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wednesdAY • April 12 • 2017
DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 99 • 12 PAGes • 5
T H e
ESTD. 2005
P o W e R
o F
The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become Sushma Swaraj warns Pakistan of ‘consequences’ if Jadhav is hanged
Highlights of scholarship for students in Nagaland
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T R u T H
— Charles Du Bos
Pressure mounts on Wenger after Arsenal capitulate to Palace
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pAGe 12
Human trafficking racket busted by Dimapur Police
These images provided by the Tizit Area Students Union (TASU) show the dilapidated condition of the Government Higher Secondary School in Tizit and the protest carried out by students and people of the area against poor infrastructure on April 11. The TASU has meanwhile called off its blockade of the Namtola-Mon road for one month starting April 12, following assurance given by the Deputy Commissioner, Mon and the Konyak Union Mon HQ to take up the TASU’s demand list collectively. The TASU informed that the first day of the blockade went off peacefully, and cautioned continuation of the blockade if the state government fails to fulfil its demands.
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
C M Y K
DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): Dimapur Police today informed that the District Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (DAHTU) under it has unearthed a major human trafficking racket. This comes following the case of two girls from Nagaland state who were rescued and kept in a Shelter Home at Pune. After being rescued, they were repatriated back home, informed a press note from the Additional Deputy Commissioner/PRO, Dimapur Police. The Women Police Station, Dimapur was in receipt of information from a shelter home based in Pune regarding the two victims from the state rescued by Pune Police from a brothel. After conducting preliminary enquiries and ascertaining the identities and particulars of the victims, a Suo- Moto case was registered and investigations were initiated. The PRO informed that a team from the Women Police Station, Dimapur was also dispatched to Pune and the victims were brought back home on March 21 after necessary repatriation processes were completed. Police added that based on the statements given by the victims and the necessary investigations, the DAHTU arrested four persons, who
police stated were involved in the trafficking of these victims. The arrested persons were identified as Johur Uddin, Jorina Khatoon aka Zina, Saiful Uddin aka John or Rahul Dev and Farukh Uddin aka Farukh or Omar. The four accused persons were arrested from Nagaland as well as the neighboring state of Assam. Police said that they are “found to be involved in other similar cases.” Explaining the modus operandi of the accused, the police stated that functioning in an organized network, the traffickers targeted victims by luring them with prospective jobs or abducting them. The victims were supplied to the source through chains of traffickers, it was added. The DAHTU, police said, is investigating into the case to identify and rescue more such victims. Meanwhile, the victims have been re-united with their respective families after completion of required formalities. This comes after it was recently revealed that according to Nagaland Police source, there were zero records of human trafficking in the state in 2016. This was reportedly stated by the Chairperson of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) while speaking at a legal
awareness programme on human trafficking organized by the Commission on March 21. The NSCW Chairperson had however stressed that these records may be due to people not lodging complaints because of societal compulsions. She had stressed that hiding incidents of human trafficking for fear of social stigma or retaliation only enlarges the perpetrators’ trade and earning and put more people into miserable broken lives. The NSCW Chairperson had also highlighted that despite stringent laws and amendment passed from time to time, human trafficking, a global menace, has affected both the poorer and affluent nations. Traffickers, she said, have better network and are well organized than government institutes and “they play with human life like commodity in the market.” In 2015 meanwhile the North East region had registered a whopping 250% jump in human trafficking cases as compared to the previous year. The region has been a hotbed for human trafficking, with girls, especially from low income families, being lured by traffickers with the promise of employment outside their states.
PSC serves seven day ultimatum to ACAUT seeks legal action against address Longleng health scenario former CM & present R&B Minister DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland today submitted a representation to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, seeking suo-moto legal action against the former Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and Roads and Bridges Minister, Vikheho Swu. In its representation, the ACAUT stated that Zeliang, after resigning as the Nagaland CM, had on March 8, 2017 signed a list of beneficiaries for Chief Minister’s Road Development Fund (CMRDF) during 2016-17 in the capacity of Chief Minister and the said directive was endorsed to the Minister, Road and Bridges. “Upon receipt of the list of beneficiaries, Vikheho Swu, Minister for Road and Bridges, knowing that TR Zeliang had relinquished from his post, however, connived with TR Zeliang’s action, and on March 9, 2017 endorsed the paper to CE (PWD) Road and Bridges and remarked ‘to process for Tender,’” it said. The CE (PWD) Road and Bridges thereafter on March 11 endorsed for necessary action to EE-III, the ACAUT informed, while furnishing the said list. “The action of the Minister Road and Bridges also abetted in the commission of illegality, which was initiated by TR Zeliang and
as such is also liable for offence of abetment in the commission of the crime,” the ACAUT claimed. It further accused Zeliang, who is Advisor to the CM and in charge of the Finance portfolio, of misrepresenting himself as a Chief Minister after he had demitted that office. This is actionable in law per se, the ACAUT said, and claimed that the former CM “cannot be immune to legal action since he has committed grave offence in the eye of law.” “The action committed by TR Zeliang who has been a long-time legislator and a cabinet minister cannot be scot-free as he is a knowledgeable and experienced person having occupied the highest post in the state. That, Vikheho Swu therefore is also liable for the abetment to the offence and liable to be punished as ignorance of law is not an excuse,” the ACAUT stated. The ACAUT said that it is within the jurisdiction of the NLA Speaker “to give direction to initiate action” against the two legislators. It urged the Speaker to “take cognizance of the offence and direct the law enforcing agency to register a regular case against the delinquent legislators by according sanction order to face trial of the offence when asked for.”
Look…swindling the poor people, pocketing development funds are okay. But causing traffic jam everyday? No...that’s not acceptable.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): The Phom Students’ Conference (PSC) has served a seven day ultimatum to the Nagaland State government and the Health and Family Welfare Department, starting April 12, for fulfillment of its demands regarding the health scenario in Longleng. It may be noted that an earlier representation was submitted to the Commissioner and Secretary H&FW on March 24. It had demanded for a separate transformer to run the machineries 24x7 since most of the machineries / equipments are still lying unused due to lack of electricity supply. The representation also asked for immediate appointment of regular General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO); immediate appointment of full fledged Medical Superintendent at District Hospital Longleng since the present MS is found to be attached at the Directorate; construction of separate building for diagnostic center with facilities of X-ray, Ultrasound, CT scan and laboratory services; posting of nursing superintendent and assistant nursing super-
AKM demands expediting probe into murder case
KCC beneficiaries appeal BJP General Secy says party will against ‘forceful recovery of loan’ try to form next govt in Nagaland
DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) today demanded expedition of the probe into the murder of late Lanunukshi of Mongsenyimti village who was killed in Dimapur on March 20. The AKM, in a press note today, said that it was “somehow satisfied in the beginning to learn that the law enforcing agency was taking exceptional effort in solving the case.” It had also “reposed faith in the law enforcing agency, after it identified the main suspect in the murder case and even advertised a ‘Wanted’ notice.” However, the AKM lamented that even after three weeks, “there is no concrete progress in the murder case and the suspect is still at large.” Therefore, it urged concerned agencies to expedite the case with all seriousness and bring the culprit/s to book. It also cautioned “any individual, group or organization from harboring the suspect.”
intendent; installment of Blood Storage Unit etc. It further reminded that at present the District Hospital, Longleng is running only under the supervision of four doctors, which is causing numerous inconveniences to the public due to insufficient manpower. Thus, the PSC demanded immediate appointment of a medicine specialist, pediatric and surgeon in the District Hospital, Longleng. Failing to address these demands within the stipulated time, the PSC warned would compel it to take its own course of action. The PSC meanwhile expressed disappointment at the “response and the behavior of the Commissioner and Secretary towards the PSC” terming it as “pathetic and unbecoming.” It informed that the PSC had approached the Commissioner and Secretary on April 10 at his office chamber to get updates on the former’s earlier ultimatum to the department. “Even after expiration of the deadline, the government and the department had not responded or
DIMAPUR, APRIL 11 (MExN): Beneficiaries of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme (2012-13) from Aghunato have appealed for a stop to the “forceful recovery of KCC (2012-13) EMI of 12 villages by the SBI, Aghunato.” In an open letter to the SBI AGM, BRO, Mokokchung, the Chairman of the concerned beneficiaries, Ahoshe Sumi, stated that the KCC loan was sanctioned by SBI Aghunato and provided to the farmers without following the due process and procedures. The farmers, it alleged, were not issued bank passbook and account numbers in which they have to deposit the EMI amount for the recovery of KCC loan. “Even today, the bank passbook and the account number have not been issued, but the SBI Aghunato on the advice of your esteemed office has started deducting the amount ranging from Rs 3000-5000 from August 2016 from every MGNREGA wage payment made to VDB account of 12 Villages which has the KCC beneficiaries of 2012-13 in SBI Aghunato,” it added. The letter said that the KCC loanees (2012-13) did not know anything about the process undertaken by the AGM BRO, Mokokchung for recovery of KCC loan and no agreement has been signed by the loanees for any time bound repayment of loan. It said that in this case, the real stake-
communicated to the PSC in any form. However the Conference with a sound intention and in order to avoid any confrontation with the government had approached the Commissioner and Secretary,” the PSC said. The PSC alleged that the Commissioner and Secretary had said “it is not an easy to send any doctor to Longleng in such environment” and “severely questioned” the PSC for its earlier 15 days ultimatum. “When the PSC was trying to understand the position of the government and the department despite of ignoring several pleas, it shocked us to learn such vicious comment from the highly respectable officer in the rank of Commissioner and Secretary instead of solving the matter in a reciprocal/ mutual understanding,” it lamented. The PSC sought clarification from the concerned officer on his comments and said that “the same should reach to the office of the Phom Students Conference (PSC) within 24 hours starting from 00:00 hour 12 April, 2017. Failing to respond in a given time will lead PSC to initiate strict action.”
holders were neither informed nor consulted in any stage. “But, to our utter surprise three time deductions has been already done from the MGNREGA wage payments as a recovery of loan,” the letter claimed. This entire exercise by your office has caused wide rift among the villagers and the KCC loanees of 12 villages, it lamented. Terming this deduction process as unjust and devoid of proper process of consultation, it urged that this should be stopped in order to prevent misunderstanding. The letter further informed that there are many other outstanding loans (NPA) under SBI Aghunato, amounting to crores of rupees. It therefore questioned as to why only the KCC loanees 2012-13 were made to repay? “Why was the selective policy applied? Was it your intention to harm the harmless farmers through your selective torture technique? Are all the other Loans (NPA) under SBI Aghunato waived by SBI AGM BRO, Mokokchung?” it asked It demanded that the bank passbooks and account numbers be issued to the beneficiaries and acceptable standard procedures of repayment of KCC loan be applied, on the basis of RBI directives so that repayment of loan would be just, and no misunderstanding is created between the bank and loanees and among the villagers.
Morung Express News Dimapur | April 11
BJP National General Secretary, Kailash Vijayavargiya, today said that while the BJP is weak in Nagaland state, the party has the strength to fight elections in every constituency in the forthcoming assembly elections. He also expressed that the BJP would try to form the next government in Nagaland. He stated this on being asked about the party’s position in Nagaland while participating in the Swachh Bharat campaign on Tuesday morning here at Marwari Patti area along with party workers and citizens. The BJP General Secretary said the BJP-led NDA Government has earmarked a budgetary provision of Rs 1,46,000 crore to implement the ‘open defecation free’ mission. The BJP leader said under this mission, 11 crore toilets would be constructed both in urban and rural areas across the country. Vijayavargiya disclosed that states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim have already been declared ‘open defecation free’ states while some other states in the country are also in the line of achieving the target. He disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged senior BJP leaders to go to different places of the
BJP National General Secretary, Kailash Vijayavargiya, along with State BJP workers taking part in the Swachh Bharat campaign at Marwari Patti Tuesday morning.
country and initiate Swachch Bharat programmes. He said that BJP’s Foundation Day is on April 6 but the party has declared April 6-14 as Foundation Day, where all Lok Sabha MPs and responsible BJP leaders would be visiting their own constituencies, and other areas, adding that under this initiative he has come to Nagaland and held meeting with the party workers. The BJP leader disclosed that their main agenda is to strengthen the party in the state. He also highlighted various schemes and projects undertaken by the NDA government and said that BJP workers
have been asked to see that all the development projects reach the poor. Vijayavargiya also attributed the victory of the BJP in the recently concluded elections to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and party president, Amit Shah, adding that the 2019 elections would be fought under the PM. On the recent GST bill passed by the Parliament, he said that it is the biggest revolution in the country where “One Nation, One Tax” has been first experimented after independence. He also thanked all political parties for giving suggestions and helping pass the bill. He said the GST would benefit the state and the people.
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WednesdAY 12•04•2017
NAGALAND
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Highlights of scholarship for students in Nagaland Our Correspondent Kohima | April 11
The state’s department of school education is implementing a number of centrally and state sponsor scholarship schemes for students in Nagaland. Pre-Matric Scholarship for Minority students This scheme is being implemented from the year 2010-11 in the state. However, this scheme is covered under Direct Benefits Transfer from the year 2015-16 by the Govt. of India. “For the year 2015-16, an amount of Rs. 7, 67, 10, 918 (Rs. seven crore sixty seven lacs ten thousand and nine hundred and eighteen) as 100% centrally share was sanctioned for 34507 students by the Govt of India through DBT mode,” according to the annual administrative report 2016-17 of school education department tabled in the just concluded assembly session by minister for school education & SCERT Yitachu.
Need for healthy competition for implementation of scholarship schemes Our Correspondent Kohima | April 11
Directorate of School Education (DSE) Additional Director (HoD) Wonthungo Tsopoe today stressed on the need to evolve healthy competition for effective implementation of scholarship scheme including communitization and all spheres of activities. He maintained that healthy competition among the establishments of the department will go a long way in making the department a “vibrant department.” Token of appreciation was accorded to Zunheboto and Longleng districts Wonthungo Tsopoe speaking at the sensitization cum orientation programme on cen- as the best two performing districts on trally and state sponsor scholarship scheme scholarship scheme during a sensitization cum orientation programme on in Kohima on April 11. (Morung Photo) For 2016-17, altogether 26, 890 students have registered and their verification of application and epayment is under process through online.
girl students at secondary level. During 2015-16, the Govt of India has selected 411 girl students from the state under which Rs. 3000 would be credited to the account of each student National scheme for in- in Canara Bank. Payment centive for girl’s second- is to be made on maturity ary education after three years. This scheme is covered under Direct Benefit Pre metric scholarship Transfer scheme launched belonging to Schedule by the Govt of India for the Tribe students studying
centrally and state sponsor scholarship scheme held here today. Tsopoe said scholarship scheme is an important component as it attracts students and also help the poor parents to assist their children. Stating scholarship is part of encouragement towards quality education, he urged upon the officers to take extra mile in educating the people about the scheme and also wide coverage of the beneficiary. Also stating that the Govt of India is willingly giving scholarship facilities to facilitate our children, he stressed on the need to make the best use of it. He also called upon the officers to have a healthy deliberation on the area of difficulty in implementation and
in Class IX & X The scheme is being implemented from the last financial year 201516 under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. With the directive of the Government of India, the department has disbursed the scholarship through Direct Benefit Transfer to 19, 496 students in collaboration with Axis Bank Kohima during 2016-17 financial
year out of 42, 048 students sanctioned by the GOI. The remaining will be carried over to the next financial year as per the scheme guidelines. Children Education Assistance Fund This scholarship is a state sponsored scheme which as implemented by the state government from 1992. During 2015-16 the
also the strength and weakness of the scholarship, only then they will be able to deliver justice to the people. Stating that transaction is now taking on different mode, i.e Direct Benefit Transfer, he however said that in remote areas there were no banking facilities for which something has to be done. He raised this issue to the Ministry of Human Resources Development recently. Highlighting the various scholarship schemes, Limadangit Jamir, assistant director/Nodal officer Scholarship DSE said that for effective implementation of scholarship scheme and to cover all the targeted beneficiary in the state, the department has conducted a block level sensitization programme last year
and today’s programme is the second of its kind. This sensitization programme has been conducted to familiarize with the National Scholarship Portal (N SP2.0). Jamir stressed on the need to give utmost importance to children education and see that they are getting benefit all the schemes granted by the central and state government. Jangsem Tzudir, scholarship section DSE and Ziirhetho Nyuthe, special educator scholarship section DSE talked on “Procedure for implementation of CEAF/PMS-ST Student,” and “Procedure for implementation of PMS-Minority student” respectively. Sorhunii, scholarship section DSE chaired the inaugural function.
department has disbursed Rs. 10, 14, 000 for 1119 meritorious students. From this fiscal year (201617) the department is on the process to disburse the scholarship trough Direct Benefit Transfer for 1352 student beneficiaries.
for those girls studying in class IX and X at Govt. High Schools and GHSS who are from economically weak family. Each headmaster of government schools can nominate two girls from each Class and submit with their PCR at the Directorate for disStipend for girl students bursement of stipend. The at secondary stage department has disbursed This is a state spon- Rs. 11, 72,000 to 1172 girls sored stipend scheme students during 2015-16.
Streamlining of scholarship section The report stated that aiming at transparency and accountability the department has taken many steps to disburse the scholarship from both centrally sponsor scheme and state sponsored scheme through beneficiary Bank Account only from this current financial year.
Garbage collection vehicles MOVCDNER scheme for organic farmers in Mkg in Tuensang town launched Morung Express News Mokokchung | April 11
T. Khongo Brand Ambassador, Swatchh Bharat Mission Tuensang District with others during the launch of Garbage Collection Vehicles at Tuensang on April 11. (DIPR Photo)
TuensAng, April 11 (Dipr): Under the initiative of Urban Development and Tuensang Town Council, neighbourhood sanitation committees and garbage collection vehicles was launched on April 11 at Town Hall, Tuensang Town by T. Khongo Brand Ambassador, Swatchh Bharat Mission Tuensang District as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he appreciated ADC and Administrator Tuensang Town Council, Nchumbemo Odyuo for
taking initiative in buying Garbage Collection Vehicles which is much needed in the district. He said that Tuensang town should be kept clean to set an example to the village areas. Dumping of waste in residential area can bring many communicable diseases, he said and added that Clean India under Swatchh Bharat Mission is one of important schemes of present Central Government. He stated that due to our negligence in waste management there is a change in our environ-
ment also. Let us not be selfish for our next generation and we should change our way of life and mind set to kept clean and clear environment, he exhorted. Welcome Address was delivered by Nchumbemo Odyuo ADC Tuensang, short speeches were delivered by Ato Chang President TTAWU and Khoma Yangbou Advisor CKS. Vote of thanks was given by Avonuo Kire EAC (P). The function was chaired by Limakumla Pongener EAC (P).
