December 31st, 2016

C M Y K

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 356 • 12 PAGes • 5

www.morungexpress.com

SaturDaY • December 31 • 2016

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope Arunachal political twist: Khandu claims support of 49 MLAs after being suspended

US expels 35 Russians suspected for spying, imposes sanctions on 2 intel agencies

PAGE 03

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

T R u T H — Winston Churchill

Cavaliers hold off Celtics, Thunder fall as Westbrook ejected

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PAGE 12

2016: Year of agitations & ultimatums Teachers in Nagaland endured the worst over nonpayment of salaries Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

On October 17, the Nagaland SSA Teachers Association (NSSATA) began their Phase-I agitation of boycotting classes after the concerned department failed to fulfilled its charter of demand submitted on October 5 which include payment of pending salaries.

If non-payment of salaries for six month was more than unjust, on November 1, 2600 SSA teachers from all the 11 districts converged at the Directorate of School Education, Kohima to protest against nonfulfillment of their four-point charter of demands only to be greeted with water cannons and tear gas under the directive of the government.

With the State Government playing delay tactics with short lived assurances, it is anticipated that the coming 2017 would encounter more agitations and demonstrations.

When a bandh on NH-29 was called by Co-ordination Committee on Fuel Adulteration (CCoFA) on October 17 in connection to the busting of a “fuel adulteration” racket in Dimapur on June 27, it was declared “illegal” by State Cabinet even as Police used force to disperse peaceful volunteers.

The government also promulgated Sec. 144 CrPc (curfew) along the highway to quell any resistance.

On December 15, when ACAUT members and activists convened a public rally to demand impartial enquiry into a ‘PDS scam,’ an order issued by the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur restricted their movement.

But even after relocating to another area, the protestors restrained by the police to stage the rally there. Eventually the police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the peaceful protestors. There were even allegations of lathicharge from the police.

These events, particularly the inglorious ‘baptism’ of unpaid teachers in Kohima in November and use of tear gas and water cannon against peaceful anti-corruption rally, is taking the State into an unprecedented terrain in governance and polity where the edifice of democracy lies doused and trampled – metaphorically and literally.

While widespread protests and ultimatums to Nagaland Government over non-fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities have become a perennial problem in Nagaland in recent times, ‘Jute bags with holes and the year 2016 stands out for the spillage’ are the thieves not ominous and unprecedented human? mechanism the State Government applied to gag democratic protest and dissent.

The use of water cannon and The Morung Express tear-gas as well as the imposiwill remain closed on tion of Sec. 144 CrPc to quell any December 31, 2016 and forms of dissent has made many Protestors at an anti-corruption rally organized by ACAUT in connection to a PDS scam are seen surJanuary 1, 2017 for the to consider 2016 as a ‘Year of Wa- rounded by police in full riot gear at Kher Mahal police point, Dimapur on December 15 (File photo) New Year holiday. The ter Canonisation’ instead of the protesting over unpaid salaries manding their appointment Consequently, in August, offices of The Morung officially declared slogan, ‘Year or other grievances as a result of order- only to resume the next the All Nagaland Hindi TeachExpress will re-open on of Construction.’ government’s apathy. month after the authority failed ers Union (ANHTU) appealed January 2, 2017 and its On February 16, the Hindi to fulfill the assurance. for releasing salaries for 1379 Not surprisingly, just like last next issue will be available teachers launched their first In May (24 -26) a total of Hindi Teachers appointed Water “Canonisation” and year, 2016 will be remembered from January 3 onwards.

Wishing you a very as a year of agitation against the phase of agitation by boycot- 21,000 teachers in Nagaland under Centrally Sponsored force – A dangerous trend Alarmingly, amidst the blessed and meaningful Nagaland State government ting classes in protest against went on three-day mass casual Schemes (CSS). They have not for nonpayment of salaries and non-payment of their salary leave in protest against the State been paid their salaries since widespread neglect, the stanNew Year. dard response from a “neurotic The Morung Express those in the teaching profession, for more than six months. The Government’s failure to bifur- February 2016.

During the same month, government” has been to redeemed “The best and bright- teachers renewed their de- cate Secondary/ Elementary est people in the society” by the mand on April when the All Education from Higher Second- unpaid and aggrieved teach- sort to unprecedented and unChief Minister TR Zeliang in his Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi ary in the Department of School ers, under the umbrella of Na- democratic action as witnessed galand RMSA Teachers’ Asso- during the teacher’s agitation as glorious homage on Teachers Teachers Association (ANAH- Education.

TA) demanded “all our pending The agitation affected 2069 ciation 2013 (NRMSA-2013) well as other protest.

