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The Morung Express
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 85
Flight MH370: ‘Objects Spotted’ in new search area
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After Gandhi, people will remember me
By Sandemo Ngullie
Saturday, March 29, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Edna St. Vincent Millay
Earth Hour 2014: An appeal
SC orders cricket boss to step aside
[ PAGE 2]
Indian election: It’s About Jobs
[ PAGE 12]
[ PAGE 8]
[ PAGE 11]
[ PAGE 9]
reflections
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Not truth, but faith, it is that keeps the world alive
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‘nagas must unite in the common purpose’
FNR express optimism after Naga leaders engage in two-days of LENTEN AGREEMENT, MARCH 2014 “sincere and honest” discussion on issues that confront them (Naga reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope)
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aving reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas, we recognize that all Nagas must unite in the common purpose towards achieving our Naga political aspirations. In the Naga reconciliation process, we have committed to move forward together by condemning the past historical mistakes committed at various stages of our history. We also take inspiration in the positive political steps that have sustained and strengthened the Naga movement. Therefore, “having reconciled in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual respect,” we are committed to overcoming our mistakes, while also recognizing and uplifting our achievements and contributions made at various stages of our political history, a stepping stone towards the common Naga future. As agreed in the “Naga Concordant,” we, in principle agree to the formation of Naga National Government. While, the commitment is a process, until such time, we resolve to work together in the common purpose of achieving Naga political aspirations. This task should begin at the earliest and be completed without delay. In this, we request the FNR to work out the modalities to expedite the process. While this task is being carried out, we call for the maintenance of status quo, by vigilantly refraining from any unwarranted activities by the Nagas. Furthermore, in the spirit of Naga Unity, through reconciliation and peace, we remain open to other Naga groups who are committed to the Naga Reconciliation and agree, to abide and uphold its aim and purposes.
400 crore for this, 500 crore for that! Both parties spoke like accountants. I didn’t understand a word....
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
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
Isak Chishi Swu Chairman NSCN/GPRN
Others
March 29 declared Transaction Day KOHIMA, MARCH 28 (DIPR): The Government of Nagaland has declared Saturday, March 29 as Transaction Day for the Treasuries and Sub-Treasuries in the State. This was informed in a notification dated March 28.
No Work No Salary: NASU KOHIMA, MARCH 28 (MExN): The Northern Angami Students’ Union (NASU) has informed all government employees and government teachers to perform their duties and adhere to the slogan, “No Work No Pay.” A press note from the NASU informed that the union has received complaints from the public that “they never meet the office staff in the working days which causes many inconveniences to the public.” As such, it called upon employees of the various offices within Chiephobozou Sub-Division and Botsa EAC Headquarter to attend office by virtue of their bounded duty. The union also requested “those head offices to abandon Kohima offices and resume office from their original designated offices in the larger interest of the public in the region.” “In the near future, if any office or employee is found wanting, we are informing that we will resort to a befitting course of action,” it cautioned.
Top leaders of three naga Political Groups and their representatives are seen here with members of the Forum for naga Reconciliation, after a two-day long meeting from March 27-28, which resulted in the signing of the Lenten Agreement.
Morung Express news Dimapur | March 28
A landmark agreement signed by three Naga political groups has renewed hopes for the formation of a common ‘Naga National Government,’ to pursue Naga Political Aspirations after a two-day long meeting which ended this afternoon. After two days of intensive deliberations among top leaders of the NSCN/GPRN, GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN, under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the groups on Friday, March 28, signed the “Lenten Agreement”, signaling a new chapter in the ‘Naga Reconciliation: A
journey of common hope.’ “Having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights of the Nagas, we recognize that all Nagas must unite in the common purpose towards achieving our Naga political aspirations”, stated the agreement, jointly signed by NSCN/GPRN Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary, Th. Muivah; GPRN/NSCN Chairman, Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak and General Secretary, Kitovi Zhimomi and NNC/FGN President, Brig (Retd) Singnya and Vice President, Zhopra Vero. Leaders of the three Naga political groups (NPGs) pledged to move forward together in the Naga reconciliation process by
condemning the past historical mistakes committed at various stages of Naga history and also to take inspiration from the positive political steps that have sustained and strengthened the Naga movement. “Therefore, ‘having reconciled in the spirit of forgiveness and mutual respect’, we are committed to overcoming our mistakes, while also recognizing and uplifting our achievements and contributions made at various stages of our political history, a stepping stone towards the common Naga future”, the agreement stated. As agreed in the “Naga Concordant,” signed earlier by the three groups, the leaders also
cally existed between the people for more than four centuries. “The Nagas, even today, remembers the fond memoirs that existed with the Godadhar king and his subjects. When the king was in exile in the then Naga Hills, the Naga people extended all needed logistics to the King and his followers in order to regain his Kingdom,” he stated. He appealed for all citizens on either side to uphold the age old good relations and vow for peace and tranquility for all round development in the border region. The note narrated that during the 1680s, in the Ahom kingdom, Sati Joymoti persuaded her husband Godadhar Hingha (the eligible king) to go on exile. He took shelter in the Naga Hills. In order to find
AcAUt extends solidarity to nttU
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agreed in principle to the formation of ‘Naga National Government’ and to work together in the common purpose of achieving Naga political aspirations. The leaders in the agreement also stated that the task of formation of ‘Naga National Government’ should begin at the earliest and be completed without delay. “In this, we request the FNR to work out the modalities to expedite the process. While this task is being carried out, we call for maintenance of status quo, by vigilantly refraining from unwarranted activities by the Nagas”, the agreement read. Further, the leaders of the three Naga political groups declared that in the spirit of Naga
Border Areas: Goodwill conclave to ‘foster peace’ between peoples
SElENgHAt, MARCH 28 (MExN): In an attempt to foster peace and tranquility between the people of Assam and Nagaland, a goodwill conclave was held today at Selenghat in Jorhat District in memory of late Sati Joymoti, the wife of Ahom King Godadhor Hingha. A press note from the BPCC (A-N) informed that the event was organized by a conglomeration of twenty villagers bordering in the foothills. The Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland) delegation was led by Vice President Imsu Jamir, with the hope to initiate effective coordination amongst the people. Imsu Jamir exhorted the gathering to imbibe the good relations that has histori-
DIMAPUR, MARCH 28 (MExN): The Against Corruption And Unabated Taxation Nagaland (ACAUT) expressed solidarity and support to Nagaland Timber Traders Union (NTTU), and stated that the “the facts given by NTTU” in local dailies on March 23 “corroborates to the reports of the fact finding committee of ACAUT on other cases.” A press note from the ACAUT Nagaland media cell applauded the “courage of the NTTU in bringing out the report.” It lamented that Corruption and unabated taxation has gone beyond the point of
toleration and asserted that the time has come to “root out these evil practices.” Further, ACAUT Nagaland condemned “the blatant corruption on the part of the State Government and the forest department.” It stated that the state government “rather than safeguarding the rights of the people is all out looting the people shamelessly.” It demanded that the state Government immediately halt any kind of illegal collections/ fees in the guise of departmental fees and commission and set up the High Powered Commission as per the October 31 reso-
lution, so as to initiate an independent and unbiased inquiry into these allegations. ACAUT Nagaland further expressed concern that despite the “public outcry and fervent plea on taxation the NPGs seem to pay no heed.” It stated that “if NPGs are really for the people, then it should abide by the October 31 resolution and the cries of people all over Nagaland.” ACUAT Nagaland then requested the NPGs to “ponder as to how the public and business community can survive with such multiple and exorbitant taxes and whether such systems are justified.”
Th. Muivah General Secretary NSCN/GPRN
his whereabouts, the kingdom’s army arrested Godadhar’s wife Sati Joymoti and tortured her in the infamous “Jerenga Pathar” near Rongpur (Sivasagar). On knowing his beloved wife’s fate, Godadhar came to see her in disguise, with his Naga companions, but Sati Joymoti on recognizing him, pleaded for him to run away. She died there after eighteen days of torture. Godadhar Hingha lived with the Nagas in different ranges of the Naga Hills for nearly two and a half years. Later, he became King and married a Naga woman from Tanghai village (Mon district), who eventually became her queen. Godadhar Hingha had emphasized for good relations between the Ahoms and Nagas.
Gen (Retd) Khole Konyak Chairman GPRN/NSCN
Brig (Retd) Singnya President NNC/FGN
Kitovi Zhimomi General Secretary GPRN/NSCN
Zhopra Vero Vice President NNC/FGN
unity, through reconciliation and peace, they will “remain open to other Naga groups who are committed to the Naga Reconciliation and agree to abide and uphold its aims and purpose.” Meanwhile, the FNR has termed the two-day meeting among the Naga political groups as one of the most “productive meetings” since the FNR began its “Journey of common hope” six years ago, to reconcile and unite the Naga political groups. At a press briefing at Niathou Resort, FNR Convenor, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that the latest meeting was held in a “very frank and open” manner and that the leaders of the three Naga groups were “sincere and hon-
est on issues that disturbed or confronted them.” Other FNR members present in the press briefing including Rev. Dr. Pughoto Aye, Dr. N Venuh, Neingulo Krome and Rev. Puduhu also expressed optimism that the groundbreaking “Lenten Agreement” would be one of the biggest turning points in the ‘Journey of common hope.’ On the modalities for formation of ‘Naga National Government’ entrusted to FNR, the forum members said the modalities would not be “readymade” as they have to consult and sit together with representatives of the three Naga political groups to identify common issues and goals.
Indian Air Force Plane Crashes ....
An Indian air force (IAF) helicopter hovers over the site where an IAF cargo plane crashed near Karauli village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on March 28. C-130J Hercules plane inducted into service just last year crashed during a training mission Friday, killing all five crew members in the latest in a series of accidents that have hit the Indian armed forces. (AP Photo) Story on page 8
HiV infection decreasing in tuensang Morung Express news Tuensang | March 28
Tuensang had topped the list of the HIV infected people among the districts in Nagaland for many years. However, “This has changed since 2008 with the participation of Baptist Churches across the district in the HIV programs that is being undertaken by NACO/NSACS Kohima and implemented by local NGOs “, remarks N. James Chang, a social activist in Tuensang. Out of 3644 people who volunteered for HIV testing in 2013,
145 were detected positive. This comes after Dimapur and Kohima which had 761 and 213 HIV+ respectively in the same year. The response of the churches in Tuensang gained momentum in 2004 and their various contributions including financial support to the program has been successful and replicated in other districts. Officials coming from other states have also shown their appreciation. Over the years, all departments, agencies of both government and local bodies of the district
swiftly responded and participated in controlling the spread of HIV. There are 8 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC) in Tuensang- two at District Hospital, Tuensang, one each at Shamator, Noklak, Thonoknyu, Longkhim & Chare and a mobile ICTC. Out of 3644 and 9139 HIV tests conducted in 2013 and 2012 in Tuensang, reports show that Mobile ICTC conducted 46% and 44% of the tests respectively. The remaining tests were done at the other 7 ICTC units.
The report showed that the Mobile ICTC Tuensang has provided Nevirapine (the only medicine available for prevention of HIV from mother to child) to 85 mothers and 83 babies from November 2007 to February 2014. It also dispatched 58 Blood Samples of children born to HIV positive mothers to a recognized laboratory (screening for HIV in children), out of which only 2 children are confirmed with HIV infection. The remaining 56 children have not been infected by HIV from their mothers.
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Saturday 29 March 2014
Earth Hour 2014: An appeal
Kohima, march 28 (mexn): What began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 as a lights-off event calling communities around the world to fight climate change, Earth Hour is now a worldwide movement annually uniting people to protect the planet via its 60-minute switch-off. Earth Hour is held on the last Saturday of every March - closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as the Earth rotates - encouraging individuals, communities, households, and business establishments to turn off their nonessential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet and its well-being. Climate Change is a
global phenomenon. It is caused by emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, CFCs etc. The presence of these GHGs in the atmosphere of our planet entraps the heat from our sun causing increase in the temperature of the earth's surface thereby causing global warming. As of today, globally, most GHGs are from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity contributing to about 66% of the total GHGs. Nagaland state consumes about 120MW of electricity during peak hours, out which about 70% is from burning fossil fuels. About 543kG of coal is required to generate 1MWH of energy which produces equivalent
amount of about 500kg of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Considering local context, about 84MW (70%) comes from thermal based power stations, which is equivalent to emission of 43MT of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Thus by switching off lights for 1 hour, the state would be mitigating emission of GHGs by about 43000kgs. Earth Hour 2014 will be held on Saturday, March 29, between 8:30 P.M. and 9:30 P.M. local time. On this hour, let us join millions of people around the world in turning off our lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message on the need for decisive solutions to environmental challenges. The Department of
New & Renewable Energy, Government of Nagaland in a press release appeal to every individual to come forward and show solidarity in joining governments and communities around the world in the fight for a better environment and for the future of generations. “Our action should not stop in this Earth Hour event alone, we must go beyond the Hour to commit to sustainable lifestyles and lasting action in order to create a sustainable planet,” the department stated. Besides observing Earth Hour for an hour, the department also appeals the public to adopt green energy for all domestic utility from now on in order to mitigate carbon emission in our atmosphere on daily basis.
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Election general observer for Dimapur interacts with district administration DimaPur, march 28 (DiPr): Election General Observer for Dimapur Dr. Manjit Singh (IAS) visited DC’s office, Dimapur on March 28. During his visit he had an interaction with the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and other officials. He was briefed about the preparations and other logistic arrangements for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections. He also inspected the control room, grouping randomization at NIC, Postal ballot section and the strong room at the DC’s office complex. DC Dimapur stated that out of the total 280 polling stations under Dimapur District 30 polling stations will be manned by women for the forthcoming election.
Later, Dr. Manjit Singh also inspected some polling stations at PWD colony under Dimapur -1 and Christian Mission Higher Secondary school under Dimapur-2
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Participants during the training for VBS directors and Teachers 2014 organised by VBS Ministries, Bangalore in Life Spring Corner Dimapur from March 26 to 28. Altogether 50 people attended the programme under the theme ‘You are precious’ with KJ Andrews, National VBS Director, Joel and team as resource persons.
Aoleang Monyu festival in Kisama Kisama, march 28 (DiPr): The Governor of Nagaland Dr. Ashwani Kumar will grace the Silver Jubilee celebration cum Aoleang Monyu 2014 of the Konyak Union Kohima at the Naga Heritage village Kisama on April 4. President APO, Keneingunyü Sekhose will also grace the occasion as guest of honour. The first session of the programme will be the jubilee celebration where the Governor will address the gathering while the second part of the day’s programme will be the Aoleang festival where the Special Guest shall be President ENPUK, David Tingchem.
World Autism Awareness Day on April 2
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Kohima, march 28 (DiPr): The Governor of Nagaland, Dr. Ashwani will grace the ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ on April 2 at the ‘JO FOUNDATION’ Inclusive Play School, Middle Medizie, Agri Colony, Kohima. The awareness day is observed in support of the differently abled autistic persons.
Students of St. Joseph’s College, in collaboration with Youth Net and Alobo Naga, had a signature campaign for Clean Election. The campaign started in October 2013. The Youth Net team, led by Lezo Putsure, came to St. Joseph’s College with Alobo Naga on October 24 to kick start the signature campaign. After a short conscientization talk by Lezo on the need for Clean Election, Alobo sang a few of his signature songs and enthralled the student and staff. Since then, St. Joseph’s students have been signing the campaign in the College campus.
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Training on election at Pfütsero
A WORSHIP CONCERT CELEBRATING ONENESS IN CHRIST CHOIR: SUMI BAPTIST CHURCH // KUDA BAPTIST CHURCH // CHAKHESANG BAPTIST CHURCH // LOTHA BAPTIST CHURCH // DIMAPUR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP // DABA // PATKAI CHORALE // NAGALAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC // NAGALAND CHAMBER CHOIR // crown centre SOLOIST SOPRANO: JUDY SENOLOS HONOR TENOR: RUBIN LUKITO BASS: VISAHU PESEYIE ORGANIST: MRS. MARGARET SHISHAK PIANIST: MR. ZINGRIN SHISHAK STRING ENSEMBLE: MS. JUDY TAY // MS. LYDIA WONG // HOPE CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE // JOEY WOCH STUDIO // PATKAI CHRISTIAN COLLEGE // CONDUCTOR: PASTOR RAZO VASA
One day Election training for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election 2014 was conducted on 28th March 2014 at Pfutsero Town Hall with Nchumbemo Odyou ADC Pfutsero presiding over the training. The ADC in his welcome addressed urged upon the presiding officers and other polling personnels to take the training very seriously for smooth and successful conduct of MP Election 2014. The training was imparted by the master trainers Shikato Achumi and Sheku on the duties and responsibilities of polling officers and presiding officers respectively. The master trainers also gave practical training to the polling personnels on the use of EVM and ballot unit. About 200 people attended the training. The last and final training for all the polling personnels will be held on 5th April 2014 at Phek.
Pughoboto IV grade staff to report for election duty
The Additional Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Returning Officer (ADC & ARO), Pughoboto issues a circular that all the Fourth Grade Staff under Pughoboto Sub-Division listed for polling duties for the ensuing Parliamentary Election was informed to report to the office of the ADC & ARO, Pughoboto on 7th April at 10:30 a.m. positively. Failing which action would be initiated as per the provision of law.
Election trainings held at Phek
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DimaPur, march 28 (mexn): Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) programme was launched at District Hospital Dimapur on March 28 at District Hospital Auditorium. The programme was chaired by Ms. Mecievinuo, DPO(DAPCU) and invocation prayer delivered by Rev. Mar, Chaplain, DH Chapel. Dr. DitsoloMero, MS DHD gave a brief introduction on OST programme. He stated that OST is a programme initiated by NACO for Injecting Drug User (IDU). IDU is one of the high risk groups vulnerable to HIV infection, thus NACO has adopted this harm reduction strategy to prevent HIV transmission among IDUs under which preventive services are provided. OST involves substitution of illicit, unsafe opioid drugs which maybe taken through injecting route with a legal medicine which has similar properties as that of the injecting opioid but taken with safer route (orally). As the medicine take cares of the drug hunger, IDUs stop to reduce injecting drugs leading to decrease risk of transmission of HIV and other blood borne virus. OST is a Direct Observation Treatment system where the medicine is administered at the OST center by a trained Doctor or Nurse. Dr. R. Rose, SPO, HIV/TB
(IAS) may be directly contacted by any public on any matter, queries or problem with regard to the forthcoming Election on the following mobile No. 8974503684.
(NSACS) while giving a brief status of IDU and HIV in Nagaland, stated that the sharing syringes and needles is one of the main routes of transmission of HIV among the IDUs .he further stated that the benefit of OST goes beyond prevention of HIV. OST has been successful in reducing other harm related to drug, especially when combined with psycho-social interventions. OST has been recognized worldwide as an effective evident based treatment for opioid dependence and harm reduction strategy. The client of OST stops in indulging in petty crimes, becomes stabilized psychologically, is able to think coherently and also is able to take care of his family and also becomes gainfully employed. Dr. M. A. Wati, Chief Medical Officer appreciated NACO for implementing OST in Dimapur District and hopes that through this programme, not only the IDUs but also their families will benefit from it. He also encourages the health workers and clients to co-operate and sincerely work together towards reduction of drug dependency. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. C. C. Kezo and the administration of the first dose of OST drugs to a client. The programme was attended by Staff under District Hospital and NGOs.