The Department of Agriculture, Mokokchung today launched a ‘Central Sector Scheme entitled – Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region’ (MOVCDNER) at the DAO Conference Hall here today which was attended by registered organic farmers from twenty four areas under Mokokchung district. The MOVCDNER is a central scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare after ‘realizing the potentials of organic farming in the north eastern region of the country’, and this scheme will be implemented in whole of the eight northeastern states ‘during the 12th plan period’, said I Lipokonen Jamir, Assistant Agronomist during a training and orientation programme to mark the launch of the MOVCDNER. The scheme aims at development of certified organic production in a value chain mode to link growers with consumers and to support the development of entire value chain starting from inputs, seeds, certification to the creation of facilities for collection, ag-
Organic farmers from different areas under Mokokchung district receive organic farm inputs after the launch of MOVCDNER scheme at Mokokchung town on April 11. (Morung Photo)
gregation processing marketing and brand building initiative. The farmers will identify commercially viable crops for production; however the department, apart from facilitating in process of promoting Farmers Producer Organization/enterprise, cannot be directly involved, said Lipokonen. In this connection, the Assistant Agronomist, Lipokonen Jamir enlightened the participants about the need to form Farmer Producer Organization/Company (FPO/ FPC) which will be a ‘legal entity formed by primary
producers, viz. farmers’. He said the main aim of FPO/FPC is to ensure better income for the producers than an organization of their own; to discourage the presence of middlemen in agri-products marketing which often leads to low profits to the producers, and to ensure that the producers have better bargaining power vis-à-vis the bulk buyers of produce and bulk suppliers of inputs. The essential features of FPO, according to the agronomist, is that it is formed by a group of producers for either farm or non-farm activities. It is a
registered body and legal entity where producers are shareholders. The organization deals with business activities related to primary produce and it works for the benefit of the member producers. The FPO is an organization of organic producers and membership is voluntary; however the agriculture department as the promoting institution would make efforts to bring all organic producers into the FPO, said the Assistant agronomist. Lipokonen also said that each FPO will have an elected Board of Management/Directors as per the
bye-laws, and the Board can engage professionals to manage its affairs. In the initial years, professional and managerial assistance will be extended by the department; however, as the FPO gains experience, they should take over the affairs of the organization completely. The FPO would be assisted in the area of certification, machineries for custom hiring, collection, grading unit and other infrastructures, brand &labeling of products, promotion of products through workshops, advertisements etc, and trade promotion through periodic market programmes. Supplementing the points about the Farmers Producer Organization (FPO), Dr Toshimenla BTM ATMA also presented a PowerPoint on ‘strengthening of FIG (Farmers Interest Group and its role in FPO”. Meanwhile, different farm materials used in organic farming were also distributed to the registered farmers. There are 777 registered organic farmers from 24 locations under Mokokchung district and with the launching of this new scheme, it is expected that the farmers would be benefited.
DUDA reach out to Indo-Myanmar Border Blocks Largest class graduates from Clark Theological College
DADU representatives with students during the career counseling seminars held at IndoMyanmar Border Blocks from April 3 to 7 last.
KohiMA, April 11 (Mexn): The Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) with the
theme “Reaching out to them” has extended seminar on career counseling and veterinary services
and distribution of sport goods to the villagers and students of Indo-Myanmar Border Blocks from
April 3 to 7 last. It was conducted with the support of District administrations of Wazeho, Meluri, Phokhungri, Pungro, Khongsa and Thonoknyu under BADP Capacity Building Programme funded by Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Border Management, Government of India. Altogether, 605 students from class VIII to class XII have availed the opportunity of career counseling seminars by Dr Daniel Wotsa, B.V.Sc & AH and Dr Khumjungse Sangtam, B.V.Sc & AH as resource persons.
1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY Phek Government College bid
farewell to outgoing Principal
Lt. KEDOUNGULO KAPFO
A year ago you left us on this day the 12th of April for heavenly abode. All your sweet memories remain fresh in our minds and your love and affection will keep going in our hearts.
We dearly MISS you
Loving Wife, Childre n & Family Me mbers
pheK, April 11 (Mexn): Phek Government College bid farewell to its outgoing principal, Dr. Katoni Jakhalu on April 10. Addressing the gathering, the Principal applauded the teachers, non teaching staffs and the students for their cooperation. She further stressed that she had to be a tough task master in order to achieve her vision to transform the college to what it is today. Recollecting her stay at Phek, she described it as a short holiday because of the scenic beauty, organic foods and pleasant people. Finishing her speech, she promised to always have a special place in her heart for Phek Government College and the other sister remote colleges. Dr. N. Selveraj, HOD, English department speaking on behalf of the teachers association thank the Principal for helping all the college personnel to realise the potentials that they possess. Vice Principal Besengulie Venuh acknowledge the Principal for bringing noticeable changes to the college during her short tenure. Dr. Nutazo Lohe, Assistant Professor also spoke on the occasion which was chaired by Dr. Seyeizolie, Assistant Professor, Political Science.
The graduating students of Class of 2017 Clark Theological College, Aolijen- Mokokchung on April 9.
Aolijen, April 11 (Mexn): A total of 85 members of the Class of 2017 graduated from Clark Theological College (CTC), Aolijen- Mokokchung on April 9. More than 1600 people participated in the 2017 graduation ceremony of the Clark Theological College. In his welcome and introduction, Principal of the College Rev. Dr. Marnungsang observed that in the 45 years of CTC existence, this Class of 2017 is the largest class graduating. The Principal noted that, the Class of 2017 is not only the largest class in the history of CTC graduation event, but the graduates also includes the first batch of two Master’s degree programme namely Master of Theology in New Testament and Master of Theology in Communication and for which he congratulated the teaching faculty and the students. The CTC 2017 Graduation activities begin in the evening of Saturday, April 8, with the Commissioning Service conducted for the Class of 2017 in the Multi-purpose Hall of the college.
Education and Communication Secretary of NBCC, Dr. Botoholi was the Commissioning Service speaker. The Commissioning Service concluded with Holy Communion administered by Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, the Academic Dean of the College. Professor Rongsen was the leader of the Commissioning Service. Speaker for the Ceremony was Rev. Dr. Santanu Kumar Patro, Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College (University). The graduation day was also the Palm Sunday according to the Christian Calendar, therefore basing on the observation of the Palm Sunday and also indicating one of the most significant signs of our times, the speaker admonished the graduates to involve in the ministry of peacemaking and peace building. CTC contribution towards high quality theological education as well as equipping students for the Christian Ministries focusing on the motto of the College “Called out for the Great Harvest” is visible in reality by the statistic of the graduates.
It is worth mentioning that out of 85 graduates, 12 are from MTh and the other 73 are from the Bachelor of Divinity class and out of this 85 graduates, 42 graduates will be involved in various Church ministries, 17 in teaching ministry, 11 of them will be going for higher studies in the month of June and 15 graduates will be going to states like, in Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Majuli- Assam and Indo-Burma as missionaries. The Leader of the graduation Service was Rev. Dr. A. Tali Ao, conferring and giving away of Diplomas and Awards to the graduating class were administered by the Principal, Rev. Dr. Marnungsang, Chairperson of CTC Board of Governors, Rowainla, Academic Dean Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, Post Graduate Dean Rev. Dr. K. Dhanbir Rai and Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College Professor SK. Patro. Graduate’s responses were said by Lalsanglawm on behalf of BD class and Chubayula Longkumer on behalf of MTh class.
wednesday 12•04•2017
NORTH-EAST 3
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Ukhrul gets Rs 201 crore for 'Recognise and honour legitimate rights of Nagas' development programmes Newmai News Network Ukhrul | April 11
Newmai News Network Ukhrul | April 11
Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh today announced that the government has sanctioned Rs 201 crore for development programmes for Ukhrul. Biren was speaking during a reception at Tangkul Naga Long Ground, Ukhrul town – his first visit after taking charge of the state as Chief Minister. During his speech, the chief minister stressed on mending “damaged relationships” between different communities and restoring the “lost” trust in one another. “Hopefully this can happen if we for-
give,” Biren stated. Viewing that religion and politics were the main factors that created feelings of hatred between different groups in the state, the Biren called for rebuilding trust. “We shall be in danger of losing our hope for development if we do not work towards rebuilding trust and show love for each other,” he warned. He also urged the people of Ukhrul to start recelebrating Shirui Lily festival on May 5 every year at the Shirui Hill and Tangkhul Naga Long Ground. The Chief Minister assured all help from the government in fulfilling the aim of reviving and organising
the festival as a state level event. Besides construction of an Ima Market (women’s market) at Ukhrul headquarters at the cost of Rs 10 crore, improvement work on Ukhrul town road will begin from tomorrow, Biren announced. He sent out a stern warning of tough action against “dishonest” government employees "who refuse" to go to their respective places of posting, especially in the hills. The chief minister also announced that he will meet leaders of NGOs and village chiefs of hill districts on the 10th of each month.
16 per cent vacancy in CAPFs' officer ranks: Govt new Delhi, april 11 (pTi): Paramilitary forces like ITBP, SSB, BSF and others are facing a combined vacancy of about 16 per cent in their officer ranks, the government informed the Parliament today. As per data updated till March 1, the highest number of vacancies in the Gazetted Officers ranks are in the three border-guarding forces-- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at 32 per cent, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 27 and the Border Security Force (BSF) at about 10 per cent. The data was presented by Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju in
a written reply in the Lok Sabha. While SSB has 856 vacancies against the sanctioned strength of 2,183 officers, ITBP has 584 vacancies against 2,094 approved posts and the BSF has 522 vacancies against 5,309 posts. In other organisations like the Central Reserve Police Force, the vacancy in the officers rank is 441 against 5,410 posts, 210 in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) against 1,556 posts and 260 against 1,268 posts in the Assam Rifles. These vacancies thus total upto 2,873 as compared to 17,820 sanctioned
posts, which is about 16 per cent, the data revealed. The overall vacancies in these forces, also called Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), is 21,430 in all the ranks against the total sanctioned mapower of over 9.7 lakh. "Filling up of vacancies is an ongoing and continuous process, as they arise due to reasons such as new raising, retirements, resignations among others. Vacancies are filled through various methods of recruitment such as direct recruitment, promotion or deputation as prescribed in the recruitment rules," Rijiju said.
FIEO to engage with traders in North-East to promote exports new Delhi, april 11 (pTi): Apex exporters body FIEO will spread awareness among traders in the North-East about various outward shipment schemes being run by the government and also organise workshops to address their issues. The seven states of the region hold huge potential for exports, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said. "We will increase awareness among the exporters of that region about the governments export promotion schemes. We will also conduct workshops to resolve their issues," new FIEO President Ganesh Gupta told PTI. FIEO has been made the main trade promotion agency of this region by the department of commerce, he said. The North-Eastern
states including Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya have direct access to the South East Asian region and from there "we can promote our exports," he added. Products which can be exported from the region include horticulture, paper, textiles, handicraft items and agricultural goods. Talking about the overall exports of the country, Gupta said shipments are recording healthy growth since September last year and going by this trend, the exports figure may touch about USD 270 billion. During the April-February 2016-17, exports have grow by 2.52 per cent to USD 245.4 billion. When asked about the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on exports, he said the members are ready for implementation of the new indirect tax regime.
"It will make movement of goods hassle free in the country. It would help in cutting transactions costs and boost exports," he added.
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has urged the Government of Manipur "to recognise and honour the legitimate rights of the Nagas to integrate all contiguous Naga areas” and to extend all possible support "towards expediting the ongoing peace process and solution of the longdrawn Indo-Naga political imbroglio in the interest of all concerned."
This was one of the points included in the memorandum of Tanghul Naga Long (TNL) submitted today to Chief Minister Biren Singh during the latter's visit to Ukhrul. In the memorandum the apex Tangkhul body said that "by God’s grace, on August 3, 2015 the Government of India and the NSCN had signed the ‘Framework Agreement’ answering the prayers and yearning of the Naga people for the last 70
Dalai Lama wraps up Arunachal visit Tawang, april 11 (ianS): Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Tuesday wrapped up his week-long tour of Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing had strongly objected to. The Dalai Lama left by helicopter for Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, on Tuesday morning from Tawang helipad. Thousands of people lined up along the road to see him off. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and other dignitaries also saw him off at the helipad, a government official told IANS. "The Chief Minister thanked the Dalai Lama for his visit and requested him to visit Arunachal Pradesh again in the near future," the official said. On Monday, the Nobel Peace laureate, who Beijing has called an "anti-China separatist", described his visit to Arunachal Pradesh as a "memorable one" that he would cherish forever. He also thanked the people, particularly from far off villages, who gathered in large numbers to
welcome and listen to him at all the places that he visited. In fact, this is not for the first time that the 81-yearold Tibetan leader is visiting Arunachal or Tawang. In 1959, he escaped from China via Tawang and visited the state in 1983, 1997, 2003 and 2009. The Dalai Lama was to start his week-long religious visit to Arunachal Pradesh from Tawang on April 4. But bad weather forced him to travel by road as his helicopter couldn't take off from Dibrugarh airport in Assam. The Tibetan spiritual leader reached Tawang the high point of his visit to this mountainous state -- on April 7 after traversing over 550 km from Assam's Dibrugarh and crossed the 13,700 feet Sela Pass. The Dalai Lama stayed at the Tawang monastery belonging to the Gelugpa school of Mahayana Buddhism, which had a religious connection with Lhasa's Drepung monastery that continued during the British rule. Beijing refers to this connection to claim Tawa-
SUCCESSION NOTICE
Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Osanglemba has been applied by Smti. Kilanglemla R/o H. No: 227, Aoyimkum Village, Dimapur Nagaland for possession of : Pension Benefits/salary/debts, Gratuity, GIS, securities and bank account and other allowances etc. Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 10.05.17. Given under the hand and seal of the court on this 10.04.17. Principal District & Sessions Judge, Dimapur: Nagaland
LOST NOTICE
Name- Velotsi Keyho Roll no- 1650096 School- Govt. High School, Phek Village Year- 2015 Lost- Admit Card & Mark Sheet of Class 10(X)
JuBilEE MEMorial School
(Affiliated to CISCE for ICSE (X) & ISC (XII) Exams, New Delhi)
Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland
ADMISSION NOTICE
Admission Forms and Prospectus for Class XI (Arts) will be issued at the School Office from 17th of April 2017 during office hours (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). The following information may kindly be noted: 1. Last date of submission 10th May 2017 (Students coming from NBSE should submit duly filled admission forms within 3 days of HSLC result). 2. Direct Admission through oral interview for students scoring 55% and above. 3. Date of Admission 19th May 2017 4. Opening of class will be notified after ICSE results 5. Candidates from Jubilee Memorial School will get direct admission in school. 6. For further information, please contact school office 0369-2226319 Sd/- S.K. Maiti Principal, J. M. School
years to end the protracted war between the Government of India and the Nagas where thousands of lives have been lost on both sides leaving behind many orphans and widows". “Thus every citizen look forward to a final solution at the earliest. We, therefore, appeal to the Government of Manipur to recognise and honour the legitimate rights of the Nagas to integrate all contiguous Naga areas and to
ng as part of China after invading and taking over Tibet in 1950. The Dalai Lama had stayed in the Tawang monastery for some days before he reached Assam after fleeing his homeland in 1959. During his religious tour to Arunachal Pradesh, the spiritual leader consecrated the Thupsung Dhargyeling monastery at Dirang on April 6. On Sunday, he also consecrated the Tara Temple 'Dolma Lhagang', Guru Padhmasambhava Statue cum Temple (Lumpo), and laid the foundation stone of Gyalwa Jamba (Kuber) statue to be built at Buri near the India-Bhutan border. He gave the name Jamtseling for the Jamba (Kuber) statue besides donating Rs 50,000 from his side for its construction.
extend all possible support towards expediting the ongoing peace process and solution of the longdrawn Indo-Naga political imbroglio in the interest of all concerned,” TNL said in its memorandum. It also urged the Chief Minister to roll back the newly created districts by the previous government which was done without adhering to the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Government
of Manipur and Naga organisations, "besides the assurance given by the Government of india in this regard and above all the execution order of the previous government has violated the Constitution under Article 371(C)." The memorandum to the Chief Minister further urged that the recent state cabinet’s decision to “militarise” Naga areas on the pretext of National Highways protection be reviewed.
Assam court issues bailable arrest warrant against Kejriwal Diphu, april 11 (pTi): A court here has issued a bailable arrest warrant against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a defamation case arising out of his tweet on the Prime Ministers educational qualification. First class Magistrate, Diphu, Naba Kumar Deka Baruah, issued the warrant of Rs 10,000 yesterday and summoned the AAP leader to appear before the court on May 8. Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council Executive Member, Surjya Rongphar, had filed the defamation case in the magistrates court on December 26 last year. The magistrate had issued summons against the Delhi Chief Minister to appear in his court on January 30 last. The AAP leader through
his lawyer, Gurpreet Singh Uppal, had sought time from the court until April 7, saying that it would not be possible for him to leave Delhi due to the MCD polls on April 23 and the nature of his work. The magistrate in his order said yesterday, "On perusal of case record, it reveals that the accused Arvind Kejriwal has not appeared before this court on the earlier occasion on 30/01/2017, availing adjournment for long duration of more than two months by a prayer as submitted by his advocate although the accused was not dispense with personal attendance by this court as provided by Section 205(I) of the CrPC, 1973 as amended up to date". "Considering the above, the petition of his advocate is rejected", the order said.
goVErNMENt of NagalaNd
officE of thE dEPutY coMMiSSioNEr ZuNhEBoto NO.JUD.21/2016-17/36
Dtd. Zbto, the 8th April, 2017
Notice calling objection for the issue of Succession certificate
Shri. Y. Hakiye Sema of South Point (W), Zunheboto has applied for the issue of Succession Certificate declaring that his wife Late. Khetoli has expired on 02-03-2017. It is hereby notified that if no objection to issue this certificate is received from anyone within a period of 30 (thirty) days w.e.f the date of publication in press, the Certificate shall be issued, and no further complaint will be entertained for issue of the same. Sd/- Tridibesh Roy, IAS Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto: Nagaland
uNitEd collEgE of thEologY aNd MiSSioNS
5th Mile Model Village, Post Box. No. 150, Dimapur – 797112, Nagaland. Regd. Rs. No. 1880, Govt. Per. No. 7703, Recognized by Govt. of Nagaland Higher Education, Accredited by Asia Theological Association, India (ATAI), and Indian Institute of Inter- Cultural Studies (IIICS). COURSES OFFERED Degree Eligibility Duration M. Div B. Th. /B.A. 2Yrs/3Yrs B. Th. 10+2 passed 3 Yrs Diploma in Mission Studies Class X passed 2 Yrs Certificate in Mission Studies. Class X 1Yrs Short Term Missionary Course Mission Interested Candidate Five months Entrance examination and interview for M. Div will be on 6th June 2017 at 9:00 AM. New session begins from 23rd June 2017. Kindly address all inquiries to: Principal : 9436830739 Academic Dean : 9856145668 Email : uctmministry@gmail.com Website : www.uctmnagaland.com
goVErNMENt of NagalaNd
officE of thE dEPutY coMMiSSioNEr ZuNhEBoto NO.JUD.21/2016-17/34
Dtd. Zbto, the 8th April, 2017
Notice calling objection for the issue of Succession certificate
Shri. Akhalu Sumi of Ghokhuvi Village, Zunheboto has applied for the issue of Succession Certificate declaring that his mother Late. Ghovili Sumi has expired on 07-12-2016. It is hereby notified that if no objection to issue this certificate is received from anyone within a period of 30 (thirty) days w.e.f the date of publication in press, the Certificate shall be issued, and no further complaint will be entertained for issue of the same. Sd/- Tridibesh Roy, IAS Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto: Nagaland
NagalaNd Board of School EducatioN Kohima
NOTIFICATION NO.12/2017
Dated Kohima, the 11th April, 2017
NO.NBE-35/Ex-NSEE/2017: The following is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that: 1. The Nagaland Board of School Education shall conduct the Nagaland State Entrance Examination (NSEE) 2017 for Para-Medical/Agri and Allied degree Courses. 2. The tentative date of NSEE Examination is 13th May 2017. 3. The Centre of Examination shall be Kohima Town. 4. The questions of the NSEE shall be set from the existing NBSE's syllabus of Classes XI & XII (Common Core Syllabus) Science stream. 5. All questions of NSEE shall be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) only. 6. There shall be only 1 (one) paper consisting of 180 (one hundred and eighty) items. 7. The breakup of items subject wise shall be as follows: Biology — 90 items, Physics — 45 items and Chemistry — 45 items.
Admit cards shall be issued from the Office of the Board on payment of examination fee. Other details shall be notified at a later date.
