3rd August 2013

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 211

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four statehood demands defy Assam’s legitimacy

Thanks to resurgence of factional clashes, AFSPA, Prices hikes, etc. My house is full with relatives from Dmr, Wka, Mkg, Zbto.........

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73.8% households in Nagaland own houses Our Correspondent Kohima | August 2

The 2011 Nagaland census has informed that 73.8% households in Nagaland own houses, while 21.4% live in rented homes. Ironically, Bihar which is ranked the poorest state in India, has as many as 96.8% households living in their own houses and only 2.1% live in rented houses. According to the report 52.42% of households in the state are of the view that the condition of their houses are good, 45.76% think it is liveable and only 1.88% think their homes are dilapidated. People in the state are quite content with their homes, the report said. People in Kohima district are the most content with 66.08% of households saying the condition of their house is good, followed by Mokokchung district with 64.83%. This is in contrast to 31.43% households in Kiphire district and 35.92% households in Mon district, who felt the condition of their houses, are good.

NSCW welcomes court verdict

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DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Nagaland State Commission for Women has welcomed the verdict of the District and Sessions Judge on the four accused in the February 2012, gang-rape of a woman at East Block, Burma Camp, Dimapur. A press note from the Chairperson of the NSCW, Temsula Ao said that the timely closure of this case at a stage when people are “agitated” over the rape and murder of Nungshila Jamir on July 4 at Residency Colony, Dimapur can reinforce public faith in the judiciary. She expressed hope that this case too would be brought to closure soon and that the guilty would be punished in strict accordance with the law of the land. The Commission appreciated the judgment of the Judge, S. Hukato Swu, as well as the inputs of the Public Prosecutors Hutoi Yeptho and Imtiakum Jamir for upholding the rule of justice in the land.

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By Sandemo Ngullie

Do you support the Nagaland government’s willingness to review the impact of Prohibition on society?

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–Henry David Thoreau

Kohima Summit SMDS-III State India eye Level Workshop conducted whitewash, Zimbabwe [ PAGE 02] desperate Pope Francis seeks to for victory align Church hierarchy

Angry Katrina appeals to media

reflections

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165

Saturday, August 3, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined Government defends move to amend RTI Act, activists furious

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Young boys and girls partake in a traditional dance during the Tsungremmong festival at Longsa village on August 2, 2013. Tsungremmong is a festival celebrated by the Aos during the first week of August every year to seek God’s blessing for a rich harvest. (Photo by Manen Aier)

climate change and Violence linked

WASHINGTON, AUGUST 2 (AP): As the world gets warmer, people’s tempers are likely to get hotter, scientists say. A massive new study finds that aggressive acts like committing violent crimes and waging war become more likely with each added degree.

Researchers analyzed 60 studies on historic empire collapses, recent wars, violent crime rates in the United States and lab simulations that tested police decisions on when to shoot.

They found something in common over centuries: Extreme weather — very hot or dry — means more violence. “When the weather gets bad, we tend to be

more willing to hurt other people,” said economist Solomon Hsiang of the University of California, Berkeley. He is the lead author of the study, published online by the journal Science.

The team of economists even came up with a formula that predicts how much the risk of different types of violence should increase with extreme weather. In war-torn parts of equatorial Africa, it says, every added degree Fahrenheit or so increases the chance of conflict between groups by 11 percent to 14 percent. For the United States, the formula says that for every increase of 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit (3 Celsius),

the likelihood of violent crime goes up 2 percent to 4 percent. Temperatures in much of North America and Eurasia are likely to go up by that amount by about 2065 because of increases in carbon dioxide pollution, according to a separate paper published in Science.

In one study, police officers in a psychology experiment were more likely to choose to shoot someone in a lab simulation when the room temperature was hotter, Hsiang said. He also pointed to the collapse of the Mayan civilization that coincided with periods of historic drought about 1,200 years ago. There is a good reason why peo-

ple get more aggressive in warmer weather, said Ohio State University psychology professor Brad Bushman.

His work was analyzed by Hsiang. Although people say they feel sluggish when they are hot, their heart rate and other physical responses are aroused and elevated.

They think they are not agitated, when in fact they are, and “that’s a recipe for disaster,” Bushman said.

“The world will be a very violent place by midcentury if climate change continues as projected,” said Thomas Homer-Dixon, a professor of diplomacy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Ontario.

GUWAHATI, AUGUST 2 (PTI): The UPA government’s decision to create Telangana has brought long-standing demands by four ethnic groups for separate states carved out of Assam to the fore, with largescale violence and agitation erupting in the state.

Bodos, Karbi, Dimasas and Koch-Rajbongshis have demanded separate states. The hill district of Karbi Anglong witnessed violence with two persons killed and several injured.

The All Bodo Students’ Union was observing a 12-hour rail blockade on Friday with several organizations, including the Bodo Sahitya Sabha, All Bodo Women’s Federation, Bodoland Peoples Progressive Front, NDFB(P), People Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement.

The ABSU has also called a 60-hour strike from August 5 to demand a separate state for Bodos.

The United Democratic People’s Front, comprising several Bodo organisations, has called a 1,500hour strike, the longest ever in the region, from August five on the same demand. The National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Progressive and the People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement have jointly called a 100-hour highway blockade from August 13 and will observe a 24-hour hungerstrike on August 20 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The Bodo Peoples’

Front, an ally of the ruling Congress in the state government, has also stepped up demand for a separate state for the community and had met Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde last Wednesday at New Delhi. The All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union has begun a 36-hour Assam strike from Thursday demanding a separate Kamtapur state which would be followed by a 100-hour hunger-strike and a bandh on Independence Day. The Hills State Democratic Party has called a 100-hour strike in the hill districts of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong from August 5 demanding separate states of Dima Hasoa and Karbi Anglong. The HSDP observed a 10-hour bandh in Dima Hasao district yesterday demanding a separate Dima Hasao state. ABSU President Pramode Boro on Friday said that the decision to create Telangana was discriminatory. “Our longstanding demand has been ignored and the identity of Bodos is at stake. We will not stop our agitation at any cost till our demand for a separate Bodoland is met,” he said.

The PJACBM, comprising 55 Bodo organizations, has also warned the government of intensifying the agitation if the demand for a separate Bodoland state was not met which was more than four decades old and its creation was as legitimate as Telangana.

“NDFB-P, which was holding talks with the Centre for the last seven years, has stressed that creation of Bodoland was imperative for safeguarding the identity, culture and protection of land of Bodos,” outfit’s general secretary Govind Basumatary said.

AKRSU President Biswajit Roy said that if the government failed to resolve the issue of a separate Kamtapur state they would be left with no option but to intensify the agitation. He claimed that the demand for Kamtapur was the oldest statehood demand dating back to 1969 and it was high time that the government took the issue seriously.

Major political parties in Assam — AIUDF, AGP and BJP along with the ruling Congress were opposed to the creation of separate states. AGP president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said that the creation of Telangana would lead to demands for more states in Assam, but any further division would not lead to economic development of the state for its people. The AIUDF, the major opposition party in the state assembly, has also stated that it was opposed to any further division of the state.

BJP’s Assam unit president Sarbananda Sonowal said that his party was not in favour of any further division of the state, but would work for the creation of a greater Assam.

Related story on page 3

Governor sets parameters No respite for Zoological Park from encroachment for Excise dept personnel Illegal settlement

DIMAPUR, AUGUST Inspector of Excise, Deputy 2 (MExN): The Nagaland Superintendent of Excise, Governor has in a notifica- Superintendent of Excise, tion dated July 23, 2013 Assistant Commissioner informed that whenever of Excise, Deputy Commisany personnel of the Na- sioner of Excise or any Exgaland Excise department cise officials empowered by resorts to firing, each such the Nagaland government incident shall be enquired into • Executive Magistrates to by an Executive enquire instances of firing Magistrate of the locality. The • Investigations in cases of notification isunnecessary, unwarranted sued on behalf or excessive firing of the Governor

by Secretary to the Nagaland government, to maintain and safeguard Ramongo Lotha said that public order relating to any proceeding, including state excise and prohibition. institution of a criminal case It may be noted that of any nature or affecting an the Nagaland state governarrest can be initiated by the ment had decided to arm Police. However, this can be Excise personnel in Nagadone on condition that the land with firearms in view magisterial enquiry deems of the “mounting threat” that the use of firearms has faced by the personnel been unnecessary, unwar- while carrying out governranted or excessive and that ment/official duties under such a report has been ex- the Nagaland Total Prohibiamined and accepted by the tion Act 1989 and the NarGovernment. cotic Drugs and PsychotroThis directive has been pic Substances Act, 1985. taken keeping in mind that “the use of firearms in dis- Nagaland Excise and Narcharge of their mandated cotics department comduty and responsibility mended may expose excise personMeanwhile the Deputy nel to vexation of criminal Director General (East) of proceedings and that there the Narcotics Control Buis need to provide them im- reau has in a letter community from prosecution mended the personnel of without prior sanction.” the Nagaland Excise and The Governor stated Narcotics department. The that the provision as envis- letter addressed to the Naaged in sub-Section (2) of galand Excise CommissionSection 197 of the code of er said that seizures made by criminal procedure shall the department during the apply to all Excise Officers last three years are “quite including Excise consta- impressive” and that the bles, Head constables, As- personnel have shown “high sistant Inspector of Excise, standard and dedication.”

and settlers evicted Morung Express news Dimapur | August 2

There is no respite from human intrusion for the erstwhile Rangapahar Reserve Forest, which has been reduced to a mere zoo. The Department of Forests had to once again battle it out against encroachment at the state’s only zoological park at Rangaphar, Dimapur.

The department along with the district administration removed an illegal settlement on the eastern side of the Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) on Saturday, August 2. The settlement consisting of around 20 thatched and semiconcrete structures had started

An illegal structure built alongside the nagaland Zoological Park, Dimapur being taken down during the eviction drive carried out by the Forest department on August 2. (Morung Photo)

cropping up all along the narrow strip of barren land that comes between the PWD road leading to Ganeshnagar industrial village and

the NZP’s brick perimeter wall that runs alongside the road. Settlers had started occupying the strip of land roughly measuring, according

to the department, 800 meters in length since the beginning of 2012.

By July 2013, the settlement had grown to around 7 households, including a church.

The settlers claimed that the land neither belong to the PWD nor the Forest department. The department on the other hand asserted that the land comes within the ambit of the NZP as the disputed portion of land was originally set aside for “beautification” projects in future.

On Saturday, subsequent to an ‘Eviction Notice’ dated July 31, 2013 all the structures were removed and the settlers asked to shift. The notice to vacate came following a judgment from the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court dated July 29, 2013, which quashed an earlier ‘ad interim’ order passed by a lower court in April of 2012.

Continued on page 5

“Media Initiative for Social Transformation” Morung Express news Dimapur | August 2

The role of the media in society and its ability to affect the social order was expounded upon at the dialogue on “Media Initiative for Social Transformation” held on August 2 at the Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga Education Centre, Padumpukhuri, Dimapur.

Key speaker at the discussion, Prof Kamal Dixit, senior Journalist and Media Trainer, Indore opined that the media has always been a significant pillar of society. As an author of several books on journalism and mass communication,

including training course on value based journalism; Prof Kamal Dixit stated that those who are performing the role of journalists should ‘somewhere along the line’ also be able to take a value based stand when it comes to their work. Stating that all over the world, journalists today are faced with ethical dilemmas, he suggested and called for a more humane approach and a balance to combine spiritualism and better professionalism in one’s work.

The participants raised

and discussed important issues on whether the media can bring about a social transformation. They also agreed that although the

media cannot afford to be driven by its own opinions; however it also cannot remain mute spectators.

Meanwhile, projecting

a different dimension of the role of media, BK Sushant, Freelance Journalist, social worker and motivational speaker from Delhi felt that the big question and difference lies in the perception of a journalist to choose between one’s work and his/her ‘human element’. He opined that a Journalist has to see what good can be done for society, and in the interest of the people.

Speaking on the values of media, he felt that the media being the most important pillar can spread this

positivity and build society.

“When the media reflects positivity in itself and exudes spiritual courage and will power, then it can guide the society”, he said. Calling for true social transformation in a sustained way, he also said that the first answer to transformation starts within and then later in society.

“Heal yourself first to be able to heal others,” he added.

BK Shantanu, Headquarter coordinator of media wing for Brahma Kumari’s institution at Mount Abu also participated in the discussion. It was attended by local media persons, members of the Brahma Kumari Rajyoga, Mount Abu and others.

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Saturday 3 August 2013

Satanism . . . Is it for real?

Mokokchung, August 2 (MExn): Type the word ‘Nagaland satanic’ on the Google search engine, and websites with news about the presence of satanic worshipers in the state pop up. The number 3000 will also figure in most of the news articles. “There are more than 3000 worshippers in the state capital alone” is a phrase you will find in the news articles.

What more? This quiet town of Mokokchung, of late, is also agog with the word ‘satan’, ‘satanic worshippers’ and ‘satanic church’.

Preachers have of late been holding onto this topic.

However, there is no concrete proof of their existence other than words and assertions. For the past few weeks, all that concerned citizens could say about these ‘satanic worshippers’ was that this group goes by the name ‘The Black Bulls’ with the tag ‘Awakening the Horror’.

This was confirmed, when a news agency quoted Rev. Wati Longkumer, director of the Nagaland Missionary Movement, as saying, “Some of the Christian youth who have renounced Satan worship have told us that they would be called for services after midnight at the Kohima War Cemetery and other locations, and asked to wear black T-shirts and be called by their new nicknames.” He reportedly said that he has seen membership forms for a group calling itself ‘The Black Bulls’ and inviting youngsters to become part of devil worship.

A hunt for this ‘Black Bulls’ membership form was initiated by some Mokokchung based journalists, who finally got hold of a xerox

copy. Besides the silly grammatical mistakes in the 7-point ‘Rules and Regulations’, the Black Bull “gang”, as this alleged satanic group like to call themselves, resembles an adolescent teenage group.

Rules No 6 & 7 in the membership form makes an interesting read: ‘If anything happens to any members of this group everyone should be present to defence him.’

No 7 reads: ‘If anyone breaks the rules of this gang he will be punished according to his deeds.’ The form costs Rs 20.

A concerned citizen (a scribe who wished not be named) had this to say, “Whatever this group maybe, people should not jump to conclusion and brand them as satanic unless and until we have concrete proof.” As of now in Mokokchung, there is no proof that there are members of this ‘Black Bulls’ gang.

Moreover, what is more baffling is the sudden disclosure about the existence of 3000 satanic worshippers in the Kohima capital alone ahead of the “Transformation Crusade” in April, 2013.

state, and not surprisingly, the existence of satanic worshipper figured in most of the crusades.

The Morung Express held a telephonic conversation with Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo and queried about his claims for the existence of satanic worshippers in Kohima. Rev Kiewhuo maintained that the number is more than 3000 even now and added that he has delivered lots of people who were into this occult practice. He mentioned of a ‘lady’ who came to him and confessed that she was practicing the occult and how he delivered her through the power of ‘Holy Spirit’.

He also disclosed that the Koinonia Baptist Church will hold a fasting on August 10, after which, the church members will go to the place where the satanic worshippers gather and sanctify the area through the power of ‘Holy Spirit’.

Rev Kiewhuo disclosed that they have identified seven locations where the satanic worshippers or ‘Black Bull’ members gather. He further disclosed that the satanic worshippers exist in all the districts of Nagaland and therefore the “Transformation Crusade” The Number 3000, from where will be held in all the district headquarters. did it spring from?

On April 4, 2013, the organizing committee of the “Transforma- What is the church doing?

Though many youths shrug off tion Crusade” which was conducted from April 24-30 held a press the issue as a prank, yet the church conference at Hotel Japfü, Kohima. is not taking any chances. The Ao There, Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, Sr. Pas- Baptist Church Council (ABAM) tor & Founder- Koinonia Baptist is learnt to have a crucial meeting Church, is reported to have dis- last week to discuss the matter. closed that there were more than Rev Ponen Longchar of Mokokc3,000 satanic worshippers in the hung Town Ao Baptist Church said Capital. This shocking disclosure that the church is taking the matspread like wildfire all over the ter seriously, though there is no state. Numerous crusades have concrete proof about the existence been held in different parts of the of satanic worshipper in Mokokc-

Implications on the society Many educated youths shrug off the topic as a non-issue. But many are concerned nonetheless, not necessarily about the evil effects of Satanism, but because of related issues like wearing of black TShirts, putting tattoos on the body, listening to some genre of music, and playing videogames. Rule No 1 in the ‘Black Bulls’ membership form declares, ‘Every member in this group is compulsory to wear black T-Shirt’. A person from Wokha district had recently written in a local daily clarifying that he is not a satanic worshipper. The person had claimed that rumors have been spread about him being a satanic worshipper.

What next?

Many citizens are of the opinion that this issue will linger for quite a while. There is concern among certain sections of the society; however, that it will take some time to ascertain if a person or a group is/are real worshipper(s) of the devil. However, even if satanic worshipper exists, it is hard to say how the society and the Church can address the issue. There is fear among many people that such talk about the existence of satanic worshippers may lead to witch-hunting, as is being practiced in some other states.

District

Transforming cities by transforming lives

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In this image, CLP members seen with Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh during the meeting at New Delhi on August 1.

ties are being consulted and taken into confidence to resolve this Naga Political problem,” Jamir stated further in the press note.

Jan 99 to March 2006 +ve

Rev. Amos Humtsoe along with students of Discipleship Bible College engaged in cleanliness drive at Burma Camp colony, Dimapr, Friday. (Morung Photo)

DIMAPuR, August 2 (MExn): Christ fices, streets and slums.

He said CFCI-will be co-ordinating with For the City International –Nagaland (CFCI-N) in collaboration with Discipleship different NGOs, public, district adminisBible College and Malaria Department or- tration in the quest to make Dimapur city ganized a cleanliness drive at Burma Camp cleaner, hygienic and a better place to live in.

CFCI-N is a new ministry established colony on Friday.

Led by base director of CFCI-Nagaland, jointly by Christ For the City International Rev Amos Humtsoe, officials of the Malaria and Nagaland Missionary Movement with the state’s commerdepartment sprayed cial hub Dimapur as mosquito repellents in the area while CFCI-N, DBC with Malaria the starting base. vision is to imstudents of DiscipleDepartment conducts pactItsDimapur posiship Bible College tively by transformengaged in cleaning cleanliness drive ing individual lives the dirt and clearing with the Gospel of clogged drains.

Rev. Amos said the cleanliness drive is Jesus Christ and its mission is to “inspire, part of CFCI-N’s mission to transforming equip and encourage every citizen of Dicities by transforming lives and keeping mapur to influence their world for Christ.”

CFCI-Nagaland also seeks to network in mind the adage “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” He explained that the Lord’s with the churches in Dimapur to provide presence must not only be seen or felt in leadership training and to engage people the church but also in the market place, of- in city ministry.

HIV and aIdS SCEnaRIO REPORT April 2006 to March 2013 Tested +ve

April

May

Total from April 2013-May 2013

June

Tested

+ve

Tested

+ve

Tested

+ve

Tested

+ve

62120

1804

926

18

991

30

1027

33

2944

81

Dimapur

84739

4950

1471

96

1435

70

1182

69

4088

235

Tsg

58913

1890

900

21

1064

20

762

14

2726

55

Mkg

80948

962

1405

9

1406

7

1275

3

4086

19

Mon

45949

95

852

0

1029

1

837

2

2718

3

36037

193

491

2

504

1

435

0

1430

3

73474 3792

Phek

23965

160

361

3

338

3

247

0

946

6

Wokha

42867

164

666

2

528

0

436

5

1630

7

Peren

20072

221

472

4

460

0

449

3

1381

7

Kiphire

16610

289

337

7

196

9

207

1

740

17

14039

43

ably before the parliamentary elections slated early part of next year.

