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www.morungexpress.com
Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 345
The Morung Express “
www.morungexpress.com
It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things
[ PAGE 08]
reflections
By Sandemo Ngullie
”
‘Social resistance to women entering politics’
Megan 61% polling Trainor in Jharkhand; wants J&K records 49% turnout pop star boyfriend
[ PAGE 2]
Abe’s coalition cruises to big win in Japan [ PAGE 09]
[ PAGE 11]
Monday, December 15, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4 –Henry David Thoreau
United pile misery on Liverpool [ PAGE 12]
the Hornbill takeaway: time for reinvention Moa Jamir Dimapur | December 14
After deducting 25% for this, 20% for that and 25% for those, Here`s your salary or …errr what`s left of it.
The Morung Express POLL QUESTIOn
Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Should Naga women be given the right to inherit land?
Yes
no
Others
Was Narendra Modi right not to give a ‘financial package’ to Nagaland state government? Yes
86% 04%
no Others
10%
Details on page 7
Nagas in Myanmar want home-stay law NAyPyIDAw, DECEMBER 14 (AGENCIES): Naga leaders in Myanmar want a home-stay law to allow foreign travellers to stay in their houses, while also allowing them to travel freely travel in the region. The Naga national conference was held in Hkamti, Sagaing Region, releasing a 27-point statement. “We want a home-stay law enacted for foreign missionaries and travellers,” Shu Maung, the conference secretary, said. Zaung Wint Phyoe, a conference member, said: “Our aim is to prevent businessmen from monopolising ecotourism in our region and to protect our land. Another is to protect our fundamental rights. We want the homestay law to be enacted in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.” The Nagas also want the Myanmar government to recognise them so they can directly deal with international development associations in the region. They demanded better roads and bridges, improved communications, education and health. About 4 million Nagas live in Myanmar and India. Layshi, Lahal and Nanywan in the Sagaing Region were designated as a Naga self-administered province under the 2008 Constitution.
China coal mine explosion kills 10
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HARBIN, DECEMBER 14 (IANS): A gas explosion in a coal mine in Jixi city in northeast China's Heilongjiang province Sunday killed 10 people, media reported. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of the victims from the Xingyun colliery in Jidong County, Xinhua reported, citing a statement from the provincial production safety supervision and administration bureau. The victims were reportedly trapped underground after the explosion. The explosion occurred at 10.10 a.m. Sunday. The cause of the accident is being investigated.
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The dust from the dances has settled, the hangover from local beer has dissipated and a weary resignation hangs in the air, punctuated only with the anticipation of Christmas. There seems to be a general notion that a saturation level is seeping into the Hornbill Festival. ‘Made in Nagaland’ will be a key feature of the Hornbill Festival 2014, claimed the tourism commissioner before the start of the festival. However, the highest entertainment and crowd pullers are foreign imports, commented a regular Hornbill reveller on the sidelines of the Smokie concert. “It seems to me that the IG stadium attracted more crowd than Kisama especially the younger crowd,” said Therila Thonger, an event manager. If the main motive of this festival is to ‘revive, preserve and protect,’ how effective is it in acting towards the cause, she wonders. Is the whole idea of ‘reviving and protect the rich culture’ ironically dissipated in its interaction with modernity? “The festival is a great platform to showcase our rich cultural heritage and teach the same to youngster and tourist,” stated Father Abraham Lotha, principal of St. Joseph College Jakhama. He added that the 10 day festival and night carnival at least “gives something to do” to local populace in the form of entertainment and promoting local talent. He, however, rued that the festival is being dragged down with predictable fares and lack of dynamism. “Did you see the opening ceremony? The dancing was forced, experimentation was dull and the sequence poorly choreographed,” he highlighted. Richard Belho, a thriving architect, curtly put this in context. “If we are marketing it as Festival of Festivals, let it be culmination of all our Festivals in the purest form. Please stop over experimenting with Western Music and give people a richer Traditional Experience at the main venue.” Mirza Zulfikar Rahman, the cofounder of travel portal www.gypsyfeettravels.com, which promotes engagement of local communities in tourism, noted, “As an observer of the
naga men in traditional attire perform a folk dance during the Hornbill festival at Kisama village in nagaland. The ten-day long festival named after the Hornbill bird is one of the biggest festivals of the north East, showcasing the tradition and cultural heritage of the indigenous nagas. (AP Photo)
Hornbill Festival for the past five years, I feel it has been overtly commercialized, which has its positives and negatives. Positives are the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nagas in the fields of fashion, culinary skills, traditional and western music, which have made them reach the international scene, if not the Indian scene. Hornbill Festival has been that springboard of intra-Naga connectivity and ideas and the outreach of Naga young entrepreneurs to the outside world.” Hornbill Festival is popular among foreigners but not so much among other Indians. Whatever mainlanders we see at Hornbill Festival are either rock band participants or the family members of armed forces stationed here, he added. It seems the organisers are more concerned with the ‘big picture’ while the details are left to fate, commented Dr. Asangla Tzüdir, Chief Editor and proprietor of Heritage Publishing House. “To pee or not to pee was my biggest predicament given that basic
amenities for personal hygiene were sorely missing at the venue. Are we showcasing clogged toilets?” she questioned. A tourist from Mizoram, Ruth Zothanpuii, on her second visit to Kohima but first to Hornbill, said, “To finally see a glimpse of the rich Naga tribes and their lifestyle on one platform is an enriching experience. I felt a sense of peace and well being during my stay, the hospitality is amazing and the Naga girls among the most talented in the country in areas like interior designing, flower arrangements, confectionery and culinary skills.” But she has her set of complains too. “A potential hotspot for tourists, Nagaland sorely needs better infrastructure. Road conditions are bad and traffic chaos reigns supreme coupled with exorbitant taxi fares serving as a disincentive for us travellers.” Similar observations are put forward by others. How can a person with limited resources afford to go to Hornbill? The taxi fare itself eats up pocket
money for youngsters, forget about restrictive items at the stalls, remarked Akum Ao, a young person on his fourth Hornbill. He added that it is becoming a “more elitist festival” catering to few outside tourists while the common person, literally, is left out in the cold. The Kohima Carnival attracted the most visitors this year, said another person adding, “What on earth was the ‘Hornbill Ball’—are we living in Victorian Era?” Confronted with these “concerns,” an official in State tourism department maintained that the tourists are mainly satisfied with the diversity of Naga culture. “Our cultural outlook has changed, but originality must remain, hence the similarity and a lack of dynamism.” The official however stated that cultural troupes are chosen on a rotational basis and selected after presenting 10 different items and the department tried its best to showcase as much diversity as possible. Hotels, Handloom and Craft, Taxi operators, Home stays, Caterers are given employment
BJP govt to move forward Traffic regulations for Night Carnival on the Uniform civil code DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 14 (MExN): In view of the Dimapur NEw DELHI, DECEMBER 14 (PTI): The government on Saturday said it will move on implementation of the controversial Uniform Civil Code as per the spirit of the Constitution. Law minister D V Sadananda Gowda said the code will strengthen the status of women, as it covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance. "The code is based on the assumption that the personal laws based on scriptures and customs of each religious community in the country be replaced with a common set governing every citizen in a civilized society," he said. Gowda said that the aim is having a code for the country which is agreed by all. The law minister, however, made it clear that the code should not be in conflict with Article 25 of the Constitution, which relates to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
Night Carnival 2014 to be held at the Naga Shopping Arcade, the Dimapur Police today issued a notice informing the public of traffic regulations to be enforced during the carnival event from December 15 to 20. A press note from the office of the Dimapur SP informed that vvehicles will be parked only in the allotted parking areas: Bus counter area behind Dimapur Town Hall; meat vendor stall area behind Super Market and single parking along the road side towards Naga Shopping Arcade from Nagarjan Junction to Walford Junction. The premises of Dimapur Town Hall have been reserved as parking area for the Officials of the Carnival. Police further cautioned that vehicles parked in “No Parking Zones” will be towed away and the owner of the vehicle will be issued challan as per section of law. It was also informed that safety of the vehicles parked in the said areas will be the responsibility of the driver/ owner of the vehicle. The traffic regulations will be in effect from 4:00pm to 10:00pm during the carnival period.
Naga tea growers seek PM’s intervention Urges setting up of tea production facility and tea board office in Nagaland DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 14 (MExN): The All Nagaland Small Tea Growers’ Association (ANSTGA) has made an appeal to the Prime Minister of India for his intervention in setting up of small tea production factories in or near the tea growing area of the state and establishment of a Tea Board office in Nagaland. A memorandum addressed to the PM, signed by ANSTGA president D. Hukiye Kibami and senior vice president SK James, apprised the PM of the need of factories and a tea board office in the state by pointing that Nagaland in the recent time has emerged as one of the non-traditional tea growing area of the region with large number of Naga people taking up tea cultivation as an alternative means of livelihood.
However, it lamented that the memorandum stated that the cultivation, which is eco-friendly and creates employment opportunities to large population, is “faced with grim situation due to nonexistence tea production facility in the state.” This, it stated compels tea growers to transport the leaves to long distances outside the state and during which tea leaves get damaged, forcing the growers to sell their tea leaves at a low cost. Meanwhile, D. Hukiye Kibami along with former MLA Shami Angh, who is an advisor to the association, on behalf of CISTA, attended the national seminar on ‘improving productivity and competitiveness of tea industry in India’ on December 5 last at Jorhat, Assam. The seminar was jointly organized by the National Productivity Council (NPC) and Tea Board of India. Hukiye and Shami met Dipankar Mukherjee, Executive Director, North East Zonal Tea Board, Jorhat and Rituraj Hazarika, Assistant Executive Director
and pressed the officials for timely release of subsidy to Naga tea growers. Bidyananda Barkakoty, president, North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), who graced the seminar as chief guest requested the NPC to carry out a study on labour productivity including landlabour ratio in North Indian tea industry vis-à-vis South Indian tea industry. Dipankar Mukherjee delivered the keynote address of the seminar. Dr P Baruah, Senior Advisory Officer (Principal Scientist) encouraged production and marketing of organic handmade green tea which has high value in the local and international market. B. Basumatary, general secretary, All Bodoland Small Tea Growers’ Association highlighted the small tea growers and product diversification while Dinesh Sarma, vice president, Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Association (CISTA) highlighted the plight of small tea growers in the country.
and earning capacity enhanced for many local talents, he mainlined. “At least for ten days in a year, hotels in the State capital have full occupancy,” added the official. Admitting that food and transport are quite restrictive, the official however said that it needs a “collaborative effort” and the department cannot control what local taxi operators charge. So what is the way out to “revive” the Hornbill Festival? “Too many entrepreneurs with similar products at the venue make it an unprofitable experience for both buyers and sellers. Scout for enterprises and talents and try to showcase different products,” suggested Dr. Asangla. “Do not reduce Hornbill Festival to a Circus performance,” said Belho. “This Festival is not a celebration of Statehood but a Cultural Festival. Let the tourists have an ‘IMMERSIVE’ experience.” For starters, he recommended, creating at least 3 zones and lease out two zones to entrepreneurs who come with the most creative ideas on a yearly basis. “I heard an interesting story last year at the Hornbill Festival, that there was a village prophecy that the Naga people have a threat from a bird, and the people were recontextualizing it that the bird might be Hornbill Festival itself which can pose a threat to Naga society, is it too fast or is it sustainable in the long run, is the major question,” reflected Rehman. “We need responsible tourism, not just tourism, and promote research and workshops on that theme and Come out with a community charter on tourism and also work towards a state wide policy on eco-tourism, he says adding that, “I have seen that in Mon area, the villagers have become a commodity where guides throw money at them to get photographed. We need more interventions to make this work for the communities and make the community participation into policy making and guidelines in eco-tourism in Nagaland.” Make it mandatory for the people the taxi operators or other transport to highlight fare chart in their vehicles to stop rip-off of domestic and foreign tourist and form bad impression about us, suggested another.
YTC dismayed by ‘lawlessness’ TUENSANG, DECEMBER 14 (MExN): The Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) has expressed dismay at what it termed as the “lawlessness” in Tuensang district since December 9, 2014. A press note from the YTC President, M Thsesong and Press and Information Secretary, Akiu A alleged that since December 9, “the Chang community has taken the law into their own lands,” and further censured the “lackadaisical attitude towards a particular community and apathy towards law and order in the district.” Listing out various incidents, the YTC alleged that a woman and her teenage daughter were “abducted” on December 9 from Tsundang village; vehicles belonging to Yimchungrus were damaged on December 11; and on December 12, 17 houses of the Yimchungru community were burnt down in Tsundang (Chendang) village; one Tangso Yimchungru from Tsundang village was abducted; one Yimchungru youth was assaulted; two Yimchungru youth were “kidnapped;” houses of two persons namely Zungkum and Tokiu Yimchungru were damaged and another house belonging to one Hopong Yimchungru was burnt in Tuensang town. The YTC further said that the movement of “armed mob” in the heart of the town on December 12 was “given a blind eye and deaf ear by the district administration and the police.” It alleged that shopkeepers were being restricted to sell even a kilo of rice and other essential commodities to the Yimchungrus and warned of dire con-
sequences in the event of failure to comply with the order. Further alleging that these incidents are being carried out “under the patronage of the district administration,” the YTC called for all quarters to express their condemnation. “The Yimchungrus have done nothing wrong that go against the wishes of the government till date and this passive resistance should not be taken for granted as our patience is already running out,” it added. The YTC cautioned that the district administration and the police shall be held solely responsible for “total anarchy in the district and in the event of any repercussion in the long run.” The YTC refuted reports that the incidents in Tuensang were “mere incidences of burglary or ransacking of houses,” and urged against misinformation. Meanwhile, the YTC termed a statement by the Executive Secretary of the Chang Association of Tuensang that the December 12 incident is an "issue between Chendang and Kuthur villages and not between two tribes" as “absurd and a blatant lie.” “Hopong Yimchungru is from Chessor village whose house was damaged on December 12 in Tuensang town; Zungkum and Tokiu are both from Yahkor village whose houses were damaged in Tuensang town on December 11,” the YTC revealed. It further informed that the incidents occurred while MLA of Tuensang Sadar II and Parliamentary Secretary Kejong Chang was “physically present” in Tuensang town and lamented that he “could not utter even a single word of peace.”
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15 December 2014
The Morung Express
‘Social resistance to women entering politics’
Dimapur, December 14 (mexN): The first woman Chief Secretary of Nagaland Banuo Z. Jamir, now retired from service, has pointed out that men, including in Nagaland, have today broken into professions which were generally regarded as ‘female’ bastions. She highlighted that world renowned chefs are mostly men, and named popular male fashion designers such as Christian Dior, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Giovanni, Versace, Atsu Sekhose. “Why then is there so much resistance to women breaking into bastions which have been regarded to
be male domain - including politics,” Banuo wondered. She was speaking during the programme DIVAS: Celebrating Women Talent in Song held on December 7, 2014 at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts, Jotsoma organized by the Beauty and Aesthetics Society of Nagaland (BASN). Banuo, who has been a strong advocate of women’s empowerment in different fields, observed that “culture and traditions are still very strong in our social set-up but changes have to come about.” She suggested that “a difference can be made through efforts by women
themselves to promote empowerment of women.” Pointing out that very often ‘empowerment’ is given a “negative connotation to mean an aggressive encroachment into male p r e s e r v e ,” Banuo said that women themselves through their “conduct and achievements” can prove that they do not mean to threaten the position of men. “Our objective is to complement the men, to be partners not opponents or rivals, that together we can make our
society stronger, richer and more vibrant,” she said. So what is “stopping women from participating in elections?” According to
contest any election,” Banuo said that “women do not have access to funds”. “Surely there must be businessmen and societies
elected people’s representatives,” she said. Pointing out that “socially,” it was not easy for women to rise to positions of recognition without a struggle, she said that every step that a woman takes in any new field “is required to be walked as if on a muddy and rough (kaccha) road, breaking soil as in agriculture and even climbing pathless heights - a woman has to struggle much more than a man to prove herself” and they have “to
‘It is the social responsibility of those who are privileged, empowered and in a position, to help other women rise up to position of self-dignity and respect’ – Banuo Z. Jamir the former Chief Secretary it is “primarily” because public office has been the “preserve of men all these years” and that this was the present “mindset”. Secondly, she explained that given the “practical reality that funds are necessary to
in our State who would be willing to sponsor a daughter, a wife, a sister, a mother to take part in election and we should try to bring a paradigm shift in the mind set of our people to encourage women, to also come into the political arena as
break through social and familial resistance to reach where they are today”. Lamenting that a housewife is taken totally for granted, Banuo called for creating awareness of the value of women. “A mere housewife is how a housewife is referred to, but mind you, if you calculate her worth in terms of money, no family can afford a housewife - she is a super-woman - a mother, an administrator, a negotiator, a diplomat, a financial consultant, an accountant, a cashier, a manager, a caretaker, a caregiver, a doctor, a nurse, a counselor, not least a chef, a cleaner, a washer - the list is endless.”
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Affirming that “women are not inferior and no-one can make us feel inferior without us first feeling inferior ourselves”, Banuo said that the “first step towards empowerment as women is to respect ourselves”. She also advised that one’s own homes should be the place to start giving “value to our mothers, our sisters, our sisters-in-law, our daughters, our daughters-in-law, our grand-daughters”. She also said that it was the “social responsibility” of those who are privileged, empowered and in a position, to help other women rise up to position of selfdignity and respect.
DNYO to keep vigilance after 8 pm BSF jawans rescue Tening Town gets ADC headquarter accident victims
DNYO office bearers after addressing a press conference on Sunday. (Morung photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | December 14
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Diphupar Naga Youth Organization (DNYO) has informed that it would keep vigilance within its village jurisdiction to keep a check on “immoral activities” and other “anti-social activities” to maintain peace and tranquility. DNYO President, Vekre Puro told media persons during a press conference on Sunday that its volunteers would be placed in various locations within its jurisdiction after 8 pm in the interest of Diphupar village and the Naga people in general. “Those caught loitering around unnecessarily and creating nuisance in the village would be apprehended and dealt with by the DNYO,” said Puro. Prime locations where the DNYO volunteers would be placed include Agri Expo site, NEZCC complex, Diphupar local ground,
cemetery and Chathe River. Meanwhile, the DNYO also rued that though the Organization has been registered with the Government of Nagaland under the name of Diphupar Cosmopolitan Youth Sports Association 30 years back, there has not been any major projects undertaken by the government for the welfare of the youth and the village. The DNYO would be celebrating golden jubilee in 2017.
ZuNheboto, December 14 (mexN): Personnel of 111 BN BSF HQ Satakha and BSF CI Post Kilomi helped in rescuing accident victims in Kilomi village under Zunheboto district on December 13. A press release received here informed that a truck, which was coming from Dimapur to Zunheboto carrying supplies met with an accident while negotiating a narrow dangerous road about 8 km from Kilomi village towards Satakha. The vehicle along with driver and co-driver fell about 200 feet below the road into a gorge resulting in serious injuries to both the occupants, stated the press release. Both the injured persons were rescued and taken to the district hospital Zunheboto by BSF ambulance, it added. The whole rescue operation took place in darkness with the help of 40 BSF jawans, it was informed.
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Diphupar inter-khel football trophy After a gap of three years, the DNYO would be organizing inter-khel football trophy from December 17-20 with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports, Khriehu Leizietsu as the chief guest with the motto, “Peace and Harmony.” In this regard, DNYO Auditor, Kito said that the Organization strive to unify the people through sports and thereby usher in progress and development through a unified effort.
Young doctors organise health camps in Kiphire district
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Nagaland Home minister, Y Patton, along with cabinet colleagues and others inspecting Tening town after inaugurating the Tening ADC headquarter at Tening town, December 13. Morung Express News Tening | December 14
A seven-day Basic Scout Master Course was organized at the State Training Centre Nerhema by the Salesian and Diocesian of the Catholic community from November 9 to 15. The course was led by R. Albert Solo, STC (s) and VM Pienyü, former SOC (s) NSBSG. 84 people from eleven states participated in the training, which focused on basics of scoutmastership, particularly on fundamentals of scouting, Knottings, Estimation, and Signallings.etc.
