December 20th, 2016 by The Morung Express

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TuesDAY • December 20 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 349 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

Christmas is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values Malaysia calls for ASEAN to coordinate aid for Rohingya

Tzurang valley comes alive at Youth Fest 2016

PAGe 09

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PAGE 12

Manipur violence: 7 more vehicles torched

Total blockade on Manipur bound vehicles: NSF resolves • Till Govt of Manipur assures safety and security of the Nagas in Manipur • Students traveling back to Manipur are however exempted

others

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

Backdoor appointments: nSF sit-in protest on december 21 DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has expressed resentment on the failure of the State Government to address to the former’s representation for revocation of backdoor appointments being made after the June 6, 2016 Office Memorandum. As such, the NSF in a press note informed that it would organize a sit-in protest at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat from 10:00am of December 21. It asked all right thinking citizens to extend support and solidarity.

A passenger bus which was torched at Taphou near senapati town in Manipur on December 19. (NNN Photo)

newmai news network Senapati/Imphal | December 19

Seven more vehicles have been burnt down in the past 24 hours in different parts of Manipur by unidentified persons. A passenger bus and a Tata Sumo jeep were burnt down this morning at Taphou near Senapati town by unidentified persons. Reports said that unidentified persons stopped the bus and torched it near Mount Everest College, about two kilometers south of Senapati town around 10:00am today. Around the same area, the Tata Sumo jeep was also torched. Both the vehicles were heading for Imphal, according to the reports. Intwoseparateincidents, two passenger vehicles ap-

MP Rio writes to PM, seeks centre’s intervention

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): Nagaland State MP to the Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio has asked Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for urgent intervention from the central government into the crisis in Manipur. In a letter to the PM, the Nagaland MP said that the “Naga community has been specifically targeted and there is obviously political motivation behind proaching from Ukhrul district towards Imphal were burnt down at Seijang area of Imphal East district this morning. Reports said unidentified people halted the vehicles and asked the occupants to get down before the vehicles were set on fire. In yet another incident, two Boleros heading to the hills were torched at Sekmai in Imphal West district this

CoRRigendum Apropos to the news item published on December 19 under the headline ‘DAN govt is least bothered: Congress,’ it is hereby clarified that the statement was issued by the Nagaland Congress and not the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee. The error is deeply regretted.

To engage young people in climate change issues and enabling them to take the lead through practical steps, a talk on Climate change by Dr. Robert Mizo and organised by PenThrill Publication House was held on December 19 at DCafe, Jail Colony, Kohima. The opening remark was delivered by Vishü Rita Krocha, Founder and Publisher of PenThrill Publication House who shared her thoughts on the theme of the talk ‘Youth and Climate Change’. Because young people form a majority of the world’s population, Krocha viewed that the climate change is an issue that everybody should be concerned about and that young people can be the zest, energy, creativity to deliver the change that the world needs. Rekha Rose Dukru, Cofounder of Eden Farm provided a farmer’s perspective on climate change in relation to farmers in Nagaland. While a lot of blame is put on farmers for global warming, Dukru was of the view that Farmers especially in Nagaland contribute to the protection of the environment. “Climate change may not be felt so strongly here as other parts of the country but we cannot deny that it is not here with us today. Frequent landslides, erratic and excessive rainfall, strong winds, scarcity of water are some of the visible signs of climate change. Climate change and agriculture are interrelated in all ways,” said Dukru. She added that conver-

leads to more deforestation and clearing of forest affecting water source. “But this change of climatic conditions has also allowed farmers to farm varieties of crops and also have increased some crop yields but to realize the benefits the farmers should also know that nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability and other conditions must also be met so that nutritional quality of foods can be maintained,” viewed Dukru. She further provided suggestions as a farmer to protect environment such as discouraging the use of fertilizers and chemicals, promotion of organic farming, educate Farmers on cropping pattern, identify more suitable crops to grow, adopt resilient crops such as millets, and diversification of crops where collectivization can be done. She also recommended the strengthening and utilization of the knowledge of environmentalists, agriculturalists and researchers to study and assist the farmer in fighting climate change and further create an eco system and influence policy makers. Dr Mizo, an environmentalist and Asst. Professor at Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, spoke on the impact of climate change around the world and why the crisis should be everyone’s concern. Climate change has direct implications on the geophysical, social, economic, political and cultural aspect of any country and society, maintained Dr. Mizo pointing out that global warming can affect

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) today informed that it has resolved to impose total blockade effective immediately of all Manipur bound vehicles in the Naga inhabited areas till the Government of Manipur assures the safety and security of the Nagas in Manipur. A press note from the NSF however stated that “in good faith the Federation shall consider the students travelling back to Manipur from their vacations to be exempted from the purview of the bandh.” The NSF said that the present crisis is a “creation of the Government of Manipur by breaching the agreement on the creation of the Sadar Hills which was signed between the Government of Manipur and the Nagas.”

the well planned attacks.” He added that the central government cannot remain a silent spectator. He also urged that a high level investigation by the appropriate agency be instituted so that “those shaming our great country and the spirit of democracy should be brought to book and punished Naga Hoho laments as per laws of the land.”

evening. In another incident, a truck was burnt down near Tadubi in Senapati district late Sunday night by unidentified persons. It was not clear whether the truck was heading for Imphal. Meanwhile, many people along Imphal-Ukhrul road in Imphal East district defied curfew today by burning tyres and piling boulders

Elections in five states likely from February engage young people to combat climate change Express news sion of non-agricultural health and food security, second week Morung land into agricultural land loss of capital and wealth, Kohima | December 19 NEw DElHI, DECEMBER 19 (IANS): Assembly elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are most likely to be between second week of February and the beginning of March, informed sources said on Monday. Sources said that the Election Commission (EC) may announce dates of the assembly election by last week of December. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will elect their new assemblies by next year. In Uttar Pradesh, there may be a four cornered contest among the ruling Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress while in Punjab, the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party has made the contest triangular. Sources said the EC is likely to go for dates between second week of February and the beginning of March, before school board examinations start. According to sources, the commission has sent directives to the state governments to consult them before deciding on the dates of the board and intermediate examinations.

— Thomas S. Monson

Nair’s 300 piles misery on England

PAGe 02

Do you think ACAUT Nagaland can provide an alternative political party and contest in the elections? Why? Yes

T R u T H

trigger conflicts, increase environmental refugees and changes a peoples’ historical progression. Despite irrelevant claims made on climate change being a hoax, Dr. Mizo stated that dealing with climate change is conducive for the betterment of the world as a whole. A shift from anthropocentrism (human-centered) to eco-centrism (placing intrinsic value to the ecosystem and all living organisms) was emphasized by Dr. Mizo. Further placing high hopes on the young, Dr. Mizo affirmed that it is the young, educated and empowered, who can be agents of change. “Where we don’t have a environmentally concerned government, it is the youth that needs to take up the issue of climate change and persuade the government to be environmentally concerned,” said Dr. Mizo. He suggested the young take up steps such promoting cleaner lifestyles, adopting and enforcing discipline and guardianship of the planet, reducing the use of plastics, and create innovative ideas based on clean energy. As innovators, he stated the youth should generate ideas to consume less and use more efficient energy, initiate dialogues with policy makers or NGOs and make use of the power of IT and social networking. The youth, he stated, can affect change by being advocates, agents between environment and leaders, using their profession to influence others on climate change.

war like situation

on the roads. Police had a hard time while trying to enforce curfew in this area. Altogether 22 vehicles were burnt down on Sunday in this area. It may be noted that the indefinite curfew continues to be in effect in Imphal East district. Meanwhile, in Imphal West district, curfew was re-imposed starting from 6:30 pm today till 4:00am of Tuesday.

The Naga Hoho also expressed dismay at the “actions and activities against the Nagas living in Manipur,” and stated that the “attack on the Christian institutions and innocent passengers and burning down of vehicles by state sponsored criminals cannot be tolerated by the Nagas at any cost.” A press note from the Naga Hoho, Assembly Secretary, K Elu Ndang stated that “we have been living together as good neighbour in the past and we wish to do so in the days to come.” It however lamented that “the war like situation created by the people of Manipur is beyond imagination.” It cau-

tioned against “waging war against Nagas on communal lines or else it will have adverse repercussions in the Naga areas.” The Naga Hoho said it has been repeatedly appealing the Manipur Government and the GoI to respect the genuine rights of the Naga people “but it has turned a deaf ear to the genuine cry of the people by allowing exploitation of the common people.” It reminded that the Naga Hoho delegation met Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and the Joint Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs Incharge of North East on November 30 and December 1 respectively and apprised them of the crisis in Manipur and intervention thereof. The Naga Hoho maintained that if the Manipur CM and the GoI fails to redress the situation, they would be held responsible for any untoward situation in the future.

Targeting innocent public will create bitterness: NPF

Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) expressed anguish and concern over the spurt of violence in Manipur, “especially targeting the innocent Naga travelers” that took place on December 18, A press note from the NPF stated that it “smells something fishy/dirty game being played by some individuals under the patronage of the present Manipur Government as the state assembly election is only few months away.” “Such kind of barbaric acts by way of making the innocent public as soft target will only create more bitterness between the hill and valley people,” it cautioned. The NPF urged upon the citizens of Manipur to “sit across the table and resolve all issues instead of resorting to violence.” It also appealed for immediate intervention from the Central Government before the situation worsens, “as Manipur Government; under the incumbent Chief Minister is unable to contain the situation.”

Woman out jogging mugged in dimapur Morung Express news Dimapur | December 19

One woman was injured in a suspected case of mugging in Dimapur. The incident occurred in the wee hours of December 18. The victim, 34 years of age, who did not wish to be named, was out jogging at around 5:00 am when a hooded man attacked her reportedly with the intention of robbing. It happened at Fellowship colony. As per the victim’s account, the attacker came up to her as they crossed path on the road. “He asked me where I was going and I replied that it was none of his business and as I turned to go on my way he hit me with a brick on the head,” she said of the incident. Hurt and no less shocked, instinct told her to fight back and fight back she did. She said that the instant the brick hit her forehead she

went for the attacker’s left hand and started kicking him while shouting for help. She added that she held on to the sleeves of the hoodie the attacker was wearing, which restrained his left arm. The attacker most likely sensed her cry for help would wake up people in the neighbourhood and he, according to her, fled towards the main road. She said that she thought of chasing after the fleeing attacker but she realised she was bleeding from the forehead. She headed for the nearest hospital where she three received stitches to cover a gash on the forehead. An FIR was then filed at West Police Station. However, to her surprise, she received a call from the police station the next day informing her that she has to register her complaint at the Women Police Station. Asked wheth-

er she re-registered the complaint, she replied that she did not as she felt that she should have been directed to the Women PS when she first filed the complaint. She further expressed apprehension that the mugging may not be an isolated incident. Citing reports of other similar incidents, she said that sometime in November a woman was knocked unconscious and robbed while out jogging. The incident reportedly occurred on the road dividing Duncan Basti from Fellowship and Supply colonies, she said. In an earlier incident reported to have occurred in October, two elderly women were robbed in similar fashion near the Duncan-Landmark (formerly PWD) road intersection not far from where the other two incidents occurred. In that incident, the attacker reportedly shoved the women and ran after snatching their bags.

FCS department on distribution of food grains KOHIMA, DECEMBER 19 (DIPR): The Department of Food and Civil Supplies today informed that it had appointed 9 transportation cum-Handling Agent, for Priority House Holds (PHH) food grains under NFSA from November2016 to March 2017, who were responsible for procurement of food grains from the FCl, storage and transportation of food grains to all the centers. They are M/s A. Pongshi Phom; Sky Enterprise; M/s Bendang lmchen; M/s Jemti Ao; Z. Lotha; M/s Dennis Zeliang; M/s Chenithung Jami; M/s NM Ovung and M/s Vitoi Sumi. The department stated that these 9 Transportation-cum-Handling Agents would procure the food grains from FCI as per the programme made by the department for the 11 districts. Thereafter, detail programme for each centre is worked out as per the number of PHH ration card holders of each centre. The food grains are to be kept in safe custody of the Transportation-cum Handling Agent go-

downs which is inspected by the departmental officials from time to time. On receipt of direction from the department, the food grains are transported to all the centers for further distribution. It claimed that allegations of diversion of PDS food grains are checked by departmental officers to ensure that beneficiaries are not deprived. While appreciating the concern expressed by ACAUT, DUCCF, CNN, CNTC etc. regarding the alleged PDS scam, it informed that there are procedures to seek justice; not taking law into ones hands and “causing anarchic atmosphere by stirring public discontentment with allegations of corruptions targeting only one Transportation-cum-Handling Agent of PDS food grain whereas there are nine Transportationcum-Handling Agents.” The department informed that the state has 2 AAY food grains stockiest, namely M/s R.Z. Lotha and M/s Jemti Ao who procure and transport AAY food grains on behalf of the State.

It mentioned that Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang have FCI food grains depots from where AAY food grains are procured and distributed to the beneficiaries of the 3 districts. Whereas, Zunheboto, Kohima, Dimapur, Phek, Wokha, Peren, Longleng and Kiphire are supplied food grains procured from FCI Depot at Dimapur, which are kept in godowns under custody of the State stockiest. The department stated that while transportation of AAY food grains was in progress, “the unfortunate incident on December 9 disrupted transportation of food grains.” Therefore, it stressed on the need to resume transportation of the grains in the godown of M/s RZ Lotha immediately to the districts, “failing which beneficiaries will be deprived of their entitlement during the festive season.” Meanwhile, it advised the public to understand the facts of the distribution system from all the districts and file necessary complaints to the authorities for appropriate action.

TuesDAY 20•12•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Tzurang valley comes alive at Youth Fest 2016

Bollywood celebrities led by Actress Mahima Chaudhry graces the event Morung Express News

Chungtiayimsen | December 19

Participants at the ‘bamboo plate making competition’.

Participants at the ‘traditional thread making’ competition.

The two day Youth Fest 2016 – Tzurang Valley today kicked off in a grand manner and dazzled by the grand arrival of Bollywood celebrities led by Actress Mahima Chaudhry and other celebrities from the film industry. This 2nd Youth Fest 2016, which is organized by the REM Group as part of its CSR initiative, is being participated by host of participants from the different villages and also from neighbouring state of Assam. The Chairman & MD of REM Group, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, while speaking at the formal programme, declared that organizing the Youth Fest is just the beginning towards the future and a new hope. In this connection, he urged the different villages and the society as a whole to accept the Youth Fest with open hearts and mind since it is aimed at the youths to take them towards a new future with a new vision. He strongly urged the youths to keep a vision as there is no hope with a sound vision. While urging the people to support the initiatives of the REM Group, Along

Bollywood actress, Mahima Chaudhry accompanied by the Chairman & MD, REM Group, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer making a grand entrance into the venue of the 2nd Youth Fest 2016 at Chungtiayimsen village ground on December 19. (Photo/Media team, REM Group)

Longkumer pointed out that the REM Group (business conglomeration) is not a foreign or mainland Indian business group but formed by the very children of the Tzurang valley, the sons and daughter of the farmers and the local people, who have a vision for the future. However, he asserted that the vision does not end at organizing the Youth Fest alone, instead the ‘vision starts here’. In this regard, he said that marching towards the new vision necessitates the need for a

peaceful society and urged the people to work towards ensuring a peaceful and congenial atmosphere in the society. While substantiating his words about the future and the new hope, the REM Group MD declared that one day, with the blessings of God, the Naga people will witness prosperity and unity, without the fear of speaking the truth, or bullets or corruption, which will echo among the Naga hills one day. Special guest, Mahima Chaudhry, while deliver-

ing a short speech, highly praised the warm-heartedness, the hospitality and charm of the Naga people. While acknowledging the presence Rebecca Changkija in the film industry, Chaudhry expressed her desire to see more Naga musicians and actors in Bollywood and her desire with the Naga artistes. The programme was graced by Sandeep M Tamgade IPS (Advisor Security to CM & President of NAPCS, New Delhi). The programme was also made more grand by the

presence of other Bollywood celebrities like singers Avishik Sinha and Keka Ghoshal; Bollywood producer Rebecca Changkija and the Adrika Dance Group. REM Group Youth Fest 2016 Media Team Thaitsung Amer in a press release said that later in the evening, the Bollywood singers and the Adrika Dance Group sizzled the stage and mesmerized the audience with their songs and back-up dancing much to the enjoyment of the spectators.

Ecological farming training in Peren Village held CIH conducts farmers training at Longleng dist pereN, December 19 (mexN): A three-day training programme on ecological farming was held in Peren Village from December 13 to 15. Peren Council organized the programme in collaboration with Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad. In recent years there is growing sense of awareness related to health, environment and sustainable livelihoods among the people of Nagaland. Farmers are also realizing that the costs related to inputs into the farms i.e. purchase of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are raising steadily while there is not sufficient output from the farm. Also there is a steady decline in paddy, pulses and millet cultivation in Nagaland, which threatens the food security and nutritional needs of people. In this context, Peren Council organised the training for helping people engaged in agriculture to learn

about the basics of ecological farming, stated a press release issued by Dr. Ndangkie Ndang General Secretary, Peren Council. Egambaram from Tamil Nadu, Acting Associate Director of Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad acted as facilitator and resource person. The workshop was conducted with the initiative of K. Elu Ndang, Assembly Secretary of Naga Hoho. On December 13, the first session was an interactive session which covered the needs and principles of ecological farming followed by practical lessons on using locally available materials. The practical training involved local people making the preparations in the village with discussions on how the herbal pest repellents, tonics, bio-fertilizers that were made can improve soil fertility, soil health, and micro organism growth in soil thereby improving growth of healthier plants.

On the next day, participants learnt how to make and use circular bed, double digging bed, raised bed, and micro rain water harvesting structures in their fields. It was also pointed out that by using such techniques and methods it was possible for increasing the number of years the Jhum field is used. The importance of digging micro rain water harvesting structures suitable for slope land and how it improves in retaining or storing water in the field was discussed. On December 15, practical demonstration and training on using local leaves, cow dung/urine, pig dung/urine, ash, chilli powder, turmeric, oil cakes, hing, ginger, garlic, onions, milk, dahi, aloe vera, ghee, banana, jiggery, rice water, millet powder in making four preparations namely Panchagavya, Ash-Chilli powder and tonic, and herbal pest repellent. The benefits of using the

preparations were discussed after each preparation was made such as control of pest, better yields, preventing falling of buds, flowers, control of pests attacking leaves, stem, roots, fruits, vegetables, low cost through use of locally available food and waste materials. All the preparations were made by local volunteers with directions from the resource persons on name of the preparation, its formula, ingredients required, process, and time taken for preparations to become medicines or pest repellents, method of use, formula at time of use, and benefits of use. Key concepts learned by the people were how to make fertilizers and pest repellents at low cost – how to convert commonly used food materials into medicine - and how to convert locally available wastes as food or medicine either for the soil or for the plants.

Participants with others during one of the farmers training conducted under Longleng district from December 12 to 16.

meDziphema, December 19 (mexN): Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema in collaboration with AH Agri & Allied cooperative society conducted farmers training at Tangha, Yonhshei, Yongnyah, Bhumnyu and Orangkong village under Longleng district from December 12 to 16. A press release stated that the training was aimed at equipping

KWC celebrates advent Christmas ATI celebrates pre-Christmas

December 19 (mexN): The Administrative Training Institute (ATI) celebrated pre-Christmas on December 19 with Deputy Director, Dr. Hovithal Sothu delivering the Christmas message. Director Lithrongla G. Chishi (IAS) in her Christmas greetings exhorted the staff for their conscientiousness and sincerity in performing their duties. Awards were given to exemplary employees during the celebration, which was attended by the ATI officers and staff along with the NCS & NSS Probationers 2015. Earlier, special numbers were presented by the staff, NCS and NSS probationers, invocation was said by Er. Moa Longkumer (Deputy Director) and benediction by Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS (Additional Director).

KWC Junior members after their performance during the 10th Advent Christmas at KWC held on December 18.

Dimapur, December 19 (mexN): Kids Worship Centre celebrated its 10th Advent Christmas at KWC on December 18. The entire service was conducted by the Juniors Class. The programme had Christmas play, songs, an instrumental piece and awards for the best cell group and best attendance for 2016. The Best Cell Group of the year was awarded to CIA group (Christ is Alive). Rev. L. Kijungluba Ao Memorial Award which is given to the most outstanding member for their all round performance in the fields of academics, attendance, and leadership skills was awarded to Miss. Kichano Humtsoe (Programme Secretary) for her overall outstanding performance. KWC Director Robert Longkumer in a press release added that the celKichano Humtsoe receiving the Rev. L Kijungluba ebration was attended by family and Ao Memorial Award from Robert Longkumer (Direcfriends of the KWC members. tor KWC) grandson of late Rev. L Kijungluba Ao.

