April 9th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SunDAY • April 09 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 96 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

Before we set our hearts too much on anything, let us examine how happy are those who already possess it — Francois de la Rochefoucauld Renault launches all new ‘Kwid Climber’ in Nagaland

India, B’desh sign 22 agreements pAGE 08

Maxwell’s fireworks help Punjab beat Pune by 6 wkts

PAGE 02

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

chessore village in panic as three ATMs dry as cash crunch children die of undiagnosed disease hits banks in Nagaland

Mom and dad were very sociable and went to Church regularly, but after buying cell phones they don’t even bathe.

FIR filed for sepoy’s death

DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): An FIR has been filed at Jalukie Police station regarding the death of one Merenyanger Ao, a sepoy of the 164 infantry battalion (TA) (H&H) NAGA, who was attached with the 36 Assam Rifles since January 4, 2017. He was found dead, hanging from the ceiling of his barrack at the platoon outpost on March 24 at around 8:00am. The FIR filed by the deceased’s family informed that his body was received from Civil Hospital, Dimapur on the same day at around 1:00pm, upon which it was taken to his village in Mokokchung for last rites. The FIR alleged: “we noticed several marks and wounds on his face and body, which does not seem to be self inflicted.” The FIR urged the Office in Charge to look into the matter and take necessary action at the earliest.

TASU to blockade Mon-Namtola road from April 11 DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The Tizit Area Students’ Union (TASU) today informed that it has decided to go ahead with a blockade of the MonNamtola road from April 11, if the state government does not address its demands regarding road works in the concerned stretch. A press note from the TASU informed that this decision was taken despite calls from the Executive Engineer (PWD), Mon requesting the union not to undertake the blockade.

The TASU said that the response from the PWD “contains no assurance from the state government or the department concerned.” The TASU has served an ultimatum till April 10 for the government to fulfill its demands.

In case of blockade, the TASU informed that school going students, administration, military and police personnel on duty and medical services would be exempted.

It meanwhile stated that ISC road (Tizit-Nokzang) is also on the demand list.

“The already sanctioned amount of Rs. 36,28,730 to the concerned contractor for the ISC road has not executed the works as per the DPR norms and the completion period has expired with very less work progress,” it said.

C M Y K

Corrigendum With reference to the news item “Atu Zumvu is first Naga cop to receive ‘Shaurya Chakra’ award” on April 8 issue (Page-1) of The Morung Express, the Home Minister should be read as Y. Patton and not as published. The error is regretted.

PAGE 12

LKG students of St Christopher School, Chessore Village pays final tribute to their friend.

Three children have succumbed to the undiagnosed disease within a week at Chessore village under Tuensang district.

No doctor at PHC since last two years Morung Express News Tuensang | April 8

An undiagnosed disease has killed three children in a matter of a week at Chessore, a remote village under Tuensang district, prompting villagers to panic this may be the start of an outbreak as more children were reported to be affected with similar symptoms.

The illness, with symptoms of vomiting, fever and diarrhea struck the children coinciding with the sudden change of weather, inhabitants of Chessore village which has around 580 families said. The three chil-

dren who succumbed to the undiagnosed disease include a four-year old studying at a mission school-St Christopher School.

The other two including a girl were below two-year old.

Chessore town, which adjoins the village, has a Primary Health Centre (PHC) with two staff nurses, a vaccinator besides others. However, without a qualified doctor and proper infrastructure, it would be impossible to detect the disease that is affecting the children.

Toki Allen, pastor of Chessore Baptist Church said the deceased children barely survived a day with the illness before they succumbed. “The children started vomiting with bouts of fever and they were dead the next day,” Pastor Allen informed.

Father Francis of St Christopher School, Chessore said there are still a couple of chil-

dren suffering with similar symptoms. According to Father Francis, children and adults alike had experienced similar symptoms last year during June and July, the onset of monsoon. Though there had been a number of casualties, the exact number of death last year could not be ascertained.

The outbreak of the disease last year (2016) at Chessore also coincided with the near epidemic from an unknown disease at Naga inhabited villages in Myanmar which killed more than 30 children. During that time, a medical team had attended to at least 150 affected villagers.

While the nature of the disease can only be confirmed by a medical professional, Father Francis observed that this year’s incidences may not be an outbreak but an outcome of general deficiency or because the immune systems of the children were weak because they did not receive any immunization.

The lack of awareness or a casual approach to illness stalking people in the rural is one considered reason why there are more casualties. However, this is further compounded by the absence of doctors and the lack of proper medical facility to treat the patients.

Pastor Allen revealed that the PHC at Chessore town has been running without a doctor for the last two years. “The doctor who was posted here has gone on study leave and there has been no temporary replacement in his place,” the pastor informed.

Road communication is another predicament. The nearest subdivision from where Chessore inhabitants get their provisions is Aghunato under Zunheboto district.

Though only a distance of around 24 kilometers, the road becomes unmotorable during monsoon, Pastor Allen lamented.

According to the 2011 census, Chessore village had 680 number children aged between 0-6 which made up 23.60% of total population of village.

Morung Express News Dimapur | April 8

With ATMS running dry for the last few days, cash crunch is bothering Nagaland again with public facing a lot of inconveniences.

The automatic teller machines (ATMs) in most of the districts in the state have been empty over the past few days owing to lack of cash in the banks. In Dimapur, people were seen unsuccessfully scampering from one State Bank of India (SBI) ATM to another, and even visiting those belonging to private banks to cash.

By Saturday, most of the ATMs had downed its shutter while indicating no cash at hand. A bank official said there is no cash in the SBI main branch which acts as the depot for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with no money supply coming from the RBI branch, Guwahati.

AGM SBI Dimapur Main Branch, Debjyoti Dutta when contacted told The Morung Express that the short supply of notes from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Dutta however informed that RBI would be disbursing the cash for Nagaland on Monday, and ATMs would likely be refilled by Tuesday onwards.

Not only in Nagaland, there have been report of short supply of cash in the banks in many parts of the country with the nearest state being Manipur which also facing cash crisis at moment. Dutta also main-

tained that the shortage of cash is confined only in the ATMs. At the SBI branches, there was still cash –at-hand to manage everyday transactions.

While there may be multiple factors leading to the cash shortage, bank officials also blame the present predicament to the hoarding of the new 500 and 2000 denominations.

According to Dutta, since November 2016, the RBI had supplied around 2000 crore to Nagaland state alone. “It seems hoarding of currency is still going on. Most of the cash released is not coming back to the bank,” he stated.

Thangboi Lunkim, Assistant General Manager of SBI Regional Office while pointing out that shortage of currency notes was not confined only in Nagaland but in many part of the country also did not rule out that hoarding of the new currency notes may be one factor for the liquidity crunch.

“The shortage of the new 500 and 2000 notes indicate that hoarding is still going on,” Lunkim said. He also advocated that people need to start using digital system of banking instead.

Another factor for shortage of currency is that the RBI is not supplying enough cash to the banks. A top RBI official had recently blamed the shortage due to ‘overdrawal’ of cash out of ATMs which means people are withdrawing more money than they ought to.

Top NSCN (K) leader’s wife among 5 held NSCN (IM) condemns AR raid on Kilonser’s house Newmai News Network Imphal/Senapati | April 8

Four women and a class 10 boy were held by the 34 Assam Rifles from an Imphal bound-passenger bus at Karong on the Imphal-Dimapur road in Senapati district, Manipur on April 8.

Police sources today informed that one of the arrested women is reported to be the wife of the NSCN (K)’s Western Military Supervisor, Lt Gen Nikki Sumi, and the boy his son.

Senapati Police said the boy had

just appeared his Class X examination.

The five were held by the 34 Assam Rifles while travelling from Dimapur to Imphal in the passenger bus, the police said, adding that Rs 18.5 lakh in cash was also seized from their possession.

The arrested along with the seized cash have been handed over to the Women Cell of Lamphel Police Station while the boy has been taken into custody of Lamphel Police Station.

The four women have been remanded to five days police custody, the police sources said.

DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today condemned the raid at the residence of Z. James Angami, Kilonser and member of the Cease-Fire Monitoring Cell (CFMC), Kohima by the 3 Assam Rifles at Kohima village on April 8 A press note from the MIP, NSCN (IM) said that the raid took place from 1:25 am till 2:45am, and that “in spite of identifying himself as a Card holder bearing No.111 and a member of CFMC, the AR alleged that he own a Chinese Rifle and insisted in surrendering the same weapon.”

“Having denied that he possessed

such rifle (even if he had he is entitle being a card holder ), the AR forcefully ransacked the rooms of his building thereby causing mental trauma to his wife and children and creating fear psychosis in the minds of nearby public. They did not spare even kitchen utensils, children’s school bags and the purse of his wife,” the NSCN (IM) said. It further alleged that personnel even intruded into the room of his daughter without permission.

Terming the incident as “unwarranted on the part of the AR to engage themselves in hostile activities under the pre-

text of specific information,” the NSCN (IM) said that this not only violates the Cease-fire ground rules but also “sows seeds of mistrust between the two negotiating parties.”

It reminded the AR that “such provocation is not the first time and if unchecked will have a serious ramification in considering the initiative towards a lasting final solution to the ongoing political talks.” The NSCN (IM) therefore asked the Government of India to “fix responsibility upon the erring officer for such unjustifiable action.”

nagaland elections: can a vicious cycle be transformed?

Morung Express News Dimapur | April 8

The call for free and fair elections in Nagaland has morphed into a case of ‘who will bell the cat?’ Talk, declaration and pledges exist but have not yet evolved into decisive action.

The problems are well within grasp yet the stakeholders – the electorate and the electoral candidates – have been shifting responsibility to one another.

Bringing the two perspectives together to an open space for dialogue and engaging with the prevailing electoral system was at the core of the 8th Morung Lecture, titled ‘Clean Elections: Framing the Issues in Nagaland’, organised in Dimapur at the DABA’s Elim Hall here today.

Election in perspective According to Y. Vikheho Swu, Nagaland State Minister for Roads & Bridges, understanding the purpose of elections “in its right perspective” will go a long way in moulding the right attitude. “Someone must take the initiative. Change should first begin in the way both you and I think and take corrective measures.”

In his presentation, Swu observed that elections in Nagalandhavebeenreduced

to gaining personal favour in exchange for a vote cast.

He said that voting in the rural areas is defined by “who offers first or offers more” or who makes the first approach, no less dictated by family, clan, village or range affiliations.

To the urban voters, besides money, it is about securing a government job, promotion and transfer to a preferred place of posting.

In addition, it has given undue advantage to government servants via “political patronage,” he said.

As regards the impetus to change, he said that educated Nagas irrespective of social status must involve with all sincerity. He also underlined the importance of bringing on board the political parties along with the Hohos, student bodies and the church, irrespective of denomination.

“A successful campaign plan must be worked out. Synchronising all the groups under one head, perhaps, the NBCC since it started with them.”

While lauding the NBCC’s effort during the 2013 elections, he held that it started and ended at the “pulpit.” He though conceded it was not a failure altogether stating that the practice of “running messes” for voters and the use of

DistriCt wisE ExpENDiturE

2008 election No. of 2013 election No. of (Rs. in Crores) candidates (Rs. in Crores) candidates 154,80,00,00 17 Dimapur 93,15,00,000 17 Dimapur 6 Peren 21,50,00,000 4 Peren 34,50,00,000 61,61,00,000 18 Kohima 65,75,00,000 21 Kohima 43,37,00,000 20 Tuensang 18,15,00,000 33 Tuensang 11 Longleng 51,10,00,000 8 Longleng 15 ,30,00,000 14,52,50,000 6 Kiphire 6,72,00,000 10 Kiphire 38,27,00,000 28 Mon 68,06,85,000 27 Mon 166,60,15,000 17 Zunheboto 89,05,00,000 17 Zunheboto Phek 34,12,00,000 14 Phek 80,89,17,500 17 28 Wokha 31,76,00,000 19 Wokha 54,92,00,000 Mokokchung 118,17,00,000 33 Mokokchung 230,60,00,000 29 total 569,96,00,000 216 total 937,82,67,500 184 Avg per candidate 2,63,38,037 5,09,68,845

partY wisE ExpENDiturE

2008 election Number 2013 election Number (Rs. in Crores) of candidates (Rs. in Crores) of candidates NPF 1958500000 56 NPF 4860897500 60 55 INC 1828000000 60 INC 2172615000 15 NCP 85100000 8 NCP 408300000 25 RJD 38700000 2 RJD 473600000 344050000 23 BJP 119150000 11 BJP JDU 21800000 3 JD U 80700000 3 42000000 1 UNDP 18000000 1 UNDP 33 Ind 18059000 37 Ind 849050000 JDS 11700000 3 LJSP 12200000 3 1 APP 10000000 569,96,00,000 216 937,82,67,500 184 alcohol were reduced.

A vicious cycle Hekani Jakhalu, founder director of YouthNet, while presenting a comparative assessment of election expenses by can-

didates during 2008 and 2013, observed that people take money from politicians on the understanding that politicians “have eaten up their money.”

Politicians, on the other hand, spend their term in

Source: YouthNet office making up for the monetary loss. While stating that this provides just the right environment for corruption to take root, she said, “It is a vicious cycle which has to be broken.”

Referring to the hundreds

of crores spent on electioneering, Jakhalu said that on the contrary post-election expenditure affidavits submitted by candidates state that none spent more than Rs. 20 lakhs.

The issues of the involvement of Naga Political Groups (NPGs), excess employment, inflated electoral rolls, relation between election expenses and the yearly financialdeficitandselection of candidates figured during the question-answer session in which old and young participants took part.

Swu, responding to a query on the assumed relation between the yearly financial deficit and election expenses of candidates, held that they cannot be related.

However Jakhalu differed stating that the two are, either directly or indirectly, referring to the vicious cycle of corruption that has set in.

On the question of selection of candidates, he said that people most often go for a candidate who has money and power, but rarely examine the person’s integrity.

As for the involvement of NPGs, Swu commented, “No one has the answer to that question. They should not involve but we have no control over them.”

For Methna Konyak, a former leader of the Konyak Students Union,

clean elections should begin with being honest about the population census and the E-roll.

Setting a trend of contesting elections without using money to buy votes was strongly asserted by Arthur Edwards, Administrator of Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School and Dr. Panger Kechu, lecturer at Oriental Theological Seminary.

In the words of Dr. Panger, “We need role models, people, who can assert that they will not buy votes, whether they win or lose.”

Can Nagaland’s politicians stand up to play this role?

While the imagined change may not happen overnight, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, who was also part of the audience, commented, “A process of social change comes very slowly.”

With Nagaland set to go into an election year in 2018, the Morung Lectures seek to continue to facilitate discussion on some of these difficult issues. As Editor of The Morung Express, Dr. Aküm Longchari, said in his concluding remarks, true understanding entails the understanding of differences. The Morung Lectures create space to bring differing and divergent voices to listen to each other in order to break the status quo.

2

SunDAY 09•04•2017

NAGALAND

WSU opposes border survey, calls for dialogue and development DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The Wonthoi Students Union (WSU) today extended support to the joint memorandum issued by the four Pangsha Range village councils viz DAN village, Old Pangsha, New Pangsha and Wonsoi village seeking the Chief Minister’s intervention on issues along the India and Myanmar border at ITC DAN. A press note from the WSU condemned the proposed joint survey work between border pillar 145 and 146 of the Indo-Myanmar border at ITC DAN, stating that this is being planned without the consent of the indigenous inhabitants of the region.

The WSU expressed concern that by conducting survey works and drawing boundary lines based on the imaginary line demarcated by the British will only escalate more tensions and hardships to inhabitants, “as it will only bring divisions among many families, houses and native villages who are living in harmony.”

“Our ancestral land doesn’t encourage any insurgency nor to cause any disruption among the neighbouring countries. In fact, the region is one of the most remotest and undeveloped area of both sides of the countries. Hence, they should focus more on developmental works for better education, health and road connectivity,” the WSU said.

It meanwhile appealed to the surveying teams of both the countries to stop the proposed work, and rather strengthen communication and dialogue through friendly consultations, without compromising the well being of the indigenous inhabitants.

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

NBCC, ACAUT affirm pledge to Clean Election Campaign

DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) have affirmed commitment to the clean election campaign.

A joint statement from the ACAUT and the NBCC informed that they held a meeting on January 19 in Dimapur to discuss the concern of pervasive electoral and election malpractice in the state and measures to be adopted to curb such practices.

NBCC General Secretary Rev. Zelhou Keyho stated that even though, the Clean Election Campaign was initiated by the church, the movement is a common property because the church and society exists side by the side and the sacred cannot be detached from the secular and therefore, it is everyone's business to curb the malpractices prevailing in our State.

Both the parties recognized the fact that the root cause of corruption in the state is the prevailing ill practices of election process, the statement in-

formed. Both ACAUT and NBCC felt the need to set the moral tone by raising the level of awareness among the masses and the electorate through various means, such as calling on the civil society organizations and the church organisations regardless of denominations to stand up and support the NBCC's initiative against the pervasive malpractices of election by holding consultative meeting to educate the electorates at different levels.

The NBCC meanwhile agreed to assist and provide logistic support, provide resources and resource personals since it has already set up Core Committee in the state level and association levels.

The meeting resolved that the NBCC will disseminate the guidelines of Clean Election Campaign to the village and a strong working relationship between the church and the village authority will be initiated through the association so that a clear set of guidelines between the two will be worked out.

All the pastors, includ-

ing the church workers such as deacons, missionaries, and evangelists sign the Clean Election Pledge and the same will be administered to all the members eligible to vote.

The meeting also agreed that all the intending candidates should adhere to the NBCC Clean Election guidelines; and that on election day, the pastors in the villages, regardless of the denominations will take the spiritual role along with the village level Clean Election Committee so that the clean election campaign is taken to its logical conclusion.

It was also resolved that civil societies in every level including ACAUT will support and in this NBCC will tape the strength and force of the youth and the intellectual into the movement.

The two parties further decided to have regular meetings henceforth for better cooperation.

The meeting, which was chaired by Khekiye K Sema, IAS (Retd), concluded with a prayer and blessing by Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, the President and the Convener of CEC, NBCC.

Renault launches all new ‘Kwid Climber’ in Nagaland

Managing director, SK Autocrafts Private Ltd., Sameer Mansuri (2nd left) along with other staff after launching the Renault’s all new ‘Kwid Climber’ in Dimapur on Saturday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | April 8

After the successful launch of Kwid 1.0L and Kwid AMT, the giant automobile company Renault has come out with an all new exciting edition to the Kwid range: Kwid Climber.

In Nagaland State, Kwid Climber, the latest vari-

ant of the Kwid range, was launched here at SK Autocrafts Private Ltd., Purana Bazar, the Renault authorized dealer, by Autocrafts managing director, Sameer Mansuuri, on Saturday evening.

The launch was attended by a number of regular and prospective customers and well wishers.

The new Kwid Climber comes with 1.0L Sce engine in both manual transmission and easy R AMT featuring the revolutionary shift control dial. It is also available in three body colour options including All new electric blue, Outback Bronze and Planet Grey.

Kwid Climber carries all the equipments of the Kwid

1.0L RXT (O) variant in addition to 17 new outstanding elements.

