30th March 2014

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C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 86

www.morungexpress.com

Modi slams Rahul, says proud of BJP ideology

Women called to assert their rights [ PAGE 2]

By Sandemo Ngullie

Putin promised no new moves in Ukraine: UN [ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 8]

reflections

Life is doubt, and faith without doubt is nothing but death

“I Love My Hospital” - echoes across Mon Bonnie Konyak Mon | March 29

My pocket is empty, ah never mind. Well, Do you believe in the saying “Live as if you`ll die today?”

Power failure in Kohima Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The State capital Kohima today witnessed power failure since morning which adversely affected normal life, in particular commercial activities. Power was restored only at around 6: 00pm. Sources said the power failure resulted due to disruption of the main power line between Kohima and Dimapur.

NSSATA suspends agitation April 1-10 Kohima, march 29 (mExN): On account of the upcoming Lok Sabha election scheduled on April 9, the Nagaland SSA Teachers’ Association (NSSATA) has decided to suspend its ongoing agitation for a period of 10 days (April 1-April 10, 2014) in order to “pave way for the smooth conduct of the same, as most of the SSA teachers are appointed for election duty.” This was stated in a press release from NSSATA general secretary, Samina Meru, and president, Visechol Chaya. The NSSATA has requested all SSA teachers who are involved in election duty to “perform their National duty whereas others are requested to attend their classes.” Further, the NSSATA stated that if the demands are not fulfilled even during this period, then the indefinite boycott of classes (2nd phase of agitation) will resume with effect from April 11.

Toll in Guinea ebola outbreak reaches 70

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coNaKry (guiNEa), march 29 (iaNS): Ten new cases of Ebola with seven deaths were reported Friday in Guinea, bringing the total number of cases to 112 and 70 deaths since the declaration of this deadly epidemic, a source from the health ministry said. To develop a harmonised fight against the disease, the health ministry organised a forum bringing together all senior officials of health institutions, to provide them with necessary tools to report any relevant information in real time for a quick response, Xinhua reported Saturday. The head of disease prevention unit Sakoba Keita said a vast census operation had been launched targeting all those who had come in contact with any ebola patient in hospital or at home. The health authorities have equally decided to set up commissions in all communal health centres to examine the development of the situation with regard to the ebola virus. Keita urged families of those who had died from ebola to avoid taking part in the burial ceremonies.

The trumpet was sounded and with sticks and brooms in gloved hands, the battle cry was taken up across the hospital compound. This is a different kind of battle, just as tricky, but the anticipation of victory is visible in the enthusiasm of each warrior. The ‘I Love My Hospital’ (ILMH) initiative was launched with a “Big Cleaning Day” by the Konyak Naga Group of Facebook in collaboration with MSF (Doctors Without Borders) at District Hospital, Mon. The response to the clarion call was big news here. For a society that has been in slumber, preoccupied with the myriad problems it faces every day just to survive, the huge response to the ILMH Initiative has astounded the Konyaks, especially the older generation. This sense of belonging, ownership, participatory effort is like none that we have ever witnessed before. Almost four years ago, when the MSF were first doing the ground work for the Mon Hospital Project, the big question for them was “Why don’t people come to the Hospital?” and today as the MSF are preparing to leave, the biggest fear is “We don’t have sufficient doctors, nurses and other staff to take care of the number of people seeking healthcare every day.” There is no doubt that revival of the District Hospital, Mon has been an enormous success of the MSF project with the perks of an exceptionally well trained staff inculcating a flawless work culture; however the greatest success is the increased level of health awareness amongst the people. It is what will sustain the hospital as well as the people of Mon long after the MSF leaves.

Young people from Mon district take part in the ‘I Love My Hospital’ initiative to clean up the district hospital.

With the intervention of the MSF into management aspects of the District Hospital Mon, it received the much needed direction the hospital had been lacking. Issues were taken up on priority basis and quality of healthcare was given as much importance as quantity. The MSF filled gaps in man power and resources that usually exist in government hospitals. The international organization lobbied continuously with the Government in Kohima and civil societies over the years to bridge the gap between “What is actually needed by us and what is given to us.” There was also a specific team working on the ground, solely concerned with Health Promotion among the people. They studied the people’s perspective on issues, researched their response to different forms of media, created materials and messages for communication and carried out intensive campaigns for promoting health awareness among the people.