Litsami Students' Union celebrates Golden Jubilee Dimapur, December 19 (mexN): The three days observation of Litsami Students' Union Golden Jubilee concluded on December 18 with first Vice President LSU Sukhavi Chishi, GB, Thilixu Village valediction the session as guest of honor. While speaking he underscored the importance of having a true relationship with God and also highlighted the history of the Union at the initial. During the day session speaker Dr Phitoli I Khala, Associate Pastor, Former Women Co-ordinator LSU pointed out the weakness & the questionable areas, how as a christian we indulge in such activities and also encouraged the congregation to forgive and forget in the name of jubilee. Former Executive Secretary LSU Dr. Khashepu Chishi, Retd. Joint Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services also exhorted the students that “There is no substitute for hard work” and that diligent hand succeed at the end. Jubilee Planning Secretary, Finance convenor and Chairman gave the Jubilee report and vote of thanks respectively. The oldest women of the village Ghosheli Chishi blessed the congregation and the jubilee concluded with bonfire and fireworks.

the farmers with scientific method of cultivation practices and to promote skills for income generation so as to as improve livelihood. The resource persons for the training programme were Lily Rangnamei, SMS (Hort), KVK, Longleng and Thungchano Ezung, Programme Asst (Home science), KVK, Longleng. Various aspects on improved production technology of vegetables, nursery

management and propagation of horticultural crops, Importance of post harvest management and value addition of horticultural crops were imparted to the farmers. The training programme also comprised of feedback presentation. Certificates were distributed to all the participants along with reading materials by Shisarenla Aier, Training incharge, CIH.

Tuesday 20•12•2016

NORTH-EAST 3

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Akhil Gogoi vows to foil move for citizenship to Hindu migrants GolaGhat (assam), December 19 (PtI): Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi today alleged the Centre's move to grant citizenship to Bangladeshi Hindu immigrants was a "big conspiracy" and vowed to thwart it. "I urge all the workers, farmers and common people of Assam from today itself to protect the identity of the state. You will see that in the next three months, we will thwart any attempt to grant citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshis," Gogoi told reporters just after coming out of Golaghat jail here. Assam is in a "crisis" and there is a "big conspiracy" behind granting citizenship to Hindu Bangladeshi immigrants, the RTI activist and KMSS president alleged. "The BJP government is trying to amend the Assam Accord by amending the Citizenship Act. KMSS will raise a united fight against this move," Gogoi said. He also declared a fight against "privatisation" of oil fields in Assam through auctions and vowed

akhil Gogoi. (PTI File Photo)

bring about a logical conclusion to the ongoing investigation on the corruption in Assam Public Service Commission. The Gauhati High Court had

granted Gogoi bail on December 16, paving the way for his immediate release. On October 2, he was arrested from the middle of a press confer-

ence for allegedly instigating people during eviction near Kaziranga National Park, leading to death of two protesters. Gogoi was first lodged in Nagaon jail for the case, but subsequently he was arrested in connection with various old cases, some as many as 10 years old, registered across the state. He charged Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of "hatching the conspiracy" of putting him behind bars, mainly to keep him away from the by-polls in Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat and Baithalangso Assembly constituency, besides the recently held Autonomous Council polls. "I also urge Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to not bow in front of Delhi and Nagpur. He should be the real 'state leader' and work for the people of Assam," Gogoi said. Talking about the demonetisation measure by the Centre, the peasant leader said it has affected the farmers severely and they are in "deep crisis".

Hefty deposits in PMJY account in Tripura banks prompts probe 'Rs 227 cr were deposited in the PMJDY accounts after November 8 raising the total amount deposited so far in these accounts to Rs 654 cr' aGartala, December 19 (Ians): Hefty amount deposited in the accounts of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in the Tripura banks has prompted the state lawmakers to demand probe. According to United Bank of India officials, of the 830,742 PMJDY accounts in Tripura's 501 bank branches, 115,000 accounts were zero balance on November 8, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation. "Rs 227 crore were deposited in the PMJDY accounts after November 8 raising the total amount deposited so far in these

accounts to Rs 654 crore," an official of the UBI said on Monday on condition of anonymity. The issue was heatedly debated in the ongoing winter session of the Tripura assembly and the lawmakers of the opposition parties demanded a probe. Former opposition leader and sitting senior Congress legislator Ratan Lal Nath said : "It was extremely mysterious how such an amount was deposited in the PMJDY accounts in Tripura, as the scheme is meant for poor, women and economically weaker section of society." "Central government or Reserve Bank of India must inquire how such a large amount was deposited in the PMJDY accounts. "For tax evasion some people might have deposited their unaccounted money in these PMJDY accounts with the help of a section of bank officials," he added. "As tribals in the north-

eastern states are exempted from paying income tax, government must inquire whether black money being adjusted as white money by taking scope of this rule of the scheme illegally," the Congress leader added. People of rural, remote and unbanked areas were to get the priority in the PMJDY which was launched on August 28, 2014 with a deposit limit of Rs 50,000. Bank official said that the PMJDY was a national mission to include all households in the country in the financial inclusion to ensure access to financial services that include banking, deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner. "As the bank account under the PMJDY would be treated as Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account, no minimum balance would be required during the opening of the account," he said.

Govt of Manipur solely responsible for prevailing crisis: ANSAM ‘Rethinking Autonomy, Self-Determination and Sovereignty as Tools for Peace’ NEFIS appeals for peace and harmony new DelhI, December (mexn): North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) today made an ardent appeal to all communities of Manipur to maintain “solidarity in the present situation of communal rift and harmoniously reconcile their differences through dialogue.” There should be a mechanism of dialogue and consultations between different communities, stated a press note from NEFIS Convener Chinglen Khumukcham. The move to create new districts should have been taken with the consent of all communities and the state should have consulted different groups before deciding on the issue, it further maintained. Such an arbitrary move would only escalate the crisis and foster trust-deficit between different communities, it added. NEFIS also condemned the role of Manipur Government for creating such a “situation where different communities found themselves at loggerheads with each other.” The Forum will also organise a Candle-Light March on December 20 in New Delhi with participation from individuals and organizations from different NorthEast communities. ANSAM further pointed out to the general public that the United Naga Council (UNC) represents the “collective aspirations” of the Nagas living in the state of Manipur. Rejecting allegation that UNC “represents the interest of NSCN-IM,” ANSAM said, “Its (UNC) actions are in furtherance

of the collective will of the Naga people to break free from the chains of the divisive and communal government of Manipur.” It also implied that the present crisis had nothing do with the “protracted Indo-Naga political imbroglio which needs to be resolved through political dialogue between the

Government of India and the Nagas.” ANSAM further reasserted that the Nagas living in the present state of Manipur have lost “all faith in the incumbent government” and will not tolerate any force which tries to "derail the rightful assertion of the Nagas to be masters over their own land".

Probe ordered into Tripura MLA runs away with Speaker's mace, stalls house elephant deaths aGartala, Decem- and started sloganeering Party of India-Marxist leadGuwahatI, December 19 (Ians): Expressing concern over increasing elephant deaths on railway tracks in Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday directed the state Forest Department and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to improve coordination to avoid similar incidents. Meeting Forest and NFR officials, he advocated a strategy to tackle rising number of such incidents, and favoured joint monitoring of railway tracks on daily basis. He also instructed the Forest Department to adopt an aggressive approach. The Chief Minister's directive came after three elephants were killed by a speeding railway engine at Potiapam near Kampur on Saturday night. This was the third such incident that have taken place in the state this month after at Nagaon and Goalpara districts which had left a total of five jumbos dead. He also ordered immediate setting up local level Monitoring Committee involving people living in adjoining areas of the tracks in all the 29 elephant corridors with a view to share real time information with the Railway Control Rooms, where Forest Department officials would also be deputed.Sonowal also instructed to set up a joint coordination committee under the leadership of respective Sub-Divisional Officers and Circle Officers to monitor joint activities, such as joint survey of railway track, cleaning of jungles, streamlining of slopes near tracks, installation of signages at vulnerable points with emergency contact number etc.

ber 19 (Ians): The Tripura Assembly on Monday witnessed a bizarre scene during the house proceedings as a TMC legislator ran away with the Speaker's mace, stalling legislative business. The incident occurred while the members were debating heatedly about the alleged "womanising" issue involving ruling CPIM leaders. The Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators had approached the Speaker's podium

against Forests Minister Naresh Jamatia. All of a sudden, TMC MLA Sudip Roy Barman seized the Speaker's mace and ran away with it outside the house abruptly putting a halt to the proceedings. The Watch-and-Ward staff, led by the Marshal, followed Barman and after half-a-minute brought the mace back, before Speaker Ramendra Chandra Debnath went to his chamber. Earlier, Barman, referring to media reports and an expelled Communist

er's allegation, raised the "womanising" issue against the Forests Minister and demanded his resignation. Jamatia, however, strongly refuted the allegation and told the house that he has already filed a case in a local court against the newspaper. Since Tripura become a full-fledged state in January 1972, incidents of running away with the symbolic silver mace by opposition legislators in the midst of an assembly sitting has occurred thrice.

AFFIDAVIT

'LOST - Finger Ring'

AFFIDAVIT

I, Smt. Cheilai W/o of Samteu of Beisumpuikam village, PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declare that the name Cheilai and Chailai is of same person. I hereby declare that my correct name is Cheilai and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

In and around Local Ground, Kohima on Saturday, 17th Dec. 2016 Finders please contact: 7085190510 Will be generously rewarded.

I, Smt. Kawiphiuliu Chawang W/o of Tadambo of Samziuram village, PO & PS Jalukie, Peren Dist. Nagaland hereby declare that the name Kawiphiuliu Chawang and Kawiphiuliu is of same person. I hereby declare that my correct name is Kawiphiuliu Chawang and shall be used for all official purposes in the future.

Regd. No. 289

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

Regd. No. 295

Deponent 1st Class Magistrate

Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research, 4th Mile, Dimapur VACANCIES for Radiotherapy Center Affiliated to CMC Vellore under TaTa TRUST

1. Radiotherapist. 2. B.Sc. Radiotherapy Technician. 3. Medical Physicist with RSO certificate.

Candidates should submit the prescribed application form along with their supporting documents by 31st December 2016. Application form can be downloaded from our website or collected from, The HR Department, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, 4th Mile, Dimapur-797112 Or Download the application form from our website www.cihsr.in and e-mail to: hrd.cihsr@gmail.com Contact Number: 03862-242555 (Extn no. 2213)

NESRC Seminar examine its nuances

DImaPur, December 19 (mexn): Can the concepts of autonomy, self-determination and sovereignty be used as a step towards building peace? This was the primary concern of a North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC) Seminar entitled, ‘Rethinking Autonomy, Self-Determination and Sovereignty as Tools for Peace,’ held in Guwahati from December 16-17. NESRC brought together 35 scholars from around the region to “rethink the meaning of and using of these concepts as a step towards peace,” informed a press note from the Seminar Coordinator Dr Walter Fernandes. Dr Melvil Pereira, Director, NESRC, welcoming the gathering, stressed the importance for scholars to rethink these issues as a tool for peace. In his keynote address, Prof. Udayon Misra dwelt on the history of these terms and the manner in which they have been explained and used by various stake-

Christmas

holders in the region. “In the Northeast the parameters of the nationstate are expanding, he opined adding that this thinking can also divide the peoples of the region as “nationalist struggles” often propels to “ethnic conflicts that are bound to be exclusivist.” The community that gets an autonomous state rarely respects the rights of the minorities within its territory and that is divisive, Misra added dwelling on the challenge of bringing the people together by rethinking the concepts, acting on them and respecting the struggles of the minorities for a just society. In the technical sessions, Babloo Loitongbam of Human Rights Alert, Imphal reflected on the legal meaning of autonomy, intrinsic to many UN resolutions which India has ratified. In its practice it has been misinterpreted both by the State and the militant outfits, he opined. The type of autonomy allowed in India is partial and cannot solve the problems highlighted by the conflicts in the Northeast, Babloo added.

BIBLES – BOOKS – MUSIC - GIFTS

BOOK FAIR Venue: O.M. Books 12 – 24 City Tower Junction, Circular Road December 2016 9aM – 5PM

Dimapur, Nagaland Ph.: 03862-229370/9862008081

While agreeing with him, the discussants Dr. Atig Ghosh of Vishwa Bharati and Dr R. K. Debbarma of TISS, Guwahati saw the need to push the concept further to make it more concrete for the Northeast. Dwelling on “self-determination” Prof. Chandan Kumar Sarma of Tezpur University said that due to inadequate definition, it embraces several meanings, none of which addresses the identity concerns of the people of the region and maintianed that "rethinking self-determination is the need of the hour." Dr Meenal Tula of NESRC and Dr Jilagamba of TISS felt that the concept has been limited to the political arena and saw the need to take self-determination beyond it to control of resources and cultural autonomy as well. Speaking specifically on “shared sovereignty” Prof. Lanunungsang Imchen of Nagaland University said that though these

debates are presented as new today, in reality the questions of sovereignty have been included in the past Naga-Union Government agreements. “What needs rethinking is their implications for today and issues such as a separate flag, constitution and passport for Nagaland that the Framework Agreement seems to uphold,” he pointed out. Responding to it Dr Visakhonu Hibo of Japfu Christian College, Nagaland drew attention to a persistent lack of clarity on the meaning of “shared sovereignty” which the negotiating parties are presenting as a solution. “Rethinking Autonomy, Self-Determination and Sovereignty: Search for Peace in Northeast India,” a book written by Walter Fernandes and Bhaswati Borgohain and published by NESRC was also released by Prof. Apurba Kumar Baruah during the seminar.

AFFIDAVIT

Regd. No: 4455/16 Date: 17/12/16 I, R. Chumthungo Kithan @ Chumthungo Kithan, S/o. Late R. Kithan, resident of 150, Sub Jail, Oriental Colony, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:1. That, my name is recorded as R. Chumthungo Kithan in my bank account, service book however recorded as Chumthungo Kithan in my Aadhar Card, and my daughter Lothunglo Kithan academic records due to inadvertent clerical mistakes. However all the names refer to the same person. 2. That, R. Chumthungo Kithan and Chumthungo Kithan refers to the same person. 3. That, the statements made at Para 1 to 2 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and I have signed this affidavit on this the 17th Dec. 2016 at Dimapur: Nagaland. DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me on this day 17th Dec. 2016 Notary Public

Government of India Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Regional Office Guwahati (An ISO9001:2008 Certified Ministry)

House No. 7, 2nd Floor, Rajgarh Road; Chandmari, Guwahati-781003, Ph: (0361)2525943, Fax: (0361)2464169, E-mail- roghy2015@gmail.com

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORT&H) Govt. of India invites Bids for the National Highways works to be implemented through PWD (NH works),Nagaland in EPC mode as mentioned below: Sl. No.

Name of works/Job No

Improvement of city portion of Dimapur city (Km 106.9 to Km 124.20) and Kohima city (Km 177.60 to Km 187.60) on NH No.39 in the state of Nagaland under EPC mode during 2016-17 (Package I: Km 106.9 to Km 124.20) Improvement of city portion of Dimapur city (Km 106.9 to Km 124.20) and Kohima city (Km 177.60 to Km 187.60) on NH No.39 in the state of Nagaland under EPC mode during 2016-17 (Package II: Km 177.60 to Km 187.60)

Package No No. CE/NH/NH(O)/ 2016-17/95/I No. CE/NH/NH(O) / 2016-17/95/II

approx value of work (Rs in Crores)

Completion period (Month)

Maintenance, period (Month)

249.46

98.94

Note:1. The Bidders must be registered in the e-tendering portal of MoRT&H "https://morth.eproc.in" for participating in the bidding process. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their ETS registration is valid (i.e. not expired) through the life cycle of the tender. 2. Corrigendum/addendum, if any will be published only in the above website. 3. The complete bid document can be viewed / downloaded from e-procurement portal of MoRT&H "https://morth.eproc. in" from 20.12.2016 to 02.02.2017 (upto 1100 hrs IST). Bid must be submitted through online only at https://morth. eproc.in on or before 02.02.2017 (upto 1700 hours IST). Bids received through online shall be opened on 03.02.2017 (at 1500 hours IST). 4. Bid received through any other mode shall not be entertained. However, Bid Security documents fee, Power of Attorney, joint bidding agreement, if any, etc., shall be submitted physically by the Bidder(s) on or before 03.02.2017 (at 1100hours IST). It may be noted that the Authority reserves the right to accept or reject all or any of the bids without assigning any reason whatsoever. 5. For any other details and clarifications, bidders may see the official website of the Ministry https://morth.eproc.in and may also contact the authority mentioned below during office hours. Chief Engineer PWD (NaTIONaL HIGHWaYS) NPWD Complex Kohima: Nagaland Email: cenhnagaland@gmail.co

Sd/- assistant Executive Engineer For Regional Officer, MORT&H Chandmari, Guwahati – 3

Davp: 37109/11/0061/1617

taha mz a m, ( se naPatI), December 19 (mexn): The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) today said that the Government of Manipur is solely responsible for ongoing crisis in the state and the Nagas living in Manipur have lost “all faith in the incumbent government.” “If there is anyone to be blamed for the prevailing crisis, then all fingers should point towards the State Government and no one else,” maintained ANSAM in a press statement issued through its Publicity Wing. In this context, ANSAM said that a press statement by Kuki Students’ Organization, General Head Quarter (KSO-GHQ), accusing NSCN (IM) for the present crisis, was “unfortunate.” A matured students’ organisation must act towards peaceful co-existence of all the communities, it added.

tuesDAY 20•12•2016

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

RBI imposes more restrictions on deposit of old notes Chennai, DeCember 19 (ianS): The RBI on Monday restricted deposits of demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in excess of Rs 5,000 only once till December 30 -- after strict scrutiny. The new restrictions are meant to encourage deposits of demonetised currency notes under the Taxation and Investment Regime for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016. In its notification, the Reserve Bank of India instructed all the banks to give full credit to demonetised notes over Rs 5,000 only in the case of accounts compliant with `Know Your Customer’ (KYC) norms. If the accounts are not KYC compliant, then the credit for deposits of demonetised currencies will be restricted to Rs 50,000. According to RBI, when

A cashier stacks Indian currency notes inside a bank in Chandigarh, november 19, 2016. (REUTERS File Photo) a person deposits over Rs count only after question- not deposited earlier. 5,000 in withdrawn cur- ing him or her, in the presOnly after getting a satrencies, then credit shall be ence of two bank officials, isfactory explanation credit given to that person’s ac- as to why the notes were would be given. The bank-

ers will keep the explanatory statement on record for future audit trail. “An appropriate flag also should be raised in CBS (Core Banking Solutions) to that effect so that no more tenders are allowed,” RBI said. The government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, saying the move was meant to fight corruption, black money and terror funding. Deposits of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes up to Rs 5,000 in value received across the counter will be allowed to be credited to bank accounts in the normal course until December 30. However, if the deposits are less than Rs 5,000 at a time but cumulatively the value exceeds Rs 5,000, then the bank officials have to follow the procedure of

getting on record the explanation from the depositor why the deposit was not made earlier. The above restrictions shall not apply to tenders of demonetised currency for the purpose of deposits under the Taxation and Investment Regime for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 2016. The equivalent value of demonetised notes tendered may be credited to an account maintained by the depositor at any bank in accordance with standard banking procedure and on production of valid proof of identity. In case of deposits into third party accounts, banks can give credit provided there is specific authorisation given by the account holder to be presented to the bank and a valid identity proof of the depositor.

5.5-inch ASUS Zenfone EPFO lowers provident fund interest rate 3 now available in India from 8.8 percent to 8.65 percent for 2016-17 bengaluru, DeCember 19 (PTi): Retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) decided to lower the interest on Employee Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for the current fiscal to 8.65%, from 8.8 provided in 2015-16, for its over four crore subscribers. “The Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s apex decision making body, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), has taken a decision to lower the interest rate to 8.65% for the current fiscal from 8.8 in 2015-16,” Indian National Trade Union Congress Vice-President Ashok Singh told PTI after the new Delhi, DeCember 19 (ianS): A month after announcing the plans to manufacture Zenfone 3 Max smartphone in India, Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer ASUS on Monday said the Zenfone 3 Max 5.5-inch (ZC553KL) variant is now available in India. The device can be purchased from select ASUS preferred partner’s retail outlets and all major online sales portals. Priced at Rs 17,999, the device was launched along with Zenfone 3 Max (5.2-inch variant) last month. “We have received a tremendous response from the Indian market for 5.2-inch variant. With the powerful battery of Zenfone 3 Max, we have been able to provide a smartphone that FiRe StatiOnS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

Civil Hospital emergency-

new York, DeCember 19 (ianS): The global autonomous cars market is expected to reach 138,089 units by 2024, a study by US-based market research and consulting company Grand View Research said on Monday. The growing acceptance of semi-autonomous technologies, such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic parking and forward collision avoidance is anticipated to pave the way for the adoption of driverless automobiles over the next seven years. “The self-driving technology exhibits a huge potential, owing to its capability to improve on-road safety, lower the energy consumpwe4 woMen HeLPLIne

232224 229529 229474 MH Hospital 227930 231081 Faith Hospital 228846 shamrock Hospital 228254 Zion Hospital 231864 224117 227337 Police Control room 228400 Police Traffic Control 232106 east Police station 227607 west Police station 232181 CIHsr (referral Hospital) 242555 242533 dimapur Hospital 224041 248011 Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652 railway 131/228404 Airport 229366 Indian Airlines 242441 225212 Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777 nikos Hospital and 232032, research Centre 231031 nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

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jected income of Rs 39,084 crore for the current fiscal. As per sources, the Finance Ministry has been asking the Labour Ministry to align the EPF interest rate with other small saving schemes of the government like Public Provident Fund (PPF). In September, the government reduced interest rates on small savings schemes marginally by 0.1% for the October-December quarter of 201617, which resulted in lower returns on PPF, Kisan Vikas Patra, Sukanya Samriddhi Account, among others. The Labour Ministry however wanted to retain 8.8% for the current fiscal as well, a source said.