“The PM was equally concerned and commit-

ted about the peace talk and stated that continuous sincere efforts were being made to resolve the Naga issue. All concerning par-

boasts of having the best rocks/minerals collection in the North East Region.

Bendang Longchari, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Geology & Mining, Kohima, was the Chairman of the Board and O. Koratemjen Ao, OSD, G&M, Kohima address on ‘Vision for mineral development’.

Delegates of the various Central and State Departments including North East Institute of Science & Technology Jorhat, Geological Survey of India Dimapur, Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. Nagpur, Central Ground Water Board Guwahati, Atomic Mineral Division Shillong, SEWAK Dimapur, PHED Kohima, Soil and Water Conv. Kohima, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd Kohima actively participated in the technical session.

PEREn, August 2 (MExn): Health awareness & sanitation drive in Peren district was carried out by IEC Bureau, Health & Family Welfare Nagaland assisted by Peren District IEC personnel from July 29 to August 1.

A team consisting of 10 members from the State IEC and district NRHM & IEC Bureau lead by Supongbenla Lemtur, Health Education Training Officer carried out the drive in 10 villages focusing mainly on Mothers and children.

In all the visited villages, the team sensitized the mothers and the children by giving health talks on environmental sanitation & personal hygiene, safe motherhood & institutional delivery, immunization, malaria, Japaness Encephalitis and cleanliness drive. Apart from health talks the team conducted practical activi- The visiting team trimming hair of young girls during the health awareness & sanitation ties on personal hygiene drive in Peren district.

Longleng Total 73474 3792

486259 10771

250

0

218

2

231

0

699

2

8131

162

8169

143

7088

130

23388

435

(Source: NAGALAND STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY)

Health awareness & sanitation drive in Peren

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State Geological Programming Board Meeting held in Dimapur

DIMAPuR, August 2 (MExn): State Geological Programming Board Meeting (SGPB) is held every year where members from the Central and State Government organizations deliberate on the works achieved on minerals resources, exploration/development in Nagaland and new programmes conceptualized for the next field season.

The 33rd SGPB was successfully conducted on July 31 at DGM Conference Hall, Dimapur. 94 delegates/ members attended the meet.

The Director and the Officers and Staff of the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) in a press release said that N. Thomas Lotha, MLA and Chairman, NSMDC graced the occasion as the chief guest. The MLA inaugurated the DGM Seismic Monitoring Cell and inspected the Departmental Museum, which

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hung. He disclosed that the church will take some decisions and measures if such satanic churches do exist in society. Rev Wati Longkumer, Director of NMM (NBCC) is also quoted by a news agency as saying that its youth department has been assigned to conduct a detailed report into the whole issue.

Sincere efforts made to resolve Naga issue: PM

DIMAPuR, August 2 (MExn): Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh has stated that continuous sincere efforts are being made to resolve the Naga issue.

The PM expressed his views while meeting the CLP members lead by Tokheho Yepthomi, CLP Leader at 7 Race Course Road, New Delhi on August 1.

C. Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary to CLP stated in a press release that the CLP members appraised the PM of the current political situation in Nagaland and impressed upon him to accelerate the process of resolving the long standing Naga Problem at the earliest, prefer-

The Morung Express

St. Joseph’s College welcomes 1088 new students

with 367 children like clipping of nails, trimming of hair and removal of lice using medicated shampoo, demonstration of correct method of brushing teeth and free distribution of bathing soaps, tooth brushes and tooth pastes etc. The team also distributed medicines for deworming and Iron Folic Acid tablets.

In all the visited villages, the village leaders and elders expressed gratitude to the team for not only sensitizing the community but also for demonstration the various ways to lead a hygienic life adding that such activities were first of a kind to be carried out in their villages.

According to the IEC Health Education Training Officer, this health awareness & sanitation drive is an ongoing process and that earlier the same drive has been carried out in Phek and Tuensang districts.

JAkhAMA, August 2 (MExn): St. Joseph’s College celebrated Freshers’ Day on July 31 to welcome the 1088 new students to the college. Speaking to the Josephite community, the Chief Guest, Er.Vikho-o Yhoshü, Parliamentary Secretary, exhorted the students to make use of the opportunity to learn the best. “Nothing in the world can take the place of hard work and persistence,” he told the students.

In his welcome address, Fr. Abraham Lotha, the Principal, assured the new students, “the Josephite community believes in you and support you as you grow in knowledge, wisdom and grace.” He further advised the students to “be positive and favourable to bold beginnings.”

The 1088 new students are from the B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., and B.B.A. streams. After the common function, the new students were welcomed again in the departmental Freshers’ programme.

It will provide opportunities and spaces for interested organizations to exhibit, share and demonstrate their activities, technologies and experiences.

This will provide opportunities for networking and collaborative/collective actions not just amongst organisation at state or regional levels but at the National level too. Interested Parties may get in touch with sdfn. office@gmail.com for more information.

It will witness dialogues Policy Makers Dialogue, Legislators Meet, SAPCC Mountain Caucus.

Exhibitions and demonstrations will also take place where this shall be a pavilion that facilitates

different development agencies and organizations to network and demonstrate experiences, as well as, the different innovations and technologies available in mountain states.

The Summit will feature 3rd Indian Himalayan Photography Competition, in Kohima from September 25 to 27, 2013 and also feature grassroots comic making workshop and culture, food festival and networking.

The Summit themes are Forests – Governance, challenges and opportunities, Water – Rivers, streams and springs, and Agriculture Sustainable Mountain Agriculture - Small scale farming.

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Kohima Summit SMDS-III State Level Workshop conducted

Our Correspondent Kohima | August 2

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In view of the forthcoming Kohima Summit: Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS)-III, a pre-summit (State Level Workshop) took place here today wherein the participants shared and discussed the processes for the success of the summit, which is scheduled for September 25 to 27.

Menukhol John, commissioner and secretary for land resources development, who is also focal person of SMDS to Government of Nagaland, led the workshop.

D. Ratno briefed the overview of IMI SMDS-III while Vengota Na-

kro and Dr. Cressida Jamir talked on water, agriculture and forests perspectives.

Sustainable Development Forum Nagaland (SDFN) – a registered not-for-profit forum, will host the Kohima summit where the Naga civil society, academia, entrepreneurs, government and the media collectively discuss and work in facilitating the state towards a sustainable development pathway.

The overall objective of the Kohima Summit: SMDS-III will continue to be in line with the objectives of the previous two other SMDS of the Indian Mountain Initiative (IMI) i.e. to provide a platform for Indian

Himalayan states to come together to discuss issues of development priority and to find ways to influence national and state public policies. The primary objective of the Summit will be to look at, share and understand policy and governance issues particularly around the proposed themes to learn from and suggest key interventions based on field experiences and intellectual inputs.

The Summit proposes also to initiate the process of cultural and social exchanges amongst the different mountain states and communities. To supplement this special site visits based on the themes; home stays; cul-

ture, music and food expositions and other events will be organised. A special session – meeting of youth from Mountain States - will also be organised as a presummit activity and the outcomes of this meeting shall feed into the main discussions of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit.

The Summit will be delivered in a workshop mode that would include: plenary/panel discussion, skill building, issue based thematic sessions in break-away groups and field visits. Leadership and climate change would be crosscutting themes of the workshop. There will be a site visits. Places in this

schedule included Khonoma, Dzüleke, Dzükou, Kigwema and Mima, Tuophema, Kikruma, Glory Peak, Pfütsero, Sendenyu and Trekking to Puliebadze.

Further, a number of crucial issues pertaining to mountain development will be discussed in smaller caucuses as side events. These side events shall generally be by invitation from amongst participants to the Summit or even otherwise. On the other hand, different agencies representing private, public and even the non-government sectors shall be invited and given space to hold exhibitions and share their knowledge and expertise.

C M Y K

Regional

The Morung express

Saturday

3 August 2013

Dimapur

3

Manipur urges to re-survey Indo-Myanmar Mizoram govt disowns company border ImPHAl, AUGUsT 2 (PTI): Manipur has urged the Centre to re-survey some areas along IndoMyanmar border in Chandel district following allegation that a section of it was likely to be ceded during the ongoing construction of border fencing, official sources said today.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had recently written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde the necessity to resurvey the area as some border pillars were missing near the border town of Moreh, sources said.

"Without the knowledge of the state government, the Centre cannot cede state territory to Myanmar," Ibobi Singh was quoted as saying during an official function at his office on July 31 in response to the allegation by some opposition parties that some areas were likely to be "sacrificed" during the ongoing border fencing.

Ibobi Singh had also said during the assembly session in June last that some border pillars were missing or covered with thick grass near border town of Moreh

Men carrying essential goods and crossing the Indo-Burma International border fencing in Moreh, a border town in the northeastern state of Manipur bordering Burma’s Tamu town. A file photo.

over the years.

All major political parties including CPI, Manipur People's Party, JD(U) had in separate statements some days ago alleged that the state government had failed to safeguard the state's border areas and interests of the border villagers during the ongoing con-

struction of border fencing by the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) personnel.

They accused the Centre and state government of trying to please the Myanmar government by sacrificing border areas of Manipur in the name of checking of infiltration of militants and pre-

vention of smuggling at the IndoMyanmar border.

Some social organisations including Rural Development Federation and various tribal bodies alleged about 100 villages were likely to be included in Myanmar after completion of the border fencing at Indo-Myanmar border.

AIzAWl, AUGUsT 2 (AGENcIEs): The Mizoram government on Thursday disowned a company which claimed itself to be a state government undertaking and said strict disciplinary action would be taken against the senior IPS officer who has floated the firm.

A disclaimer issued by the chief secretary's office said Mizoram Direct Marketing Limited, registered under the Companies Act 1956 on March 11, 2013 was launched by Principal Secretary of the state Industries department P C Lallawmsanga in his personal capacity, and not on behalf of the government of Mizoram.

Government officials floating business outfits to conduct commercial activities by branding the concern as a wholly owned company of the government of Mizoram required a policy decision by the Cabinet, the disclaimer said.

"Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association have neither been vetted by the Law Department nor concurred by the Finance Department, Government of Mizoram before approaching the Registrar of Companies and the Directors and have also not obtained prior permission as required under the CCS (Conduct) Rules to float a commercial concern," it said.

Lallawmsanga has not been authorised to sign the MoU between the state government and Chennai-based RMP Infotec Pvt Ltd on December 10, 2Ol2 and the licensee agreement between Mizoram Direct Marketing Ltd and Mizo Lifestyle Marketing Pvt Ltd dated March 13, 2O13

purportedly on behalf of government the disclaimer said.

Chief Secretary L Tochhong on Thursday told media persons that the government was contemplating taking disciplinary action against Lallawmsanga, a 1984 batch Tamil Nadu cadre IPS officer holding the rank of Additional DG of Police.

Punitive action might also be taken against the other two company 'directors' - Teresy Vanlalhruaii and Lalbiakthanga Chhakchhuak, sources said.

The Mizoram Direct Marketing Limited was formally launched on July 18 at Science City Auditorium in Kolkata, attended by well-known personalities including those from big companies.

Sources said Mizoram Chief Secretary informed Lallawmsanga not to attend the launching function, but the latter disobeyed her orders claiming that he and the newly-formed company had the blessings of the state chief minister.

The company's website was taken offline soon after launching of the company while it was suspected that some other government officials in the state Information and Communication Technology department and National Informatics Centre (NIC) were involved as the website was also reportedly designed by the state government-owned Zoram Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (ZENICS).

The company's main business, according to the pre-launch advertisements, was promoting direct selling of branded consumer goods in the country.

NEFR cancels 9 trains following protests in Assam Assam ragging leaves 12 minors with fractures

GUWAHATI, AUGUsT 2 (PTI): Nine trains have been cancelled; twelve others have been regulated in the up direction and five in the down direction by the North East Frontier Railway in the wake of the 12-hour rail blockade called by different Bodo organisations demanding a separate state of Bodoland.

Three trains have been rescheduled and two trains have been terminated and partially cancelled, NF Railway spokesman S Hajong said.

The trains that have been cancelled for Friday are the 15469/15470 Alipurduar-Lumding-Alipurduar Intercity Express, 15471/15472 Alipurduar-Kamakhya-Alipurduar Intercity Express, 55609 Dhubri-Fakiragram Passenger and 55611 Fakiragram- Kamakhya.

The other cancelled trains are 55901 Lumding-Tinsukia passenger, 55902 Tinsukia-Lumding passenger, 55754 Guwahati-Alipurduar passenger, 55753 Fakiragram-Guwahati passenger, 55601/55602 KamakhyaLumding-Kamakhya passenger and 15665/15666 Kamakhya-DimapurKamakhya BG Express.

The major up trains regulated are the 12436 Rajdhani Express at Tinmailhat and 12424 Up Rajdhani Express at Aluabari Road, while the 12235 Dn Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express has been regulated at Guwahati and 12423 Dn Dibrugarh Town-New Delhi Rajdhani have been regulated at New Bongaigaon.

The other major trains regulated in the Up direction are 15645 Up Lokmanya Tilak-Guwahati Express at New Coochbehar, 14056 Up Delhi-Dibrugarh Brahmaputra Mail at New Jalpaiguri, 15959 Up HowrahDibrugarh Kamrup Express at New Coochbehar and 12517 Up Kolkata-Guwahati Garib Rath Express at New Jalpaiguri.

The 12345 Up Howrah-Guwahati Saraighat Express has been regulated at New Alipurduar, 12502 Up Purbottor Sampark Kranti express at Alipurduar Jn, 12067 Up Jan Shatabdi express at Lumding, 12506 Up NE Express at Katihar, 15904 Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express at Dalkhola and 15611 Up Karmabhumi Express at Alipurduar Jn. In the down section, 15960 Dn Dibrugarh-Howrah Kamrup Express

has been regulated at Guwahati, 13247 Kamakhya-Danapur Capital Express at New Bongaigaon and 15924 Dn Jhajha Express has been regulated at Guwahati.

Meanwhile, 55714/55713 Bongaigaon-New Jalpaiguri-Bongaigaon Passenger will remain partially cancelled between Bongaigaon-New Alipurduar-Bongaigaon and 55714 will leave New Alipurduar at 2pm instead of 9.20am.

15465/15466 Siliguri Jn-DhubriSiliguri Jn Intercity Express of 02-082013 will remain partially cancelled between Alipurduar Jn-Dhubri-Alipurduar Jn and will run between Siliguri Jn-Alipurduar Jn-Siliguri Jn. Among the trains rescheduled are 12505 Guwahati-Anand Vihar Northeast Express scheduled to leave Guwahati has been rescheduled to 1.45pm instead of 9.45am.

12508 Guwahati-Ernakulam express scheduled to leave Guwahati on Friday at 6.30am has been rescheduled to 1.30pm and 05668 Dibrugarh-Kamakhya express has been rescheduled to leave at 1.45pm instead of 5am.

DImAPUR, AUGUsT 2 (mExN): The Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) and All Zeliangrong Students’ Union has taken serious note of the Manipur government’s petroleum allocation “which totally left out Tamenglong district while other districts of Manipur received their respective share.” A press note from the ZYF (AMN) and the AZSU said that allocation for petrol and diesel have been made on different dates but that it was denied to Tamenglong district except for 8KL of diesel allocated on July 31 for D Gaidingam Station, Noney.

The note said that this was done despite the fact that Petroleum products have been ferried for distribution to the people of the State by providing heavy security in-

Youth leader declared 'proclaimed offender' ImPHAl, AUGUsT 2 (PTI): Former president of the Manipur Forward Youth Front (MAFYF) Sapamcha Kangleipal, arrested in connection with an inflammatory public speech in 2008 and later escaped from security ward of a hospital, has been declared a 'proclaimed offender' by a local court.

Chief Judicial Magistrate (Imphal east district) N Tonen Meitei announced Kangleipal as a 'proclaimed offender' yesterday after a report was

submitted to the CJM court by the police that the youth leader had failed to turn up despite warning. Kangleipal who was arrested in late 2008 under National Security Act (NSA) for making a public speech which 'disturbed peace' in the state was kept at a security ward of the J N Hospital at Porompat following health problem.

But Kangleipal escaped from the hospital on the night of December 28, 2008. Police had published notification in the local papers and used pub-

lic address system at his birthplace at Nongada in Imphal east district on different occasions asking him to report to the police.

Since he had failed to turn up and report, police had informed the CJM court about the non-compliance of their order by the youth leader.

After perusing the police report and hearing all concerned, the CJM Meitei announced in the court that Sapamcha Kangleipal was a 'proclaimed offender.

Fate of 43 medical students from Manipur in limbo

ImPHAl, AUGUsT 2 (THE HINDU): The fate of 30 MBBS and 13 BDS students of Manipur hangs in balance now that the government which is sandwiched between two opposing groups of parents has been unable to conduct a selection test or recommend the names of those already selected. The MBBS and BDS students from north Eastern states except Assam are recommended to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal every year for admission. There are 15 medical seats reserved for the all India category.

Following the supreme court ruling, the Manipur government had selected 30 candidates from among the successful candidates of the national eligibility test. However when there was another ruling it was demanded that there should be a fresh selection test of the MBBS candidates from Manipur. Now the parents of two groups of prospective candidates are polarised. One group of parents says that the candidates who had been selected already on the basis of the NET results should be recom-

and 8 last week, said students of class 12 attacked them with bamboo poles and wooden planks on the night of July 29-30 after they evaded a “ragging session”. The assailants allegedly threatened them with more physical harm if they complained.

Gauhati HC directs CBI

ITANAGAR, AUGUsT 2 (PTI): The Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court has directed the CBI to investigate and register a case in the alleged irregularities by the board and others while preparing property assessment reports for compensation towards Trans-Arunachal Highway project.

While hearing a contempt case on July 29 last, the court directed the CBI to register a case within 10 days from that date and proceed with the investigation. The court on August 9, 2012, had disposed off two writ petitions filed by petitioners -Leiki Khandu and Dorjee Khandu -- with a direction to the CBI to make an inquiry into the matter to find out the truth on the alleged irregularities committed by members of the board and other persons, including the local MLA Phurpa Tsering within six months.

But even after elapse of 10 months, the CBI authorities failed to comply with the court's directive, following which the petitioners filed the contempt case making the CBI Joint Director, North East Zone as one of the three respondents with the deputy commissioner West Kameng and additional deputy commissioner Dirang being the other two. The CBI joint director in his affidavit told the court that it was the state government which had delayed curring huge public money. “Leaving out the matter in the issue of consent as statutorily required Tamenglong district shows deprivation under provisions of Sec 6 of the DSPE Act 1946 towards of entitlement which is discrimination by registering a regular case for investigation. the govt to the people of the district. Petrol and diesel is completely dried at Tamenglong district for the last many days but the people remain silent hoping that allocation would be made for the district,” it added.

The organizations said that the State government should realize that petrol and diesel “is highly necessity in far flung areas than in the valley as there is absence of other transportation facilities other than road transport.” It cautioned that if allocation is not made for the district by the next allocation, “vehicles movement ferrying petroleum products may be prohibited and restricted in the Zeliangrong areas.”

