December 13th, 2014 by The Morung Express

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Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 343

The Morung Express “

www.morungexpress.com

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By Sandemo Ngullie

Vibi Yhokha

Dear Readers, We would like to remind you that Rejoinders to those statements/ news pieces that have not been originally published by the newspaper will not be carried either. This is in order to maintain impartiality on an issue. We seek your understanding and cooperation! The Morung Express

The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Was Narendra Modi right not to give a ‘financial package’ to Nagaland state government? Yes

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NSCN (M) rejoinder to the 18th Assam Rifles Full text on page 4

PA to Yitachu responds DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 12 (MExN): The Personal Assistant to Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Yitachu today responded to NPCC President, SI Jamir’s recent statement that the Parliamentary Secretary had refused to meet the latter with regard to allegations of 10 percent deduction from a bill to be paid to a contractor. While not responding to the allegation of the 10 per cent deduction, a press note from the Parliamentary Secretary’s PA informed that on December 10 at around 8:30am, the NPCC President had come to meet the Parliamentary Secretary at his official residence. According to the PA, Razuchi Chizo, he had informed the NPCC President that the Parliamentary Secretary was in a meeting with GHSS teachers’ office bearers. Thereafter, he informed that the NPCC President “left” and termed the allegation that the Parliamentary Secretary had refused to meet the former as “unfortunate.”

Pochury Hoho asks for evidence

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The Pochury Hoho has meanwhile asked the NPCC President to “substantiate” the allegation of 10 percent deduction “with concrete evidence”.” “If the allegation is proved and established with concrete evidences… we shall appreciate him as opposition law maker for detecting corruption…” it stated in a press note. However, if the allegation is “found to be false without supporting evidence,” the Pochury Hoho said that the NPCC President should tender a “public apology.”

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to live as an exile, and to be back home Kohima | December 12

Public Reminder

–Anton Chekhov

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Naga Human Rights Activist Luingam Luithui returns home after almost 20 years in exile

Persistent fellow! never allows any trucks to pass through without paying Christmas tax.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

NCS officers told to maintain Warner integrity, justice and impartiality scores ton, Aussies [ PAGE 2] take 363Myanmar dam projects run lead risk re-igniting civil war

Yoga Karan Singh world Grover and hails UN Jennifer move on Winget Yoga Day Separate

reflections

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Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice

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“I still don’t know how to express the feeling of coming home. I feel like my old self again,” says Luingam, sharing on living as an exile and coming back to his ancestral land. Luingam, who is currently in Ukhrul on a tourist visa issued as a result of legal proceedings in the High Court of Delhi, is home after almost 20 years in exile. On November 29, the day he arrived in Ukhrul, around 3000 people gathered at Tangkhul Naga Long Ground to welcome him. In 1995, the human rights activist’s passport was impounded by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Since then, Luingam and his wife Peingam, have been living in exile in Canada. In 2003, he was allowed to visit his ailing mother for a short period on a special temporary passport issued by the Government of India. The Government of India had accused Luingam of assisting the NSCN (IM). “They know what I do, and what

I do cannot be classified as any criminal offence. They are unable to convince each other,” asserts Luingam. The first human rights violation case that Luingam Luithui clearly remembers was in the 1960s. As a young teenager, he recalls his elder brother leaving for Jessami village as part of a fact finding team to record atrocities committed by the Indian army in the village. He also remembers how his father never expected his older son to ever come home alive. His brother did return but later died in the 1990s due to complications after being tortured by the armed forces. After completing his Bachelor’s in Economics from St. Anthony’s Shillong, Luingam came home determined to become a farmer. He went to the extent of digging 2000 pits to plant apple trees in his village. At the same time he worked part time as a teacher in Model High School in Ukhrul for almost a year. In the meantime he also served as the President of the Tangkhul

Luingam Luithui

Students Union, setting the foundation for him to become a human rights activist. He was locked up in jail four or five times for protesting against the atrocities meted out under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Fearing for his life, Luingam’s mother soon sent

him to Delhi. Luingam belonged to the first batch of the School for International Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Naga students were ‘very united’ then, he recalls. It was a historic time when strong social movements like Naxalism, and Jayaprakash Narayan’s call for

‘revolution,’ were emerging in India. Many young people his age had died, which he says helped him to think beyond his studies. Lui, as he is fondly called, was the first person from the North East to become a council member of JNU Students Union (JNUSU) where he served for two terms. He was also a part of Student Federation of India (SFI), involved in providing medical treatment to construction workers who lived under inhuman living conditions in Delhi. He is also one of the founding members of the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), one of the first few movements in India to challenge the Constitution of India. It focused on violations of human rights, peace and cooperation through enforcement of constitutional rights. By 1978, NPMHR members started working from morning till night, typing affidavits and documenting human rights violations of the Nagas. In December 1978, the group travelled to Nagaland to seek advice from Naga elders. On December 15, a gathering was held in Kohima despite the imposition of 144 CrPC. Elders from villages close by walked all the way to Ko-

hima to support the movement. It was also the first time since the 1951 Plebiscite that Nagas came together and where victims of AFSPA shared their stories. Soon his room in JNU was raided and his documents taken away. When the Emergency was declared in India, Lui was arrested at dawn and charged as a Naga national worker. A close associate of Sitaram Yechury of the CPI (M), back in JNU, they would stage protests, write slogans and put up posters at night to defend the rights of the citizens of India. One of the most satisfying victories for Lui was the imposition of rule nisi by the Supreme Court of India. In 1982, NPMHR filed a letter petition before the Supreme Court against atrocities under AFSPA, which made the Court to direct the Indian armed forces not to use any religious or educational institutions in their operations. This allowed Nagas to truly celebrate Christmas after a very long time. That year, when he went home for Christmas, he remembered his mother telling him, “Your father would have been so proud of you.” Luingam is one of the founders of Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP),

one of the leading organizations for indigenous peoples in Asia. He is also a founding member of International Alliance of the Indigenous and Tribal People of the Tropical Forests. If there is one thing he regrets as an activist, it is anger. “I wished we had been less angry and dealt issues in a more dignified manner,” he reflects. “You could be burned out and be broken, and people couldn’t understand,” says Luingam, as he recalls the first few years living in exile in Canada where he and his wife survived through his wife’s job as a salesperson. His sister Chon Chon and her husband sent money every alternate month, and his brother was forced to sell their ancestral land. It was only in 2011 that he found the courage to start working again. He joined a catering company where he works 12 hours, cleaning more than 38 rooms per day. All said and done it will be okay, says an optimistic Luingam, whose contribution to the Nagas and to indigenous groups in India cannot be overlooked. And a nation that strips the identity of its own citizen for defending the rights of the rest needs to question itself.

nPcc questions Agri Minister

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 12 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today reaffirmed its call for the resignation of Minister for Agriculture, Dr Benjongliba on the account of alleged misappropriation of money during his tenure as Mission Director, Horticulture Technology Mission – North East (HTM-NE). Referring to a particular account from the Kohima branch of a reputed private bank, the NPCC demanded that the Minister clarify on whether he operated that particular account after he demitted office on January 10, 2013. The NPCC further questioned whether he had withdrawn Rs 30 lakhs on January 17, 2013; Rs 15 lakhs on January 18, 2013 and Rs 15 lakhs on January 19, 2013, all via

cheques from that account. It also asked the Minister to clarify on “how he deposited cash amounting to Rs. 70,01,662 and Rs. 52,22,626 on January 11, 2013 and to indicate source of cash received and deposited.” Revealing that cheques had been issued to 14 individuals from January 11 to January 28, 2013, after the Minister demitted office on January 10, 2013; the NPCC demanded that the beneficiaries be revealed. It further informed that the Director of Income Tax (Intelligence) from Guwahati had enquired about high value cash transaction from the said account addressed to the Mission Director Horticulture on October 30,2013. In this, the NPCC question “what prompted” the Minister to “give reply to the Director of

Income Tax (Intelligence) when he was already a Parliamentary Secretary on November 18, 2013.” The NPCC revealed that the present Director for Horticulture, in her letter to the Commissioner & Secretary Horticulture on November 7, 2013 on the high value cash transaction, had stated that “she was not aware” about the account, “as the same was never communicated to her during/after taking charge of both the offices (Mission Director & Director).” The Horticulture department has also denied having any knowledge about the account in an RTI reply furnished by Dr RE Lotha, Deputy Director & PIO, it informed. As such, the NPCC has called for a probe into who opened and operated the said bank account.

‘State should do more to provide quality road’ Bar Association censures road conditions

KOHIMA, DECEMBER 12 (MExN): The High Court Bar Association, Kohima today expressed concern at the “deplorable condition” of the roads in Nagaland state, with particular reference to National Highway 29. A press statement from the President of the association, Taka Masa and Secretary, A Zhimomi while acknowledging the “handicaps currently faced” by the authorities, however said that the state should also do more for providing quality road connectivity. Traversing roads maintained by the state, it lamented, has become an “excruciating experience” and requested the state to initiate remedial action. Over the years, the Bar lamented, that construction and maintenance of roads in Nagaland have been “cosmetic” and that the “lack of quality control and deviation from specifications to enhance profits at the cost of the exchequer and the well being of the people invites both civil and criminal consequences.” It further asserted that culpability lies with the concerned authorities as well as the contractors. It was informed that the Bar submitted a “notice” dated August 8, 2014 to authorities both at the centre as well as the state. A reply was received from Project Sewak through a letter dated September 3, 2014.

the National Highway have been procured from “reputed contractors and the bitumen from oil companies.” The standards of construction, it assured, have been uniform over the entire section, as per specification. It pointed out that factors affecting the road condition rather include quarrying aside the road, excavation of bed materials from streams and nullahs, rampant cutting and terracing of uphill slopes, choking of drains with garbage and washing of vehicles on the roads. The letter further said that drainages and culverts are present at all required places, however, these drains, especially in built up areas, quarry locations and at places where approach roads have been cut, keep getting blocked. It assured that the task force has taken up measures to address this. Project Sewak then revealed the damage caused by indiscriminate excavation of land along the highway, which has been intimated to the civil administration. However, it informed that no action has been taken. It further stated that a majority of the sinking areas are due to manmade reasons like excavation activities, movement of overloaded vehicles etc. The task force, it further assured has involved the expertise of the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), used new technologies and involved the local populaProject Sewak responds The response from Project Sewak clar- tion and civil administration to arrest the ified that all materials used on works on road condition.

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Dimapur

Saturday

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13 December 2014

NCS officers told to maintain integrity, justice and impartiality Kohima, December 12 (DiPr): NCS officers are ‘Team Leader’ in their own respective circles and sub-division and are expected to lead and guide all the agencies of the State Government stated the Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang while addressing the 42nd General Conference of the Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on December 12. He said that NCS officers are present in the remotest corners of the State, and have become an invaluable asset to the government in providing leadership and direction to the people and in maintaining law and ensuring justice in the activities of the government. Also terming that NCS officers are the most visible and influential face of governance, it was of ut-

most importance that officers of the service maintain the highest level of integrity, justice and impartiality so that the trust of the people on the State government and its agencies are strengthened. With technology changing by the day, the Chief Minister expressed his confidence that the NCS officers will keep up with such technology changes and to use it as an important work tool. He said one of the challenges facing the bureaucracy today is red-tapism and delay and should try to tackle these problems through the aid of technology that is now available. The Chief Minister also advised the officers to be well informed on key policies of the government and issues that are confronting and added that officer need to have a holistic perspective so that the

decisions and efforts made are in harmony with that of the State government’s overall goals and objective. He said that the Prime Minister is moving to change and redesign the structure of the Planning Commission of India in order to make the system more relevant. The country is poised on the edge of significant change that will impart the entire country upto the grassroots level. He explained that such changes will impose on new responsibilities and officers must be prepared from now to meet the challenges and responsibilities. The Chief Minister viewed that it was very unbecoming of many officers who resort to intense political lobbying at the expense of their less fortunate colleagues on the matters of transfer and posting and expressed his deep con-

cern on the issue and said that this practice must be stopped. He added that such practice not only cause heartburns amongst the officers, but also effects the moral, productivity and efficiency of the officers and appealed all officers to desist from such lobbying. The Chief Minister also said the State government is aware of the difficult circumstances under which officers have to work in the interior areas, particularly because of the poor infrastructure and connectivity and assured the members of NCSA that the government is making all efforts to address the problems gradually. Guest of Honour and Chief Secretary, Toshi Aier IAS in his speech said that the NCS was indeed the ‘prime service’ of the State and encouraged the officers to continue working for the

upliftment of the State. He also shared his experience as an administrative officer with the gathering. President NCSA, Rovilatuo Mor while delivering the Presidential address appreciated the government for according due recognition of the State Civil Service in thrusting with the head of district administration as DC’s in 9 out of 11 districts and also for enhancing senior cadre posts including two post of super time scale during the last cadre review, facilitating better promotional avenues. The programme was chaired by Akunu S. Meyase while Wepretso Mero read from the scripture and invoked the programme. Vote of thanks was proposed by Joint Secretary NCSA Hiazu Meru and a special song was presented by NCS Probationers of 2014 batch.

NEPS news service celebrates 12 years Our Correspondent

Kohima | December 12

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The North East Press Service (NEPS) commemorated its 12 Anniversary on December 12 at Japfü Hotel, Kohima with Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs, as the Chief Guest. “Today in this fast changing global scenario and advance information technologies, we simply cannot live without information. In Nagaland, we have seen the flow of information coming in and this shows that our media persons are discharging their duties remarkably. We have seen there is progression in media activities in our own state over the years,” said Kiyaneilie Peseyie who advocated on the need for a free press. The Minister envisioned the press to be ‘fair, impartial, unprejudiced and honest’ in providing coverage of news and events connected with

Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs speaking at the 12 Anniversary of North East Press Service on December 12. (Morung Photo)

different socio-political quarters and the government at large. He said, “One of the highest criteria to judge the free press; however is that it is not subservient to the vested interest and other versions are not tempered, distorted, sponsored or otherwise politically initiated.” Peseyie further appreciated the media has which has been playing a major

role in conflict resolution and urged the media fraternity in Nagaland and Northeast to work towards resolving various conflicts that have gripped the region for decades. Alice Yhoshü, General Secretary, Kohima Press Club and Journalist, Eastern Mirror chaired the event, while Kopelo, Consulting Editor, NEPS, News Service and Advisor, KPC

WoKha, December 12 (DiPr): The monthly District Planning and Development Board meeting cum Pre-Christmas was held on December 10 at DHEP, Doyang Dam site. Vice-Chairman DPDB Wokha and Deputy Commissioner, A. Robin Lotha chaired the meeting. Wokha DPDB Chairman and Home Minister, Y. Patton also attended the meeting. Raising concern on the use of illegal explosives at Doyang Dam site, the Deputy Commissioner said that if such practices continue disastrous effect may happen and to prevent such occurrence, use of illegal explosives at the dam site should be checked. He further added that very soon he would hold meeting with the surrounding villages and project authority and issue order restricting/banning use of illegal explosives. The meeting discussed on raising of reservoir water level from 324 meters to 333 meters where the HOP, DHEP Doyang apprised the board about the need

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CVSU celebrates golden jubilee

to raise the water level in order to generate power up to its optimum capacity. He also said that if the required water level can be raised, the Government of Nagaland and the effected landowners will be benefited in terms of revenue and other developments and further urged everyone to extend their co-operation to achieve the same. In this regard, the Home Minister requested to prepare a thorough survey report and submit it through the Deputy Commissioner after which a meeting will be convened at the government level along with the Project authority as to how the issue can be materialised. LADP 2014-15 Implementation Committee members for 4 (four) Assembly Constituencies was approved by the board. With regard to repair/improvement/maintenance of Wokha-Doyang, Merapani road, the Home Minister informed the board that the proposal is under process and the same may be taken up in the next coming years.

DimaPur, December 12 (mexN): The Golden Crown College, Dimapur today celebrated its advent Christmas today with Rev. Kaifa Ezung as the Chief speaker. Students of the college presented various Christmas chorals as well as instrumental performances. The College Choir mesmerized the audience with their melodic rendition of Christmas chorals. The Speaker, Rev. Kaifa, put forth a strong challenge to the audience particularly the students of the college and reminded the students to be faithful ambassadors of Christ, he opined “on the lack of faithful servants of Christ on the Field at large.” He asserted that since every year the Naga Society being a Christian dominated state, Christmas message has been the dominating theme on every occasion of the advent

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Kohima | December 12

A three-day long golden jubilee celebration of Chedema Village Students’ Union (CVSU) got underway this morning at Chedema Village under the theme “In quest of open skies.” Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Khriehu Liezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, New & Renewable Energy and Music Task Force called upon the students to march forward and face various challenges ahead. Stating that the present society is in race of competition, he called upon the students to try to be better than others in different fields and cope with the competitive world. Stating that the government is not in position to provide job to all the educated youth of the state, he called upon the educated youth to take up self-employment activities. Liezietsu assured that the government will extend capacity building or skill development to the youth. He also wanted to see that within 10 years time, the Chedema village produces at least five officers through NPSC or UPSC. Referring to nationwide campaign on ‘Swacch Bharat,’ he called upon the

Parliamentary secretary Khriehu Liezietsu addressing golden jubilee celebration of Chedema Village Students’ Union (CVSU) on December 12. (Morung Photo)

people to keep the village and its surrounding neat and clean quoting “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” He maintained that proper sanitary system will not only bring pride to the village but it would also ensure a healthy society. The parliamentary secretary also called upon the villagers to take golden jubilee as an opportune platform to ‘forgive and forget’ and march ahead with better understanding, unity and peace. The inaugural programme also witnessed presentation of achievers award. The recipients included Lt. Lhoukuolie Medom, (Ist matriculate 1938), Lt. Dr. Khriesamhalie Pienyii (Gold medalist in MA education 1993) and Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom (HSLC

topper rank 11, 2002 ) The function was led by organizing committee convenor Vikehelie Pienyii while welcome address was delivered by CVSU president Kezhalezo Pienyii. The function was followed by academic session with Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie, chairman and proprietor Northfield Kohima and Dr. Kevizonuo Kuolie, Asst. Professor, Department of English, ICFAI University Nagaland as resource persons. Day two event (December 13) will be marked by marathon race, indigenous games and CVSU talent nite. Devotional service has been scheduled on December 14 from 10:00 AM onwards. Rev. Neivilie-o Zuyie, director ABCCTK will be the speaker.

‘There should be peace in our mind’

Parliamentary secretary for CAWD and economics & statistics R. Tohanba shares Christmas greetings during pre-Christmas celebration on December 12. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Kohima | December 12

The Directorate of Economics & Statistics today celebrated pre-Christmas here at the DES Conference hall through shar-

ing of greetings, Christmas wishes, special number, bonfire and dinner. Parliamentary secretary for CAWD and economics & statistics R. Tohanba in his Christmas greetings said that to him Christmas celebration should be on basis of helping the poor and the needy and giving new hope to the family, friends and the community as a whole. He wishes everyone to celebrate Christmas with much pomp and gaiety by way of helping the poor and establish reconciliation with one another. “There should be peace in our mind,” he said adding that peace is pre-requisite in our life. Stating that Jesus brought peace to the world, Tohanba stressed on the need to have peace in the state. When you go home, tell your family and friends to maintain peace so there will be a meaningful Christmas,” he said. Later, Rev. Keviyiekielie Linyii delivered Christmas message while greetings was also shared by Y. Sacheo Ovung, director, DES. R. Kronu, deputy director DES, chaired the programme.