New Kwid Climber 1.0L Sce variant in manual transmission comes at an introductory price of Rs. 4,61,640 (Ex-Dimapur) and the Easy-R variant will be offered at an introductory price of Rs. 4,92,648 (ExDimapur).

Need to strengthen unity within tribe underlined Our Correspondent

Lato Zhimkiur and Statistical Secretary T. Lokhum.

Associate Pastor (Women) Yimchungrü Baptist Church Kohima pronounced the invocation while benediction was offered by Church Secretary Vongsuthong.

Kohima | April 8

Parliamentary Secretary for Municipal Affairs, R Tohanba today emphasized on the need to strengthen unity and understanding within the respective tribe in order to achieve peace in the larger perspective of the Naga society.

“As Nagas we have to start building up unity and understanding from home, that is, the respective tribe only after which we will be able to have sustainable peace to progress ahead in oneness,” Tohanba said while addressing the 22nd General Meeting of Yimchungrü Union Kohima (YUK) on the theme “Strength in Unity” at Capital Convention Centre here.

He also called upon the Naga people to inculcate social and moral courtesy of respecting the elders and

Parliamentary secretary R.Tohanba, BDO Chessore S Lakiumong, YUK President T. Kejingkhum with officials of YUK and dignitaries pose for lens during the 22nd General Meeting of Yimchungrü Union Kohima on April 8. (Morung Photo)

also uphold the principle of forgive and forget, besides setting good examples for the younger generation to follow suit. The Parliamentary Secretary also expressed that in order to strengthen the union, it is necessary for the leaders to understand the minds and character of their commu-

nity members.

Block Development Officer (BDO) Chessore, S. Lakiumong exhorting the gathering called upon the leaders of the Union to be humble and patient to take forward the Union in particular and the tribe in general.

YUK President T. Kejingkhum delivered the

welcome address while folk song was presented

by Yimchungrü Women Organisation Kohima Unit and special numbers

by Yimchungrü Students Union Kohima. Reports for the tenure 2015-17 were presented by General Secretary T. Kiutsuthong Phuvrü, Finance Secretary K.

YUK elects new team of office bearers Meanwhile, during the session, new team of office bearers for the 2017-19 was also elected, which include President – T. Kejingkhum, Vice President – A. Ariba Huker, General Secretary – T. Akhumba Zanger, Assistant General Secretary – T. Kiusangthong Phuvkiu, Finance Secretary – K. Lato Zhimkiur, Press & Information Secretary – Johan Kiutsukiur, Statistical Secretary – H. David Hutanger, Art & Culture Secretary – T. Pusukhong and Treasurer – A. Akum Huker.

In an effort to raise awareness on public sanitation and hygiene, Hill Theatre Nagaland, on Saturday, April 8, installed some handmade dustbins in and around Dimapur State Stadium (D.C Court Charali). The group emphasized the need for individual responsibilities in maintaining a clean environment and also urged the public to safeguard the efforts made by any group or individuals for the betterment of our society.

Realistic Response: ASU biennial general conference Kohima Ao women org donates drinking water system to NHAK Our Correspondent Jotsoma | April 8

Nagaland’s PHED chief engineer Er Kevisekho Kruse today challenged the students to come forward and walk an extra mile to have an independent and secure life.

“We need to work hard. We need to be responsible,” he said while addressing the inaugural function of the 27th Biennial General Conference of the Angami Students' Union (ASU) here. Basing on the conference theme “Realistic Response,” Er Kruse said a time has come to act responsibly and live purposefully. He called upon the students to inculcate the spirit of hard work and live a “dignify life.” Nagas don’t want to work and we have become lazy, he lamented adding that such trend would lead to a bleak future.

Er Kruse also stressed on the need to convert Kohima city into a business friendly and clean city. He challenged the student community to develop a friendly atmosphere and let others stay comfortably and at the same time asked them to expand the horizon of networking.

Angami Public Organization, President, Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi asked the students community to be pro-

Dearest Late Ketholelie Kiewhuo, You have gone to be with the Lord on this,9th April,2006,your departure of eleven years flew away, not a single day passed without you in our thoughts, your presence, laughter is felt every single moment, no one can eke out you, we missed you till we meet at Almighty God's kingdom.

De eply misse d: Loving Mother,Sister,Brother, Childre n,Grand Childre n and in-Laws.

Er. Kevisekho Kruse speaking at the inaugural function of ASU Biennial General Conference at Jotsoma on April 8.

(Morung Photo)

ductive, honest and free from corruption so that others would gain benefit from them.

He asked them to have a clear understanding of the subject matters and not to be part of depending others but let other section of the people depend on them.

Naga Students’ Federation, Speaker, Joshua Thong said that ASU is one of the strongest backbones of the NSF and hoped that ASU will continue to push the Federation towards greater heights. He was confident that ASU will be the guiding force to bring all the Nagas together.

ASU President Dievi Yano in his presidential address was optimistic that some pragmatic approaches would emerge from its conference theme “Realistic Response” during three days. In this, he called upon the students to be attentive, learn something and use their expertise to the fullest so that all the Angamis will gain benefit from them and march forward.

Earlier, the inaugural function was chaired by organizing committee convenor Kelhouneizo Yhome.

Later, in the academic session, Dr. Hovithal Sothu (Deputy Director, Administrative Training Institute (ATI) and Kekhrie Yhome (Former Asst.

Professor, Delhi & Nagaland University talked on "Excellence - Realistic Response" and "Socio-economic and political conditions - Realistic Response" respectively.

Meanwhile, devotional service will take place on March 9 from 9:00 AM onwards with Rev. Dr. Sanyii Iralu (Principal Shalom Bible Seminary, Sechiima) as the speaker. He will speak on "The call for Integrity Realistic Response."

The speaker for the valedictory session scheduled at 3:00 PM will be Er. Krosii Rhetso (Chief Engineer R&B), who will speak on "Affirmative Decision - Realistic Response."

NHAK managing director Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao along with Kohima Watsu Telen after commissioning the Drinking Water system at NHAK on April 8.

Our Correspondent Kohima | April 8

In a benevolent gesture, Kohima Watsu Telen (Ao Women Organisation) today donated 10 units of drinking water system to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). The drinking water system in-

stalled in different wards and entrance of NHAK was formally inaugurated by NHAK Managing Director Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao.

In his address during the inaugural function, Dr. Neikhrielie while maintaining that the need for installing the drinking water system had been long felt

and lauded the Watsu Telen for extending the facility in the Hospital.

“We are extremely glad towards the Organisation,” he said while adding that safe drinking water is a must to prevent and control the environment pollution and that the facility would be of major help to

patients and visitors. He also asserted that the Hospital authority has been making best efforts to improve the hospital for the good of the patients.

KWT senior member Watienla Jamir said the Organisation besides standing for the rights of women in the society has also been taking up social obligations and therefore installation of the drinking water system is part of the responsibility towards the society. She expressed hope that the facility would be beneficial everyone in the Hospital, including the sick, visitors, attendants and also staff of NHAK. She also requested the Hospital authority to properly manage the drinking water system.

Chaired by KWT Chubasangla Longkumer, dedicatory prayer was pronounced by Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo pastor Tiatoshi Longkumer. Naga Idol Season 3.08 Toshinaro Imchen enthralled the gathering with a special number.

Menace of robberies at KPA

DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) teachers’ association has condemned the robbery at the institute which occurred on April 5. A press note from the association informed that the theft menace at KPA has gone beyond tolerance.

“In broad daylight, clothes that were left for sun-drying were stolen at a spree from three Lecturer’s quarter. While the teaching

fraternity was still trying to find out means to meet up the basic necessities which were stolen during the last winter/semester break, another devastating blow of robbery has hit KPA again,” it stated.

It reminded that “when the authority with faculty members are tirelessly sacrificing their outmost services for uplift and upgradation of the Institute, the present trend of unhealthy atmosphere is not at all fa-

vourable and detrimental to the on-going project envision for the young Naga generation’s future.” The association asked the concerned authority to expedite the ongoing process of deploying one full strength platoon at the institute.

It meanwhile urged all right thinking citizen to condemn such acts and in turn render their full support and cooperation to the investigating authority in booking the culprits.

Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, who is also the president of Naga People’s Front, after a meeting with the NPF party workers of 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency. Dr Shürhozelie during his first official tour as chief minister inaugurated the Senayangba Govt Hr Sec School science cum administrative block on April 6, 2017. During his tour the Chief minister and his entourage, comprising of top NPF officials, met with party officials, and also the former candidate of 28 Koridang A/C T. Chalukumba Ao, who is also a Central Executive Council (CEC) member of the NPF. (NPF Media)

Sunday 09•04•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

People to decide about Dalai Lama's institution

T a w a n g ( a r u n a c h a l Pradesh), aPril 8 (ians): Tibetan Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday said it was up to his people to decide whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not.

A monastery official said the 14th Dalai Lama would hold discussions with senior Lamas the issue of reincarnation during his stay at Tawang.

"I have left it to the people to decide whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. It depends entirely on the wishes the Tibetan people," the Tibetan leader told journalists at Tawang, the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso.

The Dalai Lama arrived at the Tawang monastery on Friday evening and began his religious discourses on Saturday.

He is staying at the Tawang monastery, which belongs to the Gelugpa school of Mahayana Buddhism and has had a religious connection with Lhasa's Drepung monas-

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrives to deliver teachings at Yiga Choezin, in Tawang, in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, April 8, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

tery that continued during the British rule.

Beijing refers to this connection to claim Tawang as part of China after invading and taking over Tibet in 1950.

There is speculation that the 15th Dalai Lama could be again from Tawang even as China has

named a six-year-old boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, widely considered the second-holiest monk in Tibetan Buddhism.

Asked if the next Dalai Lama could be a woman, the Dalai Lama said: "That might also happen.”

"Let China first come

clear on its theory on rebirth (next Dalai Lama)," the 81-year-old said.

"I retired from politics in 2011 and all political matters are handled by our government-in-exile. But I am committed to promote and preserve Tibetan culture and ecology."

China on Wednesday

lodged a protest with India over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale was summoned in Beijing.

The Sino-Indian border along Arunachal Pradesh is separated by the McMahon Line, an imaginary border now known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India and China fought a border war in 1962, with Chinese troops advancing deep into Arunachal Pradesh and inflicting heavy casualties on poorly armed Indian troops.

The border dispute with China was inherited by India from British rulers, who hosted a 1914 conference with the Tibetan and Chinese governments that set the border in what is now Arunachal Pradesh.

China has never recognised the 1914 McMahon Line and claims 90,000 sq km, including nearly all of Arunachal. India accuses China of occupying 8,000 sq km in Jammu and Kashmir.

After 1962, tensions flared again in 1986 with Indian and Chinese forces

clashing in Sumdorong Chu valley of Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese troops reportedly built a helipad in the valley leading to the fresh skirmishes.

On US President Donald Trump's "America First Policy", the Nobel laureate said: "I disagree with the America First policy. It is unbecoming of a country that encourages free thinking."

Exhorting the European Union for pursuing policies directed at social cohesion, the Dalai Lama suggested that India, China and Pakistan could have similar economic and cultural cooperation for greater stability in the sub-continent.

"The exit of Britain (from European Union) was the people's choice, but EU is something Africa, the America and even Asia can follow. I admire Germany for sticking to EU despite a very strong Deutsche Mark," he said.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. India is also home to some 100,000 Tibetans.

HSSLC paper leak: Minister warns of stern action EPIL manager booked for taking Rs 50 lakh in bribes Newmai News Network Imphal | April 8

Education Minister Th Radheshyam Singh has warned of stern action against those responsible for the recent Class XII Physics question paper leak on April 5 during the examination conducted by Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM).

He said those responsible for the paper leak will be punished, if found guilty. He assured that officials ranging from bottom to the top will not be spared in this case.

“The question paper was opened at 9:15 am and

the leaked paper was unexpectedly circulated at 9:20 am,” Radheshyam told a press meet at RMSA office, Babupara.

Radheshyam suspected that the paper leak originated from the particular examination hall indicating involvement of officials who were on duty inside the hall.

He said the Cyber Crime Unit of Manipur Police is investigating the matter to bring all culprits to book and that the Education Department will also carry out inquiry into the incident to punish the culprits.

But Radheshyam was very clear about the government’s stand to cancel any proposal on conduct

of a re-examination for the leaked paper.

It may be mentioned that 16 persons, including 12 students were arrested by the Imphal West Cyber Crime Unit yesterday in connection with the paper leak incident.

Meanwhile, the Joint Students’ Co-ordination Committee (JSCC) has urged for conduct of re-examination for the Physics paper of Class XII. “COHSEM must announce their decision on the demand before April 10, JSCC convenor Sanasam Subhashchandra said during a press meet at Manipur Students Federation (MSF) office.

Two arrested, 27 gm of heroin seized in Mizoram

aizawl, aPril 8 (PTi): Two persons were arrested after 27 gram of heroin worth Rs one lakh was seized from their possession by Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department. The duo, both residents of Aizawl, were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, officials said. The narcotic substance was allegedly being smuggled from Myanmar and an investigation has been initiated, they said.

Meghalaya police advisory to land owners shillong, aPril 8 (PTi): Meghalaya police today issued an advisory to land owners not to fall prey to criminals claiming to be representatives of telecom companies for setting up mobile towers. It has come to the notice of the police that some unscrupulous persons are calling public randomly over mobile phone claiming to be functionaries/ employees of Reliance Communication or other service providers for setting up mobile towers,? SP City Vivek Syiem said in a statement. He said these criminals first asked the persons whether they had any land available for setting up of mobile tower and documents for verification, including PAN card. Several people have fallen prey to such criminals and payments of Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh were demanded as security deposits for the contract, the SP said. The callers, using Kolkata-based SIM cards, would stopd only when they realise that the victims cannot pay anymore, he said. All steps are being taken by the police to nab the culprits and book them as per law,? he said adding that the advisory was issued to ensure that the public were not cheated.

AMFU demands land to protect interest of farmers aizawl, aPril 8 (PTi): All Mizoram Farmers Union (AMFU) today said that they had made appeals to the state government to expeditiously legislate a land ceiling law to protect the interests of the farmers in the state. Talking to media persons, AMFU leaders said that due to the absence of proper land holding system in Mizoram, lands had been "mis-utilised" by rich people to receive compensation and selfish business purposes rather than utilising potential areas for agriculture and horticulture purposes. Larger areas of arable lands were being purchased and owned by rich people who never tilled the land but owned the lands for the purpose of making money through availing compensation and other purposes, the farmer leaders alleged. The AMFU suggested to the government that ownership of land should be given to those people who tilled the land and that land revenue should also be reduced for real farmers.

Tripura wants Rajdhani Exp and more long distance trains agarTala, aPril 8 (uni): Tripura Transport minister Manik Dey today demanded to extend the service of Rajdhani Express up to Agartala and increase more long distance trains from Tripura connecting important cities of the country. While discussing the railway development issues of the state with a three-member delegation of NF Railway and IOCL yesterday, Dey asked the officials that Tripura has been connected to the railway network but the service quality, frequency of trains and time bound connectivity to and from Tripura was not assured. Dey also demanded to introduce pantry car in two long distance trains-- Tripura Sundari Express from Agartala to Delhi and Kachanjagha from Agartala to Kolkata besides maintaining the schedule of trains' movement and to increase number of ticket quota for Tripura in both the trains.

Mizoram govt allocates Rs 2 crore as emergency disaster fund aizawl, aPril 8 (PTi): Mizoram government today allocated Rs two crore as emergency disaster fund to take up works to prevent further sinking of land in Hunthar locality of Aizawl, an official statement said. The statement said that the detailed project report (DPR) submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for allocation of Rs 15 crore was yet to be released and the heavy pre-monsoon downpours necessitated taking up preventive works on an emergency basis. The proposed preventive works included prevention of entry of water into the soil and construction and improvement of drainage system and retaining walls in the strategic locations, the statement said. Sinking of land in the area had caused 45 families to vacate their homes while four houses had been dismantled last year.

new delhi, aPril 8 (ians): The CBI on Saturday said it has registered two separate cases against the manager of public sector enterprise Engineering Projects India Limited (EPIL) for obtaining illegal gratification of Rs 50 lakh.

The amount was obtained from two separate companies for awarding them contracts of public works in Tripura and Kolkata.

Investigators in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said that Paritosh Kumar Praveen, who is employed at EPIL's Delhi-based branch, allegedly demanded Rs 1.5 crore but they have managed to get evidence only about Rs 50 lakh illicit money received by him.

The CBI got information that the accused official allegedly obtained illegal gratification from a Kolkata-based owner, also an accused, of a construction company in Uttar Pradesh's Ambedkar Nagar for a building project in West Bengal's New Town -- a fast growing satellite city in the neighbourhood of Kolkata -- in one case.

"In the second case, the EPIL officer received gratification from the director of a construction company based at Guwahati in Assam for public works at the ONGC Tripura Power Company," a CBI official said.

He said that the agency conducted raids at more than a dozen locations in

eight states, including Lucknow, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Bastar, Bilaspur, Kolkata, Guwahati, Udaipur (Tripura), Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Delhi.

"The significant information and evidence that emerged during these searches are being examined for further investigation."

8

Manipur Governor, Dr Najma Heptulla has appealed "all concerned" particularly the Joint Action Committee Against Anti Tribal Bills (JAC-AATB) to allow a decent burial of the remaining eight dead bodies lying in a hospital in Churachandpur.

The agitations which erupted in the hill districts of Manipur immediately after passing of the three controversial bills, considered by the hill people to be anti-tribal, in the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, 2015 led to the loss of nine young lives in Churachandpur district.

"More than a year has passed, all the dead bodies except for one are still lying unclaimed in the morgue. The family members of the deceased have not been able to perform the last rites and give a decent burial to their loved ones.

This is heart wrenching and not in consonance with the teachings of any of our religions", Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said in a statement released from the Gover-

NORTHEAST FRONTIER RAILWAY Serving Customers With A Smile

DIMAPUR: NAGALAND VISITING CONSULTANTS

 CANCER SURGEON: Dr. GANESH DAS MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh), DNB, FMAS, FAIS, Trained Cancer Surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai will be available for consultation on 22nd April 2017(Saturday).  UROLOGIST: Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 26th April 2017 (Wednesday) for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone.

Sl. Type of Vehicle No 1 Motor Cycle (Hero Honda Splendor) 2 Motor Cycle (Hero Honda Splendor) 3 Motor Cycle (Hero Honda Splendor) 4 Tata Sumo (Sumo SE+)

7

Imphal | April 8

nor’s Secretariat on Saturday.

“Times have changed and after the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections a new popular government is now in place.

I am happy that the new government has taken the initiative for breaking the ice between the government and the JAC against Anti-Tribal Bills and bringing the leaders of the latter to the negotiating table,” Dr Heptulla said.

Dr Heptulla in the statement added, “There are already signs of a thaw in their rigid positioning. We are living in a democratic country and dialogue is the preferred means of resolving issues in a democracy. There is nothing that cannot be resolved through dialogue and we should all repose full faith in this democratic process.

“Therefore, I fervently appeal to all concerned particularly to the JAC members to allow a decent burial with all religious rites to the dead bodies lying in the morgue and to participate wholeheartedly in the democratic process of dialogue for resolving their issues,” She added.

