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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 288
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www.morungexpress.com
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less India-Russia ties should adapt to changing times [ PAGE 08]
Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman to marry after birth of baby
Nagaland observes Police Commemoration Day [ PAGE 02]
New Surface tablets great for productivity [ PAGE 09]
[ PAGE 11]
By Sandemo Ngullie
Resign? no way. I am going to float a new splinter group!
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NMA urges NSCN (IM) to take action on cadre DimAPur, october 21 (mexn): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has condemned the alleged rape of a Mao woman by Adani Chithuyio, a cadre of the NSCN (IM), on October 14 in Dimapur. The NMA has stated categorically that it will not tolerate such “savage act” and crimes committed against women. The NMA expressed dismay at the “arrogance shown by A. Puni, a responsible leader, to the victim and relatives, which shows he does not have a sense of humanity.” The NMA stated in a press release today that “we expect co-operation from the leader to take stern disciplinary action for committing such wicked and shameful crime by his cadre, to uphold dignity.” The NMA has demanded authorities concerned from the mentioned political organization to “award punitive action and not to protect criminals, which should serve as an example for future references.”
Body found on rail tracks
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DimAPur, october 21 (mexn): The GRPS Dimapur found a badly damaged body of a young man on the railway tracks opposite the Amar Mill, New Field Check gate here today. The body, which was found at around 7:15 pm, was in shattered into parts, and was informed to probably have been dragged by the Tinsukia-Lumding passenger train 300 meters. According to the GRPS the deceased estimated to be around 25-30 years old was wearing blue jeans and a red and black striped shirt. His left hand bore one finger ring, while there were two finger rings on his right hand. The body parts have been collected and sent to the Dimapur Civil Hospital morgue for investigation. It is unclear for now if this is a case of suicide or accident. GRPS further informed that a Voter’s ID card, issued in 1995, was found near the tracks.
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Shillong, october 21 (iAnS): President Pranab Mukherjee Monday said the government of the day should engage in dialogue and build consensus on issues concerning the nation. “It is the mandate of every political activist to respond to issues through engagement and dialogue with civil society groups on issues of public concern and try to build a consensus on it,” Mukherjee said, addressing Meghalaya legislators. “NGOs (non-governmental organisations) form an important component of the Indian democratic setup. The government should hear them out as these groups express views of the common man,” he said in his 25-minute extempore speech. Observing that parliament and the state assemblies form “the most important cog in the wheel of India’s democracy”, Mukherjee said the judiciary, a free press and civil society are also important for a vibrant democracy and added that these democratic institutions need strengthening. Exhorting the government to engage in dialogue with NGOs to resolve issues, Mukherjee, who arrived in Shillong amid a standoff between pressure groups and the govern-
ment over the burgeoning illegal Bangladeshi immigrants issue, said: “NGOs play an important role in expressing the views of the people. It is the responsibility of the government to respond, and it is only through dialogue that consensus could be built.” Over a dozen pressure groups have been insisting that the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a British-era law, be
law is to be drafted only in parliament, but instead discussions were held between members of the Anna Hazare-led movement on Lokayukta,” he told legislators. Appealing to legislators across party lines to have extended sessions of the assembly with fewer disruptions, and threadbare discussions on “money and finance”, Mukherjee said: “Every legislator has got his job after begging people for their votes, and after gaining their trust. It would not be fair if he does not discharge his responsibilities.” “The cardinal principle of effective functioning of a parliamentary system is that the majority would rule and the minority would oppose, expose and, if possible, depose. But this should be done within the framework of rules framed by the legislatures themselves,” said Mukherjee, who has held a long list of political posts. The president said the role and functions of an assembly can be described as three Ds -- debate, dissent and decision. “A fourth D, that is ‘disruption’, should be strictly avoided,” he said. “Disruption has no role in a parliamentary democracy. It is a small minority forcing their will on all others,” the president said.
President Pranab exhorts decision makers in Shillong
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
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Even Ferguson can’t take us to WC: Bhutia
–Marie Curie
‘Government should engage in dialogue’
reflections
Is Nagaland government serious about restructuring its system of bureaucracy?
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Khalil Rashid, 6, wears a scouts uniform as he holds the hand of his father and waits to plant a tree in memory of his schoolmate Jennah Bawa, 8, from Britain, who was shot along with her mother Zahira, at a memorial service and treeplanting marking the one-month anniversary of the the September 21 Westgate Mall terrorist attack, in Karura Forest in Nairobi, Kenya on October 21. Families and friends of those killed in the attack planted trees in memory of lost loved ones in a ceremony that stressed that the attack occurred against people of all races and religions. (AP Photo)
sixty-year old man shot and injured Morung Express news Dimapur | October 21
After a brief lull, the sound of gunfire disturbed Dimapur. On Monday, a sixtyyear-old man was injured after two gunmen randomly opened fire at a shop located at GS Road here. The incident occurred at around 4:15 pm. According to police sources, two unidentified men were involved in
the shooting. One waited outside the shop, while the other walked into the shop, opened fire at random and walked away. One of the bullets hit the toe of the man behind the cash counter, the sources said. The injured was identified as S. Pareek, who, according to the sources, is not a resident of Dimapur but a visitor. He has come from Rajasthan on a visit and happened to be at the shop
run by a relative when the gunman walked in, it was added. Police recovered four 9mm calibre empty shells and as many slugs from the site. The motive is yet unclear but it is suspected to be related to unsolicited monetary demands. However, the shop’s proprietor reportedly told police that no “demand calls” were received. Meanwhile, the NPF Minority Cell, Dimapur and
nukhu for accreditation of all colleges by nAAc
KohimA, october 21 (DiPr): Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and SCERT, Nagaland, Deo Nukhu made an appeal to all the Principals of Colleges in Nagaland for early assessment and accreditation by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) as per the policy of Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India and UGC. He said this on the occasion of a workshop on Quality Assurance and Accreditation as Chief Guest held at the Capital Convention Centre here today. Benefits of accreditation, said Nukhu, include enabling institutions to know their strength, weaknesses and opportunities, availability of reliable data relating to compliance with quality parameters, fostering innovation and adoption of best practices and encouraging intra-and inter-institutional interactions. Deo Nukhu reminded the College Principals that they may lose the benefits of UGC grants for college development if the requirements for assessment and accreditation are not done on time. He explained that accreditation, of colleges and universities, is practiced in all advanced countries of the world with the main objective of ensuring quality in higher education. To those colleges who are yet to be assessed and accredited, Nukhu advised them to get in touch with the NAAC office. He congratu-
lated Kohima Science College, Jotsoma and Patkai Christian College for obtaining Grade A out of 8 colleges accredited so far. Deo Nukhu was optimistic that once Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is introduced, advancement of higher education in Nagaland would take off. “One of the main goals of RUSA is to achieve higher level of General Enrolment Ratio (GER) and this is to enhance the existing capacities so that they become dynamic, demand-driven, quality conscious, efficient and forward looking in response to rapid economic and technological developments,” he explained. He informed that 306 universities and 8500 colleges in India would be covered under RUSA, within the next 5 years. Terming both Government as well as Private Colleges as equally important, Nukhu appealed to the gathering of Principals, Vice Principals and Coordinators of Secular Colleges to build up better coordination and better team to ensure quality education in the State of Nagaland. Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, Prof. Lanunungsang, who was the Guest of Honour, observed that revolution in education has to start from the grass roots to bring change in the field of education. Towards this, he sought the cooperation of academicians and intelligentsia to join hands in order to revolutionize quality education.
Delivering the keynote address, EC Member, NAAC, Prof. A.P. Padhi, the main resource person of the one day workshop, narrated his interaction with the students of St. Joseph College Jakhama. He observed that Naga youth have enough potential in them, suggesting for them a syllabus “beyond teaching and learning.” He suggested identifying the needs of students in the global and local context to make educational institutions more “student centric.” Stating that economic development depends on the quality of citizens, which in turn depends on the quality of teachers, Prof. Padhi reiterated a change of mindset in the teaching community. “If Nagaland has to reach a global level, we have to give total commitment and total involvement to promote quality education by following the guidelines,” he asserted. Further Prof. Padhi termed promotion of “team culture” in teachers’ community as the most important for acquiring quality education in universities and institutions in the State. Commissioner & Secretary Higher and Technical Education, F.P. Solo chaired the inaugural session while Pastor, Baptist Mission Church, Neikhrienyu James invoked God’s blessings. Deputy Director, T.E. Er, Vipulhou Lhoungu and friends presented a special song. Director, H.E. Nagaland, C. Khalong Ao proposed the vote of thanks.
the Dimapur District Citizens Forum (DDCF) strongly condemned the occurrence. While appealing that the culprits be brought to book, the NPF Minority Cell stated, “We sincerely appeal to all to maintain peace and harmony in Cosmopolitan Dimapur City which is The Gate Way of Nagaland.” The DDCF also stated that such incidents not only affect the economy but also create fear.
re-introduced to contain the migration of outsiders into the state. The ruling Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance is, however, firm in opposing such an “archaic” step and feels that it will hinder the state’s economic development by blocking investment from business. Moreover, the government cannot be seen as obstinate, Mukherjee said adding that the Anna Hazare movement for Lokayukta was given a patient hearing by the central government and no less than eight rounds of discussions were held between a Group of Ministers and representatives of NGOs. “The prime minister could easily have said that
Bro, Where Are the roAds?
DimAPur, october 21 (mexn): The BJP Nagaland state unit met with the Chief Engineer of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Sewak to discuss the condition of the National Highway 29 here today. The team, led by Dr. M Chuba Ao, President, K. James Vizo, General Secretary and Spokesperson, and Makuran Rongmei, Secretary, met Vinod Kumar, Chief Engineer Sewak (BRO), and expressed “deep concern” regarding the “deplorable and pathetic condition of National Highway of the State in general and particularly the Dimapur to Kohima road.” The Chief Engineer, as per a press release from the BJP Nagaland’s Office Secretary, Lachit Kachari, stated that “both the people and the department should co-ordinate in order
Chief Engineer of BRO, Vinod Kumar has cited the following as factors that are a major cause for damage of existing roads in Nagaland: 1. Construction of stone quarries at the roadside without following proper guidelines. 2. Inability to construct proper drainage system due to the non co-operation by the land owners. 3. Washing of vehicles on the roadside especially in the hilly regions. 4. By opening petrol pumps, Hotels and Private constructions etc. at the roadside by digging large portion of the land which ultimately affect the existing road up to 200 meters.
to have a good and durable road condition.” The BJP state unit also learnt that in a year, the Government of India will allocate Rs 1.50 lakhs per km for maintenance of roads in Nagaland. “However some of the fund meant for maintenance of roads is being utilized for procuring Hume pipes wherever there are quarries, whereas actually it should be borne by the
concerned quarry owners. Till now around 40 such cases has been completed and yet another 50 is to be done,” noted the BJP state unit. The Chief Engineer, Vinod Kumar, when asked by the Party why the roads have not been repaired for a long period, is stated to have said that the work could not be initiated due to the “rainy season” but assured that “re-surfacing
of the road from Dimapur Town to Air port will commence from first week of November 2013, while the road from Dimapur to Mao gate will be completed by 31st March 2014.” With regard to the Purana Bazar area, Kumar lamented that “the main concern is that there is no proper drainage outlet and at the same time non co-operation of the land owners for constructing a drainage.” The BJP state unit has appealed to the land owners to “extend their co-operation to the concerned authorities.” Meanwhile, the Party extended its appreciation to the initiatives taken by the Governor of Manipur and Nagaland, Dr. Ashwini Kumar, with the Government of India to give top priority in maintaining the National Highway 29.
Elephant calf rescued, relocated to NZP
DimAPur, october 21 (mexn): A Female elephant calf, about three weeks old, was rescued from a location called Rara by the Aliba Village Council under Mokokchung District on October 18, 2013. Fondly christened ‘Rara,’ she has been safely relocated to the Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), Rangapahar on October 20 by a seven-member team comprising of Obed Bohovi Swu, Officer-in-Charge, NZP, Rangaphar along with Dr. R. Wati Ao, the visiting Veterinary doctor of NZP and the Wildlife Staff. The calf was examined on the spot at Aliba Village by the veterinary doc-
In this image released to the media, ‘Rara’ is seen getting her first meal at the Nagaland Zoological Park.
tor and was found fit for release from Swu today. transportation to its new Prior attempts were made home, informed a press to reunite the calf with the
mother without success as the herd had already moved far away from the area where the calf was found abandoned. After an arduous journey of 13 hours, via MokokchungWokha- Kohima, the rescue team safely brought Rara to the NZP Sunday evening. Rara, is presently housed in a temporary rescue centre at the Zoological Park under close supervision by the staff. “She is in good health and consumes about 2 KGs of Nestogen 1 per day which is a good sign as per the observation of the Vet and will continue to remain in the Zoo under the care of the Zoo staff,” the press release stated.
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The Morung Express C
Nagaland observes Police Commemoration Day Police Commemoration Day observed in Phek
Phek, OctOber 21 (DIPr): Phek DEF and 5th NAP, Phek observed Police Commemoration Day on October 21, 2013 in the office premises of Superintendent of Police (SP), Phek. Speaking on the occasion, SP Phek, Deepali Masirkar (IPS) said the occasion is observed all over the country for those who sacrificed on the line of duty, while safeguarding “our great country”. She added that the police personnel are proud of martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. SDPO Phek, Limi Sangtam read out the names of police personnel killed or met with unnatural death on the line of duty during the period from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2013. Police personnel, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Neposo Theluo; SP Phek, Deepali IPS; Additional SP, Phek; 5th NAP Deputy Commandant; NGOs; leaders and well-wishers paid their respect to the departed souls with wreaths and flowers.
Nagaland DGP Besesayo Kezo during the laying of wreaths on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day at New Police Reserve, Phesama on October 21. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent oration Day traces back to rare courage, Kezo said. Commemoration Parade is with pride the supreme
The Indo- Tibetan Border Police Force sends a representative party of all the police forces of the country to Hot Springs, Ladakh every year to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives on October 21st 1959 while guarding the national frontiers. The DGP said, on October 21 every year, Police
held in all police units in India as a mark of respect to brave police martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The arms are reversed and two minute silence is observed in honour of the departed souls. The names of police martyrs of all states’ police and paramilitary forces are read out to acknowledge
Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice, Land Revenue, and Labour & Employment Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire and his wife along with the NPF 9 Kohima Town A/C party workers at the party’s meeting cum picnic at Kire’s Farm on October 19, 2013.
‘Store salt in a cool place away from sun and fire with proper lid’
Phesama | October 21
Nagaland along with the rest of the country today observed Police Commemoration Day parade at a function held at Tennis Court, New Police Reserve, Phesama. Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland DGP Besesayo Kezo, IPS said the history of Police Commem-
21st October 1959 when a patrol party of CRPF led by S.I. Karam Singh and 10 jawans were ambushed and killed by the Chinese forces at Hot Springs, Ladakh. The bravery and resultant sacrifices of jawans fighting at 16,000 ft. altitude in extremely cold condition and against all odds, is an epitome of the rarest of the
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DC Mon assures support to differently abled people
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MON, OctOber 21 (DIPr): Deputy Commissioner, Mon Angau I. Thou (IAS) challenged the Mon District Handicap Society to mobilize the people and bridge the communication gap to avail the opportunities provided by the Government, adding success in life depends upon the mindset and determination of the people. She was speaking at the distribution programme of wheelchair and walking sticks to the differently abled people at DC’s conference hall, Mon on October 19, 2013. While thanking the Cherry Blossoms Society (CBS) Kohima for providing wheelchairs and walking sticks to the differently abled people of the district, the DC requested the Principal CBS, Kohima Purnima Kayina to visit the district again and organize seminar
to provide awareness to the people of Mon district. She also expressed that due to lack of awareness, majority of the people living in rural areas are deprived of the opportunities. She also assured that the District Administration will keep vigil and see that all funds and assistance provided to the differently abled people are checked and utilized properly, and will extend all cooperation and support to them. Meanwhile, Purnima Kayina informed the gathering about her school in Kohima and appealed the parents to send their differently abled children to school. She informed that 3% job has been reserved by the government for the differently abled people and “we cannot avail the opportunity without receiving proper education”. She apprised to obtain dis-
able certificate from doctors and income certificate from the Deputy Commission to avail the opportunity provided. She also said that the wheelchairs and walking sticks provided are imported items and urged them to utilize it properly. The Deputy Commissioner gave away the wheelchairs and walking sticks. The programme was chaired by Khanlong Konyak. Earlier, invocation was proposed by Fellowship Pastor Tompang and short speech was delivered by Mon District Handicap Society. The distribution of wheelchairs and walking sticks was done through the AIDP Scheme sponsored by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and distributed by the Cherry Blossoms Society, Kohima.
sacrifices made by them. Altogether, 576 officers/other ranks died in duty this year in India, out of which five were from Nagaland. The five police personnel of Nagaland Police included: Temsu Ao (10th IR Battalion), Lalkholen Kuki (DEF Peren), Bapeu Zeliang (DEF Peren), R. Jenithung Lotha (12th IR
Battalion) and Chingbong Konyak (12th IR Battalion). This year, Watichuchang Jamir, additional SP (Main) from DEF Dimapur from Nagaland went to Hotspring, Ladakh in September and returned. Reading of roll of honour and laying of wreaths by DGP followed by invitees, officers and police personnel marked the occasion.
Mon petrol pump to be maintained better
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Chamber of Commerce members with petrol pump owners in Mon.
MON, OctOber 21 (MexN): Following public complaints, Chamber of Commerce Mon inspected the petrol pump in Mon. A press release issued by Anok Prince, General Secretary, Chamber of Commerce Mon noted that Indian Oil Cooperation Ltd. petrol pump, owned by Bhagchand Bakliwal under Assam Oil Division was started in Mon in 1978 with 9000 litres of petrol, 9000 litres of diesel and 9000 litres of kerosene. However, there has been no maintenance and facilities since the start. After so many years, Indian Oil Cooperation Ltd started signboard construction in the month of April 2013, but the work is not complete still, it lamented.
The note added that the common public complaints included meter box not running properly. They demanded for digital meter box. The public also complained about non maintenance of compound, road and signboard, while demanding that work should be completed within three months of the order. Meanwhile, the release stated that the petrol pump proprietor assured to complete signboard, digital meter box and building etc. Hazarika from Indian Oil Co-operation Ltd. also promised to give work order to start construction of underground tank of diesel, petrol, kerosene, protection wall and counter within 10 days.
Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day observed in Nagaland
kOhIMa, OctOber 21 (DIPr): Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Neiphi Kire today said that Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is a global public health problem, including Nagaland State and is caused by lack of iodine in diet and can range from goiter, mental retardation, physical subnormalities, neuromotor defects etc and the majority of these disorders are permanent and incurable. However, each one of them is completely preventable. He was speaking at the programme held to commemorate Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day organized by Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima. Dr. Neiphi said that the department will conduct a survey on iodine to sensitise and strengthen the sale, purchase and proper use of iodine salt for human consumption. He also said that the department plays a great role in giving more awareness regard-
Peren: Along with the rest of the world, Peren district observed Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day on October 21 at the Chief Medical Officer’s Hall with Dr. N. Meren, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Peren as the resource person. The programme was attended by NGOs and different departments of the district. A press release informed that the resource person in his PowerPoint presentation illustrated about iodine, its daily requirement in human body for normal development of body and brain. He talked on the amount of iodine required in different stages of livelihood, sources of iodine, endemic areas in India, consequences of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), magnitude of the disorders, IDD scenario in the country and further elaborated on the Government’s policy and Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Nagaland. Dr. Tiala Longkumer, Dy.CMO, meanwhile spoke on the significance of the Day. She said the day is observed to make people aware of the danger of lack of iodine and that Iodine Deficiency Disorder is a serious condition especially for children, pregnant mothers and among poor people. Thus, to prevent it, it is important to educate the people to include iodine in their diet and that poor people should be educated on Iodine Deficiency Disorder. Earlier, Dr. Yankho Lotha initiated the programme and pronounced the welcome speech. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Limatula DPO (NVBDCP).
ing use and importance of iodine. He encouraged the department to organize such programme even in the district level to impart and educate the rural people. He also highlighted that health camp to be organized in all the districts to reach out to the rural people and said that the final programme and time will be finalized within few days.