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The team of young doctors from Dimapur who conducted free medical camps at Pungro and Thanamir village in Kiphire district.
Kiphire, December 14 (mexN): A team of young doctors from Christian Institute of Health Science & Research (CIHSR) and Nikos Hospital, Dimapur conducted free medical camps at Pungro and Thanamir village in Kiphire district on December 6 and 7 last. The primary objective of the medical camps was to impart health education and provide free essential medicines and screening of some chronic health problems. The team assisted by friends and local health authorities and staff treated
169 patients at Pungro and 110 patients at Thanamir village. Referrals were also done in some cases. The team stressed on the need for better health services in the remote areas and for further follow up health camps. The doctors also thanked all who had contributed towards the health camp. The team consisted of Dr. Mego, Dr. Toshi, Dr. Birimong, Dr. Krutz, Dr. Noune, Dr. Tsukhumong (PT), Throngkiuba, Tsukhumla, Kokla, Atsula and Vizo. Later, the team also climbed Mount Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland.
Children play with bamboo cart while an aged woman dries harvested paddy rice outside her home at Thenyizumi village in Phek district. (Morung Photo/Chizokho Vero)
After years of waiting, public and residents of one of the oldest towns in Nagaland have received an administrative boon this festive season. On Saturday (December 13), Nagaland Home minister, Y Patton, formally inaugurated the ADC headquarter at Tening town in Peren district, some 187 kms from the State capital Kohima. Tening was declared a township fifty years ago (the same year as Mokokchung) on April 10, 1964, a year after Nagaland attained statehood. However, the town has lagged behind other towns in terms of government infrastructure and development. Tening sub-division has 53 villages and two townships including Tening and Athibung. The Home minister in his address said with the inauguration of the ADC headquarter in Tening, people of this remote sub-division bordering Assam and Manipur would witness speedier development. Assuring the people of Tening that construction of the ADC administrative buildings would commence from this year itself, Patton also announced that a subdivisional police officer (SDPO) would soon be posted in Tening. Expressing his personal concern for development of Peren district, Patton told
Date : 18th December 2014 Time : 12:00 Noon Venue : GM Office Premises, Dimapur Chief Guest : Shri. T.R. Zeliang The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland Guest of Honour : Shri. P. Paiwang Konyak The Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary, TPT & IPR Comperes : Abeni Odyuo & Yhunilo Thong Chairman Invocation Welcome Address Key Note Address Reminiscence
Corrina Khyojano Humtsoe (2nd from right) with others during the release of her collection of poems, The Storyteller, on December 14.
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Commemorating Fifty Years of Service in Public Transport
Changki Indoor Stadium and Library Hall was inaugurated on December 13, 2014 by Imrongtemsu Longkumer, DHO, Mokokchung and Prof. T. Lanusosang Anichari, Registrar, NU, respectively. The Stadium and Library was constructed by the Changki Lanuri Kaket Süri Longjem (Changki Students’ Union).
at the 3rd North East Poetry Festival held at North East Zonal Cultural Centre in Dimapur in 2011. Corrina did her early schooling at Delhi Public School (DPS), Dimapur and passed her Secondary Education from DPS, Noida. She is currently studying BA 1st Year in English Honours at Hindu College, University of Delhi. Earlier, the brief launching program was graced by Gyan Lama and Dr. Chumlano Kikon Lama from the Kadmandu International Fellowship, Nepal along with friends and family members.
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NAGALAND STATE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
The Storyteller – Young Naga girl’s collection of poems
Dimapur, December 14 (mexN): A young budding Naga poet, Corrina Khyojano Humtsoe, released her first collection of poems- The storyteller today in Dimapur. Born on September 10, 1995 in Dimapur, Corrina Khyojano Humtsoe was always passionate about writing; she started writing poems at an early age of 7. In the past, she had participated in several schools and State level poetry festivals and was a runner up at the 2nd North East Poetry Competition held in Guwahati in 2008, informed a press release received here. She was also the Child Guest Speaker
the gathering that during his current stint as Home minister for eight months, he has visited the district three times. The Home minister said he would also discuss the issue of better road connectivity of the sub-division with the chief minister and Roads & Bridges minister. Later, the Home minister also inaugurated the Tening Village Council hall and the Tening Village Youth golden jubilee. Chairman, NIDC, Namri Nchang, who also represents 6 Tening A/C in his address said “criticisms” are no longer in fashion but that Tening people should have positive outlook and mindset in order to compete with the rest of Nagas. He urged the public to cooperate with the administration and to avail all facilities provided by the government. Namri also hoped that the Home minister would fulfill the basic requirement needed for a full fledged ADC headquarters. Further, the NIDC chairman called upon the people to inculcate truthfulness and aspire for economic, social and political development. Nagaland Assembly deputy speaker, Er. Levi and parliamentary secretaries R Tohanba (CAWD) and Phukayi (Sericulture & Co-operation) also attended the inauguration programme. DC Peren, Peter Lichamo, chaired the programme and ADC Tening, Thsuvisie Poji, offered vote of thanks.
Children present dance during the golden jubilee celebration of Gaili Youth Organization (GYO) at Gaili Village under Peren district on December 13. The celebration will go on till December 17. (Morung Photo)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
: Shri. Neihu C. Thur, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, TPT, ATI : Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Assumi : Chairman : Shri. Senti Pongener, General Manager, NST : Er. W. Kithan, Rtd. Addl. Chief Engineer & Ex-Parliamentary Secretary (Jails,Home Guards & Civil Defence, Fire & ES) : Shri. Pekrusetuo Angami, Rtd. General Manager, NST : Naga Orpheus 2014 : : Guest of Honour
Short Speech Special Number Recognition Speech Release of Souvenir and Address : Chief Guest Vote of Thanks : Er. N. Lotha, Addl. CE, NST Benediction : Pastor, DABA, Dimapur
Lunch
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The Morung Express
Monday
15 December 2014
Dimapur
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Hostel aims to propagate ideology to NE children Furquan Ameen Siddiqui Hindustan Times
We roamed the narrow, crowded streets of Tirkha colony in Ballabhgarh in Haryana's Faridabad looking for a hostel that housed children from the north east. Our attempts to ask the locals failed as no one had heard of students coming from any of the north eastern states of the country. Then someone asked us if we were looking for 'Nepali or Chinese kids' living in the area and pointed us to one of the buildings. The board outside a twostorey building read Donyi Polo Chhatrawas, run by the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. The hostel, like many other buildings in the area, was constructed on a small plot. It was dark, hot and humid inside. Each room, named after revered personalities usually found in Sangh textbooks, housed three or four students who had come from the rural belts of Haflong, Karimganj (in Assam), Rajivnagar (in Mizoram), and Tamenglong (Manipur). The hostel was for students who had finished their tenth standard. Some hostellers studied in schools nearby while the older ones went to a private college nearby. "We face a lot of problems here, mostly racist
remarks from locals. When people see that our features are different they assume that we are Nepalis. Some have even asked us if Assam comes under Nepal," says Mongol Halam, one of the students from the Karimganj district of Assam that borders Bangladesh. It's not just the food, language or the climate that is challenging but also the attitude of the locals. All the students come from poor families with limited access to education in their region. The situation is so grim it leaves them with no option but to trust a stranger, a karyakarta, to embark on a journey to the capital city. "There were around 12 of us who came to Delhi. We were brought from Guwahati to Delhi by a karyakarta. I was the only one for this hostel in that group, the rest went to a hostel in Narela," adds Halam. According to the kids in the hostel, these ashram karyakartas have networks everywhere which helps them establish contact with parents and convince them to send their kids for better education. The students are then sent to hostels in different parts of the country. A small amount is taken from the parents as travel and living expenses. The children we met
was established in 2011. According to him, all arrangements at the hostel are made by the kids, including providing medical aid and cooking food. They follow a strict discipline of daily activities assigned by the caretaker. The day starts at 4.30 in the morning and lasts until 10 at night. "We provide them with facilities that they can't get in the north east; that are not even available in Guwahati," says Singh. "Our goal is not to keep them here forever, but to expand our work
manso Valang. Valang, a Mishmi tribal, has been living at the Jadonang hostel for the past six years and has visited home twice. He would like to get into politics after his studies. Singh interrupts to say that Valang is a fan of Modi and would like to become a leader like him. "There is no development in our region. There are no good schools around. No teacher or government official can change that, only a political leader can bring in some change," says Valang.
Sikkimese student critically injured after clash in Maharashtra
Pempa, a basketball player, was attacked with stones by a group of 15"The kids who are 20 students from Delhi
The two hostels, Donyi-Polo Chhatravas and Shaheed Jadonang Hostel, run by Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram has more than 100 children from the Northeastern states living here. (Photo: HT)
came from different tribes of the region. They tell us how the Christians have converted many tribals to Christianity and that this was the reason they were sent to the hostel. But aren't they animist? The kids tell us that most of them are Hindus, locally interpreted as Buddhism, Heraka or other animistic practices. The VKP also runs the Shaheed Jadonang hostel in Narela, near the DelhiHaryana border. It is named after Haipou Jadonang, a Rongmei Naga spiritual
leader from Manipur who established the Heraka religious movement and had also envisioned an independent Naga kingdom. Jadonang was hanged by the British in 1931. 41 children between the ages of 12 to 16 live at the hostel. Everyone in the locality assumes the children in the 'ashram' are 'Nepalis'. The children mostly keep to the hostel premises and only leave to go to school or for Shakha activities held in a nearby playground.
brought by our karyakartas from the remote areas of the north east are handed over to us at Guwahati from where we bring them here on a train. These children stay here for free and study at a school nearby called Bharat Mata Public school, also for free," says Prashant Singh, caretaker of the hostel. The kids are allowed to go to their homes only once in two years. Singh, who is originally from Gorakhpur, shifted to Narela, when the hostel
Arunachal signs pact with Russian power company GUwAHATI, DeceMbeR 14 (Ie): Arunachal Pradesh has roped in RusHydro International, a company partly owned by the Russian government, to explore collaboration prospects in creating manpower for the several hydro-electric projects coming up in the state. Chief minister Nabam Tuki meanwhile said the state would also want the Russian company to design hydro-electric projects in the state. The collaboration, which was in the form of a joint cooperation declaration between the state government and the Russian company, intends to provide modular education facilities for developing techni-
in the north east, we want them to go back and propagate our work further." "If everyone stays in the north east we won't be able to achieve anything. Then a state like Mizoram which now has 99% Christians will reach 100%. The entire north east will be cut from the country," says Singh. "They won't be a part of this country if they become Christians. Christians are working to achieve that." The only child at the hostel whom we were allowed to speak to was Ha-
cal manpower in the state with its tie-ups with professional and reputed educational institutions, an official spokesman said in Itanagar. RusHydro International is one of Russia’s largest power generating companies with 38.2 GW installed electricity generation capacity distributed over 70 renewable energy source facilities across the country. The joint declaration was signed on the sidelines of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi last week when representatives of RusHydro were part of a business delegation accompanying him. The joint cooperation declara-
tion aims to create a mechanism for possible collaboration on Hydropower education projects in Arunachal Pradesh under a Public Private Partnership Model (PPP), official sources said. “Taking into account the international experience of RusHydro in the field of hydropower and other renewable energy sources, engineering, construction and operation, the Company has expressed willingness to take part in activities to develop educational services in the state,” official sources added. Hudro-electric power projects coming up in Arunachal Pradesh have been facing a lot of hurdles
with communities within the state as well as in downstream Assam expressing various apprehensions over both submergence as well as adverse downstream impact. Official sources in Itanagar said since Rushydro had designed Tehri dam, said to be one of the safest dams in the world, its presence in Arunachal Pradesh would help allay these apprehensions. Lauding it as a significant development, state chief minister Tuki said it would immensely contribute towards meeting human resources required for the several hydro-electric projects coming up in the state.
AMRAvATI, DeceMbeR 14 (PTI): Six students-- five from Sikkim and one from Delhi-- of a college in Maharashtra were injured in a clash over a minor dispute on Saturday, police said. All of them are students of the Degree College of Physical Education (DCPE) run by famous Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal (HVPM). The injured have been identified as Pempa, Lako, Prayaz Chhetri, Subhalal, Shishir Chhetri (all from Sikkim) and Mayur Kumar (from Delhi). They have
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been admitted to hospital. Police said Pempa is in a critical condition. According to police, a heated exchange of words between two students from Sikkim and Delhi in the afternoon turned into a full-blown fight at the entrance of the college. Police said Pempa, a basketball player, was attacked with stones by a group of 15-20 students from Delhi. "Pempa ran for his life towards Gandhi Chowk and took shelter in a cracker shop belonging to one Thakur. His attackers chased him there and asked Thakur to hand him over to them. As Thakur refused, the group pelted
his shop with stones," said DCP Moreshwar Gharge. The students also allegedly attacked some passersby and damaged private vehicles parked in the area. Police have arrested one Bhajanlal Kishanchand Sharma in this connection, while other students are at large. Gharge said that police are yet to register a case in this regard. W h e n c o nt a c t e d , DCPE Principal Dr Subhash Sharma said, "the alleged breach of discipline by the students would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against them if they are found guilty after inquiry."
A F F I D AV I T
Regd.No: 1635/2014 Date: 08/12/2014 I, MISS ROSY ZHIMOMI, Aged about 25 year, D/ o. SHRI KOBETO SEMA & SMTI GANGA SEMA, R/o. H. No.147(GB), Signal Angami Village, Dimapur Dist., Nagaland do hereby solemnly declare on oath as under1. That, I am a bonafide and law abiding citizen of India residing at the above mentioned address. 2. That, in all my documents and records my name has been entered and recorded as MISS BABLI SEMA. 3 That, from now onwards I want to change my name from MISS BABLI SEMA to MISS ROSY ZHIMOMI in all my documents and records. 4. That, I have sworn this affidavit to declare that both "MISS ROSY ZHIMOMI" and "MISS BABLI SEMA" are my names only and is one and the same person but from now onward I may be known and called as MISS ROSY ZHIMOMI for all of my official purposes . Deponent Solemnly affirmed and declared before me. Notary public, Dimapur, Nagaland
Modi promotes NE Bamboo cultivation rewarding Tripura farmers DeceMbeR 14 (PTI): Many turned to bamboo cultivation as price of rubber as tourist destination MOHANPUR, tribals in Tripura are now eking out their living by latex dropped from Rs 160 to Rs 90 per kg. He
New DelHI, DeceMbeR 14 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sought to promote India`s northeast as a tourist destination and urged people to visit the region if they wanted to see the beauty of nature. Modi said the northeast region is as good as Dubai and Singapore and went on to equate the region with the Taj Mahal. In his monthly radio address ‘Man Ki Baat’, Modi said the northeast has a lot of potential and described his recent visit to the region as a "heart warming" experience. "People sometime ask, ‘Modi ji, don’t you get tired?’ I say that it feels there is no tiredness after visiting the northeast." "People there gave me love. The sense of belongingness they showed towards me was heart-warming.”
cultivating bamboo, which has a very emotional relation with their lives. Considering the growing demand for bamboo shoots as an Asian delicacy in starred hotels, the Tripura government is planning to commercially produce the vegetable. Pradip Debbarma cultivates bamboo in Simna colony in this block of Tripura's West district with aid from Tripura Bamboo Mission (TBM). He has been doing this on four hectares of land since the past three years and now earns annually at least 2.5 lakh, which he thinks is enough for taking care of his four-member family besides sending his kids to schools. "We eat bamboo shoots, which is like our staple food. We make our huts with bamboos and thatch the roofs of our huts with bamboo leaves, we make fencing with it and it is also used in our pujas and marriages," Debbarma says. Debbarma initially cultivated rubber, but
says he earns by selling ripe bamboos and also gets good price for selling bamboo shoots. He is not alone, about 50 tribals in the block are now taking to bamboo cultivation. "We got all help from Tripura Bamboo Mission, which fenced our cultivable area, supplied good and high yielding varieties of plant saplings, manures and technical knowhow and also gave us wages initially for working in our own fields. Giving wage was basically to encourage and encourage farmers into bamboo cultivation," Debbarma says. TBM is an initiative of the state government to develop the bamboo sector in a holistic manner. The mission aims to double livelihood involvement and the sector turnover in a span of 3 years. It also aims to optimise the end-to-end value chain spanning from plantation and resource generation to marketing of value added finished products.
Border trespassers to be sent packing
New DelHI, DeceMbeR 14 (NIe): By January 15, 2015, the Union Home Ministry will have a list and map of vulnerable patches and routes from where illegal immigrants from Bangladesh enter into Indian Territory. The ongoing identification exercise is on the lines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero tolerance policy towards illegal immigration. During 16th Lok Sabha campaign on April 28 in Serampore, West Bengal, Modi had asked the illegal Bangladeshis to pack their bags. “You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed,” Modi had said. Now, after 6 months in the power, the Home Ministry is in the final stages of implementing the heightened security measures to foil unlawful entries in India that includes more boots on the ground. As per the revamped policy, the illegal immigrants who are intercepted at the international border will be
“sent back then & there” to Bangladesh. On-the-spot action has been finalised by the Ministry to do away with the lengthy paper-work which often turns out to be counter-productive. Home Ministry officials said that after January 15 next year, security and vigilance deployment will be done on the basis of a map to reduce the flow of illegal immigrants. “Intelligence will be beefed up at the entire length of the vulnerable routes identified in the map. The vigilance will also keep a close watch on the personnel of border guarding force, Border Security Force (BSF) and if they are found to be involved in assisting the unlawful infiltration, strict action will be taken,” officials added. Border fortifications will grow in certain areas where works could not be completed due to issues related to land acquisition and environment clearance. The Burdwan terror blast and subsequent investigation by the agencies
had exposed the vulnerability of India-Bangladesh border. The wave of terrorist modules trying to infiltrate in India had considerably increased in the last couple of years, investigators had pointed out. Modi government is talking to three state governments— Tripura, West Bengal and Assam—to raise impenetrable barrier at a vulnerable patch with length of 188 km. The project was stuck due to issues related to land acquisition. The centre has also persuaded the state government of Meghalaya to finish the fortification work at 87.5 km border areas. After assuming power, NDA government is said to have resolved the environmental issues in fencing 61.6 km of vulnerable patch that falls under Dampa tiger reserve in Mizoram. According to officials, a high-level meeting on August 12, 2014, resolved the issues and action plan has been prepared to start the work. India shares a 4096-km-long
border with the Bangladesh, of which 2980.7 km is land border and 1116 km is riverine. The government has proposed to buy 15 boats—10 double engine speed boats and 5 twenty metres medium vessels— to check illegal entry. Officials said the second major focus of the government is to establish connectivity by building roads for effective patrolling in border areas. Approximately 610 km of the border area is yet to be fenced, although, officials said the road projects will be completed by May 2016. Second Line of Defence Besides, impregnable barrier and deployment of BSF personnel, the proposed action includes a unique Prevention of Infiltration of Foreigners (PIF) plan under which over 3,000 personnel have been assigned to Assam to act as second line of defence to thwart illegal immigration attempts. There is a proposal to raise four additional battalions of
BSF in 2015-16 exclusively for deployment on IndoBangladesh border. “The government has also activated village defence parties along the border to track down movements of suspicious groups in the areas. The second line of defence will deter people from crossing the border. The centre has also assured the concerned states on central assistance to catch illegal immigrants trying to sneak across from Bangladesh,” a source said. But the intriguing part is that successive governments have failed to assess the influx of unauthorised immigrants. There is no official figure of deportation besides estimate of immigrant population. The Home Ministry does not have a realistic data of illegal immigrants in Assam and West Bengal. In July 2004, the government had estimated that there were 1.20 crore illegal immigrants including 50 lakh in Assam. The data was later retracted by the government.