Day suffered the most. salary” up to March 2016. government schools across Na- launched their agitation (AuDIMAPUR, DECEMBER With intimidation and reIn April, after an interven- galand state. While the state gov- gust 21) by boycotting classes prisal as a form of standard op30 (MExN): The Social- Cycle of protests over tion from the education min- ernment tried to placate various in their respective schools, af- erating procedure, there were ist Party (India) has sought unpaid salaries clarification from the ElecThe whole year round, differ- ister, 111 RMSA phase 2 & 3 agitating entities with temporary fecting at least 49 government further two instances when the tion Commission on what ent teachers’ association wasted aggrieved candidates called respite, the issues continue to schools in the state. It contin- response from the government ued till September. it alleged as undemocratic priceless time and energy either off their indefinite protest de- surface in a regular cycle. was outright arbitrary. practice of the Naharbari Village Council in restricting political parties to field candidates in four wards nameAs per entomological rely ward no-8, 9, 10 and11. A Morung Express News beginning of October, when Dengue cases started occursearch, the post-monsoon press statement issued by Dimapur | December 30 ring in Dimapur.

The number period before the onset of the DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 30 (MExN): The Naga- DIMAPUR, DECEMBER the national vice president of positive cases stood at 124 winter is said to be a phase land Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Fri- 30 (MExN): NSCN (IM) Ato With the mercury dropping, of the Socialist Party, Akhei out of 699 suspected samples vulnerable to Dengue out- day said the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Kilonser, Th Muivah today incidence of Dengue cases Achumi said the Naharbari break. There is apprehension election in Nagaland should be a referendum for de- called upon the Naga peoVillage Council has selected has relatively declined dur- tested as on November 25. ple to “shrug off and exhale Dr. Moa maintained that that the 2016 outbreak will monetization and corruption. own candidates for the four ing December. According the past differences” as they there is no official record of not be a one-off or isolated Referring to the claim made by Amit Shah, the to the Dimapur District Prowards and resolved that it BJP President, that Chandigarh ULB election verdict enter a new year. will not allow any political gramme Officer, NVBDCP, lives claimed by the vector- occurrence.

In a New Year message, Queried on the preventive which went in favour of BJP, was verdict in favour of party or any other intend- Dr Moa Jamir, the total num- borne virus thus far. There he stated that “no enemies were reports of two fatalities and response mechanism beber of confirmed positive demonetization, the NPCC president K Therie in a ing candidate to contest. It also pointed out that the Na- cases stood at 139 as on De- in private hospitals, which ing planned for a possible out- press statement said the people of Nagaland cannot can defeat and destroy the Nagas so long as they are harbari Village Council has cember 19. These were out of however could not be es- break in 2017, Dr. Moa replied afford to do that.

Maintaining that every subject is suffering from on the Lord’s side.” Nagas been dissolved owing to the a total of 763 suspected blood tablished officially. With the that the department is aware up gradation of the village samples tested at the Sentinel temperature dropping, he of it and will be discussing the demonetization, excepting few corrupt politicians, will be pulled down only by to a town council. Term- Surveillance Site Lab, District expressed hope the outbreak issue and hopefully “be better Therie claimed that Nagaland public have no black their own mistakes and sins, he cautioned, and said that prepared.” money. ing the actions of the village Hospital Dimapur since the will be contained.

“Whatever money people have are their hard “a nation cannot be built council chairman and comearned money. Whether it is in the bank or at home, upon the foundation of hamunity members as illegal they belong to the people and we are entitled to have tred and communalism.” and violation of free and fair “We have already deelection and against voting LUCkNow, DECEMBER 30 (IANS): The Akhilesh faction with Ram Gopal Yadav's freedom over our own hard earned money,” he said. clared a statement appealrights, the Socialist Party Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav support came up with a separate list of candiThe NPCC also extended support to the charter ing to all brothers and sisvowed that it will never ac- on Friday expelled his son and Uttar Pradesh dates, sparking a crisis in the party which ap- of demands made by Congress vice president, Raters in different camps to cept such resolution made Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav from the party peared virtually heading towards a split as its hul Gandhi including lifting all restrictions on monforgive our past mistakes by the community and said for six years for "indulging in anti-party activi- five year rule in the state draws to a close. ey withdrawal and compensation to farmers, traders as we have forgiven them village council. It has there- ties". He said the party would now elect a new Asserting his authority over the SP, Mu- and the poor who have suffered due to note ban. and unite in the political fore urged the Election Chief Minister in the poll-bound state.

Further playing the demonetization card, Therie line of the people. If God layam said only he, as the party chief, had the Commission to examine Also expelled was party General Secretary right to call a national council meet of the par- stated that “if one is voting for NPF-BJP, he or she was wills 2017 will be a remarkinto the matter and provide Ram Gopal Yadav who had, earlier in the day, ty and nobody else could do it. endorsing demonetization and corruption and if one is able and historic year. I bedue clarification before the called a national convention of the SamaHe said that he would decide who would voting for independent, he or she is voting for nothing.” lieve that it will be a year filing of nomination papers. jwadi Party on January 1 following a rift over become the Chief Minister of the state in The NPCC president then said if “one is voting for of rejoicing and jubilation the list of SP candidates finalised by Mulayam place of Akhilesh, who may have to vacate his Congress, he/she is rejecting demonetization and for the long suppressed Singh for assembly polls due early next year. seat post expulsion from the party. corruption.” and oppressed Nagas,” the NSCN (IM) Ato Kilonser stated.

