, then certainly every class will aspire to grasp the law, and logically so. It is with grave concern and regretful that the law which is organized for justice has become to be an instrument of injustice. To make laws respected is to make them respectable.

The fatal principle of plunder

by Karbis to attend statehood at the expense of Rengmas brotherhood bond in Rengma hills is regrettable.

This fatal desire was there in its origin in the very beginning of the district inception that impels them to satisfy their desires but this is just hysterical fruitless instinct endeavour. The Karbis vested interest with acquired rights to eliminate the birth rights of Rengmas to attain statehood shall not be productive.

The Assam government and Centre must explore the factors that led to conflict and use historical dialogue tools to promote peace, tolerance, respect, justice and solution to the conflict. Also the perpetrators as victims must be identified. The experiment of Rengma and Karbi together for the last Six decades has proven futile; therefore the Assam government and Indian government must draw a line for amicable permanent solution based on historical rights by bifurcating Karbi Anglong into Rengma hills and Mikir hills or transfer back the Rengma hills to the Naga Hills.

espect of history and human rights are the only acceptable peace settlement in the region. At this juncture when maximum horrendous infliction has been done should not merely point finger or demonstrate Saint childlike adding salt to the wounds but should construct an agreement based on legitimacy that is acceptable not only to the parties to the conflict but also to the wider public.

Peace settlement cannot be expected out of the human rights negotiation framework. Dialogue at grassroots level to discover the truth about what has happened; investigate the past history of violations of human rights, acknowledging past wrong may perhaps break through peace process. Most importantly acknowledging history of Rengmas and restoring the basic rights of Rengmas “Rengma hills” the key to peace building phase in the region.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issuing notice to the Assam and the Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate only the discovery of nine decomposed karbi’s dead bodies from Pachaspura near Chumukedima, Dimapur, but mute and blind at the inhuman act of killing seven Rengmas by KPLT assisted by Karbi villagers shooting at point blank, burning alive a Rengma woman with kerosene, cutting with machetes, burning down houses and granaries, killing domestic animals and cutting down horti-farms, chasing the Rengma villagers away like an animals is one sided and abusing the position of human rights under right to equality which is unacceptable. In fact, the NHRC have failed to implement and voice the basic human rights of equality treatment to the Rengma Nagas. This act of injustice by responsible NHRC is condemnable by all right thinking citizen.

Neglected in the feral without the basic needs for the last Six decades, the appalling killing of Rengmas chasing out from their home in the cold winter, destroying of their properties, injustice on grating exgratia payment over the Rengma dead bodies are not enough to the KACC and Assam government. How could the government force the displaced Rengmas to resettle under nature without providing humanitarian aid and development assistance, the basic needs? These basics include water, sanitation, food, shelter and health care. Their houses and granaries were burnt down to ashes. Even wild animals have rights under protection law.

Are Rengmas not even worth Animals? This evil injustice must be

John Rengma Phentsero village Rengma hills, Assam

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

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2767

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2778

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 # 2766

KOHIMA

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

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STD CODE: 0370

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59. Express in words 60. Snare 61. Type of drill 62. Colored part of an eye 63. Rabbit 64. Brown ermine 65. Make do

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Ans to CrossWord 2777

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

O

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/101 (O) 9436601225 (OC)

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

‘Building a strong nation or society depends on education’ WSSU general conference concludes

Monday 20 January 2014

Intensive Pulse Polio Immunisation held TuEnsang, January 19 (mExn): Tuensang district observed Polio Sunday on January 19 with a total of 245 booth centres, 49 supervisors and 980 vaccinators. The inaugural programme was held at District Hospital Tuensang with Sushil Kumar Patel, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang administering the first two drops of Polio.

A press release received here state that Sushil Kumar lauded the district medical faculty staff headed by the deputy CMO and District

Programme officer (DPO) prevent polio.

RCH for effectively taking The first round of Inup the Polio Immunization tensive Pulse Polio Immucampaign. He emphasized nization (IPPI) campaign on the steps initiated by the will be followed up with Governhouse-to40,097 children ment of house visit India in vaccinated in Dimapur till January prevent21, 2014 in ing the disease through the district. immunization and social Dimapur: Dimapur mobilization campaign to also joined the rest of the eradicate the dreadful dis- country in organizing Inease. Earlier, Dr. Hatling, As- tensive Pulse Polio Immunsistant M.S, District Hospi- isation (IPPI) Sunday at tal in her welcome address District hospital which was briefed about the activities graced by SDO (C), Dr Kadcarried out in the district to ambari. Altogether, a total

of 40,097 children were administered polio drops on the first day. Sunday’s turn up was in response to a target group (0-5 years) which falls at 53,169 in the district out of a total population of 3,79,769. For the next two days, a team from the medical department would be making house-to-house visit in and around Dimapur for administering more Polio drops to children below five years. This was informed by the District Programme officer UIP/RCH, Dr Lanu. (DIPR)

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): The 36th general conference of Western Sumi Students’ Union concluded at Khekiho village on a positive note with hundreds of students who attended the conference resolving to “strife for a glorious generation” – the theme of the conference, during the valedictory session on January 18 evening.

Gracing the concluding session as valedictory guest, Y. Vikheho Swu, parliamentary secretary for Irrigation & Flood Control encouraged the students to continue to uphold the union and its value, that bring young people together in unity while providing platform to share experiences and knowledge.

Vikheho said the society especially the student community should have a strong social support system to uplift one another in whatever way possible.

He further stated competing in numbers with wrong motive and communication gap leads to division and ism which ultimately results in psychological warfare and other worsening conflict.

He was of the view that students’ unions can play a pivotal role in solving various social problems by way of conducting varieties of workshops and seminars to educate the people.

Pointing out that the building of a strong nation or a society depends on education, Vikheho said the importance of education cannot be compared with anything, and in student’s life nothing is more important than education. He therefore urged the students to seek education that comes along with wisdom. He also inaugurated the website of the union.

Greeting the students, Zheshito Swu, vice president, Western Sumi Hoho reminded students that there was no greater weapon than to be armed with education. He also urged students’ community to be flag bearers in fostering brotherhood among Naga people.

Toni Aye, cultural secretary, WSSU chaired the concluding session while Mughato N. Awomi, president, WSSU proposed vote of thanks.

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church, Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo spoke about “God’s Love” on the fifth day of the ongoing Transformation Crusade in Kohima. He stated, “There is nothing impossible with God. The only thing God cannot do is He cannot lie.” He reminded the congregation that the earth is million times different from other planet which is made for us by God, said a press release. “The wind, rain and the sun, everything is created for us, but

people disobeyed God and obeyed Lucifer.”

“Because of sin, fear came in, inferiority complex and evil knowledge, sickness and death, age came in, but even though we have disobeyed God, He never leaves us,” Rev. Zotuo added. He further reminded the crowd how Jesus came to the earth in the form of a man in flesh and blood because he loves us.

“Even if we sell the whole world, we cannot buy the blood of Jesus and said by the wounds on his body, we are healed,” he added.

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): A three-day long 67th general conference of Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) will start from January 20 at Khuza town under the theme “Catalyst for reformation- culture and education.”

Phek deputy commissioner Neposo Theluo will grace the introductory session on January 20 at 3:30

PM. K. Phesao, director school education (HS) will also exhort the gathering.

The function will be chaired by Veduto Lohe while Zumoyi Medeo, pastor, Khuza Village Baptist Church will pronounce opening prayer.

Welcome address will be delivered by local organizing committee convenor Vechikhoyi Lohe while

welcome song will be presented by ten units of Tizu area.

General Secretary Report will be given by CSU general secretary Seve Vadeo. Folk song will be presented by Pfutseromi Students’ Union while closing prayer will be pronounced by Vezochiyi Chizo, pastor, Mutsale Baptist Church.

Personality development, What is Life Skills, SelfAwareness and Empathy building skills, Decision Making and Problem Solving skills, Creative Thinking and Critical Thinking skills, Effective Communication and Interpersonal Relationships skills, Coping with emotion and stress and conflict management skills.

The resource persons who animated the training programme were John Makhabo, DYC, NYK, Kohima and Lohrii A Maheo, lecturer.

Kohima, January 19 (Dipr): Kohima Lotha Baptist Church (KLBC) on January 19 organized a special programme where its pastor, Rev Mhathung invoked invoked God’s blessings upon Mhonchumo S. Lotha and Zuchonthung Ovung, who dedicated their lives to serve in church ministry.

Mhonchumo S. Lotha was inducted as Associate Pastor in KLBC. He completed his M. Th from Berean Baptist Bible College Seminary, Bangaluru in the year 2005 and joined as lecturer in Kohima Bible College since then and served for eight years. Mhonchumo S. Lotha who hails from Sanis Village, dedicated his life to the Lord in 1993. He was serving as a deacon in KLBC since 2010.

Zuchonthung Ovung, 29, will be officially inducted as Pastor, North-East Christian fellowship, Nagpur on February 9 during the NBCC Conference at Tseminyu through the Nagaland Mission Movement (NMM, a wing under NBCC), sponsored by KLBC. Zuchonthung Ovung from Phiro Village com-

pleted his B.A in 2005 from Shillong and pursued his Bachelor of Divinity (BD) from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune from 2009-13.

After completion of BD course, he served as Youth evangelist at KLBC for seven months.

Pastor KLBC, Rev. Mhathung lotha exhorted the congregation on the theme “call into the ministry” and reminded that God calls an individual for specific ministry from different churches/ organisations to evangelise to the world.

Citing the examples of Paul, Isaiah, Elijah, Moses and Abraham the Rev said, “God chose them to serve Him in their own genera-

tion and they have served Him faithfully and this was possible because of their whole hearted dedication to God.” Quoting from the bible Psalms 105, Rev Mhathung also reminded the congregation not to hurt the sentiments of the servants of God neither through words or action.

Earlier, Benri Ezung and group enthralled the gathering of believers with a male voice while CNY, Director, Zubeni Humtsoe read the scripture. Associate Pastor KLBC chaired the service and Pastor, Sanis Baptist Church, Renben Murry pronounced the benediction.

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): The 17th Nagaland Agriculture & Horticulture Sub-ordinate Service Association (NA&HSSA) general conference was held on January 16, 2014 at the Angh House, Agri Expo Site, 4th Mile Dimapur. N. Tekatushi Ao, Director of Agriculture and G. lkuto Zhimomi, Dy. Director Agriculture and Advisor NAH&SSA graced the general conference as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively along with host of senior officers from the Department of Agriculture.

A note release to the media informed that the chief guest in his speech said farming is the main occupation of the people of the state and increasing the productivity of food grains depends on the

field functionaries of the Department. New technology of farming method, he said should be disseminated for the uplift and increasing the living standard of the farming community. He also gave a patient hearing to all the grievances raised by the different Unit presidents in their brief administrative report and assured all possible help from the department, it added.

Meanwhile, the guest of honour acknowledged that the many awards received by the Department like Krishi Karman 2011 and increase in the food grain production in the state of Nagaland was because of the hard work and sincerity rendered by all the ranks and files of the Department. He also highlighted about the "Vision 2025",

a target to make the state self sufficient in food grain requirement- "Food for All" by 2025, and encouraged the gathering to work more with co-operation and sincerity.

In the second session, new office bearers for the 20142017 tenure were declared by the Nomination Convener K. Toivi A.O II, DAO's Office Dimapur. The House also unanimously resolved to retain the present Advisor NA&HSSA, G. lkuto Zhimomi, President Z. Shekheto Chishi, and General Secretary T. Makenlemba Ao respectively for the tenure 2014-2017. The other office bearers elected were Viswezol, Dimapur as Vice President, Ranthungbemo, Wokha as Jt. Secretary and P. Chonchio, Dimapur as Finance Secretary-Cum-Trea-

surer. The District Unit presidents will be elected by each unit among themselves and submit the name, place of posting and contact number etc to the Association office bearers, the note added.

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): The Phekmi Welfare Union, Kohima (PWUK) will hold its 7th general session cum picnic on January 25 at Highland Park, Kohima from 11:20 AM onwards. Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and parliamentary affairs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will grace the occasion as special guest. Salie Khesoh & family will host the session.

The function will be Display of indigenous game during the 50th sports anchaired

by Vechisa Venuh. niversary of Thevomia Youth Organization at Khonoma Nukutholu Nienu will led village on January 15. (Morung Photo)

Bible reading and prayer.

Vekukho and Satalu will present special tune while greetings will be shared

by PWUK president Salie Khesoh. PWUK general secretary Kuzhovesa Soho and finance secretary Chivohu Vero will present their respective reports.

Installation of the new executive team will be done wherein Vedusayi Soho, deacon, CBCMHK will pronounce an act of blessing for the team.

All the families of Phek-

mi in-laws have been invited to the programme.

Bus service shall be provided, hence members have been informed to make themselves available at the following locations: Mohonkhola junction - 10 AM, PHQ junction - 10:15 AM, PWD traffic junction - 10:20 AM, Old MLA Hostel Junction - 10:25 AM, Keziekie (Tata parking) - 10:30 AM, Pezielietsie (Tinpati junction) - 10:35 AM and High School junction - 10:40 AM.

Dimapur

5

MEx FILE KPC foundation day today Kohima, January 19 (mExn): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) will be observing its 13th foundation day on January 20 at the KPC conference hall at 11:00 AM. Voto Neikha, PS to Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Public Relations will grace the occasion as special guest. Highlights of the programme will include invocation by KPC vice president, Ketu Viluo, welcome address by KV Nurumi and vote of thanks by KPC president Kopelo Krome. Xavier Rutsa will chair the function.