‘Global autonomous car market to hit 138,089 units by 2024’

std code: 03862

DiMaPUR

W ALCoHoL ArrAnGe CABInet CUrL dAIntY desPIse enseMBLe esteeM FAItHFUL FeAsIBLe FLAGrAnt FreQUent GArdener GLossArY GrAteFUL GUArdIAn GYMnAst HALLowed HAndYMAn HeedLess

ensures the users are able to enjoy the specs and photography experience for a longer duration of time,” said Peter Chang, Region Head, South Asia and Country Manager for ASUS India. In November, the company said it would manufacture the smartphone at its facility in Daman (Union Territory of Daman and Diu). Zenfone 3 Max is the the third smartphone that is being locally manufactured by ASUS after it initiated production of Zenfone 2 Laser and Zenfone Go last year. Designed for photography enthusiasts, the 5.5inch device features 16MP primary and 8MP secondary cameras. Zenfone 3 Max has a fingerprint sensor near the top of the rear panel.

meeting at Bengaluru. Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay also said that 8.65% rate of interest is fixed on EPF deposits for 2016-17. As per the EPFO income projections, retaining 8.8% rate of interest for the current fiscal would have left a deficit of Rs 383 crore. However, the body could have utilised about Rs 409 crore surplus with it, which accrued after providing 8.8% rate of interest for 2015-16, to retain the same rate of return for the current fiscal. A surplus of about Rs 69.34 crore was stipulated if interest rate was to be lowered to 8.7%. EPFO has pro-

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tion and reduce congestion,” the findings showed. North America is anticipated to dominate the market with over 40 per cent of the volume share in 2017. The region is further anticipated to witness a considerable growth over the next seven years. Europe is a key region for the deployment of self-driving vehicles, owing to the high consumer preference for technologically advanced products and is estimated to hold more than 35 per cent of the volume share in 2017. “This is attributed to the presence of players such as Volvo, Volkswagen, PSA Peugeot Citroën, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Ger-

std code: 0370 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

many and Britain,” the report added. Asia Pacific is expected to witness a sluggish growth as compared to North America and Europe. However, it is anticipated to grow substantially in the later phase of the forecast period due to the growing adoption of technologically advanced cars in China. In addition, the Japanese government has specifically laid down a plan for the successful self-driving vehicle deployment and is expected to catapult the product demand over the forecast period. The Singaporean government has also proposed to build separate roads for driverless automobiles to accelerate the adoption. MOKOKCHUnG

SpiceJet launches festive sale Offers 1-way ticket to Dubai at Rs 4,800 mumbai, DeCember 19 (Dna): Low-budget carrier SpiceJet launched its festive sale on Sunday, which will go on till December 21. Under the offer, the airline is offering one-way tickets to Dubai from India, at an allinclusive fare of nearly Rs 4,800. Customers interested can book tickets for the travel period of January 15 till October 28, 2017. “The four day sale starts from 18th December will be open till midnight of 21st December 2016, and the travel period covered under this sale is from 15th January 2017 to 28th October 2017,” the airline said on its website “Celebrate the year end with SpiceJet’s Festive Season Sale. The exciting discount sale applicable for travel from Dubai to India, offers all inclusive one-way fares starting as low as AED 259 during the travel period,” it added. While the offer is only applicable on one-way fare, customers can make bookings across channels, SpiceJet said. The offer will also be applicable only on non-stop flights.

AirAsia India sells tickets from Rs. 917 in New Year sale new Delhi, DeCember 19 (nDTV): Budget carrier AirAsia India is selling all-inclusive tickets from Rs. 917 under its New Year Sale offer. AirAsia India’s offer is open till January 1, 2017, and is applicable on travel between March 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017. AirAsia India’s Rs. 917 fare is applicable on BengaluruKochi, Bengaluru-Goa and Bengaluru-Hyderabad routes. The fares on New Delhi-Goa and New Delhi-Bengaluru routes start from Rs. 2,917 and Rs. 2,217, for example. AirAsia India currently flies to 11 destinations with its two hubs in Bengaluru and New Delhi, covering Chandigarh, Jaipur, Guwahati, Imphal, Pune, Goa, Vizag, Kochi and Hyderabad. Under the AirAsia India offer, Bengaluru-Guwahati fares start from Rs. 2,217; Bengaluru-Chandigarh Rs. 2,917; Bengaluru-Jaipur Rs. 2,917, and Bengaluru-Visakhapatnam Rs. 1,417. The budget carrier has increased connectivity to Goa and Pune from Bengaluru with addition of new services. AirAsia India is a joint venture between the Tatas and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad. AirAsia India, however, did not disclose the number of tickets on sale under the Rs. 917 promotional offer. Another budget carrier GoAir is offering tickets starting Rs. 1,057 on select sectors. The fares are applicable till December 31, GoAir said on its website. The Rs. 1,057 fare, for example, is applicable on the Delhi-Jaipur route for example. Delhi-Leh fares, under the GoAir offer, start from Rs. 2,889. Discounted fares from various airlines have spurred a strong growth in domestic air travel. According to aviation regulator DGCA, the number of passengers carried by domestic airlines during January to October this year has jumped 23 per cent to 813.70 lakh.

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CROSSWORD # 3809

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3804

Answer Number # 3803

ACROSS 1.Play a guitar 6. River of Spain 10. Invited 14. A kind of macaw 15. A feudal vassal 16. Dogfish 17. Lustrous fabric 18. If not 19. Not a win 20. Eyeglasses 22. Leader 23. Countertenor 24. Unsaturated alcohol 26. Winglike 30. Fiddle stick 31. Arrive (abbrev.) 32. Debauchee 33. Constellation bear 35. Makes changes to 39. Turmeric 41. Clean 43. Step 44. Tardy 46. Glance over 47. Explosive 49. Fury 50. Male deer 51. Convulse 54. Pervert 56. Warmth 57. Dilapidated 63. Hindu princess 64. Angers 65. Relating to tone 66. Therefore 67. A climbing plant 68. Office worker 69. Biblical garden 70. Dines 71. Peddles DOWN 1. Back talk 2. Snare 3. Be worthy of

4. Relating to urine 5. Devilfish 6. Relating to elections 7. Roars 8. Ploy 9. Black Sea port 10. Nonsense 11. French for “Love” 12. Popular dance music 13. Artist’s workstand 21. Phonograph disc 25. Tall woody plant 26. Circle fragments 27. Boor 28. Emanation 29. A verbatim performance 34. Female thespians 36. Ancient Peruvian 37. Russian emperor 38. Dispatched 40. Coffee dispensers 42. Bloodsucker 45. Illness 48. Flourish 51. Half of six 52. Listened to 53. Cooktop 55. Emerge from eggs 58. Operatic solo 59. Soft drink 60. Was cognizant 61. Frolic 62. North American deer (plural) Answer to Crossword 3808

Tuesday 20•12•2016

NAGALAND

Public Distribution system imbroglio more criticize police action at AcAut rally

Dimapur, December 19 (mexn): Overseas Naga Association (ONA) and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) have criticized the action of police at ACAUT public rally on December 15 in Dimapur, where tear gas, water cannon, and lathi charge were used to disperse the public protesting against corruption. ONA in a press release stated the incident has brought deep sadness and dismay to the association. “Sadness that in our own lifetime Nagas have changed from an egalitarian society to a disconnected two-class society composed of a small, powerful rich elite and a huge majority of struggling working families and villagers; and dismay that Nagas in power would use force against their own people for peacefully protesting against corruption and injustice in our land,” added the release appended by ONA president, Visier Sanyü and secretary general, Paul Pimomo. The ONA was bewildered as to how Nagas got to this point in our history. “From our noble struggle for self-respect and human rights to this moment of betrayal in which the normally opposed Overground and Underground elites have joined forces against the Naga people’s movement against corruption and unregulated taxation which have crippled progress.” It further wondered who else

may be responsible for this since corruption of the proportion that exists in Nagaland requires an intricate network to succeed. ONA meanwhile asserted that “ACAUT [and similar organizations] must win for the sake of our society.” Wishing Merry Christmas to all in “our beloved homeland”, ONA hoped that 2017 will “bring new life to our people a fresh resolve for integrity on the part of every leader and a renewed vigor on the part of the people to do so themselves and to make that happen in public life.” In a separate press note, WSH called the act of Dimapur Police at the rally “deplorable.” Such act, it stated, was a complete misuse of power by the State government and the Dimapur police. “On whosoever command they were acting is completely dictatorial and has no place in a democratic country. Instead of arresting the culprits and bringing justice, the government has completely lost confidence by shielding them and using suppressive methods to snuffle the voice of the people,” stated WSH president, Zheshito Swu and general secretary, Vikato K. Achumi. Pointing out that the fundamental rights under the Indian constitution guarantee the right to assemble peacefully, the Hoho said the ACAUT rally in no way posed a threat to disturb the peace and tranquility. It further main-

tained that the clarification of the Addl. DCP and PRO that 144 CrPC was imposed due to the ongoing festive season does not hold any water or give any proper justification. “Festive season or not, the people’s fight for their rights can go on anytime and the excuse was a very poor one. Mere clarifications and justifications cannot heal the wounds and mental scar it had caused on the people...,” it asserted. Meanwhile, WSH noted that the State government and the police have greatly invited the ire of the people on numerous occasions lately and the people’s sentiments have been greatly hurt by their acts. It pointed out the use of water cannons on teachers demanding their long pending salaries recently and termed it unfortunate and despicable act by the present government. “Police officers should know the ethics of humanity no matter even when their higher-ups are ordering such unjust act to do,” it added. The Hoho further appreciated ACAUT for exposing the PDS rice and fuel adulteration scams and supported its fight against corruption, while appealing to every right thinking citizen to support the cause. It also applauded the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya for his concern on the massive corruption in the State and endorsing the CBI to investigate the PDS rice scam raised by ACAUT.

PTYS condemns ‘failure and ‘Premature to hold stockists alone accountable for the mess’ December 19 (mexn): ers and the Government,” it stated in a fraudulence’ of F&CS dept Dimapur, Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and press release.

pheK, December 19 (mexn): The Phek Town Youth Society (PTYS) and Phek Chamber of Commercial and Industries (PCCI) have jointly condemned the “failure and fraudulence” of State Food and Civil Supplies Department in Public Distribution System (PDS), alleging the few genuine beneficiaries under PDS do not even receive their share of food grain in the State. The PTYS and PCCI in a press release issued by PTYS press secretary, Kedupa Venuh further supported and lauded ACAUT in their endeavour in “delineating the PDS deception backdrop.”

Action Forum (NPRAAF) today appealed to the Nagaland State government to immediately release Welfare Institution and SC/ST/OBC Hostel Schemes under Public Distribution System (PDS), while stating the public should not suffer in the pretext of the recent episode between the ACAUT and the Department of Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS). NPRAAF opined that the PDS issue cannot be settled neither by raiding and sealing the godown nor by arresting the ACAUT activists, but through understanding. “The malady of the issue must be discussed across the table by concerned parties for remedial measure at the greater interest of all stakehold-

ACAUT appeals public not to be swayed by ‘false propagandas’ Dimapur, December 19 (mexn): Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has appealed to the people not to be swayed by the “false propagandas and designs of corrupt forces trying to give tribal, political, organizational color to discredit ACAUT and the people’s movement against corruption.” In a press release issued by its Media Cell, ACAUT Nagaland reaffirmed that it is a people’s movement and any

individual believing in the cause against the evils of unabated taxation and corruption is a part of the movement. “Therefore, it is important to let the Naga public know that the fight against corruption is on the plane of individual’s consciousness.” ACAUT Nagaland also thanked all organizations and individuals from various walks of life for their support and solidarity in the recent incident over the allegation of PDS rice

scam and also for participating in signature campaign and braving police baton, water cannon, and tear gas. “ACAUT Nagaland is overwhelmed that after the exposure of rice scam (PDS) in F&CS department, people from various walks of life believed in the cause and came forward despite the psychological and physical threats by the state machinery. This united stand of the people has opened a new chapter in Naga

Rengma landowners question Good Governance Day: BJP Nagaland writes to PM December denial of land compensation Dimapur, 19 (mexn): While appreABAM urges to review date of Good Governance Day

Kohima, December 19 (mexn): Rengma Landowners Association of National Highway No. 2, Tseminyu Sub-Division has asked the Chief Engineer, National Highway, Government of Nagaland and Commissioner & Secretary (W&H), Government of Nagaland on what ground the landowners of National Highway-2, Tseminyu sub-division are not entitled to get land compensation. The query was in regard to the construction of the twolane roads from Kohima to Amguri via Wokha and Mokokchung, which the association welcomed and appreciated. Stating that the reason for the denial of land compensation should be made known to the landowners immediately, the association in an open letter to the Chief Engineer, National Highway, Government of Nagaland stated that it has not authorized any organization or council to take decision on its behalf on the matter. It pointed out that the landowners of National Highway-29 (Dimapur to Kohima) were given adequate land compensation well ahead of the start of work, whereas the landowners of National Highway-2, especially Tseminyu sub-division, are denied of land compensation. “Kindly explain why this discrimination?” it added. The letter also noted that in Nagaland, the ownership of the land is with the Naga people and not with Government, and individuals are the owners of the land. Asserting that landowners have every right to get land compensation, the letter demanded to clear all the land compensation before the construction of the work starts. The letter was signed by Hillo Tep, president; Kehoyi Kez, general secretary; and Riga Thyü, treasurer.

ciating the effort to honour the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee by naming his birthday (December 25) ‘Good Governance Day” and making it a full working day, the BJP Nagaland president, Visasolie Lhoungu has lamented that this has caused immense measure of confusion, disillusionment and hurt the Christian sentiments. The State President, on behalf of the BJP Nagaland and the people of the state, has written to the Prime Minister appealing to observe ‘Good Governance Day' on any day other than Christmas day. He highlighted the importance of Christmas to Christians. “Christmas season is not only a time of festivities (for the Christians) but also a time of prayer, repentance, sharing and thanksgiving. Accordingly, true to its im-

nso, nsyF-m resolve issues Lahe (myanmar), December 19 (mexn): After some years of misunderstanding and confusions between Myanmar based Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) and Naga Students and Youth’s Federation (Myanmar) (NSYFM), the two organizations have agreed to share responsibilities as students and youth separately during the 5th general conference of NSO held from December 13 to 15 at Mala Taung Hall, Lahe Town. A press release from T. Mankhat Konyak, NSO president termed this development the most significant outcome of the conference.

Both parties unanimously concurred that NSO will deal with all the students activities and will remain as apex body for the Naga students, whereas NSYF-M will change its nomenclature to NYF and will deal with all youth activities and will remain as apex body for entire Naga youths, according to the press release. The two organizations also agreed to work hand in hand for the betterment of the Naga society. The conference was held under the theme ‘Conquer Impediments’ with U Law Yone, executive member of NSAZ government as chief guest. The speakers

Musical Nite in aid of NHAK patients Kohima, December 19 (mexn): The Naga Hospital Colony Youth Organization (NHCYO) is organizing a Musical Nite cum Pre-Christmas celebration with the theme ‘Get peace by the act of giving’ on December 21 starting 5:00 pm at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) compound. The event is supported by some of the famous artists and bands of Nagaland who will be performing live on stage for a noble cause, informed a press release from NHCYO. The artists include the evergreen Methaneilie Jutakhrie, Kekhriesenuo Ringa, Besüto Nienu, Senti Desert King, Cotton County 90’s charisma along with many other multi-talented artists. The sole purpose of the event is to raise fund for the poor in-patients of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima and at the same time share the joy of Christmas, the release said. “It is a humble approach to relay the message to all the unfortunate in-patients that ‘You are not alone we are here for you and we care’,” the release added. The youth organization has invited everybody young and old to come and share the joy of giving through contributing free will donation at the venue of the event.

were U Harti Yanli, President, NPO, Boveio Poukai Duo, General Secretary, Joshua Thong, Speaker of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and Kachin youth representative. The conference adopted resolutions to closely monitor the educational system in all Naga-inhibited areas in Myanmar and to strictly check the excessive use of opium in the region. The new office bearers of NSO were also elected with T. Mankhat Konyak as President, Myint Naing, General Secretary and L. Patun as Executive Chairman. The next general conference of NSO will be held at Layshi Town.

NPRAAF further maintained that till the time the truth of the whole episode of PDS fiasco is unearthed by an independent inquiry body, it will be premature to hold stockists alone accountable for the mess. NPRAAF categorically assured the people that it will not rest till justice in the PDS is logically delivered. Meanwhile, NPRAAF appreciated the F&CS department for the “pragmatic response” to its demands on PDS issue and demands for cancellation of backdoor appointments and subsequent requisition to NPSC/Departmental board for fair open competition, which was given in written by the Government.

impur, December 19 (mexn): Urging the Government of India to review the date of Good Governance Day, the apex body of Ao Baptist Churches (ABAM) has questioned, “Why of all the days, December 25, the Christmas Day should be turned into ‘Good Governance Day’ by the Government.” ABAM Executive Secretary, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger in a press statement said that India is a secular country with its millions of citizens professing many religions. India’s greatest asset and strength lies in this unity in diversity. “But the recent development and decisions made by the Modi Government is shocking. portance and significance, it has always been upheld by the country’s secular constitution and declared as a gazette National holiday,” Visasolie said, according to a press release from BJP Nagaland General Secretary (Media) & Spokesperson, Jaangsillung Gonmei.

This decision has hurt the sentiments of Christians all over India. It is confusing and hypocritical to observe Good Governance Day when top to bottom is corrupted and in the same old story of misgovernance.” It further inquired, “What does the Government profit by declaring Christian’s special days & celebrations, turning it into Yoga Day, Judges Day, etc.” Strongly supporting NBCC move in urging the Centre to review the date, ABAM added, “the Government might have chosen the right date, but if the noble decision hurts its citizens causing division and instigate communal feelings and insecurity it becomes ignoble and noxious.”

The State President has therefore appealed that Nagaland be allowed to observe Good Governance Day on any day other than Christmas day so as not to disturb the celebration of Christmas in the state as well as to clear the doubts and apprehensions in the

minds of the people. Meanwhile, the party’s central leadership has also permitted the party’s organization to observe Good Governance Day on any day other than Christmas so as not to disturb the Christmas festivities, it added.

Training camp held for scouts & guides

peoples fight against corruption,” it stated. ACAUT Nagaland also thanked NTC, CNTC, DUCCF and Lotha Hoho for “taking the exceptional lead in reaching out to complainant to control the situation going awry and showing their genuine concern for the Naga Society during the times of brutality and unwarranted situation created by the state machinery ignoring the ground reality to appease their political bosses.”

MEx FILE Old Showuba orgs condemn rape Dimapur, December 19 (mexn): The village council, Women Action Committee, and students' union of Old Showuba have condemned the rape on a minor girl on December 13. The three organizations in a press release further urged the authority concerned to award the most stringent punishment to the accused.

Dr. Tezenlo Thong’s books available in Nagaland Kohima, December 19 (mexn): Limited copies of Dr. Tezenlo Thong’s books, published overseas, are available at Variety Book Depot (near Capital Hotel, Kohima) between now and December 28. The books are ‘Progress and Its Impact on the Nagas: A Clash of Worldviews (Routledge/Ashgate 2014)’ and ‘Colonization, Proselytization, Identity: The Nagas and Westernization in Northeast India (Palgrave 2016).’ According to a press release, these scholarly monographs navigate through the complex nuances and multifaceted history of the Nagas from the perspective of the colonized. However, they are rare locally and will be valuable assets to have for researchers, scholars, individuals or institutional/community libraries. Interested individuals or parties may contact the Depot at 9774234348 or 9862736027.

