7th October 2013

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. VIII ISSUE 275

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www.morungexpress.com

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people AntiMy hubby Telangana made me protests realise I turn needed less violent : therapy [ PAGE 08]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

DiMAPur, OctOber 6 (MexN): The Officer-inCharge (OC) of Tizit police station in Mon district clarified today that Rakesh Sharma, a Haryana-based businessman who was picked up from the Sonari area of Sivasagar district in Assam, was kidnapped by non-Naga militants for ransom. The rescued victim, Sharma, has stated in his testimony to the police, according to the OC of Tizit who was present in the rescue operation, that none of the miscreants who kidnapped him last Wednesday were Naga. Information to the contrary, stated the OC, could create communal tension between Assam and Nagaland. Meanwhile, Sharma’s case has been registered at the Sonari police station in Assam.

PWD notifies commuters

KOhiMA, OctOber 6 (MexN): The Executive Engineer for PWD (National Highways), Kohima Division has in a notification requested all road users on NH-61 not to travel at night hours i.e. from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am due to mudslide occurring between Chiechama and Botsa because of the heavy rainfall.

A press note from the Executive Engineer for PWD (National Highways), Kohima Division stated that the inconvenience caused to commuters due to the mudslide is regretted.

CORRIGENDUM

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Apropos to the news item that appeared on October 6, 2013 under the caption “Memo submitted with proposal of Rs. 139.97 crore worth of projects,” the proposed estimated cost should read as Rs. 1394.97 and not as rendered. The error is regretted.

(DIPR)

Monday, October 7, 2013 12 pages Rs. 4 – William Butler Yeats

Wokha Forest Division celebrates “Wildlife Week” [ PAGE 02]

Myanmar: Victims say police aided attackers

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 09]

Novak beats Nadal for fourth China Open win [ PAGE 12 ]

14th FC will try to balance ‘change and continuity’

New Delhi, OctOber 6 (MexN): The Nagaland State Government has indicated to the 14th Finance Commission (FC) that the process of urbanization and industrialization are steps to change and progress. The FC, in turn, will try to bring “optimum benefits” by arriving at a “good balance between change and continuity.”

This was stated in a press release from Secretary of the 14th FC, A.N. Jha, explaining in brief the Commission’s visit to Nagaland.

Whiskey smells like petrol?

That’s impossible, I added Members of the 14th FC, Dr. industrial paint thinner not Y.V. Reddy, Chairman, Prof.

Abhijit Sen, Ms. Sushama petrol!

Nath, Dr. M. Govinda Rao Dr. Sudipto Mundle, The Morung Express and Secretary Mr. A.N. Jha and POLL QUESTIOn other officials visited NaVote on www.morungexpress.com galand from October 4-6, SMS your answer to 9862574165 2013 to hold consultations with the State Government Are young Naga and key stakeholders. The politicians making any Commission will finalize its difference in the decision recommendations by Octomaking of the Nagaland State government? ber 2014 after completing its discussions with all the State Governments, the Yes no Others Government of India and Do you support the Supreme relevant stake holders.

Court of India’s verdict that “While requesting to allows voters to reject all look into the special posicandidates in an election? tion and needs of Nagaland, Yes 68% it was mentioned that the 22% no intention of the State was 10% Others not to remain perpetually Details on page 7 frozen in the Special category bracket. Efforts are being initiated in the form of State Special Develop-

Trader kidnapped by non-Nagas

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•Intention of State not to remain perpetually under Special category bracket •FC to finalize recommendations by October 2014 post discussion with State Govts & GoI

14th FC officials meet representatives

Chairman of the 14th FC, Dr. Y.V. Reddy (4th from L) with members and officials meeting representatives of urban, rural, local bodies at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall in Kohima on October 6 (DIPR)

ment Zones to be further connected by new Railways and super highways to promote the process of urbanization and industrialization. These measures towards economic growth and employment generation, it was indicated, were steps towards change and progress,” stated the press release from Jha. The 14th FC was received by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his Cabinet Colleagues, representatives of local bodies and the political parties and senior officers

of the State Government.

The ensuing meeting between the two sides saw the State Government highlight the “steady deterioration of the financial position of the State over the past few years.” The release noted that the challenges faced by the State government “primarily due to lack of connectivity and infrastructure,” it was mentioned, have caused difficulties in delivering good governance at the grass root level.

The press note men-

tioned that the State Government sought a review of the “normative approach” to factor the special requirements of states like Nagaland. Rio suggested that the “Central Government could give an impetus to infusion of investments for building up technical infrastructure and facilities, for the benefit of the State as a whole,” expressed Jha. It was emphasized, he noted, that funding for the maintenance of infrastructure assets including roads was a major constraint and

KOhiMA, OctOber 6 (DiPr): Officials of the 14th Finance Commission (FC) met representatives from various urban, rural, local bodies; representatives from trade, industries and commerce sectors and political parties at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall here today.

The meeting with representatives of local urban, rural bodies and tribal Hohos was moderated by Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, Nagaland, Banuo Z. Jamir while the meeting with representatives from the trade, industries and commerce sector was moderated by Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Thangi Mannen. The meeting with representatives of political parties, which concluded the round of meetings, was moderated by Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner, Toshi Aier.

requested for special allocation for this through the FC. The State on its part, it was mentioned, even while making all efforts to increase its revenues to reduce the dependence “could not achieve much on account of the low revenue base.” The Commission was requested to look into the proposal of the State for the enhancement of Profession tax, for making appropriate recommendation to the Central Government.

Nagaland State Government submitted their

Memorandum and made a detailed presentation on the finances of the State Government, its projection for the award period and gave their views on some of the Terms of Reference of the Commission. Presentations were also made on Macro Economic situation of the State highlighting the achievements of the State and demands made to the FC. Request for a supplementary memorandum to factor in the impact of the 7th pay commission was requested by the State. The

Commission also interacted with representatives of political parties, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban local bodies and Trade and Industry Associations.

The Chairman, FC while appreciating the significant issues raised by the State government, mentioned that the Commission has the responsibility to “handle twin balances of vertical and horizontal devolutions on the one hand and the balance between the General and the Special category States on the other.” The effort of the Commission, it was mentioned, would also be to arrive at a “good balance between change and continuity to get optimum benefits.” Other Members also appreciated the unique and special socio-economic position of Nagaland, and sought certain further clarifications/ information to make an informed decision while making its recommendations.

Looking forward to continued interaction with the State government, the Commission placed on record its appreciation to the Chief Minister and State Government for the cooperation and support extended to the Commission and assured that the issues raised will receive due attention in the deliberation of the Commission.

Related story on p2

New study deepens ‘Dictative interference in LOU DHEP’ Ltd urged mystery of origins of life NEEPCO to stop contract

MANchester, OctOber 6 (AGeNcies): According to a news release from the University of Manchester, a new study has deepened the mystery of the origins of life on Earth.

A team of researchers from the CRPG-CNRS University of Lorraine, The University of Manchester and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris have debunked a theory as to why the Earth was warm enough to keep up the Earth’s earliest life forms when the Sun’s energy was approximately 75 percent the strength it is today.

According to researchers, life developed on our planet during the Archean, between 3.8 and 2.4 billion years ago, but the lesspowerful Sun should have signified that the Earth was too cold for life to develop at this point in time; thus researchers have been attempting to come up with a reason for this puzzle, known as the “faint, young Sun paradox.”

“During the Archean the solar energy received at the surface of the Earth was about 20 to 25 % lower than present,” said study author Ray Burgess, from the University of Manchester’s School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. “If the greenhouse gas composition of the atmosphere was comparable to current levels then the Earth should have been permanently glaciated but geological evidence suggests there were no global glaciations before the end of the Archean and that liquid water was widespread.” One explanation for the paradox was that greenhouse gas levels were

much higher during the Archean than they are today.

“To counter the effect of the weaker Sun, carbon dioxide concentrations in the Earth’s atmosphere would need to have been 1,000 times higher than present,” said lead author Bernard Marty, a professor at the CRPG-CNRS University of Lorraine. “However, ancient fossil soils – the best indicators of ancient carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere – suggest only modest levels during the Archean. Other atmospheric greenhouse gases were also present, in particular ammonia and methane, but these gases are fragile and easily destroyed by ultraviolet solar radiation, so are unlikely to have had any effect.”

The team chose to test another climate-warming theory. They wanted to determine whether the quantity of nitrogen could have been greater in the ancient atmosphere, which would increase the greenhouse impact of carbon dioxide and permit the planet to stay ice-free. The researchers looked at small samples of air caught in water bubbles in quartz from a region of northern Australia that has very old and unusually well-preserved rocks.

The team discovered that the partial pressure of nitrogen in the Archean atmosphere was very much alike, may even a little bit lower, than it is at present, excluding nitrogen as one of the primary competitors for answering the early climate mystery. The study’s findings are described in greater detail in the journal Science.

and supply works

DiMAPur, OctOber 6 (MexN): The Land Owners Union, Doyang Hydro Electric Project (LOU DHEP) has written to the Chairman and Managing Director of NEEPCO Ltd. calling for stoppage of contract and supply works connected to the project till the election of President of LOU DHEP is “finalized in accordance with the accepted norm.”

While appreciating NEEPCO Ltd. for taking up various devel-

opmental works for the welfare of the 17 affected villages of DHEP; the letter lamented that various “impediments” have arisen in the functioning of LOU DHEP. It informed that the LOU DHEP was formed in the year 1976 by the affected land owners and that it had been “functioning without any hindrances from any outside authorities.”

The letter, appended by R Yanthan, party leader and Kakuto Assumi, Head GB stated that of late, there has been “dictative interference” into the affairs of the LOU DHEP. It added that there has been “interference” in the election of office bearers of the LOU DHEP

by taking arbitrary action in appointment of an “un-mandated President.” The letter stated that this has been done inspite of objection raised by the “majority of the 17 affected village landowners executive members.” This, according to the letter has resulted in misunderstanding and dysfunction in the union.

“Inspite of our repeated appeals to the NSCN (IM) authority for kind revocation of the order for appointment of the un-mandated president which has been done against conventional and democratic norms, the matter is still lying pending in the office of the NSCN (IM),” the letter informed.

It therefore stated that it would not be appropriate on the part of NEEPCO Ltd. to go ahead with the notified contract and supply works till the election for president of LOU DHEP is finalized in accordance with accepted norms.

It further insisted for strict compliance with the 1984 and 1988 agreement between the LOU DHEP and the NEEPCO Ltd., failing which, the letter cautioned that the “genuine landowners will be compelled to go on agitation till redressal of the genuine grievances is achieved.” It added that the agitation “leading to any worse situation shall not be the responsibility of the landowners.”

Truly Made In Nagaland- Lanu Jamir Akangchila Longchar Morung Express Feature

Are you one of those that shy away from buying locally made items? Is it because you have less faith in the quality of products made in Nagaland?

Innovator Lanu Jamir is here to prove us all wrong.

A firm believer that there is nothing sub-par about locally made products, Lanu has been battling the proverbial “anything and everything imported is the best.”

“I want to show Nagas we can do something and that motivates me to constantly innovate,” he says.

He has made heads and ears turn with the launch of ‘Zip Sound’, an in-house audio production system on September 18. After months of research, he has launched speakers and amplifiers ranging from 100 watts to 2000 watts, which are of high quality, lightweight, small size but low cost.

What’s amazing is he built all the components of these sound systems on his own.

Another ground breaking invention is the Electronic Load Controller, conceptualized and developed in 2010 by Lanu for NEPED.

Lanu Jamir (Morung Photo)

“I make sure the cost is compatible to India market but the quality should be compatible with world class,” he states.

All of Lanu’s innovations operate under the name Zip Engineering & Innovation Centre. In 2003, he launched an online UPS repairing service, which had to be discontinued because of financial crunches. It’s disheartening to learn that UPS sent from Nagaland for repairing to Guwahati in fact landed up in Lanu’s workshop, which after repairs, went back to

Guwahati.

“With every invention, I think for our people and whether our people will benefit. I am a strong believer in my want to help Nagas,” he asserts.

Because of bare support and zero recognition, Lanu believes that he has been set back a couple of years because of financial constraints. He wishes that his father was alive to witness his “small success.”

Lanu’s father was Late Limasungba Jamir, pastor from Ungma Village who was known for his passion

in carpentry. He helped build several churches in his lifetime. The legacy lives on through Lanu Jamir, prompting family and friends to quote that Lanu’s talents are “a direct gift.”

His tryst with electronics began as a young boy when he tried fixing his father’s Bush Radio. He ended up missing several days of school while trying to repair the radio, which he ended up burning. After this, his passion to be in a band led him to build his own electric guitar during high school. After countless successful home inventions, Lanu went on to study Electronics at Datamatic Cooperation in Bangalore. After which, he worked for Eureka Electronic Bangalore from 1991 to 93. An interest in computers also prompted him to sign up for Computer Hardware classes in the evening.

His wife Alila Jamir is the perfect narrator for Lanu’s mad genius. She says that her husband is always busy tinkering away and many a time ends up sleeping at his workshop or is forever lost in his own world of innovation. She af-

fectionately calls him “loha-tina engineer”.

Lanu explains that he has a curious nature. “When I see anything, I immediately start imagining ways on how to innovate and develop the gadget or machine. I don’t even know how time passes,” he adds.

His workshop is littered with machines and gadgets of all sorts which have been modified and developed, and many from scrap metal.

He is also in the middle of several inventions and has just bought a digital controlled wood processing machine. He also plans on hiring out Zip Sound at cheap rates to local artistes. Lanu reveals that his dream is to setup a professional manufacturing unit and where he can compete with the best in the world.

With nothing I have started but I don’t have any due today so I am happy, he says. To the readers, Lanu says, “As long as we possess determination, no matter what difficulties come our way, it is possible to succeed”.

He ends on the note “When I see a gadget, I want to see Made in Nagaland written on it.” A brilliant gem among us, truly!

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2 Wokha Forest Division celebrates “Wildlife Week” Dimapur

Monday

7 October 2013

Curious students of GPS ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Khel, Pangti listening to wildlife awareness talks during the "Wildlife Week" organized by Wokha Forest Division.

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WOkha, OctOber 6, (mexN): Wokha Forest Division concluded the ongoing Wildlife awareness activities during “Wildlife Week” covering seven schools in Pangti, Sungro and Ashaa area.

A press note received here stated that last year, the district earned a bad name after highlighting poaching problems aggressively in the mass media across the country and the globe. Henceforth this year, the activities were focussed around hunting and deforestation problem in the region with particular reference to Amur Falcon and its roosting habitat.

The note mentioned that GPS ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and GMS of Pangti; GHS and Lamp school of Sungro and Ecoclub of Doyang actively participated in the programme.

During the programme, audio-visual and interactive activities not only entertained the students but

also ensured maximum learning. The school teachers from the schools volunteered to assist in carrying out Amur Falcon quiz cum introductory presentation.

With their teaching experience and knowledge of local language, it was easy to convince the small kids.

C. M. Kyong, Lipen Lotha, and Nzambemo ‘Friends of Amur Falcon’ activist and carried out nature awareness programmes forming Ecoclubs in different schools.

During the period, Doyang Eco-club was inaugurated and awareness activities were held on similar line.

While interacting with the students Kyongs’ mimicry of the bird with phrases likes “Hello friends, my name is Amur Falcon” with fluttering bird on the screen has been a spot on attraction for the students.

Also, W. Kikon and Nzambemo Kithan from Pangti village who are

members of the ‘Natural Nagas’ working under the leadership of Steve Odyuo, along with their ten other colleagues volunteered for organizing various activities in all the schools. They have pulled their socks up for covering other schools in the Doyang reservoir area.

Kamdi Hemant Bhaskar, IFS, DCF, Zuthunglo, IFS, ACF and Punseni Khing, RFO are especially given the task of Amur Falcon conservation in the region.

Supongnukshi Ao, DFO, Wokha Forest Division, thanked all the schools immensely for their kind cooperation and appeals for inclusion of conservation programs and activities in the school curriculum. He emphasised on awareness education at the grassroots as an effective tool for solving any problem in the long run while enforcement is being done as an immediate measure. The division is prepared for both, he said.

LocaL

The Morung Express

Naga Hoho-ENPO concerned

by State’s financial health

Dimapur, OctOber 6 (mexN): The Naga Hoho and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) have expressed concern over the financial health of Nagaland State. In a joint memorandum to the Chairman of the 14th Finance Commission, the Naga Hoho and the ENPO expressed worry that the absence of any investment along with the lack of infrastructural and sustainable development would lead more youth to be “attracted to the path of insurgency basing on the fact that Nagaland is the mother of insurgency in the North East.”

It stated that in spite of a favorable literacy rate, positive developments taking place in the field of education and thousands of graduates, there is very little economic activity to offer them meaningful employment.

The memo urged upon the FC to accept and recognize the fact that

Submits memorandum to Chairman of 14th Finance Commission “we are disadvantaged by multiple factors such as geography, topography, weak economy, minuscule investment and the spectrum of insurgency.”

Highlighting that Nagaland is the only State in India to be created by a political agreement, the memo stated that “because of the inherent weak economic and financial viability, Clause 11 of the 16 Point Agreement was provided.”

“One particular provision of the 16 Point Agreement is the provision contained in Clause 11 where Government of India committed to meet the cost of development and administration of Nagaland through the Consolidated Fund of India,” the memo stated. However, it lamented that this commitment has not been

honored in toto and that “no reasons have been offered as to why this is so.” However, the memo said that “this commitment still remains effective, and the Government of India has a legal bond to fulfill it.”

It stated that Nagaland State has been undergoing financial difficulties, “since this arrangement was discontinued in the year 1989.”

It further noted that the State’s financial condition has further deteriorated since 2010-11 owing to the negative awards of the Thirteenth Finance Commission. “We have learnt that the previous Commission had measured us with the same yardstick and applied the same norms as applied to the most progressive and advanced states of the country,” it said. The memo

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Members of Kerala Samajam Dimapur present Thiruvathira, a cultural item, at Town Hall Dimapur on Sunday. (Morung Photo)

Dimapur, OctOber 6 (mexN): Kerala Samjam Dimapur on Sunday celebrated Onam festival at Town Hall with its members and invitees in attendance.

Parliamentary Secretary for IT&C, Science & Technology, Technical Education and Taxes who was supposed to be the chief guest but could not attend the programme due to unavoidable circumstances was represented by his

personal secretary, Mughavi Chishi. Conveying Onam greetings on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary, Mughavi lauded the contributions made by the Malayalees in the education sector in the state. He said the noble teachers from Malayalee community has played a part in shaping and moulding hundreds of Naga students who have gone on to occupy respectable positions within and outside the state.

He appealed the Malyalees to continue rendering their self-less contributions to the Naga society as Nagaland marches forward along with the rest o the country. During the programme, members of the Kerala Samajam Dimapur performed various cultural performances. The Samajam also felicitated students and teachers from its community who have excelled in their respective fields.

termed the situation as “most unfortunate.” “In this great country of ours not all states are similarly placed and endowed with the same resources and abilities. Added to this is the fact that the concept of Special Category status is being given little or no credence in the current state of affairs,” it added.

As such, the Naga Hoho and the ENPO urged upon the Commission “to restore this arrangement which was committed to by the Government of India, and which is supposed to be still in force.” It also called for the Commission to provide the resources that will enable the state to keep the momentum up and through which it can move forward.