Customers resent shifting of MARCOFED booking office

Kohima January 19 (mExn): The subscribers of MARCOFED LPG cylinder are expressing strong resentment towards shifting the booking office of MARCOFED, Kohima to a distant place. According to the consumers of MARCOFED, the stock of LPG Cylinder in the heart of the town may be dangerous, but booking office in Kohima should be at a reachable limit of the consumers in the heart of the town. They have appealed to the MARCOFED authorities to open one booking office at aside, then our life will be a a central place of Kohima so the consumers can book mess, if we have known the their LPG cylinder at a reachable place. love of God then we should sustain it by obeying Him Naga Hoho express sadness as it shows our love for Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): Naga Hoho has God.” Earlier, New Covenant expressed sadness over the demise of Leichiamle, Church led the congrega- mother of Elu Ndang, Assembly Secretary, Naga Hoho tion in Praise and worship. on January 19, after a prolonged illness. A condoRev. Pastor G. Kiyieto Lohe, lence message issued by Naga Hoho general secretary, SABAK, Kohima said the of- Mutsikhoyo said, “In her death, we have loss a mother fertory prayer, while Vela- who was kind hearted.” Naga Hoho prayed for her soul voyi Keyho, Pastor, Phe- to rest in eternal peace. Further, it prayed that God grant zoucha Nagamese Baptist her bereaved family serenity and calmness at this hour Church led the service. Ac- of grief. cording to the note, many people were healed of sick- NPCC meeting on January 24 nesses and thirteen among Kohima, January 19 (mExn): A meeting of the them testified.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) office bearers, PCC members and frontal chiefs will be held on January 24, 11:00 AM at Congress Bhavan, Kohima.

Stating this in a release, NPCC general secretary Medokul Sophie requested all the members concerned to attend the said meeting without fail.

Day 5 of Transformation Crusade dwells on ‘God’s love’ Speaking about the love of God for mankind, Rev. Zotuo informed that in Bible, there are three blessings: Salvation, Healing and Prosperity. “He was made poor so that we might be rich and gave us blessing of prosperity, Human’s love is limited, but Jesus love is abundant love, abundant grace and His love for us is perfect.”

The Reverend reminded, “We think drug, wine is good, immoral life is enjoyable but that’s all lies.” The release noted Rev Zotuo as saying, “If we leave God

CSU general conference from Jan 20 KLBC dedicates two for church ministry

Training on youth leadership and community development held

Dimapur , January 19 (mExn): Capacity building of youth on life skills was conducted at Resource Centre, Prodigals’ Home, Dhansiripar, Dimapur from January 12 to 14.

The participants numbering 40 were present for the programme.

NYK, Dimapur John Makhabo in a press release stated that NYK, Nagaland is conducting few programmes on Life Skill for the youth in all districts.

This capacity building of youth, he said, focuses to help young people translate

knowledge, develop appropriate attitudes, behavior and inculcate values that would help them acquire the ability to reduce exposure to specific risk factors and augment protective factors. This in turn would help in the instillation of responsible behavior towards improved lifestyle, he added.

The training was held with special reference to coping skills on emotion, stress, and conflict resolution which are immensely important for the youth today.

The topics dealt during the training sessions were

Khriehu Liezietsu, Advisor, New & Renewable Energy (NRE) & Music Task Force (MTF) seen with artist Seyiekelie Tepa at the recently conducted Warmbill Art Carnival, a VNI Productions Philanthrotainment at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma on January 18. As part of the Art Carnival, over 50 artworks of Naga artists including Seyiekelie Tepa, Vikhor Tepa, Shesalu and Neikuozo, were exhibited.

Sumi Hoho general meeting

Pastor KLBC, Rev. Mhathung invoking God's blessings upon Zuchonthung Ovung and Mhonchumo S. Lotha in Kohima on January 19, 2014.

NA&HSSA general conference held, new office bearers elected

PWUK 7th general session on Jan 25

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): Sumi Hoho has called a general meeting with all the Sumi frontal organizations on January 31, 10 AM at Sumi Hoho Ki Zunheboto. In a release, Sumi Hoho general secretary Vihuto Assumi has asked representatives from the Western Sumi Hoho, Northern Sumi Sub-Hoho, Eastern Sumi Sub-Hoho, Sumi Kukami Hoho, former presidents of Sumi Hoho and representatives from all the Sumi frontal organisations to attend the meeting.

ZPO (N) emergency meeting held

JaluKiE, January 19 (mExn): Zeliang People Organisation Nagaland ZPO (N) held an emergency executive meeting in Jalukie Town on January 19, 2014 and adopted resolutions. According to a press communiqué issued by ZPO (N) Media Cell, the meeting affirmed the Resolution No.2 of August 23, 2012 of the Zeliang People Organisation Nagaland’s general meeting which stated, “that any matter concerning the welfare of Zeliang People of Peren District shall be solely responsible by the Zeliang People Organisation Nagaland and no other organisation is competent to do so, as such, no organisation shall be allowed to determine the future of indigenous Zeliang people of Nagaland.” The meeting also resolved that information on the forthcoming general session of the Zeliang People Organisation Nagaland will be decided upon and notification will be served at the earliest.

Army conducts medical camp

Dimapur, January 19 (mExn): HQ 3 Corps organized a medical camp at Zion School, Kacharigaon village, Dimapur on January 18, 2014. The camp was inaugurated by Brigadier CS Ahluwalia, of HQ 3 Corps.A press release informed that a team of 5 doctors from the medical and dental units of Rangapahar provided free medical checkup and treatment for various common ailments prevalent in the civil population. The team also included Eye Specialist and Dentist to cater to patients with specific Eye and Dental problems. A dressing station was also set up in the camp. In addition, innovative posters and pamphlets on health awareness and common preventable diseases were displayed for educating the public on the same. More than 300 patients, including approximately 200 women, received free medical treatment offered at the camp, the note added.

SFS Parish celebrates Parish Feast

Kohima, January 19 (mExn): St. Francis De Sales Parish, Medziphema celebrated its Parish Feast, the feast of its patron saint, St. Francis De Sales, with solemn Holy Mass and Eucharistic procession officiated by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima. The Bishop, a press release informed, in his Homily said there is a close link or relationship of every parish with its patron saint.

The patron saint becomes the constant intercessor for the parish community before God. “Saints are also ordinary people who live their Christian vocation with great fidelity and commitment,” the Bishop said.

“Jesus calls each believer to be saint, as St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians.”

Referring to the various images in the bible such as light to the nations (Isaiah), light of the world (Jesus) Lamp of God (John the Baptist), he exhorted every Christian to be com-

Congregation of St. Francis De Sales Parish participate in Eucharistic procession.

mitted to the vocation God has given to them individually. He also urged the First Communicants and those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation to grow and mature through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, Knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord.

The whole congregation participated in the Eucharistic procession in and around the town, carrying

the Holy Eucharist in a well decorated float with the accompanying singing and band from Hamren parish.

Priests and religious from the neighboring parishes and delegates from every catholic village of the parish took part in the celebration, which ended with a common festival meal. The bishop also thanked Fr. Kurian, the parish priest and the parish council members for organizing such a meaningful celebration.

6

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express MonDAy 20 JAnuAry 2014 vol. IX IssuE 18

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Political Voice in Delhi

O

ne of the disadvantages facing people of the Northeast (NE) region is the lack of strong political representation when it comes to influencing policy decisions at the Centre. Perhaps the only way that people's voice can be better heard in faraway Delhi is for representation to be increased, whether it is the number of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha seats. Other than Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, all other States in the region have marginal presence in the Indian parliament. Nagaland for that matter is one of the least represented. Even Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have atleast 2 seats each. There is a strong case for adding atleast one more seat for Nagaland in the Lok Sabha. A concerted effort must be made, not just by the political parties but even by the respective civil society, to demand greater political voice, long overdue for people in the region.

Political representation should be about making citizens' voices, opinions and perspectives present in the public policy making processes. People's issue must find space in the country's political discourse, which at present is not happening when it comes to the NE region. For instance, with only one Member of Parliament, Nagaland's lone representative can hardly be expected to advocate or influence on policies such as on the Naga political issue. This perhaps explains why, even after 15 long years of political talks spanning three Prime Ministers, the Naga issue remains in a limbo. Though without guarantee, one way to go about things is for political parties of the region to come together in some kind of a platform so that it can play a more active role in government formation at the Centre. There is nothing wrong in strengthening alliances and networks in order to have a greater political impact at the Centre.

For the long term though, there is a need to ’re-imagine' the Indian constitution. The American constitution provides for equal representation for the Senate, each State whether big or small, having two seats each. If democracy has to be truly inclusive and representative, then people should not be marginalized or excluded from national politics. But in the present scenario of India where smaller States have very less seats in Parliament, rather then promoting national integration as is the constitutional ideal, there is political alienation of those whose voice remain unheard. Change or for that matter greater political empowerment will depend upon the ability of people to help shape the policies that affect their lives. For marginalized peoples like the Nagas (in the Indian Union), the last 50 years, even though Statehood has been granted, barriers to meaningful participation in political life remain. Perhaps therefore, there is a need for changes in the constitution so that an institutional framework is created to allow better representation because the current system is unlikely to accomodate interest of the Naga people. Can India reimagine its democratic processes?

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

lEfT wiNg |

Pradeep Kumar Kunche Source: IANS

Should reservations continue forever?

I

IN-FOCUS

t is indeed shameful that even after 66 years of independence, a large majority of Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) people live in pathetic conditions, at the mercy of others. This is because only the upper echelons of these groups (a small percentage) are enjoying the provisions of reservation while the majority, the poorest of the poor, working as labourers, remain labourers for generations because of lacunae in reservation, defeating the very purpose of constitutional reservations.

When the condition and circumstances for children of the upper echelons among SC, ST and minorities are on a par with the majority of forward caste children, why should they need reservation in education and employment? The former category includes Class I government officers and above and private sector employees with over Rs.6 lakh in income per annum besides elected representatives.

In the process, these privileged sections within the SC and ST are knowingly or unknowingly depriving the privileges meant for children of the downtrodden from these groups. If reservation is removed for the upper echelons of SC, ST and minorities, lakhs of downtrodden children can get opportunities to become engineers, doctors and other professionals. So, political parties should pledge to enact a law scrapping reservations for upper echelons among Dalits, tribals and OBCs. And if political parties are indeed genuine, they should immediately provide proportionate representation in their own ranks, from the village to national level, to SC, ST and minorities based on the percentage of population in order to empower them. This is vital as party organisations prepare the agendas of the government.

The upper echelons among Dalits, tribals and minorities should also be barred from contesting elections from reserved constituencies -- at all levels up to parliament. Individuals whose annual family income and assets are above Rs.3 lakh at the village level, Rs.10 lakh at the block level, Rs.50 lakh at the state level and double that at the parliamentary level must be treated as upper echelon. As the really wealthy Dalit, tribal and OBCs can enjoy facilities on a par with forward caste candidates, they should contest in the general category seats.

It should also be the moral responsibility of the educated SC, ST and OBC who have gained from reservation in education, employment and electoral system to contribute a fraction of their annual income to a fund to ensure better educational conditions for meritorious students and to provide seed capital for deserving self employment opportunities (to be monitored by experts).

In addition, all those from SC, ST and OBCs employed with sectors such as banking and revenue departments should spend a month in villages auditing government welfare schemes. After all, these measures are meant for the betterment of the downtrodden.

All these measures will bring real empowerment to millions among the downtrodden and sustain economic growth over time. Over the decades, the need for reservation as it now exists may not arise; only reservation based on economic needs will need to be made.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Peter Tan Keo Asia Times Online

Violence begets violence in Cambodia

N

early six months after a contested election result, Cambodia's political future seems increasingly bleak. Some blame the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) for stoking unrest through massive street demonstrations and labor strikes. Others point towards the ruling Cambodian People's Party's (CPP) alleged fraud at last July's elections and subsequent excessive use of force and strongarm pressure against its political opponents.

The political deadlock, driven by the CNRP's refusal to join parliament, is testing the limits of Cambodia's already fragile and flawed democracy. While official election results awarded the CNRP 55 out of 123 National Assembly seats, a major gain from the opposition's lackluster performance at the 2008 polls, the CNRP believes it won an outright majority and should be allowed to form the government.

On December 29, police forces loyal to the CPP opened fire on a CNRP-aligned demonstration of striking garment workers who were demanding higher wages. At least four people were killed and 40 injured in the government assault. The CPP extended the suppression the following day by revoking rights to freedom of assembly and violently overrunning Democracy Square, a Phnom Penh park where protestors had congregated.

On the other side of the political divide, radical hardliners loyal to the CNRP, ranging from disgruntled youths, garment workers, and human rights activists, bid to become martyrs for freedom as they employ increasingly provocative tactics to force Prime Minister Hun Sen's resignation and new polls.

Striking garment workers responding to a CNRP call to double the minimum wage damaged plant and equipment during their government-directed action. The CNRP had earlier called on its supporters to block roads in a bid to cripple the capital.

In response, the CPP has adopted a zero-tolerance policy that emphasizes peace and stability. With 68 representatives in the National Assembly, the CPP has justified its increasingly heavy-handed actions citing various vague security-related laws. Investigations into police shootings and other casualties incurred during recent protests, meanwhile, have stalled.

But the ruling party's use of force in the name of maintaining peace and stability over the past two decades has finally met its match in an equally assertive people's power. The depth of division between the ruling and opposition parties has polarized the country in ways unseen since the previous debilitating civil war. And both sides unwillingness to meet in the middle has set the stage for more violent confrontations in the weeks ahead.

Violent pattern Political change in Cambodia has often been driven by violence. Post-election violence in 1993 coerced a power-sharing arrangement with coprime ministers from the two main parties, despite the fact that the royalist FUNCINPEC party won the United Nations-backed polls. A bloody 1997 coup d'etat and violent clash the following year between the ruling CPP and FUNCINPEC continued the violent political trend. In every historical instance, the ruling CPP has come out on top.

Interestingly, Hun Sen's government did not initially resort to violence in response to progressively larger demonstrations staged against last year's contested election result, which the CNRP claims to have won.

But as the political crisis extends into a sixth month, the CPP's non-violent stance is beginning to waver. Indeed, many analysts have interpreted the lethal crackdown on striking garment workers as a proxy attack on the CNRP and a harbinger of future suppression.

Before the attack, Hun Sen's government had taken concerted steps to negotiate with the opposition and its allied groups. CPP authorities entered into a series of separate talks with both the CNRP and garment workers. On each occasion, however, talks were unable to resolve the disputes. That is in part

M

yanmar is flinging open the gates to foreign investment, seen as key to the southeast Asian country’s future after decades of stagnation under military rule. From Coca-Cola and Unilever to Samsung and Fujitsu, the key brands of international companies can be seen hogging billboards.

International firms seem excited by the untapped potential of a country of 60 million, described by consultants McKinsey & Company as nestled in the world’s fastest-growing region.