PNWW affirms ZYF (AMN), AZSYU concerned oneness in spirit over fuel shortage in Tamenglong

DImAPUR, AUGUsT 2 (mExN): The Poumai National Workers Welfare held its general meeting on July 30 at Senapati district headquarters. A press note from the Secretary and the Convener of the PNWW stated that the meet was attended by around 400 members. The note stated, “Poumai as one of the largest numbers in the national service resolutely affirms oneness in spirit and unity to support the collective leadership and its peace process.” It further added that the welfare will uphold the national principle and stand firm to the last.

GUWAHATI, AUGUsT 2 (HT): Seniors of a government-run residential school in western Assam’s Chirang district allegedly thrashed 12 minors in a case of ragging, leaving four of them with broken bones.

The victims, who had taken admission in classes 7

mended for admission, while the other group says that there should be a fresh and separate selection test.

The State Cabinet had deliberated the issue twice.

However, no decision was taken. It is not known if a decision will be taken in this regard and when. In the meantime, the classes of MBBS and BDS began from Thursday.

Prof S. Sekharjit, Director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal told The Hindu that since the academic calender has to be strictly adhered to, the classes had to started on schuedule. He explained that the first MBBS course which was for 18 months has been condensed to one year.

On the first day, the students attended Anatomy classes. Prof N. Dimayanti, head of department of Anatomy said that the students had purchased bones, equipments and necessary books. She felt that if the Manipur students are not immediately sent they will face irreparable loss.

In medical study, the students cannot recoup the classes lost by a few hours' reading in the library.

The school authorities allegedly tried to hide the incident. But it came to light after the students with broken bones needed medical attention, forcing principal SK Tiwary to call their parents. The parents subsequently lodged an FIR at the local police sta-

tion. Tiwary assured them that those found guilty of assault would be expelled from the school. The incident has drawn flak. “The school authorities should also be made accountable and punished,” All Bodo Students’ Union president Pramode Boro said.

Admission Started:1. Coaching for Repeaters.

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Contact: Ph. 0370-2241518, 9863143390, 9436830040 N.B. Hostel available for Both Boys and Girls.

C M Y K

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Saturday 3 August 2013

businEss Chandigarh, august 2 (agenCies): Tech Mahindra Limited, part of the USD 16.2 billion Mahindra Group that employs more than 155,000 people in over 100 countries, today announced in Chandigarh that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with select Indian universities to impart industry ready skills in IT Infrastructure Management Services (IMS).

Shrikant Vaze, Senior Vice President, Tech Mahindra told at a press conference here today that “the program aims at creating a pool of resources to meet the demand across various facets of the IMS segment”.

The five universities are: Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, JSS Mahavidyap0eetgha, Mysore, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubneshwar, Karpagam College of Engineering, Coimbatore and Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi. He said that Tech Mahindra, a specialist provider of connected solutions and enabling future digital enterprises, “recognizing the need for a veritable talent pool for the infrastructure managed services had joined hands with select Indian universities to

P

develop future ready talent for a connected world of great opportunities.”

The Academy at Chandigarh leverages ‘Megh’ - Tech Mahindra’s Cloud content delivery platform. The courses under this initiative cover the entire spectrum of IT Operations, Network Operations and Cyber security. ‘Megh’ has a designed capacity to train over 5000 associates. The tie-up facilitates students to be fully prepared to meet industry requirements with the right level of skills and aptitude.

“Through this partnership, Tech Mahindra aims to establish a strong academic connect and help create skilled resources to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s Digital Enterprise.

The IMS Academy has successfully graduated several students since its inception in 2011 in Hyderabad and with this MOU, we now take a giant leap by collaborating with the Universities through the launch of our second Cloud based Academy.” said Shrikant Vaze.

The course curriculum is created with a focus on developing expertise in various domains of IT Infrastructure Management Services.

I have a dream…

That one day there will no roads in Nagaland, so that we don’t have to squabble over whose responsibility it is to construct and maintain them, or worry where the fund is going to come from. Thus also making the politics of ‘land ownership rights’ irrelevant!

Dream with me will you? Then we will have no need for vehicles nor had to deal with traffic problems or face issues of environmental concerns. Fresh air at last eh!

I have a dream…

That one day there will be no drainage system in Nagaland, so that we can blame no one for the conditions of our roads, (rainy season) thus experiencing the joy of good old days, when roads were rivulets and rediscover the glee of catching the elusive crab for chutney on our way to nowhere and everywhere!

I have a dream…

That one day the water pipes that run throughout the entire length and breadth of Kohima town, along with the electrical lines becomes a tourist attraction and cause IIM’s and Oxford University to study the efficient way (or how we didn’t kill ourselves in the process) in which we manage our natural resources. Imagine Prince Charles writing letter of commendation for owners of such

Peace Channel For Peace

eace Channel is an indigenous and inter-religious movement that aims at creating peace in the THIRD MILLENNIUM by transforming culture of violence into a culture of peace. This is a part of the Global movement for education for peace. Children, parents and teachers as individuals and groups will play active roles in understanding one another and building good relations with others; across families, communities and regions by taking actions to create space for more just and peaceful society. Founded on 21st September 2005, the Movement focuses primarily on mobilizing the youth in educational institutions and localities into Quality Peace Clubs. The Quality Peace Clubs are fundamental functional bodies of the movement that brings together young people irrespective of tribe, religion and region to stand for peace and harmony in their immediate neighborhood. The Movement facilitates training and capacity building programmes on Peace and Conflicts for the members on a regular basis and keeps them connected and active through a host of district and state level capacity building programmes and cultural exchanges. The movement further reaches out to the adults by way of garnering support of the local leaders, religious leaders, bureaucrats, teachers and professionals from different walks of lives through Associate membership programme called People’s Forum for Peace (PFP). The members of PFP are the lead as well as resource persons for the movement in addressing local issues and guiding the youth. Taking

Tech Mahindra MoU with 5 Univ to groom students

The Morung Express

the message of Peace to the general masses, the movement has set up ‘The Peace Band’ – a concert team of musicians and performers from different churches and communities - who travel around localities and institutions with musical concert and street play on relevant themes. Through the annual peace awards, the movement honours individuals who have contributed towards peace building and peace education in Nagaland. Mention may be made of Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Rev L. Kari Longchar and Mr. Niketu Iralu etc. who have been honoured with Peace Channel Awards in the past years. The Annual Youth Peace Festival and Peace rally brings together thousands of youth in sharing ideas and culture. Interfaith/Inter Religious Conclaves and State Level Peace Seminars bring together fine minds from various religions and walks of life in discussion on issues relating to peace and harmony in the region.

The movement, since its introduction in Nagaland in 2005, has grown in leaps and bounds. Peace Channel has made its presence felt in all the districts of Nagaland. There are over 300 Quality peace clubs in 120 educational institutions and 20 localities in the state with over 30,000 (thirty thousand) members. Forays are being made into other states of the North East and the country.

Lately, it has come to the notice of the Peace Channel that, some people are accusing the movement of encouraging anti Christ activities in Tuensang and Zunheboto districts. Our coordinator of Tuensang, Miss. Athrongla Sangtam and Miss. Kikhetoli S.

A Parody: I Have A Dream

enterprise…come and buy…water certified by non other than His Excellency. At last we can compete with the Tiffin-wallas of Mumbai. Indeed, then only will Kohima become the true mirror/face of Nagaland.

I have a dream…

That one day there will be no institutionalization of educational system in Nagaland, thus erasing free and compulsory education for all, free books or midday meal. Then only will there be no problem of unemployed youths in our state or NPSC to decide who are employable. All citizens will then have the ‘rights’ to ‘be’ and ‘do’ nothing significant.

The word ‘literacy’ or ‘employability’ will thus become redundant, ushering classless society where no one is accountable to anyone/anybody for anything.

I have a dream…

That one day there will be no law and order and anarchy prevails in Nagaland. When confrontations are decided in Naga style (strongest, meanest and tricksters win’s the match). Then only will the Naga’s survive as a race of any significance. Imagine the amount

of time we spend in getting RTI for violations of our rights which are never addressed. Without any law or order we can find our own ways of solving problems…fine a pig…or if they are meaner than us…migrate…and form a new village, become the Goanbura and reconstruct tales (create myth of one’s greatness) of bravery and adventurism. Then we will all have spotless history past present and future.

I have a dream…

That one day there will be no electricity so that we can go back to our historical past and learn the values and tradition of our ancestors…living in a dormitory and sharpening the art of head hunting. When heads of women and children were hold dear we are told.

Besides the point then there will be no reason to tamper with our meters to Rs 60 a month nor will our children refuse to run an errant or fetch waters at midnight… “apa/oba/apo/ dad there is no light and I am afraid.” Then Nagas will be Nagas, ‘fearless’ and ‘peerless.’

33% reservation for women will not even be in our ‘collective conscience.’

I have a dream…

Zhimo Rotokha, coordinator of Zunheboto District are alleged of spreading satanic worship in the guile of Peace Channel’s activities. It may be possible that those who are responsible for spreading such rumors are ignorant of the true nature of Peace Channel or are maliciously tarnishing good name of the youth movement for personal gain. We are for CHRIST and strive to fight against anti-religious activities, all forms of evil and stand for justice, peace and work for religious harmony and unity. It is really unfortunate and disheartening to know that some individuals are working against such collective noble initiative of different communities, churches, faith based organizations, genuine and committed youth organizations of the societies to protect our children and youth from all kinds of antisocial activities and evil practices.

We believe in dialogue and all our differences can be sorted out through open dialogue. We humbly request you to help us to help our children and youth in Nagaland. Therefore, we encourage and request those who wish to get the correct information about the mission, its objectives and activities, please contact us at 9436260435, 8256907195, cpanto@gmail.com, www.peacechannel. in, peacechannelgroups@facebook. com. However, we firmly believe it’s time to put our hands together to fight against all kinds of evils that lures and attacks the innocent mind of our children and youth.

Fr.C.P.Anto Director Peace Channel

That one day there will be no need of university in Nagaland as education is made redundant and irrelevant. Everyday will be either a strike or a bandh and we will have no issues to ‘debate’ ‘reason’ or ‘evaluate’. Educational then will truly become universally universal with no agenda for human resource development or management.

I have a dream…

That one day we will have no political parties or political processes. Then only we will have no problem of; justifying self/others, why I became a ‘turn coat; captured booths, bribed votaries, siphoned funds, gave false promises, became disloyal, answering allegation of horse trading or trying to understand political ideologies.

Along with the above I also have a dream…that one day every Naga tribe, village, khel and colony blocks will become a self contain unit, a political microcosm of; self-sufficiency, self-financing and self-administering (read as overt sense of selfdeterminism) without any social-contract of human needs, be it physical, social, economic, moral, intellectual or spiritual. Thus we can TRULY say we exist as Greek City States.

Robin Temsu, Kohima

An Appeal to the General Public

T

he current rumors going on around accusing the movement of Peace Channel as encouraging anti- Christ activities is totally untrue.

We, the Peace Coalition of North East India (PCNI) would like to clarify it to the people that the Peace Channel is not an Anti- Christ group nor it is encouraging any such activities.

Peace Channel is a Youth Peace Movement where it encourages young minds to work for peace. Indeed the movement has done several programmes in the past promoting peace and harmony and has achieved tremendously. We have also worked together closely for several times on peace related issues. And as far as to our knowledge, there are no such anti-activities done or doing so by the Peace Channel.

Peace Channel is for ‘Peace’ along and there is no reason for the movement to be involved in all those anti- Christ elements when they are committed to fight against all sorts of injustices and evil practices.

Therefore, it is our request to the people to stop spreading false rumors and mislead the young minds who are really striving hard to promote a culture of peace in the region.

For Peace Coalition of North East India, Paul Lokho, Chief Coordinator.

Request to T Solo and KK Sema

N

owadays, it seems that some of the most brilliants and respected retired officers are coming into the way of Naga common interest and for which I appreciated them and also salute them through this column. But they must go carefully in the Naga political issue.

In the mean time, I would also like to request them that how much good work they have done for Nagas while they were in services and count one by one before the public so that the Nagas will also may be counted them as public leaders in the days to come.

Today, everyone is worry about the Naga political issue that how to bring an amicable political settlement of the long pending issue between the Nagas and the GoI. And in which, I myself who is working at the lowest level is also worry about the Naga common goal. And as such, it is really good that some retired Govt. officer in the like of above mentioned persons coming into the bloody field of the Nagas political issue after their retirement are must welcome by one and all.

I fervently request the Naga leaders to look back into the spot from where the Nagas started their independence demand and how the Nagas sacrificed their everything in the hand of their enemy for their lands, etc., so that the way of amicable settlement is to be find out.

However, the GoI must tender her apology first before Nagas that how inhuman and unwarranted activities done against the Nagas by the GoI. T L Angami

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

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ACROSS

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1. Bird of peace 5. not fully closed 9. Biblical kingdom 13. atop 14. Throats (archaic) 16. anagram of “Meat” 17. Fur 18. Decree 19. get-out-of-jail money 20. habituate 22. Dutiful or submissive behavior 24. Kind of moss 26. Small islands 27. alkalizer 30. Stoppage 33. Swallow 35. a bodily fluid 37. Egg cells 38. achievements 41. a leguminous plant 42. Fate 45. Entrance buzzer 48. Shoelace hole 51. Molasses 52. adult male singing voice 54. after-bath powder 55. Large church 59. Featureless

62. Chocolate cookie 63. heavenly hunter 65. Competent 66. a fitting reward (archaic) 67. Cringe 68. Killed 69. Prohibits 70. Dam 71. words

DOWN 1. hoodwink 2. not closed 3. indulgent 4. implore 5. how old you are 6. Martial art 7. Excuse 8. Break time 9. Diplomatic building 10. university administrator 11. Ear-related 12. Man 15. Supporting column 21. Every single one 23. Secure against leakage 25. Minor quarrel 27. Out of control 28. Exploded stars 29. Fitting 31. Faultless

32. hex 34. young boy 36. Fit 39. Preschooler 40. Classify 43. ways of doing things 44. away from the wind 46. harvest 47. used to stabilize a ship 49. Provide with a permanent fund 50. Fervid 53. Drizzly 55. grooming tool 56. District 57. adolescent 58. a door fastener 60. holly 61. Colorful salamander 64. Born as

Ans to CrossWord 2617

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/101 (O) 9436601225 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862-282777/101 (O) 9436012949 (OC) WOKHA: 03860-242215 (O) 9402643782 MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/101 (O) 9856872011 (OC) PHEK: 03865-223838/101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

NSCN-IM apprehends sex workers in Dimapur DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The NSCN-IM on Saturday apprehended two sex workers in Dimapur.

The organisation’s ‘area supervisor’ of Union Territory – I said that the two apprehended women, identified as Ruksana Begum (20 years), hailing from Diphu, presently residing at Naga cemetery and Sanjana Das (26 years), hailing from Barpeta Road, Assam and presently residing at Sunday Bazar, Khatkhati were caught from Hongkong Market-GS Road area. They were banished from Dimapur, it was added.

According to Kilonsercum-Caretaker CAO of UT1, Lt Col (Rtd) Ape Venuh,

the NSCN-IM is cracking down on prostitution, drugs and liquor to “free Naga society from social evils”. In this regard, the organisation has already put the plug on prostitution rackets run at five places in New Market; at the same time it will continue to check the sale of IMFL, drug peddling and sale of banned tobacco products, Venuh said.

The caretaker CAO also cautioned butchers against using faulty weights and measures, while adding that the organisation will be keeping an eye out for people and businesses indulging in adulteration of petrol.

Saturday 3 August 2013

‘JCC Freshers’ Day sans chief guest by choice’

KohIMA, AUGUST 2 (MExN): In yet another typical style of Japfü Christian College (JCC), the freshers of the college were welcomed sans a chief guest, by choice, in a function held on August 2, a press release from the principal of JCC stated.

The note informed that “dynamic person”, Rev. Dr. Chingmak Kejong Chang, from Eastern Nagaland was called to exhort the freshers. Rev. Dr. Chingmak Chang appreciated the absence of tribal bodies in the college and called upon students to become world citizens. He im-

Guest speaker Rev. Dr. Chingmak Kejong Chang giving away the college award to gold medallist Rokovikho Zashümo.

pressed upon the students that what they are now will determine what they will be tomorrow. He said one must be true and honest to oneself if one wishes to be somebody in future.

At the programme, PrincipalDr. Visakhonü Hibo encouraged her students to emulate the speaker in terms of holding on to values, integrity, hard work and leading a transparent

PhEK, AUGUST 2 (MExN): Civil Rights Crusader conducted awareness program at Pfutsero Government College and CBCC, Mission Compound, Pfutsero respectively on August 2, 2013. A press release from the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers' Organisation (NVCO) president and team leader of Civil Rights Crusader Kezhokhoto Savi stated that topics such as consumer rights, legal services authority – free legal aid to the poor and Lok Adalat, misleading advertisement and state consumer helpline with toll free No. 1800-345-3701, right to food, medical negligence, illegal taxation in the state, etc were discussed during the programme.

The civil rights crusaders consisting of Kezhokhoto Savi, Chubatola, Achiba, Kelevi, Ayang, and Vesekhoi presented the topics followed by question and open discussion. The session at Pfutsero Government College was attended by more than hundred students from the under graduate section along with vice-principal and lecturers, and at CBCC Mission Compound, the staff of CBCC and teaching faculty of Baptist Theological College participated.

The team also met the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pfutsero along EACs and Pfutsero Town Council Action Committee Convenor, where they deliberated on issues of consumers’ rights exploitation

life. Er. Khose Sale, in his BOM’s address, urged the students to work hard while encouraging the faculty to hold on to their unwavering commitment strengthened by a ministry mode.

Meanwhile, Rokovikho Zashümo, Gold Medallist in the three year integrated BA general course was felicitated by the college with a citation and a cash award of Rs ten thousand and one. The senior students entertained and motivated the freshers to be achievers, while the juniors expressed words of gratitude and ready to bond with the family of JCC, it added.

Dimapur

5

MEx FILE Tuensang DC notifies DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): In view of the announcement of the schedule for the Bye election to 51 Noksen AC by the ECI, all government employees have been directed to remain in their place of posting with immediate effect . A press note from the Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer of Tuensang said that all head of offices shall ensure the presence of their subordinate officers and staff in their respective offices. It added that permission for station leave on official duties shall be obtained from the undersigned with the details of such duties. It further said that any government employee on leave of absence on medical grounds shall be recalled and appear before the district level medical board. It also cautioned that disciplinary action would be initiated against any errant officials.

NSCN/GPRN warns illegal drug and liquor dealers

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The NSCN/GPRN Kilonser cum CAO (Caretaker) Union Territory-I, Lieut Col (Rtd) Ape Venuh has informed the illegal drug dealers and sellers to desist from their illegal activities. The CAO in a press release stated that the dealers indulging in illegal business, even after repeated warning is a direct challenge to the NSCN. The CAO also warned that failing to comply with the directive shall invite stern action in the form of capital punishment as per the Azha of the NSCN. Further, liquor sellers have also been reminded to stop their illegal businesses. It added in the district such as price- defaulters will be panelized heavily. For any complaint rise, toll tax collection, etc. or information with regard to aforementioned issues, A representation titled call 9089896501 and 9612507504.

“NVCO’s representation Naga Hoho supports evicting drive against illegal taxation and price-rise in goods and ser- DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Naga Hoho vice charges in the state” has extended its support to the Forest Department, was submitted to the Dep- Dimapur district administration and police force for uty Commissioner, Phek, evicting the encroachers of Nagaland Zoological Park, which they plan to submit Rangapahar, Dimapur on August 2. Naga Hoho publicit to all the Deputy Commis- ity secretary C Daipao in a press release stated that it fully supports the Forest Department for preserving sioners in the state.

