April 22nd, 2016

C M Y K

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

FriDAY • APriL 22 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 109 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Language failed me very often, but then, the substitute for me was silence, but not violence — Elie Wiesel Manchester United, Liverpool fire European hopes

‘State Govt committed to fight corruption’

More than 100 feared dead in heat wave PAGE 08

PAGE 02

PAGE 12

earTh Day 2016: Trees for The earTh

‘At the pace humans are plundering Earth; it will no longer be able to regenerate itself’ Vishü Rita Krocha

The land-holding, jhum and logging vortex

Kohima | April 21

Planet Earth is currently losing over 15 billion trees each year due to deforestation, land development, and bad forest management, which is roughly 48 football fields every minute.

Earth Day, which began as an environmental movement in 1970, pertinently has “Trees for the Earth” as its theme this year-today.

In 2014, Dr. Tolto Metha, Team Member of Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, started an awareness campaign on Facebook under the banner, “Save the Trees in Nagaland” to provoke thoughts and interest among the people on the various aspects of depleting our oldest natural resource in the state- Trees.

In the last couple of years, the Page has garnered the support of over 5000 people.

On Nagaland scenario, Dr. Tolto Metha attributed the rampant deforestation and destruction of trees to the lucrative Timber business and burning of jungle.

“These eco-unfriendly activities have to be minimized and stopped ultimately if we are to breathe cleaner air, drink cleaner water and live longer,” Metha said.

reflecTions

By Sandemo Ngullie

Imkong Walling

T

Two men, one with a two-man saw, another with a gun survey the landscape- made barren by jhum cultivation and logging- looking for prospects of timber in Tuensang district. Jhum and logging are the major contributing factors for the diminishing forest cover in Nagaland. (Photo: Imojen Jamir)

Stating that, “Trees are the lungs of our planet”, he said, “if we go on destroying them, we’ll be left choking one fine day, and I tell you, at this rate, we are nowhere far from perdition.”

Environmentalist and

Wholesalers may contact

CITIZEN UMBRELLA MANUFACTURER LTD. H.O.: 147, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kolkata-7 Ph. No. 033-2268-1396, 2271-2152 Fax : (033) 2271-2151 E-mail : citizenkolkata@gmail.com

One drown at Zingki River KIPHIRE, APRIL 21 (MExN): One Tsulimthong Tikhir, aged around 29 drowned at Zingki River near Kiusam hanging bridge, Kiphire district on April 20 evening. The deceased who hail from Antonger Village under Kiphire district was serving as a Graduate Teacher at GHS Kiusam.

District Administration, Police were assisted by well-wishers in the search operation. The body could be retrieved only late at night and was taken to his native place. It could not be ascertained why the deceased had gone to the river since he was reportedly alone at the time of the occurrence of the tragic incident.

less development and consumerism.

“At the pace, we humans are plundering Earth, it will no longer be able to regenerate itself,” Dr Mizo apprehended while adding that if people, governments

and societies of today do not take cognizance of this, the future of humanity will certainly be gloomy.

In this regard, he highlighted on the new understanding of the concept of sustainable development

he right over land in Nagaland is single-mindedly traditional with the individual owner exerting greater control than the government. It has to a considerable extent contributed to unregulated clearing of forest for cultivation, timber and firewood.

Out of the recorded forest area of 8629 square kms in Nagaland (as per state government record), just over a thousand square kms is designated as under government control. Around 2842 square kms of the 7621 square kms of forest in private or village control is already ‘degraded’ as designated by the Forests department, while the remaining area of 4778 square kms is designated as ‘virgin.’

According to observations of foresters, who have spent years on the field, contrary to perceived notion, area covered by primary forests has extensively diminished. Government controlled Intangki National Park was quoted as an instance.

The foresters noted that a large tract of the Park is noticeably intact, yet its periphery touching the plains of Dimapur and Assam is already degraded, exposed to biotic pressure. Puliebadze Wild Life Sanctuary, Kohima and Minkong protected forest in Mokokchung are already that portends to not only sustainable usage of resources but also safeguard the earth’s life support system.

“This is an idea, an ethic that needs to be imbibed and embraced by all and particularly by the policy

makers,” he urged.

He further pointed out that Nagaland is a part of the fragile lower Himalayan region, which is why, the impact of climate change and other environmental problems are bound to be severe

due to these.

As tribal societies who have lived in close association with nature for centuries, Mizo asserted that it is nothing short of a cultural obligation to safeguard and protect the environment.

Rengma Hoho demands Mélange 2016: Colors of Sumi cultural heritage marks day one creation of Tseminyu District Morung Express News

DIMAPUR, APRIL 21 (MExN): The Rengma Hoho has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister of Nagaland demanding the creation of Tseminyu subdivision into a district.

The Hoho said successive state governments have neglected it since its inception.

“The Tseminyu sub-division, headquarter of the Rengma tribe and the oldest administrative centre “In a dog eat dog world. You in Nagaland has been negotta be a dog to survive.” glected by the State of Nagaland since the inception of attaining statehood,” stated the memo released to the media here by the Kenyuseng Tep, president, Rengma Hoho.

Asserting that the Rengmas had played an active CITIZEN UMBRELLA

Assistant Professor, University of Delhi, Dr. Robert Mizo expressed concern that planet Earth is reaching a point where humans will be unable to carry the unbridled anthropogenic activities aimed at mind-

Dimapur | April 21

degraded. A lack of conclusive survey to assess the level of degeneration is further allowing primary forest cover to recede.

In Nagaland, jhum cultivation is attributed as the single most contributing factor to degradation of forests. Increased pressure on land fed by a growing demand for food and firewood has given way to shortening of the jhum cycle.

While shifting cultivation is partly to blame, a greater danger is posed by logging either regulated or illicit. In most cases, logging areas are abandoned after the extraction, left to remain bare.

Jhum lands are known to follow a natural regeneration cycle but it is rare for forests falling prey to logging to regenerate.

Aforestation programmes do exist but success stories are scarce. Nurturing a sapling is just as important as planting one.

India State of Forest Report 2015 reported that there has been a net decline of 628 sq km in the forest cover since 2013 in the North East. The loss is more than the total area of Mumbai city.

Among the NE States, Mizoram has recorded the highest decrease in forest of 307 sq km, followed by Nagaland (– 78 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (–73 sq km), Tripura (– 55 sq km), while Sikkim recorded a forest cover loss of 1 sq km. The main reason for this decrease is attributed to the biotic pressure and shifting cultivation in the region.

part in the process of political and administrative system and creation of Nagaland State with two members from the community in the interimbody, the Hoho however lamented that they are being “deprived and suppressed by successive government since the inception of the Nagaland state.”

Since the time of British India, the Rengmas have had a separate (bench court) administrative centre and have contributed enormously in the political journey of the Nagas, it said and maintained that like any other tribe, they have the right for an own district, “to decide our own future politically, socially and economically.”

Zunheboto | April 21

The much awaited ‘Mélange 2016’ started today with the flagging off of the festival torch by the Zunheboto Town Youth Organization (ZTYO) convenor L. Holuto Ayemi from Zunheboto Town Council gate, Amiphoto colony and the lighting of the festival torch by Dr. Awoto Yeptho, ZTYO president at local ground, Zunheboto town.

The opening ceremony saw the welcoming of the ‘Father of the Festival’, Hovishe Arkha, who congratulated the ZTYO for their efforts in organizing such a grand festival and encouraged the youths to work for the uplift of the Sumi society in general and the Sumi youths in particular. He further took the opportunity to stress on the “segregation” prevalent in the town and said that the people should be united and no division should be made on religious

Youths from different colonies of Zunheboto town compete in the traditional Ko-karting known as ‘Asu Kukulu Pokuxu’ in Sema dialect at the Melange festival. Photo Courtesy: Toino S. Rotokha

grounds.

Mélange 2016 is one platform through which the people can be united and a platform where the youths will learn about their cultural heritage, he added.

The first day of the festival saw a host of cultural events, which included traditional games and sports, and the opening of the stalls. Pito Achumi, who won the first prize at the best traditional at-

Flash floods create panic in Tuli town

Severe storm lashes parts of Nagaland

Morung Express News Dimapur | April 21

Residents of Tuli town under Mokokchung district were panic-struck on Thursday following flash floods- a result of swelling of Milak River and its tributaries- and inundating houses and roads.

Most of the low-lying areas of Tuli area were flooded, causing large-scale damage to plantation and crops. The cause of the flashflood was attributed to incessant rain in most part of Mokokchung district during the last few days.

SDO (C) Tuli, Arikumba told The Morung Express that several houses in the low-lying areas were submerged, forcing the residents to vacate their homes. In particular, Patizung ward at Tuli and Paola Ward at Tzudikong were the two worst affected areas. The flood also caused temporary suspension

A submerged area of Tuli town area on Thursday.

of vehicular movements along a section of the National Highway 61.

Arikumba said at least 35 houses have been submerged by the flash floods. No loss of human lives and properties were reported. The river has subsided as of now but we are taking every precaution, he

added.

The SDO also expressed confidence that the public and the administration were prepared for any eventuality adding that post the 2005 flood incident, public are made regularly aware of such eventualities and also given training.

The Tuli flashfloods in May

2005 had swept away nearly three hundred houses in various parts of Tuli town.

Akum O Tzudir, a Tuli citizen, said Thursday’s flash flood was first noticed around 5am in the morning. The public along with the administration has since been working overtime to ensure safety of the

town people.

Tzudir informed that many families residing in the low-lying areas are making alternative arrangements elsewhere as precautionary measure. He was however apprehensive of a more severe situation if the downpour in the upper part of Mokokchung district does not stop.

Meanwhile, an official of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said the department was taking stock of the situation and was at hand to intervene any time if the need arises.

In related incidents, the NDSMA official also informed that three children were injured in a storm that occurred during the last 24 hours at Ukha Village in Mon. They are already admitted to Mon District Hospital and given proper medical attention, he said.

Several roofs were also reportedly blown away in Lungwa village in Mon district while there were also reports of severe storm in Peren district.

tire contest, flashed a smile when asked if he knows the value and of the various ornaments that he was displaying on him.

“I really did not know much about the traditional attires, but thanks to the contest and to Mélange 2016, I am now very much aware, Achumi said.

The various traditional games for boys and girls alike were organized with the aim of reviving the traditional and cultural heritage of the forefathers.

Other highlights of the ceremony included presentation of the festival anthem, folk song presentation by Cornerstone Higher Secondary school and war dance from Bloom Field School. Event Director, Vinoka K. Rotokha initiated the oath taking ceremony after which the father of the festival declared the festival open.

Mélange 2016 is a part of the “Awake Zunheboto” campaign of the ZTYO and it is being celebrated under the theme “Being Sumi”.

WSSU propose IISERC transit camp in Niuland town DIMAPUR, APRIL 21 (MExN): The Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) has urged the Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education to set up a temporary transit camp for Indian Institute of Science Education & Research Centre (IISERC) as the institute is supposed to commence its 2016-17 academic session.

In a representation, WSSU president Nito Achumi, and general secretary Angukato Yeptho ardently felt that temporary transit camp would be required for running the institute for the time being while infrastructural development is in progress at the proposed site at Hovukhu Village under Niuland sub-division.

The student body has suggested that the temporary transit camp be set up at Niuland Town, an administrative unit headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) where “all round environment is conducive for running the institute.” While endorsing the proposition, the WSSU has assured its fullest co-operation to ensure all round convenience.

2

friDAY 22•04•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘State Govt committed to fight corruption’ State Level Workshop & Consultation

Home Minister addresses Civil Services Day Celebration Morung Express News Kohima | April 21

The inaugural programme for the Civil Service Day celebration on April 21 and 22 was held at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima with Y. Patton, Home Minister as the chief guest. The two day celebration will hold technical sessions on the motivational talk on communitisation and functioning of village development board.

Highlighting the reason for observation of Civil Services Day, Patton stated that the members should rededicate and re-commit themselves to the service of the people, to which cause they had committed themselves on joining the service and that the celebration should also provide an opportunity for introspection and for chalking out future strategies to deal with new and emerging challenges posed by the changing times.

“The State Government is committed to fight corruption and to bring about peace and all round development in the State,” said Patton who urged the civil servants to contribute their best, to be honest and fearless in carrying out their duties and in advising supe-

Y. Patton, Home Minister addresses the Civil Service Day celebration on April 21. (DIPR Photo)

rior authorities including the political leadership.

Nagaland has the highest ratio of government servants to population which is about 1:15. Patton stated a major concern over bogus and fictitious employees and the non-plan expenditure which continues to mount every year leaving the government to undertake very less development works for the people. Salaries and pensions consume 60 % of the non-plan expenditures minus debt servicing, stated Patton who further exhorted the government officials present to examine their attitude and commitment to their job, and

their basic motivation in daily work. “Are you in the civil service just to get a better position in life?

Do you start complaining and getting discouraged just because you do not get positing of your choice.

Or are you in the habit of seeking political influence for the posting of your choice?” questioned the Home Minister.

Lauding the theme of technical session which focuses on communitization, Patton stated that communitization is an innovative product of Nagaland in the area of decentralization of government functions and responsibilities which has been widely hailed as

a very successful experiment and even won a UN award at the international level. Patton hoped that the session will throw light on the success as well as problems of communitization in Nagaland during the past decade or so and further deliberate on ways to overcome those problems and drawbacks.

“Since communitization is our own brain child, carrying our unique brand name and identity, we all have to work hard for its success. If it fails the reputation of Nagaland will be at stake,” asserted Patton.

The program was chaired by Temjen Toy, IAS Principal Secretary to CM, Finance Commissioner, P & AR and Sericulture Department while the opening remarks was given by Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Nagaland. During the inaugural the Personal Information & Management System (PIMS) was inaugurated. Pankaj Kumar stated that PIMS covers the entire government departments where the details of 1.2 lakh employees both regular and other category are registered in the database. PIMS will link the database with the Finance Department database to increase the efficiency of government and reduce the errors, mentioned Kumar.

The Website of P & AR Department was released along with the Civil List, 2016 in the website and compendium of important office memoranda notification.

on Human Trafficking conducted

KOHIMA, APRIL 21 (DIPR): A State Level Workshop and Consultation on Human Trafficking with special emphasis on commercial sexual exploitation and child labour was held at Police Headquarter Kohima on April 21 organized

by Anyay Rahit Zindagi and State Resource Centre for Women in collaboration with Nagaland Police supported by the Terres Des Homes, Netherlands.

The chief patron and DGP Nagaland, LL Doungel IPS in his addressed said that in this world there is no place without problem, everybody has a problem and all of us have a responsible for it. Doungel said that with the cooperation of public and the police personnel the cases of human trafficking have been reduced comparing to the previous years. He also stated that police personnel are also a part of society, so he encouraged the gathering to extend their support in order to tackle human trafficking.

DIGP (HR&SJ) W. Krome IPS who also spoke in the workshop said that human trafficking can hap-

pen anywhere; therefore the department has set up human trafficking protection centre in all the district of Nagaland. He encouraged the general public to come and report as and when the problem arises.

Mission Director, State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), Daisy Mezhür in her key note address, said that Nagaland is the first state to launched ambassador for girl child –Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Daisy said that North Eastern region has become hotspot of human trafficking activities where even in Nagaland human trafficking cases is reported. Mezhur stated that “9000 children from eastern Nagaland had been exploited in the form of earning.” She appraised the gathering to come together and work collectively to reduce this problem.

The resource persons spoke on the following topics - ‘action taken and challenges faced in combating human trafficking’, ‘Concept clarity about human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation situation of child labour in the

state and the mechanism to curb it’, ‘child labour, laws and impact on children’, ‘legal mechanism in the state to curb human trafficking’, ‘laws relating to human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation situation of human trafficking and the challenges faced in rehabilitation process in Nagaland’ and ‘experience of working with commercial sex workers from health perspective’.

The resource persons were W. Krome IPS, DIGP (HR & S.J), Arun Pandey, Director ARZ & Member, Standing Committee on Anti Human Trafficking of MWCD, Government of India, Er. L. Nungshiyanger Aier, Labour Commissioner, Labour Department, C.J George, Consultant, Terres Des Hommes, Germany, Nino Iralu, Member Secretary, Nagaland Legal Services Authority, Jayant Paunikar, OSD, WCD, Maharastra, Raitaliu, Society Director, State Child Protection Society and Dr. Vinito Chishi, Consultant, Legislature Forum on AIDS Nagaland, Legislative Assembly.

RD block Kohima observes birth PHK observes Pochury Day in Kohima anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar Our Correspondent Kohima | April 21

Vihesanuo Solo, BDO Kohima addresses the gathering on celebration of 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar-cum- National Panchayat Day on April 21 at Kohima Village. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent untouchability and caste re- lated the Kohima village Kohima | April 21

The Rural Development (RD) Block Kohima today celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar-cum- National Panchayat Day here at Kohima Village Council (KVC) hall.

Konei Nakhro, assistant professor, department of Political Science, Kohima College spoke on the life of Dr. B.R Ambedkar and the significance of the 73rd Amendment 1992 which brought into force the Panchayati Raj to promote rural development, foster farmers’ welfare and enhance the livelihood of the poor.

Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was one of the architects of the Indian Constitution.

He was a well-known politician and an eminent jurist. Ambedkar’s effort to eradicate the social evils like

strictions were remarkable.

The leader, throughout his life, fought for the rights of the downtrodden and other socially backward classes.

He was appointed as the Nation’s first law minister after Independence. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour in 1990. “ D r. A m b e d k a r ’s thoughts and ideas are of even greater relevance in the context of today’s resurgent India which is poised for a stronger economy, industrial diversification and skill development, empowerment of women and guarantee for the socially vulnerable classes, a world of equal opportunities,” stated a brochure brought out jointly by social welfare and RD department Nagaland.

Chairing the programme, Vihesanuo Solo, Block Development Officer (BDO), Kohima congratu-

for having been declared as one of the best performing VDB’s in the district.

She also encouraged them to continue with the good works for the welfare of the people.

Nokcharenla Longchar, DPO, social welfare department and Imnatuba Jamir, JE, Kohima Block, RD department made presentation of the departmental activities.

Kohima Village Council (KVC) chairman Medoselhou Keretsü shared greetings while Ruokuoneisa, VDB Member Kohima Village highlighted the village activities.

Village Council members, VDB members, representatives from KVGOK, KMK, KVYO, KVSU, GB’s of different Khels and elders from Kohima village attended the programme. The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Imkongsangla Jamir.

The Pochury Hoho Kohima (PHK) today held its 23rd general conference – cum- Pochury Day here at Ura Academy Hall with exMLA Khuosatho Nyusou as the speaker.

It is pertinent to mention that the people of Pochury had celebrated the first Pochury Day on 21st April, 1990 at Meluri Town which is the headquarters of Pochury, after the Government of Nagaland had formally announced the recognition of Pochury tribe as the 15th recognized tribe of Nagaland on April 19, 1990.

During the celebration

PHK president Tshela Thupitor addressing 23rd general conference-cum- Pochury Day in Kohima on April 21. (Morung Photo)

of the Ist Pochury Day on April 21, 1990, the number of gazetted officers was only 5 with a few graduates in few villages. As per 2015 statistics, the strength of the gazetted officers of Po-

Our Correspondent Chedema | April 21

A large number of Chedema villagers in Kohima district today turned up at the medical camp organized by 78th Battalion CRPF Sechu-Zubza under Civic Action Programme.

The medical camp witnessed free medical checkup including distribution of medicines.

Dr. Joyce Chara, CMO, 78th Battalion CRPF said that this medical camp was organized to provide health-care, free medical check-up and treatment to various commonly occurring ailments.

She adviced the villagers to maintain proper diet

78th Battalion CRPF conducts medical camp at Chedema village on April 21. (Morung Photo)

and adopt regular exercise.

She also gave tips to the villagers as to how to curb various health problems and also the health problems pertaining to food

Morung Express News Wokha | April 21

A section of the gathering attending inaugural day of the Lotha Women Summit held at the Tiyi hall Wokha on April 21. (Morung Photo)

zation’s for 2016 ‘Pledge for Parity’. He added that women are not just to be home makers or only for other domestic activities, the international community has started several initiatives for the welfare of women.

Mhao Lotha, Chairman Lotha Hoho said that women today indispensible for society building. Amos Odyuo, President Lotha Students’ Union said, “Lotha women should be bold and be even socially active, even in our neighboring state

Assam, Merapani the minister for PWD is a lady.” R. Nchumbemo Ezung, President Lotha Youth Hoho said that the reason why women are successful is solely because of the guidance of good mothers at home but the society cannot be alive enough by being excellent in their studies, women should also be equally active in social activities’.