MTC Administrator invites claims/objection meDziphema, December 19 (mexn): Consequent upon declaration of Open Defecation Free made by the nine wards under Medziphema Town Council (MTC), Addl. Deputy Commissioner & Administrator, MTC, Sara S Jamir has invited the public to lodge claims/ objection/ feedback, if any, within 15 days from the date of issue of this press release to adopt final resolution to declare Open Defecation Free within the limits of MTC.

NPCC office closed from Dec 20-Jan 4

Scouts & guides during the Komalpad Training Camp held from December 6 to 10.

Dimapur, December 19 (mexn): Komalpad Training Camp of Hindustan Scouts & Guides was conducted from December 6 to 10 at Carmel Higher Secondary School, 4th Mile, Dimapur where a total of 181 scouts and guides participated. A special session was conducted by Fr. Charles, Director, Development Association of Nagaland (DAN). On the concluding

day of the training camp, an awareness on Swachh Bharat was also organized around the school and Chekiye village area, in which all the scouts and guides participated. The Hindustan Scouts & Guides in a press release thanked Rev Fr. James, Principal, Carmel Hr. Sec. School for providing all the facilities to organize such types of training camps.

Union condemns Assam Farmers encouraged Rifles raid in Tuensang to grow pulses Tuensang, December 19 (mexn): The DC Mechanical Colony Union (DCMCU), Old Medical ‘B' Tuensang Town has condemned the “provocative act” of the 40 Assam Rifles in raiding the residence of former vice chairman of Tuensang Town Council, Kiumuhean and apprehending him on “false allegation” on December 11. A press release from DCMCU president, Rothrong and chairman, Thsarangse Sangtam termed the act “a deliberate attempt to defame a bonafide and peace loving resident of the colony.” The union also refuted the report where the AR personnel claimed to have raided the house on receipt of specific intelligence along with police

personnel. It said that no police personnel were involved in the raid, nor any colony members were intimated. The union questioned the AR personnel “if the detained was a terrorist or a wanted criminal, necessitating such severe action of the AR surreptitiously raiding the residence without even a police guide.” DCMCU also questioned the AR personnel not to make hasty judgment “for it is unto them we look upon for protection and not make us feel intimidated at their sight, for such action of the AR is not applicable in this civilized society.” The union called upon all the right thinking and peace loving citizens to condemn such unprecedented act.

LongLeng, December 19 (mexn): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longleng under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani organised field day on pulses production under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on December 12 at Yongam village in Longleng district. The field day was organized to create awareness about pulses among farmers and disseminate information regarding pulse cultivation techniques in rice fallow. Dr. Manoj Kumar, SMS (Agronomy) urged the farmers to grow pulses like green gram, black gram, lentil, pea etc. in rice fallow for betterment of their livelihood, increased income and soil fertility improvement through atmospheric nitrogen fixation which increases the yield of succeeding crop, informed a press release. Altogether, 67 farmers from Yongyah and Yongam villages participated in the field day along with KVK officials. The farmers asked for more seed next year, the release added.

Kohima, December 19 (mexn): The office of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) will remain closed from December 20 till January 4 on account of Christmas and New Year. The NPCC has wished “Merry Christmas” and “Happy and Prosperous New Year” to all the citizens of the state.

Online payment of electricity bills Kohima, December 19 (mexn): The Department of Power, Nagaland in its effort to enhance the services for its consumers has enabled online payment facility for consumers of Dimapur, Chumukedima, and Kohima Town. This has been introduced to ease payment of electricity bills. Customers can login to www. dopn.gov.in and pay the bills at their convenience through Debit/Credit cards and net banking. This was informed in a press release issued by Er. K. Yiese, Nodal Officer, RAPDRP Nagaland.

MEEtIngs & AppoIntMEnts

RD Block, Tseminyu meeting President of VDB Association, RD Block Tseminyu, Sherhunlo Kent has informed all the village council chairmen, Gaon Buras and RD Block, Tseminyu officials to attend an urgent meeting with regard to MGNREGA and payment and also to discuss other matters of importance in regard to RD Block Tseminyu on December 21, 11:00 am at VDB conference hall, Tseminyu.

PTYS carnival night The Phek Town Youth Society (PTYS) is organizing a variety show cum carnival night in an open air on December 21 for charity relief to poor and needy people during this Christmas. Therefore, the society has requested all the citizens of Phek Town to come and witness and help the needy people and show that someone really does care about them.

tuesday 20•12•2016

IN FOCUS The Power of Truth

The Morung Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

C O M M E N T A R Y

Garga Chatterjee

To the coloured world, Castro’s Oh Nagaland! Cuba was a dear friend in need volume Xi issue 349

he use of State violence against anti-corruption movements is well established in many parts of the world including the Indian sub-continent. The same was true when Nagaland State used unwarranted force against people peacefully gathering to show their solidarity in confronting corruption during a rally in the heart of Dimapur on December 15. The Nagaland’s state’s response reveals that the ruling class is threatened by such a nonviolent expression of people’s power. Furthermore, the incident clearly indicates the Nagaland State’s intent to maintain the status quo and its inability to initiate a democratic process to address this deep societal cancer of corruption and impunity. The democratic future of Nagaland State is in grave danger. There is a general understanding of the many tribulations that the Naga life co-exists, accompanied by being resigned to these appalling conditions. In fact, these ever-present conditions can actually be felt, smelled and even called by name. They are many, such as, corruption, impunity, despotism, nepotism, factionalism, tribalism, individualism … But, many agree that the worst of it all is the deafening and fearful silence of the majority. By default this complacency has made us all accomplices with the very structures of power that are responsible for the dehumanizing conditions which are embedded in institutionalized structures of violence. While there is a loose consensus on what the symptoms of the problems are, concerned individuals and meaningful organizations are still struggling to agree on the root causes of the problems, and even less on finding constructive and sustainable ways to effectively respond. In this time of public anger and outrage there is a need to channelize the energy into a more conscious and concerted effort so that in raising ‘one voice’ it will have a broader positive impact for addressing these social and political ills. This is critical for a nonviolent peoples’ movement to confront and liberate the structures of power. In an ironic way the December 15 incident has offered the anti-corruption voices a much needed opportunity to engage in critical self-reflection. It has also pointed out the need for an inclusive and broad-based initiative for transforming the status quo. And most of all, the incident is helping us learn the ‘beautiful and difficult truth’ that the present Naga context requires us to submerge ourselves deeply in the struggle for humanization so that Nagaland may arise from its deep slumber.

lEfT wiNg |

Lindah Mogeni Inter Press Service

Bring Back Our Girls Faces “Hope Fatigue”

he Bring Back Our Girls Campaign has experienced some successes but must now overcome the challenge of hope fatigue, Bring Back Our Girls campaign co-founder Saudatu Mahdi told IPS in a recent interview. “There is the challenge of hope fatigue, especially when the expected timelines are not achieved and financial streams are low…however, the campaign remains faithful in its advocacy,”Mahdi told IPS. However Mahdi also noted that, “Bring Back Our Girls has been one of the longest-standing campaigns in Nigeria and has been largely sustained by the horrendous nature of what the girls have gone through.” On April 14th 2014, 276 female students in a boarding secondary school in Chibok, Northern Nigeria, were loaded into trucks at gunpoint and kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in the dead of the night. The kidnappings sparked an international outrage which led to the foundation of the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign – an homage to the social media hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. Mahdi who is also the Secretary-General of Nigerian women’s rights group, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) appealed for an end to the rampant violence against Nigerian women and girls and the release of the girls currently in Boko Haram’s captivity. Fifty-seven of the kidnapped girls managed to escape in June 2014, two months after their capture. Two years later, in May 2016, one of the kidnapped girls was found clutching a four-month year old baby in the outskirts of Sambisa forest in Northeastern Nigeria- rumored to be one of Boko Haram’s strongholds. More recently, 21 of the kidnapped girls, along with a twenty-month old baby born to one of the girls, were released by Boko Haram on October 12th this year after negotiations with the Nigerian government finally bore fruit. Asked whether there are any plans in motion to rehabilitate the released Chibok girls, Mahdi told IPS that the Nigerian government and philanthropic organizations have been involved in “forming rehabilitation plans which specifically target survivors of Boko Haram.” Mahdi also told IPS that, “I can confirm that the 21 recently released girls are currently in a government hospital where their health is being looked after and they have undergone a full regime of both psycho-social and medical examinations.” “There is a dire need for the rehabilitation and reintegration of all girls as a responsibility of the Nigerian government,” said Mahdi. “The recent release of some girls is only part of the deal and we have to be careful. There is hope and we can build on hope. There is still a window of opportunity that we will see all girls released…” said Mahdi at a Donor Direct Action panel discussion held in New York on December 8th. Currently, the Bring Back Our Girls campaign is pressuring the Nigerian government to release results from rescue operations, said Mahdi. Also speaking at the panel, prominent global women’s group’s supporters, Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda, stressed the urgency of standing in solidarity with women’s rights groups by helping increase their funding. “It is not about one person passing on the light but all of us being able to shine our own lights,” said Steinem.

hile reactions poured in from all over the world on the death of Fidel Castro, the undisputed father of the Cuban revolution, many parts of a particular continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean had reactions that were quite unparalleled. Africa and Cuba under Fidel Castro share a very special relationship. The political reality of vast parts of the southern part of Africa and their liberation from forces of naked white racism backed by sophisticated white imperialism was shaped by active assistance from Fidel Castro’s Cuba. That debt has not been forgotten. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh who had an election coming up suspended his campaign to mourn the death of Fidel Castro. On Castro’s death, South African President ANC’s Jacob Zuma said, “The Cuban people‚ under the leadership and command of President Castro‚ joined us in our struggle against apartheid”. ANC was trained and equipped by Cuba in its years of guerilla resistance. Jacob Zuma and Robert Mugabe, the other black leader that the white world loves to hate, attended Castro’s funeral in Havana. On the funeral day, South African flag at all official spots in South Africa were flown at half-mast. It is in the backdrop of Cuba’s relationship to African liberation struggles that the response from Africa to Castro’s death makes sense. In a world where USA, UK and every other so-called leaders of the freeworld, since rechristened as the “international community” stood behind South Africa’s brutal apartheid regime as it oppressed the majority black citizens at home, occupied and propped up another racist regime in what is now free Namibia and militarily supported its own proxies in the scramble for power in new decolonized Angola, Cuba stood like a rock in support of the forces fighting the racist apartheid regime in South Africa. In an Africa, where the white man also psychologically terrorized the darker peoples by their aura of invincibility gained by superior and costlier technology, the defeat of whites mattered in ways more than military. Cuba under Castro poured in help, in support of Angola – military personnel, medical personnel and much more. And then South Africa was beaten back, swinging the conflict in Angola irreversibly in favour of MPLA, the group that was opposed by apartheid South Africa. It is important to mention that the support of USA and UK were firmly behind the proxies of South Africa. This defeat of the forces supported by white racists, the image of battle tanks manned by white racists running away from Angola back to South Africa showed that whites can be defeated. It showed the validity of a principle that US black radical nationalist Malcolm X had enunciated two decades ago before this historic victory against

South African proxies. Malcolm X had said, “White man can’t fight a guerilla warfare. Guerilla action takes heart, takes nerve, and he doesn’t have that. He’s brave when he’s got tanks. He’s brave when he’s got planes. He’s brave when he’s got bombs. He’s brave when he’s got a whole lot of company along with him, but you take that little man from Africa and Asia, turn him loose in the woods with a blade. That’s all he needs. All he needs is a blade. And when the sun goes down and it’s dark, it’s even-steven.” The apartheid regime in South Africa never really recovered from this defeat. They were forced to run away from Namibia which won freedom shortly afterwards. In no small way, this also had a direct bearing with the collapse of the apartheid regime in South Africa itself soon thereafter. Long time jailed African National Congress leader took charge in South Africa. His party was no pacifist and ANC had waged a long armed struggle against South Africa and in such resistances, Castro’s Cuba was a friend in need. It is pertinent to mention that during this struggle against white South African apartheid regime, USA had labeled Mandela a terrorist – something we should keep in mind in times when that term has gained prominence everywhere, that ultimately that label is a political one. In Mandela’s own words, “destroyed the myth of the invincibility of the white oppressor..[and] inspired the fighting masses of South Africa.” Both Mandela and Castro shared this sense of internationalism of the oppressed and a commitment to defence of one’s homeland mixing seamlessly, well evident in this exchange when Mandela met Castro for the first time during his 1991 visit to Cuba. “Mandela : Before we say anything, you must tell me when you are coming to South Africa. You see—no, just a moment, just a moment, just a moment. Castro : The sooner the better. Mandela : And we have had a visit from a wide variety of people. And our

friend, Cuba, which had helped us in training our people, gave us resources to keep current with our struggle, trained our people as doctors, and SWAPO, you have not come to our country. When are you coming? Castro : I haven’t visited my South African homeland yet. I want it, I love it as a homeland. I love it as a homeland as I love you and the South African people.” Mandela called the 1988 victory of Cuba over South Africa at Cuito Cuanavale in Angola as “the turning point in the liberation of our continent and of my people from the scourge of apartheid”. However, 1988 wasn’t the only defeat of South Africa. Cuban soldiers defeated South Africa twice before, in 1975 and 1976, at a time when it was not so unfashionable for the present leaders of the “civilized” white world to do business with an apartheid regime. After Angola won independence in 1975, regular defence forces of apartheid South Africa invaded Angola with active connivance from Washington, to crush the most popular political force in Angola, the left-nationalist MPLA. MPLA would have been defeated if Cuba hadn’t sent in tens of thousands of its own troops, which in alliance with MPLA, drove back South African Defence Force (SADF) out of Angola into Namibia. In February 1976, the leading black South African newspaper The World wrote in its editorial, “Black Africa is riding the crest of a wave generated by the Cuban victory in Angola. Black Africa is tasting the heady wine of the possibility of achieving total liberation." Nelson Mandela, who was in a South African jail at the time, later reminisced about this as the “first time then a country had come from another continent not to take something away, but to help Africans to achieve their freedom”. Us, the coloured people of the world and especially so in the subcontinent should ponder at the importance of that moment, at a time when Indian big corporates are scheming a

commercial recolonization of vast resources in huge parts of Africa. In the context of the Cuba assisted black people’s victory over South African forces, Henry Kissinger, a former US secretary of state who is wanted as a war criminal in various countries, said, “if the West could not find a counter to that, that then the whole international system could be destabilized”. The “international system” was and remains a system of white supremacy, to this day. This was a time when such victories of coloured people were cheered in the subcontinent as their own. Times have changed. The idea of international solidarity of coloured people is long-gone from the subcontinent. Now, the “aspirational” browns have their mindscapes dominated by video games and films and shows, with white winners, white saviours, white sexiness, white ruggedness, white determination, white failings, white sacrifices, white sadness and a million other minute shades of whitehuman personhood. At a time when children of brown yuppies remain glued to “History” channels telling stories of white victories and white “civilization”, their social media celebrate white quirks and fads, their video games have white heroes and they wait impatiently for the next season or episode of some white sitcom or film and even their fantasy and sense of magic is infested by white wands wielded by white Harrys, we must remember this bygone time that was not that long ago. Many browns have a peculiar interest in the twists and turns of the World Wars. That the chivalrous white man dropped more bombs in Vietnam to crush them than they dropped in each other in Europe during the Second World war is one of those details that do not break into brown consciousness due to the ideological predilections we have to due other kinds of story-telling that we have become specifically atuned to, as an enslaved people. We know about white successes and white failings, white truths and white fictions, but that’s about it. In our enslaved heads, we can love or critique Rambo and other ‘world’-saving White creatures, real and imagined, but many coloured people were saved for the likes of Cuba under Castro. Let us expand our heads to accommodate our heroes, with all their contradictions, errors and oppressions too. From white noir to banal Hollywood, from the development of civilizational and philosophical finesse in the form of ‘fine’ dining, schools of politics and philosophy to experimental art and delicate wines – all of this has long been subsidized by the blood and tears of non-White people and continues to be so. Africa knows it is still a white man’s world. Hence it remembers Castro’s role in Africa. So should we.

The philosopher of enlightened thinking we have forgotten Vikas Datta

IANS

mong the paradoxes of the human condition is our tendency to follow the loudest talkers -- the polarising, patronising ones who can convince us to ignore pain they inflict now for future utopias, while forgetting those who advanced our freedom and rights by mercilessly mocking prejudice, tyranny, intolerance, hypocrisy, excess nationalism, and such abuses. Like this French philosopher, who even chose satirical story-telling to make his views more understandable. And Francois-Marie Arouet "Voltaire", among the paladins of the Age of Enlightenment and inspiration for two world-changing revolutions (American and French), was also one of those whose basic creed can be summarised in one short and simple sentence. In his case, it was not the common but misattributed: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it;" but rather, "Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too." Born in Paris on November 21, 1694, to a minor treasury official, Voltaire was the youngest among his siblings (three brothers -- two who didn't survive infancy -- and a sister). While his father wanted him to follow his footsteps as a lawyer,

he wanted to be a writer and, after some travails, prevailed in his desire. But his life as a writer, even as versatile and prolific as he was, with almost 2,000 works across all literary forms (novels, plays, poems, essays, histories, encyclopaedic dictionaries, scientific treatises, pamphlets, et al), was not sedentary but quite eventful. It comprised spells of imprisonment (for insulting noblemen and the French royal family), banishment from cities and exile (including a considerable time in Britain), high favour from monarchs like Frederick the Great and comfortable residence in their courts, but was soon followed by messy falling outs and return to an itinerant life, and not many fixed abodes (one of his estates was on the French-Swiss border so he could bolt in either direction whenever so required). It was only in February 1778 that he could return to the city of his birth -- after a quarter century -- and died there in May. Works like "Letters Concerning the English Nation" (1733), "Elements of the Philosophy of Newton" (1745), "The Age of Louis XIV" (1751), "Treatise on Tolerance" (1763) and the "Philosophical Dictionary" (1764) are seminal in their own right while still remaining relevant. Voltaire's fiction is a more op-

timal place to view his thought. The most famous among this is "Candide" (1759), a merciless lampoon of the theory of German polymath Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, also known as an inventor of calculus and mechanical calculators, that we live in the best of all possible worlds. In this witty parody of a romantic adventure, we follow the eponymous kind-hearted but naive hero, after he is booted out of his sheltered existence (where his tutor, Dr Pangloss -- a caricature of Leibniz -- has taught him this theory) through a series of vicissitudes across Europe and South America and back. In this course, Candide, who has learnt to ask, "If this is the best of possible worlds, what then are the others?", meets all his former associates, who have undergone many misfortunes (even Pangloss, who still holds his belief ) and all finally find peace in running a small farm in Ottoman territory. More engrossing, but more parable-like is "Zadig, or The Book of Fate" (1747). Here again the eponymous young, good-hearted, philosophicallyinclined hero, a native of Babylon in some bygone age, has a spell of everchanging fortunes which see him rise to great heights and fall to great lows, be it love, life or career. However, most

wRiTE-wiNg

of the issues it raises are contemporary, only thinly-veiled. In any case, two episodes stand out -- one is the section where Zadig exhibits his detective skills (used more or less verbatim towards the beginning of Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" for William of Baskerville to display his forte), but involves some less than salutary consequences for him. The other is his journey with a hermit, who allows him to accompany him on the condition that he doesn't question any action. Sure enough, the hermit does many strange things, Zadig can't restrain himself, but then things are not what they seem. Voltaire took inspiration from Jewish and Islamic religious tradition (in the former, it is Moses and an angel, and in the latter, the hermit is the mystical Khizr). Two more works that merit mention are short stories "Microgemas" (1752), where the axiom of humanity being the crowning pinnacle of creation is mercilessly scoffed at, and "The World As It Goes, or the Vision of Babouc", where Babouc, a Scythian nomad, is tasked by an angel to go to Persepolis and judge whether it merits destruction. It is a tricky dilemma but our hero finds a way out. Voltaire was by no means perfect, but the useful lessons he taught outweigh the faults. We must learn this lesson at least from him.