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The Morung Express
Black money: Swiss gold exports Xiaomi’s India smartphone ban exposes wider patent risk to India near Rs 1-trillion in 2014
New Delhi, December 14 (PTi): Amid concerns of bullion trade being used for routing of black money, Switzerland’s gold exports to India have risen further and is fast approaching Rs one-trillion mark for the entire 2014. The Swiss gold exports to India stood at over 2.8 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 18,000 crore) in October, up from about 2.2 billion Swiss francs in the previous month, shows the latest data from the Swiss Customs Administration. This has taken the total Swiss gold exports to India since January this year to 14.2 billion Swiss francs (nearly Rs 93,000 crore), as per the data compiled by Switzerland’s cross-border trade monitoring agency. This surge in gold shipments has made India the largest destination for the yellow metal exports from Switzerland. There are concerns that gold trade could be a possible route for laundering of unaccounted wealth, suspected to be stashed by Indians in Swiss banks, although there has been no official word from either countries so far in this regard. The Supreme Court-constituted SIT, however, said in its latest report on black money that a dedicated institutional mechanism needs to be put in place to examine “mismatch between export/ import data with corresponding import/ export data of other countries on at least a quarterly, if not a monthly basis.” The SIT said that this suggestion has been made by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), while citing the Data Analysis and Research for Trade Transparency System adopted by US, to control over/under invoicing to some extent. “It is established since years that over invoicing or under invoicing is known method for stashing black money outside the country. Main question is how to control this malady. “If there is proper vigilance to a large extent by the Customs Department, mis–invoicing can be controlled because, now–a–days, price of various goods/machineries is known in the international markets. “For this, data is also published and is available on computer at any point of time. Hence, it was suggested that in a Bill of Export/shipping Bills, an entry should be included, namely, what is the international market price of the goods/machineries which were sought to be exported,” the SIT said. The government has informed the SIT that this suggestion is already under consideration and is likely to be implemented within a short time. As per the data from the Indian government, gold imports jumped 280 per cent to USD 4.17 billion in October. In September as well, gold imports increased manifold to USD 3.75 billion. This means Switzerland alone accounted for 60-70 per cent of the gold that came to India during these months. Undermounting global pressure, Swiss government started publishing
trade data monthly from 2014 and included information on trade partners. Data on imports and exports of gold, silver and coins was available on quarterly frequency as a separate product up to 2013 but data by trade partner was not available. While industry watchers attribute the surge during October and September partly to increased demand for yellow metal during Diwali and other festivals in India, the sudden spike is also being seen suspiciously in the backdrop of gold being used for ‘layering’ purposes to move funds from Swiss banks amid growing scrutiny for suspected black money. According to banking industry sources, banks operating in Switzerland, including those headquartered in the Alpine nation and the Swiss units of other European banks, have turned wary about dealing with their Indian clients in the wake of a growing scrutiny of such accounts. A number of Swiss banks, including three with significant global presence, have begun telling their Indian clients to sign undertakings that are aimed at ‘derisking’ the banking institutions from potential risks arising out of regulatory actions against the bank customers by foreign governments. Some banks are also telling their clients to close their accounts if they are not ready to take such risks, or if they have apprehensions about such accounts not being compliant to regulatory requirements in their home countries. Through these ‘derisking’ undertakings, the customer agrees to take responsibility for any possible regulatory or administrative compliance with international norms. A new strategy of ‘layering’ through gold and diamond trade came to light earlier this year at Swiss banks to thwart any attempt for identification of real beneficiary owners of funds entrusted with them, government and banking sources have said. There is a growing suspicion that a portion of gold and diamond trade is being used to route funds from Swiss banks to India and other destinations. ‘Layering’ is a key stage in money laundering and involves moving illicit funds around financial system through a complex series of deals to complicate the paper trail. This layering typically takes place between the first stage — placement of black money in the financial system either in cash vaults, or through a series of cash or sham financial transactions — and before the final ‘integration’ stage when money is put back into the financial system through various transactions for the benefit of its final recipient. There has been a huge political uproar over Indian black money allegedly stashed in Swiss banks and the new government has said it is committed to tackling this menace. As per Swiss National Bank’s latest data, the total money held by Indians in Swiss banks stood at over Rs 14,000 crore as on December 2013, up by nearly 42 per cent from a year ago.
mumbai, December 14 (reuTerS): The court order that banned Chinese mobile maker Xiaomi from selling its phones in India has halted its breakneck expansion into the world’s fastest growing major smartphone market and could be just the start of a string of patent challenges. Xiaomi Technology only started selling in India in July and quickly became the country’s fastest growing smartphone brand; with minimal marketing, it is already outselling even low-cost smartphones running Google’s (GOOGL.O) Android One. Hugo Barra, the former Google executive now leading Xiaomi’s international operations, told Reuters in November how rapidly the country had taken to his brand. All it took was a single Facebook post to draw dozens of superfans to a California Pizza Kitchen in Mumbai to meet him, he said. “It was far more than we expected. The community has really, really embraced us,” he said. And then came Wednesday’s court order to stop selling, after a patent infringement case was filed by telecom equipment maker Ericsson (ERICb.ST). The ban will last until at least Feb. 5, when the Delhi court hears the case again. But that is unlikely to be the end of the young company’s battle over intellectual property (IP) rights.
Game Number # 3084
Sources close to Xiaomi say its leadership has privately acknowledged for years its vulnerability to patent entanglements. The higher risks of IP litigation in Western markets even played a role in shaping Xiaomi’s strategy of expanding in India and Southeast Asia, the sources said. Xiaomi said in a statement that “it isn’t easy” to build up a patent portfolio as a start-up company, but it aims to have filed 8,000 applications by 2016. On its home turf, Xiaomi has already been dogged by IP controversies with other Chinese firms, mostly over content rights for its streaming TV service. As its smartphone business, already number one in China, continues to grow, however, industry
analysts expect greater pressure at home, particularly since two of its fiercest handset rivals, Huawei and ZTE Corp, are among the top telecom patent holders in China. GROWTH SETBACK Until it is lifted, the ban in India will be particularly hard on growth prospects. In a country where just one in 10 people use smartphones, the potential is vast. The market grew 82 percent in the third quarter, while China expanded at a relatively modest 10.8 percent, according to research firm IDC. Barra posted a message on the company’s website on Friday apologising to fans. “Rest assured that we’re doing all we can to revert the situation,” he wrote. “Stay tuned for more in-
fares were revised by 4.2% and freight rates by 1.4%
New Delhi, December 14 (PTi): The next Rail Budget to be presented early next year could contain a proposal for raising fares to pass on the burden of rising power cost to passengers. The fuel adjustment component-linked tariff revision due in December will be effected in the Rail Budget in February and there is a need for upward revision as energy cost has gone up by over 4% in the recent months, said a senior Railway Ministry official. According to Railways’ announced policy, fare and freight revision linked to fuel and energy cost are being done twice a year. The last revision was done in June wherein passenger fares were revised by 4.2% and freight rates by 1.4%. Hinting at a possible fare hike, new Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu had said at a recent
Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”
SUDOKU
Three models of China’s Xiaomi Mi phones are pictured during their launch in New Delhi July 15, 2014. (REutERS file photo)
Passenger fares likely to go up early next year ‘India inviting Samsung, The last revision was done in June wherein passenger LG for manufacturing’
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LEISURE
formation.” In China, Xiaomi already outsells Apple (AAPL.O) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) in smartphones, and it became the world’s third-largest vendor as of October, though it is little known outside Asia. Unlike Apple, which introduces a new iPhone just once a year, Xiaomi rolls out updated models frequently, usually in small batches that sell out in seconds. It sells only online, and with minimal advertising, relying on word of mouth to build anticipation for each new launch. In India, Xiaomi initially imported 10,000 devices a week but soon had to ramp that up to 60,000 to 100,000 to meet demand, India business chief Manu Jain told Reuters before the sales ban. It has chartered flights four times to rush in fresh supplies. Jain did not respond to a request for comment on the business impact after the order. Rushabh Doshi, an analyst at technology research firm Canalys in Singapore, said the ban would “leave a gap in the market, to be quickly filled by local or international vendors looking to increase market share”. The court case will also make phone vendors wary about their current patent portfolio and require them to step up their spending on research and development, he added.
event that “some burden has to be shared by people.” Asked about the possibility of raising train fares to meet the growing expenses in Railways, Prabhu, known for his proreform approach, did not rule out the possibility saying “passenger service should be improved before increasing the fares. Safety cannot be compromised. There is a need for big investment. Some burden has to be shared by people.” Expressing serious concern over the Railways’ financial health, Prabhu had said it is “too close for comfort” and highlighted the urgent need for massive investment to meet the safety requirement and upgrading in the rail infrastructure. “Railways requires big investment. There is no fund for investment. There is requirement of Rs 6 lakh crore to Rs 8 lakh crore for completion of announced projects,” he had said.
The minister, who is also meeting MPs in batches to make himself aware of their demands and aspirations before the Rail Budget, said to meet these demands, the requirement is about Rs 20,000 crore. Prabhu, after assuming charge, is learnt to have taken a series of steps to bring the national transporter reeling under massive fund crunch back on the track. While the cross-subsidisation in passenger sector is hovering around Rs 26,000 crore, there is a fall in passenger bookings too. Passenger bookings have come down during April-November by 1.43% as compared to the corresponding period last year. The total number of passenger tickets booked during this period were 5581.33 million compared to 5662.54 million in the same period last year, according to Railway Ministry data.
DAILY CROSS WORD
CROSSWORD # 3092
Answer Number # 3083
hyDerabaD, December 14 (iaNS): India is inviting technology majors like Samsung and LG to set up manufacturing facilities in the country under ‘make in India’ programme, said Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. “We are promoting all the big guns like Samsung and LG to come to India in a big way under ‘make in India’ programme,” the minister said in his address at golden jubilee celebrations of Computer Society of India (CSI) here Saturday. “Come to India, establish premises, use human resources, technology and talent of young people to make in India for India and also for exports,” he told the global electronic manufacturers. He said the central government plans to promote 20 electronic manufacturing clusters. Under the cluster scheme, states will get Rs.50 crore each if they give 50 acres of land for the clusters. Calling upon industry to come out with innovations, the minister said funding would not be a problem and the electronic development fund has just been established for the purpose - to propel ICT, nano technology and electronic manufacturing in a big way. Stating that the government aims to build technology empowered India, the minister said digital India programme would create a big space of digital infrastructure for citizens and also a big platform for digital delivery of services.
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ACROSS 1. Rinds 6. Affirm 10. Rant 14. Expect 15. Flexible mineral 16. Nights before 17. Exceedingly harmful 19. Friends 20. Not awake 21. One time around 22. Go on horseback 23. Ate 25. Animal hides 26. Throat-clearing sound 30. Makes amends 32. Gain through experience 35. A vehicle that races 39. Complex in design 40. Watch and direct 41. Pixies 43. Fundamental 44. Select 46. Agile 47. Religious fathers 50. Property claims 53. Chair 54. Enemy 55. Be emphatic
60. Abominable Snowman 61. Instigator 63. Reflected sound 64. Feudal worker 65. Overact 66. Not now 67. French for “State” 68. Pass-the-baton race
DOWN 1. Dad 2. Female sheep (plural) 3. Nobleman 4. Connects two points 5. Anagram of “Diets” 6. French for “Friend” 7. Purple 8. S. American country 9. Coarse file 10. Acts as an agent 11. Utilize 12. Open grassland 13. S S S S 18. Consumer Price Index 24. Short sleep 25. Smooth brown oval nut 26. Contributes 27. Pile 28. Always 29. Drugs 31. What a person is called
33. Slats 34. Margarine 36. Grumble 37. Food thickener 38. Depend 42. A musician who performs alone 43. C 45. Reddish brown 47. Heretofore (2 words) 48. Kind of nut 49. Wash oneself 51. Zero 52. Contemptuous look 54. No charge 56. Alike 57. False god 58. Bristle 59. 3 62. Obtain Ans to CrossWord 3091
police Control Room: north police Station: South police Station: fire brigade: naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: bethel nursing Home: northeast Shuttles
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local/Public SPace
The Morung Express
Monday 15 December 2014
Dimapur
5
Knowing Your Spiritual New SpecieS of NagaS: And Physical (Political) A Treatise on Contemporary Issues-II History From The Bible I M Kaka D. Iralu
y friend and I were leisurely walking back towards our bicycles, after the first rather uneasy song practice, for the coming Fresher’s day, meant for us. “Hello!’ a Telegu teen greeted us sheepishly. “Hi”, my friend and I replied. “The song you were singing was very nice,” he remarked grinning. “O! Thank you!” I greened back. “I’ am also a Christian, my name is Prem Kumer.” Startled and surprised, I said after pausing a while, “Really! That’s great.” “ I’ am Tumben, I’ am Meren.” Having introduced, we end up exchanging our room numbers and our respective hostels. He’s an integrated student and stays in the integrated boy’s hostel. Waking up, yet the eyes still closed; hurrying to the mess hall only to force some morsel of queer looking ‘ukma’; paddling my cycle aggressively, yet was late in class; rubbing the sweats off my face, I struggled coping with the Professor’s lengthy lecture with all those strange looking equations and figures. The conflict within was so intense, as I struggled thwarting off the stupid ideas that keep springing in my mind; as the sun bids adieu, my day would have ordinarily ended with the song practice.I was in friend’s room savouring the delight of laughter. Suddenly, my roommate interrupted our casual bed-time giggling, “Someone looking for you!” I excused myself and rushed to my room, Prem and another boy were at the door. Having exchanged pleasantries, we went inside. We chitchat and in the middle of our conversation, I asked, “would you like to pray?” he readily said, “yes!” Sadly, the other boy, a non-Christian, didn’t join us. We talked about our families, our churches and the likes. With the passage of time, I felt very relaxed, things became as serene as my heart was filled with joy and my mind was freed from worries. I walked with them to their entrance gate, bid ‘Good night’, after exchanging our contact numbers. And as I strolled back, my heart was overwhelmed with gladness; I looked up and said, “Jesus! I think I made you happy!”I’ am well aware beyond the
slightest doubt that I’ m a sinner with countless flaws and weaknesses. Often I fall into pit-holes, and in many occasions, I stray way far from his presence, though I’ve accepted his lordship. But even while in storms struggling under the shackles of sin, if I long for him and his love, I always find his out-stretched hands everyday to lift me up again. My little act of worship never goes in vain; he always fills my heart with joy and peace. When the intention was self-sacrificing and pure, the goal seemed a step away; there was ‘hope’though the soil was drenched with blood. The few years following the formation of Naga National Council, a teacher left his job to join NNC; an inspector in fire department left his job to join NNC. For these two comrades and thousands old species, the resolve to stand against the invaders and protect their land was above everything else. Such instances of patriotism aren’t heard of in today’s time. Those concerned might ask themselves, “Would I still choose to put my nation’s agenda first and resign my job to join national army?” Stories are told that, those wounded and sick freedom fighters who surrendered denied job and other offers made to them. Those concerned might as well ask themselves, “Would I deny and be steadfast in my pursuit of justice and freedom?”Today, the illegitimate and unacceptable activities of some nationalists cannot be denied. These some new species taint the image of the old species and the organizations they belong to, or undermine those earnest and steadfast in the greater ‘cause’. Reflecting eroding public support, what we hear is legitimate public cry against the new species. Against such backdrop, the primary intention of those new species joining the nationalist movement can be called into question. And this overt fact provides us an occasion to discuss on our contemporary socio-political and economic realities that breed vicious cycle of vices. In the face of current high unemployment coupled with lack of employment opportunities, the possibility that the new species- that I alluded to above- might be joining the
movement out of frustration and for reasons other than the prime-pure intention to selflessly serve for the cause cannot be ruled out. Again, it’s highly possible that those that resort to unwelcome actions are these uninspired ‘some’. Here, it is important to note that in a circumstance of varied employment opportunities, only those with genuine heart for the cause will join the movement, and the potential ‘some’ might opt for other vocations. This will be in the interest of the organizations at stake. On the question of employment opportunities, politicians and some lament why the youth queues up for government jobs and do not venture out to other business avenues, but a careful study of the phenomenon reveals deeper problems. The obvious reasons one can easily identify at a first glance are inadequate private sector employment opportunities, unfavourable business environment, and the subtle but nevertheless crucial fact that some disillusioned think they have a last option to join UG (…this adversely reduces the efforts they put in…). It is not hard to observe that failures of business start-ups far outweigh the small success stories that we hear. This can be ascribed largely to the unfavourable business ambience (and not at the least to competitive conditions), or precisely the many factors like unabated taxation, infrastructural constraints et.al, which inhibit the growth of entrepreneurial culture-which have otherwise germinated. The pathetic conditions of those that constitute what is called hard infrastructure ( it refers to the large physical networks like roads et. al. needed for a modern industrial nation to function) and soft infrastructure ( it includes institutions which are required to maintain the economic, health, cultural and social standards of a country, such as the financial system, the education system, the health care system, the system of government, law enforcement, emergency services et.al.) need not be elaborated, as the sheer hearing of the nomenclatures of those bring forth a mental picture of their sorry state. It looks ironical that though Nagas (originally industrious
and enterprising) are standing above huge natural resources, surrounded by scenic natural beauty with huge potential for eco-tourism, with excellent agro-climatic conditions, are economically crippled. Sound Infrastructure precedes and lubricates over-all development-industrial sector, private sector, service sector including tourism et.al, and hence every initiative towards infrastructural development should be facilitated and not obstructed, especially given our poor and inadequate infrastructure. One crucial aspect hindering hard infrastructural development is taxation from varied quarters. Costly delays, poor execution and the consequent sub-standard roads and other infrastructures built, are most of the time attributed by the contractors to the taxes. This issue is very serious and is hijacking our economy, and hence this taxation should be rationalized. While the UG’s voice against anti-social activities is laudable, it should be recognized by those concerned that economic problems breeds social problems. Recognizing the fact that people legitimately attribute their failures and miseries to the current nationalist’s actions, the UG’s have to rediscover themselves and bring a change in the people attitude towards them-freedom fighters without people’s support are no less than ‘repels’. It may be true that in few occasions there are baseless blame (... by contractors etc…) against UG’s to find excuses, but the adverse environment created for such to happen is a creation of the new species, and can be remedied by the UG’s only. Hoping for the best political solution with Government of India, the infrastructure that we develop with their help, they will not take away. But, such infrastructure will only facilitate our economic development. Facilitating infrastructural development by easing such projects from taxation and making the contractors accountable by ensuring quality check is in our larger interest and the need of the hour. Towards this, basic requirements are rationalized taxation by recon-ciliated UG government, uncorrupted engineers (those engaged in planning as well as quality
testing), and of course political commitment of an enlightened government-all these are currently just people’s aspirations. Coming to our alarmingly high Government fiscal deficit (Rs 1,252.45 crore for 2014-15, which is more than half of the tentative state plan outlay of 2300 crore), the government is left with no space to manoeuvre but to beg alms from the centre. Noting the RBI’s cautioning of Nagaland government to reduce fiscal deficit to 3% and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s call on states to maintain ‘fiscal discipline’, the issue at hand has not received the needed amount of discussion. On the one hand, the government can’t cut its expenditure in a salaried economy where the bulk of the demand of the products of those engaged in non-governmental services (and hence their livelihood) comes from the government employees. On the other hand, when people are crying against unabated taxation; when enterprises are still in incubators; when we’re buying commodities at relatively higher prices (as compared to other states); when almost all those engaged in agriculture, plantations, farming etc. could barely meet their family annual basic needs, increasing taxation or broadening tax base will only add to people’s misery. The factors as to why government can’t raise its tax revenue are themselves problems that merit immediate attention. Given the failure of public sector undertakings, the deficit is bound to cumulatively increase (in the absence of financial grants), and a day will dawn when the government will find it extremely difficult to secure loans to even finance its revenue expenditure. PM Modi might have disappointed the current politicians in power; however, such initiatives like his are the need of the hour. Expanding production base (private as well as public or PPP) is the only way out to increase government revenue (through taxation or otherwise) in the long run. The more time we remain in this sorry state of inertia, the quantum of these problems will increase cumulatively, and our government and major chunk of us will be left at the mercy of external aid.In-
adequate infrastructure coupled with unfavourable business environment is crippling our economy,giving rise to adverse social problems. The fact that infrastructural development is being hampered or the quality of such crucial infrastructures being compromised is self-defeating. These can be remedied for common good by the government and the parallel UG governments. Ensuring rapid development of standard infrastructure (physical as well as human capacity building) coupled with providing favourable business ambience is very much in the interest of the Government, UG governments, and the public in general. It’s high time we recognize and separate political problem and social-economic problem, (the same emphasis is echoed by Chothazo Nienu in his article titled, “Institutional Inhibitions to Development in the State” published in Nagaland Post). It is self defeating and unjustifiable to arrest the solutions to socio-economic problem on the pretext of political problem. Problems like alcoholism (which I’ve alluded to in the first part of this write up) can even be linked to the current socio-economic and political problems. Against the backdrop of present scenario, a day of distress will dawn when the government will have to resort to conditional loans and aids-this will be very costly to our interest (not only the government but the UG’s should take note of this). Our political future will depend on our economy’s ability to pay our own way, for we cannot fight battle of any kind in empty stomach. And our economic development requires transparent and stable political ambience. Thus, the indispensability of bringing about this change should be recognized and acted upon at the earliest. As I have noted, our very own, yet dying community first attitude and our old style of concerted approaches in solving common problems is indispensable in addressing the issues at hand. Revisiting our inherent general sense of social identity and priorities in order to affect our actions will contribute immensely in turning a new leaf. Tumbenthung Humtsoe University of Hyderabad
f there were no Bible in the 21st century, the only answer to my spiritual origin and history from science would be that I am evolved from a monkey and therefore have no spiritual significance regarding the true essence of my being. Against all that I know about my unique spiritual significance, I would even have to believe that I am just a cog in an impersonal mechanical universe of causes and effects. If I then were just an animal and a machine, then life with all its grandeur as well as complexities of law, justice and most of all “Love” would all be meaningless. It is only from the revelation of God through the Bible that I now know I am not just an animal or a machine. It is from God’s word only that I learn the universe was conceived in love and created in all its wonder by a loving God who is the Heavenly father of all humanity. It is also only from the Bible that I come to know that this heavenly father sent his only begotten son to the world to redeem humanity from sin and death. And it is only in the context of these awesome revelations that I realize that I am significant and not meaningless. (Jn.3:16)From the Bible, I now know that I am not just “meat” and “matter” but also “spirit” and “being.” Coming to my physical and political history, if it was not for the Bible, I would be left with only the anthropological and historical knowledge that my forefathers had been around in the present Naga lands only from around the early first century AD’s. Beyond that knowledge, I would not have known from where exactly my ancestors have come from. But it is from Biblical historical records, that I have come to know that like any other nations that inhabit the earth, my national history too began from the Garden of Eden where God, “ from one man created all the nations of the earth and gave them their respective periods and their respective boundaries (lands) for their habitations.” (Acts 17:26; Duet. 32:8) It is also from the same Biblical history that I now know that my forefathers are descendants of Noah’s eldest son Shem who is the father of the Mongolian race. I also now know that Abraham was one of my forefathers and Jesus was born into the race that I too belong to! I now also know that the Negroid races and the Caucasian races are none others than my own cousins because they are also descendants of Noah’s two other sons - Shem and Japhet. (Gen.10: 1, 5, 32) From the Bible, I now know that I am not just a “political animal” who can tear others to shreds for my own selfish political existense. I now know that I also must respect other races that also have their own political identity and lands just like me. It is indeed the Bible that took me beyond Science and Antropology to show me who I really am-Spiritually and Politically. It is these Biblical truths that guides me now and gives me a reason to live life to the fullest without fear or surrender. Yes, I want to live with dignity and self respect in my own lands instead of being reduced to a subject of another race and nation.