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constituencies. He gave advice for providing proper entrance and exit points, proper toilet and safe drinking water facility in polling stations. Dr. Manjit Singh
osT launched at district hospital Dimapur
ANSTA Tseminyu Unit supports NSSATA
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Election Observer Dr. Manjit Singh from Rajasthan interacting with Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur Hushili Sema at the Control Room, D.C. Conference Hall. He will be observing six districts including Kohima, Zunheboto, Wokha, Peren and Phek. The public may make election related complaints by calling him at 8974503684. (Photo by Imojen Jamir)
MEx File Tseminyu, march 28 (mexn): The ANSTA Tseminyu Unit has expressed sympathy and solidarity with the agitating NSSATA, which is demanding for the early release of its pays. ANSTA, Tseminyu Unit General Secretary Robert N. Marathon in a press release questioned ‘how could the government and the department concerned expect the association to remain silent when some of its members have not been paid for the service rendered and how long should the association remain a mute spectator to the sufferings of some of its members.’ It appeal to the government and the department concerned to release salaries of the SSA teachers at the earliest and stated that one cannot work on an empty stomach for too long and appeal to central ANSTA to take up the issue of the SSA teachers and not desert them in this trying times.
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5TH APRIL • 5:30 PM • DABA (DIMAPUR AO BAPTIST AROGO) ENTRY FREE • KINDLY BE SEATED BY 5 PM IN ASSOCIATION WITH
In view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections, the 2nd phase of training for all polling officials of Phek District was held on 28th March 2014 at District Hq. Phek and sub-division Hq. of Chozuba, Pfutsero, Meluri and Chizami respectively. At Phek Hq. Master Trainer S.P. Raja Senior Graduate Teacher GHSS Phek gave a review power point presentation regarding the duty confide of Presiding Officers and all Polling Officers and urged the Officers to give their best for proper functioning of coming Lok Sabha election. He also outlines the resposibilities of Presiding Officers and all Polling Officers and instructed them to abide the rules framed by the Election Commission
of India for conduct of 2014 Lok Sabha election. Citing example for using of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and controlling unit S.P. Raja directed the Officers to read the EVM manual book to operate the machines correctly and also allows the trainers to practically examine the voting machines. He also instructed Polling Personnels that the last and final training for Presiding Officers and all Polling Officers of Phek District would be held on 5th of April 2014 and directed all to attend with their beddings fully prepared failure to present at the stipulated time would be viewed seriously and disciplinary action would be initiated as per provision of law.
Sector officers/magistrates meeting at Kohima
A meeting of the election related Sector Officers/Magistrates and Sector Commanders under Kohima district was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima on 27th March 2014 under the chairmanship of ADC Kohima, Asangla Imti. The meeting was held to appraise about poll preparedness where the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, W. Honje Konyak called upon all concerned to be thorough about the Model Code of Conduct and also about the pasting of posters and banners in the town. SDO (Sardar) Wennyie Konyak spoke in detail about the Model Code of Conduct which is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission and is operational till the process of elections are completed. He also called upon the officials to ensure peaceful polling and also to see that only valid officials are allowed to enter the Polling Stations on the day of polls. SDO (Civil), Kethosituo elaborated on the Election Duty Certificate and procedures for filling of Form 12(A). District Information Officer, Kohima, G. Lorin appraised the members on the webcasting of Polling Stations and the basic items required for providing webcasting. During the upcoming parliamentary elections the wired broad band connection will be provided by BSNL for the webcasting. Nodal Officer for Master Trainers, Chuba Yanger also spoke at the meeting. (DIPR News)
Capacity building on communitization in Longleng held LongLeng, march 28 (mexn): Longleng district conducted training cum capacity building for VHC and stakeholders on communitization at IDSP conference hall, CMO office Longleng on March 28. The programme was attended by Dr. N. Bendang Jamir CMO, Dr. T. Wabang MS District Hospital, Dr. Kongyan Dy.CMO, VHC chairman from all the health units and DPMU staffs. Dr. Kongyan Dy. CMO chaired the program, Elom, VHC Chairman, Namching led Invocation prayer and Dr. Kongyan Dy.CMO delivered welcome address. Presentation on communitization activities and success history was presented by the VHC chairman of all the Health units. After which a documentary film on communitization was shown. Dr. N. Bendang Jamir CMO Longleng gave a brief introduction on communitization where he said that it is a partnership between government and community to promote and protect the health and well-being of the people and encouraged the VHC chairman of all the Health units to encourage community partnership in order to have a better future. He also appreciated the Tangha SC for their good performance and encouraged the other health units to do the same and urged all the health units to conduct social work once in a month to keep their premises clean and maintained register on Untied fund, Maintenance Fund, Staff Attendance, stock register and cash book.
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The Morung Express
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Teachers to help create 272 M'laya tribals to vote for 1st time wildlife awareness in Assam
UMkHAbAW, MARCH 28 (PTI): Sixty-seven years after India's Independence and 40 years after Meghalaya attained statehood, a group of 272 people in East Khasi Hills district will be casting their votes for the first time in a Lok Sabha poll while their 7000 odd neighbours would not. These 7000 plus eligible voters, who have been living for a long time in this part of the state, have never voted in any election, as they are not registered voters. Of these people living in 14 villages along the Indo-Bangla border, only these 272 were registered with the Election Commission and got EPIC cards, Secretary of a local village council Brostar Ora told PTI. The 272 lucky people voted only twice in their lives -- in the Assembly election last year and the just concluded autonomous council election. The state election department said it is aware about the huge population which is yet to
New voters eager to press 'power' button
SHILLONG, MARCH 28 (TNN): Syntiew Warjri and Mathew Kurbah have begun counting days for the Lok Sabha election. The couple is among the few thousand first-time voters going to take part in the biggest democratic process in the world by exercising their franchise during the Lok Sabha polls in the state scheduled on April 9. "It's great to feel that my vote, too, will be a determining factor in deciding the candidate who will enter the Lok Sabha," says Dorothy Wahlang, who is thrilled to get her Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) who just turned 18. In fact, the state election department, under the leadership of chief electoral officer Prashant Naik, has been leaving no stone unturned to get young voters enrolled for the forthcoming polls. get voting rights. But they have to come forward by themselves and claim their rights from the sub-divisional office, Additional Chief Election Officer B Dhar told PTI. These 7000 odd people included Garo people and about 1500 non-indigenous tribals displaced after Bangladesh Libera-
Though the hill state has just two Lok Sabha berths, the enthusiasm is all over with the state election department engaging several young students to literally paint walls across the capital city and other public places in the state, urging eligible voters to press the button of their choice on the election day to choose their representative. "We are also using music by some popular and artists and bands in the state to create awareness about the need to vote among the people, especially the youngsters," says an election department official. "The youth are determined to vote as they realize that this opportunity to make or break the fate of candidates and parties comes every five years," says leader of a national political party's youth wing.
tion War in 1971. They all live in 14 villages along the international border since time immemorial but are unaware of the facilities offered by the administration. "Original land owners had rented out their land to them in return for a share of the crops these people produce," said Ora,
secretary of Shella village council. Ora stopped short of calling them Bangladeshi migrants but admitted they had been living there for a very long time. He said with the passage of time several land owners knew little about whom their forefathers had rented their land. The Shella village council
Troopers to do poll duty in sensitive NE areas
AGARTALA, MARCH 28 (IANS): Top paramilitary forces, including the CRPF, Assam Rifles and Border Security Force, will be deployed in insurgency-hit areas of the northeastern region during the Lok Sabha polls, officials said Friday. "Central paramilitary forces and state security forces would be deployed as part of three-tier security arrangements in militancyprone areas of the northeastern region," a top Assam Rifles official told IANS. "Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles and Border Security Force would be posted in
extremist-prone areas," he said. Polling stations in such areas have been categorised as "hypersensitive". "Though militancy has largely been tamed in the northeast, we should not be complacent, specially before and during the election," the official said. He said air and surface surveillance would be further reinforced, and the BSF has been asked to be on high alert along the Bangladesh border. "The Election Commission is closely monitoring the deployment of security, and law and order situation. Each state government has been sending daily reports on
the law and order situation to the commission," the official said. Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya will go to the polls April 9, while Manipur will see two-phase polling April 9 and 17. Tripura will vote April 7 and 12, while polling in Assam will be held in three phase April 7, 12 and 24. Four northeastern states - Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam - share an 1,880-km border with Bangladesh, while Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh share a 1,640-km unfenced border with Myanmar.
MSCP asks assembly to disqualify five candidates
IMPHAL, MARCH 28 (NNN): The Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) has apprised the Manipur legislative assembly to disqualify five MLAs elected from the party in the last assembly elections. Addressing the media today, MSCP vice president Adin Pamei said the five MLAs including Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong), Karam Amarjit (Keirao), Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi), RK Imo (Sagolband) and Paonam Brojen (Wangjing Tentha) elected from the MSCP tickets
A triangular battle for a lone Mizoram seat
AIZAWL, MARCH 28 (AGENCIES): With a lone Lok Sabha seat, the General Elections in Mizoram would be a triangular one. After the withdrawal of candidature by Independent candidate Vanlalngaia, only three candidates are in the fray. The ruling Indian National Congress has fielded sitting MP CL Ruala and United Democratic Front, an alliance of eight opposition parties, has fielded Robert Romawia Royte, while the newly floated and contesting election in the state for the first time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has given ticket to a retired IAS officer M Lalmanzuala. The Congress party bagged the lone seat in the 2009 LS polls and also in the recently concluded assembly elections in the state the results were in favour of the incumbent Congress after
it was mauled in other four major states. However, that significant win few months back for the INC cannot for be foreseen as sure shot victory in the small state of Mizoram. There is also no Modi wave in the state for the Congress party to worry about and the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate’s lack of attention to Mizoram highlights how unrepresentative the BJP is. Modi, who has been attacking the Congress and wooing the electorate in other northeast states in his rallies didn’t even hold a single public meeting in Mizoram. In this scenario the advent of the Aam Aadmi Party (Party of the Common Man), launched only six months ago, is very important. The newly formed party garnered more than 33 percent of the votes in
Delhi and in LS polls in Mizoram it can as a spoiler for the Congress. But AAP’s recent criticism will put skepticism in people’s mind. Also the candidate chosen by the AAP is yet to prove himself. Retired IAS officer Lalmanzuala had unsuccessfully contested the state assembly polls in 2008 as an Independent from Aizawl North-I seat. Despite an anti-Congress wave in the country over the corruption issues, the party’s Ruala has an image of being a clean politician and is also the poorest among the three candidates in the fray, with Rs 5 lakh in hand. 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 saw protests
A mobile hope for cinema in Assam
Cinema halls in the State have declined from 160 about 20 years back to 38 halls
GUWAHATI, MARCH 28 (THE HINDU): In an effort to popularise Assamese cinema, a production company has come out with a novel idea of introducing mobile theatres. The 500-seater travelling theatre has a screen that is 15 feet high and 35 feet wide, a high definition projector and a surround sound system. It has all the amenities of a modern cinema including a generator, all enclosed under a single tent. The theatre has been travelling since its introduction on March 21 in Dergaon in Jorhat district in to pull the 79-year old Assamese film industry out of a two-decade long crisis. “One of the reasons behind the crisis gripping Assamese film industry is that the number of cinema halls in the State have declined from 160 about 20 years back to 38 halls. Assamese films are screened only in 23 halls. However, cine-goers do not like to go to these old cinema halls because of
the poor ambience. As a result the producers of Assamese cinema fail to recover the money spent in making one film. It is in this backdrop that we have introduced this touring cinema hall to take Assamese cinema to the viewers’ doorstep, Deba Borkotoky, proprietor of N.K. Productions, who has launched this touring cinema hall, told The Hindu. There are 22 persons that have been engaged in running the touring cinema hall. “All we need is 5,000 square feet of open space and little help from a local club or organistion to arrange it,” he added. In the opening commercial tour, four Assamese movies—Hiya Diba Kak¸ Jiya Jurir Subash¸ Bandhon and Janmoni have been screened. “The response is very good,” said Borkotoky. Award winning filmmaker Sanjib Sabhapandit is also hopeful of the touring cinema hall making a difference for the crisesridden Assamese film industry. “Most of the cinema halls are dirty, poorly lit, give out a foul smell and have an obsolete sound system. Besides, the hall owners pass on the entire burden of publicity on the
producer. As the Assamese cine-lovers do not go to the halls because of poor ambience, let a cinema hall with the right ambience for entertainment go to them. This will help Assamese cinema industry to survive,” added Sabhapandit.
looks after the welfare of Shella and seven nearby villages. Lately 272 people got residential certificates as they could produce documents showing them as tenants. "The SDO of Sohra then issued them the EPIC cards making them eligible to vote," Ora said. Umkhabaw is one of the villages under Shella council. Sentu Sangma, headman of Umkhabaw, is one of the 272 who will be voting in the Lok Sabha elections, but does not know who the candidates are. "All that I know is that we have lived here even before the British set their foot in this part of the world," Sangma said. None of these 7000 plus people living in these 14 villages have MGNREGS job cards. There are no healthcare facilities despite reports of leprosy, TB and malaria cases. Safe drinking water is also not available, he said. "Life is hard here. Only the toughest can survive," Sangma said.
against it. The protesters, led by the Young Mizo Association (YMA) members demanded the poll panel to revoke its decision. Even Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had urged Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath to not allow the tribal refugees, living in seven relief camps, to exercise their franchise in deciding the fate of the state’s Lok Sabha seat. Now with existence of the Aam Aadmi Party in the state and only one seat up for grabs, the elections in Mizoram are not predicative. Though the scales are leaning towards Congress who fresh off the victory might retain the lone seat.
have joined the Congress party. "These 5 MLAs, by given up voluntarily the membership of the MSCP thereby will incur disqualification as members of the legislative assembly under Para 2 (1) (A) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution," stated Adin Pamei. According to him, the party has apprised the assembly Speaker on the matter. He then refuted reports that MSCP had merged with Congress. Some members have left the party but it does not mean that the MSCP is a non-existent party now, he stated.
MANAS, MARCH 28 (IANS): They say teachers are the best purveyors of knowledge. A wildlife NGO in Assam has launched a training programme for teachers not only to spread the message of wildlife conservation but also to help them with environment education so that they can work as experts in the field. Aaranyak, an NGO working for biodiversity conservation since 1989, recently held a training programme for 26 teachers at Bansbari range of the Manas National Park. All the teachers were drawn from schools located in the fringe areas of the park. The programme was conducted jointly with Parisbased NGO Awely, which aims at preserving endangered species and biodiversity, said Jayanta Kumar Pathak, Aaranyak's training and education officer. "A teacher is an ideal person who can lead and guide society by his or her knowledge and wisdom. So we thought of generating awareness through one of the most respected professions in society," he said. The training programme focused mainly on humanelephant co-existence. "The programme aimed at generating a pool of teachers around the park to address human and elephant conflict and also to capacitate them for curriculum based environment education," he said. Various activities were carried out during the programme like interaction with conservation experts, discussions on elephant biology, encroachment on elephant habitats, human-elephant conflict and illegal activities in elephant habitats.
50,000 licenced arms in Assam
GUWAHATI, MARCH 28 (PTI): Only 20% of the nearly 50,000 licenced arms existing in Assam have been deposited so far with authorities in the run up to the three-phased Lok Sabha elections in the state. The state police department is now trying to contact all the owners in order to take possession of these arms as per the Election Commission directives. "As of now, we have 47,286 licenced arms in Assam. Of this, around 9,500 have been collected according to EC norms to have a free and fair election exercise in the state," a top government official said. In addition to these, the police have seized around 10,000 unlicensed arms, ammunition and explosives across the state, he added. "In the unlicenced category, the police recovered 84 arms, 9,910 cartridge and 13 explosives," the official said. According to information available with the security establishment, Nagaon district alone has 8,550 licenced arms -- the highest in the state. It is followed by Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts with 5,808 and 4,309 arms respectively.
GoVeRNMeNt oF NAGAlAND
oFFice oF tHe coMMiSSioNeR & RetuRNiNG oFFiceR NAGAlAND PARliAMeNtARY electioN, 2014 NO.CN/LS-2014/ANNEX-16/252
NAGALAND: KOHIMA
Annexure 16 (CHAPTER V, PARA -5.25.1)
Dated Kohima the 27th March, 2014
FORMAT IN WHICH THE RETURNING OFFICER MAY PUBLISH THE INFORMATION RELATING TO GOVERNMENT DUES. (To be published in two newspapers having local circulation) General Election to the Lok Sabha from Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency
Public Notice
Information as furnished by the contesting candidates in their affidavits in respect of Government dues is hereby published for information of all electors: SI. Name of Party affiliation, No Candidate if any
Government dues to departments dealing with
Government Supply Supply of Telephone Government transport accommodation of water electricity (including aircrafts and helicopters 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. K.V. PUSA INDIAN NATIONAL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL CONGRESS (INC) 2. NEIPHIU NAGA PEOPLE'S NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL RIO FRONT (NPF) 3. AKHEI SOCIALIST PARTY NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL ACHUMI (INDIA)
Other C Government dues, if any 9. NIL NIL NIL
Note: Full details of affidavits furnished by contesting candidates may be seen at http://ceonagaland.nic.in/ Elections2014/LE2014/PCList.htm and R.O Notice Board (Returning Officer for Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency)
SituAtioN VAcANt Applications are invited for the post of science teacher with an educational qualification of M.Sc. (Botany or Zoology). Apply in own handwriting with dull bio-data, photo and phone number immediately. Preference will be given for having teaching experience. PRINCIPAL
St.John Hr.Sec.Resi.School, P.B.No.120, Diphu Road Dimapur-797112 (Nagaland) M.No.0943260391, 09436408311
NAGALAND CHRISTIAN (INTER-DENOMINATION) YOUTH CRUSADE LORD’S PROGRAMME Theme: “Return, ye backsliding children and I will heal your backslidings” Jer.3:22 Date: 11th -13th April 2014 Place: Kohima Local Ground
CHAIRMEN
Time: Morning-10 am Evening-5 pm
SPEAKERS
1. Atou Thapo CEM Advisor NCRC P.R.Hill, Kohima
1. Rev. zotuo Kiewhuo Pastor Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima
2. Sr. Pastor Larovi CRC Medziphema Village
2. Rev. Avi Sophie Pastor House of Prayer for Jerusalem and for All Nation, New Delhi 3. Rev. Dr. Batkupar Dunia Pastor Now Generation Outreach Revival Assembly Shillong, Meghalaya
Christ Spirit Reveals: “The Nagaland Youth have become filled with debauchery, orgies, killing and all kind of wickedness. Therefore the Nagaland Christian Prayer Group is directed to conduct a big prayer meeting to save the souls of backsliders and those who are going astray by praying to Almighty God”.
