April 23rd, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

sUnDAY • April 23 • 2017

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

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends Mehbooba to meet Modi as threat of Governor’s rule looms

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

T R u T H

— Baltasar Gracian

Children in Amur Falcon countryside celebrates Earth Day

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o F

I-League: Aizawl beat Mohun Bagan in crucial tie

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new study says Jhum cultivation not adverse to ecology A SASRD-NU project on jhum impact assessment asserts shifting cultivation is most sustainable agricultural practice for Nagaland Imti Longchar Dimapur | April 22

trying to encourage farmers to take up other alternatives instead of jhum cultivation while advocating for methods like integrated farming system.

The comprehensive study, while attempting to prove the popular hypothesis on the adverse effects of jhum as erroneous, also reveal that Naga method of jhum cultivation is inarguably the most elaborate and more innovative farming system when compared to other jhum practices around the world.

“Within a hectare of jhum land, a Naga farmer grows more than 40 crops annually. Within this incredible space economy, the farmers employs a variety of cropping practices like stratified, canopy, sequential, mixed cropping etc. This is the most sustainable and innovative mode of farming which involves community effort,” Professor Sapu Changkija, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, who heads the study on the jhum impact assessment told The Morung Express in an interview.

According to the study

A new study undertaken by the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SASRD, NU is debunking the claim that the practice of jhum or shifting cultivaNo consession, No paki,full tion is the main cause of payments only..kee kwa degradation of soil fertility ?No,its not my shop,but the and the ecosystem. market is mine!”

The project titled- “Impact assessment of jhumming on plant and soil microbiota and restoration of sustainable jhum agro-ecosystem in North East India,” maintain that jhum method of cultivation is the most sustainable form of agriculture and best suited for specific topography of a state like Nagaland.

Jhum have long been blamed for the deleterious effect on the local environment creating ecological imbalance, rapid drying up of small water sources, and loss of productivity of land DiMApUr, April causing reduction in family 22 (MexN): The NSCN income and enhancement (IM) informed on Satur- of poverty in absence of any day that it has resolved subsidiary income.

The Nagaland State to reduce the 24% Employee Tax for Nagaland government has also been State Government employees to 12% which is 1% of monthly salary all over Nagaland. “In view of the plight of the common Naga people KABUl, April 22 (reUTerS): to ease off the burden At least 140 Afghan soldiers were of tax payer the office killed by Taliban attackers apparently of the Collective Lead- disguised in military uniforms, offiership dated the 13th cials said on Saturday, in what would April 2017, the GPRN be the deadliest attack ever on an Afhas decreed that hence- ghan military base.

One official in the northern city of forth 24% Employee Mazar-i-Sharif, where the attack ocTax is reduced to 12 % i.e 1% of monthly salary curred, said on Saturday at least 140 all over Nagalim,” the soldiers were killed and many others press release issued by wounded. Other officials said the toll MIP NSCN (IM) read. was likely to be even higher.

They spoke on the condition It also informed that all of anonymity because the governtaxation by way of “dealership” is invalidated. ment has yet to release exact casualIn this connection, the ty figures. The defence ministry said NSCN (IM) has “re- more than 100 soldiers were killed or quested every responsi- wounded.

The attack starkly highlighted the ble individual to co opstruggle by the Afghan government erate with the authority.” and its international backers to defeat

NSCN (IM) reduces ‘Employee Tax’ to 12%

A jhum field at Meluri area under Phek district. A new study by SASRD-NU claims that shifting cultivation is most sustainable agricultural practice for Nagaland. (Photo by Chizoko Vero)

findings, the jhum system of cultivation in Nagaland is divided into seven (7) category based on cropping pattern, depending on different areas or community practices.

For instance, in Eastern Nagaland, the harvest pattern of crops in a jhum field begins with beans and tapioca among other plantations in the month of January and February, millet in May, June, maize in July and August, common vegetables in September

and October followed by rice paddy and colocasia during November and December.

“Unknowingly or knowingly, we get more harvest or income when compared to settled cultivation,” Prof Changkija contented.

The study also claim that, contrary to arguments of soil infertility, the practice of jhum, which include the process of burning, does not compromise the soil at all but stimulate rapid regeneration of vegetation.

During the burning of a jhum field, only 10-15 cm of top soil are burnt which stimulates the microbiota (bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and viruses) and plays an important role in scarification effort, Prof Changkija pointed out. Scarification means weakening, opening, or otherwise altering the coat of a seed to encourage germination.

Prof Changkija however stressed on the importance of maintaining a cycle of at least eight (8)

years and above on practice of jhum on a particular land, while for alder based farming system, a four-year cycle or more would be appropriate.

This finding indicates that the earlier 15–20 year cycle of shifting cultivation on a particular land practiced by the ancestors displayed ingenuity of possessing economic and environmental rationality for ecological sustainability.

Also rebutting the claim that jhum cultivation had drastic effect on the decrease of forest area, Prof Changkija said the main disturbance of forest has been due to rampant logging practices for one and the state government’s failure to control the practice of un-demarcated cycle of jhum cultivation.

“If we look at our tradition, we did not disturb the whole forest, we had village community forest, sacred forest, village reserve forest, clan reserve forest and individual forest… jhum cultivation was practiced only in a demarcated area,” he maintained.

Of late, deforestation due to wasteful form of land use with too many jhum cultivations is witnessed in areas falling under Mon, Longleng, Kiphire and Tuensang districts, Prof Changkija however admitted. But, there are no

cycle disturbances by jhum in districts like Mokokchung so far, he added.

Discarding jhum may dislodge value of Naga community effort

At a time when a number of farming villages has been trying to depart from jhum cultivation and embrace integrated method of farming, Prof Changkija fears that this may emerge into a cultural burden and dislocate community effort, which has been the kindling of the Naga ways of farming.

“Jhum has all been about a democratic and traditional mode of farming for the Nagas. If we discard this, it may disrupt our culture…,” Prof Changkija observed while pointing out that even though integrated farming may be more lucrative, our topography and culture does not allow it to be a sustaining form of farming.

In days to come, under the integrated method of farming, not all families would have suitable plot to farm like that in a jhum practice and this will disrupt the very foundation of Naga culture.

“It is not without basis that the whole tradition and calendar year of the Nagas are based on jhum farming system,” he pointed out.

Taliban attackers kill at least 140 soldiers at Afghan base Tamil Nadu’s bizarre idea to stop evaporation

‘Present government doesn’t allow free media to grow’

C M Y K

New Delhi, April 22 (iANS): The current government is not letting the “alternate media” -- organisations run by ‘liberal’ media persons -- grow, as they are critical of the establishment and stand by the marginalised, eminent journalists said here on Friday.

Speaking at the Jamia Milia Islamia’s event ‘Ainaa 2017’, themed “The Other Side”, veteran journalists spoke about the differences between working for “corporate” media houses and the free media spaces.

Senior journalist and political editor of The Caravan magazine, Hartosh Singh Bal, said: “The alternate media is getting into a resource crunch.

This government is not going to allow its sustainability. Neither are the entrepreneurs looking into this sector.”

“One cannot be a journalist and work in the corporate or mainstream media, which is a disheartening situation. We all have grown very scared of the word ‘liberal’.”

Seema Mustafa, founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Citizen, an online news portal, also spoke on the same lines and said journalists of the present times will have to face many

challenges. “Real journalism involves standing up for the marginalised, the victims, and at the same time standing by the Constitution of India. And one has to oppose everything that can come in the way to report them, including the government,” Mustafa said.

Addressing scores of journalism students of Jamia Milia, Mustafa asked them to choose between “mainstream media which has power and money, or real journalism - which is facing tough times”.

Madhu Trehan, co-founder of digital media portal Newslaundry, also said the present government had been successful in managing the media.

“This government is far more clever in cutting the press, even if you are mildly critical. It is frightening,” she said.

The event was part of the annual media festival by the Department of Convergent Journalism in Jamia Milia.

The students also showcased their work on topics they said “the mainstream media generally chooses to ignore”.

Documentaries, projects and photographs produced by the students were also shown at the festival.

a Taliban insurgency that has gripped Afghanistan for more than a decade.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani visited the base on Saturday, and in a statement online, condemned the attack as “cowardly” and the work of “infidels”.

As many as 10 Taliban fighters, dressed in Afghan army uniforms and driving military vehicles, made their way into the base and opened fire on mostly unarmed soldiers eating and leaving a mosque after Friday prayers, according to officials.

They used rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, and several detonated suicide vests packed with explosive, officials said.

Witnesses described a scene of confusion as soldiers were uncertain who the attackers were.

“It was a chaotic scene and I

didn’t know what to do,” said one army officer wounded in the attack.

“There was gunfire and explosions everywhere.”

The base is the headquarters for the Afghan National Army’s 209th Corps, responsible for much of northern Afghanistan, including Kunduz, a province which has seen heavy fighting.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Saturday the attack on the base was retribution for recent killing of several senior Taliban leaders in northern Afghanistan.

On Saturday, the U.S. military command in Kabul said that an American air strike killed a Taliban commander, Quari Tayib, on April 17.

Eight other Taliban were also killed the strike, according to a statement by the command.

CheNNAi, April 22 (iANS): The Tamil Nadu government’s attempt to cover the water stored in Vaigai Dam in Madurai with thermocol sheets to prevent evaporation shows the officials lack of knowledge about water cycle and ecology, said an environmental activist.

On Friday Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju inaugurated the programme to cover the vast sheet of Vaigai Dam water with thermocol sheets at an outlay of Rs 10 lakh. According to an official in the Public Works Department (PWD), the idea was to spread the thermocol sheets on 200 sq metres of water surface on a trial basis to prevent water evaporation.

The official said the idea is to study the plan first and if the results are positive then the plan could be expanded.

However soon after the thermocol sheets taped together were laid on the water surface they reached the shores and

some even broke.

“The plan shows the lack of scientific knowledge of the water cycle. Water evaporation is a natural process and is part of water cycle. Why should one try to prevent the natural process,” G. Sundarrajan, an environment activist with Poovulagin Nambargal, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working in environment area.

“Secondly thermocol is harmful if ingested. If fishes or birds eat the thermocol then it will cause major harm to them,” he added.

He said floating thermocol in the water stored in a dam and expecting them to stay at one place is foolish.

Officials said the water stored in the dam is the main source of drinking water for Madurai city and preventing the 1.2 mcft (million cubic feet) evaporation loss per day is important.

“We have so many reasons to give thanks to the lord”

New Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto, largest Baptist church in Asia dedicated K. Filip Sumi Zunheboto | April 22

Deemed to be the largest Baptist Church in Asia, the Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto (SBCZ) standing at a height of 1864.9m above sea level located at 26.01 ºN and 94.50ºE with a seating capacity of 8500 persons was dedicated on Saturday by the General Secretary of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), Rev. Dr. Solomon Rongpi.

The total height of the building stands at 166’ft equivalent to 9-storied building and a total length of 203’ft and breadth of 153ft’. The building has a total plinth area of 23, 73, 476’ sq.ft with 27 rooms including the main hall. The building also houses a prayer room, conference hall, two lifts, sick and children room, library, cafeteria and dressing rooms for bride and groom.

Presenting a gist of the building construction, Chairman NCBC, Kiyelho H. Yeptho said the electricity is backed by 500 KV digital generator which is reportedly the first in northeast. He said that the Herman (USA-JBL) sound system and stage lighting supplied from USA which was installed by Lodhuram Toshniwal & Sons, Kolkata and Crescendo Dimapur was one of the finest in the northeast.

The building is also equipped with fire-

A view of the Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto as seen on the day of dedication on Saturday. (Morung Photo)

fighting equipments. The Church bell weighing 500 kilos was made in Poland.

The building was designed by Honoholi of M/S AKITEKTURA, Dimapur and engineered by M/S MAP PROJECT Services Pvt Ltd Kolkata.

Presenting financial report of the building, NCBC Finance Secretary, Vihoshe Muru said Rs 32 crore approximately has been spent so far and the final construction cost would reach Rs 36 crore.

Mao Flower Growers’ Association, Mao Gate donated 12, 823 pieces of fresh cut flowers for decorations during the

dedication programme.

Delivering the dedication sermon, Rev. Dr. Rongpi said the SBCZ could be the biggest Baptist Church in Asia since the biggest Church though not a Baptist was the Yoido Full Gospel Church in South Korea with a seating capacity of 25, 000 people.

Talking about the current situation in the country, he pointed out that various extremist activities were taking place under the present central rule. He expressed shock and confusion at the government’s initiative to take control of all

100 MBBS seats at CMC Vellore which he said was against the constitutional provisions for minority religions to run institutions in their own convenient ways. “The government wants to take away all 100 seats for which the court hearing is already held and order will be out on Monday,” he added.

Rev. Dr. Rongpi also spoke about the New Education Policy which makes yoga and Sanskrit compulsory in educational institutions. He said many people have been killed due to vigilantism and moral policing of anti-Romeo, protection of cow etc.

“However, at all times and no matter what happens, when inside the Church, we have so many reasons to give thanks to the Lord,” he said by drawing reference from the Bible, Psalms 100.

Earlier, he inaugurated the Church building and also administered the Act of Dedication to the congregation.

The Sunday School Department SCBZ presented the inaugural spotlight while the Church Choir and other groups presented special numbers.

The dedication programme was attended by prominent leaders including NBCC General Secretary, Zelho Keyho, CBCNEI Finance Secretary, Vikato, Principal TTC, Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo, former Chief Minister, K.L. Chishi and others.

The church construction commenced on May 7, 2007 and completed on March 31, 2017 cost Rs 36 crore for its construction.

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SunDAY 23•04•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Children in Amur Falcon countryside celebrates Earth Day

Eco Club Children on Earth Day in Pangti, Wokha district.

Pangti, aPril 22 (MExn): Earth Day was celebrated at Pangti Community Hall by three Eco Clubs under the aegis of the Nagaland Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Trust. The clubs namely Eni Num Eco-Club in Pangti, Vungi Eco-club, Sungro and Yakpo Eco Club in Okotso have been established since 2013 following story of the slaughter of the migratory birds over the Doyang reservoir in Wokha disrict.

A press release stated that the day was observed under the theme “Nature has made nothing in vain, but our cruelness makes it vain.”

The programme was chaired

by SLongshibemo Shitio Educator Okotso Eco-club. Invocation was pro-

nounced by Bijamo Yanthan Associate Pastor Baptist church Pangti. He encouraged the children telling that caring for the earth and creation was a biblical mission and messing with nature can bring about disastrous consequences sometimes, life threatening.

The show was led by students of the Eninum Eco club who performed a skit they developed on the extinction of birds and its impact on the environment. They also enacted a mime “Who am I?”. This was a participatory game where the actors enact the sound and behaviour of animals and the audience have to guess the name of the animal.

The significance of Earth day was narrated by Janbemo N. Odyuo Educator Vungi Eco-club.

Students planting new saplings in the college campus during the celebration of Earth Day at Immanuel College organised by the Eco Club on April 22. There was a humble formal programme where the students were enlightened on the importance on the theme of "Environmental and Climate Literacy.”

Hindustan Scouts and Guides DPS Dimapur supports environmental protection commemorates Rajya Puraskar Morung Express News Kohima | April 22

The Hindustan Scouts and Guides Association held its Rajya Puraskar Ceremony on April 22 at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan with Nagaland Governor PB Acharya, State Chief Patron of Scout Movement in India as the main celebrant.

Lauding the activities and contributions of the Scouts and Guides movement, Rev. Dr. Fr. Soujan Puthankudy, State Chief Commissioner stated that the movement has the potential to change the destiny of the nations by shaping young minds as the purpose of the movement clearly state in its manual, “It is to contribute to the mental, physical and spiritual development of youth to make them complete and perfect.”

Rev. Dr. Fr. Soujan believed that the movement has the fire power to build up the personality and the self confidence of the children and young people, with its focus on building up values and discipline, projecting itself as a catalyst in forming the young people to be God fearing, disciplined and value based.

Lamenting over the fact that the world today is challenged with mediocre leadership, and with least commitment and vision, Puthankudy expressed hope over the movement as it is “focused on build-

Section of Scouts and Guides attending the Rajya Puraskar Ceremony held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan on April 22. (Morung Photo)

ing up supreme confident in the power of the young people, guides them to be adventurous. Thrusts responsibility in them to build up leadership, develops loyalty to one’s own people and group, country and puts effort to change them from ‘what I can get’ to a ‘what I can give’ attitude.”

While appreciating the enthusiasm of the Governor towards the movement, Puthankudy also lauded the efforts of Gnana Nirmala, Secretary for North east region and Nagaland State, Hindustan Scout and Guides, whom he termed as an iron lady whose undying determination has brought the movement to a progressive position and is fast spreading in Nagaland and Northeast India.

Nagaland Governor PB Acharya highlighted the purpose of the Scouting movement which is to contribute to the development of young people in achiev-

ing their full physical, intellectual emotion, survival skills, social and spiritual potentials as individuals as responsible citizens and as members of local, national, international communities.

“We cannot afford to be stagnant. We have to spread. We have to be vibrant. Let us strengthen our unity and increase membership so as to reach every cover of our country,” stated Acharya while encouraging the young Scouts and Guides to help contribute to uplifting and developing the country.