The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.
31 AR bust illegal arms making facility
Kohima Press Club (KPC) members and others during the celebration of Pre- Christmas programme at Highland Park on December 14. (Morung Photo)
Legislators and bureaucrats celebrate Pre-Christmas Kohima, December 14 (mexN): Legislators and bureaucrats in Nagaland today celebrated PreChristmas at State Banquet Hall. Chief Minister TR Zeliang in his greeting said that “we” should celebrate Christmas with true spirit.
Asserting that Christmas is a season to forgive each other, he added that “we” should unite our hearts and translate the true meaning of peace among ourselves and to the society, a press release from Media Cell, Chief Minister’s Office informed.
Residents of Golghat Road under DMC Ward II are seen cleaning the busy road leading to New Field check post from Tragopan point early on Sunday morning as part of the Swach Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign). The cleanliness drive was organised by 1 Dimapur I, Ward II Council. (Morung Photo)
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Toshi Aier stated that legislators and bureaucrats are one, and one without the other is incomplete. He stressed that they have to work in sync for the welfare of the people. Rev K Luruo, who was the main speaker of the programme, emphasized on the importance of peace. “Joy comes not from doing our will but the will of God,” he said. He encouraged making room for the Prince of peace to come into “our” hearts this Christmas. The programme was chaired by Kuzholuzo Nienu, while Asangla Phom read the scripture and special songs were presented by Dr. Nicky Kire, Chotishu Sazo, wives of the legislators, Vikheho, Viketol & friends and Naga Orpheus winners.
moKoKchuNg, December 14 (mexN): 31 Assam Rifles busted an “illegal arms making facility” and also apprehended two “Over Ground Workers” at Yaongyimsen village under Mokokchung district on December 10. A press release from PRO of Assam Rifles informed that based on a specific output, troops of 31
Assam Rifles in the presence of police representatives had launched a search operation at Yaongyimsen village. A “large number of tools and weapon making stores” were recovered from house of one of the apprehended persons, N Asongba, the release said. Meanwhile, Toshi Ao, the other apprehended per-
son, was apprehended with one point 22 rifle and 14 live rounds. “These recoveries will definitely give a serious blow to the nefarious designs of persons trying to assist NSCN factions in disturbing the prevailing peaceful environment in Mokokchung district,” the release stated.
Kids Worship Centre celebrates Pre-Christmas Morung Express News
APO conference on Dec 17 Kohima, December 14 (mexN): The Angami Public Organisation (APO) will have its Mechü Kehou (Conference) at its conference hall on December 17 at 11:00 am. Solidarity messages (5 minutes each) will be delivered by the Angami legislators and APO frontal organisations. The APO has requested all its constituent units to delegate 100 members each with “significant” Angami attire to attend the conference. The conference will also witness the introduction of new office bearers for the tenure 2015-2017, informed a press release issued by APO general secretary, Vipopal Kintso.
Dimapur police recovers stolen truck Dimapur, December 14 (mexN): Dimapur police recovered a stolen truck from Purana Bazar, Dimapur on December 13. A press release from Addl. Superintendent of Police/ PRO Dimapur informed that the truck bearing Regd. No. NL01K-1798 was reported stolen on December 12, around 8:25 pm, after which, “Dimapur police swung into action by alerting all available forces in and around Dimapur.”
Dimapur, December 14
The Kids Worship Centre (KWC) Ministry today celebrated its 9th Pre-Christmas at the residence of Temsu Longchari at Jehova Rapha Cottage with parents and well wishers. Arenla Lima shared the pre Christmas message and encouraged the students to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Inferring the exemplary life of Jesus, she challenged the students to live such exemplary lives, and reiterated the need to build one’s spiritual lives, so as to have a closer relationship with Jesus. She encouraged and called upon the students to read the bible and pray daily, and said “we need spiritual food in our lives.” She asserted that living a healthy spiritual life with Jesus was the key to life, and therefore put forth the challenge before the students. Founder and Director of KWC, Robert Long-
MEx FILE
Lotha Hoho Dimapur meeting Dimapur, December 14 (mexN): All executive members of Lotha Hoho Dimapur have been informed that an emergency meeting has been scheduled for December 15, 2014 at Lotha Hoho Ki at 3:00 pm. The Chairman, Lotha Hoho Dimapur has requested all KWC Junior members enthralling the parents and well concerned to attend the meeting positively. wishers during the KWC Advent Christmas celebration on Sunday evening at Jehova Rapha, Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
NSCPEA General Conference
kumer, while welcoming the students and parents, said that the programme for the Pre-Christmas was “Special” as it was meant to make the students feel special and relax, as the students were enthralled by the parents as well as some renowned musicians from the State, which included Alo Wanth, Alobo Naga, Tali Angh. Meanwhile, the junior kids of the
Dimapur, December 14 (mexN): The 1st General Conference of the Nagaland State Child Protection Employee’s Association (NSCPEA) is schedule to be held on December 16 at Zonal Council Hall Kohima. A press note from NSCPEA Vice President, Raitale Zeliang informed that the Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Social Welfare and Chairman to the State Child Protection Society Nagaland, Bei-u Angami will grace the conference as Chief Guest. The president and colleagues of NSCPEA cordially invites all bonafide members of NSCPEA to attend the conference positively.
KWC Ministry gave a scintillating song presentation. The event also witnessed instrumental performance by the senior students, and a video presentation of the activities of the ministry. The winner for the best team was bagged by Team Priscilla and was given away by the Executive-Director Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre Chenithung Humtsoe.
6
IN-FOCUS
The Power of Truth
The Morung Express MonDAy 15 DEcEMbEr 2014 voluME IX IssuE 345
Along Longkumer consulting Editor
To protect minorities, a test for Modi
I
t is somewhat of a bizarre coincidence that following the recent appeal made by the Churches in Nagaland to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to protect Christian minorities in India, a huge national debate has begun in the backdrop of reports that there has been conversion of Muslims to Hinduism in Agra, allegedly by force and allurement carried out by a Hindu outfit linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Other media reports also mention that the RSS plans a mega event on December 25, Christmas day, in Aligarh where they claim some 15,000 people will “return” to the folds of Hinduism. According to the Hindu groups involved in these exercises, it’s not conversion but it is simply “ghar vapsi or a return to home”.Unfortunately for the Modi government, all such groups currently under the scanner happen to be linked to the RSS, the ideological mentor to the BJP, currently ruling the country. It may be mentioned that Church leaders from Nagaland had met Mr Modi during the latter’s maiden visit to Nagaland on November 30 at the Police House, Chumukedima, in Dimapur and submitted a letter to him. The church leaders had said Christians in India are under constant threat. The letter was supported by facts and figures regarding the atrocities meted out to Christians in several states. The question is whether the Prime Minister can protect the rights of all religious minorities in India as guaranteed under the constitution and more so in the backdrop of what is happening—the recent remarks of a Union Minister in the Modi government, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti on the illegitimacy of all Indian citizens who are not “sons of Ram” or the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat publicly stating India is a “Hindu nation” and that “all the people of this country are Hindus”. Under fire, the Modi government is now proposing anticonversion laws in all states as also at the Centre. But is this the solution? And also whether such anti-conversion laws will go against the spirit of a secular polity where every individual is guaranteed the freedom to profess and practice the religion of one’s choice. Historically, India has been a land of plurality of powerful religious sects. Rather than having anti-conversion laws, we should continue to encourage the time and tested practice of religious tolerance. Also rather than seeking State intervention and putting legal injunction on religious matters, a socio-religious reform movement should take the lead in correcting the wrongs or shortfall if any within that particular religion whether Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism or Christianity. As a secular country which guarantees individual and corporate freedom of religion and deals with the individual as a citizen (and not on the basis of religion or creed), no political party, groups or government should even think of promoting or interfering with the religion of an individual. While freedom has its reasonable limits, to profess, practice and propagate one’s religion is a matter of individual choice and consent which no one can take away, not by forced conversion and certainly not through any anti-conversion law. Both are undesirable. At the end of the day, Prime Minister Modi’s image as a popular and inclusive leader will be tested and whether he can rise above party ideology and his RSS loyalty to protect religious minorities in a secular India is something that will be eagerly watched. (Feedback can be sent to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)
lEfT wiNg |
Matthew Pennington Associated Press
Mixed Message
H
uman rights advocates and some lawmakers say the United States is sending the wrong signal by opening the door for broader engagement with Myanmar's widely criticized military just weeks after President Barack Obama assured opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi that closer ties weren't going to happen soon. Congress, acting at the administration's request, is expected to allow U.S. training in some noncombat activities for the military in Myanmar, also known as Burma. The administration says this does not mean closer ties are imminent with a military known for rights abuses. Patrick Ventrell, a National Security Council spokesman, said the provision would "give us the flexibility to pursue slightly broader engagement if the military takes steps to implement reforms and support Burma's democratic transition." But lawmakers who oversee U.S. foreign policy say it's ill-timed. Political reforms have stalled, tens of thousands of minority Muslims are still living under apartheid-like conditions in displacement camps after attacks by Buddhist extremists, and fighting is heating up between the government and ethnic rebels. "It sends the wrong message to the people of Burma who are counting on the U.S. to uphold the values and rights they so desperately seek," said Republican Rep. Steve Chabot, who chairs a House panel on Asia. John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for Human Rights Watch, said it would be different if reforms were advancing in Myanmar. "But even the president (Obama) is saying they are going backward." When Obama traveled to Myanmar last month, his second visit in two years, Suu Kyi requested that the U.S. not pursue new areas of military engagement at least until the national elections in late 2015, according to several congressional aides who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge briefings on the trip given by administration officials. The president gave that assurance, the aides said. Ventrell confirmed Obama discussed the subject with Suu Kyi and others. He said the president's message was that the U.S. did not intend to go further toward "more traditional military-to-military cooperation" until the Burmese military makes clear steps toward reform. Washington has normalized diplomatic relations and rolled back sanctions to reward the former pariah state's shift away from five decades of authoritarian rule. But the U.S. retains an arms embargo and strictly controls ties with the Tatmadaw, as Myanmar's military is known. So far engagement has been limited to seminars on human rights, rule of law and institutional reform. Myanmar has also been an observer at annual U.S. military exercises hosted by neighboring Thailand. The defense bill would allow "consultation, education, and training" on humanitarian and disaster relief, and medical and health standards — areas that critics say should be left to Myanmar's civilian government agencies. The language was drafted by the House and Senate committees that oversee defense policy and are more hopeful than their colleagues on foreign policy panels that military engagement will, over time, encourage reform. "Increased contact of their troops with the U.S. military will help to demonstrate the principles of accountability, civilian control, and rule of law that are the hallmarks of a healthy democracy," said Sen. Jim Inhofe, top-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee. But Sen. Robert Menendez, Democratic chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, wrote to Obama this week saying the bill's language appears to be at odds with the commitments Obama made to Suu Kyi. He called for the administration to articulate a "clear and consistent policy" on military engagement, and which of the new authorities it intends to exercise. Rep. Eliot Engel, top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Associated Press: "Deepening our military ties with Burma sends the perverse signal that the United States will turn a blind eye to the Burmese military's violent and regressive behavior." Five days after Obama's visit, the military shelled a Kachin rebel camp, killing 23 people, a blow to talks aimed at ending decades of war in the nation's border regions. The military said the strike was unintended.
THE EDIT PAGE
C O M M E N T A R Y
Stephen Angus Peter Junor
2014: a turning point for India? Narendra Modi was elected earlier this year with an overwhelming mandate - can he put India on the path to realising its massive potential?
B
etween 7 April and 12 May 2014, the largest ever election in the world took place in India with an eligible electorate of just over 814 million people. For the first time in 30 years, a single party won an outright majority; the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi (as part of the wider National Democratic Alliance which won 336 seats overall) won 282 seats out of 543. The Indian National Congress (considered to be one of the big two parties along with the BJP) came second with 44 seats, falling short of the required 10% of total seats to even be declared the official opposition. This indicates the massive mandate given to the BJP, heightening the expectation that the current government will finally allow India to realise its massive potential. IMF figures show that the Indian economy in terms of GDP is the 10th largest in the world, but only 130th when considering GDP per capita. There is a similar disparity in China, where total GDP is extremely high but per capita GDP is relatively low. Indeed, India’s proximity to China, both geographically and politically (via BRICS), as well as billion-plus populations, has led to comparisons between the two great nations. In 1987, India’s economy was larger than China’s; however, since then China has experienced rapid growth, increasing its influence and representing the type of global power that India has the potential to be. There is no doubt that India has this potential it has a large population and diaspora, respect for human rights and democratic institutions, massive value as a trading partner and is in the envious position of maintaining beneficial relations with many Western powers and China. However, extreme poverty has significantly hindered this potential. Looking specifically at China, it lifted 680 million people out of extreme poverty between 1981 and 2010, reducing the percentage of people living in extreme poverty from 84% to less than 10%. Understandably, this is one of the greatest achievements of the Chinese administration in modern times. The idea is that as people move out of poverty towards the middle class (associated with internal emigration from rural to urban areas) they boost the economy through domestic consumption, a policy that China is currently reorientating towards, following years of export-dominated growth. To realise its potential, India will have to undergo a similar transformation to that seen in China. Currently, World Bank figures show that around 25% of the population lives in extreme poverty (less than $1.25 a day) while just over 60% live in moderate poverty (less than $2 a day). India has the largest concentration of poor people in the world and the problem becomes more acute in rural areas where almost a third live in extreme poverty, of whom 80% are those from scheduled castes and tribes, yet who comprise only about a quarter of the Indian population. This historically disadvantaged group also experiences higher than average levels of poverty within urban areas. Caste divisions The social stratification of the caste system is based on the division of labour, with different castes assigned different occupations and, therefore, different associated entitlements and duties. The Indian activist Arundhati Roy wrote an in-depth feature about caste for Prospect Magazine, while a more basic description can be found here. The caste system adds a different dynamic to the issue of poverty, as pro-poor
T
here seems to be a new age of activism rising. From Occupy Wall Street, to the “Stop Watching Us” march against government surveillance, to the Moral Monday protests, to the People’s Climate March, to the recent nationwide protests over the killings of men and boys of color by police, there is obviously a discontent in this country that is pouring into the streets. And yet much of it confounds and frustrates existing concepts of what movements should look like. Much does not fit neatly into the confines of conventional politics or the structures of traditional power. It’s often diffuse. It’s often organic and largely leaderless. It’s often about a primary event but also myriad secondary ones. It is, in a way, a social network approach to social justice, not so much captain-orchestrated as crowd-sourced, people sharing, following and liking their way to consensus and collective consciousness. If there is a unifying theme, it is at least in part that more people are frustrated, aching for a better America and a better world, waking to the reality of the incredible fragility of our freedoms, our democracy and our planet. It is a chafing at grinding political intransigence and growing political corporatism. It is a rejection of the obscenity of economic inequality. And it is a collective expression of
economic measures may not be able to transcend the cultural and social barriers of the caste system. A lack of resources and services is a major cause of poverty, particularly inadequate healthcare and high illiteracy linked to poor school facilities, particularly in rural areas. A literacy rate of 74% recorded in 2011 lags behind the global average of 84% and other regional powers such as China (95%), Indonesia (93%) and Thailand (94%). There is also a substantial gender gap, partly due to entrenched stereotypes between men (82%) and women (65%), with knock-on effects for family planning, infant mortality and the economy. A report by the IMF earlier this year highlighted that income inequality hinders economic growth, suggesting better access to healthcare and education for low-income families as one policy that could help developing countries promote growth and stability. Poor healthcare and education are at the heart of the development problem in India and it is these two crucial areas where the Indian government must focus. A connected problem is that the growing middle class increasingly views public institutions with suspicion because of widespread political corruption and inefficiency within the sectors of health and education. The 300m strong middle class is an important demographic in India and their growing pivot towards the private sector has the potential to undermine the state to the extent that it will further entrench the idea of “two Indias”, where hundreds of millions lack the opportunities or assistance to be lifted out of poverty. Improving public services tackles both these problems, reconnecting the relationship between the state and middle class, and improving the lives of those in poverty. 100 smart cities After Modi’s election, he immediately prioritised economic growth. Year-on-year GDP growth has fluctuated wildly between 3% and 10% since 2000, averaging just over 5% since 2011; 10% is considered a reasonable long-term aim, with 7-8% more likely over the short term. Restoring high economic growth was a prominent part of Modi’s election campaign and on his recent trip to the US he assured international investors that he would restore India’s economic potential. However, implementing reform to improve economic growth is one thing, lifting millions out of the complex trap of poverty is another. In terms of improving the economy, Modi aims to implement a range of infrastructure projects, including the development of at least 100 “smart cities” to accommodate rapid urbanisation in addition to high-speed rail projects designed to connect major cities. Taking a wider view, Modi also plans to replicate China’s boom by increasing manufacturing, utilising a weak rupee that cheapens exports and a young population providing accessible labour. If these measures are to reduce poverty then strong labour laws will need to be enforced, removing the potential for sweatshops and banishing the associ-
ated reputation that India has. A balance needs to be struck between economic liberalisation, which Modi will inevitably promote, and protecting the interests of workers. This is also true when looking at the bigger picture. Modi will need to balance tax reform and encourage foreign investment with policies that proactively reduce poverty, rather than rely solely on a neoliberal trickle-down approach that doesn’t address fundamental problems. Issues such as lack of internet access to over a billion people, neonatal mortality (30/1,000 births) and open defecation (550 million people practise this) hit home the message that India is still very much a developing country and will require an extensive effort from the government to solve. Regarding poverty, Modi has talked the talk, stating that preventive care is a priority and, unusually for an Indian leader, expressing his intention to eliminate open defecation in his Independence Day speech. During this speech, he also bemoaned the “poison of casteism and communalism”, saying that India needed “peace, unity, goodwill and brotherhood” to move forward, showing that he understands the various problems hindering Indian development. Modi’s appeal to disillusioned voters It’s easy to see how a blinkered focus on GDP growth could exacerbate India’s development problems in the future and if Modi is too pro-business then income inequality, quality of life and labour wages/conditions will be unlikely to improve; growing inequality in Western societies should serve as a warning here. Growing defence spending, a growing economy (whether 3% or 10%), the rise of BRICS and calls for India to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council mean that India will maintain its position as a potential global leader for a considerable amount of time, but a plethora of challenges remain before India can be considered in the same echelon as the likes of the US, China and Germany. Modi and the BJP were elected by appealing to a wide range of voters, including 39% of first-time voters, primarily young people voting for the first time but also disillusioned voters who felt compelled to vote on this particular occasion. Given the large mandate that the BJP received, it will be expected to act upon their election promises and Modi’s subsequent speeches. There is perhaps no government anywhere in the world that faces such a complex set of economic, cultural and social issues and on such a large scale. However, there has been a lot of positivity since the last election and the administration has generally given off the right signals, suggesting that 2014 will represent the turning point for a more successful India. Increased foreign investment, a growing manufacturing sector and fulfilling stalled infrastructure projects can improve the economy but the heart of India’s development problem - education and health - needs to be solved before India can realise the potential it has promised for so long.