Sd/- Asano Sekhose, Chairman
Date and time of Auction : 28.04.2017 between 12:30 P.M. TO 02:30 P.M. Last Date for the Submission of E.M.D & the bids/tender documents:- 26.04.2017 upto 4.00 P.M.
4
WednesdAY 12•04•2017
business
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
25,000 petrol pumps to shut shop on Sundays from May 14 New Delhi, April 11 (AgeNcies): A section of petroleum dealers said they would shut their retail outlets every Sunday starting May 14. Many see this as a tactic to pressure government for higher commission. The Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) on Monday asked members to shut shop on Sundays, in line with the prime minister's vision to reduce fuel consumption. The association claims to have more than 25,000 petrol pumps covering south and Maharashtra. All India Petroleum Dealers' Association came out in the public distancing itself from the decision.
The move by CIPD comes at a time when the government is yet to take a call on raising dealer's commission. CIPD president A D Sathyanarayan told Business Standard that, except for emergency services like ambulance, fuel will not be available for other vehicles on Sundays. The association is also considering eight-hour working days from May. Distancing itself from the move, president of All India Petroleum Dealers' Association Ajay Bansal said, "This will create panic. The association that has called for such a move has presence in only Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, and Maharashtra. We are not supporting this decision, while we also have the same demands to increase (dealer's commission)." India has 56,190 fuel retail outlets, of which public sector majors like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have a combined network of 52,604 outlets. In 2015-16, the overall fuel demand zoomed to 183.5 million tonnes from 165.5 million tonnes in the previous financial year. While diesel consumption increased 7.5 per cent to 74.6 million tonnes, petrol use rose 14.5 per cent to 21.8 million tonnes.
NFR Tinsukia Div revenue earning increases MAligAoN, April 11 (MexN): During the last financial year which ended on March 31, the overall performance of the Tinsukia Division of Northeast Frontier Railway has been very commendable. The overall earnings of the Division have shown an increase of 22.78% from 389.89 crs to 478.71 crs in comparison to last year. The numbers of passenger originating from Tinsukia Division has also increased by 2% to 7.53 million defying a declining trend elsewhere. Passenger earnings have also shown an
increase of 11.23% in comparison to last year. The earnings from Goods section has increased by 37.77%. Originating loading has increased to 1.400 MT an increase of 32.8% over last year. Other coaching earning has increased by 24.15% and Sundries earning has increased by 28.53% over last year. To provide better amenities to passenger DEMU services was introduced for the first time in Upper Assam w.e.f. 08.10.2016. High level platforms were commissioned at Dibrugarh and Moranhat.
Foot over bridge with ramp was commissioned at New Tinsukia station. To facilitate easy booking of reserved and un-reserved tickets, two Nonrailhead PRS counters were opened at Dergaon and Bokakhat under ASTC operation. To promote cashless transaction POS machines have been installed at the PRS counters of six stations. Free Wi-Fi facilities for passenger have been provided at Dibrugarh, New Tinsukia and Mariani stations. This was stated in a press release issued by Pranav Jyoti Sharma, CPRO/N.F.Railway.
AtMA tuensang Longkhim Block conducted ‘demonstration on detergent Making’, ‘Package and practices of Kholar’ and ‘Production technology of soyabean’ at old Mangakhi village on April 11. AtM, watisenla Imsong was the resource person. Akheda FsG and Azikeh FIG was also set up. Altogether 18 farmers attended the programme.
Lekromi in Phek dist declared as ‘Cardamom Village’ phek, April 11 (MexN): Neiba Kronu, MLA 16th Assembly Constituency, Pfütsero visited Lekromi village on April 10 and inaugurated the village monument, agrilink road (Thabu) and also declared Lekromi as a ‘Cardamom Village.’ The chief guest while appreciating the villagers praised their “intellectual prowess” and lauded them for producing many officers inspite of being a small village. The MLA stressed that development does not come overnight but a lot of planning perseverance and time is needed to make our dreams a reality. He emphasized on the crucial role played by good communicable road for the development of all. Citing the three kinds of road connectivity, he said that firstly there come natural trails which allow the people to enjoy the scenic natural beauty of our pristine land and also attract tourist from outside the state for adventure sports as well as soak in the diverse flora and fauna of Nagaland. The second type of road is that connect our villages with other village, towns and cities. The third type of road is Agri/Horti link road which are the backbone of our rural economy. On his part, the MLA assured to give
neiba Kronu, MLA with others during his visit to Lekromi village on April 10. ten MLA inaugurated the village monument, agri-link road (thabu) and also declared Lekromi as ‘Cardamom Village.’
his top priority for further improvement of road communication. He also highlighted the potential of tourism in Nagaland and especially in Pfütsero Sub-Division encouraging adventure sports like paragliding, trekking on hand experience of Naga rural life. Kronu also encouraged the women SHG to go for plantation of organic
leisure
CROSSWORD # 3913
SUDOKU
Answer Number # 3909
12/4/1992-12/4/2017 very happy silver birth anniversary to our beloved son Awalo Keppen (Kenguwalp). Today you are celebrating the 25th birthday but you will always be the little boy we held in our arms. May God grant you long life.
A
crops for livelihood. A press release stated that BDO Pfutsero along Konyak also spoke about organic products. The function was chaired by Kewete Mero, VCC Lekromi, opening prayer was led by Rev. Kedoungulo Mero, welcome note by Wetsolo Kapfo and benediction was pronounced by Rev. Z. Mero.
From, Mum & Dad
std code: 03862
DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. Lance 6. Backside 10. Defeat decisively 14. San Antonio fort 15. Disabled 16. Sea eagle 17. Magazine 19. Decorate with gold leaf 20. Highly seasoned fatty sausage 21. Frozen 22. Footnote note 23. Move stealthily 25. Friendliness 26. Timbuktu country 30. Record protector 32. Pee-pee 35. An arc of colored light 39. Renter 40. Lampoon 41. Sidelong 43. Roman household gods 44. Environment 46. In order to prevent 47. Motherless calf 50. Heroic tales 53. Not odd 54. Donkey 55. Hyrax 60. Greek letter 61. Unmoving 63. A promiscuous woman 64. Portent 65. Instrument indicators 66. Brood 67. Composer Jerome ____ 68. Binge DOWN 1. Exhausts 2. Urgent request 3. Nobleman 4. Dogfish 5. Suite 6. Anagram of “Ail” 7. A type of discrimination
Simple Rules - Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
Game Number # 3910
Happy 25tH birtH anniversary
8. A loud kiss 9. Evasive 10. Belonging to a regiment 11. Small African antelope 12. Dim 13. Woman’s undergarment 18. Cacophony 24. East southeast 25. Birdlike 26. Think (over) 27. District 28. Enumerate 29. Sow 31. Convenience 33. Eagle’s nest 34. Blue-green 36. Chomp 37. Mining finds 38. Toward sunset 42. Supple 43. Type of dog 45. A Christian celebration 47. Anagram of “Dimes” 48. Convex molding 49. Outfit 51. Pother 52. Smooths 54. Out of control 56. Faux pas 57. Char 58. Small island 59. Being 62. Hotel
Answer to Crossword 3912
AMUseMent Beer Better Born CItY ConFettI dIMe eXPeCtAtIons FAMILY FestIVItIes FUtUre GAMes GoAt HALt HAPPY HoPe IMProVe LIGHts nUMB
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Hannah Krujia SMS – Agronomy, KVK, Phek District
Weather and climate are the most invasive factors of crop environment. Knowledge of agrometeorology is useful in several aspects of practical agriculture as indicated below: 1. It has practical utility in timing of agriculture operations so as to make the best use of favorable weather conditions and make adjustments for adverse weather. 2. The dangers of crop production due to the pest and disease incidence, occurrence of prolonged drought, soil erosion, and frost and weather hazards can be minimized. 3. Weather support also provides guidelines for long range or seasonal planning of crops and cultivars most suited to possible climatic conditions. 4. Agrometeorological information can be used in land planning, risk analysis of climatic hazards, production and harvest forecasts and linking similar crop environments for crop adaptability and productivity. Weather is a phrase of climate representing atmospheric condition at a given place and at a given instant of time as against climate, representing atmospheric condition for longer period of time over a large area. Components of weather and climate or simply weather elements include: • Temperature • Solar radiation • Humidity • Cloud • Pressure • Wind • Precipitation The influence of weather and climate on crop growth and development and final yield is complicated by complexity of interactions with crops and the environment during the crop season. The influence of weather and climate on crop productivity can be briefed below: Weather parameters with favorable influence 1. Weather and climate are important factors to determine the success or failure of agriculture. 2. All the agriculture operations from sowing to harvest of crops depend on the mercy of weather. 3. Climate determines suitability of a crop to a particular region while weather plays a major role in the productivity of a crop in the region. 4. The excess or shortage of elements of weather and climate exerts a negative influence on crop growth, development and final yield. 5. The effect of weather and climate is complex as elements of climate operate simultaneously in nature. 6. Due to complexity of environment in which a crop is grown, it is difficult to assign an optimum value of climatic element for maximum crop productivity. Weather parameters with negative influence 1. Excessively and untimely rains. 2. Scanty rains with prolonged dry spells. 3. Heat and cold waves. 4. Dust-storms, thunderstorms and hailstorms. 5. High winds. 6. Floods. TaHaMZaM
std code: 03871
(formerly senapati)
Police station Fire Brigade
222246 222491
Civil Hospital
232224
emergency
229529 229474
MH Hospital
227930 231081
Fire Brigade
2222952
Faith Hospital
228846
naga Hospital
2222916
shamrock Hospital
228254
oking Hospital
2243339
Zion Hospital
231864 224117 227337
Bethel nursing Home
2224202
northeast shuttles
08974997923
Police Control room
228400
Police Traffic Control
232106
KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers
east Police station
227607
west Police station
232181
CIHsr (referral Hospital)
242555 242533
dimapur Hospital
KOHiMa
north Ps
std code: 0370
8575045501
Officer-in-Charge 8575045510 south Ps
8575045502
Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 Zubza Ps
224041 248011
8575045508
Officer-in-Charge 8575045518
Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652
Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516
railway
131/228404
tseminyu Ps
Airport Indian Airlines
229366 242441 225212
Khuzama Ps
8575045507
Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 8575045505
Officer-in-Charge 8575045515
Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777
W
Effect of weather and climate on crop environment
Kezocha Ps
8575045549
nikos Hospital and research Centre
232032, 231031
nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre
women Cell 8575045509 248302, 09856006026 Officer-in-Charge 8575045519
eden Medical Centre
248722 /248288
S
E
A
R
C
Officer-in-Charge 8575045538
Control room
H
8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)
FiRE STaTiONS
KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC) we4 woMen HeLPLIne 08822911011 WOMEN HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline
MOKOKCHUNG
std code: 0369
Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital
9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216
woodland nursing Home
2226263
Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343
CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)
Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan
63.18 78.61 7.87 47.66 45.01 46.96 56.66 67.3 1.77 0.054 16.64 8.87
66.05 82.42 8.77 50.00 47.23 49.28 59.88 70.56 1.97 0.0601 18.55 9.87
wednesday 12•04•2017
NAGALAND
‘Need collective effort for overall progress of education in State’
Training for community mobilization and sensitization held at Nerhe Model village Our Correspondent Kohima | April 11
A one day training for community mobilization and sensitization on RTE Act 2009, roles and responsibilities of SMC, inclusive education, Special Training quality, civil works, Swachh Bharat, UDISE, CAL Social Audit Accounting and financial, Pedhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, ShaGun was held today at Nerhe Model Village in Kohima district. Shilu Ao, Joint Director SCERT acted as the key resource person and talked on Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The ‘Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act’ or ‘Right to Education Act’ is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted on August 4, 2009, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory
Shilu Ao, Joint Director SCERT addressing training for community mobilization and sensitization at Nerhe Model Village on April 11.
education for children between 6 and 14 years of age in India under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. Shilu also talked on responsibilities of Village Education Committee (VEC), power and function of VECs under communitisation of elementary education in Nagaland.
He stressed on the need to put a collective effort and meet the various challenges ahead for overall progress of education in the State. Visayieca Angami, SDEO, Chiephobozou urged upon the School Management Committee (SMC) to monitor all activities in schools and also
to judiciously utilize the grants and funds received from government for development of school. Theyievilie, Deputy Mission Director SSA Nagaland spoke about the responsibilities of SMC members and teachers and urged them to give their best service for the overall
Hit & run in Kezieke: KYO asks to claim responsibility Kohima, april 11 (mExN): The Kezieke Youth Organization (KYO) has condemned the hit and run case in which a government vehicle (silver coloured Renault Duster) allegedly ran over a biker at Kezieke Colony here on April 10 around 8:20 pm and sped away. “Eye witnesses accounted that the vehicle after causing the mishap switched off its headlights and speeded away. Witnesses further informed that the vehicle was com-
Liquor worth Rs. 5 lakh seized In two separate incidents, Assam Rifles troops seized liquor worth around Rs. 5 lakh in Wokha and Peren districts recently.
Troops of 28 Assam Rifles seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) being smuggled to Nagaland during a search operation at “Foot Hill Road Junction” in Wokha area on April 8. The liquor comprised of 1078 bottles of Mcdowell’s rum and 335 bottles of Officer’s Choice whisky worth Rs 3 lakh, AR informed in a press release. The liquor was found hidden in a Bolero which allegedly belonged to Nriea Humtsoe (24) and Yanrenthung Ngulie (35), it said. Both the alleged owners of the liquor were handed over to Bhandari Police Station on April 8 and an FIR was lodged against them at Bhandari Police Station, the release added.
In the other incident, troops of 36 Assam Rifles along with police representative recovered 1944 bottles of IMFL worth around Rs. 2 lakh from two vehicles on April 10 at Mhainamtsi in Peren district. Five persons were apprehended in this regard, AR informed. They have been identified as Amanto, Yangum, Mukaye, Chihile, and Hiliyale. According to the Assam Rifles, the apprehended persons revealed that they were involved in transportation of illegal liquor from Dimapur to Jalukie and Tening. The individuals along with the recovered items were handed over to Jalukie Police Station for further investigation, it added.
Imphal, Manipur House in Dimapur
Kohima, april 11 (NEpS): Parliamentary Secretary for PWD (Housing), Er. Levi Rengma said he was working out to have projects for constructions of Nagaland House in Imphal and Medical Lodge near NEIGRIHMS, Shillong while also mooting to ask his counterpart in Manipur to construct Manipur Guest House in Dimapur. He disclosed this while talking to NEPS here on Tuesday. The Parliamentary Secretary said the present area of the Nagaland State Transport (NST) Complex in Imphal could be utilized for construction of multi-storey Nagaland House while the ground floor could be used for the NST services.
“At the same time, I would like to initiate discussion with my counterpart in Manipur to have their Manipur Guest House at their present Manipur State Transport Road Corporation (MSTRC) complex at Dimapur,” he explained. He said hundreds of travelers and students have been going to various parts of the country while almost the same numbers returning to Manipur. Once they have their own Guest House in Dimapur, the travelers will have a lot of convenience as they can use the Guest House securely and peacefully at affordable rates, Rengma opined. “When there is bandh in Assam, they can
stay in the Guest House till such time bandh is lifted. Even those Manipur bound travelers and students will also peacefully stay in their Guest House as and when there is bandhs, blockades or landslides on Highways in Nagaland sector or Manipur sector,” he reasoned. Similarly, he said, many travelers from Nagaland regularly visit Imphal for treatment, business and educational purposes. “To have a Nagaland Guest House at Imphal is a long felt one and I am working out for Projects for this,” said Rengma. “We are also working out to have a Medical Lodge near NEIGRIHMS, Shillong too. We have our land there.”
Foundation stone laid for DC Kiphire asks govt officials Training underway for ASHAs in Mkg april 11 (mExN): Five-day Govt Polytechnic in Kiphire to perform duties sincerely moKoKchuNg, training of urban Accredited Social Health Activists KiphirE, april 11 (Dipr): The foundation stone of Government Polytechnic in Kiphire was laid on April 6 by the Parliamentary Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu as the chief guest. Apprising that the Polytechnic will benefit the future generation of the district, Nukhu said that the students now need not go outside for polytechnic studies, but acquire diplomas and junior engineering courses from home. Pointing out the close proximity of Kiphire with Myanmar, he added that people from Myanmar can also benefit from the institution. He called on the people to co-operate with the government for carrying out developmental works smoothly in the district. Assuring to start the construction work of the institute within a year, the chief guest further appealed to the people to abstain from causing any disturbances in the same. Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Sedevikho Khro also delivered a short speech. The programme was chaired by Director Technical Education, Er. Arjun Singh.
SDPDB Tseminyu meeting held TSEmiNyu, april 1 1 ( D i p r ) : The Tseminyu Sub-Division Planning & Development Board (SDPDB) conducted its monthly meeting at ADC conference hall on April 10 under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Chairman SDPDB Tseminyu, Er. Levi. Welcoming the members, ADC Tseminyu, Vikhweno Meratsu introduced new member of the SDPDB, Senkalemba P, Sub-Divisional Horticulture Officer, Tseminyu. The meeting discussed various agenda including proper assessment of students enrolled in Government Primary Schools (GPS) and the number of Government Schools in the sub-division.
Morung Express News Kiphire | April 11
Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, who is also the Vice Chairman of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), has asked the officers in the district to be sincere in their duties otherwise it will be reported to the government and respective HoDs and necessary action will be initiated. At the monthly meeting of the Kiphire DPDB held at DC’s conference hall here on Wednesday, Sedevikho Khro further maintained that government officials are paid to work for the welfare of the people. Therefore, he told the officers to perform the duties assigned and also warned not to delay the works. The DC also ex-
pressed regret that the ULB issue had affected the normal official duties all over the State. Benjamin, SDO civil who also spoke on the occasion informed that as per new government guidelines every government employee should submit photocopy of Aadhaar card to the bank. He also asked the members to contact the administration if any employee do not have Aadhaar card. Land Resources department gave PowerPoint presentation on the department's activities. Grant in aid for school, financial assistance for Morung construction and purchase of combat equipment were discussed and recommended during the meeting.
(ASHAs) on module 6 & 7 under National Health Mission began at IDSP hall, Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung on April 11. The training, which concludes on April 15, will cover topics on home based newborn care (HBNC), role of ASHAs, essential skills of ASHAs etc. The resource persons for the training are Chubala, State ASHA Nodal Officer, Achiba, Divisional Assistant from the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, and Achila DPHNO from CMO office, Mokokchung. During the inaugural programme, Dr. SS Akaba Longchar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Mokokchung encouraged the ASHAs to learn their responsibilities during the training period and utilise the knowledge for the benefit of the community, informed a press release received here. He also urged the ASHAs to create awareness on health, including providing information to the community on nutrition, hygiene and sanitation etc. ASHAs are local women trained to act as health educators and promoters in their communities.