Emphasis was also laid on the importance of education which needs to be selfless and not just empower the individual but enable them to empower the rest.

Much to the disappointment of the crowd, the Governor P.B Acharya spoke in Hindi. The Governor also concluded his speech with his signature slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.

DiMaPur, aPril 22 (MExn): To demonstrate support for environmental protection and to empower students with knowledge that will inspire action in defense of environmental threat, World Earth Day-2017 was celebrated at Delhi Public School, Dimapur on April 22.

Besides the plethora of activities – cultural programme, Tree-plantation, procession, literary and art competitions, DPS Dimapur organized the 1st Inter School Cross Country Race (A 4km run from Green Park junction 5th Mile to DPS Campus).

Altogether 264 participants representing Eight (8) schools from Dimapur took part in the event. Letginlun Hangsing (Greenwood Hr Sec. School) emerged as the champion followed by Nipuka Swu (Carmel Hr. Sec. School) and Huka Achumi (Hollotoli School) in the second and third place respectively. A press release stated here that Meyipokyim Aier (IFS), Chairman of Nagaland State Pollution Control Board flagged – off the race at 6:00 am and also graced the prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest. He interacted with the students drawing attention to environmental concerns and called upon the Meyipokyim Aier (IFS), Chairman of Nagaland State Pollution Control Board with the stustudents to act and become a global citizenry by embrac- dents and staff of DPS plants a sapling as part of the World Earth Day-2017 celebrated at ing an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Delhi Public School, Dimapur on April 22.

112 students graduate from Mount Mary College

Graduating students of Mount Mary College, Chumukedima during the 4th Graduation Day held on April 22. (Photo by Manen Aier)

DiMaPur, aPril 22 (MExn): Mount Mary College, Chumukedima 4th Graduation Day was held on April 22 at the College Hall with Brigadier Rajiv Kumar, 3 Corp, Rangapahar as the chief guest. Altogether 112 students, 99 from Arts and 13 from Commerce

stream took part as graduating student for 2017.

Brigadier Rajiv Kumar, 3 corp, Rangapahar in his speech challenged the graduating student by saying, “This is the moment to grab the opportunity.”

He said that by 2020, India is going to be the youngest

nation with a national average age of 29 years and for them 49 million job is going to crop up for those who all equipped with the needed knowledge. He urged the students to be the “Brand Ambassadors for India.”

He imbibed the students to have the three qualities

of Knowledge, skill and attitude to succeed and be an asset to the nation.

Asha Cheng, Assistant Professor, Department of English chaired the programme which started with the processional march led by the dignitaries, teaching faculties and the graduating

students. Imlikumla, administrator gave greeting speech on behalf of the college. Tokali, Assistant Professor, Department of Education delivered an inspirational speech for the graduating students. Nungshiyanger, front man of Dimention 5 presented two songs.

The valediction speech was given by graduating student Menangnochet (Economics Honors). The program ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

Col. Vishnu Sigrkar and Col. M.K Rana and the parents, guardians and well wishers of the graduating students attended the programme.

Special awards were presented to Chandan Mech- Overall Performance; B. Yungpung- Best in Academic; LipoknaroStudent of the batch.

St. John’s HSS Tuensang celebrates Golden Jubilee

tuEnsang, aPril 22 (MExn): The Catholic Mission which includes St. Thomas Parish and St. John’s Hr. Sec. School, Tuensang celebrated the Golden Jubilee of St. John’s Hr. Sec. School, Tuensang with Most. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main Celebrant and His Grace Archbishop Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal as the guest of honour. The celebration is a three day event which will conclude on April 23.

Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kohima and 28 priests concelebrated the thanksgiving Holy Eucharist. Golden Jubilee Memorial Gate by Rev. Fr. P.C. Mani, first Parish priest, Slab for the Science Laboratory by Most. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of

Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and His Grace Archbishop Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal with the staffs, parents and other participants during the Golden Jubilee of St. John’s Hr. Sec. School, Tuensang.

Kohima and His Excellency Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal was also blessed and inaugurated. The golden jubilee souvenir, Chang prayer book (Welau le) and the article ‘Towards a relevant Chang Catholic Church’ written

by Rev. Fr. Benjamin were released on the occasion.

Koma Yangbou, represent-

Acknowledgement

“.....The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

T

LATE K. SoLHou KozA (PAuL) (Died on 12th April 2017)

hrough this column, we would like to acknowledge and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone, who not only during our father’s prolonged illness but also during his sad demise on 12th April 2017, had constantly supported us through your unceasing prayers, physical presence and material help.

For all the love and kindness showered upon our family, we pray that God will bless each and every one of you, abundantly.

Family me mbers.

ing the Managing Board applauded the Catholic Missionaries. EAC Longeleng spoke on behalf of the Alumi Changsang.

During the felicitation programme, Bishop James Thoppil addressed the gathering and Rev. Mathew Keemattam read the bible passage with invocation prayer by Rev. Fr. Carolus

Neisalhou, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kohima.

Rev. Fr. P.J. Thomas presented the Obituary. There were also beautiful Jubilee Choir piece, different dances, and cultural items presented by the students on the occasion. Speeches were given by Rev. Fr. Mani, 1st Parish Priest and Principal of SJHSS, Tuensang.

NVBDCP State Review Meeting held

KohiMa, aPril 22 (MExn): The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) State Review Meeting was held on April 19 at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Kohima.

District Vector Borne Officers, District Consultants, Entomologists, Epidemiologists’ and IDSP officials attended the meeting along with the state officials to review the programme implementation in the district.

Dr. Meguosilie Kire, Director (Family Welfare) welcoming the gathering informed that there has been a paradigm shift in the State malaria scenario and that it was not about control and prevention of malaria anymore

but about elimination of malaria by 2030. “Though it seems ambitious, it is possible with the commitment and hard work of the staff,” he added. He also urged the gathering to be in their places of posting and in all activities, to put their mind and soul to achieve elimination.

Atu Longkumer, Senior Entomologists presented a presentation on vector control, mosquito behaviour and vector scenario in the state. All the participating districts also presented presentations on NVBDCP activities and malaria scenario in their respective districts.

Observations were made on the district presentation and feedbacks given to improve their performance.

Sunday 23•04•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

First digital village Manipur: Official nullifies rumours BJP's poll strategist predicts inaugurated in AP about Royal Bengal Tiger killing Cong's downfall in Meghalaya Shillong, April 22 (iAnS):Predicting Meghalaya's Congress-led government's downfall, BJP poll strategist Himanta Biswa Sarma has shown confidence that his party will win the people's mandate in the state in 2018. Sarma, who is considered the chief architect of BJP's success in Assam and Manipur, was optimistic that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will lose in the next assembly elections.

"My own assessment is that the people of Meghalaya will vote for (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and for development. We will have our own government," he told journalists on Friday."Our idea is to ensure that he and his

brother (Sports and Youth Affairs minister Zenith M. Sangma lose in the elections. Do not be surprised if Sangma loses," the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

Indicating that the BJP is gearing up to contest in all the 60 assembly seats, Sarma said: "We recognise that Meghalaya has a very unpopular government.

Meghalaya has not seen the kind of development which the people of the state deserve."

"Therefore, in order to make Meghalaya a frontranking state there should be a government which would be ready to implement Modi's vision both in letter and spirit.""So in order to translate Modi's vision in Meghalaya, we

UNM–M condemns Imphal ‘gang rape’ imphAl, April 22 (mExn): Women Committee, United NGOs Mission (UNM-M) has strongly condemned the brutal “gang rape” of two minor students on April 14 in Imphal. In a press note received here, the Women Committee also strongly appealed the public and concerned authorities to extend their support and co-operation in “delivering justice and in rendering psycho social support to the victims and their families.” It also requested the Cybercrime cells to check and monitor any undesirable comments and pictures related to the incident. The Committee further urged the Government and concerned Depart-

ment for speedy trial of the case and awarding befitting punishment to the accused “persons according to the law so that this type of crime is not repeated in future.” Precautionary measures must also adopted by the government to check and prevent the increasing cases of crime against women in the state especially during special occasion’s ns and festivals, it added.

The Women Committee lauded the prompt action of the SP lmphal East and his team; Secretary, District Legal Services Authority Imphal East and other relevant bodies; CMl society Organizations; and student bodies for their proactive roles.

Mizoram CM orders removal of his official cars beacon AizAwl, April 22 (pTi): Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has ordered removal of beacon from his official car. The Chief Ministers directive in this regard comes days after the Union Cabinet decided to ban use of beacon lights atop vehicles of dignitaries and government of-

ficials from May 1. Lal Thanhawla completely agrees with the decision.

He said that there should be no place for VIP culture in a democracy, official sources today said. Meanwhile, state chief secretary Lalmalsawma said that order would be issued after receiving instruction from the Centre.

Heavy rain leads to floodlike situation in Meghalaya TurA, April 22 (iAnS): Heavy rain since Friday night has led to a flood-like situation in the low-lying areas in South West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, an official said on Saturday. Though no loss of life has been reported so far, around 20 persons have been displaced following the floods, Cyril Diengdoh, the District Magistrate, told IANS. The displaced people have been accommodated in a school in Silkona village, he said. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has directed the district officials to provide relief to the affected families.

Regd. No: 662/2017

Diengdoh said the flooding in some areas has also caused damage to agricultural land, roads and fishery ponds. The District Disaster Management Authority has deployed officials and 'gram sevaks' are in the field to conduct actual ground assessment and preparation of relief camps should the need arise. The low-lying areas under Zikzak Community and Rural Development block namely Silkona, Nandirchar, Beparipara, Hridaypur, Daspara, Patelipara and New Kalaichar have been the worst affected by the flash floods.

aFFIDaVIT

Dated: 22/04/2017

I, Ms. Inikali Chophi, D/o. Yevikhe, Permanent resident of H/ No. 19, Atoizu, Zunheboto, Nagaland, and Presently residing at Padumpukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby affirm an oath and declare as follows- 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India. 2. That in my SBI Saving Bank Account bearing A/C No.20093667840, and Aadhaar Card No. 5476 2822 8916, my name had been entered, recorded as Inikali Chophi, D/o Yevikhe, whereas in my Academic record my name had been recorded as Inikali Chophy y. 3. That 'Chophi' and 'Chophy ' are same which is our title, and 'Y' as recorded in my Last Name stands for ‘Yevikhe’ which is my father's initial name. 4. That the names Inikali Chophi, and Inikali Chophy Y, refers to one and same person, i.e me and my names. Henceforth I shall address/ use my name as Inikali Chophi, in my Indian Pass Port.

Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent

Deponent

Notary public, Dimapur: Nagaland

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For Registration, please contact: 03862- 231864, 227337, 224117

need a vehicle which will be our own state government which will implement the Prime Minister's programmes of development for Meghalaya," Sarma noted.

Moreover, he informed that the party workers were working hard and the party organisation in the state was ready to take up challenges.

Election to the 60-member state assembly was scheduled to be held in February-March 2018. Sarma said the BJP would also soon come out with a chargesheet against Sangma's government and "vision document" for Meghalaya.

"The chargesheet will reflect a complete misman-

agement of governance and corruptions and underdevelopment and also many personal complicity of the Congress leadership in Meghalaya," the BJP leader said.

While ruling out Sangma's entry into the BJP-fold, Sarma said: "He (Sangma) will not be admitted into the BJP (although he had not applied to join)." "Till he loses his own seat in the next election, none of us will meet him," he added. Asked if the BJP would ask Sangma to merge with the saffron party in case of a hung assembly in Meghalaya, Sarma said, "If at all that situation arises, we have our friends in Meghalaya who are known for anti-Congress principles for decades."

iTAnAgAr, April 22 (pTi): Nirjuli village-1 in Papum Pare district was today declared as the first digital village of Arunachal Pradesh. After inaugurating it, north-east circle chief general manager of SBI PVSLM Murty said, that the SBI had urged the state government to improve connectivity in the state to speed up socioeconomic development of the people. Announcing all out support of the SBI, the lead bank of the state, he assured that it would promote V-set linked customer service point (CSP). Digital village aims at cashless transactions even in sabji mandis to make payment through mobile, he said and advocated awareness through schools for which the SBI could provide computers to promote digitalisation, micro ATM, CSP etc.

Newmai News Network Imphal | April 22

The confusion on the intense speculations on the reported killing of a Royal Bengal Tiger in Manipur has been laid to rest following a clarification about the speculations by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Manipur, PN Prasad today.

Photos of a dead Royal Bengal Tiger uploaded on social media went viral saying the big cat was killed in Manipur by hunters recently.

Activists and the media were trying very hard to ascertain the reports but to no avail.

On Saturday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Manipur while speaking to Impact TV, an Imphal based cable TV news chan-

nel, clarified that there was no such case in Manipur in recent time.

The officer clarified that the “photographs of killing of Royal Bengal Tiger which were uploaded on social media were the photographs of killing a tiger” elsewhere years ago and not in Manipur, according to the Impact TV report.

According to PN Prasad, the Manipur Forest Department was working hard to ascertain the authenticity of the photographs which were shot at three different locations, the Impact TV report said.

It was later on found out that the photographs were related to incidents that had taken place outside Manipur some years ago.

The Impact TV report

then said, “As per the reports given by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) there was a report of presence of Royal Bengal Tigers in Tamenglong district”.

It stated that following this reports, the National Tiger Conservation Authority, Central Crime Controls Bureau along with the State Forest Department are working to find out whether there are tigers in Tamenglong district using CCTVs and Plaster of Paris.

“There are reports of tigers appearing in Senapati areas as well,” the Impact TV report said. PN Prasad then said the issue will be discussed at a meeting to be organised by National Tiger Conservation Authority on May 2 in Guwahati.

ZB (AMN) demands extension Cong slams Arunachal CM for Tibet statement and sanction of ‘Tribal Sub-Plan’ DimApur, April 22 (mExn): The Zeliangrong Baudi Assam, Manipur, & Nagaland (ZB-AMN) today submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur, Nongthombam Biren Singh demanding for the extension and sanction of “Tribal Sub-Plan” for the tribal people of Imphal valley, Manipur.

The Chief Minister assured to the delegation that he would look into the matter so that the grievances of the people would be addressed, said a press statement appended by ZB (AMN) President Raitu Chawang and General Secretary Dr. Gairiangmei Maringmei.

In the memorandum, the Baudi pointed out to the Chief Minister that the valley tribal populace of about 55,000 scattered in the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching have been deprived of the various tribal facilities due “un-survey habitation in the midst of the majority section of the people.”

The General Caste, the

OBC and the Minority class which go in the line of religious sects, resulted in the Valley Tribal being denied tribe status, it said.

Some of these tribal communities like the Zeliangrong people of 70 villages scattered in all districts of the valley are the indigenous inhabitants since time immemorial.

Likewise, there are many other tribal people/villages are also settled in Manipur valley but have neglected for centuries together, it added.

The Zeliangrong (Kabui Naga) villages seen today have made huge contributions towards the erstwhile Manipur kingdom for centuries which the chronicles of the palatial recorder acknowledged well, the memo highlighted.

Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) launched a demand day with “10,000 people procession” around Imphal city on the 6 points charter of demands including the extension of Tribal Sub-Plan and the protection of Reli-

gion (by random prohibition of local wine and sacrilege manner) on October 1, 1980, it said adding that the then Chief Minister of Manipur, R.K. Dorendro Singh assured to concede to these demands of redressed.

However, it lamented that reminder memoranda submitted to the successive Governments from time to time by the ZSUM did not yield the fruition till yet. The poor valley tribal inhabitants are reduced to almost non-entity due to the absence of any proper survey and official attention of a political will on the part of the previous Governments and the hill-valley leaders and people’s representatives, it said.

Stating that the past leaders in both the hills and the valley did not take note of the long sufferings of the Valley Tribal populace despite repeated reminder, it appealed and expressed hope the New Government will “surely take up step to redress the grievances of the unfortunate section of the people in the valley.”

J.N. AIER COLLEGE C’ Khel 4th mile, Diphupar

Arunachal Pradesh should not make any statement before going through the political status and history of Tibet, as recognised by the Indian government," state Congress President Takam Sanjoy said.

Sanjoy, a former Lok Sabha member, said Tibet as of today has the status of

the 'Tibetan Autonomous Region of People's Republic of China'.

On April 14, New Delhi said there is no change in the Indian position that Tibet is a part of China and that it will continue to seek a mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue.

Model HigHer Secondary ScHool A.G Colony, Kohima Job Vacancy

Sl. No. 1.

Post

Qualification M.Sc-B.Ed/ M.Com-B.Ed/ MA-B.Ed with Principal minimum 10 years experience

Interested candidates may kindly furnish your resume and submit in the school office on or before 28th April, 2017.

For further information contact:  9886483794/ 9436005925.

Managing Director

(A Central University Established by an Act of Parliament 1989) School of Engineering & Technology

D.C. COURT JUNCTION: DIMAPUR-797112, NAGALAND. NU/SETAM/ESTT/G-1(Pt-III)/2015-07

Phone: 03862-234555 Fax: 03862-234561 Dated: 07/04/17

WaLK-In -InTERVIEW

Dimapur: Nagaland

aDMISSIon noTIcE

Admission forms for B.A 1st Semester, 2017 Will be available at the College office from 24th of April,2017 between 9:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M. Admission will start right after the declaration of HSSLC result on first come first serve basis.

