August 5th 2014

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 213

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

“

www.morungexpress.com

”

God is in the business of changing our plans to His plan

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Dave Keehn

After winning hearts, Modi ends historic Nepal visit

Kardashian reunites with Paris Hilton following 6-year feud

DSE employees to get GPF Advances in personal account [ PAGE 2]

Serena wins Bank of the West title

[ PAGE 8]

[ PAGE 11]

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 12]

Palestinians, Israelis trade hostilities after Gaza truce

Shutter Down protest nsdZ may lead to dilution of Article 371 (A): sc Jamir passes off peacefully Morung Express news Dimapur | August 4

Me? no Dad, nO. I can`t be seen lugging around bag of vegetables. Let`s hire a coolie instead. They charge only Rs. 200-350.

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your answer to 9862574165 Do you support oil exploration in Nagaland?

Yes

no

Others

Details on page 7

NSCN (IM) questions GoI

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, AUSUST 4 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today stated that it has taken “serious view” of statements made by Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CMFG) Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) NK Singh; Manipur Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh and Manipur Deputy CM, Gaikhangam saying that “there is no cease-fire in Manipur.”

The NSCN (IM) through its MIP stated that it has been “patient under extreme provocation from the Government of Manipur (GoM).”

“The GoM have taken undue advantage of our patience and acted treacherously violating the cease-fire. We consider their act of aggression a deliberate attempt to derail the Indo-Naga peace process,” it stated.

The NSCN (IM) stated that it would “honor” the ceasefire with the Government of India “till the last.” However, it questioned “if the GoI will reciprocate positively and decide to have a permanent and lasting peace or choose to support some temporary quick fixes, no matter the enormity of the Indo-Naga issue.”

It lamented that the “best opportunity towards lasting peace is being jeopardized because of the indirect and calculated imposition of its will by using the likes of CFMG Chairman, NK Singh; Manipur Chief Minster, Ibobi Singh or Manipur Deputy CM, Gaikhangam.”

It questioned the GoI whether “such irresponsible statements and actions have the official sanction.” The NSCN (IM) sought immediate clarification on the matter, “which otherwise will lead to serious confrontation between our forces and the GOI in those areas which according to NK Singh there is no ceasefire.” “The NSCN cannot be held responsible if the situation goes out of hand,” it cautioned.

Full text on page 4

C M Y K

(LEfT) Shops remain closed in Dimapur. Photo by Caisii Mao (RIghT) near deserted streets in Kiphire town.

Morung Express news Dimapur | August 4

The 6-hour business shutter down protest called by the Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) on August 4 passed off with no untoward incidents reported from around the state. The shutdown was called in protest against “the illegal detention of Solomon L Awomi, Secretary of ACAUT Nagaland by GPRN/NSCN.” The ACAUT, in a statement, said that its call was met with “resounding success in places where information could be conveyed at the appropriate time.”

Dimapur was the most affected as it witnessed total closure of shops, including medical outlets. Businesses in Kohima responded to the call of the ACAUT by voluntarily downing shutters, the ACAUT statement said while in the other districts it was received with mixed response.

Confusion over the shutdown was also witnessed. According to a report from Kiphire, people were initially unaware of the reason behind the call for shutdown. “However, on learning about the incident regarding

the ACAUT Secretary, several shopkeepers and citizens voluntarily shut shop,” the report said.

The ACAUT statement said: “The business community of Nagaland voluntarily downed their shutters from 6 am to 12 noon to protest the inhuman treatment meted out to

‘ACAUT against any form of coercion infringing on individual rights’

ACAUT Secretary where his hands were tied, eyes blindfolded and interrogated and made to sign 2 ‘agreements’ under duress.” ACAUT stated that “it being a people’s movement undertaking a cause, it is only logical that it abhor any form of coercion infringing upon individual rights.”

In Wokha, the All Commercial Vehicles Association pulled off all commercial vehicles from the roads, while in Mokokchung town black flags were raised. “Dimapur including Chumukedima and Medziphima area witnessed almost full closure,” the

statement said; while Wokha, Phek, Zunheboto, Longleng and three subdivisonal headquarters – Tseminyu, Mangkolemab and Chuchuyimlang witnessed near total closure.

In Wokha, the protest was led by the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the All Commercial Vehicles Association. The forums while condemning the “detention” of the ACAUT secretary in a joint press statement said, “If such a thing happens to any of the ACAUT members in the future, the GPRN/ NSCN will be totally held responsible.”

Further, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), in a statement said that as a sign of solidarity, it complied with the call for shutdown. It condemned the “detention” of the ACAUT secretary by stating, “such acts of transgression committed by the Naga Political Groups against members of the business community do not augur well for Naga nation building.” “The detention of Solomon L Awomi, a businessman and a leader of the business community who is also selflessly working for social transformation, is a perfidious offense against human rights,” it added.

Je death toll in Bengal crosses 200 KOlKATA, AUGUST 4 (IANS): The encephalitis outbreak in north Bengal has claimed two more lives in the last 24 hours while the death toll for this year has crossed 200, an official said Monday. “There have been two deaths due to AES (acute encephalitis syndrome) in the last 24 hours. We have got four new cases of AES

and 10 Japanese encephalitis (JE) positive samples from north Bengal,” state’s director, health services, B.R. Satpathi, told IANS. He said the total deaths this year are now 203 but dismissed reports of encephalitis spreading out to Kolkata.

In July-August, as many as 90 people have died due to AES while 28 have suc-

cumbed to JE, a subset of AES caused by mosquitoborne virus. Encephalitis is a disease that results in inflammation of the brain, affecting the patient’s central nervous system. It can be caused due to bacterial or viral infections of the brain, injection of toxic substances or increased complications of an infectious disease.

While the lesser symptoms include headaches and fevers, the more severe ones cause the onset of mental issues like seizures, confusion, disorientation, tremors and hallucinations. For JE while human beings are the dead-end hosts of the virus, pigs acts as amplifying hosts that aid in spread of the disease.

Governor of Odhisa and former Nagaland state Chief Minister, Dr SC Jamir today voiced trepidation that the proposed Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) may lead to dilution of the hard earned Article 371 (A), which protects the indigenous people of Nagaland, its land and resources and in the wake become subservient to outsiders.

Joining the bandwagon of NGOs, opposition political party and NPGs voicing out against certain clauses in the special development zone decision passed by the NLA early March this year, Jamir was against committing to such policies until Nagas can stand on their own two feet and called for thoroughly examining the pros and cons of the NSDZ before being set into motion.

NSDZ sections- (i), (v), (vi), (vii), which pertains to review of the current land tenure system, permanent settlement to non Nagas and relaxation of IPL in foothill areas on the pretext of ushering in urbanization and industrialisation has been a point of objection from different section of society since it was passed in the Assembly.

“The state government needs to constitute a ‘Special Expert Committee’ to examine the issue vis-a-vis Article 371 (A),” Jamir suggested during an interaction with the media at his residence in Chumukedima.

According to Jamir, putting up our land and resources wide open for outsiders at this juncture when we are unable to stand up on our own feet would be akin to destroying “one’s own fortress.”

“We have very limited land, and we have not created anything for future. For another decade, we cannot compete with the outside world in terms of urbanization and industrialisation. So suddenly if you keep it wide open for everybody, Nagas will become subservient to outsiders... and we will be swallowed up,” the governor feared.

Terming Naga youth as ‘very capable and extremely adventurous,’ Jamir also said not to undermine the calibre of the young Naga generation when it comes to managing resources and building the State for the future.

‘Naga Political Groups have no political agenda’ Voicing out on the long protracted Naga political issue, Jamir said Naga political groups of the present day have ‘no political agenda’ and stressed on the need for a viable, pragmatic and satisfactory solution to be presented to the Government of India. He said the crucial issue at this juncture is to make the Naga political issue visible to the people and the country.

Jamir maintained it was high time that the Naga political groups listened to the voice of the entire Naga people and put an

end to the endless protracted negotiations and come to a conclusion through the wisdom of the Naga people as a whole.

Living in this very fast changing world with the political scenario in the world, country, state completely different to 20 years ago, he said Nagas need to reorient and distinguish between idealism and reality of the present to work for a realistic approach to the political solution instead of dwelling in ancient thoughts.

He however rued the paradox of Naga political movement was that voices of Nagas were divided. “Instead of one voice, there are 100 voices and this is confusing the Nagas as well as the GoI. And the significance of too many voices is disunity.”

So to take on a fresh outlook, Jamir suggested that the 60 members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), the only mandated body, so long as they are bold, sincere and honest enough, can pass a resolution in the Assembly in order to find a solution to the vexed issue.

Also, to constitute an expert and impartial body, representing both underground and overground who should act in organizing a Naga Convention to digest the problems involved towards finding a solution.

‘A folly to have Prohibition’ A contentious resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly which continues to simmer- the Nagaland Total Liquor Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 was passed during the tenure of Dr SC Jamir as Chief Minister of Nagaland.

Twenty five years after, the then Chief Minister now Governor of Odhisa, Dr SC Jamir admits that prohibition has indeed been a “mockery in Nagaland” and was a “folly to have prohibition” in the first place.

However, the nature of passing the Act at that point of time was laced with intense pressure from the Church, in a flurry of dharnas and fasting, according to Jamir. “I told them (the Church) -yes, I will agree to pass the liquor prohibition law but you will fail,” Jamir disclosed of his final word with the church members before passing the act, indicating that NLTP was a disputed act starting from the time of the passing.

He said prohibition is a failure with “bootleggers increasing more and more and the act only making neighbouring Assam rich.” Citing instance on the failure of implementing prohibition in America, from where Christianity was introduced in Nagaland, and similar failures from around the world, Jamir maintained that “NLTP in Nagaland will also fail” since to drink or not to was a matter of one’s individual discipline.

On query of whether NLTP act should be lifted now, Jamir while declining to give a direct reply commented- “I can only say why should we be hypocrites..? And why should we seek permission from the church. It depends on the State government.”

Border Unrest: organizations condemn “inaction” by state govts

WOKHA, AUGUST 4 (MExN): The Ralan Area Lotha Hoho (RALH) and the Kyong Hoho Wokha (KHW) have condemned the series of incidents in Ralan area, under Wokha district, which they alleged were “perpetrated by Adivasis residing in the border area under Ralan, actively supported by the Maoist AANLA.” In a meeting on August 3, the organizations condemned the “inaction” of the Nagaland and Assam officials against one Simon Sama, the tenant, despite what it alleged were “repeated violations of a series of agreements” made between him and one Ekonthung, who is the landowner. It alleged that “Sama, along with hundreds of Adivasi youth attacked our villagers with bows and arrows while they were constructing a thatch house at Ekonthung’s field as per agreement.”

A joint statement from the RALH and the KHW also condemned the treatment meted to officials who had gone to “recue” villagers who were “cornered” at Ronsuyan village near the construction site. It alleged that the officials were “made to stand in the rain for three hours” before they were

rescued by the CRPF and the Border Magistrate from the Assam side.

The statement further stated that the present issue is between a land owner and his tenant and is not a border problem. It called for an early resolution to the issue and demanded that a joint operation be conducted “to flush out Maoists from the area.”

Lamenting that villagers are un-

Meanwhile, the Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD) today stated that the present imbroglio “needs to be sorted out accordingly and, under no circumstances, be blown up or misinterpreted as a border dispute between Assam and Nagaland.”

It called upon the Assam and Nagaland state governments to immediately intervene and stated that non fulfillment of agreements made between the two state governments “has left the indigenous Naga people in these areas with a deep sense of betrayal.” It further stated that there is “paramount need” for neutral forces to maintain transparent neutrality without bias.

LHD, in a press note, expressed concern at the “series of threats/attacks, waged on the denizens of Chandalashung B Lotha village under Ralan area of Wokha district by the Adivasis.” It further condemned the “barbaric methods adopted by the perpetrators, including the Adivasi Liberation National Army (ANLA),” who it stated “are causing untold hardship and excruciating fear in the lives of the local populace (Lothas) of the stated area.”

Non-fulfillment of agreements made between Assam and Nagaland state govts “has left the indigenous Naga people in these areas with a deep sense of betrayal able to travel, as the main entrance has been under “siege by Adivasi youth roaming with bows and arrows,” the statement demanded immediate deployment of NAP personnel. It further called for state officials from Nagaland and Assam to implement the agreements made in letter and spirit.

While expressing their willingness to lend co-operation in finding alleged missing persons, the organizations however demanded that the public should not be harassed.

C M Y K

C M Y K

2

Dimapur

Tuesday 5 August 2014

DSe employees to get GPF Advances in personal account

Kohima, august 4 (mExN): The Department of School Education (DSE) has decided to adopt a new system of disbursement of GPF Advances (both refundable and non-refundable) to the employees, which will ease the burden of employees significantly.

In a notification, director of school education, Zaveyi Nyekha stated that under the new system, the amount sanctioned (GPF Advances) will be credited directly into the personal bank account of the employees from the directorate.

The notification stated that the new system of disbursement of non-refundable GPF will be adopted

from the issue of the latest GPF Statement for the year ended March 2014 and added that new GPF NonRefundable Application Format will be sent to all the DDOs for employees to fill them up.

“It is imperative that all required information is filled ensuring accuracy in details furnished and also enclosing clear & legible photocopies of their Official Identity Card and the Bank Pass Book of the Bank (the page on which the Name & the Account No. is indicated) from where the salary is being drawn,” it stated, adding that GPF applications without the aforementioned documents will be summarily

our Correspondent Kiphire | August 4

C M Y K

C M Y K

The Morung Express C M

‘Shutter Down’ ProteSt

MoKoKChUNG

DiMAPUR

Participants and resource persons of the entrepreneurship workshop underway in Kiphire.

together, 24 entrepreneurs from different business establishments are attending the workshop.

people need to work together as a community to create an eco-system. The basics of business planning were also discussed.

On second day, Lezo facilitated group activity task which had exercises like how to use limited budget through target marketing. Also, he spoke on maintaining data to study customer behavior and predict future sales. Individual activity on accounting and basic bookkeeping session was also done.

According to the release, many of the participants admitted they did not maintain accounts and realized how important accounting meant for business. Mhasiselhou also took a session on stock market. The final day saw brain storming on how to create economic value to Pfustero. Ideas such a cabbage festival or running stalls during season time in Dimapur and Kohima were discussed.

The release stated that after all the districts are covered, the participants with the most potential will be called for a more advanced training which will be held at YouthNet office in Kohima, where facilitators from across India who train at institutes like IIMs will train the participants.

Appreciation to Phek Forest Department

Students and faculty of St Joseph’s College Jakhama attend College Freshers’ Day on August 1.

JaKhama, august 4 (mExN): Speaking at the Freshers’ Day of St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama on August 1, MLA Mmhonlumo Kikon appealed, “Let us be people of action, not of talk.” He also encouraged the students to be aware of the issues in the society and help come out with solutions, instead of just holding back and blaming the leaders. He emphasized that change should begin from oneself and reminded the students to respond appro-

priately by taking on issues.

A press release informed that Principal of the college Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha commended the chief guest for his

“Believe in yourself in all that you do and know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”

The programme began with a prayer song by the Jesus Youth, followed by a welcome note from Njulo Kent, President of the College Students’ Council. BBA students also presented satirical play on the theme ‘A Better Nagaland’ reminding everyone of the ugly realities of Nagaland, the release stated.

‘Let us be people of action, not of talk,’ urges Mmhonlumo Kikon tireless efforts towards student causes and applauded him for his activism in Human Rights. The Principal also encouraged the new students stating,

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS

 Around 1 in 200 infections result

C Y K

Shri. Kewete Mero Chairman, Lekromi Village Council Phek District

DimaPur, august 4 (mExN): The Deputy District Education Officer, Dimapur has informed that stipend forms for Children Education Assistant Fund (CEAF) will be issued from August 7 to 14. Interested students/ heads of institutions have been requested to collect the forms during office hours. Last date of submission of forms with all necessary documents is August 29. Students who are studying in Class 5 and 9 only are eligible for the test.

C M Y K

DEO Dimapur informs

bite of infected Culex mosquitoes.  It is characterized by fever of variable severity, associated with neurological symptoms.  It takes 5-15 days after the bite to start developing the symptoms.

M

CEAF forms to be issued from Aug 7

moKoKchuNg, august 4 (DiPr): Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Muroho Chotso has informed that except for Tata Mobile (Pick-up), no other vehicles will be allowed to enter the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung from August 4, 2014 for security reasons till further order.

 Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease caused by the

The Lekromi Village Council expresses its deep appreciation to Nagaland Forest Department in general and Phek Forest Division in particular for its sincere initiatives in realizing the objectives of Biodiversity Conservation Project. Phek Forest Division has put in yeoman service in creating awareness and other technical interventions to build capacities of the village community to manage the forest sustainably and also introducing livelihood linked schemes. Through this project the village has constructed community assets such as Public toilets, foot paths, resting sheds and watch towers that are of community usage and has planted varieties of economically valued plants through community participation.

As per the MoU under this project, the village community is being mobilized to undertake biodiversity measures such as checking and controlling hunting, forest fires, illegal felling of trees, preventing the use of chemicals for fishing and unsustainable harvesting of wild plants and herbs. The Council, hence, cautions that any person breaking this prohibition shall be penalized under the resolution adopted by the Council..

“The department has given the community the much needed initiative for conserving the reserved forests under this project, the council now declares that it is the responsibility of the community to maintain and continue the momentum of conservation initiated by the department even beyond the project period.”

Realising the ecological services and benefits under this project the whole village community is being motivated and mobilized to extend all possible cooperation to the activities of Phek Forest Division.

The Council specially appreciate and acknowledge Rongsenlemla Imchen IFS, DFO Phek and Shri. Dietho, Ranger Pfutsero for implementing this project with sincerity and dedication. The Council is grateful to the DFO and all his staffs for their relentless effort in raising environmental consciousness amongst the community especially with regard to the sustainability of this community conservation effort.

MEx File

DC Mokokchung informs

IMPACT ‘5000 by 18’ workshop in Pfutsero

PfutsEro, august 4 (mExN): Local entrepreneurs from Pfutsero attended the district-wise training for Naga entrepreneurs from July 31 to August1, organized under IMPACT ‘5000 by 18’ program, collaboration between Youthnet and Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland. A press release informed that the program is to create an entrepreneurship eco-system and work with grassroots Naga entrepreneurs across all districts, who need basic business concepts that will help them create a more organized systematic way to grow their business.

It was organized with the help of Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS), Pfutsero, a self help group that sustains through various ventures such as handloom outlet, tourist lodge, food processing etc, all run by women.

Abokali Jhimomi (Program Lead), Mhasiselhou Thomas Rolnu (Project Manager), and Lezo Putsure (Strategist) from YouthNet were the facilitators. On day one of the workshop, Abokali shared on entrepreneurship and why local Naga business

KohiMA

Business establishments in various districts of Nagaland state downed their shutters on Monday in response to ACUAT Nagaland’s appeal to protest against the “detention” of its Secretary, Solomon L Awomi by the GPRN/NSCN at Khehoi Designated Camp. Solomon was released on Saturday.

St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama celebrates Freshers’ Day

also spoke on personality development, book keeping, human resource and activities on business. All

Y K

WoKhA

rejected.

It further stated in cases where there are variations in names, the DDO concerned will have to verify the antecedent and issue a certificate. In addition to the above, the employees have been requested to submit their mobile numbers so that information, if any, can be passed on through the same.

The department expressed hope that the new exercise would ease the burden on the employees, who in the past, had to travel distances and draw their non-refundable GPF from their respective DDOs. The department also believed that this will put a check on “fraudulent withdrawals.”

YouthNet entrepreneurship workshop in Kiphire YouthNet in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources Nagaland started its three-day workshop on entrepreneurship development in Kiphire on August 4. Lezo Putsure and Abokali are the resource persons.

Addressing the workshop, Lezo Putsure highlighted the activities and works of YouthNet in the past few years. He stated, “We work hard and today the organisation has reached this stage.” He

LocaL

in serious disease which is marked by sudden onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, paralysis, stiffness, or loss of coordination.  The virus primarily infects animals  JE affects all age groups and es(especially pigs) and birds, and can pecially children under 15 years of age. be spilled over into humans.  Rice fields and shallow ditches where mosquitoes breed accompanied by  Only a few of the infected people pig rearing are common places for develop the disease.  There is no specific treatment. transmitting infection.  Intensive supportive treatment ito squ Mo ce du Re and good nursing care can reBreeding & Biting duce neurological deficits & deaths.  Drain or fill up stagnant water bodies.  Introduce Larvivorous fish in water Testing facility available at: bodies/paddy fields.

Dimapur District Hospital  Use personal protection measures Larvivorous fish available at: UMS, CMO Office, Dimapur like mosquito nets and repellents.  Discourage pig rearing near human For further information, contact: National Vector Borne Disease Control dwellings.