The Golden Crown College Choir enthralling the audience with their rendition of Christmas melodies at the Advent Christmas Celebration at Golden Crown College on Friday evening. (Morung Photo)

season, he called on the need “to speak about Jesus to non-believers”. He remarked, “this Christmas message should be about the coming of Christ”. Drawing on multiple existential facts prevalent in the society, he said, “these days the so called theologians become the most problematic in the society.” Such deviant acts on

Our Correspondent

Concern over use of illegal explosives Theological students reminded to be faithful servants

Wokha District Planning and Development Board members with Home Minister, Y. Patton and other officials during the monthly meeting held on December 10. (DIPR Photo)

addressed the welcome note. Xavier Rutsa, President KPC, delivered exhortation while the vote of thanks was addressed by N. Dominic Ezung, Member, NEPS, Board Director. While sharing a brief note on the journey of NEPS, Okenjeet Sandham, Editor-in-Chief stated that bringing in balanced news has been a difficult task for a state like Nagaland given

its conflict situation. In the process of bringing in issues that concern the society, we antagonize people in power, further asserted Sandham who also clarified that the media reports issues connected with the functioning of a person in office and not the personal. Sandham concluded with a quote of Bee Bradley, former editor of Washington Post, “As long as a journalist tells the truth, in conscience and fairness, it is not his job to worry about consequences. The truth is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run. I truly believe the truth sets men free." NEPS started in 2002 with a few committed young journalists in Nagaland who initiated the idea of launching an independent news service and provide news to various dailies, periodicals at nominal monthly subscription. And online News portal service was also launched and registered from USA the same year.

The Morung Express

the part of the theologians and the servants of God he termed it as “Shameful.” He further warned that we are now living end of Days, and soon “judgment” will befall upon those who have disobeyed or strayed away with the sinful deeds of the World. He emphasized students to be prepared to serve the world in true spirit and to serve the Lord in all

ways. Dwelling on the occasion of the advent season the speaker encouraged the gathering to share the Good news to the people aroundnon believers, people who have never heard the word of God so as to save people of all mankind, without differentiating on religion, class, caste, race etc. but to save the unsaved. While speaking this eve-

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ning, Rev. Kaifa also drawing inferences on the recent “coercive conversion” by the extremist Hindustan groups, he reminded that whether Christians are ready to work for the Harvest of God. The Speaker drawing multiple biblical references and exhorted the students and put forth the Christmas challenge before them. The Children’s Choir also gave a mesmerizing presentation. While children’s group also gave a quartet Instrumental performance. The chief Conductor for the evening was Avoni Odyuo. Pastor Toshi pronounced the invocation. The Golden Crown College primarily known for its Music and theological studies is one of the leading institutions imparting future theologians with Music to reach to the unreached through the word of God as well as through Music.

NCSU recognizes contribution of traffic police Our Correspondent Kohima | December 12

Through the platform of its advent Christmas held here today, the Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) conferred the best traffic police personnel award 2014 to K. Moa Phom of North PS, Kohima. A jubilant look recipient Moa carried a cash award of Rs. 10,000 along with citation. The NCSU also felicitated senior contractor Vi-u Belho for getting Governor’s Gold Medal this year. NCSU president Pele Khezhie acknowledged the enormous task of traffic police personnel in manning traffic regulation in the state capital Kohima, adding that their contribution deserve appreciation from one and all. He said the award of the “best

Recipient of best traffic police personnel award with NCSU officials and others during advent Christmas cum felicitation programme in Kohima on December 12. (Morung Photo)

traffic police personnel” was instituted in 2013 in order to encourage and acknowledge their good work. He also looks forward more participation of traffic police personnel in the next award function. Khezhie also thanked the state government for conferring Gov-

ernor’s Gold Medal to senior contractor Vi-u Belho in recognition of his invaluable contribution towards development of the state, particularly in construction works. He said such award to the later has brightened the ladder of the contractor’s fraternity in the state.

He also wishes Merry Christmas, blessed and prosperous New Year 2015 to each and every individual. Joseph Hesso, SP Kohima in his speech was appreciative of the NCSU for recognizing the work of the traffic police personnel, adding that the institution of award for them award is the first of its kind in the world. Extending Christmas greetings, Vi-u Belho also advised the fellow contractors to do the work in time with good quality. Earlier, the function was chaired by NCSU general secretary John Kath. NCSU vice president S. Rutsa delivered welcome address while Rev. Dr. Toshi Langou pastor Ao Baptist Church Lerie prayed for the programme. Felicitation was led by NCSU secretary Hoshito Assumi. Lanu Meren and friends presented special melody while vote of thanks was proposed by NCSU advisor T. Yanger Imchen.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Saturday

13 December 2014

Sikkim Milestone: Chamling completes 20 yrs as CM GanGtok, December 12 (aGencieS): Sikkim’s Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today completed two decades in office and has now entered the 21st year of governing the tiny Himalayan state. Chamling holds the distinction of being the second longest serving Chief Minister of an Indian State after Late Jyoti Basu, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal. Chamling, the founder president of the Sikkim Democratic Front, is the fifth and incumbent chief minister of Sikkim and has governed the state for five successive terms since 1994. “The Government in the last twenty years has worked relentlessly to ensure peace, security and secularism for the people of Sikkim through peoplefriendly developmental programmes. If the same developmental model is followed in the coming years, Sikkim will surely emerge as an exemplary

Modi extends congratulations

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling lights a lamp during the 20th anniversary celebration of the formation of the Sikkim Democratic Front government held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok on December 12.

State even at the international stage,” Chamling stated while addressing the 20th anniversary of the formation of the government at the state level programme held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok today. In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted some of the landmark achieve-

ments of the State in different sectors in the past twenty years. “Sikkim, today, has made a mark in the intellectual mainstream of the world by accomplishing unparalleled success in innovative sustainable developmental programmes which have opened floodgates for a foray of oppor-

tunities coming its way and creating a unique identity for the State in the national and international stage,” Chamling stated. Stating that the Government made a policy decision in the year 1998 to devise mechanisms to preserve and conserve National Parks, Chamling

new Delhi, December 12 (ianS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday congratulated Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling for completing 20 years in office, terming it an "admirable accomplishment". "I congratulate Pawan Kumar Chamling on completing 20 years in office as Sikkim CM. It is truly an admirable accomplishment," Modi tweeted. stated that the recent selection of Khangchendzonga National Park as one of the Top 100 Green Destinations of the World is a result of the consistent formulation and implementation of environment friendly programmes and policies by the present Government since the early years of its coming to

After 14 yrs, new hopes for Mizoram Synod rejects proposal release of Irom Sharmila to ‘ordain women theologians’

kolkata, December 12 (pti): With the central government deciding to decriminalise attempt to suicide, there is fresh hope for the release of civil rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on a fast-unto-death for 14 years. “We are very happy to know that the government will have to release Sharmila once the law is changed. Whatever happens she will continue with her fight for the repeal of the ‘draconian’ Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA),” Sharmila’s brother Irom Singhajit told PTI from Imphal. However, the family is also worried if she is not force-fed. “There will definitely be a risk to her life in that case but she will carry on her fast. Her resolve is very strong,” he said. Demanding repeal of the AFSPA, 42-year-old Sharmila has been arrested, released and then re-arrested from time to time on the charge of attempt to commit suicide. The maximum punishment under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code is a one-year jail term. Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary recently told the Rajya Sabha that with the backing of 22 states and Union territories, the government decided to delete Section 309 of the IPC.

aizawl, December 12 (pti): The 91st Conference of the Mizoram Synod, Presbyterian Church's highest decision making body, today rejected the proposal to ordain women theologians. The Synod conference, held at the local Presbyterian church of Mission Vengthlang locality since Tuesday deliberated on different agenda including the issue of ordination of women theologians. The decision came even as the 'Kohhran Hmechhia' or the Women Ministry of the Presbyterian Church made long-standing de-

mand to ordain women theologians. After a long deliberation, majority of the delegates of the Synod conference opined that even if the delegates agree to the ordination of women, the whole Mizo society might not be ready to accept women theologians and priests. More than 40 years ago, the Mizoram Synod had rejected the ordination of Saptawni, the first woman ever to be elected by the church members as church elder and no woman have ever been elected as church elder

since then. The Baptist Church of Mizoram, the second largest church in the state next only to the Presbyterian Church has already agreed to ordain women theologians and Dr R. L. Hnuni, then Principal of the Academy of Integrated Christian Studies in Aizawl, was ordained in 2012. Hnuni, however, did not have her own pastoral till her pension. The Baptist Church ordained and has a number of women as church elders while the Presbyterian Church never even came near to ordain women till date.

the helm of power. Chamling mentioned that the recognition of Sikkim as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot (among the existing 18) epitomizes the natural richness of the State, especially considering the relatively small geographical area. Speaking on Organic Mission, the Chief Minister stated that it is a Mission to rid the environment of harmful chemicals and solicited support from all sections. He explained that it is a process of purification and getting back to nature, and expressed optimism that the nation and the world would adopt organic farming in future. In his concluding remarks, the Chamling announced “Clean, Green, Skilled and Disciplined Sikkim” as his vision for the present and future Sikkim. Earlier the Chamling released two books and seven documentaries published by Informawtion and Public Relations Department of Sikkim.

NO. DTE/ TECH-A/17/2014/

(A. KATHIPRI) Director

DATED : 03-12-2014

This is to inform all the students pursuing technical courses both Degree & Diploma that the deadline for the State Technical scholarship has been extended from 30th Nov, 2014 to 31st Jan, 2015. Therefore all the students who have not registered for the said scholarship are requested to apply online through the state portal www.nagaland.gov.in Note:- The last date for submission of hardcopy is 31st January, 2015

lee walk and reflections, among others. Oinam Hill Village was victim to Operation Bluebird, a brutal counter-insurgency operation, launched by paramilitary soldiers in July 1987. Following the attack and ransacking of an Assam Rifles camp at Oinam by suspected NSCN cadres on July 9, 1987, the Indian government launched the operation and the Assam Rifles wreaked havoc in the entire area of Oinam. Many village leaders were killed, tortured, raped, and subjected to third degree torture. A case against these atrocities was filed in the then Guwahati

High Court spearheaded by Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights with the support of many organisations such as CLAHRO, NSF and PUDR among others but to this day, justice remains elusive. The village had on July 9, 2012 solemnly observed the 25th Anniversary of Onae Reh Dah. The village is located in the heart of Leopaona Poumai Naga territory, roughly 20-25 kms away from NH-2 at Maram Point. There are two routes to reach the village, one is via Koide-Purul Road and the other is via Thingba Khullen diverted from the Biisho, Barak Val-

ley. One interesting feature of the village is the art of traditional pottery making. The earthen wares produced by the village were popularly used in the past for cooking purposes and also for rites and rituals by many Naga tribes. The organisers have invited students and youth leaders of Senapati District, neighbouring villages, tribe students’ bodies and well wishers for the event. The organisers requested all the villagers residing outside to witness the historic event. It also requested students and youth members to positively participate in the event.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILy WELFARE The Department of Health and Family Welfare proposes to implement (i) the Central Sector Scheme for strengthening of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and (ii) the scheme for strengthening of the State Food Regulatory System under the National Health Mission (NHM), during the residual period of the 12th Five Year Plan period. With a view to elicit the comments/ views of the stakeholders including the general public, the details of the schemes are placed on the following websites:I) www.mohfw.nic.in (under heading - News and Highlights) II) www.fssai.gov.in (under heading- What's New) Shri. Rakesh S. Nayal, Under Secretary (Food Quality Control), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Room No. 752-A, Nirman Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi, on or before 22nd December 2014. Comments may also be sent through, e-mail at rakesh.nayal@nic.in (Rakesh S. Nayal) Under Secretary to the Government of India

Dt. Kohima, the th Dec. 2014.

Pursuant to letter NO.HTE/TE/1-25/05, dt: 26-11-2014, the Govt. of Nagaland has decided to conduct its own Entrance Examination during 2015-16 for selection under State Reserved Quota for filling up of seats in Medical, Agri. and Allied courses. The examination will be called Nagaland State Entrance Examination (NSEE) and will be conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) - tentatively around May, 2015. All candidates desirous of availing MBBS/BDS seats under 15% Central Quota are advised to take the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) to be conducted by CBSE on 3rd May, 2015 (Sunday). All applications for AIPMT-2015 are online and will be accepted till 31st Dec. 2014 without late fine and till 31st Jan., 2015 with late fine at www.aipmt.nic.in. There will be no State JEE for Engineering courses during 2015. All State Reserved Quota for Under Graduate Engineering courses will be filled through counselling by Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB). As such all candidates wanting to avail Engineering seats under State Quota are informed to apply online for JEE (MAIN) Exam to be conducted by CBSE through website – www.jee(main).nic.in. - the last date for online application has been fixed on 18th December, 2014. Students may also avail the assistance of the Directorate of Technical Education for filling the applications online by contacting either Placement Officer or Computer Programmer during office hours.

(A. ATHIPRI) DIRECTOR

Senapati, December 12 (mexn): The Oinam Hills Youth and Students’ Organisation (OHYSO) is set to celebrate 50 years of its existence as an organisation working for the welfare and upliftment of students and youth. Under the theme “Reflect, Rejoice and Revive,” the celebration – a two-day long affair – is slated for December 27 and 28 and will be held at Choh Ground in Oinam Hill Village. Justice W.A. Shishak, Retired Chief Justice will grace the inaugural on December 27, while Theophilus Rangmathat, President, Poumai Naga Tsii Doumai Me (PNTM) will be the guest of honour. Sopha Longne, Founding President, OHYSO will be the presiding officer of the occasion. An interactive sessions is also planned for the second day with Lawrence S. Khah, Project Officer, DRDA, Senapati, Dr. K.S. Ngulane Leo (MD), Sr. Resident Officer, JNIMS and Nehemiah Rong, Project Economist, DRDA, Senapati as the resource persons. The topics to be discussed are “Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Development”, “Youth Empowerment and Socio-Economic Development” and “Health and Education.” The highlights of the programme are speeches, folk songs, folk dance, Oinam’s earthen pottery making demonstration, interactive sessions, jubi-

kohima, December 12 (Dipr): Members of the Border Peace Coordination Committee (Assam-Nagaland), BPCC (A-N) have recently visited BorhollaMadhapur area bordering with Changpang in Wokha district of Nagaland in order to sensitize the message of “Neighbourhood to Brotherhood” amongst the border living people. On December 10, the BPCC (A-N) team had also interacted with the organizers and team members of the ongoing Friendly Volley Ball Tournament (FVBT) which is being played between the players from Titabor and Changpang revenue circle (Assam-Nagaland) held from December 8 to 11 at Madhapur. A total of 5 (Five) male teams and 1 (one) female team representing Nagaland while it is 7 (seven) male and 2 (two) female teams representing Assam, all from bordering villages from either sides. During this visitation, the BPCC (A-N) have nominated a five member panel of convenors from the area representing FVBT. They are Hekovi Aye (Amboto village) and Chenrio Lotha (Tssori New) from Nagaland, while Paban Gogoi (Medeluajan), Prakash Saikia (Madhapur) and Dipankar Sangmai (Phulbari) from Assam. They have been entrusted to further liaison amongst their respective areas people for setting up of a BPCC sub-committee for effective peace coordination. B.P. Bora, President and Shri Imsu Jamir V/President of BPCC (A-N) have led the team while executive members Amal Mili, Hiren Gogoi, Jayanta Barua, Thanu Gogoi, Subong Ao, N. Likok Pongen, Sonaram Sonowal and Manoj Choudhury have joined in the peace mission.

NAGALAND : KOHIMA

OHYSO to celebrate Golden Jubilee

BPCC tour AssamNagaland border

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION NO. DTE/TECH-3/2005

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

Passengers wave from inside a bus on a trial run from Gauhati to Dhaka in Bangladesh, in Gauhati on Wednesday December 10. The trial run of Gauhati-Dhaka bus service was flagged off Wednesday morning carrying a joint delegation of officials from India and Bangladesh. (AP Photo)

Dimapur

WINTER FOOD CARNIVAL (26TH DEC TO 31ST DEC) 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT Registration for stalls starts today (13th of Dec) at SOOTHE LODGE, Super Market. Next to HOTEL SARAMATI.

For further details please contact:+91-9856627591/+91-8974064295

Dimapur

public discoursE

Saturday 13 December 2014

The Morung Express

NSCN (M) rejoinder to the 18th Assam Rifles Nagas and Insecurity

n the early morning at 3.30 am on 7th December, the 18th Assam Rifle raided the Mess of Asalu Zeliangrong Region in Jalukie town. Feeling the disturbances made by the Assam Rifle, civil societies like Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Women society, Zeliangrong student’s union(N), Jalukie town youth, GB Union, Chairman and GB ‘s of Ward 9, intellectuals leaders and people of Jalukie town gathered and intercede the raid. It is clarified that Mr. Siraj apprehended by the youths of stadium colony for continuously snooping around the ladies residents with the obvious intention to harm womenfolk despite umpteen warnings by the stadium colony youth. Therefore, on the fateful night of December 6, he was caught and beaten up by the youths for moving around the vicinity where he was warned not to visit at 11.30 pm. Secondly, Mr. Ranghinglakpe of Ndunglwa Village is a weed addict and mentally affected because of it. Thirdly Mr. Agumbe is a habitual drunkard who creates problem at home every day. Fourthly both Mr. James

from Tamenglong and Izipeu from the stadium colony are drug addicts and are confined in our custody for rehabilitation. Finally the under age child as mentioned by wolves in sheep clothing (Assam Riffles) is a student relatives of Heiding Hoi, Steering Committee member. It must be known to all that, NSCN in order to clean the health and morality of the Naga people does run such a detention and rehabilitation centre and it is the parents who send their children to the centre for correction and reformation. The irony of the press release made by the Assam Rifle is their sudden concern for human rights violation basing on United Nations Charters and Convention which their government is of course a namesake signatory to keep the developed countries in good humour. We want to question the Assam Rifle if they have the guts to mention the United Nations Charters on human Rights, why are they here uninvited in Naga country armed with the draconian law like AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act? Does this laws and Act authorized by the United Nations on Human Rights?

Are you not synonymous in any of the international forum for human rights as a ‘mother of terrorist on human rights”, rapist and so forth? Is not 60 years of raping the rights of Naga human rights and value not enough for you to learn a simple understanding of the word “SELF INSTROSPECTION”? Teaching about human rights to the Nagas is but not only the end limit of shamelessness but a direct insult to the sentiments of the Naga people whose history with India is but only blood and tears.

