25th April 2014

C M Y K

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VOL. IX ISSUE 111

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier

rr ci da yo ve her cue of an ac “I've ne g a the sa re, and w your this mor ntional. becomin ped 10 he sure ho In short will inte ned on til I bum on- quite turn out! on that and plan crew, un isement ed will professi nge you es. cabin an advert t, submitt one is a ays challe your to the into one nigh d then and alw you on tability is she line sume an e other oha keep unpredic b, I feel”, the my re led to th day in D ew”, The of this jo pses into g toe soul ws glim crew. dene's is thin I am to bin cr n ld ro everyo who here as a ca it, th a cabi wou le a sm e consum either -made. keep And one t to love working . is into at life of ung Jamir as a peop oill it w n gh ys a as f man ildfir ca ab ther eck. e got Whe raging w k. And it it is still gligence. nsidered sa as tar on ch taneous ou she says. o she sa fore sh recalls thwas Aj be hersel as she el peooh D su , a Be ar e, co r ve en it” s ne on Qa r tw scri in her day, or a little spfire, big fir wit or hi nt Japfü, ory, is also treksed with the ir has sp ery bit of ibing he Qatar she furthe sion to ty face, person evsaying, “I lo them, Ba of ou ’s st l ev escr y with arkm et with lpofes to from e. Smal of man e at M cent hi ssness warm. s by n crew g Ja the D urne rem this pr out a pr, smiling ing rate - working them, he ing curs ifestation forest fir orst in re the carele selves r, be- cabi ays, Ajuntravelled reite are ab be s’ jo e, do od man e recent try’s w used by keep themuch furthe mmu- Airw nsively s firmly her year ays as qu on to sh ilege all ing go gers and take- pl lking withI just love being es ok Th e coun en ca fire to ad m d co e off exte , but ha ed to e- Airw she go the priv ing lo passen before has ta them- le. This e are th a be re , o rs an nd world d grou is extrem e’s able , “I've had me amaz the the t of dem opinion since ing ound peopurse, ther e my one ofed to have ht have lit tually sp voluntee st to dous on at g so around e, a bi But that d a lot she ar , of co I requir ing aine her, it pect , who mig had even reds of their be umin m s. For to know d she th meetin ge id n be f. as t lif kers little fire rol of hundere trying k, cons reports, root portant entity an valu- of ople from n abou owth, of early chan , even knew sa es whe ace" (I’ll d this is ee at nt w w tim im e to ed cl ho ar a id co sp Th the th ly le d “w - pe ing d gr ld who et it), an and for ally awn join d on Accord dia that ly- ots an y dr travel globe, ship an t I wou e she on to add, ofession se- "qui without ad, write yond members ne I re nd d rage fauna. y of In e new - ro s clearl s from even ub or es g pr hom nity e. g, fire ha flora and the histor r than th ry utility e ha le lesson the globe rav- friehich I do d I been ople go out bein first aid, and a sathe time fir st e t flyin re “T ha gst pe .” ab d on ificate ven th e fo lot of e in ne othe milita bat th ab ross k.” e is no e bathat, out w had, ne Th it, a st tim rs, no ter, a ith gi ling ac e shares ht me ab t- it have just amonrtable w re- trai ng a cert re one is This thin When sh achieve th tch on to com fir te op with along is also the e helicop 7 V5 helic being used mfo e also o- curi befo to fly? ain ies to as ca dry, ained as sh s taug spec t and this Air Forc ian Mi-1 hine are aland. fire cont d here. elling ha ty and re to respec d I am co end, sh of her pr , license een card t of br to she tr first, such her laun ous Indiancted Russ rial mac ed in Nag the raging es not en terms humili me how r on boar y To this rs one college the gr eds a lo er. Brain e sics eep, do r her fam nindu combat ae first test s to have st fire do e stand in speak- taught a cleane O of m membe back from at, ‘beings- job ne ill pow ember, th - her sl and sit fo oo fry di ese CE lly d w d rem in ev cook and al e th and- fire, also od new e of fore where w chnically ssors em th us di equa would the bin ny fe told th le help r and an y an to take wn at rice, dal nch. Onc plished, as ca nt forest hile it’s goy, the issu us think which, te I lu m a, compafrom who nd peop ves bette with studill power at is thro king save W h da make ent, ny.” e rece as ner ors are acco about Dohree, e wor d to th in th tion mpa ng in a w arou rsel ore nm ld e 7t ey ar avel an ey to go d al e are ersity genera n- co Worki 7000 crewshe goes cover ou agree m w real- erything sp on th er, it shou r enviro ’t e I no d as u.” ly Th to tr mon home t orld, first ok , ther bin go is out an ovie biodiv le of this we can co pos ly dn of m ul Rath otecting ou nt ha of al yo pare ys for a ca un- she it on a m ading a bo tchus not on crew enough own eir st olve ew I co op loss the sion meeting - -save to their art up th m, Ap al da of pr our life. aginable the pe of how be nts from cades all over th “when asks is him beca I have ev profesis , be ng, re just ca es t of ng st is gh of y, er is w sa th me no norm ach fli n way shoppi om or iends. - This pr enues rse back back y and e law fir s/ , it ng ing, e unim somethi d think ate incide s and de wildly on to tion a stra u from?" ow ize horson and helped ar Th e is av an its ow engers. in her ro her fr abso . “E dive help in countr n privat er studie a fir kn es pe upon fortun took ye d been much ith so crew ble in also e yo ow e open from rforest ld ponder t such un re. What the area ha ine, how by a qu here ar portant to entity, a sion has PR skills.’ was a predicta the pass the pas- ing up w would al e mor a people s but also own pe e very ce for high or open up to r to e ag "w ry im id n e th y an nd e's she shou e to aver near futu tion in ys. Imag ss, caused 2 ve ots and nded, orof hone m t, when ould have r thanks ’t matte just had ththe Sh ly encour to join en grou eving on s. I had ith a fin ecializatio va ut is da e lo er ib e page th ro of tr ng in on ou e s Ye dy w be in he It won s if you eak of d lute youths hers ev at achi dream ing w ro- sp ic. cons ter ild th d. on bo r to call up lack one' main gr be just on em e ss th sonal of fly , a mic in as nger art br st ha Naga Cont peni odiversity just a mat to rebu no to lik e, d re th d, e d cl ro ge e ill ha ki ined he Becaus was se est he you ju hatd th iro sion to of bi umed in it take us w e profes putting ac travel an r privile r from Ca Tehran anuth ment ction of ity. That else we w that serv ag day. ild, I d bigg y or e rn im us ld ns ve ” fle . s e to m co er wou fire. ate go also re cala we ar beca u "hav while rice k the ys to furthe lawye t from om So ). ntur face s a ch us an oes long l spark of at the st e fire is with such epared nisms the icken with ld thin ant is sh e says, “a ischievo t have ce ur perioday be, yo pas- this job pa that, she end on biologis Doctor fr e a few smal e fact th contain th to deal of how pr t mecha d re- ch One wou t attend our sh ughty, m s. I don’ ning a yo er it m to your u will not only get to sp re and also a (to nam Th re to ou t he then rica glam at na nturou s of ow out ev attend riod. Yo nonnism estion vernmen e duty an ng the a fligh ds, “y lp ou nt echa life of filled withd while th ain adve memorie ess, I was e fa- to" ers. Pe crying liday ad urself, he ired and rson- Af the Ce r own m to the qu Putting go is also th rt in savi one style, an to a cert is any ie or a dr ploring th our sengve babies active ho fill of yo ere if requ in your pe of ou brings us s strike. se but it play a pa role in true ofession al- Barb out ex er near ok- ha , hyper g a re tim- th to save unt too. also n disaster ething el tizen to ctive sity, and a proa r biodiver st of may be , the pr ithout ch y and ab Milak riv in Mok rs, stop ers wantin es, first ons get nk acco whe ace is som every ci ay s in tt ad ba fir ly pl , ou extent nly not w n I get re of mou d/colony my brothebing mak s and w l the bu then al in pl sibility of pecial ystem ess, by spon ronment. le can ese, our ecos e awaren selves. st. And certai es. “Whe clueless that war g with es, clim it), beer trying al set, and envi ung peop r heritag ting mor are them tire fore rtainly leng ty, I am out of e- chun ing marbl plum (fru ses, ers the hand Yo ng ou in crea and aw an en n ce for dut to expect The unprb is play s, stealing hool glas little on vi rn ay n ca ful preserlead the w ious, care spark to bu directio wha or flight. this jo ing tree king sc e to the ea of ar y ng and ing caut ly a little the right da ility challe e. br ng a sc all, be takes on tle step in dictabt I find e same tim at givi It e, a lit wha Fun at th ession th or . theref the world and is a prof save This

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110 million vote in India, BJP says it’s ‘Modi tsunami’

Priyanka Chopra’s new single in third spot on Itunes India

[ PAGE 8]

Imkong Walling

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NPCC response to Home Minister’s Ultimatum Full text on page 4

Election in Nagaland peaceful, asserts NPF Kohima, april 24 (mExN): The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) has termed “ridiculous and misleading” what it called the “NPCC demanding re-poll in 1000 polling booths across Nagaland at this stage.” According to the NPF press bureau, this was done “as they know that they will meet a crushing defeat.” In a press release, the NPF stated today, “Election to the lone Lok Sabha Seat of Nagaland State, held on April 9, 2014 was undeniably carried out across the state peacefully, with the people having exercised their franchise under peaceful atmosphere, without any untoward incident. The elections were well managed under strict observation and supervision of Government machineries including the Election Commission of India, State Election Department, and Law enforcing Agencies etc. with mass participation of the people belonging to different political parties.” As per the NPF, people have “just exercised their rights and contributed towards the smooth conduct and high voting percentage of polling which will only be revealed through counting of their votes.” The NPF expressed surprise that “the NPCC has already been projecting the negative aspects even before the results have been declared, and apparently they know that they (Congress) are going to lose the referred election in Nagaland.”

HSLC & HSSLC results on April 30

C M Y K

Kohima, april 24 (Dipr): The results of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) Examinations 2014 conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education will be announced on the afternoon of April 30, 2014. The Marksheets/ Certificates will be issued to Heads of Institutions from May 1- 8, 2014 and the results shall be available on: www.nbsenagaland. com, www.indiaresults. com, www.examresults. net, www.exametc.com, www.schools9.com. It will be available also through SMS/IVRS, details of which will be provided later.

[ PAGE 2]

F1 boss Ecclestone rejects bribery charges

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 12]

nagalanD crime statistics 2005-february 2014 Crime Statistics From thefrom year 2005Feb 2014

Dimapur | April 24

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–Roy E. Disney

crime in nagaland rising!

By Sandemo Ngullie

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”

Friday, April 25, 2014 12+4 pages Rs. 4

‘US would defend Japan in islands dispute’

[ PAGE 11]

reflections

penin Job O

‘Self sufficiency in pork production required’

Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern’s Jerome Boateng go for a header next to Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger, during a first leg semifinal Champions League soccer match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, April 23. (AP Photo) Story on page 12

Nagaland is infamous as the trouble-torn, insurgency marred corner of India. This impression, embedded in the mainstream domain, has painted a picture of a restive place with a seemingly inexhaustible progression of turmoil, mostly political. Erase this from popular memory and an image of total harmony and peace takes shape, crime seemingly out of the frame. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) would somewhat testify to this. For, according to data available at the NCRB, Nagaland has the lowest crime rate in the country.

With a population of barely 20 lakh and a literacy rate in the high seventies, Nagaland is fairly free from the scourge of crime, according to the NCRB statistics of 2012. Yet figures obtained from the Nagaland Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, depicts a contrasting scenario.

According to the data, Nagaland State recorded a total of 1651 IPC-related offences in 2013 in comparison to 1014 cases recorded in 2005, an increase of 62.8 percent during the nine-year period. A total 1372 cases were recorded in 2012. The year 2008 witnessed a sudden jump at 1545 reported cases compared to 1318 recorded in 2007. The number increased to 1529 in 2010, and fell to 1342 in 2011.

Total no of Crimes

O

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e s of th forest what to the ion of e doing r reflect and to on re a ro e s shat w t a mir ourselve cult pa t “W d is bu g to er.” e diffi to si rl ve th fuses us wo re doin anoth andhi we ha ers who re ckle up pl am we a t ster tma G my si - seng and bu . Wha piMaha ― tease e of the fa - down rbulence e is no ty r a ho w ht tu

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1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

1545 1348

1374

1318

1651

1529

1372

1342

1014

187

Total

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

1014

1348

1318

1545

1374

1529

1342

1372

1651

187

District District wise wise total from 2005-february 2014 totalcrime Crime from the year 2005 - Feb 2014 Mon Wokha Phek Tuensang Mokokchung Longleng Zunheboto Kiphire Peren Dimapur Kohima

557 778 485 452 703 184 455 308

646 5810 2302 0

Total

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

Kohima

Dimapur

Peren

Kiphire

Zunheboto

Longleng

Mokokchung

Tuensang

Phek

Wokha

Mon

2302

5810

646

308

455

184

703

452

485

778

557

Source: PHQ, Kohima—Graphics by Samuel Seb Rengma

Robbery, murder, burglary, kidnapping and dacoity, as categorised by the PHQ, are the most reported types of crimes in Nagaland State.

If the data is any indication, the incidence of crime in Nagaland has been taking an upward curve in recent times. In contrast to the distinction of having the lowest crime rate in the country, the State’s crime graph has experienced a jump of more than 60 percent in the past one decade. Is it that this era

in particular is experiencing upsurge in crime or was it happening from before, but failing to get reported?

While debate ensues among informed circles over this, a look at the crime statistics of the period has indicated a steady increase in the total number of cases recorded year-wise with certain years showing marked increase in cases reported. For a lack of data from the pre-2005 era, the period from 2005 to 2013

was used as a basis of assessment. A breakup of the state-wide crime chart for the period indicated that crime against women, murder and kidnapping has inexplicably increased.

Percentage-wise, crimes against women and kidnapping have witnessed a 300 percent increase in occurrence since 2005, while the number murders have increased by 80 percent.

Dimapur topped the chart in the number of IPC-

related offences reported from the district each year during the period, while Kiphire recorded the lowest number of cases during the same period.

Cognisable offences, in doggedly traditional Nagaland, are known to get settled out of court far from the record books of law-keepers. Yet, if justice is being said to be done somewhere at least, why the consistent rise in crime?

(Part I of a series)

Zeliangrongs in Manipur to go on agitation Key “challenges” facing

imphal, april 24 Memo to CM says inaction bursement and counseling to recover from traumatic ordeal (mExN): The Zeliangrong of the Manipur govt has due to physical injuries and Baudi, Manipur and Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Mani- ‘provoked the sentiments’ of mental abused by the criminal gangs.” pur, have submitted a memo“The inaction of the governrandum to Manipur Chief the Zeliangrong community ment of Manipur in bringing Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, by general secretary Zeliangrong forth a pacific settlement on the vis-à-vis the physical assault of six Zeliangrong students along Baudi, Manipur, Poudin Riamei, prevailing flare-up has provoked with burning down their rented and ZSUM chairman, Kadijanbou the sentiments of the whole Zehouse belonging to Poukindai Pamei, urged the authority con- liangrong community and com(Mathew Gangmei) by locking cerned to book the culprits of the pelled us to go ahead with an them inside the house on April incident at the earliest. The two agitation from 24th midnight till 13, 2014, and another house be- bodies also demanded “adequate 25thmidnight, so that justice is longing to Dinbui Gangmei burnt compensation” to the owner of the done to unfortunate victims,” statdown in the same area on April 19, houses that were burnt down by ed the memorandum. Further, the miscreants. Culprits involved “As such, Zeliangrong Students’ 2014 at Lamkhai Bazar, Jiribam.

The memorandum has noti- in these heinous crimes, stated the Union Manipur and Zeliangrong fied the Government of Manipur organizations, “should be brought Baudi, Manipur will have no inthat the Zeliangrong community to book according to the law of habitation to go for another form will agitate against this from April the land as a deterrent from com- of stringent agitation if our de24 midnight to April 25 midnight to mitting further crimes.” They also mands are not taken into account. make sure justice is done to the vic- asked for the assaulted victims to For which act of your kind prompt tims. The memorandum, signed be given “proper medical reim- action is sought.”

ON GRENADE ATTACKS:

ACAUT questions why police is ‘shielding’ name of culprits • ‘Naga public has every right to know the truth so that the issue can be dealt with’ • Throwing of grenades at civilians or civilian populated areas is “an act of terrorism” Dimapur, april 24 (mExN): The Against Corruption And Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland, in the face of numerous grenade attacks in the town, has asked the Dimapur police why it is “shielding the names of the culprits or the organizations” behind the attacks.

“It is open knowledge that the police know the identity of the persons or atleast the organisations orchestrating these attacks, yet, it prefers to keep mum,” stated the ACAUT Nagaland’s media cell in a press release today. It quoted the example of the first grenade at-

tack in GS road that killed a shopkeeper and injured another, the second lobbed at a businessman’s house which failed to explode, a third planted at Jasokie Complex to intimidate businessmen, and the latest hurled on April 22, injuring one.

“The latest incident of grenade throwing in Dimapur is an example of how the Naga movement is being re-directed towards nefarious activities and personal gains,” stated the ACAUT Nagaland, further reminding the Dimapur police that “If the NPGs are behind such cowardly attacks, then the Naga public has every right to know the truth so that the issue can be dealt with at an appropriate platform.”

The ACAUT Nagaland made clear that throwing of grenades at civilians or civilian populated areas is “an act of terrorism” and it will not hesitate to “expose organisations responsible for such activities.”

In that, it questioned the Nagaland State Government and the Naga political groups whether “the numerous incidences of grenade attacks on civilians with a view intimidate the business community of Nagaland and extort money leading to death and injuries should be viewed as a political problem or a law and order problem?” It also asked if “the different NPGs are ready to condemn these grenade attacks?”

Stating that the police is “duty bound” to release the name of the culprit/s and the organization/s responsible for the grenade attacks, the ACAUT Nagaland maintained that “Unless the Naga public knows the truth every Naga political groups out there is a potential suspect and if this is so the Dimapur police is directly responsible for sullying the image of all the NPGs whilst trying to protect the image of one organisation which is not good for the overall reconciliation process.”

india’s next government

NEW DElhi, april 24 (rEutErs): The biggest challenge for India’s next government, due to take charge after election results in May, will be to pull the economy out of its deepest slump in decades.

Thursday was the sixth round of voting, with one recent opinion poll showing that the opposition BJP and its allies may win an outright majority, ousting the Congress-led government.

Here are 10 economic reform challenges that will require urgent attention from the new government:

5) LABOUR: Inflexible labour laws need an overhaul if India is to create the tens of millions of new jobs it needs to become a low-cost manufacturing centre. Companies are hiring more contract workers to circumvent these stringent laws, leading to pay disparities and a lack of job security for the unorganised workforce. The challenge will be to set measures acceptable to employers, workers and trade unions.

6) DEFENCE: More foreign investment in defence would help India reduce imports, modernise weapons systems and speed up deliveries of hardware it needs for operations and training. India now allows 26 percent foreign ownership in defence, and proposals to exceed that limit are considered only for state-of-the-art technology.

1) GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST): India’s most ambitious indirect tax reform would replace existing state and central levies with a uniform tax, boosting revenue collection while cutting business transaction costs.

GST, which could boost India’s economy by up to two percentage points, has so far faced resistance from various states. The reforms need 7) INSURANCE: broad backing because they require a change Attempts to raise the cap on foreign investin the constitution. ment in India’s $45 billion insurance sector, to 49 percent from 26 percent, have met resis2) RESERVE BANK OF INDIA: A Reserve Bank of India panel in January tance from employees at state-controlled inproposed key changes including targeting con- surers and their political backers. A BJP leader sumer price inflation and making a committee said last month the party had held talks with responsible for monetary policy, and not the Congress to break the deadlock.

RBI governor alone. This would require chang- 8) BANKING: es to the RBI Act. The next government will need to help staterun lenders battling rising bad loans caused by 3) PRIVATISATION: A new government is likely to focus on sell- the slowing economy, rising interest rates and ing its holdings in state-run firms that could project delays. The interim budget in February raise much-needed revenues to trim India’s set aside 112 billion Indian rupees ($1.83 bilballooning fiscal deficit and boost economic lion) to help the sector meet key capital ratios, growth. The rising stock market has helped but analysts say more steps are needed.

New Delhi raise more than $3 billion via stake 9) COAL: sales in the fiscal year to March 31 - but that was Reforming coal mining would help contain only a third of the government’s original target. India’s trade deficit and aid the stretched powThe government has announced plans to raise er sector. India has to import the fuel as min569 billion rupees ($9.3 billion) through asset ing is hobbled by corruption and legal battles. sales in 2014/15. This could help it achieve its The new government could lease coal blocks to lower fiscal deficit target of 4.1 percent of GDP. private companies on a contract basis, which would ease legal problems and help boost pro4) SUBSIDIES: India’s next government would need to ex- duction in the short-term. amine how it subsidizes basic commodities if 10) POWER: it is to contain the fiscal deficit and avoid a ratA BJP-led government may implement the ings downgrade. Total outlays on food, fertiliz- so-called Gujarat model of distributing elecers and fuel subsidies are expected to reach 2.5 tricity that has been widely praised for delivertrillion rupees ($40.95 billion) this fiscal year. ing reliable 24-hour power supplies in the state.

The Congress party states that it will back only Narendra Modi, Gujarat’s chief minister and the necessary subsidies while the BJP seeks greater BJP’s candidate for prime minister, provided diffiscal discipline without compromising on the ferent power feeds to farmers, households, and availability of funds for development. companies instead of a uniform feed.

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‘Self sufficiency in pork production required’ DimapUr, april 24 (mExN): Minister for Planning and Coordination, T.R. Zeliang has said that a target needs to be set, to cut down the import rate of meat and meat products, especially pork, from outside the state to zero level by 2020.