There will be prayer and healing in all services
ALL ARE REQUESTED TO COME
Contact nos: 9436000112, 9436000449, 9402993156 Programme Committee Nagaland Christian Prayer Fellowship
C M Y K
4 businEss Sahara staff plan collection for Subrata’s release Saturday
Dimapur
The Morung Express
29 March 2014
NEW DELHI, MARCH 28 (PTI): : In a fresh dramatic twist to the Sebi-Sahara saga, an innovative idea was today floated for collection of at least Rs 1 lakh each from Sahara employees and ‘well-wishers’ to garner at least Rs 5,000 crore and secure group chief Subrata Roy’s release from Tihar Jail. The money has been proposed to be collected in lieu of shares in Saharayn e-Multipurpose Society Ltd, which would be alloted to each contributing employee of the entertainment-to retail business conglomerate, which claims to have a workforce of over 11 lakh salaried and field workers. The contribution ‘ap-
peal’ was made through a one-page letter signed by directors of this Society and ‘associates’ of the group and asked each employee of the Sahara India Pariwar and their wellwishers to contribute Rs 1 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, Rs 3 lakh or even more as per their wish and capacity. When contacted, a senior Sahara official clarified that the letter has not been issued by Subrata Roy or by the management and “it is only an emotional initiative from people in reaction to prevailing situation”. He said that this should not be construed as Sahara group or the management asking its workers to make any contribution. “As Saharasri (the name
by which Roy is called in the group) has build this organisation as Pariwar or family, lots of such letters are coming from throughout the country. Hope this unique sentiment for the chief guardian of our Pariwar would be understood,” he added. Roy, 65, has been in Tihar jail since March 4 and the Supreme Court earlier this month proposed a conditional interim bail for him asking the group to deposit Rs 10,000 crore including Rs 5,000 crore as bank guarantee. However, the group’s lawyers informed the court yesterday that they were finding it difficult to immediately mobilise such a large amount to get
Roy and two directors out on bail. The lawyers also submitted that the apex court’s order for detaining Roy for not paying Rs 20,000 crore of investors money with SEBI was illegal and unconstitutional and sought quashing of this order. Appearing for Roy and the group, advocates also told a bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar, which had passed detention order, that its approach is “biased” and it should not hear the petition challenging the order. Sahara group, which says that it has already refunded bulk of the money due to investors in the Sebi case, claims to have total
networth of over Rs 68,000 crore and assets totalling more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. A Sahara lawyer yesterday said that an embargo has been imposed on sale of assets, while bank accounts of entire Sahara Group have already been frozen by Sebi. “Further, the title deeds of assets having value over Rs 20,000 crore are lying with Sebi only. If case by case the court allows to sell assets, it will be a distress sale which would not fetch more than 20-25 per cent of the real value of the asset. Moreover, money from the sale of bigger assets will only come in long term installments in view of Indian financial strength,” he had said in a statement.
Facebook to use satellites, drones to spread the Internet
San FranciSco, March 28 (reuterS): Facebook Inc is harnessing satellite, drone and other technology as part of an ambitious and costly effort to beam Internet connectivity to people in underdeveloped parts of the world. The world’s No. 1 social network said on Thursday it has hired aerospace and communications experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and its Ames Research Center for the new “Connectivity Lab” project. “Today, we’re sharing some details of the work Facebook’s Connectivity Lab is doing to build drones, satellites and lasers to deliver the internet to everyone,” Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook. He gave few specifics and did not specify a time frame.
The move extends the social networking company’s Internet. org effort, aimed at connecting billions of people who do not currently have Internet access in places such as Africa and Asia. Facebook has been working with telecommunications carriers to make Internet access more available and affordable. “We’re going to continue building these partnerships, but connecting the whole world will require inventing new technology too,” Zuckerberg said in his post. Facebook envisions a fleet of solar-powered drones as well as low-earth orbit and geosynchronous satellites delivering Internet access to different regions of the world. Invisible, infrared laser beams could allow Facebook to dramatically boost the speed of the
Internet connections provided by the various aircraft, Facebook said on a Web page that explaining the project. Facebook’s plans to take to the skies underscore the company’s rising ambitions to exert its influence beyond the confines of its 1.2 billion-member social network and to set the pace for new technology that will shape society. On Tuesday, Facebook announced plans to acquire Oculus VR Inc, a maker of virtual reality goggles that Facebook hopes could become the computing platform of the future. Facebook is following in the steps of Google Inc, the world’s largest Internet search engine, whose Google X division is working on a variety of so-called “moonshot” projects including self-driving cars and wearable
computers. Google announced plans last year to use solar-powered balloons to deliver Internet access to remote regions of the world. Among the jobs openings posted on Facebook’s website on Thursday were roles such as Antenna Systems Engineer and Electro-Optical Network Access Hardware Engineer. Facebook also said it had hired a five-member team that worked at Ascenta, a British company whose founders created early versions of the Zephyr, which Facebook said held the record for the longestflying solar-powered unmanned aircraft. Shares of Facebook were up 28 cents, or less than 1 percent, at $61.25 in after-hours trading on Thursday.
HTC Desire 310 launched in India BlackBerry cuts prices of
flagship Z30 by Rs 5,000
new Delhi, March 28 (Fe): Days after it announced its flagship HTC One M8, Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has unveiled its Desire 310, aimed at the entry-level market. The phone will feature a sophisticated navy blue design with a quad-core processor, HTC BlinkFeed and HTC Video Highlights. The dual-SIM phone is powered by 1.3GHz quadcore processor, and has a 4.5-inch screen. The company seems to be banking big on the Blinkfeed homescreen that lets users customise their live streams to deliver more relevant, up-tothe-minute news and social updates direct to their home screens. The stream now comes with an offline reading mode. The phone has a 5MP camera and software that lets you create video highlights of your best pictures. The HTC Desire 310 has been priced at Rs 11,700.
MuMbai, March 27 (agencieS): Canadian mobile handset manufacturer BlackBerry has slashed the price of its flagship device Z30 by Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 34,990 under a limited period offer. The company had launched the handset in October 2013 for Rs. 39,990. “This special offer, starting today, will be valid till for next sixty days,” the company said in a statement. “We have seen a phenomenal response to our initial promotional offer on BlackBerry Z10 and are confident we will see similar off take for the five-inch screen BlackBerry Z30 ,” said Hitesh Shah, Director (Channel Sales) at BlackBerry India. The Z30 is the biggest smartphone in its portfolio, which comes with a 5-inch display and powered by a 1.7GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor.
_
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 # 2833
public discoursE Women empoWerment: Global Conscience & Local responsibility
O
ne is not born a woman, one becomes one.” (Simone De Beauvoir) The strength of a woman is in being a woman. For centuries, women have been violated in countless ways and their struggles if written, would be an epic that would reduce every single reader to tears. Empowerment is the process by which the ‘powerless’ gain greater control over circumstance. From this perspective the improvement of women’s status in respect to education, socio-political participation, economic opportunities and independent decision making in society and family is crucial. On the whole, with the rise in education, urbanization and opportunity to proper employment, women are much freer now to come out of their homes with a view to meeting their family expenses. We have come out of the darker days of oppression though many women worldwide still battle the “War of the Weak.” The issues of women are unique in every region and cannot be generalized. The women in America and India face different problems as societal situations are different. Similarly, problems of mainland Indian women and Naga women differ. Reading articles in the newspapers would suggest that women rights have not been won. In India, domestic violence, rape, female infanticide, dowry and eveteasing are the most common problems that women face. Women are branded as weaker and in most cases are given lesser wages. In places like Saudi Arabia women are not allowed to drive, and girls are not given proper education. Women also have specific clothing requirements of covering their faces and in extreme cases are ordered to cover themselves head to toe. In India, the evils of female infanticide and sexual subjugation breeds everywhere despite the many steps like the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971, Commission of Sati Prevention Act 1987, Domestic Violence Act 2005 etc. taken to address such injustices. Empowerment, I believe, will spark when males can look at women and see them not as weak child bearers or objects of pleasure but rather as persons deserving of every share of equality that any human ought to have. If mindsets change, then the status of women can change too. Larger steps to women empowerment could occur if the government encourages and places more emphasis on matters of female education and employment. If women are well educated and skilled, they can shape the future generation into excellent leaders. Women should also have their rights to inheritance and possession of property. We are all born the same way
and women today work the same way. Should we not have the same rights to inheritance and possessions? The government should also pursue reservation policies so that women can be adequately represented. The rather controversial pending Women’s Reservation Bill in India strongly shows that women still haven’t asserted their rights. It is also rather commendable to gather that 33 is not the number for equality. The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the constitution provide reservations for women at the Panchayat level, but there are recent reports of how Village Panchayats have fined women who tried to put their names forward as candidates in the past Assembly elections. Every time women try to climb the political ladder, they are pulled down and placed next to the kitchen cabinets. The late Margaret Thatcher said, “In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” And this has been proven by active women members in politics such as Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Pratibha Patel, Mamata Banerjee, Agatha Sangma, Meira Kumar etc. who have played active roles in politics and have ushered in development under their leadership. Women with all their family responsibilities still manage to govern the people with equal expertise. Society talks, but cannot walk the talk. Mere deterrent punishment cannot stop or change anything or anyone. In sensitive cases like rape and violence there is no room for pointing fingers at one another. What society needs to realize is no amount of earthly power; be it muscle or money power, grants them the right to interfere with the dignity of anyone. Women have every right to exercise their powers without the fear of any power that might reduce their rights. Women can assume still greater public roles in society than what we see today. “Women hold up half the sky.” as it is said. Existence should not be about “the battle of the sexes”; it should be about mutual co-existence. The genders have differences but these differences complement each other. Society can evolve only if both the gifted powers of the sexes are exercised ‘together,’ side by side. I strongly believe that with the rise in education and economic development, the women would steadily move towards greater economic independence in course of time. The search for power and the want to be defined and dignified has been the Holy Grail of the vast majority and with it comes the question of, ‘Who shall wield the Power?’ I say “Together.” Arenpongla Jamir St Joseph’s College, Jakhama
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.
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 2841
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 # 2832
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
O
R
EuropE
ALBANIA
NORWAY
AUSTRIA
POLAND
BELGIUM
PORTUGAL
BULGARIA
REPUBLIC
ENGLAND FINLAND FRANCE
ROMANIA RUSSIA SCOTLAND
GERMANY
SLOVAKIA
HOLLAND
SPAIN
HUNGARY
SWITZERLAND
ICELAND
UKRAINE
IRELAND
YUGOSLAVIA
LUXEMBURG
D
G T E O Y N A M R E G N A V O S
L R P A R D D N A L L O H N E C
S
R A E U B U L U X E M B U R G O
E
E L N S U E S B S A M E R U D T
T E E T L O O S W I S L E A F L
N E D R G S P S I N P J P I H A
A
E O I I A P P L T A A Y U R U N
N I R A R E O O Z M I U B E N D
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D N O C W G U A N H A A O A V I
I D E E O I I G D A N V O A V N
L F R A N C E U A N I I N G A E
F D N A L N I F M L A A R E E E
ACROSS 1. . Inn 6. Quaint outburst 10. Vipers 14. Cognizant 15. Wise men 16. Roman emperor 17. Lingo 19. At the peak of 20. Ancient ascetic 21. Get prone 22. Chunk 23. Mortise and _____ joint 25. Wanderer 26. “Oh my!” 30. Enclose 32. A receptacle for letters 35. Betrayer 39. A citizen of Calcutta, for example 40. Revenue 41. Notwithstanding 43. Demesnes 44. Tempestuous 46. Gave temporarily 47. Leans 50. Bobbins 53. Winglike 54. A thick flat pad 55. Excusable
60. “Your majesty” 61. Possible 63. Epic 64. Gentle 65. Secret agents 66. Biblical kingdom 67. Air force heroes 68. S S S S
DOWN 1. Possess 2. Is endebted to 3. Sailors 4. Sea eagle 5. Inclined 6. Large flightless bird 7. Four quarts 8. Opposed 9. Calamitous 10. Deductive 11. Install (2 words) 12. High school dances 13. Overly sentimental 18. C 24. Veto 25. Allow 26. Among 27. Alley 28. Helps 29. Backwash 31. Twin sister of Ares
33. Entices 34. Savvy about 36. Carry 37. Portent 38. A musical pause 42. Fickle 43. Center of a storm 45. Spunk 47. Thigh armor 48. Homeric epic 49. Very slow in tempo 51. 56 in Roman numerals 52. Feel 54. Mother 56. Short sleeps 57. Nile bird 58. Away from the wind 59. Not more 62. Commercials
Ans to CrossWord 2840
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
H
DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/101 (O) 9436601225 (OC)
TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879
CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE
W
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
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LOCAL
The Morung Express
MEx FILE Funeral service of Pu Haokhoseh Kholhou today Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): The funeral service of Late Pu Haokhoseh Kholhou, member of the steering committee, NSCN (IM) will be held on March 29, 11:00 am at his residence at Molvom Village, Dimapur. A press release informed that the deceased was born in 1942, and died on March 28 at 4:00 pm at his residence after a prolonged illness.
NNC inducts new office bearers of Kuki Regional Council Kohima, march 28 (mExN): The Naga National Council (NNC), under the leadership of Z. Royim Yimchungrii (Acting President) and V. Nagi (General Secretary) has approved and recognized the new team of office bearers of Kuki Regional Council. A press release from NNC Information & Publicity Wing informed that the NNC conducted and observed all official formalities as the following new office bearers took charge of the Region: Thenmang Singson (President), Lunnggam Thangeo (Vice President), Ngulkholen Chongloi (General Secretary), Jangkhogin Sitlhou, Seilal Hmar. The NNC has wished them as “they perform their duties in the interest of the Naga nation.” It also appealed to all concerned to help and cooperate with them in the Region for smooth running of the office of the Regional Authority.
KGKK convenes joint meeting Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): Kuhuboto Ghakhu Kukami Kuqhakulu (KGKK) has convened a joint meeting of GBs, Village Council chairmen, VDB secretaries, political leaders, NGOs and area public leaders to deliberate on the ensuing Lok Sabha election on April 1, 10:00 am at KGPO Hall, Kuhuboto Town. This was stated in a press release issued by KGKK president Vikuto Rochill and general secretary Tokugha Zhimomi.
Dimapur urban colony council chairmen & GBs informed Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): All the Dimapur District Urban Colony Council chairmen and GBs of all urban colonies under Dimapur district have been informed that there will be a sensitization meeting in regard to implementation of National Food Security Act 2013. Therefore, Assistant Director of Supply Temsu Jamir has requested all the above mentioned people to attend the meeting on April 2, 10:00 am at the office premises of the Superintendent of Food & Civil Supplies.
Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): RK Nair of Dimapur has been awarded Pravasi Kalasree award. He received the award from veteran actor Padmasree Madhu at Thiruvananthapuram on March 27, 2014. Governor of Kerala Shiela Dixit graced the occasion as chief guest, stated a press release issued by general secretary of Kerala Samajam Dimapur, Reji Kuriakose. According to the note, it is for the first time that such an award has been given to
anybody in the north east region by the government of Kerala. A businessman by profession, R.K. Nair is a prominent personality in the cultural and social circles of Dimapur for many years. He was instrumental in the revival of Kerala Samajam Dimapur and also played a key role in the formation of KSNA Dimapur Chapter, said the release. He is married to Sindhu R. Nair and has two children Parvathy and Rahul.
29 March 2014
Dimapur
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Will represent the voice of the minority: Pusa Morung Express News Dimapur | March 28
NPCC Lok Sabha candidate KV Pusa trod on the Congress’ ideological basis, while promising to pursue for the citizens prosperity and peace, addressing the Congress Convention in Dimapur on March 28. Pusa said that the Congress as a political party is rooted in secular principles, which treats all as equals, irrespective of caste and religious differences or party affiliations. If elected, he said that he will represent the voice of the minority. On the other hand, Pusa said, NPF candidate, Neiphiu Rio is hobnobbing with Narendra Modi, who represents a communal party like the BJP. "We have to decide which will look after the interest of all religions in the interest of all creed and all people, irrespective.”
KV Pusa (second from right) alongwith NPCC president SI Jamir, CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi, C. Apok Jamir, and KL Chishi during the Congress Convention in Dimapur on March 28.
Dwelling on unemployment, he said that during the last state Assembly elections, the Congress had gone to the people with a promise to provide 70, 000 jobs. “But nobody listened and Congress could not get majority to rule. Therefore we are prisoners of our own decision today.” However, he added that another opportunity has come for the people to decide. Stating that the DAN
government has misused and failed to implement the Centre’s welfare schemes, he said that the present government will not be allowed to go scot free for its misdoings. “It will be our endeavour to strive and bring justice to our people and let the schemes which are meant for the people goes to them.” Further hitting out at the NPF, he said that the Rio-led party promised to
bring a solution to the Naga political imbroglio within three months after coming to power in 2003, but failed, while putting the blame on the Congress. “He (Rio) being the Chief Minister of a state where the solution must be found, he should invite people to his table and talk and not the other way round.” The Chief Ministers of Manipur and Assam may have been called by the Centre “but they are
not owners of the political problem,” he said. Party men, KL Chishi and CLP leader Tokheho Yepthomi further hit out at the NPF-led DAN government’s policy. Terming Rio’s foray into national politics as a ploy to escape an unceremonious exit, Yepthomi said, “He could only rule but not govern.” Stating that Rio’s decisions as not firm, he added his policies and indecision
has cost Nagaland dear. While questioning the logic behind the relocation of NIT from Huvukhu, Dimapur DC’s complex to 7th Mile and a proposed veterinary college at Peren to Medziphema, Yepthomi further accused Rio of contributing to the failure of several development projects such as the now defunct Thermal Power Plant in Dimapur, the SARDP, Dimapur-Kohima rail line, four-laning of DimapurKohima highway and the taking off of the proposed Chethu airport. KL Chishi said that the NPF has represented Nagaland in the Parliament for two terms, but it has done nothing. “Where has all the Centrally-funded schemes gone? There are many examples of NPF misrule and misdoing, (but) I am only pointing out a few glaring ones.”
Gen. Khole backs minimal taxation, transparency & accountability
Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak, president of GPRN/ NSCN during the national Tatar Hoho cum budget session 201415 of GPRN/NSCN urged the members of the house to avoid the “pitfalls of arrogance and glossy utterances” without any logical progress on the political ground. In his speech, released to the media by Ministry of Information & Publicity, GPRN/NSCN, Khole said, “We must work diligently with fellow national
workers and tribal bodies on the political issue that has remained unresolved for more than sixty years. If we do not have the people behind us, our grand narratives are worthless because we do not own the future.” GPRN/NSCN, he said, shall open its door to the Naga people so that any lingering doubts on the question of Indo-Naga political solution could be defined in broad terms. “Without any hesitation,” he declared that GPRN/ NSCN is seeking a political
solution that is acceptable and honorable to the Naga people. He appealed to the Naga people to assist them in their endeavors. “Ours is not the decision of the few, but a collective decision expressing the will of Tribal Hohos and Civil Societies. Our decisions have been people based and it shall be at all times,” he added. He asserted that “a struggling Nation like ours” requires active participation of “our” people for all our political endeavors. He expressed pride that “our”
RK Nair from Dmp receives Dimapur Police comes down on crime march 28 illegal liquor and other tles of IMLF1846 capsules Pravasi Kalasree award Dimapur, (mExN): Dimapur Police, contraband goods dur- of Spasmo Proxyvon and
R. K. Nair receives Pravasi Kalasree award from Padmasree Madhu at Thiruvananthapuram on March 27.
Saturday
on March 23, arrested three bike lifters, who had stolen a bike from the Burma Camp area. The three were identified as Hotingse Sangtam (28), Akito Achumi (27) and Vikito Aye, (28). A case is registered and investigation is going on to establish their involvements and other accomplices in previous vehicle lifting cases, informed police. In another incident, Dimapur Police arrested one person for theft on March 1. The accused had broken into a house at Ragailong village and stole two of LPG cylinders, an induction stove, a computer set, clothes and many household articles. The accused has been identified as Kiven (26). Meanwhile, as part of police efforts to curb the movements and sale of
ing the general election period, Dimapur police, along with the Static Surveillance Team and Flying squads, has been conducting several checks and raids. A press note from the SP’s office, Dimapur informed that till March 3, 2014, nine arms, 206 rounds of ammo, Rs 22,21,000 cash, 1064 bot-
90 tablets of Nitro tablets have been seized. Sixteen persons have been bound down under the preventice sections of CrPC and fourteen persons have been arrested under the Arms Act, NLTP Act and the D.C Act. Fourteen cases (Non FIR) have been lodged so far, informed police.
people, despite the inadequacies of the national workers, have remained steadfast to the cause and have willingly contributed to the common struggle for more than sixty years. Today, Khole expressed, Nagas are utterly divided and there are few leaders who are prepared to listen to what the general public has to say. “Some have built their magnificent tower in their imagination so high that they have forgotten how to climb down to the level of a common practical man.” Further, the president stated that GPRN/NSCN’s fiscal policy for 2014-15 must be based on minimal taxation formally introduced by “our” forefathers during the initial years of Naga political struggle. “We cannot deviate from the honest and transparent fiscal tradition. The sustenance of our National struggle is paramount and it must be streamlined so that judicious utilization of our people’s contribution is ensured.”
finding acceptable and honorable political solution for the Nagas.” Revenue generating ministries from Kilonsers down to Office Assistants (OAs) must learn diplomacy, honesty, respect, and understanding while dealing with “our” benefactors, the Naga people, he stressed. Khole also urged the government to set guidelines for field staff and strictly ensure transparency and accountability through proper government mechanism. Strong disciplinary action should be enforced against officials found misappropriating government revenues for personal gains, he affirmed, adding, movable and immovable assets of those dishonest officials should be seized and confiscated. He further asked the government to form a committee to reward those officials who unceasingly serve the government with utmost commitment, dedication and determination under all situations, be it in the Civil or Military wing.