Joint Director & Programme Officer NIDDCP (H&FW) Dr. I. Sungit while presenting the keynote address said the objectives of the department are to survey and assess the magnitude of iodine deficiency disorder; supply iodated salt in place of common salt; to re-survey and assess the extent of iodine deficiency disorders and the impact of supply
NeW DeLhI, OctO ber 21 (MexN): Filafi Fithu, a Naga shoe designer made a name for herself in the world of design on Sunday by launching her own range of designer shoes. Labled “Filafi Fithu”, the shoes are manufactured in Italy with some of the finest materials. A graduate of Patkai Christian College, Filafi quit her government job, which many people would consider “prestigious” as she also acquired it through NPSC examination. But instead, she pursued her love for footwear and chose the capital city, Delhi to launch her label. Twenty of her exclusive designs in variety of colours were unveiled on Sunday, stealing the admiration of both her loved ones and passers-by. And even as Filafi Fithu store opens to public in one of the posh areas of Delhi in M-Block Market, Greater Kailash-I, she becomes one of the few daring Naga youth to venture out and compete with the world outside. While the journey to accomplishing such a rare feat has not been easy, one can find a role model in
Filafi Fithu, who received her early education from Meluri and spent her high school life in a small town, but still managed to dream big and get there. The shoe designer is also a gold medal recipient of the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI)
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Dr. Neiphi Kire, principal director, H & FW speaking at Global IDD Prevention Day in Kohima.
of iodated salt after every 5 years. Dr. I Sungit said iodine deficiency disorder is incurable, but it can be prevented easily by regular consumption of iodized salt. He suggested to keep salt in cool place away from sun and fire with proper lid and advised not to store salt for more than 5-6 months. He also advised to add salt towards the end while cook-
ing. Meanwhile, Dr. Wathsutho Nyuthe, Senior Specialist NHAK presented the scientific role of iodine in human body and its deficiency disorder. The programme was chaired by Mission Director NHRM, H&FW Dr. Khanlo Magh and vote of thanks was delivered by Additional Director H&FW, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema.
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ANCSU new executive council assumes office Filafi Fithu: Naga designer’s shoe line in Delhi
Our Correspondent Kohima | October 21
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The new executive council of All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) headed by Tsukjem Longkumer today assumed office after handing and taking over ceremony held here at the conference hall of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF). ANCSU former speaker Kezhazer Angami encouraged the new team to use their time judiciously, saying they must adjust their time for their academic and union activities. He asserted ANCSU is a pressure group where it set demands to the government or authority on various issues/matter for the welfare and betterment of the students’ community and get its demand and grievances fulfilled. He cited instances like demand for early declaration of results in higher education as well as timely payment of scholarship to the college students. Complimenting the outgoing team led by Vilhousielie for a successful tenure, he was optimistic that the new team will also be up to the mark and work with sincerity and dedication and uphold the name of ANCSU and bring honour to the organization.
The new ANCSU executive council members with others on October 21 in Kohima.
Also asking them to respect one another, he urged upon the students to appreciate one another, develop better understanding and cohesive and give their best effort so “ANCSU’s vehicle can move forward”. Kezhazer also challenged the new team to put utmost effort in making ANCSU a platform/ organization of hope. He said that ANCSU is like a nursery for leaders, adding that it has produced a number of good leaders and further wished the new team all the best in their endeavour. NSF auditor general Jungithung Yanthan also congratulated the new team and expressed optimism that they will work
for the welfare of the students “so that we can bring change to our society”. Outgoing president Vilhousielie, president elect Tsukjem Longkumer also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by outgoing general secretary Kivigho K. Yepthomi while women coordinator Toni Ayemi invoked God’s blessing for the programme. Outgoing deputy speaker Kekhwepre Tsuhah delivered welcome address while vote of thanks was proposed by outgoing education secretary Mhathung Jami. It may be recalled the new executive council were elected during the 16th biennial general conference of ANCSU held at Phek in
early part of October this year. New executive council of ANCSU: president – Tsukjem Longkumer, vice president Kito Achumi, general secretary- Kaiho P. Awomi, assistant general secretary- Sekukho Tetseo, finance secretaryTovito V. Shohe, games & sports secretary- Savilie Angami, information secretary- Temjennungsang, magazine secretary- Hikavi Kinimi, social & culture secretary- Zhoku, women coordinator-Masi, auditor general- Kekhriesielie. Assembly affairs: Speaker Nzanthung Odyuo, deputy speaker - Ithito Aye and Mughato Yepthomi - assembly secretary.
The way in to Filafi Fithu at M-Block Market, Greater Kailash-I in New Delhi.
Agra for doing exceptionally well in her post graduate course in Footwear Designing and Technology. Filafi Fithu store caters to a range of trendy and classic shoes, to make women feel comfortable in their shoes. Filafi plans to open more outlets across India,
while process is also underway for opening another retail store in Romania. Amongst several others who attended the launch, Nagaland’s very own Esther Jamir, who modeled for Filafi Fithu Shoes, was also present along with her Delhi counterparts.
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Regional
The Morung express
Tuesday
22 October 2013
Mizoram parties unite in war on deadly party drug aIzawl, OctOber 21 (ht): Political parties in poll-bound Mizoram may be at loggerheads over their politics but have a common agenda as well — making New Delhi ban a pharmaceutical pill, manufactured in India, processed illegally in southeast Asia and smuggled back into the country as a lethal party drug, Meth. Indian firms manufacture pseudoephedrine pills — used to treat nasal
or sinus congestion — and sell them legally through pharmacies. But these pills have another use. Smuggled out through Mizoram and Manipur, drug barons in the notorious Golden Triangle — Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand — turn them into methamphetamine, aka meth. Meth has virtually captured the space heroin and cannabis enjoyed in Mizoram for almost 30 years. The state is wary of
Northeast Briefs
Arunachal CM to take up improvement of facilities with Centre Itanagar, OctOber 21 (PtI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki would urge the Centre to improve road and telecommunication facilities at Bumla, the last Army post in Tawang district bordering China, official sources said on Monday. Lauding the army personnel for guarding the frontier in extreme weather conditions as the border post records 10 to 15 ft snowfall during winter and the temperature below minus 23 degree Celsius, Tuki assured them that he would take up the matter of improvement of road and telecommunication facilities with the Centre. The Chief Minister said this during his visit to Bumla pass, located at an altitude of 17,000 ft, yesterday. He spoke to the officers and jawans there, the sources said. Later in the day, Tuki dedicated a water supply project to the people of Tawang, the sources said. The Rs 949.48 lakh project, including a water treatment plant, has been developed employing gravitational force technology by tapping the water of a perennial source at an altitude of 9822 feet. With the commissioning of this project, it would cater to the needs of 17,449 people, the sources said.
Teacher held for 'rape'
Itanagar, OctOber 21 (tnn): East Siang district police arrested an assistant teacher on Saturday on the charge of raping a minor girl student. The teacher of Niglok Upper Primary School under Ruksin block in the district was arrested after the 'rape' survivor's parents lodged an FIR, police said Sunday. On Friday, the teacher allegedly took the 10-year-old girl to the market on the pretext of taking her photograph. He lured her with sweets and took her to the backyard of the Industrial Complex at Niglok, where he allegedly raped her, police said. The incident came to light Saturday evening when the girl told her mother about the incident. Her parents immediately lodged an FIR at Ruksin police station against the teacher and demanded his immediate arrest. Police arrested the teacher and remanded him in judicial custody. Terming the incident as 'inhumane and barbaric', the Niglok Mohila Somity, Adi Bane Kebang and other bodies urged the administration to conduct a free and fair trial and ensure stringent punishment for the accused. They also demanded his immediate dismissal from his job.
Five militants surrender
ImPhal, OctOber 21 (PtI): Five militants of banned People’s Revolutionary Party of KangleipakProgressive (PREPAK-P) have surrendered before police in Manipur. The militants identified as Santosh Bahadur (27), Sorokhaibam Ibomcha (38), Khundrakpam Ajay (24), Takhelambam Umajit (21) and Athoi Maring (24) crossed the international border on Saturday and laid down arms comprising five AK 47 rifles, 15 magazines and 375 rounds of ammunition before police commandos at the border town of Moreh, about 125 km from Imphal, the police said. The militants came to the border town from their camp at Nunglet in Upper Myanmar after developing contact with an ’intermediary’, the police said. They would be rehabilitated, the police said.
the deadly web this drug has cast. Its consumption has claimed more lives than heroin in recent years. The dip in heroin deaths has coincided with spike in meth deaths — five in 2012 and 16 till September 13 this year. Deaths due to heroin abuse fell from 11 in 2009 to three in 2012. Deaths due to intoxicating painkillers have also shown a dip. The abuse of Spasmo Proxyvon, Spasmocip and Parvon Spas killed 133 in
through half of Mizoram’s 40 assembly constituencies in Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Saiha, Lawngtlai and Aizawl districts. Couriers sneak in through the porous Myanmar border to Mizoram’s east and south, entering Bangladesh in the west. “Drug abuse is possibly the only malaise in Mizoram. Our enforcement officials are doing a good job of interceptThe modus operandi The meth routes cut ing large consignments 2003 and 37 last year. “We seized 1,298 meth tablets between 2001 and 2011. The figure may not seem alarming, but meth is much more dangerous than heroin. And the 630 kg pseudoephedrine tablets we seized since 1999 is just the tip of the iceberg,” said excise and narcotics commissioner Lalbiakmawia Khiangte.
number of unemployed tribal youths is increasing with the ever increasing population and the number of rejected candidates in the state and central service examinations exceeding the selected ones. He added that consistent hard work pave the way to a successful life and no one is created by decision. Maun Tombing, president of All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) who was the guest of honour said that even though the government has been notified time and again to improve the education system in the hill districts of Manipur, no effective measures have been taken up “which shows their negligence towards the backward sections of people”. Many schools, he said, are paralyzed and expressed
times more than non-branded generic medicines. The minister said that through government outlets, the state health department would supply around 300 generic drugs to the health institutions, including state, district and primary health centres and hospitals. "To implement the generic medicine scheme, the entire system would be computerised," the health minister said. "We would also request doctors across Tripura to prescribe generic drugs to patients when they privately attend to ailing people." Tripura health
School set ablaze in Assam
Expelled CPI(M) member denies earning money illegally
agartala, OctOber 21 (PtI): The CPI(M) leader in Marxist-ruled Tripura who lay on a bed of cash withdrawn from his own bank account to fulfil a long cherished dream, today denied charges of illegally earning the money. "I have no hesitation in admitting that it was a foolish idea of
sleeping on cash, but I have not earned a single paisa illegally. It was a joke," he told reporters here. "We have always grown up in abject poverty. Neither I, nor my partners in work have ever seen Rs 15 lakh at once in our lives. One of my partners, Santosh Bhowmik,
suggested we scatter the cash on the bed and take pictures in turn. Both of us clicked photos of ours jokingly," he said. A group of 14 small contractors including Acharjee were awarded the work of constructing 700 public toilets under the Integrated Low Cost
Sanitation Project (ILCS) in several wards of Agartala Municipal Council (AMC), and the team completed 525 toilets and work for the rest 175 was on, official sources said. The estimated cost of the entire project is Rs 1.21 crore. Regarding his expulsion from the party, Acha-
New Manipur High Court judge sworn in
ImPhal, OctOber 21 (nnn): Former Allahabad High Court Judge Laxmi Kanta Mohapatra was today sworn-in as Judge of High Court of Manipur at Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan here. Governor of Manipur Ashwani Kumar administered the oath of office to the new Judge. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Chief Justice in-charge of Manipur High Court, Justice N Kotiswar, former Gauhati High Court Judge, K Manisana, MLAs, Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and other top civil and po-
disappointment that ATSUM came across some schools which were turned into cowshed. Out of the total of 3294 teachers posted in the hill districts, only few were found attending classes and tribal students still seek schools of the valley districts to get better education. He added that ATSUM had also demanded for proper medical facilities in hill districts which included 250 specialist doctors and 250 member doctors in the first ROTO phase. The state government had given positive response to the demands made, but effective action for its implementation has not been made till date. The second phase of ROTO has also begun and the student body declared that if their demands are still kept pend-
Tripura to introduce generic drugs
agartala, OctOber 21 (IanS): Emulating Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, the Left Front government in Tripura has decided to start providing non-branded generic medicines from this year to cut the cost of medical treatment, state health minister Tapan Chakraborty said Monday. "The Tripura government will deliver generic medicines instead of branded medicines to patients in all government hospitals and health centres from this year," Chakraborty told reporters. Branded medicines cost 2-15
and the Mizoram People’s Congress (MPC) too, have sounded the bugle against the menace. “We want New Delhi to ban the production of pseudoephedrine and replace it with other decongestants like phenylephrine, as is being done by other countries to deny illicit meth factories in Southeast Asia their supply of raw material,” said MPC president Lalhmangaiha Sailo.
3
gOalPara, OctOber 21 (PtI): A school and some vehicles were set ablaze in Assam's Goalpara Common cause district on Monday after viFighting drug abuse olence erupted in the area is one of the priorities of the Congress party following announcement Lal Thanhawla heads in of election to the Rabha HaMizoram. Regional rivals, song Autonomous Council. the Mizo National Front, A lower primary Zoram Nationalist Party school at Puthimari was burnt down during the bandh called since Sunday by the Garo National Council and 10 non-Rabha organisations. At Kasomari and Torangthap, two mini buses and a car were also set ablaze. Garo and nonRabha people, armed with sharp weapons and rods, have been protesting against the upcoming polls demanding that non-Rabha villages should be excluded from the council. The bandh called from 5am on Sunday affected normal life in the Garo and non-Rabha areas of the district. The Council polls were announced on Friday and will be held in Cormorant birds rest at the Deepor Beel wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. Several migratory birds make this sanctuary their home three phases between November 13 and 25. as winter approaches. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
lice officials were also present at the occasion. After the swearing-in ceremony, Mohapatra talking to the media said he will work for the welfare of the people and assured speedy justice. He also expressed happiness on becoming one of the Judges of the state High Court. He, however, admitted that he has not yet gone through all the cases that are pending in different courts in the state. On the sidelines of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi replying to a media query said the state Gov-
‘Hard work is the main key to success’ ImPhal, OctOber 21 (nnn): Pointing out that hard work is the main key to success, minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Francis Ngajokpa encouraged the tribal youths to start giving their best without waiting for the next day. He was addressing at the 30th Annual Freshers Meet cum Get Together, 2013 of Modern College Tribal Students’ Union, Porompat which was organized at the multipurpose hall of the college under the theme “Learn and Serve”. Francis Ngajokpa, who graced the function as the chief guest said that even though the tribal youths possess talents, they hardly get selected in competitive examinations mainly due to lack of hard labour and determination in their preparations. As such, the
of meth and arresting couriers. But the battle against meth can be won only if the Centre controls the manufacture of pseudoephedrine,” said chief minister Lal Thanhawla.
Dimapur
secretary M. Nagaraju, who was in the World Bank until recently said, "Though most states in India are yet to introduce the generic drugs, the country has been exporting huge quantities of generic medicines to various countries every year." Tripura health department director Satya Ranjan Debbarma said that the department has entered into an agreement with the Tripura State Cooperative Department to start a pharmacy of generic medicine inside the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital here.
ing, then many forms of agitations will follow. ATSUM also highly condemned the government action of inclusion of 18 hill districts in the panchayati election. Maun Tombing accused the government that there have been many conflicts due to improper defining of the hill districts. The government has been trying to take up mining of natural resources in the hill without prior information and notices to the people concerned which is a violation of the United Nations Indigenous Right, he added. Many entertainment programmes like cultural dance, solo and group songs were the main attraction of the function. Principal of Modern College, Dr. K. Biren also attended the function as the president.
ernment is very serious about the boundary issue arising out of the IndoMyanmar border fencing. He informed that an all political party team led by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam will visit Moreh in Chandel district tomorrow to make an assessment of the current status of the border fencing. He assured if the situation demands, the all party team will also visit New Delhi to impress upon both the Prime Minister and Home Minister to take appropriate steps to protect the land
in the Manipur part of the international border. On the ‘visa on arrival’ required for free movement of people of Manipur and Myanmar’s Mandalay, Ibobi said he has already urged the authorities concerned in New Delhi to set up two visa offices in the state - one at Imphal Tulihal Airport and another at commercial hub Moreh. “I’m expecting these visa offices soon,” he said. He also assured a passport office in Imphal to redress the hurdles encountered by the public while seeking it in Guwahati.
STATE HEALTH SOCIETY, NAGALAND NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH MISSION NAGALAND NL/NRHM/RBSK/9/TPT/2013-14 Dated, Kohima the 18th Oct 2013
NOTICE INVITING TENDER The Government of India under its flagship programme, the National Rural Health Mission is launching a new scheme called the Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram (RBSK) across the nation which is aimed at screening and rehabilitating of children aged 0-18 years from 4 Ds i.e defects at Birth, Disabilities, Developmental delays and Diseases through Anganwadi Centres and Government Schools. In order to implement the above scheme in the State, the Mission Director on behalf of the Chairman, State Health Society, NRHM Nagaland invites application from interested local entrepreneurs for leasing of vehicles (one vehicle per district) preferably with 4 WD for a period of 10 months effective from the date of launching of the scheme. Interested individuals/parties may collect Application Form from RBSK / Transport section, NRHM and submit the same during office hours (10:00 am to 3:00 pm). Applications should reach the undersigned on or 5th of November before 2013. Sd/(DR. KHANLO MAGH) Mission Director, NRHM Nagaland
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION NOTICE INVITING TENDER (NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING) 1. The Commander 15 BRTF, PIN-930 015, C/O 99 APO on behalf of President of India invites tender(s) from the eligible contractors for the following work (s) :Details of tender Particular of work Cost/Time of work documents 1. SUPPLYAND STACKING OF SAND AND FIREWOOD (a) Cost :` 2.00 Lakh (a) Cost of tender : BETWEEN KM 135.420 TO KM 139.830 ON ROAD ZUN- (b) Period of comple- `500/HEBOTO-MOKOKCHUNG FOR EXECUTION OF PRE- tion : 03 months (b) Availability: on or MATURE RE-SURFACING WORK (2013-14) UNDER 100 (c ) Earnest money: after 28 Oct 2013 RCC/ 15 BRTF ROAD SECTOR PROJECT SEWAK IN THE `5,000/(c) Submission : Upto STATE OF NAGALAND (TENDER NO - 18) 1200 hrs on 16 Nov 2013 2. SUPPLY AND STACKING OF STONE METAL (a) Cost :`13.00 Lakh (a) Cost of tender : 53MM,STONE CHIPS 22.4MM FOR BUSG WORK AND (b) Period of comple- `500/STONE CHIPS 13.20MM,STONE CHIPS 11.20MM,SAND tion :04months (b) Availability : on or AND FIREWOOD FOR EXECUTION OF PREMATURE (c) Earnest money : after 28 Oct 2013 RE-SURFACING WORK (2013-14) BETWEEN KM 8.00 `26,000/(c) Submission : Upto TO KM 15.00 ON ROAD MON-LUNGWA UNDER 100 1200 hrs on 16 Nov RCC/ 15 BRTF ROAD SECTOR PROJECT SEWAK IN THE 2013 STATE OF NAGALAND (TENDER NO - 19) Note: - Full notice of tender, any change in above details, tender documents (including eligibility criteria) and other details may be obtained from BRO website www.bro.gov.in. (link: Tender) or Central public procurement portal www.eprocure.gov.in for any queries, please contact on telephone 0370-2270542, Fax 0370-2271026
Davp 37102/11/0445/1314
rjee said, "I have full respect for my party and whatever decision was taken by the party is acceptable to me. I also apologise for the childish behaviour." Acharjee, a member of the Bankumari Local Committee of the CPI(M), was expelled from the party for immoral work, tarnishing
the image of the party and earning money by illegal means, secretary of Dukli Divisional Committee Subrata Chakraborty had said. The decision to expel Acharjee from the party was taken following deliberations of the Dukli Divisional Committee on Friday last.
