27th March 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 83

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Thursday, March 27, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

To study history means submitting to chaos and nevertheless retaining faith in order and meaning Court orders Sahara to pay 100 billion rupees to release chairman Roy on bail [ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Gwyneth and Chris Martin: ‘We’ve consciously uncoupled’

‘Make customary law more equitable’ [ PAGE 2]

Myanmar census could inflame ethnic tensions [ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 11]

What do I know about t naga political issue? I am a MLA cum political adviser not a national worker.

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Are Nagas ready to forgive their past hurts and reconcile for a better future?

Yes

no

Others

Cooperate with NFHRCC: ENPO DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has made an appeal to all concerned “not to politicise or hamper the NFHRCC’s activities for construction of the Nagaland Foothill road.” The ENPO, in a press release, stated that the project is “a historic mission and an extraordinary one because it came into being through the initiatives of the tribes hoho on behalf of the entire public to bail out the Nagas from the clutches of humiliation and unreasonable frequent harassment being faced by us.” While extending its solidarity, the ENPO has appealed all concerned to give full co-operation to the NFHRCC, “considering the vital project as common interests of the entire Nagas as a whole.”

GPRN/NSCN responds to NTTU DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): The Ministry of Forest and Natural Resources , GPRN/NSCN has clarified to the Nagaland Timber Trader’s Union (NTTU) that there is a strict order to all GPRN/NSCN region authorities and military units to desist from collecting tax from timber transporters, since taxation is centralized. While regretting the reported illegal collection at various points by various region and military units, the GPRN/NSCN, “in order to monitor and prevent such unauthorized collection,” has requested the NTTU to furnish “receipt and other evidence of alleged GPRN/ NSCN member involved in illegal collection from timber transporters to the undersigned.” A press note issued by the MIP, GPRN/NSCN informed that clarifications on the matter can be made at 9436821378/8575884373.

A poster of India’s ruling Congress party vice president Rahul Gandhi is seen in print as part of the party’s election campaign material in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, March 26, 2013. India’s struggling Congress party appealed to its main constituency of poor voters in an election manifesto unveiled Wednesday that promises new jobs and more funding for education and health care. The country’s 814 million eligible voters head to the polls starting April 7. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI, MARCH 26 (REUtERs): India’s ruling Congress party, facing a likely general election defeat, defended its economic track record over a decade in power and sought to woo voters with offers of further costly welfare measures. The party, controlled by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty and its scion Rahul Gandhi, is expected to lose due to public anger over graft scandals, high inflation and an economy growing at its slowest pace in a decade.

Unveiling its election manifesto on Wednesday, the party said it would lift 800 million people - almost as many as have the right to vote - into the middle class and raise gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 8 percent within three years. Appealing to its core constituency of poorer voters with a call for inclusive growth, Congress proposed new rights to include guaranteed access to health, pensions, housing and even “to entrepreneurship”.

“Growth by itself is not sufficient,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told an event at which Congress president Sonia Gandhi made a rare public appearance in support of son Rahul’s leadership of the party’s flagging campaign.

The 50-page policy document was long on policies to redistribute wealth with fewer proposals on how to generate it,

reflecting a left-leaning heritage that predates independence in 1947. The nationalist opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which opinion polls show winning the most seats in the election starting on April 7, is expected to unveil a more pro-business manifesto next week, party sources said.

FISCAL BURDEN The Congress proposals risk further straining public finances, already under duress due to weak tax receipts and high public spending. Already, party programmes like guaranteed paid work and subsidised grain for 67 percent of India’s population cost about 1 percent of GDP. The party contends that these have helped pull 138 million people more than the combined population of Britain, Spain and Australia - out of poverty on its watch.

The manifesto “suggests that the focus will be on getting the economy back on track”, Nomura economists Sonal Varma and Aman Mohunta said in a research note. “However, the entitlement-based policies will continue and will be widened to cover housing and health, which will entail a higher fiscal cost,” they said, adding that farm subsidies would be inflationary.

Related news on p8

release pending salary: rMsA teachers longleng LONGLENG, MARCH 26 (MExN): Teachers from Longleng, under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, have demanded the immediate release of salaries from October 2013 till date, including arrears.

A press note from Hongpa Phom and Joseph Phom, on behalf of the RMSA teachers in Longleng, questioned the District Education Officer, Longleng “for his failure to release the salary of the Longleng RMSA teachers on regular basis, despite the sanction and directive of the higher authority to release the salary regularly.”

The teachers also questioned as to why the salary/ arrears of 2013 for Longleng district “is kept pending for such a number of months, while the rest of the districts are being paid regularly, as per the directives of the RMSA/DoSE.”

They demanded “valid reasons” for the current situation and asserted that they would “not tolerate the non-uniformity in payment with the rest of the other districts.” It was cautioned that the teachers would resort to agitation and boycott of classes by April, if the concerned authority fails to release the pending salary.

The teachers also informed that on March 29, a meeting will be held at the PSC Office Longleng at 10:00am and directed all members to attend. “Attendance will be taken and if any member fails to turn up, they would be doing so at their own risk and the house will not be held responsible for any issues affecting them,” it cautioned.

The teachers further requested that DEO Longleng “to be in station, for better co-ordination.”

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KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (MExN): A couple from Manipur was assaulted by a group of people in Munirka, Delhi on March 25, at around 11:00 pm.

Vice President of the Naga Students Union Delhi, J Maivo Woba informed that the assault resulted from an altercation be-

Dzeko double helps City beat United

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–Hermann Hesse

[ PAGE 12]

Parties target ‘inclusive’ ‘Vote without fear’ Triangular contest in growth in election pitch Nagaland LS election Modi assures people of prosperity, development

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

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tween “the wife and her landlord,” when the former had asked for keys to the main gate of the residence, which was locked by the latter.

It was informed that the wife had asked for the keys in order to venture out and meet her mother, who had just arrived in Delhi. A

row commenced, following which, the landlord called eight to nine people, who then started assaulting the couple. The victims of the assault were admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi. Sources informed that an FIR has been filed and that seven people have been arrested.

BULANDsHAHR, MARCH 26 (IANs): BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi Wednesday urged people to remove the “corrupt Congress” and vote for his party, assuring them of prosperity, development and a bright future.

“You give us 60 months and we will give you an India of your dreams,” he told a large gathering in Bulandshahr of western Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing his first ‘Bharat Vijay’ rally in Uttar Pradesh, the Gujarat chief minister targeted the Congress and accused it of price rise, inflation, bad governance and rising unemployment in the country. Alleging the opposition parties were rattled at the growing acceptance of the BJP across the country, Modi said such parties were now chanting the “secularism raga” to stop him.

“Whenever I say let us talk about development and other serious issues, these parties say first discuss secularism,” he said while taking a jibe at the Congress plank of secularism.

Talking about the Sachar Committee report and various other minority-oriented schemes funded by the union government, the BJP leader said all that the Congress has done for minorities was to fool them with false promises.

In a move aimed at touching a raw nerve of sugarcane growers in the region, Modi said many sugar mills were running in his state too but no arrears were pending and farmers were happy and prosperous there. “This area was known as the sugar bowl once and now the area has become bitter for farmers here,” he said in a reference to pending arrears running into several hundred crore rupees.

Nagaland CEO points out need to address systematic failures

KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (MExN): Chief Electoral Officer for Nagaland, Sentiyanger Imchen has appealed to the citizens of the state, especially first time voters, to come out and cast their votes without fear and be part of the largest democratic exercise in the world.

He said this at the inaugural function of the three day Voter’s Awareness Campaign on March 26 at Red Cross Conference Hall, Kohima.

The CEO informed that the Election Commission of India has recently started a programme, called the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), with the objective of citizens’ participation in the democractic process.

Observing that elections are a complex process, Sentiyanger Imchen said that SVEEP is not only about creating awareness but it also aims to inform people on various elections laws and procedures.

While acknowledging the SVEEP activities carried out in Nagaland, he however observed that Nagaland, being tagged as the state with the highest turnout, was not because of awareness but due to certain systematic failures like proxy and multiple voting and booth capturing. Towards this end, he felt that more awareness needs to be created, laying emphasis on one man one vote.

The Nagaland CEO further informed that the State Election Department has partnered with YouthNet and NBCC, in order to encourage young voters in exercising their franchise and also to facilitate clean elections. Delivering the welcome address, Assistant Director, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Pub-

KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (MExN): The list of contesting candidates for election to the Lok Sabha from Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency has been notified on March 26, following the last date for withdrawal of candidature.

Returning Officer, Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency & Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Nagaland, Temjen Toy, in a notification, listed the contesting candidates as Neiphiu Rio, from Tuophema Basa village, Kohima, Naga People’s Front (NPF); KV Pusa, Old Minister Hill, Kohima, Indian National Congress (INC) and Akhei Achumi, Naharibari, Dimapur Socialist Party (India).

The Returning Officer also held a meeting with the General Observers, Manjit Singh and AL Deva; Expenditure Observer, Sushil Kumar Singh and representatives of political parties on Wednesday.

Presiding over the meeting, the RO observed that this was an appropriate time to start good electoral practices, since the number of candidates was

less as compared to Assembly Elections. He also explained some new introductions by the Election Commission of India, such as the NOTA (none of the above) option in the EVM. He stressed on the importance of maintaining correct expenditure accounts and timely filing of these accounts as and when called for. The Observers explained that putting up of banners was prohibited and that there is no limit on the number of vehicles that can be used for campaigning, provided that proper permission is obtained and the number of vehicles used is reflected in the expenditure account.

They also requested that the members of the political parties should associate themselves with the various processes that will be starting, like randomization of Polling Parties, EVMs etc.

The representatives of the political parties raised some points of doubt like whom to approach for landing permission, permission for holding rallies etc, which were later explained and clarified.

licity (DAVP), Manikant Thakur informed that the DAVP, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI), is running the Voters Awareness Campaign across the country to encourage voter’s participation. “More participation means stronger democracy,” he added.

The programme was compered by APRO, DIPR Lolano Patton, while vote of thanks was proposed

by Deputy Director, DIPR Kevizayieno. After the inaugural function, the CEO

inaugurated the photo exhibit on voter’s awareness, displayed by DAVP in collaboration with ECI and supported by the CEO office Nagaland.

The campaign on voter’s awareness will continue till March 28, and from March 27, live EVM demonstration will also be given for creating awareness, especially to first time voters. College students, officials from the election department, media persons, AIR, field publicity and DDK were also a part of the programme.

Ao organizations endorse AcAUt Morung Express news Mokokchung | March 26

Members of Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland today arrived at Mokokchung and held a programme at the Town Hall, attended by representatives from various organizations, village councils, ward chairmen and members from the business community. Prominent among the organizations that attended today’s programme were the Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Watsu Mungdang (apex Ao women organization), Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Mokokchung Town Aor Telongjem and the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) etc. The programme, which was organized by the MCCI under the aegis of the Ao Senden, sent out unanimous messages that the Ao Society supports the “peoples’ movement” initiated by ACAUT. Ao Senden president, Prof. Sangyu Yaden, while declaring that the Ao Senden has already endorsed the ACAUT movement, asked ACAUT to be transparent in its dealing since it is a non-political organization working for the welfare of the people. Saying that ACAUT has attracted all

Please systematize your taxation: KK Sema Morung Express news Mokokchung | March 26

Former bureaucrat and writer, Khekiye K Sema, who was the main speaker at today’s ACAUT Nagaland programme, appealed to the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) to systematize their taxation system.

Khekiye, who is a bold writer and a firebrand orator, said that ACAUT Nagaland is not here to fight the “factions” and that the people are not saying that they will not pay taxes. “(All we are saying is) Please, please systematize your taxation,” said Khekiye.

Dwelling on the Naga political issue, Khekiye asked, “who or which faction holds the mandate of the 1951 Plebiscite?” None of the factions hold the 1951 mandate, because every faction declares that they are fighting for Naga sovereignty, said Khekiye. He said that the Naga National Movement is an honorable movement which has the support of the public; however the people want only “one the right thinking citizens in the society, Prof. Yaden asserted that the people of Nagaland are yearning for a change in the society.

Besides, while pointing out that there is no society in the world which does not pay tax, the Ao Senden president said that the Naga people are willing to pay tax; however it is the multiple taxes which are burden-

sovereignty.” He therefore appealed the NPGs to come together under one umbrella, take the moral support of the public so that the people can stand by them and pay one tax.

Saying that the NPGs are collecting taxes for their personal use, Khekiye challenged whether the public “can have the courage to ask the factions how their tax money is being used.” He said that the public knows well how their tax money is being spent by the NPGs because it is evident from the fancy cars driven and big buildings being built by the “underground functionaries.” In this regard, he said that the public are the ultimate taxpayers because whatever money is being extracted from the business community is being recovered from the public ultimately.

He said that a time comes in everyone’s life to make a serious decision; that decision making time has come to Nagaland. Therefore, he asserted that it is time to make an individual decision to say “we will pay one tax to one government.”

ing the Naga people today.

He further encouraged the ACAUT Nagaland to tie up with the business community in the town while initiating different actions.

The Watsu Mungdang president also declared that it is always ready to cooperate with ACAUT Nagaland in its endeavor against unabated taxation and corruption.

Khekiye maintained that the UGs or the factions will have to listen to the people of Nagaland, because no organization can survive without revenue.

He encouraged the Ao community leaders to take a strong decision and give leadership on the issue of one tax one government, which would be a big encouragement for other tribes too.

“All eyes are on the Ao Senden and the Aos on what you can do on this subject matter,” said the former bureaucrat.

Khekiye also said that ACAUT is not only against unabated taxation from the NPGs but also corruption in the Nagaland State Government.

He maintained that whichever party might be in power, a government system must operate as a government system, free of corruption and in a transparent manner. He therefore appealed for a “cleanup” of the government system of corruption so that our children would grow up under a corruption free government.

The AKM representative also declared that whatever decisions the Ao Senden takes with regard to ACAUT Nagaland, the AKM will stand behind it.

ACAUT Nagaland member, Tia Longchar, highlighted about membership drive for ACAUT Nagaland and handed over some membership coupons to AKM and so-

cial media administrators.

The membership is free of cost and once registered as an ACAUT member, one should be ready to fight against unabated taxation and corruption in the society, said Tia Longchar.

Confederation of Indian Industries Nagaland Chapter Chairman, Aotoshi also spoke at the programme.

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‘Make customary law more equitable’ Our Correspondent Kiphire | March 26

Giving introductory remark Dr Temsula Ao Chairperson NSCW said, “Customary law is a symbol of our society but today with the change of time society change lifestyle change, thought change, living change so we have to adapt with change. Nagaland being one of the states in India we have to follow the law laid down in the constitution.”

Dr. Ao stated this while addressing the seminar on legal rights of women on marriage, divorce and inheritance and health education- HIV/AIDS organized by Nagaland state commission for women in collaboration with National Commission for Women New Delhi at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall today.

Making her stand clear the chairperson NSCW also said, “the cause of NSCW is not to fight with men but to come closer to you to make customary law more equi-

A section of the gathering attending the seminar on legal rights of women held at at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire on March 26. (Morung Photo)

table so that distribution of wealth and inheritance should be equal to all children in the family.”

She also remarked that if one section of the community (women) is not moving forward then society is not progressing. She therefore, appealed the

Sangtam community to be an example for Nagas in distribution of wealth inheritance and property to women in customary law.

“Customary law should be preserved. However, but if necessary it can also be done away with, if the progress of women in society is

hampered,” Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire Neposo Thelou said in his address.

The DC said that there are clear provision laid in the constitution for equal rights and opportunities for both genders but at times, it is difficult to exercise our rights.

He express gratitude that

seminar addressing such issues are providing platform to educate women so that they would know their rights.

Comparing the status of women in Naga society to that of other societies, the DC said, “Discrimination against women may be less comparing to other society but there

are cases of discrimination” and asked the men folk present not to discriminate women but work hand in hand so that the society we live in is a balanced society.

Further, the DC said, “today we see women fighting for reservation but society as a whole women are far ahead than men in every field and there may be time where men will ask reservation from women.”

Dr Tsilise representative of USGOA, Pithrongse President USSC, Sepithong and Thsithrongkyu President and Vice president DB/ GB forum, Khumpi Hd DB Longkhim, Liodong Vice president and president USLP Seramong who all spoke on the issue of marriage divorce and inheritance share concern on the need of giving equal opportunity for women in society.

Altogether 350 women and men folks from all section attended a seminar, which was followed by seminar on Legal rights of women on health & HIV/AIDS.

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NSE and NBSE promotes financial literacy Kohima, march 26 (DiPr): The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) conducted a 1(one) day awareness programme to promote financial literacy and Financial Markets Management at the Conference hall of the NBSE on March 24.

Principals and Teachers from 21(twenty one) institutions registered with the Board and offering Commerce streams participated in this first meeting with the NSE. G. C. Sharma, HeadFinancial Education (Schools & Universities), NSE and Avik Gupta, Assistant Manager, NSE highlighted the role of the National Stock Exchange in promoting financial literacy and skill courses across the coun-

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try through joint collaboration with school Boards, colleges and Universities.

The resource persons lamented that inspite of the fact that India is the third largest producer of graduates after USA and China, 70-80% of these graduates are unemployable due to the lack of employable skills. They also dwelled on the scope of financial markets skills, employment potential and career opportunities. The participants were further informed that the courses offered

by NSE at 10+2 level is a blend of academic and employable skills to make students market ready. The interactive meeting ended on a note of optimism on the need to promote financial literacy in the state.

Promoting horticulture and accreditation of nurseries

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Kohima, march 26 (mExN): A State Level Awareness Campaign of National Horticulture Board Schemes including accreditation of horticultural nurseries was organized by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland on March 26 at Hotel Legacy.

Neiba Kronu, Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture was the chief guest and the department officials and about 76 farmers from all over the State attended it. In his address, Neiba Kronu acknowledged the National Horticulture Board (NHB) for their concern in promoting horticulture and accredita-

tion of nurseries in the State for production of quality planting materials.

While sharing about his involvement in horticulture before entering into politics, he opined that unlike other States, Nagaland does not have big agricultural lands and hence horticulture sector is the only way we can change the face of the State’s economy and whose scope is widening day by day. He urged banks to be more supportive to the farmers in their horticultural ventures.

He stressed on the importance of the post harvest activities especially marketing since production without marketing was fu-

tile and mulled the opening of a marketing hub in Guwahati and Delhi for Naga horticultural products for which he revealed that he was also in talks with the Railway Ministry on that line which was under consideration with the Ministry.

He stressed on the paramount importance of using quality-planting materials for enhancing quality production in the horticultural sector and urged the farmers to go for accreditation of nurseries through NHB. This could benefit them through supply of quality planting materials to not only the states but to other States also, for which the

Revival of departmental nurseries under progress

in Nagaland and importance of quality planting materials were highlighted

by Pawan Kumar, Joint Director of Horticulture. Dr. Sarat Saikia, Chief Scientist, Horticultural Research Station, A.A.U., Kahikuchi spoke on the basic principles of fruit nursery raising and its management. Bendang Aier, AGM NABARD highlighted on the financial support available from NABARD for promotion of horticulture in Nagaland and David Kire, Chief Manager, Lead Bank (SBI) enumerated on the financial support by the banking sector for promotion of Horticulture in Nagaland.

The technical session

was followed by an interactive session with the farmers and officials, where various issues on the technical aspects of horticulture production and accreditation of nurseries were discussed at length.

Watienla Jamir, Director & Mission Director (HMNEH), chaired the programme while Pawan Kumar, Jt. Director of Horticulture delivered the welcome address. S.K. Singh, Deputy Director, National Horticulture Board, Guwahati presented the highlights of the Programme , while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Dr. R.E. Lotha, Deputy Director of Horticulture.

‘Retelling Naga Narratives’ book released Governor interacts with industries officials

ATMA Dimapur trains rubber and fish farmers

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Fr. Abraham Lotha, Principal, of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama and others during the release of the book on folk tales on March 25.