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TUESDAY 20•12•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

THE CHURCH: Caught Between Russia & Ukraine Brian Milakovsky

Fair Observer

n Eastern Ukraine, the Orthodox Church finds itself in the crossfire of an ideological conflict. “I call on those who cry out that we should restore justice with our fists: Our country is ailing, but we must treat her in a way that does not kill the patient … We must call a sin a sin, but love the sinner. I speak of the eternal. Think of that, so that you won’t be ashamed to look in the eyes of your children, so that you won’t need to stand before the icon and cry ‘Lord, what have we done?’” The Orthodox priest Giorgiy Gulyaev spoke these words on March 1, 2014, to a large, restive crowd in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. He was addressing a meeting attended by both sides of the rapidly polarizing city and directed his words to the proRussian separatists in the crowd, who comprised the majority. They roared their disapproval at him, and not long after his speech a crowd of separatists led by the new “people’s mayor” swept Father Giorgiy and their opponents from the square and seized the city administration. The Ukrainian yellow and blue was torn down and the Russian tricolor raised in its place. Ukraine had lost Donetsk. But he had done what he could. Father Giorgiy’s words were those of a Ukrainian agonized equally by his country’s “ailment”—the divisive Euromaidan revolution in Kiev that brought a pro-Western government to power and alienated millions in the country’s east, and by the “treatment” being stoked by Russia—armed separatism. Throughout the war in the Donbass Father Giorgiy attempted to hold his ground as faultlines open beneath him. He is a sincere Ukrainian patriot who passionately serves in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), considered by many to be Russia’s cultural beachhead in the country. From his chapel in the Donetsk Metal Works he condemned both incoming and outgoing artillery strikes. He criticized radical Ukrainian nationalists who seized “Muscovite” churches and also separatists who paraded Ukrainian POWs through the streets of Donetsk. In so many ways the center that Father Giorgiy occupied could not hold. But he shows how an ethical man can navigate seemingly intractable conflicts. One is being waged with artillery by the Russian-backed separatists and the Ukrainian Army in the rusting industrial cities of the Donbass, with horrific human consequences: almost 10,000 dead according to the UN—2,000 civilian, at a very conservative estimate—and as many as 1.7 million people displaced within Ukraine at the peak of the conflict and perhaps a million to Russia and other countries The other conflict is within Ukrainian Orthodoxy and involves questions of loyalty, patriotism and religious liberty. ONLY GOD TO HOPE FOR Before the war, Father Giorgiy was both priest and press secretary for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Donetsk. The Moscow Patriarchate (MP) is recognized by the Orthodox world and warily shares Ukraine with its rival, the unrecognized but increasingly popular Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP). The former dominates the country’s east and the latter its center and west. Long before the war relations were strained, with the patriarchates trading charges of “schismatics” and “Moscow agents.” But Father Giorgiy could complacently enjoy the MP’s majority status in Donetsk, while demonstrating an unusual openness to other confessions and secular journalists. Father Giorgiy watched the Euromaidan revolution in in the winter of 2013-14 with alarm. Support for the revolutionary movement in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Donbass was minimal—around 17%—but Donetsk did have its own Maidan peopled by many liberal journalists Gulyaev had befriended. The revolution’s victory in February was rapidly followed by Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its subversive Russian Spring project, which fostered separatism in the Donbass. Many Ukrainians accuse the Moscow Patriarchate of welcoming the Russian Spring and offering aid and comfort to separatists and their Russian accomplices. Father Giorgiy bridles at the accusation, claiming that MP leadership did everything they could to support the legal authorities in Donetsk, whose paralysis helped hand the city over to the separatists. His own actions at the pro-unity rally in March 2015 demonstrate courage in the face of the armed takeover,

but such gestures were not enough. Thousands of pro-unity residents fled after the city was christened capital of a separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR). But Father Giorgiy continued to serve at his chapel, crossing the emptying city every day under artillery fire. The church became a haven from the nerve-shattering strain and ideological radicalization of wartime Donetsk. After the factory was shelled and several workers killed, he shielded the church’s entrance with stacked cement barriers. “We learned to pray through the sound of artillery fire and ask each other for forgiveness at every service, hoping that we would meet again the next week,” he recalled in 2014. Knowing that his congregation included both fervent separatists and quiet supporters of Ukrainian unity, Gulyaev fostered a distance from the world that allowed them to pray together in harmony. He notes with pride that not a single of his congregants took up arms in the Donbass conflict. In regular Facebook posts and interviews for the Ukrainian and Russian press Gulyaev offered a glimpse into the war-wracked city and a compassionate, consistent denunciation of the conflict’s brutality. “I remember the shock and crash of the outgoing artillery when the DPR began firing on the Ukrainian forces,” he told me in October. “We curled up on the floor and prayed. ‘God have mercy on us, God have mercy on us …’ There was no one else to hope for.” The DPR artillery incited answering fire from the Ukrainian army. But as the destructive shelling by Ukrainian forces dragged on for months, Father Giorgiy came to see it as “senseless … incomprehensible” and a crucial factor in driving Donetsk residents away from Ukraine. “When we buried those people [killed in artillery strikes] it was difficult to understand, to explain why they died,” he said in a 2015 interview. “My congregants felt that they were being fired on by their own people. And through all of it they considered themselves a part of Ukraine.” He recalls delivering emergency fuel to a psychiatric hospital in Donetsk in the winter of 2014-15, when the two sides pounded each other incessantly with heavy artillery. No DPR positions were nearby, but the hospital’s grounds were cratered and its windows blown out. “Only by the grace of God was the hospital itself not hit.” But many churches were. The Iversky Monastary was destroyed when the nearby Donetsk airport became one of the war’s key battlegrounds. Artillery shells burned a new wooden church to the ground in separatist-controlled Horlivka. Dozens of churches would be damaged in the province of Donetsk, the majority in the territories under separatist control. Father Giorgiy was conflicted about informing his congregation of new damages to churches for fear it would inspire some to call for revenge. TODAY DONETSK HAS DIED Such conditions drove Gulyaev to castigate the revolutionary government in Kiev for de-humanizing the residents of Donetsk. He wrote on Facebook: “The solution to the Donbass’ problems is not to fence it off with barbed wire, ‘cleanse’ and ‘disinfect’ it. You say you want to build a new Ukraine? It is not enough to tear down monuments to totalitarian rulers, first you must topple your mental idol, which still demands bloody sacrifice. The virus of hatred toward dissent is more dangerous than the dissent itself.” Such jeremiads made some Ukrainians look on Father Giorgiy as a “secret separatist.” But his coldness toward the DPR authorities earned him enemies there as well, especially after he publicly opposed a decision to parade Ukrainian prisoners of war through the streets. “When

the first images from that parade appeared online,” he recalls, “I just sat in my empty office in front of my monitor and cried.” Then he wrote with concise rage on Facebook: “Today Donetsk has died.” This harsh judgement would be thrown back at him many times by the Russian and DPR press, which began labelling him a “hidden schismatic” and a “Ukrainian fascist.” “People from both sides require of me that I share their emotions, judge who they judge and curse who they curse. They want to hold me to their preferred, inflexible position,” Gulyaev told Orthodox Life. “But it is not my task to simply ‘satisfy their religious needs.’ It is my task to witness for the One who gave us the Gospel. [In doing so] I feel that I cannot satisfy either side.” In October 2015, at the urging of his own parishioners, Father Giorgiy finally left Donetsk to join his wife and children on Ukrainian-controlled territory. Divided now by the front line, Gulyaev and his Donetsk congregants try to keep alive the politically neutral, devotional space he created in his church. Most who stayed are now supporters of the unrecognized DPR, but consult by telephone with pro-unity Gulyaev on matters of faith. But he knows the bonds are fraying. “Time is working against Ukraine,” he told me in an October Skype interview. Donetsk residents grow accustomed to the separatist authorities, saturated as they are in the Russian and DPR media spheres. And living through the shelling of Donetsk plays its role as well, requiring no spin. Father Giorgiy insists that the Moscow Patriarchate is “the structure which can spiritually bind the Donbass to Ukraine.” He claims that the UOC-MP has resisted efforts by the DPR to turn it into a state church. “It remains the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in name and practice,” he says. The boundaries of the dioceses have not adapted to the war, with the largest in the Donbass encompassing both Donetsk and Ukrainiancontrolled Mariupol. Deeply divided as they are by ideology and geopolitics, he believes that Ukrainians must make their common faith a space for dialogue and reconciliation. A BRIDGE OR A FAULTLINE? But many Ukrainians vigorously disagree with Father Giorgiy’s characterization of the UOC-MP as a bridge to Ukraine. There is convincing evidence that certain Moscow Patriarchate priests and lay activists took part in the separatist movement from its earliest days, giving sanctuary to armed Russian mercenaries. MP priests blessed camouflaged separatists at their roadblocks and addressed their congregants at DPR rallies, while members of other religious affiliations faced violent repression and abduction. At least four Protestants were murdered in the earliest days of the war for their “alien faith.” Some figures from the Moscow Patriarchate have joined in the construction of the Donetsk/Luhansk People’s Republics (LPR) state ideology on the basis of “traditional values” and brotherhood with Russia. Ukraine press and social media are full of anecdotal reports that MP priests in government-controlled areas of the Donbass praise the separatist fighters as a bulwark against Western cultural imperialism. When I asked about separatism in his church, Father Giorgiy offered a cautious criticism: “… in the Orthodox Church we have one minus— our tendency to orient on the official local authorities. When a new [leader] arrives, we assess him for a while, and if he seems to act on some sort of legal basis then we form a relationship with him … We are very tied to the land …We must stay and protect our sacred relics.” But Gulyaev posits that sepa-

ratist priests are rogues and do not reflect the policy of their church. Kiev-based religious scholar Yuriy Chernomorets agrees, claiming that the only consistent predictor that a priest would support the DPR is whether he is a veteran of the Soviet Army. Many MP priests, including their leader Patriarch Onufrii, are sympathetic to the anti-modern Russian world ideology but do not condone its military-political manifestation in the People’s Republics. But those sympathies are enough to convince many believers to vote with their feet. Since the start of the war polls indicate that more Ukrainians associate themselves with the Kyiv than the Moscow Patriarchate (44% and 21% of all believing Ukrainians, respectively), though this may not reflect actual numbers of churchgoers. Only in the Donbass does the Moscow Patriarchate remain the most common religious affiliation. But, troublingly, the momentum against the Moscow Patriarchate goes beyond the voluntary choice of Orthodox faithful. MP parishioners in Western Ukraine claim that Kyiv Patriarchate (KP) activists and radical nationalists have attempted “hostile takeovers” of 31 churches, sometimes with the support of local police. Representatives of the Kyiv Patriarchate claim that this is a peaceful assertion of majority rights, but reports of kerchiefed babushkas being beaten up by camouflaged nationalists indicate a dark tendency toward violent coercion. The Moscow Patriarchate has successfully countered hostile takeovers in Ukraine’s courts, but has received little sympathy from the government. In fact, a draft bill is before Ukrainian parliament that would simplify transfer of churches from one confession to another. If the law is passed anyone who self-identifies as a churchgoer can vote about its future affiliation, raising fears that true parishioners could be outvoted by cooked-up majorities. Besides the Moscow Patriarchate, Ukraine’s Jewish, Roman Catholic and Lutheran communities have spoken out against the bill as a threat to religious liberty. Nor have public figures denounced the violent language sometimes directed at the Moscow Patriarchate by KP leaders, such as the Metropolitan of Rivne who said that “We will bury those who look to the north [Russia] … Do not let those who pray in the occupier’s tongue deceive you! God hears us, but he will never hear them.” Arson attacks on churches have become sadly frequent in Ukraine, mostly, but not exclusively, against the MP. Within a few days of this article being written, both a KP and a MP church were torched in Eastern Ukraine.

FOSTERING UNITY The Moscow Patriarchate cannot fulfil its stated goal of fostering unity and reconciliation until it addresses the breadth of separatist sympathy within the church. But the MP’s most virulent opponents risk widening a sectarian faultline that is spreading deep into Ukraine. Interestingly, both patriarchates are more or less at peace in the war-torn Donbass, where they both have churches on the “wrong” side of the frontlines. In the Luhansk region, the KP bishop in Ukrainian-held territory protects MP churches from hostile takeovers by radical nationalists because he knows that the MP bishop in separatist-held Luhansk will do the same for KP churches, which the republican authorities have eyed for conversion. Father Giorgiy also offers a personal example. Not only did he decline the many feelers from separatist leaders about making the MP the state church of the DPR. When he finally visited them in the paneled offices they seized from the Ukrainian security services it was to plead for the release of KP and Uniate priests held in basement prisons under suspicion of espionage. Strenuous theological and political differences did not stop him from risking his own freedom to secure that of other Ukrainian citizens and men of God. One might wish that, like Gulyaev, the churches were united by love and Orthodox values, and not mutual fear and self-interest. But their commitment to maintain religious freedom on both sides of the frontline is nonetheless encouraging. Perhaps it offers a model for Ukraine as a whole: practical reconciliation can begin from shared suffering. The love can come later. Brian Milakovsky works on humanitarian issues in eastern Ukraine. He has been living and working in Russia and Ukraine since 2009, when he traveled to Kiev as a Fulbright scholar. This article is being published with the permission of Fair Observer. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.

WHERE DO WE GO WRONG WITH MASS MEDIA?

erhaps it is nothing new and one of the most widely discussed topic today which all of us are aware but maybe that is why we are all suffering from the classic case of “we know so much that we don’t do anything about it” disease or feels powerless to do something about it. The influence of media has become omnipresent in our daily life that it is now unthinkable to live without one. Think of your typical day. If you are like many people, you wake to a digital alarm clock or perhaps your cell phone. Soon after waking, you likely have a routine that involves some media. Some people immediately check their cell phone for text messages. Others will turn on the computer and browse through Facebook, email, or websites. Some people read the newspaper while others listen to music on an iPod or MP3. Some people will turn on the television and watch a weather channel, cable news, or Sports Center. Heading to work or class, you may chat on a cell phone or listen to music. Your classes likely employ various types of media from course management software to PowerPoint presentations, or your work involves computer from Microsoft word to Excel and editing programmes. You may return home and relax with video or mobile games, television, movies, more Facebook, or music. You connect with friends on social networking sites or with text messages. And your day may end as you fall asleep to digital music. Media for most of us are entwined with almost every aspect of life and work. But the key here is understanding the media we are exposed to, that will not only help you appreciate the role of media in your life but also help you be a more informed citizen, a more savvy consumer, and a more successful worker on the other hand keeping a firm grip on reality as it is also responsible for degenerating our society, our culture and the young minds negatively which can be mainly due to the following reasons: Youth exposure to the subculture of violence: Violence has become the most important element of excitement in modern media. It is estimated that every 18 minutes, there is a violent act on TV channels. Overexposure to violence of all sorts makes people insensitive to violence in real life. Popular TV programs like ‘Savdhaan India’ and ‘Crime Patrol’ are educating the people a lot on their constitutional rights and to be watchful of criminal intents, however there is no denial that it is also making people panicky and suspicious of each other leading to seclusion and unsociable traits. Films have glamorized and trivialized certain kinds of violence. The television has enabled cinema to reach our living spaces, making horror and brutality a homely matter. Media, violence and gun culture are undeniably related. An instance of the influence of the gun culture brought about by the media on children in the Northeast can be seen in their craze for toy guns. The growth of violence in the indigenous society today cannot be pinpointed to one cause but it is clear, however, that films and television play a role not only in reflecting but also in contributing to violence. Marketing Sex, explicit music lyrics and videos: Today one of the main reason why parents and children do not spent much time together is because of engagement to various media of their choice, young ones prefer to bury their nose more in computers, mobile phones and gamming where as parents stick to more conventional TV shows, but another reason can also be the fact that the serials, shows, videos and films that are aired in prime time mostly carries explicit contents that make it so uncomfortable to watch it together as family. What most people do not know is that sex and violence itself is a billion dollar business. Makers and producers of film, TV programs, music industry, video games and websites makes lots of money out of these types of media programs. Films and TV shows have sexual undertones. Music is now filled with depressing anthems of violence and hatred often aimed at women, glorifying gay and lesbian culture etc. In the last decade, social analysts have also noted a steady increase in violent and anti-social music lyrics and images. Pornography: Not only through movies and pictures, pornography has a new door to the home, school, and library today through the Internet. The Internet has become a useful tool for pedophiles and sexual predators as they distribute child pornography, engage in sexually explicit conversations with children, and seek victims in chat rooms. It has now become a blackmailer haven to earn quick money at some one’s expense. In a culture where young and women are protected and cared for, they are now the targets for various nefarious motives of perverted adults. Threats to expose secrets, harm to the reputation and suicides rate are intrinsically interrelated and on rise. Research reveals many systemic effects of Internet pornography that are undermining an already vulnerable culture of marriage and family. In fact Indian makes up the fifth highest number of daily visitor to the porn websites and ranks third in overall Android traffic to Porn-hub with USA and UK at 1st and 2nd rank respectively. The influence of foreign culture: One of many instances where foreign culture can adversely affect our society can be use of recreational drugs. When a certain hit movie or a movie star glorifies smoking Marijuana also known as ‘weed’, ‘Cannabis’ etc and epitomize it as cool and an ‘in thing’ it has certainly not gone unnoticed especially from the younger sections of people who earnestly desire to imitate everything from language, to food habit, to hair and dress styles, greeting styles, and even body language of the foreign culture. Presently a new and a common problem that most of the colleges across Kohima and Dimapur are facing is the menace of college students in the ‘stoned state’ or ‘high’ during the class hour leading to disruption of class, erratic behaviors and rebellious actions. Consumerism and Extravagant Lifestyles: The mass media is the vehicle that has helped in the spread of globalization. But the present trend of globalization is driven by a consumerist culture promoted by the Multinational Companies and the Transnational Companies for their profit and influencing people to be brand-conscious to a great extent. The simplicity of indigenous dress and designs are shunned and people are judged by the dress and brand they wear which means human beings are being commodified and when this happens human value and essence is lost, humanity takes a back seat. The mass media have the potential of pervading and persuading the society and have come to occupy a central place in the society’s existence. And thus their impact on people’s life for the better or worse depends on the way in which people use them. They have the tremendous power to improve the indigenous society by informing, educating, entertaining and enriching them. But the enormous potentialities of the mass media can also be abused to distort reality, for propaganda purposes, to lower community standards, to manipulate the thought patterns and value system and to leave them excessively addicted, to the extent of introducing the culture of worklessness among the people especially whose survival depends on sheer hard work. Therefore, Media education is the need of the hour, the process in which people are helped to interpret and value media content and to understand media's cultural, political, commercial and social implications. To be media educated is to develop “the instinct to question what lies behind media productions; the motives, the values and ownership and to be aware of how these influence media content”.

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.

K. ALIBO ACHUMI Asst. Professor, Dept. of Sociology St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama.

TuesDAY 20â&#x20AC;˘12â&#x20AC;˘2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Battleground UP: Rahul slams PM Modi for 'sucking blood' of 99% poor Indians The decision on demonetisation was neither against corruption, nor against black money , says Congress Vice President

Jaunpur (uttar pradesh), dec 19 (Ians): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has fire-bombed the poor and taken the blood out of the veins of 99 per cent of Indians with its demonetisation decision. At a rally in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi stopped people from hurling invectives against Modi, saying he is the Prime Minister and "we must not say 'murdabad' for anyone". He said the Congress would have helped in any move of the government to weed out corruption and black money from India, but "the decision on demonetisation was neither against corruption, nor against black money". "During World War II, there was a new technique of bombing people -fire bombs were dropped on a city by 200 planes, and city would be burnt to ashes. Modi has fire-bombed the poor of the country," said Gandhi. He said: "We want to root out corruption from India. If the government takes any decisions against corruption, we will fully support it." The Congress leader said the November 8 announcement to spike nearly 86 per cent of the country's total currency in circulation "was against the poor and the farmers of India". "It is against 99 per cent people of India, against farmers and labourers. Without seeking their permission, Modi has taken blood out of their veins." As Gandhi began his speech at

Modi targets opposition

the public rally, some people from among the crowd shouted slogans against Modi. Gandhi asked them not to do that. "We have differences of opinion with Modi and the BJP. Do not use the word 'murdabad'... Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister. Political fight is there. "That is for the RSS people to say, not for us." "Modiji, you have destroyed the brass industry of Moradabad, leather industry of Kanpur, and carpet industry of Mirzapur," he added. Further hitting out at Modi, Gandhi said: "The farmer doesn't use cheque, Paytm and credit card to buy seeds, he uses cash. You have ruined his life." Gandhi also said that Modi has given a toffee worth Rs 1,200 crore to liquor baron Vijay Mallya (referring to the write-off). He went on to say that the aim behind fire-bombing the poor was to waive off Rs 8 lakh crore loans of the rich. "About 50 families in our country took Rs 8 lakh crore loan. Modiji will use your money to waive off the loans

of at least 50 families. Members of these families accompany Modiji to the US and China," he said. "People said demonetisation was a good idea, but there was no planning. But I feel the planning was fantastic. His intention was to use the money of 99 per cent Indians to waive off loans of the rich," Gandhi said. "Modiji said notes were banned to stop terrorism. But couple of days later, new 2,000-rupee notes were found on the gunned-down terrorists," he added.