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VEHICLE STOLEN
Model : Mahindra Bolero SLX Owner : S.Chubatoba Address : Aoyimkum Dimapur Regd.No. : NL07C 1295 Chassis No : MAIPS2GAKA5G80285 Engine No : GAA4G20891 Colour : Rocky Beige Manufacture Date : 07/2010 Stolen on 20/10/2013 from Aokong near Dellaigate. Finder May Kindly Contact: - 09485138165/8575013067
RYSO CONDEMN
Expressing shock and resentment over the unfortunate incident where in a Lab. Technician 26 years old Mao Women who came to Dimapur for interview from Delhi was allegedly dragged out from her sister's home at Viola Colony, Dimapur at around 8.30 p.m. on 14th Oct, 2013 assaulted, molested and mercilessly raped her in a beastly manner by one Adani Chiithuyio bodyguard of Rev.A.Puni collective leadership NSCN/GPRN (IM) We the Rabunamei Youth & Students’ Organisation has strongly condemned the devilish action done against the humanity by Naga National Workers, so also the due negligence of the Authority concern for not delivering social justice at the time when the victim approached and claimed for justice is highly condemnable. On behalf of the victim and her family, the RYSO appealed the Police Department to judge through the penal code of Indian constitution as per the law of the land. And we urged to give a befitting punishment to the rapist. So also any individual who bail out the rapist shall be at his/her own risk, until and unless the justice is delivered. Rabunamei Youth & Students Organisation (RYSO) Senapati District, Manipur,
CONDEMNATION
The Rabunamei Women Society in highest term condemned Mr. Adani Chithuyio, a cadre of NSCN/GPRN (IM) a personal bodyguard of Rev. A. Puni, Member of collective leadership NSCN/GPRN (IM) who brutally raped and attempted the life of our member (Lab. Technician) during her brief stay in Dimapur for an interview at Viola Colony, Dimapur on the 14th Oct, 2013 at around 8.30 p.m. It is a Divine Providence that the victim survives even though the perpetrator left her assuming death. The Society also regrets overdue negligence of the member collective leadership, NSCN-IM and Mr. Adani, Chairman, Viola Colony when the victim and her family members approached/appealed for timely intervention and assistance. The Society appeal to all right thinking citizens to condemn the inhuman act and law enforcers to award befitting punishment to the culprit, as per the law of the Land. And those Authority responsible who fail to protect the victim is also highly condemnable. Mrs.Kh.Beni Chairperson Rabunamei Women Society
Mrs.W.Lophro Secretary Rabunamei Women Society
CONDEMNATION
The Rabunamei Village Council has vehemently condemned the act of kidnapping, attempt to murder and raped a girl of Rabunamei Village by Adani Chithuyio a cadre of NSCN/GPRN (IM) attached to Rev.A.Puni, member of the collective leadership, NSCN/GPRN (IM) on Oct 14 2013(Monday) At Viola Colony, Dimapur. The Village Council also in question that the credibility/responsibility of a person who claimed to be a custodian of our Naga Nation and falls to protect the integrity of an innocent girl, the culprit is known from his body guard. The council also condemned Ashikho Adani claimed to be the chairman of viola colony who is from the same community denied the pledge for justice when approached by the victim and her family members. The Council maintain that, the culprit be award befitting action as per the provision law of the land. The council also warn that any individual or group not to bail out the culprit at any circumstances. Further, it appeals all right thinking person(s) to condemn such act of barbarism in our society. Keyikho Chairman Rabunamei Village Council
Lokho Secretary Rabunamei Village Council
C M Y K
4
Dimapur
public discoursE
Tuesday 22 October 2013
The Morung Express
businEss
Mahindra Aerospace eyes Starbucks completes 1 yr in India I small aircraft market in India
Bangalore, octoBer 21 (agencies): Mahindra Aerospace, the utility aircraft and aerostructures manufacturing arm of Mahindra Group, plans to enter the small aircraft market in India with the its own 8-seater utility aircraft (GA8) currently manufactured at its Australian facility. The company is currently awaiting director general of civil aviation (DGCA) approval to begin sales of 8-seater utility aircraft in Indian market. The company currently manufactures this aircraft at its facility in Melbourne, Australia. The company is confident of selling at least 25 aircraft annually, once it gets the regulatory approval to fly eight passengers in India, a top company official said. “More than six months ago, we applied to DGCA for approval to fly 8-seater aircraft. They have allowed flying only five members on the board. But our aircraft can carry 8 members and already 32 countries
around the world have certified this aircraft,” said Hemant Luthra, President of Mahindra Systech and member of the group executive board, M&M Ltd. Mahindra Systech, a division of the $16.2 billion Mahindra Group, is a strategic ‘Design to Delivery’ supplier of comprehensive component products and engineering services. Mahindra’s utility aircraft business, based in Australia’s Latrobe Valley region, currently produces the GA8 aircraft, which can carry eight passengers. It is sold in 32 countries worldwide. It is currently developing the GA10, a 10-seat turboprop derivative of the GA8, for market entry in 2014. The company is also awaiting FAR23 certification, which will allow it to become the Tier1 supplier of components and aerostructures to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The company is currently classified as Tier-2 supplier of
components and aerostructures. Besides supplying parts to its own facility in Australia, the company will supply them to Aernnova Group of Spain. Mahindra Aerospace, on Monday, announced the signing of a technology partnership with the Spanish aerostructures company Aernnova Group, a Tier-1 supplier of aerostructures. As part of the deal, Aernnova would provide training and transfer technology to Mahindra. Aernnova Group will transfer technology to Mahindra and will work together to develop capabilities and meet market demand for mutual benefit. Mahindra Group also inaugurated their new facility to manufacture aerostructures and components at Narasapura, about 55 kms from Bangalore.. The company has invested Rs 150 crore on the new facility, which will start with the manufacture of aerostructures.
MuMBai, octoBer 21 (Pti): Tata Starbucks has completed a year in India and launched its first store in Pune, its 25th in the country. However, the number is half the target the company had set out with. It had launched its first store in Mumbai in October 2012. Tata Starbucks, an equal joint venture between Tata Global Beverages and Seattle-based Starbucks, now runs stores in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Pune. Declining to comment on the target set for the company’s first year or for the coming year, Tata Starbucks CEO Avani Davda said the company is privately held and not bound to share business details or numbers. Without mentioning a date, Davda said the next store will come up in Bangalore. As part of its first anniversary, Tata Starbucks also launched a new coffee, labelled India Estates Blend, which is specially sourced, roasted and packaged domestically. The blend is sourced from Tata Coffee’s arabica coffee plantations in Coorg and Chickmagalur regions of Karnataka and will currently be sold in India only, the company said.
A Tip For Nagaland Tribes Council
A
fter braving through a series of initial hiccups where attempts were presumably made to hijack the formal launching of Nagaland Tribes Council, the long awaited council is finally born. Long live the King. The council having its foundation well rooted on its own soil should now address themselves to the prevalent issues in protecting and promoting the interest and the aspirations of the Nagas of Nagaland. We do need an effective platform that is capable of consciously pursuing on issues of common interest that are often misinterpreted. And in such a situation, the NTC that are essentially a social forum but less politically motivated can provide an ideal and effective platform through which the peoples voice could be heard loud and clear and also protect their interest and their future that are often exploited by elements of sorts in the name of unity and fraternity. Through God’s abundant grace, we are quite capable of pursuing and upholding our aspirations and therefore it is only legitimate and befitting that a common platform such as NTC is constituted to protect and promote our inherent rights and interest against any possible exploitation. The forum’s objectives hopefully will not be misunderstood nor misrepresented as a result of “self-inflicted phobia” as some
have rightly observed on the launching of NTC. Let the voice of NTC be firm and specific, devoid of any kind of sermonising that are often mixed with political masala or personal agendas. Relating to the familiar issues of prevailing social issues that are bruising our State from a healthy growth, there is indeed a need to honestly introspect the kind of society under which we live. A beleaguered society as we have today, to my opinion, is not creating an ideal condition under which an individual specially belonging to the younger generation can pursue a profession of choice where he or she can develop their innate potential to its fullest capacity. There are instances of Brain Drain through which many gifted Nagas who would have otherwise made their contribution significantly towards building up a vibrant Naga society are currently working successfully elsewhere, even outside the country due to the fact that they do not find the prevalent condition in our State as an attractive destination to work. We continue to groan under the weight of fear, threat and insecurity that has created a situation which is frightfully and mercilessly exploited to its fullest advantageby fortune hunters but sadlyat the cost of the common people so much so that our mindset is now virtually re-
duced to a mere culture of fear and silence. Whereas on one side we lecture about our rich inherent and vibrant culture of bravery and honesty, on the other hand what we physically practice is akin to the culture of fear and silence under the clout of which many of us are reduced to mere accountant that are only good in counting victims but conveniently shy away in allowing the predators to disappear into the thin air. We talk more on compromises on many of the issues involving public interest but not sufficiently equipped with the ability to identify the virus that is battering our society that requires not only symptomatic treatment but surgical intervention. The saying that silence is golden cannot be applied to such a situation. After all the sound of guns will be silenced one day or the other and the overweight of sorts will one day succumb under their own weight, but the human voices of anguish cannot be silenced for ever. All are not lost nevertheless. There are sparks of lights at the end of the tunnel. We can see some signs of silver linings on the horizon. Many writers are now speaking out with courage on the various issues of ailments that has plagued our State that will be celebrating the Fiftieth year of Statehood during December this year and fifty years is indeed a long jour-
ney but sadly our State continue to wrestle more with conflict related issues but less on solutions. Dwelling on the instant subject, it is inauspicious to read about a sort of tension that is currently prevailing between the President of NTC and some NGOs. Whereas I would refrain from making any observation on the merit of the case, I do feel the need that a humane approach be made towards a prolific writer asMr.Avi as I call him, who has the guts to speak out with tremendous courage on many vexing issues confronting our society, specially during those dark days when the sounds of gun shots were heard more than the sound of music. I hope and pray that this problem among them is confined only to the trouble in the tea cup and will be amicably sorted out soon. In this connection the clarification made by The Naga Mothers Association that contains elements of wisdom is commendable. Another pertinent issue taken up by the ACAUT that has undertaken a difficult task for the welfare of the people is most appreciated. In the instant case, the NTC too will hopefully serve as an effective channel in representing the dreams of the Nagas as a whole and particularly the Nagas of Nagaland without fear or favour on issues confronting our society today. Tali Longkumer
On Crime Statistics In Nagaland State
t is in fact good news for the Nagas that according to NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) report, 2012, Nagaland has the lowest crime rate in India (NP 21-10-13) and has also been labeled as the “Safest state for women” (NP 24-0813). However, it is debatable for certain reasons. First, regarding crime against women (in totality), we have to note that unlike India mainstream Hindu society, we generally don’t have Dowry related crimes and the likes. Even if crimes like domestic violence and rape incidents occur, sometimes it goes without reporting officially to the authority concern for various reasons like social stigma and supposedly complicated Indian judicial system. For this reason, coupled with forgive and forget Christian principle, people sometimes prefer or even forced to settle through customary law. Whatever be the case, rape crime in Naga-
land has definitely shown an upward trend. Can it be the safest state for women when all ages of women are raped and murdered mercilessly? Second, so far in Nagaland any Naga factional-related incidents, including killings/murder, extortion, robbery, etc. are officially not considered as law and order problem by the authorities (Govt.). Therefore, are such incidents recorded under the crime record bureau? Third, the NCRB record is only about cognizable crimes (where no arrest warrant is required) excluding other crimes. Today if we look at the media report or local dailies, crime in Nagaland is in fact, maintaining a steady growth if not continues unabated. Therefore, official statistics alone should not be taken into account to make certain policy for crime prevention and analysis. Dr. M. Temjen Longkumer
Indifference: We can’t have that luxury
R
ape, a word that I once associated with mainland India a few years ago now seems to be a colloquial word, it is in our own backyard. I am utterly shocked and shaken to learn that this social evil has reared its ugly head again recently in our land. The fact that the perpetrator of the heinous act is one from amongst us and also the fact that he is a man sworn to our national cause saddens me to the core of my heart. This incident has instilled fear and has raised a series of questions (am sure it does in you too).Questions like: is my sister/ mother/wife safe in a land that I call my own? If I am to cogitate on this issue I reckon that we are heading in the wrong direction. Our once independent, carefree and secure woman folk are now instilled with fear, suspicion and insecurity. Fear of being molested or raped. Insecure of travelling alone as she fears of being molested by her co-passenger or by the driver himself, she has become dependent on someone to protect her from such rapist and molesters. She has been handicapped (cannot be independent) to compete with the world and its an uphill climb for her to pursue her dream, all because one among had the guts to rape one of our sister and thereby he has snatched the freedom and confidence of security that she once enjoyed. In the context of the recent incident at Viola colony the perpetrator being a man sworn to our national cause amputees and mocks the integrity of our national cause. This social evil needs to be nipped from its bud before it spreads its roots. Stringent measures should be taken against such offenders so that anyone going along the same line would think twice even to conceive such thoughts in his mind. I with my limited intellect urge the common man, especially those men/women committed to led us, not to be indifferent to such acts and to punish the perpetrators as per the laws of the land whosoever he is or with whomever he associates himself with. We cannot be cowed down nor be indifferent to such acts else the generations to come will curse us for being servile to the devil himself. “She knew with painful certainty that the opposite of love was not hate, but indifference” - Susan Wiggs, Summer by the Sea. Rosao Richard
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.
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LEISURE
Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box co ntains the digits 1 through 9.”
SUDOKU Game Number # 2683
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 2695
Answer Number # 2682
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 Northeast Shuttles Chumukedima Fire Brigade Nikos Hospital and Research Centre Nagaland Multispecialty Health & Research Centre
KOhiMa
Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home:
232224; Emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 233044, 228846 228254 231864, 230889 228400 232106 227607, 228400 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 285117, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 22232 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026
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L E h n i O Z h E L M E T O E O
a R B D T a a u S T R a L i a x
n R M i n D n a L g n E n R F u
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K i n a E F E S O n C i P P P i
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D i Q i y a g L O V E S M y E g
a T g L P V V P u B h P R M a O
n Z K T a S h E O i O O u i Z i
ACROSS 1. not first 5. among 9. Resorts 13. Savvy about 14. Cut 16. Cut back 17. goulash 18. Ooze 19. a single time 20. a pinnacle of ice 22. a woman deacon 24. Stepped 26. Spurns 27. Trampled 30. Sags 33. Equestrian 35. Construct 37. nigerian tribesman 38. african virus 41. Loving murmur 42. Spirits 45. wallboard 48. Sleeping sickness carrier 51. Mollify 52. Extravagant self-praise 54. ww1 plane 55. Received from a predecessor 59. grin
62. Lion sound 63. anagram of “Talon” 65. Raindrop sound 66. Small island 67. Overact 68. if not 69. Fired a weapon 70. Boast 71. Learning method
DOWN 1. not a win 2. initial wager 3. Resembling snoring 4. in the direction of 5. Donkey 6. Blend 7. wall climbers 8. Request 9. Patron 10. Piece of glass 11. Circle fragments 12. Views 15. happen again 21. Cypher 23. Double-reed woodwind 25. a territorial unit of greece 27. not that 28. android 29. apprehend 31. indiscretion
32. Dash 34. at this time 36. Carry 39. One time around 40. afflicts 43. a young hare 44. Sun 46. Short sleeps 47. Scurry 49. hotel offering 50. Bury 53. adult male singing voice 55. Colored part of an eye 56. Snack 57. angel’s headwear 58. information 60. Misplaced 61. Type of sword 64. a lower limb
Ans to CrossWord 2694
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LOCAL
The Morung Express
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Trans-asia expedition brings message of peace Kohima, october 21 (mexN): 54 participants in 18 SUVs made a stopover at Kohima today at The Heritage. The participants who are part of the Trans-Asia expedition were warmly welcomed by Riiguo Kesiezie, Vice President NAMSA, and were hosted for lunch at the Heritage where they had lunch and thereon proceeded till Mao from where the Nagaland team turned back towards the Capital. In an interaction with media persons, co-ordinator of the touring group Lam Jye Haur stated that the 54 participants con-
KUDA expels two from Dmp
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): Khrimtomi Union Dimapur Area (KUDA) in its meeting held on October 15 expelled two of its members Hoshika Swu and Tokheto Chisho from Dimapur area for a period of five years for “habitually indulging in criminal activities”. A press release issued by KUDA Chairman Hokheto L Shohe informed that one of the instances is the recent report in the local media about two persons held for motorcycle theft. According to the release, the expulsion was made by invoking Article 4 (A) (B) of the constitution. The union warned its members not to host or shelter the two or assist them in securing bail from the Court, ignoring which, the union warned of severe action. Further, the Union requested all peace loving citizens not to bail out the “criminals” to deter them from committing such crimes, while urging the law enforcing agency to effectively expedite investigation for awarding befitting punishment to the two as per the law of the land.
And as a local talked to him about how Nagas were no different from their other mongoloid counterparts, one could clearly see Lam Jye's eyes glint as he felt the feeling of home and oneness far away from home. Interestingly, the tour group is the first group to have ever passed through the China-Bhutan border on wheels. The group started from Singapore passing through Singapore crossing ThailandLaos- China and then to Roguo Keseizie with the participants of the Trans-Asia Expidition at The Heritage, Kohima. India. The Team will hold sisting of families from all primarily businessmen fort to spread the message he spoke how the people over for a night at Imphal Singapore, Malaysia, Aus- and housewives had set of peace and oneness, one of Nagaland had the same and then proceed towards tralia and Brunei Islands on this expedition in an ef- could not help but smile as physical features as them. Myanmar.
Solar lights installed Release pending salaries: ANHTU at Dzukou Valley
SAYO team after installing the solar lights at Dzukou Valley.
Kohima, october 21 (mexN): The Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) has installed three Solar Lights at Dzukou Valley, the tourist spot of the state on October 19. SAYO appealed the general public to take care of it and to maintain the God gifted nature. SAYO also requested the trekkers to Dzukou valley
not to litter through waste material in and around the valley. SAYO president Kekruhol Mekro and general secretary Neiba Bio thanked the New & Renewable Energy Department for providing the Solar Lights as well as conducting a free training to SAYO Executive Meyiekul Noswe to install at the Dzukou.
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): The All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (ANHTU) has made an appeal for the immediate release of the pending salary of 1379 Hindi Teachers, appointed in the year 2012 and 2013 under Central Sponsor Scheme. A press note issued by Rometo Sema, president, ANHTU and A.S Yarthotngam, general secretary, ANHTU stated that it has come to the notice that the pending salaries which are still, yet to be paid; have reached its fifth month and yet the Government and Department of School Education have remained mere spectators on this issue. ANHTU in the note shared that the teachers do not have any other source
of income apart from their salaries. The Union also expressed regret to note some of the major problems which the teachers are facing. Stating that since the final exams in schools are usually conducted at the end of the year, the students are required to clear their fees, without which they are not allowed to sit for the examination. And it is the children of these unfortunate teachers who are compelled to face this problem. The teachers are also facing difficulties in paying their house rents too and also in maintaining the households like buying groceries, etc. Moreover, ANHTU pointed out that that some of the teachers are posted far away from their homes and for which these teach-
ers have to travel a distance to report to their posted schools. However, due to the irregularity in the payments of their salaries, they are now finding it very hard to meet the travelling expenses too. Therefore, ANHTU said that if the teachers have been remaining absent from their works due to the difficulties which they are facing in performing their duties, the Government and the Department will be held accountable and responsible for it. “It is therefore, a sincere request of the ANHTU to the Government and the Department to take up the necessary and needful action of each and every teacher to be provided with their respective salaries regularly, the Union stated in the note.
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): In a letter addressed to Director, School Education, Kohima the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) has given an ultimatum demanding to cancel the transfer order in respect of Prahfat Kumar, G/T Science who was transferred along with post from GHS Chiphur to GHS Noksen on August 23, 2013. It was stated in the ultimatum signed by S.Chonta, presi-
dent KSU and K.Okie, Speaker, KSU that the KSU and VEC, GHS Chiphur had submitted application to Director, School Education on September 20, 2013 seeking immediate cancellation of transfer order. Bu that, the department had not taken up the issue for more than a month which is to be considered as deprivation and discrimination against the students. KSU also mentioned
that at present there is only one Science teacher at GHS Chiphur. And that, transfer along with post is against the entire Khiamniungan tribe. Therefore, KSU in the letter demanded that the Transfer order be cancelled within ten days from the state of issue of this Ultimatum and retained back at GHS Chiphur, failing which the KSU will close down the school till further action taken by the department.
KSU demands to cancel transfer order
LPWO pass resolutions Quarterly Review meeting on
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): The Lerie Panchayat, Women’s Organisation (LPWO) held a joint meeting on September 26, 2013 at the Panchayat Hall and passed certain resolutions. A press note issued by James Liezietsu, Chairman, LPK and Imsunok Jamir, secretary, LPK stated that the house resolved that roster checking of intoxicating items in the colony will be taken up under the leadership of Lerie Women’s Organisation. The House also resolved and entrusted the Lerie Youth Organisation for Roster checking within the colony after 7:00 pm to curb any untoward incident that would hamper
the congenial almost here in the colony. The House resolved that every individual and house owner are equally responsible to maintain peaceful co-existence and harmony in the colony. Nobody would be allowed to reside/shelter or encourage anti-social activities for the safety of the general public. LPWO in the note stated that if any untoward situation occurs the concerned individual/house owner would be held solely responsible for such issue. The House also constituted a Block Wise Monitoring Committee in the Upper, Middle and lower Block regarding during emergency.
Dimapur
5
MEx FILE Medical camp for PWD today Kohima, october 21 (mexN): The Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) Kohima today informed that a medical camp cum health mela for People with Disabled (PWD) being held in collaboration with health and family welfare, social welfare and sponsored by National Trust will take place on October 22 at Naga Hopsital Kohima premises. Dr. Neiphi Kire, principal director health and family welfare will grace the occasion as the chief guest at 10:00 am. Speeches will also be delivered by director social welfare, Dr Atha Vizol, state commissioner for disability and Vikeyie Losou, managing director NHAK. The programme will be chaired by NAPAD president Marlong Lkr while vote of thanks will be proposed by NAPAD co-ordinator Zalekhrulu Lohe.
Striking tenth pays homage to police martyrs
Kohima, october 21 (mexN): Along with the rest of the police fraternity, the 10th NAP (Indian Reserve) Battalion observed police commemoration day at their HQs Zhadima on October 21. As brief background on the police commemoration day was delivered by Commandant Imcharenla, NPS, impressing upon the personnel to live upto the motto of Nagaland Police “Security, Service and Sacrifice” and paid rich tributes to the martyrs. Roll of honour of martyrs was read out by deputy commandant Adjt. Talisunep Imchen NPS which included five from Nagaland out of whom Late Havildar Temsu Ao is from the 10th NAP (India Reserve) Battalion.