Various speakers on topics such as ‘Livelihood intervention skill and resource development,

the other Naga tribes and to the world so as to preserve and to acknowledge its tradition, the PHK have observed red letter days during its tenure such as Pochury Commemoration

78th CRPF conduct medical camp at Chedema

First Lotha Women summit underway Lotha Eloe Hoho in partnership with the Department of Women Resource Development today started the Lotha Women Summit with the theme ‘towards pledge for parity’ at the Tiyi hall Wokha.

In the introductory address, Nzanthung Yanthan former president Lotha Students’ Union and Women Development officer Wokha expressed the joy in the participation of the Lotha women from various parts of Nagaland, he said it was during the Chief Minister ship of Neiphiu Rio that the Women Resource Development department was initiated and established with an aim to promote women their activities and the resources that are inherent in them.

Robin A Lotha, Deputy Commissioner Wokha delivered a special greeting message to the gathering citing the women’s theme of the United Nations Organi-

chury tribe rose to 108 with a good number of graduates and post-graduates in almost every village.

PHK general secretary S. Peter Trakha said to portray its unique identity to

Day, Black Day and Yemshe festival with utmost fervour and dedication.

He said that Pochury community though a young tribe in Nagaland, is making its existence felt in many aspects.

Trakha challenged the community to continue to move forward and give best effort in nation building focusing on its visions and goals by investing whatever gifts and resources “we have to the process of change to be progressive and for our better tomorrow.”

Earlier, the function was chaired by PHK president Tshela Thupitor while vote of thanks was proposed by Thorhosie Kajiri.

Women in primary sectors (Floriculture, integrated farming etc) and interactive session with young Lotha women took part.

Senka Kikon a prominent singer from Wokha also presented a special number enthralling the audience and bringing more life to the gathering. Mhabeni Shitiri, General Secretary Lotha Eloe Hoho chaired and Khonpemo P Kikon Associate of the Wokha Town Baptist Church prayed for the

meeting, welcome address was delivered by Lovungi Vice President Lotha Eloe Hoho. Dr. T. M Lotha Advisor and his wife Mhalo T.M also attended the meeting.

The first day sessions were moderated by Mary N Odyuo Assistant professor SASRD and Thungdemo Kyong, President Team Metamorphosis.

Second day programme will start at 9:00 am and will be graced by P.B Acharya, Governor of Nagaland & Assam as the chief guest.

habit in today’s lifestyle.

Richard Mishael, 2nd - in-command 78th battalion CRPF said the CRPF “The peacemaker of the Nation” is a vibrant force

deployed at every nook and corner of the country, adding that CRPF is a paramilitary force that always come to the aid for the public in time of crisis.

He said the door of 78th Battalion CRPF is always open for the people of Nagaland for any assistance.

C h e d e ma Vi l l ag e Council chairman Sabeituo Mechiilho expressed gratitude to 78th Battalion CRPF for extending medical camp to the villagers and look forward more such programme in future as well.

Earlier, 78th Battalion CRPF assistant commandant Dzuvishil Richa presided over the function and highlighted the activities of Civic Action Programme for the year 2015-16. Deputy commandant Kuldip Singh and assistant commandant Werilo Lasuh also present on the occasion.

Reception prog for Maj. Gen. Retd David held

CHIzAMI, APRIL 21 (MExN): Chizami Baptist Church and the Village Council organised a reception programme for Maj. Gen. Retd David and his family at Chizami Village Council Hall on April 20.

Maj. Gen. Retd David, who had earlier served as the Post Commandant in 1985 -1987 at Chizami reminisced his fond memories of his stay at Chizami and the friendships he built with the local community amidst the tensed conflict situation during that time. He appreciated the resilience, the hospitality and love of the community in Chizami and neighboring villages, which has motivated him to revisit with his family.

Lhikhalo Akami, Head GB, in his short speech lauded the contribution of Maj. Gen. Retd David towards the local community during his short posting at Chizami.

In an emotional reunion, both the community and the family of Maj. Gen. Retd David exchanged

Maj. Gen. Retd David addressing the Chizami community during the reception programme on April 20.

gifts. The programme was attended by more than 100 community members, comprising the church leaders, Village Council, Women Society, Students Union, VDB, Eastern Mission High School students, and well wishers.

The reception programme was led by K.Thopi, Pastor CBC, and invocation pronounced

by Khrotso Wezah, Head Deacon CBC. Kewepelo Tsuhah, Chairman of the Village Council delivered the welcome address. The visiting team was favoured with an Indigenous melody by Tshezokhrou T. Mero and friends, a quartet by Tewalo T.Mero & friends, and students of Eastern Mission High School Chizami.

friDAY 22•04•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Shutdown in Manipur affects border trade Imphal, aprIl 21 (IaNS): The legalised border trade between Manipur and Myanmar was brought to a standstill on Thursday due to the 12-hour shutdown called by several voluntary organisations in the northeastern state.

The shutdown was called to protest five bomb blasts triggered near Hollenphai village in Manipur on Wednesday that injured three troopers of Assam Rifles. The troopers are, however, out of danger. All private and commercial vehicles along the twrans-Asian highway from Imphal capital city to border town of Moreh were off the road.

While hundreds of tourists and traders could not leave Imphal on Thursday, many others, who were to return to the state capital, were stranded at Moreh. Police sources at Moreh told IANS that there was no untoward incident during the strike. People remained indoors and police and paramilitary personnel patrolled the highway and village roads to maintain law and order.

Journalism workshop in Kohima DImapur, aprIl 21 (mExN): A two day long Citizen Journalism workshop is scheduled to be held on April 25 and 26 at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima. The workshop is a part of Lynchpin’s Education Fair - Edufest 2016 – which is being organised by Delhi NCR-based Apeejay Stya University. According to a press release, the workshop will teach youngsters the basics of news writing, taking quality pictures and videos in just 20 minutes. Apart from Kohima, the University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, will also conduct similar workshops at: Shillong on May 3 and 4 at All Saints Hall; Guwahati on May 6 and 7 at TRP indoor stadium, Nehru Stadium complex.

ATTENTION!

Specialists from CMC Vellore at CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dr. Anand Job (Former Professor ENT, CMC Vellore) for consultation and surgery

9th May to 14th May, 2016

• Free hearing test on 11th and 12th May, 2016.

• Hearing AID at discounted rates (courtesy of Nawka- Hearing Aid Centre, Guwahati) Book for appointments from now on.

Call 03862-242555,242531/32/33

JUBILEE MEMORIAL COLLEGE MOKOKCHUNG:NAGALAND

ADMISSIONS: BA Course

Admission forms and prospectus will be issued from 26th April 2016 till 14th May 2016 between 10:00 AM - 1:00PM at the College office.

COURSES OFFERED:

 English (Honours)  Political Science (Honours)  Sociology (Honours)  History (Honours)  Economics (Honours) For more information contact:  0369-2225385 Email: jubileememorialcollege@gmail.com Sd/- Principal Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung

Office Of The

District Congress Committee Peren: Nagaland

Appreciation to NPCC The DCC Peren express our deep appreciation to the President NPCC for appointing Dr. Tumda Newme as PCC from 6th Tening A/C w.e.f, 14-04-2016. The young and dynamic leadership of Dr. Tumda Newme will surely strengthened the Party in the Constituency. The DCC Peren assures our full Cooperation to his leadership and also wish him success in all his endeavors in future.

Sd/- Mr. Aluibe Iheilung, President, DCC Peren

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE

CorCoM asks Manipur to boycott Prez visit Our Correspondent Imphal | April 21

The CorCoM, a conglomerate of several Manipur based insurgent organisations, has announced to boycott the scheduled visit by President Pranab Mukherjee to Manipur on April 23.

Mukherjee will attend a grand function to commemorate the anniversary of Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 to be held at Khongjom in Thoubal district. The President will pay homage to Manipuri heroes on the occasion. He will also inaugurate a war monument at Khongjom.

The state government celebrates Khongjom Day every year at Kheba hillock, Khongjom to pay respect to the Manipuri heroes who fought the Khongjom

War against the British defending its independence. Manipur came under British rule as a princely state after the last war of independence.

A CorCom statement claimed that President Mukherjee’s Manipur visit has the perfect pretext of paying homage to martyrs of Khongjom War with intent to show them as freedom fighters of India.

It said the Indian President’s visit will give ‘a bad name’ to the martyrs and hence the people of Manipur should boycott it.

Owing to ‘divisive policies’ of the Government of India, the outfit said, there is lack of unity among the hill people and plain people who have failed to fight collectively against external threats.

It added that Khongjom Day is an event for the people of Manipur.

Manipur BJP to demand CM's resignation

Imphal, aprIl 21 (IaNS): The BJP's Manipur unit plans to hold a series of protests from Monday to demand the resignations of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Congress state unit president T.N. Haokip over the alleged involvement of their kin in drug trafficking.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has already filed a charge sheet in an Imphal court in the 2013 case.

BJP legislator Khumukcham Joykishan said: "In 2013, the Special Investigation Unit of the Manipur Police seized drugs worth several crores at the Tulihal airport

here. Since the CBI has named chief minister's nephew Okram Henry in the charge sheet, he should resign on moral grounds."

"Seikholet Haokip, son of Congress MLA and now party's state unit president T.N. Haokip, was one of the main accused in the seizure of drugs valued at over Rs.30 crore, which were being smuggled out by an army officer," the BJP leader added.

Joykishan said that if the Congress legislators and ministers failed to demand the resignations of both Ibobi and Haokip, it will be assumed that they too support drug trafficking in the state.

CANCER SURGEON Dr. GANESH DAS MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh), DNB, FMAS, FAIS, Trained Cancer Surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai will be available for consultation on 23rd April 2016 (Saturday).

NEUROLOGIST Dr. AMIT RANJAN BARUAH MBBS MS DNB (Neurology) consultant Neurologist from GNRC Hospitals, Guwahati will be available for consultation on 24th April 2016 Sunday (3:00 pm onwards) & 25th April 2016 Monday (9:00am onwards).

UROLOGIST Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 27th April 2016 (Wednesday) for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone.

For Registration, please contact:

 03862-231864, 227337,224117

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 (ATA), Indian Institute of International Studies (IIICS)

DEgREE

QUALIFICATION M.Div B.Th./B.A. B.Th 10+2 passed Diploma in Mission Studies Class X passed Certificate in Mission Studies Class X Short Term Missionary Course Mission Interested Candidate

DURATION 2Yrs/3Yrs 3Yrs 2Yrs 1Yrs Five Months

Entrance test for M.Div will be on 3rd June 2016 at 9:00 AM. New session begins form 1st July 2016.

Contact: Principal = 9436830739/Academic Dean = 9856145668 Website: WWW.uctmnagaland.com

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY NAGALAND CHUMUKEDIMA, DIMAPUR–797103

WALK-IN INTERVIEW

Advt. No: NIT-N/Advt/Recruit/0004/2016 dated 21.04.2016

NIT Nagaland invites applicants for the post of Project staff (Guest / Temporary Faculty, Lab Engineer and Project Assistant) on contractual basis under “Special Manpower Development Project – Chips to System Design (SMDP-C2SD)”. The application form and other details like eligibility criteria can be downloaded from Institute Website www.nitnagaland.ac.in Walk-in Interview Date and Time: 10-05-2016, 10:00 a.m.

Venue: Administrative Block, NIT Nagaland, Chumukedima – 797 103 Director

MODEL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL A.G. COLONY, KOHIMA

ADMISSION NOTICE FOR CLASS 11 (Academic Session 2016-2017) STREAMS:- 1) ARTS 2) COMMERCE 3) SCIENCE st th SPECIAL OFFER: 1. TOP 1 to 10 (Free Education) 2. TOP 11th to 20th (Monthly school fee free) • Hostel Facilities (Boys & Girls) • Bus service for day-scholars.

• Experienced and dedicated teaching faculties.

• Counselling facilities.

• Well equipped Laboratory and Library.

• Offering Job-oriented subject (Financial Markets) in Commerce stream.

• Audio-Visual classes (Teach Next) • N.C.C. (For Girls) • Nurse available for First Aid during school hours Forms and Prospectus are available during the school-hours (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM).

Sd/- PRINCIPAL

Regd. No: 105/16

AFFIDAVIT

MOUNTAIN VIEW CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Affiliated to Nagaland University Near BSF camp, Below ATI Office

BUS Service Available/ HOSTEL for both Boys & girls ADMISSION NOTICE

Class 11- 12 (Arts & Commerce) & BA 1st Semester

Date: 19/04/16

I, Smti. Nosu Chiero, D/o Late Thepuse Chiero, aged about 29 years, R/o House No.102, Naga United Village, 4th Mile, Dimapur, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and state as follows: 1. That I am citizen of India and residing at the above mention address.

2. That in my Aadhaar Card my last name has been wrongly entered as Nosu Ciero where as my actual name is Nosu Ciero.

3. That the name Nosu Chiero and Nosu Ciero are one and the same person.

4. That my father name has been wrongly entered as Thupusu Ciero in my Aadhaar Card where as my father's real name is Thepuse Chiero.

5. That the name Thepuse Chiero and Thupusu Chiero are one and the same person.

6. That this affidavit is made to declare that my actual name is Nosu Chiero and Thepuse Chiero is my father's real name and henceforth I will be using the name Nosu Chiero as my official name and Thepuse Chiero as my father name for all legal/official purposes.

7. That the statements made in the above paragraphs 1-6 are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing false has been stated herein.

Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent on this 18th day of April, 2016.

Deponent

Notary Public, Nagaland

DIMAPUR: NAGALAND

VISITING CONSULTANTS

3

NEUROLOGY/CARDIOTHORACIC CAMP AT OKING HOSPITAL, KOHIMA ON 26th AND 27th APRIL 2016 Patients who are suffering from Headache, epilepsy, stroke, sleeping problems, neck pain, back pain, neuropathy difficulty in walking, shaking hands & legs, to & fro nodding of head, frequent falling on ground, slow monotonous voice, difficulty in memorizing can consult Dr. A. R. Baruah, MD (Med), DNB (Neurology).

Patients with chest pain, breathing difficulty, Bypass surgery, Valve surgery, heart problems and thoracic vascular problems can consult Dr. Bikash Rai Das, MBBS, M.S, D.N.B (CTVS).

For appointment contact- 0370-2290080/2290146

Mr. Onentemjen Ao, Principal.  9856294648/9436608678

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLLEGE

S T. J O S E P H ’ S C O L L E G E - J A K H A M A P. B . N o . 3 9 , K O H I M A , N A G A L A N D - 7 9 7 0 0 1

courses offered 1. Bachelor of Arts : Honours in Economics, Education, English, Political Science, Sociology, History & General 2. Bachelor of Commerce : Honours in Accounting and Finance 3. Bachelor of Business Administration 4. Bachelor of Science : Honours in Botany, Zoology and Chemistry (Elective Papers - Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Physics & Mathematics) 5. Community College : Tourism and & Service Industry / Desktop Publishing 6. Civil Service Exams Coaching

* International Staff / Student Exchange: King’s University College, London, Canada. * Member of Institute of International Education - Opening the world of opportunities for Exchange programme Facilities : Computer Centre, Broadband Internet, Wi-fi, Library (a collection of 18,870 including text book related curriculum material, inspiration, information and reference book like encyclopedia, Yearbook, Dictionary, supplement of Encyclopedia, E- Journals, Daily Newspapers, Geographical sources, Directories, Handbooks and Manual ), Centralized IT, Infrastructure, where staffs and students have their own personal space on the server, ATM, Dispensary, Canteen and Hostels (Boys and Girls)

Admission form available: 1. College Office: 0370 2231009 /2233022, 9436437544 / 9402832523 2. Catholic Publication Centre, Kohima 3. Pastoral Center, Holy Cross, Dimapur 4. St. Xavier’s School, Meluri: 9436006496 5. Queen Mary’s Hr. Sec. School, Mokokchung: 9436003649 6. Cathedral Church, Kohima: 9436005591 Email : stjosephc@gmail.com

7. Carmel School Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, 4th Mile, 9436006061 8. St. Joseph’s Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, Chumukedima, 9436260338 9. Loyola Hr. Sec. School, Kephire: 9436607760 10. St. John’s Hr. Sec. School, Tuensang.

11. St. Mary’s Padumphukri, Dimapur : 9436680245 A dmission starts soon after the HS SLC R esult

Website: http://stjosephjakhama.ac.in

4

FriDAY 22•04•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India’s healthcare sector poised Gold up Rs 400, silver zooms Rs 2400 on global cues to grow to $280 billion by 2020 NEw DElhi, april 21 (pTi): The country’s healthcare sector is poised to grow to $280 billion by 2020 while it is expected to be a leader in e-health by 2019, a new report said on Wednesday.

The CII-KPMG ‘The Indian services sector: Poised for global ascendancy’ report launched at the second edition of Global Exhibition on Services (GES) said that healthcare sector is forecast to reach $160 billion in 2017, accounting for about 4.2% of GDP. “The Indian healthcare sector is forecast to reach $160 billion in 2017, accounting for about 4.2% of GDP, and is poised to grow to $280 billion by 2020.

“With the launch of ‘Digital India’ initiative,

the government is stepping towards digital empowerment. India is expected to be a leader in IT use in healthcare (ehealth) by 2019,” it said.

It said Indian telemedicine, though in its nascent stage, is showing robust

dia’s GDP, growing strongly at approximately 10% per annum, making India the second fastest growing services economy in the world.

“India’s young demographic profile combined with its rising literacy rate, offers it a significant competitive advantage vis- -vis other developing economies,” Rajat Wahi, Partner and Head, Consumer Markets, KPMG in India, said.

“Along with the ‘Make in India’ initiative that is striving to boost the manufacturing sector, the Prime Minister has outlined a vision to represent India as a world-class services hub across sectors. Multiple stakeholders need to work cohesively to help achieve this vision,” he said.

growth at approximately 20% and is projected to grow from $8 million in 2012 to approximately $19 million by 2017.

The report highlighted that in the year 2014-15, the services sector contributed about 61% to In-

NEw DElhi, april 21 (pTi): Riding on strong global cues and increased buying by jewellers to meet the ongoing wedding season demand, gold prices flared by INR 400 to INR 29,900 per 10 grams at the bullion market on Thursday. Silver also soared by INR 2,400 to close at INR 40,900 per kg on hectic demand from

industrial units and coin makers. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5% purity recorded a hefty rise of INR 400 each to INR 29,900 and INR 29,750 per 10 grams respectively. Sovereign too traded higher by INR 100 to INR 23,200 per piece of 8 grams.

Bullion traders said apart from a firming trend overseas, wedding sea-

Facebook launches Messenger’s latest feature ‘Group Calling’ NEw York, april 21 (iaNS): Social media giant Facebook has launched “Group Calling” on Messenger that can let a user add 50 participants simultaneously over the Internet.

Messenger’s latest feature was set to be rolled out globally over the next 24 hours on Android and iOS devices for free and users can start a group Voice over IP (VoIP) audio call from any group chat, TechCrunch.com reported.

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks such as the internet.

“There are situations where typing is not enough and when people prefer talking to one another,” a Messenger spokesperson was quoted as saying.

To start a group call, a user needs to just tap the “Phone” icon, select which of the group chat members he or she wants to include and call. All the selected members will receive a Messenger call simultaneously. If one misses the initial call but the call is still in progress, the users can tap the Phone icon in the group chat to join the call. The user can also see who all are joined in the call and can add participants during the group conversation.

‘Google most attractive employer in India’ New IT store in Dimapur inaugurated

google India emerged as the most attractive employer for a second consecutive year

NEw DElhi, april 21 (pTi): Google India remained as the most attractive employer in the country followed by Mercedes-Benz in the second place, according to leading human resource consultancy Randstad.

According to the 6th edition of Randstad Award 2016, Google India emerged as the most attractive employer for a second consecutive year.

The sectoral specific special recognition awards this year was awarded to Dell India for IT, Samsung India for consumer electronics and Amazon India for E-commerce.

“In today’s fiercely competitive job market, recruiting top talent, engaging and retaining them is fundamental to a company’s ability to grow. It is also a proven fact that companies that are capable of attracting the right talent for the right job simply perform better,” Randstad India MD and CEO Moorthy K Uppaluri said.

Randstad Award, instituted globally by Randstad, is hosted each year to encourage best practices for talent attraction and to identify the best ‘Employer Brand’ in the country based on perceived attractiveness of a company.

In India this year, the survey captured the views of around 7,500 respondents, who chose the nation’s most attractive employer brand for 2016.

Meanwhile, Randstad Award survey, that covered over 2,00,000 respondents across 25 countries worldwide, said salary and employee benefits continue to be the top driver among the Indian workforce while choosing an employer, followed by long-term job security, financial health of the company, working atmosphere and work-life balance.

However, the importance of salary has decreased from last year as it has seen a decline of 6 per cent from 2015.

The survey findings also reflected that the Indian workforce prefers to work or move to sectors like IT & Communication, followed by Automobiles and FMCG, retail & ecommerce.

MITHUN MEAT Available on

22nd April 2016

(TOdAY)

From 7am onwards.