Inspection of election candidates’ account Kohima, march 28 (Dipr): The schedule for account inspection of Lok Sabha candidates of different political parties have been fixed as indicated below as per Instructions on Election Expenditure Monitoring
Pastor Arun Andrews of RIZM speaking at “March for Christ” conference at Union Baptist Church Kohima on Friday. The programme is jointly organized by RIZM and Powercomm of UBC. The conference will go on till March 30. Morung Photo
Stating that the burdens on “our” people have multiplied over the years, but in the final analysis, he said, people understand that GPRN/NSCN is not swindling their investments into Burma, Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh. “As a respected revolutionary organization, GPRN/NSCN maintains strong and efficient standing Army to defend Naga people’s political right.” Twenty four robust regions and sub regions exist, he informed. Eighteen ministries and departments constantly formulate and execute government policies at all levels. GPRN/ NSCN efficiently handles all exigencies, diplomatic or otherwise on various issues, Khole added. To all GPRN/NSCN ministries, especially the revenue generating ministries, he said that Naga people will not cease contributing generously to the National struggle however “the people have every right to question us if our utilization of the resources do not translate into
No. of Inspection 1st Inspection 2nd Inspection 3rd Inspection
(January-2014) of the Election Commission of India at Clause 7.2. The venue will be the DC conference hall, Kohima. All the Deputy Commissioners & DEO concerned are required to submit the Shadow ObDate
11 am - 12 pm March 29, 2014 NPF April 2, 2014 Congress April 6, 2014 Socialist Party
servation Register /Folder of Evidence by 4:00 pm of the preceding day of each inspection date without fail through Special message/email/fax. The addresses are as follows: Email - dckma-ngl@nic.in, Fax - 2292285. Time 12 pm - 1 pm 1 pm - 2 pm Congress Socialist Party Socialist Party NPF NPF Congress
Rengma Hoho urges displaced Governor Dr. Ashwani inaugurates Training for poll officials of Dmp Rengmas to return to native homeland Mithun Festival cum Kisan Mela Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): Rengma Hoho officials on March 25 visited the ongoing reconstruction of the houses of Rengma Nagas in Assam which were reportedly burned down completely by the KPLT militants last year in December. The Hoho, in a press release issued by President Sawathang Kez Seb has appealed to all the displaced people and citizens of Rengma Nagas of Assam to return to their native homeland as early as possible before it is too late to prepare requirements for the year. In continuation to the previous order, the Hoho appealed to all the communities to send back the children of Rengma Nagas of Assam, taken from the relief camps, to their parents at the earliest. It further urged the Government of Assam to set up Administrative Headquarters in the Rengma Naga areas and also provide adequate facilities like schools, hospitals, electricity, water pipelines and proper means of connectivity to ensure the Rengma Nagas living in Assam enjoy the facilities which are enjoyed by other
Kohima, march 28 (Dipr): Governor of Nagaland, Dr. Ashwani Kumar inaugurated the Mithun Festival cum Kisan Mela as well as KVC building at Porba village under Phek district on March 28. The Governor in his address said that Mithun is the State animal and it has been used officially in all the Government documents of the State. However, over the years, its population has been dwindling year after year. Therefore, he encouraged rearing
mithun on a large scale as a sort of self-employment and generating export surplus rather than mere subsistence. The Nagas are fond of meat, as such, to become self-sufficient in this area, it is important for the people. He also requested the ministry concerned to come forward with the idea of bringing Veterinary College to Nagaland. His wife Chandak A.K. and a host of legislator and dignitaries including Speaker of NLA, Chotisuh Sazo, former Min-
Dimapur, march 28 (mExN): The second round of training for preister Thenucho and K. siding officers and second Therie, SP Phek, besides polling officers of Dimapur other officials accompa- district will be conducted nied the Governor. on March 29 from 10:30 am DC Phek, C.M. Tsanglao chaired the programme while Pastor, PBC Huvevo Sakhomo, pronounced invocation prayer. Director NRCM, Dr. C. Rajkhowa delivered welcome address and VC, CAV, Dr. S.N. Puri, Kohima, march 28 DDG, Dr. K.M.L. Pathak (Dipr): Polling personand Secretary DARI & DG, nel, other officials, drivers ICAR, Sr. S. Ayyappan de- and mechanics on election livered short speeches. P.C. duty of Kohima district have KVC, Dr. R.K. Singh, pro- been informed that the last posed vote of thanks. date of submission of application Form – 12 A for Election Duty Certificate (EDC) is April 1 and issue of Election Duty Certificate
at Dimapur Government College. Therefore, Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer N Hushili Sema has directed all concerned to be present at the training without fail.
Polling personnel of Kohima informed on EDC in Form – 12 B will be from April 3 to 7. Both submission of Form- 12 A and issue of Form - 12 B will be done from DC Office, establishment branch, ground floor. However, for the polling personnel, Form – 12 A will be distributed on March 29 during training in their respective training hall.
Nagaland BJP appoints new Wokha district president Training schedule for election
(Top) Ruins of burnt down houses of Rengma Nagas living in Assam which were burnt in December 2013. Dimapur, march 28 (Bottom) The houses being reconstructed. (mExN): Nagaland BJP
communities in Assam. Meanwhile, the Hoho lauded the Rengma citizens of Nagaland under the Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC) banner for their support in the ongoing reconstruction work for the displaced people. The Hoho also appreciated all the Church leaders of Rengma villages for their concern and contributions. It
further acknowledged the Government of Assam for the ongoing construction works of the road within the Rengma Naga areas in Assam. The Hoho requested the authority concerned to initiate the construction of bridges and culverts to pass through the rivers and streams respectively in order to make the road accessible throughout the year.
president Dr M. Chuba Ao appointed James Patton as Wokha district BJP president on March 27, 2014 and has relieved the incumbent president Wopansao Tungoe with immediate effect. All official matters related to BJP Wokha will be dealt by the new president, according to a press release issued by BJP Nagaland office secretary Lachit Kachari.
As directed by the Central BJP, the State unit has notified all party workers to work full heartedly for the success of the DAN consensus candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, failing to comply, “disciplinary action might be imposed on defaulters as per the party constitution.” The State BJP Unit further welcomed Cheong Konyak, ex-candidate of 46 A/C Mon town who
contested in last assembly election as Independent candidate and looked forward that his entry would strengthen the party of Mon district. Meanwhile, in order to expand the party as adopted by the Central BJP, the State Unit has also opened its enrollment drive to anyone willing to join the party. One can contact the State office, District office or enroll online through the party website.
personnel of Peren district
pErEN, march 28 (mExN): Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Peter Lichamo has informed all officials concerned that the training schedule for the 16th Lok Sabha Elections in respect of Peren district is as follows: March 29 – 2nd round of training of Polling Personnel at Local Ground Peren from 11:00 am- 4:00 pm; April
1 – 2nd round of training of Sector Magistrates at DC Conference Hall from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; April 7 – 3rd round of training of Polling Personnel at Local Ground Peren from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. All concerned have been directed to attend the training, failing which, appropriate action will be initiated against the absentees.
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People, life, etc... Saturday | 29 march, 2014
Fighting violence with Heavy Metal
Kim Kelley
T
the atlantic
o outsiders, the loud, aggressive world of heavy metal might seem like an unlikely place to find progressive politics. But any metalhead worth their leather can attest that the genre has often commented on society’s ills. Black Sabbath railed against the Vietnam War, Nuclear Assault offered apocalyptic visions of Reagan’s ‘80s, Sepultura howled scathing condemnations of the treatment of indigenous tribes in their native Brazil, Napalm Death addressed government failures and corruption, and more recently, Cloud Rat roared about sexism and urban blight atop a grindcore soundtrack. Thrash metal, in particular, has a longrunning habit of tackling sociopolitical subjects with its rough barked vocals, wailing solos, and frenetic shredding. In both a geographical and cultural sense, Mumbai seems about as far as one can get from the California Bay Area where the thrash-metal movement reached its apex. But the Indian band Sceptre offers proof of just how widely this style has spread. Inspired by their American forebears in Exodus and DRI and the music of classic German thrash bands like Kreator and Sodom, Sceptre recently celebrat-
In a country where fears about sexual assaults run high, one of Mumbai's longest-running thrash-metal bands has released a concept album about the plight of women.
ed its 15 anniversary, and is distinguished as one of India’s longest-running metal bands. Their latest recording taps into their genre’s liberal-leaning ideological tradition in a way that’s refreshing and urgent in modern India. Age of Calamity is a concept album that deals with the plight of women in Indian society, and all proceeds from its sales will go directly to benefit a girls’ orphanage in Mumbai. Its haunting cover artwork was created by Indian artist Saloni Sinha, and depicts a weeping woman cradling her head in her hands, surrounded on all sides by crumbling walls and grasping shadows. It’s a powerful image, and in keeping with the theme, the band chose to work with a female artist. “We have always been involved in writing about social issues, but this is the first time we decided to deal with gender issues, as the gravity of the situation is too grim to be dismissed so easily,” Sceptre drummer Aniket Waghmode says. “Our country has been plagued by this new evil of rape, which has only grown in leaps and bounds over the years.” Waghmode’s referring to India’s growing reputation for sexual violence.
across South Asia in thousand-strong protests to condemn those who commit rape and the government officials some believe look the other way. While most came with signs, Sceptre chose a different medium to voice their frustration: the distorted guitars and furious roars of thrash metal.
All four members of Sceptre are family men, and Waghmode credits the birth of his daughter for his deepened understanding of the dangers women face. “After my daughter's birth, I could actually foresee how difficult it will be for a girl to move around freely, given the situation we are in as
berg knows what he is doing. MySpace once reigned as the Internet's largest social network only to be eclipsed by Facebook as Zuckerberg constantly tweaked the service and added more compelling features. Now, DeWolfe runs a mobile game company called SGN and has been impressed by Facebook's ability to target smartphone ads at the people most likely to be attracted to SGN's pastimes, which include "Cookie Jam" and "Bingo Blingo." Although he has no idea what Zuckerberg will do with Oculus, DeWolfe figures Facebook's $154 billion market value gave him the flexibility to wager on a technology that could break new ground. "Given Facebook's size, this deal doesn't seem that weird to me," DeWolfe said. Oculus is a horizontal acquisition for Facebook, which means it lets the company expand into a new space, rather than grow its core business. It's a strategy employed by Amazon.com Inc., whose businesses range from online retail to video streaming to tablets, and Google Inc., which recently bought high-tech thermostat and smoke-detector maker Nest Labs for $3.2 billion. Like Facebook, Google is led by a CEO, Larry Page, who has vowed to make huge investments building or buying technology that might not pay off for years. Page can do pretty much
as he pleases, too, as long as he gains the support of fellow co-founder Sergey Brin and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt. The trio collectively controls enough votes to overrule the rest of Google's shareholders. Google has made more than 230 acquisitions since going public nearly a decade ago, but most of those deals have been relatively small for a company that now generates more than $50 billion in annual revenue. A few of the deals have been large enough for some investors to wonder whether Google's brain trust had lost its senses. When Google bought YouTube in 2006 for $1.76 billion in stock, some analysts questioned whether the company had paid far too much for a video site with virtually no revenue and a huge stack of potentially expensive legal claims for copyright infringement. But that deal is now widely viewed as a brilliant move. YouTube has productive relationships with most movie and television studios and sells billions of dollars in video advertising while amassing a worldwide audience of more than 1 billion people. Google's biggest acquisition, a $12.4 billion purchase of troubled cellphone maker Motorola Mobility, turned out to be a dud, just as many analysts predicted it would be when the deal was announced in 2011. Google wound up selling all of Motorola's device divisions for a combined $5.25 billion, leaving the company with a portfolio of mobile patents that help ward off lawsuits against Google's Android software. Android, meanwhile, now the world's most popular mobile operating system, is among several smaller deals that have yielded huge dividends for Google. Google bought Android Inc. in 2005. Its price was too small to require disclosure.
Nancy Benac Laura Bush, who travhe photos from eled to China with her husMichelle Obama's associated Press band in 2008 for the Olymweeklong trip to China show her jumping tant to talk about what we struck a careful balance pic Games, flew to the Thai rope, dabbling in tai-chi, believe in America." Wednesday in choosing to border with Myanmar to walking the Great Wall It was a familiar bal- eat at a Tibetan restaurant meet with refugees who fled with her daughters and ancing act for Mrs. Obama, on the last day of her Chi- a brutal campaign by the feeding pandas. All to be whose tenure as first lady nese visit without making country's military junta. She expected from a first lady has been all about finding direct comment about the also urged China to follow soaking up a rich culture ways to make a difference repression of minorities in other countries and sancwhile traveling abroad. without coming on too China. Her staff said the vis- tion Myanmar's generals. In 1995, first lady HillThe first lady's words, strong, to the disappoint- it to Zangxiang Teahouse, meanwhile, cautiously ment of some who had where she met Tibetan stu- ary Rodham Clinton made veered from soft subjects hoped the Princeton- and dents, sampled traditional her now famous declarasuch as the value of edu- Harvard-educated law- dishes and received a cere- tion that "women's rights cation and people-to-peo- yer would assume a more monial scarf, was designed are human rights" at a ple exchanges into more assertive role from her to implicitly underscore the United Nations women's pointed messages about perch in the East Wing. first lady's support for the conference in Beijing. Robert Daly, director the importance of Internet Mrs. Obama has used her rights of minorities. freedom, open expression position as first lady to More than 100 people of the Kissinger Institute and respect for minorities. champion issues that com- have self-immolated in on China and the United At the Chengdu No. 7 plement her husband's ethnic Tibetan areas, in- States at the Wilson CenHigh School in Sichuan agenda without making cluding parts of Sichuan, ter, said Mrs. Obama's visit to China provided an province, Mrs. "important shot of Obama spoke of good will" to the U.S.the American beChina relationship. lief that "everyone He said her unexis equal and that pected comments in we all have the support of freedom of right to say what speech and informawe think and wortion were delivered ship as we choose, "in a way that was just even when others really under the line" don't like what we — without offending say or don't always her host or damaging agree with what her ability to promote we believe." study-abroad proA few days eargrams and people-tolier, she told college people ties. students at Peking In a video sesUniversity that sion this week with "it's so important students in Beifor information jing and California, and ideas to flow freely over the In- In this March 25, photo U.S. first lady Michelle Obama practices tai chi with Mrs. Obama told ternet and through students at Chengdu No.7 High School in Chengdu in southwest China's young people not to let fear keep them the media, because Sichuan province.(AP Photo) from experiencing that's how we diswaves: fighting childhood since 2009 to protest Chicover the truth." obesity, supporting veter- nese restrictions on Bud- new cultures. She said her husband Such messages might ans and military families, dhism and the denigration draw a yawn in the U.S., pushing the importance of of the Tibetans' spiritual "has dragged me kicking and screaming into things but they packed more education. leader, the Dalai Lama. oomph when delivered Anita McBride, who that I wanted no parts The first lady's visit to halfway around the world China was widely report- served as chief of staff to of. And a lot of it was the in a country that has some ed on within the country, former first lady Laura fear — the fear of making of the world's tightest re- but her remarks about Bush, said Mrs. Obama's mistakes, the fear of not strictions on the Internet freedom of speech didn't restaurant visit was "a very knowing, the fear of unand where ethnic minori- make it into state press careful way, without really certainty, the fear of leavties face widespread re- reports. They were, how- embarrassing her hosts, to ing your comfort zone." Mrs. Obama, who didn't pression. ever, widely circulated in address the fact that we of In her speeches, the social media. course recognize that it's an initially want her husband first lady was careful not to Zhang Lifan, an inde- issue." Similarly, McBride to run for president and felt explicitly criticize her Chi- pendent historian who said, the first lady's com- stung by criticism that she nese hosts. But she went read her remarks in over- mentary on freedom of ex- attracted during his first a little further in her blog seas Chinese media, said pression and the like was run for the White House, posts, saying, "The govern- the first lady had "remind- "definitely within the safe could just as well have ment in China puts restric- ed China in a polite and zone" for a first lady abroad. been preaching to herself tions on both the Internet mild way that not allowing Recent first ladies have about stepping forward in and the news media, but freedom of speech is not more directly addressed her own role as first lady — when my husband and I conducive in China." contentious matters while without venturing too far outside her comfort zone. travel, we think it's imporLikewise, the first lady visiting China.