KDVA joint committee meet today
Kohima, october 21 (mexN): The joint committee meeting of the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) will take place on October 22 at Congress Bhavan, Kohima at 3:00 PM. The meeting will discuss matter pertaining to the forthcoming Kohima district Ist inter-ward/ block volleyball tournament scheduled for October 29 to 31. The champion in men’s category will pocket a cash prize of Rs. 30,000 while the runners- up will be awarded with Rs. 20,000. The prize in women’s category stands at Rs. 20,000 (champion) and Rs. 10,000 (Runners-up). Losing semi finalists for both categories will get Rs. 5000 each. Besides, there will be cash prize for best spiker and best setter.
CCLC general meet on Oct 24
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): A general meeting of the newly inducted officials of the Chokri Chakhesang Literature Committee (CCLC) shall be held at 2:00 pm on October 24, 2013 in the CCLC’s office, Vadeo’s Home, Upper Bayavu Kohima. A press note issued by Dr.Zokho Venuh, general secretary (Admn), CCLC stated that all the executive members of the CCLC, Area representatives, Advisory Board members and members of different committees and Sub0comittess etc are requested to attend the meeting without fail.
BSI Women’s sales day
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): The Bible Society of India (BSI) Dimapur Auxiliary Women’s Committee will be having sales day on November 6, at Super Market. The items will be yam, steamed sticky rice, handicraft, local pickle, local curry, ghalo, bamboo shoot, anüshi etc. A press note received here stated that the purpose of having sales day is to raise fund for Bible Translation work in Arunachal Pradesh. All the believers are requested to extend co operation towards Women’s Committee sales programme according to press release issued by Mrs.Marla Ao President.
Revised National TB Control held
Dimapur, october 21 (mexN): The Revised National TB Control programme held its 2nd cum 3rd Quarterly Review Meeting on October 18, 2013 at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health& family Welfare Kohima. A press note received here stated that Dr Khanlo Magh, Mission Director NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) chaired the programme. He lauded the Programme for its commendable performance and stressed the importance of team work
Public SPace G.S Road Business Owners Association condemns
The G.S Road Business Owners Association, Dimapur strongly condemned the attempt to murder the owner of Alok Bhandar Shop, G.S road wherein four rounds of shots were fired at him. The victim miraculously escaped with only a minor bullet injury in the leg.
The association appeals to the law enforcing authority to act immediately and capture the criminals responsible and bring them to justice. Creating fear psychosis among the business community and public during the festive season is totally uncalled for who ever the
perpetrators are. We appeal to all sections of the society to come together and condemn this cowardly act. We urge the people to come forward, join hands and uproot this menace from our land.
The Tenyimi Students Union Dimapur (TSUD) has strongly condemned the brutal rape of our Mao Sister and threatening the victim to kill her by Chiithuyio the body Guard of A. Puni, member of collective leadership of the NSCN (I-M) on 14th October. TSUD is shocked that the “national protector” who work for the nation is
involving in inhuman act which is totally against the law and societies. TSUD salute the victim who stood firm and courage to identify the victim and fight for her rights. TSUD has appealed the police authority and District Administrator not to give the bail and put a strong punishment according to the law. TSUD at this hour stood beside
the victim and her family and will fight till justice is delivered. TSUD pray that God give her courage and wish her speedy recovery. It also appeals to all the Students organization to come forward and condemn such heinous and ugly act.
Omega Yepthomi, President, G.S Road Business Owners Association.
TSUD condemns rape incident
Chokho Robviina Secy. Information & Publicity Jenpu Rongmei President
and urged the Staff to work with ‘Missionary zeal’. Dr K T Lotha, the State TB officer highlighted the performance of the Programme and added that during the 2nd quarter the State of Nagaland has achieved an all time high Case Detection Rate(CDR) of 94% and Cure Rate(CR) of 91% while in the 3rd Quarter the CDR took a dip to 78% and CR was 92%. He insisted that all Districts update their NIKSHAY status. NIKSHAY is a new concept for online registration of TB patients under the
RNTCP. Later on, the Districts gave presentations on their Activities and Achievements during the last Quarter. Dr Magh in his closing remark raised concerns about the Districts of Peren, Wokha and Tuensang for their poor performance. He advised these Districts to upscale their activities. A total of 22 two wheelers were distributed to the District Staff for supervisory work. The meeting was attended by all the Staff and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) field staff with seized items. A press note issued by Officers of State TB Cell and Elizabeth Ngully, CEO, KMC stated that banned plastics under 40 microns and Burma District TB Staff. edible goods were seized on October 21, 2013.
Showing new roots: Church sponsored salon in Mkg Our Correspondent Mokokchung | October 21
Meeting a much felt need, a hair salon was inaugurated today in Mokokchung’s Alempang Ward. ADC Mokokchung and Administrator of MMC, Chubawati Chang inaugurated the salon. What sets this newly opened salon, apart from the rest is that all of the three barbers in the salon are local youth. The venture is also being supported by the church. The MMC Administrator and ADC pointed out that, the venture is worthy of applause and stated that it is initiated by an unexpected party – the church. The administrator while inaugurating the salon also expressed appreciation to the church for undertaking this initiative when the whole state is reeling under acute unemployment problem. The salon is being supported by the Life Fountain
Mokokchung ADC, Administrator of MMC, Chubawati Chang, Pastor and deacon of Alempang Baptist Church are seen with the barbers of the new salon "Jabbok".
Centre, a part of the ‘social concern wing’ of Alempang Baptist Church, Mokokchung. Saying that the salon initiative may be seemingly a small step, one that might even attract ridicule from various quarters, Chubawati asserted that this is actually ‘the biggest step,
a huge leap forward’ and showered praises upon the Church for setting an eyeopening example. Encouraging the three local barbers who will be manning the salon, Chubawati said that being the pioneers in any field of profession is a matter of
pride and prestige and encouraged them to work diligently, adding that they should win the trust of the church, the authorities and, above all, the customers. He also advised them to follow the guidelines for the profession set by the MMC as well as to keep their salon
hygienic and to use sterilized equipments. “There are lots of opportunities which the local youths take up,” he said, adding that this initiative was an eye-opener for “all the churches.” The salon is called ‘Jabbok’ a name derived from the Bible. Pastor of Alempang Baptist Church, Rev.Temsu S pronounced the dedicatory prayer for the salon. Even before the small gathering attending the ‘dedicatory service’ of the salon had dispersed, there were customers queuing up to have haircuts in the new salon. The salon is located in the premises of the Alempang Baptist Church, Mokokchung town. All the three barbers in the salon are experts in the profession, though self-taught, and were independently engaged in the business part time even before the church brought them together for an organized enterprise.
The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.
6
IN-FOCUS
The Power of Truth
The Morung Express TuEsDAy 22 OcTObEr 2013 vOl. vIII IssuE 288
Old Dilemmas
H
ow should States and Peoples respond to incompatible interests: the pursuit of limited resources and underlying questions of justice and freedom? Perhaps, the problem is as ancient as human history. Clearly, human beings have invested more in preparing for and waging war than in any other enterprise because of its lucrative nature that results in amassing economic wealth and power. Most States devote more resources to military preparedness than on education, health care and housing combined. Given that human beings have primarily invested in preparing for war as a response to conflict, it should not be surprising when violence quickly occurs during confrontations. It is a predictable response guaranteed by the war machine. Considering the extent of State militarization, ‘peace processes’ are reduced to the military rearrangement of lives rather than relying on nonviolent responses to conflict. The very representation of this process as peace is enough to arouse fears associated with the social narrative of suffering based on victimization and oppression. In times of conflict, suffering and the sense of victimhood have reinforced an identity which destroys the positive memory of the ‘other.’ The interplay of violence and fear constructs memories of inclusion and exclusion from within a given historical reality. Fear fed on a perception of hate and retribution effectively escalates violence. Babu Ayindo says, “To emphasize retribution is the surest way to poison the seeds of reconciliation. If anything, retribution turns offenders into heroes and fertilizes the circle of violence.” A victim-centered approach deals only with the past, where justice is deemed as inflicting suffering on the victimizers. It lacks the political will to restore relationships and is the surest way of turning a victim into a victimizer. The power of hate holds a person captive to the past, and is unable to move into a future where right relationship can be restored. Privately and publicly recognizing the ‘other’ can obliterate fears and end victimization with all its political implications. These types of acts positively invest and prepare society for a sustainable and shared peace. Human experience has shown patterns where unresolved issues of the past invariably resurface in peace processes. Therefore, it is essential to constructively address them through dialogues for peace because avoiding old dilemmas could result in further delaying the peace process. There are no short cuts on the path to justice and freedom that requires a participatory process committed to inclusion, engagement and respectful dialogue. In essence, it involves good faith dialogue to build mutual understanding and trust. James Anaya says good faith dialogue makes it possible to accord to historically aggrieved groups the dignity they need and to identify shared interests and objectives. Paulo Freire further asserts that dialogue is “not a favor done by one for the other.” He affirms that dialogue implies sincere and fundamental respect requiring a democratic relationship which provides “opportunity to open up the thinking, and not wither away in isolation.”
lEfT wiNg |
Eboo Patel
From Diversity to Pluralism
T
HE TERM “DIVERSITY” in professional and educational circles in the United States is frequently mentioned as positive on its face, needing no justification. “Diversity is our strength” or “diversity enriches us” are common statements. But Harvard professor of comparative religion Diana Eck points out that diversity is simply a demographic fact—a situation in which people with different identities live in close quarters. The term says nothing about how those people get along with one another. Frankly, if all we knew about religious diversity in particular were the stories carried on the international news, it would be hard to conclude anything except that the close gathering of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and others is nothing but a recipe for conflict. Religious conflict is especially deadly because the participants believe they are fighting for cosmic reasons—where death may be welcomed as martyrdom—and religious communities are the largest repositories of social capital in many civil societies, providing endless amounts of energy, people, and resources to mobilize. But what if the social capital among religious communities could be bridged and people who orient around religion differently could be convinced to cooperate with one another? What if the cosmic narratives of religious traditions viewed people of other faiths as partners in the quest for the kingdom on earth? This is the hope of the interfaith movement, and building this movement is the job of interfaith leaders. Just as there is no environmental movement without environmentalists and no human rights movement without human rights activists, there is no interfaith movement without interfaith leaders. Put simply, an effective interfaith leader is one who can work with diversity to build pluralism. I’m defining diversity with Diana Eck—as simply the fact of people and groups with different identities living in close quarters within cities, nations, and regions. Pluralism is an achievement characterized by three elements: respect for different identities, positive relationships between diverse communities, and a commitment to the common good. Diverse societies that achieve pluralism have a strong civic fabric—one that can withstand the provocations of extremists and haters—and are bridging their social capital in ways that can take on some of the toughest social problems of that society. But bridges don’t fall from the sky or rise from the ground; people build them. And the people on the vanguard of such work we call leaders. When I mention the importance of interfaith leaders, people often ask, “Outside of the State Department, where would they get jobs?” Lots of places, I think. Staff of international development organizations attempting to spread polio vaccines in South Asia or anti-malarial bed nets in sub-Saharan Africa had better be aware of the religious energies in those places. YMCA executive directors and school principals in inner-city Minneapolis would do well to know something about the faith practices of the Somali Muslims, Hmong shamanists, and practitioners of Native American religions of the area. City officials in rapidly diversifying cities such as Atlanta, Houston, and Birmingham should have some knowledge of the Hindu customs of their growing Indian populations. And it would be a double tragedy if the first time that journalists from Milwaukee news outlets visited the local Sikh temple was in the immediate aftermath of a white supremacist shooting six people there. In an era in which we are worried about both being good citizens and finding jobs, interfaith leadership is one of those areas that is good for both. Eboo Patel, founder of the Interfaith Youth Core, writes about social justice from his perspective as a Muslim American of Indian heritage
C O M M E N T A R Y
Health problems linked to Agrochemicals
A
rgentine farm worker Fabian Tomasi was never trained to handle pesticides. His job was to keep the crop-dusters flying by filling their tanks as quickly as possible, although it often meant getting drenched in poison. Now, at 47, he's a living skeleton, so weak he can hardly leave his house in Entre Rios province. Schoolteacher Andrea Druetta lives in Santa Fe Province, the heart of Argentina's soy country, where agrochemical spraying is banned within 500 meters (550 yards) of populated areas. But soy is planted just 30 meters (33 yards) from her back door. Her boys were showered in chemicals recently while swimming in the backyard pool. After Sofia Gatica lost her newborn to kidney failure, she filed a complaint that led to Argentina's first criminal convictions for illegal spraying. But last year's verdict came too late for many of her 5,300 neighbors in Ituzaingo Annex. A government study there found alarming levels of agrochemical contamination in the soil and drinking water, and 80 percent of the children surveyed carried traces of pesticide in their blood. American biotechnology has turned Argentina into the world's third-largest soybean producer, but the chemicals powering the boom aren't confined to soy and cotton and corn fields. The Associated Press documented dozens of cases around the country where poisons are applied in ways unanticipated by regulatory science or specifically banned by existing law. The spray drifts into schools and homes and settles over water sources; farmworkers mix poisons with no protective gear; villagers store water in pesticide containers that should have been destroyed. Now doctors are warning that uncontrolled pesticide applications could be the cause of growing health problems among the 12 million people who live in the South American nation's vast farm belt. In Santa Fe, cancer rates are two times to four times higher than the national average. In Chaco, birth defects quadrupled in the decade after biotechnology dramatically expanded farming in Argentina. "The change in how agriculture is produced has brought, frankly, a change in the profile of diseases," says Dr. Medardo Avila Vazquez, a pediatrician and neonatologist who co-founded Doctors of Fumigated Towns, part of a growing movement demanding enforcement of agricultural safety rules. "We've gone from a pretty healthy population to one with a high rate of cancer, birth defects, and illnesses seldom seen before." A nation once known for its grass-fed beef has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1996, when the St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. promised that adopting its patented seeds and chemicals would increase crop yields and lower pesticide use. Today, Argentina's entire soy crop and nearly all its corn and cotton are genetically modified, with soy cultivation alone tripling to 47 million acres (19 million hectares). Agrochemical use did decline at first, then it bounced back, increasing eightfold from 9 million gallons (34 million liters) in 1990 to more than 84 million gallons (317 million liters) today as farmers squeezed in more harvests and pests became resistant to the poisons. Overall, Argentine farmers apply an estimated 4.3 pounds of agrochemical concentrate per acre, more than twice what U.S. farmers use, according to an AP analysis of government and pesticide industry data. Glyphosate, the key ingredient in Monsanto's popular Roundup brand of pesticides, is one of the world's most widely used weed killers. It has been determined to be safe, if applied properly, by many regulatory agencies, including those of the United States and European Union. On May 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency even raised the allowable levels of glyphosate residues in food, concluding that based on studies presented by Monsanto, "there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population or to infants and children from aggregate exposure." Argentina's 23 provinces take the lead in regulating farming, and rules vary. Spraying is banned within 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) of populated areas in some provinces and as little as 50 meters (55 yards) in others. About one-third of the provinces set no limits at all, and most lack detailed enforcement policies. A federal environmental law requires applicators of toxic chemicals to suspend or cancel activities that threaten public health, "even when the link has not been scientifically proven," and "no matter the costs or consequences," but it has never been applied to farming, the auditor general found last year. In response to soaring complaints, President Cristina Fernandez ordered a commission in 2009 to study the impact of agrochemical spraying on human health. Its initial report called for "systematic controls over concentrations of herbicides and their compounds ... such as exhaustive laboratory and field studies involving formulations containing glyphosate as well as its interactions with other agrochemicals as they are actually used in our country." But the commission hasn't met since 2010, the auditor general found. Government officials insist the problem is not a lack of research, but misinformation that plays on people's emotions. "I've seen countless documents, surveys, videos, articles in the news and in universities, and really our citizens who read all this end up dizzy and confused," Agriculture Secretary Lorenzo Basso said. "I think we have to publicize the commitment that Argentina has to being a food producer. Our model as an exporting nation has been called into question. We need to defend our model." In a written statement, Monsanto spokesman
THE EDIT PAGE
Michael Warren and Natacha Pisarenko Source: Associated Press
In this March 31, 2013, photo, Erika, left, and her twin sister Macarena, who suffer from chronic respiratory illness, play in their backyard near recycled agrochemical containers filled with water that is used for flushing their toilet, feeding their chickens and washing their clothes, near the town of Avia Terai, in Chaco province, Argentina. The twins' mother, Claudia Sariski, whose home has no running water, says she doesn't let her children drink the water from the discarded pesticide containers. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Thomas Helscher said the company "does not condone the misuse of pesticides or the violation of any pesticide law, regulation, or court ruling." "Monsanto takes the stewardship of products seriously and we communicate regularly with our customers regarding proper use of our products," Helscher said. Argentina was among the earliest adopters of the new biotech farming model promoted by Monsanto and other U.S. agribusinesses. Instead of turning the topsoil, spraying pesticides and then waiting until the poison dissipates before planting, farmers sow the seeds and spray afterward without harming crops genetically modified to tolerate specific chemicals. This "no-till" method takes so much less time and money that farmers can reap more harvests and expand into land not worth the trouble before. But pests develop resistance, even more so when the same chemicals are applied to genetically identical crops on a vast scale. So while glyphosate is one of the world's safest herbicides, farmers now use it in higher concentrates and mix in much more toxic poisons, such as 2,4,D, which the U.S. military used in "Agent Orange" to defoliate jungles during the Vietnam War. In 2006, a division of Argentina's agriculture ministry recommended adding caution labels urging that mixtures of glyphosate and more toxic chemicals be limited to "farm areas far from homes and population centers." The recommendation was ignored, according to the federal audit. The government relies on industry research approved by the EPA, which said May 1 that "there is no indication that glyphosate is a neurotoxic chemical and there is no need for a developmental neurotoxicity study." Molecular biologist Dr. Andres Carrasco at the University of Buenos Aires says the burden from the chemical cocktails is worrisome, but even glyphosate alone could spell trouble for human health. He found that injecting a very low dose of glyphosate into embryos can change levels of retinoic acid, causing the same sort of spinal defects in frogs and chickens that doctors increasingly are registering in communities where farm chemicals are ubiquitous. This acid, a form of vitamin A, is fundamental for keeping cancers in check and triggering genetic expression, the process by which embryonic cells develop into organs and limbs. "If it's possible to reproduce this in a laboratory, surely what is happening in the field is much worse," Carrasco said. "And if it's much worse, and we suspect that it is, what we have to do is put this under a magnifying glass." His findings, published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology in 2010, were rebutted by Monsanto, which said the results "are not surprising given their methodology and unrealistic exposure scenarios." Monsanto said in response to AP's questions that chemical safety tests should only be done on live animals, and that injecting embryos is "less reliable and less relevant for human risk assessments." "Glyphosate is even less toxic than the repellent you put on your children's skin," said Pablo Vaquero, Monsanto's corporate affairs director in Buenos Aires. "That said, there has to be a responsible and good use of these products because in no way would you put repellent in the mouths of children and no environmental applicator should spray fields with a tractor or a crop-duster without taking into account the environmental conditions and threats that stem from the use of the product." Out in the fields, warnings are widely ignored. For three years, Tomasi was routinely exposed to chemicals as he pumped pesticides into the tanks of crop-dusters. Now he's near death from polyneuropathy, a debilitating neurological disorder, which has left him wasted and shriveled. "I prepared millions of liters of poison without any kind of protection, no gloves, masks or special clothing," he said. "I didn't know anything. I only learned later what it did to me, after contacting scientists." "The poison comes in liquid concentrates, in containers with lots of precautions to take when applying it," Tomasi explained. "But nobody takes precautions." With soybeans selling for about $500 a ton, growers plant wherever they can, often disregarding Monsanto's guidelines and provincial law by spraying with no advance warning, and even in windy conditions. In Entre Rios, teachers reported that sprayers failed to respect 50-meter (55-yard) limits at 18 schools, dousing 11 during class. Five teachers filed police complaints this year. Druetta also filed complaints in Santa Fe, alleging that students fainted when pesticides drifted into their classrooms and that their tap water is contaminated. She is struggling to get clean drinking water into her school, she said, while a neighbor keeps a freezer of rabbit and bird carcasses, hoping someone will test them to see why they dropped dead after spraying. Buenos Aires forbids loading or hosing off spraying equipment in populated areas, but in the town
of Rawson, it's done directly across the street from homes and a school, with the runoff flowing into an open ditch. Felix San Roman says that when he complained about clouds of chemicals drifting into his yard, the sprayers beat him up, fracturing his spine and knocking out his teeth. He said he filed a complaint in 2011, but it was ignored. "This is a small town where nobody confronts anyone, and the authorities look the other way," San Roman said. "All I want is for them to follow the existing law, which says you can't do this within 1,500 meters (of homes). Nobody follows this. How can you control it?" Sometimes even court orders are ignored. In January, activist Oscar Di Vincensi stood in a field near a friend's house waving a ruling against spraying within 1,000 meters (1,100 yards) of homes in his town of Alberti. A tractor driver simply ignored him, dousing him in pesticide. Di Vincensi's video of that incident went viral on YouTube earlier this year. Dr. Damian Verzenassi, who directs the Environment and Health program at the National University of Rosario's medical school, decided to try to figure out what was behind an increase in cancer, birth defects and miscarriages in Argentina's hospitals. "We didn't set out to find problems with agrochemicals. We went to see what was happening with the people," he said. Since 2010, this house-to-house epidemiological study has reached 65,000 people in Santa Fe province, finding cancer rates two times to four times higher than the national average, including breast, prostate and lung cancers. Researchers also found high rates of thyroid disorders and chronic respiratory illness. "It could be linked to agrochemicals," he said. "They do all sorts of analysis for toxicity of the first ingredient, but they have never studied the interactions between all the chemicals they're applying." Dr. Maria del Carmen Seveso, who has spent 33 years running intensive care wards and ethics committees in Chaco province, became alarmed at regional birth reports showing a quadrupling of congenital defects, from 19.1 per 10,000 to 85.3 per 10,000 in the decade after genetically modified crops and their agrochemicals were approved in Argentina. Determined to find out why, she and her colleagues surveyed 2,051 people in six towns in Chaco, and found significantly more diseases and defects in villages surrounded by industrial agriculture than in those surrounded by cattle ranches. In Avia Terai, 31 percent said a family member had cancer in the past 10 years, compared with 3 percent in the ranching village of Charadai. Visiting these farm villages, the AP found chemicals in places where they were never intended to be. Claudia Sariski, whose home has no running water, says she doesn't let her twin toddlers drink from the discarded poison containers she keeps in her dusty backyard. But her chickens do, and she uses it to wash the family's clothes. "They prepare the seeds and the poison in their houses. And it's very common, not only in Avia Terai but in nearby towns, for people to keep water for their houses in empty agrochemical containers," explained surveyor Katherina Pardo. "Since there's no treated drinking water here, the people use these containers anyway. They are a very practical people." The survey found diseases Seveso said were uncommon before — birth defects including malformed brains, exposed spinal cords, blindness and deafness, neurological damage, infertility, and strange skin problems. Aixa Cano, a shy 5-year-old, has hairy moles all over her body. Her neighbor, 2-year-old Camila Veron, was born with multiple organ problems and is severely disabled. Doctors told their mothers that agrochemicals may be to blame. "They told me that the water made this happen because they spray a lot of poison here," said Camila's mother, Silvia Achaval. "People who say spraying poison has no effect, I don't know what sense that has because here you have the proof," she added, pointing at her daughter. It's nearly impossible to prove that exposure to a specific chemical caused an individual's cancer or birth defect. But like the other doctors, Seveso said their findings should prompt a rigorous government investigation. Instead, their 68-page report was shelved for a year by Chaco's health ministry. A year later, a leaked copy was posted on the Internet. "There are things that are not open to discussion, things that aren't listened to," Seveso concluded. Scientists argue that only broader, longer-term studies can rule out agrochemicals as a cause of these illnesses. "That's why we do epidemiological studies for heart disease and smoking and all kinds of things," said Doug Gurian-Sherman, a former EPA regulator now with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "If you have the weight of evidence pointing to serious health problems, you don't wait until there's absolute proof in order to do something."