A New Age of Activism Charles M. Blow IHT moral outrage over systemic bias. The suspicion of bias, in particular, is what the most recent protests have been about. They are about a most basic question concerning the nature of humanity itself: If we are all created equal, shouldn’t we all be treated equally? Anything less is an affront to our ideals. Bias in the system often feels like fog in the morning: enveloping, amorphous and immeasurable. But individual cases, like the recent ones, hit us as discrete and concrete, about particular unarmed black men killed by particular policemen — although those particular policemen are representative of structures of power. These cases make easy focal points for rallying cries, and force us to ask tough questions about the very nature of policing, force and justice: When is the line crossed from protecting and serving to occupying and suppressing? When do officers stop seeing their role as working for and with a community and start seeing that
role as working against and in spite of it? If bias exists in society at large, how do we keep it out of, or at least mitigate the effect of it on, every level of the criminal justice system, from police interactions to prison sentences? There is a thin line between highpressure policing and oppressive policing. Heavy hands leave bruised spirits, and occasionally buried bodies. It cannot be said often enough that most police officers are not bad actors, but neither are most citizens. Yet prejudice is a societal poison; each of us is in danger of ingesting it, and many of us do. We are constantly making judgments, but most of us are not wearing a holster with a gun. That is when the ante is upped about the nature and quality of those judgments: Did they unfairly weigh against any particular groups? How much force was used and how quickly? This is why the people are in the streets. There are too many nagging questions, not enough satisfying answers. The people want their pain and
wRiTE-wiNg
anger registered. But in a way, this is the part that can drive longtime activists to distraction: that this kind of people power doesn’t neatly translate into political power. Why not follow the recent examples of activists for gay rights and immigrant rights, who pressured politicians and worked through the political and judicial systems to achieve specific policy objectives? But maybe in this moment the exhaling of pain must come before the shaping of policy. Indeed some activists have already moved beyond chants for “change” and begun to develop sophisticated answers to the retort, “change what?”. The trick is to redirect the passions before they dissipate, to maintain momentum when the media attention fades, and to amplify raised voices with votes cast. I believe — because the optimist in me must — that votes will soon, somehow, follow the passion, that people will come to see marching not as a substitute for voting but a supplement to it, that more people will work to effect change inside the system as well as outside it. One of the people’s greatest strengths in a democracy is the flexing of political muscle and the exercising of political power, through ballots and boot leather. This new activism has the potential to create a new political reality. And it will. Eventually. I hope.
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Monday
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
15 December 2014
PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE
hiv: witnessing the realisation of human rights
A
alice Welbourn
s we end 2014, I reflect on three basic Rs in the context of HIV: namely resources, rights and resilience. UNAIDS has just published its 2014 World AIDS Day report, entitled “Fast Track: Ending the AIDS Epidemic by 2030”. AIDS-Free World Co-Director, Stephen Lewis, points out that it can be hard work keeping up with UNAIDS’ ever more ambitious targets. UNAIDS’ mathematical modelling proposes “959595”: that by 2030 there should be 95% of the world tested for HIV, 95% of those who test positive put on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) and 95% of these with an undetectable viral load (which means we cannot pass HIV to anyone else). Lewis views such “preoccupation with statistical data” with some scepticism. Given last week’s report of low UK medication adherence levels amongst people with various conditions, many would argue that UNAIDS’ targets are overly ambitious. But that aside, what really struck me most in the report was: “Community services will become a larger part of the AIDS response and UNAIDS estimates that resources for community mobilization will increase from 1% of global resource needs in 2014 (US$ 216 million) to 3.6% in 2020 and 4% in 2030. This includes antiretroviral therapy and HIV testing and counselling. Community system strengthening aims to bolster the role of key populations, communities and community-based organizations in the design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of services, activities and programmes.” I had to read that paragraph several times because I am naively incredulous - that after all our years of campaigning for community involvement - such a small percentage of the AIDS funding pot is spent on community initiatives, including testing, counselling and ARV provision – most of which take place in health centres anyway, not in communities. By my maths, with 35 million of us in the world with HIV, that is currently an average of $6.17 spent on each of us in terms of community resources. And the plan is to quadruple that by 2030 to 4% at $24.69. So where will the other 96% of AIDS funding still go? No wonder civil society is feeling extremely illresourced. I am not alone in continuing to emphasise the importance of community-led initiatives. At a meeting hosted by Paediatric AIDS Treatment for Africa (PATA) last week, 160 health professionals highlighted the huge need for non-clinical, community education issues, such as parent to child disclosure and ARV adherence amongst adolescents. As I reported in July, the group dying from AIDS at 50% increase globally is 10-19 year olds. If paediatric health staff themselves see how lack of community initiatives is hampering their work to support this group, why is there still such a miniscule resource allocation to community initiatives at global strategy level? I am just home from one especially resource-poor setting, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The largest city in E Africa, 75% of its 4.5 million population has no water or electricity. I was working with PASADA, supporting Dominique Chadwick train some of clients to make their own films about their lives. Founded in 1989, its dedicated staff now supports 108,000 clients in Dar, most of them extremely poor. Half of those who have tested for HIV in Dar were tested by PASADA. Those who need to be on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment have to come every month because of drug shortages. This
Student Christina Batipps browses over a display of AIDS memorial quilt panels on display as part of World AIDS Day at Emory University on Monday, December 1, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
costs clients (and staff) extra time - and money in terms of transport, childcare costs and lost potential income time. By contrast, I get 6 months supplies of ARVs, delivered to my rural door in Britain by Royal Mail, an immeasurably easier experience. The participants whom Dominique is training are all caregivers of children affected by AIDS. Mostly they are grandparents or aunts and uncles. There are far more women than men. Occasionally they are older siblings. Several caregivers and children also have HIV. I met them first last year when observing a two week pilot workshop of “Stepping Stones with Children”, an adaptation, led by Gill Gordon, of the original long-running Stepping Stones programme which has been recognised to reduce intimate partner violence in many communities from the Gambia to Fiji, South Africa to Uganda, and beyond to child marriage in communities in India. The pilot of this adaptation last year produced positive preliminary results, confirmed by the stories of the film-training participants, one year on. Why “Stepping Stones with Children”? As Simon Yohana, Executive Director and Nelson Chiziza, Stepping Stones Programme Coordinator of PASADA explain, children are especially wise beyond their years in the face of adversity. They grow extremely sensitive antennae, knowing there is some family secret but that they can’t voice it. Meanwhile adults fear that disclosing their own or the child’s HIV status to him or her will shock the child and that they will not keep the secret, thereby stigmatising them all. Adults also find it extremely hard to talk about their own or others’ sexuality. So since children have heard everywhere that AIDS is about sex, adults fear all the more to discuss or disclose the existence of HIV in the family. Thus many children have been tested and are being given ARVs while told that they have anaemia or something else. If children
find out what they really have from sources other than their carers, they can feel anger that they have been lied to, or guilt that they are alive whilst their parents or siblings are dead. Or they can blame themselves for their parents’ deaths. Meanwhile their bereft and overwhelmed carers can project their desperation onto the children and, when they are inevitably naughty, children are told: “if you don’t behave, you will grow up like your mother or father!” This is of course a fiercely unjust statement, both for the child who needs to remember its parent with love and whose behaviour is largely caused by anxiety and stress; and for the parent who had no intention whatsoever of passing HIV to its child. Yet the desperate caregiver, often with many small mouths to feed, feels overwhelmed by the situation and resorts to anger and violence against the child. All this can have huge knock-on consequences as children enter adolescence, often resulting in high levels of risk-taking and abandonment of ARVs. You can hear how this resonates entirely with PATA concerns above. The Stepping Stones with Children programme opens up communication and trust between the generations and builds a new-found resilience amongst children and caregivers alike. These new skills enable them to overcome these challenges. Our film-training was a five day intensive multitasking emotional leap into personal storytelling, scene-setting, filming using flip cameras, directing, sound control, clapper boarding, acting and finally editing, to produce a finished product which gets shown back to the community just before Christmas. The training is now continuing with the 9-14 year olds and next week with the 5-8 year olds. Altogether about five films are planned – two each for the older age groups and one for the 5-8s. The two films made by the adult clients reveal
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deep personal changes for them all. Both stories are composite, rooted deeply in their real lives. In the first, a couple are anxious about whether or not to disclose to their nephew, John, who is taking ARVs and suspects that he has HIV but no-one has told him this. The boy’s older friend, Alex, who knows that he has HIV himself, can see that John suspects something. So then Alex shares his worries about John with his own carers. He says he wants John to be happy like him and know about his own HIV status too. Alex asks his grandparents if they might make use of what they learnt in the training and offer support to John’s aunt and uncle, who are their neighbours. Alex’s grandparents think this is a great idea and agree. Alex’s grandparents then visit John’s guardians to say that, whilst of course it is their decision, there are advantages in their having the courage to tell him. When they do, he is of course first shocked but they comfort him and are able to explain how well he is, how good he is at remembering to take his medication and how he will be able to grow up and live a long life and have his own children, HIV-free. In the final scene John now plays happily with his friends. The second film is about a man who felt suicidal and very angry with his wife for "giving" him and their children HIV. Yet thankfully through the training they received last year, he has moved on to a new space, from anger, blame and gender-based violence to understanding that this violence inside him is based on fear, anger and need and that he can also create a space inside him to develop acceptance and hope. So his whole family is now much safer than previously - his young daughter and son have chances of better safer futures, his wife and himself also. And his children are more likely to be able to have HIV-free children themselves. ( Links to the films and related materials will be added to this article once they are finalised.) No doubt there will be many more pitfalls along the way for the actors in both stories, but they all now have skills of more self-reliance and resilience to know how to deal with difficult situations than they did prior to the training. I witnessed here this week the realisation of raw human rights, especially of children, in these dramas. I have heard these concerns about disclosure and of violent reactions to HIV voiced repeatedly in many communities around the world. Yet it is very rare to hear their resolution. This is why the proposed increase of community funding to a mere 4% is breathtakingly inadequate. We know how to turn these tragedies into rightsbased stories of resilience and hope. What we continue to lack is the consistent flow of sustained and substantive resources to enable these transformations to happen and continue happening. We don’t pretend that one simple training will turn people’s lives around forever. It took 60 years to get seatbelts accepted or smoking in public places banned in England. Change takes time, sustained political will - and long-term funding. Yet realising human rights isn’t rocket science. What can happen here can happen anywhere - in England too. With resources, rights-based community initiatives can grow and flourish and from these can stem true, lasting resilience. What we need is the political courage and will to make these three basic Rs happen – to sustain them for the sake of future generations - and for us all. And then just then - “959595” might begin to be a possibility.
POLL RESULTS
Was NareNdra Modi right Not to give a ‘fiNaNcial package’ to NagalaNd state goverNMeNt? Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • There is not an iota of valid reason for special financial package to Nagaland state. I am quite sure PM is not a fool. is there any natural calamity in nagaland? or any National/regional/local development projects to be benefited by the citizens? what the Nagas begging, is for wiping out Rs 1234 crore debt of corruption and for another corruption of Rs 2468 crore. stop preaching on holy living instead walk the talk. • Nagaland government is in a bad financial position, but it was the right decision on Modi's part not to give any financial package to the state government. It is time that someone says enough is enough. The state government has been taking the people for a ride and have finished all the money that was meant for development and progress of the people. • Yes, because if we get a package we will have more corruption in our society. • Modi knows that it will end up in the pockets of politicians as did the last time they came and gave vast amount. it is good for us to suffer a little and come to do what is right instead of creating a begging culture • B'coz nagaland state govt. motto is ''to swallow how much we get 4rm the central govt. for the development of nagaland state''. They didn't thought about the development. so for me modi the great is absolutely correct for not giving 'financial package' to nagaland state govt. • Mr PM was absolutely right, and he is no fool. The whole world knows he and his govt is up against corruption and why would he conform to our ‘pitable’ situation - one we created ourselves because of our greed and rampant corruption at all levels. If he had given the package our top leaders were shamelessly begging for (and our dear CM was still begging in his speech on the State inauguration Day on December 1 morning), the PM would have encouraged corruption. Anyway, good try. So, we are in a pathetic situation indeed, but serves us right! Thanks to our leaders for leading the State to the path of learning the hard way!! The ‘best’ is yet to come.
• Yes, sure was right, its about time we started to work and let the politicians sweat while they work, for far to long the scum have cheated the people. • Absolutely yes!!! What will a “financial package” do? Don’t you think people? This is Nagaland where money is easy come easy go…and guess what.. the ‘package’ will only feed the sage crows and cultures of Nagaland. • Yes Modi truly knows that the state government will truly eat up the money fast. • Yes, Nagaland government cannot be given financial package without specific objectives, present Nagaland government does not know how to utilize money, they think that package money should be used to purchase big luxury costly SUV cars for bureaucrats and ministers by chocking the road when the road is getting smaller and there are daily traffic woes. Sir, Nagaland ministers and bureaucrats drive vehicles which is more costlier than Union Ministers and central bureaucrats. Centre should not allow Nagaland to live in the past instead it should encourage them to stand on its own feet without giving any financial packages. Our future is very important therefore Narendra Modi is right and knows very well that there is no rule of law, it is a land of ‘khushi khushi’ where no one is held accountable for any wrong doings. Unless there is leadership changes in present Nagaland government don’t sanction any money. • Yes, Justified cos the funds would have been used for releasing songs like "Potato" under Horticulture Mission Technology. • Modi was right not to give any packages for the corrupt government of Nagaland, where they eat up the roads and do noting but line their pockets, hard times are good times to learn self sufficiency. Nagas are proud people until it come to money then we can bag in Delhi with shame. • Yes, In Nagaland NPF and BJP are alliance but former MP W.Konyak voted for UPA during nuclear deal, M.C.Konyak
and Y.Patton the then BJP MLA's were baptized as NPF forcefully. During 2013 State General Elections NPF and BJP were pre poll alliances but it was just in print media, BJP's winning chances were all suppressed by NPF moreover complaints by BJP candidates were never heard fairly so it resulted in BJP's single win by Paiwang Konyak.Inspite of all this acts the BJP voted for N.Rio in 2014 Parliamentary Elections but when change of guard was necessitated for T.R. Zeliang
86%
BJP by using all advantages. • It will only make us more lazy and dependant. Now we have to work and show progress. The PL cannot use the tax payers money for nothing. • Yes He was right in not giving financial aid as all the financial aid given will be pocketed by the Politicians in power. No financial package is better as for now • Yes, because it will be their pocket money and not for development. • India so love Nagaland that he knows how to earn himself. • Yes. He did the right thing. It is time for the nestlings to take flight. Also, the fact that every wrong should be corrected and not white washed. Misappropriation of funds in our State is chronic. Everytime our debts are absolved it becomes an act of paralyzing our capability and we become super dependable upon the centre. In the process we do not even realize that we should try to be better, but instead, we follow the same pattern of conduct..day after day, year after year. Thieves and State fund marauders should be uprooted, and not be encouraged by scrubbing the surface with gentle central government aid.
Some of those who voted no had this to say: • No, Nagaland is still under India. He should take care of his country. • No. Nagaland needs to survive. It doesn't have anything worth naming to generate revenue. Majority of Nagas are working in government departments. If their salaries stop, it will effect the government servants and YES no OTHERS their dependents like the present condition of teachers. All development activities will come to a standstill. Finanas CM replacing N. Rio after his eleccial package is vital for our survival. The tion to MP the BJP's request for cabinet package should be given and utilization berth for Paiwang Konyak was turned strictly monitored. The centre can also down despite witnessing the power and go ahead with an investigation into past change of guard (BJP Govt.) in New Delfinancial irregularities. hi as well as the disqualification of three NCP monkeys for joining BJP by speaker. The last blow was the recent by-elec- Some of those who voted tion in N.Rio's constituency where BJP OTHERS had this to say: candidate lost to son-in-law of N. Rio due • Corrupt or uncorrupt as long as we the Nagas are force to stay with the Indian to NPF's policy of friendly contest with
04%
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union, it's their duty to help the Nagas economically, as the present financial aid is too less to meet ones end for a highly westernized Naga society. • Give n be taken away by our big mouth politicians n bureaucrats again???? Too much damage has been done by dem. Its time for a change. • Why should the politicians be made richer and the public poorer • Might be give something but not sure. • He came to power with a mission to establish a clean govt and if he has given financial package then he would have compromise his mission. Nagaland suffer financially because of misappropriation therefore giving grant should have mean to encourage it. Thus he was wellverse with Nagaland situation • The PM should ask the people responsible for creating the 1234 situation in the state to mend it on their own at any cost. Till such time, apart from the normal fund allocation for the state, all unfinished projects (be it state or central undertaking) can be shelved. The FM has made it clear that there wouldn't be any more special/ financial package system in the country. Every government has been asked to generate its own resources for the development of its own state. • PM should have even ordered a CBI inquiry into all the projects and misuse of fund allocations in the state • Financial packages given to the state even in the past years/decades have only benefited a handful of people. To discourage corruption and illegal taxations in the state, and also to fulfill the wish of the people, Modi must've adopted this dry attitude towards the state. But, is Nagaland really facing financial crisis? Once again, wait and see in the coming month of March in 2015. Every head of department/DDO, down to the heads of the government institutions will be able to draw lakhs and lakhs of amount against fictitious expenditure bills. This practice has been draining the state coffer for a long time now but the government is least bothered to initiate any kind of investigation to penalize the corrupted officers.