Barbara Ortutay and Michael Liedtke aP technology Writers
F
$3 billion— have raised questions about Facebook's ability to innovate on its own. Some of the company's most highprofile products, such as the SnapChat-like Poke, the messaging service Facebook Messenger and Home, have flopped. The jury's still out on Paper, a stand-alone app that lets users read news, Facebook feeds and more. "Facebook I don't think has the best innovation strategy," says Gartner analyst Brian Blau. "So far it's been 'move fast and break things.' Move fast is good, but break thinks, may not be." Blau calls the Oculus acquisition "kind of out of left field." "We have always thought about experience as a focus of virtual reality," he says. "Certainly it can be social, but we have not thought about it as a core social experience." That's not to say it can't work. There were questions about Facebook's acquisition of Instagram back when it offered $1 billion for the photo-sharing app (the final purchase price was $715 million) in April 2012 —and Instagram "turned out fine," Blau points out. Facebook said Tuesday that Instagram has 200 million users, up from 30 million at the time it agreed to buy the company. As the former CEO and co-founder of MySpace, Chris DeWolfe has learned the hard way that Zucker-
respectfully. “All the gigs I have attended so far have been safe,” she says. “In general, there are always advances from men, but I guess that happens everywhere. In a metal gig, you will find that most of the crowd [is too interested in] the music and the beer and the mosh pits to notice anything else.” Metal’s “woman problem” is in itself symptomatic of the dangers faced by all women. No matter how much fun a girl can have headbanging up front at a metal gig, she’ll have to make her way home eventually, and there is no guarantee she’ll get there safely. “The government is far from doing enough to protect women,” Waghmode says, adding that he thinks rapists should get the death penalty. While he points out that the situation for women in urban areas is quickly improving, he believes the roots of Indian society’s gender tensions comes from what Indian music journalist Ankit Sinha refers to as “a lack of basic moral and sex education.” “A society cannot progress until and unless the individuals constituting it are educated about sexuality,” Sinha says. “The problem of misogyny and
In late 2012, a New Delhi gang rape claimed the life of a young woman, and the aftermath of that horrific event and others like it has served as a wake up call for many inside the country and out. Citizens horrified by these developments have rallied, taking to the streets of New Delhi and
Visionary or looney? Zuckerberg on spending spree
acebook's latest multibillion dollar acquisition of virtual reality headset maker Oculus is prompting some people to wonder if CEO Mark Zuckerberg is already living in an alternate reality. Longtime technology analyst Roger Kay wonders whether Zuckerberg "is nuts" for agreeing to pay $2 billion for Oculus less than five weeks after inking a deal to buy WhatsApp for $19 billion. Oculus, which got its start on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, doesn't have a consumer product on the market, just the promise of bulky virtual reality goggles that have generated huge buzz in the video gaming community. Zuckerberg, for his part, sees long-term implications in the technology, for communication, entertainment and beyond. He was right about mobile, and he's created the world's biggest online social network. So, is he looney, or visionary? "Mobile is the platform of today and now we're starting to also get ready for the platforms of tomorrow. To me, by far the most exciting future platform is around vision or modifying what you see to create augmented and immersive experiences," Zuckerberg said on a conference call Tuesday discussing the deal. "Today's acquisition is a long-term bet on the future of computing. I believe Oculus can be one of the platforms of this future." Facebook's investors seem to think Oculus's promise is too far off. The Menlo Park, Californiabased social networking company's stock fell 7 percent on Wednesday to close at $60.38. Beyond sticker shock, the WhatsApp and Oculus deals — along with the Facebook's spurned offer to buy SnapChat for
a nation,” he says. “Everyone in the band has been extremely fortunate to get immense support from our respective spouses and parents. We even have other women thanking us for taking this stand.” Metal’s own gender problem helps to make Sceptre’s album concept seem so unorthodox. Misogyny remains an issue within a genre that calls bands like Prostitute Disfigurement and Cemetery Rapist its own and continues to allow “Hottest Chicks in Metal” features to continue to exist in its biggest publications. While many musicians and fans advocate for equality, there is still much work to be done. Waghmode blames the “fixed mindsets” and metal’s tendency to objectify women as major obstacles against that goal—an observation that rings true both in India and in the U.S. On the other hand, the heavy-metal community can often make for an accepting, secure space. Siddhi Shah is a Pune-based artist, musician, and music teacher, and has been a metal fan since her early teens. She says that while there isn’t an abundance of women at metal shows in India, the ones that do attend are usually treated
gender inequality has prevailed in India since time immemorial, and it is a shame that a nation which is touted as an upcoming economic superpower still doesn’t know how to treat its women with dignity and respect.” Sinha maintains that awareness efforts and public backlash against things like the gang-rape scandal are starting to make a difference. “Nowadays the masses are becoming more aware of terms like ‘equality’ and ‘liberation’ and people are making a conscious effort for the same,” she says. “Things are changing, rapidly.” Releasing a loud, raging thrash-metal record about the problems women face is part of that wider move towards raising public consciousness. The title track is fast and furious, and vocalist Samron Jude’s strained bark illustrate the feelings of hopelessness both men and women may feel about their country’s ills: “We cry for revenge, we pray for hope … cries of despair and engulfed in defeat, is there a road or will we all just go down?” Incensed songs like “Parasites (of the State)” and “Judgment Day (End – A New Beginning)” continue the narrative. It’s an intense listen, but Waghmode sums up Spectre’s goal simply: “We just wanted to do our bit for this great nation, in which we still have some hope.”
Chinese balanCing aCt: First lady prods Beijing
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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.
Saturday
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
29 MarCH, 2014
Morung Youth Express Stay Connected ...
M
r. Bruce, an executive officer in a big business enterprise was busy with his office work as he usually used to be. In that afternoon after the lunch break he felt disturbed and was not able to concentrate on anything. It was very unusual for him for he knew that he had handled situations of crisis of many types but this time he was helpless and felt insecure. He called up his beloved wife Sara and told her that he is feeling lonely. His wife replied the same affirming that she too was feeling lonely that day very strange. He took leave and came back home to spend the time together with his wife. In the course of their conversation they both realised in their materialistic world work and business they had no time for each other, their children and amply neglected God who is the author of life. They called up the helpline and found the church and spent that evening praying which changed their lives from that moment. It may be a situation in our lives too that we feel lonely, insecure, empty, hopeless, helpless and worthless in spite of all the material comforts and things we have and enjoy. I know a friend who called me to say that he was feeling lonely and wanted to talk to me over the phone with some strange feelings and thoughts. We all go through these unusual situations in life, sometimes we realise them while most of the time we ignore them and not bothered to pay attention to them. All of us need someone to share, care, help and
support. This is another crisis in the young people today that they are more connected to the gadgets and electronic devices than human persons who love, care and support them in their daily lives. Lives have become more mechanical than real. We come across people who are savvy in handling mobile phones and yet do not know how to handle a small crisis of life. The science and technology and the influence it has on the human society is tremendous that we want to be part and parcel of this lifeless world than to be connected to people with life. I have gone through loneliness, frustration, confusion, emptiness within me and found some ways to deal with it. It took time for me to realise how important it is to have meaningful relationships in life in order to be part of this beautiful universe where all of us live. We need to get in touch with the realities of life. Many of us are becoming lonely and begin to initiate ourselves into addictions. Our children many not know how to handle crisis situations of life, they may close the doors of communication. We have to help them and share with them our concerns to make them feel that they are loved and cared for. Here are some tips to deal with similar situations in life. The Creator: Both science and religion will agree about a higher power that has made the universe and guiding the course of the universe. As Christians we may call it ‘God’. We need to get connected to God first in our lives. He is the
author of life. We can be sure, He is the solid rock on which we can stand, sometime he leads us with crisis and other times he leads us with support through many hands. It is nice to ask this question, ‘am I connected to God?’ if not call upon Him and He will come and stay with you. The Mother Earth: Global warming has become a great concern for the human society today. Deforestation, urbanization, cultivation and other factors are leading to ecological imbalance thus endangering the peaceful existence of universe as a whole. Our greed has made us to be selfish and no care and concern for the mother earth and all that live and exist in it. The flora and fauna becoming extinct and animals being killed for our prey cannot be ignored. The relationship between living organisms and environment has to be balanced. When we are connected to the mother earth we will begin to value everything that exists in the universe. Family: Family the natural unit in the creation of God is deviating from its purpose. Family issues and other associated problems are mounting day by day. The reports of broken families and conflicts in family life are breaking the fabric of family life. Parents have no time for their children and don’t even bother to know what their children are doing. There is very little sharing among the family members. Work and money has replaced love and care, most families keep maid servants to look after their children and the children have less boding to the biological
parents. Family gatherings and sharing among the extended family members is almost not there. Father and mother busy in their own world while children are beginning to tell lies, cheat and enter into different types of addictions. There is very little communication among the family members and the relationship is not developed, so children are spending time with computers and other electronic gadgets and leads them to deviant behaviours. Friends: Everyone one of need someone to share and care. When we do not find people who can help and support us we become emotionally bankrupt and look for ways to satisfy this need with cheap surrogates. A good friend can help us build our character and lead us to maturity. But today how many of us have good friends, with whom we can share, spent time without being exploited or exposed. There exists a lot of insecurity that makes us not to enter into sincere and genuine relationship where I don’t need pretend and I am accepted as I am without any prejudice. Finding friends who can be a lifelong mentor and supporter is almost unthinkable today. Oneself: The best communication that one can have is the intra-communication that enables a person to understand in depth his personal life. When we begin to talk to self that helps us to reflect our lives in sincerity and truth. Spent time to look deep into your inner self because this is the best journey we can make in life. One who knows who he or she is, is not afraid
of making meaningful relationships and is able to accept others as they are. In our journey of life we need to share the beautiful moments of meals, rest, housework, prayers, trips that can make us overcome self-absorption, solitude, loneliness, sadness, fear and anxiety. Becoming aware that the creator brought me into existence makes us face the realities of life as Christians. The most basic need of any human being is relationship and that too human relationships, nothing can replace this in this universe. Those of us who value technology and the use of technology extensively would find it difficult to relate with oneself and others. We have to make a balance in life; it is a call today to lead a meaningful life. We need to let go of certain wishes and desires which belong to the past that had no control over, however we can change our attitudes towards them now. Our children long to spent time with us, neighbours wish to share some concerns with us, our siblings are eagerly waiting to their life experiences and all of us wish that I had someone to share what I feel and how I feel. Do you have time for these or are you busy with your life that you forget the values of life. Stay connected with yourself, your family members, and your friends and to God that will make you worth living in this changing and chaotic world with meaning and purposefulness. Fr. Joe Mariadhas St. Joseph’s College Jakhama - Nagaland
It’s the Size, Stupid!
Why Indian models don’t walk on international ramps Aastha Atray Banan | OPEN
A
t the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week, the one noticeable thing was how ‘normal’ sized models were, with broad shoulders and hips, ample bosoms and slightly curved waists. Model Alisia Raut, 34, says: “Internationally, female models are all size 2s. Their measurements have to be 32 chest, 24 waist and 35 hips. But in India, the average size of a model is anywhere between size 6 to size 10. I myself am size 6, and I have never wanted anything else. Even at size 6, I have a body of a teenager. But if I had to go abroad now, they would want me to reduce.” For the unaware, a size 6 (by US standards) would be around 35 inches at the chest, 28 at the waist and 38 at the hips. A size 10 would be around 37 at the chest, 30 at the waist and 40 at the hips. Though their sizes ensure that Indian models fit into traditional wear with grace, they also mean that they can’t ever really walk international ramps. “Internationally, the standards are very strict,” Alisia says. “I know someone who was 35.5 at the hips, and they wanted her to be only 35 inches. She couldn’t model then. They are very strict with their specifications— if they want a blonde, they want a blonde; if they want a brunette, they want a brunette, and if they want a girl with shoulder
length hair, that’s what it is. When you fill out forms internationally, you have to be very specific.” Because of India’s liberal attitude towards sizes, many curvy Western models are now walking Indian ramps. Alisia laughs, “I feel like an alien in my own profession. They come here because we accept girls with curves. Also the shelf life of a model is much longer here. Internationally, they are done at 21. But in India, if you maintain yourself, you can keep going.” Internationally, models who rule fashion runways are like Cara Delevingne, a size 2, with measurements 31-2434. But there was once a time of the big supermodel. Cindy Crawford has said that back in her days, size 6 was average, like her contemporaries Christie Brinkley, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell. But then came the era of the waif and Kate Moss became the new ideal. Moss was once criticised for encouraging bulimia by saying “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”. According to a 2012 report in PLUS Model magazine, size 6 would be considered a plus size in the world of modelling. ‘Twenty years ago,’ it said, ‘the average fashion model weighed 8 per cent less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23 per cent less.’ Also: ‘most runway mod-
els meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.’ Model Deepti Gujral says she has always been a size 8, thanks to her Indian genes. “We will always be pear shaped women. There is no getting past it. We have small torsos and large hips. We won’t fit into size 2s and 4s ever. So modelling internationally is hard, though these days Indian models can try, as they are considered exotic. Indian designers need girls like us to showcase their clothes— especially Indian wear—so that they can show their market that any woman can wear what they are making.” Indian ramps are a fry cry from their counterparts in Milan, Paris or New York, where extremely skinny girls show off garments of fashion houses such as Chanel. Androgyny is encouraged and most models have figures that could remind you of young boys in a concentration camp. In India, the women who walk fashion ramps have nearly regular bodies. But as fashion writer Shefalee Vasudev says, there is no Indian model who makes you go ‘wow’. Vasudev feels Indian ramps simply accept what they get. “It’s true that no one looks starved. They are longer limbed, broader and even have larger feet. That’s just the way Indians are. But there is no one striking anymore—no
Models display creations by Tarun Tahiliani during the Wills lifestyle Fashion Week in New Delhi, on Wednesday, March 26. (AP Photo)
one makes a mark.” She says the success rate of an Indian model internationally would depend on the trends at work in that market at that time. “There was once a time when the ‘exotic’ factor was ruling, and so models like Laxmi Menon did well. Then came a time when UK ramps became partial to plus size models. Indian models have to find a sub trend to fit into if they need to model abroad.” Russian model Anastasia Kuznetsova, who has modelled for Max Azria, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Valentino, and who walked for Lakme last season, has encouraging words to offer curvy Indian models. “I like it when a model is in good shape—not too thin, not too big,” she told IANS, “India can be a trendsetter for this in the international market.” Candice Pinto, a wellknown presence at Fashion Weeks, feels that it works the other way round: lots of forA model displays a creation by Anupamaa Dayal during the Wills lifestyle Fashion Week in New eigners land up in India looking for jobs. “There is so much Delhi, on March 26. (AP Photo)
work here—catalogues, ads, movies, ramps. They are working all the time.” Pinto, who fluctuates between size 6 and size 8, says that the newer girls are taller and thinner. “But many people are thin and not fit. You have to work really hard to maintain your figure. You can’t have fat jutting out from anywhere.” She feels that the possibility of an India model making it globally depends on a host of factors. “You should live in that country, you have to be taller and thinner. But India is a great to work—money is faster, and work is plenty.” She also says that even if Indian girls try looking Western, they can’t escape their Indian body type. “I can’t be skinnier, I just can’t. It’s just as well that Indian clothes look great on our bodies. We cater to this market well.” At sizes 6 and 8, Indian models may be too large for the world, but given the market’s shape fixation, maybe India’s unwitting defiance is a good thing.
7
N Korea and the myth of starvation
Andrei Lankov | Al Jazeera
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orth Korea is a secretive country - and, like most secretive countries, it is especially susceptible to clicheridden descriptions. Some such cliches are basically well-founded, while others are seriously misleading or outdated. One of the most commonly cited cliches is that North Korea is a "destitute, starving country". Once upon a time, such a description was all too sadly correct: In the late 1990s, North Korea suffered a major famine that, according to the most recent research, led to between 500,000 and 600,000 deaths. However, starvation has long since ceased to be a fact of life in North Korea. Admittedly, until quite recently, many major news outlets worldwide ran stories every autumn that cited international aid agencies saying that the country was on the brink of a massive famine once again. In the last year or two, though, such predictions have disappeared. This year, North Korea enjoyed an exceptionally good harvest, which for the first time in more than two decades will be sufficient to feed the country's entire population. Indeed, according to the recent documents of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations), North Korea's harvest totaled 5.03 million tonnes of grain this year, if converted to the cereal equivalent. To put things in perspective, in the famine years of the late 1990s, the average annual harvest was estimated (by the same FAO) to be below the 3 million tonne level. However, this does not mean that North Korea is an affluent country. The CIA fact book estimates North Korea's GDP per capita to be $1,800. Even this estimate is probably excessively optimistic. There is a good reason to believe that the actual per capita GDP of North Korea is in the region of $800-900. This means, of course, that North Korea is a seriously poor country. However, poverty does not equal starvation. The gradual improvement in the food situation is closely related to changes in other areas of North Korea's economic life. Contrary to what a majority of lay people tend to believe, the last decade has been one of moderate economic growth north of the DMZ. Not starving, but not well-nourished either Since North Korea ceased publishing virtually all economic statistics more than 50 years ago, it is very difficult to estimate the true scale of this growth. The Bank of Korea - South Korea's central bank, generally considered to be the most reliable source of information on North Korea's economic situation - estimates that economic growth averaged 1.3 percent over the last 15 years in North Korea, though the rate has been known to fluctuate significantly from year to year. Ironically, it seems that North Korea's economic expansion was sped in 2006-7 even as the country was subjected to a further round of international sanctions in the wake of missile and nuclear tests. Anecdotal evidence, as well as observations made by foreigner visitors and residents in North Korea confirm a picture of steady, if slow and uneven economic improvements in North Korea. Still, these observations also leave no room for doubt that North Korea remains by far the poorest nation in East Asia. In recent years, one can see a proliferation of expensive boutiques in the North Korean capital. The North Korean new rich - both corrupt officials and successful black market entrepreneurs - can easily buy world-renowned luxury brands for their friends and family. There is more traffic than ever on the once notoriously empty
avenues of the capital. Pyongyang, like some other cities in the country, is also experiencing a minor construction boom. While theoretically, trade in real estate is illegal, there is a growing property market in Pyongyang and other major cities, and this market cannot be described as anything but dynamic. A good apartment in Pyongyang, which would cost less $10,000 just 10 years ago would now set you back between $70,000 and $100,000. Another standout of North Korean economic expansion is the growing private restaurant trade. These businesses are nominally owned and operated by the state. In practice, however, wealthy private individuals set up restaurants and register them with state agencies in order to disguise the business from the potentially dangerous local and central government. A good meal at such places can cost as much as $15-20 (sometimes more) - enough for an entire family in a countryside village to live for a week or two. Nonetheless, many such restaurants are doing a roaring trade. As already hinted above, one should not paint an excessively rosy picture of the situation. A significant part of the population is still malnourished, and the average North Korean family considers itself reasonably affluent if they can afford a new bicycle. So, North Korea is very, very poor indeed. Nonetheless, it is clearly not a starving country anymore. Private economy expanding Why is North Korea's economy growing? It seems that the single most important factor is the gradual and seemingly unstoppable expansion of the semi-legal private economy. According to the most recent estimates, about 75 percent of North Korean household income now comes not from the state but from assorted private economic activities - activities that are now tacitly tolerated by the government. North Koreans today tend to their very own private plots, run their own food stalls, make clothes, footwear in unofficial workshops, and of course, they trade. This private economy is massive. Strictly speaking, most of these activities remain illegal under North Korean law, but the North Korean government is unable (and perhaps unwilling) to enforce many of the outdated rules and regulations. Indeed, it may have no other choice since if these laws were enforced another round of starvation (and even a massive rebellion) might ensue. North Korean government's army of bureaucrats are not immune to the allure of the private sector either. Some are passive: They merely take bribes, leaching off the hard work of North Korea's entrepreneurs and private workers. Many, though, utilise their government positions more creatively (and less parasitically) by becoming de-facto entrepreneurs, by using the capital, land, equipment and/or people under its control to make goods and services for profit. Many government-appointed managers at North Korean state factories have basically become private entrepreneurs, and have made themselves rich (by this country's very modest standards). In the process they have also contributed to their country's slowmotion economic revival. When it comes to the economy, the market works in North Korea as well as it does in many other parts of the world. It brings growth, but it also brings a large amount of income inequality and social tensions with it too. In spite of North Korea's Stalinist rhetoric, North Korea is now a country in which there are rich and poor - and the gap between these two groups, already large, is widening quickly. However, this does not mean that the rich are getting richer while the poor get poorer.