The movement of the Tokyo, DECEMBER Nagas, he affirmed is in30 (IANS): The number of noticeable earthquakes the government insisting CMLOA rally in that struck Japan in 2016 exthat this demand be impleceeded 6,500, three times protest against the mented on or before Demore than in the previous non- implementation cember 31, 2015. year, the Japan Meteoro- of the 1964 Agreement However, with the State logical Agency said Friday.

Government failing to imAs of 7 p.m. on Thursday, a Morung Express News plement their demands, total of 6,566 quakes with the Association on Friday Mon | December 30 an intensity measured on demanded the implementhe Japanese seismic scale tation of the earlier 1964 hit the archipelago, up from Chi and Mon Land OwnAgreement and cautioned 1,842 in 2015. More than ers’ Association (CMLOA) that it would boycott the 10,000 earthquakes struck on Friday held a rally at upcoming Town Counthe country in 2011, most of Mon Town to boycott the cil Election until their dethem aftershocks from the upcoming Town Council mands are met. devastating earthquake that Election at Mon Town for Hundreds of citizens triggered the tsunami which not implementing the 1964 carrying placards that read, led to the Fukushima nucle- Agreement inked between ar disaster, the worst since the Anghs of Chi and Mon The rally organized by the CMLOA in protest against non-implementation of the 1964 “We demand our justice,” “Fulfil our demand immeChernobyl. Although the village along with the vil- Agreement in Mon town on Friday. (Morung Photo) number of quakes has de- lage representatives and be reviewed after 25 years. ernment representative, ments falling under Mon diately,” “Do not take land creased considerably since the government represenHowever, according Angou I Thou who was the Headquarter- a nominee owners for a ride,” “Stop then, the Japanese agency tative T. Alibah Ao the then to the Chi and Mon Land then DC of Mon Town. each from Chi and Mon torturing the land owners,” said the increase this year ADC of Mon Town.

Owners’ Association, the During the review village as member in Mon etc marched from Newscould be attributed to the The 1964 Agreement 1964 Agreement was not meeting, the Association Town Council and in the ite junction to the Deputy powerful earthquakes that resolved that Chi and Mon reviewed as agreed and agreed to revoke the 1964 District Planning and De- Commissioner’s office struck the Kumamoto pre- village shall enjoy 30-50 per- neglected for 52 years long Agreement in lieu of ap- velopment Board. where a memorandum fecture in the southern is- cent taxes from the Govern- until August 17, 2015 when pointment of Grade-IV Subsequently, an ulti- was submitted for necesland of Kyushu in April. ment and the Agreement to it was reviewed with a gov- staff to government depart- matum was submitted to sary action.

Public Notice

Socialist Party seek clarification from EC

139 Dengue cases as on December 19 ‘State ULB election should be a Shrug off and exhale past referendum for demonetization’ differences: Th Muivah

SP in Crisis: Mulayam expels son Akhilesh

6,566 earthquakes rocked Japan in 2016

‘Do not take landowners for a ride’

spired and guided by principle of ‘Nagalim for Christ.’

“Our spirit of continuous resistance against the aggressors, our spirit of tireless service to the nation and our spirit of self-sacrifice for the cause comes from it. If it were not a Christ-oriented movement our sacrifices, our labor, our life-time investment would have been a wastage of time and energy. We are not going to build a materialist state or that of the idol worshippers. We are going to build a future-oriented state,” he added.

“Our survival lies in clinging to our principle, not in coalition forces of groups of people outside the line.

Our victory lies in our faith force and unwavering stand for the right. Our strength lies in unity in the principle through mutual forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ.

Our solution lies in mutual understanding and agreement to disagreement between the two contending parties, not in confrontation...” he affirmed.

Full text on Page 10

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SaturDaY 31•12•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Around 5000 youths and delegates attend AK food & café launched in Dimapur SBAK (Nito Mount) 62nd Youth Conference

Zunheboto, December 30 (mexn): The 62nd Youth Conference under SBAK (Nito Mount) was held in Surumi village under Surhuto Sub Division with the theme ‘24/7 with Jesus’. A mammoth gathering of approximately 5000 youths and delegates attended the three day event from December 16 to 18. SBAK (Nito Mount) covers 144 villages and towns under Zunheboto district and Sumi inhabited areas in the state affiliated to NBCC. Addressing the conference, Wing Commander, S Akheto Jakhalu exhorted the youth to effectively utilize their most productive and limited 20 years of student life if they wanted to have a safe and comfortable future ahead. He encouraged them not only to excel in academics as there was no place for mediocre but also stressed the importance to participate in all co-curricular activities, inculcate reading habits, which would improve their leadership skills, personality and boost their confidence to compete in any private/public sector and requested parents not to discourage their children if they opted in private sector as Government jobs were almost saturated in the State.

Urging all civil organizations in Sumi areas, the speaker highlighted on the need to focus on the issue of infrastructure development and economic growth and remain united with humility. “For any economic prosperity in any region, only a con-

Wing Commander S. Akheto Jakhalu addressing the 62nd Youth Conference under SBAK Nitomount.

ducive peaceful existence, strong social security and good road condition and connectivity would set an enabling environment and ecosystem favorable for investments by Public and Private sector,” said the speaker.