Expressing concern that a large amount of money is being spent every year by Nagas for importing meat from outside the state, the Minister called upon livestock farmers and entrepreneurs to unite and strive for self sufficiency of meat in the state. This, he said, was essential to salvage the money going outside, and rather use it for the economic uplift of the people.

Addressing the inaugural session of the two day state level programme on promotion of pig based integrated farming system

Set target for Zero import of meat by 2020, says TR Zeliang at IMC Hall Dimapur, the Minister informed that during the Eleventh Plan Period, the Nagaland state government had slashed down the import rate of meat from 63.10% to 36.90%. This was done by implementing various piggery, poultry and goatery schemes and through the active participation of the marginal and commercial livestock farmers. He said that the amount of money spent on meat in the last one and half decade was Rs 375.00 Crores annually, as per the sample survey report of the veterinary department. However, he said that now it has come down to Rs 215 Crores.

Zeliang also said that the quantum of import of

Animal Husbandry product has reduced from 338.2 matric Ton to 17. 10 matric ton, which is valued at Rs 148.94 Crores at the current price. Moreover, internal domestic production has recorded an increasing trend of 67.48 matric ton, which is valued at Rs 991.95 Crores as per sample survey report 2013-14, he added.

“However, inspite of increased internal domestic production, the challenge before us is how to zero down this 17.10 MT, which is valued at Rs 148.94 crores, and become self sufficient state,” the Minister said. He asserted that to meet this challenge, the efforts of the government and the farmers alone is not enough. It

will require the concerted efforts of all agri and allied departments and other private agency and NGOs, he said.

Zeliang further disclosed that the demand for pork is going to increase, with India’s economic liberalization policy. He stated that rearing animals is an integral part of every Naga household and therefore, the production of meat for self sufficiency should not be a problem.

“We can become a major meat producing state, not only for self sufficiency but we can also produce for export to the outside world.

And for state like Nagaland, where other resources are limited, meat productions can be a main sources of economic activity and em-

ployment, especially for youths,” he said. The Minister added that once Nagas put in sincere efforts, a time will come when Nagaland can even patent their own pork under the brand name “Naga Pork”.

However, he lamented that though pork remains high in demand, Nagas have been unable to increase their production through scientific approaches, but still practice only “traditional and primitive methods of backyard rearing.” “This method can produce meat only for occasional family consumption or festival but not for commercial purposes,” he stated.

He emphasized on scientific methods of pig rearing and the need for

hygienic meat production.

The problem confronting pig farmers is the high cost of feeds and insufficient vaccine during epidemics; he said and called upon the gathering, especially scientists, to bring out a remedy to this problem.

He also suggested that all unproductive government farms in various districts and sub-division should be done away with in order to reduce unnecessary expenditures, and instead use money to set up good animal health care facilities in the state.

“The government is committed to enhance meat productions and provide wholesome meat, provided people are willing to take advantage of the opportunity with utmost sincerity and dedication”, he added.

First Saturday of U-Link programme on April 26

Kohima, april 24 (mExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has informed that the first Super Saturday of its U-LINK Program, initiated by the Education and Communication Department of NBCC will be held on April 26. All the Growth Groups will be supported by Super Couples. All children who have signed up for the program are requested to participate in the event. The NBCC has provided details of the event for each growth group

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Fruits for sale at Kiding village in Tuensang district. Farmers construct open stalls just outside their houses on the roadside, displaying fruits and vegetables, for sale 24 hours a day. (Imojen I Jamir Photo)

f) Growth Group 6 – Music Venue – Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou Time – 10:00 am Contact – 9436063838 (g) Growth Group 7 – Creative Worship Venue – Konyak Baptist Church, Midland Kohima Time – 12:00 noon Contact – 9436608831 C M Y K

(h) Growth Group 8 – Brainteasers Venue – Rengma Baptist Church, below new NST Kohima Time – 10:00 am Contact – 9856231789

ANSTA calls for release of SSA teacher’s salary

DimapUr, april 24 (mExN): The All Nagaland School Teachers Association has urged the Finance Department for early release of pending salaries to SSA teachers. A press note from ANSTA informed that in the early part of April 2014, the State Mission Authority (SMA) SSA along with the Department of School Education had remitted the required amount (more than 23 Crores ) to the Finance department for payment of pending salaries and arrears of SSA teachers till February 2014.

However, it lamented that till date, the remitted amount has not been released by the Finance department.

“As a result, SSA teachers could not be paid for the last 4 months (Dec. 13 to March 14) which compelled them to serve 15 days ultimatum to government,” it stated.

“The only sustaining source of teachers should not be utilized for other purpose,” stated ANSTA and reminded the authority that SSA teachers have been recruited as per the requirement of the state govern-

ABUNDANT LIFE FESTIVAL Theme: Choose your way

(satan came to steal, to kill and to destroy but Jesus came to give life and life abundantly. John 10:10) VENUE:

DATE: 2nd - 4th MAY,2014 TIME: 5:30 PM ONWARDS

NEAR BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA EAST BLOCK BURMA CAMP Dimapur : Nagaland ,

SpEAKEr: Mrs. Lakmit Lepcha.

(The Lord took her several time to Heaven and Hell, and commanded her to tell the people about it, and the Lord is also using her mightily and many are receiving healing and deliverance in her meeting) Heaven is the place where GOD Almighty dwells. He created men in His likeness so that He could have fellowship with him in HEAVEN forever. Men disobeyed God, even today men still continue to disobey HIM. HELL was made for disobedient angels, satan and his followers, but satan want men to suffer along with him. God loves you.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God wants all to be saved;

Choice is yours

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In these last days satan wants all men to go to HELL with him. The urgency of this matter has made God our Father to take many of His children living today to see HEAVEN and HELL that such places do exist.

Here among us in these final days the Lord took Mrs. Lakmit Lepcha a mother of two from Sikkim State to show her HELL and HEAVEN over a period of time.

Each and every one of us that is born on earth has only one place to be in eternity HEAVEN or HELL. Is your life secured? Many are already in HELL and still many are going to HELL

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DRE for Postal Assistants and Sorting Assistants on April 27 Kohima, april 24 (mExN): M/S CMC Limited, New Delhi, on behalf of the Department of Post: India, will be a conducting Direct Recruitment Examination for Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants in NE Postal Circle on April 27 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Intending candidates can download their admit card by accessing this Departmental website with their registration number and password (www.pasadrexam2014. in). The admit cards are not sent by post, informed a press note. It added that candidates should report to their respective venues at Kohima, latest by 9:30 am.

Seminal on legal rights of women held

(c) Growth Group 3 – Arts & Crafts Venue – Zeme Baptist Church, Midland, Kohima Time – 1:00 pm Contact – 9436607475

(e) Growth Group 5 – Games & Sports Venue – 19 Assam Rifle Ground, Main town Kohima Time – 10:00 am Contact – 9856185990

Kohima, april 24 (Dipr): The Director of Technical Education has informed that application forms for selection to Nagaland State reserved seats in under graduate Engineering and Medical & Allied courses through Joint Entrance Examination JEE (main) 2014 and All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) 2014 may be collected from the Directorate of Technical Education, Kohima, on payment of Rs 100, with effect from May 1 during office working hours. The application forms will be issued only to those candidates who can produce copy of the JEE (main)/ AIPMT Admit Card 2014. The form may also be downloaded from the website dtenagaland.org. in, in which case a sum of Rs 100 should be paid while submitting the form and printed in green paper (A4 size) along with attested Xerox copy of the JEE (main)/ AIPMT 2014 Admit card. Last date for submission of completed form in the Directorate of Technical Education whether by hand or post is June 2 for Medical and allied courses through AIPMT 2014 and May 31 for under graduate engineering courses through JEE main 2014.

DimapUr, april 24 (mExN): The Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF), Pune is organising an Alumni Reunion for those residing in Kohima. The program will be held at the Platinum Hall, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Office, Bayavü Hill, Kohima on April 26 at 3:30 PM. A press note informed that the reunion will include a time of worship and also deliberate on issues pertaining to NCF Pune.

(b) Growth Group 2 – Choreography & Dances Venue – Sumi Baptist Church, Daklane, Kohima Time – 9:00 am Contact – 9436646492/9774493080

(d) Growth Group 4 – Bible Trailers Venue - City Church Kohima Time – 1:00 pm Contact – 9402636363

JEE 2014 forms available from May 1

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NCF Pune Alumni Reunion

(a) Growth Group 1 – Praise and Worship Venue – Peraciezie Baptist Church, Highschool, Kohima; Time – 10:00 am Contact – 9862705348/9089203554

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ALL ArE INVITED In His Service Jesus Seeks Ministry (9862899821/9436830205/8974003756)

ment and through proper channels by observing all formalities. It stated that when funding agencies (SMA & DoSE) have already remitted the amount for payment of pending salaries and arrears of the concerned teacher, “there is no reason why remitted amount is not releasing.”

“Since the ball is in the court of Finance Department, if any unwanted situation crops up due to non-release of pending salaries and arrears, it shall be held accountable,” the ANSTA cautioned.

DPFA informs consumers

DimapUr, april 24 (mExN): The Dimapur Poultry Farmers’ Association (DPFA) has informed the public not to pay more that the recommended rate of Rs 130 per Kg of Broiler birds in the market. A press note from the DPFA stated that due to the increase in demand for poultry in the state, poultry farmers from Assam have created “an artificial shortage of the commodity and are now selling poultry at high rates.” It however said that Naga poultry farmers are selling the birds at the same rate as recommended by the DMC. As such, it urged upon the DMC to check the rate as recommended by the administration.

pErEN, april 24 (Dipr): A seminar on Legal right of women on the theme “Marriage Divorce and Inheritance” was held at Peren on April 22 at town hall Peren.

The event was organized by the Nagaland State Commission for Women in Collaboration with National Commission for Women New Delhi. Speaking at the seminar Dr Temsula Ao, chairperson NSCW, stated that women have a greater role to play in society. She lamented that in Naga society, the men rule the family and that society and customs give men greater role in society, whereas the position of women are lower.

She further stated that in eyes of law everyone is equal.

Change in womens’ rights does not mean men’s power will be curtail, she stated. She urged the gathering, especially the men, to join hands and give support to women in their struggle for their rights.

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BJP Kohima holds meeting DimapUr, april 24 (mExN): The Bharatiya Janata Party, Kohima district, had a meeting on April 24 at Blue Bayou. The meeting deliberated on the matter relating to improvement and revamping of party organization. The party requested the people of Kohima District to co-operate in the iron metal collection for construction of unity statue. The party also appealed to the Border Road Organization to maintain the National Highway 39, which passes through Kohma town. The speakers at the event included R. Sopu Angami, State Vice-President BJP; Vizopal Chaya, State Executive member; Vieneizo Tsürho, State Secretary; Dr. Ketholezo Sorünuo, Convenor Medical Cell and Daniel Dzeyie, Vice- President BJYM.

DPDB Tuensang conducts meeting

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TUENSaNG, april 24 (Dipr): The District Planning and Developmental Board meeting was held on April 24 at the DC Conference hall, Tuensang. It was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Mhabemo. It was decided that construction of a children’s park at Tuensang will be started at an appropriate location. The meeting also decided to take up St. James School, Shamator and Montessori Kids Care School Tuensang for grand-in-aid as proposed. The meeting also discussed and approved the up gradation of Christian Hills School Tuensang from class 6 to class 8. The meeting concluded with the departmental reviews and updates.

‘Invest in the future, defeat malaria’

Kohima, april 24 (mExN): The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Nagaland has stressed on the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for Malaria prevention and control. A press note from the NVBDCP informed that increased political commitment and expanded funding have helped reduce malaria incidence by 25% globally, and 31% in Africa. However, it stated that emerging drug and insecticide resistance threaten to reverse recent gains.

World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 worldwide in order to energize commitment to fight Malaria. The theme for the day for 2014 and 2015 is ‘Invest in the future, Defeat malaria.’ It aims to facilitate countries in affected regions to learn from each other's experiences and support each other's efforts. It further hopes to encourage new donors to join a global partnership against malaria; research and academic institutions to flag scientific advances to both experts and the general public; and for international partners, companies and foundations to showcase their efforts and reflect on how to further scale up interventions.

The NVBDCP stated that for about a decade, the global fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM), Government of India (GOI), and the State government, through the Na-

tional Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), has been jointly investing in the control of vector borne diseases in the state of Nagaland. Contractual employees in the capacity of state and district consultants, Malaria Technical Supervisors, Laboratory Technicians, Data Entry Operators, etc have been recruited and trained through GFATM support.

It added that the GoI has employed 200 contractual multipurpose workers (MPWs) for active surveillance in all the districts. Distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs), Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) with DDT, and biological sup-

mental and socio-economic issue as is a medical issue,” it asserted. It stressed on the need for municipals, village councils, allied departments like PHED, Agriculture, RD, Urban, Forest, DIPR, etc and also various NGOs and individual citizens to put in efforts.

Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2012, malaria caused an estimated 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children. Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected.

World Malaria Day sprung out of the efforts taking place across the African continent to commemorate Africa Malaria Day. It is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day. World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO's decision-making body. The day was established to provide "education and understanding of malaria" and spread information on "yearlong intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas."

April 25 is World Malaria Day port through larvivorous fish are some of the control measures carried out by the program. The central government also recently introduced bivalent rapid test kits for diagnosis and ACT-AL medicines for treatment of falciparum malaria. Awareness on vector borne diseases are carried out throughout the year through miking, distribution of IEC materials, advocacy workshops, use of print and electronic media, etc.

It however stated that “we are not there yet.” “More investments need to be done at all levels from the government and community to the individual. Malaria is as much an environ-

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opposes deforestation, 77 percent voting recorded in Assam TNL environmental degradation

GUWAHATI, APRIL 24 (IAnS): A policeman was killed in a mob attack on a polling station, while another man died and 14 people were injured in a clash between supporters of two parties, as 77 percent of Assam voters cast ballot in the state's last six Lok Sabha constituencies that went to polls Thursday.

Election officials said 77.05 percent polling was recorded till 5 p.m. in Gauhati, Barpeta, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Nowgong and Mangaldai. Dhubri recorded the highest with 80.97 percent, followed by Mangaldai with 80.01 percent, Kokrajhar with 77.74, Nowgong with 75.33, Gauhati with 74.06, and Barpeta with 74.21 percent.

In Kokrajhar, some voters attacked security personnel at a polling station after rumours about malfunctioning of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) spread. As police tried to bring the situation under control, the mob attacked them, leading to the death of a constable and injuries to two others. The mob also snatched two firearms from

PM votes in Assam, says Warns BRO to no Modi wave immediately

GUWAHATI, APRIL 24 (IAnS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said there was no wave for BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the country. "Modi wave is a creation of the media. I don't think the country as a whole is struck by any Modi wave," Manmohan Singh said after casting his last Lok Sabha vote while in office. The prime minister and his wife Gursharan Kaur cast their votes at the Dispur Government HS School polling centre. They are registered as voters in the Dispur legislaPrime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur show the ink mark on their index fingers after casting tive assembly constituency their vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Guwahati, Assam on Thursday, that comes under Guwahati Lok Sabha constituency.

April 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath) the police personnel there.

In another incident in Boko on the outskirts of Guwahati, a man died and 14 people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front. In some poll-

Northeast Briefs At least 65 EVMs replaced in six Lok Sabha seats in Assam GUWAHATI, APRIL 24 (PTI): At least 65 Electronic Voting Machines have been replaced so far during elections for the last six Lok Sabha seats in Assam on Thursday due to different types of malfunctioning. The maximum number of 21 EVMs were replaced in the Gauhati seat, eight in Kokrajhar, three in Dhubri, 16 in Barpeta, 12 in Mangaldoi and five in Nowgong, returning officers said. During the first phase of polling in Assam for five Lok Sabha seats in April 7, at least 93 EVMs were replaced. On April 12, the EC replaced 40 EVMs during the second phase of polling for three seats due to malfunctioning and miscreants trying to break it.

One Killed, Ten Injured in Group Clash in Assam RAnGIA, APRIL 24 (PTI): One person was killed and 10 others were injured, including two women, in a clash between two groups in Assam's Kamrup (Rural) district today. The clash is not a poll related violence and is the result of a woman who was eve-teased by a youth at Tutamari village in Nagarberia under Boko police station, Deputy Commissioner Dr J Balaji said. Among the injured, the condition of four persons was serious and they were shifted to Guwahati Medical College Hospital. Local residents, however, claimed that the clash, though not poll-related, was between Congress and AIUDF supporters after some Congress supporters joined the AIUDF, locals claimed. Senior police and civil officials have gone to the spot and the situation was tense but under control, the police said.

MoU signed for Mizoram's first medical college AIZAWL, APRIL 24 (PTI): Mizoram minister of state for Health Lal Thanzara today said the state government and the Centre has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for establishment of the state's first Medical College. Addressing the annual conference of the Mizoram Government Doctors' Association (MGDA), Thanzara said Mizoram would soon have a medical college and the Civil Hospital in Aizawl would be upgraded with Rs 45 crore, while a multi-disciplinary research unit would be established at Falkawn near Aizawl. Efforts were being made for establishment of a tertiary Cancer Care Centre at Zemabawk near Aizawl, he added.

ing stations, balloting was cancelled and the Election Commission may go for repoll in those places, said state chief electoral officer Vijayendra.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is a voter in Assam, Thursday

said there was no wave for BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in the country. "Modi wave is a creation of the media.

I don't think the country as a whole is struck by any Modi wave," Manmohan Singh said after casting his

last Lok Sabha vote while in office.

The prime minister,. who is a Rajya Sabha member from Assam, and his wife Gursharan Kaur cast their votes at the Dispur Government H.S. School polling centre. They are

Water crisis in Manipur deepens IMPHAL, APRIL 24 (Tnn): With major rivers and water project sites drying up owing to scanty rainfall, Imphal valley is witnessing a mad rush for potable water even as the government is contemplating pumping water from the Loktak lake in Bishnupur district to combat the growing crisis.

Water levels in Singda dam, Imphal and Iril rivers, which provide drinking water to the state capital after being routed through several treatment plants, have drastically decreased, compelling the state public health engineering department (PHED) to cut down on the normal supply rate of drinking water.

Imphal residents are coughing up Rs 1,000 for 5,000 litres of water from private suppliers. Despite paying such exorbitant rates, residents are being forced to wait for a couple of days for the water to reach them, with demand overtaking supply.

"After waiting for two

NEDF urge state govt to intervene IMPHAL, APRIL 24 (nnn): The North East Dialogue Forum, Manipur (NEDF) today urged the state government of Manipur to immediately intervene on the water scarcity problem faced by the people of the state.

Kh. Rebati Raman, member of NEDF, Manipur while interacting with media persons said that even as the people of the state have faced a water crisis, the concerned PHED department of the state still remains a silent spectator. Rebati urged the concerned department to take up necessary steps so that potable water is made available to the people soon and further damages caused by its shortage be tackled as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the forum has also demanded that state water policy, state forest policy and state land use policy to be developed and implemented in the state and abide with the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples criteria. The forum has also demanded that the water body and catchment areas be guarded properly by the state authorities. days, I purchased 5,000 litres of water from a private supplier today. But this will last only for a week and I have already booked for the next delivery," said SG Sharma, an Imphal resident on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Rs

1,000 would have fetched 12,000 litres of water, he added. Doubts remain about the quality of water being sold by private companies as no government agency has checked whether it is suitable for human consumption.

ITAnAGAR, APRIL 24 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Ltd for promoting and giving a boost to the tourism sector of the state.

Tourism secretary Joram Beda represented the state government

while IRCTC was represented by its regional manager John Lepcha during the MoU signing ceremony held here yesterday in presence of departmental officers, official sources informed today.

IRCTC has decided to tie up with the state government to provide value added tour package services

Ruwngthung Hrangbung Chandel | April 24

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Flames from a wild fire engulf the Hnatham Baptist Church.

ers from 20 AR, 8th MR Leikun and from SP Chandel rushed to the spot.

Later while briefing media, Chief of Hnatham , village Wl Thungam and Pastor Rt Chumboi informed that the Church building and office cum store room with a property worth Rs 80 lacks was destroyed.

The Chief went on to express resentment against the district fire service for their inability to save the Church building, as the fire service station is located at Hnatham village just 300-

PHED minister Irengbam Hemochandra Singh, who visited various government-run water supply sites in and around the capital, including Singda dam, on Tuesday, admitted that the state is facing an alarming shortage of water. If needed, water will be pumped from Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in the northeast and distributed to the public after being treated, the minister added.

Several factors, including deforestation, have contributed to the acute water crisis which has been gripping the state from March to May for the last three years, the minister said. Stating that his department is trying to address the water crisis, the minister appealed to people to refrain from panicking.

The state, unlike previous years, has experienced negligible rainfall in the last four months, said Imphal meteorological observatory unit officials, adding that the grim situation is a result of global warming.

Arunachal signs MoU for promoting tourism and booking facilities in Arunachal Pradesh.

After signing ceremony was over, the team of officials visited the newly constructed and now operational railway station at Yupia to explore the feasibility of opening tourism facilitating centre in the railway station premises, sources added.

Wild fire razes down church building in Chandel Wild fire on April 23 after spreading fast towards Charangching Khunkha, Hnatham and Panchai village in Chandel district not only caused havoc and people panic but left the Hnatham Baptist Church building and the office cum store room reduced to ashes at around 1:30pm.

The inferno also destroyed one house at Charangching Khunkha. A former Chief of Hnatham, Samuel Khumlo, in his attempt to save his village from the fire suffered from 23 percent superficial burns.

A Maruti Alto was also partially damaged by the fire.

The fire was seen spreading fast from all sides towards Charangching Khunkha, Hnatham and Panchai village, located at close distance from the main town Japhou Bazar.

On getting information, the fire service station located at Hnatham village, assisted by one fire tender from Imphal, water tank-

registered as voters in the Dispur legislative assembly segment under Gauhati Lok Sabha constituency.

The first phase for five seats recorded over 78 percent polling while the second phase for three seats saw a turnout of over 76 percent.

400 yards away from the church building.

He also informed that the fire had damaged all timbres and planks which was kept for extension materials of the village community, worth at a tune of Rs 40000.