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.
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Dimapur
NATIONAL
Monday 15 December 2014
The Morung Express
Voters fight the cold in Jharkhand, J&K rANchi/JAmmu, DEcEmbEr 14 (AgENciES): Despite the cold weather, both Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy turn outs in the fourth and the penultimate phase of the assembly elections. While Jammu and Kashmir saw 49% voting, the turnout was as high as 61% in Jharkhand. Women voters outnumbered men in the fourth phase of the assembly elections in Jharkhand. Around 61 percent balloting was reported from across the 15 constituencies that went to the polls, officials said. “The highest polling was reported from Chankayari with 71.28 percent, followed by 70.2 percent in Madhupur. Polling was by and large peaceful. The turnout in Maoist-affected areas was more than 60 percent,” a poll official said. Women voters scored over the male voters. “In the fourth phase, women’s turnout was around two percent more than male voters,” an Election Commission official said. Balloting for 15 of the 81 assembly constituencies began at 7 a.m. While voting for 13 seats ended at 3 p.m., it continued in Bokaro and Dhanbad till 5 p.m. Voting took place at 5,482 booths, including 36 auxiliary ones. As many as 716 booths were declared ‘very sensitive’ and 2,007 declared ‘sensitive’. The Election Commission declared 183 polling stations as model polling stations. Webcasting facility
A physically disabled woman returns after casting her vote as others wait their turn during the fourth phase polling of the Jammu and Kashmir state elections on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday, December 14. The elections are being held in five stages to allow government forces to better guard against any violence or anti-India protests. Results are due December 23. (AP Photo)
was available in 335 polling stations and 27,410 polling personnel were deployed in the fourth phase. A total of 43,48,709 voters, including 20,03,516 females, were eligible to elect their representatives. The fate of 217 candidates, including 16 females, was sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by the end of balloting for the day. Former chief minister Babulal Marandi contested from Giridih
constituency. Ministers Mannan Mallik of the Congress, Haji Hussain Ansari of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Suresh Paswan of the Rashtriya Janata Dal were among the other prominent candidates in this phase. In the 2005 assembly polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its then alliance partner Janata Dal-United won seven of these 15 seats together. The JMM won four seats.
Defying separatists’ boycott call, the polling in the four districts– Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian and Samba(Jammu region) was four per cent higher than that in the 2008 Assembly elections but it was lower compared to the average 71 per cent in the first two phases and 59 per cent in the third phase. Although the polling was by and large peaceful in all the districts, several incidents of clashes be-
tween supporters of rival political parties and alleged high handedness by two BJP candidates–Javed Ahmad Qadri(Shopian) and Hina Bhat (Amirakadal) were reported in the Valley. “An estimated 49 per cent of over 14.73 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the penultimate phase of the five-phased assembly elections,” Chief Electoral Officer Umang Narula told reporters here. The 18 assembly segments had recorded 45 per cent polling in the 2008 Assembly polls and 29 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, he said. Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi told reporters in Delhi that barring a few stray incidents, polling in the state was peaceful. An FIR has been lodged after an election agent of an Independent alleged that he was manhandled by a BJP candidate in Shopian district, he said. All the eight constituencies of Srinagar district together registered an increase in the voter turn out–28 per cent– which was six per cent more compared to that in 2008 assembly election. It was a mere 10.71 per cent for these constituencies in the recent Lok Sabha elections. It was 66.6 per cent in the Assembly polls in 1987, 19.24 per cent in 1996, 11.17 per cent in 2002 and 21.93 per cent in 2008, according to official data. Anantnag and Shopian districts of south Kashmir witnessed a slight
dip in overall poll percentage compared to 2008 polls, recording 61 and 50 per cent, respectively. Anantnag had recorded 63.20 per cent in 2008, while Shopian had registered 50.65 per cent polling. With the completion of the fourth phase, the voting in 67 out of 87 assembly constituencies was completed and it is over in the Valley. Voting in the remaining 20 assembly seats spread over three districts of Jammu region will be held on December 20, while counting of votes will be taken up on December 23. Giving break-up of the polling, Narula said Samba district in Jammu region recorded the highest 80.10 per cent as against 77.90 per cent in 2008. Narula said Vijaypur constituency in Samba district registered the highest turnout of 81.17 per cent while Habbakadal constituency in Srinagar witnessed the lowest at 21.01 per cent. Despite severe cold, long queues of voters were seen outside the polling stations to exercise their franchise at many polling stations throughout the day. Sonawar constituency, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting from a second seat, witnessed the highest 44.17 per cent turnout in Srinagar against 39.61 per cent in 2008. Besides Omar, the other key candidates in the fray are PDP patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who is contesting from Anantnag constituency.
ISIS threatens Bangalore Police Drug money funding terror, shun habit, Modi urges youth NEW DElhi, DEcEmbEr 14 where the money you buy your can shatter anyone. This is a psy- he plans to do and not just what after Mehdi’s arrest, warns of revenge (iANS): cho-social-medical problem and should be done,” he said. “Who can Exhorting India’s youth to drugs with goes?” bENgAluru, DEcEmbEr 14 (PTi): A senior police officer has received a threat in connection with the arrest of Mehdi Masroor Biswas, the alleged handler of the most influential pro-Islamic State (IS) Twitter account, even as the latter was remanded in five-day police custody. “Bengaluru CCB Police has got five days police remand of Mehdi Masroor Biswas. He was presented before the Magistrate last night,” DCP(Crime) Abhishek Goyal said on Sunday. After Biswas was picked up on Saturday, Goyal received a threat message in reply to his tweet about the arrest of the 24-year-old engineer working as “manufacturing executive” with ITC Foods in Bengaluru from his one-room apartment here. “@goyal_abhei we will not leave our brothers in your hand Revenge is coming wait for our reaction,” reads a reply from twitter handle @abouanfal6. Responding to the threat, Goyal said he is not taking it much seriously. “Personally I’m not taking the threat much seriously…. taking it in stride and not much
alarmed,” he said. On the basis of “credible” intelligence inputs received on the presence of ISIS Twitter Ideologue @ShamiWitness in Bengaluru, the city police chief had formed a special team, which closed in on Biswas and arrested him. Bengaluru Police had launched a manhunt for Mehdi after Britain’s Channel 4 News had aired the report regarding the country’s IT capital’s link with the Twitter account that is followed by foreign jihadis. Police had on Saturday said that Biswas has “confessed” that he was handling the pro-jihad tweeter “@ShamiWitness” that became a source of incitement and information for new ISIS recruits. Biswas has been arrested under Sec 125 of IPC (whoever wages war against the Government of any Asiatic power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war), Sections 18 and 39 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section 66 of the Information Technology act, they had said.
‘Prez & VPs should be political persons’
NEW DElhi, DEcEmbEr 14 (PTi): The offices of President and Vice-President should not be held by people other than politicians, feels incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee. He also feels the role of presiding officers in legislative chambers should be similarly viewed as persons “otherwise eminent and competent” may not have the required political judgement to balance a delicate situation. The President’s views on these Constitutional posts in the context of the running of the Houses of
Parliament and the role of the presiding officers are part of his just-released book “The Dramatic Decade: The Indira Gandhi Years”. So far S Radhakrishnan and APJ Abdul Kalam had occupied the post without a political career. Similarly, S Radhakrishnan, GS Pathak and Justice M Hidayatullah were Vice-Presidents without a political background. He refers to a situation when the Congress party and Indira Gandhi had returned to power in 1980 but was lacking in majority
in the Rajya Sabha. It was in the context of the Government wanting to avoid a defeat on its resolution in the Upper House seeking approval of dissolution of some Assemblies in a ‘tit for tat’ action against Janata Party, whose Government had dismissed Congress governments in some states when it came to power in 1977. “I was confident of winning in the Rajya Sabha. But while I did not like to be bullied by the opposition, I did not like the Chairman (M Hidayatullah, former Chief Justice of India).
shun drugs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said narcotics not only destroy lives and families but the money paid to buy them could be funding terrorists in their nefarious activities. Addressing the nation in his monthly radio talk “Mann Ki Baat”,the prime minister also sought to promote the northeast as a tourist destination and urged people to visit the region if they wanted to see the beauty of nature. He termed the UN decision to observe June 21 as International Day of Yoga as a “matter of great pride” for India, and expressed happiness over his recent informal retreat here with chief ministers and meeting India’s World Cup-winning blind cricket team. On drugs, he said: “Sometimes I want to ask the youth who indulge in drugs that maybe you experience a different world when you take drugs. But have you ever asked
“Have you thought ... what if this money reaches terrorists and they buy arms using them? And using them, they kill our soldiers? “Have your ever thought that maybe the bullet that has hit a soldier was bought from some percentage of the money you paid to buy your drugs,” Modi said. “Have the courage to say ‘no’ (to drugs) and reject drugs. Tell your friends the same,” he said, observing that drug abuse brings “darkness, destruction and devastation” and suggested measures, including a special helpline and a social media campaign, to tackle the menace. “I had said the last time that I was worried about the youth of the country. I am worried as some sons and daughters get stuck with drugs and the entire family is torn apart. “It can destroy very good families. Drugs is something that
cannot be solved only through medical means,” he said. Modi noted that many people had come out of this habit and urged celebrities and people connected with public life to create awareness, while urging parents to study the changes happening in their children and try to save them. “We can try and have a movement #DrugFreeIndia.” He said he shared his thoughts on drug abuse with police officers and asked them to think of solutions to the issue. In response, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Amarinder Singh welcomed the prime minister’s concern about the scourge of drugs the country was confronted with, but said Modi’s “Mann ki Baat” on drugs “should have been more action-oriented than just a wish-list”. “The prime minister must set the agenda and tell the nation what
feel the pain more than us in Punjab where an entire generation has been threatened,” said the former Punjab chief minister. “It is good that the issue has attracted the attention of the prime minister and I hope that the ‘Mann ki Baat’ will not end up in the heart only but will be taken to its logical conclusion.” In his radio address, Modi also said the northeast region has a lot of potential and described his recent visit there as a “heart warming” experience. “People sometime ask, ‘Modi ji, don’t you get tired?’ I say that it feels there is no tiredness after visiting the northeast.” “People there gave me love. The sense of belongingness they showed towards me was heart-warming.” He also hailed the UN decision to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Woman commits ‘Sati’
PATNA, DEcEmbEr 14 (iANS): A 70-year-old woman allegedly committed “Sati” by jumping into the funeral pyre of her husband at a Bihar village, police said Sunday. Gahwa Devi committed “Sati” Saturday evening at Parmania village in Saharsa district, about 220 km from here, district police officer Rudal Kumar said. Saharsa Deputy Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar said he was informed about this shocking incident. “We have begun investigation into it,” he said. Some villagers informed police that Gahwa Devi jumped into the funeral pyre of her husband after her family members left cremation ground. When the woman’s family did not find her at home, they rushed to the cremation ground and found her dead. A police officer said the woman’s family members did not attempt to rescue her from the pyre when they came to know about it, as villagers told us. However, the woman’s son Ramesh Mandal denied the incident, saying his mother died hours after his father passed away and they cremated her at the same funeral pyre where his father was cremated. “My mother died of heart failure due to shock over my father’s death,” he said.
Yoga enthusiasts lie down after performing Surya Namaskar or sun salutation during “Yogathon 2014,” as part of a countrywide challenge of performing 108 rounds of the sun salutation at the Art of Living headquarters on the outskirts of Bangalore on Sunday, December 14. The United Nations on Thursday declared that June 21 will be observed as the International Day of Yoga. (AP Photo)
Child labour should go into pages of history: Satyarthi
India’s Kailash Satyarthi, who on Wednesday along with Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize, pays homage at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi, India, Sunday, Dec.14, 2014. (AP Photo
NEW DElhi, DEcEmbEr 14 (PTi): Making an emphatic appeal to “globalise compassion” and turn it into a “mass movement”, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Saty-
arthi on Sunday said that he wants child labour to go into the “pages of history”. Satyarthi, who returned to India today, also pitched for the passage of the pending legislation against child
labour, saying that history “won’t forgive” the legislators if the bill does not get passed. “I want to make an earnest appeal to all the parliamentarians, and also to other leaders to facilitate
the passage of the key legislation failing which history and children of India won’t forgive them,” Satyarthi said. “Gandhiji turned truth, non-violence and peace into a mass movement. My appeal is to turn compassion into a mass movement. Let us globalise compassion,” the Nobel laureate added. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment (CLPRA) Bill which, once passed, will prohibit employment of children below 14 years in any occupation, bringing the law in consistency with the Right to Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009. Earlier, Satyarthi accompanied by his wife Sumedha, visited Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat where they paid homage to the father of the nation. 60-year-old Satyarthi, an ardent follower of
Mahatma Gandhi said that he could “visualise Gandhi walking towards the stage” to receive the award while he was sitting at the podium at the nobel ceremony in Oslo. “When I was sitting at the podium, I was remembering him (Gandhiji) every single moment. I could visualise him walking towards the stage to receive the award,” said an emotional Satyarthi. On being asked how he would spend the prize money, Satyarthi said that he had previously “never seen” that much money in his life, quickly adding that he would spend “every single penny” for the cause of children in India and globally. “I have never seen or touched that amount of money in my life before. But I can assure you that every single penny will go to the cause of children in my country and globally. The
money won’t even go to my own NGO,” he said. After landing in India in the wee hours today, Satyarthi tweeted, “Jai Hind. No words to express my feelings” adding “Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Heartfelt welcome home by fellow Indians”. Satyarthi, who jointly received the award along with Pakistani teenage education activist Malala Yousufzai, said that “sustainable peace” between India and Pakistan could only result from more mutual cooperation. “I am not a politician but as far as I understand more people to people contact, mutual cooperation is required for any kind of sustainable peace between the two countries,” he said. Satyarthi’s image of comforting Malala, when she broke down after seeing her blood-splattered clothes she was wearing the day she was attacked by the Taliban, at an exhibi-
tion in Oslo, was splashed by the media across the world. Expressing his gratitude to India’s “vibrant democracy and the judiciary”, Satyarthi said that change was “knocking a the door” which needs to be acted upon. “I am grateful to India’s vibrant democracy and the judicial system without which I could not have achieved anything. But at the same time I would like to say that change, hope, progress is knocking at the door. We need to act now,” the crusader against child labour said. Satyarthi said that the award has increased the weight of “moral responsibility” on his shoulders and that his job wouldn’t be complete till the day a “single child is enslaved”. The son of a police officer, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Satyarthi also spoke about few “emotion-
al moments” and how his friends and family called him “crazy” when he left his job as an engineer to join activism. “There were emotional moments in my family when I left my engineering job and joined activism. My friends said that I am working for a non-issue and they called me crazy,” the father of two said. Satyarthi’s NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement) prides itself on liberating over 80,000 children from bonded labour in factories and workshops across India. Awarding the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize on Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Committee said that “Satyarthi and Yousafzai are precisely the people whom Alfred Nobel in his will calls ‘champions of peace’”.
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Abe’s coalition cruises to big win in Japan a bid to strengthen his grip on power before tackling unpopular policies such as restarting nuclear reactors taken off-line after the 2011 Fukushima disaster and a security policy shift away from post-war pacifism. The LDP-led coalition victory could make it easier for Abe to be re-elected in a party leadership race next September, boosting the chance he stays in power through 2018 and becomes one of Japan’s rare longterm leaders. Aside from local elec-
A man casts his vote for parliament's lower house election at a polling station in Tokyo on December 14. Japanese voters headed to the polls Sunday in a parliamentary election that is expected to reaffirm the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's majority, though many analysts were predicting a record low turnout. (AP Photo)
tions in April, his coalition will probably not need to face voters until a 2016 election for the upper house, where the LDP and the Komeito party now hold a majority. Doubts, however, persist over whether Abe will knuckle down on his “third arrow” of reforms in politically sensitive areas such as labour market deregulation that would make it easier to shift workers to growth areas but also to lay off employees, and reform of the highly protected farm sec-
tor. Critics say progress has been limited, partly due to opposition from members of Abe’s own party. “My personal assessment is that we are likely to see more of what we’ve seen - piecemeal reforms moving more or less in the right direction, but at a fairly slow clip and no bold breakthroughs because of this election,” Columbia University professor Gerry Curtis said before the results were in. Some experts say Abe could also turn attention away from the economy
to his conservative agenda that includes laying the groundwork to revise the post-war, pacifist constitution and recasting Japan’s wartime past with a less apologetic tone. That agenda raises hackles in China and South Korea, where bitter memories of Japan’s past militarism run deep. The LDP had 295 seats and Komeito 31 in the 480-member lower house when it was dissolved for the election. Five seats were cut through electoral reform.
What to Watch for in Japan’s elections A national election in Japan on Sunday is expected to lower house, which is the more powerful of Japan’s two return the ruling party of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to houses, and has the final say in picking a prime minister power in a possible landslide. At stake is the 475-seat and approving most legislation.
TOKYO, December 14 (reuTers): Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition cruised to a big election win on Sunday, but feeble turnout could weaken his claim of a mandate for policies including reflationary steps to revive the economy. Most media exit polls showed Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior partner, the Komeito party, winning more than 317 seats in the 475-member lower house, enough to maintain its “super-majority” that smoothes parliamentary business. But many voters, doubt-
ful both of the premier’s “Abenomics” strategy to end deflation and generate growth and the opposition’s ability to come up with a better plan, stayed at home, putting turnout on track for a record low, interim figures showed. Turnout had already hit a post-war record low of 59.3 percent in the 2012 poll that returned Abe to power for a rare second term on pledges to reboot an economy plagued by deflation and an ageing, shrinking population. Hopes for Abe’s “Three Arrows” of hyper-easy monetary policy, govern-
ment spending and reforms such as deregulation were tarnished after the economy slipped into recession in the third quarter following an April sales tax rise. Recent data suggest any rebound is fragile. Abe decided last month to put off a second tax hike to 10 percent until April 2017, raising concerns about how Japan will curb its huge public debt, the worst among advanced nations. “I worry that Japan’s public finances will get even worse,” said 38-year-old Tokyo voter Akihiro Fujihara. “I wish there was a party out there that would come
up with actual proposals to make Japan a better place to live.” OppOsitiOn Gains LittLe tractiOn The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was unable to gain much traction, largely due to voters’ memories of a 2009-2012 rule plagued by policy flip-flops, infighting and three premiers in three years. Exit polls showed the DPJ gaining from the 62 seats it held before the vote, but falling well short of the 100 seats it had unofficially targeted. Abe called the election in
What to Watch For
What abe Wants
The margin of victory. Pre-election polls pointed to a solid win for Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party, which has governed Japan for most of the post-World War II period. The LDP held 295 seats in the lower house when Abe dissolved it last month, forcing Sunday’s snap election. Projections based on polls by Japan’s major media say the LDP could win more than 300 out of the 475 seats. Tthe number of seats was cut from 480 earlier.
Abe hopes to stem a slide in his support while his government remains relatively popular and the opposition is in disarray. Consolidating power now may aid in his longer-term, more controversial goals of amending the constitution and restarting nuclear power plants.
implications Outside Japan
Why it Matters
Japan’s relations with its huge neighbor and trading partner China have soured since Abe took office in late 2012, as the two countries sparred over conflicting claims to islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Tokyo. Sunday’s vote could further roil ties with China if Abe interprets a strong showing for the Liberal Democrats as a mandate for a tough stance toward Beijing.