Program (NVBDCP)  In illness resembling symptoms of Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, Nagaland.

JE, visit nearest health centre.

Email: nagaspo_nvbdcp@rediffmail.com

DimaPur, august 4 (mExN): All the heads of government and private schools under District Education Officer (DEO), Dimapur have been asked to forward the names of deserving teachers for the “District Teachers Award 2014”. The forms will be made available till August 14 and the last date of submission is August 20, informed DDEO Dimapur R Amongla Jamir in a press release.

Up-gradation of Mon Town ‘D’ Govt. High School moN, august 4 (DiPr): The Department of School Education has in a notification No. DSE/CAB/ HSE-UPGR/2012-13 dated Kohima 10th July, 2014 stated that, in the interest of public service, the Government has notified for up-gradation of Mon Town ‘D’ Government High School to Government Higher Secondary School under the School Education department with immediate effect. Commissioner & Secretary M. Patton in the notification stated it was issued with the clearance accorded by the P&AR Department and concurrence of Finance Department vide their U.O.NO. 111 dated 24.06.14 and RFC/ESTT/ NO.31/14 dated 17.07.14 and approval of Cabinet vide CAB-2/2013 dated 19.06.2014.

C M Y K

Water pipeline to be replaced in Wokha town WoKha, august 4 (mExN): Sub-Divisional Officer, PHED, Wokha, Kedolhuto Punyu has informed all public concerned under Wokha town that, the department of PHED will be replacing the old pipelines (100mmdia) from Etsutchukha Pump House to Ganga Post Water Tank, with new lines. The Pipe fitting work is likely to start from August 5, 2014. Hence, water supply will be temporarily stopped to some colonies till the work is completed. The colonies to be affected are, NST, Orchid (Likhya), DBS, New colony, Suren, Chanka and Ganga Post. In this regard, the consumers have been requested to bear with the inconvenience. The department also appealed to the Wokha town public to co-operate for timely completion of the work.

Mass social work in Kohima on Aug 9 Kohima, august 4 (DiPr): There will be a mass social work in Kohima on August 9 from 6:00 am onwards, which will be participated by all the wards under Kohima town. A meeting was held in this regard on August 4 at DC’s conference hall, Kohima.

DC Kohima, W. Honje Konyak while addressing the gathering called upon all the wards to effectively organize the social work and added that the district administration and the Kohima Municipal Council will monitor the social work. He urged upon all the wards to make a commitment to keep Kohima town clean and set an example for others also.

Tentative ward wise distribution of work: Assembly Secretariat junction to High School Junction – 4th NAP IG stadium to Census office – High school ward and Bayavü wards.

Census office to Razhu point – North block and Kitsubozou Razhu point to D block – D Block Razhu point to TCP gate via old NST – Daklane and Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries TCP gate to Classic Island – DEF Kohima Classic Island to Mohonkhola – PWD, Midlane, upper and Lower Chandmari Dzüvürü to Lerie – Old Minister’s Hill and AG New Minister’s Hill area – New Minister’s hill ward Old Minister’s Hill – PR hill ward Paramedical site – Agri Forest Census office to Naga Hospital via Naga Bazaar – Naga Bazaar and New Market TCP gate to Merhulietsa River junction – Officer’s Hill and Paramedical Raj Bhavan including Lady’s Mile road – KMC

C M Y K

REgional

The Morung Express

Tuesday

5 August 2014

Dimapur

‘Crime going up in Assam’ GuwAhATI, AuGusT 4 (IANs): The number of those killed in Assam has been steadily increasing, from 1,321 in 2011, to 1,368 in 2012 and 1,383 in 2013, while 876 people have been killed till July this year, a minister said Monday.

These figures and more given by Forest and Environment Minister Rockybul Hussain in the state assembly show that instances of rapes, kidnappings, crime against women and militants' attacks have all gone up in the recent years. The minister was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who oversees the state home department.

Hussain said that crimes like kidnappings and rapes have also been on the rise in the state in the last three years.

The number of kidnappings 3,785 in 2011,

Insurgency claimed 2400 lives in Assam since 2001 GuwAhATI, AuGusT 4 (PTI): 2,400 persons were killed and over 5,500 people injured by militant organisations in Assam since 2001, the state Assembly was informed today. State Forest and Panchayat Minister Rockybul Hussain said that 2,094 civilians and 306 security personnel lost their lives due to militancy-related violence between March 2001 and March 2014. Also, 4,767 civilians and 752 personnel from security forces were injured by militants during this period, Hussain said, while replied on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who also holds the Home portfolio.

"The overall situation in Assam has improved since 2001. But yes, some incidents are happening in some areas, not the entire state. We are taking steps to prevent this," he said. The state government currently pays Rs 5 lakh, while the Centre gives Rs 3 lakh to the family of each killed in such violence, Hussain said. He also said the government will do everything possible to give job to one family member of each killed keeping in view the existing rules and regulations in the country. The minister said this in reply to a query raised by BJP MLA Ranjit Kumar Das during the Question Hour. increased to 3,812 in 2012 and 4,831 in 2013.

The state has already recorded 3,261 abductions till July this year, the minister told the house.

"There were 1,707 rape cases in 2011, 1,716 in 2012 and 1,960 cases in 2013. Till July this year, the state has recorded 1,202 cases of rape," Hussain said, adding that

Northeast Briefs BJP flays Arunachal govt on statehood Act

crime against women has also increased manifold in the state in last three years.

"There were 11,503 cases of crime against women in 2011. The figures went up to 13,544 in 2012 and 17,449 in 2013. The state has already witnessed 12,164 cases of crime against women till July this year," Hussain said.

sIlChAR, AuGusT 4 (TNN): Mizoram has been virtually cut-off from other states in terms of railway connectivity for over a week now following a rail blockade by a couple of NGOs both in Mizoram and certain areas of Assam. Mizoram is connected to Assam via the 103km Silchar- Bhairabi MG railway route under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Zeliangrong bodies serve ultimatum

NDFB militant killed in encounter

7 test positive for JE in Meghalaya

SC to hear Tripura High Court's order on teachers Gupta and Justice Swapan Chandra Das, in its judgment May 7 terminated the jobs of 10,323 government school teachers citing discrimination and misdeeds.

The high court also asked the state government to arrange a fresh recruitment process by December 2014 and frame a new employment policy within two months. Tripura's Left Front government recruited 1,100 post-graduate and 4,617 graduate teachers in 2010 and 4,606 under-graduate teachers in December 2013.

The high court, after hearing the state government and the complainants, passed the order on a batch of 58 petitions filed by those who had failed to secure jobs as government teachers. The education minister said the Supreme Court's order was a great relief for the state government and the newly-recruited teachers. "We are happy with the apex court's decision. Opposition political parties after the high court's judgment have been playing politics over the issue,"

July this year in the name of witch hunting.

The cases of bomb blasts have also recorded a decline in Assam, Hussain said. He said there were 30 instances of bomb blasts in 2012, the state recorded 29 bomb blasts last year and there were 11 bomb blasts till July this year.

According to the records, a total of 233 people were killed and 468 people were injured during militant-related incidents in the state since 2011.

"While 190 civilians were killed in militant firing, 24 security personnel were killed in militant firing. Another 16 civilians and three security forces were killed in bomb blasts triggered by militants," Hussain said. He added that 34 civilians were killed and 58 others were injured A farmer pulls out paddy saplings before transplanting them in a field on the outskirts of in police and security forc- Guwahati, Assam. Paddy transplantation has been delayed this year in Assam state due to es firing since 2011. insufficient rainfall. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Mizoram's rail connectivity cut-off temporarily

ITANAGAR, AuGusT 4 (TNN): The BJP's Arunachal unit has accused the successive Congress governments in the state for failing to move the Centre for constitutional amendment of Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Act, 1986/87, with provision for special protection for the state. Arunachal Pradesh attained statehood along with Mizoram on February 20, 1987. The latter was protected

by Article 371(G) of the Constitution (53rd amendment) Act, 1986, but Arunachal Pradesh was not granted the same provision. Though the state assembly had passed an amended resolution to urge the Centre to amend Article 371(H) of the Constitution to bring it on a par with the provisions of Article 371(A) and 371 (G), the state government had failed to move the Centre to repeal the Article 371 (H) and put Arunachal Pradesh under the special category status under Article 371(A) and 371 (G) of the Constitution till date, BJP said in a release. Special provisions have been made for Nagaland and Mizoram following Article 371(A) and 371(G) by which no Act of Parliament, in respect of their religion or social practices, customary law and practices, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to their customary IMPhAl, AuGusT 4 laws, ownership and transfer of land, shall apply to the (NNN): The Zeliangrong states unless the legislative assembly of the respective Youth Front (ZYF), All Zestate by a resolution decides so. liangrong Students Union (AZSU) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur GuwAhATI, AuGusT 4 (PTI): A militant of NDFB- (ZSUM) have served three Songbijit faction has been killed in an encounter with a days ultimatum to the joint team of police and Army in Assam, a senior police warden of Josephine Girls officer said on Monday. Ankhuma, the Karigaon 'sec- Hostel, Maram and any tion commander' of the militant outfit, was killed at Au- competent authority from zar in Chirang district yesterday, IGP L R Bishnoi said. Don Bosco College, Maram Another cadre identified as Jackson Basumatary was to appear before the them arrested, the IGP said. Two pistols, a hand grenade, ten at ZYF office located at rounds of live ammunition and two mobile hand sets Ragailong, Imphal countwere recovered from him, Bishnoi said. ing from August 5.

This is in connection with the murder attempt on Ringsanbou Newmai, a stushIlloNG, AuGusT 4 (PTI): Seven persons have dent at Maram Don Bosco tested positive for Japanese Encephalitis in Meghalaya, a College on July 28. The bodHealth department official said on Monday. "Seven persons ies today stated that "in case tested positive in four districts and we are closely monitorthe above cited persons fail ing patients with complaints of similar symptoms of Japato turn up within the given nese Encephalitis," Joint Director of Health Services Dr B time frame, any untoward Mawlong told PTI. The health official, however, assured situation arising out of the that the disease is under control in Meghalaya. Among those tested positive, three were from Ri-Bhoi district's issues will be solely responNongpoh, Mawhati and Umtham villages, two in East sible by the warden of JoseKhasi Hills district in Mawlai and Sohiong villages and phine Girls Hostel." A folone each in West Khasi Hills district (Nongkhlaw) and low up meeting on August 8 is scheduled to initiate the Jaintia Hills district (Ummulong), she said. further action plan.

New DelhI/AGARTAlA, AuGusT 4 (IANs): The Supreme Court, admitting a special leave petition (SLP) Monday, stayed Tripura High Court's order for framing a new employment policy within two months, thereby giving relief to some 10,320-plus sacked government teachers and the state government. "The Supreme Court today (Monday) admitted the Tripura government's SLP against the Tripura High Court judgment terminating jobs of 10,323 government school teachers," Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty told reporters in Agartala.

He said: "A division bench of the apex court comprising Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice R.K. Agrawal also stayed the high court's order directing the state government to frame a new employment policy within two months."

The hearing on the SLP has been posted for Sep 12.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court, comprising Chief Justice Deepak

However, the cases of witch hunting are on the decline in the state.

While 29 people were killed in the name of witch hunting in 2011, 11 people were killed in 2012. A total of 16 people were branded as witches and killed in 2013, the minister said, adding that only two people were killed in Assam till

Chakraborty said.

He said he was hopeful that the fate of the 10,323 teachers would be protected after the final judgment of the Supreme Court. He said the state government would stand by the teachers whose jobs have been put in jeopardy.

The main opposition parties, including the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress, had earlier welcomed the high court's verdict and sought fresh recruitment. They also demanded resignation of the chief minister and the education minister.

Meanwhile, the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) had urged the high court to review its judgment on humanitarian ground. "The court judgment cancelling the jobs of 10,323 school teachers is unprecedented, unfortunate and inhuman. (But) The opposition parties have expressed joy over the decision," CPI-M state secretary Bijan Dhar had told reporters.

Owing to the agitations, the 52567 SilcharBhairabi Passenger train now plies between Silchar and Lala Bazar stations in Assam and the goods train that used to run between Silchar and Bhairabi (Mizoram) thrice in a week is now plying between Silchar and Hailakandi stations.

Young Mizo Association (YMA)has been agitating in Bhairabi station for

3

two consecutive days early this week seeking rescheduling of timing of the lone passenger train connecting Mizoram with rest of the country and also a little change in the route. Again, the Railway Passengers Rights Preservation Committee (RPRPC) started another protest by stopping the train at Lala Bazar station in Hailakandi district of Assam only to prevent it from reaching Mizoram.

RPRPC wants that the present train schedule and the route remain unchanged for the convenience of the passengers.

Sources said while YMA has withdrawn its agitation, the Hailakandi-based NGO continues to stop the trains at Lala Bazar station since last Thursday.

RPRPC functionary Govinda Lal Chatterjee said until YMA withdraws

its demand the blockade will continue. Chatterjee also alleged that the Assamese traders, who visit Mizoram regularly, are facing harassment.

LOST NOTICE I, Kenithong Kath am applying for a duplicate of NBSE Class XI Registration card as I have lost it.

Name: Kenithong Kath Fathers name: Inock Kath Roll no: 13123519 HSSLC 2013

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NOTIFICATION Dated Kohima, The 4th August 2014

NO.ED/ACT/MONITORING-1/2013:: In view of complaints received from various quarters and also to check fraudulent withdrawal of GPF, it is hereby notified that a new system of disbursement of GPF Advances (both Refundable and Non-refundable) to the employees beginning from the latest GPF statement for the year ended March 2014 is being introduced. Henceforth, the amount that is sanctioned for GPF advances will be credited directly into the Personal Bank Account of the employee from the Directorate. It is imperative that all required information in the New Application Format for GPF Advances is to be furnished ensuring accuracy in details by the employees applying for GPF Advances and also enclosing clear & legible photocopies of their Official Identity Card and the Bank Pass Book of the Bank (the page on which the Name & the Account No. is indicated) from where the salary is drawn. Applications for GPF without the aforementioned documents shall be rejected.

In cases where there are variations in names, the concerned DDO are to verify the antecedent and issue a certificate.

In addition to the above, employees should submit their Mobile Numbers so that information, if any, can be passed on through the same.

Sd/ZAVEYI NYEKHA DIRECTOR

Auxilium Development Centre C/o Don Bosco School, River Belt Colony, DMR

Admission Going On • NIOS (For Cl-X) • COMPUTER (Basic & Diploma) • TAILORING COURSE, SPOKEN ENGLISH Contact: Mob No: 09401475544

KyONG ACADEMy Sanrhyu Etsa Meta : L.T.C. Hall, Wokha Yuta : 10:00 AM Date : August 9, 2014 Board of Directors tona Sub-Committee members jiang to ethüngta liv.

Sub-Committee jiang: 1. Socio-Cultural Committee 2. Language Development Committee 3. Social Education Committee 4. Academic Studies Committee 5. Customary Law Committee 6. Publication Committee Lotha kyon ochyu-ovüng tsükona nchümten topvü rotale to ntsitala.

Ntsita tsükona shiang tsakhoka: 8413842070, 9615085905, 9436437544

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Liquor Prohibition A Social Issue

T

his becomes an intractable agenda. We talk about success and failure of liquor prohibition in different parts of the world. However, unlike circumstances of prohibition in other places, Nagaland has a unique context which many of our younger generation will not be aware of. The Act is the result of a collective conscientious conviction of the Church with civil society and the legislators of the state. Therefore, Nagaland total prohibition has a bearing of biblical principle, socio-moral deliverance and economic salvation at backdrop. The issue of liquor prohibition relates to promotion of morality, spirituality, socio-ethics, and value of human life.

Who is Responsible for Failure of the Act? Equally and collectively we are all responsible. Failure is a sign of our immaturity level regarding side effect of alcoholism. We talk against it but we never make an effort to eradicate it. There are many better

substitutes to replace liquor.

Christians will become aware of liquor evil through biblical teaching and studies in churches, and other healthy and educative attitudes towards value of life. The Bible proves that our bodies are the temples of God. Legally, Prohibition has become a custody of the government with the enactment of prohibition at the assembly.

But, as children follow what parents do, public follow what our leaders do. It would have been successful if every body owns an ownership of cleanliness of our land. Liquor has become a matter of curiosity when it has the tag of prohibition.

Theories of Mechanism Different suggestions, devices and modalities are expressed towards lifting of the NTLP Act. For example, some talk about restriction of and limiting liquor shops, issuing adult license, control and regulation of time, counselling and psycho-education, discipline of drink, medical ground and

keeping them away from edu- (9) Role of conscience will becational environment. Howevcome a matter Broadway vs er, all this may become theory Narrow way. and may not be practical when (10) It will become a process of the wind irresistibly inundates public education itself about and blows across the land. alcoholic influence.

(11) It will symbolize and repWhat If Prohibition is Lifted? resent the forbidden fruit at (1) It will not adversedly affect Eden garden. mature and conscientious (12) Our land will recover after people. a pathetic loss of one genera(2) It will become cheap and tion. Are we prepared? available in every nook and corner with no legal tension. Calculating the Scenario of (3) It may do away with issue of Lift ... debate of production of spuLet us be optimistic. Howrious or quality liquid. ever, let us also be realistic and (4) It may minimize the syndi- practical of our future. The cate of monopoloy and pa- Church will not cease its spiritronization of liquor flow. tual ministry. However, imag(5) It may bring bounty of rev- ining the scenario of the afterenue to the state and thereby math of lift. The condition of our flourishing business. society will turn out different (6) It will become legal and because liquor influence does there is no issue of black not care of human value and market and underhand public sanctity. It will penetrate business. into every sphere of social life.

(7) It will become a matter of Serially: conscience of right and (1) Imagine the picture and atwrong in choice of people. mosphere of our streets with (8) Society will become more deluge of liquor. aware, alert, defensive and (2) Think of academic perforactive in saving ministry. mance in our schools from

CBCC to uphold Liquor Prohibition Act

I

n the event of the recent Nagaland state Government’s statement to discuss and review the viability of the prevailing Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council had convened an Emergency meeting of its Executive on 4th August at CBCC Mission Centre, Pfutsero. The meeting after thorough deliberations resolved to reaffirm its commitmenttoupholdtheProhibitionAct.Themeeting unanimously resolved to come out with official stand of CBCC on this issue as under.

The meeting recalled that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 was enacted after thorough and wide deliberation on the then prevailing situation in Nagaland. The Act was enforced in the state with holistic approach taking into consideration the impact of alcoholism on social, political, economic and religious life of common people. However, like any other Act, it also faced many challenges in its existence for the last 25 years but the good sense of the Act prevails and continues to serve as a conscience and guardian for Naga society from its inception till today.

The Act came into being through the concerted and collective effort of all concerned citizens of Nagaland fully recognizing of the fact that most of the root causes of evils, accidents, crimes and lawlessness are found in Alcoholism in our society. However good the intellectual reasons appear to be, going by the prevailing moral standard, behavior and conduct of our people as is evident specially during the general elections , it is too immature for a society like ours to let it go without any moral and ethical restrictions at this juncture.

Universally speaking, Alcoholism kills.

It is not an exaggeration to say that millions of people are killed over the world every year. It destroys harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the family and in the society. It is this fact, that the present generation must not revoke the Act of NLTP, 1989 as that would be tantamount to legalized killing and destruction of life. The State Government, Church and civil society leaderships will come and go with change of time and situation but the Act must remain as a conscience and guardian of our society.

Any move to lift the Act will be self-defeating. The Act should not be discussed or abolished on the basis of success or failure in its implementation because the Act itself is good and right for the society. If a Hindu -dominated state like Gujarat is so successful in enforcing this Liquor Prohibitions for many years now, why not a Christian dominated state like Nagaland. As Christians, we cannot afford to lift the prohibition as it will do more harm than good. Lifting will bring further divisions and destruction in the family and in an already morally corrupted society. What we need today is just the proper implementation and execution of the present NLTP Act. Therefore the CBCC appeals all concerned particularly to the law enforcing agency and the state government to strengthen its commitment to uphold the Prohibition by amending the loopholes in NLTP Act instead of lifting it.