The fire affected victim from Charangching Khunkha has been identified as Samson Shilsi, aged 45. While briefing media persons, Samson informed that his house and property worth Rs 4 lakh was damaged by the fire.

In this regard, Several organisations including

Anal Naga Tangpi (ANTA), Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT) and Chandel Naga People’s Organisation have express serious concern regarding the incident. ANTA President Wng Kohring Victor criticized the district fire service for their inability to prevent the burning of the church and the house.

Citing shortage of fire service stations in the district, Kohring called for adequate supply and better functioning of the fire department. He also expressed hope that the dis-

trict administration and the govt will pay urgent attention to the affected victims.

The officer in charge of the fire station clarified that out of the two fire fighting vehicles, one is not in a good running condition. The only one good tanker with only 3000 litres is not sufficient for the district. He also said that the director has been informed of the problems with a request to replace the damaged vehicle and water storage reservoir at the station. He also appealed to the public leaders of chandel to press for the same demands. He also observed the need to have one water storage reservoir in and around Japhou Bazar for meeting the needs in case of any fire alarm in the town.

Meanwhile, the President of the Chandel Divisional Unit of Naga People’s Front, Youth wing L Starson Anal, has conveyed appreciation to the CO of 20 AR, and 8th MR Leikun and SP of Chandel for rendering their tankers during the incidence. He also observed that the present numbers of fire service in the district is not sufficient to cater to the requirement.

stop Shirui forest rampage Sothing Shimray Ukhrul | April 24

It is an invariable choice of good blacktopped road today or water and secure environment tomorrow for the people of Ukhrul. The people of Ukhrul however prefer water and secure environment, thereby leading the Tangkhul Naga Long to issue directive to 84 Road Construction Convey (RCC) of Government Road Engineering Force (GREF)/ BRO to immediately stop felling trees from the Shirui forest.

For more than two years there were reports of wanton felling of trees for firewood by the Border Road Organization (BRO) 84 RCC/GREF inside Shirui forest. The firewood is used at the ongoing blacktopping of the National Highway stretch of Yaingangpokpi to Jessami and Ukhrul to Tolloi. “I have personally talked to the GREF OC to immediately stop felling trees from Shirui forest in view of the impending calamity,” said Artax A. Shimray, President of Tangkhul Naga Long.

Reliable sources said that a villager who owns a large chunk of the forest land leased it out to

84 RCC/GREF to take unlimited number of trees in exchange for Rs 50,000 per month. Ironically, Shirui Village Authority remains a mere spectator so far. “Failure of Shirui Village Authority to dispense legislation to save the forest is also one main factor leading to rapid depletion,” remarked the TNL President.

The thickly wooded Shirui forest has been markedly depleted in recent year due to wanton lumbering in addition to BRO’s firewood venture.

Interestingly, Shirui forest with its innumerable streams are the only lifeline water source of Ukhrul town with a population of more than 40,000 located just 15 kilometers distance. Environmental experts and PHED officials have warned of acute water problem at Ukhrul along with the depletion of Shirui forest. Villagers said with the silent depletion of forest area the innumerable water sources inside the forest are found drying up. “Our fields which have perennial water source are now facing problem,” said Willington, the Headman of Shirui CK. “We are also developing a plan to combat environmental degradation in every village. Unless we do this our future is doom. Saving environment by way of forest conservation is mandatory in every village,” the TNL President said.

LOST NOTICE I, Vizovonuo Sano am applying for a duplicate copy of Class-8 Pass Certificate as I have lost it.

Name: Vizovonuo Sano F/Name: Zavibinyü Sano M/Name: Kereilenuo Sano Class: 8 D.O.B: 29/09/1997 School: GHSS, Kohima

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Registration forms are available for Cl. 11 (Arts). Forms can be collected during school hours.

ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE JAKHAMA Vacancy Applications are invited for a Computer Teacher.

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Applications may be sent to

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College of Nursing and Regional Institute of Paramedical Sciences, CIHSR Dimapur, Nagaland.

(in partnership with the Govt. of Nagaland, CMC Vellore and EHA Delhi)

Applications are invited for the following courses of 2014-15 1. Nursing Courses: Eligibility criteria as per INC rules GNM: course duration 3 and 1/2year BSc.(Post Basic): course duration 2 years BSc.( Basic): Course duration 4 years 2. Allied Health Sciences courses affiliated to the Central Board of Education of the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI): Diploma in Radio diagnosis Technology (DRT) Eligibility:10+2 Science stream (PMB and English) Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) Eligibility: Science streams (PCB and English) Diploma in Medical Records Technology (DMRT) Eligibility:10+2 Science or Arts streams Diploma in Optometry and Ophthalmic Technology Eligibility: Science & Arts streams

Last date for receipt of application forms: 7th June 2014 Prospectus & Application form are available now on our website www.cihsr.in and at the CIHSR campus Tel: 03862-242555

Visiting Specialists at CIHSR Dr. Jamila Koshy- Senior Consultant (Psychiatry) Delhi Will see patients from 7th to 9th May 2014 Book for appointments from now on Call 03862-242555,242531/32/33

C M Y K

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Dimapur

public discoursE

Friday 25 April 2014

The Morung Express

NPCC response to Home Minister’s Ultimatum

T

he blatant arrogance displayed by Home Minister G Kaito Aye in serving an ultimatum to two senior functionaries of the NPCC who had voiced out his miserable failures as R&B Minister in DAN-II and as Home Minister in DANIII needs to be condemned by all right thinking citizens. The immaturity and inadequacy of the Home Minister once again stands exposed by his own statement which is purely a denial of substantiated facts and figures that is very much visible on ground. Being in power for the last 11 years based solely on purchased mandate, NPF leaders like the home minister have developed an aversion to criticism and their reaction smacks of dictatorial mindset that threatens the Naga society.

The two Vice Presidents of the NPCC have written on the issue of border imbroglio and the deplorable road conditions across the state not in their personal capacity but as leaders of responsible opposition political party. They had highlighted

the issues which needs the urgent attention of the govt but the Home Minister choose to personally lash out and attack the NPCC leaders rather than act upon it to rectify the wrongdoings and set the records straight.

The contention of the Home Minister that the Assam-Nagaland boundary issue was subjudice in the Supreme Court does not justify the daily harassment faced by Naga’s living near the boundary at the hands of Assam Police who have been firing on the Naga villagers with an intention to kill. The border clashes have become more frequent affair as reported in local dailies with the state govt failing to protect the lives and rights of its citizens. Even on the day of Home Minister’s ultimatum, the local dailies carried out reports of firing by Assam Police on Dikoi village that lasted for over forty minutes. Since the Home Minister keeps reiterating that the state govt had taken appropriate steps for people inhabitating these border areas, the NPCC would like to know

Responding to clarify the statement of NTC published on the issue of Rongmei recognition, The Rongmei Council Nagaland felt imperative to once again reiterate its position through the media with the intention to avert and avoid misleading of the general Naga publics by certain falsifying reflections in some local papers.

After much consideration and tolerance exercised, trying to understand the logic and rationale of NTC so formed to oppose the Govt. of Nagaland for recognizing the long left out and deprived Rongmeis of Nagaland. The RCN felt imperative to clarify certain falsifying statements of NTC attempted to possibly distort and create or maketo-believe fallacious propaganda if possible to mislead the general publics.

RCN on NTC CLARIFIED Clarified that, the Rongmei Council Nagaland neither criticized nor complained against the formation of the NTC. The aims and objectives so far framed as rationale of NTC by its creators and founders testifies the motives of NTC leaders and members.

The criticism or allegation seemingly raised by the NTC is well acknowledged.

Washington, april 24 (ani): Microsoft is set to release a preview version of its ‘Remote Desktop’ app that lets Windows Phone users control their PCs. According to The Verge, Microsoft allowed Android and iOS users to control desktop PCs from their smartphones last year, Windows Phone support was missing The app is available for free, but only for mobiles running windows 8.1. Windows Phone 8.1 will be out for devices within months but users can gain access to the update using a developer preview option.

Maruti Suzuki loses No 2 slot to Nissan in car exports neW Delhi, april 24 (agencies): Maruti Suzuki, lost its coveted second slot in the lucrative car exports, 10 years after it ceded the crown to South Korean, Hyundai Motors as it grapples with intensified competition in overseas markets.

In the new pecking order, Nissan Motors India has moved ahead of Maruti SuzukiBSE 0.43 % in terms of export numbers as its current models Mirca and the Sunny sedan outsell Maruti’s list of top seller like AStar, Alto and DZire.

Nissan India increased its export numbers by shipping 18% additional cars in the last financial year to take its tally to 1.16 lakh units, while Maruti Suzuki lost 16% in overseas sales to end the fiscal at 1.01 lakh cars sent out of India.

Hyundai Motor India managed to remain its top exporter tag by shipping 2.33 lakh cars in the last fiscal year, more cars the total tally of Nissan and Maruti Suzuki put together.

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2857

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Tools Of Geometry ANGLE CENTERAL ANGELS CHORDS CIRCLE COLLINEAR COMPLEMENTARY ANGLES CONGRUENT ANGLES CONGRUENT SEGMENTS CONVEX CORRESPONDING PARTS EXTERIOR ANGLES IMAGE INTERIOR ANGLES LINE LINE OF REFLECTION LINE OF SEMMETRY LINE SEMMETRY OBTUSE ANGLE PARALLEL LINES PARALLELOGRAM PERPENDICULAR PLANE POINT POINT OF ROTATION POLYGON RADIUS RAY RECTANGLE REFLECTION SEGMENT SIDES SIMILAR STRAIGHT ANGLE SUPPLEMENTARY ANGLES TRANSLATION TRANSVERSAL VERTEX

D T M E I C O R R E S P O N D I N G P A R T S

A S S T N E M G E S T N E U R G N O C O O C

not an overnight happening, but a continuous neglect over the years despite receiving adequate funding for construction and maintenance. Therefore, the former R&B minister cannot escape blame and is solely responsible for the present state of deplorable roads.

Since the Home Minister wants the NPCC leaders to substantiate their allegations particularly in road sector, few examples of his blatant manipulation and duplication are listed for the public to best judge the works which are prime examples of manipulation and duplication.

1. The upgradation of Dimapur to Niuland Road from ODR to MDR for a distance of 28 km was awarded to M/s. National Construction for an amount of Rs. 2883.41 Lakhs (Twenty eight crores, eighty three lakhs and forty one thousand only) on Aug 24, 2010. Time for completion was 18 months. The colossal amount sanctioned for a distance of 28 km which amounted to more than crore per km was

not replicated on ground as the work was a case of filling up potholes and black painting the existing metalled road which has worn off within a few months.

2. The blatant duplication of road construction is found on the Zhekiye-Satoi Road which connects the hometown of the Home Minister. The first work order for Rs.1564.79 Lakhs (Fifteen crores sixty four lakhs and seventy nine thousand only) was issued on 11th may 2009 to Vizheto Sumi under the sub, “Allotment of Work for Construction and Improvement of road from Zhekiye to Hokiye via Satoi (Zhekiye to Ghokhuvi-26 km).” Time for completion was within 24 months.

The second work order for Rs. 1410.63 Lakhs (Fourteen crores ten lakhs and sixty three thousand only) was issued on 23rd Nov 2010 to the same contractor under the sub, “Allotment of Work, Improvement of Road from Zhekiye to Satoi-70 Km (from Ghukhuyi – Satoi Administrative Hq-21 km), MDR under NLCPR.” Time for com-

and the matter justified.

The rest of the electorate of the Rongmeis were mentioned as Kabui and some names without any suffix.

And as such, the name of the Rongmei suffixing the personal of Rongmei was not indicated in the entire electoral list. Therefore, the remark subscribed by NTC is unjustifiable. The NTC might have overlooked the name of the Rongmei as indicated above. In fact, the present Peren district was under Kohima District and the electoral list was maintained by Kohima administration as a whole at that point of time. Ignorant of this fact, the NTC might have misconstrued. Importantly, the electoral roll in any state of India has nothing to do with the identity of a tribe, because the Constitution of India has never referred, the electoral list for the purpose of Scheduled Tribe and its recognition.

The present state of Nagaland also has not made any law of the land in question of tribe or for that matter to be mentioned in electoral roll or list. What particular or peculiar reasons that matter for Rongmei to be differently or strangely treated with adverse yardstick of restraining and thrashing callously? What

is more callous and apprehensive for one to out rightly deny, reject and obstruct the just cause of the Rongmeis’ hard struggle to assert their suppressed and deprived identity in the fear of opening a door for other outside tribes to enter into the state? Is this fear speculation a justice in reality?

Can any good thing come by forbidding or denying one’s just cause? What retribution or payback will one get for ones’ act of injustice done to other fellow human being?

Misinterpretation Of Guwahaiti High Court Order Clarified: The said legal order of the Guwahati High Court, is purportedly manipulated by an unknown person. The said document addressed to the Chief Secretary Govt. of Nagaland without name and date is therefore a bogus letter intended to twist and temper the legal sanction to suit to their advantage in the Court case.

Such deception has been detected at-last. Whereas the bogus document has flared up creating confusion to the general publics of Nagaland through media reflections. The deceptive letter directing the concerned Govt. not to issue indigenous inhabitant

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2864

Answer Number # 2856

S O U R Y N B T P E L C R I C O L L I N E A R

The content of the media published with the caption; “the position of Rongmei Recognition: a response” released in all local media is read to be reactive and provocative. Nevertheless, the RCN positively construed the matter to be for good.

Electoral List Of 1963 Content Rongmei: The inherent identity of the Rongmei as a distinct Naga tribe has been recognized under the Scheduled Tribe Act 1950 of the constitution of India as Kabui which has been rectified as Rongmei distinctly

by Amendment Act 2011.

Therefore, the Name Kabui found in the electoral list is Rongmei. Hence Kabui’ is ‘Rongmei’ today as simple as ‘Sema’ is ‘Sumi’ and Lotha is Kyong today.

At no point of time the Govt. or any Naga organization has objected to such change of Nomenclature.

The question of enlisting the name of the Rongmei in the electoral roll of 1963, in the state of Nagaland in which, a particular name such as P. Lawrence Rongmei in Sl. No 335 Dimapur Town DU9, Lt. Shingkho Naga Sl. No. 336 Dimapur town DU9, Lt. Pousinglung Rongmei Sl. No.934, Dimapur Town DU3, etc were clearly mentioned

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LEISURE

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agement under MGNREGA was based on Ladigarh village where funds have been drawn and utilised against beneficiaries who are not listed in electoral roll. Even for those listed in electoral roll, they were not allowed to vote as the polling station remained under the occupation of Assam Police depriving the voters of their democratic rights. The state govt has remained a mute spectator over the whole issue and therefore the Home Minister is answerable to the plight of people from Ladigarh village.

The deplorable conditions of roads that adorn the landscape of the state mirror the achievement of G Kaito Aye as R&B minister in the last govt.

His performance as R&B Minister can be summed up by the plight of people from his own district who have been travelling along the stony, muddy and dusty roads connecting Zunheboto for the past 4 years especially after the abandonment of SARDP (NE) road project. The deplorable road conditions are

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pletion was within 24 months.

Since both the work orders under NLCPR were on the same road, the Home Minister as former R&B Minister will have to give explanation for duplication of this work instead of questioning the congress leader’s motive.

The NPCC is of the opinion that it is not necessary to respond Para wise but has relied on substantive issues on which the Home Minister and the NPF govt have faltered badly. In the course of bringing out the hard facts on the functioning of the NPF govt, if the Home Minister who is also the former R&B Minister feels that the NPCC leaders have hurt his personal sentiment by use of some unparliamentary language, the NPCC expresses its regrets and expunges the word “weakest and most corrupt.” However, the NPCC fully concurs and supports the statement of its leaders who have brought out the relevant issues that confronts the people of the state.

Media Cell, NPCC

RCN responds to NTC statement

businEss Microsoft launches app to control PCs via mobile

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as to what appropriate steps the Home Minister had taken to prevent the border tensions.

On the Mukalimi incident, it must be remembered that instead of stepping in to prevent the situation from escalating, the Home Minister himself attempted to pacify the Sumi public on behalf of the erring cadres belonging to NSCN (IM), which further enraged the public to take the path of violent confrontation that led to loss of innocent lives and leaving scores injured with some maimed for life. The total collapse of state govt machinery was glaringly evident when the NPF Working President Huska went on record to publicly question the state govt for not coming to the rescue of the Sumi people or if the state govt had forgotten their tribe. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has steadfastly maintained a deafening silence on the Mukalimi incident much like his new found Godfather Narendra Modi on 2002 Gujarat Riots.

The issue of fund misman-

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ACROSS 1.Opulent 6. If not 10. Back of the neck 14. Work hard 15. Keen 16. Distinctive flair 17. Sporting venue 18. Anger 19. Not tame 20. A group of representatives 22. Back talk 23. Greatest possible 24. Slightly intoxicated 26. Evening event 30. Tranquility 32. Everglades bird 33. Skilled 37. God of love 38. 1000 kilograms 39. Achy 40. Luxury apartment 42. A deep ravine 43. Englishman 44. Superficiality 45. 8th Greek letter 47. Friend 48. Accomplishes 49. Vacillation

56. Website addresses 57. Pinnacle 58. A type of dance 59. Shopping center 60. Used to be 61. Annoyed 62. Greeting at sea 63. Ship part 64. Snouts

DOWN 1. Happy 2. Unusual 3. Cain’s brother 4. Not a single one 5. Fishing net 6. Our planet 7. 57 in Roman numerals 8. Storage cylinder 9. Without teeth 10. Reporter 11. Assumed name 12. A condition marked by tremors 13. Terminates 21. Consumed food 25. Frozen water 26. Dribble 27. Monster 28. Weightlifters pump this 29. Worriedly

30. Large-flowered garden plant 31. Feudal worker 33. Pout 34. Not aft 35. Desire 36. Lascivious look 38. Hatchet 41. Best seller 42. Jelly 44. Big wine holder 45. Synagogue scroll 46. Greetings 47. Picture element 48. Russian parliament 50. Type of sword 51. Arid 52. Tropical tuber 53. Writing fluids 54. Curved molding 55. Gestures of assent Ans to CrossWord 2863

certificate to the members of Rongmei community is a serious offence. Whereas the Guwahati High Court did not issue any directive pertaining to the subject matter mentioned above.

In this connection, the RCN humbly appeal to the Govt. of Nagaland to verify the matter and find out the culprit responsible for manipulating the Court Order which could tantamount to contempt of Court. If such willful deception and criminal is not timely checked by the concerned Govt. authority, the Rongmeis and the general publics will be endangered without the constitutional protection.

Rongmeis Of Nagaland Fulfilled The Given Govt.

Criteria: The Rongmeis of Nagaland has fulfilled the criteria of Govt. Notification order Dt.28/04/1977 and in accordance with the Electoral Roll published on 05/12/1963. Therefore members of Rongmeis who are categorized under the criteria are very much entitled to be the indigenous Naga tribe of the state. They are entitled to get indigenous certificate for obtaining facilities of the state as enjoyed by any Naga tribes. In this connection, the govt. of Nagaland after having duly examined the requisites criteria given has enlisted the 1313 members of the Rongmei Community, with the assent of the Governor of Nagaland. The procedure for recognition of the Rongmei as one of the Naga tribes of the state is guaranteed and guided by the constitution of India under art 371 (a) for Nagaland state. In the exercise of such provision of laws, the state Govt. with the assent of the governor had passed the order of the Rongmei recognition as legal after fulfilling all required criteria and qualifications in accordance with the practice of traditional laws and customs of the Naga society.

NTC allegations Clarified: The faultfinding point of the NTC quoting again and again of the misread article of RCN, Dt.30th September 2007, slicing out an incomplete sentence sequence, “There is no Rongmei’s land in Peren district till date” to be one reason picked to pull down the rights of recognition of the Rongmei. It is to justly clarify here that, the intention of the point was to state the fact that, the Rongmei people did not forcefully claim or posses an inch of land in Peren District or for that matter never created problems on land issue till date. It does not meant that the Rongmei don’t own a landed property in the present Peren district. The question of Sema and Angami recognized in the state of Manipur is very much a matter and reference to the present conflict. The question of enjoyed or not/ claim or not the facilities by members of said communities does not mattered here.

Because the NTC could neither produce nor justify with any evidence whether the said members of the said communities were aggrieved or deprived in the state or being rejected by

fellow Naga communities living there? The NTC has rightly said, that, the Govt. notification dt 28/04/1977 is without bias. In the said order, there is nothing sort of dual indigenous Naga tribal status given. The presumption of NTC pertaining to the Rongmei citizen of the other states would threaten the facility taking the name of those duly recognized members of the Rongmei in the state is undesirable outcry of the NTC. The RCN sincerely and heartily appeal to the NTC leaders/members not to be apprehensive over such unfounded speculation. The genuine pride being focused by NTC as Published on 21st August 2014, Morung Expressed Quote, “NTC takes pride to state that till date all Nagas hailing from different states and region enjoy equal Naga tribal status without any discrimination or distinction within the state of Nagaland”. Notwithstanding the fact stated above, the NTC is reflecting wrong views/paradoxical perception against their own focused view. Quote, “The NTC is of the view that an individual member of a particular tribe having immovable property or having resided in the state over a considerable length of time does not qualify his whole tribe to be recognized as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland. Here the NTC wrongly perceives that the RCN is claiming the whole residents of Rongmei communities in the state of Nagaland, to be accommodated within the ambit of 1313 recognized by the Govt. of Nagaland. Such misapprehension, overtone or wrong connotation may needlessly provoke the Rongmei people that may create undue or unwarranted incidence or situation. Moreover, it will be wise on the part of NTC to avoid fingering to minority groups of communities particularly to Rongmeis of Nagaland, restraining/restricting their rightful claim. The last para, conclusion of the NTC Response (Ibid) mentioned, in which the NTC attempt to address the tribal recognition, complications, blunders, distrusts, bitterness and hatred out of the issue that has taken place” sounds otherwise and self reflecting. Here we appeals the leaders of the NTC to think on the other side of the coin as well and try to sort out our differences that seems to divides us on the issue of tribal recognition.