Abe could use a large majority to push through politically difficult initiatives such as opening Japan’s agricultural markets and expanding the role of Japan’s military. Economic reforms are vital to a sustained recovery from two decades of stagnation, but face stiff opposition from vested interests — so even a landslide won’t guarantee change. A big win would help Abe fend off leadership challenges from within his party. If his popularity ratings remain relatively high, he could remain prime minister for up to four more years, when he would be legally required to call another election.
American in North Korea denounces US and seeks Venezuela asylum
seOuL, December 14 (reuTers): A U.S. citizen who illegally entered North Korea delivered a lengthy denunciation of U.S. domestic and foreign policy on Sunday and said he was seeking political asylum in Venezuela, the North’s official media said. The man identified himself as Arturo Pierre Martinez, 29, from El Paso, Texas, in video footage of a press conference released by the North’s KCNA news agen-
cy and said he had taken “a risky journey to reach the (North) so that I could pass along some very valuable and disturbing information”. Martinez spoke of human rights violations committed by the U.S. government and its attempt at forcing imperialist influence and domination on other countries, KCNA said in an article released with the footage. Reclusive and impoverished North Korea is under international
haiti pM resigns amid political discontent POrT-Au-PrInce, December 14 (AP): Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe announced early Sunday that he was resigning along with several ministers in the wake of violent anti-government protests and a commission’s call for him to step down. In a speech that was delayed past midnight, Lamothe said he was leaving “with a sense of accomplishment,” adding: “This country has undergone a deep and dynamic transformation and a real change in benefit of its people.” President Michel Martelly said earlier he accepted the findings of the commission that had recommended Lamothe’s replacement. Martelly appointed Lamothe as prime minister in 2012, and some political analysts believe Lamothe might seek the presidency in upcoming elections. Lamothe’s resignation complicates the current political situation because nominations for a new prime minister require approval from Parliament and it is unclear whether someone would be nominated before Parliament is dissolves in January, said Michael Deibert, author of “Notes from the Last Testament: The Struggle for Haiti.” He noted that Lamothe was Martelly’s third nomination for prime minister during a drawn-out selection process. “Without a functioning Parliament and without a prime minister, I’m afraid it could be a tumultuous time in January,” Deibert said in a telephone interview from Cap-Haitien. He warned that political instability would undermine confidence in the government and the confidence that the international community has in Haiti in terms of investment. “That’s not an image that Haiti wants to project to the world,” Deibert said. Haiti’s capital has endured a growing number of violent demonstrations in recent weeks during which protesters have demanded the holding of elections that were expected in 2011 and the resignations of Lamothe as well as Martelly. On Saturday, one man was found dead in a protest in Port-Au-Prince during clashes with police who fired tear gas. It was not immediately clear how the man died, but he was shot at least once in the wrist. Demonstrations also spread to other towns, including Gonaives and Cap-Haitien. The unrest followed a demonstration Friday in which U.N. peacekeeping troops opened fire on a crowd that marched through Port-au-Prince, set tires on fire and skirmished with troops and police. Martelly’s administration blamed the delay in holding elections on six opposition senators who contend legislation that would authorize the vote unfairly favors the government. The commission set up to break the impasse recommended that Lamothe resign, along with the head of the Supreme Court and current members of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council. It also called for the release of several “political prisoners.” Martelly said he would meet Monday with government officials to discuss the commission’s report. Administration officials have insisted the government wants to hold the elections. The terms of 10 senators expire in mid-January and Parliament will be dissolved, meaning Martelly would rule by decree.
sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes. It regularly threatens war on democratic South Korea and the South’s major ally, the United States. Martinez’s mother told CNN her son was mentally unstable and has bipolar disorder, and had previously tried to enter North Korea from the South by swimming across a river. He was captured and sent back to the United States where he was committed
bAnJArneGArA, December 14 (AP): Rescuers pulled more bodies from the debris Sunday after heavy rain in central Indonesia loosened soil and collapsed a hill, setting off a landslide that killed at least 32 villagers and left 76 others missing under piles of mud. About 2,000 rescuers, including soldiers, police and volunteers, were digging through the mud and the wreckage of crumpled homes, getting some relief from clear weather following days of heavy rain.
to a psychiatric hospital in California, she said according to CNN. “He is very smart and he got the court to let him out and instead of coming home to us, he bought a ticket and left for China,” the television news channel quoted Patricia Eugenia Martinez as saying. In September, South Korean media reported that a man in his late 20s had been arrested by South Korean marines for swim-
ming in a river that flows towards North Korea. The man had been trying to go to the North to meet its leader, local media reported at the time. Martinez said in the KCNA article that he had been staying in a nice hotel and was being treated well by the North Korean government and that he would seek political asylum in Venezuela. Martinez said he chose to come to North Korea to
talk about U.S. policy because it has successfully defied U.S. influence by maintaining a “very powerful military”. It was not immediately clear how Martinez entered North Korea. CNN cited a North Korean statement as saying Martinez entered the country two days after U.S. intelligence chief James Clapper arrived in Pyongyang to negotiate the release of detained Americans Matthew Miller and Kenneth Bae.
Miller and Bae had both been serving hard labour sentences in North Korea for breaking local laws, but were released in November during Clapper’s visit. A third detained U.S. citizen, Jeffrey Fowle, was released in October. “(I am) extremely grateful for having been pardoned from the punishments given to violators of these laws, and for the most generous reception I have received,” CNN reported Martinez as saying in a statement at the news
32 dead, 76 missing in Indonesia mudslide
Excavators, meanwhile, shoved aside earth and the remains of decimated wooden homes. Residents of Jemblung village in Central Java province’s Banjarnegara district said they heard a roaring sound followed by the raining down of red soil that buried more than 100 houses late Friday. “The landslide looked like it was spinning down,” said one resident, Subroto, who like many Indonesians uses only one name. “I managed to rescue a pregnant woman, but could not
save the other man.” He said one side of the hill collapsed, then another. “In five minutes, there were three (major landslides) and they swept away everything,” Subroto said. By late afternoon Sunday, 32 bodies had been pulled from the debris, while hopes faded that the 76 people still missing would be found alive, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the spokesman for Indonesia’s Disaster Mitigation Agency. Many roads and bridges were destroyed, ham-
pering rescue efforts, Nugroho said. Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived at the scene Sunday. He pledged to relocate the hundreds of people left homeless by the disaster, and assured that the government would help provide aid for those who were injured. Eleven injured villagers were hospitalized. Many people in Jemblung village said they were aware that the earth on the 150-meter (yard) hill that flanked their remote farming village may not hold. After hearing a deep rum-
bling sound just after dusk Friday, some fled to safer ground. But others were either at home or at the local mosque when the mud, rocks and trees tumbled onto their village. Wawan Wahyuni, a 20-year-old farmer, said he watched helplessly as his grandfather and dozens of his neighbors disappeared beneath mud more than 6 meters (20 feet) deep in some spots. “I saw them buried alive,” Wahyuni said. “They were yelling ‘Allah Akbar! (God is great!) before being
conference. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has railed against the U.S. Senate for passing a bill that would impose sanctions on government officials found to have violated protesters’ rights during demonstrations earlier this year. Critics of Maduro say he blasts the United States to distract Venezuelans from the cash-strapped country’s ballooning economic crisis.
slowly buried.” Wahyuni himself was buried up to his chest until survivors rescued him seven hours later. Banjarnegara is located on Indonesia’s most densely populated island of Java, about 460 kilometers (285 miles) east of Jakarta. Seasonal rains and high tides in recent days have caused dozens of landslides and widespread flooding across much of Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or near fertile, floodprone plains close to rivers.
lima climate talks fall short 2015 breakthrough less likely
LImA, December 14 (ThOmsOn reuTers FOunDATIOn): Lack of real progress at a climate conference in Lima that ended in the early hours of Sunday morning harms the chances of reaching a global agreement next year that effectively curbs climate change and deals with its impacts, experts said. Countries are meant to reach an agreement on how to deal with climate change beyond 2020 at a meeting in Paris at the end of 2015. A deal would impact global energy, transport and development policy for decades to come. Lima had a straightforward agenda: agree the scope and schedule for the Paris agreement. But countries split on both big fundamentals and many of the details of a future agreement, and the meeting ended with a far more modest agenda than many had hoped for. Developing countries fear any agreement that will require them to set ambitious targets to cut carbon emis-
sions, arguing that this is unfair because they should be allowed to develop. Rich countries, who have produced most of the world’s climate-changing emissions so far, say it is now time for everyone to help. The final decision in Lima, reached after negotiations overran their two-week schedule by more than 30 hours, watered down an earlier version, deleting any review of country pledges which would have made them more rigorous. It also deleted a technical review of financial support for developing countries. Developing countries insisted on an explicit reference to the differences between them and the developed world, shooting down an earlier suggestion that some poorer countries should take on much bigger responsibilities for limiting emissions. If developing countries agreed to that move – the UN calls it “selfdifferentiation” – rich nations said they would give more financial help.
“We still live in a world of deep inequalities,” said Jose Antonio Marcondes de Carvalho, lead negotiator for Brazil. “The notion of self-differentiation is tantamount to the annihilation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.” Several developing countries did contribute to a new Green Climate Fund, which surpassed $10 billion in Lima, including Mexico, South Korea, Peru and Colombia. China also said prior to the talks that it would only allow emissions to grow until 2030, then reduce them. The UN talks have the uphill task of driving consensus not only between developed and developing countries, but also between those most vulnerable to climate change and oil exporters that may lose out from tougher curbs on carbon emissions. Small island states at risk of being drowned by rising seas insisted in Lima on an explicit reference to catastrophic harm that they cannot adapt to. They want
A man casts his vote for parliament’s lower house election at a polling station in Tokyo on December 14. (AP Photo)
assistance to deal with that, which is called “loss and damage” in UN jargon. The most ambitious agreement in Paris could, in theory, launch a diplomatic process which regularly increases targets for carbon emission cuts to meet the long-term goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions later this century. Small parts of the Lima decision pointed towards such an agreement. It committed countries to make new, more ambitious proposals, and required the UN climate secretariat to assess the world’s collective ambition. Countries in Lima also agreed a very early stage draft negotiating text for
a Paris agreement, which included multiple choices for almost every item. Many observers outside the negotiations expressed frustration with the slow pace of talks. Business and financial leaders said they needed firmer signals from a climate agreement, including long-term emissions targets, to begin to invest billions of dollars in low-carbon projects. “We’re looking for a regulatory and policy framework to help us,” said Kevin Moss, a corporate social responsibility executive at the British telecommunications firm BT, on the sidelines of the Lima conference. “This is a growth opportunity. We’re looking
for a price on carbon.” Aid and development organisations similarly said the Lima deal would not effectively help poor nations struggling with worsening climate impacts. “UN climate talks in Lima have delivered nothing for people in developing countries who are most vulnerable to climate change,” the charity ActionAid said in a statement. “There is no (adequate) finance to help them adapt to climate impacts, no reference to a mechanism to help them deal with loss and damage, no urgent emissions cuts to lessen those impacts, and no assurance that developed countries will live up to their obligations,” it said.
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Chelsea recovers to stay 3 points clear of City
LONDON, December 14 (AP): Chelsea produced an instant response to its first loss in the English Premier League by beating Hull 2-0. There was a fifth successive league win for Manchester City, with the champions edging past bottom-place Leicester 1-0 to stay three points behind leader Chelsea. Eden Hazard headed in his eighth goal of the season for Chelsea in the seventh minute and played a one-two with Branislav Ivanovic before releasing Diego Costa to score in the 68th minute. Between the goals, Chelsea gained a man advantage when Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone was sent off on the hour, receiving a second booking for a studs-up challenge on Filipe Luis. "As I was expecting, the bad moment didn't continue," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said, referring to last weekend's loss at Newcastle. "I was right when I had no fears about negatives. The team has game principles, and knows how they want to play. "We have a clear identity in our game, we change
Man City beats Leicester
Hull’s Ahmed Elmohamady, left, challenges Chelsea's Diego Costa for the ball during their English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Saturday, December 13. (AP Photo)
sometimes because we need to, but we are a strong team." While West Ham stayed fourth after drawing 1-1 with Sunderland, Southampton slumped to a fourth successive loss. Ash-
ley Barnes gave Burnley a 1-0 win that left Southampton in fifth, having been second last month. Burnley provisionally climbed out of the relegation zone, which is now
made up of Queens Park Rangers, Hull and Leicester. Crystal Palace is only a point above the danger zone after drawing 1-1 with Stoke. James McArthur's header was canceled out by
Stoke striker Peter Crouch. West Bromwich Albion is two points further in front of Palace after beating 10-man Aston Villa 1-0 through Craig Gardner's goal.
LeIceSTer, December 14 (AP): Frank Lampard scored in the first half to give defending champion Manchester City a 1-0 win at last-place Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday that came at the price of two more costly injuries. Lampard was left totally unmarked in front of goal to slot in a low cross from Samir Nasri in the 40th minute. It was Lampard's 175th Premier League goal, putting the former Chelsea midfielder level with Thierry Henry in fourth place on the all-time list. Playing without injured star Sergio Aguero, City looked far from its best but remained three points behind leader Chelsea after 16 rounds. And the team has new injury concerns after striker Edin Dzeko pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced by 18-year-old Jose Pozo in the starting lineup. Captain Vincent Kompany then limped off in the second half with an apparent hamstring injury. Manager Manuel Pellegrini at least had playmaker David Silva back starting for the first time since October but the away team never really found their stride against the bottom side. Their sluggishness was most evident in the opening 30 minutes as Leicester made all the early running. Esteban Cambiasso was inches away
from giving Leicester the lead after 23 minutes as a well-struck free kick from 35 yards curled narrowly wide with Joe Hart seemingly beaten. City first threatened when Yaya Toure had a powerful drive blocked before Pozo lobbed straight to Ben Hamer after the Foxes' second-choice goalkeeper punched away Silva's free kick. The visitors then began to move up a gear and Toure stretched Hamer for the first time with a low shot after good work by Silva. The breakthrough came six minutes before the interval as Nasri wriggled past Wes Morgan and pulled the ball back across the edge of the six-yard line for Lampard. The pass was not inch-perfect but Lampard made it look so, scooping the ball from behind him to finish with typical clinical precision. The game started to drift toward a tame conclusion in the second half until Leicester rallied, with substitute Leonardo Ulloa having a shot deflected wide. Nasri might have settled it for the visitors but Hamer saved a good low effort. Leicester applied some pressure over five minutes of injury time but Pellegrini's men held on for a hard-fought win that will probably strengthen the case for extending Lampard's loan from sister club New York City.
Bayern thumps to win, Barcelona held
bArceLONA, December 14 (AP): While Bayern Munich extended its unbeaten record and thumped to victory in the German Bundesliga, Barcelona experienced a setback in its pursuit of the Spanish title. A 0-0 draw at Getafe on Saturday ended Barcelona's run of eight straight wins in all competitions, and it fell four points behind Madrid at the top of the standings. The closest Barcelona came to scoring was Lionel Messi's free kick that hit the crossbar in the second half. Strike partner Luis Suarez remained without a goal in the league since joining Barcelona. The AITA National Championship Series for U-16 Boys, which was hosted by the Nagaland Arjen Robben scored Tennis Association at Chavino Memorial Tennis complex, concluded today. Jugal Boruah twice as Bayern Munich beat Sivam Goswami 6-0, 6-2 in the final to win the championship. Megotsolie Khate and routed third-place AugsSatyam Goswami were the semi-finalists.
Getafe’s Sarabia, right, duels for the ball with Barcelona's Lionel Messi during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Getafe and Barcelona, at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, December 13. (AP Photo)
burg 4-0 to provisionally increase its Bundesliga lead to 10 points over Wolfsburg, which hosts Pader-
born on Sunday. Borussia the relegation zone. Robben's goals for the Dortmund, meanwhile, slumped to a 1-0 defeat at defending champions Hertha Berlin to return to came between strikes from
defender Mehdi Benatia and Robert Lewandowski. Unbeaten Bayern claimed the symbolic "Autumn championship" as it will remain first going into the Bundesliga's winter break. The defending champion stretched its lead to 10 points over Wolfsburg. In Italy, Patrice Evra scored his first goal in Serie A but leader Juventus was held 1-1 at home by Sampdoria on Sunday for its second consecutive draw. Evra, the former Manchester United left back, put Juventus ahead with a header following a corner 12 minutes in at the Juventus Stadium. Sampdoria substitute Manolo Gabbiadini equalized in the 51st by shooting inside the far post for his sixth goal of the season.
Endurance Challenge-I concludes Lehmann thinks Clarke will play again
mOKOKcHuNg, December 14 (mexN): Endurance Challenge-I motor rally organised by Spearhead Motorsport Initiative (SMI), culminated here tonight with Sushil Kumar Patel (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung as the Guest of Honour. Anguzo Sekhose and Aduonyü Kire from Kohima won in the extreme category. I. Lima Jamir and Bijoy Awomi from Dimapur emerged second while Kamalesh Das and Abhik Das from Shillong came third. In the TSD category, Larry Imti and Tako Pongen from Mokokchung won the first prize, while Alem I. Jamir and Imliaküm Jamir from Dimapur emerged second. Ruokuobeitou Kense and Thepfuletuo from Kohima Winners from both categories with the Guest of Honour Sushil Kumar Patel (IAS), Deputy came third. Commissioner Mokokchung.
Kohima Press Club Annual Sports Day held
KOHImA, December 14 (NePS): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) conducted its Annual Sports Day 2014 on December 13, 2014 here at its Conference Hall. Large number of KPC Members turned and took part in the “KPC Annual Sports Day 2014” which had variety of “Indoor Games” that included Carom, Ludo, Chess, Chinese Checker and Table Tennis. Members of the Kohima Press Club playing chess during the Meanwhile, KPC has KPC Annual Sports Day 2014 held at its Conference Hall on expressed gratitude to KV December 13. (NEPS)
Nurumi, former President KPC for sponsoring the cash prizes in memory of his late wife Alemla Nurumi, who was also closely associated with KPC. It also expressed gratitude to Kenny Peseyie for the conduct of the “KPC Sports Day 2014” successfully. KPC further thanked all the members and well-wishers for the continuous support to the Club and their participation in the “KPC Sports Day 2014.”
Winners of the different events are: Carom (Men) Table Tennis (Women) Ludo (Open category) 1. Ketu Viluo (Champion) 1. Lolano P Khuvung (Champion) 1. Dominic Ezung 2. Xavier Rutsa (Runner-up) 2. Alice Yhoshu (Runner-up) 2. Asa Seyie Carom (Women) Chess (Men) 3. Kopelo Krome 1. Lolano P Khuvung (Champion) 1. H.Chishi (Champion) Chinese checker (women) 2. Alice Yhoshu (Runner-up) 2. Kuzhovesa Soho(Runner-up) 1. Lolano P.Khuvung Table Tennis (Men) Chess (Women) 1. H.Chishi (Champion) 1. Lolano P Khuvung (Champion) 2. Grace Odyuo 3. Thitalu Soho 2. Ketu Viluo(Runner-up) 2. Thitalu Soho (Runner-up)
ADeLAIDe, December 14 (AP): Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann is being more optimistic about Michael Clarke's future playing prospects than the test captain himself. Clarke retired hurt in the first test against India in Adelaide, but returned to the crease a day later and completed a century. The
33-year-old Clarke then injured his right hamstring while fielding on the fifth day Saturday, with scans confirming he will miss the rest of the four-test series. Clarke said after the Australian victory "there's a chance I may never play again." But Lehmann said Sunday "I think he will be back ... you have your fingers crossed, we will wait
and see. He needs to get it right. He knows that, we know that." Lehmann said he and fellow selectors must weigh up not only Clarke's current state of health, but the risk his chronic back or hamstring woes could flare up during the limited-overs World Cup in Australia in February and March. "One-day cricket is an ex-
plosive game and we need guys fully fit, all the time," Lehmann said Sunday. Lehmann said he had already consulted the Cricket World Cup rule book, confirming Australia could replace Clarke in its squad if he re-injures his back or hamstring during the tournament. The second test begins Wednesday in Brisbane.
