August 2nd 2014

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Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 210

The Morung Express

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The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play

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By Sandemo Ngullie

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ACAUT Secy ‘detained’ at Khehoi Camp Centre ‘assures’ to address

Nagaland’s power shortage

Morung Express News Dimapur | August 1

The Morung Express POLL QUESTION

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Is there a pressing need for a public debate on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act? Yes

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Others

KSU demands immediate response to ultimatum

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1 (MExN): The Kyong Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded an immediate response to its representation, submitted on June 26, and a subsequent 15 day ultimatum, submitted on July 19 to the Chairman of the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Board (NPNGB). The representation and ultimatum were submitted with regard to the Nagaland Petroleum and Gas Regulation/Rules 2012 and subsequent allotment of permit to Metropolitan Oil and Gas Private Limited at Wokha Zone. The KSU, through a press note, lamented that “till date the union has not receive any response or clarification from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Board of its ultimatum.” It cautioned that failure to provide an immediate response within the ultimatum period would compel the KSU to initiate “stringent course of action.”

Man made leaves to produce oxygen in space

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LoNDoN, AUGUST 1 (IANS): Astronauts may soon rely on man-made leaves for their oxygen supply during space travel. The world’s first synthetic biological leaf which absorbs water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen just like a plant has now been developed.

“The discovery could enable long-distance space travel, indicating that the leaf could even help humans colonise space one day,” said Julian Melchiorri, the designer of the leaf from Royal College of Art in Britain. Plants do not grow in zero gravity, Melchiorri explained. “NASA is researching different ways to produce oxygen for longdistance space journeys to let us live in space. This material could allow us to explore space much further than we can now,” Melchiorri stated. Melchiorri’s Silk Leaf projectconsists of chloroplasts suspended in a matrix made out of silk protein. It is the first photosynthetic material that lives and breaths like a leaf.

–Arnold J. Toynbee

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Organizations appeal to GPRN/NSCN for safe release Lend me 50 lakh for old time’s sake. What? No money? Oh please don`t lie to me…I know you own that little cold drink hotel.

Saturday, August 2, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

James Anderson, Jadeja not guilty of ICC breach

Fighting continues as Gaza ceasefire unravels

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reflections

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Culture Club Khensa celebrates 25 years

Barack Obama hailed Katy Perry as a “wonderful person”

Maharashtra landslide toll rises to 65

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The GPRN/NSCN, on Thursday evening took Solomon L Awomi, President, of East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) and Secretary of Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland to Khehoi Designated Camp. Solomon continued to be “detained” in Khehoi camp on Friday, where he is reportedly being asked to “clarify certain allegations” leveled against him.

Various organizations including the EDBA, ACAUT and Naharbari Village Council separately met GPRN/NSCN officials at its camp, Khehoi on Friday to appeal for the ACAUT Secretary’s safe release. The GPRN/NSCN cited “unfinished interrogation” with the ACAUT Secretary and stated that his release would be decided only after a cabinet sitting on Saturday. The GPRN/ NSCN expressed optimism that the ACAUT Secretary would be released on Saturday.

Around 30 ACAUT members reached Khehoi camp at 5:30 pm on Friday, where GPRN/NSCN military officials awaited them at the gate and discussed the matter. They appealed for the release of Solomon on humanitarian grounds.

Col Tokugha and Col Johnson of the GPRN/NSCN informed ACAUT members

ACAUT members are seen holding discussions with representatives of the GPRN/NSCN at the entrance of the Khehoi Designated Camp on August 1. An ACAUT team headed to the camp on Friday to seek the release of its Secretary, who was “detained” by the GPRN/NSCN.

that Solomon’s involvement in ACAUT was not the reason for his detention. The ACAUT members were assured that their member was treated humanely. However, ACAUT reasoned that the timing of it’s “derecognition” by the GPRN/ NSCN indicated enough reasons to believe that Solomon was detained because of his association with ACAUT. If such was the case, ACAUT members affirmed that they were ready to court arrest and to remain outside Khehoi camp until his safe release.

The GPRN/NSCN representatives however expressed helplessness to oblige with their request, as the matter rested with higher authority.

They, however, acknowledged ACAUT for tirelessly working for the Naga people.

Later, GPRN/NSCN ‘kilo’ secretary, Ghukiho T Jimo

emerged from the camp with a clarification signed jointly by him and Solomon. The clarification stated that the ACAUT Secretary was called to the camp to clarify certain allegations against him by the public.

In the clarification, Solomon stated that the ACAUT letter dated April 25, 2014, cautioning all HoDs and DDOs against paying 24% salary to the Naga political groups, was drafted in his absence and he was informed over the phone by ACAUT. The clarification further said that “I object to the use of the word “Anti-Naga” against Govt. Officials deductive employee salaries for NPGs.” Meaniwhile, Ghukiho maintained that Solomon signed the clarification after fully agreeing to the content of the letter and that it was not signed under any pressure or duress. “Not a hair on his body

will be touched and we have strictly told the commanders to comply with the order,” Ghukiho told ACAUT members.

Reacting to the ‘Clarification,’ ACAUT said its office would discuss the matter and issue a press statement. It further stated that ACAUT’s decision would be collective.

EDBA members, who had earlier met GPRN/NSCN Kilo Kilonser, Hevukhu Yeptho, informed media persons that according to the latter, Solomon was detained because of his association with ACAUT. Naharbari Village Council Chairperson, Tokheli Kikon had also separately met GPRN/ NSCN Law and Justice Kilonser, Visheto Yeptho appealing for his safe release on humanitarian grounds. By 9:30 pm, ACAUT members reportedly left Khehoi designated camp.

Full “Clarification” text on page 4

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Union Minister for Power, Piyush Goyal has provided assurances to provide 80 MW of power (Nagaland’s actual power requirement) to the state in a year’s time. However, this will be done if the state government “provides its support in building infrastructure, Right of Way (RoW) and removal of bottlenecks coming in the way of transmission project, of power grid.”

This was communicated to Nagaland state Chief Minister, TR Zeliang during a meeting in New Delhi. The CM had informed that Union Minister that the state receives hardly 30 MW of power, as opposed to its power requirement of 80 MW. Zeliang lamented that the lack of electricity in the state has become a hurdle for small scale industries.

“We have lot of potential to set up commercial and small scale industries if 80 MW of power is supplied, it will not only suffice to the need for commercial purpose but will also create many more employment opportunities for the naga youths,” he said.

A press note from the CMO’s office informed that as per the central guideline only 9 towns can be accommodated in the central schemes. It added that the CM had however appealed for relaxation of central guideline, so that 11 districts in Nagaland can be accommodated under central schemes.

The Union Minister in turn urged the Nagaland CM to “allow NEEPCO to execute the two Hydro Power Projects at Tizu and Zungki,” which he stated would

provide about 30 MW of power. He called upon the Nagaland CM to convey the state’s approval for the two projects, so that it can be announced during the “likely visit” of the Prime Minister to Nagaland at the Hornbill festival later this year.

The Union Minister was also concerned by the slow progress of the Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reform Programme (RAPDRP) in the state.

He urged the CM to complete the

Calls for Nagaland govt’s support in building infrastructure, Right of Way (RoW) and removal of bottlenecks scheme in the nine towns, for which the centre has already released money. On completion, he assured that more towns will be covered as requested by the Chief Minister.

On the issue of bringing transparency in the system, the Union Minister requested the state government to immediately stop manual tendering and adopt an e-tendering system. The officers of the Ministry also drew attention to the slow pace of implementation of rural electrification work and commissioning of substations under RGGVY program.

Earlier in the day, the Nagaland CM held a meeting with the Chief of Indigo airlines and discussed the operation of the airlines in the Dimapur and Kolkata sectors. The airline representatives were requested to submit their proposal to the Nagaland state government at the earliest.

WHo sounds warning NCP surprised by BJP ‘indecent’ statement

Ebola moving faster than control efforts

CoNAKRY, AUGUST 1 (AP): An Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 700 people in West Africa is moving faster than the efforts to control the disease, the head of the World Health Organization warned as presidents from the affected countries met Friday in Guinea’s capital.

Dr. Margaret Chan, directorgeneral of the World Health Organization, said the meeting in Conakry “must be a turning point” in the battle against Ebola, which is now sickening people in three African capitals for the first time in history.

“If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences can be catastrophic in terms of lost lives but also severe socioeconomic disruption and a high risk of spread to other countries,” she said.

At least 729 people in four countries — Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria — have died since cases first emerged back in March. Two American health workers in Liberia have been infected, and an American man of Liberian descent died in Nigeria from the disease, health authorities there say.

While health officials say the virus is transmitted only through direct contact with bodily fluids, many sick patients have refused to go to isolation centers and have infected family members and other caregivers. The fatality rate has been about 60 percent, and the scenes of patients bleeding from the eyes, mouth and ears has led many relatives to keep their sick family members at home instead. Sierra Leone is now sending teams door-to-door in search of Ebola patients and others who have been exposed to the disease.

Chan emphasized Friday that the general public “is not at high risk of infection,” but also said the Ebola virus should not be allowed

to circulate widely.

“Constant mutation and adaptation are the survival mechanisms of viruses and other microbes,” she said. “We must not give this virus opportunities to deliver more surprises.”

Randy Schoepp, chief of diagnostics at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, which is running the only lab in Liberia that is testing Ebola samples, said the deaths there may be just the tip of the iceberg.

Even just getting samples to a lab is difficult, he said, because many drivers are scared to even transport vials of blood that may contain Ebola.

“I believe we’re only seeing a small portion of the cases out there ... The virus is getting to large, dense, city areas. We’re now getting samples (to test) from all over,” he said Friday.

WHO has said it plans to launch a $100 million response plan that would include funding the deployment of hundreds more health care workers to the affected countries. Meanwhile, other countries are taking precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola.

The African Union mission in Somalia canceled a planned troop rotation by Sierra Leonean forces in an effort to prevent Ebola from crossing into the Horn of Africa country, the military said.

Seychelles forfeited an African Cup qualifying game and withdrew from the competition Thursday rather than allow Sierra Leone’s soccer team to travel to the Indian Ocean island.

And a cyclist from Sierra Leone competed in the Commonwealth Games after being tested forEbola. Moses Sesay, 32, was admitted to a Glasgow hospital last week after feeling unwell, and doctors tested him for various conditions including Ebola. Sesay was passed fit, and released from hospital in time to compete in the individual time trial on Thursday.

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 1 (MExN): The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today expressed surprise at BJP National Executive Member, Sudanshu Mittal’s recent statement, which the NCP stated “encouraged defectors in Nagaland and even going to the extent of issuing a veiled warning to the Speaker.”

A press note from NCP Permanent Secretary and Member Working Committee, Kohli

Hony stated that it was “indecent on the part of BJP which is talking of providing good governance at the centre is so keen to own up defectors in Nagaland.”

NCP stated that the constitutional authority vested in the office of the Speaker should not be undermined and that any action of the Speaker can only be interpreted by a court of law and not in the media. With regard to the petitions filed by Er TL Semdok,

Legislative Assembly, Chotishu Sazo has informed that there will be a personal hearing on the “claim of merger” by three NCP MLAs. A press release from the NLA Secretariat informed that the personal hearing has been fixed on August 6 at 11:00am at the Conference Hall of the Assembly Secretariat, Kohima.

Speaker schedules personal “All concerned may either appear in person or through counhearing with 3 NCP MLAs Speaker for the Nagaland sel,” it added.

Vice-President and in Charge, NCP Nagaland, the NCP reiterated that “he is the authorized person to take such action and the same has been communicated to the Speaker of Nagaland.” “We are confident that the Speaker will uphold the spirit of the said law,” it added.

‘Naga society is riddled with conflicting interests’ Morung Express News

SC Jamir appeals for a ‘culture of values, ethics, courage, hard work, tolerance, concern and compassion.’

Dimapur | August 1

Governor of Odhisha and former Nagaland state Chief Minister, Dr SC Jamir today lamented that Nagas are presently standing on a “shadowy borderline” and have lost their sense of direction due to conflict of interests.

“We don’t know where we are going and we don’t know where we will be going, People are thoroughly confused,” Jamir said and added that the five decade-old Naga movement is also heading into a blind alley.

Jamir was speaking at the “Tsungremmong festival” celebration organized by the Diphupar Ao Youth Forum on the theme “Redefining Cultural Identity” here at NEZCC ground.

“To me, one thing that has been the reason for division of Naga society in recent years is politics - petty politics that has left out the common Naga from its scheme of things. Politically Naga society has not been free from the conflict of interests/ aspirations. Naga society is riddled with conflicting interests”, the veteran politician said.

On conflict on interests, Jamir said the eastern Nagas want a separate state, the southern Nagas want an alternative arrangement, the central Nagas want exclusiveness and that the list goes on.

Dr SC Jamir, Governor of Odisa and former Chief Minister of Nagaland during the Tsungremmong festival at Diphupar on Auguust 1. Photo by Caisii Mao

“While fighting for regional interests they harm themselves and their culture through agitations and violent means. It is high time that Nagas rise above petty politics that is divisive and disruptive,” he said.

The Odisha Governor stated that politics would take care of itself if only two things are strengthened – the traditional social institutions and Naga cultural ideal that is “work is worship”. Jamir said Naga society should start strengthening and re-cultivating traditional social institutions and ideals and that

the present generation should not shy away from work.

He further pointed to the irony that Nagas have lost their courage and conviction to raise their voice against rampant corruption. “The culture I dream of to be a part of every Naga should be a new culture of values, ethics, courage, hard work, tolerance, concern and compassion”, he said.

Alluding to the biblical ‘Tower of Babel’, Jamir said Nagas too initially started with one language, one purpose and one objective. But along

the way Nagas began to cultivate pride, jealousy and hatred and forgetting their creator, he lamented.

Now the same people who started with the same objective do not understand each other and Naga society is presently riddled with groups and factions and Nagas have been blinded by prejudice, tribalism and over ambition, Jamir said.

“Instead of cultivating unity and harmony, we have only multiplied factions and groupisms, instead of talking about the future we are only talking about the past”,he added.

Jamir called upon every Naga to develop a “Naga vision” and not a “tribal vision.”

Minister for PWD (R&B), Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, in his address, also said that Nagas should rise above tribalism.

Azo iterated that if any Naga tribe continues to obsessively protect its own interests at the cost of other tribes, then Naga society would disintegrate.

Parliamentary secretary for Law & Justice, Jacob Zhimomi, and NEZCC director, Lipokmar Tzudir, also addressed the festive gathering.

Besides Ao cultural troupes, cultural troupes from the Chakhesang and Sumi tribes also joined in the Tsungremmong celebration, one of the premier festivals of the Ao community.

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Morung Express News Khensa | August 1

The Culture Club Khensa celebrated its Silver Jubilee on August 1 at Yimrong Tenem, Khensa Village with Dr Watijungshi Jamir, Principal, Pfutsero Government College, Phek as the chief guest and Rev P Longri Longchar as the main speaker.

The chief guest called upon the Culture Club Khensa (CCK) and the gathering to look back the last 25 years, retrospect the vision of CCK and evaluate the contributions that everyone is making towards promotion of culture. He said that in the present days many research studies are being conducted to identify and understand more about one’s culture.

He encouraged the gathering to do researches and produce a book on the roots of the culture of Khensa Village.

Speaking on the theme of the CCK Silver Jubilee celebration, “Preservation and promotion of culture,” Rev P Longri Longchar brought in the definition of culture and the changes it has undergone with the passage of time. He said that with the arrival Naga men perform Chicken dance during the Tsungremmong festival of the Ao Naga at of Christianity, our culture has become more refined Diphupar in Dimapur on August 1. Photo by Caisii Mao

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‘If we seek revival and progress of culture without the right knowledge, there is danger of going back instead of moving forward’

Dr Watijungshi Jamir, Principal, Pfutsero Government College, Phek speaking during the Culture Club Khensa Silver Jubilee celebration held on August 1, 2014.

and only the faith that we believe in can sanctify our culture. Therefore, it is for us to determine whether outside influences and forces should characterize our culture or let Christian faith become the foundation and driving force for any culture, he stated.

Expressing great regret, the Reverend pointed out

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some negative changes that the young generations are adapting, such as turning down the pursuit of education, staying in the past beliefs without letting the right knowledge and progress of faith to take the lead, misusing church buildings and decision making platforms and division amongst different

zones in the same village.

Towards “preservation and promotion of culture,” the Reverend suggested that there should be a book recording the history of the village, design master plans for development of the village infrastructures and even set up standardized rules and regulations for the govern-

pErEN, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) was launched in Peren district on August 1 in the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Officials from various departments like Chief Medical Office, School Education, Public Health Engineering and Administration attended the meeting, informed a press release issued by District Media Officer, CMO Office Peren Pezanguno Celine Secii.

Dr. Ngangshimeren, Chief Medical Officer, gave an introduction on the IDCF programme and its significance. He said the prime goal of the National Health Mis-

sion is to reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), adding the current National IMR has come down to 42 from 54 in 2004. He stated that diarrhoea is one of the major child killer diseases and thus IDCF aims at reaching out to all the children and achieving Zero death. He also mentioned that the IDCF program was initiated with the motive to create intensive awareness and is to be implemented in all the villages and schools for children below 5 years. He informed that ORS and Zinc Corners have been set up in all the Health Units and that ASHAs will be visiting every house, distributing the ORS and Zinc tab-

lets. Demonstration of hand washing and preparation of homemade ORS is also to be strictly followed, he added.

Meanwhile, Limaienla Pongen, District Education Officer expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the Medical Department and said the Education department is also doing its best for the welfare of the children.

Dr. Khrielasanuo, DPO- RCH & UIP, who is also the Member Secretary of the programme highlighted that there are 131 ASHAs under Peren district who are being trained and combo Kits containing ORS & Zinc tablets are being

distributed in all the Health Units.

The main agents for the campaign are the ASHAs in all the villages under the district and the health workers of the respective Health Units. Posters and leaflets on Diarrhoea Management and Benefits of Zinc in Acute Diarrhoea are being distributed to all the Health Units, she added.

Various aspects for implementing the programme were also discussed during the launch. Deputy Commissioner, who also chaired the programme asserted on conducting intensive awareness and timely meeting for the success of the programme, the release said.

IMpUr, AUGUST 1 (MExN): Under the theme “Made alive in Christ”, a spiritual awakening programme was held at Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School (CMHSS), Impur from July 29 to 31. Nuklu Phom, executive secretary, Phom Baptist Churches Association was the speaker.

Talking to the students and teachers of CMHSS, the speaker said there is no draw in sin. “Unless you go through temptation, you can never face one.

The life that we live in Christ helps us to face and overcome temptations,” a press release quoted Nuklu. Encouragingalltostayalert,Nuklusaid“our”enemy is very strong and clever. “He knows your future and therefore, he will attack through different ways like science & technology, food, fashion, friends etc.”

He told the students to “put effort to becomethebest.”Tobethebest,hefurther advised that one must not look back to the past, commit to what is entrusted in one’s care, and fear God. Also, stating that “our” faith is different from others, Nuklu said, “Only Jesus can and will transform the broken heart.” He also cautioned the participants about dif-

ferent types of enrolment drives and movements in Nagaland stating “we need to be alert and careful about the kind of teachings and philosophy that are imparted.” He also spoke on satanic movement in Nagaland and asked the school to be aware of such institutions and people who are not in align with the word of God. Mopungchuket Baptist Church, Rev Jongpong and Rev Teka, pastor, Impur Baptist Church also exhorted the students. Lanutemsu and Sashinungla were the counselors while the worship was led by team from Sinai Ministry. They also ministered to the students through testimony sharing.

It may be mentioned that, the spiritual awakening programme was sponsored by the former principal of CMHSS C Lima Jamir and his family.

This was the 7th revival for CMHSS. Clark Memorial Higher Secondary School, Impur was established in the year 1895, when the first American Baptist Missionaries Dr. and Mrs. Clark moved to Impur. It is the oldest school in Nagaland, with the motto, “Towards Excellence.”

DIMApUr, AUGUST 1 (MExN): In retaliation to failure of the State government and department concerned to respond to the appeal to repair/renovate Dhobinala-Signal Angami-Thahekhu-Rangapahar Road, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the said road has resolved to stand by its decision to enforce restriction on plying of heavy vehicles as first phase of its agitation on the said road on August 8 from 6 am to 6 pm.