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7
TuEsday
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
22 OcTOber 2013
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
Gambling on 2014 Lok Sabha election W Kekhrie yhome
ill Chief Minister Rio contest in the coming 16th Lok Sabha elections? Will it benefit Nagaland, or even NE? What better job do we have than speculate? It all started when whispering murmurs resonated into deafening noise. The tongue of CM Rio himself lubricated the original juicy gossip, earlier this year. Riding on an overwhelmingly successful Assembly election, it was temporarily ruined by dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution. NPF-legislators were reined in, with Rio expressing his willingness to step down. Step down? It was magnanimous; but it also worked, cleverly reiterating who runs the show. Autumn then came to an end—and, once again, the birds were chirping joyfully and busy building nests, even as the amazing foliage of spring greens and flowers re-enveloped the parch of the land. CM Rio, undisputedly, is unquestionable. Into the third term, the eclectic mood of negotiating a difficult celebration was however soon disrupted: the cruelest ever monsoon faced by DANgovernment. The treasury coffers were found to be empty. With budget session coming up, extra-large clouds loom gloomily over Mt. Japfü. With the first raindrop hitting the dusty earth, financial desperations turn into a flood. Ever bold CM Rio bravely played the bereaved-but-consoler role—casually but discretely interviewing his legislators on a one-to-one basis, about their opinions should he decide to go away as an MP to Delhi. The distraction worked briefly too, like a painkiller, for Delhi is where the golden goose lays its eggs. The message was however clear—there is absolutely no public fund in Nagaland. Whispering murmurs also start spreading like wild fire, peacefully maturing into rumours. The Government of Nagaland subsequently presented a depreciated state budget —almost Rs. 500 Cr. short the cost value of Mukesh Ambani’s private residence Attila on the Arabian seashore at Mumbai. Rumours soon turn into virtual imagination. The desperate chorus of ‘only the Chief Minister knows best how to bring Central Funds’ grew stronger! Especially post-chalo-Delhi consultations! CM Rio, perhaps, was, after all, serious! Matter of fact, the Lok Sabha seat from Nagaland was then equally vacant, against 51 Noksen A/C. Imaginations became real when NSCN-K’s (Part II) Supremo Kitovi gave a courtesy call to Nagaland Home Minister Shri Kaito, not necessarily on a Mughal style, but as the possibly hopeful next, in line to the political throne of Chief Ministership. Plan B was then hurriedly ushered in: mint money if there is no money! It looks smooth, like a wellrehearsed high school skit. “Dig Oil.” It was boldly smart, but flubbingly blinded with lustfulness. For, never in Naga history of public affairs and governance, has the rank of an Under Secretary, Government of India, been debated with such impudence, or contested more vigorously, when Plan B went berserk. The Union Ministry of Petroleum raised its antenna, over the overt plans to twist Article 371(A)
N
for a luxurious but muffled feast of oil prospecting, through preferred global tenders. In the midst of such hullabaloo, a malignant tumor was discovered in the financial sickness: the limit for credit facility has dried out with overdraft. Moreover, 2013 being the golden jubilee year of Nagaland statehood under Union of India—monetary expenditures are required much beyond fire-cracking fiesta and gala! Hurriedly, quick fix but knee-jerk austerity measures were martially imposed. Foreign travels were curbed, without permission. Advertisements for all departments were DIPR-centralized. Revenue rules for a hitherto un-taxed coal extraction became fashionable. Development Priority Lists, in the hurdle race to New Delhi’s finishing line, were processed bypassing Nagaland Development Commissioner’s office. NLCPR, the mother-agency certifying all wannabe NE-politicians on a self-importance rally, too, turned paralytic. Frustration renamed itself: Luckless Nagaland 2013! With financial luck hitting a low, surprises were also expected. With the captain of a financially unstable ship away on a foreign soil (Japan & Indonesia, to be precise), a malevolent coup aimed at sabotaging CM Rio’s plan to contest 2014 Lok Sabha election was hurriedly staged on 23rd September, by an allparty DAN-politburo. The absent-father-complex was played: we need him more than any other times! Apart from financial frustration, a far-fetched fear of political instability also did its scuttlebutt round. But no sooner the aircraft carrying CM touches Dimapur, fears were dispelled and detractors went on a diet control. The over enthusiastic ranting of a failed political coup also slowly receded away as adolescent memories. The attempt, as discovered later, was, but to strengthen Rio’s leadership! CM Rio then announced publicly that it is “true”—about his indecisive desire for an MP shot. Will 2014 be the year of Namo Modi and Neiphiu Rio? Will capitalistic power emerge by merging two extremes: western and eastern India? Will Modi become the Prime Minister and Rio the first Naga Union Cabinet Minister? Modi and counterpart Rio have been successfully ruling their states a third term each. Both are charismatically aggressive but opulent with the poor. Both are fashion conscious! Modi is seen as a complicit terror to minority Muslims whereas Rio is seen as an implicit crusader out to accommodate minority outsiders. NPF and BJP have been like-minded parties together, although DAN government gives outside support to the ruling UPA. A Christian-fanatic state and a Hindufundamentalist state coming together is no new game changer. The objective will be mutual: seize power. A ruthless “equi-closeness” to reap the benefit for a cashcrunch Nagaland is what seems to be perturbing Rio’s present motivation. Equi-closeness is an old formula for power mongering, but it worked once, then. Financially narrating bygone tales as special and unique history to the 14th Finance Commission will not magically transform the economic landscape of Nagaland. Despite the nitty-gritty of Centre-State financial relations having undergone major transformation past post-liberalization in India, the old pattern of centre-directed development funding has not
changed. The old trick of showing cold feet to nonparty ruling states has also not changed, although the quantum of UPA’s populist flagship schemes has managed to sustain smaller states insofar. A small state like Nagaland therefore stands to profit only when it allies with a ruling centre. Like Baba Hollohon’s loathe for opposition bench, frail and tiny economies like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur states have been traditionally and pragmatically changing party colour to match whoever comes to power in Delhi. Only belligerent states like Nagaland and Mizoram, despite unstable financial sources, continue to prove their primeval ego qualities but as foolish losers. Tripura and Sikkim, although regionally ruled, are economically more stable. With only one Lok Sabha seat, how does one expect Rio to become a Union Cabinet Minister? The gamble for Rio to advance his courtship to Modi (that is) would surely depend on how many North-East MPs he can tow into his kitty-bag. Other states where NPF has presence have already set the ball rolling. NPF aspirant Sword Vashum has already spread his Outer-Manipur constituency seat campaign to Delhi, trying to capture the young students’ mind. In Arunachal Pradesh, other parties have started making noise against NPF’s “intrusive” plans. A wee 4-5 NE MPs backing Rio will effortlessly make him a Union Cabinet Minister (that is) if BJPModi becomes prime minister. To bet on this Rio will have to firstly support MP candidates across party lines, financially. In Assam, he can afford to sponsor a regional party each from Karbi Anglong and Bodoland, and tie-up with Asom Gana Parishad, or even the migrant Muslim party (AIUDF). Mizoram will have a seductive mind of its own. In Meghalaya, the Purno Sangma family will be his natural ally but also his nemesis. Tripura is out of bounds. And—that is, if Rio is serious, NPF party funds will not be enough. It also implies a corpus to be finally taken out from the jealously protected family chest. CM Rio going to Delhi will vindicate the linear progression of a political life, unlike the lately redundant habit of sending unintelligent and graceless MPs from Nagaland, only to be found wandering alone or sitting on the fence cheerlessly. The sluggish rustles of autumn leaves shall soon become wintry dusts. A Union-level Joint Secretary, steering an average department, single-handedly disburses annual funds more than the entire fiveyear budget of a small state like Nagaland. Small is not politically beautiful, especially in a militant majority-democracy like India. Neiphiu Rio, undisputedly, is unquestionably the indisputable, as of now. Will he challenge the status quo of how public funds are controlled and directed from the Centre? How will the future remember him: is he average or quotable? What is his achievement for Nagaland, beyond his locale, till today, spectacular enough for history to remember? Will he dare prove what the public knows him best as: the capitalist-politician partneropportunist? Will this chilly winter be warmly comforted by the wishful and eager thoughts of sitting next to Prime Minister Namo Modi, in the coming spring? Only, politics is but a poor guarantor.
Truth for Breakfast
agaland certainly has a lot of popular names attached to it. Do we really need to be proud of all the popular tags awarded by so many people? Yes. allan aley I guess there is a lot of truth in it. There is so much to be talked about, not just praises Mokokchung for the good things in our land but innuelated to see the new rendition done even the Scholarships for the Mimerable failures. It surely earns itself a bad but it was simply a lip service which nority students are affected. As per name and there is a lot of truth in it. What was short lived. Do we need to beauMarch 31, Morung Express, for the can be more inspiring about Nagaland and tify our towns just prior to any festiNagaland Merit scholarship, the deits corruption-filled polity? When our realvals or major celebrations? And this partment of Education has projectity is too sour and a complete disaster, you context applies throughout our state. ed an amount of Rs 5, 71, 90, 920 to can either sit and lament or do something In many educational institutions certhe state government. And the worst about it. Waking up to the ground reality, tain projects are left incomplete for part here is… the merit students have the government is not doing much to uplift certain years (snail pace). The arrival not received their scholarships yet. us from this ongoing misery; and the irony of VIPs prompts the construction to Where did the money go? No one here is, people are still in a state of apathy. go beyond its normal speed. It always knows where it is, where it has gone. I hope the strings are pulled right. Let me finishes right on time. This year beOn top of that there is no notification take this opportunity to praise the governfore the general election, in some arfrom the department’s side. The dement for its commendable services reneas of Mokokchung I saw the roads partment owes an explanation. dered to its people. Here are five Wake-mebeing constructed just when the elecup reasons; perfect breakfast menu to kick 4. With Cereals-All Nagaland School tions were braving near. The latest Teacher’s Association (ANSTA) has apstart your day. Beware! There are tonnes of development faux is seen with the pealed the Government to release salsatirical tones used here. upcoming celebration of our stateary for teachers appointed against SSA 1. With Bread-If we are bound to live hood. Roads are industriously build post creation. There has been a missas a normal human being we are and repaired for the big show this ing co-ordination between SSA authordestined to travel. And romantically December. Nagas should be thankful ity and the department of school eduspeaking, every man travels to conthat at least the public is somehow cation. Pending salaries for those who tinue his journey. Now how would benefitted through this. If not for the have faithfully served beyond the call it sound if we put the words ‘Bad 50 years of Statehood celebration, we of their respective responsibilities. Is roads’ into a poem entitled as “Good would never see the instant facelift. this the price of the service rendered? Journey”? It will be a beautiful poem We are very accustomed in leaving All we can do is wonder where the but with a bitter bill to swallow. The good impression. But the work and money is diverted to. Our Government Government similarly is doing a the good impression that we seek is has always been a pro in doing that. lot in helping every citizen to travel not equitable. Because we hardly do And with each passing story of gamble, smoothly and comfortably with ‘bad anything with honesty or credibility. how much more can the government roads’. Indeed it’s just monsoon rain Irony overflows our land. (whatever Ministry) stoop low? and nature that is responsible for the Yes, we cannot expect a world full of damage. If the Ministry of the Roads 5. With fruits on the Cereals-Development in our state is a whimsical af- perfection. Man was never created to be & Bridges has a sound alibi to offer, fair. It awe strucks me to see the perfect. But we can always strive to do betour rights are compromised with snail pace movement of all the ac- ter than what we have already done. And it. Sir, we have got amazing roads. tivities taking place. Of all the funds my whole intention is directed towards Thanks for the bumpy ride! that come in the form of aid and responsible living. If we are responsible 2. With Butter- Our state needs 50 MW scheme, not all the money is invest- for the small things we are called to do, of power generation but we are able to ed in the right place. It is ironical our society will be a better place to live in. meet only 31 MW of its total demand. and really frustrating to know that Just because of our leaders, our governThere has been a matter of power cridevelopment in Nagaland is more ment and its administration not being sis for a long time. How much of effort programme-oriented or celebration- responsible today we see loopholes and is the government putting in to give oriented. For instance, just reflect on bad services everywhere. If the roads of us better electricity? How long should what has happened in the past years. Nagaland are not good (has never been we strive to adjust with the untimely Last year NBCC celebrated its Plati- good) the Minister in-charge (past and darkness caused by the poor power num jubilee. Kohima town was really present) is failing to fulfill his responsibiladministration in our state? clean, some parts of the roads were ity. Potholes road is a violation of “Right to 3. With Milk-Education in our state is repaired and we saw decorations Life.” And the government and its specinot free from corruption. And this of flowers in the police point. I was fied Ministry for roads is not giving us year, it’s really shameful to say that
opportunity to enjoy good roads which they are meant to provide. If we face acute shortage of power and the public is suffering, who is responsible for it? The public may not be taking responsibility in paying the bills on time, there may be rampant electricity theft but it fully depends on the specific department to solve the problem in hand. How is the specified Department doing in tackling the problems? Are they ignorant, or not responsible enough to care? We don’t know where the money for the scholarship and the teachers are sucked in by the government. That’s where we see the true color of the people behind those chairs and offices. If you have the money where is it? If not, where is it? DAN government has zero credibility to its people. Every citizen has the right to good services and the government should provide it. I dream to be in a time someday when roads and infrastructures will not be built just because some ministers are coming to our towns or just because we have some Jubilee celebration. Now the Clarion call goes to the government and its people. When there is good planning, the government will function well. With genuine and dedicated leaders the government will function more effectively and when those planning are executed responsibly… we will see promising results. If public is vigilant you are simply being smart with your rights. If the public is responsible to the government, you are helping the government in a big way. The puzzle is simple and I guess it’s time to wake up! The two (Out of many) aims and objectives of NPF spells as: (A) To restore the good name and clean image which the Nagas enjoyed in the past by taking the fight against all forms of corruption at all levels of Government. (B) To strive for a clean and efficient administration. How is the government living up to these principles? Our NPF led DAN government has failed on all fronts. Our party in opposition has nothing more to offer to its people; perhaps the weakest power in opposition. Is it time for another Bolshevik Revolution to start in its most modernized version? If this continues for long, all I wish is this. The morning breakfast was easy. How about the truths?
Thinking Like A Plant
W
Craig Holdrege
hen a Columbine grows up out of the crack in a rocky outcrop, it is doing something remarkable. It is forming new living substance out of the interplay of light, minerals, air and water. Its roots explore the fine soil hidden in the rock fissures, while leaf after leaf unfolds in the air and the light. Then the buds burst open with red and yellow flowers that dangle in the wind and attract bees and other insects. The Columbine lives in transformation, an interweaving of its life with the conditions of the environment that surrounds it. I have come to know plants as genuine presences, and they have become powerful teachers for me about life and its intricacies. Through this interaction I now recognize, in the words of the scientist and poet Goethe, that “If we wish to behold nature in a living way we must follow her example and become as mobile and malleable as nature herself.” The study of nature thus becomes a process of self-transformation, and by learning from genuine presences such as plants (or others that emerge from your own experience) we can begin to internalize the qualities of dynamism, interconnectedness and wholeness that plants so clearly embody. This is what I mean by “thinking like a plant.” In this process, we learn to become more context-sensitive in our interactions with the world. This helps us to shed the isolating armor of blatant ignorance - the ability to ignore vital connections that is such a widespread and destructive force in our culture. Take the example of genetically modified (GM) crops. GM crops are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, and they have been grown on millions of hectares of farmland in the USA since 1996. These crops (mainly commodities like soybeans, cotton and corn) can be sprayed with the herbicide and survive, while weeds in the fields around them will die. This makes weed management much simpler on huge farms, and over the last twenty years most of these commodity crops in the USA have become genetically modified. Gradually however, farmers and weed scientists noticed that some weeds were becoming resistant to glyphosate - they didn’t die when sprayed. This problem has increased, and to date fifteen different species of weeds have become glyphosate-resistant. Farmers now have to spray other herbicides on their fields, and the cost of using herbicides has increased dramatically. In fact many weeds are now showing resistance to multiple herbicides, not just glyphosate. As one weed specialist warned recently, “U.S. farmers are heading for a crisis.” Any plant ecologist knows that weeds will become resistant to herbicide if farmers plant only herbicide-resistant crops, discontinue crop rotation practices, and spray mainly glyphosate. And this is what has happened. Amory Lovins wisely remarked that “if we don’t understand how things are connected, quite often the cause of problems is solutions.” In the case of weed resistance we do have some idea of how things are connected, and what agribusiness and many farmers have done is to blatantly ignore this knowledge. Monsanto and other companies have earned billions of dollars from GM crops during the past eighteen years - a “successful” strategy that makes profits on the basis of short-term efficacy. Perhaps they hope that they can develop new herbicides and herbicide-resistant GM crops to provide the next “solution” to the problems they’ve already created, and keep the earnings flowing. It’s not hard to understand that actions of this kind, which are based on blatant ignorance, rip through the interwoven fabric of life and become destructive. Our culture, wittingly and unwittingly, reinforces this ignorance by emphasizing and rewarding short-term results, be they quarterly profits, a blockbuster movie, or success on standardized tests that are used in schools. It’s as if we are continually saying: don’t worry about the bigger picture, get what you can now and get as much of it as possible - let others worry about the consequences. But there’s another, fruitful type of ignorance. It’s the ignorance that grows as you learn how things are connected, and in the process realize that you have hardly begun to fathom the rich and intricately-woven fabric of the world. I’ll call this “learned ignorance,” borrowing the phrase from the renaissance philosopher, Nicholas of Cusa. Learned ignorance not only gives you - paradoxically perhaps - a sense of belonging to the world, but also a circumspect attitude in relation to human action: how can I act in ways that allow my behavior to contribute to the evolving fabric of life, rather than to its dissolution? In my view, our educational and cultural practices put far too little effort and attention into cultivating learned ignorance of this kind. We’ve become uprooted and live far too easily in abstractions that further its destructive twin. The good news is that it is not hard to cultivate learned ignorance. What we can do is to attend to all the genuine presences in the world, namely those things that, in the words of philosopher Albert Borgmann, have “a telling and strong continuity with [their] world” and are “an embodiment and disclosure of the world [they have] emerged from.” These presences consist of things in nature and human culture that show us connectedness and interrelatedness. They could be a flowing creek, a rock outcrop, a plant growing up through a crack in the sidewalk, or the culture we embody in preparing, serving, and conversing at a meal. When we pay attention to their qualities, our active acknowledgement of, and participation in, such presences can help us to become more truly rooted in the world.