JaKhama, march 26 (mExN): A book on folk tales titled, Retelling Naga Narratives: More Than Thrice-Told Tales, edited

by Richard Carbo, John Coakley, and Abraham Lotha was launched by Saku Francis Rolnu, an elder of Jakhama village, at St. Joseph’s College on March 25.

The book is an outcome

of the folktales written by Third Year students in 2010 and 2011 for Value Education classes taught by Fr. Abraham Lotha, Principal, at St. Joseph’s College. The students’ submissions of folktales generated a treasure trove of stories. A few of these stories were selected to capture a glimpse of the Nagas’ storytelling past

and the profound values that enabled the Nagas to live their lives as a people.

The seventy-four folktales in Retelling Naga Narratives are examples of a rich repository of entertainment, values and wisdom among the Nagas. Heritage Publishers, Dimapur, published the book.

Government of India had agreed to place funds for the same and now, the ball was in the court of the Nagas to perform and show the desired results.

He highlighted that the revival of departmental nurseries was under progress since 2013-14 and will soon be accreditation with the NHB. While encouraging the farmers to take up one type of enterprise with full sincerity and dedication for better results, he highlighted that the De-

DimaPur, march 26 (DiPr): Governor of Nagaland Dr Ashwani Kumar accompanied by his wife Chandak A.K. visited the Ganeshnagar Industrial Center, which is about 32 kms away from Dimapur on March 25.

Dr Ashwani also visited the Nagaland Food Private Ltd ANIFEED manufacturing of poultry, piggery & cattle feeds, export promotion industrial production and Fine Windows Company which deals in supper light frames. He also inspected the hiport of the Industrial Center and was shown the overview of the center and briefed about other development aspects that are being planned.

Later, he interacted with industries officials, NIDC, entrepreneurs and others.

The Governor enquired about their problems and sought suggestions for solution to make the center a hub of economic activity.

Citing the example of the few industries in the state, which are not fully operational and utilized, he said

partment has embraced the policy of compact area development and horticulture corridors for better marketability has been initiated along the National and State High ways.

He acknowledged the importance of promoting indigenous horticultural crops and revealed that some of the indigenous horticultural crops like Tree tomato, wild apple, Tree Bean (Yongchak), Local chive, Mechinga etc have already been tested

for various quality parameters from CFTRI, Mysore.

He urged that such kinds of tests should also be performed for the various horticultural crops produced in the State for better marketability. The Parliamentary Secretary also urged the farmers to take up low volume-high value horticultural crops for effective marketing and enhanced income.

In the Technical session, S.K. Singh, Deputy Director (NHB, Guwahati) spoke on the role of NHB in commercial Horticulture Development and accreditation of Horticulture Nurseries, while the status of horticulture nurseries

Governor of Nagaland Dr Ashwani Kumar accompanied by his wife and others during their visit to Fine Windows Company Unit at Ganeshnagar Industrial Center on March 25. (DIPR Photo)

that we need to draw lessons why projects fail before pumping in money otherwise it would only be a loss of money, time and energy.

He added that there is no shortage of courageous and

intellectual entrepreneurs in our state but cautioned that before taking up any project we have to identify the areas of what will benefit and help us.

The Governor was also

accompanied by Commissioner & Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Thangi Manen, Director of Industries, Director of NIDC, DC Dimapur, SP Dimapur besides other officials.

Nagaland to SBI’s corporate social responsibility package in Nagaland observe Earth Hour Our Correspondent

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Kohima, march 26 (DiPr): Earth Hour is a Global initiative of WWF and the largest environmental campaign in history, where citizens around the world shown their support for action on climate change by turning off nonessential lights for one hour.

This year, Earth Hour will be observed on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 8:309:30 p.m. where the State of Nagaland will also take part along with the rest of India.

The Secretary General & CEO, National Conservation Centre, New Delhi in a letter addressed to Chief Minister of Nagaland stated that the Earth Hour campaign, being held in India since 2009, has inspired individual, governments and corporation to move

Kohima | March 26

towards responsible consumption and conservation of energy thus received unprecedented support, demonstrated by participation in over 150 cities by several City Governments, the Armed Forces, Public and Private sector companies, celebrities and individuals. He also stated that iconic monuments such as the India Gate, Mysore Palace, Gateway of India and several others have switched off their lights in support.

He therefore called to support the Earth Hour, both for the hour and towards a sustained commitment to the environment by switching off non-essential lights in buildings and landmark structures in the state.

Living upto its commitment on Corporate Social Responsibility, the State Bank of India (SBI) on March 25 donated computers to five educational institutions in the state capital.

David Kire, chief manager Lead Bank Officer, SBI Dimapur said that SBI set aside 140 crore for social service activities across the country in compliance with 1% profit of every big company or corporate house which goes to social service activities.

In North eastern states, Rs. 6.6 crore is being extended by SBI under corporate social responsibility as its commitment to reach out to the poor and needy people of the region.

Kire said that 14,000 computers are being dis-

Accountant General Nagaland A. Athikho Chalai handing over computer in Kohima on March 26. (Morung Photo)

tributed to 14,000 educational institutions across the country.

Accountant General Nagaland A. Athikho Chalai was appreciative of the SBI for its banking service

and serving the citizen of the country.

He said the SBI spreads to even remotest corner of the country where other banking institutions not willing to do so and appre-

ciated the way SBI venturing into remote areas for the service of the people.

He also stated that the package of SBI’s corporate social responsibility which reaches even upto

Japan speaks volume and brought good image to the country.

To the students, he said that hard work is the only way to success and encouraged the students not compromise on their study.

He continued that the only way to become officers and responsible persons is only through the channel of hard work.

Those schools who got the computers included; Azedon School, Upper AG, Pinewood School, PWD Colony, Radiant School, New Secretariat, Christian School Chedema and Holy Family School, Middle AG Colony.

Earlier, the function was chaired by A. Lolly Moses while welcome address was delivered by Hangsing, chief manager SBI Lerie Branch. Vote of thanks was proposed by D. Choudhury, chief manager SBI Kohima.

DimaPur, march 26 (mExN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Dimapur, Dhansiripar block conducted training cum demonstration for rubber and fishery farmers on March 25.

Sentinaro Longchar Block Technology Manager, Dhansiripar block, Dimapur in a press release stated that Aoyanger Imsong, WDT & BTT Dhansiripar block presented a power point on “management of rubber cultivation” and illustrated the system of secondary rubber management and method of rubber plantation. He gave a brief demonstration on selection of polythene bag, how to rise budded stumps in poly bags, filling of soil in poly bag, land preparation, pit preparation and planting method. He also showed the farmers how to differentiate false shoot sprouting from the stock which has to be removed and that regular inspection should be made to make sure that only one vigorous shoot is allowed to grow.

The resource person for “fish pond preparation” and “measures to prevent fish diseases” was Sangponochet, AFI & BTT member. The resource person explained in brief the various sizes of ponds required for rearing different stages of fish, pre and post stocking of pond management, species combination and fish feeding. He also stressed on some of the common fish diseases that have been tormenting the aquaculturists, their symptoms and their control/remedial measures.

Ronchamo, AO & BTT convenor, Dhansiripar block, chaired the programme. Altogether 40 participants from different villages of Dhansiripar block attended the demonstration programme.

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Dimapur

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‘We have to come together to address common issues’ Rio campaigns in Senapati Chizokho Vero Senapati | March 26 “We have to come together to address our common issues and state specific issues. The time has come for us to understand, know and to work out how to co-exist,” stated Nagaland Chief Minister today while addressing the election kick off ceremony for NPF candidate Soso Lorho for the II Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency at Senapati.

Stating that the present society is an era of globalization and global village, he called upon the gathering to shed their differences and work together.

Informing that the North East has an international border with 98% of the areas and only 2% connecting mainland India, he said that the Govern-

NEZCC organises Octave Festival chANDigArh, MArch 26 (MExN): Octave Festival, the festival of the North East, was inaugurated on March 21

by Shivraj Patil, Governor, Punjab, at 17-Sector Plaza, Chandigarh. The festival is being jointly organized by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, and North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala.

A large crowd witnessed the inaugural function where glimpses of the vibrant, rich, and colorful art-forms, which were wellchoreographed and presented by artistes from the North East. The show was choreographed by Mangangsana, a well known choreographer from Manipur.

In the backdrop of the recent alarming headlines concerning the North-easterners in some cities of the country, the Octave festival was envisioned as a major tool to create mass awareness about the people of the North East, their dynamic culture underlining the theme “Unity in Diversity” through cultural expression. The festival was also aimed at taking the North East Culture to the doorsteps of every region and corner of the country to create better awareness, appreciation and respect among each other fostering a sense of brotherhood and oneness contributing to National Integration of this great country.

Earlier, before their departure from Dimapur for Chandigarh, the artistes from the North-eastern states had undergone extensive rehearsals and orientations for four days under the direction of Lipokmar Tzudir, Director, NEZCC, Dimapur.

NDA will not form next government: Meghalaya CM ShilloNg, MArch 26 (iANS): Accusing former Lok Sabha speaker and National People's Party chief Purno A. Sangma of being an agent of the BJP, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Tuesday said the BJP-led NDA will not form the next government.

"Purno is drumming up support by saying that the Bharatiya Janata Partyled National Democratic Alliance will form the government. This is totally incorrect," he said. "Modi magic will not work. Congress will once again form the government in the centre," he said launching his campaign for Congress candidate Daryl Cheran William Momin in the Garo hills. Momin is pitted against Purno Sangma who has won nine consecutive elections from Tura parliamentary constituency.

Meghalaya's two constituencies - Shillong and Tura - will go to polls April 9.

ment of India also takes the North East as one entity, as is evident by the formation of the NEC and DONER ministry.

Also referring to harassment meted out to the youth of the North East at Delhi, in the form of rape, molestation and assault, he said “we should come together now and resolve the issues and raise our voice together.

He further asserted that the Naga political issue is of utmost concern and that the priority agenda of the NPF is solution to the protracted Naga political problem.

He reiterated that in its manifesto during 2003, 2008 and 2013, the NPF had clearly written that it will pave the way if any honourable settlement is arrived at. “Because if we solve Naga political issue, we will be able to address other issues of the north

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF candidate for Outer Manipur Soso Lorho and other NPF leaders in Senapati on Wednesday, March 26.

east and it will be a peaceful region,” he said.

Rio then alleged that his Manipur counterpart, Ibobi Singh tried to prevent the Naga People’s

Front (NPF) from entering Manipur state and that he is also trying to prevent the Nagaland CM from entering neigbouring state. “It is undemocratic. It is uncon-

stitutional,” he said. “It is not respecting the people but respecting the High Command,” he added. He alleged that Ibobi Singh was only successful in serv-

ing the High Command at Delhi and failed the people.

Stating that the “meteis are our friends and good neighbors,” he noted that regional leaders are those

Mizoram protests over tribal refugees voting in LS poll AizAwl/AgArtAlA, MArch 26 (iANS): Five NGOs and youth organisationsinAizawlhavelaunched protest rallies against the Election Commission's decision to allow tribal refugees in Tripura's relief camps to cast their votes through postal ballots for the lone Lok Sabha seat from Mizoram.

The protest, led by the Young Mizo Association (YMA), has seen rallies in Aizawl for the past three days demanding the poll panel to revoke its decision.

"We have sent a memorandum to the Election Commission conveying our protest... But it is yet to respond

to it... We would continue our protest...," said Lalhmachhuana, president of Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and member of the coordination committee of the five NGOs and youth bodies.

The MZP is one of the five NGOs and youth bodies and has continued their protest since Monday. The NGOs also demanded that all refugees staying in the relief camps be sent back to their villages in Mizoram before the Lok Sabha election and those refusing to return, their names be deleted from the electoral roll of the state.

Lalhmachhuana told reporters Wednesday that

IN THE COURT OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIMAPUR DISTRICT: NAGALAND

NOTICE

Dt. Dimapur the 25th March 2014

the tribal refugees left Mizoram at their own will (in 1997 and later in 2009) and showed inaccurate reasons for not returning despite several repatriation programmes by the Mizoram government.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had also earlier this month urged Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath to not allow the tribal refugees, living in seven relief camps, to exercise their franchise in deciding the fate of the state's lone Lok Sabha seat through postal ballot.

Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Asutosh Jindal told

reporters in Agartala: "Like on previous occasions, the CEC has decided to take the votes of the refugees in the relief camps in north Tripura through postal ballots."

"At least one facilitation centre would be set up in each of the seven refugee camps in north Tripura during the first week of April so that the eligible refugees could cast their votes for the Mizoram Lok Sabha poll," he said.

Earlier this month, the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), an organisation of the tribal refugees, all Reang tribes, asked the Election Commission to

Dt. Dimapur the 25th March 2014

Sd/Deputy Commissioner Dimapur: Nagaland

: 03862 230100 : 03862 - 230099 (A Central University established by an Act of Parliament 1989)

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY D.C. COURT JUNCTION: D1MAPUR - 797 112, NAGALAND

website: www.nagauniv.org.in

email: deansetamnu@gmail.com

No.NU/SETAM/ESTT/G-1 (P-11)/2013-1334

Dated: 26.3.14

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NO.REV-12/2000-D/18048-47/ Notice is hereby given that Shri/SmtiSunny Hungyo & 2 ors r/o Dimapur has reported that he/she had lost his/her Jamabandi/Patta bearing Patta No.127, Dag No. 79,80,81 & 82 of Block No/Village Purana Bazar which was lost or destroyed.

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NO.REV-12/2000-D/18046-47/ Notice is hereby given that Shri/ Smti. L.Kasar r/o Dimapur has reported that he/she had lost his/ her Jamabandi/Patta bearing Patta No.126, Dag No. 78 of Block No/Village Purana Bazar which was lost or destroyed.

The undersigned hereby invites claims/objections concerning to the said land or any should be submitted to this court in written on or before 25/04/14.

Sd/Deputy Commissioner Dimapur: Nagaland

conduct elections in the relief camps. The MBDPF had complained to the poll panel that there were many eligible voters in the camps who were not included in the voters' lists of Mizoram.

who are in touch with the people and know their problems and resolve the problems with them.

He continued that the Manipur CM has failed the

people “because he did not do justice to the people and he did not protect the people.” Rio alleged that the Manipur CM could not protect the minorities and various communities and that instead he divided the people to fight against one another. Stating that there are many Naga and Kuki brothers in Manipur he said, “They wanted their identity and protection of their community.” He further added that minorities have not been given due recognition and protection under the present government in Manipur.

In this, he said that the formation of North East Regional Party Front (NERPF) was pivotal to address the common issues and state specific problems.

NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, T. R. Zeliang, L. Dikho Mao, Soso Lorho and several others also spoke on the occasion.

Selecting the right college is important to prepare for the future. At St. Joseph’s, we will give you quality education ….confidence ….employability skills … and global competencies.

1. B.A.: (Economics, Education, English, History, Pol. Sc., Sociology) 2. B.Sc.: (Chemistry, Botany, Zoology) 3. B.Com. 4.B.B.A.: A professional course for future Business leaders.

5. Community College. Certificate Courses in: 1. Desktop Publishing 2. Tourism & Service Industry 6. Add-On and Choice Based Credit Courses.

Certificate Courses in: 1. Guidance and Counseling 2. Tally 3. Football Coaching 7. Remedial Classes forComputer Basics.

Resident Counselor and Nurse Visiting Faculty from U.S.A. and Germany International Exchange: Thailand and King’s University College, Canada.

ATM facility on campus Clubs and Associations: Students’ Council, NSS, NCC, Youth Red Cross, Jesus Youth, Women’s Forum, RRC, Career Guidance, Peace Channel, Debaters’ Club, College Choir, Model United Nations, Innovators Club, Youth Net, Young India Contact: Main Office: 0370-2231009, Principal’s Secretary: 9856124023 Vice Principal(Academic): 9402832288 Vice Principal (Student Affairs): 9402831243 Website: http://stjosephjakhama.ac.in Email: stjosephc@gmail.com

YOuR VOTE IS YOuR STRENGTH ExERCISE YOuR FRANCHISE Kohima District Core Group (SVEEP Campaign)

LOK SABHA ELEctiOn - 2014 cAmpAign KicK-Off RALLy

of the DAN Consensus Candidate, Shri. Neiphiu Rio Venue Date Time

Issued byManagement Noune Resort

DDSC Stadium, Dimapur 27th March, 2014 10:00 A.m.

1. Chairperson

: Shri. Kuzholuzo Nienu Minister, Govt. of Nagaland Co-Convenor, DAN Campaign Committee

2. Invocation Prayer

: Rev. Dr. Wati Aier

3. Welcome Address

: Shri. Kaito Aye Home Minister, Govt. of Nagaland

4. Felicitation

: NPF Dimapur Division

5. Special Song

: Ardo Pfukha

6. Short Speeches

: (5 minutes each) a. Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu President, Naga People’s Front b. Shri. Atul Bora Co-convenor, North East Regional Parties Forum Working President, Asom Gana Parishad.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to inform the general public that Noune Resort in Seithekema will be closed for an indefinite period of time with effect from 1st April 2014.

This is due to maintenance related works which are under process.

However the Picnic Island will be opened for bookings.

For more information and bookings, please contact: 03862 241489 (Niathu Resort) www.niathugroup.com

: : :

c. BJP Representative d. Shri. Imtilemba Sangtam President, NCP, Nagaland e. Shri. N. Thomas Lotha on behalf of Independent MLA’s f. Shri. Mhonjan Lotha President, JD (U), Nagaland 7. Special Song

: Livika Swu

8. Address by the Candidate : Shri. Neiphiu Rio 9. Vote of Thanks

: Shri. Noke Konyak Minister, Govt. of Nagaland Convenor, DAN Campaign Committee

10. Slogan

: Shri. Kakuto Shohe President, NPF Youth Wing Published by NPF Dimapur Division

C M Y K

4

businEss

Thursday

Dimapur

27 March 2014

Worldfloat challenges Facebook with 50 mn users

New Delhi, March 26 (iaNS): India’s homegrown social networking site Worldfloat has said its user base has crossed 50 million, which will help it challenge the dominance of global giants like Facebook.

According to Worldfloat founder Pushkar Mahatta, the user base of the site has risen sharply in recent months on the back of several innovative features like free online movies and news and search engine facilities. He said Worldfloat has users from across the world but the majority of them are from India.

Facebook has around 100 million users in India. Mahatta said the Worldfloat user base has grown to 50 million in less than two years after its June

2012 launch. He claimed that Worldfloat’s user growth is much faster than Facebook and other social networking sites.

Mahatta pointed out that Worldfloat offers about 100,000 free online movies to watch at the click of a button, a news search engine like Google news, a viral videos news platform with viral videos from all over the world with maximum views and an online university with computer and school courses.

Worldfloat has several other features like jobs and comparison engine and facilities to observe worldwide trends in movies, stock markets and celebrities. These features are not available on Facebook. Mahatta said the site has got attractive valuations on the back of new

public discoursE An open letter Clarification to the statement of I. Temjenba Lkr over the Shillong Accord of 1975 to Khekiye o an extent, it is a relief It is now necessary for Camp as a member of the

features and fast growing user base.

“Worldfloat received a last valuation of about $300 million from venture capital funds around a year back when we were planning to sell 10 percent stake to raise capital for further expansion of our technologies, but we decided not to do so,” he added. “We will be adding nearly 30 new products to Worldfloat in the next six months. After that, we expect to get a valuation of nearly $500 million,” he added.

Mahatta said the company plans to raise around $50 million by selling a 10 percent stake. The money will be used to fund the introduction of more advanced technologies that cater to the needs of larger-scale operations.

U

ncle Khekiye, we the undersigned youths from Eastern Nagaland are constrained to share with you our opinions concerning on your political view of points on the past Naga national events you have stated in your final chapter and appeared in Nagaland dailies on March 16.

We accept the truth of the past historical events concerning on the Shillong Accord which you have mentioned in your final chapter. All these are known as facts by all Naga young generations of today and no dispute is there on this historical facts. But what was the political outcome of the accord is important in the history.