The JAC, representing the public of 13 villages and colonies – Rio Colony, Metha Colony, Signal Angami Village, Viola Colony, Sema Tilla, Xuvihe Colony, Kevijau Village, Lhomithi Village, Signal Colony, Naga Gaon, Y. Zhimo Colony, Thahekhu Village and Sangtam Tilla had written a memorandum dated 17/04/2014 to the minister PWD (R&B) highlighting the plight of the people and appealing the department concerned to take up the matter in the interest

of the general public. A copy of the memorandum was also forwarded to DC and SP of Dimapur respectively for information, stated the JAC secretary Neichuvoto Kiso and convenor K Kakheho Yeptho in a press statement.

In response to the memorandum, minister in-charge of Roads and Bridges also assured to take up the matter without fail, the state-

Heavy vehicles to be restricted along Dhobinala-Signal Angami-Thahekhu-Rangapahar Road on August 8

lection ‘as a journey into KOHIMA, AU Down the lane I went the past of a whole tribe’ GUST 1 (MExN): Many a crossing I passed where each poem is ‘imA Glimpse of Long Then still, I stood Ago – a bilingual And whispers from a distant past, bued with the colours of ancient Sumi lifestyle’. collection of SumiA warrior’s yell While talking about English folk poems A baby’s wail the challenges and ascompiled and transA lover’s sigh pects of documentation, lated by Ahikali Swu A maiden’s laugh Dr. Lanusangla Tzuand published by An orphan’s cry dir from Heritage PubHeritage Publishing I closed my eyes lishing House lauded House (HBH) was And felt within my soul Ahikali Swu for ‘retrievreleased on August A lover’s hope ing the little remains of 1 at The Heritage, A spinster’s pain the oral tradition of our Kohima. According A lover’s despair Nagas’. Dr. Tzudir further to Ahikali Swu, the An orphan’s plight stated that oral tradicollections are traA maiden’s anguish tions are fast disappearditional and anonyI held my breath ing in Naga society and mous in its origin And looked beyond with the fading away which were chanted I saw a glimpse of memory, contesting by ordinary people A glimpse of long ago versions will emerge. and transmitted The title poem, accordorally through generations among the Sumi tribe. Swu fur- ing to Temsula Ao, is a poignant rendering ther asserted that the collection is a hum- of the poet’s imagination linking the past to the present and which sums up her desire ble way to honor our fore fathers.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, to re-connect to the varied experiences of noted Writer Temsula Ao, reviewed the col- her people from ‘long ago’.

Governor invites institutions to set up branches in North East

KOHIMA, AUGUST 1 (DIpr): The Governor of Nagaland, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya was felicitated by Karavali College and Vikas P.U College, Maryhill, Mangalore, on July 30. Addressing the gath-

ering, the Governor invited the institutions to consider setting up branches in the North East region and to facilitate conscious interactions amongst the students of South and North East regions. The Governor men-

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ment and landowners for smooth execution of any developmental activities.

He stated that if we seek revival and progress of culture without the right knowledge, there is danger of going back instead of moving forward. He encouraged the younger generation to raise their voice and work hard to usher in a new positive change in the society.

The CCK Jubilee Souvenir book was released

by Rev C Teyong Kichu.

Dr. Imlirenla Walling chaired the programme, while Rev A Bendangwapang Longchar said the invocation prayer and Khensa Village Council chairman gave an exhortation. Khensa Baptist Church pastor Rev K Temjen Longchar and Mekuli Village Council chairman also delivered short speeches. Further, CCK Silver Jubilee planning convener Temsuchizung said the vote of thanks and Aodangba, deacon MTBA said the benediction. Folk songs were presented by Khensa Senso Telongjem, Kohima and Khensa Senso Telongjem, Mokokchung.

In the second session, a cultural event was held which was inaugurated by Tongpangsucha, JEI & FC Medziphema.

Glimpse of Long Ago: Collection of Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight launched in Peren ASumi-English folk poems released

Made alive in Christ: Spiritual Protest against govt.’s apathy awakening prog in CMHSS Impur to repair road in Dimapur C

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Culture Club Khensa celebrates 25 years

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tioned that except Manipal University, other universities and institutions have not yet established their branches in the North East region. The Governor is likely to return to Nagaland on August 3, 2014.

2nd NAP Battalion, Alichen celebrates golden jubilee

ment added. “However, there has been no positive response from the concerned department till date.”

Further, asserting that having no option it has resolved to stand by its decision, the JAC urged the public of the above mentioned villages and colonies to extend co- MOKOKcHUNG, AUoperation towards the committee GUST 1 (DIpr): “The present Naga society is in to enforce restriction. trouble because people are selfish and cannot sacrifice to come out of their comfort zones to serve the people and society,” stated DGP, Nagaland, Besesayo pur district. Therefore, he Kezo speaking as chief urged all the village chiefs guest during the Golden under its jurisdiction to Jubilee celebration of 2nd join hands and co-operate NAP Battalion, Alichen among one another so it Mokokchung on August 1. can develop and prosper.

The 2nd NAP Battal“In order to bring develop- ion which was formed on ment in Dhansiripar sub- August 1, 1964 has richly division, all the concerned contributed towards the GBs should not only focus welfare of the people of only in their respective vil- the State and the counlages, but also have to de- try as a whole by keeping vote time for betterment of their motto “Security, Serthe sub-division.”

The union also elect- vice and Sacrifice,” said the ed a new team headed chief guest. He maintained

by Dohoi Swu (Head GB, that many officers who had Executive members of Dimapur District GBs Association and Dhansiripar Sub-division GBs Pimla village) as Presi- served at Alichen 2nd NAP Union along with GBs at Dhansiripar HQ on July 31. dent; Pfunielie (Head GB, Battalion reached the rank customary practices of the living and all round devel- and ‘Foothill Road Project’ Soluophe village) - Vice- of DGP in the State during Nagas. opment. Since time imme- between the State govern- President; Dejiraj Girisa the last 50 years. Kezo further “GBs have full author- morial, village chiefs were ment and landowners, Za- (Head GB Dhansiripar) urged the officers and the ity on any important is- true protector of its villag- lipu urged the GBs to play –General Secretary; Ram- personnel of 2nd NAP Battalsues/matter on behalf of ers, Zalipu said and urged more accountable role. bihal Difoesa (GB Dhansi- ion to give their best, keeping their respective villages,” the GBs not to hesitate to Meanwhile, Dohoi ripar) – Publicity and in- their motto by giving SecuriZalipu pointed out while defend from anti social el- Swu, Head GB, Pimla Vil- formation secretary and ty, Service and Sacrificing for adding that GBs should ements. lage said that Dhansiripar Tsitrongshe (Head GB the people and the society so not be underestimated by Regarding the ongoing sub-division is least de- Tsitrongshe) as Treasurer- as to live up to the dreams of any organization as well as tussle on ‘Nagaland Spe- veloped than other sub- cum-Banker. It also select- the pioneers. government for peaceful cial Development Zone’ divisional HQs in Dima- ed Vitsore as its advisor.

IGP (NAP) Nagaland,

‘GBs are mediator between govt. & people’

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DIMApUr, AUGUST 1 (MExN): The Dhansiripar Sub-division GBs Union (DSDGBU) in its meeting on July 31 resolved to revive the union as it remained inactive since its establishment in 2009. The meeting was held under the supervision of Dimapur District GBs Association (DDGBA), informed DSDGBU chairman Dohoi Swu and general secretary Dejiraj Girisa.

Highlighting the responsibilities of GBs in Naga society, Shikuto Zalipu, president, DDGBA said GBs are mediator between the government and the people at the grassroots level. He also underlined GBs’ duties such as defending villages, maintaining peace, delivering justice, enumerating census, and also preserving and promoting the traditions, cultures and

DGP Nagaland, Besesayo Kezo speaking during the Golden Jubilee celebration of 2nd NAP Battalion, Alichen Mokokchung on August 1.

Toshitsungba Aier, who was the Guest of Honour in his speech, also said that 2nd NAP Battalion deserves to be honoured for all the exemplary services rendered to the people during the 50 years after its formation. He also asked the Battalion to be the torch bearer for the younger generation. Aier also acknowledged the support and contributions made by the neighboring villages saying that the contribution made by them have made the Battalion come

this far and urged them to extend support even in the days to come.

Earlier, the Chief Guest unveiled the Jubilee Monolith at Battalion office campus while Unit pastor, Imti Kichu offered the dedicatory prayer. Welcome speech was said by Commandant 2nd NAP Y.E Ngullie and the Jubilee Souvenir was released by the Chief Guest. Special presentation and Jubilee theme song was presented by the Unit school and 2nd NAP personnel respectively.

C M Y K

REgional

The Morung Express

Saturday

2 August 2014

Dimapur

3

‘Alternative Arrangement’ so that we may live with an identity: UNC

Tahamzam, augusT 1 (mExN): The United Naga Council has stated that the demand for ‘Alternative Arrangement’ is for “an interim and emergency intervention to change the unbearable and intolerable conditions under which the Nagas in Manipur have been made to subsist on, so that we may live as a people with our dignity, identity and fundamental rights protected and cannot undercut and upstage the larger Naga national issue and the legitimate political aspiration of the entire Naga family.”

“It is not a centrifugal movement but intrinsically centrip-

etal in letter and spirit. In pursuing this intervention, we represent our situation and circumstances alone and not anybody named or unnamed,” a statement from the UNC’s Publicity wing said.

Giving a historical account on the Nagas in Manipur state, UNC stated, “Although the Naga areas in the present state of Manipur was arbitrarily sliced off and annexed by the British in 1891 to Manipur, which was then only the Imphal valley, the Britishers, recognizing the distinctiveness and separateness of the Nagas, administered the Nagas and their lands through the

Crown’s political department.

After India’s independence, Naga areas were arbitrarily transferred to the Maharaja of Manipur without the consent of the Nagas, through acts of subterfuge and deception.”

UNC called the story of Nagas in Manipur as one of ‘marginalization, victimization, discrimination and domination.’

“Nagas in Manipur have suffered loss of rights and privileges, loss of due share in economic development, and most materially loss of their honor, dignity and identity,” UNC stated.

Recalling the May 6, 2010 Mao-Gate episode, UNC

charged the Government of Manipur of waging a war upon the innocent and unarmed Naga citizens, wherein 2 promising students were shot dead and hundreds, mostly womenfolk were wounded. In this regard, UNC informed, Naga Hoho on May 8, 2010 declared, “…henceforth, we derecognize any artificial boundary lines drawn across our ancestral lands in the so called Manipur State”.

“The Nagas in Manipur then declared the severance of political ties with the GoM on July 1, 2010 due to unmistakable facts that it is impossible to protect our right to life, land,

time-honored institutions, customary practices and values under the administration of the dominant and communal GoM and demanded the intervention of the GoI with an alternative arrangement.

“This declaration was endorsed and confirmed by the Naga Hoho in the 3rd Federal Assembly of the Naga Hoho, dated Mokokchung, July 16, 2010,” UNC stated.

Consequently the Government of India (GoI) initiated the process of tripartite talk of the GoI, GoM and the United Naga Council (UNC) to address the demand for an alternative ar-

NGT maintains ban on TSL blames Mnp Govt for Ukhrul situation augusT 1 (NNN): The exercise their expression of freedom of coal mining in M'laya uKhRuL, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) or Tangkhul faith and belief. The forcible prevention

shiLLoNg, augusT 1 (iaNs): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Friday maintained its ban on coal mining in Meghalaya, contending that right to life was far more significant than economic interest and the latter cannot be allowed to gain preference.

The observation was made at the Meghalaya High Court as the tribunal's special circuit bench, eastern zone, comprising chairperson Justice (retd.) Swatanter Kumar and expert member Ranjan Chatterjee conducted a hearing on issues relating to coal mining in the state.

The green court, which continued with its April 17 interim order banning rat-hole coal mining, but allowed transportation of extracted coal kept in the open till June 9, maintained that there was no prejudice while protecting the environment.

The April 17 order came after the All Dimasa Students' Union and the Dima Hasao District Committee filed an application before the tribunal alleging that the water in the Kopili river was turning acidic due to coal mining in Jaintia Hills.

"Article 21 of the Constitution gives predominance to right to life than any other interests including economic interest. In the largest democracy of the world, we cannot permit economic interest to be preferred over to right to life and live in a healthy environment just because the activity should be allowed to carry on," said Justice Swatanter Kumar on unscientific coal mining in the state.

Mining activities in Meghalaya are controlled by the state's indigenous people who own the land. The coal is extracted by a primitive surface mining method called "rat hole" mining that entails clearing ground vegetation and digging pits ranging from five to 100 sq.m. to reach the coal seams. There are many disadvantages caused by unscientific rat-hole mining which not only affect the environment and ecology but also seriously affect rivers and streams and groundwater, Justice Swatanter Kumar added.

Disbanding the previous committee constituted by it on June 9 after it failed to comply with the tribunal's directives, the NGT set up a new panel to be headed by Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary K.S.Kropha to implement its directives on transportation of extracted coal lying in the depots across the state, besides framing comprehensive guidelines for its clearance.

The tribunal also directed the Kropha committee to meet within one week from Friday and to provide a complete picture of the extracted coal lying in various mining sites in the state. Within two weeks, comprehensive guidelines on removal and transportation of extracted coal should be uploaded on the website of the Meghalaya government, it ordered. After two weeks, the tribunal stated that the government can allow removal of coal subject to strict adherence to guidelines framed by the committee.

The tribunal will conduct its next hearing here on October 7 and 8.

Women Union has blamed the Government of Manipur for the present tense situation in Ukhrul.

"We are thankful to the Government of India for providing democracy to us. However we resent the autocratic approach of the Government of Manipur in suppressing our democratic rights through militarization. Ukhrul was a peaceful town but with the deployment of strong contingents of security forces from the valley and promulgation of Section 144 of the CrPC in Ukhrul, a situation of tension and insecurity permeates for the people. This is not the creation of the people but of the Government of Manipur," TSL stated.

It said that Ukhrul, as the public would attest, is in a tense situation since the past 18 days with the deployment of Manipur state’s security forces. It has even threatened the right of the people in Ukhrul to

of people to attend the recently organised “Prayer for Just Peace” through the use of militaristic force is a clear example of this, the union added.

TSL then said deputy chief minister Gaikhangam’s statement lacks genuine understanding of the reality on the ground; rather it is political and for the perpetuation of his power and position.

The TSL called upon every right thinking person to come and witness the ground reality of Ukhrul.

It said that peace through militarization is directly and inherently against the principles and values of a mature democracy.

"We condemn the suppressive actions of the Government of Manipur and further reaffirms that the people will continue to express and exercise our desire for peace and justice through democratic means," the Tangkhul women organisation said.

NAGALAND STATE e-GOVERNANCE SOCIETY (NSeGS)

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION (Below New Secretariat) Thizama Road Nagaland: Kohima 797001

NOTIFICATION

No. NSeGS/CompositeTeam/2010 dated 1st August 2014:: Pursuant to the advertisement for recruitment of Contract Manpower for Composite Team vide Advertisement no. NSeGS/ SDC-CompositeTeam/2010 dated 11th July 2014, the result is hereby notified as follows: Sl. no.

1 2 3 4

Name of Post

Selected Candidate

Wait listed Candidate

Network & Security Specialist Junior Security Expert Infrastructure Expert Junior Electrical Specialist

Mr. Lanunungsang Aier Ms Lishabeni W. Lotha Mr Manto Konyak Mr Mughashe AAssumi

NIL Mr Sobir Kumar Mech Mr Abel Kikon Ms Liyingbeni Yanthan

1. Acceptance Letter should be submitted to this office on or before 11th August 2014 during office working hours.

2. Offer letter and terms of reference will be issued to individual selected candidates from the Department of IT&C. 3. The Wait Listed Candidates, in order of Merit, will be eligible to the corresponding post by default if the selected candidates in a particular post withdraws and this provision will be valid only for 60 days from the date of declaration of result.

Sd/- K.D Vizo, ITS CEO, NSeGS & Commissioner & Secretary (IT)

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

FINANCE DEPARTMENT No.FIN/LOT-02/2013/152

****

Dated 31st July 2014.

NOTIFICATION

Weddings and Events located at Burma Camp, Dimapur with

Ample Parking Space for 200+ vehicles.

Contact no: 09862489008/09436210338.

FELICITATION

The Tesophenyu Group Officers Forum (TGOF) heartily congratulates Ar.Jwenga Seb, Principal architect, 'JS Architect & Associates, Dimapur' for receiving the prestigious 'Indian Award of Excellence in Architecture' for his achievements and outstanding contributions in the field of Architecture; awarded by the Friendship Forum of India on 26th July 2014.

The TGOF also congratulates Dr.Soyhunlo Seb, s/o Thunlo Seb, who has been appointed as an Asst. Professor in Geography at RIE, Bhopal through the competitive exam conducted by the NCERT, New Delhi.

The Forum also congratulates Er.Khenlo Tep, s/o Ntsathong Tep, who has been promoted to Junior Engineer in the P.H.E. Department, Nagaland.

Sd/(Dr.Tinelo Jemu) Gen. Secretary, TGOF

Sd/(Er.Chengato Kath) President TGOF

1. Attention of all concerned is invited to the ‘Notice Inviting Tender (NIT)’ dated 10th February 2014 issued by the Director of Nagaland State Lotteries inviting bids for distributorship of Nagaland State Lotteries.

2. The above NIT was challenged in W.P (C)32 (K) of 2014 on the alleged ground that the conditions prescribed being qualified to participate in the tender were too stiff and beyond what is actually required. There were also subsequent miscellaneous cases filed before the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on more or less the same grounds of not providing a level playing field for all interested players. The Hon’ble Court has in its order dated 26th February 2014, directed the department not to open the technical bids on 27.02.2014, which was the scheduled date as per the NIT, till the next returnable date.

3. In view of the above reasons, and with a view to provide a level playing field for all interested players, and in exercise of the powers under sub-section (12) of Section A of the Notice Inviting Tender dated 10th February 2014, the Government is pleased to cancel the ‘Notice Inviting Tender’ dated 10th February 2014 issued by the Director of Nagaland State Lotteries with effect from the date of issue of this order. Consequently, all activities undertaken in connection with the above NIT hereby stands cancelled. It is also the intention of the Government to come out with a fresh NIT with new terms and conditions with a view to provide a level playing field for all interested players.

Sd/Toshi Aier Addl. Chef Secretary & Finance Commissioner.

an Alternative Arrangement. It is with this clear conviction that the Nagas in Manipur have embarked upon the mission to secure an alternative political and administrative arrangement independent of domination and subjugation,” UNC stated.

“The Nagas in Manipur have upheld the Indo-Naga peace process in their prayers and spirit all through the 17 long years of cease-fire and political talks. It is only in the indivisible common destiny that the history, identity and honor of the entire Naga people would be safe,” the statement from UNC asserted.

DIMAPUR GOVERNMENT COLLEGE Oriental Colony, Dimapur-797112, Nagaland

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAMME – POST VACANCY (Approved by UGC)

• Course Name: Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Post No. of Post Qualification Coordinator One (1) Graduate or Post-Graduate degree in Tourism/Hospitality/ Hotel Management preferably with industry exposure.

Faculty Two (2) Graduate or Post-Graduate degree in Tourism/Hospitality/ Hotel Management preferably with industry exposure.

Faculty One (1) Post-Graduate degree in Communicative English or M.A English with phonetics.

Last Date: Application may be submitted along with CV and other documents to the Office of the Principal, Dimapur Government College on or before 7th August 2014. For further information contact: 8575012359/9856125458/dimapurgovtcollege@gmail.com.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) is looking for a dynamic, positive, hardworking and creative person with good communication skills who can take up management and leadership responsibilities for our Financial Inclusion wing “The Nagaland State EAThrift & Credit Cooperatives Federation Ltd. (EATACOL) “ Business Associate whose responsibilities include:o o o o

Administrative Coordination Human Resource Management Entrepreneurship Promotion Management of credit and thrift activities

Posting at our Head Office in Kohima. Submission of application closes on 11th August 2014 at 5:00 pm.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a personal interview.

Come and meet us with your Curriculum Vitae (CV) at our Head Office in Kohima. |Office of the Entrepreneurs Associates/EATACOL | PWD Junction | Near Traffic Police Point | Kohima, Nagaland | 797001 | Email: eanagaland.hr@gmail.com|Contact: 0370 – 2242665/ 8131091105 |

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

HOME DEPARTMENT

NAGALAND STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NO.NSDMA/EOC/SET-UP/2011

(LOTTERY BRANCH)

available for hire for

rangement outside the GoM, pending settlement of the IndoNaga issue, UNC informed and added that in the 7th tripartite talk held on February 6, 2014 it was agreed that a high powered committee would be instituted by the GoI to translate the demand of alternative arrangement into a political reality.

“Pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue, the rights and identity, land and resources, time-honored institutions, customary practices and values of the Nagas in Manipur had to be protected and defended from deprivation, de-recognition, obliteration and distortion with

Dated Kohima, the th July, 2014

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR EMPANELMENT OF AGENCIES Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department invites “Expression of Interest” from leading accredited Supply Agencies which meet the eligibility criteria to take up the supply of equipments for State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

The detailed TOR, list of items and the prescribed application format may be obtained from the office of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, Civil Secretariat, Kohima-797001 or downloaded from its website @ https://www.nsdma.gov.in or send an email to johnny.naga@ gmail.com from 11.00 AM to 04.00 PM on working days.

Interested agencies may send their offers containing all the requisite details in sealed covers in the prescribed format the undersigned till 7th August, 2014 up to 05.00 P M through Regd./Speed Post.

S/d T. AO, IAS Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Saturday 2 August 2014

Is Nagaland Afghanistan of India?

I U SA is famous for being the most potent political and economic power on earth. Japan is popular though small in land size and population but is an economic giant. Singapore and New Zealand are popular because of efficiency and transparency in administration. On and on, each nation has its own positive and negative popularity.

Similarly, Afghanistan is popularly known to be the most dangerous country on earth to tread upon because of the presence of Taliban. It is one of the most unsafe countries.

Kidnapping was not heard for quite sometime though it became rampant in Dimapur in particular a year or so ago.

Mostly businessmen are the victims. I do not believe that kidnapping has got anything to do with politics, be it Naga political issue or State party politics. I rather believe that kidnapping is due to greed for money. To get rich by one with white money goes through tedious processes. Many Nagas in particular do not have the requisite patience to go through that procedure and become rich. Many aim at sleep in poverty and wake up

rich. For those people who are in hurry to become rich, I believe, take kidnapping of people to be an industry. God knows who among the Nagas is/are living like king/s with ransom money and with extorted wealth. May those kings enjoy a lasting peaceful life.

Who does the business of kidnapping in Nagaland? Are the Naga factions indulging? Is a faction doing this business?

Are some cadres from a faction doing this business with or without the knowledge of their bosses? Or is it never the handiwork of any cadre belonging to any faction? Is there any pseudo nationalist doing the business in the name of any faction? Is this business the work of anti-social elements from outside Naga community using Dimapur as its base? Is kidnapping due to business rivalry?

Beside Naga factions, is there any organised underworld doing this business? Is there any powerful politician or bureaucrat nurturing mafia don and indulging in kidnapping? May be more questions are there. I believe the State Govt. knows everything.

How many Nagas are surprised to come across the

news item in local papers on kidnapping of two Engineers from Andhra Pradesh dated 30.7.2014? How many elected representatives and bureaucrats are serious about this incident? What about the powerful Church bodies? What about high profile and highly proclaimed NGOs? Where are the students’ organisations? Is there any responsible authority in Nagaland dominated by followers of Jesus Christ bothering about this shameful, ugly and barbarous incident? How many Nagas in Nagaland bother about the amount of damage caused to the image of Christian State by such kind of animal activities?

Kidnappings took place in the past. The State Govt. knows how each case was handled and brought to conclusions.

The latest victims were reportedly released, and I am not interested to question about the nitty-gritty of how they were bailed out. What matters is the ramifications of kidnapping incident. Sparing the life of the two victims saved Nagaland from bigger embarrassment.

Nevertheless, the issue does not end here with the safety of the Engineers. The incident is

very serious as it severely implicates the State of Nagaland.

It speaks volumes of lawlessness and of absence of governance. It depicts as if there is connivance between kidnappers, State Govt. and Naga factions.

Is the State Govt. serious about the presence of Boka Haram within its territory?

Who is/are the TaIiban in Nagaland subjugating this small State with one and half million indigenous Nagas to nothing less than Afghanistan of India?

Has not Nagaland become the most dangerous State to tread upon in India? With the kind of background, how will Naga missionaries carry on the Gospel with confidence and how their messages would be convincing to others? What room is left for the Naga missionaries to preach the Good News when their home is filled full with the known evils. When Nagaland is defaced in the like manner, will it enhance the image of any faction? Will the State Govt. continue remaining silent or give tacit support to all illegal activities and transform Nagaland into animal kingdom?

Z. Lohe

Response to ‘KJV versus modern versions’

T

his is being written in response to Tepu Khieya’s article “KJV versus modern versions” that appeared in the Morung Express and “On Bible’s missing verses Debate” in the Nagaland Post on July 27, 2014. We essentially did not “attack the authenticity” of the KJV but simply wanted to answer the question raised by Rev. Johnson John whose article appeared in the Nagaland Post on July 20 that the NIV and RSV had supplanted the KJV by leaving out various verses from the KJV. And it was only in that context that we pointed out that the various hand copied manuscripts on which the KJV was based (let us not forget that the KJV was translated in 1611!) had been overtaken by more authentic manuscripts many times over.

We want to make clear that we are not of the opinion that the NIV is the best and most reliable version of any Bible versions available (that is an opinion that each of us is free to harbor for any version available!).

For that matter, no one really has the authority and prerogative to claim and propagate whether the KJV or the NIV or any other version is the most accurate of all translations. There are bound to be mistakes because human beings, no matter how hard we try, we are limited. This is the reason why the NIV has also undergone several revisions during the past decades.

As more and more Bible versions become

available with time using more and more authentic manuscripts that have been discovered, also incorporating the latest cutting-edge technology to make the Bible more and more readable (while for sure, not losing its efficacy in any way, as the true and powerful Word of God), we feel we should be able to understand this important fact. Again, we are not even condemning the KJV. Admittedly, the KJV was written with such unique flavors like the flowing language it incorporated, and the flowing rhythm that people the world over with literary tastes still feel nostalgic about. On the other hand, the language of the KJV is frozen in time and not intelligible for many in the 21st century because the KJV certainly contains English that is archaic and not very clear for contemporary readers.

It is interesting that Tepu Khieya has brought a lot of charges against quite a number of the newer versions, but particularly and specifically more against the NIV. A tragedy for many Christians today is the tendency to engage in proof texting some selected words or verses to press their points, while ignoring major thrusts of the Bible from a canonical and technical vantage point. We are really not interested to get involved in the debate as these days, one can easily log on to the internet at any time, and find that many people find it fanciful and worth

their time to debate about the things that have been brought out in Khieya’s article.

Forget even the “copy and paste” technique that anyone can employ to sensationalize any issue on planet earth these days! If Khieya wants to defend the KJV as against other versions and on the basis of his personal opinions wants to call Nagas to seek for new translations of our Naga Bibles, that is his own personal viewpoint. We feel very confident that people who truly love God and his Word were involved in the translation of the Word with all sincerity. And so there is no need for such brazen statements. Many times we look at our society, and find that whereas, we should be trying to proclaim and live out the infallible Word of God in our own very corrupt society, we get into unnecessary squabbles and debates. We would think that such are the schemes and sinister plans of Satan to keep us confused and divided that are more damaging than a call to “urge all theologians and pastors and translators to look into this serious matter,” as Khieya would put it.

All the same, we are glad that we have come to love and appreciate the Word of God all the more because of these brief exchanges. On this note we want to put the so called “debate” at rest!

Dr. Sanyü Iralu Dr. James Kalong

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 2953

The Morung Express

Clarification

, Mr. Solomon L. Awomi, President EDBA & Secretary ACAUT was called in to GPRN/ NSCN designated camp Kehoi to clarify certain allegations leveled against me by some members of the public in Dimapur.

Having clarified all allegations I feel I have been misunderstood for a prolonged time owing to lack of communication.

I wish to point out that the Naga political issue is a genuine cause which I have tried my best to uphold in my humble capacity. I shall continue to support and believe in the early political solution acceptable to the people.

I also clarify that the letter of ACAUT Dt. 25.04.14 sent to all HOD & DDO of Nagaland

Government, cautioning against paying to NPGs was done in my absence. I was informed over the phone by ACAUT co-convener and my signature too had to be filled in by them. I object to the use of the word “Anti-Naga” against Govt. Officials deductive employee salaries for NPGs. I did not authorize the use of harsh language either against Nagaland Govt. Employees or NPGs. I issue this clarification in sound, mind and health. I have freely expressed my opinion.

Solomon L. Awomi Ghukhito T Jimo Kilo Secy, GPRN/NSCN

Raw deal meted out to private school teachers

W

ho says life is fair? It can be grossly unfair. You may sweat it out and put your nose to the grindstone, yet you may find that you’re being short-changed by life.

Take for instance the plight of private school teachers in Nagaland. They slog hard and work under very trying conditions. They take five or six periods a day and in addition to that they’re often asked to take proxy periods. They often have to deal with large classes consisting of 50 to 60 students.

If they want to take casual leave, they’ve to think twice. They’re frowned upon by school authorities when they submit their casual leave applications. If they happen to exceed twelve days of casual leave a year, they lose their salary for every additional day for which they take leave.

There is very little job security. They’re constantly staring down the barrel of the gun.

The motto of all private schools is “Perform or perish”. If there is even the slightest lapse on the part of teachers, they may face the ire of the school management and be given the marching order. Many owners of private schools treat their teachers as disposable items.

As a result, many of the private school teachers feel like sacrificial lambs waiting to be slaughtered. They don’t have their own unions to assert their rights.

They may elect a teachers’ representative who is no more than a rubber stamp of the school management. They’ve to toe the official line and if they dare to be on a collision course with the management, they’ve to face punitive action and in extreme cases even summary dismissal.

The salary that they receive for all their backbreaking work is often peanuts. It is much lower than what a peon in a government office earns. One lady teacher who has been working in a private school for 28 years takes home a salary of only Rs 6500 a month. It is pitiable, isn’t

it? The majority of these teachers are left with no option but to take private tuition in order to supplement their meagre income. Some of them engage in assorted businesses in order earn a few extra bucks. This economic compulsion to take private tuition or to do some other business affects their performance as teachers since they are unable to concentrate fully on their primary profession.

The central government has now made it mandatory for every private school with twenty or more employees on their payrolls to adopt EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund). For years, most of the private educational institutions have evaded this law by juggling with the number of actual teachers. They have shirked their responsibility by showing the number of teachers on their staff as less than twenty. As a result, the unfortunate teachers have been cheated out of their dues by the school management. When a private school teacher finally retires after years of dedicated service, they have very little money in their pockets and an uncertain future stares them in the face.

If you compare the private school teachers with their counterparts in the government schools, you’ll realize that they indeed receive a raw deal.

Those who teach in government schools are well-paid and their workload is quite light. The majority of them take only two

to three periods a day. Broadly speaking, the majority of government schools have very low enrolment of students. Ironically in some government schools, teachers outnumber students.

As such, it is much easier for them to deal with classes that have only a handful of pupils. In rural Nagaland it is not uncommon to find government teachers who prefer to go to the fields instead of going to their schools.

Since there is very little accountability, the performance of the majority of government schools is abysmal. One has only to look at the results of HSLC and HSSLC examinations to see the yawning gap between the government and the private schools in terms of performance. Of course, there are a few honourable exceptions. But generally speaking, private schools outshine government schools when it comes to board exams.

Society adopts a hypocritical attitude towards private school teachers. Publicly we pay glowing tributes to teachers by describing them as the architects of the nation. But privately we pity them for their measly income and lowly status. We wash our hands off by paying lip service to them on Teachers’ Day. We do very little in concrete terms to promote the welfare of private school teachers. They deserve better, don’t they?

Ranjan Roy Mokokchung

Rejoinder to news item

aving learned that my name mentioned in the defector was published on 9th July 2014, as defected to the newly H formed NNC under Temjenyanger Aier, without my knowledge and concerned, is a matter of dangerous in consequences. For, I never defected to Accordist or never will. I shall always remain under the collective leaders of his excellence Kiumukam yim and honourable Ato Kilonser, Hozheto Chophi, who has boldly condemned the infamous Shillong Accord and leading the nation in the right direction.

Hovito Kiho Dy. Kilonser, NNC(N-A)

DIMAPUR

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2959

Answer Number # 2952

Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862

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

KOHIMA

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

232224; Emergency229529, 229474 227930, 231081 228846 228254 231864, 224117, 227337 228400 232106 227607 232181 242555/ 242533 224041, 248011 230695/9402435652 131/228404 229366 282777 232032, 231031 248302, 09856006026

STD CODE: 0370

Northeast Shuttles

100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202

COOKOUT BARBEQUE BRAISE ROAST CHARCOAL GRILL SMOKING RIBS STEAK PORK PICNIC BARBACOA BAKE GATHER FRIENDS FAMILY LEMONADE SODA SALAD CORN KEBOB COLESLAW KETCHUP MUSTARD SAUSAGE HOTDOGS ICECREAM MINT MARSHMELLOWS SUMMER CHICKEN BURGERS WEATHER SUNSHINE

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ACROSS 1. Nonpoetic writing 6. Unadulterated 10. Schnozzola 14. Flax fabric 15. Astringent 16. Nile bird 17. Group of eight 18. Naked 19. Eccentric person 20. Middleman 22. Possess 23. Devil tree 24. Amass 26. Lantern 30. Mesh 31. N N N N 32. Found in some lotions 33. Away from the wind 35. Practical 39. Jungle fever 41. Melodious 43. Betel palm 44. Store 46. Camp beds 47. Historic period 49. Completely 50. Leg joint 51. Made a low continuous tone 54. Narrow opening

56. Operatic solo 57. Catastrophe 63. Connection 64. Doing nothing 65. Metaphor or hyperbole 66. A single time 67. Observed 68. Ballet skirts 69. Clairvoyant 70. Where the sun rises 71. It makes dough rise

DOWN 1. Farm equipment 2. Wealthy 3. Savvy about 4. Secure against leakage 5. Ceased 6. Long slender cigars 7. Emit long loud cries 8. Boorish 9. Come forth 10. Billy club 11. A religion based on sorcery 12. Strainer 13. Glacial ridge 21. Egyptian peninsula 25. Rectum 26. Tibetan monk 27. Winglike 28. Infiltrator

29. Mediator 34. Skin softener 36. Computer symbol 37. Tardy 38. If not 40. Unusual 42. Lit to a higher degree 45. Bothers 48. Counsel 51. Angelic headgear 52. Pee 53. Chop finely 55. Shabby 58. Notion 59. Not false 60. Greek letter 61. Creative work 62. Where a bird lives Ans to CrossWord 2958

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LOCAL Aboi leaders oppose proposed Functional English course MEx FILE diversion of Aboi-Longleng road introduced at Kohima College NSCN (IM) clarifies Saturday

The Morung Express

Submits representation to CM urging to intervene

moN, august 1 (mExN): A group of public leaders and village council chairmen of Aboi area of Mon district has submitted a representation to the chief minister of Nagaland opposing the proposed diversion of Aboi-Longleng road to Longchang. The representation signed by 11 individuals, including president of Konyak Union, Aboi unit stated that as appeared in the local dailies, the proposed new National Highway NH-702 to cover NH-2 near Changtongya connecting Longleng, Longchang, Mon, Lapa, Tizit etc, will create a distance of 50 kms between Longleng and Aboi. “Diversion to cover Longchang will create a long distance of 50 kms which is well known by the department and it is not viable as known by the department and if required, verification on merit of history of the establishment of the existing road may be initiated.

According to the representation, the AboiLongleng road is one of the

2 August 2014

oldest roads constructed during 1960-61 and second cutting was done in the year 1963-64. Further, new diversion towards Aboi-Yangmon was initiated by constructing “pucca” bridge at Shingphang during 2004-05 which shortened 23 kms between AboiLongleng road. Besides that, a “pucca” bridge was also constructed known as Shiyong Bridge under Longleng, it stated.

In light of these facts, the leaders of Aboi have requested the chief minister to intervene for “easy construction, convenient, shortest, and viable” in the interest and for the welfare of the two districts of Mon and Longleng.

kohima, august 1 (mExN): Kohima College, Kohima has introduced Functional English as an elective subject at the Under Graduate level from the current session (July 2014), with an aim to bridge the gap between teachinglearning situation in the classroom and the professional expectations current in industry, informed a press release. Covering six semesters, it is an integrated theory and lab course for which an English language lab has also been set up using Interactive Language Learning-Teaching Software, namely, Oréll Digital Language Lab (ODLL)

from Oréll Technosystems (India) Pvt. Ltd. The curriculum of BA Functional English is a multi-focal vocational UG programme of Nagaland University. As such, it has been designed keeping in view the role of English as a major language of international communication in today’s world, according to the release.

Its primary objective is to equip the students with excellent communicative skills in diverse application of English with intent to open up a wide spectrum of career avenues in a fast evolving knowledge society. “While many can-

didates in the job market • To enable learners to use English language are adequately equipped grammatically and conwith academic or technical fidently especially in knowledge and skills, they those areas where non lack proficiency in English native users of English and the soft skills necessary face problems for professionals today. The need of the hour, therefore, • To write in English effectively for various specifis to equip graduating students with the skills essenic purposes tial for any workplace,” the • To use English fluently in oral communication release added.

• To provide the learners with an intensified trainObjectives of the Funcing in the English lantional English course: guage applying career • To enable the learners avenues of Mass Commuto be fluent in English nication & Broadcasting pronunciation and to acquire a sound knowl- • To prepare the students for entering the job maredge of major styles kets according to their and regional varieties of aptitude and interest English

Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): The IHOSHE Battallion of NSCN (IM) has clarified that Corpl. Jacob Krocha of Zhamai Village who was apprehended by 11 Assam Rifles on July 14 at Pfutsero as published in local dailies on August 1, does not belong to the NSCN (IM).

In a clarification, it stated that Corpl. Jacob Krocha was terminated on January 21, 2014 on “leave default” by Brig. K Paisho, Camp Commander G.H.Q. Naga Army.

The clarification stated that he is no way in service and connection with the NSCN (IM). The IHOSHE Battallion NSCN (IM) further condemned such act of tarnishing the image of NSCN (IM).

East Dimapur GB’s Union condemns

Loyola Higher secondary school celebrates annual day Our Correspondent Kiphrie | August 1

Loyola Higher secondary school Kiphire held its annual day with H. Kuhovi, Superintendent of Police Kiphire as chief guest at the school premises on July 31.

Recollecting his early days where he grew up with radio, black & white television, the chief guest

said, “You are privileged to have all the technological advancement in the form of internet, social networking sites which can connect you to any space and get any information needed.”

At the same time, he asked the students not to be slave of technology. He pointed out that these days, not only de addiction centers of alcohol and drugs, but

technology de addiction centers are also coming up and asked the students to be aware of all that.

The chief guest also disclosed that more than 50,000 live unemployed youths are registered in the Nagaland unemployment register and urged the students to be sincere so their names are not registered as unemployed

Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): The employees of Canning Plant, Medziphema, joint venture of Assam Rifles and Village Council of Medziphema received their first salary on July 31, informed a press release received here. The salary was distributed by the Head Gaonburah of Medziphema village. The plant was State Bank of India and NABARD conducted financial literacy camp at Kezanglwa, set up keeping in view the Peren district on July 30. The team was led by David Kire, Chief Manager, Lead Bank.

Besides opening accounts, the participants were imparted information on financial abundant cultivation of pineapples in Medzipheinclusion, frauds, KCC loans, and repayment terms.

youths. Also, stating that India as a nation is shining because of private sectors such as Birla, Tata etc, he said, “If you are educated, it is not only government sectors where you can be employed but better opportunities are there in private sectors.” He further explained that there are many posts in Indian Army and UPSC, but they

ma area and commenced its commercial production from June 27, 2014, said the note.

According to the release, an average of 200 cans of pineapple slices/ juice are produced in the plant every day. The noble project has provided regular employment to twelve locals from the village of Medziphema, including four women. “The plant has proved to be a constant

source of income for the locals and has also generated earnings for the pineapple growers in the area of Medziphema.”

The employees and village council including Gaonburashs expressed their gratitude to 37 Assam Rifles who had established the Canning Plant under the aegis of 6 Sector Assam Rifles/ Inspectorate General Assam Rifles (North), the release added.

First financial literacy camp in Lampong Sheanghah Training for NSS POs ed the interaction session.

A press release informed that the resource person from SBI shared about the formalities of opening saving bank accounts and its importance, different types of deposits – SB, FD, RD etc and its variation of interests, and types of loans offered to the farmers with low interest.

Meanwhile, the NSRLM staff dwelt on the initial importance to sustain Self Help Group (SHG). He stated that regular meeting

helps in smooth functioning of SHGs, while proper maintenance of record keeping can only bring growth to the SHG. “While the NSRLM is to take care of all the SHGs with financial assistance, effort has to be put by the SHGs and reach a certain standard as a good functioning SHG,” he asserted.

