21st June 2014 by The Morung Express

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 168

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Saturday, June 21, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

The role of leadership is to transform the complex situation into small pieces and prioritize them 16 Indians evacuated from Iraq, abducted workers remain unharmed: MEA [ PAGE 8]

‘Dame’ Angelina Jolie seeks Namibian citizenship? [ PAGE 11]

Awareness on modernisation of meat shops under NMFP conducted [ PAGE 2]

Iraqi forces ready push after US offers advisers [ PAGE 9]

Imti Longchar

21st June - 09:30 PM Argentina vs Iran 22nd June - 12:30 AM nigeria vs Bosnia Herzegovina 22nd June - 3:30 AM Germany vs Ghana

By Sandemo Ngullie

Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz (10) watches as the ball goes past Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to score his side’s first goal during the group D World Cup soccer match between Italy and Costa Rica at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil on June 20. (AP Photo)

rail passenger fares hiked 14.2 percent

Is the over-dependency on government jobs leading to rise in unemployment in Nagaland? Yes

Others

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 (IANS): The government Friday raised the railway passenger fares by 14.2 percent in all classes and freight charge by 6.5 percent effective form June 25. The new passenger fares and freight rates aimed at mobilising resources for the cash-strapped Indian Railways come just days after Prime Minister Narendra

Modi warned countrymen to get ready for some “bitter medicine” needed to revive the economy and ahead of the full railway budget next month. The railway ministry said the revision of rates was done as part of interim budget presented by the previous UPA-II government, but was not implemented because of the 10-phase Lok

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NEW DELHI, JUNE 20 (PTI): Amidst reports of the NDA government nudging the Governors appointed by previous UPA regime to step down, Nagaland Governor Ashwini Kumar today said he did not get any communication from the Centre but was ready to put in his papers if asked to do so. “No one has asked me. But if any order comes, I will follow it,” he told reporters here after a meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources described the meeting as a courtesy call and said the issue of Kumar’s resignation did not figure in the discussion. Kumar was CBI Director when the agency had arrested BJP general secretary Amit Shah in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh alleged fake encounter killing case in Gujarat.

Sabha elections spread over April-May. It said the annual expenditure of the ministry could not be met unless the revised rates as finalized by previous government are implemented. According to a ministry release, there will be a flat 10 percent increase in all classes. In addition, there will be an increase of 4.2 percent in fares on account

45 ne militant camps exist in Bangladesh, Bsf informs

AGARTALA, JUNE 20 (PTI): Despite good relation between BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 45 camps of different militant outfits of India’s NorthEast exist in Bangladesh, top BSF officer said today. “Our relation with BGB is fabulous and they are highly cooperative. Despite this 45 militant camps of North-East militants exist in Bangla soil,” Special DG of BSF, B D Sharma told reporters after having a telephonic discussion with DG of BGB Major Gen Aziz Ahmed. He said, the insurgents could not be fully wiped out from Bangladesh soil because deployment of BGB was less compared to requirement. Sharma said, out of 45 militant camps, militants from Tripura have 21 camps, mostly belonged to two banned outfits - All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT). Special DG said, “Any border cannot be properly protected only by guns. Mas-

Will resign if asked to do so: Nagaland Governor

After her water broke and complications arose, Manthai (name changed) was hurriedly transported on a bamboo stretcher by her villagers (Wontsoi) on foot to the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) located at Pangsha New, five kilometers away. Wontsoi, a Khiamniungan village under Pangsha range bordering Myanmar, is as remote as it gets. With no motorable road, the only option is to travel on foot. By the time the villagers reached the PHC, it was a too late. With no doctor posted at the basic centre and the nearest hospital located more than 30km away at Noklak, Manthai succumbed to complications of the placenta and her story of untold suffering and tragic death soon became a thing of the past. Healthcare still remains a neglected issue for villages in the Pangsha range bordering Myanmar. The only PHC located at Pangsha New still does not have a medical officer (doctor). A pharmacist or compounder along with a nurse and two GNM operate the basic health centre which caters to a number of villages both at the border and in Myanmar. Manthai’s is not an iso-

lated case. Another pregnant woman from the same village had to be carried all the way to Noklak on foot by the villagers. Fortunately, the woman could deliver normally, notwithstanding the tortuous experience faced by the woman and the villagers. In another incident, a young woman from Pangsha New was

Pangsha New, villagers from as far as Shiu, Henpu, Kingphu from Myanmar and Shinyu from Mon district area trudge on foot to Pangsha PHC to avail what little is there of medical facilities and treatment. Besides the remoteness of the villages and lack of general transportation facilities, the main cause of worry for the medical attendants at the PHC is cases of child delivery and maternity that comes in on a regular basis. “We have no ambulance during cases of emergency, no doctor to treat the patients needing serious instant attention; we worry every day,” added Meya. The lack of proper medical facilities is not their only cause for worry. The compounder (who dons the responsibility of a doctor) and nurses at the PHC spend most of their salary on conveyance. “To go to Noklak to collect medicine/vaccines and return back, we have to pay more than 500-600 rupees from our own pockets every time to hire a bike,” he pointed out. Or, for instance, to travel to ITC Dan from the health centre to treat a patient, which is 10km away. “It virtually becomes impossible to go back and forth to the different villages during emergency.”

Villagers suffer for lack of doctor at Pangsha PHC

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sive development projects are required for socio-economic development of people living in both side of the border. Considering these aspects, BSF proposed to Ministry of Home Affairs for setting up 60 border haats (markets) in the eastern border, so that people from both sides could sell their local products in those markets”. Of the 60 border haats, 22 were proposed in Meghalaya, 32 in West Bengal, four in Tripura and two in Assam. Sharma said, out of about 4000-km border with Bangladesh, barbed wire fencing would be erected in 3314 km, of which 2418 km long areas have already been fenced and works are in progress in 342 km. “So, about 70 per cent of the border is now fenced,” he said. Sharma said that 3061 km of Indo-Bangla border would be illuminated by flood lighting to check smuggling and border crimes, of which 1732 km have already been illuminated which is 57 per cent of the total works.

cntc urges nagaland state govt to uphold ‘assurances’

DIMAPUR, JUNE 20 (MExN): The Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) today called upon the Nagaland state government to act with “integrity” and uphold the assurances made by the latter regarding construction of the Nagaland Foothill Road. This demand was tabled at an executive meeting of the CNTC on June 20. A press note from the CNTC President, Ntsemo Ngullie and General Secretary, Imtinochet informed that the meeting resolved to voice out its concerns regarding what it termed as “confusion and distortion created in the smooth construction of the Foothill Road.” The CNTC questioned the “credibility of the department concerned and the government,” and

stated that the assurance and commitment made with the NFHRCC during last year’s meeting in the presence of the former Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and other officials have not been honored. It stated that the construction of the first phase i.e. passage (Jeepable road) from Dimapur to Tizit was to be initiated by the NFHRCC, to which end, it said that the committee has undertaken “tireless efforts in negotiating with the general public in the affected areas and the National Workers for exemption of any land compensation and taxation.” It further apprised the public that the proposal for the Foothill Road construction project has come up under “extraordinary circumstances, where the

general public has enthusiastically participated to make this dream a reality.” It added that the government is also fully aware of the situation under which the Foothill Road construction has come up and as such called upon the former not to deviate from the assurance made. The CNTC further called upon the Nagaland government to honor the “genuine demand of the 10 tribes to revoke the work order issued through open tender and allot the work order to the NHFRCC recommended contractors to complete the first phase work.” This, the CNTC asserted, must be done “in order to avoid confrontation and hurdles in the progress of the ongoing construction.

of FAC (fuel adjustment component) which is due from April 2014. There will be no increase in fares up to minimum distance. There will be no change in charges for reservation fee, superfast surcharge etc. The revised fares will also apply to tickets issued in advance for journeys to commence on or after June 25, 2014. Related news on page 4

forced to give birth midway to Noklak town. It is not certain whether Nagaland State health authorities are aware of such fatal and life threatening incidents occurring frequently due to lack of proper medical facilities or a doctor. T Hosea Meya, Pharmacist of PHC Pangsha New, said he had, on occasions, requested his superiors the urgent need to appoint a doctor, only to be told that there was no post for MO at the centre. Although there is a six bedded PHC at Pangsha Old village which was supposed to be the main health centre, it is not operational for reasons unknown and the building stands empty and unused. Apart from Wontsoi, ITC Dan, Pangsha Old and

Global refugee numbers highest since WWii: Un GENEVA, JUNE 20 (NYT): The number of people displaced by violent conflict hit the highest level since World War II at the end of 2013, the head of the United Nations refugee agency, António Guterres, said in a report released on Friday, warning that “peace is dangerously in deficit.” Pushed up dramatically by the war in Syria, the total number of people displaced by violence reached more than 51 million at the end of 2013, according to the agency’s “Global Trends” report for the year. This included 33.3 million people who fled violence but remained in their own country and 16.7 million refugees who fled to neighboring countries, it said. “We are not facing an increasing trend, we are really facing a quantum leap,” Guterres told reporters in Geneva, noting that close to 11 million people were newly displaced in 2013. Half the world’s population of displaced people are children, he added, the highest level in a decade. “There is no humanitarian response able to solve the problems of so many people,” he warned. “It’s becoming more and more difficult to find the capacity and resources to deal with so many people in such tragic circumstances.” Moreover, the impact of conflicts raging this year in Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ukraine and now Iraq threatens to push levels of displacement even higher by the end of 2014,

Eritrean asylum seekers eat lunch together on the sidewalk in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, June 20. Since April 29, over 200 Eritrean asylum seekers including women and children living on the streets of Sanaa wait to be resettled to a third country. For the first time since the World War II era, the number of people forced from their homes worldwide has surged past 50 million, the United nations refugee agency said Friday. (AP Photo)

he said. “What this demonstrates is that the international community today has very limited capacity to prevent conflicts and to find timely solutions,” Guterres said, spotlighting the failure of global powers to work effectively together. “We see the Security Council paralyzed in many crucial crises,” he added. To make matters worse, the consequences of past conflicts “never seem to die,” Guterres said. Iran and Pakistan still host more than two and a half million Afghan refugees, and over six million people have

been in exile for five years or more. The number of refugees returning to their countries in 2013 was one of the lowest levels of recent years at 414,000, the refugee agency reported, while the number of people taken in for resettlement by other countries totaled just 98,400. In addition to refugees, more than 1.1 million people had applied for asylum in 2013, the highest number in a decade, Guterres reported. A particularly worrying trend was the growing number of children traveling unaccompa-

nied. But amid mounting anxiety in Western countries over immigration and the flow of migrants to their shores, Guterres was quick to puncture any illusion that developed countries of the North were hosting most of the world’s refugees. “The truth is that 86 percent of the world’s refugees are living in developing countries,” he said, a much higher proportion than 10 years ago. “The trend is not only to have more and more refugees but more and more refugees in the developing world,” he said. Related news on page 9

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Dimapur

Saturday

LocaL

21 June 2014

Naga Talents Promo-3

District auditions starts from June 23

DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): Pheto Music Association promotional event ‘Naga Talents Promo – 3’ districts auditions will start from Dimapur on June 23 at Pheto Music Association office Padumpukhuri NH- 39 behind Eastern College at 4:00 pm. Interested person can come and take direct spot Audition. Contact at 943405818 and 9862509755. Kohima Audition will

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MEx File

ASLB 3rd convocation prog held

be held on June 24 at Lcs building near Ao church at 4:00 pm or contact Lineage Enterprise @ 8014904701. PMA promotional ultimate winner will walk away with cash prize of Rs 3 lakhs for both individual and group categories. After the various districts auditions there will be an elimination round in the month of July, August, September and grand finale will be held in the month of October 2014. Contestants are informed to reach the venue on time without failed.

DDK Kohima informs

kohIMa, June 20 (Mexn): Among the five Indians selected for undergoing training on Operation and Maintenance of 500 W Automade TV Transmitter at Ljunljana, Slovenia Neizekhotuo Yhome is from Doordarshan Kendra Kohima. Neizekhotuo along with four other colleagues will leave for Slovenia soon. A press release stated that “The expenditure towards will be borne by the Doordarshan. The Ministry of External Affairs has been requested to accord necessary clearance from political angle for the five Doordarshan officers.” A large portion of the road has been washed away by flood as the road connecting in Longleng district hq and EAC Sakshi area are damaged due to landslide caused by incessant rainfall.

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DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): L. Khumo, Parliamentary Secretary Land Record & Survey made a maiden visit to the Directorate of Land Records & Survey in Dimapur on June 18 and had a meeting with Director, Officers of the Directorate and District Officers. The meeting was chaired by YL Jami, IAS Secretary, Land Revenue. Neilhoutsü Terüno, Joint Director delivered the welcome speech. A brief note about the activities of the Department was presented by E.N Kithan, Director, Land Records & Survey. L. Khumo appreciated the Department for giving

him warm reception. He also appreciated the works done under his predecessors and called upon the department to work hand in hand with transparency for strengthening the Department in particular and the State in general. He also exhorted the officers to be dedicated towards their respective assignments and that no opposition and ruling be existed within the Department. Secretary, Under Secretary and host of party workers, accompanied the Parliamentary Secretary. The meeting ended with a note of gratitude from the Secretary, LR.

Awareness on modernisation of meat shops under NMFP conducted

DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): With a view to bring awareness on the various aspects of consumption, sale and handling of hygienic meat products, an awareness programme on modernisation of meat shops under National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) was conducted at Dimapur town hall on June 20. More than two hundred participants comprising of ward leaders, GBs, butchers, meat sellers and prospective entrepreneurs attended the program. B. Longkumer, OSD Industries & Commerce,

chaired the programme. The Chairman in his opening remarks gave brief introduction about the modernization of meat shops and the need of hygienic meat for consumers. He informed that a scheme for modernisation of meat shops was available under the National Mission on Food Processing and urged the existing meat shop owners to take up moderinsation of their establishment for which, adequate grant-in-aid was available under the scheme. He also called upon the ward leaders, GBs and business as-

sociations as consumers of meat to be stakeholders in the effort and to ensure that the scheme is implemented in letter and in spirit for the benefit of all meat consumers. Tarep Imchen, Administrator, DMC gave the welcome address. Khrielie Peseyie, Deputy Director of Industries & Commerce highlighted the scheme of modernization of meat shops Powerpoint presentations on Prototypes of modernised meat shops, machinery & equipments. Dr. Unikali Jimomi from the Veterinary De-

First ever Khiamniungan village in Dimapur dist inaugurated

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DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): A new village called Khiamnok Village under Dhansiripar subdivision, Dimapur district was inaugurated by P. Longon, Minister for Health and Welfare on Friday. Addressing the inaugural programme, the Minister said that Khiamnok Village is the 44 Khiamniungan recognized village in India and informed that there are also 167 village in Myanmar (Burma). He also said that Khiamnok Village under Dhansiripar sub-division, Dimapur district is the first village of Khiamniungan outside its ancestral land in the state and thanked the Phimla village for allowing their land to be purchased and make into a village, Razaphe village and Razaphe Basa and neighbouring villages, which the new village will now embark upon a new journey of peace and development and also bringing in more oneness and unity amongst the Naga tribes. Further Longon also ex-

P.Longon, Minister for Health and Family welfare, his wife, H. Atokye Aye, SDO(D) Dhansirpar, along with the elders of Khiamnok Village on Friday poses for lens at the inaugural of the new village.

pressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for giving the approval at the Cabinet Meeting to recognized Khiamnok village. Terming it as an “historic occasion” for the Khiamniungan tribe, the Minister also urged upon his community to immediately start human settlement and start the construction works and also sought the active help, support and cooperation of all neighbouring villages so that

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Mokokchung, June 20 (DIPR): The 3rd convocation programme of Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB), Ao language proficiency test was held on June 20 at town hall Mokokchung with Addl. Director, Health & Family Welfare Dr. (Mrs) Nandira Changkija as the chief guest. In her speech, the chief guest lauded the ASLB for taking the initiative of conducting the test which has an annual increase turn out of graduates in Ao language in the district. She also emphasized on the need to teach the younger generation to learn and love one’s own language. She also wished success to ASLB in their ventures in developing and preserving the language. During the programme certificates were given to those who have passed the Arangtet Tatidang (Ao Language Proficiency Test Exams) out of 56 awardees, 14 were of degree (BA) course and 42 were of master’s degree.

Khumo visits Land Records and Survey in Dimapur

Parliamentary Secy. L Khumo

the new village grow from strength to strength in all fields. The Minister also assured to bring an all round development to the possible extend from his side and thanked all the people who work tireless for recognition of the village. Earlier he unveiled the monolith stone erected in honour of the village amidst rounds of thunderous clap. Rev. Pinglang, Executive secretary KBCA, led the dedicatory prayer. Also addressing the

gathering Khekaho Assumi, MLA congratulated the Khiamnok Village for making a good start, good beginning with right people. He also called upon all the neighbouring villages to live together, so that the Naga society moves forward. H.Atokye Aye, SDO(D) Dhansirpar said that it was a big day for Khiamnok Village and the community in celebrating the establishment of new village , adding that the new village under Dhansiripar sub-di-

vision, Dimapur district is sign of development and progress. He also saluted the founders and pioneers and urged upon the village to maintained peace, unity and harmony amongst the Naga community. Giving a brief history of the Khiamnok village establishment, T. Thangsoy council Treasurer said that Khiamnok Village is a recognized village by Nagaland government and is the first ever Khiamniungan village in Dimapur district. Earlier the function was chaired by L.Khuming, invocation prayer was given by Khumong Pastor . KBF, welcome address by P.Pukha, council chairman. Short speeches were given by LL Buming , vice President, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, Head GB Phimla Village and a GB Razaphe Basa village council. A special number was presented by Khiamnok Baptist fellowship , vote of thanks was delivered by C. Sangjeu council secretary, and benediction by M. Pusham , Pastor, KBCD.

Theatre art form reaches Khar village NGTC Dimapur meeting today

DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) Dimapur has convened a general meeting on June 21, 10:00 am at Eralibill Village Council Hall. All the leaders and members of various Garo organisation are directed to attend the meeting without fail.

partment gave a presentation on Quality of Livestock & Meat, Establishment & Maintenance of meat shops. Sendongkaba, Food Safety Officer under the Chief Medical Officer’s office, Dimapur highlighted on the provisions under the Food safety & Standards Act 2006 (FSSA). Imlimar, an entrepreneur representing the Business Association of Nagas proposed the vote of thanks. This was stated in a press release issued by Deputy Director of Industries & Commerce Khrielie Peseyie.

Fifth session of the twelfth NLA on July 22

kohIMa, June 20 (DIPR): The Governor of Nagaland in exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India has summoned the Fifth Session of the Twelfth Nagaland Legislative Assembly to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 22nd July, 2014 in the Assembly Hall, Kohima. This was stated in a press release issued by Secretary Nagaland Legislative Assembly, A.E. Lotha.

GPRN/NSCN recovers two wheelers

DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): GPRN/NSCN Crime Control Cell (CCC) recovered two Bikes Bajaj Pulsar 180cc, 1 blue color with Chassis no. M020H0JZZVCA45391, Engine no. DJGBVA92710 and other Cocktail wine color with Chassis no. MD2A12D72ECL63177, Engine no. DJZCEL82420.Therefore, MIP, GPRN/NSCN in a press release has the rightful owner has been asked to contact mobile no. 9856775832(home Secretary) and (CCC Secretary) 8575721973 and claim the vehicle with proper and valid documents within seven days from the date of publication of this information.