Sd/- Principal (9856554744)

PranaB VidyaPiTH H.S. ScHool (For BOYS’ & GIRLS’)

Milan Mandir Road, Dimapur, Nagaland Phone : (03862) 232455/233012

admission notice for Science & commerce – 2017 1. Form & Prospectus for admission to Class- 11 is available at the School Office from 24/04/2017 (From 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.) 2. Admission will start immediate after declaration of HSLC result .

3. Admission on first come first serve basis.

For details see Notice Board and Prospectus.

iTAnAgAr, April 22 (iAnS): The Congress Arunachal Pradesh unit on Saturday described as "immature and uncalled for" Chief Minister Pema Khandu's statement that the Indian state shares a border with Tibet and not China.

"The Chief Minister of a sensitive state like

Sd/- Principal

Applications are invited for walk-in-interview for the following Guest Faculties (Lecture basis) in the various Academic Departments of the School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, Dimapur for a period of four months or end of semester. The selected candidates will be paid @ Rs 1,000/- (Rupees One Thousand only) per lecture subject to a maximum of Rs 25,000/-(Rupees Twenty five thousand only) per month. The interview is scheduled on 26th April 2017 in the Office Chamber of the Dean, SET, D.C. Court Junction, Dimapur-797112 as per the details mentioned below. The applicants have to produce all the original documents support of their qualification/experience on the date of interview.

SI. Department No. 1 Information Technology 2 Computer Science & Engineering

No. of Time Post M. Tech in IT/CSE 1 11:00 AM M. Tech (Computer Science & Engineering) 1 2:00 PM or IT Sd/- (S. K. SHARMA) Dean Qualification & specialization

4

sundAY 23•04•2017

NagalaNd

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

MSW students trained on ‘Peace building and Conflict Resolution skills’ department of Agriculture, Peren district conducted one day training for women farmers from Lilen, Phaijol and Vongkithem villages under Athibung block on April 21. Atoi sema, dAo Peren while delivering the keynote address assured the women farmers of full assistance and also requested the womenfolk to co-operate with the Department for success of the programme in the district. In the technical session, training on package and practices of Maize and Colocasia were conducted by Limakumzuk AFA and Along AFA respectively.

Dimapur, april 22 (mExN): North East institute of Social Science & Research (NEISSR) organized a three day workshop on ‘Peace building and Conflict Resolution skills’ from April 19 to 21.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Aküm Longchari, Editor, The Morung Express.

Dr. Longchari spoke on the need of differentiating the conflicts, the sources and the consequences of the conflict in order to intervene effectively and solve a conflict. He

also dealt with the power dynamics which is vital force behind the structures that we have in our society. “There are three types of power; power within, power with and power over. It is the imperative of social workers to help people realize and identify the ‘power within’ to bring about certain changes in the structure in order to ameliorate the social problems in our everyday life,” he said.

The workshop also included session on Reconciliation.

ATMA Peren conduct training & demonstration

The Modern Institute of Teacher Education, Kohima organized Parent-Teacher Association (PtA) Meet on April 22. the main purpose of Meet was to create a common platform, where teacher and parents come together to enrich Student-Teachers Educational experiences and discuss variety of issues related to the development of Student-Teachers as well as the institution. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) was formed with the following appointed as the executive members: Convenor- Neingulaü; President- V. K. Jha; VicePresident- Orenthung Tungoe; Secretary- Lhovili Kiba; Joint Secretary- Maroune Pao.

Participants of the 11th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting 2017 convened at KVK office, Porba, Phek on April 18. The Achievement during the year 2016-17 was presented by Dr Rinku Bharali, ACTO Horticulture and action plan for the year 2017-18 was presented by dr debojyoti Borkotoky sMs (Animal sc.) KVK, Phek. A brief presentation on Action Taken Report (SAC 2015-16) and Pilot Project for Doubling Farmer’s Income by 2022 was delivered by dr t. esther Longkumer, I/C senior scientist Cum Head, KVK, Phek. the presentations were followed by suggestions and discussions by the committee members. dHo Phek stressed on quality seed production and making it readily available to the farmers. Progressive farmer and sAC committee member taveshu emphasized on popularization of tested technologies among farmers and rural youth for income generation.

pErEN, april 22 (mExN): ATMA Peren block conducted one day training and demonstration on bee keeping and its management at Peletkie village on April 19. Vinatoli, BTM spoke on the benefits and practices of bee keeping in detail and also demonstrated on its management by using bee box. The participants were encouraged to take up bee keeping as it is cheap and does not involve much labour. Mapeuheile Ndang AO & Convener highlighted the activities of ATMA and also chaired the programme. Around 25 farmers participated in the programme.

ATMA Peren also organised capacity building, mobilisation of farmers groups and demonstration for farmers from New Peren and Kejanglwa village on April 13. Food security and commodity interest groups were formed. Ibotui HEA and BTT member demonstrated on mushroom cultivation. Altogether 19 farmers attended the programme.

Through an activity students were made aware about the importance of “Truth, Mercy, Justice and Peace in the process of reconciliation.”

The facilitator highlighted various examples of conflict resolution or reconciliation processes from around the world where the four values are used and how it is used.

In a particular session, he highlighted on how conflict is caused by individuals and group holding on to their respective truth and defending it at all cost. Thus, he also

spoke on the need of looking at an issue from perspectives of the other party.

In the course of the three days workshop, Dr. Longchari also spoke on the importance of mediation and how it can be practice in our communities. The workshop was made very interactive and educative through role play, group activities and various other strategies.

The workshop was attended by 43 MSW final semester students and Peace Channel staff.

Officials inspect construction of Nagaland House, New Delhi Dimapur, april 22 (mExN): The Secretary Home and Engineer (H) Estate Division conducted thorough inspection of the ongoing construction of Nagaland House at R.K Puram and the residential flats construction at Dwarka on April 20 and 21.

The officials held details discussions with the concerned contractor and gave necessary instructions for expediting the works on need based priorities for timely inauguration and taking over by the government within the shortest time line.

The construction parties also assured to take up the required works on war footing and handing over within 2-3 months if bare requirement of funds can

The officials during the inspection of the ongoing construction of Nagaland House at R.K Puram and the residential flats construction at dwarka on April 20 and 21.

be released to them.

A press release issued by Kuolie Mere, PRO, Nagaland House New Delhi stated that the inspection officials strongly felt that these works should be

completed and taken over to avoid serious technical snags and public inconveniences in the long run, hence shall take up with the government for appropriate actions.

ATMA Kobulong conducts capacity building prog

mokokchuNg, april 22 (mExN): Farm method demonstration programme on ‘Package and Practices of Improved Maize Variety’ was held on April 18 at Yimchalu village.

Resource person, Renbomo Ngullie demonstrated the method of line sowing, maintenance of optimum spacing and mulching techniques. He further highlighted on the importance of nutrient management and soil moisture conservation for increased production.

Fruitful interaction Participants during the Capacity building programme on ‘Production technology of oysthe graduates of Asian Institute of theology, dimapur with others on the graduation day with suitable suggestions ter Mushroom’ for Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) at Longjang village held on April 19. held on April 21.

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3922

SUDOKU

ACROSS 1. Anagram of “Cabs” 5. Reveals 10. Church alcove 14. Happy cat sound 15. Siren 16. Specks 17. Constellation bear 18. Cemetery 20. Compose an elegy 22. Glisten 23. A state of SW India 24. Aquatic mammals 25. People on holiday 32. A drama set to music 33. Film 34. Not brilliant 37. In order to prevent 38. Enraged 39. Dry riverbed 40. S 41. Whole 42. Stubble remover 43. Compulsively 45. A woman whose husband is dead 49. Citrus drink 50. Picturing 53. Clear 57. Enthusiasm 59. Sense 60. Lubricate 61. Fugitive 62. Lipids 63. Accomplishment 64. Clean between teeth 65. Blackthorn DOWN 1. Disgorge 2. Ringlet 3. Backside 4. Blowhard 5. A Japanese cheer 6. Away from the wind 7. Record (abbrev.)

8. Makes a mistake 9. “Cut that out!”

Simple Rules - Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Game Number # 3919

Answer Number # 3918

std code: 03862

DiMaPUR 10. Love intensely 11. A type of dance 12. Motionless 13. S S S S 19. Antiquated 21. Greek letter 25. Mouselike animal 26. Mimics 27. To tax or access 28. Leaves out 29. Exploded stars 30. Iniquities 31. Disencumber 34. Stupor 35. False god 36. Like a bog 38. Toss 39. Overshoots 41. Drying cloth 42. Purges 44. Swords 45. Brandish 46. Suffuse 47. Braised meat stew 48. Leered 51. Jazz phrase 52. Scream 53. Cards with 1 symbol 54. Loyal (archaic) 55. Quash 56. If not 58. Prefix meaning “Modern”

Answer to Crossword 3921

AwArd BAKer BeFore BLAde BreAK CAUGHt CrIB deFLeCt dUes eArLY eMPtY eXPLode FAst FIeLd FLAVor FresH Front LeAn LIttLe LUBrICAte

O

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oUtsIde Power ProUd reLAtIon reVIew sCreen sHort sILt sKILL stAIn sUrVIVe swAt tACKLe tHUd tIGer trUst tUnneL wInner worrY worse

D

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital

232224

emergency

229529 229474

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

Zion Hospital

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Police Control room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

KOHiMa

std code: 0370

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers north Ps

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510 south Ps

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 Zubza Ps

8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516

railway

131/228404

tseminyu Ps

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

Khuzama Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

W

TaHaMZaM

given by the research scientist on queries raised by the farmers continued during the program. Maize seeds of improved variety were later distributed to the farmers.

Capacity building programme on ‘Production Technology of Oyster Mushroom’ for Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) at Longjang village was also held on April 19. Importance of group approach as a key ingredient towards sustainable farming and in achieving self sufficiency was also emphasized to the farmers during the programme.

Kezocha Ps

8575045549

nikos Hospital and research Centre

232032, 231031

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

women Cell 8575045509 248302, 09856006026 Officer-in-Charge 8575045519

eden Medical Centre

248722 /248288

S

E

A

R

C

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538

Control room

H

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC) we4 woMen HeLPLIne 08822911011 WOMEN HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

63.05 80.48 7.85 47.37 45.05 46.75 57.47 67.41 1.77 0.0536 16.61 8.86

66.17 84.73 8.77 49.90 47.45 49.25 60.95 70.95 1.98 0.0601 18.58 9.91

Sunday 23•04•2017

NAGALAND

Chizami celebrates Tsiikhenye festival Our Correspondent Chizami | April 22

Five villages including Chizami town under the banner of Chizami Range Public Organization (CRPO) today came in unison and celebrated Tsiikhenye festival with much pomp and traditional gaiety at Chizami Village under Phek district.

Attired in traditional fineries, they joined the festivities under the motto “Progress through unity.”

Speaking on the occasion as the guest speaker, K.G. Kenye, MP Rajya Sabha, urged the people to inculcate the traditional values and ethos and also to uphold the rich culture of our ancestors. He also lauded the pioneers who are behind the formation of CRPO and further urged the present CRPO leaders to be more dedicated and work sincerely for the security and welfare of the area.

He said the five villages comprising of Chizami, Sümi, Thetsümi, Enhulumi

Let us keep up the unity and preserve the integrity of our tribe: KG Kenye

K.G. Kenye, Deo Nukhu and others during Tsiikhenye celebration at Chizami on April 22. (Morung photo)

and Mesulumi together with people from Chizami Town living together in unity is a true symbol of Chakhesang unity.

He said the people from

the area lived together in peace and they must hold the Chakhesangs together at any cost because breaking ourselves into smaller groups will only make us

more insignificant and powerless.

Stating that Chakhesangs became a tribe not by birth but by choice through the wisdom of our pioneering leaders, he said “Let us keep up the unity and preserve the integrity of our tribe.”

We must respect, develop and keep the unity of Phek district, he added.

Expressing deep concern over the high volume of spreading propaganda across social media, Kenye urged for dissemination of factual and correct information.

Also stressing on the need to do away with isms, he called upon the people to maintain the feeling of oneness and fight together against the evil forces that may come our way.

Kenye also informed that the 2-lane road between Kohima to Chizami has been approved by the Govt. of India and expressed that it will facilitate goods transportation when completed.

Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education Deo Nukhu in his solidarity message said that progress will come when there is unity and peace among the communities.

In this, he called on the people of Chizami range to have better understanding and continue to sow the seeds of unity to generate healthy atmosphere in the society, which would also have a good impact on the next generation as well.

Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) president Kekhwengulo Lea also shared greetings on the occasion.

The gathering endorsed the resolution of the CRPO consultative meeting held on April 21, which resolved to maintain peace and tranquility, to protect and preserve the forest biodiversity, and to strengthen and develop Chizami headquarter.

Earlier, significance of Tsiikhenye was briefed by Kewepelo Tsuhah, VCC, Chizami village. He said

that Tsükhenye is considered as the most important festival of Khuzami Chakhesang community and is celebrated during the month of April every year. He added that Tsükhenye is a reminder to the villagers that the time of merry making has come to an end, with the ending of spring time. As such, the village folks consider it as the last festival before the onset of the agricultural activities in its full swings.

Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh, Chairman Naga Archives & Research Centre, rendered the act of blessing.

The function was chaired by organizing committee convenor Khrotelo Elah while vote of thanks was proposed by CRPO vice president Zumolo Venuh.

Folk dance, duet and trumpet blowing competition also marked the celebration. The celebration concluded with a grand feast with Etshuzii Tsido, Pastor EBC, pronouncing the blessings.

Seminar on Battle of Kohima at Ruzazho AR busts weapons manufacturing unit

Kohima, april 22 (mExN): A two-day long seminar on “The Battle of Kohima and its impact on India’s Freedom” is scheduled to be held on April 25 and 26 at Subhas Stayed House Compound, Ruzazho Village – the first INA Administered Village, under Phek District, Nagaland.

Under the aegis of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), the 2-day seminar is being organized by the Pfutsero Government College, Nagaland and jointly co-

organized by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Development Society (NSCBMDS), Nagaland and the Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU).

According to a press statement Nagaland Governor PB Acharya and Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy will be the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively while Subenthung Kithan, President, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) will be the Special Guest at the valedictory session.

NPF Tizu Area holds Consultative Meeting phEK, april 22 (mExN): A Consultative Meeting of seven villages of 20 A/C Meluri NPF, Tizu Area was held on April 21 at Phek Town Council Hall.

According to a press release, the meeting was attended by a host of GBs, VCCs, Unit Presidents, Party Workers and well wishers. The meeting discussed at length about the status of several development works “which was found very satisfactory,” the release added.

Razuchi, PA to Minister, highlighted on the various developmental activities undertaken and applauded the people of Tizu area for enabling the area to progress steadily.

The meeting concluded with the house reaffirming to give their “unflinching support” to Yitachu, Minister, School Education & SCERT, in the upcoming 2018 state general elections, the release informed.

The resource speakers of the seminar includes, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Dr. GD. Bakshi, Dr. Purabi Roy, Member, ICHR, Dr. Tapan Chattopadhyay, Ph.D. & D.Litt. in History, Dr. Er. Vekho Swuro, Chairman, NSCBMDS & Independent Scholar, Nagaland, Abhijit Chaudhury, Retd.

History Professor, St. Edmunds’ College, Shillong, Rev. Savito Nagi, Independent Scholar, Nagaland, Kamal Dutta, Principal, Pranabananda Vidyamandir, Hojai, Assam, Tavezo Latso, Asst. Professor, Pfut-

sero Government College and Zhokusheyi Rhakho, Asst. Professor, Phek Government College.

Two elders – Poswuyi Swuro (DB) of Ruzazho Village and Vezo Swuro (Informer) of Chesezu Village – who witnessed the stay of Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA troops at Ruzazho and Chesezu etc. will be felicitated by the organizers during the inaugural service.

For registration and participation, one may contact the CSU office at 8974788525/9612715060.

Dimapur, april 22 (mExN): The Assam Rifles claim it busted a weapons manufacturing unit in Indisen village in Dimapur.

According to a press release, troops of 36 Assam Rifles along with police representatives launched a search operation on April 21 and recovered one AK47 with magazine, one M-16 rifle with magazine, two magazines of .22 mm Pistol, 17 live rounds of assorted ammunition, four barrels and few tools from

the house of Albert Lotha (40 years).

According to the AR release, the individual revealed that he was a Leacy of NSCN (IM) faction and was involved in “illegal manufacturing”, “supply of weapons,” and “extortion activities in Dimapur”.

The individual along with the recovered arms and ammunition was handed over to West Police Station, Dimapur for further investigation.

Yorübami Forum organises ‘Elders Day’

NHRC to hold Open Hearing on April 24 Kohima, april 22 (mExN): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is holding the Open Hearing of Single Bench to be headed by Justice D. Murugesan, Member, NHRC, on April 24 at ATI, Kohima.

According to a press release, eight cases pertaining to Nagaland would be taken up in the Open Hearing. The NHRC delegation consists of three other se-

nior officers. Justice Murugesan will inaugurate the programme at 10:00 am and the open hearing is scheduled from 10:45 am to 11:30 am.