The release stated that active participation of women members representing different SHGs dominated the interaction

Legal awareness campaign held in Kohima kohima, august 1 (mExN): More than 800 students attended the legal rights awareness campaign conducted by Kohima Law College, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority & Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation here today at Alder College, Kohima.

The campaign urged the State government and Kohima Municipal Council to seriously look into the problems of sanitation faced by the citizens such as drainage system, management of waste in Kohima, informed a press release. The authority/ district administration/ KMC were also urged to ban opening of septic tanks, building latrine on

5

Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): The East Dimapur GB’s Union has condemned the threat to Tohoshe Awomi, chairman, Sumi Council East Dimapur allegedly by one Vitoka L Awomi, brother of general secretary of ACAUT Nagaland. The GB’s Union president Pitu Mech in a statement said that the Purana Bazar Village Council had issued a press statement on July 29 condemning the illegal activities carried out by the general secretary of ACAUT and the same morning Vitoka “shot fire challenging Tohoshe Awomi with an intention to hurt him which in itself is an act of cowardice.” The East Dimapur GB’s Union has appealed to all the right thinking citizens to come forward and condemn such “barbaric act” in a civilized society. It also urged the law are not recruiting just be- enforcing agency to take necessary action against the cause there are vacancies. accused at the earliest to avoid such untoward incidents “You should be capable to in the future. hold the post,” he stated, and encouraged the stu- Dy Kilonser, NNC (NA) dents to be capable to grab Sumi Region informs the opportunity.

ZuNhEboto, august 1 (mExN): Dy. Kilonser of Principal Rev Fr Benny NNC (Non-Accordist ) Sumi Region, Shitoho Sumi has welcomed the gathering informed that any person who are willing to join and and Rev Sis Bridget gave the work in the NNC (NA) Sumi Region must duly approach school report. Songs, cho- the Chairman/ Vice Chairman as regional authority reography, dances were the with full documents for any form of appointments and other highlights of the day. then forward to appointment authority – Home Kilonser. He informed that henceforth, whoever makes appointment without the consent of the Regional authority shall be deemed as invalid.

Canning Plant provides employment

moN, august 1 (mExN): For the first time in Lampong Sheanghah village, a financial literacy camp (FLC) was organized by the State Bank of India (SBI) Mon branch on July 31.

Nitul Sarmah, field officer, SBI Mon, and Rajuselie Lhousa, District Program Coordinator (Financial Inclusion) NSRLM Mon were the resource persons. The programme was chaired

by P. Mannyei Konyak from SBI Mon, who also facilitat-

Dimapur

top of drainage, pigsty or rearing pigs, etc. in Kohima town, it added.

The campaign covered topics such as Lokayukta, consumer rights, environment, misleading advertisement, human rights, legal services authority, medical negligence, sanitation, food security, ACAUT's objectives.

The speakers included Kezhokhoto Savi, Patun, Purnima Paul, Khrieseno, Themshao S. Khiamniungan, Kheto Thrie, Noknei Y. Konyak and Stecy Ao. Kezhokhoto Savi, Convenor ACAUT Nagaland (Legal Cell) & President NVCO highlighted the objectives & activities of ACAUT Nagaland and called upon the students

to be part of ACAUT as ACAUT is people’s movement. He also highlighted the judgment and order dated 03.06.2014 passed by the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench disallowing the various organizations/ federations/ unions to collect cash on highways or check-gates which has strengthened the order passed by the Government of Nagaland banning collection of cash on any highway/check-gate.

Savi also expressed displeasure at the MLAs least bothering to speak a word on the “most required mechanism in the state” ‘Lokayukta’ during the 5th session of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the release stated.

SWCD bids farewell to outgoing director Conservation (SWCD), Nagaland held a farewell programme in honour of outgoing Director R. Nangshi Jamir, who retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

The programme was chaired by Peter K. Rengma, Joint Director (Administration). M. Limameren Ao, the Director designate Outgoing Director of spoke on behalf of the deSWCD R. Nangshi Jamir. partment and Hovuto ZhiDimapur, august momi, DSCO, Dimapur 1 (mExN): The Depart- spoke on behalf of the outment of Soil & Water post officers and staff. The

vote of thanks was delivered

by Vengota Nakro, Joint Director. The programme was graced by the presence of the officers and staff from the Secretariat and also officers and staff from the districts and sub-divisions.

The outgoing director thanked all the officers and staffs for their sincere efforts and support he had received during his tenure. He also said the department is one where all the officers are well trained.

session which “demonstrates confidence of women gaining momentum.”

Lampong Sheanghah village is 12 kms away from Mon town and has a total household of 134 with 9 SHGs actively functioning as NSRLM compliant since May, said the release. The present level of members of SHG with banking linkage is 85%. The banking service providers for this intensive resource block are SBI Mon branch and NSCB Mon branch.

held in Dimapur

Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): Altogether, 35 National Service Scheme (NSS) Programme Officers (POs) from the seven North East states participated in the five days Training of Trainers (TOT) from July 26 to 30 at Circuit house, Dimapur with resource persons from Assam and Nagaland.

The training was based

on Social Harmony and National Unity (SHANU) and Human Rights, informed a press release.

The programme was supported by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute for Youth Development (RGNIYD) and organized by the NSS Regional Centre, NER, Guwahati and NSS Cell, Nagaland, Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports.

Farmers advised not to use DTT for agricultural purposes

DIC Zunheboto informs ZuNhEboto, august 1 (mExN): The general manager of DIC Zunheboto has notified that PMEGP selection interview for DIC, NKVIB, and KVIC for the year 2014-15 under Zunheboto district will be held on August 6 and 7 at 9:30 am in the office chamber of Deputy Commissioner. Therefore, all the applicants have been informed to bring original documents during interview. No separate calling letter will be issued.

Further, the general manager informed that awareness programme on PMEGP will be conducted on August 4 at 10:00 am in the DIC office premises. All DIC applicants have been asked to attend the programme without fail.

Assam Rifles recover illegal liquor Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): During a routine patrol, 11 Assam Rifles found an unattended Maruti Gypsy bearing No. NL01-1200 with illegal liquor at Botsa Road Junction. 384 bottles of MC Dowel No. 1 Rum, 144 bottles of MC Dowel No. 1 Whisky, and 72 Cans of Kingfisher beer worth about Rs 1,38,240/- (Rupees one lakh thirty eight thousand two hundred forty) was recovered from the vehicle, informed a press release issued by Assam Rifles. FIR to this effect has been lodged at Chiephobozou Police Station alongwith recovered items, it added.

Loyola Jesuit Community observes feast of St. Ignatius Jakhama, august 1 (mExN): Loyola Jesuit Community, Jakhama observed feast of St Ignatius of Loyola on July 31 at Loyola Higher Secondary School. The event was presided over by Reverend Father Theopimus Lakra SDB, Rector & Parish Priest, Don Bosco, Punanamai, Manipur, informed P. Tepekrovi Kiso in a press release.

Reverend Father Theopimus Lakra SDB speaking as the main celebrant thanked the Almighty God for the gift of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He described St. Ignatius of Loyola as loving, affectionate and gentle with addition to having qualities of peace, love, and joy. Enchanting of praises to God, Eucharist celebration, felicitation and fellowship meal were the highlights of the programme.

Hundreds of faithful from different villages joined in the programme, added the release.

KMC informs

Participants and Agriculture department officials during the IPM on rice training held at Newland village in Zunheboto.

ZuNhEboto, august 1 (mExN): Department of Agriculture, Zunheboto conducted training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on rice at Newland Village, under Zunheboto District on July 25. G. Kiyevi Ayemi, District Agricultural Officer, in his welcome and keynote address highlighted the objectives and importance of IPM and urged the farmers to adopt and promote ecofriendly production system towards achieving sustainable agriculture, a press release informed.

The technical session was carried out by resource person L. Kivika Chophi, Agriculture Officer. During the technical session, a bal-

lot box test was conducted for the participants in order to assess the farmers’ knowledge in identifying the different pests and defenders in rice ecosystem.

The resource person also spoke on Bio magnification of DTT in food grains and its hazardous effect on human health and advised the farmers to discontinue its use for agricultural purposes in the future. Rice leaf folder, a rice pest, which is causing damage to rice plant in the area, was also discussed. Further, life cycle, damage symptom and control measure of prevailing pests in that area such as rice grasshopper and rice leaf folder were

also taught to the farmers, the release added.

Meanwhile, Lutovi Sumi, Agriculture Officer also spoke on the importance and management of rodents (Rats). He explained in detail the nature of rodent damage, common rodenticides available and application techniques.

A total of 25 farmers attended the training where IPM kits such as swap net, bags, caps and plant protection chemicals were distributed free of cost to the farmers. The farmers extended thanks to the Department of Agriculture for conducting training on IPM for the first time in the village, the release added.

kohima, august 1 (mExN): The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has informed all the public that the dumping site at Dzurzou Medi is being maintained and bulldozed by KMC excavator every alternate day. Henceforth, KMC said, in view of the proper maintenance of the dumping site, except for KMC, all decentralized wards and KVC, any individual/party/ organization/para military forces etc, which have the contract for disposing off garbage and are to use the site on regular basis, have to apply to KMC for permission for the same. An amount of Rs. 8000 per month would be charged as user fee. This notice shall come into force with effect from August 2014, according to a release issued by KMC administrator Lithrongla Tongpi.

NU appoints director for women’s studies centre kohima, august 1 (Dipr): The Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University has appointed Dr. Ruokuobeiu Rosemary Dzüvichü of English Department as Director of Women’s Studies Centre as approved by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi vide F.No.7-1/ 2012 (WS) dated 5th March, 2012.

YAN condemns ‘death threat’ Dimapur, august 1 (mExN): In line with various organizations and unions condemning the alleged “death threat” on Jonah Achumi by one Salehk Arkham alias Salehk Bosozuku alias Salehk Trufkit, son of Motin, vice-chairman, Dimapur Muslim Public Forum, Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) has condemned the threat stating it was a direct threat to Nagas in general. In a statement, YAN president Hetoi Chishi and general secretary Zhalie Chuzho urged the authority to take measures to ensure safety of the victim. It also urged the authority to take action against the accused at the earliest.

6

People, life, etc...

Saturday | 2 auguSt, 2014

Avoiding plane crashes as air traffic doubles Scott Mayerowitz aP airlines Writer

M

ore travelers are flying than ever before, creating a daunting challenge for airlines: keep passengers safe in an ever more crowded airspace.

Each day, 8.3 million people around the globe — roughly the population of New York City — step aboard an airplane. They almost always land safely.

Some flights, however, are safer than others.

The accident rate in Africa, for instance, is nearly five times that of the worldwide average, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization, part of the United Nations. Such trouble spots also happen to be where air travel is growing the fastest, putting the number of fliers on course to double within the next 15 years.

"In some areas of the world, there's going to be a learning curve," says Patrick Smith, a commercial airline pilot for 24 years and author of "Cockpit Confidential."

But that doesn't necessarily mean that the skies are going to become more dangerous. "We've already doubled the volume of airplanes and passengers and what's happened is we've gotten safer."

To meet the influx of

passengers, airlines will need to hire and train enough qualified pilots and mechanics. Governments will have to develop and enforce safety regulations. New runways with proper navigation aids will have to be constructed.

Industry experts acknowledge the difficulties, but note that aviation has gone through major growth spurts before and still managed to improve safety along the way. Last year, 3.1 billion passengers flew, twice the total in 1999. Yet, the chances of dying in a plane crash were much lower.

Since 2000, there were less than three fatalities per 10 million passengers, according to an Associated Press analysis of crash data provided by aviation consultancy Ascend.

In the 1990s, there were nearly eight; during the 1980s there were 11; and the 1970s had 26 deaths per 10 million passengers.

The last two weeks have been bad for aviation with the shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines flight followed by separate crashes in Taiwan and Mali. But the rare trio of tragedies represents just a fraction of the 93,500 daily airline flights worldwide.

"Aviation safety is continuing to get better. A sudden spate of accidents

In this Nov. 21, 2012, file photo, Amy Sorgent waits with her five-month-old son Miles in a line leading to security at San Diego International Airport in San Diego. More travelers are flying than ever before, creating a daunting challenge for airlines: continue to keep passengers safe in an ever more crowded airspace. (AP File Photo)

doesn't mean that the industry has suddenly become less safe," says Paul Hayes, director of air safety for Ascend.

As global incomes rise, people in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, India and China want to travel more. Airplane manufacturer Airbus says that while U.S. traffic is growing 2.4 percent a year,

emerging countries are seeing 13.2 percent annual growth.

In those countries, flying is often the only option. Cities are remote.

Adequate highways or railroads don't always exist.

New airlines have popped up, offering affordable flights to satisfy this growing thirst for travel.

These carriers — many

unheard of outside their region — are adding new jets at a breakneck pace.

In the next six years alone, Indonesia's Lion Air will get 265 new planes and India's IndiGo will receive 125, according to Bank of America.

"If an airline rapidly expands," Hayes says, the challenge of adding new staff and getting them to

work together properly "can increase risk." Plane manufacturer Boeing estimates that within 20 years, the industry will need 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and 556,000 new maintenance technicians. Finding enough skilled workers to meet that demand isn't going to be easy.

Sherry Carbary, vice

president of Boeing Flight Services, says there is an "urgent demand for competent aviation personnel." "This is a global issue, requiring industry-wide collaboration and innovative solutions," she says.

Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, the largest U.S. pilots' union, adds that strong oversight by governments and trade groups is needed to ensure proper training. "If you don't have a safe operation, then you're not going to have customers," Moak says.

Countries must also invest in the right infrastructure. There needs to be proper radar coverage, runway landing lights and beacons and skilled airport fire and rescue teams, says Todd Curtis, director of the Airsafe.com Foundation. Developing regions, he adds, also currently don't have enough airports that planes can divert to in case of an emergency.

And when there is a crash with survivors, having hospitals nearby with advanced trauma centers helps to lower the number of fatalities. Nearly a third of all accidents since 1959 where the plane was destroyed still didn't have any deaths, according to Boeing.

Technological im-

provements are also helping to lower the accident rate. Cockpits now come with systems that automatically warn if a jet is too low, about to hit a mountain or another plane. Others detect sudden wind gusts that could make a landing unsafe. The next generation of technology promises to help prevent even more accidents. Honeywell Aerospace launched a new system 18 months ago that gives pilots better awareness about severe turbulence, hail and lightning. The company is also developing a system to improve pilots' vision in stormy weather: an infrared camera will let them see runways through thick clouds earlier than the naked eye would.

"At the end of the day, we're a safety net. We're there to help the flight crew," says Ratan Khatwa, senior chief engineer for human factors at Honeywell. The catch: While these advances would help a generation of new pilots fly more safely, not all airlines are willing to pay for the upgrades.

"The industry is very opposed, for cost reasons, to retrofits," says James E. Hall, former chairman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

"You have a situation of the haves and the have-nots."

In Todd Parr's world, it's OK to make mistakes Let's Tell the Truth About This International Madness Jim Wallis

Leanne Italie

I

associated Press

n Todd Parr's world, it's OK to wear your undies on your head, spill your milk or eat mac and cheese in the bathtub.

Most of all, it's OK to be yourself. Inclusion and acceptance are Parr's mainstays in more than 30 quirky picture books for young kids, including "It's Okay to Make Mistakes," out this month from Little, Brown and Co. Parr, 52, relies on playful, brightly colored drawings and easy-to-understand messages to win over the age 4-to-6 set, along with their teachers and parents. In today's competitive swirl of perfectionism, it's Parr who declares it OK to draw outside the lines, celebrate your big hair and feel lonely sometimes.

The artist and writer lives in Berkeley, California, and worked as a flight attendant for 15 years while he got his career off the ground after leaving home in Rock Springs, Wyoming, soon after high school graduation.

A conversation with Todd Parr:

T

although that's not what I asked you to do.'

Art was the one interest I had, but I didn't have the confidence. It took me years.

AP: You entered a drawing of Snoopy in a contest when you were a kid and your dad said, 'That's great but you're not allowed to trace,' when you hadn't. How did that feel?

Parr: It was so good that he thought I had traced it, but I was disappointed. I was so deflated that I had expressed myself in such a way that I was so proud AP: You once got an of and I wanted to hear, F in art. What did the 'That's really good.' teacher say about that?

AP: You were a gay Parr: I was a difficult student. I struggled a lot. I kid living in small-town continually expressed my- Wyoming. How did your self in art in ways that were childhood impact the not being asked of me and content of your books?

Parr: I felt that I didn't I got an F for not doing belong where I grew up. I what I was told.

People ask, 'What was so excited by what I would you say to your art thought was this big world teacher now who said you that was out there waiting should pursue a different for me, where you could career?' He passed away just be whoever you were. years ago but I think the You could wear whatevonly thing I would have er you wanted. I felt like said is why not point out I was trapped in a place any positives in what I where basically you went was doing, like, 'Todd, you to school, you went into draw really great circles, certain types of jobs, and AP: You've been called the artist who never grew up. Is that your secret to reaching kids?

Parr: It's the best answer I have when people say, 'Well you don't have kids, so how do you relate to kids?' My childhood is so vivid to me, and my dad was very funny. There's a playfulness and simplicity still within me.

you got married and you had kids.

There weren't options to be different. My dad has said if he used the term 'wanting to be an artist' with his dad and mom they would have kicked him out of the house. It took my dad a number of years to embrace it and understand it. He finally said, 'I just want you to be happy.'

AP: You take on a lot of tough subjects in a simple, straightforward style. Are other books for kids too preachy, busy or condescending?

Parr: The only selfimposed directive I had in the beginning was to stay away from preachy, teachy or new agey. My artwork originally led to a proposal from an editor who said, 'Hey, have you ever thought about writing children's books?'

I said, 'No, I haven't. I did horrible in school. I barely made it out, so no. Books are for smart people.'

I knew that whatever I did it had to be fun and edgy and simple so that kids could be like, 'I can draw just like him.' I knew I would need some humor in there. Somebody

once said, 'Oh I thought you were a 6-year-old writing these books,' and I thought, 'Oh god, that's not good,' but now I love that because that's what kids see and hopefully go, 'I can do that.' You don't have to beat them over the head.

No one was doing these kinds of books.

When I started, 'It's OK to Be Different' was in the self-help section of Borders. No one knew what to do with them. People were like, 'Where are the bunnies and the bears and the pastels?'

AP: Why do parents love your books so much?

Parr : I always try and think about how a grandma is going to feel reading this book, like my grandmother read to me every night, or a mom and dad are going to read this book, and I want them to laugh. I want them to feel warm when they're done.

I hope parents can really empower kids to believe in themselves, but I try to think about what parents are taking away from the books, too, to help them realize how much they love their kids.

Sojourners

he horrible human costs and increasing danger the world is now facing in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iraq show the consequences of not telling the truth. And unfortunately, we seem to mostly have political leaders who are unwilling to admit the truth of what’s happening, deal with root causes instead of exploiting symptoms, and then do everything possible to prevent the escalation of violence and further wars. Instead we have politicians who are mostly looking for opportunities to blame their political opponents, boost their own reputations, and protect business interests.

As people of faith, we are called to speak the truth in love. It’s time for some truth telling.

In Gaza, do we really believe that Palestinian lives are less valuable than Israeli lives at dozens to one? Why can’t we say that both Hamas and the Israeli government are responsible for this escalation and conflict that has already killed hundreds of people? If Hamas is morally responsible for targeting its rockets at civilians in Israel, why isn’t Israel morally responsible for killing hundreds of civilians and children, including four Palestinian boys on the beach who are the same age as my youngest son?

Their weeping mothers cursed the actions of both Israel and Hamas — I’m with them. As Secretary of State John Kerry revealed in a microphone mistake before a Fox News interview, the Israeli attacks are hardly a “pinpoint operation.” And if Hamas is responsible for opposing a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, why isn’t the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held responsible for continually blocking a fair and just two-state solution while continuing to expand Israel’s brutal and unjust occupation in Palestine and continued oppression in Gaza? Why don’t we hold all those morally accountable who refuse political solutions and only work in favor of military solutions

Displaced Palestinian boy Baraa Qassim, 4, looks on in a classroom where the family of seven now live, at a U.N. school, in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, on Thursday, July 31, 2014. Israeli attacks in the strip continued Thursday, with witnesses saying that munitions struck the Omar Ibn al-Khatab mosque next to a U.N. school in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. (AP Photo)

that have and will always fail? Can we just continue to ignore the enormous human suffering caused by such failed political leaders — on all sides?