But there are potholes on the way, experts say. The Myanmar government is pushing laws related to investment, environment and labour standards through a “parliament that’s not well resourced,” Vicky Bowman, director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business based in Yangon, told IPS. “A lot of these laws are not being reformed transparently,” she said, noting that the government is essentially experiencing “teething problems”.

International investors will confront another troubling fact. Most Burmese companies “keep two sets of books” and are “not sure how much tax to pay,” she said. “Foreign partners are coming in and want to see five years of accounts.” The country, moreover, has long operated in “a strong climate of corruption” that has seen the government awarding projects and real estate opportunities without a transparent tendering process, she said.

In 2013, Transparency International gave Myanmar a score of only 21 out of 100 in its public sector corruption index, with a low score indicating high levels of wrongdoing. In moves so far, the fledgling administration of President Thein Sein has signalled its intention to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in a bid to show that the country’s mineral and energy supplies are being developed responsibly.

But while parliament passed an

because the Sam Rainsy-led opposition has maintained an all-or-nothing stance, a hardline position that has intensified the political climate.

There is reason to believe that the government had earlier attempted to avoid the use of force while prioritizing strengthening investor confidence and building up the economy - in line with the pro-business mantra of the CPP's election campaign. On the other hand, it could be argued that the government was waiting for the opportune moment to strike with legal justification. After months of opposition-led rallies and mass demonstrations, state authorities were finally given the green light to use force against the garment workers.

Authorities claim that their use of force was provoked by attacks of rocks, bottles and Molotov cocktails. Though it still is not entirely clear whether agitating suspects were affiliated with the opposition or provocateur thugs loyal to the ruling party, rights groups have condemned the assault as a clear case of excessive use of force, characterized by random shooting of live ammunition when instead rubber bullets could have been used against specific agitators.

This, they say, raises concerns of whether or not the assault was planned in advance. The opposition and human rights groups believe the attacks were systematic, and are currently attempting to charge the Cambodian government, and its leader, Hun Sen, with crimes against humanity via the International Criminal Court. Whether or not there is enough credible evidence for such charges remains to be seen.

Before the attack, the Cambodian government had come under pressure from crucial foreign investors to end garment worker protests, which by some estimates have cost the country nearly US$200 million in production losses. South Korea, which invested nearly US$300 million in Cambodia last year, including substantial outlays in the garment sector, is believed to be among those who have pressed the Cambodian government to take firm action.

Unwavering loyalty The CPP, which has ruled or co-ruled the country continuously since 1993, is smart, savvy, and highly systematic. While there are persistent rumors of behindthe-scenes infighting and factionalism between those loyal to Hun Sen and other party stalwarts, the party has consistently shown unity and solidarity in public. CPPsponsored legislation and appointments have sailed through the opposition-boycotted parliament.

Since late September, following one of the biggest electoral blows the party has ever suffered, CPP legislators have universally played down the opposition's significant electoral gains. Indeed, the ruling party has sent clear signals to the international community that it does not need the opposition to conduct business as usual as a de facto one-party state.

Because of strong loyalty among party members, the CPP carefully covers its tracks, making it difficult for the opposition, human rights organizations, and the international community to challenge acts and accusations of abuse and injustice. Over the years, the CPP has become smarter and more systematic about how it silences opposition to its rule, increasingly using the courts and broad security laws against political opponents. Consistent with that trend, opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha were called to court this week in Phnom Penh to explain their alleged roles in the December 29 unrest.

Competing nationalisms On January 7, the CPP-dominated government hosted an elaborate ceremony to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Cambodia's liberation from the former genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. Congratulatory remarks were given at the event, as portraits of CPP stalwarts Hun Sen, Chea Sim, and Heng Samrin hung prominently in the background.

Vietnamese invaders may have liberated Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge's killing spree on the historic day in 1979, but these three men, all installed to power during Vietnam's occupation of the country, have been

praised in more recent years for maintaining the peace and stability that has underpinned buoyant economic growth. The CPP has consistently used the January 7 anniversary to promote national pride and patriotism and perpetuate the notion that without the party's stabilizing influence the country would still be mired in a cycle of death and destruction.

During the recent event's commemoration speeches, there were also clear hard-line messages directed toward the CNRP delivered by key CPP members, including Heng Samrin. Speakers explicitly blamed the opposition for creating instability and taking the country backwards, not forward.

Pro-CPP speakers said: "The [CPP], as the ruling party legally receiving term from the people, emphasizes that it will do everything possible for the sake of defending the elected National Assembly and the Royal Government, the constitution and democracy."

Another chimed in: "The opposition party cannot use mass demonstrations to resolve political disputes. Only negotiations are the international standard for resolving political disputes."

While some still praise Vietnam for liberating Cambodia and the CPP for maintaining some semblance of peace after decades of civil war, CNRP leader Sam Rainsy has consistently claimed that Hun Sen's government remains under Hanoi's influence more than two decades after the formal withdrawal of Vietnamese troops. The CNRP's anti-Vietnamese rhetoric and platform have successfully stoked nationalism among radical youths, pushing an almost zealous ethnocentric agenda against so-called "yuon" - a derisive term used for ethnic Vietnamese.

Failed reconciliation CNRP nationalists view January 7 as the day that Cambodia was "sold" to Vietnam, an ideological position that has been punctuated by recent opposition claims that Vietnam continues to violate Cambodia's sovereignty along the long border that divides the two nations. In October 2009, Sam Rainsy led villagers in removing border markers in areas he claimed Vietnam was allowed to encroach on Cambodian territory with Hun Sen's consent. He fled into exile the following year after being charged with racial incitement and destruction of property and was later sentenced in absentia to ten years in prison. The erstwhile opposition politician was given a royal pardon weeks before last July's election, though he was not eligible to run. Some read the pardon as a sign of reconciliation that aimed to give the polls greater international legitimacy.

While the CNRP has successfully mobilized antiVietnamese sentiment, it runs the significant risk of inciting future violence among Cambodians and ethnic Vietnamese minorities. It is a rising risk as radical youths loyal to the CNRP have demonstrated a willingness to employ violent tactics at recent demonstrations, despite calls by opposition leaders to remain peaceful.

While each side stands by the righteousness of their position, a majority of the population remains agnostic. Many hope a power-sharing resolution to the crisis can be achieved before the violence escalates. Yet non-political actors run the risk of fueling the flames of unrest, whether knowingly or not. The situation has been exacerbated by the media, including certain international outlets, that many feel openly (and sometimes emotionally) promotes the CNRP's agenda and disproportionately targets the CPP. With the CNRP now calling for more demonstrations - including in provinces outside of the capital - state authorities will likely employ firmer tactics to maintain public order.

Though the government has insisted that it will only use force when provoked, its lethal crackdown on the CNRP-linked garment worker strike has set a dangerous precedent. While violence has settled past political disputes in Cambodia, with the current polarized situation there is a risk it will spiral out of control.

Peter Tan Keo is an independent analyst and founder of Global Strategy Asia. He was educated at Harvard University and the University of Chicago and is currently completing a doctorate from Columbia University. He lost every member of his family to the Cambodian genocide.

The Road to Myanmar Is Inviting but Potholed F. A. Sheikh Inter Press Service anti-corruption law in August, critics have slammed the legislation for its ineffectiveness in tackling rampant graft, in part due to its failure to create an anti-corruption agency. The key issue for some new entrants to Myanmar’s business scene seems to be access to land.

There remains “a lot of confusion around land,” said Bowman. Farmers who have lost their lands are demanding compensation according to market rates. Amid such controversy, international food manufacturers – for example those trying to source sugar from Myanmar – may face a legal challenge or consequences for their reputation, she warned.

Myanmar has experienced “well-reported protests” at gold and copper mines and “foodversus-energy” controversies, noted Lynn Thiesmeyer, vice president of the Yangon-based Environmental and Economic Research Institute of Myanmar, referring to the government’s offer of large tracts of food-producing land to energy companies.

Large-scale dams already built

by China along the Salween River, as well as “projected issues” in the city of Sittwe, represent “not only food loss but also the loss of land, the only asset to which many of the rural poor have access,” Thiesmeyer told IPS. Against this thorny backdrop, the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, funded by European donors, aims to help foreign companies with their

market entry by raising issues with the government that international investors are uncomfortable to broach themselves. The organisation also seeks to train local companies in business and human rights. Bowman’s group is developing assessments over the next two years on the tourism, oil and gas, agriculture, and information and communications technologies industries.

A handful of Western companies has taken the leap, promising a slew of benefits like jobs, agricultural development and health and hygiene programmes for children. Activity in the energy sector has ramped up on the strength of vast oil and gas resources. The government recently announced international winners for a round of onshore oil and gas blocks offered for extraction. The awarding of bids, however, is contingent upon the companies carrying out environmental and social impact assessments within six months of signing contracts.

While the nascent democratic state has experienced problems with China in the oil and gas arena, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi told reporters in 2012 she would not persuade Western oil producers Chevron or Total to leave Myanmar. She described the latter as “sensitive to human rights and environmental issues.” The tourism industry has also seen Western chains like the U.S.-based Best Western International and Accor of France open new hotels as the number of

wRiTE-wiNg

foreign visitors continues to rise.

Italian and German confectionary manufacturers Ferrero and Haribo last year announced their arrival in Myanmar. PepsiCo too signalled in 2013 that it would expand its existing business in the country. Food and beverage giant Nestlé has secured permission to form a local business unit in Myanmar. However, spokeswoman Myat Thu Aye said the company is “at a very early stage of setting up” locally and it would be “premature to comment”.

Unilever, another big player, last May announced its re-entry to the country, including a new manufacturing facility and new headquarters in Yangon. By far, it is Coca-Cola’s resurgence in Myanmar that has stood out. In 2013, the beverage-maker opened a bottling plant and announced an investment of 200 million dollars over the next four to five years, according to Rehan Khan, general manager of Coca-Cola Myanmar.

Beginning in 2009, the process involved a “broad review of the political and economic landscape, including market potential and key risk,” Khan told IPS. The U.S.-based company discovered gender- and age-based biases at its business partner’s two bottling plants, which it then sought to rectify.

Coca-Cola expects to generate 22,000 jobs across the entire value chain, including 2,500 direct jobs, he added. The company’s flagship community initiative, Swan Yi, promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship and business management for women, has empowered more than 15,000 women in the country since 2012, he said. But despite several international players trying to forge a space in an exciting new market, for the most part, “big companies are few and far between,” noted Bowman. “It’s a myth to say people are rushing in here.“We assume this is all going to settle down,” she said, but as of now, investors are put off by legal issues.

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

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

PERSPECTIVE

7 Everyone is guilty of India's graft

Monday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

20 January 2014

I

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Samir nazareth Asia Times Online

t was just a few years back that Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan were the three musketeers and d'Artagnan fighting the Cardinal Richelieulike machinations of "corrupt government" in India. Their fight's rallying cry was the Jan Lok Pal Bill, the citizen's ombudsman bill.

The bill, the four swore, would cleanse India of corruption, which was eating into the very foundations of the nation and so denying the common person their rights. This had resulted in the country joining this battle against corruption. The emotion of the common citizen that was channeled into promoting the bill was labelled as outrage against the pervasiveness of corruption that had allegedly permeated the government.

Could this sentiment then have been the manifestation of a false sense of victimization? Could this conflagration of rage have been cleverly fanned by an "us and them" strategy - the "us" being the common Indian trying to overwhelm "them" the government? The outrage was used to corner if not coerce "them" into accepting the Jan Lok Pal Bill.

Even though this bill was sold as being the cornerstone of democracy, the way the "us" wanted to get the bill passed was anything but democratic, unless of course one defined democracy as mob rule.

Charging at windmills Unfortunately, this "us and them" structure of the anti-corruption movement is also the primordial soup that gives rise to corruption. Corruption exists because people believe they are above the rules that are meant for all, or feel that laws restrict their freedom which they presume they are more entitled to than the rest of the population. Corruption exists when individuals do not wish to follow rules created by society for the common good.

Thus who is the "us" and "them" in the fight against corruption? Can the "them" be corrupt if the "us" is clean? Can "us" be clean if "them" is corrupt?

Unfortunately, the secularism of corruption was not realized by those demanding the Jan Lok Pal Bill. Therefore, while everyone raved, ranted and hurled abuse against the government, it sounded hollow to many because there was no acknowledgement that two hands are needed to clap. Could Dumas and Cervantes have got together in these modern times to get the musketeers to charge at windmills?

The need to re-invent the wheel "Us vs Them" was the DNA from which Arvind Kejriwal and others created the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP, which has just formed the new state government in Delhi. This speciously manufactured but much harped on conflict that late last year brought the AAP to power at the local-government level in Delhi and is fueling its national ambitions, was apparent after the swearing in ceremony, when Arvind Kejriwal made his acceptance speech. He advised the more than 1 million people gathered for the ceremony, and the many other millions watching him on TV, that if they encountered an official demanding a bribe they should not refuse this demand. Instead, they should call up a helpline/complaint number that he promised to set up in two days where a complaint against the official could be made and a trap set. Kejriwal promised that he would personally ensure that their files would be processed.

India already has an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and almost every government department has a Vigilance Cell that is supposed to look into cases of corruption. The contact numbers for officials of these agencies are advertised and prominently displayed. Not a day goes by when the ACB does not catch someone accepting a bribe. The Central Bureau of Investigation is another agency that has been used to catch corrupt officials.

So the question is, why is there a need to reinvent the wheel? Why wasn't the platform of the acceptance speech used to indicate the existence of these departments and promote them?

The answer is very simple. Arvind Kejriwal and

An activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), wearing mock handcuffs and a mask of ruling Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, poses as a groom on a horse during a protest against the Congress party and corruption charges against its leaders, in New Delhi, India on Saturday, January 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

his AAP want to be seen as something akin to the Phoenix - that mythical bird reborn from the ashes of its predecessor. There is an attempt to market him and his government as being different from and with no links to - past governments. The difference is constantly played up by suggesting that the past was one of usurpation and the future is not.

This message could not have not been better put across than with a personal promise of setting up the help line, which suggests there was no similar system already in place and seemingly puts the common person in control and paints the government officials as unscrupulous.