Priesthood Day: Lay faithful encouraged to love their priests Kohima, april 11 (mExN): The Presbyterium (all the priests serving in the diocese) of the diocese of Kohima along with religious sisters and laity representative of the diocese gathered in the Cathedral Church here to celebrate the Chrism Mass cum Priesthood Day on April 11. Normally the celebration is held on Holy Thursday; however, for practical reasons, in Kohima diocese, the celebration is held on Tuesday of the Holy Week in order to facilitate the priests to get back to their own parishes and centres for the Holy Thursday celebrations with their flock, stated a press release from Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop. The Chrism Mass, according to the release, is a key moment in which the unity of the Bishop with his priest (together they form the presbyterate) is manifested and renewed. The day is known as Priesthood Day because following the
action of Christ at the Last Supper, where he instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood, the priests renew their vow of obedience to the bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people, it added. It is also the day in which Holy oils, namely oil of the Sick, oil of the Catechumen and oil of the Chrism are blessed by the bishop. These oils are used for the celebration of the different sacraments in the Catholic Church. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the bishop of diocese of Kohima presided over the Eucharistic celebration. He centred his homily on the 10 pivotal challenges Holy Father Pope Francis highlighted in his document, ‘Evangelium Gaudium’, namely challenge of anchoring the priesthood on intimate relationship with Christ, Being a merciful shepherd being close to the people, seeking to live a modest lifestyle
and being available, admitting one’s limitations and being a model of integrity, exuding joy in ministry, being committed to quality preaching, carefully monitoring any clerical position or power one possess, building on the popular piety of the people, being genuinely sensitive to those on the ‘fringe’ and margins and being genuine missionary disciples. The Bishop also thanked all the priests. “Today I want to thank you all, my brother priests, for your faithfulness in priesthood and commitment in ministry.” Despite many problems and difficulties, he stated, they continue to carry out the ministry of the Church with great dedication. He also exhorted the lay faithful to love their priests. “On this day, I request our laity to continue with great measure your love for priests. Let us give all support possible to our priests in their ministry.”
render before the police or contact the KYO office bearers at phone numbers 8014999687 or 9856162076, the release added. Further, KYO expressed regret that accidents, including fatal ones, have become very frequent in the colony due to lack of necessary provisions and infrastructure. As such, it requested the authority to construct raised footpath, railing and speed breakers and streamline traffic regulation in the area at the earliest to save precious lives.
growth of education. Thongsenlo, Assistant District Coordinator DMA,SSA Kohima encouraged the community leaders stating they are most efficient persons selected to manage the school by the village in their community. In this, he urged the SMC and teachers to be truthful as they are dealing with human resource for our future generation. Other speakers of the programme were Thekielie Keditsu, Deputy Mission Director SMA, SSA Nagaland, Theresa, Project Assistant DMA, SSA Kohima, Meren Ao, Assistant Coordinator SMA, SSA Nagaland, Kho-u Metha, ToT EBRC Chiephobozou, Mhonchumo Kithan, Additional Director Treasuries and Accounts, FC, SMA, SSA Nagaland and Nukshila Angh, IE, Coordinator A local taxi met with an accident at TCP gate, Kohima on April 11. One person was injured and rushed to hospital. (Morung Photo) SMA, SSA Nagaland.
AR apprehend GPRN/NSCN cadre Levi Rengma for Nagaland House in Dimapur, april 11 (mExN): 7 Assam Rifles apprehended one GPRN/ NSCN cadre during an operation conducted in Pungro of Kiphire district on April 6. One pistol with magazine and 4 live rounds were recovered from the possession of the apprehended identified as Rolise (21), according to AR press release. The apprehended cadre along with the recovered weapon and ammunition was handed over to Kiphire Police Station for further investigation.
ing from PR Hill side widely attracting the attention of people because of over speeding and rough and negligent driving,” stated a press release from KYO President, Neibazotuo Sorhie and General Secretary, Peleneizo Chadi. The organization has asked the driver/officer concerned in whose name the vehicle is granted, to “come forward and claim responsibility or defend himself before the matter escalates further.” The person concerned may sur-
At the end of the Liturgical celebration, the laity organised a felicitation programme to express their gratitude and appreciation to the priests. In the programme, Dr. Simon Dzüvichü, president of Catholic Association of Nagaland dwelt on the depth and beauty of priestly vocation by quoting saint John Mary Vianney who said, “Without priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be on no avail. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption on earth.” He concluded by thanking the fathers for their great sacrifice and playing an important role in all the moments of life, birth, marriage, death, triumphs and struggles. While giving tribute to the priests, Vilanuo Angela, president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association thanked God for the institution of priesthood through which he constantly nourishes the faithful. “Thank you (priests) for be-
ing our model, teacher and guide in spite of numerous difficult moments which you encounter everyday,” she added. The release mentioned that over 100 priests, a large gathering of religious sisters and faithful took part in the solemn yearly celebration. On April 10, the presbyterium of the diocese of Kohima gathered together for a meeting to discuss matters concerning the ministry and life of the priests. Rev. Fr. Joseph Mappilaparampil CMF from Guwahati also addressed the priests in connection to eye donation. In the evening the same day, the diocesan fraternity gathered together for a meeting. Prior to the Chrism Mass, the morning of April 11 was spent in prayer and reflection. Rev. Fr. Philip Abraham, Parish priest of Holy Family Parish, Pfutsero shared the reflection to help the priests prepare for sacrament of reconciliation and the Chrism Mass.
MEx FILE ZKPO seeks clarification on road construction pErEN, april 11 (mExN): The Zeliang Kuki Public Organisation (ZKPO) Ahthibung Circle has requested the PWD to clarify why the contractor concerned has not carried out black topping of road in Ikiesingram Village via Nsenlo Village and New Ngaulong to Bamsiakelo Village under PMEGP scheme. A press statement from Lamsei Singson, President and Mangpau, Secretary of ZKPO further appealed to the Executive Engineer of PWD, Peren and Jordan Construction to release press statement why they failed to carry out the works for general public’s understanding.
One arrested with contraband ganja Kohima, april 11 (mExN): The Narcotic Cell of Excise Department arrested one person for “trafficking” contraband ganja on April 10. According to a press release, the individual, identified as one Ankit Kumar Patel was found in possession of 33 kg of ganja during routine frisking at Khuzama Check Gate. The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and forwarded to judiciary, the release added.
Khongsa area public meet puNgro, april 11 (mExN): The Khongsa area public held a general session on January 24 at Khongsa Town during which the house after prolonged deliberation resolved and approved to change the nomenclature of Khongsa Range to Khongsa Area Public Organization (KAPO). Under Pungro sub-division, the organization aims to attain all round development of the area. During the general session, new office bearers and Executive Council of both Khongsa Area Public Organisation (KAPO) & Khongsa Area GBs’ Union (KAGU) were elected for the tenure 201720. KAPO is led by Hantsuki as President and Korakmong K as General Secretary while Rethrongmong Y and T Sheamki were elected as President and General Secretary of KAGU respectively.
Meetings & AppointMents Kohima Easter sunrise service The Kohima Easter sunrise service will take place on April 16, 5:00 am at Kohima War Cemetery. Rev. Zhabu Terhuja will be the speaker of the service, which will be led by Pastor Nitoshe Zhimomi, Assistant Secretary KBPF. Greeting will be shared by Rev. Asangba Longkumer, Advisor KBPF.
Angami GBs meeting All Angami GBs Association’s general meeting session – 16 will be held on April 19, 10:00 am at CPO Hall, Chumukedima Town. Therefore, all Angami GBs have been requested to attend the meet. Some important agenda will be discussed, stated a press release from Rokovitso Kuotsu.
SJC Campus Hostellers 2011 batch Reunion The first reunion of the St. Joseph College Campus Hostellers 2011 batch is scheduled to be held on April 21 and 22 at Shalom Resort, Peren district under the motto "Retuning the old cassettes". A press release informing this has asked all the members to register their names at the earliest. For more information, contact Francis Konyak @ 8974881237 or Noel Angami @ 9615666381.
Corrigendum
Apropos the news item published on April 11 regarding arrest of an Assam Rifles personnel by Kohima Police for possession of opium, Atu Zumvü, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (South) & PRO, Kohima has clarified that the rank of the arrested person, Nathu Ram, is Rifle Man (GD) and his actual parent unit is16 Assam Rifles which is under 10 Sector and not as published earlier.
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wednesday 12•04 •2017
IN FOCUS
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
The Power of Truth
The Morung Express volume Xii issue 99 By Dr. Asangba Tzüdir
Sense of Ownership
I
t is not surprising to hear that Nagaland coming under special category state is the most financially needy state in Indian Union with over 72% classed as ‘marginal.’ The total receipt for the period 2015-2016 was Rs 7,360.08 crore. For long the state has been pampered by the centre and it has also negated the values associated with ownership and on the whole the depreciation of moral values. Ownership comes with a struggle along with a sense of moral responsibility. For now the idea of ownership seems to be tilting towards a sense of ‘owning’ often through means that are not ethically and morally justified. The lack of a sense of ownership is a result of depreciating moral values. This lack has disrupted a meaningful existence because without it, life enriching values cannot be generated which is integral to positively transform a society. More importantly, it creates a healthy relationship with the associated socio-political, culture, religion, ethics and moral contours. This calls for sharing responsibilities generated through a morally driven sense of ownership. Our society is slowly feeling the negative effects of our ‘self-manufactured’ issues and ‘voices’ are being raised in the pursuit of a positive revolution. But what needs to be addressed is the issue of sustenance. Failure to sustain is because of our failure to act collectively with a sense of moral responsibility and ownership. Thus, we have started a lot of positive things, but generally, we have failed to sustain the things we start in order to arrive at a desirable conclusion. The lack of ownership finds in abundance. The most commonplace is littering, which itself shows that we do not love our land and thereby a testimony of our inability to inculcate ownership. Economically, so long as we are fed from the centre, Naga economic status will keep heading towards the pandemonium of economic dependency and it will be difficult to prick the conscience or bother about who controls the economy. ‘Others’ have taken advantage and exploited our economy because of our lack of sense of ownership. Politically, there are no clear principles or simply, what Nagas want, based on which Nagas can assert their ‘Rights’ in drawing a political identity. For instance, the protracted border issue is a pertinent case. Another pressing concern is that, the workplace especially in the government sector finds itself neglected. The lack of work ethics in a space that is integral to growth and development has led to retarded growth. In such a state of affairs, the demand for 7th ROP is not justified especially for the ‘undeserving.’ Our society has reached a desperate point where we need to reclaim our status as a human and a moral being and thereby recreate the power of our moral selves. This would then create the desired impetus to act as morally responsible beings, to come together and to act collectively for a common good and for the good of the community. In brief, the goal of envisaging a ‘good life’ for the Nagas should begin by inculcating a sense of ownership by way of sharing responsibilities. To this end, for generating ownership, we need to reclaim our values by identifying the true ‘value-content’ of our political, social, economic, religious and moral identity. For now the phrase, ‘strangers in our own land’ is an apt reminder of the ‘Naga condition’ today. (Dr. Asangba Tzüdir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
lEfT WING |
Reuters
China solar, wind to attract $780 billion investment by 2030: Report
C
hina's wind and solar sectors could attract as much as 5.4 trillion yuan ($782 billion) in investment between 2016 and 2030 as the country tries to meet its renewable energy targets, according to a research report published on April 11. China has pledged to increase non-fossil fuel energy to at least 20 percent of total consumption by the end of the next decade, up from 12 percent in 2015, part of its efforts to tackle air pollution and bring carbon dioxide emissions to a peak by around 2030. To do that, China would need to raise wind and solar power's share of primary energy consumption to 17 percent by 2030, up from 4 percent in 2015, according to the report, published by environmental organization Greenpeace and involving research by a government institute, a Chinese university, and other groups. Wind and solar power could reduce fossil fuel consumption by nearly 300 million tonnes of standard coal a year by the end of 2030, equivalent to France's total primary energy consumption in 2015, the report said, assuming China met its targets. In its 2016-2020 "five-year plan" for renewables, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) laid out a plan to raise total wind generation capacity from 129 gigawatts (GW) in 2015 to more than 210 GW in 2020, with solar set to rise from 43.18 GW to 110 GW over the same period. Total renewable capacity, including hydropower, would rise to 680 GW, 27 percent of the national total and up from around 480 GW in 2015, the NDRC said. The NDRC itself projected its plans would require a total investment of 2.5 trillion yuan on solar, wind and other renewables just over the 2016-2020 period. However, the agency warned the country's electricity distribution system was still not flexible enough to handle renewable power, and there were still technological obstacles when it came to connecting wind and solar to the grid, leading to large amounts of waste. According to figures released last month by China's Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute, 49.7 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of wind power failed to make it to the grid in 2016, up from 33.9 billion kWh in 2015 and amounting to 17 percent of total wind power generation. Greenpeace said it worked with the China Wind Energy Association, the NDRC's Energy Research Institute, Tsinghua University and an environmental research group called Draworld, and then submitted the findings to independent experts.
C O M M E N T A R Y
Peter Apps Reuters
Worrying lessons of the Syrian ‘chemical attack’
I
n terms of raw casualty numbers, Tuesday’s (April 4) apparent nerve gas attack near the Syrian city of Khan Sheikhoun – believed to have killed at least 70 – should hardly be significant against the backdrop of a war that has left hundreds of thousands of people dead. But that was never the point of chemical weapons. Since European powers first used them over a century ago at the height of World War One, they have held a psychological and political shock value in many ways out of proportion to their physical or military effect. Alongside the threat of biological warfare, they hold a very distinct horror. In the trenches of World War One, doctors noted that the paralyzing fear of a gas attack often exceeded that of conventional artillery and bombs, even though the latter killed many more people. By the end of that conflict, basic gas masks and chemical protection equipment meant many soldiers could survive such an attack relatively unscathed. The horror of those campaigns, however, was key in driving most states to ban such weapons. In total, 192 nations are now signatories to the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention with more than 90 percent of the world’s pre-existing chemical weapons stocks believed to have been destroyed by the end of last year. What the Syrian civil war appears to be reestablishing, however, is that on occasion governments may be able to use them against their own people without suffering much in the way of consequences. With senior U.S. officials including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis suggesting in recent weeks that the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a priority, the Syrian government appears to be demonstrating that it feels it can act against its domestic enemies with almost total impunity. That sends an alarming signal about the erosion of global rules and norms on weapons of mass destruction, as well as the limits of U.S. power and influence. For those Syrians still fighting the government, it is a savage warning of the cost of further resistance. It is hardly a new tactic. The British Empire used poison gas against Iraqi villages during the 1920s and 1930s to make a similar point, as did Mussolini’s Italy during its invasion of Abyssinia, now Ethiopia. Saddam Hussein used sarin gas against Kurdish civilians around the town of Halabja, killing an estimated several thousand and cementing his own reputation for brutality. In this case, much is veiled in deliberate ambiguity, most likely to further reduce the prospect of outside response or retaliation. Western gov-
A civil defence member breathes through an oxygen mask, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib, Syria. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah
ernments – as well as independent monitors – say the evidence points to a deliberate strike by the Syrian Air Force. Assad’s ally Russia, however, says the chemicals were accidentally released from a rebel weapons facility by a government bombing raid. That could be just possible, although most of the evidence so far points against it – not least images that suggest the munitions landed on roadways and in open country. Militant groups have periodically attempted to build such weapons, and Islamic State in particular has deployed poison gas in its fight to retain control of Iraq’s second city of Mosul. Tuesday’s attack, however, had stark similarities to the previous government-linked chemical strike on the outskirts of Damascus in 2013, which killed several hundred civilians and briefly looked as though it would draw the United States into direct military conflict with Assad. President Barack Obama and other Western leaders had declared the use of chemical weapons would be a “red line” that would prompt outside intervention. The Syrian regime, however, had already begun pushing those lines with much smaller chemical attacks throughout 2013, often killing only a handful of people. Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and was supposed to have handed over all its chemical
stocks as part of a Russian-brokered deal to avoid U.S. military action after the Damascus attack. It now seems that was not the case – Tuesday’s strike followed another string of much more limited chemical attacks. Assad and his Russian backers almost certainly believe the Trump administration has no intention of mounting any kind of military response – not least because, like the Obama White House, it has neither the appetite for a long-running intervention nor a strategy for it. The irony is that just as the Syrian government has been demonstrating how effective chemical munitions can be as a political weapon, across the border in Iraq, Islamic State has been finding out just how limited their impact can be on the battlefield. Allied forces and human rights observers have reported several relatively primitive gas attacks in September, October and last month, but they reportedly injured relatively small numbers of people. For all the decades of concern over chemical and biological attack by militants, they have been remarkably rare – and often ineffective. Experts say that while both al Qaeda and Islamic State would like to get their hands on chemical and biological weapons, neither has made doing so a priority. Most recently, such groups have tended to focus on the other end of the technological spectrum, using
the simplest available weaponry such as trucks, knives and firearms in attacks such as those in Brussels, Paris or last month in Westminster. That may not always remain the case. Having failed in its attempts to make biological weaponry work, Japanese cult Aum Shinrikiyo successfully manufactured sarin and used it to attack the Tokyo Metro in 1995, killing 12 people and injuring hundreds more. Had they perfected a better system for distributing the chemical, experts say the death toll could have been significantly higher. In general, however, what happened in Syria on Tuesday is a reminder that those at greatest risk of chemical weapons attacks are those whose government wishes to make an example of them. It’s a stark reality that neither the United States nor any other Western country knows what to do about. Peter Apps is Reuters global affairs columnist, writing on international affairs, globalization, conflict and other issues. He is founder and executive director of the Project for Study of the 21st Century; PS21, a non-national, non-partisan, nonideological think tank in London, New York and Washington. Before that, he spent 12 years as a reporter for Reuters covering defense, political risk and emerging markets. Since 2016, he has been a member of the British Army Reserve and the UK Labour Party.
GREEN POWER: Wave of the Future
Françoise d’estais, Angus mcCrone & ulf moslener
T
Inter Press Service
he price of renewable energy — especially solar power — continues to tumble, and the result is more green power generating capacity for fewer dollars. That’s the bottom line message from the latest figures on world investment in clean technologies. In 2016, record levels of new renewable energy generating capacity were added worldwide even as investments fell 23 per cent from the year before. The data are contained in the 11th annual Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment, a product of UN Environment, the Frankfurt SchoolUNEP Collaborating Centre, and Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Wind, solar, biomass and waste-toenergy, geothermal, small hydro and marine sources added 138.5 gigawatts to global power capacity in 2016, up almost 9 per centfrom the 127.5 gigawatts added the year before. The added generating capacity roughly equals that of the world’s 16 largest existing power producing facilities combined. The proportion of electricity coming from renewables (excluding large hydro) is now 11.3 per cent, a significant jump from 10.3 per cent in 2015. Thanks to green tech, humanity’s emissions of carbon dioxide were an estimated 1.7 gigatonnes less than they might have been had the same power been produced from fossil fuels. And these impressive additions to the world’s generating capacity were made at a fraction of previous costs.