Rev Khrutsoyi Luruo President, CBCC Rev Dr Vezopa Tetseo Executive Secretary, CBCC

Game Number # 2956

O

CARBOHYDRATE HYPOGLYCEMIA KETOSIS KETONES WEIGHTGAIN TOOFEWCARBS TOOMANYCARBS ENERGY FAT LOWCARBS CARBON HYDROGEN OXYGEN FUEL ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE CALORIES MONOSACCHARIDES GLUCOSE FRUCTOSE GALACTOSE DISACCHARIDES SUCROSE LACTOSE MALTOSE OLIGOSACCHARIDES RAFFINOSE STACHYOSE POLYSACCHARIDES STARCH GLYCOGEN CELLULOSE ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT PROCESSED REFINED FATTYACID HEALTHY NOTHEALTHY

R

H N Y Y H T L A E H R E R E F I N E D O

D

Y O H R K E T O S I S X S S E N O T E K

D B T A F P O P W N N E G O C Y L G V O

It gives legal awareness and der effort to deliver the stuff legitimacy of liquor as a root of of life value and worthiness social evil. of life to our generation.

It is life (body, soul and spir- 3. Our families should proit) saving act which is more than mote Christian home, talk revenue (Luke 9:25). and practice Christian ethWe will not regret conseics in society. quence of irreparable and de- 4. Our school education bacle eventuality. should sensitize practical Providing a sentinel is betvalue and reformative diter than setting a deadfall and mension. deathtrap.

5. Our government should make effort to solve youth An Opinion and Appeal problem, provide public recTargeting something will atreational facilities and strive tract curiosity and bring revival. towards excellence of eduBut the result of silence is a natcation. ural death. Liquor and social In front us, we have maevils we target now will all die jor agenda, namely, Naga naaway when our people become tional issue, Nagaland liquor mature and conscientious, and prohibition agenda and the discipline. Analytically: most important topic is ‘Will 1. Liquor is a matter of social is- the Nagas inherit the mansue and awareness. Our civil sion prepared by the Lord Jesociety should focus more sus?’ Certainly the third one on responsibility of promot- becomes the first issue since it ing civic sense, social disci- can happen to you and me any pline and trustworthy living time. Reading this article, a hainstead blaming the Church bitual drinker, supporters of lift and government. and middle persons may like to 2. Our spiritual institutions make a change. should explore relevant strategies and actively renPhuveyi Dozo

erally the Church can be understood as a body of Christ, a religious institution governed by God given ‘laws.’ As such, NBCC as a religious body has its own ‘domain’ of religious mores where it should ‘intervene.’

This also gives the Church a moral right/responsibility and not any legal right.

Today, there is no legality of religious code of conduct.

Earlier religious code of conduct was also a social code of conduct whereby a sinner was also considered a criminal and accordingly punished. One can refer to Jewish laws and 17th Century American Puritan Society.

Let us roll back to the times and see the circumstances under which slogans like ‘Nagaland for Christ’ (and subsequent Prohibition), ‘Ten Thousand missionaries’ were proclaimed. Looking at the state of affairs rationally, one can conclude that it was more of emotionally charged short sighted ‘promise’ to God. The moral propaganda was somehow ‘enforced’ and further provoked within the social

dynamics after the proclamation of ‘Nagaland for Christ.’ As such there was a time when it was like a holy ‘mandate’ on every family to ‘produce’ a theologian/ missionary or else it seemingly became a huge burden and a guilt ridden debt before God. Today, the Church is cajoled within its own politico-emotional callousness in trying to trespass its limits not knowing its boundaries. Ingloriously trapped between ‘soul winning’ and ‘Church survival’ it has lost its focus as a religious body and has become more than willing slaves to the ‘burdened question’ of Church survival and its subsequent pursuit of ‘symbolism’ and ‘materialism.’ One would say, “As quiet as the Church”...because it was once ‘sacred’ and a ‘sanctified place.’

Today it is seemingly becoming quieter because the Church is becoming empty. Somehow, with the onset of rampant materialism, the Church is also to be blamed for setting worldly standards and it has become more difficult to go

O A A F U U G L P L A T D D F C O D C F

E

G C E I C E M G Y I F R I J Z N A N R C

E T H N T L F D T S A S B E O U A L A N

N O T O O M A N Y C A R B S S M G R A E

D O O S S O E S E C R C A X R O B N N G

A

U F N E E S T S C J H C C O T O T E W Y

R E D H S A O H S E C B F H H A Y L N X

R

A W Z E R C A E N H R R V Y A O F V A O

N C I C U R I F A H E D D Y G R E N E M

C A H L I R F R P P G R N U T R I E N T

C

E R G D O L I G O S A C C H A R I D E S

R B E L R D V C P T N I A G T H G I E W

V S A C E A I M E C Y L G O P Y H X L S

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 2962

H

W C E S O R C U S T A C H Y O S E K P F

F A T T Y A C I D G D E S S E C O R P S

N E S O L U L L E C V P L A C T O S E A

to Church today. While the profaned sinners are literally ‘condemned’ from the Church, the ‘Rich’ and the ‘Holy’ ones becomes the body of the ‘Sacred.’ As Christians we all belong to the Church but tragically a finer distinction seems to be created between ‘I’ and the ‘Church’ and I feel that the Churches should dwell on two very basic yet foundational Christian concepts of Hope and Love within its associated praxis.

Today, the struggle for a clean Christian state is beyond redemption looking from a ‘Christian’ lens and everyone under NBCC has a lot of rethinking to do which goes beyond prohibition. Perhaps, a lot more than soul searching will be a much needed breakthrough. It is much desirable that NBCC should return back to the Church to reorient their identity in the Church of God and not in the sphere of the ‘political.’ The Church can

act as ‘pressure group’ but the right areas are often ignored. I would rather love NBCC to focus on the challenges related to parenting besides many other aspects of primal importance if they feel that they are the moral voice (and rightly so) towards maintaining “moral standard” and “social fabric” together with the Christian voice of Love and Hope.

On a liberating note, Nagaland is still governed by religiosity and we as Christians need the Church and Christ more than liquor. The people today need real Love and Hope. As a foot note, even as the ‘holy chorus’ of pain and wail grows louder drinkers will continue do drink, in their pursuit of habitual exercise, for want and for pleasure. However, at the end...it is never between ‘I’ and the world...It is between ‘Me’ and God. Dr Asangba Tzudir

NSCN (IM) takes serious note of CFMG Chairman statement

T

Answer Number # 2955

S

R R L F R F O Z K C K L Q U T L Y M P E

I

take it as a morally painful duty to write on the much strained and drained issues related to the Church in the context of Nagaland, partly triggered by the reawakened debate on NLTP Act. In contemporary times the Church has been ‘accused’ of propagating politics rather than its primary focus on the aspect of ‘soul winning. Well, coming to the question of Prohibition (A case in point), I am quite curious or rather confused about the Churches stand on Prohibition envisaged through the Act. Is it against the manufacture of Liquor?

Is it against the transportation of liquor? Is it against the sale of liquor? Or is it against those who drink alcohol? Where does NBCC stand in relation to the Act? Prohibition came into being through an Act of law passed by the State and therefore belongs to the affairs of the state. First and foremost the Church is a religious Institution’ and not any politico-juridical institution within the larger understanding of religion and politics. Gen-

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

broken homes.

(3) Think of the attitude of our leaders and bureaucrats in public dealings.

(4) Think of our hospitals and health centers with alcoholic casualties.

(5) Think of public drivers and operators under liquor influence.

(6) Think of the safety of our women in streets and public points.

(7) Think of the fragmented behavior and conduct of youth.

(8) Think of atmosphere of our hotels and restaurants.

(9) Think of crowded police lockups and police stations.

(10)Think of public premises on December 24-25 and January 1.

(11)Think of diverted attention of our doctors and nurses.

(12)Think of intensified role of police.

(13)Will it not touch the nerve of our political aspiration and spirit of patriotism?

Simple Logics - Advantage of Tightened Total Ban It is the index of Nagaland as a land of Christian populace.

NBCC – Within the Veil of Prohibition

_

LEISURE

W

The Morung Express

ACROSS 1. Rectum 5. Quaint outburst 9. Wings 13. Dispatched 14. European currency 16. An aromatic ointment 17. Cabbagelike vegetable 18. Genuflected 19. Among 20. Cut of meat 22. Store clerk 24. Dogfish 26. Frothy 27. A short novel 30. A fourth state of matter 33. Photographer’s setting 35. Platform 37. Martini ingredient 38. Creator 41. Cover 42. Move stealthily 45. Empowering 48. Trim 51. Sinewy 52. Assumed name 54. Warbled 55. Blends 59. Requires 62. Distinctive flair

63. Sharpens 65. Diva’s solo 66. Not more 67. Notes 68. Obtains 69. Misplaced 70. Container weight 71. Historical periods

DOWN 1. Demands 2. Tidy 3. Made without yeast 4. Paddle-wheeler 5. Startled cry 6. Firearms 7. Territories 8. Small indefinite amount 9. Expert 10. Tibetan monk 11. Dry 12. Countercurrent 15. Pilfer 21. A man’s skirt 23. Resorts 25. Astringent 27. Badgers 28. Express a thought 29. Genus of macaws 31. Slacker 32. Growing old

34. Barely manage 36. Jittery 39. N N N N 40. Rodents 43. Opposed 44. Pottery oven 46. Fiber source 47. Bloodline 49. Not day 50. Stumblebum 53. Ringworm cassia 55. Mobile phone 56. Margarine 57. Catholic church service 58. Clairvoyant 60. Devil tree 61. Back talk 64. South southeast Ans to CrossWord 2961

he National Socialist Council Nagalim (NSCN) has taken a very serious view with the statement of Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) NK. Singh Chairman, Cease fire Monitoring Group (CFMG), Mr Okram Ibobi Singh and Mr Gaikhangam respectively, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the present Manipur state, that, there is no cease-fire in Manipur. They have gone to the extent of superseding all the past commitments of the Government of India (GoI) and its Indian Prime Ministers.

It has come as big surprise to the NSCN who had steadfastly honored the cease-fire with the GoI for the past 17 years. We have been patient under extreme provocation from the Government of Manipur (GoM). The GoM have taken undue advantage of our patience and acted treacherously violating the cease-fire. We consider their act of aggression a deliberate attempt to derail the Indo-Naga peace process.

We want to know why the GoI is maintaining complete silence instead of the fact that it is holding political dialogue with the NSCN. Whenever the Meities create problems in the present state of Manipur the GoI always sided with the GoM despite cease-fire agreement between the NSCN and GoI. This has deeply hurt the conscience of the Nagas beyond word. We conclude this to be a treacherous standard of GoI of pulling the carpet from underneath after the Nagas have sufficiently demonstrated patience since 1997.

We want to make it sufficiently clear that the NSCN will not remain a mute spectator and its patience should not be taken as a sign of weakness. The option for the Nagas is no longer a matter of choice but to respond appropriately even at the cost of the current peace process because the GoI leadership has maintained a thundering silence after the provocative statements through NK. Singh, Okram Ibobi Singh and Gaikhangam.

The current cease-fire is with the GoI and we the NSCN have honored it and we will honor it till the last.

However, the Nagas wonder if the GoI will reciprocate positively and decide to have a permanent and lasting peace or choose to support some temporary quick fixes, no matter the enormity of the Indo-Naga issue.

We are constrained to state the grim fact that the best opportunity towards lasting peace is being jeopardized because of the indirect and calculated imposition of its will by using the likes of Mr. NK. Singh, Mr. Ibobi Singh or Mr. Gaikhangam. Henceforth the Naga people cannot remain passive anymore but compel to take up steps against the Ibobi’s Manipur government and its forces in order to defend the inherent rights and identity of the Nagas.

The NSCN questions the GoI’s stand on this issue as to whether such irresponsible statements and actions have the official sanction. This matter must be clarified immediately which otherwise will lead to serious confrontation between our forces and the GOI in those areas which according to NK. Singh there is “no ceasefire”. The NSCN cannot be held responsible if the situation goes out of hand.

Kuknalim MIP, NSCN/GPRN

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Sumis pay tribute to Gen Kaito Sukhai SKK hosts Sumi Patriots’ Day in Zunheboto ZuNhEboto, august 4 (mExN): Sumis from across Nagaland and beyond, flocked to the 'General Kaito Memorial Stone' in the heart of Zunheboto on ‘Sumi Patriots’ Day’ to pay tribute to the first General of Naga Army revolutionary movement.

The ‘Sumi Patriots’ Day’, earlier known as 'Youth Day', observed on August 4 every year, to commemorate the death anniversary of Gen Kaito Sukhai was hosted by All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) this year.

A press release informed that the grand floral tribute and wreath laying ceremony was led by Parliamentary Secretary Vikheho Swu as chief guest followed by several leaders, elders, former comrades, Sumi frontal bodies, Sumi Hoho (SH), Sumi Totimi Hoho (STH), Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH/ GBs) ZTYO and youth forums, college and school students, SKK and others.

Sumi Hoho President Toniho Yepthomi presented the keynote address

Section of the gathering at Sumi Patriots’ Day cum seminar in Zunheboto, (inset) Vikheho Swu.

and also exhorted the established in 1940. He regathering. called his stint as president more than two decades ago Seminar on "Impact of IT- and exhorted the gatherSocial Media in our Society" ing citing examples from The homage and floral his experiences. He chaltribute ceremony was fol- lenged the gathering to be lowed by a seminar on "Im- aware of the honesty and pact of IT- Social Media in dedication of Sumi forefaour Society" with KT Sukh- thers towards uplift of Naga alu IAS (Retd) and former society - socially, spiritupresident of SKK (1977-79) ally and politically, while as resource person at Town lamenting that contempoHall, Zunheboto. rary Sumis are losing those Parliamentary Secre- virtues. tary Vikheho Swu, who is He also cited the curalso former SKK president rent position of Sumis (1991-93), speaking on the and Nagas culturally, occasion highlighted that spiritually, economically SKK is the oldest Sumi body and politically, both over

ICCR Horizon Series kicks off

Kuyingpong Cultural Society performs during the Horizon Series programme in Dimapur on August 3.

Dimapur, august 4 (mExN): Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Guwahati Regional Office in collaboration with Abiogenesis Society kicked off the Horizon Series for current year on August 3 at Soul Speak Hall, Dimapur with performances by Kuyingpong Cultural Society, Manen Jamir and UDX. Kakoti Baruah, Regional Director, Guwahati and Som Kamei (IPS), Director, Nagaland Postal Service and former Director of NEZCC also spoke at the event.

Kuyingpong Cultural Society (KCS) led by Sherimong presented Sangtam folk songs. KCS is one of most popular professional cultural troupe in Nagaland and they have performed in almost all the states in India, informed a press release. .

Manen Jamir, a guitar virtuoso also presented three original melodious licks. Manen is also a prolific music teacher by profession and runs one

of the most well-known music schools in Dimapur. He was awarded the best guitarist in the Hornbill Rock Contest in 2002 and has released an instrumental album titled ‘Rays of a New Dawn’ worldwide.

UDX was the final act of the evening. True to their reputation as one of the best rock bands of Nagaland, they presented two awesome original acoustic songs, stated the note. They have won many accolades by winning many music contests in the region.

Horizon Series is a programme held regularly in all parts of India by Indian Council for Cultural Relations to promote, encourage, and give platforms to both upcoming as well as established artists in all performing fields. Artists in all fields who are interested to perform in future Horizon Series have been requested to send details with contact numbers to abiogenesissociety@gmail. com or call 9436003009.

ground and underground.

He stated that 60%, out of total 100% sanctioned every month from the state treasury are drawn by the State government employees and maintained that Nagaland has the highest ratio of government employees.

He expressed his anguish over the current corrupt system of election and discouraged the bogus or ghost government employees, who draw salary regularly without being present at their respective postings. He further asserted that the biggest challenge and obstacle

Profile of Late Gen Kaito Sukhai

• Born on May 22, 1933, son of Late Kuhoto (Head D.B. of Kohima District) • Undertook thumb impression throughout Nagaland leading to Naga Plebiscite in May 16, 1951.

• Formed NSG (Naga Safeguards) in Eastern Sumi area in 1955.

• Led the first arms offensive/revolt against the Indian Army in 1955 with just 16 Naga Army comrades.

• Became the first General of NSG on June 2, 1955.

• Appointed as the 1st General Commander in Chief (C-in-C) on March 22, 1956 and served till 1963.

• Led the second "Historic Battle" against Assam armed Police on March 24, 1956 at Satakha village Inspection Bungalow.

• Led 150 Naga Army to East Pakistan for arms training in 1962.

• Headed for London in September 1962 to meet NNC president AZ Phizo.

• Awarded the prestigious "Burma Star" in 1962.

• Appointed Keyaa Kilonser (Defence Minister) January 3, 1964.

• Formed the Naga Army Government along with Gen Mowu on June 17, 1968.

• Assassinated by his own trained soldier in the heart of Kohima town on August 3, 1968 and succumbed to the injuries on August 4, 1968.

• He was recognized as the "Youngest General" in the world by the BBC and tagged him a “Statesman and Born General” in 1962.

ernment College. The festival was graced by Toniho Yeptho, President, Sumi Hoho who exhorted the gathering, said the release. Folk tunes, folk fusion music, and poem were presented by various individuals and groups. ImoOnen Ozükum spoke on the significance of Tsüngremmong. Later, the chief host who was also the main speaker spoke on the topic, Merataket Sobaliba Temeten. As part of the celebration, there was also a display of tug-ofwar between different units.

Fresher’s King and Fresher’s Queen of Phek Govt. College.

Checho-u Mebou chaired the programme. This was stated in a release issued by PGCSU general secretary Vekhruvo Khusoh.

MEx FILE Launching of autonomous status of KSCJ today Kohima, august 4 (mExN): The official launching of autonomous status of Kohima Science College Jotsoma will take place on August 5 at 10:00 AM at the college auditorium. Parliamentary secretary for higher education and SCERT Deo Nukhu will grace the occasion as chief guest. Commissioner Secretary for higher & technical education F.P. Solo, Renthungo Jungio (Alumni), and D. Peseyie, advisor, Jotsoma Village Council will also deliver short speeches. The function will be chaired by Dr. Seyiekhrielie Whiso, assistant professor, KSCJ while College Principal Dr. Vituo Belho will deliver welcome address. Vote of thanks will be proposed by Dr. Vizovol Mekro, associate professor, KSCJ.

Shena New Dimapur Community & NESNOR condemn threat

Public awareness on Japanese encephalitis What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a viral disease that infects animals and humans through the bite of infected culex mosquito. Clinically a case of Japanese Encephalitis is described as a case of fever of variable severity, associated with neurological symptoms. It takes 5-15 days after the bite to start developing the symptoms which is called the incubation period. Mild infections may present with only fever and headache or without any apparent symptoms. Around 1 in 200 infections result in serious disease which is marked by sudden onset of high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, paralysis, stiffness, or loss of coordination. Even among survivors, the nervous system can suffer lasting damage. JE affects all age groups and especially children under 15.

What is its cause and how is it spread?

JE is caused by the bite of virus infected Culex mosquitoes. The virus primarily infects animals (especially pigs) and birds, and can be spilled over into humans. Rice fields (also shallow ditches and pools) where mosquitoes breed and accompanied by pig rearing are very common places for transmitting the infections, especially in South East Asia.

New electricity bill collection counter at DDSC stadium ing the collection counter at their doorstep as earlier the public had to go to SDO No. I office at Midland to pay their bills.

Executive Engineer Moameren also stressed on efficient usage of power and encouraged the public to use CFL instead of incandescent bulb. He also urged the public to avoid using electricity in illegal manners.

Electrical department officials and colony council members during the inauguration of electricity bill collection counter at DDSC Stadium.

Dimapur, august 4 (mExN): A new electricity bill collection counter has been opened for the consumers of Eros lane, Ellora lane, MST Colony, Khermahal Colony, Local ground colony and Zakiesatuo colony at DDSC stadium, Dimapur. The consumers can pay their normal bill in the said counter starting

August 5. However, any dispute or complain in regard to bill or electricity should be complained at SDO No. I office at Midland, stated SDO Er. Namheu Khate in a press release.

The counter under Electrical Sub-Division No.1 Dimapur was dedicated on August 4 by Pastor Zerang Mbung, Secretary,

Dimapur, august 4 (mExN): The Nagaland State unit BJP executive meeting will be held on August 19 in Dimapur. All State executive members, office bearers, BJP legislators, national executive members and national office bearers, State frontal chiefs and district presidents along with general secretaries have been requested to attend the said meeting. Time and venue will be intimated later.

BJP General Secretary and Spokesman K. James Vizo in a press release further informed that as per the party constitution Article XVII, the State President Dr M. Chuba Ao has nominated the following as State Executive Members with immediate effect from the date of this publication – Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi, Dr. K. Hoshi, Eduzii Theliio, Kupota Khesoh, and Meribemo Kinghen. Further expansion will be followed in

Dimapur, august 4 (mExN): The Thetsumi Welfare Society Dimapur (TWSD) has mourned the demise of its joint secretary Mawia Lasuh on July 26.