We, the young generation will never accept the accord as the end of the Naga national sovereignty or as a full-stop of our nationalism, but who used the accord intentionally for their own sectarian political games will be held the accountability in the history. They used the accord to incite hatred and enmity among the Nagas and committed killings. Some used it to patronize the fratricidal killings and divisions among the Nagas as you are doing.

We are proud of celebrating Naga Independence Day on 14th August every year since we didn’t lose it in any manner or at any point of time in our history by signing any accord/ agreement. Today the Nagas have celebrated 59th Republic Day of Nagaland and will be celebrated 68th Naga Independence Day in August.

Through these we, the young people know that the Naga national stand is unswervingly safeguarded by our predecessor leaders throughout the trials in the past years and we are proud of them. Also we know the bounden duty we should shoulder from our elderly leaders and march ahead undauntedly to the destiny our people so desire to reach.

The Nagas have been faded-up with the factionalism, patronizing the killings and hatred, and therefore no false propaganda or patronizing the killings and division among the Nagas can be tolerated by our young people today and in the near future.

Petrol price to be cut by over Rs 1 per litre

New Delhi, March 26 (PTi): Petrol prices are likely to be cut by over one rupee a litre early next week as appreciation in value of rupee against US dollar and fall in global oil rates has made imports cheaper. However, diesel rates will go up by 50 paisa per litre in line with the practice of raising prices by small quantum every month to wipe away subsidy on the fuel.

State-owned oil firms are due to announce revised petrol and diesel prices on March 31.

“Rupee has appreciated to Rs 60.50 to a US dollar from Rs 61.44 and simultaneously international gasoline rates have dipped from USD 118.09 per barrel to USD 115.73. The twin factors will lead to a reduction in petrol price on Monday,” a source with direct knowledge of the development said.

The government, in June 2010, had given oil firms freedom to fix petrol prices on 1st and 16th of every month based on average global oil prices and foreign exchange rates in the preceding fort-

The Morung Express

night. It had in January 2013 authorised oil firms to hike diesel prices by 40-50 paisa per litre every month till such time that the losses on the fuel are wiped out. Diesel prices have risen on 14 occasions since then.

Election Commissioner H S Brahma, who had earlier this month stated that government cannot discontinue the monthly increases in diesel prices as it would tantamount to populism, today said oil companies can revise petrol prices in line with the practice they have been following since June 2010.

Oil companies can revise petrol prices without coming to the Election Commission, he said. Petrol and diesel prices were last revised on March 1 when rates where hiked by 60 paisa and 50 paisa respectively. Petrol currently costs Rs 73.16 a litre in Delhi while diesel is priced at Rs 55.48 per litre. Since January 2013, diesel rates have risen by a cumulative Rs 8.33.

Characters of the King Digital Entertainment game Candy Crush Saga walk the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, before the company’s IPO, Wednesday, March 26, 2014. The stock market opened higher Wednesday after a strong report on American manufacturing.

The maker of the hit game “Candy Crush Saga” flopped in its market debut.

(AP Photo)

Kuknalim Kapom, Abraham, Peter And Philip Sam, Eastern Naga youths.

T

that finally the sole surviving signatory of the Shillong Accord I. Temjenba Lkr openly came out with his statement on the 14th March, 2014 in local dailies and clarified the position of the NNC and FGN. It is true that I. Temjenba Lkr rightly stated, “so it is totally wrong to blame the then NNC President A.Z. Phizo, who was neither “consult” nor “support” the document at any stage at that period.

Spilling of blood and loss of precious lives and the breakup of Naga family into different political groups could have been averted if the clarification had been given earlier.

Indeed, the Shillong Accord was signed under the capacity of the Representatives of underground organizations because the government of India intended to ignore the FGN. This can be treated as a legal victory to the NNC and FGN because the fact shall always remain to be seen for generations to come. Let the Accord remain to be the property of the signatories and underground organizations.

T

our people to study the facts and judge Accord. Clause (i) “The representatives of the underground organizations conveyed their decision, of their own volition, to accept, without condition, the constitution of India;” (ii) “It was agreed that the arms, now underground, would be brought out and deposited at appointed places. Details for giving effect to this agreement will be worked out between them and representatives of the government, the security forces, and members of the Liaison Committee;” (iii) “It was agreed that the representatives of the underground organizations should have reasonable time to formulate other issues for discussion for final settlement.”

No. 2 of the Accord was implemented and the arms and ammunitions were destroyed by India. Any accord whatever cannot be partially accepted or rejected which is universal fact. As a by-product of the Accord, the Transit Peace Camp in Kohima was set up to accommodate the underground organizations. Now, Mr. I. Temjenba Lkr presently resides in the

underground organizations and not as a National Worker under the NNC and FGN. This naturally applies to all the Campers.

Under this circumstances, let us see how Mr. I. Temjenba Lkr, the sole surviving signatory of the Accord who had been living in the Camp since 1975 up to date claim to be elected as a Kedallo (Vice-President) of the FGN. This fact only demeans and tarnishes the image and integrity of the FGN and the NNC and creates confusion.

It has also to be clearly established whether I. Temjenba Lkr represents our people or he claims national responsibility on his own.

Indeed, it is very clear to admit the harsh reality but we need to accept the facts and the truth. To save and uphold the Naga national right is our responsibility and now it is necessary for our people to take positive steps based on truth.

K.L. Kronu Kilonser, Ministry of Rali Wali Affairs Federal Government of Nagaland

The Unconquerable Foundation

here is an unconquerable and victorious foundation for all human beings on this earth and the foundation is based on having relationship with the Creator of the heavens and the earth and relationship with God is based on knowing who the Creator really is, believing in Him, fearing Him and obeying Him. Men and women who are on the unconquerable foundation are living and growing up towards maturity in conformity with the perfect characteristics of God. So they live for all the best of all fellow human beings and all bless them. But the people who do not know God live for the worst of fellow human beings and are heroes of destruction of fellow human beings basing on their own philosophy and they are terrors and curses to the people in the world.

Having power is for self-defense but power is not the way of resolving the problems of anti-social activities and terrorism.

The way of having relationship with God basing on “KNOW GOD, BELIEVE IN HIM, FEAR HIM AND OBEY HIM” is the only way

of resolving all human problems because the law or human ethics of relationship with God and with man is in humbleness can penetrate all impenetrable situations and parts of the world. The Creator and Lord is the Source and human beings are the channels and cannot be the source and act as the source. So relationship with God and with fellow human beings is the only way of peace, joy, courage, security and prosperity because all men and women who are in relationship with God Almighty are under His love and power and care on the unshakable Rock.

This is neither religion nor secularism but is lawful or ethical relationship with God the Creator of all human beings. Therefore, for all the best let the world recognize the law or human ethics of relationship with God “KNOW GOD, BELIEVE IN HIM, FEAR HIM AND OBEY HIM.” Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi P.O. Box 49, kohima 797001 Nagaland, India.

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

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2831

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2840

DIMAPUR Civil hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

metro hospital: faith hospital: shamrock hospital zion hospital: police Control room Police Traffic Control east police station West police station Cihsr (referral hospital) Dimapur hospital apollo hospital info Centre: railway: indian airlines Chumukedima fire brigade nikos hospital and research Centre nagaland multispecialty health & research Centre

Answer Number # 2830

KOHIMA

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

232224; emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 228846 228254 231864, 224117, 227337 228400 232106 227607 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

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52. Hindu loincloth 54. Animal foot 55. Quaint outburst 56. Understate 58. Liturgy 59. Aroused 60. Dwarf buffalo 61. Utilized 62. A drama set to music 63. Benefit

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Ans to CrossWord 2839

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

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

O

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

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE

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

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

08974997923

MOKOKCHUNG:

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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

222246 222491

CHEVROLET CARS PRICE MARCH ‘2014 CAR MODELS

STARTING PRICE

spark 1.0 mCe

3,38,705/-

beat 1.2 (petrol)

3,91,493/-

beat 1.0 (Diesel)

4,77,441/-

sail u-va 1.2 (petrol)

4,23,265/-

sail u-va 1.3 (Diesel)

5,33,999/-

sail 1.2 (petrol)

5,03,799/-

sail 1.3 (Diesel)

6,34,665/-

enJoy 1.4 (petrol)

5,53,163/-

enJoy 1.3 (Diesel)

6,73,963/-

Cruze 2.0 lt

13,96,498/-

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The Morung Express

27 March 2014

Patton asseses border situation

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26(MExN): Against the backdrop of recent unrest in the Assam-Nagaland border in the DimapurKarbi Anglong belt, Nagaland minister for Forest and Border Affairs, Y Patton, on Wednesday visited the border villages to assess the law and order situation. The border areas have recently witnessed incidents of violence, with reports of encroachment from both the Assam and Nagaland side.

The Minister, accompanied by officials from state Border Affairs, Forest department, police and Dimapur district administration, visited border Naga villages including Indisen,

UNTA asks Nagaland govt to maintain “status quo”

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): The United Naga Tribes Association has appealed to the Nagaland state government to “pursue its policy of maintaining status quo to the vexed border issue between,” the Nagaland and Assam state governments. This was expressed at a meeting with the Nagaland Minister for Forest and Border Affairs on March 26. A press note from the UNTA informed that the Minister had visited the bordering areas adjoining Dimapur to take stock of the prevailing situation. The UNTA further urged all bordering villages and groups of Naga people residing along the border areas to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the interest of all.

Nagaland minister for Forest and Border Affairs, Y Patton along with other officials inspecting areas along the Nagaland - Assam border on Wednesday.

Dikhoi, Rilan, where reports of encroachment had emerged recently.

After inspecting the areas, the Minister appealed

to villagers along the Assam-Nagaland border to maintain “status quo,” since the case of border dispute is in the Supreme Court. The

hearing is likely to be held in the month of July.

Among others, Joint Secretary for Border Affairs, A Robin Lotha; Under

Secretary, Border Affairs, Temsuwati Longkumer; DIG (Border), Bendang Lemtur; Chief Wildlife Warden, SP Tripathi; DFO

Dimapur, YM Jami, DC Dimapur, Hushili Sema and SP Dimapur, VZ Angami, accompanied the Forest minister.

NagalaNd lok Sabha PollS DC Phek notifies on counting of votes

The Deputy Commissioner & Assistant Returning Officer, Phek C.M. Tsanglao has issued a notification in reference to the Election Commission of India letter NO.470/INST/2014-EPS dated March 20 and CEO letter NO. ELE/CDT-194/2014/ dated March 22, that counting may be taken up from 8:00 a.m. on April 16 for the 16th Lok Sabha Election 2014 in respect of Phek District.

Programmes on SVEEP and EVMs held at Phek

Systematic Voter Education and Election Participation (SVEEP) programme was held at Phek Government College on March 25. Nodal Officer, EAC (Dev.) Phek, Tiayanger Jamir exhorted the gathering and said that it is very important to share views in a democracy. He also requested the students to actively participate if one reached 18 years of age.

Raja Durai, Master Trainer demonstrated the functioning of EVM machines

on how to cast votes. A debate on the topic “freedom of personal vote” was held between Phek Government College & Government Higher Secondary School, Phek.

GHSS, Phek was the winner; best speaker was Weri Mero, PGC; best defender was Zhovezo Nienu.

A short speech was delivered by Vekhruvo Khusoh, Campus Ambassador PGC and the programme was concluded by Khronyilo Lohe, Vice President (PGCSU).

Er. Namang Sepong Chang and Teacher GHS Pughoboto, Nisheto. All the appointed polling personnels were the training.

District election control room Mokokchung

In view of the Election to the Lok Sabha on April 9, the District Election Control Room has been set up at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Mokokchung.

Any complain for redress, information or report relating to the Lok Sabha ElecTraining for presiding and polling tion 2014 may be done through the given number: 0369-2225213, at any time, till officers held at Pughoboto Training for Presiding and Polling Of- the conduct of the election is over. ficers was held on March 25 at the ADC DC Mokokchung informs office complex Pughoboto. While welcoming the Polling Personals present, on training schedule DC & ARO, Mokokchung, Murohu Additional Deputy Commissioner & AsChotso has said that there will be a one sistant Returning Officer (ADC & ARO), day training on March 29 at Town Hall, Nokchasashi urged upon the participants to extend cooperation to the district ad- Mokokchung for all polling personnel ministration to ensure the conduct of (presiding officers/1st, 2nd & 3rd pollthe elections in a free, fair and peaceful ing officers) of Mokokchung district, manner. The participants were given in- who have missed the training on 24th structions by Master Trainers SDO (Civil) & 25th March 2014. Training will start from 10:00 a.m. The DC cautioned that

failure to attend the training would be viewed seriously and that disciplinary action would be initiated. He further informed all grade IV staff drafted for election duty to report on March 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the Town Hall along with 2 passport photographs.

EPIC card collection for Tuensang

The Deputy Commissioner & ARO, Tuensang has informed that all electors under 53 & 54 Tuensang Sadar I and II A/ Cs can collect their EPIC Card (Voters ID Card) from their respective BLOs at the Polling Stations on March 29 and 30.

Training of presiding and 1st polling officer held

Training for polling officials comprising of presiding officers and 1st polling officers who were not present at the 1st and 2nd phase of training was held at town hall Zunheboto on March 26. More than 100 polling officers attended the meeting.

The training for 2nd and 3rd polling officers will also be held on March 27.

(DIPR News)

IMFL seized at Chumu Training on improved agri practices for rural livelihood held Excise Check Gate

WOKHA, MARCH 26 (MExN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, ICAR for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre organized one day training programme on ‘Improved Agriculture practices for Rural livelihood’ on March 20 in collaboration with Dice Foundation funded by Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).

Dr. Bidyut. C. Deka, Joint Director, ICAR, Nagaland Centre, the special guest, encouraged the participating farmers to take up farming scientifically so maximum return can be obtained by the farmers. He also encouraged the farmers to take up maize cultivation in their respective villages so poultry feeds can The accused under custody.

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 Chumukedima should be be availed from their own field without spending mon-

(MExN): On its first day of duty at Chumukedima Excise check gate, the Mobile Squad personnel led by S. KakihoYeptho IE on March 25 at around 2:50 pm detected and seized seven (7) cases of rum from a maruti car bearing registration NL 01C 3852.

The owner of the consignment, Aluto was arrested and charged under section 3 & 44 of NLTP Act ’89. “In order to check and restrict the free flow of alcohol and other drugs, the Excise checkgate at

made permanent as the menace of bootlegging and drug smuggling is not only during elections but throughout the year,” said K. GhokihoYeptho, Superintendent of Excise Mobile Squad. In separate incidents, the duty party at New Field Excise check gate also detected eight offences. In this connection, eight persons were arrested and 180 bottles of assorted liquor seized. All the seized articles are kept in MS Malkhana for future destruction.

ey for buying feeds from the market, stated a press release.

He highlighted on various initiatives taken up in the area which includes development of Integrated Farming System at Liphanyan, integrated duck cum fish farming systems, and water harvesting structures funded

by TSP and National Horticulture Mission respectively.

The Joint Director also announced that 2000 numbers of vanaraja chicks would be provided to ten selected SHGs (200 chicks each) funded by TSP of the ICAR, which will be collaboratively monitored by KVK and Dice foundation. Marking his presence, he distributed ducklings (Cherra Chambli), maize seeds (RCM-76), and

medium duration lowland rice seeds (RCM-11) to the participating farmers.

Ronchamo Kikon delivered a short speech on behalf of the MLA where he thanked the Joint Director for taking initiative for agriculture development in Ralan area. He also expressed gratitude to the two visiting scientists, Dr. Patra and Dr. Rakesh and appealed to the scientists on behalf of the farmers for assistance under their respective division.

N. Khumdemo Ezung, Programme Co-ordinator (i/c) informed that the objective of the training was to strengthen the technical skills of the SHGs, particularly for poultry rearing (Vanaraja).

During the technical session, the resource persons N. Khumdemo Ezung, Bendangla, SMS (PB) and Dr. Moa, SMS (A.Sc.) delivered lecture on the topics, ‘Agro-forestry’, ‘Maize seed production’ and ‘Scientific poultry production’.

Visit to TSP and National Horticulture Mission project sites at Yanpha, Old Ralan and Liphanyan was also undertaken by Joint Director and his team of scientists for spot verification. The team expressed satisfaction on the projects implemented.

In all, 10 SHGs from six different villages under Ralan area participated in the programme. The programme was co-ordinated

by Loreni Ezung, Project Manager, Dice Foundation.

Training on election expenditure conducted KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (DIPR): A training programme for 'Awareness on Election Expenditure and Monitoring' was held at the Conference Hall of the Returning Officer, Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency & Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Nagaland on March 26. It was attended by representatives of political parties and Expenditure Ob-

server, Sushil Kumar Singh.

The training was conducted by State Level Master Trainer, Dr. Hovithal N. Sothu, who highlighted on various important aspects of election expenditure and monitoring measures. He pointed out the legal provisions for election monitoring including provisions under IPC, 1860 and types of election expenses.

Dr. Sothu said that the expenditure monitoring machinery includes expenditure observers, assistant expenditure observers, flying squads and static surveillance teams, video surveillance teams, video viewing team, media certification & monitoring committees, besides the accounting teams.

He stated that these measures introduced by

the ECI are not to be regarded as punitive measures, rather, they are to be taken as deterrent measures only. Sushil Kumar Singh, interacting with the participants said that the expenditure monitoring teams including the expenditure observers can be approached any time for clarification of queries or doubts.

Capital complex SBI branch, Khm opened TGOUN holds Trendz-O-Mania

KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (DIPR): The Capital Complex SBI Branch, Kohima was inaugurated by General Manager, NW-II Guwahati, SBI, Farooque Shahab at the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts building on March 22 who also unveiled the monolith at the building premises to commemorate the event.

The chief guest in his speech asserted that the opening of the Capital Complex Branch was a step in the direction of SBI’s commitment to provide best banking services to the people of Nagaland. He lauded the Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts for envisaging the architectural design of the building to accommodate the aforesaid banking branch and reiterated its objective to cater to the needs of the customers in the most professional manner.

Director, Directorate of Treasuries & Accounts, K. Tiayanger Tzudir, guest of honour, expressed elation of the department in witnessing the opening of the third treasury transacting branch in Kohima after a wait of 3-4 years; the two other branches being Lerie Branch and Kohima Main Branch. He appreciated the pro-people effort of the SBI who has been shouldering the responsibility of government transactions ever since the inception of the State in 1963. He mentioned that currently SBI provides the banking infrastructure to all the 11 District Treasuries in Nagaland and appealed the same to extend its banking operation to the treasuries in smaller town, particularly places like Changtongya, which houses a treasury but has not witnessed the

penetration of efficient banking service of SBI. Tzudir also expressed the current space constraint at the Directorate to house both the treasury and banking operation. The completion of the proposed building by the government for separate banking operation would entail optimistic provision of services by both entities to the customers, he said. Despite resource constraint, the government also plans separate construction of banks at District Treasuries by next financial year.

The Capital Complex Branch will now cater to 60% of the State Government’s financial transaction with currently 18 directorates in the capital complex to benefit from its establishment and the upcoming directorates still under construction.

KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (MExN): The 3rd annual fashion shows “TrendzO-Mania” of the Global Open University Nagaland (TGOUN) was held this evening at Molu Ki, Para Medical Colony Kohima.

Theja Sekhose, whose design theme is ‘Regal Spell’ was declared as the best designer and Pete Sophie whose design is over all collection of evening party wear under the theme ‘Eclipse Persona’ was declared the best theme. All together 20 models walk the ramp. The four graduating designers; Theja Sekhose, Moarenla Tzudir, Pete Sophie, and Rosy Kent resented their creative designs. The shows were judged on the basis of their presentation, themes, quality of fabric, creativity, style and market savvy.

