December 21st, 2014

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www.morungexpress.com

The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 351

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www.morungexpress.com

Sunday, December 21, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas Jharkhand and J&K witness brisk voting [ PAGE 08]

‘Youngistaan’ makes independent entry to Oscars [ PAGE 11]

It’s time for dogs to win titles in Dimapur

By Sandemo Ngullie

[ PAGE 2]

Atletico de Kolkata wins first ISL

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 12]

Obama says N Korea hacked Sony, vows response

25 years of a Peace Covenant between Changtongya & Yachem sets an example Moa Jamir

The Morung Express POLL QUESTION

Vote on www.morungexpress.com SMS your anSwer to 9862574165 Should Naga women be given the right to inherit land?

Yes

No

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So long, Farewell CS

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Kohima, December 20 (DiPr): A farewell function was organized today for Nagaland Chief Secretary, Toshi Aier IAS, who will demit office on December 31, at VIP parking, Nagaland Civil Secretariat Kohima. The outgoing Chief Secretary has served the State for 26 and half years, also as a Finance Commissioner. On the occasion, Aier said that the team members of the State Finance Department, including action taken by the former Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, were laudable and appreciated when the State was in a very bad shape with the financial position that was most crucial and challenging. Sharing his experience on this, Toshi Aier said one should be well equipped and deliver justice being a public servant. He also said that success comes with a good team and called for collective responsibility of all the Nagas. He stressed that the State should no longer go on without generating revenue and resources.

Principal Secretary & Home Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar IAS, speaking on behalf of the Government of Nagaland said that outgoing Chief Secretary, Toshi Aier has a compassionate admirable trait who was well informed outside bureaucracy. He was a leader who looked at the background and could tackle situations with complex problems.

Earlier felicitations were made to retiring officers by various Associations, Department and special song was presented by a group of officers in the secretariat.

Addl. Chief Secretary & Commissioner C. J. Ponraj, IAS chaired the farewell function, and also delivered the welcome address. He will be the next Chief Secretary of State. Farewell speeches were also delivered by the representatives of IAS Association, NCS Association, NSS Association, IPS Association, NPS Association, IFS Association, Directorates, District Administration and Grade-IV Association.

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– Richard Stallman

How do we express peace in our daily life?

reflections

Why so glum? Oh, you haven't been paid in 5 Christmases? Well, cheer up, I will look into it after Christmas.

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Mokokchung | December 20

Students representing the North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) gathered at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on December 20 to demonstrate against the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). A delegation submitted a memorandum to the Office of the Speaker (Lok Sabha) demanding an immediate debate on AFSPA before the close of the winter session, i.e. 22 December.

It's time to fight traditions that harm women's health: WHO LoNDoN, December 20 (ThomsoN reuTers FouNDaTioN): Some of the major health problems faced by women in developing countries are caused by "terrible" traditions that must be stopped, said Maria Neira, head of public health at the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Traditions such as child marriage or female genital mutilation (FGM), widely practised in some communities, contribute to high maternal mortality rates in some poor countries where girls as young as 13 get mar-

ried and give birth.

Tackling traditions that can be detrimental to health and backing those changes by legislation are essential to protecting women and girls, Maria Neira said.

"A tradition that forces a girl to get married at 13 is a bad tradition," Neira said on the sidelines of a London event on maternal mortality and access to water and sanitation. “It’s time to fight these traditions.”

Customs like child marriage mean that teenage girls get pregnant and give birth,

often before their bodies are ready, and often in clinics without basic facilities like clean water or toilets.

Nearly 16 million adolescent girls give birth every year and at least 70,000 girls die each year due to pregnancy and childbirth complications, according to UNICEF. Education is key to giving women a voice and empowering them to speak up for their rights, said Neira.

It's also the role of global institutions, including WHO, to help women fight for their rights, she said.

With utmost camaraderie and blissful remembrance, Changtongya and Yachem villages marked the ‘Peace Covenant’ Silver Jubilee on December 18 and 19 with the theme ‘Unity through Peace.’ The unique Peace Covenant, signed on October 2, 1989 between warring neighbours Changtongya, an Ao Village under Mokokchung District, and Yachem, a Phom Village, serves as a framework for peace, and conflict resolution.

In a world of conflict, the peace between the two villages is of ‘supreme significance’, maintained Y Nuklu Phom, Executive Secretary of the Phom Baptist Christian Association, emphasizing that the event should be observed not just as a “common festival” but its message be extended outside the realms of the two villages.

The harvest of peace Reflecting on the implications of the ‘Covenant’, M Pangnem Lkr, Education Secretary of Ao Student Conference stated, “Peace begets love and the kind love it bestows cannot be eclipsed by any human virtue. The two villages have shown that such love is feasible not only in word but also in deed.”

Within 25 years of peace, many young people have developed an optimistic peace of mind and a sense of

“Shalom – completeness, soundness and well being in them.”

“We go about freely in doing good work without hesitation. The river which seemed bitter has turned sweet and even nature has once again given birth to new life through respect for each other,” said Rosemarie H Phom, a post-graduate student.

One of the only surviving signatories from the two villages, Imtilepzük Jamir, a former GB from Changtongya, explained that an apple of discord between the two villages was over sharing of Dikhu River but this has been dissipated with the building of a bridge over the river. “Respect, honour and take forward the good deeds,” he advised youngsters.

The two day event saw the populace of the two villages, especially the youth, converge at Changtongya to commemorate the occasion. “With a strong contingent reaching nearly 600, today we felt as if we are celebrating the event at our village,” commented B Chingba Phom, vice president of Yachem Students’ Union, adding that peace has brought about development in all fields.

The covenant has connected the two villages in a most intimate way, added S Manla Phom, a Lecturer at DIET Mon, and from this day onward, let us move together with unity.

Recurring throughout the event was the desire to take forward peace and make it a unifying factor in all spheres of societal interaction between the two villages. Yapanglemla Jamir, a youngster from Changtongya said, “Where there is peace, there is unity. It is the only way to promote relationship among nations.”

tor.

Exhorting people on the occasion, MLA S Pangnyu Phom admitted that he was a cynic of the peace process initially but his mindset has changed with its success. He stressed that the peace process was for all citizens of both villages and can be cemented by taking along all stakeholders. Act as enabler of peace and do something good for the society. Not just between the two villages but with other neighbours as well, he advised.

Pangnem Lkr added that it is the right moment to spread the message of peace, not with pride but in a humble way. Be gentle all the way, he stressed.

“Don’t keep peace confined in ICU. It should be resuscitated time to time,” maintained Y Nuklu.

He further advocated making the Peace Covenant an institution. Convert the area into a Covenant Conservation Area (CCA). Make stories, case studies, folklore, literature, art, drama, skits; make those who are striving for peace come to your institution and learn.

Stressing that upholding the covenant is of highest importance and challenge, Rosemarie H Phom said, “What our pioneers have established with concrete steps, we should take forward not by destructive criticism but through constructive suggestion.”

Beside formal programmes with Rev. Dr. Mar Atsüngchanger, Executive Secretary of ABAM, and Y Nuklu Phom as resources persons, the occasion also featured an evening of jubilee extravaganza titled ‘Express for Peace,’ where various artists from both villages performed.

As the revellers departed with reluctance, the co-host of the evening, Manlai asked them to ponder, “How The Way Forward do we express peace in our daily life?”

So, what makes this peace cove- The Yachem and Changtongya Peace nant unique? Its success story, stated Covenant is a living model of such exShayung Phom, the ADC of Shama- pression.

In the face of govt apathy, public takes up road works BJP launches ‘Namo India-Fashion with Nation’ project in Nagaland

Morung Express News Dimapur | December 20 Two separate, but equally noble, public initiatives were undertaken on Saturday to address the deteriorating condition of roads in Dimapur. Volunteers from Lengrijan village and Kuda village, Nagarjan mobilized efforts to fill up potholes and leveling the surface of roads in their respective localities.

For people of Lengrijan village, the last time they experienced even the semblance of a decent road within their area was in 1992 when the government had constructed a road. The road condition gradually deteriorated, giving rise to deep potholes and thereby excruciating bumpy rides.

Having waited in vain for the government to provide good roads within the village, a group of youth under the name ‘Super Boys’ Lengrijan voluntarily took up the work to repair the road by filling up potholes with sand gravels and leveling of the surfaces.

To carry out the repair works, the Lengrijan Village Council (LVC) announced a public social work on December 20. The ‘Super Boys’ donated sand gravel, vehicles for transportation, roller, light refreshment and other repairing materials for the work, while the Lengrijan Village Council provided logistical support for the road works.

“Considering the lackadaisical attitude of the government towards the village, which has been to-

Morung Express News Dimapur | December 20

(TOP): Members of ‘Super Boys’ Lengrijan, Lengrijan Village Council members, GBs and some volunteers after repairing the road within its village jurisdiction on Saturday. (Morung photo). (BOTTOM): Volunteers from Kuda Village, Nagarjan engaging in road works at their locality on Saturday.

tally neglected, we the Super Boys have voluntarily spearheaded the road repair works,” Super Boys, General Secretary, Toshi Tzudir said.

LVC Chairman, L. Supong Ao and GB, Taku Longkumer appreciated the Super Boys for initiating the repair works and the public for their cooperation. The two leaders appealed for the Nagaland state government to look into the welfare of the village and its people. Lengrijan village, one of the biggest urban villages in the state has around 1200

households with a population of more than 5000 and 2700 voters approximately.

Meanwhile, in Nagarjan, a similar initiative was underway. The Nagarjan road passing through Kuda village is among one of Dimapur’s busiest roads. The road is also an important bypass which connects the main town to NH 29. After the last monsoon, the road has developed potholes, causing inconvenience to commuters as well as residents of the area.

Residents of Kuda village decided to pull up their socks to repair the

road keeping in mind the festive season. The youths organized a social work on Saturday and filled up the potholes with stone chips and mud. Kuda village residents namely Noke Wangnao, Savi Leigise, Niki Haralu and the Institute of Health Education contributed the stone chips and mud, while the GBs coordinated the work.

Residents of the area have also urged the state government and the concerned department to “do a better job” in terms of road works and look into the grievances of the citizens.

The BJP on Saturday announced the launching of ‘Namo India-Fashion with Nation’ as part of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Made in India’ to generate employment among the educated unemployed youth in the country.

Co-convenor, National Trade & Industries, and in-charge North East, Sanjay Jha, told media persons that the main target of Namo India (Namaskar India) is to engage the unemployed youths of the country to be proud partners in building of the Indian economy. Jha said the project would ultimately lead to promotion of small scale industries, especially in rural areas, which will generate employment avenues for the youth.

The ‘Namo IndiaFashion with Nation’ was launched in Guwahati on December 3 and in Itanagar on December 15 last. In Nagaland, the Namo store will be launched before January 14, 2015, Jha said.

Jha said the Namo project would incorporate the indigenous products and attires of the North East, which would then be showcased to other parts of the country.

He further informed that on December 25, coinciding with the birth day of BJP leader and former Prime Minister, AB Vajpayee, the Namo project would launch a unique scheme

Nagaland State BJP president, M Chuba, along with central and state BJP leaders at the launching of ‘Namo India-Fashion with Nation’ project in Nagaland on Saturday. (Morung Photo)

BJP Phek disowns protest rally PheK, December 20 (mexN): The BJP Phek District has “vehemently condemned” the “unbecoming action” of “some people” taking its name to stage a protest rally on December 19 in Dimapur. The BJP Phek District has maintained that it will “stand by” the leadership of the State BJP President with “unstinted support.”

The BJP Phek District clarified in a press release from its president Eduzu Theluo that the protesters “were not bonafide BJP Members.” Most of them, it stated, were “students, self employed and imposters.”

It further clarified that “there are party norms and mechanisms to address any grievances internally and not in public.” In that, “such unconstitutional action of irresponsible people do not in any way reflect party's inner democratic norms,” stated the press release.

“Any one working outside the party's mainstream could not be construed as dispute in the party. Therefore, BJP Phek District unequivocally disown the entire process of unconstitutional action of those people on 19th Dec 2014,” it reiterated. It was made clear that the Party will take “strong disciplinary action” against the signatories in the memorandum. BJP Phek District has moreover appealed to the State unit to take “drastic disciplinary action on those State/National Level Members are found to be indulging in such anti-party activities.” where a person who buys products worth Rs.1500 or more from a Namo store would get an accident insurance cover worth Rs.1 Lakh.

In Nagaland, Moatoshi Aier has been appointed as state convenor to look after

the Namo project.

Earlier, State BJP president M Chuba Ao, in his address, welcomed the Namo project and said the project would go a long way in generating employment for the educated unemployed youth of the North East.

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The Morung Express C

It’s time for dogs to win titles in Dimapur

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(Left) The cutest dog. (Right) Winner of the fancy dress competition.

Morung Express News Dimapur | December 20

A rare occasion in this part of the world, Dimapur witnessed a dog show on December 20. Hosted at Urban Haat, the event was organised by Furry Friends pet store with sponsorship from pet foods major Pedigree providing pet lov-

ers here an opportunity to showcase their furry companions.

Around 37 dogs of various breeds, ranging from the cutest Chihuahua to the friendly Golden Retriever alongwith their human companions, took part in a number of competitive categories. Best of breed, fancy dress, cutest dog, ug-

liest dog, best hair style and obedience were the respective categories.

Yui, a Chihuahua won the cutest dog title; while Lennon, a fancy looking Golden Retriever took the crown in fancy dress.

Army trained Scotch, also a Golden Retriever, took two titles – best of breed and the most obedient. Cimow,

The six-day Dimapur Night Carnival ended on a high note on December 20. The carnival was a time of indulgence for many residents of Dimapur with variety of stalls from food to clothing and games abound. Families as well as young and old people alike thronged to the venue at Super Market daily. (Photo by Manen Aier )

a Lhasa Apso won the best hairstyle title, while Daisy, a mix breed took the ugliest dog title.

The judges at the show were Yangti, a professional dog trainer and Suvanker from Guwahati. The prizes were given away by Col. Kanwar Vikram Singh, former MLA, Atovi Sumi and Dr. Wati.

Enhancing livelihood of poor families

Elderly woman dries paddy rice at Thenyizumi village in Phek district. Agriculture is still the main occupation of the rural populace in Nagaland. Morung Photo/Chizokho Vero

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Oranges abound at a farm in Salulamang Village under Mokokchung district. Rich in vitamin C, A, B and phosphorus and the main source of peel oil, citric acid and cosmetics, orange is considered as one of the potential crops in Nagaland. (Morung Photo)

Transportation for Old Aree Baptist Church 75 yrs jubilee Wokha, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): The transportation committee of Old Aree Village Baptist Church Platinum Jubilee has informed that the bus service on December 28 (Sunday) will be unavailable. Therefore, the committee has arranged bus service on December 27.

All the Old Aree Citizens residing in and around Wokha Town have been requested to report at Police Point, Wokha Town by 8 am.

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Rotary Club PreChristmas celebration DiMapur, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): Rotary Club of Dimapur is organising Pre-Christmas celebration cum Rotary Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014 on December 21 from 6 pm at Rotary Centre, Midland. BK Srivastava, AGM, State Bank of India Regional Office, Nagaland will be the Chief Guest. All members have been requested to attend the program.

Kuda village youth seize liquor consignment DiMapur, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): A consignment of 324 bottles of assorted liquor was seized by Kuda Village youths from an auto-rickshaw on December 20. In this connection, one person identified as Diren Kalita was apprehended and handed over to the Excise department alongwith the seized articles.

The detainee was charged and booked for violation of NLTP Act and the seized articles deposited in the Dimapur District Excise Malkhana which will be destroyed in the next destruction, a press release received here informed.

Assistant Commissioner of Excise, Visedelie Mepfu-o has lauded the youths of Kuda village for their effort and forthcoming attitude in enforcing the law. “Villages and local authorities play a vital role in enforcing and upholding the law. Such active participation and action from the communities is highly commendable and we look forward for greater co-operation even in future,” he added.

Youth gain leadership training at Phek village

phek, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): A three-day Youth Leadership Training under the aegis of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Phek and organized by Joie De Vivre (JDV) Club, Phek, was held at Phek Village Community Hall from December 17 to 19 with the theme, “Compelling vision for the future.”

Kunesa Vero, PA to Minister PWD (Roads

&Bridges) acted as the resource person. Addressing the gathering, Vero stated that a true visionary leader supervises and directs others to follow the correct path to ensure successful journey in life. Urging upon the gathering to have faith and trust in oneself, he quipped, “no one is born without talents.” He encouraged the trainees to pursue lives independently with bold decision

and avoid all negative attitudes.

Stressing on the importance of far sighted vision and plan, Vero said, “If you have a plan to reach the moon you should target for the star.” He added there is nothing impossible if one has a desire to reach the top.

On December 17, District Youth Coordinator (DYC) Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) Phek, Y. Laksman

First Phek Village Elders Day

phek, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): Under the theme “The older will serve the younger,” Joie De Vivre (JDV) Club Phek organised the first Phek Village Elders Day on December 18 at Phek village.

Speaking on the occasion, Niechochiyi Suyie, District & Session Judge, Mokokchung expressed it was important and fortunate of a person to still stay healthy in the society

even after crossing 70 years of age. Stating that lives of the elderly become a living example to the youngsters, Suyie said, although elderly persons automatically become weak physically, the way they speak, their morals, attitude, hygienic condition remain powerful.

“The society stays strong and stable as long as elderly persons’ advices are wisely accepted by the youngsters,” asserted Suyie.

He lauded JDV for organizing the event and at the same time urged upon them to continue to undertake other welfare activities in the best interest of the society.

Earlier, the function was led by JDV advisor Kuvehu Soho, while presidential address was delivered by JDV president Kuzhovesa Soho. Nuvethilu and Vechisalu also presented a special number while Phek

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and leaders of the Village Council, Putu Menden, Senso Mungdang, Church, prominent citizens of the village and the Mopungchuket Planning and Advisory Board took active participation.

A MALT Unit-wise PowerPoint Presentation Competition on the theme ‘Imagine Mopungchuket’ was held during the conference which was received well by all the villagers. Another activity during the conference that was much appreciated was the ‘Mopungchuket SWOT Analysis’ which was an attempt

Village Council chairman shared greetings.

The occasion was also marked by a “Love Feast” and handing of ‘Festive Token’ to the elderly persons by JDV and minister for PWD (Roads &Bridges) Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.

Altogether, 148 elderly persons of 70 years and above attended the event.

The Phek Village Elders Day will now become an annual affair.

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Wishing all my patients, Doctors & people of Nagaland a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Dr. Joy N. Chakraborty

MBBS,MS,FRCS (Edin.), DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology)

(Consultant Urologist) International Hospital, Guwahati & Zion Hospital & Research Centre,Dimapur.

The Dimapur Baptist Women Union carried out several activities in the year 2014.

Among them are exposure trip to Shillong, visit to Ebenezer Orphanage Home and Blind School on September 10. It also organised one day sports’ meet. Seen here are union members clad in Khasi attire during their trip to Shillong.

MALT conference analyse ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats’ of Mopungchuket

Mokokchung, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): The 82nd general conference of the Mopungchuket Students’ Union (MALT) was held under the theme ‘Imagine Mopungchuket’ from December 17-19, where 350 delegates from various units of MALT attended. Unlike in the past, the 82nd MALT general conference was organized in a peculiar manner in an attempt to ‘imagine’ a new Mopungchuket and all activities during the course of the conference were based on the theme. Apart from the students, members

Singh along with his staffs attended the get- together of the JDV and NYK. The trainees also took place in a social work.

JDV President Kuzhovesa Soho in a press release said that youths from Phek village and neighbouring villages drew immense benefit from the training and thanked DYC, NYK, Phek for extending training programme to the club.

DiMapur, DeceMber 20 (Mexn): The Believers Church of Nagaland had a free gift distribution at its Diocese Office at 7th Mile, Tenyiphe-I Village here on December 20. The Church under its Community Development Project distributed 48 sewing machines, 22 bi-cycles and 54 bundles of CGI sheets to 88 poor families for their income generation and livelihood. A similar program was organized on October 10 where 100 families benefited, informed a press release issued by Rev. Fr. Kasthang Kath, Zonal Leader, Believers Church, Dimapur.

The chief guest of the progamme, Joel Nillo Kath, Co-chairman ACAUT Nagaland, lauded the Believers Church ministry for helping the poor. Admitting that the programme is one of a kind, where he had witnessed true Christian ministry of sharing God’s love, he asserted, “today our Christian society is in need of such ministry who really extend the love by helping the poor irrespective of religion or denomination and this should be the message of Christmas.”