Earlier on July 20, 2013, and protecting the Government property and zoologithe team of Civil Rights Cru- cal park for the generations to come. Further, the forest sader consisting of ten dif- department has been requested “to develop the area ferent groups was officially immediately and should not be left idle to avoid further launched at the state capi- encroachment in days to come.” tal with the object to con- Illegal electricity users informed duct awareness program on various topic of civil KohIMA, AUGUST 2 (MExN): All the unauthorrights in the various district ized/ illegal electricity users in the state, particularly in headquarters and sub-divi- Dimapur and Chumukedima are informed that the one sions to benefit the college month grace period to regularize illegal connection will students and civil societies lapse on August 11, 2013, which was designated during the launch of Anti Power Theft Police Squat (APTMS) in Nagaland. on July 11, 2013. In this regard, Chief engineer, Department of Power has informed that after August 11, the department will intensify the operations/ raids aggressively. Therefore, all illegal electricity users have been reminded to immediately regularize their connection before the grace period lapses.

‘Vision 2013: 100 days of revival’ Consumer awareness prog held in Pfutsero

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): A one of a kind approach to serve God through 100 days of revival is being organized by the Sinai Ministry, Dimapur. The vision to work 100 days conducting revival around Nagaland for all the tribes which started in January has so far covered 10 tribes, and their next destination is Mokokchung. “Our aim is to bring a major awakening among the people of Nagaland like the revival of 1976,” said Wapang Longchari, the president of Sinai Ministry.

Pit stop on the 48th day was the revival that started at Lotha Hoho Community Hall, DC Court Junction, Dimapur on August 2. This revival is mainly focused on

Worship band leading the congregation at the Sinai Ministry's revival service held on August 2.

the youths. Addressing the congregation, Among Lemtur, the speaker gave a gist of the word ‘Revival’ that is synonymous to “life coming to a death person” and “when God comes”. He asserted, “When all the human traffickers, wine dealers

Excise commissioner informs

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Nagaland Excise Commissioner, Maongwati Aier has in a press note informed that Lanuwati Jamir, Assistant Commissioner of Excise (Administration) has been nominated as the Officer in charge of the department’s grievance cell. It informed that the officer would receive complaints and suggestions with regard to the functioning of the department and the check gates in particular. It further said that a sign stat-

ing “No money be given or accepted in the check gates” will be put up in English and Nagamese.

The Officer can be contacted at 03862248848, 9436430507 or through fax at 03862248778.

In another note, the Secretary to the government of Nagaland has notified the Officers in charge of all police stations to function as prohibition officers under the Director prohibition, Nagaland for the purpose of the NLTP Act 1989 with immediate effect.

and drug dealers of Nagaland come to Church this is the success of a true revival.”

The main focus was reviving the youths under the realm of praise and worship. The three day revival starts at 4:00 pm which will continue till August 4.

Students urged to create opportunities for themselves at ANCSU’s Foundation Day Our Correspondent

The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) today observed its 34th Foundation Day here at Naga Solidarity Park with Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo as the special guest.

Kiewhuo complimented the Union for attaining 34th year and urged upon the Union to carry forward the banner for the welfare of the people. He also challenged the Union to have a clear vision to take the society forward.

Stating that future lies in the hand of students, he called upon the students to create opportunity for themselves and

not to wait for opportunity to come. “If you do not know how to create opportunity for yourself, you will sink in the vast ocean.” He maintained that whoever knows to create opportunity for himself/herself will shine. Also stating learning is a continuous process, he encouraged the students to exercise the usage after learning and use in a positive way. Naga Students Federation (NSF) president Tongpang Ozukum in his speech said that ANCSU is always at the forefront for the cause of students’ community. Asserting that ANCSU is one of the strongest forces and backbone of the NSF, he appealed to the Union to continue to lend its support and co-

operation to take forward the affairs of the students. Adding that people expect them to be transformative leaders and to bring change in the society, he said, “We need to live upto the expectation of the people.”

ANCSU former president Medo Chirhah highlighted the brief history of ANCSU. ANCSU came into being on August 2, 1979. Keynote address was delivered by ANCSU president Vilhousielie. The function was chaired by Ahito Achumi, former assistant general secretary ANCSU. Petekhrietuo Kiewhuo, assistant general secretary ANCSU said the invocation prayer, while special number was presented by Vetulu.

The ‘ad interim’ order was passed by the lower court after the settlers filed a petition seeking the same. The order came with the condition that the petitioners cannot construct any permanent structures in the said land under dispute.

Armed with the order, the settlers started erecting thatched structures.

It followed with the department appealing to the High Court for redress. The High Court through a ruling dated June 11, 2012 passed a stay order directing the settlers to desist from further construction. Later on July 29, 2013, the High Court in a ruling quashed the ‘ad interim’ order of April 2012 making way for the

eviction. The High Court in the judgment remarked, “The impugned order dated 24/4/2012 lacks necessary ingredients for being a judgement at all. The learned trial court not having framed the point for determination in such an important issue involving public interest and thereafter not having objectively decided the same, the impugned order has been vitiated. On totality of circumstances, the impugned order dated 24/4/2012 is liable to be rejected.” The Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, who supervised the eviction drive, said that the settlers even violated the ‘ad interim’ order of April 2013 while also violating the stay order of the High Court dated June 11, 2012.

“Eviction was inevitable because they

were occupying illegally.”

The Warden further said that the settlers claim that the land is outside the periphery of the Park whereas the wall is not the actual boundary. The actual boundary is the PWD road, it was added.

Meanwhile, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) lauded the initiative taken by the State Government, the District Administration and the Forest Department. Terming move as a bold step undertaken to safeguard “common property”, it appealed all citizens to have “sense of responsibility” in preserving the Zoological Park. Describing the Zoological Park, “as a pride and prestige of the State” it further appealed all to desist from encroaching into the Park.

Kohima | August 2

NU Geography dept admission notice No respite for...

lUMAMI, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The list of provisionally selected candidates for admission to M.Sc. / M.A. (first semester) programme for 2013-14 in the Department of Geography, Nagaland University, Lumami has been displayed in the notice boards of the Department and University. The shortlisted candidates have been requested to come for interview with their original certificates and marksheets on August 6 and 7 at 10.30 am at the Department of Geography, NU Lumami. Candidates who have not attached all the required certificates/marksheets etc. with their application forms can produce before the interview board on August 7 at 11.00 am in the Department. The list of selected candidates is available at the University website www.nagauniv.org.in. This was informed by Head of Department of Geography.

Continued from page 1

Road blocked for repair

KohIMA, AUGUST 2 (MExN): Vehicular movement along the affected area of National Highway -29 between Phesama and Kigwema, about 12 kms away from Kohima has been closed since 6:00 AM today. The movement of all kinds of traffic will be completely restricted along the stated section of the Highway for a week to repair the road. An advisory alternative route for commuters is now Kohima-Chakhabama- KidimaViswema, Chakhabama- Mima, Kohima- Chakhabama– Pfutsero-Tadubi (Manipur), Kohima- ChakhabamaPfutsero- Chizami- Jessami (Manipur).

NRBPS SHGs informed

KohIMA AUGUST 2 (MExN): All the presidents, secretaries and members of all the Self Help Groups under Nagaland Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samity, (NRBPS) Kohima Village area that a consultation meeting for the ongoing project program will be held at NRPS Hindi school opp. Don Bosco HSS, Kohima on August 4 at 1:00 pm. All the members have been requested to attend the meeting positively. For further information, contact joint secretary at 8974932651.

Cough syrups seized

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): Two persons were caught with 36, 000 bottles of cough syrups at the Chumukedima checkpost by Excise personnel on August 1. The two accused, identified as Abdul Basit (36 years) and Habib Ahemd Choudhari (30 years) were headed for Wokha in a transport truck (NL 05D 9164) along

with the restricted consignment. The former of the two is said to be a medical supplier. According to the Commissioner of Excise & Prohibition, Maongwati Aier, the two could not produce any documents in support of the drug. Cough syrups are a restricted drug, which can be sold and acquired only on the prescription of a medical professional.

Naga Council on eviction, Young entrepreneurs preserve culture through Tsungremmong sentencing rapists, and crimes

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Forest department under the leadership of Minister Y. Patton has impressed the whole population of Nagaland by undertaking an eviction drive in the Zoological Park whereby “professional encroachers” were evicted and whole structures were demolished including a church. Stating this in a press release, Naga Council has extended full support to the Forest department in its endeavour to protect our forests, its resources and flora and fauna. “The Forest department under Y. Patton has shown that indeed the writ of the departments should prevail if one has the determination and grit not deterred by vested interest,” it added.

Further, it acknowledged the district and ses-

sions judge S Hukato Swu for “applying the full gamut of the law” in sentencing the four illegal immigrant rapists of a Naga woman recently. It termed it commendable that the case was disposed off in barely a year’s time. In hindsight, however, it said the four rapists should have been also charged under Foreigners Act so that “a message is sent out loud and clear that illegal immigrants cannot enter our state and that they can be booked for any anti-social activities they indulge in.”

Naga Council also lauded the Dimapur police for arresting over 30 extortionists this year alone. If the arrested extortionists till date, operating mostly from Dimapur and Kohima are not let off by the courts, (Ko-

hima police arrested over 70 counting from 2012), then it is fair to assume that we’ll have fewer crimes and criminals to deal with, it said. It also appealed to the courts to take a hard-line view on crimes being committed and apply full interpretation of the law.

Meanwhile, it also congratulated the newly selected office bearers of NBOADD led by its chairman Thungbemo Murry and the team of advisors, such as Dr. Aotoshi, CII president, Nagaland Chapter, Neibu Nagi, Hotelier, Ato Yepthomi, businessman, NR Zeliang, contractor and Dr. John Murry, businessman and prominent citizens to guide the nascent body in its endeavour to revamp the economy of the state in the favour of the Nagas.

Troupe of young Aos performing traditional Ao dance at the Tsungremmong festival in Tuli on August 1.

TUlI, AUGUST 2 (MExN): Phoenix Society, a group of young entrepreneurs organized Tsungremmong festival cum inter-ward cultural competition at Tuli public ground, Tuli Town on August 1, 2013 under the theme “For the promotion and preservation of our Ao Naga culture and tradition.”

MLA & Chairman Nagaland Pollution Control Board Amenba Yaden graced the function as chief guest. Numbers of dignitaries including the ADC Tuli, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Executive Engineer (PWD), Major Pradap Singh

were also present.

A press release received here stated that the chief guest spoke on the essence of Jhum Cultivation. He enlightened that our great grandfathers were dependent on Jhum, and the festival was a celebration to praise the God for the blessings. He also appreciated the organizing society for calling out to the people, especially the younger generation to preserve the values and ethos of our rich culture and tradition and urged the people to dwell in unity and co-operate with the Government to

bring development in the area and also focus on entrepreneurship, which he said was one major factor for development. Short speeches were delivered by All Ward Chairman P. Bendangwati and Lanutemsu.

The Watsu Unit Tuli also presented a cultural song and Yapang Lemtur and his group enchanted the crowd with a modern Ao cultural song. Longlilenden Ward and Longpong Ward were adjudged first and second winners and cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 were awarded to them respectively.

6

People, life, etc...

Saturday | 3 auguSt, 2013

A brave film that mirrors an Assamese reality Abdul Gani

ed to tell a story. I strongly believe that cinema, as a popular medium of storytelling, needs to do more than just entertain audiences. It has the ability to force viewers to think and then bring about a transformation."

Viewers are introduced to Taru and her husband, Bhola, portrayed on screen by popular Assamese theatre actors, Tarulata Kutum and Pabitra Rabha, respectively. The couple work as daily wagers, struggling to make ends meet by slogging in a stone quarry near their village.

Insurgency in the area makes matters worse for them as they deal with the highhanded attitude of the security personnel deployed in the region.

When Taru catches the eye of the owner of the quarry, he starts making uninvited advances. Desperate to keep her job, she is unable to take any concrete action against him although she tries to handle the situation by turning him down quietly. He, however, takes offence at being rebuffed and starts making trouble for the couple at work. Then, as if that was not already enough to cope with, tragedy strikes the couple once again, when Taru is cornered by some security personnel and raped.

The pain and trauma that Kutum has portrayed on screen is something that scores of women in the Northeast have undergone. And, as is the case in real life, Taru also becomes a pawn for local leaders who use her misfortune to gain political mileage. In Manna's movie, reality really bites when the quarry owner, too, gets his revenge. He organises

been able to make a better film had I some more money in hand. But I'm really glad that people around me came forward to help," adds Manna, whose earlier film 'Aideu', too, had received rave reviews from viewers as well as critics across the globe.

'Adhyay', which has already been screened at the Kerala International Film Festival in Thrissur in February and the Habitat Film Festival in Delhi in May, was an unusual experience for the actors as well. Kutum had to draw on varied experiences and observations to honestly portray the female lead with absolute honesty. She says, "Living in Assam one gets to read about practices like witch hunting in the newspapers very often. But it is altogether different having to visualise it as a scene.

By doing so, however, I truly understood how traumatic it can be."

The actress is hoping that the film will be screened in rural areas where such practices are still being followed. "In rural India, witchhunting still goes on. So we want people to see the film and realise for themselves what a terrible crime it is," Katum explains.

According to official figures, in Assam alone a total of 80 people were killed due to witch-hunting between January 2006 and February 2011. This, despite the fact that, according to the 2011 Census there has been a rapid increase in literacy levels. Author and activist, Maini Mahanta, based in Guwahati, sees this as a worrying trend, "It's clear that simply going to school and becoming formally literate does not mean anything. What is required is

a complete transformation in popular attitudes. Today, even those who are highly educated are sometimes involved in such crimes. I also think spreading awareness among women in rural areas is important if we want to end such practices.

We have to make women feel stronger."

Besides stricter law enforcement and good governance, Mahanta believes that an active civil society can swing the balance in favour of women. "Films that highlight such horrifying truths, or prominent personalities who raise their voice in support of such causes, can play a significant role in changing the manner women are treated in society today. Simply condemning such acts will not do, we need to go into these areas and meet with people to help them understand the unacceptability of crimes against women. It is only then can change come about," she adds.

These are disturbing times for Assam. The official records reveal that 38,825 cases of atrocities against women were registered from 2002 to January 31, 2013. In fact, the eyar 2012 alone accounted for 6,673 of such cases. Besides, 1,229 cases of dowry deaths occurred during this period and cases of kidnapping of women stood at 22,050. Assam notched the largest number of such crimes in the Northeast, according to the 2012 report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Given this, films like Manna's 'Adhyay, A Chapter' are precisely the reality check that the state requires.

Women’s Feature Service

Garance Frakie Ruta

It takes an informed and empowered community to harvest the fruits of educational entitlements, including non-discriminatory access to midday meals. The promises made in the Right to Education Act can only be wrested as rights when they are owned by the community, and this sense of ownership can only be developed through social campaigns and interventions.

India’s Mid Day Meal Scheme reaches 120 million children in over 12.65 lakh schools and nutrition centres across the country. The idea behind it was to provide twofundamental entitlements guaranteed by the Indian constitution – namely the right to food and the right to education. The availability of a warm lunch in school has helped to arrest the phenomenon of children from poor communities – especially those that are discriminated against like dalits – dropping out of school.

The midday meal tragedy in Bihar has drawn attention directly to the way we articulate and work for educational entitlements, including, of course, the Mid Day Meal Scheme. Our approach can no longer afford to be casual and random.

Instead, it has to be systematically embedded in a process that engages the community, parents and teachers.

That is why the story of Nazia Jahan is so important. Coming from a community that reflects some of the poorest educational levels in the country, Nazia was hesitant to even visit her children’s school, let alone ask the teachers about the schooling they were getting.

She was illiterate, came from the Muslim community, and like most people living in poverty, education was the last thing on her mind. A resident of the the Ramteerath ward of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the 32-year-old has five children.

Her husband made small amounts of money to support the family by taking up odd jobs as a cleaner in the city’s neighbourhoods.

Nazia’s own journey to find a voice and get it heard has led to the School Management Committee (SMC) in her son’s school getting transformed into a vibrant platform. In the process, she has demonstrated that the functioning of the school and the education it imparts needs to be the collective responsibility of parents, teachers and the school management.

In February 2013, Lokmitra – a partner with our organisation, the Poorest Areas Civil Society (PACS) programme – introduced Nazia to a training model that sets out to build the capacity of the community to understand and engage with issues of discrimination under the Right to Education Act. Accessing entitlements under the Act is also a part of the learning. The young mother then went on to use her new understanding and capacity to engage with the school for provisions that she and others like her had been denied because of general apathy on the part of the school.

The Narhi Primary School in Ramteerath ward, where Nazia’s children studied, has seven classrooms. But the paucity of teachers and lack of interest by the management led to different batches of children being made to sit together within the same room. For instance, Class I and Class II would have their classes within a single classroom. What learning went on in such circumstances can only be imagined.

The problem was that the members of the SMC were neither aware of their responsibilities and power, nor were they motivated to do something about the education that was being imparted to their children. It was here that Nazia could make a difference. “I did not have confidence or information on how to approach the

In her new book, Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer, recounts a warning she delivered to Harvard Business School students in 2011. “About one-third of the women in this audience will be working full-time” in 15 years, she told them. “And almost all of you will be working for the guy you are sitting next to.”

Surveying the stubborn gender inequalities of the early-21st-century workplace, Sandberg has written what might best be described as a cross between a feminist treatise and an airport business book, in which she advocates for structural changes to make corporate America more hospitable to women—particularly mothers. She also issues a bracing call for women to propel themselves ever higher, take more risks, speak up, negotiate, and pull a seat up to the table. But for all the persuasive parts of her argument, a vexing contradiction remains mostly unaddressed. In one important arena, women have already, to borrow Sandberg’s phrase, been aggressively leaning in: school. Women surpassed men as a percentage of college students in the late 1980s, and by 2009 had become the majority of master’s-degree students and doctoral candidates. The majority of Americans older than 25 with college degrees are, today, women. Yet just 4.2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. So why hasn’t women’s success in the academy led them to more leadership positions in the work world?

Many parts of the work world, by comparison, are still plagued by sexism, or reward a particular sort of self-promotion that many women shy away from. Studies have repeatedly shown that women get more criticism and less praise in the workplace than men do. They are offered lower starting salaries, and are judged more negatively by prospective employers than are men with identical backgrounds.

And unlike in school, the burden of fighting discrimination rests almost entirely on an individual, who must initiate grievance procedures against her boss.

Just as important, the behaviors that school rewards—studying, careful preparation, patient climbing from one level to the next— seem to give women an advantage academically, judging from the fact that they get higher grades in college than men do. Yet these behaviors aren’t necessarily so helpful in the workplace. Out in the work world, people hire and promote based on personality as much as on formal qualifications, and very often networking can trump grinding away. As Whitney Johnson and Tara Mohr put it in an article on the Harvard Business Review’s Web site earlier this year, “The very skills that propel women to the top of the class in school are earning us middle-of

the-pack marks in the workplace.”

It can take young women years to realize that the professional world is less of a meritocracy than the school world, and that the strategies that lead to success in one realm may not be enough to master the other. In the meantime, many suffer from what Carol Frohlinger and Deborah Kolb, the founders of Negotiating Women Inc., a firm that coaches women in leadership skills, call “tiara syndrome”—the belief that if they “keep doing their job well, someone will notice them and place a tiara on their head.” This tends not to happen.