Total investments of $241.6 billion (excluding large hydro), were down 23 per cent from 2015 and represented the lowest total dollar investment since 2013. As noted, this was partly the result of falling costs: the average dollar expenditure required to add a megawatt from solar photovoltaics and wind turbines dropped by over 10 per cent. The data also show public and private sector investors — who have invested a cumulative $2.5 trillion in renewables since 2004 — favor renewables over fossil fuels by a large margin. Investment in renewables capacity was roughly double the figure for fossil fuels; the corresponding new capacity from renewables excluding large hydro was equivalent to 55 per cent of all new power, the highest to date. Solar and wind remain by far the most attractive renewable energy investment options. New investment in solar totalled $113.7 billion, down 34 per cent from the record high in 2015. Solar capacity additions, however, rose to an all-time high of 75 gigawatts. Wind made up $112.5 billion of investment globally, down 9 per cent; wind capacity additions fell to 54 gigawatts from the previous year’s high of 63 gigawatts. The smaller sectors had mixed fortunes in terms of new investment. Biofuels fell 37 per cent to $2.2 billion, the lowest for at least 13 years; biomass and waste held steady at $6.8 billion and small hydro at $3.5 billion. Geo-
thermal rallied 17 per cent to $2.7 billion. Marine edged down 7 per cent to $194 million. In addition to reduced technology costs, the fall in investment also reflected a slowdown in China, Japan and some emerging markets, for a variety of reasons. Renewable energy investment in developing countries fell 30 per cent to $117 billion, while that in developed economies dropped 14 per cent to $125 billion. China saw investment drop 32 per cent to $78.3 billion, breaking an 11-year rising trend. Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa and Morocco all saw falls of 60 per cent or more, due to slower than expected growth in electricity demand, and delays to auctions and financings. Jordan was one of the few new markets to buck the trend, investment there rising 148 per cent to $1.2 billion. The US saw commitments slip 10 per cent to $46.4 billion, as developers took their time to build out projects to benefit from the five-year extension of the tax credit system. Japan slumped 56 per cent to $14.4 billion. Investment in renewables did not drop across the board, however. Europe enjoyed a 3 per cent increase to $59.8 billion, led by the UK ($24 billion) and Germany ($13.2 billion). Offshore wind ($25.9 billion) dominated Europe’s investment, up 53 per cent thanks to mega-arrays such as the 1.2 gigawatt Hornsea project in the North Sea, estimated to cost $5.7 billion. China also invested $4.1 billion in offshore
WRITE-WING
wind, its highest figure to date. And in India, the Ramanathapuram solar complex, billed as the world’s largest ever solar photovoltaicproject (648 megawatts), was constructed. “The question always used to be ‘will renewables ever be grid competitive?’,” says Michael Liebreich, Chairman of the Advisory Board at BNEF. “Well, after the dramatic cost reductions of the past few years, unsubsidised wind and solar can provide the lowest cost new electrical power in an increasing number of countries, even in the developing world – sometimes by a factor of two.” “It’s a whole new world: even though investment is down, annual installations are still up; instead of having to subsidise renewables, now authorities may have to subsidise natural gas plants to help them provide grid reliability.” Recent figures from the International Energy Agency cited the switch to renewables as a main reason for greenhouse gas emissions staying flat in 2016, for the third year running, even though output in the global economy rose by 3.1 per cent. We need this trend to continue and accelerate. And this latest renewable energy investment trends report offers reason to hope that it will. In the words of Erik Solheim, Executive Director of UN Environment: “Ever-cheaper clean tech provides a real opportunity for investors to get more for less. “This is exactly the kind of situation, where the needs of profit and people meet, that will drive the shift to a better world for all. ”
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.
WednesdAY 12•04•2017
Morung Express Learning
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
7
India’s universal enrolment conceals challenges of low attendance, high dropouts in schools Ashwini Deshpande & Manjistha Banerji
a
IANS
round 3.5 per cent of children between the ages of 11 and 14 years, and 13.5 per cent between the ages of 15 and 16 years were dropouts, while over 25 per cent of children in Grades I to VIII were absent from school on the day a team visited the school. These are the findings of the 2016 Annual States of Education Report (ASER) survey of schooling and learning levels in rural India. The survey included over 560,000 children between three and 16 years, in 589 districts of India. India's almost universal enrollment in school hides these two major challenges of school education -- high dropout and low school attendance. Children dropping out or not attending school, has consequences: It results in loss in productivity of the education system as a high dropout rate increases per unit cost of school education, and reduces human resource development. Dropouts are likely to be in semi-skilled and unskilled employment, according to a 2011 study by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration.
In the policy context, for the present government's "Skill India" and "Make in India" programmes to see even a modicum of success, it would have to address these two issues related to school education. Enrollment in school does not necessarily translate into attendance. At the all-India level, only about three-fourths of enrolled children attended primary (Grade I to Grade IV/V) or upper primary school (Grade V to Grade VII/VIII) on the day an ASER team visited the school in 2016. The problem of students dropping out, and absenteeism, is particularly acute in the less-developed states of Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh that together have over 51 million children, or 46 per cent of India's total child population between the ages of 11 and 16 years, according to Census data. This story also considers, Uttarakhand, Chhatisgarh, and Jharkhand states carved out of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. Though the reason cited for dropouts in secondary schools is often access (such as "school is far", especially for girls), evidence shows that one of the most important reasons for dropping out is "lack of
interest", according to the ASER Centre's Middle School Study, conducted in Nalanda district in Bihar and Satara in Maharashtra, between 2013 and 2015. A higher proportion of children in the age group 11-16 years who dropped out of school between 2015 and 2016 lacked basic reading and arithmetic skills, as compared to children who continued to be enrolled in school in 2016. It is possible that many students' knowledge level is much below grade level, but that teachers teach students only at grade level, as one study from 2017 suggests. If children are being left behind in school and if no one in school engages with them at their level of knowledge, they might drop out. Though data on absenteeism are difficult to collect, and the relationship between learning and absenteeism is not verified empirically, it is reasonable to expect that those who attend school regularly have better learning outcomes than their peers who do not. Only 3.1 per cent children in the age group 6-14 years were out of school, according to the 2016 ASER report, but there were variations in out-of-school children depending on the age group. ASER, a household
survey, captures the enrollment status of all children, including out-ofschool children, who have dropped out or never been to school. While only 1.7 per cent of children in the age group 6-10 years -who would have been in primary school -- were out of school, a higher proportion (4.6 per cent) of children in the age group 11-14 years, who should have been in upper primary grades, were out of school. Dropouts are a bigger problem than children who never enroll in school. While 1.1 per cent of children between the ages of 11 and 14 years never enrolled in school, 3.5 per cent were dropouts, the ASER 2016 survey found. In the age group 11-14 years, Uttar Pradesh (6.3 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (5.8 per cent) and Rajasthan (5 per cent) have dropouts higher than most other states. The proportion of dropout children in Chhattisgarh (4 per cent) and Jharkhand (3.7 per cent) is also above the all-India average of 3.5 per cent. At the all-India level, the proportion of dropouts has remained stable -- it decreased from 3.9 per cent in 2012 to 3.5 per cent in 2016. In contrast, 5.8 per cent of sampled children in Madhya Pradesh were dropouts, according to ASER 2016,
University of Hyderabad (UoH) Admission Notice 2017-18
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he University of Hyderabad (UoH), one of the major institutions of higher education in India is largely devoted to postgraduate studies and higher studies. The University has grading of A, which is the highest, by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The University is counted among the top 100 in Asia in many of its academic areas of study. The University has announced admission to various 5-year Integrated IMA/ IM.Sc, MA, M.Tech, M.Phil courses and PhD programmes. Programmes offered: Admissions during 201718 are open for the various courses such as: IMA/IM.Sc. Courses (5year Integrated ) or I.M.Sc. Courses in Sciences in Mathematical Sciences; Physics; Chemical Sciences; Systems Biology Optometry & Vision Sciences; Health Psychology; and Earth Sciences. I.M.A. Courses in Social Sciences such as Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology.
Postgraduate Courses MA in English; Philosophy; Hindi;Telugu; Urdu; Applied Linguistics; Comparative Literature English Language Studies; History; Political Science; Sociology; Anthropology; Economics; Financial Economics; and Master of Education (M.Ed.). The University also offers M.Sc. courses ( Various subjects); M.C.A.; M.B.A; and Ma s t e r o f Pu b l i c Health; M.P.A.Theatre Arts; M.F.A. Courses (4 Semesters) in Painting, Print Making and Sculpture; Art History & Visual Studies and M.Tech. (various courses). The University also offers Master of Philosophy and Ph.D. Programmes in various humanities, social science; and other specialised courses. How to apply: Candidates are required to apply online through the University website http:// acad.uohyd.ac.in for admission to any course or programme. The details including courses offered, eligible criteria, prescribed fees cours-
es, reservation policy and Prospectus 2017-18 are also given at http://acad.uohyd. ac.in or http://uohyd.ac.in. Candidates who may be appearing for the qualifying degree examination and expecting their results and certificates before 31.7.2017 may also apply for admission.
3. which state government has started ‘Gunotsav’ programme to improve elementary education? a) Assam b) Kerala c) Manipur d) Haryana 4. which country has officially recognized Bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money? a) Australia b) Finland c) Germany d) Japan 5. which college in nagaland was recently declared as 100% LeD lighted? a) Kohima Science College, b) Fazl Ali College c) St. Joseph College d) Patkai Christian College This contest is open ONLY for students. Cut and send in your answers along with your name, class and name of institution to The Morung Express Office (address given below) or email to morunglearning@gmail.com Answers to Quiz #54: 1-A, 2-B, 3-B, 4-A, 5-D This Week Winner: Imlinungsang Longkumer Lima Aier Memorial Hr. Sec. School Each week, one lucky winner will be given a prize of Rs. 500. The winner may collect the same from The Morung Express Office, H/No.4, Duncan Basti, Dimapur within two weeks. *Winner should bring along a valid ID to claim the prize.
(In arrangement with IndiaSpend. org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. Ashwini Deshpande is a research associate and Manjistha Banerji is a senior researcher with ASER Centre. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org)
Know your English
Pusillanimous
Weekly InternshIp lIst
How Must We Speak?
The Right to Freedom of Speech is a basic Human Right. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution provides citizens with the“freedom of speech which is the right to express one’s opinion freely without any fear ...” Accordingly, Clause (2) of Article 19 contains the grounds on which 8 restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression can be imposed, in respect of the sovereignty and integrity of the country. How do you understand what these articles mean?Here is a thought provoking article that contends that while it is necessary to preserve freedom of speech and expression in a democracy, it is also necessary to place some restrictions on this freedom for the maintenance of social order since freedom can neither be absolute nor completely restricted.
ParticiPate & win
2. what is the theme of the 2017 world Health Day (wHD)? a) A Move for health b) Food safety c) Depression: Let’s Talk d) Working together for health
in Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, has steadily increased from 11.6 per cent in 2010 to 23.6 per cent in 2016. Reasons behind the varying trends are difficult to understand, and we need further studies to understand the pattern of dropouts across states. Girls in the age group 11-16 years in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are more likely to drop out of school as compared to boys. In Madhya Pradesh, 28 per cent of girls in the age group 15-16 years were dropouts, compared to 19.4 per cent of boys. In Gujarat, 22.5 per cent of girls were dropouts compared to 16.3 per cent of boys. In Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, boys in the age group 15-16 years were more likely to drop out of school than girls. The reasons for differential gender trends across states is not clear and needs further research.
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Quiz #55
1. which village in nagalands recently made news for selling rs. 1 crore worth of vegetables? a) Khonoma b) Kidima c) Kigwema d) Khuzama
an increase from 3.7 percentage points in 2010 -- the only state to see an increase in dropouts. As many as 15.3 per cent of children aged 15-16 years were out of school, compared to 4.6 per cent of 11-14 years old children. Majority of out-of-school children in the age group 15-16 years (13.5 per cent) were dropouts, according to ASER 2016 survey. Across India, Madhya Pradesh had the highest proportion of children in ages 15-16 years (23.6 per cent), who were dropouts. Uttar Pradesh (18.7 per cent), Chhattisgarh (17.5 per cent) and Rajasthan (16.5 per cent) are among the top five states with the highest proportion of dropouts in the age group 15-16 years. Gujarat, an economically advanced state, has the second highest proportion of dropouts in India -- 19.3 per cent -- for reasons that are unclear at this point. Across India, the proportion of dropout children in the age group 15-16 years declined from 14.1 per cent in 2012 to 13.5 per cent, according to 2016 ASER data. For instance, dropouts in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand increased between 2010 and 2014, but declined in 2016. In the other states, no trend is discernible. The proportion of dropouts
Daniel M Khan, assistant Professor, Department of Political Science “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom- and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.” Benjamin Franklin, USa.
F
reedom of speech and expression is the most basic of all freedoms granted to the citizens of India. This provision in our constitution of course was inspired by Western ideology. The founding fathers of the United States of America established their nation by setting forth many Biblical principles in her constitution, like the Bill of Rights. In it, the first amendment essentially gives the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, etc. However, by declaring these freedoms, the founding fathers never meant to endorse the rights of those who would do ‘wicked’ deeds. The laws of society should impose penalties on evil perversions of true freedom. Thus, true freedom must have boundaries and penalties must be imposed upon those who violate them. Often, however, this freedom is misused. With recent spates of intolerance to views and ideas expressed both in print and electronic media, the interpretations of ‘Freedom to Speech
and Expression’ continue to unravel. Over the past few months in the JNU (Delhi) campus, the Democratic Students Union (DSU) organized a debate to air their concerns and ideas about the issues of Kashmir.However, the AkhilBharatiyaVidhyarthiParishad (ABVP)members fearing that the debate would be “harmful for campus atmosphere”, wrote to the administration of JNU to withdraw the permission to organize the same. DSU decided to go ahead with the debate, and the rest is history. It resulted in what was termed by the media and later by the political parties as “antinational slogans” being raised, fuelling an unhealthy discourse which resulted in heavy casualties and sedition charges levelled on many students, making international headlines. Was it antinational to organize an open debate and have free discussions? Clearly not. What however is troubling is the raising of antinational slogans such as “our fight will continue until India is destroyed”, and the like, by angry students. In a democracy, everyone has the freedom of expression and undoubtedly, freedomof speech and expression entails responsibilities and consequences. While condemning the misuse of free-
dom of speech, I suggest that neutral platforms are created for constructive debates where all voices could be placed, heard, and responded or condemned. In Nagaland too, there have been many cries for the voices of the people to be heard. The recent standoffbetween the Government of Nagaland and the people’s voice spearheaded by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and Naga Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) may be a case in point. The issue was nonviolent protest against the 33% reservation for women in the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections, which later took an ugly turn leading to rampant destruction of government property and loss of three precious lives. What could have been achieved with peaceful dialogue, negotiation, and restraint on the blatant exercise of the freedom of speech was wrought with violence. Should every issue that concerns the citizens be then settled with bloodshed and violence? Let us learn from the lives of our great heroes of humanity like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela who through nonviolent approaches fought forjust causes and brought down oppressive governments and ushered in peace to troubled worlds.
Mahatma Gandhi was the greatest exponent of the doctrine of ahimsa or non-violence. His actions were brilliant examples of the proper usageof the Right to Freedom and Expression. Gandhi, in 1931 said that,“I will not purchase my country’s freedom at the cost of non-violence...”. We must remember that Gandhi applied his method of non-violent resistance not only against foreign rule, but against social evils such as racial discrimination and untouchability as well, thereby winning the respect and support of the entire world. Not so long ago, Anna Hazare, a follower of Gandhi, used his freedom of speech in a nonviolent protest to bring about the passage of Jan Lokpaland the Lokayukta Bill, both of which ensures the citizens of timely and just investigations of corruption cases. In recent times too, the wise use of freedom of speech and expression bringing about a positive change is that of the Jallikattuprotestsin Tamil Nadu. The leaderless mass movement largely conducted in a peaceful manner across Tamil Nadu by over 4 lakhs protestors led the Supreme Court to lift the ban imposed on the traditional bull-taming sport called jallikattu. Let this bean example
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.
for us that the voice of the people raised in a non-violent and peaceful manner has the power still to bring about the necessary changes in the society. Thus, while it is true that speech is a God given faculty and the constitution also ensures our freedom to practice free speech, we should do so with care. It is my strong belief that what cannot be achieved with bloodshed and violence can be achieved by wiseusage of freedom of speech and expression in a peaceful and nonviolent manner. In conclusion, I quote from the Bible: Matthew 12:36 -“I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak”.I therefore encourage everyone to exercise your freedom of speech and expression to build others up; through encouragement and praise, appreciation,love, patience, kind and gentle words, constructive criticism, and to speak the truth with grace. Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr. Hewasa Lorin, Anjan Behera, Dr. Salikyu Sangtam, Nivibo Yiki, and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
8
wednesdAY 12•04•2017
INDIA
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
panel clears Manmohan Sushma Swaraj warns Pakistan of Parl Singh of CWG wrongdoing 'consequences' if Jadhav is hanged
NEW DELHI, APRIL 1 1(AGENCIES): Union minister Sushma Swaraj asserted that India will go "out of way" to ensure justice to Kulbhushan Jhadav, and warned Pakistan of severe consequence to the bilateral relationship with India if it goes ahead with his execution. "I would caution Pakistan government to consider the consequences for our bilateral relationship if they proceed on this matter," the external affairs minister said today in an identical statement in both Houses of Parliament. "There is no evidence of wrongdoing by Jadhav+ . If anything, he is the victim of a plan that seeks to cast aspersions on India to deflect international attention from Pakistan's well-known record of sponsoring and supporting terrorism," Sushma added. "Under these circumstances, we have no choice but to regard the sentence, if carried out, as an act of pre-meditated murder," she said, adding that the sentence by the Pakistani Military Court was based on "concocted charges". The Indian national was sentenced to death+ yesterday by Pakistan on charges of spying. He was arrested in March last year. India has always acknowledged that Jadhav is an ex-Navy officer, and maintained that he wasn't a spy. "Let me state clearly that the government and the people of India would view very seriously the possibility that an innocent Indian citizen is facing death sentence in Pakistan without due process and in violation of basic norms of law, justice and international relations. "I would caution the Pakistan government to consider the consequences for our bilateral relationship if they proceed on this matter," Swaraj said categorically. She said the process adopted
Pakistan justifies death sentence to Indian 'spy'
Kulbhushan Jhadav (File Photo)
by the Pakistani military court to award the death sentence "tells us a lot about the farcical nature of the alleged proceedings which have led to indefensible verdict against an innocent kidnapped Indian." Replying to a suggestion by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Swaraj said the government will not only ensure that Jadhav is provided with the best of lawyers in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, but will also take up it with the country's president. "Whatever is necessary, we will do," she said, adding that Jadhav was "not only the son of his parents, but is the son of India." Swaraj said Jadhav was doing business in Iran and was kidnapped and taken to Pakistan. "The exact circumstances are unclear and can only be ascertained if we have consular access to him", which has been denied by the Pakistani authorities. "It is extraordinary that yesterday, a decision is suddenly announced awarding a death sentence in this case when previous exchanges with India iteslf under-
lines the insufficiency of evidence," the Minister said. Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, home minister Rajnath Singh said "we will do everything possible to get justice" for Jadhav. He is expected to be hanged, the minister said in the Lok Sabha. Rajnath very strongly condemned Pakistan's actions even in the lead up to its kangaroo courtstyle 'justice'. "All the norms of law and justice were disregarded by Pakistan," the Union minister said, referring to the violations by the neighbour of the Geneva Convention. Jadhav wasn't even given consular access despite India asking Pakistan for it as many as 13 times, he said. "He (Jadhav) had a small business in Chabahar, Iran. Pakistani security agencies kidnapped him and presented him to the country as an Indian spy. As proof, they said Jadhav has an Indian passport. How can he be a spy and carry an Indian passport," Rajnath asked. Lok Sabha members across political parties strongly condemned the death sentence to Jadhav.
ISLAmAbAD, APRIL 11 (IANS): Pakistan on Tuesday justified the death sentence awarded to alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and said it was capable of protecting itself against external threats. Pakistan was "fully equipped" to deal with all such "elements with an iron fist", Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the Senate. And in an obvious reference to Indian warnings of consequences if Jadhav was hanged, he added: "We will defend our country at all costs." Asif insisted that the trial of Jadhav, accused of espionage and waging war against Pakistan, followed due legal process. "There was nothing in the (legal) proceedings that was against the law," he was quoted by the Urdu media as saying. "The trial went on for three months," he said, adding that Pakistan would not grant concessions to elements working against the country. India has warned Pakistan that bilateral ties would be hit if it went ahead with the death sentence awarded to Jadhav, who Islamabad says was arrested in Balochistan in March 2016. India denies he was a spy and says he was abducted from Iran. On Tuesday, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated that if Jadhav was hanged, it would amount to premeditated murder.