It is also equally disturbing to know that one Maj. Vivek of the Assam Rifle posted in Pfutsero has been randomly frisking around the town without any respect to the people of Pfutsero and thereby undermining the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFMG). Such act of arrogance is best avoided during the time when the Nagas are all set to welcome the birth of “Prince of Peace”. Kuknalim. MIP-NSCN/GPRN

Parents clarification

n pursuance with the press statement of the 18th AR dated 9th Dec. 2014, the concern and parents of those persons whose presence with the Regional Authorities were levelled as detained unlawfully by the NSCN hereby give clarification for better understanding and transparency to the misconception and allegation that were made against the Asalu Zeliangrong Region we have willingly handed our sons under their guidance as we were having problems in dealing and nourishing at home as they were difficult to be dealt with, and with a prayer to see them lead a good and normal life, we lay complete responsibility to the Asalu Region to mould them harvest a better life. K. Chuilo On behalf of the parents of Jalukie town

Public observations/opinions on Hornbill 2014

businEss

India to implement mandatory certification for agro exports to Bhutan KolKata, December 12 (IaNS): Aiming to bring in standardisation in India’s agro exports to Bhutan, the Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) is making it mandatory for traders and suppliers of all agro products to obtain EIC certification for the exports to the Himalayan country, an official said Friday. “We have signed an agreement with Bhutan last year and all (agro) products going to Bhutan will be certified by EIC and they will accept it,” EIC director S.K. Saxena told reporters on the sidelines of a national seminar organised by All India Food Processors Association. The obligatory certification will be in place within the next three months. According to Saxena, Bhutan had asked India to monitor the agro exporters and hence, the EIC has come up with the mandatory certification process. “Earlier what used to happen was that after the product went to Bhutan, they used to take a sample (of the product) and send to international market for testing. Now we have an agreement- we will certify it and they (Bhutan) will accept it,” Saxena added. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan in June, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh has said Bhutan would be one of the most important strategic partners, signalling an increased set of trade activities with the Himalayan country. In 1949, India signed the Treaty of Friendship with Bhutan and called for peace between the two nations and also established free trade and extradition protocols.

our neighbors around, the organizers ith the end of Hornbill 2014, I feel might have invited them to join. Yet, we it is the right time to share some displeased other beloved neighbors of general public observations like the Assamese, the Bengalese, the made and opinions given during the 10 Nepalese, etc. Since we cannot please days event. To begin with: and truthful to all our neighbors let us 1. As long as Nagas remain under the Inhonestly stick to our own Naga indigdian dominion, the Nagas should have enous recognized tribes only in future. true allegiance to the constitution of India and by doing so we should sincerely 4. To organize the Hornbill Festival more effectively and orderly let the Art and join with the rest of the Indians in singing Culture Department be made Nodal ‘The Indian National Anthem’ during ofDepartment and the Allied Departficial occasions. ments be entrusted to assist it and also 2. The Hornbill Festival being ‘The Megathe CMO take the supervisorship charge Naga Festival of Festivals’, we are supto make it more effectively in future. posed to exhibit our real indigenous and traditional culture to ourselves and 5. It is embarrassing to observe that in some Morungs non-indigenous food also to outsiders but it is surprising to all and drinks were sold. To keep our real Naga public that in the first two days the identity and originality intact only our caricature or alien culture precedes ‘The Naga indigenous food should be served real Naga Indigenous Culture’ where in the Morungs and the non-indigethe alien dances and songs like ‘Jai Ho’ nous food like continental food and were performed and sung to entertain others be made to serve at Food Park our honored Guests including the Chief for the convenience of our guests. This Guest, the Prime Minister of India. It is should be made strictly maintained. an act of dishonesty to ourselves and an insult to our guests who come from 6. (a)It is too disturbing to see that the volunteers in civil dresses had harassed around the world. Every Naga public the public in collection of vehicle parkquestions- Is this the idea of a politician ing tax, while also harassing the particior bureaucrats? Let us be truthful to ourpants’ vehicles having car passes pastselves to show the real indigenous culed on them. Such arrogant behavior ture. Let this not happen again. should be stopped in future. 3. The Nagaland State comprises 14 (b)Vehicle parking ground be made recognized indigenous Naga tribes. more spacious at Kisama. Whereas in the just concluded Hornbill (c)Vehicle parking tax and people entry Festival the Kachari, the Kuki and the tax be reduced to make it public- friendly. Garo cultural troupes had participated. Zachilhü R. Vadeo Yes, we all know that culture has no limEx-Minister, Nagaland ited boundaries and therefore to please

ost of us would agree if I say Nagas are fearless people. Apparently yes, then and there when we raided the giant British colonial army and their subjects. Our history tells us that, we were a fearless group of people who fought to resist foreign dominance and interference such as from the Ahoms and neighboring kingdoms, even with the modern India in the 70s. In one of the battle of the many battles, Captain Jenkins made a treaty with Velothie a Naga warrior at Khonoma, Jenkins took an oath saying that the Naga cultural traditions customs and socio-cultural practices would not be disturbed by the British government. Back then we did not have better weapons than the Britishers or the Ahoms, yet today with the arrival of modern weapons and war equipments at our disposal we seems to be more fearful than any other time. We have rocket launchers and AK 47 rifles, assorted with grenades and missiles but we are covered with camouflaged uniforms, staying indoors for fear of frisking by our own Naga brothers and security personals. For sure, Nagas are a small nation growing up among nascent nations like China, Myanmar and India. And it is obvious that feelings of insecurity as a nation is anticipated, when the whole of the Nagas are not even a district of UP in India. But that does not keep us away from becoming a nation. It is observed that the feelings of our insecurity is not only limited to our weapons and being small in size, but has extended to daily lifestyle. The recent threat of the 1000 hour bandh imposed by the Karbis (JACAS) gave a mad rush for the denizens of Kohima to fill their fuel tanks and all possible jars with fuel. The traffic was formed in a serpentine shape not even allowing other vehicles to ply on the main road. One thing I could see was; fear, anger, anxiety and impatience on the faces of the drivers who

were on the queue for their take. Another incident was the rumor of salt scarcity last November 2013, where many shopkeepers closed their shops in fear of customers. It seems like bombing at our premises, corruption and backdoor appointments in our offices, gun shots in the market, flow of IMFL at every nook and corners of Kohima and Dimapur, the rise of IBI immigrants in our villages and towns, vandalism and indiscriminate violent attitudes meted at our brothers and sisters in Ralan area does not give any sign of fear and insecurity for the Nagas anymore. But the hoax of petrol and salt scarcity seems to be more alarming than any of these evils that are playing hide and seek in our land. Another clear indicator of who Nagas are today is the General elections that come to every house and individuals after every five years. We all make headlines in the daily papers when it comes to any kind of election. Tuophema and Chiechama are comparatively two peaceful model villages, but the by-poll elections this year brought these two villages into the limelight story line of what Nagas are today. Concomitantly many of us are afraid of what the next general elections would bring about. As I recollect my younger days, the image of guarding my mom comes to memory. She is a cultivator and I would guard her with my bore gun just to make her feel secure from fear of the Indian armies who loiter around our paddy field. Today, she is more scared of our own NPG’s for many reasons or no reasons at all. I would strongly assume that our love for materialism and the extravagant lifestyles have frozen the culture of simplicity and honesty. It appears that our social values and ethical principles are at stake. With the presence of the technological age looming in our society; entertainment, hedonism, fantasy, popularity, individualism

and egocentric attitudes have established its root in our culture. The challenges of modern ideologies are complex and therefore it poses a direct threat to traditional idea of doing things. The transition from Pre-modernity to modernity and post-modernity has redefined values in our lives. Thus what is considered virtuous, noble and honorable yesterday have become less appealing and more appalling. G.K. Chesterton rightly states, “The modern materialists are not permitted to doubt; they are forbidden to believe.” It is obvious that our reliance on technologies and machines have disoriented our faith in our social ethical fabrics that guards our morality. Thus, the fear of losing our assets is greater than losing the social fabrics such as; simplicity, kindness, dignity of labor and respect. Bertrand Russell concurs, “It is the preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else that prevents us from living freely and nobly.” As we sit back and ponder what has gone wrong with us today? The question of what is our heritage comes to the forefront? But we have sadly redefined our heritage into events of inviting a chief guest and coming together for a piece of meal. Our heritage is not only: Road shows and Hornbill, our heritage is not World War II or fratricidal war, our heritage is not deficit budget and bogus appointments, our heritage is not power theft and voting thefts, our heritage is not NSCN or NNC today, our heritage is not only festivals and carnivals, our heritage is not only Angami wrestling, jostling NPSC and Bogus School Education. Our Naga heritage is; Pride in honesty, Power in dignity, Contentment in Simplicity, Fulfillment in Generosity, Commitment in Hospitality and Adoration in Respect. “My father let my country awake”. Villo Naleo SBS, Sechü-Zubza

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.

LEISURE SUDOKU Game Number # 3082

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.”

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3090

Answer Number # 3081

DIMAPuR civil hospital:

STD CoDE: 03862 232224; emergency229529, 229474

metro hospital:

227930, 231081

faith hospital:

228846

shamrock hospital

228254

Zion hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

police control room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

east police station West police station

227607 232181

cihsr (referral hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

apollo hospital info centre:

230695/ 9402435652

railway:

131/228404

indian airlines

229366

nagaland multispe- 248302, cialty health & 09856006026 research centre

Ballet

laBor

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necessary

Birch

neighBor

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noise

Brick

panel

carve

pent

crook

pounD

DaBBle

ripe

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shore

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staBle

Dunce

strange

elDer

strength

fringe

surge

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tiraDe

happy

usual

issue

H ACROSS 1. Backside 5. A dish of tomatoes and greens 10. Cat sound 14. Piece of glass 15. Apprehensive 16. Aquatic plant 17. Mixed with impurities 19. Lascivious look 20. Ear of corn 21. French for “Queen” 22. Intended 23. Subjugate 25. A satirical comedy 27. An uncle 28. Clothes 31. Couches 34. Pawns 35. Letter after sigma 36. Territory 37. Fellows 38. “Phooey!” 39. Euro forerunner 40. Tapestry 41. Yaps 42. Neighed 44. G 45. Razz 46. Shackle 50. Anklebone

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DOWN 1. Quickly 2. A radioactive gaseous element 3. Spurns 4. Snake-like fish 5. Record protector 6. Eagle’s nest 7. Low-fat 8. Man-made objects 9. Coloring agent 10. Spite 11. Being the basic part 12. Curved molding 13. A division of a hospital 18. Trolleys 22. Not legs 24. Foliage 26. Boats 28. Testicle 29. Canvas

30. Stars 31. Goulash 32. ow! 33. Futile 34. unorthodox 37. Smile 38. Consider 40. Rectum 41. Long for 43. Queasiness 44. Putting surfaces 46. Shy 47. Long-tailed parrot 48. Gladden 49. Jaunty rhythms 50. Abound 51. Spindle 53. Adorable 56. S 57. Nigerian tribesman Ans to CrossWord 3089

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

STD CoDE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

DIMAPUR: 03862 232201/ 101 (O) 9436017479 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862 282777/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369 2226225/ 101 (O) 9436012949 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867 280304/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519 MON: 03869 251222/ 101 (O) 9436208480 (OC) KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)

ChILD wELFARE CoMMITTEE Toll free No. 1098 childline

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chumukedima fire 282777 Brigade nikos hospital and 232032, 231031 research centre

KohIMA

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Police Station 1:

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Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMZAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

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

222246 222491

BuY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

62.00 97.15 7.98 51.16 47.21 53.54 52.22

62.43 98.25 8.07 51.90 47.77 54.19 52.86

Euro

76.88

77.73

Danish Krone

10.33

10.47

Norwegian Krone New Zealand Dollar Swedish Krona

8.43

8.52

48.21

48.95

8.17

8.26

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Sazo dismisses Gov’s allegations of State politicians indulging in corruption KOHima, December 12 (NepS): Speaker for Nagaland Legislative Assembly Chotisuh Sazo has dismissed the allegation of the State Governor PB Acharya that the State politicians had indulged in “rampant corruption.” Talking to NEPS here Friday, the Speaker said he could not buy the Governor’s idea of branding all the State politicians as “indulging in rampant corruption.” “Such wild allegation by head of the state is unacceptable and uncalled for,” he said, adding that “no sensible person will believe in such rampant and wild allegation.” Governor Acharya while attending 24th anniversary celebration of Nagaland Post on December 3 in Di-

mapur, had made an unusual attack on the State politicians, particularly elected leaders, for rampant corruption in the State, stating that had derailed the State’s economic plan. It was more unbecoming on the part of the Governor making such sweeping branding of “Naga people” as greedy for “easy money” emboldening “rulers” to indulge in corrupt activities, Sazo asserted. The Speaker expressed surprise at the repeated reaction on the State’s deficit of Rs 1234 crore, stating the whole State’s budget did not even match the 2G Scam of Rs 1.76 lakh crore. “What about the Rs 70000 crore scam of 2010 Commonwealth Games

or Adarsh Housing Society Scams or Coal Mining Scams and numerous scandals and scams in the country,” he asked, and justified that Nagaland did not even figure amongst the most corrupt states in the country. Stating that “Governor should not brand all Nagas as greedy for money or all politicians are corrupt,” Sazo revealed that the most corrupt states in India were Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc. as per the survey conducted in 2012. He questioned how “Nagaland people and politicians have been branded as greedy for money and cor-

rupt ones respectively by our own Governor.” “Such wild allegation will be doing more harm than good, besides sending negative message to the rest of the country.” Even if the politicians wanted to indulge in corrupt activities, Sazo queried, “Where was the scope when they were running the state affairs from hand to mouth without any internal resources for generation?” Disclosing that over 60 per cent of the State’s budget goes to salaries of the employees, Sazo added they hardly had anything for development and the “question of indulging in rampant corruption is something (that) cannot be imagined as alleged by our Governor.”

Saturday 13 December 2014

Dimapur

Dimapur police arrest three

Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): Acting on a complaint received from one businessman that he has been receiving a call from an “unknown miscreant” demanding Rs 50000/-, the Dimapur Police on December 12 apprehended one person identified as Basachu Kar (44), permanent resident of Diphu, Karbi Anglong (Assam). A press release from Addl. Superintendent of Police/ PRO, Dimapur informed that the police seized from the possession of the accused one mobile handset (LESUN-Duel Sim) along with the Sim card used for making the demand. In this connection, the Officer-in-Charge, East Police Station registered a regular case and booked the

miscreant under the appropriate section of law, the release said. Meanwhile, on December 11 at around 4:00 pm, troops of 29th Assam Rifles launched an operation in general area of Purana Bazaar, Dimapur. In the process, one individual identified as Montsothung Yanthan (24) was intercepted, and on frisking, one .22 pistol with magazine was recovered and seized from his possession. Accordingly, the arrested person was produced at Dimapur East PS along with the detained motorcycle (Bajaj Pulsar), B/Regd No.NL07M-1909. The Officer-in-Charge, East PS registered a regular case against the arrested accused, according to the release. In a separate press release, the Addl. Superin-

tendent of Police/ PRO, Dimapur informed that on December 12, Dimapur Police arrested a conman identified as Javed Ojai (25), permanent resident of Lahorijan (Assam), who has been acting as Ayurvedic doctor equipped with stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, medicine containers, certificate, visiting cards etc. and duping people of valuables such as gold ornaments, cash from all over Nagaland. According to the release, the accused admitted that he had also cheated several gullible people telling them that his/her house is dominated by evil spirit and it has to be washed with gold ornaments which will take 2–3 days. “But after collecting either cash or

gold ornaments, he never returns and vanishes,” the release said, adding the accused was also duping people by supplying bogus Ayurvedic medicines for gastric, piles etc for huge amount of money. A case has been registered and investigation taken up while the accused has been remanded to police custody. Motorcycle recovered A motorcycle (Yamaha R15) - black with green stripe, Engine No. ICK5003650 and Chassis No. MEIICK054D2003706, suspected to be stolen, has been recovered from Niuland area. If reported stolen / missing at any police station, one may contact the Officer-in-Charge, West PS Dimapur.

Developmental projects at Niroyo village inaugurated Naga Hoho forms Committee on Naga Political Affairs

WOKHa, December 12 (Dipr): Nagaland Home Minister Y. Patton on December 11 inaugurated Water Dam Project, Water Supply (Pumping system) and Government Middle School Building at Niroyo Village under Wokha district. The water dam project and water supply was completed under the joint initiatives of RD and PHED department. Water reservoir, electricity and Pump House were constructed under funds from MNREGA, while the PHED department under National Rural Drinking Water project constructed five Subreservoir, provided fund

Home Minister Y Patton with other officials at Niroyo village on December 11.

for procurements of pumping system and GI pipes. The Government Middle School was constructed under SSA. Speaking during the inaugural function, the Home Minister said it was

a great day for the people of Niroyo to witness such kind of development and expressed hoped that it will surely benefit the villagers to a great extent. He also informed that black topping of road from Wokha

to Longidang is included in the programme, and is likely to be taken up shortly and urged the area people to extend cooperation for the successful implementation of the work. Deputy Commission-

er, Wokha A. Robin Lotha, who also spoke during the function, lauded the effort of the departments involved and all concerned who had contributed for the successful completion of work. He also appealed to have a sense of responsibility and ownership in protecting the government property. District Education Officer, Wokha Marius Lotha and E.E. (PHED) Wokha, Vihoto Achumi also delivered short speeches. The function was chaired by ADC, SSA (DMA) Wokha, P. Zubenthung Humtsoe, while vote of thanks was proposed by Chonbenthung Ngullie.

Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): The Naga Hoho has set up a Committee on Naga Political Affairs (CONPA) with 13 members as per the resolution of its Federal Assembly. The committee was set up by the executives of the Naga Hoho during the Executive Council Meeting. In its first Federal Assembly, the Naga Hoho had reiterated its position on Resolution No. 7 & 8 of the 10th General Session 2013 which was appended as an annexure, informed a press release from Naga Hoho general secretary, Mutsikhoyo Yhobu. To further the objectives, the house endorsed the Executive Council to set up a committee to “initiate particularly on

Phek DPDB meet focuses on district hospital pHeK, December 12 (Dipr): The District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) of Phek held its monthly meeting on December 11. Newly posted officer, Rukuwelo T. Mero, Superintendent of Police was introduced to the house. The District Planning Officer, Kezungupe Tsuhah, presented PowerPoint presentation on its department. While reviewing the performance, he highlighted that DPDB had made 51 recommendations to the Government, out of which, only 6 cases have materialized and 43 recommendations pending. In this, he suggested the legislators to take certain initiation from their ends. Reviewing the last meeting agenda, the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments were requested to identify the probable village and submit their sug-

gestion in the next meeting, which was not done during the December 11 meeting. The house also discussed the following agendas presented by Deputy Commissioner, Phek: Immediate requirement of ambulance at Phek District Hospital, lack of post-mortem facilities under Phek District, and up-gradation of GPS Suthazu Nasa village to GMS by SDEO Chozuba. The house discussed and recommended it to the higher authorities. Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education & SCERT, Deo Nukhu, who was also present in the meeting, said that DPDB meeting was very important. He stated that developments in the district as well as road condition of the district headquarters was improving. Meanwhile, DC & Vice Chairman of DPDB Phek,

Murohu Chotso, highlighted that issuing land patta to non-local and releasing LPC have demerits and merits, which would affect the Naga future in many reasons. He also pointed out that the District Phek Hospital is badly in need of good ambulance and facilities of post-mortem and authorized doctors due to increase of cases of serious patients. He also advised that for recognition and upgradation of schools, proper channel should be followed through district administration or respective sub-division headquarters. He also requested every officer to be more attentive and regular in the station. Land Records & Survey and Sericulture Departments were entrusted to present their departmental activities in the next DPDB meeting.

Western Rengmas to celebrate hundred years of Christianity

Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): The Western Rengma will celebrate one hundred years of Christianity with the theme “From darkness to light” at A-Jongpha, Chokihola, Karbi Anglong, Assam from December 19-21. A press note from Secretary of Centenary Celebration Committee, Eshachor Rengma informed that the resource person at the celebration will be Rev. Taku

Longkumer, International Ministries, USA; Rev. Tenga Seb, former Executive Secretary, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches; and Rev. Athang Seb, former General Secretary, Karbi Anglong Baptist Church. The speakers will cover topics such as ‘From Darkness to Light,’ ‘Enmity of Love,’ and ‘Slavery of Freedom.’ Further, the centenary celebration will also feature greetings from

Rev. Katie Longkumer, International Ministries, USA; Rev. Davidson Engti, General Secretary, Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention; Rev. Andrew Semp, Director NMM; and Benting Teron, Executive Secretary, Nihang Karbi Baptist Association. The Celebration Committee has invited all well wishers and fellow worshipers to the celebration and requested their earnest support in prayers.

MEx FILE YUD urges to trace missing persons

Students and staff of Covenant Institute of Theology & Mission, Dimapur with their finished crafts made during their three-day seminar cum workshop held from December 2 to 4, sponsored by NEZCC.

Regional Writeshop-North East on NRLM KOHima, December 12 (mexN): The Annual Regional WriteshopNortheast on NRLM has begun in Kohima. Hosted by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), the event will be held from December 12-17. The objective of the writeshop is to draft protocols and produce information materials with focus on Northeast Vision 2016. Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India; Officers from the State Rural Livelihoods Missions of the Northeast; Resource persons as independent consultants, representatives from other states and resource organizations are attending the writeshop. During the inaugural session, M. Lotha, Addl. Secretary and Mission Di-

rector, NSRLM expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Rural Development for the constant support and concern shown to the North East states. He urged the participants to take the writeshop seriously as the fight against poverty needs to be expedited. Sequence and highlight of the writeshop was shared by Smita Jacob, State Anchor, NRLM. She explained the need of the writeshop as systems need contextualization in respect to the North East. She reminded the participants that based on previous writeshop experiences; it has become pertinent that a separate writeshop be held for the North East taking into consideration the uniqueness and challenges in the region. She assured that the MoRD is taking special consid-

eration for the region as North East states have shown their performance and proven they can deliver. She expressed hope that by the next financial year, financial constraints would not be a problem and the states can start strategizing on how best to implement the Mission. She emphasized that the writeshop is a platform to reflect and introspect and also improvise. Sessions during the 6-day writeshop include a wide range of topics such as: Processes in people’s institutions (communication, leadership, decision making, problem solving); SHG Concept and Features; Lifecycle of an SHG; Communitisation; Bank Linkage; Developing protocols for fund flow; Financial Management etc.