In the process of which, many needless complications, bitterness and hatred may tend us to fall short of the glory of the Naga common aspiration to live together as a people. Let us walk out from these petty things together through creative and positive talk on mutual basis of reasoning and understanding.

Let us come out together committed to work for the greater interest of the common Naga cause on mutual trust and integrity for peace and harmony to prevail in the land.

James Akham President, RCN

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Friday 25 April 2014

Dimapur

5

Public SPace

I

Finding our lives

have never managed to see the movie The Help right from the beginning. Every time, I switch on the television just to take a small break or gainfully utilize my time while I’m eating, folding washed and dried clothes, doing up the cupboard, etc., or to catch up on the news, I get around to watching The Help midway. So I know how the movie ends but not how it begins. And nothing can be more frustrating than not knowing why the movies ended thus. So, beginnings are important ~ there are no endings without beginnings ~ but without know the beginnings, the endings provide only an incomplete knowledge.

Today, the tribe of women writers in the Northeast is increasing at the speed of light and it must really make you wonder why, considering that women were grudgingly allowed to acquire education so much later than men in this region. Come on, we all have

Grandmothers who were/ are so much more intelligent, smarter and shrewder than our Grandfathers but because girls had to stay home and learn how to be “good” wives, Mothers and home-makers, girls of our Grandmothers, even our Mothers’, generations were prevented from acquiring formal education unlike our grandfathers and fathers. But things haven’t really changed because even a cursory look at school enrolment, the dropout rates and even the literacy rate of girls/women vis-à-vis boys/men, girls still remain excluded from education for reasons that can best be explained as patriarchal. Some explain this sorry situation as “economic” factors but that is looking at the mirror, which is covered by thick, ineffaceable layers of grime ~ and this thick, ineffaceable layers of grime is patriarchy ~ a very prominent and unmistakable characteristic of the Northeast.

True, the Northeast has one of the highest literacy rates in the country today and our girls are so much more ahead of our boys academically and educationally. This didn’t happen because girls in the region had equal opportunities and a level playing field. This happened because girls here didn’t have equal opportunities and a level playing field.

We had to struggle and strive a hundred times more than our brothers to be where we are, and then to overtake them. Of course, it greatly helped that we were blessed with the intelligence, the will, wisdom and the strength to win in any unequal race. What also greatly helped is our realization that if we didn’t acquire education and made something of ourselves, we would spend the rest of our days “making” homes, only to be insecure and imprisoned within them.

So we had, and still have, our stories to tell ~ to mo-

tivate and inspire our daughters ~ about the few options we had in life ~ the few options our daughters and their daughters will also have, unless they too tell their stories thereby motivate and inspire society and state to accept and include women and girls as full-fledged human beings, as persons with independent minds and aspiring hearts, in the community of humankind.

This I believe is the reason why women writers in the Northeast struggle and strive to record, to document and to be heard. This is why I write. And I must say we have made quite a dent in our otherwise obtuse society and states, which continue to believe that we have nothing to say and we have no stories apart from the stories wherein only our men play the lead role. Ah, but even as the victims, we know that we are the lead role players in all stories of the human society.

But we don’t always

write about our victimhood.

We also write about our triumphs, our joys, amusements, foibles, idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, weaknesses, pettiness, shortcomings and of course, our loves, our lusts and hates.

We have discovered that writing provides us the platform to be totally human without being malicious and to laugh at ourselves. Then again, we don’t always write about ourselves, we also write about numerous issues that are not necessarily gender-centric. I write editorials six days a week on all issues under the sun, I devote only one editorial to women and gender issues in a week. My poetry isn’t all about women and gender issues, or my short stories ~ I have to seriously consider publishing them one of these days.

So yes, all women writers in the Northeast are not obsessed with only one issue.

We have an increasing number of Northeast women writers

Monalisa Changkija writing tomes on history, literature, economics, environment, ethnicity, identity ~ the list is inexhaustible. Therefore, it is not surprising that not all Northeast women writers like to be bracketed as Feminists because not all are. All of us also don’t write only about the Northeast. Our writings also comprise of well-researched commentaries on issues that are universal. So yes, women writers of the Northeast, wherever we live, have successfully broken free of, and from, the walls of geographical, cultural and communal parochialism.

Women writers of the Northeast have entered the world of universalism hence today we are more well-known than our male writers. This naturally also underscores the superiority of the quality of our writings. But ultimately what really matters is that a writer, male or female, must have something to say and make the world listen to it. So

yes, coming back to The Help, I couldn’t help but empathize and identify with the “Helps”.

In so many ways, Northeast women writers are the “Helps”.

In so many ways, we have also imbibed the lesson: “You is kind, You is Smart and You is Important”, (this is what a Black Help teaches her young White ward), which has also helped us to find our lives.

So, at the end of the movie, the two main Black Helps encourage the young White girl to go to New York and take up her job in a publishing house thus “Go find your life, Miss Skeeter”.

You know, women writers of the Northeast are finding our lives by writing and now it is our turn to tell our young ones, no less our societies and communities, to “go find our lives”. This alone would make our endeavours in the realm of writing worthwhile.

(Courtesy: northeastreview.com, April 14, 2014)

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.

MEx FILE ‘customary laws will continue Electrical Division to play an important role’ Dimapur informs of power cut today Our Correspondent Tseminyu | April 24

Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Deputy Speaker Er. Levi Rengma today asserted that it is an established fact that customary laws shall continue and shall have to continue to play a very important role in the administration of civil and criminal justice in Naga society.

He stated that GBs as grass root level leaders have an important role to play for the welfare and good of the society.

“I would like to remind you that to deliver justice and good administration you have to be kept in mind and always remember that if you want people to respect your decisions, you must be selfless and sacrifice for the sake of justice,” he said, while addressing the general meeting of the Rengma GBs’ Association here this morning.

He said that to do that they must be honest, sincere and that integrity should be their foremost daily guideline.

He also informed that

GBs must know the customary laws and practices of our forefather and apply those customary practices in “our present day to day life along with present form of civil and criminal justice, as per the law of the land to deliver justice to the people.”

Earlier, Er. Levi released a book on “Rengma Customary Law and Practices” published by Rengma GBs Association.

Also speaking on the occasion, Tseminyu ADC Vikhweno was appreciative of the publication of the

book and expressed confidence that it would guide the future generation.

She also urged upon the GBs to know their duty and responsibility and at the same time to propagate their cultures and traditions to the younger generation.

GB Khillo Apon also spoke on the occasion.

RGBA ex- president Kegwanye Kent delivered the welcome address. The function was chaired by RGBA president Gwachung Chung while vote of thanks was proposed by Nyenlo Khing.

NPF Kohima Division ‘dumbfounded’ by allegations Youth leaders from various churches at the on-going KOHIMA, APRIL 24 Youth Ministry Refresher Course being held at Shalom (MExN): The NPF Kohima Bible Seminary, Zubza, with resource person Jacob Division said it was dumbIsaac, Kerygma (Bangalore).

ED inaugurates new ramp for differently abled KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): The newly constructed ramp in the Evaluation Directorate office building, Kohima, to facilitate access for differently abled persons was inaugurated by HK Khulu, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, April 24. The chief guest, in his speech, said that the project sends positive signals and conveys the message that “We Care.” Simultaneously inaugurating the capacity building programme for officers and

staff of the Directorate, he advised the officials to develop work culture and perseverance, to be consistent in their endeavours and to be positive in attitude. He reminded them that everyone can contribute in one’s own small ways. Pastor A. Chuba of KABA dedicated the ramp. The programme was chaired by W. Chubala, Joint Director, welcome address was delivered by Kevileno Angami, Director, and vote of thanks was proposed by Shinito Sema, Deputy Director.

founded by the “immature statement and allegations” made by Congress and INC candidate for Lok Sabha Election 2014, KV Pusa.

A press release from Vitsorel Lcho, Legal Advisor,

and, Theyiekielie Tachü, President, NPF Kohima Division, reminded the state Congress party that on April 10, the three-member Scrutiny Committee for LS Polls in Nagaland, which include Returning Officer and the two General Observers deputed by the Election Com-

mission had scrutinized documents and reports provided by the Presiding Officers and Micro Observers, which were duly counter signed by the Polling Agents of the respective candidates.

“There is not an iota of truth that NPF Ministers and

Parliamentary Secretaries were indulged in malpractice on the poll day in their respective assembly constituencies because it is under the NPF-led DAN government that Nagaland has been witnessing most peaceful, free and fair elections,” NPF Kohima Division stated.

Model United Nations Workshop held at Kohima KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): 80 young leaders aged between 15 to 21 years were selected from different districts of Nagaland for a 3 day Model United Nations Workshop from April 2224 organised by North East India International Model United Nations (NEIMUN).

Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations with the aim to

train and teach young leaders on international affairs, public speaking, diplomacy, conflict resolutions etc.

This Model UN Workshop is a follow up to the NEIMUN Conference held last year in Kohima introducing young leaders to the concept of Model United Nations and how to start Model UN clubs in schools and colleges. NEIMUN will be hosting Model

UN Workshops in Churachandpur, Manipur, Guwahati, Shillong, and Dimapur, within the next 4 weeks.

The students also joined the rest of the United Nations community in observing the World Earth Day on the 22nd of April through a signature campaign, writing personal pledges to protect mother earth. One pledge reads “play less games,

plant more trees”.

NEIMUN is now recruiting delegates for Indian International Model United Nations, Mumbai, and Harvard Model UN, Hyderabad to be held in August 2014. These conferences are open to students between the ages of 15- 23 years. Interested students can write to northeastindiamun@gmail.com.

'Increase in crimes against women alarming' DIMAPUR , APRIL 24(MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women has condemned the heinous rape of a 5 year old girl at Kohima by one Povetso on April 13 and the murder of Tsamungtsi on April 17 by unknown persons at Dimapur. NSCW also extended its deepest sympathy to the victims of these atrocities and their families.

The Commission urged

the concerned authorities to take prompt actions against the perpetrator and award the maximum punishment possible under the law.

“The increase in the number of crimes/atrocities against women in Nagaland is truly alarming and every right-thinking Naga must take a pro-active stand towards rooting out this evil from Naga society, which at one time was

considered to be protectors of their women-folk,” NSCW stated.

“It is indeed time for us to introspect and work unitedly, both men and women, to strengthen existing systems and introduce speedier modes of punishing the perpetrators so that Naga women can live and feel safe in their own social environments,” the state commission for women stated.

New District Hospital for Longleng LONGLENG, APRIL 24 (DIPR): Minister Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Imkong L. Imchen, along with Minister Industries & Commerce, S. Pangnyu Phom, Principal Director Health & Family Welfare, Dr Neiphi Kire, Director Health & Family Welfare, Dr G. Kemp, Addl. Director, Dr A. Sukhato and other Officials from Kohima, visited Longleng district on April 22 in order

to locate a new site for construction of District Hospital Longleng and visited the existing District Hospital.

Minister of Health & Family Welfare promised to fulfill the grievance faced at present like, Electrification for X-ray Machines, water supply, toilet facilities in the hospital. A meeting with the doctors and nurses under CMO and Medical Superintendent establishment Long-

leng was conducted at Medical Superintendent's office chamber where the minister encouraged the doctors & nurses for their dedication to serve the people. Lastly a meeting was also conducted with public leaders from Longleng area at PBCA hall and Medical Minister assured the public that New District hospital construction project will be taken during the next financial year.

DIMAPUR, APRIL 24 (MExN): The office of the Executive Engineer, Dimapur Electrical Division, has informed that due to maintenance of 33 KV Transmission line Metha Feeder and Industrial Feeder, the area which falls under SDO(E) sub-division No. I and No. III, Dimapur, will be under shut down on April 25 from 6 am to 1 pm. A press note from Er Moameren, Executive Engineer, Dimapur Electrical Division, has requested consumers to bear the inconveniences.

Free Anti-Rabies Vaccination Camp DIMAPUR, APRIL 24 (MExN): Animal Concern is organizing a free anti-rabies vaccination camp on April 26 as part of their Social Responsibility Programme. A press note from Dr M. I. Imchen, Visiting Specialist Consultant, has informed those interested to contact the reception at 9089245468. The camp will be at Animal Concern, Near Zinyu Gas Service, Circular Road, Dimapur, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

KLH to convene KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): The general meeting of the Kohima Longsa Hoho (KLH) (Wokha District) will convene on April 26 at 1 pm at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, Raj Bhavan Road, Kohima. A press release from its vice chairman Rhyuzamo Ezung requested all the bonafide members of the Kohima Longsa Hoho to attend the said meeting.

CWAK general session on April 26 KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): The Chesezu Welfare Association Kohima (CWAK) is going to organize its 36th General Session cum picnic under the theme, “Together We Stand “, on April 26 at Kigwema Ground at 10 am. Director for School Education, Nagaland, Zaveyi Nyekha will grace the occasion as chief guest. Ex MLA Nuzota Swuro will also give an exhortation. A press release issued by its Chairman, Yota Swuro, has extended invitation to all members residing in and around Kohima and well wishers to grace the general session. The formal programme will be followed by an “entertainment hour.” It was further informed that transportation will be arranged between High School Junction to Kigwema Ground on the occasion, starting at High School Junction at 8 am, Tinpati at 8:10 am, Razhu Point at 8: 20 am, and PHQ Point at 8:30 am.

Kiyaneilie to attend Commonwealth’s Executive Committee Meet DIMAPUR, APRIL 24 (MExN): Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister Social Welfare, and Executive Member, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) representing India Region, will attend the Mid Year Executive Committee Meeting which will be held at St. James Court, London, UK, from April 28 to May 1.

PCRC to dedicate new church building KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): The Peniel Christian Revival Church, Billy Graham Road, Kohima, will be dedicating its New Church building on April 27 at 10:00 am. A press note informed that Rev Dr Neikeduozo Paphino, President of NCRC, has consented to dedicate the Church for the “Glory of God.” Reverends and Pastors (license holders) are requested to bring their own gowns on the dedication service programme.

KBC organizes evangelistic youth camp

Members of the Purana Bazaar Village Council are seen with seized liquor worth Rs 3 Lakhs. Members of the council, with assistance from the administration, raided several shops under Purana Bazaar jurisdiction and seized a large amount of assorted liquor.

Workshop on Measles held in Zunheboto ZUNHEBOTO, APRIL 24 (DIPR): A one day District Measles Surveillance Workshop was held at Youth Hall, Zunheboto, on April 22.

Dr Sheila Longkumer, SMO- WHO, was the main resource person. In her keynote address and

powerpoint presentation mentioned about the basic Measles Epidemiology and general principles of surveillance its objectives and system, data analysis and epidemiological calculations.

Dr Alemwabang Aier, DPO (RCH & UIP) & DSO

(IDSP), emphasized about the objectives of the workshop. He also elaborated about the operational aspects of measles surveillance. The workshop was attended by SMO's, MO's, BPM's, nurses and ASHA cocoordinators of the blocks.

KOHIMA, APRIL 24 (MExN): An Evangelistic Youth Camp was organized by the Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC), Kohima. A press note informed that the three day camp was held under the theme “…..knowledge puffs, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). It was held from April 17 to 22 at the Church Prayer Centre, Tsiesema. Speaking on the theme, Rev Zotuo Kiewhuo, Senior Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church, stressed on the need to have a strong relationship with God. “All knowledge that you have gained should draw you closer to God and knowledge without God leads us to a false way so you should look at Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith,” he added. Medotseilieü Kiewhuo, Assistant Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church, and Neibalie Kiewhuo, Assistant Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church, also spoke during the programme. Altogether 194 campers attended the programme. On the last day of the camp, 21 youngsters were given baptism. Lhouzakie Rutsa, Deacon, was the camp director, while Praise and worship was led by Mhalevilie Yongo and friends.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express FrIDAy 25 APrIl 2014 volumE IX IssuE 111

Along Longkumer Consulting Editor

Wisdom to build the future

A

few weeks back tributes had poured in for our departed leader Scato Swu, a former President of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and later a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Nagaland. One of the tributes that really stood out was the one given by General Thinoselie M Keyho, a former comrade-in-arms of Late Scato. While acknowledging the contribution and sacrifice of those who led the Naga National Movement, the tribute has also provided an insight into what needs to be done to keep alive the historical and political rights as also the unity of the Nagas. We need to encourage one another with wisdom, whether it comes from the word of God or our own human experiences. If we can learn to apply such wisdom/s while dealing with our state of affairs, the outcome would be much better than the predicament we are faced with at present, whether in our social or political life.

This column would like to recap what General Thinoselie shared in his glowing tribute to Scato Swu: “At a time like this when we take stock of ourselves and our history Nagas must ask ourselves what is required from each one of us if the right we have claimed and sacrificed for will not perish because of our failure to be a responsible people”. General Thinoselie has also touched upon a sensitive, difficult yet important issue that talk of past hurts and the need to reconcile. It’s never too late to seek or ask for forgiveness in order that true reconciliation takes place. It takes courage to say sorry and to condemn what is wrong, irrespective of which side you are on. We should welcome the courage and humility of those who are willing to truly repent and say ‘I am sorry…please forgive me for the wrong or hurt I have done…’ When we do this, it will “help restore what might have gone wrong”, as Thinoselie said in his tribute to Scato Swu. Coming to some of the other points laid out in his tribute, Gen Thinoselie shares about what could possibly be, according to this column, a framework or a kind of road map towards peace and reconciliation in the present Naga context. Not everyone may agree with his assessment of the Shillong Accord but the point really is that the Naga struggle must be restored and united under ‘one government, one tax’. Further division and growing factionalism will never solve the problem or even restore the rights of the Naga people.

Gen Thinoselie has also shared with us about what he described as ‘Tenimyie wisdom’ inherited from our past, which says that “the future that is yet to come is more important than the past that has gone.” In other words, “the lessons from the past are important for us to learn to use to build the future”. As rightly mentioned by him, all of us need to give proper attention to this wisdom.

We can start by doing the simple yet profound things in life such as to let go of our pride and to embrace humility, learning to forgive as we seek the same from others and to have a willing spirit to change for a better future. The time is not far when the Naga national movement could well lose all credibility and even become irrelevant in a fast changing world. It does not require rocket science to decipher the writing on the wall. The masses are getting disillusioned and losing patience. It is time to move on even if it is little by little, step by step. We can do so by becoming wise and to dedicate our political mission to God. (Feedback can be send to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

David Bauder AP Television Writer

Discovery to chronicle Mt. Everest avalanche

W

ith its dreams of televising a daredevil's attempt to jump off Mount Everest over, the Discovery network said Tuesday it will instead make a documentary on last week's avalanche that killed more than a dozen mountain guides.

Discovery President Eileen O'Neill said the network hopes to air the film within the next few weeks. Discovery will encourage viewers to donate to a relief fund for families of the Sherpa guides killed in Everest's most deadly disaster. "It gives us a sense of responsibility because we are there and have the resources and wherewithal to tell the story," O'Neill said. "We want to have the right tribute." Several of the Sherpas killed were helping prepare for American Joby Ogwyn's planned jump from the summit in a wingsuit. Discovery planned to show the stunt on television worldwide on May 11. Thirteen bodies were recovered from the avalanche at the mountain's treacherous Khumbu Icefall, with three people still missing.

Ogwyn said in an interview Tuesday that while he agreed with the decision to end his project, he hopes to jump off Everest sometime in the future. Sherpa teams were preparing the climb for several expeditions, including Ogwyn's team and employees of Peacock Productions, the NBC-affiliated firm that was producing Discovery's telecast. Discovery announced on Sunday, two days after the avalanche, that it was abandoning the attempted jump.

Discovery pulled the plug both out of sensitivity toward the Sherpa community and an inability to assess the stability of the mountain post-avalanche, O'Neill said. "The success rate of such an ambitious project that needed to have everything go right was greatly compromised," she said. "It was a collection of issues that really gave us no choice."

A climb to the summit probably would have been impossible even if Discovery had wanted to go forward: Most surviving Sherpa guides have since decided to leave Everest.

Considering the climbing season at the world's highest peak is generally confined to May because of weather, that will severely curtail expeditions. There was some initial confusion about whether Ogwyn was onboard with Discovery's decision. He tweeted on Sunday, before the cancellation was announced, that "today is a brighter day. We are staying on the mountain to honor our friends and complete our project."

Ogwyn said he was simply trying to set an example by showing a positive attitude to his expedition team and the Sherpas. "I just wanted to support them," he said. "If my message was interpreted in a different way, that was not my intention."

Ogwyn said conditions on Everest were more dangerous this year than he had seen in the past. He heard and witnessed the avalanche and didn't think it was that bad at first, because he had witnessed avalanches there that were louder and dislodged more ice and snow. He remained on the mountain to help in the recovery effort for the bodies. Ogwyn said he'll also participate in Discovery's documentary, and he wants it to tell the story of Sherpas and how they are essential to Everest climbs.

O'Neill wouldn't say how much Discovery had paid for the mission, which the network hoped would be a big ratingsgrabber along the lines of Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon. Making a documentary on the disaster would allow the network to recoup some of its investment.

Ogwyn is not abandoning his goal of being the first person to jump off the top of the world. "I'm not the sort of person who is deterred by obstacles and hurdles in achieving my dreams and I fully intend on coming back very soon," he said. "I'm not sure how exactly, but I would very much like to complete my project."

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

S Thianlalmuan Ngaihte Economic & Political Weekly

The Battle for Ballot in North East

I

n the run-up to the 16th Lok Sabha elections, north-east (NE) India has attracted attention of political parties. The region has witnessed a flurry of political activity with the visit of Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi, star campaigners of the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), respectively. In addition to this, the Trinamool Congress and other regional parties have also campaigned extensively in the region. The main reason why NE has become one of the battlegrounds of elections 2014 is the expected fractured verdict with no single party-getting majority to form the government at the centre on their own; hence, there is a compulsion to woo friends/voters/ partners in this era of coalition politics. All together, the region sends 25 members to the Lok Sabha.