The memorandum was jointly appended by Naga Hoho President, Keviletuo Kiewhuo, Naga Hoho General Secretary, P Chuba Ozukum; ENPO President, Chingmak Chang and ENPO Acting General Secretary, Manglang Phom.

tueNsaNg, OctOber 6 (mexN): The five-day long College Week of Sao Chang College concluded on October 5, 2013 with a Cultural Day-Cum-Competition at Town Hall. Nasset Chingmak Chang, Head Dobashi, who was the special guest on the occasion, emphasized the importance of knowing one’s culture. “Though education is important, one should not forget one’s culture as it gives us our identity”, he remarked. He further stated that singing a folk song is not simply singing but narrating history.

Competitions were held for Folk Dance and Folk Lore Narration between A students participating in the Folk Lore Narration competition at the Cultural Day-Cumthe teams Nike, Puma, Adi- Competition of SCC at Town Hall. (Inset) Special Guest, Nasset Chingmak Chang.

Changkija at Signet Books

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Sao Chang College week-long fest ends

KSD celebrates Onam festival Poetry Reading with Monalisa

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Dimapur, OctOber 6 (mexN): When words go on a holiday from idle minds, Monalisa Changkija’s teeming brain seems to be swarmed by weapons of words. Heritage Publishing House, Dimapur, organized a Poetry Reading session with Monalisa Changkija from her recently published two volumes of poetry titled, “Weapons of Words on Pages of Pain” and “Monsoon Mourning” (2nd edns.)

A press note received here stated that it was held with the objective of revisiting Changkija’s poems as seen through her heart and mind towards newer understanding. “Since her poems are included in NBSE, NU and even in NEHU courses, the necessity was felt so that teachers and students can interact and get first hand knowledge about her poems. This humble beginning couldn’t be a large one due to time constraints and also reaching out to all

Monalisa Changkija.

the colleges in a short time,” stated the note.

Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir, the Director of Heritage Publishing House and Signet Books, in her opening remarks highlighted the vision of Heritage in embarking upon such initiatives and thanked Monalisa Changkija and the attending college teachers, towards envisaging her vision into reality. She hoped that it will mark the beginning of something very enriching in creating a climate of scholarship and also to inculcate reading culture.

To this end, Heritage Publishing House and Signet Books will strive towards such initiatives even in the coming days, she stated.

The note also mentioned that Monalisa Changkija, while bringing out the finer analytical elements underlying each word in her poems speaks against the socially constructed norms in ‘bracketing’ and oppressing women and hopes that within the undying spirit their ‘silenced voice’ will one day emerge collectively towards real change and towards a gender equitable society. She wants the women today to believe in themselves as being the most important in life above all priorities in truly celebrating womanhood. The highlight of the reading session was that within her own ‘reading,’ she gave the freedom to interpret her poems in their own terms within different contexts, changing times and realities.

das and Reebok. Team Nike was adjudged winners in both the categories. Sports and Games were held on the first 3 days. Puma bagged the overall team champion.

Sekingchem of B.A. III was awarded the male individual champion while Kijingpila from B.A. I won the title in the female category. The programme was compered

by Limatula and Pomba Magar and vote of thanks delivered by Iris Odyuo, Convener, Cultural Committee. The judges for the cultural programme include Sentitula, Assistant Professor, Department of English, K.K. Chim, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Isaac, Assistant Professor, Department of History.

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Alder College alumni meeting kOhima, OctOber 6 (mexN): All the alumni of Alder College Kohima have been informed that there will be a general meeting on October 11 at 11:00 AM at the college premises. A press release issued by General Secretary ACAA, Loreni Tsanglao further informed all the alumni to attend the meeting without fail as there are emergency agendas to be deliberated at the earliest.

Kohima Lotha Hoho meeting

kOhima, OctOber 6 (mexN): There will be a meeting of the Kohima Lotha Hoho on October 9, 2013 with regard to celebration of Tokhu Emong on November 7. Therefore, Secretary of the Hoho ET Ovung has requested the following to attend the meeting: Lotha Officers Union; Lotha AOD, HOD; Eloe Hoho; Kohima Lotha Students Union; Kyong Naga Cultural Society; Colony chairmen and representatives.

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Tsg Hindi teachers’ general session

tueNsaNg, OctOber 6 (mexN): President of All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union, Tuensang Unit Hantsula has informed all Govt. Hindi teachers serving under SDEO & DEO, Tuensang district, both Graduate and Under Graduate, that there will be a General Session on October 16 at Govt. Higher Secondary School auditorium at 10:00 AM. The incumbent members have been requested to come along with membership fee for the year ending 2012 and 2013. The note appealed all members to attend the Session, while informing that absentees will be seriously questioned as per its rules and regulations.

“The Purpose” wins NSACS ZERO Mkg

Winners of the NSACS ZERO Mokokchung district “The Purpose” with Deputy Director NSACS Ayieno Kechu and brand ambassador Clueless Attention.

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mOkOkchuNg, OctOber 6 (mexN): Red Ribbon Superstar, NSACS ZERO band audition began with much expectation from the NSACS ZERO crew as well as the home crowd.

Before the bands took the stage, Clueless Attention warmed up the audience with their original track “Free” and other hits.

The level of talent and originality was simply remarkable, as three of the finest bands from Mokokchung battled it out for a chance to represent their district in the finals. In the end, the band “The Purpose”

emerged victorious, which was followed by “Abyss” and “Ember” in second and third place respectively.

Deputy Director NSACS, Ayieno Kechu, gave away the prizes and also shared a few words on HIV/AIDS and the ZERO campaign. Volunteers from Fazal Ali College and People College turned up to lend their valuable service for the event.

NSACS ZERO crew were able to join Town Higher Secondary School, one of the oldest schools in Mokokchung, for their morning assembly. Principal Dr. Imlirenla Walling took

the time to welcome the crew, and thanked them for taking the time to visit the school. She said that it was a great privilege for the students to get the opportunity to be enlightened on the very crucial topic of HIV/AIDS. The students numbering to about 650 were first treated to a special acoustic performance by the Brand Ambassadors Clueless Attention, after which, Deputy Director NSACS Ayieno Kechu delivered a short speech on HIV/AIDS and how important it is for everyone to be aware and stay safe.

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Regional

The Morung express

Monday

7 October 2013

Dimapur

3

Meghalaya enters 6th phase of ILP agitation

SHILLONG, OctOber 6 (NNN): Civil society organisations in Meghalaya are all set to enter their sixth phase of agitation from today demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state by resorting to three days night road blockade in all the districts of Meghalaya.

Office picketing and night road-blockade are the two modes of agitation resorted by the civil organisations since the first week of September but the Mu-

kul Sangma government is unmoved. Rather, the state government had offered the ‘Regulation of Landlord & Tenancy Verification Bill 2013’ as a legislative measure to address and enforce regulations to contain influx and illegal immigration, instead of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.

Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF have been spearheading the demand for the Inner

Line Permit in Meghalaya.

These ongoing series of agitations have begun after the break-down of the August 29meeting between the Mukul Sangma government and the NGOs in Shillong.

Meanwhile, due to the persistence of ‘deadlock’ between the Mukul Sangma government and the people, the state continues to suffer the brunt. Both sides are displaying adamant attitudes.

Intensifying their stir, the ten pro ILP pressure groups

have announced their fresh agitation by calling for a three-day ‘night road-blockade’ from Monday, as a move to pressurize the state government to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to thwart the inflow of illegal influx into the state.

The night road blockade will start from 7am to 5pm from October 7 to October 9.

"We have unanimously decided to continue with our agitations till our demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP)

is achieved," Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) general secretary Sadon K Blah informed in a statement issued here .

With the fresh announcement here, the agitations of the NGOs is said to enter the second week of October where Puja celebrations is going to commence. Though few concerned organizations have expressed the need to exempt agitations during festivity period, the NGOs failed to give any re-

sponse on this matter.

"We are not happy and satisfied with the knee jerk reaction of the government in hurriedly notifying the Bill for the state because this Bill does not meet our demands as far as regulating the entry of migrants into our state is concern," Sadon K Blah expressed.

Blah then pointed out that the casual factor for the genesis of the ILP movement in the state is the overflowing of the migrants’ population in the state as per the

Census report of 2001-2011 where it has indicated that the non-indigenous population exceeded the tribal population in many urban and sub-urban areas of the state.

Stating that the chief minister has shied away from addressing the issue of influx, Blah said, "This is the reason that promted the NGOs to demand for the implementation of the ILP as we know that this is the existing provision in the state of Meghalaya," adding "The repealing Act of 1879 in Garo hills does not exist in

paper, it is Mukul’s hearsay intended to mislead the people."

He further remarked that the style of functioning of the CM is like a moon among the lesser stars because all the MLAs are the ‘yes’ men and women of Sangma.

On the modification of the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) and setting up of a special court, the HNYF general secretary however termed the move as a threat to subdue the democratic process of protests by the NGOs.

AIZAWL, OctOber 6 (NNN): Biometric Enrolment for National Population Register with respect to Mizoram state has begun from Saturday under the supervision of Registrar General of India (Census), Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, Aizawl District Magistrate and Central government Census Office, Aizawl.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his family members were the first who

were enrolled through Biometric Enrolment system, an official report here said.

Coming from RGI, Deepak Kumar Gupta, Dy Director and representatives of Aizawl DC and Census officials Aizawl were present on the first day of the biometric enrolment today. In the Biometric Enrolment system, the enumerator collects the biometric details of every citizen of India by way of capturing the Iris of both eyes and the fin-

gerprints of both hands.

Every Indian above 5 years of age shall be enrolled through the Biometric enrolment for NPR. However, this is not for attainment of citizenship. Those enrolled through the biometric enrollment will be provided uniquely designed Identity Card called Unique ID (UID), having 12 digits called Aadhar Number. This Unique ID Card can be used by the individual for verification and

proof of identity in banking, mobile phone connection, ration card, passport and for other government affairs throughout the country.

National Population Enrolment has been carried out in other states too. It takes time as it requires not only personal information but even physical details too.

After enrolment was done with Chief Minister and family at his official residence, it was continued from

Zarkawt locality here in Aizawl. The enrolment will be continued in all the villages of the state by organizing enrolment camp two times each, during which officials will carry out the enrolment task.

Those who fail to register themselves during such enrolment camps will have to approach a particular place which will be arranged later by the government. Any individual who fail get enrolled during stipulated time will

be left out from the National Population Register such that they shall not be regarded as residents of India.

Two Enrolment Agencies namely, LYRA Consultancy Service, Kolkata (LCS) and Integrated Systems & Services (ISS), Guwahati are being engaged to carry out the biometric enrollment task in Mizoram. LCS will carry out the task in 5 Mizoram districts, while the rest 3 districts will be taken up by ISS.

Ruwngthung Hrangbung

Ukhrul are taking part in the conference.

The function on October 5 also commemorated the Foundation Day of the Union. Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights activist Ningreichon Tungshang speech on the topic of “Naga Women: Defending Rights, Land and People”. Unfurling of the NWU’s flag by First president of the Naga Women Union Chandel Th Jeksha Monsang, Choreography performed by the Monsang Sanuw Ruh and Folk songs presented by Anal Sinnu Ruwl and Maram Women’s Union enthralled the audience gathered in the first session that began from 8:00 am of the day.

President of the Naga

Women’s Union Aram Pamei in his address to the gathering stated that such event provided Naga Women opportunity to share their experiences, learn from one another and hold progressive debate to bring positive changes in the society.

Saying that the theme of the conference is “Naga Politics and Changing Role of Women”, the Naga Women shall all look forward to ideas and discourses around the topic said Aram Pamei. She also said ‘In this Conference, we will have important deliberations on the changing role of women from domestics chores of daily life to the wider domain of Naga politics’.

In addition to the address of the NWU’s Presi-

dent Aram pamei in the afternoon session, United Naga Council President L Adani’s address to the Naga Women, Solidarity message from Indigenous Women’s Forum of NorthEast India, (IWFNEI), Naga Students’ Federation, (NSF), All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, (ANSAM), NPMHR and Naga Socialist Women’s Organization Nagalim (NSWON), Traditional displays and Folk Songs performed by various Women Tribe Unions highlighted the day as an important event.

The General Assembly session of the Naga Women’s Union to elect new Officers of the Union was held in today’s event.

NE man has Biometric enrolment for Mizoram polls begin his own street in Argentina

Newmai News Network Shillong | October 6 Anyone from the North East India region travelling to far away Argentina and feels home-sick, there is at least one consolation to feel nearer home. Today, one will find a street christened after the name of a fellow north-easterner (India) in the South American country.

According to a report, the parishioners of the Holy Family Church at Pico Truncado have named a street after Khasi priest Father Patrick Warjri to mark the 50th year of the founding of the parish in Patagonia, Argentina.

It appeared that the parishioners of the Holy Family Church are so impressed the way Father Patrick Warjri is discharging his works in the past ten years there. According to the report, Father Warjri is working with zeal and dedication currently in the Argentina city who will only return to Meghalaya next year.

The street, after the

new name, was unveiled on September 28 where Father Warjri himself was present marking the 50th year of the parish in Patagonia. The report stated that Father Patrick Warjri was shocked to see his name when Secretary of the Local Government, Marcelo Aguilar unveiled the street sign named after him.

According to the report, Father Patrick Warjri is from the Salestian Province of Dimapur in Nagaland and also a Salestian missionary of Mawlai Parish. "The city of Pico Truncado, also known as the Gas Capital, is located in the Deseado area, north of the province of Santa Cruz, 60 km from the Atlantic Ocean and 200 meters above the sea. This town is the third largest city in the province of Santa Cruz," the Shillong based daily reported.

Father Warjri hails from Mawlai Mawroh, Meghalaya. He is also the former director of North East Region Youth commission (NERYC), the reported added.

Naga Women’s Union Conference held in Chandel Chandel | October 6

The celebration of the 9th Conference cum Annual Assembly of the Naga Women’s Union was held here at Chandel Christian Village Sports Complex under the theme of “Naga Politics and changing role of Women" with Anal Sinnu Ruwl as the host of the celebration.

The NWU’s triennial Conference cum annual Assembly was inaugurated in a function held on the evening of Oct 4 at the conference hall.

Apart from guest and invitees, 330 women delegates representing 13 Nagas Tribes from four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and

100 Bru families return to Mizoram from Tripura

AIZAWL, OctOber 6 (PtI): Around 100 Bru families, out of expected 121 families, have returned to Mizoram from the North Tripura relief camps during the week-long repatriation process which commenced on September 30.

As many as 616 Brus belonging to 100 families returned to Mizoram from Naisingpara and Asapara relief camps, Superintendent of Police of Mamit district bordering Tripura, Rodingliana Chawngthu told PTI over telephone today.

The remaining 21 families did not return due to the reported intimidation

'Remaining 21 families did not return due to the reported intimidation by anti-repatriation elements in the relief camps' of some Bru families by anti-repatriation elements in the relief camps, he said.

Chawngthu said that one family was allegedly intimidated and threatened inside the Asapara relief camp by some miscreants on September 29, the night before the commencement of the repatriation.

"The house of Luaia was ransacked and pulled

down by some people for intending to return to Mizoram," a leader of the Bru Coordination Committee (BCC) said.

Chawngthu said that the next round of self-repatriation was scheduled to begin by October 16 and the final decision would be made on Wednesday when the district core committee on Bru repa-

triation would meet in Mamit town under the chairmanship of the district deputy commissioner V Remthanga.

He said that around 75 families from Khakchangpara, Kaskau and Hampsapara relief camps have reportedly informed the BCC leaders that they were willing to return to Mizoram.

The SP did not rule out the possibility of the involvement of a Bru armed militant group who were earlier allegedly supplied with arms by the Manipurbased Hmar People's Convention (Democrats) to intimidate some inmates of the relief camps.

Welcome to the XXI Inter District & State Table Tennis Championship Date

: October 9-11, 2013

Venue

: Indoor T.T. Stadium, Kohima

Chief Guest

:Shri. Merentoshi R Jamir, Hon’ble Minister, Youth Resources & Sports, Nagaland

Organised by Nagaland Table Tennis Association Hosted by Kohima District Table Tennis Association For further details, please contact: Swelul Pucho 9436001949, Vitho Niekha 9436010794

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF UNDERDEVELOPED AREAS NAGALAND: KOHIMA

2-DAY SKILL UPGRADATION SEMINAR FOR BORDER AREA FARMERS ORGANISED BY DUDA UNDER BADP

Inaugural Function Chairman

: Mr. Alan Gonmei, Director, DUDA.

Chief Guest

: Mr. Naiba Konyak, Hon’ble Adviser, DUDA.

Venue: DUDA Guest House, Kohima.

Date: 9th October, 2013 Time: 0900 Hours

Programme 1.

2.

Invocation Prayer Keynote Address

: :

3.

4.

5.

Special Song Speech by Chairman’s remark

: : :

Mr. Mopa Konyak, Pastor, KBC, Kohima Mr. T.C. Sangtam, Commissioner & Secretary, DUDA Mr. Thejasilie Sekhose & Friend Chief Guest

Other highlights of the Seminar are: Day-I for Theoretical Session with special emphasis on Productivity, Marketing & Financial Management on Agri & Allied for Farmers by various Line Departments and Agencies.

SL. NO.

Time

1.

1015 to 1100 Hrs 1st Session

2.

3.

1100 to 1145 Hrs 2nd Session 1145 to 1150 Hrs

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Name of Resource Person & Departments/Organisations Shri. Z. James Kikon, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science), ICAR, GOI Dr. Moamongba Walling,Horticulture Officer, State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur

Topic “Integrated Farming System for Sustainable Agriculture” “Livelihood through Horticulture with special reference to Hill Farming” Tea Break-I “Scope of Agriculture in Nagaland with Special Reference to Indo-Myanmer Border Areas”

Shri.G.Ikuto Zhimomi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Agriculture, Nagaland, Kohima 1235 to 1320 Hrs Dr. Viral Yore,Deputy Director, “Scope of Livelihood & Poultry Rearing with Special 4th Session Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry reference to Indo-Myanmar Border Areas” 1320 to 1325 Hrs Tea Break -II 1325 to 1410 Hrs Mr. Neichute Doulo, “Linking Traditional Economy with the Modern 5th Session CEO,Entrepreneurs Associates Market” 1410 to 1455 Hrs Mr. Nzanbemo.K.Lotha,Team Member,Nagaland “Scope & Potential of Bee Keeping in Nagaland” th 6 Session Honey Mission & Bee Keeping 1455 to 1540 Hrs Mr. Ango Konyak, POU Member, NEPED “NEPED’s Experience on Livelihood in Nagaland” 7th Session 1150 to 1235 Hrs 3rd Session

Day-II is Exposure Tour to various Farms and Research & Development Centres both in Kohima & Dimapur:

The School following CBSE pattern from classes Pre-Primary to Class- 12 with inagural Session 2014-15 upto Class-7 located at Chumukedima, Dimapur and committed to the following: 1. Christ - centered holistic learning for life- application 2. Competent and qualified teachers as per CBSE norms 3. Yearly Upgradation upto class-12 4. To provide allround development in the child 5. Visiting remedial teachers for identifying the individual needs of the student 6. Continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) through weekly/monthly/cycle tests 7. Trained councellor for student’s guidance 8. Teaching-learning through Smart Class & activities and Play Way method 9. Student-Teacher ratio 25:1 10.Facilities including safe drinking water, computer education, science lab, health service, library, school bus, canteen, children’s Park etc D-155

Sl. Time Place to Visit No. 1 0600 to 0800 hrs Honey Bee Model Village, Mima

Time duration 30 mnts

2

Time duration 25 mnts in each site

3 5 4 6 7 8

0800 to 1100 hrs i.NEPED Piggery Livelihood Project Medziphema. ii.Medziphema Piggery Farming (NEPED) iii. Animal Production Management, Agri College, Midziphema.