Lotsu Students’ Union meeting

DIMaPuR, June 20 (Mexn): The Lotsu Students’ Union has convened an emergency meeting on June 21 at 1:00 pm at the residence of Zumomo Tsanglao, Lotha Colony, Dimapur. LSU president Abemo T Lotha in a press release has requested chairman, secretary, Lotsu Union Dimapur, elders and senior students to attend the meeting.

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Youths trained on woodcarving & POP moulding

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Trainees with resource persons showcase products after completion of training on wood carving and POP moulding held at IIDC, Kiruphema.

kohIMa, June 20 (Mexn): With the objective to impart skills upgradation to the youths of Nagaland and promote dignity of labour, trainings on Wood Carving and POP (Plaster of Paris) moulding were conducted. Zynorique Initiatives in collaboration with Department of Youth Resources & Sports at the Integrated Infrastructural Development Center (IIDC), Kiruphema

conducted the training. Trainees from Kohima, Zunheboto and Wokha District participated in the training. Resource persons included James Lotha, trained woodcarver from Nopphadol Woodcarving College, Chiangmai Thailand as Head Trainer with Kiusang, Assistant Trainer; Zasi Rote, Program Director; Imnanaro, Training Coordinator and Seyietsokho Rurhie, Manager.

The training began with a ten-day intensive workshop on woodcarving where participants learned the basics of handling woodcarving tools and wood carving upto two layers. This was followed by a three-day course on Plaster of Paris moulding which enabled participants to learn the complete art of moulding, framing and finishing of artworks.

VoN-1 promotional drive concert held

Registration/renewal of shops and establishment kohIMa, June 20 (Mexn): The Labour & Employment Department, concerning fees payable for registration/renewal of shops and establishment in Nagaland has reminded all concerned which comes under the purview of the Shops and Establishments Act, 1986 to co-operate with the registering authority and register/ renew their shops and establishments. Any shops and establishments continuing business without valid registration/renewal certificate shall be liable to be penalized under Section 29 of the Act. This was informed in a press release issued by Er. L. Nungshiyanger Aier, Joint Labour The participants and resource person during the theatre workshop organised by Khar Bap- Commissioner (HoD). tist Church Youth Department from June 17-21.

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khaR, June 20 (Mexn): In a first of its kind, the Khar Baptist Church Youth Department has organised a theatre workshop from June 17-21, in Khar village under Mokokchung district. Bendang Walling, alumni of National School of Drama is the resource person.

Lima Walling, Youth director in charge Khar Baptist Church Youth Department said that the purpose of the workshop is to encourage the usage of theatre art form as a medium to communicate with the congregation about God and about Christian principles. “Creativity in worshipping God has be-

come the focus in most of the churches today and that older folks have been expecting a lot from the younger generation, in order to have a meaningful and creative worship,” said Lima. Altogether 15 students from cadet club are attending the five-day theatre workshop.

SDMA organise awareness prog at Peren PeRen, June 20 (DIPR): State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Nagaland organised awareness programme on June 20 at Peren headquarter town Hall. State Media Officer, SDMA Keran Rose Koza, presented a power point presentation on disaster management and its consequences when it occurs. Welcome speech was delivered by EAC HQ Peren while a short drama on disaster management was presented by Dreamz Unlimited and vote of thanks was proposed by SDO (C) Peren.

Semifinalist along with Peter Lichamo, DC Peren, host Paukizon Meriam and organiser of VoN Zangzang Zeliang. (Photo courtesy: Heutinggumbe)

PeRen, June 20 (Mexn): Voice of Nagaland-1 held its Promotional Drive Concert at Peren town with 11 semifinalists on June 19. The concert was hosted by Paukizon Meriam, Miss Peren 2012 and graced by Peter Lichamo, Deputy Commissioner,

Peren district. The chief guest encouraged the organizer, Zangzang Zeliang to keep up his good will and dreams for all Naga youngster giving liberal platform. He also challenged that such this program should be encouraged.

REgional

The Morung Express

Saturday

21 June 2014

Dimapur

Meghalaya govt wants to gain Fewer people killed along from China's ageing population India-Bangladesh border: BSF

AgArtAlA, June 20 (IAnS): After Indian border guards started using non-lethal weapons, the number of people killed along the border has come down from 100 to 12 in a year, a BSF official said here Friday. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also proposed setting up 64 "border haats" (markets) along the border to further improve relations between India and Bangladesh. The two neighbours share a 4,095km border, 30 percent of which is riverine. "We have stopped using lethal and sophisticated arms along the border with Bangladesh. During the past few years our jawans are using non-lethal weapons and as a result people killed along the frontier has

come down from around 100 to 12 in a year," BSF Special Director General (eastern command) Bansi Dhar Sharma told reporters. He said: "To further improve relations among people on both sides and to boost their economic empowerment, we have proposed to set up 64 'border haats' on the Indian side of the border." Of the 64 'border haats', 32 are proposed to be set up along the border in West Bengal followed by 22 in Meghalaya, four each in Tripura and Mizoram, and two in Assam. Two 'border haats' are already functioning on the Meghalaya border. The official said that around 45 camps of militants from northeast India still exist in Bangladesh. "BGB (Border Guard

Bangladesh) are positive about demolishing Indian extremists' camps in Bangladesh. Their (BGB) deployment along the eastern frontier is insufficient. On our request, they are setting up many BGB camps along the borders with northeastern states of India," Sharma said. "Today also, I spoke to BGB Director General Maj. Gen. Aziz Ahmed over phone and discussed about some border related problems. He responded positively," the official said, adding the BGB is now raising new battalions to strengthen their vigil along the border with India. "To improve relations between the bordering people of the two countries, we are now conducting more civic action

programmes, including cultural and health related events. BSF troopers are learning local Bengali language." To facilitate the movement of security forces and civil officials, border roads have been built along 2,472 km (65 percent) of the border against a sanctioned length of 3,781 km. "Fund crisis, land acquisition, terrain related issues, riverine and low lying areas, population residing within 150 yards of the border led to delay in completion of works of fencing, floodlighting and border roads," the BSF special DG said. The BSF official reviewed the security situation along the boundary during a meeting with top officials, sector and battalion commanders here Fri-

day. He also visited Akhaura border near here in the wake of recent incidents along the border. BSF trooper Sandip Kumar, 28, and villager Ismail Mia, 70, were killed in a clash between the border guards and villagers along the boundary in Tripura June 6. Eleven people were injured in the incident on the outskirts of the state capital Agartala. The Tripura government has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. "I have asked the sector and battalion commanders to sensitise the jawans and other field officials to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Keeping close relations between the BSF and people would be the priority of the force," he added.

ShIllong, June 20 (IAnS): With an eye to China's ageing workforce, Meghalaya Thursday decided to set up three skill development centres to train youths to help them step into the anticipated job spaces, specially in the manufacturing sector. "It is expected that in the next five to 10 years, because of the ageing population in China, many of the manufacturing giants, which are at the moment operating from China, would be shifting to other regions and India with a young population would gain," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters here. Keeping this in mind, the Meghalaya cabinet approved setting up of three skill development "centres of excellence" to train students in the manufacturing sector in collaboration with US-based computer software company, Para-

metric Technology Corporation (PTC) Limited. PTC would invest to the tune of Rs.160.56 crore in these three centres, while the Meghalaya government will have to invest around Rs.15.55 crore. Initially, the state government has decided to create three centres of excellence - in the existing polytechnics of Shillong, Jowai and Tura where the firm would train around 2,500 students in each centre. "These centres would impart students' skills in the manufacturing sector and high-end courses such as development of machines, advanced tool making and similar other courses would be taught," Sangma said after chairing a cabinet meeting. Moreover, he said the manufacturing sector would open up huge opportunities in creating an environment, where investments and job oppor-

tunities would be created, provided India has the manpower required for these manufacturing giants. "These exercise would help the state not only in countering the human capital development but also create job opportunities for the unemployed youth in the state and the region," Sangma said. China's population above 60 years of age is expected to exceed 300 million by 2025 and hit 30 percent by 2050. While India is set to become the world's youngest country by 2020 with 64 percent of its population in the working age group. India's population in the age group of 15-34 years increased from 353 million in 2001 to 430 million in 2011. Current predictions imply an increase in the youth population to 464 million by 2021, and a decline to 458 million by 2026.

STATE Briefs Tamenglong truck accident UNC meeting to review ‘Alternative Arrangement’ today June 20 (nnn): All February 6, the United Naga Council Panchayati Raj and N. Biren, MLA. 138 Brus return to Mizoram death toll rises to seven SenAPAtI, Meanwhile, the United Naga eyes on the the outcome of the United (UNC)'s demand for the 'Alternative

IMPhAl, June 20 (nnn): The death toll in Tamenglong district truck accident has risen to seven as two more succumbed last night. The dead bodies were brought to Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal where postmortems were done this morning and they have been handed over to the families. The victims have been identified as Dailakliu Kamei (70 years) of Khongsang Part-3, Apeina Gangmei (27) of Rengpang, Thangongpou Rongmei (28) of Khongsang, Thuankulung Phaomei (34) of Khongsang, Gabriel Tete (36) of Lowakea Dartoli, Jharkhand, Meinganphang Kamei (33) of Rengpang and Khongam Gangmei (32) of Rengpang. Meanwhile, 15 injured including 4 women are now being treated at JNIMS. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and others visited JNIMS at around 10 am today and consoled the victims' relatives. It is not clear what assistance the chief minister and the deputy chief minister have given to the victims. The accident happened when the BRPTF truck that was transporting them fell into a deep gorge in Tamenglong on June 19 evening. The BRTF truck carrying 35 labourers fell into the gorge between Khongsang and Irang at around 5 pm. The spot where the accident occurred is 25 km east of Nungba police station.

Naga Council (UNC) meeting of June 21 at Senapati district headquarters to review and study thoroughly the Alternative Arrangement demanded by the 'Nagas in Manipur'. Tribe leaders from various districts have started arriving at Senapati town today for the meeting. Meanwhile, if need be the UNC may go for a concerted mass movement to press for Alternative Arrangement, said a well placed source today. "However, all the Naga tribe representatives in Manipur along with the UNC will chalk out the next line of action after a thorough discussion on the matter," confided another source. On May 6 at Mao Gate, UNC president L Adani had said that the Government of India would place a "special committee" or high level committee to examine the 'Alternative Arrangement' for the Nagas of Manipur after the 16th Lok Sabha election process got over. It can be recalled here that on

Arrangement' for the Nagas of Manipur was elevated to a 'political level'. The 7th round 'tripartite talks' involving the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and the United Naga Council (UNC) was held at Senapati on February 6, 2014. That day's development was significant because the previous six rounds were mere meetings of UNC leaders with the bureaucrats for which reason the Naga body was fuming. The UNC had expressed then that the February 6 talk was a cordial one although no concrete decision was arrived at. Regarding the February 6 talks, Shambhu Singh, Home Secretary (NE- in Charge), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led the Government of India’s delegation. The ministerial team of the Manipur Government was led by Govindas Konthoujam, Industries minister. Francis Ngajokpa, minister Rural Development and

Council acknowledges the cooperation and solidarity of the general public in ensuring the successful observation of 48 hours total bandh in Nagas areas from the midnight of June 16, 2014. "We congratulate the frontal organisations, tribe hohos, students’ unions and youth organisations for effectively taking up ownership of the protest programme and also exercising outmost restraint to make it peaceful and violence free," said the UNC note today. According to the UNC, the protest bandh was a clear message to the world that the Nagas in Manipur are determined to secure their political aspiration for an alternative arrangement outside the communal Government of Manipur pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue. "With the continued and unstinted participation of the Naga people we will to take forward the people’s movement till our aspiration is achieved," the UNC added.

on 3rd day of repatriation

AIzAWl, June 20 (PtI): At least 138 Brus including 51 minors, belonging to 26 families returned to Mizoram from Tripura relief camps on the fourth day of the sixth phase of repatriation today, Mizoram home department officials said. Officials said that 15 families were received at the Kanhmun facilitation centre while 11 families were received at the Zomuantlang facilitation by the Mamit district administration officials where verification whether repatriated Brus were bona fide residents of Mizoram or not. The repatriated Brus were resettled in ten villages in the Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh border Mamit district after being given 20 kilos of rice to each person. Altogether 806 people including 245 children belonging to 156 families have returned in the sixth phase of repatriation which commenced Tuesday.

Two NSCN (IM) cadres arrested in Arunachal

ItAnAgAr, June 20 (PtI): Two cadres of NSCN (IM) were arrested with arms and ammunition from a village near Khonsa in troubled Tirap district, a senior police official said Friday. Acting on a tip-off, security forces caught the rebels during their two-day operation from June 16 to 17 last, Tirap SP Vikramjit Singh said in a statement. Two AK 56 rifles, two magazines and 40 rounds of live ammunition besides cash were recovered from their possession, he said. In another operathere was a suspicion of tion on Wednesday, security forces recovered one SLR, foul play. The parents of two SLR magazines, 120 rounds of ammunition and 12 the girl then filed an FIR in RPG Lathode bombs from the area, the SP said. the Phulbari thana Thursday after returning from the wedding. Police personnel of Phulbari arrested the ac- DhubrI (ASSAM), June 20 (PtI): Five persons, cused Ataur Rehman on the including two women, were killed today when the taxi same day based on the FIR. in which they were travelling collided with a truck at The number of rape National Highway 31 in Dhubri district, police said. The cases has been on the rise taxi, in which the five were travelling towards Dhubri even as the Police have town, collided with a truck coming from the opposite their hands full in control- side at Baladmari killing them on the spot, they said. ling militancy. There have One of the deceased was a homeguard attached to been more than 6 cases of Gauripur police station. The taxi driver escaped unhurt. rape reported in the region The driver of the truck is absconding, but the vehicle has in the last six months alone. been seized, they said

Bodo party may ally with BJP Another minor raped in Meghalaya guWAhAtI, June 20 (IAnS): The Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF), a long time ally of the ruling Congress party in Assam, Friday said it might sever its ties with the Congress soon and support the BJP in the 2016 state assembly election. BPF spokesman Prabin Bodo told reporters here: "We have been discussing among ourselves about our support to the Congress." He said it would not be surprising if the party supports the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next assembly polls. The BPF is in power in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) that runs the administration in four districts of Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts (BTAD). "Since there is a BJP government at the centre, it is always better for us to support the BJP in the state for the sake of development of BTAD," BPF legislator Rihan Daimary told reporters here. The BPF has capabilities and strength to sustain as an independent political party, he said.

Bodo said: "We have lent our support to the Congress in 2006, which helped the Congress to form a stable government in the state for five long years."We are also thankful to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as he had continued the friendship and accommodated our representative in the state cabinet despite having a clear majority on their own to form the government in 2011." "However, the comment of a section of Congress leaders of late that the alliance between the Congress and the BPF should be terminated as they have sufficient numbers is hurting us. We also have an independent ideology and we do not want to be termed as a party which is dependent on others," Bodo said. Ties between the allies turned bitter since the 2012 violence between the Bodos and Bengali speaking Muslim settlers in BTAD. A section of Congress leaders have alleged the role of BPF leaders in the violence.

ShIllong, June 20 (nnn): The plain belt of West Garo Hills (WGH) has come into focus once again with the rape of another minor. The incident happened on June 16, three days before it actually came to light in New Bhaitbari area which falls under the Selsella block. New Bhaitbari is about 60 kilometers from the WGH headquarter Tura. Just two weeks ago, another 8 year old had been raped about 30 kilometers from the area. This time the victim was a girl a little over 9 years old and the accused in the case is her uncle. Ataur Rehman (32) was apprehended by the Phulbari Police Thursday after he allegedly raped his niece.

According to sources, the girl is a resident of Kakripara in Mankachar, Assam and was with the family of the accused to go to a wedding where her parents had gone to earlier. The same sources said that the girl was with the accused and his wife and had reached the Phulbari Ghat, where they were supposed to board a boat to Dhubri. However, the accused had asked his wife to return to their home while he would bring his niece back home after settling things. He however, took the young girl to a neighbouring hill near Bhaitbari and proceeded to rape her.It was only when the girl was brought home and started bleeding that

Mizoram elects Ronald Sapa Tlau as new Rajya Sabha member

AIzAWl, June 20 (nnn): Ruling Congress nominee Ronald Sapa Tlau won the lone Rajya Sabha seat of Mizoram by securing 34 votes out of the total 40 in the election held at Legislative Assembly Secretariat here. As per the direction of Election Commission of India (ECI), election to the lone Mizoram Rajya Sabha seat was held on June 19 where 40 legislative assembly members casted their votes to elect the lone Rajya Sabha member from the state. Ronald Sapa Tlau, 60 years, was declared elected by the Returning Officer for the poll

and state Assembly secretary Ngurthanzuala after the Election Commission intimated the result through fax. A senior Congress leader and chairman of the state PSU Zoram Electronics Development Corporation (ZENICS), Tlau had earlier unsuccessfully contested the state Assembly polls three times. His only opponent L Ramkinlova (52) of the Mizo National Front (MNF) supported by 8 opposition alliance UDF secured only six votes. Congress has 34 Legislators while MNF has just five in the assembly. MNF part-

ner Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) has only one legislator. Ronald Sapa was born in Hualtu village in Serchhip district of Mizoram on February 2, 1954. He has served as general secretary in the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee ( MPCC ) and is currently chairman of ZENICS, a state-owned corporation. Expressing his gratitude on his being successfully elected as a member of Rajya Sabha, Tlau declared that he would work not as party MP but as the MP of Mizoram.

Guwahati on Thursday said, "We are have having discussions on financing agri-business, e-goverance project, water and basin management, inland waterways, urban development for smaller towns." He added that power transmission project for Northeast India is on the pipeline. "There is a healthcare delivery project in Nagaland worth $50 million. The World Bank funded Assam Agricultural Competitiveness project is about to

be completed and a project of agri business is in the pipeline. "The e-governance project for Assam and Meghalaya is yet to be cleared by the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India." He said that recently the World Bank Board of Executive Director's have approved a $107 million credit for the Mizoram State Roads II - Regional Transport Connectivity Project to improve transport con-

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World Bank financing US$ 500 million projects in NE guWAhAtI, June 20 (et): World Bank on Thursday said that projects worth Rs US$ 500 million are in pipeline in Northeast India. These projects encompass different sectors including healthcare, e-governance, infrastructure, water management and inland waterways. World Bank credit portfolio in the Northeast India in last five years stood at $ 640 million. Onno Ruhl, Country Director, India, World Bank who was in

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nectivity for the landlocked state of Mizoram and to help open up the potential for regional trade among neighboring countries. The project will enhance Mizoram and other northeastern states' road links with Bangladesh, as well as with Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Twelve innovative social enterprises were awarded grants totaling $1.4 million by the India Development Marketplace (DM) funded by the World Bank Group.

Nine organizations received $150,000 each for project implementation over 24 months and an additional three organizations were selected to receive $25,000 each in capacity building funding to provide innovative service delivery solutions in the Northeastern states of Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. Since 2011, the Development Marketplace has granted more than $3 million to 34 projects in six states in India.