Thereafter, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm there would be a meeting with NGOs. This would be followed by a meeting with senior officers of the state government from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and a media briefing from 1:00 to 1:30 pm.

MEx FILE NSCN (R) apprises depts., businesses in Kohima Dimapur, april 22 (mExN): The Ministry of Chaplee Affairs of NSCN (R) today asked all the departments and business establishments under Kohima district not to entertain any kind of donations or revenues, without proper verification from official assignee. “Hence, request all concern to contact Khampai, Deputy Kilonser, who was officially assigned to supervise the Chaplee affairs of Kohima district,” the MIP NSCN (R) informed in a press release. It further cautioned “all persons collecting donations and taxes in the name of NSCN (R) to refrain from such activities” failing which it would take appropriate actions.

36 AR evacuates accident victims Dimapur, april 22 (mExN): The 36 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 6 Sector, on April 21, helped evacuate two critically injured civilians from Jalukie town to Dimapur. The incident occurred when the three civilians travelling in a motorcycle collided with a Tata Sumo in Jalukie Town in the afternoon. On seeing the critical condition of the injured civilians and lack of transportation, the civil authorities approached the Assam Rifles for immediate evacuation of victims to Dimapur, an AR press note informed. The Assam Rifles promptly responded to the request and provided immediate medical assistance and an ambulance, it added.

AR arrest ‘suspected’ NSCN (K) cadre KiphirE, april 22 (mExN): One “suspected” NSCN (K) cadre was arrested by the 7 Assam Rifles from Pungro road junction in Kiphire on April 19. According to a defence release, the suspected NSCN cadre identified as Yitelmpa Yaden (43 years) was travelling in a bus from Kiphire to Kohima. The apprehended cadre was handed over to Kiphire Police Station for further investigation, the release informed.

KCSU gets new office bearers Kohima, april 22 (mExN): The Kohima Chakhesang Students’ Union elected a new team of Office bearers for the tenure 2017-2019 on April 22 at Capital College Kohima. The executive council are as follows: President – Vingaolu Movi, Vice President – Vechivo Rhakho, General Secretary – Vebuto Rhakho, Asst. General Secretary – Peteneinuo Venuh, Finance Secretary – Küthosheyi Vero, Treasurer – Nuvolu Kezo, Social & Cultural Secretary – Avezo Kevin Kapu, Education & Statsitical Secy – Tehjoto Nienu, Publicity & Information Secy – Kruto Tetseo, Games & Sports Secy – Nutso Puro, Speaker – Zachusato Tehyo, Deputy speaker – Chivezo Chizo, and Assembly Secretary – Vewulo Koza.

phEK, april 22 (mExN): The Yorübami Thinkers’ Forum organised “Pethimi Tüsozho” (Elders Day) cum Free Medical camp on April 22 at Yorüba Village.

According to a press release, 153 elders above the age of 70 years attended the programme which was held with the sole motive to honour and receive blessings from elders.

The main speaker Za-

seyi Veswüh, Director Children Ministry, Akash Deep, Arunachal, exhorted the gathering and appealed the elders to continue building close relationship with God. Stating that the life of elders is the most precious gift and a blessing to the village, he advised against the use of discouraging words and instead, urged the elders to develop the habit of using encouraging words.

Veswüh expressed appreciation to the forum for organising the most valuable programme and advised the younger generation to love and respect the elderly people and also pray for their long life.

The speaker later led a time of prayer exchange.

Pusayi Lohe, Rüna sekrüo (village oldest man/person) pronounced the Act of blessing.

The programme was fol-

lowed by a free medical camp organised with Doctors and Nurses from CHC Chozuba Town, PHC Dzulha and PHC Yorüba.

Meanwhile, the Forum extended its appreciation to the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Vetsütsoyi Swüro and Dr. Khriezoto Paphino Dy. Director (medical) for providing medicines and to Dr. Kusalhu Lohe for his valuable service.

ZWUD gets new team of office bearers chumuKEDima, april 22 (mExN): The Zapami Welfare Union Dimapur (ZWUD) organized its get together programme on April 22 at Kuzhami Baptist Church, Chumukedima. A new team of office bearers for the Tenure (2017 -2020) also took charge on the occasion. The new team will be headed by Kennedy Khutso as Chairman and Zechepe Kreo as Vice chairman with Senowekha K Kenye, Nguzonyi Wetsah, and Kekhwetshu Khutsoh as Advisors.

Viswema Youth Organisation 72nd session held LKM CECC holds Lamhai Dungki Youth holds annual get-together consultative meeting Morung Express News

K-Khel presenting folk song at the Viswema Youth Organisation 72nd session held at Viswema Council Hall on April 22. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, april 22 (mExN): MLA Er. Kropol Vitsu has called for dignity of labour and a change of mindset in the youth. Er. Kropol was speaking on the occasion of 72nd session of the Viswema Youth Organisation held at Viswema Council Hall on April 22.

Ruing the recent report, where Nagaland topped the rank on states’ most dependent on central government funds, he said, “It is time to change our mindset and stand on our own without solely depending on the government for funds.”

Stressing on the importance of dignity of labour, he exhorted the youth to work diligently in any work

entrusted to them.

Citing the fact that every year a large chunk of State’s resources goes into construction works, where migrant labourers from outside the state are mostly employed, he stated that it was “high time” that the youth take up jobs in construction of buildings also.

This, he observed, will not only benefit them but also the state economy in the long run.

He advised the youth, not to be gullible but be shrewd in any matter that they undertake.

Also stating that sanitation is a major factor for development, he pointed to the need for keeping the

village clean and suggested the construction of an incinerator in the village and encouraged the use of biodegradable products. He mentioned that Viswema is one of the cleanest villages in the State and commended the VYO for it.

Quoting the former US President, John F. Kennedy, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” he exhorted the youth to work hard and contribute to the society.

The session was chaired

by Viswema Youth Organisation President, Visakho Kiso. A folk song was presented by K-Khel, Viswema village.

moKoKchuNg, april 22 (mExN): The Langpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang Clean Election Campaign Committee (LKM CECC) held a joint consultative meeting with leaders of all political parties from Langpangkong range on April 22 at Hotel Metsuben, Mokokchung.

A press release from the LKM CECC informed that the meeting thoroughly deliberated on measures relating to Clean Election issues and its objectives in ensuring good governance in the state by holding free and fair election. The meeting also reviewed and reaffirmed for successful implementation of “Chuchuyimlang Resolution” on clean election adopted on September 3, 2016.

The meeting resolved to support the Clean Election movement and cooperate with the LKMCECC in its endeavour to cleanse the mess of the election and ensure free and fair election in Langpangkong area in particular.

The meeting further appreciated the effort of the LKMCECC on Clean Election and proposed to have another joint consultative meeting with all the respective leaders of political parties, present members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Langpangkong range, concerned village council members and church leaders at the earliest, the release informed.

The meeting also mooted an idea to constitute Party Fund Raising Committee in all the respective assembly constituencies under Langpangkong range to raise funds for respective political party/Independent candidates during election as a preventive measure to check electoral corruptions.

Jalukie | April 22

The annual get together of Lamhai Dungki Youth Organization (LDYO) was held on the outskirts of the village on Saturday, which was attended by around 400 youths from Lamhai Dungki village and invitees.

Masangum Heikha, PS to DAN chairman and Advisor Finance, Government of Nagaland, the special guest who also sponsored the annual get together, in his address exhorted the youth to make best use of the talents that the Almighty God has gifted to each individual. “People who run away from or do not utilize the talent gifted

by God will never get blessings from God,” he said.

Masangum also said every individual, especially the youth, should learn to stand on their own feet and not depend on others for their daily needs.

Citing the case of Mizo society where the youth have shown the way how to live independent lives and dignity of labour through taking up all professions including menial jobs, he said it is high time that Naga youth should also imbibe such work culture.

“Until and unless you learn to stand on your own feet and

Masangum Heikha, PS to DAN chairman and Advisor Finance, Government of Nagaland, along with other invitees and Lamhai Dungki Youth Organization (LDYO) members at the annual get together of LDYO on Saturday.

continue to be dependent on other, you are like a parasite,” he said.

Noting the strong attendance of the village youth at the annual get together, Masangum encouraged the youth to always maintain unity and bondship as without unity, a village, society or nation can never prosper or march ahead.

Fu r t h e r, Ma s a n g u m termed ‘jealousy’ as the bane of Naga society and said jealousy is an ailment which cannot be cured by any medicine but can be only be removed from the mind. He said Naga

people should also learn how to appreciate each other rather than remain always critical of other’s achievements or works. Only through adopting a positive mindset can Naga people hope for a better future, he added.

Former and present office bearers of LDYO, Village Council members and others also exhorted the gathering.

Popular local singer Namkamlak (also called as the Don Williams of Peren district) and Iheigom and friend entertained the gathering with special numbers.

6

The Chalkboard

SunDAY 23•04•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

Maths

Dot to s k c i dot Tr W

hy should you be interested in math? Almost every really great career uses math in some form and when you are good at math you can have a very successful future. When you know great mathematics tricks for kids, you’ll always be great at math and have a lot of fun with it. Your math grades will improve, and taking home better grades on your report cards will make your parents extra proud.

Trick 2: Any Number Step1: Come up with any number.

Step2: Subtract 1 from this number.

Step3: Multiply your answer with the number 3.

Step4: Add 12 to the number.

Step5: Divide the result by 3.

Step6: Add another 5 to the equation.

Step7: Deduce the first number you have thought from the last solution.

The Answer will be Number 8.

Lets Get

B u s y Melting

Chocolate

E

njoy this simple melting chocolate experiment for kids. You've no doubt experienced chocolate melting on a hot day, so let's do some experiments to recreate these conditions as well as a few others before comparing results and coming to some conclusions. At what temperature does chocolate go from a solid to a liquid? Is it different for white and dark chocolate? Give this fun science experiment a try and find out!

What you'll need: • Small chocolate pieces of the same size (chocolate bar squares or chocolate chips are a good idea) • Paper plates • Pen and paper to record your results Instructions: • Put one piece of chocolate on a paper plate and put it outside in the shade.

• Record how long it took for the chocolate to melt or if it wasn't hot enough to melt then record how soft it was after 10 minutes.

• Repeat the process with a piece of chocolate on a plate that you put

outside in the sun. Record your results in the same way.

• Find more interesting locations to test how long it takes for the chocolate pieces to melt. You could try your school bag, hot water or even your own mouth.

Compare your results, in what conditions did the chocolate melt? You might also like to record the temperatures of the locations you used using a thermometer so you can think about what temperature chocolate melts at.

What's happening?

At a certain temperature your chocolate pieces undergo a physical change, from a solid to a liquid (or somewhere in between). On a hot day, sunlight is usually enough to melt chocolate, something you might have unfortunately already experienced. You can also reverse the process by putting the melted chocolate into a fridge or freezer where it will go from a liquid back to a solid. The chocolate probably melted quite fast if you tried putting a piece in your mouth, what does this tell you about the temperature of your body? For further testing and experiments you could compare white choclate and dark chocolate, do they melt at the same temperature? How about putting a sheet of aluminium foil between a paper plate and a piece of chocolate in the sun, what happens then?

Word Game

word scramble

Did you know?

Lipsticks Hands and Feet Bones Lipsticks are not vegan Hands and feet have cosmetics! More than 95 more than half of the percent of lipsticks con- bones in the human body. tain fish scales!

Honey Venus Did you know that Venus is the only plan- there is no expiry date to et in the solar system that honey! The edible food re- prints are unique, and it rotates clockwise, where- mains good forever until can be used to identify the as all other planets rotate used otherwise, like using identity of dogs. anti-clock wise. a wet spoon!

Apple Floats on Water Have you ever put an Rabbits and Parrots Dolphin Names Did you know that Did you know that just apple into the water and rabbits and parrots can like us, Dolphins have noticed the apple float? see what is behind them unique names. What Yes, apples float on water. without turning their could be their language? It is because apples are heads.

The study is published in made of 25 percent air! the National Academy of The Number 4 Volcanoes Sciences Proceedings.

The number four – is Did you know that the only number that has Australia is the only conti- Dogs Nose Prints nent in the world that has Just like humans fin- the same number of alno volcanoes. gerprints, Dogs nose phabets/ letters.

spot the difference

Find the hidden picture

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 23•04•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

7

Enough of this! Toward a theology of nonviolence Ken Sehested

Prayer and Politiks

(Presentation for the colloquia on the theology of nonviolence, Eastern Mennonite University/Seminary, October 24, 2002) Enough of this!

—Jesus, Luke 22:38[1] Opening meditation It’s happening again. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, and I’m not.

But I always dread it: the conversations which, after some comment of mine, provoke in the listener those knitted brows and other facial expressions which convey incredulity, or at least a mixture of puzzlement and shock. And then, in vocal response, air from the lungs filters through the vocal chords, crosses the tongue and is finessed into speech by the lips. The infamous “p” word is spoken.

I always hate it when that happens. When it does, I always wonder if, secretly and unconsciously—despite my best intentions—I may in fact be the scoundrel (or coward or unrealistic dreamer) which the “p” word implies.

Sometimes when the “p” word is issued, the speaker is merely condescending rather than irate, as if to say: “Oh, you poor misguided soul.

What a pity. Someone of your intelligence and commitment could actually be useful. What a shame; such a waste!” Which indicates I’m not so much a threat to the natural order of things as I am a freak of nature, a curious spectacle, occasionally entertaining and good for random humor, as if one of God’s jokes in an otherwise sober universe.

When the “p” word is spoken, I don’t know which I dread more: the speaker’s antipathy and anger or their belittling scoff.

Such a provocative word, the “p” word; capable of unleashing an avalanche of emotive response. A foursyllable word more distasteful than most four-letter obscenities.

You know the word. Concentrate for a moment. Among the majority of our citizens, even within the majority of Christian communities— particularly when spoken in a season such as ours when the drumbeat to war and the call to arms is infectious—what word beginning with the letter “p” is capable of invoking the emotions of fury and fright, or at least sneers and scorn, in otherwise sedate and rational people?

The word “pacifism,” of course.

Less than a century ago, during the first world war (the one billed as the final such conflict), conscientious objectors were actually hung by their thumbs just high enough so that the tips of their toes barely touched the floors of their cells. Of course, public etiquette has sufficiently changed so that pacifists no longer endure outright physical torture. That practice ended shortly before public lynchings of black folk.

There’s something to be said for cultural habits of civility which have developed among many industrialized countries. Freedom from being tortured for pacifist conviction is a good thing. But does this mean the message is getting through—or are the mechanisms of resistance and marginalization simply becoming more sophisticated?[2] Commentary: Why I don’t often use the language of pacifism I don’t often use the language of pacifism, for a variety of reasons.

In the first place, the word pacifism was not part of the cultural-linguistic vocabulary of my rearing. My world was formed in a small-town, Southern Baptist, working-class context—and significantly geared to the schedule and rhythms of church life—that was heavily colored by pietist and revivalist traditions. Although idealized “manhood” (for churched and non-churched alike)

was characterized by gentility, the corresponding ethic of fair-play always upheld at least a proportionate option of retaliatory violence to protect the innocent. I’m not sure I would have known what “pacifism” meant if the word was used.[3] Then, in my early adulthood migration (physically, culturally and theologically) to New York City and a more liberal religious subculture, the dominant intellectual presence was that of Reinhold Niebuhr’s “Christian realism,” with exposure to various emerging liberation streams of theology, both of which are (or were) critical of pacifist impulses.[4] Second: I don’t use the language of pacifism simply because the word sounds like the word “passivity,” a verbal coincidence which, however misinformed (and regardless of the etymological histories of the words), reinforces the general public’s linguistic association of the terms—an association which is significantly dependent on the King James translation of one of Jesus’ pivotal commands in the Sermon on the Mount, “resist not evil” (Matthew 5:38), along with the concomitant phrase, “passive resistance.”

A dozen years ago, shortly before the outbreak of Operation Desert Shield (followed by “Desert Storm”—the U.S.-led coalition’s war with Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait), I received a letter from a long-time friend and Baptist pastor who was responded to some of the material the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (BPFNA) sent out in opposition to the war. My friend wrote: “I’m almost persuaded by pacifist convictions. But there are some things I simply feel are worth fighting for.”

Note, first of all, that the BPFNA didn’t use the word pacifism in any of our literature. (I’m not sure we ever have, except in printing articles by others who use that language.)

The logical leap my friend made was this: opposition, or reluctance, to fighting for justice equals pacifism.

The passive posture might be on convictional grounds, e.g., in perceived obedience to scriptural mandate (“resist not evil”). Or, more commonly, on the instinctive human discomfort in confronting conflict. Or, on outright cowardice.

Consider the following quotes, the first by the Fascist Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, the second by British philosopher John Stuart Mill: “Fascism believes neither in the possibility nor in the utility of perpetual peace. It thus repudiates the doctrine of Pacifism—born of a renunciation of the struggle and an act of cowardice in the face of sacrifice.” [5] “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free un-

less made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”[6] I quote these two disparate sources on purpose simply to underscore my point: that there is a widespread and deeply-rooted association in the public mind between pacifism and the avoidance of conflict (for whatever motive).[7] Correspondingly, I am convinced that maybe the most important thing Christians need to be emphasizing is the inevitability of conflict with established reality in lives committed to following Jesus.