1130 to 1300 hrs i.ICAR, Jharnapani ii.Rabbit Farm, Jharnapani, V & AH Department 1300 to 1400 hrs Lunch at Bio-tech, Research & Dev. Centre, Ruziephema, Dimapur 1400 to 1500 hrs Bio-Technology Research& Dev. Centre, Ruziephema, Land Resources Dev. Department.

1500 to 1540 hrs DDSP (Stone Processing Unit), 7thMile, Chumukedima, Dimapur (NSMDC) 1540 to 1620 hrs Proceed to Dimapur to drop the Delegates plan to go via Dimapur 1620 to 1920 hrs Return to Kohima

Remarks

Time duration 30 mnts each Time duration 30 mnts Time duration 30 mnts Time duration 20 mnts To leave the Delegates at Dimapur, if any.

Return Journey

N.B: About 120 delegates (Farmers) are coming to attend this 2-Day Seminar from Indo-Myanmar Border Block Villages of Phomching, Chen & Tobu (Mon), Noklak & Thonoknyu (Tuensang), Pungro (Kiphire) and Meluri (Phek).

C M Y K

4

businEss

Monday

Dimapur

7 October 2013

A universe conceived and born in love

businEss

Wal-Mart says retail plans S with Bharti “not tenable”

IndonesIa, october 6 (reuters): Wal-Mart Stores Inc’s retail plans with India partner Bharti Enterprises are “not tenable” and both sides are looking for the best way to move forward, an executive with the U.S. retailer told Reuters.

Wal-Mart was expected to make a decision on its Indian retail plans later this month and Bharti will accordingly decide if those plans match its overall retail ambitions.

“We created a franchise in retail with Bharti in the hopes that there could be a potential freeing up (of foreign direct investment) that would allow it to potentially be the base of the business. But frankly, the FDI has passed,” said Wal-Mart Asia Chief Executive Scott Price on the sidelines of the APEC conference in Bali, Indonesia “That means the existing franchise to Bharti is not tenable as the base. What we are talking about with Bharti is what we do with

The Morung Express

that business.”

Wal-Mart has an equal joint venture with Bharti under which it runs its Best Price Modern Wholesale Stores in India and the U.S. retailer last year called Bharti its “natural partner” to open its retail stores in the country.

In July, Reuters reported Bharti was looking to exit its joint venture with Wal-Mart. India permitted foreign retailers to own 51 percent of their Indian operations in September 2012, but ambiguity around rules governing the policy has ensured no foreign retailer has so far applied to enter the country.

“I don’t see how any foreign retailer can comply and quite honest-

ly no domestic retailer is complying either,” Price said.

The biggest stumbling block for companies has been the government’s requirement that 30 percent of their products be sourced locally.

Despite the uncertainty over the retail business, Price said the world’s largest retailer was not planning on leaving India and was actually hoping to expand its wholesale business.

“We are committed to India and we are not thinking of leaving India anytime soon,” he said.

Price also said Wal-Mart had no immediate acquisition plans in China but was keeping its eyes open for opportunities.

The U.S. retailer also had no plans for expansion into Thailand or Indonesia, two countries where supermarkets have faced tough competition from local mini-markets.

cience shows us that the universe is made up of billions and trillions of stars. Seen from the shores of this tiny planet earth, one of these single stars is a million times bigger than the earth. Now millions of stars make up a galaxy. And there are millions of galaxies in the universe. Our sun belongs to one of these galaxies (the Milky Way} and our planet earth draws its sustenance from it.

Now how did this universe come into existence?

Is it just a product of pure chance as the scientist would have us believe? Or is it created by a personal God with a purpose? According to the Bible, which I believe is the word of God; this universe was created by God. In Isaiah 40:26 the word of God declares: “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their hosts by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.”

But the greatest declaration of all is that, this seem-

ingly endless universe was conceived and created in LOVE. We get this stupendous revelation from the words of God in the Bible.

In John 1:1 it is written: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Further, in verse3 of the same chapter we are told: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” Now, the word “Word” comes from the Greek word “Logos” which means- “A concept and the expression of that concept.”

Now, a concept cannot be thought out by, say- an impersonal and inanimate object like a stone. Neither can a concept be expressed by an inanimate object. A concept and the expression of that concept can be done only by a personal being. That “Being” as the scriptures have revealed is God the father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

This triune God was there before the universe was created. As to the essence of this triune God, Jesus had said thus: “Father I desire that

they also, whom thou hast given me may be with me to behold my glory; which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world.” (Jn. 17:24) Again in 1 John 4:8 we are told that “God is love.” The essence of God is therefore one of LOVE. And the universe and the planet earth were therefore conceived from the womb of love!

Again, Genesis chapter I verse 1 says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” But before “the beginning” was love- love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This triune God of love says in Genesis 1:26, “Let us (note the plural “us”) make man in our image.” This same God of love sent his own begotten son into the world to die for our sins (Jn. 3:16). This means, Christmas was preceded by love. The word becoming flesh was in fact, a demonstration of that love. It is the expression of the concept called “LOVE.” Love! What a beautiful word that word is. It is the

opposite of evil, hatred and murder. IT IS THE OPPOSITE OF VIOLENCE. But instead of loving one another, the whole of human history has been marred by evil hatred and murder. This sad tragedy is because-what was conceived in love and brought into being with love- has been despoiled by evil from the Garden of Eden.

But Calvary has reversed that cycle of evil and hatred.

Those who have been born again through the spirit have been freed from the chains and clutches of hatred and violence. They are set free to once again love God and their fellow man as God originally intended them to do. They can once again fulfill God’s purpose for creating the universe, the planet earth and humankind. Yes, they have been set free to love again.

But to live in contrary to God’s grandest purpose for our lives on earth is to live a life of misery and strive. It can never be a fulfilling live or a blessed life.

Kaka D. Iralu

Why not a pothole Festival too? (Monsoon jokes and woes)

W

ith the Hornbill Festival going to be extended from seven days to ten days celebration to commemorate our 50th year Statehood in spite of our state reeling under acute fund shortage and near financial crisis, any right thinking citizen irrespective of any political party loyalty would ask whether the government really is in a right frame or in a stable state of mind? Anyone can see the condition of our pathetic roads(is it fit even to be called roads?),our erratic power supply, law and order scenario, shortage of water supply in our hill districts especially in our state capital during the winter months, rising rate of unemployment at an alarming rate ,random price escalation etc. But the govt. surely has an un-satiable appetite for latest imported expensive sedans and SUVs with hordes of unnecessary escorts draining the state exchequer, fruitless foreign tours (so far have we benefitted anything from politicians and bureaucrats going and watching the World

Cups, Olympics and other tours to learn about town planning or governance or any of their other foreign tours?) Seems it is getting worse day by day.

As one MLA during the last assembly session pointed out that most of these foreign tours end up as shopping sprees for ministers and bureaucrats’ wives or cronies who just go, see, eat, buy and come back and nothing more .The decision to extend this festival from the present seven days to ten days has invited a `Big No’ in all the opinion polls conducted on popular social networking sites too.

Only a handful of people who are making some profit from this festival seems to be saying yes to it while the majority of the Nagas opts for better roads ,electricity, water-supply and of course peace in the land rather than fun and gaiety. The whole Nagas may say yes in future if things improve but surely not right now.

At present, the recently appointed teachers under SSA are been deprived of their salary for the third month and Hindi teachers under CSS has not

been paid their salary for the last five month (maybe because hundreds of crores were spent during the elections). And here we talk about all fun, games and partying for some more days?

What about the work-charge employees’ salaries in various departments? Not to mention about the Merit Students’ scholarships for last year which is yet to be paid. The Year of Entrepreneurs has become a joke which goes like ‘lying under the mango tree with mouth wide open for the mango fruit to fall down when shaken by the wind, but instead of falling down when the monsoon wind blow, it rotted away while on the tree and some big birds came from above and pecked away the remaining eatable part’.

The Hornbill Festival was organised way back in the year 2000 to showcase our rich Naga cultural heritage and to promote state tourism but let us look at the Hornbill Festival from the other side of the coin too. Though crores of rupees are being spent on it every year, is it generating any amount in return? Or is it only emptying

the state-coffers? Or even if its so, has the amount generated from the festival utilized for some useful purpose till date?

Some may argue that it is a platform of opportunities for many hard-working people opening food and crafts stalls, nurturing musicians and budding models and a springboard for young amateurs, which is partially true but can we compare the amount spent incurred and revenue earned in return? Or is it giving a real platform on national and international arena? Or is it glamorising just the prize money and the title only?

And is our culture really about Rock music, beauty pageants or glorifying the Second World War? Why don’t we emphasize on our own culture if we want to promote our rich cultural legacy and take it to an international level? If the govt. really wants to promote tourism, why is this festival held at only one particular venue every year? Why not in Mokokchung, Wokha, Peren, Zunheboto, Phek or some Eastern Nagaland districts to benefit the other Naga tribes economically or other-

wise? Why not in Dimapur too for a change? A friend who participates in motor-rallies often, joked that a bullock-cart race would be a new added attraction instead of the usual Hornbill motor-rally as our roads has become almost like rivers and so even motor-boat racing or yachting can be introduced later. Celebrating Hornbill Festival without Hornbills doesn’t explain any logic when we can really celebrate Potholes which are aplenty and uncountable all over Nagaland. So why is this festival which can be very well celebrated in just a maximum of one week be extended to ten days celebration with our sick financial condition ?If it had been a human being, then the doctors would have taken it to the operation theatre .Doesn’t the govt. have much better things to attend to? Why not invest the money spent on this festival on making proper roads and drainages ,supply regular electricity and water supply ,build flyovers and develop satellite towns to ease the congestion, build sports stadiums, theatre halls, regular payment to

salary to its employees, timely payment of students ’scholarships ,etc? Even if the festival is extended to hundred days celebration, without proper infrastructures and basic amenities how can we expect tourists to flock to Nagaland in the coming years just like that? Or some quick lip-stick black-topping roads and overnight white washing of wayside buildings and shops to fool ourselves continue to be the order of the day?

It was really a wise decision that the CANSSEA has resolved not to contribute for the forthcoming Statehood celebration by deducting three days employees’ salary. Why must our hard-earned money be splurged just for some political and bureaucratic idiocrasy? Nay, the total amount collected for Calamity Relief Fund for Uttarkhand was never even disclosed to the public either from any district or any department. Didn’t anybody filed an RTI or we Nagas have been over-swayed by ’Let it be’ attitude? Is there any government protocol not to disclose such collected amounts?

What happened to our state

contingency fund to meet such matters? Such are the transparent and accountable ways of our government because when it seems to rain only in Nagaland and have enough countless potholes which are now becoming craters and appearing like the hydra-headed monster everyday. The attempt to flout a political party in the neighbouring states by the money which rightfully belongs to the people of Nagaland State sent by the centre (since we don’t have any other source of revenue than the Govt.

Of India) was a complete betrayal of the people of Nagaland.

If only the members of the 14th Finance Commission who are here on a State visit take a road trip around the Dimapur town travel up to Kohima by road instead, by a chopper then they will know what government we have which cannot even maintain a stretch of 74 km road, forget about the other roads of our state though they can live life king-size!

But alas! The people get the government it deserves!

Jonah Achumi DIMAPUR

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

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2670

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2682

Answer Number # 2669

DiMaPuR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital: Shamrock Hospital Zion Hospital: Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dimapur hospital Apollo Hospital Info Centre: Railway: Indian Airlines Northeast Shuttles Chumukedima Fire Brigade Nikos Hospital and Research Centre Nagaland Multispecialty Health & Research Centre

KOhiMa

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

232224; Emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 233044, 228846 228254 231864, 230889 228400 232106 227607, 228400 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 285117, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 22232 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

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ACROSS

a E K S S g g a R D E n C a R T B O

1. Distort 5. Tag 10. The products of human creativity 14. Region 15. Cognizant 16. Bridle strap 17. Teller of untruths 18. Sanctify 20. hardy coarse-haired sheep 22. Molasses 23. Cacophony 24. Daisylike bloom 25. Restrictions 32. Maxim 33. Follow as a result 34. Rodent 37. School session 38. Make into law 39. Filly’s mother 40. Cap 41. Sporting venue 42. Cringe 43. a desire for possessions 45. San antonio fort 49. .001 inch 50. Retaliation 53. Relating to sight 57. Combine together

59. Connecting point 60. Thorny flower 61. Shy 62. Terminates 63. initial wager 64. Small amount 65. a musical pause

DOWN 1. Travel on foot 2. Diva’s solo 3. Back 4. a standard or typical example 5. a blank gap 6. absent without Leave 7. Prohibit 8. at one time (archaic) 9. Lascivious look 10. Tapestry 11. Respond 12. name of a book 13. Contemptuous look 19. Stop 21. go fly a ____!

25. Strip of wood 26. Bright thought 27. Shopping place 28. Basic belief 29. absurd 30. academy award 31. Cashew or almond

34. hindu princess 35. Circle fragments 36. abound 38. historic period 39. hatmaker 41. in the midst of 42. Pause 44. hinder 45. a kind of macaw 46. a tart fruit 47. nautical for stop 48. Donnybrook 51. general agreement on Tariffs and trade 52. arab chieftain 53. Ear-related 54. ice cream holder 55. Contributes 56. in order to prevent 58. Doctor’s group

Ans to CrossWord 2681

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)

TUENSANG: 03861-220256/101 (O) 8974322879

08974997923

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

Toll free No. 1098 childline

W

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

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

ChiLD wELFaRE COMMiTTEE

MOKOKChung:

FiRE StAtiOnS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1: Police Station 2 :

2226241 2226214

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

2226216 2226263 2226373/2229343

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LOCAL

The Morung Express

Monday 7 October 2013

NPC launch discusses women issues and domestic violence

Kohima, october 6 (mexN): Nagaland Peace Café (NPC), a 12-month educational project that focuses on developing community awareness about important social issues in Naga society was inaugurated at Ozone Café, Kohima on October 5. Directed by AsanuoYhome Heneise, KhriethoTungoe, and Senti Tzudir, NPC was launched with a generous grant from the American Baptist Foundation, informed a press release issued by NPC. The launch saw presentations on women’s issues and domestic violence in Nagaland led by Rosemary Dzüvichü, senior faculty at Nagaland University; Advisor to NMA; Advisor Expert Member, National Commission for Women, New Delhi. In an intimate café setting with music by singer Mengu Suokhrie, Kevi, Kenei and Vitoto, guest speaker and discussion leader Dzüvichü presented a candid account of the high incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, physical abuse and even incest affecting women in Naga-inhabited areas.

She stated that women’s rights advocates and change-agents must negotiate given complex and often conflicting provisions within Naga customary law, the Indian constitution, and international conventions on human rights and women’s rights.

The presentations also highlighted the gap that exists between rhetoric and action on-the-ground, with even important, hard-won policy decisions left void of power and resources to act despite the growing outcry of victims. In addition, a critical discussion ensued regarding the efficacy of Naga customary laws in protecting women.

Dzüvichü noted that strong kinship ob-

ligations often discourage family members from acknowledging abusive spouses and relatives, leaving their women and daughters helpless. Some suggested that customary laws do offer protections, though unfortunately ignorance of their complex provisions, even at the village level, is a big problem. A third concern was the absence of a decisive, unified church voice in regards to gender violence.

One church leader agreed, stating that a united voice on the issue was challenging given the independence and selfgoverning polity of Baptist congregations around the state. He agreed with Dzüvichü that there is a need for deeper theological reflection among church leaders in relation to gender violence, and opined that Biblical teachings devoid of due diligent social analysis falls flat in the face of the day-to-day abuses experienced or even perpetrated by church members.

Dzüvichü admonished uninformed voices, encouraging attendees to look at the research, to make informed judgements, and to become active in their communities towards strengthening democratic institutions, particularly in regards to women’s equal participation.

Post-event surveys, according to the release reflected an overwhelmingly positive response about the event and its efficacy, with requests for NPC to be extended beyond the short two hours; that it include more young voices; that it find ways to engage in more rigorous community awareness; and that it touch on other important social ills affecting Naga communities, the note read.

The inaugural event comprised of a

Dimapur

5

YSUD emergency meet on Oct 8

Dimapur, october 6 (mexN): Yimchunger Students' Union, Dimapur (YSUD) has convened an emergency meeting at the Union’s treasurer’s residence on October 8, 2:00 pm to discuss about the forthcoming Union’s Freshers' meet. Therefore, all the office bearers, executives and members concerned have been requested to attend the meeting without fail. The new agenda has to be forwarded before October 9, informed YSUD general secretary and executive secretary. For more information, contact Executive Secretary Lenpithong at 8974632968 and General Secretary Tsulun at 8575312849.

‘Right education will never betray us’

Glimpses from the inaugural event of Nagaland Peace Café on October 5 at Ozone Café in Kohima.

select audience of community members including youth leaders, dignitaries from civil society organisations, the state government, law enforcement, church organisations, law centres, and educational in-

stitutions, local youth and youth leaders, as well as the serendipitous attendance of several American diplomats. For more information visit www.nagalandpeacecafe.com.

Dimapur, october 6 (mexN): Eastern Naga PostGraduate Students’ Union (ENPGSU), Kohima Campus held its 17th Freshers’ meet at Baptist High auditorium on October 5, 2013 under the theme “Unity for one Aspiration”.

A press note issued by Akiuba Yimchunger, General Secretary ENPGSU stated that O.T Chingmak Chang, IAS, Secretary of School Education & Mission Director SSA, who was the chief guest addressed the gathering. He said that getting the “right education will never betray us”. He stressed on the importance of hard-work and determination to be successful in life. Further, he encouraged the students to know one’s responsibility and be the pillars of tomorrow’s society. He cited an example of how he studied when he was a student irrespective of his many social activities.

Further, T Kekongchim Yimchunger, vice president, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) also encouraged the students to completely eradicate the feelings of communalism and tribalism as an educated person in order to achieve greater heights. He also said that there is no difference between the “so called advanced and backward” tribes. “It is only the mindset that distinguished one from other.” He challenged the students to be competitive at par with the “advanced” fellow Nagas and should no longer rely at the mercy of backward quota.

Earlier, the event was marked by cultural display from freshers, folk song by Khiamniungan Naga and special presentations from Moksha and Akhumba. Various students’ unions from different tribal units also attended the programme.

CBCC Spiritual Festival ends with around 7000 participants RTI slogan competition held in Kohima

Participants of the last day of Spiritual Festival 2013 engaged in prayer at Agri Expo complex, Diphupar.

Dimapur, october 6 (mexN): The last day of the three days Spiritual Festival 2013, organized by Chakesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) today saw a gathering of about 7000 people, both young and old at Agri Expo complex, Diphupar, despite cold weather and heavy downpour.

According to a press release issued by Publicity Cell of the Festival, in the morning, Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh greeted the congregation by sharing the love of God and bringing the exemplary context of living life for God. He said, “The spiritual festival is also a time of mourning as our spiritual life has become

dull, therefore returning to God is the need of the hour.”

Meanwhile, Pastor Seok Jeon Yoon, sharing his message based on Ephesians 6:10-13, stressed on the need of every believer to give their all in worshipping God. “Our Service to God should not be substituted by any excuses we make for ourselves.”