5 NPCC appeals for people to judge Thursday

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has called upon the people of the state to judge as to “where the political parties stand, particularly on the issue of communalism and corruption.” A press note from the NPCC Media Cell stated that the “seeds of communalism seem to be sprouting up in Nagaland,” referring to the statements made by the Nagaland state unit of the BJP. “Salivating at the prospects of Narendra Modi winning the electoral battle will however remain a farfetched dream for the communal forces,” the NPCC stated. It said that Narendra Modi’s “constant rhetoric on so called Gujarat model of development has run out of steam while the nation demands answers for 2002 Gujarat riots.”

It said that “by their own admission,” the Nagaland state BJP has “publicly stated that communalism like corruption is a non issue in contemporary politics.”

Terming this as an “open admission,” the NPCC stated that it highlights “the fact that the communal forces have nothing new to offer but engage in a politics of spreading sectarian and divisive agenda to po-

Dimapur

larize the people for electoral gains.”

The NPCC further asserted that “labeling the BJP as communal party is not a wild allegation but a fact borne out of its association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) which remains its ideological mentor and the final authority.” It stated that the “divisive agenda of communal forces” have “troubled the conscience of these ignorant communal agents.” It lamented that they instead “demand answers from the congress, whose professed stand on these issues are loud and clear, that communal forces will not be allowed to implement their divisive agenda.”

The NPCC further alleged that Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has been “expanding his business empire during his tenures as Chief Minister,” and that the state treasury “has been totally emptied with the government facing numerous agitations over nonpayment of salaries for months.”

It stated that an opportunity has been served before the people of Nagaland to “outrightly reject the NPF joining hands with communal BJP.”

MEx FILE 9th Kohima ACCC holds meeting KOHIMA, MARCH 26 (MExN): The 9th Kohima town ACCC held its meeting on March 26 and agreed to adopt various resolutions. A press note from the 9th ACCC Kohima town President, Abalie Medose informed that the house resolved to “intensify distribution of book-let 11 year of NPF misrule by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.” The house facilitated the new PCC members and “re-dedicated to facilitate the down trodden people keeping in mind the Congress principle.” It further committed “to root-out the corruption.” The meeting also adopted to “bring charges in line with the Naga Society.” It further appealed for the electorate to vote for Congress candidate KV Pusa for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Tsg Dy CMO informs TUENsANg, MARCH 26 (MExN): All the polling personals applicants applying for exemption on medical ground during ensuing parliamentary election are informed final round of board sitting of District Level Medical Board of Tuensang will be held on March 31 at 11:00 am at Chief Medical Officer Conference hall Tuensang. Tuensang, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. T. Pangjung Sangtam in a press release has requested all the applicants applying for exemption on medical ground to appear before the medical board on above mention date thereafter no requisition the will be entertain.

NEEPCO grants assistance to Naga artists DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): The North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), a Government of India Enterprise based at Shillong, Meghalaya, has granted financial assistance of Rs 100000 each for promotion of art, music, literature, writer and sport talents in Nagaland. A press note from the Director of Art and Culture, Nagaland, Vevo Chakhesang informed that the selected beneficiaries are: Ankali (Athletic), Seyievilie Angami (Taekwondo), Dr Hosheto Y. Chisi (Author), Rügotsono Iralu (Writer), Vineizotuo Tase (Visual Art) and Neilhoumenuo Noudi (Music). The cheques have been presented to the selected candidates

by Vevo Chakhesang, Director, Art & Culture and Kelei Zeliang, Director, Youth Resources & Sports, at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima on March 26. It was done in the presence of Basant Kumar Tigga, Sr. Manager (HR) DHEP, NEEPCO Ltd. Doyang.

NPF Minority Cell gets full-fledged status DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) Minority Cell has been given full-fledged status at NPF CEC meeting held in March. A press release issued by NPF Minority Cell general secretary, Mahendra Thousan stated that the recognition reflects the deepest concern of Naga People’s Front and its leadership, on issues regarding linguistic minority populace of Nagaland.

To cater to the less privileged section of the society, the note said, NPF Minority Cell will operate in “untouched” districts of the state to strengthen the party as well as minority community of Nagaland. Bishnu Bhattacharjee, President Minority cell, has urged “the linguistic minority citizens of the state to join hands with the NPF and strengthen the party under its leadership to build bondage of trust and brotherhood with respect for each other for mutual co-existence, tranquility and harmony.”

Meanwhile, the Minority Cell lauded the party President Dr Shurhozelie, Secretary General K G Kenye, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Ministerial-in-charge of Minority Cell Nuklutoshi and leaders of NPF (central and units) for the recognition.

DEO sets up election banner in Dmp

Models walking the ramp at the event.

The four graduating designers are Theja Sekhose, Moarenla Tzudir, Pete Sophie, and Rosy Kent. Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges) and parliamentary affairs Kuzholuzo Nienu graced the occasion as the

man of the event, whereas, the first Naga female Olympian, recipient of Arjunna award 2013, Chekrovolü Swüro was a special guest.

The judges were Theja Haralu, Modovina Mocha and Kuthonulu S Venuh.

DIMAPUR, MARCH 26 (MExN): A signature campaign on clean election initiated by the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Dimapur started on March 26.

A banner was set up which read: “I will vote without fail, I won’t vote for money or any inducement, I will vote without fear or favour, I will vote for a better tomorrow.” The initiative gas been taken by the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Dimapur. The public have been informed to join the campaign by appending their signature on the banner, which are placed at the Dimapur city tower point as a voters pledge for a clean, peaceful and fair election 2014.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express THursDAy 27 MArcH 2014 voluME IX IssuE 83

By Aheli Moitra

UID and political processes

I

f the government was to be believed, the Unique Identification Code (UID or Aadhar Card) could have sorted out all problems of a modern independent India. Based on this assumption, the government in New Delhi pushed for the UID to be made mandatory to avail essential government services. The UID would be based on data collected by the government of your iris and finger prints—biometrics. The State would then seek to overpower the citizen by creating a centralized database of every one of them, and control this database to its fantasy’s end—to give services, yes, but also to crush rights of certain citizens through targeted persecution, more than already being done.

The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, shot the UID down, thank your stars, and not before many social and civil rights outfits, alongside academics, activists and researchers raised a cry about the illegal (and bizarre) nature of collection of such data, available for only the State and its agencies to use however they deem fit. The card cannot be mandatory for availing government services, and the data thus collected cannot be shared with any other agency, noted the Supreme Court.

How on earth can details of your iris be compulsory to ensure that you get the gas cylinder entitled to you?

A large part of the data collection and the UID Authority of India’s bullying was made simpler because except the above mentioned few no one challenged it. This applies especially to the “educated” middle class which claims to be so full of intelligence, it could throw up intelligence—it had no clue what the UID was all about, and in its usual demeanor decided to enroll because the government says so. They know their number tables but naught their application in a real world where politics determine the final calculation. In a wild run for a cash economy, this constituency is happy to give up its political rights. As a reminder, unique identification was used in Germany in the 20th century to identify and wipe out populations as a whole. Forgetting politics could lead to forgetting history.

While certain crucial restrictions have been put on the UID project by the Supreme Court of India for now, it would do well to think of political processes and why we must engage in them.

When people like us do not engage in political processes, they are inevitably handed over to technocrats, meritocrats or powerful people with aspirations and ambitions that do not reflect that of the people. In effect, our futures are handed over to irresponsible point persons who rarely have to run behind their right to life or profit. In this century, more people turning to activism and questioning States (and their governments) is telling of how abusive these structures have become, and the need felt in people to take over the reins of our collective future.

Today, we, the people, have the responsibility to change systems that have made governments and their agents much more powerful than us, the people. While there are persons we have elected to run this government, it is our duty and right to question them at every stage—this will come only with sustained engagement with the political system and lending our voice to political processes.

Suggestions to this effect may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT wiNg |

Julián Barajas, Tamara Cremo, Touré Issoumaila, Prativa Khanal, Ghada Louhichi, and Elsa Saade

Truth is the legacy we want

W

e are young men and women living in countries dealing with legacies of massive human rights abuses. This legacy is trauma, silence, denial, humiliation. Yet, politicians often say that revisiting a painful past will only reopen old wounds.

In this effort they are likely to pass amnesty laws, shield perpetrators of human rights violations, and delay or obstruct efforts to uncover the truth. They do so purportedly in our name: “The young people of this country want to look to the future, they’re not interested in what happened before.” They say, the next generation can’t make a fresh start unless they’re insulated from the horrors of the past. Nothing could be further from the truth.

If the truth is never revealed, the same causes will always produce the same results. Victims will always call for vengeance, offenders will always perpetrate more abuses. And we will continue on to a crescendo of violence on top of violence. Knowing the truth is a first step towards building a stable, peaceful society. The path will be long and difficult, but everyone must An op-ed from six youth be involved so that the activists in countries where truth will come to preofficial truth seeking dominate in our history initiatives are underway and in our society.

The consequences or being demanded reveals of past abuses affect us commonalities in the even if we, the young, search for dignity, truth and never suffered it directly. acknowledgment of crimes If our parents, our grandparents suffered and their suffering was never acknowledged or reparations made, the consequences for us, our families, and our communities are real.

How can there be genuine reconciliation in a divided society without truth about the past or the acknowledgment of victims? How can a country start a new chapter when thousands of families are still searching for their loved ones who were disappeared? Denying people their basic right to bury and mourn their family members bodes ill for a free society.

Ignoring the impact of disappearances on the lives of those left behind breeds a sense of despair and injustice. Official silence on the circumstances of violations and the identity of perpetrators not only shows a lack of respect for victims, but leaves a poisonous legacy for the next generation.

But we have the choice between building a new society on the basis of truth and respect – or on the tissue of lies and ignorance.

We are often told in the aftermath of violence or after a dictatorship that the country isn’t ready for the truth, and that it’s “not the right time.” The fact is that we, the youth, have more time ahead than any other group, so we should sit at the table to decide, too.

In countries that are negotiating peace or trying to build a democracy; in times of momentous change when the victims of yesterday’s oppression may become parliamentarians and policymakers; in those times, we need the courage to face the truth. How many of our fellow citizens were disappeared? Where are they? Who is responsible for unleashing violence on civilians? Who robbed our future to pad their pockets? What are we going to do to establish justice?

Our countries need the truth. Not only do we want to know the truth, we accept the responsibility of what searching for the truth entails – that it’s not enough to ask for the truth. We have to help search for it, we have to take care of it, and we have to spread it. As the world marks March 24, the International Day of the Right to the Truth, we ask that our voices be heard as a clear call to break the silence about the past.

The authors are youth activists from Canada, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Lebanon, Nepal and Tunisia.

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Daniel Hunter Waging Nonviolence

What to do when we ‘lose’ W e do our best to win campaigns, but what do we do when we lose? How do we recover, find footing and carry on? Some important lessons can be drawn from a recent generation-defining struggle in New Zealand: the Save Happy Valley Campaign.

The campaign has been protecting Happy Valley from invasive coal mining since 2005, including the country’s longest running environmental occupation. Just a few weeks ago their campaign was dealt a major hit when Solid Energy bulldozed much of the targeted land to open up mining, despite the low price of coal and low return on investment.

Destroyed in the untouched landscape were the homes of 30 threatened great spotted kiwi and land where a rare carnivorous snail and eleven other endangered species lived.

Recently I had the chance to work with some of the activists in that campaign while leading a threeday training of trainers for climate change organizers in New Zealand. While its too early to say if the entire campaign has lost, my time with them gave me a chance to think about lessons on when we do experience loss.

Big losses, big hearts We experience no real sense of loss without opening up our hearts to what we’re fighting for. The campaigners fell in love with the land at Happy Valley, a red-tussock wetland in the southern island, near the town of Westport. For many of them it was their home during the three-year site occupation, in which activists rotated through the role of occupier in the remote pristine landscape.

So when activists emailed around images of the bulldozed land, reactions ranged from shock, sadness and white-hot anger, to a mix of despair and a desire to move into figuring out what to do next.

The first morning of the workshop hardly any of the activists spoke about news from the campaign.

“Seeing the pictures just felt overwhelming,” said Jojo McVeagh, one of the activists. “I don’t want to process it at all.” Other than seeing faces that look locked in a kind of grimace, I didn’t hear much about the campaign.

Sharing what’s in our hearts During the evening session I saw some of the grief beginning to rise. A pair of activists began quietly talking to each other about some of the loss — the first time I had observed that in the workshop.

The sharing was quick, almost surreptitious, as if by admitting it was real to each other it might cement the loss.

I went quickly to them and shared some stories of my own loss and then challenged them to keep sharing. “Taking the time to share what’s in your heart is really important,” I told them. “Last week I met with an Aussie activist who confided in me that after a devastating loss she hadn’t really spent any time in grief. She realized one result was she wasn’t as effective a spokesperson in her current campaign. She wasn’t as present as before and instead of leading with her heart, which was effective and compelling as a speaker, she was more stiff and less effective.”

Along with my attentive listening, the two began making space for each other to share more. As they talked, I was struck by how much had to do with all the other hard things surrounding the campaign — the movement’s internal struggles and conflicts. I found myself, even though I had nothing to do with the campaign, on the edge of tears as I was feeling all the pain from my own lost campaigns, missed opportunities and lost relationships.

That’s another important dimension of the healing process — how one loss can trigger all the many

T

his is a part of a series of articles that I hope will shed some light into the hazy future we look at. This compilation is no means a solution but a path towards a more sane discourse. I have chosen five subjects that I find close to my heart and will try to articulate how I feel about it.

The Naga National Movement: I’d like to start with a subject I am very familiar with and in fact experienced it.

I was an ardent believer in the ideology of our movement for liberation. During the period I was actively involved I was incarcerated numerous times at the hands of the enemy. I was tortured and humiliated in each of these cases. All in all I was arrested three times and locked up in eight different jails in four states. Even the most intrepid traveller may not have gone to the places I have been. I have been shot at and also wounded. I could go on and on about the sufferings I have endured during my 15years of service to the nation until I had to resign for personal reasons. For me this was a small sacrifice to endure for the ideals I believed inland for which hundreds of my comrades gave their lives still holding the Rainbow flag.

But what I really want to discuss here is where we are going today.

Has this generation lost all the will to sacrifice for something they believe is worth fighting for? Is this lethargy due o the myopic visions of our leaders who cannot see beyond the

senses of inadequacy we build up from our campaign. “Once I started opening up, it all hit me,” Tara shared with me. “All of the losses and how much we as a movement lose and how I can feel we’re all fucked anyways. I now have to confront all of that. I try compartmentalizing it as merely one campaign loss, but it’s all coming at me.”

Tara told me she finds rereading Joanna Macy helpful — someone who encourages us to look at the despair in the world, rather than merely turn away. I shared with her about a group of women I know who hold a “grief circle” — reading the newspaper and feeling their feelings together. “It’s not something I think I can do,” I said, “but I’m really glad to know it’s possible. And it opens me up and reminds me that I get to have those feelings when I hear bad news, too.”

Part of handling the loss is dealing with the pain that gets triggered as well. The more a movement can address despair along the way, the better shape we’ll be in if and when we lose.

Normalizing The next morning the work of the pair had inspired other pairs to share. I spent time with one of the pairs in the kitchen over breakfast. They were focused on how to help their people pivot to the next campaign. One openly worried about people staying stuck in emotions and grief and not moving to the next action.

I shared with her, “One thing I’ve learned is the importance of normalizing people’s reactions, rather than trying to force them into the next thing. In a way, losses like this are traumatizing — and each person reacts in different ways. Our reactions are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances.”

I told her a story of a time I worked with a group who experienced a half-loss, half-win. I was asked to lead a strategy retreat afterwards and started by asking them what they were feeling. “Sadness.” “Anger.”

“Concern about what’s next.”

I diligently wrote all the responses on newsprint for everyone to see. Then, after exhausting the range of emotions in the room, I announced I wanted to share with them a theory about what movements do when they experience a half-loss, half-win. The group waited with baited breath, pens in hand.

With a twinkle in my eye, I read them back their list, sharing a few stories as examples along the way. My goal here is normalizing — to affirm to people that their reactions are normal, and rather than fighting inside themselves to “shape up and be the right kind of activist” — one who goes right back to the battlefield or who does some kind of magical clean crying — for each person to be comfortable with their own set of reactions, open to their own genuine way of handling the challenge in front of them. The activist sipped from her coffee. “But what about people who feel too traumatized to even process? Who don’t want to join a debrief call?”

“Normalize even that reaction,” I said. “It’s a natural desire, especially I find for the leaders and folks most involved to need to step away to process — it’s hard to process when you feel the expectation of others looking to you to come up with what’s next. If you mean it, tell them there’s always availability for talking about the campaign, but let them know it’s okay with you if they need some time away. The guilt we activists throw on ourselves is hard enough, but that can be nothing compared to the sense of shame we feel in the face of our colleagues’ pressure — real or imagined — to get right back into the fight.”

Shame doesn’t inspire us back to action. Or, if it does, it is a nonrenewable fuel for action. People need spaces to heal — and initiatives must be taken to help design those spaces.

Collective debriefing Ahead of the mid-morning break, activist Emily Bailey raised her hand and said, “Anyone interested in debriefing the Happy Valley campaign, join us for a tea break conversation.” A third of the group — some involved and some only peripherally involved — head off with her.

I couldn’t be more delighted. The group is moving from very private reflections to larger, more public reflections. This is an important phase. Movements cannot move through grief without individuals doing reflective grief work. At the same time, individuals doing that work need to have spaces to share those reflections back with the larger world.

I sat in for a few minutes to observe. I saw laughter and tears, physical affection and an airing of grief.

Those who’ve been sharing in pairs appeared to be leading the way; they’d already worked through some of the grief and were efficient at sharing. The isolation that trauma had created melted away and community bonds were strengthened.

The creation of space for handling grief is needed: Whether through community rituals (Save Happy Valley Campaign once created a whole ritual to honor the death of a particularly important tree), or through group humor (one activist tells me they used to play a game called “isn’t that terrible?” where people would share their woes and the activists would affirm them by saying, “yes, isn’t that terrible!?”).

Framing our ‘loss’ At the end of the workshop, the group of activists had developed a plan to support each other and debrief, including organizing a movementwide debrief, split into two parts: “space for us to regroup and share some of our feelings and make sense of what happened” and a “brainstorming and planning session.” People were invited to come to either part, or both.

At this stage of healing the activists were ready to take the feedback of all the many things the movement had won. Younger activists shared how this campaign was the campaign that inspired them into action. Older activists shared how this campaign kept them motivated and encouraged them to become more radical. The activists were able to hear it and take it in.

Even through the loss, they began to paint a bigger picture: Not everything in Happy Valley was destroyed and in fact the company has only started mining a small section of the land. There are still forests left to protect. In the broad sweep of the climate change movement, this may become a turning point for other wins down the road. Many movement leaders are now skilled up to move on to other campaigns. Other leaders were burned out by the campaign, a testament to the need for increased group support, which was a lesson the younger activists took to heart.

Their process mirrored that of many campaigns who suffer loss: doing healing individually and through small groups, then through larger groups, and eventually feeding back into the larger movement. It reflects the need for active creation of processes and structures to help people move forward through their grief, even while mirroring the psychological stages associated with handling grief: shock, anger, disorganization and eventually regrouping and innovation.

At the end of the workshop, Jojo shared part of their reflection, “At the end, we realized our loss wasn’t because we failed. We did the right thing and we did our parts. It’s the government and corporations that failed us, that failed to protect the land and failed to live up to their values. We have to keep doing the right things.”

Chinks in the Naga armour Temjen Ao

On behalf of all my comrades who have suffered along with you and lost their lives I beg all my National leaders to stop squabbling and lead us wrongs of yesteryears and the affairs of his or her own tribes. But whatever the reason one thing is certain our movement is at a crossroads. Our own people no longer have full faith in our leaders. In fact if we were to hold a plebiscite today I am certain more than half our people will opt to join the Indian mainstream, and not because they want to , but because they lack the statesmen like leaders we used to have.