All these efforts of the MSF have resulted in people’s awareness of healthcare and its importance for us. Having had a glimpse of themselves at their best, there is a general air of determination in the people not to descend back to their former rugged selves. This feeling, akin to a revolution of sorts, has permeated into the consciousness of every level of the Konyak, from Legislators to civil societies, from Churches’ groups to student bodies, from bloggers to patients, giving birth to the “I Love My Hospital Initiative.” There was optimism in the air as participants joined the historic launch of the ILMH Project with contributions in cash, as well as in kind, like old news papers for dustbins and brooms and other cleaning supplies; handmade bamboo dustbins in and around the hospital, monthly cleaning day, blood donations, Health Promotion drives etc. Students of different schools and higher secondary schools, Mon Theo-

logical college students, Bloggers, KSU members, Bands, government servants, adolescent club, police personnel, NGOs, medical staff and other individuals chipped in to clean their beloved hospital. The festive spirit began right from the formal programme that launched the ILMH Project; where the speeches, skits and songs (by Konyak Artist Moba Inggang), all talked about the Mon district hospital as something precious that should be cherished; till the end of prize distribution to the most enthusiastic group of volunteers—it was epic. For those who have been closely associated with the District Hospital and the MSF project, thoughts of their exit spurs a mild episode of panic for the future of the hospital as well as the Department. We are well aware that the road ahead will not be easy; that sweat and blood will be required from us all, but on days like today, hope is renewed and victory is within grasp.

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Sunday, March 30, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Miguel de Unamuno

Rooney double seals United win

[ PAGE 12]

Gun battle between naga groups erupt Morung Express News Mokokchung | March 29

Despite news of some Naga political groups coming together to form a Naga National Government, the air of hope was shaken today as cadres of the NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM) engaged in heavy gun battle at Akhoya village jurisdiction (some 60km from Mokokchung town) that lasted for nearly two hours Saturday morning. There are no reports of any casualties from either side. Additional SP of Mokokchung, Yarenthung Ngullie, said the exchange of fire happened some 3km away from Akhoya village, which falls under Changtongya Police Station. The firing reportedly started from 6:30am and lasted till 8:30am. On hearing the gunfight, OC Changtongya PS, SDO (Civil) Changtongya and the public, numbering around 500, went near the site of the incident and “chased away the cadres to opposite sides,” said the Addl SP. He disclosed, as per reports, the NSCN (K) cadres were “passing through” the jungle and were halting in a place when the NSCN (IM) cadres got wind of their movement and attacked them. He suggested that the NSCN (K) cadres might be moving to the neighbouring districts. The Addl SP said that the situation is under control. A company of Tripura State Rifles, who have been deployed for election duty, along with NAP (IR) and Changtongya PS personnel are maintaining strict vigil and conducting frisking and checking in the area, said the Addl SP. Ao Senden condemns Officials of the Ao Senden visited Akhoya village today and interacted with citizens regarding the gunfight in the

area. The Ao Senden officials were led by their president, Prof Sangyu Yaden. While strongly condemning the gunfight, Prof Sangyu Yaden maintained that such “factional fights” are detrimental to the peace process and reconciliation efforts, especially at a time when all Naga people are crying for peace and reconciliation. General Secretary, Ao Senden, Supong Longchar questioned why such “factional fights” have become frequent during election. Prof Sangyu, raising a similar query, asked why the factions remain “dormant” most of the year and become active during the Indian election process. Both the Ao Senden President and General Secretary asserted that the Ao community is viewing such factional fights with all seriousness, and cautioned that such factional fights which create tensions will not be allowed in the Ao areas. Meanwhile, the Ao Senden officials who returned after visiting Akhoya village expressed surprise that there were no security personnel in the vicinity of the area. “We didn’t meet a single police personnel or administrative official. That’s surprising because it’s a very sensitive matter, especially since this is election time. Even when there is a bus accident or a burning down of a house, there are police or administrative personnel around, but today, there were none,” said an Ao Senden official while hinting a lapse in the security arrangement before or after the gunfight. The Ao Senden officials also disclosed that the situation was under control in the area. The officials of the apex Ao students’ organization, AKM, also visited the site. They could not be contacted for comments.

nerPf stitch alliance with nDA nagaland to host Women summit

Dimapur, march 29 (iaNS): Eleven major regional parties under the banner of North East Regional Parties Forum (NERPF) Saturday stitched an alliance with the BJP-led NDA for peace and development in the region. “We (NERPF) have pledged our alliance with the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) to ensure peace and development in the northeastern states. Everybody has witnessed the good work of the previous NDA government in terms of developing our backward region,” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said. “We are hopeful the NDA will return to the seat of power and it would continue to restore all developmental projects initiated by (former prime minister) Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Congress party has failed to impress the people in our region in terms of all-round development. Instead, they (Congress) have betrayed people’s aspirations,” Rio told IANS at his private residence in Dimapur, the main commercial town of Nagaland. Rio, the chief architect of bringing together major regional parties under the banner of NERPF, also lashed out at the outgoing Congress-led UPA government, saying it wanted to “isolate and starve” people in non-Congress ruled states by diverting developmental projects to other Congress-ruled states. The eleven major regional parties forming the forum are: the Naga People’s Front, Asom Gana Parishad, Mizo National Front, Manipur People’s Party, Manipur State Congress Party, Manipur Democratic People’s Front, People’s Party of Arunachal, Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, and Meghalaya’s United Democratic Party, National People’s Party, and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party. “Their (Congress) tendency is to suppress the people in non-Congress ruled states and their contribu-