He said. “Every person should know and believe that the word of God is meant for us through which we will get blessing.” He also emphasized on the need of the church to recognize the authority of Jesus. “Church is the body of Christ and Jesus is the head of the church and therefore church should function in the likes of Christ.” There are two types of spirit, he said – the good spirit which comes from God and the bad spirit which devil uses to take us down. We need to distinguish between the two and choose the right one to serve God. In the evening service, Pastor Seok Jeon Yoon exhorted that it is by grace alone that we are saved. In order to avoid eternal doom, we need to return to God and seek his likeness in our life. Congregation greetings in the evening were delivered by Rev. Dr Phuveyi Dozo, who stressed on the need of the each believer to build both spiritual and outward life. The gift of Salvation is what we can share to the other world, he said.

Kohima, october 6 (Dipr): Commemorating the Right to Information Week, Kohima district organized an RTI slogan competition at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima on October 5.

Speaking as the special guest, ADC Kohima, Asangla Imti said that RTI is an Act to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. She said that the Right to Information Act (RTI Act) covers all levels of government – Centre, State, district and local self governing bodies like Panchayats and Municipal bodies. It also covers non-governmental organizations – NGOs, Vos and other private bodies that are financed substantially with public funds provided by the Government. She further stated that every citizen has the right to put in an application requesting information or copies of records held by these bodies and such information should be given by the body concerned. She called upon all concerned to be aware of the RTI rules and regulations and use it in the right perspective.

SDO (C), Kohima, Wennyei Konyak, who chaired the programme, also apprised on the importance of Right to Information Act. A documentary film on RTI was also screened on the occasion.

ADC Kohima, Asangla Imti felicitating the winner of the RTI slogan competition held at DC’s conference hall, Kohima on October 5.

The slogan competition on RTI was judged by ADC Kohima Asangla Imti and DPRO, Kohima Asangla Imsong. The winners were as follows: First Prize – Raizhune, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima; Second prize – Yangerlong, Ministers Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima; Third Prize – Sensoinla, Mezhur Higher Secondary School, Kohima. Consolation Prizes: Yesto Zhimo, Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima; Rafiq, Ministers Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima.

YWO Pungro Alder College organizes 22nd Annual Day Tir Yimyim Award & Book Release october 6 (mexN): Alder ColDimapur, october 6 commemorating this decadal Milen and Rev C Walu Walling, Unit condemns Kohima, lege Kohima organized its 22nd Annual Day on (mexN): Marking a decade of event, the daily will award five former Secretary for Literature October 5 last at Dr. Setu Memorial Hall with publication, Tir Yimyim, a pre- eminent personalities in recog- and Education, ABAM. Secretary for Higher Education & factional killing Parliamentary mier Ao Naga daily will observe nition of their invaluable conAnother commemorative SCERT Deo Nukhu as the chief guest and Hekani

puNgro, october 6 (mexN): Yimchungru Women Organization (YWO) Pungro Unit has strongly condemned the killing of Shochim Yimchunger, GPRN/NSCN cadre of Zhimkiur village on October 4, between Phuvkiu village and Pungro Town reportedly by NSCN (IM). In a press release issued by YWO Pungro Unit president Chilula and general secretary Resangla, YWO Pungro Unit expressed shock over the “senseless killing at this juncture” where “every sensible Naga household is praying for peace”. It cautioned, “Any party which does not have sense of humanity should never expect any sort of co-operation from any peace-minded civil organization.” The organization further urged all the factions in the region to “abstain from senseless killings to have congenial atmosphere which is desired by today’s world.”

Jakhalu, Youth Net Director as the guest of honor.

Speaking on the occasion Deo Nukhu elaborated the importance of the alder tree and compared it to what education should do in the lives of young people. Earlier Hekani Jakhalu shared the success story of Youth Net and urged upon the students present to “live their own lives, do what they choose best to do, and to have focus in life.”

The audience witnessed an enthralling play titled, “The Mirror Says All” scripted and directed by Lecturer Sunita Sahi and Lecturer Mhonvani Ezung. The programme was compered by Temsurenla Longchar and Virannu Ltu. Keneiseno Chase pronounced the invocation prayer, while Levino Yhoshu delivered the vote of thanks. Principal’s note was presented

by Vekhozo Khamo, Principal Alder College, while Nivea Thasou and Vezhorayi Khutso delivered speeches on behalf of the outgoing students and the freshers respectively. Earlier, Kapu Khutso presented the General Secretary Report. The programme was further enlightened with special number by Alder College Mr and Miss Freshers of Alder College KoChoir and Neilhou Sopfunuo. hima.

its foundation day on October 8 at IMC hall, Dimapur.

Alemtemshi Jamir, Chief Secretary of Nagaland will grace the occasion as Chief Patron and Limawati Longchar will be the Moderator during panel discussions on the topic “Ao Language as an Agent of Change.”

A press note from the Editor of Tir Yimyim informed that in

tribution in preserving, development and promotion of Ao Language. The awards include a plaque and cash incentive of Rs.10,000/- each .

The recipients of the award are Prof A Lanunungsang ProVice Chancellor for Nagaland University; Tsüknung Penzü, former minister; N Talitemjen Jamir, retired Joint Secretary; T. Senka Ao, former editor of Ao

event will be the release of two books about anthology of Ao Naga and an Ao Orthography. The University degree text books in Ao will also be released on the occasion.

The other highlights of the program will include folk song and special numbers from the Dimapur Ao Youth Forum and Samaro, a popular gospel band respectively.

EACs’ ‘Bharat Darshan’ concludes

‘Peace is an essence of development’: DC Mon

moN, october 6 (Dipr): Deputy Commissioner of Mon Angau I Thou (IAS) visited Monyakshu, Pessao, Pessao Changlu and Mienchangle village on October 5 and interacted with the people of Monyakshu sub-division.

Informing that “peace is an essence of development”, the Deputy Commissioner urged upon the people to have peace within the family and the society so as to maintain peace and tranquility in the area and pave way for all round development of the sub-division. She also advised the people to have

ownership of the public properties and see that all schemes and projects are implemented properly to the needs and satisfaction of the people.

She also informed that proposal for ongoing renovation and construction of roads between Monyakshu HQs to Yonkhao via Pessao under 13th Finance Commission was done by the district administration and urged the people for proper execution of the program.

The visit also covers inspection of the roads, she added.

Emphasizing on the need of quality education, she said

responsibility of providing quality education lies with the teachers, VEC and the parents.

Citing that quality education alone can remove the backwardness of the people and be at par with the rest of the community, she encouraged the people to send their children to schools and, at the same time, appealed to the teachers and the VECs to impart quality education to the children.

Admiring the rich greenery forest with varieties of trees and bamboos, she appealed to the village council and the students’ body to desist from

logging and adopt conservation of the forest for the next generation. She also informed the people about adverse effects of deforestation such as climate change and global warming.

The Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated GPS School building of Mienchangle village.

She also assured to provide community toilets, solar lamps, chairs and tables to the visited villages. The DC was accompanied by the SDO Civil, Mon; SDO Civil, Monyakshu; DPRO, Mon; DBs of Mon and Monyakshu Headquarter.

Extra Assistant Commissioners, Government of Nagaland (2010 & 2011 Batches) during their Army attachment with Lt.Gen Ranbir Singh, Director General of Assam Rifles Shillong.

Dimapur, october 6 (mexN): The month long “Bharat Darshan” of the 24 Extra Assistant Commissioners (probationers) 2010 & 2011 batches that started on August 17, 2013 concluded on October 5, 2013. The officers visited states such as Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. In continuation of the tour, the officers were also attached with the Nagaland Police at Nagaland Police Training School, Chumukedima and the Assam Rifles in Shillong and Kohima for two weeks.

During the “Bharat Darshan” programme, the officers were introduced to some of the best practices of public service management and delivery and development taking place in other states of the country so that such practices may also be emulated in Nagaland. The attachments with the Police and the Assam Rifles were aimed at imparting better co-ordination between the civil administration and the police forces in smooth functioning of the state administration. This was stated in a press release received here.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express MonDAy 7 ocTobEr 2013 vol. vIII IssuE 275

Along Longkumer consulting Editor

C O M M E N T A R Y

Deeper Water

THE EDIT PAGE

Ankur Tamuli Phukan Courtesy: Himalmag

How Much Fund is A tale of river-borne Enough for Nagaland? erosion in Assam

T

he Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) of India visited Nagaland from 4th - 6th October 2013. The importance given by the State government to this visit was only expected as the Commission will be making recommendations regarding fund requirements of the State of Nagaland for the period 2015- 2020, to be effective from 1st April 2015. During the all important meeting with members of the FFC, the State government led by Chief Minister and Chief Secretary did what they had to do in order to get a favourable response. Without repeating what has already been highlighted in its representation to the visiting FFC, the general agreement is that more funds must be given to Nagaland, more so given the nature of its formation arising out of the 16 Point Agreement and the unique history and situation of the Naga people.

The members of the FFC would have gone back with much to contemplate upon after getting to hear our side of the story.

As we all know, the aim and purpose of setting up the Finance Commission is provided in the constitution (under Article 280). It can only make recommendations and it is for the Government of India to decide. However it is the Planning Commission, an extra-constitutional and non-statutory body, which formulates and approves the Annual Play Outlay for respective States. Some critics describe the Planning Commission as “the economic Cabinet of the country” consisting of the Prime Minister (party in power) and encroaching upom the functions of constitutional bodies, such as the Finance Commission. Despite the political discretion that may be there when it comes to grants from the Planning Commission, nevertheless no party in power should discard the work of the constitutionally mandated Finance Commission. And if Nagaland rightly deserves what it is asking for, the FFC should recommend a specific sum to be given to the State for the period 2015-2020.

Having said that, the question however remains as to how much funds will satisfy us? Even if the Government of India were to wipe out our deficit with say a special grant or provide sufficiently to meet our administrative costs and development needs, perhaps we would still plead to Delhi saying that we still need more funds. So just how much is enough for Nagaland?

Also should we only ask for more and more money without corresponding accountability and fiscal responsbility on our part?

Have we spend the money received from Delhi judiciously in the last fifty years since Statehood? We need to reflect on the past and if needed correct ourselves as we look to a better future.

While Nagaland may need all the money in the world for development or running the State machinery, how well we spend is as important as how much we get from Delhi. Without fiscal discipline, prudence and accountability, how can others trust us with money. Praful Patel, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, during his recent visit to Dimapur made a powerful remark while announcing funds for the Tuli Paper Mill. With requests coming to him for more funds and projects, Patel simply told that the government and people of Nagaland should first accomplish the task of restarting and running the paper mill. As simple as it may sound, we need to demonstrate our ability to utilize and manage well, whatever funds or projects coming our way. At the moment there is too much discretionary power at the hands of the political executive. Governance in general needs to improve so also our institutional mechanism (checks and balances) to oversee and account for every spending of the government. Just asking for more funds is just not going to be enough.

(Feedback can be send to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

Jaideep Sarin Source: IANS

Sidhu makes only guest appearances

C

ricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu may be making regular appearances on TV comedy shows and cricket discussions but he seems to be making only guest appearances when it comes to politics or his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

After having remained "missing" for nearly eight months from his Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, which he has been representing since 2004, Sidhu recently not only showed up in his constituency but also attended a couple of BJP events in Chandigarh and New Delhi. After his return to Amritsar early last month, Sidhu took the battle into the camp of those who were criticizing his politically wayward ways. Within a matter of hours, Sidhu was able to shift the focus from his prolonged absence from Amritsar to the lack of development in his constituency. In doing so, Sidhu blasted the Punjab government run by the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance.

As the war of words between Sidhu and top Akali Dal leaders intensified, BJP president Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar had to intervene. Sidhu's outburst left Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal peeved and embarrassed and he even refused to meet Sidhu.

Taking a break from laughing uncontrollably on TV comedy shows, Sidhu got down to do some serious political business by first meeting Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and then showing up at a two-day meeting of BJP leaders from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh held in Chandigarh and addressed by the party president. At the Chandigarh meeting, Sidhu, who does not have many friends in the Punjab BJP senior leadership, could be seen only hovering around the BJP president. Just three days later, Sidhu announced a fast unto death for Amritsar's development. The move fizzled out after Rajnath Singh and Parkash Singh Badal intervened.

The next public outing for the BJP's Sikh face was the Sep 29 rally addressed by BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in New Delhi. BJP insiders say that Sidhu, due to his erratic ways, does not have too many friends within the party. "He thinks he is a star and everyone should fall in line with his antics. Politics does not work that way," a senior Punjab BJP leader said. Within the Punjab BJP, Sidhu often portrays himself as a national leader and a celebrity. This has not endeared him to many. Sidhu does not get along with the BJP ministers in Punjab either.

Sidhu remains at loggerheads with the Akali Dal too. His run-ins with Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal, who is the powerful Punjab deputy chief minister, and Bikram Singh Majithia, a powerful cabinet minister and Sukhbir Badal's brother-in-law, have provided political entertainment to many, especially to the delight of the opposition Congress.

Sidhu was conspicuous by his absence when Narendra Modi recently addressed a rally near Pathankot. Even former Gurdaspur BJP MP and film star Vinod Khanna attended the rally. At another BJP state-level meeting in Amritsar in August, Sidhu, who should have been the host for the event, chose to stay away. Given that his winning margin of over 110,000 votes in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls came down to just over 7,000 in the 2009 elections, Sidhu's cameos in politics do not seem to be helping his image.

I

t was a fine morning in Rohmoria. Everything seemed calm and quiet. We were walking along the bank of the river Brahmaputra whilst away in the distance, tiny little boats were slowly growing bigger: they were returning home with their morning catch.

It is, one would say, the seamless everyday of any river bank in Assam. But this is Rohmoria.

An area in Dibrugarh district of Assam, Rohmoria struggles for its existence against the scourge of river-borne erosion and flooding. Year after year, like an impassioned lover, the hungry tides of the Brahmaputra embrace large swathes of cultivable land, homes, wetland and jungle. It shrouds the monuments of its misdeeds, as if erasing evidence of its guilt: No one, not even the people of that area could show you any sign of the Brahmaputra’s sabotage. A deserted police station however, illustrates the dilemmas facing the people of Rohmoria. Abandoned long ago in anticipation of its destruction, the lone structure makes clear the cynicism of a state which is more concerned with its apparatus than its people.

An eroding dialogue River-borne erosion in Rohmoria and its surrounds has a long history. Following the earthquake of 1950, significant portions of Assam’s river banks have been affected by the Brahmaputra. In 1979 a major portion of the road that connected Tinsukia and Dibrugarh town through the Rohmoria area collapsed into the river, transforming a well-connected provincial hub into a hinterland overnight, and evoking the many anxieties that come with this unwanted designation. Whilst Rohmoria’s bachelors lament the possibilities of luring a bride to the area, issues deeper than connectivity and courting prospects are evident. Rohmoria is still a rich place, though opportunities are limited now. With fertile land and abundant water resources, people can live a life of dignity. But suddenly, in one go, they can also lose everything. The anticipation of loss and displaced existence haunts Rohmorians every time the monsoons start pouring in Assam.

After a protracted struggle of resistance and protest, government officials started to come to Rohmoria. With their cynicism, technology fetishism and a thorough distrust for the ‘primitive’ village folks, very little has been achieved through ‘dialogue’. Rather, the hypocrisy of the officials soon entered the lore of the Rohmoria resistance. A visit by the then sub-divisional officer is emblematic.

Upon entering Rohmoria, a huge crowd gathered around the officer. After asking about the depth of the river, a man in the crowd replied that it would be approximately a person’s height. The officer asked him sharply, “How do you know that?” To the officer's surprise, the man shouted, “Oi, let’s throw him down, so that he himself can measure the depth!”

The officer immediately stepped backwards, as if the people were literally going to throw him down to the depths of the Brahmaputra.

One of my friends still remembers an incident when we once travelled together to that area. We were talking to some people standing on the river bank, when a man showing the current of the river moving frantically in front of us remarked that this time the flood would be much bigger than the previous year. Taken aback, my friend asked him, “How do you know that?” The man replied with a smile, “I do not know. But I can tell you for sure that this time the flood will be much bigger than the last time.”

Local knowledge concerning the river is, however, routinely ignored by respective government departments and their officers. Dipunjay Gohain, the present secretary of Rohmoria Ban O Khonia Protirodh Sangram Mancha (RBOKPSM), the body that is leading the movement, told me once, “the government departments think that we are illiterate people – that we have no knowledge about the river. This river is our home; we know each and every current of it, their change of direction and so on. They have taken a satellite picture of its currents one day and lecture us about their knowledge of the river. What if the currents change the very next day?”

In a desperate attempt to protect their land and homes, the RBOKPSM organised efforts to divert the current of the river with very little help from the government. Since 1998, bamboo and wooden spurs have been erected as anti-erosion devices along segments of the river by concerned residents. On 31 March 2000 however, Bolu Gohain, a school teacher, died, buried under a heap of soil while raising a spur in defiance of the Brahmaputra. Bolu Gohain’s home still stands in Rohmoria, though no one can guarantee that it will survive the thrashing blows of the coming monsoon. At just 150 metres from the river, it trembles.

The anti-erosion movement has always faced problems. Unlike any other displacement caused by natural disaster, the loss suffered by Rohmorians is not abrupt: people can anticipate their fate. Initially, this provides a catalyst for organisation and activism. As once-vocal activists lose their homes, however, they become mute spectators, no longer holding a stake in the struggle. In most cases, they migrate to other areas in search of land and livelihood. By each monsoon's end, a large swathe of the Rohmorian resistance is decimated, forced into exile by the raging torrents of the Brahmaputra. In a democracy of numbers, the weight of people counts for everything.

Though the anticipation of displacement should provide opportunities to organise rehabilitation programs, there is almost no initiative from the administration. Occasionally, at the local level, small plots of land may be allotted to those at the mercy of the river, though in almost all cases this land can be used only for residential purposes.

Though it is tempting to suggest that the state’s

Pipe-based dampeners on the banks of the Brahmaputra.

neglect indicates a contemptuous attitude toward and in the wake of the influx of entrepreneurs to the its rural population, the story is not so simple. region caused by the 'small tea garden movement' of the late 1970s, viable land for migrants became The difficulties of good governance almost non-existent in upper Assam.

In Assam, the state has been forced to negotiate In border areas such as Assam-Nagaland and deftly with a population steeped in the art of ‘not be- Assam-Meghalaya, migration as a result of rivering governed’. Given the pervasive presence of com- borne erosion provides similar challenges. With gipeting nationalisms, the reluctance of state officials ant tea plantations and unauthorised coal mines octo guarantee the human security of Assam's citizens cupying much of the landscape, migrants have often is, in a bizarrely rendered logic, a necessary mutation been forced to settle in state forests. Krishak Mukti that ensures the state's survival. In a region prone to Sangram Samity (KMSS) started to organise these identity-based conflicts, however, it is apparent that people when the government of Assam came to evict the logistical apparatus of the state is required in them in the early 2000s. Despite the fact that forest order to mitigate the frictions caused by disorgan- officials, security forces and insurgent groups had ised resettlement schemes. Travelling through vari- consumed everything that could be sold as a comous Muslim and Bodo villages in lower Assam, the modity in the forests, they were evicted. The cruelty question of erosion-induced migration is a constant of doing so, when the state had done little to protect theme in conversations with locals. Indeed, many against river-borne erosion (or implement viable reargue that ad-hoc community resettlements were a settlement schemes) is hard to escape. major contributor to the Bodoland Territorial AutonRather predictably, nature imagined as comomous Districts' (BTAD) violence of last year. modity has a uniquely inspiring effect on the govIn a traditionally Bodo village in Uttor Dolguri, ernment’s response to erosion problems. Indeed, in Chirang district, a man related a story that made protecting property – particularly tea plantations, oil clear the mistrust and apprehension: "the situation rigs, and ryotwari lands – the colonial initiative of was good here earlier" he lamented… creating embankments (which was later adopted by "they (Muslims) were just one or two villages on post-colonial governments) had a devastating effect the other side of the river. They used to work in on the ecosystem of the Brahmaputra and its tribuour fields. But in the last five to ten years, a huge taries. In later stages, in the relatively underdevelpopulation showed up on the other side of the riv- oped economy of Assam, embankments became one er. What to do? The poor fellows are displaced by of the major sources of income for a large amount river bank erosion. The other side is now full with of people. The beneficiaries were mostly ‘indigethem, they have become a majority in the area. If a nous’ contractors who were employed by the govfight broke out with any one of them for any trivial ernment to construct embankments by the rivers, reason, we have to mind that they are the majority despite the negative environmental consequences. here. We became a minority in our own land.”