The contingent from the diocese of Kohima during the Mega Regional Talent Fest held at Bethel, Barapani, Shillong.

The youths from Kohima diocese were placed third in cultural dance, second in Singing, and third in quiz competition. NERYC organises Regional Talent Fest every year with multiple objec-

tives of facilitating interaction among the youth of the region and unify them, empowering them to be leaders both in the society and the Church, promoting diverse culture of the regions through cultural

competition and also other competitions, and facilitating interaction with leaders from both the society and the church. Over 500 young people from 15 dioceses of the North East region participated in the three-day event.

Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): As part of the Student Exchange Programme-2014 initiated by IGAR (North) in collaboration with Aseem Foundation in Pune, students from Nagaland visited Kolkata on December 11. The children visited various places, including the Swami Vivekananda Museum & Science City, which is the largest science centre in the sub-continent. Speaking of the visit, Adaphro Agnes of Little Flower School said, “I am amazed to see the infrastructure and gained knowledge of different incidents of Swami Vivekanan-

TueNSaNg, December 12 (mexN): Yimchunger Union Dimapur (YUD) has expressed concern over the incident that took place on December 9 at Saddle village under Tuensang district, where a 50-year-old woman, Kiuthsangla, and her teenage daughter Chilula went missing. “It was learnt that the mother and daughter (went) off to their field on that ill fated day and were last seen around noon time and they have been not traceable till date,” stated a press release from YUD president, S Keoshu and press & info secretary, Tsukhumong. Condemning the “cowardly act meted to (the) women,” Yimchunger Union Dimapur further urged the authority concerned to investigate the matter and trace the missing persons at the earliest.

Building fund for NPA KOHima, December 12 (mexN): All State Government Pensioners/family pensioners have been informed that as per the decision taken in the last Annual General Meeting held on November 20, the house has decided to collect building fund from all the members for construction of the new office building of NPA Headquarter Kohima. Members who have already paid Rs. 50 earlier are to pay Rs.100 again (for once) and those who have not paid earlier will have to pay Rs.200 (for once), stated a press release issued by S. Daikho, General Secretary, Nagaland Pensioners Association (NPA), Kohima.

Kohima DPDB on Dec 15 KOHima, December 12 (Dipr): The monthly Kohima District Planning Development Board meeting for the month of December 2014 will be held on December 15 at 12:30 in the newly constructed DPDB Hall on the top floor of the BDO and ADC Planning office building. Therefore, all the Kohima DPDB members have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

NPF Mon division meeting mON, December 12 (mexN): All the office bearers and executives of NPF Mon division have been informed that a meeting has been convened on December 17 at NPF Office, Mon. The General Secretary (Admin), K. Chingkai in a press release said that the meeting will begin at 10:00 am for felicitation of new and outgoing office bearers of NPF Mon division - Parent body, Women wing, Farmer Wing and Youth wing.

‘Mega event’ at Lakhuti village

WOKHa, December 12 (mexN): Come December 29, The Anchor will be presenting a “mega event” at Lakhuti village, Wokha, which will feature The Zippy Crew, winner of Dance Explosion Wokha 2013, mega models from across the State, and various local artists. The event da’s life right from his early will be managed by the Pheto Music Association, Dimaboyhood,” quoted a press pur. The Anchor has encouraged the people of Lakhuti village across the State to witness the “mega event”. release received here. Maj Mahesh Jadhav from Assam Rifles, who is Naga Hoho offers Christmas greetings accompanying the tour, Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): The Naga Hoho informed that “the excite- has extended Christmas greetings to all the Nagas, wishment and happiness is vis- ing that the life and teachings of Christ be the greatest ible on the faces of all the example to all the Nagas and the Christmas message of children, who are not only “Peace on earth”, become a reality in all Naga areas. It also getting an opportunity to conveyed warmest greetings to Naga patriots, irrespecexperience the different cul- tive of group affiliation, during these joyous moments. tures and traditions of India The Naga Hoho fervently appealed to every Naga and all but are also experiencing the National workers to keep all the differences aside and the development India is truly celebrate the birth of Christ in peace and tranquility. making in all the fields.” “Let this Christmas be a beginning of a new era of peace The group of students and oneness among the Naga family,” Naga Hoho Presiwould visit Raipur, capital dent P. Chuba Ozukum and General Secretary Mutsikof Chhattisgarh, on the way hoyu Yhobu added in the greeting note, while wishing all to their ultimate destinaa Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. tion, Pune.

Nagaland participates in Mega Regional Talent Fest Nagaland students visit Kolkata Dimapur, December 12 (mexN): The Northeast Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) organised a Mega Regional Talent Fest at Bethel, Barapani, Shillong from December 9 to 12. A contingent from the diocese of Kohima consisting 40 youths led by Noel, NERYC representative to Indian Catholic Youth Movement, participated in the programme. Apart from other spiritual and social related sessions, there were many competitions, such as Bible Quiz, choir, cultural dance competitions etc.

Reconciliation and Unity, Cease-Fire and Political Settlement.” Following are the persons nominated into the CONPA: TN Mannen, IAS retired (Ao), Mhasizokho (Angami), Thepuphi (Chakhesang), S Akho Leyri (Pochury), Vitokhe Assumi (Sumi), N Kath (Rengma), Gilbert (Chandel), Joyson (Poumai), Aram Pamei (Zeliangrong), Raitu Elu (Zeliangrong - Nagaland), YP Jami (Kyong), Somi Mayar Awungshi (Tangkhul), HK Zhimomi (Vice President Naga Hoho – Convenor). Expressing gratitude to all the members, the executives of Naga Hoho have requested them to “initiate the process towards building for the Naga Nation for the larger perspective.”

People, life, etc... Saturday | 13 december, 2014

Hillary’s History as First lady: Powerful, but Not always deft

Peter Baker & Amy Chozick

INyt

s a young lawyer for the Watergate committee in the 1970s, Hillary Rodham caught a ride home one night with her boss, Bernard Nussbaum. Sitting in the car before going inside, she told him she wanted to introduce him to her boyfriend. “Bernie,” she said, “he’s going to be president of the United States.” Mr. Nussbaum, stressed by the pressure of that tumultuous period, blew up at her audacious naïveté. “Hillary, that’s the most idiotic” thing, he screamed. She screamed back. “You don’t know a goddamn thing you’re talking about!” she said, and then called him a curse word. “God, she started bawling me out,” he recalled. “She walks out and slammed the door on me, and she storms into the building.” It turned out she was right and he was wrong. Ms. Rodham, who later married that ambitious boyfriend, Bill Clinton, believed even then that life would take her to the White House and now may seek to return not as a spouse and partner, but on her own terms. In recent months, as Mrs. Clinton has prepared for a likely 2016 presidential campaign, she has often framed those White House years as a period when, like many working mothers, she juggled the demands of raising a young daughter and having a career. She talks about championing women’s rights globally, supporting her husband during years of robust economic growth, and finding inspiration in Eleanor Roosevelt to stay resolute in the midst of personal attacks. What Mrs. Clinton leaves out about her time as first lady is her messy, sometimes explosive and often politically clumsy dealings with congressional Republicans and White House aides. Now, the release of roughly 6,000 pages of extraordinarily candid interviews with more than 60 veterans of the Clinton administration paints a more nuanced portrait of a first lady who was at once formidable and not always politically deft. Her triumphs and setbacks are laid bare in the oral histories of Mr. Clinton’s presidency, released last month by the Miller Center at the University of Virginia. The center has conducted oral histories of every presidency going back to Jimmy Carter’s,

Jason Straziuso associated Press

he task was never going to be easy: Fly four highly endangered rhinos from a Czech Republic zoo to East Africa, drive them to the savannah grasses of Mount Kenya and hope that the natural environment helps produce a calf, staving off extinction. The experiment has all but failed. The keepers of three northern white rhinos in Kenya — half of the world's remaining rhinos of that species — have begun saying publicly for the first time that their one male and two female rhinos will certainly not reproduce naturally. The silver lining, though, is science. Efforts will now be made to keep the species alive through in vitro fertilization, and possibly by working with the rhinos' genetic material in a budding field

interviewing key players and then sealing them for years to come. But more than any other, this set of interviews bears on the future as much as the past. These were formative years for Mrs. Clinton, a time of daring and hubris, a time when she evolved from that headstrong young lawyer so impressed with the man she would marry into a political figure in her own right. She emerged from battles over health care and Whitewater a more seasoned yet profoundly scarred and cautious politician with a better grasp of how Washington works, but far more wary of ambitious projects that may be unpopular. Now carefully controlled at 67, then she was fiery and unpredictable, lobbing sarcastic jabs in private meetings and congressional hearings. Now criticized as a centrist and challenged from the left, Mrs. Clinton then was considered the liberal whispering in her husband’s ear to resist the North American Free Trade Agreement and a welfare overhaul. “She’s much more politically astute now than she was in early 1993,” said Alan Blinder, who was a White House economist. “I think she learned. She’s really smart. She learns, and she knows she made mistakes.” An Independent Force No president ever had a partner quite like Hillary Rodham Clinton. She attended campaign strategy meetings in Little Rock, Ark., and later became the first (and so far only) first lady with an office in the West Wing. She would bring his meandering meetings to a close. She plotted out his defense against scandal. “The thing he lacks is discipline, both in his personal life and his intellectual or decision-making life, unless he’s rescued by somebody,” observed Alice M. Rivlin, who served as White House budget director. “I think for a good part of his career, he was probably rescued by Hillary by her being a more decisive, more disciplined kind of person who kept things moving.” She was an independent force within the White House, single-handedly pushing health care onto the agenda and intimidating into silence those who thought she might be mishandling it. She was prone to bouts of anger and nursed deep resentment toward Washington. She endured a terribly complicated relationship

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reacts as she is introduced to speak at the Massachusetts Conference for Women in Boston, Thursday, December 4. (AP Photo)

with her philandering husband. And yet she was the one who often channeled his energies, steered him toward success and saved him from himself. “She may have been critical from time to time with temper tantrums and things like that,” said Mr. Nussbaum, who went on to become Mr. Clinton’s first White House counsel. “But she was very strong, and he needed her desperately. He would not have been president, I don’t think, without her.” Mrs. Clinton created her own team in the White House that came to be called Hillaryland, and “they were a little island unto themselves,” as Betty Currie, the president’s secretary, put it. She inspired more loyalty from them than the president did from his own team, said Roger Altman, who was deputy treasury secretary, probably because she was not as purely political. “She wears her heart on her sleeve much more than he does,” he said. But the Clintons were fiercely protective of each other, acting at times as if it were just them against the world. “I remember one time in one of these meetings where she was blowing up about his staff and how we were all incompetent and he was having to be the mechanic and drive the car and do everything — that we weren’t capable of anything, why did he have to do it all himself,” said Joan N. Baggett, an assistant for political affairs. Mr. Clinton had a similar temper when it came to the arrows hurled at her, and aides learned early on never to question her judgment in front of him. “He really reacts violently when people criticize Hillary,” said Mickey Kantor,

the 1992 campaign chairman and later commerce secretary. “I mean he really gets angry — you can just see it. He literally gets red in the face.” He depended on her more than any other figure in his world. It blinded him to trouble, some advisers concluded, most notably about her ill-fated drive to remake the health care system. But he rarely overruled her, at least not in ways that staff members could detect. “I can’t think of any issue of any importance at all where they were in disagreement and she didn’t win out,” recalled Abner Mikva, who served as White House counsel. Finding a Balance Despite her boast to Mr. Nussbaum, Mrs. Clinton was unsentimental in her calculations about whether her husband was ready to run for president. As governor of Arkansas, Mr. Clinton evaluated a candidacy in 1988, when he would turn 42, and thought it might be in his interest even if he lost. Mrs. Clinton disagreed. “You run to win or you don’t at all,” Mr. Kantor remembered her saying a couple of years later. Her assessment was that 1988 was not his year. “I think she felt he wasn’t ready,” said Frank Greer, a media strategist. There may have been other reasons, too. Mr. Clinton complained to his friend Peter Edelman that Senator Al Gore of Tennessee, who was mounting his own campaign for the Democratic nomination in 1988, was “spreading rumors that he was having extramarital affairs.” Others had also heard reports. After meeting Mr. Clinton, Ms. Rivlin gushed about him to their mutual friend, Donna Shalala. Ms.

Shalala agreed that Mr. Clinton was “terrific,” but added that “he’s never going to be president of the United States.” Ms. Rivlin asked why not. “He’s got a woman problem,” Ms. Rivlin remembered her answering. By 1992, Mrs. Clinton was convinced that he was ready, and she confronted the “woman problem” directly in strategy sessions. “We had one meeting that was solely on this subject at which Hillary was present,” said Stanley B. Greenberg, their pollster. “It was an uncomfortable meeting, I can assure you, raising the issue,” he added. “I remember Hillary saying that, ‘Obviously, if I could say no to this question, we would say no, and therefore there is an issue.’ She spoke about this as much as he did.” But if Mr. Clinton’s dalliances were a challenge, some of his aides worried that so was his wife. Some questioned whether he would look emasculated to have such a strong spouse. “They pigeonholed her,” said Susan Thomases, a close friend of Mrs. Clinton’s who worked on the campaign. “She was so strong a personality that there were people who felt that when they were together her strong personality made him seem weaker.” Mrs. Clinton struggled with that, trying to find a balance. But she was integral to nearly every decision — from her husband’s ideological positioning down to his campaign song. “Every time we suggest something, Hillary vetoes it, and we just can’t get a song,” Mr. Clinton’s longtime consigliere, Bruce R. Lindsey, complained at one point, according to Al From, founder of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council. Finally, Mr. From suggested Fleet-

wood Mac’s “Don’t Stop,” and that passed muster. More important, Mr. From pushed for Mr. Clinton to run to the middle, and ultimately she signed off on that too. She approached Mr. From at a party. “I thought about it and you’re right, and we’re going to be a different kind of Democrat by the convention,” he remembered her saying. Once in the White House, Mrs. Clinton was a different kind of first lady. Put in charge of revamping health care, she recruited a bright and supremely confident adviser in Ira C. Magaziner and assembled a bold if elaborate plan. She impressed Capitol Hill. “Hillary never turns her head when she’s talking to someone,” noticed former Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, then the No. 2 Republican. “She is absolutely riveted. She doesn’t look around, like, ‘Oh, hi there, Tilly. How are you?’ or divert her attention from the person she’s talking to. That’s a gift.” Charles Robb, then a Democratic senator from Virginia, was among those who underestimated her. “I have to confess that I didn’t see the special qualities that she had,” he remembered. But “when she came over to give her first brief to a number of senators on health care, it was a tour de force. And I thought to myself, ‘How did you get so attracted to this Bill Clinton guy that you missed Hillary Rodham Clinton?’ ” But the health care effort and its expansion of government involvement in the private sector proved politically toxic and generated deep internal division within the White House. Mr. Magaziner was seen as dismissive and few were willing to confront the president’s wife. “There were a lot of people who were intimidated,” said Leon E. Panetta, the chief of staff. Ms. Shalala, who had been named secretary of health and human services, was one of the few who tried. “I told Hillary that this thing is just headed for disaster, and she told me I was just jealous that I wasn’t in charge and that was why I was complaining,” Mr. Edelman, who served as Ms. Shalala’s assistant secretary, remembered Ms. Shalala telling him. Some of the White House economists were dubious and privately called Mrs. Clinton’s health care team “the Bolsheviks.” In return, according to Ms. Rivlin, the economists were “sometimes treated like the enemy.” Their suggested changes

were ignored. “We could have beaten Ira alone,” said Mr. Blinder. “But we couldn’t beat Hillary.” Indeed, the conflict left the president in a bind. “You can’t fire your wife,” Mr. Kantor observed. In the end, the Clintons were stunned by the collapse of the effort in Congress, a defeat that helped lead to the Republican takeover in 1994. “They may be an irresistible force,” said William A. Galston, a domestic policy adviser, “but they met an immovable object.” Shifting Gears After the health care debacle, Mrs. Clinton “retreated for a while and licked her wounds,” as Mr. Galston put it. She was seen in the West Wing less and less, while traveling abroad more and more. She asserted her influence in less visible ways. She persuaded her husband to make Madeleine Albright the first woman to serve as secretary of state. She put the brutal treatment of women by the Taliban in Afghanistan on the administration’s agenda. She overcame State Department resistance to make a trip to Beijing, where she forcefully argued that women’s rights were human rights. She exulted so much afterward that she telephoned Samuel Berger, the deputy national security adviser, catching him at a Baltimore Orioles game, to thank him for making the trip possible. But scandal was stalking the Clinton White House. She had resisted releasing files on the couple’s investment in a failed Arkansas land deal known as Whitewater and berated aides who pressed her to do so. “She just let everybody have it,” Mr. Panetta recalled. But she and her husband acceded to aides who, over Mr. Nussbaum’s objections, pushed to allow the appointment of an independent counsel. It was a decision she would regret. “When is it going to end, Bernie?” Mr. Nussbaum remembered her asking years later. That was before the independent counsel, Kenneth W. Starr, began investigating whether Mr. Clinton lied under oath about an affair with a former intern named Monica Lewinsky. Mr. Clinton denied the affair for months, and Mrs. Clinton publicly said she believed him. But not all of their confidants were so sure. Ms. Shalala recalled a meeting with Mrs. Clinton with friends from California buzzing around. “Hill-

Rhino species to die unless science can help

known as de-extinction. "We always knew from the very beginning that the chances of this working were small even if they bred," said Richard Vigne, chief executive of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where the rhinos have lived since December 2009. The conservancy said in a statement Wednesday that artificial reproductive techniques "could provide the last chance of survival for the world's most endangered mammal." That echoed the phrase written on the wooden crates the rhinos were transported in from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta: "Last Chance to Survive." Some animal experts at the time said the effort was too little, too late, and that the experiment's budget could have been better spent on other conservation projects. But the bulk of the more than $100,000 effort came from a donor — Alastair Lucas, then the vice chairman of Goldman

Sachs in Australia — who wanted to see the project carried out. Vigne said the project was not done in vain. "They've been returned to Africa from a zoo, and

they've thrived in that environment. In that way it's been a success," he said. "The fact they haven't bred is clearly a massive disappointment, but there are new technologies being in-

vented all the time to rescue technically extinct species." One of the two male rhinos transferred to Ol Pejeta died of an unknown cause earlier this year. Veterinarians that examined

the remaining three last month determined that the male's sperm count is very low and that the two females either cannot get pregnant or not carry a pregnancy to term.

The loss of the last six northern white rhinos does not signal the end of the rhino. Southern white and black rhinos still exist in bigger numbers. But southern white rhinos cannot live in central Africa. The in vitro fertilization experiment could take place with a southern white surrogate mother. And Vigne said scientists are working with old genetic material to see if they can resurrect the passenger pigeon or dodo bird. By contrast, he noted that the genetic material from northern whites is still alive. Ol Pejeta sits on a highelevation plain in view of Mount Kenya's slow and ominous rise. The conservancy has 104 black rhinos and 26 whites — mostly of the southern variety. Because of increasing demand for rhino horn in Vietnam — a phenomenon that has resulted in more than 3,000 rhinos killed by poachers in South Africa since 2010 —

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.

ary said, ‘Thanks for supporting the president,’ ” Ms. Shalala said. “I don’t know whether she knew or not, but that was the moment in which I thought, there’s something here.” Ms. Shalala was personally offended. “It was that it was an intern,” she said. “I just couldn’t tolerate that.” After Mr. Clinton later admitted that he had not told the truth, Ms. Shalala chastised him during a private cabinet meeting, a scolding that later made the newspapers. “No one at the White House seemed mad at me,” she said. “Hillary certainly wasn’t.” Ms. Thomases said Mrs. Clinton was furious with her husband but never contemplated a split. “She would have hit him with a frying pan if one had been handed to her, but I don’t think she ever in her mind imagined leaving him or divorcing him,” she said. Instead, Mrs. Clinton went up to Capitol Hill to rally Democrats against impeachment. “She was absolutely great,” recalled Lawrence Stein, the White House lobbyist. “They loved her. She called it a coup.” Without her public support, Democrats might have abandoned the president, leading to pressure to resign or even a conviction in the Senate. Once again, Mrs. Clinton had rescued him. And the Starr crisis transformed Mrs. Clinton’s public standing. With her poll numbers now sky high, she set her eyes on a Senate seat from New York, an idea that seemed so improbable that the White House press secretary, Joe Lockhart, denied it publicly until one day she sidled up to him, noted that he was from New York and started grilling him about voting patterns. For both Clintons, the Senate race in 2000 became a way to purge the toxins of the scandal. Mr. Gore, now the vice president, wanted nothing to do with Mr. Clinton as he mounted his own White House bid. So the departing president focused his energy on his wife’s campaign. “Given the fact that the vice president wasn’t interested in his political counsel, if he had not had Hillary running, it could have been a very difficult time for him,” Mr. Lockhart said. And it began a new Clinton political career that, a decade and a half later, now seems aimed once again at the White House. Imagine what Mr. Nussbaum would have thought of that in the 1970s.

the animals must be closely guarded. Mohamed Doyo is one of the rhinos' main keepers. He rubs their back and hind legs when they are inside their smaller wooden pens. And he helps shoo them outside into the much bigger penned area where they can roam. He points out how Najin, the 25-yearold female rhino, has a pronounced limp, one of the reasons she likely cannot bear a calf. He blames it on her time in her concrete zoo pen. The northern white rhino is a major mammalian species that is "probably or potentially" going to become extinct in the coming years, Vigne said, notwithstanding new reproductive technology. "And to me that's a real indictment of the human race," he said. "We're all responsible for it, and to stand by and watch it happen ... I think would have been horribly wrong."