“Late Mawia Lasuh was a committed and selfless person who always put the welfare of the society before his own,” acknowledged TWSD chairman and secretary in a condolence message. “His commitment and concern for the welfare of the less privileged section of the society makes him stand out from most of us living in the present time of very materialistic and selfish world,” the message added. It further said that the deceased was outspoken and fearless in sharing his views and never shied away from apology when he was wrong. Stating that in his death, the society and the village have lost a “true son and young upcoming leader”, TWSD conveyed its condolences to the bereaved members and prayed for their solace.

Public SPace

Pastor Fellowship Dimapur in the presence of Council members from Eros lane colony, Local ground colony, and Zakiesatuo colony.

Speaking on the occahe Nagaland Liquor sion, the release informed Total Prohibition that chairman of Local Act 1989 has reground colony and GB of Zamained a fable story since kiesatuo colony expressed its inception. It has neither gratitude to the department benefited the common for taking initiative in bringpeople nor enriched the Christian ethics. Practically, the convention of Nagaland dry state under the flagship of NEW ACT is a utopian concept only. the near future, it said.

A large section of the Meanwhile, in a minor restructuring of the Party Naga Christian friends are Disciplinary Action Com- selling and consuming mittee, the State President adulterated liquor daily has forwarded the follow- in the name of dry state. ing members to the Cen- This means NLTP ACT is tre for its consent. The just like a license issued Following members will to illegal local factories in constitute the Committee: Assam (Mom) to manuVizopal Chaya (Convener), facture adulterated liquor Yanghose Sangtam (Mem- and also to shoot up douber Secretary), Eduzii ble the price of IMFL from Theliio (Member), Vihose its normal cost.

Nearly crores of RuJames (Member), Er. Senpees from public purse gathung Jami (Member).

Phek College fresher's meet Nagaland BJP executive meeting on August 19 Kohima, august 4 (mExN): The Phek Govt.

College Students' Union (PGCSU) held its 33rd freshers meet on July 31 last at Deo Nukhu’s Hall, Phek College. Phek Deputy Commissioner C.M. Tsanglao graced the occasion as chief guest. Seto Vero and Kavili Aye were crowned Fresher’s King and Fresher’s Queen respectively. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by PGCSU vice president Khronyilo Lohe while

5

Dimapur, august 4 (mExN): The Shena New Dimapur Community and New Shena Non Resident Organisation (NESNOR) have condemned the “death threat” meted out to Jonah Achumi by Salehk Arkham alias Salehk Bosozuku alias Salehk Trufkit. The Unions in a statement stated that “the audacity of an illegal Bangladeshi immigrant to openly issue death threats to a Naga irrespective of any tribe/s should not be taken lightly”. It urged upon the law enforcement agency not to let the accused go scot free, rather immediately investigate into the matter, apprehend the “cyber offender” and book him under relevant sections of law, “which will act as a confronting Naga society and The seminar drew huge deterrent to other like-minded criminals.”

Sumis are "isms" such as trib- response and participation alism, clan-ism, regionalism from the gathering, espe- ANGPTA Mon Unit meeting etc. “We will never be devel- cially the young school and moN, august 4 (mExN): All Nagaland Graduate oped or truly civilized unless college students, the re- Primary Teacher Association (ANGPTA), Mon Unit has we do away with 'isms'.” lease added. convened a meeting on August 9, 9:00 am, near EBRC, Mon Town. The teachers concerned have been asked to bring a photocopy of appointment order, regularization, educational documents from matric onwards, two recent passport size photos and registration fee of Rs. 500. For further queries, call 8131807086, 9089241057, and 9612039454.

The virus gets amplified in the blood tion. During pre-monsoon when wasystems of pigs and birds, but there is ter bodies are confined to small ponds BJP 46 A/C Mon Town meeting no human to human transmission. and tanks, vector control measures can be planned. Personal protection moN, august 4 (mExN): The formation meet of What is the diagnosis through use of repellents and mosBJP 46 A/C Mon Town was held on July 30 at the resiand management of JE? quito nets are effective control measdence of Chiong Konyak at Mon Town. Phongwang A clinical diagnosis is made by a ures. Bed nets treated with insecticides Konyak, President, BJP Mon - Tizit Unit and Khongdoctor basing on the history and clin- are being distributed. Indoor Residual wang, Convener S/T Morcha Nagaland State unit also ical presentation. The test is available Spray, and fogging in outbreak areas attended the formation meet. Following were inductat District Hospital Dimapur. Only a are chemical control measures to reed to various posts: Mahila: President – Tomge; Vice few of the infected people develop duce vector population.

President – Angin; Vice President – Kamlong; General the disease, but there is no definite Introduce larvivorous fishes in Secretary – K Ngipyah; Assistant General Secretary – K treatment for JE. Intensive support- the paddy fields and other stagnant Manlem. Yuva Morcha: President – N. Phongkai; Vice ive treatment and good nursing can bodies to eat up the mosquito larva.

– President – Y. Taiwang; V/P – Pulei; General Secrereduce deaths significantly. Case Larvivorous fishes are available at tary – Tahzei; Asstt. Gen. Secy. – C. Mary. Kissam Cell: fatality rate ranges from 0.3 to 60%. Urban Malaria Scheme, Chief MediAbout 30% of those who survive may cal Officer office, Dimapur. It is disPresident – Anglong; General Secretary – Chingpoh. suffer from varying ranges of neuro- couraged to rear pigs near human A press release from the BJP Mon president T. Phonglogical deficits. dwellings as the virus gets multiwang Konyak also informed that the House felicitated plied and amplified in the pigs which BP Acharya, Nagaland Governor and hoped for better How do we prevent JE? can be transmitted to humans. In Nagaland with peace, progress and prosperity.

There is a vaccine for JE. However, case of any illness which resembles immunization is not included in the the symptoms of JE, visit the nearKDCC convenes meeting routine immunization and is carried est health centre/district hospital Kohima, august 4 (mExN): The Kohima District out in select areas as per sero-epide- for sample collection/transportaCongress Committee (KDCC) has convened a meetmiological data. The best way to pre- tion and treatment of cases. District vent JE is through control of mosquito Control Rooms have been set up in ing on August 6, 11:00 am at its office. The meeting will vectors. Stagnant water bodies should all the District Headquarters for redeliberate on re-organization/ re-strengthening of the be drained or filled up, and surround- porting, investigation, and control of party and forthcoming bye-election to the 11th Northings kept clean and dry. Rice fields can outbreaks. ern Angami II Assembly Constituency. Therefore, all the cover wide areas and chemical conDCC office bearers, ACCC president, executive memtrol may not be feasible. In such situNational Vector Borne bers and frontal chiefs have been requested to attend ations, water management measures Disease Control Program the meeting positively. like alternate wetting and drying may Directorate of Health be applied to reduce vector populaand Family Welfare TWSD mourns joint secretary’s death

Tsüngremmong festival celebrated in Zunheboto ZuNhEboto, august 4 (mExN): The Ao community in Zunheboto, under the aegis of Zunheboto Ao Union celebrated Tsüngremong festival on August 2. Along with all the Aos residing in Zunheboto Town, Aos from Sathaka town, Atoizü, Akuluto and Naltoqa participated in the festival, informed a press release issued by Zunheboto Aor Tenglongjem president in a release.

The chief host for the event was I. Alempokba, Principal, Zunheboto Gov-

Dimapur

NLTP Act, a mistake

T

are burnt into ashes in the form of IMF. in a year for the sake of dry state. Such unreasonable activities affect our state economy, the consumers and their family abreast. Unfortunately, at this juncture the NLTP ACT and the slogan, "NAGALAND-A DRY STATE" has become a mockery from the eyes of the infidels whom we Christian called them non-believers.

The poisonous adulterated liquor is flowing all over Nagaland acting as a silent killer taking advantage of NLTP ACT and dry state.

With the current trend, it is difficult to curb the phenomena and convening consultative meeting and debate to review NLTP ACT has no space for solution. It will be the same like India-Pakistan

peace talk over Jammu & Kashmir issue. Today, the serious concern is not for the active implementation of NUT ACT but the more concern here is to release away the dangerous effects of NLTP ACT which kills our precious lives by consuming adulterated wettest dry state NFL. Therefore, it is high time for the Government Agencies, Civil Societies, Tribal Hohos and most importantly Church Organisation to accept the failure of the NLTP ACT, and retrospect the idea of dry state deeply and release or lift before the satanic adulterated liquor swallow the precious lives of Naga Christians, making the future generation at stake.

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper.

Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

NPF Youth Wing Central Office

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express TuEsDAy 5 AuGusT 2014 volumE IX IssuE 213

An Agenda

W

hile sharing his view on human cooperation and human affairs, The Dalai Lama once stated: “When I consider the lack of cooperation in human society, I can only conclude that it stems from ignorance of our interdependent nature. I am often moved by the example of small insects, such as bees. The laws of nature dictate that bees work together in order to survive. As a result, they possess an instinctive sense of social responsibility. They have no constitution, laws, police, religion or moral training, but because of their nature they labor faithfully together. Occasionally they may fight, but in general the whole colony survives on the basis of cooperation.”

The Dalai Lama went on to add, “Human beings, on the other hand, have constitutions, vast legal systems and police forces; we have religion, remarkable intelligence and a heart with great capacity to love. But despite our many extraordinary qualities, in actual practice we lag behind those small insects; in some ways, I feel we are poorer than the bees.” Indeed this image of the bees working together with a sense of social responsibility and existing through cooperation is a lesson for all of us and reminds that we need to learn to live together in harmony. The ongoing violence and counter-violence in the Gaza strip is an example of how the power of violence usurps all human reason.

As a people, the Nagas can only move forward when we consciously recover and reconnect with our most basic sense of social responsibility that is based on cooperation. Our current condition is a clear indication of how far we have diverted from our common aspirations and shared future. The question needs to be asked whether it is possible to intentionally initiate a process of building a value-based society based on shared trust, mutual respect, upholding values of inclusion and the principles of accountability and transparency. Critical yeast that incorporates interdependence and interconnectedness along with a culture that upholds a praxis where people are determining their own future is needed before the Naga people lose their sense of social responsibility entirely.

Designing value based praxis will reflect who Nagas are at their core. Can this critical yeast of concerned Nagas move towards a corruption free society based on respect, accountability and transparency and inclusive participatory processes? If so, then all aspects of Naga society will be able to transform in ways that are people centered.

lEfT WING |

Tiaakum Ozukum Fellowship Colony, Dimapur

In Solidarity with ACAUT

F

or many years Nagas were grumbling against NPGs for their multiple taxation, harassment and dictatorial style of rule. Literally, from every mouth of Nagas (people I met) I heard them uttering their deep resentment against NPGs in particular. If they are really fighting for freedom of Nagas then why don’t they listen to the voice of the people. If they really love Nagas then why don’t they do what is favourable for Nagas and not against. I’m, for sure that every Nagas will rather contribute willingly for the cause of freedom struggle if only they are genuinely serving for our cause without any selfish motive. Unlike the present trend where almost all the NPGs buy the luxuries car, built Mansions and live a lifestyle where the poor 'If they are really and needy are not fighting for freedom cared for (majority of Nagas are poor). of Nagas then why My dear don’t they listen to the NPGs, There are thousands and voice of the people. If thousands of inthey really love Nagas cidences where then why don’t they do Undergrounds will come home and what is favourable for demand money.

Nagas and not against. You never pay that the same I’m, for sure that every heed family was living in Nagas will rather dept as their chilwere studycontribute willingly for dren ing in different the cause of freedom colleges (Hostels).

Parents were going struggle if only they through sleepless are genuinely serving nights worrying for their children’s for our cause without needs and on the any selfish motive.' other hand you are demanding money by force. The fabric of Naganess, the blood of patriotism, “Yes Im proud to be a Naga” is absorbed from us and we don’t sense that patriotism anymore.

Every body was complaining, everybody was grumbling. So ACAUT stood for Nagas and when they need us the most, are we going to leave them alone! I’m supporting the ‘CAUSE’ of ACAUT movement. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a land where the Tax is collected by Illegal Bangladeshi’s.

I don’t want our Nagaland to be a land where the Non-Nagas controls the economy under the shadow of NPGs. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a place where in every petite issues (household matters) NPGs interferes. I don’t want our Nagaland to be a place where the non-local business walas call up NPGs for their support in every issue and give absolute protection and rights over Nagas to those non-Nagas. Nagas are subdued in every way today. If you don’t agree, then, come to Dimapur and quarrel with one of those Non-local business wala (whether you are right or wrong doesn’t matter to them), you will be rounded up within minutes by our own blood brothers (Nagas). What have we become? Oh! I don’t want that kind of FREEDOM! That’s not freedom at all.

If we don’t stand united today, leaving aside our tribe (ism) when ACAUT is leading us the path then, it may take another 30 to 40 years or more to fight for our Rights. We were questioning who will stand for us? Who will lead us? And I believe God heard our agony and He is working among Nagas by choosing some to lead us. Why is the church silent?

Why NBCC is silent? How far or to what extend can we remain hypocrite? We all know that Nagas are suffering not just spiritually, but economically, socially, emotionally. The church cannot be mere spectator when the people are groaning in pain. The church cannot get justification by preaching in the church alone or by organizing Revivals and Crusades alone. We the church should be the prophets of today’s generation. Of course, the church leaders will never get demand slip from NPGs. Pastors, Executive Secretaries, Youth directors, Missionaries etc will never be bothered for money from NPGs. However, even if it doesn’t affect the church and its leaders the church members are affected. If you don’t support the Cause then, church should form another movement.

Because whether it’s by ACAUT or any other we urgently need some kind of reformation, some kind of change because the NAGAS are tired. Young Nagas are tired and we need change!

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Khrietuonyü Noudi

Nagas’ Tryst with a Foreign God

B

efore the American missionaries set foot on the Naga hills with the gospel of Jesus Christ, the story of the Nagas was no different from the stories of any human societies of primitive times. The Nagas were nasty, arrogant and blood-thirsty in more ways than one. The practice of head-hunting was prevalent through out the length and breadth of the Naga hills and the warriors who ventured out and brought back heads were idolized and revered by one and all. It was a case of “the more the heads the more the name, the fame and the glory”. Likewise, it was also considered a shame and a total humiliation if someone was unable to avenge the murder of one’s near and dear ones. And thus the war and the madness waged on.

However, even in this pre-Christian era, the Nagas societies were regulated by certain codes, thoughts and beliefs which were indigenous and uniquely Nagas in spirit and letter. The Nagas did not worship any particular god. In fact they did not have any gods as such. They also did not worship the sun, the moon or the stars. But they certainly did believe that they were unseen and unheard forces and spirits at work. And the Nagas tried their utmost best not to offend these spirits and forces. Before they undertook any expedition, they always offered their prayers and reverences to these spirits. Likewise, they also celebrated their festivities to pay their acknowledgements and gratitude to these spirits. Swearing in the name of these spirits and unseen forces were also said to be common amongst our forefathers especially in the cases of disputes over land and property. The Angamis referred to these spirits and unseen forces as ‘Terhuomia’ which means “the gods” or rather “the spirits”.

Thus, in a way, we can say that even in the preChristian era, the Nagas were a religious lot as they believed in supernatural beings watching over them and regulating their lives. However, the irony was that these beliefs, thoughts and ideas came from their own imaginations and from their own understanding of what is moral and immoral. In fact, this phenomenon is a feature of almost all known human societies. People everywhere assumed that there must be a god or gods somewhere out there and they started assuming themselves that god must be like this or like that. Most people even gave names to their gods and started their many religious activities in order to please their gods. They also taught their children about their imaginative gods and religion and thus these thoughts, ideas, beliefs and practices were passed down from one generation to the next.

The American missionaries brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Nagas in the last quarter of the 19th century. Since then, slowly and steadily the majority of Nagas have gone on to proclaim themselves as Christians. Before the American missionaries set foot on the Naga hills, the Nagas lived their own lives according to their own ideas, codes and moral beliefs of what is wrong and what is right. The core message of the gospel which the American missionaries brought to the Nagas was not in total contrast to the thoughts and ideas of the Nagas. For instance, what the Nagas considered to be wrong was wrong even according to the gospel. But many things which our forefather Nagas considered to be right and virtuous came in direct conflict with the morality and righteousness propagated by the missionaries. Moreover, the American missionaries taught morality at a level which was much higher than that of our forefathers.

For instance, for our forefathers, when someone wrongs us, it is a shame if we are unable to avenge the misdeed. But according to the gospel, even when someone strikes us on the right cheek, we are to turn the other cheek as well. Likewise according to our forefather Nagas, if someone is caught stealing, he

L

ife in metros for the north easterners is really unpredictable. Many cases of dead of north east youth have been witnessed across the country. Even though the measures are taken up to check the hate crimes in the major metro cities, racial related crimes up to the extent of killings go unabated. Even as one case is under investigation, another case crop up. It appears that the life in metro cities become peril for the north east people. The north east youth move to cities for higher education and job opportunities. Many youth lost their precious lives in pursuit of education and job in the Indian cities. The limited scope of employment opportunities is one factor which makes the young people move to the metros. In cities, job opportunities are more available be it in NGOs, BPOs, MNCs, government and public sectors.

The two main reasons why the north east youth move out from home states are; in pursuit of education and job. In this competitive era everyone wants the best educational facilities.

Therefore, most of the youth move to cities for higher education. Job in government sector is limited and could not accommodate all the youth. This led to mass migration of youth to cities for employment opportunities. Cases of work place abuses are reported. The north east youth have to work hard to make a living while battling through the constant racial attack in one form or the other. The Senapati district has witnessed the loss of young lives in capital city Delhi itself and other city within a short span of time. This is really alarming. And it is a matter of grave concern to collectively reason together to contain such cases of reckless killings on racial ground. Well, the legal procedures are rather not encouraging to the victims as it takes lengthy time to deliver justice, victimising the victims in the pursuit of legal justice has been experienced in many cases. It is truly sad to realize that the north east people are ridiculed, abused, marginalised and ignored by the mainlanders.

Legal and constitutional means must be explored to maximize the protection of north east people living in

Khrietuonyü Noudi

Straight From The Heart History, Politics, Culture… was to repay the stolen amount seven times more.

But according to the gospel, if someone tries to take away our shawl, we are to offer even our shirt.

Indeed it is not an easy thing to discard our old ways, thoughts, ideas and beliefs and accept a totally new idea, thought, belief and way. It is even more difficult to do so if that new idea or belief happens to be a foreign idea or belief. Therefore, the manner in which the Nagas slowly came to accept this new idea and belief propagated by the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed remarkable, touching and worth exploring.

It would be interesting to examine the Naga-connection with the gospel in terms of history, geography and race. If we are to go by history, the connection of the Nagas with Christ cannot be more distant. Christ was born some 2000 years ago in the Middle East area and he lived, taught and made his mark in that region at a time when the whereabouts of the Nagas were not even known. It is quite probable that the Nagas were still in their migratory stages when Christianity took birth in the Middle East after the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But a connection was finally established between the two when the American missionaries brought this message of love, grace, redemption and hope to the Nagas in the last quarter of the 19th century. Someone certainly seems to be writing the script here as everything seems to have happened at the appointed time and place.

If we are to go by geography also, the Nagas have absolutely no connection whatsoever with the Jews or Christ. On the contrary, if we are to go by this parameter, names like Rama, Krishna and Buddha seem much closer. Rama and Krishna are Hindu deities and since the earliest of times, these so-called gods had had tremendous impact upon the minds and hearts of millions which continues to this day.

The chief areas of Hindu domination are the mainland India areas which are barely 2000 – 3000 kms away from the Naga hills. Thus geographically speaking these deities were much closer to us. Likewise, Gautama Bhudhha was born into a well-to-do family in northern India and he propagated the Buddhism religion which went on to amass incredible followings across the length and breadth of south-east Asia. Thus, if we are to go by the parameter of geography, these were the religions that should have consumed the Nagas and the Naga lands. But that was not what happened. On the contrary, it was a message that came from much faraway and from across the seas that conquered the hearts and minds of the Nagas and continues to influence them to this day.

Racially also the Nagas have no connection whatsoever with the Jews or David’s family line. We all know about the pivotal role that race and family lineage play in the lives of human beings. For instance, the Chinese people practice what is called “Ancestor Worship”. They continue to pay their respect, reverence and worship to their ancestors long after they are gone by habitually saying their prayers and reverences in front of the pictures / photographs of their forefathers and ancestors. If we are to go by this lin-

eage mentality also, Jesus Christ would not figure at all amongst the Nagas. But still then, it is a fact that the life and teachings of Jesus have come to even overshadow the connection we have with our forefathers.

Scholars say that Hinduism is not even a religion in the real sense but just ‘a way of life’ which evolved over centuries of beliefs and practices. Perhaps this is the reason why it would be very difficult for people like the Hindus to discard their old ways and beliefs and accept a totally new foreign message like the gospel. And perhaps the Hindus, the Muslims and the Buddhists also do not think much about spreading their religions like the Christians do because the conviction and the passion are not there. The Christians are obsessed with spreading the gospel near and far because they are convinced that the Biblical god is the only true God through whom mankind can have salvation.