8
Dimapur
NATIONAL
Saturday 29 March 2014
The Morung Express
Indian election: It’s About Jobs
PaTNa, March 28 (reuTers): Old enough to vote for the first time, student Sheeba Shamim, the daughter of a middle class family, and young construction workers sweating on a nearby building site are impatient for a government in India that delivers jobs and hope for the future. They are among more than 100 million registered new voters, who will cast their ballots when the world’s biggest democracy holds a general election that will run from April 7 to May 12. The election comes as India struggles through its longest period of sub-5 percent economic growth since the 1980s. Job growth has slowed and infrastructure projects stalled just as the biggest youth bulge the world has ever seen nears its peak in a country where more than half its 1.2 billion people are aged under 25. Shamim, a 20-yearold undergraduate in media studies at university in Patna, the capital of Bihar, one of the states that make up India’s Hindi speaking heartland, is hungry for change. “I want India to become the world’s biggest economy. I want my country to be at the top. If we get a perfect, strong leader, that day is not far away when we actually get there,” Shamim told Reuters in a leafy college campus. In five years, Shamim aims to anchor a national news show. A few hundred
Semi-urban sprawl and new roads blur boundaries between villages and towns, while migration, new media, mobile phones, and of course television, mean people are more keenly aware of how the lives of others are improving faster than their own. “Information has been democratised,” said Saibal Dasgupta of the Asia Development Research Institute, a think tank in Patna. “Aspirations have no upper limits now. Even provincial India has become aspirational.”
An Indian election officer writes a number on the cover of an Electronic Voting Machine which will be used in the upcoming general elections, in Dibrugarh, in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, Friday, March 28 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
metres away, 22-year-old construction worker Ashok Tiwari dreams of becoming a music star. Right now, he earns $3 a day building luxury flats for the newly wealthy in what is one of the world’s fastest growing cities. “There are many issues that require urgent attention. Corruption is the most important of them,” Tiwari says. “You have to make sure that jobs don’t go to only those who have money and can pay
for them.” Having led the country for a decade, octogenarian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is due to retire, leaving behind a Congress Party dogged by graft scandals and pilloried for its poor handling of the economy. India needs far faster economic growth rates than the 4.9 percent expected for the fiscal year that ends on March 31, but it also needs to reduce inflation, currently running just over 8 percent.
Finance Minister P. Chidambaram says economic growth averaging 8 percent is required to generate jobs for the increasing numbers of youth joining the workforce. Some 200 million people will reach working age over the next two decades. How well the next government does on that score will decide whether India will follow China’s dynamic growth path or resemble Brazil in the 1980s, politically fragile and poor. Even
by the government’s own estimates 270 million Indians still live in poverty despite gains made in the past decade. The ambitions of youngsters like Shamim and Tiwari reflect changes taking place in giant northern states like Bihar and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, which have a combined population almost that of the United States but have seen their development lag while other regions have flourished.
“WE SHOULD BE LIKE CHINA...” This mood seems to favour opposition candidate Narendra Modi. The leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has marketed himself as the man who will kickstart the economy, bring in factories, and educate the densely populated and still-poor heartland states. “We should be like China or America,” said Ravi Prakash Shukla, 23, a science graduate who recently joined the BJP youth wing to support Modi’s campaign. “I feel we can do better because we are young,” he told Reuters at a rally in Uttar Pradesh. A BJP official involved in drafting the party’s manifesto, due to released next week, said it would include ambitious goals to create 250 million jobs over the next decade, build 100 ‘smart’ cities, and construct a high speed rail net-
work. Critics acknowledge Modi’s credentials as an economic manager, but say he is autocratic and has sectarian tendencies that could alienate India’s large Muslim minority. Opinion polls say support for Modi to become India’s next prime minister is at least double that of his nearest rival - the Congress party’s Rahul Gandhi. Modi, 63, is even more popular among the young. India is still largely rural, but a government jobs survey shows that, for the first time, the number of people working on farms has declined over the past decade, reflecting greater opportunities to study or seek higher-status work. However, the same 2013 data shows that construction work, much of it on basic rural building sites, has been almost the only employment created on a large scale since the Congress party took power in 2004. Tiwari, who supports Modi, is part of a wave of migrants drawn back to Bihar by a construction boom, having spent years zig-zagging across the country, working in an ice-cream factory and a steel mill. BEWARE OF THE NEW India’s fractured political landscape, with its dozens of regional parties, makes it hard to be sure whether the BJP will win enough seats for Modi to become prime minister. For all his appeal to people’s economic aspirations,
regional and caste politics will play a big part in how people vote. Whatever government emerges, it will almost certainly be an ideologically diverse coalition, and it will not be an easy task to create all the jobs needed. Investment growth is set for an 11-year low, and government finances are tight, with a fiscal deficit equivalent to 4.6 percent of gross domestic product only achieved with the help of some creative accounting. In the past three years, India slipped from being the best to the worst in terms of improved productivity among large emerging markets. In 2013, productivity actually dropped, according to data released in January by U.S. business research group the Conference Board. Modi has campaigned hard in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, contrasting their poverty with the success of his industrialised home state of Gujarat, which enjoys relatively high percapita income and low unemployment. Not everyone is ready for Modi. The supervisor at Tiwari’s building site advised the young man to resist the attraction of believing too readily that Modi could solve his problems. “You can only have one father. Tomorrow you can’t start calling someone else your father,” supervisor Kaushal Kishore Singh told him. But then Singh is 72 years old.
Two guerrillas, one civilian Indian air force plane crashes, killing 5 on board killed in Jammu attack Indian Army soldiers arrive at the site of gun-battle on the outskirts of Jammu, on Friday, March 28, 2014. Gunmen disguised as Indian soldiers opened fire on a car Friday in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing a passenger and triggering an hours-long firefight with army troops, authorities said. (AP Photo)
JaMMu, March 28 (iaNs): Two separatist guerrillas were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district Friday morning when they attacked an army camp after hijacking a vehicle, killing one civilian. Police sources told IANS that the guerrillas fired at the entrance of an army camp in Kalibari-Janglote area of Kathua district. “After continuous exchange of gunfire for nearly two hours, two terrorists have been killed,” a source said. “One army soldier has been injured. The area is being searched to locate the third terrorist.” A group of three guerrillas in army uniforms had stopped a private vehicle at Dayal Chak on the Jammu-Pathankot highway around 4.30 a.m. Friday morning and fired at its occupants, killing one of them on the spot and injuring three others.
The guerrillas then escaped in the same vehicle and headed towards the Kalibari-Janglote army camp, 25 km from Dayal Chak. After the twin terror strikes on the highway, traffic on the otherwise busy Jammu-Pathankot highway was stopped. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the terror strike. “I would like to unequivocally condemn today’s militant attack in Kathua area of Jammu,” he wrote on Twitter. “I will not be commenting or reacting to today’s events until the security forces have declared the operation as concluded”, he added. The attack is reminiscent of a similar terror attack in Kathua district Sep 26, 2013, when guerrillas had first attacked the Hira Nagar police station killing five policemen and a civilian and then attacked an army camp near Samba town.
New Delhi, March 28 (aP):An Indian air force cargo plane inducted into service just last year crashed during a training mission Friday, killing all five crew members in the latest in a series of accidents that have hit the Indian armed forces. The C-130J Hercules plane went down 115 kilometers (72 miles) west of Gwalior air base in the central India and the cause wasn’t immediately known, Group Capt. Gerard Galway said. The air force has ordered an inquiry, he said. Air force, police and fire brigade teams have reached the site of the crash near Karauli village in Madhya Pradesh state. The black box has been recovered and investigative efforts would now focus on what had led to the crash, officials said. India bought six C-130J aircraft from U.S.-based Lockheed-Martin at a cost of $1.1 billion three years ago and began flying them last year. Navy chief Adm. D.K. Joshi resigned last month to take responsibility for accidents in that service branch. Days later, a gas leak on a destroyer being built at a Mumbai dockyard killed a navy commander
and sickened two workers. Last August, another Russian-made diesel-powered submarine caught fire after an explosion and sank at port in Mumbai, killing all 18 sailors on board. In December, the INS Talwar, a Russian-built stealth frigate, slammed into a trawler off India’s west coast, sinking the boat and tossing 27 fishermen into the sea. All of the fishermen were rescued. Another navy frigate ran aground near the Mumbai naval base in January, damaging some
equipment. And the INS Airavat, an amphibious warfare vessel, ran aground earlier last month. India also sent two C130J planes to participate in the search for a Malaysia Airlines plane lost in the southern Indian Ocean. It was not immediately clear if the plane that crashed Friday had been involved in the search. Sameer Patil, a security expert with the Indian Council on Global Relations, a Mumbai-based think tank, said Friday’s crash would be a major
setback for the Indian air force. “After years of delay, the fleet is undergoing expansion in critical airlift capabilities. Hence, a loss such as this is particularly worrisome,” Patil said. India has become the world’s biggest arms importer as it pushes to modernize its military and replace its obsolete Soviet-era weapons. The purchases were also spurred by crashes of almost 55 percent of its front-line MiG fleet acquired from the former Soviet Union. With national elections
starting in less than two weeks, opponents were quick to attack the government for the accidents, saying it had to investigate if there was any negligence involved. “This is absolutely a shocking incident,” said Prakash Javadekar, spokesman of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. “The Hercules is such a sturdy aircraft it doesn’t meet with such kind of accidents. The government needs to own responsibility for this state of affairs,” he told reporters.
Indian villagers crowd around the debris of an Indian air force cargo plane that crashed near Karauli village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on Friday, March 28. C-130J Hercules plane inducted into service just last year crashed during a training mission Friday, killing all five crew members in the latest in a series of accidents that have hit the Indian armed forces. (AP Photo)
Free speech champions wary of BJP return
Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy faced threat of arrest for sedition the last time the BJP were in power.
New Delhi, March 28 (aFP): Dwijendra Narayan Jha, a mild-mannered historian, calmly recounts the death threats he received the last time India’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party was in gov-
ernment. “The voice on the other end said: ‘We will kill you if you publish this book’,” the 74-year-old said of one of the anonymous calls designed to halt the publication of “Holy Cow: Beef in
Indian Dietary Traditions”. A former professor at the University of Delhi with a dozen books to his credit, Jha had stoked the fury of religious activists in 2001 by arguing there was historical evidence to show Hindus ate beef in ancient times. After activists attacked his home, he needed a police escort for the next three years. He also found himself fighting off attempts to arrest him led by a former BJP lawmaker for suggesting that Hindus once ate the meat of an animal they regard as sacred. And despite India’s reputation as a liberal and secular democracy, Jha’s book was temporarily banned after a religious group filed a lawsuit in the state of Andhra Pradesh. So with polls showing the BJP likely to return to government in May after
10 years in opposition, fears are growing in some circles that it will herald a new era of cultural intolerance -- especially if its hardline leader Narendra Modi becomes prime minister. “If BJP comes to power, particularly Modi, it is possible that scholars would be harassed and laws could be used against them,” Jha told AFP in an interview at his apartment in east Delhi. As the world’s largest democracy, India has a vibrant press and a proudly independent-minded intelligentsia which fiercely protects free speech. But one publisher said there were already signs of self-censorship among authors writing about Modi. “The earlier critiques of Modi have been all watered down,” said Urvashi Butalia of the Delhi-based feminist publishing house Zubaan
Books. “If a BJP government comes to power, restrictions on freedom of expression will be there.”
Colonial laws India has a strict censorship policy and tough laws against inciting communal violence which date back to before independence but are still readily applied by governments of all hue. Karuna Nundy, a Supreme Court lawyer, said that such laws were inappropriate for a modernday democracy and often abused. “The colonial government had an interest in suppression of free speech,” Nundy told AFP. “But in independent India there is no recognition of the fact as to why these laws were formed?” There was widespread dismay among authors in February when the Indian
wing of Penguin decided to pulp a book about Hinduism by US scholar Wendy Doniger rather than fight a case brought by a fringe religious group. Nilanjana Roy, a Delhibased author and literary critic, said BJP and Congress governments had failed to defend free speech over the years. During India’s emergency rule from 1975-77, when Congress leader Indira Gandhi was prime minister, the constitution was suspended, politicians were jailed and the press was muzzled. “In the last 10 years we have had weak Internet laws and more writers have found themselves under attack,” Roy said of the current centre-left Congress government. “But the rightwing makes silencing writers more visible,” she added. After challenging India’s right to rule over dis-
puted Kashmir in 2010, the Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy faced threat of arrest for sedition while her home was besieged by BJP supporters. “They broke through the gate and... threatened to teach me a lesson,” she said in an email at the time. ‘No political agenda’ The last BJP government became notorious in academic circles for modifying history textbooks based on writings by rightwing historians. But J.S. Rajput, one of the architects of the changes, said revisions were prompted by new academic findings. He denied any political agenda. “The changes... were made based on what had changed in 35 years when the books were published,” Rajput, a former director of the National Council of
Educational Research and Training, told AFP. “If they were not factually correct, why not correct them?” Foreign authors also found themselves embroiled in censorship rows when the BJP was last in power nationally from 1998-2004, accused by selfstyled custodians of the Hindu identity of distorting historical facts. Paul Courtright’s “Ganesha: Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings”, and his fellow American James Laine’s biography of the Hindu emperor Shivaji were both recalled by their Indian publishers. Jha’s book did eventually hit the shelves, albeit only in foreign bookshops at first after a deal with London-based publisher Verso. An Indian publisher finally took it on in 2009 after Jha won a five-year legal battle.
the Morung express
Flight Mh370 ‘objects Spotted’ in new search area
Saturday
InternatIonal
29 March 2014
Dimapur
9
War CriMe Vote: Lanka claims moral victory
COLOMbO, MarCh 28 (aFP): Sri Lanka tried to claim a moral victory Friday and insisted it would push on with reconciliation efforts after being censured by the UN’s top rights body for failing to bring perpetrators of war crimes to justice. The US-initiated resolution was carried at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva Thursday with 23 votes in favour and 12 against. Sri Lankan officials said the fact that another 12 nations abstained meant that a majority of the 47-member council did not support the censure move. “Those 24 countries who refused to endorse the US resolution have sent a very clear and emphatic message rejecting imposition of external solutions on Sri Lanka,” Ravinatha Aryasinha, Sri Lanka’s top envoy in Geneva, told AFP by telephone. Sri Lanka’s state-run Daily News reported Thursday’s UN vote under the headline: “Majority against America.” The paper also called the UNHRC vote a “moral victory” for Colombo. The privately-owned daily, The Island, accused the United States
of trying to bring about regime change in Colombo by proposing the war crimes probe. “The resolution has all the trappings of an accelerated programme to effect a regime change in this country where the opposition has failed to challenge the government,” the paper said. Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, who rejected the UN call for an investigation against his country, told AFP Thursday that he was pleased that neighbouring India, which voted for a similar resolution last year, decided to abstain this time round. “I think it is encouraging that India did not vote against us,” he said shortly after the results of the vote were announced. “We reject this (resolution). This resolution only hurts our reconciliation efforts. It does not help. But I am not discouraged. We will continue with the reconciliation process I have started.”
poaching in Sri Lanka’s territorial water. Sri Lankan diplomats described the move as a “thank you” to India for refusing to support the US-initiated resolution that set up the mechanism for a formal probe into Colombo’s war record. Thursday’s resolution is the third in as many years and is also the most damning for Colombo which has insisted its troops did not kill a single civilian, but has also resisted calls for an independent external probe. The US welcomed the resolution and asked Colombo to take “meaningful action” to ensure accountability and reconciliation. The White House said Sri Lanka’s rights record had deteriorated even after the end of the 37-yearlong Tamil separatist war in 2009, a charge made by international rights organisations too. “We agree with the resolution’s request for the Office of the High Commissioner to investigate alleged serious violations and abuses of hu‘Thank you’ India man rights and related crimes by On Friday, Rajapakse ordered both parties to the conflict and to the immediate release of dozens monitor the human rights situaof Indian fishermen detained for tion in Sri Lanka, which has con-
tinued to deteriorate,” the White House said in a statement. The latest resolution asked UN rights chief Navi Pillay to probe actions of both government forces and Tamil rebels during a seven year period leading up to the end of Sri Lanka’s separatist war. About 40,000 ethnic Tamil civilians were said to have been killed by government forces in the final months of fighting, a charge Colombo denies. Sri Lanka has also said it needs more time to ensure reconciliation between the ethnic Tamil minority and the majority Sinhalese community. The resolution is expected to have little short-term impact on Rajapakse’s regime and analysts say it may even boost his popularity among a nationalistic electorate. On Wednesday, UN rights chief Pillay told the council that it was crucial to recall the “magnitude and gravity” of the violations allegedly committed by both the government and the rebels, notorious for their suicide bombings. The 1972-2009 conflict claimed 100,000 lives, according to UN estimates.