Morung Youth Express

Saturday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

13 deceMber, 2014

Tax & the City

his city does sleep, unlike its bigger cousins. Dimapur bustles by day and sleeps, yes, by night in harmony with the circadian rhythm. The day need not creep into the night in the absence of industries, which would require night shifts. But the mal from trade and commerce alone, its day job, is enough to attract all manner of taxes: legal, illegal, and para-legal. In addition to the daily grind of a hard day’s job and dealing with, or being dealt with by, the grasping and faceless taxman, it has the resilience to absorb localised economic shocks, such as a sudden surge in tax rates and demands due to oppressive tax systems and processes by government agencies. Despite forces that work against it, Dimapur usually gets a bigger bang for every rupee invested. How does it do it? It can do it because it is a city, and this is what a city is supposed to do – create wealth. Dimapur is a city by accident. Long, long ago, the hills dropped down to Chumukedima and the land flattened out for miles and miles. Life was hard living in the hills and some people left their high lands and descended down here to become flatlanders. The small settlement grew bigger and bigger. Traders came from all over India and lent it a cosmopolitan image and outlook. The Railways pushed back their north eastern frontier till it reached this last patch of flatland. Later, the plane flew in, and Dimapur became a city. And that’ about it. The city has grown in scale, but not in form. It began as a small trading town and now it has grown to a big trading town, well, it has grown to a small trading city. It somehow failed to achieve the status of a modern city in which there are investments and high finances. A modern city had never been birthed by accident. It requires the conscious and knowledgeable intervention of the government to make one. So Dimapur has remained largely a trading city. But trade and commerce, even alone, is no mean business in this city. The total annual turnover from trading, if ever there was a record, would run into tens of thousands of crore rupees. The city channels all goods coming from other states to the whole of Nagaland. Additionally, the city enables the creation of a happy composite of a seller’s and buyer’s markets. Thousands

from the state and neighbouring areas throng the shopping malls and markets every day to buy the best products at relatively cheap prices. In the process, trading not only serves to make the wholesalers and retailers rich but the profits also spill over to the general wellbeing of the city residents. As a result everyone, including the taxman, is happy. There is a general perception that Dimapur city dwellers are respectably rich. The city residents are therefore the biggest tax payers. One persona of the taxman is the government. The state government earned Rs. 593 crore in tax revenue last fiscal, of which about 70 percent was collected from this city. An equal amount may be lost in pilferage and evasions. There is no record of the amount collected in illegal tax from the city. Besides these, DMC and UDD count their tax income in lakhs every month. Trading in Dimapur is not without its malaise courtesy the bad guy. The taxman runs the gauntlet for all the malaise in the city and the subsequent knock-on effects in other parts of the state. Tax, as we know in Nagaland, runs counter to the growth of business and development. Tax also has other collateral damages. For every percentage of tax levied on a good, sale price is marked up such that net profit to the wholesaler (sometimes the retailer) is a tat more than if tax was not levied. The consumer has to bear the burden of the price increase due to tax as well as the incremental profit to the seller due to the tax. This way the taxman and the tax-payer businessman are locked in a symbiotic relationship. They work overtime to gravitate themselves towards some equilibrium. The net result from this equilibrium is the double whammy of inflation over the countrywide inflation (the latter is already a trend difficult to buck). The inflation hits essential commodities the hardest. The duo do their math happily in their closed rooms and the people across the state groan and count down their calories. Despite the ills, who can do without Dimapur? The city is the gravy train for all and sundry, the nice little earner of the government, the land of opportunity for the unemployed, and the sustainer of the freedom struggle. Dimapur has its own summer solstice when the sun comes near-

er here than anywhere else in the state. But the heat does not discourage the drift of humanity to this city. It has so far been able to mop up inflows from the plains and hills, the influx of illegal immigrants, and the ‘home coming’ of government service retirees. Dimapur and the adjoining areas have to expand to accommodate the inflow. The small settlements here and there and the exotically named villages dotting the plains have expanded to form a single massive conurbation. The rate at which Dimapur is expanding spontaneously and haphazardly is a metaphor for urbanisation. Lateral expansion of the city is putting enormous strain on public utilities, such as power, water, and also the environment. In the absence of property developers and flat-ownership system, the default option for everyone is to built their own homes even though a small plot of land can soak up a lifetime‘s savings. This single-use method of owning land is uneconomical and has a multiplier effect on lateral expansions. The better option is to go up or down under the ground, or both. Dimapur immediately needs property developers for vertical growth and to stem the horizontal expansions. To ease the traffic it also needs to take a third of its traffic off the ground by building more flyovers. At specific places subways would add to the ease of transport and pedestrian walks, given the geology of the area. The city also deserves more than the Clock Tower, which, even though bland and ragged, is holding its pride of place as the only landmark in the city. This one structure mutely bears upon its form the relentless hanging of all sorts of banners, the voice of Dimapur, till the winds rip them off in half and they flutter in tatters. If Dimapurians would agree, we might rename it as The Eyeful Tower. Building a modern city over an old city would pose a huge challenge. Road widening, flyover constructions, reserving for public spaces and parks, all these would cause massive displacement and disruptions. The biggest of all the challenges would be bringing the N-I-M-B-Ys (Not-In-My-Back-Yard kind of people) around to agree to give up their land for the development. To overcome this hurdle, city planners may adopt the incremental approach wherein the commu-

nity is involved in the participatory planning and mapping of the colony. When community involvement is achieved and trust is established, half the battle is won. The other half is money. An effort of the type discussed in the foregoing para would require an investment of thousands of crore rupees. It’s a cruel joke making a robust discussion about building a modern city when the state government is a frail one on the financial front. There is a way out, though. The state government may ask Modi to include Dimapur in his select list of the hundred cities which he would turn them into smart cities. This was stated in the last BJP manifesto. As for property development, the state may consider public-private partnership. Half of the world’s population now live in urban habitations. It would be prudent to shift emphasis on to development of urban areas, and much more to city development. ‘Cities are centres of excellence, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, financiers and academics. They attract a rising tide of humanity, of people hoping for a better life for themselves and their children. Cities provide opportunities, economies of scale, a future with more choices’. More than two centuries of economic experience and empirical evidence still bear out Adam Smith (1776) and Alfred Marshall (1890) who discussed that firms and workers are more productive, on average, in larger cities. Cities promote interactions; there is access to information, utilities and institutional supports. All these increase productivity (agglomeration economies). It would therefore be wise on the part of the government to develop Dimapur for the growth of the economy and progress of the state. The state has just one city. If an offhand approach to management of this city can bring in hundreds of crores of rupees for the state government, a deliberate and sincere approach would bring in much more. We want to envision Dimapur as a modern city, a financial centre and a producing city. For that to happen we all have a stake in it – the government, the people and the taxman. Then the city will not sleep but bustle through the night. Ekyimo Shitirie Bayavu Hill, Kohima

Why Lefties Make Less

Joe Pinsker | The Atlantic

here’s a stereotype that left-handed people are clumsier, but that might have something to do with the fact that they live in a world of objects optimized for the right-handed: scissors, the computer mouse, surgical tools, and guns, to name a few. The discrimination against the 12 percent of the population who are lefties has disarming historical roots. In the Middle Ages, left-handed writers were said to be the devil’s voice boxes, and the Jewish scholar Maimonides included sinistrality in his list of 100 imperfections that should preclude someone from priesthood. The roots go even d e e p e r, into language. To be dexterous is to be adept, or to be righthanded; the meaning of the English word sinister can be traced back to the Latin sinistra, meaning “left.” The word carries ominous connotations in French, German, Italian, Russian, and Mandarin too. Left-handed people, it turns out, aren’t just at a cultural disadvantage—they’re at a cognitive one. There’s an urban legend—probably based on the (ultimately quite spotty) findings of a 1995 study—that left-handed people are more inventive, and as proof people point to the fact that four of the last seven American presidents have been left-handed. In fact, the data suggests the opposite: Lefties score lower on cognitive tests and are 50 percent more likely to have behavioral problems and learning disabilities (such as dyslexia). Also, people suffering from schizophrenia are more likely to be left-handed than are people without the condition. The little research that’s been done about the financial fates of left-handed people has mostly played into the narrative that they’re abnormally creative and forward-thinking. A 2006 paper and another in 2007 both indicated that lefties outearned righties, suggesting margins of four percent and 15 percent respectively. In the Fall 2014 issue of the Journal of Economic Perspectives, Joshua Goodman, an assis-

tant professor at Harvard's Kennedy School, has a paper that aligns the research with the documented obstacles that left-handed people face. In the paper, “The Wages of Sinistrality: Handedness, Brain Structure, and Human Capital Accumulation,” Goodman identifies statistical shortcomings in previous studies of left-handedness and introduces other figures for analytical poking and prodding. He analyzed five longitudinal data sets (three from the U.S. and two from the U.K.) that have been tracking the lives of babies for decades. His conclusion? Left-handed people earn significantly less than right-handed people. Lefties’ median earnings are about 10 percent lower than those of righties, which is the same magni-

tude as the salary hit that comes with spending one fewer year in school. (Speaking of education, left-handed people are also less likely to complete college.) While median annual earnings for righties and lefties differ by $1,300, the dominant-hand gap is even more pronounced when the data is split by gender: among men, it’s $2,500, and among women, it’s $3,400. (Since men are more likely to earn more and also more likely to be left-handed, the gender-specific data yields gaps that are different from those in the overall data.) What could explain this discrepancy? It would seem that lefties might earn less because they’re at a physical disadvantage when faced with objects made for righties. But that doesn’t seem quite right, as Goodman found that lefties are

more likely to work in manual jobs. Instead, it’s probably because of the cognitive problems that, statistically speaking, are more likely to affect lefties than righties. Determining why those disadvantages arise is more difficult—there doesn’t seem to be one clear cause of left-handedness. It would appear that the trait is at least partially genetic. A child is 50 percent more likely to be left-handed if his or her mother is, and the trait might be derived from the structure of a baby’s brain. But there are other, non-genetic explanations that account for these facts: Children with left-handed mothers might just be more likely to imitate them, and a stressful prenatal environment might force some left-hemisphere functions to migrate to the right side of the brain in utero. Either way—nature or nurture—handedness is a trait that, from the time of birth, appears to have long-term effects on personal economic well-being. So, between medieval persecution and modern-day wage discrimination, how have lefties managed to stick around since biblical times? For once, research points convincingly to the conclusion that they have an evolutionary advantage—or at least they might have, hundreds of years ago. In 2005, Proceedings B published a paper theorizing that left-handedness persisted in the pre-modern world because it offered a select few people an upper hand in combat ( a punch from an unusual angle can be difficult to guard against). The researchers, Charlotte Faurie and Michel Raymond, analyzed data from societies that still settled conflicts with fisticuffs. The numbers strengthened their theory: 22.6 percent of the Amazon-dwelling Yanomamo people (annual murder rate: four people killed out of 1,000) were left-handed, while only 3.4 percent of the Dioula-speaking people of Burkina Faso (murder rate: 0.013 per 1,000) were lefties. It’s an elegant (perhaps too elegant) explanation for why left-handedness is still around. But these days, sadly, their only obvious physical advantages lie where using their dominant hand is less expected—in baseball, boxing, and tennis.

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

The Best Christmas Gift For The Nagas: Software Technology Park in Nagaland

Yanpvuo Kikon: Today the Director General of Software Technology Parks of India(STPI) Dr. Omkar Rai visited Kohima and our department of Information Technology & Communication arranged a small meeting at De Oriental Grand where he announced that they have taken an instant decision to set up a STPI Center in Kohima at the new IT Department building in less than a year! WoooooHoooooooo! For years we have been discussing in the blog and today I felt like I was dreaming sitting right there when he mentioned that Kohima will have an incubation centre at the IT Department building with super fast internet connectivity and seamless power supply to help all entrepreneurs and young Nagas to use it as their office and kickstart the dawn of a new IT Revolution and help our ingenious creative youth to build our economy and march towards progress! After the incubation centre is set up in Kohima, STPI will set up a Software Technology Park in Dimapur in a few years time which will provide a platform for local companies and companies from outside will come to invest in the state and start various software companies and BPO! With more than 53 STPI's around the country giving employment to 20 lac engineers and professionals, STPI generated 20 Lakh Crores revenue in 2012. With our Prime Minister mentioning during his speech in Hornbill festival that NorthEastern youngsters are well versed with technology and english language and blessed with creativity, his vision for Digital India will be materialized though Digital India's Pillar-8 where BPO is meant for NE region. Nagaland was the 1st to initiate and had written to Ministry and followed up with the Prime Minister. Director STPI visited the site & took instantaneous decision and said,"It is done, Nagaland will have your BPO and IT industry will follow" Our Commissioner for IT&C, Er. K.T. Vizo said, "After this all our Naga boys and girls can look forward to come back home instead of working in Gurgaon & Hyderabad. Nagaland also faces big unemployment problem and this will be addressed through this initiative." The delegates included Debajit Sarma, Jt Director, Guwahati STPI, Mr. Prabir Kumar Das, Director STPI Bangalore & Guwahati, Dr. Omkar Rai, Director General STPI, Gautam Kumar, Eastern Director, STPI. I shared an input that to the delegates Nagaland is ranked as the number one in the country by the Martin Prosperity Index in the 'Creativity' parameter(Creative Class) but due to lack of such infrastructure our entrepreneurs are suffering by renting houses to use as offices and huge truck batteries to supplement the poor power supply in addition to the poor internet connectivity, to which he replied saying STPI is going provide super fast internet connectivity and all the state of the art technology to host minimum 200 people in the Kohima Centre! For example, in Guwahati some of those firms working from the STPI have grown from 5 employees to 100 employees and those in Shillong are reaping the benefits and they hope that in a few years time, Nagaland will have our own future Millionaires and Billionaires When I asked him about how they will select the applicants, he replied that till date they have never said 'No' to anyone and accepts all start up companies and young entrepreneurs to set up their office in the STPI! How awesome is that! They told us that those who are registered with STPI can import any kind of equipment with zero import duty and these businesses will need to be export oriented by exporting their software products starting from website designing, graphics, animation, software, mobile/computer games to business process outsourcing. They also asked Nagas(NRI's) who are outside the country to help bring in business for the State and set up BPO(Business Process Outsourcing), LPO(Legal Process Outsourcing), Analytics, Call Centers etc and build up our economy! WOW! HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! Mughapu Swu: Great!!Now I can finally say with pride that I am an IT engineer! Most of my folks consider that doing B.tech in Info. Tech. was a waste of time and money. Arjun Mohinta: Feels great reading this. The amazing entrepreneurial spirit I have seen during my time in Nagaland will finally have wings and the wind beneath them to soar high and reach for the stars. Hope the dreams turn out to be real in a year from now. God bless. Taksen Aier: Though I am pursuing my IT course right now in Delhi but I am so happy to hear this good news for our Nagas. Holie Cheezy: Be it a call center or not being employed and self dependent should be the first thought. Guess how many numbers of unemployment is solved by BPO and IT sectors in mainland India. Its good news that Nagaland will be among these states. Fingers crossed. Swede Natso: This is good news. But like one of our friend mentioned about Mizoram, we should hope and pray that we should not be a prey to outsiders who wants to hold the position of the Director etc but are never in station (on the pretext of this and that) and cannot pursue to implement the project in time. We need a good driver to drive us Hoping for the best only. Atoba Longkumer: Brilliant! Nagas now need to develop work culture and sincerity and most importantly develop a stoic character if they don't want to get fired. Because once you are recruited by the IT companies, believe me, it won't be as easy as taking up a government job in Nagaland. Minimum 8-9 hours of office work and the employees will get plenty of home works to do during weekends. Looking forward to such a brilliant undertaking.

Hornbill: An expensive affair

Senti Kichu: Tonight, I took my niece to night bazar and later to mela. Most of the things were a bit expensive. Even the mela people charge 50 bucks for about a minute or so ride in whatever wheel or disc it is called. Most vendors were out there to make maximum profit 'while the sun shone'. Of course, I don't blame them, we all need money. Amidst all these activities, there was this group of young people near TCP Gate junction giving out free coffee to passers-by. (I'm not sure if they do it every night). I asked one of them if they represent any organisation/group. She said they were just a group of friends with a purpose to share. They were also selling some items at Rs.10 each and the amount collected will be used for charity. People were busy making money and here, this group was sharing love through 'free coffee'. On impulse I donated a small amount and felt so blessed and happy. This was the one and only best part of Hornbill Festival for me this year. Puloto K V Sema: I saw tourists bargaining at Kisama. It is nothing unusual considering that we all do that anywhere in the world. But the way of our local entrepreneurs` escalation of price during hornbill festival makes me wonder whether we Nagas are foolish as business persons . Festivals should be where we get our foods or any other items cheap so that we look forward to it next year. Somebody has to monitor the price.

(The Naga Blog was created in 2008 by Yanpvuo Kikon. This column in The Morung Express will be a weekly feature every Saturday) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Naga Blog!

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

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Saturday 13 December 2014

Coal sCam: Chargesheet filed against Madhu Koda, others

New Delhi, December 12 (iANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday filed a chargesheet against former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and seven others in a coal block case involving Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Ltd. The CBI filed the charge-sheet before Special Judge Bharat Parashar, who posted the matter for Dec 22. The CBI has booked Koda and seven others on various charges like cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Prevention of Corrupti on Act. The case involves allocation of coal blocks to Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Ltd. in Jharkhand’s Rajhara town in which its directors and unknown public servants of the ministry of coal, the Jharkhand government and others were named as the accused in the first information report lodged in Sep 2012. The other accused in the case are ex-coal secretary H.C. Gupta, former Jharkhand chief secretary A. K. Basu, Vini Iron and steel Udyog Ltd. director Vaibhav Tulsyan, two government officials - Basant Kumar Bhatacharya and Bipin Bihari Singh - and alleged middleman Vijay Joshi. Kolkata-based Vini Iron and Steel Udyog Ltd has also be named an accused. In its FIR, the CBI had alleged that the firm had applied for allocation of coal blocks, including Rajhara North (central and eastern) coal block in Jharkhand. It had said that the company was not recommended by either the union steel ministry or the Jharkhand government. However, the then Jharkhand chief secretary, who had attended the 36th Screening Committee meeting on July 3, 2008, had signed its minutes recommending the allocation to the firm. The CBI had alleged that the company had fraudulently claimed an inflated net worth and its ownership too had changed hands ahead of the 36th Screening Committee meeting. The court in September had returned the chargesheet filed by the CBI after it failed to adequately respond to the queries raised by the judge.