It seems almost certain now that it was Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine who shot down a passenger airliner carrying 298 people, with missile launchers supplied by Russia. Vladimir Putin’s lack of truth telling about Russia’s involvement in this morally indefensible act is consistent with his disingenuous statements about his intentions in annexing Crimea and deliberately destabilizing the Ukraine. But clearly confronting Putin’s lies and moral complicity in the killing of almost 300 civilians is something that European leaders — who are worried about Russian influence in their economies — have yet to agree to do. Mounting serious collective sanctions with tough international diplomacy against Putin and his growing Russian ultra-nationalism is morally warranted; but the rhetoric by some American politicians suggesting that we risk war with Russia — still a nuclear power — is also indefensible.

ISIS, which has now established a new Islamic caliphate across parts of Syria and Iraq, has report-

edly told Christians in the cities they now control that they must convert to Islam, pay a fine, or be executed. So after almost 2,000 years, Iraqi Christians are being forced to leave their country. The creation of more terrorist threats, which the new and terribly dangerous ISIS starkly represents, was one of the clear warnings by the Pontifical Council in Rome and church leaders all over the world when the United States was deciding to invade Iraq. The churches were ignored, and the American government has been proved terribly wrong.

And yet the rhetoric of repetitive hardliners continues to say that the president isn’t being tough enough in all these conflicts, apparently only offering their unrepentant solution of bombing more people every time an international crisis arises.

These political leaders and pundits refuse to acknowledge our own hypocrisy, exemplified by the morally indefensible military interventions in our own backyard of Central America. They refuse to acknowledge our tragically missed opportunity of reducing Russian and American nuclear arsenals after the Cold War ended.

By papering over our past with rosy sentiments and

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.

rewritten histories, we ignore both the roots of current crisis — and the plank in our own eye.

Instead of dealing with the complicated and conflicted causes of a crisis — instead of honestly assessing U.S. influences, liabilities, and responsibilities in trying to help resolve these conflicts — politicians quickly descend into the blame game. And any self-reflection about how their bombings and occupations have led to more crises, how their unbalanced support for the participants in the conflicts have prevented solutions, or how their self-righteous rhetoric fuels conflicts instead of resolving them — is completely absent.

As Christians, we know that there is a Prince of Peace who came to set right what humanity continues to destroy through oppression, injustice, and violence. We know that we are still in wait to see the “kingdom come” which is “already” and “not yet.”

And until then, we work to bring about that kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven,” which we pray for each Sunday in the Lord’s Prayer. It begins with asking the tough, moral questions — with speaking truth to power.

It’s time for some truth telling.

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

2 auguSt, 2014

Morung Youth Express

7

Who Wins in the Name Game?

From dating to job prospects, a name has remarkable power over the path of its owner's life Cody C. Delistraty

I

The Atlantic

was at a party for Bastille Day in Paris a few years back, and we were leaning over the balcony to watch the fireworks. A cute French girl sat next to me, but after a few flirty glances the moment was entirely ruined with the most basic of interactions: “What’s your name?” she asked in French. “Cody,” I said.

That was it. We were done. “Cozee?” she said, sounding out the entirely foreign name, looking more disgruntled with each try. “Col-bee?”

“Cot-ee?”

I tried a quick correction, but I probably should’ve just lied, said my name was Thomas or Pierre like I did whenever I ordered take-away or made restaurant reservations. Not being able to pronounce a name spells a death sentence for relationships.

That’s because the ability to pronounce someone’s name is directly related to how close you feel to that person. Our brains tend to believe that if something is difficult to understand, it must also be high-risk.

In fact, companies with names that are simple and easy to pronounce see significantly higher investments than more complexly named stocks, especially just after their initial public offerings when information on the stock’s fundamentals are most scarce.

People with easier to pronounce names are also judged more positively and tend to be hired and promoted more often than their more obscurely named peers.

There are more variables at play than just pronunciation, though. In competitive fields that have classically been dominated by men, such as law and engineering, women with sexually ambiguous names tend to be more successful. This effect is known as the Portia Hypothesis (named for the heroine of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice who disguises herself

as a lawyer’s apprentice and takes on the name Balthazar to save the titular merchant, Antonio). A study found that female lawyers with more masculine names—such as Barney, Dale, Leslie, Jan, and Rudell—tend to have better chances of winning judgeships than their more effeminately named female peers. All else being equal, changing a candidate’s name from Sue to Cameron tripled a candidate’s likelihood of becoming a judge; a change from Sue to Bruce quintupled it.

Names work hard: They can affect who gets into elite schools, what jobs we apply for, and who gets hired. Our names can even influence what cities we live in, who we befriend, and what products we buy since, we’re attracted to things and places that share similarities to our names.

A name is, after all, perhaps the most important identifier of a person. Most decisions are made in about three to four seconds of meeting someone, and this “thin-slicing” is surprisingly accurate. Something as packed full of clues as a name tends to lead to all sorts of assumptions and expectations about a person, often before any face-to-face interaction has taken place. A first name can imply race, age, socioeconomic status, and sometimes religion, so it’s an

easy—or lazy—way to judge someone’s background, character, and intelligence.

These judgments can start as early as primary school. Teachers tend to hold lower expectations for students with typically black-sounding names while they set high expectations for students with typically white- and Asian-sounding names. And this early assessment of students’ abilities could influence students’ expectations for themselves.

On this year’s French baccalaureate, an exam that determines university placement for high school students, test-takers named Thomas (for boys) and Marie (for girls) tended toscore highest. These are, you will note, typically white, French, middle- or upper-class names. One could imagine these students were given the advantage of high expectations and self-perception, whether or not they had the money and support that comes with the socioeconomic background associated with those names.

People change their names for different reasons. Angelina Voight became Jolie toestrange herself from her father and Natalie Hershlag became Portman to maintain her family’s privacy. The inclusion of a middle initial in formal correspondence is a strong

identifier of intelligence (even though the New York Times claims it’s a dying trend). But what if parents from disadvantaged circumstances gave their children “advantaged” names? Could just a name really have that great of an effect on a person’s career and future?

A 2004 study showed that all else being equal, employers selected candidates with names like Emily Walsh and Greg Baker for callbacks almost 50 percent more often than candidates with names like Lakisha Washington and Jamal Jones. Work experience was controlled and the candidates never met face-to-face with the employer so all that was being tested was the effect of the candidate’s name. The researchers concluded that there was a great advantage to having a white-sounding name, so much so that having a whitesounding name is worth about eight years of work experience. “Jamal” would have to work in an industry for eight years longer than “Greg” for them to have equal chances of being hired, even if Jamal came from a privileged background and Greg from an underprivileged one. (Perhaps that’s why mega-celebrities can get away with giving their children peculiar names.

A résumé with the name North West probably wouldn’t do as well as James Williamson—unless Papa Kanye called up the boss.)

After the girl at the party had so much trouble saying my name, I asked what her name was. “Edwige,” she said. It’s a lovely name, very French, but it is also pronounced the exact same way as “Hedwige,” which just so happens to be the French version of Hedwig, the owl in Harry Potter.

“Don’t make fun,” she said, and I didn’t.

But neither did we talk very much for the rest of the night. But still, I wonder what would’ve happened if I had been a Pierre and she a Marion. Perhaps we would’ve gotten along quite well that night, perhaps we would’ve quickly trusted each other. Perhaps I’d have a date this weekend.

How high can prices really go?

Namrata Zakaria

T

Indian Express

his is an idea I have been toying with for a couple of years now but have refrained from discussing openly. In bits and bobs of previous columns, the idea slips in, and I quickly watch myself. How does one bite the very hand that feeds you? But then, one’s first and possibly only loyalty should be to the reader, no?

So here it is: Do shop the sales. If possible, only shop the sales.

The prices of luxury fashion goods have seen a very high increase in the last decade. Seventy per cent in five years, says the industry bible BusinessofFashion.

com. Twice the rate of inflation, says a British magazine.

What you paid Rs 25,000 for just five years ago now costs Rs 38,000. Hand-tooled Italian shoes that cost Rs 12,000 at full price 10 years ago, now start at Rs 45,000.

I’ve been buying high-end fashion items since I was in my early twenties. On my first work trip to Rome, another fashion writer and I would skip a meal every day so we could return with a new belt or a pair of shoes. I spent a whole month’s salary (as a young reporter for this newspaper) on Prada’s famous nylon wallet, I had no money left to put in it.

Buying luxury was akin to falling in love. It had no logical reasoning and was purely driven by passion. It was just

the idea of owning something that had a sense of history and a promise of fine quality. Not to mention the snob value of it. You could willingly starve for it!

What do the escalating prices tell us today? The explanation offered by various CEOs who run the industry is that prices of everything are up: right from cattle (for leather accessories) to cotton (it’s not throwaway cheap anymore) to labour costs (the human rights lobby is killing us).

But the truth is that the business of luxury is taking away the joy of it. Shareholders are demanding a 65 per cent gross margin. This means you, a consumer, are paying not just for the raw material and the making of a prod-

uct, but also for over-the-top branding. The costs of several retail outlets in China and the excessive magazine adverts are coughed up by you.

Fashion is also now run by companies and their CEOs, not the people whose signatures the marquee bears. (The multi-talented Helmut Lang doesn’t own his name, the Japanese company that owns the label sells watered-down versions of his cult designs at high-street prices. The real Mr Lang is now a painter and lives in Long Island.)

Of course there is the newly moneyed customer for whom the status of owning a luxury item overrides the value of it.

But the more knowledgeable shoppers are bargain hunting.

Moreover, the high street re-

tailers have upped the game: they offer high fashion at industrial quality.

Conspicuous consumption is on the wane everywhere, and the sale is becoming the only time to shop. But this is not good news to industry icons like Louis Vuitton and Hermes, who never offer discounts. A sale is bad for their image. Vuitton proudly says it escalates its prices by almost 20 per cent each year, without ever going on sale, and shores up remarkable profits.

But for the first time, this quarter shows a seven per cent loss for the LVMH group.

Kering (that owns Gucci) is down by three per cent also.

A small but steady reverse snobbery has begun, ‘luxury’ now means a refusal to buy.

Silent retreats: Tradition finds 21st century fans Karen Schwartz

A

Associated Press

very pregnant Juliana Berger took a five-day trip with her husband and didn't speak to him once. They weren't fighting. They were attending a silent retreat.

Berger, 33, a web developer, had attended a number of silent retreats over the past decade. Her husband, Jonathan Mann, a 32-year-old songwriter, had never been. Like so many people these days, the New Yorkbased couple wanted a break from the stress of daily life.

"I thought the stillness would help me connect with my baby," said Berger, who was nearly eight months pregnant at the time. Silent meditation transcends most religious traditions, and can be traced back thousands of years. Today's retreats last from a day to several weeks and take place at monasteries, colleges, spas, hotels, and even hospitals.

"It's not really a vacation," cautioned Robert Epstein, senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology and professor of psychology at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. "It's a very unusual experience, which can certainly be beneficial, but it's difficult in some respects, because it's a time when you are alone with your thoughts. And you can hear your thoughts very clearly."

For some people, hearing those thoughts can be difficult, though by

having time and space to think them through, some people are able to "exhaust the most disturbing ones and throw them away," he said.

Berger and Mann both experienced what they described as a transformation during their stay earlier this year at the Buddhist-influenced Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts. The retreat wasn't completely silent. There were teachers, lectures, small group sessions and some necessary words exchanged while cooking the vegetarian meals - but none to each other. Each of the 90 participants had their own modest single room.

The retreat had activities scheduled from 5:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.

There were about eight daily periods for sitting, along with set times for walking, yoga, group interviews, working, eating, chanting, meditation instruction and lectures on Buddhist philosophy.

Mann said he's never been good at being still and found a 45-minute meditation on the second day physically painful and emotionally frustrating. Afterward, he went to his room and wept in what he described as, "the most violent emotional reaction" he's ever had. "The meltdown helped a lot," he said, explaining he decided to stop trying so hard. He started moving about during the meditation periods and allowed his mind to wander.

As a result, he relaxed, and "some moments of clarity came," he said. He realized how much anxiety he carries. Berger, too, found that she had to

The Naga Blog is a forum on facebook where Nagas from Nagaland and around the world network, share ideas and discuss a wide range of topics from politics and philosophy to music and current events in Nagaland and beyond. The blog is not owned by any individual, nor is it affiliated to or associated with any political party or religion. The only movement it hopes to stir is the one raised by the voices of the Nagas every step of the way, amassing perhaps to mass consciousness one day. www.facebook.com/groups/thenagablog

Edinburgh Tattoo Festival

Thejakhrietuo Kire: I wonder how many of you are aware of the exposure trip to Edinburgh Tattoo Festival to show case our culture by a team consisting of 50 members from Nagaland. This information was shared in our local Newspapers. But the one thing I am sure most of us are not aware is how much was the cost of this whole exposure trip to Edinburgh? Anybody can guess?

Considering the fact that our leaders are literally begging the Indian Government for financial aid, since all our Development money is literally missing. A fact that does not require any sort of investigation and any official asking us to prove it will be the dumbest person walking the Earth when corruption is the father of Nagaland Politics.

Now coming back to the question of the expenditure I am not against any sort of exposure of our culture when I state this but just looking at it rationally, now is not the right right time. When our State Government is literally dry the total amount of the said trip was a WHOPPING Rs. 16411000/- (Rupees one crore sixty four lakh eleven thousand) only.

Put yourself in the shoes of a rational Human being and judge the decision to spend that much of amount for an exposure trip, tell me if this is rational?. When our state is the only state that has declared Music as an Industry and the saddest joke is that we do not have a proper Recording studio for our Local Artists. With the amount that was spent for the exposure other important issues that require urgent attention could have been resolved.

A world class Studio could have been opened with that amount, the Kohima Local ground could have been made better, the roads of some colony somewhere in Nagaland could have been repaired, it could have been spent on purchasing some few extra watts of electricity, it could have been used to maintain Govt. hospitals, Schools and colleges. But NO! They preferred to showcase our culture when the condition of our people is at such pity state.

Everything has its own time when to do it and when not to. It’s like a Person buying Gucci, Prada and other expensive designer wear apparels when there is nothing to cook and eat in the Kitchen and their family is starving. First set our KITCHEN, First let us make our own LAND better, First help the PEOPLE, First use the money for DEVELOPMENT, First things first and exposing our culture first when there is so much that needs to be done is not the right step.

Besides this apart from this exposure trip where the information was published in the local papers for audition I am not sure if the same process is followed for other similar kind of activities. Because the way I see it only some few selected people gets to represent Nagaland again and again. Once again I am not against anyone here but Nagaland has a sea of Talents, there are lot of other potential people who have Talents, who can sing, dance, play and you name it. Equal opportunity should be given to everyone. Each of these kind of Exposure Trips should be auditioned, should be published in the daily Newspapers again and again where even the POOREST of the POOREST can have a shot at such opportunities not just a handful of people.

There is so many flaws that needs correction in our society and correction will come into effect only if people raise their voice and not be a silent spectator. Raise your Voice; there is so much at stake here.

Nukshi Alice: No one is questioning, surprised or complaining about the stringent work and exercise participants has to go through, its common sense knowledge if wanting to perform on international level and focusing on channels like BBC to air the show then strict preparation is a must, that’s what all international level performance do! Be it in sports, acting, music, theatre etc, etc..they practice all their lives and not just for 2 months. It really is a parcel for performers.If someone decides to miss few shows in Dubai and instead perform for Edinburgh Tattoo festival then it’s his decision as well, as he knows so well which is a better stage, Dubai or Scotland?! I am sure he was not forced or his arms twisted.

In Theja’s post there was no question about the performers, it was question on how finance was used by the government. If there is fund in entertainment, music industries etc on International level then surely there also is to spend on creating a World Class studio in Nagaland itself to begin with! Like providing much needed equipment for our talented musician and performers for startup.

There really is no point emphasizing where the emotional turmoil of participants have turned cloudy reading TNB comments, as it was never about them.

Now Government has sanction this cash, we would hope it will continue in our own kitchen too!

Yanpvuo Yanfo Kikon: The need to listen to all sides the story is VERY VERY IMPORTANT to study, analyze and come up with our own conclusion. Everybody is right in their own ways but there is no right and wrong in any debate but a 'CONSENSUS'..Which needs to drawn inorder to justify and come up with a Logical Solution to the Problem...Always throw away emotions while discussing any 'Issue' else it becomes personalized and will never end with a fruitful outcome.

In this July 31, 2011 photo, a group meditates in the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) Retreat Center meditation hall in Barre, Mass. The Buddhist-influenced center offers silent retreats that allow individuals to take a break from the stresses and demands of daily modern life. The retreats are not entirely silent as there are lectures on Buddhist philosophy, meditation instruction and chanting along with set times for sitting, walking, yoga, working and eating. (AP File Photo)

stop trying to control things. She had planned, for example, to get lots of rest, but that didn't happen. "I ended up having terrible difficulty sleeping and had to sit with fatigue, exhaustion and frustration," she said.

"When I sat with the part of myself who was trying to control and protect and had compassion for her, I experienced a profound transformation," she said. "I was able to experience joy in the present moment: a beautiful walk, a glorious nap, one breath in, one breath out."

Other retreat philosophies offer participants more time to go at their own pace. For instance, the four-day retreats offered to students and faculty by Fordham University, in New York City, have some scheduled prayer and a brief daily meeting with a spiritual director, but the rest of the time is for personal reflection.

"I always suggest to people to get out into nature," said Carol Gibney, an associate director of the campus ministry and director of Ignatian programs.

Observing the anger and collective mood of our people...The Govt and the organizers ought to have analysed the Timing of such a major expenditure. Only when there is Political and Economic Stability, a society will automatically welcome the Renaissance! The people will automatically be in a mood for celebrations, Art and Entertainment will be a booming industry then. That time, we need not drag all the gurmpy people and force them to smile & dance...

Mood will set itself to 'Happy' and ready to Party Rock! But at this miserable condition where our State is broke, people are jobless and frustrated, we cannot expect to have a party where the overall MORALE of our people is trending towards the negative. MTF can also focus on promoting more new local talents and invest the funds into improving our music industry which we cannot term it as an industry at this moment..

By analysing both sides of the coin, to draw a conclusion from the collective mood and not my own conclusion, I guess the below can somehow sum up the debate "Family is the first priority, first ensure your children are fed well, your family is prosperous and you have built yourself a good home.

Then maybe we can think of making a family trip to Europe..."

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday)

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 2 August 2014

The Morung Express

India refusal on WTO deal a wrong signal: US

New Delhi, August `1 (ReuteRs) : U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that India’s refusal to sign a global trade deal sent the wrong signal, and he urged New Delhi to work to resolve the row as soon as possible.

A World Trade Organisation pact to ease worldwide customs rules collapsed late on Thursday over India’s demands for concessions on agricultural stockpiling.

“Failure to sign the Trade Facilitation Agreement sent a confusing signal and undermined the very image Prime Minister Modi is trying to send about India,” a U.S. State Department official told reporters after Kerry’s meeting with Modi.

Kerry was in New Delhi as part of an annual strategic dialogue to revitalise ties and lay the ground for a visit by Modi to Washington in December. The official said the meeting was “strong and positive” despite the breakdown at the trade talks in Geneva.

Several WTO member states voiced frustration after India’s demands led to the collapse of the first major global trade reform pact in two decades. WTO ministers had already agreed the global reform of customs procedures known as “trade facilitation” in Bali, Indonesia, last December,

but were unable to overcome last minute Indian objections and get it into the WTO rule book by a July 31 deadline.

“We have not been able to find a solution that would allow us to bridge that gap,” WTO DirectorGeneral Roberto Azevedo told trade diplomats in Geneva, just two hours before the final deadline for a deal lapsed at midnight (2200 GMT Thursday).

Most diplomats had expected the pact to be rubber-stamped this week, marking a unique success in the WTO’s 19-year history which, according to some estimates, would add $1 trillion and 21 million jobs to the world economy.

They were shocked when India unveiled its veto and the eleventh-hour failure drew strong criticism, as well as rumblings about the future of the organisation and the multilateral system it underpins.

“Australia is deeply disappointed that it has not been possible to meet the deadline. This failure is a great blow to the confidence revived in Bali that the WTO can deliver negotiated outcomes,” Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb said on Friday.

“There are no winners from this outcome – least of all those in developing countries which would see the biggest gains.”

‘India will give befitting response to Pakistani aggression’ New Delhi, August 1 (iANs): India’s response to any aggression from Pakistan will be “more than adequate”, newly appointed army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said here Friday. “My focus will be my soldiers... to enhance the preparedness and the effectiveness of the Indian Army. I will ensure that our soldiers are motivated, they are comfortable, competently trained and are provided with latest weapons and equipment,” Suhag, who Thursday took over as the new chief of the 1.3 million strong Indian Army, told reporters.