Corruption off the people, by the people However, nobody seems to ask why the official is in the crosshairs and whether it is only the government servant who is to blame for the much-hyped corruption. Most of us Indians do not like "no" for an answer. To us, a "no" is a personal affront and an ego-buster. For us, being able to wangle a deal no matter how crooked is something that is laudable. At other times, we are like ostriches with our heads in the sand - we are so engrossed in ourselves that we are incapable of thinking of the fallout of our self-serving actions.

In both instances, a bribe is used to get the work done. It is not the government official who demands the bribe here. It is the "naughty" or "ignorant" common citizen of India who would like the government official to turn a blind eye and proffers money to facilitate this.

Traffic policemen lament that they see no point in stopping vehicles when their drivers break rules because they just throw money at the police and continue on their way. I have been in the office of a Fire Chief when a middleman deposited a wad of notes in his desk drawer to facilitate passage of building plans that were ill-conceived. When rules are not respected by either society or those in a position enforce them, corruption is a natural corollary. It takes two to tango, but not so according to Arvind Kejriwal. With these horse blinkers on, Arvind Kejriwal has deftly created a constituency of those sold on the idea that they are victims; that the corruption of previous governments has sucked the common person dry; that there is a dawn of a fresh beginning and a new light shines from the sun that is spelt AAP. But this is a false hope because no one wants to be seen as a perpetrator of a crime or be pointed to as a criminal - sympathy is cornered by the victim no matter how wrong he is.

Corrupt victims or victims of corruption?

The ability to create a sense of victimhood nationally is not unique to this particular instance.

There is a large number of people who weep for an unlived and unknown golden past that they

claim was destroyed by invaders and colonization. We are known to find succor from this ethereal past while diminishing our present.

What Arvind Kejriwal has done is something extremely clever: he has modernized this genetically programmed victimhood to be relevant to these times. Instead of blaming an ancient history that no one has lived for our current state, he has provided a current history of which we are a part. However, even in being part of this history he has obligingly ensured we are removed from it. As before, when we did not blame the invasions on the factious kings who parceled this land into their kingdoms but instead blamed the invaders for invading, we now do not blame ourselves for the corruption, but instead blame it on the government and its officials.

Till now, the victimization that stems from being conned into believing that we are on the wrong side of history has been milked by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party. But now Arvind has re-framed the contours to make it more secular, by ascribing our national problems not to the common person, whom he assures is guiltless, but foists the cause as the corruption of the powers-that-be. He has beguiled us into believing that we are not the source of our problems. The saccharine sweetness of the mirage of this victim mentality has drawn people to his party like flies are drawn to sugar. His move makes sense when one reads the article "Rethinking 'Don't Blame the Victim': The Psychology of Victimhood" by Dr Ofer Zur in the Journal of Couple Therapy. The author highlights the following point: "The victim stance is a powerful one. The victim is always morally right, neither responsible or accountable, and forever entitled to sympathy."

A clean sweep Nothing could have been a greater representation of this than the choice of broom as the symbol of his political party - the AAP. The broom has many connotations. The first that springs to mind is the "us and them" setting - there is dirt and then there are those wielding the broom to remove the dirt; its simplicity of use - indicating its secular prowess; its commonness - every household has one because dirt is omnipresent. Most importantly, the ownership of the broom presupposes the intention to keep things clean.

We forget that a lot of dirt is brought into homes by residents of the household themselves.

Every Indian household uses the broom only to sweep dirt from the house into the common area, where it becomes the responsibility of an unknown someone else. Dirt just outside the place of residence is okay as long as it does not cross its threshold. How we clean our homes is symptomatic of us being victims - concern for the self and not for society at large. The victim seeks redress no matter the cost to the rest. The abdication of social responsibility is a result.

It is not enough to have a telephone hotline if we do not hold ourselves responsible to obey rules and appreciate the fact that we cannot always have our way. If truth be told, we are victims of perverting our individual responsibility at the cost of the state. We are victims of our own hypocrisy as we choose to ignore the role we play in debilitating India. It would appear that we are unable to judge ourselves because when circumstances demand we do so our morals suddenly leave the room.

It is easier to ascribe fault to someone else, not only because it absolves us of personal responsibility but also because we are remain who we are and continue doing what we do. This includes having a feudal mindset that makes demands of others without us being held accountable to anyone. Kejriwal has realized that there is a low personal cost in ascribing oneself as a victim. In effect, we do not want to be the change we want to see. Kejriwal is milking our lazy conscience, this sense of victimization. Is it then surprising that many are joining his party to partake off this feast, while others see him as someone who will share the munificence?

Samir Nazareth is a social commentator.

He is the author of the soon to be released travelogue 1,400 bananas, 76 towns and 1 million people

The Morung Express

2014: Solutions to Ten conflicts

T

Johan galtung Inter Press service

here are conflicts old and new crying for solution and reconciliation, not violence, with reasonable, realistic ways out.

Take the South Sudan conflict between the Nuer and the Dinka. We know the story of the borders drawn by the colonial powers, confirmed in Berlin in 1884. Change a border by splitting a country – referendum or not – and what do you expect opening Pandora’s box? More Pandora.

There is a solution: not drawing borders, making them irrelevant. The former Sudan could have become a federation with much autonomy, keeping some apart and others together in confederations-communities, also across borders. Much to learn from Switzerland, EU and ASEAN. Take the Maghreb-Mali+ complex: a road to peace runs through Tuareg high autonomy and confederations of the autonomies, in addition to the state system. Proceeds from natural resources – oil, uranium, gold, metals – should benefit the owners, not former colonisers. The United Nations’ task is to make the West comply with socioeconomic human rights.

Take what is called the last colony (well, Ulster? Palestine?): Sahrawi, Spain’s shame for not having decolonised; the United Nations Charter Article 73 formula is not perfect but differential treatment is unacceptable.

Take Ceuta and Melilla, “Spanish” enclaves in Morocco, and Gibraltar, an “English” enclave in Spain: use the Hong Kong formula with sovereignty for the owners, flag and garrison, and leave the system as it is.

Geography and history matter; sovereignty for one, system for the other. Not a bad formula for the Falkland/Malvinas islands or Northern Ireland, with a reborn Republic of Ireland in a Confederation of British Isles. Back to Berlin 1884, institutionalising the outrageous sociocide, with genocide and ecocide, perpetrated on Africans on top of centuries of Arab-West slavery. But do not forget the Congress of Berlin six years earlier, in 1878, doing the same to the Balkans, with the infamous Article 25 giving the Dual Monarchy, Austria-Hungary, the right to occupy and administer Bosnia-Herzegovina temporarily.

On Oct. 6, 1908 they did exactly that, Turkey and Russia both being weak. What do you expect when annexing someone’s land? A resistance movement of course, and ultimately, on Jun. 28, 1914, the sacred date to the Serbs, having been defeated by the Turks 525 years earlier: Two shots rang out in Sarajevo.

One century later “historians” (who pay their salaries, states?) see the shots as the cause of World War I, not what caused the shots; like seeing the terrorists, not what causes terrorism. Then as now the same two stories, nations made prisoners of states, and states-peoples made prisoners of empires. Sarajevo used against terrorism.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson used self-determination to dismantle the beaten Prussian, Habsburg and Ottoman empires; but not the victors’ empires as a young Vietnamese

in Paris experiences, chased away from the U.S. Embassy: Ho Chi Minh, claiming the same for his people. And the U.S. Versailles delegation rejected that claim by Sudeten Germans against Czechoslovakia; accepted by England, not to “appease” Adolf Hitler, but to rectify a wrong.

What a fantastic chance for German-Austrian foreign policy! Start this 2014 centenary year preparing 150 anniversary conferences, in 2028 and 2034, apologising for 1914, undoing some harm, letting Africans be Africans and Balkans be Balkans of various kinds, stop blaming their victims for being unruly, restless, terrorist and so on. The peaceful century 1815-1914: some peace! Don’t miss the chance.

But they were not alone. In 1905 the U.S.-Japan, Taft-Katsura (later president and prime minister, respectively) agreed to U.S. rule in the Philippines and Japanese rule in Korea, in the interest of “peace in East Asia” – their peace, meaning rule. A good century later the Obama-Abe (president and prime minister, respectively) uneasy agreement on Japan’s aggressive policy.

The solution to the Korean Peninsula conflict is a peace treaty and normalisation with North Korea, a Korean nuclear free zone and work on the open border-confederationfederation-unitary state continuum. If the U.S. fails to go along, why not go ahead, also multilaterally and via United Nations.

But they were not alone: in 1917 Balfour Jewish homeland followed the Sykes-Picot treason with four disastrous colonies. With a major difference, however: the Jews had been there before; some title to some land, but not to an everexpanding Jewish state (just one word away from “only Jewish”).

The road to peace must pass through a pre-1967 Israel with Jewish characteristics, Palestine recognised, a Middle East Community of Israel with border countries, an Organisation for Cooperation and Security in West Asia, with Syria (an upper chamber for the many nations with cultural autonomy – Ottoman millet), Iraq (maybe confederation, with no U.S. bases), the Kurds (autonomy in the four countries for some land, a confederation of autonomies), Iran (an end to Benjamin Netanyahu extremism), a moderate Israel, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection.

Afghanistan? Full U.S.-NATO withdrawal, an end to foreign bases, coalition government, Swiss-style constitution with much autonomy for villages and nations, and gender parity. But let Afghans be Afghans.

China’s claims on sea and air space? Too much, but the Chinese had been there before, 500-1500; some title to some sea, some air. And U.S.-China: direct cooperation for mutual benefit, make it more equal; the U.S. is cheating itself, building warehouses, not factories. U.S. spying on the world: the point is not clemency for Edward Snowden but to drop the NSA and punish those, also allies, who violated human rights. The West tries to claim the moral high ground by changing discourse to something they think they have and others do not: democracy. Running a huge colonial-imperial system against the will of others? Some democracy.

POLL REsULTs

ARE NAgA pOliTiciANS wORkiNg diligENTlY TO EARN THE RESpEcT ANd TRuST Of THE public? themselves when the peopaigning 4 sure.

Some of those who voted YES had this to say: ple need them the most.

• we stood for clean election • Yes, Their tireless effort has made them to be lawmak• No, do leopards change but diligence and trust seems ers continuously. their colors? When one to be a far cry...

• I should say yes, that they do really care about their has to buy votes then how • No, They are too proud and image in front of the public. But the problem is they do can they be honest? After busy running after money. not know and understand the real feelings of the puball they do have to recover Most of them are unqualified. lic, and so as a result they do not know how to respect what they spent and then • I don’t think they even know and trust the public. They have their calculations all make some profit. the meaning of trust and rewrong. In reality they do want respect and trust of the spect. They think it comes public, but they don’t know how to earn it since they • Maybe not. In this Christian dominated, delhi handout with their status and position don’t want to humble down. dependent state, if one beand authority. They have a come an mla and gets inlong way to go.

Some of those who voted no had this to say: undated with welfare mon• A big no. old habits die hard.

• Not at all. The politicians have no regard or respect for ey, most of them fall into the What they say and what they the public. They have this attitude of being higher and trap of greed and adultery. do is completely contradictomightier than the people and they expect the public to ry. They are just continuing to respect them. They are living in glass houses. How • No, The politicians are living in their own world. They take the people for a big ride. can the public respect them when they have no iota of have no clue at all how the Times as well as people are respect for the people. Mr. Politician, respect is not a majority of the public are changing. We can barely see commodity that can be bought in the market. Respect suffering due to their arhow they are handling things. is earned through your work, attitude and willingness rogance, corruption and All those backdoor dealings to serve the people. selfishness. With this kind they do are visible to the • No. I am rather amused when they start questioning of attitude how can one expublic eye as well. And these the attitude of the people. Is it the people who forced pect them to gain the trust have been hampering the dethem to steal, secure every job and contractual work for their kin. Are we to be blamed for their palaces and and respect of the people. velopment and progress of foreign cars. Where you this rich before you became a Infact, the public are waitthe state and its people. The minister. If it was your inheritance, who was your rich ing for an opportunity to reconspiring role of the beaurelative. Explain all this and we will ask your forgivemove them from power. racrats in propagating and ness.

• No......Instead they are losconniving with our politicians • No, Naga politicians are not working diligently to earn ing the respect they have.. in encouraging corruption is the respect and trust of the public. They are working • A big no. Wish we have elecalarmingly dangerous. The only for the benefit of themselves. tion every 6 months so that politicians instead of work• No. They have forgotten that they love the people by the unemployed & the poor, ing for the welfare of the state whom they were chosen. Nepotism is the virus that as well as all these corrupt and its people, along with YES no OTHERS kills our Politicians. Festivals after Festivals will bury and common people with their ‘chamchas’ and beauraNagaland. silver tongue get some stocrats have greviously injured • No, they are only accumulating property len money. the state and its people. They have gone way too far.

• No, The condition of Nagaland is in tatters. Everything • This is another high-funda joke No..No...No. Under such circumstances the scar can be healed is missing, from law and order, roads etc, to ministers • They are engrossed amassing 4 the next ground camonly by an impending Revolution.

83%

12%

5%

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say: • In Nagaland Politicians enter politics for money. That is the primary; second power; third service. My guess is many don't even know what their office is about.

When the Cabinet have no goals or priority they can do whatever. I don't see them assessing what is working and what is not; they are not asking what could be better or improve rather 'it is ok' it is not fully or completely broken. They drive the same streets and they miss to see how bad is the road they travel. They don't ask question whether the electricity in Nagaland could possibly be better. Or water supply can be better. These are infrastructure issues that only a Govt can correct. How can we compete with Indians or any other. I am grateful despite of these lacking our young people are doing well. Nagas can certainly do much better if political leaders showed leadership and responsibility. Just my thought.

• In my opinion...not everyone but some really deserves appreciation from publi!!! While some needs lotsa improvement!!!

• May be some...unfortunately, could be even less than 1% .

• Why should they? Respect and Trust did not elect them...only Money and Muscle power did...Good or Bad...You will surely see these guys smiling away to power and glory in the next assembly too.

• Let me point out one reason as this good question diagnoses the chief symptom of festering malaise feeding on the Naga politicians, whereas, besides the insurgency-ridden state, for such a poor and revenueless state like Nagaland, albeit, the acute menace of pungent corruption; spending a thousand crore on a single election is awful which brings only impediments culminating in regressing the well-rounded dev and progress of the state and its people over the last 5 decades-but that is beside the point the bottom-line is, I believe leaving Naga Dream only with the Naga politicians would be a recipe for disaster for the future generation.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Monday 20 January 2014

The Morung Express

Modi dares Cong to name PM candidate New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (PTi): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress, saying it had desisted from projecting Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate as Sonia Gandhi did not want to “sacrifice” her son politically in view of the “imminent defeat”. The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate also responded to the Congress’ “chai wala” jibe at him, saying all the tea vendor were today proud that one among them was contesting for the top post.