Arsenal win decisively over Magpies
LONDON, December 14 (AP): Doubles from Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla gave Arsenal a 4-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle on Saturday, restoring unity at the Emirates Stadium after scattered fan discontent followed last weekend's loss at Stoke. Although Arsenal is still out of the top four, a sixth successive Premier League victory over Newcastle nudged Arsene Wenger's side — with a makeshift defense — within two points of Champions League places. "There's only one Arsene Wenger" was being sung as Arsenal completed a fifth win in six games in all competitions, a run that defied the perceptions of a crisis engulfing a team without a league title since 2004. This emphatic victory — following another 4-1 rout against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday — came against a Newcastle side that ended Chelsea's unbeaten start to the season a week ago. With a trip to Liverpool next weekend, though, Arsenal will need to preserve this freescoring form to be among the chasing pack at the top again. "Despite the fact we were depleted at the back, we were quite solid," Wenger
Arsenal’s Oliver Giroud, second left, scores a goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, London, Saturday, December 13. (AP Photo)
said. "We won in a convincing way. It was needed. The response was strong after the Stoke game." After failing to score in the first half of the last six league matches, Giroud took only 15 minutes to beat goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, meeting Alexis Sanchez's cross with a towering header. The hosts should have been further ahead inside a minute, but referee Lee Mason wrongly penalized Danny Welbeck for a foul on Daryl Janmaat before putting the ball in the net. Having not managed a
shot on goal, Newcastle unsettled Arsenal's patchedup defense in the 33rd minute when Jack Colback curled in a free kick. It took a double-save from Wojciech Szczesny to preserve Arsenal's lead, with the goalkeeper parrying Mike Williamson's header and the follow-up from Papiss Cisse. Despite their control, the Gunners took until the 54th to extend their lead, with Sanchez picking out Cazorla, who skipped over Fabricio Coloccini's challenge before lifting the ball over Alnwick to score on his 30th birthday.
Newcastle's defense crumbled again four minutes later when Hector Bellerin's low cross was clipped in by Giroud at the near post with a slick leftfooted finish that epitomized the ease of the game for the hosts. Although Ayoze Perez pulled one back for Newcastle with a low diving header from Colback's free kick, Cazorla restored Arsenal's three-goal cushion in the 88th from the penalty spot after Welbeck was brought down by Paul Dummett.
Monday
Entertainment
The Morung Express
15 December 2014
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Trainor Dolly Parton to Megan wants pop renew weDDing vows star boyfriend
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Dolly Parton will celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary by renewing her wedding vows with husband, Carl Dean.
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he ‘Jolene’ hitmaker will celebrate her 50-year marriage to Carl Dean by reaffirming their love and commitment to each other. She said: ‘’It was my idea to renew the wedding vows - he is too shy and doesn’t like the commotion. ‘’But he will be glad to do it - if I tell him to. He don’t like to get all dressed up but I will insist that he wears a tux and all. ‘’I think he will be proud to do it and he seemed a little excited when I mentioned it. He would never have brought the idea up himself.’’ Dolly and Carl will celebrate their nuptials at their own home in front of their family and friends. She said: ‘’We will re-marry in the grounds of our home that we built all
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George Clooney
Predicted Sony Hack Attack
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ctor George Clooney had predicted the major hack attack against Sony Pictures employees, according to a leaked email of a studio executive. The major security breach made headlines over the past few of weeks after activists illegally gained access to Sony’s computer systems and databases last month (November 2014) and stole emails, celebrities’ personal information, and unreleased movies. Among the leaked emails is an exchange between George and Sony Pictures chair Amy Pascal. It was posted on the site Gizmodo on Tuesday (December 9), reports contactmusic.com.
those years ago - it’s a beautiful, old southern mansion and it will be on the date of our 50th wedding anniversary. ‘’It will just be family but there will be at least 200 people with all our nieces and nephews.’’ Meanwhile, the 68-year-old country singer revealed that in the early days, her marriage was nearly threatened by a trip to the bank. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ‘’My husband was flirting with this red-headed girl at the bank. ‘’My husband appreciates and loves pretty women and I was just jealous because she was tall and beautiful. ‘’Nothing ever happened. But we didn’t bank there anymore. Too much interest going on at that bank!’’
Megan Trainor has confessed she’d like to date another pop star as she believes it’s too difficult to maintain a relationship with someone who doesn’t understand the demands of her job.
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An email from George Clooney to Amy Pascal, dated September 5, had the subject line, “Knowing this email is being hacked.” In the body of the note, the actor discussed an upcoming project and wrote: “How much fun are we gonna have. The stakes are higher than citizen kane. If we tell the truth in a compelling way, Rupert (Murdoch) wont’ get time/warner... cnn won’t be fox... I’m so excited to do this film.” Mr Clooney then addressed any hackers reading his communiques by writing, “And for those of you listening in, I’m the son of a news man. Everything will be double sourced, so come on with your lawsuits”.
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Mel B ‘Being kept in high dependency unit’
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worried about Mel. She is such a livewire - everyone is really stunned at how quickly this illness took hold of her. Simon is in shock - we are all in shock.’ The dramatic episode has cast a dark shadow over the final, with former judge Tulisa Contostavlos stepping in at the eleventh hour for ailing Mel on Saturday evening. But her arrival couldn’t prevent Italian singer Andrea Faustini, Mel’s one remaining contestant, losing out to Ben Haenow and Fleur East for a place on Sunday’s show, during which the winner will be announced. ‘Nobody thinks there is the tiniest chance of her making it back,’ the source added. ‘She is just far too fragile. Even if she was discharged from hospital today she wouldn’t have the strength to appear.’ On Saturday Mel’s mother Andrea Brown, with whom the former Spice Girl is estranged, tweeted: ‘Mother’s worse nightmare to hear ur daughter’s seriously ill in hosp and not know where to go!!’ According to the source Mel’s closest friends initially struggled to determine how serious her condition was because she wasn’t answering calls. When it became clear she was too unwell to make the first part of this year’s final, N-Dubz star Tulisa – labelled the ‘super-sub’ by host Dermot O’Leary on Saturday night – was drafted in. The incident is thought to be a huge blow for Mel, whose debut year has otherwise been a huge success, with fans warming to her direct approach. The source added: ‘She felt at the top of her game. Those around her are now just hoping she can bounce back.’ MailOnline have contacted Mel’s A source added to the Sunday Mirror: ‘Simon has admitted to being very, very representatives for further comment. el B is reportedly receiving treatment for a suspected stomach ulcer after being rushed to hospital prior to an X Factor press conference and rehearsal session on Thursday afternoon. The 39-year-old is believed to be in a stable condition in the high dependency unit - one level below intensive care - after stomach pains left her ‘screaming in agony’ shortly after she departed for Wembley’s SSE Arena in a chauffeur driven car. Sources told The Sun on Sunday that her quick-thinking driver raced to an undisclosed hospital, where Mel is thought to be undergoing tests for ulcers and viruses in a bid to determine the exact cause of her sudden illness. A friend said: ‹Mel is in a terrible state, physically and emotionally. She is very weak and is being given treatment to help her with the pain.› And the source claims source Mel ‹could have died› were it not for her chauffeur. There are varying reports about Stephen Belafonte – the father of three-year-old Madison, her third child – with The Sun claiming, ‹Nobody knows where Stephen is,› while The Sunday People says he has been by her side throughout. And Simon Cowell is said to be extremely worried. A source told The Sunday People: ‹Everyone is very worried. Simon has been in constant touch with her husband to keep updated. Simon hasn›t spoken to Mel because she can›t use her phone but has been fully informed about her condition.›
Anil Kapoor to bring Kim Kardashian’s app ‘Modern Family’ to India! cartoon named second most influential fictional character
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n real life Kim Kardashian seems to be everywhere, but her avatar is fast giving her a run for her money. Time Magazine has named the cartoon version of the reality star, which features on her mobile game Kim Kardashian Hollywood, as the one of the Top 15 Most Influential Fictional Characters Of 2015. The avatar of the 34-year-old landed her in second position just behind Elsa from Frozen. While Elsa has become a favourite of little boys and girls everywhere, seems the adults have become rather partial to cartoon Kim. The star’s game, in which players are wannabe Hollywood socialites that come to Kim for her guidance to make it big, has earned her a significant chunk of
change. It is these earnings - reportedly around $200 million by the end of this year - that Time Magazine says earnt The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star the second top spot. Last month her mother Kris Jenner got her cartoon character in Kim’s 2D world. Then this week the star announced sisters Kourtney and Khloe will be helping players become famous in its latest update. Kim and Elsa beat out among others Katniss from Hunger Games, The Mother from How I Met Your Mother television series, Amy Dunne from Gone Girl Gone, King Joffrey from Game of Thrones and even the iconic Hello Kitty who finished off the list at 15th place.
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ollywood’s one of the most evergreen actors, Anil Kapoor, has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood as well in the past years.After adapting the Hollywood series ‘24’, Kapoor is now headed to get another Hollywood series to India. ‘24’ was loved by the audiences and was worth the shot. Reports suggest that Anil will adapt the hit ‘Modern Family’ which is a successful sitcom of America. The series has received ‘Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series’. Reportedly the actor himself confirmed that he is close to finalising the deal. Well, the plot is ultra-modern but we might get to see that with a desi tadka. The never aging actor will be seen next in Anees Bazmee’s ‘Welcome Back’ and Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do.”
he ‘All About That Bass’ hitmaker claims she’s been struggling to find a boyfriend since becoming famous because men are ‘’intimidated’’ by her blossoming career. She said: ‘’Guys are scared of me, it’s ridiculous. ‘’I guess it’s because I’m a pop star now and they are intimidated. I’m finding it so hard to date. ‘’Then even if I find a guy I’m like, ‘OK bye, see you in six months as I’m off on tour’. I am so down to date another pop star. We could be as adorable as Ariana Grande and Big Sean.’’ However, despite believing her only shot at love is if she finds someone with a similar job, the 20-year-old beauty thinks all the good celebrity men are taken. She told The Sun newspaper: ‘’All of the guy pop stars are either my friends or are already dating. It’s not like a rock star lifestyle any more - everyone has a lover. I want someone funny and nice. I don’t care about age or looks.’’
Shruti Haasan croons for AIDS awareness
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ctress and singer Shruti Haasan, daughter of actorfilmmaker Kamal Haasan, has given her voice for an online campaign for AIDS awareness. The actress, who has crooned a number of tracks like ‘Aazma – luck is the key’, decided to support the campaign called Teach AIDS to spread the word especially among youth. The online campaign will be launched in collaboration with videosharing site YouTube soon. Shruti has given her voice in three languages to the animated video campaign, which spans information across all aspects of AIDS in a conversational manner. The video will be available in English, Tamil and Telugu. “Shruti is someone who is considered to be a youth icon. Hence, when she was approached by the team to lend her voice to the campaign, it fit right in, simply because she had to build awareness for a cause she truly believes in and had to be herself while doing this,” said a source. The actress, who is tied up with her work commitments in Bollywood and southern film industry, managed to take some time out for a god cause. Shruti has also sung for Arjun Kapoor-starrer- ‘Tevar’ track ‘Joganiyan’, which has garnered positive reviews.
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NBA: Portland pulls away United pile misery on Liverpool from Indiana for 95-85 win
Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini, left, fights for the ball against Liverpool's Steven Gerrard during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England on Sunday December 14. (AP Photo)
maNcHesTer, December 14 (aP): Manchester United heaped more misery on Liverpool by beating its great rival 3-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, earning a sixth straight win to underline the transformation in fortunes of England's two biggest clubs. Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata — from an offside position — scored to give United a 2-0 lead at halftime and Robin van
Persie added the third in the 71st minute at Old Trafford. While third-place United remained eight points behind leader Chelsea to maintain its unlikely title challenge, Liverpool is mid-table and struggling to recreate the form that took the team to a runner-up finish last season. The score was harsh on Liverpool, with United goalkeeper David de Gea producing a string of brilliant saves to deny Raheem
Sterling and substitute Mario Balotelli. The visitors were also unlucky that Mata was not signaled offside when he headed home to make it 2-0 in the 40th, puncturing Liverpool's bright start. But these are worrying times for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. He is lacking a clinical finisher in the absence of the injured Daniel Sturridge, his defense is in a mess and he has doubts
about his first-choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who was dropped here for Brad Jones. It ended a miserable week for Liverpool, which was eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday. Without hitting anywhere near top form, United is perhaps making the title race a three-team fight. Six days after scraping a 2-1 win at Southampton, United took the lead in the 12th — just 25 sec-
onds after Sterling, playing as a lone forward, was denied by De Gea in a oneon-one chance. United counter-attacked, Antonio Valencia played the ball between Joe Allen's legs on the right wing and crossed for Rooney to apply a sidefooted finish inside the near post. Liverpool was crisper with its passing and had more possession, but squandered a number of openings before Mata doubled the lead. Again, it was good delivery from the flanks, with Ashley Young whipping in a cross from the left that was flicked on by Van Persie for Mata to stoop and head in from close range at the far post. Sterling was presented with another great chance at the start of the second half after pouncing on Jonny Evans' weak backpass. The England international darted to the left of De Gea, who made up the ground to block Sterling's tame left-footed shot. De Gea then tipped Balotelli's attempt onto the bar in his best intervention before Van Persie made it 3-0. Dejan Lovren miscued his clearance from Rooney's cross and the ball went straight to Mata, who passed to his right for Van Persie to slot home. There was still time for De Gea to deny Balotelli again and ensure United reversed the 3-0 score from the corresponding fixture last season in March.
Germany beat Pakistan to lift Champions Trophy bHubaNeswar, December 14 (IaNs): Germany emerged victorious in the Hockey Champions Trophy, beating Pakistan 2-0 in a pulsating final at a packed Kalinga stadium here Sunday. Christopher Wesley (18th minute) and Florian Fuchs (56th) scored for Germany to lift the trophy for the 10th time. Germany had won the title for the last time in 2007. Playing a highly tactical game, Germany earned a short corner
in the first minute of the second quarter, but that, too, didn't fetch the desired result. Wesley, however, bagged the first goal for the Europeans in the 18th minute with a strike from a close range. Pakistan played under pressure following the suspension of two of their players for the final match following objectionable behaviour in the semi-final against India. Thousands of spectators were seen cheering for Germany in the
final. Amjad Ali and Mohammad Tousiq were found guilty of making obscene gestures with their middle fingers towards a packed gallery, an action that has been photographed. The International Hockey Federation suspended the two Pakistan players from playing in the Champions Trophy final. At half-time, Germany led 1-0. Both the teams fought hard to score in the third quarter. In the 56th minute, Germany success-
fully blocked a drag-flick and cocaptain Moritz Furste gave an aerial pass long away to International Hockey Federation (FIH) Young Player of 2012 Fuchs, who drilled the ball in the post with a brilliant finish (2-0). This goal sealed the match in favour of the Markus Weise-coached Germany. Earlier, India ended up fourth in the Hockey Champions Trophy, going down 1-2 to Australia in the bronze medal match.
INDIaNaPOLIs, December 14 (aP): LaMarcus Aldridge had 19 points and 14 rebounds, Damian Lillard added 18 points and the Portland Trail Blazers finished their five-game road trip with a 95-85 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. C.J. Watson had 23 points and Rodney Stuckey added 14 for the struggling Pacers, who have lost eight straight. It's Indiana's longest losing streak since an eight-game reverse in December 2009. Portland shot 77.8 percent from the field against the Pacers' usually stout defense in the second quarter, turning a onepoint deficit into a 58-38 halftime lead. The Trail Blazers led by as much as 29 early in the third, and Indiana never got closer than eight. Indiana took a 23-22 lead in the final minute of the first quarter when Stuckey scored on a fast break. It was the only the eighth time all season the Pacers took a lead into the second quarter — and it didn't last long. Chris Kaman started Portland's surge with a 4-foot hook shot. Steve Blake and Wesley Matthews scored Portland's next three baskets, all 3-pointers, and when Blake followed that flurry with a three-point play, Portland led 36-27 and never looked back. The Golden State Warriors won their franchiserecord 15th straight game, with Stephen Curry scoring 29 points and Klay Thompson adding 25 in a 105-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Curry and Thompson each scored 17 in the first half as Golden State ran out to a 28-point lead. The Mavericks got as close as seven in the final minute of the game. Monta Ellis scored 24 points to lead the Mavericks. At Charlotte, North Carolina, Joe Johnson scored 22 points, Deron Williams and Mason Plumlee had double-doubles and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Charlotte Hornets 114-87
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dunks the basketball near Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey while Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) watches in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis on December 13. (AP Photo)
for its second straight victory. Johnson was 9 of 16 from the field and 4 of 6 from 3-point range as the Nets shot 16 of 23 from beyond the arc. Williams had 18 points and 10 assists, and Plumlee outplayed counterpart Al Jefferson with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets (10-12), who eclipsed 100 points for the first time in 11 games. At Sacramento, Greg Monroe scored 24 points, Josh Smith had 21 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Sacramento Kings 95-90. The Pistons used a 24-14 advantage in the third quarter and never relinquished the lead in registering backto-back wins for only the second time all season. Rudy Gay made four 3-pointers and scored 20, and also added eight rebounds and eight assists
for the Kings. Andre Drummond had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Kyle Singler added 11 points for Detroit. Mike Conley hit the tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime and scored a career-high 36 points, leading the Memphis Grizzlies past the Philadelphia 76ers, 120115. The Grizzlies rallied from 18 points down over the final 7 minutes of regulation to keep the Sixers winless at home. In other games, Brandon Knight scored 22 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo added 20, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Clippers 111106, while Dwight Howard had 26 points and 13 rebounds in his return from injury, leading the Houston Rockets to a 108-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Also, the Orlando Magic edged the Atlanta Hawks 100-99.
Khan outclasses Alexander to win Vegas fight
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Las Vegas, December 14 (aFP): British boxer Amir Khan defeated Devon Alexander by a unanimous decision in a welterweight fight, using his superior hand speed and strength to dominate the American southpaw for 12 rounds. The 28-year-old Khan consistently beat Alexander to the punch, jabbing his way to victory in the non-title fight on all three judges' scorecards, 120108, 119-109 and 118-110. Amir Khan (left) lands a punch on Devon Alexander during "I think it was one of my their welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, best performances," said Las Vegas on December 13. Khan, who looked unscathed except for a welt under his left eye. "I am the best boxer with the quickest hands in the world. I am getting better." Khan used his jab effectively to set up combinations that earned him the bulk of points as both fighters made it to the final bell in front of a crowd of 7,768 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Khan also showed off his muchimproved defensive skills, the result of hooking up with trainer Virgil Hunter in September 2012. Alexander, who looked impressive in his last fight against Jesus Soto Karass, went into the 12th round needing a knockout to win. Khan was originally scheduled to fight the American for Alexander's International Boxing Federation welterweight title last December in New York. But the Briton scrapped the bout because he thought
he had a chance at landing a bank-breaking dream fight with Floyd Mayweather that never came off. Alexander then lost the title to Shawn Porter, and Khan's fellow Brit Kell Brook snatched it from Porter in August. Khan connected on 43 percent of his shots, compared to just 20 percent for Alexander. "I just fought a three-time world champion and proved myself to be a force at 147 pounds," Khan said. "I think I'm getting better with age. I'm better than I was at 26 and
now just starting to hit my peak at 28. I worked very hard and put on one of my best performances." Boxing fans the world over are hoping unbeaten Mayweather's next fight is against Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, but Khan showed Saturday that he would be a solid opponent if the highly-anticipated "richest fight in boxing history" can't be realized. "I believe I have earned my shot against Floyd Mayweather," said Khan, who was fighting for just the second time as a welterweight.
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