Women begin to fall behind the moment they leave school. Even controlling for their college major and professional field, they wind up being paid 7 percent less than men, on average, one year after graduating, according to a 2012 study by the American Association of University Women. One reason is that they take fewer risks right out of the gate: they are much less likely to negotiate their first salary—57 percent of men do this, versus 7 percent of women. Compared with their male peers, women also set less ambitious goals. A McKinsey study published last April found that 36 percent of male employees at major companies hope to be top executives, compared with just 18 percent of female employees. I’ve heard countless stories that reflect this same divide. Stephanie Mencimer, now a reporter at Mother Jones, told me that when she was a hiring editor at The Washington Monthly, she marveled at how, among comparably credentialed applicants just out of school, women were more likely to apply to be interns, while men would apply to be editors at the magazine.

Sensing that they are not prepared for the world they have entered, many professional women seek still more academic credentials. I’ve come to think of this as intellectual primping—the frequently futile hope that one more degree will finally win notice, and with it, that perfect job or raise. Eight years ago, Anna Fels, a New York City psychiatrist in her 60s, published a book called Necessary Dreams: Ambition in Women’s Changing Lives. She told me she has since noticed that, in the wake of gains unimaginable when she was young, women today may have a harder time seeing the barriers before them than did the women of her generation. “Women may think the more degrees they get, the more chances they have of being hired,” she says, “but they are swimming upstream.”

In the 20th century, women often needed to be better-credentialed than men to get to the same place—for example, female Pulitzer Prize winners tended to be bettereducated than men who won the same award. But in the 21st century, education is clearly no panacea.

Women's Feature Service

Even though the voices demanding stricter laws to deal with violence against women have grown louder across the country, the crime graph, unfortunately, continues to reflect a very grim reality.

For years, Arun Manna had wanted to register his protest against the inhuman way in which women are treated, either in the name of tradition and societal norms or simply as a means of subjugating them.

Having grown up in Assam, a state that has faced sectarian clashes and large-scale displacement for decades together, Manna, a National Award winning filmmaker, has seen for himself how violence affects local women in the worst possible ways. Even today, custodial rape, assault, kidnappings and other attacks are part of everyday reality in this region.

Manna finally got the opportunity to express his angst through his latest film. 'Adhyay, A Chapter', which captures in a hard-hitting manner the social realities of Assamese women. The protagonists are a poor couple living in a remote village. It is their trials and tribulations that make up Manna’s story.

Explains Manna, an alumnus of Mumbai's St Xavier College, "Horrific incidents of violence against women have been part of public discourse for some time now. All of us hear about it but are unable to do anything in concrete terms. As a filmmaker, I kept asking myself, 'what can I do?' That’s when I decid-

villagers to declare Taru a 'witch', which leads to her social boycott and eventual death.

"This is the harsh reality that unfolds every now and then in our state. I always wanted to bring this

ferently after watching my film, I will consider it a victory," says the filmmaker.

Known for his serious, issuebased cinema, it was tough for Manna to put together the capital needed

The life of the female protagonist of 'Adhyay' mirrors that of scores of women in the Northeast who are struggling for survival in the shadow of pain, trauma and extreme violence. (Courtesy: 'Adhyay')

injustice to light in the hope that – about Rs 12 lakh – for the project. one day it will change. Even if a few It took him five years to complete people can be inspired to react dif- the 90-minute movie. "I would have

Minding the Midday Meal: how a mother made a difference Why isn't better education giving women more power?

Parvinder Singh and Priyanka Sarkar

India's Mid Day Meal Scheme reaches 120 million children in over 12.65 lakh schools and nutrition centres across the country. The availability of a warm lunch in school has helped to arrest the phenomenon of children from poor communities - especially those that are discriminated against like dalits - dropping out of school. (Credit: Neena Bhandari\WFS)

school on the way my child was being taught. I did not even know that there is a committee and parents can be part of it,” she recalls, highlighting one of the biggest challenges in implementation of the Right to Education Act’s provision of participatory and shared accountability on the functioning of the school. The law envisages a powerful school-community interface through SMCs to address the realities of exclusion and discrimination.

Empowering Nazia to talk to parents and the local community, mobilise them and inspire them to take up the issue with the school principal was Lokmitra.

The organisation has adopted a model – evolved in partnership with PACS – that trains socially excluded groups through the SMC and enables them to monitor school activities and functioning; prepare and recommend a school development plan; become involved in grant utilisation planning and follow up on the attendance of both teachers and students. The MDM scheme and enrolment of children in the age group of 6-14 years is an important element of SMC’s scrutiny.

Under the model, intensive training of SMC members takes place in batches of 40 members or so, to build perspective on entitlements under the Right to Education Act. The need for such an intervention can be gauged from the fact that in a large number of cases the SMC members are not even aware that they have been selected as representatives. Nazia's case was similar. It was only after she received training along the lines outlined, followed by a period of hand holding, could she become an active SMC member.

The model also trains parents from socially excluded groups on ways to lobby with schools.

This is done through interactive exercises and sharing of experiences through role-playing. In this way, SMC members learn how to pitch an issue to the school authorities. They also understand the various forms of discrimination that manifest themselves in schools.

Going by a most cursory reading of newspapers, and the testimonies of many children,

it is clear that discrimination along caste and communal lines is very much a reality in most schools these days. A path breaking working paper, entitled ‘Exclusion and Discrimination in Schools: Experiences of Dalit Children’, brought

by Indian Institute of Dalit Studies and UNICEF in 2009, observes: “The discrimination in school continues in both active and hidden forms. One of the most important spheres within the school where exclusionary practices continue to flourish are those that are concerned with water and food, which have been traditionally potent sites of caste based discrimination… Where ‘running water’ is not available in schools through taps (and hand pumps) and drinking water is ‘stored’ in earthen pots, jars or served in glasses, Dalit children are likely to continue to face caste prejudice reflected in discriminatory practices such as not being allowed to take water themselves.”

Given this unfortunate reality, the principle of social inclusion constitutes a very crucial element of this model that Lokmitra has promoted.

Through a multi-pronged strategy of empowering communities, children from socially excluded backgrounds are also being together in groups known as Bal Panchayats. Information and understanding on various entitlements are then imparted to them. These Bal Panchayat children, in turn, become vital links to parents, helping to prod them into discharging their responsibilities as members of SMCs. After these trainings are completed, Lokmitra's cluster managers assist the SMC to conduct regular meetings, speak to school authorities, monitor school budgets and supervise the Mid Day Meal Scheme.

Nazia is just one mother who has evolved from being absolutely ignorant to becoming a pro-active member of the school SMC. In fact, today she heads the committee. Under her watch, the community may be sure that the Mid Day Meal provided to the schoolchildren of Narhi Primary School will be safe and wholesome.

(Singh is head of Advocacy and Communications, and Sarkar is Knowledge and Communication Manager, PACS.)

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.

(Source: The Atlantic)

Morung Youth Express

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

3 auGuSt, 2013

7

A Nation Shaped by Its Poorest Citizens The New York Times

T

hey squat like giant frogs to mop the floors.

They carry large lanterns on their heads at wedding processions. With grave faces, they iron underwear that is not theirs, and serve their masters in many other ways. But there is something else that India’s poor do for the rich, something more complicated. That is why poverty is often top news in this great republic, as it has been over the past several days. Not because of its rarity or its power to shock — that is a laughable thought — but because the poor have a relentless and extraordinary influence on the rest.

Last week, the Indian government announced that it had good news. In the span of seven years starting in 2004, nearly 138 million Indians had ceased to be extremely poor. Not because they had died, but because they had risen above the poverty line, also known as the Tendulkar Line.

But there was no celebration. The poor did not appear to know of their great escape. As for the middle class and the mainstream news media, they reacted with anger. They denounced the news as deceit by statistics, and condemned, as they have before, the Tendulkar Line, which stands for a household expenditure of about 5,000 rupees, or $83, a month for an urban family of five, and even less in rural areas.

In defense of the government, a politician who was once an actor said he could enjoy a full meal in Mumbai for 12 rupees. Another politician, an avid golfer, said it was possible to eat for just 1 rupee — if an Indian “desired.” Another said 5 rupees would fetch a meal. There was much uproar from their political rivals, social activists and journalists. Yet another politician has set out to prove that he can have a meal for 20 rupees, angering the middle class even more.

A less clownish defense from within the government was that the Tendulkar Line, if adjusted for living costs in India, is roughly equal to the World Bank’s poverty line of $1.25, which several nations have adopted.

India’s leading commentator on economics, Swaminathan Anklesaria Aiyar, wrote in his column that “the world,” in which he included “poverty specialists,” praised China when it claimed to have reduced the number of its extremely poor by 220 million between 1978 and 2004 using a definition of poverty that was lower than the Tendulkar Line, but that the Indian government’s success was being regarded with suspicion by development economists, talk show guests and other forms of intellectuals, who consider the Tendulkar Line an insult to India’s poor.

The poor would be moved if they only knew how much reverence the well-fed have for their condition, a sort of sacred plight that should not be defiled by charlatan statistics. In fact, the elite in India are deeply influenced, affected and shaped by the nation’s poverty.

At a fundamental level, it provides an affluent Indian with a moral direction, if not for himself then for the nation — end poverty — and an honorable reason to hold politicians in contempt — they have not ended poverty.

It also provides him with an indisputable reason to believe that he himself is privileged, a belief he abandons only with the shock of first setting foot in a prosperous nation. Every Indian in the upper reaches of society is, inescapably, a poverty-eradication thinker. His insurmountable problem is finding a competent authority to whom to delegate this task.

Yet, he is also a great beneficiary of the nation’s poverty. It may appear that he is part of a fiercely competitive society, but the fact is that, considering the odds he would face if every Indian were empowered, if every Indian child had eaten well and gone to a decent school, he has it easy. In almost every sphere of activity, men and women with limited talents can go very far because most Indians have never had the opportunities to fully challenge them.

In return, among other things, he has to endure the relentless stares of poverty.

The simplest signs of affluence can seem

obscene in public. Is it arrogant to walk down a street in most neighborhoods eating Kentucky Fried Chicken? It probably is. In a large uppermiddle-class settlement of Gurgaon, which is a part of the National Capital Region, parents dropping their children off at school almost always use their smaller, more modest cars. Apart from practical reasons, like the greater convenience of parking, they are also unnerved by the steady stares of idle men sitting on the walls, standing on the sidewalks. The well-to-do prefer to be inconspicuous when they leave their children in someone else’s care for hours.

Abject poverty also, inevitably, shapes the works of India’s economists, artists, journalists and curious people who make documentaries for a living. Until recently, India’s novelists and filmmakers complained that the outside world did not take them seriously if they were not portraying exotic Indian poverty. That grouse has since subsided as the bleeding hearts of the outside world have moved to new frontiers.

Not surprisingly, poverty is at the heart of Indian economics. For most of July, India’s news media joyously played host to a battle between the economists Amartya Sen and Jagdish Bhagwati. Sen restated his long-held conviction that investment in public health and education would, along with the benefits of a market economy, take India far. Bhagwati restated his own that India must focus primarily on economic growth, to give it the means to pay for social welfare.

Sen, in an interview, chuckled when he used an expression that is popular in India: “inclusive growth.”

I asked him why he found it funny.

“I don’t find it funny,” he said. “I find it somewhat redundant. Sustained economic growth and inclusive growth are not disparate.”

But somehow India has managed to separate the two. It is as if the nation did not really want the demise of poverty. For, after all, it is India’s most enduring heritage.

'People are sick of being afraid all the time' John-Paul Flintoff

Y

The Guardian

ou can't give children what you don't have yourself," says Brené Brown. "No matter how much importance you place on it." For instance, you can't raise children to be more resilient to shame than you are yourself. "I can encourage my daughter to love her body," she says, "but what really matters are the observations she makes about my relationship with my own body. Damn it. So the question isn't so much, 'Are you parenting the right way?' as it is, 'Are you the adult you want your child to grow up to be?'"

Brown, a Texan academic turned bestselling author, wife, daughter, sister and mother of two, came to prominence after recording a Ted talk in which she argued that to live a full life requires courage – and showing courage means doing things that make you feel vulnerable. It quickly became one of the most successful Ted talks of all time: more than 10 million people have seen it online and shared her message that we should stop worrying about being perfect, accept ourselves as we are, and engage meaningfully with one another.

To a cynical British ear, this may sound embarrassingly new age, but Brown's Ted talk has been embraced by the American military and she's in huge demand as a speaker at global corporations. Neither is she a model of perfection: in a video call from her home in Houston, Brown tells me that she flips people off when she's driving and would instinctively rather punch somebody than make herself vulnerable. But her academic research showed that the shaming culture we live in makes it harder than ever to show courage and be vulnerable – and somebody had to speak out.

"People are sick and tired of being afraid all the time. People want to be brave again. So the message is,

do it! Get your courage on, but be clear that it won't be easy. It's going to feel like shit."

Researching her latest book, Brown carried out formal academic interviews with 1,280 people. "One of the most powerful experiences I had was asking middle-school children the difference between belonging and fitting in. They said, fitting in is when you want to be part of something and belonging is when people want you just as you are. I get to be me if I belong and I have to be like you to fit in. What was shocking was when they said, 'Miss, it's really hard not to belong at school, but nothing is as painful as not belonging at home.'"

Without meaning to, parents cause that pain when they allow children to sense the disappointment, embarrassment or indifference they feel towards them. That is something Brown believes we can all learn to minimise, by fighting against the shaming culture we inhabit and teaching children resilience.

We live in a culture with a strong sense of scarcity. "We wake up in the morning and we say, 'I didn't get enough sleep.' And we hit the pillow saying, 'I didn't get enough done.'"

We're never thin enough, extraordinary enough or good enough – until we decide that we are. "For me," says Brown, "the opposite of scarcity is not abundance. It's enough. I'm enough. My kids are enough."

If we really believe this, we stop trying to fix everything for them. "If one of my kids is struggling, it feels excruciating to let them go to school and figure it out for themselves.

Hope is a function of struggle. People with the highest hopefulness have the knowledge that they can move through adversity. When we take adversity from our children, we diminish their capacity for hope.

"It's tough to step back. I would much rather intervene and fix things myself. If they're struggling with a teacher, I can whip out an

email and it's pretty impressive and it takes five minutes. But to sit down and talk to Ellen and let her write the email and proof it with her and talk about how to structure it – that is going to take 45 minutes."

When time itself feels scarce, the temptation is to take the easy, quick option. But Brown describes these everyday opportunities for loving intervention as Sliding Doors moments (after the film) – opportunities we either seize or deliberately avoid. We can avoid them occasionally, but do it too often and relationships suffer, not just between parent and child but between couples.

"If you are always choosing to turn away, then trust erodes in a relationship – very gradually, very slowly. When the people we love stop paying attention, trust begins to slip away and hurt starts seeping in. Disengagement triggers shame and our greatest fears – the fears of being abandoned, unworthy and unloveable. What can make this covert betrayal so much more dangerous than something like an affair is that we can't point to the source of our pain – there's no event, no obvious evidence of brokenness."

To seize every opportunity to show loving commitment would be shattering, wouldn't it? Who, really, has the time? And what if the other person doesn't let you even try? One of Brown's most appealing qualities is that she openly admits to failing frequently at what she encourages others to do – but keeps trying anyway.

Showing courage, in the name of meaningful relationships, is hard work. "And we don't do it perfectly," Brown says. "When we don't, we apologise and make amends."

People who don't have the capacity to apologise, she contends, are normally people who never saw their parents apologise, and grew up in an environment that relied on shame rather than guilt. In guilt, we feel that we have done something bad. With shame, we feel we are

bad. "Guilt is just as powerful, but its influence is positive, while shame's is destructive. Shame erodes our courage and fuels disengagement."

Happily, her husband Steve, a paediatrician, understands her work and they usually support each other. But arguments are inevitable.

"We disagree in front of the children, but a lot of times we will say, 'Your dad and I need to talk to each other right now', and ask for some space. We are comfortable to say we are having difficulty."

Does that worry the children?

"I asked Ellen that the other day, when [Steve and I] were having a little cold war, and she said, 'No, I know you will use your words to work it out.' In fact, I think it can be scary for people who never see their parents argue."

When her daughter was much younger, Brown found herself renegotiating family culture with her own father. "Ellen was three or four.

We were in my dad's house and I said 'It's time to turn off the TV', and she said she didn't want to. And my dad bristled. I was not raised like that! From him, I'd have got a look that might mean a spanking.

But I said to her, 'I understand you want to watch Dora the Explorer', and so on, and my dad said, 'Dammit, what are you raising, a hostage negotiator?' But the next day I went to see my dad again and I saw him trying to do it. He said to her, 'You have a couple of choices …

"So family culture is not just about parents. It's also grandparents. They matter hugely. We have to talk with them and ask them to avoid saying things like 'shame on you', but without that being received as a criticism of how we were raised ourselves. I have a picture of my grandmother when she was heavily pregnant, with a cigarette and an ashtray on her belly.

I don't blame her, any more than I blame my parents for not explaining the difference between shame and guilt."

Can sewing change your body image?

W

hen did you first start judging yourself by your dress size? I acutely remember standing in Dorothy Perkins as a teenager and realising I could no longer fit into a size 14. I scrabbled through the hangers and quickly felt the thunderbolt of fashion strike me down.

Dottie P didn't do a size 16. I was 15 years old and the high street was telling me that I no longer had the right to engage with fashion.

Fast-forward 25-odd years and I am now sewing my own clothes. The tape measure had to come back out, for the practical reality of judging what size pattern I should cut out. My body had become larger and more rounded, yet in my 40s I felt more able to accept the reality of my curves, and sewing definitely helped me on that journey. Here's the big, liberating secret about making clothes with a needle and thread: you lose any ability to judge yourself by an accepted set of measurements.

By now, it's a standing joke that high-street

sizing is questionable at best and deceptive at worst. What's the difference between a Topshop size 10 and a Hobbs size 10? You don't need me to tell you it's called pandering to your audience.

But sewing creates your own audience, no pandering needed. The only person you need to please is yourself. Measurements become a tool for work, rather than a value judgment. And so the world shifts slightly on its axis. My body no longer needs to tick a retailer's box.

It gets better. Once you start making your own clothes, you realise that your body is bespoke. I have one shoulder lower than the other, a narrow upper chest and a thick middle. Did I know any of this before I began sewing? Kind of, but I'd never taken much notice. Once I began sewing, I suddenly realised why one bra strap always slipped off my left shoulder, because that shoulder is wonky. (And I quickly got myself fitted for a proper bra. At Rigby & Peller, if you're

asking.)

Think that's liberating? It gets better still.

You realise that every single one of us has a most exclusive body. On a daily basis, I read sewing blogs from gorgeous women lamenting their lack of bust, too much bust, short height, tall height, rounded behind, no behind. I now laugh in the face of pears and apples – and I'm not talking about the fruit.

So, here's my question to you. Do you still judge yourself by what fashion conglomerates think you should be? Then, you need to stop now. Buy a sewing pattern, enjoy a spontaneous fabric purchase and learn to love your tape measure. Don't judge yourself by your dress size.

That's a fool's game. Remember all the people who've given you a hug and not recoiled in horror. When we were born, did our first air-filled lungs cry with displeasure at our healthy, podgy little limbs? No. We asked for breakfast.