RAILWAY NOTIFICATION

For Registration, please contact: 03862- 2318664, 227337, 224117

Sealed tenders are invited for disposal of the following condemned vehicles of SIB, Kohima on “AS IS WHERE IS BASIS”. Each tender should be accompanied by bank draft/DACR of Rs.2000/-(Rupees Two Thousand) only as earnest money deposit payable to the DDO, SIB Kohima,

6

Newmai News Network

On account of Rangali Bihu/Assamese and Bengali New Year day festival all the computerized Reservation offices over N.F. Railway will operate from 08.00 hours to 14.00 hrs. on 14-04-2017 (Friday) in one shift only.

Dy. Chief Commercial Manager/PM

TENDER NOTICE

5

Allow a decent burial to the dead bodies, appeals Manipur Governor

Registration Year of Place Number make NL-10-4013 2002 Dimapur Office Compound NL-10-5388 2006 -doNL-10-5387

2006

NL-10-4386

2003

Water Tanker (Swaraj NL-11-1430 Mazda, Cab Chassi) Tata Sumo (Sumo SE+) NL-10-5255

2006

Maruti Gypsy (Gypsy NL-10-3566 King- Hard Top) Maruti Gypsy (Gypsy NL-10-2751 King- Hard Top)

2001

2004

1998

-doOfficers Hill, Behind Raj Bhawan, Kohima

ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE DIMAPUR: NAGALAND

D r.

MUNGULIBA MD, Medicine Specialist, trained Echocardiographer from Apollo Hospital, New Delhi is available for consultation on all week days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, please contact: 03862-231864, 227337, 224117

Mountain View Christian College, Kohima AFFILIATED TO NAGALAND UNIVERSITY Near BSF Camp. Below ATI Office: Kohima Contact No : 0370-2280071/9856974717 ARTS AND COMMERCE

Classes 11&12 B.A (Gen) B.A(Hons)

Admission fee Installment 5500 3000 quarterly 6500 3100 quarterly 6800 3200 quarterly

Hostel Monthly fee

- 3500

-doSIB Office, TCP Gate, Kohima -do-do-

2. The above vehicles can be inspected at the places mentioned against each during office hours on any working days.

3. Sealed tenders, along with DACR (Deposit-at-Call-Receipt) separately for each vehicle, will be received up to 1400 hrs on 20.04.2017 in the Office of SIB, Kohima and would be opened at 1530 hrs. on the same day at SIB, Kohima, near TCP Gate, Post Box No. 4, Kohima- 797001, Nagaland. The highest bidder for the vehicle will have to deposit 1/4th of the tender amount in cash on the day of opening of tenders and remaining amount will have to be paid by Demand Draft in favour of DDO, SIB Kohima payable at State Bank of India, Kohima in the next two days.

The delivery of the vehicles would be given only on receipt of full amount and after change of the registration number/number plate in his favour.

In the event of failure of highest bidder to make the payment, he would forfeit his earnest money and the vehicle will be sold to the next highest bidder. In the event of bid found less than the fixed price, the same would be cancelled. The Joint Director, SIB, Kohima reserves the right to reject any or all of the tenders without assigning any reasons whatsoever.

Jt. Deputy Director Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (Ministry of Home Affairs) Government of India, Kohima, Nagaland

No. PD/NERLP/2016-17/695/6

North East Livelihood Promotion Society Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India

Regional Project Management Unit House No. 102, Dilip Huzuri Path, Guwahati — 781006(Assam) Dated: 01/04/2017

Vacancy Announcement-Extension of Time The last date of receiving applications for the post of Co-ordinator (Monitoring &Evaluation), Tuensang notified vide memo No.-PD/NERLP/ 2016-17/695/ 989 dated 01-03-2017 has been extended till 24th April, 2017. All terms and conditions relating to the post remain the same.

Vacancy Announcement Applications are invited for one post of Coordinator (M&E) in District Project Management Unit (DPMU) at Tuensang on contractual terms for North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP).

Interested applicants may mail their application in prescribed format (available at www.nerlp. gov.in) with self-attested copies of certificates, mark sheets and testimonials hr.nelps@gmail. com. The last date of receipt of application is 21-03-2017.

For further details, please logon to www.nerlp.gov.in

Project Director, NERLP, Guwahati

4

sundAY 09•04•2017

nagaland

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

No estimates of undeposited RBI slows remonetisation rate as govt black money in old notes: Govt cracks down on black money depositors

New Delhi, April 8 (pTi): There is no official estimate of black money held in scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes that have been left undeposited with banks during the demonetisation period.

"There is no official estimation of the amount of black money in form of old Rs 500/1000 that have not been deposited during the course of demonetisation drive," Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Cash deposits of more than Rs 5 lakh were made in 23.87 lakh accounts between November 8 and December 30, 2016 -- the period of demonetisation, he said.

"Separate details of such deposits in old and new currency are not maintained," the minister added.

Also, the cumulative deposits of more than Rs 25 lakh of all kinds of were made in about 4.62 lakh loan accounts during the period, he added.

To another question, Gangwar said the Reserve Bank has informed that no specific guideline directing public sec-

tor banks to keep their account books correct were issued by them.

Banks are required to prepare a balance sheet and profit and loss account as per the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

In another reply, the minister said the RBI has informed that it has not expressed its inability to supply notes to any bank nor refuse to give cash, and always endeavours to supply as much as is required consistent to its stocks.

Regarding a question on One Time Settlement Scheme for MSME sector, he said State Bank of India has offered the scheme to its non-performing assets (as on March 31, 2016) with outstanding of above Rs 5 lakh and up to Rs 5 crore and Advances under Collection Accounts with outstanding ranging from Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5 crore, in manufacturing, trade and services.

"SBI has received 2,772 applications, out of which 2,703 applications have been approved by the bank," said Gangwar.

Rs 141.13 crore worth of new Rs 2000, Rs 500 notes seized The Income Tax department, Enforcement Directorate and other agencies have seized Rs 141.13 crore worth of new currency notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 crore while acting in different parts of the country, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Of this amount, Rs 110 crore was seized by the IT Department, Rs 4.54 crore seized by ED, Rs 26.21 crore by the CBI and Rs 38 lakh by the DRI, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said during Question Hour.

"All new Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 denominations seized by the ED are deposited in SBI or any nationalised banks so that they come back in circulation," he said.

Jaitely said all government agencies including ED, CBI, IT Department and Department of Revenue Intelligence have pan-India presence with requisite officials posted in headquarters, various zonal and regional units to conduct actions against blackmoney hoarders.

New Delhi, April 8 (hT): Even as the government cracks down black money hoarders exposed by the recent demonetisation move, the pace of new currency notes coming into circulation has slackened considerably. It is expected to flatten by the end of April.

The extent of both demonetisation and remonetisation can be gauged by the currency in circulation, which fell sharply from Rs 17.98 lakh crore just before the controversial move to Rs 8.98 lakh crore by January 6, 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in a surprise decision on November 8, 2016, making thousands queue up in front of banks and ATMs over the next two months.

The amount of cash in circulation began increasing from January, amounting to Rs 13.35 lakh crore at the end of March as printing of new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes picked up speed. But the remonetisation rate is slowing down now, and analysts expect the process to be completed by May. The increase in currency being circulated was 5.9% week-on-week in January 13. It slowed to 4.6% in February 10, and further to 4% on March 10.

Latest Reserve Bank of India data shows that the currency in circulation increased by 1.7% week-onweek to Rs 13.35 lakh crore as on March 31, 2017. Analysts say the RBI need not print the entire amount of “extinguished” currency, given the excess cash

in banks and the shift towards digital transactions.

The budgetary announcement of capping cash transactions at Rs 2 lakh may also necessitate less cash in the economy.

“We believe RBI should only print Rs 1.15 lakh crore more from March 24 levels. And, going by the average pace of printing, the process could be completed by the first fortnight of April,” State Bank of India chief economic advisor Soumya Kanti Ghosh wrote in a recent note.

Meanwhile, government agencies have begun cracking down on black money hoarders who deposited obsolete cash in banks without considering future implications during the demonetisation drive in NovemberDecember 2016.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley said in Parliament that authorities have detected 18 lakh cases of people whose income and bank account profiles don’t match. Preliminary information has been sought from such people, and many have responded. Those who have not given out details would be issued notices as per procedure, he added.

In keeping with its electoral promise of cracking down on unaccounted cash and corruption, the Narendra Modi administration has unearthed tax evasion money amounting to Rs 1.37 lakh crore in the last three years. The finance ministry said the money was recovered through 23,064 searches and surveys by government agencies.

Export of unsold BS-III vehicles suitable option: ICRA YouTube will not serve ads until channel reaches 10k views New Delhi, April 8 (iANS): Export of unsold BS-III commercial vehicles is the most suitable option for the manufacturers with a sizeable inventory following the Supreme Court ban on sale and registration of these vehicles after April 1, 2017, rating agency ICRA said on Friday.

"CV (commercial vehicle) OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are now sitting on sizeable stock of unsold inventory, which is worth approximately Rs 46-58 billion," the rating agency said in a report.

"We believe exports of these vehicles to nearby markets where emission norms have still not progressed to Euro-IV or equivalent appears to be the most suitable option available with OEMs as upgradation to BS-IV has limited possibility."

The report said the technology to meet BS-IV norms has undergone a significant shift.

In case of CVs, the engines technology has moved from largely mechanical to electro-mechanical.

"Apart from changes in engine technology, the exhaust system has also been upgraded to either exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) or selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to achieve higher reduction in Nox levels un-

der BS-IV," the report said.

In a setback to the automobile industry, the Supreme Court ban on the sale and registration of BS-III vehicles just two days prior to the implementation of new emission norms on April 1 resulted in the sizeable stock of BS-III vehicles lying unsold.

Besides, there was a sharp contraction in earnings on account of deep discounts extended to clear existing inventory and costs associated with recalls and possible upgradation to BS-IV norms.

"According to industry estimates, the CV industry had approximately 95,000 BS-III vehicles in March 2017, of which they were able to clear only 50,00060,000 units (or 55-65 per cent) in the last two days of the fiscal 2017 despite sharp increase in discounts (ranging between 10-30 per cent) offered by OEMs as well as dealers," the report added.

EPCA wants only BS VI vehicles from April, 2020 The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday told the Supreme Court that only BS-VI emission standards compliant vehicles should be allowed to be sold from April 1, 2020.

The EPCA also told the

bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta that a tax be imposed to disincentivise the sale of all diesel vehicles.

The apex court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority has called it equalisation tax.

The EPCA said this to the court which is hearing a batch of petitions seeking to control air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The court gave the Centre and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) three weeks' time to respond to the EPCA recommendations as it fixed next hearing on May 1.

The Centre had earlier told the court that it would skip the BS-V emission norms and move directly to BS-VI from 2020. At present only the BS-IV compliant fuel is available across the country.

Besides, the court gave the government three more weeks to decide on stopping the use of petcoke and furnace oil in the National Capital Region.

The recommendation by the EPCA to move to BS-VI emission norm vehicles comes on the heels of the apex court's order banning the sale of non-BS IV emission standards compliant vehicles across the country from April 1 this year.

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3910

SUDOKU

Answer Number # 3906

2007 that allows anyone to sign up for the service, start uploading videos and immediately begin making money.

"We will no longer serve ads on YPP videos until the channel reaches 10k lifetime views.

This new threshold gives us enough information to determine the validity of a channel.

It also allows us to confirm if a channel is following our community guidelines and adver-

New York, April 8 (iANS): The US Department of Labour (DoL) has accused Google of discriminating its female employees by paying them less than their male counterparts. According to a report in the Guardian on Saturday, The DoL, which is investigating the case, claims to have evidence of "systemic compensation disparities".

The allegations surface days after Google announced on Equal Pay Day that it had "closed the gender pay gap globally". "Let's make every day #EqualPayDay. All employers can take steps to eliminate the gender and race pay gaps, today," @Google tweeted

ACROSS 1. A dish of tomatoes and greens 6. Assist in crime 10. Curved molding 14. Excuse 15. Magma 16. Places 17. Snouts 18. Handle 19. Scheme 20. Distressing 22. Sexual assault 23. Spelling contest 24. Blockade 26. Gossamer 30. Abominable snowmen 32. Orderly grouping 33. Fortresses 37. Capelin 38. Shrewd 39. Notion 40. Resembling torpidity 42. Declares 43. Violent disturbances 44. Turns away 45. Desert plants 47. Lyric poem 48. Vagabond 49. Prodigious 56. Egg-shaped 57. Legal wrong 58. Bird poop 59. A style of design 60. If not 61. Finally (French) 62. Celebrity 63. Absorb written material 64. Relaxes DOWN 1. Found on most beaches 2. Balm ingredient 3. Speech disorder 4. Cain’s brother 5. Refuse 6. Seaweed

7. Stinging remark 8. Wicked 9. A wall hanging 10. Domineering 11. Internment camp 12. French for “Storehouse” 13. Feudal worker 21. Confederate soldier 25. 3 in Roman numerals 26. Taxis 27. By mouth 28. French cheese 29. Water-soluble pigment 30. Americans 31. Sea eagle 33. Pace 34. Smell 35. Colorful salamander 36. Back talk 38. Religious residence 41. A sizeable hole 42. Retaliator 44. Citrus drink 45. Desire 46. Hemp 47. Chose 48. Boxes for bricks 50. Lacquered metalware 51. Constellation bear 52. A ridge of sand 53. Clods 54. Module 55. Male offspring

Answer to Crossword 3909

earlier this week.

The government has collected information that points towards the violation of federal employment laws by Google, the DoL said.

"We found systemic compensation disparities against women pretty much across the entire workforce," the report quoted Janette Wipper, a DoL regional director, testifying in a San Francisco court, as saying.

The investigation in the case is not complete, but the DoL has said the government's analysis at this point indicated discrimination against women in Google is quite extreme. std code: 03862

ACCent ALLow AMoUnts AntAGonIZe BAnds BonUs BUdGet CoUnseL CrYstAL eAsILY FrIend FUnnY GAsPs IteMs LAIr LIst

the company will review their activity against YouTube policies and if everything looks good, channel will be added to YPP and will begin serving ads against their content.

"We want creators of all sizes to find opportunity on YouTube, and we believe this new application process will help ensure creator revenue continues to grow and end up in the right hands," the post read.

R

noVeL PILL PIZZA PrInCe resULts rUMor sHAMe sLAt storM teAr trAGIC trAnsItIon troLLs tUGs VeGetABLe VoUCH wAste woULd

D

TaHaMZaM

operation in new areas, especially some high-technology areas, that have a deeper connect with the youth in both our societies,” Modi said in a speech.

“These would include working in the fields of electronics, information technology, cyber security, space exploration, civil nuclear energy, and other areas,” he said. The two sides also agreed on close cooperation between their armed forces, according to the speech released by the Indian government.

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

232224

emergency

229529 229474

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

Zion Hospital

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Police Control room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

KOHiMa

north Ps

8575045501

south Ps

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520 Zubza Ps

8575045508

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

railway

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506 Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 Khuzama Ps

8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515 Kezocha Ps

232032, 231031

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

women Cell

eden Medical Centre

248722 /248288

Control room

S

E

A

R

C

std code: 0370

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

nikos Hospital and research Centre

O

MuMbAi, April 8 (reuTerS): India offered a $4.5 billion line of credit to neighbouring Bangladesh on Saturday to help it implement projects in priority areas such as the energy sector, and a separate $500 million credit line to support defence related procurements. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcements after a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is on a state visit to India.

“We want to build co-

Civil Hospital

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

W

AUtUMn

tiser policies," said YouTube in a blog post.

By keeping the threshold to 10k views, we also ensure that there will be minimal impact on our aspiring creators.

And, of course, any revenue earned on channels with under 10k views up until today will not be impacted, the post added.

After a creator hits 10k lifetime views on their channel,

Google accused of discriminating India offers $5 billion against, underpaying women credit line to Bangladesh

DiMaPUR

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

Game Number # 3907

New York, April 8 (iANS): For millions of creators, making videos on YouTube is not just a creative outlet, it is a source of income. Announcing a change to its "YouTube Partner Programme", video creators will not be able to make money until channel reaches 10,000 views.

The streaming service opened "YouTube Partner Programme" (YPP) to everyone in

H

8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

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

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

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

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

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

63.18 78.61 7.87 47.66 45.01 46.96 56.66 67.3 1.77 0.054 16.64 8.87

66.05 82.42 8.77 50.00 47.23 49.28 59.88 70.56 1.97 0.0601 18.55 9.87

Sunday 09•04•2017

NAGALAND

22 cases settled during Lok ‘More than half of Nagaland population are tobacco users’ Adalat in Kohima, Dimapur

Women community sensitized on harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003

Members of Kohima District Legal Services Authority during the National Lok Adalat held on April 8.

Kohima/Dimapur, april 8 (mExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) today took up 67 cases, both pending and pre-litigation, during a National Lok Adalat held at the Kohima District Court premises.

Seven out of the 67 cases were disposed – five pertaining to bank recovery and one pertaining to criminal compoundable

case, informed a press release from KDLSA. Among the 67 cases, 65 were bank recovery cases and the remaining two were criminal compoundable cases.

Victo Sema, NJS, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima & Secretary, KDLSA was the presiding Officer and Thejapfutuo Khezhie, Panel Lawyer and Nancy Lotha, Panel Lawyer, KDLSA were the conciliators.

Before the proceedings, Sema delivered the keynote address where he highlighted to the participants and beneficiaries the advantages and benefits of Lok Adalat.

He said that it was a platform where one can come and settle their disputes or litigation easily and without spending any money.

In Dimapur, 15 cases were settled with a total settlement amount of Rs. 7,12,220/- during a Lok Adalat conducted by the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) as part of its Common Action Plan and according to the directives issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA). The Lok Adalat dealt with banks recovery and compoundable cases.

Ajongba Imchen, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, who is also the Secretary of DDLSA officiated the National Lok Adalat at Dimapur District Court prem-

ises. In his brief address, he spoke on the importance of Lok Adalat as an alternative dispute resolution.

Settlement of large number of cases, Imchen said, has helped in reducing the pendency of cases, besides benefitting the clients. Lok Adalat has created an opportunity for the common people to get speedy and inexpensive justice, he added.

The DDLSA in a press release extended appreciation to the banks, conciliators, lawyers and general public for participating in the Lok Adalat. Meanwhile, the general public have been encouraged to avail the opportunity to bring forward any matters for settlement at the Lok Adalat.

The next National Lok Adalat will be held in the month of June, 2017. Further details can be availed from the Front Office, DDLSA, District Court, Dimapur.

EAC (Judicial) Wokha T. Kupa addresses the seminar on sensitization of women community on harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003 at LTC Hall, Wokha. (DIPR Photo)

WoKha, april 8 (Dipr): District Tobacco Control Cell, Wokha and Department of Health & Family Welfare organized a one day seminar on sensitization of women community on the harmful effects of tobacco and COPTA Act 2003 on April 8 at LTC Hall, Wokha, with EAC (Judicial) Wokha T. Kupa as the chief guest.

Delivering the keynote address, District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Wokha Dr. Meribeni Odyuo said it is worrisome that more than half of Nagaland population (57%) are tobacco users. Nagaland, she informed, stands as the second highest consumer of tobacco, next to Mizoram, according to GATS 2010 survey.