tion in Nagaland was only imposition of President’s Rule and betraying the aspirations of the Naga people,” Rio said. “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh failed to visit Nagaland even when our party (Naga People’s Front) extended support to his government. The Congress-led UPA betrayed our people by not implementing the Rs.1,500 crore special package announced by Vajpayee during his visit to Nagaland in 2003.” “The centre cannot continue to ignore us, and if we are considered to be a part of the Indian Union, they have to give us the due share and give us a patient hearing. Nobody can ignore us,” he said. Moreover, Rio stressed the need for the regional parties in the northeast to come together and fight unitedly in parliament for the common cause of development of the region. “Northeastern states, as individual governments and entities, are too small and insignificant to impact the balance of power. Therefore, I have initiated to bring all regional parties under NERPF to create power bloc to represent the whole of the northeast,” he said. Allaying political fears about the BJP, Rio, who scripted history in Nagaland by becoming the chief minister three consecutive times, instead termed the Congress as a communal party shielding “certain communities”. “I don’t know why certain people are against the BJP. They (BJP) have ruled the country before and they have not taken drastic steps against minorities when they were in power,” he said. “In Goa, which is known as a Christian state, the BJP is in power and they have not passed any laws which are against minorities. Therefore, allegation against BJP of being Hindutva and communal by the Congress is to blackmail the minorities and play the vote-bank politics,” he added.

Dimapur, march 29 (mExN): The first ever Women Empowerment and Leadership Summit - North East Region (WELSNER), will be held in Kohima on April 25 and April 26, 2014. Produced, hosted and managed by the Alaphra Group, the Summit aims to unite the most influential women leaders from “North East and beyond,” noted a press release from Alaphra Group’s Wapangla Imchen. This is the first such high level summit, it was stated, to be held in the North Eastern Region; it will focus on promoting leadership initiatives, enhancing skills to develop effective leadership

and decision-making by conducting meetings, sharing strategies and ideas, exploring business opportunities and build profitable professional relationships. The Summit will also provide a platform to discuss the present social issues in the region. WELSNER is focused, the press release stated, on promoting leadership initiatives and enhancing the skills of women leaders. The event is thus reserved for government authorities, chairpersons, heads of institutions and universities, student leaders, mother’s associations, regional Hohos, women entrepreneurs, research scholars, business-

women, NGOs etc. The Summit will be officially opened by the Governor of Nagaland, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, on April 25, and feature speakers like Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor, Naga Mother’s Association, Tanushree Hazarika, Managing Editor of Eclectic Magazine, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Dr. Monisha Behel, Executive Director, North East Network, among others. The Summit will be chaired by Sentila T Yanger (Padmashree). To know more about the event, one can visit www.welsner.com

Lenten Agreement a ‘new chapter’ nagaland observes in Naga reconciliation: Naga Hoho earth Hour 2014 Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Naga Hoho has stated that signing of the Lenten Agreement by the NSCN (IM), GPRN/NSCN and NNC/FGN has “heralded a new chapter in the history of Naga reconciliation.” In a press release, Naga Hoho general secretary, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu termed the move “historic, long awaited and aspired by the common Nagas.” “We urge all Nagas to positively contribute towards this process and further urge the entire Naga political groups to participate in the reconciliation process as envisaged and called for in the agreement,” the Naga Hoho stated. Further, it requested all the signatories of all the “Naga political groups” to uphold the agreement in letter and spirit. The Naga Hoho noted that “The steadfast and unwavering position taken by the Forum for Naga Rec-

onciliation (FNR) in engaging the Naga political groups is laudable and praiseworthy,” also acknowledging that under the aegis of FNR, through “A journey of Common Hope,” multi level dialogues have taken place amongst the various “Naga national groups” to arrive at a “shared understanding and mutual respect” for the “common good of our people” for which “we are all indebted to the initiatives.” The Lenten Agreement, the Naga Hoho noted, has reiterated its pledge and commitment made in the Naga Concordant and formation of the Naga national government, and for which the FNR has been entrusted to expedite the process. The apex body also said that it continues to “pledge our support to Naga reconciliation process as was envisioned in the formation of the Naga Hoho for a one and united Nagas.”

Our Correspondent Kohima | March 29

Nagaland tonight observed Earth Hour 2014 by turning off the lights for an hour between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. 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. 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. By switching off lights for 1 hour, the State would be mitigating emission of GHGs by about 43000kgs, source said.

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