Jakhalu said that the region showed promising potential ranging from setting up new establishments, research institutes, agro and horti based small industry including post harvest managements and marketing and eco tourism sector, creating not only new employment opportunities but also boost the dying economy.

As per statistics to maintain, establishment with approx 500 public or private salaried employee and inflow

of 50,000 low-budget tourist, it has the capabilities of increasing footfall and infusing financial transaction in the economy of the region with 20-25 Cr and 100 Cr respectively, thereby creating opportunities for startup entrepreneurs and opening innovative platform for assured sustainable alternate livelihood in rural areas.

He further urged all young and old to participate in the road map vision campaign initiated by All Sumi Student Union (SKK) on “Mission Doing Right” aimed at good governance and clean election campaign in all Sumi inhabited areas, to bring positive perspective changes to meet the aspiration of the youth in the future.

The other speakers included Kahoto J Yepthomi (IAAS) Deputy Accountant General (A&E) and Shetoyi Yepthomi, Parliamentary Secretary, Fisheries, printing and stationeries.

They also urged the youth to remain focused and work hard in their ambitions and goals and effectively contribute to the society as there was no short cut to success.

The event was marked with speeches by prominent church leaders, as well other themes on Clean Elections, sanitation and unity. Singing and dancing competition between various areas and stage shows by Dreamz unlimited livened up the event.

A press release informed further that the next annual youth conference is scheduled in 2018 at Zunheboto.

(Left) Kalden Gurung, owner of the AK food & café, located opposite SBI Bank, Supermarket, Dimapur. (Right) AK food & café menu offers Pizza and Burger along with a varied choice of Continental, Chinese, and Indian food. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

As more entrepreneurs are entering the food scene in Dimapur, this place is the most promising so far!

Launched on December 24, ‘AK food & café’ is a fine dining restaurant with a cozy café attached to it.

There is also a separate VIP Hall for Birthday parties and special caterings.

As you take the flight of stairs to reach the restaurant, you’re met with warm and welcoming hues of

brown. The restaurant décor is simple and uncluttered. The menu offers a varied choice of Continental, Chinese, and Indian food. The staple fried rice, chowmein and momos are also included in the menu, but what is a welcome sight are choices for Pork Steak, Pork Belly, Tenderloin Beef Steak, Roulade Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Lamb Chops, Wine Glazed Chicken and many more.

The most tempting at AK’s are also the Pizza and Burger section, which is surely

going to have many takers.

Customers seemed to love the café which is attached but set aside from the main restaurant.

The café serves excellent Espresso, Black Coffee, Cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. All this, brewed by the owner Kalden Gurung himself.

A first time entrepreneur, Kalden stated that owning a restaurant had always been a dream of his since he was a young kid.

However, he confesses that he is just realizing that it

is an extremely tough job.

“My passion is to serve good food and make people happy,” he said.

AK food & café is a must visit and has a lot to offer definitely! Just the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee with a burger or pizza during the day time or feast on Pork Steak or Wine Glazed Chicken for a scrumptious dinner.

Open from 12 noon to 10:30 PM, the place is closed on Mondays. It is located opposite SBI Bank, Supermarket, Dimapur.

‘Reflect, celebrate and strive towards excellence’ State BJP to observe December 30

Zunheboto, December 30 (mexn): Lochomi Students' Union (LSU) celebrated 50 years of its existence on December 28 and 29 under the theme ‘Reflect, celebrate and strive towards excellence.’

Executive Secretary, SBAK NM, Rev. Hukugha Zhimo was the main speaker.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Hukugha Zhimo exhorted the students to retrospect and introspect for better future. Lauding the pioneers for their painstaking contribution in founding the LSU, the

Executive Secretary encouraged the younger generations to carry the spirit and zeal of their founding members by excelling towards better and glorious generations.

Exhorting the gathering, Rev. Hukugha said, God has showered a blessing upon Lochomi Students as the village has produced a number of doctors , Engineers , Academicians , Theologians , Officers and are excelling in all competitive exams.

He asked the congregation Rev. Hukugha Zhimo Executive Secretary, SBAK NM addressto forgive and forget past ing the Lochomi Students' Union 50 years celebration event.

mistakes through this jubilee and move forward with common goal and vision.

A press release stated that earlier, the Jubilee Monolith was unveiled by founder General Secretary, LSU, Vikheto Achumi in presence of Executive Secretary, SBAK, GBs and LSU Executives , while the Jubilee Souvenir was released by Former President and Chairman Planning Board, Shihoto Zhimomi. As part of its Golden Jubilee celebration, LSU also organized a Panel Discussion cum Career Guidance for its students.

as Good Governance Day every year

Sakraba Students’ Union general session conducted Our Correspondent

Kohima | December 30

Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education Deo Nukhu today graced the 51st general session of Sakraba Students’ Union (SSU) at Sakraba town under Phek district.