Village Health & Nutrition Kohima Bishop visits District Jail Day held in Longsachung

At the Village Health & Nutrition Day held at Longsachung village in Wokha on April 7.

WoKha, april 8 (mExN): The monthly Village Health & Nutrition Day (VHND) was conducted at Longsachung village in Wokha district on April 7.

The district monitoring team headed by Dr. Enrithung (CMO), Matsung (DPM), Suzi (DCM), Viroko (BPM) and Mhonlumi (BAC) visited and interacted with mothers in the village, informed a press release.

Initiating inter-departmental convergence, the District Social Welfare Department led by Soren Kikon (CDPO) also attended the programme and distributed nutritional food items to the pregnant and lactating mothers, the release added.

Children were also given immunization, while Matsung (DPM) gave a short health talk on the importance of immunization.

Kohima, april 8 (mExN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima visited District Jail, Kohima on April 8 accompanied by Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary; Sr. Mariam, FMA, Sr. Regina, FMA, Sr. Veronica, FCC, Rev. K. Kenye, Chaplin, District Jail, Kohima.

They conducted prayer service for the inmates.

In his address to the prisoners, the Bishop wished them Happy Easter. Maintaining that God's mercy is unlimited, he stated Easter is the celebration of God’s infinite mercy. “God understands us and loves us individually. He waits for our return and embraces us when we turn to him. Let us celebrate Easter with this attitude of gratitude to God for his love and of repentance and return to the God of love,” the bishop exhorted.

Rev. Fr. Thomas, while giving the gist of the homily of the bishop, also exhorted the audience saying, “Forgiveness

ANSU executive meeting held Dimapur, april 8 (mExN): The 4th executive meeting of All Nchangram Students’ Union (ANSU) was held on April 8 at the residence of its general secretary at Full Nagarjan, Dimapur.

Thanking each and every individual who has directly or indirectly contributed in achieving the union’s goals and objectives for the welfare of the society, ANSU has further sought the cooperation of each member in days to come as “the union has many milestones to be achieved.” It also appealed to each ex-official

The President and Executives of All Nchangram Students’ Union with Advisor on April 8.

member and senior citizen to continue extending their helping hand towards the union, stated a press release received here.

Meanwhile, the president on behalf of the

members has conveyed sadness over the demise of the union’s treasurer, Namzandi on March 29.

The union prayed that his soul will rest in peace and offered condolence to the bereaved family.

SBCKT women dept’s golden jubilee underway Morung Express News Kiphire | April 8

The golden jubilee celebration of Sangtam Baptist Church Kiphire Town (SBCKT) Women Department commenced on April 7 under the theme ‘Empowerment through Christ’. Hundreds of delegates from different villages in Kiphire district are

attending the three-day programme.

Rev C. Lima, Executive Secretary, USBLA, while releasing the souvenir and the history magazine, acknowledged the struggles as well as patience of the pioneers in the early years when the women department was established.

He also shared on the meaning of jubilee, stat-

ing it is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the journey.

It is also a time to grow stronger in the Lord, he added.

Visasieu Dolie, NBCC Wo m e n Secretar y, Chumpong, OTC Principal, Rev I. Apila, TBC Executive Secretary, and Aprie, USBKA Women Secretary are the speakers of the jubilee.

Bishop of Kohima Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil and others during their visit to District Jail, Kohima.

is one of the most wonderful abilities we, the human beings, have. People are not perfect.

We all make mistakes, but the good thing is that we are able to forgive and move on.”

Special song, spontaneous prayers and bible readings were presented by the inmates. Bishop James said the concluding prayer and gave the benediction. He also presented small gifts to all.

Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary in a press release mentioned that as part of the CBCI Commission for Prison Ministry in India, the CRI units in Kohima and Dimapur visit the prison at least once a month to pray with and for the inmates and help them in their immediate needs.

Sr. Mariam, FMA from Little Flower School is the coordinator of Prison Ministry in Kohima.

Kohima Science College becomes first institution in dist with 100% LED lighting Kohima, april 8 (Dipr): The Alumni Association, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma in an effort to support their alma mater towards becoming an ‘Energy Efficient Institution’ fully sponsored the replacement of 2000 electric bulbs and 500 tubes with LED bulbs and tubes.

The initiative enabled the college to become the first institution in Kohima district to have 100% LED lighting in the college campus, hostels and all the staff quarters.

This was achieved under ‘UJALA- Energy Efficient Kohima’ undertaken by the District Administration Kohima in partnership with Energy Efficient Service Ltd. (EESL), a joint

MEx FILE NCSU condoles Kohima, april 8 (mExN): The Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) head office Kohima has expressed shock over the sudden demise of Liyani Tungoe, wife of Ntsenthung Tungoe, NCSU Vice-President, on April 7 night after a prolonged illness. “She was always friendly with all the NCSU families and her early departure created a great loss to us,” stated a condolence message from NCSU President, Pele Khezhie and General Secretary, John Kath.

The union conveyed condolence and sympathy with the bereaved family members and prayed that God will grant them solace and strength at this moment of grief and sorrow.

IVR Head GB informs Dimapur, april 8 (mExN): All the EPIC card holders of polling station No. 11 and No. 12 at Industrial Village Razhüphe (IVR) under 2-DimapurII A/C have been directed to bring their family EPIC cards with two numbers of colored passport photos before the IVR council on April 28, 9:00 am onwards at IVR Panchayat Hall. A press release from Head GB cum Chairman IVR, TL Angami has asked all to bring the EPIC cards without fail for some necessary verification.

Committee to examine adhoc, contract, work-charged employees Kohima, april 8 (Dipr): The Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department in a notification has informed that the Government of Nagaland has constituted a committee, consisting of the following officers, to examine the posthumous and ex-postfacto regularization of the adhoc, contract, workcharged employees: Chairman – Chief Secretary; Members – Addl. Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner, Principal Secretary (School Education), Commissioner & Secretary (Works & Housing), Home Commissioner, Secretary (Justice & Law); Member Secretary – Secretary (P&AR).

SJHSS Tuensang alumni conduct social work

Alumni Association, Kohima Science College with the certificate awarded to the college for becoming an ‘Energy Efficient Institution’ on April 7. (DIPR Photo)

venture company of PSU of Ministry of Power, Government of India.

In this regard, a certificate was also awarded to the

college by the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan (IAS) on April 7 in recognition of the achievement of the college.

Free cancer screening & awareness camp ends

Dimapur, april 8 (mExN): A two-day free cancer screening and awareness camp concluded in Dimapur on April 7.

Organized by SD Jain Samaj Dimapur, it was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome in the presence of Om Prakash Sethi and many other dignitaries and members of the Samaj.

For the programme, the All India Marwari Yuva Manch provided a Volvo bus equipped with all the latest medical equipments and technicians, while six doctors from different fields took care of 355 patients, informed a press release from Sanjay Sethi, IPR, SD Jain Samaj. The In commemoration of the birth centenary of former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, the staffs of Digambar CharitaNagaland Pradesh Youth Congress organized a blood donation camp on the theme ble Clinic were also working round the clock for the ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ on April 8 at the Blood Bank, Dimapur District Hospital.

She stated steps are being taken to curb tobacco menace especially with the inception of tobacco control laws like COPTA 2003. “More people are now aware and advocating smoke free or tobacco free surrounding,” she added. Dr. Odyuo also informed that NTCP, Wokha team is working to create awareness about the ills of

tobacco amongst the society and has conducted awareness programmes in 26 schools, training and sensitization programmes in the churches, towns and nearby villages. More of such programmes are coming up, she said.

M e a n w h i l e, t h e chief guest said if proper awareness is given to the public, use of tobacco can be prevented, and called on the gathering to sensitize the public on the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Dr. Pithungo Kikon, MO, Wokha also spoke on tobacco & women’s health, while Kimiri Tungoe (WDLSA) and Abeni Kikon dwelled on COPTA Act 2003 and role of women in society.

The function was chaired by Mharoni Ezong, while vote of thanks was delivered by Ruutsome Savino.

TuENsaNg, april 8 (mExN): In commemoration of the school Golden Jubilee scheduled to be celebrated from April 21 to 23, the Alumni Association St. John’s Hr. Sec. School (SJHSS), Tuensang in collaboration with the school authority undertook a social work on April 8 in Tuensang Town under the theme ‘Clean Tuensang’. After the culmination of the social work, ADC, Tuensang, Nchumbemo addressed the declaration programme at the school campus and appreciated the alumni association for their initiative, a press release informed.

Meetings & AppointMents DDBA informs The Dimapur District Badminton Association (DDBA) has convened an emergency meeting on April 9 at 2:00 pm at Nagarjan Indoor stadium. In a press release, DDBA president, Vikhugha Chophi has requested all the executives members and representatives from all the affiliated clubs under DDBA to attend the meeting positively.

TSUD assembly The Volvo bus used during the cancer screening and awareness camp held in Dimapur.

benefit of the needy patients, it added.

The closing ceremony on April 7 was chaired

by Om Prakashji Sethi.

All the doctors and attendants were felicitated by the Jain Samaj members and were well appreciated for the good work done by them. Ritesh Khater, Provincial President of Purvotar Marwari Yuva Manch and Pradeepji Pareek were present at the closing cer-

emony and were also felicitated. The President appreciated the good work done by the Marwari Yuva Manch and assured all necessary support in their future assignments.

The organising committee headed by Ajit Sethi and Joint Secretary Sushil Paharia have also thanked all who participated and took pain in making the programme successful, the release added.

The 2nd Union Assembly of Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) for the tenure 2016-18 has been convened on April 22, 1:30 pm at Tenyimi Union Dimapur office. All the constituent and subordinate units, seniors, concerned members have been requested to attend the meeting without fail.

Women Resource Development calls meeting The Directorate of Women Resource Development has convened a meeting with all the beneficiaries of Promotion of Women in Innovative Enterprises Programme (2013 Batch) on April 27, 11:00 am at the Directorate. The Director of Women Resource Development in a press release has requested all to come along with all the relevant documents/ repayment slips/ details without fail.

6

The Chalkboard

SunDAY 09•04•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

The Frog Prince

find the hidden picture

O

nce upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess who had a golden ball. One day, while playing in the garden, the ball fell into a pond. She was very upset and did not know what to do. While she sat there crying helplessly, a frog hopped out of the pond and asked, “Why are you crying, little princess?” She told him about her golden ball. The ugly frog said, “I can help you get your ball but what will you give me in return?”

“I will give you anything you want!” promised the princess. The frog immediately dived into the water and fetched the ball for her. The princess was very happy. The frog reminded her, “Remember that you promised me anything.

Well, I want to be your friend, eat from your plate, and sleep in your palace!”

The princess hated the idea but she agreed and ran back to the palace.

The next morning, the princess found the frog waiting for her. He said, “I have come to live in your palace.” Hearing this, the princess ran to her father,

Complete the Picture

crying. When the kind king heard about the promise, he told her, “A promise is a promise and you must keep your word. You must let the frog stay here.” The princess was very angry but she had no choice and

let the frog stay. He ate from her plate during dinner and asked the princess to take him to her bed at night. The princess picked him up angrily and threw him to the floor.

In a flash, the frog

turned into a handsome prince! He told the princess that he had actually been under the spell of a wicked witch. The princess fell in love with the prince.

They were married and lived happily ever after.

W Maths Tricks

like-joke

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 the 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.

Ice cream word scramble

Number below 10 trick Step1: Come up with any digit below 10.

Step2: Multiply your number by 2.

Step3: Add 6 to your multiplied number.

Step4: Divide the digit by 2.

Step5: Subtract the first number you have thought from the latest number you have come with.

Answer: 3

Dot to dot Word Game

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 09•04•2017

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

7

The New Being

Salvation does not destroy creation; but it transforms the old creation into a new one. Therefore we can speak of the new in terms of renewal: the threefold 'RE,' namely, Re-Conciliation, Re-Union, and Re-Surrection."

Paul Tillich

I

f I were asked to sum up the Christian message for our time in two words, I would say with Paul: It is the message of a “New Creation.” We have read something of the New Creation in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Let me repeat one of his sentences in the words of an exact translation: If anyone is in union with Christ he is a new being: the old state of things has passed away; there is a new state of things. Christianity is the message of the New Creation, the New Being, the New Reality which has appeared with the appearance of Jesus who for this reason, and just for this reason, is called the Christ, the Messiah, the selected and anointed one is He who brings the new state of things.

We all live in the old state of things, and the question asked of us by our text is whether we also participate in the new state of things. We belong to the Old Creation, and the demand made upon us by Christianity is that we also participate in the New Creation. We have known ourselves in our old being, and we shall ask ourselves in this hour whether we also have experienced something of the New Being in ourselves.

What is this New Being? Paul answers first by saying what it is not. It is neither circumcision, nor uncircumcision, he says. For Paul and for the readers of this letter this meant something very definite. It meant that neither to be a Jew nor to b a pagan is ultimately important; that only one thing counts, namely, the union with Him in whom the New Reality is present. Circumcision or uncircumcision - what does that mean for us? It can also mean something very definite, but at the same time something very universal. It means that no religion as such produces the New Being. Circumcision is a religious rite, observed by the Jews; sacrifices are religious rites, observed by the pagans; baptism is a religious rite, observed by the Christians. All these rites do not matter - only a New Creation. And since these rites stand, in the words of Paul, for the whole religion to which they belong, we can say: No religion matters - only a new state of things¹. Let us think about this striking assertion of Paul. What it says first is that Christianity is more than a religion; it is the message of a New Creation. Christianity as a religion is not important - it is like circumcision or like uncircumcision; no more, no less. Are we able even to imagine the consequences of the apostolic pronouncement for our situation? Christianity in the present world encounters several forms of circumcision and uncircumcision.

Circumcision can stand today for everything called secular, but making half-religious claims. There are the great religions beside Christianity: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and the remnants of classical Judaism; they have their myths and their rites - so to speak, their “circumcision” - which gives each of them their distinction. There are the secular movements: Fascism, Communism, Secular Humanism, and Ethical Idealism. These try to avoid myths and rites; they represent, so to speak, uncircumcision. Nevertheless, they also claim ultimate truth and demand complete devotion. How shall Christianity face them? Shall Chris-

Paul Tillich was born in Prussia in 1886. He taught philosophy and theology at the universities of Marburg, Dresden, Leipzig, and Frankfurt. A leader of the Religious Socialist movement, his activities brought him into conflict with Nazism and he was forced to leave Germany in 1933 shortly after Hitler assumed power. From 1933 to 1955 Dr. Tillich taught at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Between 1955 and 1962 he was University Professor at Harvard, and in the latter year he became the John Nuveen Professor of Theology at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. Dr. Tillich died in 1965.

tianity tell them: Come to us, we are a better religion, our kind of circumcision or uncircumcision is higher than yours? Shall we praise Christianity, our way of life, the religious as well as the secular? Shall we make of the Christian message a success story, and tell them, like advertisers: try it with us, and you will see how important Christianity is for everybody? Some missionaries and some ministers and some Christian laity use these methods. They show a total misunderstanding of Christianity (by doing so). The apostle who was a missionary, and a minister, and a layman all at once says something different. He says: No particular religion matters, neither ours nor yours.

But I want to tell you that something has happened that matters, something that judges you and me, your religion and my religion. A New Creation has occurred, a New Being has appeared; and we are all asked to participate in it. And so we should say to the pagans and Jews wherever we meet them: Don’t compare your religion and our religion, your rites and our rites, your prophets and our prophets, your priests and our priests, the pious among you, and the pious among us. All this is of no avail. And above all don’t think that we want to convert you to English or American Christianity, to the religion of the Western World. We do not want to convert you to us, not even to the best of us. This would be of no avail. We want only to show you something we have seen and to tell you something we have heard: That in the midst of the old creation there exists a New Creation, and that this New Creation is manifest in Jesus who is called the Christ.

And when we meet Fascists, or Communists, or sit down with Scientific Humanists, or Ethical Idealists, we should say to them: Don’t boast too much that you have no rites and myths, that you are free from superstitions, that you are perfectly reasonable, uncircumcised in every sense.

In the first place, you also have your rites and myths, your bit of circumcision; they are even very important to you. But if you were completely free from them you would have no reason to point to your uncircumcision.

It is of no avail. Don’t think that we want to convert you away from your secular state to a religious state, that we want to make you religious and members of a very high religion, the

Christian, and of a very great denomination within it, namely, our own.

This would be of no avail. We want only to communicate to you an experience we have had that here and there in the world and now and then in ourselves is a New Creation, usually hidden, but sometimes manifest, and certainly manifest in Jesus who is called the Christ.

This is the way we should speak to all those outside the Christian realm, whether they are religious or secular. And we should not be too worried about the Christian religion, about the state of the Churches, about membership and doctrines (even!), about institutions and ministers, about sermons and sacraments. This (too) is circumcision; and the lack of it, the secularization which today is spreading all over the world is uncircumcision. Both are nothing, of no importance, if the ultimate question is asked, the question of a New Reality. This question, however, is of infinite importance.

We should worry more about it than about anything else between heaven and earth. The New Creation - this is our ultimate concern; this should be our infinite passion - the infinite passion of every human being. This matters; this alone matters ultimately. In comparison with it everything else, even religion or nonreligion, even Christianity or nonChristianity, matters very little - and ultimately nothing.

Now let me boast for a moment about the fact that we are Christians and let us become fools by boasting, as Paul called himself when he started boasting. It is the greatness of Christianity that we can see how small it is. The importance of being a Christian is that we can stand the insight that is of no importance. (It has taken me all of my life to realize this. And I am only now beginning to realize it.) It is the spiritual power of religion that he or she who is religious can fearlessly look at the vanity of religion. It is the maturest fruit of Christian understanding to understand that Christianity, as such, is of no avail. This is boasting, not personal boasting, but boasting about Christianity. As boasting it is foolishness, But as boasting about the fact that there is nothing to boast about, it is wisdom and maturity. Having as having not - this it the right attitude toward everything great and wonderful in life, even re-

ligion and Christianity. But it is not the right attitude toward the New Creation. Toward it the right attitude is passionate and infinite longing.

So now we ask again: What is the New Being? The New Being is not something that simply takes the place of the Old Being. But it is a renewal of the Old which has been corrupted, distorted, split and almost destroyed. But not wholly destroyed. Salvation does not destroy creation; but it transforms the Old Creation into a New one. Therefore we can speak of the New in terms of renewal: the threefold “re,” namely, Re-Conciliation, Re-Union, and And Re-Surrection.