(The Guardian)

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. http://www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog

ACAUT, New Naga Generation will stand by you

King Terho Letou: It's high time that WE the PUBLIC stand up and tell the armed groups that WE are no more the once-upon-a-time Village Simpleton who gave shelter and supported them because those were the days that it was our duty to help them!! When all the Nagas are equal before the law and also before God, how can they collect Taxes from their fellow brothers and sisters as what they call it their birthright to tax us! This frigging idea is totally bullsh*t and also a total disgrace to what we call the meaning of Tax. NSCN or whichever group hasn't helped us in any way by means of building schools, colleges, roads, etc. They are not even mandated upon by majority of the Nagas. Only some little portion is in support of them. How can they call themselves a people's Government? And if they are not the Government, why in the world without shame can they tax us?

Is this what the young Naga intellectuals signed up to become Tax Collectors? By the barrel of the gun, you armed guys will never suppress the right of your fellow Nagas! I wonder what they'll feel when we change roles for sometime and do to them what they do to us!

I urge our fellow members to support the ACAUT in any way you can.

Wetshete Thopi: "UG’s claim to protect and save the security of the people and the Naga nation," really? Or to protect their own personal selfish interest? If they are so much interested in the welfare of the people and the Naga nation, why can't they listen to the voices of the people? ACAUT is only saying what the general public has been and is saying all along. They might be just an organization but they've been speaking the language/voice of the people since its formation. Claiming to have the mandate of the people but never cares a bit to what people say or want, hypocrites, aren't they?

For your information, people never gave their mandate to any nationalist group/s to collect illegal taxes and extortions, the fact is, they want all these activities to stop, once and for all and this is the people's mandate, this is what the people want. Time to listen to the voice of the people and not issue threats against those who speak out the inconvenient truths by hiding behind the cloak of nationalism. Please remember that the people are no longer blind followers. Naga Hoho, NSF, NPMHR, NMA and all other tribal Hohos and tribal councils should come forward to give full and unflinching support to ACAUT if they truly are for the peoples welfare and wellbeing.

Tokato K Yeptho: We are with ACAUT, we the public are not dumb or blind.

Even if they refute the allegation and even if the public are blind, we are all getting the pinch. And why do they accuse ACAUT of pointing fingers only to them. ACAUT is against illegal taxation against all organisations, Govt agencies and other illegal bodies. Why do they think that ACAUT is only against them? So they have revealed themselves, they are the one who are pinching the public the most. Why are they trying to silence the voice of the people?

Guns and Propaganda machine will not work much today because information is now in the hands of the people. It is only a matter of time that the public time bomb will blast. If anything happens to any of the ACAUT members, the public will not forgive you - mind you. ACAUT is the only safety valve for the public to speak our heart out. If you are really for the Naga nation and the Naga public, you must listen to ACAUT! Hukaho Kiba: Any group concerned for the Naga people should deploy its cadres in the borders where Naga sovereignty is threatened, should set up health centres in interior areas, should initiate industrial units for economic sustenance, should listen to the voice of its citizens and show sensitivity. No point issuing threat and hard hitting statements to the hands that feed them for a time will come when those very hands can snatch away their guns and point it towards them Chipen Patt: Why do these people always bring in the 'POLITICAL SOLUTION' part when it has nothing to do with the unabated taxation which ACAUT is trying curb? Does taxation and Political solution have the same meaning? Whenever they are cornered they'll start crying out by saying things like 'Don't try to jeopardise the political talks', 'Don't meddle in the political solution talks' and what not! Ok what have they brought to us after almost 15 years of talks with the GOI? They talk about transparency but where is it when they don't share anything with the general public after every talk with the GOI? Why hide things and talk about transparency? Why tax the businesswallas beyond their capacity and say it is donation? Does donation comes in the form of giving in terms of thousands and lakhs at the barrel of a gun? Be wise enough dear UGs. What you say and what you do doesn’t tally at all! And good job ACAUT. Stand firm in your work and God will bless you all abundantly for thousands and thousands of people are praying for you.

Khamo Akho: The MIP said national sovereignty supersede economic sovereignty, so my question to the so called MIP if at all we get freedom are we going to borrow from Indian government funny justification to collect tax.

Did the Indian freedom heroes collect tax while fighting for freedom? (Or did I miss that tax part while reading Indian history?)

Now IBI’s(Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants) use Government ID’s

Lhousi Keyho: It is hard for Local Naga to get this ID, but for people like this IBI(Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrant) can get it so easily! Nagaland Jai Ho! If we want to get this ID then they will ask you to go and bring residential certificate from G.B, Chairman etc. very strict for Naga but for this IBI they issued it without any verification. I asked him why double seal on the ID and he said, “Dada ekbhar tu thik para photo te lagya nai itu nimite moi aru pathai kene seal maribo dishe!” I asked him, who did it for you? And he replied there is a friend who helped him. I think this ID is only meant for Local, Naga. I am wondering why ADC issued this ID to him. I used to check every plain Manu laga ID, be it a labourers or Business person. Once I saw a IBI carrying a tourist permit, and he was permitted to visit till Wokha – “TinaLoha wala!!” He was searching Tinaloha and came to my hotel so I asked him to give me his permit, ID and he showed me his tourist permit. In the permit he is a tourist and his work is collecting Tinaloha! Jai ho Nagaland!

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature)

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 3 August 2013

The Morung Express

Government defends move to amend RTI Act, activists furious

New Delhi, Aug 2 (iANS): The government Friday defended its decision to amend the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit, saying they would not be able to function if the CIC order was implemented. The step however drew criticism from activists, who contended it would result in an erosion of transparency and accountability.

Law Minister Kapil Sibal said the government respected the Central Information Commission (CIC), but was concerned by its order. He said that political parties were not companies or trusts, but a “voluntary association of persons”.

The union cabinet Thursday approved two amendments to the RTI Act, one aiming at keeping

political parties out of its ambit and the second stating that the CIC order was not binding on any political party.

Government sources said the change in the RTI Act would be made in the monsoon session starting Aug 5. The issue has been in the news after the CIC in a June 3 order said that six national political parties would be brought under the RTI Act as they were public authorities, receiving significant funding from the government.

Sibal said the CIC order “will strike at the root of the political system. People will seek all sorts of details from political parties including their process of consultation and decisionmaking. Nowhere in the world does this happen”.

“The political parties

are unanimous against the CIC order. Parties will not be able to function if this is allowed,” he added.

According to the law minister, two options were available to the government -- filing a writ petition in the high court against the CIC order, a time-consuming process; and second, amending the RTI Act, which could be done quickly.

“The hurry is because the CIC order is operational. We want a quick resolution of this issue,” said Sibal. The law minister gave a long list of points to indicate that political parties “did not function under a veil of secrecy” and were accountable.

“There seems to be an impression that political parties are not accountable. We get elected by

the people. We have to reveal whatever donations we receive to the Election Commission. It is not as if donations to parties are unaccounted for,” said Sibal.

Donations received by political parties beyond Rs.20,000 have to be declared to the income tax department, the minister pointed out.

“This can also be made public. It is not as if the political parties operate under a veil of secrecy,” he said.

“We give an account of assets and liabilities to the Election Commission and also give an account of our expenses, there is transparency. Political parties are not companies or trusts.

It’s a voluntary association of persons,” he said.

Sibal said parties already make declarations to

the Election Commission.

“We make declarations to the income tax department, and the IT department can make it public if it so thinks,” he said.

The minister went on to say that political parties are not appointed.

“We go to the people through an election process. We get elected, unlike government servants and people in a trust. There is a basic difference,” he said.

However, activists have slammed the move.

“The government has used sheer brute power to nullify the CIC order. They have again failed to live up to the transparency and accountability

that they promise in every election manifesto,” Venkastesh Nayak of the Commonwealth Humans Rights Initiative (CHRI) told IANS. “It is a poor decision, taken in bad taste. It is certainly an erosion of democracy. They should have had the basic courtesy to at least hold a dialogue

MuMbAi, AuguSt 2 (AgeNcieS): India has signed a master partnership agreement to become a full-fledged partner of the $1.5-billion five-member international Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) project. On completion, the Hawaii-situated TMT is said to “become the most advanced and powerful optical telescope on Earth”.

Following the agreement signed on July 26, India will now be moving from

its current observer status to becoming a full-fledged partner of the project with a 10% share. This implies a financial commitment of around Rs 1,000 crores, the department of science and technology said on Thursday. The department, along with the department of Atomic energy, will fund the Indian component.

Set to become operational in 2022, the project has four other countries as

partners, namely Canada, China, Japan and the US. TMT is promoted mainly

by Caltech, the University of California and the Association of Canadian Universities for Research and Astronomy. The in-principle approval of India’s participation was accorded in 2010. However, the goahead from the legal section of the external affairs ministry came on July 24.

Besides the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the other

participating institutions are the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, and the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital.

Much of India’s contribution will be in-kind, with Indian institutes and industry collaborating to build most of the telescope’s control systems. India will also be contributing the mirror coating systems of the telescope.

tral ministers from Andhra Pradesh would meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister tomorrow and then tender

KolKAtA, AuguSt 2 (iANS): With rampant malnutrition among children in the Sunderbans, the world’s largest mangrove forests, experts have called for a change in the health system strategy and zoomed in on the gaps in the public healthcare system.

The Sunderbans Health Watch (SHW) report, How Healthy are the Children of the Indian Sunderban, the first in a series launched in

Kolkata on Thursday, addresses the problems in child healthcare.

The study, conducted in the Parthapratim Block of the forests, home to nearly 4,500,000 people, draws attention to the alarming fact that more than one-third of the children are chronically malnourished and face an “extra burden of morbidity”.

Compiled by researchers of India Institute of Health Management and Research

(IIHMR) under the Future Health System (FHS) research programme, the survey also offers possible solutions, and priority areas of focus for new initiatives.

“The most significant finding is that more than one-third of the children are chronically malnourished,” said Barun Kanjilal of IIHMR. The survey predicts that in a span of a month, 0.3 million children will fall ill and 26,000 children will

require hospitalisation in a year. Compared to district or state average, Sunderbans children suffer more from respiratory infection or gastrointestinal disorders. The report states that children in the Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the most vulnerable to health shocks due to unacceptable levels of under-nutrition and high prevalence of common communicable diseases.

2 (Pti): Upset over the ruling Congress and UPA’s decision to create Telangana, seven Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh quit Parliament on Friday, with indications that some more were likely to resign soon.

The MPs, who put in their papers, were A Sai Prathap (Rajampet constituency), Anantha Venkatarami Reddy (Anantapur) C V Harsha Kumar (Amalapuram-SC), Vundavalli Arun Kumar (Rajahmundry), Lagadapati Rajagopal (Vijayawada) and SPY Reddy (Nandyal).

While these MPs tendered their resignations to Lok Sabha secretary general T K Vishwanathan, the lone Upper House member, KVP Ramachandra Rao, submitted his resignation to Rajya Sabha secretary general Shamsher K Sheriff.

The MPs said that three more Lok Sabha members from the state - Sabbam Hari (Anakapalli), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (Ongole) and Rayapati Sambasiva Rao (Guntur) - had also faxed their resignations.

their resignations. They said they had sought an appointment with Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar as per norms that the Speaker, who has to accept their resignations, has to be satisfied that they had taken the step on their own free

of KVP Ramachandra Rao late last night.

At the meeting, the Union Ministers are understood to have counselled the MPs not to resign saying that after the Congress high-command’s decision on Telangana formation, it

can force the government to hold back its decision.

Some of them were also of the view that the issue could be raised effectively in Parliament by stalling its proceedings when the Monsoon Session begins from Monday.

New Delhi, AuguSt 2 (Pti): Setting the stage for a stand-off in the Supreme Court on the autonomy issue, an assertive Centre on Friday junked CBI’s stand for more power for its director with a minimum three-year term, saying an all powerful chief without checks and balances entails the risk of “potential misuse”. Rejecting CBI’s opposition for an accountability commission for the agency, the Centre in an affidavit also said that the need for an “external, independent and strong watchdog is imperative”.

The department of personnel and training (DoPT) also took a tough stand on CBI’s plea for an indepen-

dent committee headed by CVC to grant sanction for prosecution of senior bureaucrats and insisted on retaining such powers. The government stand raises questions on its assurance of ensuring autonomy given to the Supreme Court which had described CBI as a “caged parrot” that has to be insulated from interference by political executives and external influences.

“An all powerful director CBI without adequate checks and balances would not be consonant with settled constitutional principles and would always carry the risk of potential misuse and may not be conducive to fearless and independent functioning of the

organization at all levels.

Therefore, averments of CBI are not agreed with,” the 22-page affidavit said.

The issue of CBI’s autonomy had cropped up in the wake of of the agnecy sharing its probe report on Coalgate with the political executive. The apex court, which is monitoring investigation, will scrutinise the stand taken by both the CBI and the Centre on August 6 during hearing of the PIL filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma on the issue.

While opposing the CBI’s claim for giving complete disciplinary control over its Group A officers to its director, the Centre said “it is not desirable to create new precedence which

would create heartburn and dissension in similarly placed organisations”.

“Vesting complete disciplinary control of Group A officers with the Director would not only be against the law but also be against settled principles of administration wherein safeguards have been provided to officers so that they work without fear or favour,” the Centre said. Strongly pleading for a watchdog over the working of the CBI, the Centre submitted that such mechanism is necessary as the agency outside the purview of RTI and “authority without accountability will be draconian”.

“It is submitted that au-

tonomy and accountability go hand in hand. Government is duty bound to protect its citizens against misuse of power and arbitrary action by any institution. Authority without accountability will be draconian,” it said. The Centre submitted that internal vigilance mechanism of CBI would not be able to deliver on the complaints against its officials as the CVO of CBI is a full time employee of the agency and may not be in a position to question the Director on potential acts of ommission and commission.

“Instances of complaints with regard to manner of investigatiion do surface for which there

is no forum for redressal by the affected citizenry.

Therefor the need for an external, independent and strong watchdog is imperative,” the Centre said adding “an external body will instill discipline in CBI.” “There have been instances in the past where allegations of extortion and bribery leading to coloured investigation have emerged against some CBI officials. An external accountability commission would only help in furthering the integrity of investigation,” it said. The Centre also opposed the plea of CBI seeking three-year minimum tenure for its director and the proposal that only a person who has

served in the agency at supervisory level be appointed to head it.

“In any case this minimum tenure of two years would not be an impediment to the long term perspective of the organization. It does not preclude a longer term if necessary.

Tenures of all senior strategic positions in Governemnt of India are on similar lines,” the Centre said.

On the issue of sanction, the Centre said that there is no need for setting up a commiittee as the administrative ministry has the best domain knowledge to take a clear view on the involvement of an officer in any given set of circumstances.

“A committee of exter-

nal agencies would have to depend, in any case, on the inputs from the ministry. Moreover, committee system will add one more layer of decision making and is likely to cause more delay. Therefore it is the administrative ministry which is in the best position for according approval for investigation or enquiry within the shortest possible time,” it said.

The government also opposed CBI’s plea for wanting autonomy in appointing a panel of special counsel without it’s approval saying “any overriding powers of the director over prosecution would compromise the impartiality”.

MuMbAi, AuguSt 2 (AP): To anyone who’s ever visited Mumbai, they are as evocative a symbol as the Gateway to India. The boxy, black-and-yellow Premier Padmini taxis have plied the city’s streets for nearly half a century, defying their old age to become a part of the fabric of this chaotic metropolis. Now, a new city regulation is beginning to send the venerable Padmini — known as “Fiat taxis” after the Italian model they were based on — to scrap heaps. Along with them will go a piece of India’s history — and the taxis’ colorful personalized upholstery that has dazzled so many passengers that websites have sprung up to celebrate them as an art form.

A government order that all vehicles more than 20 years old be taken off

the streets took effect this week, and that will take some 4,500 of the remaining 9,500 Fiat taxis out of commission as their licenses expire and are not renewed, said A.L. Quadros, head of the Mumbai taxi drivers’ union. The rest will be phased out each year they reach the 20-year mark. For Quadros and many others, the new regulation represents the end of an era. “This Premier Padmini is iconic,” he said, adding that people worldwide identify it with Mumbai.

The car harkens back to when India’s policy of economic self-sufficiency meant domestically produced cars were the norm.

For most, the only options were the Padmini and the Ambassador, made by

Kolkata-based Hindustan Motors. The first Padminis rolled off assembly lines in 1964 at a factory in Mumbai (then called Bombay) under a license from Fiat. Within a few years, there were 62,000 of them in the Bombay’s taxi

have at least one site dedicated to celebrating the most outrageous Mumbai taxi interiors. Contributors post photos of upholstery ranging from the rustic (autumn leaves, sunflowers) to the psychedelic (hypnotic swirls of pink and fuschia) to the classic (tiger stripes and leopard print, in every imaginable hue). Bonus points for violent pattern clashes between the seats and vinyl ceiling covers.

Determined engine and upholstery refurbishing has kept Fiat taxis a staple of the city’s taxi fleet. But the city government says those ancient engines are a hazard to the city’s air quality and so older cars must go. “The main issue is of the pollution,” says Ramesh Sarnaik, an inspector in the

Road Transport Office. He said newer cars have fewer harmful emissions and will also give passengers a more comfortable ride, since new models have airconditioning, which most Fiat taxis lack.

But for the thousands of taxi owners who can’t afford to upgrade their vehicles, the new regulation will hurt. Taxi driver Dashrath Sawant, 60, has had his Padmini for 26 years and says he thinks that with good care it has at least five years left in it. “If a person gets old, would you just throw them out on the street?”

Sawant said. “He should be cared and looked after.” Taxi union chief Quadros estimates that about 10 percent of the drivers who lose their cars under the regulation will retire rather than replace them.

with the public, as it is a decision on the citizen’s fundamental rights,” RTI activist Shailesh Gandhi told IANS.

7 Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh quit Parliament India to help build world’s most powerful telescope New Delhi, AuguSt The MPs claimed that cen- will and not under duress. would focus on Andhra’s

Every third child in Sunderbans is malnourished

The resignations came a day after Congress Union ministers and some MPs from Andhra Pradesh held a meeting at the residence

future development. However, the MPs felt that the situation has still not gone out of hand and by tendering their resignations, they

As MLAs quit, CM to meet nonTelangana legislators tomorrow

hyDerAbAD, AuguSt 2 (Pti): Andhra Pardesh Congress leadership has convened a meeting of its legislators from Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra in the wake of en masse resignation by them to protest the decision to form a separate Telangana State. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and APCC President B Satyanarayana would speak to the Ministers, MLAs and MLCs from the two regions to address their concerns in the backdrop of the Congress and UPA coalition’s 30 July decision to bifurcate the State.

The APCC President told reporters that there is need to observe restraint by all concerned to ensure an amicable solution to issues raised by them. He said 25 Congress MLAs have given resignation letters to him, which is in addition to those who have submitted their papers to the Legislative Assembly Speaker. Replying to a query, Satyanarayana said the issue of resignations by 6 party MPs will be dealt by the Congress central leadership. He said Congress legislators, through their resignation, are only reflecting the mood of the people of their regions.

All-powerful CBI chief risky without checks: Centre to SC

Mumbai’s venerable ‘Fiat taxis’ begin to disappear

A Premier Padmini taxi is overloaded with vegetables as it drives through a street in Mumbai, India on Aug 2. More than 4500 Premier Padmini taxis are expected to be banned from the roads in Mumbai this year, starting in August, in line with a government order that bans cabs that are more than 20 years old. (AP Photo)

fleet alone, Quadros said.

Production stopped in 2000, but the Fiat taxi never disappeared with owners repairing the engines and replacing the interiors when they wore out. And so was born the other distinctive trait of Mumbai’s taxis — the colorful, personalized, sometimes mindbending upholstery inside.