We cannot keep an entire population in limbo by force of arms alone. I remember the same leaders before the ceasefire taught us that we were like fishes and the peoples were the water that sustained us. And so the peoples

must be respected above all else or the movement will flounder. Before the ceasefire I remember going into villages half starving and asking for aid. The villagers would gather the best paddy and meat and feed us with gratitude and love in their eyes.

I doubt this happens very rarely these days. Now when our boys go anywhere they are most likely to be looked at with contempt not because the spirit of freedom is dimming amongst the public but because of the direction this sacred cause is heading towards.

Nagas by blood are fiercely independent. Decades of war waged upon us by one of the mightiest

wRiTE-wiNg

armies in the world has hardly dented our yearning for a free and sovereign Nagalim. The only way we the Nagas can be defeated is from within. Though no longer an active national worker I have nevertheless bathed in the water of freedom and will never stop affecting my life forever. And thus I have to be a bit wary of the path my cherished movement is taking.

I request all my leaders to forget the past and look towards the future.

This generation is ready to heed your call if the movement is headed in the right direction. Our generation lost the cream of its crop and this generation is ready to play its part. What they need is a state man like leadership to show them the correct path.

Again I ask all my leaders to introspect and lead the people as you did before. For the sake of the LIM I on behalf of all my comrades who have suffered along with you and lost their lives I beg all my National leaders to stop squabbling and lead us.

In my father’s vast fertile fields I toiled and sowed for a bountiful yield Eager after much toil I began harvesting Tearfully I reaped a storm of bloodletting.

Which wrong hoe did I unwisely use?

Which unhealthy seeds did I choose?

This thought kept haunting me That the seeds and hoe were wrong for me.

Kuknalim

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

Thursday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

27 March 2014

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Israeli Miss World's anti You Vote I Vote He Vote She Vote rape crusade goes global

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or the common man party, chief Arvind Kejriwal, shirt and face splattered with ink thrown at him, addresses an election campaign rally in Varanasi India on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. India will hold national elections from April 7 to May 12, kicking off a vote that many observers see as the most important election in more than 30 years in the world's largest democracy. (AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Another FiveYear Fun Comes to India. Can we think democracy differently?

over tea cups and beer mugs.

Never-ending promises and pledges would drop from the sky like the relentless showers in Cherapunji.

Then, even before the ink on your finger dries up, promises and pledges would dry up like magic. You and your family and children would find yourselves in exactly the same situation you were in before.

Frustrated and annoyed. There is terrible inflation and sky-high prices of all essential items. Corrupt promoters and their mafia are ruling the streets, and polluting the Indian sky and rivers like crazy. Unemployment drives poor people out of their villages into the cities, to toil like slaves. Violence on women is out of control. Slow, sluggish work environment in offices and courts. Major crisis in health, education Partha Banerjee and transportation. And God forbid, unchecked, unstopped violence and terrorism. countercurrents.org Expert opinions would jam up your ears explainvery time I talk to someone about politics – ing away the reasons for administrative failures. One whether in India or USA – I see strange apa- political party would slander the other, back and thy. I see fear and frustration about political forth. Isn’t this what we’ve seen all our lives? leaders, candidates and ministers.

You talk to the ordinary Jo Blo or Jane Doe in One Percent vs. 99 Percent Do we have any way to get out of this dead-end the U.S., or Aam Aadmi or Kuppan Suppan in India, about elections. What response do you get? alley, in this life? I keep speaking about it at what“Oh, they’re all the same. All corrupt and crooks. ever forum I get anywhere in the world – left, right Except for a few and far between.” This is the gen- or center.

In fact, to me, left and right do not have any eral consensus.

Yet, in just a month, millions of men and wom- more meaning. The divide is artificial and puren will line up, in glee and glamour, to vote at their poseful. The real struggle, as Occupy Wall Street neighborhood polling booths. In big cities and small would point out, is the conflict between the one towns, in prosperous villages and remote country- percent (people in political, social and economic side. In this South Asian festival, unlike USA’s max- power) and the 99 percent (ordinary people like imum thirty or forty percent, an unbelievably high us who do not have those powers). That is how the number of ordinary folks will come out and vote. The vote debate should be framed.

Of course, in this neoliberal, globalized era, deelection will decide the fate of 1.2 billion people. bate itself has become outdated. In this era, nobody wants to be unhappy by debating. AccepFive-Year Festivity In party- and festival-full India, a national elec- tance makes us happy. Like, here in America, if tion is the biggest festival. It’s the biggest yajna that you ask somebody, “Ha-ya doin’?” The immedieven Ram or Judhisthira could not have imagined. ate response would be, “Doin’ great, man!” In my In this yajna, saints and rishis and imams and car- three decades of living in the U.S., I’ve never heard dinals from various corners would declare their anybody saying, “Honestly, I’m not doing so well, sermons. Old and new stars –film and cricket stars and here is why.” Nobody wants to admit any probincluded – would show up in public and bless their lems, mention anything unhappy.

The neoliberal social model works truly great for voters with rich looks and gorgeous voices. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Assam to Gujarat, street the one percent. microphones and TV screens would blare the vote call, amplify to glorify this five-year fun. Dinner Democracy or Plutocracy?

This is not democracy. This system keeps the tables and drawing rooms would spill vote storms

E

W

e have lauded our young Naga designers who have received recognition in the national and international fashion shows. It can be considered as a great tribute to Naga culture on their part to have showcased the colorful and distinctive Naga cultural attires in the international forum, which have been highly appreciated in the world of fashion industry. Naga designers, including all the expatriate Nagas who have made successful careers by sweating out in other parts of the country and abroad, are increasing every year. Their feat of success in varied arenas and professional fields have definitely indicated that Nagas are richly talented and given the proper opportunity and support they have the potential to excel in any field. Their success shows that Nagas are no lesser than any community in terms of human resources needed for the progress of their society, thus shedding the image of popularly held ‘warrior race’ tag, and also giving new light to what Nagas can do. Such individual successes also highlights that Nagas have not been able to tap the human resources to full extent, and that we have remained unaware of our ability to grow and developed with the rest of the world.

There is actually a flip side to this story of progress, which we have seen in recent times. A cultural faux pas has been time and again committed by Naga designers, irreverent of our traditional values and rich cultural heritage. The latest culprit is popular Naga designer Atsu Sekose, but lesser known designers like Asa Kazingmei and others, have also made the similar mistakes in their own trademark fashion designs. It is by all means a great contribution on their part that they have showcase Naga attires in highly competitive fashion shows and they have drew their inspirations from Naga cultural motifs being designed by our

one percent, the rich, mighty and powerful, happy.

It keeps the status quo for them – to take advantage of our powerlessness, economic vulnerability and fears of losing the little we have. We keep satisfying the profit machines of the powerful, in return of small compensations. And we pretend we are happy with that small change compared to the billions they make, out of our lifelong labor.

But, we keep fighting among ourselves deciding who is left and who is right, which party is going to get how many seats in which state or city. We get sucked in with expert predictions and exit polls. We fight over religions and castes. Some of us even bet on our favorite candidates or fronts. Just like a football or cricket match where spectators are fighting over their team and players, when the players and team owners are eating the cream, only leaving the crumbs behind for us.

I don’t know about you. But I have seen it happening all my life. One national alliance is riddled with extreme corruption, monarchy-like rule, and pathetic incompetency. The other national alliance is well-known for their feudalism, chauvinism, and communal politics. If one regional or state party is infamous for its idiosyncratic, autocratic leader with loose-cannon talks, the other party has been talking violence or of taking over neighboring countries. Many have their underground money, muscle and mafia – ones that keep us the 99 percent in perpetual fear. For them, there is elite police or protection. For you and me, there is none.

IMF, World Bank, Wall Street and Dalal Street keep putting more pressure on you, me and the 99 percent through their insider connections and policy changes. And we don't even know it.

New Movements Yet, even in this dark, dismal, depressing environment, strong pro-99-percent movements are taking India by storm. We’ve seen Jay Prakash Narayan before. We’re now seeing Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, and some others who’re challenging the status quo from the grassroots level. In recent years, India has given rise to Medha Patkar, Arundhati Roy, Vandana Shiva and many other peoples’ leaders and organizations who have made remarkable progress to empower the ordinary. In Delhi and West Bengal, watershed grassroots movements to protest against rapes and barbarism on women happened. Minorities from Dalit and tribal communities have forged solidarity.

Future India: Collaborative Leadership Indians, especially today’s young men and women, do not want corruption or inept dynastic “leaders” on one hand, or violent, misogynistic, communal politicians on the other. Young India is smart and informed. The new generation knows the difference between intelligence and idiosyncrasy, knowledge and naivete. Young people in India believe in gender, religion and caste equality, modernity, and equal distribution of prosperity.

Unless we elect candidates who would show their profound understanding about this new, aspiring India, and collaboratively lead to fulfill these aspirations, India through another five-year vote-festivity would spiral back into the same cycle of mediocrity, inequality, feudalism and violence.

It is time we must come out of our archaic, leftistrightist boxes, find common values and goals, and forge a broad-based coalition of the 99 percent – a rainbow coalition of the ordinary and honest working men, women and families.

Only if we strengthen our commonalities and build bridges, India can usher in a new, modern era of progress and prosperity for all, and be a real, recognizable power in this global economy.

I challenge you on it.

Poverty Of Imagination: Naga Designers Toying of Cultural Attires Dr. Shimreiwung Zimik ancestors in ancient times. But, it is altogether another case of committing fraud that the young designers are using the same pattern of designs being enshrined in our traditional attire, which has varied cultural symbols and meaning attached to it. Cultural attires and symbols are meaningful not only in patterns and colors themselves, but have significant social relevance which is still in practice today. Apart from the general categorization of shawls for male and female, there are certain dresses specifically designed for persons who hold important position in the kinship structures and customarily worn only by them. These values are all part of our lay knowledge, which does not need specialized knowledge, but being disrespectful to these practices shows one’s own attitude towards the community.

It cannot be an excuse on the part of Naga designers that they are unaware of the social and cultural significance of Naga attires. In the first place, they belong to the same community; therefore, they are an ‘insider’. And, they should have done proper research about the historical and cultural context when they use the exact patterns and designs of Naga shawls and meklas. By using the same dress patterns that are worn by respectable individuals in our society during special occasions, and turning that into skirts and tops in fashion shows, the Naga designers have made mockery of our cultural tradition. By all means a shawl has been always worn as a shawl, and turning that into something like skirt or

even mekla, is not just a case of cultural faux pas, but also inversion of common social practices. A common fashion statement among the Naga youths today is wearing the waist-coats with Naga cultural motifs, however even in this case minimal imitation of actual traditional attire has been adopted.

And, as a general rule, we have hardly come across symbolic motifs being used in female sarongs being applied in male waist coats.

Designing, like any other creative and artistic professions, is fundamentally driven by imaginations and creation of something that is extra-ordinary. An exact imitation of what has been made by someone long ago is not the best way of showcasing one’s creative abilities. In the world of creative industry, especially fashion and scientific inventions, copyrights are serious matters, where even one’s earnings are dependent on it. Like all forms of folk art, Naga cultural attires are owned by the community, and no individual can claim rights over it, especially the properties inherent in the designs and artistic values. When Naga designers or for that matter any designer who used the exact patterns of Naga traditional attires to showcase it as their own creation, they are in principle owning the designs and patterns as their own in strict legal sense, which is again a strong infringement upon communities rights over their common cultural property. This argument may seem far fetch to some individuals, but such legal issues are common problems in the contemporary world of intellectual

Author is a New York-based labor educator and human rights activist

property rights and patents.

It is a common practice among artists to get inspiration from varied source. And, tribal culture of far and distant land has been often used by European artist for their own creation. However, in numerous cases, they have just used the shades of the colors, or certain aesthetic sense, and generally not reproduce the entire patterns and motifs in their own creation. This has much to do with ethical concerns in one’s professional practices and imaginative capabilities. Some well-known artist like Matisee has also got inspiration from Tahitian cultural practices, but we just see the shadow of Tahitian art and not the exact reproduction of the original piece in his art. Matisee may be an exception, but that’s what great artist does in their line of work. Naga cultural attires continues to be used by numerous artist as an inspiration, but it will really good if the artist can would show some respect to the cultural tradition, but also know that culturally motifs and patterns have already been owned by the community, and it should not be turned into one’s own property and meddle with the designs that have been created centuries back by our ancestors.

It is high time for Naga civil organizations, especially Naga Hoho, to look into the misuse of Naga arts and artifacts by certain individuals (whether Naga or non-Naga) for their vested interest and take certain measures, so that our cultural practices are respected by everyone. The liberal economy can do much harm to our culture and identity if we allow ourselves to be liberal in every aspect of our social and cultural practices. Time has come for the community like Nagas to be more critical in one’s own approach and not live ignorantly like the era that has gone by.

The author is associated with the Naga Scholars Association, New Delhi. The views expressed here are personal

aron heller associated Press

In the photo on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, former Miss World Linor Abargil poses with her four-month-old daughter at her home in Netanya, Israel. When Abargil was crowned Miss World in 1998, the tears streaming down her cheeks appeared to be the overwhelming joy of a woman fulfilling a childhood dream. Few knew the painful truth behind them - that just six weeks earlier she had been raped at knifepoint. (AP Photo/Aron Heller)

W

hen 18-year-old Israeli beauty queen Linor Abargil was crowned Miss World in 1998, the tears streaming down her cheeks appeared to be the overwhelming joy of a young woman fulfilling a childhood dream. Few knew the painful truth behind them — that just six weeks earlier she had been raped at knifepoint.

Unlike most victims of sexual assault, Abargil refused to keep quiet. She pressed charges, spoke out publicly and testified at a trial that sent her attacker to prison for 16 years. Her ordeal inspired other Israeli women to break their own silence and in the process, she became a national symbol who helped destigmatize rape in the country.

Today, the 34-year-old mother of three's crusade against sexual violence is going global, thanks to an international speaking tour and new documentary, "Brave Miss World," in which she details her ordeal and speaks to dozens of other victims, many of whom shared their tales of terror for the first time.

"If you go through something very bad or very hard, the only pill you can take is to tell, to take it out of your system. Because if you don't, it is like a tumor — it becomes bigger and bigger until it kills you," she told The Associated Press this week, shortly after returning from a visit to India. "I feel that I have this privilege to really help other women to open up."

In "Brave Miss World," director Cecilia Peck chronicles Abargil's journey from teenage rape victim to outspoken lawyer and activist and finally to wife and mother who discovered a newfound comfort in her Jewish faith. Interviews with her parents, her husband and even a former boyfriend shed light on how the rape altered her life but also how her strength helped transform her into an unlikely ambassador.

In the documentary, shot over four years, Abargil listens to the stories of rape victims ranging from American college students to young South African girls to Hollywood celebrities like Fran Drescher and Joan Collins — who disclosed for the first time that she married the man who raped her.

"There is something about Linor that gives credibility to rape survivors. They know that they will be believed, it helps relieve that burden of shame," said Peck, whose previous work includes "Shut Up and Sing," a documentary about the U.S. country singers the Dixie Chicks.

Peck, daughter of legendary actor Gregory Peck, said the film's name was a subtle allusion to Aldous Huxley's famous novel "Brave New World," in which the government tried to control even citizens' sex lives.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, America's largest anti-sexual violence organization, one out of six American women has been the victim of rape or an attempted rape, with 60 percent of them unreported to police.

The figures are similar in Israel and other Western nations and far higher in the developing world.

Peck said the film's website has become a focal point for victims to speak out. More than 300,000 people already have visited the site, with many writing about the abuse they experienced. Hundreds of emails arrive each day, she said.

Abargil said she was drawn to the project since she was not the type of person to just seek "justice for myself and then walk away." Rather, she felt that as a public figure she had a responsibility to break the taboo around rape and give other women the courage to talk about it.

It was not without a personal toll.

"It was one of the hardest things I ever did in my life," she said. "A lot of the time I didn't have anything to say to the things that I heard."

Abargil's own story was just as horrific. She was in Milan, Italy, in October 1998 auditioning for modeling jobs when she asked Uri Shlomo Nur, an Egyptian-born Israeli who ran a travel agency there, to arrange a flight back to Israel.

Nur told her there were no flights from Milan to Israel and offered to drive her to Rome where she could catch a plane.

During the ride, Nur pulled the car into a thicket, stabbed her, strangled her and raped her at knifepoint. She managed to escape and call her mother.

"Linor said to me: 'He tricked me, he raped me, he tried to kill me,'" her mother tearfully recalled in the film.

She told her daughter not to shower, to report the rape to police and give DNA evidence at a hospital. That helped convict Nur in Israel. Still in prison, he is slated for release this summer.

Throughout the trial, Abargil refused to have her name concealed or her face or voice distorted in media coverage, insisting that there was no reason to be ashamed.

Miriam Schler, the director of the Tel Aviv rape crisis center, said Abargil gave rape a "human face" and her trial spurred a big boost in the number of women who sought help.

"She gives women legitimacy to come forward, to say 'I am not crazy, it's not my fault, if people believe her maybe someone will believe me,'" Schler said.

Abargil went on to work as a model and an actress before becoming a criminal lawyer. Newly religious, the bikinis and low-cut gowns of her past have been replaced by more modest outfits and a head covering befit of an Orthodox Jewish woman.

She said the "stupid crown" she won for Miss World would have meant nothing to her were it not for the platform it provided to speak out.

"I think I have a lot of very good things to say to women around the world," she said, as her four-month-old daughter cooed in the background. "I realized it (the rape) doesn't define me, it can't define me."

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

Thursday 27 March 2014

The Morung Express

Congress promises jobs, universities New DelhI, March 26 (aP): India’s struggling Congress party appealed to its main constituency of poor voters in an election manifesto unveiled Wednesday that promises new jobs and more funding for education and health care. Polls indicate a drubbing is in store for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government in next month’s elections. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has not released its election manifesto but is campaigning that it wants to wipe out corruption it says is embodied by Congress.

In reverting to its traditional support base, Congress vowed to create 100 million new jobs, set up new universities and take immediate steps to contain inflation. Party leaders also promised more funds for education, health care and agriculture if the party was voted back into power. India’s 814 million eligible voters head to the polls starting April 7.

Party leader Rahul Gandhi, scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family that has ruled India for decades, told a crowded news conference that the Congress is determined to protect India’s secular character — a clear jab at the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which is led by Hindu nationalist Narendra Modi.

The beleaguered Congress party-led government has been facing public anger over allegations of corruption, including a poorly run sale of cellphone rights and a misallocation of coal fields that auditors said lost the country billions of dollars.

The corruption scandals have added to people’s perception that the government had failed to push through the much-needed economic reforms to revive a slowing economy.

Singh said the Congress was committed to improve the delivery of services without it leaking out through graft. “In a developing economy, cor-

Cong Manifesto: Salient features

From left to right, Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Congress party President Sonia Gandhi release party manifesto ahead of the general elections, in New Delhi, on Wednesday, March 26. India will hold national elections from April 7 to May 12, kicking off a vote that many observers see as the most important election in more than 30 years in the world’s largest democracy. (AP Photo)

ruption cannot be wished away. But every effort has to be made to overcome the tendencies that give rise to corruption,” Singh said.

Singh’s government had reaped the benefits of 9 percent growth during its first term in office until 2009.

But the economy was hit by the 2008 global crisis and growth plunged to around 4.5 percent, which added to the government’s woes.

Despite the slow growth figures, Singh said that over the past decade his government had succeeded in pulling more than 140 million people out of poverty.

“The rate of poverty decline has

tripled as compared to the preceding decade,” Singh told reporters.

The party also announced a raft of new welfare measures including a pension scheme and new housing plans for the underprivileged.

With Modi crisscrossing the country holding election rallies where he rips into the Congress party’s failures, the Congress has fallen back on its traditional supporters.

Modi, the chief minister of Gujarat state, is accused of doing little to stop anti-Muslim riots in the state in 2002 which left more than 1,000 dead.

While he was never charged with a crime, Modi’s critics say he did little to

stop the three months of rioting.

Modi has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the violence, but has never expressed remorse or offered an apology.