In his letter, Paul combines New Creation with reconciliation. The message of reconciliation is: Be reconciled to God. Cease to be hostile to God, for God is never hostile to you. The message of reconciliation is not that God needs to be reconciled. How could God be? Since he is the source and power of reconciliation, who should reconcile Him? Pagans and Jews and Christians - all of us have tried and are trying to reconcile God by rites and sacraments, by prayers and services, by moral behavior and works of charity. But if we try this, if we try to give something to God, to show good deeds which may appease God, we fail. It is never enough; we never can satisfy God because there is an infinite demand upon us. And since we cannot appease God, we grow hostile toward Him. Have you ever noticed how much hostility against God dwells in the depths of the good and honest people, in those who excel in works of charity, in piety and religious zeal? This cannot be otherwise; for one is hostile, consciously or unconsciously, toward those by whom one feels rejected. Everybody is in this predicament, whether he or she calls that which rejects them “God,” or “nature,” or “destiny,” or “social conditions.” Everybody, as far as I can tell, carries a hostility toward the existence into which he or she has been thrown, toward the hidden powers which determine his or her life and that of the universe, toward that which makes him or her feel guilty and that threatens destruction because of their guilt. We all feel rejected and hostile toward what has rejected us. We all try to appease it and in failing, we become more

hostile. This happens often unnoticed by ourselves. But there are symptoms which we hardly can avoid noticing: The hostility against ourselves and the hostility against others. One speaks so often of pride and arrogance and self-certainty and complacency in people. But this is, in most cases, the superficial level of our being. Below this, in a deeper level, there is self-rejection, disgust, and even hatred of who we are. Be reconciled to God; that means at the same time, be reconciled to ourselves. But we are not; we try to appease ourselves. We try to make ourselves more acceptable to our own judgment and, when we fail, we grow more hostile toward ourselves. When we feel rejected

by God and we reject ourselves, we also feel rejected by others. As we grow hostile toward destiny and hostile towards ourselves, we also grow hostile towards others (especially those who don’t tow the line, and think and act like we think is the right way). If we are often horrified by the unconscious or conscious hostility people betray toward us or about our own hostility toward people whom we believe we love, let us not forget: They feel rejected by us; we feel rejected by them. Be reconciled with God - that means, at the same time, be reconciled with others. But it does not mean try to reconcile the others, as it does not mean try to reconcile yourselves. Try to reconcile God. You will fail. This is the message: A new reality has appeared in which you are reconciled. To enter the New Being we do not need to show anything. We must only be open to be grasped by it, although we have nothing to show.

Being reconciled - that is the first mark of the New Reality. And being reunited is its second mark. Reconciliation makes reunion possible.

The New Creation is the reality in which the separated is reunited. The New Being is manifest in the Christ because in Him the separation never overcame the unity between Him and mankind, between Him and Himself. This gives His picture in the Gospels its overwhelming and inexhaustible power. In Him we look at a human life that maintained the union in spite of everything that drove Him into separation. He represents and mediates the power of the New Being because He represents and mediates the power of an undisrupted union. Where the New Reality appears, one feels united with God, the ground and meaning of one’s existence. One has what has been called the love of one’s destiny, and what, today, we might call the courage to take upon ourselves our own anxiety. Then one has the astonishing experience of feeling reunited with one's own self, not in pride and false self-satisfaction, but in a deep self-acceptance. One accepts one’s own self as something which is eternally important, eternally loved, and eternally accepted. The hatred of one’s self has disappeared, There is a center (as Yeats might have said, The center holds again...). There is a direction, a meaning for life. All healing - bodily and mental - creates this reunion of one’s self with one’s self.

Where there is real healing, there is New Being, the New Creation. But real healing is not where only part of body or mind is reunited with the whole, but where the whole self, our

whole being, our whole personality is united with itself. The New Creation is healing creation because it creates reunion with oneself. And it creates reunion with oneself, and consequently, it creates reunion with others. Nothing is more distinctive of the Old Being than the separation of man from man. Nothing is more passionately demanded than social healing, than the New Being within history and human relationships. Religion and Christianity are under strong accusation that they have not brought reunion into human history. Who could deny the truth of this challenge? Nevertheless, humankind still lives; and it could not live any more if the power of separation had not been paramountly conquered by the power of reunion, of healing, of the New Creation. Where one is grasped by a human face as human, although one has to overcome personal distaste, or racial strangeness, or national conflicts, or the differences of sex, of age, of beauty, of strength, of knowledge, and all the other innumerable causes of separation - there New Creation happens. Humankind lives because this happens again and again. And if the Church which is the assembly of God has an ultimate significance, this is its significance: That here the reunion of person to person is pronounced and confessed and realized, even if in fragments and weaknesses and distortions. The Church is the place where the reunion of person with person is an actual event, though the Church of God is permanently betrayed by the Christian churches. But, although betrayed and expelled, the New Creation saves and preserves that by which it is betrayed and expelled: churches, humankind and history.

The Church, like all its members, relapses from the New into the Old Being. Therefore, the third mark of the New Creation is re-surrection.

The word resurrection has for many people the connotation of dead bodies leaving their graves or other fanciful images. But resurrection means the victory of the New state of things, the New Being born out of the death of the Old. Resurrection is not an event that might happen in some remote future, but it is the power of the New Being to create life out of death, here and now, today and tomorrow. Where there is a New Being, there is resurrection, namely, the creation into eternity out of every moment of time. The Old Being has the mark of disintegration and death. The New Being puts a new mark over the old one. Out of disintegration and death something is born of eternal significance. That which is immersed in dissolution emerges in a New Creation. Resurrection happens now, or it does not happen at all. It happens in us and around us, in soul and history, in nature and universe.

Reconciliation, reunion, resurrection - this is the New Creation, the New Being, the New state of things. Do we participate in it? The message of Christianity is not Christianity, but a New Reality. A New state of things has appeared, it still appears; it is hidden and visible, it is there and it is here. Accept it, enter into it, let it grasp you.

clenched fists? Why do we obstruct our ears? Why are we blindfolded?

Honestly, why?

One remark in reply must suffice. All this is so because perhaps we failed to pray fervently enough for a change within ourselves, on our part. That God is God, not only almighty, but merciful and good, that God wills and does what is best for us, that Jesus Christ died for us to set us free, that by grace, in him, we have been saved–all this need not be a concern of our prayers. All these things are true apart from our own deeds and prayers. But to believe, to accept, to let it be true for us, to begin to live with this truth, to believe it not only with our minds and with our lips, but also with our hearts and with all our life, so that others may sense it and finally to let our total existence be immersed in the great divine truth, by grace you have been saved, this is to be the concern of our prayers. No human being has ever prayed for this in vain. If anyone asks for this, the answer is already being given and faith begins. And because no one has ever asked for this in vain, no one may omit praying like a lit-

God’s truth, this terrible, this glorious truth, is shining even today, a small, yet increasingly bright light.

By grace you have been saved. Ask that you may believe this and it will be given you; seek this, and you will find it; knock on this door, and it will be opened to you.

This, my dear friends, is what I have been privileged and empowered to tell you of the good news as the word of God today. Amen.”

Transcribed from Paul Tillich’s sermon delivered on the eve of his retirement from Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1955.

Karl Barth on Palm Sunday Shorter version of Karl Barth’s sermon “Saved by Grace” Sign On The Window

E

very prayer for help, the great and the small, the prayers for help we don’t even know to make, each is caught up in the phrase “you have been saved by Christ.” This Palm Sunday, as we once again let the truth of these words sink into our bones, as we set off on the Easter path, I offer to you words that aren’t my own. I want you instead to hear a part of Karl Barth’s sermon on what it means to have our prayer for help answered in the cross of Jesus Christ: “But now listen. Into the depth of our predicament the word is spoken from on high: By grace you have been saved! To be saved does not just mean to be a little encouraged, a little comforted, a little relieved. It means to be pulled out like a log from a burning fire. You have been saved! We are not told: you may be saved sometimes, or a little bit. No, you have been saved, totally for all times. You? Yes, we!

Not just any other people, more pi-

each one of us.

This is so because Jesus Christ is our brother and, through his life and death, has become our Savior who has wrought our salvation. He is the word of God for us. And this word is: By grace you have been saved!

You (now know) the legend of the rider who crossed the frozen Lake of Constance by night without knowing it. When he reached the opposite shore and was told where he came from, he broke down, horrified. This is the human situation when the sky opens and the earth is bright, when we may hear: By grace you have been saved! In such a moment we are like that terrified rider. When we hear this word we involuntarily look back, do we not, asking ourselves: Where have I been? Over an abyss, in mortal danger! What did I do? The most foolish thing I ever attempted! What happened?

I was doomed and miraculously escaped and now I am safe! You ask: ‘Do we really live in such danger?’ Yes, we live on the brink of death. But we have been saved…

But more important than the fear of sudden death is the knowl-

grace you have been saved!’ Therefore, we have reached the shore, the Lake of Constance is behind us, we may breathe freely, even though we still are in the grip of panic, and rightly so. This panic is but an aftermath. By virtue of the good news the sky truly opens and the earth is bright. What a glorious relief to be told that there I was, in that darkness, over that abyss, on the brink of death, but there I am no longer. Through this folly I lived, but I cannot and I will not do it again, never again. This happened, but it must not and it will not happen again. My sin, my captivity, my suffering are yesterday’s reality, not today’s. They are things of my past, not of the present nor of the future. I have been saved!

Is this really so, is this the truth?

Look once again to Jesus Christ in his death upon the cross. Look and try to understand that what he did and suffered he did and suffered for you, for me, for us all. He carried our sin, our captivity and our suffering, and did not carry it in vain. He carried it away. He acted as the captain of us all. He broke through the ranks of our enemies.

battle. All we have to do is to follow him, to be victorious with him.

Through him, in him we are saved.

Our sin has no longer any power over us. Our prison door is open.

Our suffering has come to an end.

This is a great word indeed…

Dear brothers and sisters, where do we stand now? One things is certain: the bright day has dawned, the son of God does shine into our dark lives, even though we may close our eyes to its radiance. His voice does call us from heaven, even though we may obstruct our ears. The bread of life is offered to us, even though we are inclined to clench our fists instead of opening our hands to take the bread and eat it. The door of our prison is open, even though, strangely enough, we prefer to remain within. God has put the house in order, even though we like to mess it up all over again. By grace you have been saved!–this is true, even though we may not believe it, may not accept it as valid for ourselves and unfortunately in so doing may forego its benefits. Why should we want to forego the benefits? Why should we not want to believe? Why do we not go out through the open

(Karl Barth, in a sermon on the topic “saved by grace” tells the story found in a Gustav Schwab poem. A horseman is riding through the night, anxious to reach the town that lies on the edge of the great Lake Constance.

His plan is to spend the night and the next day take to cross the lake by ferry.

He rides and rides, never knowing how far he has gone or how fast he has traveled. When he finally reaches the town after dark he asks a woman how much further to the lake. She then tells him that he is passed the lake, on the far side of the shore and ferry. It then dawns on the rider that he crossed the frozen lake by mistake.

He is overcome by the fear of what could have happened to him, falling

8

SunDAY 09•04•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

India, B'desh sign 22 agreements The two countries also agrees to work closely on peace and security and build cooperation between their armed forces.

New Delhi, April 8 (iANS): India and Bangladesh on Saturday signed 22 pacts to boost bilateral ties, including in defence and civil nuclear energy, with New Delhi offering a $4.5 billion line of credit to Dhaka to help it implement development works and a $500 million for military procurements.

The announcements were made after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, on a four-day state visit, held bilateral talks here.

"We are happy to announce a concessional line of credit of $4.5 billion for investment in priority sectors in Bangladesh," Modi said at a joint address with Hasina at Hyderabad House.

"India has always stood for the prosperity of Bangladesh. We are a long-standing and trusted development partner of Bangladesh," he said, speaking at length about the Indian investments assured to Bangladesh.

He said India wanted to build cooperation in new areas with Bangladesh "especially in some high-technology sectors which would include working in the fields of electronics, Information Technology, cyber security, space explorations and civil nuclear energy".

The two countries also agreed to work closely on peace and security and build cooperation between their armed forces.

"While our partnership brings prosperity to our

Politics needs more women: Sitharaman

hyDerAbAD, April 8 (pTi): The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said the politics needs more women. Participating in an interactive session with members of Young Ficci Ladies Organisation here, Sitharaman said, “This (politics) may not be the first choice profession for women. In my family they asked me if I was sure to end up in politics. But politics needs more women. I would say that we need more women. “We do not want the stereotyped male or female in politics. Today our aspirational youngsters do not want the politics (which was) seen 20 or 30 years ago. They are looking at honestly serving the nation. They do not want permanency or feeling of entitlement, that I have to be there because my family has been there,” the BJP leader said.

Asked about her party’s landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh elections, Sitharaman attributed it to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s whirlwind campaign. “The Prime Minister didn’t have to…for a state election get himself involved so much, to the extent that in Varanasi when the final rally took place, he was literally connecting to everybody who was on the street. He did not have to take that risk. It was literally putting himself at stake,” she said. “And I am glad it’s our Prime Minister who has got the confidence to say I will be there and I will take the responsibility. He said I am going to connect to every voter there, I am going to ask every voter to believe me and believe in my party and I will show you a different Uttar Pradesh and that’s what made the difference,” Sitharaman said. Asked if she would ever get involved in the local politics of Tamil Nadu, her home state, the minister said, “…I don’t think (so). I am happy where I am.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina release the Hindi translation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's book ''Unfinished Memoirs'' at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Saturday. (PTI Photo)

people, it also works to protect them from forces of radicalisation and extremism.

Their spread poses a grave threat, not just to India and Bangladesh but to the entire region," Modi said.

He promised India would give an additional credit of $500 million to Bangladesh for military supplies and it would be driven by Dhaka's needs.

Hasina appreciated Modi "for his dynamism and innovative ideas that are not only taking India forward but adding value to our bilateral relationship".

She said her government would take all necessary action to ensure peace and security along the IndiaBangladesh border and asserted there would be zero tolerance against terror.

Modi praised as an "inspiration for all of us" Hasina's "firm resolve in dealing with terrorism and her government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism".

Both India and Bangladesh are victims of terrorism: Modi

At a separate event to hail Indian soldiers who fought the 1971 war that led to the birth of Bangladesh, Modi in a veiled attack on Pakistan said a "mindset" in South Asia was encouraging terrorism. "India and Bangladesh are its victims.”

"I am very clear that along with India, its neighbouring countries should also move ahead on the path of development. We want development of the entire region. But there is

a mentality in South Asia against this mindset. A mindset that promotes terrorism, which has a value system which is not based on humanity, but on violence and extremism."

He said policy makers with that mindset "feel terrorism is bigger than humanity, destruction is bigger than creation, and betrayal is bigger than trust". "This mentality is the biggest challenge to peace, social harmony and development. This mentality obstructs development in the whole region."

Hasina said her country was indebted to India for its role in the birth of Bangladesh. "People of South Asia will be the beneficiary of our friendly relations," she said, adding Dhaka would

upgrade its visa office in Agartala after having reopened a diplomatic mission in Guwahati.

The two leaders jointly inaugurated via video link a new bus service to link Kolkata and Dhaka via Khulna in Bangladesh.

They flagged off the Maitree Express, which will run between Kolkata and Khulna, while restoring the defunct Radhikapur-Khulna passenger train service, which will resume in July after nearly 70 years.

On the Teesta water sharing issue pending between the two countries, Modi said he was hopeful of an "early and acceptable solution" with Bangladesh.

Hasina reached New Delhi on Friday and will end her India visit on Monday.

Pak Army violates ceasefire along LoC

jAMMU, April 8 (pTi): Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir by resorting to firing on forward posts today, drawing retaliation from Indian Army.

"Pakistani Army fired indiscriminately from small arms and automatic weapons from 1545 hours today on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Noushera belt of Rajouri district," a defence spokesman said.

Army troops deployed on forward posts retaliated and the exchange was continuing till last reports came in. This is the fifth violation of the ceasefire this month.

On April 5, Pakistani troops

violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch district by shelling forward posts with mortar bombs. On April 4, Pakistani Army fired mortar shells on Indian Army posts along the LoC in Bhimbher Gali sector of Rajouri district.

On April 3, Pakistani troops had shelled mortar bombs on forward posts in Balakote sector of Rajouri district.

In the second ceasefire violation on April 3, Pakistani troops had shelled Indian posts along the LoC in Digwar area in Poonch sector. As per the reports, heavy mortar shelling in Digwar area has created fear pyschosis among the area dwellers. In the same

area, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Naib Subedar S Sanayaima Som, was killed in an improvise explosive device (IED) blast along the LoC in Poonch sector on April 1.

It may be recalled there were four violations of the ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch in March. On March 9, army jawan Deepak Jagannath Ghadge was killed when Pakistani soldiers initiated indiscriminate and unprovoked firing along the LoC in Poonch. In 2016 there were 228 instances of ceasefire violation along the LoC, while there were 221 instances of ceasefire violation along the International Border (IB).

President calls for strong electoral reforms, more parliamentary seats

New Delhi, April 8 (iANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday called for strong electoral reforms to strengthen the democratic structure and said it is time to look at legal provisions for increasing the number of parliamentary seats.

In his inaugural address at a seminar on 'Economic Reforms With Reference To Electoral Issues', he said timely reforms are necessary which not only would give "justice to the people but also to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India".

"Hence it is necessary to undertake a dispassionate analysis of the way in which our electoral process is functioning with a view to address the shortcomings in the system," he said. The President said that generally in the past, coalition governments at the centre contributed to unstable governments necessitating frequent elections. "Fragile coalitions did not last," he said and also referred to the issue of responsibility of the electorate.

Calling for a healthy debate, the President said that Parliament was not just a deliberating body but also a decision-

making body. Elaborating the need for electoral reforms, he said that due to the freeze on the seats, imposed in 1976 and extended till 2026 by an Act in 2001, the Parliament today represents the figure of 1971 census whereas the population has increased manifold.

Stressing on the need of increasing the number of parliamentary seats, Mukherjee said: "This gives rise to an anomalous situation wherein today, India has over 800 million voters and 543 Lok Sabha Constituencies represent 1.28 billion people.

To give true expression to the will of the people, it is time that we look at the legal provisions on the delimitation of the Parliamentary constituencies with a view to increase their number." "If Great Britain can have more than 600 Parliamentary constituencies, why can't India, with a much higher population, have more number of seats," he asked.

The two-day all India seminar, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, was also attended by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar.

Police stops church event after Adityanath's HYV alleges

MAhArAjg ANj (Up), April 8 (pTi): Police stopped a church event attended by more than 150 people, including 10 American tourists, here after the right-wing Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) alleged that religious conversion was being carried out.

The event was stopped after the youth brigade, set up in 2002

by Yogi Adityanath, now the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, filed a complaint against Yohannan Adam, the pastor of the church, accusing him of converting Hindus to Christianity, a charge the pastor denied.

SHO, Dathauli, Anand Kumar Gupta said no prior permission

was taken for the meeting, which was held ahead of Good Friday.

"We stopped the prayer meeting after a complaint was registered. A probe is underway and appropriate action will be taken if the charges are found to be correct," he said.

Dathauli falls in Maharajganj district in eastern Uttar Pradesh. It borders Gorakhpur, the Lok Sabha constituency represented five times by Adityanath before he took over the reins of Uttar Pradesh. Gupta said mass was held there quite often but as this time foreigners were involved, the HYV suspected that conversion was going on.

The US tourists, including a few women, were let off after police checked their travel documents.

A US embassy spokesperson said, "We are aware of the news reports concerning this incident. The protection of American citizens overseas is our highest priority." The spokesperson didn't elaborate due to "privacy concerns".

HYV leader Krishna Nandan, who surrounded the church with his supporters yesterday afternoon, said that the "presence of US nationals indicates that innocent and illiterate Hindus were being converted by missionaries who lured them with money to

change their religion".

The HYV members dispersed after police promised a probe and adequate action even as the church authorities dismissed allegations of conversion.

"The charges are absolutely baseless. The people were attending a prayer meeting voluntarily. We prayed. Nothing else was done," pastor Adam said.