Addressing the party’s National Council in New Delhi, he targeted Rahul without naming him as he said that “those born in an aristocratic family” feel below their dignity to contest against a tea vendor coming from a backward as they have “feudal mindset”.

In his 75-minute speech, Modi questioned Congress’ contention that it was following the tradition of not naming a PM candidate as the person should be elected by the MPs. In this regard, he referred to 1984, when Rajiv Gandhi was declared the Prime Minister after the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi. He also mentioned 2004, when Congress MPs elected Sonia Gandhi to be the Prime Minister but she instead nominated Manmohan Singh for the top job.

L K Advani praises Modi but cautions against over confidence in elections

India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi addresses BJP’s National Council meet in New Delhi, India, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. The BJP has outlined its strategy for the upcoming general elections with a vow to wrest control from the scandal-plagued Congress Party. (AP Photo)

“I see a human angle behind this decision of Congress. When defeat is imminent, which mother will sacrifice her son politically?

The heart of a mother (Sonia) decided to protect her son,” Modi said on the ruling party’s stand of not naming Rahul as the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Attacking the UPA government, Modi said the country has never seen such bad days as during the last decade when corruption and inflation were at peak and poverty was all over.

12-yr-old raped, murdered in Thane

ThaNe, JaNuary 19 (PTi): The body of a 12-year-old girl, allegedly raped and then killed, was found at a village farm here, police said on Sunday. The girl, from Kaman village in Vasai area of Thane district, had left for her school on January 16, but did not return home.

Later, her family members, after carrying out a search in vain, lodged a missing complaint with the local police, Waliv police station inspector Rajendra Mohite said. Yesterday afternoon, police received information about a body lying at a farm in the village. The police rushed to the site and later the decomposed body was identified as that of the missing girl.

Police said the body was sent for postmortem which revealed that the girl had been raped before being killed. Offences have been registered against unidentified persons under sections 302 (murder) and 376 (rape)

The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate said Congress had ruled the country for 60 years and it was now time for giving a chance to his party for 60 months.

“For 60 years, you have chosen rulers...I appeal to the people, you have given 60 years to rulers, now give 60 months to this ‘sevak’ (servant). It is time now for ‘sevak’,” he said while addressing the BJP gathering at Ramlila ground.

Apparently with the Aam Aadmi Party effect in mind, Modi said democracy so far has been “represen-

tative” but now it was time to make it “participatory” with greater involvement of people in governance.

Taking a dig at Rahul’s contention that Congress is a “thought” which cannot be erased, he said he did not want to delve into what kind of thought it is. “But the entire Congress party is in deep thought.”

Continuing his swipe, he said, “our thought is nationalism, their thought is dynasty.” He also hit out at Rahul for his remark that tickets would be given to those having Congress in

of the IPC along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, police said, adding that search for the culprits was on.

Tehelka sexual assault case: Goa police may file chargesheet by January end

PaNaJi, JaNuary 19 (PTi): Goa police are expected to sum up their investigations in the sexual assault case allegedly involving Tehelka founder editor Tarun Tejpal and file a charge sheet by this month end, an official said here today. “The investigations in the case are almost in the final stage,” the senior crime branch official told PTI. “We are waiting for the forensic report of the gadgets seized from Tejpal. The charge sheet would be filed by this month end,” he said.

The crime branch during its investigation had seized gadgets like mobile, laptop of Tej-

Indians increasingly affected by winter blues

New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (iaNS): Anxiety, detachment, isolation and a negative attitude towards life or, simply, winter blues - this common problem mostly observed in the Western world is snaring more and more victims in India, specially in the northern parts, doctors say.

"People in this season complain of isolation, irritability, lack of energy and feeling of being withdrawn. Even if there is a minor issue in their life, they start considering it too colossal and many a times start self-medicating," Brishti Barkataki, consultant clinical psychologist at the Pushpawati Sighania Research Center told IANS. She said that approximately more than 15-20 million people experience winters blues in India and the number is constantly increasing due to the lack of outdoor activity and less exposure to sunlight during the winter season. Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said winter blues or Seasonal Affected Depression (SAD) is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain due to the shortening of daylight hours.

He said that this is the season when more and more people start getting depressed as the scarcity of daylight causes a decrease in strotinine, a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another. "Lack of physical activity and confining oneself within the walls of the home due to chilly weather during winter is another reason why people also feel more isolated and depressed", Mehta told IANS. Many also complain of body pain, constipation and headaches. Mehta said those who face the problem of mood swings are the worst affected. "Thinking that staying indoors during the winter season can protect from the common cold and flu, one should understand winters is a high time when our body needs daylight and lots of vitamin D. As already the level of vitamin D in the human body decreases due to people confining themselves inside the walls of the house during winters," Mehta added.

Ashish Mittal, senior consultant psychologist at the Gurgaon-based Columbia Asia Hospital, said that people at the initial stage do not consult psychiatrists as they believe that psychiatrists are basically doctors for mentally ill. "But they need to understand that we are the ones who can actually understand the actual problem and sugest remedies," Mittal told IANS. "People feel gloomy and depressed. They can't sleep, their confidence goes down and they lack the drive to work," he said, adding: "To overcome this they overeat and are then full of misery and guilt." "Some are sometimes not bothered about their health. Also, we find people complain about the loss of libido or don't want to do anything that gives them pleasure", Mittal noted.

"More and more outings, exposure to daylight during the morning hours and a complete no to alcohol and smoking can help people stay away from the depression", he said.

their hearts. “Our thinking is that tickets be given to those who have the country in their hearts.”

Rahul’s other comments like ‘India is a beehive’ and ’poverty is a state of mind’ also came in for attack from Modi. “For us, India is our mother and the poor should be treated like god,” he said. Modi cited the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s rule and the decisions taken during that time while urging people to elect a government based on the track record of political parties and not on rheot-

pal which were used to communicate, after the alleged offence took place. Tejpal (50) was arrested on November 30 in Goa after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by a district and sessions court. A former junior woman journalist of the Tehelka magazine had alleged that Tejpal had sexually assaulted her inside the lift of a five-star hotel during an event in Goa last year.

The investigating officer has already recorded several statements, including that of former Tehelka managing editor Shoma Chaudhury and Tejpal’s daughter, along with the deposition of the victim in connection with the case. “The statements of the fivestar hotel staff who were on duty during the time when the incident allegedly happened are also recorded. The recordings completed last week itself,” the official said. The crime branch officials expect to file a “water tight” case against Tejpal, who is currently lodged in Sada sub jail after the local court rejected his bail and continued with the judicial custody.

IM planning to kidnap Kejriwal for Bhatkal’s release: police

New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (PTi): Terror outfit Indian Mujahideen is planning to kidnap Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for release of its key member Yasin Bhatkal who was arrested from India-Nepal border on August 27 last year, police sources claimed on Sunday. A team from the security wing of Delhi Police has briefed Kejriwal about this threat and requested him to take “Z” category security cover, the top sources said.

However, it was not immediately clear what was the response of the Delhi chief minister in this regard. Senior police officials said that they have received an input in this regard from intelligence agencies. Kejriwal has been

declining to take security cover keeping up with his Aam Aadmi Party’s policy to end VIP culture in politics. A special NIA court on Friday allowed the plea by Karnataka Police to interrogate Bhatkal, 30, in connection with the blasts at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore in April, 2010.

Bhatkal, who belongs to Bhatkal village in Udupi district of north Karnataka, was allegedly involved in a string of terror attacks in Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Hyderabad, the NIA had said. He was earlier associated with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and is alleged to have hatched a conspiracy with others to wage a war against India.

New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (PTi): Senior BJP leader L K Advani, who had initially opposed naming of Narendra Modi as PM candidate on Sunday showered praise on him but cautioned against “over confidence” which had spoiled the party’s chance of retaining power in 2004. “I have not seen so much enthusiasm and self confidence, I congratulate party president Rajnath Singh and other colleagues who decided that we will make Narendra Modi as the PM after we get the majority in these elections,” Advani said while addressing the party National Council in New Delhi.

Applauding the election campaign which has been going on for the past five-six months led by Modi, he said he had not seen any other politician address so many “massive rallies”. He noted that Modi has already addressed 77 rallies and 100 will be completed soon.

rical claims coming out of “decrepit tape-recorders“.

He also praised the Advani, who had initially been opposed to his projection as the prime ministerial candidate, and promised to implement his favourite proposal of getting back blackmoney stashed abroad if he becomes the Prime Minister.

Targeting the Prime Minister, Modi said, “not a single month goes when he does not form a committee. The country is burdened with committees. Now it is time not for committees but for

At the same time, he had a word of caution. “We lost 2004 elections because we had become over confident. This Lok Sabha elections, we have to ensure that we do not become over confident and fight the elections with only with confidence,” the former Deputy Prime Minister said.

He praised Modi for his track record in governance in Gujarat as well as the crowds his rallies attract. “There are many achievements of Gujarat for which everybody including its chief minister Narendra Modi can be proud of. But the way the water of Narmada was brought to Sabarmati river, it (achievement) was given such a spectacular dimension… I want to congratulate Modi for that,” Advani said. His praise for Modi assumes significance as he had initially strongly opposed Modi’s anointment as PM candidate.

commitments.”

He said, “The country does not need Bills but political will... We have heard enough of Acts what we need now is action. We do not need doles, we need delivery.” In an apparent bid to counter the charge by his rivals that his economic model is pro-rich, he said “good governance” is not for the rich who can “buy” government but for the poor, dalits and deprived who need schools and hospitals.

He sought to reach out to states, many of which are ruled by regional par-

ties whose support to him could be crucial in future.

He promised to change the present order in which the Centre behaves like a “big brother” and acted as if it was doing a favour to states with its help. “I as a Chief Minister who has worked with favourable as well as unfavourable central governments, I understand the compulsions of states... There won’t be any big brother or younger brother. The Union ministers will work with ministers from states... We will be equals,” he said.

Shashi Tharoor pledges cooperation for probe into wife’s death New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (reuTerS): Union minister Shashi Tharoor promised to cooperate in a probe into the death of his wife days after she accused him of adultery in a case that has become a political embarrassment for the Congress in an election year. Tharoor’s wife was found dead in a luxury hotel room in New Delhi after she went public on Twitter, saying a Pakistan-based journalist had been stalking her husband.

An autopsy revealed that Sunanda Pushkar’s death was “sudden and unnatural” and that her body bore injury marks, although doctors said it didn’t mean those injuries had caused her death. Tharoor, a high-flying former UN diplomat, called for a quick investigation into the death of his wife that he hoped would put an end to rumours about their personal lives.

“I have finally had a chance to catch up with media reports and am horrified to read the reckless speculation rampant there,” Tharoor, a junior human resource development minister, wrote in a letter to Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. “I pledge my full and unstinting cooperation. Nothing short of truth will end the indignity to which my wife and I are being subjected.”

The scandal has erupted

Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor (R) sits in an ambulance as he waits outside a mortuary to receive his wife Sunanda Puskhar Tharoor’s body at a hospital in New Delhi January 18. (REUTERS Photo)

just as the Congress party led

by Rahul Gandhi is preparing to fight a tough election against a resurgent main opposition party as well as a new political group that promises clean and open politics. Rivals have painted the Congress as a party of power and patronage, engulfed in corruption scandals and unable to hold its leaders to account for their actions.

Tharoor’s marital problems have been splashed across the front pages of newspapers and pored over by 24-hour television channels, prompting calls by the opposition for a fuller inqui-

ry into the death of his wife.

Politicians have traditionally refrained from attacking each other’s personal lives and sex scandals involving top leaders are rare.

“The circumstances of this case are such that we need to get to the bottom of this,” said Subramaniam Swamy, a leader of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. Tharoor and his wife hit the headlines earlier this week when Sunanda said she had gone into his Twitter account and posted what she said were intimate messages from Pakistani journalist Mehr Tarar to expose a “rip-roaring affair.”

The 5 rupee note in your hand may be fake!

New Delhi, JaNuary 19 (iaNS): The next time you handle a 5 rupee note, look a little closer - it could be a fake. In what is a disturbing portent for the Indian economy, Delhi Police last year made a recovery of 19,400 such 5 rupee notes - the first time such a large haul was made.

Police officers also said that in most cases of fake currency circulating in India the hand of Pakist’n’s spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is found, a police officer told IANS. And what has surprised investigators is that most of these fake currency notes are printed in government-controlled printing presses in Pakistan.

These currency notes are so similar with the real ones that it is really difficult to spot the fake one. “Earlier, we used to get fake currency notes of higher denominations. But for the past a three years the scene has chan”ed,” the senior police officer told IANS on condition of anonymity.” “Generally people are watchful about possible fakes while handling Rs.1,000 and Rs.500 denomination notes, but no one bothers

about such a low denomination as “s.5,” the officer added” “It is in the past three years that smugglers of FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes) have started circulating notes of low denomination of Rs.5, Rs.10 and Rs.20 along with those of large denomina”ion,” added the officer. In 2013, fake Indian currency with a face value Rs.5.66 crore was seized. last year, the police recovered 19,400 fake notes of Rs.5; six notes of Rs.10; 1,510 notes of Rs.50; 20,517 notes of Rs.100; 60,525 notes of Rs.500 and 24,116 notes of Rs.1,000, data shows.

Another police officer told IANS that around 95 percent of the paper used in printing Indian currency is imported from Europe. “Most of the security features, like engraving of watermark and magnetic properties, are incorporated at the time of producing the paper. A few security features are also included in India,” said the officer. The office” said the “reliability of these European firms is also under doubt”.

A senior police officer, who has busted many such fake cur-

rency rackets, said that the intelligence agencies in India feel that Pakistan’s ISI imports the same paper, ink and magnetic thread from rogue suppliers. “On the behest of ISI, the FICN are printed in government-controlled printing presses at Karachi, Multan, Quetta, Lahore and Peshawar.