BlaCk money: SIT says Rs.4,479 cr in HSBC

New Delhi, December 12 (iANS): The government Friday said Rs.4,479 crore is held in Swiss bank accounts owned by Indians who figured in the HSBC Bank list and the Income Tax Department has initiated action against 79 such account holders. The concerned authorities are also probing cases involving unaccounted wealth totalling Rs.14,957.95 crore within India, the finance ministry said while releasing relevant portions of the second report of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money. In case of money stashed in foreign accounts, the disclosure relates to 628 Indians, who figured on a list of account holders in HSBC’s Geneva branch that India has obtained from the France. Of these, no balance has been found in 289 accounts, according to the SIT report submitted to the Supreme Court. “Out of the 628 persons, 201 are either non-residents or non-traceable, leaving 427 cases as actionable,” the statement said. “An amount of Rs.2,926 crore has been brought to tax towards the undisclosed balances in the accounts (79),” it said. “Penalty proceedings under Income Tax Act, 1961 have been initiated in 46 cases. Such penalties have been levied in three cases so far. With regard to other assesses, proceedings are pending,” it added. Prosecutions have been initiated in six cases for wilful attempts to evade taxes and show cause notices issued in 10 others. “In other cases, necessary action is being expedited and substantial progress is expected in coming months,” it added. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said at a function here that proceedings in the cases related to the HSBC list will be completed by March 31, next year.

BJP leader regrets Godse remarks after protests

New Delhi, December 12 (iANS): BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj Friday regretted in the Lok Sabha his remarks eulogising Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse after vociferous protests by the opposition both inside and outside the house. The house was in uproar over the issue as soon as it met for the day until the member from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh finally said: “I regret my remarks and take back my words.” The Congress earlier sought suspension of the question hour and moved an adjournment motion over the issue but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected the request. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the killer of Mahatma Gandhi was being praised, “which is a serious matter”. Members of the opposition gathered near the speaker’s podium and shouted “Hey Ram!” -- the last two words Gandhi uttered before he fell to the killer’s bullets -- forcing the house to be adjourned for 10 minutes. Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the government did not associate itself with the remarks made by Sakshi Maharaj and the member was ready to apologise. Soon after, Sakshi Maharaj said: “I take back my words. I have already taken back my words. I respect Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi). They (opposition) don’t have any issue, so they are creating an issue. I regret if some people have been hurt.” An unrelenting opposition insisted that he apologise unconditionally. “The entire nation is worried... he should render an unconditional apology,” Kharge said. After this, the MP said: “I regret my remarks and take back my words.” The Congress also led a protest outside Parliament House near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Party leaders Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia were among those who were seen sitting and chanting slogans of “Hey Ram”. On Thursday, the issue had disrupted the Rajya Sabha. The upper house had witnessed protests by opposition members on the issue of Godse being eulogised in Maharashtra, leading to the house being adjourned twice. But the government made it clear that there was no question of supporting any such move. Godse was a Pune born Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member who shot Mahatma Gandhi Jan 30, 1948 at a prayer meeting in Delhi. He was deeply influenced by Veer Savarkar, a Hindu ideologue. Godse was sentenced to death Nov 8, 1949 and hanged a week later. He was the first man to be executed in independent India. Along with him, Narayan Apte was also hanged for plotting the assassination.

The Morung Express

saradha sCam: Bengal minister arrested, mamata says BJP’s vendetta KolKAtA, December 12 (iANS): In a huge blow to West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress, the CBI Friday arrested Transport and Sports Minister Madan Mitra -- a close associate of Mamata Banerjee -- for his alleged role in the multi-crore-rupee Saradha chit fund scam. The chief minister lashed out at the BJP, terming the arrest “political vendetta”. An angry Trinamool chief Banerjee also dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take her into custody. But a buoyant opposition lost no time in going on the offensive, demanding her resignation and grilling by the CBI in connection with the scandal. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) spokesperson said Mitra was arrested on “prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy, cheating and misappropriation as well as deriving undue financial benefits from the Saradha group”. The 57-year-old minister was nabbed by the probe agency after hours of grilling spread over two sessions by CBI sleuths during the day at its office here. The minister, who had headed the Saradha employees’ union but has repeatedly denied allegations of his involvement in the scam, participated in several Saradha programmes and heaped praises on group chairman Sudipto Sen for creating job opportunities for thousands of people and assured help if the group faced any difficulties. “Sudipto Sen knows how to make an ocean out of droplets.

West Bengal state Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress party (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee, center, folded hands, leads a protest against the federal government in Kolkata on Monday, November 24. (AP File Photo)

Work well, we are with you,” Mitra was captured on tape saying at one such programme. The minister, known for his organisational ability and grassroots contacts, is one on whom Banerjee has reposed much faith since coming to power in Bengal three and a half years back. He not only handles two crucial ministerial portfolios, but also plays a key role in mobilising masses at party programmes and rallies in Kolkata and neighbouring South 24 Parganas. Amid months of speculation that he could be in trouble, especially after the agency recorded the

statement of his former confidential assistant Bapi Karim, Mitra was evading CBI questioning for some time citing health grounds. The minister was even hospitalised when he complained of illness. He first got admitted in a nursing home and later shifted to the government-run SSKM Hospital where he was said to have complained of a “panic attack”. Upon his discharge from the hospital Nov 26, Mitra approached the CBI and expressed his desire to appear for questioning. Six days back, Mitra admitted he was “tense” about facing the grilling. He is the fourth Trin-

amool leader to be arrested after the scam came to light last year. Suspended Trinamool leader and Rajya Sabha member Kunal Ghosh was arrested by police in November last year, before the CBI nabbed parliamentarian Srinjoy Bose and party functionary Rajat Majumdar. Ghosh had named many party colleagues, including Mitra, in a “tell-all” after his arrest. He gave details of how and what relations they shared with Sen and his company and asserted they can help the investigators. Prior to his arrest and even afterwards, Ghosh has time and

again called for Mitra’s questioning, claiming he knew how Sen, a small-time businessman, “made a meteoric rise”. A fuming Banerjee accused the BJP of “misusing power” ,and charged the CBI with “acting as per a sequence” of arrests given by a BJP leader during a rally here a few days ago. “He (Mitra) was called as a witness. Within few hours he was arrested. Isn’t this political vendetta? What the CBI has done is wrong. It is illegal, unconstitutional,” she said. “The situation in India is like Emergency now. We condemn all this. I will go to SSKM Hospital to meet Madan Mitra. I dare Narendra Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah to arrest me. This is an open challenge,” she said. The opposition hit out at Banerjee. While state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demanded Banerjee step down as chief minister, BJP national secretary S.N. Singh claimed the CBI probe will eventually lead to the chief minister’s doors. Communist Party of IndiaMarxist politburo member and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Surjya Kanata Mishra demanded Banerjee be grilled. The CBI also arrested scam kingpin Sudipto Sen’s legal advisor Naresh Balodia. “The CBI also arrested Naresh Balodia, legal advisor to Sudipto Sen and Saradha group, on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and diversion of funds in the same case,” CBI spokesperson Kanchan Prasad added.

BJP mP plans religious conversions at Christmas lUcKNow, December 12 (reUterS): A Hindu priestturned-lawmaker vowed on Friday to convert hundreds of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism on Christmas Day, despite a police investigation into an earlier round of conversions. Religious conversions in multi-faith India are threatening to sow fresh discord as Muslim groups and opposition parties accuse organisations tied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party of trying to undermine the nation’s secular foundations. This week, police said they were investigating a case in which Muslim slum-dwellers complained they had been tricked into a Hindu conversion ceremony in Agra, lured by the promise of cheap government rations and voter identity cards. But Yogi Adityanath, a fourtime member of parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party, said an even bigger ceremony to convert Muslims would be held in Aligarh as scheduled and that it was an entirely voluntary affair. “We have been doing this every year for the past 10 years. It’s not a conversion, it’s a homecoming,” he said, adding that the families signing up for the ceremony were originally Hindus. India’s 1.2 billion people are predominantly Hindus. But the country also has some 160 million Muslims and a small proportion of Christians. The constitution grants equal rights to everyone, but critics say hardline Hindu

groups have become more assertive since the BJP came to power with a strong election victory this year and that the worst fears of minorities may be coming true. Last week, a government minister apologised for making derogatory remarks about non-Hindus. On Friday, Sakshi Maharaj, another Hindu activist parliament member representing the BJP, withdrew his remarks that the man who shot independence leader Mahatma Gandhi was a patriot. Gandhi was assassinated by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse and for years rightwing Hindu nationalist organisations were banned, even though they were exonerated of the killing. Sakshi’s remarks touched off an uproar in parliament where opposition MPs refused to allow any business until he retracted. “These people talk of development, but are trying to create a rift in society,” Hussain Dalwai, a Congress lawmaker said. The BJP denies any bias against minorities but says it opposes appeasement of any community. Modi has said he wants to focus on delivering economic growth for all Indians. But his rivals say he has to rein in the hardliners in his camp who are pursuing a divisive agenda. “These conversions are just the beginning,” warned Mulayam Singh Yadav, a leader of a regional group. “If this spreads to other parts of the country, there can be riots.”

‘Religion matter of individual choice’

New Delhi, December 12 (iANS): Opposition political leaders Friday criticised BJP president Amit Shah’s proposal to bring in an anti-conversion law, saying religion is a matter of individual choice. Participating in the Agenda Aaj Tak - 2014 conclave, Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Sharad Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal head Lalu Prasad and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the right to practice any religion is an individual choice and this must be maintained at all cost. “The country belongs to every citizen...It is in our constitution and people are free to practice

any religion they want,” the RJD chief said. He also questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) “silence” on recent controversial statements by its leaders. “Anybody is speaking what he or she likes...Why aren’t they asking them to refrain from making such statements.” Lalu Prasad said it was a dangerous trend and could create problems in future. “Why does the BJP not stop them from making dangerous remarks,” the former Bihar chief minister asked. Yechury, condemning the BJP president’s statement, said: “People who indulged in forced

religion conversion are demanding a law on it.” “They themselves are indulging in religion conversion activities and now demanding a law to ban conversion,” he said. Yadav questioned why the BJP does not say anything on the caste system among Hindus. “Why don’t they look into the root problem of people leaving the Hindu religion. Why don’t they say let’s eradicate the caste system.” They also accused the BJP of being busy in diverting peoples’ attention from real issues. Shah, earlier in the news programme, said no political party would come forward to bring in the anti-conversion law. Indian men attend to their morning chores next to a sewage canal before they leave for work early morning in New Delhi on Friday, December 12. India is considered to have the world’s worst sanitation record, with some 69% of the 1.2 billion population still defecating in the open. The government is now gearing up to spend about $30 billion to tackle the country’s sanitation and garbage troubles - a key issue for new Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first year in office. (AP Photo)

Yoga world hails UN move on Yoga Day

New Delhi, December 12 (iANS): Yoga experts around India -- its birthplace -- Friday hailed the UN decision to declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day, saying it would greatly boost the ancient Indian science. Several experts and yoga practitioners also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the initiative to persuade the international body to embrace yoga. “We are very excited and happy. It will help in the promotion of yoga within India in a big way,” Pratibha Agarwal, one of India’s few teachers registered by Yoga Alliance, USA, told IANS in Hyderabad. “Any initiative taken to promote yoga is a very big step. Better late than nev-

er,” she added. Keshava Taylor of Ananda Sangha, a Canadian who has taught Kriya Yoga in India since 2003, told IANS: “With the science of yoga and self-realization, India has made the greatest contribution to mankind’s evolution. It is indeed gratifying to see such widespread acknowledgement of her gift. “In the practice of yoga, and especially meditation, lies the solutions to our world’s greatest problems. Change in society starts with transforming ourselves from within. Yoga shows the way.” It is a point Modi too made after 175 out of 193 members of the UN agreed Wednesday to declare the International Yoga Day, saying the benefits of practising yoga would benefit people’s

health. An elated Modi said: “This will inspire many more people towards yoga. Yoga has the power to bring the entire humankind together. It beautifully combines Gyan (knowledge), Karm (work) and Bhakti (devotion).” In Goa, teacher Kamlesh Bandekar said yoga could help the world live the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (World is One Family). “It is a proud moment for us that yoga has been recognised in a formal way internationally. “If yoga is performed every day everywhere, the world can be a better place. Yoga is for peace of mind and body health. If one is healthy and at peace, there will be no trouble,” Bandekar said. “It is excellent news,”

added Chennai-based S. Sridharan of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. He said that yoga needed commitment and that even doctors practised yoga today. Ever since yoga guru Patanjali came out with his teachings in a bygone era, millions have taken to the path. Some 250 million people in the world practise yoga, over 20 million in the US alone. In Haridwar, eminent yoga exponent Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji told the media: “Today is a historic day. It illustrates that people from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all over the world are embracing yoga.” He said June 21 happened to be the Summer Solstice, “a beautiful time of the year when a majority of the world’s popula-

tion, living in the northern hemisphere, enjoys the longest day with the most amount of sunshine”. Experts pointed out the numerous benefits of doing yoga. “Yoga reduces the number of ailments and health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity amongst many others,” Saraswatiji said. “This drastically reduces the amount of costs spent on health care.” Lucknow-based teachers Shruti Sinha and Sujit Jha said other health benefits included better eyesight and concentration, weight loss, minimizing pain in cases of arthritis, joint pains and spondylitis, and tackling other lifestyle diseases like stress and blood pressure. Added Anil Juneja,

a new age yoga guru in Chandigarh: “Yoga is the best exercise which keeps the body and mind clean. The best thing is that it can be done anywhere, any time, and it does not require any equipment or machines.” Suraj Kanekar, who practices yoga in Goa’s temple town Ponda, said that for a long time yoga had to fight a battle of misperception. “Yoga is a beautiful journey. You can enjoy your body internally.” Experts say beginners can start with just 15 minutes of yoga daily. Said Hyderabad’s Pratibha Agarwal: “Even if one is doing it for just 15 minutes, he should do it with concentration. Yoga is not only physical. It is not only mental. It is holistic living.”

InternatIonal

the Morung express

How long can Ebola virus survive?

New York, December 12 (IANS): No one really knows whether the deadly Ebola virus can survive on glass surfaces or countertops and cause infection or how long it remains active in water, wastewater, or sludge, say researchers. The Ebola virus travels from person to person through direct contact with infected body fluids. “The World Health Organization has been saying you can put (human waste) in pit latrines or ordinary sanitary sewers and that the virus then dies,” said Kyle Bibby, assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh in the US. “But the literature lacks evidence that it does. They may be right but the evidence is not there,” Bibby added. Knowing how long the deadly pathogen survives on surfaces, in water, or in liquid droplets

is critical to developing effective disinfection practices to prevent the spread of the disease, the researchers pointed out. Currently, the World Health Organization guidelines recommend to hospitals and health clinics that liquid wastes from patients be flushed down the toilet or disposed of in a latrine. However, Ebola research labs that use patients’ liquid waste are supposed to disinfect the waste before it enters the sewage system. As re s e a rc h e r s scoured scientific papers for data on how long the virus can live in the environment, they found a dearth of published studies on the matter, indicating that no one really knows how long the virus can survive. The study appeared in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.

In this Nov. 17, 2014 photo, Htine Soe Htoo, an ethnic Karen trained medic, looks after a young boy at a makeshift hospital in Ei Tu Hta, Myanmar. Myanmar’s government calls them signposts of modernity: a string of huge dam projects along the mighty Salween River, one of Asia’s last untamed waterways, needed to meet economic goals and energy demands as the country opens its doors to the outside world. Yet to the Shan, Karen, Karenni and other ethnic minorities living in the river’s basin, the six proposed hydro-power dams symbolize violence, anxiety about the future and a tool used by authorities to secure a greater grip over their lives. (AP Photo) Denis D. Gray

Myanmar’s government calls them signposts of modernity: a string of huge dam projects along the mighty Salween River, one of Asia’s last untamed waterways, needed to meet economic goals and energy demands as the country opens its doors to the outside world. Yet to the Shan, Karen, Karenni and other ethnic minorities living in the river’s basin, the six proposed hydro-power dams symbolize violence, anxiety about the future and a tool used by authorities to secure a greater grip over their lives. Some minority leaders say tensions over the dams could even re-ignite civil war in Myanmar, or Burma. Fighting has erupted in recent months as government troops have moved into areas around proposed dam sites, including the $2.6 billion Hut Gyi dam in Karen State in eastern Myanmar, and clashed with ethnic minority fighters in violation of ceasefires. The military also has forcibly removed thousands of residents close to dam sites, according to refugees and aid groups. “It is clear that Hut Gyi dam and similar projects are obstructing the peace process in Burma,” said Gen. Baw Kyaw Hei, second in command of the Karen National Liberation Army, which has been fighting the government for greater autonomy since the 1940s. He spoke while sitting in a meeting hall overlooking

the river at the Ei Tu Hta camp, home to 4,000 refugees from earlier fighting that could be submerged if the dam is built. Preliminary work on this and other dams has already begun. Economic and environmental issues also are at stake in harnessing the power of the Salween, which seeps out of a Tibetan glacier and winds 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) through China’s rugged Yunnan province, Myanmar’s jungles and along the Thai border before flowing into the Indian Ocean. The dam projects — all joint ventures with Chinese and Thai companies — include no provisions for wealth-sharing of resources between the ethnic groups and a regime dominated by the Burman majority and the powerful military despite the advent of a civilian government in 2011. Nor are there provisions for many residents whose land, villages and livelihoods might be wiped out by flooding from the dams. Contracts have been awarded to foreign and local investors, many of them closely tied to government or military leaders. Authorities say the dams will expand access to electricity, which the World Bank says reaches only 29 percent of households in the country. But the bulk of power generated will be sold to Thailand and China. “Local people will get nothing in return for the destruction of the river,” said David Tharckabaw, former vice president of the Karen insurgency and one

of its veteran leaders. “For development to work there must be good government, transparency, rule of law, reliable administration and institutions, and no corruption. If they come in now, it will just enrich the generals and their cronies.” Ethnic minority leaders say the government is wrong to forge ahead with such mega-projects before reaching an equitable political resolution to the longstanding conflict. “First we need a real cease-fire, then a political settlement and then we can talk about dams and other large-scale projects,” said Baw Kyaw Hei, the Karen general. “But the Burmese government wants a ceasefire first, then large-scale projects and then a political settlement.” Myanmar’s previous military regime tried to crush the insurgencies by the Shan, Kachin, Karen and other groups by razing villages, killing civilians and driving more than half a million rural dwellers from their homes. Ethnic minorities make up more than 30 percent of the country’s population. Cease-fires were signed three years ago with 14 armed ethnic groups, but fighting has broken out near proposed dam sites. Since June, government troops backed by warplanes have moved into an area in eastern Myanmar controlled by the Shan State Army-North near the Nong Pha dam site, according to the Shan Human Rights Foundation. Ethnic minority leaders and human rights ac-

tivists say a pattern they call “damming at gunpoint” has been repeated across eastern Myanmar: proposed dam sites are forcefully depopulated by the military without compensation and the region is militarized through the expansion of army camps, helicopter pads, access roads and other facilities. Fighting also has erupted in southern Shan State around the Tasang dam site. Sai Khur Hseng of the Shan Sapawa Environmental Organization, who visited in October, said the area was ringed by some 9,000 government troops. Authorities began building access roads to this site as early as 1996, and more than 300,000 people in the area have been forcibly moved over the years, human rights and minority groups say. Enticing ethnic businessmen and insurgents into business deals is another part of the strategy to neutralize the movements for autonomy, Sai Khur Hseng said, doing through commercial means what the government could not fully achieve militarily. The Myanmar government declined to answer questions from The Associated Press about conflict over the dams, but officials have said that these and other development projects would benefit local populations and pave the way toward peace. They have acknowledged that some human rights abuses, committed by both sides, were the consequences of all wars. In September, Deputy Minister for Electric Power Maw Thar Htwe said in Parliament that Tasang, slated to be the largest dam in Southeast Asia, would be built to ensure minimal social and environmental impact. The dam proposals have been characterized by a lack of debate and transparency. Nancy Wa, a lawmaker from Karen State, said that when the dam issue is brought up in Parliament the ethnic minority representatives are “overpowered, silenced by the ruling party.” She spoke at the first international conference on the Salween River, which brought together about 200 scientists, activists and some officials from Myanmar, China and Thailand. At the meeting, held last month in Chiang Mai, Thailand, even scientists from Myanmar’s Moulmein University conducting extensive research on the Salween said they had no access to environmental impact assessments and other vital documents on the dams from the government or private sector. Many conference participants called for a halt to all dams on the Salween until international standard studies are carried out and made public.