The Hindu right wing has been at loggerheads with Christian missionaries, accusing them of converting people through coercion and allurement.

Several Hindu organisations have conducted 'ghar wapsi' or homecoming of such people,

which minority groups say is a couched term for re-conversion.

Earlier this year, HYV activists had attacked the Full Gospel Church in Gorakhpur, accusing it of indulging in religious conversion. At Christmas last year, the HYV had warned Christian priests from holding any religious function outside churches. HYV, which has a widespread network in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that Hindus are lured to Christianity through religious functions.

"We have received several inputs that Christian preachers and priests hold such religious ceremonies in rural areas and

secret locations in which Hindus are brought and motivated to join Christianity, through allurements including cash. We will not let this happen," HYV president Sunil Singh alleged.

"They can hold their prayers inside churches or their homes but not any place outside. We have alerted the district administration in various places about such ceremonies slated to be held and if such functions do happen, churches would not be safe," he warned. Singh said HYV has a youth member in each village in various districts of eastern Uttar Pardesh and keeps getting inputs about such happenings.

Mumbai police arrest alleged Odisha continues to sizzle, kingpin of U.S. tax scam parts of J-K receive rain, snow

MUMbAi, April 1 (reUTerS): The Mumbai police said on Saturday they had arrested the suspected mastermind behind a call centre scam run out of a Mumbai suburb that targeted thousands of Americans and netted more than $300 million.

Sagar Thakkar, 24, also known as Shaggy, was arrested at Mumbai's international airport in the early hours of Saturday after he flew in from Dubai, Mukund Hatote, a police officer on the case, told Reuters.

In October, the U.S. Justice Department charged more than 60 people in India and the United States with participating in the huge scam where call centre agents impersonated Internal Revenue Service, immigration or other federal officials and demanded payments for non-existent debts.

The department said at least 15,000 people had been targeted by the telefraud that was run out of India. The scam - which ran for more than a year - was blown open in early October, when Indian police raided a

host of call centres in the Mumbai suburb of Thane and detained over 700 people suspected of involvement in defrauding Americans. Other call centres involved in the scam that operated from the western city of Ahmedabad were also raided and shut down by authorities.

At a news conference on Saturday evening, Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh said Thakkar, who was charged in December along with others, had fled to Dubai in October following the raids and that he had also spent some time in Thailand over the last six months.

Thakkar, wearing blue jeans and a checked shirt, was presented to media on the sidelines of the press conference, but his face was covered with a black cloth. Singh said he had interrogated Thakkar and was "impressed with his knowledge of the U.S. and Indian system."

Singh said Thakkar had confessed to his involvement in the scam. Singh said Thane police have so far charged 400 people in the case, and about a dozen

of them are in custody.

Thakkar was listed as a call centre operator and payment processor in the U.S. Department of Justice indictment that charged the defendants with conspiracy to commit identity theft, false personation of an officer of the United States, wire fraud and money laundering.

According to the indictment, call centre operators threatened potential victims with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay taxes or penalties. Payments by victims were laundered by a U.S. network of co-conspirators using prepaid debit cards or wire transfers, often using stolen or fake identities, the indictment said.

U.S. and Indian authorities have been working together on the investigation. The United States had said it would be seeking the extradition of the alleged scamsters based in India.

Indian police have previously said that Thakkar led a lavish lifestyle, frequenting fivestar hotels and driving around in expensive cars.

New Delhi, April 8 (pTi): Heatwave intensified in parts of Odisha while the northern plains experienced moderate temperatures even as some areas of Jammu and Kashmir received rains and snow, and the arterial Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained closed for the fourth consecutive day today.

It was a pleasant day in the national capital with both maximum and minimum temperatures settling below normal levels.

The maximum temperature was 33.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average while the minimum temperature was 16.5 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, said a Met department official.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the arterial Srinagar-Jammu national highway, connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, remained closed for the fourth consecutive day due to landslides and shooting stones triggered by rains and snowfall.

Rainfall occurred at regular intervals in most of the areas along the highway yesterday, especially between Jawahar Tunnel and Ramban, resulting in fresh landslide in Ramsoo area and shooting stones at Panthyal and other places, an official said.

Kashmir Valley continued to receive intermittent rainfall during the night, while the higher reaches, including the famous tourist resort of Pahalgam, recorded fresh snowfall.

Pahalgam received around 7 cm of snow. There were reports of snowfall in some other areas in the higher reaches of the Valley as well. Srinagar received

3.4 mm of rains, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded 7.7 mm of rainfall. South Kashmir's Kokernag area recorded 27 mm of rainfall during the night while the neighbouring Qazigund received 22.8 mm of rains till this morning.

Light rains and thundershowers brought down temperatures in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, bringing respite from hot weather conditions.

Allahabad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius, the MeT department said.

Heatwave intensified in many parts of Odisha with Balangir recording the highest temperature of 44 degrees Celsius.

The mercury hovered above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 10 places, mostly in western Odisha, while the coastal areas witnessed overcast conditions, the MeT department said.

Jharsuguda and Hirakud both registered maximum temperatures of 42.6 degrees Celsius.

In Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur the maximum temperatures were 42.5 degrees Celsius and 42.3 degrees Celsius respectively.

In Himachal Pradesh, minimum temperatures dropped marginally in mid and higher hills of the state even as the region experienced a dry but windy day.

A medium danger avalanche warning was issued for tribal areas and higher hills of the state.

Una was hottest in the region with maximum temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, while Nahan and Sundernagar recorded a high of 29.1 degrees Celsius and 27.2 degrees Celsius.

Keylong and Kalpa in tribal

Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts and Manali recorded minimum temperatures of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, 1 degree Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius respectively. In Punjab and Haryana, maximum temperatures stayed around normal levels in several parts of both the states with Chandigarh recording a high of 32.5 degrees Celsius.

Ambala, in Haryana recorded maximum temperature of 32.8 degrees Celsius, while Hisar and Karnal registered a high of 34.5 degrees Celsius and 33.8 degrees Celsius respectively, the MeT department said.

In Punjab, the maximum temperature in Amritsar was 30.8 degrees Celsius, one notch below normal while in Ludhiana and Patiala the maximum temperatures were 32.1 degrees Celsius and 33.4 degrees Celsius respectively. Kota and Barmer were the hottest places in Rajasthan with both recording maximum temperature of 36.4 degree Celsius. Bikaner and Ajmer both registered a high of 34.5 degrees Celsius while in other places maximum temperatures were below 34 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures rose in most parts of Bihar with the mercury soaring to 41 degrees Celsius in Gaya, making it the hottest place in the state. Patna, recorded maximum temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius, while Bhagalpur registered a high of 39.7 degrees Celsius. Day temperatures were above normal in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha region, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.

sundAY 09•04•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Basque: ETA surrender arms At US-China summit, Trump presses in end to decades of conflict Xi on trade, NKorea; progress cited

PALM BEACH, FLA., APriL 8 (rEutErs): President Donald Trump pressed Chinese President Xi Jinping to do more to curb North Korea's nuclear program and help reduce the gaping U.S. trade deficit with Beijing in talks on Friday, even as he toned down the strident antiChina rhetoric of his election campaign.

Trump spoke publicly of progress on a range of issues in his first U.S.-China summit – as did several of his top aides – but they provided few concrete specifics other than China's agreement to work together to narrow disagreements and find common ground for cooperation.

As the two leaders wrapped up a Florida summit overshadowed by U.S. missile strikes in Syria overnight, Xi joined Trump in stressing the positive mood of the meetings while papering over deep differences that have caused friction between the world's two biggest economies.

Trump's aides insisted he had made good on his pledge to raise concerns about China's trade practices and said there was some headway, with Xi agreeing to a 100-day plan for trade talks aimed at boosting U.S. exports and reducing China's trade surplus with the United States.

Speaking after the twoday summit at Trump's

Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also said that Xi had agreed to increased cooperation in reining in North Korea's missile and nuclear programs – though he did not offer any new formula for cracking Pyongyang's defiant attitude.

Trump had promised during the campaign to stop what he called the theft of American jobs by China. Many blue-collar workers helped propel him to his unexpected election victory on Nov. 8 and Trump is under pressure to deliver for them.

The Republican president tweeted last week that the United States could no longer tolerate massive trade deficits and job losses and that his meeting with Xi "will be a very difficult one."

On Friday, the unpredictable Trump not only set a different tone but also avoided any public lapses in protocol that Chinese officials had feared could embarrass their leader.

"We have made tremendous progress in our relationship with China," Trump told reporters as the two delegations met around tables flanked by large U.S. and Chinese flags. "We will be making additional progress. The relationship developed by President Xi and myself I think is outstanding.

"And I believe lots of

very potentially bad problems will be going away," he added, without providing details.

"AGREE WITH YOU 100 PERCENT" Xi also spoke in mostly positive terms.

"We have engaged in deeper understanding, and have built a trust," he said. "I believe we will keep developing in a stable way to form friendly relations ... For the peace and stability of the world, we will also fulfill our historical responsibility."

"Well, I agree with you 100 percent," Trump replied.

China's official Xinhua news agency said Xi had encouraged the United States to take part in the "One Belt, One Road" plan, Xi's signature foreign policy imitative aimed at infrastructure development across Asia, Africa and Europe, seen in some policy circles as a partial answer to the pivot to Asia strategy of Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.

Xi also hailed military to military exchanges and said China and the United States should "make good use of the dialogue mechanism to be established between the two countries' joint staffs of the armed forces", although Xinhua did not give further details.

Chinese state media on Saturday cheered the meeting as one that showed the

world that confrontation between the two powers was not inevitable and established the tone for the development of U.S.-China relations.

But in a sign that rough spots remained, Tillerson afterwards described the discussions as "very frank and candid."

"President Trump and President Xi agreed to work in concert to expand areas of cooperation while managing differences based on mutual respect," he said.

After the meeting, Trump took Xi on a walk around the manicured grounds of his lavish Spanish-style complex. Trump could be seen chatting and gesturing to Xi, who did the same.

Tillerson said Trump had accepted Xi's invitation to visit China and that they also agreed to upgrade a U.S.-China dialogue by putting the two presidents at the head of the forum.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the Chinese had expressed an interest in reducing China's trade surplus as a way of controlling their own inflation. "That's the first time I've heard them say that in a bilateral context," he said.

Ross declined to say whether the United States was ready to designate China a currency manipulator, however, referring to an upcoming report in which that issue would be

addressed.

Although Trump during the presidential election campaign had pledged to label China a currency manipulator on the first day of his administration, he has refrained from doing so.

The highly anticipated U.S.-China summit was upstaged by U.S. missile strikes overnight against a Syrian air base from which Trump said a deadly chemical weapon attack had been launched earlier in the week. It was the first direct U.S. assault on the Russian-backed government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in six years of civil war.

The swift action in Syria could be interpreted as a signal especially to defiant nuclear-armed North Korea – and by extension, its ally China – as well as other countries like Iran and Russia of Trump's willingness to use military force. North Korea is developing missiles capable of hitting the United States.

Tillerson said Xi agreed with Trump that North Korea's nuclear advances had reached a "very serious stage."

He said Trump also raised U.S.concerns about China's activities in the South China Sea. Beijing is building and fortifying islands in pursuit of expansive territorial claims in the strategic waterway.

BAYONNE, FrANCE/ MADriD, APriL 8 (rEutErs): Basque militant group ETA passed a list with the location of its arms caches to French authorities on Saturday, effectively ending an armed separatist campaign after almost half a century.

ETA, which killed more than 850 people in its attempt to carve out an independent state in northern Spain and southwest France, declared a ceasefire in 2011 but had not surrendered its remaining arms. Founded in 1959 out of anger among Basques at political and cultural repression under General Francisco Franco, ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna - Basque Country and Freedom) gained notoriety as one of Europe's most intractable separatist groups.

Saturday's handover, via intermediaries, of its weapons in the French city of Bayonne will not mean the end of the group as a political entity, but will end an era of political violence in Western Europe. It comes just as democratically-driven nationalism is stirring across Europe, with Scotland and the Spanish region of Catalonia seeking referendums on independence, while Sinn Fein has urged a vote on taking Northern Ireland out of Britain.

ETA said in a letter to the BBC published on Friday it had handed over its weapons and explosives to civilian go-betweens who would deliver them to authorities. Authorities received a list with the locations of 12 weapons

caches, Ram Manikkalingam, the chairman of the International Verification Commission (IVC), told reporters in Bayonne. The IVC was set up in 2011 to verify ETA's declaration of a definitive end to its violence.

The weapons caches could include about 130 handguns and two tonnes of explosives, French antiterrorism experts say.

It is not yet clear if the process will receive the backing of the Spanish and French governments.

However, the Basque parliamentary spokesman for Spain's ruling People's Party, which has refused to negotiate with ETA and called for its full dissolution, said the handover was a final surrender after six years of broken promises.

"The ETA we've known up to now has gone forever," Borja Semper said outside the legislature in VitoriaGasteiz. "What remains to be done is to wipe out the hatred that ETA embedded in a large part of Basque society." A government source said Madrid did not believe the group would hand over all its arms, while Spain's state prosecutor has asked the High Court to examine those surrendered as possible murder weapons used in unresolved cases.

VIOLENT PAST ETA's first known victim was a secret police chief in San Sebastian in 1968 and its last a French policemen shot in 2010.

It chose not to disarm when it called its truce, but

has been weakened in the past decade after hundreds of its members were arrested and weapons seized in joint Spanish and French operations. Popular revulsion at the scale of violent attacks carried out by Islamic militants had also played a part, Paddy Woodworth, who has written in depth about ETA, said.

"It had ceased to be an attractive organisation to join."

The group's first revolutionary gesture was to fly the banned 'ikurrina', the red and green Basque flag, before the campaign escalated in the 1960s into violence that was brutally reciprocated by the Franco regime.

In 1973, ETA targeted Franco's heir apparent Luis Carrero Blanco by digging a tunnel under the road that he drove down daily to attend Mass. They packed the tunnel with explosives and blasted Blanco's car over a five-storey building.

The assassination changed the course of Spanish history, as the removal of Franco's successor led to the exiled king reclaiming the throne and a shift to a constitutional monarchy.

Attacks including a 1987 car bomb at a Barcelona supermarket, which killed 21 including a pregnant woman and two children, horrified Spaniards and drew international outrage.

Gorka Landaburu, who lost his thumb and was left blind in one eye after an ETA letter bomb detonated in his home in 2001, welcomed the disarmament and said lessons had been learned.

Swedish police arrest man over Russia warns of serious consequences from U.S. strike in Syria truck attack which killed four

Tow trucks pull away the beer truck that crashed into the department store Ahlens after plowing down the Drottninggatan Street in central Stockholm, Sweden, April 8, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

stOCKHOLM, APriL 8 (rEutErs): Swedish police have arrested a man they suspect drove a beer delivery truck which rammed into a crowd in central Stockholm on Friday, killing four people and wounding 15 in what they described as a terror crime.

Police declined to comment on the identity or possible motive of the man, who they detained in a northern Stockholm suburb but Swedish public radio, citing unnamed sources, said he was from Uzbekistan.

"The person in question has been arrested as the culprit ... in this case the driver," police spokesman Lars Bystrom said on Saturday of the attack, adding that the authorities were not ruling out the possibility that he had accomplices, although only one person had been taken into custody.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Friday's attack, in which a hijacked truck was used, and police said security at Sweden's borders had been heightened and traffic was restricted on the Oresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden.

Vehicles have been used as weapons in Nice, Berlin and London in the past year in attacks claimed by Islamic State.

Police declined to comment on a report by public broadcaster SVT which said a bag containing a home-made bomb had been found in the truck. The report said the bomb may have partly exploded, burning the driver.

The beer truck, hijacked on Drottninggatan (Queen Street) in central Stockholm, ploughed through crowds before ramming into the Ahlens department store. The driver escaped in the chaos.

Local authorities in the capital, where flags flew at half mast on buildings including the parliament and royal palace, said that six of those injured had been able to leave hospital, while eight adults and one child remained in hospital.

The truck was removed overnight to be examined by forensics experts, leaving a gaping hole in the wall of the store. Dozens of people gathered at the site to pay their respects.

"Three minutes of terror and death," was the headline in daily tabloid newspaper Aftonbladet which carried a picture of an injured woman sitting in the street.

On Saturday morning, in a nearby openair market, owners were returning to aban-

doned fruit and vegetable stalls after a defiant message from the country's prime minister.

"You will not defeat us, you will not govern our lives, you will never, ever win," Stefan Lofven, who described the assault as a terrorist attack, said late on Friday.

HIGH ALERT The attack was the latest to hit the Nordic region after shootings in Danish capital Copenhagen in 2015 that killed three people and the 2011 bombing and shooting by farright extremist Anders Behring Breivik that killed 77 people in Norway.

Although Sweden has not seen a largescale attack, a failed suicide bombing in December 2010 killed the attacker only a few hundred yards from the site of Friday's incident.

Police in Norway's largest cities and at Oslo airport will carry weapons until further notice following the attack. Denmark has been on high alert since the February 2015 shootings.

Several attacks in which trucks or cars have driven into crowds have taken place in Europe in the past year.

Al Qaeda urged its followers to use trucks as a weapon in 2010 and Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack in Nice, France, in July 2016, when a truck killed 86 people celebrating Bastille Day, and one in Berlin in December, when a truck smashed through a Christmas market, killing 12 people.

And last month, a man in London drove into pedestrians near Britain's parliament and then stabbed a policeman to death before being killed himself. Six people died in total.

"Our thoughts are going out to those that were affected, and to their families," Sweden's King Carl Gustaf said regarding the Stockholm attack, while European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker said an attack on any member state "is an attack on us all". In February U.S. President Donald Trump falsely suggested there had been an immigration-related security incident in Sweden, to the bafflement of Swedes.

Neutral Sweden has not fought a war in more than 200 years, but its military has taken part in U.N. peacekeeping missions in a number of conflict zones in recent years, including Iraq, Mali and Afghanistan.

MOsCOW, APriL 8 (rEutErs): Russia warned on Friday that U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian air base could have "extremely serious" consequences, as President Donald Trump's first major foray into a foreign conflict opened up a rift between Moscow and Washington.

The warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles at the Shayrat air base, which the Pentagon says was involved in a chemical weapons attack this week. It was Trump's biggest foreign policy decision since taking office in January and the kind of direct intervention in Syria's six-year-old civil war his predecessor Barack Obama avoided.

The strikes were in reaction to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that killed at least 70 people in rebel-held territory. Syria denies it carried out the attack.

They catapulted Washington into confrontation with Russia, which has advisers on the ground aiding its close ally Assad. "We strongly condemn the illegitimate actions by the U.S. The consequences of this for regional and international stability could be extremely serious,” Russia's deputy U.N. envoy, Vladimir

Safronkov, told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev charged that the U.S. strikes were one step away from clashing with Russia's military.

Russia's Defence Ministry responded to the attack by calling in the U.S. military attache in Moscow to say that at midnight Moscow time (5 p.m. EDT) it would close down a communications line used to avoid accidental clashes between Russian and U.S. forces in Syria, Interfax new agency said. U.S. warplanes frequently attack Islamic State militants in Syria and come close to Russian forces.