Meanwhile, the guest of honour, Liyamo Kath, DSP, OC Special Branch, Mokochung thanked the ministry and encouraged that the Church should continue with its project and help people. At the same time, he appealed to the public to cooperate and pray for the Church leaders so more families would be benefited in the long run.

to analyze and evaluate the ‘Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats’ of Mopungchuket.

Besides, the conference also conducted the Longrimendang Aier Memorial Quiz and Dr. Moa Lemtur Memorial Debate. Panger Lemtur IPS, Post Master General, Dibrugarh and Narola Neizo Associate Professor, FAC were the main speakers who spoke on the theme. A Group Discussion was also held on the theme where all the guest speakers in the five sessions of the conference along with the two main

speakers were the resource persons.

Coinciding with the general conference, MALT also organized a ‘unique’ Quinquennial year celebration commemorating the completion of five years after successfully hosting the 23rd NSF General Conference at Mopungchuket that was held in the year 2009.

Cultural activities, music and entertainment, a mass feast, tabling of various MALT departmental reports, induction of new office bearers, adoption of resolutions and fireworks

were other highlights of the conference. MALT Dimapur performed the opening ceremony while MALT Kohima performed the closing act. The conference also adopted a resolution to move the apex Mopungchuket Senso Mungdang to conduct a ‘Mopungchuket SWOT Analysis’ in all the units under its umbrella. The students attending the conference also pledged to “strive to excel in their respective chosen fields of profession and endeavour as worthy sons and daughters of Ao Temulung.”

Color Size : 2 columns x 11 cm Date of Adv. : 21st Dec.2014

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The Morung Express

Sunday

21 December 2014

Dimapur

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Terrorism threatens to disrupt 4 killed while checking Development & progress: Rijiju polypropylene tank

Kiren Rijiju

SHILLONG, DECEMBER 20 (PTI): Challenges like terrorism, insurgency and left-wing extremism persistently threaten to disrupt the development and progress of the nation, Union Minister of State for

Home Kiren Rijiju today said.

The minister also announced a grant of Rs 2 crore for North Eastern Police Academy's (NEPA) welfare and foreign training component.

The challenges that our country is facing on its march towards achieving its rightful place in the comity of nations are complex and manifold," he said.

The duties assigned to police officers of NE states goes beyond their normal law and order duties and include dealing with insurgency and cross border crimes," Rijiju said.

He was addressing the Dikshant Parade (passing out parade) of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) probationers and Sub-Inspectors of the 40the Batch Course at the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) here.

Rijiju said the Centre will sanction a welfare grant of Rs one crore to NEPA for financial year 2014-15 and provision of Rs one crore is made for foreign training

component from next financial year 2015-16.

He expressed confidence that the training imparted by the NEPA will prepare the police officers to face any such challenges in the future.

I hope that these trainees who are passing out today will not only strengthen the police force but also contribute greatly towards a more secure nation,» the minister added.

Stating that the Indian police occupy a very important place in the system of governance, he said, "this is because it is vested with the mandate to ensure rule of law, prevent and detect crime, and ensure internal as well as external security of the nation."

The minister, however, said that policing has become a very complex

activity in today›s liberal, democratic society adding it requires great sensitivity, intellect, strength of character, courage and above all a very real desire to serve the communities.

In its traditional role of ensuring safety of people besides effective law and order, he said, "The police force, in fact, acts as a catalyst for economic growth of our country."

Stating that NEPA has emerged as the premier training institute for police officers of NE states, he said, "I am happy to know that on the advice of the home secretary, a committee under the chairmanship of the Director of National Police Academy, Hyderabad, has worked out a plan to develop NEPA into a centre of 'excellence.'

DIBRUGARH, DECEMBER 20 (PTI): Four labourers today died after they entered a polypropylene storage tank in Central PSU Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) in Dibrugarh district following which enraged labourers set ablaze the construction company’s office and damaged some vehicles.

BCPL Managing Director Prabhu Nath Prasad said IOT Ltd, a firm engaged for constructing the gas cracker project at Lepetkata, sent a labourer in the tank to check if it was clean.

When the labourer did not come out, another one was sent in by IOT officials to find out what happened to the first one, followed by two others even when the second one, too, did not return.

A rescue team with oxygen masks was then sent after the last two, too, did not come out, Prasad said adding the four were brought out in a serious condition.

Hiren Gogoi and Harish Cheleng died before reaching the hospital, while Gajen Gogoi and Hemanta Das died during treatment there, district SP Rana Hazarika said.

After the incident, labourers of the IOT set ablaze the construction company›s office in the BPCL campus and damaged some vehicles.

The angry workers alleged the IOT authorities failed to ensure safety of the labourers by not checking whether the 20-feet-deep PP storage tank had oxygen.

The PSU was not informed that the four would be sent into the tank, Prasad

Discard internal or external hatred: ZUF

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 20 (MExN): The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) today greeted the “peace loving people of the north east India, the people of Nagas including those across the border everywhere and the Zeliangrong people in particular and the kin tribes, heralding the joyous Christmas, the New Year and Gan- Ngai 201415.” A press note from the ZUF wished all commu-

nities “merry Christmas, happy New Year and joyful Chakan Gan Ngai of hope for the future.”

Terming 2014 as an “eventful” year, the ZUF stated that with Narendra Modi becoming the PM of India, “there has been unique change of order which tends to inspire the mass to go forward with renaissance of patriotism for the better of all.”

“I convey the warm regard of the Zeliangrong

United Front (ZUF) and the like minded people in the region who love peace and progress without hurdle on a dream come true as reflected in the past vision of Haipou Jadonang Malangmei and Rani Gaidinliu when one of our kid and kin Pouh TR Zeliang is anointed Chief Minister of Nagaland and also Pou Gaikhangam, the Dy. Chief Minister of Manipur,” stated the ZUF. It expressed

hope that the two leaders will “come up to the expectation of our down trodden mass as a composite harbinger of peace and development without fighting shy amidst any possible adversaries.” The ZUF further wished that “people from all walks of life shall now discard internal or external hatred to march forward in the revolution for a great change in this threshold of the third millennium.”

The ZUF further congratulated all the frontal Zeliangrong Organizations including the Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Union, Zeliangrong youth Front, AZSU, the Zeliangrong Pui Baudi, the Zeliangrong Citizen’s Forum and others for their “relentless efforts and achievements made towards the solidarity and progress of our people everywhere with the strong enthusiasm for

LOTTERY RESULT

peace, love and unity.” It further informed that the Zeliangrong citizen’s Forum in collaboration with Zeliro Adventure Club had successfully accomplished the Zeliangrong Ancestral lands expedition under the theme “Treading on the historical legacy” from November 20-30, 2014. The ZCF had earlier conducted the same expedition under the theme “Home Coming to Makuilongdi” in 2012.

THE RESULT OF THE MAO UNION KOHIMA RAFFLE DRAW HELD ON THE 20TH DEC 2014 AT THE STATE ACADEMY HALL, KOHIMA. 1. 1ST PRIZE - 6248 2. 2ND PRIZE - 6044 3. 3RD PRIZE - 5875 4. CONSOLATION PRIZES (a) 2557 (b) 5072 (c) 6134 (d) 5584 (e) 6210 (f) 1957 (g) 3953 (h) 2433 (i) 3507 (j) 6481 5. MAO UNION SPECIAL PRIZES 59 tickets of last two 48 digits series THE WINNERS SHOULD COLLECT THE PRIZES WITHIN 15 (FIFTEEN) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE DRAW BY SURRENDERING THE GENUINE COUPON. ANY CLAIM FOR PRIZES AFTER THE STIPULATED PERIOD WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.

Assam Police fare poorly Tripura comes under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana money lenders, keep them overdraft payment.

DECEM- Jindal told IANS. in accountability report AGARTALA, Earlier, banks along away from financial crises With regard to the overBER 20 (IANS): All fami-

lies across Tripura have GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 20 (AGENCIES): The been covered under the maximum number of complaints, registered with the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan state police accountability commission, against Assam Yojana (PMJDY), a national Police in 2013 are related to blackmail or extortion and mission of financial includelay in registration of FIRs and inaction thereafter. sion of all households in the In 2013, the commission registered 36 complaints of country, a top government delay in registration of FIRs and subsequent inaction, 33 official said here Saturday. complaints of blackmail or extortion, 17 complaints of "Till last month (Nov), non-registration of FIRs, three complaints of arrest and over 200,000 new bank acdetention without adherence to the processes of law, counts have been opened two complaints of forcible deprivation of a person of under the PMJDY. Thus, all his rightful ownership of property and two complaints the households in Tripura of death in police custody or in the presence of police, have been covered under against Assam Police. the scheme," Tripura fiIn its report for 2013, which was submitted in the leg- nance secretary Ashutosh islative assembly on Friday, the commission noted that, despite recommendations in the past to the state police chief regarding formulation of accountability parameters, nothing has been done yet.

The commission pulled up the DGP for not referring a single case of misconduct by policemen to the commission in 2013.

GUWAHATI, DECEMSection 78(1) of the Assam Police Act, 2007, emBER 20 (ET): Congress powers the commission to enquire into allegations of serious misconduct against police personnel either suo vice President, Rahul Ganmotu or on a complaint received from either a victim or dhi will lead party’s tirade the National Human Rights Commission or Assam Hu- against Prime minister, Naman Rights Commission, or police, or any other source. rendra Modi government in Assam. The party which Stating that its previous recommendations to enhance police’s accountability have not been implement- was maintaining low proed by the state government, the commission suggested file after Lok Sabha electorthat the government make police stations issue receipts al drubbing is now going all out to attack the NDA govof FIRs with continuous and specific serial numbers, ernment. amend the Assam Police Congress party will Act, 2007, empower the investigating agency of the observe 'betrayal day' on commission to investigate complaints of serious misconduct by police, empower the commission to engage January 4. Rahul will participate in the programme. prosecutors, set up district accountability authorities Congress will launch miswithout delay, make the government and the DGP sion79 plus seat from the submit quarterly reports of departmental enquiry to 2016 assembly polls as a the commission according to the provisions of law and counter to BJP’s mission of conduct orientation courses for SPs and additional SPs 84 plus seat. on police accountability.

with the district administrations identified the families who did not possess a bank account. Then the nationalised and regional rural banks secured accounts for those families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech announced PMJDY. Under the PMJDY, every household gains access to banking and credit facilities.

This plan would help them come out of the grip of

brought about by emergency needs, and most importantly, benefit them with a range of financial products, including overdraft.

Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) chairman Upendra Sabar said that each account holder under the PMJDY would be provided an overdraft facility of up to Rs 5,000 after six months of satisfactory operation of the account. A maximum interest rate of 12-percent would be charged for the

Combing operation to be launched against NDFB militants

GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 20 (AGENCIES): Combing operation will be launched by the specially trained commandos of Indian army, CRPF, BSF, SSB and Assam police against militants in Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) and bordering areas of Bhutan, officials said.

During a press conference held at Guwahati on Saturday, Assam police ADGP RM Singh said that, the combing operation will be launched soon against the militant groups.

“The decision had taken during a meeting held recently and approached to the Bhutan government to give support during the operation,” the top police official said.

“All efforts have been taken to reduce extortion, kidnapping cases in BTAD area,” the official said.

Assam police IGP Dr LR Bisnoi said that, at least 40 militants were killed and 175 others arrested in BTAD area in this year so far.

“Security forces recovered 16 AK series rifles, 121 nos pistol and revolver, 2006 rounds ammunition from militants. This year NDFB militants had killed at least 72 civilans and injuring 40 others in four districts of BTAD,” Dr Bisnoi said.

He also said that, at least 774 civilians were killed in ethnic violence in BTAD area since 1993.

The state party unit is charged up with new congress president, Anjan Dutta taking over the reigns of the party. Riddled by factionalism and infighting, congress in Assam seems to be regrouped. Dutta said, “Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi has requested Rahul to participate in the party’s event here.

We are bringing over 60,000 congressmen from different places of Assam.”

Modi government’s support to Indo-Bangladesh land swap deal, stooping of subsidized ration from January 1, suspension of the registration under the schemes of North East Industrial and

Investment Promotion Policy, 2007 (NEIIPP 2007) and slashing of budget of MNREGA are some issues on which the grand old party is looking to corner the centre government.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that the BJP has done a U-turn on all the promises that it had made to the people of Assam during the Lok Sabha election.

“BJP’s Mission 84 will just remain a dream. The people of Assam have now seen the true colours of this party. Whether it is big dams, the land swap deal with Bangladesh, rations for tea labourers, employment,

Militancy, nature’s fury pound Meghalaya in 2014 SHILLONG, DECEMBER 20 (PTI): The Garo Hills region of Meghalaya witnessed unrest throughout 2014 with militant groups fighting a turf war over creation of separate homelands besides being pounded by floods but a peace pact signed with two outfits provided a glimmer of hope in the northeastern state.

Flash floods and landslides in September claimed over 60 lives and damaged over Rs 1500 crore of property mostly in the West Garo Hills region. This was the worst natural calamity that struck the state in the past century.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma sought funds from the Centre for rebuilding the damages. The disas-

ter however, called for an urgent rethink on how to work to mitigate loss of life and severe damages in the event of nature›s fury.

Militant activities saw a rise during the year with rebels triggering blasts and killing people.

As the state battled with home-bred militants, an incident of a woman's head being blown into pieces by suspected GNLA militants in June suspecting her to be a police informer shocked everyone.

With the incident grabbing headlines, police launched Operation Hill Storm to flush out militants from their hideouts in the jungles.

This resulted in the killing of several cadres, arrest of over 30 militants belong to GNLA, ULFA, ASAK and other smaller militant

groups while over 15 of them surrendered with a huge cache of weapons and ammunition.

In November, Home Minister Roshan Warjri resigned owning responsibility for the law and order crisis in Garo Hills region.

Amid all this action, the peace pact signed with one of the oldest militant groups, the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and its break-away faction, the ANVC-B, in October, was one of the high points for the state.

Both the factions laid down arms on December 15 at Tura where Chief Minister Sangma said his government was committed to bring another rebel group in the Khasi Hills region, Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), to the negotiating table.

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draft facility and other benefits of the scheme, women would get the priority. Existing bank account holders would also get the similar facilities available under PMJDY, the TGB chief told reporters. The official said that both nationalised and private banks could operate accounts under PMJDY. In accordance with the scheme, every account holder gets a debit card called ‹RuPay› card with a Rs.1 lakh insurance cover.

Assam CM seeks Rahul Gandhi as Cong plans to observe betrayal day on January 4

said, adding his company would pay whatever possible compensation to the family of the victims.

The Chief Administrative Officer of the IOT Ltd has been summoned from Mumbai by the BCPL, he added.

The BCPL is implementing Assam Gas Cracker project, the first ever petrochemical project in the North East region that came as a part of the historic Assam Accord of 1985 for overall socio-economic development of the region.

With its foundation stone laid by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on April 9, 2007, the project is expected to generate scope for substantial investment in setting up of downstream plastic processing industries, thereby generating both direct and indirect employment.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

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ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE PUBLIC NOTICE

etc., the BJP was going back on its promises made to the electorate of the State.”

He added, “Within six months the mask fell off and the BJP has come out in its true colours.

Dutta said congress will romp back to power in Assam. “I would focus on removing dissatisfaction within the party and travel across the length and breadth of the State to motivate the party members.”

This is for information to all that the OPD Services at Zion Hospital & Research Centre, Dimapur will remain closed on 24th 25th 26th Dec. 2014 & 1st Jan. 2015. However, all emergency services will be available.

For further information, contact reception:.  03862-231864, 224117, 227337

IMMANUEL, IN UNISON

A COMBINED CHRISTMAS CAROL

(Organized by Nagaland Missions Movement, Missions Department of NBCC and Baptist Churches in Dimapur Town) ND Date: 22 Dec’ 14 | Time: 4:00 pm | Venue: City Clock Tower Compere : Rev. Vilodi Sakhrie & Ms. Arenla Imsong Praise & Worship : Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church

Order of the Service INVOCATION CONGREGATIONAL HYMN SPECIAL SONG WELCOME SPECIAL SONG SOLO GREETINGS

: : : : : : :

MALE VOICE SHORT MESSAGE

: :

MASS PRAYER GROUP SONG SOLO CLOSING HYMN BENEDICTION

: : : : :

REV. DR. WEYIETE LOHE, PRESIDENT, BPFD “HARK THE HERALD” CHAKHESANG BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR REV. ANDREW SEMP, DIRECTOR, NMM HINDI BAPTIST CHURCH, BURMA CAMP MR. TALI ANGH MR. ATUNGO SHITRI, SECRETARY, JUSTICE & PEACE, CBCNEI JOLO VOICE, DRBC REV. DR. L. ANJO KEIKUNG, GENERAL SECRETARY, NBCC FOR DIMAPUR CITY DIMAPUR LOTHA BAPTIST CHURCH MS. ILITOLI AYE “JOY TO THE WORLD” REV. N. TZUDIR, SENIOR PASTOR, DABA

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Sunday 21 December 2014

Is it not a waste?

I

ndia is proud to be a democratic nation.

Despite of its diversity in religion, ethnic, culture and language, it has successfully survived the last six and half decades.

The major reason for the national unity despite of diversity is the Constitution which recognizes and gives equal importance to both majority and minority alike irrespective of backgrounds. The pillar of Indian integration is therefore the acceptance and tolerance of each other in the midst of diverse culture, tradition, language caste and creed.

So long the religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities feel safe and protected, the unity of India remains strong. So long as the culture, religion and tradition of the weaker sections are respected, the integration of India remains unchallengeable. As long as the principle of secularism, as enshrined in the Constitution, is respected and practised, the image of India remains respectable.

Meanwhile, since BJP came to power at the Centre headed by Sri. Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, there has been continuous attacks on the secular foundation provided in Indian Constitution. Reading all about it from paper media and watching television news, both the Houses of Indian Parliament used to devote hours of sittings on a single issue, that is the campaign for Hinduism and its controversy. The combined oppositions in both Houses have to bring it to the notice of the Govt. as to how the limb organizations of BJP have threatened the Art 25 of Indian Constitution by means of proselytization programs.

The Union Ministers and BJP MPs do not hesitate to vocally encourage the rightist organizations to intensify their campaigns.

The successive controversial comments are: The Union Minister of State Smti. Sadhvi Niranjan Joyti branded Muslims, Christians and other non-Hindus to be ‘harza-

don’ meaning those born illegitimately: bastard. She means to challenge the public not to allow nonHindus to rule the country. Secondly, the Indian Foreign Minister Smti.

Sushma Swaraj demanded that Bhagvad Gita, the scripture of Hindu religion be officially declared as the ‘national scripture’. In the event of such official status being granted to Gita, in the words of Amulya Ganguli ...it would ‘relegate the holy books of other religions such as the Quran, the Bible or the Guru Granth Sahib.... to a secondary status’. In the eye of Art 25, all religions are equal and neither one is more important nor less important, nor one is the original and the other is duplicate. Thirdly, the 57 Muslim families conversion took place at Agra, UP. According to Bharat Bushan, the organization Dharam Jagran Samiti (GJS) of RSS is mobilising funds to purchase Muslims and Christians at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh respectively per family for conversion into Hinduism. Fourthly, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj praised the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, Nathuram Godse as a patriot. This was supported by a former BJP minister sadhvi Swamy Chinmayananda. In the words of the famous lady writer Shobhaa De ‘Any attempt to make a hero out of an assassin is perverted and grotesque’. Some of them expressed regret for what they uttered, and yet the milk was spilled.

As read from news papers, the GJS of RSS is intensifying its campaign for more conversion of Christians on 25th of December despite warning being served to them by district administration in UP. The minority Christians living in Hindu dominated States are now exposed to forced conversion to Hinduism. In the event of any Christian refusing to comply may face consequences from Hinduism activists.

For the first time in Indian democratic history, BJP is officially dishonouring the 25th December Christ-

mas Day by declaring it as the ‘good governance day’ coinciding with the celebration of the birthdays of former PM Vajpayi and Hindu Mahasabha leader Madan Mohan Malviya.

The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry headed by Minister Smti.

Smriti Irani directed Navodaya Vidayalaya Schools to have essay writing competition on the day of Christmas. All the Centre Universities are now officially directed to have functions on seminars and debates with attractive prizes of cash. Thus, the BJP Govt. is determined to aggressively and offensively desecrate the 25th December, the Christmas which is the most important day of the year for Christians.