At the all India level, the BJP is projected to emerge as the single largest party, while the opinion polls predict the worst ever performance by the Congress.

In the NE context, though there are a number of political parties contesting the elections, the main battle is going to be fought between the Congress and the BJP. Some believe that there will be a pan-NE commonality in voter choice. This perception arises mainly because of two reasons. Firstly, in spite of the projected gloomy outcome for the Congress party in the rest of India, this time again, the Congress will emerge as the single largest party in the region, which has traditionally been its stronghold. Out of the seven states in the NE, the Congress rules five states. Secondly, the BJP is expected to make inroads into the region because of the “Modi wave” and the projected defeat of the Congress party. Though the BJP has minimal presence in the region, and Modi is a new face here, the “Modi wave” is on full display and has attracted a large number of people.

While there is some truth in each of the propositions made above, these do not fully explain the underlying issues, forces and players on the ground.

The questions are, will the so-called “Modi wave” work magic and translate into “numbers” in the NE? Will the Congress be able to defend its strength in the NE? Though both parties have raked up issues that are central to the NE, do people really believe in their rhetoric? What are the issues that really matter to people of the region? This calls for an understanding of the issues and players in the battle for ballot in NE India in order to comprehend the likely outcome of elections 2014 in the region.

On Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi Both have come and campaigned, but who will really conquer the region will only be known in a while. Both struck the right chord in addressing issues that are central to the region, and yet both failed to address pertinent issues like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, fake encounters, human rights violation etc.

Modi talked about neglect of the region, unemployment and failure of the Congress government to check corruption and inflation under its rule. Surrounded by much hype, the BJP prime ministerial candidate attracted a huge gathering and addressed his audience with confidence. His campaign in the region boosted the morale of BJP workers and supporters. Modi’s agenda may have attracted the middle class, business groups and unemployed youth, but the magic may not work on the disadvantaged rural masses.

BJP’s Modi may have also captured the hearts of a section of the Hindu community in the region, but his chance of getting votes from the minority community is slim. The notion “Modi wave” was rejected both by the Congress and the CPI (M). Tarun Gogoi, chief minister of Assam, asserted that there is no such thing as Modi magic, but only Tarun Gogoi magic in Assam.

Manik Sarkar, Tripura chief Minister and CPI-(M) politburo member, said, “In reality there is no Modi wave in the country. It is actually the creation of the corporate media”. (Agencies, The Sangai Express: 2014) The Congress party finds itself at the bottom of the popularity chart because of rampant corruption and inflation during its rule. Moreover, Rahul Gandhi has been unable to generate something akin to a “Modi wave”. Nevertheless, the Congress is not at a disadvantaged position so far as the NE region is concerned. The ruling party has usually captured majority of the parliamentary seats in the states of the region. This really gives the Congress an edge.

Moreover, the Congress will also stand to gain from UPA’s 80 centrally sponsored schemes/policies, which have benefited the poor and the underprivi-

W

hat V. More (name changed), a tourist from Mumbai, was fantasizing about was soft, feminine hands kneading his shoulderblades and his back, slick with aromatic oil.

Instead, what the 27-year-old tourist, one of many thousand single visitors blinded by Goa's cheap booze, drugs and sunbathing white women, got were a few tight slaps and punches to the ear and stomach from a roughneck fraud massage parlour operator in Mapusa, a town located 15 km north of Panaji. "We were hanging out on the beach when a young boy came to us and offered us a full massage for Rs.2,000. We bargained for Rs.1,500 per head. We were seven of us," More told IANS. More and his friends perhaps thought they had lucked out on their Goa trip. A promise of a "full massage" in Goa's coastal belt more often than not translates into a covert sexual proposition or at least a "happy ending" for the many groups of single male domestic tourists who form a large component in Goa's tourism arrival figure. The state attracted three million tourists last year alone.

More insists that it was only a massage and not sex that he was after.

But the shock he and his group got, when they actually reached the massage parlour, was one that could put them off random massage quests for some time. "We were told to shell

In all likelihood, the so called “Modi wave” will not dent the Congress party’s prospects in north-east India, its stronghold. Though there are a number of political parties contesting the elections in the region, the main battle is going to be fought between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. In the current scenario, the hypothesis that there will be a pan-NE commonality in voter choice stands irrelevant with the presence of diverse issues and multiple players

election in certain states of the region is well-known.

This time, an interesting development which has taken place is that militant groups who are party to the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the state and central Government exercised their franchise in the election. “The government has issued strict instruction to the SoO groups that headcount will be conducted on the designated camps prior and after the polling day” (Our Correspondent, The Sangai Express 2014). A militant group, party to the SoO, openly declared their support for the Congress candidate in the outer Manipur parliamentary constituency. This evoked reactions from the NPF and the BJP, and they accused the Congress of colluding with militant outfits.

Though the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) has not openly declared its support to anyone, the Congress criticised them for campaigning for the NPF candidate in the region. There was even a news report of booths being leged (Indian Express: 2014). Rahul Gandhi is no captured by militant groups in Manipur (Our staff restranger to the people of the region, while Modi is, by porter, the Sangai Express: 2014). and large, a new comer.

A Likely Scenario On the issue of communalism, both the Congress Arunachal Pradesh, considered a Congress bastion, and the BJP have been accusing each other of playing will face a tough battle between the Congress and the the communal card. However, north-easterners are BJP. The BJP is believed to have reopened its account not so comfortable with the BJP backed by the Rash- in the state. The Congress and the BJP’s chance of maktriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its Hindutva ing inroads into Tripura and Sikkim are nil. The ruling stance. Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, a Hin- CPI (M) is projected to retain the two seats in Tripura, du himself, remarked, “BJP is Hindu-centric…should and in Sikkim, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front has not be allowed to take roots on the soil of Manipur a strong hold over the state. In Mizoram, though the rather they should be uprooted from all over the plan- Congress faces a tough battle from United Democratic et” (Our Staff Reporter, The Sangai Express: 2014).

Front, the party is still the favourite in the state.

On Racism and Discrimination In terms of rhetoric, both the Congress and BJP did not shy away from raising issues of racism and discrimination in their campaigns. Rahul asserted that the death of Nido Tania on 29 January 2014 underscored mainland India's antipathy towards people from the region. He said that every Indian should enjoy equal privileges in every state of the country.

Echoing popular sentiment of the people, he said that the Congress is committed to root out racial discrimination in the country, and all northeastern states did not deserve to feel neglected in other parts of the country (Times of India: 2014).

In a similar vein, Modi also talked about the grievances of the NE people in Indian metropolitan cities and called attacks on north-eastern people as a “national shame”. Modi blamed the Congress government for the suffering of NE people in Indian metropolitan cities (Sharma: 2014). Whose rhetoric will sweep the ballot box, will be seen shortly.

On Territorial Integrity and Naga Issue Another central issue of elections 2014 in the NE is “territorial integrity” of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh vis-à-vis the settlement of the Naga issue. This issue occupies a central stage because of Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio “tactical” move to contest the lone seat in Nagaland on Naga People’s Front (NPF) ticket. He is a consensus candidate of the ruling Democcratic Alliance of Nagaland, which comprises NPF, BJP and JD (U). Though the NPF’s chance of winning in Nagaland is high, their prospect is slim in the neighbouring states. Even then, Rio’s campaign highlighting the Naga issue had ripple effects in the region. The Congress believes that there is a hidden agenda behind Rio’s move. It is reported that Rio has been assured a cabinet berth by the BJP if the NDA comes to power.

How far a lone MP from Nagaland be able to push the Naga issue in Parliament, is a matter of speculation. Nevertheless, we have to remember that it was the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government that had acknowledged the “unique history of the Nagas” and extended the ceasefire agreement “without territorial limits” in June 2001.

The NPF stand has been strongly countered by the “territorial integrity” campaign of the Congress which is in power in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Also, the NPF has faced criticism from the local Congress party members in Nagaland who blame NPF of being communal by accepting communal forces as their high command.

Assam, which sends the largest number of MPs from the region (14 members), will see a close fight between the Congress and the BJP. The Congress is confident of getting the largest number of seats in the state. On the other hand, the BJP is expecting that the “Modi wave” would prove to be a game changer in Assam. They believe that the party’s emphasis on development, good governance and national security would really improve its prospects in the state.

However in contrast to the BJP’s expectation, some opinion polls show the Congress getting the largest number of seats in Assam, followed by the BJP. This is due to the Congress’s strong presence in the state.

When burning issues like immigration and conflict confront the region, it is very likely that there will be polarisation of votes on community lines. This is true for the case of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland.

In Meghalaya, the National People’s Party (NPP) is facing tough competition from the ruling Congress party for the Tura seat. For the Shillong seat, the Congress candidate faced a formidable opponent from United Democratic Party. Playing on the sentiment of the Garo people, NPP candidate, Purno Agitok Sangma banks on the issue of Garoland. Writing about the Shillong parliamentary constituency, Fabian Lyngdoh wrote, “People had seen the political behaviour of Paul Lyngdoh (of United Democratic Party), and they had observed the performance of Vincent H Pala (sitting Congress MP). They now think that Pastor Basaiawmoit (independent candidate) might be a better choice; since he is a Church leader he might be able to do some justice. But still others feel that once a person enters into this kind of politics, be he a Human or an Angel, he would end up wearing a new cloak befitting the course” (Lyngdoh 2014).

Conclusions Seeing the diversity of issues prevailing in the region and the presence of multiple players, the hypothesis that there will be a pan-NE commonality in voter choice stands irrelevant. People’s perception and choice of candidates differ from state to state and context to context. The BJP may see its number rise, yet, it is the Congress party with five states under its belt which will capture the maximum seats.

Moreover, some regional parties of the region are expected to be successful too.

The importance accorded to NE by political parties of the country is expected to bridge the psychological gap between the region and the rest of India. It is hoped that the region will continue to be important for the nation and not just only at the time of elections. Ultimately, what matter to the people of the region whether the Role of Armed Militants in Elections “promises” made by the parties are kept Or, will they Militant groups’ interference with the election just remain as a rhetoric to hoodwink the voters. process is not new in the NE. The influences that S Thianlalmuan Ngaihte is an independent researcher based in Shillong armed groups have in determining the outcome of

sex, lies and Goa's massage parlours Mayabhushan Nagvenkar IANS out more money. We refused because The image of Goa Tourism has alwe had already paid Rs.1,500 each up ready suffered a beating because of front. When we refused they ordered the proliferation of prostitution as well this bouncer to come and threatened as illegal massage parlours here. The to beat us up," More said.

Goa government's efforts to register While the ignominy of initially strik- massage parlours with the health auing a deal with a shady massage par- thorities a few years ago has not found lour would discourage most conned many takers. The increasing number of would-be patrons from complaining hoardings, posters and lurid classified to the police, More and his friends ap- ads in local newspapers indicate that proached the Mapusa police station massage parlours have, in fact, bloswith the help of a local somed over time. contact.

According to a report Their complaint recompiled by local NGO sulted in the arrest of Arz, women from as one Savio D'Souza, who many as 18 states across ran the massage parlour, under sec- India are trafficked into Goa's sex industions 384 (extortion) and 506 (threat- try, which also encompasses the many ening) of the Indian Penal Code. shady massage parlours used as a front by Over the last couple of years, sev- the prostitution mafia. eral groups of tourists, especially those The facade of one such massage cruising the famous Calangute beach parlour visited by this correspondent stretch, have been duped by pimps, had innocuous posters promising who first offer massage and sex ser- ayurvedic massages. Inside however, vices and then beat up the tourists af- the decor wasn't as spic and span, with ter relieving them of their money. The small plywood partitioned cubicles police are rarely informed. with a table each, giving the setup a sex

wRiTE-wiNg

sweat-shop-like appearance.

The pimp who led me to the parlour located in Porvorim, a capital suburb, quoted staggered prices for services.

The lowest for a massage was a middle of the range quote for a handshake - slang for a tug-job after a massage - and the top-end price was for fullblown intercourse. The prices varied from Rs.500 to Rs.3,000.

"I provide clients to two parlours.

We have northeastern girls, young Punjabis, smart college educated girls... But foreign masseuses will cost you double the amount," claimed the pimp, Rakesh, who also claims he's the first to introduce a "business innovation" to the industry in Goa - a "massage on wheels" service. "Our hafta to the police depends on the size of the operation and how many women we have on the premises. I offer massage service in a Tempo Traveller (a premium high-roofed mini van) on the move. It was high class interiors. The police do not know about it," he said.

While Goa boasts of working towards becoming a family and lifestyle tourism destination, the state has in reality struggled to shake off its reputation of being India's top sex and narcotics tourism destination.

And considering the proliferation of fake massage parlours and prostitution rackets, Goa's infamy as a sex tourism destination could soon be in peril (pun intended).

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

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

7 PERSPECTIVE Afghan media face Ukraine revolt shows faces, an uncertain future but whose are the brains? A

Friday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

25 April 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Olof Blomqvist

Vacheslav Ponomarev, center, leader of the pro-Russian gunmen, speaks on the phone after his news conference in Slovyansk, eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Alexander Ermochenko)

Alissa de Carbonnel and Aleksandar Vasovic reuters

O

ne is a dapper former croupier and promoter of Ponzi scams run by "Russia's Bernie Madoff"; the other is a burly Soviet Navy veteran turned soap factory boss, with a shifting gaze and a glint of gold teeth.

In an uprising whose calling cards are the Kalashnikov and the black balaclava, Denis Pushilin and Vyacheslav Ponomaryov have become the unmasked faces of the pro-Russian separatist movement in eastern Ukraine that has plunged Moscow and the West into their most ominous confrontation since the Cold War. But many in the Donetsk region, including officials who have negotiated with the activists, see the pair as mere fronts for brains behind the scenes: a "puppeteer" in the words of one local Ukrainian mediator; or Vladimir Putin in the eyes of Kiev, which says Russian special forces are orchestrating events.

Pushilin, a 32-year-old who won 77 votes when he ran for parliament a few months ago, emerged this month as leader of the self-styled People's Republic of Donetsk, occupying the regional governor's office in Ukraine's industrial heartland.

Well-pressed suits set him apart from his frumpy admirers and unwashed men in mismatched camouflage on the barricades, as he gives an articulate voice to widely held fears among Russian speakers; many despise the leaders in Kiev who overthrew Viktor Yanukovich, the Donetsk-born president, and want a vote on letting the industrial east follow Crimea into Russian hands. "There will be a referendum," is his mantra to small crowds who gather to hear him speak from a stage protected by walls of sandbags and truck tyres, topped with barbed wire.

'PEOPLE'S MAYOR' Ponomaryov, "people's mayor" of Slaviansk, a rustbelt city of 130,000 a two-hour drive north of Donetsk, cuts an altogether different figure. Middle-aged, he is much less comfortable around the media, often addressing the ground, his eyes shielded by a baseball cap, occasionally flashing those gold teeth. He is cagey about his Cold War military service and his business affairs, even his age, but shows greater authority over the gun-heavy separatists who have taken effective control of the entire city. Long feared by officialdom as a haven for crime gangs, Slaviansk looks like the military base camp for the pro-Russian political demands in other towns across the region.

Ponomaryov and Pushilin, who seem largely unacquainted with each other, deny taking orders from the Kremlin or liaising with Russian commandos, who the Ukrainian government and its U.S. and European allies suspect are active under cover, coordinating moves by locals to seize strategic objectives three weeks ago.

"There's not a single Russian soldier or an active member of Russian armed forces in the Slaviansk area, and no contact with Russian authorities, its state security services or military," Ponomaryov said - though he did broadcast an appeal to President Putin at the weekend

L

ove can flourish only as long as it is free and spontaneous; it tends to be killed by the thought of duty. To say that it is your duty to love so-and-so is the surest way to cause you to hate him or her.

-Bertrand Russell, Marriage and Morals The ongoing national polls in India have been one of the most acrimonious and telegenic battles over ideological righteousness, with political leaders, in the name of taking up the cudgels on behalf of the dispossessed, simultaneously ushering in a phenomenal erosion of decency and norms. The ongoing battle reached a new low when the Indian National Congress, one of the oldest political formations that traces its roots to India’s independence struggle, approached the Indian Election Commission through its senior leader, Kapil Sibal (who, incidentally, is the Union Law Minister), over the issue of the marital status of Narendra Modi. Mr. Sibal requested the Commission to take suitable action against the BJP leader for having concealed information and for not having furnished details about his marital status in the election affidavits filed by him in the past.

This development comes in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment and the new guidelines of the Election Commission of September 2013, which makes it mandatory for political candidates to provide complete details in their affidavits. Consequently, for the first time Mr. Modi has officially declared himself as a married man, which was already an open secret in Gujarati society.

The revelation of his wife’s name in an affidavit filed before the Election Commission, along with his nomination papers for Vadodara Lok Sabha seat, has opened a tinderbox of patriarchal bias, reinforcing the fact that women in India continue to

asking for Russian troops to protect the city from "fascists" after three of his men died in a gunfight.

The mayor says his own military career ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. He had served in a "special operations unit" of the Arcticbased Northern Fleet. In civilian life, he said, he ran a factory "and then I had my own company". "Now I own another company," he said. "It produces soap."

For a small businessman, he commands considerable respect among many of the armed men manning checkpoints around the city - some 2,500, he reckons - including men Ponomaryov calls "volunteers from Russia" and other former Soviet states.

Casually dressed in jeans, T-shirt and hoodie, reluctant to shake hands and missing two fingers - a sawmill accident, aides say - he growls at underlings in ripe, street language and moves between his bodyguards with a rolling, fighter's gait. Though he is elusive about the wider command structure in the region, he said: "We are maintaining contacts at all levels, with all towns and cities in the Donetsk Republic."

MASKED MEN Where Ponomaryov's authority seems less certain, however, is among the brisk, clearly professional soldiery concentrated at the headquarters of the SBU security service, men with better weapons and less of a line in chat for reporters or local kids.

It is these masked men, some sporting Cossack lambskin hats or unruly beards, who draw comparisons to the "little green men" who appeared in uniforms lacking insignia in Crimea last month - as if from Mars, if one believed Moscow's denials of involvement. Monitors from Europe's OSCE security body say they see signs of a Russian troop presence - but have no concrete evidence.

In Donetsk, a city of a million going about its business untroubled by the makeshift camp in the regional government building, the environment is much less military. Pushilin is no guerrilla commandante, though like Ponomaryov he also relates a personal journey to political action against the "Kiev junta" that he insists owes nothing to Moscow.

Born locally, he graduated in engineering. After military service, he drifted from security guard to casino croupier, ad man and candy salesman before promoting new financial products for famed fraudster Sergei Mavrodi - "the most honest man in the world", according to Pushilin. He ran for parliament for a party called MMM, a name notorious for the Ponzi pyramid schemes by which Mavrodi ruined thousands of Russian savers in the 1990s.

'PEOPLE'S SOVIET' He won less than 0.1 percent of the vote but was inspired to offer his services as "people's mouthpiece" after pro-Russian militants seized the regional government offices on April 6. He puts his rapid salesman's patter to use, holding court to reporters on the top floor of the Soviet-era tower and keeping fellow members of the "people's soviet" on-message - a roll of the eyes or a gesture silence those who stray from the script.

Democracy, he says, is the key. Pushing for a referendum on May 11 - though it is far from clear how any vote can be held - he says annexation by Russia is not a foregone conclusion: "The question will be sovereignty, 'yes or no," for Donetsk, he said. "Afterwards we will decide what is best for us: staying with Ukraine, becoming part of Russia, or whatever."

An attempt to seize power in Donetsk in early March fizzled and a previous "people's governor" is now in jail - explaining, aides say, why Pushilin shares out some responsibilities. Now, however, Ukraine's government seems paralysed by the uncertain loyalties and poor resources of forces on the ground - and by fear that any casualties may provoke Russian to step in.

Nonetheless, Ponomaryov and Pushilin do not look like masters of their own destiny. Some observers say that, as in Crimea, those in the spotlight have been drawn from the obscure wings of an existing pro-Russian political camp to speak lines dictated by Moscow and, perhaps, by powerful local interests. "They are well-known marginal forces ... that are now being used as functional figures to voice and represent the positions of the organisers of this separatist spectacle," said Volodymyr Kipen, a leading political analyst in Donetsk. "They have long been kept around to carry out the more radical work. "But now they have new owners outside the country."

Many, he said, had links with Yanukovich's now fragmented Party of Regions, which had its power base in Donetsk and was long bankrolled by leading business figures, including Ukraine's richest man, the region's coal and steel tycoon Rinat Akhmetov.

'SOME KIND OF PUPPETEER' Party of Regions official Alexei Granovsky, who has tried to negotiate with the overt separatist leaders for the regional council, said he did not believe they were not really in charge.

"There is some kind of puppeteer behind them - I don't know who," Granovsky said. "Someone is managing some of these people from outside ... They can't make decisions right away. They say, 'Let's go ask the people. We're only their mouthpiece.' It shows they can't make decisions. They need to check with someone." He also had the impression that some kind of gobetween was coordinating pro-Russian groups across the region: "The Donetsk People's Republic is not linked directly to Slaviansk. "That's a whole different vector - the military wing." Ukraine's SBU security service has named a lieutenant-colonel in Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, as well as a fugitive SBU officer who it says was a GRU spy, as having coordinated local militants in Crimea and now in Donetsk.

Pushilin, Ponoymaryov and others in smaller towns have yet to establish anything like the wider municipal authority seized by separatists in Crimea, though Slaviansk comes closest. In Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov - "Goblin" to his associates - traded obscurity and control of the local wrestling association into a spotlight role on the Kremlin podium alongside Putin.

The arrest of reporters and suspected Ukrainian nationalists in Slaviansk; an anti-Semitic leaflet in Donetsk that forced Pushilin into strenuous denials of involvement; and, this week, the murder of a local councillor that Kiev is blaming on Russia and Ponomaryov's men, have all raised concerns about a repeat of lawlessness seen in Crimea. There, Ukrainian speakers have been leaving and ethnic Tatars have complained of discrimination.