From 'chai-wala' to 'Paytm-wala' now: Mamata Dubbing the Narendra Modi government 'deaf and dumb', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday targeted the Prime Minister, saying the one-time 'chai-wala' has now become a 'Paytm-wala'. "The Prime Minister used to call himself a 'chai-wala' (tea seller) before. Now he has become a millionaire 'Paytm-wala' (one who endorses e-wallets like Paytm)," Banerjee said

Kanpur, december 19 (Ians): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked the opposition parties for stalling Parliament and accused them of running away from a debate on demonetisation to "safeguard the corrupt". Addressing his sixth Parivartan rally in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, he said the government was using technology to track black money hoarders and and invoked late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to attack the Congress for opposing demonetisation. "They didn't allow Parliament to function as they were not ready to debate demonetisation," said Modi, days after almost the entire Winter Session of Parliament was virtually washed out with opposition protests over his presence during the debate on the government's November 8 decision of scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb black money, corruption and terror funding. "Even after the President (Pranab Mukherjee) urged them not to disrupt Parliament, they did not relent and continued disruption only because they were afraid of confronting the government. They did so to avoid debate over demonetisation," he claimed. Accusing the opposition of dishonoring parliament, he claimed that the country was divided into two halves -- one of those who are "warring against corruption and black money" and the other of a "handful who are shielding the corrupt". Continuing to target the Congress, Modi accused it of

addressing a public meeting in West Bengal's Bankura district. "It is not for him to dictate where the common people would keep their hard-earned money," Banerjee said attacking Modi and the central government over demonetisation, "which has plunged the nation into a big crisis". "Our nation is now governed by a deaf and dumb government that does not empathise with the common people's sufferings. They are pushing the entire nation towards a crisis through their 'forced gover-

"ruining the country" for the sake of its political interest. "They are accusing us but I want to remind the Congress about its past, want to remind about Sitaram Kesri. "When Kesri was the (Congress) treasurer, people used to say 'na khata na bahi, jo Kesri kahe wohi sahi (no books, no accounts, whatever Kesri says is the accounts)'," he said referring to Kesri's stint as the Congress treasurer during the 1980s. Encouraging people to go for cashless transactions, Modi ridiculed the Congress for its opposition. "On the one hand, the Congress says the poor don't have bank accounts and, on the other, it says the poor are not getting money despite queuing up in banks. Let them first decide if the poor have bank accounts. . He accused UP's ruling Samajwadi Party and the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party of shielding and encouraging criminals and called upon the people to bring the Bharataiya Janata Party to power in the state. Modi also reiterated that hardships due to demonetisation will start easing after 50 days of the implementation of the currency spike move. "I know about all the hardships that you have been facing. Despite the opposition's provocations and misleading you, you have chosen to stand by this decision for the sake of the country... for the sake of honesty. Let me assure you, your hardships will not go in vain, we will win this war against corruption and black money," he asserted.

nance'," she said. The Trinamool supremo also accused the Prime Minister of not understanding the real situation in the country and blatantly promoting some private companies. "The entire nation is troubled since the decision was made, but the Prime Minister is not able to comprehend the real situation. "If demonetisation is beneficial for the common man, then why are the shopkeepers, farmers and labourers suffering so much," Ba-

nerjee asked the crowd present at the meeting. "The government won't be allowed to suck the poor's blood and take commission from the corporates " she added. Banerjee has been in the forefront of protests against the Narendra Modi government over the demonetisation issue. She has already toured states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, besides the national capital Delhi, in her efforts to rally support of all opposition parties.

1,000 policemen search JNU campus for missing Najeeb Atrocities against SC, ST: Rajasthan tops list, UP follows JNUSU denounced the campus search as absurd and the police methodology as clueless. new delhI, december 19 (Ians): Some 1,000 policemen on Monday searched the sprawling JNU campus here for Najeeb Ahmed but failed to find clues which could lead them to the student who went missing over two months ago. The Crime Branch personnel, assisted by other wings of Delhi Police, will resume the search on Tuesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, officials said. The massive search operation, the first of its kind since Najeeb went missing on October 15, involved all 18 hostels, dhabas, the administrative block, the academic centres as well as sewer lines and drains. The search began around 7 a.m. and ended some 10 hours later when it began to get dark. Twenty sniffer dogs were involved in the operation that covered 60 per cent of the forested area in the campus, a police officer said. "There could be a strong possibility that someone killed Najeeb and buried him or decomposed his body inside the campus," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ravindra Yadav said. Najeeb's family, however, complained that the search had come too late. "The police officers were not inclined to talk for most part and just kept on with the search," Mujeeb, a cousin of Najeeb, told IANS. "We have been telling them to search the campus from day one but they wouldn't listen. Nor did the JNU administration pressurise police to take action in earnest, I believe," he said.

"Moreover, the whole exercise is largely futile now as one of the dog handlers himself told me that clues, if there had been any, would have vanished by now," he added. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) denounced the campus search as absurd and the police methodology as clueless. "After 65 days of Najeeb's disappearance, this is the state of affairs," JNUSU President Mohit Pandey said. "The police earlier worked like a puppet of the central government. Now, to save their face before the court, they are doing absurd exercises," he said. The search teams were divided into 11 zones, headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police G. Ramgopal Naik. "The search operation was conducted on the order of Delhi High Court," officer Yadav said. "Police may also conduct polygraphic test on suspected individuals, if needed." Some residential areas in the campus and interiors remain to be scanned. Police said the possibility of Najeeb meeting an accident outside the campus was not ruled out. And so records at hospitals and mortuaries here were also looked into. Police are trying to crack the mystery behind Najeeb's disappearance. The young student went missing after a reported brawl on the night of October 14 with activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP), the RSS student wing. The ABVP has denied any link with his disappearance. Najeeb was last seen at the JNU campus main gate while hiring an auto-rickshaw to reportedly go to Jamia Millia Islamia campus on October 15. Police have raised the reward amount for providing information that could help locate Najeeb from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The Delhi High Court has said the police were free to search Jamia Millia too.

Follow SC order on national anthem: Centre

new delhI, december 19 (Ians): The central government has asked the Chief Secretaries of all the states and Union Territories to comply with the Supreme Court's order with regard to the national anthem, it was announced on Monday. "The government has written to the Chief Secretaries of all state governments and Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all Union Territories to comply with the Supreme Court's order... relating to the National Anthem of India and take necessary action in this regard," an official release here said. The apex court in its order on November 30 had issued several directions on national anthem, including:1. There shall be no commercial exploitation of the national anthem to give financial advantage or any kind of benefit; 2. There shall not be dramatisation of the national anthem and it should not be included as a part of any variety show, as when it is sung or played, it is imperative on the part of every one present to show due respect and honour; 3. To think of a dramatised exhibition of the national anthem is absolutely inconceivable; and 4.The national anthem or a part of it shall not be printed on any object and also never be displayed in such a manner at such places which may be disgraceful to its status and tantamount to disrespect.

5 IM operatives sentence to death

hyderabad, december 19 (Ians): A special NIA court here sentenced to death five convicts, including the banned Indian Mujahideens' (IM) co-founder Yaseen Bhatkal and a Pakistani national, in the 2013 Hyderabad bomb blasts. Apart from Bhatkal alias Ahmed Siddibappa Zaraar, and Pakistani national Zia ur Rehman alias Waqas, Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi, Tahseen Akhtar alias Monu, and Aizaz Saeed Shaik alias Aijaz Shaikh were convicted by the court on December 13 for offences including waging war against the nation, criminal conspiracy and murder. Prosecutor told reporters that the judge concluded that the case fell in the category of "rarest of rare" case and the convicts deserve capital punishment. The convicts said they will challenge the NIA court's order in the High Court and sought a copy of the judgement, the prosecutor said. The twin blasts in Dilsukhnagar area on February 21, 2013, killed 18 persons, including one unborn child in mother's womb, and injured 131 others.

Cyrus Mistry resigns from all Tata group companies mumbaI, december 19 (reuters): Former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry said on Monday he was resigning from the boards of all Tata group listed firms but vowed to continue the fight to improve governance within the $100 billion conglomerate. Mistry said in a letter to Tata group company shareholders that he was, "moving away from the forum of the extraordinary general meetings". His decision comes just ahead of slew of EGMs called by Tata Sons to oust him from Tata group boards.

new delhI, december 19 (ptI): BJP-ruled Rajasthan has reported the highest number of cases of atrocities against SCs and STs during 2013-15, followed by poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, a new government report said, even as the Centre today flagged the issue of poor conviction rates in such cases. Rajasthan has registered 23,861 cases under the amended Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, while UP and Bihar registered 23,556 and 21,061 cases respectively, according to the agenda papers for a meeting of a committee to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 held here today. Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil and Gujarat reported 14,016, 9,054, 8,084, 7,565, 6,546, 5,131 and 3,969 such crimes respectively during the years. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment observed that during 2013-15, only 43.3% of the total cas-

es registered (13,8077) were disposed of by courts and 25.7% of total cases disposed of by courts (59,779), ended in conviction. "In certain states, i.e. Andhra Pradesh (6.3%), Gujarat (3.1%), Karnataka (3.5%), Maharashtra (7.6%), Odisha (4.3%), Tamil Nadu (7.5%), Telangana (7.5%) and West Bengal (3%), the conviction rate was in single digit," the agenda note read. The committee headed by Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot sought action taken report from state governments to improve the disposal and conviction rates in such cases. During the meeting, Gehlot pointed out that only 14 states have set up exclusive special courts for speedy trial of cases registered under the PoA Act. However, he rued there was no information about formation of such courts by 22 states and Union Territories including Delhi, Punjab, Jharkhand, Haryana, Goa, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam etc and urged them to do the needful.

Stop taking donations in cash - even small amounts: AAP new delhI, december 19 (Ians): The AAP on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to go for cashless donations to political parties if he was serious about curbing black money in politics. Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashish Khetan said as of now both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) got three quarters of all donations in cash from anonymous sources. "If the Prime Minister and the central government want to end black money in elections, they can do it in 48 hours," Khetan told the media here. Under existing law, political parties do not need to furnish the details of their donors if they are contributing up to Rs 20,000. This provision, Khetan explained, was used to break up large donations, including from corporates, into

brackets of Rs 20,000 each so that they do not have to make public the details of donors. "This will also happen if the upper limit is Rs 2,000," he said. "All political parties should go cashless. Since everyone is being encouraged to use ATM, credit card, debit card and Paytm, why should this not be applicable to political parties?" he asked. The AAP leader also urged the Prime Minister to amend the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, so that a cap was placed on how much each political party can spend as compared to individual candidates. He said political parties should also come under the purview of the Right to Information Act so that people can get answers from them.

'Uberisation' of domestic work market: Benefits and risks Rina Chandran Thomson Reuters Foundation

booming digital market matching Indian domestic workers with employers may offer benefits for some housemaids but won't end low wages and discrimination and may exclude the poorest women who don't have smartphones, according to new research. Domestic help in India is relatively cheap, and demand for cooks, cleaners and babysitters is growing as incomes rise and more women work full-time. Domestic workers, who are generally women, typically have little or no education, and the market is almost entirely unregulated, with no fixed wages or benefits for workers. On the back of the popularity of taxi-hailing mobile apps such as Uber and home-grown Ola, a handful of companies have launched apps that offer domestic workers on demand. "This 'Uberisation of domestic work' can offer some benefits, (but) it also risks further entrenching a culture of low incomes, insecurity and discrimination," according to a study by the UK's Overseas Development Institute (ODI).

A typical middle-class Indian home may have a part-time cook and a part-time cleaner. Some households have a full-time worker, while wealthier households may have a live-in helper. Workers are typically hired by word of mouth. Most do not receive health insurance or retirement benefits. While on-demand technology can increase workers' access to opportunities, it is "not automatically empowering, and there is a great risk that marginalised groups will remain excluded," ODI said in the report released last week. DECENT WORK Women make up about 80 percent of an estimated 67 million domestic workers globally, according to ODI. In India, many domestic workers, most of them women, are forced to work up to 18 hours a day and face dire living conditions, abuse and violence. A draft domestic workers' bill in 2015 had proposed a minimum salary of 9,000 rupees ($133) per month for skilled, full-time household help, along with benefits such as social security cover and mandatory time off. That bill

was not passed. On-demand domestic work companies including MyDidi (sister), BookMyBai (maid) and TaskBob say they are helping meet demand for reliable help, while also enabling workers to secure better wages and conditions. "The workers are trained, they know what they are getting paid, they get regular hours and greater flexibility," said Anupam Sinhal, co-founder of BookMyBai and NanoJobs. But campaigners say there is no oversight of agencies working to match domestic workers with employers and complaints of exploitation, trafficking and enslavement abound. "There is no regulation or monitoring of agencies or these new companies that provide on-demand services," said Shalini Sinha at WIEGO, a lobby group for informal women workers. "Do they really ensure fair conditions for the workers? Do the workers get paid on time? What we need is a law to protect these women, and regulation and monitoring of these agencies."

ers. For the workers, it meant low wages and discrimination, it said. India's on-demand domestic work companies are expanding by up to 60 percent month-onmonth, according to ODI. The model is different from Uber's: BookMyBai gives workers on its payroll a fixed salary of 16,000 rupees ($235) a month, as well as health insurance and some benefits, regardless of how many hours they work, said Anupam Sinhal. Also, it is the company that designates a maid to a household, as many workers don't have smartphones, he said. More than half of India's domestic workers are illiterate, and few own smartphones or have bank accounts, making it harder for the women to navigate the platform themselves. MyDidi opens a bank account for each worker, while another company sends a text message to the husband of the worker every time she is assigned a job, so he knows her whereabouts. "The demand-supply gap is so huge, that we need these services to help address it," Sinhal said. FIXED SALARY "The system gives the worker ODI's study of the on-demand model in South Africa showed that it the benefits of a more formal econdisproportionately benefits employ- omy, despite the challenges now."

TUESDAY 20•12•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Malaysia calls for ASEAN to coordinate aid for Rohingya YANGON, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): Malaysia said on Monday the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar was a regional concern and called for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to coordinate humanitarian aid and investigate alleged atrocities committed against them. Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman was speaking at a meeting of the 10-nation bloc in Yangon called by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi after weeks of reports that the army has killed, raped and arbitrarily arrested Rohingya civilians. Myanmar has denied the accusations, saying many of the reports are fabricated and it insists the strife in Rakhine State, where many Rohingya live, is an internal matter. In addition to fending off diplomatic pressure over the crisis, the Myanmar government has also invited a handpicked media delegation to visit the affected region this week. Anifah said events in Rakhine State were a matter of regional security and stability, noting that about 56,000 Rohingya now live in Muslim-majority Malaysia having fled previous unrest in Myanmar. "We believe that the situation is now of a regional concern and should be resolved together," Anifah told the meeting, according to a transcript of his speech provided by the Malaysian

Attacks on Rohingyas may be crimes against humanity: AI

A Rohingya boy looks on as another boy makes a kite in Leda unregistered Rohingya Refugee Camp in Coxâ€™s Bazar, Bangladesh, November 22, 2016. (REUTERS Photo)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Progress in improving the human rights of the Rohingya had been "rather slow", he said, noting the stream of reports about abuses being committed in Rakhine State. "A CAMPAIGN OF VIOLENCE" Anifah also warned that Islamic State militants "could be taking advantage of this situation". The government of predominantly Buddhist Myanmar has said that militants with links to Islamists overseas were behind attacks on security posts near Myanmar's border with Bangladesh, in the north of Rakhine State, on Oct. 9.

Myanmar troops have poured into the Muslimmajority area since the attacks that killed nine police officers. At least 86 people have died and an estimated 27,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since Oct. 9. Refugees, residents and human rights groups say Myanmar soldiers have committed summary executions, raped Rohingya women and burned homes. The majority of the population in northern Rakhine State are Rohingya Muslims who are denied citizenship in Myanmar, where they are considered illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

BANGKOK, DECEMBER 19 (IANS): Amnesty International (AI) has released a report on Monday saying the alleged attacks against the Rohingya Muslim minority by the Myanmar army may be considered crimes against humanity. The report came on the day the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' foreign ministers were to meet in Yangon to address the ongoing Rohingya crisis in the western Rakhine state, Efe news reported. Amnesty said Myanmar soldiers were responsible for executions and rapes in a campaign of violence against Rohingyas in Maungdaw district, north of Rakhine, flouting international law. Neighboring Bangladesh was pushing back thousands of refugees as the crisis continued, it said. Following interviews with Rohingyas in Myanmar and Bangladesh and analysis of satellite images, the London-based NGO accused Myanmar military of shooting Rohingya civilians and burning their houses. "The deplorable actions of the military were part of a

widespread and systematic attack on a civilian population and may amount to crimes against humanity," said Rafendi Djamin, AI's Southeast Asia director. Djamin said the de facto leader of the Myanmar government, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, has "failed to live up to both her political and moral responsibility". "She has failed to try to stop and condemn what is unfolding in Rakhine State," Djamin added. The Myanmar army launched a military operation in Maungdaw following an armed assault, blamed on Rohingya insurgents, on three border police posts on October 9, which left nine officers dead. Independent observers and humanitarian aid was blocked from the area and more than 30,000 people, most of them Rohingya, were forced to flee. At least 27,000 fled to Bangladesh, according to the UN. Amnesty said the Myanmar army has raped, shot and killed men, women and children, fired on villagers from helicopters, and burned down hundreds of houses.

Fatimah, a 32-yearold Rohingya woman who fled to Bangladesh, told Amnesty that soldiers raped her in a rice field near her village. "Three military officers raped me. I don't remember what happened next because I fell unconscious. I woke up early the next morning. I could not get up so I crawled across the paddy field," she said. Amnesty said the Rohingya fleeing the soldiers were forced into hiding in camps or in the jungle, living in miserable conditions. It urged Bangladesh to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees. Rakhine is home to more than one million Rohingya, a community not recognised as citizens in Myanmar and often shunned as Bangladeshi immigrants. Around 120,000 of them live severely restricted lives in 67 camps since the outbreak of sectarian violence in 2012, when at least 160 people were left dead. Bangladesh, for its part, also considers the Rohingyas as foreigners.

Independent media and observers have been denied access to northern Rakhine State. Some Rohingya communities have also been off-limits to aid agencies on security grounds for more than two months, raising fears about the welfare of a population that was already experiencing high rates of malnutrition. A group of journalists chosen by the Ministry of Information to represent domestic and international media was set to visit Maungdaw, the main site of the conflict, on Monday. Officials did not invite most media organisations that have reported on the alleged abuses, in-

cluding Reuters. Efforts to rebut accusations of army abuses were undermined by the release of a lengthy report from Amnesty International on Monday, accusing Myanmar of "a campaign of violence against Rohingya people that may amount to crimes against humanity". The rights group cited satellite images and testimony from Rohingya in Rakhine State and Bangladesh. Among myriad abuses, it alleged large-scale "enforced disappearances" of village elders and religious leaders in Maungdaw. "While the military is di- has failed to live up to both and condemn what is un- International's director for rectly responsible for the vi- her political and moral re- folding in Rakhine State," Southeast Asia and the Paolations, Aung San Suu Kyi sponsibility to try to stop Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty cific, said in a statement.

33 people die after drinking bath oil for ‘alcoholic kicks’ in Siberia

Friend of SKorean Prez denies charges on first day of trial

MOSCOW, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): At least 33 residents of the Siberian city of Irkutsk have died after drinking bath oil, hoping it would give them the same sensation as alcohol, Russian investigators said on Monday. Use of counterfeit or surrogate alcohol is rife in Russia's regions, where two years of economic pain have pushed more people below the poverty line, though the death toll from this latest incident is unusually high. "It is a terrible tragedy," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call. "This type of problem is well known and the president has been informed. It undoubtedly demands our undivided attention and measures must be taken." Investigators in Irkutsk, a city around 2,600 miles (4184.29 km) east of Moscow, said they had detained two people suspected of distributing

the bath oil. A local police official told Russian agencies five other arrests had also been made. The product had a warning on its label saying it should not be swallowed, but investigators said people had ignored that and consumed it as if it was alcohol. The bath oil contained methylated spirit, they said. A local official told news agency TASS that the liquid came in bottles whose labels said the content was 93 percent spirit. Police said they had found the workshop where the bath oil, called Hawthorn, was being produced alongside bootleg vodka. It was unclear whether those selling the product were marketing it as a cheaper substitute for alcoholic drinks such as vodka. "Forty two people have been admitted to medical institutions of whom 25 have died," investigators said in an initial statement. "Investigators and the police

are conducting searches at markets where the liquid was first obtained. More than 100 points of sale have been identified." Investigators later told the Interfax news agency that the death toll had been revised up to 33. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in a government meeting he wanted to look at banning products that could cause so many deaths and that the country's criminal code was being amended to toughen the punishment for people caught selling them. In the meantime, Irkutsk Mayor Dmitry Berdnikov announced a state of emergency in the city and temporarily banned the sale of all liquids containing spirits not meant for human consumption, according to agencies. Alcohol market expert Vadim Drobiz says up to 12 million Russians drink cheap surrogate alcohol.