To illustrate: “Pacifism” and “peace” are closely intertwined words in the English language. Note the meaning when someone says, “Leave me in peace!” or “Can I get a little peace and quiet here?” or when a protester is arrested on the charge of “disturbing the peace.”

Third: I don’t commonly use the language of pacifism because, in fact, they lived histories of pacifist communities are frequently predicated on the longing for personal moral purity than thirst for the Reign of God.[8] The dominant strain in such communities is an eschatological vision which, very much like my pietist/revivalist subculture, postpones the saving/ redeeming/liberating work of Christ to meta history, to “heaven,” to the world to come, a world in radical disjuncture with the creaturely world of flesh and blood. God’s work of Recreation is severed from God’s work of Creation. In such a theological posture, pacifism (usually accompanying other ethical mandates) becomes a substitute holiness code rather than a missional imperative.[9] Or, alternately, in those communities where rationalism controls theological conversation—where the emphasis is on doctrinal purity rather than personal holiness, nonresistance is added as an eighth plank to the seven traditional “fundamentals” of fundamentalism.

Of course, my friend Stanley Hauer was has told me he’s willing to name himself a pacifist not because of reasons of holiness or doctrinal purity but as a means of being held accountable to a public commitment—for basically the same reason he’s willing to be identified as a Christian. And he has a point, logically; but, emotively, I’m not convinced.

Fourth: I shy away from “pacifism” language because of its typically single-minded focus on armed/military conflict. For instance, every pacifist organization I know about was founded as a response to the outbreak of war. To be a pacifist (like the more general term, “peacemaker,” only more pronounced) means to be against war.

Among the earliest and most painful lessons I learned when I began my organizing career some 25 years ago was that “peace” activists and advocates of social (economic) justice are significantly divided along racial lines. The “peace” community was (and is) largely concerned about the prospect of war— nuclear war, in particular—where

social/economic justice advocacy groups tend to be composed of people of color.

A decade or so ago the BPFNA was considering contracting with a professional fundraiser to help with our development work. We found a good candidate—a seminary-trained, former Baptist pastor turned professional development expert—who we thought would be familiar with our constituency and with our theological/biblical vision.

He agreed to donate a day of his time to meet with me and our board president to explore whether we might want to contract for his services.

At the beginning of our conversation he made a point of indicating his stringent ethical commitment against raising money for one purpose and then spending it on something else.

That sounded good to us. So we began describing in some detail the various and sundry projects which the BPFNA had and was sponsoring.

In the middle of that recitation he interrupted to say, “You recall I said at the beginning how committed I am to ethical considerations. Well, I’m having a little trouble here. You call yourselves a peace organization, yet most of the projects you’ve described are related to justice issues.”

My board president and I were so dumbfounded by the question that we had a hard time responding. Here was a theologically trained person—surely he had been required to study the background of biblical words like shalom—who failed to make the connection between peace and justice!

Another anecdote from my organizing work: As you might imagine, nothing has brought more conflict to the work of the BPFNA than our 1995 board statement on sexual orientation. Although we felt it important to speak directly to this concern—and our conviction is opposite that of most religious bodies—we also knew it was important that we do more than issue a statement. In other words, we needed to actively promote and cultivate the occasion for dialogue and conversation. At one point we made a substantive proposal for such dialogue to the executive director of one of the several Baptist denominational bodies to which we relate. Shortly after that, in a chance hallway encounter at a Baptist convention meeting, the executive director—whom I’ve known personally for several years— thanked me for the proposal but then said, “I was a little confused though, since I thought you focused your work on peace issues.” Meaning, of course, war-and-peace issues.

One final anecdote: Shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany, one of our most active members wrote us a jubilant note which began with the satirical question, “You folk got anything left to do?”

As if the prospect of the end of the Cold War, including the nuclear threat, would mean we could close up shop and go home.

Fifth: I don’t often use the language of pacifism because of the typical context of debate regarding issues of political engagement: If not actively withdrawn from questions of public policy, pacifists usually are pictured as advocates of romantic, sentimental and utterly unrealistic options for shaping communal life.

However well-meaning they may be, in the end they are actually stumbling-blocks to the just resolution of conflict. Their very innocence is in fact a refusal of public responsibility and creates dangerous blunder.

Recall, for instance, the classic movie “War of the Worlds.” Among the supporting characters is an elderly minister, father of the female lead whose role was driven by the inevitable romantic subtheme of such movies. The minister’s denominational affiliation is never indicated, but since he wears a clerical collar—and because he is openly identified as a parent—we’re left with the impression

that he’s a high-church Presbyterian or Episcopal: very kindly, even grandfatherly. When public authorities initially mobilize against the intrusion (the space creatures have already executed the few humans initially encountered), all principle characters are huddled with military leaders in a defense bunker. A debate breaks out over the meaning of this invasion.

Some—particularly the genteel pastor—argue that these creatures are probably friendly, would probably be amenable to dialogue, and should be trustfully approached. Others—particularly the civil and military leaders—argue against appeasement and for the assumption of hostility. As the consideration of options continues, camera angles focus on the clergyman’s deliberate and unnoticed withdrawal until, suddenly and with much alarm, the gathered defenders notice that the pastor has abandoned the protection of the bunker and is walking calmly, serenely, across the field toward the space invaders. And he is quoting the twenty-third Psalm with prayerful resolve masking his own trepidation. Just as he gets to the “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” one of the alien crafts zaps him with its ray-gun appendage. This kindly, gentle, wellmeaning but ultimately naïve, sentimental and foolishly reckless peacelover is burned to a crisp. Such is the realpolitik of the age. So much for pacifism.

Sixth: I don’t ordinarily use the language of pacifism because I am doubtful that a clearly definable, philosophically-precise line can drawn separating violence from nonviolence.

For instance, Gandhi’s advocacy of the spinning wheel—as a mechanism of undermining economic dependency on Great Britain—was a marvelously effective tool of nonviolent struggle. However, it was so successful a tactic that it led to widespread unemployment, exacerbating poverty and resulting in high levels of malnourishment in certain English industrial towns.[10] In the modern Civil Rights Movement the effective use of economic boycotts were experienced as a form of violence by white merchants—and functioned as such for working-class whites.

It is a truism to say that violence is hardly restricted to the antagonistic use of physical weapons. And, in fact, the book of James (3:1-12) employs some of the most scorching language in all the New Testament to warn about the destructive power of verbal violence. Thomas Merton, particularly, is well-known for his critique of the “violence” of protesters in the service of peacemaking.

Seventh, and finally: I usually refrain from the language of pacifism out of simple modesty. The truth is, few if any of us actually known how we would respond to violent attack short of a real-life encounter.[11] Espousal of pacifist conviction is inexpensive, and therefore unconvincing, when done from the comfort and safety of life in North America.

Positions are relatively easy to stake and defend. Faithful communities should be more interested in taking action than in taking positions.

Whenever I’ve been asked, point-blank, if I am a pacifist, my response is: I’m willing to be tested.

So, what is the alternative to the language of pacifism?

[Following is an initial outline of the remaining part of this paper which I’ve not yet completed.]

--Considering the case made by Glen Stassen and others for “just peacemaking” as an alternative to the pacifism/just war debate.

--Reflection on the use of the paradigm of “transforming initiative” in organizing.

--Examining the possibility of a comprehensive, biblically-based narrative outline to support a comprehensive theological vision which begins and ends with nonviolence

as characteristic of the nature of God; as fundamental in creation; as the driving orientation in the calling into being of Israel; as pivotal in the prophetic announcement (particularly Isaiah’s “suffering servant”); as central to the message of Jesus; and as the central organizing precept of Pauline theology (“the ministry of reconciliation”).

--Exploring the possibility of rooting this comprehensive vision in the biblical notion of sabbath?

(Developing a “sabbatic theology”?)

[1] Rendering by Joel B. Green, The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub., 1997), 774-775.

[2] I’m thinking here of the ritualized occasions of public demonstrations when civil disobedience is practiced, including highly stylized and pro forma arrests, much the way neo-colonial patterns of domination of one nation-state by another (and, increasingly, nation-states by transnational corporations) via economic rather than military penetration.

[3] A relevant anecdote: In the mid-1980s a staff person at the Southern Baptist Christian Life Commission (the social justice agency of the SBC, then still in control of “moderates”) called me for suggestions.

Their newsletter usually featured a “point/counterpoint” article dealing with a particular social issue. The upcoming topic was pacifism, and my friend (who had a Ph.D. in ethics) was having a hard time finding a Southern Baptist pacifist to write for the issue. (I knew instinctively why I wasn’t being asked to write, being neither sufficiently well-known nor adequately in the mainstream.) My friend had already considered the suggested names I offered—they had already declined or were ruled out for other, more political reasons.) In the end, John Howard Yoder was enlisted to make the case for pacifism, one of the few times that (or most any other Southern Baptist) journal used authors outside the tribe.

[4] My seminary degree is from Union Theological in New York City, and I worked for Christianity & Crisis magazine—the journal founded by Niebuhr—the five years I was there.

[5] Benito Mussolini, quoted in P.M.H. Bell, The Origins of the Second World War In Europe, Second Edition, Longman: London and New York, p. 64; [6] Quoted in a William L. May letter to the editor. The Denver Post, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, p. 2E. [7] It would be fascinating to see the results of some empirical survey of the word “pacifism” as used in secular and religious sources. For instance, a search for the word and its cognates in several major daily papers; and, similarly, in several selected popular religious journals (other than those sponsored by the historic peace churches). Anybody know of such a study?

[8] I’m still unable to document the quote from distant memory: “Pacifists are a leech on the sins of others.” I’m pretty certain it doesn’t come from Reinhold Neibuhr, since neither Roger Shinn (a close friend and colleague of Niebuhr at Union Seminary) and Wayne Cowan (long-time editor of Christianity & Crisis) think this quote comes from Niebuhr. Maybe Paul Ramsey?

[9] Obviously, I need more documentation here that I can currently supply. Any suggestions for texts devoted to this subject (whether supportive of or contradictory to my assertion)?

[10] This reference is from memory of past reading and needs documentation.

[11] Combat diaries and histories are replete with stories of apparent leaders collapsing with fear when under fire; and amazing acts of bravery from those previously considered meekly unfit for leadership.

The Paradoxical, Scandalous Sacrifice of Jesus As Captured by Hillsong UNITED Church Leaders

W

hat is conjured up in your mind when you think of the word “scandal”? It is probably safe to assume that whatever comes is not positive.

Perhaps you think of underhanded politics, an unwanted pregnancy, the public airing of corporate financial embezzlement, or a sexual affair that occurs within your church. Scandals can hurt and even kill many people. Paradoxically, though, the only hope in redeeming the pollution of a scandal is to receive the power of another scandal. The scandal of the cross!

In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul exclaims to the Corinthian Christ followers that his pas-

sion was to “preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block (scandal) to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles..” The reason that the cross is a scandal is because the most UN-scandalous person offered Himself as a sacrificial substitute for people who realize that their lives are nothing short of scandalous compared to a holy God. It is truly a scandal of grace “that while we were still sinners that Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)”. On the cross, Christ took our sin upon Himself while He imputed His righteousness into His children.

That my friends is not copy for fake news, but is the beautiful scandalous truth.

Hillsong United, a worship ministry based in Australia, recently made a video of them performing Scandal of Grace by an empty tomb that is near the ancient site of Golgotha.

The lyrics are below so you can follow along: Grace, what have you done?

Murdered for me on that cross Accused in absence of wrong My sin washed away in your blood Too much to make sense of it all I know that your love breaks my fall The scandal of grace, you died in my place So my soul will live Oh to be like you Give all I have just to know you Jesus, there’s no one besides you Forever the hope in my heart Death, where is your sting?

Your power is as dead as my sin The cross has taught me to live In mercy, my heart now to sing The day and its trouble shall come I know that your strength is enough The scandal of grace, you died in my place So my soul will live

Oh to be like you Give all I have just to know you Jesus, there’s no one besides you Forever the hope in my heart Oh to be like you Give all I have just to know you Jesus, there’s no one besides you Forever the hope in my heart And it’s all because of you, Jesus It’s all because of you, Jesus It’s all because of your love And my soul will live Oh to be like you Give all I have just to know you Jesus, there’s no one besides you Forever the hope in my heart Oh to be like you Give all I have just to know you Jesus, there’s no one besides you Forever the hope in my heart Songwriters: Joel Houston / Matt Crocker Scandal of Grace lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

8

SunDAY 23•04•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Writers denounce nationalism, Heed nature's warning or be doomed target ruling establishment EartH Day-2017

New Delhi, April 22 (iANS): Even as the world celebrated the 48th Earth Day on Saturday, over a hundred farmers from droughthit Tamil Nadu were seen protesting in the national capital along with the skulls of their kin, who chose to kill themselves as deficit rains for the fourth year in a row spelt doom for them.

While many would dismiss it as "just a political issue", environment and climate experts call it a grim reminder of what went wrong in the past and a sign of caution for what the future has in store for us.

Since the Earth Day in 2016 -- the day over 120 countries signed the landmark Paris Agreement -to this April 22, much has changed.

Since 2016, which turned out to be the warmest year ever, recording a rise of over 1.6 degrees Celsius temperature, a polar ice chunk about the size of

India is on verge of vanishing, about 26 million lives had been pushed into poverty due to Climate Change and UNESCO declared 31 natural and cultural world heritage sites as vulnerable to global warming.

Prior to 2016, the preceding 2015 and 2014 were the warmest years and in the same order.

According to National Geographic, the Syrian civil war was ignited by a "historic drought" that pushed farmers to cities, implying that it's the climate change which ignited one of the worst conflicts of our times, forcing hundreds of thousands out of Syria.

To make the situation worse, a day after the Paris Agreement was ratified at the Marrakech Climate Conference in Morocco, on November 9, 2016, a vocal opponent of climate change Donald Trump was declared elected as the United States President.

Govt considering home delivery of petroleum products

New Delhi, April 22 (AgeNcieS): The government is considering delivering petroleum products at consumers’ homes to cut long queues at fuel stations, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday. But home delivery will be available only for those who pre-book a product. Also, Pradhan said his ministry “does not approve or endorse” the move of a section of petrol pump dealers to close fuel stations on Sundays. “Options being explored where petro products may be door delivered to consumers on pre-booking. This would help consumers avoid spending excessive time and long queues at fuel stations,” he said in a series of tweets. Only cooking gas, or LPG, is delivered at home currently. Consumers have to go to retail outlets to buy car fuels such as petrol, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG), apart from engine oils.

India, the world’s third biggest oil consumer, has been reforming its energy sector to reduce imports and narrow the trade deficit. The oil ministry had announced plans to introduce daily price revision of petrol and diesel in five cities from May 1, ahead of a nationwide rollout of the plan.

In a presentation to a panel of lawmakers, Pradhan emphasised on efforts made by his ministry and oil marketing companies (OMC) to promote digital payments through cards and e-wallets at fuel stations. State-run oil companies are giving 0.75% discount to customers on purchase of fuel through cashless modes. Over 72,000 e-wallets have also been activated.

Pradhan said daily cashless transactions have increased from Rs 150 crore a day to Rs 400 crore. About 350 million people come to fuel stations every day, accounting for Rs 2,500 crore in transactions every year. Pradhan said that the daily cashless transactions have increased from Rs 150 crore a day to daily Rs 400 crore.

This year, the Earth Day -- themed "Environmental and Climate Literacy" -marks the first anniversary of Paris Climate Agreement that bounds over 200 parties, including the US, to work for bringing down the global temperature by 1.5 degrees.

"As an Indian, I feel that unfortunately we are losing our emotional connect with the environment. We have so many festivals related to environment and agriculture, it's so deep rooted... yet, whatever environmental education we are getting is being treated like just another subject," said Harjeet Singh, global lead on climate change at Action Aid. "I feel that somewhere our development models are killing nature," said Singh, who is among many who foresee a grim situation in the near future -especially when hundreds of farmers demonstrate

in New Delhi, as climate change forced them to wear skulls of the dead farmers.

"Those farmers are the victims of climate change.

Since 2000, 16 out of 17 years have been warmer than those in the per-industrial era. Erratic rains, depleting underground water, vanishing natural streams... All because we have become so greedy," Singh added.

According to Rajendra Singh, known as India's Water Man, about 73 per cent of the ground water aquifers are in "overdraft", which means we have extracted more water than the recharge.

A recent WaterAid report said that 75,777,997 people, or about six per cent of India's population, do not have access to clean water.

According to Dr S.K. Sarkar, Director of Water Division at The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri),

by 2050, India will become water-scarce country.

As for this year's theme, climate literacy, many experts believe that it is already too late to realise that "climate change is a reality"; the world should instead be preparing to work on climate change adaptations.

"Climate education has increased but there is more emphasis on the adverse effects of climate change, while the need of the hour is to know how to deal with the climate change and how to adapt to it and lessen its effects," said Professor C.R. Babu, whose brainchild Delhi's Yamuna Bio-diversity Park is helping in revival of the wildlife around the national capital.