Near duncan Community hall

Duncan Bosti, Dimapur.

Contact: 9402731625

POST VAcANcy

2 POLITICAL SCIENCE & 1 ECONOmICS ASST. PROFESSOR FoR A CoLLEGE at Kohima

NEW ARRIVAL

G.H.S.S. Road, Old Town, near SBi Bazar Branch, Zunheboto nagaland (All kinds of shoes available here)

Proprietors of the store during the inauguration of the shop on Thursday.

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): Guras System - a complete Information Technology solution store selling wide range of desktop and laptop computers and accessories, software applications, cameras and mobile phones was inaugurated this morning (21 April) by Mughabeto Zhimomi, associated pastor, Thahekhu Village Baptist Church.

The store located on the ground floor of Khakhu’s Building at Nyamo Lotha Road near Holy Cross Police Point also provides software services for informa-

tion system management of hospitals, churches, self help groups, schools and colleges, restaurants etc.

Guras has several projects across the country and enjoy a high reputation with its functioning modules not only in cities but also in interior parts of the country for the past 12 years. Besides providing statistical software to hospitals, organisations and institutions across the state and the region, it also provides services to various government departments and agencies in Nagaland.

Daily Cross WorD ACROSS 1. Young eel 6. horn sound 10. Seedcases 14. Axial 15. magma 16. Type of sword 17. Rope fiber 18. Not under 19. Anger 20. Tending to vanish like vapor 22. gashes 23. donkey 24. Swelling under the skin 26. Grumble 30. Waste matter 32. Expire 33. Freshwater fish of Central America 37. Stake 38. Lyric poem 39. Small island 40. deface 42. Iniquities 43. Exhorted 44. Bosom 45. minty drink 47. glass container 48. Ripped 49. Relax rules or guidelines 56. Country bumpkin 57. Air force heroes 58. Leg bone 59. “What a shame!”

60. Tidy 61. Pieces 62. Writing implements 63. Sounds of disapproval 64. Untidy DOWN 1. Convenience 2. 64 in Roman numerals 3. Brand of credit card 4. dash 5. Set free 6. Voting groups

CROSSWORD # 3569

Source: ingovtjob.com

I

ndian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) invites application for the position of 17 Corporate communication officer through UGC – NET (July 2016).

Apply online before 10th July 2016.

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

Game Number # 3555

Answer Number # 3554

FEMALE SUPERHEROES AmEThYST

kATANA

BATgIRL

mARYmARVEL

BATWOmAN

mERA

BIRdSOFPREY

mISSFURY

BLACkCANARY

mSmARVEL

BLACkCAT

PhANTOmLAdY

BLACkWIdOW

PhOENIX

BUFFY

POWERgIRL

BUTTERCUP

POWERPUFFgIRLS

CRAZYJANE

SCARLETWITCh

ELASTIgIRL

ShEhULk

ELECTRA

STORm

hAWkWOmAN

SUPERgIRL

hUNTRESS

VAmPIRELLA

INVISIBLEWOmAN

WONdERWOmAN

ISIS

NL-02T Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, zunheboto, Mon route Tip Top Condition Contact: 9856744771

PU-KiVi FOOTWEaR

leisure

SUDOKU

FOR SALE

ZOnal Taxi alTO

For detail information Contact- 9436608678/ 9856294648

IOCL recruitment 2016 notification

Name of post: Corporate communication officer Eligibility: Post graduation diploma, Master degree Job Location: All India Last Date: 10th July 2016 Total No. of Posts: 17 Posts Age Limit: The age of the candidate should not be less than 18 years and should not be more than 28 years.

The age of the applicant should be as on 30th June 2016.

Qualification: Candidates should have two year full time post – graduation diploma / master degree in Journalism / Mass communication / public relations or equivalent qualification from a recognized university / institute with minimum 60% marks and relaxed to 55% for schedule caste categories candidates (SC) / schedule tribe categories candidates (ST) and person with disabilities categories candidates (PWD) in the qualifying degree examination / Indian universities awarding degrees must be recognized by UGC degree awarded by Foreign institutes / universities must have equivalence from association of Indian universities (AIU).

Selection Procedure: The selection of the candidates will be on the basis of written examination and personal interview depending on the number of applications received.

Age Relaxation: The upper age of the candidates in relaxable for the following specified categories to the extent indicated below:i) By 5 years for candidates belonging to ST communities. ii) By 5 years for candidates belonging to SC communities. iii) By 3 years for candidates belonging to OBC communities.

How to apply: Candidates may apply through official website of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) http://www.iocl.com on or before 10th July 2016.

son buying by jewellers as well as retailers, mainly pushed up the prices.

Globally, gold climbed 1.03% to USD 1,257.10 an ounce and silver by 2.72% to USD 17.40 an ounce in Singapore on bets that policy makers will be slow to raise US interest rates, raising demand for the safehaven assets.

ZATANNA

W

o

k L Z O V k V R m S m A R V E L k I J m

U A h m Z N m V L B J Y P L A S T J Q R

B E I g P P A g B B A T g I R L A Y Z A

R

T A C F g P P X A A Z A T A N N A J Q Y

T W h F d P I B C T X g R m A g N P N m

D

E U A P F N R I k W F Y N E B S A h S A

R R W O N d E R W O m A N T Y d P O U R

S

C V k W C L L d I m Z d P h F B E E P V

U W W E h J L S d A L N h Y A I I N E E

E

P B O R U E A O O N E L A S T I g I R L

T U m P N h F F W P S E N T J V A X g k

7. Overhang 8. Not odd 9. Theater area 10. Insightful 11. Codeine source 12. Triangular formation 13. Views 21. South southeast 25. Father 26. happy 27. hindu princess 28. Chooses 29. Utility 30. Epee or saber 31. Cypher 33. disgorge 34. Largest continent 35. Ailments 36. In order to prevent 38. Egg-shaped vegetable 41. Fury 42. Typographical error 44. Tavern 45. Unit of electrical energy 46. Not rural 47. Jokes 48. Snare 50. Frosts 51. Nib 52. Connects two points 53. Nile bird 54. Pimples 55. Not difficult

Zunheboto to kohima & dimapur Timing: 10:30 Am

Counter: Trade Mark Building, Near Airtel Office Old Town Zunheboto Contact: 8794983314/8730888188 dImAPUR Civil Hospital:

STd COdE: 03862 232224; Emergency- 229529, 229474

MH Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station

228400

CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dimapur hospital

242555/ 242533

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

232106 227607 232181

224041, 248011

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

kOhImA

Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home: Northeast Shuttles

STd COdE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

WE4WOmEN hELPLINE 08822911011

O F N F R R R R B d O P O W E R g I R L

g Y R F E E L E C T R A m E R A X S L E

V N O g S k h Y d V m X L O P Z P S B Z

C

I N V I S I B L E W O m A N I Y Z F k P

S C A R L E T W I T C h d O g J d U g N

H

g d B L A C k C A N A R Y F O A h R I Z

I S I S h E h U L k U k W F L N A Y d J

J B L A C k C A T U O V N S U E d I J k

KoHIMA NoRTH: 7085924114 (o)

CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (o) 8732810051 (oC) WOkhA: 03860242215/101 (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)

kIPhIRE: 8414853767 (o) 9436261577 (oC) PEREN: 7085189932 (o) 9856311205 (oC) LONgLENg: 7085924113 (o) 9862414264 (oC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

R

KoHIMA SoUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (o) 9402003086 (oC)

MoN: 03869-251222/ 101 (o) 9862130954 (oC)

ChILd WELFARE COmmITTEE

mOkOkChUNg:

FIRE STATIONS

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (o) 9856156876 (oC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

ANSWER TO CROSSWORd 3568

A

k F A U T g A P T Q T V T P A C U m I L

FIRST TIME IN ZUNHEBOTO daily day Service (Taxi)

STd COdE: 0369

Police Station 1:

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMzAM (formerly Senapati) STD CoDE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

64.79 92.79 8.08 50.49 48.09 51.19 58.73

67.74 97.34 9.01 53.00 50.47 53.70 62.07

Euro

73.11

76.69

1.79

1.99

0.0553

0.0616

17.07

19.02

9.67

10.78

Thai Baht Korean Won UAE Dirham (AED) Chinese Yuan

Friday 22•04•2016

NAGALAND

NRE dept showcases solar energy in Kohima our Correspondent Kohima | April 21

As part of the ongoing training and showcasing solar energy under Suryamitra programme sponsored by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, New Delhi, the state’s department of New & Renewable Energy (NRE) today showcased and briefed the trainers and students on Solar Radiation Resource Assessment (SRRA) Station, installed at Capital Convention Centre and maintained by the department.

With a view to spread awareness on usefulness of solar energy, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is conducting trainings throughout the country while in Nagaland the department of NRE is conducting a three months training in collaboration with Suryamitra Hyderabad.

SRRA is for the measurement of complete solar and meteorological parameters (to identify the solar potential areas across the country.

Solar Radiation Resource Assessment Station on roof top of Capital Convention Centre Kohima.

SRRA project envisages assessment and quantification of solar radiation, data processing, quality of data, modeling and making of solar atlas of the country, besides the collection and analysis of solar and meteorological data, crucial for planning and implementation of solar power plant.

The data is collected ev-

ery second and transmitted to central server Chennai.

As per the MoU between “Centre for Wind Energy Technology (CWET), Chennai of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, and BIT, Deoghar Campus, the Solar Radiation Resource Assessment (SRRA) station has been in-

stalled across the country.

NRE director Er. T.S. Angami told The Morung Express that SRAA station collects data of sun, air, its direction, temperature etc. on daily basis.

He said that this is very important for installation of mega solar projects, adding that without information of this data, nobody will come

and invest in Nagaland.

The director emphasized on the importance to using renewable energy, especially solar energy, which is abundant.

He said that fossil fuels used for generating energy are non-renewable and very soon it will run out, besides fossil fuels are dangerous as it emits Carbon Dioxid, Carbon Monoxide and Gree House Gas, which are resulting in climate change and global warming.

The director therefore said use of solar energy is the best and most efficient form of generating power.

The programme also witnessed exhibition of a new apparatus “Air Water Generator “, which is the first and the only one owned by state’s NRE department so far.

AWG is a machine which condenses air into water through the available humidity within an installed room. It provides pure form of drinking water for direct consumption.

Outbreak of bovine disease Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): Suspected cases of Heamorrhagic Septiceamia (HS)was detected in the districts of Peren, Jalukie & Dimapur and were tested at the State ELISA Laboratory, Kohima and confirmed to be fleamorrhagic Septiceamia (HS), a State veterinary official informed today. Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a major disease of bovine animal like cattle and buffaloes.

The Director of Veterinary & AH Kohima Dr. R. Thungchamo Ezung in a press note said that for final confirmatory diagnosis, samples were dispatched to ICAR Laboratory at Barapani, Meghalaya and result is being awaited, he said.

The Department further said it is try-

IVR council informs EPIC voter card holders Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The Industrial Village Razhuphe (IVR) council has informed all the EPIC voter card holders within its Polling Station No.11 & No.12 under II-Dimapur-II A/C that the said concern BLOS will start the detail verification and rectification of voters as per the Electoral List for authentification according to the order from the

NCSU decries road project award to Gayatri ZAPOKU to celebrate Dimapur , april Corporation Ltd. (NHID- main abandoned till date,” I in Nagaland and restrain Tsükhenye 2016 21(mExN): The Nagaland CL) and Union Ministry the NCSU said decrying the company from taking

Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) has written to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang demanding for restriction against Gayatri Projects to execute the four-laning of Dimapur – Kohima road and directed all the Naga Contractors “not co-operate or give any suggestion to the Company” till the firm complete the 4 projects under SARDP Phase-1 in Nagaland.

The firm was recently awarded the project amounting to Rs. 340 crores despite NCSU’s “repeated appeal and petition” to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development

MoRTH against dissatisfaction over Maytas & Gayatri (JV) works in Nagaland.

"This is in view of public grievances and discontentment against Maytas & Gayatri (JV) works in Nagaland," stated the NCSU in its representation to CM released to media here by its Secretary, Imsünok Jamir and Vice-President, K.L Setuo Rutsa.

Further highlighting that special accelerated road development Programme (SARDP) Project for Construction of twolaning of roads amounting to Rs. 132 crores under the Maytas & Gayatri (JV) has been “a total failure and re-

CondolenCe

Tohanba, YBBA condole death of Rev. Tsudki Ao Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): Parliamentary secretary for Municipal Affairs and Economic & Statistics, R Tohanba, expressed shock and sadness at the sudden demise of Rev. Tsukdi Ao, pastor of Yimchungrü Baptist Church, Kiphire town, who passed away on April 19 at his residence in Dimapur.

The parliamentary secretary in a condolence message said that late Tsukdi came to Yimchungrü land in 1971 and served as pastor of Pungrunger Baptist Church from 1971 to 1986 and later as pastor of Yimchungrü Baptist Church, Kiphire town, from 1987 till his last breath.

“The Yimchungrü people will continue to his service rendered to our people. I and my family convey our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and pray that his soul rest in eternal peace”, the condolence message stated.

Meanwhile, the Yimchungrü Baptist Borü Amukhungto (YBBA) in a separate condolence message also mourned the death of Rev. Tsudki Ao. “YBBA maintained record that Rev. Tsudki was commissioned by Molungyimsen Baptist Church and he entered the Yimchungrü land in 1971 and spread the message of the Gospel to the Yimchungrü people till his death. YBBA acknowledges his dedicated service to YBBA churches and is tremendous contribution to the association in the capacity of Ordained Minister Council, Church Advisory Board, Church and Mission Board”, stated a condolence message by Rev. Z Thsankiu, executive secretary YBBA.

NSCN/GPRN (R) mourns death of Dy. Kilonser Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The NSCN/ GPRN (Reformation) President Y. Wangtin Naga, has expressed sorrow and condoled the demise of Deputy Kilonser (Finance) Late. Ayoung Sangtam, who passed away at Dimapur on April 21.

In a condolence note received here, the NSCN (R) described Lt. Ayoung as a man of loyal worker who strife honestly, with dedication and commitment toward the cause of the Naga nation and his contribution and sacrifice will always remembered.

It further conveyed a heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the eternal rest in peace for the departed soul.

NSCN (R) Chaplee Kilonser condoles Meanwhile, in a seperate message, the NSCN(R) Chaplee Kilonser Langkhu Konyak has also expressed his sadness over the demise of Deputy Kilonser (Finance) Late. Ayoung Sangtam.

His death has created a vacuum and great lost in the society particularly to the NSCN (R) and he will be ever remembered his immense contribution and sacrificial made toward the cause of the Naga nation, Langkhu stated in his message.

He further prayers of solace to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

the awarding the four-lane project to same entity.

The 4 projects in question include construction of two laning road of Longleng – Changtongya road; Mon – Tamlu-Merangkong road, Phek – Pfütsero road, and Zunheboto – Chakhabama road covering over 332 Kms and regarded as biggest road Project since the inception of our State but remains incomplete, it added.

In this regard, the NCSU had earlier submitted a representation to Nitin Gadkari Union Minister MoRTH to direct the Maytas & Gayatri, to complete the SARDP Project Phase –

up any new Project till its completion, NCSU further pointed out.

Implying that that it’s repeated “appeal and petition” has not elicited any positive response to concerned authority in the light of the another work order to Gayatri for Construction of 4 laning of road Dimapur – Kohima, the NCSU asserted that, even if Gayatri Project went ahead with the new project they would be “doing so at their own risk.”

The NCSU will not be held responsible for any unwanted situation arising related in the issue, it further cautioned.

Kohima, april 21 (mExN): Zuketsa Area Public Organisation Kohima Unit will celebrate its premier festival Tsükhenye 2016 cum 8th Annual General Session on April 23 at Kisama, 11:00 am under the theme "Unity with Integrity". Theja Therie, President, Chakhesang Hoho Kohima will grace the occassion as Speaker and Kedotsolhi Wetsa, Former President ZAPOKU will speak on 'Significance of Kuzha Netho Ketshü Tsükhenye'. Tsükhenye Lü competition among the Netho Ketshü will be a special feature for the program which is being sponsored by the children of Lt. W Krome, ex MLA & Lt. Medikhü Losou, prominent businessman, in memory of their beloved fathers.

The office bearers of ZAPO Kohima Unit has invited the ZAPO Central, ZAPO Dimapur Unit, ZAPO Pfütsero Unit, ZAPO Phek Unit and in-laws and well wishers of Kuzha Netho Ketshü Kohima town. A press note issued

by Neisa Wetsah, President and Visazo Teroh, General Secretary has requested all members to come in traditional attires. Further, timings for bus services are as follows: High School Junction- 9:00 am, Tinpati junction9.10 am, Razhü point- 9:20 am, TCP Gate- 9:30 am and P R Hill point- 9:40 am.

Faculty in Social Science attends capacity building prog zuNhEboto, april 21 (mExN): A two week capacity building programme for faculty in Social Science, organised by the Department of Sociology NU Lumami and sponsored by ICSSR New Delhi got underway in in Sociology Department NU. The aim of the programme is to provide opportunity to build up better teaching

and research capacity and enhance in capabilities of the faculty of social science teaching in different colleges and universities.

Dr Toshimenla Jamir, HOD Department of Sociology and course director welcomed all the participants coming from different institutions. Key note address was delivered by Prof. AK Singh vice chan-

cellor in charge NU who emphasized need for research methodology in social science was essential in order to predict the correct result in social sciences.

Prof Sangyu Yaden who is the ICSSR observer to this programme acknowledged the department of sociology for organising such an important programme that

would give opportunity to teachers to build up their capacity in writing skill, teaching and research. He also cautioned that in the world of competition a teacher need to be well informed and equipped with the latest knowledge.The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Y Srikanth Assistant professor of Sociology Department.

NPF 30th Alongtaki A/C reorganised Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The NPF party of 30th Alongtaki A/C has been reorganised with appointment of a new president along with office bearers and unit presidents.

Limakumba from Lakhuni was appointed as the new president with 31 general and frontal office bearers and 35 unit presidents on April 15 at Community Hall, Longchem.

President of NPF Mokokchung Division, Moasangba Jamir administered the oath of office to the new team.

A press release informed that Moasangba encouraged the party leaders and workers to be united to work for the people with great zeal and spirit.

According to him, Further, he specifically mentioned that according to NPF

Constitution, a member can voluntarily resign but cannot dissolve a unit. A unit can be suspended and later on dissolved by the Central Office only.

“Dissolving a unit by itself shows that they became party leaders without knowing the Party Constitution which shows their ignorance,” he stated referring to the recent report of dissolution of the party unit by its office bearers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Benjongliba Aier, Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture, emphasised on the co-ordination among the party leaders and workers during the event. He advised the party leaders to start their works from the grass-root levels for better results and progres.In the past, he said, those who were not primary members

Government which will be started from May 3 to 17.

IVR Head GB cum Chairman T.L. Angami has informed in a press release that during this period of time, the deletion, inclusion and correction of the voter's card under PS No.11 & 12 within the IVR will be done to us.

Therefore all the EPIC voter card holders under the IVR are hereby requested to come forward and get

your valid EPIC voter card without fail. Every morning within the said stipulated dated the Bins will start their duties from 9:00 Am onward everyday at Polling Station at Senior Town Planner Office (STPO) under IVR. He has further added not to not miss this opportunity and give cooperation to both the BLOs for successful of the Government duty.

Mex FIle NSCN (IM) welcome ‘home comers’ Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The NSCN (IM) has warmly welcome five ‘home comers’ into the ‘mainstream,’ according to a press release from its MIP. With the signing of “Framework Agreement” on 3rd August 2015, the future of Naga nation has become certain and knowing the certainty, many comrades in other camp has joined to strengthen Naga national pursuit, it added.

The MIP further identified the home comers as Tahnei Konyak, Tatar; Capt. Khoayun Konyak; 2nd Lieut. Akash Konyak all from GPRN/NSCN and Corporal Ali Lainung and 2nd Lieut. Hawen Wancho from NSCN (R).

Excise nab 310 kgs ganja Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The Excise (Narcotics Cell) personnel following a tip off recovered 310 kgs of contraband ganja from the possession of one Punyi Chakhesang (28 years). The accused person has been booked under relevant section of the NDPS Act 1985 and forwarded to judicial custody, a press release from the office of the Commissioner of Excise, Dimapur informed.

One held for Extortion Kohima, april 21 (mExN): The Kohima Police has taken into custody one person for allegedly extorting money from Manipur bound trucks at NH-29 on April 20, a police official informed today. In a press note, the Sub – Divisional Police Officer & PRO Kohima, Atu Zumvü NPS said that the accused identified as Mhathung Zhimo (27 yrs) of New Nath Village under Zunheboto and presently a resident D’ Khel, Kohima was apprehended by the youths of Naga Hospital Colony, Kohima and produced him at South P.S. A cash amounting to Rs. 1030/- extorted from truckers were recovered from his possession, it said adding that, a case was registered against him at Kohima South P.S Case.