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Modi effect: Foreign investors in India changing strategies

MuMbAI, June 20 (ReuTeRs): Foreign investors in India are changing investment strategies to favour domestic-oriented companies, mid-cap stocks and state-owned enterprises, based on hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new government will revive Asia’s third-largest economy. These sectors have underperformed the wider market over the past year and are seen having far more upside potential if the economy picks up thanks to Modi’s reformist agenda. “There is a positive structural change underway in the Indian economy. Indian financials and cyclical stocks look attractive,” said Gaurav Patankar, a fund manager in New York at The Boston Company Asset Management, which oversees $50 billion in assets. Patankar, whose

firm is overweight Indian stocks, was optimistic that the strong mandate given by voters to Modi would lead to better governance, and more focus on how state-owned companies are run, shrinking the valuation gap with private sector rivals. Reflecting the gap in valuations, the Bombay Stock Exchange public sector unit index .BSEPSU for state-run firms is trading at a price to earnings ratio of 11.9 times compared to 15.5 times for the benchmark BSE Sensex. Investors’ rebalancing has moved funds away from exporters, large cap companies and firms that compete with state-owned companies. Since Modi’s landslide victory on May 16, the BSE midcap index .BSEMC has surged 15.9 percent, and the BSE public sector index .BSEPSU has added 11

bought were trading near their record high levels. Despite the heavy influx of overseas flows, Credit Suisse said last month India is “still not a crowded play.” The investment bank estimated that net foreign buying of Indian shares on a rolling 12-month basis as a percentage of market cap was running at 0.9 percent compared to its historical average of 1.2 percent.

percent, outperforming a Sensex that has gained 4.5 percent. Fund managers think the economy has bottomed out after two disappointing years of below 5 percent growth - the worst slowdown in more than a quarter of a century. And while the Sensex hit record highs on June 11, its valuations at around 15.5 times forward earnings are still at par with its 10-year average. India has received net foreign portfolio flows of $10 billion so far this year, more than other emerging markets in Asia, such as South Korea, which received $1.8 billion and Taiwan, which received $8.56 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data. Foreign investors such as Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and U.S.-based GMO increased exposure to domestic-oriented stocks last month, even when the stocks they

RISKS TO WATCH For all the new found enthusiasm for the Indian market, there are risks. A potential surge in U.S. bond yields, on a pick-up in growth and positive jobs data, could spoil the appetite for risk in emerging markets. Investors will also want to see the Modi government take concrete steps to unlock economic growth, while also demonstrating fiscal discipline needed to

give Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan a better chance of taming inflation in order to reduce interest rates. “I would mostly be watching how the equation plays between Raghuram Rajan and Modi. I hope Rajan remains, he is doing a great job in controlling inflation,” said David Kunselman, senior funds manager at Excel Funds Management which oversees $600 million in emerging markets. Excel Funds, based in Mississauga, Canada, is overweight on Indian financials, industrial and infrastructure stocks and is underweight on utilities, consumer staples and telecom shares. “We are lapping up 100 percent pure plays on India. India is 10 years behind China and now it has got the opportunity to overtake it,” Kunselman added.

The Morung Express

India became home to 1.56 Lakh millionaires in 2013: Report

London, June 20 (PTI): India became home to 1.56 lakh millionaires with 3,000 more joining the elite club in 2013, making the country the 16th most populous in terms of super-rich people worldwide, according to a report. There were 1,56,000 high net worth individuals (HNWI) in India in 2013, while in 2012 the figure stood at 1,53,000, according to the World Wealth Report 2014, released by Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management. India has been ranked 16th in the list of countries with the highest number of high net worth individuals. The US topped the chart with 40,06,000 millionaires, followed by Japan (23,27,000), Germany (11,30,000) and China (7,58,000) at the second, third and fourth places, respectively. The top four countries account for more than half (59.9 per cent) of the

total HNWI population worldwide. The world is home to 1.76 million millionaires with a collective net worth of $52.62 trillion - a 15 per cent increase in HNWI population over last year. “Overall, 2013 was another strong year for the High Net Worth market, with surging equity markets and improving economies contributing to double digit growth in both population and wealth levels,” RBC Wealth Management & RBC Insurance group head M George Lewis said. “Looking at longer term growth trends, nearly 40 per cent of the current level of High Net Worth wealth has been created in the past five years alone.” Going forward, wealth growth is expected to accelerate with an additional $12 trillion generated by 2016. “Global HNWI wealth is forecast to reach a new high of $64.3 trillion by

2016, representing 22 per cent growth from 2013 levels and around $12 trillion in new wealth,” the report said. Robust growth is expected in most regions, with Asia-Pacific at the forefront with an anticipated 9.8 per cent annual growth rate, positioning the region to be the largest HNWI market by population in 2014 and by wealth by 2015, the report further said. North America and Asia-Pacific remained in a close race for the world’s largest HNWI market by population in 2013. North America’s HNWI population expanded by 16 per cent to 4.33 million, while that of the Asia-Pacific grew 17 per cent to reach 4.32 million. North America maintained its position as the wealthiest region, as its HNWI wealth reached $14.88 trillion, while AsiaPacific’s HNWI wealth reached $14.20 trillion.

Petroleum minister says no NDA recieves flak for railway fare increase increase in diesel, LPG price India Inc expects dynamic developments in Iraq and as of now there is no stoppage on the country’s better services linkage to Iran.

new deLhI, June 20 (AgencIes): To soothe market concerns on the Iraq unrest, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said that the government is not planning an immediate increase price of diesel, domestic liquefied petroleum gas or kerosene because of a spurt in crude oil price seen in international market. In an interaction with the media today, the minister said, “We are not thinking about an immediate increase in prices of diesel, kerosene or LPG. On the other hand, oil marketing companies were directed to prepare a contingency plan to source crude from alternate markets other than Iraq. We also have the option of depending on spot markets. There is no reason to panic.” The minister added that India is closely watching the

Earlier on the day, petroleum secretary Saurabh Chandra had a meeting with Prime Minister’s Office on the Iraq issue. Though the under recovery on diesel for the current fortnight had come down to Rs 1.62 a litre, while that of kerosene and domestic LPG stood at Rs 32.87 a litre and Rs 432.71 a cylinder, respectively, the government is worried revenue losses would go up. The under-recoveries on sensitive petroleum products for the financial year 2014-15 are projected to be Rs 91,665 crore, compared to Rs 1, 39,869 crore in 2013-14. According to ministry estimates, per dollar increase in diesel prices would add Rs 3,300 crore to under recovery figures. The Indian basket crude oil prices as on June 19 was $111.94. “Even during the crisis of Saddam Hussain regime, the Basra region in Iraq from where we have the linkage never got affected. It is in the North Eastern part of Iraq. Hence we are expecting the same this time, “he added. Iraq is the second largest importer of crude oil to India, contributing to 13% of the coutry’s overall import. Oil marketing companies were planning to import slightly above 20 million tone of crude from that country this fiscal.

Commuters wait on a crowded railway platform as a train enters a suburban station in Mumbai February 12, 2014. (REUTERS Photo)

new deLhI, June 20 (IAns) The NDA government’s decision to hike railway passenger and freight charges drew widespread criticism Friday as many opposition parties said it would cause more inflation. Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former railway minister Lalu Prasad claimed the Narendra Modi-led government wanted to hand over the railways to the private sector. “This is the first major blow to the people by the Modi government. Such a hike is unprecedented, whenever BJP comes, they bring along price rise,” the RJD leader told media persons. Janata Dal-United leader and former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who also served as railway minister in the Atal Bihari

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2914

Vajpayee-led NDA government, said: “This is no ordinary hike, this is a huge hike. They (the government) are setting a wrong precedent by hiking fare when parliament session is coming.” Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat said it will increase the burden on people. “This is going to be a huge burden on people when they are already battling relentless price rise,” she said. The government Friday raised the railway passenger fares by 14.2 percent in all classes and freight charge by 6.5 percent. The new passenger fares and freight rates will come into effect from June 25, the railway ministry said in a release.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2921

new deLhI, June 20 (PTI): India Inc today said the hike in railway passenger and freight fares will help in resource mobilisation, hoping that the higher fares will lead to better quality and safety of services offered by the Indian Railways, while asking the government to allow FDI in Railways. “The rates have been increased with a view to resource mobilisation, which is today the most critical requirement for the Indian Railways. Without adequate resources, the Railways will not be able to afford its modernisation, capacity addition & safety plans,” CIIDirector General Chandrajit Banerjee said. The decision of the Railways restores an announcement of May 16, the day Lok Sabhaelection results came, when the same hike was effected but immediately put on hold. Reacting to the fare hike, Ficci President Sidharth Birla said if tariffs had been incrementally attended to over the years to match rising expenditure, an increase of this magnitude in one go would not have been necessitated. Birla expressed hope that there will be a concomitant improvement in both the quality and safety of services offered by Indian Railways post the fare hike. Meanwhile, CII said resources can be also mobilised from inviting multilateral funding agencies to participate in railway projects, better utilisation of railway land and creation of aRail Asset Leasing Authority. However, while terming the freight fare hike as “inevitable”, Banerjee said the industry, currently reeling under low growth, can ill-afford freight increase especially on bulk heavy industries like Steel, which contributes about 20 per cent of the freight revenue of Indian Railways.

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 # 2913

KOHIMA

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

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

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

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MOKOKCHUNG:

Y C D I T L I T S D E G N I W K C A L B

ACROSS 1. Carries 6. Small freshwater fish 10. Not legs 14. Watchful 15. God of love 16. Get-out-of-jail money 17. Apprehensive 18. At one time (archaic) 19. Anger 20. Sanctify 22. Small island 23. Scattered 24. Not the youngest 26. “Wise” birds 30. Dowel 31. Russian fighter 32. Pause 33. Clairvoyant 35. Electronic letters 39. Gifted 41. Gist 43. Rock 44. Cummerbund 46. Midday 47. Historic period 49. Consumer Price Index 50. Bronzes 51. Not cooler 54. Foot digits

56. Notion 57. Circuitous 63. Specks 64. Historical periods 65. Light wood 66. River of Spain 67. Arid 68. Willow 69. A noble gas 70. Playthings 71. Not these

DOWN 1. After-bath powder 2. Margarine 3. Adolescent 4. Makes a mistake 5. Infections of the eye 6. Bush-like herbs 7. Set up 8. Outlay 9. High regard 10. A shortened version 11. Lift 12. Grinds 13. Mixture of rain and snow 21. Thicket 25. Untruths 26. Is endebted to 27. Desire 28. Adriatic resort

29. A type of craftsman 34. Answers 36. Dwarf buffalo 37. Computer symbol 38. Focusing glass 40. Used to be 42. Startled 45. Statistician 48. Apprehend 51. Broaden 52. Pueblo brick 53. Backward-looking 55. Wooden shoe 58. Chocolate cookie 59. Hit hard 60. Hodgepodge 61. Applications 62. Container weight Ans to CrossWord 2920

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

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879 MON: 03869-290629/101 (O) 9856248962/ 9612805461 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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

222246 222491

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Public SPace/lOcal

The Morung Express

Supply Colony residents stand by ACAUT Nagaland

e the residents of supply colony applaud and hail the ACAUT for initiating the responsibility of changing the mindset of Nagas in every area impacting individual life particularly and society in general. Bearing in mind 13 Oct. 2013 rally and not forgetting Chumukedima 2014 rally and phase wise tour of other district taking everyone on board to rebuild shattered lives and homes. We stand by your declaration 'One govt. One tax' and join hands to 'weed out corruption in any form. The recent Pilferage of seized IMFL issue brought out in the local dailies has set a standard for the enforcing agencies specially the concerned dept. Excise to diligently wholeheartedly implement prohibition in letter and spirit, also green signal for other departments as well to set your house in order. Corruption at every level has reached the saturation point be it overground or underground 'enough is enough’ we Nagas can't go on sacrificing the God planned future of the present and the unborn generation by enjoying lavishly with the filthy lucre, nor can we any longer tolerate the Babylonian system prevalent in our land. Time has come to term spade to be spade. The recent Pilferage of seized IMFL issue is just the tip of iceberg. As a matter of fact on a daily basis things are happening right below our nose we indeed are complacent, individualistic lot doing nothing. It's time we forget ourselves and stand for truth together behind the ACAUT if we truly care for the Nagas. HY Swu GB, Supply Colony Dimapur

Saturday 21 June 2014

Dimapur

Are we doing enough to prevent crime in society?

ately, the Police and Assam Rifle personnel are doing a commendable job by apprehending criminals and arms peddlers in particular. While such a thing should be appreciated, shall we consider this as an end in itself and sit back with our folded arms? With the fast emerging or already emerged Gun Culture in Naga society today, organized crime or professional criminals are found to be increasing. Emergence of Contract Killer is a serious trend. From the various news reports, we know that Nagaland is famous (infamous?) for procuring guns and arms. Rape crime is not decreasing at all. Illegal taxes and extortions continue to be a menace. Though I’m not trying to politicize crime, is the present Government doing enough to prevent and curb crime in our society today? Forget about some of the present Central Government (legislators) ministers and MPs having criminal record and cases pending against them, we have even seen in the past Nagaland state assembly elections that some candidates were having criminal cases and acting against election moral code of conduct and yet, escaped from legal punishment (imagine, had it been some poor fellows, they will surely be lodged in prison by now). What I’m really trying to say is, when the law makers themselves are lawbreakers what positive

changes or results can we expect from the Government to curb crime in our society? Even though the administrators (civil, police, judicial, etc.) may be efficient enough, determination and political will of the policy makers at the top is more important to arrive at certain decision in order to eradicate crime in a society. Therefore, the need of the hour for the Government is to act against criminals without fear and favour. Lets remember that when the public/civil society takes law in their own hands, it only means disaster or civil war. In the past, we have even witnessed the public mob lynching/killing some indiscipline underground cadres/ criminals when the public lost trust and became fed up as a result of Government/administration failure to tackle law and order situation but later on question or blame the public for such incidents (taking law in their own hands). When the public or pressure groups are sacrificing and ready to co-operate with the Govt., don’t you (policy maker/ legislator) waste anymore time. Lets call a spade a spade for a crime-free society. However, on the other hand, criminals are made up of various types and backgrounds. Some criminals commit crime out of circumstances (eg. poverty) while some others out of greed for wealth and money, some because of defective/broken family background, etc. Therefore, criminals are to

be treated accordingly so as to reform them to become responsible and sensible persons. Now, next comes the moral responsibility of the various NGOs and institutions. Some offenders/criminals are found to be minors (juveniles). Therefore, are the state Juvenile Homes (where the underage criminals/minors are rehabilitated) delivering enough justice and meeting the very purpose for which they are established? Are they manned by professionals and most importantly by committed officials and personnel? Church, as a religious or rather spiritual institution has far more to do when it comes to crime prevention in a society. The Church can no longer be just a passive spectator from the pulpit. ‘Don’t just call/invite them (criminals) to attend church services, visit/ go to them’. For that matter, are we doing enough of Prison Ministry? Research findings in Nagaland show that criminals while in prison, realize or learnt ‘to be good’ in future. Lets strike the iron when it is hot. How about the educational institutions like schools and colleges? Are we only concern about the so called ‘good result’? With due appreciation to all the performing institutions, no doubt, today we have produced so many certificate holders (educated?) without any moral values or responsibility of a true educated or knowledgeable person. Are we ready enough to discipline

our children/pupils in this Computer Age armed with the ‘Non-detention policy’ and ‘No corporal punishment’ (or no punishment of any kind)? Lets try to strike a balance. Whatever legal, political, social or economic measures are taken up, family is always the smallest unit and cradle of a society. Therefore, are we the parents or for that matter, caretaker of children act responsibly towards our kids? Are we careful enough not to commit that ‘petty theft’ or ‘little corruption’ that we unconsciously or rather consciously commit in our daily activities? Will our children not learn that? Remember, a hardcore criminal starts as a petty theft or a juvenile delinquent. Lets not worry that children are not listening to our instruction but rather worry that they are always watching our action (action speaks louder than words). Lastly, my intention of writing this article is not to prove that we are a total failure or pinpoint every weakness of any social organization/institution but wish to encourage and remind ourselves with the moral responsibilities of every individual, organization and institution that we may belong to. May God help us towards that end of making a Crime-free Naga society. Together and United, we can make it. Dr. M. Temjen Longkumer (The writer is author of the book, Crime in Nagaland)

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

Battle of the Bands in contemporary Christian music Terms and Conditions

WoKha, June 20 (mexn): Various business establishments in Wokha are organizing Battle of the Bands in contemporary Christian music at Wokha Town. The contest themed ‘Rock for the King’ will consist of three rounds starting July 19. The second round will be held in August and the grand finale in September. The winning band of the contest will walk away with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, and the first and second runners up Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

Cash prizes in individual categories and a Certificate each will also be given. A press release from the organizers informed that through this event, they plan to take Christian Music to a higher and professional level. “Through this event the name of the Lord is to be highly praised & exalted.” The event, they hoped, will provide an opportunity to play/sing Christian Music which will also enable one to engage oneself with a meaningful and purpose-

ful music. Particularly, first generation/ new entry musicians will get to try their hands on world class music gears which will boost their attitude towards positive living and performance, the note added. The organizers of the contest are King’s Sound, Infinite Records, Jimmy Lotha Photography, and Kingtton Enterprise. King’s Sound is a live sound system rental department under King’s Pvt. Ltd based in Wokha Town. It has a total live sound power of

1. Each band will perform only one number in the first round. In the second round, all the bands will perform a common song. Only six bands will enter the Grand Finale, where each band will perform two numbers (One cover song of the band’s choice and the other Original). 2. Ranking in the competition will be determined on the basis of votes received through voting card (50% Votes and 50 % performance). Voting will be closed & counted by the organizers & representatives one day before each round of competition. 3. Every musician will have to bring his/her own instrument. Power paddle, drums sticks/brush & guitar effects will not be provided. 4. To maintain a State of the Art performance, bands are requested to check their gadgets in advance. Each band will be allotted only 7 minutes except for the grand finale. 5. There will be three rounds of competition. Elimination will begin from the first round. A one day advanced workshop will be organized for the bands entering the 2nd round. 6. Musician under any kind of intoxicant influence will strictly disqualify himself/herself. 7. Tee Shirts with customized band photos will be given to the finalists (to all the band members). Winning band will get free recording (the original song) from Infinite Records. 8. “Always there for you” by Stryper will be the common song. Original song is to be composed basing on the theme ‘Rock for the King’. 9. All truthfulness will be strictly adhered to in all the judgments and the decisions of the judges and organizers will be final and binding.

20,000 Watts RMS geared with some of the latest and widely used stage gears around the world. Infinite Records is a Wokha based audio recording studio which relies on the very best, industry leading equipment in record-

ing, according to the note. Meanwhile, Jimmy Lotha Photography specializes in wedding, birthday, portfolio, portraits photography. Kingtton Enterprise deals in various medicinal and aromatic plants. The last date for sub-

mission of forms for the contest is July 10 at King’s Images, Hotel Hornbill Complex, Wokha Town. Registration fee is Rs. 200/only. For more details contact: +918729932987, +918257849698, and +919402821986.

Training held for Dimapur farmers in KVK Wokha SBTA mourns Khukiye L. Yeptho’s death Zunheboto, June 20 (mexn): The Sümi Baptist Theological Association (SBTA) has expressed deep shock at the untimely demise of Khukiye L. Yeptho from Kathara village, Asüto Range, Zünheboto. Khukiye was serving as a pastor at S. Hotovi Baptist Church and passed away Farmers under ATMA Dimapur during the training held at KVK Wokha on June 20. when the church is hastily WoKha, June 20 agriculture, Megokhono farmers also took a tour in preparing to host the WS(mexn): A one day on Meyase, (SMS Horticulture and around KVK, Wokha BAK annual conference campus training was con- KVK Wokha) on vegetable Farm visiting the on farm in December 2014, said ducted for ATMA Dima- production, and Jessica trials plot on brown mapur farmers at KVK, Wokha Dohtdong (Programme nuring for rice and tomato, campus on June 20. Dur- Assistant, Home Science poultry unit, vermicoming the training, Dr. Sanjay KVK, Wokha) on nutrition- post unit, Azola production Kumar Ray (SMS Soil Sci- al kitchen gardening and unit, orchard unit and the ence KVK, Wokha) spoke homescale food preserva- kitchen garden along with on soil nutrients manage- tion and processing. It was ATMA Dimapur staff and ment techniques in hill followed by a field visit. The KVK, Wokha staff.