According to Suruchi Bhadwal, Associate Director, Earth Science and Climate Change Division, Teri, "the global action, negotiations and talks on climate change should have started at least a decade back and the awareness part even before that".

Is that a grim caution or the last chance for selfassessment and improving the policies remains a question.

Meanwhile, the Earth Day Network (EDN), a global environmental movement, brings a ray of hope.

"EDN has set a target to bring environmental literacy among 10 million youths and one million women in India in the next one decade," Karuna Singh, Director -- Earth Day Network (EDN), India, told IANS.

DehrADuN, April 22 (iANS): The country's leading writers and intellectuals denounced nationalism and targeted the central government for propagating hate among the masses on the concluding day of a literature festival here on Saturday.

In what was an absolute one-sided discussion, authors Nayantara Sehgal, Nandita Haksar, Harsh Mander and Kiran Nagarkar -- all known to be from one school of thought -- publicly condemned nationalism at a session titled "Nationalism in Digital India" during the WIC India Dehradun Community Literature Festival.

The tone for the discussion was set by the moderator, journalist Rana Ayyub, who sort of shifted the discussion to the issue of nationalism under the NDA government, instead of a debate on nationalism in the digital age that the session otherwise promised.

Noted writer and intellectual Kiran Nagarkar was asked by the moderator to share his views on similarities between Donald Trump's America and Narendra Modi's India.

Reflecting his views on the "Muslim ban" in the United States, Nagarkar said that it was not right to single out one community, adding that Hindus are, in his own words, as much capable of terrorism as any other community in India.

He then said that he does not give a damn about nationalism and is yet a proud Indian.

"I am a proud Indian but

I don't give a damn about nationalism. I don't want India to be a great country. I would rather want India to be a good country where all is loved, respected and where everybody's rights are protected," he remarked to a house-full audience, comprising mostly of students from the many reputed schools of this hill station. Accusing the ruling establishment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of propagating hate among the masses, Nagarkar alleged that it hates questions.

"Hate is something that this regime thrives on. They breed contempt and hate," he maintained. Harsh Mander, a former member of the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council and closely associated with the Congress party, said that there is a great churning about the idea of nationalism in contemporary times. "Who does this country belong to?

And on what conditions?

What does it take to love the country," Mander asked the audience before stating that his idea of India is that this is the country that belongs to all and nobody has to prove his loyalty to belong.

"But it is a contested idea as some believe that India is a country of Hindu majority and you must be Hindus or subordinate to Hindus to belong here. This is not the country that our forefathers dreamt of. Also who gets to decide the idea of Hinduism? We live in an environment where to love your country, you have to hate," Mander, the author of several books on India, claimed.

This was soon followed

by a relentless attack by acclaimed writer and a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, Nayantara Sehgal.

She said the issue of nationalism is insignificant and a piece of nonsense.

"Nationalism is a piece of nonsense. There is no need for a country that has been free for 70 years to suddenly shout about nationalism. Those who are raising this slogan today -- the ruling party -- were nowhere to be seen when India was fighting for freedom. They were fast asleep on their beds. So what are they shouting about now," Sehgal asked the audience.

The much acclaimed author of "Rich Like Us" further alleged a "deal" to make people fall in line.

She said that the ruling establishment wants everybody to agree with their ideology -- of Hindutva and of Hindutva of their definition -- and that all those who are in disagreement with this propagation are at the receiving end under the NDA regime.

"We have a fascist regime in power. Muslims and minorities are being targeted," she contended.

Sehgal also went on to inform the audience about the murders of rational thinkers and writers that had compelled her to return her Sahitya Akademi award in 2015.

The discussion, however, was primarily dominated by one school of thought -- the Liberal Left -- and lacked the "all-inclusive" and "diverse-viewpoints" that literature festivals claim to achieve and promote.

CJI pitches against govt role in arbitration process

New Delhi, April 22 (pTi): Chief Justice of India J S Khehar today strongly favoured keeping the government away from the arbitration process to help promote confidence of the business community in international arbitration available here.

He hoped that the Narendra Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative would give a fillip to International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day 'Engaging Asia Arbitration Summit', the CJI said, "At the highest level of planning in Indian government, efforts are going on that neither government nor its agencies will have any interference with the arbitral process. Government interference will be describable as zero role.

"The zero interference in ICA will give room for understanding of foreign traders in India that the process is neutral. These initiatives will provide a great sense of confidence and trust to all those involved in ICA," he said.

Lauding the efforts of judiciary and the government to encourage arbitration in India, Justice Khehar said the Supreme Court has also adopted a consistent practice of providing arbitrators from a neutral country.

"So in my view, these two initiatives, one by government of having a zero role and the other by the courts when they appoint arbitrators in an international arbitration from a neutral country, will promote further the confidence of the trading community in international arbi-

tration," he said. Sharing his views, former law minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid said India is moving exponentially forward in arbitration but it lacks equipment, hardware and software required for the process.

He said it is important that the attitude of an arbitrator is different from that of a judge.

"There are constraints within which a judge has to operate, particularly in our country where there are constraints not only with requirement to law but heavy load of work that the system has to respond to," Khurshid, a senior advocate, added.

The Chief Justice stressed on the need for a collective choice to take arbitration in Asia to a higher level.

"I believe that no individual Asian country is capable of shifting to itself

the culture of established international arbitrations in the UK, USA and Europe. We just don't have it.

This as of now, is an absolute impossibility. Therefore, we must make a collective choice if we want to bring arbitration to Asia," he said.

He, however, said that the future of ICA in Asia must commence from India as it has a pool of talented lawyers and arbitrators.

"We must make a collective choice to move to the best possible location in Asia and then to expand arbitration centres into smaller nations with smaller trading activities.

My suggestion is India..." the top judge said.

The CJI, giving several reasons for suggesting India to be the centre of arbitration in Asia, said the country is deeply entrenched in a culture

of peace that transcends religion and the businessmen here are known for their secular values as they trade in an environment of diversity.

He said this brings flexibility and adaptability, adding that India's potential for ICA is set to increase on an exponential scale as more foreign investment is coming here.

"This inflow will necessarily generate an increase in ICA. The total foreign direct investment which India received in the Financial Year 2015-16 was USD 5.9 billion," he said.

The seminar, hosted by Global Dialogue Review, was also attended

by Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (west) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Shaikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain, former president of the UN General Assembly.

Death toll rises to nine in Bengal violence, 6 arrested

BirBhum (weST BeNgAl), April 22 (iANS): With two more persons succumbing to their injuries since the late hours on Friday, the toll in the crude bomb explosion in West Bengal's Birbhum district has risen to nine, police said on Saturday.

"Nine people have died so far in the crude bomb explosion following clashes between two groups in Birbhum district's Labpur since yesterday (Friday). A few more are critically injured," Birbhum Superintendent of Police N. Sudheer Kumar told IANS. "After seven people dying till Friday evening, two more have succumbed to their injuries in the hospital," he said.

Six people have been arrested so far while police have registered suo motu cases against several members of the two groups for the violent clashes on Friday.

According to police, the clashes between the two groups were an offshoot of a war for supremacy in the area.

"We have started two separate cases since yesterday (Friday), one for the clashes and the other one for making crude bombs. We have arrested six miscreants so far in the first case," Kumar said.

Police claimed some of those involved in making crude bombs died in the accidental explosion.

"The people who died in the

explosion were involved in making crude bombs. Bomb-making materials like stone chips and explosives have been recovered from some of the deceased's house," Kumar said.

The situation became tense in the area since Friday morning as a clash broke out regarding control of sand mining in the region. Bombs were hurled at several places in the village, including school premises, causing panic among students and villagers.

"No incidents of violence in the area were, however, reported on Saturday. Adequate number of police personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation," the officer added.

Girls bath inside a drum on a hot summer day at a field in New Delhi. (REUTERS)

Mehbooba to meet Modi as threat of Governor's rule looms

JAmmu/SriNAgAr, April 22 (iANS): As the war of attrition between allies BJP and PDP over the handling of the situation in Kashmir heats up, is the troubled state heading for another spell of Governor's rule?

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is expected to discuss the current crisis when she meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23 -- against the backdrop of the April 19 meeting of the BJP core group that reviewed the law and order situation in Kashmir Valley and is believed to have discussed the option of Central rule.

Later, the Prime Minister chaired another meeting that was attended, among others, by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the army chief, General Bipin Rawat. Quite under-

standably, the whispers of Governor's rule have upset the PDP. "This is not good. We were elected on a joint plank and it would have preferable for the BJP to talk to us directly instead of through the media.

Hopefully, the air will clear after the meeting between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister," a senior PDP leader told IANS on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.

While Mehbooba will be in New Delhi for a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the states where the BJP is in power or in a coalition, she is learnt to have sought a one-on-one with Modi to discuss the Kashmir imbroglio.

The current round of tensions between the allies was sparked when an independent MLA from Zanskar

constituency, Baqir Rizvi, hitherto a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporter, crossed over to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee in the legislative council elections.

This was termed "backstabbing"

by PDP leaders, who, as a mark of protest, did not attend Thursday's swearing-in ceremony of the newlyelected council members in the winter capital Jammu. Mehbooba too conveyed her displeasure to the BJP high command over the "cross-voting" of the independent MLA. The PDP leadership believes Rizvi was successfully "turned" by the BJP. This followed a statement by senior BJP leader and Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga, who said in Jammu that stone pelters were anti-nationals against whom bullets

should be used.

PDP Vice President Sartaj Madni termed this "intimidating and insidious". He said the minister had contravened the decision of the state cabinet that had expressed anguish over the recent loss of precious human lives in the valley.

The BJP-PDP gulf widened further on Thursday after BJP General Secretary and pointsman on Jammu and Kashmir affairs, Ram Madhav, justified the army's action of tying a youth to the front of a jeep to avoid stone-pelting attacks in Budgam district.

Madhav said the action had saved many lives as the soldiers were outnumbered by protesters. The other option would have been use of bullets, which was avoided by the officer

commanding the army detachment.

Madhav was even quoted as saying: "It's all fair in love and war."

These developments have come even as students' unrest over security personnel entering a college in Pulwama last week appeared to gather strength. Videos posted on social networking sites showed security personnel beating up students inside the college premises.

Spontaneous protests broke out in universities, colleges and schools of the Valley over the Pulwama incident. For the last four days, teaching in these institutions has remained suspended, in addition to suspension of mobile Internet services in the valley.

With these developments, Mehbooba finds herself between the pro-

verbial rock and a hard place where her responsibilities as the Chief Minister and those as a pro-Kashmiri mainstream leader ironically appear at loggerheads with each other.

The BJP, with its right-wing ideology, is finding itself in a situation where it believes softening of attitude towards stone-pelters and separatists in the Valley would seriously dent its "strong nationalist image" in the Jammu region and in the rest of the country.

Entrenched in their stated positions, can the BJP and the PDP continue ruling the state in alliance?

Even going by the compulsions of politics, the continuance of the present coalition in Jammu and Kashmir looks highly improbable, if not outright impossible.

sundAY 23•04•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Security dominates French election after shooting

PARIS, APRIl 22 (ReuteRS): The killing of a policeman by a suspected Islamist militant pushed national security to the top of the French political agenda on Friday, two days before the presidential election.

With the first round of voting in the two-stage election taking place on Sunday, far-right nationalist candidate Marine Le Pen promised tougher immigration and border controls to beat "Islamist terrorism" if elected.

Centrist Emmanuel Macron, who narrowly leads a tight race ahead of Le Pen, said the solutions were not as simple as she suggested, and that there was "no such thing as zero risk".

Anyone who said otherwise was irresponsible, said Macron, a former economy minister in the government that Le Pen has repeatedly criticised for its security record.

There are four leading candidates in a race that is still too close to call.

Sunday's voting will be followed by a runoff on May 7 between the top two candidates.

The first poll conducted entirely after Thursday's attack suggested Le Pen had gained some ground on Macron.

While he was still seen winning the first round with 24.5 percent, his score slipped half a percentage point while Le Pen's rose by one to 23 percent.

Conservative Francois Fillon, a former prime minister, and the far left's JeanLuc Melenchon were both down half a percentage point on 19 percent in the Odoxa poll for the newspaper Le Point.

The attack on the Champs-Elysees boulevard in the very heart of the capital added a new source of unpredictability to an election that will decide the management of France's 2.2 trillion euro economy, which vies with Britain for

to fear and intimidation and manipulation, which would play into the hands of the enemy."

Controls on immigration and national security are cornerstones of Le Pen's National Front agenda, and on Friday she said she would reinstate border checks and expel foreigners who are on intelligence services' watch lists.

Macron was quick to respond.

"I've heard Madame Le Pen saying again recently that, with her in charge, certain attacks would have been avoided," he told RTL Radio. "There's no such thing as zero risk. Anyone Police patrol at the Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower after a policeman was killed and who pretends (otherwise) two others were wounded in a shooting incident in Paris, France, April 21, 2017. is both irresponsible and deceitful."

(Reuters Photo) the rank of fifth largest in the world.

U.S. President Donald Trump told the Associated Press on Friday he thought the attack will "probably help" Le Pen because she is the candidate who is "strongest on borders, and she's the strongest on what's been going on in France."

Trump told the AP in an interview he was not explicitly endorsing Le Pen but that he believes the attack will affect how French people vote on Sunday.

The outcome could also have a bearing on France's place in the world and in a European Union still reeling from Britain's decision to leave. While Macron is ardently pro-EU, Le Pen wants to quit its single currency and potentially hold a referendum on leaving the bloc.

All the candidates are seeking to woo the huge number of undecideds some 31 percent of those likely to vote, according to an Ipsos poll on Friday.

Fillon also seized on the attack, which was claimed by the militant group Islamic State, saying the fight against "Islamist totalitarianism" should be the pri-

ority of the next president. wielding a machete also had no obvious impact on "It's us or them," he said. this year's opinion polls, TRUMP TWEET which have consistently Financial markets, said that voters see unemthough, shrugged off the ployment and the trustlatest twist in the cam- worthiness of politicians as paign, with French bench- bigger issues. mark bond yields hitting a SECURITY FORCES ON three-month low.

The Champs-Elysees ALERT One policeman was shooting is the latest in a series of attacks by Is- shot dead and two others lamist militants on France were wounded in Thursday since 2015, in which more night's attack.

Investigators are trythan 200 people have been killed. A truck ploughed ing to assess whether the into a Bastille Day crowd in gunman had accomplices, Nice last year, killing more anti-terrorism prosecuthan 80, while coordinat- tor Francois Molins told a ed attacks on the Bataclan news conference, adding concert hall and other sites that the shooter had never in Paris claimed about 130 shown any signs of radicalilives in November 2015. sation despite a long police There have also been at- history.

After an emergency tacks on a satirical weekly meeting of security offiand a kosher store.

However, previous at- cials, Prime Minister Bertacks that have taken place nard Cazeneuve said seshortly before elections, in- curity forces, including cluding the November 2015 elite units, were on alert to attacks in Paris ahead of re- back up the 50,000 police gional polls, and a shoot- earmarked to ensure safety ing in a Jewish school be- during the election. fore the 2012 presidentials, "The government is fuldid not appear to boost the ly mobilised. Nothing must scores of those espousing be allowed to impede the tougher national security. fundamental democratic An assault on a sol- process of our country," dier in February at Paris's Cazeneuve told reporters.

Louvre museum by a man "It falls to us not to give in

CKD prevalence varies from seven per cent in South Asia and eight per cent in Africa to as high as 11 per cent in North America and 12 per cent in Europe, The Middle East, and East Asia, and Latin America, according to the report.

Among high-income countries, Saudi Arabia and Belgium have the highest estimated CKD prevalence (24 per cent), followed by Poland (18 per cent), Germany (17 per cent) and Britain and Singapore (16 per cent).

Norway and the Netherlands have the lowest estimates at five per cent, the report, which was also published in the journal JAMA, said.

"Our Atlas shows that,

across countries of all incomes, many governments are not making kidney disease a priority. This makes no sense, as the costs for treating people with end stage kidney disease are enormous, along with the devastating effect it has on patients and their families," said Adeera Levin, President of the International Society of Nephrology which produced the Atlas.

"A diagnosis of CKD does not mean that you will need dialysis or a transplant, but does signal that you are at risk for many health problems, including heart disease, strokes, and infections," Levin, who is also a Professor of Medicine at the

University of British Colombia in Canada, added.

While CKD can affect anyone, people are at higher risk if they have any one or more of a number of risk factors: these include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity smoking, being aged 60 years or over, having established cardiovascular disease, having a family history of kidney failure, and being from a high-risk ethnic group or having a history of acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury can be caused by infections, dehydration or damage from medications or ingesting toxic drugs.

"A general lack of awareness of CKD, among patients and family doc-

Confusion, chaos after Taliban breach Afghan base in deadly attack kABul, APRIl 22 (ReuteRS): Afghan soldier Zabihullah was chatting with an army comrade at their military base in northern Afghanistan when gunfire interrupted their quiet Friday afternoon. "I asked my friend what was happening, and he said, relax, it must be one of us." It wasn't. It was the Taliban.