NEW DELHI, APRIL 11 (IANS): The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has virtually absolved former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the then Prime Minister's Office of any wrongdoing in the Commonwealth Games held here in 2010. PAC Chairman K.V. Thomas on Tuesday said the committee has found "nothing that the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) did out of the way". The PAC is set to present its report to Parliament on Wednesday. "You will get the entire report tomorrow. One important point is that there is nothing against the then Prime Minister in it... Everything is black and white," Thomas told reporters outside the House. "There was a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, decisions were taken, and when the minutes (of the meeting) came, the then Sports Ministry said the spirit of the decisions was not carried in the minutes." "There is nothing that Manmohan Singh or the PMO has done out of the way," he added. Thomas said there was unanimity on the findings and conclusions of the report, and pointed out that in the 24-member PAC, only four members were from the Congress while the ruling
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had 12 members. On the delay in presenting the report on the Commonwealth Games, Thomas said it was due to the large number of reports that the PAC had to go through. In the last three years, the PAC under Thomas held 157 meetings and presented 73 reports. The 74th report is slated to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday. THomas said the PAC report on the 2G spectrum sale will be tabled in Parliament before April 30, which is the last working day of the current committee. The outgoing PAC Chairman also said that he has suggested to the Speaker that media should be allowed to listen to the deliberations of the PAC during its meetings. "The other suggestion I mooted is that the PAC recommendations should be binding on the government," Thomas said. Thomas had earlier also mooted the suggestion that the PAC Chairman too should be consulted while appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. "The PAC is an institution that must be strengthened. Persons may come and go, but the institution must be preserved. It is mother of all parliamentary committees," said Thomas, who headed the PAC for three consecutive terms since 2014.
Aus to help India train 4 lakh assessors
NEW DELHI, APRIL 11 (IANS): Australia will collaborate with India to build capacity of four lakh trainers and assessors over the next few years, Australian Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said on Tuesday. "We believe we can help because you recognise and acknowledge our experience in a very successful vocational education system," Birmingham said at the 4th Australia-India Skill Conference, 2017, held in conjunction with the visit of Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull to India. Birmingham said Australia is well placed to help India in reaching its target in training, and added that the programme would also look at scaling up the number of apprentices in India. Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Pratap Rudy, Minister of State (Independent
Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said: "For very long, in India, education did not carry the skills along. Skills never got the focus that it should have." Rudy said India need to train 400 million people in organised and unorganised sector. Rudy said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make India a hub for international work force. The two ministers also launched 'International Trainers and Assessors Training Courses', a joint initiative between the Government of Australia and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The conference was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, Government of Australia, under the ambit of the Australia-India Education Council, on Tuesday.
142 incidents of attacks on journalists in 2014-15: Govt Tendulkar, Rekha worst in attendance
NEW DELHI, APRIL 11 (PTI): There were 142 incidents of attacks on journalists in different parts of the country during 2014-15, Lok Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in 2014, there were 114 incidents of attacks on journalists in which 32 people were arrested. In 2015, there were 28 incidents of attacks on scribes in which 41 people were arrested,
he said during Question Hour. The Minister said the existing laws are adequate for protection of citizens, including journalists. The Press Council of India takes prompt action on receipt of specific complaints from affected persons. Representations on providing security are received from or on behalf of individuals, including journalists, and all such representations are examined. Based on
inputs received regarding threat assessment, necessary action is taken, he said. Ahir said since police and public order is a state subject, it is the responsibility of the state governments to provide security to journalists. He said as of now, there was no provision for providing compensation by state or central governments to journalists or their family members in cases of attacks.
Work like Hanuman, Modi tells BJP MPs
NEW DELHI, APRIL 11 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed satisfaction on a successful budget session, which he said had been "very meaningful and useful", and advised BJP MPs to work like Lord Hanuman to publicise the government's achievements. Addressing Bharatiya Janata Party MPs here, Modi told them not to wait for his instructions before carrying out government work among the people. "When Lakshman went into coma, Hanumanji went to find a cure without any prodding. Similarly, MPs must go ahead without waiting for instructions. They need to carry forward the government's work among the masses," a BJP MP who attended the meeting quoted Modi as saying. Modi's remarks came after he greeted people and MPs on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Modi urged the MPs to get inspiration from Hanuman.
"Take inspiration from Hanuman. He never took anything from anyone but he kept giving. You also need to give to people like him," Modi said. Asking MPs to go their parliamentary constituencies, Modi they too needed to establish their own identity despite banking on him (Modi). Later, talking to reporters, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said the Prime Minister dubbed the budget session as 'Vijay Prapti Satra' (Winner Session) for the government. "Modiji said the budget session was very meaningful and useful. It was a 'Vijay Prapti Satra'," Kumar quoted the Prime Minister as saying. BJP sources said Modi also spoke about the positive mood among people reflected in the sweeping win for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the just held assembly elections. "This is a golden opportunity for us to lift the
lives of the poor, the deprived. This is the time for doing more development and reforms," Modi said. He congratulated the MPs for the passage of 21 bills in the Lok Sabha and 14 in the Rajya Sabha including the Goods and Services Tax Bill (GST). The Prime Minister said there was an environment in the country in favour of the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) it leads. "This is a golden opportunity to move on the path of development." Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu also addressed the MPs and hailed Modi for providing the country a tranformative leadership. Naidu said in just three years, Modi had emerged as the messiah of the poor. Naidu also gave tasks to MPs for the third anniversary celebration of the Modi government. This was the last BJP parliamentary party meeting of the budget session which ends on Wednesday.
of 12 nominated Rajya Sabha MPs Rakesh Dubbudu
IndiaSpend and IANS
Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and actress Rekha are the worst performers in attendance in the Rajya Sabha among the 12 nominated members, according to an analysis by Factly.in, a data journalism portal. While Tendulkar has attended 23 of the 348 days since his nomination in 2012, Rekha has attended 18. Further, Rekha has not attended more than a single day in any session since her nomination in 2012. While Rekha attended the least number of days compared to those who were nominated along with her, the expenditure incurred on her is the highest till date: Rs 65 lakh as salary and expenses. Expenditure incurred on Tendulkar is Rs 58.8 lakh, according to Rajya Sabha data. This translates to an expenditure of Rs 360,000 per day incurred on Rekha and Rs 256,000 per day on Tendulkar. The difference in the expenditure is only because of the allowances, since all other components are fixed for every member. If a particular MP attended the house more often than others and has travelled more extensively than others, the expenditure incurred on him/ her would be high. In Rekha's case, it is the opposite. Each MP is entitled to the following: Salary (Rs 50,000 per month); constituency allowance (Rs 45,000 per month); office expense allowance (Rs 15,000 per month); travel and daily allowance (TA/ DA) (variable). There are 12 nominated members in
the Rajya Sabha. While two other MPs were nominated in 2012 along with Tendulkar and Rekha, one was nominated in 2014 and the remaining seven were nominated in 2016. Four of the nominated members joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and are counted as BJP members in the house. A nominated member can join a political party within the first six months of being nominated to the house, according to the rules. Apart from Tendulkar and Rekha the nominated Rajya Sabha MPs are: industrialist Anu Aga; lawyers K. Parasaran and K.T.S. Tulsi; social worker Sambhaji Chhatrapati; journalist Swapan Das Gupta; actress Roopa Ganguly; economist Narendra Jadhav; sportsperson M.C. Mary Kom; actor Suresh Gopi and politician Subramanian Swamy. These members are nominated by the President based on the advice of the government of the day. Article 80(3) of the Constitution of India authorises the President to nominate a maximum of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha, and the members nominated shall have special knowledge or practical experience in the fields of literature, science, art and social service. Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agarwal had raised the issue of Tendulkar and Rekha's attendance in the Rajya Sabha, lamenting that they hardly attend the house. Rekha has not asked a single question in the house in her nearly five years in the Rajya Sabha. Tendulkar fared better by asking 22 questions. Industrialist Anu Aga, who was nominated along
with Tendulkar and Rekha, has also not asked a single question till date. Lawyer K.T.S. Tulsi has asked the most questions among the nominated members. Tendulkar and Rekha have not participated in a single debate in their nearly five-year stint in the Rajya Sabha. Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi and boxer M.C. Mary Kom -- who were nominated in 2016 -- participated in three and two debates, respectively. Under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), each MP can suggest to the District Collector of the nodal district chosen by them, works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum. The nominated Rajya Sabha MPs may select any district from any state for implementation of their choice of work under the scheme. Of the total Rs 25 crore that Tendulkar is entitled to for the five years, he has recommended works worth Rs 21.19 crore, while Rs 17.65 crore was made available. Rekha has recommended works of Rs 9.28 crore, while Rs 7.6 crore was made available. Under MPLADS, the role of the MP is limited to the recommendation of works. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the district authority to sanction, execute and complete the works recommended by the MP within the stipulated time period. The Rs 5 crore per annum is not automatically released each year. The first installment of Rs 2.5 crore is released without any condition. The subsequent installments are released subject to conditions such as utilisation of the previous installment.
Beyond universal enrolment in schools: Low attendance, high dropouts Ashwini Deshpande & Manjistha Banerji
A
IndiaSpend and IANS
round 3.5 per cent of children between the ages of 11 and 14 years, and 13.5 per cent between the ages of 15 and 16 years were dropouts, while over 25 per cent of children in Grades I to VIII were absent from school on the day a team visited the school. These are the findings of the 2016 Annual States of Education Report (ASER) survey of schooling and learning levels in rural India. The survey included over 560,000 children between three and 16 years, in 589 districts of India. India's almost universal enrollment in school hides these two major challenges of school education -- high dropout and low school attendance. Children dropping out or not attending school, has consequences: It results in loss in productivity of the education system as a high dropout rate increases per unit cost of school education, and reduces human resource development. Dropouts are likely to be in semi-skilled and unskilled employment, according to a 2011 study by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration. In the policy context, for the present government's "Skill India" and "Make in India" programmes to see even a modicum of suc-
cess, it would have to address these two issues related to school education. Enrollment in school does not necessarily translate into attendance. At the all-India level, only about three-fourths of enrolled children attended primary (Grade I to Grade IV/V) or upper primary school (Grade V to Grade VII/VIII) on the day an ASER team visited the school in 2016. The problem of students dropping out, and absenteeism, is particularly acute in the less-developed states of Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh that together have over 51 million children, or 46 per cent of India's total child population between the ages of 11 and 16 years, according to Census data. This story also considers, Uttarakhand, Chhatisgarh, and Jharkhand states carved out of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. Though the reason cited for dropouts in secondary schools is often access (such as "school is far", especially for girls), evidence shows that one of the most important reasons for dropping out is "lack of interest", according to the ASER Centre's Middle School Study, conducted in Nalanda district in Bihar and Satara in Maharashtra, between 2013 and 2015. A higher proportion of children in the age group 11-16 years who dropped out of school between 2015 and 2016 lacked basic reading and arithmetic skills, as compared to children
who continued to be enrolled in school in 2016. It is possible that many students' knowledge level is much below grade level, but that teachers teach students only at grade level, as one study from 2017 suggests. If children are being left behind in school and if no one in school engages with them at their level of knowledge, they might drop out. Though data on absenteeism are difficult to collect, and the relationship between learning and absenteeism is not verified empirically, it is reasonable to expect that those who attend school regularly have better learning outcomes than their peers who do not. Only 3.1 per cent children in the age group 6-14 years were out of school, according to the 2016 ASER report, but there were variations in out-of-school children depending on the age group. ASER, a household survey, captures the enrollment status of all children, including out-of-school children, who have dropped out or never been to school. While only 1.7 per cent of children in the age group 6-10 years -- who would have been in primary school -- were out of school, a higher proportion (4.6 per cent) of children in the age group 11-14 years, who should have been in upper primary grades, were out of school. Dropouts are a bigger problem than children who never enroll in school. While 1.1 per cent of children between the ages of 11 and 14
years never enrolled in school, 3.5 per cent were dropouts, the ASER 2016 survey found. In the age group 11-14 years, Uttar Pradesh (6.3 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (5.8 per cent) and Rajasthan (5 per cent) have dropouts higher than most other states. The proportion of dropout children in Chhattisgarh (4 per cent) and Jharkhand (3.7 per cent) is also above the all-India average of 3.5 per cent. At the all-India level, the proportion of dropouts has remained stable -- it decreased from 3.9 per cent in 2012 to 3.5 per cent in 2016. In contrast, 5.8 per cent of sampled children in Madhya Pradesh were dropouts, according to ASER 2016, an increase from 3.7 percentage points in 2010 -- the only state to see an increase in dropouts. As many as 15.3 per cent of children aged 15-16 years were out of school, compared to 4.6 per cent of 11-14 years old children. Majority of out-of-school children in the age group 15-16 years (13.5 per cent) were dropouts, according to ASER 2016 survey. Across India, Madhya Pradesh had the highest proportion of children in ages 15-16 years (23.6 per cent), who were dropouts. Uttar Pradesh (18.7 per cent), Chhattisgarh (17.5 per cent) and Rajasthan (16.5 per cent) are among the top five states with the highest proportion of dropouts in the age group 15-16 years. Gujarat, an economically advanced state,
has the second highest proportion of dropouts in India -- 19.3 per cent -- for reasons that are unclear at this point. Across India, the proportion of dropout children in the age group 15-16 years declined from 14.1 per cent in 2012 to 13.5 per cent, according to 2016 ASER data. For instance, dropouts in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand increased between 2010 and 2014, but declined in 2016. In the other states, no trend is discernible. The proportion of dropouts in Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, has steadily increased from 11.6 per cent in 2010 to 23.6 per cent in 2016. Reasons behind the varying trends are difficult to understand, and we need further studies to understand the pattern of dropouts across states. Girls in the age group 11-16 years in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are more likely to drop out of school as compared to boys. In Madhya Pradesh, 28 per cent of girls in the age group 15-16 years were dropouts, compared to 19.4 per cent of boys. In Gujarat, 22.5 per cent of girls were dropouts compared to 16.3 per cent of boys. In Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, boys in the age group 15-16 years were more likely to drop out of school than girls. The reasons for differential gender trends across states is not clear and needs further research.
WednesdAY 12•04•2017
WORLD
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
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California gunman kills wife and student
SAN BERNARDINO, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): A special education teacher and one of her students were fatally shot by her estranged husband when he opened fire with a high-caliber revolver before killing himself in her classroom at a San Bernardino, California, elementary school, police said. A second student was badly wounded by the gunman, who authorities said had a criminal history that included weapons charges and domestic violence that predated his brief marriage to the slain teacher. Police said the two students, both boys, were believed to have been inadvertently caught in the gunfire as bystanders to Monday’s shooting, which took place about 8 miles (13 km) from where a radicalised Muslim couple killed 14 people in a December 2015 shooting rampage. Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said the shooting at North Park Elementary School in San Bernardino, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles, was an apparent murder-suicide. It was the latest in dozens of cases of gun violence at U.S. school campuses. The gunman was identified as Cedric Anderson,
and his wife as Karen Elaine Smith, both 53. Burguan said the couple had been married briefly and had been separated for about a month or month and a half. The two students struck by gunfire had been standing behind Smith, the chief said. One 8-year-old boy, identified as Jonathan Martinez, died from his wounds. A 9-year-old classmate who was not publicly identified was admitted to a hospital, where he was said to be in stable condition. Fifteen students and two adult teacher assistants were in the classroom along with the couple at the time of the shooting, police said. Police said Anderson was welcomed into the school as a legitimate visitor, stopping by the “drop something off with his wife,” and kept his weapon concealed until opening fire in the classroom, Burguan said. ANGUISH AND RELIEF The school was evacuated after the shooting and students were bused to the campus of California State University at San Bernardino to be briefed and interviewed by authorities. From there, they were taken to a nearby high school and be reunited with their
Police officers escort students from a campus of California State University - San Bernadino, where they were evacuated after a shooting at North Park Elementary School, to be reunited with their parents in San Bernadino, California, U.S. April 10. (REUTERS)
families. Aerial television footage showed children holding hands and walking single-file across the campus to waiting buses. Parents waved and cheered as they greeted their children, who school staff had plied with bottled water, sandwiches and snack bars while waiting for parents to arrive. “I’m glad my daughter
is fine,” said Angelique Youmans, 31, as she hugged her 10-year-old daughter. “She is too young to understand what happened.” Samantha Starcher, 25, said she waited four hours to be reunited with her 6-year-old daughter. “When I heard about the shooting, I started praying, asking God to keep my daughter safe” she said. “She heard two gunshots
but she didn’t know what it was. I’m not going to tell her (about the shooting) because I don’t want to traumatise her.” School officials said North Park Elementary would remain closed for at least two days. The city of San Bernardino last made national headlines on Dec. 2, 2015, when a husband and wife who authorities said were
inspired by Islamic extremism opened fire on a holiday office party of county health workers, killing 14 people and wounding more than 20. The couple, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik were killed by police during a shootout. MOUNTING SCHOOL GUN VIOLENCE The school shooting came two days after a fit-
ness instructor returned to a Florida gym a few hours after he had been fired and shot two former colleagues to death. An estimated 10,000 people are murdered with guns each year in the United States, according to federal crime statistics. The United States has had an average of 52 school shooting incidents a year since a gunman killed 26 young children and educators in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun-control group founded in response to that massacre. Total school shootings, a figure that includes elementary schools, high schools and colleges, regardless of whether anyone was killed or wounded, rose from 37 in 2013 to 58 in 2014 and to 65 in 2015, before declining to 48 in 2016, according to the group’s data. With Monday’s San Bernardino incident, the United States has had 12 school shootings this year, on pace to match 2016’s tally. Mayor Carey Davis said he had spoken about the shooting to White House officials who said President Donald Trump expressed “concern for students and teachers” at North Park.
Security experts said schools have few options to limit such incidents, given the prevalence of guns in the United States. “If people have guns, people are going to use guns, so it’s literally the price that we pay for that freedom,” said. John DeCarlo, a criminal justice professor at the University of New Haven and the former chief of police in Branford, Connecticut. One answer, he said, would be for all schools to sweep everyone who entered with metal detectors like those used at airports and sports venues. U.S. Education Department data said just 2 percent of U.S. schools require people entering to pass through metal detectors, up from 1 percent in 2000. Gun control activist Shannon Watts, who founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America following the Newtown shooting, said her group will continue to push for regulation on gun access rather than metal detectors as a solution. “It’s a cultural question,” she said. “Do we want to become a country of magnetometers and safety checkpoints and gun lockers?”