In view of those derogatory remarks, divisive statements and forcible conversions of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism, the opposition had to rock Parliament sessions in defence of secularism and ultimately the integrity of India. No other businesses which are more important than the Hinduism agenda could be discussed as the debates used to be virulent. When welfare issues are sidelined for the sake of Hinduism, the common man will suffer. And when valuable several hours of Parliament sessions are wasted on debates on unproductive and disintegrative issue, it is a great loss to the nation. What a waste!

The questions are: Are we Christians bad Indians? Are we Christians unreliable as citizens of India? Are we Christians a threat to the security of India? Are we Christians not wanted in India? Are we Christians a liability to India? The whole exercises of Hinduism activists proved beyond doubt that BJP Govt. does not trust Christians as Indian citizens.

The Christians in India will be trusted only when they forsake Jesus Christ and become Hindus.

What will the Govt of India say if a Christian dominated State like Nagaland declares the holidays for

Durga Puja or Diwali as working days?

Will forcible conversions and persecutions of Christians really strengthen the unity and integrity of India? Do the Hindus think that forcible conversions and the persecutions inflicted upon the Christians decimate the growth of Christianity in India?

China was more stringent in restricting Chinese from conversion into Christianity. Could it resist and prevent? Is Christian movement in China a failure?

We, the Christians in India, are not disheartened though we are undermined, kicked around, our women raped, despised and insulted to the hilt. We, the Christians in India, are considered to be secondary citizens. Our Church buildings are destroyed, our assets are damaged and our sacred Churches and Schools are desecrated by all kind of insults by majority Hindus.

Nevertheless, let us remain united through prayer and leave everything to God, the Jehovah whose decree is revenge is not ours but His. The only concern is that how others read the two neighbours- Pakistan and India. Pakistan is popularly unpopular because of being lenient to subversive elements and now facing the backlash from the same. Massacring 132 innocent school children

by Taliban is unimaginable. Under the leadership of BJP, India is misusing Hinduism against its own citizens in similar fashion as Taliban is after harmless school kids, Hinduism activists are after innocent and harmless Christians. The Lok Sabha and Raja Sabha have no time to discuss on vital issues on progress and prosperity for India except the controversy on Hinduism which has immobilized both Houses during this winter session. PM Modi has placed his Hinduism cart before his ‘better days’ horse.

Z. Lohe, Former Speaker, NLA.

Unsecured Secularism T

hey were all talking about conversion and non-conversion. It is true that they always talk too much, but some section of the society should not talk at all for the interest of the nation and nationalism.

Especially when Statesmen and temporal entities audaciously attest and sanction religion and incorporate it into the realm of the political, things start to plunge into darkness.

Soon after Modi’s wave sweeping victory in the 16th General Election, a slight stir here, and tiny tremor there have marred his ascension to power. The little events, as they can be termed, can have ballistic impact upon common people for whom emotion dictates the quotients of sentience. A small ripple will result in stimulating millions of zealots with the capacity to conceive beliefs which can take us back to the antebellum independence era that culminated in partition.

Since inducting Modi and his party to form the government, radical rightwingers’ have been fearlessly raising their voicethose in the government, fanatics, crusaders, and propagandists. After all these years as spectators under a ‘silent’ government now, they have come out of their foxholes only to create a pandemonium of malice and an array of distasteful schemes. Perhaps, India finally delivered her quintessential son to lead the nation onward. Economy, information technology, world-class education, top-class health facilities, hygienic environment can take India forward and act as leverage on Modi’s path to development. Sadly, the clamors heard from every corner have shrunk ‘Modi’s development’ to development of Hinduism, or so it seems. Fanaticism is only killing the dream. A day of holding a broom and appearing on the national papers in no way indicates the progress of a nation. Political offices, bureaucratic offices, religious institutions

and ideologies, social evils like honor killing, rape, institutionalized caste system, etc. needs to be thoroughly cleansed. They were, they are, and they will be the root of many a downfall for this nation.

Modi should not listen to such diabolic nation-killer voices.

The present situation is not a sudden product of the recent election. It is rather an off-shot of a system that professes secularism in theory but in action has failed to contain religion-based upheavals on many instances. From Partition in 1947 to the Hyderabad Massacre in 1948, to 1984 anti-Sikh Riot, to Babri Masjid Demolition in 1992, to burning Rev. Graham Staines along with his two sons to death in 1999 to 2002 Gujarat Carnage, and many other violence with the spirit and soul of communalism have constantly jolted ‘secular India’. It still haunts almost every corner, like in Muzzafarnagar, Kokhrajar, Trilokpuri etc.

Other than the inefficiency of the ‘Law and Order Keeper’ a common trait in almost all these communal riots is the role of ‘politicalreligious preachers’. These leaders entreats the followers with rousing speeches and rallies where the ones with ‘blind’ faith follows to the tune of the piper, but this time only to murder in the name of religion. What emboldens the people from participating in communal crime, and the political leaders in persistently delivering anti-religious comments is that there is no due punishment for the inciters and the perpetrators. In every riot or events that falls under communal line the losers are the dead.

Last known, those leaders who instigated the Gujarat Riot, those police officers who remained mere spectators while Gujarat was burning were reinstated.

Such is our state of democracy, secularism, and justice. Xenophobes are born out of this unholy nexus between religion and politics.

The mere act of pricking religious sentiments from

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.

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LEISURE

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I P R D E P A H S J I L F G T A I B R T

The Morung Express

ACROSS 1. Snippy 6. A ceremonial staff 10. Part of an ear 14. Heart artery 15. Dash 16. An aromatic ointment 17. “Received and understood” 18. Unit of land 19. Not the original color 20. New wife of your father 22. Overhang 23. Dull pain 24. Earn 26. Cease 30. Skirt’s edge 31. A type of evergreen tree 32. Assistant 33. Beams 35. Thorny flowers 39. Sidestepped 41. Most destitute 43. Feel 44. Unwanted email 46. Alley 47. Website address 49. Consumed food 50. Sketched 51. Yellow fruit 54. Cans

56. Auspices 57. Feelings of anxiety 63. Hubs 64. Effrontery 65. Audio communications 66. Chocolate cookie 67. Small mountain 68. What’s happening 69. Alert 70. Kill 71. Dispatches

DOWN 1. Taverns 2. Part of a plant 3. Desire 4. Stair 5. Fate 6. Fools 7. A pseudoscience 8. Concern 9. Power 10. Hades 11. A family of American Indian languages 12. Diacritical mark 13. More peculiar 21. Fall color 25. Relating to aircraft 26. Back talk 27. Kid

28. Norse god 29. Exhortation 34. With regard to space 36. Char 37. Feudal worker 38. Goulash 40. Small slender gull 42. Portents 45. Kneecap 48. Chuckles 51. Under 52. Ancient Greek marketplace 53. More pleasant 55. Fathers 58. Found on a finger 59. Central area of a church 60. Biblical garden 61. A region of SE Pakistan 62. Drunkards Ans to CrossWord 3097

political platform should be considered an act of felony. The Preamble to our Constitution clearly enshrines to resolve and constitute India into a Secular Republic, among other ideals. Thus, the statements made by some of our democratically elected leaders should be duly questioned and their life juxtaposed with law, to deliver justice and maintain the sanctity of our Preamble’s declaration. The foundation and integrity of our Republic which boldly declares “Unity in Diversity” should not be a dormant shout like the clanging of cymbals unto deaf ears but a force to reckon with that could daily command every single citizen’s principle.

It starts with training the young minds in schools and colleges where the prescribed texts eulogizes a particular religion. It starts with patronizing certain individuals who at one time were fanatics or strong supporters of certain religious beliefs. It starts with ideas like those that propose that the Bhagwad Gita be declared a national scripture, and all the while our existence were guided by the Constitution, or that’s what we all thought.

It starts with statements saying that Indian Muslims and Christians are children of Ram and those who do not believe it should leave the country. The top notch leaders can make a small remark and apologize to the public. Oppositions will disrupt the proceedings of the sessions. But ultimately the message is distinctly, loudly, and clearly passed on to the common man. A seed of a storm is sowed. The hornet’s nest is stirred and the much known “herd mentality” of the people are deliberately contorted towards bigotry and dogmatism. Any cognizant on secularism is killed.

It is one thing to adhere and safeguard one’s belief system and one’s identity, but another thing to challenge the existence of other’s identity and belief that will invoke hatred and division. Now, the first fruit perhaps is the news which read “RSS body seeks donations to fund Christmas ‘conversions’ in Aligarh”. It was soon followed by conversion/reconversion report in Meerut. We will be hearing such news aplenty in the days to come. With the deepest and highest adoration reserved for Modi by the citizens, his disciples are but making mockery of the Indian Democratic Secular system. Their office is not the platform to insinuate doctrines and make insensitive remarks based on religion.

At best, they can condemn communal riots and killings and make strong legislation against perpetrators.

Somehow, they got it terribly mixed up, or their sense of belonging to a larger group is so overwhelming that they cannot help but start threatening the ‘lesser’ groups.

Human mind is unpredictable. Laying our foundation on this fact, conversion is but a symbol of humankind seeking for ‘answers’ which can or cannot be presented by one single religion. It is personal and private. However, enticing, luring and forceful conversion is a mark of feeble principles. If at all a person decides to shift alliance it should be from “free will”.

In any case, why should we care about people who blow where the wind blows? If material incentive is their sole criteria to become a renegade perhaps even the hard-liner converters should think twice, because the next day they will default if they see greener pastures, which according to legend, is always greener on the other side. Unless, of course, head counts are considered as the utmost criteria to maintain status. In such a case the essence of any religion, which humankind have been seeking since eons, needs to be discarded and the multitudes with no sense of doctrine be allowed to spit venom against the ‘others’. The

scariest part does not rest on the numerical strength, but the fact that humankind has the mindset to unleash such ‘reigns of terror’ against whom they consider not “their own”.

In a world where there is a quantum rise of people discarding religion because of its ill-infliction in the minds and the society (Atheists- claimed to be the 3rd largest (non)religious group), we are wallowing in the dark ages of religious conversion and intolerance. In the worse scenario our policy makers and those we have sent to the Parliament are busy igniting the flame of communalism at every given opportunity.

Curriculum texts, instead of broadening our scientific knowledge and horizons, are misused to superficially glorify religion. Instead of celebrating diversities we resort to naming, shaming, discriminating, hating, and holding vices against the ‘other’. One cannot comprehend why we the people fight against each other, but it is even more perplexing when the highest office(s) are used as apparatus to spread and condone those fights. Concurrently, nobody thinks about penalizing those who fuel-up communalism. India would have been a sight of mass killing site if some people from another faith talk like how they are talking!

Did Christmas just leap out of the window? I, as a staunch critic against any symbolism, could have let the issue pass by as just another phase of development. But amidst severe debates on the issue of religion such ‘morsels of meat’ are thrown at radicals who await and lurk, to pounce like hungry wolves. It is good to spread work culture but not by obliterating a ‘sanctified’ religious day and giving it some fancydress name. This is an allout threat and challenge to Christians in India, because any day could have been a good governance day, but why 25th December? Does India still want to stand as a diverse but unified nation? Or does she want to annihilate any kind of ‘others’ and establish a totally ‘Hindu’ nation. Seemingly, this might be shrugged off as rumor and unofficial, but like I earlier mentioned, the idea is formed and the seed is planted. Soon there will be some acknowledgment to such a call in some corner of this vast country.

We send personnel for peace missions abroad, our intellectuals and leaders are delivering talks, seminars on peace building, justice, equality, etc, others look at India as a fine example of nation building inspite and despite a labyrinth of diversities. But we have major problems to tackle at our backyardWomen are unsafe, despite IIMs, IITs, TISS, JNU etc, majority of the population still need to get access to quality education, toilet, proper sanitation, access to clean drinking water, decent health care facilities, poverty alleviation, and other imperatives.

And we still find time to stoop down to the level of attacking people because of religious differences, and attack ‘other religious institutions’. Are the ‘gods’ and ‘goddesses’ proud of their devotees? Where are the love, peace, giving, faith, and all the goodness that every religion teaches? It is just not there, or the masses are misled because of misinterpretation by fundamentalists. Either India is secular or not secular. Either India is a nation of Unity in diversity or a nation where ‘survival of the fittest, strongest, largest, and biggest’ takes place at the crudest battlegrounds daily. Should it be the constitution that navigates and steers the nations’ or the Bhagwad Gita? Either we co-exist or we break apart.

An In-between policy is simply not an option.

Toshi Longkumer New Delhi

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Sunday 21 December 2014

Dimapur

5

MCCI irked at hourly NPF’s Dmp aKK elucidates previous load-shedding in Mkg office closed for winter statement on MGNReGa wages Dimapur, December 20 (mexN): Elucidating its earlier statement regarding MGNREGA wages, the Aghunaqa Kukami Kughakulu (GBs Association) Niuland today said that representing 38 government recognised villages under Aghunaqa block, it had expressed grievances for payment of its remaining share of 91 days wages for 2013-14 and 98 days for 2014-15 under the said scheme in a “true democratic spirit and values.”

Clarifying to the rejoinders issued by BDO Aghunaqa block and Dimapur District VDB Association, which was published in local dailies on Decem-

ber 18 and 19 respectively, the AKK lamented that the competent department and the Dimapur District VDB Association refuted its statement and termed it 'far from truth and misleading' rather than implementing the scheme judiciously and putting pressure on the department concerned to release the remaining wages.

With regard to the MGNREGA, AKK president, Mughavi Awomi and general secretary, Hetoi Katty in a statement requested the Dimapur District VDB Association to clarify under which clause of the Act it is mentioned that out of mandatory 100 days of wages, 50 main

days are meant for VDB purpose and 50 days for general programme “What does it mean by general programmes?” it asked.

“As claimed by you, that 50 days are utilised for VDB purpose, in which financial year, full 50 days wages were paid to the VDB since the implementation of the scheme in Nagaland? As per our record, till date not even 50 days has been paid to the VDB.” Regarding obtaining signatures of VDB secretary in Actual Payment Receipt (APR), AKK stated it can “put forth the documents as an evidence and proof to substantiate our statement if so demand at

any time.” Further, stating that VDB secretaries are elected by the public to work for the development of the respective villages and not to work under the behest of the government, AKK asserted, “It is the bounden duty of the VDB Union/Association to raise the issue if any malpractices are found while implementing such welfare scheme and not to go against the wishes of the public.” If any complaint arises in its functioning, the secretary concerned can be impeached or removed from its post by the village authority at any time, it added.

Meanwhile, on VIPs

moKoKcHuNG, December 20 (mexN): The Power Department in Mokokchung has drawn the ire of the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) for the hourly load-shedding schedule presently being implemented in Mokokchung town. “(It) is not only causing immense inconveniences to the members of the business community thereby incapacitating them in rendering first-rate service to the esteemed customers, but is

adjustment, AKK said the BDO concerned in his residence had stated that the funds are kept for VIP adjustment and not for VDB payment, when enquired by its vice president.

The AKK has queried if the said wages are not kept aside for VIP, then when can it expect the same and where is the fund judiciously utilised as claimed.

It further demanded to the BDO of Aghunaqa block to bring out the total fund allocation of Aghunaqa block for the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 financial year under the MGNREGA and its utilisation through print media for transparency KoHima, December 20 (mexN): The and accountability.

Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has extended “heartiest” Christmas Greetings to all and expressed hope that the celeagainst the site after the No- bration of Christ’s birth “will vember 30 deadline given strengthen integration and by the organisation lapsed. foster the feelings of oneIn this regard, Murry re- ness and mutual underquested the public to bear standing amongst the Naga with the organisation and people and bring Prosperurged “full and uncondi- ity, Happiness , Peace and Tranquility in the Society.” tional” support.

Stating that someday the Dhansiri River could be the only source of consumable water for the people of Dimapur, it cautioned of water borne diseases if the river is not protected and conserved now at urgency. meDzipHema, December 20 (mexN): Medziphema Echoes, a Facebook group comprising members particularly from He was also Chairman of Medziphema area, successSMC, GMS, Unity Village fully wrapped up its first venand Yimchungru Com- ture in social work by memmunity of Diphupar ‘B’. bers of the group and well “An upcoming and dedi- wishers participating in a cated leader, his death has 'Sunrise Sanitation Drive' in caused a great loss for the the town on December 19.

The same evening at Yimchungru Community,” 4:30 p.m., the group orYTC’s message read.

Further expressing re- ganised a vacation concert gret, YTC extended condo- themed 'Home Ecstasy' lences to the bereaved family which featured prominent and prayed that the Almighty names as well as promiswould comfort them in this ing artists and bands like time of grief and sorrow.

Sedevino Dolie, Mere-

- Kohima Bench, R.N. Lotha, who spoke on the theme “Walk on a New Path to Touch New Horizons”, called upon the student’s to choose their right path and continuously walk the path till they succeed. “Once you so decide, it is a giant leap even as you are still walking,” he said. “On this Golden Jubilee, as we have high hope, belief and conviction that there is a better life, a better world ahead of us beyond the horizon, let us pledge to start walking the new path to touch new horizon from today,” he maintained.

The Home Minister also unveiled the Jubilee Memorial stone, while dedication prayer was offered

by Rev. Achumo Kithan, Home Missionary, Wokha Town Baptist Church.

Dimapur, December 20 (mexN): The Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-SONS) has expressed “immense displeasure” at the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and the Urban Development Department (UDD) for failing to address the repeated demands of the organisation to shift the DMC Waste Dumping Site or to take alternative steps.

A press release from Green-SONS Chairman Jess T Murry mentioned that Green-SONS and the Dhansiri Flood Control Board (DRFCB) have submitted several memorandums to the concerned authority since 2012 to immediately shift the dumping site as it is in the middle of the city and is hazardous to the people

Methaneilie enthral fans in Kohima

living in the surrounding areas. “But unfortunately all appeals and requests landed on deaf ears,” the release stated.

Informing that a consultative meeting was held with the colonies surrounding the DMC Waste Dumping Site on November 28 and got a strong and positive response from the colony leaders, the release informed that Green-SONS is gearing up to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Birthday GreetinGs

Christmas and absorb in self-reflection and prayer and to keep the spirit of Hope with a renewed heart.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us have a heart of forgiveness upon each other and commit one’s relationship with God. And let Peace reigns in our hearts and our land forever,” NMA’s message read.

From Facebook to cleaning Medziphema

YTC condoles TueNsaNG, December 20 (mexN): The Yimchungru Tribal Council has expressed grieve to learn of the demise of Late S. Tokiu(Richard) Yimchungru who passed away from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi on December 19.

A condolence message from the YTC informed that Late Tokiu was the former General Secretary of YTC and was a sincere and dedicated leader.

Dimapur, December 20 (mexN): The Naga People’s Front Dimapur Division will remain closed for the winter from December 22 to January 12, 2015. A press release from Obed Yimchunger, Press Secretary, NPF Dimapur Division, informed.

The Division also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all.

‘Hope Christmas foster feelings of oneness’ Dear, NMA’s message appealed to all to preserve Acheu Nsa the unique celebration of

YSU celebrates Golden Jubilee PIL to be filed on DMC Waste Dumping Site WoKHa, December 20 (Dipr): Nagaland Home Minister Y. Patton graced the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Yikhum Student’s Union as the Chief Guest on December 19 at Yikhum Village, Wokha.

Greeting the gathering on the second day of the YSU’s Golden Jubilee celebration, the chief guest urged the students to work hard and have strong determination to rise up to the top. He also expressed hope that through the YSU jubilee celebrations, not only the students’ community but the entire village populace will witness peace and prosperity in the coming days and assured to extend all possible help from his end.

Theme speaker, Advocate Gauhati High Court

also a damper to the festive mood of the people of Mokokchung in general,” a release from MCCI President Moasangba Jamir stated.

Further stating that load-shedding from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. is proving to be “too costly for the business community,” the MCCI requested the department concerned to reschedule the load-shedding routine immediately in the interest of both the business community and the people at large.

nyangla Pongen, Keneiseno Terhüja, Senti Longchar alias Desert King, Odyuo Kids, Simple Mind, Frost Bite, Echo and local favourite Blank Cheque.

A press release from the group informed that the free-entry open air concert was “for a cause and with a cause as unexpected hundreds, if not a thousand, of people from all walks of life thronged the Local Ground to witness and be a part of the auspicious event besides encouraging the performers who were all bonafide residents of the area.”

Happy Birthday God bless you Your dear friend From Dimapur

Dearest Kumty Kupu

dC Mon distributes relief materials

Our Correspondent Kohima | December 20

Braving chilly weather, thousands of people today thronged Kohima Local Ground as a mega concert "Methaneilie Jütakhrie- the Minstrel 'Old Flames of Local Music," took place under the aegis of Tsütuonuomia Youth Organization (TYO), Kohima Village.