SBTA information & publicity secretary in a condolence message. His pastoral career included youth leader and pastor at Asüto Baptist Church for 10 years (SBAK) and pastor at Henito Baptist Church for 9 years (WSBAK) before taking up the work at S. Hotovi from 2010. He was laid to rest at his residential site at Suhoi colony, Kuhuboto Town. He is survived by his wife Vetoli,

four sons, two daughters and three grand-children. S. Hotovi Baptist Church will continue to pay his salary and allow Late Khukiye’s family to reside in the official quarter until the end of this year, the note added. The SBTA has sought God’s peace and solace for the bereaved family and has thanked the church for the generous offer to the family of the deceased.

State government officers trained on leadership and team building

UT NSCN (IM) nabs nine involved in ‘flesh trade’ Dimapur, June 20 (mexn): The secretary UT, NSCN (IM) has informed that the UT has “nabbed” nine Naga girls between the ages of 17 and 22 within three months in connection with “flesh trade”. In a press release, UT secretary Khekuto Jakhalu warned that in the future, photos and details of those caught will be published in the local media without any warning. The

release further appealed to all NGOs, especially NMA, law enforcing agencies, and church leaders to “initiate actively” to save the young Naga generation. Meanwhile, the secretary said that the CAO of UT, Daniel Lotha has lauded the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) for their initiative in checking for young Naga girls involved in the trade. The CAO also stated

mon, June 20 (mexn): On June 17, 33 Assam Rifles apprehended an NSCN (IM) cadre from Wakching Town in Mon district. The cadre has been identified as Leacy Chinghyik Konyak, resident of Wakching Town, informed PRO, IGAR (North) in a release. The AR team also recovered one pistol alongwith ammunition and other “incriminating” documents. The cadre

was handed over to Mon Police Station. AR recovers IMFL 19 Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Narcotics department intercepted one Tata Sumo Spacio bearing registration number AS10C-2540 which was carrying IMFL. Assam Rifles in a release informed that the operation was launched based on specific information about illegal movement

of IMFL from Dimapur to Kiphire. The team apprehended two individuals, Atung Sangtam (21) and Akiba Sangtam (23), residents of Resisi village, Kiphire and recovered 252 bottles of rum and 66 cans of beer. The seized IMFL and both the accused were handed over to the Narcotics & Prohibition Department, PHQ, Kohima, for further investigation, the release added.

Charity event in support of children living with cancer in Nagaland Kohima, June 20 (mexn): A two-day charity event in support of children living with cancer in Nagaland got underway here today under the aegis of SpeakGuru Foundation. Day one event was marked by hair cutting campaign at D. Seluoba Market, opposite Union Baptist Church Kohima. Meanwhile, music against cancer will take place on June 21 from 6:00 PM onwards at Regional Centre for Excellence for Music & Perfuming Arts, Jotsoma. For the first time, some of the best female singers of Nagaland will come together to lend their beautiful voices in support of the children living with cancer. The artists include; Mengu Suokhrie, Topeni Assumi, Arenungla Longkumer, Kenei Chalie and Tetseo Sisters. Tickets will be available at Brewberrys, Ozone Cafe, Season’s Cafe, Dream Café, and Big Bite, Kohima.

ANPWD (R&B) & (H) WEA informs Kohima, June 20 (mexn): The All Nagaland PWD (R&B) & (H) Work Charged Employees Association has informed the Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B) & (H), Nagaland, Kohima that the remaining divisions - both the PWD (R&B) & (H), who could not be verified have still to cooperate with the verification process, despite official intimation letter sent to the divisions for the same. In this connection, the Association has requested the department concerned to prepare fresh salary proposal for leave without pay with effect from September- November 2003 excluding non-verified division without further delay.

NCSU general meeting Kohima, June 20 (mexn): The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) Head Office Kohima has convened a general meeting on July 1, 11:00 am at the union’s conference hall to discuss various issues relating to the union. Therefore, all the bonafide NCSU members have been requested to attend the meeting. Further, NCSU vice president Tseibou Khusoh and secretary Imsunok Jamir informed that it is mandatory for all the office bearers of NCSU district units, advisors, executive members, and action committee of NCSU Head Office to attend the meeting.

Assam Rifles organize counseling Zunheboto, June 20 (mexn): 5 Assam Rifles organized counseling cum career guidance lecture at Olympic Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto on June 14. According to a press release from Assam Rifles, the lecture consisted of a variety of topics such as different type of entries, educational qualification required for different posts, how to prepare for entrance exam, various subjects to study, how the SSB interview is carried out and any other queries. The event was attended by more than 150 students of Zunheboto district, it added.

Director General AR visits ARTC&S

that the UT authority will not tolerate such illegal practices in the society and assured co-operation to the DNSU at any point of time to “flush out” flesh trade in the region. The secretary also warned against forceful collection of taxes from businessmen in “terrorist styles” in and around Dimapur. He cautioned that miscreants will be arrested with immediate effect.

One NSCN (IM) cadre apprehended

MEx FILE

The trainees with the resources persons during the training held at ATI, Kohima.

Kohima, June 20 (mexn): Training on leadership and team building was conducted for government officers at Administrative Training Institute, Nagaland, Kohima from June 16-18. The trainees included officers from Home Guards and Civil Defence, lecturers from DTE, Mokokchung, colleges and reputed institutions. Resource persons were Dr. Hovithal N.Sothu, and Mongzeung Mpom. A press release in-

formed that the topics covered during the three days program were “Behaviour in an Organisation”, “Leadership, development and style”, “Effective Leadership”, “Team Building Strategies”, “When a team is not a team” and many experiential games including “Count off”, “Maximise potential”, “Equal role”, “Captaining a ship”, “Tower to Score”, “Plank race”, etc. In the valedictory program, Wecheteü and Renbeni Ngullie spoke

on behalf of the participants. Both thanked the co-participants and the resource persons, the note added. They also lauded the Administrative Training Institute for giving them the opportunity to come and learn new strategies to pass it on to their colleagues, family and society. Mongzeung Mpom encouraged the participants to be good leaders wherever they are and also to be full time Christians.

Dimapur, June 20 (mexn): The newly appointed Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR), Lt Gen R K Rana, SM, VSM visited Assam Rifles Training Centre & School (ARTC & S), Shokhuvi on June 17 and 18. The General exhorted all officers and men to uphold the rich traditions of the force and to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and moral uprightness. A press release informed the DGAR emphasized on quality training of the men so that they become brave soldiers and better citizens of the nation. While addressing the personnel, he also stressed on being upright and honest in every sphere of life and be the true ‘Sentinels of the North East’. He assured his full support towards improving the training infrastructure and expressed his desire to enhance the living

standards and facilities for all ranks in keeping with the present environment. He further congratulated the Centre on winning 6 Gold Medals, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze Medals with 1st position in 14th All India Rifles and Revolver/Pistol shooting competition, 3 bronze medals in 3rd Asia Cup Karate Championship, 2 Silver and 2 bronze medals in 9th All India Karate Championship, 1 silver medal in Kai National Karate Championship and also for securing 1st and 2nd position in North East Inter CPO Debate Competition on Human Rights and All India Inter CAPF Debate Competition on Human Rights respectively. The General was briefed about the training and administrative aspects of the Centre by Brigadier K Narayanan, Commandant ARTC & S, added the release.

People, life, etc... Saturday | 21 june, 2014

A guide to fast-moving events in Iraq Kim Gamel

associated Press

n just over a week, an al-Qaida breakaway group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other Sunni insurgents have rapidly expanded their hold on vast swaths of territory in northern Iraq in a lightning advance that shows no signs of ebbing. The sharp deterioration in security has sent thousands fleeing to the relatively safe self-ruled Kurdish region. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has led the country since 2006, has been blamed by many for failing to promote reconciliation with the minority Sunnis. Even the Obama administration is weighing whether to press the Shiite prime minister to step down in a last-ditch effort to prevent disgruntled Sunnis from igniting a civil war.

Sunni militants seized the northern city of Mosul, then swept through the late dictator Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit. They also took control of the strategic city of Tal Afar near the Syrian border.

Sectarian Security Forces Shiite-dominated Iraqi security forces have long faced complaints about sectarianism, with Sunni soldiers tending to serve in Sunni areas and police forces usually drawn from local populations. Most of the security forces in the north, for example, melted away as the insurgents advanced. However, the composition of the army and police forces is changing as mainly Shiite young men have rushed to join after Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued a call to arms to defend Shiite holy sites. Government forces also have linked up with Shiite militias and there A guide to the fast- already have been allegamoving events: tions of sectarian killings On The Ground on both sides. Iraqi soldiers and helicopter gunships are bat- Political Maneuvering tling Sunni militants for Al-Maliki expressed control of Iraq's largest oil optimism in a televised refinery, a facility that ex- address over what he tends over several square called the rise by all of miles of desert in Beiji, Iraq's political groups to northeast of Baghdad. The the challenge of defending refinery, which normally the nation against the milproduces about 300,000 itant threat, but so far his barrels per day for domes- outreach remains largely tic consumption, has been rhetorical, with no conshut down. The assault crete action to bridge difbegan on June 10 when ferences between majority

invasion and has eluded security forces ever since, were the main militant force in Tikrit, for example. Their involvement could escalate the militants' campaign to establish an al-Qaida-like enclave into a wider Sunni uprising. It also could have a moderating effect on the hardliners and their extreme version of Islamic law.

Volunteers in the newly formed "Peace Brigades" participate in a parade near the Imam Ali shrine in the southern holy Shiite city of Najaf, Iraq, June 19, Thursday, after called for by the radical Shiite cleric Muqtatda al-Sadr to form brigades to protect Shiite holy shrines against possible attacks by Sunni militants. (AP Photo)

Shiites and minority Sunnis and Kurds. Al-Maliki was already fighting for his job. His political bloc recently won the most seats in parliamentary elections but failed to garner the majority needed to rule without a coalition, so he has not yet secured a third term. Allegations that his divisive rule is partly to blame for the current crisis have strengthened calls for him to step down.

US Role The crisis is pushing the United States back into a military role in Iraq, nearly three years after it withdrew its forces after failing to reach agreement with al-Maliki's government that would have allowed a residual force to remain. Obama said in a national address Thursday that he is dispatching up to 300 military advisers to help quell the

Artur MAs: Catalonia's

unlikely revolutionary

Joseph Wilson associated Press

rtur Mas doesn't seem like a political revolutionary. He wears sober, expensive suits and has shunned fiery speeches during his three-decade career as a risk-averse, pro-business civil servant. Yet Mas is the architect of a daring attempt to carve out a new European country by achieving independence for Catalonia, a wealthy region of northeastern Spain, including the city of Barcelona, that is fiercely proud of its language and distinct cultural traditions. If Catalonia's regional president wins backing in a planned Nov. 9 local referendum on whether to secede, his success will not only fuel the independence cause in the nearby Basque country, it will also encourage other separatist-minded regions across the continent, such as Belgium's Dutch speakers. In Britain, Scotland will vote on its own proposal for independence in September. Mas says his path was set in June 2010, just months before he took power, when the Spanish constitutional court struck down key parts of a groundbreaking law that would have granted Catalonia more autonomy and would have recognized it as a nation within Spain. That

legal setback after decades of political struggle only made Catalans more determined to distance themselves from the national government in Madrid, Mas said. "There was a change of mindset," he told The Associated Press in an interview. "Many people in Catalonia said, 'if we continue in the same way as the last 30 years we won't get anything, we will go backward instead of forward.' Four years have passed and the movement has kept growing." In 2012, more than 1 million Catalans demanding an independence ballot took to Barcelona's streets in the largest nationalist rally since the 1970s. The Spanish government says it won't let Catalonia break away. Parliament in April overwhelmingly rejected Catalonia's petition to hold the referendum, and the government says the independence vote is impossible under the Constitution. If Mas goes ahead with the ballot, as he says he will, the government can go to court to stop it. But Mas' message to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is that the vote will help ease political tensions. "If the Spanish government and institutions don't let us vote, the relationship between Catalonia and Spain will become even more frayed," Mas said.

With unofficial talks with the Madrid government going nowhere, Mas said he hoped Spain's new monarch, Felipe VI, who will be proclaimed king on Thursday, will help mediate the conflict. "A new head of state, a new king of Spain, is always a new scenario," said Mas. "I hope I will have the opportunity to be in touch and talk to (him) and try to convince him." Polls show that while a strong majority of Catalonia's 7.5 million residents want to hold the ballot as an expression of self-determination, only around half of them are in favor of severing ties. Mas believes a win for the "yes" vote in Scotland on Sept. 18 could boost Catalonia's independence bid. "If in Scotland the 'yes' vote wins then the main advantage for Catalonia will be that the negotiation between Scotland and the United Kingdom and the European Union will give us a very direct sign" on how a new European state could fit into the EU, Mas said. The 58-year-old Mas was born into Barcelona's industrial bourgeoisie. Like others of his generation, he was prohibited from studying in the Catalan language — which is spoken in tandem with Spanish in the bilingual region — during General

Francisco Franco's 19391975 dictatorship. Mas said that when he was young his family, like many in the region, was comfortable with a dual identity of feeling both Catalan and Spanish, but they "changed their mentality and they became more Catalan than Spanish, and with the passage of time only Catalan." Fluent in French and English, Mas insists one of his goals is to earn wider international recognition for the political situation of a region best known for its Barcelona football team, the flamboyant creations of Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi, and as a leading tourism destination. If the courts block the November vote, Mas may be forced to put his job on the line and call early regional elections. That could endanger his leadership role in the movement, with many pro-independence voters ignoring his party in favor of another, that has a more extreme and longerstanding pledge to break centuries-old ties with the rest of Spain. "He put all his eggs in the basket of the political process," said Ferran Requejo, professor of political science at Barcelona's Pompeu Fabra University. "There is no question, if the process fails, Mas fails with it."

insurgency. They would join up to 275 American forces providing security and support for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and other American interests. The U.S. also has been considering airstrikes. Obama said he was leaving open the possibility of "targeted and precise military action" in the future. He said the U.S. also would increase its intelligence efforts in Iraq and

create joint operation centers in Baghdad and northern Iraq. Baathist Resurgence Former members of Saddam's ruling Baathist party and other supporters have re-emerged as players after years of operating largely underground and keeping low-profiles. Fighters loyal to Saddam's former deputy Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, who escaped the 2003 U.S.-led

Spillover Effects The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has gained strength on both sides of the border by taking advantage of the increasingly sectarian dimension of the civil war next door in Syria, where mostly Sunni rebels are fighting to oust a government dominated by members of a Shiite sect. Militant fighters already easily cross the border between the two countries, and the insurgents appear to be trying to link territories that have fallen under their control on both sides of the border. The crisis also is raising fears that a similar deterioration in security could occur in Afghanistan after the U.S. pulls out most of its soldiers as planned by the end of this year. Obama has said about 10,000 troops would stay in Afghanistan until the end of 2016. But some U.S. congressmen are questioning the wisdom of a definitive timetable amid fears that hard-fought

gains could be wiped out by a resurgent Taliban. Kurdish Gains Recent developments have renewed the possibility that Iraq be divided into three separate regions dominated by Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds. Kurds stand to be the biggest winners in that scenario as they gain control of disputed areas outside their territory that they have long sought to incorporate. Kurdish fighters known as peshmerga have grabbed the oil center of Kirkuk and moved into territory along the edges of their self-rule region. But they also face challenges, including defending borders and risking a backlash from other ethnic minorities. The United States and neighboring Turkey also oppose Kurdish independence. Iran's Position The fighting is likely to increase Iran's influence over neighboring Iraq. In a sign of the Islamic Republic's deepening involvement, the commander of Tehran's elite Quds Force Gen. Ghasem Soleimani is helping Iraq's military and Shiite militias gear up to fight the Sunni insurgents, officials have said. Tehran has a strong interest in seeing the government survive. Even the U.S. has made initial overtures to its long-time foe Iran now that they have a common enemy in the al-Qaida breakaway group.

WIMBLEDON: Murray returns to site of greatest win Howard Fendrich

magine what the reception will be like for Andy Murray when he first strides onto the green grass of Centre Court at Wimbledon. A year ago, Murray became the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the singles title at the tennis tournament the locals refer to simply as "The Championships," ending a nation's long wait and sparking talk of knighthood. This year, Murray gets the defending champion's honor of playing the

whatever jitters come along in his first trip back to the site of his most significant victory, his peers think he'll be just fine. "Murray is going to manage it well, you know," said Roger Federer, who has won seven of his record 17 major championships at Wimbledon and is coming off a grass-court title at Halle, Germany, last weekend. "As long as he's mentally free — I think that's what he needs to be right now," Federer said. The other 2013 singles champion at the All England Club, France's Marion Bartoli, decided long ago not to try to defend

Novak Djokovic) — Murray picked former women's No. 1 and two-time major champion Amelie Mauresmo as a replacement this month. "All I'm interested in is to be able to help him (reach) his goals," Mauresmo said. "That's about it." Murray, who grew up in Dunblane, Scotland, has made plain that those aims are primarily about winning more Grand Slam trophies. He earned his first at the 2012 U.S. Open, shortly after winning a gold medal at the London Olympics. Those triumphs both followed his loss to Federer at Wimbledon

once, you obviously want to win it again. So there's an element of pressure you put on yourself, for starters, because you sort of want to see what that feels like at least one more time," said ESPN analyst John McEnroe, who won Wimbledon three times in the 1980s. "From that standpoint, he's going to be feeling pressure. Clearly now once people know he can do it, they're going to think he should do it again." Murray had a slow start to the year, coming off back surgery, and he hasn't reached a final anywhere since Wimble-

fortnight's first match on the most famous tennis court in the world. Seems safe to say that 15,000 or so of his closest friends will greet him with a fullthroated roar. "As the time gets nearer, and, you know, I get ready to play the first match on Monday, I'll definitely ... be excited about it," Murray said. "I will be nervous. It (is) an experience; something I have never experienced before. Players have talked about it in the past, that it's a great experience. But it can also be a nerve-racking one." As for whether Murray will be able to handle

her title, announcing her retirement less than six weeks after the Wimbledon final, at age 28. That actually fits in well with the quirky career of Bartoli, who certainly did things her way, right down to her two-fisted strokes for forehands, backhands and volleys. While Murray's baseline game is rather conventional by today's standards, his coaching decisions have been groundbreaking. After parting in March with Ivan Lendl — whose hiring was followed by those of fellow past greats of the game Stefan Edberg (by Federer) and Boris Becker (by

that year, when Murray was Britain's first male finalist since 1938. He went a step further in 2013, beating Djokovic in straight sets in the final to end the 77-year drought. And so while the ongoing World Cup and Scotland's vote in September about whether to become independent and break away from Britain — Murray has steadfastly avoided weighing in on that one — will be popular topics of conversation around London this summer, the attention on "Our Andy" figures to be rather strong. "Anytime you taste what it feels like to win it

don 50 weeks ago. But he showed he's nearing his way back to peak form by getting to the semifinals at the French Open this month. Performing that well on clay would seem to bode well for what he can do on the grass at Wimbledon. "I expect to play well there. I'm really looking forward to going back. I think it will give me a lot of positive energy," Murray said. "I'm glad I'm back playing to a level that was able to get me through to the last stage of Slams. I just need that extra few percent so that I can give myself a chance to try and win them again."

aP tennis Writer

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.