The practice (conveniently for the contractors) beUnlike the Assamese and Bodo chauvinists, for- came so ubiquitous, that the only possible solution tunately he was not talking about the ‘Bangladesh- to flood and erosion problems was to build more is’. But in the euphoric discourse of citizenship and embankments. Indeed, even when the building of nationalism, these Muslims could become ‘for- an embankment caused the flooding of another eigners’ in no time. area, the construction of an embankment in the Brahmaputra Gorakhoniya Sthaiyee Protirodh newly flooded area would be touted as the solution.

Andolon Samity (BGSPAS), a body mainly operating Sanjoy Ghosh, an activist who tried to control the in the Dhuburi, Borpeta and South Kamrup areas of flood and erosion problem of Majuli, the biggest river lower Assam, is facing acute problems for this rea- island on the Brahmaputra, was killed on 4 July 1997 son. Unlike Rohmoria which is in the so-called 'main- by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) who land', these areas are actually on the chars (riverine labeled him a RAW agent. At the time, rumours circusilt island) of the Brahmaputra. The chars are rela- lated that he was killed by the contractor lobby, who tively permanent structures on the Brahmaputra - anticipated that Ghosh may resolve the flood probthey usually develop within eight to ten years and lem permanently in Majuli. Though rumour does not are used by one or two generations. When it erodes, constitute fact, it nonetheless indicates the economic people find another char for habitation. Sometimes, interests tied to river-borne erosion. acute erosion leads people to migrate to areas of the mainland where they find themselves, once again, Leveraging change In the 1950s, just after India achieved its indeliving precariously. Former secretary of BGSPAS, Jamaludin Ahmed – who himself lives in a char under pendence and the 1950 earthquake changed the fate the Dhuburi district – told me during the time of the of the Brahmaputra, an important event occurred.

BTAD violence, “See, we call desh the area where we Kolong – a tributary of the Brahmaputra – had been live. If a child migrates to the nearby city for educa- dammed, flooding the only important town in midtion, his mother would tell her neighbour he is in dle Assam, Nagaon. Mahim Bora, a gifted storyteller bidesh. So fragile is our habitations that we are nei- wrote about this event in a story appropriately titled Ekhon Nadir Mrityut (On the Death of a River). Bora ther in bidesh (foreign) nor swadesh (nation).”

In reality, however, this localised, somewhat tem- vividly described the resulting environmental degporal understanding of ‘desh’ and ‘bidesh’ is not only radation and the trouble faced by thousands of peodear to the ‘Muslims’ of these areas. The ‘indigenous’ ple who made their livelihood from the Kolong. It is communities also subscribe to this notion. Indeed, perhaps darkly ironic that the issue in 21st Century anyone who has knowledge of the early colonial ini- Rohmoria is one of neglect rather than state hubris.

The anti-erosion drive is still going in Rohmoria. tiative to commodify land in Assam, would certainly recount the regime's effort to tame the unruly ‘in- In fact, Rohmoria succeeded in pressuring Oil India digenous’ peasantry, and have them hold a piece of Limited (OIL), which has a rig in that area, to raise land for at least 10 consecutive years. Unlike sub- pipe-based dampeners. OIL reneged on its promise. nationalist narratives which construct ‘immigrant Instead of raising 360 dampeners as promised, after Muslims’ as land-hungry nomadic peasants, in real- raising just 10 dampeners OIL dumped the project, ity, and in most of the cases, when they migrate to the enraging Romhorians, who, through public protest, mainland they have to forego their earlier connec- disallowed OIL from operating the rig indefinitely. tion with agriculture and become daily-wage earn- Perhaps the greatest success was that the state was ers or petty traders. Their connection with agricul- forced to heed their message. Last year, after fierce tural work can only be maintained if they become lobbying, Rohmoria got a 2.5 km geobag embanksharecroppers and, from sharecropping, become a ment, which is still surviving the tides of the river.

They need another nine kilometres of fortification, lord of their own land. To achieve this is rare. meaning that Rohmoria’s struggle is far from over.

In a political tradition like India's, where the state Land, identity and the erosion economy In Upper Assam, where Rohmoria is located, cares about its apparatus first, and its citizens secthe impact of land shortages on notions of identity ond, Rohmoria is comparatively fortunate. In its viare acute. In the nationalist discourse, if you are a cinity, OIL has a rig relatively close to national highBangladeshi-origin Muslim, working or settling in way 37, the blockade of which drew the attention the neighbourhood of 'indigenous' communities of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006. Other as a result of river-borne erosion, you are labeled a communities, however, are not so fortunate. They ‘foreigner’ in your own country. The story is much do not have oil rigs or national highways to block. the same for members of 'indigenous' communities Their struggles are vulnerable to the fatal curse of forced from their traditional lands to nearby settle- official indifference. For the communities of Assam, ments. Due to colonial-era initiatives, a substantial it will indeed be a challenge to engage with the state section of land in Upper Assam is in the hands of tea in a way that ensures their future survival. article was published in Himal magazine. Ankur Tamuli plantations and oil companies whose holdings far PhukanThis is a PhD fellow at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, outstrip their production needs. As a result of this, Calcutta and is active in various social movements in Assam

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

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

PERSPECTIVE

7 The Future Is Local, arab world searches The Future Is organic for democratic future

Monday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7 OctOber 2013

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Colin Todhunter

"F

T

dan Perry Associated Press

or too long, many nations, including my own, tolerated, even excused, oppression in the Middle East in the name of stability... We must help the reformers of the Middle East as they work for freedom, and strive to build a community of peaceful, democratic nations." — President George W. Bush in a speech to the U.N. General Assembly, Sept. 21, 2004 Almost a quarter-century ago, a young American political scientist achieved global academic celebrity by suggesting that the collapse of communism had ended the discussion on how to run societies, leaving "Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government."

In Egypt and around the Middle East, after a summer of violence and upheaval, the discussion, however, is still going strong. And almost three years into the Arab Spring revolts, profound uncertainties remain. That became shatteringly clear on July 3, when Egyptian generals ousted the country's first freely elected president, Mohammed Morsi, installing a technocratic government in the wake of massive street protests calling for the Islamist leader to step down. He had ruled incompetently for one year and badly overstepped his bounds, they argued. A crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood has put more than 2,000 of its members in jail and left hundreds dead, and a court has ordered an outright ban on the group. Although new elections are promised, the plans are extremely vague. All this happened with strong public support, especially among the educated classes where one might expect a strong yearning for democracy. Foreigners in Egypt were frequently stunned at how little many Egyptians cared that Morsi had been democratically elected.

How could that be? Around the region people are asking the question, and the stirrings of a rethink, subtle but persistent, are starting to be felt.

Few people — not even the absolute rulers who still cling to power in some places — would openly argue against democracy as a worthy goal. And people bristle at any suggestion that the region's culture is somehow at odds with freedom. But with the most populous Arab nation having stumbled so badly in its first attempt, there is now an audience for those saying total democracy must grow from the ground up, needs time to evolve, and need not be the same everywhere. "Democracy is not a matter of principle or faith for most people" in the region, said political scientist Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center. "It is something they believe in to the extent that it brings good results. ... If democracy does not bring those things, then people lose faith in the democratic process."

"That's part of the story in the past three years," he said. "When push comes to shove, many say, democracy is fine in theory, but is not actually improving our lives. If the generals can promise us a greater degree of security and stability, we prefer that instead." Oil-rich Gulf countries, meanwhile, have largely avoided the Arab Spring as the wealthy ruling families offered what has essentially been a swap — generous handouts such as state jobs and discount-rate housing in exchange for political passivity. The exception is Bahrain, where an uprising has been led by majority Shiites seeking greater rights in the Sunni-ruled kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

Hamid, for example, is based in the Gulf state of Qatar, where no one expects democracy anytime soon.

That's more or less the situation in the entire Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf area, where emirs and monarchs are for the most part firmly in charge. The same goes for Jordan, where officials offer learned explanations about democratic reforms that do not extend to relieving King Abdullah II of his executive power anytime soon. "Most of the Arab rulers are trying very hard to give the impression to the West that their peoples are not prepared for democracy because these rulers are afraid that they are going to lose in any fair democratic elections," said Adel al-Baldawi, a history professor at Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad.

The region's experiment with democracy in re-

In this Wednesday, July 3, 2013 file photo, Egyptian protesters chant slogans against Egyptian Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, who was ousted later that day, in Tahrir Square in Cairo. Almost a quarter-century ago, a young American political scientist achieved global academic celebrity by proclaiming that the collapse of communism had ended the discussion on how to run societies, leaving "Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government."

In Egypt and around the Middle East, after a summer of violence and upheaval, the discussion, however, is still going strong. And almost three years into the Arab Spring revolts, profound uncertainties remain. (AP Photo/ Manu Brabo, File)

cent years actually precedes the Arab Spring. The Palestinians, under the framework of their interim accords with Israel, held a number of parliamentary and presidential elections beginning in the late 1990s. Iraq has had several democratic elections since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein — part of then-U.S. President George W. Bush's vision for democratizing the region.

Few in the region today seem willing to credit that "Bush Doctrine" in the least with the Arab Spring that erupted in December 2010. More often cited are the explosion of satellite TV news stations, social media and mounting anger at decades of authoritarian rule. In swift succession governments fell in Tunisia and Egypt. Libya's dictator, Moammar Gadhafi, was toppled — and killed by a mob — in a civil war. All three countries have tried to set up democracies, with elected governments.

The results offer some cautionary tales.

Sectarianism and tribalism often override political debate — such as in Iraq, where Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites generally vote for their own parties. The violence-wracked country has ended up plagued by partisanship and political gridlock, its leader Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki accused by many of having authoritarian tendencies. Existing parties in Jordan are even more granular, with some representing tribes. Critics say a healthy democracy needs a contest of ideas instead.

Another challenge is the level of education in some countries. All over the world voters face a challenge in grasping the increasingly complex issues of the day — but the problem is on a different scale in a place like Egypt, where about a third of the almost 90 million people are illiterate.

That provided a major opening to Islamists led by the Muslim Brotherhood, which successfully convinced many in Egypt's impoverished rural population that a vote for them was a vote for Islam.

Critics saw an irony: Islamists, they argued, were great at using democracy for the ultimate goal of theocracy, non-democratic to the core.

In the Palestinian areas elections have been delayed for years and a split has set in between the West Bank's autonomy zones, run by an elected Mahmoud Abbas whose mandate has long expired, and the Gaza Strip, which was seized by the Islamic fundamentalists of Hamas, who make no democratic pretense. "Our Arab societies largely lack a democratic culture," said Majed Sweilem, a political scientist in the West Bank. "The democratic movements are weak and can't get to power. The only ones that can get to power are the undemocratic forces that don't believe in real democracy."

Once in power, they can rule more or less at will, elections having lent legitimacy to an executive unencumbered by the basic infrastructure of democracy — the institutions, checks and balances that prevent a tyranny of the majority. That

prospect terrified the elites in Egypt, where people are less traditional and many feared their lifestyle was under clerical attack.

Mohammed Magdy, a 27-year-old Egyptian, said the path to democracy would be long. "The ballot box is one of the means of democracy . but (it is) not everything. At a time when there is popular action, it is not the strongest tool for change, because there are other ways," he said — such as protests and public monitoring of officials. There have been some calls for denying illiterate people the right to vote, although they have not gained traction.

In Syria, of course, an Arab Spring-like revolt has morphed into a civil war whose rebel side is sufficiently dominated by Islamic extremists that it has been unable to muster effective Western support against authoritarian President Bashar Assad, despite more than 100,000 people killed.

In the Arabian peninsula and the Persian Gulf, rulers seem determined to maintain things as they are. Most countries have taken only small steps to take politics beyond the ruling clans. "If the Gulf leaders needed anything to justify their crackdowns on political dissent, they have a perfect self-justification in the chaos in Egypt and other countries hit by the Arab Spring," said Christopher Davidson, an expert in Gulf affairs at Britain's Durham University.

Fawaz A. Gerges, director of the Middle East Center at the London School of Economics, said that "unlike eastern Europe in the 1980s and 1990s," which clearly wanted to emulate the West, "the Arab world does not know where it wants to go." Gerges warned against assuming "that this transition will lead to Western-type democracy."

Perhaps religion will play a formal role in some places. Perhaps monarchs will retain a hand in the executive. Perhaps certain ethnic groups will have positions reserved for them, as is the case in Lebanon, where the president is a Christian and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim.

Francis Fukayama — the political scientist who wrote "The End of History?" in 1989 — said he still believes democracy is the direction of things. But subsequent events have shown that the road is long, and cultural differences may apply.

"Democracy in Asia ... doesn't look like European democracy — there are going to be variants all around the world," the Stanford University fellow said in an interview. "I think people's expectations are too high for how quickly you can make a transition. The experiments we've seen (in the Middle East) have not worked very well, but they're also very real and these institutions just take a long time to evolve. Nationalism derailed democracy in the 20th century in Europe, (and) religion is playing a similar role in the Arab world right now."

"All of these places are going to look different, but they face a common set of challenges and there is a common evolutionary path."

The Morung Express

Countercurrents.org

he future is local. The future is organic. Well, at least it could be if we base our food production on an increasing body of evidence that indicates the harmful effects of petrochemical, corporate-controlled agriculture.

In June, researchers at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand concluded that the GM strategy used in North American staple crop production is limiting yields and increasing pesticide use compared to non-GM farming in Western Europe. Led by Professor Jack Heinemann, the study’s findings were published in the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability.

The study finds that Europe is decreasing chemical herbicide use and achieving even larger declines in insecticide use without sacrificing yield gains, while chemical herbicide use in the US has increased with GM seed.

In effect, Europe has learned to grow more food per hectare and use fewer chemicals in the process. The US choices in biotechnology are causing it to fall behind Europe in productivity and sustainability. The decrease in annual variation in yield in the US suggests that Europe has a superior combination of seed and crop management technology and is better suited to withstand weather variations. This is important because annual variations cause price speculations that can drive hundreds of millions of people into food poverty.

The report also highlights some grave concerns about the impact of modern agriculture per se in terms of the general move towards depleted genetic diversity and the consequently potential catastrophic risk to staple food crops. Of the nearly 10,000 wheat varieties in use in China in 1949, only 1,000 remained in the 1970s. In the US, 95% of the cabbage, 91% of the field maize, 94% of the pea and 81% of the tomato varieties cultivated in the last century have been lost. GMOs and the control of seeds through patents have restricted farmer choice and prevented seed saving. This has exacerbated this problem.

The conclusion is that we need a diversity of practices for growing. We also need systems that are useful, not just profit-making biotechnologies, and which provide a resilient supply to feed the world well.

On the heels the Heinemann team’s research comes a September 2013 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which states that farming in rich and poor nations alike should shift from monoculture towards greater varieties of crops, reduced use of fertilisers and other inputs, greater support for small-scale farmers and more locally focused production and consumption of food.

More than 60 international experts contributed to the report.

The report, ‘Wake up before it is too late: make agriculture truly sustainable now for food security in a changing climate’, states that monoculture and industrial farming methods are not providing sufficient affordable food where it is needed, while causing mounting and unsustainable environmental damage. The system actually causes food poverty, not addresses it.

Over the past few years, there have been numerous high level reports from the UN and development agencies arguing in favour of small farmers and agro-ecology, but this has not been translated into real action on the ground where peasant farmers increasingly face marginalisation and oppression, as we have seen in India. According to Vandana Shiva, the plundering of Indian agriculture by Big Agra is resulting in a forced removal of farmers from the land and the destruction of traditional communities on a scale of which has not been witnessed anywhere before throughout history.

Elizabeth Mpofu, general coordinator of the organization La Vía Campesina says that long before the release of this new report, small farmers around the world were already convinced that we need a diversified agriculture to guarantee a balanced local food production, the protection of people’s livelihoods and the respect of nature. To achieve this goal, she feels the protection of the huge variety of local seeds and farmers’ rights to use them is paramount. Small farmers are struggling to preserve their indigenous seeds and knowledge of farming systems.

Evidence is mounting that the industrial food system is not only failing to feed the world, but also responsible for some of the planet’s most pressing social and environmental crises. Industrial food system is directly responsible for around half of all global greenhouse gas emissions.

We cannot solve the climate crisis without confronting the industrial food system and the corporations behind it.

Pat Mooney of the ETC group adds that the corporate food chain uses about 70-80% of the world’s arable land to produce just 30-40% of the food we eat. In the process, peasant farmers, the real food producers, get thrown off their land and tremendous environmental harm is done. This is clearly not the way to feed the world.

There are lessons here for India, as the biotech sector continues to push its second ‘Green Revolution’ - GMOs. The original Green Revolution in India has been a failure, with Indian farmers in debt, paying high costs for seed and pesticides, committing suicide, and resulting in a depleted water table and a poisoned environment.

Punjab was the ‘Green Revolution’s’ original poster boy, but is fast becoming transformed from a food bowl to a cancer epicentre and now reels under an agrarian crisis marked by discontent, debt, water shortages, contaminated water, diseased soils and pest infested cops.

As the new UN report indicates, what is required is a shift from corporate-controlled agriculture towards more biodiverse, organic systems that place emphasis on local economies and food sovereignty. The answer is to return to basics by encouraging biodiverse, organic, local crop systems, which is more than capable of feeding the world – and, unlike chemical intensive agriculture – feeding it healthily.

PoLL RESULTS

Do you support the supreme Court of InDIa’s verDICt that allows voters to rejeCt all CanDIDates In an eleCtIon? Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • Election abuse in India is mother of all monstrous corruption. Thus, the root cause of this problem should be erased. Subsequently, if there is right to elect leaders there should also be equally right to reject those hopeless and nonsense leaders who cannot deliver good/ welfare to the people of India.

• The choice of a voter is crucial for selection of a leader, if no candidates are in favour of a voter he/ she is deem to reject and cannot force him/her • Yes, Freedom to vote and chose own candidate.

• Yes, I wish this criterion was there before the state election. I am sure many of the voters would have exercised this option.

• Yes if they are smeared with greed and corruption.

• People are tired and disenchanted with the kind of leaders that India is currently producing. The level of corruption, the number of politicians with criminal records and electoral system does not allow for the right kind of leaders to win. So I feel that this judgment by the Court is welcomed, but it should not end here. Just this judgment alone is not going to change anything at all. It needs follow-up, but lets hope this has opened the door to something more concrete.

• Yes, it will help to get rid of uncapables.

• In order to ascertain the will and stand of the people, as 'people representatives are not always the representatives of the people...!

• Just look at our present leaders. How many of them actually deserve to be in the position they hold. It’s

• Let’s take example of a constituency of 100 vota sorry state of affairs. Poor Nagaland.