Women’s safety in focus as Uber rivals race across Southeast Asia

SINGAPore/HANoI, December 12 (reuterS): A co-founder of GrabTaxi, Uber’s biggest competitor in Southeast Asia, remarked earlier this year that safety is so central to the online taxi booking business that some of his drivers feel like they are tracked at every moment - even when they go to the bathroom. The Malaysian company and Brazil-based rival Easy Taxi made headlines over the past year by attracting over $400 million in investment. But a rape accusation against an Uber driver in New Delhi has thrown taxi apps under a different spotlight. Uber has since been banned in the Indian capital, adding to bans or legal action in several countries including Spain, Thailand and the United States. Authorities’ common complaint is that Uber’s service includes private vehicle owners, which contrasts with GrabTaxi and Easy Taxi. Both use licenced taxi drivers, which helps their strategy to market themselves as safe for women in cities such as Jakarta. The transportation system in the Indonesian capital is among the region’s most dangerous for women, according to a

survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. With safety at the centre of their marketing strategy, the rape allegation against the Uber driver in India could threaten the image of these firms, whose investors include Japan’s SoftBank Corp (9984.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and other international names. “Women are our target audience,” said Nguyen Tuan Anh, general manager at GrabTaxi in Vietnam. The majority of the company’s passengers are women - as much as 70 percent in the Philippines. GrabTaxi said it only works with drivers of taxi firms that check identity documents, driving licences and criminal records. It asks drivers to resubmit those documents upon signing up, and confirms that applicants are still contracted to taxi firms. “Its drivers are all from known taxi brands so I don’t have to worry about safety,” said banker Bui Thi Thu Trang. The 30-year-old said she uses GrabTaxi frequently in Hanoi and has enjoyed numerous discounts and offers, which include vouchers for make-up from Shiseido Co Ltd. Representatives from Uber in Vietnam did

Dimapur

Cause of malaria drug resistance is identified

An SUV is crushed by a large oak tree during a storm in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, December 11, 2014. No injuries were reported. A powerful storm churned through Northern California Thursday, knocking out power to tens of thousands and delaying commuters while soaking the region with much-needed rain. (AP Photo)

Myanmar dam projects risk re-igniting civil war

Associated Press

Saturday 13 December 2014

not respond to repeated requests for comment for this article. An Uber spokesman in Singapore did not provide comment. Photographs GrabTaxi and Easy Taxi typically provide driver details such as photograph and phone number. GrabTaxi also allows passengers to “share” their trips online so family and friends can track their location. On both apps, pick-up points are chosen by the user. “If it is late at night, without apps like this you’ve got to go on the street,” said Joon Chan, regional managing director for Easy Taxi, southeast Asia. Easy Taxi’s driver screening includes testing patience and cordiality, Chan said. Park Byung Joon, head of the urban transport management programme at Singapore’s SIM University, said taxi booking firms need to improve processes to ensure the drivers they screen are the individuals driving their cars. “I use taxis a lot in Singapore as well, but I hardly ever check” whether the driver matches the photo, he said. “When you finally check it ... you are already sitting in the taxi.”

New York, December 12 (IANS): Malaria drug resistance in Southeast Asia is caused by a single mutated gene in the disease-causing parasite, a Columbia University-led study has found. “The bad news is that it shows that resistance can arise through single mutations in one gene and pop up anywhere, at any time,” said David Fidock, professor of microbiology and immunology and of medical sciences at Columbia University. This is quite different from past instances with former first-line drugs, when complex sets of multiple mutations were required and resistance spread only as the mutated parasites spread. Though malaria deaths have dropped by 30 percent worldwide since the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in the late 1990s, these gains are now threatened by the emergence of resistance in Southeast Asia. No alternative therapy is currently available to replace ACTs. The study, published in the journal Science, builds on a recent report that mutations in the gene -K13 - are frequently found in drug-resistant parasites in Southeast Asia. The good news is that K13 mutations produce a relatively weak resistance. K13 mutations enable the parasite to hide in red blood cells in a developmental state that is naturally less vulnerable to artemisinin. “This allows them to temporarily survive treatment, but it will not be enough for ACTs to fail across Africa, particularly as the partner drugs continue to be highly effective,” Fidock noted. But it may be a foundation for parasites to evolve stronger degrees of resistance to these therapies, so we have to watch for increasing resistance very carefully, he suggested. This finding provides public health officials around the world with a way to look for pockets of emerging resistance and potentially eliminate them before they spread.

CIA chief challenges US Senate torture report

wASHINGtoN, December 12 (AP): CIA Director John Brennan struck back at a U.S. Senate report that accused the agency of torturing terror detainees, acknowledging that “abhorrent” tactics were used but defending the overall interrogation program for saving lives after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Brennan conceded that it was “unknown and unknowable” whether the harsh treatment during George W. Bush’s presidency yielded crucial intelligence that could have been gained in any other way. But he said there is no doubt that detainees subjected to the treatment offered “useful and valuable” information afterward. Speaking in an unprecedented televised news conference, Brennan was responding to a Senate intelligence committee report that concluded that the CIA inflicted suffering on al-Qaida prisoners beyond its legal authority. The report said that none of the agency’s “enhanced interrogations” provided crucial information. It cited the CIA’s own records, documenting in detail how waterboarding and lesserknown techniques such as “rectal feeding” were actually employed. Brennan declined to define the techniques as torture, as President Barack Obama and the Senate intelligence committee chairwoman have done, refraining from

even using the word in his 40 minutes of remarks and answers. Obama banned torture when he took office. The CIA chief also appeared to draw a distinction between interrogation methods, such as water boarding, that were approved by the Justice Department at the time, and those that were not, including “rectal feeding,” death threats and beatings. He did not discuss the techniques by name. “I certainly agree that there were times when CIA officers exceeded the policy guidance that was given and the authorized techniques that were approved and determined to be lawful,” he said. “They went outside of the bounds. ... I will leave to others to how they might want to label those activities. But for me, it was something that is certainly regrettable.” But Brennan defended the overall detention of 119 detainees as having produced valuable intelligence that, among other things, helped the CIA find and kill al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The 500-page Senate report released Tuesday exhaustively cites CIA records to dispute that contention. The report points out that the CIA justified the torture — what the report called an extraordinary departure from American practices and values — as necessary to produce unique and otherwise unobtainable intelligence. Those are not terms

Brennan used Thursday to describe the intelligence derived from the program. The report makes clear that agency officials for years told the White House, the Justice Department and Congress that the techniques themselves had elicited crucial information that thwarted dangerous plots. Yet the report argues that torture failed to produce intelligence that the CIA couldn’t have obtained, or didn’t already have, elsewhere. Although the harshest interrogations were carried out in 2002 and 2003, the program continued until December 2007, Brennan acknowledged. All told, 39 detainees were subject to very harsh measures. Former CIA officials, including George Tenet, who signed off on the interrogations as director, have argued in recent days that the techniques themselves were effective and justified. Brennan’s more nuanced position puts him in harmony with an antitorture White House while attempting to mollify the many CIA officers involved in the program who still work for him. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic intelligence committee chairman whose staff wrote the report, conducted a live-tweeting point-by-point rebuttal of Brennan’s news conference, at one point saying that Brennan’s stance was inconsistent with the original justification for the brutal interrogations.

Brennan criticized the Senate investigation, saying, for example, it was “lamentable” that the committee interviewed no CIA personnel to ask, “What were you thinking?” Seeking to put the controversy in context, Brennan stressed that the CIA after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was in “uncharted territory,” having been handed vast new authorities by a president determined to thwart the next al-Qaida attack. “We were not prepared,” said Brennan, who was deputy CIA executive officer at the time. “We had little experience housing detainees, and precious few of our officers were trained interrogators.” In starker terms than CIA officials have used previously, Brennan, a career CIA analyst, acknowledged mistakes when the agency took captured al-Qaida operatives to secret prisons and began using brutal methods in an effort to break them. “In a limited number of cases, agency officers used interrogation techniques that had not been authorized, were abhorrent and rightly should be repudiated by all,” he said. But he also said, “The overwhelming majority of officers involved in the program at CIA carried out their responsibilities faithfully. ... They did what they were asked to do in the service of our nation.” Brennan denied that the CIA intentionally misled lawmakers.

Dimapur

SPORTS

Saturday 13 December 2014

Torino completes Italian sweep in Europa

ROME, DEcEMbER 12 (AP): The entire Italian league stands to benefit after Torino came back to beat nine-man Copenhagen 5-1 Thursday and complete a clean sweep with all four Serie A clubs advancing from the group phase of the Europa League. Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli had already reached the last 32 and Roma dropped down to the continent's secondary competition by finishing third in its Champions League group. With Juventus advancing in the Champions League, Italy has six clubs still competing in Europe — the best showing for the Serie A since 2008-09. In the intervening five years, Italy has dropped from near the top of UEFA's country coefficient rankings to fourth place behind Spain, England and Germany. As a result, Italy can now qualify a maximum of three clubs to the Champions League, whereas the top three countries can land four clubs in the lucrative competition. With fifth-place Portugal and sixth-place France not far behind Italy, this season's showing could provide Wenjing Sui and Cong Han of China perform during the Pairs Serie A with some muchShort Program Final of the Grand Prix Final figure skating com- needed breathing room. petition in Barcelona, Spain on December 11. (AP Photo) In Group B, Torino fin-

DDCA directs clubs, players to register

DiMAPuR, DEcEMbER 12 (MExN): The Dimapur District Cricket Association (DDCA) has informed all Cricket Clubs to renew the Club and players’ registration within December 18. Pihoto Awomi, President, DDCA, has informed that no clubs or players will be allowed to play in any tournament in Dimapur for the current session 2014-15 without registration. Registration forms are available with DDCA treasurer, H. Thong and one may contact the treasurer at 9436012938.

NE Games: State wins another gold

DiMAPuR, DEcEMbER 12 (MExN): In the ongoing 28th NE Games being held at Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland on Friday managed to win a gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals. According to Chef de mission, Nizheto Awomi, Nagaland girls won the Gold medal in 3000 meters race, Silver in 3000 meters race and Shot Put. The state boys also won 1 silver in 3000 meters race, 2 Silver in Taekwondo and 2 each in Boxing, Judo and Taekwondo. The team won 4 bronze in Taekwondo, 1 in 4x100 meters relay, 1 in Judo, 6 in Boxing and 2 in Wushu.

U-19 T20 Cricket: Nagaland (A), Upper Assam to clash in final

DiMAPuR, DEcEMbER 12 (MExN): In the ongoing Inter-State U-19 T20 tourney at NCA Stadium, Upper Assam defeated Mizoram by 115 runs and Nagaland (A) defeated Nagaland (B) by 8 wickets in the last league matches. Abishek scored 75 runs as he led Upper Assam’s batting which after winning the toss had elected to bat. Upper Assam managed 158 for 7 in the stipulated 20 overs. Lalrimrauta and Henry picked 2 wickets for Mizoram. The run chase never looked like going Mizoram’s way as the Mizos were bowled out for 47 in 12.5 overs. Parvez Ahmed with 20 runs top scored for Mizoram. Md Usman and Samu picked up 4 wickets each for Upper Assam. Nagaland (A) meanwhile kept their perfect win record in the series by cruising to a comfortable 8 wicket victory. Nagaland (B) team had won the toss and elected to bat but were all out for 43 in 15.1 overs. Tahmeed Rahman, Nirmal and Hidayatullah each picked up 3 wickets. Nagaland (A) easily chased down the target in 13.1 overs. Sedezalie scored 19 runs as Nagaland (A) reached 46 for the loss of two wickets. December 13 (Final) Fixture: Nagaland (A) vs Upper Assam @ 9 a.m.

Torino FC's Torinos Amauri of Brazil, right, shoots in front of FC Copenhagen's goalkeeper Stephan Andersen during the Europa League, Group B, soccer match at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark, Thursday, December 11. (AP Photo)

ished second to Club Brugge, which edged Helsinki 2-1. Elsewhere, Dynamo Moscow become the sixth team in competition history to win all six group matches as Aleksei Ionov scored in the 90th minute for a 1-0 success at PSV Eindhoven, which went through second in Group E. None of the previous

five clubs to accomplish the feat of group-stage perfection advanced past the Round of 16. Defending champion Sevilla advanced with a 1-0 win at home to Rijeka, but had to settle for second place in Group G. Denis Suarez's 20th-minute goal gave the Spaniards victory, but they remained a point behind

LONDON, DEcEMbER 12 (REutERs): What a difference a year makes for Manchester United and Liverpool. As the bitter rivals prepare to resume hostilities at Old Trafford on Sunday, a reversal in fortunes has taken place that barely seemed possible at this time last season. Just 12 months ago, United's title defence was in tatters and manager David Moyes was having to explain how he had managed to turn Alex Ferguson's ferocious tiger of a team into an over-cautious kitten. Liverpool, meanwhile, could do no wrong. The goals were flowing

freely as manager Brendan Rodgers adopted a system that allowed Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to fill their boots and Anfield rejoiced as some long-lost swagger returned. In early December last year, United lost 1-0 at home to Everton and Newcastle United as the same players who had been runaway league champions the season before looked utterly shorn of belief. Their pain was heightened as their arch-rivals steamed ahead. A 3-1 win over Cardiff City courtesy of two goals from Suarez on Dec. 21 helped Liverpool go top of the table playing a brand of entertaining football more commonly seen at Old

Trafford in recent seasons. Twelve months, however, is a long time in football and two transfer windows is sufficient to bring about a revolution in an era when the stock of managers can rise meteorically and plummet like a stone after back-toback wins or consecutive defeats. Now it is United who are starting to strut. With Moyes a distant memory and the imposing figure of Dutchman Louis van Gaal at the helm, United have returned to form. Five straight Premier League wins have lifted them to third in the table, just as Liverpool suffered a stupefying 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland last weekend that left

Abbott back in groove with stunning spell

syDNEy, DEcEMbER 12 (AFP): Sean Abbott, who delivered the ball that struck the fatal blow to Phillip Hughes' head, proved he was back in the groove on Friday with a stunning 6-14 as New South Wales demolished Queensland. There had been fears the 22-year-old fast bowler may have been too traumatised to play again after Hughes died from being hit by one of his rising balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month. But he opted to play in the Sheffield Shield clash at the same venue, and showed mental resolve as he turned it into a one-man show. Abbott tore through the Queensland batting order to claim 6-14 in a seven-over spell to help dismiss the Bulls for 99 in pursuit of 179 in their second innings. He was on a hat-trick at one point, but narrowly missed out as he produced lively pace and reverse swing, finishing with eight wickets for the match. Abbott received a stand-

ing ovation as he left the ground and New South Wales coach Trevor Bayliss said the entire team was delighted for him. "To do what he did today (Friday) really showed the character that he has got," he told ABC radio. Abbott was also warmly applauded by the crowd when he bowled his first over of the match on Tuesday, December 9 and delivered a bouncer with just his fifth ball.

Sevilla's Stephane Mbia, rear right, and Sevilla's Carlos Bacca, watch the ball go over Feyenoord's goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer into the goal during the Group G Europa League match between Feyenoord and Sevilla at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, November 27. (AP Photo)

20-year-old midfielder on a two-year loan from Barcelona, and he lit up the first half with a superb piece of skill to hand the hosts the lead. He skipped through a couple of challenges on his way into the area and calmly planted a powerful

Feyenoord, which won 3-0 at Standard Liege. In Group A, Borussia Monchengladbach and Villarreal advanced with wins over Zurich and Apollon Limassol, respectively; Dnipro claimed second in Group F by beating St. Etienne 1-0; and in Group C, Besiktas leapfrogged Tottenham for first with a 1-0

win in Turkey in a match twice delayed by lighting failure. French club Guingamp reached the knockout phase for the first time with a 2-1 win at Greek side PAOK, as Claudio Beauvue scored both goals for the visitors. Guingamp finished second to Fiorentina in Group K, even though the Tuscan side lost 2-1 at

home to Dinamo Minsk. In Switzerland, Young Boys beat Sparta Prague 2-0 to overtake the visitors and qualify second to Napoli — which shut out Slovan Bratislava 3-0 — in Group I. Inter, which had already won Group F, drew 0-0 at Qarabag in Azerbaijan. Olympiakos, Liverpool, Zenit St. Petersburg, Anderlecht, Ajax, Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao also dropped down from the Champions League. Torino hadn't won a match since October — a run of four defeats and three draws — and it wasn't a promising start for the visitors when Daniel Amartey put Copenhagen ahead after just six minutes. But Josef Martinez leveled on the quarter hour. Then Mikael Antonsson was sent off on the halfhour mark and Mathias Jorgensen saw red 10 minutes later for a foul inside the area. Former Juventus forward Amauri netted the resulting penalty and then early in the second half, Martinez added another and Matteo Darmian and Gaston Silva were also on target. "The goal we conceded at the start was a cold shower but we reacted well," Martinez said. Torino is 17th in Serie A, one spot above the relegation zone.

All change as United and Liverpool resume battle

Holders Sevilla go through as group stage ends

LONDON, DEcEMbER 12 (REutERs): Holders Sevilla maintained their Europa League challenge with a 1-0 win over Rijeka in a winner-takes-all clash on Thursday as the competition's arduous group stage wound down with a glut of goals but few surprises. German sides Borussia Moenchengladbach and VfL Wolfsburg plus Spanish outfit Villarreal were among the 10 teams who added their names to Monday's draw for the last 32 when the competition usually cranks into a more entertaining gear. Sevilla's hopes of successfully defending their title, after a mixed group stage campaign, hinged on them avoiding defeat at home to Croatian side Riejka, whose own aspirations depended on securing a shock away win. The Spanish side have struggled to rekindle their devastating Europa League form of last season having made numerous changes to their squad since they beat Benfica on penalties in Turin to lift the trophy in May. Among their new additions is Denis Suarez, a

The Morung Express

sidefoot finish into the back of the net. Sevilla were totally dominant but failed to turn the screw further and allowed their opponents to emerge after the break re-energised with Andrej Kramaric and Zoran Kvrzic

forcing smart saves from keeper Beto. Sevilla, however, managed to see out the match to finish second in Group G behind Dutch former European champions Feyenoord. The evening's most spectacular moment was

provided by Borussia Moenchengladbach's Branimir Hrgota who scored a goal reminiscent of Karel Poborsky's stunning chip at Euro '96 to help his side through. Swede Hrgota scored twice, including an outrageous scooped lob that recalled former Czech international Poborsky's goal against Portugal, in a 3-0 win over FC Zurich that helped the Germans finish top of Group A. Villarreal followed them into the knockout stages after securing the runners-up spot with a 2-0 win at Apollon Limassol. Lille came into Matchday Six knowing victory would see them finish in second place above VfL Wolfsburg in Group H, but ended the evening with their tails between their legs after suffering a crushing 3-0 home defeat. Two second-half strikes from Ricardo Rodriguez, after Vieirinha had opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, completed a miserable evening for the hosts who played against 10 men for 35 minutes and missed a second-half penalty.

them ninth. Another lifeless draw at home to Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday dumped them out of the competition. As well as buying big, Van Gaal has restored a winning mentality at United that has not been sighted at Old Trafford since Alex Ferguson left the dug-out. Rodgers, by contrast, seems uncertain of his best team, formation, or even tactical approach. Part of the problem for Rodgers seems to be the attacking players he signed bare little resemblance in the way they play to the high-energy, high pressure game of the departed Suarez and the injured Daniel Sturridge.

Van Gaal, however, seems to have developed a system that mitigates for a lack of defensive steel and makes the most of the startling array of forwards United have at their disposal. A series of injuries have also failed to mask the team's obvious progress from last season, while the manager's stature ensured the panic button was not pressed even when results were mixed at the start of the season. Last March's 3-0 victory for Liverpool at Old Trafford showcased all that was good about the Merseysiders and laid bare United's shortcomings. A repeat result on Sunday looks highly unlikely.