Speaking on the occasion, Nukhu was all praise the good number of primary students from Sakraba, which, he said, was an indication of the bright future prospects of the village. Touching on the session’s theme ‘Living above Mediocrity,’ he appreciated the Sakraba village for its leading role in agriculture sector. He also called upon the students to give their

Dode Nakro also shared greetings while Nierayi D. Vadeo, chairman Sakraba Village Council exhorted the gathering.

SSU former president Lehii Lohe acted as the session speaker while SSU former president Kiihiisheyi D. Vadeo acted as critic of the debating hour on the topic “Using of phone in students life.”

Earlier, SSU president Hiikhoto D. Vadeo delivered presidential address while SSU general secretary Shekho Ciikhamu highlighted the union activities.

Deo Nukhu addressing SSU 51st general session on December 30.

Thenunii Lohe and best and excel in the vari- work culture and involve would enhance their skills Vemiitha Kero, both SSU ous fields. in manual works even af- in earning their livelihood. advisors chaired the inauChakhesang Students’ gural and valedictory serNukhu also appealed ter their graduation and the students to develop post graduation which Union (CSU) president vice respectively.

State BJP officials during the Good Governance Day observed by the State BJP at its party office, Dimapur on December 30.

Dimapur, Decem- officials and workers gath- of the Good Governance ber 30 (mexn): The ered at a simple ceremo- Committee recounted the State BJP President Visa- ny to honour the former life History and Contribution of Atal Bihari Vajpayee solie Lhoungu, while in- Prime Minister.

The programme orga- while Dr. Temsuwati, also a troducing the concept and purpose of Good Gov- nized by the State Good member of the Good Governance during an event Governance Committee ernance Committee gave a held at its party office, Di- (GGC) was chaired by Mu- detailed account of Implemapur declared that the lai Khiamniungan, Mem- mentation of 66 Centrally State BJP would observe ber Secretary of the com- sponsored schemes out Good Governance Day on mittee and began with an of which 16 were flag ship December 30 every year invocation by Viniho Zhi- programmes. momi, Pastor Hindi Baptist BJP Nagaland Genafter.

He made the declara- Church, Toluvi, Dimapur. eral Secretary (Media) & ST Sangtam, Convenor Spokesperson, Jaangsiltion during the Good Governance Day observed by of the Good Governance lung Gonmei in a press the State BJP on account of Committee also explained release said that the meetthe 92nd Birth Anniversa- the constitutional basis, ing concluded with a vote ry of former Prime Minis- meaning and purpose of of thanks by the meeting was addicted to opium and ter Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Good Governance Day. Dr. Chairman Mulai Khiamalcohol.”

December 30. State party Kuhoi Zhimomi Member niungan.

Peiwang Konyak, Secretary, Konyak Literature Board congratulated the individuals for taking the bold decision to quit and urged (01/01/17) them to live as responsible citizens henceforth. “School dropouts, early marriage, child labor and unemployment are all ill effects of addiction. Your investment was on opium and alcohol then but now you will invest it on your children that will ensure a better living environment for their growth and development,” the Coordinator added.

Buwang Chief Angh, Daniel, President Hongphoi Students’ Union, Chingnyi Chairman, Village Council and Khamwang Citizen’s President also spoke during the programme.

The programme was followed by community feast.

(Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS) World Vision is a Chris“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you tian humanitarian orgaand not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11 nization working to create As you turn fifty, you are not nearing your end but reaching the top. lasting change in the lives of children, families and comI thank Almighty God for taking care of you all through the years and wish you a munities living in poverty long and momentous life to be lived together. and injustice. World Vision Happy Birthday to the world’s best Husband serves all people regardless of religion, caste, race, ethYour loving Wife, Hokali Kikheto nicity or gender.

KTBCYD celebrates golden jubilee Hongphoi declared ‘Opium and Alcohol free community’

Jubilee choir presents song during the Kezo Town Baptist Church Youth Department golden jubilee celebration held on December 28.

Dimapur, December 30 (mexn): The Kezo Town Baptist Church Youth Department (KTBCYD) celebrated its golden jubilee on December 28 with Rev. Vicavor Krose, Director,

Youth Department, ABCC as the speaker. Rev. Vicavor shared on proclaiming the greatness of God for His indescribable nature towards the creation of mankind with His omnipotent attri-

butes. Earlier, he also unveiled the Jubilee monolith.

While, the jubilee souvenir magazine was released by Rev. Vilhouneio Tacü, Travelling Pastor, Japfüphiki Baptist Church council.

mon, December 30 (mexn): World Vision India, Mon organized a community level campaign and mass sensitization to eradicate opium, alcohol and child labor on December 27 at Hongphoi under the theme ‘Social Transformation.’ The campaign was a culmination of a yearlong intervention being done jointly by Hongphoi Baptist Church and World Vision India Mon on opium and alcohol addiction.

Rev. Phowang Pastor Hongphoi Baptist Church and Rev. Tahlem Evangelist KBBB formally declared the Hongphoi as Opium and Alcohol free community with a prayer. It was organized in partnership with Hongphoi Baptist Church, Village Council, Students’ Union and Citizens’ Forum.