Scientists discover 163 new species in Greater Mekong region: WWF BANGKOK, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): A rainbow-headed snake and a dragon-like lizard are among 163 new species that scientists recently discovered in the Greater Mekong region, conservation group WWF said on Monday, adding rapid development in the area, from dams to mines, was threatening wildlife survival. The discoveries, published in a report on Monday, include a gecko in Laos with pale blue skin and a rare banana species discovered in northern Thailand that is critically endangered because of increasing deforestation. The Greater Mekong is home to some of the world's most endangered species. Rare or endangered animal parts, including tiger bones and rhino horns, are seen as collector's items by some and are often used in traditional medicine. In June, Thai wildlife authorities raided the Tiger Temple west of Bangkok, a popular tourist attraction. There they discovered scores of dead tiger cubs, frozen tiger carcasses, skins and dead cubs in jars, as well as other protected species. It remains unclear why the Tiger Temple was stor-

A fisherman casts his net at the Mekong River in Phnom Penh August 19, 2010. (Reuters Photo)

ing dead tiger cubs and parts, although officials have said they might have been used for traditional Chinese medicine. Jimmy Borah, Wildlife Programme Manager for WWF-Greater Mekong, said the new species discovered in the Greater Mekong region were a reminder that there is hope at a time when extinction rates are increasing at an alarming rate. "The Greater Mekong region keeps reminding us that there are many incredible, unexplored areas, leading to new discoveries happening every year and it is crucial that we protect

them before they are lost," Borah told Reuters. A 2016 report by WWF found that by 2020 global populations of fish, birds, amphibians, mammals and reptiles could have declined by two-thirds in just 50 years. The Greater Mekong is a global hub for illegal wildlife trade. "Many collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars or more for the rarest, most unique and most endangered species, often buying them at the region's illegal wildlife markets," said Borah. "To save them, it's crucial that we improve enforcement against poaching and close illegal wildlife markets."

SEOUL, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): A friend of South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the centre of a corruption scandal that led to Park's impeachment in parliament, denied charges of fraud and abuse of power on Monday, the first day of her trial, media reported. The friend, Choi Soon-sil, 60, is charged with pressuring big businesses to pay money to foundations that backed Park's policy initiatives. Prosecutors have named Park as an accomplice, although she has immunity from prosecution while in office. Park's powers have been suspended since the Dec. 9 vote by parliament to impeach her. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to uphold or overturn the decision.

Choi Soon-sil (wearing white mask), a long-time friend of South Korean President Park Geun-hye who is at the center of the South Korean political scandal involving Park, arrives for her first court hearing in Seoul, South Korea, December 19, 2016. (Reuters Photo)

Ch o i d e n i e d a l l charges prosecutors brought against her and said she did not collude with Park, Yonhap News Agency reported. Choi also said she did not want a jury trial, Yonhap said. South Korean courts

normally hold criminal trials presided over by a panel of judges, who deliver a verdict and sentence, while defendants in select cases are given the choice of a jury trial. Choi, who had not appeared in public since arriving at a prosecutors' of-

fice on Oct. 31, was led into court by two correctional officers, her head down, and wearing a bulky grey prison suit with a number on the chest. She was represented by a team of lawyers including her main attorney, Lee Kyung-jae, who told Reuters last week that the accusations against her were "fiction". Park, 64, whose father ruled the country for 18 years after seizing power in a 1961 coup, has described Choi as a friend she had turned to at difficult times and apologised for carelessness in her ties with her. Park has denied any legal wrongdoing. Prosecutors have portrayed Choi as the mastermind in several schemes to gain financial benefit from companies Choi controlled.

Aleppo evacuation back on after deal BEIRUT, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): An operation to bring thousands of people out of the last rebel-held enclave of Aleppo was under way again on Monday after being held up for several days, together with the evacuation of two besieged pro-government villages in nearby Idlib province. Convoys of buses from eastern Aleppo reached rebel-held areas of countryside to the west of the city, according to a U.N. official and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group. At the same time, 10 buses left the Shi'ite Muslim villages of al-Foua and Kefraya, north of Idlib, for government lines in Aleppo, the sources said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a total of 12,000 civilians had been evacuated from Aleppo, including 4,500 since midnight on Sunday. The evacuation of civilians, including wounded people, from the two villages had been demanded by the Syrian army and its allies before they would allow fighters and civilians trapped in Aleppo to depart. The stand-off halted the Aleppo evacuation over the weekend. "First limited evacua-

sia - Assad's main supporter - and Turkey, which backs some large rebel groups. The foreign ministers of Russia, Iran and Turkey will hold talks in Moscow on Tuesday aimed at giving fresh impetus for a solution in Aleppo.

Evacuees from rebel-held east Aleppo arrive at the town of al-Rashideen, which is held by insurgents, Syria December 19, 2016. (REUTERS Photo)

tions, finally, tonight from east Aleppo and Foua & Kefraya. Many thousands more are waiting to be evacuated soon," Jan Egeland, who chairs the United Nations aid task force in Syria, tweeted late on Sunday night. Syrian state TV and proDamascus stations showed the first four buses arriving in Aleppo from the besieged villages, accompanied by pick-up trucks and with people sitting on their roofs. In Idlib, aid workers said more than 60 buses

had arrived from Aleppo. Some evacuees were being taken in by relatives or other residents, while others could be housed in tents. WET AND COLD Photographs of people evacuated from Aleppo showed large groups of people standing or crouching with their belongings or loading sacks onto trucks before heading off to further destinations. Children, dressed in winter clothes against the cold, carried small back-

packs or played with kittens and one older man, in traditional Arab robes and headdress, sat holding a stick. On Sunday, some of the buses sent to al-Foua and Kefraya to carry evacuees out were attacked and torched by armed men, who shouted "God is greatest" and brandished their weapons in front of the burning vehicles, according to a video posted online. That incident threatened to derail the evacuations, the result of intense negotiations between Rus-

"JUST WANT TO ESCAPE" They have been waiting for the chance to leave Aleppo since the ceasefire and evacuation deal was agreed late last Tuesday, but have struggled to do so during days of hold-ups. The weather in Aleppo has been wet and very cold and there is little shelter and few services in the tiny rebel zone. In the square in Aleppo's Sukari district, organisers gave every family a number to allow them access to buses. "Everyone is waiting until they are evacuated. They just want to escape," said Salah al Attar, a former teacher with his five children, wife and mother. A Reuters reporter who visited recaptured districts of Aleppo in recent days saw large swathes reduced to ruins, with rubble and other debris clogging the streets and sections of the famous Old City all but destroyed.

TUESDAY 20•12•2016

SPORTS/PUBLIC DISCOURSE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

ON SUBMITTING LETTERS TO NEWSPAPERS FBI kept tabs on Muhammad Ali in 1966 during Nation of Islam probe

preacher was once newly appointed pastor to a church with well to do parishioners. Wanting to impress his congregation, on the first Sunday, he preached a sermon on, “The Evils of Drinking”. After the Service was over, the Head Deacon called him aside and said, “Son, that was a beautiful sermon, but I feel I should warn you that one third of our Congregation own vineyards.” So the next Sunday, the preacher dwelt on, “The Evils of Smoking”. But just as before, the Head Deacon called him aside and said, “Son, I must warn you once again that

one third of our parishioners grow tobacco”. The third Sunday, the preacher dwelt on, “The Evils of Gambling”. But again, the Head Deacon told him, “Son, the last third of our congregation own racehorses”. So, on the fourth Sunday, the preacher gave a sermon on, “The Evils of Fishing in the International Waters of a Foreign Country”. Submitting letters to newspapers anywhere in the world is a dicey business. It must be relevant to the day to day issues facing the readers; it must reach the bare minimum literary standard required by every paper; and the tone must

K Thong

hristmas is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is not only the season to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy night parties or forgive each other. Christians should not forget that Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season. It is the acceptance and recognition of Jesus, the Son of God who came to live with human beings in flesh and to save them from

be in consonance with the views and ideas of the Editor and Owner of the paper. I narrated the above story to illustrate how doubly hard it is for writers of the letters to Newspapers in Nagaland to dwell on topics which will not hurt the sentiments of some section or the other of the many tribes and organisations that Nagaland is either Blessed or Cursed with. And I’m sure our Editors receive numerous letters on the many issues plaguing Nagaland, but again, the poor Editors must make the choices that the preacher in the above story had to make, i.e. print every letter that they think may

Christmas

the wrath of God. Christmas is also a time to reverently worship, glorify and praise the Almighty God for the birth of Jesus. The Bible says that He came to serve and not to be served and so did He and gifted grace to the world. (Matthew 1:21)(NKJV) “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Luke 2:11) (NKJV) “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is

interest the general public and ignore the fact that some section of the people or some organisation may be displeased with them; or print only the letters which don’t displease anyone. And therein lies the rub. For the news, apart from a few details and emphases, is the same in every newspaper; and it is the feedback from the readers that they print that gives every newspaper its distinctive tone and character. God forbid that the Newspapers in Nagaland should ever turn into pale imitations of each other. GOD SAVE MY NAGALAND Kahuto Chishi Sumi G.B. Hevishe Village, Dimapur

Christ the Lord.” Christmas season reminds us the great truth of incarnation. We easily forget truth so it needs repetition. So Christians celebrate Christmas or the birth of Jesus Christ and marvel over the incarnation. Christmas is a time to come closer to Jesus and learn about the truth and be true Christians. Let Christmas be celebrated in true Christian spirit and let us abundantly be blessed. Amen.

Alex Dobuzinskis

Reuters

he FBI kept a close watch on the activities of Muhammad Ali in 1966, with a particular focus on his links to the Nation of Islam, a black movement that the agency viewed as subversive, according to archival documents posted on the FBI website. The documents were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by Judicial Watch. The FBI's disclosures reveal another example of the agency's surveillance activities during the 1960s and 1970s under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover. The latest batch of about 140 pages of FBI documents includes previously classified material on Ali from 1966. In the FBI's view, Ali may have posed a threat because he was a potential source of money and charismatic leadership for the civil rights movement, which Hoover as FBI director opposed, said Michael Ezra, a professor at Sonoma

State University and author of a book on Ali. "Ali was an important symbol to the civil rights movement, a galvanizing force, and him running around free was a problem for the FBI," Ezra said in a telephone interview on Friday. James Comey, FBI director since 2013, has said he regrets the bureau's abuses under Hoover. The papers, which used Ali's birth name Cassius Clay, include a request for agents to monitor his divorce that year from his first wife as a "lead." "The Miami (FBI) of-

fice is requested to follow the divorce action between Cassius and Sonja Clay with particular emphasis being placed on any NOI (Nation of Islam) implication being brought into this matter," one memo stated. A separate FBI memo on a speech Ali gave in 1966 at a mosque said he discussed efforts to strip him of his heavyweight title and blamed the "white man." The controversy centred on Ali's refusal to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War and his claim of conscientious objector status, which would lead to

his being stripped of the boxing title in 1967. In the documents, FBI officials stressed Ali was not personally under investigation. One memo said Ali's connection to the Nation of Islam, which was under FBI investigation at the time, made the bureau interested in his activities "from an intelligence standpoint." Some of the documents mention Main Bout Inc, a boxing promotion company that Ali established with the leaders of the Nation of Islam. The company was a source of money for them until Ali's 1967 conviction for draft evasion. The information in the file is not necessarily derogatory to Ali, said Chris Farrell, research director at Judicial Watch, which routinely asks the FBI to release its files of famous people who have died. "Historically, it's interesting because it ... gives a snapshot of what the FBI was doing, what it was spending its time and energy on, at that time with this very notable public figure," Farrell said.

AMERICAN (USA) POLITICS Tips to protect environment!

A.Z. Jami

ecently news received from across the borders that the Americans (U.S.A) has picked up a handsome spectator/onlooker who does not know much about games and sports to be the captain of their football team in the world football championship tournament. It is a surprise and unprecedented. Many educated people say that we are living in a global village. And with the advancement of technological knowledge what is happening in Europe is impacting in Africa and what is happening in America is affecting Asia. As of now we are living in uni-polar world headed by U.S.A. China, Russia and India are trying hard to make multi-polar world, and they are rapidly growing in every spheres. That’s encouraging. As a responsible citizen it may not be wrong to say something which seems to affect the nations and the peoples world around. Firstly, as for Donald Trump, the President-elect of U.S.A is physically and mentally alright. He is in a high social and economic position as a successful businessman. But it is true that he has no political and administrative experiences. Not to talk of President, but he had not been even as a senator or a Governor of American state in which American politicians acquire political and administrative knowledge and experiences. He may have many plans and thinking, high and low, but thinking and doing are different. The president of U.S.A means the president of the world. Therefore, i think every sensitive person has concerns for the U.S.A President.

Z. Lohe

he unearthing and exposure of the embezzlement of Public Distribution System(PDS) items particularly the hoarding of rice at two private go-downs in Dimapur by ACAUT probably shocked the Minister in-charge of Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) Department, the stockists and the officials of F&CS. The misappropriation of PDS items as Kerosene, edible oil, pulses, wheat, sugar and rice in Nagaland is not a recent indulgence. Even during those years of Congress regimes, questions on misuse of the items used to crop up during Assembly sessions. However, the difference between the misuse of the PDS items in the past and the present practice is the magnitude of its misappropriation. Had not my memory failed me, Mr. K. Hollohon was the last F&CS minister, not as Chief Minister, since then this portfolio has been kept by the successive Chief Ministers. Despite of unsatisfactory performances even in those days, the Supply Minister in the past used to attract maximum visitors as there was the practice of ordinary public getting sub-allotment of any PDS items for personal use or for public distribution in needy areas on payment at subsidized rate. In fact, any of those

It is very interesting to watch the election process of U.S.A closely through T.V and news papers. As the world is on the verge of conflagration and devastation by wars, insurgencies and famines, I though the American presidential candidates should spell out the burning International and National issues and their campaigns would focus on such issues. But unfortunately, President-elect Donald Trump’s main focus was on personal and family issues/matters of Secretary Hillary Clinton. Throughout his campaigns, as i understood he raised the commissions and omissions of Hillary Clinton, the democratic candidate, true or false we don’t know. Instead of fighting party Vs party he always attacked Hilary Clinton personally. He (Donald Trump) charged and intimidated Hillary Clinton that he would appoint a special prosecutor to try Clinton and send her to jail, if he was elected President. Some important issues raised by Donald Trump were all reactionary and harsh measures. The Americans are regarded as the most advanced people of the world. But if they behave and practise like that, then what others will learn from them? In the second place, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton got very little chance to raise international and national issues. Instead she was desperately trying to douse the flames/fire set against her by the Republican Donald Trump. It is true she has vast political and administrative and diplomatic experiences as she was once first lady of U.S.A, as a senator and as secretary of state. But according to my observations, 68 years is too much for a woman. For Donald Trumps as a male in good health 70 years is ok. He will, if he lives,

live strong even up to 75/76 years. But for Hillary Clinton, as had been told her by Trump, her stamina and energy could not cope with the stress and hardships of torturous campaigns. In the election campaign Clinton asserted that she would be president of all races in U.S.A. but Trump had strong reservations about the colored peoples. Clinton was supported by majority of the colored people and less support by the whites and the Christians. Most of the white Americans and educated Americans supported Donald Trump. Is this tendency not emanated from the minds of racisms?? Whatever may be the justifications, the racism is deeply rooted in the minds of the white Americans. The white Americans preach Christianity, brotherhood and inclusiveness, but in their minds they have racial prejudice. Before and during the election campaign Trump asserted to take up many harsh measures. But when he was elected the President, he has come to the reality, and when he himself faces the realities, he is softening his stand day by day. It is a good sign, but how much?? It is to be taken for granted that Trump will have a host of best advisors. In that case Trump will be either a hen-picked of others or passive and if he does not take heed to the advises, he will automatically become an autocrat. The people of the world see him to have some inclinations towards the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The world knows what Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Al Asad are doing. If Donald Trump ties up with them, the unwanted world atmosphere may be created. Anyway, let us hope for the best.

t present scenario, environment pollution has become one of the most prior to look upon at local, national, and international level. As our human existence depends entirely on the sun and earth. In the same way, the plants, air, water, fertile soil, forests, grasslands, wetlands, oceans, lakes, wildlife, minerals, and natural purification and recycling process are treated as Earth’s wealth. It also includes the things created by humans as of now. Environment (the Earth) is our home. It is where we live, breathe, eat, get shelter etc. Health environment makes people’s life healthy. It is essential to day to day living. Unfortunately, the environment is in danger. Many species of animals and plants are nearing to its extinction. Our clean water is at risk and more and more of our beautiful, open spaces are disappearing as new buildings and factories are built which gives a thread to environment degradation. Climate change is one of the most critical global challenges at present times. This issue is immense of important for every global citizen. Few global initiatives are started to prevent climate change like United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention on global warming. The Sustainable Development Goal, officially known as Transforming our world which consist a set of 17 “Global Goal” till 2030 among which goal 3,6,7,11,13,14, and 15 under the initiatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) takes to combat

for environment protection. Seeking more flexible and effective approach to combat for environmental protection in the Country. The Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt of India and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) initiate the “Paryavaran Mitra”, a climate change and sustainability education aiming to reach out to 2 million students in the school setting. Well, looking back to the Nagaland State, with the need of environment protection, Centre for Environment Education (CEE) having its Hq at Ahmedabad is working along with Nagaland Pollution Control Broad (NPCB) to combat environmental pollution in Nagaland. Thought, NPCB and Department of Forest, Ecology, Environment and Wildlife, Govt., of Nagaland along with other Department and some NGOs are working tirelessly for the protection of our environment in the State. However, lack of participation from common citizens towards the environment protection is a great challenge to the State government and other organizations. Therefore, Earth Friendly Generation (EFG) NGO having its focus area in the field of environment protection in Nagaland has come up with few strategies to protect and conserved environment through peoples participation. Here are some key steps where responsible citizen can keep as tips towards the environment protection:1. Improve Building Design: Build more sustainably and for disaster reduction. 2. Promote mass/public transportation: to reduce carbon emissions.

Hornet’s nest torched:

PDS items used to permeate down to the level of Villages since there was so much accessibility of the elected representatives and the general public alike to Supply Minister in those days. The piecemeal allocation of PDS items to individuals or group on demand came to an end since DAN led by NPF came to power since 2003. As long as the accessibility of ordinary citizens to Supply Minister continued, the general public was aware of the State’s quota of PDS items from Delhi. Whereas, when the new system of not entertaining the public for piecemeal allotment of any PDS items came into force, the public was forced to lose track of what and how much Nagaland receives from Delhi had not the figures of State quota been disclosed by ACAUT recently. After the general applicants warded off, the Marwaris, the stockists, in local Naga names, have taken over the F&CS Department. Out of ACAUT’s exposures, it is now found that those few stockists are almost regularised dealers for the PDS items regularly given month-wise by GOI particularly for the poorer section in Nagaland. Those stockists named in the exposure are found to enjoy monopoly as they are indispensable to F&CS Department in Nagaland. Whether these Marwaris run Nagaland’s F&CS Department or vice ver-

sa is the question at the expense of the poor public. Possibly, these stockists do wield much political power in Nagaland as they collectively mint perhaps huge amount of money out of disposal of PDS items to open market or to Para military forces for Supply Minister and his cohorts. In the latest developments, the ACAUT’s detection and exposure of how the stockists in connivance with F&CS Deptt. have been hoarding and disposing the PDS rice to open market or to Para military force at highly profitable rates had indeed torched the hornet’s nest. The old adage goes that the crab will definitely counter attack your hand when you put it into the crab’s hole. Exactly, the ACAUT did put its hand into the den of the joint venture of Supply Minister, the F&CS and the stockists and so the repercussion. The reaction of F&CS Deptt. was the most prompt action of the year, and the hyper sensitivity of the Supply Minister and his F&CS Deptt. is well understood. The justification given by F&CS in local media on 12.12.2016 is hardly convincing regarding replacing gunny bags with plastic bags. Agreed that torn gunny bags among thousand bags will be natural, but as per pictures published by ACAUT every gunny bag seemed to be replaced or in the process of replacement is

definitely fishy. The explanation for repackaging to avoid spillage and wastage invites more questions as to while F&CS cares for spillage of rice from few bags, whether pilferage of thousands of bags is ever noticed by the Department. The explanation has created bigger rooms for doubt. The F&CS Deptt. tried its best to drag ACAUT and CCN into legality on the ground of intrusion. Not having legal knowledge myself, I question as to how the general public deal with exigencies. For instance, when a thief in action is noticed, whether the finder rushes to nearest Police Station to file FIR before laying hand on the thief? In this respect, while giving due importance to coddle formalities, the law abiding citizens are made to become the victims of lawless people. In the case of rice scam in question, the detection of illegal activities of F&CS in hobnob with the valued stockists by ACAUT and CCN was construed as taking law into its own hand. Is disposing the subsidised rice allotted to Nagaland by GOI in the open market by F&CS through the private stockists at market rate legal? Is intrusion into the two godowns by ACCAUT and CCN and the subsequent exposures of those activities illegal? Which is in the interest of the public and which one is against the public interest?