To the delight of the crowded fans, Methaneilie Jütakhrie performed hit songs, Hindi

songs, Christmas songs including some new numbers. The show also featured L. C. Sekhose as special appearance who performed few songs of MJ in rap form. Boulie Whuorie also performed at the show.

The band members of Methaneilie Jütakhrie include Aren Imsong (Guitar), John Jamir (Bass guitar), Kekhrie (Drums) and Neiu Zumvü (Keyboard).

The concert is an initiative to promote Metha-

neilie's songs and to promote him as a person.

Through this concert, the singer envisions to encourage the differently-abled to take up life's challenges and to reach for their goals.

According to the organizer, the proceeds of the concert will be used for charity.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, New & Renewable Energy, Music Task Force Khriehu Liezietsu graced the show as chief patron.

moN, December 20 (Dipr): The Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Angau I. Thou, IAS, visited Yonghong Kenchenshu village today and inspected the houses gutted down by fire on December 17. The victims were also given Rs. 50,000 in cash, 25 bags of rice, blankets and clothes.

Addressing the public, the DC lauded community participation of people in helping to construct houses and providing free food to the people. Thou also lauded the help and support rendered by neigh-

bouring villages, which she said is the good old culture of the Konyaks. She also expressed appreciation of the womenfolk who were taking the task and responsibility of their men in times of such catastrophe.

It is a tradition among the Konyaks to immediately restore houses gutted down by wildfire. In order to prevent the easy spreading of fire in the village in future, the DC suggested doing away with the old system of constructing their houses very close to each other. She also ad-

vised the village council and the students’ body to utilize the VDB fund judiciously and adopt cent percent CGI Sheet roofing in the village under VDB. Mukhao, Angh of Kenchenshu, thanked the Deputy Commissioner and her team for visiting the village and providing immediate relief and showing solidarity with the people in times of crises. He also requested the DC to restore connection of power supply to the village before Christmas. The President KNSK Lomei Konyak,

and the EAC Mopong also spoke and exhorted the people.

The fire completely gutted down 19 houses including the residence of the Pastor and granary belonging to the Church while another 11 houses were dismantled by people to prevent the fire from spreading. According to the report given by the Angh of the village, the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained but it is believed to have been ignited from the bursting of solar battery left charging in a house.

On this special day we thank God for being blessed with a wonderful daughter like you. May almighty bless you a day of joy and a prosperous life. We love you so much.

Odi, Oja & Oba

Public SPace Want Good local meat, not imported meat Open Letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur B

oth India and Pakistan seems hellbent to outdo each other in fulfilling their fundamentalist agendas.

Pakistan, all these years had tacitly aided and supported both the exported Arabian talibanism as well as the localized talibanism of her own people, to meet its narrow political and economical gains. A blow back sooner or later was therefore not out of expectation. A very high ranking American official had commented as a matter of fact in the context of Pakistan that “those having snakes in their backyard should not complain about snakebites”. However, what the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan did was just too horribly too much. The justification given for this killings of school children inside classrooms at point blank range as revenge for the Pakistani military operations against the mili-

tants in the North Wazerstan tribal areas just does not hold water. India can just hope and pray that it is not an indication of what these psychopaths can do to others when they are just totally remorseless in subjecting people of their own faith to such an incalculable tragedy of suffering and pain.

If New Delhi has that grey matter even as small as a pea pod, it should not be fanning flames of its own by the complete insensitivity of declaring 25th December, the Universal Holiday No.1, as a working day of governance. And what is the justification? 25th December happens to be the birthday of the BJP patriarch, the respected Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the most inclusive face and figure of the BJP who sadly has been thoroughly and completely sidelined for all practical as well as non-

practical purposes. Someone, please go, meet, talk and ask A.B.Vajpayee as to what he thinks of this great honor? Without batting an eyelid and with his measured response A.B.Vajpayee would have slowly but surely said, “I wish I had not lived to see this day.” That is A.B.V we all know. God bless him all the more.

The think-tanks of India today have started wandering if and why Narendra Modi is chewing more than he can swallow.

There is a growing perception that having escaped the brazenness of Godhra and the Gujarat riots that followed, Narendra Modi with a majority that he commands is getting all the more emboldened.

And it is now as clear as daylight that his chai-wala humbleness was just an election gimmick. What reason can PM Narendra Modi give for all those paid

and forced conversion of other faiths to Hinduism.

Is there nobody in the BJP in New Delhi to convey a message to the Prime Minister that, the more secularism is compromised in India, the more legitimacy is being bestowed to the extreme elements in Pakistan? Is not India today walking straight into the trap of extreme Pakistan?

There is never any satisfaction for any astrologer to be proved correct when it is a sad case of “Oh! Have I not told you so!”

The festive season is also a time where some people inorder to have a slice of the festivities do not think it wrong to drive away with another’s means of transportation or break into a house and be so kind enough to take away only the gas cylinder, as yours truly too experienced. No doubt, during such times the police are stretched to their limits and work pres-

sure gets to them as well.

Afterall , police too are human. But what-so-ever, is there any justification for a senior police officer to exhort or recommend the lay public individual that firearms should be engaged against such intruders to either maim or kill. Is not engaging a firearm, even by the police, a last resort?

And that too at a petty thief?

Or is it a carte-blanche for a police officer? Are the police eager for a showdown?

It is said that all dues if any should be cleared on or before the 31stof December inorder to step into the new year on a clean slate. As such yours truly too wants his pending dues cleared. Give me good fresh local meat and not imported meat before the year end or I will have to saddle up my well rested horse and go searching for a poster. Till then, Merry Christmas.

Benito.Z.Swu

Subject: Submission of issues for remedial actions through your kind office Sir, With reference to the cited subject, we are presenting some issues to your notice – 1. Current Auto rickshaw fare: We would like to point out that the fuel rate has been cut drastically in the last few months, however, there has not been any action taken by the concerned authority to regulate the fare accordingly. Instead, with the festive season, the drivers are harassing the commuters’ by asking higher rates. The issue here is, when fuel rates goes up even by few paisa or in terms of a rupee, the fare is increased

by Rs. 5/- or Rs. 10/-. But when fuel rate is cut, no action is taken to regulate the rate as per the existing fuel price. Therefore, we request your kind authority to give serious consideration on this matter and take necessary steps to address this issue as only the low income populace depends on this mode of transport.

2. Regulation on plying timings of auto in the main town: We agree that auto rickshaw adds to the vehicular congestions, however, we feel that roads are for the public and restriction of public transportation is discriminatory in nature as not all the populace can afford private vehicles and enter any time one wants. This practice of no entry for public transportation (auto rickshaws) on public roads is not seen even in major metropolitan cities as this mode of transport is the lifeline for commuting in towns and cities. Instead of putting a restriction on the entry, can the authority look into the haphazard parking of the private vehicles on the main roads which we feel is leading to more vehicular congestions. Further, with the restriction the diversion of road to get to one’s destination through a longer route adds up to the rate of fare going up.

We bring these issues to your notice in good faith that your respected authority will give serious consideration and take up the matters with the concerned departments to bring about some relieve to the general public.

Sincerely sd/Naro, Losa, Akum, Moa, Katia, Sani, Asang, Lilyma, Jolly, Ashikho, Kavi, Tia, Akashi, Toikhu, Lanu, Tolika, Asangla, T Alemla, Longshithung, Tiala, Himali, Yeholi, Yazile, Naro

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

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

Sunday 21 december 2014

6

www.morungexpress.com

EXPRESS

Review

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Why the Taliban’s war on Pakistan's Blackest Day children keeps on going The Taliban's massacre of more than 100 students caps an awful year for the world's children.

the militants — attacks that had been quietly enabled by the Pakistani military and state, yet denounced by many politicians in public.

Not all of Pakistani public opinion is against the militants, with a greater majority suspicious of the United States and neighboring India. Fiery opposition figures such as the former cricketer Imran Khan have spent far more effort and time campaigning against Sharif's government and denouncing the perfidy of outside forces than the terrorist groups in Pakistan's midst.

But the proposed talks fell through, in part because of the continued violence and terror waged by the Pakistani Taliban. Now, as a nation mourns and reacts to a new dark chapter in its troubled history, hopefully a more durable consensus will emerge over what's to be done about the Taliban and the political forces that allow it to flourish. t's likely that the military campaign against the militants will intensify. And that's saying quite a lot: Operation Zarb-i-Azb ("the Prophet's sword") has already displaced nearly a million people in Pakistan's tribal areas and laid waste to whole towns.

Schoolchildren in Biran Gali, a remote village in Pakistan's northern mountainous regions, photographed during the author's recent trip to the country.

A

Ishaan Tharoor

The group's top warlords swear fealty to Mohammad Omar, the totemic leader of the Afghan Taliban, an institution that is still linked to elements of the Pakistani military and state and whose leadership still finds sanctuary across the border in Pakistan.

The group draws its support in largely Pashtun areas neglected by both the Pakistani and the Afghan state. Religious seminaries, known as madrassas — many set up with funding from countries such as Saudi Arabia — helped incubate the brand of puritanical fanaticism that defines the Taliban movement.

But since the 2001 U.S.-backed war in Afghanistan, which ousted the Afghan Taliban government, the militants have been forced into retreat and guerrilla war. Their designs on taking power look checked, but their insurgency is resilient. Terror attacks, suicide bombings and destabilizing strikes such as this school massacre have become the Taliban's signature in both countries.

"The militants know they won't be able to strike at the heart of the military. They don't have the capacity. So they are going for soft targets," Pakistani security analyst Talat Masood, referring to the Pakistani Taliban, said in an interview with the news agency Agence France-Presse.

As Kabul fumes over the continued presence of Omar and his allies in Pakistan, the Pakistanis have pointed the finger at the supposed haven given to Pakistani militants by the Afghans. The transfer of a top Pakistani Taliban commander from U.S. detention in Afghanistan to Pakistani authorities last week was seen as a positive sign for future cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad.

horrific attack on a military-run high school in Peshawar, Pakistan, has killed at least 141 people, 132 of whom were children and teenagers attending the academy. The slaughter, carried out by six Taliban terrorists, is the single worst terror attack in the country's history and one of the most brutal assaults on a school anywhere. Even in conflict-ravaged Pakistan, it seems an unprecedented act.

The Pakistani Taliban asserted responsibility for the massacre, calling it retaliation for the military's ongoing campaign against the militants' strongholds in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. For the Pakistani Taliban, schools are vulnerable, "soft targets." By some accounts, the group has struck at more than 1,000 schools in the country since 2009.

These include many schools for girls. In areas under their watch, the militants seek to discourage female education. The conspicuous defiance of one Pakistani schoolgirl, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, nearly got her killed in 2012, when Taliban militants attempted to gun down the teenager and a few of her friends.

In addition to turning education into a security risk for countless children, the Pakistani Taliban has created a public health crisis in corners of the country. Polio has returned among children after the militants banned health workers from distributing vaccines, a consequence, in part, of a CIA vaccination ruse a few years ago in its search for Osama bin Laden.

The Pakistani Taliban emerged around 2007 as a loose coalition of militant factions in Pakistan's restive border areas. It is an indigenous movement that largely targets the machinery of the state and Pakistani citizens, and Political waffling and appeasement Pakistan's politicians have in the past been wants to impose shariah law on the country.

Defeating the group, though, has proved bewil- reluctant to fully confront the Taliban menace. deringly difficult. Here are some reasons why. After coming to power in the summer of 2013, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other key politicians spent months attempting a hatch a Complex geopolitics The Pakistani Taliban's insurgency takes peace process with the Pakistani Taliban. There place in a complex geopolitical landscape. was even a cessation in U.S. drone strikes against

"C

hild Killers," screams the two-word headline emblazoned across The Indian Express. The DNA front page echoes the sentiment: “For God’s sake, not the kids.”

The who, what, where rules of journalism were thrown out the window to capture the essence of our collective horror: They killed children. Not one, not a dozen, but 132, lined up and shot in a deliberate act of vengeance.

This is what felled us in that first moment of comprehension, when we glanced at the TV or scanned our mobile phones. An instinctive moral revulsion that makes us human, that asserts our collective humanity when faced with its negation.

As with The New York Times which dubbed the Peshawar attack the “massacre of innocents,” we understand that children are blameless. They neither asked to be born nor chose their parents nor participated in their real or imagined sins.

All the dead children in Waziristan, killed by the Pakistani army, cannot justify one dead child in Peshawar.

In a world gone mad, when ever increasing and spectacular violence has spawned by ever blinkered titfor-tat rationales, children have come to represent that one, last line of moral resistance. The point when most of us will say, “No, we don’t care who did this or why or to whom. This is wrong.”

Now, let’s be clear this is not the first time children have always been the casualty of adult wars. Everyone’s hands are dyed with the blood of children: The Americans who dropped the atom bombs on

Conspiracy mongering and denial It doesn't help that some within Pakistan's intelligentsia and elites still try to distract from the root problems and peddle delusional ideas about the involvement of foreign actors. Even as the nation reacted in horror to the school massacre, the same tired conspiracy theories got trotted out. The attack, one Pakistani analyst said, was the product of the collusion of Afghan and Indian intelligence services.

Another prominent newscaster tweeted darkly that the date of the attack was no coincidence.

It's worth unpacking that tweet: Dec. 16, 1971, is the day the Pakistani military signed the "Instrument of Surrender" to India, after a brief war in which Indian forces liberated what was then East Pakistan and now the independent republic of Bangladesh. A campaign of genocide unleashed by the Pakistani army had seen hundreds of thousands — if not millions — slaughtered and had sent millions of refugees across the border into India.

That, more than four decades later, some in Pakistan think India's intervention was "unprovoked" is a chilling insight into the denial among a coterie of Pakistani nationalists.

There is also no evidence that India's security apparatus has abetted the Pakistani Taliban, an organization that has no love for the Hindu-majority state. But the proliferation of these conspiracy theories, compounded by blustering over the combined plots of the CIA and the Israeli spy agency Mossad, is now commonplace in Pakistan. And it's a major impediment to confronting a history of tolerating and encouraging regional militancy, for which only the Pakistani state is to blame.

The same knee-jerk hostility was on view earlier this year when Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Islamists and some hard-line Pakistani nationalists denounced the young education advocate as a stooge of foreign interests.

Reacting to the Peshawar school attack, Yousafzai said she was "heartbroken by this senseless and cold-blooded act of terror." But she did so from exile in Britain, where she lives still under threat from Pakistan's extremists.

Ishaan Tharoor writes about foreign affairs for The Washington Post. He previously was a senior editor at TIME, based first in Hong Kong and later in New York.

Haider Javed Warraich

T

his morning, I awoke to images of the same school uniform I wore as a kid cloaking dead and bloodied children. The Pakistani Taliban had attacked an Army Public School branch in Peshawar in northwest Pakistan and executed one of the most cold-blooded massacres in recent memory, killing more than 100 children. I spent my childhood moving from one Pakistani city to another as my parents, both members of the Pakistani military, changed postings. Everywhere I went, I found Army Public Schools willing to accept me—five in total.

I spent the rest of Tuesday numb, standing silently in a stairwell at one point as my mother cried for 10 minutes on the other end of the phone. A colleague at Children’s Hospital in Boston sent me an email saying, “I was sitting in our Cardiac MedicalSurgical Conference this morning, discussing cases of complex heart disease and contemplating the fact that we devote prodigious human and financial resources to saving the life of one child while others somehow see fit to kill children at random.”

One by one, all of the profile pictures of my friends on Facebook went black.

“The smallest coffins are the heaviest,” many wrote.

Tuesday’s horror caps what UNICEF had already called one of the worst years in history for children. “Never in recent memory have so many children been subjected to such unspeakable brutality,” Anthony Lake, UNICEF’s executive director, recently observed. He was referring to the findings of a UNICEF report showing that 230 million children currently live in countries afflicted by armed conflict.

In the latest Gaza war, 538 children were killed and thousands more injured and orphaned; in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, millions are internally or externally displaced; in Nigeria, Boko Haraminfamously kidnapped more than 200 school-going girls. Children have also been battered by the Ebola epidemic in West Africa,

A mother looks over her 15-year-old son Mohammed Ali Khan, who was killed by the Taliban gunmen.

with millions more unable to continue their education because of it.

These complex emergencies have adverse consequences that extend in all directions, including global health. Consider polio, which remains endemic in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria.

Pakistan accounted for 80 percent of polio cases this year, and much of that is the result of extremist violence, wherein terrorists target and murder polio vaccinators with impunity. Infectious diseases and malnutrition run rampant in refugee camps because of the lethal combination of poor sanitation and limited nutritional resources.

In the United States, children have been exposed to unprecedented gun-related violence. Two years ago this month, on December 14, 2012, 20 children were shot dead by the deranged gunman Adam Lanza. In Ferguson, the fatal police shooting of the 18-year-old Michael Brown sparked a nationwide movement to address racial inequities and reform policing. In Cleveland, the fatal police shooting of the 12-yearold Tamir Rice, who was toting a toy gun in a public park, amplified the outcry.

Perhaps the moment that left me most shaken took place far from the violence that affects children around the world. It occurred as I watched the Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai accept her Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, surrounded by dignitaries and celebrities like Aerosmith and Queen Latifah. Yousafzai, at 17, is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. I don’t know whether to celebrate this fact or shudder at it. In her young life, she has seen more horror and hatred than most of the grownups in that ornate hall in Oslo, and yet she has demonstrated more

Peshawar attack on students reveals our immorality Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the Nazis who marched children into death camps. The UN estimates that in four months 300,000 children, including newborns were hacked, gunned or burned to death in Rwanda’s civil war. The Rwandan genocide came with the bone-chilling radio message that said “To kill the big rats, you have to kill the little rats.” In Bosnia more than a thousand children are still missing from a war that ended a generation ago writes Robin Wright in The New Yorker. At least 10,000 children have been killed in Syria since war broke out there in 2011, says UNICEF. In India, children were slaughtered on both sides during Partition, and they have hardly been exempt from sectarian violence since. Attar Kaur, who survived the 1984 antiSikh riots told the BBC. "(A Muslim neighbour) said the mob won't touch children, but when we finally went out we saw dead Sikh children everywhere, still burning like wood."

There were 25 children who burned in those coaches of the Sabarmati Express in 2002. In the riots that followed in Gujarat, children were force-fed petrol and burned alive, killed in front of their parents and pregnant women were gutted.

We kill children all the time in name of jihad, azadi, national security and more.

Yet — and this is our remaining consolation, however slim — it is their deaths that in the end shames us back from the brink. The little girl

Lakshmi Chaudhry and Sandip Roy

Books and note paper litter the floor of the school, dropped as children ran for their lives.

ablaze from napalm became the burning symbol of America’s unjust war in Vietnam. The photograph of a line of little corpses in their white shrouds drove home the horror of Syria’s use of sarin gas better than any UN Rapporteur ever could. It’s the image of a dead child struck down by a drone attack that demolishes the lie of governments who claim it is a ‘humane’ alternative to

war. Of course, it is also why dead children also become part of political propaganda, as in Gaza when social media was flooded with graphic images of dead children and grieving mothers on both sides.

However, as the cycles of violence grind on, we grow more ideologically shrill and morally numb, as last night’s reactions on Twitter sadly revealed. The liberal trolls im-

mediately groused about children killed by Israeli strikes and American drones. The rightwing hawks immediately declared that Pakistan was reaping what it sowed. As Omar Abdullah correctly tweeted “SHAME ON YOU – they are children like yours and mine.”

Both the trolls and the Talibanis disagree. In their worldview, some children are less worthy than others, their lives easily disposed to make a political point. “We selected the army school for the attack because the government is targeting our families and women. We want them to feel the pain,” says Taliban spokesman Muhammad Umar Khorasani.

One hundred and thirty two dead children later, the Pakistani army feels exactly the same right now. Tomorrow or next month or the month after, the army will inevitably extract their pound of flesh in north Waziristan, and more children will inevitably die. In killing school children in Peshawar, the Taliban have effectively rendered invisible the deaths of their own children. Their lives will be made irrelevant by that handy phrase of modern warfare: collateral damage.

When Madeleine Albright was told more children had died from the sanction on Iraq than were killed in Hiroshima, she famously said “I think this is a very hard choice, but the price — we think the price — is worth it.”

We are all okay when children die as part of collateral damage.

compassion and courage than any adult I can think of. Earlier this year, Aitzaz Hassan, a 15-year-old boy in Pakistan,tackled a suicide bomber just outside the entrance to his school, preventing the assailant from blowing up students, and sacrificing his own life in the process. Anyone who has taken care of a young person who is sick knows that no one has more courage in the face of darkness than a child.