• Right to vote and right to abstain from voting if the ers and 3 candidates A, B, C. If 80 voters decided not to follow the Supreme Court order by clickcandidate are not eligible.

• Yes, the voters should have the right to accept or ing "reject" option, so the 20 votes will be distributed between 3 candidates A:5 reject anyone in case the votes, B:12 votes, C:3 votes. candidate is not satisfactory 68% Thus B will win the election to him/her. with just 15 votes, while 85 vot• Yes, it will indeed give real ers are against him! Where is taste of democracy to the democracy? I don't think B will voters. step down on grounds of Vote • Yes, if we are to expect a betdeficit election. Why don't suter future for the Nagas of preme court just Banned PolitiNagaland. cians who have criminal cases • This judgement is truly his(of any kind) pending in courts, toric and it is a bold step that way it'll solve the dilemma taken by the Supreme Court of the voters. in trying to see that true de• The NBCC clean election mocracy prevails in the campaign should take note of world’s largest democracy. this verdict and with the parliaBut at the same time, I think 22% mentary elections coming up in it will take some years bea matter of month, they should fore the fruits of this judgeeducate the people at the grassment really start bearing 10% roots level about this option. fruit. The rationale behind • No, too much power to voters rethe judgement and the apquires no election. Voters may replication in practical aspects ject their candidates but rejecting should be taught in schools.

YES no OTHERS all candidates makes no sense.

• Without an educated electorate I don’t think this will Some of those who voted no had this to say: • This sounds good in theory but I have serious doubt work in Nagaland. whether they will be applicable in reality.

• Voting right is the fundamental rights of the citizen

so this should not be abandoned. It is upto the citizens to reject the candidates of their dislike.

• In places like Nagaland where there is no democracy, such a verdict will have no effect at all. In theory, I can assure you that majority of the present legislators will be rejected by the people, but because of their money and muscle power they will somehow come to power again.

Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say: • I don’t think that India has reached the high level of maturity required among the masses for such an option to be used. In fact because there is a higher level of illiterate voters, there is more likelihood that this option will only create confusion and chaos.

• What if the 'none of the above' wins more votes?

• A Landmark Decision to let all the politicians know that they can't fool all the people all the time!

• There will be just "none of the above" option to cast our vote if we don't like to give our vote to any of the candidates. The judgement was not to disqualify all candidates if 'none of the above voters' are more than those votes voted for the candidate/s.

Until then we can't reject the candidate/s. To me this post lack the factual position of the judgement.

• Political integrity with ethical and moral judgement for better future generation of the Nagas of Nagaland.

• Nagaland is still struggling to make adjustments to the current election practice, which is alien to our culture. So it will take time before this kind of reform can take shape in our state.

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

Monday 7 October 2013

The Morung Express

Anti-telAngAnA protests turn violent : shoot-at-sight orders in Vizianagaram

Hyderabad, OctOber 6 (agencies): Defying shoot-at-sight orders and a curfew, anti-bifurcation protesters on Sunday hit the streets in Vizianagaram town and other parts of the district and clashed with the police. Police fired rubber bullets at Kothapeta area on the outskirts of the town to disperse the stone-pelting protesters, and used batons against a mob in Palliveedhi area. Satyna Engineering College, run by family members of the Andhra Pradesh Congress chief B Satyanarayana, at Gajularega on the outskirts of Vizianagaram, was also targeted.

The agitators were not deterred by the curfew and the shoot-at-sight orders issued to police on Saturday night. Some protesters were taken into custody, police said. The curfew was imposed in the town in the wake of largescale violence on Saturday.

Vizianagaram, a town in coastal Andhra, has been on the boil since the Union Cabinet’s October 3 decision to create the state of Telangana out of the state of Andhra Pradesh. “Lot of violence was reported, with the protesters indulging in arson, looting shops, setting a bank on fire, and damaging public and private properties. In view of the violence, authorities ordered a curfew late last night,” Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, IGP (North Coastal Zone), told PTI. The 48-hour bandh called by Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers As-

sociation got over on Saturday night. The situation in Seemandhra, overall, was under control, the IGP said. In Vizianagaram, protesters have been targeting the properties of Satyanarayana and his family members over the last two days.

They also burned vehicles, set fire to the district cooperative central bank, a college and cable network run

by Satyanarayna’s family members. In a pitched battle between police and protesters, nearly two dozen police personnel, including Vizianagaram DSP Krishna Prasanna, sustained injuries on Saturday. Additional forces are being deployed.

Meanwhile, an indefinite strike launched on Sunday by electricity employees of Rayalaseema and the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh hit power supply in six districts of the state and also forced the railways to cancel train services. Hundreds of villages in six coastal Andhra districts plunged into darkness as the electricity employees went on an indefinite strike to protest the Centre’s decision to create a separate Telangana state.

Seemandhra electricity employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) said over 30,000 electricity employees were participating in the strike in Seemandhra, as Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions are collectively known. The indefinite strike began after an earlier 48-hour-long strike ended on Sunday to protest the Union Cabinet’s decision to bifurcate the state.

Bengal ragging death: Principal to resume office Monday

KOlKata, OctOber 6 (ians): The principal of a church-run school in West Bengal who was blamed and arrested for the death of a Class 5 student allegedly after being ragged, will resume her duty from Monday, a diocese official said. “Helen Sircar would be resuming her duties as the principal of the school Monday.

We have also decided to enhance the security of the school and hired more private security personnel,” said Abir Adhikari of the Calcutta diocese of the Church of North India (CNI) which runs the school in North 24-Parganas district.

Sircar, principal of the Christ Church School in Dum Dum in the district, was arrested Sep 12 night and subsequently remanded in police custody for three days following protests by parents who blamed her for the death of 10-year-old Oindrila Das. Sircar was later granted bail. Oindrila died Sep 11, a week after she was allegedly locked up inside the school toilet by some of her seniors who demanded money from her.

Following the death, a mob compris ing mostly parents and guardians vandalised the school and forced Sircar to publicly apologise for Oindrila’s death, as well as step down from the principal’s chair. The Sep 12 vandalism led to the closure of the school for a fortnight before it was restored and reopened Sep 27. An independent inquiry committee as well as a monitoring panel was instituted by the West Bengal Association of Christian Schools (WBACS) to look into all the allegations in the matter.

The West Bengal Human Rights Commission also expressed “serious concern” over the events and directed the state home secretary to order a probe. Around 1,000 Christian schools in the state were shut Sep 19 to protest the ransacking and alleged police inaction during the vandalism. A delegation of church officials also met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking protection for minority-run institutions in the state.

Gunbattle between Army, infiltrators enters 13th day

srinagar, OctOber 6 (Pti): The Army operation against the holed up militants in Keran sector along the line of control (LoC) in Kashmir on Sunday entered the 13th day with intermittent gunfire being exchanged. “The operation is still in progress. No fresh casualties have been reported on either side so far,” defence sources said. Intermittent firing between the group of holed up infiltrating militants and the Army continued as security forces maintained a tight vigil over the cordoned off area, they said.

The Army launched a massive anti-infiltration operation in Shalbhatti village in Keran sector on September 24 after noticing a group of 30 to 40 militants trying to sneak into the Valley. The operation is going on in a vast area along the LoC and so far seven militants have been killed — three in Gujjardoor village on Friday and four in Fateh Gali area of the sector on Saturday. Earlier, the Army had said 10-12 militants were believed to have been killed in Shalbhatti village but the bodies could not be retrieved as the operation against the remaining militants was in progress.

Five soldiers have been injured in gunbattle. The Army has termed as “absurd” the reports about capture of some posts by the infiltrators, saying the troops are in total control of the operation. “We are in total control of the operation. The reports of our posts being captured by the infiltrators are absurd,” general officer commanding of the Army’s 15 Corps Lt General Gurmit Singh has said.

Anti-Telangana protests hit power supply in AP

Hyderabad, OctOber 6 (ians): An indefinite strike launched on Sunday by electricity employees of Rayalaseema and the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh hit power supply in six districts of the state and also forced the railways to cancel train services. Hundreds of villages in six coastal Andhra districts plunged into darkness as the electricity employees went on an indefinite strike to protest the Centre’s decision to create a separate Telangana state.

Seemandhra electricity employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) said over 30,000 electricity employees were participating in the strike in Seemandhra, as Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions are collectively known. The indefinite strike began after an earlier 48-hour-long strike ended Supporters of a 'united' Andhra Pradesh block a road by burning posters and banners during a protest in the Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh state, 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Hyderabad, India on October 5. The approval for the on Sunday to protest the creation of “Telangana” set off protests in the Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana would become India's union Cabinet’s decision 29th state. (AP Photo) to bifurcate the state. The

strike has hit power generation in a couple of major plants in coastal Andhra.

The South Central Railway (SCR) on Sunday cancelled seven passenger trains between Vijayawada and Renigunta. The cancelled train services include Vijayawada-Ongole, Guduru-Ongole, Tenali-Guntur and TirupatiGuduru.

JAC chairman R Sai Baba announced that there would be no exemption to emergency services like hospital, water supply and agriculture. He said the strike would continue till the Centre takes back its decision to bifurcate the state. The strike may affect electricity generation and supply not just in the 13 districts of Seemandhra, but may also hit transmission in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana region. The strike may also hit the southern grid as all four southern states -- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu -- are inter-linked.

neW delHi, OctOber 6 (Pti): Accusing TRS of creating a feeling of insecurity among Seemandhra people, a senior Congress leader from Telangana today assured protection for settlers in Telangana region. “If TRS chose to issue such statements that people of Seemandhra or employees should move

away, let me state it very emphatically that we in Telangana will not allow this to happen at any cost,” said M. Shashidhar Reddy, MLA from Hyderabad told reporters here.

“Such provocative statements viewed in conjunction with several statements from the same circles in the past triggered large scale

fear among Seemandhra people migrated to Telangana, in general, and Hyderabad, in particular,” said the leader, who is son offormer Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh late Channa Reddy.

Reddy, who is also the Vice Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority, underlined that it was the responsibility of

leaders from all political parties to ensure the safety and security of Seemandhra settlers their properties and business. “People of Seemandhra will be given due security. It is not only in the interest of Seemandhra, but also for Telangana itself to enhance the image of Brand Hyderabad,” he said.

He also urged the

Chattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said, will be a matter of great concern with the formation of Telangana, as it shared borders with disturbed districts of Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Orissa. To a question, Reddy asserted that top leaders of YSR Congress Party and TDP were consulted on creation of Telangana.

neW delHi, OctOber 6 (Pti): The recent Supreme Court ruling on convicted lawmakers may lead to creation of fresh guidelines to help deal with the new scenario where MPs and MLAs stand disqualified immediately upon conviction. While the Attorney General has made it clear that following the apex court ruling, convicted MPs and MLAs stand disqualified immediately upon their conviction, the procedure to be followed to announce the disqualification and the subsequent vacancy of seats still remains a ticklish issue for the government, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha secretariats and the Election Commission.

In its July 10 judgement, the apex court had struck down a provision in the electoral law that protects a convicted lawmaker from disqualification on the ground of pendency

of appeal in higher courts.

The Lok Sabha secretariat had sought the opinion of the AG following the conviction of RJD leader Lalu Prasad in the fodder scam.

While the AG explained that the disqualification would be immediate, his opinion is learnt to be silent on the procedure to be followed. He is understood to have said that issuance of notification regarding disqualification was a mere technicality.

Highly placed sources in the Law Ministry said those dealing with disqualification of MPs want clarity on who will take a final call on disqualification and the rules to be followed. They, however, said the emerging view is that in case of a conviction of an MP or an MLA, the trial court or the State Election Commission can send the certified copy of the judgement to the presiding officer of the concerned House or

state legislature.

The presiding officer can then inform the Election Commission about the vacancy following disqualification. The EC, on its part, can then proceed further if it wants to hold a bypoll. “But this may need to be written in black and white as this is a new situation. It will also avoid any future confusion.

The law of the land now is that a convicted lawmaker stands disqualified immediately,” explained a senior government functionary.

Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath has already made it clear that the EC will initiate steps to fill up the seats of convicted and disqualified lawmakers, including Lalu Prasad and Rasheed Masood, only after they are declared vacant.

“Regarding those MPs, the vacancy consequent to court action has to be notified by the Speaker of the House concerned. After that only

further action by the Commission will arise,” Sampath had said yesterday.

Prasad and Masood are two MPs who were convicted after the SC ruling.

Also, the government has withdrawn an ordinance and bill which sought to negate the judgement. The verdict seeks to remove the discrimination between an ordinary individual and an elected lawmaker who enjoys protection under the Representation of People Act. Under Sec 8(3) of the Act, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified for that and a further six years after release. The following sub-section 8(4) says a lawmaker cannot be disqualified for three months from the conviction and if in that period he or she files an appeal against till its disposal by a higher court.

lOndOn, OctOber 6 (Pti): A group of researchers, led by a prominent Indian scientist has taken a big step towards developing an universal vaccine that would protect people from every kind of flu. “We know the exact subgroup of the immune system and we’ve identified the key fragments in the internal core of the virus. These should be included in a vaccine,” Ajit Lalvani, the leader of the group said.

Seasonal flu kills between 2,50,000 and 5,00,000 people each year and new pandemics have the potential to take doctors by surprise. The influenza virus is constantly shifting target making seasonal vaccines useless and new ones needed each year. “In truth, in this case it is about five years (away from a vaccine).

We have the know-how, we know what needs to be in the vaccine and we can just get on and do it,” said Lalvani,

a professor at Imperial College, London. Their discovery has been published in the Nature Medicine journal.

This vaccine would take a distinct approach compared with other forms of vaccination, such as the MMR jab. The new vaccine will trigger the immune system to produce antibodies that can attack an invader. Researchers admit it is harder to develop this kind of vaccine than to provoke an antibody response.

The challenge will be to get a big enough T-cell response to offer protection and a response that will last. John Oxford of Queen Mary University of London said, “This sort of effect can’t be that powerful or we’d never have pandemics. It’s not going to solve all the problems of influenza, but could add to the range of vaccines. It’s going to be a long journey from this sort of paper to translating it into a vaccine that works.”

Sarah Gilbert, who is also trying to develop an universal flu vaccine at the Jenner Institute in Oxford, said, “Live attenuated influenza vaccines which are given by nasal spray and will be used in children in the UK from this autumn are much better at increasing the number of influenza-specific T-cells.” “But, these vaccines only work in young children who haven’t yet had much exposure to influenza virus, so we need

an alternative approach for adults,” she added.

“The new publication contains information on the precise characteristics of the influenza-specific Tcells which were protective, and this information will be useful in monitoring the immune response to vaccination when testing novel influenza vaccines which are designed to provide protection against pandemic as well as seasonal influenza viruses,” Gilbert said.

neW delHi, OctOber 6 (Pti): Over eight lakh people may die if an earthquake measuring 8 on the Richter scale occurs in the seismicallyactive Himalayan states from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, National Disaster Management Authority’s Vice Chairman M Shashidhar Reddy has warned. The entire Himalayan belt is seismically very active and during a short span of 53 years between 1897 and 1950, four major earthquakes, (Shillong -1897,

Kangra -1905, Bihar-Nepal -1934 and Assam -1950) exceeding magnitude 8 on the Richter scale occurred in the region causing vast devastation.

“No such earthquake has occurred since 1950.

Studies indicate that enough strains have accumulated to generate magnitude 8 or larger earthquakes in the Himalayan region. If an earthquake of magnitude 8 occurs in the Himalayan states, eight to nine lakh people may lose their lives,” the NDMA vicechief told PTI. Reddy said

when and where such an earthquake would occur is not known and therefore, the best approach to face such an eventuality was to work for developing an earthquake-resilient society. Towards this goal, the NDMA has recently undertaken an exercise to develop a scenario of what would happen if a quake of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale occurs at a certain location, he said.

Earlier, an exercise was undertaken for such a quake occurring some 200 km away from Delhi,

for the National Capital Region. Subsequently, NDMA undertook a more detailed ‘Multi-State Earthquake Scenario’ project for a hypothetical magnitude 8 earthquake occurring in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. “If an earthquake of magnitude 8 or more occurs in a place like Mandi, at least 20,000 people may die in a city like Chandigarh, the nearest biggest urban settlement,” Reddy said.

NDMA is now proposing to take up an exercise for the northeastern region on how to face a situ-

ation if there is a repeat of the Shillong earthquake of 1897. The Shillong earthquake had ruined masonry buildings over a large area and was felt from Myanmar to Delhi. A revisit of that tremor in the present day context is likely to present a very damaging scenario due to migration of population to cities and the change in building typology in the region vis-a-vis traditional houses, and buildings have been replaced by “un-engineered concrete structures,” an NDMA study says.

A scientifically-devel-

oped earthquake scenario for the Shillong earthquake will bring out its anticipated impact on lives and property, and forewarn on the challenges to be met. The project will undertake a scientific assessment of the vulnerability of the region to the impact of such an earthquake to facilitate capacity building and multi-state coordinated preparedness for disaster management.

“We have found that if 1897 Shillong earthquake occurs today, the loss of lives could be six lakh in Assam alone,” Reddy said.

Seemandhra settlers in Telangana will be protected: Congress

SC ruling on convicted MPs, MLAs may lead to new guidelines

Group of Ministers (GoM) to address certain crucial issues, against the backdrop of carving out Telangana State. The Congress leader stated that the concerns of minorities about the impact of creating a separate state must be addressed appropriately. The increased Maoist activities in smaller states such as

Indian Air Force (IAF) Sarang helicopters perform a display during parade rehearsals ahead of Air Force Day at Hindon, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India on October 6.

The IAF was established on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire and has a strength of over 120,000 personnel, meant to defend Indian airspace and are also deployed for United Nations missions. (AP Photo)

Indian scientist-led team set to develop universal flu vaccine

‘Eight lakh may die if magnitude 8 quake hits Himalaya region’

INTERNATIONAL

The Morung Express

Us forces MOGADISHU, OctOber 6 (AP): In a stealthy seaside assault in Somalia and in a raid in Libya’s capital, U.S. special forces on Saturday struck out against Islamic extremists who have carried out terrorist attacks in East Africa, snatching a Libyan al-Qaida leader allegedly involved in the bombings of U.S. embassies 15 years ago but aborting a mission to capture a terrorist suspect linked to last month’s Nairobi shopping mall attack after a fierce firefight.

A U.S. Navy SEAL team swam ashore near a town in southern Somalia before militants of the al-Qaida-linked terrorist group al-Shabab rose for dawn prayers, U.S. and Somali officials told The Associated Press. The raid on a house in the town of Barawe targeted a specific al-Qaida suspect related to the mall attack, but the operation did not get its target, one current and one former U.S. military official told AP. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the raid publicly. In Washington, Pentagon spokesman George Little confirmed that U.S. military personnel had been involved in a counterterrorism operation against a known al-Shabab terrorist in Somalia, but did not provide details.

U.S. officials said there were no U.S. casualties in either the Somali or Libyan operation. The Somali raid

Tripoli, to seize a Libyan al-Qaida leader wanted for the 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed more than 220 people, the military official said. Delta Force carries out counterterrorism operations in North Africa.

The Pentagon identified the captured al-Qaida leader as Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, known by his alias Anas al-Libi, who has been on the FBI’s most wanted terrorists list since it was introduced shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. AlLibi “is currently lawfully detained by the U.S. military in a secure location outside of Libya,” Pentagon spokesman Little said.