How can we act in ways that contribute to the evolving fabric of life, rather than to its dissolution? By “thinking like a plant”
Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.
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Dimapur
NATIONAL
Tuesday 22 October 2013
The Morung Express
India-Russia ties should adapt to changing times
mOscOW, OctObEr 21 (PtI): In a clear attempt to allay Russia’s apprehensions, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said it will remain an “indispensable” partner for India’s defence needs even as he underlined that the bilateral ties should adapt to changing times to address challenges. Singh hailed the India-Russia relations, saying it is marked by “abiding comfort with each other” and the warmth and goodwill between the people ensure that the strategic partnership will continue to grow in strength and relevance in the changing world. He highlighted various elements of partnership covering the fields of nuclear energy, defence, hydrocarbons and trade besides cooperation in international matters to portray the promising future for the relationship. “Even this brief overview of the fruits of our cooperation should be enough to justify fully the description of our relationship as a special and privileged strategic partnership,” Singh said in his address at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Noting that observers may well ask how this relationship could be taken to greater heights he said, “I am convinced that while the strength and the intensity of our relationship will remain undiminished, it must also adapt itself to the changing times so that we can address the full range of current opportunities and challenges. I am also sure that, as in the past, we shall face these challenges together.” At the bilateral level, the Prime Minister said, “while Russia will remain an indispensable partner for our defence needs, our future defence partnership must be increas-
India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, October 21. Manmohan Singh is in Russia on an official visit. (AP Photo)
ingly based on technology transfer, joint ventures and co-development and co-production.” The statement assumes significance as India has lately been looking at new vendors like the US and Israel for its military hardware, creating apprehensions in Russia which has been long-standing major supplier of the defence equipment. “We also see Russia as a key partner for our energy security. We have an ambitious long-
term plan of cooperation in nuclear energy. The programme of cooperation in hydrocarbons that we are drawing up will further intensify our partnership in oil and gas and renewable energy sources,” he said. Acknowledging that Russia has stood by India at moments of great international challenge, when its own resources were limited and friends were few, Singh said, “beyond all the assistance that we have received, it
‘East Himalayan forests turning brown’ NEW DELHI, OctObEr 21 (tNN): In what appears to be another grim outcome of climate change, a study has found that forests in eastern Himalayas are gradually ‘browning’, with trees withering and foliage declining even during productive seasons. Similar changes were noted in tropical mountain forests across the world. Among the 47 protected areas across five biodiversity hotspots selected for the study, were Kangchendzonga national park in Sikkim and Namdapha national park in Arunachal Pradesh. It used satellite images from 1982 to 2006, which revealed a common trend: there was mild greening till the mid 1990s and then came a sudden and steady reversal which is making these forests appear drier and brown. This may mean that the trees in these forests are not able to transpire at the optimum level and their photosynthesis activity has reduced due to temperature rise. “One would imagine that the mountains would become more green with the rise in temperature, but it is not so,” said Jagdish Krishnaswamy, one of the authors and a scientist at
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE). “There is a temperature induced moisture stress which is causing the trees to wither. There is less foliage even during the most productive time of the year in almost all the five regions we have studied,” The study also points to a complete loss of certain moisture regimes in these forests. “The globally consistent browning trends that we observe indicate that such phenomenon is probably more widespread in tropical mountains, with implications for primary production and species diversity at all levels,” the study concludes. Researchers used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which monitors live green areas from remote sensing data, from 1982 to 2006 and focused it on select high altitude (1,000 to 5,000 metres above mean sea level) protected areas in the tropical belt. During this period the rise in temperature and trends in precipitation was different for different regions. Despite that, scientists spotted a similar browning trend in all the areas covered. “In the Himalayas we see a temperature rise of
about 1.5 degree C between 1982 and 2006. But it’s not the same for other continents that were studied,” explained Krishnaswamy. Except for South America, all the other four regions studied experienced a steady rise in temperature during the period but precipitation trends were inconsistent. Says Robert John, faculty at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and co-author of the study, “It’s interesting that all these five regions are distinct climatically. We found that the browning trend is statistically significant. It’s real. The trend may not have started at the same time in all the regions though.” Scientists from The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in Indonesia have also co-authored this study that has been accepted for publishing on the Global Change Biology journal. Among others, the study has covered Mt Kilimanjaro and Rwenzori in Africa; Huascaran and Medidi in South America; Jigme Dorji and Jigme Singye national park in Bhutan in south Asia along with the two other forests in India and Khakaborazi national park in Myanmar; Lorentz national park in Indonesia, southeast Asia.
is this last fact that Indians will never forget”. The Prime Minister said that the people of India regard Russian friendship and support as something particularly precious. Singh stressed that over the past six decades, no country has had closer relations with India and no country inspires more admiration, trust and confidence among the people of India than Russia. Highlighting the cooperation be-
tween India and Russia, Singh pointed out that Russia was the first country with which, in 2000, India signed a Declaration of Strategic Partnership and began the process of annual summits. Describing India’s relationship with Russia as “unmatched by any other relationship”, Singh cited examples of defence cooperation like the soon to be commissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, the nuclear submarine INS Chakra leased to India by Russia and the joint development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft and the Brahmos Cruise Missile. “Russia offered us partnership in nuclear energy when the world still shunned nuclear commerce with us... the first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, built with Russian assistance, went critical in July this year and that the second one should be commissioned early next year,” he said. Singh pointed out that the Indian oil company ONGC’s largest overseas presence is in Russia and India’s largest science and technology cooperation programme is also with Russia. Noting that sustained expansion of trade and investment flows had added a new dimension to the bilateral relationship, Singh said, “We should harness the full potential of our two economies to impart even greater depth and dynamism to it.” “The unprecedented level of growth in tourism between India and Russia not only brings us economic benefits, but also deepens the contact between our peoples,” he said. Singh highlighted that one of the fundamental foundations of India’s foreign policy is its partnership with Russia. “We are both impacted by developments in our common
neighbourhood, making our strategic partnership even more relevant than ever before,” he said. The Prime Minister stressed that there were four areas of particular importance in making the strategic partnership with Russia even more relevant. The first, he said, were developments in Central and South-Central Asia that were of relevance to the security of both Russia and India. “Our cooperation can play an important role in advancing peace, stability and economic development in Afghanistan. It can be equally effective in combating the shared challenges of extremism, terrorism and narco-trafficking,” he said. Singh pointed out that the second area of particular importance in making the ties more relevant was peace and stability in the Gulf and West Asia which was in the shared interest of Russia and India. Thirdly, he said, India regards Russia as an important partner in shaping an inclusive, cooperative and rule-based regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific region, which is the focus of New Delhi’s Look East Policy. The fourth and final point that was crucial to the bilateral ties, Singh said was that as the world becomes increasingly multi-polar and emerging economies grow in strength, cooperation between Russia and India in multilateral forums, including the Group of 20 and BRICS, will assume greater importance. “We have converging interests in non-proliferation, cyber security and space security. We also appreciate Russia’s support for India’s membership of international export control regimes and permanent membership of an UN Security Council,” he said.
US reject call to get involved on Kashmir
WasHINgtON, OctObEr 21 (IaNs): Even before Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif landed here for a four-day visit, the US rejected out of hand his call for Washington to get involved to resolve the Kashmir issue. “On Kashmir, our policy has not changed an iota,” a senior administration official said in a background conference call Sunday reiterating US’ oft-stated stand that Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between the two South Asian neighbours. While it encouraged a dialogue between the two countries “the pace, scope, and character of India and Pakistan’s dialogue on
Kashmir is for those two countries to determine with each other,” the official said. The official was responding to comments made earlier Sunday by Sharif in London on way to Washington that even though India does not want it, world powers should get involved to resolve the Kashmir issue. The world powers should do so as India and Pakistan both were nuclear powers and the region was a nuclear flash point, he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press of Pakistan. But the US official did expect “India to come up at some point” during Sharif ’s first meeting
17 killed in an accident
DEHraDuN, OctObEr 21 (agENcIEs): Seventeen people, including two teenagers, were killed and 33 others injured on Sunday evening after a mini truck carrying 50 wedding party guests fell into a 10km deep gorge near Kaladungi town in Nainital district. Ten of those injured are in a critical state. The truck fell into the gorge when its driver was negotiating a sharp bend. The 50 people were on their way back to Amroha in Uttar Pradesh from a wedding at Barapatthar village in Nainital. DIG (Kumaon range) GN Goswami said the accident occurred at 5.30pm as the driver of the speeding mini-truck lost control while taking a sharp turn and fell into the gorge after breaking the roadside parapet. He said while 14 people were killed on the spot, three others succumbed to their injuries in Haldwani-based state medical college. “It was a providential es-
Wednesday with US President Barack Obama nearly a month after Indian Prime Minister’s Sep 27 summit with Obama at the White House. While the focus of the ObamaSharif meeting would be bilateral relationship, including energy, economy and extremism, in addition to Afghanistan, the official said, “We expect India to come up at some point.” “We have been very encouraged by steps that both India and Pakistan have taken,” he said “to resolve issues on the trade and energy side, in keeping with the “energy and economy theme” that Obama and Sharif would explore here.
cape for the bride and the groom as they were traveling in a separate vehicle and not in the illfated mini-truck,” Goswami added. “If needed we may shift the seriously-injured to the Jolly Grant hospital in Dehradun,” chief medical superintendent in Haldwani medical college said. Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna asked Nainital District Magistrate to pay an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each to the next of kin of those killed and Rs 20,000 each to those injured in the accident immediately.
Cong MP Rashid Masood disqualified from RS
NEW DELHI, OctObEr 21 (agENcIEs): Congress MP Rashid Masood was on Monday disqualified from the Rajya Sabha after he was convicted in a corruption case recently. Masood was sentenced to four years
“Obviously (they are) very positive,” he said referring to the steps taken since Sharif’s meeting with Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the UN general assembly in New York just two days after a summit with Obama where he had called Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism. Like India, US officials too expressed concern that terrorism emanating from inside Pakistan could derail on-going peace talks between India and Pakistan after Sharif was voted to power in May this year. “Cleary we would be concerned about the terrorist groups that would derail that dialogue process,” the official said.
in jail by a Delhi court in a corruption case. He has become the first Member of Parliament to lose his seat after a July 10 Supreme Court judgment had removed the immunity for convicted lawmakers. Masood, 67, was immediately taken into custody by the court. The Special CBI court had held Masood guilty of fraudulently nominating undeserving candidates to MBBS seats allotted to Tripura in medical colleges across the country from the central pool as Health Minister in the National Front government of 1990. Masood’s conviction and sentencing was the first case after the Supreme Court judgment that struck down a provision in the Representation of the People Act that allowed incumbent MPs and MLAs to avoid disqualification by filing an appeal in a higher court. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav is also facing disqualification as MP from the Lok Sabha after a Ranchi court convicted him in the 1996 fodder scam case.
Jammu villagers abandon homes after Pakistan shelling
Jammu, OctObEr 21 (IaNs): Residents of two more villages were forced to abandon their homes and flee as Pakistan targeted 13 posts of the Border Security Force (BSF) on the International Border Sunday night in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. A BSF official told IANS that Pakistan Rangers used 82 mm mortars and other heavy weapons to target 13 BSF posts in Samba district during the night. “Unprovoked Pakistan firing started at 8.30 p.m. yesterday (Sunday) evening in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Samba. Our troops retaliated strongly to Pakistan fire. No damage or casualty occurred on our side,” the official said. He confirmed that exchanges of fire stopped Monday morning, but intermittent firing continued at some places through the night. Already living in fear, residents of two more villages situated close to the border in Samba district left their homes during the night. “Villagers from Jasso Chak and S.M. Pur moved out to safer places because of firing from
Pakistan side yesterday (Sunday) evening,” a district administration official told reporters in Samba town. Reports from these villages said that while men decided to stay back to take care of their houses and livestock, most women and children moved out to Ramgarh town by midnight. Frightened women and children have told reporters that Pakistani troops are targeting civilian homes in villages close to the International Border in Samba district. Villagers from Suchetgarh Kulian village, situated barely 400 metres from the International Border in Samba district, have already left their village and moved out because of Pakistan shelling two days back. Amid growing tensions because of frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan, union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde is expected to arrive here Tuesday to review the situation on the border. Shinde is also expected to visit some villages along the border during his day-long visit to the state.
Explore other options if Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire: Omar
An Indian man displays a mortar shell recovered from a residential area at Jerda village in Ramgarh sector of Samba district, about 52 kilometers (32 miles) south of Jammu, on Monday, October 21. According to Indian news reports, hundreds of Indian villagers including women and children from the border village left their homes after Pakistan troops resorted to unprovoked heavy firing targeting Indian Border posts and civilian population. (AP Photo)
An unexploded tail of a mortar shell at Jerda village in Ramgarh sector of Samba district, about 52 kilometers (32 miles) south of Jammu, on Monday, October 21. (AP Photo)
srINagar, OctObEr 21 (agENcIEs): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday asked the Centre to explore other options if Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire. Questioning the role of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Omar asked whether these ceasefire violations are taking place at the behest of Pak PM or the incidents are taking place because he does not have control over the prevailing situation. “I don’t understand whether Pak Prime Minister is involved (in the violations) or he is not in control of the situation,” he reportedly said. Omar further said that if the ceasefire is violated again, then a befitting reply needs to be given. “It cannot be a one-sided affair, we can’t be at the receiving end without giving any response,” Omar said, as per news reports. Reacting to Nawaz Sharif asking for US intervention on Kashmir issue, Omar reportedly said, “Pakistan PM is guilty of playing to his home audience. Clearly, he knows from experience that India will not accept any sort of foreign intervention in the matter of Jammu and Kashmir. Make it clear that no sort of mediation or any sort of role for a third party exists (in Kashmir). It is something that both the countries have agreed.” The sharp reaction from the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister comes in the wake continuous ceasefire violations by the Pakistan in the recent times. Referring to the meeting between Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, Omar said that Manmohan Singh was very direct in putting across nation’s concerns. In a recent offensive, the Pakistan troops targeted the Indian posts and opened firing along the International Border in Jammu district late on Sunday which continued throughout the night. Omar said ceasefire along the LoC and International Border was one of the major steps that was mutually agreed by both the countries. A total of 136 ceasefire violations have been reported in 2013, the highest in the past 8 years, a Defence spokesman said. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde will be visiting the areas along the International Border on Tuesday to review the security situation.
INTERNATIONAL
The Morung Express
Tuesday 22 October 2013
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New Surface tablets great for productivity Bree Fowler
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AP Technology Writer
to replace your tablet. It wants you to dump your laptop, too. To help with this, it will start selling a docking station early next year. The $200 accessory offers additional USB ports, which can connect to external monitors, printers and more. It’s similar to docking stations available for many laptops and could help make the transition from the field to the office more seamless. Even without the docking station, there’s one USB port, something rare in a tablet. The use of Microsoft’s SkyDrive online storage service also helps. You can access your files from just about anywhere with an Internet connection. It also could come in handy if your tablet happens to be run over by a truck, as you can download everything back. Both new Surfaces come with 200 gigabytes on SkyDrive for two years, on top of the usual 7 gigabytes.
hether or not you like Microsoft’s updated Surface tablets will depend on your needs. On one hand, the tablets can be great for working on the go, especially if you spring for a $130 keyboard cover. On the flip side, the new versions still lack the elegance and fun that iPads are known for and many Android-based tablets now offer. People used to the hundreds of thousands of apps on those devices will be disappointed. Both new tablets go on sale Tuesday. The Surface 2 starts at $449 and runs a lightweight version of Windows 8.1 called RT, meaning it works only with apps designed specifically for it. The Surface Pro 2 starts at $899 and runs a full version of Windows 8.1, so it also works with programs designed for traditional desktops and laptops, WHAT ABOUT THE APPS? including Photoshop and Quicken personal-finance softWhile the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 may excel in ware. Microsoft also will continue to sell last year’s Sur- productivity, they don’t have the style and fun of their face RT model for $349. competitors. The construction is rugged, which makes me less paranoid about letting my preschooler play with FUNCTION OVER FASHION it. But they also seem bulkier and heavier than other tabMicrosoft takes a lot of pride in the new devices’ rede- lets. Surprisingly, the Surface 2 weighs just a pound and signed kickstand. Previous models felt wobbly, while the half, the same as the year-old iPad, while the Surface Pro new ones have a steady leg to stand on. The inclusion of 2 is about a half pound heavier. See if Apple will announce a second kickstand position makes typing on your lap as lighter iPads Tuesday. comfortable as typing at your desk. And while Microsoft Office might be great for someLike other RT tablets, the Surface 2 comes with a free one who wants to write a dissertation or create a Powerversion of Microsoft’s Office, giving you access to Word, Point presentation on a train, the dueling touch screen Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. The Surface Pro 2 has and desktop functions of Windows 8.1 might seem mada more powerful processor and is designed for heavy dening to people who just want to play “Angry Birds,” work or gaming use, but you need to pay for Office sepa- watch a movie or surf the Internet in bed. In addition, Mirately or have a $100-a-year subscription. But at least crosoft’s app store doesn’t have as much to offer yet as its you can get it. Microsoft doesn’t make Office for the iPad Apple and Android counterparts. Facebook, Netflix and or Android tablets. ESPN are there, but not the multitude of games and other Another feature that distinguishes the new Surfaces apps that Apple and Android users take for granted. and other Windows tablets is their ability to run multiple On the upside, the new Surface models let you play programs side by side. Want to pull up a Microsoft Word Xbox games. In addition, the Pro 2 was designed with not document alongside a work email so you can reference just business people, but also gamers, in mind. The Pro 2 it? No problem. Samsung devices do offer a similar fea- features speed and battery improvements over the previture, but it doesn’t work with all apps. You’re out of luck ous versions. That extended battery life should come in entirely with the iPad. hand for movies, too. Microsoft won’t say how long the With the Surface Pro 2, Microsoft isn’t just aiming Surface Pro 2’s battery lasts, but says it’s a 75 percent im-
In this September 23, 2013, photo, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 is introduced, in New York. Whether or not you like Microsoft’s updated Surface tablets will depend on your needs. The tablets can be great for working on the go, especially if you spring for a $130 keyboard cover. On the flip side, the new versions still lack the elegance and fun that iPads are known for and many Android-based tablets now offer. (AP File Photo)
provement over the previous version. The Surface 2’s battery offers 10 hours of video playback, which is more than enough power to let you binge-watch the entire sevenepisode first season of “Breaking Bad.” When it comes to watching TV, both Surfaces have high-definition displays, measuring 10.6 inches diagonally. That’s larger than the iPad’s 9.7 inches, but smaller than the typical laptop. The Surface screens also aren’t as sharp as that on the iPad. Both Surfaces offer 208 pixels per inch compared with the iPad’s 264.
SO SHOULD I BUY IT? Do you long for an almost laptop-like typing experience and access to Microsoft Office? Or would you rather use a simple platform that opens the door to hundreds of thousands of apps all viewed on a crystal-clear screen? While the Surface 2 is probably most fairly compared to an iPad or high-end Android tablet, the Surface Pro 2’s processing power makes it more like a laptop. The optional Type Cover 2 — which comes in four colors — is essential if you want to get the most out of either new Surface. Anyone who has tried to type on a tablet’s
touch screen can attest that you need a proper keyboard if you’re writing more than a few sentences. Spend the $130 for the Type Cover 2, as the $120 Touch Cover 2 doesn’t have keys that move, making typing awkward. That brings the tablets’ prices to $579 for the Surface 2 and $1,029 for the Pro 2. By contrast, an 11-inch MacBook Air starts at $999 and weighs just 2.4 pounds. If you need Windows, there are plenty of ultrabooks available for a few hundred dollars more. Those are slim and light, just like the Surface. I’m curious to see if the Surface 2 will be able to do the same work that my old, much heavier, laptop computer did when it comes to reporting from the field. Its paired-down nature probably won’t let me run a lot of the same programs that I did on my laptop. I’m not sure if I’d be willing to pay more than $1,000 for the Surface 2 Pro with the keyboard cover, even if it does let me run those programs. I think I’d have to shop around and take a good look at some MacBooks and ultrabooks, too. Meanwhile, when it comes to watching Netflix and wasting time on silly games, I’m not ready to give up my iPad just yet.