"PREPARED TO DO MORE" U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Friday the Trump administration was ready to take further steps if needed.

"We are prepared to do more, but we hope that will not be necessary," she told the U.N. Security Council.

"The United States will not stand by when chemical weapons are used.

It is in our vital national security interest to prevent the spread and use of chemical weapons." Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who also was in Florida with Trump and is scheduled to go to Moscow next week, said he was disappointed but not surprised by the Russian reaction

because it showed continued support for Assad.

Assad's office said Syria would strike its enemies harder. Damascus and Moscow denied Syrian forces were behind the gas attack but Western countries dismissed their explanation that chemicals leaked from a rebel weapons depot after an air strike.

U.S. lawmakers from both parties on Friday backed Trump's action but demanded he spell out a broader strategy for dealing with the conflict and consult with Congress on any further action. The U.N. Security Council had been negotiating a resolution, proposed by the United States, France and Britain on Tuesday, to condemn the gas attack and push the Syrian government to cooperate with international investigators. Russia said the text was unacceptable and diplomats said it was unlikely to be put to a vote.

MOSCOW WANTS EXPLANATION Russia expects Tillerson to explain Washington's stance when he visits Moscow next week, Interfax news agency cited a Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman as saying. Washington has long backed rebels fighting Assad in a multi-sided civil war that has killed more than 400,000 people and driven half of Syrians from

their homes since 2011.

The United States has conducted air strikes against Islamic State, which controls territory in eastern and northern Syria, and a small number of U.S. troops are helping rebel militias. Asked whether the strikes set back any efforts to work with Russia to defeat Islamic State, sometimes known as ISIS, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said: "There can be a shared commitment to defeat ISIS and also agree that you can’t gas your own people.”

Tuesday's attack was the first time since 2013 that Syria was accused of using sarin, a banned nerve agent it was meant to have given up under a Russian-brokered, U.N.-enforced deal that persuaded Obama to call off air strikes four years ago. Video depicted limp bodies and children choking while rescuers tried to wash off the poison gas. Russian state television blamed rebels and did not show footage of victims.

The U.S. strikes cheered Assad's enemies, after months when Western powers appeared to grow increasingly resigned to his staying in power. But opposition figures said an isolated assault was far from the decisive intervention they seek.

Neither the Trump administration nor its predecessor has laid out a policy aimed at ending the Syrian conflict.

Traditional “goat pulling” sport outlasts Afghan wars, politics PANJsHir, APriL 8 (rEutErs): A crash of horses and men deep in a mountain pass signals the start of another game of buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport.

Buzkashi, which translates roughly as "goat pulling," has been played for centuries across Central Asia and is one of the most enduring and iconic symbols of Afghanistan.

It is a sport which is often violent, but designed to showcase the riders' horsemanship and warrior spirit.

Amid foreign invasions, civil wars, and insurgent attacks, Afghans have gathered to cheer on their favorite "chapandaz," as the riders are known.

On Friday, a typical community match played out under the soaring, snow-capped peaks that surround the Panjshir Valley, north of Kabul.

Rusting hulks of Russianmade tanks and guns litter the Panjshir, testifying to the years of war when famed guerilla commander Ahmad Shah Massoud used the mountains to hold off first the Soviets, then the Taliban.

"It’s been almost fifty to sixty years that buzkashi matches have been happening on this site," said Abdul Anaan, a spectator.

"I myself was a horseman and

Afghan horsemen compete during a Buzkashi game in Panjshir province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan April 7, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

usually played buzkashi, and today many youth are interested in this game and playing it."

The game typically involves riders on horses wrestling over half of a calf carcass, which is usually able to withstand the pounding better than goats.

Matches may involve individual players competing, or teams, often owned or sponsored by powerful warlords or other leaders.

In both cases, the goal is to carry the carcass and drop it on a target on the ground, all while dozens of other riders and horses

grab, hit, kick, and struggle to tear the carcass away.

"If we fall down on the ground or get hurt it doesn't mean that we are angry with each other," said horseman Mohammed Hafiz. "This is just the rule of the game."

Horses and riders regularly career into the crowds on the sidelines, sending spectators scrambling out of the way.

Occasionally a rider would escape the crush with a bleeding gash to their head or hands, only to wrap it up and return to the game.

Buzkashi matches can attract thousands of spectators and even some times make news, as was the case when Afghanistan's First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum was accused of ordering his men to assault and abduct a political rival on the sidelines of a buzkashi game late last year.

For fans, however, the game's significance will outlast the country's current politics, just as it has outlasted previous wars.’

"This sport is for the entertainment of our village, our people and our country," said Anaan.

SunDAY 09•04•2017

public discourse

10

Kaka D. Iralu

T

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

What heaven will not do for earth

Kohima

he word of God in Psalms 115:16 says: “The Heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth hath he given to the children of men.”

Here, what I want to emphasis is this: That though both heaven and earth have been created by God (Ps. 115:15), God had reserved his right to rule heaven and ordained man to rule the earth on his behalf. That is why Jesus had taught us to pray: “They will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”(Matt.6:10). To put it in Munroe’s beautiful words: “The ultimate goal of God the creator was to colonize earth with heaven.”

In the light of this truth, I am using a figurative expression in which, by HEAVEN, I mean God’s realm, and by EARTH, I mean man’s realm.

And in this distinction between Heaven and Earth, I want to say that there are certain things in which Heaven will not intervene for earth.

This is so, because Heaven (or God) has already sanctioned and assigned some laws to man for ruling the earth with those laws. These laws are laws that have to do with our earthly affairs like man’s social lives, political lives, civil administration lives and even religious lives.

Now “to rule” means to

be in charge of. But to rule, we need “rules” or to be exact“laws.” These “rules” or “laws” have already been given by God to mankind but man has no absolute freedom to formulate, twist or distort these laws according to his own whims and fancies. For example man has not been given the freedom to frame a law that will permit him to kill anybody he does not like. Rather it is God who has given his laws regarding punishment for different kinds of crimes including capital punishments, depending on the severity of the crime and also in commensurate to the crime. These laws of God also agrees with the universal conscience of man which has been written into our hearts

by God our creator (Rom. 2:14&15).Therefore no human being on earth can justify or excuse himself on the plea of ignorance to these unwritten laws in our hearts.

At this juncture, let us note that God’s purpose for creating man after creating the universe and the earth was so that man can have dominion over the earth. To quote the exact words, it is stated thus in Genesis 1:26: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our own likeness and let them have dominion… over all the earth, and every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”

One very important point to be noted here is the fact

that after the creation of man, God did not talk about a “Joint rulership of God and man on earth”. On the contrary, the words used are: “and let THEM have dominion over all the earth.” A second important point to be also noted is the fact that, though man was given the dominion (Rulership) status of the whole world and all the creatures therein, he was not given any authority to rule over his fellow man (In the sense of master and slave or one country ruling over another country) Also when man was created and put in the Garden of Eden, there were no laws given for civil or criminal administration as it was an age of innocence. There were no criminal offenders until Cain killed Abel. Then with this first murder in human history there came in an avalanche of criminal offenders so that by Chapter 4 of Genesis, Lamech was boasting: “If Cain shall be avenged seven fold, truly Lamech seventy and seven fold” (Gen 4:23,24). Then as evil multiplied, by Chapter 6 of Genesis, God had lamented to Noah: “The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Gen. 6:13). And to cut a long story short, after the world wide flood, civil codes were set up where God declared: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood; by man shall his blood be shed;

for in the image of God made he man”(Gen 9:6). Finally, by the time of Moses and the Exodus, codified law was finally written down on stone tablets by the very fingers of God (Ex. 20 & Dt.:10). This same codified law is today, universally practiced by all Governments on earth which are mentioned in Romans chapter 13.

Now, these laws of God, written by God, and given to man for application in God’s fallen world, is God’s own second multi-colored Rainbow stretching over the expanse of the universe. This Rainbow connects heaven to earth. At the one end of the Rainbow is the heart of God and at the other end is the heart of man. This multicolored Rainbow addresses not just religious and spiritual issues but also moral legal, political, economic and social issues of our lives on earth. In essence, God’s laws are for enforcing the rules of heaven in the affairs of man on earth. But the tragedy for many Christians is that they see only the religious colors of the Rainbow and miss out all the other colors that address the other social aspects of our lives on earth. As a result, though we Nagas are in a political mess today, many Naga Christians would not flip through the Bible to find out the political laws under which we must make our stand as one of God’s nations on earth.

Now God did not give us

The Hybrid Konyak Aoleang Lemwang Chuhwanglim

C

Researcher & Activist

ultural festival is one of the identities of every indigenous community by in large. Similarly, ‘Aoleang’ is the foreparents origin festival of the Konyak tribe among the Nagas, in the Northern part of Nagaland, border to Myanmar.

Konyak people celebrate Aoleang in spring season in the first week of April every year.There are numerous written documents about the significance of ‘Aoleang’in detail of each day of the total six days. However, the article examines the current image, knowledge and practice of ‘Aoleang’ in comparison to the former meaning and the existing Konyaks response to ‘Aoleang’.

Oral history of the Konyak elders, in brief, explains that Aoleang signifies thanks giving to living God for the achievement of villagers in sowing seed in the field and seeking blessing for the good harvest of it. Traditionally, the festival encompassesfull of rituals of entertainment, spectacle and remembrance with songs, dances, home visit, sharing food, community gathering, butchering animals, storytelling, drinking rice beer and dressing traditional ornaments/attires with every meaning in them. It fascinatingly indirectly provides space for young men and women to find their admirer, lovers and so on. The decency of social norms and disciplines were the utmost culture in the festival. This helps

Kahuto Chishi Sumi Akukau (G.B.) Hevishe Village, Dimapur

I

do not suffer fools, I get irritated and angry when those who should know better, exhibit symptoms of idiocy; but anyone who has the least pretentions of knowing me, will tell you that I do not hate anyone. What I hate, with a vehemence bordering on murderous rage, is Injustice. Any form of injustice perpetrated on anyone triggers all that is wild and vengeful in me.

I don’t know whether it is due to the fact that my father lived by the code of Fairness and Respect to All or because the Irish Christian Brothers tried to instil in all students of our school the belief that Bullying, i.e. picking on someone smaller or weaker than you, was the lowliest act that a gentleman could commit; but I hate injustice.

people in each community to gain harmony, peace and joy during the festival. People in the village share food and drinks together without demarcating the ‘haves’ and ‘haves not’. Equality in humanity was the primary goal that people elicited during the festival. The ethics of Aoleang distinctively indicates the theory of engaging culture, nature, God and human beings. However, the increasing hybridity as fashion (Stockhammer.

2012) that legitimizes the social dynamism has promulgated the shift of the Konyak ‘Aoleang’, to hybrid Aoleangin theories and praxis.

Today, Aoleang is marked by the hybridity of fashion, competition, modernization and new structure (Canclini.

2005); yet, people claim the purity of culture and tradition. It is no more the same Aoleang of the foreparents. It has hybrid to unidentifiable meaning of Aoleang to modification. The first and foremost hybridization of Aoleang in the history of the Konyak occurred in 1997 when the Konyak leaders shifted the first week of the festival to the second week of April in search of salary of Government servants to afford the festive season. However, the introspection of the decision makers that culture is an unprecedented compromised identity which never in the history of foreparents waited for money to celebrate Aoleang, they returned it to the original week. This is not cultural dynamism but manipulating own culture to personal wants.

Adaptation, which in Greek is to fit to,

We Nagas have become a nation of oppressors, which is a more polite way of saying that we have become a nation of bullies.

We cheat and exploit each other in every aspect of our lives, but that doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that we are committing the greatest injustices on our Eastern Naga Brothers and Sisters; not so much to those who live in the towns of Nagaland, but to those who live in the forgotten nooks and crannies that make up our border with Myanmar, and the various ignored pockets of Tuensang, Mon and Kiphire.

A friend of mine related how, when his wife was given a “Punishment Posting” to a remote village bordering Myanmar, in Tuensang District, they had to walk for two days to reach the village. How the Villagers were so grateful for the arrival of a teacher, a teacher which they were

His laws so that we can keep them hanging over our heads or keep them in abeyance for some future use in Heaven.

An entire book can be written about these laws of God and how it applies to the whole of God’s creation. But in this present article, I am trying to draw the reader’s attention only to what Heaven will not do for earth in our political context in Nagaland. We must however start our reflections on this issue not by quoting a Naga political opinion but by quoting a scripture given

by God for the conduct of the whole world’s earthly affairs.

In this context as mentioned earlier, God never gave Adam a law that man can dominate and rule over his fellow man. It also never says that one country can invade another country and rule over it. It instead clearly states, that God himself had from one man made all the nations of the earth and had given them their respective periods and the boundaries of their habitations-Acts 17:26. (The beginning of this anthropological history is clearly mentioned in Genesis Chapter 10). God also never sanctioned that an invading country can rule an occupied country with draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. This Indian Government act has nullified even the very right to life for so called Nagaland citizens of India. In fact such a

of social dynamism is inevitable (Fister.

2015), however hybridization of culture and its identity to fit in to own situation and demand is killing own history and identity. The predominant younger generation and the middle age Konyak do not know much about the meaning of the beads they use, less knowledge of moves in dance and folklore of Aoleang which repercussions to erroneously utilize.

The hybridity has dominated the culture (C.Young. 1995) that many young people utilize improper traditional attires to fit in to their modernized fashion. It is the failure and weakness of the parents and children to demean the original meaning of Aoleang in search of exhibiting the fancy looks of the festival than fitting in to the true meaning and practice of the historic culture. Revitalization (Wallace. 1956) of the former Aoleang is the urgent call for the Konyaks. Despite the mortification of Aoleang culture, the predominant Konyaks may acknowledge and learn from the Upper Konyak who utilizes and presents the originality of Aoleang culture in dressing, dancing and so on, preserving what foreparents have practiced.

It is recommendable for the predominant Konyak who hybrid the Aoleang, to relearn and reeducate the common people to preserve, respect and utilize Aoleang in every aspect. Your culture is your identity but hybridization of culture relinquishes the identity and generates confusion within the entire community.

Preserve yesterday’s culture today for tomorrow’s generation.

girls, who should be skipping about merrily, carrying their younger brothers and sisters on their backs, taking on the role of their parents, while the parents toiled away in their distant fields, come rain or shine.

It enrages me no end when I think of all the injustices we commit on each other. In an earlier letter titled, “Missing the Forest for the Trees”, I mentioned how we were so engrossed in the symptoms/trees of corruption, like bad roads, irregular electricity etc. that we were missing the fact that Nagaland had become a forest of corruption. Half of that forest comprises of our Eastern Naga Brothers and Sisters; and which begs the question, “Who is responsible for that?”

Thinking of it has led me to the following conclusions:1. We “Advanced Tribes” are partly respon-

with accessibility to accumulation of wealth through corruption. Building mansions and buying the best cars to satiate our endless lust for the latest and fastest and strongest car models in the present global market seems to be an obsession of many parents and children in Nagaland today.

Can such a people and a nation escape the wrath of God which will come through a harvest of all our years of indifference and apathy to our national struggle? With the exception of a few dedicated national workers, today, even our national struggle is swelling with so called leaders seeking their own political fortunes through the blood and tears that were shed by other patriots.

In this forthcoming catastrophe, God will not intervene and stop the consequences of our piled up problems from exploding in our faces. God will not intervene because He has already given us his laws regarding our nationhood and our territories but we have not acted on them for too long. For far too long, we have only been pursuing a life of comfort and pleasure in the midst of an invasion which is war! Indeed we shall reap what we have sown for all these years of apathy and indifference to God’s political laws.

HERE HEAVEN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR EARTH WITH REGARDS TO NAGAS.

The paradox of Palm Sunday!

Rev. Fr. C. Joseph Counsellor, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama

P

alm or Passion Sunday always is a day that invokes mixed emotions in me. It is the last Sunday of the Lenten Season and in modern times has become a juxtaposition of two events, the Triumphant Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem where he according to all four Gospels was greeted by crowds of people who lined the street with palms as Jesus riding on a donkey processed from Bethany and Bethphage where he had been staying with Lazarus into Jerusalem and the narrative of the Passion. As such it is a roller coaster ride in our experience of walking with Jesus in the most difficult times.

This particular occasion is the Sunday where the disciples of Jesus are confronted with the reality that our earthy expectations of him do not meet the reality of his condensation to walk among us fully Divine yet fully Human but one too well acquainted with suffering, rejection and shame. He shatters our expectations that he will bless any particular political or social ideology that we allow

The voice of the unheard

constitutionally and morally entitled to; how the students would voluntarily sweep their house, cook for them, and fetch water and hew firewood for them. Their thirst for knowledge far superseding everything else. Then LuntsubaMerr Naga, a Facebook friend asked me to “Like” a Facebook Page, titled “The MIMI Outlook:The Voice of the Unheard”. Then again, I had what was supposed to be an acrimonious(on his part, not mine) exchange on Facebook with a Khiamniungan lad, but which turned into an part comic, part affectionate repartee; and which led me to visit his Facebook Page. The pictures posted on The Mimi Outlook and Chil Khiam Khiam’s Profile Page drew involuntary tears from my eyes. Images of boys, who should be playing without a care in the world, carrying firewood; and those of little

law transgresses all the value of man as a HUMAN BEING created in the image of God. God’s laws also clearly declares that whosoever sheds man’s blood in acts of murder rape torture and burnings etc should be punished by man’s laws which are based on God’s own laws.

Now therefore, to rebel against such laws as AFSPA is to be obedient to God’s laws. After all, as the scripture says: ‘To fear the Lord is to hate evil” (Prv.8:13).

And yet many Naga Churches and Christians think that such laws that defy the very relationship of God and man is none of their business.

Can a Christian state like ours allow such acts of lawlessness to prevail in our own country with our consent? In the end, can all that the Churches in Nagaland do is to call for clean elections only after four years of repeated lawless corruptions and wealth accumulations? Surely despite the very religious exterior, Nagaland must be one of the most hypocritical Christian states in the world- especially in the realm of politics!

Rather than fighting against India’s political sins over our lands, we seem to be wallowing in those sins ever seeking our own comforts and safety zones in this enemy occupied land of ours. Our topmost priorities seem to be to get (or even buy with money) a secure Indian Government job

sible for it, in that we divert the funds meant for them into our pockets, as we do all funds that come within reach of our greedy paws. But the greater sin we commit on them is by teaching the few of them who manage to escape the cycle of poverty and hardship; our evil and venial ways of corruption.

We teach them the Concepts of Christianity and show them the Ways of Satan. They imitate our sins in the belief that it is the way of “Advanced People” and “Modernity”.

They see how easy or sins rest on our conscience, and think that they should do the same. We are their Shepherds, it our bounden duty to guide them along the paths that are Good and Righteous, instead, we lead them into the Quagmire of Corruption.

May the Good Lord that watches over them strike our right eye and our right hand, may our right eye

to take pre-eminence over him, even those that invoke his name. Thus our liturgy brings us to this strange day where in a sense we are confronted with celebrating the entrance of the King and in the next breath cursing him and betraying him to those who torture and crucify him.

Palm Sunday at Messiah is effort to explore the mysterious paradox at the heart of faith: what does it mean that God suffers? How strength is made perfect in weakness? How is Jesus different from other spiritual teachers or prophets who challenged the authorities with a message of love and forgiveness? At Messiah we use drama and ritual to encounter this paradox.