Morung Youth Express

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

21 JuNE, 2014

How Millennials Are Changing Travel

Amanda Machado

The Atlantic

n the summer of 2012, at age 24, I left home to travel the world. In just over a year, I backpacked through South America, South Asia, Western Europe, and the western United States. I hiked the Inca Trail, skied the Alps, hitchhiked through Patagonia, and trekked through the Himalayas. I worked at hostels, stayed at a Buddhist monastery, and gardened at an English women’s retreat center in exchange for meals and a place to sleep. And while I learned many things on the trip, what was most surprising was how many people my age were traveling just like me. In the United States, the Boston Consulting Group reports, the millennial generation, defined as those between the ages of 16 and 34, is more interested than older generations in traveling abroad as much as possible—by a 23-percentage-point margin. The United Nations estimates that 20 percent of all international tourists, or nearly 200 million travelers, are young people, and that this demographic generates more than $180 billion in annual tourism revenue, an increase of nearly 30 percent since 2007. The UN attributes that growth both to rising incomes in emerging markets and a commitment by youth in advanced economies to “continue traveling despite economic uncertainty.” We are now thefastestgrowing age segment in terms of the money we spend on travel, according to American Express Business Insights. Not only that, but we’re redefining the very meaning of international travel, foregoing standard vacations in favor of extended, meaningful experiences. The World Youth Student and Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation, which recently surveyed more than 34,000 people from 137 countries, found that young travelers are not as interested in “the traditional sun, sea and sand holidays” as previous generations are. They are spending less time in “major gateway cities” and instead exploring more remote destinations, staying in hostels instead of hotels, and choosing longterm backpacking trips instead of two-week jaunts. The study showed an increase from 2007 in young travelers taking trips (like mine) for longer than two months, with the average trip lasting 58 days.

This kind of travel did not come naturally to me. I grew up middle class in Florida in a family where “traveling” generally meant driving two hours to the nicest nearby beach. I got a passport when I was 16 so I could visit my extended family in Ecuador, and by the time I entered college, that family reunion was still the only time I had ever been overseas. Until I discovered the backpacking scene, I always considered travel to be something reserved for the wealthy, or at least for people with far more experience abroad than I had. But with easy access to social media and budget-travel tools like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, Skyscanner, and Lonely Planet message boards, I soon realized that long-term travel wasn’t nearly as expensive or difficult as I had imagined. I funded my 15-month trip on a little more than $16,000 (that’s luxurious: many backpackers I met spent half as much in the same amount of time). I saved more than half the money from a part-time job in high school, and the rest came from two years of work after college. And while there’s little data on the economic backgrounds of backpackers, the people I met during my trip— waiters, teachers, seasonal workers, flight attendants, carpenters—gave me the sense that people of diverse means had done the same. In the case of American millennials, many of us also feel like there’s little reason to wait until our golden years to see the world. Our generation has arguably been hit hardest by the recession, and grown skeptical of the best-laid retirement plans. According to the Center for Retirement Research, less than a third of private-sector workers in the U.S. had defined-benefit coverage for retirement in 2010, down from 44 percent in 1995 and 88 percent in 1983. Since 1985, the number of companies offering pensions has fallen from 112,000 to 23,000. The Pew Research Center has reported that only 6 percent of millennials expect to receive the kinds of Social Security benefits that today’s retirees enjoy. Half don’t believe there will be money remaining in the Social Security system by the time they retire, and an additional 39 percent think these benefits will be significantly reduced. Under these circumstances, it makes sense that we’d travel now, instead of saving travel for a future that is in no way guaranteed. Faced with a lack of reliable, long-

term employment options, a number of millennials are also using travel to take a break from job-searching and reevaluate what to do next. In 2013, at every education level, millennials aged 25 to 32 confronted a higher unemployment rate than those facing older generations, and an overall unemployment rate of more than 8 percent. Both of my traveling partners, Kevin Parine and Chelin Lauer, considered going abroad after finding limited job opportunities in their area of study. Parine graduated with a degree in geology but decided to travel after struggling to find work in his field. Lauer graduated with a degree in biology and ended up moving to South Korea to work as a science and English teacher, and then travel whenever she had the chance. “Teaching English in Korea was the highest-paying job I could find after graduating,” Lauer, 26, says. “But the flipside to a bad job market is that it gave me a chance to explore something I probably would have never done otherwise.” But even those lucky enough to find jobs may be tempted to travel by their dissatisfaction with the way the United States approaches work. While corporate profits have increased by 20 percent in the past two decades and productivity has surged, income has stagnated, suggesting people are working more and getting paid less. Forty percent of professional men and 15 percent of professional women work more than 50 hours per week, and the United States is one of only nine countries around the world that doesn’t require employers to offer paid annual leave. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that only 30 percent of American employees feel engaged at work, according to a 2013 Gallup poll. A Harris survey found that 73 percent of older workers said they never landed in the job they dreamed of when they were younger. “We’re looking at the corporate world as it is now, and this yester-year of people spending all their life working at a job they often hated, retiring, and that’s it, and we’re disillusioned with that,” says Jessie Goldstein, 26, who recently completed a five-month road trip across the United States. After finishing a master’s degree in sustainable development and getting admitted into Ph.D. programs, she decided to take the trip to figure out whether more graduate school was the right choice for her. “If I’m going to continue putting that much of my life into something, and that much effort, it better be something I’m really passionate about,” she explains. Studies indicate that millennials advocate strongly for work-life balance, and have few qualms about leaving jobs that don’t meet their expectations. A 2012 Net Impact survey found that young workers are more concerned with finding happiness and fulfillment at the office than workers of past generations. The study found that 88 percent saw a “positive culture” as essential to their dream job, and that 86 percent felt the same way about work they found “interesting.” Fifty-eight percent said they would stomach a 15-percent pay cut to work for an organization “with values like my own.”

Travel creates time to reflect on these priorities and decide how our career choices can accommodate them. We understand that bumming around in our twenties for too long is irresponsible, but we also find it irrational to work unfulfilling jobs only to feel legitimate. And if we have the financial resources to pause, travel, and reassess, then why not take advantage of that privilege? But while long-term travel and gap years have been popular for years in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom, the idea is still relatively new in the United States—and not yet widely accepted. “If you were to ask older people. ‘Is this a good idea, should I go do this?’ the answer perceived is ‘no,’” says Randall Bourquin, 25, who spent six months last year backpacking through South and Central America. “People think that there’s too much opportunity cost, or that it’s going to cause a speed bump in your career.” Yet according to the WYSE Travel Confederation’s report, many young travelers use their extended trips not only for leisure, but also as a form of job training: 22 percent of respondents wanted to learn a language during their travels, 15 percent wanted to gain more work experience, and 15 percent wanted to study—all increases since 2007. These skills can translate into a competitive advantage in the workplace. Elizabeth Harper, 25, discovered her career interests while backpacking in Southeast Asia. Traveling gave her time to read for pleasure, and she ended up leafing through books passed around in hostels about atrocities that had occurred in the countries she was visiting. She eventually graduated with a master’s degree in international human-rights law and has since worked on humanrights issues for the United Nations and the International Commission of Jurists. Bourquin leveraged his trip into a sports-marketing job at Univision. My travels helped me obtain a summer job with Global Glimpse, an organization that takes disadvantaged students on educational trips through Nicaragua. As a daughter of immigrants, the American Dream has played an everpresent role in my career decisions. After seeing how few options my mother had as a woman who spent a large part of her childhood in poverty, I wanted to do everything she never had the opportunity to accomplish. Growing up, that meant graduating from a prestigious university and getting a respectable job. But gradually I realized my standard definition of the American Dream was incomplete: It was not only about obtaining education and a good job, but also about focusing on how my career choices contributed to my overall well-being. It was about gaining experiences outside my career, like travel, that would have otherwise been unavailable to me. For me and many others millennials, this was the opportunity we worked hard to achieve: the opportunity to have options—to have time to reflect, and to experience the world in a way many generations before us never could.

Governors: creatures of presidential pleasure

Livemint

very time a new government comes to power in New Delhi, a game of musical chairs begins with the governors of Indian states. For many of the governors appointed by the Manmohan Singh government, the music is about to stop. The governors of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh resigned. A number of others—Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal among others—are in danger of losing their jobs. This has led to outrage that the Narendra Modi government is behaving unconstitutionally. A judgment of the apex court (B.P. Singhal vs the Union of India, 2010) has been pressed into service to “codify” the process of removal of governors. It has been argued that a governor is not a chaprassi who can be sacked at the whims of a capricious Union government. These contentions sound wonderful on paper but in the real world they will lead to dangerous consequences. They are based on a misunderstanding, or more accurately, a modern and fashionable re-interpretation of the governor’s job. Constitutionally, the governor of a state is a curious hybrid. On the one hand, he is the executive head of the state (Article 154 of the Constitution), which means that he heads a state—which in its own sphere, is sovereign. On the other hand, he is appointed by the President (Article 155 of the Constitution) and not elected (as the President is). Thus, he is subordinate to the President. The authority to remove him lies with the President at whose “pleasure” he remains in office (Article 156(1) of the Constitution). The President’s “pleasure”, while exercised by him, is always based on the advice of his council of ministers. In effect, by a chain of actions, the governor’s appointment and removal are based on what the Union council of ministers, led by the prime minister, wants. Politically, of course, the situation is far more

clear and unambiguous. In a country as diverse as India and one that is very hard to govern, the governor is the eyes and ears of the Union government. Among all constitutional offices, his is the most political one: The governor not only signs Acts of state legislatures into laws but he also has far greater powers of control over state governments as compared with the President: he alone starts the process of dismissing a state government in case of breakdown of constitutional machinery (Article 356 of the Constitution).

these other high functionaries are apolitical authorities. To say that a governor should be removed only on the grounds of misbehaviour, mental or physical disability, corruption etc., ignores the political reasons that may make his removal necessary. And political reasons, by their nature, cannot and should not be sought to be defined. The other, even more dangerous, consequence of trying to define and limit “presidential pleasure” is to tinker with executive authority. Executive authority is meant to handle all kinds of situations while governing a country—from external threats, to economic progress to internal disturbances among many that can be imagined. To define and limit it will be a dangerous reduction in the powers of the Union government. In the instant case, it does seem distasteful that the Modi government is trying to get rid of the governors appointed by the previous government. This cycle of capriciousness has to end somewhere and at some time. This is as good a time as any. If the government does go ahead with getting rid of governors, it should be transparent about it and clearly state the reasons for their dismissal. To end the problem, the solution lies in Illustration: a cross-party consensus in the appointment Jayachandran/Mint of governors. True, stability in the tenure of governors is not a bad idea. But for the security of tenure of governors the appointment These features of the governor’s position and process, too, should be broad-based. Unlike jostling role are not arbitrary. The framers of the Consti- in the legislative arena, appointment of governors tution thought about them carefully and the con- can certainly be less partisan. Political parties can stitutional provisions reflect this accurately. If the agree, for example, not to appoint persons to this “arbitrary” removal of governors is ended, these vital position if they are suspected of wrongdoing features, too, will be changed. Placing the governor in earlier jobs (as chief ministers, to give a current on the same footing as other constitutional func- example). As in many other high-level appointtionaries (for example, the Comptroller and Audi- ments where a committee comprising the prime tor General, judges of the supreme court and high minister, the leader of opposition and others take courts, the chief election commissioner) ignores the appointing decision, something similar should the fact that a governor’s office is political while be done in the case of governors.

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog

Rule of Law: The foundation of a civilized people Temjen Toy: Nagas are a proud people, or so we have been told for the past half a century or more. Proud, as in 'proud to be a Naga'. However, there appears to be an absence of the Rule of Law. Any race, any country is governed by the Rule of Law. We live and work under the Rule of Law (and not necessarily under the rule of the king or the Government). This, all will agree I am sure, is basic to survival as a civilized people. I wonder what's gone wrong and where if we cannot respect the Law in everyday life. Just a stray thought... Roselinda Longchar: And those adhering to the Rule of Law are referred to as 'Kechera-mechara' saab khan. Thejanguzo Sekhose: Nomocracy-- every citizen stands equal before the law but in context to Nagas law makers are above the law. it is not that the non law makers are better but law makers are the worst lot. Nagas need law makers who can lead by sticking to the law. Alas law abiding law makers are branded as foolish, stupid. AMI BI DANGOR MANU HOI KENA KHUSHI KHUSHI KORIBO attitude should be discouraged. Joy Khamrang: I believe we have been waiting for others to follow "The golden Rule of Law" before we even start ourselves. We are good in criticizing others but hates when others do the same to us. We love good Cars, House, Food, etc etc. but hates the word "Dignity of Labor" We Love ourselves too much, we don't want to love others. Finding fault in others has become our profession. We love to tell others to change first using the word YOU. The Golden rule of law starts with the Letter "I", and that starts from the word "ME". Have a blessed day one and all. Akum Tongpang Longchar: First the Government and its officials should be made accountable under the rule of law and let the ordinary citizens follow. Huzo Meru: When law makers themselves are the law breakers, what can we expect from the common people? At the same time we all are to be blamed as we have miserably failed to uphold the "Golden Rule" as commanded by our Master in Matthew 7:12. This is the foundation of the Rule of Law. Allen Mark Lkr: Is it even a part of our culture? Our forefathers must be to blame for not teaching us the importance of respecting laws. Think about it. Our elders are hardly ideal role models of law abiding citizenry. In these desperate times, the common man sees and does as per the prevailing system. How I wish examples could be set starting from the very top. We just have to look at most of our teenagers behaving and realise that the future doesn't behoove well. K Wapong Longkumer: We all know one rule - Article 371(A) which we all can interpret it as we want it whenever it serves our interests. Even heinous crimes are compoundable in Nagaland, many a times the compromise is reached only after some kind or the other pressure. There was too much of Hero-Worship in our society more so from the eighties. From this period on, we made many leaders who would not lead by example but by craft and cunning. We worshiped someone who would make twists in the law and find loopholes for the benefit of his followers (worshipers). We gave clean chits and in turn praised leaders who broke the law in the name of our clan/tribe/village/region/tribe. People who had integrity and understood the rule of law were mocked as 'old fashioned', foolish, simpleton etc. We still worship leaders who would provide the most number of backdoor appointments. Even a simple thing as a queue is an alien practice for us. We think it is demeaning to wait in lines and go through the Govt. procedures. We all constantly make false affidavits!!! We all want BPL cards. We all want BPL medical insurance (RSBY). It is endless! Pelevituo Yhoshu: 'This is my land, who dares to teach me the laws,' such thoughts prowl on our brain. Hence we subjugate the laws provided by the constitution and tend to frame our own laws, subsequently. We've gone proud; so proud as swagger, and this feeling has blindfolded us. In fact, we don't bother to mitigate the essence of animal.

Nagaland ready to welcome IBI’s? Zapi Kaghapi Kath: Immigration is a major challenge before Nagaland and her neighboring states. Immigration related problems are disastrous for a society and the worse of it can be communal riots witnessed in Bodoland. Now, the BJP government has issued an ultimatum to the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants settled in Assam to leave the country within a period of 15 days, voluntarily. The word 'voluntarily" is very aptly and diplomatically used. I am only wondering about the response from the immigrants. However, this move could prove disastrous for Nagaland. What if the IBI change their routes and move towards Nagaland which by the way is already a home to thousands of their kind. Imagine their impact on our already crambled economy. What if they exert their influence on our political system through vote bank politics and manipulate policies of our government. Lure and marry our ladies only to abandon them later. Nagaland has enough problems and we don't need any more coming from outside the borders. "Prevention is better than cure" they say and in this light, I hope our NGOs, Civil Societies, Student Leaders, our Political Heads and every right thinking Naga will raise this issue and prevent any illegal infiltration of aliens into our society.

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday)

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.

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 21 June 2014

The Morung Express

Abducted Indian escapes, India ‘knocking on all doors’

New Delhi, JuNe 20 (iANS): India said Friday it was “knocking on all doors” and not just in Iraq to free the Indian workers abducted there, as one of them escaped from the custody of suspected Sunni insurgents. As the kidnap saga entered a second week, the external affairs ministry indicated that the government would go to any length to resolve its first major crisis. “We are knocking on all doors... front doors, back doors and trap doors for freeing the 40 Indians (in Mosul),” ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said here. “Knocking on all doors does not just mean doors in Iraq.” “We are working with Iraqi authorities,” he said, but underlined that the situation was not easy. The spokesman confirmed that one of the Indians had escaped and contacted the Indian embassy in Baghdad but did not give his present whereabouts. “No option is off the table when lives of our nationals are involved,” he said without elaborating. Forty Indians working for a Turkish construction company were seized in Mosul a week ago after hardline Sunni insurgents took control of the area along with other key parts of Iraq. The government reiterated Friday that all of them were safe but did not say if it knew where they were

or who was holding them. Most of those abducted belong to Punjab, whose Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal Thursday led a delegation of seven of the distraught families to New Delhi to urge the Narendra Modi government to act fast. Separately, 46 Indian nurses - mostly from Kerala - remain trapped in Tikrit, the birthplace of the late Saddam Hussein, the spokesman said. He added that they were being provided food and water. Friday’s announcement followed a meeting Prime Minister Modi chaired on Iraq. In attendance were Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the heads of intelligence agencies. Akbaruddin told the media that the Iraq issue was “high priority” for the government. He said the land route to Mosul, one of the areas taken over by the Sunni insurgents, was “extremely difficult” and there was no air connectivity either. Mosul is located about 400 km from Baghdad and Tikrit is 180 km away from the Iraqi capital. Meanwhile, Paramjit Singh, whose brother is among the abducted in Iraq, told IANS in Hoshiarpur Friday that he had learnt that the kidnappers had separated the Muslims from non-Muslims.

Paramjit Singh said he last spoke to his younger brother, Karamjit Singh, June 15. He added that scores of youths from Punjab and Haryana may be stranded or held captive in Iraq. A Haryana government spokesman said in Chandigarh that 87 people from the state, mostly young men, were indeed stranded in strife-torn Iraq. Twentyfour of them were from Yamunanagar district, 20 from Kurukshetra, 18 from Ambala and 16 from Karnal.The Punjab government has released a list of 78 people who are missing, taken hostage or stranded

in Iraq. Most are construction or skilled workers. Two of the abducted men are from West Bengal: Khokan Sikdar and Samar Tikadar. They belong to Nadia district. One of them managed to telephone the family to say they were facing terrible hardships after being abducted along with other fellow workers by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mosul town. “He was very anxious... I don’t know why they have been kidnapped. I just want my husband to come back safely,” Sikdar’s wife Namita said.

Indian schoolchildren hold placards as they pray for safety of Indians stranded in Iraq, in Ahmedabad, India on June 20. The Iraqi government has determined where 40 Indian construction workers abducted near Mosul are being held captive with workers of a few other nationalities, an official said Thursday. Protect Indians in Iraq, reads in the placard on left. (AP Photo)

16 Indians evacuated from Iraq, abducted workers remain unharmed: MEA

New Delhi, JuNe 20 (AgeNcieS): In an announcement that came as a major relief for the kith and kin of those abducted in Iraq, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday that all Indians there were safe and that 16 Indians had been evacuated from violence-hit areas. Apprising scribes of the situation in Iraq, Syed Akbaruddin, the Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, said

that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking stock of the situation of the 40 Indians abducted in Iraq and added that it was a matter of high priority for the government. The MEA spokesperson informed that of the 40 Indians abducted, one person had managed to escape from custody and was is in touch with Indian Embassy. 16 persons have been evacuated from two places, he added.