Thus, perhaps there is something so appealing, so touching, so convincing, so fundamental, so universal, so true, so genuine and so important in the gospel of Jesus Christ that generations after generations inspired missionaries have dedicated their entire lives to taking this message to the ends of the world. And it was because of the conviction and dedicated and inspirational sacrifices of some American missionaries that the Nagas also had their rendezvous with the life-changing message of the gospel. Of course, the gospel message of Jesus Christ did not easily get implanted in the lands of the Nagas.

There were obstacles and obstructions right from the word go. And it also took time for this very foreign message to gain grounds in the hearts and minds of the Nagas. There were times when the American missionaries were discouraged and disheartened because it always takes time for a society to accept a new idea or belief. But they remained steadfast in their commitment to make the Naga hill-men the followers of the only true God. And they somehow succeeded when many of our forefathers slowly came to realize and accept this vital truth and message contained in the gospel of Christ. Hatch It is also said that it is always much easier for a society to accept a message that comes from across the seas rather than a message that is hatched on home soil. And this gospel message of truth and grace did come to us from across the seas. But this message had all the ingredients to touch, penetrate and transform the human heart because this was a message which reveals the true nature of God and his plan for mankind which He had intended from the beginning.

Today the Nagas have abandoned their old ways of thinking and beliefs and have embraced this fundamental message of truth and grace. And thus when we say our prayers, we say so in the name of this foreign god; when we have our meals we give thanks in the name of this foreign god; when we marry we pronounce our commitments in the name of this foreign god and likewise, when we part we say our farewells in the name of this foreign god. This is so because even though Christ maybe a foreign god when we speak in terms of history, geography or race, the moment we believe in this foreign god, Christ automatically becomes the most personal and intimate person we could ever know transcending all boundaries both seen and unseen. Indeed, it is rightly said that the moment a person truly believes, his relationship with Christ becomes more personal and intimate than even the personal bond and intimacy between a husband and a wife.

And many Nagas have experienced the life-giving and miraculous power of this gospel message. And it is nothing short of miracles that Nagas were introduced to this foreign God more than 125 years ago. However, this foreign god still remains practically unknown and un-followed in the neighboring areas like Myanmar, India and the major parts of South-East Asia…….and so I guess there is still much work to be done…..

The Life Situation of North Easterners: A Perspective N. Rong the metro cities. A separate commission for north east affairs is needed.

The commission can oversee the welfare of the north east people living in metro cities. The commission can be empowered to function independently while discharging its duties in fair, transparent and accountable manner with fast track mechanism. The commission can look into cases of abuses, killings and discrimination pertaining to the north east people. The commission can have its branches in all the major cities. The State Government of North East states should also be more sensitive with such cases and delegate its legal advisors/consultants to extend necessary help towards framing cases and keep tracking on them. Also the government should take up steps to mount pressure upon the state government concerned where the crime has been committed. The state Bhavans of north east states should be more sensitive to the cases and be proactive to extend immediate help whenever necessary.

The north east states should also be provided with critical infrastructures.

The critical infrastructures urgently required are: connectivity, educational infrastructures, medical infrastructures, job related infrastructures, power and small-medium industries. The air connectivity, road and rail connectivity need to be enhanced. Taking for instances of Nagaland and Manipur, there are two airports, one at Imphal (Tulihal International Airport) and the other at Dimapur.

There are demands of major improvement of infrastructures for Dimapur Airport. Indeed, Dimapur airport can also be elevated to the International Airport.

Additional domestic airport can be set

up in one of the districts where it can be technically feasible and geographically suitable. The up gradation of Dimapur airport to that of international airport can reduce the cost of transportation in terms of import and export to goods. The connectivity infrastructure will address the issue of unemployment opportunities to a large extent. Roads need to be built to optimize the economic opportunities in the north east. Short rail routes can be connected among the north east states. The roads will create wealth for the north east.

More numbers of higher educational institutions must be brought in.

Technical, medical, management Institutes need to be opened up in every district of north east with its Deemed University at the state capital or wherever it is feasible. The absence of such institutes forced the north east students to move out from their own states risking their lives and incurring huge expenditure. For instance, 20,000 north east students study outside the states incurring an expenditure of 10,000 rupees per month per student.

For a year it comes to 20,00,00,000 rupees. If these students study in the home towns, they can save up to half of the amount, and then huge amount of north easterners’ money can be saved (say 10,00,00,000 rupees). This suggests that more technical, medical and management institutes need be opened in the north east states.

By introduction technical colleges according to the availability of natural resources of that particular area/ state/district can not only create jobs but generate wealth for the north east people. For instance, Tamenglong District of Manipur is known for abun-

WRITE-WING

dant availability of cane and bamboo, the specialized branch of technical institute in this area can be opened, then many youth can be trained and refined products can be produced.

Thus with specialized knowledge will come the specialized/modernised products which can be of world class.

Like-wise medical institutes can also be set up/attached with the District Hospital in every district of North East and can affiliate to the Main State Medical Institutes. This will enhance the medical attention to the poor people who could not afford to go to capital hospitals. Without building up sufficient human capital it is impossible to talk of development in north east India. Therefore, skill buildings/ human resource development should be one of the top priorities for north east India. This will enable the north east youth to capacitate themselves to be the master of their own destinies.

Educational facilities/opportunities should be made available at doorstep.

Unless such initiatives are taken, the students of north east have to continuously move out from their home town and their lives will be at peril.

Not only for the safety sake but also for job and wealth creation, technical and medical institutes should be made available in each district headquarters in north east India. Only then, the transformation will come.

Conclusion: In conclusion, with the raising attacks on the north east people, there is a need of soul searching step to be taken up from all levels starting from the Union Government and come out with workable solution such as setting up a separate Commission for North East Affairs to look into the welfare and safety of the north east people living in metro cities. Also, building critical infrastructures on urgent basis is paramount.

Without infrastructures, north east will continue to suffer with dependence syndrome and cannot progress effectively.

The inputs of critical infrastructures can ignite rapid progress in north east India.

The human resource development is undeniable factor that will empower the north east people through its youth.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung Express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

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

7

TuEsday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

5 August 2014

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Will the Magic Figure of 1234 be Obtainable?

-State Government in Dire Need of Financial Support from CentreRe-Orientation of Govt. Employment Policy and New Revenue Sources Needed Gautam sen agaland has been passing through a difficult phase because of the State Govt`s constrained financial resource position. The previous financial year (2013-14) ended with a budgetary deficit of Rs. 1234.45 crore and, as per the regular budget of (2014-15), the current year is also expected to end with a substantial deficit ie. overall receipts being less than total expenditure. This is because, substantial increase in the State`s own revenues is not anticipated without alteration in the State`s taxation policy, improvement in efficiency in tax collection and Plan funding support from the Centre. Moreover, the level of expenditure on govt. establishment ie. salaries and pensions, will out of compulsion have to be retained at the present very high level of more than Rs. 3000 crore this year and, major turn-around of the loss – incurring Power and Road Transport Departments (Nagaland State Transport) may not be attainable and subsidization of their operations continued. The consequences will be that, somehow the State`s assets like roads, bridges and buildings will be maintained because sufficient NonPlan funds will not be available, and the present borrowing level (internal debt : market borrowing and institutional loans) of the Nagaland Govt. of nearly Rs.700 crore, continued. The Union Govt. will inevitably be approached, periodically, for Plan funds to the maximum extent possible. In this backdrop, the present Chief Minister T. R. Zeliang has approached the Prime Minister for a resuscitating ad-hoc grant of Rs. 1234 crores over and above the normal flow of funds, to help the State Govt. to tide over the existing financial crunch.

The State Govt. has a justifiable grievance against the earlier Thirteenth Finance Commission (TFC) (whose award concerned the period (2010-11) to (2014-15) for not reckoning the State`s compulsions for very high establishment expenditure and inadequately providing funds for maintenance of assets. The Finance Commissions provide a grant termed NonPlan Revenue Deficit (NPRD) grant over and above, the package under formula-based funds devolved to the States from the Central pool of divisible resources and specific target or outcome oriented grants like for promotion of literacy, health systems, etc. The TFC had provided an NPRD grant of Rs. 8146 crore to Nagaland, which was much below the actual level of expenditure being incurred by the State. The State will be receiving nearly Rs. 6490 crore less NPRD grant (consequent on under-estimated salary and pension expenditure) for the years (2010-11) to (2014-15), because the State Govt`s expenditure would be Rs.16425 crore on salaries and pensions as against TFC`s assessment of Rs.9936 crore on these two elements. In its Memorandum to the current Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC), the State Govt. has highlighted a huge NPRD of Rs.41693 crore covering the years (2015-16) to (201920). It is however doubtful, whether the entire NPRD as above, will be covered through NPRD grant by the FFC, though the latter is conscious of the huge estab-

N

D

r. Mona El-Farra, medical doctor and associate of the Middle East Children’s Alliance recently made headlines on Democracy Now! with her plea to end the military assault on Gaza with one powerful statement: “We are human beings.” She is, of course, absolutely right. Human beings live in Gaza, and it seems like nothing could be more obvious — if not human beings, then who or what does? And why are we paying attention? Of course, what she is really saying is something much deeper. She’s saying, that to the people in Gaza, it seems like we have somehow forgotten that human beings are there — and that raises more questions. For example: How could one forget the humanity of another and what does it tell us about who we really are?

For insight into these questions, we might first explore the basic dynamic of conflict escalation. Conflict, in itself, is not at issue — it’s the image we have of the human beings with whom we engage in conflict. Michael Nagler, president of the Metta Center for Nonviolence, maintains in his 2014 book, The Nonviolence Handbook: A Guide for Practical Action, that conflict escalates — that is, moves increasingly toward violence — according to the degree of dehumanization in the situation. Violence, in other words, doesn’t occur without dehumanization.

Nagler’s thinking about violence was partially influenced by sociologist Philip Zimbardo, who famously conducted an experiment in controlled dehumanization at Stanford in 1971. What happened?

He and his students created a prison scenario where some students took the role of the guards and the others as the prisoners. Zimbardo told the guards to make the prisoners feel isolated and that “they had no power.” In six days, he used his better judgment and called off the experiment because the situation had become too psychologically real, even close to torture for some involved. One minute, they’re regular Stanford students ready to cooperate with one another for a project. The next, they’re locked in a victim-aggressor dynamic where common humanity was cast aside, making violence possible.

In order to see human beings — to humanize — we need the conditions for it. When you think of human beings in the world, what do you see? Do you see a “friendly universe,” as Albert Einstein called it? He understood the utter practicality of this question, arguing that if we see an unfriendly universe, we see unfriendly beings living in it. In a dehuman-

lishment expenditure burden of the State Govt. In this context, the State Govt. has to develop the requisite political will and administrative foresight, to taper off future establishment expenditure.

While the State Govt. will have to be the prime employment generator, the growth in the State Govt.`s overall personnel strength of more than 130000 (all categories) which is approximately 5% of the total population of the State now, has to be relatively controlled.

While no retrenchment of regular staff can be thought of, future growth in the number of work-charged and fixed pay staff, will have to be reduced. Regular establishment`s retirement vacancies have to filled but, a cap has to be put on recruitment of ad-hoc staff on maintenance. Staff employed on projects should be removed from govt. rolls when the projects are normalized ie. the implementation phase is over. Furthermore, autonomous bodies should fund their establishment expenses from own earnings, if necessary by raising service or user charges. State Govt`s initiative and intervention will be needed towards skill building of their regular staff for better outcomes and service delivery systems. The State Govt. also has an onerous role for ensuring employability of personnel who cannot be retained on a permanent basis eg. on projects, etc., but can be absorbed in self-employed ventures or gainful economic activities within and outside the State. Huge financial resources available with Govt. of India`s National Skill Building Corporation should be tapped for resources for skill augmentation of the employees of the above category and providing them investible funds.

Considered in the proper economic perspective, the State Govt`s salary and pension expenditure net of loan repayments, should not exceed 50% of its NonPlan Revenue expenditure. This threshold cannot be achieved by the State Govt. unless the level of economic growth and that of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), increase by at least 2% to 3%. Such growth will trigger a quantum increase in the State`s own tax and non-tax revenues and also lead to diversion of employable persons from the govt. sector to the non-govt. domain. While the social sector will perforce continue to depend on State Govt. establishment for providing the basic minimum services and delivery systems, economic activities will gradually be based on the nongovt. sector with consequential impact on employment opportunities. The prevailing retrograde phenomenon of establishment - salary and pension - expenditure overwhelming Non-Plan revenue expenditure, will then gradually get controlled.

The States financial position is monitored by the Union Govt. and Planning Commission keeping in view their respective `Balance from Current Revenues` (BCR) position. The BCR is supposed to denote the surplus available to the State Govts. for their Plan expenditure and asset creation, etc., from their own (tax and non-tax) resources after meeting their revenue expenditure needs. While calculating the surplus, Central Plan Assistance is not taken into consideration. States like Nagaland have generally been indicating a negative

BCR because of their poor internal resource position.

The Union Govt. as a matter of policy, has been providing Special Central Plan Assistance (SCA) to cover their BCR gaps. The incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland has drawn the Prime Minister`s attention to the need to provide SCA commensurate with the BCR gap likely to arise this year. Since the overall funding cushion of the Union Govt. for SCA disbursement this year is unlikely to increase much beyond 10% of the amount disbursed last year, Nagaland may not get SCA support from the Union Govt. more than Rs. 900-950 crore as against Rs. 850 crore obtained in (2013-14).

Therefore, at the present juncture, the prospect of obtaining an one-time bailout package of Rs. 1234 crore, over and above normal Plan assistance and TFC devolution, appears unlikely. However, the reality is that the State Govt. cannot do without an immediate assistance from the Centre. As an interim measure, the State Govt. may press the Union Govt. to increase the amount of installment releases of SCA to Nagaland from Rs. 75 crore to at least Rs. 100 crore. Till now, the Centre has provided Nagaland with two installments of SCA at Rs. 75 crore each in (2014-15). The State Govt. should also start revamping its own revenue generation system.

Chief Minister (also the State`s Finance Minister) Zeliang has announced in his general budget (201415) speech in the State Assembly that circle rates system for immovable property valuation is to be adopted henceforth. The author in advisory capacity with the State Govt. had, after evaluating the circle rates system adopted by the State Govt. of the National Capital Region, had suggested to the Chief Minister to adopt a similar institution with changes required to suit the local environment in Nagaland. A beginning can be made to control Stamp Duty and Registration Fee evasion by adopting floor rates (circle rates) with urban areas, particularly in Dimapur (Kohima and Mokukchung can be brought into the framework later) categorized as per their commercial status, for valuation of land and building during purchases and sales for conveyance, mutation, etc. The present annual earnings of the State Govt. of approximately Rs. 2 crore through Stamp Duty and Registration Fees, can be expected to increase manifold on introduction circle rates.

The State Govt. should also consider approaching the Union Govt. for amending Article 276 of India`s Constitution, which puts a cap on Profession Tax levy by State Govts to Rs. 2500 per individual per annum. This limitation is affecting the revenues of the State Govt. because, the entire proceeds of Profession Tax are retained by the State. The annual ceiling of Rs. 2500 imposed nearly five decades ago, have logically to be escalated indexed to inflation. The present annual earnings of Profession Tax of the State Govt. of nearly Rs. 30 crore can therefore be expected to increase at least to Rs. 120 crore, if the ceiling is raised to Rs. 10000. For a State like Nagaland, this would be significant resource augmentation.

The author is a retired Special Secretary-level officer of Govt. of India, and has served as Financial Adviser to North Eastern Council and till recently as Adviser (Finance) of Govt. of Nagaland.

The views expressed are the author`s own.

Why being human ‘matters,’ for the people of Gaza and the world stephanie Van Hook Waging Nonviolence ized world of scarcity and competition we will use all of the tools and inventions we have to protect ourselves from one another. It’s hard in a world of separation to “remember your humanity and forget the rest,” as Einstein said. Why is that?

Look around you — at advertisements, television programs, and the news — and you will find that there is one image of the human being that dominates, and he’s not very friendly. He is violent, greedy, hateful and only happy when things are going well for him. He’s really quite superficial — his face is ecstatic when he saves on his car insurance and his voice is monotonous when he reports on war. He’s obsessed with violence, and hungry for more. We see and hear these images, some say between 2,000 and 5,000 times a day in urban areas worldwide. Eventually, we internalize it. We come to think that this is who we are too. We see it so often, our minds stop distinguishing between ourselves and what is being projected at us.

Dehumanization, again, is a backdrop making violence possible — both directly, like a bomb, and structurally, like exploitation. By constantly imprinting that negative image of the human being in our minds, even if we don’t perpetuate direct violence, we certainly can’t deny that we live under the institutions that inflict violence on others for us, be it corporations, the military or the police. These violent structures do not go away because they appear to fulfill necessary functions, like protecting us from each other. In this framework, there is little need for discussion about the alternatives — such as unarmed peacekeeping or restorative justice — because they are simply not telling the story we believe about who we are and what makes us safe.

A low human image is dangerous precisely because it manipulates our sense of well-being and security. It is also extremely profitable for some. Ask anyone who sells weapons, builds prisons, or convinces women to wear makeup that covers their “imperfections.” We’ve been made desperate: We’ll do or buy anything

that promises to restore our humanity to us, so long as it’s convenient. We’re lazy, too, you know, or so we’re told.

Taking a cue from Einstein, then, the most urgent struggle of today is to reclaim the human image and restore its dignity. Listen to what Meir Margalit, former elected member of the Jerusalem City Council for the Meretz Party and a founder of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, said only a week ago: “We are demonstrating not only for Gaza, but to try and save the human condition.” And violence, unfortunately, just can’t do that. If it could, we wouldn’t be where we are today, believing that while a war unfolds this is just the way that human beings operate. Sorry, there is nothing you can do but pull up a chair and watch if you’d like. Nonviolence, on the other hand, is a different story. If dehumanization is the background for violence, a higher human image is the necessary condition for nonviolence.

The story begins when we recognize that we suffer when others suffer. Psychologist Rachel MacNair expanded upon the widely known Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, diagnosis to include what she named PerpetrationInduced Traumatic Stress, or PITS. She makes this distinction because PTSD, she argues, is generally thought to include the victims of violence and those who have been party to what one might think of as a “gruesome act” or “atrocities,” though it tends to stop short of the analysis of what she refers to as “the ordinary killing of traditional combat.” In other words, she is showing that violence cannot be fully normalized — it registers somewhere in our psyches as trauma, and not only in the most extreme cases.

Call it what we want, PITS or PTSD, the fact that we experience deep anxiety and traumatize ourselves when we inflict suffering on others is actually an extremely hopeful comment. It shows that our interconnectedness with, and sensitivity to one another, is ennobling. It shows that while human and dignity sometimes seem like an oxymoron today, they are

actually synonymous. And it’s time that we recognized them as such.

Despite it being, as I argue, native to our human condition, nonviolence is a new meme. Gandhi saw this when, in 1908, he coined the word satyagraha. It had a practical value, being a new term that would serve to distinguish the form of resistance in which he was engaging from conceptions of passivity. Satyagraha was something new, something more deeply transformational and tied to an implicit faith in human nature. The Sanskrit word was built of two parts: satya, which means truth, that which is, or even more simply, reality; and a-graha, to grasp, hold to oneself. In nonviolence, we are clinging to our shared dignity as human beings. We are grasping, not illusion, but reality itself.

What is that reality? Indigenous wisdom often recognized it. The Xhosa concept ubuntu popularized by Desmond Tutu during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the 1990s in South Africa is roughly translated, “Through other human beings, I become human.”

This is restoring a fuller sense of what it means to be human. It is not a question of our physical characteristics; instead, it takes a person and elevates her nature from “all you can understand is violence” to “I can only affirm my humanity through other people,”which is not possible through violence. This is more than a political uprising, or intifada, it’s a call to uplift human dignity through nonviolence. To quote from graffiti I saw this past June on the so-called security wall in Bethlehem, it’s an “ubuntifada.”

We may need to draw strength from our imaginations as we resist dehumanization, keeping our eyes on the problem without demeaning the person. But what greater purpose can the imagination serve than to help us do that? Carol Flinders affirms that it is one of the most powerful tools of our nature when she writes, “Imagination seems to be a vital component of genuine nonviolent resistance, for it allows us to hold on to a positive view of ourselves no matter what the world tells us we are.”

The world is telling us that we have no power, that we only care about ourselves and that we can only get dignity through violence; in effect, we are not human beings. Don’t believe it. We are human beings and that makes us powerful, because only human beings working together are capable of transforming the violence that degrades us all.