Dressed in army uniforms, at least 10 Taliban attackers had breached the military headquarters in Mazar-iSharif, eventually killing more than 140 soldiers, according to the latest estimates by officials.

"When they started hitting other soldiers, we understood that it was a terrorist attack," Zabihullah told Reuters from his hospital bed, wounded by an explosion. "The soldiers were dropping like sparrows hit by a shotgun." The attack, which is likely the deadliest yet on an Afghan military base, represents a major blow to the country's struggling security forces as they prepare for what is expected to be a year of bloody fighting against the Taliban, as well as other smaller militant groups like Islamic State.

The base is the hq for the Afghan National Army's 209th Corps and also hosts foreign troops from the NATO-led mission to advise and train Afghan forces. No international troops were

caught up in the attack, according to coalition officials.

The incident raised immediate questions over how such a mass killing could occur in a heavily defended headquarters frequented by foreign soldiers. In the early afternoon on Friday, two army vehicles bearing men in Afghan army uniforms rolled up to the base's gate, claiming to have wounded soldiers in need of urgent medical care. Two guards at the first checkpoint waved them through, according to Ahmad Saboor, a soldier who was on guard duty further inside the base that day.

At the second checkpoint, the guards told the men in the trucks they had to leave their weapons behind, as is standard procedure at the bases, Saboor said. After a brief argument, the attackers shot and killed the two guards and sped toward the third and final checkpoint, which they hit with a rocket-propelled grenade before racing into the base itself.

Wielding machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, the attackers sprayed heavy fire into groups of soldiers gathered to eat at a dining hall and leaving afternoon prayers at the mosque. Several other attackers detonated suicide vests packed with explosives. Photos circulating online showed the inside of the mosque pock-marked with bullet holes and strewn

with shattered glass. "I had just finished my prayers and was outside the mosque when an army pickup sped towards us," said another wounded officer, who asked not to be named as his family had not been notified. "I stood still and did not know whether to run or stay, then a gunman from the back of the truck opened fire with a machine gun and hit the side of my abdomen and my left leg." Other unarmed soldiers were dropping dead and wounded around him.

The confusion in the base was compounded by the fact that the attackers wore army uniforms.

"At first there was a call on the radio not to shoot because they thought it could have been a misunderstanding," said the guard Saboor, who reported that some base officials initially thought it might have been a disagreement between soldiers.

Afghan commandos from elsewhere on the base arrived and engaged the attackers, eventually killing or capturing all of them, Zabihullah said. A Taliban spokesman said at least four of the attackers were longtime members of the army who worked with the insurgent group.

Afghan officials are investigating that claim, but Zabihullah said he had no doubt that the gunmen had inside help.

TIGHT RACE In an Elabe poll conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, and published on Friday, both Fillon and Melenchon were seen narrowing Macron and Le Pen's lead.

Should both Macron and Le Pen make it to the second round, he was likely to win the runoff by 65 percent to 35, according to the survey for BFM TV and L'Express magazine.

Fillon, who has slowly clawed back some ground lost after a fake jobs scandal, saw his score in the first round rise half a percentage point to 20 percent.

Melenchon, who would hike taxes on the rich and spend 100 billion euros ($107 billion) of borrowed money on vast housebuilding and renewable energy projects, gained 1.5 points to 19.5 percent as he built further on the momentum he has generated with strong performances in television debates.

If Melenchon makes it to the runoff, he was projected by the survey to beat either Le Pen or Fillon by comfortable margins, although he was seen losing to Macron NASA's Cassini spacecraft is shown diving through the plume of Saturn's moon Enceby 41 percent to 59. ladus, in 2015, in this photo illustration. (Reuters Photo)

Cassini to take slingshot dive inside Saturn's rings

Make kidney health a priority: Experts

New YoRk, APRIl 22 (IANS): With an estimated 10 per cent of people worldwide having chronic kidney disease (CKD), and about nine in 10 of them being unaware of their condition, health experts have called for making kidney health a priority in both developed and developing countries.

Presenting a new global report - The Global Kidney Health Atlas - presented at this week's World Congress of Nephrology in Mexico City being held from April 21-25, the researchers highlighted the huge gaps in kidney disease care and prevention, with many countries not prioritising kidney health.

Globally, estimated

9

tors alike, and a lack of symptoms in the early stages, means that kidney function is usually hugely reduced by the time symptoms arise," said Professor David Johnson, co-chair of the Global Kidney Health Atlas, and Professor at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

The kidneys are vital organs in our bodies, removing waste and excess water and controlling the acidity balance of our blood.

Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of the kidneys' abilities to perform these essential functions, and can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and other risk factors.

CAPe CANAVeRAl, APRIl 22 (ReuteRS): NASA's Cassini spacecraft soared past Saturn's biggest moon for the last time on Saturday, tapping its gravity to slingshot into a series of exploratory dives inside the planet's rings, followed by a final fatal plunge into the gas giant.

After nearly 20 years of traveling in space, Cassini used the gravitational tug of Titan, a moon resembling primordial Earth, to hurl itself into a new orbit that will pass through an unexplored region between Saturn's cloud tops and its rings.

The spacecraft is expected to make the first of 22 dives between the planet and its rings on Wednesday. During the last dive on Sept. 15, Cassini is slated to destroy itself by flying directly into Saturn’s crush-

ing atmosphere.

Cassini's final run was set into motion early on Saturday by its 127th and final pass by Titan, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration said.

At its closest approach, NASA projections had Cassini flying 608 miles (979 km) above Titan, zipping by at a relative speed of 13,000 miles per hour (21,000 km per hour).

"Titan's gravity will bend Cassini's orbit around Saturn, shrinking it slightly, so that instead of passing just outside the rings, the spacecraft will begin its finale dives which pass just inside the rings," NASA said in a statement on Wednesday.

During the dives, Cassini will measure how much ice and other materials are in the rings and determine their chemical composi-

tion. That information will help scientists learn how the rings formed.

Cassini also will study Saturn's atmosphere and take measurements to determine the size of the planet's rocky core.

Cassini has been probing Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun, and its entourage of 62 known moons since July 2004, but is running low on fuel.

NASA plans to crash the spacecraft into Saturn to avoid any chance Cassini could someday collide with Titan, the oceanbearing moon Enceladus or any other moon that has the potential to support indigenous microbial life.

By destroying the spacecraft, NASA will ensure that any hitchhiking Earth microbes still alive on Cassini will not contaminate the moons for future study.

Peaceful outcome for Korean peninsula still possible: Mike Pence SYDNeY, APRIl 22 (ReuteRS): Denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula can still be achieved peacefully because of Washington's new engagement with China, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday, despite growing fears North Korea could soon conduct a new nuclear test.

South Korea is on heightened alert ahead of another important anniversary in the reclusive North that could be the trigger for a new nuclear test or launch of ballistic missiles, with a large concentration of military hardware massed on both sides of the border.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent months after Pyongyang conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests in defiance of United Nations

resolutions and sanctions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile but his deputy said in Sydney on Saturday a peaceful outcome was still achievable because of warming ties between Beijing and Washington.

"We truly believe that, as our allies in the region and China bring that pressure to bear, there is a chance that we can achieve a historic objective of a nuclear-free Korea peninsula by peaceful means," Pence said.

"We are encouraged by the steps that China has taken so far," he said at a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Earlier this week, Trump praised Chinese efforts to rein in "the menace of North Korea" after North Korean

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a media conference with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, April 22, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

state media warned the United States of a "supermighty preemptive strike".

Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at his resort in Florida earlier this month and, while taking a hard line with North Korea, has focused his efforts on

trying to convince China to put more pressure on its ally and neighbour.

However, Trump has also ordered what he has described as an "armada" to waters off the Korean peninsula as a warning to North Korea. There was some

confusion about the whereabouts of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group earlier this week.

PILOT EJECTS While it was thought the carrier group had been steaming towards the Korean

peninsula, it had in fact been completing a training exercise with the Australian navy.

Pence said the carrier group was now expected to be in waters off the Korean peninsula before the end of the month, "within days".

On Friday, the U.S. Navy said a pilot from the USS Carl Vinson had ejected safely while conducting a routine flight south of the Philippines.

It said the incident occurred as the F/A-18E was on a final approach to the carrier. The pilot was recovered by helicopter without injury. The statement did not say when the incident occurred.

In the face of the U.S. moves, North Korea said on Friday the state of affairs on the Korean peninsula was "extremely perilous".

The North will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the foundation of its Korean

People's Army on Tuesday and has marked important events in the past by launching missiles or conducting nuclear tests.

Tuesday's anniversary also comes as the North finishes winter military drills and as South Korea and the United States wrap up annual joint military exercises.

South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Lee Duk-haeng said on Friday all those military exercises meant there was a lot of military equipment gathered in North Korea, as well as the South.

Satellite imagery analysed by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, found some activity under way at North Korea's Punggyeri nuclear test site, but the group said it was unclear whether the site was in a "tactical pause" before an-

other test or was carrying out normal operations.

U.S. officials have also said there was an increased level of activity by Chinese bombers, signalling a possible heightened state of readiness. Russian media has denied reports Moscow was building up its forces near the Korean border.

China's Defence Ministry, however, said its forces were maintaining normal combat preparedness.

North Korea remained defiant.

"Now that we possess mighty nuclear power to protect ourselves from U.S. nuclear threat, we will respond without the slightest hesitation to full-out war with full-out war and to nuclear war with our style of nuclear strike, and we will emerge victor in the final battle with the United States," the North's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

10

SunDAY 23•04•2017

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Thunder survive Rockets, claw back in series

Vintage dhoni powers pune to win over Hyderabad

led 93-83 going into the final period.

"We've got to come out with some dog in us," Harden said. "Second half, we did a really good job on both ends of the floor."

Russell Westbrook, right, drives around Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley. (AP Photo)

LOs ANgeLes, ApriL 22 (AFp): Russell Westbrook's latest triple-double came with plenty of help from his teammates, and translated to a 115-113 NBA playoff victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

It was a win the Thunder desperately needed after falling 0-2 down in their Western Conference firstround series against the Houston Rockets.

That included a disheartening defeat on Wednesday, when Westbrook posted a triple-double that included 51 points but was criticized for a fourth quarter in which he made just four of 18 shots.

"I had to do a better job of trusting my teammates for 48 minutes," Westbrook said. "Today those guys made plays throughout the whole game and that's what I tried to do."

Thunder coach Billy Donovan called Westbrook's effort "unbelievable".

"He got guys shots," Donovan said. "He took advantage when they switched. He did a lot of different things. He played an exceptional game."

We s t b r o o k , w h o notched a record 42 regular-season triple-doubles, finished Friday with 32 points, 11 assists and 13 rebounds.

It wasn't perfect. His second missed free throw of the closing seconds kept the door open for the Rockets, whose star James Harden was off-target with a three-pointer at the buzzer.

Harden had hit a threepointer with 52 seconds remaining that knotted the score at 111-111.

Westbrook responded with his first three-point attempt of the game.

It rattled off the rim, but teammate Steven Adams managed to put it back for two points and the lead.

The teams then traded free-throw attempts un-

til Harden's final effort.

When it bounced off the backboard, Westbrook was there to bat the ball away.

"I just wanted to get the best shot available," said Harden, who finished with 44 points but missed two three-pointers in the final 15 seconds.

Harden said it wasn't those miscues, but the Rockets' slow start in the face of an early Thunder blitz, that determined the game.

Determined not to fall 0-3 down, the Thunder were quick out of the blocks.

The Rockets managed to cut a 15 point deficit early in the second quarter to five in the final seconds of the half.

Houston took their first lead of the game on a three-pointer by Harden less than two minutes into the second half.

But the Thunder wrested back the advantage and

- Clippers rally In Salt Lake City, Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul scored 24 of his 34 points in the second half as the Clippers rallied for a 111-106 victory over the Utah Jazz.

The Clippers took a 2-1 lead in the series, despite losing Blake Griffin to a toe injury late in the second quarter.

Griffin scored 11 points and pulled down six rebounds before departing, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers said immediately after the game that the extent of Griffin's injury was unclear.

"We should have more news tomorrow," Rivers said.

DeAndre Jordan scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and Luc Mbah a Moute added 15 points for the Clippers, who withstood a career-high 40 points from Utah's Gordon Hayward.

The Clippers erased a double-digit deficit by the end of the third quarter.

When they took the lead with 4:01 to play they were in front for the first time since the first quarter.

Paul made four straight baskets in a 15-0 scoring run that put the Clippers ahead 103-96 with 2:09 remaining.

The Jazz closed to 106105 with 7.1 seconds left, but they couldn't get back in front.

"We just hung in there," Rivers said of the key to the turnaround. "I thought the second half even though Blake wasn't there we just kept playing and we just kept hanging in there."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces long layoff – reports LONDON, ApriL 22 (reuters): Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic faces a long injury layoff after landing awkwardly on his knee in the Europa League quarter-final win over Anderlecht, British media reported on Friday.

The 35-year-old Swede

sustained damage to his right knee late in the game against Anderlecht on Thursday and was assessed by the club's medical staff.

He looks certain to miss the rest of the season as United battle to finish in the Premier League's top four and win the Europa

League. They play Spanish side Celta Vigo in the semifinals of Europe's secondtier club competition.

United did not issue any update on his condition but ligament damage could rule him out until the end of the year.

Ibrahimovic, United's

leading scorer this season with 28 goals, is out of contract at the end of the season but has been talking to the club about a 12-month extension.

He has been linked in media reports with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy or Los Angeles FC.

MS Dhoni plays a shot. (IPL Photo)

puNe, ApriL 22 (iANs): Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's late order blitzkrieg guided Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) to a thrilling six wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a last ball thriller Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 contest at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Saturday.

With 47 needed off the last three overs, the situation was tailor made for one of the best finishers in world cricket, and Dhoni (61 not out from 34 balls), started in his usual fashion taking time to settle down before unleashing his power against the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

In the 18th over, the Ranchi stumper dispatched Siraj for a flat six over long-on before helping the ball over point and short third man for a four the next ball to milk 17 runs from the over.

The penultimate over witnessed a vintage Dhoni smashing two consecutive boundaries before using his bottom hand to launch Bhuvneshwar for a powerful six over long-on to reach his half century and leave Pune needing 11 from the final over.

The final over had medium pacer Siddharth Kaul going for a six in the very first ball from Manoj Tiwary (17 not out) before Dhoni finished off in style with a boundary through

extra cover. Dhoni's matchwinning knock was laced with five hits to the fence and three over it.

Chasing a stiff 177, Pune were off to a dismal start losing Ajinkya Rahane (2) in the fourth over before opener Rahul Tripathi (59) and skipper Steve Smith (27) rescued them with a 72-run second wicket stand in quick time.

Earlier, a late surge from all-rounder Moises Henriques helped Sunrisers Hyderabad post a healthy 176/3 after the visitors were put in to bat by Smith.

Pune faltered in the death overs, leaking 63 runs in the last five overs with Henriques (55 not out from 28 balls) and Deepak Hooda (19 not out from 10)

taking the bowlers to the cleaners.

Sunrisers had a slowish start with skipper David Warner and his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan (30) putting on 55 runs before South African legspinner Imran Tahir gave Pune the first breakthrough in the form of Dhawan.

Dhawan's departure brought in the in-form New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (21 from 14 balls), who added 29 for the second wicket with Warner before medium pacer Daniel Christian's off-cutter caught him plumb in front.

But it was the late order blows from Henriques and Hooda which helped the visitors go past the 150run mark.

Hull, Swansea win to lift survival hopes, Boro sink deeper MANCHester, ApriL 22 (reuters): Hull City and Swansea City earned valuable victories in their battle for Premier League survival but Middlesbrough slid further towards the drop after a 4-0 hammering at Bournemouth on Saturday.

Hull's 2-0 win over Stoke City and Swansea's identical scoreline against Watford increased the pressure on Crystal Palace and Burnley, who are hovering above the relegation zone and play Liverpool and Manchester United respectively on Sunday.

With four games remaining 17th-placed Hull are just a place above the drop zone with 33 points to the 31 of Swansea. Boro are in 19th spot on 24 points and Sunderland are bottom on 21.

Hull had a tough task after Oumar Niasse was surprisingly shown a straight red card after 25 minutes for a challenge on M'Baye Niang.

But the Tigers took the lead just past the hour when Liverpool loanee Lazar Markovic scored from close range after his header had bounced down on the

goal line.

Hull made sure of the points nine minutes later when Sam Clucas found the top corner with superb 30-metre shot. They have now won four consecutive home league games.

Spanish striker Fernando Llorente gave Swansea the lead with a trademark header from a corner in the 10th minute and the Welsh side were given a break when Marko Arnautovic missed a second-half penalty.

Swansea made sure of the win when Tom Carroll's shot found the top

corner via a deflection off Joe Allen.

Time is running out for Boro who have not won in 16 league games and they endured a nightmare opening 20 minutes in which they conceded two goals and had midfielder Gaston Ramirez sent off for a second booking.

Josh King scored just 96 seconds into the match and Benik Afobe doubled the advantage for the Cherries.