Flickr and Tumblr each

INTERNATIONAL

The Morung Express

Saturday 3 August 2013

Dimapur

9

Pope Franciss seeks to a align l Church hierarchy

VATICAN CITY, AugusT 2 (ReuTeRs): Some say his trip last week to Brazil, capped by a Mass for 3 million on Copacabana Beach, and the 80-minute, unfiltered news conference on the plane back to Rome, were the real start of Pope Francis’s pontificate.

During the flight, he fielded 21 questions on subjects ranging from scandals at the Vatican bank to women in the Church to why he carries his own briefcase. But perhaps the comments that revealed most about the type of Church he envisions came in response to a question about gays in the Vatican.

“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?” he said, pointing out that the Church’s Catechism says homosexuals should not be marginalised, and should be treated with respect and integrated into society.

It was the first time any pope had uttered the word ‘gay’ in public - using it five times - and was another sign that he has his ear closer to the ground than his predecessor Benedict, whom he succeeded as head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics in March.

It also chimed with the Church precept of “loving the sinner and hating the sin”, a notion not always evident in Benedict’s pronouncements; a 2005 document he approved said homosexual tendencies were “objectively disordered”, and in a 2010 book he described homosexuality as “one of the miseries” of the Church. “’Who am I to judge’ may end up being the most-quoted five words spoken by a modern pope,” said John Thavis, author of the best-selling book The Vatican Diaries and who covered the Vatican for 30 years for the U.S.-based Catholic News Service.

“Pope Francis has realised the simple truth, that when the Church preaches on pelvic and political issues like birth control, abortion and same-sex marriage, many people stop listening. So instead of repeating the rules and revving up the ‘culture of death’ rhetoric, he’s focusing on another essential side of Christianity, mercy and compassion. And of course, that’s much more inviting,” Thavis said.

Much the same point was made by a senior Vati-

can official, who asked not to be named. “What is the benefit of hammering on about issues where the position is already well known, either embraced or not?” he said. “What is the immediate association we want in people’s minds when the Catholic Church

Aso refuses to resign over Nazi comment

much in line with where Catholics in the pews tend to be, and their clergy, too,” he said. Unlike Benedict, who was either a professor or Vatican official most of his life, Francis has always been a pastor.

“He knows what Catholics in the trenches think,” said John Allen, correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, a U.S. publication, and author of several books on the Vatican and the Church. “He wants to lift up the rest of the Church’s teaching, especially its social gospel. Doing so may invite a lot of people, beginning with alienated Catholics, to take another look,” Allen said.

Some forecast a trickledown effect. “When Francis speaks in a whole new register about gays, or when he is so open and easygoing and informal in his dealings with people, the clergy will

is mentioned? A stern governess, or one who teaches the same values by being approachable, kind, understanding and patient?”

It’s about “putting people before dogma”, said Paul Vallely, author of “Pope Francis - Untying the Knots”. It’s also

Paul Wauck, a professor at Rome’s Pontifical Holy Cross University, a conservative institution.

During the press conference on the plane the pope referred to the Church’s Universal Catechism, which says that while homosexuality is not a sin, homosexual acts are. Wauck, who is a member of the conservative Church group Opus Dei, said Francis wanted people to see the greater picture of the “joyful message” of Christianity.

“If you were pope and had to identify the most crucial misunderstandings afflicting the world today, you might well not settle on a familiar list of moral faults, but rather focus on more fundamental issues about how we relate to God. Without understanding those fundamental issues, there is little hope of appreciating Pope Francis arrives to the Church of Jesus to celebrate a mass, in Rome on July 31. (AP Photo) or accepting about changing percep- Gibson, a U.S.-based Catho- take notice,” said Gibson. moral rules,” Wauck said.

What will the future tions, without moving on lic author of several books “They may not like it, but substance. “Pope Francis who once worked at the they also know they need to hold for the Church under get with the programme.” Francis? “The Church is clearly wants to change the Vatican.

Others were bemused still coming to terms with image of the Church from “In viewing all people that of a top-down organ- as sinners - like himself, as by the media reaction. “It’s this new pope, who, as one isation that issues edicts he notes - and making no amazing what attention a cardinal put it, ‘plays for the and runs by rules to a more distinctions but stressing colloquial paraphrase of same team but kicks the populist model of a Church the pursuit of holiness and the Catholic Catechism can ball in an entirely different of evangelisers,” said David doing good, Francis is very attract,” said Father John direction’,” said Vallely.

JeRusAlem, AugusT 2 (IANs): A group of researchers in Israel have reportedly grown genetically engineered plants that can live longer and resist long periods without water and can yield more produce.

In what could be the solution to world food crisis, scientists from the Faculty of Biology at Technion University in Haifa have created what they call “super plants” by modifying a longevity hormone in the genes known as zytokinin.

The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the US, Xinhua reported. “Let’s take a staple food, for example rice, when the photosyn-

thesis ends, the rice stops growing, it’s a natural process with every plant,” said Technion University Biology professor and president of the Kinneret College Simon Gepstein, who led the research.

“But by extending the juvenile hormone, we have managed to extend the life of the plant, therefore producing more crops.” In plants, ageing comes about when zytokinin levels drops, so the researchers prevented the breakdown of the juvenile hormone and made it stay higher for a longer period, preventing the ageing.

“We not only extended the plant’s life and managed to make it yield more,

but we have also extended the shelf life of the vegetables and fruits it gives,” Gepstein said. “The vegetables and fruits now last double and sometimes three times more after they are cut if they come from the genetically modified plants. I took a modified lettuce home and it took 21 days for it to start getting brown, whereas normal lettuces go bad in five or six days,” he said.

Gepstein believes the super plants can be the solution for food shortage in the world, not only because the plants live longer and give more vegetables that can last more on the shelf, but also because they hardly need any water.

“These plants can sur-

vive droughts, they can go on for a month without water and even if you water them, they only need 30 percent the amount of liquid normal plants do,” he said. Gepstein discovered this feature of his genetically modified plants by sheer chance, when he forgot to water them for a few weeks.

“We found out that after a month of not getting any water they were as good as when they do get it, so we could take their seeds to arid zones or areas where there is severe drought risks and feed the population with them,” the researcher said.

His team is now exploring other possible features these “super plants” may

have, like their resilience to pests and parasites and heat as well as cold.

“Despite all the bad the word ‘genetically modified’ has, I can tell our plants are not dangerous for human health, because we have altered them using their own components, they have nothing added to them,” Gepstein said.

Currently, the researcher said, seed companies from all over the world are running field tests with the seeds to verify that these plants can grow outdoors as well, as they did in the greenhouses of Technion University. “If all goes well, we may be able to see these super plants growing in fields worldwide,” Gepstein said.

ROme, AugusT 2 (AP): For the first time in decades of criminal prosecution, a conviction against former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi finally stuck on Thursday, leaving the media mogul with a four-year prison sentence for tax fraud with all of his appeals exhausted. But it’s highly unlikely the man who long was Italy’s most powerful politician will actually serve out the sentence behind bars. And while upholding his tax fraud conviction, Italy’s supreme court ordered another court to recalculate the duration of a ban on holding public office that lower courts had set at five years.

That could potentially reduce the time out of the limelight that threatens to interrupt, if not end, Berlusconi’s political career, already tarnished by a sex scandal. Berlusconi, who, at 76, has dominated Ital-

ian politics for 20 years, remained defiant, if shaken.

In a nine-minute video address, he denounced the sentence “absolutely” baseless, saying it “deprives me of my freedom and political rights,” and insisted he is the innocent victim of “an incredible series of accusations and trials that had nothing to do with reality.”

The three-time premier, dressed in his usual doublebreasted suit and seated before the Italian and EU flags, swung between anger and emotion, at times his voice breaking. But he showed little signs of abandoning politics, pledging to revive Forza Italia, the movement he founded and which swept him into power as the unchallenged leader of Italy’s conservatives. Judge Antonio Esposito, in reading the court’s decision in the name of the Italian people, declared Berlusconi’s conviction and prison term “ir-

revocable.”

But three years of his sentence will be shaved off as part of a general amnesty for crimes committed before 2006 aimed at easing prison crowding. And elderly defendants usually can serve out their sentences under house confinement.

What’s more, he is expected to be able to choose to do a year of public service in lieu of confinement, a common option for first-time offenders with short sentences.

The tensely awaited decision puts fresh pressure on Premier Enrico Letta’s fragile coalition government, which relies on support from Berlusconi’s forces and his own centerleft Democratic Party to pass reforms needed to restore market confidence in Italy and haul it out of recession. Letta appealed for calm, issuing a statement saying that “for the good of the country it is necessary

now that a climate of serenity prevails.”

One of Berlusconi’s top lawmakers pledged to stay true to their leader’s promise to keep the party in the government. “The ruling will not impact on the fate of the government,” said Nitto Palma, emerging from a huddle of party leaders at Berlusconi’s Rome residence. “We will continue to support this government.”

Many were already writing Berlusconi’s political obituary — although his exit from the political scene is unlikely to be quiet.

“Berlusconi is dead,” declared Beppe Grillo, the leader of the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement, on his blog. He compared the conviction to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 that helped bring down Soviet-bloc communism.

A Milan appeals court will now have to determine the length of a public office ban.

Lower courts had put it at five years, but a state prosecutor recommended in his argument before the high Court of Cassation that it be lowered to three, citing conflicts in applicable sentencing laws.

A longtime Berlusconi stalwart and one of his former ministers, Ignazio LaRussa, called the ruling to recalculate the length of the ban a “consolation prize.” Once the political ban length has been decided, the Senate, where Berlusconi holds a seat, will have to debate and vote on revoking his seat as part of a process that can stretch for months, if not a year.

If the Senate opposes it and refuses to formally remove Berlusconi, the high court could turn to the constitutional court in a bid to resolve the standoff. The ban also forbids Berlusconi from seeking re-election while it is in force.

Israelis create ‘super plants’ that resist drought

Berlusconi conviction upheld; prison term sticks

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso is surrounded by reporters at the ministry in Tokyo on Aug. 1. Aso has retracted a comment he made Monday, July 29 in Tokyo suggesting Japan should follow the Nazi example of how to change the country’s constitution, following complaints from neighboring countries and human rights activists. Aso drew outrage for saying Japan should learn from how the Nazi party stealthily changed Germany’s constitution before World War II before anyone realized it. (AP Photo)

TOKYO, AugusT 2 (AP): Japan’s Finance Minister Taro Aso refused Friday to resign or apologize over remarks suggesting Japan should follow the Nazi example of how to change the country’s constitution stealthily and without public debate.

Following protests by neighboring countries and human rights activists, he “retracted” the comments on Thursday but refused to go further. “I have no intention to step down” as Cabinet minister of lawmaker, Aso, who is also the deputy prime minister, told reporters. The government also said it is not seeking Aso’s resignation, which some opposition members have demanded.

Aso, who is known for intemperate remarks, drew outrage for saying Japan should learn from how the Nazi party stealthily changed Germany’s preWorld War II constitution before anyone realized it.

He also suggested that Japanese politicians should make visit Tokyo’s Yasukuni war shrine quietly to avoid controversy. Such visits currently take place amid wide publicity and are a sore point for Southeast Asian nations, who suffered under Japanese occupation during World War II. Aso said Thursday he was misunderstood and only meant to say that loud debate over whether Japan should change its postwar constitution, and other issues is not helpful. In retracting his comments, he

said it was “very unfortunate and regrettable” that his comments were misinterpreted. On Friday, Aso said he stands by all his other remarks in the speech made earlier this week in Tokyo to an ultraconservative audience.

Critics of the ruling Liberal Democrats are uneasy over the party’s proposals for revising the U.S.-inspired postwar constitution, in part to allow a higher profile for Japan’s military. Japan and Nazi Germany were allies in World War II, when Japan occupied much of Asia and Germany much of Europe, where the racial supremacist Nazis oversaw the killings of an estimated 6 million Jews before the war ended in 1945 with their defeat. Japan’s history of military aggression, which included colonizing the Korean Peninsula before the war, is the reason its current constitution limits the role of the military.

According to a transcript of the speech published by the newspaper Asahi Shimbun, Aso decried the lack of support for revising Japan’s pacifist constitution among older Japanese, saying the Liberal Democrats had held quiet, extensive discussions about its proposals.

“I don’t want to see this done in the midst of an uproar,” Aso said, according to the transcript. Since revisions of the constitution may raise protests, “doing it quietly, just as in one day the Weimar constitution changed to the Nazi con-

stitution, without anyone realizing it, why don’t we learn from that sort of tactic?”

Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said that postwar Japan has consistently supported peace and human rights.

“Cabinet ministers should fully understand their role and make sure to avoid misleading remarks,” Suga said Friday. He said Aso has already retracted the Nazi comment and doesn’t have to resign.

Aso often speaks in a meandering style that has gotten him in trouble for off-thecuff remarks in the past. He has apologized previously for accusing the elderly of being a burden on society, joking about people with Alzheimer’s disease, saying the ideal country would be one that attracts “the richest Jewish people,” and comparing the opposition Democratic Party of Japan to the Nazis.

On Thursday, Aso insisted that he was referring to the Nazis “as a bad example of a constitutional revision that was made without national understanding or discussion ...I just don’t want (the revision) to be decided amid a ruckus.”

Opposition leaders condemned Aso’s remarks, saying they showed a lack of understanding of history and hurt Japan’s national interest. Some demanded Aso resign. Aso’s comments “sounded like praise for Nazi actions and are totally incomprehensible,” said Akihiro Ohata, secretary general of the Democratic Party.

In this photo taken on July 31, a child demonstrates how raw shrimp and an egg are fried in a pan on a manhole cover on a hot summer day in Jinan in east China's Shandong province. It’s been so hot in China that folks are grilling shrimp on manhole covers, eggs are hatching without incubators and a highway billboard has mysteriously caught fire by itself. The heat wave — the worst in at least 140 years in some parts — has left dozens of people dead and pushed thermometers above 40 degrees C (104 F) in at least 40 cities and counties, mostly in the south and east. ( AP Photo)

The Morung Express 10 SPORTS BCCI to challenge Bombay High Naga Muathai fighters excel Court's order in Supreme Court in National Championships Dimapur

Saturday

3 August 2013

NEw DElhI, AUGUST 2 (IANS): The Indian cricket board Friday said it would be appealing to the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court order that had termed illegal its two-member probe panel in the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot fixing and betting scandal.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior vice-president Arun Jaitley, a former union law minister, read out the High Court's order during the IPL Governing Council meeting here and it was decided that the board will file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty said the Board will

be filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court.

"Mr. Jaitley read out the Bombay High Court's order during the IPL Governing Council meeting and it was decided that we will file an SLP in the Supreme Court," said Shetty.

The scheduled working committee meeting had to be postponed on technical grounds as the agenda was not set and it was not mentioned as emergency working committee. According to the BCCI constitution, the committee cannot meet twice in a week. BCCI vicepresident Chitrak Mitra said the board will be challenging the Bombay High Court's order.

"The BCCI will be chal-

lenging the Bombay High Court's order. And the working committee meeting was postponed on technical grounds. There was no agenda set before the meeting and it was not mentioned as the emergency working committee meeting," said Mitra.

The committee met last Sunday in Kolkata when the two-member probe panel, comprising retired Tamil Nadu High Court judges T. Jayaram Chouta and R. Balasubramanian, submitted its report giving a clean chit to Chennai Super Kings team principal Gurunath Meiyappan, also son-in-law of Narayanswamy Srinivasan -- who stepped aside as BCCI president during the duration of the probe, and

Rajasthan Royals' co-owner Raj Kundra.

Srinivasan and interim BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmiya were called by the IPL Governing Council after the meeting and were informed about the decision to file an SLP in the Supreme Court. Shetty said the working committee will next meet after the court case is over.

"The next working committee will be after the court case is over. Till then Mr. Dalmiya will carry on as the interim president," said Shetty. Former secretary Sanjay Jagdale and treasurer Ajay Shirke will be replaced by their successors Sanjay Patel and Ravi Sawant in the BCCI ethics committee.

Lazio captain Mauri banned for 6 months

RoME, AUGUST 2 (AP): Lazio captain Stefano Mauri was banned for six months by the Italian football federation on Thursday for his part in a match-fixing scandal. Mauri was one of eight players accused of rigging the Serie A games between Lazio-Genoa and Lecce-Lazio in May 2011 and for failing to report match-fixing. He was found guilty for his role in the Lecce match but cleared of anything untoward against Genoa. Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had asked for a 4½-year suspension but Mauri was found guilty only of failing to report match-fixing.

Palazzi also wanted Lazio to be docked six points, and Genoa and Lecce three points each. However, the federation fined Lazio 40,000 euros Alessandro Zamperini, who was ($53,000) and Lecce 20,000 euros ($26,000) because of their players' already banned for five years, received a further two-year suspension. Stefaactions. Genoa was cleared.

no Ferrario was handed a six-month ban, Mario Cassano was suspended for four months and Carlo Gervasoni received a two-month penalty.

Omar Milanetto, Massimiliano Benassi and Antonio Rosati were cleared. At least 50 people have been arrested in Italy for match-fixing since mid-2011, with matches under investigation by prosecutors in Cremona, Bari and Naples. Last month, Serie B club Bari plea-bargained for a one-point penalty for match-fixing.

Bari was also fined $32,000 under the deal made with the Italian federation's disciplinary committee for arranging two matches, while several former players also reached plea bargains. This marks the third consecutive offseason that point penalties have been handed out by the federation. Four Serie A clubs were penalized last season.

Members of the All Nagaland Amateur Muaythai Association (ANAMA), who participated in the 14th IFMA-MFI National Chaimpionship held at Villupuranm, Tamil Naidu from July 25 to 28.

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The 20 members team of the All Nagaland Amateur Muaythai Association (ANAMA), which include 16 fighters (14 male and 2 female), along with 4 officials under Takameren today arrived in Dimapur after participating in the recently concluded 14th IFMA-MFI National Chaimpionship held at Villupuranm, Tamil Naidu from July 25 to 28.

A press note informed

award above 81 Kg category. The award is given to only 1(one) fighter in the tournament.

Male (Senior) 2 Hamwang- 48 Kg –Silver The ANAMA has ex1. Anguvi Zhimo—45 Kg-Gold 3 Kheaknyei- 54 Kg –Silver pressed its sincere grati2. Manyum -51 Kg- Gold 4 Wangpon- 51 Kg- Bronze tude to the state gov3. Pangyeih-60 Kg-Gold 4. Kennito -81Kg -Gold Female (Junior) ernment for helping the 5. Pangmei-51 Kg –Gold 1 Hutoli Achumi-45 Kg- Silver association to take part 6. Pucei-51 Kg –Gold in the said Championship.

Male (Sub-Junior) The note said that TemMale (junior) Isheli-30 Kg below-Gold jen Toy, IAS, Chief Patron, 1 Akho-60 Kg –Gold ANAMA has “helped the association morally and that Kennito Chishi from Federation of India (MFI) financially from time and Nagaland bagged Mauythai professional contender again.”

Medalists from Nagaland at the IFMA-MFI National Chaimpionship

Real Madrid beats Galaxy in Champions Cup

GlENDAlE, AUGUST 2 (AP): Karim Benzema scored two second-half goals to lead Real Madrid to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday in the preseason Champions Cup friendly tournament.

"In general it was a good performance from the team," Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "We played well. We had a good combination in the front.

We had a lot of opportunities." Midfielder Angel DiMaria scored the first goal, taking a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo, who had beaten three defenders.