A press release issued

by Temjen Anar, Coordinator-Development Facilitation, World Vision India, Mon stated that it was a remarkable day as “62 addicts formally quit and signed declarations with the village council and students’ union not to use or sale anymore. Interestingly, 30 percent of the community

Happy Golden Birthday Ilomi

saturday 31•12•2016

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Arunachal political twist: Khandu claims support of 49 MLAs after being suspended ITANAGAR, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): As a fresh political drama unfolded in Arunachal Pradesh after Chief Minister Pema Khandu was suspended from the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) along with six other MLAs, his government on Friday claimed majority support and the BJP backed him. But the ruling party said there would be a change in leadership.

The Khandu government claimed the support of 49 of the 60 MLAs, including 35 of the PPA, a day after he was suspended from his party.

Government spokesperson Bamang Felix claimed that 35 out of the 43 PPA MLAs have reposed faith in and allegiance to the leadership of Khandu.

“We have support of 49 MLAs, including 35 PPA, 12 BJP, along with one associate BJP member and one independent,” he claimed at a press conference here.

“Everything is going normally as usual and the Chief Minister is still enjoying absolute majority from the PPA, the BJP and independent MLAs,” Felix said in response to queries.

Pema Khandu. File Photo

The PPA on midnight Thursday night temporarily suspended Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chhowna Mein and five other MLAs from the primary membership of the party for their alleged “anti-party activities“.

Stating that there was no question of change in leadership, Felix said, “We are looking at the legal aspects of the suspension of seven MLAs, including Khandu.”

Mobile net services resume in Manipur IMPHAl, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): Mobile data services resumed today in Manipur as law and order situation in the state has improved.

The decision to resume the services this morning was taken after analysing the existing situation in the state, said a telecom official.

Mobile data services had been snapped since December 17 last after tension erupted when a mob protesting the indefinite economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC) on the Imphal-Ukhrul road connecting landlocked Manipur allegedly vandalised 22 vehicles.

The December 17 incident which was preceded by a series of attacks on Manipur police by suspected militants in the hill districts of the north eastern state prompted the authorities to clamp curfew in the twin districts of Imphal.

Though curfew was withdrawn from Imphal West district, night time curfew beginning from 9 pm continues to remain enforced in some parts of Imphal East district.

“The PPA is not a single man party. Whatever decision was taken by party president Kahfa Bengia was his own. We are trying to sort out the differences among the party MLAs and our door is open for all,” the spokesman said.

Responding to a query on the BJP’s claim that the process is on for the PPA MLAs to join it, Felix said that since PPA is an alliance partner of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) government “no such question arises“.

The BJP, during the day, made it clear that it will support “only” the Khandu government and “will never” support any other chief minister.

Bengia on his part said that Takam Pario, PHED minister, is likely to be the next chief minister.

“The sudden decision of the PPA is not acceptable to us as they have never discussed with us. In the interest of development of the State and its people, the BJP cannot be a party to change of government every six months,” BJP legislature party leader Tamiyo Taga told a press conference.

Taga, who is also the Textile and Handicraft Minister, said the party

had decided to support Khandu on the floor of the Assembly if the Governor issued directives for a floor test.

Khandu broke away from the Congress along with 42 lawmakers in September this year, managing a coup that suddenly left the party out of power in the State.

Arunachal has been battling political instability since December last year when Congress dissidents revolted against former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

After a series of dramatic developments, which included a special session held at a hotel to vote out Tuki, Congress rebel Kalikho Pul became the Chief Minister in February with the help of 11 BJP lawmakers.

The Congress then moved the Supreme Court, which turned the clock back and restored Tuki’s government.

But Tuki was out within days as he did not enjoy a majority in the 60-member Assembly.

Pul, who insisted that he be reinstated as chief minister, was left alone in the last minute when lawmakers supposedly backing him shifted their loyalties to Khandu.

Pul committed suicide in August

and a month later, Khandu walked months," Taga said. out of the Congress with 42 lawmakTaga, who is also the Textile and ers and joined the PPA. Handicraft Minister, further said that the party has decided to support BJP to support "only" Khandu Khandu in the floor of the assembly The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh if the Governor issues directives for today made it clear that it will "only" a floor test. support Pema Khandu government Claiming of a "visible split" among in the state and "will never" support the PPA legislators, Taga said that he any other chief minister. had seen 26 PPA MLAs with Khandu The party decision came in the when he visited the chief minister's backdrop of the unprecedented po- residence this morning. litical development where Peoples' Giving a genesis of the political Party of Arunachal (PPA) temporar- development since last year which ily suspended Chief Minister Pema witnessed three chief ministers so Khandu, his deputy Chowna Mein far, Taga said, "Pema Khandu was acand other five MLAs late last night for ceptable to us and the people of the alleged anti-party activities. state and so our central leadership "BJP, being a coalition partner of allowed us to join the government." the PPA in the North East Democratic Responding to allegations of PPA Alliance (NEDA) government in the president Kahfa Bengia that Khandu state, was not discussed on the is- was more inclined to BJP than PPA, sue before announcing the decision Taga said that "all the PPA legislators which could have been sorted out," were inclined towards BJP".