The water mark, Ashoka Pillar, Mahatma Gandhi’s image, the denomination, RBI mark and other security features are very prominent, clear and look real in FICN printed in these presses,” the officer told IANS, but declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue.

According to another officer, both Yasin Bhatkal, founder of Indian Mujahideen (IM), and Abdul Karim Tunda, an important Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) functionary, revealed during interrogation that the ISI is the mastermind of large scale smuggling of FICN to India.

“The FICN are sent to India through several countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Middle East, Thailand, Denmark, Holland, Singapore” and Sri Lanka,” said a Crime Branch officer in Delhi Police.

“After the government of Thailand recently imposed restrictions, the ISI started using Vietnam and Malaysia for smuggling FICN to India through Nepal,” he added. The police officer said that with special focus on FICN related cases, the Parliament Street Police Station has been made the nodal agency where all fake currency cases are registered at an interval of six months.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), S.B.S. Tyagi, said that in November 2013 an official of the Bangladesh High Commission had deposited a sum of Rs.16 lakh (1.6 million) in a government bank here on behalf of the high commission, of which 10 notes with a face value of Rs.8,500 were found to be fake Indian currency. “We are still verifying the matter,” he said.

Of the FICN of face value Rs.23.53 crore recovered in Delhi between 2010-2013, 81,314 notes were in the denomination of Rs.1,000; 1.92 lakh notes were of Rs.500; 57,215 notes of Rs.100 and 11,087 notes were of Rs.50. In 2010, a total of FICN of face value

Rs.28.84 lakh was recovered in Delhi. The figure saw a slight dip in 2011 with Rs.28.20 lakh face value fake currency recovered.

But in 2012, the fake notes circulating saw a surprising rise, and Rs.1.73 crore FICN was recovered. The official said that the ISI uses not only unscrupulous elements but also exploits innocent tourists to sm”ggle FICN into India. “Unfortunately, unbridled corruption on both sides of the border is extre”ely helpful to smugglers,” he added.

The officer said that Delhi Police have taken up several drives against the suppliers of fake Indian currency. “The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Customs and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have also been associated in the drive,” he said. The officer said that in 2013, the Delhi Police had registered 66 cases of FICN of which 19 were solved and 49 people arrested.

While Delhi Police, between 2010 and 2012, arrested 160 people and solved 73 cases after the registration of 138 cases of FICN, they are yet to find out the principal agents.

International

The Morung Express

Monday 20 January 2014

South Sudan peace talks may be too late to stop war Nairobi, JaNuary 19 (aFP): As East African mediators attempt to push South Sudan’s government and rebels into signing a truce, analysts and diplomats fear it may already be too late to halt the war. Regional nations are trying to broker a ceasefire but have already been drawn into the brutal five-week-old conflict, with Ugandan troops battling alongside government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir.

The longer it continues, the more “those who have remained on the sidelines are increasingly pulled into the conflict,” US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield warned in a statement this week. “Each day that the conflict continues, the risk of all-out civil war grows as ethnic tensions rise,” she added.

Many say it already is a civil war, pitting a conventional army against a loose alliance of mutinied army units and ethnic militia. Each side has been deploying heavy weapons, fighting has been fierce and protracted, and key towns have been changing hands each week. South Sudanese government forces backed

by Ugandan troops on Saturday recaptured the strategic town of Bor, defeating an army of thousands of rebels, officials said.

A day earlier the United

A young displaced child flies a kite made from plastic bags as a United Nations World Food Program (WFP) helicopter arrives in a village in Awerial, which has received tens of thousands of displaced people who crossed the Nile river by boat to flee the recent fighting between government and rebel forces in the town of Bor, in South Sudan Friday, January 17. The U.N.’s top human rights official Ivan Simonovic said Friday that the conflict in South Sudan has turned into a horrifying human rights disaster with mass atrocities committed by both sides including reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and the use of children in the conflict. (AP Photo)

Nations’ top human rights envoy Ivan Simonovic, who has gathered reports of mass killings, sexual violence and widespread destruction, said South Sudan was now in a state of “internal armed conflict” and that the laws of war were applicable. Talks in neighbouring Ethiopia are being mediated by the East

African regional bloc IGAD, even though Uganda is a key member and the rebels have expressed concern about its neutrality.

Rebel chief Riek Machar has accused Ugandan fighter jets of targeting him, and is also deeply critical of suggestions that Sudan, another IGAD member, could deploy troops to help Juba

protect oil fields from the rebels. Kenya, which sent in troops to evacuate citizens, also warned in a confidential briefing document this week of the “internationalisation” of the conflict.

Rebels from Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region, nervous of a pact between their old allies in Juba and their enemy in Khartoum, are also

reportedly operating in oilrich border zones. The crisis on the ground, therefore, seems to be moving faster than the peace talks and out of the control of the politicians who sparked it.

“We are heartbroken to see what was purely a political problem... quickly slide into an ethnic one on a rapid and frightening scale,”

read a statement from the South Sudan Council of Churches, an influential coalition of religious leaders.

Many appear deeply pessimistic that even if a political deal is struck, the conflict pitting members of Kiir’s Dinka people -- the country’s largest group -- against Machar’s Nuer has reached a point of no return.

“Handshakes, smiles and a mere political settlement between the two parties will not set South Sudan on a path towards truth, sustainable peace, democracy and the rule of law,” wrote David Deng from the South Sudan Law Society, a civil society organisation, and human rights lawyer Elizabeth Deng.

“The two parties should be compelled to submit themselves and their supporters to an independent investigation into the crimes committed,” they wrote in a joint commentary on the crisis. And Princeton Lyman, a former US special envoy to the country, said in a report for the United States Institute of Peace think tank that the talks “cannot simply return the country to the previous status quo.”

“For lasting peace, the negotiating parties and mediators will need to reach beyond national political elites and those bearing arms and invite active involvement of the international community,” he wrote.

Dimapur

9

US intelligence to remain ‘interested’ in foreign govts: Obama

berliN, JaNuary 19 (PTi): The US will continue to spy on foreign governments, President Barack Obama has said even as he assured German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he would not allow the surveillance mechanism to harm their bilateral relations.

Seen as the first step to win back trust of its allies, Obama defended the controversial spying programme as necessary to safeguard the security of America and its allies, including Germany.

“Our intelligence agencies, like German intelligence agencies, and every intelligence agency out there, will continue to be interested in the government intentions of countries around the world. That’s not going to change,” Obama said.

“There is no point in having intelligence agencies if you are restricted to the things which you can read in the New York Times or in the Spiegel,” he said in an interview to the German network ZDF. Seeking damage control in the wake of global public outrage over the widespread snooping revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden, Obama announced on Friday restrictions on NSA’s intelligence gathering capabilities to put an end to the surveillance of “foreign leaders of friendly nations” but ruled out scrapping the controversial programme altogether.

In that major policy speech, Obama had asked to balance between civil liberties of Americans and people across the globe and meeting the US security and intelligence needs.

The speech aimed at allaying global public outrage over the widespread eavesdropping revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden, which showed that US collected massive amounts of electronic data from communications of private individuals around the world, and has spied on foreign leaders including Merkel.

The US President, however said he would not allow the surveillance to harm his relationship of “friendship and trust” with Merkel. “As long as I am the president of the US, the chancellor and Germany will not have to worry about this,” Obama said.

However, Obama in a presidential decree has ordered that telephone and Internet surveillance will be carried out abroad only if US security threats are involved and to extend US rules on privacy protection to foreign citizens.

He had also ordered restrictions on the use of the metadata - information on the telephone numbers, time and duration of calls-- collected by the intelligence services.

Syrian opposition to attend Geneva II peace conference 7 seriously hurt in Bangkok blast; military urges end to crisis

isTaNbul, JaNuary 19 (iaNs): Syria’s main opposition bloc announced here it would attend the Geneva II peace conference after it held a secret vote on its participation Saturday.

The Syrian National Coalition (SNC) said that 58 out of the 75 members voted in favour of the bloc’s presence at the peace talks, 14 voted against it, two abstained and one cast a blank ballot, Xinhua reported.

“This was the toughest decision. The absolute majority voted in favour of going to Geneva and being part of the sides on the ne-

gotiating table,” Louay Safi, a SNC spokesperson said during a press conference.

Three rebel groups fighting inside Syria, Ajnad Al- Sham, the army of Al-Mujahedeen, and the front of Syria’s revolutionaries, agreed to go to the Geneva II conference and gave their full support to the Syrian opposition, he said.

“We are very glad to hear about their support. They will definitely be part of the negotiations and they all appreciate a political solution,” Safi said.

SNC President Ahmad Al-Jar-

ba said: “Today we enter another phase of the revolution...”

He said the coalition decided to go to Geneva to achieve the demands of the Syrian people. “We go to Geneva very comfortably because the Syrian people support us.

We want our voices to be heard.”

The UN-backed peace conference, slated to start Jan 22 in Switzerland, will bring together representatives from both the government and the Western-backed political opposition for the first time since their conflict began almost three years ago.

UK: Indian-origin mother arrested for son’s death

loNdoN, JaNuary 19 (HT): Rosdeep Kular, the 33-year-old Indian-origin mother of Mikaeel Kular whose body was found in Fife, Scotland, on Friday evening, has been arrested and charged with the death of 3-year-old Mikaeel.

The body was discovered after one of the largest day-night searches conducted by the police and large number of people in Scotland. Mikaeel was reported to be be missing from Edinburgh on Thursday last.

Rosdeep is to appear at the Edinburgh sheriff court on Monday. Reported to be a beauty therapist, Rosdeep is the daughter of Gurbux, an immigrant from India, who died aged 43 when she was in her teens, and

Harjinder, 60. Mikaeel’s body was discovered behind a property in Kirkcaldy, Fife, and taken away by ambulance. A house in the road was searched, along with an area of woodland to the rear and side of the property.

Rosdeep was previously said to be in a relationship with a Nigerian student, with whom she had three children. Mikaeel and Ashika were twins born to Rosdeep and a man of Pakistani origin, reports from Scotland said. Assistant chief constable of police Scotland Malcolm Graham said: “Following formal identification, I can now confirm that a 33-year-woman who was detained late on Friday evening has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Mikaeel”.

baNGkok, JaNuary 19 (reuTers): Twenty-eight people were wounded, seven seriously, in explosions on Sunday at a camp of anti-government protesters in Bangkok, the latest violence in a prolonged political crisis dividing the country and threatening the Thai economy.

The explosion comes a day after the military urged both sides to settle their differences in the more than twomonth long dispute, in which protesters are trying to bring down the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

“There were 28 people injured from the blast at the Victory Monument,” Suphan Srithamma, director general of the Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre, told reporters. “Among these 7 people were seriously injured.” Witnesses said they heard two explosions.

“The first blast I heard was from behind the stage,” said Teerawut Utakaprechanun, who told Reuters Television he had been turning out for the protests every day.

“People were looking around. I saw the security guards running after a suspect. After one minute I heard another bomb blast.”

On Friday night, one man was killed and 35 protesters were wounded in a

Bomb kills 20 troops in NW Pakistan

baNNu, PakisTaN, JaNuary 19 (aP): A bomb planted by the Taliban ripped through a vehicle carrying security forces inside a Pakistani army compound in the country’s volatile northwestern region Sunday, killing 20 troops, officials and the militants said.

The blast was a heavy blow for the Pakistani military which has been fighting a stubborn insurgency in the country’s northwest.

Bombs and shootings have killed thousands of security forces and left thousands more wounded and maimed.

The vehicle was hired by the paramilitary Frontier Corps, said police official Inyat Ali Khan from the Bannu region where the explosion occurred. It was part of a convoy that was about to leave the military base in the town of Bannu and drive west to the North Waziristan tribal area, he said.

The convoy was part of a regular Sunday morning troop rotation going into North Waziristan, said a military source. He said the bulk of the casualties were from the Frontier Corps because the bomb was planted in a vehicle hired by the paramilitary force to transport their personnel. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The explosion killed 20 security personnel and wounded another 30, the Pakistani military said in a statement.

A spokesman for the Pakistani

Pakistani Taliban offer peace talks

islamabad, JaNuary 19 (iaNs): Pakistani Taliban Sunday gave their nod for peace talks with the government shortly after their suicide bomber killed 22 soldiers and injured 30 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement that a bomber used an explosives-laden vehicle to target the security forces in Bannu’s army area and killed dozens of soldiers.

Pakistani soldiers later shelled suspected hideouts of the militants and killed several people in Mir Ali area in North Waziristan, Xinhua reported.

The Taliban spokesman said they carried out the attack to take revenge for the killing of their leaders. “Our stance about the dialogue is very clear. If the government proves its powers and sincerity, we are ready for meaningful talks despite our great losses,” said the TTP spokesman.

He claimed that Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his deputy Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud were killed “under the pretext of the dialogue”. Both the leaders were killed in US drone strikes in North Waziristan but the Taliban had announced revenge against the Pakistani forces. We are of the view that the government has no powers and sincerity in the talks, otherwise our senior leaders would not have been killed after the peace dialogue offer,” the Taliban spokesman added.

Taliban, Shahidullah Shahid, said in a telephone call to The Associated Press that the attack had been carried out to avenge the death of the group’s former number 2, Waliur Rehman. He was killed last year in an American drone strike.

“We will avenge the killing of every one of our fellows through such attacks,” the spokesman warned.

The explosion was heard and felt across the town of Bannu.

On resident who lives close to the military cantonment said he heard a deafening explosion, and his house shook.

“I rushed out of my home and saw black thick smoke billowing out of the cantonment’s Razmak gate area,” said Sajjad Khan. He said troops quickly cordoned off the area and ordered residents to go back inside their homes.

North Waziristan is considered a safe haven for al-Qaida linked militants. Pakistani troop convoys often are hit by roadside bombs. Last December, four Pakistani troops were killed when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a checkpoint outside an army camp in North Waziristan. But blasts inside a

compound are rare.

Pakistani defense analyst Zahid Hussain said while the army has its own transport vehicles, the paramilitary forces often hire vehicles when they need to move troops in large numbers like Sunday’s convoy. Neither the Pakistani army nor the paramilitary troops have armored vehicles for troop transports, Hussain said.

It’s not clear how or when the explosive was planted on the vehicle, but Hussain said the use of private vehicles would make it much easier to plant such a device.