Malala inspires school curriculum Spanking tied to later aggression among kids
WasHINGtON, OctObER 21 (aP): The 16-year-old Pakistani teen targeted for a Taliban assassination because she championed education for girls has inspired the development of a school curriculum encouraging advocacy. George Washington University announced Monday that faculty members are creating multimedia curriculum tools to accompany a book recently released by the teen, Malala Yousafzai. Several faculty members will pilot the curriculum early next year for both college and high school instruction. Free of charge, it will focus on themes such as the importance of a woman’s voice and political extremism, the university said. The tools won’t just look at the teen’s story, but also how the same issues get reflected elsewhere, such as when girls face child marriage and pressures to leave school, said Mary Ellsberg, the director of the university’s Global Women’s Institute. “It’s going to be really interactive and really encourage students to do ... activities outside of school, it
In this October 11, 2013, photo Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old girl from Pakistan, who was shot in the head by the Taliban last October for advocating education for girls, speaks on occasion of the International Day of the Girl at the World Bank in Washington. (AP File Photo)
will encourage them to get engaged in the communities and as well to help the Malala Fund directly,” Ellsberg said. The university’s Global Women’s Institute is partnered with the Malala Fund, a nonprofit that seeks to ensure girls around the world have access to education. In 2012 when a Taliban gun-
Scientists tap cow burps for natural gas
buENOs aIREs, OctObER 21 (REutERs): Argentine scientists have found a way to transform the gas created by the bovine digestive system into fuel, an innovation that could curb greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Using a system of valves and pumps, the experimental technique developed by Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) channels the digestive gases from bovine stomach cavities through a tube and into a tank. The gases - which otherwise are commonly known as burps, or “eruptos” in Spanish - are then processed to separate methane from other gases such as carbon dioxide. Methane is the main component of natural gas, used to fuel everything from cars to power plants. “Once you get it compressed, it’s the same as having natural gas,” said Guillermo Berra, head of INTA’s animal physiology group. “As an energy source it is not very practical at the moment, but if you look ahead to 2050, when fossil fuel reserves are going to be in trouble, it is an alternative,” he told Reuters. Each head of cattle emits between 250 and 300 liters of pure methane a day, enough energy to keep a refrigerator running for 24 hours. Argentina is one of the world’s top beef exporters, with around 51 million heads of cattle. Gases emitted from those animals account for 30 percent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to INTA, with methane having 23 times the global warming effect as carbon dioxide. “This is also a way to mitigate that,” Berra said.
man walked up to a bus taking Malala and other children home from school in Pakistan’s volatile northern Swat Valley and shot Malala in the head and neck. Another girl on the bus was also wounded. Malala now resides in Britain, where she was flown for medical care. Her memoir is “I am Malala.”
NEW YORK, OctObER 21 (REutERs HEaltH): Think spanking will help teach an out of control child to stay in line? A new study suggests the opposite may be true. Researchers found kids who were spanked as fiveyear-olds were slightly more likely to be aggressive and break rules later in elementary school. Those results are in keeping with past research, said Elizabeth Gershoff. She studies parental discipline and its effects at the University of Texas at Austin. “There’s just no evidence that spanking is good for kids,” she told Reuters Health. “Spanking models aggression as a way of solving problems, that you can hit people and get what you want,” Gershoff, who wasn’t involved in the new study, said. “When (children) want another kid’s toy, the parents haven’t taught them how to use their words or how to negotiate.” Despite mounting evidence on the harms tied to spanking, it is “still a very typical experience” for U.S. chil-
dren, the study’s lead author said. “Most kids experience spanking at least some point in time,” Michael MacKenzie, from Columbia University in New York, said. “So there’s this disconnect.” His team used data from a longterm study of children born in one of 20 U.S. cities between 1998 and 2000. The new report includes about 1,900 kids. Researchers surveyed parents when children were three and five years old about whether and how often they spanked their child. Then they asked mothers about their kid’s behavior problems and gave the children a vocabulary test at age nine. A total of 57 percent of mothers and 40 percent of fathers said they spanked children when they were three
years old. That fell slightly to 52 percent of mothers and 33 percent of fathers who spanked at age five. Children acted out more and were more aggressive when they had been spanked by their mothers as five-year-olds, whether regularly or occasionally. Spanking by mothers at least twice a week was tied to a twopoint increase on a 70-point scale of problem behavior. That was after the researchers took into account children’s behavior at younger ages and other family characteristics. There was no link between spanking by parents at age three and children’s later behavior, however. Kids also tended to score lower on vocabulary tests when they had been regularly spanked by their fathers at age five, MacKenzie and his colleagues write in Pediatrics.
The average vocabulary score for all nine-year-olds in the study was 93, slightly below the test-wide standard score of 100. Frequent spanking by fathers was linked to a four-point lower score. But the researchers couldn’t be sure that small difference wasn’t due to chance. Gershoff said the finding is a bit hard to interpret. “I don’t think that spanking makes kids stupider,” she said. It’s possible that parents who are spanking are not talking to their children as often, Gershoff said. Or kids who are spanked and act out could be more distracted in the classroom. When it comes to disciplining children, she said there’s more evidence on what doesn’t work long-term than what does. “We know that spanking doesn’t work, we know that yelling doesn’t work,” Gershoff said. “Timeout is kind of a mixed bag. We know that reasoning does work.” MacKenzie said spanking continues to seem effective to parents in the short term, which makes it hard to change their minds about it.
Pakistan’s women police fight criminals, militants and scorn
abbOttabaD, OctObER 21 (REutERs): When Shazadi Gillani, the highest ranking female police officer in Pakistan’s most conservative province, wanted to join the force she had to defy her father, forego marriage and pay for her own basic training. During the next 19 years, Inspector Gillani and her faithful sidekick Rizwana Zafar brought up as a boy after becoming her frustrated father’s ninth daughter - have battled bandits, earthquakes and militants. The Taliban are so pervasive in Gillani’s northern Khyber Pakhunkhwa province that she wears a burqa, a head-to-toe robe with a small mesh window for the eyes, when she travels. Zafar dons a fake moustache to escort her. But the women’s biggest challenge is helping new female police recruits. Women make up just 560 of the province’s 60,000-strong force. Police chiefs hope to double that within a year, but tough working conditions make recruitment hard. There have been small victories. Germany funded female dormitories at three training colleges. Women recruits no longer wait years for basic training. This summer, the province opened women’s complaint desks in 60 male-run police stations. Many Pakistani women face horrifying violence and officials hope more abused women will report attacks. Tradition forbids them from speaking to male officers. The province opened two women-only police stations in 1994. But they have long been starved of resources and responsibility. “We are fighting a war in the workplace,” said Zafar, whose uniform sports a karate patch. “We are supporting our juniors. There was no one to support us.”
years and submitted more than 50 applications to get her basic training. Now head of the women-only station in the provincial capital of Peshawar, she says things have changed - a little. “We were neglected,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “But now I make sure my junior officers get training and promotions on time.” The Peshawar women-only station gets about 50 complaints a year, far less than a malerun station. The last crime reported at the Abbottabad women-only station was in 2005. Station head Samina Zafar sits at a bare desk in an empty room lit by a single naked bulb. “We are not given good facilities,” she said. “I want this place to be like a man’s police station.”
Pakistani Police Inspector Shazadi Gillani (C) talks to a member of her team at a police station in Abbottabad. (Reuters File Photo)
FROM SCHOOLGIRLS TO COPS As a schoolgirl, Gillani wanted to join the army like her father. They were not recruiting, so she proposed the police instead. Her father and seven brothers were horrified. “They said police disrespected women,” she said, auburn hair peeping out from her cap. “I had a lot of opposition.” After a week of refusing to eat and lobbying by her college lecturer mother - Gillani’s father gave in. He had three conditions: Be brave. Marry your job. Bring a friend. So Gillani recruited her school friend Zafar. Zafar cut her hair short and dressed like a boy. She taught herself to ride motorbikes, use computers and fix engines. She
is Gillani’s bodyguard, assistant and friend. “I don’t cook. I don’t have a dress. I’m not scared of anyone except God,” Zafar said. “We protect each other, we guard each other. When one is sleeping, the other is awake.” When a colleague tried to force his way into their tent after an earthquake leveled their town, Zafar and Gillani fought him off together. Women police were not respected when Gillani joined, but the military was. Her army major father shoehorned them into courses and footed the bill. Gillani’s training cost $2,000. The money was returned eight years later. Not everyone had a powerful father. Rozia Altaf joined 16 years ago and waited six
ATTACKERS RARELY PROSECUTED Women do prefer to confide in female officers, says professor Mangai Natarajan, who studied women police stations. She says domestic violence accounted for two-thirds of cases reported to women’s stations in India’s Tamil Nadu state. Police mediation reduced violence for half the complainants. No Pakistani data exists. The women’s desks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive a complaint every few days, mostly domestic violence. The attacker is usually simply rebuked. Victims fear a formal case will bring further violence. But some policemen still say no woman willing to join the police is worth having. “Women who join the force don’t care for their reputations or have nowhere else to go,” said one senior officer. Gillani and Zafar are infuriated by such talk. “If people see women police doing their jobs well, they will change their minds,” said Gillani, supervising the fingerprinting of a tearful accused kidnapper.
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Tuesday 22 October 2013
The Morung Express
Phelps back at the pool, Five things about the CL still mum on comeback
LONDON, OctOBEr 21 (AP): Nine-time winner Real Madrid faces Juventus in the third-round Champions League match that could be worthy of a final. The Spanish giants and the Serie A champions have 11 European Cups between them, have plenty of stars, and their clash on Wednesday in the Spanish capital is expected to be a classic, though Juventus is already trailing Real by four points in Group B. "It's a massive test for us," said Juventus coach Antonio Conte. "We're facing a club that really wants this title, because of their history and their hunt for a 10th European Cup." Defending champion Bayern Munich is aiming to maintain its perfect record in Group D against last-place Viktoria Plzen, while Manchester United hosts Real Sociedad in Group A on the back on of another disappointing result in the Premier League. Here are five things to know ahead of this week's matches: WHO HELPS RONALDO? In the previous four seasons at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo had plenty of help up front with Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema. But now that Higuain is gone and both Benzema and new arrival Gareth Bale are struggling to find their form, the question hovering over Madrid is who will share the scoring burden with the Portugal forward against Juventus. Ronaldo scored his eighth goal in nine rounds in the Spanish league to cap a 2-0 win over Malaga on Saturday, and he leads the Champions League with five this season. Youngster Alvaro Morata accompanied Ronaldo on Saturday in place of Benzema,
Schalke's goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand, left, and Schalke's Benedikt Hoewedes, center, fight for the ball against Basel's Fabian Schaer, right, during the Champions League group E group stage soccer match between Switzerland's FC Basel and Germany's FC Schalke 04 at the St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013. (AP Photo)
who injured his leg in practice. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he expects Benzema to be fit in time for the Italian champions' visit. Benzema has been jeered by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd in recent games due to his scoring drought for the club which stretches back a month. Bale played 15 minutes on Saturday after recovering from his second muscle injury already this season.
GUARDIOLA'S DEFENSIVE HEADACHE Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola faces the problem of plugging a gaping hole in the center of his defense against Viktoria Plzen. German international Jerome Boateng is suspended following his red card in the 3-1 win at Manchester City and Dante injured his ankle during Saturday's 4-1 Bundesliga win at home over Mainz.
Franck Ribery was more optimistic about his chances of featuring after sitting out Saturday's game with a left ankle injury. "The foot's a little injured but it's not so bad," Ribery said. Plzen lost 6-1 in its only previous visit to Munich, in 1971, and anything other than a third straight defeat in Group D for the Czech side would be a surprise.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH UNITED? Is it Alex Ferguson's retirement? The lack of quality players in midfield? The loss of its fear factor? Whatever the reason, Manchester United seems to be a completely different team to the one that won its 20th Premier League title last season. United is eight points behind Arsenal in the Premier League after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Southampton and this
is a wounded team that hosts Real Sociedad. Against Southampton, United created many chances through Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney but did not manage to put the game away. The Red Devils' new boss insists Ferguson's departure is not linked to the current lack of killer instinct among his players. "The fear comes from the team on the pitch," said David Moyes. "Obviously Sir Alex Ferguson has a great history and his experience will always work in charge of any team. But the players have always been the people that have to turn out and do it."
ARSENAL'S CRUCIAL GAMES The Gunners host lastseason's runnerup Borussia Dortmund this week before traveling to Germany for a double-header likely to be decisive for the
final positions in a tough Group F. "It is already a very important tie because usually (matchday) three and four usually are decisive, so that could be the key for us to qualify," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after back-to-back wins over Marseille and Napoli. Borussia collected its first victory against the French side. Arsenal's resurgence at the top level is largely due to the arrival of German playmaker Mesut Ozil, who scored twice on Saturday in a 4-1 win over Norwich. "Signing Mesut makes a big statement," said Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta. "We have added to the squad. That tells you in which direction the club wants to go. It gives you great confidence when players are coming in. Psychologically, it is very different to when you see your best players leaving." HOOLIGAN MENACE Only 400 PSG fans will travel to Brussels for Wednesday's Group C match against Anderlecht and no fans will be issued tickets if they try to travel independently amid concerns of a hooligan threat between the two teams. PSG has contacted Belgian authorities to alert them of the potential hooligan menace. Last season, similarly, PSG warned Croatian authorities that about 100 hooligans were rumored to be travelling to the match against Dinamo Zagreb. The French Interior Ministry issued a decree banning Dinamo Zagreb fans from attending the return match — although there was fighting the night before the game between rival thugs in the Bastille area.
We can beat India in their own den: WI coach
BrIDGEtOWN, OctOBEr 21 (PtI): The West Indies cricket team coach Ottis Gibson has expressed confidence that his players can beat Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men at their own den when they tour India next month. Gibson said his side has more experienced players than the last time when they had toured India and they should be able to give a much better performance this time around. "We are not saying we cannot beat India, but we know it is going to be tough. The last time we went to India, we had a couple of inexperienced guys but we put up a good show. So hopefully this time with a bit more experience, we can go one better and win the series. There is no reason why we can't," said Gibson. The Windies have not played a Test match for almost a year now and the team is training hard in a fitness and medical camp here to ensure players stay fit as they will be on the road for a long time. West Indies will play two Tests and three ODIs during their tour of India, commencing with the first Test from November 6-10 in Kolkata. The second Test -- Sachin Tendulkar's farewell match -- will be Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir compete during the played in Mumbai from November pairs short program at the Skate America figure skating com- 14-18. Following their India tour, West Indies will be in New Zealand petition in Detroit. (AP Photo)
for three Tests, five ODIs and two T20 Internationals. "Things have been going well; the doctors haven't reported anything untoward to me as yet, so fingers crossed that everybody is fit to get on the plane," the coach said. Gibson noted that the series against India will finally settle the question of where the West Indies stand as far as Test cricket is concerned. "We have played great in Test cricket, having won the last six, but people have been poking fun at the opposition. This one in India gives us the opportunity to see where we are as a Test side," he said. "India are playing some very good OneDay cricket at the moment; they have not played Tests in a long time either, so it gives us an opportunity to go out there and test ourselves," said Gibson. The West Indies played their last Test series in November last year when they defeated Bangladesh and their other victories were against New Zealand in a home series in August last year. Asked about the reports that he could be leaving the West Indies to take up the post of the head coach at Glamorgan in England, Gibson said he had not been in contact with anybody in that English county side.
Former U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps waves to the spectators during a 2013-2014 NBA preseason game between Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, Friday, Oct. 18. (AP Photo)
Paul Newberry AP National Writer
Michael Phelps has been working out with his former coach but there is no word yet on a return to swimming for the Rio Olympics. Bob Bowman told The Associated Press on Sunday that Phelps has been taking part in workouts with the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. He's not yet committed to the sort of grueling program that would be needed if he decided to return to competition. In fact, Phelps attended an NBA preseason game in China on Friday, visiting a country where he has extensive endorsement deals and remains extremely popular. "He is occasionally training with the group to get back in shape," Bowman wrote in a text to the AP. Phelps and Bowman remain close friends and business partners. Initially adamant he would never compete again,
'It's a great honour to host Sachin in Haryana'
chANDIGArh, OctOBEr 21 (PtI): With Sachin Tendulkar set to play his last Ranji Trophy tie for Mumbai, former BCCI chief Ranbir Mahendra today said it's a great honour for Haryana and the state's cricket association to play host to someone who has been the game's legend. "It's definitely a great honour for Haryana and Haryana Cricket Association that Sachin is set to play in our state, barely days before he retires," Mahendra, also a former Congress MLA from the state, told PTI over phone. In order to prepare for the two-match Test series against the West Indies next month, Tendulkar will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy preliminary round match against Haryana from October 27-30 at Ch Bansi Lal stadium at Lahli, a small town in Rohtak district, about 270 km from here. Mahendra said that in 1989, when Tendulkar began his international career, he was the secretary of the BCCI. "In 199192, I was the manager of the Indian team which toured Australia, of which Tendulkar was a part," said Mahendra, who was the president of the Board in 2004. He said his son Anirudh Chaudhry (currently BCCI treasurer) was the manager of the touring Indian team to England in 2011, which featured Tendulkar in the squad. "When Anirudh was part of the tour to England, Tendulkar told his dressing room colleagues that while he does not know (fate) about his other (cricketing) records, but one record he was sure will never be broken. This, Tendulkar, said that Ranbir Mahendra and Anirudh Chaudhry (father-son duo) have both been his managers," Mahendra said.
Rossi leads Fiorentina to beat Juventus
rOME, OctOBEr 21 (AP): Giuseppe Rossi scored a hat trick Sunday as Fiorentina came back from two goals down to stun twotime defending champion and fierce rival Juventus 4-2 in Serie A. Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba gave Juventus a 2-0 halftime lead but Rossi struck back with goals in the 66th, 76th and 80th and Spanish forward Joaquin added his first Serie A strike in the 78th. "It's difficult to score against Juve and even more diffiult to score four times," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said. "Coming against a historic rival, this was a marvelous and splendid Sunday." Rossi has eight goals through eight rounds. The United States-born forward was recently called back into Italy's national team after two years of injuries and three surgeries. "The goals were great but we really reacted well as a squad in the second half," Rossi said. "We showed a lot of courage and a lot of heart.
We can play with anyone." Rossi's father, Fernando, died in 2010. "Rossi has had two tough years both family-wise and injurywise," Fiorentina captain Manuel Pasqual said. "He deserved a day like this." After its first loss, Juventus remained tied with Napoli five points behind Roma, which beat Napoli 2-0 Friday to extend its winning start to eight matches. Promoted Hellas Verona is fifth after beating Parma 3-2 with a goal from Fabrizio Cacciatore and two penalties from Jorginho — one earned by former Italy forward Luca Toni. Fiorentina is tied for fifth with Inter Milan, which drew 3-3 at Torino with only 10 men in its first match since an announced takeover of the club by a group of Indonesian entrepreneurs. Fiorentina is sixth. In other matches, it was: Atalanta 2, Lazio 1; Genoa 2, Chievo Verona 1; Livorno 1, Sampdoria 2; Sassuolo 2, Bologna 1.
Fiorentina had not beaten Juventus at home since December, 1998, when Gabriel Batistuta was the club's key scorer. "For our fans, it's as if we won a trophy today," Pasqual said. Juventus, meanwhile, doesn't have much time to regroup, with a match at Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. "The match was closed," Juventus coach Antonio Conte said. "Then something unthinkable happened. We lost a match that we were dominating. But that's football. ... We need to learn something from this." In Florence, it was all Juventus until Mati Fernandez was fouled by Kwadwo Asamoah to set up a penalty for Rossi in the 66th. Ten minutes later, Rossi appeared to surprise Gianluigi Buffon with a shot from beyond the area that the Juventus and Italy goalkeeper should have stopped. Joaquin was then left all alone inside the area to make it 3-2 and Rossi
rounded out a career performance by finishing off a counterattack with Juan Cuadrado. In the 85th, Rossi exited to a well-earned standing ovation. It was quite a turnaround from the first half. Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo hit the crossbar in the 14th and the visitors took control when Tevez was fouled by Gonzalo Rodriguez at the edge of the area to set up a penalty for the Argentina forward in the 37th Pogba doubled Juve's lead three minutes later by volleying in after Cuadrado's clearing attempt went straight up into the air. In Turin, Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was sent off for tripping Alessio Cerci five minutes in but reserve goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo came on and blocked Cerci's penalty. Swedish midfielder Alexander Farnerud gave Torino the lead in the 21st and Fredy Guarin responded for Inter in first-half added
Fiorentina's Giuseppe Rossi celebrates after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Fiorentina and Juventus at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy on Oct. 20. (AP Photo)
time with a spectacular bicycle kick following a corner. Ciro Immobile restored Torino's lead in the 53rd but Rodrigo Palacio replied
two minutes later with a header at the edge of the box after goalkeeper Daniele Padelli failed to punch away a cross.