Christian gets death Heart beats differently in men, women in blasphemy case
LahOrE, MarCh 28 (aP): A court convicted a Pakistani Christian man and sentenced him to death Thursday in a blasphemy case that sparked a riot last year in the eastern city of Lahore, according to his lawyer. Naeem Shakir, the lawyer for Sawan Masih, said a judge announced the verdict during a hearing at the jail where the trial has been held out of fears that Masih might be attacked on his way to court. Shakir said he would appeal. Although Pakistan has never executed anybody under the law, crowds angered over blasphemy accusations have been known to take the law into their own hands and kill those they suspect of violating it. Once an accusation is made it is extremely difficult to reverse, in part because law enforcement personnel do not want to appear to be going easy on suspects. Such vigilantism has created a climate of fear, A woman breaks into tears as she joins a ceremony in memory of passengers on board forcing frightened judges the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday, into holding court sessions March 27, 2014. Australian officials said search operations for the missing Malaysia inside jails and keeping Airlines plane have been suspended for the day due to bad weather. (AP Photo) witnesses from coming to PErTh, MarCh 28 (aP): The search told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that anaarea for the lost Malaysian jetliner moved lysts at Boeing Co. in Seattle had helped 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) to the north- with the analysis of the flight. Planes and east on Friday, following a new analysis of ships had spent a week searching about radar data, and a plane quickly found ob- 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) southwest of Perth, Australia, the base for the search. MEXICO CITY, MarCh jects that a ship set out to investigate. A New Zealand military plane, one Now they are searching about 1,850 kilo- 28 (aP): Women’s rights of nine aircraft hunting for Malaysia Air- meters (1,150 miles) west of the city. advocates sought inter“This is our best estimate of the area in national help Thursday lines Flight 370, found the objects Friday, though the Australian Maritime Safety Au- which the aircraft is likely to have crashed in ending what they call a thority said on Twitter that it would likely into the ocean,” Martin Dolan, chief com- pattern of poor indigenous be Saturday before one of the six ships on missioner of the Australian Transport Mexican women being the way could and determine whether the Safety Bureau, said at a news conference in turned away from hospitals Canberra. He said a wide range of scenar- while in labor, forcing them objects were plane wreckage. Australian officials said they turned ios went into the calculation. “We’re look- to give birth on lawns, patios or parking lots. away from the old search area, which they ing at the data from the so-called pinging Activists working in vilhad combed for a week, because said a of the satellite, the polling of the satellites, lages in southern Mexico new analysis of radar data suggests the and that gives a distance from a satellite to say they have documentplane had flown faster and therefore ran the aircraft to within a reasonable approxi- ed at least 20 recent casout of fuel more quickly than previously mation,” he said. He said that information es of women giving birth estimated. The new area is closer to land was coupled with various projections of outside hospitals whose aircraft performance staff claimed there was no and the plane’s dis- room. Photos and video tance from the satel- of some incidents posted on social media sites have lites at given times. Dolan said the prompted outrage in Mexsearch now is for ico and around the world. Mexican health officials surface debris to give an indication have said the cases are isoand unavoidable due of “where the main lated to overcrowding and limitaircraft wreckage is ed resources at some rural likely to be. This has health centers. But woma long way to go.” en’s advocates appealed to Objects in the new the Inter-American Comsearch area were mission on Human Rights and has calmer weather than the old one, seen from a New Zealand air force plane, on Thursday, saying they AMSA tweeted, adding that the find need- believe there is a systemic which will make searching easier. problem of prejudice and “We have moved on” from the old ed to be confirmed by ship. Young indicated that the hundreds callousness toward indigsearch area, said John Young, manager of of floating objects detected over the last enous women in the MexiAMSA’s emergency response division. The radar data that was re-analyzed week by satellites, previously considered can public health system. “These are not isolated was received soon after Flight 370 lost possible wreckage, weren’t from the plane cases. We have a pattern. communications and veered from its after all. “In regards to the old areas, we We are not talking about scheduled path March 8. The Beijing- have not seen any debris and I would not one woman. There are bound flight carrying 239 people turned wish to classify any of the satellite imagery many and nothing is being around soon after taking off from Kuala as debris, nor would I want to classify any done to solve the problem,” Lumpur, flew west toward the Malacca of the few visual sightings that we made as said Regina Tames, director debris. That’s just not justifiable from what of the Reproductive Choice Strait and disappeared from radar. The search area has changed several we have seen,” he said. Information Group, a nonIn Malaysia, Defense Minister Hisham- governmental organizatimes since the plane vanished as experts analyzed a frustratingly small amount of muddin Hussein said at a news confer- tion based in Mexico City. Pablo Kuri Morales, data from the aircraft, including the radar ence that because of ocean drifts, “this new signals and “pings” that a satellite picked search area could still be consistent with deputy health secretary for up for several hours after radar contact the potential objects identified by various preventive care, said most was lost. The latest analysis indicated the satellite images over the past week.” The of the births in Mexico’s aircraft was traveling faster than previous- new search area is about 80 percent smaller health system occur withly estimated, resulting in increased fuel than the old one, but it remains large: about out problems but he acknowledged that hundreds use and reducing the possible distance 319,000 square kilometers (123,000 square of women here still die evthe aircraft could have flown before go- miles), about the size of Poland. Sea depths ery year during or immediing down in the Indian Ocean. Just as a car in the new area range from 2,000 meters ately after they give birth, loses gas efficiency when driving at high (6,560 feet) to 4,000 meters (13,120 feet), giving the country a materspeeds, a plane will get less out of a tank of Young said. There are trenches in the area nal death rate more than fuel when it flies faster. Malaysia’s civil avi- that go even deeper, Australia’s national sci- three times that in the U.S. ation chief, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, ence agency said in a statement. “This is something the
the defense of those on trial. Many human rights activists say the blasphemy law, which allows for punishment of life in prison or death, is misused as a way to target people for personal gain or revenge. The incident that led to Thursday’s conviction began March 7 last year when a young Muslim man accused Masih of maligning the Prophet Muhammad. Police arrested Masih, but the next day a mob ransacked the neighborhood where he and other Christians live, setting fire to homes and destroying household possessions. Fearing for their safety, hundreds of Christian families fled the area overnight ahead of the riots. Amnesty International condemned Masih’s conviction and sentencing. The organization said there were serious concerns about the fairness of his trial and called for his immediate release. The organization also called on Pakistan to bring to trial the people responsible for attacking the Christian homes.
WashIngTOn, MarCh 28 (Ians): In tests to diagnose heart conditions, physicians have used a formula for years to calculate maximum number of heart beats a person can achieve per minute. But this formula is flawed as it does not take into account the difference between men and women, a research said. The peak heart-rate norm is also used by many to derive target heart-rate during a workout. Doctors used the simple formula of ‘220 minus age’ to determine how hard a patient should exercise during the common diagnostic test known as the exercise stress test. After analysing more than 25,000 stress tests, the researchers found significant differences between men and women and developed an updated formula to reflect those nuances. “It is logical that an equation developed 40 years ago based on a group that was predominantly men might not be accurate when applied to women today,” said Thomas Allison, cardiologist and director of stress testing at Mayo Clinic in the US. The sample included men and women aged 40 to 89 who had no history of cardiovascular disease. The study showed that although peak heart-rate declined with age, the decline was more gradual in women. As a result, the previous formula overestimates
the peak heart-rate younger women can achieve and underestimates the peak heart-rate of older women, said the researchers.Women in the age group of 40 to 89 years should expect their maximum heart-rate to be 200 minus 67 percent of their age and in men, the formula is 216
minus 93 percent of their age, the study noted. The research also showed that younger men have a lower resting heart-rate and higher peak heart-rate than women and men’s heart-rates rise more dramatically during exercise and return to normal more quickly after stopping.
Mexican women giving birth in street
In this Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 photo, Irma Lopez, and her son, Sabino Salvador walk in front of her house in San Felipe Jalapa de Diaz, Mexico. Irma’s plight garnered national attention last year when a photo showed the 29-year-old woman of Mazatec ethnicity squatting in pain immediately after giving birth in October on the lawn outside the Rural Health Center of the village of San Felipe Jalapa de Diaz. Lopez, and her son, Sabino Salvador, survived with no health problems, but the picture upset many Mexicans when it was widely shared on Twitter and Facebook and shown on the front pages of some national dailies. (AP Photo)
government of Mexico is worried about. Our stand now is to reject, disapprove and fight with all our strength any form of violence against women,” Kuri Morales said. The problem garnered national attention last year when a photo showed a 29-year-old woman of Mazatec ethnicity squatting in pain immediately after giving birth in October on the lawn outside the Rural Health Center of the village of San Felipe Jalapa de Diaz. The woman, Irma Lopez, and her son, Sabino Salvador, survived with no health problems, but the
picture upset many Mexicans when it was widely shared on Twitter and Facebook and shown on the front pages of some national dailies. News about the outdoor birth prompted two other women to go public with their own harrowing tales of having their babies born outside the same center. Less than a week later, authorities fired the director of another hospital after a video showing a woman giving birth in a waiting room was posted on YouTube. Television news channels in Oaxaca state showed a woman having a
baby in the dark courtyard outside the General Hospital of Huajuapan de Leon. In another case, an 18-yearold indigenous woman gave birth in the bathroom of a shelter next to a hospital after allegedly being refused medical care. “This probably has been going on for a while,” said Tames. “What’s new is that people are outraged and want to do something about it.” Earlier this month, President Enrique Pena Nieto urged hospitals not to refuse care to women in labor. Also, Oaxaca Gov. Gabino Cue recently an-
nounced a $550,000 investment to set up 50 new delivery rooms across the state. But just this week, local media reported the case of a woman feeling contractions who had been sent away by a hospital and was only re-admitted after photographers began arriving. None of the women or babies have died or suffered from major health problems, but Tames said authorities shouldn’t wait for a death before adding more resources to understaffed rural clinics and hospitals. Most of the cases that have gone public have occurred in Oaxaca. The largely rural southern state is among Mexico’s poorest and suffers from high rates of obstetrical problems including preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure in women during pregnancy that can lead to kidney or liver failure. A handful of similar cases have been reported in Puebla and Chiapas, also states with large indigenous populations and high rates of obstetrical problems and maternal deaths. The human rights commission will study the cases heard Thursday and can send resolutions that are non-binding based on what it finds. Although authorities fired the director of the first health center to draw attention to the problem, the Oaxaca state medical regulatory committee weeks later ruled that Irma Lopez’s case was not the result of negligence and called the birth an unforeseeable event. Lopez hopes the attention her case has brought to the state will help lead to better care for indigenous pregnant women. “I hope that we find the support in the end. We are peasants and housewives.”
10
Dimapur
SPORTS
Saturday 29 March 2014
The Morung Express
Williams beats Sharapova Rebuilding ManU make for 15th straight time or break for David Moyes KEY B I S c aY N E , MarcH 28 (aP): Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova for the 15th consecutive time, rallying in both sets for a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the Sony Open semifinals on Thursday. Williams, seeking a record seventh Key Biscayne title, improved to 16-2 against Sharapova and hasn't lost to her favorite foil since 2004. "I have always felt when I'm playing at my best, then it's hard for people to beat me," Williams said. The No. 1-ranked Williams won with a superior serve and better returns. She hit nine aces and broke five times, helping her rebound from deficits of 4-1 in the first set and 2-0 in the second. Williams earned her 14th consecutive victory against a top-10 player. Her opponent in Saturday's final will be either Australian Open champion Li Na or Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia. Williams first won Key Biscayne in 2002 and is the defending champion. She has worn Miami Dolphins
Serena Williams, of the United States, returns to Maria Sharapova, of Russia, at the Sony Open Tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Thursday, March 27. (AP Photo)
orange and turquoise throughout the tournament and considers it her home event because she lives 90 minutes up the road. "When I grew up I always wanted to play here," she said. "I guess I just don't want to let go. It's my favorite stop on the tour. It's home. All my friends come.
So it's perfect for me." There was no evidence of a home-court advantage at the start, when Williams failed to convert four early break-point chances and fell behind. Sharapova cracked a succession of winners from the baseline and earned applause from Williams after best-
ing her in one exchange. But Williams broke back when Sharapova committed three consecutive backhand errors, and gained momentum from there, sweeping the final five games of the first set. The story was similar in the second set, and after falling behind, Williams resorted to her dominating power. She quickly won one game with two aces and two service winners during a period when she swept 11 consecutive points. Sharapova committed groundstroke errors on the final three points, and a victorious Williams trotted to the net, her left fist leading the way. She has more victories against Sharapova than against any other opponent. "Despite my results against her, I still look forward to playing against her because you learn so much from that type of level which she produces," Sharapova said. "You finish the match, and you know where you need to improve and the things that you need to work on."
Red Bull has more fuel dramas at Malaysian GP
SEPaNG, MarcH 28 (aP): Red Bull experienced more issues with the contentious fuel-flow sensors during practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Friday, raising the prospect of another showdown with Formula One officials similar to the one that resulted in the team's disqualification in Australia. Daniel Ricciardo was excluded from the results in Melbourne after finishing second, because race stewards said Red Bull exceeded the new fuel flow limit of 100 kilograms per hour. Red Bull blamed the issue on faulty readings from the FIA-approved fuel sensors and has appealed the disqualification. The sensors on Ricciardo's car malfunctioned again at Sepang, team principal Christian Horner said, showing a discrepancy with the team's own fuel-flow readings. In Melbourne, the team stood by its measurements and refused FIA directives to adhere to the reading on the sensor, and was subsequently disqualified. Horner said he would talk with race director Charlie Whiting if the problem persisted on Saturday,
Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second practice session for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit in Sepang, Malaysia on March 28. (AP Photo)
in the hope of avoiding another post-race drama. "If we don't (get synchronized readings) we will find ourselves in an awkward situation, but one we will try to work with the FIA on, but we will find ourselves in the same dilemma as Melbourne," Horner said. "We will have that conversation with Charlie and ... hopefully we can agree on something that is sensible." The basis of Red Bull's appeal of the Melbourne stewards' ruling, which will be held on April 14, is that
the sensors were faulty and the limit of 100 kilograms per hour fuel flow is a technical directive rather than a regulation and therefore is unenforceable. Horner recommends scrapping the directive altogether, arguing that the associated limit of 100 kilograms per car for the entire race is easier to measure and self-regulating. "We need a better way of measuring and monitoring the fuel flow, or say you get rid of it and you have 100 kilograms for the race and
that's it," Horner said. "Personally, I think it would be easier to get rid of it." While Horner was determined to take the appeal as far as required, he acknowledged that postrace disqualifications and legal challenges were bad for the series. "It's too complicated," Horner said. "Formula One is a sport and needs to remain a sport. When technology becomes too prevalent, too invasive and confuses the fans and confuses the teams, it's too much."
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, center, and Michael Carrick, center right, wait with teammates for play to begin after a second goal by Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, out of frame, during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Tuesday March 25. (AP Photo) John Leicester AP Sports Columnist
When David Moyes strode into Old Trafford for the first time as Manchester United's new manager, with its long red tunnel leading to the pitch where so much sporting history has been made, he knew the job of replacing Alex Ferguson would be, as he now says, "tough." Few imagined it would be this tough. Ferguson, as well as Moyes, his underperforming millionaire players and club owners who spent too little to keep the team topped up with sufficient fresh talent, all share the blame for United's worst ever season in the Premier League. The championship-winning squad Ferguson left for Moyes after 26 years in charge at United has come to resemble a sweatshop-made toy: The packaging seemed OK, but it quickly fell apart after Moyes started to play with it. In the first possible signs of open revolt, English newspapers reported that angry fans berated Ferguson, who watched from the stands, after Manchester City dismantled United on Tuesday night. Even more impressive than City's three unanswered goals were its inventive and muscular attacks that exposed how United has stagnated while better teams in England and Europe spent heavily to grow stronger. As if to prove that point, United's next opponent in
the Champions League, Bayern Munich, set a new milestone of dominance in German football, winning the Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a record seven games to spare, while Moyes' men drowned under waves of City blue. Instead of the winning habits Ferguson drilled into his teams of fighting for victory to the bitter end, United now looks vulnerable from the first whistle, the question less whether the team will ship goals but when and how many. When Edin Dzeko scored for City inside 43 seconds, data crunchers Opta noted it was the first Premier League goal United has conceded at Old Trafford inside the first minute. In a television commentary box, Paul Scholes grimly reminded everyone, simply with his mere presence, how the team he served so admirably in 718 appearances in the United midfield is now a shadow of its former self, lacking speed in attack and the self-belief Ferguson demanded. That Scholes used to be so notoriously press-shy and sparing with words made his criticisms seem more venomous than he probably intended. But there was no arguing with his conclusions. Under Ferguson, "we could be two or three (goals) down but we never felt we were beaten," Scholes said. But after Dzeko's goal, "I never really felt that we were going to get back
into this game." The 10th league defeat in Moyes' debut season is more than any of Ferguson's teams managed in the Premier League era. Even if it wins its last seven games, United can score no more than 72 points, another Premier League low for the club. Old Trafford used to be an intimidating and unrewarding place for visiting teams. United lost a total of just six league games there in five seasons from 2006 to 2011. This season, the fortress gates have been busted open, with six of United's losses coming at home. "We have to put that right and make this a place teams fear again," said striker Wayne Rooney, the only player in United red who acquitted himself half-decently as City stormed through gaps all around him. Expectations at Old Trafford are that Moyes will be given at least 100 million pounds (euros 120 million) to spend at season's end on players the club has already identified and targeted. Despite the growing likelihood that it won't qualify for Champions League football next season, United has sufficient money and the residual glow of the trophy-filled Ferguson years to attract top players. United isn't running on fumes: Rooney and Robin van Persie up front are a world-class duo. But Ferguson's legacy to Moyes was a team that had peaked, is unbalanced and
now needs major spending to arrest its fall. As Scholes suggested, United hasn't replaced him with a midfielder of his caliber. United also needs replacements for defender Nemanja Vidic, leaving for Inter Milan, and — seemingly sooner rather than later — for 35-year-old Rio Ferdinand and 32-year-old Patrice Evra. "It looks to me like there's a few areas that need addressing," Scholes said. "Center midfield, yeah, you could say they've been looking for that for quite a few years now and maybe haven't quite come up with the answer." "Defensively as well," he added. "Vidic is going. It looks like Rio and maybe Evra is going as well. That's three of your back four gone." United can't ditch Moyes. Doing so would reflect poorly on Ferguson, who picked him, and his legacy. Just as United stuck with Ferguson at the rocky start of his tenure and waited for changes he made to bear fruit, the club seems determined both publicly and privately to back Moyes and not chop and change managers as billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has done so frequently at Chelsea. But Moyes has to make the rebuilding succeed if the United job and cleaning up after Ferguson is to be the high watermark of his career and not the treacherous reef that shipwrecks him.
Rockets hand 76ers 26th straight game loss HCHSS annual sports day
HOUSTON, MarcH 28 (aP): The Philadelphia 76ers tied the NBA record with their 26th straight loss Thursday night, as James Harden's triple-double led the Houston Rockets to a 120-98 victory. Harden had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in three quarters for his second career triple-double as Houston picked up its fifth straight victory. The 76ers (15-57) stuck around early before a big second-quarter run allowed the Rockets to pull away and roll to the win. Philadelphia matched the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA's worst skid and can set the record at home against Detroit on Saturday. James Anderson led the Sixers with 30 points and made six 3-pointers. The Sixers haven't won since Jan. 29 and are two games away from going winless in two straight months. There was very little visible emotion as the final seconds ticked away and the players slowly made their way off the court. Dwight Howard added 17 points with 13 rebounds for Houston. Terrence Jones had 20 points. There were a number of lowlights as the 76ers took their spot in history. One came when Howard blocked a shot by Thaddeus Young and he fell backward to the ground. By the time he got up, the Rockets were al-
Philadelphia 76ers' James Anderson (9) drives to the basket around Houston Rockets' Omer Asik (3) and Jordan Hamilton, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, March 27 in Houston. (AP Photo)
ready on the other end of the court running their offense. Another was when the Sixers got a steal, but gave it back seconds later when Young's pass intended for Anderson sailed high over his head and into the crowd. Rookie Michael CarterWilliams got in on the bad play action when, under heavy pressure from Harden, he simply threw the
ball into the Philadelphia bench in the second quarter. But the game wasn't without some nice plays by the NBA's youngest team, which has continued to play hard during this terrible stretch. A highlight came when Casper Ware grabbed a steal and made a 46-foot heave as time expired in the first quarter. That shot was part of a
12-0 run which got the Sixers within 35-33 early in the second quarter. A nice reverse layup by Anderson tied it at 43-all midway through the second quarter before Houston used a 20-6 run to take a 63-49 lead at halftime. The Sixers missed nine shots, including three layups, and had four turnovers as the Rockets built the lead. Houston was up
by 17 late in the third quarter when the team went on an 8-0 run to pad the lead to 96-71. Coach Brett Brown addressed the dreadful stretch before the game and said he wouldn't feel bad for himself or his team if they were to tie the mark. "We don't talk about streaks," he said. "I don't even mention it to them and that's my mission for them. I want them to continue to improve." And he isn't interested in anyone's pity. "I hope they feel good about themselves," he said. "I don't want anyone feeling sorry for us or hanging our head ... we are going through something and we will get through it together." He also discussed their plan for rebuilding at length, saying he knew what he was getting into when he took the job and insisted this skid hasn't been difficult for him. "I can tell you very, very sincerely that this is something that in a twisted way is enjoyable in regards to watching the young guys get better," he said. "Obviously at times it's hard going through it ... (but) I feel like we're heading in the right direction." None of that can erase the fact that this streak now has its place in history as one of the worst in all of the four major professional sports.
Primary section of Holy Cross Hr Sec School presenting a fan dance at the annual sports meet of the school on March 27.
DIMaPUr, MarcH 28 (MExN): The Annual sports day of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur was held on March 27, with VZ Angami NPS, Superintendent of Police, Dimapur gracing the occasion as chief guest. Addressing more than 3000 students and a good number of parents present during the function, the Dimapur SP encouraged the students to strive for greater heights and play the game gracefully. Reiterating on unemployment problem in the
state, the chief guest called upon students to concentrate in their studies and compete with each other diligently. VZ Angami meanwhile expressed satisfaction over the service rendered by the school and the Catholic institutions in producing many eminent persons in the state over the past many years. The chief guest also hoisted the flag and declared the sports and games open, followed by lighting of the sports flame. The function was made
livelier with the participation of the police band during the march past, and drill display by the four houses and special drill display from the primary section. The march past saw the participation of the four houses, NCC cadets and Hindustan Scouts and Guides. The programme of the day included scripture reading and prayer by Rev Fr Thomas PJ, chairman of the school, words of welcome by Rev. Fr. Sunil CK, Principal, and presentations by primary students.