Alonso has unfinished business at McLaren LONDON, DEcEMbER 12 (REutERs): 'Never say never' has always been a popular saying in Formula One and Fernando Alonso's return to McLaren proves the point. The team's announcement on Thursday that the double world champion will race for them next season with 2009 champion Jenson Button came as no surprise, since it had been widely accepted as fact months ago. But at the end of 2007, such a scenario would have been laughable. Then, it looked as if the Spaniard had well and truly burned his boats at Woking only a year after joining from Renault as world champion. McLaren and Ferrari had been embroiled in a spying scandal that rocked the sport and landed McLaren with a record $100 million fine for having confidential Ferrari technical documents in their possession. Alonso, who was found to have incriminating emails, had testified to the governing FIA under immunity. Barely on speaking terms with team principal Ron Dennis, he returned to Renault in a falling-out triggered even before the spy controversy by the team refusing to favour him over hotshot protege Lewis Hamilton. When Alonso joined Ferrari in 2010 and declared his seemingly eternal allegiance to the Italian team, talking of seeing out his career at Maranello, the very idea of him returning to McLaren sounded preposterous. The ousting of Martin Whitmarsh as McLaren principal earlier this year, and return of Dennis to overall control, only made that look less likely. But never say never. Dennis, smiling and with an arm on Alonso's

shoulders on Thursday, just wants McLaren to be back on top and winning. Alonso wants that third title that is long overdue and that Ferrari failed to deliver. Intensely Competitive The little Spaniard is intensely competitive and every bit as determined as Dennis. In the end, both wanted the same thing and saw each other as the best way of getting it. Both now appear to regret what happened in 2007. "One of the things I really respect is that he chose to change direction, leaving one of the most successful teams in F1 and coming back to McLaren and addressing what we feel is unfinished business," Dennis said. "Fernando is going to prove that he is an absolute winner. But also he is going to show that he can re-integrate with our team. "I could probably have done things better," he added, addressing the past problems. "I don't anticipate any issues between Fernando and I." Alonso agreed. "I felt it was unfinished business already when I left," he said. "I brought number one to the cockpit and now I want to bring it back from the inside, driving for them." In Button he has a like-

able and easy-going team mate with more experience than anyone else on the grid, a man hugely popular within McLaren and as competitive as anyone. The pairing may not be quite the fire and ice combination that was held up when Alonso was joined by Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari but there are enough contrasts between them to spice things up next season. Button, for one thing, has been compared to French four- times world champion Alain Prost for his smoothness at the wheel and tactical nous. Alonso, like Hamilton, had the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna as a boyhood hero. Prost and Senna provided Honda-powered McLaren with their most dominant season in 1988, their first year together when they won all but one race, but the relationship soon soured. Alonso and Button, the first pairing of a new Honda era, may revive memories of old but McLaren must first give them a car capable of winning races before any sparks fly. With Mercedes dominant this year, and Honda's new V6 turbo power unit beset with problems on its first proper test, it could take all of Button's new two-year contract for that to happen. But never say never.

Entertainment

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Saturday 13 December 2014

Dimapur

'She's the greatest mom!' Kim Kardashian deserves 'rear Ashton Kutcher opens up about life with baby Wyatt as he heaps praise on Mila Kunis

of 2014' award: PiPPa middleton

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iddleton has written an article for the August political weekly, The Spectator, in which she has drawn a comparison between her derriere with that of Kim, who recently posed naked for a magazine. "The 'Rear of 2014' award undoubtedly goes to Kim Kardashian, after her posterior exploded all over the internet last month," wrote Middleton, whose own backside was considered to be the 'Rear of 2011' when she wore a tightfitting bridesmaid's dress to the Royal Wedding. "I must say that mine -- though it has enjoyed fleeting fame -is not comparable. But the Kim bu** story did make me pause. What is it with this American b**ty culture? It seems to me to be a form of obsession," she added

Karan Singh Grover and Harry Styles Not 'Sinking' to Taylor Swift's Level Jennifer Winget Separate Harry Styles is reportedly

shton Kutcher opened up about his new baby daughter Wyatt and 'greatest mom' Mila Kunis during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The 36-year-old actor in an interview airing on Friday said having a child was 'infinitely rewarding' while discussing his 10-week-old baby with fiancee Mila. Ashton compared having a baby to getting a new cell phone with features that don't yet work. 'It won't take pictures and you're like ''why won't my phone take pictures?'' and it won't make calls and it doesn't do a lot, but it looks really cute,' Ashton said. He also described how Wyatt was quickly learning. 'She found herself in the mirror and realized she was able to control the thing in the mirror, which was pretty cool,' Ashton said. He reserved his highest praise for 31-year-old Mila.

'But the most amazing thing about having a baby is my partner, Mila. She's the greatest mom,' Ashton proclaimed. 'I go to work every day and I come home and she's like perfect. And it just seems like everything went amazing and I know that something probably didn't go amazing, but she never complains,' Ashton said. The Jobs star also explained why the Hollywood couple have decided against hiring a nanny. 'We just want to know our kid. We want to be the people that know what to do when the baby's crying to make the baby not cry anymore,' Ashton said. 'I think the only way to do that is by being the one who's there,' he added. The Two And A Half Men star also revealed that he's been nesting with his family and not going out much partly due to the ever-present paparazzi. Ellen surprised Ashton by

giving him a baby stroller complete with a paparazziproof sliding black shield. 'I need one of those for me,' Ashton joked. Ashton also revealed that he has received the final script for the last episode of Two And A Half Men airing on February 19. 'I'm a little terrified,' Ashton revealed. Ellen then asked if axed Charlie Sheen would be returning for the final episode and Ashton danced around the question. 'Here's the thing, if you're working on the Warner Brothers lot, if there's sirens, come save me,' Ashton said. Mila also appeared on a chat show on Wednesday night and talked about becoming a new mum. The actress during her appearance on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson said breastfeeding helped her shed her baby weight quickly.

not bothered with Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner's new friendship and doesn't want to "sink" to their level.

aran Singh Grover confirmed his divorce wit Jennifer Winget on Twitter on December 8 (a day before the launch of the trailer of his Bollywood debut Alone). He said, "For all those who are concerned, you might have heard that Jennifer and I have separated and will soon be getting divorced. I just wanted to confirm that it's true. The decision has been mutually agreed upon and the

reasons are too personal to share. What happens between only two people know..all else..merely speculations and assumptions.. nothing more..this much I wanted to share...thank you always for all your love." However, when he was asked about the divorce during the trailer the launch the actor preferred to keep quiet. When asked about it, he said that he had made his stance clear on via his tweets.

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arry Styles doesn't want to "sink" to Taylor Swift's level. The 20-year-old singer - who is part of chart-topping boy band One Direction - is reportedly "laughing off" his ex-girlfriend's new-found friendship with another one of his exes, Kendall Jenner. A source revealed: "Harry is completely OK if his exes are talking about him. He thinks it's funny, however, Harry doesn't think that he should be bashed by them. He believes he was a great boyfriend while with them, but it just didn't work out. "Whether there are songs or just talks about him, he doesn't want to grant it with jealousy and sink to their level. So he's choosing to laugh it off and not let it get

to him." Meanwhile, the 'Steal My Girl' hitmaker is believed to be enjoying spending time with his family whilst the band which also includes Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne - takes a break from their hectic touring schedule. The source continued

to HollywoodLife.com: "Harry likes that this year is all about family and he doesn't have a girlfriend he has to bring everywhere. "He wants his next girlfriend to be something special, but it doesn't bother him that he's single. He likes the fact that he's single and doesn't have to report to anyone. Its refreshing!" C M Y K

I've many unreleased songs of Oasis: Noel GallaGher

Children giving a splendid Christmas chorale performance at the advent Christmas celebration of Golden Crown College, Dimapur on Friday evening. (Morung Photo)

oel Gallagher has revealed that he has "albums worth" of unheard Oasis songs. The former guitarist and chief songwriter said he's never entered the recording studio with less than 30 songs, reported Digital Spy. "I've had a stockpile of songs since 1993. I've never written for a specific project, I've never been in the studio with less than 30 songs. I've just recorded an album, but I've still got another 30 songs," Gallagher said. Gallagher explained that he wrote at a faster rate than the band released records. "Instead of writing 15 or 16 songs for a cycle of where (Oasis) were at, we were using five, but I was still writing 15, 20 songs, so there's loads of stuff left over from those days. Albums and albums worth of material. Because you move so fast as a writer, and you can only really do ten songs on an album at a time, lots get left behind." The rock band split in 2009.

Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ slammed in Japan A

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ngelina Jolie’s biopic on Louis Zamperini has caused outrage in Japan with right-wing nationalists objecting to its depiction of the torture that the American Olympian endured in the country’s prison camp during World War II. The film depicts Zamperini’s beatings at the hands of an Imperial officer named Mutsuhiro Watanabe, which is played by Japanese Pop star Miyavi, reported The Telegraph. The torture sequence in the film are taken from Laura Hillenbrand’s biography of the same name, which is based on Zamperini’s own account. The right-wing leaders claim Zamperini’s account of his torture was never verified and commentators on social media have blamed Jolie of “racial discrimination” and asked the government to ban her from entering the country in future.

“It’s pure fabrication. If there is no verification of the things he said, then anyone can make such claims. This movie has no credibility and is immoral,” said Hiromichi Moteki, the Secretary General of the Society for the Dissemination of Historical Fact. Miyavi, who plays Mutushiro, said he was disturbed by the experience of filming those torture scenes. “It was awful torture for me to hate the other actors. I had to have hatred for them. When I had to beat them, I had to think about protecting my family. “At the same time, I didn’t want to be just a bad guy. I wanted to put humanity in this role. Mutushiro was both crazy and sadistic, but also weak and traumatized,” Miyavi said. Zamperini died in July. He was a crew member on a warplane which crashed in the Pacific in May 1943. He was in the prison camp till August 1945.

asha Bhosle receives Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF

h e 8 1 - y e a r- o l d 'Piya Tu Ab Toh Aja' hitmaker was presented with the prestigious award for her decades of dedication to Indian cinema last night during the opening ceremony of the festival. After receiving the award, Bhosle treated the audience to an impromptu performance of her most memorable renditions. "Receiving DIFF award from Sheikh Mansour

Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum," Bhosle tweeted. The octogenar ian singer has recorded more than 12,000 songs and is known for her versatility as a singer be it folk songs, Indian classical music, pop songs, ghazals and bhajans. Acclaimed Egyptian actor Nour ElSherif was also presented with the DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on over 100 films, in a career spanning near-

ly five decades. El-Sherif and Bhosle joined previous winners including Martin Sheen, Omar Sharif, Faten Hamamah, Adel Imam, Jameel Rateb, Sabah, Morgan Freeman, Sean Penn, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Daoud Abdel Sayed, Youssef Chahine, Rachid Bouchareb, Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai among others. The eight day film festival will come to an end on December 17.

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Endurance Challenge 1 underway David Warner scores ton,

Aussies take 363-run lead

Addl. Development Commissioner of Nagaland, Temsuwati, at the flag off of the Endurance Challenge 1 organized by Spearhead Motorsport Initiative, Mokokchung, December 12. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Mokokchung | December 12

Traversing across Mokokchung and Tuensang districts, covering a distance of 100 kilometers on tarmac, gravel and dirt, the two-day Endurance Challenge 1 got underway today. The flagoff ceremony was held at Jentisang Resort, some 5 kilometers off Mokokchung town along the NH 155 with Temsuwati, Addl. Development Commissioner of Nagaland as chief guest.

Organized by Spearhead Motorsport Initiative, the event is being held in two categories, namely Extreme and Adventure (TSD). A total of 19 participants are competing. Six teams registered for the Extreme category but car number E02 met with an unfortunate accident and is out of the competition while 13 cars are competing in the TSD (Time Speed Distance) format. The participants are from Mokokchung, Kohima, Di-

mapur and Shillong. Earlier, the chief guest speaking at the flag-off ceremony expressed appreciation to Spearhead Motorsport Initiative (SMI) for organizing the ‘creative’ event and said that he would support the group in all possible manners in the future. He said that even though there are many other reasons, the “main purpose” according to him was that it provided scope for “knowing each other” and wished that the

event would promote “integration.” While wishing the organizers success, he expressed hope that local motorsport enthusiasts would compete at national levels in the future. Chairman of SMI, Tinu Longkumer, while speaking at the flag-off ceremony said that SMI is a not-for-profit organization. The event will culminate tomorrow with Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar IAS as the guest of honour.

Djokovic seeks to take positive energy from IPTL

dubAi, december 12 (AGeNcieS): World number one Novak Djokovic believes that the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) will give him a lot of positive energy going into the 2015 season. One of the hallmarks of the IPTL is the feeling of teamwork among the players in all four franchises. Much of the success of this has been ascribed to the top players getting an opportunity of being part of a team — something that rarely happens when they are on the road at different tournaments during the year. “I can take so many new things from the IPTL. I have new friendships, new relationships and, most importantly, I can take a lot of good, positive energy from here,” Djokovic said. “We all travel together,

we have dinner together, we have fun together and we bond together as a team. There is a separate kind of spirit prevailing in all the teams. Yes, it is something different as we don’t get our-

selves involved in team competitions so much. We are all having a lot of fun together. “The format is very special for tennis. Most of the guys have been travelling for three weeks and I can

see that it’s a lot of fun and excitement.” Djokovic has had another amazing season, winning seven singles titles including Wimbledon — his seventh Grand Slam — and the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 in London last month. The Serb, who is playing for UAE Royals in the IPTL that concludes at the Hamdan Sports Complex here on Saturday, has a season record of 61-8 and has held the No. 1 spot for 121 weeks. “I ended up this season as best as I could and hopefully I can carry that confidence into the new season. And I hope we can take the IPTL title as well as that can only help me boost my confidence for 2015,” Djokovic told media after the Royals’ exciting one-point win over the Manila Mavericks late on Thursday.

AdelAide, december 12 (AAP): David Warner riled India with his words and willow, vowing he won't curtail the verbals as Australia claimed a 363-run lead at stumps on day four of the first Test. Warner scored a second century in the match, swapping barbs with Indians Varun Aaron, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan during a heated Friday at Adelaide Oval. "The world knows that I like to get involved and that's how I play my cricket. I take it to them. If I have to be a bit verbal I will," Warner said after scoring 102 as Australia progressed to 5-290 in their second innings. "It happens." Ajinkya Rahane insisted there was no bad blood between his side and Warner. "It's going to happen and it's really good for the game," Rahane said. Warner was dropped on 89, while Aaronwasgobsmackedwhenaleg-sidecaught behind appeal was turned down with the opener on 70. It was all the more frustrating for the visitors, given Warner had been bowled by Aaron on 66 in the 34th over. The express paceman, no-doubt a little testy after part-timers Murali Vijay and Rohit Sharma were thrown the ball before him, gave Warner a send-off. Replays showed Aaron overstepped so Warner was recalled, prompting the pugnacious batsman to return serve. Shane Watson, Kohli and Dhawan all joined the ruckus before umpire Ian Gould eventually brokered peace. There was another spotfire in the third session, an unrealistic lbw appeal from Rohit Sharma triggering a kerfuffle involving Smith and Kohli. "When things don't go your way, you sort of get the adrenaline up," Warner said of the opposition. "There are a few send-offs here and there ... that's cricket." Discussion at Adelaide Oval otherwise turned from Michael Clarke's degenerative discs to the timing of his declaration. Clarke was dismissed for seven, but he dived for a catch while fielding and looked sprightly compared to when his chronic back injury flared up on day one. Despite initial fears the skipper's summer could be over, he is now well placed to be a surprise starter in the second Test. Before that decision is made, Clarke must resolve when to call his teammates in. "We've got 98 overs tomorrow, we've got to try and hussle through our overs to try and take 10 wickets," Warner said. The highest victorious fourth-in- Australia's David Warner celebrates his 100, during the fourth day of their nings Test total at the venue was Austra- cricket test match in Adelaide, Australia, Friday, December 12. (AP Photo) lia's 6-315 in 1902. India scored 445 in a loss almost 40 years ago in Adelaide, while South Africa's stonewall in the epic 2012 draw will be in the forefront mumbAi, december 12 (iANS): Medium pacer Dhawal Kulkarof Clarke's mind. Offspinner Nathan ni will fly to Australia to join India's Test squad as replacement for inLyon finished with first-innings figures jured pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a BCCI release said on Thursday. of 5-134, flighting the ball and attacking Bhuvneshwar is nursing an ankle injury and will return to India to unthe rough created by Ishant Sharma's dergo a rehabilitation programme. However, the right-arm pace bowler footmarks. "He was hitting it (the rough) will rejoin the Indian team for the ongoing Test series in Australia after virtually every delivery. That's going to undergoing rehabilitation, which is expected to make him fit. He was be the key for us," Warner said. The most initially ruled out of the first two Tests. Kulkarni was part of the Indian recent five-wicket haul by an Australian squad for the last three One-Day Internationals (ODI) at home against tweaker in a home Test against India Sri Lanka in November. came from Bob Simpson in 1968.

Kulkarni to replace injured Bhuvneshwar

Thunder stop Cavaliers' winning streak

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OKlAHOmA ciTY, december 12 (AP): The Cleveland Cavaliers found out before Thursday's game that they would be without LeBron James. They couldn't have found a less sympathetic opponent. Oklahoma City, which struggled without injured stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant the first month of the season, took advantage of the short-handed Cavaliers with a 103-94 victory. James sat out with left knee soreness, and without him, Cleveland's winning streak ended at eight games. Cavaliers coach David Blatt said before the game that James' injury wasn't too serious, and he would be day-to-day. Oklahoma City still expected a tough game because Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are capable players. "We told them right from the start they're a good team," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "They've got two All-Stars on the court that are really good, and they're going to have an opportunity to have the ball in their hands even more. We knew they were going to compete. We weren't taking them lightly." Oklahoma City's nowhealthy dynamic duo took

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) defends in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. Oklahoma City won 103-94. (AP Photo)

control as Westbrook scored 26 points on 12-for-24 shooting with eight assists and seven rebounds, and Durant scored 19 points. Irving scored 20 points for Cleveland, but he made just 7 of 21 shots while struggling to finish against the ultra-athletic Westbrook. The Thunder have won six of seven after a 3-12 start. "We're growing," Durant said. "Every single game, you can see defensively, offensively, we're

starting to catch a stride. We've just got to continue to do it." Love had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Tristan Thompson added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Cleveland had another injury scare in the first half. With 1:31 left in the second quarter, Irving jumped to contest a shot by Westbrook, and his knee connected with Westbrook's knee on the way down. A lot went through Blatt's

head as he watched Irving writhe on the floor in front of the Thunder bench. "Fear. Worry. Concern. And hope, which ultimately won the day," Blatt said. "There's a great saying in Russian ... 'Hope dies last.' Thank goodness he got up and he was able to play." Irving expects to play at New Orleans on Friday. "It will definitely stiffen up on me, without a doubt, but I plan on playing tomorrow," he said. A 10-0 run

by the Thunder, featuring 3-pointers by Serge Ibaka and Anthony Morrow, gave Oklahoma City a 67-57 lead in the third quarter. Durant, who had been quiet for most of the game, found Morrow for a 3-pointer, then made a 3 himself to help Oklahoma City take a 78-66 lead into the fourth quarter. A stepback jumper, then a 3 by Jackson bumped Oklahoma City's lead to 83-66. Cleveland made a final push to make it close in the final minutes. A tip-in by Thompson cut Oklahoma City's lead to 95-91 with two minutes to play before Oklahoma City held on. In the day’s other game, Houston's James Harden scored 44 points, including 10 in overtime, to lead the visitors to a 113-109 win at Sacramento, moving the Rockets within half a game of the NBA Southwest Division lead. Harden, the NBA's leading scorer, tied the game with a 3-pointer and then opened the extra period with seven unanswered points. The win was the fifth in six games for the Rockets. Darren Collison scored 24 points and Ben McLemore added 21 for the Kings, who committed 22 turnovers that led to 27 Houston points.

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