UN chief calls for restart Indonesia delays blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s Christian governor to Western Sahara talks
uNItED NAtIONS, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for new talks over the longrunning Western Sahara dispute, saying the negotiations should include proposals from both Morocco and the Polisario independence movement, according to a U.N. document. The U.N. call for a restart to talks came after months of tensions in the disputed territory, which Morocco claims as part of its kingdom and Polisario says belongs to the Sahrawi people who fought a guerrilla war until a 1991 U.N.backed ceasefire. U.N. attempts to broker a settlement have failed for years in the vast desert area, which has contested since 1975 when Spanish
colonial powers left. Morocco claimed the territory while Polisario established its self-declared Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic there. “I intend to propose that the negotiating process be relaunched with a new dynamic and a new spirit,” the U.N. chief said in his report presented for review to the security council on Monday. “For progress to be made, the negotiations must be open to both parties’ proposals and ideas. Algeria and Mauritania, as neighbouring countries, can and should make important contributions to this process.” The 1991 ceasefire called for a U.N.-supported referendum on the region’s future, including the possi-
China tops 2016 global executions, US sees lowest number in decades
HONG KONG, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): China was the world’s top executioner last year, while the United States put to death fewer people than it has in more than two decades, the human rights group Amnesty International said on Tuesday. More than 90 percent of the world’s executions took place in five countries - China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan. More than 3,000 people in 55 countries were condemned to death last year, marking a 56 percent surge from 2015. China is believed to have executed “thousands” of people, more than the combined figure of at least 1,023 executions in 23 other countries last year, the rights group said. “China now wants to assume a global leadership role. In respect to death penalty it is leading in the worst possible way,” said Amnesty International’s regional director for East Asia, Nicholas Bequelin. China does not announce the number of people executed, guarding the data as a state secret. The head of China’s Supreme People’s Court, Zhou Qiang, said in March China has made sure to impose capital punishment on “an extremely small number of criminals who committed extremely serious crimes,” according to the official Xinhua news agency. But Bequelin called Zhou’s statement “misleading and disingenuous”. Amnesty’s China-focused report, China’s Deadly Secret, said for 2016, the group found 305 executions using a Chinese search engine, but only 26 of those cases made it to a national database. ‘FLAWED AND CRUEL’ For the first time in a decade, the United States dropped out of the world’s top five executioners, recording 20 death sentences carried out last year, the fewest since 1991, putting it in seventh place after Egypt. Most U.S. executions took place in the states of Georgia and Texas, while 19 states have abolished the death penalty. The number of death sentences in the United States, at 32, was also the lowest since 1973. Support for the death penalty in the United States fell to 49 percent, the lowest in more than four decades, according to a 2016 survey by the Pew Research Center. Although President Donald Trump has supported the death penalty, Lynch said the fight against capital punishment took place mostly at the state level, adding federal authorities had not carried out any executions since 2003. “Rhetoric and tone from important political figures, not the least the president, is important and is something we would be concerned about,” Lynch said. “But there is a long term trend against the death penalty in the U.S.”
bility of independence. But that vote never happened. Morocco has since made its own proposal for autonomy under the kingdom’s sovereignty, but Polisario wants the U.N. referendum. Since the end of fighting Western Sahara has effectively been split in two, part controlled by Morocco and part by Polisario forces, divided by a heavily mined earthen berm. Many Sahrawis live in refugee camps inside southern Algeria. Last year, tensions spiked during a standoff in the remote Guerguerat area. U.N. peacekeepers stepped in after Moroccan gendarmerie crossed beyond Moroccan-controlled areas in what they said was a road clearing operation, prompting the mobilization of Polisario forces.
JAKARtA, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): An Indonesian court on Tuesday adjourned the blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s Christian governor until after the city’s April 19 election, a contest pitting him against a Muslim rival that has divided the city and fanned religious tension. The trial of Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, Jakarta’s first ethnic Chinese and Christian leader and an ally of President Joko Widodo, has raised questions about the role of religion in politics in the world’s biggest Muslimmajority nation. Purnama has been allowed to campaign in the election despite his trial and prosecutors had been expected on Tuesday to call for him to be jailed on a charge of insulting Islam. Instead, judges agreed to a request by prosecutors to postpone the hearing to April 20, a day after the
election for city governor. Police had also written to prosecutors to ask for a delay over security concerns. “We think the police letter can be taken into consideration due to the matter of security,” prosecutor Ali Mukartono told the court, referring to the timing of the next hearing. The prosecution’s main reason in asking for a delay was to have more time to prepare, he said. City police last week called for the trial to be delayed until after vote because of worries that religious and ethnic tension in the city of more than 10 million people were running high. Purnama went on trial late last year after some Muslim groups objected to comments he made about his opponents’ use of the Koran in campaigning. Since then, hundreds of
thousands of Muslims, led by hardline groups, have taken to the streets to call for Purnama to be sacked, and to urge voters not to elect a non-Muslim. Some anti-Purnama protesters said they were disappointed with the delay. “This hearing was delayed deliberately until after the election ... The election, a political factor, is affecting this legal process,” said Pedri Kasman, a member of the moderate Islamic group, Muhammadiyah. Muslims make up nearly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 250 million people but there are sizeable communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and people who adhere to traditional beliefs. The state ideology, Pancasila, enshrines religious diversity in an officially secular system. Purnama has apolo-
Jakarta’s Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, walks inside the courtroom as arrives for his blasphemy trial at the auditorium of the Agriculture Ministry, in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 11. (REUTERS)
gised for his comments and denied any wrongdoing. He faces up to four years in prison if found guilty. Despite his trial, Pur-
nama enjoys strong public support because of his efforts to ease Jakarta’s chronic traffic congestion and flooding.
South Korea warns of North “provocations”
SEOul, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): South Korea’s acting president warned on Tuesday of “greater provocations” by North Korea as tension on the Korean peninsula rises over concern the North may conduct a test of its military hardware in coming days. A U.S. Navy strike group led by a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is en route to the western Pacific with talk of military action by the United States gaining traction following its strikes last week against Syria. South Korean acting President Hwang Kyoahn ordered the military to intensify monitoring of the North’s activities and to ensure close communication with the ally the United States. “It is possible the North may wage greater provocations such as a nuclear test timed with various anniversaries including the Supreme People’s Assembly,” said Hwang, acting leader since former President Park Geun-hye was removed over a graft scandal. The North convenes a Supreme People’s Assembly session on Tuesday, one of its twice-yearly sessions in which major appointments are announced and national policy goals are formally approved. Saturday is the 105th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founding father and grandfather of current ruler, Kim Jong Un. A military parade is expected in the North’s capital, Pyongyang, to mark the day. North Korea often also marks important anniversaries with tests of its nuclear or missile capabilities. The North’s foreign ministry, in a statement carried by its KCNA news agency earlier on Tuesday, said the U.S. navy strike group’s move near the Korean peninsula showed America’s “reckless moves for invading had reached a serious phase”. “We never beg for peace but we will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs in order to defend ourselves by powerful force of arms and keep to the road chosen by ourselves,” an unidentified ministry spokesman said. SANCTIONS WARNING Delegates from around the North have been arriving in Pyongyang ahead of the assembly session. They visited statues of previous leaders Kim Il Sung and his son, Kim Jong Il, state media reported. North Korea is emerging as one of the most pressing foreign policy problems facing the administration of U.S. President Donald
North Korea state media warns of nuclear strike
A North Korean soldier gestures from the North Korean side of the Yalu River towards a Chinese boat carrying tourists near Sinuiju, North Korea. (REUTERS)
Trump. North Korea has conducted five nuclear tests, two of them last year, and is working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles that can reach the United States. The Trump administration is reviewing its policy towards North Korea and has said all options are on the table, including military strikes. The U.S. Navy strike group Carl Vinson cancelled a planned trip to Australia and was moving toward the western Pacific Ocean near the Korean peninsula as a show of force, a U.S. official told Reuters over the weekend. Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, met in Florida last week and Trump pressed Xi to do more to curb North Korea’s nuclear programme. China and South Korea agreed on Monday to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea if it carried out nuclear or long-range missile tests, a senior official in Seoul said. As well as the anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth, there are several other North Korean anniversaries in April that could be opportunities for weapon tests, South Korean officials have said. The North is seen ready to conduct its sixth nuclear test at any time, with movements detected by satellites at its Punggye-ri nuclear test site.
SEOul, ApRIl 11 (REutERS): North Korean state media on Tuesday warned of a nuclear attack on the United States at any sign of a U.S. pre-emptive strike as a U.S. Navy strike group led by a nuclearpowered aircraft steamed towards the western Pacific. Tension has escalated sharply on the Korean peninsula with talk of military action by the United States gaining traction following its strikes last week against Syria and amid concerns the reclusive North may soon conduct a sixth nuclear test. North Korea’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said the country was prepared to respond to any aggression by the United States. “Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements with our nuclear sight focused on the U.S. invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theatre but also in the U.S. mainland,” it said. South Korean acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn warned of “greater provocations” by North Korea and ordered the military to intensify monitoring and to ensure close communication with the United States. “It is possible the North may wage greater provocations such as a nuclear test timed with various anniversaries including the Supreme People’s Assembly,” said Hwang, acting leader since former president Park Geun-hye was removed amid a graft scandal. The North convened a Supreme People’s Assembly session on Tuesday, one of its twice-yearly sessions in which major appointments are announced and national policy goals are formally approved. But South Korean officials took pains to quell talk in social media of an impending security crisis or
outbreak of war. “We’d like to ask precaution so as not to get blinded by exaggerated assessment about the security situation on the Korean peninsula,” Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-kyun said. Saturday is the 105th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founding father and grandfather of current ruler, Kim Jong Un. A military parade is expected in the North’s capital, Pyongyang, to mark the day. North Korea often also marks important anniversaries with tests of its nuclear or missile capabilities in breach of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad sent a message of congratulations to mark the event, lambasting “big powers” for their “expansionist” policy. “The friendly two countries are celebrating this anniversary and, at the same time, conducting a war against big powers’ wild ambition to subject all countries to their expansionist and dominationist policy and deprive them of their rights to selfdetermination,” Russian news agency Tass quote the message as saying. The North’s foreign ministry, in a statement carried by its KCNA news agency, said the U.S. navy strike group’s approach showed America’s “reckless moves for invading had reached a serious phase”. “We never beg for peace but we will take the toughest counteraction against the provocateurs in order to defend ourselves by powerful force of arms and keep to the road chosen by ourselves,” an unidentified ministry spokesman said. North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. The North regularly threatens to destroy the South and its main ally, the United States.
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WednesdAY 12•04•2017
sports
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
real's 'bbc' out to reignite spark against bayern MADRID, ApRIl 11 (ReuteRs): Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to rekindle some of the magic they once served up under Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday when they face their old coach in the latest edition of Real Madrid's rivalry with Bayern Munich. Real's 'BBC' trident enjoyed one of their most productive nights under Ancelotti the last time they were in the Allianz Arena, running riot in a 4-0 win to inflict the heaviest ever defeat on a side coached by Pep Guardiola. The expensively assembled trio have frequently been blamed by the Spanish media for Real's unconvincing attacking displays this season, however, with the team relying on other parts of the team, not least defender Sergio Ramos, for goals. The spotlight will be on the out-of-form trio in Wednesday's quarter-final first leg in Germany as Real resume their bid to become the first team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy. Bale, albeit while missed three months of action through injury, has endured his worst season since joining Real with nine goals in all competitions, while Ronaldo, with 19 in the league, is on course for his worst domestic tally since 2010. Benzema, meanwhile, has also been far less prolific in domestic matches this year but is the team's top scorer in the Champions League with five goals to only two each from his Portuguese and Welsh team mates. There will be extra pressure on the forwards because of the absence from the Real defence of the injured Pepe and Raphael Varane, while Bayern will be missing defender Mats
Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale (R) and Karim Benzema (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo. (Getty Images)
Hummels with an ankle problem. Bayern's top scorer Robert Lewandowski should be able to start, despite being forced off with a shoulder injury towards the end of the 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Games between the most successful clubs from Germany and Spain have thrown up plenty of violent scenes in the past, from Bayern goalkeeper Sepp Maier breaking Roberto Martinez's nose in 1976 to Juanito stamping on Lothar Matthaus's head in 1987. Bayern's Arjen Robben, however, thought there would be no residual hard feelings left over from the thumping his side suffered in 2014. "Not at all, it is part of the past and not important anymore, we are only interested in the future," the former Real Madrid winger told Spanish daily AS. "We are playing to reach the semi-finals against a
team of the size of Real Madrid and our objective is to progress. Nothing else interests us." - Storybook Leicester ready for hardened Atletico – Leicester City have shown a remarkable ability to defy the odds but face their sternest test yet in the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, the team they have replaced as European football's most fashionable underdogs. Before Leicester enchanted the sporting world last year with their miraculous Premier League title win, Atletico had worked similar wonders in 2014 by breaking the strangehold of Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. Now the two sides who have punched delightfully above their weight meet in the first leg in Madrid on Wednesday -- but it is Leicester who remain the European novices while
Atletico have grown into true continental heavyweights under Diego Simeone. Unlike Leicester, who after their barely believable title win experienced an emphatic downturn in results which ultimately cost coach Claudio Ranieri his job in February, there was no difficult follow-up campaign for Atletico. Charismatic coach Simeone has gone on to turn Madrid's 'other' team into perennially formidable opponents in his fiveyear tenure, taking them to two Champions League finals in the last three years and four successive quarter-finals. Atletico have also hit form just at the right time as they aim to land a first European Cup after losing in three finals (to Real in 2014 and 2016 and to Bayern Munich in 1974), winning five of their last seven games and conceding just two goals. They held La Liga lead-
ers Real to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu on Saturday. "The Champions League is the best competition in the world and it always motivates you," Atletico defender Filipe Luis told reporters on Monday. "You can really feel the good atmosphere in the team at the moment and we're feeling very confident after what we have done in our last few games. It's going to be difficult, but we're in our best form." Yet Leicester are on a similarly hot streak under Craig Shakespeare, who became the only manager alongside Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti to win his first five games in the Premier League after succeeding Ranieri. The club's long-time assistant coach also oversaw the team's elimination of another La Liga side Sevilla in the last 16, the latest of Leicester's incredible feats in the last 18 months. Shakespeare's perfect start ended with Sunday's 4-2 defeat at Everton when he fielded a heavily-rotated team with one eye clearly on Wednesday's game, in which they will be without injured captain Wes Morgan. To keep the fairytale going, Leicester must become the only other team than Real Madrid to beat Atletico in a European knockout tie since 2013 but Simeone's side have not conceded in their last eight Champions League games at the Vicente Calderon. "They have incredible fighting spirit, a real team ethic, they work hard work and they have a great counter-attack," Leicester forward Leonardo Ulloa said in an interview with Spanish daily Marca. "They have many strong points and are difficult to overcome, which makes them the type of team noone wants to face."
Sainik Sub-Junior Football C’ship concludes peRen, ApRIl 11 (Mexn): The Annual Inter-House Football Championship of Sainik School Punglwa for Sub-Junior category concluded on April 10. Played on a league cum knock-out basis, Japfu House emerged as winner edging Patkai House 3-1 via penalty after a closely contested final match. Larto Bui of Japfu House was awarded the best player of the championship. Following the event, names of the selected cadets to represent the school in the forthcoming East Zone Championship 2017 to be held in Sainik School Purulia, Larto Bui of Japfu House was awarded the best player of the championship West Bengal were announced.
Students taking oath at the Annual Sports Meet 2017 of Government High School Longkhum Village, Mokokchung District.
Argentina sack coach Bauza
BuenOs AIRes, ApRIl 11 (ReuteRs): Twice World Cup winners Argentina sacked coach Edgardo Bauza on Monday after a string of poor results in South American qualifying left them struggling to reach the 2018 finals in Russia. Media reports suggest Sevilla's Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, who has never disguised his ambition to take charge of the national team and steered neighbouring Chile to the Copa America title in 2015, will step into the vacancy. "We've reached an agreement, we've told Bauza he's ceased to be the national team coach," the Argentine FA's recently elected president Claudio Tapia told reporters after a meeting at the organisation's Buenos Aires headquarters. Argentina, whose captain Lionel Mes-
si has been banned for four matches for insulting a match official, are fifth in the South American group with four qualifiers remaining. The top four in the 10-nation group go through to the 2018 finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed country qualifies for a playoff against a team from Oceania. Bauza presided over eight matches, all 2018 World Cup qualifiers, with three wins, two draws and three defeats. If the AFA can successfully prize Sampaoli away from Sevilla at the end of the season, he would have until August 31 to prepare for Argentina's next qualifier, a tricky trip to play Uruguay in Montevideo. Tapia has announced a news conference for Tuesday to give details of Bauza's departure and his possible successor.
public discourse Kenilo Kent Lower Pezielietsie, Kohima
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t is ungodly to exploit the sake of religion for a political cause. The politics of the world is not constituted by any religious book or justifiable on the grounds of religious doctrines. Patriotism motivated with religion is a dangerous enterprise apt to be misinterpreted as Fanaticism. A movement without the will of its people is not Nationalism but organised patriotism. Nationalism is not a racial movement or a territorial conflict. Nationalism is a consciousness justified on the peoples’ right to self determination largely on account of one’s unique history, culture/tradition and political goals. To what do we attribute to, the fault in the approach towards Naga political imbroglio? In the whims of patriotism, factionalism and respite-full attitude towards the GOI, the NPGs have failed to sow the seeds of Nationalism upon the T. Inavi Jimomi
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Diphupar A
n old friend of mine from the mainland India as they say it, told me "Your dirty cratered roads and its gutters are deserving enough for some people out there to think of your people as backward, inferior and barbaric". "No" I corrected, ''the right word would be corrupted and undeveloped'', yet he went on, "that's how some of them think, I can't help it". His friend beside me asked, "Do those expensive vehicles and palatial buildings match your streets and surroundings? No, no matter how loaded, how handsome or pretty, your people have become just a bad imitation; there's no originality either; and you've set their mind that way". It was so hard and harsh, I could'nt explain my reaction; and there of course is misconception, biasness, ignorance, prejudice and majority complex issue in those statements but if some people
Naga people and, against Bertrand Russell’s view, diminished its capacity to judge the fatherland's foreign policy. It is a foremost obligation that every Naga Factions reconcile under a common banner, if not for the sake of Independence such factions are no Nationalists at all, just a syndicate of criminals exploiting the consciousness of the working class. It is undeniable that Nagas cannot afford to draw its boundaries with the blood of wars so the continual procurement of arms and militarisation is a wasteful enterprise of an extremists’ arrogance, the resources instead could be utilised to educate the Naga people on the national movement, instigate propagandas on Nationalism through publicised newsletters, magazines and pamphlets, sponsor public debates and seminars, establish libraries and institutions of learning on Naga Nationalism, researches on Naga constitutions and Judiciary, form Naga really think of us that way, any rational person should put the blame on the Government or the 'men in power' for creating such an image for us. We may in our own small way maintain our streets and drains and also take up cleanliness drive or inculcate civic sense among our people but not the whole stretch of roads after all what's the Department for. "Tell me sirs, how do you feel when you ride these roads?" it should be self-abasement. Our leaders should know that a hilly terrain like Nagaland is just a jungle if there are no roads; but a tourist resort, a garden of fruits and vegetables with good roads. So give us roads; keep it proper, and I am sure that honest, sensible, hard- working Nagas will once again be able to take care of themselves as they did in the days of yore. The Naga public are well aware that the NPF Government is still sitting on unresolved issues like PDS scam, backdoor appointments, fuel adulteration scam, non- pay-
Nationalism and the NPGs
foreign policy and build International perspective on Naga Movement: thus ushering in the rise of a Modern Pan Nationalism. Naga Nationalism lacks the attention of international bodies. It is necessary to partake in active international politics and the NPGs could initiate by emphasising its focus on the UNPO member countries asserting for similar cause, make political visits to such areas and form ties, create a global umbrella network and make its presence felt in the international platform. Nagaland is on the verge of self destruction. Asserting political liberation and neglecting the process of nation building only projects the outlook of the NPGs as sitting ducks while its heart corrodes in the measles of corruption, lawlessness and stale developmental progress apart from the menace of extortion, illegal taxation, and its
sore public relation. The NPGs cannot claim to be Nationalists without protecting the interests of the Nagas from threats within and outside. In fact the threats within have so much escalated as to at par with the greater adversary, and the inaction and the deafening silence of the NPGs only demits its credibility and its cause. Nation building is an inalienable part of Nationalism, should the NPGs start building one? It is commendable that ACAUT in its four years of existence have delivered a more positive contribution to the cause of nation building. It is logical to acknowledge that India still in its 69th year of Independence is as sensitive in its spirit of Nationalism as is Naga’s political imbroglio roughly in its 99th annum. While the former have positioned itself as a key player in global economics and es-
tablished its influence in International politics, the later managed to reel under a mysterious Framework Agreement and little in International Politics with infrequent contact to UNHRC in Geneva, UNWGIP and as one of the 42 members in the UNPO which includes District of Columbia (Washington DC), Taiwan and Tibet at The Hague. In the International perspective the staggering 92.5 % share of central taxes or grants to run Nagaland as a state equates its dependency on India’s economy, that India at the expense of its tax payers’ is willing to expend such figures and much more to ensure its integrity further emphasise the region as a grave political importance to India. Also faction-ism have destroyed its credibility projecting its image no different than multiple groups of rebels asserting for justification for the world to
To the men in power
ment of salaries, CAG report on financial misappropriation in major Departments of the state, the Rongmei Tribe Recognition issue, the Municipal election issue, quite a load to break a sober head or an ego but not a thick skull who'd say "NPF will come to power in the next election", another said, "GOI respects us" (performance wise, are we deserving?), still another said, "NPF will be in power even during the coming of Christ". Talk of arrogance and that's the height of it, some would still say, that's irreverent and a kiddish stuff, which you know, is devoid of wisdom and if you think it's a prophesy, it does'nt have to be wise or true always. How can we be so brash and proud? We cannot afford to be that self complacent, self conceited and ignorant of our State's state, which you know is the most dependent State in India with 92.5% dependence and 7.5%
contribution. Sirs, you may pretend to greatness, you may even win in the next election with your money but the truth will find you someday. And if sometime, you do good to some, whose memory you think are short, it's not pleasant to be reminded often nor is it advantageous when you continue to 'show off' for it darkens your other virtues. Having positive attitude is great but people with higher esteem of themselves are a pain and an irritation to all those around them, there I go preaching, sorry, after all who am I, but then who cares for all those nitty gritties, for our voters understand the language of 'money given' not where it comes from; to whom it should go to; how it should be utilised and what great things it can do for us and our State. But judging by the outcry and claims of Rights by the people in the last few months, we do have a glim-
mer of hope and this should be a strong signal to our leaders, that recklessness, corruption, ignorance, arrogance, wrong commission, outrageous speech and action shall no longer be tolerated or spared. Sullen, is what our leaders have become in the last few days, I guess it's the Deficit and Liabilities incurred, which indeed is a worrisome sight for any Legislator to ponder over or to spend sleepless nights wondering where the election expense would come and a little thought for the Department and the people but folks, let's bear with him the folly of loving 'self' before 'duty to serve'. Whatever the reason, the one person among the few awake during the last Assembly Session was Mhonlumo Kikon, may God bless him if the NPF does'nt. But Sirs, if you cannot cope with the present situation or do something about the 'sor-
consider Nagas’ case no specific subject of interest. In face of escalated conflict few nations will risk their relationship over India’s alleged ‘internal affairs’, at best in the refuge of political asylum the NPGs could take India to the ICC for the many war crimes of the past. Marx and Engels saw nationalism as a 'false consciousness', an inception of illusion in the working class from revolting against oppression by the capitalist class: perhaps a consciousness now vastly exploited by the corrupt few surfing upon a pool of peace and economic packages dispensed by the GOI? Naga Nationalism which emerged against the GOI’s control over Naga inhabited areas is at present a vicious reprisal continually sustained by extortion, illegal taxation and faction-ism at the expense of blinded soldiers shooting in the dark. What was then the Naga Nationalist Movement have now depreciated to polarised nationalism based on fac-
tions and tribes loosely swinging from Racial to Religious and Territorial Movement. In the end for the vast majority of the common Nagas life must go on with or without the various Factions: largely seen as the usual hindrances to social and economic transactions, and its cause a corroded tribal sensation, even a reprisal that will lose impetus with time and are least bothered to their cause. It is time the NPGs reform its approach to the Naga political imbroglio, build a strong public relation, reframe its image and restore the morality of its people. Only then in the right-while a generation of leaders- entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, doctors, professors, thinkers, writers, artists and other nation builders along with the rest of the Nagas will rise in the spirit of Nationalism and make a new difference. Perhaps establish our rightful national identity. Alone we can do little, together we can do so much.