Ronaldo had multiple chances to score early in the match, hitting the cross bar in the sixth minute.

The fans in the crowd of 38,922 rose to their feet every time Ronaldo touched the ball. The Di Maria-Ronaldo connection almost produced another result in the 38th minute, as Ronaldo had plenty of time to settle a pass at his feet, dribble and shoot. But his shot went over the goal.

"The atmosphere was really fantastic and the stadium was one of the best in the world," Ancelotti said. "We will have a good

memory of the experience in the future." Ronaldo left the match at halftime, replaced by Benzema. It took the Frenchman only six minutes to score.

Francisco Alarcon looped a pass to Benzema, who was in open space and shot the ball past Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe.

Real Madrid was close to a third goal after some nifty dribbling from Alarcon at the top of the penalty area, but his 60th-minute shot was saved.

Jose Villareal pulled the Galaxy to 2-1 with some skillful work in the 63rd minute. Seconds after Brazilian star Kaka left the match for a substitution, Villareal took two touches to get some room and fired a shot past Real Madrid keeper Diego Lopez. Di Maria found Benzema in the 74th minute with a cross over the Galaxy defenders for the final goal of the match.

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Wokha District Badminton Association has informed all intending participants in the 37th Inter-District & Open Badminton Championship to confirm the number of participants of each district and inform Shaying Sheu, EAC and Convener Accommodation Committee (9856034015) at the earliest for making necessary arrangements. A press note said that in case of any inconvenience that may arise due to lack of prior information, the WDBA would not bear the responsibility whatsoever. Further, all participants/teams are reminded to bring light bedding and wear non-marking badminton shoes (preferably) while playing in the matted courts.

NCA informs

KohIMA, AUGUST 2 (MExN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) has scheduled its 13th Nagaland State “A” Championship 2013 from August 20 to 24, at Kohima. The NCA has informed all the top 20 players, top 4 players 2012 and top 16 players recently qualified 2013 to confirm their participation on or before August 16. Failing to do so would lead to cancelltion and replacement by the nearest ranking player as per the NCA norms. Players can intimate participation confirmation to the following numbers: 9402697344, 9436245703.

Ganguly showed lack of respect by turning up late for toss: Waugh

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (9) scores on goal as Los Angeles Galaxy defender Todd Dunivant defends during the second half of the International Champions Cup soccer match, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. Real Madrid won 3-1. (AP Photo)

Devvarman beaten by Isner in Citi Open

wAShINGToN, AUGUST 2 (IANS): India's Somdev Devvarman failed to repeat his NCAA Dvision 1 championship victory six years ago over John Isner and went down to the American in two hardfought sets 5-7, 5-7 in the second round of the Citi Open tennis here.

Somdev, who created a record by retaining the NCAA title beating Isner 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (2) in the 2007, was overpowered in their first meeting after that collegiate final here Thursday.

Isner, with his awesome serve, did not face a break point and clinched two crucial break points, though he had ten in all. Devvarman served well to extend the fight, but his return of serve let him down as he hardly looked like breaking Isner. "It doesn't seem like it's been that long," Washington Post quoted Isner as saying. "I remember that match like it was yesterday," Devvarman, who is back on tennis court after missing almost the entire last year with a shoulder injury, gave all he had but that was Somdev Dewarman, from India, return a ball during his match against John not enough to stop a vastly supeIsner at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington on Aug. 1. (AP Photo) rior Isner. "That's actually the last

WDBA's informs

time we've played, which is kind of crazy." said Isner, who says he's played the No. 4 seed from that tournament South African Kevin Anderson nine times in ATP events.

"I knew eventually our paths would cross."

Isner has come a long way from his college days and has been a consistent top 20s player with a best ATP ranking of nine whereas Devvarman did well to reach a career best of 62 two years ago before the injury fell him.

The Indian, who has won over a $1million in prize money compared to Isner's over $5 million, is currently ranked 129 and is fighting hard to break into the top 100 again. Isner talked highly of his Indian opponent after the match.

"I knew it was going to be a tough match. Somdev's an extremely tough opponent, he's always been tough for me, especially," Isner said. "I always tease him I was able to get the team ring, something he was never able to do, but he won the NCAA singles title, something I was never able to do. He's a great player and he's also a good friend."

T20 championship from August 23 DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): A Twenty20 Open Cricket Championship is being organized by the WOTSAMI BROTHERS from 23rd – 31st of August 2013 with the theme, “Aspire Together, Achieve Together” at Xelhozhe Public Ground. As per the Event Coordinator, the tournament will be played with limited intake of team/club on first come first serve basis. The team securing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.50, 000/-, Rs. 25, 000/- & Rs.10, 000/- and Rs.5000/- respectively. Individual cash prizes will also be awarded. There will be a cash prize for the man of the match in every match. Interested team/club and cricket lovers are informed to collect the application form at United Sports, Kiran Sports at church road, CM Bazaar at 4th Mile and Centre Point at Old Showuba.

For further information, call the Event Co-ordinator at +91 8575498411, +91 9615633568.

BANGAloRE, AUGUST 2 (PTI): Former captain Sourav Ganguly may have showed a "lack of respect" by turning up late for toss when India locked horns with Australia during the historic 2001 Test series, feels Steve Waugh who was a leading a bunch of extraordinarily talented Aussies in that rubber. "The fact that he turned up late every game -- it was his choice. I just thought it showed a lack of respect for the game. It didn't really affect me. The match referee actually told him that he had to turn up on time," Waugh said when asked about the controversial episode. Waugh, meanwhile, is hopeful of Australia scripting a turnaround in the remaining three Tests against England in the ongoing Ashes series, which the hosts lead 2-0. "Australia have begun well the third Test at Old Trafford.

Hope we can make a comeback in the remaining three Tests," said Waugh.

Australia ended the first day's play of the third Test at a commanding 303 for three on Thursday at Old Trafford. "The current Australian side is inexperienced, while England are experienced lot. We nearly won the first Test at Trent Bridge. So we need to just hang in there and have faith in our abilities," Waugh insisted. "The young Australian players are immensely talented. We have a lot of talent, especially in bowling department," he added. Waugh also felt that the Australian selectors should give an extended run to the youngsters so that they can prove their mettle.

"Constant chopping and changing deters players' confidence. The good thing that the selectors can do is to stick a team which they believe in. The players can use the opportunity to prove their abilities," he said.

Entertainment

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sharing stage with Slash

Upon “Above, Below, and Beyond’s”, release in the spring of ‘92, she was asked again to join Michael Jackson for his upcoming “Dangerous Tour”. In January ‘93, she joined Jackson to partake in Superbowl XXVII’s half time entertainment which aired to one and half billion people in 80 nations. It was the largest audience in tele-

vision history. Her follow up CD “Momentum” which was heavily influenced by world music, was released just before she left for Michael Jackson’s HIStory world tour in 1997.

In the spring of ‘98 Jeff Beck asked Jennifer to join his band. They joined forces for 3 years on the CD’s “Who Else”, and “You Had It Com-

ing” which were both supported by world tours.

Jennifer has authored two music books and has just released her third solo CD/DVD entitled “Whatever”. With this 3rd effort, she’s ventured into electronica, vocal samples, and film making. She’s supporting this release with a multimedia one woman show,

Filipino winner of Apprentice Asia

playing guitar in synch with her projected films. The companion DVD to “Whatever” includes over 90 min of art films, previously unreleased music videos, interviews, commentary, and an innovative guitar lesson.

Any management firm/ individuals from Mokokchung who are interested to bring her to your town for Guitar clinic can call 9856986581 or mail us @ skyentertainment @skygroup.org,in Sky Entertainment would like to provide an opportunity to Male vocalists from Nagaland to sing few of the famous songs of Michael Jackson while sharing the stage with Jennifer Batten.

Interested candidates can send their video demo of the songs “Heal the world” and “Beat it” at skyentertainment@skygroup.org.in before 15th August 2013.

It is also informed all the guitarists that the final countdown has begun for registration, the last date of submission is August 10, 2013.

“Got 14 days to go before my first day and I’m so excited!” can never be too “You small to dream big.” Jonathan Allen Yabut,

the winner of the first season of “The Apprentice Asia,” posted this comment on his Facebook page Thursday morning, hours after his victory was announced in the final episode of the reality show that aired on cable channel AXN. Yabut, an Economics graduate of the University of the Philippines, bested 11 other contestants from different Asian countries.

“The Apprentice Asia” is based on the American reality show featuring US mogul Donald Trump who searches for an appropriate apprentice, “firing” hopefuls who perform poorly at the tasks he assigns. The 27-yearold product manager won a yearlong apprenticeship under AirAsia group CEO Tony Fernandes, the show’s “Donald Trump.” “Looking forward [to] my first day with the big boss, Mr. Tony Fernandes,” Yabut said in

the same post. “Got 14 days to go before my first day and I’m so excited!”

In the season finale, Fernandes chose Yabut over Andrea Loh Ern-Yu, a Singaporean lawyer. Mark Lankester, CEO of Tune Hotels and one of the show’s advisers, praised Yabut for his conduct during a charity auction organized for AirAsia Foundation, which was shown in the same episode. “This man is slick,” Lankester said. “This is a very different Jonathan … very, very impressive. This man is in it to win it.”

During the final deliberation, Fernandes said that choosing between the last two contenders was difficult.

“But on the balance of everything that has been put in front of me, seeing you perform, hearing your passion …

Jonathan Yabut, you’re hired,” Fernandes said.

“The win is for the Philippines,” Yabut told the Inquirer in a phone in-

terview yesterday. “This is for the Filipinos. It means that however humble your beginnings may be, you can aspire to be better.”

He is likewise proud to have been pitted against tough contenders. “I think that aside from Andrea, both Sam (Nallaraj, from India) and Alex (Bauduin, from China) could’ve been [my last competitor]. They were very deserving,” Yabut said.

B

ollywood actress and now international singing sensation Priyanka Chopra has been hobnobbing with popular names in Los Angeles. She recently met up with former American Idol judge Randy Jackson, and says he even gave her a piece of advice.

“Thank you for the advice @yo_randyjackson...

Here’s to taking over the world! Was lovely meeting you,” Priyanka wrote on her Twitter page on July 31, 2013, along with an Instagram link to her photograph with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. She met the record producer and record producer for lunch, and as an added bonus, even bumped into singer-

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A young Ao girl in full traditional attire, smiles as she partakes in the Tsungremong festival – the premier festival of the Ao Nagas – at Chuchuyimpang village on Thursday, August 1. (Photo by Manen Aier)

Angry

Katrina appeals to media K

atrina Kaif recently made headlines when a leading magazine published her bikini pictures. The actress was snapped holidaying in Spain with her rumoured boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor. The duo, who have never openly declared their relationship, seemed to be enjoying a sunny day at the beach on their Spanish holiday.

However, Katrina Kaif was not pleased at all with this “invasion of privacy” as she puts it.

Katrina, who has just returned from Sri Lanka after spending quality time with Ranbir, has sent an open letter to the media with an appeal that all media running the pictures of her Spanish escapades refrain from doing so. “I am writing this to say that I feel most upset, distressed and invaded at my pictures published in a film magazine (and which were carried by other media). The pictures were taken while I

When Priyanka met Randy

was on holiday by someone who, in an act of cowardice, has shot without permission and then used the pictures for commercial gain,” she wrote in her letter.

“There is a breed of journalism that preys on celebrities in the worst possible manner crossing all lines of privacy and decency. Running these pictures shows support for this school of journalism.” “I request that all media running these pictures please refrain from doing so. I have a wonderful relationship with the media and have been accessible to the media at all times. There is no reason for this furtive and invasive behaviour,” her letter further read.

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songwriter Paula Abdul at the same time, said a source close to the actress. Priyanka, who is in the US to promote her latest international single Exotic and for the promotion of action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure Planes, in which she has given the voiceover for an Asian character named Ishani.

Are you a writer, photographer, illustrator, or just have an opinion?

We want to hear from you!

Submit an article, photo or illustration by August 10, 2013 and see your work in print!

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3 August,2013

Guitar Legend to headline Axe’s Power Jennifer J Batten

ennifer Batten, former guitarist for Michael Jackson, GIT Graduate and world’s best female guitarist will be the Master Judge for the Grand Finale of Axe’s Power National Guitar Contest 2013. The finalists will get once in a life time opportunity to exclusively hang out, interact with and learn from Jennifer Batten. The buzz on Jennifer Batten rose from the guitar underground, and the guitar magazines promptly began chronicling her savvy musicianship and highly original approach to the electric guitar.

A major turning point came when she was selected from over one hundred guitarists to play in Michael Jackson’s highly skilled band which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people. Jennifer wasted no time after the” Bad” Tour’s grand finale, diving into work on her debut album with renowned producer (and Stevie Wonder guitarist) Michael Sembello.

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Saturday

The Morung Express monthly supplement ‘Opinion’ will be published on the third Saturday of every month. In the Opinion, you are the storyteller. Please share your story by responding to the theme of this month’s issue: “Suggestions for Naga Reconciliation and Unity” Contributions can be in the form of photography, illustrations, photos of artwork, essays, first-person accounts, poetry, reported articles, and any other form of expression that can be printed.

A PRODUCTION OF

write to us at opinion2mex@gmail.com

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Clarke out for 187 as australIa MarChes on MANCHEstER, AUgUst 2 (AP): Michael Clarke's dismissal for a brilliant 187 failed to slow down Australia as the tourists raced past 500 by tea on the second day of the third Ashes test against England on Friday, strengthening their early grip on a must-win match. Clarke chopped a lifting delivery by Stuart Broad onto his stumps to miss out on a fifth double hundred and become the England bowler's 200th test wicket.

Peter Siddle (1) also departed in the second session to give Graeme Swann a fivewicket test haul for the 17th time, but an unbeaten and entertaining 77-run stand between Brad Haddin (57) and Mitchell Starc (54) pushed Australia to 507-7.

It ensured England will be chasing a formidable first-innings score and all eyes were on Clarke regarding whether the captain declares or continues to pile misery on the hosts' tiring attack.

Clarke was given a standing ovation by spectators after his 314-ball knock, containing 23 fours, ended meekly when he misjudged an attempted cut down to third man.

Patient on Thursday, Clarke cut loose 24 hours later and played with a swagger that suggested he

was back to his aggressive best after a below-par start to the series. He displayed his full repertoire of strokes that included a measured slog through mid-on and a back-foot drive through point in successive shots off Tim Bresnan, pushing him past his best previous score against England (136, at Lord's in 2009).

With Siddle missing a slog to be bowled by Swann six minutes later, the message was clear for Australia's batsmen — play your shots and up the run-rate.

And the Haddin-Starc combination obliged. Starc, in particular, wafted the bat but at the same time producing a string of graceful shots worthy of his side's specialist batsmen. The recalled paceman reached his half-century off 53 balls, with England's defensive, almost ODI field placings giving him plenty of scope.

Ahead 2-0 in the fivematch series and needing only a draw to retain the urn, England is in damagelimitation mode.

Australia captain Michael Clarke reacts as the ball hits the stumps as he is bowled for 187 by England's Stuart Broad on the second day of the third Ashes series cricket match at Old Trafford cricket ground, Manchester on Aug. 2. (AP Photo)

Michelle Wie of the USA tees off on the 17th during the second round of the Women's British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland on Aug. 2. (AP Photo)

Chelsea beats Inter India eyes whitewash Milan 2-0 in friendly against Zimbabwe BULAWAYO, AUgUst 2 (PtI): Four back-toback victories achieved with consummate ease, India might continue to experiment with their team composition as they aim to complete a clean sweep against Zimbabwe in the fifth and final cricket onedayer on Saturday.

Led well by an in-form Virat Kohli, India have outclassed the hapless Zimbabweans in every department of the game and it would take a momentous effort from the hosts to get at least one win.

At the start of the series, Zimbabwe's coach, Andy Waller, had hoped of surprising India at least once in the series but that moment is unlikely to come even on Saturday given the way the visitors have dominated so far.

"Definitely (that's the aim). We want to end on a high and go home with smile on face. We want to finish the series properly and if we execute things, proper results will follow," Kohli had said when asked if he has a 5-0 result in mind.

In fact, the Indians have felt more at home with the conditions than the home team, which has failed to fire even

Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, right, head the ball over Inter Milan's Alvaro Pereira during the first half of an International Champions Cup soccer match Thursday, Aug. 1, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo)

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INDIANAPOLIs, AUgUst 2 (AP): Oscar and Eden Hazard scored firsthalf goals, leading Chelsea to a 2-0 victory over ten-man Inter Milan on Thursday in a quarterfinal of the Guinness International Champions Cup, a preseason friendly competition. Despite not starting four of its stars that played in the Confederation Cup, including Brazil's David Luiz and Spain's Juan Mata, Chelsea nonetheless at times looked to be in midseason form before a crowd of 41,983 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Oscar put the London club ahead with a shot into a top corner of the net in the 13th minute, capping a move begun by a powerful run by Victor Moses.

"Oscar has been with

us for five days because of the Confederation Cup," returning Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho said. "We've worked a lot on our movement, and it will help us in difficult situations. It's good to see in matches what I see in training. I want him to be a top player, not just a top talent."

Chelsea doubled its lead in the 29th when Hazard converted a penalty.

Inter's hopes of getting back into the contest were effectively ended when new signing Hugo Campagnaro was sent off in the 58th minute.

Mourinho, coaching against Inter for the first time since he left the Italian club for Real Madrid, was disappointed at the ex-

once as a unit. Aside from a bright spark here or a fighting effort there, Zimbabwe's performance has been expectedly sub-standard against India, a team which was missing some of its key players such as regular skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, pacer Umesh Yadav and offspinner R Ashwin.

In the fourth match on Thursday, which the Indians won by nine wickets, a couple of ODI debuts were handed out with pacer Mohit Sharma instantly mak-

ing an impression.

Mohit, which figures of 26/2 became the second Indian player to receive the Man of the Match award on debut in ODIs. The other debutant Cheteshwar Pujara could not make much of an impact as he was dismissed for 13. The Indians might just try out allrounder Parveez Rasool as well in the last match and if it happens, he would become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to get an ODI cap

3rd Black Day Memorial Cup

The Pochury Students’ Union will be organizing 3rd Black Day Memorial Cup from 7th Sept. to 18th Sept. 2013. The tournament is held annually to provide a platform for the upcoming young footballers and to keep the history of Pochury in contribution towards the Naga National Struggle.

Host : Phor Village Venue : Meluri Local Ground Prizes: Champion: Rs. 50,000/- Trophy & Citation 1st Runners up: Rs. 20,000/- Trophy & Citation 2nd Runners up: Rs. 10,000/- Trophy & Citation Individuals Prizes: Players of the tournament, Highest Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most promising youngest player will be given cash alongwith citation.

Last date of form submission will be 30th Sept.’13.

Interested teams and clubs may contact: Mb. No: 9436421512/9612815076/8731972455 (YIGO PICHHURÜ) Pochury Games & Sports Secretary

pulsion. "The first half was very good for both sides," Mourinho said. "The red card changed (the game) completely. Not good for them because they played with 10, and not good for us, because we played against 10."

Chelsea advances to play A.C. Milan in Sunday's semifinal in New Jersey.

Inter will play Valencia, a 2-1 loser to AC Milan in its quarterfinal last weekend, in the tournament's consolation semifinal. The other clubs in the tournament are Everton, Juventus, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy and Real Madrid played their quarterfinal on Thursday in Phoenix. The final is on Wednesday in Miami.

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

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