But the world would be a better place if kids could stay kids for longer.

Terrorists target children because they understand that there is nothing more horrifying than the sight of dead children.

Tuesday’s attack in Pakistan was in retaliation for one of the most effective military campaigns Pakistan has ever launched against militants in the frontier region bordering Afghanistan. This tragedy only affirms that the military operation must continue, even as care is taken—in this conflict and others—to keep all children, including those associated with extremists, from collateral harm.

The political response to the attack will also be a litmus test for Pakistan’s leaders. Many Pakistanis have long suspected Imran Khan, the cricketerturned-politician, of being sympathetic to the Taliban. His party is governing the province where the assault was staged. A unified, strong, and surgical response to the Taliban is needed. Wanton destruction is futile.

I will never see my school uniform the same way. Looking at pictures from my childhood will now always revive memories of this blackest of days.

But I will also be reminded that it is schools and books, not armies and bombs, that will ultimately defeat the scourge of extremism around the world.

What we can’t forgive in Peshawar is the deliberate, well-planned attack on children. Who picks a school as a terrorist target? Even Taliban’s Khorasani knew this attack was unjustified even by our debased standards.

Hence, his gross attempt to claim moral ground, claiming that instructions were issued not to harm “small children” – which instead conjured up the image of butchers measuring the size of children, like chickens or goats.

This ruthlessness, however, is the inevitable outcome our collective slide down the slippery slope of ‘just war’ defenses, carving out ever thinner slivers of justification for terrorism, paying ever higher ‘prices’ for ‘peace..’

The children died in Hiroshima because the bombs cannot discriminate.

The children died in Gaza because the militants were hiding behind them.

The children died in Rwanda because they were children of other tribes.

The children died in Chechnya because they were the children of other nationalities.

And now the children died in Peshawar, killed by their own countrymen because of the school they go to, the professions of their parents.

The space of “other” to which we must consign children to permit us to visit such barbarity on them has shrunk to the size of a schoolyard.

How much further can it shrink?

So, please, let’s set aside the homilies and theories, and hold on to that moment of blind revulsion. It is the sole remnant of our tattered humanity.

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.

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY

THE MORUNG EXPRESS 21 December 2014

www.morungexpress.com

7

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

God humbled himself to reach down to man Selie Visa God’s unceasing love: No matter how sinful we are, God continue to love us. Christmas is a love story--- the story of God’s love for mankind all over the world. Christmas is the gift of love. God loves us so much that he gave us his only son through whom we have the hope of life eternal. Christmas is the fulfilled prophecy of the coming Messiah. It is the restoration of the broken relationship between man and God. Christmas is the story of God humbling himself and reaching down to man because they cannot reach up to where he is.

A story retold: Why did Jesusbecame man?

There was once a man who didn't believe in the incarnation or the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and was skeptical about God. He and his family lived in a farm community.

One snowy Christmas eve his wife was taking the kids to the Christmas Eve service at church. She pleaded with him to come, but he firmly refused.

"I am truly sorry to distress you," he told his wife, who was a faithful churchgoer. "But I simply cannot understand this claim that God became man. It doesn't make any sense to me."

Shortly after his family left, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As he looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.

A few minutes later, he was startled by a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, then another.

He thought that someone must be throwing snowballs at his living room window. When he went to the front door to investigate, he found a flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow. They'd had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter had tried to fly through his window.

He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. "I can't let these poor creatures lie there and freeze to dead." he thought. "But how can I help them?"

Then he remembered the barn where the children's pony was stabled. It would provide a warm shelter. He thought to himself, "The barn would be a great place for them to stay. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night there and wait out the storm. He put on his coat and galoshes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn. He opened the doors wide and turned on a light. But the birds didn't come in. "Food will bring them in," he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs, which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail into the barn.

To his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow.

Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them waving his arms, he run after them, and chase them toward the barn. But they only got scared and scattered into every direction except into the warm, lighted barn.

Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me! Can't they see that this is the only place where they can survive the storm? How can I possibly get them into the one place to save?”

A

dmittedly Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year. The smells, the lights, the music, the gifts—I love it all. As a father, being able to watch my sons unwrap an earnestly longed for present on Christmas morning is one of the greatest joys of my year.

I'll never forget one Christmas when the gift giving was finished and the family was gathered eating breakfast and enjoying the recently opened packages. My oldest son opened several presents that Christmas morning, but not the present he was desperately hoping to receive. Though he was outwardly expressing thanks for the gifts he had opened, the disappointment could be seen in his eyes. There was only one present he really wanted.

After about 15 minutes of family time, my wife casually announced, "Hey, honey, didn't we forget one gift?" All of a sudden you could smell the anticipation in the air. Hope was beginning to simmer.

"They find me a strange and terrifying creature," he said to himself. "And I can't seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me. If only I could become a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety..."

He stood silently for a moment as the words that he just said reverberated back to himself in his mind: “If only I could become a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety..."

He thought about this as the winds and blinding snow abated, his heart became quiet and pondered this thought. He understood what Christmas is all about. He knew why Jesus Christ had come.

Just at that moment, the church bells began to ring.

He stood silently for a while, listening to the bells pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. "Now I do understand," he whispered. "Now I know why You had to do it."

Our greatest problem The problems of this world never end. We face problems of war and conflict, floods and earthquakes, poverty and hunger.Next we have personal problems like finance, health, relationship between spouses orbetween parents and children, getting a good education and finding employment.Then we have the problem of sickness and inevitable death.We have so many problems. But our greatest problem is sin.

The original and personal sin “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned…” (Romans 5:12).

From the beginning we have a sinful nature. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s commandment, a single commandment and sin entered mankind. The good relationship between man and God was broken. Adam is the natural head of the human race and his sin has passed to the entire human race.Furthermore we are guilty because of our own sins. The Holy Spirit inclines us to do what is good, but our sinful nature draws us away in the direction of sin.

The result of sin is death “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”(Romans 6:23).

Physical and Spiritual Death Physical death is unavoidable. Man or woman, rich or poor, death will come to all. And there is no law which says the old ones will die first. Parents may die first. Children may die first. Anyone may die at any time, any moment. Still there is a greater death than physical death. The worst death is spiritual death, this is eternal separation from God. The way out of sin to eternal life "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16 & 17).

What can clean our sins? Who can clean our sins? Sin cannot clean sin. A sinner cannot save another sinner. Only Jesus can lift us up from the pit of sin and wipe away the filths. Only Jesus can save us from sin, condemnation and death. Only in him can

we find eternal life.

The good news of God's love offers only two options: to believe or to perish. Eternal life, which is accepted by believing, is a gift of God and brings with it the fullest blessings God can bestow. To perish does not mean to cease to exist; it means to experience utter failure, futility, and loss of all that makes existence worthwhile.Notwithstanding this gloomy picture of "lost" or "perish," God's purpose toward humankind is positive; it is an attitude of love. He is not seeking an excuse to condemn human beings but is rather endeavoring to save them.

His purpose in sending Jesus into the world was to show his love and to draw people to himself.

Our Savior is born!

In Luke 2:8-14we learned that as shepherds were keeping watch over their flock, first a single angel appeared to them and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news…” Next many angels appeared and sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Our Savior is born in Bethlehem. Let us join the angels and sing with joy and thankful hearts.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Because of their disobedience God cast them out.

But before he cast them out, He did something, an act of love… “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them”(Genesis 3:21).

From the beginning of times till today God’s love for us has not diminished or ended. God’s love has paved the way for us to receive eternal life through Jesus Christ. God loves us. He always has. In Christ he reaches out to us. The next move on whether to response to his love or reject it is now up to us.

The Unspeakable Gift Long ago, there ruled in Persia a wise and good king.

He loved his people. He wanted to know how they lived.

He wanted to know about their hardships. Often he dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar, and went to the homes of the poor. No one whom he visited thought that he was their ruler. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate. He spoke cheerful, kind words to him. Then he left.

Later he visited the poor man again and disclosed his identity by saying, "I am your king!" The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn't. Instead he said, "You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!"

The King of glory, the Lord Jesus Christ, gave himself to you and me. The Bible calls him, "the unspeakable gift!"

Our greatest need If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasure,

Why the best gift can't be wrapped Ricardo Sanchez "One more gift? ... Could it be mine?"

You could hear the questions running through my son's head. The family began to gather around as I walked from the back room holding one more ornately wrapped present. "Oh yeah, how could we have forgotten this gift?" I said as I walked toward my oldest, extending the present. My son froze in utter unbelief, and then he frantically began to rip through the bow and wrapping paper.

There it was—the gift he was hoping he would receive. Tears began to stream down his cheeks as he walked over to his mother and me with a huge hug and said, "Wow! I can't believe you guys did this for me. Thank you."

As a father I love being able to provide for my sons and my wife. I find no greater joy than giving a gift that is so earnestly desired. I think it's a small picture of how Christ feels toward you and me as His sons and daughters. Christmas is about presents but not necessarily the ones under the tree. You see, Christmas is about the gift God put on the tree. The free gift God gave at Calvary needs to be accepted and opened, just as if it were a present under the tree. The gift of eternal life, the gift of unexplainable joy and peace, the gift that despite what is going on in your life, you can rest assured in the promise that your Savior holds you in the palm of His hands.

As Christians, Christmas should be cel-

God would have sent us an entertainer; But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

--- Unknown The Grief of Christmas You have heard and will continue to hear more about the joy of Christmas in the coming days. But there is a very sad part to Christmas too.

Herod was power crazy. He was the King of the Jews and don’t want any threat or opposition to his throne.

When he came to know from the Magi about "the one who has been born king of the Jews", he decided not to take any chances and eliminate whoever that is. So, in his vain attempt to kill Jesus, Herod massacred all the male children who were two years old and under in Bethlehem and all vicinity of Bethlehem.

Note: It was not only the children he killed. Suspicious of conspiracy to usurp his throne, he killed his wife Mariamne, her brother, her mother and his own brother. His punishment from God for slaughtering innocent male children was immediate. Within six months of massacring the children, he contracted a loathsome and painful disease. His physicians were helpless and Herod was also taken to the hot springs on the east of the Dead Sea (these springs are believed to have healing properties) in the hope of a cure but to no avail and he died.

There is a great lesson we can learn from this terrible event. Under any bad leader or government the citizens are certain tosuffer. We must pray for these bad or corrupted political leaders. We need to speak out boldly against such evil leaders and their governments. We are called to help people anywhere in the world who are persecuted and suffering under wicked political leaders or ruthless governments.

Immanuel - God with Us Isaiah 7:14 is a familiar prophecy that is quoted in Matthew. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus “the Bread of Life” was born in “the House of Bread” (Bethlehem). The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is the evidence that God is with us. There is a feeling in many hearts and minds that God is distant and detached.

People of every race, culture and nation are trying to find God and discover the meaning of their lives. But God is not hiding. He is not distant. He has drawn close to us through Jesus. Christmas is the account of God coming down to us because he cared. In almost every case the grieving person need someone who will share their sorrows and their pain. They want someone to help them through the times of transition and someone who will listen to them when they need to talk or when they need to cry. Jesus is with us. He is with us so that we don't have to face the tough times of life alone. He walks with us. He holds our hands. He dries our tears.

The message and the meaning of Christmas does not cease when the celebration is over. Christmas is not really about a celebration, Christmas trees, Santa Claus and piles of gifts. Christmas is not about 25th December.

Christmas is about everyday life. God is with us. Remember that fact everyday day, every moment and throughout the rest of the coming New Year.Have a blessed Merry Christmas and a blessed Happy New Year.

ebrated as a daily practice not just during the month of December.

I know for many, Christmas can be a season of pain, heartache, or even pressure to provide when the budget simply isn't there. I know the challenges of life can be overbearing and those challenges can be magnified during the holidays.

But I urge you this month to set your focus and energy on Jesus and to learn to unwrap, maybe for the first time, the gift that was delivered in the most unexpected way. You may not know what your future holds, but you must remember who holds your future. May you be filled with an everlasting love for the gift of the cross.

"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." —John 10:10, THE MESSAGE Ricardo Sanchez is the author of It's Not Over, which released September 2012 by Passio. He is a Grammy-nominated, Dove-Award-winning international worship leader and a sought-out conference speaker.

Living Out Jesus’ Mission This Christmas

J

Mark Dance

esus’ first sermon was a disaster. His home church in Nazareth was the setting for His first sermon and the launch of His public ministry. Things looked promising at first: “They were all speaking well of Him and were amazed by the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Luke 4:22).

By the end of the sermon, “…everyone in the synagogue was enraged. They got up, drove Him out of town, and brought Him to the edge of the hill that their town was built on, intending to hurl Him over the cliff” (28-29).

It was a failure to launch in front of His friends and family … disaster. I would have been tempted to abort the mission and find an easier way to make a living.

Thirty-two years ago, I preached my first sermon at my home church of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, and it went far better for me than it did for Jesus. I had a very supportive crowd on that Sunday night. That youth-led service was destined for success because we had a fan in every pew.

Why was Jesus’ church family so unreceptive; even violently opposed to His message? Jesus was a man on a mission— to fulfill the role of Messiah. They were OK with Jesus as a healer and teacher, but not as the Savior of the world. We see Him clearly lay out His life’s mission from Isaiah 61, which He claimed to fulfill personally. This clearly set them off. That message still sets some people off because of its bold claims about Jesus.

Jesus’ life mission and message have not changed since that original sermon.

Neither has our mission changed since it is directly tied to His. The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because he has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2).

So how can we live out Jesus’ mission over the holidays? Here are four simple ways: Preach Good News to the Poor Some prefer to the use the term “Gospel” instead of “good news.” I’m not sure poor people really care which word we use as long as we are giving them real hope for their lives. Good news seems to be more eagerly received by those who are in bad shape. The “poor” are those who have proven unable to care for themselves. They are thereby the responsibility of the local church, not just the parachurch ministries or government.

Jesus makes good on His promise by spending a lot of time with outcasts, lepers, prostitutes, women and children.

Since His mission is my mission, what opportunities are available in your community to share the good news of the Gospel with your neediest neighbors? I can immediately think of one opportunity for me.

Whoever is kind to the needy honors try to convicted prisoners. As a pastor and God (Proverbs 14:31). volunteer police chaplain in my city, I have visited a few prisons in Arkansas and can Grant Freedom to the Captives honestly say that I have left each one with Our most obvious application is minis- a sense of missional fulfillment. Openness

is one of the few attributes of brokenness, and prisoners are, in general, very open to hearing from someone who cares about them.

What ministry to prisoners or prisoner families (Angel Tree) can you support or help with over the holidays?

Give Sight to the Blind We see Jesus giving sight to both the spiritually and physically blind. Jesus’ home church was openly curious to see Him perform miracles, which He was reluctant to do because of their motives.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the Gospel (2 Cor 4:4).

I believe that Jesus still heals the sick as He did in His earthly ministry. We should not hesitate to pray for the sick to be healed, then trust Him for the outcome.

Who needs prayer for healing in your family, work or church?

Release the Oppressed “Oppressed” means bruised; broken into pieces. The original passage says, He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1).

As we minister to the brokenhearted in our churches, may we also take the opportunity to love those hurting within our own biological families. Thanksgiving and Christmas may be our best opportunities to release (a.k.a. forgive) someone who has oppressed us as well.

Mark Dance serves as associate vice president for pastoral leadership at LifeWay Christian Resources. A native Texan, Mark pastored churches in Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas before joining LifeWay. He has been married to Janet Kendrick since 1988, and they have two children: Holly and Brad.

CHRISTMAS- A blessed time to resuscitate our fellowship of grace with God

I

t was Christmas that brought GOOD NEWS of great joy for all the people of the world.

God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, who created us in His own image, came to dwell amongst us in the likeness of a sinful man to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Why is God so mindful of us and care for us? Why has He endowed us for a special place and purpose in His designs and creations?

Why has He crowned us with glory and honour? Why has He made us ruler over His works and put everything under our feet?

God saved us through all those who found favour in His eyes, and established Covenants not to wipe out mankind. But God finding fault with us because we did not remain faithful to His Covenants, established the Ministry of Jesus with a New Covenant founded on better promises of grace and truth. God promised to forgive our wickedness and no more remember our sins.

Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant, giving a better hope by which we can draw near to God, and promising us our eternal inheritance to the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the guarantee of the New Covenant and He lives forever to intercede for our eternal fellowship of grace with God. Jesus has promised those who seek God that He will open the door to them to find God. The mortal human journey must be traversed to discern the Will of our Creator to befit our lives into His designs. That makes our fellowship with God indispensable. The present education and living that is mechanizing our intellect in the pursuit of material well-being and worldly knowledge devoid of divine wisdom, is destroying our roots for survival in the Providence, and the resulting Dionysian spirit is overpowering the divine spirit in us.

Conscience, one of the greatest gifts God bestowed in us, is that faculty which must be awakened and resuscitated to receive the Word of God. Conscience is that sounding-board in every one of us for hearing the voice of God so as to take control and make our mortal journeys in the service of humanity towards the fulfillment of the purposes God created us for.

What other better time that could come in our lives than this Christmas? Christ, who is from time immemorial, is waiting to open the door for God’s entry into our lives. Let the Spirit of Christmas with the centrality of Jesus, be the only key to open the sinful locks of immortality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the likes, which has kept that door closed precluding God’s entry into our sinful mortal lives.

With best wishes to all for a blessed Christmas, and a happy New Year, from my family.

P. Leonard Aier, Principal, City Law College, Dimapur

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Sunday 21 December 2014

The Morung Express

Jharkhand and J&K witness brisk voting JAMMU/RANCHI, DECEMBER 20 (IANS): Nearly seventy percent of the electorate turned up in Jharkhand while about a fifth of voters exercised their franchise in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday’s polling.

Over 25 lakh people more than 70 percent of the electorate - Saturday exercised their franchise in the fifth and last round of the assembly election in Jharkhand, officials said.

Sixteen constituencies voted Saturday in the final phase. Of the 16 seats, seven were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

"In the fifth and final phase Saturday, the state witnessed a record 70.42 percent polling. The highest polling was recorded in Pakur with 75.5 percent, followed by Littipara with 75 percent," an Election Commission official said.

The lowest turnout was recorded in Mahagama at 66.32 percent, the official said, adding that polling was by and large peaceful.

The fate of 208 candidates, including 16 women, were sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines

(EVMs) in this phase.

A total of 36,90,069 voters - that included over 19 lakh males and more than 17 lakh females - were eligible to vote at 3,773 polling booths.

Voting started at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m.

Of the total booths, 833 were declared 'very sensitive', while another 1,496 were declared 'sensitive'.

As many as 22,240 personnel were deployed in the fifth phase.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the sitting legislator from Dumka, contested from two constituencies - Dumka and Barhet.

In the 2009 election, the JMM had won nine of the 16 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party two.

Other prominent candidates in the fray in the final phase were Speaker Shashank Shekhar Bhokta, cabinet minister Lobin Hembrom, Sita Soren, Louis Marandi, Hemlal Murmu, Simon Marandi and Pradeep Yadav.

Votes will be counted Dec 23.

Meanwhile, braving

Indian women, wrapped in shawls to keep warm, stand in a queue to cast their votes outside a polling station during the fifth phase of voting, at Satrayan village near the India-Pakistan international border, about 32 kilometers from Jammu, India, Saturday, December 20. The fifth and last stage of polling is being held in Jammu and Kashmir state and Jharkhand. (AP Photo)

the winter chill, about onefifth of the voters Saturday exercised their franchise in the initial hours in the last phase of the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly elections, an official said.

The Election Commission official said after a dull start, voters started to line

up at many polling stations in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts.

Nearly 18 percent voter turnout was recorded during the first two hours, he said. Polling tarted at 8 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m.

Polling is being held in 20 of 87 assembly constitu-

encies. Over 18 lakh voters are eligible to decide the fate of 213 candidates.

At a model polling station in Gandhinagar area, arrangements have been made by the poll authorities to serve tea to the voters.

Adequate arrange-

ments have been made in the polling stations lying close to the international border and Line of Control in Jammu district, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, district election officer, told IANS. Contingency arrangements have also been made to shift polling stations to

safer locations if there is any incident of firing from across the border, Sahu said.

Security checkposts have also been set up to ensure that subversive elements are prevented from interfering with the democratic process, he added.

In Jammu East, Jammu West, Bishnah, Marh and Nagrota constituencies, considerable numbers of voters had turned up at the polling stations.