With Modi surging ahead in opinion polls, Congress leaders hit out at the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate describing his agenda as one that would marginalize the poor and powerless.

Modi’s ideology is one that “makes people fight with each other,” Gandhi said. “It will damage the country.” “Every Congressman will fight to defeat that ideology,” he vowed.

* Spells out 15-point agenda for India’s socio-economic and political transformation. * Two-thirds of India’s population to be lifted to middle class bracket through a package of basic rights for all workers. * Congress to focus on fiscal consolidation, price stability and growth. * Foreign Direct Investment to be encouraged, especially in labour intensive sectors. * Congress to appoint a special envoy on black money. * 10 percent growth rate in the manufacturing sector to be ensured with a special emphasis on small and medium enterprises. * The Goods and Services Tax Bills and a new Direct Tax Code Bill to be introduced in parliament and enacted within one year. * Congress to ensure that risk of retroactive taxation is avoided. * One trillion dollars to be invested over the next decade on upgrading India’s power, transport and other development infrastructure. * Congress to ensure a bank account for every Indian within five years; easy loans up to Rs.1 lakh for women for livelihood activities to be made available. * All towns and Gram Panchayats to be connected with high-speed broadband connectivity within 18 months. * Skills training to be provided to 10 crore youth who will be then employed over the next 5 years.

National Youth Policy aiming at developing leadership skill amongst youth to be envisaged. * Focus to be shifted from ‘sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan’ to ‘Shreshtha Shiksha Abhiyaan’. Universal en-

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rolment in secondary education also planned.

The Communal Violence Bill remains an important commitment for the protection of minorities.

Every single recommendation of Sachar Committee to be reviewed and efforts made for their implementation.

Focus on women empowerment and fight for their security, selfrespect and dignity, and equality.

A Citizen’s Charter for Women’s security and safety to be envisaged.

Fast track courts will be established with in-camera proceedings facilities in state headquarters and in regional centres.

Legal protection and resource allocation for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to be enhanced.

Passage of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2013, to be ensured.

Legal and institutional framework to be strengthened to protect children; working conditions of Aanganwadi and related workers to be improved.

Governance reform to be accelerated including legal, judicial and electoral reform. Immediate passage of the Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill to be ensured.

Modernisation of defence forces by procuring the finest and most state-of-the-art equipment.

Impetus on agriculture productivity by nurturing Public Private Partnerships.

Court orders Sahara to ‘Don’t attack schools’ Criminalisation of politics is the biggest challenge: EC DelhI, March 26 in the electoral process. According using a wide variety of transporpay 100 bn to release HRW tells Maoist and Security forces New (IaNS): Criminalisation of poli- to Brahma, money power leads to tation, including on foot, on boats York, March 26 (IaNS): Maoists and se- tics is the biggest challenge facing an uneven playing field. He also and on elephants. The officials chairman Roy on bail New curity forces in India should respect children’s safety the country today, Election Com- highlighted the role of political face extreme weather conditions. by keeping away from schools in the weeks before Lok missioner H.S. Brahma said here parties in providing a boost to the Temperatures can range from

New DelhI, March 26 (reuterS): The Supreme Court has agreed to release the head of the Sahara conglomerate from custody, but only after the group deposits 100 billion rupees in cash and bank guarantees.

Sahara Chairman Subrata Roy was arrested on February 28 and has been held in a Delhi jail since March 4 after failing to appear at a contempt hearing in a long-running legal battle between the group and the securities regulator over the refund of billions of dollars to investors in outlawed bonds.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court ordered unlisted Sahara to deposit 50 billion rupees in cash with the securities regulator as well as provide bank guarantees for another 50 billion rupees. Sahara officials did not immediately comment on the court’s ruling.

Sahara’s lawyers asked the court to give the group access to some of its bank accounts that have been seized by authorities and expect a decision at a hearing on Thursday, Keshav Mohan, one of the lawyers representing Sahara, told Reuters. He declined to

comment further.

The core business of Sahara, which owns New York’s Plaza Hotel and London’s Grosvenor House and is the former main sponsor of India’s national cricket team, includes selling financial products, largely to small investors in towns and rural areas.

Two such products were ruled to be illegal and the Supreme Court ordered Sahara in 2012 to repay billions of dollars it had raised in the schemes.

While Sahara says it has repaid most investors and its total liability was less than the 51.2 billion rupees it has deposited with the securities regulator, the regulator and the court disputed that.

The court had asked Sahara to come up with a concrete and acceptable proposal to repay the money, while ordering its chief to be held in jail. Roy has not been charged with any crime. It had previously rejected Sahara’s proposal to give bank guarantees of 225 billion rupees within three to six months, as well as a subsequent proposal to pay a total of 174 billion rupees in six installments through July 2015.

Sabha election, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

The Maoists should cease all attacks on schools which will be used as balloting centres. Security forces should not occupy schools as barracks which puts children at risk, the US-based group said in a statement.

Three months before the 2009 election, Maoists conducted a spate of attacks on schools, at least 14 of them in Jharkhand and Bihar, it said. “The Maoists have repeatedly escalated their violence against schools before elections,” said Bede Sheppard, deputy children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.

“Both the Maoists and the government need to recognize the importance of education for India’s children and respect the civilian nature of schools, which should neither be attacked nor militarized.”

Wednesday.

He said India’s electorate is larger than the population of all of Europe. The country is one of the world’s most stable democracies, giving it a unique position in the world.

He was speaking at a session on “Managing Elections in India” at the CII National Conference and Annual Session: Managing Change: Role of Leadership and Institutions here March 26-27.

The other challenges facing the country in terms of governance include the growth of money power

governance process by selecting the right candidates.

The Election Commissioner highlighted the daunting task faced by the Commission in conducting the elections. He observed that in 1952, when the country organised its first elections, the size of the electorate was barely 170 million. This number has since grown almost five-fold to touch 825 million.

Polling stations are set up at altitudes ranging from sea level to 16,000 feet above sea level. Polling officials reach their destination

-5°C to 47°C. The Election Commissioner pointed out that the entire process is supervised by less than 4000 IAS/IPS officers despite being so complex and diverse. He stated that around 1 million polling officials will actually conduct the elections. Therefore the entire process is very lean and thin. Brahma observed that the Election Commission needed to conduct the entire election process without a single mistake. This, according to him, is a critical factor in ensuring the quality of governance in the country.

Well earning Indian women prone to partner violence: Study

New York, March 26 (IaNS): In a shocking revelation, a study has found that women in India who have more education than their husbands, earn more or who are the sole earners experience frequent and severe intimate partner violence (IPV) than women who are not employed or less educated than their spouse.

Abigail Weitzman, a graduate student at New York University, looked at data from the female-only module of India’s National Family Health Survey

(NFHS) collected between 2005 and 2006. This module contained data from a nationally representative sample of women aged 15-49 and included nine variables pertaining to IPV. It also asked a number of questions about women’s current employment, relative earnings, and access to other money. She found that compared to women with less education than their husbands, women with more education face 1.4 times the risk of IPV, 1.54 times the risk of frequent violence and

1.36 times the risk of severe violence.

She found a similar pattern for women who were better employed than their spouse.

And women who were the sole breadwinners in their family faced 2.44 times the risk of frequent violence and 1.51 times the risk of severe violence as unemployed women whose husbands were employed.

“Our study supports the theory known as gender deviance neutralisation. It suggests that a woman’s superior resourc-

es would be viewed as gender deviant and a man would use violence to gain power or maintain control in the relationship,” Weitzman commented. The research suggests that there can be a backlash, including violence, toward women who attain greater education or earnings than their husbands.

“Our response should not be to stop educating and employing women, but nor should we plow ahead without recognising this may put them at greater risk, and making changes to

help protect them,” she noted.

Weitzman recommends that policies aimed at addressing IPV should focus on alternatives to divorce such as shelters and support groups.

Microfinance and vocational programmes for women should consider making legal and psychological counseling available to participants, said the paper published in the latest issue of Population and Development Review, a journal published by the Population Council.

BJP to welcome foreign defence investment, keep out big retailers

New DelhI, March 26 (reuterS): The nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would welcome more foreign direct investment in defence, if elected, but would delay opening up the country’s market of more than 1.2 billion people to international retail chains like Wal-Mart.

The country’s main opposition party, which surveys show is on course to win the most seats in an election starting on April 7, would also introduce a general sales tax and overhaul the financial sector, its manifesto will say. Party sources told Reuters these concrete steps form the core of a pitch to voters that sets ambitious goals of creating 250 million jobs over the next decade, building up to 100 ‘smart’ cities and constructing a high-speed rail network.

“The manifesto’s priorities, in this order, are jobs, investment, manufacturing and infrastructure,” one BJP official involved in drafting the document revealed to Reuters before its publication next week. He declined to be iden-

tified due to the sensitivity of the topic. The BJP’s candidate for prime minister, Narendra Modi, is campaigning on his economic record in running his home state, Gujarat, where the party trumpets an unemployment rate of less than a third of the national average.

By contrast the incumbent Congress party, which unveiled its manifesto on Wednesday, is appealing to its core constituency of poorer voters who it says should be given the chance to participate in “inclusive” growth. “Growth by itself is not sufficient,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told an event at which Congress president Sonia Gandhi made a rare public appearance to support her son Rahul’s leadership of the party’s flagging campaign.

While the BJP platform seeks to tap into the hopes of 100 million first-time voters whose job prospects have been hurt by a slowdown in economic growth, the tenets of ‘Modinomics’ remain nebulous beyond a broad focus on supply-side reforms.

“Most of these proposals have

been discussed by other parties too,” said Shumita Sharma Deveshwar, a director at Trusted Sources, a policy advisory firm.

“The key is implementation of these policies. That is the bigger challenge.”

CAUTIOUS OPENING The BJP’s policy platform takes a cautious stance towards opening up the Indian economy, Asia’s third largest, to foreign direct investment. There will be no quick move to allow the likes of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. or Tesco easier entry into so-called ‘multi-brand’ retail, which would pose an existential threat to small traders who form a key BJP constituency.

“The domestic retail industry needs to be first made competitive before allowing foreign investment,” a second BJP source said. However, the BJP would propose raising a cap on foreign ownership of Indian defence industry enterprises to 49 percent from 26 percent now.

Although India spends only a third as much as China on defence, it is the world’s larg-

est market for arms exports reflecting a failure of past governments to turn around the state-dominated domestic defence industry. The legacy of dependence on the Soviet security umbrella has been prolonged by corruption scandals that have held up deals with foreign partners that would have moved production to India. “We can save huge foreign exchange by producing defence equipment at home,” the source said. “(We would) raise the FDI cap, (and) allow Indian companies to enter into joint ventures with foreign companies.

It could be an arrangement where Indian partners hold the majority stake, say 51 percent.”

Elsewhere, the BJP is expected to propose a national general sales tax - key to getting rid of a hodge-podge of existing levies.

More broadly, it will seek to improve tax collection by lowering rates and closing loopholes.

A “broad consensus” exists to overhaul the financial sector to turn India into an international hub, the source said.

India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, waves to supporters at an election campaign rally at Hiranagar 55 kms from Jammu on Wednesday, March 26. Party symbol lotus and photographs of Indian political leader Deendayal Upadhyaya, left and former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are displayed behind. (AP Photo)

Analysts caution that the BJP and its allies, which polls show falling around 40 seats short of a majority, may end up

having to strike a series of compromises to cobble together a parliamentary majority. “A lot of this is theoretical and open

to question right now,” said Deveshwar. “Let’s see what kind of coalition is formed after the election.”

Thursday

InternatIonal

the Morung express

27 March 2014

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Myanmar census could inflame ethnic tensions YANGON, MArch 26 (AP): As Myanmar continues its transition from decades of military rule and self-imposed isolation, it is about to carry out a census that experts say is crucial for national planning and development, but also likely to inflame already soaring ethnic and religious tensions.

No one knows exactly how many people live in the predominantly Buddhist nation. The generally accepted figure is around 60 million, but that is based on extrapolations from Myanmar’s last census, conducted 30 years ago, a count believed by experts to have significantly underrepresented the Muslim community and excluded large swaths of the country plagued by civil strife.

President Thein Sein’s government says the upcoming census, which will see around 100,000 enumerators going door-to-door from March 30 to April 10 with a complex 41-point questionnaire, will give “an accurate picture of how many people are living in the country.” That will help policymakers determine what resources are needed, from education and health care to housing and transport, as Myanmar continues its delicate transition to democracy. The information will also help guide foreign investors.

But critics warn the census — put together in collaboration with the U.N. Population Fund — has been fraught with problems from the get go. In short, they say, too much information is being collected.

Questions about race and ethnicity could inflame tensions — and possibly violence — especially in the northwestern state of Rakhine, where Buddhist ethnic Rakhine mobs have in the last two years launched a series of bloody attacks targeting the long-persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority, according to the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

Up to 280 people have died and another 140,000 forced to flee their homes in the violence.

Worried that respondents will identify themselves as Rohingya — there is no such category on the survey, but they are free to write it in beside “other” — local ethnic Rakhine have announced a state-wide boycott of the census.

They have received support from radical monk Wirathu, who toured the region earlier this month warning of the potential dangers of the census.

Zaw Aye Maung, chairman of the Rakhine Nationalities Democratic Party and Rakhine affairs minister for the Yangon region, said the concern is that the census will be used by Rohingya to try to “legitimize their status.”

“This could create complications in the future,” he said.

Though many of the estimated 1.3 million Rohingya living in Myanmar arrived generations ago, many are considered by the government to be Bangladeshi immigrants and have been denied citizenship under national law.

As a result, their freedom of movement is restricted and they have little access to education, health care and

‘Most Myanmar log exports illegal’

In this photo taken on March 20, 2014, teachers of basic education receive a training for nationwide census at a school in Kyaung Gone township, Myanmar. As Myanmar continues its transition from decades of military rule and self-imposed isolation, it is about to carry out a census that experts say is crucial for national planning and development, but also likely to inflame already soaring ethnic and religious tensions. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

other basic services.

Daniel Gray, Asia analyst for the British-based risk analysis group Maplecroft, said there is also a feared backlash if the census shows a large jump in the Muslim community as a whole.

The figure from the 1983 census, which said Muslims represented around 4 percent of the population, was widely believed to be skewed by former military rulers to prevent political unrest.

If the numbers turn out to be double or triple that, as is likely, it could “feed into the nationalist narrative that Buddhist traditions are under siege from the spread of Muslim beliefs and their rapidly expanding population,” Gray said.

Extremist movements could use this as another excuse for violence.

Ethnic minorities, which together make up about 40 percent of Myanmar’s population, argue they were not properly consulted ahead of the census, which requires respondents to identify themselves as one of 135 ethnic groups. Long suspicious of the government, they worry the classification system could be used for political gain.

In some cases, the ethnic groups listed on the survey

create too many subdivisions. The Chin, for instance, account for 53 of the categories, though many of the names listed are simply of villages or clans, not separate ethnic groups, fracturing the already small group. In other cases, subtribes with different ethnicities are grouped together, increasing the chances of misrepresentation.

Ethnic groups have been vociferous in their complaints, noting that the census is creating unnecessary divisions and mistrust even as the government scrambles to sign peace accords aimed at ending decades-old rebellions in border areas.

Kachin youth network member activist Khun Jya blamed the United Nations for failing to listen to voices of ethnic communities.

The country’s main armed ethnic group, the Kachin Independence Army, said it would not allow census collectors in areas under their control for fear it could cause tensions among different local tribes.

“The process is aimed at dividing the ethnic groups,” said KIA spokesman La Nan, adding that aside from members of the Buddhist Myanmar majority, which dominates almost all aspects of government, everyone is “unhappy and concerned about the process.”

YANGON, MYANMAr (AP): Most of Myanmar’s log exports in recent years have been illegal according to international trade data, an environmental watchdog group said Tuesday, in a sign that an export ban due to begin next week is likely to have little effect.

The state Myanma Timber Enterprise said the government will prohibit log exports starting April 1 to reduce deforestation and boost the country’s wood processing industry.

The Environmental Investigation Agency said an analysis of international trade statistics showed that global buyers reported importing 22.8 million cubic meters of logs from Myanmar in 2000-13 — 16.4 million cubic meters more than was listed in the government’s own export figures.

This suggests that 72 percent of the log shipments were illicit, the London and Washington-based group said.

“These illegal exports were worth nearly $6 billion — four times the combined 2013-14 education and health budgets for the entire country,” it said. It attributed the discrepancy to “widespread criminality and corruption in Myanmar’s timber sector.”

It said figures from the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry published earlier this month by Myanmar’s Eleven Media group showed that government-authorized harvest volumes in 2001-13 in the regulated industry accounted for just 53 percent of recorded global imports of Myanmar logs, suggesting that the illegal logging rate was at least 47 percent.

The EIA’s report, “Data corruption, exposing the true scale of logging in Myanmar,” was released Tuesday after government offices were closed, and an official response was not immediately available.

The report noted, however, that “Myanmar’s government has claimed that most illegal logging and timber smuggling occurs in areas controlled by ethnic groups, particularly in Kachin state bordering China’s Yunnan province, a major recipient of illegal timber.”

But it said that even if trade across the border with China is discounted, official exports did not account for most of the remaining imports reported by other countries. According to the most recent available official data, Myanmar’s forest cover shrank from 57.9 percent of its total land area in 1990 to 47.6 percent in 2005. The sale of teak and hardwood logs has climbed since a nominally civilian government succeeded a military junta in 2011 and liberalized the economy.

North Korea fires 2 missiles as its rivals meet ‘Growing demand will strain water and energy’

sEOUL, MArch 26 (AP): North Korea test-fired two medium-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, South Korea and the U.S. said, a defiant challenge to a rare three-way summit of its rivals Seoul, Tokyo and Washington that focused on the North’s security threat.

The launch of the Rodong missiles — for the first time since 2009 — violates U.N. Security Council resolutions and marks a big escalation from a series of shorter-range rocket launches the North has staged in recent weeks to protest ongoing annual military drills by the U.S. and South Korea that Pyongyang claims are invasion preparation.

The missiles flew about 650 kilometers (400 miles) off North Korea’s east coast early Wednesday morning, South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said. It wasn’t immediately clear where the missiles splashed down. Kim said the missiles were likely fired from a mobile launcher.

The North’s arsenal of an estimated 300 Rodong missiles could in theory be fitted with nuclear warheads — once Pyongyang masters the ability to miniaturize atomic bombs — and, with a range of up to 1,300 kilometers (800 miles), could reach Tokyo and key U.S. military bases in Japan. The U.S. State Depart-

ment later confirmed the launch of Rodong missiles and said North Korea apparently didn’t issue any maritime warning.

The launch comes on the fourth anniversary of the sinking of a South Korean warship that Seoul and other nations blame on a North Korean torpedo. Pyongyang denies involvement in the attack, which killed 46 sailors. It also poses a big challenge to what had been recently improving relations between Pyongyang and Seoul. A year after threatening each other with war, the bitter rivals had restored some trust and held reunions of families divided by the Korean War of the early 1950s.

The Korean Peninsula remains officially at war because that war ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. North Korean state media made no immediate comment on the launch.

Joel Wit, a former State Department official and editor of the 38 North website, said the launch could be a serious setback to recent efforts by North Korea to improve relations with South Korea and Japan. It also could put China, the North’s only major ally, in an awkward position if and when the U.S. seeks further sanctions at the United Nations. China has shown increasing annoyance with North Korean provocations, but Bei-

Right hand over heart can let you speak truth LONdON, MArch 26 (IANs): Have you ever realised that putting your hand on heart can actually make you more likely speak the truth? Try this gesture and see for yourself! Far more than a patriotic act, the move could actually make you more likely to tell the truth, researchers say.

“Morality is a prominent guide of both action and perception. We argue that non-emotional gestures can prime the abstract concept of honesty,” said lead authors Michal Parzuchowski and Bogdan Wojciszke of University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Sopot in Poland.