The Pakistani military has been fighting for years against militants in the tribal areas who want to overthrow the government and establish a hard-line Islamic state across Pakistan. The militants view the army and other military forces as carrying out an American agenda in the tribal areas, which border Afghanistan and are also seen as a refuge for insurgents in that country.

But many Pakistanis resent fighting fellow Muslims and have tired of the long war. Many see it as having been foisted upon them by the U.S. after the Sept. 11 attacks and the invasion of Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was elected last May in part by promising to end the fighting through a negotiated settlement instead of through military operations. But so far the Pakistani Taliban has shown little desire to negotiate with the government.

grenade explosion in the capital. That takes to nine the death toll since the protests started in November.

They form the latest episode in an eight-year conflict pitting Bangkok’s middle class and royalist establishment against poorer, mainly rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, the self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The protesters accuse Thaksin of nepotism and corruption, and aim to eradicate the political influence of his family by altering electoral arrangements, though in ways they have not spelt out, along with other political reforms.

A ceremony for the dead man was being held at a Buddhist temple in Bangkok on Sunday, where hundreds of people had gathered. It is expected to be attended by the firebrand leader of the government protests, Suthep Thaugsuban.

Earlier in the day, Suthep led thousands in a march through Bangkok demanding that Yingluck resign, and collecting bundles of cash from supporters in the streets in what has become a trademark of his public appearances.

However, there are signs the protests against the government could be running out of steam. The government

has allowed protesters to take over key buildings without confrontation and, crucially, the military has so far remained neutral.

“Now all of us need to help each other in taking care of our own nation,” supreme armed forces commander Thanasak Patimapakorn told reporters after Saturday’s Army Day parade.

“The relationship between the government and the army is normal ... We need to respect law and order. I myself respect the law and I respect all sides and I request that all sides should come together and talk to find a solution,” he said.

Separately, the Bangkok Post daily quoted Thanasak as saying he had no interest in becoming prime minister and acting as mediator. Speculation has been rife that the military might step in to end the impasse, which is beginning to take its toll on Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

The army has staged or attempted 18 coups in 81 years of on-off democracy, but has kept out of the fray this time.

“Please, my fellow countrymen, please rise up and do our job, which is to stop this wicked government from functioning,” Suthep said late on Saturday, urging protesters to target government buildings across the country and prevent civil servants from working.

10 Arsenal, Manchester City march on towards title Dimapur

SPORTS

Monday

20 January 2014

Arsenal's Santi Cazorla slides to keep the ball in play as his side attack in the first-half during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London, Saturday, Jan. 18. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, JANUARY 19 (AP): Arsenal and Manchester City showed no sign of slowing up in the race for the Premier League title by grabbing routine home wins on Saturday to stay 1-2 in the standings.

Spain playmaker Santi Cazorla scored second-half goals in a five-minute span for Arsenal in a 2-0 victory over lowly Fulham that keeps the Gunners in the lead by a point. "We have played 22 games and have 51 points. If you compare that to any other season you will see that it is one of the best, if not the best ever," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after his side's fifth straight league win. "So let's just continue."

City put on another attacking clinic to breeze past Cardiff 4-2 and pass the 100-goal mark this season in all competitions — after just 34 matches. Edin Dze-

ko, Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero netted for City, which has now scored four or more goals in a game on 12 occasions this campaign.

"It's not easy to score 103 goals by the middle of the season," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said. "It reflects how we think this team must play. We are always an attractive team."

The Chelsea side of last season had been the previous fastest to reach a century of goals in the Premier League era, after 42 games, but Pellegrini's entertainers have set a high bar.

The defeat dumped Cardiff into last place and ensured a miserable return to Manchester for its coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who spent 11 successful years across the city at United.

Third-place Chelsea will look to stay a point behind City by beating Man-

chester United at home on Sunday in the standout game of the weekend.

Liverpool lost ground in fourth by drawing 2-2 at home to Aston Villa, which raced into a two-goal lead after 36 minutes thanks to strikes by Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke. Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard — from the penalty spot — salvaged a draw for Liverpool, which is now eight points behind Arsenal after spending Christmas Day on top of the table. The scrap for survival is even tighter than the battle for first place, with three teams now locked on 18 points in the relegation zone. Crystal Palace started the day in last place but Jason Puncheon made up for his awful penalty miss against Tottenham last week by converting from the spot against Stoke, sealing a 1-0 win.

Chakhesang wrestling meet 2014 from Feb 6

KOHIMA, JANUARY 19 (MExN): The 24th session of the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) will take place at Chozuba town from February 6-7.

Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and parliamentary affairs Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will grace the occasion as the chief guest while parliamentary secretary for information & public relations and printing & stationery Er. Kropol Vitsu will be the guest of honour. Hukhoneyi Soho, Huvesu Puro and Vekhriyi Chuzho will be the referees for both Naga and free style.

The judges will comprise of Zumolhi Mero, Vecupa Swuro, Vecusuyi Chuzho, Lhuvenu and Khozo Soho with Chuhumu and Vekuto Sasu as runners.

Announcers include Teisovilhou Koza and Thupukrayi Nienu. Recorders- Wepe-

The Morung Express

Kiwis beat India by 24 runs

NAPIER, JANUARY 19 (PTI): Virat Kohli's exhilarating hundred went in vain as New Zealand staged a dramatic turnaround to pull off a thrilling 24-run win in the first one-dayer against India to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series on Sunday. Set a formidable target of 293, India seemed on track for a facile win with Kohli (123 off 110 balls) anchoring the chase with his 18th ODI century before pacer Mitchell McClenaghan's three-wicket burst 11 balls changed the complexion of the game completely.

From a comfortable 224 for five, the Indians were all out for 268 in 48.4 overs with McClenaghan being the wrecker-in-chief with a match haul of 4/68.

Earlier, electing to bowl after winning the toss, India's inconsistent bowling effort helped New Zealand pile up 292 for seven. For the Kiwis, apart McClenaghan, Corey Anderson shone bright with an allround effort, scoring 68 runs off 40 deliveries before knocking off two wickets in his 10 overs of medium pace bowling.

Tim Southee (1-43 in 9.4 overs) and Adam Milne (1-40 in 7.3 overs) gave Anderson good support, even as the latter walked off midway in the 41st over with a side-strain. After being put in to bat, half-centuries from Anderson, Kane Williamson (71) and Ross Taylor (55) helped the hosts reach 292/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

However, the brightest star of the match ended

up in the losing side. Kohli, who scored his a first hundred in a losing cause while chasing, found no support from other batsmen, none of who managed to reach even the 50-run mark.

Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan started with great caution. Southee bowled two maiden overs first up as the batsmen took time settling down.

In fact, the first wicket came before the first boundary in this innings, as Rohit failed to rotate the strike and came under pressure to score, holing out to Southee off a short ball from McClenaghan in the sixth over.

He scored only 3 runs off 23 balls. Kohli came to the crease and got off the mark with a signature cover drive, the first four for India on the 29th ball of the innings.

Along with Dhawan, he put on 58 runs for the second wicket as the two batsmen tried to build a platform from which to launch the chase.

The runs were coming in a trickle and the first 10 overs yielded only 43. India's 50 came up in the 12th over, while their 50-partnership came four overs later. Dhawan tried to be the more aggressive of the two, but his timing was off as he could only muster a strike-rate of 69.56. His dismissal in the 19th over reflected as much, a mistimed pull off a short ball from Anderson. It was a huge blow for the team as the partnership was developing well at that time. On 15 not out, Dhawan had been given a life in the ninth over, when Anderson, at square leg, managed to only get a hand

on a high pull shot.

But the Indian failed to capitalise and was finally out for 32 runs off 46 balls.

He hit three fours. It resulted in two more quick wickets with Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina back in the hut within ten overs.

Rahane (7) was out to a superb one-handed catch by Nathan McCullum. The ball, played towards mid-off, seemed to dip before the off-spinner caught it, leaving the batsman shocked.

Raina added 45 runs with Kohli for the fourth wicket and their runs came in good time at a run-rate of 6.14. But even so, the asking run-rate was always climbing higher and trouble resurfaced when Raina was out, attempting a loose pull-shot like Dhawan, off Milne. He scored 18 runs off 22 balls, with two fours.

At the other end, however, Kohli continued unfazed. He had come to the crease to pull off this chase and he went about the job not caring about the dismissals too much.

In Raina's company, in the 26th over, he had brought up his half-century off 58 balls, hitting four fours and one six. But after the double blows in the middle overs, he settled down with skipper Dhoni to try and dig India out of the hole.

The Indian captain scored 40 runs off only 46 balls, with two fours and two sixes. More importantly, he rotated the strike well with Kohli as the two put up 95 runs for the fifth wicket in just 85 balls.

New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan celebrates dismissing India’s Rohit Sharma for 3 in the first one-day international cricket match at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand, Sunday, Jan. 19. (AP Photo)

In the 38th over, Kohli reached his 18th ODI hundred, off 94 balls with 10 fours and a six. He celebrated with joy as the chase looked set. They accelerated with a plan in mind as 51 runs came off the second powerplay without any loss of wickets.

But the turning point came when Dhoni was out caught behind in the 43rd

over, off McClenaghan.

Three balls later, he removed Ravindra Jadeja (0), also caught behind fending a rising delivery.

Kohli still didn't give up, hitting boundaries at will, but he was finally out in the 45th over, caught sharply

by Jesse Ryder, who had earlier misjudged a skier from Kohli when he was on 95, at cover.

9th GTC chess grand prix held FINAL RESULTS

TOP 10 1st position: Ravikant Tiwari 6 points 2nd position: Tridev Buragohain 6 points 3rd position: Prasurjya Das 6 points 4th position: Nitish Das 5 points 5th position: Debanga Kaushik Bhattacharyya 5 points 6th position: Prachurjya Gayan 5 points 7th position: Kaustav Lahiri 5 points 8th position: Rajesh Kalita 5 points Winners at the 9th edition of the GTC Chess Grand Prix 2013-2014.

9th position: KOHIMA, JANUARY 19 (MExN): The ment. The closing ceremony was attended Bidisha Sarma 5 points position: 9th edition of the "GTC Chess Grand Prix by Guwahati Chess Association working 10th Ritwick Sinha 5 points

khro Wetsah, Zazhota Dawhuo, Pokhrumo, Boni Zholia and Zavepa Lohe. Time keepers- Zaveyi Kezo and Muyolhu.

The inaugural function will start at 8:30 AM. Thepuphi Kapuh will chair the function while presidential address will be delivered by CWA president Thepusayi Nienu. Administration of oath will be done

by CWA finance secretary Raruveyi Swuro.

National style categories to be conducted included (Men) 55kg and below, 55-60, 60-66, 66-74, 74-84, 84-96, 96-120 and 120 & above. Women: 48kg & below, 4851, 51-55, 55-59, 59-63, 63-67, 67-72 and 72 & above.

Weight measurement of National style for all categories will be done on February 2013-2014" concluded on Sunday. Alto- President Binod Khemka, Secretary M Arun 5 at 3:00 PM. Meanwhile, there will also be gether, 49 players participated in this 9th Singh and former Assam chess champion BEST UNDER 7 a meeting on February 5 at 5:00 PM. edition of the year long grand prix tourna- Tralokya Nanda as the guest of honour. *Aayushraj Sarma

*Anmol Bharadwaj *Rajdeep Hazarika BEST UNDER 9 *Manthan Kashyap Dutta *Snehashish Sinha *Abhinav Dubey BEST UNDER 11 *Mayukh Dutta *Vishesh Bajaj *Prithwis Das BEST UNDER 13 *Debanga Kalita *Harshal Bajaj *Jigyasdipta Gogoi BEST GIRL *Rishita Sinha *Anchita Sarma *Jenifa Islam

IvanovIc knocks out serena

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 19 (AP): The powerful serve that carried Serena Williams to 25 consecutive wins suddenly became the target of Ana Ivanovic's attack in a major fourth-round upset at the Australian Open. Williams had a back complaint she'd tried to keep secret before Sunday but Ivanovic noticed quickly that the best serve in women's tennis wasn't coming in as fast as expected, and started taking big swipes. The No. 14-seeded Ivanovic ended Williams' bid for a sixth Australian and 18th Grand Slam title with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory that took the hottest of favorites out of contention at Melbourne Park and opened up one side of the women's draw.

"It's not easy playing such a champion ... but she is also just a human," said Ivanovic, who beat Venus Williams in the final at Auckland, New Zealand earlier this month. "I just went out there swinging."

Williams hadn't lost a match since August, and had a phenomenal record of 78-4 in 2013. She came into the fourth round on the second-longest winning streak of her career, and it was her 70th match at Melbourne Park, a record in the Open era. Williams set the mark for most match wins (61) ever at the Australian Open with her third-round victory.

But she didn't move her feet well. And when she tried to step up the intensity in the third set, her grunts becoming louder until she toned it down after spraying a wild backhand in the next-to-last game, Ivanovic matched her stroke for stroke. "It wasn't the best," top-ranked Williams told a news conference, after hearing that her coach had leaked news of the back injury.

"Again, I don't want to blame anything. I feel like Ana deserves all the credit," Williams added. "I feel she played unbelievable today. I think she went for her shots. It's not like I gave her the match."

Ivanovic advanced to the quarterfinals here for the first time since her run to the 2008 final and will next play the winner of Sunday's later match between Australian wild-card entry Casey Dellacqua and No. 30-seeded Eugenie Bouchard.

The other quarterfinal on Ivanovic's half will feature two women who'll turn 32 next month, after two-time finalist Li Na beat No. 22 Ekaterina Ma-

Novak Djokovic romps into Australian Open quarters MELBOURNE, JANUARY 19 (AP): Novak Djokovic the entertainer has made a comeback, adding to his repertoire of impersonations by poking fun at his new coach Boris Becker in front of a roaring crowd at the Australian Open. Long before he was a top-ranked player, Djokovic had earned the nicknames "Court Jester" and "Joker" for his impressions of fellow pros, notably Maria Sharapova's shrieks, Rafael Nadal tugging at the back of his shorts, John McEnroe's tantrums. They weren't always well-received.

The 46-year-old Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, was seated among Djokovic's supporters Sunday, red in the face and laughing as he watched the Serbian star imitate his characteristic rocking motion for serves. Djokovic recruited Becker ahead of the Australian Open to help him try to win a fourth straight title, He took a step closer to Sunday by beating childhood friend Fabio Fognini, 6-3, 6-0, 6-2. The win ushered Djokovic into his 19th straight Grand Slam quarterfinal.