After people arrive they gather around a simple table with palm fronds and water.

They are greeted by the priest who blesses the Palms with the water. We hear the story of how Jesus entered Jerusalem like a king. The palm branches are handed out and we sing.

As we sing, we walk around the inside the church until we end up at our chairs. After that, we hear a very different story, the story of how Jesus was arrested, convicted, and

be blinded and our right arm be withered for falling short of our responsibility to them. For I believe that I AM my Brother’s Keeper.

2. But the greater responsibility for their hardship and suffering lies on the heads of the Legislators and Bureaucrats from the Eastern Naga Tribes.

We “Advanced Nagas” know exactly how we are being cheated by our own Legislators and Bureaucrats but we choose to keep silent, unless we feel the pinch of corruption directly. But your people are ignorant of their rights and entitlements; it is for you, The Chosen Few, who have managed to enjoy the rights and privileges of the “Advanced Nagas” to fight for the same rights and privileges for the rest of your people.

A Native American (Red Indian) once said that there were two dogs living inside him. One was a Good Dog and the other

killed by the powers of this world. But what does it mean?

Why do it just before Easter?

One of the chief paradoxes of the Christian faith is that the power of God is expressed through the utter weakness of the Crucified, broken, and dead Jesus. It was only by submitting to this awful fate that Jesus could destroy death and bring eternal life to God’s people. It might feel strange to hold palm branches and sing happy songs in church one minute only to contemplate suffering and death later in the same service, but this juxtaposition is the heart of the Christian message. God does not ask us to triumph over bad things through effort and force, but rather through selfsacrifice and trust in a loving God. Only by holding the tensions together do we begin the fathom the amazing thing that God has done–a profound reversal, cosmic Judo that makes all those who are oppressed jump for joy. As Jesus’s mother Mary sang about his future, “Casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty.”

was an Evil Dog. The good and evil dogs in him were constantly fighting; and he did good if the good dog won and evil if the evil dog won. When asked who usually won the fight, he replied that the dog he fed the most won. We “Advanced Nagas” have fed the evil dog in us to such an extent that evil seems to have pervaded our entire being, and the good dog in us has been starved to near death. Unless we take drastic measures, there seems to be no hope for redemption for us. But you, my Eastern Naga Brothers and Sisters, still have a chance. Feed the good dog in you just a little bit more, and you are sure to lead your people out of their hardship and misery.

Whether we believe in Divine Justice, Karma or the Laws of Nature, one thing in this world is certain, nothing remains the same; God, Karma and

Nature move in circles.

What is on top goes below, and that below ends up on top. The time you spend on top is determined by how you treat those below you. I have seen many of our Eastern Naga Brothers and Sisters in our homes. They see us whine and squabble amidst the plenty that we own; while they remain silent and uncomplaining with the little that they have. They are honest, hardworking and sincere. They seek education and to learn our ways.

Treat them well and show them the ways of Good by example, so that the Good Lord may treat you with the same Compassion and Mercy that you treat them.

For I have noticed their intelligence; and, as God is my Witness, the day is not so far off that they will rise above us. May they treat us better than we have treated them.

GOD SAVE OUR NAGALAND

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 09•04•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Northeast India's ace rap artist, MIchael M SaIlo no more! Was never

I

n a tragic and shocking incident, Mizoram’s most celebrated rap artist Michael M Sailo was killed in a bike accident on Friday night, thus leaving a void in the heart of fans not only in Mizoram but the Northeast region as a whole.

The talented singer, songwriter and music composer, Michael M Sailo a.k.a Aceman was killed in a bike accident last night at 11.45 pm.

His demise sent shock waves

across the region. Sources informed that the popular rap artist died due to head injury.

Sailo was a member of a popular rock band in Mizoram, The Scavenger Project – an electro-rock progressive”, a blend of electronic, progressive rock, hip hop and metal and has been involved in many musical activities across the region and the country.

He has participated in many shows and compe-

titions like Independence Rock, North East Beat Contest etc which won his band awards.

Michael is survived by his wife, Spi Bawitlung (also an artist) and two kids.

Condolences have poured in from various corners of the regions and many took to Facebook and Twitter to expressed their grief and sorrow.

Source: The Northeast Today

Aashka Goradia: Calling television Late Carrie Fisher will appear regressive doesn’t make you intellectual in 'Star Wars: episode IX'

L

A

ctor Aashka Goradia has been part of a supernatural show like Naagin and a children’s show like Baal Veer, and she is proud of her body of work.

She says that she can’t get it when some people complain about current television shows being regressive.

“I hear a lot of people in the metro cities saying that television is so regressive these days. These are the ones who live in big cities and watch shows on Netflix, which is not our market,” says Aashka. “I want to tell them, ‘When you call these shows regressive, trying to look intellectual, you are not doing that, you are not looking into the depth.’

Entertainment has nothing to do with regression or progression. Entertainment is entertainment,” says the actor, who has been part of

the television industry for 15 years now, and starred in shows such as Kkusum.

The actor, further emphasising on the psychology of television audiences, says, “ A man living in a Tier II city, earning Rs 20,000, comes back to his family and wants to relax. He doesn’t necessarily want to watch something that’s giving him a lesson in life, because he is already learn-

ing a lot through the day. He wants to watch a show with which he can relate emotionally or be entertained and amused."

"If there’s one thing that her acting career has taught her, it is “to fall in love with your commitment”. Aashka says, “That’s what keeps your journey more sustainable. The idea is not to make a point, it is to sustain.”

B

C M Y K

Salman Khan parts ways with Matrix

Source: Hindustan Times

ollywood superstar Salman Khan has parted ways with Matrix, which had been handling his work for the past nine years. Salman has returned to an in-house model for managing his business arrangements, a statement said. Salman will next do a concert tour of Asia Pacific, which will be spearheaded by his brother and actor Sohail Khan. The "Dabangg" actor, whose family used to manage his business arrangements, signed up

ate actress Carrie Fishers character Princess Leia's journey will not end with "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" as she will also appear in "Star Wars: Episode IX", says her brother Todd Fisher.

Todd and Carrie's daughter, Billie Lourd, have given Disney and Lucasfilm permission to use recent footage of the actress in the 2019 film.

"Both of us were like, ‘Yes, how do you take her out of it?' And the answer is you don't," Todd told nydailynews.com.

Carrie finished the shooting of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" before her death on December 27 last year.

"She's as much a part of it as anything and I think her presence now is even more powerful than it was, like Obi Wan -- when the saber cuts him down he becomes more powerful. I feel like that's what's happened with Carrie.

I think the legacy should continue," Todd said.

with Reshma Shetty's company nine years ago.

Matrix will continue to service ongoing contracts for Salman as well as conclude deals that are at an advanced stage of negotiation. Besides producing movies and ads inhouse, Salman is also working on launching his own brand of e-bicycles and gym equipment.

On the career front, Salman will next be seen in Kabir Khan's "Tubelight".

Also, he is currently shooting for "Tiger Zinda Hai".

Source: IANS

Sting inspired by children's music taste

S

ting has been listening to his daughters' pop music for inspiration. The 'Shape of My Heart' hitmaker, former frontman of new wave rock band The Police, has just released his new single '50,000', which was inspired by the late legendary singer Prince.

And Sting has revealed his music taste has adapted to those of his children, particularly his 26-year-old daughter Eliot 'Coco' Sumner - who he has with wife

Trudy Styler - who is the singer and founder of the London group I Blame Coco.

Speaking on BBC Radio Two on Friday (07.04.17) he said: ''I'm listening to my daughter - I know that sounds like nepotism but my youngest daughter Eliot Sumner has a fantastic pop song.''

In 2014, she released the EP 'Information', followed by the full album of the same name in 2016.

During her career she has laid vocals on the track 'End of the Road' by Sway

and the single 'Splash' by Sub Focus.

She did a cover version of the Radiohead song 'Creep' with Clint Mansell for the soundtrack to the 2013 movie 'Filth'.

Sting - who is also father to Joseph, 40, Fuchsia Katherine, 34, Brigitte Michael, 33, Jake, 31, and Giacomo Luke, 21, from previous relationships - can spot some of his own influences in Eliot's music whilst his son, Joseph, who is a member of band Fiction Plane, has joined him on tour.

He continued: ''I'm fascinated by it because I recognise some of the DNA in it and there some of it that I have no idea where it comes from lyrically, harmonically, so she's very interesting. I'm incredibly proud. I've also got my eldest son [Joseph] on the road with me he's singing a couple of songs so it's a family affair.''

Joseph's band Fiction Plane was previously the opening act for The Police on their 2007 reunion tour.

Source: Contactmusic

However, Todd is unsure about the length of Carrie's part in "Star Wars: Episode IX", which is set for release in 2019.

"I'm not the only part in that equation, but I think the people deserve to have her. She's owned by them," Todd said.

Source: IANS

Spice Girls' best singer:

Victoria Beckham

F

ormer Spice Girls member Victoria Beckham, now a designer, says she was never the best singer or dancer in the group, which also consisted of Mel B, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner and Melanie C. Talking on why working in fashion makes her happier than her career pop, she told elleuk.com: "Being in the Spice Girls was so much fun, but I was never the best singer or dancer. "I learned an enormous amount during that time, though: the staging, the lighting, the costumes - the package excited me. But I love fashion - this is what I'm genuinely interested in. "When I look back at my past self, (the way I dressed and behaved) was probably a sign of my insecurities.

I feel quite confident in myself now - getting older doesn't bother me."

Source: IANS

12

Sunday 09•04•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Maxwell's fireworks help Punjab beat Pune by 6 wkts

C M Y K

Indore, AprIl 8 (IAnS): Skipper Glenn Maxwell's belligerent 20-ball unbeaten 44 helped Kings XI Punjab start their 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with a six-wicket win over Rising Pune Supergiant a Holkar Stadium here on Saturday.

Maxwell, along with South African David Miller (30 from 27 balls), raised an unbeaten 79-run fifth wicket stand to guide Punjab to safety with six balls to spare.

Chasing a decent 164, medium pacer Ashoke Dinda, guilty for leaking 30 runs in the final over against Mumbai Indians, mended

his ways and provided the early breakthrough for Pune with the wicket of opener Manan Vohra, who smacked him for a massive six, four balls earlier.

South African veteran Hashim Amla held firm at one end, scoring almost at a run-a-ball rate and managing to clear the fence on three occasions. He along with stumper Wriddhiman Saha (13) put on 22 runs for the second wicket.

Saha failed to take advantage of the life, he got on 5 when he was dropped by Daniel Christian off Ben Stokes, before a googly from leg-spinner Imran Tahir crashes

into his middle and off-stump.

Tottering at 49/2, Punjab were in need of a partnership and Amla provided it with southpaw Axar Patel, who was surprisingly promoted above the likes of skipper Glenn Maxwell and David Miller.

The right-left combination of Amla and Patel hung on for the next four overs, milking the easy singles and an odd six to gather 34 runs for the third wicket before the Protea was undone by debutant leggie Rahul Chahar to be safely caught by Stokes at long-off.

Thereafter, Pune skipper Steve Smith immediately brought back

his strike bowler Tahir for a second spell and the South African delivered in his very first delivery, picking the wicket of Patel off his own bowling. Patel's 22-ball 24 had a boundary and a six as Punjab found themselves at a precarious 85/4.

With Miller and Maxwell at the crease, Punjab's hopes for a turnaround could never be written off and the duo ensured their side got those two vital points.

While Maxwell belted two boundaries and four massive sixes, Miller dispatched the ball once to the fence and twice over it.

Earlier, riding on a disciplined bowling effort, Kings XI restricted Pune to 163/6 in the afternoon match of the double-header.

Pune were rescued by the late order heroics of their English import Ben Stokes, who brought up his maiden half century, 50 off 32 balls, along with Manoj Tiwary, who remained unbeaten on 40 off 23 deliveries.

Stokes lived up to his billing of being the costliest buy in this year's IPL auctions. After getting a feel of the wicket, the southpaw used the long handle quite well to spank left-arm spinner Axar Patel for a four and a six off consecutive deliveries.

Joined by the in-form Manoj Tiwary (40 not out), Stokes brought up a 61-run fifth wicket stand, as he completed his maiden IPL half ton with a deaf touch to long on off Stonis.

In the very next over, Patel ended Stokes' resistance with a simple return catch off his own ball but could not stop Daniel Christian (17) and Tiwary to throw their bats around in the last couple of overs as Pune milked 30 runs to take their score to 163.

Spurs demolish Watford 4-0 london, AprIl 8 (AGenCIeS): Tottenham kept up the pressure on leaders Chelsea with an impressive home victory over Watford, their sixth consecutive Premier League win.

Watford had started brightly, but Dele Alli's sumptuous strike - curled into the top corner after Son Heung-min's pass - signalled their quick decline.

Within just 11 more minutes they were three behind as Eric Dier smashed in from Son's deflected cross, before the South Korea forward added a third just before the break, firing in a rasping drive following Christian Eriksen's pass.

After half-time it was much the same story, with Watford only threatening in isolated moments, and Son further confirmed Spurs' dominance by meeting Kieran Trippier's perfect cross with a lovely half-volley at the far post.

Harry Kane, returning as a second-half substitute, struck the bar with an injurytime free-kick - the last kick of the game - and Son might have sealed his hat-trick from his earlier pass.

Mauricio Pocehttino's side are now four points behind Chelsea, who play at Bournemouth later on Saturday.

And they are also 14 points clear of fifthplaced Arsenal, who have two games in hand and play at Crystal Palace on Monday.

NORTHERN ANGAMI -1 T20 BASH 2017

Second T-20 Challenger Trophy Zienuobadze High Flyers, North Block Warriors, Chedema Strikers win postponed Our Correspondent Kohima | April 8

Zienuobadze High Flyers, North Block Warriors and Chedema Strikers today registered wins in their respective matches at the ongoing 4th edition of 10-Northern Angami -1 T20 Bash 2017 under the aegis of Brother-

hood Group at KVC Ground, Ziekezou.

Zienuobadze High Flyers registered win against its opponent Lower Bayavii Giants by 29 runs in the first match of the day.

Tolto of Zienuobadze High Flyers declared man of the match.

In the second match, North

Block Warriors defeated LowAPRIL 10 MATCHES er L. Khel Vikings by 19 runs.

Middle Bayavii Lions Dietholetuo of North Block vs D. Khel United (7:00 AM) Warriors was declared as the man of the match.

Upper Bayavii Sixers Chedema Strikers overvs T. Khel Knights (10:00 AM) powered Upper L. Khel Riders by 8 runs in the last match of Rokabozou/Sepfuzou the day. Keneisezo of ChedeChallengers vs P. Khel Eagles ma Strikers was declared man (1:00 PM) of the match.

dImApur, AprIl 8 (mexn): The second T-20 Challenger Trophy organized

by K Hollohon Colony Students’ Union scheduled to be held on April 11 has been postponed to April 15 due to the unfavourable weather condition, informed a press release today. The last date for form submission is April 12 and fixture will be drawn on April 13. For further information, contact: 8575390990, 8447110852, 8575220305.

NAGALAND VETERAN Younis to retire from international cricket AprIl 8 first Pakistan batsman to or I may start thinking to FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KArAChI, (IAnS): Two days after his score 10,000 Test runs re- reach Sachin's (Tendulkar) vealed that he had planned 15,000 runs. Humans can skipper Misbah-ul-Haq

Mokokchung, Kohima, Tuensang register wins announced his retirement his retirement in advance never be satisfied but I am Our Correspondent Phek | April 8

Mokokchung, Kohima and Tuensang registered win in their respective matches on day two of the ongoing 8th edition of Nagaland Veteran Football Tournament at Phek.

Mokokchung defeated Tuensang via a solitary goal through the booth of Repamahyang.

In another match, Kohima downed Di-

mapur 2-1. Zavibeinyu scored two important winning goals for Kohima. Lima netted a goal for Dimapur.

Tuensang defeated the host Phek 3-1.

P.Montsoe contributed two goals for Tuensang while T.Mangko added another goal to the team.

A lone goal for Phek came through Zhochito.

Meanwhile, semi final matches will take place on April 10.

from international cricket, veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan on Saturday also decided to bring the curtains down to his glorious 17-year career after the upcoming three-Test rubber against the West Indies, starting later this month.

"People are calling me and asking me not to make any announcement to leave but now is the time," the 39-year-old Younis was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.

Younis, who is just 23 runs short of becoming the

but continued on only to reach the landmark.

"This isn't something sudden, this was always building up and few of my close friends knew it. Although I had a plan to retire after surpassing Javed bhai's (Miandad) runs record, then I was motivated to complete 10,000 runs so I have decided to get them," he said.

"The reason I announced it before hand was people start asking me for more, they could then ask me to take 11,000 or 12,000

not in an age to make that far, so I want people to respect my decision and allow me to fulfil my future plans."

After making his debut against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi in 2000, the stylish right-hander went on to play 115 Tests, scoring 9977 runs at an average of 53.06 with 34 hundreds, the most for a Pakistan batsman.

He was recently named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year, following his contribution in Pakistan's 2-2 drawn series in England last summer.

Hamilton pips Vettel to Chinese GP pole

ShAnGAI, AprIl 8 (reuTerS): Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole position for Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix after clocking the fastest ever lap of the Shanghai circuit in the dying seconds of a hard-fought qualifying session on Saturday.

The triple world champion lapped the 5.4-kilometer long circuit in one minute, 31.678 seconds in his Mercedes, edging Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel by 0.186 seconds.

Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas was third, just one-thousandth of a second further adrift.

Hamilton's fastest lap in Shanghai bettered Michael Schumacher's 2004 timing by over half a second.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain reacts after setting pole position in qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit. (REUTERS)

It also gave Hamilton his 63rd pole, and a record sixth in China. The Briton is now five behind Schumacher's record 68 poles.

It was also the 58th time in 61 races that a Mercedes will start at the front.

The German outfit were

hotly pursued by Ferrari though.

Vettel set a scorching pace to top the final practice session earlier on Saturday. The German and team mate Kimi Raikkonen, who was fourth, also topped the timesheets

at the end of the first two parts of qualifying.

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo set the fifth-fastest time ahead of Williams driver Felipe Massa.

Nico Hulkenberg went seventh-quickest for Renault ahead of Force India's Sergio Perez.

Russian Daniil Kvyat in the Toro Rosso was ninth with 18-year-old Williams rookie Lance Stroll rounding out the top 10.

Fernando Alonso, who impressively hustled his McLaren Honda into the second part of qualifying, will start 13th.

Saub er's Antonio Giovinazzi, who got impressively up to speed on his debut in Australia as a stand-in for Pascal Weh-

rlein, caused the biggest drama of the day when he ricocheted off the barrier lining the start-finish straight after losing control of his car in the final corner.

Max Verstappen, nursing an engine problem with his Red Bull, was unable to progress past the first part of qualifying after being forced to abort his lap. He ended up 19th on the timesheets.

Sunday's race will see Vettel going all out to cement Ferrari's credentials as genuine title contenders with a second successive win, after his triumph in the season-opening race in Australia.

Hamilton, however, is the most successful driver at the Shanghai circuit with four victories to his name.

Published, Printed and Edited by Dr. Aküm Longchari from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Morung Publications , Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 248854, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722