UNTABA meeting

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): UNTABA executive committee, Joint action committee and Advisory board meeting will be held on April 23 at Book Marc conferwere even appointed as party presi- ence hall at 11:00 am. Therefore all the concern member dents so they failed to understand the are requested to attend the said meeting without fail. ideology of the party and what were going on in the grass-root levels and left the party for slimmest reason.

Exhortations were also given by N. Kikon, General Secretary, NPF Central Kohima, april 21 (mExN): The monthly meeting i/c of Mokokchung Division, Aren- of Tuensang District Planning & Development Board la, President, Mokokchung Division for the month of April will take place on April 25 at the (Women Wing) and Sangpang Ao on conference hall of Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang at behalf of the Japukong Village Council 10:00 am. All concerned DPDB members have been reChairmen. A/C leaders, Village Coun- quested to attend the said meeting positively. cil Chairmen, officails of the Japukong Hoho among others attended the induction meeting. The 30th Alongtaki A/C pledged to extend unconditional support to the leaderships of the NPF Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): To discuss an imPresident Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu portant agenda regarding the annual taxation, the Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association (NHRA) reand Chief Minister TR Zeliang. quested all its members to attend a meeting on April 24, from 3PM at its office, Nagi Paying Guest Dimapur. The Association further informed that any absenteeism will be dealt strictly with necessary action by NHRA.

Tuensang DPDB meet

NHRA Meeting

Clean-Green Operation Phek underway phEK, april 21 (mExN): With an aim to penetrate all sections of people living in the town, the Phek Town Youth Society visited all the schools at Phek Town and sensitized students on PTYS visions on clean - Green operation. CGOP Convenor, Nuyi Hoshi in a press release stated that PTYS officials shared on how to keep the town clean and green.

All the students and teachers have promised themselves to dedicate, devout and render full co-operation during the campaign and to keep the town clean, green and beautiful and help PTYS in fulfilling its mission.

They promised themselves through verbal and signatures in the banners.

ing to contain the disease on a war footing and official from the Directorate Office is directly monitoring the situation and vaccines, essential medicines, logistic support are being dispatched.

A centre point at Ngwalwa has being set up to liaise with the farmers and Department to carry out treatment, ring vaccination etc, it added.

Meanwhile, livestock farmers are advised to restrict buffaloes and cattle movement from village to village within the district; reduce stress on draft animal, and avoid ploughing during hot period of the day.

Further, it is also cautioned to the farmers and the general public against selling and consuming the affected animals.

5 Ghaspani II NPF Party office mEDziphEma, april 21 (mExN): Inaugural Function for the 5 Ghaspani II NPF Party Office will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, the April 23 at Medziphema where Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenya will be the Chief Guest. All party functionaries are requested to attend the said function.

RPO Kohima meet-cum-seminar Members of Phek Town Youth Society give out car stickers as part of the Clean-Green operation Phek on April 20.

Altogether 13 schools were sensitized and the PTYS extends its gratitude to all the schools at Phek Town for co-operation.

PTYS states that subsequently the town will be

cleaned up and dispose all dirt in the Town, nullahs, and streams and further ask the public to do co-operate in making the town a model Town.

PTYS also campaigned

through stickers on April 20, where atleast 200 vehicles were given car stickers and further informs the vehicle owners whose vehicles have not obtained the stickers to co-operate with PTYS.

Kohima, april 21 (mExN): The Rengma Public Organization, Kohima will hold its annual meeting – cum- seminar on April 23 from 10:00 AM onwards at Ura Academy Hall, Kohima. Parliamentary secretary for PWD (Housing) Er. Levi Rengma will grace the occasion as the chief guest. Greetings will be shared by Rengma Hoho president Kenyuseng Tep. Welcome address will be delivered by RPO Kohima president Khinyi Woch. A paper presentation on “Rengma identity & culture” will be given by Dr. Kenilo Kath, assistant professor Mt. Tiyi College, Wokha. The meeting will also witness by approval of constitution, general discussion, adoption of resolution and cultural presentation.

6

friday 22•04•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

C O M M E N T A R Y

Last stand

volume Xi issue 109

Democracy – A Paradox?

T

here seems to be an ironic paradox in the way democracy is practiced in ‘Nagaland State.’ While steps have been taken to make distinctions between the prospects of democracy as a vision, and the mechanisms required for achieving them; it must be said that the distinction between democracy as a fundamental right, on one hand, and as an instrumental and procedural right, on the other hand, has not been adequately distinguished. The lack of distinction between these two faces of democracy has affectively negated the viability of democracy. The application of democracy in Nagaland State has been severely limited to its component as an instrumental and procedural right.

In essence, the instrumental right to vote empowers a people to elect a government, and has been designed to enable a people to achieve its fundamental right of government and self-governance. Therefore, the instrumental right has been put in place to facilitate realizing and achieving the fundamental aspirations of democracy. The instrumental right and fundamental rights are re-enforcing and interdependent elements, which together secure democracy in its full form. However, applying democracy in its instrumental form alone does not embody democracy in its fullest form.

Ironically, in Nagaland State, the focus on democracy has been concentrated as an instrumental right, while neglecting the substantive form of democracy as a fundamental right.

While much emphasis has been given around the instrumental right to elections, little or no regard has been shown on how the fundamental right is to be exercised. Consequently, the goals of democracy are usurped and quickly exploited by the arrogance of power to ensure that issues surrounding the fundamental rights of democracy are forgotten, until the next elections.

In this compromising and arrogant atmosphere, distinguishing between democracy as a means and democracy as a goal is even more relevant. This distinction is crucial to the Naga people’s ability to regain the values and principles of democracy in the functioning and structuring of its affairs. The Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui reminds us that “The most fundamental goals of democracy are probably four in number. Firstly, to make the rulers accountable and answerable for their actions and policies. Secondly to make the citizens effective participants in choosing those rulers and in regulating their actions. Thirdly, to make the society as open and the economy as transparent as possible; and fourthly to make the social order fundamentally just and equitable to the greatest number possible.” Subsequently, the four fundamental ends of democracy are accountable governments, actively participating citizens, open society and social justice.

In examining the ground realities, it is fair to say that democracy in Nagaland State have evolved into a paradoxical form, which has effectively negated the culture of indigenous democracy and egalitarian values. Nagas need to revisit the fundamental questions around democracy if prevailing instruments of the so-called democracy in Nagaland State are to be transformed into something more meaningful and purposeful for the people.

lEfT wiNg |

Factly.in

How healthy are Indians today?

More people get hospitalized today than 20 years ago

T

he 71st survey report of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) on Health in India reveals that more people are hospitalized today than 20 years ago. The survey also reveals that more women reported ailments than men. Private health care providers were the preferred choice for both the rural and urban population.

The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) recently released the 71st round report on ‘Health in India’. The report is based on surveys done between January and June of 2014.

According to this latest report, about 4.4% of urban population was hospitalized (excluding childbirth) any time during a reference period of 365 days while only 2% urban population was hospitalized according to the 52nd NSSO survey conducted in 1995-96. In the rural areas, 3.5% was hospitalized while this was only 1.3% in 1995-96.

More Urban people reported ailments than Rural The survey also reports about the Proportion of Ailing Persons (PAP). This is based on self reported illness than any medical examination. The survey notes that this could be an under-estimate of the illness-status of the patients, particularly latent diseases that have not presented with clear symptoms. 8.9% of the rural population reported any ailment in a reference period of 15 days while 11.8% urban population reported an ailment. While there was not much of a difference in the PAP who reported short duration ailment between rural and urban, the difference was evident in the chronic ailments. 6.7% of the urban population reported a chronic ailment as compared to only 4% of the rural population.

More Women reported an ailment than Men There was considerable difference in the percentage of men and women who reported an ailment during the survey. In the rural areas, 8% of the male population reported an ailment while 9.9% of the female population reported an ailment. This difference was even starker in the urban areas where 10.1 of the male population and 13.5% of the female population reported an ailment.

Kerala reported the highest PAP Of the various states covered in this survey, Kerala reported the highest PAP with 31% rural and 30.6% urban population reporting ailments. It has to be noted that the PAP observed in the survey do not reveal the difference in the actual health status but, they confirm the widely held view that self-perceived illness reporting is highly influenced by the literacy rate, cultural context, general health awareness, and access to health care in those states. This could be the reason why Kerala reported the highest PAP while states like Assam, Bihar & Chhattisgarh reported very low PAP. More than 50% did not take medical advice because of financial constraints Financial constraint was the most cited reason in this round of the survey for treatment without medical advice. 57.4% of the rural population and 68.3% of the urban population cited this reason. The next most important reason cited was ‘no medical facility available in neighbourhood’ in the rural areas and ‘others’ in the urban areas. Both lack of proper medical facilities in the rural areas and financial constraints remain important reasons for not taking medical advice.

Private is the preferred choice as the healthcare provider In both rural and urban areas, private health care providers were the preferred choice for a majority of the population.

28.3% of the rural population depended on the public health care providers were the remaining on private providers. In the urban areas, only 21.2% depended on the public health care

Wayne Ellwood

Our last ancient forests are under assault.

Wayne Ellwood explains what is driving this devastation and why we need to save the trees

F

rom the air, the earth is shorn and desiccated.

Waves of heat billow upward, mixed with plumes of smoke. A few lonely trees stand in relief against the flattened landscape, while knots of cattle clump together in dusty paddocks ringed by barbed wire. This is the Brazilian state of Rondônia, the heart of the Amazon, wedged between the vast state of Amazonas to the north and, due south, Bolivia.

Fifty years ago, Rondônia was swathed in dense tropical rainforest.

Today, it is one of the most deforested parts of the Brazilian Amazon. An astonishing 100,000 square kilometres of forest has vanished from the state since 1978. Poor people from the crowded coastal areas, attracted by land and opportunity, flocked here in the 1970s when roads began to penetrate the forest. First came loggers, who harvested the valuable tropical hardwoods; then settlers, who cleared the remaining trees to plant maize and soy; and finally large landowners, who consolidated the land to graze cattle.

Two-thirds of Brazil’s deforested land is used for cattle ranching.

But let’s leave the Amazon for a moment and shift our focus more than 3,000 kilometres southeast to the sprawling megalopolis of São Paulo, home to more than 20 million people. São Paulo is Brazil’s economic powerhouse: chaotic, pulsing with life and a little intimidating.

Severe drought But Paulistas, as the city’s citizens are known, have a problem – a big one.

São Paulo is drying up. In fact, much of southeast Brazil is suffering, including the country’s second-biggest city, Rio de Janeiro. The region has had three consecutive years of drought.

Despite recent El Niño-influenced downpours, São Paulo’s reservoirs are nearly empty. Last year, the Cantareira Reservoir, which supplies nine million people, was operating at just five-per-cent capacity. About a quarter of the country’s 200 million people now live in areas where rainfall is below historic averages.

But it’s not just the coast that’s drying up; it’s the Amazon itself. The region has had three severe droughts over the past decade. All signs point to climate change as the culprit. Forecasters say the area affected by severe drought may triple by the end of the century. In addition, unpredictable feedback loops could accelerate the cycle. Carbon dioxide (CO2) released from a dead and dying forest will further disrupt rainfall patterns and increase drought – which kills more trees, releasing more carbon in an endless cycle.

It turns out that drought in the Amazon and drought in São Paulo is not just coincidence. Researchers have found a direct link between deforestation in the country’s heartland and water shortages in the densely populated southeast.

Scientists use the term ‘aerial’ or ‘flying rivers’ to describe the forest’s role in continental rainfall patterns.

Here’s how it works.

As humid air rises from the Amazon, water vapour condenses, lowering the air pressure. Since air moves from high to low pressure, humid air from the Atlantic is continually sucked into the centre of the continent. Researchers call this phenomenon the ‘biotic pump’. When the moisture-rich air mass moves west, it eventually slams into the Andean Cordillera, then arcs south and eventually east, bringing rain to southeast Brazil and northern Argentina. If the biotic pump is turned off, or loses its energy, that spells trouble. And that’s essentially what’s happening as the rainforest disappears.

As Alexandre Uezu, an ecologist with São Paulo’s Ecological Research Institute, explains: ‘Were it not for the flying rivers the whole area would be desert.’

Although the pace of deforestation has slowed recently, the country is still losing more than 500,000 hectares of jungle every year.

Many Brazilians accept this as the price of prosperity. They wonder why they shouldn’t be free to exploit their resources just as North Americans and Europeans did centuries ago.

Weapons of mass destruction: loggers harvest precious tropical hardwoods in Brazil. The South American nation is losing more than half-a-million hectares of rainforest every year.

Biodiversity Since the dawn of the colonial era, our exploitation of the natural world has led to the obliteration of forests on a massive scale. The consequences have been dire – for plants and animals, and for communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods. In the broadest sense, forests are key to maintaining comfortable living conditions on Earth by providing what economists call ‘environmental services’ – storing carbon, filtering air and water, preventing floods and helping to regulate climate. Woodlands are home to 80 per cent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Trees also provide food and shelter as well as healing medicines. It is estimated that a quarter of modern medicines originate from forest plants.

As the human population grew, so did our economic activity. Initially, most of the loss was in temperate regions where agriculture first developed. Later, industrialization, with its ceaseless craving for energy and raw materials, added to the pressure.

At the time of the Roman Empire, dense forests covered 80 per cent of Europe. By the medieval era that figure had dropped to 40 per cent. And in some places it began much earlier.

Half of England had been cleared of forest by 500 BCE. Today, ancient forests in Europe have all but vanished.

In Ireland, for example, native woodlands make up just one per cent of the land area.

A similar pattern emerged in North America as settlers pushed west, razing forests rapidly during the 18th and 19th centuries. By the end of the 20th century, farms and new settlements had replaced much of America’s deciduous forests.

Degraded land For landless poor in Rondônia, the chance to carve out a few hectares from the forest to grow bananas and maize, and raise a few chickens and pigs, trumps conservation. The frontier acts as a relief valve allowing the state to mask extreme inequality.

(Brazil has the world’s eighth-biggest economy but there is a yawning gap between rich and poor).

Successive governments have encouraged settlement of the Amazon.

But small farmers are neither the main cause of deforestation nor, in the long run, the main beneficiaries. Within a few years, rain and erosion leaches nutrients from the thin tropical soil.

Yields fall. The degraded land is soon sold to large landowners and powerful agribusiness companies.

Not surprisingly, a similar combination of cash crops and resource projects threatens forests the world over.

• In Australia, coalmining menaces more than a million hectares of forest, while in Canada 20 per cent of the boreal forest (more than 150 million hectares) has been ceded to logging companies, oil and gas exploration, hydro dams and mines.

• Illegal logging flourishes, driven by renegade loggers in cahoots with corrupt politicians and greedy entrepreneurs. In Burma, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency, ‘Chinese businesses pay in gold bars for the rights to log entire mountains and smuggle timber out of [Burma]’s

conflict-torn state of Kachin.’

• Often the graft is transparent. Under Papua New Guinea’s ‘Special Agriculture and Business Leases’ scheme, 30 per cent of the country has been auctioned off to foreign timber companies. More than 80 per cent of its forests may be gone by 2021, according to the PNG Forest Authority.

• The conversion of woodlands to cash crops is widespread. In Uganda, tea planters have set their sights on 250 hectares of the Kafuga Pocket Forest Reserve on the southern fringes of the Bwindi National Park. The forest is one of the last homes of the endangered mountain gorilla and the national park has been listed by the UN as a World Heritage Site.

• Perversely, even the demand for socalled green fuels has fuelled deforestation. Across Europe, power plants looking to replace ‘dirty’ coal are now burning wood pellets for generating electricity. As a result, old-growth trees in Slovakia and Romania are ground into wood chips. This trend also endangers forests in the US south. From Georgia to the Carolinas, biologically rich wetland forests are replaced by monoculture pine plantations.

Zero net deforestation In many countries, managed tree plantations are now the norm. The UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says 50 million hectares of forests were planted between 2000 and 2010. Unfortunately, these were mostly industrial monocultures – pine, acacia, eucalyptus, rubber and palm – which the FAO bizarrely equates with natural forests.

This might seem odd until you understand the UN’s corporate-friendly goal of ‘zero net deforestation’. Simply put, it means that natural forests can continue to be toppled as long as they are replaced – somewhere, anywhere – by other trees. That’s one reason global corporations such as Unilever, Bunge and Mondelez International have jumped on the bandwagon.

As the World Rainforest Movement notes: ‘Zero net deforestation means companies can continue destroying forests as long as they can show a certificate that someone elsewhere has planted trees or protected some forest of at least the same size as one they converted into pasture or monoculture plantation.’

But planting trees does not necessarily make a forest. Just ask the Mbyá Guaraní people in the Argentine province of Misiones who saw their native lapachos and timbós replaced by an endless expanse of foreign pine trees.

Now, they lament, ‘our land, which once filled our lives with joy, is a desert of pine trees… where silence reigns because there are no animals, birds or fish.’

The other ‘game changer’ that the UN and the business community endorse goes by the unwieldy acronym REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). The idea is to use market forces to arrest deforestation in what is really an elaborate carbon-offset scheme. It seems simple enough – rich countries pay poor countries not to cut down their forests. Save the trees, save the CO2. Countries (or

companies) providing the funds can claim credit for the emissions saved and eventually those credits can be traded in a global carbon market.

But there are a few barriers en route. One is that market-led schemes tend to spiral into greed-driven freefor-alls. We’ve seen what convoluted investment vehicles the deep-thinkers on Wall Street can invent. The 2008 global recession was triggered by such chicanery and the wreckage is still with us. But more to the point: the scheme is an elaborate solution that ignores the core problem.

We need to stop burning fossil fuels.

Forests without people With REDD, rich countries can continue to pump out carbon as long as they can pay poor countries not to cut their trees.

More critically, it’s communities who depend on the forest for their livelihoods that tend to get the sharp end of the stick. As journalist Sam Knight argued in his meticulous exposé of REDD in Papua New Guinea: ‘When money and trees mix, it is normally local people who get screwed.’

An NGO study of 24 projects across a range of countries – including Mozambique, Peru, Nigeria and Kenya – found that communities in REDD project areas are ‘subjected to restrictions on forest use which interfere with their ways of life and livelihoods and reinforces the idea that a well-conserved forest is a forest without people.’

And that would be a mistake. Because our idealized notion of forests as pristine wilderness separate from human culture is pure invention. Human life has always been deeply intertwined with forests. Millions of people today depend on forests for their most basic needs. And it’s those communities that are best placed to protect and defend them. Recent research supports this claim. Deforestation rates in community-managed forests are consistently lower – up to six times lower in forests where local people have legal rights. In the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala, where indigenous communities manage about a quarter of the two-million hectare reserve, deforestation is a scant 0.02 per cent. In Peru it’s the opposite. There, the government has allowed resource companies to trample on indigenous rights. Concessions cover 75 per cent of the jungle and deforestation is rampant.

Kenya is another country where community forestry is making a difference. Critical upland watersheds were denuded as trees were burned to make charcoal, leading to a dramatic reduction in rainfall and widespread drought.

That set alarm bells ringing and eventually led to the creation of community forestry associations to reclaim and manage the barren hillsides. Today, forest cover is increasing and so are the rains.

According to Simon Gitau, warden of Mount Kenya National Park: ‘People who used to be poachers and illegal loggers are now defending the forests.’

So should we all.

People need forests. But so do the creatures we share the earth with and so does the planet. That’s why it’s urgent we both protect and nurture them.

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.

friday 22•04•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘The best help comes from simple, solidarity movements’

Afghan refugee organizer Yonous Muhammadi speaks to Marienna PopeWeidemann and Samir Dathi in Athens, Greece New Internationalist

E

leonas, on the outskirts of Athens, is home to Greece’s first official, open reception centre for refugees. Living conditions for the 200 or so residents tower head and shoulders above so-called ‘reception centres’ for asylum seekers elsewhere in the country. But it’s special for another reason: it exists because the refugees themselves made it happen.

In October last year, Afghan refugees were sleeping by the hundreds in a local park. In response, the Greek government set up Eleonas – in an industrial park in Athens – but a long history of racism and abuse meant refugees were unwilling to go there. Everyone thought Eleonas would just be another detention centre.

Then the Greek Forum of Refugees stepped in. This international network of communities – from Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia and beyond – worked to build trust with the newly arrived refugees, and volunteered for months to make Eleonas what it is today: the most humane official camp in Greece.

The new EU-Turkey deal has opened an opaque and industrious system of mass deportations. This is already crippling the capacity for independent volunteers to act as human rights watchdogs and establish open humanitarian spaces for refugees. In this context, the role of refugee-led organization will become more vital than ever.

Yonous Muhammadi is the Forum’s president. A mild-mannered man, he has represented refugees in the Greek capital for over a decade. He speaks with the easy frankness of someone whose authority stems from a wealth of collective experience.