After the match, Djokovic walked back onto the court for an interview with Jim Courier, one of Becker's main rivals in the 1990s, who asked him: "Back in the day when you did impressions, did you have any of Boris?" Seated in the stands, Becker laughed and wagged his finger. "Uh, yes. I did," Djokovic replied, to the crowd's delight. "But he hasn't seen it yet."

karova 6-2, 6-0 and No. 28 Flavia Pennetta upset No. 9 Angelique Kerber 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.

Novak Djokovic watched the second and third sets of Ivanovic's win on TV, then continued his bid for a fourth straight title here with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 win over Fabio Fognini. No. 3-seeded David Ferrer beat Florian Mayer 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 and will next play No. 7 Tomas Berdych, who beat No. 19 Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, 6-3. In the 52 previous matches here where she'd won the first set, Wil-

liams had only ever lost one match — against fellow American Sloane Stephens in last year's quarterfinals.

The crowd was evenly divided at first but, sensing an upset, started backing Ivanovic, the former girlfriend of Australian golfer Adam Scott, as the match progressed. After dropping serve twice in the first set, Ivanovic didn't face another break point in the second or third sets. She broke Williams three times, frequently standing well inside the baseline to receive. She had 33 winners, including 20 on her forehand. She also had a little bit of luck, when she drove a backhand that deflected off the top of the net, looped over and caught the line. "I had to remind myself all the time just to stay in the moment, because there were moments in the match where it could have gone either way," Ivanovic said.

Ivanovic won her only major at the French Open in 2008, giving her the No. 1 ranking for a total of 12 weeks. But since she'd only advanced past the fourth round once at 22 Grand Slams.

Serena Williams of the U.S. supports herself with a racket as she plays Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19.(AP Photo)

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

Matt LeBlanc will always love Joey S

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att LeBlanc has admitted that he still loves his Friends character Joey Tribbiani, and the role will always be special to him. The actor is now appearing in sitcom Episodes, where he plays a fictional washed-up version of himself struggling to find new roles and was asked at a Television Critics Association event which role he found more challenging. According to Access Hollywood, Matt said: "I guess they're equally challenging to play. For me, Joey will always have a special place in my heart. That was a really fun guy to play."

Of his Episodes character, he said: "This is a guy who's achieved great success and that's fleeting and he's trying to get that back and that struggle is interesting in itself as well." The actor also said he was happy to only

be working for a few months of the year, with Episodes as his sole project. He explained: " F o u r months a year of work for me is plenty. I'm a dad. I have a 10-yearold and you know making her b re a k fa s t and taking her to school, and getting her after school and helping her with her homework that's really fun. We spend time together and take

trips and do all kinds of stuff like that. "I feel really fortunate to be in a position where I don't have to work."

Monday 20 January 2014

Dimapur

11

Selena Gomez reveals she gets relationship advice from

elena Gomez may have Katy Perry to thank for what appears to be an on-again romance with Justin Bieber. The 21-year-old Come & Get It star described the older singer as the person she turns to for relationship advice in the March issue of Seventeen magazine.

Selena may be on top of the world with a smash album and huge fanbase, but when she needs help in the love department Katy is her go-to gal. 'I haven’t found someone yet who could understand my lifestyle, support it, love me through it, and not be threatened by it.'

Selena may have been referring to the 19-year-old Never Say Never singer, with whom she's rumoured to be seeing again after a yearlong break. Justin sparked reconciliation talk when he posted a cosy snapshot of the two on his Instagram page on January 4. Then he added fodder to the fire by

p o s t - opened up to Seventeen ing a about her recent feud with p i c - 17-year-old songstress Lorde. The Royals singer spoke unkindly about Selena in September, suggesting that Come & Get It was anti-feminist and that she was 'sick of women being portrayed this way.' Taking the high road, Selena told Seventeen: 'I’m going to support her whether she likes me or not because I think she’s doi n g g re a t things.' The former Wizards ture of his 'love' tattoo, right Of Waverly Place star adnext to ink art of a jester. mitted that she often felt Selena was spotted 'defeated' and 'like an unenjoying a Segway ride derdog' when compared around Calabasas, close to to Miley Cyrus and Demi the gated enclave where Lovato during her Disney he has a home. Mean- days. That certainly can't while, Selena appears to be said now of Selena, who be in a forgiving mood, and posed for three electrifying

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Seventeen covers. In each shot, the dark-haired diva wears a T-shirt of varying hue with words such as 'brave,' 'confident' a n d 'dream' written on them.

Warmbill Art Carnival Screen Actors Guild Awards 2014: The winners

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ondon-based Norwegian actress, musician, songwriter, and singer, Kari Kleiv performed at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma on Saturday. She presented some of her originals, composed over the last few days, that she was here in the state capital. One of her compositions was on Nagaland, clearly definitive of the beauty of the hills.

She also performed some popular numbers, including To be with you by Mr. Big, Don’t speak by No Doubt and Zombie by the Cranberries, the latter, which she thought was apt considering the conflict the state was associated with in the past.

Mention may be made here that the two day Warmbill Art Carnival is a VNI Productions and was also marked by a fashion show with Naga ace archer, Chekrovolu as the show stopper on the first day and Art Exhibition for two consecutive days, showcasing works of Naga artists.

Stars dazzle at Screen Actor's Guild awards as big winners Cate Blanchett and Matthew McConaughey have Oscars in their sights.

Film Cast in a motion picture: American Hustle Female actor in a leading role: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine male actor in a leading

role: Matthew Mccoing role: Jared Leto, Dalnaughey, Dallas Buyers las Buyers Club Club Female actor in a sup- Television porting role: Lupita Female actor in a comNyong'o, 12 years a slave edy series: Julia Louismale actor in a supportDreyfus, Veep

male actor in a comedy series: TY Burrell, Modern family ensemble in a comedy series: Modern family Female actor in a tv movie or miniseries:

ma series: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey male actor in a drama series: Bryan Cranston, Breaking bad ensemble in a drama series: Breaking bad

Wahlberg furious over actors comparing themselves to soldiers

Director Justin Lin Tapped for Remake of the Shaolin Temple

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Helen Mirren,Phil Spector male actor in a tv movie or miniseries: Michael Douglas, Behind the candelabra Female actor in a dra-

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The Nag artists whose works were on display include, Seyiekelie Tepa, Vikhor Tepa, Shesalu and Neikuozo.

The event was attended by Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and SCERT and Khriehu Liezietsu, Advisor New & Renewable Energy (NRE) & Music Task Force (MTF) among others.

Lovini Yeptho presents a special number during the inaugural function of the 43rd general conference of Sumi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu (SAKK) recently at Kichilimi village under Pughoboto sub division. Morung Photo

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irector Justin lin has signed on to give Chinese cult classic THE Shaolin TEMPLE another remake - this time in 3D. The 1982 martial arts movie, which marked Jet Li's acting debut, was updated for action fans in 2011 under the title Shaolin, starring Jackie Chan and Andy Lau, and now Fast and Furious filmmaker Lin is set to give the kung fu

Margot Robbie may join 'Z for Zachariah'

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Seen here are: Veineinem Singson, winner of the 7th state level Miss Kut 2014, flanked by 1st runners up, Nenghoilhing Hangsing and 2nd runners up, Nengneivah Lotjem.

The event was held at Ahtibung on January 17 at the Kuki Mimkut Festival.

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ctress Margot Rob- a farm who is the sole surbie is in talks to join vivor but soon finds herself "Z for Zachariah", with a visitor. a post-apocalyptic movie that stars Chris Pine and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The movie is a screen adaptation of the novel by Robert C. O'Brien and centres on a US teen who survived a nuclear war, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

If the deal takes place, Robbie will replace actress Amanda Seyfried, who was originally cast as a teen on

epic a new spin, using modern technology to transform it into a 3D epic. A screenwriter and expected release date for the Chineselanguage project have yet to be announced. Lin will spend part of 2014 shooting the next installment of the Bourne franchise, which is due to hit movie theatres in 2015.

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ctor Mark Wa h l b e r g , who plays an American Navy SEAL in his latest movie "Lone Survivor", lashed out at actors who compare their struggle with that of a soldier.

While promoting

the Peter Berg directorial, Wahlberg was asked about how actors these days play such challenging roles and how the process was for him.

This made him lose his cool, said a statement.

"For actors to sit

here and talk about, ‘Oh, I went to SEAL training,’ and 'I slept on the ...' - I don’t give a f--- what you did. You don’t do what these guys did. For somebody to sit there and say my job was as difficult as somebody in

Julia Roberts dedicated to family, friends

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ctress Julia Roberts says the focus of her happiness has shifted with age and insists she is completely dedicated to her family and friends.

The 46-year-old has nine-yearold twins Hazel and Finn and sixyear-old son Henry with husband Daniel Moder.

"Happiness takes on different forms as you get older and smarter, make more friends and get deeper into relationships," express.co.uk quoted Roberts as saying.

"I am in a fortunate pace in which

I can dedicate myself to my family and friends," she added.

The "Pretty Woman" star doesn't feel that she has to struggle to live a normal life because she never tried to get help for any aspect of her personal life.

"I do not have to go to great lengths to participate in a normal life. I was once asked if I would like to be an ordinary housewife. But I am ordinary."

"The only person who cleaned my house was me. I never tried to put other parts of my life into compartments," Roberts said.

the military’s. How dare you? While you sit in a make-up chair for two hours,” said Wahlberg.

Based on a true story of the United States Navy's Sea, Air, Land Teams, "Lone Survivor" will release in India Feb 7.

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Titans CC win MDCA inter club cricket tournament

MOKOKCHUNG, JANUARY 19 (MExN): The much anticipated final match of the 23rd edition of MDCA inter club cricket tournament was played here at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday between Titans CC and Mustang United, where Titans pulled off a remarkable victory to lift Mokokchung district’s most coveted cricket trophy.

In a low scoring yet high intensity game of cricket full of drama and tension, both on and off the field, Titans overcame the target of 115 runs set by Mustang with 5 balls to spare. The spectators who came to witness the final match were entertained by a lot of twists and turns in the proceedings of the

match with neither of the teams allowing the other to take control.

Mustang United, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, got off to a flying start with their Dimapurian import Aosashi punishing the Titans bowlers early on. However, Titans came back into the match with the help of some tight bowling attack by their bowlers despite the early onslaught by the Mustang batsmen to restrict them to 114 all out in 19.2 overs.

Aosashi was dismissed 2 runs short of his maiden 50 in Mokokchung while Lanu contributed 19 runs for Mustang.

Bir Bahadur was the nemesis for Mustang batsmen who demolished their bat-

Australia thrash Eng to win ODI series

SYDNEY, JANUARY 19 (REUTERS): David Warner and Shaun Marsh smashed fifties to complement their bowlers' efforts as Australia crushed England by seven wickets in the third one-day international in Sydney on Sunday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Warner blasted seven boundaries and two sixes in his 71 off just 70 balls at the top of the order while fellow left-hander Marsh remained unbeaten on 71 to anchor the chase as Australia maintained an utter dominance of their arch-rivals. The hosts comfortably chased down their 244run target with 10 overs to spare as England continued the search for a first win of their wretched tour Down Under, during which they also lost the Ashes series 5-0. Warner added 78 for the second wicket with Marsh before he hit Ben Stokes straight to Ian Bell at cover but there was little respite for England as Marsh and captain Michael Clarke then combined for a 51-run stand to take the team closer to victory.

Brad Haddin (37 not out) was promoted after Clarke (34) chopped Ravi Bopara onto his stumps and the Australia wicketkeeper continued his good form, racing to the target with Marsh with an unbroken stand of 72 in just 68 balls. Earlier, England wasted a brisk start from openers Alastair Cook (35)

ting line-up with some extraordinary bowling, finishing with a wonder bowling figure of 5/7 in 3.2 overs. Ato Chang also picked 3/16 in his 4 overs for Titans CC. Chasing the target of 115, Titans were forced into the back-foot early on as their most reliable batsman of the tournament Longsasunep failed to score a single run in a rare failure with the bat. But with the help of a wonderful partnership between Sanen (41 runs) and Rajesh (19 runs), Titans took the game away from Mustang United. Temjenmeren also played a good inning with a quick fire 29 runs. Aosashi 4/22 was the pick of the Mustang bowlers. Achet also picked up 3/18 in his 4 overs. Titans chased down the target

in 19.1 overs losing 7 wickets and winning the match by 3 wickets. Champions Titans were handed Rs.20,000/- along with certificates and the trophy later in the post match presentation ceremony. Mustang United got the runner-up shield and the certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10,000/-. Man of the Match for the final was awarded to Bir Bahadur of Titans CC. Toshi Paul of Sovran CC was awarded with the Most Successful Bowler award for picking 12 wickets in 4 games.

Longsasunep of Titans CC was awarded with the Man of the Series award for his 165 runs and 6 wickets. He was also awarded the Best Batsman Award and a cricket bat sponsored Titan players after emerging victorious in the final match of

by Tameed Reheman from Dimapur the 23rd MDCA inter club cricket tournament.

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and Ian Bell (29) to end on a below-par 243 for nine wickets in their 50 overs.

Most of England's batsmen got starts after captain Cook won the toss and opted to bat but they failed to convert them to big scores in the face of some tight bowling and outstanding fielding from Australia.

Cook's quickfire innings was cut short when Glenn Maxwell took a sharp catch at cover, while Warner found a direct hit from the outfield to run Bell out.

Clarke also took a low catch at square leg to remove Stokes (15) before Daniel Christian dived full length to take a return catch off the leading edge of key batsman Eoin Morgan. Morgan (54) was once again the top-scorer for England and his dismissal after hitting four boundaries and two massive sixes robbed the visitors of any momentum in the closing stages. It was left to a slogging Tim Bresnan to take England to a fighting total with a 29-ball 41 which included two sixes off Christian in the last over.

Nathan Coulter-Nile was the most successful bowler for Australia, picking up three wickets for 47 runs, while James Faulkner and Christian picked up two wickets apiece. Paceman James Pattinson, playing his first match for Australia since last July's Test match at Lord's, struggled for rhythm in his return from injury and leaked 41 runs during his six overs.

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