Many question whether Russian can, or even wants to any time soon, take over eastern Ukraine. Polls show deep disillusion with Kiev - a combination of fears about Ukrainian nationalists and long-standing disillusion after 23 years of corruption and decline as an independent state. But barely a third of people in Donetsk region say they would vote for annexation by Moscow.

Putin's critics see him trying to hold Kiev hostage to unrest in the east, preventing it from shutting out Russia and locking itself into the Western bloc. Moscow says it is not interfering but concerned for the welfare of Russianspeakers. Ponomaryov says he is in it for the long run, to defend his people against "fascists" he says seized power in Kiev: "We are on our home soil," he said. "We have given everyone a warning." Pushilin talks of a golden future for the Donetsk Republic, rising from the pungent chaos of the occupied governor's office. His last political manifesto called for abolishing interest on loans. Now, he says: "We are uniting for something, for the referendum, so we will build something big and bright."

When personal becomes political: matrimony and the political class R. Radhakrishnan Open Democracy be perceived and projected as symbols and carriers of community pride.

The public disclosure of the marital status provided ideal political ammunition for Mr. Modi’s detractors, who have sought to confront him over the alleged betrayal and desertion of his wife, thereby questioning his credentials for the post of Prime Minister, and over his electoral promises concerning the empowerment of Indian women.

What was missed by most of the detractors was the very futility of fossilizing the existence of two individuals who had amicably reconciled with the inevitability of tradition and patriarchy. The only ray of hope in this entire controversy seems to be their resolve to move ahead, notwithstanding their individual and community’s social location in a traditional society governed by a state which is confronted with modernity.

This is certainly an exception to the Great Indian Middle Class audience that continues to get baptized in the age-old Victorian morals and retains its adherence to eurocentric values through educational institutions bequeathed by its former British rulers that continue to operate as the ideological apparatus of the Indian state in present settings. The larger picture missed-Mr. Modi’s marital status--by telegenic political rivals in this otherwise short-lived brouhaha was an abdication of core issues

in confronting one’s political opponents.

The clarification provided by Mr. Modi's elder brother confirms the inevitability of certain social groups breaking free from the traditions embedded in their primordial identities, when they lack the requisite social capital and economic empowerment.

Since these issues date back to around five decades ago, the compulsion to adhere to such social norms was acute and social ostracism could have been the only logical conclusion for individuals and families not subscribing to community norms and interdependence. Moreover, the facts need to be analyzed in the context of Mr. Modi’s poor social stature and traditionally orthodox family background in his earlier days, before he undertook his political journey.

Interestingly, the fact that it was a marriage of minors and not of two consenting adults is selectively brushed aside in the media’s political discourse.

However, one could argue that the Supreme Court’s guidelines need to move further towards consonance with ‘modern times’ and to extract information from Indian political parties and their great leaders concerning their relations even outside the institution of marriage, and about children born both within and outside of wedlock, rather than seeking to emasculate them with general queries about their marital status.

The recent court ruling over the paternity suit against veteran former Congress leader ND Tiwari is a case in point. It has merely highlighted the duplicity practiced by the Indian political class since the Nehruvian years, unlike their French counterparts who have displayed enough grace to acknowledge their conduct in public. In the Indian scenario, it is easy to camouflage these types of transgressions for symbolic purposes behind the façade of the institution of marriage, which is protected by the predominant male patriarchy of the nation.

The BJP’s admonition of the Congress party’s scion over his personal comments on Modi’s marital status merely highlights what has continued to be perceived as an unwritten code. The open secret about the lives and the squabble within the Nehru-Gandhi family over the inheritance of legacy, dynasty and identity is suggestive of this code.

Such acts not only seek to reflect a lopsided understanding of the nation, but also clearly seek to reinforce traditional norms favouring the subjugation of Indian women. The political discourse of some political parties seeks to embed the conventional order that ensures the subordination of women and their objectification at the service of the male-driven social and political order.

Finally, what would have been the terms of reference for the political discourse, if the person in question had origins from society’s upper caste demographic? The present hullabaloo is clearly an unpleasant diversion from the core issues of Indian electoral politics. This development is certainly an open invitation to unravel more secrets of an increasingly bizarre kind and much more uncomfortable truths across the Indian political spectrum, causing more upheavals in the nation.

fghanistan’s vibrant and diverse media scene is often held up as one of the few real success stories of the post-invasion years. While the Taliban notoriously banned television, strung up video cassettes from trees and only allowed one radio station, there has been an explosion in independent media since 2001.

The growing maturity and importance o f the Afghan mediahas been evident over the past few months of campaigning for the 5 April presidential election. The coverage was breathless, around-the-clock and often both informative and critical. The candidates themselves were been forced to become more media savvy and open than in any previous vote. Recently, the largest private network ToloTV even hosted slick, western-style televised debates – the first ever held in the country.

But despite the many positives, there are dark clouds on the horizon for the Afghan media. Many outlets are dependent on international financing and fear what will happen if the aid money disappears. More worryingly, recent years have seen a growing pattern of government efforts to silence negative coverage. Officials have targeted critical journalists through legal harassment and attacks, and the administration has sought to tighten its control over independent media.

Since 2001, extremely lax licensing laws have meant that almost anyone with the means has been able to start an outlet. The state broadcaster Radio Television Afghanistan today competes with hundreds of radio and TV stations, print publications and online outlets, spread across the country and Afghanistan’s many languages. ToloTV is the most successful with its tens of millions of viewers, but many others, like the independent news agency Pajhwok, provide quality journalism under often very difficult conditions.

As violence has increased across Afghanistan over the past years, so have attacks against media workers. In Talibancontrolled areas, threats and beatings are facts of life for reporters, and there is little space for independent media. But it is not just insurgents targeting reporters – local officials and security forces have become more brazen in their attacks, in particular in the provinces outside the major cities.

Several emblematic cases last year highlighted the trend. In Badakshan province, policemen in April damaged the car of the owner of a local radio station after it had covered street protests against the local police. In July, a reporter with the Bokhdi news agency was allegedly badly beaten in a Kabul restaurant by a provincial governor, apparently because of an unfavourable book review. Videos of the bloodied journalist spread quickly on social media, causing widespread outrage.

The Afghan media watchdog Nai reported 56 violent incidents involving media workers in 2013, down slightly from 2012 but a significant increase from just a few years ago. According to Nai, security forces or government officials were the suspected attackers in more than half of the cases.

Equally worrying is that most of the violence has gone unpunished. Powerful individuals behind attacks are often able to pull strings to avoid prosecution in Afghanistan’s notoriously corrupt justice system. Last year, the newly-formed Afghanistan Journalists Center launched a campaign to highlight the near total impunity for attacks against media workers. Of the 23 targeted killings of journalists recorded over the past 20 years, perpetrators have only been held to account in two cases.

But Afghan authorities have also used more official channels to silence media it does not agree with. The attorney general’s office has often been called on to harass or even arrest reporters behind unfavourable coverage, in particular articles focusing on corruption. Many outlets have been reprimanded for what the current media law calls reporting “contrary to the principles of Islam”. This concept is poorly defined and open to interpretation, and often seems to be used to target critical media.

The Karzai administration has also moved to impose stricter institutional control over the media. In 2012, the government attempted to push through a new, widely criticised Mass Media Law. The law would have granted the Ministry of Information and Culture broad powers to set laws governing the media, as well as criminalise a long list of vaguely defined “media violations”. Tabled after almost no consultation with media professionals or civil society, the law caused an outcry and has yet to be enacted. Repeated calls by media rights groups for a freedom of information bill have also fallen on deaf ears.

The less tangible threat to media freedom is the selfcensorship that many reporters feel is necessary to protect themselves. The risks of publishing a critical story often outweigh the rewards, in particular on issues around corruption or human rights abuses.

An example from this year’s election campaign is the lack of discussion about transitional justice. Addressing past war crimes is still very much taboo in Afghanistan, not least because so many individuals who face serious accusations of human rights violations still occupy influential government positions. Several of the candidates in this year’s elections are warlords or commanders with bloodstained pasts. Yet their backgrounds have hardly been raised by Afghan journalists, even as international outlets have covered the topic.

Last year, the Uzbek warlord and vice presidential candidate General Rashid Dostum offered an unprecedented apology “to all who have suffered on both sides of the wars” – an apparent precondition for him joining the ticket of Ashraf Ghani, one of the race’s frontrunners. This raised hopes that the door had opened for national media to ask more questions on the topic, but it does not seem to have happened – at least not yet. As the Afghanistan Analysts Network has pointed out, “soft” media coverage of the candidates’ pasts could well be part of a longer-term strategy: build up a relationship first, ask the tough questions later.

Whether or not Afghan media outlets manage to maintain their independence in the face of violence and censorship, many still face uncertain financial futures. The international aid money that much of the media is dependent on is already starting to dry up and will decrease even further after 2014.

Some networks, such as ToloTV, have managed to achieve a degree of financial independence, but there is a real risk that many others will not survive. Arguably, the Afghan media scene is already saturated and having fewer outlets is probably inevitable – the local Kabul government for example has reportedly run out of radio licenses due to a lack of available frequencies in the capital.

But as a recent BBC Media Action report noted, the outlets best placed to survive are those with wealthy, individual backers. Several of these are linked to local strongmen or politicians, and are often disparagingly referred to as “Warlord TV”. It would be a serious threat to press freedom if these outlets come to dominate at the expense of quality media like Pajhwok, which might struggle for funds and be forced to downsize.

Independent media that can challenge authority and inform the public will be crucial for Afghanistan’s fragile democracy after 2014. The past few months have shown Afghanistan’s increasingly mature media scene at its best – hopefully not for the last time.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Friday 25 April 2014

The Morung Express

110 mn vote in India, BJP says it’s ‘Modi tsunami’

NeW DelHi, April 24 (iANs): Nearly 110 million people peacefully voted Thursday in 117 Lok Sabha constituencies in 12 states in a staggered election that will see three more rounds to decide who gets to govern India the next five years.

Some 60 percent of the 180 million electorate exercised their franchise in 201,735 centres to elect 117 MPs from 2,098 candidates, from political parties big and small as well as innumerable independents.

“Polling was largely peaceful barring a few stray incidents,” Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Sinha told the media, after giving the extent of voting across the country.

Thursday’s balloting marked the completion of voting in 349 of the 543 elected seats in the Lok Sabha. The remaining seats will see balloting on three days, the elaborate exercise ending May 12, four days before the results are declared.

There was low to massive polling Thursday. While only a quarter of the 1.3 million voted in Anantnag, a militant hub in the Kashmir Valley and the only constituency to vote in Jammu and Kashmir, over 80%of the 8.3 million turned up at polling booths in West Bengal.

In Assam, a policeman was killed when a mob stoned a group of security personnel in Kokrajhar constituency. In Rajasthan, villagers clashed with security forces in Dausa and torched a government vehicle. Some reporters were also attacked and their cam-

Polling on 349 seats rose by almost 10 percent in 2014: EC

NeW DelHi, April 24 (iANs): Polling on 349 constituencies so far in the 2014 general elections has risen by close to 10 percent as compared to 2009 election, the Election Commission said Thursday.

“Till now polling has been completed on 349 seats which have registered 66 percent voting.

In comparison, the figure

to elect 117 MPs. Of the 12 states that voted, only West Bengal saw a drop in the voting percentage-from 83.95 percent in 2009 to 82 percent in 2014.

With Thursday’s round of balloting -- three more are to take place, and the results will be declared May 16, the Lok Sabha election has ended in seven states.

Poll official killed, five injured in Kashmir guerrilla attack Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, second left, his wife Jaya Bachchan, left, son Abhishek Bachchan, second right, and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, right, display the indelible ink mark on their fingers after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014. (AP Photo)

era equipment destroyed.

A woman election officer died of heart failure in Thane, near Mumbai.

The enthusiasm to vote was palpable everywhere -- as it has been since the nationwide election began April 7. In Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment capital, leading industrialists and Bollywood stars stood along with commoners in queues to vote.

All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone seat in adjoining Puducherry voted Thursday. The Tamil Nadu verdict is critical for Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram, who has vowed to play a key role in gov-

ernment formation in the event of a hung parliament.

The states which went to the polls were Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Maharashtra (19), Uttar Pradesh (12), Madhya Pradesh (10), Chhattisgarh and Bihar (seven each), Assam and West Bengal (six each), Rajasthan (five), Jharkhand (four) and Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry (one each).

Also Thursday, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi filed his nomination papers in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh after a huge roadshow that turned the Hindu holy city into a sea of saffron as tens of thousands of his sup-

porters took to the streets.

The show of strength dwarfed a similar roadshow when thousands marched with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal when he filed his nomination for a high-profile Lok Sabha contest whose third main candidate is Ajay Rai of the Congress.

Striking an emotional chord, Modi tweeted that his “coming to Varanasi (to contest the election) is like a child going to his Mother.

I have come to this divine land on the call of Ganga Mata... Thank you Varanasi. No words will describe the affection you have showered today”.

He also promised to im-

El Nino factor may affect monsoons

NeW DelHi, April 24 (pTi): With IMD forecasting below normal monsoon this year because of a possible El Nino factor, agriculture experts on Thursday advised the government not to press the panic button yet.

“We need to be on alert and be prepared but not get panic because the country had escaped El Nino without any scratch way back in 1997,” former chief of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices Ashok Gulati said. “The monsoon seasonal rainfall is likely to be 95 per cent of the long period average with an error of plus or minus 5 percent,” Indian Meteorological Department said in a statement.

Officials in the weather department said the monsoon is expected to be below normal because of the El Nino effect. Gulati, who is now chairprofessor at thinktank ICRIER, said below normal rain does not mean there will be drought. “We have to see how would be the distribution of rain across the country.”

El Nino refers to the warmerthan-average sea surface temperature in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This condition occurs every 4-12 years and had last impacted India’s monsoon in 2009, leading to the worst drought in almost four decades. Crisil chief economist D K Joshi said: “No doubt, the

IMD forecast is not encouraging, but I won’t press the panic button now as there is higher probability of normal monsoon.” “Below normal monsoon is not a drought year. What matter is how well rainfall is distributed across the country. We need to be concerned and be prepared so that we are not taken by surprise,” he added.

The 4-month long long monsoon starting June is crucial for kharif crops such as rice, soyabean, cotton and maize because almost 60% of the farm land in the country is rainfed.

Gulati said as per the Skymet forecast, rainfall in the country’s north west and western regions would be hit badly if El Nino occurs.

Will not take immediate decision on Lokpal: Centre

NeW DelHi, April 24 (pTi): The Centre on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that it will not take any immediate decision on the appointment of chairperson and members of the Lokpal, virtually indicating that the decision in this regard might be left to the new government after the general election.

Appearing before a bench headed by Justice RM Lodha, solicitor general Mohan Parasaran said the

in 2009 for the same seats was 57.53 percent,” Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Sinha told reporters here. Sinha further said that polling was “largely peaceful, barring few stray incidents”.

Barring the Kashmir Valley, millions voted Thursday across the country in 11 states and union territory of Puducherry

government is not planning to take any decision on the appointment of Lokpal after which the apex court posted the case for hearing on May 5. The bench said there was no need for any interim order on a PIL challenging the selection procedure for the Lokpal after the government assured the court that no decision will be taken till May 5.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by NGO Common Cause seeking a stay on the

entire selection process of appointment of chairperson and members of the Lokpal, saying the government was going ahead with it despite the apex court being seized of the issue. “It is submitted that the latest move by the government to proceed with the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Lokpal, even while this court is seized of the issue of the validity of the rules framed under the Lokpal Act, is not

only highly improper but also illegal and arbitrary,” the application has said.

The NGO has filed the fresh plea following apex court’s oral observation during an earlier hearing in which the bench had said if it comes across any such development (by the government so far as the selection of the Lokpal and its members was concerned), it would be at liberty to approach this court for interim directions.

prove the lot of Varanasi’s Muslim weavers, just as he said he had done wonders with the Muslim kite makers of Gujarat.

His confidant Amit Shah, who was constantly by his side, said after Thursday “the Modi wave had turned into a Modi tsunami” in Uttar Pradesh which will destroy the Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Speaking in Guwahati after voting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there was no “Modi wave” and that this was a pure creation of the media. He insisted that the Congress had not lost any ground.

sriNAGAr, April 24 (iANs): One polling officer was killed and five others were injured Thursday in an attack by separatist guerrillas on a polling staff party in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, police said. A senior police officer told IANS that polling staff was returning in a bus to the district headquarters in Shopian district from Nagbal polling station when they were fired upon by separatist guerrillas.

“One polling officer was killed in this militant attack while five others including two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers, a local policeman and two members of the polling staff - were injured.” This was the first major guerrilla attack on the polling staff in Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which went to vote Thursday amid separatist boycott call and stone pelting incidents by youths at many places.

4 journalists injured in poll related violence

JAipur, April 24 (pTi): Four photojournalists and a driver were injured and their vehicle was damaged in an attack by villagers, while they were going to cover a clash which broke out when a group of 150 people forcibly tried to enter a polling booth in Satha village in Dausa district of Rajasthan. ITBP force opened 14 rounds of fire in the air to disperse the mob of 150 people who were try-

ing to enter into a polling booth in Satha, DGP (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh said.

The villagers pelted stones at the ITBP personnel when they asked them to vacate the booth area, he said adding, they also set on fire an ITBP vehicle. The irate villagers also damaged a vehicle carrying journalists, who were going to cover the violence at the polling booth in Satha

district, injuring 4 photojournalists and a driver.

The journalists, including the PTI photo contributor Rohit Jain, were the part of a media team which was covering the polling in the Dausa constituency. The injured journalists were rushed to Mahua hospital where they were given primary treatment. A detailed report is awaited at the state headquarters.

Unplanned construction work leading to ‘increase’ in malaria NeW DelHi, April 24 (iANs): Unplanned construction activities, setting up of new industries and increased migration were leading to an upsurge in malaria cases in urban India, health experts have said.

“Increased construction activities and industrialization without proper planning has led to mosquito breeding and hence higher incidence of malaria in urban areas,” G.S. Sonal, Head of the Department of Malaria, National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the health ministry, told IANS. He said the builders and industrialists should ensure proper disposal of waste and construction material to avoid mosquito breeding.

“They should consult the health department while planning the buildings and their construction,” he said.

Malaria is caused by a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito which breeds in dirty and stagnant water.

Sonal said India recorded around 45,000 deaths due to malaria in 2010.

“While the overall figures might have gone down for the country as a whole, cases have gone up in urban areas,” he added.

More than 2.2 billion people are

at risk of malaria in the Asia-Pacific region, which represents 67 percent of the world population at risk of malaria. Six of the 10 countries worldwide with the largest populations at risk, including India, are located in the Asia-Pacific.

Of the 35 countries that account for 98 percent of malaria deaths, five are located in the Asia-Pacific region and account for approximately 93 percent of the death toll in the

of mosquito.”

“Ensure that water does not stagnate in open containers, tyres and desert coolers, report to appropriate authorities for disinfection of open garbage dumps, use kerosene on stagnant water where draining is not possible and use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets,” Abhi t old IANS. Four different types of malaria p-vivax, p-falciparum, p-ovale and p-malariae - affect humans.

Of these, the first two are commonly found in the Indian sub-continent while the other two are prevalent in African countries.

“While vivax can be easily treated by the administration of chloroquinine, falciparum could have complications. If not treated in time, this form of the disease can affect the brain or the kidney,” Abhi said.

Despite the massive burden of the disease, the currently available funding for malaria is far below the resources required to reach universal coverage of interventions. An estimated $5.1 billion is needed every year for this purpose.

In 2012, the global total of international and domestic funding for malaria was $2.5 billion - less than half of what is needed.

April 25 is World Malaria Day region. India alone accounts for 38 percent of regional mortality. (The other four countries are Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and Papua New Guinea.)

According to experts, simple steps like using mosquito nets, removing stagnant water and not allowing garbage to accumulate can prevent thousands of deaths due to malaria in India.

Said Raman Abhi, senior consultant and unit head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon: “With the onset of summer, it is only likely that there would be a rise in the number of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, depending on the type

Kashmiris shun polls as Modi challenges for power

ANANTNAG, April 24 (reuTers): Mohammad Amin Pandith, a smallholder and fatherof-three from Indian-controlled Kashmir, was lured from his home at night by a man in army uniform, dragged along a potholed lane and shot in the back of the head.

His execution, one of three deadly attacks on village elders in the last week blamed on militants determined to derail elections, spread fear through the hamlet of Gulzarpora and led locals to boycott India’s general election on Thursday.

It also underlined how hard it will be for the country’s next prime minister to reach a lasting political settlement in Jammu and Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region that has been largely pacified by a huge security presence, yet is not at peace.

“People are very afraid,” Pandith’s brother Abdul Rahim told Reuters before the vote. He said Pandith’s “crime” had been to act as village headman for a regional party now in opposition. The 45-year-old did the job, which paid 2,000 rupees ($30) a month, not out of conviction, but to pay for his children’s education.

India’s election, which runs in stages until May 12, may well propel Hindu nationalist leader Narendra

Modi to power, a prospect that has Kashmir’s 12.5 million people scrabbling to determine what it would mean for them. In its election manifesto, the BJP vows to uphold India’s territorial integrity and abrogate a clause in the constitution that grants Jammu and Kashmir a degree of autonomy.

That puts Modi at odds with locals in Gulzarpora and many beyond who have long favoured independence from India. Of more than 30 men gathered at a neighbour’s house to discuss Pandith’s murder, not one expressed allegiance to a mainstream political party. Asked if they preferred independence to staying with India, given the choice, all raised their hands.

By mid-afternoon on Thursday, nobody from the village had voted, election officials said. Youths threw stones at police in a nearby town, in one of several disturbances in Anantnag, a constituency that lies in the broad Kashmir valley. In the district where three people, including two council heads, were killed on Monday, only one vote was cast.

In another sign of a more assertive policy should Modi come to power, during a recent campaign speech in Kashmir’s Hindu-majority district

of Udhampur he criticised the Congress party for being soft on Pakistan, which also claims the region. India blames Pakistani forces for coordinating and carrying out attacks on its troops and civilians in Kashmir.