Forced to flee Afghanistan while at medical college in 1997, he supported refugee communities in Pakistan and later moved to Iran, where he risked imprisonment to teach at a secret school for ‘illegal’ children. After being imprisoned for trying to return to Afghanistan, he resigned himself to leaving permanently, and reached Greece, via Turkey, in 2001.

Younus has encouraged Afghan communities in Athens to organize. They formally combined with other refugee groups in 2012 to become the Greek Forum of Ref-

ugees, which has become a powerful force for mobilizing and getting refugee voices heard. ‘All our goals are achieved by participation of refugees themselves,’ says Younous. ‘And Eleonas is an example of how important that participation is.’

How have refugees in Greece fared through the winter months?

This winter is especially cold and conditions are really difficult. People fleeing are still obliged to arrive in Greece via the Aegean Sea, and still the EU will not even discuss safe, legal passage. Greek authorities have also been discriminating against independent volunteers. On the Greek islands, volunteers’ work is essential for the safety and reception of the refugees. They should be thanked, not arrested.

The situation at the Greek border is also really worrying. Many vulnerable people are trapped at the border in freezing temperatures. A few groups are taking advantage of this situation to rob refugees. Just recently, an attack left someone dead. That proves how little protection there is.

People stopped at the border can return to Athens, but the situation is no better here. The official reception centres will only accept Syrians, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Eritreans and Yemenis. Otherwise, unless you are an unaccompanied minor, you are sleeping on the streets or in parks with no assistance, or being arrested and taken to detention centres, where people are really afraid for their survival.

Tell us about conditions in the official ‘reception centres’ for asylum seekers in Greece. In 2014, a lot of human rights groups condemned conditions as deplorable. Has anything changed?

In 2014, we had more than 9,000 people in detention, even Syrians. The numbers have dropped but conditions still do not meet the standards of human rights law.

In September 2015, there was a hunger strike by refugees from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The conditions are impossible!

When you see it, you can’t believe how people can survive there.

We have reports [documenting the poor conditions]. Greek friends speak out about it – but the problem is, when refugees are freed they just want to leave because there is no trust in the authorities.

Before they even reach Greece, you know, these refugees have suffered so much, they have been attacked so many times by police at the borders of Iran, at the borders of Turkey – everywhere.

And when they go the Greek police after attacks by fascists, the police do noth-

ing. So if there is a law broken, most of the from Afghanistan are the victims of terrorists.

We have held demonstrations against ISIS time they don’t want to speak about that, and the Taliban, and in solidarity with the victhey just want to leave. tims of terrorists in France. We can underReports continue to surface of abuses and stand families’ mourning because we know illegal pushbacks by the Greek authori- this feeling well. All of us have lost someone. ties at the borders. The Police deny that it’s My 16-year-old brother died in a terrorist athappening at all. What are your thoughts? tack, as did my cousin. It should be clear that Before 2014, there were huge numbers we are running away from them and fighting of pushbacks, not only at the Evros land against them in every way we can. border [with Turkey] but also in the Aegean Sea around the Greek Islands. We What is it like to be an asylum seeker in have collected witness statements from Greece today? What psychological pressures are people put under? refugees themselves.

In some cases they tried to cross seven Until 2014, we were recording daily attacks on times, but every time they were pushed refugees. In 2010, our offices were attacked by back – not just deported, but removed very Golden Dawn. But this issue goes beyond the violently. There have also been many cases fascists: the whole asylum system is a massive of sexual abuse. And we are still getting cas- obstacle to integration and empowerment. es like this, with authorities deporting refu- Some people wait ten years for a decision, gees back to Turkey and saying: ‘don’t you unable to imagine or plan any future because dare come back to this border.’ People are the rights they have are so limited.

The Greek state provides no support beaten and robbed.

We have evidence of these things. But to students. We often meet people pursuthe problem is, they say, when we as refu- ing their studies without shelter or food. gees are speaking it is ‘not so credible’. They This is a real problem.

Victims of torture, and trafficking strugalways say this. The Greek authorities will never accept that they have carried out a gle to integrate and are particularly vulnersingle pushback. But the research, by Hu- able because the authorities provide no acman Rights Watch and others says other- cess to psycho-social rehabilitation. wise. There are still pushbacks happening What is the long-term solution to the Euroat Evros, I can tell you that. pean Union’s current refugee crisis?

The presence of big aid agencies in the The problem with the EU is the powers are Greek islands – UNHCR, Red Cross, UNI- always trying to push their problems on to CEF and so on – increased towards the end each other, especially to the outer border. of 2015, but has been quite minimal given There is no responsibility sharing. I have the scale of the crisis. You’ve highlighted been here more than 13 years and I am fed the vital role of independent volunteers. up with this. Solidarity should be the responsibility of every country. No one wants Can you tell us about that?

Yes, the most important help comes from to take the refugees in the same way that no the simple solidarity movements. It is self- one wants to leave their homes in the first organized people trying to help. That is place. The main solution is to stop the wars! very important. There is no other initia- Why is there this in Syria? Why did I have to tive or motive behind this, they just want to leave Afghanistan, for example?

The other thing that’s important is funchelp as fellow human beings. So there is no money, no salary, nothing – just humanity. tional, realistic co-operation with the counIndependents are the first people on tries that border Syria. Not like they’re dothe scene to rescue and welcome refugees. ing with Turkey – it wants EU money and UNHCR and other organizations, with all membership and doesn’t care about the their power, are helping less than ordinary refugees. At the moment, all the decisions people in places like the [Greek island of] the EU and other are making are in their own economic and geopolitical interests.

Lesvos at the moment.

Only if there is political will to benefit the How do you think the Paris terror attacks refugees, will we be able to find a solution.

I don’t hold out much hope that it will stop.

by ISIS last November 2015 have impacted It [the West] interferes in Afghanistan – not in refugees in Greece and Europe?

The anti-refugee and anti-migrant voices all my interests as an Afghan – and here we are, over Europe are trying to use this to call all 13 years later, thousands of soldiers in Afghanirefugees terrorists. But the reality is they are stan, billions of dollars spent and what is the running away from the terrorists in their own result? We are still hearing of cities being capcountries. And usually terrorists don’t use the tured by the Taliban and others and so we have refugee route. The families coming from Syria, thousands of people who are running away.

A burning problem

It happens every year: thousands of hectares of Indonesian rainforest are torched to clear land for palm oil, timber and other agribusiness operations.

It’s a perfect storm of destruction Nithin Coca

P

New Internationalist

ekanbaru, in the heart of the biodiverse, tropical island of Sumatra, is one of Indonesia’s richest cities. It is a modern boom town, with paved roads, glitzy shopping malls and thousands of young, mostly male, migrant workers. When I visited last September, the city was unexpectedly dark and gloomy. Across the island, hundreds of fires were raging, blanketing the city in a haze that blocked the sun and forced residents to don air masks. Pollution was at 10 times the acceptable level.

The fires soon engulfed two million hectares as the poisonous cloud spread across Southeast Asia. The economic toll: north of $30 billion, including an estimated half-million respiratory tract infections and 100,000 premature deaths, according to Greenpeace. In addition, the fires spewed out as much greenhouse gas as Brazil produces in a year.

‘It was very shocking,’ says Teguh Surya, Forest Campaigner with Greenpeace Indonesia. ‘Singapore, Malaysia, southern Thailand and the Philippines were all affected.’

To many experts and activists, the fires were no surprise. Years of rampant deforestation, the draining of wetlands and the expansion of monoculture acacia and palm oil plantations left the landscape scarred, unnaturally dry and ripe for disaster. The trigger came in the form of an unusually strong El Niño, which brought dry conditions to much of the island nation.

But El Niño is not to blame for the fires.

According to Robert Field of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, there is no natural fire cycle in Indonesia. The fires are all caused by people and are ‘completely preventable’.

Draining the peat The main reason for starting the fires is that they make forested land much more valuable.

‘Fire is a tool,’ notes Herry Purnomo, a researcher at the Centre for International

The red fruits of the palm oil tree which are crushed to release the valuable oil. Indonesia is now the world’s top palm oil exporter

Forestry Research in Bogor. After the trees are burned, ‘people claim the land and it makes them rich’. He estimates that every acre of destroyed forest pumps about $500 in short-term benefits into the local economy. Scale that up to two million hectares and it’s a pile of quick cash.

According to the World Resources Institute, more than 35 per cent of the fires in Sumatra are on pulpwood concessions.

Most of the rest are on or near land used by oil palm growers. Lindsey Allen, executive director of the Rainforest Action Network (RAN) says: ‘Most of these fires are a direct result of the industrial manipulation of the landscape for plantation development.’

Neither oil palm nor acacia grow naturally in Indonesia. Both plants require dry land, so plantation owners drain the peat and clear the forests.

It is the extraordinary capacity of Indonesia’s peatlands to store carbon that makes the fires so dangerous. According to Wetlands International, ‘Indonesian emissions from peat soils due to logging and drainage account for 60 per cent of the total Indonesian CO2 emissions.’

When a peat fire starts, it can be nearly impossible to put out. ‘Fire in peatland spreads easily underground and goes

PERSPECTIVE

widely in many different directions – that’s the problem,’ notes Jatna Supriatna of the Research Centre for Climate Change at the University of Indonesia.

The thick smoke and deadly pollution also spread across the region, especially into neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia. The two countries caused an uproar, despite the fact that both have significant investments in the palm oil and wood pulp industries. According to a study by the Yale MacMillan Center, more than two-thirds of Indonesia’s palm oil production is controlled by Singaporean and Malaysian companies, often through joint ventures with local companies. The major players – Singapore’s Sinar Mas and Wilmar International, and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Kepong – have invested billions.

‘Singapore and Malaysia complain, but I don’t see any significant effort from these countries to work with Indonesia to solve the fire problem,’ says Purnomo.

Booming demand Endemic corruption doesn’t help. During the three-decade Suharto dictatorship, an astounding $35 billion was stolen by the ruling family, and that example shows no sign of fading. Family members and cro-

nies still control some of the country’s biggest businesses.

For example, the Sinar Mas Group is led

by Indonesian billionaire Eka Tjipta Widjaja. According to Forbes Asia, satellite imagery confirmed fires across Sinar Mas’ huge palm oil plantations. The company vigorously denied the charge. Other palm oil billionaires include Sukanto Tanoto of Asian Agri; Martua Sitorus, co-founder of the world’s largest palm oil trading company, Wilmar International; and Ciliandra Fangiono, head of First Resources. All claim no knowledge of the cause of the fires.

But the problem reaches beyond Indonesia’s neighbours into the world’s biggest economies. Most of the country’s palm oil is exported. First it was shipped to Europe to make biofuels and as a key ingredient in processed foods. Then the US market exploded due to health concerns about hydrogenated oils. Palm oil was the cheapest alternative. Today, the top importing countries are India and China, where there is a booming demand for cooking oil for a growing middle class.

According to RAN, there are several global brands at the end of the palm oil supply chain. PepsiCo, the Japanese noodle maker Nissin, Kraft and Heinz are just some of the companies that will neither confirm nor deny that palm oil used in their products comes from recently burned, or illegally deforested, land.

‘The majority of companies remain overly complacent with their supply chain,’ stresses Fiona Mulligan, Palm Oil Campaigner with Greenpeace. ‘Companies must work together as a driving force for change – no trader, producer or consumer company can accomplish this by itself. And all are, in some way, complicit in causing Indonesia’s fires.’

RAN Agribusiness Campaign Director Gemma Tillack agrees. ‘As palm oil plantations spread across Indonesia and beyond, rainforests are falling faster than ever and systematic abuse of communities and workers’ rights is rife.’

As the rains finally doused last season’s fires, President Joko Widodo – prompted by the upcoming Paris talks – promised to end planting on peat and announced the creation of a peatland restoration initiative. And it’s said that the new commissioner of the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission has a well-known green streak.

Let’s hope that corruption in the forestry sector will be one of his priorities.

Nithin Coca is an activist and writer.

He splits his time between California and Southeast Asia.

7

What Is Inspiration?

David Brooks

F

NYT

or decades, Anders Ericsson has reminded us of the value of hard work. The Florida State psychologist did the research that led to the so-called 10,000-hour rule. In his informative new book, “Peak,” he and co-author Robert Pool downplay the importance of native-born genius (even in people like Mozart) and emphasize the importance of deliberate practice — painstaking exercises to perfect some skill.

Anybody who has observed excellence knows that Ericsson is basically right. Dogged work is the prerequisite of success. Yet there are some moments — after much steady work and after the technical skills have been mastered — when the mind and spirit take flight.

We call these moments of inspiration.

They kind of steal upon you, longed for and unexpected.

Inspiration is a much-used, domesticated, amorphous and secular word for what is actually a revolutionary, countercultural and spiritual phenomenon. But what exactly is inspiration? What are we talking about when we use that term?

Well, moments of inspiration don’t quite make sense by normal logic. They feel transcendent, uncontrollable and irresistible. When one is inspired, time disappears or alters its pace. The senses are amplified. There may be goose bumps or shivers down the spine, or a sense of being overawed by some beauty.

Inspiration is always more active than mere appreciation. There’s a thrilling feeling of elevation, a burst of energy, an awareness of enlarged possibilities. The person in the grip of inspiration has received, as if by magic, some new perception, some holistic understanding, along with the feeling that she is capable of more than she thought.

Vladimir Nabokov believed that inspiration comes in phases. First, he wrote, there’s the “prefatory glow,” the feeling of “tickly well-being” that banishes all awareness of physical discomfort. The feeling does not yield its secret just yet, but a window has been opened and some wind has blown in.

Then, a few days later, Nabokov continued, the writer “forefeels what he is going to tell.” There’s an instant vision, the lightning bolt of inspiration, that turns into rapid speech, and a “tumble of merging words” that form the nucleus of a work that will grow from it over the ensuing months or years.

Inspired work stands apart from normal life. In the first place it’s not about self-interest as normally understood. It’s not driven by a desire for money or grades or status. The inspired person is driven intrinsically by the work itself. The work takes hold of a person.

Inspiration is not earned. Your investment of time and effort prepares you for inspiration, but inspiration is a gift that goes beyond anything you could have deserved.

Inspiration is not something you can control. People who are inspired have lost some agency. They often feel that something is working through them, some power greater than themselves.

The Greeks said it was the Muses. Believers might say it is God or the Holy Spirit. Others might say it is something mysterious bursting forth deep in the unconscious, a new way of seeing.

Inspiration does not happen to autonomous individuals. It’s a beautiful contagion that passes through individuals. The word itself comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breath into.” One inspiring achievement — say, the space program — has a tendency to raise the sense of possibility in others — say, a little boy who dreams of being an astronomer. Then the one who is inspired performs his own feats and inspires others, and so on down the line.

Inspiration is not permanent and solid. It’s powerful but ephemeral, which is why so many people compare it to a gust of wind. And when it is gone people long for its return.

The poet Christian Wiman wrote that inspiration is “intrusive, transcendent, transformative, but also evanescent and, all too often, anomalous. A poem can leave its maker at once more deeply seized by existence and, in a profound way, alienated from it, for as the act of making ends, as the world that seemed to overbrim its boundaries becomes, once more, merely the world, it can be very difficult to retain any faith at all in that original moment of inspiration. That memory of that momentary blaze, in fact, and the art that issued from it, can become a kind of reproach to the fireless life in which you find yourself most of the time.”

Most important, inspiration demands a certain posture, the sort of posture people feel when they are overawed by something large and mysterious. They are both humbled and self-confident, surrendering and also powerful. When people are inspired they are willing to take a daring lark toward something truly great. They’re brave enough to embrace the craggy fierceness of the truth and to try to express it in some new way.

Yes, hard work is really important for achievement. But life is more mysterious than just that.

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

8

fridAY 22•04•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

More than 100 feared dead in heat wave Blow to BJP as court revokes

Prez's Rule in Uttarakhand

Young girls carry containers filled with drinking water beside the railway station in Agartala on April 20. (REUTERS)

DehraDun, april 21 (ianS): In a major blow to the BJP-led central government, the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday set aside President's Rule in the state, restoring Congress leader Harish Rawat as the chief minister, nearly a month after he was ousted.

The dramatic decision, also asking Rawat to prove his legislative majority in the 70-member assembly on April 29, triggered Congress celebrations while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called it a "huge embarrassment" for the Narendra Modi government.

The court came down heavily on the central government for its March 27 move to dismiss Rawat under the much contested Article 356 that empowers the union cabinet to impose President's Rule in a state.

The case "brings to the fore a situation where 356 has been used contrary to the law", the court said, adding the article should only be used as a last resort.

"The proclamation of March 27 stands quashed," said the court in the "status quo ante" order, meaning the previously existing state of affairs was being restored.

A visibly pleased Rawat hailed the decision as "a victory for the people".

"Uttarakhand has got justice. I stand vindicated," he told the media shortly after the verdict.

Ut t a ra k h a n d w a s plunged into political uncertainty after nine Congress legislators, including

Centre to approach SC tomorrow, says AG neW Delhi, april 21 (pti): The Centre would move the Supreme Court tomorrow challenging the Uttarakhand High Court order quashing the proclamation of President's rule in the state Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said today.

He said he will mention the matter before the bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur in the morning tomorrow seeking a stay on the verdict, which has revived the Congress government headed

by Harish Rawat.

"The High Court was wrong in quashing the Presidential notification. The former chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, whom Rawat replaced, revolted and turned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The crisis peaked on March 18 when the assembly passed the budget Appropriation Bill by voice vote even as the opposition, including the rebel Congress members, sought recorded voting.

But Speaker Govind Kunjwal declined the request, leading the BJP to cry foul.

Rawat was then asked

by Governor K.K. Paul to prove his majority on March 28. Just a day before, the central government ousted the Rawat-led government by imposing President's Rule. Rawat immediately went to court.

On Thursday, Rawat said the ruling to restore his government had begun a "new phase" in the state and asked the Modi government to honour its stated policy of "cooperative federalism".

Presidential notification is based on relevant material," he said said referring to the some of the important grounds for challenge to the High Court judgement.

The High Court said the imposition of President's rule under Article 356 of the Constitution was contrary to the law laid down by the apex court.

"The Appropriation Bill, passed on March 18, was actually not passed and despite that the Speaker certified it which really means the government has fallen.

By Speaker's order minority government was allowed to continue," Rohatgi said.

The BJP claimed the court ruling was not a surprise. Its general secretary and Uttarakhand affairs in charge Kailash Vijayvargiya, who played a key role in the developments leading to Rawat's ouster, insisted that Rawat won't be able to prove his majority.

"We will prove on April 29 that (the Rawat government) was and is in minority," he said in New Delhi.

After ouster of Rawat, Vijayvargiya had claimed that Congress-led governments in Himachal Pradesh and Manipur were on their way out -like it happened earlier in Arunachal Pradesh.

But another senior BJP leader, Subramanian Swamy, slammed Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar for the fiasco.

"Time to get a new AG and SG for the BJP government... We can win the Uttarakhand case," Swamy tweeted.

BJP sources said the central government was considering moving the Supreme Court.

An overjoyed Congress called the court ruling a victory for democracy and the judicial system "to whom alone aggrieved citizens can turn for relief".

"The imposition of President's Rule was unconstitutional," spokesman Abishek Singhvi said in New Delhi.

"The law was deliberately and consciously violated by the central government. We hope that those who are watching different states with greedy eyes should learn a lesson."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the court verdict was "a huge embarrassment to the Modi government".

"Till now the Modi government used to declare our orders null and void.

Today, the high court has declared their order null and void."

BhuB aneSWar, april 21 (reuterS): More than 100 people are feared dead in India in an early-summer heat wave which forced schools to close and halted outdoor work like construction, government officials said on Thursday.

Neighbouring Pakistan, which suffered its hottest spell in decades last year, plans to open 500 response centres to provide shelter and cold water to people if a heat-wave warning is issued, a government official said. No heat deaths have yet been reported.

India's hottest months

are May and June, but some states have already registered temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), forcing authorities to take emergency steps.

In Telangana, 45 people have died from heat exposure, and another 17 in Andhra Pradesh, officials said. Some 43 were believed to have died in neighbouring Odisha, although an official there said each of the deaths was being investigated.

Y.K. Reddy, a director at the Indian Meteorological Department, said Telangana has recorded its highest

College expels student for hacking Lalu's Facebook account

ED seeks Mallya's deportation, writes to external affairs ministry Rafale deal not complete

patna, april 21 (ianS): A day after he was arrested on charge of hacking the Facebook account of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad and posting objectionable material on it, an engineering student was expelled by his college on Thursday, officials said.

Divyanshu Kumar alias Golu, in his early 20s, was arrested from his village Mehmadabad in Vaishali district by Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit on Wednesday. Two Samsung mobile phones and a SIM (subscriber identity module) card he allegedly used to hack the FB account in March were seized from him. "We have expelled Divyanshu, a third-year student, from the college," said Santlal, director of the Patna Sahib Engineering College near here.