ry state of affairs' the better informed and educated generation will rate you as 'corrupted', 'incapable', 'non-performing so called leader in days to come, no did-dums or notoriety will help anymore. The vulnerable less educated, less-informed and the innocent poor who forms the majority of the electorate are usually blamed for the nuisance and all the trouble during elections but Sirs, they really are not all bad except for few, they will vote for one 'who gives first' or the one 'who gives more' and few again takes from all candidates; they will forgive you of all your previous shortcomings and what nots for you know, you've succeeded in bringing them to such a desperate state of 'now or never'. Then who's to blame, 'the giver' or 'the taker'?, to me, it's the giver (candidate) for he is suppose to be more qualified, educated, better informed, better placed and therefore more responsible. Those who 'stand' or 'work for' 'clean election' deserve nothing less than 'pure appre-
ciation' but while educating the common public should concentrate more on people who wield power; are at the helm of power; who lead the people and the culprits, the people who depend on 'money power'. Sirs, great people are remembered not for their wealth but for what they give without expecting return; great people are remembered even long after they are gone for their good deeds; great leaders remain even after their death for their ordinances still governs; great leaders are leaders who do not bow to power to gain power and riches; great leaders are those who leave good track for the ones who follow; great leaders are those who have visions for the future; good leaders are those who can protect/claim his people's right or share and make use of it judiciously; good leaders are those who remain true to himself and his people. No offence intended, I only pray that our leaders possess some of these qualities.
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.
Wednesday 12•04•2017
Morung Express News
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three day long flower exhibition cum competition under the aegis of Nagaland Flower Growers Society (NFGS) in collaboration with the department of Horticulture got underway here today at The Heritage (Old DC’s Bungalow). NFGS has been actively involved in floral decorations in almost all the main events of the government like the Republic day, Independence Day, Hornbill festival etc. The event, to go on till April 13, featured different categories of the competition such as Cacti and Succulents, Indigenous Foliage and flowers, Bulbs and Tubers, Orchids (Indigenous), Orchids (hybrid), Bonsai, Perennial, Annuals and Biennials, Flower arrangements (Fresh), Flower arrangement (Dry). Gracing the inaugural function, Alan Gongmei,
EntErtainmEnt
secretary horticulture Nagaland lauded the organizer and said that such events will encourage the flower growers in the state and enhance the ability to compete with others. Flowers are integral part of our life and it is used in all important celebrations like festivals, weddings and religious worships, he added. He commented that floriculture in India has emerged as an economically viable diversification option in the Indian agribusiness and has captured the interests of many new entrepreneurs into agriculture sector in recent times. The cultivation and export of floriculture products have received considerable interest in recent years from the policy makers, researches, agricultural and horticultural planners due to the sector's potential in employment, income and export generation. Gonmei said that recognizing
the potential of floriculture, the Government of India has identified floriculture as a sunrise industry and accorded it 100% export oriented status. He also said that India is the second largest producer of floriculture and Roses after China with the area of 2,33000ha. He said that commercial floriculture in Nagaland received attention very late in comparison to the other States and it was just a housewife's activity in the confines of their homes up till 2005, when the Department of Horticulture through the HMNEH Scheme introduced commercial floriculture. From there on, this sector has gone on to become one of the most successful sectors in Horticulture and the State is today known for its quality cut flowers across the Country, he added. He went on to say that it is also a matter of great satisfaction that floricul-
ture has changed the lives of many housewives, entrepreneurs and unemployed youths and there are numerous success stories that bear witness to this fact. He felt that the future of Floriculture in the State is rosy and may well be the Sunrise Industry of the State which needs to be tapped to its full potential for providing employment, generating revenue and income for an economically sound Naga society. The programme was chaired by NFGS assistant general secretary Meyievino Theluo while welcome address was delivered by NFGS president Akruzo Putsure. The inaugural function was followed by high school level fresh flowers arrangement competition. Fresh cut flowers, tools and implements, manures, flower seeds, plants etc have also been made available for sale. (With inputs from DIPR)
Katy Perry apologises to Ryan Phillippe
A The Finalist is back with the release of the cover song of ‘Kahan ho tum’ by Bombay
Vikings. The band has also informed that it had added Liviho Swu as a new member. Liviho is one of the finalists of the Naga Hindi Voice season 3. The song is available for view and downloading on YouTube at https://youtu.be/O16Ut40jUXY
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fter actor Ryan Phillippe put rumours of dating Katy Perry to rest, the pop diva has apologised to him for the embarrassing situation. The 32-year-old songstress took to Twitter to rubbish the claims and said it was nice to meet the "Catch Hell" actor at Elton John’s birthday party last month. "Hi, nice to meet you, sorry about that @RyanPhillippe carry on, lol," tweeted Perry. Phillippe had refuted reports which claimed that he and the "Roar" singer were in a relationship, by tweeting in all caps, "I AM NOT DATING KATY PERRY. BARELY KNOW HER. PLEASE STOP FLYING HELICOPTERS OVER MY HOUSE. SHE IS NOT HERE." Perry broke up with actor Orlando Bloom in February after dating him for less than a year. While, Phillippe and his ex-fiancee Paulina Slagter split in November after being together for five years. Source: PTI
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Peter Andre wants his daughter to become a nun
he 32-year-old actress first made a name for herself in Hollywood in 2008 movie Slumdog Millionaire. Shortly after the Oscarwinning movie was released, it was claimed that Freida had been offered the role of a Bond girl in an upcoming 007 movie, but had turned it down. During an appearance on U.K. breakfast program Lorraine on Monday (10Apr17), Freida set the record straight about
T
he 44-year-old pop star has joked he is eager for his daughter Princess, nine - whose mother is former glamour model Katie Price to ultimately live a life of chastity and obedience as part of a religious community. Peter quipped: ''I tell her she is going to be a nun anyway so she knows that. I said, 'you can think what you like', but you are going to be a nun - I've shown her a couple of churches on the way to school.'' Peter who also has Junior, 11, with ex-wife Katie, as well as three-year-old
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t h e showbiz gossip. "Actually, that's a rumour. It's not true at all," she said when host Lorraine Kelly addressed the report. "I'm putting that to rest - it's a total rumour! I think what happens is, I'd just come onto the scene with Slumdog Millionaire and what I hear is that any actress, or any actor, who just gets their first bit of fame, the Bond rumour is almost like an initiation ceremony... 'This rumour must happen!'" Since Slumdog shot her to worldwide fame, Freida has starred in movies such as Rise of the Planet of the Apes and TV shows including the upcoming drama Guerrilla, alongside Babou Ceesay and Idris Elba. Source: new-magazine.co.uk
Kylie Jenner gets her own reality TV show
he 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star has signed a new deal with E! to appear in and executive produce the eightpart docuseries 'Life of Kyle'. Speaking about the show, Kylie, 19, said: ''The last couple years have been such an incredible journey with the support of my fans. This show will allow me to give them a peek inside all of the exciting things I am working on as well as some personal time with friends.'' Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Programming & Development, E! added: ''Kylie's beauty, business savvy and fashion icon status have made her one of the most famous and successful young woman on the planet. Kylie has achieved so much at such a young age and we know the E! audience will be thrilled now that she is ready to share an inside look at her everyday life.'' According to E!, the show will give fans an insight into all aspects of Kylie's life. The network said in a statement: ''The show will follow Jenner as she navigates her unique life as an entrepreneur, fashion designer, author, television star, style icon and CEO/Founder of Kylie Cosmetics. '''Life of Kylie' will document not only how she spends her professional time but also her personal time, including hanging out with close friend Jordyn Woods. Kylie's mother and manager Kris Jenner will also serve as Executive Producer, alongside Ryan Seacrest. 'Life of Kylie' will be produced by Bunim/Murray Productions and Ryan Seacrest Productions. Source: Contactmusic
daughter Amelia and four-month-old son Theodore with his current wife Emily MacDonagh revealed he's already shown his daughter what she'll be wearing when she does eventually become a nun. He told the Daily Star newspaper: ''She rolls her eyes but I've told her she will love it. I've even shown her a picture of a habit that she can wear but she isn't keen on that.'' Peter said, too, that he is determined to see his children attend university, insisting he takes their education very seriously.
Source: Contactmusic
Simon Cowell 'believes he merits a knighthood'
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imon Cowell thinks he deserves a knighthood, according to David Walliams. The 57-year-old music mogul stars alongside David on 'Britain's Got Talent' and the 45-year-old comedian has claimed Simon is frustrated to have not already been bestowed with the prestigious honour by the royal family. He said: ''Simon definitely thinks he should have a knighthood. I don't know why, I don't know what he thinks he's done. Maybe by just being famous for long enough. ''What he doesn't realise is you have to do something positive, you can't just spread evil and think that you'll get one. So I think he's a bit peeved about it.'' But David is relieved it hasn't happened yet, because he is dreading the prospect of referring to the TV star as Sir Simon, which would become his official title if he were knighted. David reflected: ''I think he thinks he was going to get one at one stage. Who knows, though it would be annoying to have to call him Sir Simon. I wouldn't like that, so I really hope it doesn't happen.'' Source: Contactmusic
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Wednesday 12•04•2017
SPORTS
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Pressure mounts on Wenger after Arsenal capitulate to Crystal Palace
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Andros Townsend opens the scoring for Crystal Palace. (Getty Images)
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LONDON, ApriL 11 (reuters): Arsene Wenger faced a barrage of criticism from former players, supporters and the media after his team's 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Monday night, as his 20-year reign as Arsenal manager looked increasingly shaky. The defeat, their fourth in a row away from home and Wenger's first to Palace, left Arsenal sixth in the table and likely to miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time under the Frenchman. But it was the team's
limp performance that critics rounded on, with former Arsenal striker Ian Wright posting on Twitter that the "dressing room is lost". Video footage on social media showed Arsenal fans surrounding the team bus after the game and hurling abuse at Wenger and some of the players. Inside the ground, dejected Arsenal fans raised banners calling for the 67-year-old and chanted "Arsene Wenger, we want you to go". They also targetted the players, singing
"you're not fit to wear the shirt". Some booed Spanish full-back Hector Bellerin when he came over to applaud them after the final whistle. The 22-year-old has become a target for some supporters, who earlier in the game refused to return the ball to him after it went out of play. Captain Theo Walcott apologised to fans after Arsenal conceded three goals for a fourth consecutive away league game, and acknowledged: "you could sense from the kickoff that
[Palace] wanted it more". "How can that possibly be?" said former Liverpool player and Sky TV pundit Jamie Carragher. "It looks like the Arsenal players have chucked it. Four games on the bounce conceding three in all of them, putting in a performance like that." Carragher drew parallels with Jose Mourinho's final game in charge of Chelsea, a 2-1 defeat to Leicester in December 2015 that prompted his sacking. British newspapers
speculated that the defeat at Palace could seal Wenger's fate. The Times said Arsenal were "outwitted, outclassed, outdated. Time should be up for Arsene Wenger". Wenger again stonewalled questions about his future, claiming it would be "inconvenient to speak about me". He is though under intense pressure to say whether he intends to stay when his contract expires this summer. Monday's game was watched by Arsenal chiefexecutive Ivan Gazidis, who is in discussions with Wenger over his future. Earlier in the day Alisher Usmanov, who owns a 30 per cent stake in the club, told Bloomberg that Wenger should be retained in some capacity and consulted over his successor. Monday's capitulation by a team that looked devoid of leadership, may force the issue. All five teams above Arsenal won over the weekend and the club's only chance of silverware this season is in the FA Cup, with a tricky semi-final against Manchester City coming up later this month. Another unwanted first under Wenger could be finishing below secondplaced Tottenham Hotspur in the league for the first time since 1994-95. Fourteen points now separate them, with Spurs on a sixgame winning run. For years Arsenal fans have savoured St Totteringham's Day, the point where it is mathematically impossible for Spurs to finish above them in the table. But the north London power shift means it is Spurs' supporters who eagerly await Arsenal's next league away game - a visit to White Hart Lane on Apr. 30.
Nagaland enters MP Verma final DimApur, ApriL 11 (mexN): Team Nagaland created history by entering the final of the 6th All India M.P. Verma Invitation Unity Cup Cricket Cup 2017 being played at Patna. A half century from Hokaito and some neat spin bowling helped Nagaland register a comprehensive 93 run-victory over Manipur in the semifinal. Nagaland will take on Jharkhand XI in the final on April 12 in a day night match which start at 2:00 pm. Earlier, Team Nagaland electing to bat
put on a score of 220 runs in 40 overs. Hokaito (75 runs) was assisted by Nagaho (38 runs) and Tahmeed Rahman (31). Manipur were then bowled out for just 127 runs in 31 overs. The Manipur team could not withstand the spin bowling of Team Nagaland and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. At one stage, Manipur was reduced to 56/6 before the tail-enders labored to a respectable total. For Nagaland, spinners Imliwati and Tahmeed returned with figures of 3/17 and 3/20 respectively.
Mokokchung lifts Veteran Football Trophy Our Correspondent Phek | April 11
Mokokchung today lifted the coveted trophy of the 8th Nagaland Veteran Football Tournament 2017. Mokokchung emerged as the champion after edging Wokha via tie-break 4-3. Kohima won third place after defeat-
ing Tuensang 2-0 in the 3rd and 4th place play-off. MLA Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honour. It may be recalled that the tournament, hosted by Phek District Veteran Football Association was started on April 7 last.
Royals, Giants, High Flyers win in T20 Bash
Man of the match Imomenba with Lhouzotuo-u, president NPF women wing 10th Northern Angami-I Our Correspondent Kohima | April 11
Peraciezie Royals, Lower Bayavii Giants, Zienuobadze High Flyers today registered wins in their respective matches at the ongoing 4th edition of 10-Northern Angami -1 T20 Bash 2017 being held under the aegis of Brotherhood Group at KVC Ground, Ziekezou. In the first match of the day, Peraciezie Royals edged Mission Dukes by 7 runs. Khriesamhalie of Royals was declared man of the match.
In the first quarter finals, Lower Bayavii Giants overwhelmed North Block Warriors by 8 wickets. Giants’ Imomenba was declared man of the match. In the 2nd quarter finals, Zienuobadze High Flyers beat Lower L. Khel Vikings by 46 runs. Anga of High Flyers was declared as man of the match. APRIL 12 MAtcHEs D. Khel United vs Mission Dukes @ 9:00 am Peraciezie Royals vs Middle Bayavii Lions @ 1:00 pm
Sunrisers beat MRH in Morning Premier League
Players of MRH Sunrisers and MRH FC at the ongoing Morning Premier League 2017 Season 3 in Kohima on April 11. Our Correspondent
ongoing Morning Premier League 2017 Season Kohima | April 11 3 here. Defending champions Asat of MRH SunrisMRH Sunrisers today de- ers opened the scoring feated MRH FC 3-1 in the in the 15th minute before
Talisunep increased the tally in the 26th minute. Asu then pulled a goal back for MRH FC in the 34th minute to offer some hope of redemption.
However, there would be no equalizer as Chuba slotted home in the 57th minute to help the defending champions secure a convincing win.
Students of Eastern Christian School, Kiphire participate in various activities during the two-day Annual Sports Meet on April 11. Merci Francis Tongpi, administrator declared the sports open where she asked the students to respect one another as self discipline is the key for any success. (Morung Photo)
Kohli eyes comeback against Mumbai Indians New DeLhi, ApriL 11 (pti): India captain Virat Kohli dropped hints that he may just make a return from injury in Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL encounter against Mumbai Indians on April 14. Kohli posted a video
on his instagram account of his gym session. He was seen doing a weightlifting clean and jerk drill. The effortlessly that he was seen lifting weights is an indicator that he is slowly and surely regaining full strength in his shoulders.
"Can't wait to get back onto the field. Almost there now?????? 14th April?" his post although had a question mark which means that his return is still not 100 percent confirmed. Kohli injured his shoulder while fielding during
the third Test against Australia at Ranchi. He subsequently missed the fourth Test in Dharamsala. Kohli has time and again said that Indian cricket is his primary focus and he would only be back when he is 120 percent fit.
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