Saturday’s raid in Somalia occurred 20 years af-

ter the famous “Black Hawk Down” battle in Mogadishu in which a mission to capture Somali warlords in the capital went awry after militiamen shot down two U.S. helicopters. Eighteen U.S. soldiers were killed in the battle, and it marked the beginning of the end of that U.S. military mission to bring stability to the Horn of Africa nation. Since then, U.S. military intervention has been limited to missile attacks and lightning operations by special forces.

A resident of Barawe — a seaside town 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Mogadishu — said by telephone that heavy gunfire woke up residents before dawn prayers.

The U.S. forces attacked a two-story beachside

house in Barawe where foreign fighters lived, battling their way inside, said an al-Shabab fighter who gave his name as Abu Mohamed and who said he had visited the scene. Al-Shabab has a formal alliance with al-Qaida, and hundreds of men from the U.S., Britain and Middle Eastern countries fight alongside Somali members of al-Shabab.

A separate U.S. official described the action in Barawe as a capture operation against a high-value target. The official said U.S. forces engaged al-Shabab militants and sought to avoid civilian casualties.

The U.S. forces disengaged after inflicting some casualties on fighters, said the official, who was not authorized to speak by name and

insisted on anonymity.

The leader of al-Shabab, Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr, also known as Ahmed Godane, claimed responsibility for the attack on the upscale mall in Nairobi, Kenya, a four-day terrorist siege that began on Sept. 21 and killed at least 67 people. A Somali intelligence official said the al-Shabab leader was the target of Saturday’s raid.

An al-Shabab official, Sheikh Abdiaziz Abu Musab, said in an audio message that the raid failed to achieve its goals. Al-Shabab and al-Qaida have flourished in Somalia for years.

Some of the plotters of the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania hid out there.

Barawe has seen Navy SEALs before. In September 2009 a daylight commando raid in Barawe killed six people, including Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, one of the most-wanted al-Qaida operatives in the region and an alleged plotter in the 1998 embassy bombings.

The Libyan al-Qaida leader also wanted for the bombings, al-Libi, is believed to have returned to Libya during the 2011 civil war that led to the ouster and killing of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

His brother, Nabih, said al-Libi was parking outside his house early Saturday after dawn prayers when a convoy of three vehicles encircled his car. Armed gunmen smashed the car’s window and seized al-Li-

PertH, OctOber 6 (AP): Britain’s Prince Harry on Sunday blamed work pressures for the brevity of a two-day visit Down Under representing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Harry arrived in Sydney on Saturday to celebrate the centenary of the Australian navy fleet’s first visit to the city’s famed harbor.

He described his Sydney experience as “absolutely fantastic” before boarding Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s jet on Sunday to fly to the west coast city of Perth. “It’s just ... really sad that we’re leaving,” the 29-year-old royal told reporters before boarding

the jet. “Work — just can’t get the time off work nowadays.” “The next time I come back you’re going to be struggling to get rid of me, I’m sure,” he added.

Western Australia state Premier Colin Barnett, who greeted Harry in Perth, said the fourth in line to the throne explained that he had to be home in a few days. “He said it was a short visit because he had to be back to work on Thursday,” Barnett told reporters.

The Apache helicopter pilot and Afghan War veteran visited the Australian Special Air Service Regiment commando headquarters in Perth before ending

his first Australian visit officially representing the monarch. The queen last made the same 17,000-kilometer (10,600 mile) journey half way around the world from London to Sydney in 2011 when she was 85 years old.

The prince was due to fly from Perth for Dubai to attend a children’s charity dinner on Monday. Harry made his only scheduled meeting with the Australian public on Saturday, when he chatted and shook hands with a throng of excited fans on the Sydney waterfront. He had earlier coasted past the Sydney Opera House on board the Australian navy’s survey

ship HMAS Leeuwin, one of dozens of warships from 17 nations on the harbor this weekend for the International Fleet Review.

The review, essentially a parade of ships, commemorates the arrival of the original Royal Australian Navy fleet a century ago. About 40 warships, 16 tall ships and 8,000 sailors are participating in this weekend’s celebrations.

The participating warships are from the U.S., China, Britain, Brunei, Micronesia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Tonga.

Prince Harry blames work pressure for brief Aussie visit

Britain's Prince Harry, left, speaks with Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Sydney Airport in Australia on October 6. Prince Harry is an official guest of the Australian government during his two-day visit to Australia. (AP Photo)

Myanmar: Victims say police aided attackers

tHANDWe, OctOber 6 (AP): Even as the president came to western Myanmar to urge an end to sectarian violence, security forces could not prevent Buddhist mobs from torching the homes of minority Muslims or hacking them to death, at times, unwittingly, even encouraging them.

That has raised questions about the government’s ability to quench a virulent strain of religious hatred blamed for the deaths of more than 240 people in the last 18 months. The latest attack occurred Tuesday in Thandwe township, killing five just hours before President Thein Sein touched down for a scheduled visit.

He promised an immediate investigation and, with uncharacteristic speed, state-run media by Saturday night said 44 suspects had been arrested, though few other details were released.

Still, as soldiers walked the dusty streets in the hardest-hit village of Thabyuchaing, semi-automatics slung across their shoulders, Myint Aung and other Muslims residents were afraid.

They said authorities had plenty of opportunities to prevent a series of attacks Tuesday, each more brutal than the next, but did nothing. More than 110 homes were burned to the ground, and nearly 500 people were left homeless.

Initially, the Buddhist mobs numbering about 150 entered before dawn, setting one house on fire, but Muslim residents were able to push them back, said the 52-year-old, standing before a charred mosque and several homes.

Police detained three suspects soon after, but released them almost immediately following threats of more violence, he said.

Though police promised the Muslims villagers protection — and disarmed them and ordered them back into their homes — the mobs returned in even greater numbers at 9:30 a.m., and then again at 2:30 p.m.

Among the dead were a 94-year-old woman and an 89-year-old man, both too old to run, each with multiple stab wounds.

“We had no way to protect ourselves” said Win Myint, 51, another resident, standing in front of his demolished home, echoing complaints heard by victims in other attacks across the state.

“And the police did nothing. They just looked on. Now everyone is living in fear now.” In an interview with Associated Press in New York, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin denied the charges that law enforcement or government troops failed to take necessary action.

Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist nation of 60 million, is undergoing

a mind-boggling political transformation after a halfcentury of brutal military rule. But greater freedoms of expression have had a dark side, exposing deepseated hatred toward Muslims that, fueled by radical monks, have ignited attacks first in western Rakhine state and then from Meikhtila in the country’s center to Lashio near the Chinese border.

Under the new democratization, a poorly trained and ill-equipped police force — made up almost exclusively of Buddhists — is now tasked with dealing with sectarian violence, the army only stepping in at the invitation of civilian authorities or during states of emergency.

The results, on many occasions, have been disastrous. “From the facts as presented, it appears the police failed to do their job properly,” said Jim DellaGiacoma, the Asia program director for the International Crisis Group, a research organization.

“But it is not just the authorities fault here,” he said. “The community is being riled up by extremists.

There is no justification for such violence.”

Tensions started to build in Thandwe one week ago, when a Buddhist taxi driver accused a Muslim shop owner of being abusive over a parking space dispute.

Several houses were burned or damaged in the

In this October 3, photo, a Muslim woman cries after Rakhine state chief minister’s motorcade passed through a road in Shwehlay village, in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. The woman cried after government authorities who visited the burnt villages in Shwehlay comforted and gave donations to the victims. Her home was among more than 100 burned down in attacks that occurred just hours before President Thein Sein visited the area. (AP Photo)

hours that followed, and by Tuesday the anger exploded into mass violence.

Thein Sein was quoted by state media as saying he was “suspicious of the motives” of those who turned a “trivial argument and ordinary crime into racial and religious clashes.”

“According to the evidence in hand, rioters who set fire to the villages are outsiders,” he said. “Participation of all is needed to expose and arrest those who were involved in the incident and those instigating the conflict behind the scene. “Action will be taken in accordance with the law, without discrimination on the grounds of race and religion.”

In what appeared to

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hit extremists behind e. AfricA AttAcks

In this video image released by the Kenyan Defence Forces and made available by Citizen TV on October 4, men carrying automatic weapons and carrying bags are seen in the storeroom of the Nakumatt shop prior during the four-day-long siege at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi Kenya which killed more than 60 people last month. A Kenyan military spokesman has confirmed the names of four attackers as Abu Baara al-Sudani, unseen, Omar Nabhan, centre, Khattab al-Kene, left, and Umayr, right. (AP Photo)

was carried out by members of SEAL Team Six, the same unit that killed alQaida leader Osama bin Laden in his Pakistan hideout in 2011, another senior U.S. military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.

But this time, SEAL Team Six members encountered fiercer resistance than expected so after a 15-20 minute firefight, the unit leader decided to abort the mission and they swam away, the official said. SEAL Team Six has responsibility for counterterrorism activities in the Horn of Africa.

Within hours of the Somalia attack, the U.S. Army’s Delta Force carried out a raid in Libya’s capital,

Monday 7 October 2013

be rare criticism of “969,” a state media report said some organizations had distributed religious flags that were hung in front of thousands of Buddhistowned homes and shops.

A Buddhist-led campaign, “969” has taken root nationwide with its supporters urging Buddhists to shop only at Buddhist stores and avoid marrying Muslims or selling homes to them. Billboards with the logo were seen lining the bumpy roads.

Muslims in and around Thandwe also blamed outsiders, saying they had existed peacefully side by side with Buddhists for generations and never imagined it could be otherwise.

“Now, suddenly, anyone who believes in Islam is seen as the enemy,” said U Win Myint, a 51-yearold member of the ethnic Kaman Muslim minority.

“They are targeting us just for our beliefs.”

Others specifically blamed 969 and “northern Rakhines.” Zaw Lay Khar, 62, who lost her mother in the attack, described how mobs waving swords and knives came into the village.

“There was nothing we could do but run,” she said, adding that while the faces of the attackers were largely unfamiliar, she saw some Buddhist neighbors pointing out Muslim homes.

“I don’t know how this happened.”

bi’s gun before grabbing him and taking him away.

The brother said al-Libi’s wife saw the kidnapping from her window and described the abductors as foreign-looking armed “commandos.”

Al-Libi, who was believed to be a computer specialist for al-Qaida, is on the FBI’s most-wanted list with a $5 million bounty on his head. He was indicted by a federal court in the Southern District of New York, for his alleged role in the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, on August 7, 1998.

Libyan officials did not return calls seeking comment on al-Libi’s abduction.

In Somalia, a resident of Barawe who gave his name as Mohamed Bile said militants closed down the town in the hours after the assault, and that all traffic and movements have been restricted. Militants were carrying out houseto-house searches, likely to find evidence that a spy had given intelligence to a foreign power used to launch the attack, he said.

“We woke up to find alShabab fighters had sealed off the area and their hospital is also inaccessible,” Bile told The Associated Press by phone. “The town is in a tense mood.”

Al-Shabab later posted pictures on the Internet of what it said was U.S. military gear left behind in the

raid. Two former U.S. military officers identified the gear as the kind U.S. troops carry. Pictures showed items including bullets, an ammunition magazine, a military GPS device and a smoke and flash-bang grenade used to clear rooms.

The officials could not confirm if those items had come from the raid.

In Kenya, military spokesman Maj. Emmanuel Chirchir on Saturday gave the names of four fighters implicated in the Westgate Mall attack as Abu Baara al-Sudani, Omar Nabhan, Khattab al-Kene and Umayr, names that were first broadcast by a local Kenyan television station.

Matt Bryden, the former head of the U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea, said via email that al-Kene and Umayr are known members of alHijra, the Kenyan arm of al-Shabab. He added that Nabhan may be a relative of Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, the target of the 2009 Navy SEALs raid in Barawe.

The identities of the four men from the mall attack came as a Nairobi station obtained and broadcast the closed circuit television footage from Westgate. The footage shows four attackers calmly walking through a storeroom inside the complex, holding machine guns. One of the men’s pant legs appears to be stained with blood, though he is not limping. It is unclear if the blood is his, or that of his victims’.

Blood on brain, Argentine prez ordered month’s rest

Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez speaks during a ceremony to launch a new catamaran ferry between Montevideo and Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 30. The ferry that will begin operating October 2 and will cut the travel time between the two capitals has been christened “Francisco” in honor of the new Argentine pope. The vessel can carry up to 1,000 passengers and 150 cars while making the trip in two hours, 12 minutes, compared to about 3 hours for ferries now in service.(AP Photo)

bUeNOS AIreS, OctOber 6 (AP): Doctors ordered a month’s rest for Argentina’s president after they found blood on her brain due to a head injury.

President Cristina Fernandez’s spokesman said she had suffered a previously undisclosed “skull trauma” on Aug. 12. No details about this injury were officially released Saturday night.

Spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro read a statement signed by the president’s doctors saying they did a CAT scan of her brain after the August head injury and found nothing wrong, and that afterward she suffered no symptoms.

But he said problems surfaced Saturday after Fernandez, 60, went to a hospital for checks on an irregular heartbeat. Because she was suffering headaches, they looked at her skull again, too, and found a subdural hematoma. That means bleeding between the brain and the skull.

The statement defined it as “chronic” and not “acute,” which suggests that it has been slowly building.

“The president had a cardiovascular study done in the Fundacion Favaloro and given that she had head pain, they did neurological studies, diagnosing a ‘chronic subdural collection’ (bleeding on the brain), and they ordered her to rest for a month,” said the statement, which was signed by the president’s doctors. The statement added that her doctors will keep close watch on how the bleeding evolves using

imaging technology.

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the symptoms of chronic subdural collections usually do not heal by themselves and often require surgery that involves drilling small holes in the skull to drain the liquid, relieving pressure and to reduce or prevent brain damage.

Her spokesman did not address during his televised announcement whether Fernandez will try to keep managing the country herself from the presidential residence, or formally take medical leave and hand the government over to Vice President Amado Boudou, who was flying back to Argentina from Brazil Saturday night.

It’s a hard time for Fernandez, a tireless campaigner, to disappear from Argentina’s political scene.

Aug. 12 was one day after primary elections in which her opponents made significant gains. With the latest doctors’ orders, she won’t be able to campaign for her allies ahead of key congressional midterm elections on Oct. 27 that will determine whether the ruling Front for Victory party holds onto enough seats to enable her to continue ruling with virtually unchecked power.

In January of 2012, Fernandez had her thyroid glands removed fearing that they were cancerous, but tests later showed no presence of cancerous cells. She also suffers from chronic hypertension, and has periodically had to take several days rest.

10

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SPORTS

Monday 7 October 2013

The Morung Express

potro beats Raonic Manchester United fights del to win Japan open back to beat Sunderland

Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj, left, scores his goal past Sunderland's captain John O'Shea, right, during their English Premier League soccer match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Saturday, Oct. 5. (AP Photo)

SUNDERLAND, OctObER 6 (AP): Belgian teenager Adnan Januzaj scored twice in his first English Premier League start as Manchester United came from behind to beat lastplace Sunderland 2-1 and avoid plunging into an early crisis on Saturday.

After back-to-back losses against Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion, United returned to winning ways thanks to 18-year-old Januzaj despite another disappointing collective performance.

"He is a wonderful player, he is someone who we think a lot of," United manager David Moyes said. "I

have tried to get him in the team over the last few weeks but for various reasons it did not happen. He is a really good player, he can do most things and play in lots of different positions.

He is a real talent. I gave Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley their debuts at Everton and he is certainly in their category too."

The defending champions' defense again looked shaky and Sunderland made the most of the Red Devils' inconsistencies to open the scoring after just five minutes through Craig Gardner. But United recovered in the second half as Janujaz coolly equalized in

the 55th then silenced the Stadium of Light with a superb volley into the far corner six minutes later.

"I thought we played well with the exception of the opening five or 10 minutes," Moyes said. "I am pleased we have won, I am not going to get too excited.

At the moment we scored, we needed it but I wasn't getting too low."

Rooney was back in the lineup after missing the 1-1 Champions League draw with Shakhtar Donetsk due to a shin injury as Moyes made four changes.

But United got off to the worst possible start, conceding after a good

move from Emmanuele Giaccherini, as Nemanja Vidic failed to clear the ball properly to send it into the path of Gardner, who fired it past goalkeeper David De Gea. Under pressure, United's display was sometimes embarrassing as Gardner stole the ball from Jones two minutes later, before Giaccherini's header forced De Gea to a superb one-handed save 11 minutes before the break.

United also struggled in midfield as Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverly looked incapable of controlling the game as the visitors pressed unsuccessfully.

Moyes' team could have

equalized through Nani's effort from close range though and started to look more comfortable in possession after the interval.

Januzaj, who joined United at the age of 16 from Anderlecht, was rewarded for his determination when he combined with Evra on the left before meeting the Frenchman's cross into the penalty area.

The teenager then connected with John O'Shea's headed clearance and sent the ball with a left-foot volley to give Moyes some relief, as United climbed to ninth in the standings, six points behind league leader Liverpool.

Ronaldo's late winner lifts Real at Levante

tOKYO, OctObER 6 (AP): Top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro beat Milos Raonic of Canada, 7-6 (5), 7-5 on Sunday to win the Japan Open and claim his third title of the season.

Del Potro got the only break of the match to go up 6-5 in the second set and then held serve to win the match in 1 hour, 46 minutes.

The Argentine, who was a runnerup to Tomas Berdych here in 2008, converted his second match point in the final game, hitting a forehand past Raonic at the net to secure the title.

"I played really well in the last two games of the match," Del Potro said. "I broke his serve and closed out in a fantastic way and hopefully I can keep it going for the rest of the season."

The third-seeded Raonic, who was coming off a win at the Thailand Open last week, hit 17 aces but came up short in his second straight appearance in the Japan Open final. He lost to local favorite Kei Nishikori last year. The 22-year-old Canadian put pressure on del Potro's serve in the first set, but could not capitalize on three break point opportunities. Del Potro bounced back from an 0-2 deficit in the tiebreaker and got a break when Raonic double-faulted to give del Potro a 6-4 lead.

Raonic fended off del

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina kisses his trophy after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada in the final of the Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo on Oct. 6. (AP Photo)

Petro once, but the Argentine aced the next point to win the set. "There is nothing really to be down about," Raonic said. "Maybe the double fault in the tiebreak and then later in the match to break me he gets four winners so there is not much I could have done there to play better."

Raonic saw his eightmatch winning streak come to an end. He has moved steadily up in the world rankings but said he was more concerned about his overall progress in competing against the world's

top players.

"The improvement in the rankings is icing on the cake," Raonic said. "The important thing to me is getting better as a player. As long as I can do that, I will give myself more opportunities like this." Del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, was a late addition to the tournament after Andy Murray withdrew due to a back injury. "I decided to come here because I lost early in the U.S. Open and had several weeks off," said Del Potro. "I'm glad I decided to come here."

14th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy Matches for October 7 1. Asian Mission College vs Kuki SU Kohima @ 11:30 am 2. Koubru SC, Mnp vs Arena Kings XI @ 1:00 pm 3. Zeva Club, Zhavame vs Viper FC, Nerhema @ 2:30 pm

FAF Nagaland participates in 1st Korean ambassador Kukkiwon cup

BaRceLona winS, extendS Lead in SpaniSh Liga

Kukiwon World Taekwondo demonstration team posing for the lens with H.E Lee Joon Gyu and Ranshir Singh.

FC Barcelona's Neymar, from Brazil, reacts after scoring against Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, right, is congratulated by teammate Jese Valladolid during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Rodriguez, after scoring a goal against Levante during their La Liga soccer match at the Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain on Oct. 5. (AP Photo) Ciutat de Valecia stadium in Valencia, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 5. (AP Photo)

bARcELONA, OctO bER 6 (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo scored deep in injury time to cap Real Madrid's incredible 3-2 comeback victory at Levante on Saturday, when his team went from losing, to drawing, and finally to winning in the last five minutes.