"He hacked the Facebook page of Lalu Prasad on March 8 and 11 and posted objectionable material on it," police said.

Last month, soon after Lalu's Facebook page was hacked, his younger son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav lodged a first information report with Patna police.

April temperatures since at least 2006.

Reddy said there were worries the death toll in Telangana could rise and his department was issuing heat-wave warnings to advise people to stay indoors.

Schools in Telangana were shut last week two weeks ahead of their summer holidays. As an emergency measure, Odisha has ordered schools to remain closed until April 26 and banned construction work during the hottest times of day.

Some small-scale businesses were already suffering. "I am closing my shop before noon because it is

neW Delhi, april 21 (pti): Armed with a non-bailable arrest warrant against him, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the external affairs ministry seeking initiation of deportation proceedings against businessman Vijay Mallya in connection with its money laundering probe against him in the Rs 900 crore IDBI alleged loan fraud case.

The agency has written to MEA and will also soon write to the CBI to get an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) issued against the Rajya Sabha MP to get him arrested, based on the NBW directed by a Mumbai court.

Only last week, the MEA had

too hot," said Tulu Sahu, a small grocery seller in Bhubaneshwar city in Odisha.

"You cannot stay in the shop."

Pakistan, where extreme heat killed more than 1,000 people during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan last year, has started gearing up to tackle any sudden rise of patients who report heat-related illnesses.

"We have enough supplies and staff to meet the possible situation," said Seemin Jamali, head of the accident and emergency department at Karachi's Jinnah Hospital.

suspended Mallya's diplomatic passport and has sought a reply from him as to why his passport should not be revoked as the ED said the businessman was not cooperating in the probe in the said case under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources said once the deportation proceedings are initiated, the MEA will seek assistance of their counterparts in the United Kingdom to interdict Mallya and fly him back to India. "The grounds for deportation are primarily two.

A non-bailable warrant issued by the Mumbai court and suspension of the passport of the businessman," they said.

Mallya is understood to be in the UK after he left India on March 2. A lHyderabad court had on Wednesday convicted Mallya in a cheque-bouncing case filed against him by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. With the latest request for deportation, the ED has virtually deployed all legal measures in place to bring back Mallya to India and make him join investigations "in person", which the agency had stated in a Mumbai court was essential to take the probe forward in the case.

The 60-year-old industrialist has skipped three summons issued by ED in this regard in the past. He had also sought time till

May to depose before agency investigators.

ED has registered a money laundering case against Mallya and others based on an FIR registered last year by the CBI. The agency is not only investigating the financial structure of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines but also looking into any payment of kickbacks to secure loans from IDBI and probing laundering of funds to overseas destinations by the group.

The agency had alleged that Mallya had siphoned off Rs 430 crore of the IDBI loan and used this money to acquire properties abroad, a charge denied by Kingfisher.

Fresh claims on Bachchan in 'Panama Papers', equally fresh denial

neW Delhi, april 21 (ianS): Even as a fresh report on the "Panama Papers" alleged Amitabh Bachchan "participated" in board meetings of two off-shore companies "by telephone conference", the actor himself has said his name was "misused" and that nothing illegal has been attributed to him.

The Indian Express reported on Thursday that Sea Bulk Shipping and Tramp Shipping had passed a resolution each on December 12, 1994, in connection with a loan of $1.75 million from Dallah Albaraka Investment Company.

The loan was for Con-

stellation Ship Management for the purchase of all the shares issued by Tramp Shipping and held

by Sea Bulk Shipping. Besides Tramp and Sea Bulk, the paper had said Bachchan was managing director for two other offshore entities -- Lady Shipping and Treasure Shipping.

"Both resolutions recorded Bachchan’s participation in board meetings 'by telephone conference'. In their certificate of incumbency issued the same day, both companies also recorded Bachchan as director. The companies had the same directors, including Bachchan, and officers," it said.

In response, Bachchan's office sent a rejoinder, which was also posted on his twitter account.

"On Panama disclosures, I wish to state that queries continue to be sent to me by the media. I would humbly request them to kindly direct these to the GOI (Government of India) where I, as a law abiding citizen, have already sent, and shall continue to send, my responses," the post said.

"I stand by my earlier statement on the ‘misuse of my name’ in the matter and in any event the press reports do not disclose any illegal act committed by me."

The Indian Express,

based on Mossack Fonseca records, said Umesh Sahai of Jersey-based corporate service provider City Management (now Minerva Trust) was one of the founder-directors of the four shipping companies and that he had appointed Bachchan as director and managing director in 1993.

"He (Sahai) also signed the board resolutions that recorded Bachchan’s participation in the December 12, 1994, meetings. Sahai did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking his comment on Bachchan’s statement denying any knowledge of the companies," the newspaper said.

Bachchan's name cropped up in the reports as part of a global expose of International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and over 100 global media organisations, based on millions of leaked documents of the Panama law firm Mossak Fonseca.

A high-level probe team has been constituted, with members drawn from the various agencies of the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) based on the orders issued

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian authorities have already said not all off-shore funds need be illegitimate.

yet: Parrikar after BJP tweet neW Delhi, april 21 (pti): A day after BJP claimed the Rafale aircraft deal with France has been "finalised" at USD 8.8 billion (Rs 59,000 crore), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said it is not complete as yet but at an "advanced stage" and the intention is to "close it quite soon".

In a lighter vein, he told reporters here that the BJP tweet only indicates that journalists write stories very convincingly.

BJP had yesterday tweeted a graphic, saying that the Rafale combat aircraft deal has been "finalised" and the Narendra Modi government had saved over Rs 21,000 crore in the "re-negotiation" with the French government.

Defence Ministry sources had earlier said the deal was at an advanced stage and both India and France had narrowed down their differences over the pricing issue.

"I can only tell you this much that while the deal is in quite an advanced stage, and we intend to close it quite soon, I still can't say that

negotiations are totally cleared until we sign the deal or at least the deal is forwarded to the Cabinet for approval," Parrikar told reporters here.

The deal is expected to be finalised by May end. India has been bargaining hard with France over the pricing of the 36 fighter planes, a deal that was announced first by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April last year.

The cost of the 36 Rafales, as per the earlier tender while keeping the cost escalation into account, comes to around Rs 65,000 crore.

India has been bargaining for a price that is less than 8 billion Euro (Rs 59,000 crore).

"The deal to buy 36 state-of-the-art Rafale aircraft from France at 12 billion dollar (Rs 80000 crore) was re-negotiated and finalised at 8.8 billion dollar (around Rs 59000 crore)," the BJP tweet had said.

The government "saved" public money and the deal resulted in gain of "technological knowledge" and "strengthening the air power to defend the border", it had said.

79 percent polling in Bengal's third phase, one dead in violence

KolKata, april 21 (ianS): Amid incidents of violence that left one person dead and several others injured, West Bengal saw over 79 percent votes cast in 62 constituencies on Thursday in phase three of the assembly elections.

Amid sweltering heat, incidents of violence were reported in parts of Murshidabad, Nadia, Kolkata and Burdwan districts, while the Left Front and the Congress demanded repolling in 15 booths of Domkal constituency.

The constituencies that went to polls included 22 in Murshidabad, 17 in Nadia, 16 in Burdwan districts and seven in north Kolkata. "At 5 p.m., the overall polling percentage was 79.22 percent," Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta said.

The turnout in Murshidabad was 79.29 percent, Nadia 81.62 percent, Burdwan 78.26 percent, and Kolkata (North) 57.06 percent," said Gupta.

Tahidul Islam, said to be a Com-

munist Party of India-Marxist activist, was killed in Domkal of Murshidabad district. However, Additional Director General of Police Anuj Sharma said according to the FIR, the victim's name was Tahidul Mondal.

Ten people were injured in various incidents, while 232 people were arrested, he said. "Of them, 169 were arrested in the districts and 63 in Kolkata. The number of arrests under preventive sections of the Indian Penal Code was 225, while seven others had specific cases against them."

Gupta said seven presiding officers were removed for "inefficiency and to speed up the polling process".

A block Level Officer, Rabindranath Ghosh, died of heatstroke in Mangalkot constituency of Burdwan district. Election Commission officials received 2,777 complaints, including of violence, voter intimidation and disruption of the poll process. Altogetehr 2,322 complaints

have been disposed off.

Regarding the killing in Domkal, the district administration in its report to the Election Commission said Tahidul did not die "in any clash or bomb blast".

"The body of Tahidul Islam was found 500 metres away from Haridoba Notunpara with a sharp cut injury. Apparently, he was murdered by unknown people and the body was placed on the road."

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) candidate from Domkal Anisur Rahaman claimed that Tahidul was his polling agent and blamed the Trinamool Congress for the killing.

But the ruling party claimed the death was a result of a clash between the CPI-M and Congress supporters. The district administration denied that Tahidul was a polling agent.

At least four others were attacked in Domkal allegedly for casting their votes. Reports of violence were also

received from Ketugram in Burdwan district where three people were injured after crude bombs were hurled near a polling booth. Several crude bombs were also seized from near a booth at Saguna in Nadia district.

Voters in Chakdaha in Nadia district alleged they were "prevented from voting by Trinamool goons".

At least four people were injured in Mangalkote of Burdwan with Trinamool's Siddiqullah Chowdhury accusing the CPI-M for the attack.

Complaints of voter intimidation and scuffles between rival political activists were also received from several booths in Kolkata, including Beliaghta and Entally. A mediaperson was among the injured.

Union Minister Babul Supriyo was seen chasing a "drunkard" in a lane of north Kolkata's Jorasanko constituency and handing him over to the police. Supriyo is a voter of the constituency.

Accusing the ruling Trinamool of indulging in "massive rigging" and booth capturing in Domkal, the alliance partners demanded repoll in 15 polling booths.

Left Front spearhead CPI-M state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said there were disturbances in sixseven constituencies. "We think there should be repoll in 15 polling booths of Domkal constituency," said Mishra, whose demand was seconded by state Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

However, Mishra expressed overall satisfaction over the role of the Election Commission. Over 1.37 crore (1,37,42,000) voters were eligible to elect their legislators across 16,461 polling stations, including 10 auxiliary booths, from among 418 candidates, including 34 women.

The ruling Trinamool and the Bharatiya Janata Party are contesting all 62 constituencies in the third

phase. The Left Front-Congress alliance is in fray for all the 62 constituencies. But the Congress nominees are also clashing with those from the Left Front in 11 seats -- 10 in Murshidabad and one in Nadia.

Among the major candidates in the third phase are state ministers and Trinamool contestants Rabiranjan Chattopadhyay, Sashi Panja, Sadhan Pandey, former state minister and CPI-M candidates Anisur Rahaman and Debesh Das, Congress legislature party leader Mohammad Sohrab and former state party president Somendranath Mitra, and BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha.

Earlier voters in 105 of the state's total 294 assembly constituencies exercised their right to franchise on April 4, 11 and 17 in the first two phases.

Polling in the fourth, fifth and sixth phases will be held on April 25, 30 and May 5 for 49, 53 and 25 constituencies respectively.

FRIDAY 22•04 •2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Syrian peace talks in quagmire as rebels prepare for more war G e n e v a / B e i r u t, april 21 (reuters): Syria’s fragile peace talks might not resume for at least a year if they are abandoned now, a senior Western diplomat warned on Wednesday, as the opposition urged more military support for rebels after declaring a truce was over.

Intense fighting has left Syria’s partial ceasefire in tatters. The truce was brokered by the United States and Russia to pave the way for the first peace talks attended by rebel factions since the crisis began five years ago.

Those talks, taking place under U.N. auspices in Geneva, also appear to have collapsed this week.

The opposition says it has called a “pause” to negotiations, although it is reluctant to accept blame for the collapse by walking out altogether.

“If this ends now, it will be over for at least a year ...

The Russians will steamroll -- taking advantage of a U.S. vacuum,” the Western diplomat said, referring to fears Washington will be preoccupied by November’s U.S. presidential election.

“There will be three million more refugees and thousands more dead,” said the diplomat, who declined to be identified while describing a scenario world powers still hope to avoid. “If we all leave Geneva, I don’t see the process continuing.”

Damascus negotiators say the presidency of Bashar al-Assad is non-

negotiable while the opposition sees removal of the president as a prerequisite and complains of no progress on an end to violence, humanitarian access and political detainees.

The Geneva talks aim to end a war that has killed more than 250,000 people, created the world’s worst refugee crisis, allowed for the rise of the Islamic State group and drawn in regional and major powers.

Russia’s intervention in the conflict beginning late last year has swayed the war in Assad’s favour.

The already widely violated truce began fraying more quickly some two weeks ago near Aleppo, where the Syrian army accused rebel groups of taking part in assaults by Islamists who are not covered by the ceasefire. Rebels say they were defending themselves from attacks by the army and its Shi’ite militia allies.

A total collapse of the Geneva talks would leave a diplomatic vacuum that could allow a further escalation of the war that is being fuelled by rivalries between foreign powers including oil producers Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Seeking to ease that rivalry, U.S. President Barack Obama met Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on a visit to Riyadh on Wednesday and discussed the need to reinforce the partial truce in Syria and support a transition from Assad’s rule.

France said it would consider with other European powers and the

United States on Monday the idea of convening a ministerial meeting of major powers in the next two weeks to work out the next steps for Syria.

GirdinG for more battle As fighting raged and air strikes on rebel-held areas intensified, the opposition urged foreign states to supply them with the means to defend themselves, a thinly veiled reference to the anti-aircraft weapons long sought by insurgents.

Air strikes killed around 40 people in a crowded market on Tuesday in what may have been the worst incident of its kind since the cessation of hostilities took effect in February.

France said the government was rushing “headlong” into violence and showing its refusal to negotiate a political solution.

Syrian state TV cited a military source denying any air force raids on residential areas.

Anas Al Abde, president of the Turkey-based opposition Syrian National Coalition, said the Geneva talks were “futile” and there was no hope in discussing political transition.

Speaking in Istanbul, he urged “qualitative support” for rebel groups, and said the solution must be a “political-military” one.

U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura has come closer than any mediator so far in bringing the warring sides to peace talks which began last month, after the implementation of the par-

tial truce brokered by the Washington and Moscow.

But the sides have yet to narrow their differences on issues like the fate of Assad, and it will be difficult to lure the opposition back to the table if fighting resumes unchecked, with the government taking advantage of Russia’s firepower.

On Wednesday experts were meeting in Geneva but the opposition’s Riad Hijab, chief coordinator of the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC), had quit the talks with senior delegates while de Mistura had left for personal reasons. About half of the HNC delegation remained.

The Syrian government negotiator Bashar Ja’afari poured contempt on the opposition for its partial walkout, accusing it of sulking and political immaturity.

“By leaving they may be taking away a major obstacle that will allow us to reach a solution,” he told reporters.

The U.S. State department rejected that view.

“We do not believe that the way forward is any removal by the opposition from these talks. In fact, quite the opposite,” spokesman John Kirby said in Washington.

Russia said the opposition was incapable of reaching a deal. “By issuing ultimatums, the Riyadh group, it seems, is trying to mask the fact it has no concrete and realistic proposals,” the foreign ministry said.

Kirby called on the gov-

Fighters from a coalition of rebel groups called “Army of Fatah” and members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent stand near buses and ambulances on the outskirts of Idlib city, preparing to enter the two besieged Shi’ite towns of al-Foua and Kefraya to evacuate people, Syria April 20. (REUTERS Photo)

ernment delegation to explain what it meant by its proposed broad-based government of national unity.

Randa Kassis, who heads up a Moscowbacked opposition group, said both sides wanted to impose their view. “The solution will have to come from outside: Russia, the U.S. and the Security Council,” she said. “It will take a lot more time.”

Western-backed rebel armed groups appear to be girding for more war. Fares al-Bayoush, a colonel who heads the Northern Division told Reuters: “Our situation on the frontlines is acceptable, but we await the increase of the support, or as the states promised ... so we can force it (the re-

gime) to resort to the political solution.”

He said there would be no return to negotiations “soon”. States opposed to Assad have been channelling military support to vetted rebel groups via both Turkey and Jordan, in a programme that has included military training overseen by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

Grave concerns at new refuGee exodus The United Nations expressed deep concern on Wednesday over the fate of Syrians who have fled fighting near the northern city of Aleppo.

More than 40,000 people in camps, residential areas and settlements

have been displaced due to fighting in recent days, mostly pushed eastwards towards the strategically vital border town of Azaz, as well as the Bab al-Salam and Sijjou camps for internally-displaced, the United Nations said.

“Taking into account the previous influx of over 75,000 internally displaced people into the Azaz subdistrict in January and February, humanitarian needs are expected to rise exponentially,” the U.N. Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an overnight update.

Previous rebel losses in the area near the Turkish border have made it difficult for international aid agencies to reach civilians,

making it one of the areas of greatest concern for those trying to protect Syria’s civilians from harm.

The opposition accuses the government of violating the cessation of hostilities to capture Aleppo, Syria’s most populous city before the war, which has been divided between government-controlled and rebelheld zones for years.

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontiers said there were now more than 100,000 people trapped on the Syrian side of the Turkish border, with 35,000 having fled in the past week from camps that had been taken over by Islamic State fighters or had become too close to the front line.

US border agents seize longest Mexico-California drug tunnel yet One year later, rebuilding san DieGo, april 21 (reuters): Federal agents have seized a ton of cocaine and seven tons of marijuana smuggled through a clandestine tunnel stretching a half mile beneath the U.S.-Mexico border, the longest one yet unearthed in California, authorities said on Wednesday.

Six people were arrested as authorities in San Diego moved on Monday and Tuesday to shut down the tunnel, the 13th underground passageway discovered along California’s border with Mexico since 2006. The 870-yard-long tunnel, one of the narrowest found in the region, also yielded an unprecedented cache of drugs. “This is the largest cocaine seizure ever associated with a tunnel,” said Laura Duffy, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.

The northern end of the tunnel, like most of the others, emerges in a narrow industrial expanse between the Otay Mesa port of entry

U.S. Border Patrol officers stand guard to an entrance after the discovery of a cross-border tunnel from Tijuana, Mexico to Otay Mesa, California on April 20. (REUTERS Photo)

and the California Highway Patrol’s border facility. The area, known for its heavy clay soil, is primarily traversed by trucks hauling tons of legitimate cargo between the two countries every day. The latest tunnel, excavated 46 feet beneath the surface, ran from the

bottom of an elevator shaft built into a house in Tijuana to a hole in the ground on the U.S. side enclosed within a fenced-in lot set up as a pallet business. The hole was concealed under a trailer-sized trash dumpster that smugglers used to move the drugs off the lot,

federal officials said.

“They put the drugs in the dumpster and then hauled the dumpster to another location to unload it,” Duffy said. Federal agents followed a truck that carted the dumpster to a central San Diego spot about 25 miles north of the border

and watched as the cargo was loaded onto a box truck, which drove away.

San Diego County sheriff’s deputies who stopped the truck seized 2,242 pounds of cocaine and 11,030 pounds of marijuana, and arrested three men, Duffy said. Federal agents searching the pallet lot and the tunnel recovered an additional 3,000-plus pounds of marijuana and arrested three more suspects, she said. The suspects were all jailed on various drug-trafficking conspiracy charges.

Federal agents who patrol the Otay Mesa area immediately north of the border began watching the pallet company, its yard stacked with grimy, woodframe racks, in October, Duffy said. “The investigation began with an astute border patrol agent who identified this business as suspicious,” Duffy said.

“They began monitoring this location and saw the people here conducting dry runs.”

lags in quake-hit Nepal

new YorK, april 21 (tHomson reuters FounDation): A year after a deadly earthquake flattened cities and villages in Nepal, rebuilding efforts must be speeded up to lift millions of survivors out of misery, aid groups said on Wednesday.

Reconstruction is just getting underway in many areas of the tiny Himalayan nation, and some three million people are living in temporary shelters with tarpaulin roofs, according to Save the Children, CARE International and others.

The earthquake that struck on April 25, 2015 killed some 9,000 people and injured more than 22,000 others, according to the United Nations and government figures.

The quake damaged or destroyed more than 900,000 houses.

“Having already braved a very cold winter... (survivors) are now facing the prospect of another monsoon season, which will start in June,” said Delailah Borja, country director for the international Save the Children in a statement.

Donors have pledged $4.1 billion for reconstruction, but rebuilding has been delayed by internal political upheaval.

The nation has been in turmoil since a new constitution was adopted last September.

The delays in reconstruction have been blamed for more than a dozen deaths this winter, mostly of elderly people.

Save the Children expressed concern over certain communities that have been marginalized in the relief effort.

“For example, cash handouts were payable only to the owner of the house, meaning those who were renting ... didn’t get the money they so desperately needed,” Borja said.

CARE International voiced concern that women and girls in particular were suffering since the disaster.

“Landless women and girls are the most vulnerable in this situation,” said Lora Wuennenberg, CARE’s country director for Nepal, in a statement.