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Miss Universe as you've never seen her
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woman once crowned Miss Universe is lending her famous face to a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the alleged human rights violations that have occurred in her native country, Venezuela, during recent anti-government protests. Only, Stefanía Fernández, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2009, doesn't look like a typical beauty queen for this campaign. To symbolize the violence people in Venezuela have suffered at the hands of the country's violent underworld - as well as those killed in recent antigovernment protests - Fernandez appears covered in blood and filth while gagged and crying tears
of blood. The campaign is called Your Voice is Your Power, which also takes aim at the oppression of the media in the socialist na-
tion. So far, 28 people have been killed in the daily anti-government protests that began in February. Fernandez and pho-
Lorde's boyfriend breaks his silence on dating a superstar and how it felt to be branded 'ugly' by internet trolls
Lorde's boyfriend, photographer James Lowe, opened up for the first time about their relationship in a post on his blog
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29 March 2014
Dimapur
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Beckham and his best friend prove to be forest fans
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Venezuelan beauty queen poses in her crown, bound and gagged with a blood stained face to highlight epidemic of violence that is gripping her nation
I Couldn't Be Prouder
hey may never be royals, but Lorde is definitely James Lowe's Queen Bee. The 24-year-old photographer has gotten a lot of press in recent months for dating the 17-year-old "Royals" singer, but through it all, he's stayed mum on their relationship -- until now, that is. In a new post on his blog, Ono Field, Lowe shares for the first time what it's like to be dating one of the most famous pop stars in the world. "I've written, deleted,
Saturday
Entertainment
The Morung Express
re-written, and deleted this post at least five times over the past few months, wondering when would be an appropriate time to start writing again," he explains. "Since originally sitting down to write this post, Ella has become a two-time Grammy winner." (Lorde's real name is Ella YelichO'Connor.) "She has taken home a Brit too," he brags. "Currently she is on the opposite side of the world on tour. As much as I miss her, I couldn't be prouder of what she has achieved so far."
He goes on to talk about how he's changed -- or not changed -- since they started dating. "My life is probably a lot different now, but it feels normal on the inside," he writes. "Jared Leto said that fame doesn't change you, it changes everyone around you. While I'm not the centre of attention here (and f-k, the times I have, it's never been fun), I do become aware of the people around me and their transparency." At times, he notes, he's been a target. (Indeed, back in December, Lorde and her boyfriend faced cyber bullying from Twitter users who slammed the photographer as ugly and made racist comments about his ethnicity.) That said, the negative aspects are "only a small part" of Lowe's world now. "There is a bright, shining silver lining to this thing I've been exposed to," he writes. One perk? "I've been able to tell tales of the many amazing people I've met along the way -- from fellow photographers, to artists I've always admired and never thought I'd get to meet, let alone have a simple thing like coffee with." "More importantly," he adds, "I've found a little inspiration from new faces. People I look up to. People whose work I admire so much. For all of this I have to thank the one I look up to the most. Who I admire the most. Who still fills the little voids I try to avoid."
tographer Daniel Bracci plan to use social media to spread the word of their courageous campaign against the Venezu-
ela's current political situation. Some of the images from the campaign have been uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag
#MordazasEnVenezuela (#GaggedInVenezuela). Bracci also is an illustrator, and said he wanted to make the photos as disturbing as he could to create a visual element of the campaign that will garner attention. 'This campaign started because something directly affected me, when my grandfather passed away because of the hampa (the underworld-like situation) taking place in Venezuela,' Bracci told South American news outlet Informe 21. The campaign also plans to include other recognizable faces that have been impacted by the wave of violence in Venezuela.
Amy to get hologram treatment F
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illionaire Alki David is plotting a world tour for the tragic 'Back to Black' singer using 3D computer technology and a backing orchestra. The entrepreneur will utilise the same advanced technology used to resurrect late rapper Tupac Shakur - who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in 1996 - for Coachella festival two years ago. A source told The Sun
newspaper ''The plan is that Amy will finally tour the world after failing to do so when she was alive. ''With an orchestra and her hologram, she can take to the stage and fans can see her perform her legendary hits. The idea is in its early stages but it's hoped that Amy's dad Mitch will maybe join her and do the introductions.'' Thankfully for Alki, Mitch has previously endorsed such an effort to
keep his daughter's ''memory alive'' and is open to a hologram of Amy, who was 27 at the time of her tragic death in 2011, performing her big hits. He previously said ''The most important thing to Amy was the music and I'm sure a lot of people would like to hear her sing again. ''It depends on what Amy's fans want as a way to keep her memory alive. If it's a book, an album or a hologram, then so be it.''
ormer footballer David Beckham has paid a visit to the Yanomami tribe in Brazil as part of a new TV documentary. The 38-year-old football icon was joined by one of his closest friends Dave Gardner on a trip to the Brazilian jungle to film a special documentary, which follows the friends exploring and experiencing the isolation of the Brazilian rainforest. David and his friends travelled over 5,000 miles from London to South America, to experience life in the Amazon rainforest to discover the 'real Brazil'. David, who has participated in a variety of charity projects since officially retiring from football, visited the Yanomami tribe in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup, to meet Davi Kopenawa, who is known as the ‘Dalai Lama of the Rainforest’. While filming the documentary, Beckham visited the Yanomami territory and asked Davi for permission to enter the reserve. Beckham and Davi talked about the problems tribes like the Yanomami face, especially the illegal gold-
mining on their land. Dario Yawarioma Yanomami, son of Davi and a coordinator of the Yanomami association, Hutukara told Globo news: ‘We liked David’s visit a lot because he was very interested in the problems in the Yanomami reserve. He saw that there are many threats to the environment and to our culture. He showed he was concerned about the Yanomami people.’ Davi is the first-ever Yanomami shaman to have published a book, ‘The Falling Sky: Words of a Yanomami Shaman’, written in collaboration with anthropologist and friend Bruce Albert, which is a unique account of his life story. In a review published last weekend in the US journal Truthout, Survival International’s Director Stephen Corry states that Davi Kopenawa’s book ‘deserves to become one of the most important books of our time.’ The Beckham Documentary, which is currently its working title, will air on BBC One in the UK this June and will be shown by BBC Worldwide at the MipTV 2014 international TV sales festival this April.
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After Gandhi, people will remember me
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ow that she has donned the political cap, item gal and reality TV star Rakhi Sawant is mouthing all the things that would guarantee her eyeballs aplenty. Ready to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North West Mumbai, Rakhi Sawant is in her element and already speaking in the tone and tenor of a true-blue politician. We bring you some interesting Rakhisms straight from the horse's nee
mare's mouth... I'm a missile! Not bothered about the wellknown names like Gurdas Kamat or Mahesh Manjrekar contesting the polls from the same constituency in Mumbai as hers, Rakhi goes on to declare in her inimitable bindaas manner: "Yeh sab phuski bomb hain and I'm a missile! All these guys will fall like ninepins in front of me. I'm saying it with full confidence and I will show it on my rally,
which will be organised on March 30." Beyond corruption Ask her if corruption is big on her political agenda as a wannabe politician and Rakhi says: "Corruption ki baat toh sabhi karte hain. I'm going to speak about the small things that affect a common man. I will die for my people and after Gandhi, people will remember Rakhi Sawant and the good deeds that she did for people. And this is not an idle promise!"
Kohima musicians have first Rock & Pop exam
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ohima contemporary musicians had their first taste of Rock & Pop exams, under the International Music Exams Board of Trinity College London, UK on March 28. The examiner was James Godfrey, who is a busy performer and educator with diverse experience in both Rock & Pop and classical industries. His professional interests as a performer, sessionist and educator take him around the world playing with his Jazz band, playing at West end musicals or recording for BBC. The candidates in Kohima appeared for drums, keyboard, electric guitar
James Godfrey with others in Kohima during the Rock & Pop exams held under the International Music Exams Board of Trinity College London, UK on March 28.
and vocals ranging from The unique feature of the entry level of Grade 1 the Rock and Pop Exams is to Grade 8 at Symphony the familiarity of the music School of Rock, Jail Colony. materials. This means that
the syllabus for the examinations are taken from current songs and music from the rock and pop genres currently played and sung around the world. Performance is the core of the Trinity Rock & Pop exams. Whether self-taught or taking lessons, learning for fun or heading for a career in the music industry, these exams will help musicians develop valuable playing skills and achieve their musical ambitions. For more guide and downloads check www.trinityrock.com The Rock & Pop exams are fully accredited and are part of a suite of qualifications offered by Trinity Col-
lege London. For more information regarding Trinity exams in Nagaland, one can contact the Area Representative Khyochano TCK Ngully at www.trinitycollege.co.uk or contact any of the following schools in Kohima (Music Academy Kohima - 9856302301, Symphony School of Music - 9774929679, Kohima School of Music 9612409078, Chielie Music Academy - 9856123717) and Dimapur (Mountain Music - 9774189581-Furtados, Hope Centre 03862233301, Note Grid 8731889190). Practical and theory examinations are held twice a year.
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WI win puts Australia's hopes on ice SC orders cricket boss to step aside
West Indies skipper Darren Sammy hit two successive sixes to secure his team's thrilling six-wicket victory over Australia in an emotionally-charged Group Two match of the World Twenty20.
Gavaskar appointed as temporary BCCI President
NEW DELHI, MARCH 28 (AP): India's Supreme Court ordered the country's cricket boss Narayanaswami Srinivasan to step aside Friday until the completion of an investigation into corruption in the domestic Indian Premier League. The court appointed test great Sunil Gavaskar as temporary president of the Board of Control of Cricket in India during the duration of the IPL Twenty20 competition, scheduled to begin on April 16. He will work with another former test cricketer, Shivlal Yadav, a senior vice president of the BCCI. Srinivasan, one of the leading powerbrokers in international cricket, is yet to comment on Friday's decision. He earlier this week rejected the court's urging that he voluntarily step aside from the BCCI role. Indian police last year arrested several players, including test paceman West Indies' Dwayne Bravo, left, Chris Gayle, center, and captain Darren Sammy dance to celebrate their win over Australia in the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Shantakumaran Sreesanth, World Cup match in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, March 28. West Indies' won the match by six wickets. (AP Photo) for allegedly spot fixing NEW DELHI, MARCH 28 — or conceding a speciMarch 29 15:00 Netherlands Vs New Zealand (TNN): A terrific start by Chris fied number of runs in exGayle and brilliant cameos by March 29 19:00 England Vs South Africa change for money from Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sambookmakers. my in death overs steered West NEW DELHI, MARCH 28 The court did not penalIndies to a thrilling six-wicket win (TNN): Inspiring batting by Virat ize any teams or players as over Australia in the World T20 Kohli (57*) and Rohit Sharma (56) part of the judgment. Super 10 match on Friday. guided India to register a com"This judgment is for With 12 required of the final prehensive 8-wicket victory over cricket lovers. We do not over, Sammy missed the first first Bangladesh in their ICC World T20 want to suspend any team two deliveries of Faulkner but match at the Shere Bangla Nationor player before the IPL," slammed the next two balls for al Stadium in Mirpur. With their Justice Patnaik said. sixes to handle Australia their sec- third consecutive victory on the C. Aryama Sundaram, trot, India became the first team ond successive defeat. the lawyer representing the Bravo scored 27 not out while in the tournament to seal a spot in BCCI, welcomed the court's Sammy stayed unbeaten on 34 off the semifinals with a clash against order. "We are very glad that 13 balls. Gayle got West Indies off Australia still left. the order that has been The Rohit-Virat duo put up a deto a flying start and scored 53 off passed today is in keeping 35 balls, guiding West Indies past termined 100-run partnership for with the proposal which the the second wicket after India got off to a bad start 100 in the 12th over. BCCI itself had given" to the Earlier, Australia survived a when they lost Shikhar Dhawan early in their 139top court, Sundaram told run chase. Dhawan (1) failed yet again to get a deWest Indies spin assault to post cent score in the tournament as he was bowled reporters. "The BCCI will a commanding 178/8. Six of the by Al-Amin after the Indian opener got a wicknot oppose Sunil Gavaskar's eight wickets fell to spinners af- ed inside edge. interim appointment." ter Australia elected to take first Sundaram also welRohit reached his half-century in 39 balls strike, with Samuel Badree, Mar- with the help of 5 boundaries and single six comed the court's decision lon Samuels and Sunil Narine before the right-hander was dismissed by to allow the IPL to go ahead claiming two wickets each. Mashrafe Mortaza. Kohli, on the other hand, as scheduled, saying any Glenn Maxwell hit 45 off 22 continued and slammed his fifty in 41 balls order that led to its disrupIndia's batsman Virat balls at the top of the order, while with 3 smashing boundaries and a scintillattion would "heavily impact Kohli plays a shot durBrad Hodge chipped in with a ing six to his credit. the success of the IPL and ing their ICC Twenty20 Earlier, Indian spinners yet again put up an 26-ball 35 during a sixth-wicket would affect millions of Cricket World Cup stand of 52 with James Faulkner. impressive show as they restricted Bangladesh cricket-loving public." match against BanglaBoth teams, who have lost a game to a modest 138 for seven. Ravichandran Ashwin desh in Dhaka, Bangla"I am very glad to say each, need a win to remain in seri- was yet again at his parsimonious best with exdesh, Friday, March 28. that the court has not, in (AP Photo) ous contention for the semi-finals. ceptional figures of two for 15 in four overs. Amit any manner, interfered Australia were beaten by Pakistan Mishra's dream run in the marquee event continin their only game so far, while de- ued as he was the pick of the bowlers with figures of fending champions West Indies three for 26 in four overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled lost to India before defeating hosts tidily to give away only 21 in his three overs and dismissed their top player Shakib Al Hasan in the process. Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, all-rounder Mahmudullah finally came A second loss for either team good as he blasted unbeaten 33 off 23 balls with five fours will almost certainly hasten an and a six to give his team's total a decent look. Mahmudulearly exit. lah added 49 runs for the sixth wicket with Nasir Hossain Openers David Warner and (16) as they are the third team in the tournament that India Aaron Finch plundered 33 runs have restricted for less than 140. Opener Anamul Haque off the first 22 balls when the West (44) played well at the top while skipper Mushfiqur Rahim Indies hit back with three wickets (24) failed to convert the start that he got. in the next two overs. Tamim Iqbal's (4) tournament got from bad to worse as Finch and Warner were bowled he was out in a soft manner, pushing at a flighted delivery trying to hit against the spin, while from Ashwin that turned after pitching. Suresh Raina took Shane Watson was stumped on the catch at the first slip. Shamsur Rahman (0) was out second attempt by Denesh Ram- off the very next ball with an atrocious cross-batted din in Narine's first over. Maxwell heave. He found out the only man outside the propelled the innings with a stun- circle on the leg-side. Rohit Sharma had little ning knock that contained three difficulty in taking the catch running forward sixes and five boundaries before he from his deep mid-wicket position. Ashwin was fifth out in the 12th over with was on a hat-trick but Shakib stopped the Tamil Nadu tweaker from reaching the milethe total at 100.
India beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets
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I will give it my best shot, says Sunil Gavaskar NEW DELHI, MARCH 28 (PTI): Handed over the reins of BCCI for IPL-7 by the Supreme Court on Friday, interim president and former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said he will "give it his best shot" while discharging duties during the cash-rich T20 league. "I am deeply humbled and honoured that the Honourable Supreme Court of India has entrusted me with the job of being the Interim President of the BCCI till the end of IPL 7. Like with my cricket, I will give it my best shot," Gavaskar said in a statement. The apex court today gave charge to Gavaskar for functions concerning the IPL and did not bar the N Srinivasanpromoted Chennai Super kings and Rajasthan Royals from participating in the seventh edition of the tournament. Taking the cricket board out of incumbent Srinivasan's hands, the Court directed that the senior most vice president of the Board, Shivlal Yadav, will be looking after the affairs of BCCI. A bench of justices AK Patnaik and FM Ibrahim Kalifulla, which had yesterday proposed barring CSK and RR in the tournament, however, refused to pass order in this regard allowing them to play the matches along with six other teams in the tournament beginning April 16 in Dubai. The bench also said that Gavaskar will have to get out of the contract with BCCI for commentary in order to discharge the duty assigned by the court. It also directed BCCI to adequately compensate the veteran cricketer. with the IPL. It has not passed any order which interferes with any team participating in the IPL," Sundaram said. The court will reconvene on April 16 to continue its investigation into the IPL. Srinivasan's position on the BCCI has been considered untenable since a threemember committee, headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal, found Chennai Super Kings team principal Gurunath Meiyappan guilty of being in contact with illegal bookmakers in its report forwarded to the Supreme Court. Meiyappan, Srinivasan's son-in-law was indicted last month on charges of betting and passing on information to illegal bookmakers. Meiyappan spent two weeks in jail last year before being granted bail. Srinivasan said that Meiyappan was "just a cricket enthusiast" even
though he was seen regularly at players' auctions and in the team dugout. The finding came after the Bombay High Court last year referred to the twomember BCCI panel that initially cleared Meiyappan of his charges as "illegal and unconstitutional." Justice A. K. Patnaik said the court was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations against Srinivasan until the court completes its case on the IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal. Shivlal Yadav, a former India offspinner who played under Gavaskar's captaincy, told reporters he would abide by the court's order. "The Supreme Court has given an order. I will fulfil it," he said. Srinivasan was named as chairmanelect of the International Cricket Council, the cricket's world governing body, in February.
Hiddink appointed new Netherlands coach
THE HAGUE, MARCH 28 (AP): Guus Hiddink will take over as Netherlands coach after the World Cup, when Louis van Gaal is stepping down, the country's football association announced on Friday. Hiddink will lead the Netherlands until the end of the 2016 European Championship in France and then be replaced by Danny Blind. Blind and former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy were appointed as 67-year-old Hiddink's assistants. Hiddink said he was honored to return for a second "With Danny Blind and Ruud stint in charge after he led a talented young Dutch team to the World van Nistelrooy, we have a strong Cup semifinals in France in 1998, team with a huge amount of football when it lost on penalties to Brazil. knowledge and experience," Hiddink
said in a statement. "It is also a fantastic chance for me to prepare my own successors. In this way, the football vision of the Netherlands team can be preserved for the long term." Netherlands association director Bert van Oostveen lauded Hiddink as a coach with a treasure trove of international experience and success. "He has proved his skills as a coach for club and country," he said. Hiddink coached the Netherlands from 1995-98. He also led South Korea to an unexpected semifinal berth in the 2002 World Cup and guided an unheralded Russia to the last four of Euro 2008. Hiddink has coached a string of club teams including PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid and Chelsea.
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He led PSV to three successive Dutch league titles from 1987-89, three straight Dutch Cup wins from 1988-90 and the European Cup in 1988. Returning to Eindhoven after the 2002 World Cup, he again won three national titles, briefly combining his work with PSV with coaching Australia, which he led to World Cup qualification in 2006 — the first time in 32 years Australia reached football's greatest stage. After that World Cup, Hiddink was hired by Russia and took the team to the semifinals of Euro 2008, knocking out the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. He briefly served as interim manager at Chelsea, leading the London club to FA Cup glory in 2010.
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