Phelps softened his stance after reports began swirling of an imminent comeback. He said during the world championships in Barcelona, "I don't know what's going to happen in the future. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow." When asked, yes or no, whether he'll compete at the next Olympics, Phelps coyly said he hasn't planned that far ahead in his life. Phelps long insisted he would quit swimming before he turned 30. After completing his brilliant career with a record 18 gold medals and 22 Olympic medals overall, he followed through on his long-stated goal of retiring after the 2012 London Games, where he was honored with a special ceremony after his final event. He'll be 31 at the time of the opening ceremony for the Rio Games. Phelps does have plenty of projects away from the pool, including a chain of swim schools and a foun-
dation devoted to water safety. He is also passionate about golf and participated in a television series with famed coach Hank Haney. But Phelps became much more realistic about his future on the links after joking not so long ago that golf was the only sport he'd possibly compete in at Rio, knowing it's returning to the Olympic program in 2016. "It's probably the most humbling thing I've ever done, the most humbling sport I've ever done, the toughest thing I've ever done," he said. Phelps still has plenty of time to resume serious training for Rio, though he would need to account for requirements such as re-entering the U.S. drug-testing program. He would certainly want to be back in peak condition in time for the next major international meet, the 2015 world championships in Russia, a key steppingstone to the Olympics.
B A S E L , O ct O B E r 21 (AP): Roger Federer thinks he made mistakes this year by playing when injured, but insists he is ready for a strong finish to his most difficult season. Ahead of his hometown Swiss Indoors tournament, Federer said he regretted playing matches with back problems at Indian Wells in March, and Hamburg and Gstaad in July. "With hindsight, I shouldn't have done. They were errors," said the now seventh-ranked Federer, who has been one of the most durable players on tour throughout his career. The 32-year-old Swiss said he felt "physically and mentally" prepared for a possible 15 matches in three season-ending weeks at Basel, the Paris Masters and ATP World Tour Finals in London. Still, Federer — who has a relatively modest 3613 season record — was cautious when asked if he could repeat his title hat trick of 2011. "I don't know if my level of play is strong enough to do it now," he said. "That would be a bit bizarre for me if I start saying that I'm going to win the last 15 matches of the season. "I have to hope so because I know that I can play really well, especially indoor. That starts here in Basel with the advantage of playing at home." In his far from typical season, Federer has won only one title — the grass-court event at Halle, Germany, in June — and regularly lost to unseeded opponents since injuring his back in March. Initially, he had shrugged off "a little tweak" after getting hurt during a routine victory over Ivan Dodig of Croatia in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California. "I
should never have played after Dodig," Federer reflected on Sunday, saying he lost practice time in the following weeks. After his shocking second-round defeat at Wimbledon, against Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine, Federer opted to play on clay in July rather than rest to prepare for hard-court events ahead of the U.S. Open. "I should have abandoned in Hamburg, not played Gstaad. Nevertheless, I played, I tried," said Federer, who sustained back-to-back losses against unheralded opponents. As a result, Federer has yet to secure his place at the eight-man ATP finals which he has won a record six times. Federer is fighting for one of the three remaining places with fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, and Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet, who won the Kremlin Cup title Sunday in Moscow. Federer and Wawrinka could meet in the final at Basel, where they are seeded No. 3 and 4, respectively. Gasquet is the No. 5 seed. "I will be happy if Stan qualifies," Federer said. "If that meant I will miss it, I honestly won't care. That means he was the better player for the year." Federer said he will maintain contacts with former coach Paul Annacone, despite ending their formal working ties of more than three years ahead of the Shanghai Masters this month. "We are still in touch almost every other day," said Federer. "He has been super professional, super nice in this entire process." Any speculation he is ready to retire seems premature, with the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics still a possible goal.
Roger Federer reflects on mistakes of playing injured
Entertainment
The Morung Express C M Y K
Tuesday 22 October 2013
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ackie Chan has confessed that he will allow his body to decide when to quit and declare retirement. The 59-year-old actor said that when he was 40-something, the media would regularly question him about his retirement and he would always reply with the same answer - another five years, China Daily reported. However, 'The Tuxedo' star explained that he’s going to be 60 in another six months and unlike earlier times, he becomes tired and even gets hurt while performing the stunts. Chan also joked that he can continue his career in Hollywood only if the audience forgives him for using a body double for his acrobatic scenes, as everyone has type casted him with only one genre of films- action-comedy.
Jackie chan 'will let body decide when to retire'
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'24' spreading magic, says Anil KApoor
ctor-producer Anil Kapoor is excited with the response to his debut television production `24` and feels that gradually the show is casting a spell over the entire country. With the first episode aired Oct 4 this year and six episodes telecast so far, the show has struck a chord not only with the audiences but also film industry legends like Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Anupam Kher, among others. Every body, including (my) friends, family, legends, are praise for it (`24`) and saying, `We have not seen such a show in India till date`,
Anil, known for hit movies like Mr. India, Tezaab and Viraasat, told reporters at the launch of an interactive mobile game based on 24. In the show, Anil plays the lead role of Jai Singh Rathod, the chief of antiterrorist unit. The show captures the 24 hours of Rathore`s life, where he struggles to prevent the assassination of a prime ministerial candidate and also has to save his daughter, who has been kidnapped by terrorists. There are some shows that trade doesn`t like. Some shows are there that the film industry doesn`t like, while some
shows are not liked by the television industry people or people of advertising world. Some shows don`t find their favourite spot among the audience and kids, but this show is kind of spreading like magic over the country, added the 53-year-old. Anil gives credit to the team`s hard work and passion. I have been working in the industry for the last 36 years, but I feel that nobody would have done such tremendous amount of work, so much hard work with so much passion till date as much as the entire team and I have done for the show, the actor said.
Jonathan rhys Meyers thinks he looks like a bad guy Jonathan Rhys Meyers admits he is always looking for 'some sort of balance' in his life but believes his inner conflict makes him a better actor.
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he 'Dracula' star, who has been to rehab three times for alcohol addiction, is always looking for ''some sort of balance'' in his life, but believes his inner conflict makes him a better actor. The 36-year-old star said: ''I'm cast as a bad guy because I look like one. And I can convey that sense of conflict because I'm a guy who lives with conflict a lot of the time. It's not something that I have to search for - that sense of looking for some sort of peace, looking for some sort of balance. It's evident in me regardless of what I do, so maybe it just suits the parameters of Dracula.'' The Irish actor has had a tough time over the past 12 months since signing on to star in the new TV series, which is produced by both NBC
Britney Spears' actual singing voice in 2001 branded 'horriBle'
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'I feel grrr-eat!' Katy Perry wows in corseted tigress outfit for stunning X Factor performance
and Sky. He told the Sunday Independent's Life magazine in Ireland: ''I've gone to two funerals. My grandfather and my best friend passed away during this production. So I went back and put them to rest. I don't get many breaks.'' Jonathan insists he is glad to be back on the small screen even though he needed a break after wrapping up production on 'The Tudors' in 2010. He said: ''I signed on to 'The Tudors' thinking it was only going to be one season. I didn't want it to be four seasons. I didn't expect it to be. When I found out, I was slightly horrified. ''Let me tell you, doing a series is like making four movies at once. You have a lot more room to explore a character, but you've got much more room to fall over on you're a**e as well. By season three of our, I was not happy doing it.''
new video featuring Britney Spears` actual singing voice from a 2001 Las Vegas concert has gone viral. According to the Huffington Post, the isolated vocal track video is not being liked by viewers thanks to the ` Toxic ` hit maker`s voice. The mum-of-two`s bad singing voice has also been compared to the outstanding isolated vocals from The Beatles, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston.
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he 54-year-old media mogul is keen to make his 87-yearold mum Julie happy as she's always wanted him to settle down and has agreed to wed the New York socialite who is pregnant with his first child. A source told The Sun newspaper ''Simon's mum has always dreamt of the day Simon settles down with one woman and he's determined for her to be a big part of the day.''
Cee-Lo Green to be charged with ecstasy possession Charges against Cee-Lo Green for sexual assault are expected to be dropped, but the singer will reportedly instead be charged with ecstasy possession.
Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman to marry after birth of baby Lauren - who recently divorced wealthy real-estate owner Andrew Silverman with whom she has seven-year-old son Adam - has agreed to a church wedding near Julie's home in Sussex, England, in 2014 and plans to also hold a blessing in America which her friends can enjoy. There ceremony is said to be an intimate affair and the guest list will feature only a few celebrities
including 'X Factor' judge Louis Walsh, hypnotist Paul McKenna, Top Shop owner Sir Philip Green and Simon's ex-girlfriend Sinitta. Earlier this month Simon posted a series of cryptic messages on Twitter promising his fans some exciting news in the near future, which is rumoured to be the announcement of his engagement to his pregnant girlfriend. He wrote on the social
networking site ''Excited to reveal some news in the next few weeks. Am feeling very positive right now. It's been hard work but nothing should be too easy. ''In life you can obsess on other people's failures or focus on your own mistakes and work hard to make sure you don't repeat them. ''But hard work and focus gives you a chance to turn a corner. And that's how I am feeling right now.''
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ee-Lo Green is allegedly set to be charged with ecstasy possession. Charges against the 'The Voice' judge for sexually assaulting a woman are set to be dropped, but the singer looks set to be booked for possession of the illegal substance, which he is said to have slipped into her drink, instead. The Los Angeles County District Attourney (DA) is set to reject the sexual assault case on 21.10.13 due to insufficient evidence but Cee-Lo will instead be charged for one count of ecstasy possession, according to website TMZ. The woman at the centre of the case claims Cee-Lo slipped the class-A drug into her drink during a date at a sushi restaurant over a year ago and subsequently found herself naked in his bed with no knowledge of how she got there. However, the authorities have found inconsistencies in the woman's story, namely that the couple were dating at the time and had been intimate before. Cee-Lo - whose punishment is expected to simply be probation - was caught on tape by the woman in question and can reportedly be heard referencing the drug. The criminal complaint will claim the 'Forget You' singer never intended to harm the woman when he shared the substance with her.
Jennifer Lopez dumpS Casper Smart
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inger-actress Jennifer Lopez has reportedly ended her two-year romance with toyboy Casper Smart. The duo met after Smart was one one of the dancers in Lopez`s troupe. It is said that in early October the couple had a major fighting, ending their romance. She threw him out. She didn`t get her way about something and blamed him. She wouldn`t let him take any of his belongings, saying `You came with nothing, you will leave with nothing`. She knew from the beginning that it wasn`t going to be forever... He was a good distraction after Marc Anthony, and she felt young and vibrant while dating him, but she didn`t intend for it to last, a source said. Lopez and Smart apparently suffered major trust issues after the dancer went to Jeff Beck, second from left, and Al Jardine, second from right, perform in concert at The Greek an adult peepshow. Theatre on 20 October, Sunday, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)
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Sania breaks back into top 10 in doubles
NEW DELHI, OctObEr 21 (PtI): Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza has broken back into the top 10 of the world women's doubles by gaining two spots to ninth place in the latest WTA Team Rankings issued on Monday. Sania jumped from 11th spot despite not playing any event this week. The 26-year-old moved up as a result of other players dropping points. Sania had won back-to-back titles as she lifted the China Open trophy earlier this month, followed by another triumph in Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Her partner Cara Black of Zimbabwe too gained a position to be at number 13. Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci hold on to the joint number one ranking, while Su-Wei Hseih climbed two spots to number four and Katrina Srebotnik moved one spot higher to number three.
Henry, Owen may play in Indian football league
MUMbaI, OctObEr 21 (tNN): Former Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea superstars like Thierry Henry, Dwight Yorke, Fredrik Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Louis Saha and Hernan Crespo could soon be playing in your neighbourhood. Reliance and IMG have floated a joint venture to kick off a multi-million dollar franchise-based football league starting January 2014. Incidentally, IMG and Reliance are also the commercial partners of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The first-of-its-kind football league in the country, likely to be called the Indian Super League, will feature eight teams with marquee players from across the world along with India's national stars and club and domestic talents in the three-month tournament scheduled from January to March next year. The franchises-to be determined through an auction early next month-will also hire legendary names like former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly as managers to coach these teams. The invitation to tender document has already been floated by IMG-R and the base price to buy a franchise is learned to be around Rs 25 crore. English football stars such as Yorke, Ljungberg, Pires, Crespo and Saha have already been brought on board for the tournament while bigger legends such as former Arsenal icon Henry and England's Michael Owen are in talks.
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Schmeichel and Desailly have also been signed up by IMG-R while more managers are negotiating their terms of joining. To promote and broadcast the league in India and across the world, IMG-R has entered into a 10-year JV with Star India. The deal, TOI has learnt, is pegged at around Rs 1,500 crore. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Bangalore, Kochi, Goa and Pune have been identified as the nine venues that will be up for sale in the auction. IMG-R chairperson Nita Ambani confirmed the development. "Having Star on board as a partner strengthens our efforts and commitment to propel Indian football to its rightful place. We see the launch of the football league as the realization of a dream of a billion-plus Indians to experience the most cherished game globally in new ways," she told TOI. Uday Shankar, CEO Star India, said, "India is hungry for its second sport. For far too long, the Indian sports fan has waited for this revolution. Our objective is nothing short of creating a movement around football in India. We want to put India on the global map." The eight-franchises will be determined through an auction process scheduled early next month. Indian Premier League franchise owners such as Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Kalanidhi and Dayanidhi Maran (Hyderabad Sunrisers), GMR Group (Delhi Daredevils) and Emerging Media (Rajasthan Royals) have shown interest in buying teams.
From left to right, Italy's Sara Errani, Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska, Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic, Serena Williams of the U.S, Belarus' Victoria Azarenka, China's Li Na, Serbia's Jelena Jankovic and Germany's Angelique Kerber pose during a meeting with the media in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. World's top tennis players will compete in the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul, Oct. 22-27.(AP Photo)
Saina India's best bet in Paris Even Ferguson can't
ParIs, OctObEr 21 (IaNs) : Saina Nehwal will be India's best bet as most of her compatriots face tough draws at the $200,000 French Open Super Series which kicks off Tuesday at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Fourth seed Saina, along with World No.10 P.V. Sindhu, have been drawn in the second half of the women's singles. While the senior Hyderabadi has a couple of easy rounds at the beginning, Sindhu faces a tough opener. The World Championship bronze medallist will be opening the tournament against South Korean sixth seed Sung Ji Hyun, who is in top form after reaching the Denmark Open Super Series Premier final Sunday. If Sindhu manages to beat Ji, she will have a relatively easier second round before a likely clash against last year's runner-up Saina. In case Ji progresses, Saina will be under the gun as she lost to the sixth seed in the Denmark Open quarterfinals Friday. In the women's doubles competitions, Jwala Gutta -- after much hullabaloo -- will finally be taking to the court with old partner Ashwini Ponnappa for the first time since the 2012 London Games. In the opener, the duo will
take us to WC: Bhutia
take on Indonesians Gebby Ristiyani Imawan and Tiara Rosalia Nuraidah. If the Indian combine manage to win then they will likely be up against Japanese third seeds Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi. Though Jwala and Ashwini are a successful pair, Indian badminton fans should not expect too much as they will take time to get accustomed to the courts and are out of match practice. In the mixed doubles, India have fielded only one pair -- that of Ashwini and Tarun Kona -- who have a relatively easy opener. If they manage to win that
then they will take on Chinese top seeds Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei in the second round. In the men's singles, all three Indian shuttlers have been drawn in the same half. Leading the pack is Parupalli Kashyap, who has been drawn to face top seed Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the first round. The latter lost in the final of Denmark Open to China's Chen Long and will be looking to make ammends which makes the task even more difficult for the out-of-form Kashyap. Mumbai's Ajay Jayaram faces Japan's Kazumasa Sakai in Round 1.
raNcHI, OctObEr 21 (PtI): Former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia today said that even renowned coach Alex Ferguson would not be able to take India into World Cup without proper infrastructure and involvement of committed people in the running of the game in the country. "We need right people, right infrastructure, right motivation and willingness to take the game forward. They (people involved in betterment of football in India) should not be there just to take positions," Bhutia said. "Tomorrow (even if) you bring Alex Ferguson to India he is not going to take us to World Cup. But what Fergusons can do is to train 20 to 25 guys who will get the benefit and later these players will impart their ideas to other players," he said. Asked whether football fans could see India qualifying World Cup in their life time, he said, "It is possible. When North Korea has done it, I think India can do it too. But people involved in the game like players coaches and district to state associations should really be quality people dedicated to the sport. We need infrastructure and exposure." Bhutia was here along with Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to associate with NGO 'Hip Hip Hurray' to promote a sports-based curriculum to engage children and youth in Jharkhand. He cited the example how Dhoni loves football from his heart. "Good thing is that Dhoni enjoys and loves sports and football. It is not only (a kind of) show-off thing. It comes from his heart. It's nice that players like Dhoni are engaged in promoting football," Bhutia said. Stating that football has been going through a phase where a lot of things have to be done in the country, Bhutia said
people involved in the game should show their commitment to work for its development. "I am not only saying about football federation but also states and district associations should also get totally involved if they really want to do something better for the game," Bhutia said. Asked whether the associations should be manned by professional footballers, Bhutia said there should be a mixture of professional footballers and others in the administration. "Like the technical side of the game should be looked after by footballers and other things by administrators, who are aware of the game," he said. Pointing out how I-league was struggling to draw spectators and sponsors, the former poster boy of Indian football said some clubs were still not having sponsors. "I-league started well, but now is struggling in terms of crowd turn out and lacks sponsorship, and is in a difficult situation. Even clubs are without sponsors. United Sikkim is one of them struggling for sponsors. Something has to be done," he said. Bhutia, however, did not agree with the view that cricket has been responsible for football's lack of sponsorship. "Football itself has to do a lot of things. A lot of planning has to be done. Soccer has to come up with results." Supporting recruitment of foreign coaches for Indian football team, he said though coaches from abroad help in imparting skills they should be provided with quality players if India wanted to excel in the international circuit. "Coming from a background of high class football tournaments, the knowledge of a foreign coach comes down to the players benefiting them both now and when they leave the game as they pass it on (to juniors).
NAGALAND PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY 9 PREVIEWS
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aga Tornadoes take the field hoping to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday when they play United Redskins in Dimapur. This woeful run of form has seen them slip down to 7th on the table and 10 points behind the leaders. They need to rediscover the early season winning form soon in order to keep up with the pace setters. United Redskins are also struggling to find form at the moment after claiming just a point from the last 3 games. The debutants have been impressive in patches but they need to find consistency and up the level of performance. Barak clash with Dimapur United in the second game at the DDSC Stadium on Wednesday. Barak come into the match looking for a third consecutive victory and a good result against their title rivals will put them in a good position as the battle for dominance at the top gathers pace. DimaPortland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) drives to the basket on Sacramento Kings pur United are also in fine forward Chuck Hayes (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Oct. 20 in form despite being held to a draw by Zonipang at the Milwaukee. Portland won 109-105. (AP Photo)
Wednesday, OctOber 23, 2013 By NPL Pundits
dimapur, ddsc stadium
Fc naga tornadoes vs United redskins Fc barak Fc vs dimapur United Fc
Kohima, IG stadium
Kohima Komets vs doyang Fc Veda Fc vs dynamic Fc
Kick-off: 10 am Kick-off: 12 noon Kick-off: 12 noon Kick-off: 2 pm
Mokokchung, Imkongmeren sports complex
sangpang Fc vs Zonipang sa weekend. They are ahead of Barak by just 1 point and a victory on Wednesday will help open up the gap further and keep in touch with the front runners. Kohima Komets play Doyang in the first of the two matches at the IG Stadium in Kohima. They have earned 7 points from the last three outings which have helped them reclaim the second
spot leaving them just 2 points behind leaders Veda FC with a game in hand. Another victory will put more pressure on Veda who play later on in the day. Doyang nailed their first victory of the season on Saturday against Dynamic FC. They will look to build on this fine result and start afresh with confidence after a difficult period.
Kick-off: 9 am
Veda returned to winning ways when they narrowly defeated United Redskins at the weekend. They will be keen to keep the good run going in front of a roaring home crowd when they take on a struggling Dynamic FC side. They are ahead of second placed Kohima Komets by three points with a healthy goal difference and another
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three pointer on Wednesday will help establish further dominance at the top of the table. Dynamic’s wretched run of form continued on Saturday when they went down by a lone goal against Doyang. They need to overcome this rough patch at the earliest and try to put in assured displays and grind out results when things are not going in their favor. Mokokchung will witness a high profile derby when Sangpang lock horns with Zonipang on Wednesday. Both the teams are in terrific form and are placed 5th and 6th on the table with just 2 points seperating them. Despite being humbled by Kohima Komets on Saturday, Sangpang have show their ability to compete against top sides on their day. Zonipang too have show amazing consistency winning 3 games and drawing three. Mokokchung can expect a cracking game of football when these two sides brimming with confidence meet as the battle for regional supremacy takes centerstage. PO Reg No. NE/RN-722
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