“Welfare of serving soldiers and ex-servicemen is an issue which is very close to my heart,” he added. nReacting to outgoing army chief General Bikram Singh’s statement that India Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after an Indian soldier was beheaded along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, Suhag said that if a similar incident occurred, the Indian Army’s response “will be more than adequate in future”. nmOn Jan 8, 2013, Pakistani soldiers entered Indian territory in Krishna Ghati sector of the border and killed two Indian soldiers. Indian officials said both bodies were mutilated, and one decapitated. nTwo other soldiers were injured in the incident that triggered nationwide fury.

Maharashtra

landslide toll rises to 65

A woman who lost her relative to a landslide wails near the site in Malin village, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on August 1. Heavy rains hampered efforts Friday by hundreds of rescue workers digging through heavy mud and debris, as the death toll from a landslide that engulfed an entire village in western India crossed 50. (AP Photo)

PuNe, August 1 (iANs): The toll in Maharashtra’s landslide disaster in Malin village of the district has gone up to 65 Friday evening, rescue officials said. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies have rescued 23 people from under the debris in the past two days. The village with nearly 200 people was almost entirely buried under a landslide early Wednesday following torrential rain that had lashed the region. It has also come to light that more than two dozen people, mostly students from a school, were sleeping on a platform in the village temple premises and may have perished in the disaster.

A majority of them are believed to have be either washed away in the river flowing adjacent to the village or buried with the temple, grieving teachers of the school told media persons. An NDRF team has launched a search and combing operation along the banks of the river, which is now in spate. mThe relief and rescue teams are searching for survivors or bodies of the estimated 130 people who are still feared trapped under the rubble. NDRF officials Friday said chances of finding any more survivor appear bleak as their gadgets have not picked up any sign or sound.

With no heavy rain and strong winds since Friday morning, the NDRF speeded up the rescue work that will continue till Sunday. In Mumbai, the Maharashtra government announced an aid of Rs.500,000 to the kin of each of the dead, free medical treatment to all the injured and complete rehabilitation package for the survivors.

The package will include complete repair of damaged homes or rebuilding them afresh, providing all official documents, furnishing all household articles and farming requirements to enable them restart their shattered lives. Home Minister Rajnath Singh and former union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar visited Malin Thursday and supervised the ongoing search operations.

set in Bali last year.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's residence in New Delhi, India on August 1. Kerry is on a three-day visit, his first following the resounding election win of Modi in May. (AP Photo)

Kerry held out hope that there was a way forward that both addressed India’s concerns about its food security programme as well as advance global

trade liberalisation.

India had insisted that, in exchange for signing the trade facilitation agreement, it must see more progress on a parallel pact

giving it more freedom to subsidise and stockpile food grains than is allowed

by WTO rules.

India’s new nationalist government has insisted

that a permanent agreement on its subsidised food stockpiling must be in place at the same time as the trade facilitation deal, well ahead of a 2017 target

MOVE ON WITHOUT INDIA Some countries have already discussed a plan to exclude India from the facilitation agreement and push ahead regardless.

An Australian trade official involved in the talks, who requested anonymity to speak more candidly, said officials were exhausted with the process and that there was already discussion about major reforms at the WTO and the Doha Round of trade negotiations, which began in 2001.

“Some see it as a final trigger for ending Doha and pressing ahead with plurilateral reform, leave behind those that don’t want to come along,” he said.

Some nations, including the United States, the European Union, Australia, Japan and Norway, have already discussed a plan to exclude India from the agreement and push ahead, officials involved in the talks said.

A Japanese official familiar with the situation said that while Tokyo reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trade system, it was frustrated that such a small group of countries had stymied the overwhelming consensus.

“The future of the Doha Round including the Bali

package is unclear at this stage,” he said.

New Zealand Minister of Overseas Trade, Tim Groser, told Reuters there had been “too much drama” surrounding the negotiations and added that any talk of excluding India was “naive” and counterproductive. “India is the second biggest country by population, a vital part of the world economy and will become even more important. The idea of excluding India is ridiculous.”

“I don’t want to be too critical of the Indians. We have to try and pull this together and at the end of the day putting India into a box would not be productive,” he added.

Still, the failure of the agreement should signal a move away from monolithic single undertaking agreements that have defined the body for decades, Peter Gallagher, an expert on free trade and the WTO at the University of Adelaide, told Reuters.

“I think it’s certainly premature to speak about the death of the WTO. I hope we’ve got to the point where a little bit more realism is going to enter into the negotiating procedures,” he said.

“It’s 153 countries. We can’t all move at the same speed on the same things, and it’s time to let those that want to do it, do it.”

Dead lizard in Bihar mid-day meal, 24 students ill Book reveals frosty

PAtNA, August 1 (iANs): At least 24 students of a government primary school fell ill in Bihar Friday after eating mid-day meal in which a dead lizard was found, officials said.

This is the fourth such incident in the last one month in the state.

In another incident early July, a dead snake was found in the mid-day meal served to students. A district official in Bhagalpur said children complained

of uneasiness after the meal at a primary school at Raghopur, near Naugachia.

They were admitted to a government-run primary health centre and are said to be out of danger. “Doctors examined and treated them,” an official said. He said some children informed authorities that there was a dead lizard in the meal served to them.

“We have asked the official concerned to conduct an inquiry and submit

a report soon. The guilty officials or teachers will face action,” he added. Police collected samples of the meal, the official said.

Doctors who examined the children, however, did not find any sign of poisoning.

Last Saturday, 12 students fell ill in Buxar district after eating their midday meal at a government school, officials said. In Vaishali district 33 students fell sick July 18, and in Siwan district 25 others took ill July

11 after their mid-day meals.

According to education department officials, there have been 14 incidents of poisoning in the past seven months in the state, including Friday’s case from Bhagalpur. Last year, 23 students died after eating meal at a primary school in Saran district.

In Bihar, 16 million students get food under the mid-day meal scheme, which is running in 72,000 schools across the state.

Colombo apologises to Modi, Jayalalithaa over article

New Delhi, August 1 (iANs): Sri Lanka Friday tendered an “unqualified apology” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa after an objectionable article was posted on its defence ministry web site -- and then deleted in a hurry.

“An article titled ‘How meaningful are Jayalalitha’s love letters to Narendra Modi?’ appeared on our web site along with a graphical portrayal of (Modi and Jayalalithaa),” said a statement hosted on the very same defence ministry web site.

It said the article “which had been published without appropriate authorization and not reflecting any official position” of the Sri Lankan government or the defence ministry has since been removed. “We extend

an unqualified apology to the prime minister of India and chief minister of Tamil Nadu,” it added.

The offending article written by Shenali. D. Waduge said: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, they say, and that aptly puts to context the feelings of Jayalalithaa towards Sri

ka to apologize. In a letter to Modi, she said Sri Lanka’s high commissioner should be summoned and conveyed India’s displeasure over the article. India should “seek an unconditional apology from the government of Sri Lanka”, she said.

“The visual ... is highly

“These are affronts to India which cannot be ignored or lightly brushed aside.”

Lanka.” The Indian external affairs ministry said it “acted with alacrity” and activated diplomatic channels as soon as the article and the derogatory photograph appeared on the web site.

Earlier, a furious Jayalalithaa urged the Indian government to ask Sri Lan-

objectionable as it depicts both the prime minister of India and the chief minister of Tamil Nadu in a very trivialised, derogatory and disrespectful manner,” she said. She said the image “is clearly aimed at denigrating the elected leaders of India ... and particularly a 66-year-old woman politi-

cal leader”.

“These are affronts to India which cannot be ignored or lightly brushed aside.” Jayalalithaa said the visual was “deliberately and mischievously” put up on the official web site.

Tamil Nadu political parties were outraged.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss said: “The article’s title and the accompanying picture of Jayalalithaa thinking of Modi while writing the letter makes everybody with a conscience to boil.”

Ramadoss said the visit of BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy to Sri Lanka and his views “against Tamils and Tamil Nadu” had emboldened Colombo.

MDMK leader Vaiko said the article and illustration betrayed the pervert Sri Lankan mind. He urged New Delhi to break diplomatic ties with Colombo.

relations between Sonia & PVN Rao

New Delhi, August 1 (Pti): The frosty relationship between Sonia Gandhi and late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao comes out in full view in Natwar Singh’s autobiography which says Gandhi was “never fond of” Rao who wondered why she was so “hostile” to him. Sonia had made P V Narasimha Rao Prime Minister. But she wasn›t very fond of him. I, too, had fallen out with him and joined the Tiwari Congress, but we later made up,» Singh recalls in his just-released book «One Life Is Not Enough» published by Rupa.

Rao had sought the services of Singh, then a close Gandhi family friend, in December 1994 to repair his relations with Gandhi. ”In December, 1994, when my relations with him (Rao) had been repaired, he asked me to see him at his house, 5 Race Course Road. He seemed uncharacteristically agitated and restless.

«He said, ‹I can take on Sonia Gandhi. But I do not want to do so. Some of her advisers have been filling her ears against me. I don›t take them seriously. Sonia›s case is different. Her attitude towards me is affecting my health. If she wants me to go, she only has to say so.

I have done my best to meet all her desires and requirements promptly. You worked closely with her and must know and should know why Sonia is so hostile to me›,» Singh writes in his book. Natwar Singh records, «An impression was created by one or two senior members of the CWC that she was not happy with the reform process and that Rao was ignoring her. Almost all the senior members of the Congress Party were aware of Gandhi giving him the cold shoulder.

Rao even roped in Mohammad Yunus, a trusted Gandhi aide, to smoothen his relation with Gandhi but it did not work. Things had soured between them to the extent that when there was intelligence report of a likely attack on her by a Khalistani terror group in Kerala in September 1995, where she was to attend a conference, Rao did not speak to her directly and instead asked Singh to tell her to cancel her trip, Singh writes.

Gandhi still decided to go ahead with her trip and Rao flew commandos and the venue became a mini fortress. What was really the reason behind Gandhi›s coldness to Rao has not been spelt out in the book but Singh says one of the things was that she was upset over the slow pace of trial of Rajiv Gandhi›s killers.

Bitter acrimony against Team Rahul in Goa Congress

PANAji, August 1 (iANs): A divided Congress in Goa has virtually hoisted the flag of rebellion against office-bearers endorsed by party vice president Rahul Gandhi.

Facing a revolt from a section of the party leadership against Team Rahul in Maharashtra, Assam and Haryana, similar dissent which had been brewing in Goa for some months now has now cast a shadow over the party’s performance in the ongoing monsoon session of the legislative assembly.

While an on-going feud between Rahul Gandhibacked state Congress president John Fernandes and Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane recently reached epic proportions over alleged benefits accrued over clearance of a

controversial mining lease, open criticism and defiance of Rane by some members of the legislative party has meant a virtual free and unhindered run for the treasury benches for over a week during the monthlong monsoon session.

“The decision to change our leader of opposition depends on the MLAs in the CLP. If our MLAs come with the recommendation that they want a change in the leadership, I will make sure that it gets implemented within one day,” Fernandes told IANS when asked if he was satisfied with Rane’s lackluster performance.

According to Congress sources, Rane, a chief minister for nearly 20 years, has confided to senior central leaders that he would not

step into the party office as long as Fernandes is the state president. Fernandes was appointed last December and, in his own words, tasked by Rahul Gandhi and the Congress High Command with “reviving the party and ridding it of corrupt leaders”.

And he went about it with a vengeance: chopping and changing internal forums, replacing senior leaders, many of them tainted, with fresh faces, so much so that the average age of the party’s panel of spokespersons is just about 35 years.

The sheer speed of the intra-party revamp appears to have rubbed several party leaders the wrong way, especially senior leaders with a history of defection, whom Fernandes de-

scribes as “Aaaya Rams and Gaya Rams”.

Senior leaders like former South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha, former home minister Ravi Naik and other leaders like Joaquim Alemao, accused of indiscipline and working against the party, have also not paid heed to summons issued by the party’s disciplinary committee headed

by Fernandes himself.

While Rane has already cautioned at a press conference that the party’s fortunes could plummet under the present leadership, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho has openly dissented on numerous occasions.

Godinho even praised Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the BJP on several occasions, including in his speeches in the

state assembly. Last week, Godinho created a flutter when he likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress icon Indira Gandhi.

The scale of dissent towards Fernandes can also be judged by a sponsored feature which ran on cable television some time ago in which the state leadership was criticised by Pratapsing Rane’s son Vishwajeet Rane and Atanasion Monserrate, both Congress MLAs. The latest salvo against the Rahul Gandhi-endorsed set-up, however, comes in the form of a harassment complaint filed by the now suspended state Youth Congress president Valanka Alemao, whose father Churchill quit the party on the eve of the April-

May Lok Sabha elections and joined the Trinamool Congress.

“When he (Fernandes) was sitting outside A.K. Antony’s office, he (Fernandes) and (South Goa Lok Sabha candidate) Aleixo Reginaldo were using words like... very abusive language,” Valanka Alemao told reporters. Congess spokesperson Durgadas Kamat has however accused Alemao of making “baseless allegations”.

“We condemn such cheap tactics used by Valanka Alemao,” Kamat said.

The internal dissent in the Congress has almost given the BJP a virtual free run in the state assembly, if it were not for its own ministers making repeated faux pas by calling India a “Hindu Nation”.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Xi pledges hard strike against military corruption

Chinese People's Liberation Army cadets shout as they take part in a bayonet drills at the PLA's Armoured Forces Engineering Academy Base, on the outskirt of Beijing, China. (AP Photo)

BEIJING, AUGUST 1 (REUTERS): Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to strike hard against graft in the military, urging soldiers to banish corrupt practices and ensure their loyalty to the ruling Communist Party, state media reported on Friday. The vow to punish graft in the military came only days after the Communist Party began an investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, by far the highest-profile figure caught up in Xi’s corruption crackdown.

Xi said troops should remember where their priorities lie, the official PLA Daily reported. His remarks were made during a visit to a military base in the southeastern province of Fujian on Thursday to mark the 87th birthday of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). “Resolutely punish corruption, maintain the good image of the people’s armed forces from beginning to end,” the PLA Daily quoted Xi as saying. He said soldiers must stay clear of what the party calls the “four customs” - formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance.

In June, the party announced that it will court-martial Xu Caihou, one of its most senior former military officers, on charges of corruption. Xu retired as vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission last year and from the Communist Party’s decision-making Politburo in 2012. President Xi heads the Central Military Commission, which controls the 2.3 million-strong armed forces, the world’s largest. He has repeatedly reminded them to be loyal to the party.

Xi has made weeding out corruption in the military a top goal. It comes as Xi steps up efforts to modernise forces that are projecting power across the disputed waters of the East and South China Seas, although it has not fought a war in decades. He stressed the importance of the army’s loyalty to the party, the PLA Daily reported, saying “the party’s absolute leadership over the army should be unswervingly adhered to”. Xi also called for the military to conduct more drills to improve fighting abilities and to ensure they can win battles, the report said.

Fujian is one of China’s most important military locations as it lies opposite self-ruled Taiwan, which the Communist Party considers a rebel province eventually to be brought under Beijing’s control, by force if necessary.

China stepped up a crackdown on rampant corruption in the military in the late 1990s, banning the PLA from engaging in business. However, the military has conducted commercial dealings in recent years due to a lack of checks and balances, sources say.

Dimapur

9

Fighting continues as Gaza ceasefire unravels GAZA, AUGUST 1 (REUTERS): Israel declared a Gaza ceasefire over on Friday and killed more than 50 Palestinians in renewed shelling, saying militants had breached the truce shortly after it began and apparently captured an Israeli soldier.

The 72-hour break announced by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon was the most ambitious attempt so far to end more than three weeks of fighting, and followed mounting international alarm over a rising Palestinian civilian death toll.

The ceasefire was to be followed by Israeli-Palestinian negotiations in Cairo on a longer-term solution.

Egyptian officials said the invitation still stood, but some Palestinian representatives had asked for a postponement until Saturday or Sunday to allow a new truce to be reached.

The Israeli military said that 90 minutes into the truce - as Palestinian families who had fled neighbourhoods that had been turned into battlefields began to trek home - militants attacked soldiers searching for infiltration tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip.

“Out of a tunnel access point or several, terrorists came out of the ground. At least one was a suicide terrorist who detonated himself. There was an exchange of fire,” said LieutenantColonel Peter Lerner, a military spokesman. Two of the soldiers were killed.

“The initial indication suggests that a soldier has been abducted by terrorists during the incident,”

he said in a conference call with reporters.

Asked if the ceasefire was over, Lerner replied: “Yes. We are continuing our activities on the ground.”

He said Israeli forces were mounting an “extensive effort” to locate the soldier.

The Gaza Health Ministry said more than 50 people were killed and 220 wounded by Israeli shelling after the incident near the southern town of Rafah.

WARREN OF TUNNELS The truce had left Israeli ground forces in place in the Hamas-dominated Gaza Strip and a military spokeswoman had said operations would continue to destroy a warren of tunnels through which the Islamist group has menaced Israel’s southern towns and army bases.

There was no immediate word from militant groups on whether any were holding the soldier, identified by the military as Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, 23. Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for the dominant Hamas movement in Gaza, said Israel was trying to mislead the world and “cover up its Rafah massacre”.

Israel launched its offensive in Gaza on July 8, unleashing air and naval bombardments in response to a surge of crossborder rocket attacks.

Tanks and infantry pushed into the territory of 1.8 million on July 17.

Gaza officials say at least 1,509 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed and 7,000 wounded. Sixty-three Israeli soldiers have been killed and more than 400 hurt. Three

civilians have been killed

by Palestinian rockets in Israel. Eight rockets and mortar bombs were fired from Gaza at Israel after the ceasefire began, the military said, adding that one was intercepted by the Iron Dome system and seven hit open areas.

Amid strong public support in Israel for the Gaza campaign, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had faced intense pressure from abroad to stand his forces down.

International calls for an end to the bloodshed intensified after shelling on Wednesday that killed 15 people sheltering in a U.N.-run school in Gaza’s Jabalya refugee camp.

CAIRO NEGOTIATIONS Hamas, isolated in an Arab world concerned about the rise Islamist militancy, is seeking an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It also wants a hostile Egypt to ease restrictions at its Rafah crossing with the territory imposed after the military toppled Islamist president Mohamed Mursi last July.

Israel has balked at freeing up Gaza’s borders under any de-escalation deal unless Hamas’s disarmament is also guaranteed.

A senior State Department official travelling with Kerry in India had said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns would arrive in Cairo on Saturday and that Frank Lowenstein, the acting U.S envoy for Middle East peace, and another U.S. official, Jonathan Schwartz, would be there on Friday.

Speaking before the renewed fighting, the official

A Palestinian boy carries his belongings after salvaging them from his destroyed house, in the heavily bombed town of Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip, close to the Israeli border August 1. A three-day Gaza ceasefire that began Friday quickly unraveled, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the truce. (AP Photo)

said he believed the Palestinians would be in Cairo on Friday, while the Israelis would arrive on Saturday.

After the truce collapsed, two Egyptian officials said there had been no official cancellation of Cairo’s re-

quest for the negotiators to come.

The Palestinian delegation would be comprised of Hamas, Western-backed Fatah, the Islamic Jihad militant group and a number of smaller factions, Pal-

estinian officials said.

But U.S. officials said Israel and the United States would not sit across the table from Hamas, which the two countries, along with the European Union, consider a terrorist group.

Sudanese woman who faced death over faith lands in US

Interfaith house of prayer to be built in Berlin

BERLIN, AUGUST 1 (AP): A rabbi, an imam and a priest start praying together under the same roof. It may sound like the start of a joke, but hopes are high it will become reality in Berlin. mThe three men are working together to build a common house of worship — the “House of One” — in the center of the capital that will include a church, a mosque and a synagogue, as well as a joint meeting hall at the center of the building. m“We have noticed, as a community here in the middle of the city, that a lot of people want to meet people from different backgrounds and religions and that there is a strong desire to show that people from different religions can get along,” Pastor Gregor Hohberg of Berlin’s St. Petri parish told The Associated Press. “We want to make a point and show that religions can be a cause of peace.”

Hohberg came up with the idea for the House of One, and teamed with Berlin Rabbi Tovia Ben Chorin and Imam Kadir Sanci. The trio hope Christians, Jews and Muslims will soon study and pray together. “I believe in the power of dialogue,” said Rabbi Ben Chorin. “In the world we live in we have two possibilities: war or peace.

Peace is a process and in order to achieve it, you have to talk to each other.” The future interfaith meeting place is planned for the Petriplatz square in downtown Berlin.

Currently there’s nothing but a few old sycamore trees on a sandy parcel of land that is surrounded by a busy street and old east German tenement buildings.