Asked about negotiations with the militants, the spokesperson said, “We are knocking on all doors, front doors, back doors and trapped doors.” Eight Indians have been evacuated from Baiji while eight others were moved out from Anbar. They have since been flown out of Baghdad. Assuring the families of those abducted, Akbaruddin averred, “The Indian nationals who have been

abducted remain safe,” and added, “We remain in constant touch with the 46 Indian nurses. We have made arrangements for electricity and food in the hospital.” Informing of the other arrangements made by the government for the Indians stranded in the strife-torn country, he said, “No Indian in Iraq will suffer on account of lack of documentation. Any Indian national who desires to return, but

does not have money for the fare will be assisted by Indian community welfare fund in Iraq.” “We have informed all our missions in the Indian region to discuss this matter with their states. Our officials have had meetings with a number of Iraqi officials at various levels.” India had on Wednesday announced that its 40 nationals working for a Turkish construction company had been abducted

in Iraq’s Mosul area, which was taken over by Sunni insurgents of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin had said the workers mostly belonged to the country’s northern states, such as Punjab, and worked for the Tariq Noor al Huda construction company. He also said that no ransom call had been received.

India continues to be Centre asks states to stop unauthorised creation of IAS posts UP gang-rape accused to undergo narco test home to refugees New Delhi, JuNe 20 (iANS): As the world marks Refugee Day Friday, India continues to provide shelter to refugees from several countries who lead a relatively peaceful life here compared to their troubled homelands which they fled, though many problems persist. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), India has some 200,000 refugees from various countries. Of these, over 100,000 are Tibetan refugees while 60,000 are Sri Lankan Tamils. Over 3,000 of them are asylum seekers. While some human rights activists feel that India’s record in extending refuge is better than most other countries, others think the overall situation is dismal. “India’s record in terms of accommodating refugees is much better than other countries in the world,” senior lawyer and activist Ashok Agarwal told IANS. Agarwal has been counsel in many cases of defending refugees in the country.

Apart from people from Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the subcontinent is home to Pakistani Hindus and Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. Agarwal says that India is yet to evolve a set of principles by which refugees will be enabled to live “with a minimal degree of dignity”. Ravi Nair from the South Asian Human Rights Documentation Centre says that India is biased towards Tibetan refugees because of “geopolitical compulsions”. “India is only good to Tibetans. Chin refugees from Burma, Afghans and people from Somalia and Sudan are discriminated against,” Nair told IANS, as he lamented the absence of any law on refugees, with an over halfcentury old law governing them. “It is ironical that we are still dependent on the 1948 Foreigner Act which is of no use,” he said. The UNHCR says that refugees in India have livelihood challenges and face discrimination from local communities. Most of them work as daily wage labourers.

New Delhi, JuNe 20 (Pti): The Centre has directed the states to stop unauthorised creation of ex-cadre posts for IAS officers, being done by many in violation of the rules. In a strongly worded missive, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has said that ex-cadre posts, which are created by state governments to meet temporary and unforeseen demands, do not qualify for inclusion in IAS cadre. “It has come to the no-

tice of this Department that many State Government administrations are creating ex-cadre posts as a parallel cadre for manning long-term vacancies either in the cadre or in ex-cadre equivalent posts. This has been viewed strictly by this department,” it said. Excadre posts are meant to be a cushion to the state government for its temporary and unforeseen demands which are required temporarily for short periods and which do not qualify for in-

clusion in the IAS cadre, it said. Creation of as many excadre posts, as in the case of many states, is a clear violation of IAS (Cadre) Rules, 1954 which says that “a cadre officer shall not hold an ex-cadre post in excess of the number specified for the concerned State.” A state can create only 25 per cent of ex-cadre posts out of the senior duty reserve. “It has also come to the notice from the proposals received from various state

governments that many cadre posts at all levels are being kept in abeyance. In lieu, the state government operate ex-cadre posts. “Such appointments mean a departure from the pay rules and result in a distortion of the cadre structure. As per the rule, cadre posts cannot be kept in abeyance for a period exceeding six months without the approval of the central government,” the DoPT said seeking strict compliance of its directive.

luckNow, JuNe 20 (iANS): The five accused in the gang-rape and killing of two girls in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district last month will undergo a brain mapping and narco test, an official said Friday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought the a POCSO (Protection Of Children From Sexual Offences Act) court’s permission to conduct the tests. An official told IANS that the court has given a go ahead, following which the tests will conducted on the five accused - Urvesh, Pappu, Avdhesh, Head Constable Chatrapal and Constable Sarvesh. The court has left it to the CBI to choose the location for the tests. An official said the accused, prior to the court’s permission, were asked if they were willing to undergo these tests and they reportedly gave their nod. Two girls, both sisters, were gang-raped and then hanged from a tree outside their village in Badaun last month, leading to a national outrage. Even the United liament taint free in his pre- Nations and the US took note of the incident and aired election speeches as well. their concern on the growing crimes against women in ADR analysed the affi- Uttar Pradesh. The state government after initially trying davits of 541 newly-elected to cover the issue relented and ordered a CBI probe. members of parliament, of whom 53 have declared criminal cases where charges have been framed. The highest number of criminal cases are pending against Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who has 13 cases registered against PAtNA, JuNe 20 (Pti): He was a religious him. The Bharatiya Janata preacher at the age of Party with largest num- seven, but now at the age ber of MPs also has larg- of 14, Shivanand Tiwary est number of 24 MPs with of Dharampura village in criminal cases against Rohtas district is among the youngest students in them. the country to crack the prestigious IIT entrance examination. So young he is that including on the head after he had to take permisbeing hit by an iron rod and sion from the court to write the IIT entrance other weapons. In the instant case, be- examination, as boys and girls below the age of 15 sides Kaushal, three more are not allowed to appear. Talk to him, and he himassailants were arrested. self will say that till four years ago he had no inkling Out of them, Amit Kumar that he would be going to study at IIT. But his father was granted bail by the Kamlakant Tiwary, a farmer by profession, as well as, Himachal High Court and people of his village and neighbouring areas had no two others - Chandrakant doubts about his talent. The boy had learnt by heart the Gita and other Hinand Vikas Kumar - were granted bail by the apex du religious scriptures at the age of seven. He started travelling all around and preaching on religion and court May 9. scriptures. The discourses were well attended. “I have been a spiritual person since my childhood days and have always wanted to serve God. I started preaching from a stage at Buxar when I was seven year old. The ruling BJP party, who have people loved it and I was called to various places to give said that rapes happen “acci- discourses. I also enjoyed it,” said Shivanand. Though his father Kamlakant also wanted Sivanadentally” or are “sometimes nd to lead a life of sainthood, but there was a change right, sometimes wrong”. Modi, who swept to power when director of a coaching institute based in Patna in last month’s elections, has and New Delhi spotted him in 2011. He was so impledged to increase wom- pressed that he convinced the boy’s father to allow en’s security. Last week, him to take up studies. “I was taken by Naraina IIT -Modi warned politicians PMT Academy director U.P. Singh to New Delhi. He and against “politicising rape”, his academic director in Patna Deepak Singh devised a saying they were “playing special curriculum for me and I completed my school with the dignity of women” studies successfully from Delhi and prepared simultaand should instead work to- neously for IIT. They made me focus much on English also so that I could read and understand books in this gether to protect women. The UN committee also language,” said Shivanand. The young boy, who has secured 2587th rank in the urged India to take immediate measures to prevent entrance examination, now hopes to pursue Physics at female infanticide and IIT and go on to advanced research in its various fields. abandonment of girls, and But, what about spirituality? “I will try to correlate spirensure implementation of ituality and science later on. There is no question of rules against sex-selective giving up spirituality. I will take up research work in pure physics,” added Shivanand with a smile. abortions.

Thinktank urges Modi to expedite cases against MPs

New Delhi, JuNe 20 (iANS): A thinktank, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep his promise of making parliament taint free, and see that pending cases against lawmakers and legislators are disposed of soon. Quoting Modi’s speech in the Rajya Sabha where he committed to making parliament taint free, ADR founder member Jagdeep Chhokar said: “The prime minister should also write to the Chief Justice of India to ensure all pending cases

for MPs (members of parliament) are disposed of within an year’s time”. “The Supreme Court judgment of 10th March directed all trial courts to expedite and conclude cases against MPs and MLAs (legislators) within one year from the date of framing of charges. However, nothing much has happened so far,” Chhokar said, addressing a press conference. “The prime minister should write to the Chief Justice of India to ensure the pending cases against MPs are disposed of as

soon as possible.” “The government should bring a resolution in both houses of parliament, committing to make parliament taint free. I hope the resolution will be unanimously adopted,” he added. Modi, replying to the debate on the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha, said: “We need to make both houses taint free. Some members have FIRs against them. The judicial mechanism should execute their cases faster and the judgments can come within one year.” The prime minister promised making par-

Supreme Court expresses concern over student politics breeding criminals New Delhi, JuNe 20 (iANS): Taking a dim view of the violence on university and college campuses by members of students wings of political parties, the Supreme Court Friday said that it was leading to criminalisation of politics. “These are the people who bring criminals to politics,” observed the bench of Justice Vikramajit

Sen and Justice Shiva Kirti Singh as the court gave interim bail to Navneet Kaushal, leader of RSS student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) so that he could appear in the second semester examination of his masters programme in Himachal University in Shimla. Kaushal has challenged the Himachal Pradesh

High Court order of May 28, dismissing his plea for bail. On June 13, 2014, a bench of Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice C. Nagappan, in another matter relating to another ABVP leader in the same varsity, Bhuvaneshwar, had taken exception to campus violence and expressed concern over the growing criminality in stu-

dent politics. “We have been noticing this trend of criminality growing in colleges and educational institutions. The student unions have a role in this,” Justice Khehar observed. The interim bail granted Friday would permit Kaushal to appear for his examination starting June 23 and ending July 4, after which he would have

to surrender. Kaushal is in custody since October 23, 2013, after he was accused of hitting a fellow student leader belonging to the Communist Party of India-Marxist’s student wing, the Students Federation of India. The victims Vivek Rana, Gopal, Hoshiyar were attacked by a number of people and suffered grievous injuries

UN watchdog accuses India of ‘dereliction of duty’ over rapes

geNeVA, JuNe 20 (AFP): Indian law enforcement and justice authorities have shirked their responsibility to fight sex attacks, a UN child rights watchdog said on Thursday, amid uproar over the horrific gang-rape and lynching of two girls. “There has been a dereliction of duty in relation to rape cases,” said Benyam Mezmur, deputy chairman of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. India has been struggling to overcome its reputation for sexual violence since the fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in December 2012, which sparked mass

protests and drew international condemnation of India’s treatment of women. Public outrage was reignited last month by the deaths of two girls, aged 12 and 14, who were gangraped and lynched in their impoverished village in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A string of other headline-making cases have piled pressure on the authorities. The UN committee is made of up 18 independent experts who monitor the implementation of international children’s rights treaties. The panel held a hearing with Indian officials earlier this month. In its conclu-

sions on that session, released on Thursday, it said it was alarmed by “widespread violence, abuse, including sexual abuse, and neglect of children”. It pointed to data showing that one in three rape victims in India is a minor and that half of the abusers were known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility. “We’re not only interested about those cases that attract international media attention,” said Mezmur, who hails from Ethiopia and is a human rights law lecturer at the University of Western Cape in South Africa. He said they were the tip of the

iceberg. “We’re also very much concerned about those that do not benefit from the media attention, do not get to be reported to the authorities, do not command a protest in the streets of the cities or the villages where they have been committed,” he said. A rape occurs every 22 minutes in India, according to government figures. India brought in tougher laws last year against sexual offenders after the New Delhi gang rape. But the legislation, which was also designed to educate and sensitize police on rape cases, has failed to stem the tide of violence.

And the UN committee noted that the 2013 law failed to criminalize sexual abuse of girls over the age of 15, provided they were married — in contradiction with legislation passed the previous year on child protection. Mezmur said there were major concerns about the “implementation gap” between different federal and state laws, a lack of capacity to apply the rules, and inadequate crime data. The UN committee also criticized comments from political leaders who have played down the problem. Among them have been state ministers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s

14-year-old boy cracks IIT entrance exam

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the Morung express

Saturday 21 June 2014

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‘More than 50 million displaced worldwide’ GENEVA, JuNE 20 (REutERs): More than 50 million people were forcibly uprooted worldwide at the end of last year, the highest level since after World War Two, as people fled crises from Syria to South Sudan, the U.N. refugee agency said on Friday. Half are children, many of them caught up in conflicts or persecution that world powers have been unable to prevent or end, UNHCR said in its annual Global Trends report. “We are really facing a quantum leap, an enormous increase of forced displacement in our world,” U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres told a news briefing. The overall figure of 51.2 million displaced people soared by six million from a year earlier. They included 16.7 million refugees and 33.3 million displaced within their homelands, and 1.2 million asylum seekers whose applications were pending. Syrians fleeing the escalating conflict accounted for most of the world’s 2.5 million new refugees last year, UNHCR said. In all, nearly 3 million Syrians have crossed into neighbouring Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, while another 6.5 million remain displaced within Syria’s borders. “We are seeing here the immense costs of not ending war, of failing to resolve or pre-

Iraqis who have fled the violence in their hometown of Mosul line arrive at Khazir refugee camp outside of Irbil, 217 miles (350 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq on June 16. Sunni militants captured a strategic city along the highway to Syria on Monday, moving closer to their goal of linking areas under their control on both sides of the border. The al-Qaida breakaway group leading the push in Iraq also is fighting in the civil war next door in Syria where it controls territory abutting the Iraqi border.(AP Photo)

vent conflict,” Guterres said. “We see the Security Council paralysed in many crucial crises around the world.” New And Old Crises Conflicts that erupted this year in Central African Republic, Ukraine and Iraq are driving more families from their homes, he said,

Ukraine president issues peace plan KIEV, JuNE 20 (AFP): Ukraine’s new Westernbacked president on Friday released a sweeping peace plan for curbing a pro-Russian uprising in the separatist east that is threatening the ex-Soviet country’s survival. The publication of the 14-point initiative followed two phone conversations in 72 hours between President Petro Poroshenko and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, which highlighted the Kremlin’s lingering influence over its smaller western neighbour. Poroshenko on Thursday also hosted in Kiev local leaders and tycoons from the eastern rustbelt to help win their agreement for his ideas of how to end the fighting that has killed at least 365 civilians and fighters on both sides. A Ukranian military spokesman said on Friday that the latest eastern clashes claimed the lives of seven soldiers and left 30 wounded. Kiev media published copies of the document Poroshenko was due to formally unveil later in the day that demands the rebels’ immediate disarmament and promises to decentralise power through constitutional reform. The plan also drops criminal charges against separatist fighters who committed no “serious crimes” and provides “a guaranteed corridor for Russian and Ukrainian mercenaries to leave” the conflict zone. But it also calls on “local government bodies to resume their operations”—a demand rejected by separatist leaders who have proclaimed their independence from Kiev and occupied administration buildings in about a dozen eastern cities and towns. One rebel commander this week dismissed news that Poroshenko was about to propose a strategy for ending the country’s worst crisis in its post-Soviet history as “meaningless”. The plan is officially called “Steps toward a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukrainian regions” and is intended to

stay in force for 10 days after its publication. But it makes no mention of an immediate but temporary unilateral ceasefire that Poroshenko promised on Wednesday to declare within a matter of days. Poroshenko has previously suggested that his call for Ukranian forces to halt their offensive would go into effect with the plans’ publication. Putin had earlier bowed to Western pressure and refused to recognise the independence proclaimed by the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions in the wake of disputed May 11 sovereignty referendums. But he has lobbied heavily for Kiev to turn Ukraine into a federation that provides regional leaders with the right to draft their own laws and established independent trade relations with nations such as Russia. The new pro-EU leaders that rose to power after months of deadly protests toppled Russianbacked president Viktor Yanukovych in February have faced similar pressure from Western leaders. But Washington and the European Union have stopped short of supporting the “federalisation” idea promoted by Putin and the regional rights outlined in Poroshenko’s proposal were limited. It guarantees the “protection of the Russian language” in eastern regions and obliges the president to consult local leaders about whom he should appoint as governor. But it does not give regions the right to elect their own heads of administration—another key Russian demand. Putin’s official reaction to details of the plan Poroshenko outlined by telephone late on Thursday has been muted. “Poroshenko informed the Russian head of state regarding the main points of his plan to regulate the situation in southeast Ukraine,” the Kremlin said in a statement. It added that Putin gave “a series of comments” and stressed the need for the “immediate end to the military operation”.

raising fears of a mass exodus of Iraqi refugees. “A multiplication of new crises, and at the same time old crises that seem never to die,” he added. Afghan, Syrian and Somali nationals accounted for 53 percent of the 11.7 million refugees under UNHCR’s responsibility. Five million Palestinians are looked after by a sister agency

HoNG KoNG, JuNE 20 (REutERs): Tens of thousands of people voted for full democracy in Hong Kong within the first hour of an unofficial online referendum, a civil campaign that has sparked warnings from China’s Communist Party leaders. Social tensions have steadily risen in the former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 - with pro-democracy activists threatening to blockade part of the city’s financial district if China doesn’t allow opposition candidates to run in a 2017 election. While Beijing says Hong

UNRWA. Most refugees have found shelter in developing countries, contrary to the myth fuelled by some populist politicians in the West that their states were being flooded, Guterres said. “Usually in the debate in the developed world, there is this idea that refugees are all fleeing north and that the objective is not exactly to

find protection but to find a better life. “The truth is that 86 percent of the world’s refugees live in the developing world,” he said. Desperate refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa have drowned after taking rickety boats in North Africa to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, mainly via Italy. Italy has a mission,

UN must act to save refugees: Amnesty

LoNdoN, JuNE 20 (IANs): The UN Security Council is failing to maintain international peace and security in conflict zones, Amnesty International said on World Refugee Day Friday. Amnesty urged Security Council members to act more decisively to protect civilians and prevent millions more people being driven away from their homes. The Security Council’s, and in some cases the UN Secretariat’s, ineffective or delayed responses to ongoing conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Iraq have allowed violence to spiral and countless communities to be devastated, it said. “Apathy, political alliances and point-scoring must cease ... when it comes to decision-making at the Security Council,” said Sherif ElsayedAli, deputy director on global issues at Amnesty

International. “While diplomats debate points of order, houses are being burned to the ground and families forced on the run. Long delays and vetoed resolutions are plaguing the supposed ‘strong arm’ of the UN.” The delayed deployment of UN peacekeepers to the Central African Republic means thousands have already been forced to flee before troops arrive. The repeated failure of the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court and the resulting lack of accountability has contributed to the world’s largest displacement crisis. Meanwhile, those countries that have blocked any meaningful action on Syria are contributing the least to the global refugee crisis. Russia and China resettled zero refugees in 2013. Despite their relative

economic disadvantage, developing countries are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Pakistan the top five refugee hosting countries. In 2013, at least 435,000 people sought asylum in the European Union but just 136,000 people got the status. Australia, which has one of the lowest population densities anywhere in the world, is another offender, hiding serious human rights violations of refugees and asylum seekers at its offshore processing centres on Nauru and Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. “It’s time for governments in developed countries to stop thinking in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Refugees and asylum seekers have often endured terrible ordeals. They deserve to be protected and treated with humanity and dignity,” Amnesty said.

known as Mare Nostrum or “Our Sea”, which has rescued about 50,000 migrants already this year. Italy will ask the European Union next week to take over responsibility for rescuing migrants, a task that is costing its navy 9 million euros ($12.25 million) a month. “It is important to have a European commitment there and to make sure that

such an operation can be sustainable,” said Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal. The EU bloc has harmonised its asylum system, but the 27 member states still differ in how they process refugees and in their approval rates for asylum applications, he said. A record 25,300 unaccompanied children lodged asylum applications in 77

countries last year, according to UNHCR. “We see a growing number of unaccompanied minors on all routes. We see them in the Mediterranean routes, we see them in the Caribbean route, through Mexico to the United States, we see them in the Afghan route into Iran, into Turkey, into Europe,” Guterres said. “We see them everywhere.”