To prove their point, the researchers carried out several experiments. They found that people performing the hand-over-heart gesture provided more honest assessments of others’ attractiveness and refrained from cheating, as compared to persons performing neutral gestures. The gesture also increased the honesty shown in one’s own behaviour.

In one of the experiments, the researchers gave participants an opportunity to lie about someone’s appearance. They found people who put their hands over their hearts remained more honest even if it meant being impolite.

According to the researchers, raising one’s right hand while taking an oath would have a similar effect.

The findings were published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior.

jing also wants to avoid shaking Pyongyang and possibly jeopardizing stability along its borders.

North Korea and Japan are also to restart high-level government-to-government talks on Sunday after a 16-month hiatus. An analyst said the missile launch could be a way to test Tokyo’s commitment to negotiating a deal that would provide aid to Pyongyang in return for returning any surviving Japanese abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. “If Japan goes ahead with talks despite the missile launches, that would be a strong signal to Pyongyang of Japan’s commitment to the talks,” said Narushige Michishita, director of the Security and International Studies Program at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo.

During a regular briefing Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga called the launches “extremely problematic” but he said Tokyo would go ahead with the planned talks with Pyongyang as they are set to discuss humanitarian issues.

North Korea is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs, but most analysts don’t believe Pyongyang has yet mastered the ability to build warheads small enough to mount on a missile that could threaten the United States.

UNITEd N AT I O N s , MArch 26 (AP): Increasing demands for fresh water and energy will strain resources in nearly all regions, especially in developing and emerging countries undergoing rapid economic growth, a U.N. report says.

Richard Connor, lead author of the report, told a news conference Tuesday that water and energy supplies are interdependent because water is required to produce nearly all types of energy. He warned that growing competition for the resources could lead to legal disputes and social upheavals.

According to the World Water Development Report 2014, the challenge is to provide energy and clean water to all people.

Today, an estimated 768 million people don’t have access to clean water — although by some estimates the number could be as high as 3.5 billion — and 2.5 billion don’t have access to toilets or latrines, the report said.

At the same time, more than 1.3 billion people still lack electricity and roughly 2.6 billion use solid fuels, mainly wood and other kinds of biomass, for cooking. “The fact that these figures are often representative of the same people is evidenced by a

close association between respiratory diseases caused by indoor air pollution, and diarrhea and related waterborne diseases caused by a lack of safe drinking water and sanitation,” it said.

The report said global demand for water is projected to increase by some 55%t by 2050, mainly because of growing demand from manufacturing, thermal electricity generation, and domestic use.“This enormous increase in the demand for energy and electricity in particular will place tremendous pressure on already limited water resources,” Connor said, pointing to the diminishing supply of the world’s

groundwater and the 20% currently being overexploited.

He said “the challenge will be greatest in developing and emerging economies where we see the greatest demand for energy, and where other water-dependent sectors are often growing at an unprecedented pace.”

According to the report, approximately 90% of global power generation is “water intensive.”

Despite progress in developing renewable sources of energy, the report said “the overall evolution of the global energy mix appears to remain on a relatively fixed path: that of continued reliance on fossil fuels.”

Vatican removes Germany’s “bishop of bling”

VATIcAN cITY, MArch 26 (rEUTErs): The Vatican removed a German bishop on Wednesday because he spent 31 million euros of Church funds on an extravagant residence when Pope Francis was preaching austerity. It said the atmosphere in the diocese of Limburg had become such that Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst could no longer carry out a “fruitful exercise” of his ministry there.

Tebartz-van Elst, dubbed the “bishop of bling”, had been ordered to stay out of his diocese temporarily last October while a local Church investigation and audit into cost over-runs was made. He offered his resignation at the time. A statement

said the Vatican department that oversees bishops had now accepted his resignation after carefully studying the results of the investigation.

“The Holy Father asks the faithful of the diocese of Limburg to accept the decisions of the Holy See with docility and to commit themselves to rediscovering an atmosphere of charity and reconciliation,” the Vatican statement said. Another prelate, Monsignor Manfred Grothe, has been appointed to run the diocese as an administrator on the Vatican’s behalf for the time being.

over the whole affair by keeping the bishop waiting for eight days in Rome before receiving him in the Vatican. Tebartz-van Elst has apologised for any “carelessness or misjudgement on my part”, but he denies any wrongdoing.

German media said the residence had been fitted with a free-standing bath that cost 15,000 euros, a conference table that cost 25,000 euros and a private chapel for 2.9 million euros. The affair has also deeply embarrassed a German Catholic Church that had been enjoying an upswing in popularity because of Francis’s wide personal appeal and after years of IRRITATION criticism for covering up sexual abuse Last year, Francis showed his irritation cases among the clergy.

‘US needs to win back trust after NSA spying’

ThE hAGUE, MArch 26 (rEUTErs): President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that U.S. intelligence agencies were not snooping on ordinary citizens but admitted it would take time to win back the trust of European governments and people after revelations of extensive U.S. surveillance.

Former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden’s disclosures about the sweep of the National Security Agency’s monitoring activities triggered a national debate over privacy rights but also damaged relations with some European governments.

Obama said one of the aims of his trip to Europe this week was to reassure allies that he was acting to meet their concerns by limiting the scope of datagathering. “I am confident that everybody in our intelligence agencies operates in the best of intentions and is not snooping into the privacy of ordinary Dutch, German, French or American citizens,” Obama told

reporters after a nuclear security summit in The Hague. However, Obama said he recognised that “because of these revelations, there is a process that is taking place where we have to win back the trust, not just of governments, but more importantly of ordinary citizens, and that is not going to happen overnight.”

As Obama began his trip to Europe on Monday, a senior administration official said Obama planned to ask Congress to end the bulk collection and storage of phone records by the NSA but allow the government to access the “metadata”, which lists millions of phone calls made in the United States, when needed.

Obama said he was confident that the change “allows us to do what is necessary in order to deal with the dangers of a terrorist attack, but does so in a way that addresses some of the concerns that people have raised”. “I am looking forward to working with Congress to make sure that we go ahead and pass the en-

abling legislation quickly so that more account of privacy conwe can get on with the business cerns.

He said on Tuesday that, alof effective law enforcement,” he though some coverage of the said.

Snowden revelations had been sensationalised, fears over priCHECKS AND BALANCES He said this was “an example vacy “in this age of the Internet of us slowly, systematically put- and ‘big data’” were justified. He ting in more checks, balances, also voiced faith in strong U.S. legal processes. The good news ties with Europe, saying the issue is that I am very confident that it could be an “irritant” but did not define the relationship. He said can be achieved.”

Allegations in Britain’s intelligence played a critical role Guardian newspaper that the in U.S. cooperation with other United States had monitored countries in countering terrorthe phone conversations of 35 ism, nuclear proliferation or huworld leaders including Ger- man trafficking.

As technology had evolved, man Chancellor Angela Merkel caused outrage in Europe last however, “the guidelines and year. Germany summoned the structures that constrain how U.S. ambassador for the first our intelligence agencies operated have not kept pace with time in living memory.

In response, Obama in Janu- these events and this technolary banned U.S. eavesdropping ogy”, he said. “There is a danger on the leaders of close friends because of these new technoloand allies, and began reining in gies that at some point it could be the vast archive of Americans’ abused, and that is why I initiated phone data, seeking to reassure a broad-based review.” He said Americans and foreigners alike U.S. intelligence teams were conthat the United States would take sulting closely with counterparts

in other nations to ensure there was greater transparency about U.S. activities.

In an interview with the U.S. Fox network that aired on Tuesday, NSA Director General Keith Alexander said that under the administration’s proposal the agency would work with telecommunications companies to retrieve data on “specific numbers that have a terrorist nexus.”

“Rather than us taking all the data, all we’re going to get is that data that directly links to a terrorist’s number,” he said on FOX News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier.”

“This is an approach that I think meets the intent of protecting our civil liberties and privacy and the security of this country,” he said. Alexander denied that the NSA listens to all phone calls and reads all emails. “I would get more respect if we could do all that. If you think about all the data that’s out there, it’s wrong.

We don’t do it. We wouldn’t do it... not even close.”

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Thursday 27 March 2014

The Morung Express

Bayern wrap up fastest Bundesliga title triumph

Bayern's Mario Mandzukic of Croatia plays the ball during the first division Bundesliga soccer match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Munich in Berlin, Tuesday, March 25. (AP Photo)

BerLIN, March 26 (aP): Bayern Munich set a new milestone in its dominance of German football on Tuesday, beating Hertha Berlin 3-1 to wrap up the quickest Bundesliga title in 51 years of the league.

Goals from Toni Kroos, Mario Goetze and Franck Ribery sealed the unbeaten defending champions' 24th German title with seven games to spare, bettering the mark set in last year's record-breaking campaign

by one game. Adrian Ramos pulled one back from the penalty spot for Hertha, but there was to be no denying Pep Guardiola his first Bundesliga title in his first season as coach.

"We worked very hard for this title. When you win by 25 points people can think it's easy. But it's not easy, especially after the last season with three titles," the Spaniard said. "When you win 19 games one after the other, it speaks for the men-

tality of the team." Bayern's 19th consecutive win, its 10th consecutive victory away from home, and its unbeaten run of 52 games are all Bundesliga records.

Bayern finished 25 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund last season and is even more dominant this campaign. "We can see you, but we still need a telescope," Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said.

Of 27 games so far this season, Bayern has won 25 and

drawn the other two. It has also scored more goals (79) and conceded fewer (13) than any other side by a large margin. "It's impressive," Klopp said. "You have to take your hat off to the consistent performances they deliver on the pitch and the drive they have."

Klopp's side had to settle for a 0-0 draw in the Ruhr derby with Schalke despite dominating. Dortmund remained one point ahead of Schalke but slipped 25 be-

hind Bayern, the first side to win the Bundesliga as early as March. "We're all very surprised as we expected it in February," Schalke general manager Horst Heldt joked. "But seriously, it was a magnificent season from Bayern." Bayern's celebrations were reserved by usual standards, perhaps an indicator of how predictable the title race had become.

Players donned T-shirts with the number 24 referring to Bayern's championships on their backs, while Guardiola remained on the bench speaking with his wife on the mobile phone. There were none of the traditional "beer showers" and no trophy was presented. "Congratulations to Bayern, especially to coach Pep Guardiola," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

"He developed the team even further and clearly left his mark in terms of dominance and possession." Many wondered how Guardiola could match the success enjoyed under predecessor Jupp Heynckes, who led Bayern to its first treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup victories last year. Guardiola led Barcelona to 14 titles in four seasons in charge of the club where he played most of his career as a stylish defensive midfielder.

Thailand's Denkaosen Kaovichit, right, lands a left on the face of Japan's Kohei Kono in the third round of their boxing match for the vacant WBA World super flyweight title in Tokyo on March 26. Kono knocked out Denkaosen in the eighth round to clinch the title. (AP Photo)

Serena, Sharapova set for final rematch

MIaMI, March 26 (aFP): Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will have a rematch of their 2013 final in the ATP and WTA Miami Masters semifinals on Thursday after both advanced in formidable style on Tuesday. Sharapova, who has not beaten the world number one American since 2004 and has lost 14 consecutive matches in the rivalry, regained her big-match confidence after twice being pushed to three sets by defeating Petra Kvitova 7-5, 6-1. Top seed Williams pounded German fifth seed Angelique Kerber 6-2, 6-2, taking 62 minutes and ending with seven aces and four breaks of serve in windy conditions. "When the wind picked up I just had to concentrate," said Williams, who holds six Miami titles. "I felt better to-

day than in any of my other matches.

"When you're facing a top-10 player, you have to lift your game, That's what I was able to do." Fourth seed Sharapova's 90-minute victory over the Kvitova, a fellow Wimbledon champion, was a relief for fivetime Miami finalist Sharapova, who had faced huge battle in her previous two victories.This time, it was relativ ely straightforward for the crowd-pleaser as she bids for her first Miami crown. "I didn't have a good first few games, so I was happy that I was steady, that I kept trying to do the right thing, kept trying to be aggressive," said Sharapova. "It paid off as the match went on, because I made a few too many unforced errors in the beginning.

Mavericks beat Thunder for crucial win Flamini own goal adds to Arsenal woes

Making his debut, Arsenal's Kim Kallstrom, right, competes for the ball with Swansea City's Pablo Hernandez during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium in London, Tuesday, March 25. (AP Photo)

Arsenal have to look over their shoulders: Wenger LONDON, March 26 (reuters): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger all but conceded that their title bid is over and warned that his side had to focus on finishing in the top four after a 2-2 home draw with Swansea City in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Wenger's men started the week as title contenders but they have faltered in a 6-0 thrashing at league leaders Chelsea in his 1,000th game in charge on Saturday and a disappointing draw with Swansea after a last-minute Mathieu Flamini own goal.

Arsenal are now six points ahead of fifthplaced Everton, who won 3-0 at Newcastle United on Tuesday and have a game in hand, with a place in next season's Champions League at stake.

"Winning the title isn't the biggest worry we have at the moment," Wenger told a news conference. "We have to be realistic. We must look behind us. Everton won and, of course, now we have to focus and play the next game (at home to Manchester City). "Manchester City had a good result tonight (a 3-0 win at Manchester United). They look a bit unstoppable. Them and Chelsea are the favourites now for the title. We don't have too much room to come back into it."

Chelsea have 69 points from 31 games ahead of City on 66 from 29, with Liverpool in third on 65 from 30, Arsenal are fourth with 63 from 31 while Everton have 57 from 30. Arsenal's Champions League qualification spot looks all the more precarious with Manchester City coming to The Emirates on Saturday before Wenger's side visit Everton on April 6.

INSTANT RESPONSE Wenger had hoped for an instant response to the miserable Chelsea result but Swansea took an unlikely lead after 11 minutes when Neil Taylor crossed from deep and Wilfred Bony out-jumped the defence to plant a header just inside the near post.

Arsenal dominated possession as the visitors protected their lead but the nerves from the crowd permeated into the play-

ers, and the home side failed to turn domination into chances. Lucas Podolski's introduction after the break signalled a greater attacking intent by the hosts and in the 73rd minute he converted a Kieran Gibbs pull back before setting up Olivier Giroud to score a minute later with a cross from the left.

But Wenger's disastrous week was summed up when his defence allowed Leon Britton to surge into the box in the last minute. Arsenal central defender Per Mertesacker stretched to stop the Swansea player but his tackle only deflected the ball against diving foalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, with the rebound hitting Flamini and trickling over the line.

"The result is very disappointing," said Wenger. "At 2-1 we were maybe too conservative because our confidence level had been affected by Saturday and we just wanted to win the game without pushing any more forward. "A mistake happened and it created the result we didn't want tonight."

ARSENAL REPRIEVE Wenger's miserable week could have been worse as Jonathan de Guzman ran clear on Arsenal's goal in the fourth minute of added time only for the referee to blow his whistle to end the game.

Swansea manager Garry Monk was baffled by the decision and believed his side were unjustly denied a chance for a vital win as they fight to avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

"It was a poor decision," Monk told reporters. "They told us it was going to be four minutes at the end of the game, we scored in that period so they added an extra minute on the clock. So it's five minutes minimum, we're clean through on goal and they blow up 30 seconds short.

"It would have definitely been a shot on goal. It's going to be a goalscoring opportunity for sure. "In all the games I've ever played in I've never had the whistle blown in those circumstances."

Swansea are 15th but only five points above the drop zone, having played three games more than Sunderland who are in 18th position and occupy the last relegation place. They host fellow strugglers Norwich City on Saturday knowing a win is vital to help secure Premier League safety.

DaLLas, March 26 (aP): Dirk Nowitzki was frustrated by his poor shooting performance in Dallas' previous game.

That disappointment, plus a little help from an old friend, turned into another big performance by the veteran forward.

Nowitzki scored seven of his 32 points in overtime, leading the Mavericks to a 128-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. Nowitzki also had 10 rebounds and six assists. In Dallas' loss to Brooklyn on Sunday, he was 2 for 12 from the field in his worst shooting performance of the season. "The last game was disappointing for me," Nowitzki said.

"I was just hesitating too much, so I had to go back to having fun out there and just being me. "That was a heck of a game, and it was fun to be a part of."

The 7-foot Nowitzki was 11 for 23 from the field and 8 for 8 at the line. "His emotion and his attitude carried the team," Mavericks

coach Rick Carlisle said.

"He's a prideful guy. I think great players are great for a reason. They never let anything keep them down for long. He's bounced back from every adversity he's ever had in his career, so this is no surprise."

Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 43 points.

He has scored at least 25 in 36 consecutive games in the longest such streak since Michael Jordan's 40game run during the 198687 season. Dallas had seven players score in double figures. Jose Calderon went 6 for 8 from 3-point range and finished with 22 points.

Nowitzki said he spent time on Tuesday with Holger Geschwinder, his longtime basketball mentor from his home country of Germany.

He said they got in a little shooting work. "I guess he was tired of watching my shooting percentage," Nowitzki said. "It's always good when he's there."

Russell Westbrook scored 23 for Oklahoma City. All of his points came

in regulation, when he played 31:50. He added another minute in overtime.

Westbrook is limited to 30 to 32 minutes per game because of his oft-injured right knee. Oklahoma City was coming off a 117-96 victory over Denver on Monday night. The Thunder had won four in a row.

"I'm proud of our guys' effort and energy, coming back from back-to-back games," coach Scott Brooks said. "I can't complain about anything we did tonight." "We didn't make the big play," said Durant, who has scored 40 points or more 13 times this season.

"They made shots in overtime. You have to give them credit."

The Mavericks scored the first five points of the extra period on two free throws by Nowitzki and a 3-pointer by Calderon.

They never trailed again.

The victory pushed Dallas into eighth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of idle Phoenix.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Derek Fisher during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 25 in Dallas. The Mavericks won 128-119 in overtime. (AP Photo)

Beckham makes pitch for Miami MLS franchise

taLLahassee, March 26 (aP): David Beckham brought his international star power to the halls of the Florida Capitol on Tuesday, trying to rally support from the governor and legislators for the Major League Soccer franchise he plans to bring to Miami later this decade.

Beckham was mobbed by legislators and legislative aides during his visit as they took to social media to document his visit. Even Gov. Rick Scott took a "selfie" of himself with Beckham. Beckham made no secret that he wants to tap into state subsidies like most of the state's other professional teams have done. The Florida Legislature is advancing a bill this year that would create a process that lets pro sports teams compete for a share of state tax dollars in the future.

"No one's promised me anything," Beckham said about his brief visit. "But they promised me that they support having the team in Miami and are excited about that. It's good that they haven't promised me anything, because then I know it's going to be fair and the decision will be down to what they think is best for the state." The 38-year-old former England captain said he had never previously visited Tallahassee which has a much more Old South feel than cosmopolitan Mi-

In this artist rendering provided by 360 Architecture and Arquitectonica on Monday, March 24 shows the proposed soccer stadium recommended for the Port of Miami, in Miami. David Beckham's architects have recommended the site for the Major League Soccer expansion team that will be owned by the former English national team captain. The plan announced Monday would have a 25,000-seat, open-air stadium with views of the bay and the downtown skyline. (AP Photo)

ami. "It's going to sound silly and people are probably going to laugh at me but I love the moss on the trees," Beckham. "I've only seen it in scary movies. I've never seen it close up."

Beckham's visit to the Capitol came a day after his architects and advisers recommended the Port of Miami as the stadium site for his team. The plan announced Monday would have an open-air stadium with views of the bay and the downtown skyline. The capacity could be as low as

21,000 or as high as 35,000.

He was escorted around the Capitol by high-powered lobbyist Brian Ballard, who has been a major fundraiser for Republicans. Under the proposed bill, pro teams could qualify for as much as $2 million a year depending on how much the team invests in the project. A similar bill was considered last year, but it was never considered by the Florida House because initially it included help for the Miami Dolphins.