But the spot has a long history: It is the place where the city was first settled in the 13th century, and for hundreds of years was home to Berlin’s St. Petri church, until it was heavily damaged during World War II and eventually torn down by East German authorities in 1964. The city, which inherited the plot after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, has already given its OK for the construction of the House of One. mThe design by Berlin’s architect company Kuehn Malvezzi envisions a building 40 meters (130 feet) tall with a tower that will be accessible for visitors. The central meeting hall will be able to seat 380 people, with the separate church, synagogue and mosque all adjacent to it. Construction costs are estimated at 43.5 million euros ($58.3 million), and funding is entirely through donations. In an online crowd-funding campaign, the three clerics are asking people from around the world to contribute by buying bricks for the building for 10 euros ($13.40) each.

Meanwhile, believers of the different faiths have already used the future site of the House of One for joint open-air prayers. Last week, around 150 people came together to pray for peace in the Middle East and an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. “It is very important for us to overcome all the negative news in the world,” said Imam Sanci. “I have the wish, for my children, my family, for myself and for everyone, that diversity becomes a reality and that people will accept each other in their otherness.”

Saturday 2 August 2014

Meriam Ibrahim, left, and her husband Daniel Wani are greeted by family and friends shortly after arriving in Manchester, N.H., July 31. Ibrahim, who refused to recant her Christian faith in the face of a death sentence in Sudan, and Wani will make their new home in New Hampshire. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, AUGUST 1 (AP): A Sudanese woman who refused to recant her Christian faith in the face of a death sentence arrived Thursday in the United States, where she was welcomed first by the mayor of Philadelphia as a “world freedom fighter” and later by cheering supporters waving U.S. flags in New Hampshire.

Meriam Ibrahim flew from Rome to Philadelphia with her husband and two children, en route to Manchester, where her husband has family and where they will make their new home. Her husband, Daniel Wani, his face streaked with tears, briefly thanked New Hampshire’s Sudanese community on his family’s behalf and said he appreciated the outpouring of support.

Earlier in Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter said people will remember

Ibrahim along “with others who stood up so we could be free.” He compared her to Rosa Parks, who became a symbol of the U.S. civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, touching off a bus boycott.

Nutter said it was only fitting Ibrahim landed first in Philadelphia, a city founded as a place open to all faiths. He gave her a small replica of the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, which he said she understood.

“Meriam Ibrahim is a world freedom fighter,” he said. Ibrahim had been sentenced to death over charges of apostasy, the abandonment of a religion.

Her father was Muslim, and her mother was an Orthodox Christian. She married Wani, a Christian from southern Sudan, in 2011.

Muslim women in Sudan

are prohibited from marrying non-Muslims. By law, children must follow their fathers’ religions.

Sudan initially blocked Ibrahim from leaving the country even after its highest court overturned her death sentence in June. The family took refuge at the U.S. embassy in Khartoum.

Manchester, a city of 110,000 residents north of Boston, is northern New England’s largest city and has been a magnet for immigrants and refugees for decades. There are about 500 Sudanese living in the city, which is just north of the Massachusetts state line.

Ibrahim’s husband, who previously lived in New Hampshire, had been granted U.S. citizenship when he fled to the United States as a child to escape civil war, but he later returned and was a citizen of South Sudan. The family was met at the Manchester airport by Gabriel

Wani, Ibrahim’s brotherin-law, and dozens of supporters holding balloons, signs and flags. The crowd cheered as they stopped in the terminal, and several women reached out to hug Ibrahim.

“We’re just going to go and bring them home,” Gabriel Wani said. “They want to come home, and they want to rest.” Monyroor Teng, pastor of the Sudanese Evangelical Covenant Church in Manchester, said Ibrahim’s release gives him hope. “People are really happy to receive them when they come home,” he said. “It’s a miracle to me. I didn’t think that something like this would happen because, in Sudan, when something happens like that, it’s unreal. It happens to so many people. Maybe, who knows, I’m praying for those (other) ladies who are in jail and those who have died.”

Taiwan gas blasts kill at least 24 KAOHSIUNG, AUGUST 1 (AP): At least 24 people were killed and 271 injured when several underground gas explosions ripped through Taiwan’s second-largest city, hurling concrete and cars through the air and blasting trenches in the streets, authorities said Friday, as a search for the cause began.

The series of explosions about midnight Thursday and early Friday struck a densely populated district where several petrochemical companies operate pipelines alongside the sewer system in Kaohsiung, a southwestern port with 2.8 million people.

Firefighters called to the neighborhood to investigate a gas leak were among the victims when the blasts went off several hours later, upending at least five red fire trucks amid the rubble of pavement and dirt.

Four firefighters were among the 24 dead, and 271 people were injured, the National Fire Agency said. The death toll could rise, because many of the seriously injured were still being treated, officials said.

“Last night around midnight, the house start-

ed shaking and I thought it was a huge earthquake, but when I opened the door, I saw white smoke all over and smelled gas,” said Chen Qing-tao, 38, who lives 10 buildings away from the main explosion site. The fires were believed caused by a leak of propene, a petrochemical material not intended for public use, but the cause and source of the leak were not immediately clear, officials said.

The exploded gas line belongs to governmentowned CPC Corp., which told The Associated Press it showed no signs of problems before the explosions.

CPC officials at the scene Friday declined to offer information about reasons for the blasts.

Video from the TVBS broadcaster showed residents searching for victims in shattered storefronts and rescuers pulling injured people from the rubble of a road and placing them on stretchers while passersby helped other victims on a sidewalk. Broadcaster ETTV showed rows of large fires sending smoke into the night sky.

At least five blasts shook the city, Taiwan’s Premier

Jiang Yi-huah said. Chang Jia-juch, the director of the Central Disaster Emergency Operation Center, said the leaking gas was most likely to be propene. One of the fires, along a 10-meter stretch of gas line, is still on fire, the National Fire Agency says on its website. The source of the leak was unknown. Chang said, however, that propene was not for public use, and that it was a petrochemical material.

The government’s disaster response center said Friday it was trying to prevent any knock-on gas explosions in the same place or nearby. “In terms of what we can prevent, we’re afraid another explosion could happen, as there is that possibility,” said Hsu Lee-hao, an economics affairs ministry section chief staffing the disaster response center. “We’re afraid it could be in the same place or elsewhere.”

Most of the injured were people outside on the street, mostly hit by rubble blown toward them or crushed by cars sent flying in the blasts, a police officer at the scene said. Police and firefighters were

burned while trying to control blazes.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu said several petrochemical companies have pipelines built along the sewage system in ChianChen district, which has both factories and residential buildings. “Our priority is to save people now. We ask citizens living along the pipelines to evacuate,” Chen told TVBS television.

Rescue workers are looking for people trapped in the rubble but expect to find few, if any, because no buildings collapsed, Hsu in the disaster response center said. Power was cut off in the area, making it difficult for firefighters to search for others who might be buried in rubble.

About 12,000 people lost power and 23,600 lost gas service.

CNA said the local fire department received reports from residents of gas leakage at about 8:46 p.m. and that explosions started around midnight. CPC says it got reports around the same hour.

Closed-circuit television showed an explosion rippling through the floor of a motorcycle parking

Vehicles are left lie in a destroyed street following multiple explosions from an underground gas leak in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, early August 1. A massive gas leakage early Friday caused five explosions that killed scores of people and injured over 200 in the southern Taiwan port city of Kaohsiung. (AP Photo)

area, hurling concrete and other debris through the air. Mobile phone video captured the sound of an explosion as flames leapt at least 30 feet (9 meters) into the air.

One survivor of the blast said he tried to help before paramedics arrived.

“I was on my scooter just across the street, suddenly there was the explosion, a white car was blown toward me, and I saw the

driver trapped in the car,” said Wong Zhen-yao, 49, owner of a car repair shop in the disaster area. “There was still fire nearby. I tried to pull the guy out but couldn’t,” he said. “Only after the smoke was gone did I realize there was such a big hole in the middle of the road.”

The explosions affected an area of two to three square kilometers, much of it sealed off.

10

The Morung Express SPORTS Venus Williams topples ‘Settlement of Ecclestone bribery case possible’ Dimapur

Saturday

2 August 2014

birthday girl Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, reacts after winning a point against Venus Williams during the first set of their match in the Bank of the West Classi tennis tournament in Stanford, Calif., Thursday, July 31. (AP Photo)

sTANFORD, AUgUsT 1 (AFP): Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams ousted fourth-seeded birthday girl Victoria Azarenka in straight sets on Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the WTA hardcourt tournament at Stanford.

The 6-4, 7-6 (7/1) triumph kept Williams on course for a possible semifinal showdown with her sister Serena, the world number one and top seed who will take on Ana Ivanovic in the quarterfinals on Friday. "Williams-Williams tomorrow, hopefully," Venus told the crowd at the campus of Stanford University, where she came

out on top in a hard-fought, physical duel with Azarenka that lasted an hour and 42 minutes.

"It's never easy to play Victoria. We've always had extremely tough matches, so I expected that tonight as well," said Williams, who acknowledged that Azarenka may have been at a disadvantage after having a first-round bye.

That meant the match was the Belarussian's first since her second-round exit at Wimbledon. It was a disappointing result on her 25th birthday for Azarenka, who came into the week ranked 10th in the world but needed to reach the semi-finals to stay in

the top 10. A left foot injury sidelined her for three months this year before she returned to action at the Wimbledon tuneup event at Eastbourne.

The former world number one, who owns two Australian Open titles, didn't go quietly.

She gamely fought off two match points in the 12th game of the second set to force the tiebreaker, but from there it was all Williams. The 34-year-old American won the first point of the tiebreaker on her own serve, then fired two forehand winners to take the next two points on Azarenka's serve and never looked back.

Azarenka double faulted to give Williams a 6-1 lead, and the American held on to win the next point -- firing over a running forehand that Azarenka could only belt back into the net.

Williams had come on strong late in the opening set as well, sealing the frame with a service break in the final game.

Williams next faces eighth-seeded German Andrea Petkovic, who booked her quarter-final berth on Wednesday.

Earlier Thursday, fifthseeded Ivanovic cruised past Canadian qualifier 6-1, 6-1 in just 54 minutes to book her third meeting this year with Serena Williams.

Ivanovic, a former world number one herself, downed the American at the Australian Open, a defeat that Serena avenged in Rome.

The two have never played each other this many times in one season.

"It's a good sign," Ivanovic said. "It means we're getting further into the tournaments to play each other."

In other matches on Thursday, third-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany got past American Coco Vandeweghe 7-6 (7/4), 0-6, 6-2 to book a quarter-final with rising Spanish talent Garbine Muguruza -- a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-4.

MUNIch, AUgUsT 1 (ReUTeRs): A bribery trial against Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone that has been threatening his hold over the motor sport may end early with a settlement, a Munich court spokeswoman said on Friday, after Ecclestone's lawyers held talks with prosecutors.

Ecclestone, 83, went on trial in Munich in April over allegations he bribed a former German banker as part of the sale of a major stake in the motor sport business eight years ago. "It is possible that there will be a settlement," a spokeswoman for the district court told Reuters, adding the court had told witnesses due to appear in the trial next week that they need not come.

Ecclestone's lawyers held talks with prosecutors on Tuesday. Lawyers for Ecclestone, who denies wrongdoing, said they had offered to pay German

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone arrives for his trial in the regional court in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, July 29. Ecclestone is charged with bribery and incitement to breach of trust "in an especially grave case" over a US $44 million payment to a German banker, that prosecutors allege was meant to facilitate the sale of the Formula One Group to a buyer of Ecclestone's liking. (AP Photo)

state-owned bank BayernLB 25 million euros (25.01 million pounds) to help settle the case. If convicted the British billionaire could face up to 10 years in jail and would have to cede control of a business he has built up over the past four decades.

Prosecutors have rejected a request from the de-

fence to drop proceedings on the grounds of a lack of evidence. Under German law, a settlement payment to a party involved would not necessarily bring a criminal case to an end.

Ecclestone is accused of channelling $44 million to jailed BayernLB banker Gerhard Gribkowsky to

smooth the sale of a major stake in the business by the bank to private equity fund CVC, which became the largest shareholder in Formula One in 2006. The prosecution alleges that Ecclestone wanted CVC to take control because this meant he could stay on as chief executive of a busi-

ness he had been instrumental in building.

Gribkowsky had been chief risk officer at stateowned bank BayernLB, which became a major shareholder in Formula One following the collapse of the Kirch media group in 2002. Ecclestone says he paid off Gribkowsky as an "insurance policy" after the German threatened to make damaging false claims about his tax affairs.

He funded the payment with a commission taken from BayernLB after the sale to CVC. Under German law, judges, prosecutors and the defence can agree to dismiss a case or settle it with a light punishment, although terms for such an agreement are strictly defined.

Ecclestone had previously offered to pay money back to BayernLB in 2012 to try to prevent the case from going ahead but that proposal was rejected.

Evra: Juventus the right choice for me

TURIN, AUgUsT 1 (AP): New Juventus defender Patrice Evra is confident he has chosen the right club after having to leave Manchester United for undisclosed personal reasons. Evra signed a two-year contract with Juventus earlier this month, bringing to an end an eight-year spell at Old Trafford.

"I had to leave Manchester for personal reasons," Evra said at his official presentation on Thursday.

"Three months before the end of the season I asked my agents to start talking with other clubs.

When Juventus came in for me I immediately said it was the right choice.

"For me, Juventus really represents the culture of winning every match. For me, winning every match isn't pressure, it's something normal. If you're not ready to accept criticism when you don't win then you don't belong at all in a club like Juventus. I had that culture at Manchester and I want to have it too at Juventus, at any cost."

Juventus paid United 1.2 million pounds ($2 million) but the transfer fee will increase to 1.5 million pounds ($2.5 million) if the Italian club qualifies for the 201516 Champions League. The club is playing in Europe's premier club competition again this year, while it is also targeting a fourth successive Serie A title.

Evra lifted the Champions League trophy once with Manchester United, where he also five league titles, and the 33-year-old insisted he is still hungry for more success. "I won the title three times in a row with Manchester United, but to win it four times is even more difficult so that's already a good challenge," Evra said. "Then there's the Champions League too, which is a really beautiful competition, really wonderful to play in, but really difficult."

Manchester United endured a difficult campaign under manager David Moyes last season as

it struggled to cope in the wake of Alex Ferguson's departure. Moyes was sacked towards the end of the season and Louis Van Gaal is now at the helm, fresh off leading the Netherlands to the semifinals of the World Cup. Evra refused to elaborate on why he left United but said he was not let go, that the club wanted to keep him. "I had to leave for personal reasons," he said. "Manchester United wanted to make me club captain. I also spoke to Van Gaal, who was very disappointed I was leaving. It was my choice. It was also difficult for Juventus be-

cause (United) really didn't want me to leave."

At Juventus, Evra will again be part of a club reeling from the departure of a much-loved manager after Antonio Conte quit and was replaced by Massimiliano Allegri.

"I was on holiday, the news hit me quite a bit," Evra said. "How is it possible that a coach who wanted you at all costs suddenly leaves?

"But at the end I'm still very happy with my choice. I thought maybe Juve will lose a bit of stability but then I thought no, managers come and go but the club remains forever."

Italian football has struggled with the problem of racism and the issue again sparked headlines recently following comments made by a leading candidate for the presidency of the Italian football federation. Evra, a black Frenchman, has endured problems in the past, most notably when he was racially abused by Luis Suarez, who was banned for eight matches as a result.

"Racism is difficult to fight, I've already had some problems with it," the France defender said. "It's a problem which stems from ignorance. "I don't understand why some people still compare other people because they have a different color. Maybe they fear the other person? It's sad to be here and to talk about it."

Suarez's appeal to be fast-tracked Muhammad Ali's 'Fight of the Century'

by Court of Arbitration for Sport gloves sell for nearly $400,000 lAUsANNe (swITzeRlAND), AUgUsT 1 (eFe): The Court of Arbitration for Sport has summoned Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, serving a fourmonth ban for biting, to a hearing in Switzerland on August 8. Sources familiar with the case told Spanish news agency EFE that CAS will apply its fast-track procedure and should rule on Suarez's appeal against his suspension in mid-August.

The 27-year-old star striker, who was signed by FC Barcelona from Liverpool after FIFA's Disciplinary Committee handed down the sanction, was suspended on June 26 for biting Italian defender

Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup round-robin match in the north-eastern Brazilian city of Natal.

As part of the ruling, Suarez was barred from Uruguay's next nine competitive matches, the first of which was a June 28 loss to

Colombia in the World Cup knockout stage.

Earlier this month, FIFA's Appeal Committee rejected a challenge filed by Suarez and Uruguay's soccer federation against FIFA's ruling, leaving the CAS route as the final option for reducing the

player's suspension.

Because of the ban, Suarez, has not been officially presented at Camp Nou. If the CAS applies cautionary measures while studying the case, Suarez could return to training in the second half of August.

Barcelona's first match of the 2014-2015 Spanishleague season is scheduled for the weekend of August 23-24. If Suarez's sanction is not reduced, his first La Liga match could be Barcelona's clash with arch-rivals Real Madrid in late October, provided the match is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, and not October 25, the final day of his four-month ban.

DAllAs, AUgUsT 1 (ReUTeRs): The gloves that boxing great Muhammad Ali wore in his legendary 1971 fight against Joe Frazier in what became known as the Fight of the Century sold at auction on Thursday for almost $400,000.

An anonymous bidder bought the gloves for $388,375 at the auction run by Texas-based Heritage Auctions at the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland. Heritage previously auctioned a set of gloves Ali wore to claim his first World Championship in 1964 for $836,500.

The Fight of the Century, in New York's Madison Square Garden, was the first of three fights between Ali and Frazier during the 1970s. In

1971, Frazier officially held the title of Heavyweight Champion of the World. Ali had been stripped of the title he had held since the 1964 bout against Sonny Liston because of his

refusal to participate in the Vietnam War-era draft.

The March 8 fight against Frazier was Ali's second after returning to the ring following a 3-1/2 year absence.

Ali's conviction had just been over-

turned earlier in 1971 by the U.S. Supreme Court and his boxing license was reinstated. "It was a controversial fight at a controversial time in America and the bout took on distinctly political and cultural overtones," Chris Ivy, director of sports auctions for Heritage, said in a statement.

Frazier and Ali were each guaranteed $2.5 million, a record purse for the time. "The fight sold out a month before the event with ringside seats commanding a record $150, with even Frank Sinatra unable to get his hands on one," Ivy said. Sinatra received a press credential and shot ringside photos for Life Magazine. Ali lost to Frazier but prevailed in a re-match at Madison Square Garden in 1974 and a third match-up known as "The Thrilla in Manilla" in 1975.

Don't know what India did in 5 days after Lord's win: Gavaskar New DelhI, AUgUsT 1 (PTI): Severely critical of the Indian cricket team’s poor show against England in the third Test, former captain Sunil Gavaskar said the old habit of getting complacent after a big win seems to have affected the side during the lost match.

India went down by 266 runs in the Southampton Test yesterday after the morale-lifting triumph in the second Test at Lord`s.

"We might have helped England get back the momentum. Having beaten them at their headquarter in Lord’s, we had them absolutely demoralised. But I don’t know what we did in the five intervening days after that. We were sloppy on the first morning. We dropped Cook and let him get away. We need to look at our slip fielding and so many other things. There were so many misfields," the legendary opener told ‘NDTV’ from Southampton.

"It used to happen to Indian teams since 1930’s but this Indian team is

more professional. They should not be affected by complacency and should address the issues quickly."

"Zero resistance" is the word that Gavaskar used to explain India’s abject surrender on the fifth and final day of the third Test while they had six wickets in hand. "To lose a match like this showed zero resistance whatsoever. Apart from Ajinkya Rahane, who applied himself, none of the other batsmen could stay at the wicket. I must also mention that Jimmy Anderson bowled superb deliveries and the best batsmen in the world could have got out. But the disappointing aspect was no resistance," said Gavaskar.

On what made Rahane look a better batsmen than his colleagues, Gavaskar said, "It’s the way he was playing.

He was not trying to reach for the ball.

He waited for the ball to come onto the bat and played with a straight bat. At the same time he was quick to seize on to any scoring opportunity."

"Some of the other Indian batsmen played with hard hands and

tried to reach the deliveries. I believe two people could have saved this Test match. One was Murali Vijay for the kind of form he is in and Cheteshwar Pujara, who is a long innings man."

Gavaskar was absolutely livid with the manner in which Vijay got run out in the second innings. "That was such a waste of a wicket. There was no run in it and even Vijay knew that it would be a tight run. He was in such good form," the veteran lamented.

He, however, said that Moeen Ali is a far better bowler than many thought that he actually was. "He is not a bad spinner but if you are expecting him to be like Graeme Swann, then you are mistaken. Swann was an outstanding bowler, who had the ability to bowl on any surface due to his flight and loop.