“Arena of Mind” portrays a space for idea germination, a field where ideas from multi-disciplinary viewpoints fertilize the world of intelligence. The writers aspire to envision a new future by exploring the mind, discovering new seeds of insights and unleashing them to enlightenment.

Empowering Children

E

Thomas John st. Joseph’s College, Jakhama

mpowerment is a key word often spoken to make people know of their rights, duties and privileges. Empowering means to endow or invest a person with power and authority and thus enable him to live with dignity and honour. It begins at home. Parents are the chief mentors whose role is to empower their children and make them physically, mentally and spiritually strong and constantly accompany them till they reach adulthood or maturity.

Parent’s role in empowering a child is a lifelong process so as to enable them to shoulder responsibility. In any case it does not end at primary or matriculation level. Our parents are educated though may not be literate, but they often say, ‘we don’t know anything, therefore, we have sent them to your school/college.

Now they are your sons/daughters”. As there is continuous assessment of a child in the school, so too in life there is continuous assessment of the child by the parents whether they are at home or far away from them.

It is essential to inculcate virtues of honesty, love of parents, hard work and respect for others in children as these are basic fabric of life too. Let the words and actions of every parent reflect them. The school or college is trying to build upon what has been taught at home.

So dependence on educational institutions alone for total character formation of the student is an inconceivable idea and placing the entire responsibility upon the institution will not bring out desired result.

Most times children take advantage of the weakness/ignorance of their parents. Many parents are not aware whether their child attends the school/college regularly. Admitting them into an educational institution and placing them in a hostel do not guarantee their study and character.

A gazette officer once said his child was studying in the college. On being asked what his honours subject was, he was oblivious. In his own words, “I don’t know but he is studying in your college”. Another gazette officer said his daughter was pursuing P.G course outside the state. When asked which University she was studying in and which city she was staying in, he was clueless. First he said, “I think, she is in Chennai.” After sometime he said, “in Bangalore.” These incidents look ridiculous but they are true. They are just two examples among many to illustrate lack of responsibility of parents. If learned and educated people are clueless about the ongoing formation of their children and don’t know their whereabouts what can we expect from illiterate and poor parents. Does providing sufficient money on demand end the responsibility of the parents? If they think providing food, shelter, clothing is sufficient but ‘education’ of their children is left with the school, college or university they are studying in we can’t expect much from the students.

Without basic foundation at home the institution may not be able to empower them much.

Easy money, cozy life and dreams of a euphoric future are some of the characteristic traits of many of the students. There is a tendency to be satisfied with minimum. The reason for this downward thinking is obviously due to what they see and experience in everyday life. They need someone who can be looked up to for inspiration. They may have witnessed people indulge in corrupt practices including their parents or guardians. As a result there is a compelling tendency in many to move from being responsible to care free life and from a serious study culture to minimum satisfied approach. There is a strong temptation to compromise principles and values. Therefore, parents are the best example for their children to draw inspiration from. They should be their heroes and friends. Show to them success very much counts on how much sweat and blood one sheds on the path to one’s goal.

Many dream of a government job soon after their Plus 2 or graduation. A government job means money and comfortable life without work. If one does not get a government job he is looked down upon by parents and society. They feel he is unemployed because he is unfit.

But on the part of an unemployed person he may not be interested in finding a job for himself either. Then he may ask a question, ‘if not for a government job why should I study’? Is education only to get a government job and is it not for life? There is disgust towards manual labour/agriculture. During vacation many economically poor students don’t even want to help parents in the field rather they prefer to stay back with some of their relatives in the towns. Some are government employees while doing their graduation. So a question one might ask is ‘if so why should I study hard’?

For great many students examination is not even a concern but just an ordinary routine. Just flipping through the notes once before the exam gives them maximum satisfaction. One should not get surprised when hears some students don’t read the entire notes even once before examination while some choose and study five to eight essays for a subject. If they happen to write few questions from what they have chosen and studied they are extremely happy. So less work, more expectation and maximum satisfaction is the maxim of many. Laziness at times is part of life.

But unwillingness to overcome is culpability.

What do our students know then? What is the depth of their knowledge? A mere degree or certificate after a three year study in the college need not make one educated or leave him a gentleman but may just make him an informed person. Deeper learning is the process through which a person becomes capable of what was learned in one situation and applying it to new situations. It is also the ability to relate to others’ realities. See the whole life beyond the years that one spends in school, college as education. Open to change, but don’t let go of our values.

School/college should transform education into an integral process one which harmonizes book learning with direct life experience with emphasis on character growth, spiritual growth, service and cooperation. Educational degree when it is not guided by moral values leads to chaos and destruction. But when it is guided by great moral values life becomes more transferred and more refined. Education for life begins in the home. The moment people become parents, they become the primary teachers. Home and educational institutions are hence inseparable in the life of a student on his path to empowerment.

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Tuesday 5 August 2014

The Morung Express

After winning hearts, Modi ends historic Nepal visit

KAthmANDu, August 4 (iANs): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended a historic twoday Nepal visit on a positive note, urging political leaders to work together for a new constitution and stressing the need for greater economic and strategic cooperation between the two neighbouring nations that have strong civilizational ties.

The first Indian premier to make a bilateral visit to Nepal in 17 years, Modi won millions of hearts with his speech in Nepal’s parliament that was evident Monday as thousands poured out of their homes spontaneously to bid farewell to the visiting leader as he drove to the airport. “Mission accomplished, PM India heads home,” tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin. “Looks like the whole of Kathmandu (is) out to bid (him) farewell.”

President Ram Baran Yadav and political leaders of all hues hailed Modi for speaking his heart out while outlining his vision of India-Nepal relations.

“You have won our hearts with your speech in parliament yesterday,” the president told Modi during a 15-minute meeting Monday, echoing an opinion widely reflected in the Nepalese media too.

India and Nepal Mon-

After Modi visit, Nepal asks for more FDI, market access to bridge trade gap with India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, foreground in saffron clothing, leaves after his visit at the Pashupatinath Temple in Katmandu, Nepal on Monday, August 4. Modi flew to the neighboring Himalayan nation Sunday to meet top leaders, offer prayers at a revered Hindu temple and address the parliament. (AP Photo)

day agreed to “review, adjust and update” their 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and other bilateral agreements, and not to let “unscrupulous elements” misuse their open border. A joint statement issued at the end of Modi’s visit said Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala would visit India.

The four-page statement said talks between Modi and Koirala and their delegations “were held in an atmosphere of utmost warmth and cordiality

and were marked by deep friendship and understanding”. The two prime ministers “expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations (and) underlined the need to further explore ways to enhance sub-regional cooperation”.

On the political front, Modi asked political parties to work together for a new inclusive constitution that satisfies all sections of Nepal. He also emphasized the need for greater

economic cooperation between the two countries that share a common culture, history and civilization. “The PM (told) leaders to work for the betterment of the nation, not for their parties,” Akbaruddin said shortly before Modi departed in his Indian Air Force plane at the head of a 75-strong delegation.

At the macro level, the visit focused on four Cs: cooperation, connectivity, culture and constitution.

Modi announced a $1 bil-

lion soft loan to Nepal for infrastructure and vowed to expedite the finalization of two energy cooperation related pacts -- a Power Trade Agreement and a Project Development Agreement -- within 45 days.

It was decided to construct bridges over Mahakali river to better link farwest Nepal with Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist as well

KAthmANDu, August 4 (AgeNcies): Nepal today asked India to increase foreign direct investment, relax non-trade measures and allow greater market access for its products to bridge widening trade deficit.

Nepal “suggested measures to address this deficit through increased Indian FDI, relaxation of non-tariff measures including SPS standards for agro products, support in product development, relaxation of Rules of Origin requirement for duty free access of Nepalese products, and mutual recognition of standards, conformity assessment and accreditation,” a joint statement said. The statement was issued at the end of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Nepal.

In 2013-14, while India export to Nepal aggregated at USD 3.58 billion, the imports were only USD 526

as the opposition United Communist Party of NepalMaoist besides Madhesis all expressed satisfaction after meeting Modi.

“My meeting with Modi was historic,” said Maoist supremo Puspa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, once known for his anti-India views. “A new chapter has begun in Nepal-India ties.”

Another Maoist leader and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai echoed the statement, adding Modi had promised to im-

million leading to trade deficit of about USD 3 billion. The Nepalese side has requested India to remove the countervailing duty on its products including readymade garments, copper, brass utensils, Kattha and others.

It has also sought removal of “Quantitative Restrictions on the four Nepalese export products--Vegetable fats, copper products, Acrylic Yarn and Zinc Oxide.”

Meanwhile, India assured the Himalayan nation to consider requests. “The Indian side also reiterated that problem of trade deficit could be best bridged by development of hydropower in Nepal and export of surplus power to India,” it said.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Nepal in 17 years and the focus of the visit was on 4Cscooperation, connectivity, culture, constitution.

plement soon several India funded projects in Nepal.

Modi promised Indian help for infrastructure development and energy projects. Earlier Monday, Modi prayed at the famed Pashupatinath temple on a river bank here and gifted it 2,500 kg of sandalwood.

India promised to build a dharamshala at the temple and restore the old monuments in the complex that is visited by millions of Hindus.

India offered assistance to develop Janakpur, Bara-

ha Chhetra and Lumbini, including linking Lumbini -- the birthplace of Lord Buddha -- with the Buddhist circuit of India. India announced more slots for for Nepalese students and experts to study in Indian institutions.

India and Nepal also agreed to finalize the texts of an extradition treaty and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) at an early date. Nepal expressed its desire to resolve all outstanding boundary issues.

CIA penetrated every sphere of UPA: Natwar

New Delhi, August 4 (iANs): Former external affairs minister Natwar Singh has alleged that the US exerted pressure on then prime minister Manmohan Singh in the choice of his ministers and also claimed that CIA agents had “penetrated deep into every sphere of decision and policy making of the UPA regime”.

“At one stage when Manmohan Singh was trying to dissuade me from becoming the foreign minister because of Washington’s active opposition to my name, he confided in me about the all-pervasive influ-

ence of the Americans in the Indian power set-up,” Natwar Singh said in an interview to TV news channel Focus News over the weekend.

Natwar Singh’s autobiography “One Life is not Enough” has already created a stir in political circles by claiming Congress president Sonia Gandhi had access to key government files and that her decision to not accept the prime minister’s post was influenced by her son Rahul Gandhi, who feared she might be assassinated like his father Rajiv Gandhi and grandmother Indira Gandhi were.

Natwar Singh also alleged that Washington tried its best to stop Pranab Mukherjee from becoming the finance minister in the Manmohan Singh government.

“They (US diplomats) were lobbying hard for Montek Singh Ahluwalia but somehow could not succeed in making him the finance minister,” he said.

Natwar Singh, who had been a close confidante of Sonia Gandhi in the past, said that both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi cannot escape the responsibility of bringing the party to its present hopeless tally of 44 MPs in

the Lok Sabha - the lowest ever.

He, however, contended that a Congress minus the Gandhi family would fare worse.

“But remove the Gandhis from the scene and the party would be reduced to just four MPs,” Natwar Singh said.

Natwar Singh, who has described Sonia Gandhi with harsh words such as “secretive” and “Machiavellian” in his autobiography, further criticised her for surrounding herself with sycophants.

He questioned the continuation of Ahmed Patel as her principal political advisor for long.

India’s tough stand on WTO gets support from UN body

Newly passed officers of India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) march during their passing out parade at National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Monday August 4. The CISF is a paramilitary security force which provides security cover to nuclear installaNew Delhi, August 4 (Pti): Sup- country director for India Nigel Brett said sidies. It wants the change to a more current tions, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive government buildings and porting India’s tough stand at WTO on the India has a big task to feed its people. “You base year on account of various factors such heritage monuments in India. (AP Photo)

food security issue, UN body for development of agriculture IFAD on Monday said ensuring food for its people is more important than creating jobs in certain other nations.

“Creating jobs for some other country, while people are still hungry, doesn’t make sense... If I was in the position of feeding my own family or creating jobs for someone else, what would I do? What would you do?,” International Fund for Agriculture Development president Kanayo Nwanze said.

“The bottom line is that every government has the responsibility to ensure that it can feed its own people,” he said while replying to a question whether he supports India’s tough stand in the World Trade Organization.

Echoing similar sentiments, IFAD’s

have a population of 1.2 billion people. You have a mammoth task in your hand of feeding people...in this case government has to do everything what it can do to feed its population in the interest...”

India decided last week not to ratify WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which is dear to the developed world, without any concrete movement in finding a permanent solution to its public food stock-holding issue for food security purposes.

The current WTO norms limit the value of food subsidies at 10 per cent of the total value of foodgrain production. However, the support is calculated at the prices that are over two decades old.

India is asking for a change in the base year (1986-88) for calculating the food sub-

as inflation and currency movements.

There are apprehensions that once India completely implements its food security programme, it could breach the 10 per cent cap. Breach of the cap may lead to imposition of hefty penalties, if a member country drags India to the WTO. Nwanze is on a 5-day official visit to India to meet various various ministers including finance minister Arun Jaitley and rural development minister Nitin Gadkari, to discuss about how rural transformation and gender empowerment and how they are vital for reducing poverty.

IFAD, a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established as an international financial institution to finance agricultural development projects for food production in the developing countries.

MPs protest Sri Lanka article, envoy to be summoned

ANew Delhi, August 4 (iANs): Parliament Monday witnessed an uproar over a derogatory article mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Sri Lanka’s defence ministry web site. As MPs protested and disrupted both houses, the government condemned the article adding that the Sri Lankan high commissioner will be summoned over the issue.

The objectionable article about Jayalalithaa’s letters to Modi was published on Sri Lanka’s defence ministry website last week, and was taken down in a hurry, after protests in Tamil Nadu. Sri Lanka also offered “unqualified apology” over the article.

Both houses witnessed repeated adjournments over the issue. The Rajya Sabha saw two adjournments during the question hour, and AIADMK members trooped near the chairman’s podium to protest. An irked Chairman M. Hamid Ansari commented: “Ten members are holding the house to ransom... this is unbecoming of members of parliament.” When the house reassembled at noon, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the government “condemned” the development.

“The government has strongly condemned the development,” she told the house. “We will certainly summon the high commissioner of Sri Lanka and convey this to him,” the minister said.

UPSC to leave out English marks, students continue protests

New Delhi, August 4 (iANs): Bowing to pressure from protesting civil service aspirants, the government Monday said the marks in English language comprehension skills of the UPSC aptitude test will not be included in the merit list. But students said their demands still remain “unfulfilled”.

Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh said in parliament: “Government is of the opinion that in the civil services preliminary examination, paper II, the marks of the question section on ‘English language comprehension skills’ should not be included in gradation or merit.” The minister also announced that candidates who appeared in Civil Services Examination 2011 may be allowed one more attempt in 2015.

However, protesting civil service aspirants were not satisfied with the government’s statement. They said they wanted the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) to be done away with altogether. “The government has studied the matter very deeply and tried to handle it sensitively,” Jitendra Singh told both houses of parliament.

He first read out a written statement in the Lok Sabha and later in the Rajya Sabha. But the matter rocked the Rajya Sabha where opposition members from non-Hindi speaking region

Civil service aspirants feel cheated

New Delhi, August 4 (iANs): The civil service aspirants feel “cheated” by the government’s decision Monday to exclude English language comprehension marks from the CSAT paper, while preparing the merit list for the civil services examination.

Earlier, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh told parliament the English language comprehension skills should not be included for gradation or merit in the civil services examinations. The students who have been protesting since long, however, said their demands of scrapping the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) exam, which was introduced in 2011, and postponing the Aug 24 prelims exam remain unfulfilled.

“We were assured that the CSAT will be done away with, but the minister’s statement talks nothing about it. Instead, they have cheated us by

deciding to not consider the marks for English comprehension,” Subhankar Vats, a civil service aspirant from Jharkhand, told IANS. Vats explained that the comprehension, which is a part of Paper II of preliminary examination, consists of four passages, out of which two are easy, with no translation while the other two are difficult.

“The passages the government has decided to not consider are the easy ones in which most of us score,” added Vats. The preliminary examination comprises two papers - General Studies (Paper I) and CSAT (Paper II), both carrying 200 marks each.

Ashish, another aspirant, expressed unhappiness over the government allowing another attempt in 2015 only to those candidates who wrote the exam in 2011. “The government has said that those who appeared in 2011 would be allowed another attempt

next year, but what about us? How will we take exams on Aug 24 when for the last few months we have been on the streets,” Ashish told IANS. Echoing similar feelings, another aspirant, Tera Varethan, said: “The decision puts the students at a loss.” According to Ashish, their fight was never about languages.

“Though CSAT is called an aptitude test, there are only six aptitude questions in it and the maximum questions are from mathematics and reasoning. So that puts students with non-science background at a disadvantage,” he said. As soon as the government announced its stand, the students resumed their protest and said they will intensify it till their demands are met. The government statement Monday came following the report by a committee headed by Arvind Verma, which submitted its findings last week.

raised questions about the government’s announcement.

Noisy protests were seen inside the house, leading to several adjournments. “Students from south India may be understanding English better than Hindi. What about them,” said Vayalar Ravi of the Congress, and

was joined by other members from non-Hindi speaking states.

However, Singh clarified: “We have made it language neutral.” But members were not ready to listen.

“The non-Hindi speaking students have been facing bias for very long,” said Kanimozhi of the DMK.

In response, Jitendra Singh said all languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution are treated equally and that status remains unchanged.

The agitating students also slammed the government. Students have been protesting for the past two weeks, asking the government to scrap the

CSAT and calling it “discriminatory” against those with a Hindi and humanities background.

“We were assured that the CSAT will be done away with, but the minister’s statement talks nothing about that. Instead, they have cheated us by deciding to not consider marks for English comprehension,” Subhankar Vats, a civil service aspirant, told IANS. Vats explained that the comprehension, which is a part of paper II of preliminary examination, consists of four passages, out of which two are easy with no translation, while the other two are difficult. He said the students feel “cheated” by the government for not heeding to their demand.

The agitating students said they will resume their protest and will further intensify it till their demands are met. They also demanded the postponement of the preliminary exam scheduled for Aug 24. “The comprehensions the government has decided to not consider are the easy ones in which most of us score,” added Vats.

The preliminary examination is divided into two sections - General Studies (Paper I) and CSAT (Paper II) and both papers are of 200 marks each.

Supportive of the government’s decision, Janata Dal-United spokesperson K.C. Tyagi said: “We support the decision of the government...This is the result of the struggle of protest-

ing students all over. The government had to bow to their demand.” “At the same time, the government must also listen to the grievances of the nonHindi speaking students who are still on protest,” Tyagi told IANS. Educationist Kamal Kumar Chenoy said the government, in pursuit of giving importance to Hindi, cannot ignore other regional languages.

“Since these are IAS examinations...

English becomes an indispensable subject. But, it is a matter of concern that the number of students with a humanities background qualifying for the exams has reduced,” he said.

Agitated students argued that their fight was never about languages, but about the technical errors in the exam.

“Though CSAT is called an aptitude test, there are only six aptitude questions in it and the maximum are mathematics and reasoning. So, that puts students with non-science background at a loss,” Ashish, an aspirant, told IANS. The CSAT-II paper carries questions on comprehension, interpersonal skills including communication skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy and English language comprehension skills (of Class 10 level).

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Dimapur

9

Palestinians, Israelis trade hostilities after truce GAZA/JERUSALEM, AUGUSt 4 (REUtERS): Palestinians and Israel accused each other of launching attacks soon after a seven-hour Israeli ceasefire intended to allow humanitarian aid into the battered Gaza Strip came into force on Monday.

Palestinians said Israel had bombed a refugee camp in Gaza City, killing an eight-year-old girl and wounding 29 other people, while Israel said at least four rockets had been fired at its territory from Gaza. Gaza Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra said the air strike on a house in Shati camp took place after the truce was scheduled to start on Monday morning.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said she was checking the refugee camp attack. She said four rockets had been fired from Gaza since the truce started and two had crashed inside Israel. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

In Jerusalem, a heavy construction vehicle slammed into a bus, overturning it in what Israeli police said was a suspected terrorist attack. No passengers were on the bus but a passerby died after being run over by the digger, and police said its driver was shot dead.

Israeli media identified the driver as a Palestinian from East Jerusalem.

Israel announced a ceasefire to free up humanitarian aid and allow some of the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by almost four weeks of war to go home.