Hong Kong democracy “referendum” kicks off Kong can go ahead with a city-wide vote in 2017 for the city’s top leader, the most far-reaching experiment in democracy in China since the Communist takeover in 1949, senior Chinese officials have ruled out allowing the public to nominate candidates. Instead, Beijing insists a small committee of largely pro-Beijing loyalists choose who gets on the ballot, which would effectively render the ability to vote meaningless. Even with the ‘PopeVote’ website functioning only intermittently after a cyber-attack earlier in the week, more than 50,000 votes were cast

within an hour and a half of opening, said pro-democracy activists who organised the ballot. Most of the votes were cast through a smartphone app. Some 37,000 pre-registered to vote in the days beforehand. A spokesman for the Hong Kong government said internet vote had “no legal effect” and there was no provision under Hong Kong laws for such a vote. Around 200 supporters marched peacefully in the rain to Hong Kong government headquarters, singing, waving banners and urging more people to participate in the symbolic call for full democracy at a criti-

cal juncture for the city. Government and police sources have warned of the risk of other radical groups joining or ‘hijacking’ the so-called Occupy Central movement, with police on Friday bolstering security around the legislature after a small band of demonstrators tried ramming their way into the building last week. Pro-Beijing newspapers, Chinese officials and Hong Kong business tycoons have strongly criticised the Occupy Central campaign, which plans mass protests in the Central business district this summer, saying it will harm Hong Kong. Activists say it is a ‘peace-

ful movement’ demanding a ‘genuine choice’ for Hong Kong’s 5 million eligible voters. One of the organisers of the online vote, academic Benny Tai, stressed his movement hadn’t yet decided on an exact date to launch the street protests, though the results of the online vote would have a strong bearing. Banks in Central have been holding emergency drills and contingency planning for possible disruptions to operations. Hong Kong returned to China with wide-ranging autonomy under the formula of “one country, two systems” - along with an

undated promise of full democracy, an issue never broached by the British until the dying days of 150 years of colonial rule. The referendum is seen as an important test for pro-democracy activists who are increasingly embittered by perceptions of China’s increased control over the city that was promised broad-ranging freedoms upon its return to Chinese rule. Last week, Beijing released a white paper reasserting Beijing’s total control over Hong Kong in what many saw as a veiled warning. The online vote will be open until June 29.

Chief Minister of troubled Myanmar state retires YANGoN, JuNE 20 (AP): The chief minister of Myanmar’s Rakhine state that has been embroiled in sectarian violence has retired and the country’s religious affairs minister has been fired. An announcement signed by President Thein Sein gave no explanation for Hla Maung Tin’s retirement or for the sacking of Hsan Sint. Several official sources said Hsan Sint is facing an investigation on corruption charges. His removal coincides with the arrest of five Buddhist monks last week after a well-known Buddhist monastery was raided in a late-night operation. The sources would not give their names are they were

not authorized to speak to the media. Thein Sein has pledged to create a clean government since he assumed power in 2011 and has seen a series of cabinet reshuffles though no reasons have been given. The announcement published in local newspapers Friday said that Hla Maung Tin was permitted to retire, which is a common euphemism for a firing. Saying someone has been fired implies a more serious legal matter. Rakhine has been caught up in sectarian violence since mid-2012 that has challenged the government and brought international criticism. Earlier this week, a top

U.N. humanitarian official said she witnessed “appalling conditions” and the worst human suffering she has ever seen in camps for stateless Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State. Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Humanitarian Affairs Kyung-wha Kang told reporters in New York that because of severe restrictions on their freedom of movement both in camps and isolated villages, many Muslims can’t rebuild their lives and have “wholly inadequate access to basic services including health, education, water and sanitation.” Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist nation of 60 million which only re-

cently emerged from a halfcentury of military rule, considers the Rohingya Muslims to be immigrants from Bangladesh and denies them citizenship and related rights, even though many were born to families who arrived in the country generations ago. Almost all of the 1.3 million Rohingya live in Rakhine state, where sectarian violence in the last two years has killed about 280 people and forced another 140,000 to flee their homes. Most of the victims have been Rohingyas chased down by Buddhist mobs. As a result, most Rohingya are now living in hot, dirty camps for internally displaced people, or IDPs.

A man looks over piled up cars swept away by severe flooding in the town of Varna, Bulgaria on June 20. Bulgarian authorities say ten people have died and several others are missing after heavy rain and flooding hit the Black Sea port city of Varna. Large parts of the Balkan country have been hit by heavy rain and hailstorms, and hundreds of people have been left without electricity and food supplies. (AP Photo)

Iraqi forces ready push after US offers advisers

BAGHdAd, JuNE 20 (REutERs): Iraqi forces were massing north of Baghdad on Friday, aiming to strike back at Sunni Islamists whose drive toward the capital prompted the United States to send military advisers to stiffen government resistance. President Barack Obama offered up to 300 Americans to help coordinate the fight. But he held off granting a request for air strikes from the Shi’ite-led government and renewed a call for Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to do more to overcome sectarian divisions that have fueled resentment among the Sunni minority. In the area around Samarra, on the main highway 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, which has become a frontline of the battle with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the provincial governor,

a rare Sunni supporter of Maliki, told cheering troops they would now force ISIS and its allies back. A source close to Maliki told Reuters that the government planned to hit back now that it had halted the advance which saw ISIS seize the main northern city of Mosul, capital of Nineveh province, 10 days ago and sweep down along the Sunni-populated Tigris valley toward Baghdad as the US-trained army crumbled. Governor Abdullah al-Jibouri, whose provincial capital Tikrit was overrun last week, was shown on television on Friday telling soldiers in Ishaqi, just south of Samarra: “Today we are coming in the direction of Tikrit, Sharqat and Nineveh. “These troops will not stop,” he added, saying government forces around Samarra numbered more than 50,000. This week, the mili-

tants’ lightning pace has slowed in the area north of the capital, home to Sunnis but also to Shi’ites fearful of ISIS, which views them as heretics to be wiped out. Samarra has a major Shi’ite shrine. And it was for killings of Shi’ites in nearby Dujail that Maliki had Saddam hanged in 2006. The participation of Shi’ite militias and tens of thousands of new Shi’ite army volunteers has allowed the Iraqi military to rebound after mass desertions by soldiers last week allowed ISIS to carve out territory where it aims to found an Islamic caliphate straddling the Iraqi-Syrian border. “The strategy has been for the last few days to have a new defense line to stop the advance of ISIS,” a close ally of Maliki told Reuters. “We succeeded in blunting the advance and now are trying to get back areas unnecessarily lost.”

Targeted US action

While a new reality is emerging with the key cities of Mosul and Tikrit for now out of reach for the government, Obama has put US military power back at Baghdad’s disposal, while insisting he will not send ground troops back, two and half years after he ended the occupation that began in 2003.m Announcing the despatch of advisers, the president said he was prepared to take “targeted” military action later if deemed necessary, thus delaying but still keeping open the prospect of air strikes to fend off a militant insurgency. Obama also delivered a stern message to Maliki on the need to take urgent steps to heal Iraq’s sectarian rift, something US officials say the Shi’ite leader has failed to do and which ISIS has exploited to win broader support among the

Sunnis. “We do not have the ability to simply solve this problem by sending in tens of thousands of troops and committing the kinds of blood and treasure that has already been expended in Iraq,” Obama told reporters. “Ultimately, this is something that is going to have to be solved by the Iraqis.” The contingent of up to 300 military advisers will be made up of special forces and will staff joint operations centers for intelligence sharing and planning, US officials said. Leading US lawmakers have called for Maliki to step down, and Obama aides have also made clear their frustration with him. While Obama did not join calls for Maliki to go, saying “it’s not our job to choose Iraq’s leaders”, he avoided any expression of confidence in the embattled Iraqi prime minister. Warning that Iraq’s fate

“hangs in the balance,” Obama said: “Only leaders with an inclusive agenda are going to be able to truly bring the Iraqi people together.” Iraqis appeared content with Obama’s decision. The Maliki ally said Obama’s offer of aid was appropriate and included the establishment of an intelligence liaison center that would allow for future U.S. air strikes on ISIS and other groups. Obama’s decision to hold off for now on such strikes underscored scepticism in Washington, and among its regional allies, over whether they would be effective, given the risk of civilian deaths that could further enrage Iraqi Sunnis. “We will be prepared to take targeted and precise military action if we conclude the situation on the ground requires it,” Obama said. But he insisted that any US military response would not be in support of one Iraqi sect over another.

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The Morung Express SPORTS dark Gerrard rues error after England defeat

Saturday 21 June 2014

South American horses canter forward

sAO PAuLO, JuNE 20 (AFP): England captain Steven Gerrard regretted his error that led to Uruguay's winning goal on Thursday, saying inexperience had cost his team, who now need a miracle to stay in the World Cup. Luis Suarez, back in action just four weeks after knee surgery, scored twice in the tense Group D encounter, either side of Wayne Rooney's first ever World Cup goal in Sao Paulo. For the second goal, Gerrard mistimed a header in midfield and it fell to Liverpool team-mate Suarez, who smashed home the winner five minutes from time. The veteran 34-yearold midfielder, who said the result was a "personal low", admitted the goals conceded were "sloppy". "We have to take responsibility for that as a team," he said. "The first one, he's peeled off onto the back post, it's a fantastic ball by (Edinson) Cavani. We'll have to look at that. "The second one I've tried to get good contact on the

England's Steven Gerrard, right, heads the ball backwards, from which Uruguay's Luis Suarez ran on to score the winning goal during the group D World Cup soccer match between Uruguay and England at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 19, 2014. (AP Photo)

ball and I haven't got good enough contact on it." Gerrard said perhaps the side should have settled for a point after equalising with just 15 minutes to go. "I just thought when we got the equaliser today we needed to be a bit more

clever, a bit more cute, be a bit more difficult to beat," said the midfielder. "Maybe accept that going for a point might be the best option but they were weak at the back. They were there for the taking and once we got the equaliser we tried to

take the initiative." The result leaves England pointless in Group D, with Italy, Costa Rica and Uruguay all on three points. But if Italy beat Costa Rica and Uruguay, England could still progress. "It's a really tough moment for everyone in the dressing room but we need to be professional and keep fighting and play for that small glimmer of hope," Gerrard said. Refusing to be drawn on his own international future he insisted England deserved something from their two matches so far. In their first game, against Italy, Roy Hodgson's men impressed but lost 2-1. "We'll analyse the game afterwards but it's simple really," Gerrard said. "At this level you can't give world-class players chances and when you're still in the game you need to be more difficult to beat." "Italy are a fantastic team capable of winning both games but we're clutching at straws, which is a position we didn't want to be in coming into the tournament, relying on other people."

Scoreless draw keeps Japan and Greece alive

Ivory Coast's Wilfried Bony (12) and Colombia's Abel Aguilar (8) battle for the ball during the group C World Cup soccer match between Colombia and Ivory Coast at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday, June 19. (AP Photo)

BELO HORIZONTE, JuNE 20 (REuTERs): South American dark horses Colombia cantered into the World Cup knockout round on Thursday and 2010 semifinalists Uruguay put hapless England on the brink of elimination with a Luis Suarez-inspired 2-1 win. Returning from knee surgery and facing several Liverpool team mates, Suarez scored a brilliant header to put Uruguay ahead then won the game with a lethal drive after Wayne Rooney had equalised with his first World Cup goal. "God Save The King!" read one proud banner over a photo of Suarez among the hordes of blueclad Uruguayans dancing at the final whistle in Sao Paulo's Corinthians arena. The charismatic Suarez celebrated the first goal with his doctor, then showed class in hugging disconsolate Liverpool colleague and England captain Steven Gerrard at the end. "I dreamed about this. I am enjoying this moment after all the criticism I had to take," said Suarez, who fought back tears after his second goal.

The Uruguayan ace has had an up-and-down time in the Premier League with bans for racism and biting before winning last season's Player of the Year award. Uruguay joined Italy and Costa Rica, who meet on Friday, on three points with England on zero after two losses in Group D. Having started their campaigns with exciting wins, Colombia and Ivory Coast served up a thriller as expected in Brasilia. Even without injured leading striker Radamel Falcao, the South American champions are showing an abundance of offensive talent and a lightning, counter-attacking style to surprise their rivals. James Rodriguez beat Ivory Coast substitute Didier Drogba to a corner with a powerful header for the first goal before Juan Quintero coolly netted a second in a 2-1 win that put Colombia on six points and guaranteed them a berth in the last 16. Colombians Party Gervinho pulled one back for the Africans, but it was not enough to stop the party among Colombia's yellow-clad masses, who are rivalling the Brazilians

for noise and colour. On the pitch, Colombia's players have stolen the show for goal celebrations, with a group dance routine reminiscent of Cameroon's famous hip-wiggling display in 1990. "I'm so happy, we're a united group and we never lack courage," said Colombia coach Jose Pekerman, whose dream is a final against his homeland Argentina. Japan and Greece slugged out a 0-0 draw in Thursday's last game, leaving them joint bottom of Group C with one point each and ensuring neither can catch group leaders Colombia. Greece captain and midfielder Kostas Katsouranis let his team down with a sending off for two yellow cards in a game full of huff-and-puff but lacking Suarez-style clinical finishing. Away from the on-field action, departing champions Spain were licking their wounds after a shock early exit from the tournament following losses to the Netherlands and Chile. Despite conceding seven goals in a humiliating end to their rule of world soccer, Spain's players showed dignity in de-

feat, admitting they were outplayed and that an era had ended. The 2010 World Cup winners, who also triumphed at the last two European Championships, have a meaningless final game against Australia to play before flying home and beginning the job of rejuvenating their ageing squad of past greats. Despondent Spanish fans could at least take heart from a talented group of young players waiting on the sidelines, starting with David De Gea who is likely to replace veteran captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The mood of realism in Spain could hardly be further from the wild euphoria in Chile where fans celebrated wildly one of the greatest conquests in their football history. Chile face the Netherlands on Monday in their final Group B match, with both teams through but knowing defeat could see them face Brazil in the second round. "The team that filled the Maracana with football yesterday knows no bounds," one Chilean newspaper commentator wrote. "Not even Brazil can fill them with fear."

NATAL, JuNE 20 (AP): Greece promised goals that didn't come. Japan pressed for a victory that eluded it yet again. The ultimate result of what has turned out to be a rarity at this World Cup — a 0-0 draw — is that Colombia is guaranteed to move on to the knockout rounds and Greece and Japan are still clinging to life in Group C. Reduced to 10 men after captain Costas Katsouranis was sent off in the 38th minute with his second booking, Greece held on for a critical result in the group by returning to the rock-solid defense that Colombia had blistered for three goals in an opening loss. "My players were brilliant," said Greece coach Fernando Santos. "They worked hard after the red card. Without the red card we probably would have won the game." Both teams inserted new strikers in search of goals and a first victory, but ultimately the main objective was survival and both achieved that with one match left in group play. Japan would have been eliminated with a loss. Once Katsouranis was sent off after a rough challenge on Makoto Hasebe, Greece withdrew into a defensive setup and held firm. Even short-handed, Greece was better organized against Japan and avoided any critical mistakes. Japan defender Atsuto Uchida said he could sense Greece building a wall

Greece's goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis dives at a shot on goal during the group C World Cup soccer match between Japan and Greece at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, Thursday, June 19. (AP Photo)

around the goal as soon as Katsouranis was sent off. "I had a bad feeling about it. It happens a lot in soccer, when a team goes down to 10, they know exactly what they need to do. And that also happens to be exactly Greece's way to fighting — to fight by defending," Uchida said. Japan pressed forward after halftime and had several chances to score. The best came in the 68th minute when Shinji Kagawa played a long pass over the top to Uchida, who sent it back across the middle to Yoshito Okubo, who blasted the volley over the net.

Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis also was forced to make a diving save in injury time to preserve the draw and the point for Greece. Greece came in determined to turn around its dismal scoring history in the World Cup — 18 goals conceded against just two scored — inserting Kostas Mitroglou up front. Greek players had even promised goals against Japan. But Mitroglou's best effort was an early volley that spun off his foot and he didn't even make it to halftime. After taking an elbow in the side in the 30th minute, Mitroglou collapsed

to the ground. He got up and walked off under his own power but soon determined he couldn't continue and was taken off for Theofanis Gekas in the 35th minute. Things got worse for Greece just moments later when Katsouranis was sent off. Greece retreated into its half of the field for most of the second half. Japan had 68 percent of ball possession. Katsouranis will be suspended for Greece's final group match against Ivory Coast. "It was a terrible start, losing a man," Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said.

Adios Spain, but good years not forgotten John Leicester

AP Sports Columnist

The most instructive line in the Oscar-winning "Deer Hunter" isn't delivered by Robert De Niro or Christopher Walken's suicidal character Nick but by an oily Frenchman in the embers of Vietnam War-time Saigon who tut-tuts disapprovingly when Nick turns down a glass of champagne. "Don't say no," he purrs. "When a man say no to champagne, he say no to life." Spain was the champagne of football for the past six years. Its play was effervescent: built on quick passing, light touches and sparkling talents. Like other luxuries, Spain's champagne football couldn't be easily copied. Get the ball, pass the ball, get the ball, pass the ball was drilled into the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas since they were young lads at Barcelona's youth academy. Without similar production lines of their own, other teams could only marvel enviously as Spain and Pep Guardiola-managed Barcelona vacuumed up every trophy in football with "tiki taka" — the name given to their dizzying pinball-machine style of play.