Spanish leader Barcelona, meanwhile, didn't miss the injured Lionel Messi as it cruised by Valladolid 4-1 at home with Neymar scoring once and setting up one of Alexis Sanchez's two goals.

At 1-1, Levante's Nabil El Zhar grabbed what looked to be the winner in the 86th, but Madrid substitute Alvaro Morata stepped up to level in the 90th.

Still facing what would have been a costly draw, Ronaldo's last-gasp strike hit both a defender and the post before settling into the net to crush the hosts' hopes of taking a point.

"When Madrid plays football, it only needs five minutes to win a game," Madrid first-year coach Carlo An-

celotti said.

This was Ronaldo's second winner for Madrid on the last shot of the game in the last seven days after he netted a penalty six minutes after fulltime to grab a 2-1 win at Elche last Saturday. The Portugal forward has seven goals in league play - one less than Messi and Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa - and 12 goals in 10 games in all competitions this season. The victory put Madrid back in third place, five points behind Barcelona and two points behind Atletico before it hosts Celta Vigo on Sunday.

It also saved Ancelotti from even more pressure following the loss to Atletico last weekend. Although his team's lackluster performance through most of the game will likely earn him more criticism. "People need to be patient," Morata said about the Madrid supporters who jeered Ancelotti in the last two home games. "There have been a lot of changes recently. We will play better, for sure."

Barcelona extended its club record with an eighth win in as many games to start the league under new coach Gerardo Martino.

Madrid holds the league milestone of nine wins to start the season in 1968.

Alexis' long blast in the 14th canceled out Javi Guerra's 10th-minute opener for Valladolid. Xavi Hernandez slotted in Barcelona's second in the 52nd before Neymar set up Alexis in the 64th. Alexis then returned the favor by generously passing back for Neymar to net his goal in the 70th.

"Neymar didn't put on a Messi mask, each one plays his own game," Alexis told GOL TV. "I don't think that the fact Messi isn't here gives us more freedom. Without Leo we have more work because with him everything is easier."

Elsewhere, Real Sociedad lost its second game this week in agonizing fashion, when Rayo Vallecano substitute Jonathan Viera won and converted an 89th-

minute penalty. Sociedad lost in injury time at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Elche got its second straight victory thanks to forward Ferran "Coro" Corominas' two goals in a 2-1 win over visiting Espanyol.

Without the injured Gareth Bale, Madrid could do very little to disarm Levante's stingy defense in the first half at a Ciutat de Valencia Stadium where it had lost in two of its previous three visits. Since suffering a 7-0 thrashing at Barcelona in the league opener, new coach Joaquin Caparros - known for his focus on defense - had steered Levante to a sixgame undefeated streak that it almost kept going considering it never trailed Madrid until stoppage time.

"It hurts to lose like this," Caparros said. "It's a pity. We did everything we could to win and the game lasted four minutes too long. We should have known how to manage the

situation. El Zhar's goal should have given us more oxygen but that didn't happen. Some of my players showed their lack of experience." After a foul-ridden first 45 minutes, Levante opened through striker Babacar "Baba" Diawara in the 57th. Madrid was caught pressing forward when Levante got a three-on-two breakaway, and midfielder Jordi Xumetra floated a cross for Baba to beat goalkeeper Diego Lopez with a right-footed volley.

Sergio Ramos leveled four minutes later when the Madrid center back raced in at the second post and slammed in Angel Di Maria's corner kick. Madrid was again caught looking to score late when El Zhar did well to fend off Ramos in the area before he spun and fired in the ball. But Morata, who scored a late winner for Madrid here last season, coolly drove in his goal to finish a move started by fellow youngster Jese Rodriguez before Ronaldo pulled out his late heroics.

KOhimAi, OctObER 6 (mExN): Based in Dimapur, Faith in Action Foundation (FAF) who were semi finalist in the season 3 of India’s Got Talent is the lone academy from Nagaland participating in the 1st Korean Ambassador Kukkiwon Cup, an ‘Open National Taekwondo Championship’ which kicked off at Talkatora Indoor Stadium on October 4. It was inaugurated by the ambassador of the Republic of Korea, H.E Lee Joon Gyu and Randhir Singh, Committee member of the International Olympic on October 4.

The Special Guest for the event was Professor Kyu Seok Lee, 9th dan black belt, a member of the World Taekwondo Federation, Senior Vice-President-Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) and Secretary General-Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU).

The ongoing Championship which is part of the celebrations of Indo-Korean 40 years of diplomatic relationship is organised

by Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) and headed by Kimkum Pyoung, the Director of the Korean Cultural Centre and Chaired by grandmaster Lee Jeong-hee, Kukkiwon-World Taekwondo Headquarters grandmaster and Sports General Manager-Korean Cultural Centre India.

The 3 day event will

witness 8 participants from Nagaland under the stewardship of their Master Deep Kumar battling for medals with the best of the national talents in Taekwodo.

On the opening day, at court B, the 61st match was fought between Toluho Yeptho from Nagaland and Abhiraj Singh from Delhi.

Toluho Yeptho charged with great enthusiasm and knocked his opponent out in the first minute itself.

The referee stepped in and stopped the fight, giving Nagaland their second win of the day.

Earlier, the opening ceremony kicked off with brilliant demonstrations of talents and techniques by the Kukiwon World Taekwondo team, who came all the way from Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarter based in Seoul, South Korea to perform in India at the opening ceremony.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the ambassador from the Republic of Korea, H.E. Joon-gyu Lee said that he is pleased to welcome more than 1000 athletes for this event and thanked India for its support and co-operation. He also expressed hope that the IndoKorean relationship would be like the relationship of two best friends.

Meanwhile speaking to this correspondent on the

sideline of the tournament, the director of KCC and head of the Championship, Kim-kum Pyoung said that the championship is an endeavour to bring together promising athletes from all over the nation and provide them with a platform to showcase their talent.

“The looks of the North East people and Koreans are similar. The people of the North East are very talented in music and sports and we hope to see more collaboration during the hornbill festival of Nagaland” said Kim-kum Pyoung when asked about the young talent from the North East and the future endeavours of KCC in the North East.

The event also honoured Randhir Singh, committee member of the International Olympic with honorary black belt by Kukkiwon. The award of appreciation for Taekwondo students with disabilities were awarded to 9 year old Krishna N Sheth, who is 100% visually impaired and Yoosul Kim with down syndrom.

By the end of the championship the most valuable player of the championship will drive home a Hyundai Eon car. The gold medallist of all the categories will be presented with Samsung smart phones and LG bluray players.

Entertainment

The Morung Express

Monday 7 October 2013

Haim Vs. Justin timberlake

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Haim

For No.1 UK Album

and Justin Timberlake are in an intensely close battle for the top spot on the UK Album Charts. According to the Official Charts Company between Sunday and Thursday Haim have sold 26,417 copies of their debut album ‘Days Are Gone’. Whereas Timberlake’s ‘20/20 Experience 2 of 2’ has sold 26,445 copies, thus JT is leading the Californian sisters by selling 28 more copies. The race will come to an end at midnight on Sunday, where the No.1 spot will also be announced. Timberlake’s first album of 2013 ‘20/20 Experience’ spent a total of three weeks at No.1 back in March and is also in the top 20 selling albums of 2013 so far. If ‘Part 2’ would make

It’s a boy!

Halle

Berry is celebrating being a mother again. The Oscar winning actress gave birth to a baby boy in Los Angeles on Saturday, who is the first child for Halle and husband Olivier Martinez. This is the second child for the 47-year-old Die Another Day star, who has a five-year-old daughter, Nahla, with ex-fiancé Gabriel Aubry. E! Online reported that Berry had delivered her latest bundle of joy at Cedars Sinai Hospital, where countless ce-

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Eminem’s beloved teen daughter

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Hailie Scott is all grown up as she’s crowned Homecoming Queen

it to the top of the charts it will mark the 32 year-olds 4th consecutive No.1 album, as ‘Justified’ (2002) and ‘FutureSex/LoveSounds’ (2006) were also chart toppers.

The trio of sister, consisting of Este, Alana and Danielle Haim recently gained more exposure when they performed ‘The Wire’ on ‘The Andrew Marr Show’ on BBC1. The three siblings dedicated their performance to fellow guest, Prime Minister David Cameron, with bass player Este saying, “That was for you DC, it’s all about you.” Another close race is occurring in the singles charts as OneRepublic’s ‘Counting Stars’ is quickly approaching frontrunners The Vamps who are hoping to celebrate their first chart topper with ‘Can We Dance’. This week’s race to chart glory is a case of the veterans vs. the rookies and it seems any act could win it at this point.

Eminem

Halle Berry and husband Olivier Martinez welcome their first child together

lebrity children have been born over the years. The delivery came just a day after the Catwoman star had been spotted out in West Hollywood at restaurant Rivabella looking ready to pop in a sheer shirt covering her huge bump. Berry had recently revealed that she was thrilled to be pregnant again, having previously called the conception a ‘miracle’ due to her older age. As for the first-time dad, the Parisian S.W.A.T. actor told People: ‘My son will remain an American,

Dimapur

but I will remain French,’ he explained.

‘I remain a Frenchman in America, but I adapt to American culture.’ Berry and Martinez were married in a stunning ceremony in Vallery, France, in July where she wore a beautiful Jenny Packham gown. The Monster’s Ball Oscar winner was previously married to baseball player David Justice in the early 1990s and to singer Eric Benét in the early 2000s. While motherhood is obviously the only thing on her mind

right now, the 47-year-old actress has just signed on to star in a serialised drama coming to CBS next summer called Extant, a 13-episode thriller. Berry will play an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that change the course of history. The series is being made in partnership with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, which made last summer’s surprise hit for CBS, Under the Dome.

‘King Khan’ dazzles rapt crowds in New Zealand

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has name-dropped his beloved daughter countless times in his music. But it seems that Hailie Scott earned her very own moment in the limelight on Friday as she was crowned Homecoming Queen at her Michigan high school. The 17-year-old daughter of the infamous rapper and his exwife, Kim Scott, was positively beaming as she appeared in a local news report wearing a sparkling crown as she stood before her peers.

In the story first uncovered by Hollywood Life, Hailie has her hair styled in pretty blonde curls for the exciting high school event and is carrying a large and colourful bouquet of flowers. And the teen expressed her delight via her private Twitter account, which one public user retweeted. Hailie had written: ‘So happy and thankful to be Chippewa’s homecoming queen! It’s such an honor and blessing. #grateful’. Eminem - whose real name is Marshall Mathers - will surely be proud of his daughter, who is clearly his number one priority in life.

The Stan rapper is not only a father to Hailie, but also to Whitney, Kim’s child from a previous relationship, and Alaina, Kim’s sister’s child, both of whom he legally adopted. Among the countless tracks in which he has referenced Hailie, one of them is quite literally entitled Hailie’s Song. Eminem raps: ‘But when I see my baby, suddenly I’m not crazy, it all makes sense when I look into her eyes.

‘Hailie, remember when I said, “If you ever need anything, daddy will be right there?” Well guess what? Daddy’s here. And I ain’t goin’ nowhere baby. I love you,’ the 40-year-old rapper goes on.

It has been a long and turbulent journey for Eminem, who appeared in a documentary earlier this year to speak about his battle with substance abuse and addiction.

But Hailie’s special day is surely one that both she and her parents will treasure forever.

My hubby made me realised I needed less therapy

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“I

Huge

crowds gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday to catch a glimpse of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan performing live. The show, part of SRK’s extravagant world tour Temptations Reloaded, had Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji, Jacqueline Fernandez, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Meiyang Chang accompanying the actor. Playing an absolute charmer, SRK made a dazzling entry. Neon light flashes announced ‘King Khan’ while laser lights and fireworks illuminated the stage accompanied by the background score of Don as delirious fans welcomed him.

SRK was dressed in a black robe-like suit and later changed costumes. The superstar performed on some of his hit songs and was joined by the Bollywood beauties. An engaging medley of Jab Tak Hai Jaan played in the background and SRK danced with Madhuri to recreate the Dil To Pagal Hai magic.

With Jacqueline, he performed on hits from Om Shanti Om. He then put up a romantic act with Rani to recreate the Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna magic. Honey Singh performed the blockbuster Lungi Dance from Chennai Express with the actor.

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

We want to hear from you!

Submit an article, photo or illustration by October 12, 2013 and see your work in print!

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Jennifer Lopez dons Morticia Addams-esque dress as she’s honoured with the 2013 Ally For Equality Award

come from the land of therapy and love it, therapy is great, but Hugh really helped me discover that, a lot of the time, I’m just tired,” Danes said.”I don’t have to go through this labyrinthine explanation, there doesn’t have to be that much back story, I can just be in need of a nap,” she added. The actress who has son Cyrus with Dancy, reveals feeling lonely after she gave birth to her son last year, reported E! Online. “Being a new mom is quite isolating to begin with. I was literally without any of my family or friends or resources. So it was a tough entry into motherhood.

It’s so wonderful, but those first three months are so disorientating,” she said.

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: “Social Networking And Change In Nagaland” 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.

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia, right, and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose with their trophies after the final of the China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China Sunday, Oct. 6. (AP Photo)

Novak beats Nadal for fourth China Open win BEIJING, OctOBEr 6 (rEUtErS): Novak Djokovic won his fourth China Open title in five years on Sunday, prevailing 6-3 6-4 in the final against Rafael Nadal who will replace him as the men's new world number one on Monday. The Serb continued his love affair in Beijing, improving his tournament record to 19-0 after brushing aside Nadal in an hour and 27 minutes to halt his run of three defeats against the Spaniard. Nadal had to reach the final in the tournament to displace Djokovic from the top ranking and the issue was put to rest on Saturday when Tomas Berdych retired with a back injury in his semi-final against the Spaniard.

The 26-year-old Djokovic stamped his authority on the title match early, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set and never allowing the Spaniard, who went into the match unbeaten on hard courts this year, to stage a comeback. He broke Nadal in the first game of the second set and clearly looked the better player, hitting winners almost at will. Such was the Serb's domination that the 27-year-old Nadal, who boosted his grand slam singles tally to 13 this year by winning the French and U.S. Opens, failed to create a single break point opportunity in the whole match. Djokovic had also won the tournament in 2009, 2010 and 2012, while missing out in 2011 through injury.

BEIJING, OctOBEr 6 (aGENcIES): Serena Williams overcame injury and one of her toughest head-to-head match-ups to win her 10th WTA title of the year - and the 56th WTA title of her career - at the China Open in Beijing. Facing Jelena Jankovic for the Premier Mandatory-level title, Williams seemed to be cruising to victory after taking the opening set. But at 62 11 she began grimacing in pain - seemingly the same sore back she talked about after her semifinal win - and Jankovic pounced, breaking for 2-1 in the second set.

But after the changeover the No.1seeded Williams found her very best form once again, reeling off the next five games in a row to close the No.8-seeded Jankovic out in an hour and 28 minutes, 62 62. Williams had more unforced errors than Jankovic in the match (29 to 24) but 20 more winners (29 to 9). Williams now has 10 WTA titles this year, the most since 2007 (when Justine Henin also won 10).

This was also her 73rd match win of the year, the most since 2003 (Kim Clijsters ended with 90, Henin 75).

Additionally, Williams now has 56 WTA titles to her name, separating herself from Virginia Wade and Lindsay Davenport for standalone seventh place on the all-time list of most WTA titles - she now trails just Martina Navratilova (167), Chris Evert (154), Steffi Graf (107), Margaret Court (92), Evonne Goolagong Cawley (68) and Billie Jean King (67). She had been tied with Wade and Davenport with 55.

Jankovic, the only player to play all 10 editions of the China Open from 2004 to 2013, is a popular face at the tournament as runner-up she was asked to speak first during the post-match ceremony. "I had a great week playing in this beautiful venue," Jankovic said to the crowd. "I always enjoy coming back to the China Open - it's a pleasure for me to play in front of you all in the finals again. "Serena was just too good today, and big congratulations to her." The former World No.1 had more kind words.

"I want to thank all of you - my Chinese fans, my Serbian fans and my friends who were supporting me. I appreciate it a lot and I hope to see you all next year!"

Rafinha of Bayern Munich and his wife Carolina attend the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich southern Germany, Sunday, Oct 6. (AP Photo)

Serena wins 10th title of the year in China

China's Feng Shanshan kisses her trophy after winning the Reignwood LPGA Classic golf tournament at Pine Valley Golf Club on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Sunday, Oct. 6. (AP Photo)

Serena Williams. (AP Photo)

Vettel wins Korean GP

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YEONGaM, OctOBEr 6 (aP): Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel's relentless push toward a seemingly inevitable fourth-straight Formula One drivers' championship continued with a victory at the Korean Grand Prix on Sunday.

Even two safety-car periods, the emergence of a truck on the circuit midrace and the incineration of his teammate's car were not enough to put off the German, who made it a hat-trick of wins in Korea, and a fourth successive victory overall. The Red Bull ace led throughout to win by 4.2 seconds ahead of the Lotus pair Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.

Nearest title rival Fernando Alonso was sixth, stretching Vettel's lead in the championship to 77 points with only five races remaining, and he could wrap up the title at next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. "Even though it looks very good for us, it's still not over," Vettel said. "I'm not trying to think about it to be honest, I'm focusing more on the present. "I am really enjoying things at the moment, we have a great team and we are having a great time as well."

Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg put in a superb defensive drive over the last 17

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany gestures as he celebrates on the podium after winning the Korean Formula One Grand Prix at the Korean International Circuit in Yeongam, South Korea, Sunday, Oct. 6. (AP Photo)

laps by holding off a queue of world champions behind him after the second safety-car period ended, finishing fourth to equal his career best. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was fifth, just holding off Alonso on

the last lap. Mercedes Nico Rosberg took seventh by passing eighth-placed Jenson Button of McLaren in the closing stages.

Ferrari's Felipe Massa was ninth and McLaren's Sergio Perez tenth. Vettel,

who has now led after every lap of four-straight races, again got away well from pole position and avoided the chaos on turn three, at the exit of the main straight.

Massa spun and made contact with teammate Alonso,

who was able to continue, while Button and Force India's Adrian Sutil also had collisions that forced them to pit. Vettel led Grosjean by 2.1 seconds after the first lap but he was not able to drive away from the field as comfortably as he had in recent races, with the Frenchman clinging on and within 3.4 seconds when the leaders started to pit after nine laps.

The championship leader extended that to 5.1 seconds by mid-distance from Grosjean, who had ably held off Hamilton in their battle after the first stops.

Hamilton's rubber soon started to degrade and he fell back toward teammate Rosberg, but as soon as the German passed the Briton, his front wing failed and drooped to the ground, leaving Rosberg driving around in a sea of sparks.

The safety car emerged on lap 31 following a spectacular tire failure on the front right wheel of Perez's McLaren, with the tread suddenly shearing off and landing in the middle of the main straight.

The racing had only resumed for a lap when Force India's Adrian Sutil spun into the Red Bull of Mark Webber at the end of the main straight, igniting the Australian's car into a ball of flame.

Silver medallist Kyla Ross of the U.S. competes on the balance beam during the apparatus final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. The 44th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp concludes on Sunday with both men and women competing in individual apparatus finals. (AP Photo)

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Heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, of Ukraine, right, hits Alexander Povetkin, of Russia, during their bout at the Olympic Stadium, in Moscow, Russia, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his WBA and IBF titles. (AP Photo)

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