Unmarried, widowed and divorced women have had only limited access to relief measures, according to UN Women.

The U.N. has reported an increase in domestic violence against women since the earthquake.

Four out of five Nepalese quake survivors report their reconstruction needs are not being addressed, according to data collected by #quakeHelpDesk, an initiative led by the Accountability Lab, a technology incubator, and Local Interventions Group.

Afghan drone war: data show unmanned flights dominate air campaign KanDaHar, april 21 (reuters): Drones fired more weapons than conventional warplanes for the first time in Afghanistan last year and the ratio is rising, previously unreported U.S. Air Force data show, underlining how reliant the military has become on unmanned aircraft.

The trend may give clues to the U.S. military’s strategy as it considers withdrawing more troops from the country, while at the same time shoring up local forces who have struggled to stem a worsening Taliban insurgency.

U.S. President Barack Obama said in 2013 that the Afghan drawdown after 2014 and progress against al Qaeda would “reduce the need for unmanned strikes”, amid concerns from human rights groups and some foreign governments over civilian casualties.

On one level, that has played out; the number of missiles and bombs dropped by drones in Afghanistan actually

fell last year, largely because the U.S.-led NATO mission ceased combat operations at the end of 2014 and is now a fraction of the size.

Yet as the force has shrunk, it has leant on unmanned aircraft more than ever, the Air Force data reveal, with drone strikes accounting for at least 61 percent of weapons deployed in the first quarter of this year.

“In recent months it’s definitely flowed more,” Lieutenant Colonel Michael Navicky, commander of the Air Force’s 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, said of the tempo of both drone strikes and surveillance operations.

“We’ve seen increased weapons deployment in the past few months, and the demand is insatiable,” he told Reuters at the operations centre of a U.S. air base in the southern city of Kandahar.

The longer term shift towards drones has gone largely unnoticed amid the large conventional air campaign.

Data reviewed by Reuters show strikes by unmanned aircraft accounted for 56 percent of weapons deployed by the Air Force in Afghanistan in 2015, up dramatically from 5 percent in 2011.

The role of drones is likely to form a key part of a review underway by U.S. General John Nicholson, head of NATO troops in Afghanistan, as he prepares to report to Washington in June on how many soldiers he thinks should stay on.

Nicholson declined to discuss details of the review in a recent interview with Reuters.

The current plan is to roughly halve the U.S. presence to 5,500 troops by 2017, most involved in counter-terrorism operations. The training and advising mission would be largely wound down.

U.S. Military “Reversed Course” In 2015, drones released around 530 bombs and missiles in Afghanistan, half the

number in 2014 when weapons dropped by unmanned aircraft peaked.

The 2015 total is, however, almost double the number of bombs and missiles released by drones at the height of the “surge”, when the NATO mission expanded to well over 100,000 troops after 2009, mainly Americans.

Like much of the U.S military machine in Afghanistan, the drone operation had been winding down in line with plans for further withdrawals, Navicky said.

At the end of 2015, however, military commanders “hit the brakes and reversed course” on the drone reduction, and have since ordered more air strikes, especially against Islamic State militants who pose a threat in the east, he said.

The Taliban have also forged closer links with al Qaeda, Nicholson said, potentially blurring the lines between what is a legitimate target and what is not, while the Taliban them-

selves have made gains in the north and south.

Around 300 weapons were deployed by the Air Force in the first quarter of the year, with drones accounting for 61 percent. The data cover strikes conducted by the Air Force, which handles the majority of Afghan air operations.

The CIA, U.S. Army, and special operations units also have smaller fleets of drones and other aircraft, so the Air Force data may reflect a redistribution among different organisations, although they tend to coordinate closely on missions. “blind spot” for drone analysis Because the Islamist militant Taliban movement, the main threat to security in Afghanistan, is not designated a terrorist outfit by the U.S. government, the bulk of armed drone attacks are aimed at other jihadi networks like al Qaeda.

But Taliban insurgents are

gaining territory, and, in extreme circumstances, U.S. raids have been conducted against them.

Expanding the authority of U.S. forces to attack the Taliban is currently under review by Nicholson.

Afghanistan’s own air force, meanwhile, is being built from scratch and will need support for years to come, officials say.

Drone missions are secretive and have been widely criticised in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where locals and officials have blamed them for unnecessary loss of civilian life.

In the latest instance, residents in Paktika province complained that a series of air strikes in April, which locals said were from drones, killed nearly 20 civilians. The U.S. military said it was still looking into the incident.

Activists and investigators have focused on covert air operations in places like Pakistan and Yemen, leaving Afghanistan as “really a blind spot for

drone analysis,” said Sarah Kreps, a professor at Cornell University who studies unmanned aircraft.

“The strikes in Afghanistan are one of the most under-reported aspects of drones.”

Despite resources being sent to battle Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the mission in Afghanistan is still significant, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the 60 armed drone missions the Air Force can have in the air in the world at any one time, officials said.

In a time of troop limits imposed by leaders in Washington, the drone squadron is especially useful as only about 200 of nearly 1,000 personnel who support and operate the aircraft are deployed to Afghanistan, Navicky said.

“Remotely piloted aircraft mean more flexibility with fewer people and aircraft,” he said.

“Because they are unmanned, sometimes you can accept more risk. All that is always going to be valuable.”

10

FriDAY 22•04•2016

NagalaNd

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

KVK Tuensang 29 students graduate from Withee bible college conducts SAC meeting

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): Withee Bible College, Darogajan, Dimapur, celebrated its 12th graduation ceremony on April 17 at the college campus. Rev. J. Uday Kumar, Assistant Regional Secretary, Asia Theological Association (India), was the Graduation Speaker.

He urged the graduating students to hold on and preach the true Gospel rather than the cultural or traditional Gospel to suit their congregation.

He spoke of the need for theologians to “go out” and reach the unreached with the gospel about the love of God and eternal salvation to mankind and bring the

lost souls to Jesus Christ. He also pointed out Nagaland state has maximum Christians, theological colleges, and theological graduates (every year), yet it has low percentage of sending out missionaries, according to a press release received here.

Altogether, 29 students graduated from the college - 2 from Diploma in Theology, 17 from Bachelor of Theology, 7 from Master of Missiology, and 3 from Master of Divinity. The Academic Excellence Awards were received by Yekatoli Chishi (among the Bachelor of Theology Class), Mughabeli Chishi Tungoe (among the Master of Di-

Graduating students of Withee Bible College with faculty and guests on April 17.

vinity Class), and Kisheli H. Sumi (among the Master of Theology Class). The Best Discipline Award went to Vilika Sumi, Bachelor of

Theology. The Chapel Attendance and Devotion Attendance Awards were given to Holivi Awomi, Master of Missiology and Lika Aye,

Master of Divinity. Meanwhile, the Best Preaching Awards were received by Pau Sian Khang Mung (in the Bachelor of Theology

Class), and H. Chimkila Yimchunger (in the Master of Missiology and Master of Divinity Class).

Earlier, Rev. Dr. Vikheshe Chishi, Founder and Principal, Withee Bible College gave a welcome speech. The Valedictory speech was given by Mughabeli Chishi Tungoe, Master of Divinity. Rev. Dr. H. Zhimomi, Board Chairman, Withee Bible College and Executive Secretary, NPBCA, gave the Commissioning prayer, Ajongla Ao, Lecturer, Withee Bible College gave the Felicitation, and Rev. Judson Rungsung, Pastor, Tangkhul Baptist Church, Darogajan, pronounced the benediction.

Orientation on peace building held

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): Peace Channel organized an orientation programme on peace building at Lengrijan in Dimapur on April 18.

Supongtula Aier, Community Coordinator, Peace Channel, highlighted the mission, vision and the modules of the organization in peace building.

Students of GMS Samziuram Sector - A, Peren District enjoying Mid-Day meal.

Janthuiyang RK John, Project Coordinator, Peace Channel, said Peace Channel is an indigenous, Kohima, april 21 whichever is later until fur- 09.04.2016 till superannua- ecumenical and inter-retion else or for the period of (Dipr): The Vice Chan- ther order.

Professor M. Indi- 3 years. cellor of Nagaland UniverAccording to notificasity (A Central University) ra Devi, Department of has appointed Dean under Chemistry for School of tion issued by Registrar various Schools of Naga- Sciences effective date T.Lanusosang vide No. land University under the 10.04.2016; Professor NU/ESTT/ G-10/ 2010 University Statutes, Clause, N.Venuh, Department of dated 6th April, 2016 they 7 (1-4), on the subject to History & Archaeology, are to perform the duties in ratification by the Execu- School of Social Sciences accordance with the Act/ tive Council from the date from 11.04.2016; Professor Statutes/Ordinance of the mentioned against their R.C.Gupta, Agri Chemistry University in addition to names or date of joining & Soil Science SASRD from their normal duties.

Appointment of new NU Deans

AAPCC NU Lumami Campus get-together held

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The members of AAPCC in Nagaland University, Lumami Campus celebrates first ever gettogether initiated by class of 2014 in the campus on April 20 in Threzaru-ku Boys Hostel Common Room, NU Lumami.

A press note stated that in all 32 Alumni gathered which includes PG stu-

dents and Research Scholars. The programme started with Patkai Anthem ‘Shine on o Patkai’.

An introduction about the gathering was presented by president class of 2014 Lamtinneng Haokip follow-up by open discussion for the welfare of the institution.

On account of get-together other messages were

received from President AAPCC Sujit Dey, Dean of Social Science Dr. R.K Behera and General Secretary AAPCC Dr. Wojanbeni S. Yanthan where in their absences the messages were read to the congregation by Tokito (Hostel incharge for the gathering), Zevi Koza (Research Scholar) and Lamtinneng Haokip respectively.

ligious movement aimed at creating peace in the third millennium. He affirmed that peace is not the absence of war, but the ability of an individual to accept themselves and the people around them, according to a press release. “Peace is possible if the youth have the will to speak out, share and value it.”

He further maintained that Peace Club is a platform where likeminded youth can experience in-

W

located for the indigenous Nagas is too meagre.

On this matter, ANCSU has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang on March 29, 2016 but so far there has been no response from the government’s side.

This utter silence on the issue clearly demonstrates that the present ruling gov-

E

parks and auditorium to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment in massive coast — coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and university organised protest against the deterioration of environment.

Groups that had been fighting against oil spills polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides realised that they shared common values. This movement had a profound impact on everyone and had also achieved a rare political alignment in the United States.

Earth Day had reached into its current status as the largest secular observance in the world . Today the fight for a clean environment continues with increasing urgency, as the salvages of climate change become more manifest every day.

How to celebrate Earth Day? Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals and groups perform acts of service to the earth. Here are some ways to celebrate/ commemorate Earth day because mother Earth deserves some appreciation.

1. Plan Trees: Trees helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean pollution, secure soil in place to prevent erosion and provides homes for birds, insects and animals.

2. Join an environment group: Join a local group that undertakes activities to help protect the environment. Earth day is a great day to start getting involved.

3. Remember that every day is an Earth day: Anything to help our environment is a perfect thing to do on earth day and every day.

Kohima, april 21 (mExN): The twelve days Induction Training Programme (ITP) for Group ‘B’ and‘C’Stategovernmentemployees of Longleng district concluded today. The training was sponsored by DoPT, Government of India and organized by Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima The programme covered various topics on soft skills such as personality development and office procedures. During the two weeks training the participants were also taken to Pongo Tourist Village under Longleng District for field visit followed by one day cleanliness drive in the District Hospital, Longleng. The valedictory function was chaired by Zhoi Lohe, EAC HQ, Dr. A.

ernment has absolutely no concern for the students’ community and dereliction of their duty has been once again been displayed.

Till now we have trusted the government but the negligence and sidelining of this important issue has testified that there are viruses in the system of governance.

Government should re-

4. Learn about environment: Earth day is a good time to make a commitment and how you can help to protect it. Read articles to get up to date on the current issues affecting the environment like pollution, water shortages and climate change.

5. Walk to School/Office: It keeps you out of the car and its a great exercise.

6. Give up bottled water: Bottled water consumes huge amount of fossils fuels to produce and transport and most of those recyclable bottles end up in landfills. Get yourself a refillable and permanent water bottle to carry with you.

7. Start buying local: Locally grown foods is easier on the environment. You are also supporting local farmers and they will also thank you for it.

8. Write a letter to your local representative:

Alem W. Longchar, Course Coordinator, ITP Longleng District proposed the votes of thanks and Shri Japheth Woch, SDO (C), HQ in his speech exhorted the trainees that they were the luckiest person to avail opportunity of such type of training being imparted in the District. He encourages them to change the prevailing work culture in their respective workplaces and also put into practice what they have learnt in the society as well. Further he also motivated the trainees to have the enthusiasm of attending such training in the future. Altogether, 33 participants attended the training and were awarded with participatory certificates by Shri Japheth Woch, SDO (C), HQ Longleng.

The Naga Blog (Partnering Agency) shall comprise the entourage and hold 3 meetings in the sub-divisions and one in the headquarters. The following officials/ functionaries are requested to attend the meetings in respective sub-divisions- All Administrative Officers, Heads of Offices, BLOs, Supervisors of BLOs, Campus Ambassadors & Nodal Officers, Official-inCharge of VRECs, Heads of Colleges/Hr Sec Schools, Village Council Chairmen/ Panchayat Chairmen and two representatives of Students’ Union/Youth Org of village/town.

SFHSS Medziphema inaugurates new block

solve the issue before the nearing exams or be ready to bear the responsibility if any untoward incident crops up.

We the parents of the intending student candidates of NSEE pledge our full support to ANCSU. And by the way, where are you NSF and ENSF? Kevise Sogotsu, North Timber Agency, Dimapur; Nagaland.

Trees for the Earth; Celebrating Earth Day

arth day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now co-ordinate globally by earth day network and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.

We are now entering 46th year of a movement that continue to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion and motivate people to action. The movement gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy towards environmental issues.

Gaylord Anton Nelson (June 4, 1916 July 3, 2005) was an American senator and Governor, who founded the earth day. On April 22, 1970, Millions of Americans took to the streets,

ITP for Govt employees of Longleng district concludes

phEK, april 21 (Dipr): Chief Electoral Officer, Kohima, Sanjay Kumar IAS has informed that the Election Department has decided to visit all districts of Nagaland this year starting with Phek district on May 2 and 3 as part of its strategy to sensitize the district election machineries and the public functionaries at the grassroots level in connection with the ongoing National Electoral Roll Purification prog 2016 and Systematic Voters’ Education & Electoral ParticipaAgricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Kohima Block functionaries along tion campaign. Four ofwith the Block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC) members at the BFAC meeting held on ficers of the department and 3 representatives of April 12 at conference hall of the Office of the District Agricultural Officer (DAO).

Some words of concern on the NSEE issue cal courses and other allied exams but there has not been an increase in quota allocation which in itself is an area of concern.

With all these at hand, the Category III of the eligibility notice which stated that a non-local candidate will be given the chance to appear for the NSEE exam has become a very absurd decision since the quota al-

During the programme Dr. Keviletsu Khate, Programme Coordinator delivered the keynote address and gave a presentation on annual progress report 2015-2016 while annual action plan for the year 2016-2017 was presented by Tokiho Achumi, SMS Agronomy. The programme was attended by HOD’s of Agri. and allied departments, NGO’s and officers. The annual action plan has been approved by the committee and further recommendations were given.

CEO to visit Phek district

public discourse

hile pledging full support to the demands placed by All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU), I would like to share a word of concern with fellow citizens and parents.

Every year we have seen the steady increase in Naga students pursuing techni-

ner peace and share peace to the people around them.

Citing the example of Malala Yousafzai, the girl who stood up for education and was shot by Taliban, he stated if there are one or two Malala who can stand for peace in our society we will see a sea change.

Bendang Jamir, Chairman of Hornbill Cultural Club also exhorted the youths and appreciated the Peace Channel for taking the bold step to create awareness on peace.

TuENsaNg, april 21 (mExN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tuensang conducted its 9th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting at CKS hall on April 16 under the chairmanship of Sarendi Walling, SMS Animal Science. In his short speech, special guest, L. Butang, District Agriculture Officer, Tuensang encouraged to think globally and act locally and emphasized on livestock, medicinal and aromatic plants and conservation of natural resources.

Reaching out to elected officials and voicing your concern over local environmental issues is one of the best ways to have your voice heard.

9. Organise a community clean up: Get a group together to clean up part your neighbourhood.

Cleaning up your local areas can be a great way to celebrate Earth day.

10. Start a pledge at work or at School: Ask friends and co-workers to make a small changes- I won't leave water running while I brush my teeth or I'll turn the lights off when I leave a room - and then to post those pledge for all to see. Working together boots accountability.

11. Find a carpool service: Taking a car off the road is one of the best way to combat climate change.

Issued By Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green Sons)

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.

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The newly built school block of St. Francis Hr. Sec. School (SFHSS), Medziphema was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and inaugurated by Emmanual Mappilaparambil, MSFS, Regional Superior, Dibrugarh Region on April 19.

Rev. Fr. Kurian, Parish Priest, St. Francis De Sales, Medziphema, in his welcome address, noted that the classes in first and oldest building in the campus, which was built in 1978, will be shifted to the new building.

Speaking on the occasion, the Bishop referred to the words of the welcome song, “Come and celebrate life’,and said it is not the years in one’s life that count but it is the life in one’s years, a press release informed. “One adds life into years by living a life

Students of SFHSS, Medziphema present a song during the inauguration of new block of the school.

grounded and rooted in the values of the gospel. It means to be a catalyst of change by being salt and light in the world,” the Bishop stated.

Further, maintaining that education is the most important key to change, he urged the students to learn to develop and live the gospel values like honesty, sincerity, hard working and be a catalyst for change.

Rev Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil congrat-

ulated the school management for completing the work on the new block in a record time and urged the students to make use of the best facility and ambience provided by the school. Rev. Fr. Dr. Immanuel Uppanthadathil, councillor–in-charge of education addressing the students asked them to have CASH (Confidence, Accountability, Sacrifice, Honesty) with them to live a successful and meaningful life.

UFS NE Province inducts new members

Dimapur, april 21 (mExN): The Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) of North East Province accepted eleven new members, namely, Mesanuo Roseline Yanphar, A. Katine, Protima Narzari, W. Matevei Alphonsa, Yungmei Catherine Phom, Helen Rosangkimi, Ashela, Mariam Baskey, Munduri Lakra, Paorhu Maria Goretti Dukru and Rebecca Lakra, who made the temporary profession on April 20 at Assisi Convent, Dimapur.

During the function Sr. Lucy Phom and Sr. Theresa A. Yimchunger also made their perpetual profession.

Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was the

main celebrant. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) was the theme. 28 Priests con-concelebrated the Holy Mass in the presence of Rev. Sr. Mary C.J., the Provincial, all her councilors, the parents and relatives of the Sisters, many Sisters and faithful from Dimapur, Manipur and Assam.

The new Sisters were accompanied by their parents to the altar in procession and Rev. Sr. Mary C.J. Provincial Superior accorded the words of welcome to Bishop, Priests, Sisters, Parents and invited guests.

The solemn and very meaningful rite of perpetual and temporary profes-

sion was conducted with singing the litany of the saints. The choir by the novices of UFS added vitality and meaning to the celebration. During the short felicitation program special song was presented by the professed sisters.

Robert Phom, parents’ representative and Sr. Roseline UFS, newly professed proposed the vote of thanks. After the solemn ceremony one the parents of the newly professed sister said that it was the first time that they are witnessing such a meaningful religious function, and they and their daughter have found true meaning and purpose to life.

friday 22•04•2016

EntErtainmEnt

An energetic Sema youth compete in ‘Angu Kupusu,’ which is a traditional game where the person who kicks the highest wins the game.

Schoolchildren of Bloom Field School, performing a war dance at the opening ceremony of Mélange 2016 at local ground, Zunheboto.

Photo Courtesy: Toino S. Rotokha

Young boys play ‘Apukhu Kiti’ a traditional leg fighting game at the Melange 2016 festival at Zunheboto town.

Akhedu Kumugho, traditional bamboo pole climbing, a common traditional game of the Nagas, being played at the Melange 2016. The pole climbing competition was held among different colonies of Zunheboto town.

Girls compete at ‘Puxa Kime’ a traditional game where the girl who can jump for the longest wins the game.

Priyanka in Time's list of 100 Most Influential People

B

ollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has made India proud once again. Her name has been featured in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list alongside Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and singer Nicki Minaj, among others.

Priyanka, who came into the limelight in the West playing the lead role in popular American TV series "Quantico", has also graced one of the six cover pages of the magazine.

Apart from Priyanka, other Indians included in the list are tennis ace Sania Mirza, Google's IndianAmerican chief executive Sundar Pichai, and Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan.