Thanks for the memories: Alonso

sPIELBERG, JuNE 20 (REuTERs): Ferrari's Fernando Alonso expressed surprise on Thursday at Spain's early exit from the World Cup but refused to criticise the players for their tame performance. The double Formula One world champion, who is a keen Real Madrid supporter, instead thanked the outgoing world champions for the memories. "I'm surprised, I'm not depressed," the Spaniard told reporters at the Austrian Grand Prix on Thursday. "We've been winning for some years now and we knew that sooner or later the day would come. "We didn't play well enough to qualify, the others played better," he added. "But we just need to say thanks for all that this generation gave us in the last couple of years and hopefully come back stronger in four years' time." Spain went out of the tournament in Brazil on Wednesday after losing 2-0 to Chile. It was their second defeat in two matches after they were thrashed 5-1 in their opener by the Netherlands. "We were taught to play triangles and move the ball around," Xavi explained. "Before you get the ball you have to know what you are going to do with it." Yet, with time, people began to say 'no' to champagne. In football, as in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. For Spaniards, success in football was a lifeline to cling to as their economy flushed down the drain. But to nonSpaniards, Spanish dominance became tiresome because it was unrelenting. Opposition coaches slowly began to fathom out how to gum up the Spanish machines. Jose Mourinho showed the way by turning Inter Milan into a turtle, pulling everyone, even striker Samuel Eto'o, back to defend. Inter sank Barce-

lona, the title holders, in the 2010 Champions League semifinals. Mourinho, accused of being "anti-football," got the last laugh when Inter then beat Bayern Munich in the final. Keeping a team at the pinnacle of football is like building sandcastles on the beach. Inevitably, the tides of opposition will sweep away all that handiwork. The only question is how long the walls can be shored up before they collapse. After Spain narrowly survived an anti-football, karate kicking from the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final, triumphing through Iniesta's extra-time winner, Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque responded with tiki taka on steroids. At the 2012 European championships, he

started Fabregas, a midfielder by trade, up front instead of a recognized striker for half of Spain's games, including the final against Italy. Like the multi-headed monsters of Greek mythology, danger now came from everywhere across the Spanish front line. The whirly-gig of interchange between Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, David Silva and haring left-back Jordi Alba overwhelmed the Italians. That 4-0 win was Spanish champagne football at its coolest. Retaining the European title it won in 2008, with the 2010 World Cup sandwiched in between, made Spain the greatest team this century. They won't make it four major titles in a row. Chile's 2-0 win Wednesday guaranteed Spain won't

get out of the group stage. Nostalgia for Spain's high times is one reason it foundered at this World Cup. Del Bosque either did not or would not see what to others was obvious. Asked seven months ago how Spain would fare in Brazil, Raymond Domenech, France's coach at the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, told us: "Players are getting a bit old. It's the end of a cycle. I even see them being knocked out quite quickly." If anything, that Spain was unable to play like Spain of the past only proved how exceptional its champagne years were. This was more or less the same group of players but a shadow of the old team. In the must-win match against Chile, Spanish attacks were sluggish and formulaic. Chile looked more like Spain than Spain did itself — quick, keeping the ball. Like confetti after a party, Spanish players scattered across the pitch, disorganized, blown about by Chile's surges up field. So the dynasty ends, as they all do. But as we look forward to a new king, let's not make the mistake of turning our noses up at champagne and forgetting just how good From left, Spain's Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta and goalkeeper Iker Casillas walk off the Spain used to be when the pitch following their group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and Chile at the Marabubbles were flowing. cana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 18, 2014. (AP Photo)

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

of the public eye while in the White House. But Malia was recently spotted on the set of a CBS television program, working as a production assistant for a day. The Obamas gave the interview to promote a summit the White House is holding on Monday to discuss policies to help working families. “There are structures that can help

families around child care, healthcare, and schooling that make an enormous difference in people’s lives,” Obama said in the interview. (Parade: bit. ly/1lCnKai) This year, Obama has tried to focus on issues such as ensuring equal pay for women, expanding early childhood education and hiking the minimum wage.

Dimapur

These issues so far have failed to gain traction in Congress, but do resonate with Democratic voters. To advance his agenda, he needs Democrats to keep control of the Senate after November midterm elections, where Republicans stand a good chance of getting a majority, and likely also will retain control of the House of Repre-

ctress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie is reportedly in talks to acquire citizenship of Namibia so that she can use her new title - honorary dame - from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. The Tomb Raider actress was named an honorary dame in the monarch’s Birthday Honours List recently for her humanitarian work. However, Jolie can’t currently use the title officially as she is not British or a Commonwealth citizen.

Kanye West slams Barack Obama a n y e We s t h a s to apply all the blessings

slammed US President Barack Obama in a confusing rant, insisting the politician can’t ‘’effect change’’. The ‘Bound 2’ rapper hit out at the Commanderin-Chief, insisting he can’t do anything to ‘’effect change’’ without ‘’money’’ - though he then went on to proclaim ‘’genius’’ to be ‘’extremely cheap’’. Asked about the president in an interview with Power106FM, he ranted ‘’You can’t effect change from inside the White House like that ...You gotta have the money. ‘’Good ideas usually aren’t connected to money as much ...Creativity and extreme genius are extremely cheap.’’ Kanye - who has 12-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian - then went on to warn his critics not to slam him as he is on a ‘’mission from God’’. He said ‘’Don’t worry about how I’m saying what I’m saying. Look at what I’m saying and how I feel my intent is. ‘’You do not want to go against the power. I’m working on one mission, and that’s a mission from God. ‘’I’m gonna make it very clear exactly what I’m here to do. I’m here to help. I’m going

I’ve got. ‘’We’re moving to the future. [And] I’m gonna be the anchor.’’ Just last November, Kanye vowed never to mention the president again as he felt the politician - who has criticised the rapper on a number of occasions - was using his name to be ‘’down’’ with young people. He said ‘’I just think that we’re pop icons, and the president likes to use that type of thing just to be down. ‘’People were fine with me being everyone’s punching bag for about five years - ‘This is the person we love to hate, so if you want to distract people from everything that’s going on... just say you hate Kanye and there’s going be 30 other people who say they hate Kanye.’ ‘’I’m not going to mention him anymore, I’m past that, that’s out my thoughts. That’s lowering my priority of thinking at this point.’’ Obama previously spoke out about the ‘New Slaves’ hitmaker to urge young people not to look to the wealth of the rapper and his now-wife as an example of success, and branded him a ‘’jackass’’ after he interrupted Taylor Swift’s 2009 MTV Music Awards acceptance speech.

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sentatives. “If we can highlight these issues and sustain it over the next year, it’s still possible to see bold action out of Congress,” Obama said. In the interview, the Obamas talked about how they lived for a year on the second floor of the house of Michelle’s mom Marian Robinson after law school, drove a used car that they bought for $1,000, and worked through the stress of being saddled with student loans and small children. They acknowledged that their careers gave them the chance to earn good incomes and negotiate family leave when they needed it - a luxury that most minimum-wage workers do not have. “But what it made me think about was people who were on the clock,” the president said. “If you’re an hourly worker in most companies, and you say, ‘I’ve got to take three days off,’ you may lose your job. At minimum, you’re losing income you can’t afford to lose,” he said.

‘Dame’ Angelina Jolie seeks Namibian citizenship? A

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21 June 2014

Obamas want daughters to get Justin Bieber & taste of life on minimum wage Selena Gomez P attend bible study together resident Barack Obama and wife Michelle both worked minimum-wage jobs before they got law degrees: a character-building experience they said they also want their teenage daughters to share. The president scooped ice cream at Baskin-Robbins, waited tables at an assisted-living facility for seniors and also worked as a painter. The first lady worked at a book binding shop. “I think every kid needs to get a taste of what it’s like to do that real hard work,” Michelle Obama said in an interview with Parade magazine, slated to run on Sunday. “We are looking for opportunities for them to feel as if going to work and getting a paycheck is not always fun, not always stimulating, not always fair,” the president said. “But that’s what most folks go through every single day.” The first couple has taken pains to keep their daughters Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, out

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Saturday

Jolie could be formally addressed as a dame if she is granted dual citizenship with Namibia because it is a Commonwealth country, according to Britain’s The Sun newspaper, reports contactmusic.com. The actress, who is in a relationship with Brad Pitt, already has ties to the African nation because her daughter Shiloh was born there in 2006 and has a Namibian passport. Angelina was blown away when she was made a dame. She thinks it will add gravitas to her in her humanitarian work, said a source. A spokesperson for the Namibian Embassy has been quoted as saying We would welcome Angelina Jolie to make an application for citizenship, just like anyone else.

One Direction fan lands SIX-FIGURE book deal

hey have been on and off for most of their relationship but Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are firmly back together... for now. Justin, 20 and his 21-year-old girlfriend attended Bible study with City Church Pastor Judah Smith on Wednesday and, according to witnesses, were openly affectionate. A source told Us Weekly: ‘They were very lovey dovey and cute. They came and left together with a few friends. ‘Justin and Selena sat next to each other and listened to [Pastor Judah Smith]’s sermon. They were smitten with each other.’ While Justin has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past few months, the source said he is back on the right track. ‘He looked so happy and at peace,’ the insider explained, while nothing that Selena appeared equally happy. Bieber posted an Instagram picture of Pastor Smith on Wednesday and wrote, ‘Bible study with Judah Smith.’ Although Justin wants to jump back into a relationship, Selena is said to be more cautious. A source told E! News: ‘She still loves him. It is hard for her to get over him because they have so much history. ‘You just can’t drop those feelings. There is too much there.’ The pair have spent most of this week together and on Tuesday, Justin reunited with his lady love

for some fun in the sun. They enjoyed a ride together on Justin’s Can-Am Spyder three-wheeler, with the Come & Get It hitmaker clinging on tightly to her man as he took control of the vehicle, cruising along the beach with the same group of friends. Indeed, a source tells Us Weekly that the couple are ‘definitely full-on back together at the moment’. ‘They spent all day riding together on a Can-Am Spyder on Sunset Blvd... Justin drove while Selena sat on the back holding on to [him],’ they confirm. ‘He was incredibly sweet with her and they looked super happy and in love.’ Another insider concurred that they certainly ‘looked like a couple’ and were ‘all over each other’ during their outing. While the pair didn’t surprise anyone - least of all their friends - by reuniting once more, another source close to the Baby crooner tells the publication not to expect them to be together for the long haul. ‘It is always on and off. Same story, every other week, every year. Now they are together again, next week they won’t be,’ the insider spilled rather pessimistically. Though they added: ‘They never stop talking, even when you don’t see them together - that never changes. They fight, take a break and then get back together. No surprise that it happened once again.’

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Brad Pitt to rebuild fire-ravaged school with Dr Who star Peter Capaldi

One Direction fan’s online fantasy fiction about the boyband has proved so popular that it has won her a sixfigure publishing deal. Anna Todd, a 25-yearold from Texas, decided to try her hand at fan fiction after stumbling upon Wattpad, an online writing community with an entire section dedicated to fan fiction. The first-time writer posted her story, After, in 300 daily installments, ultimately amassing more than 800million reads before Gallery Books offered her a six-figure advance to turn the stories into a book, according to Billboard. Anna first started writing the stories about a sheltered 18-year-old named Tessa about a year ago. ‘I didn’t think anything would come of it,’ Anna told Sugarscape. ‘It was just for fun!’ Now, not only has she landed the three-volume book deal, the first of which is set to be published in November, but the rights to a movie version

have also reportedly been snapped up. She also recently launched a jewelry range inspired by her popular fiction. ‘She always has things planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Harry, with too many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans.’ When asked why she chose Harry over the other four band members to be the central character, Anna said it was because of a ‘soft spot’ she has for the rebellious 20-year-old. ‘Harry and Liam are my babes, even though I love all five!’ she gushed, adding: ‘I think Harry was the one that stood out for this story, though.’ Anna began to realize just how big an impression After had made after fans started creating and sharing art and playlists based on the plot. What’s more, when she referenced Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights in the installments,

the number of people reading these novels on Wattpad spiked. ‘Everyone is so supportive and funny, and it’s just amazing to be a part of something where everyone has the same interest,’ she said of being a member of the One Direction fanbase. ‘I can tweet about Harry’s hair that day, and everyone is totally on the same page as me. The 1D fandom - regardless of little arguments - as a whole, it’s the best fandom to be a part of, I love it.’

rad Pitt and new ‘Doctor Who’ star Peter Capaldi are currently leading efforts to restore part of a Scottish art school, which was earlier destroyed by a fire. The ‘Fight Club’ star, who is a well-known architecture connoisseur and fan of MACkintosh, and Scottish actor Capaldi, who graduated from the school in 1980, have now signed on to be trustees of the appeal, Contactmusic reported. In a video calling for financial aid, Capaldi expressed his hope that they could

NAGALAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

raise enough money to restore the building to its former grace and added that there is no greater symbol of the artistic spirit of Scotland than the MACkintosh building and more than that it is a symbol of where art belongs, rising as it does out of the heart of a great city. A blaze broke out in the Glasgow School of Art (Gsa) on 23 May, wrecking parts of its MACkintosh building, which was designed by acclaimed Scottish architect Charles Rennie MACkintosh. EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ENCOURAGE.

Courses offered: Bachelor of Music (4 year-course) || Associate Degree (2 year-course)

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England on the brink of World Cup exit England's goalkeeper Joe Hart can't stop Uruguay's Luis Suarez's header to score his side's first goal during the group D World Cup soccer match between Uruguay and England at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, June 19. (AP Photo)

Raf Casert AP Sports Writer

Before the World Cup, Uruguay was worried about Luis Suarez's knee and Colombia was fretting over injured Radamel Falcao. Considering the wild celebrations Thursday, neither should have. Less than a month after

surgery, the incomparable Suarez came back Thursday to score two vital World Cup goals, and Colombia is through to the second round despite missing its star striker. Both South American teams won 2-1 Thursday, Uruguay pushing England to the brink of elimination, and Colombia beating Ivory Coast to ad-

vance from Group C after Greece and Japan played to a scoreless draw. The results further underscored South America's dominance of the World Cup in Brazil. The continent's teams now have seven victories out of a possible 10. Colombia continued to produce goals and victories even without Falcao. For Uruguay, Suarez reinvigorated its campaign after an opening 3-1 loss to Costa Rica. Uruguay is level with Italy and Costa Rica in Group D, and those teams meet Friday in Recife. About 15 miles from the site of the Uruguay-England game in Sao Paulo, about 2,000 people protested against the World Cup, some smashing windows at banks and car dealerships and spray-painting anti-capitalist slogans on buildings. It was the latest protest to hit Brazil, which has seen hundreds of demonstrations in the past year by people expressing anger about poor public services, corruption in govern-

ment, the billions spent to host the World Cup and a litany of other complaints. Inside the stadium, Suarez was hoisted aloft by teammates after the game as if he had won the World Cup. "I dreamt this. I'm enjoying this moment, because of all I suffered," Suarez said. Earlier in the tournament, stars have been coming through for their nations: Neymar for Brazil, Robin van Persie for the Netherlands, Thomas Mueller for Germany and Lionel Messi for Argentina. Suarez got started later, but he made up for missing a game with his star performance Thursday. After May 22 surgery on his knee left little hope for a World Cup appearance, Suarez looked completely healthy. He produced his toothy smile even before his header crossed the line to open the scoring. And after Wayne Rooney finally scored his first World Cup goal to tie the game for England, Suarez capped his return with something almost magical in Sao Paulo. With Uruguay under in-

tense pressure in the 85th minute, Suarez gathered a long clearance that was accidentally headed on by England's Steven Gerrard â&#x20AC;&#x201D; his Liverpool teammate. His knee was in full flow as he unleashed a drive that goalie Joe Hart barely had time to see fly by. Suarez fell to the ground in disbelief before he was mobbed by delirious teammates. "He doesn't miss" from there, England coach Roy Hodgson said. For England, its World Cup standing is slipping ever more. After reaching the quarterfinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, England exited in the second round in South Africa four years ago. Now it likely looks like a return ticket in the first round. "Our chances are unbelievably slim," added Hodgson. If Suarez produced tears of joy, there were also tears of anguish. In a moment as memorable as many of the great goals, midfielder Serey Die sobbed uncontrollably during the Ivory Coast anthem.

FIFA earmarks $38 million for U-17 World Cup in India

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RIO De JAneIRO, JUne 20 (PTI): It's not just the All India Football Federation but the sport's governing body FIFA is also doing its bit to ensure a smooth conduct of the Under-17 World Cup, earmarking around $38 million for the marquee event to be hosted by the 'sleeping giant' in 2017. A top AIFF official, who had attended the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo barely a couple of days ahead of the start of the ongoing World Cup, said that president Sepp Blatter is serious about helping India in its endeavour to host a successful event three years from now. "For the U-17 World Cup in 2017, FIFA officials have told us that they have kept around $38 million for organisational purpose only," AIFF vicepresident Subhas Chopra said. For the two-day congregation, Chopra was accompanied by treasurer Hardev Jadeja and executive committee member Ankur Dutta as part of an AIFF delegation. The federation's president Praful Patel could not attend the congress. "Blatter is very committed to helping India stage a successful tournament and we are getting a lot of support form the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also in this regard," he added. As part of its various development initiatives, FIFA closed in on India after it beat Ireland, South Africa, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to win the bid in the executive committee meeting last December. FIFA was convinced after the erstwhile UPA government gave all the necessary guarantees and complied with the strict norms laid down by the sporting body.

I have proved a point: Suarez

SAO PAULO, JUne 20 (AFP): Controversial striker Luis Suarez said he was delighted to prove a point after scoring two goals to see Uruguay to a 2-1 win over England on Thursday, revealing he had taken time to console Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. The 27-year-old forward has regularly made the headlines for all the wrong reasons since he joined the English Premier League giants in 2011. He started last season completing a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic -- a punishment that came a year after he received an eight-game suspension for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra. Even before he joined Liverpool, Suarez was dubbed "the cannibal of Ajax" when he bit an opponent's shoulder and was handed a sevengame ban. "I'm very happy about this victory. I wanted to help the team, try to get three important points, but it's not the final word," said Suarez, who was voted player of the season by his peers in England. "It was a dream afternoon because we won, because of the way we won, and for what the rival meant to me, for everything that was said, the doubts, and this was a way to demonstrate everything I wanted to prove." Suarez, back in action just four weeks after knee surgery, put Uruguay ahead with a 39th-minute header before Wayne Rooney equalised. But the Uruguayan had the final say when he latched on to a long ball and smashed home the winner five minutes from time after Gerrard mistimed a header in midfield. Suarez, who missed Uruguay's opening defeat to Costa Rica, said he was delighted to prove to his doubters he was playing at a "world-class level" despite speculation over his fitness. And asked what he told Gerrard after the game, he said: "I said keep going and forget about this game."

England fans watch their team's match with Uruguay on the large outdoor screen in Millennium Square in Leeds, West Yorkshire. (Photo by Agencies)

A soccer fan, with his face painted to represent his country's flag and wearing a T-shirt with an image of Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez, cheers as he watches a live broadcast of the World Cup match between England and Uruguay in downtown Montevideo, Uruguay on June 19. (AP Photo)

6-fingered family roots for Brazil's 6th WC

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Members of the Silva family, back row, from left, Silvia Santos, Joao de Assis, Pedro de Assis, Ana Carolina Santos and Silvana Santos, front row, Bernardo de Assis, left, and Maria Morena Santos, pose for a photo in their home to show that they each have six fingers on each of their hands, in Brasilia, Brazil on June 19. The family was born with an extra digit on each hand as a result of a genetic condition known as polydactyly. (AP Photo)

AGUAS CLARAS, JUne 20 (AP): A family is counting on the fingers of a single hand its hopes for Brazil to win a sixth World Cup championship. All the members of the Silva family living in Aguas Claras, a town on the outskirts of the capital of Brasilia, were born with an extra digit on each hand as a result of a genetic condition known as polydactyly. Rather than recoil in the face of stares by curious onlookers, the 14 members of the family spanning four generations seem to embrace their physical differ-

ence with pride. And that pride never shines more brightly than during the World Cup as they relish the attention of Brazilian media, which have trained cameras on the family as much of the South America nation crosses its fingers hoping the national team will add to its record five World Cup titles. "Since the last World Cup we wanted Brazil to become hexacampeao," said Ana Carolina Santos da Silva, using the Portuguese term for "six-time champion" that would be the envy of the

soccer world. "But it didn't happen, so this year we really want Brazil to achieve the sixth." Far from a hindrance, having an extra finger seems to help the Silva family perform domestic chores and pursue musical talents. Fourteen-year-old Joao de Assis da Silva shows off his dexterity moving up and down his guitar's fret board. His 8-year-old cousin, Maria Morena da Silva, has dreams of making music too. "I have never played the piano, but I want to learn, and it might be easier playing with six fingers,"

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