In the border constituencies of R.S. Pura, Suchetgarh and Akhnoor, voters came out in larger numbers compared with urban centres.

Women voters outnumbered men in Kathua district's Hiranagar border constituency.

In far-flung Bani and Billawar constituencies of Kathua, voting started on a low key although poll officials said the process would pick up as the fog lifts and the day warmed up.

In the four constituencies of Rajouri, Kalakote, Darhal and Nowshera in Rajouri district, voting was slow in the morning.

In Jammu district's Chhamb constituency, the majority of voters are farm-

ers who also rare milch cattle besides tending their agricultural fields.

Even if you want to restrain your conversation to the day's voting and future expectations, the voters vent their anger before talking about anything else.

"You have seen this road? It has not be metalled nor black-topped since 1998. It has been the same for the last 18 years. What is true of the road is true of everything else here," said Pratap Singh, a taxi driver of Hamirpur village.

"Whatever the ultimate result of the assembly elections elsewhere, we are voting for change. Our lives have become hell due to border shelling and complete neglect by the people in power," Singh, 45, said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to turn up in record numbers in the final phase of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand.

"I urge all those voting in the fifth and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand assembly polls to turn out in record numbers and vote," Modi tweeted.

with the Modi may order insurance, BJP distances itself from religious conversions ‘Selfie Mufflerman’ by AAP to raise funds coal reforms if vote delayed NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 20 (REUTERS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi may consider using an executive order to push through laws overhauling the insurance and coal sectors, if the increasingly fractious parliament fails to pass them soon, two government officials said on Friday. Bitter and sometimes sectarian disputes between ruling party and opposition lawmakers have held up a number of bills scheduled for this session, raising concerns among investors about Modi's ability to pass reforms to revive the economy.

Modi may resort to the rarely-used order to lift the caps on foreign investment in the insurance sector to 49 percent and renew another order opening up the coal industry to the private sector, if parliament

fails to pass them before it adjourns on Tuesday, the officials told Reuters. "The route is always available but we are yet to decide," said one official, who is not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

Such an order will need to be approved by lawmakers within six weeks of the opening of the next session of parliament – scheduled for the beginning of February.

India's president would also need to agree to the decree.

Modi, who was elected in May on the back of promises to boost jobs and economic growth, has seen his reform agenda stymied by divisive statements by lawmakers in his Hindu nationalist party.

Opposition parties have been protesting for more than a week after a Hindu priest-turnedlawmaker in Modi's party

said he planned to support an event that organisers said would mark the conversion of thousands of Christians to Hinduism in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh on Christmas Day. The ceremony was cancelled this week, but the opposition has been pressuring the prime minister to make a statement on it in parliament.

Most observers had earlier expected Modi to secure coal and insurance reforms this session because they enjoy rare bipartisan support.

"If the bills are not passed it will show badly on Modi's resolve on reforms," said U.R. Bhat, managing director at Dalton Capital, a unit of British-based investment management firm Dalton Strategic Partnership LLP that manages nearly $2 billion in assets.

Government takes disciplinary action against Khobragade NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 20 (PTI): A disciplinary as well as an administrative action of "compulsory wait" has been taken against diplomat Devyani Khobragade, who had hit the headlines last year after she was arrested in the US in a visa fraud case, even as the foreign service officer remained defiant that she has not done anything wrong. It is understood that a departmental inquiry into 40- year-old diplomat acquiring US passports for her children without informing the ministry has been concluded and has found that her action was "violative of conduct rules" leading to a disciplinary action has been taken. However, the nature of the action has not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, the External Affairs Ministry, which is believed to have initiated yet another

inquiry into the issue of her talking to media without official permission, has put Khobragade on "compulsory wait". She was a Directorlevel officer in the development partnership division of the ministry here after her return from the US in January. However, the former Deputy Consul General of India in New York Khobragade asserted that she has not done anything wrong - be it taking dual passport for her children or talking to media. Ruling out that she will resign after being put on "compulsory wait", she defended her action of taking the US passport for her two children, who were given diplomatic passports at the time of her posting to America, saying under the service rules, minor children can have two passports and there was nothing wrong in that.

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 20 (REUTERS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said on Saturday it does not support forceful religious conversions, distancing itself from a sensitive issue that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and hurt the government's reform agenda.

Modi has in recent weeks come under fire for being slow to rein in his hardline affiliate groups that are allegedly trying to promote a Hindu-dominant agenda by luring Muslims and Christians to convert to Hinduism.

Critics say such groups undermine the secular foundations of multi-faith India and have become more assertive since the BJP swept to power in May. "BJP is not supportive of any forceful conversions," party president Amit Shah said, adding that his party was supportive of bringing in an anti-conversion law.

India's 1.2 billion people are predominantly Hindus, but the country has about 160 million Muslims and a small proportion of Christians.

Religious conversions are a hot button issue for Hindu nationalists in India, which was colonised for centuries by Muslim and Christian invaders. Some hardliners want the entire country to become a land of Hindus.

Earlier this month, Muslim slum-dwellers complained they had been tricked into a conversion ceremony by Hindu groups who attracted them with promises of cheap government rations and voter identity cards. Police are investigating the case.

In another incident, a Hindu priest-turned-MP of the BJP planned a conversion ceremony on Christmas Day, but cancelled the event after the prime minister intervened.

Supporters define such events

VHP reiterates call for anti-conversion law

KoLKATA, DECEMBER 20 (IANS): Slamming the opposition for stalling parliament over the conversion row, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international president Praveen Togadia Saturday pressed for an anticonversion law.

Addressing a mass meet here organised as part of the VHP's golden jubilee celebrations, Togadia also attacked the Mamata Banerjee government for trying to woo the minorities at the cost of Hindus, and called for getting rid of Bangladeshi infiltrators.

"Those who are stalling parliament over the Agra issue are antinationals and anti-Hindus. If they are so much against conversion then why isn't an anti-conversion law being passed," said Togadia.

Targeting Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, Togadia said: "Mulayamji you are known for taking anti-national stand, but if you endeavour for an anti-conversion law we will support you".

While he dubbed Banglaas a 'homecoming', saying families signing up for the ceremonies were originally Hindus.

"A police complaint has been registered against the so-called homecoming programme and the matter has reached the court. ... Let the court decide if it was a forceful conversion or not," Shah said.

Modi's agenda to push through reforms to boost economic growth has hit a roadblock in the Lok Sabha, where opposition lawmakers

deshi infiltrators as a security threat, Togadia demanded Indian citizenship for Bangladeshi Hindus who have been persecuted and driven out from the neighbouring country.

"There is an urgent need to drive away these Bangladeshi infiltrators whose number has gone past three crore now," he said and asked Mamata Banerjee not to discriminate against Hindus.

"Mamataji is wooing the minorities by calling for reservation and doling out honorarium to imams. I ask what wrong have the unemployed done; why are they not entitled for any grant?" he asked.

Speaking on the same lines, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat too called for an anti-conversion law.

"Everybody is now talking about conversion. If everybody is so much opposed to it then why is not a law passed to this effect," Bhagwat said and called on Hindus to unite for the sake of the country. have demanded that the prime minister make a statement on the contested conversions issue.

The Hindu nationalist leader has so far refrained from doing so, and has let his colleagues fend off criticism.

"The BJP speaks with a forked tongue," national spokesman of the opposition Congress party, Sanjay Jha, told Reuters, accusing the BJP of using economic reform as a way to a camouflage its Hindu agenda.

India's growth to have impact on Africa in 2015 ACCRA, DECEMBER 20 (IANS): With just days to go for 2014 to end, a new study has projected a steady growth in India, which from every indication is likely to have some impact on its dealings with Africa which is also being seen as a growth zone next year.

The Standard Chartered Bank's Global Research team has projected India to be "a positive surprise" compared to the situation in other parts of the globe.

"More importantly, sentiment is also rising sharply due to changes made by the new government to reduce red tape and promote investment," the team said.

Former Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) president R.V. Kanoria said earlier this year that the Indian government has been proactive in its commitment to encourage investment in Africa.

"Indian investments in Africa have increased 14-fold in the past year and we are hoping that by next year it will rise to $100 billion," he said.

In addition to investment, India has also been active in capacity building and knowledge sharing, particularly in the area of private public participation

(PPP) across the continent.

Indian officials say, the public sector in India has partnered with the private sector to bridge the infrastructure gap resulting in 50 percent private investment.

With more than a 1,000 PPP projects, India is said to have perfected the PPP model, which could arguably provide a solution to Africa's infrastructural deficit.

Emmanuel Mbi Ahas, African Development Bank's (AfDB) first vicepresident and chief operating officer, expressed Africa's desire to learn from India and the AfDB's will to support such efforts.

India's success story in the implementation of the PPP model makes it an important partner in facilitating its adoption in Africa. Analysts at the AfDB say India is one of the developing countries to have successfully received a large-scale investment to the tune of $300 billion in infrastructure under the PPP model.

According to them, the Indian government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Development Bank Group to share

the model agreements and legal documents associated with PPPs to facilitate implementation of this model in African countries. This gives some hope for the continent in the coming year.

India's possible assistance to Africa has been given a further boost given the fact that the Standard Chartered group has praised the country's central bank for its increased credibility which, it said, had helped it rein in inflation and come to show that India was poised to meet its promises to Africa despite its internal challenges.

With projected stronger growth and slower inflation in the coming years, it is clear that India is positioned to either increase or maintain its assistance to Africa which is in dire need for help. However, it does look that all is not lost in Africa as the report has predicted that the African economy will continue to grow and have gone ahead to project a growth of 3.4 percent from 2.9 percent in 2014.

It however said this confidence "will require more than just better economic indicators to drive it", adding that this would need "a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction, and not the outcome of a weighted average

of quantitative benefits multiplied by quantitative probabilities".

In November, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said in a report that, in order to ensure that growth is both sustainable and beneficial to all strata of society in Africa, countries on the continent, including North Africa, "must adopt industrial policies that are germane to their own local contexts and set up strong institutions with the mandate of formulating and pushing through such policies".

It said, several country case studies across Africa, show the continent's failure to transform itself industrially to inadequacies in industrial policy design.

"These deficiencies, results from the erroneous pursuit of a one-size fits all approach to industrialisation learnt from elsewhere, the lack of policy dynamism, gaps in high-level coordination and the acute lack of consultations with all stakeholders especially those of the private sector," the ECA report said.

Beyond dissecting the difficulties on industrialising in Africa, the ECA report catalogues the experience of other countries of the South, including India, that have made huge progress in indus-

trialisation and suggests an institutional framework to conceive and implement industrial policies on the continent.

It urges African governments, in the contextoflimitedresources,tobuildtailormade infrastructure projects that would respond to the needs of specific sectors or domains for industrial expansion.

Heikki Tuunanen, executive director of the AfDB, has said the projected growth can only materialise if private enterprise, particularly SMEs, which make up a large percentage of businesses on the continent, is encouraged, because they the ability to absorb the existent work force.

He added that India, a champion in SMEs could share some its experiences in this area and help Africa's five million SMEs to grow.

Both Indian and African officials agree that much has happened in Africa and India in the past 25 years of far reaching implications in the development discourse. They therefore believe that there is much to share here on what makes development happen, on dealing with inclusion, job creation, inequalities as well as management of natural capital.

for Delhi polls

BENGALURU, DECEMBER 20 (PTI): Karnataka unit of Aam Admi Party today announced the launch of a new fund raising campaign called "Selfie with Mufflerman" to collect donations for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Out of participating donors in the campaign, 25 would be selected through a lucky draw, who will get an opportunity to join party Chief Arvind Kejriwal over a high tea when he is in the city on January 11, 2015, and take a selfie with him. "...we are trying to see innovative ways of raising money for Aam Admi Party in a more open and transparent way. In continuation of the process, now we are coming with a new programme called Selfie with Mufflerman," AAP functionary and the party's unsuccessful candidate from Bangalore Central in the Parliamentary election V Balakrishnan said.

He said "you all know about Batman and Superman, now the biggest thing in this country is Mufflerman. Mufflerman is there to remove corruption and make sure there is transparency in politics in this country."

"Mufflerman is trending in Twitter for last 19 days; there is lot of buzz around that word, so we said we will run a campaign where anybody who wants to donate Rs. 500, can come to our website and donate the money. We are running this programme till January 7th," he added. '#Mufflerman' campaign on social media is inspired by Kejriwal who was often seen with a muffler during campaigning last year and as Delhi Chief Minister for 49 days.

Giving out the details of the Selfie with Mufflerman campaign, Balakrishnan said, "January 11 Arvind Kejriwal is coming to Bangalore, so whoever contributes Rs. 500 and above can participate in this programme."

Balakrishnan, former CFO of IT major Infosys, was also coordinator of a group called "Well wishers of AAP" that had organized Rs. 20,000-per person fund-raising dinner with Kejriwal in the city before Lok Sabha polls.

Party functionaries said among different states, Karnataka had raised the maximum funds during the Lok Sabha polls, and the state stood third in the funds collected for the last Delhi Assembly polls.

They also said that the partywillcomeoutwithmore such innovative programme to raise money in "an open and transparent" way.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Sunday 21 December 2014

Dimapur

9

Obama says N Korea hacked Sony, vows response

US President Barack Obama speaks during a news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. The president claimed an array of successes in 2014, citing lower unemployment, a rising number of Americans covered by health insurance, and an historic diplomatic opening with Cuba. He also vowed that there would be a response to the hacking of Sony pictures by North Korea. (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 20 (AP): President Barack Obama declared that Sony “made a mistake” in shelving a satirical film about a plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader, and he pledged the U.S. would respond “in a place and manner and time that we choose” to the hacking attack on Sony that led to the withdrawal. The FBI blamed the hack on the communist government.

Speaking of executives at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Obama said at a year-end news conference, “I wish they had spoken to me first. ... We cannot have a society in which some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship.”

Obama said he imagined situations in which dictators «start seeing a documentary that they don›t like or news reports

that they don’t like.”

Sony said it had had no choice but to cancel distribution of the movie since theaters were refusing to show it. North Korea denied anew that it had hacked the studio.

«There is not any connection,» U.N. diplomat Kim Song told The Associated Press. Song criticized the film but disputed his government hacked Sony and orchestrated the movie›s shutdown: «It defamed the image of our country. It made a mockery of our sovereignty. We reject it. But there is no relation» to the hacking.

The U.S. decision to openly blame North Korea — which involved agreement by the State Department and intelligence agencies — escalated a global game of brinkmanship. It happened after the

disclosure of confidential Sony emails and business files and threats of terror attacks against U.S. movie theaters until Sony agreed to cancel the Christmas Day release of its comedy, «The Interview.»

Obama spoke not long after the FBI provided the most detailed accounting to date of the digital breakin. The president›s pointed criticism of Sony shifted focus to whether the studio would modify its decision, as some leading celebrities — including actors George Clooney and Sean Penn — have recommended.

«Sony is a corporation.

It suffered significant damage. There were threats against its employees. I am sympathetic to the concerns that they faced,» Obama said. «Having said all that, yes, I think they made a mistake.»

Sony Pictures chief executive Michael Lynton said it was the president who was mistaken, noting that Sony canceled the release only after all major theater chains decided not to show the movie. But the Homeland Security Department concluded those threats were not credible, and the top multiplex chains in North America dropped «The Interview» only after Sony informed them it would not protest if the theaters pulled the film.

Representatives for Regal, AMC, and Carmike did not immediately respond to request for comment Friday.

«The president, the press and the public are mistaken as to what actually happened,» Lynton told CNN. «We do not own movie theaters. We cannot determine whether or not a movie will be played in

movie theaters.»

Lynton did not indicate whether Sony planned to release the movie on DVD or through video-on-demand services, which are not controlled by theaters, but the company suggested that was an option in a statement late Friday.

«The only decision that we have made with respect to release of the film was not to release it on Christmas Day in theaters, after the theater owners declined to show it,» the company said. «After that decision, we immediately began actively surveying alternatives to enable us to release the movie on a different platform.»

Obama spokeswoman Jennifer Friedman responded that the White House was pleased to hear Sony is working to distribute the film. «People should be able to decide for themselves whether or not they would like to see it,» Friedman said Friday night.

Lynton said to CNN that though YouTube distribution is «one thing that we will consider,» no major video-on-demand or ecommerce site has stepped forward to offer to distribute the film. A DVD release falls into the same category.

«If we can›t find one of those large retailers, or many of those large retailers to sell our DVDs, we wouldn›t be able to provide them with ‹The Interview›,» said Lynton.

As for the case against North Korea, the U.S. detected communications between computer Internet addresses known to be operated by North Korea and hacking tools left behind at the crime scene, which the FBI said contained subtle clues linking

them to that country›s government.

The U.S. said in a statement: «North Korea›s actions were intended to inflict significant harm on a U.S. business and suppress the right of American citizens to express themselves.» The statement included a general promise to impose “costs and consequences” on any person, group or government using cyberattacks to threaten the U.S. or its interests.

Obama wasn›t any more specific.

«They caused a lot of damage, and we will respond,» he said. «We will respond proportionally, and we›ll respond in a place and time and manner that we choose. It›s not something that I will announce here today at a press conference.»

The Japanese government declined to comment on Obama›s statements about the importance of freedom of expression and not surrendering to threats. It said in a statement emailed to the AP that Japan has been working closely with the U.S. on the hacking issue, and «supports the undertaking by the U.S.» A Japanese analyst said that blaming the theaters was a lame excuse, but added that Sony Pictures may be worried about further releases of proprietary data that could cause far greater financial damage to the company.

«Sony Pictures is a private-sector, for-profit undertaking,» said Jun Okumura, a visiting researcher at the Meiji Institute for Global Affairs in Tokyo.

«And what could Obama have offered that would have made the Sony exec-

utives change their minds?

I wonder if he isn›t secretly relieved that they didn›t talk to him.»

In South Korea, which was repeatedly targeted by the North›s cyberattacks, including the most damaging one in 2013, the Foreign Ministry said it will continue to share information with the U.S. related to the Sony attack.

In a taunting new email, the hackers told Sony that executives were “very wise” to cancel the movie’s release and warned the studio never to release the film “in any form.”

In Hollywood, Clooney said the entertainment industry should push for immediate release of «The Interview» online. In an interview with the trade site Deadline, he urged Sony to «do whatever you can to get this movie out. Not because everybody has to see the movie, but because I›m not going to be told we can›t see the movie. That›s the most important part.»

Penn said: «By caving to the outside threat, we make our nightmares real.

The decision to pull ‹The Interview› is historic. It›s a case of putting short-term interests ahead of the long term.»

The evidence implicating North Korea was previously described as largely circumstantial, including unspecified clues in the hacking tools left behind and the involvement of at least one computer in Bolivia traced to earlier attacks blamed on North Korea. Now, the FBI said, those clues included similarities to other tools developed by North Korea in specific lines of computer code, encryption algorithms and data deletion methods. More signifi-

cantly, the FBI discovered that computer Internet addresses known to be operated by North Korea were communicating directly with other computers used to deploy and control the hacking tools and collect the stolen Sony files.

The FBI noted in its statement that it worked closely on the investigation with «other U.S. government departments and agencies.» Those included the National Security Agency, a person familiar with the case said, speaking only on condition of anonymity because some information NSA was providing in the case was highly classified.

An internal FBI investigative document obtained by The Associated Press identified the computers in the Sony hacking as operating in New York, Thailand, Poland, Italy, Bolivia, Singapore and Cyprus. At least three were still functioning Friday, responding online to Internet test signals transmitted by the AP. The hackers previously published some of the stolen materials with a message that included five addresses using an anonymous email service in France.

U.S. options for acting against North Korea are limited. The U.S. already has severe trade sanctions in place, and there is no appetite for military action. Even if investigators could identify and prosecute the individual hackers believed responsible, there›s no guarantee that any located are overseas would ever see a U.S. courtroom. Hacking back at North Korean targets by U.S. government experts could encourage further attacks against American targets.

Pakistan battles terror, assures Lakhvi still in jail ISlAMABAD, DECEMBER 20 (IANS): Pakistani Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah may have been killed as Pakistan Saturday stepped up its war against terror, ordering the execution of 10 more terrorists and assuring that Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi has not been released.

A dozen terrorists were killed in separate operations across the country, including in Peshawar where 132 school children were massacred by the Taliban.

Sartaj Aziz, the Pakistani prime minister›s advisor on national security and foreign affairs, said that Lakhvi has not been released and the government

was reviewing a petition regarding his case.

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad Thursday had granted bail to Lakhvi, one of the seven people charged with planning and helping to carry out the Nov 26-29, 2008, Mumbai terror attack that killed 166 people.