Udhampur has already voted elections to the region’s six seats are staggered for security reasons. The BJP candidate there, Jitendra Singh, came to support a colleague in Anantnag. “We do not wish to enter into a dialogue with Pakistan from a position of weakness,” Singh said at the BJP’s heavily-guarded office in Srinagar, the state’s summer capital.

“We cannot allow terrorist attacks and a dialogue to continue at the same time.”

Pakistan is playing a waiting game on Kashmir until India’s new government shows its hand on the issue. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif promised to revive Kashmir talks and made this a focal point of his own election campaign last year, but the efforts stalled after a spate of violence on the disputed border in August.

The Kashmir conflict dates back to independence in 1947, when its Hindu ruler dithered over whether to join India or Pakistan. A war broke out between the newly independent

states that ended in stalemate the following year. India and Pakistan fought a second war over Kashmir in 1965, and another undeclared war in 1999, after both became nuclear powers. The 1948 ceasefire line still divides the territory.

Although a truce reached in 2003 has broadly held, Indian Kashmir still bears the scars of an insurgency that flared in the 1990s in which 70,000 people died and 8,000 disappeared, human rights activists estimate.

Relative peace has only been achieved through the deployment of more than 700,000 police and soldiers who, campaigners say, have abused special legal powers to shoot protesters and carry out extra-judicial killings with impunity. “This is democracy at gunpoint,” said Khurram Parvez, convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society.

“Elections cannot be a substitute for self-determination,” said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a hereditary Kashmiri religious and political leader who declares the election illegitimate but still views himself as a “pro-freedom” moderate.

C. Uday Bhaskar, a fellow at the Society for Policy Studies in New Delhi, played down prospects of renewed violence, saying: “People

Veiled Kashmiri girls stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station at Damhal Hanji Pora, some 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Srinagar, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014. Hundreds of Kashmiri protesters hurled rocks at polling stations in the disputed Himalayan territory Thursday and shouted “Down with India!” on a major day of voting in the country’s general election. Indian Kashmir elects only six members for the 543-member strong Indian Parliament, but voting there will take place over several days due to security concerns. (AP Photo

prefer jobs to guns.” But he saw little chance of a strategic shift if Modi claims power. “The experience of the last 60 to 65 years suggests that

a change in government doesn’t mean a change in security and foreign policy,” he said. “You only see a change in emphasis.”

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Friday 25 April 2014

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‘US would defend Japan in islands dispute’ TOKYO, April 24 (Ap): Showing solidarity with Japan, President Barack Obama affirmed Thursday that the U.S. would be obligated to defend Tokyo in a confrontation with Beijing over a set of disputed islands, but urged all sides to resolve the long-running dispute peacefully.

Wading cautiously into a diplomatic minefield, Obama insisted the U.S. takes no position on whether the islands in the East China Sea are ultimately in the dominion of China or Japan. But he noted that historically Japan has administered the islands, triggering America’s treaty obligations to defend its ally should tensions escalate militarily.

“We do not believe that they should be subject to change unilaterally,” Obama said at a news conference with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “What is a consistent part of the alliance is that the treaty covers all territories administered by Japan.”

The dispute over the islands, called Senkaku by Japan and Diaoyu by China, has badly strained relations between the two Asian powers. Although Obama has sought to avoid getting dragged in to territorial disputes an ocean away, Japan and other U.S. allies see the disputes through the broader lens of China’s growing influence in

Asia, where Obama arrived Wednesday at the start of a four-nation, eight-day tour.

China is not on Obama’s itinerary, but concerns about the Asian powerhouse are trailing the president nonetheless.

Beijing is watching closely for signs that U.S. is seeking to limit China’s rise, while smaller nations are looking to Obama for affirmations that his vaunted push to increase U.S. influence in Asia hasn’t petered out.

Obama’s advisers insist that the trip — and the White House’s broader Asia policy — is not designed to counter China’s growing power, and they say the president is not asking Asian nations to choose between allegiance to Washington or Beijing. “We want to continue to encourage the peaceful rise of China,” Obama said.

Seeking to inject fresh urgency into trade talks, Obama said the time is now to resolve issues hindering completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The U.S. has been leading the 12-nation negotiations, but an end-of-2013 deadline was missed and there are few signs of progress toward resolving conflicts with Japan over tariffs and access to Japan’s auto market.

At the same time, as Obama pressed his case in Tokyo, he was unable to convey the full backing

of Congress, which would have to ratify any such pact.

Lawmakers, including many of Obama’s Democratic allies, have thus far refused to give Obama the fast-track authority needed to ensure an up-or-down vote on the final agreement. “Abe’s got to deal with his politics, I’ve got to deal with mine,” Obama said.

On the island dispute, Obama encouraged the parties to work through the issue “through dialogue” and urged both sides to “keep the rhetoric low.” He downplayed the U.S. commitment to defend Japan as a matter of historical fact rather than a rebuke to China. “The treaty between the U.S. and Japan preceded my birth, so obviously this isn’t the red line that I’m drawing,” the president said.

China has said it firmly opposes the application of the U.S.-Japan treaty to the dispute over the islands, which sit in strategically important waters to China’s east. China’s government said this week that “the socalled Japan-U.S. alliance” should not harm China’s territorial rights, urging the U.S. to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability.

Abe said he and Obama agreed to cooperate on engagement with China and other issues, including Okinawa, where the U.S.

Y chromosome was born 180 mn years ago: study lONdON, April 24 (iANS): Ever thought even in your wildest dream that a very, very long time ago, the X and Y chromosomes were identical, until the Y started to differentiate from the X in males?

In a pioneering research, scientists have established that first sex genes appeared in mammals around 180 million years ago - and it took the researchers mind-boggling 29,500 hours to reach this conclusion! To begin with, they took samples from several male tissues - particularly testicles - from different species.

The researchers recovered the Y chromosome genes from three major mammalian lineages: placentals (which include humans, apes, rodents and elephants), marsupials (such as opossums and kangaroos) and monotremes (egg-laying mammals, such as the platypus and the echidna, a kind of Australian porcupine).

“In total, we worked with samples from 15 different mammals, representing these three lineages, as well as the chicken which we included for comparison,” said Henrik Kaessmann, an associate professor at Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) at University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Instead of sequencing all Y chromosomes, which would

have been a colossal task, the scientists opted for a shortcut.

“By comparing genetic sequences from male and female tissues, we eliminated all sequences common to both sexes in order to keep only those sequences corresponding to the Y chromosome,” explained Diego Cortez, a researcher at CIG and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.

The findings showed that the same sex-determining gene, named SRY, in placentals and marsupials had formed in the common ancestor of both lineages around 180 million years ago. Another gene, AMHY, is responsible for the emergence of Y chromosomes in monotremes and appeared some 175 million years ago. “Both genes, involved in testicular development, have thus emerged nearly at the same time but in a totally independent way,” Kaessmann noted.

So what triggered before 180 million years ago then that an individual was born male or female? Was this determination linked to other sex chromosomes, or even environmental factors such as the temperature?

“The latter is not an unreasonable scenario, given that temperature determines sex in present-day crocodiles. As far as mammals are concerned, the question remains open,” Cortez said.

military presence remains a source of tensions. “The Japan-U.S. alliance is more robust than ever before,” Abe said through a translator.

Addressing another source of tension in the region, Obama said he’s not optimistic North Korea will change its behavior in the near future. But he said he’s confident that by working with Japan, South Korea and others — especially China — the U.S. can apply more pressure so that “at some juncture they end up taking a different course.”

Underscoring his concerns about Pyongyang’s behavior, Obama met Thursday with relatives of Japanese citizens that the White House said were abducted by North Korea.

Obama recommitted to working with Japan to address the North’s “deplorable treatment of its own people,” the White House said.

Obama’s Asia swing is aimed at reaffirming his commitment to the region even as the crisis in Ukraine demands U.S. attention and resources elsewhere.

The ominous standoff between Ukraine and Russia threated to overshadow the trip as the president weighs whether to levy new economic sanctions on Moscow.

The president’s stops in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, is welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito, center, and Empress Michiko for a State Dinner at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Thursday, April 24, 2014. Showing solidarity with Japan, Obama affirmed Thursday that the U.S. would be obligated to defend Tokyo in a confrontation with Beijing over a set of disputed islands, but urged all sides to resolve the long-running dispute peacefully. (AP Photo

serve as something of a do-over after he canceled a visit to Asia last fall because of the U.S. government shutdown. The cancellation provided fresh fodder for those in the region who worry that the White House’s much-hyped pivot

‘No nation has right to rule internet’ SAO pAUlO, April 24 (iANS/EFE): Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said at a gathering here Wednesday that no country can have “more weight than another” in governing cyberspace. She made her remarks at the opening of the NETMundial international conference, where delegations from more than 85 countries will debate internet regulation issues and try to reach agreement on a new oversight model.

The push to reformulate internet governance gained momentum in Brazil after documents leaked by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden showed the US National Security Agency had spied on the phone calls and e-mails of Brazilian citizens and companies and the president herself.

In her speech Wednesday, Rousseff railed against “unacceptable” US espionage and said the monitoring of communications runs counter to the internet’s essence as a “plural, open and free” medium of communication.

“This meeting is in response to a global desire for changes to the current situation and the systematic strengthening of freedom of expression and the protection of basic human rights, including the right to privacy,” Rousseff said. During the event’s inauguration, the president hailed the US’s recent decision to relinquish its oversight of ICANN, a Los Angelesbased non-profit organisation that assigns internet domain names or addresses.

“From now on the new institutional and legal accord (governing) the system of internet domain names must be constructed with the broad participation of all interested sectors, and not only the traditional actors,” the president said. She also stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on “multisectoral, multilateral, democratic and transparent” internet governance, a call backed by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee, the father of the World Wide Web, who also attended the event’s inauguration.

Berners-Lee said the web-based innovation achieved in recent years has been possible thanks in large part to net neutrality, a central component of a new internet privacy law that Rousseff signed Wednesday.

to Asia is continually taking a backseat to other foreign and domestic priorities.

Obama began his day with a call on Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace, a lush, park-like complex surrounded by modern skyscrapers where he was

greeted by a military honor guard and children holding U.S. and Japanese flags. After taking in the scene, the president, emperor and empress walked along a maze of red carpet into the palace for a private meeting, with U.S. Ambassador

Caroline Kennedy and other aides trailing behind.

When Obama pointed out that the last time he met the emperor, he didn’t yet have any gray hairs, the emperor offered the president a gracious excuse: “You have a very hard job.”

Hillary Rodham Clinton daring women to compete

BOSTON, April 24 (Ap): Hillary Rodham Clinton is daring women to compete, but not saying whether she will herself in 2016.

The former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state addressed a women’s leadership conference in Boston on Wednesday, an event set just 30 miles from the New Hampshire state line as she weighs another presidential campaign.

Clinton had little to say about her political future, but offered a strong message to the largely female audience estimated at 3,500.

“There are times in all of our lives when we’re either given an opportunity or we see one that we could seize.

And we get nervous. We worry.

We’re not ready to dare anything. But I hope you will,” she said at the Simmons Leadership Conference set along the Boston waterfront. “Women have to dare to compete.”

It’s a familiar refrain from Clinton, who has focused on gender equality, among other issues, in a series of public appearances since leaving the Obama administration last year.

In a speech and subsequent question-and-answer session that spanned more than an hour, Clinton thanked the thousands of runners who competed in the Boston Marathon earlier in the week for sending “a message of hope, resilience and determination one year after the vicious attack.” Three people died and hundreds were injured in twin bombings near the finish line of last year’s marathon.

Clinton also drew on her experience as secretary of state, listing her biggest regret as the deadly 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans. She called it “a terrible, senseless, terrorist action.”

Clinton’s proximity to New Hampshire, which traditionally hosts the country’s first presidential primaries, was as noteworthy as her remarks.

While potential Republican presidential candidates have begun aggressively courting New Hampshire voters in recent weeks, Clinton has avoided the state altogether since the 2012 elec-

tions. Despite her absence, the vast majority of New Hampshire’s top Democrats have lined up behind Clinton, the overwhelming Democratic front-runner should she run.

She has said she will make a decision about the 2016 presidential contest by the end of the year.

Massachusetts doesn’t have the same political significance as New Hampshire, but Massachusetts activists make up a significant portion of the volunteer armies needed for get-out-thevote efforts when the New Hampshire primary season begins in earnest. Wednesday’s event also earned widespread media coverage across New Hampshire’s most populated areas, which get their television news from Boston stations.

“Even though it’s not in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire people will see the press coverage,” said Jim Demers, a New Hampshirebased Democratic operative.

“It does continue to help energize people here who see that she’s not far away.”

South Korea ferry disaster reveals more heartbreak

SEOUl, April 24 (rEUTErS): A boy and girl trapped in a sinking South Korean ferry with hundreds of other high school students tied their life jacket cords together, a diver who recovered their bodies said, presumably so they wouldn’t float apart.

The diver said he had to separate the two because he could not carry two corpses up to the surface at the same time.

“I started to cry thinking that they didn’t want to leave each other,” he told the Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper on the island of Jindo on Thursday, near where the overloaded ferry went down last week.

The parents of the boy whose shaking voice first raised the alarm that an overloaded ferry was sinking believe his body has also been found, the coastguard said. The parents had seen his body and clothes and concluded he was their son, but he has not been formally identified. More than 300 people, most of them students and teachers from the Danwon High School, are dead or missing presumed dead after the April 16 disaster. The confirmed death toll on Thursday was 171.

The Sewol ferry, weighing almost 7,000 tons, sank on a rou-

crew on board the Sewol, 339 were children and teachers from the school in Ansan, a gritty suburb on the outskirts of Seoul, who were on an outing to Jeju.

As the ferry began sinking, the crew told the children to stay in their cabins. Most of those who obeyed died. Many of those who flouted or did not hear the instructions and went out on deck were rescued.

Some of the bodies had their hands held tightly like foetuses to try to keep warm, a newspaper said. Classes at the school resumed on Thursday with banks of floral tributes surrounding photos of each of the victims, dressed in their school uniforms.

Almost 250 teenagers and teachers at the school have died or are presumed dead.

Fellow students filed past, offering white chrysanthemums in sombre tributes. Yellow ribbons, with names and messages inscribed, were tied around a chain-link fence. In the classrooms of the missing, friends posted messages on desks, blackboards and windows, in the days after disaster struck, asking for the safe return of their friends. “If I see you again, I’ll tell you I love you, because I haven’t

said it to you enough,” read one. some of which toppled into the sea as the ship listed.

FIRST DISTRESS CALL Forty-five were loaded on The school provided ther- to the front deck and 60 into the apy sessions for the children as lower decks, Moon said. In tothey returned. The first distress tal, the ship was carrying 3,600 call from the sinking vessel was metric tons of cargo including made by a boy with a shaking containers, vehicles and other voice, three minutes after the ves- goods, he said. A member of sel made its fateful last turn, a fire parliament this week said the service officer told Reuters. The Korean Register of Shipping recommended a load of 987 tons for the Sewol.

Captain Lee Joonseok, 69, and other crew members who abandoned ship have been arrested on negligence charges. Lee was also charged with undertakboy called the emergency 119 ing an “excessive change of course number which put him through without slowing down”. One crew to the fire service, which in turn member said on Thursday she forwarded him to the coastguard and 6 colleagues were “under two minutes later. That was fol- command” to abandon ship. lowed by about 20 other calls The unidentified crew member, from children on board the ship speaking briefly to reporters on to the emergency number. the way from court back into deThe ship, 146 metres long and tention, was hidden behind a sur22 metres wide, was over 3 times gical mask and wearing a baseball overloaded, according to official cap with a jacket hood. Another recommendations, with cargo crew member was asked if there poorly stowed and inadequate was any discussion about trying to ballast. Moon Ki-han, an execu- save the passengers. “At that motive at Uryeon (Union Transport ment, we were on the third floor Co.), the firm that supervised and except for the third floor situcargo loading, told Reuters there ation, we weren’t aware of anywere 105 containers onboard, thing else,” the crew member said.

Boy & girl on ferry tied life jackets together before they drowned

A mourner pays tribute to the victims of the sunken ferry Sewol near condolence flowers during a temporary memorial at the auditorium of the Olympic Memorial Museum in Ansan, south of Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 24. Divers made their way deeper Thursday into the submerged wreck of a ferry that sank more than a week ago as the death toll neared 160 and relatives of the more than 140 still missing pressed the government to finish the grim task of recovery soon. (AP Photo)

tine trip from the port of Incheon, near Seoul, to the southern holiday island of Jeju. Investigations are focused on human error and mechanical failure.

Prosecutors said on Thursday that they had raided two shipping watchdogs, the Korea Shipping Association and the Korea Register of Shipping, as

part of their expanded investigation into the disaster. Yonhap news agency said they would investigate whether ship safety certificates were in order.

“The objective was to investigate malpractices and corruption in the entire shipping industry,” Song In-taek, head deputy chief prosecutor at Incheon Dis-

trict Prosecution Service, told reporters. Prosecutors have also raided the home of Yoo Byungun, the head of a family that owns the Chonghaejin Marine Co. Ltd, the company that operated the Sewol. They had also seized another ferry run by the company to check for safety.

Of the 476 passengers and

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Friday 25 April 2014

Heat holds on to beat spirited Bobcats

MiAMi, ApriL 24 (Ap): LeBron James drove to the rim as time was winding down, got clobbered by Josh McRoberts and sat on the hardwood gathering himself for a few seconds afterward. It was fitting.

Miami took Charlotte's best shot, and survived.

James scored 32 points and added eight assists, Chris Bosh scored 20 points and the Heat wasted two big leads before hanging on to beat the Bobcats 10197 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. "We can play better basketball," James said.

"We haven't played our best basketball."

Dwyane Wade scored 15 points, and had a steal in the final seconds to seal the win for Miami. He stripped the ball from Chris Douglas-Roberts with the Heat protecting a three-point lead with about 3 seconds left, and the Bobcats never got another shot off. "A very instinctual, high-risk play," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "The ball's there and you know you have an opportunity to get it when most people can't get that, and that saved the game."

Game 3 is Saturday in Charlotte. The Heat were the NBA's only higher-seed to open the playoffs with two home wins. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 22 points for Charlotte, which got 18 points and 13 rebounds from Al Jefferson, who played through a left plantar fascia strain and shot 9 for 23. Jefferson said he felt the tear worsen early

The Morung Express

5TH CHIZAMI CUP 2014 ORGANISED BY LIFE SPORTS NAGALAND

Quarter finals results • Artworks Chizami Town beat Falcon FC 18-1 • Halcyon United Pfutsero beat 5 Sector Assam Rifles Tsiesema 2-0 • Kohima Komets beat Tsupfume Youth Club 2-0 • Wings FC Chizami town beat Artworks B 4-0 RECORD TILL QUARTER FINALS Total goals scored: 57

Yellow Cards:9 Hattricks:8 Highest scorer: Mayosing (Wings FC)7 goals, Satish (Artworks)- 6, Vandona (Artworks)- 6 SEMI FINALS (APRIL 25) Ist Semi Finals (10:00 AM): Artworks Chizami Town vs Kohima Komets 2nd Semi Finals (2:00 PM): Halcyon United Pfutsero vs Wings FC Chizami Town

CHALLENGER CUP 2014

10th Men & 6th Women Open Basketball Championship

DAY 4 RESULTS •Venture Wings beat Untroddens 28-9 •Taurus beat Sky Hooks 30- 22 •Peligans beat Revans 39-28 •Amplified beat Kohima Chief 50 -17

•Air Hogs beat Drifters 43-30

DAY 5 MATCHES (APRIL 25) 12 noon: Lightning Bolts vs Josephites 1:00 PM: Mystic Ballers vs Pelicans 2:00 PM: Cretan Bulls vs Air Hogs 3:00 PM: Revans vs Kohima Chief 4:00 PM: Drifters vs Taurus

Del Piero touted as possible coach for Sydney FC

Miami Heat's LeBron James, center, goes up to shoot as Charlotte Bobcats' Al Jefferson's hand is in front of his face during the second half in Game 2 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series, Wednesday, April 23, 2014, in Miami. The Heat defeated the Bobcats 101-97. (AP Photo)

on in the game, said it was "a lot of pain" but again insisted he would keep playing.

"He's not anywhere close to 100 percent," Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said. "But we can play through him. ... You've got to respect the fact he's out there battling. He has no mobility, basically. Limited mobility and yet he had 18 and 13, and he fought hard."

So was McRoberts — maybe too hard for Miami's liking.

Miami's lead was 97-94 with 50 seconds left when James drove and was met at the rim by McRoberts, whose right elbow struck the four-time NBA MVP around his chin. James immediately began grabbing at his throat and needed much longer than he usually does to get up after a

hard foul, which was not called flagrant.

"I don't need to see it again," James said. "Most important thing is we won the game." Said McRoberts, who insisted it wasn't intentional: "It looked a lot worse than what it was." James hit the second of his two free throws, making it a two-possession game — and that was critical. Kemba Walker

made a 3-pointer with 11.9 seconds left to get Charlotte within one, but the Bobcats didn't score again. "I think we're still really confident," Walker said. "We just have to learn from our mistakes. ... I think we have a chance, man." Walker finished with 16 and Gerald Henderson scored 15 for the Bobcats.

Mario Chalmers scored 11 for Miami.

BriSBANE, ApriL 24 (Ap): A vacancy at Sydney FC may have given former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero another career option in the A-League.

Del Piero, who turns 40 in November, has yet to sign a new playing contract for next season after two years as the highest profile marquee signing ever in the Australian domestic competition.

But the firing Wednesday of Frank Farina — the team's seventh coach in nine seasons — has triggered hype in the Australian media that the 2006 World Cup winner might move into a coaching role next season.

The A-League certainly needs Del Piero to stick around. Despite playing with sore hamstrings for

a good part of this season, Del Piero scored 10 goals after scoring 14 in his inaugural season of 2012-13.

When he was signed in September 2012, season ticket sales at Sydney FC surged by several thousand overnight. And in his first season in the league, atten-

dance increased by more than 100,000 and numbers were up by a similar amount this season.