Scott said on Tuesday he can support a sports in-

centives bill as long as it has safeguards to ensure a return on investment, including a provision to pay back the state if the pro team doesn't generate as much money as anticipated. "It's exciting he wants to invest in Florida," said Scott about his meeting with Beckham.

A spokesman for House Speaker Will Weatherford called the meeting "informational" and said the speaker stressed his support for a bill that would create a process to guide future professional team

subsidies. Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando and in line to become the next Senate president, said he and Beckham primarily discussed Orlando's Major League Soccer franchise that is expected to start playing next year.

Beckham said he's confident that Florida can support two franchises especially since the league is "stable" now. The league previously had two teams in the state. "I think at the end of the day we want a rivalry," Beckham said.

Entertainment

The Morung Express C M Y K

Thursday 27 March 2014

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Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin: Unsafe speed caused ‘We 've consciously uncoupled ' Walker Crash

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Actress Gwyneth Paltrow takes to her Goop website to announce separation from Coldplay rocker husband of ten years

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scar winner Gwyneth Paltrow and husband Chris Martin are separating after 10 years of marriage, they have announced today. The actress broke the news on her Goop lifestyle website, writing: 'It is with

gether, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate.

'We are, however, and always will be a family, and

The couple are said to have escaped to Eleuthera in the Bahamas with their children before the announcement was made on Gwyneth's website.

The letter was signed off by writing 'Love Gwyneth & Chris'. Shortly after posting

FILE - This Jan. 11, 2014 file photo shows actress Gwyneth Paltrow, left, and her husband, singer Chris Martin at the 3rd Annual Sean Penn & Friends Help Haiti Home Gala in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo, File)

hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate.' Gwyneth, 41, and Coldplay frontman Chris, 37, have two children, and in their emotional, somewhat bizarrely entitled, statement called 'Conscious Uncoupling', they admitted they had spent more than a year battling to save their marriage.

They wrote: 'We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it to-

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the statement, the website crashed.

Gwyneth and Chris, who wed in a secret ceremony in Mexico in December 2003, have spent most of their 10-year relationship trying to avoid being photographed together in an effort to maintain their privacy. Last year, they moved from London to Los Angeles and were only recently pictured looking like a happy family as they took

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he Oscar-winning actress and the Coldplay frontman, who tied the knot in 2003 and have daughter Apple, nine, and son Moses, seven, together, have had an extremely amicable end to their marriage. He gifted her with the image of a ''bird in flight'', painted by Mila Fürstová, who has created the artwork for the band's sixth studio album 'Ghost Stories'.

A source told the Mail Online website ''Chris has even given Gwyneth a present to mark this new stage, a painting of a bird in flight by Mila Fürstová. It's beautiful.'' News of Gwyneth and Chris ending their 10-year marriage came as were on vacation on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, reports LaineyGossip, and they are hoping to ''enjoy being friends'' and want Apple and Moses to know that they're still a family.

their children Apple, nine, and Moses, seven, out and about in the sunshine.

Their statement was followed by tips for 'Conscious Uncoupling' by Dr. Habib Sadeghi & Dr. Sherry Sami, who make it clear the couple are heading for divorce, writing: 'Divorce is a traumatic and difficult decision for all parties involved—and there’s arguably no salve besides time to take that pain away.'

'However, when the whole concept of marriage and divorce is re-examined, there’s actually something far more powerful—and positive—at play' Their state of their marriage has long come under scrutiny - and Gwyneth often called rumours they were breaking up 'ridiculous'.

Gwyneth had also admitted how she suffered a devastating miscarriage while trying for a third child. In an interview with

People magazine last April, she revealed: 'It was awful.

'It happened really late, and I wasn't expecting it at all. 'For a long time I just couldn't understand that it had happened and why.

I was like "But I can't not be pregnant. I'm already past the first trimester, and I have three car seats in my head." 'To this day I feel like I'm missing that kid. But it wasn't meant to be and you have to trust the universe.'

The star said the miscarriage made her grateful for the positive things in her life, especially her two children - eight-year-old Apple and Moses, seven. 'More than anything I just realised "Oh my God, I'm so lucky to have two healthy kids,"' she said. Chris is currently promoting Coldplay's new album Ghost Stories and will undoubtedly take it on a global tour, while Gwyneth most recently filmed Mortdecai with Johnny Depp.

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he Porsche carrying "Fast & Furious" star Paul Walker was traveling up to 94 mph (151 kph) when it went out of control on a suburban street and crashed, killing the actor and his friend, according to an investigation by law enforcement agencies into the November accident.

The sports car driven

by Roger Rodas slammed into a light pole with a 45 mph (72 kph) speed limit sign and burst into flames.

Walker and Rodas died at the scene.

Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol concluded that unsafe speed, not mechanical problems, caused the Nov. 30 crash, the sheriff's department said Tuesday.

Based on post-crash calculations, accident reconstruction specialists with the Highway Patrol believe Rodas was driv-

ing his 2005 Porsche Carrera GT between 81 mph (130 kph) and 94 mph (151 kph), according to their investigative report. The CHP declined comment.

The Associated Press reported in December that investigators had found no evidence that the car had mechanical problems and had ruled out debris or other roadway conditions.

Subsequently, Porsche sent engineers to California to review the rare car's wreckage. Though it was badly mangled and burned, the engineers were able to do a thorough analysis. They found no problems with the car's electrical systems, brakes, throttle, fuel system, steering, suspension or other systems.

"The results of the investigation show that, according to all the available evidence, this crash was caused by dangerous driving at speeds much too high for the road in question,"

Porsche said in a written statement. "We stand by our Carrera GT and by the investigation."

The conclusion about the speed was based on a "yaw" mark that one of the car's tires left on the road in an area of industrial office parks in Santa Clarita, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Witnesses told a sheriff's deputy that they thought the car could have been traveling in excess of 100 mph (160 kph).

to have 100 Taylor Swift obtains three-year restraining order bodyguards T for tour

unveil second fragrance

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in many ways we are closer than we have ever been.

'We are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children and we ask for their and our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time. We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and co parent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.

Chris Martin buys Gwyneth Paltrow parting painting

hen One Direction's debut fragrance, Our Moment, was launched in August 2013 it broke records to become the fastest-selling fragrance of the year. Its huge success which saw one bottle fly off the shelves every minute in the run-up to Christmas and reported sales of £72m - has inspired One Direction to launch a second offering. Directioners will be thrilled to know that Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Niall Horan have announced the release of their latest special edition fragrance, That Moment.

That Moment describes itself as a 'distinct and mature scent that blends green apple and cucumber for a fresh a fruity aroma adding a touch of peony, and violet and a hint of cedarwood to offer all the excitement of new beginnings'.

Each ornate pink glass bottle is finished with a silver crown,

which is designed to add a regal touch and complement the uplifting and refreshing tones of the fragrance, say the boys.

The £21 eau de 1D will be available in Boots from April 2.

Harry Styles said: 'Your reaction to Our Moment has been absolutely amazing.

'We're so, so pleased that you guys like it so much, and people have already been asking what is next for Our Moment so we've come up with a new version of Our Moment.

The fragrance news comes on the same day that One Direction's Midnight Memories was named the best-selling album globally in 2013. Information provided to NME by BPI confirms that the X Factor stars' latest album sold four million copies in just five weeks, taking them past Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP to the top of the list. Midnight Memories was Number One in 19 countries following its release in November 2013.

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he 'Midnight Memories' heartthrobs are taking extra precautions to keep their rabid teenage fans at bay by hiring 20 security experts for each band member. It's thought Niall Horan, 20, and Liam Payne, 20, are particularly concerned for their safety as the group get ready to kick off their 'Where We Are' world tour in the United States next month.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper ''It's mainly Niall and Liam who are starting to get really obsessive about security. Liam's fears grew after two fans stole his pants in Australia last year. ''Niall is getting more and more sensitive because of his panic attacks. ''It's an insane amount of security for one band, but considering the way crowds form around them, it's necessary.''

Liam was left ''embarrassed'' last October when a group of teenage girls managed to steal a pair of his boxers that had been left to dry on the balcony of his hotel room in Sydney, Australia. He wrote on Twitter at the time ''Strangest way I've ever been woken up, When ur in bed butt naked an sum1 is trying to force open your balcony this is gunna be a strange day. ''So happy I woke up cuz that st would have been so unfair ''Hmmm somebody stole my boxers I'm so embarrassed. ''So how this happened... I went in the sea in those hotel staff put them outside to dry sum1 climbed on and stole them just to set the scene. (sic)''

aylor Swift has obtained a three-year re s t ra i n i n g o rder against a stalker who vowed to kill 'any man' who came between them.

A judge has ordered that Timothy Sweet, who allegedly believes that he and Taylor are married, stay 100 yards away from the singer for the next three years, reports TMZ. Sweet is also barred from going near Swift's parents, Scott and Andrea. The 24-yearold country star secured a temporary restraining order against Sweet earlier

this month.

The Love Story star was granted the application against Timothy Sweet after she told a Los Angeles court she was in fear of her own and her family's safety. In court documents, Swift claimed he had sent her a barrage of terrifying emails, letters and social media posts, with one even threatening the life of US Secretary Of State John Kerry.

According to the application submitted at Los Angeles Superior Court, Sweet has been

harassing her since 2011.

And the 33-year-old allegedly sent a series of chilling messages, which included: 'If anyone in Taylor Swift's family gets killed, it is not my fault.

'My wife, Taylor Swift (Sweet) and I live in Beverly Hills. I am in love with her. In conclusion, we treat each other with dignity and respect. I will carry a gun to protect her the rest of my life.'

But perhaps the most outlandish message he sent revealed he threatened the life of one of

America's most powerful politicians. Sweet is alleged to have wrote: 'Dearest Taylor, I'll kill any man who gets in the way of our marriage. Message to John Kerry, Secretary of State. Message from YOUR Presidential Candidate." Taylor is just the latest in a long line of stars forced to seek protection from the courts due to an alleged stalker. The likes of Halle Berry, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Pamela Anderson are just some of those affected by the problem.

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Rihanna set to receive Fashion Icon of the Year Award

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ollowing in the footsteps of style icons Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, Rihanna has been announced as the recipient of the 2014 CFDA Fashion Icon Award. The 26-yearold, who is the current star of Balmain’s spring 2014 campaign, will be presented with the honor on June 2 at Lincoln Center in New York City, CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said in a statement announcing the award: ‘We are proud to present Rihanna with the CFDA Fashion Icon Award for her impact on the industry as fashion’s most exciting ambassador in recent memory.’ In looking back, it is clear to see how the last year has been a landmark one for Rihanna in regards to her fashion credentials.

Over the last 12 months the songstress has not only established herself as a fashion force (most recently she has become a friend of Karl Lagerfeld, who flew her to Paris and Dallas to sit front-row at two of Chanel’s recent fashion shows), but has helped pave the way for others as well. She is currently the star of Balmain’s spring 2014 campaign, and has become a friend of Karl Lagerfeld, who flew her to Paris and Dallas to sit frontrow at two of Chanel’s re-

cent fashion shows.

Rihanna’s award-winning style, primarily engineered by stylist Mel Ottenberg and costume designer Adam Selman, is equal parts high-fashion and streetwear – mixing couture items with cuttingedge T-shirts and sneakers.

Last April, she turned up to a Lakers game wearing sweatpants and a tank top

by London-based brand KTZ, which she paired with white pointed stilettos and a dog collar necklace.

Serving up something a little more refined, earlier

this month she appeared at the Comme des Garcons fall 2014 show in a fur stole emblazoned with the word 'Fear'. The piece was created by Korean designer Hyein Seo, who debuted the design just weeks earlier as part of the VFiles runway exhibition during New York Fashion Week.

Both ensembles are indicative of Rihanna's outlook on fashion of which she told Vogue in 2011: ‘When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. ‘I always look for the most

interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion.'

This boundary-pushing approach has inspired fellow artists from Rita Ora to Ariana Grande when creating their own public personas, albeit to a less effective result. Rihanna's look has become such a boon that in 2013, English high street label River Island linked up with the pop star for two limited-edition collections of her own design.

For the occasion, Ri-

hanna enlisted Mr Selman to oversee the ranges’ creative direction. While reviews of the first collection’s London Fashion Week show were mixed, Rihanna's hiring of Mr Selman helped pave the way for his own fashion label. The designer had gained enough notoriety through his work with the Rihanna, that in late 2013 he launched his namesake collection at New York Fashion Week – coverage of which was loaded with mention of his work for the pop star.

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Vettel, Franklin winners at emotional laureus awards

U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin displays her Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year trophy as she poses for photos, during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 26. (AP Photo)

Germany’s Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel displays his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year trophy as he poses for photos, during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (AP Photo)

France’s alpine skier Marie Bochet displays her World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability trophy as she poses for photos during the Laureus World Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 26. (AP Photo)

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Germany's Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg, left, and his girlfriend Laura pose for photos upon arriving at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 26. (AP Photo)

KUA L A LU M P U R , MARCH 26 (AFP): Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel and swim star Missy Franklin were named Laureus sportsman and woman of the year on Wednesday in a ceremony in Malaysia that was tinged with tragedy over the MH370 plane disaster.

Germany's treble-winners Bayern Munich beat out rugby's All Blacks for team of 2013 and Rafael Nadal won comeback of the year at the glamorous awards show in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The ceremony, packed with some of the greats of world sport, was preceded by a moment's silence for the 239 people killed when flight MH370 crashed in the Indian Ocean in still unexplained circumstances.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who just two days earlier announced the fate of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane and passengers, said "our thoughts and our prayers" were with the victims. "At this difficult time we draw strength from individual stories of perseverance, of generosity, of endurance. The nominees here tonight display those values," Najib told the audience in the Malaysian capital. Vettel, F1's youngest four-time world champion and in Kuala Lumpur for this week's Malaysian Grand Prix, won sportsman of 2013 ahead of Usain Bolt, LeBron James, Nadal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Farah.

"If I've learned anything tonight, surely it's the fact that sport can be a very, very big inspiration," an emotional Vettel said. "I've come here and seen many heroes of mine... this (award) is very inspirational, very special."

Franklin, 18, beat tennis great Serena Williams and Russian pole vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva, among others, to the women's award and afterwards she offered her condolences for the plane crash.

"It's a horrific tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers are with you along with the thoughts and prayers of billions of people around the world," said Franklin, who won a record six golds at last year's world championships. Spain's Nadal won comeback of the year for his amazing recovery from a career-threatening knee injury when he won the French Open and US Open and returned to world number one.

"Everyone knew how tough last year was with my injury. I thought I would never have the chance to come back," said Nadal, who picked up the third Laureus award of his career. Afghanistan's cricket team were honoured with a spirit of sport award for their feat in rising from refugee camps and long-running conflict to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. Spanish MotoGP rider Marc Marquez won breakthrough of the year for becoming his sport's youngest ever world champion at the age of 20 years and 266 days. Skier Marie Bochet of France, who was born without a left forearm, was named best sportsperson with a disability and British BMX rider Jamie Bestwick won the action sports award. The winners were chosen by secret ballot by a 46-strong panel of sporting greats. Bobby Charlton, Steve Waugh, Johan Cruyff, Sebastian Coe, Mark Spitz and Nadia Comaneci were just some of the big names at the show. Organisers had earlier scaled back press events and dedicated a football match featuring legends of the game to the victims of the plane crash after it was confirmed on Monday.

Dzeko Double helps City beat ManChester uniteD

Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, centre, scores his second goal against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Tuesday March 25. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, MARCH 26 (AP): Manchester City rammed home its superiority over beleaguered rival Manchester United in a comprehensive 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Tuesday, cutting its deficit to Premier League leader Chelsea to three points.

Edin Dzeko started a crushing win inside 43 seconds with the first of his two goals, before the imperious Yaya Toure finished it in the 90th minute — with his 21st goal of the season in all competitions.

While City may now be installed as the favorite to go on and clinch a second league title in three years, United — the champion by 11 points last season — is guaranteed to finish with their lowest points haul in the Premier League era. Sitting seventh and five points behind sixth place Tottenham, United is even strug-

gling to qualify for next season's Europa League.

"I take responsibility for the team, I always will do," United manager David Moyes said, refuting suggestions his players aren't playing for him. "I don't think tonight was in any way a lack of effort or lack of commitment from the players, in fact I thought they were fully there but in some areas we didn't come up to scratch."

This was supposed to be one of City's toughest fixtures in a run-in that also includes matches at title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

In truth, though, it will go down as one of its most routine wins of the campaign, with United outclassed from the first whistle and barely threatening City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

"Very delighted," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said, "because I think

we played very well, not only attacking but also in defending." With United struggling badly in Moyes' first season and its neighbor embroiled in the title race, Pellegrini raised the temperature in English football's northern hotbed by saying in February: "If we only consider this season, there is just one club in Manchester — and it is ours."

Not since the 1977-78 season has City held such a dominant cushion over United in terms of league points heading into a derby. It now stands at 15 points. United, buoyed by two straight wins after the humiliating 3-0 home loss to Liverpool 10 days ago, has had to wait five weeks to actively reply to Pellegrini's taunt but City pressed home its superiority within a minute.

Rafael da Silva pro-

duced a tremendous lastditch tackle on David Silva but City regained possession and after Samir Nasri dragged a shot against the inside of the post, Dzeko — fit after a bout of sickness — was on hand to bundle in the rebound for the quickest ever away goal in the Premier League at Old Trafford. United great George Best holds the record for the quickest goal in a Manchester derby — after 38 seconds in 1968.

The superb Silva and Dzeko wasted other great chances in the opening 20 minutes and United was lucky to reach the break with 10 men after Marouane Fellaini raised his elbow toward Pablo Zabaleta in the 30th. The match ran the same course in the second half, with City showing much more class and composure on the ball, and Dzeko's second goal virtu-

ally ended the game as a contest.

It was simple in its execution, Nasri whipping an outswinging corner to the near post for Dzeko to guide a volley into the top corner. Rio Ferdinand was left trailing in the Bosnian's wake. Moyes had a dilemma now — go for broke and risk being carved open like it was against Liverpool or tighten ranks and seek damage limitation.

In the end, he did neither and Toure drove a powerful strike across United keeper David De Gea and into the corner with seconds left in normal time, wrapping up a third straight league win at Old Trafford. "We can't lose six homes games in a season and we have to put that right," United striker Wayne Rooney said, "and make this a place which teams fear again."

sa aim for big win against netherlands toDay MatCh March 27 | 15:00 | Netherlands Vs South Africa 21st Match, Group 1, Chittagong March 27 | 19:00 | England Vs Sri Lanka 22nd Match, Group 1, Chittagong CHITTAGONG, MARCH 26 (PTI): South Africa would look to boost their net-run-rate with a big win against struggling qualifier Netherlands in a Group 1 Super 10 match of the ICC World Twenty20 on Thursday. After scraping to a narrow two-run win over New Zealand, riding on heroics of Dale Steyn, South Africa now have a chance to improve on the negative net run-rate (-0.075) as they are unlikely to be challenged by the minnows. With one defeat and a win, South Africa are placed third with two points and tomorrow is their chance to move up before they face more serious challenge in England on Saturday. New Zealand too are on two points with similar results but they are placed second due to a better NRR (+0.276). Sri Lanka are sitting pretty on top with two wins and the fight for the second place is three-way among South Africa, New Zealand and England.

South Africa have a formidable batting line-up

and a decent bowling attack, which makes them one of the most balanced teams in this tournament.

The form of Morne Morkel, though, would be a worry for the team. The tall paceman was taken to cleaners by the Kiwi batsmen with no problem whatsoever and he ended up leaking 50 runs in his three overs.

It adds pressure on Steyn, who is their trump card, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe. Batting seems no problem for the Proteas but the top-order needs to be more aggressive. Hashim Amla is not a big hitter but his presence in the prevailing slow conditions is assuring. JP Duminy is in great touch and so are other batsmen. However, they need to convert the good starts into big ones. It is a tremendous challenge for Netherlands, who are coming into the match after suffering one of the heaviest T20 defeats in the history of the game, to make it a contest against one of the best teams in international cricket.

C M Y K

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