The announcement met with suspicion from Gaza’s ruling Islamist Hamas movement and followed unusually strong censure

Attack at school in Gaza ‘criminal act’

Palestinians pass parts of a missile which destroyed the house of the Najam family in the Jebaliya refugee camp, Gaza Strip, Monday Aug, 4, 2014. Seven Najam family members were killed in an Israeli missile strike on their home Sunday night and many more were wounded, a health ministry official said. (AP Photo

from Washington at the apparent Israeli shelling on Sunday of a U.N.-run shelter that killed 10 people.

An Israeli defence official said the ceasefire, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (0700 to 1400 GMT), would apply everywhere but areas of the southern town of Rafah where ground forces have intensified assaults after three soldiers died in a Hamas ambush there on Friday. “If the truce is breached, the military will return fire during the declared duration of the truce,” the official said.The official said east Rafah was the only Gaza urban area in which troops and tanks were still present, having been withdrawn or redeployed near the border with Israel over

the weekend.

Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told CNN that Israel’s goal with the truce was “to assist with the humanitarian relief” of the people of Gaza.

Media Stunt Hamas, whose envoys are in Egypt for truce negotiations that Israel has shunned in anger at Friday’s ambush in Rafah, said attacking the house after the Israeli ceasefire began showed the truce was a media stunt. “We urge our people to continue to be cautious,” said spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.

Israel is winding down its offensive in the absence of a mediated disengage-

ment deal with Hamas. It says the army has completed the main objective of the ground assault, the destruction of cross-border infiltration tunnels from Gaza. “Every attack tunnel we knew about has been destroyed,” Amos Gilad, a senior defence official, said on Israel Radio.

In a predawn air strike, Israel killed Danyal Mansour, a senior commander of Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian group fighting alongside Hamas. Israel launched its offensive on July 8 following a surge in Hamas rocket salvoes. It escalated from air and naval barrages to overland incursions centred on Gaza’s tunnel-riddled eastern frontier, but also pushed into densely populated

towns.

Gaza officials say 1,804 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed and more than a quarter of the impoverished enclave’s 1.8 million residents displaced. As many as 3,000 Palestinian homes have been destroyed or damaged.

“Disgraceful shelling” Many of those evacuees have taken shelter in U.N.run facilities, including a Rafah school where 10 people were killed on Sunday in what Gaza officials said was an Israeli air strike. The Jewish state said it was investigating the incident and that it might have been linked to an attempt by the military to kill Islamic Jihad gunmen as

China earthquake death toll rises to 398 KUNMING, AUGUSt 4 (AP): Rescuers dug through shattered homes Monday looking for survivors of a strong earthquake in southern China’s Yunnan province as the death toll rose to at least 398 people, with more than 1,800 injured.

About 12,000 homes collapsed when the quake struck Sunday afternoon in impoverished Ludian county, around 370 kilometers (230 miles) northeast of Yunnan’s

capital, Kunming, China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Ma Yaoqi, an 18-year-old volunteer in the quake zone, said by phone that at least half of the buildings had collapsed on the road from the city center of Zhaotong to the hardest hit town of Longtou. The rest of the buildings were damaged, she said.

“I saw dead bodies being wrapped in quilts and carried away,” said Ma, who had arrived

with 20 other volunteers Monday.

“Some were wrapped with small quilts. Those must be kids.” Overhead footage of the quake zone shot by state broadcaster CCTV showed older houses flattened but newer multistory buildings still standing.

The magnitude-6.1 quake struck at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. China’s earthquake monitoring agency put the magnitude at 6.5.

Rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area Monday afternoon, complicating efforts to bring tents, water, food and other relief supplies to survivors. Roads had caved in, and rescuers were forced to travel on foot.

Repeated aftershocks also were making the rescue work dangerous. The USGS showed four aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 and higher hitting after the initial quake.

The Yunnan Civil Affairs Bureau said on its website that 398 people were killed and 1,801 injured. Another 29,400 people were evacuated, CCTV said. The death toll is expected to rise after rescuers reach remote communities to This aerial photo shows buildings toppled down by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake at the quake’s epicenter in the town of Longtoushan in assess casualties.

Many of the homes that colLudian County of Zhaotong, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Monlapsed in Ludian, which has a popday, Aug. 4, 2014. (AP Photo)

ulation of about 429,000, were old and made of brick, Xinhua said, adding that electricity and telecommunications were cut off in the county.

The mountainous region where the quake occurred is largely agricultural, with farming and mining the top industries, and is prone to earthquakes.

Relief efforts are underway, with more than 2,500 troops dispatched to the disaster region, Xinhua said. The Red Cross Society of China allocated quilts, jackets and tents for those made homeless by the quake, while Red Cross branches in Hong Kong, Macau and neighboring Sichuan province also sent relief supplies.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reached the worst-hit area Monday afternoon to oversee quake relief, Xinhua said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon offered “his condolences to the Chinese Government and the families of those killed,” according to a statement from his office. The statement said the U.N. was ready to “lend its assistance to efforts to respond to humanitarian needs” and “to mobilize any international support needed.” The White House also offered its condolences.

NEW YORK, AUGUSt 4 (AP): U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned an attack that killed 10 people at a U.N. school in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as “a moral outrage and a criminal act.”

In his most strongly worded statement yet on an attack against a U.N. facility in Gaza, Ban called it “yet another gross violation of international humanitarian law, which clearly requires protection by both parties of Palestinian civilians, U.N. staff and U.N. premises, among other civilian facilities.” “This attack, along with other breaches of international law, must be swiftly investigated and those responsible held accountable.

It is a moral outrage and a criminal act,” Ban said.

A Gaza health official said at least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded after the strike near the boys’ school in Rafah. Several bodies, among them children, were strewn inside the U.N. school’s compound. At least one U.N. staffer was killed, said Robert Turner, the director of operations for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency in Gaza. they drove nearby.

An international outcry crested against the Israelis. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the school attack as a “moral outrage and a criminal act” and called for those responsible for the “gross violation of international humanitarian law” to be held accountable. The United States said it was “appalled” by the “disgraceful shelling” and urged its closest Middle East ally to do more to prevent harm to civilians. Washington also called for an investigation into other, similar attacks on U.N. schools in Gaza.

Israel says it makes every effort to avoid noncombatant casualties and that Hamas invites these

Turner said preliminary findings indicated the blast was an Israeli airstrike near the school.

At least six U.N. facilities have been struck by Israeli fire since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. After an attack that killed at least 16 people at a U.N. school last week, Ban said “nothing is more shameful than attacking sleeping children.” In Sunday’s statement, Ban reiterated that Israel’s military has “been repeatedly informed of the location of these sites.”

The U.N. chief also expressed his frustration with the unraveling of the 72hour ceasefire last weekend, which he had helped broker along with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. Ban earlier blamed Hamas for violating the ceasefire. Ban spent six days in the Middle East last month and countless hours on the phone with Israeli, Palestinian and other leaders trying to broker an end to the fighting. He called on both sides to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and negotiations in Cairo “to address the underlying issues.” “This madness must stop,” Ban said.

by launching rockets from, and entrenching gunmen inside, congested civilian areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Hamas had turned U.N. facilities into “terrorist hot spots”. The main U.N. agency in Gaza, UNRWA, says it has found rockets in three of its schools.

Israel has lost 64 soldiers in combat and three civilians to Palestinian cross-border rocket and mortar fire that has emptied many of its southern villages. Iron Dome interceptors, air raid sirens and public shelters have helped stem Israeli casualties.

Palestinian groups, including representatives from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, held their first formal

meeting in Cairo on Monday with Egyptian mediators hoping to pave the way towards a durable ceasefire agreement with Israel.

Egyptian mediation, supported by the United States and the United Nations and also involving Qatar, Turkey and Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has been complicated by the dramatically divergent terms set by Israel and Hamas. Israel has said Gaza must be stripped of tunnels and rocket stocks.

Hamas rules this out, and demands an easing of the crippling Gaza blockade enforced by both Israel and Egypt, which consider the Palestinian Islamists a security threat.

Ferry carrying hundreds capsizes in Bangladesh, rescue ongoing

LOUHAJONG, AUGUSt 4 (AP): A passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people capsized Monday in central Bangladesh, killing at least two people and probably many more as horrified villagers watched from the shore, authorities said.

It was unclear exactly how many people were on board the M.V. Pinak because ferry operators in Bangladesh rarely maintain passenger lists. Local media said there were about 250 passengers, but the figure could not be immediately confirmed.

Azizul Haque, who was among at least 44 people who survived by swimming to shore, said he jumped overboard when it became clear the ferry was going down. “The ferry went out of control due to wind and current, tilting from one side to the other,” Haque, 30, said. “Then the captain jumped out because he probably under-

stood it was sinking. The river was rough, and there were many passengers on board.”

The ferry capsized in the Padma River in Munshiganj district, about 44 kilometers (28 miles) south of the capital, Dhaka. More than four hours after the ferry capsized, authorities said they were still waiting for a larger vessel needed to launch a proper rescue operation.

Local police officer Khalid Hossain said two bodies had been recovered so far.

“We are waiting for a big rescue vessel which is on its way,” said Nurul Alam Dulal, a local fire official. “It’s very difficult to go there at the scene and stay afloat.” Jasim Uddin, 35, was among a crowd of people who watched the vessel go down from the shore, recording it on his cellphone as it disappeared.

When the survivors began to come to shore, he said they were exhausted

and panicked. “One woman swam nearly to shore and was picked up by a speedboat,” he said. “She was crying, saying she has two daughters. It was panic. Everyone was praying to God.” As news spread of the accident, about 500 people including relatives of the missing gathered by the water, many of them weeping and holding photos of their loved ones.

Scores of people die in ferry accidents every year in Bangladesh, where boats are a common form of transportation. The Padma is one of the largest rivers in Bangladesh, a delta nation crisscrossed by more than 130 rivers. Poor safety standards and overcrowding are often blamed for the accidents. In May, about 50 people died in a ferry accident in the same district. On Monday, the Ministry of Shipping ordered an investigation into the latest tragedy, giving a 10-day deadline.

Decade on, separate lives for once-conjoined twins

SCARSDALE, AUGUSt 4 (AP): One twin uses an iPad, plays video games and dances to Michael Jackson tunes. The other has significant, possibly permanent, problems walking and talking. The delicate separation 10 years ago of conjoined twins from the Philippines wasn’t perfect, but the boys’ mother says their very survival is reason enough to celebrate the anniversary.

“When they were born, the doctors at home told me, ‘You have to choose which one is to live,’” Arlene Aguirre said. “I said, ‘I cannot choose that.’ The doctors here did not ask me to choose.” The boys, now 12, were born joined at the top of their heads, unable to sit up, stand straight, eat normally — or see each other. Once their case was accepted by the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, leaving Carl and Clarence conjoined was not an option.

“If they hadn’t come to us when they did, they would have just withered away and died,” said Dr. Robert Marion, the

boys’ pediatrician, who plans to be at the hospital Monday to mark the separation anniversary. “I am extremely proud of having been a part of this. I’m a little disappointed with some of the outcome but, clearly, to see how these kids have survived and are for the most part thriving, is really wonderful.”

Montefiore’s president and CEO, Dr. Steven Safyer, said, “We are honored to have played a part in helping these boys develop into the unique individuals they are today.” The boys were separated on Aug. 4, 2004, in an operation that climaxed a then-unusual “staged separation” that took four surgeries over nine months. When it was over, Dr. David Staffenberg, the boys’ plastic surgeon, told the mother, “You’re now the mother of two boys.”

Aguirre, who never left the area after the operation and now raises the boys in Scarsdale, New York, said she throws birthday parties twice a year — on April 21, the day they were born, and on Aug. 4. “The historical treatment was basically

to sacrifice one to save the other,” said the lead surgeon, Dr. James Goodrich. “The staged separation turned out to be obviously very successful.” He and his team have since separated four other sets of joinedat-the-head twins in London, Melbourne and Riyadh.

The Aguirre boys shared a “bridge” of brain, 5 or 6 centimeters long, which had to be divided. “When you get beyond 1 centimeter or 2 centimeters, one or both kids takes a hit,” Goodrich said. Eventually there was some degeneration of Carl’s right parietal lobe, which controls the left side, Goodrich said. Carl suffered seizures, now controlled with medication, and has limited use of his left arm and leg.

Carl uses a wheelchair and leg braces, and there’s hope he’ll eventually be able to walk on his own, though Goodrich doubts there will be a full recovery. As for speech, his mother said he can utter just a word or two at a time, such as “bye” and “thank you.” He spends the school day in classes for kids

(LefT) In this Sept. 9, 2003 file photo provided by Philippine Airlines, 17-month-old Filipino twins Carl, left, and Clarence Aguirre wait at Manila’s International airport before their flight to New York. Ten years ago doctors at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx were able to save both boys in an operation done in 2004. (RighT) Formerly conjoined twins Clarence, left, and Carl Aguirre, 12, embrace while relaxing with their mother Arlene at the family’s home in Scarsdale, N.Y. On Monday, Aug. 4, the family will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the surgery that separated the twins at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, where the surgery was performed. (AP Photo)

with multiple disabilities and gets occupational, physical and speech therapy.

She said Clarence, who can be difficult to understand when he speaks, also gets some special instruction in communication. But unlike Carl, he is an attention-seeking preteen who leaps up to high-five visitors

and is quick to show them his favorite video games. “He’s kind of a delightful kid,” said Marion, who is chief of genetics at the Children’s Hospital. “I think he’s going to be a typical adult.”

Clarence shows tenderness toward his quiet twin, and Arlene Aguirre said, “He feels like he’s the big brother. He likes

to read to Carl, and he’s very patient.” Both boys still wear helmets to protect their skulls.

Goodrich said that once they’re fully grown, the skulls will be patched. Arlene Aguirre said, “I did the right thing,” when she accepted Montefiore’s offer to do the surgery — and absorb the multimillion-dollar cost.

And caring for her sons alone — she’s a single mother — is getting easier as the boys grow up in their white house behind a picket fence off a busy road. She has a support network of friends who come over on weekends to stay with the boys while she buys groceries and runs errands.

10

The Morung Express SPORTS From Usain Bolt to unknowns, Tripura greets bronze-winning gymnast Dipa Dimapur

Tuesday

5 August 2014

games united Commonwealth

AGARTALA, AUGUST 4 (IANS): The Tripura government accorded a grand reception Monday to Dipa Karmakar, the first Indian woman and second gymnast from the country to clinch a Commonwealth Games medal in artistic gymnastics.

Hundreds of sports lovers, officials, followers, admirers and well-wishers received Dipa on her arrival at the Agartala airport from New Delhi before a motorcade of hundreds of vehicles and two-wheelers went around the capital city Agartala and held a huge reception ceremony.

"I would try utmost to get gold medals in the forthcoming Asian games in South Korea. I shall try to deliver my best in the future attempts," Dipa, who won the women's vault bronze in Glasgow Thursday, said at the reception

ceremony.

"I would be happy if more gymnasts produced from Tripura and earn the triumph for the country and the state. I will help at my level best to other gymnasts to build their career," she said.

Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sahid Choudhury said: "Dipa is not only made proud to the people of Tripura, but also to the country as well.

We would keen to see other young men and women to follow Dipa. Government would positively help them in their endeavours."

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.

Dipa, who is a five-time national overall individual champion for five consecutive times between 20102014, is a physical instructor under Tripura's sports and youth affairs department.

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.

She was keen on sports since childhood when she would play at her ancestral home at Abhaynagar in the outskirts of Agartala.

"But she opted for gymnastics once she visited the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching centre when she was studying in Class VI and there was no looking

back," said Dipa's father Dulal Karmakar.

Karmakar, an SAI (Sports Authority of India) coach in weightlifting, told IANS: "Now the Arjuna award is 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.

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."

Kuznetsova beats Nara in 3 sets to win Citi Open

Jamaica's Usain Bolt jokes as he is pulled over to make a TV interview after getting his gold medal for the Men's 4x100m relay at Hampden Park Stadium during the Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday Aug. 2. (AP Photo) WASHINGTON,

GLASGOW, AUGUST 4 (AP): They traveled in search of recognition, knowing they were unlikely to return with medals.

At the Olympics, Norfolk Islanders must settle with being part of Australia's vast team. But the Commonwealth Games, which end Sunday night, offered the tiny south Pacific outpost a platform to stand proudly on the world stage, competing under its own flag.

It hardly matters that the island has now collected just one medal from eight trips to the multisport event for former British colonies — bronze in lawn bowls in 1994 — because their hunger for competing is no less.

"It's very important for national pride," Norfolk Island Sports Minister Tim Sheridan told The Associated Press. "It's the pride we are doing it representing the island instead of Australia."

Sheridan — a direct descendent of Fletcher Christian, the ringleader of the 19th-century HMS Bounty mutineers who settled on Norfolk — has not just been in Glasgow as a government figurehead. He was on the bowling green as one of Norfolk's 23 competitors here.

McIlroy wins Bridgestone to claim world number one rank

BRIDGESTONE, AUGUST 4 (REUTERS): Rory McIlroy continued his dominating form when he won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by two strokes on Sunday and regained the world number one ranking, replacing Australia's Adam Scott.

McIlroy made a sizzling start to the final round with three consecutive birdies to quickly erase a three-stroke deficit and surge past Sergio Garcia at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The Northern Irishman carded a 66 to finish at 15-under-par 265, while Spaniard Garcia (71) was second on 13-under, with Australian Marc Leishman (67) another shot back in third place.

Defending champion Tiger Woods pulled out of the tournament after aggravating his troublesome back, raising more questions about the playing future of the 14-times major champion. McIlroy, 25, took the world number one ranking for the fifth separate occasion, and the first since March of last year, displacing Scott, who had been on top for 11 weeks.

McIlroy, who won the British Open in his previous start two weeks ago, collected $1.53 million for his first victory in a World Golf Championships event.

The island, which is 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles) northeast of Sydney, was one of 71 teams from the former British Empire competing in the Commonwealth Games — disparate lands united by the link to British monarchy.

"It's a chance for the lesser territories to show what they have," Sheridan said. "It's great to have the opportunity to play against the best in the world. The Olympics might be the world but at the Commonwealth Games we are one family." It's a family that has presented itself as more united in sports than at the most-recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that was boycotted by many leaders because of host Sri Lanka's human rights record.

"The games really galvanized the strong sense of community within the Commonwealth," said David Grevemberg, who becomes chief executive of the games movement after running the Glasgow event. "There is a real connection."

There were stirring stories: a first-ever games medal for Kiribati through David Katoatau's weightlifting gold, English husband-and-wife teams winning mixed titles in table

tennis (Joanna and Paul Drinkhall) and badminton (Gabby and Chris Adcock), and Sharon Firisua being cheered at Hampden Park as she finally crossed the line in the 10,000-meter final after being lapped twice. "My aim when I was here was to see the queen," said Firisua, one of 12 Solomon Islands athletes now preparing for a four-day trip home. "I am really glad and so privileged to have been able to have lunch with her."

Queen Elizabeth II displayed her appetite for merriment in Glasgow, beaming into the camera as she "photobombed" a selfie being taken by Australian hockey players.

But the 12-day event required a global star to elevate not just the status of the competition within the Commonwealth but its relevance far beyond. And Usain Bolt was an electrifying presence at his first Commonwealth Games.

The world's fastest man arrived to hero worship and brushed aside a media storm over reported disparaging comments about Glasgow before enchanting spectators with theatrics and speed as Jamaica's 4x100-meter relay team was anchored to glory.

"The Commonwealth

is special," Bolt said. "Every experience is different, every city is different, and competing is what I love ... even though it's been a little cold."

In the medals standings England finished top for the first time since 1986 with 58 golds to end Australia's 20-year supremacy.

Unlike at the Olympics, the home nations of the United Kingdom compete under their separate flags at the Commonwealth Games.

But by the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Scotland could be going it alone on the Olympic front also.

With Scots voting on Sept. 18 on whether to break off from the rest of Britain, the referendum has dominated the national conversation but the games provided an escape from the political squabbling. After New Delhi was beset by building delays and organizational chaos for the 2010 Games, Glasgow delivered troublefree games that leave no "white elephant" venues while reinforcing Britain's aptitude for staging sporting festivals two years after the London Olympics.

"Scotland in this year of all years has demonstrated we can host huge international events," said Scotland's pro-independence First Minister Alex Salmond.

AUGUST 4 (AP): Two-time major champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia ended her four-year WTA title drought Sunday, beating Kurumi Nara of Japan 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the Citi Open.

Asked if it felt like so much time had passed since she won a tournament, Kuznetsova smiled broadly and replied: "It feels like it's been too long."

It was the 14th tournament victory for the 29-year-old Kuznetsova, but her first since she won at San Diego in August 2010. Her collection includes trophies from the 2004 U.S. Open and 2009 French Open.

"I work very hard every day, trying to improve things. After you win Slams, not winning tournaments — it's really hard," Kuznetsova said.