"But Moeen is a different kind of bowler but he also doesn’t give you too many bad deliveries to score.

Having said that, this Indian team has played better spinners than Moeen Ali," feels Gavaskar.

Gavaskar felt batting has been a

major cause of concern. "They (Indian team) need to understand that batting has let them down. Had the catches been taken, the bowling would have risen to the occasion. England have utilised the conditions well. Anderson and Broad know the length and areas to bowl. They mixed it up well using the occasional short ball to their advantage." Gavaskar was also a bit unhappy that Jimmy Anderson, who is on the verge of facing an ICC sanction after his alleged altercation with Ravindra Jadeja, has not learnt a lesson.

"It’s sad that it’s still continuing (on Anderson having a go at Rahane on the final day). I would ideally like match referees to tell the players before the start of the match that all I want is your bat and ball to do the talking.

"There should be a first and a second warning before the concerned player is sent off. This chatting thing has come in cricket in the past 20 years and it needs to be eradicated if we want to again call cricket a ‘Gentleman’s Game’," he concluded.

2nd Altura Open Football Tournament Quarterfinal Results Emporia FC defeated Nallong FC 3-2 Rural Legend Medziphema defeated Molvong FC 6-1 Hq IGAR North defeated Falcon FC 7-0 CVYS defeated Acolytes Seithekema ‘C’ 3-2

Semifinal fixture Saturday

Emporia FC vs Rural Legend Medziphema @ 2 pm Hq IGAR North vs CVYS @ 4 pm

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hailed Katy Perry as a “wonderful person”

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person, but I just want everybody to know she is on tour right now and so for her to take time out to do this is really special, and so we really want to say thank you to her for doing this.''

Among those in attendance at the dinner were 'Lately' hitmaker Stevie Wonder, tennis player Andy Roddick and his model wife Brooklyn Decker. Taking her mother, Mary Hudson, to the event was a big turnaround for Katy who has performed twice before for the president - as she previously claimed she had banned her pastor parents from watching her sing at the Commander-inChief's second inauguration in 2012 because they didn't vote for him.

T She said in the past ''My parents are Republicans, and I'm not.

They didn't vote for Obama, but when I was asked to sing at the inauguration, they were like, 'We can come.'

And I was like, 'No, you can't.

I love you so much, but that-on principle.' They understood, but I was like, 'How dare you' in a way.''

he fiance of British pop singer Kerry Katona was detained under the Mental Health Act by police officers on Wednesday (July 30) after having a meltdown in a street. The Atomic Kitten singer cried as her husband-to-be George Kay was restrained by cops for screaming out in distress in a road outside the couple's home in Oxfordshire, England.

Onlookers tell British newspaper The Sun that Kay was locked out of the property and began yelling, "Kerry, Kerry, they're going to kill me. They are

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Bollywood's best onscreen friendship Survey

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mitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra's camaraderie as Jai and Veeru in cult film 'Sholay' has been voted the best example of onscreen friendships in Bollywood, in a new survey. International Friendship Day falls

NAGA TALENTS PROMO - 3 TOP 16 CONTESTANTS SELECTED FOR THE NEXT PUBLIC VOTING ROUND

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hitting me with the hammer. Why are you letting them do this?"

Katona watched in tears at the door of her home as police officers, who had been called by witnesses, handcuffed Kay. He was taken to the nearby John Radcliffe Hospital, where he was examined and discharged later that night.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police says Kay was not tested for substance abuse and no further action will be taken. Katona and Kay have been engaged since last year (13) and they welcomed their first child together in April (14).

Jai, Veeru

he perfectionist Aamir Khan does it again. After crossing the 400 crore mark at the box-office with Dhoom 3 last year, Aamir is back in news and all set to give tough competition to other Khans. As the poster of his upcoming movie PK got unveiled last night, it has become the most talked about thing on social networking sites.

Within minutes of him posting the poster where he is nude with a strategically placed vintage boombox, the poster became viral.

The poster elicited a roaring response from the Twitteratis, and many B-Town celebs too lauded the actor for pulling off the look with ease.

Well though he has been lauded for his look, there were many who made fun of him and his nude poster. Aamir himself loved the responses and mixed guesses from people. `PK` also features actor Sanjay Dutt, Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

SHOOTING STAR CONT - 02

BROTHERS OF BEAT CONT - 04

SUSMITA DEY CONT - 04

TEMSU JAMIR CONT- 02

SHLOK CONT- 07

ENGO KONGYAK CONT- 03

RAHUL MAHATO CONT- 08

NCHUMBEMO AYEAN ANGULIE NAGI RUOPFUVINUO HENOM PHOM SUIYIPEULE SUSHIL JAISWAL CONT- 11 CONT - 12 CONT - 14 SAVI CONT- 16 CONT- 18 MERU CONT- 18 CONT- 01 HETO MUSIC AS- held on 23rd August 2014 son- 3. Public can vote for third elimination round portunity to perform live SOCIATION promo- at Town Hall, Dimapur at 4: their favorite contestants will be held on 13th Sept on the stage and bring back tional event NAGA 30 PM. The first Public vot- in various voting outlets: at Town Hall, Dimapur to the former ultimate winTALENTS PROMO season ing line will start from 1st Dimapur - School of Music go through to the GRAND ners of Naga Talents Pro- 3’s first elimination round August and close on 21st & Art, Purana Bazar, Popu- FINALE which will be held mo (Nagas Got Talents)to was held on 25th July. Best August. Next round of show lar Bakery. Kohima - Leco in the last week of October take the promotional stage top 12 contestants in In- will be live recording and group Lineage opposite 2014. The finale will be an too.PMA past events have dividual and top 4 contes- will be telecast in all the Lo- NST bus station. Wokha - open air for bigger and bet- been very successful and is tants in group categories cal cables for the viewers to Lifeline Medico, and Mo- ter arrangements. committed to discover and were selected to go through choose the best contestant kokchung - One Nagaland In the grand finale, var- promote as many talents in to the next second elimina- for the ultimate winner of one common service cen- ious upcoming Local Tal- Nagaland even in the years tion round which is to be Naga Talents Promo - sea- tre Sungkomen Ward. The ents will be given the op- to come.

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Dimapur

DetaineD

aamir khan’s PK look: Jokes on his nude poster go viral

FREEKIN SOULS DANCE CREW CONT - 03

2 August 2014

Kerry Katona's Fiance

Barack OBama aty Perry was praised by US President Barack Obama when she performed at a special dinner at the White House yesterday (31.07.14).

The US president was delighted to have the 'Dark Horse' hitmaker perform at the White House at a dinner to honour the 46th anniversary of the Special Olympics and admitted he felt ''grateful'' she had taken time out of her busy schedule to be at the event.

Introducing her on stage, Obama said ''We have just one of my favorite people performing tonight -- Katy Perry. We are so grateful to her. ''I love Katy Perry. She is just a wonderful person. I've just met her mom and now I know why she is such a wonderful

Saturday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

on Sunday, and ahead of the occasion, a matrimonial website conducted an online survey to find out what the country's single Indian women felt about famous celebrity friendships.

When they were asked to vote for the best onscreen friendships in tinsel town, 39.1 percent of the 4,700 respondents voted for Jai and Veeru. It was followed by Anjali and Rahul from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

with 33.8 percent votes.

They were characters essayed Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan respectively.

On the third spot are Vijayalakshmi and Rani from Queen with 14.2 percent. Vijayalakshmi was essayed by model-actress Lisa Haydon, and Rani was played effortlessly by Kangana Ranaut.

The top four were rounded up the 3 Idiots trio of Rancho, Raju and Farhan with 12.9 percent.

The roles were immortalised on screen by Aamir Khan, Sharnan Joshi and R.Madhavan respectively.

The results suggest that people are looking at celebrities as real people with real relationships. These are some of the most successful Bollywood relationships whose love and understanding for each other also makes them great friends, Gourav Rakshit, COO, Shaadi.com, said in a statement.

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Bizarre things named after celebrities

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elebrity dedications don't just stop with perfumes, street names, constellations or naming their kids. Some take it to the next level.

From rare insects to ferns — people have named bizarre things after celebrities. Recently, Jennifer Lopez joined the list after a biologist named a water mite after her! The reason?

Apparently, the scientists are in a good mood whenever they listen to her songs and to honour that, they named the mite after the Ain't It Funny singer. Here's a look at some of the bizarre things that are named after celebrities...

Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga takes experimentation to a whole new level and is often seen doing 'weird' things.

But little did she know that she would be named after ferns! In October 2012, scientists named a genus of ferns GAGA. Wonder why?

Apparently the ferns have the DNA sequence — Guanine, Adenine, Guanine, Adenine — the acronym of which is GAGA. Beyonce': The Ameri-

can singer and actress is not just known for her svelte figure, but also for the colour of her hair! It was reported in January 2013, a rare type of housefly in Australia was named after Beyonce. Named by scientist Bryan Lessard, the fly was named so because it had "unique, dense golden hair on its abdomen."

Barack Obama: From spiders to an extinct lizard, Barack Obama has a lot of things named after him.

The latest is a white tiger. In April 2014, five cubs were born at the White Zoo in Austria. Four of them are females and one cub is male, which is named Obama.

The male cub has a similar walk to that of Obama and has a smiling face that resembles him.

Angelina Jolie: Oscarwinning actress Angelina Jolie is known her social work. To honour her work at the United Nations of High Commission for Refugees, a trapdoor spider was named after her. Called Aptostichus Angelinajolieae, the spider is found on the coastal region of north California.

Justin Timberlake : How would you describe singer Justin Timberlake?

Hot? No! Sweet — said Israeli farmers. A melon that was yellow on the outside and orange on the inside was named Justin. The farmers compared the sweet taste of the lemon to Timberlake's character, apparently.

Johnny Depp: The Pirates Of The Caribbean star puts in a lot of effort for his look in every film. And the reward? He gets a 500-yearold fossilised lobster claws named after him. His look in the 1990 film, Edward Scissorhands, resembles the lobster (named Johnny Depp), say the scientists.

Michael Jackson: The late pop icon has a lot of dedications after him. But this one tops the list. A prehistoric crab is named Mesoparapylocheles Michaeljacksoni in MJ's honour.

When asked, the researchers who discovered this species, said that this species scooted backwards like MJ's famous Moonwalk. It was named right after his death.

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Rank 1 2 3 4 5

CWG 2014 Medal Tally

Country England Australia Canada Scotland India

Gold 45 36 29 16 13

Silver 44 38 13 13 20

Bronze 42 42 26 17 15

Total 131 116 68 46 48

Bronze-winning gymnast Dipa toast of Tripura

Pinki brings India's first boxing medal glasgow, august 1 (iaNs): Pinki Jangra brought home India's first boxing medal from the 2014 Commonwealth Games though she lost her women's 48-51 kg semi-final bout and had to settle for the bronze at the SECC Hall here Friday.

The Haryana pugilist gave a tough fight to Michaela Walsh but the Northern Ireland woman's height and better reach helped her win all the four rounds of two minutes each.

While Judge A gave both the boxers

a total of 38 points from the available 40, Judge B gave Michaela a perfect 40, four more than Pinki. Judge C too ruled in favour of Michaela, awarding her 39 points to Pinki's 37.

Pinki made it to the Commonwealth Games after knocking out Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom in the qualifiers held in India.

L. Sarita Devi, Devendro Singh, Mandeep Jangra and Vijender Singh will fight in their respective semi-final bouts later in the day.

Paddler Sharath in men's doubles final, singles semis

Wales' Georgina Hockenhull jumps during the Women's Beam Final during the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland, Friday Aug. 1, 2014. (AP Photo)

glasgow, august 1 (iaNs): Veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal still remains India's brightest table tennis star among all others as he led from the front to come out on top in both singles and doubles categories at the Commowealth Games here Friday.

To start with, Sharath and Anthony Amalraj earned a facile 11-7, 1210, 11-3 win over Singapore's Zi Yang and Jian Khan in the semi-finals to enter the men's doubles final at the Scotstoun Sports Campus.

With the win, the pair have at least assured India another silver from the Games. They will take on another Singaporean pair Ning Gao and Hu Li later in the day for the gold.

Interestingly, it will a half-repeat of the final four years ago as Sharath, who won the gold with Subhajit Saha in Delhi, will once again face Gao,

who took the silver with Yang Zi. Later, the 32-year-old Sharath recorded an easy 11-5, 11-6, 11-7, 11-4 win over Nigeria's Segun Toriola in the Round of 16 followed by a 11-7, 11-6, 12-10, 9-11, 11-6 quarter-final win over England's Paul Drinkhall to enter the men's singles semis.

The 2006 edition champion won the bronze four years ago in the category and will be eyeing another medal this time around when he takes on Zhan Saturday.

However, it was the end of the road for other Indian paddlers.

In women's doubles, Shamini Kumaresan and Madhurika Patkar overcame Australians Zhenhua Dederko and Ziyu Zhang 3-2 in the Round of 16 but went down 10-12, 10-12, 11-8, 2-11 in the last eight clash to England's Joanna Drinkhall and Kelly Sibley.

Bronze medal winner Dipa Karmakar of India smiles wearing her medal after the women's individual vault final in the artistic gymnastics competition at the Scottish Exhibition Conference Centre during the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday July 31. (AP Photo)

agartala, august 1 (iaNs): Dipa Karmakar, the first Indian woman and second person from the country to clinch a Commonwealth Games medal in artistic gymnastics winning the women’s vault bronze, has become the toast of her home state of Tripura. As soon as the good news spread through TV sets after her win Thursday night, people converged on Dipa’s home at Abhoynagar, on the outskirts of the capital city here, with bouquets and sweets.

“We first came to know of the splendid news through television. Since evening our entire family was sitting in front of the TV set. We all erupted in joy when Dipa’s name was announced that she got the bronze medal,” Dipa’s father Dulal Karmakar told IANS Friday.

“Our long cherished dream was fulfilled, as our daughter was rewarded in an international meet,” said Dipa’s mother Gauri Karmakar. Congratulating Dipa and her coach, Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sahid Choudhury told IANS: “We are hopeful that Dipa would also get medals in the forthcoming Asian games in South Korea. We are ready to extend necessary support to her.” land and India, to be held at Dulal Karmakar, an SAI Anderson's home ground (Sports Authority of India) of Old Trafford, begins on coach in weightlifting, said: Thursday, 7 August.

“Now the Arjuna award is

James Anderson, Jadeja not guilty of ICC breach

southaMPtoN, august 1 (ageNcies): England's James Anderson and India's Ravindra Jadeja have been found not guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council code of conduct.

Seamer Anderson, 32, was given a level three misconduct charge over claims he abused and pushed Jadeja during the first Test at Trent Bridge. Anderson could have faced a maximum four-Test ban if found guilty. All-rounder Jadeja, 25, was appealing against a fine imposed for his part in the incident last month.

Both men were cleared following a six-hour hearing overseen via video conference by judicial commissioner Gordon Lewis, who is based in Australia.

Jadeja was originally fined 50% of his match fee when his case was heard before the start of the third Test, with match referee David Boon downgrading the offence to a level one infringement. Lancashire bowler Anderson denied India's claims over the altercation, which is said to have taken place as the teams left the field for lunch on day two at Nottingham.

President congratulates CWG medal winners

New Delhi, august 1 (iaNs): President Pranab Mukherjee Friday congratulated sportspersons who won medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Thursday. The president congratulated Lalita, Bijneesh Bajrang, Sakshi Malik, Satyavrat Kadian, Santoshi Matsa, Navjot Kaur and Swati Singh for the "impressive accomplishment" in their respective disciplines and gave his "best wishes for future success". In separate letters, Mukherjee said: "Your achievement shows that Indian sports persons can achieve the pinnacle of any sport at the international level." Silver medals were bagged by Lalita in the women's freestyle 53 kg wrestling, Bijneesh Bajrang in men's freestyle 61 kg wrestling, Sakshi Malik in women's freestyle 58 kg wrestling, Satywart Kadian in men's freestyle 97 kg wrestling and Santoshi Matsa in women's 53 kg weightlifting. Swati Singh and Navjot Kaur won bronze in women's 53 kg weightlifting and freestyle 69 kg wrestling respectively.

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Russia to host 'highestlevel' FIFA World Cup

Moscow, august 1 (iaNs): Russia vowed Thursday to hold its first FIFA World Cup in 2018 at the highest level possible. A working group from the "Russia-2018" organising committee has stayed in Brazil for the whole duration of the 2014 World Cup, from June 12 to July 13, Xinhua quoted Russian Football Premier League head Sergei Pryadkin as telling reporters, adding the group had gained " necessary knowledge". "I am positive that the next World Cup, which Russia hosts, will be organised at the highest level possible," he said, adding that the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games had testified Russia's capability to host major international sport events appropriately. The baton of the FIFA World Cup was passed to Russia shortly after the final Germany-Argentina clash July 13 in the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and FIFA President Sepp Blatter attended the hand-over ceremony. Putin said earlier this month that Russia will introduce a specialised visa-free entry policy during the FIFA World Cup it hosts in 2018. Under the regime, not only its participants but also the fans could come to Russia without visas on the eve and during the games.

He is now available to play in the final two Tests and the one-day internationals against India later this summer.

Anderson took seven wickets in England's serieslevelling 266-run victory in the third Test at Southampton to move within 12 of equalling Sir Ian Botham's England record of 383.

Anderson was also involved in a verbal altercation with India batsman Ajinkya Rahane at the end of the fourth day's play in Southampton, before umpire Rod Tucker stepped in to tell both players to calm

down. A clash with Michael Clarke during the Ashes series in November resulted in the Australia captain be-

ing fined 20% of his match fee for telling Anderson to expect a broken arm. The fourth Test between Eng-

Pujara, Kohli slip in ICC rankings for Test batsmen

Dubai, august 1 (iaNs): South Africa`s AB de Villiers continues to head the Reliance ICC Rankings for Test batsmen while compatriot Hashim Amla returned to the top three.

Poor performances from India`s Chetseshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in the third Test against England saw them slip down in the rankings released Friday. Pujara slipped two places down from eight to round off the top 10 while Kohli, who is having a nightmarish series in England, dropped one place to 15th.

The only positive news for the India batsmen was the improvement in

Ajinkya Rahane`s rankings.

The middle-order batsman scored 54 and 52 not out to rise nine places to a careerbest 26th position.

Amla, who scored 139 not out and 25 in Colombo to inspire his side back to the number-one Test ranking, has earned 34 ratings points for his achievement, which has help him leapfrog Australia`s David Warner and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies into third position.

He now trails secondranked Kumar Sangakkara by 11 ratings points, while De Villiers is sitting on top of the tree on 899 ratings points.

not far away for Dipa. She needs more technical and financial support to earn more skills in gymnastics to get new rewards and accolades.” “We are very happy with our daughter’s performance. Her recognition was also because of her coach Bisweswar Nandi who has worked very hard for her, and Dipa had done a lot according to his coaching,” said Karmakar.

In the 34th National Games held in Ranchi (Jharkhand) in February 2011, Dipa won five gold medals in Floor, Vault, All Round, Balance beam and Uneven Bars.

Arjuna award-winning gymnast Mantu Debnath said: “Tripura has young men and women who have enormous skills in gymnasts and they would show their performance if they got appropriate support and encouragement.” Dipa, who is the national champion for the past five years, is a physical instructor under Tripura’s sports and youth affairs department. Dipa won the Commonwealth bronze with an average score of 14.366. The 20-year-old had scored a mere 13.633 points in the first Vault, the lowest out of eight competitors in the final.

However, in a remarkable comeback Thursday night, Dipa scored the highest in the second Vault with 15.100 to bring up her average to 14.366.

At The Rose Bowl, England`s colossal first innings total of 569 for seven declared revolved around Ian Bell`s 167, Gary Ballance`s 156, captain Alastair Cook`s 95 and debutant wicketkeeperbatsman Jos Buttler`s 85.

In the second innings, Cook contributed 70 not out, Ballance chipped in with 38 and Bell scored 23.

As such, there were no surprises when the latest rankings reflected significant changes to their respective rankings.

Bell has gained five places to return to the top 20 in 19th position, Ballance has rocketed 16 places to a career-best 31st spot, Cook has moved up seven places to 22nd spot and Buttler has made an entry on the table in 63rd spot.

Meanwhile, Dale Steyn leads the bowling rankings.

Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath moved seven places to get into the top 10 while James Anderson and Moeen Ali of England have also headed in the right direction., India’s Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have also improved their rankings. After gaining three places, Jadeja is now in 25th spot while Kumar is now in 32nd position after rising two places.

C M Y K

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