India had expressed its strong concern over bail being granted to Lakhvi.

As Pakistan battled terrorists, news came in that Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah was killed in an airstrike inside Afghanistan early Saturday.

An unverified Twitter account of the Pakistan defence ministry stated early Saturday: «News of

Fazlullah›s killing is being confirmed by Ministry of Defence.»

The army has been waging a major offensive against the Taliban and other militant strongholds in the restive tribal areas along the Afghan border for the last six months.

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain Saturday said that the whole nation was united in the fight against terrorism which would be eliminated from the country at all costs.

He said the Peshawar tragedy has united the nation and people were now seeking the complete elimination of terrorists to make the country safe.

Reports from differ-

ent parts of the country showed that security forces were determined to take on all terrorists.

Meanwhile, at least four militants were killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan region. Intelligence sources said the drone fired a missile at a compound in Datta Khel area which killed the militants.

At least five militants were killed in a clash between security forces and militants in Peshawar city.

The clash took place near Darra Adam Khel town, leaving five militants, including key commander Mustafa alias Manan of Darra Adam Khel Taliban, dead.

The police, which has

been on its toes since the horrific terror strike in Peshawar, killed two terrorists following a gunbattle in the port city of Karachi.

With a fierce battle being waged against the terrorists, Umar Mansoor, the terrorist who supervised the Peshawar school massacre, has threatened more attacks if the military and the intelligence agencies did not stop anti-terror operations. In a video with English subtitles posted on the TTP website, Mansoor said that Tuesday›s attack on the Army Public School was in retaliation to army operations, Dawn online reported.

Security agencies had intercepted communica-

tions between Umar Mansoor, also known as Khalifa Umar and Umar Narey, and the suicide squad during the seven-hour shooting spree at the school that helped identify him as the main handler.

Khalifa, TTP›s ‹commander› for Peshawar and the arms manufacturing region of Darra Adamkhel, is head of the Tariq Geedar group.

Authorities traced the call to Afghanistan›s Naziyan district in Afghanistan›s Nangarhar province.

Now that the moratorium on capital punishment has been lifted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following the attack on the Peshawar school,

Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada said eight terrorists on death row in Pakistan would be executed in prisons across Punjab province Saturday.

The executions will be carried out at the Kot Lakpat, Adiala and Bahawalpur jails, Geo TV reported.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court Friday ordered the execution of two other terrorists who had been sentenced to death in 2004 on charges of sectarian murder. Both have been shifted to Faisalabad jail from Lahore and are scheduled to be executed Tuesday.

The Sukkur jail authorities in Karachi also requested another anti-terrorism

court to order the execution of two prisoners, BehramKhan and Shafqat Hussain, in separate cases.

Two convicted terrorists were executed Friday.

The executed terrorists were Usman, who was sentenced to death for his role in the 2009 attack on the Pakistani Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and Arshad Mehmood, a security force personnel, for his involvement in the 2003 assassination bid on then military ruler General Pervez Musharraf.

Both executions took place in Faisalabad after their death warrants were signed by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif late Thursday night.

Sexologist’s revelation Human rights in spotlight after US-Cuba deal spurs discussion in China

BEIJING, DECEMBER 20 (AP): A leading Chinese sexologist’s revelation that she’s been living with a transgender man for 17 years has sparked a rare public discussion about China’s largely invisible and marginalized transgender community.

Li Yinhe made the relationship public Thursday on her blog, which was read more than 200,000 times within 24 hours. The blog became a hot topic on China’s Twitter-like site Weibo, getting nearly 3 million hits as it spurred spirited discussions on social media not only about Li’s nonconventional relationship, but also about transgender Chinese in general.

Chinese are increasingly liberal with heterosexual relationships, but still hold deep prejudices against sexual minorities despite government efforts to achieve equality. As an obscure group in the already socially marginal gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, transgender Chinese get even less attention and understanding from the public.

Activists said Li’s revelation would help the sexual

minority.

“It will help the (transgender community) tremendously, whose voices are hardly heard by the public,” said Ying Xin, executive director of the Beijing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center. “It helps with their visibility.”

Li, a sociologist who is retired from the China Academy of Social Sciences, is known not only as a leading expert on homosexuality, but also as the widow of well-known Chinese author Wang Xiaobo, adding to the huge reaction her disclosure received.

Li said she met her current partner shortly after Wang died in 1997. “He is an angel sent by God to save me from the bitter sea of losing Xiaobo,” she wrote on her blog.

Hu Zhijun, executive director of Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays of China, applauded Li’s bravery and candor in revealing her relationship and praised her for shining a light on transgender Chinese, who are faced with greater social pressure than homosexuals because they do not identify with their physical gender.

“Even after Li’s article, people are still confused about transgenders and homosexuals,” Hu said.

“We need more public discussions.”

Li said she felt obligated to reveal her relationship to respond to “vicious” allegations that she is a lesbian. “I am indeed a heterosexual, not a homosexual,” Li wrote on her blog. Li, who said she and her partner had adopted a child, explained that declaring herself a heterosexual was by no means an expression of superiority to homosexuals.

While her blog has been met with words of support and derision, one official newspaper said it was good that the topic at least had become public.

“Topics such as homosexuals, transgenders and AIDS used to be taboos, but they have become debatable these days and are increasingly accepted by the mainstream,” the ruling Communist Party’s People’s Daily wrote on its microblog Friday. “Everyone has some uniqueness, and please let social cognition keep up with scientific progress. To respect the choice by Li Yinhe is to respect ourselves.”

HAVANA, DECEMBER 20 (AP): To many exiles and their allies, President Raul Castro is a brutal dictator who locks up dissenters in gulag-like jails, snuffs out political discourse and condemns his people to socialist poverty.

Cuba’s supporters see the government as heroic, its sins justified by the behavior of its giant enemy to the north, and offset by the fact it provides health care and education that most developing countries could only dream of.

As often is the case, the truth lies somewhere in between.

President Barack Obama said on Friday that he began his historic call with Castro earlier in the week by delivering a 15-minute lecture on human rights and political freedom, adding: “This is still a regime that oppresses its people.”

Even so, he said that US policy had failed to change Cuba for more than a half century and it was time to try something new.

Human rights activists welcomed the overhaul of US-Cuba relations, but added that the Communist government has much to answer for, including a denial of freedom of speech,

the banning of independent labor unions and a lack of fair and competitive elections.

“I believe that President Obama is making the right decision, but that does not mean that our serious human rights concerns with regard to Cuba have gone away,” Jose Miguel Vivanco, executive director for the Americas division at Human Rights Watch, told The Associated Press. He said the abuses were “part of state policy, systematic and widespread.”

Castro has defended the single-party political system, saying open elections would be tantamount to “legalizing the party or parties of imperialism on our soil.”

Accusations of human rights abuses have dogged the Cuban government since the beginning, starting with summary trials and executions after the 1959 revolution that ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista, whose regime committed its own abuses, including torture, executions and persecution of the press.

In the years that followed, priests, gay people and others considered socially dangerous were sent to labor camps in the countryside, and political oppo-

nents were jailed or forced into exile.

The panorama has undoubtedly shifted in recent years, particularly since Fidel Castro handed power to his brother in 2006.

In 2010, Raul Castro negotiated a deal with the Roman Catholic Church and Spain to free the last of 75 political dissidents who had been rounded up in 2003 and sentenced to long jail terms, and he has allowed more church freedom on the island, building on the opening worked out between Fidel and Pope John Paul II. Amnesty International counts five Cuban inmates as “prisoners of conscience,” down sharply from years past, though Marselha Goncalves Margerin, the group’s advocacy director for the Americas, said Amnesty has campaigned for others that don’t meet its strict definition. “Cuba has always used the excuse of the U.S. embargo and restrictions to crack down on dissidents,” she said. “Once this is removed, we do hope this will generate human rights changes.”

As part of this week’s deal with the United States, Castro agreed to free 53 people the White House

describes as dissidents, though their identities have not been released. It was not clear if any of those on Amnesty’s list were among them.

Elizardo Sanchez, one of the only independent human rights activists tolerated on the island, said he has been getting calls from inmates asking him if he has a list and whether they’re on it, but he’s had to say he doesn’t know.

There’s been no evidence of any mass release, he said.

Sanchez also welcomed the restoration of diplomatic ties with the United States, despite what he described as a sharp increase in acts of harassment and intimidation.

While the government has moved away from sentencing dissidents to long jail terms, he said that short-term detentions have spiked under Raul Castro, from 2,074 in 2010 to 8,410 through the first 11 months of this year. Cuban authorities dismiss his findings as a fiction, and consider the dissidents to be paid stooges of Washington.

While the Castro government has not budged on the issue of a one-party state, Vivanco says that Cuba’s rights problems aren’t in the same league as a

country such as North Korea, and says there has been movement on some key issues such as freedom of travel that was tightly controlled under Fidel Castro.

Prominent dissidents such as the blogger Yoani Sanchez have been allowed to travel under the reforms, using their trips to speak out against government policy.

The younger Castro has opened the island to some private enterprise, and allowed Cubans to own cellphones and computers.

Rights for the LGBT community have also advanced under Raul Castro, whose daughter is the island’s most prominent advocate for gay rights. The government’s free universal health care system now pays for gender reassignment surgery, and gay pride parades are an annual fixture.

Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Center at Florida International University, acknowledged progress on some issues like freedom of religion, but added that Raul Castro largely shared the attitudes of his brother.

“Since Raul took over, repressive strategies have become more subtle, not necessarily less brutal,” he said.

10

Dimapur

SPORTS

Sunday 21 December 2014

Trail Blazers hand Spurs 2nd straight triple OT loss

SAN ANTONIO, DECEMBER 20 (AP): Portland's Damian Lillard scored a career-high 43 points, including 16 in the added periods, to lead the Trail Blazers to a 129-119 victory at San Antonio on Friday, handing the Spurs their second straight defeat in triple overtime.

The Trail Blazers moved within half a game of Memphis for second place in the NBA's Western Conference, after the Grizzlies were beaten on their home court

by Chicago. Elsewhere, Denver hit late 3-pointers to prevail in a see-sawing contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Eastern Conference leader Toronto handed Detroit its 12th straight home defeat.

San Antonio became the first team to play consecutive triple-overtime games since the Baltimore Bullets in 1951, and frustratingly lost yet another close encounter, having dropped their previous two games by a combine three points.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points and 16 rebounds, and Wesley Matthews added 16 points as Portland notched a fourth-straight win.. Lillard scored the first nine points in the third overtime.

Tim Duncan had 32 points and 10 rebounds, and Danny Green added 27 points for San Antonio.

Chicago ended Memphis' six-game streak with a 103-97 win, with Jimmy Butler scoring 31 points for the Bulls in a clash of divisional leaders.

Nikola Mirotic added a season-best 27 and Chicago snapped Memphis' six-game winning streak.

Butler went 11 of 21 from the field and Nikola Mirotic connected on all six of his shots beyond the arc, setting a season standard for 3-pointers. He had a seasonbest 27 points for the Bulls.

Mike Conley's 21 points led Memphis, which shot 39 percent.

Washington rallied to win 105-103 at Miami, which was left to rue its failure to take a late chance.

The Heat had a shot to tie the game with 11 seconds left, but Bradley Beal intercepted a pass by Dwyane Wade and made two free throws to clinch the win. Wade hit a 3-pointer as time expired. John Wall had 20 points and 10 assists, while Nene scored 20 off the bench for the Wizards, who have won six in a row.

Wade finished with 28 points for Miami, which dropped its fifth consecutive home game. Denver's Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari hit successive 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to give the Nuggets a 109-106 win against the Clippers.

The late shots got the Nuggets out of jail after having given up a 16-point lead.

Blake Griffin had his second 30-point performance in a row, finishing with 32 for the Clippers, who have dropped their last three games on the road. Los Angeles got off three desperate shots from 3-point range in

The Morung Express

S Africa beats WIndies in 1st test

CENTURION, DECEMBER 20 (AP): Dale Steyn rocketed to his 25th fivewicket haul in tests to finish off the West Indies on Saturday as South Africa won the first test by an innings and 220 runs on the fourth morning at Centurion.

Steyn went wicketless in the first innings and limped off the field five deliveries into the second on Friday evening, but returned on the fourth morning to pick up 6-34 and bowl the West Indies out for 131.

The West Indies began the day on 76-2 following on, still trailing South Africa by 275 runs, and Steyn quickly broke the back of its innings as he

picked up four wickets in 16 deliveries.

To p -s c o r e r L e o n Johnson was the first to go when he edged Steyn through to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers on 39, before Shivnarine Chanderpaul suffered the same fate in Steyn's next over.

Two overs later Steyn had Marlon Samuels caught at cover for 17 and then induced an edge from Denesh Ramdin, who was brilliantly caught by a diving De Villiers.

Morne Morkel dismissed Jermaine Blackwood for 15 to take his second wicket in the innings and fifth in the match, before Steyn grabbed the final two

wickets to give South Africa a huge win.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach was unable to bat for the West Indies in its first innings, when it posted 201, and his ankle injury once again prevented him from batting on Saturday.

Hashim Amla was named man of the match for his 208, which allowed South Africa to recover from 57-3 on the first morning and post 552-5 declared in its innings.

The only bad news for South Africa was that Quinton de Kock will miss the rest of the series and could be out of action for six to eight weeks after rolling his ankle during warm-ups on the third morning.

Saina loses in semis of Superseries Finals

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, right, shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter, of Brazil, during the third overtime period of an NBA basketball game, Friday, December 19, in San Antonio. Portland won 129-119 in triple overtime. (AP Photo)

the final seconds, but they all missed.

Toronto won 110-100 at Detroit, with the Pistons extending their unwanted franchise record for successive home defeats to 12.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 17 points to lead a balanced Raptors offense.

Brandon Jennings scored 22 points to lead the Pistons.

Cleveland's LeBron James scored 22 points as the Cavaliers squeezed out a 95-91 home win over Brooklyn.

Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook scored 31 points and hit a key jumper with 38 seconds left to give the Thunder a 104-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Utah's Derrick Favors had 23 points and 10 re-

bounds in the Jazz's 101-94 win against Orlando. Boston won 114-98 over Minnesota in the Celtics first game since trading away star point guard Rajon Rondo.

Charlotte's Kemba Walker scored a season-high 30 points to help the Hornets beat hapless Philadelphia 109-91 and end a fourgame skid.

DUBAI, DECEMBER 20 (IANS): Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal lost 21-11, 13-21, 9-21 to Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying in the semi-final of the $1,000,000 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Superseries Finals at the Hamdan Sports Complex here Saturday.

World No.4 Saina had a very good start in the first game but the 2014 Asian Games bronze medallist Tai produced an array of deceptive drop shots and combated Saina's smashes with sharp net play to win the match in 55 minutes.

In the first game, Saina produced an aggressive game that rattled Tai. The imposing Indian opened up a 8-2 early lead which became 11-5 at the break. With Saina's crosscourt smashes falling in place, the Hyderabadi girl

grabbed five straight points to race away to a 15-5 lead.

She eventually pocketed the game 21-11.

However, World No.9 Tai pulled things back in the second game. Though Saina had a similar start, taking a 4-0 lead, she couldn't keep the momentum going. Tai quickly erased the four-point deficit and raced away to a five-point advantage at the break. Tai was sharper at the net as compared to Saina, who was not particularly mobile on the court.

At the other end, Tai was quick with her backhand returns and rattled the Hyderabadi's defence on several occasions.

Still Saina fought her way back and equalised at the 12-point mark.

Relying on her delectable drop shots and well dis-

guised slices, the 20-yearold Tai pressurised the 24-year-old Saina. The Taipei shuttler took five points on the trot to close out the second game at 21-13.

Saina continued to make mistakes in the decider as well, allowing Tai to take a 7-2 lead. Saina's problems swelled as Tai bagged seven successive points to widen the lead 14-3. Those seven points virtually ended Saina's victory hopes, eventually losing 9-21.

With this win, Tai improved her one-on-one career record to 4-5 while Saina closed her Superseries season with a 37-11 winloss record.

Later in the day, leading male shuttler Kidambi Srikanth will face reigning World champion Chinese Chen Long for a place in the final.

FIFA agrees to publish Garcia report in 'appropriate form' MARAKECH, DECEMBER 20 (REUTERS): FIFA's executive committee has voted to allow publication of former ethics investigator Michael Garcia's investigation into the bidding process for the 2018/2022 World Cups, president Sepp Blatter said in a statement on Friday.

Soccer's governing body had been under increasing pressure to publish a redacted version of Garcia's report to help shed light on what happened during the turbulent process for the tournaments awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.

In the statement FIFA said it had asked the Adjudicatory Chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee to publish the report in "an appropriate form" once ongoing procedures against individuals are concluded.

"I am pleased they have

agreed. It has been a long process to arrive at this point and I understand the views of those who have been critical," Blatter said.

"We have always been determined that the truth should be known. That is, after all, why we set up an independent Ethics Com-

Robben scores late in Bayern win

mittee with an investigatory chamber that has all necessary means to undertake investigations on its own initiative."

The decision followed a presentation by Domenico Scala, head of FIFA's audit and compliance committee and one of only six people to have seen the report.

Garcia, who said himself that the report should be published, spent 18 months investigating allegations of corruption in the bidding process, during which he interviewed 75 witnesses.

In November, FIFA's ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert issued a 42-page summary based on Garcia's report which identified cases of "inappropriate conduct" in a number of the bids but said there was not enough evidence to justify re-opening the bidding process.

In Friday's statement, Blatter reiterated that the bidding process for the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups would not be re-opened.

"We will not revisit the 2018 and 2022 vote and a report by independent, external legal experts commissioned by Mr. Scala supports the view that there are no legal grounds to revoke the Executive Committee's decision on the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups," he said.

Garcia, who immediately appealed against the summary of his investigation, saying it contained misrepresentations, resigned on Wednesday, one day after a FIFA tribunal ruled his application to be inadmissable.

FIFA had previously said it could not publich Stevenson celebrates his victory in the fifth round against the 430-page report for le- Adonis Dmitri Sukhotskiy during the WBC light heavyweight championgal reasons. ship fight Friday, December 19, in Quebec City. (AP Photo)

Hughes tragedy overshadows eventful year

Bayern's Arjen Robben from the Netherlands, left, jumps to celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Hertha BSC Berlin and FC Bayern Munich at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, November. 29. At right is Berlin's Roy Beerens from the Netherlands. (AP Photo)

BERLIN, DECEMBER 20 (AP): Arjen Robben's lastminute strike gave Bayern Munich a 2-1 win at Mainz to set a Bundesliga record for points at the halfway stage of the season on Friday.

Robben was free to convert Juan Bernat's cross from close range after Mainz lost the ball in midfield, giving Bayern 45 points from 17 games, bettering the club's own mark of 44 set midway through the 2005-06 season.

"I have to be honest, I'm very happy with the win but I'm sorry for Mainz. They gave it everything, left ev-

erything on the pitch, and were really well supported by their fans," Robben said.

It was a cruel defeat on Mainz after a commendable performance. The home side opened the scoring in the 21st through Elkin Soto, who fired the ball through Manuel Neuer's legs after the Bayern defense failed to cut out a dangerous cross from Japan striker Shinji Okazaki.

It was only the fourth goal Bayern conceded all season — also a Bundesliga record at the halfway stage.

Bastian Schweinsteiger equalized three minutes

later with a free kick in off the top of the left post.

"We're disappointed going home because we deserved at least a point," Soto said.

Mainz twice had chances before the break, through Yunus Malli and then his striker partner Okazaki.

Neuer produced a great save to deny Malli after the interval, but was caught out after a throw-in in the 70th, when Pablo de Blasis was unable to capitalize.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was deflected narrowly wide at the other end in what was Bayern's best

chance before Robben claimed the winner.

"It was actually quite a nice evening until the last minute. They had one big chance and they took it," Mainz general manager Christian Heidel said.

The draw stretched Bayern's lead to 14 points ahead of the rest of the 17th round. The defending champion was assured of top spot going into the sixweek winter break with two games to spare.

"I think we can all enjoy the break now," said Robben, the Dutch sportsman of the year.

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 20 (REUTERS): Phillip Hughes's tragic death cast a shadow over an eventful year that saw Ashes rivals Australia and England brawl on the field and bond off it, joining India to pull off a bloodless coup and take charge of the game.

Australian Hughes died at a Sydney hospital on Nov. 27, two days after being hit on the head by a bouncer three days before his 26th birthday.