Winger Marc Push made it 3-0 and Charlie Daniels completed the rout.

public discourse

A response to Kaka D. Iralu’s ‘Clarifications’ Dr. Somingam Mawon

W

ith all humility, I am inditing some lines with the hope that it will clear the air on what I have penned in my rejoinder to Thepfulhouvi Solo and now to Iralu’s ‘Clarification’. I respect Iralu, not because of his association with the NNC but because of his works such as Nagaland and India: The Blood and the Tears.

This, however, is not to suppose that I subscribe all the views mentioned in the book. I have a feeling that I am being misjudged by him, his words such as “your leaders” speak of affiliation of which I do not have and thus far from truth. Over time, I have had many debates and arguments with the party Iralu had mentioned in his clarifications; and at times, it did not end up very well. I, as a Naga, speak my mind on my own behalf and on behalf of those Naga people who share the same thought. Every Naga has the right to ask any political groups on why the movement has protracted for such a long period of time and why political groups have given more importance to building factional accusations and counter-accusations than in bringing a logical conclusion to the movement.

I am aware of the Naga Yehzabo, and I ain’t misread it. It is simply a question of difference on how we view the territory of the Nagas. We are aware of the fact that all Naga political groups have Yehzabo of its own even though the NNC was the first to draft and adopt the said

constitution. Moreover, each group has a clear defined territory as its geographical area.

Concerning the territory of Nagaland, nearly thirty years before the adoption of the said Yehzabo, the Naga Club had roughly mapped out the Naga regions which were to be included in the supposed Nagaland. Iralu as an NNC Kilonser (see “Clarification No. 1”) says that the defined territory in the Yehzabo is NNC territory. Solo (based on his sentences like “Muivah has rebelled out of NNC territory, he has no say in the political affairs of Nagaland State territory”, and “Muivah is Naga from Manipur and can have a say for that State but not for Nagaland”) argued that the present Nagaland state is the “NNC territory”. On the line of the above statements, I have given my argument on the concept of “NNC territory”.

I, however, would also argue that the territory or land belong to the Naga people and are the ultimate owner of the land. Political groups survive so long as it serves the purpose of its existence. Political groups and leaders come and go, but the territory of a nation remains. Territory or land of a nation does not belong to any political group or entity.

Otherwise, it would be a statement that resembles the claim of the Indian National Congress which said: “Indira is India, and India is Indira”. Within my finite mind, I would say that undoubtedly for many years, the Naga political groups have been the main agents spearheading the Naga self-determination movement.

We, however, cannot deny the fact that there are other agents (or stakeholders) such as civil, political and religious groups that are integral to this struggle. In essence, no political group is above the people; they exist because of the mandate given by the people and such mandate is not a permanent one or would last so long as the political groups exist in the interest of the people.

The issue of Nagaland state came up in my rejoinder because of the use of certain words

by Solo, such as “only the citizen of territory” (also re-read the above-mentioned quotes), to which I countered. I neither support nor defend the creation of the “India puppet state of Nagaland” or “puppet Nagaland State of India” (in the words of Iralu and others) by the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) in my rejoinder. It was my argument with Solo that Nagaland state was created by the NPC, and thus it was not logical to say that such was the territory of the NNC. Many Nagas viewed that the submission of the Sixteen Point Agreement by the NPC and the carving out of Nagaland state had hampered the movement of the Nagas. And this occurred at the time when the NNC under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo had the mandate of the Naga people. On the line of Iralu, I would say that it did sabotage “Phizo’s meeting” and the credential of his party at that given point of time.

In essence, the “go-between” seemed to have taken the role of “negotiator”. There are Nagas who have defended the carving

out of Nagaland state, but I am not one among them.

The infamous Shillong Accord has always been a bond of contention among the political groups and this, consequently, has led to a major division among the Naga people. As the President of the people’s mandated political group and the tallest Naga leader at that given point of time, A.Z. Phizo had the obligation to clear up his stand on the said accord no matter who architected it. I was asked “to state the portfolios of the NNC signatories of the Shillong Accord”, but I am not interested in such argument. Section 1 of the Shillong Accord read: “The following representatives of the underground organisations met the Governor of Nagaland Shri LP Singh representing the Government of India, at Shillong on 10th and 11th November, 1975”.

As found in some written literatures, Kevi Yallay who was the younger brother of Phizo was the chief architect of the accord, and was also one of the signatories.

Here is my problem, why did the President not condemn the Shillong Accord even after knowing that the signatories of the accord have signed at the behest of the NNC, which he headed? What were the reasons for the President to turn down the “requests” to condemn the accord made by his fellow NNC leaders? Many hold the view that his silence on the given accord was itself a message - a message of no condemnation to the Shillong Accord. Had Phizo condemned it, there might not have factional

ramification within the NNC, or for that matter, the formation of NSCN and subsequently several factions within the NSCN. In other words, the political history of the Nagas would have been a different one. I would like to mention here, though not much related to this exchange of words, that the bringing in of the concepts like ‘heredity’ and ‘kinship’ in the echelon of political groups is no new phenomenon in the Naga context.

I am aware of the book written by W. Shapwon entitled The Illegal Formation of the NSCN, a book written from the NNC perspective, as the title itself speaks of that. I would beg you to get hold of the book written by S. A. Shishak entitled The Nagas: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, a 413 pages book written mostly from the NSCN perspective. As much as Shapwon attempted to build arguments against the formation of NSCN, Shishak argued against the NNC in favor of the relevance of the NSCN. I would only say that in both the works much has been said on their party stands, and too little has been said on the real designer of the issues like Nagaland statehood and Shillong Accord. My argument is this: the concern party would not be the one to decide the reliability and authenticity of the historical and political events related to the self-determination movement, and thus it would be wise to leave that to some nonpolitical entity to study the claims and counter-claims of the political groups.

Politics based on blood

I

Thepulhouvi Solo

do not like News Papers arguments with any but people of goodwill may feel I have been silenced because of some wrong things I said. To allay such perceptions, I am compelled often to make subsequent write-ups in the Papers clarifications of what meant. I view Politics based on Religion, Race and Blood as narrow, divisive, if not erroneous. To base National Politics on the Principles of Blood would lead to division and discord. There are no National Blood anywhere in the World.

The Nation of New Zealand is not based on Blood. The Indian Nation did not exist before. India as a Nation was created by the Colonial British Power in the 19th and 20th Centuries not based on Hindu Blood.

National Politics based on Blood does not exist. The God made Human Blood the same in every man and woman. Scientists have found Human blood has great similarity with that of the Chimpanzee. 98% of Chimpanzee and Human Blood are the same, only 2 % different. The only difference between Man and Animal is that Man has the BREATHE of LIFE of GOD, Animal has Not. Doctors even use Animal Body Parts to correct Human ailments; Snake Poison is used to make Antidote of Poisons to save human life.

Politics based on blood is racial, and Group basing its Politics on Blood is Racist, Uncivilized and its Politics considered immature. Modern Civilized Politics is based MultiCulture Society, not on Blood.

A Certain widely read Person used an overdose of his highly learned vocabulary like ‘stupefying, insane, outrageously ridiculous’ in connection with what I wrote in the Papers that ‘Muivah is a Dictator’ and a ‘fake Democrat’. (I am quoting his words in italics): “One way or the other, all factions are dictated by some leaders and thus the question of democracy in the real sense of the term does not arise”.

To the learned Person, i. “all factions are dictated by some leaders”. ii. “And thus democracy in the real sense...does not arise”.

This Writer holds that all the Naga National Groups were created by PURSUATION and DEMOCRACY, except the original NSCN (IM) that Muivah and Isac Chishi created was by the Barrel of the Gun. DEMOCRACY or OLIGRACHY (the Government by One Man or a Few) ARE DIFFERENT IN EVERY SENSE OF REALITY.

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.

Sunday 23•04•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Ashton Sanders

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OPEN HEARING ON VARIOUS ISSUES RELATING TO ATROCITIES AND PROBLEMS FACED BY SCHEDULED CASTES & SCHEDULED TRIBES DATE 24th April, 2017 VENUE Administrative Training Institute, Kohima

CHIEF GUEST Justice D. Murugesan Member, NHRC CHAIRPERSON Shri Abhijit Sinha, IAS Home Commissioner, Nagaland TIME 10:00AM -10:30AM

Ashton Sanders wears polo shirt and raincoat, both versace.com. Jacket, j-w-anderson.com.

Trousers, by Martine Rose, from matchesfashion.com. Sneakers, giuseppezanottidesign. com. Styling by Gaelle Paul. Ashton Sanders is taking a well-deserved break during a year that has transformed him from an unknown 21-year-old to the star of an Oscar-winning movie. (Photo Credit: Dylan Coulter for the Guardian)

Participants at the Fitness Festival organised by the Performing Arts With Fitness (PAWF) at Tetso College, Dimapur on April 22. Around a hundred people, both young and old alike, participated at the Zumba dance fitness festival featuring certified Zumba instructor Talien Pongentsur and certified Les Mills Body Combat instructor Talitemjen. Zumba is a fitness programme based on dance and aerobics performed in rhythm with energetic music.

The Nagaland Conservatory of Music (NCM) together with the Margaret Shishak School of Music (MSSM), Patkai Christian College held a free concert on April 22 at NN Nagi School Auditorium, Kuda – A Village, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur. Themed – “Love & Deception Excerpts from Die Fledermaus and Le Nozze Di Figaro”, the concert had students and faculties from both the institutes present assorted collection of music including Opera Aria, Art songs as well as Broadway music.

honorary fine arts degree

R

obert De Niro is among six people scheduled to receive honorary degrees at Brown University's commencement exercises The Ivy League school announced Friday the Oscar-winning actor is being celebrated "for the intensity he brings to each performance." De Niro will receive a doctor of fine arts degree during the school's May 28 ceremonies. De Niro has been nominated seven times for an Academy Award, and won twice in 1975 for "The Godfather: Part II" and in 1981 for "Raging Bull."

Others to receive honorary degrees are rapper and actor Daveed Diggs; teacher Donald Hood; businesswoman Indra Nooyi; business executive Richard Parsons; and poet Rosmarie Waldrop.

Brown does not have the traditional keynote speaker at commencement exercises, instead reserving that honor for members of the graduating class.

Source: AP

1. Welcome Speech

: Chairperson

2. Opening Remarks

: Shri Jaideep Singh Kochher Jt. Secretary, NHRC

3. Address

: Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS Chief Secretary Nagaland

4. Speech

: Chief Guest

5. Vote of thanks

: Shri L. L. Doungel, IPS DGP, Nagaland

10:30AM - 10:45AM

Tea Break

10:45AM - 11:30AM

Open Hearing by Hon'ble Member Justice D. Murugesan

11:30AM - 12:00 NOON MEETING WITH NGO

C M Y K

De Niro to receive

INAUGURATION

12:00 - 1:00PM

Meeting with Senior Officers of the State Government

01:00PM - 01:30PM

Media Briefing

Followed by Lunch

Issued by: DIPR

12

Sunday 23•04•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

I-League: aizawl beat

DYO Inter-Block Futsal Tournament concludes

Mohun Bagan in crucial tie

Nagaland’s Vilasier Khate bagged runner-up positions in both singles and doubles categories in the recently concluded AITA 50K Karnal Championship held at Karnal, Haryana from April 17-21. In the Singles, Khate lost to Lakshit Sood 5-7, 1-6 while in the doubles, Khate and his partner had to be content with the runners-up trophy as they lost 6-1, 5-7, 6-10 to Sagar Bains and Udhai Maan.

Kohima Village Junior, Sub Junior Tournament

C M Y K

Kohima, april 22 (mExN): The 1st Kohima Village Junior and Sub junior tournament (Football and Basketball) was held on April 21 and 22 at DBHSS, CKHSS and Kohima Village, under the theme “nurturing the future”.

The tournament was organized by Kohima Village Students Union (KVSU) and Kohima Village Youth Organization (KVYO).

REsuLts: sub – Junior Basketball (Boys) Champion – D. Khel Samurai Runner-up – P. Khel Gladiators Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Kenihiehu Mere Junior-Basketball (Girls) Champion – T. Khel Warriors Runner-up – D. Khel Samurai MVP – Dziese Sekhose Junior –Basketball (Boys) Champion – D. Khel Samurai Runner-up – L. Khel Musketeers MVP – Mhaphruovikuo Kire sub- Junior Football (Boys) Champion – T. Khel warriors Runner-up – L. Khel Musketeers MVP – John Sekhose Junior Football (Boys) Champion – T. Khel Warriors Runner-up – P. Khel Gladiators MVP – Menuolekuo Kire

aizawl, april 22 (iaNS): Zohmingliana Ralte headed in a late winner as Aizawl FC edged closer to creating history with a 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan in a crucial ILeague match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Saturday.

Ralte (83rd minute) exploited some loose marking by the Mohun Bagan defenders to find the net in the closing stages of a match which saw an intense battle between the two teams.

Aizawl are now favourites for the title, having regained the top spot in the league table with 36 points from 17 matches.

They are now on the brink of creating history as even a draw in their last match against Shillong Lajong FC will see them cap their fairytale run and become the first team from the north-east to win the

I-League.

Mohun Bagan on the other hand, are in a complicated situation. The Kolkata giants have dropped to the second place with a tally of 33 points from 17 matches.

They need to beat top division debutants Chennai City FC in their last match and hope that Lajong manage to defeat Aizawl. If the fervent prayers of their fans are answered and such a scenario does happen, then Mohun Bagan will win the title due to their superior goal difference and head to head record.

The match was played under a near continuous drizzle and heavy fog which affected visibility quite badly.

Needing only a draw to strengthen their claim to the title, the visitors seemed a bit sluggish throughout the game.

Playing in front of

packed, boisterous stands, Mohun Bagan started the stronger of the two teams as the hosts took their time to settle down.

But as the Aizawl players managed to steady the initial nerves and find their feet, it became more of an equal battle.

With the match seemingly headed for a goalless draw, Zohmingliana Ralte sent the home crowd into raptures when he jumped high at the far post to head in a corner from Al Amna.

Aizawl could have doubled their lead during second half added time when a quick counter-attack saw Al Amna find Lalramchullova inside the visitors' penalty box.

However, with plenty of time and space at his disposal, Lalramchullova could only come up with a poor touch and the Mohun Bagan defence averted the danger.

Morung Express News Dimapur | April 22

The Darogapathar Youth Organisation (DYO) organised an Inter-Block Futsal Tournament at the A1 Power Play, Near Chekiye Village Gate on April 21 and 22.

Altogether, 14 teams took part in the tournament which was conducted under two categories – Senior and Junior.

In the Junior catego-

ry, Real Madrid FC edged United Brothers via penalty shootout 2-1 to win the final. Both teams were locked in a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

In the other final, a persistent Friends United beat Invaders 5-3 to claim the trophy in the senior category.

Chief guest at the closing ceremony, Kuchi Zeliang, Managing Director of Case Constructions, gave away the prizes to the winners.

Earlier the tournament was inaugurated on Friday by Dimapur Commissioner of Police Limasunep Jamir as chief guest and ADCP Crime Shouka Kakheto as guest of honour. The inaugural programme was followed by an exhibition match between senior members of DYO and frontal organizations of Darogapathar along with the chief guest and guest of honour which ended 4-4.

All Nagaland badminton championship concludes Goals galore in Frolic Cup

Morung Express News

onship organized by Crescent club Kohima under the aegis of Nagaland BadKohima | April 22 minton Association concluded on April Under the theme "Step up the chal- 22 with DIG (Modernization & HQ) Imlenge", the all Nagaland men’s doubles lisunep IPS gracing the closing ceremoopen and veteran badminton champi- ny as the chief guest at the Indoor bad-

minton stadium, Officers’ Hill, Kohima.

Raju and Joseph won the championship in the open category and walked away with cash prize of Rs. 40,000 along with certificates while the runnersup Moatemjen and Pulie received Rs. 20,000.

In the 30+ category, Bendangnochet and Sendongyanger emerged as the champions while Aomulung and Raju came second.

Aomulung and Bendangnochet won the 40+ category, and Sashiwapang and Imosanen emerged as runners up. In 50+ category I. Temjen and N. Wati won the championship while Arep and Y. Sema bagged the runnersup title.

Winners and runners up of the 30+, 40+, and 50+ categories each received Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively along with certificates. The semi-finalists were also awarded cash prize of Rs. 10,000 each.

mEdziphEma, april 22 (mExN): MVYO, Tsiepama Youth Organisation, Winfield and Young Generation FC brushed aside their respective opponents to enter the Frolic Cup quarterfinals. The fifth day of the tournament being played at the Local Ground, Medziphema witnessed goals galore with 20 goals being scored in the four matches played on the day.

In the first match, MVYO trounced Blue Boys 4-0 while Tsiepama Youth Organisation thumped Simlai, Sirhima 5-0 in the second match. In the other games, Windfield overwhelmed Milcom FC 7-0 and Young Generation FC eased to comfortable 3-1 win over Recreer FC.

APRIL 24 MAtCHEs:

Khanakhurü Students' Union vs Young Maniacs, Khanakhurü @ 7:00 am Molvom Youth and Students' Union vs Khaibung FC @ 8:30 am Khanglai FC, Khaibung vs Black Hornets, Chumukedima @ 2:00 pm KYC 'B' vs Legend Jr. FC, Chumukedima Town @ 3:30 pm

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