Other big names from the en-

tertainment industry whose names have been featured in the list include British singer Adele, comedian Aziz Ansari, actor Gael García Bernal, actor Idris Elba, singer Ariana Grande, actress Taraji P. Henson, filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, actor Oscar Isaac, reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner, actor Dwayne Johnson, model Karlie Kloss, rapper Kendrick Lamar, actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress Melissa McCarthy, actress Gina Rodriguez, actor Mark Rylance, and actress Charlize Theron.

Speaking about Priyanka, her "Baywatch" co-star Dwayne Johnson said: "Before ever meeting Priyanka Chopra, I had heard her name coming out of Bollywood and was impressed: she was beautiful, talented, had made nearly 50 movies, earned multiple awards -- a

massive star.

"When we connected around the time she started 'Quantico', we immediately hit it off. She has drive, ambition, self-respect, and she knows there’s no substitute for hard work.”

Johnson further shared that he feels himself “lucky enough” to be working with Priyanka in “Baywatch”.

“It’s an amazing time to watch as she pierces the US market. She has an ability to inspire people to do more and achieve more. When I look at her success from the 50,000 feet view and see everything that Priyanka has already done, is currently doing and has the desire and the bandwidth to do, I can see that her impact is going to be invaluable,” Johnson said.

Source: IANS

After clearing their initial auditions at Kolkata, 'Voice of Nagaland' (a choir group from Dimapur) has now got through the Mega Auditions of India's Got Talent (season 7) at Mumbai at the Film City, Mumbai. Their Performance received 'Yes' from all the three judges- Malaika Arora, Karan Johar and Kirron Kher. The choir has 11 members each from a different tribe/community in Nagaland. The team was accompanied by the organisers of Voice of Nagaland - Sandeep k Jain and Zangzang Zeliang.

Aniston named ‘World’s Former WWE Star Most Beautiful Woman’ Chyna passes away

PEARL JAM cancels

concert over anti-LGBT law "The practical implications are expansive and its negative impact upon basic human rights is profound."

On Monday, another US band, Boston, also cancelled three shows scheduled for late April in North Carolina.

Other acts, including Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr, have also scrapped their shows in protest.

A C M Y K

t 47, Jennifer Aniston is appreciative of how she is aging. So is People magazine. It has named the actress the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" for 2016. Aniston declared herself "very, very flattered" by the honor. She counts women such as Gloria Steinem, Lauren Hutton and Brigitte Bardot as her beauty icons.

She told People she feels her most beautiful after a workout. "It's funny, it's a really quick transition from not a care and now all of a sudden, we've got to really be mindful of what we put inside our bodies," she said. "And how we sleep and take care of ourselves.

You can get away with a lot in your 20s." It's the second such cover for Aniston who also received the accolade in 2004. Last year's winner was Sandra Bullock.

Source: IANS

F

ormer WWE wrestler and reality TV star Chyna was found dead at her home here. She was 45.

Chyna passed away on Wednesday. The official cause of death is unknown, reports variety.com.

The news was announced via Chyna’s Facebook page. “(We inform you) with deep sadness that we lost a true icon, a real life superhero. Joanie Laurer aka Chyna, the ninth wonder of

Source: CNN

I

the world, has passed away.

She will live forever in the memories of her millions of fans and all of us who loved her,” the post read.

Chyna appeared in several TV shows over the last two decades, including “Surreal Life” and “Celebrity Rehab”.

She also guest-starred on “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “The Nick Cannon Show”.

She also appeared in several adult films. She later moved to Japan to teach English.

Hillstar

A

merican rock band Pearl Jam has cancelled a concert in North Carolina in protest against the state's new law on LGBT rights.

The law requires people to use public toilets that correspond to the sex listed on their birth certificates. It drew flak from campaigners and musicians alike.

The band was set to play (IANS)

‘I found the love of my life’

t took a British human rights lawyer to turn this perennial playboy into a 'man at his best.' George Clooney credited his wife Amal for making him the contented from actress Talia Balsam in front of friends Matt Dafellow he is today in an in- in 1993, George has court- mon, U2 frontman Bono, terview with Esquire's May ed a bevy of beautiful wom- John Krasinski and Emily 2016 issue. The Gravity star, en including British model Blunt, Rande Gerber and 54, who was a reconfirmed Lisa Snowden, Renee Zell- Cindy Crawford, and Bill bachelor after one failed weger, Krista Allen, Italian Murray, George's friends are marriage until he met the actress Elisabetta Canalis raven-haired barrister, said and former WWE Stacy equally thrilled for him, quite simply that Amal is Keibler. It was Amal who with the actor revealing his close pal Bill Murray, the 'love of my life.'

65, made a touch'I've never been George Clooney ing speech at their happier in a relationgushes over Italian wedding. He ship by any stretch wife Amal as he said: 'Bill's oddly of the imagination,' He's inClooney said of his describes his happy emotional. credibly warm and wedded life with marriage and the emotional. He gave 38-year-old Amal. 'At a toast at our wed52 I found the love of legacy he wants ding that was so elmy life and I'm really to leave behind in egant and beautiful happy.' Of course, Esquire interview and warm and he's before Amal arrived such a loving indito the scene, George was known as a charming turned his head and won vidual. And he's adaptable serial dater who had a way his heart, and the two ex- to anyplace he goes. Everychanged vows on Septem- body's life is a puzzle that's with the ladies.

Following his divorce ber 27, 2014 in Venice, Italy missing this one piece, and

he fits in each time.'

Now five months shy of their second wedding anniversary, George is talking of leaving his legacy to the world - and it doesn't involve the pitter patter of little feet. Besides 'seven or eight films that will stand the test of time,' Clooney is working to help refugees and others in dire need.

'Amal and I are working on things now that matter to us on a whole other level, in a whole other world.

If there's a legacy for me, it's yet to be written,' he told Esquire. Clooney has been a busy man, promoting his new movie Money Monster, due out in May, and hosting fundraisers for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

PNC Arena in Raleigh on Wednesday as part of their North American tour.

In a statement, Pearl Jam said they "must take a stand against prejudice", the BBC reported.

The law "is a despicable piece of legislation that encourages discrimination against an entire group of American citizens," the statement on the band's website said.

The actor is one of few who can say he shot some hoops with President Barack Obama.

'We played here in L.A.,' George revealed. 'I did a fundraiser here with him, and he said, "What are you doing tomorrow morning?" I go, "What time?" He goes, "5:30.

You wanna play some hoops?" 'It was really fun.

He’s a good basketball player,' Clooney added.

Meanwhile, although he is a hugely successful actor and filmmaker, George revealed his most successful professional venture so far has been his Casamigos tequila brand with his best friend Rande Gerber. 'I have a tequila company, right? It's off-the-charts successful,' Clooney told Esquire.

'That's going to end up being the most successful thing I've ever been attached to financially.'

Source: MailOnline

NOW SHOWING

Ticket Rates PlaTinuM - `320 Gold - `150 SilveR - `80

11:00 Am (Eng.) 05:00 pm (hin.)

02:00 pm | 08:00 pm

12

FriDAY 22•04•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

IPL 2016 | Today's MaTch

22/04/2016

Rising Pune Supergiants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

MCA International Stadium, Pune

20:00

BCCI threatens to move IPL out of country nEw dELhi, ApriL 21 (pti): The members of the Indian Premier League's governing council are likely to deliberate on whether the 2017 edition of the cash-rich tourney can be held abroad, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur revealed today. "The IPL governing council will be looking at the venues in India and abroad. We have to check the availability of the venues and

prevailing conditions," Thakur told a select gathering of journalists during an interaction at the BCCI's Delhi headquarters today. That the BCCI top brass is deliberating on the issue was clear when BCCI treasurer Aniruddh Chaudhary had tweeted four days back: "Very soon IPL may be played outside the country, if this goes on. Loss to the GDP would not be insignificant."

Kings XI pick Dharamsala as 2nd home venue

nEw dELhi, ApriL 21 (pti): IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab has picked Dharamsala as its second home venue to host three matches next month after the games were moved out of Nagpur following a Bombay High Court order. "We are happy to announce that Kings XI Punjab will be playing our three home games in Dharamsala. We are grateful and thankful to the HPCA for their support in helping us make this transition seamless at such short notice," the franchise said in a state-

ment. Thirteen IPL matches in Maharashtra were shifted out after Bombay High Court's order owing to the severe water crisis in the state. As per the court order, no matches will be held in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur after April 30 due to the drought conditions. Because of this, Mumbai Indians have chosen Jaipur as their 'home' venue, while Rising Pune Supergiants have picked Visakhapatnam as alternate base. Bangalore will to host the final of the event on May 29.

India to play its first D/N Test against NZ this year

C M Y K

nEw dELhi, ApriL 21 (pti): In order to raise the ever dwindling number of spectators in the stadium, the BCCI is all set to host its first-ever Day/Night cricket Test with pink ball when New Zealand tour India later this year. "We have decided that we will play one Day/Night Test match with pink ball against New Zealand later this year. Before that Duleep Trophy will act as a dress rehearsal for the Day/Night Test match," BCCI secretary

Anurag Thakur told a select gathering of mediapersons at the BCCI's headquarters in the capital today. It is expected that all leading Indian players will play in that Duleep game in order to get an idea and also give a feedback to the board before they go ahead with the Test match. While Test matches in India are played with 'SG Test' balls, Thakur said that in this upcoming match it will be 'Pink kookaburra' that will be used.

Man Utd, Liverpool fire Europe hopes

London, ApriL 21 (AFp): Matteo Darmian inspired Manchester United to victory over Crystal Palace while Liverpool crushed derby rivals Everton 4-0, as both teams enhanced their chances of securing European football on Wednesday.

Italian right-back Darmian scored his first goal for United and forced Damien Delaney into scoring an own goal as fifthplace United beat Palace 2-0 to close to within a point of fourth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League.

Divock Origi scored but was then stretchered off as Liverpool outclassed Everton to remain within two points of sixth-place West Ham United, for whom Mark Noble scored two penalties in a 3-1 defeat of Watford.

"I was very happy with the performance, but we should have scored many more goals," said Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

United trail Arsenal by a point and third-place Manchester City by two, although the north London club have a game in hand, at home to West Bromwich Albion on Thursday.

Matteo Darmian of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, Manchester on April 20. (Getty Images)

Everton will go into their Wembley date with United on the back of a Merseyside derby hiding at Anfield that means Roberto Martinez's men have now gone seven league games without victory.

Liverpool struck twice in four minutes at the end of a one-sided first half, as James Milner crossed first for Origi and then for centre-back Mamadou Sakho to head home. It was Belgian striker Origi's fifth goal in five appearances,

but he was stretchered off five minutes into the second half with a suspected ankle sprain following an ugly foul by Everton centreback Ramiro Funes Mori, who was sent off.

Daniel Sturridge came on for Origi and found the net eight minutes later, tucking away Lucas Leiva's pass, before Philippe Coutinho bent in a low shot from the edge of the box to complete the scoring in the 76th minute. "I would like to say yes, I am delighted, but the injury

to Divock Origi has cost me some joy," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "I can't say too much about Origi, but they say it is disgusting, awful pictures. But it's not broken, it is a twisted ankle. He is on crutches, walking around, so we will have to see."

Everton manager Martinez said, "It was a disaster. A horrible showing that started with the best intentions, but ended up with the inability to get the basics right. The top and bot-

tom is that we didn't cope with the emotions of the occasion. (There is) a feeling of embarrassment."

Liverpool climb to seventh place, two points below West Ham, whose fine season continued with a victory over Watford. Andy Carroll put West Ham ahead in the 11th minute before home captain Noble scored from the spot either side of half-time. Sebastian Prodl replied for Watford with an assured 64th-minute finish, but substitute Troy Deeney saw a stoppage-time penalty saved by West Ham goalkeeper Adrian and Nordin Amrabat was then sent off for a second yellow card.

On Tuesday, Sergio Aguero’s 100th Premier League goal was not enough for Manchester City to force victory as they were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Newcastle United.

Aguero, City’s top scorer, claimed his landmark goal after 14 minutes, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side were pegged back before half-time as Dutch international Vurnon Anita found the net for the first time in more than two years to earn a deserved point for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Pink-ball Ashes game a distinct WICB promises changes Barca rout Deportivo; Atletico, Real keep pace possibility: Cricket Australia

MELBournE, ApriL 21 (iAns): Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland on Thursday said there is a "distinct possibility" the first day-night Ashes Test will be played when Australia take on England in the summer of 2017. On Wednesday, CA announced a schedule for the upcoming summer which has a day-night Test against Pakistan to be staged at Brisbane and another proposed pink-ball battle with South Africa in Adelaide. Sutherland also seemed confident of a pink-ball Ashes encounter. "I think it's a distinct possibility," Sutherland was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "I think over the course of the next 12 months

or so we'll see day-night Test cricket being played in other countries other than Australia.” "It may well be that there is a daynight Test match in the Ashes series in 201718." There are reports that South Africa are reluctant to feature in the pink-ball game at Adelaide citing lack of experience in the format but Sutherland said he is hopeful that they will ultimately agree to play the match. "We're still optimistic that the big picture will prevail. The big picture is about making the game of Test cricket more accessible to fans and those sitting at home, to be able watch into the evening after school or work,” Sutherland said.

ASA bans four members for one year

KohiMA, ApriL 21 (MExn): The Angami Sports Association (ASA) has banned four Angami wrestlers from participating in any ASA sporting activity for a period of one year for having participated in the recently held 1st Dimapur District Wrestling Association (DDWA) Wrestling Meet. A press release from the ASA stated that a resolution to ban the four was taken during an Executive Council Meeting on April 13. The ban on the four would prevent them from participating in any ASA wrestling/sporting activity for a period of 1 year w.e.f. March 23, 2016 to March 23, 2017, the release stated. “This order is issued for strict adherence and compliance

by all the 4 (four) ASA units (CSA/NASA/ SASA/WASA),” the ASA maintained. The DDWA held its 1st Wrestling Meet at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur on March 23.

Earlier on March 23, ASA in an Executive Council Meeting resolved to tender objection “as prior approval was not taken from ASA as per the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) constitution”. Accordingly, ASA had tendered its objection to NWA and had also advised its players not to take part in the said meet. The Angami Public Organization (APO) had also issued a directive urging the NWA not to give assent to DDWA’s request for affiliation into its fold till further deliberations.

st. John's, ApriL 21 (AFp): West Indies' Cricket Board (WICB) hit back at its detractors on Wednesday by insisting it is trying to find ways to keep its best players competing for their national team. In a document sent to media on Wednesday, the WICB claimed it was trying to resolve the issues upsetting its top-level players. One of those is pay, with players demanding more from the WICB to keep them tied to the national team rather than cashing in on one of the lucrative contracts on offer in Twenty20 leagues around the world. The WICB said they will meet with the players to discuss the issue at a retreat in the summer. It promised to make changes but insisted that it "so far has lived up to its promises". It also said that results -- both the men's and women's teams won their Twenty20 World Cups last month -- showed they were doing something right.

NTA elects new team

diMApur, ApriL 21 (MExn): The Nagaland Taekwondo Association (NTA) has elected a New Team of Office Bearers for the tenure 2016-2019 headed by Pele Khezhie as the President and Alem Aier, Mark Morekiu and Visabiu Peseyie as Vice Presidents. The other Office Bearers are: Lhouliebei-o Khezhie -General Secretary, Neitho-o Kuotsu -Secretary, Santsuthang -Secretary, Theja Keretsü -Technical Director, Mezhuzolie Solo –Treasurer, Moon T-Janitor, Xavier Rutsa -Press Secretary. The Executive Members are Shamo Meyo, Khumtsa Sumi, Limatula Jamir, Asouu Ndang, Bendangtoba, Sangjen Phom Tialila, Shetalü & all the District Association Presidents as Ex-Officio Member. The Advisors are Alemtemshi Jamir (Rtd. IAS), NSN Lotha, and Ex-Officio Director, Youth Resources & Sports. According to a press release received here, the new team was elected by a nomination committee comprising of NSN Lotha as Convenor, Kenei Peseyie and Theja Keretsü as members.

Juve close in on title, Totti scores late brace in Roma win MiLAn, ApriL 21 (rEutErs): AS Roma stalwart Francesco Totti came off the bench with four minutes left and scored twice to give his Champions League-chasing side a dramatic 3-2 win over Torino in Serie A on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old's performance, the latest twist in a career spanning an extraordinary 24 seasons at Roma, overshadowed leaders Juventus who moved closed to their seemingly inevitable fifth successive title with a 3-0 win over 10man Lazio.

Totti, whose lack of playing time since January has reportedly caused friction with coach Luciano Spalletti, needed just 22 seconds to equalise with his first touch, volleying in at the far post after Miralem Pjanic's cross was touched on.

T h e i r re p re s s i b l e playmaker jumped over two advertising hoardings, barely managing to clear them, as he went to celebrate the goal with the Curva Sud, who had jeered Spalletti and applauded Totti at the start of the game.

Totti was back for more three minutes later, stepping up to convert a penalty after Nikola Maksimovi was harshly ruled to have han-

Roma's Francesco Totti celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Roma and Torino at Rome's Olympic stadium on April 20. (AP Photo)

dled to keep Roma firmly in third place, the Champions League playoff spot.

Totti had begun the match on the bench and watched helplessly as Andrea Belotti put Torino in front from a penalty, Konstantinos Manolas headed Roma level and Josef Martinez put the visitors back in front.

Juventus had no such

problems as they notched their 23rd win in their last 24 league games to stay nine points clear of Napoli, who had briefly reduced the deficit with a 6-0 demolition of Bologna on Tuesday.

Mario Mandzukic gave Juventus a halftime lead and the game was effectively over after Lazio had Gil Patric sent off for a sec-

ond bookable offence three minutes after the break.

Paulo Dybala converted a penalty after Leonardo Bonucci went tumbling in the area, a decision which provoked angry Lazio protests, and the Argentine finished off a typically incisive break just after the hour to complete the win.

Juventus have 82 points from 34 games, with Napoli on 73 and Roma on 68.

Roberto Mancini's Inter saw their Champions League hopes all but extinguished in a 1-0 defeat at Genoa where Sebastian De Maio scored the winner with 13 minutes left.

Bottom three Frosinone, Palermo and Verona all moved closer to Serie B after a dramatic evening at the basement end of the table.

Daniel Ciofani gave Frosinone a fifth minute lead at Chievo but they then had Arlind Ajeti and Raman Chibsah sent off as they crashed to a 5-1 defeat.

Palermo also got off to a flying start when Franco Vazquez converted a second-minute penalty at home to Atalanta.

However, Marco Boriello and Gabriel Paletta replied for the visitors and the Sicilians, where Davide Ballardini is in his second stint of the season as coach, needed a late

equaliser from Aljaz Struna for a point.

Verona were left seven points adrift at the bottom and almost certain to go down after they were beaten 1-0 at Empoli by a second-half goal from Massimo Maccarone.

Luis Suarez attempts an overhead kick. (Getty Images)

BArCELonA, ApriL 21 (rEutErs): A red hot Luis Suarez scored four goals and contributed three assists as Barcelona's stuttering La Liga title charge sparked back to life with a spectacular 8-0 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday.

Three successive defeats had put the brakes on Barcelona's title pursuit but Suarez's goal burst ended that losing run, while their closest challengers Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid made sure they stayed in the hunt with victories over Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal respectively.

Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Villarreal came at a cost though as Cristiano Ronaldo was seen limping off the pitch clutching his thigh though Real manager Zinedine Zidane later sought to play down the seriousness of the injury.

"He felt something just

at the end, I can't tell you anything at the moment but its more that he had a scare than that something serious happened," he said.

"I'm more relaxed now than when he left the pitch.

He had a scare and that's why he left the pitch, he wanted to know what happened. In the end it was just a scare."

Atletico secured a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao thanks to a first half header from Fernando Torres but they too suffered an injury setback with defender Diego Godin forced off in the ninth minute with a suspected hamstring injury.

Barca lead Atletico due to their superior head-tohead record, with both teams on 79 points with four games remaining.

Third-placed Real Madrid are a point adrift.

Uruguayan Suarez was unstoppable on Wednes-

day as he took his goal tally to 49 in all competitions. He gave Barca a twogoal cushion at the break by scoring in the 11th and 24th minutes. He then provided the cross for Ivan Rakitic to grabthe third in the 48th. Suarez completed his hat-trick five minutes later and netted his fourth in the 64th. Lionel Messi, Marc Bartra and Neymar rounded off the scoring late on.

Karim Benzema gave Real Madrid the lead against Villarreal in the 41st minute by pouncing on an error by goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo and Lucas Vazquez made it 2-0 in the 69th before Luka Modric completed the scoring in the 75th.

Torres scored for the fifth consecutive game in all competitions to give Atletico a fourth straight league win, heading in Antoine Griezmann’s chipped cross on 38 minutes.

Published, Printed and Edited by Dr. Aküm Longchari from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Morung Publications , Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 248854, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722