The tragedy triggered an avalanche of tributes while questions were raised about the safety standards in the game.

Hughes scored 1500odd runs in 26 tests but will be remembered more for the impression he left on team mates and opponents.

"I don't know about you, but I keep looking for him," distraught Australia captain Michael Clarke, a near-constant presence at Hughes's bedside, said at the funeral.

"I know it is crazy but I expect any minute to take a call from him or to see his face pop around the cor-

ner. Is this what we call the spirit? If so, then his spirit is still with me. And I hope it never leaves," he added.

Hughes's death came in the year that compatriot Mitchell Johnson and South Africa speedster Dale Steyn were hailed for reviving the art of intimidating fast bowling.

their third straight defeat.

The English board offered little explanation as it cast aside Pietersen beyond a need to rebuild "team ethics" and the South Africa-born player went on to chronicle embarrassing details of dressing room controversies in his autobiography.

ASHES WHITEWASH Left-arm paceman Johnson, recalled after more than a year in the test wilderness, took 37 England wickets in Australia's 5-0 Ashes whitewash, instilling fear in the minds of the batsmen with his raw pace.

The tourists' campaign down under looked doomed from the start and they continue to reel in the aftermath of an Ashes debacle that ended the England careers of coach Andy Flower and flamboyant batsman Kevin Pietersen.

The trouble started when top order batsman Jonathan Trott flew home with a stress-related illness after the first test in Brisbane and was compounded when off-spinner Graeme Swann announced his shock retirement after

BIG THREE While the Ashes rivals locked horns on the field over the coveted urn, they joined hands with the powerful Indian board in a significant development that effectively put the "Big Three" in charge of the game.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) passed key reforms that promise the trio a greater share of the revenue pie, while projecting higher earnings for other boards as well.

India's Narayanaswami Srinivasan took over as ICC chairman in June even before he was cleared by a committee probing corruption in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in which his son-in-law was implicated for illegal betting.

The cash-strapped West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) voted in favour of the ICC reforms hoping to revive its fortune but now stare at financial trouble instead, having incurred the wrath of the Indian cricket board, which is the world's richest.

Enraged by the pullput of the West Indies team midway through a series over an internal pay dispute, the Indian cricket board has severed cricketing ties with the Caribbean board and made a $42 million damages claim.

The governing ICC also showed urgency in dealing with the menace of chucking, leading to bans on a number of bowlers, including Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, for illegal action.

Elsewhere, Sri Lanka gave their outgoing stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene a perfect farewell by winning the Twenty20 World Cup in Dhaka, beating India in the final.

New Zealand's Corey Anderson took 36 balls to score the fastest century in ODIs while India's Rohit Sharma blasted a 173-ball 264 to register the highest ODI score by a batsman.

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Mariah Carey sued by ‘overworked Miss World Decides To and underpaid’ former assistant Organisation End Swimsuit Round Of

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ariah Carey is facing yet another lawsuit. A former assistant to the 44-year-old star filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court seeking ‘a significant amount of money’,according to Page Six.

Ylser Oliver, 49, claims she was forced to work seven days a week and 16 hour days without receiving any overtime pay.

The PA also alleges that she was not given meal breaks during her over seven years of

service to the pop star.

Her duties included cleaning Mariah’s Tribeca New York home, packing her suitcases and taking care of ‘personal needs’.

Her suit claims she traveled with the singer and took care of both her personal and private correspondence. After years of service starting in May 2007 she eventually quit in June 2014.

‘My client put her family’s life on hold while tending to Mariah Carey’s family, and Mariah repaid her by underpaying her,’ Oliver’s attorney Matthew Blit stated, according to Page Six. ‘My client is a very hardworking woman who treated Mariah and her family like her own, working all hours of the day and night,’ Blit said. ‘Even celebrities are required to abide by the law.’

He would not, however, say exactly how much his client was suing for, other than her being entitled to overtime pay.

However during the seven years she was in Mariah’s employment, the unpaid overtime totals more than 4,000 hours.

Carey has developed a reputation as something of a diva over the course of her 25 year career. Another recent lawsuit brought by a photographer against

the singer’s record label shed some light on the enormous amount of expense required to get her ready for a photoshoot.

According to a report in TMZ, the singer needs a whopping $85,000 worth of glamming up before she even starts to strike a pose in front of the camera. The lawsuit has been brought by a photographer who claims he prepared a photoshoot for the singer’s album cover only for it to be cancelled for ‘no reason’.

The photographer is suing for his $150,000 fee, but Mariah’s record label is claiming ‘they never fully agreed on the terms of the contract... so there’s no breach,’ according to TMZ. Meanwhile, the star has not escaped controversy during her Australian tour, with recent reports suggesting one of her local support acts was axed from her Perth show allegedly for being female.

Singer Natalia claimed she was told at the last minute that she would no longer be required to perform as her support act, with some reports suggesting that the pop star felt threatened by the upstart. But a spokesman for Mariah Carey denied the singer was involved in the decision to axe Natalia.

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Appealing to God, a Disoriented Space Alien Hopes There’s Help Out There

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The Morung Express

o religions were harmed in the making of this film. That’s the gist of a title card that runs before the credits in the Hindi movie “PK,” directed

by Rajkumar Hirani, which states that the film doesn’t intend to hurt the feelings of any community, sect or religion.

And this sweet, ambling comedy about an innocent abroad — an alien who touches down in the Rajasthan desert — doesn’t offend, even as it pokes gentle fun at religious differences and hypocrisy.

When PK (Aamir Khan) lands in Rajasthan, naked and gym-buff, his first encounter with an earthling is a rude one. A man steals his flashing green pendant (it matches his flashing green eyes), a remote control that allows him to call his ship for pickup.

After some twists and turns — including a quick, PK-less detour to Belgium for a Pakistani Romeo and Indian Juliet love story — our hero acquires language (Hindi) and finds himself in Delhi in search of his pendant. God alone, he’s told, can help him.

Guileless, he appeals to God in all his

Upton

houses: temples, mosques, churches.

Sneaking into a maternity ward, he examines an infant from top to bare bottom, looking for a label: is he Christian, Muslim, Hindu?

Mr. Hirani’s other films include “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006), a comedy about a gangster who becomes a Gandhiinspired good guy. That movie and its slogan, “Gandhigiri,” were so successful that they ushered in a small real-life wave of Gandhian protests.

It’s hard to imagine that “PK,” with its slogan “wrong number” (when God’s interlocutors get their wires crossed), will have a similar impact. Mr. Hirani remains an excellent storyteller, weaving his disparate story strands into a convincing, satisfying whole — a rare Bollywood feat.

But “PK” lacks the redemptive arc of “Lage Raho” — at least its hero does. PK, played with earnest sexlessness by Mr. Khan, who possesses one of Hindi cinema’s most ogled bodies, is another manboy innocent meant to remind us of our own corruption. He does, but so benignly, that it’s hard to feel the sting.

Snoop Dogg And Son Land Reality Tv Series

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wins People’s Sexiest Woman alive award

ctress-model Kate Upton has been crowned the Sexiest Woman alive award

by People magazine at a function here. The 22-year-old model, who featured on the cover of ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’, received the award from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Eric Dane at the Beverly Hilton hotel, reported People Magazine.

“This is such an honour to me because sexy to me means someone who’s confident and happy,” said Upton. Dane while presenting the honour to her mentioned the reason why Upton has won this award.

“There are a lot of reasons why Kate is sexy. Style, career, achievements, sense of humor, personality, oh and did I mention her... Looks?” Dane said.

She acted in a movie alongside Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann in ‘The Other Woman’ this year.

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63 Year Old Competition

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uture Miss World contestants will no longer have to take part in a swim suit competition. The Miss World competition will no longer feature a swimsuit competition, the organisation announced on Thursday (18th December).

Miss World is the longest running international beauty pageant. Based in the UK, it was first inaugurated in 1951 and, throughout the course of its 63 year history, has always featured a swim suit round as part of the competition. Now it appears the organisation has decided to change the competition and is shelving the swim suit round for future competitions.

Julia Morley, the chair person of the organisation, made the announcement on Thursday, as ABC News reports. The decision to end the swimming costume competitions has been praised by the national director of Miss World America, Chris Wilmer. Wilmer explained how the competition wanted its focus to be on «beauty with a purpose» and the swim suit competition did not appear to fulfil a purpose.

The organization has decided to take itself out of the swimsuit world because it isn›t the path they›re trying to take. It›s not just a beauty contest, it›s ‹beauty with a purpose›. There didn›t seem to be a purpose to have the swimsuit [competition],» Wilmer said.

The emphasis, over recent years, has been for the 120 contestants in the Miss World competition to take part in charity work in the lead up to the competition and, for the winner, the year following their Miss World coronation. The last competition, which was held in London in December 2014, featured the last ever swimsuit competition. The contestants also had to compete in challenge events such as dance, talent, dress competitions, interviews and the ‹Beauty with a Purpose› video in which the contestants focus on their charity work and interest in causes.

Miss World 2014 was crowned earlier this month and hails from South Africa. Rolene Strauss received the crown on 14th December whilst contestants from Hungary and the United States came in second and third. This year›s Miss World competitions were marked by tragedy after one of the contestants was found dead mere days before she was due to arrive in London for the competition.

Miss Honduras, Maria Jose Alvardo, and her sister were murdered in November. The Miss World Organisation mourned the loss of the contestant and held a special ceremony in her honour when the competition began in London at the beginning of December.

Jennifer Aniston afraid of dying young

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Ellie Goulding to spend X-mas eve at homeless shelter S

inger Ellie Goulding will spend Christmas eve volunteering at a homeless shelter here. “I’m volunteering all day at a shelter.

I’ve done it for a few years. It’s fun and part of the reason I run my gigs,” mirror.co.uk quoted Goulding as saying. She’s had a fulfilling experience at the facility earlier.

“It’s not just people who are homeless in the shelters, but also those who are lonely and don’t have someone to spend the time with. I was chatting to a guy last year who was a musician from Africa who had found himself homeless. The thought of someone not having a Christmas,” she added.

‘Youngistaan’

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apper Snoop Dogg is heading back to reality Tv for a five-part series with his son. Snoop & Son: A Dad›s Dream will chronicle the Drop It Like It›s Hot hitmaker›s life as the father of a high school football star.

The project will also feature his son, Cordell Broadus, and the team he plays for, the Bishop Gorman High School Gaels.

Producer Rory Karpf says, «Football is his way to bond with his son. It sounds maybe strange but he almost has almost a 1950s father mentality that you›ll see in the show.

He›s not super affectionate with his son saying I love you all the time - he does that more with his daughter - but football is the way he connects with his son.»

The series will debut on Espn in America on 14 January (15). This isn›t the first reality Tv stint for the rapper he and his family previously appeared on Snoop Dogg›s Father Hood from 2007 to 2009.

makes independent entry to Oscars I

f rumours are to be believed ‘Youngistaan’, starring Jackky Bhagnani and Neha Sharma has been sent to Oscars as an independent entry from India for the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category. According to a leading daily, the political drama ‘ Youngistaan’ is Bollywood’s latest movie to join the Oscar race as an independent entry.

The Twitter world went abuzz after the news spread on the social media site, and many went on to put jokes about the news.

The movie which is a remake of Telegu movie ‘ Leader’ received average to negative reviews from the critics and was not received well by the audience as well.

The film which has been produced by Vashu Bhagnani and directed by debutant Syed Ahmad Afzal, also starred late actor Farooq Sheikh in a pivotal role.

While ‘Youngistaan’ is an independent entry to the coveted awards, India’s official entry is ‘ Liar’s Dice’ written and directed by Geetu Mohandas which stars Geetanjali Thapa and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles.

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ennifer Aniston has revealed that she is struggling from insomnia and has a fear of dying young. The ‘Friends’ star said on a show that she had a hard time sleeping, as when she wakes up in the morning she starts talking and then can’t get back to sleep, E! Online reported.

The 45-year-old actress further added that she got an app on her phone that gives a sleeping rhythm, and makes her to get into a deep sleep, as she finds it difficult on her own. The American actress mentioned that she enjoyed her character of woman suffering from chronic pain in movie ‘Cake’ but later realized that she was a part of what she was playing.

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Atletico de Kolkata wins first ISL Silva brace lifts City to joint top

MuMBAI, DECEMBER 20 (AGENCIES): Atletico de Kolkata managed to clinch the prestigious trophy in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after Mohammed Rafique’s injury time header condemned Kerala Blasters FC to a 1-0 defeat.

The 22-year-old substitute had played just five minutes throughout the competition before coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. However, he managed to win a corner and then headed home Jakub Podany’s delivery from the setpiece in the 95th minute

Cook removed as England captain for World Cup

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LONDON, DECEMBER 20 (AP): Alastair Cook has been stripped of the England one-day captaincy two months before the Cricket World Cup, and replaced by Eoin Morgan.

England's poor results and Cook's loss of form led to the England and Wales Cricket Board to leave him off the World Cup squad on Saturday. The 29-yearold Cook had made just one 50 in his last 22 oneday international innings.

"I am gutted to be left out of the World Cup squad and it is likely to take me a while to get over the disappointment," Cook said in an ECB statement. "That said I wish Peter, Eoin and the lads all the best for the World Cup." Ben Stokes and Harry Gurney were also dropped for England's full 15-man World Cup squad, which will initially play in the triseries against hosts Australia and India next month.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad return from injuries, while Gary Ballance is also back in the squad.

England's World Cup campaign starts against Australia in Melbourne on Feb. 14. "It is a huge honor to captain England and I am delighted to be leading the one-day side," Morgan said. "I firmly believe that with the players currently involved in the one-day set up we have the makings of a very good one-day side, a young side that can surprise people at the World Cup." ECB managing director Paul Downton said Cook remains an "integral part of England cricket and continues to have a vital role in developing our emerging test side."

to send the Red and White army into a heap of joy!

It was heartbreak for the Blasters who were thoroughly hoping for the game into extra-time. The crowd at Navi Mumbai were cheering for the Kochi outfit, which is co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai’s favourite son. Michael Chopra had the opportunity to score the winner in the 83rd minute. But Apoula Edel put in a rock solid shift in Atletico goal to deny the KBFC striker to produce an absolutely stunning save.

The Kolkata outfit were without Fikru Teferra Lemessa but that didn’t bother Antonio Habas, who

bravely decided to bench Luis Garcia and Jofre Mateu for the ultimate showdown. Leading the attack was Mohammed Rafi with the support of Arnal Llibert and the latter didn’t disappoint whatsoever, being a constant menace for the Blasters’ defence. Jakub Podany started at left-back but he provided complete dynamism in attack. For the Yellow brigade, Sandesh Jhingan moved to the centre of defence in Gurwinder Singh’s absence with Saumik Dey returning to on the left hand side.

The team co-owned by Tendulkar’s former batting partner Sourav Ganguly

looked to penetrate right from kick-off. Baljit Sahni’s attempts failed to bother David James but that did awaken Kerala Blasters FC attackers. Victor Forcada and Ishfaq Ahmed managed to break down the other end within a matter of minutes but Atletico defence were upto the mark in preventing the midfielder’s from managing to break the deadlock early on. The game was quite dull throughout the opening half but had sudden injection of pace at some intervals.

James was called to make the first proper save of the match in the 35th minute as Llibert tried

to nick Sahni’s cross into the back of thent. But the former England shotsstopper quickly narrowed down the angle to prevent Spaniard from opening the floodgates. Five minutes later, Edel went full stretch to deny Iain Hume from scoring his sixth goal of the campaign from a free-kick.

In the second-half, the ATK custodian continued to deny the Kerala Blasters FC strikers after punching away Chopra’s thumping volley. Chances were not available at a premium and Edel once again denied the 30-year-old striker in 78th minute. With just seven minutes remaining in regulation time, the former Newcastle United and Cardiff City striker had the best opportunity of the match.

Chopra managed to somehow retain control of Hume’s low cross inside the 18-yard-box – kept his composure and fired what he thought will be his first goal of the season. But to a chorus of disappointment from the crowd as well as the Blasters’ camp, Edel once again stood strong between the sticks to keep the score goalless.

With just three minutes added on at the end of the half, Rafique – who replaced Mohammed Rafi in the 74th minute – managed to win a corner off Nirmal Chettri.

Into the fifth minute of added time, the diminutive 22-year-old striker managed to get his head to Podany’s cross and divert the ball past James to etch his name into the history books.

Manchester City's David Silva, right, scores against Crystal Palace during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester on Saturday, December 20. (AP Photo)

MANCHESTER, DECEMBER 20 (AP): David Silva scored twice Saturday as defending champion Manchester City, playing without a recognized striker, provisionally drew level with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League with a convincing 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace.

It was City's sixth league win in succession and eighth in all competitions, one short of equaling the club record. Both Chelsea and City have 39 points, but City has played one more game than Chelsea, which travels to Stoke City on Monday. Chelsea tops the league thanks to a superior goal difference of 23 to City's 22.

After a listless first half at the Etihad Stadium, City began the second with two goals by David Silva who struck after 49 and 61 minutes with two left-foot shots, the first taking a deflection off Palace defender Scott Dann. Yaya Toure swept in City's third with 10 minutes remaining.

Palace offered tough resistance in the opening period as City, missing injured strikers Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, as well as captain and defense lynchpin Vincent Kompany, struggled to penetrate and failed to produce a

single shot on target.

Playing with six midfielders, City enjoyed long spells of possession and survived a few scares before breaking through and taking control. City increased the tempo in the second half and went ahead within four minutes when Zabaleta burst into the box and pulled the ball back for Silva whose shot struck Dann and looped over Julian Speroni.

City continued to press and scored its second when Silva diverted the ball in from six yards following an accurate low cross by Aleksandar Kolarov. It was Silva's last significant act before he was replaced by Frank Lampard.

Palace's hopes were dashed when a headed goal by James McArthur was ruled out for offside as the visitors sought a way back into the game before Toure scored City's third with nine minutes remaining, appearing to be played onside by Fernandinho. Palace manager Neil Warnock said: "I don't know why top class officials get it wrong. It wasn't even close. It was a disgraceful decision." Navas released Milner who held the ball up before feeding Toure, who strode forward and hit a powerful shot high past the goalkeeper.

Aussies win by 4 wickets, take 2-0 series lead BRISBANE, DECEMBER 20 (AP): Australia won the second test against India by four wickets with a day to spare, reaching the victory target of 128 after a nervous chase Saturday to take a 2-0 series lead.

Ishant Sharma (3-38) removed David Warner (6), Shane Watson (0) and Chris Rogers (55) and Umesh Yadav ran out Steve Smith (28) and had Shaun Marsh (17) and Brad Haddin (1) caught out. Mitchell Johnson and Mitch Marsh calmed things down late on day four, combining to lift Australia to 130-6.

The see-sawing match turned on two big contributions on consecutive days from Johnson. His 88 from 93 balls in a 148-run partnership with centurymaker Smith which was crucial to Australia recovering from a middle-order slump to reach 505 in its first innings and establish a 97-run lead. He followed with a destructive opening spell on Saturday to trigger India's batting collapse.

"It's nice to get home there in the end," said Smith,

ly for the seventh wicket of his debut test match, and Dhawan (81) continued with Umesh Yadav (30) in a 60-run stand until he was trapped lbw to Lyon.

Johnson (4-61) finished off the innings when he had Yadav caught behind, giving wicketkeeper Brad Haddin his ninth catch of the match.

Australia's Josh Hazlewood, left, celebrates getting the wicket of India's MS Dhoni during their match on day four of the second cricket test in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday, December 20. (AP Photo)

who was the first Australian in 39 years to score a century in his first test innings as captain. "The way the boys came back from the first day was remarkable."

India was on top early, posting the highest firstday total by a foreign team in a test at the Gabba to reach 311-4 against a wilting bowling attack before Australia hit back on day two. After resuming at 71-1 in its second innings on day four, India lost 4-11 in

20 balls — Johnson picking up three wickets — and was all out for 224.

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the team was distracted by a wrist injury which Shikhar Dhawan sustained in the practice nets in the leadup to play. Johnson had Virat Kohli (1) out chopping onto his stumps to trigger the slide, then had Ajinkya Rahane (10) caught at gully by Nathan Lyon and Rohit Sharma (0) caught

behind. Josh Hazlewood trapped skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (0) lbw as India slumped to 87-5. Ravi Ashwin (19) was contentiously given out, caught behind off Mitchell Starc to a ball that appeared to miss the edge, bringing Dhawan back to the crease to rejoin overnight partner Cheteshwar Pujara with the total at 117-6.

Hazlewood struck again, having Pujara (43) caught out fending to gul-

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