At 4-all in the final set, with Kuznetsova serving, they played the longest game of the match, with 16 points, five deuces and one break point.

"I got a little bit paralyzed and was getting tight, and I'm happy I overcame this feeling today," Kuznetsova said. "But definitely, didn't play my best tennis in the end of second and third set."

Still, Kuznetsova eventually held to lead 5-4, then

broke Nara in the next game to end it.

Nara said she "tried (to) focus again" when serving to stay in the match, but Kuznetsova would not allow her to play as aggressively as she wanted.

"She hit a very heavy ball, so I cannot go very (easily) into the court," Nara said.

Kuznetsova, who was seeded sixth and ranked 26th, had never played in Washington's hard-court tuneup for the U.S. Open.

She said that when she was trying to decide whether to enter the Citi Open or the WTA tournament at Stanford, California, the same week, some other players tried to persuade her to skip Washington, saying the city's heat is too tough and that in the past, the tournament didn't have top-level facilities such as the gym or locker room.

But she liked that it was on the East Coast and a short flight to Canada for next week's hard-court tour stop. And, in the end, Kuznetsova left town with a trophy. The unseeded Nara, who was bidding for her second singles title of 2014, also was the runnerup in doubles at the Citi Open. "I like Washington," Nara said. "Hopefully, I (will) come back next hear.

I like U.S. hard courts."

Svetlana Kuznetsova, of Russia, poses with the trophy after she beat Kurumi Nara, of Japan, in the women's final match at the Citi Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Aug. 3, in Washington. Kuznetsova won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. (AP Photo)

Falcao downs Arsenal in Emirates Cup Van Gaal off to encouraging LONDON, AUGUST 4 (AGENCIES): Two bad decisions and with them Arsenal lost the Emirates Cup. For one, they could whinge at Martin Atkinson, the referee who in an apparent moment of preseason complacency denied them a clear penalty.

For the other, they can only look at themselves for reasons why a £53million striker was left unmarked at a set-piece. Radamel Falcao rarely needs help in front of goal, but considering his first-half header was his first goal since his knee injury in January the Monaco striker probably won’t mind.

The goal gave Valencia the branded trinket, their 3-1 win over Benfica earlier in the day making the difference, along with Atkinson’s highly questionable call in the second half of Arsenal’s match.

Chuba Akpom had raced clear with 10 minutes still to play when Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic raced off his line and clattered him. Akpom was possibly offside when he made his run, but was certainly inside the area when the foul occurred. Atkinson gave a yellow card and a free-kick after advice from his assistant; strange calls even for summer football.

Not that it matters, especially. This, like all preseason matches, was about learning. In that context, Arsene Wenger offered what looked like a signifi-

start at Manchester United Noah Trister

AP Sports Writer

A

cant clue concerning the line-up of his side for the Community Shield against Manchester City, with left back Kieran Gibbs perhaps the only player to come in.

Arsenal handed a start to £10m signing Mathieu Debuchy at right back, indicating again that Calum Chambers is being groomed for a role at centre-half. The pair of them, £22m worth of recruitments, were solid, particularly the latter.

Chambers impressed with his tackling and positioning, even if he did balloon one of Arsenal’s best early chances over the bar from a Santi Cazorla corner.

He certainly has the composure to play in the middle. Debuchy, meanwhile, has evidently developed an understanding with Alexis Sanchez, getting forward often to support and feed

the attacker in whom so much is expected.

If there is a flaw in Debuchy’s make-up then perhaps it comes in his willingness to run back after those excursions into the opposition half. Wenger likes his full-backs to advance, but what goes up must come down. Debuchy’s failure to follow such orders led directly to Lucas Ocampos being free to shoot after 25 minutes. For Sanchez, there were no such concerns, the Chilean a ball of energy and movement. His passing is occasionally fantastic; his work rate frantic.

At various stages he rotated through Arsenal’s attacking positions and was probably their most dangerous player in each, certainly in the middle. After 10 minutes, his 40-yard cross-field pass was half a yard away from putting Ol-

ivier Giroud clean through.

That chance was cut out by a lunge from Andrea Raggi, the captain of a side that probably deserved to lead at half-time.

The manner in which Monaco went ahead was a little strange to those who might a £53m talent to be marked at a set-piece.

Alas, Falcao was left unattended when Joao Moutinho swung over a free-kick – conceded a little needlessly by Jack Wilshere and the striker headed past Wojciech Szczesny.

Arsenal nearly levelled after the restart when Cazorla’s little flick put Wilshere through, but Subasic pulled off an excellent reflex save. And Sanchez fired just wide shortly after the hour. Akpom then had his shout ignored for a penalty and Monaco gave Valencia the cup.

lthough it's easy to dismiss a preseason tournament, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal understands the significance of this next game.

There will be at least some bragging rights on the line in Monday night's clash against English rival Liverpool. That match in the Miami area is the title game of the International Champions Cup. After United's shocking seventhplace finish in the Premier League last season, van Gaal has a chance to win this tournament less than a month after officially taking over as manager.

"It's also good for English football, and I think that's very important that two teams from the Premier League shall play in the final," van Gaal said.

"It is preparation time, so it doesn't say anything, but it is better to win than to lose."

United and Liverpool are among several bigname European teams who have been in the U.S. for this tournament, and they seemed to approach the matches with varying degrees of urgency. Van Gaal's team went unbeaten in group play, beating AS Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid to reach the final.

Saturday's 3-1 win over

Madrid took place in front of 109,318 at Michigan Stadium, the largest crowd to see a football game in the United States. That scene underscored the benefit of these games — they help top European teams tap into the growing football market in the U.S. But the timing isn't always ideal, as evidenced by Madrid's lineup, which was missing star Karim Benzema and new acquisitions James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos. Cristiano Ronaldo came on late in the second half as a substitute, and even that was a surprise.

In a World Cup year, there isn't much down time between European seasons, so managers have to balance preparation and rest for their star players.

Madrid, this year's European champion, went winless

in three games in the event — but manager Carlo Ancelotti sounded satisfied with his team's participation. "Here, we can find all we need to have a good preseason," Ancelotti said.

"This time, it was good to do a friendly game, and for the future, I think it will be the same."

United's domestic performance last season was so poor, the team not only failed to qualify for the Champions League, it also missed out on the secondtier Europa League. That's hard for such a prestigious club to accept, but at least this season, van Gaal won't have to worry about those extra matches wearing his team out during its pursuit of a Premier League title.

"It is positive because I can train now more with my players," van Gaal said.

The Morung Express C M Y K

Sleeping like Babies

Tuesday

Entertainment

Dimapur

11

Katy Perry IllumInatI 5 August 2014

wants to join

C M Y K

'Dark Horse' singer Katy Perry has begged the Illuminati to let her join their secret New World Order.

T

he 'Dark Horse' songstress has made a pledge to the alleged New World Order asking if she can be part of their ''club''. Part of a conspiracy theory, the Illuminati or New World Order is supposedly a secret class who intend to eventually rule the world with an authoritarian government.

Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Katy said ''Listen if the Illuminati exists, I would like to be invited. I see all that st, and I'm like 'Come on, let me in! I want to be in the club!'

I have no idea what it is. It sounds crazy.''

The 29-year-old singer admitted that many of her fans believe that she is already

part of the secretive group, after they spotted many Illuminati symbols in her Prismatic world tour. Katy told the publication that audiences were left convinced after she used ''strange triangles in hand motions'' as part of her dance routines.

The group has been linked to several celebri-

ties including Beyonce and some conspiracy theorists even allege they were behind the assassination of the late American President, John F. Kennedy.

However, current US President, Barack Obama has nothing but praise for Katy. On Thursday (31.07.14), the brunette

beauty was asked to perform at a White House dinner to honour the 46th anniversary of the Special Olympics.

When introducing her to the stage, Barack said ''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 person.''

Kim Kardashian reunites with Paris hilton following 6-year feud

K

im Kardashian has reunited with former friend Paris Hilton, after their six-year feud over the socialite`s alleged comments about the TV star`s body. Kardashian posted a picture of the two laughing and having a good time at a party in Ibiza, Spain, reported a magazine.

It feels like it’s 2006 again — in a good way!

PhotograPher Sandi Ford celebrateS the

captioned the shot.

The two seemed to be enjoying each other`s company. Reminiscing about the 1st time we went to Ibiza in 2006! parishilton it was so good to see you & catch up!! Loves it lol, the 33-year-old `Keeping Up with the Kardashians` star captioned the picture.

Kardashian was assistant to Hilton, 33, during her time on the hit reality show `The Simple Life` and shared a thick friendship with her.

But after blonde beauty allegedly mocked Kardashian`s voluptuous figure in an interview, the two were said to have parted ways.

beauty and wonder oF newbornS - whoSe PerSonalitieS are clear already

C M Y K

T

hese babies might have just entered the world but already they are showing off their cheeky personalities while sleeping.

The charming pictures show the slumbering infants with their emotions written all over their tiny faces, even if they are only a few days old.

The heart-warming images were captured by photographer Sandi Ford, who places the newborns in a variety of positions, while they are snoozing comfortably.

The 35-year-old, who sees clients visit her home in Ealing, west London gently places the babies in the frogi pose to snap the

adorable pictures.

She lays the infants on their fronts, with their heads propped up in their hands before moving their feet forwards like a frog.

Sandi said: 'Babies are so innocent and beautiful, and children are so full of joy and life, it’s this that I aim to capture.'

When Kim and Paris found themselves in the same room together on August 1 in Spain, the duo didn’t focus on their past drama.

They posed arm-in-arm for a sweet, smile-filled photo!

Kim shared the black-andwhite pic on Instagram. She

C M Y K

Lucy hale sings onstage at launch of her new designer clothing line

S

KylIe mInogue closes Commonwealth Games

S

C M Y K

inger Kylie Minogue brought the curtain down on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by performing on her hit numbers. The `Can`t Get You Out of My Head` star also passed the baton over to her native Australia, which will host the next games on its Gold Coast when they return in 2018, suggest reports.

Minogue opened her performance in front of 40,000 fans with 2000 hit `Spinning Around` followed by tracks including, `Love at First Sight`, `All the Lovers` and one of her career`s very first singles, `The Locomotion`.

Toward the end of her set the 46-year-old singer told the crowd, So much beautiful energy here tonight. I admire your com-

mitment, your passion so much and I`m so grateful to be here.

Thank you so much.

The closer also saw performances from Scottish acts including Lulu and Deacon Blue.

Earlier in the games, Princes William and Harry and Duchess Catherine had attended and met with athletes, including celebrated sprinter Usain Bolt.

he is an actress, singer and now fashion designer. Lucy Hale launched her first Hollister brand clothing line with a performance in Santa Monica, California on Sunday. The 25-yearold Pretty Little Liars star belted out tunes at Hollister House to a crowd of cheering fans who came out to see her perform. Wearing a pretty mini dress adorned with flowers, the singer was certainly in her element as she entertained her adoring fans.

Lucy was joined backstage by her Pretty Little Liars co-stars actors Keegan Allen and Tyler Blackburn who posed for pictures with the new designer. The singer later posted an Instagram of her onstage, writing 'Thank you @hollisterco for today!!! So much fun.'

The actress is the first celebrity to collaborate with Hollister, which will feature two new collections inspired by her Southern California lifestyle.

The first, hitting stores August 8, will include pieces created for layering, and the second, out August 29, will feature soft, beachy separates.

'I definitely lean more towards a laid-back look, which makes my style a great match for Hollister,' Hale told WWD. 'I wanted to create carefree outfits that effortlessly transition from a coffee run to going out.' 'With lots to do for PLL, my music, and now my fashion collection for Hollister, I need transitional pieces that keep up with my schedule,' she said.

She added: 'Pieces that are carefree and effortless without ever looking less than fabulous. This collection is perfect for taking you from a morning coffee to a dinner with friends.' Pretty Little Liars has been on the air since 2010, and was recently renewed for two more seasons.

Lucy's music career is also moving at full speed ahead. She is on the promotional trail at the moment, plugging her new single, Lie A Little Better. This is the second offering from Lucy’s debut country album, Road Between, which was released in June, reaching number four on the US country music charts. It follows You Sound Good to Me, which peaked at No21 in the country chart earlier this year.

C M Y K

C

C

M

M

Y

Y

K

K

England wins gold medal race at CWG

GLASGOW, AUGUST 4 (AP): After her country was usurped in the gold medal race by England, Australian pop star Kylie Minogue closed the Commonwealth Games on Sunday as Glasgow passed the baton to the Gold Coast.

Australia missed out on top spot in the medal standings for the first time since 1986, but will be hoping for better things in four years when Queensland hosts the multi-sports event that attracts athletes from countries aligned with the former British Empire.

Hampden Park was transformed from a track and field arena into a music venue, with athletes filling a field scattered with tents to recreate a festival vibe.

"The games have made us all very proud and truly brought our family together," CommonwealthGames Federation President Prince Imran Tunku of Malaysia told the 40,000-strong crowd. "Scotland, and Glasgow, you really have delivered in every aspect the best games ever."

ENGLISH SUCCESS: The first gold Sunday went to English cyclist Lizzie Armistead in the road race, and the country ended the day with another in badminton to increase its total to 58, nine clear of second-place Australia. Armitstead, who finished second in the London Olympics road race and at the 2010CommonwealthGames in New Delhi, led an England one-two finish in the 98-kilometer (61-mile) race on the wet streets of Glasgow.

"Now I can call myself a champ, not a runner-up," Armitstead said. "It was special, something I've always dreamed about."

She finished the sevenlap course in 2 hours, 38 minutes, 43 seconds. Her teammate Emma Pooley, the silver medalist in the time trial on Thursday and who said she plans to retire from cycling, was 25 seconds behind. Ashleigh Pasio of South Africa took the bronze in a photo finish with Australia's Tiffany Cromwell. Both finished 1:11 behind Armitstead.

Linda Villumsen of New Zealand, the gold medalist in the time trial, was fifth. "It was a great course," Armitstead said.

"I won the national championships here last year, so

I was prepared. I definitely had an advantage knowing the track." And the rain, which hit the course on several occasions to make conditions slippery for the riders, helped Armitstead.

"As soon as it started to rain, I knew that was an advantage, because when you're solo you can keep going fast in the wet," she said.

WELSH TRIUMPH: In the 12-lap, 168-kilometer (104-mile) men's race held through mostly steady rain, Geraint Thomas of Wales, who won bronze in the time trial here and was 22nd in this year's Tour de France, overcame a punctured tire with just under seven kilometers (4.3 miles) remaining to win gold.

Thomas, who led by about 50 seconds when his tire needed to be replaced by his crew, finished in 4 hours, 13 minutes, 5 seconds. Jack Bauer of New Zealand and Scott Thwaites of England had a sprint finish for second, with Bauer edging ahead on the line for silver.

Both Bauer and Thwaites were 1:21 behind Thomas.

"It was such a grim day, I felt terrible at the start," Thomas said. "And when I had that puncture, I thought, 'what do I have to do'? But I had a decent enough gap to stay out in front."

A man walks around the pitch with a various flags of Commonwealth nations in a headband, wearing a t-shirt with a local Scottish saying ' Hast Ye Back' during the Closing Ceremony for the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014, at Hampden Park stadium, in Glasgow on Sunday. (AP Photo)

AUSTRALIA STREAK: Australia beat India 4-0 to win its fifth consecutive men's field hockey gold. England beat New Zealand 4-2 in a penalty shootout to take the bronze medal after the teams were level 3-3 after regulation time ended. Australia has won 29 of its 30 matches at the Commonwealth Games, only losing a pool match against South Africa 3-2 in 1998.

NETBALL GOLD: Australia Athletes pose for the photographers as they get ready to party during the Closing Ceremony easily beat defending cham- Singer Kylie Minogue performs during the Closing Ceremony for the Glasgow 2014 Common- for the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014, at Hampden Park stadium, in Glasgow, Scotpions New Zealand 58-40 for wealth Games at Hampden Park on August 3 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Getty Images) land, Sunday, Aug., 3. (AP Photo) gold in netball; Jamaica beat England 52-48 for bronze.

FAMILY FIRST: In the allEngland mixed team badminton final, the husbandand-wife team of Chris and Gabrielle Adcock won the gold medal, beating Chris Langridge and Heather Olver. Michelle Li of Canada won the women's singles gold, beating Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland. Kashyap Parupalli of India won gold in men's singles, beating Derek Wong of Singapore.

Glasgow games hailed best ever in rousing closing Ceremony

GLASGOW, AUGUST 4 (ReUTeRS): Hailed as the best ever Commonwealth Games by Federation president Prince Tunku Imran, Glasgow 2014 celebrated the end of a memorable 20th edition with a colourful closing ceremony on Sunday.

In a sporting festival recognised for the warmth of its welcome, the ceremony at Hampden Park fittingly celebrated the event loudly and proudly, much

like the spectators have done at each sporting venue.

“The Commonwealth Games are known as the Friendly Games. Glasgow has succeeded in making them even more than that,” Prince Imran told the rejoicing crowd. “These have truly been the people’s Games. Scotland, you have welcomed the athletes of the Commonwealth and have contributed to them realising their dreams on one of the

world’s great sporting stages.

“Scotland, and Glasgow, you really have delivered in every aspect the best Games ever.

Glasgow you were pure, dead brilliant.” Britain's Prince Edward officially closed the Games after the CGF flag had been handed from Glasgow dignitaries to officials from Australia's Gold Coast, which will host the 21st edition of the event in four years time.

Glaswegian-born singer Lulu

began the show with athletes from the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories emerging from tents adorning the Hampden Park track where six-times Olympic champion Usain Bolt ran Jamaica to relay gold a day earlier. Welsh rhythmic gymnast Frankie Jones, who won six medals at the Games, received the David Dixon award after being named as the outstanding athlete in Glasgow before the handover

to the Gold Coast took place.

Singer Kylie Minogue, one of Australia’s most famous exports, delighted the Hampden Park crowd after a video had shown a glimpse of what awaits on the Gold Coast in four years time.

The ceremony came to a close when a lone piper, standing on the roof of Hampden Park, played Auld Lang Syne before being joined in song by a jubilant stadium.

Serena wins Bank of the West title

C M Y K

STANFORD, AUGUST 4 (AP): Serena Williams won her WTA-leading fourth title of the season Sunday, beating third-seeded Angelique Kerber 7-6(1), 6-3 in the Bank of the West Classic. Playing her first tournament since her departure from Wimbledon because of equilibrium problems, the top-ranked and top-seeded Williams won the hard-court event for the third time.

Kerber, 0-4 in finals this season, won five straight games to go up 5-1 and was serving for the first set at 5-2. Williams saved two set points and went to win five games in a row. "I blinked my eye and I was down 1-5," Williams said. "Angelique was playing well and I thought 'What's going on?' I tried to relax, not think about anything and just do the right thing."

The eighth-ranked Kerber forced a tiebreaker, but Williams took the first five points. "It's a good thing that it happened," Williams said. "When I'm not playing great I know I can make some kind of comeback."

Williams didn't play well in any of the first sets this week but always found a way to win. "I've been training hard all year and hopefully that pays off, especially after Wimbledon," Williams said. "I stayed positive here. This shows

Serena Williams, at right, and Angelique Kerber, of Germany, pose with the winner and runner-up trophies after the championship match of the Bank of the West Classic tennis tournament on Sunday, Aug. 3 in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo)

I'm moving in the right direction." Questions were raised after she retired from a doubles match with sister Venus at Wimbledon in June. A viral infection af-

fected her equilibrium. She answered those questions with an exclamation point Sunday. "Every week is a new week and all I can do is try and improve," Williams

said. "For me it's all mental: being there, being positive and being good to myself."

Williams has beaten the left-handed Kerber four straight times and five of six

overall. All of their matches have been in straight sets. "I gave everything I could out there," Kerber said. "When she was down she started hitting the ball better. It's a special thing she has. On the important points, she goes for it." Williams will be No. 1 for the 200th week in her career when the rankings are announced Monday. She is fifth on the career list, nine weeks behind fourth-place Martina Hingis. "I feel like I'm just me. I don't feel any different from anyone else on this planet," Williams said. "To be that of as that is pretty awesome." Williams extended her winning streak to 13 matches in winning her third title at Stanford in four years. "It just says how much I love to play here," she said.

Kerber, who will rise to No. 7, was the first German to reach the final in the event since Sylvia Hanika in 1987.

Bettina Bunge, in 1983, was the last German to win the tournament. "I had a great week," Kerber said. "I played some great matches against some good opponents. She showed she's the best player in the world." Williams has not lost to a top-10 player this season. Kerber has never beaten a No. 1 player.

Williams improved to 17-2 overall in matches played at Stanford. She's 30-5 on the season and 662-117 for her career. Williams is 6117 in finals.

C M Y K

Published, Printed and Edited by Aküm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 248854, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722