BJP legislature party leader Tamiyo When asked whether Khandu Taga told a press conference here. along with his supporters would join "The sudden decision of the PPA the BJP to form the next government is not acceptable to us as they have in the state, the senior party leader in never discussed with us. In the in- a veiled indication stated that joining terest of development of the state of PPA MLAs to BJP would be "conand its people, BJP cannot be a party sidered" by the central leadership to change government in every six and "perhaps it is under process".

NE to get dedicated weather service Congress in Tripura to protest NEW DElHI, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): The New Year will see the government starting work on a weather service catering specially to north east India, a move that will lead to significant enhancement of meteorological infrastructure in the region.

Under the project, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will procure 14 doppler radars for the region, a big leap from existing two at Agartala in Tripura and Mohanbari in Assam, and set up 270 surface observatories and eight microwave radiometers.

The 19 heliports in the north east will also have dedicated surface observatories, a facility which is now missing.

M Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) said looking at the region's diversity and re-

quirement, a separate weather service for the north east was required.

"If you see the observations received from the north east are very scant in terms of data. The norm is that where the topography is hilly, it is necessary to have more observation systems.

"Plus, there is so much of heterogeneity of topography in the north east that it demands separate weather services and an infrastructure boost," Rajeevan said.

The north east has a few RAdioSonde And RadioWind Observatories in comparison to the rest of the country. The RAdioSonde And RadioWind Observatories send a balloon in the air twice a day to check humidity, wind patterns and temperature.

Envisaged under the XII Five Year Plan (2012-17), the weather service was stuck in red tape as it was initially supposed to be funded by the Department of North East Region (DoNER). As funding has not come from DoNER for the last four years, the MoES has now decided to go ahead with the Rs 194 crore project.

Rajeevan said the IMD will start with procuring equipment from next year.

IMD Director General K J Ramesh said work is on to enhance meteorological infrastructure in the north west Himalayas.

A request for proposal (RFP) is also under process to have more doppler radars in north western Himalayas which cover the three states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

demonetisation from January 5

AGARTAlA, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): The opposition Congress in Tripura today said it will hold demonstration before the government offices against the demonetisation drive which has caused “limitless inconveniences” to the common people.

“Demonetisation has caused limitless inconveniences to the common people throughout the country including our state. So, the state Congress has decided to demonstrate before the offices of DMs, SDMs and other government offices in the state,” TPCC President Birajit Sinha told reporters.

“We will demonstrate before the government offices including District Magistrates and Sub-divisional Magistrates on January 5 to protest against demonetisation,” he said.

Ramen Barthakur, AICC Coordinator and in-charge of Tripura said, “The process of demonetisation is antipeople and anti-poor. It is a disaster caused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People want a relief from it”.

First North East music archive rolled out in Assam Manipur Crisis: NSCN (IM) dismisses rumors Tea estate in Assam deposits GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): Assam government today inaugurated the first Music Archive of the North East for preserving various works of artistes.

"The first Music Archive of the region will fulfill the aspiration of our artistes. The centre will work for preservation of creations, including folklore," Assam Cultural Affairs Minister Naba Kumar Doley said during inauguration of the function here.

The Music Archive has been set up inside the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio complex, which is owned by the state government.

Doley also inaugurated the first ever air-conditioned shooting floor of the North East -- Sudhakantha Dr Bhupen Hazarika Shooting Floor -- in the same premises.

Speaking on the occasion, Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio Society Secretary Monita Borgohain said a number of important projects were in the pipeline to upgrade the facilities offered by the complex for making a film.

"Some of our plans are to build auro and atmos surround sound system for re-recording, digital interference, mini multiplex cinema hall and four camera set-up for online video studio among others," she added.

Modernisation of the studio is undertaken with financial help from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Assam Accord and also from Film City project of the state government, Borgohain said.

Established in 1961, the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio Society has the world famous Arri-Alexa Digital 35mm movie camera, which is one of the very few available models in Asia.

The complex also houses the Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute.

Newmai News Network Dimapur | December 30

Triggered by rumours doing the round that the NSCN (IM) has barred or banned Manipur registered/bound vehicles from entering Nagaland, some Manipur bound vehicles are reportedly stranded at Khatkhati in Assam today. Sources said that the rumours started in the afternoon of Friday.

Meanwhile, the NSCN (IM) has clari-

fied that it did not issue such directive to Manipur bound vehicles. "We have nothing to do with such rumours," dismissed V Horam, who is the Kilonser of the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) of the NSCN (IM). V Horam then asked, "Why should we ban or bar Manipur bound vehicles or Manipur registered vehicles?" He further cautioned rumour mongers from creating unnecessary confusion.

Assam govt postpones inauguration of bridge to avoid 'inauspicious month' GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): In an unexpected superstitious move, Assam government today announced to postpone inauguration of the second bridge over the Brahmaputra here l to avoid the "inauspicious month of Puh".

"Many leading citizens and intellectuals have advised the government not to inaugurate the bridge in the month of Puh, as

no positive work is commenced in this month as per the Assamese tradition.