Del Piero couldn't get Sydney into the playoffs during his first season, but the Sky Blues made it among the top six this year, losing 2-1 to Melbourne Victory in the first playoff round last weekend and ultimately ending Farina's reign as coach.

The front-runner for the vacant manager's job is Graham Arnold, who recently left Japanese club Vegalta Sendai. Another contender mentioned is former Dutch player and coach Han Berger, who will step down from his role as technical director at Football Federation Australia in June.

Liverpool seek to land Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar turns 41 knockout blow on Chelsea

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, right, celebrates scoring the opening goal during their English Premier League match against Norwich City at Carrow Road, Norwich, eastern England, Sunday April 20, 2014. (AP Photo)

LONDON, ApriL 24 (rEutErS): Liverpool can eliminate one of their two rivals from the Premier League title race by beating Chelsea on Sunday and the way the dice is rolling for them they might even have one hand on the trophy by the end of the weekend.

If Brendan Rodgers's side overcome secondplaced Chelsea at Anfield and notch a 12th consecutive league win it would knock Jose Mourinho's side out of the reckoning and should Manchester City then fail to beat Crystal Palace a little later a first title for 24 years would be almost assured.

'If' is a notoriously fickle word in the often unpredictable Premier League, but Liverpool have built up a seemingly inexhaustible head of steam and with Chelsea having one eye on next week's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid the omens look good for the Anfield club. What is more, City are up against a Palace side on a five-game winning spin that has lifted the threat of relegation - a run that includes wins over Chelsea and Everton. With Chelsea having drawn 0-0 in Madrid on Tuesday but suffering injuries to keeper Petr Cech and skipper John Terry, Mourinho has made no secret of the fact that the Champions League has now taken precedence over the domestic title scrap.

While the Portuguese, known for his mind games, has not actually conced-

ed the title, he has said he wants to send out a weakened side at Anfield on Sunday despite knowing victory there would put them within touching distance of Liverpool with two games remaining. "I know what I would do, but I'm not the club. I have to speak with the club," Mourinho said after the Atletico draw.

"I would play with the players that are not going to play Wednesday."

Having been deprived of striker Samuel Eto'o and Eden Hazard for the first leg in Madrid, Mourinho would be loathed to risk them against Liverpool and with Cech and Terry sidelined his starting line-up will likely have an unfamiliar look on Sunday. Whatever distractions Chelsea have, however, Liverpool will be acutely aware that they have a poor record against the west London club with Mourinho in charge.

The Portuguese has won six and lost just once in eight league meetings with Liverpool. Rodgers has steadfastly refused to get caught up in title talk but should the best case scenario occur on Sunday his side would be nine points ahead of City who would only have three games left to play, compared to Liverpool's two. The Northern Irishman's calm assurance, aligned with skipper Steven Gerrard's influential displays at the heart of midfield and Luis Suarez's goals have underpinned Liverpool's march.

Results have also gone

their way with bottom club Sunderland taking points off Chelsea and Man City, but keeper Simon Mignolet stressed it also showed the dangers that lurk at every turn. "Three points was all that mattered at Norwich (in their last game)," Mignolet told Liverpool's website. "Before the game the manager told us that Chelsea's defeat (against Sunderland) was a warning sign - that it showed what can happen in the Premier League against any team. "We've seen with the points Chelsea and City have dropped recently that every single game in this league is tough.

NO NERVES "There are no signs of nerves. There is no point making ourselves nervous before a match." After playing Chelsea, Liverpool visit Palace and finish at home to Newcastle United.

City's game in hand next week is away to Champions League chasing Everton before home matches against lowly Aston Villa and West Ham United.

While City battle to keep alive their title hopes, outgoing Manchester United will aim to end a tumultuous week with victory over relegation-haunted Norwich in what will be Ryan Giggs's debut as manager.

The evergreen Welshman, who could even name himself in the side, was put in charge for the final four games of the season following Tuesday's sacking of David Moyes.

MuMBAi, ApriL 24 (pti): Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar turned 41 on Thursday and will be celebrating his birthday in his home town in the midst of Indian Premier League action in the United Arab Emirates after being with his franchise Mumbai Indians in the initial phase of the T20 league. Tendulkar had returned from the UAE two days ago, according to sources close to him, and is celebrating his birthday with his family and friends in the city.

This is the first birthday for the cricket great after he quit all forms of cricket in November 2013 after playing his 200th and final Test at his home ground, Wankhe de Stadium, against the West Indies.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) had cobbled together the hastily arranged two-game series against the Caribbean islanders to give a befitting

send-off to the legend.

Jam-packed crowd gave Tendulkar a rousing adieu and the cricketer himself was emotional as he gave a stirring speech watched by his adoring fans in the crowd and by million others on TV after going to the middle of the pitch and paying obeisance to it in a symbolic gesture that touched the hearts of one and all.

Te n d u l k a r hung up his boots after a glittering international career that saw him amass 15,921 runs in Tests, at an average of 53.78, and 18426 runs in 463 ODIs at an average of 44.83.

He had scored 100 centuries during his international with Test matches accounting for 51 of those, the most by any batsman in the world. He was the part

of 2011 World Cup winning squad captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

His 49 ODI tons is also a world record. The Bharat Ratna recipient, the first Indian sports person to get

the highest civilian honour, has been seen in public on very few occasions after his retirement.

However, as a sign that he's got other interests after quitting cricket as a player,

he has now got involved in the IPL-style football league promoted by MI's owners Reliance Industries and IMG with the backing of the All India Football Federation. A Rajya Sabha member, Tendulkar is now the joint owner of the Kochi franchise of the team in the Indian Super League and has stated his intention that he will ever remain a sportsman at heart.

"I will always remain a sportsman at heart who is keen to positively impact the sporting fabric of the nation. The Indian Super League presents a great opportunity to develop a platform for the youngsters to learn and enhance their talent to develop into outstanding players.

"It has been an interesting experience interacting with the young, passionate team at PVP Ventures led

by Prasad Potluri. Based on the various insights shared by the team, the opportunity of the Kochi club seemed like a compelling and challenging proposition. With the Kochi club, we will strive to 'score our goals' and play a part in developing the game of football across the country," Tendulkar had said when the winning bids for various franchise were announced earlier this month.

Tendulkar is now set to leave for England to lead Marylebone Cricket Club against the Rest of the World XI, to be captained by his former rival and friend - Australian legspin great Shane Warne in the Bicentenary 50-over celebratory match on July 5 at Lord's. Tendulkar and Warne are both honorary Life Members of MCC.

'Class of 92' reunited to stabilize ManU

LONDON, ApriL 24 (Ap): Manchester United has brought the "Class of 92" back together.

Renowned graduates of United's most successful youth team have been put in control of a team in turmoil following the abrupt dismissal of David Moyes. A notable absentee is David Beckham, who has never expressed a desire for team management. If there's anyone who can unite what appears to be a disenchanted squad it is Ryan Giggs, assisted by retired former teammates Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville.

"It will certainly be a different atmosphere in training and at Old Trafford and the fans will buy into it," Eric Harrison, the youth team coach who developed the "Class of 92," said Wednesday. "As soon as Ryan walks out the tunnel, the place will erupt." Even though Giggs is the oldest of the quartet at 40, the club's most decorated player is the only one to feature in teams of both Ferguson and Moyes, who was fired after just 10 months on Tuesday.

"I think for togetherness and getting the results and playing a certain way, a brand of football that is more eye-catching, the Man United way, I feel that Ryan Giggs is the right person," former United teammate Dwight Yorke said.

With United searching for a more experienced successor for Moyes, Giggs has just four games to prove that the same football nous that enabled him to outwit opponents

FILE - This is a Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 file photo Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, right, with teammate Paul Scholes after scoring a goal against Newcastle United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Ryan Giggs will be assisted by former teammates Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville during his spell as interim manager of Manchester United following the dismissal of David Moyes. (AP Photo)

on the pitch for so many years also extends to the dugout.

"You've got to be natural as much as you can as a manager, find your own style, not try and be somebody else," Giggs told The Guardian newspaper during a recent Football Association coaching course. While cutting his teeth in the youth team, the Welsh winger was seen as setting the highest

standards by the teammates now on his coaching staff.

"Ryan Giggs was probably the one I looked up to the most," Neville told the BBC as a "Class of 92" documentary was released last year. While Giggs is yet to comment since being appointed interim coach, Harrison said the Welshman was delighted with the chance to manage alongside his

"musketeers." "I used to call him a 'football nut' because he took everything on board," Harrison told Talk Sport radio.

Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Neville made 2,453 appearances in total for United and were instrumental in the exceptional success under Alex Ferguson, who retired last year after 26 trophy-filled years in charge. Scholes, whose retirement coincided with Ferguson's, has returned to United to help out Giggs, while Butt had been coaching with United's under-19 and under-21 teams, and Neville was already part of Moyes' staff.

Even if they don't stay on at United when an experienced successor is hired as Moyes' full-time replacement in the summer, the quartet already have another football club to occupy themselves with. Along with another former teammate, Neville's brother Gary, they are buying Salford City, a non-league club in the Manchester area. Gary Neville and Giggs have also gone into business together, opening the "Cafe Football" next to London's Olympic Park and "Hotel Football" is under construction opposite Old Trafford.

The next game at United's ground is against Norwich on Saturday as the 20-time English champions look to complete their pitiful season with just pride intact.

Not only did they fail to defend the Premier League trophy, but the team is unable to finish in the top four Champions League places, currently sitting in seventh place.

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Friday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

25 April 2014

Dimapur

11

Radio release two singles on

Jodie Foster Weds Girlfriend Hello H

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odie Foster is a married woman. The 51-year-old actress has wed her girlfriend of less than one year, 44-yearold Alexandra Hedison, the star's rep confirmed to MailOnline. The couple said their vows 'over the weekend,' according to E Online. 'They're totally in love,' a source added. The brunette photographer is the ex-girlfriend of Ellen DeGeneres.

In March the Elysium star and her girlfriend were spotted with wedding bands on their ring fingers. While Alexandra's ring was evident as

she strolled along with her arm around her partner in Beverly Hills, Jodie's band was visible later in the day as she dropped her car off at body shop. The couple looked very content as they strolled along having gone for a quick shopping trip at Barneys New York.

Before Alexandra, Jodie had been in a 20 year relationship with female producer Cydney Bernard. They split in 2008. They have two sons together: Charles aged 15, and Kit aged 13. Alexandra dated Ellen for over three years with their relationship ending in 2004,

reportedly because the Oscar host met actress Portia de Rossi, who she has since wed.

Foster came out as gay during an acceptance speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013. 'This is not going to be a big comingout speech tonight because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in the stone age – in those very quaint days when a fragile girl would open up to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually proudly to everyone who knew her,' she said during the awards show.

ornbill 2013 finalist, Nagaland based rock band Hello Radio (Previously known as White Noise) released their much anticipated debut double track 'Summer Love' and 'Light Up The Sky' which can be download for free from www.indihut.com.

Hello Radio is a Modern Alternative Rock Project band from Dimapur, Nagaland with members hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, each blessed with unique talents and personality coming together for the sole purpose of creating music.

IndIhut

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HelloRadio are: 1. Wapong Ozukum- Vocals/Acoustic Guitar 2. Atsa Lang Roths-Guitars/ Vocals 3. Akok Imsong- Synthe/piano/keyboards/Vocals 4. Vitz Zhimo- Drums/ Percussions/Vocals 5. Imlier Jamir- Bass Hello Radio (White Hornbill 2013 Rock Con- went on to rock the stage at their explosive, punchy away their music for free to Noise) was among the fi- test. White Noise created a the Hornbill auditions and and fun filled live sets. The all those who support originalist at the International huge buzz when the band swept the audience with band have chosen to give nal Naga artists.

Lupita Nyong'o Is Crowned People Priyanka ChoPra's new single Magazine's Most Beautiful Women in third spot on Itunes India F

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ollowing a year that includes winning an Oscar, the 31 yearold actress has now been named People's Most Beautiful women. This year just keeps getting better and better for Lupita Nyong'o. The 31 year-old actress, who was virtually unknown when cast in Steve McQueen's '12 Years A Slave', has been prized with yet another accolade.

Nyong'o, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at this year's Academy-Awards, is No.1 on People Magazine's Most Beautiful list. While speaking to the celebrity magazine about the honor, she expressed hope that this would reach out to help young black women and make them feel a little more seen. It was exciting and just a major, major compliment. I was [especially] happy for all the girls who would see me on [it] and feel a little more seen.

Nyong'o, who was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, always thought beautiful people were the stars she

used to watch on television, which showed no similarities to her. The former production assistant viewed the concept of beauty as people with light skin and

long, flowing, straight hair, she said. Subconsciously you start to appreciate those things more than what you possess. The Yale graduate also recalled her mother,

Dorothy, always telling her she was beautiful growing up, but Nyong'o finally believed her at some point.

Lupita, who is now close friends with '12 Years' producer Brad Pitt, admitted the best complements are when I have been called beautiful with not one drop of makeup on, and also before I comb my hair or put on a pretty dress. Happiness is the most important thing. People magazine isn't the only establishment that has recognised her beauty, earlier this month Nyong'o was named the new face of French beauty brand Lancôme, joining the likes of Kate Winslet and Sandra Bullock.

I am truly honoured to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved, she said at the time. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself.

Justin BieBer apologises for posting Tokyo war shrine photo

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S

inger Justin Bieber has apologised to fans for having his picture taken at a controversial shrine in Japan. Bieber paid a visit to Tokyo`s Yasukuni Shrine, which honours Japan`s war dead, includ-

ing former military leaders who committed mass atrocities across Asia, and the Pacific during World War II, reports contactmusic.com.

The incident prompted a backlash from some

Bieber fans who lambasted him for his historical ignorance. Bieber removed the controversial picture Tuesday and issued an apology, writing while in Japan I asked my driver to pull over for which I saw a beautiful

shrine (sic). I was mislead to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer (sic).

To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan.

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T

he going is great for actor-singer Priyanka Chopra. She is out with her third solo single `I can`t make you love me`, which made it to the No.3 spot on Itunes India in less than 24 hours. After the riveting success of In My City featuring Will.I.Am and Exotic featuring Pitbull, Priyanka has nailed it with her third song I Can`t Make You Love Me. It is a unique cover of the Bonnie Raitt`s 1991 song that made it to Rolling Stone Magazine`s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

My cover of `I can’t make you love me’ is really different because the original is a ballad and we have used dance music for my version of the song. Watch out for the video,” Priyanka, who launched the new track Tuesday, said in a statement. Her rendition of the ballad is already on its way to making waves on the international music scene.

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C M

Real scoRes cRucial win oveR BayeRn

Ronaldo shakes off injury fears to play

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MADRID, ApRIl 24 (Ap): Cristiano Ronaldo shook off his injury fears to make a winning return for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Ronaldo had missed four games due to a left leg injury before Madrid's 1-0 first-leg victory in the semifinals, where he helped to set up Karim Benzema's winner. The Portugal forward, who was replaced by Gareth Bale in the 73rd-minute, said he "was worried with it being my first game in three weeks."

But he added: "I felt great and I'll be ready for the next games." Ronaldo was involved in the majority of Madrid's goalscoring chances, forc-

ing Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into a number of vital saves. But he also showed the effects of his injury layoff — missing one clear chance in the first half and declining to take a free kick that would normally have been well-suited for one of his thunderous, swerving shots.

"I didn't force anything to play, I felt good, so I played," Ronaldo said.

"Cristiano's back to help the team win." Ronaldo said some of the Madrid staff did not want him to play, but would not elaborate.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said a decision was taken before the opener of the two-legged series. "We have a nice advantage and if we score, we

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can complicate things for them," said Ronaldo, who has led Madrid to three straight Champions League semifinals but has yet to reach the final with the nine-time champions.

Ancelotti applauded Ronaldo's performance, especially since he played in a more defensive position as Madrid dealt with Bayern's control of possession. Ronaldo remains tied on a Champions League record 14 goals scored this season and will get a chance to set a new record in Tuesday's second leg in Munich.

"We took the decision for him to come out before the end, before the game. We didn't want to risk aggravating the injury," Ancelotti said.

Real's Xabi Alonso, left, and Bayern's Thomas Mueller challenge for the ball during a Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 23.(AP Photo)

MADRID, ApRIl 24 (Ap): Karim Benzema's goal gave Real Madrid a 1-0 first-leg victory over title holder Bayern Munich on Wednesday, but the ninetime champions may live to regret the missed chances in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.

Madrid endured plenty of pressure in the first leg match, but scored from a 19th-minute counter-attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo found Fabio Coentrao speeding down the left flank and Benzema steered his low cross past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Ronaldo returned from a left leg injury but missed a number of scoring opportunities before eventually giving way to Gareth Bale, who had started on the bench after battling with 'flu.

Bayern pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, forcing Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas to deny Mario Goetze in the 84th minute while fellow substitute Thomas Mueller had no better luck with his late effort from inside the area. But Madrid should have extended its lead ahead of Tuesday's return leg in Germany, as the team bids to end a three-season semifinal losing streak and reach the final for the first time since winning in 2002.

"If you want to do damage, you

have to go for the victory — because 1-0 is not definitive," Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said as he looked ahead to a tough second leg match. "But it's a good result to take to Munich." Atletico Madrid or Chelsea await in the May 24 final in Lisbon, with the pair playing to a scoreless draw in their first-leg match on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola endured his first loss at the Bernabeu as coach after seven previous visits with Barcelona, and at times the encounter took on the appearance of a "clasico" with Madrid looking to capitalize on the break while the visitors controlled play. "Madrid thrives off the counter attack, Madrid is the best team in the world on the counter," Guardiola said. "They get back as fast as they go forward, they're athletes."

Madrid's defense did well to contain Bayern in its area and then break quickly, but the Spanish club squandered its other chances after Benzema broke the deadlock. Ronaldo, who looked uncomfortable at times despite passing a late fitness test, followed up a sharp header at Neuer with a first-time shot from Luka Modric's perfect pass in the 26th minute — only for his effort to fly high over the top

F1 boss ecclestone rejects bribery charges

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MUNICH, ApRIl 24 (AFp): Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone rejected accusations of bribery when he went on trial on Thursday in a case that could threaten his grip on the sport, telling a Munich court that a German banker who received a disputed $44 million payment didn't tell the truth.

Ecclestone said in a personal statement read out in German by his lawyers that he was "grateful" to be able to give his side of the story though he told judges that he would answer questions from the Munich state court through his lawyers, rather than personally.

The 83-year-old Ecclestone is charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust, and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The charges involve a $44 million payment to banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is serving an 8{-year sentence for taking the money.

Prosecutors allege the payment was meant to facilitate the sale of Munichbased bank Bayern LB's stake in Formula One to a buyer of Ecclestone's liking.

Gribkowsky was in charge of selling that 47 percent stake in F1 in 2005.

Ecclestone testified during Gribkowsky's trial in 2011 and Gribkowsky is expected to be the main witness during Ecclestone's trial, which is scheduled to last until September 16.

Gribkowsky was found guilty of corruption, tax evasion and breach of trust in a trial led by the same judge who is hearing Eccle-

stone's case, Peter Noll.

The defense made clear that it will attack Gribkowsky's credibility, and Ecclestone said in his statement that the banker didn't tell the truth.

Ecclestone has said in the past that he was "shaken down." In Thursday's statement, Ecclestone reiterated testimony he gave at Gribkowsky's trial that he gave the banker the money because he was worried Gribkowsky would falsely accuse of him of being in charge of a trust fund set up for the Formula One boss's former wife and their children - possibly incurring a huge British tax bill.

Ecclestone's lawyers also insisted anew that their client is innocent, saying in a written statement that "the alleged bribe has not occurred." They argued that the indictment is based on statements by Gribkowsky that are "incorrect, misleading and incoherent." "They do not take account of the real course of events in 2005 and 2006 regarding Formula 1 and the life of Mr. Ecclestone," the lawyers said, adding they would produce new documents at the trial to dispute Gribkowsky's statements. Ecclestone has stepped down temporarily as a director of F1's holding company pending the outcome of the trial, though he continues to manage the sport's commercial operations on behalf of investment fund CVC Capital Partners, which has a controlling stake in the web of companies which run the commercial side of the sport.

with just the Germany 'keeper to beat.

Madrid dug in and did well to clear many of Bayern's best opportunities as it controlled three-quarters of possession in the first half. The German champions found space between the lines and combined some swift passing movements, with Franck Ribery picking out Arjen Robben inside the area in the 39th. But Madrid weathered each buildup before surging forward, with Angel Di Maria gathering a loose ball at the right post only to wildly shoot over Neuer before halftime. After the break, Neuer had to dive low to keep out Ronaldo's angled shot after a Bayern defensive mix-up.

Ronaldo forced Neuer into another low save before giving way to Bale, who energized Madrid's attack with his pace. The Welshman was playing for the first time since his stunning winner in Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

"It's been 20 days Cristiano hasn't been 100 percent, so it was a sacrifice for him. It couldn't have been easy for Cristiano tonight," said Ancelotti, who remained unbeaten against Bayern with his fifth win in seven meetings. "But Cristiano and Bale will be 100 percent" for the return, the Italian coach added.

1 - 23, AUGUST, 2014 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and enjoyed by millions around the world. Each year, a glittering cast of 1,000 performers from the UK and around the world provide a visually stunning performance that is, without question, one of the greatest shows on earth.

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM INDIVIDUALS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2014 ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO AS PART OF THE NAGALAND CONTINGENT. APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A VALID PASSPORT WITH A MINIMUM OF ONE YEAR VALIDITY EFFECTIVE FROM 1ST AUG 2014.

APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROJECT FROM 1ST MAY TO 26TH AUGUST 2014 LAST DATE OF ENTRIES IS 3RD OF MAY 2014.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY OVERSEAS WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. APPLICATIONS CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM www.nagacontingent.com AND SUBMITTED AT RCEMPA, JOTSOMA. THE EVENT’S SECRETARY CAN BE REACHED AT 09089203000

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