The Chief Minister who has been incharge of F&CS since he took over power from his predecessor, had indicted ACCAUT in a function in Dimapur as published in local papers on 18.12.2016 saying ‘no one was above the law and no individual or group should take law into their own hands’. Yes, I agreed with him that everyone including the Chief Minister TR Zeliang is under the law. He tried to teach ACAUT about the law of the land but whether he has learnt the law he is talking about is the question. Diverting PDS items including rice to open market or to supply it to paramilitary on sale is above the law. As much as every citizen in the country is under the law of the land, that much of the Minister in-charge of F&CS and all the officials of F&CS are too under the same law. That law prohibits abuse of power delegated to them for personal gains at the cost of the general public. Although NPCC may not have that strength to speak like angels, it raised pertinent antecedent of NPF led DAN as “corruption and graft are the trademark of NPF Govt”. In a brazen defence of its Govt., the NPF termed ACAUT’s actions as ‘clumsy rhetoric devoid of anything worth logical or ethical’. ‘The style and method that was adopted to carry out the entire exercise itself

3. Reduce energy use: Always switch off electrical appliance for save energy. 4. Promote Water conservation. 5. Improve waste management. 6. Reduce use of plastic. 7. Proper drainage system. 8. Promote local Organic or Hydroponic Food. 9. Promote sustainable river food. 10. Promote costal habitat and cultural heritage. 11. Keep brook and river clean. 12. Promote Environmental Education. 13. Planning, policy, and management. Hence, for environmental protection to become a reality, it is very important that every individual participation in every society should be develop and adopt preventive measures on protecting our environment. Whatsoever, EFG in environment protection has become a major art in Nagaland and for this without the help from government, NGOs, and other civil local bodies, it is not possible. Earth Friendly Generation (EFG) would like to appreciate the contribution of individuals, government, NGOs and other civil local bodies towards the environment protection throughout the year and even encourage others who are yet to realize the importance of protecting environment. Thus, at this festive season, let us all celebrate with good fragrance of environment by practicing eco-friendly in the State. Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2017. God Bless Nagaland. Keduolhoukho Chadi Director Earth Friendly Generation

has manifested volumes of lawless acts...’ Thus, the belief of NPF is siphoning rice meant for the public of the State of Nagaland is lawful and ethical. The statement of defence of illegal activities in F&CS Deptt. indeed befits NPF very well. Meanwhile, in a show of arrogance and a total disregard of the concern of the conscientious citizens in Dimapur under the umbrella of ACAUT and CCN, the NPF Govt. dastardly used its police forces to suppress the democratic and peaceful gathering of people in Dimapur on 15.12.2016. Managing to disperse the gathering with teargas and water cannon cannot frighten the movement of the people against corruption. Rather the prance and glitzy actions of police on that day should have strengthened the spirit of the movement barring those infected with political virus already. Using water cannon against those who gathered to show their solidarity against rice scam was a wastage. The cannon should have been used against Supply Minister and the officials of F&CS to clean the much PDS scam muddied images. Also, use of teargas on the gathering was a wastage too as sooner or later teargas will have to be used to smoke out all those who are responsible for consuming public rice like hogs.

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

Tuesday 20•12•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Puerto Rican wins Miss World 2016

tephanie Del Valle from Puerto Rico was crowned Miss World 2016 here, with representatives from Dominican Republic and Indonesia the runners-up. India’s Priyadarshini Chatterjee only made it to the top 20. Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna Royo crowned the 19-year-old Stephanie, the second Puerto Rican to hold the title after Wilnelia Merced won it in 1975, at the event’s grand finale held at the MGM National Harbor here on Sunday. The winner was ecstatic as she sat down to be crowned. Del Valle, is a student who speaks Spanish, English and French, and hopes to get into the entertainment industry, reports telegraph.co.uk. Crowned by Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna of Spain, Del Valle called it an “honor and a great responsibility” to represent her Caribbean homeland. Stephanie pipped the other top four finalists from

Winner of Miss World Miss Puerto Rico Stephanie Del Valle (C) stands with first runner up Miss Dominican republic Yaritza Miguelina reyes ramirez (L) and second runner up Miss Indonesia Natasha Mannuela during the Miss World 2016 Competition in oxen Hill, Maryland, us on December 18. (REUTERS Photo)

Kenya, Indonesia, Dominican Republic and Philippines to win the title. Indian contestant Priyadarshini lost out on the title after making it to the top 20 at the pageant. She featured in the top five contestants for

the Beauty With a Purpose title, which was eventually won by Miss Indonesia. A Delhi-based girl from Guwahati, Priyadarshini was the first candidate from the northeastern region at the Miss World pageant. All

of 20, she is a student of sociology. She was happy to “represent a civilisation as old as time itself, the land of myriad cultures, traditions, languages and religions” at the gala, she had said in her introduc-

tion video for the contest. This was the 66th edition of the gala, which put the contestants through a series of challenges and interviews to determine who will win the coveted title of Miss World 2016 and become the ambassador of the motto ‘Beauty with a purpose’. The Miss World pageant, created in Britain by Eric Morley in 1951, is the oldest surviving major international beauty contest. It is one of the three most publicised beauty contests in the world, alongside the Miss Universe and Miss Earth contests. Puerto Rico becomes the 17th country with multiple winners since Miss World started in 1951. Living up to the national stereotype, the first two titleholders were both Swedish. Since then a further 34 nationalities have been victorious, with Britain (five), India (five), the US (three), Jamaica (three), Iceland (three), Germany (two) and Australia (two) all providing multiple winners.

Jatphoa Konyak debut single ‘Dream On’ released

atphoa Konyak has released his debut single ‘Dream On’ in YouTube and indihut.com for the music lovers. Jatphoa a 19 year old singer, songwriter from Mon district of Nagaland is currently studying in Kohima. His interest in singing started source: IANs from his school days has

performed in many school events with his own composed originals. His dad was his driving force behind his passion for music and encouraged him to make the music video for the song ‘Dream On.’ ‘Dream on’ is written and composed by Jatphoa which is promoted by art-

As an actor, life is very different from when I was a model: Lisa Haydon

Now ShowiNg

lot of film celebrities, including Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma, branched out into acting only after first exploring a career in modelling. Lisa Haydon, too, was a successful model before she made her debut with the 2010 film, Aisha. However, one doesn’t often see actors going back to modelling. Ask Lisa about the trend, and she says it would be hard for her to go back to modelling as she is set in her ways in Bollywood. “As an actor, life is very different from when I was a model. You get to play so many characters, and there’s a lot of work involved in doing that. Plus, the exposure in this field is great, and I enjoy what I’m doing as well. But it’s not like I don’t get to walk on the ramp. I have walked as a showstopper for fashion shows. But to go back? I don’t think that will work out for me,” she says. It’s often reported that actresses don’t get along with each other on film sets. However, Lisa says that isn’t the case with her, and that she bonded with Nargis Fakhri and Jacqueline Fernandez when they were working on Housefull 3. “I think there is always so much talk about two actresses working together in films. There are stories of how they are prob- Winners of the NsACs LIFeNoW one day painting competition pose with Metevinuo ably not gelling well and ignoring each other on film sets, and things like Sakhrie Joint Director (IEC) NSACS, judges, event host and Nagaland Street Art officials. competition. It’s not like that doesn’t happen, but it’s not all the time,” she says. The competition was organised by The Nagaland street Art. The actor will soon be seen in a web series with Shweta Tripathi and Sapna Pabbi. Lisa says, “The experience was fun, but because it was a web series, we had to work very, very hard (laughs). source: Hindustan Times

Liam Payne confirms One Direction return

C M Y K

inger Liam Payne has given One Direction (1D) fans hope by telling them that the English-Irish pop boy band will definitely get back together. During a Twitter Question and Answer with his followers on Saturday, he was asked by an eager fan if 1D would ever get back together, reports mirror.co.uk. “I’m (100 per cent) certain we will,” he tweeted in response. The boys recently came together to show their support for grieving Louis Tomlinson after his moving “X Factor” performance following his mother’s death. Another user asked if he was happy, and Payne replied saying: “The happiest I could be.” This post comes amid reports that his girlfriend Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is pregnant with their first child. However, he made no direct mention of it. source: IANs

ist and musician Moba Inggang. The song talks about his innocent love which was never expressed to his beloved awaiting for the right moment. The song is available at the following link: http:// indihut.com/jatphoakonyak/ and https://youtu. be/IUsAt3hyeL4

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ rakes in $290 mn on first weekend

n the first weekend of its opening, Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has taken in a whopping $290.5 million globally. According to box-office analyst Exhibitor Relations, North America accounted for about half of the total, making $155 million dollars, £16.8 million at the UK box office and is yet to open in China and South Korea, reports BBC. On record, the film has the second-best December opening weekend in Canada, and both the UK and the US, after Star Wars: The Force Awakens which took $248 million dollars in North America on its debut last year. Based on the success of Rogue One

and The Force Awakens, analyst Paul Dergarabedian said, “The next film in the Star Wars saga has the potential to claim the title as the biggest movie of all time.” However, the title is still held by James Cameron’s Avatar that made almost $2.8 billion dollars in 2009, followed by Titanic on close to $2.2 billion dollars in 1997. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen and Riz Ahmed, alongside Forest Whitaker, the first standalone chapter in the Star Wars saga is set shortly before the events of the original 1977 film and tells the story of Rebel Alliance fighters trying to steal plans for the Empire’s feared Death Star.

source: ANI

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THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Iniesta on fire as Barca, Nair's 300 piles misery on England Messi, Sevilla close gap on Madrid

C M Y K

CHENNAI, DECEMBER 19 (IANS): Indian batsmen's love affair with the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here continued as middle-order batsman Karun Nair on Monday became only the second Indian after former opener Virender Sehwag to slam a triple ton here. Nair's brilliant unbeaten 303 helped India declare their first innings at a mammoth 759/7 -- their highest against any opponent -- surpassing the previous best of 726/9 declared against Sri Lanka in 2009. Meanwhile, England batted for five overs in their second essay to post 12/0 at stumps on the penultimate day of the fifth and final Test. For the visitors, skipper Alastair Cook (3) and Keaton Jennings (9) were at the crease when the umpires dislodged the bails for the day. Playing only his third Test, the 25-year-old Nair forged two major partnerships -- 181 for the sixth wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (67) and then 138 for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (51) -- to give the hosts a 282-run first inings lead. The r ight-hander reached the landmark in the 191st over of India's first innings off 381 balls -- his run-spree was laced with 32

India's Karun Nair celebrates his triple century. (REUTERS Photo)

boundaries and four sixes. Nair reached the milestone off the bowling of legspinner Adil Rashid when a misfield at point resulted in a boundary that brought up his triple-hundred, thereby helping Nair become the first Indian to turn his maiden hundred into a triple. Nair became the third highest individual scorer by an Indian in Tests, after Sehwag, who heads the top scorer's list with two tripletons. Sehwag scored 319 against South Africa here in Chennai in March 2008 and 309 vs Pakistan in March-April 2004 at Mul-

tan in Pakistan. Resuming from his overnight score of 71, Nair looked in good control to score his maiden Test hundred in the morning session with a boundary off Ben Stokes behind point. He then carried on to go past the 150-run mark in 240 balls and with Ashwin forged a 147-run unbeaten stand for the sixth wicket going into the tea break. Coming back from the break, Ashwin became pacer Stuart Broad's second victim of the innings but by then the local boy had added 181 runs with Nair. Nair was then joined

by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was at his aggressive best, sending the English bowlers to the leather-hunt at will. This gave the Rajasthan-born Nair the liberty to score freely as he went on to score his double century off 306 balls after the tea session and continued frustrating the English bowlers before surviving a stumping chance four runs short of his 250. Meanwhile, Jadeja smashed almost a run-aball 51 to provide the muchneeded acceleration towards the end as he paired with Nair to amass 138 runs

Sterling helps Man City see off Arsenal with stirring comeback

for the seventh wicket. Immediately after crossing the 250-run mark, Nair went on the rampage, slamming five fours and two sixes to score the remaining 53 runs in just 33 deliveries as skipper Virat Kohli signalled the declaration of the innings. After the declaration, the Karnataka batsman walked off the field to delirious applause. England players also shook hand with him, acknowledging the enormity of his feat. With the feat, Nair also became the third on the highest maiden hundred in Tests after the West Indies' Gary Sobers (365 not out) against Pakistan in 1958 and Australia's Bob Simpson (311) vs England in 1964. Nair's feat also overshadowed the contribution of opener Lokesh Rahul (199), who forged a 152-run opening stand with senior wicketkeeperbatsman Parthiv Patel (71) to set the tone for India's massive total. For England, none of the bowlers looked threatening as pacer Stuart Broad and debutant left-armspinner Liam Dawson took two wickets each while Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid chipped in with one wicket apiece.

CB Trophy: A&A beats MP

MADRID, DECEMBER 19 (IANS): Luis Suarez celebrated his new contract with two goals, but Leonel Messi and Andres Iniesta were the stars as Barcelona Football Club confirmed they have turned the corner in question of form with a 4-1 win at home to local rivals Espanyol. Iniesta and Messi were outstanding in helping to pull apart an Espanyol side which had gone to the Camp Nou after conceding just one goal in almost 600 minutes football and were unfortunate to lose goalkeeper, Diego Lopez through injury after 52 minutes, reports Xinhua. After Suarez had scored in the 17th and 66th minutes, Jordi Alba added a third and although David Lopez pulled a goal back for Espanyol with 12 minutes remaining, Messi confirmed the win with a magnificent goal in the last minute of the game to take Barca to just three points of Real Madrid, who have played a game less. Sevilla moved to within four points of Real Madrid with a 4-1 win at home to Malaga in a game which was all-but over after 45 minutes as Luciano Vietto (twice), Ben Yedder and Vitolo took

advantage of neat passing coupled with some poor Malaga defending to put Sevilla 4-0 up by the break. Adil Rami was sent off after seeing two yellow cards in under 10 seconds on the hour before Sandro Ramirez scored a smart free kick to salvage at least some pride for Malaga. Villarreal have enjoyed a good week and Fran Escriba's men will go into the New Year fourth in the table thanks to a 3-1 win away to Sporting Gijon which followed on from Monday's 3-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid. Villarreal were the better side from start to finish and quickly led 2-0 thanks to goals from Jonathan Dos Santos and Nicola Sansome, whose 6th goal of the season doubled their lead in the 19th minute. Sporting coach Aberlado Fernandez reacted quickly with a double change after just 35 minutes, but man of the match, Alejandre Pato capped an excellent individual display 15 minutes from time. There was no doubt where the points were heading despite Carlos Carmona's late consolation for Sporting. Saul Niguez's impressive second half shot gave

Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at home to an impressive Las Palmas, but it was another unconvincing display from Diego Simeone's side, who had to watch as Las Palmas controlled much of the ball, but failed to convert control into sufficient clear cut chances. Real Sociedad go into 2017 fifth in the table thanks to a convincing win away to struggling Granada. Second half goals from Jon Bautista, who had just come on as a substitute, and Juanmi gave 'La Real' a result which reflected their control on the pitch. Leganes played for over an hour with 10 men after goalkeeper Iago Herrerin was sent off, but held on for a 1-1 draw at home to Eibar. Miguel Angel Guerrero and Bebe scored the goals for their respective sides. Deportivo la Coruna took an important step away from the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at home to Osasuna, thanks to first half goals from in-form strikers Florin Andone and Ryan Babel. Osasuna have now lost all of their six games since Joaquin Caparros replaced Quique Martin as coach whilst scoring just one goal in the process.

44th WADSA meet begins

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): In the last league match of the Group-D of the All India Cooch Behar Under 19 Trophy match between Madhya Pradesh and Combined team of Associate and Affiliated team of BCCI, played at Nagaland Cricket Stadium today. The A&A team were bundled out for 82 runs in 53.1 overs. Earlier, the MP team won the toss and elected to bowl. Lok Sabha MP and president of Nagaland Cricket Association, Neiphiu Rio and Col Mahesh Gurung of 3 Corps attend the opening ceremony of the match. The match is officiated by a BCCI panel with Nitin Goel (Haryana) as match referee, Sanjay Hazare (Baroda) and Nitin Pai (Goa) as Umpires, Biswajit Mandal (Kolkata) as online scorer, alokesh Sharma (Assam) as manual scorer, Sumit Chetri and P Ahazarika (both Assam) as video analysts. Players seen at the inaugural function of WADSA 44th sports meet at WAPO ground on December 19.

Friendly volleyball tournament commences Manchester City's Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates (Reuters Photo) TITABAR, DECEMBER 19 (MExN): The

MANCHESTER, DECEMBER 19 (REUTERS): Second-half goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling stunned Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 and move seven points behind leaders Chelsea. The result capped a miserable week for Arsenal who lost the lead -- and all three points -- for the second time in five days, having also gone down at Everton on Tuesday. Coming away with nothing again had seemed inconceivable after an opening 45 minutes which Arsenal dominated, taking the lead on five minutes when Theo Walcott seized on Alexis Sanchez's weighted pass to round off a thrilling threeman move. City almost equalised immediately when Sterling headed just wide but they looked strangely hesitant going forward and could have

fallen further behind as Arsenal played with confidence and menace. City came out for the second half completely transformed, hitting back almost immediately as David Silva found Sane with a precision pass that allowed the German to score his first goal since his 46-million-pound ($57.49-million) move from Schalke. Arsenal wilted alarmingly and frequently came off second best in the physical contest. It was no real surprise when City went further ahead after Kevin de Bruyne supplied Sterling with a raking crossfield pass on 71 minutes. Sterling cut inside on his left foot and beat Petr Cech at his near post with a low shot. It was the first time since 2012 that City had won at the Etihad after trailing at the interval. "It was good to get on the scoresheet," said Sterling. "We stayed in the game and got the winner."

14th session of Friendly Volleyball Tournament Titabar (Assam) and Changpang (Nagaland) Circle commenced today at MRSHS School Playground in Titabar, Assam. Organised by Border Peace Coordination Committee, comprising members from both the states, 28 teams (men and women) are competing in the two day event, which will conclude tomorrow. Eight teams are from Changpang circle of Nagaland while 20 are from Assam. Gracing the inaugural session, Nagaland Football Coaches Association President Roko Angami lauded the continued efforts put in by the organisers in bringing together players from both sides to build up people to people contact. He expressed hope that through such sporting competition, the border villages in Assam and Nagaland would foster peace and unity.

Swee� Tiding� Basket of Goodies

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Our Correspondent

Kohima | December 19

he 44th meet of the Western Angami ‘D’ Sports Association (WADSA) commenced today at WAPO ground, Sechü Zubza. A total of five villages under WADSA including Sechü Zubza, Sechüma, Kiruphema, Menguzouma and Thekrejuma are taking part in the three-day event which will conclude on December 21. The inaugural function was graced by Er Kevisekho Kruse, chief engineer, Public Health Engineering Department, Nagaland, as the chief guest. In his address, Kruse underscored the importance of games and sports in promoting unity and friendship. To this, he called the need for arranging more platforms so as to encourage socializing amongst the people. “We should encourage socializing. People who do not socialize become a misfit in the society,” he said adding that many people, though educated and rich, fail on their part in contributing to the society because they lack socializing skills. Foreseeing the advancement such as four-lane highway and the railway con-

nectivity that will directly or indirectly impact the five villages, he called upon the youth bodies to be prepared to face the challenges that will come their way. “We have to be prepared morally, intellectually and socially. Something will be beyond our control, yet we have to stand strong and overcome the challenges,” Er. Kruse said. “A lot of opportunities will open up in the Western Angami region, particularly in this area. Lest we fail on our part in responding to the challenges of our times, we will only regret and blame ourselves,” he remarked. He said the five villages under WADSA is an important component of the Western Angami area. “While we continue to surge ahead, let us not forget to count on the many blessings the Almighty has bestowed upon us. We may recall the past with pride, but let us also live up to our reputation,” he added. To the players, he encouraged them to give their best effort in their attempt to reach the top. “Winning is what matters most in a competition. Nevertheless, through this kind of platform, you get the opportunity to train yourself on leadership skills, team work and social maturity,” he said.

The 36th Assam Rifle unit organized goodwill football match on December 16 at Peren football ground. The match was played between Peren town football team and 36th Assam Rifle unit. They also displayed posters and painting made by students of Government High School Peren. The match was witnessed by host of dignitaries including ADC Peren, EAC Peren, SDPO Peren, 36th Assam Rifle officers and the public of Peren town. (DIPR Photo)

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