Hence, we have decided to inaugurate it in the next Assamese month of Magh," State PWD Minister Parimal Suklabaidya told reporters here. Magh, which starts from January 15, is not considered "inauspicious" like 'Puh', he added.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was

scheduled to inaugurate the much-delayed second Saraighat road bridge on January 1. Suklabaidya announced the decision after inspecting the bridge during the day. He said that Gadkari would be formally opening the second bridge over the Brahmaputra in Guwahati at least a fortnight later, though the bridge was fully ready for inauguration.

workers' wages in their bank a/c

GUWAHATI, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): Vernerpur Tea Estate in Hailakandi district of Assam has become the first tea garden in the state to pay salaries to its all employees through bank. "Joyous atmosphere prevailed as scores of tea labourers of Vernerpur in Hailakandi district on Tuesday got their weekly wages in their bank accounts via digital mode for the first time," an official release said.

The salaries were paid yesterday after bank officials visited the Vernerpur Tea Estate to pay wages to all the 786 workers in the cashless transaction. Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Moloy Bora along with other officials of the district administration witnessed the cashless transaction of wages. "It augurs well that tea workers are withdrawing money,

Rhino poop helping farmers gain sustainable income The Better India

Assam has 80 % of the world’s one-horned rhinos, but unfortunately, the number of rhinos is dropping drastically. While climate change and rampant deforestation are some of the major reasons, human insensitivity is another.

When rhinos stray into agricultural fields, farmers attack them to protect their crops. Then there is the notorious business of trading rhino horns, which are sold in the international markets for anywhere between Rs. 40 lakh and Rs. 70 lakh per kilogramme.

In 2009, Mahesh Chandra Bora, a native of Guwahati, was commuting between Guwahati and Delhi when he came across an article about a woman using elephant poop to make paper in Rajasthan. Fasci-

nated, he went to visit her and learn the craft. When he returned home, he wondered if he could do the same in Assam with rhinoceros poop. After all, Assam had many more rhinos than Rajasthan had elephants. Thus, he established Elrhino.

While Elrhino is Mahesh’s baby and vision, it has been given an identity and a business model by his daughter Nisha Bora.

“I was working in Mumbai, Maharashtra, when my father started his enterprise.

It was a time when all his friends and relatives were discouraging him from starting Elrhino. That was also a time when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life. All I knew was that I wanted to do something different, new, interesting, and chal-

lenging. Whenever I came home for a vacation, my father’s dedication and initiative inspired me, and so I eventually decided to join him and his enterprise,” recalls Nisha.

Today, Elrhino is a successful brand making various paper-based products — from notebooks and pen stands to lampshades and playing cards — that are recognised by thousands of people across the globe. The firm also gives employment to more than 100 people directly or indirectly. It is these people — most of them farmers and other community members — who source the excreta and other forest waste from rhino- and elephant-trodden paths and then process it into a pulp to eventually turn it into paper and paper-based prod-

which they needed, and the rest they have started saving. The future of the workers will be safe and secure," Bora said. He exuded optimism that like Vernerpur, other 16 gardens in the district will also make payment of wages through bank accounts of workers on or before the deadline of January 15.

Vernerpur Tea Estate Manager, P K Chakraborty said though there were some problems faced by the workers initial, they have embraced the new mode of cashless payment.

District Labour Officer Alimuddin Barbhuiya said, "Unlike in the recent past

when tea workers spent all the cash the moment they got it, this time around it has been witnessed that they withdrew what they required. This practice of saving will help them to stand in good stead in the future."

LOST NOTICE Scooter lost from River Belt Colony, Dimapur

Owner Name: Rajesh Kumar Address: H/No – 194, River Belt Colony, Dimapur Scooter No: NL 07M 6390 Chassis No: MBLJF32ADFGH00277 Engine No: JF32AAFGG28162 Colour: Black

VIKA ONLINE SERVICES Dimapur: Nagaland Ph: 8132922259

NEW YEAR OFFER AVAIL ALL ONLINE SERVICES AT VERY LOW RATE 1. APPLY INDIAN PASSPORT(Fresh/Renewal) 2. Pan Card 3. NET/NPSC/All online form fill up 4. Swearing affidavits of all kinds 5. Trains/Flight Tickets 6. SOUNDTRACKS/Karaoke/Instrumental Tracks OFFER PERIOD LIMITED

AppRECIATION

ucts. The brand then sells these products through orders online, especially through social media platforms, or through fairs and exhibitions.

But it all started with a simple vision to preserve the rhinos in the region by

involving the local community, and subsequently providing the latter with letter livelihood options.

It is this simple vision that has consciously kept Mahesh and Nisha away from competing with other similar enterprises.

The ‘52 Parindey’ umbrella – an initiative of Digital Empowerment Foundation to digitally document the stories of grassrootslevel conscious innovators – recognises Mahesh Chandra Bora and Nisha Bora as innovators.

The Samziuram Baptist Church Youth Department would like to extend our gratitude to Shri. Karaiba Chawang, Media Officer to Chief Minister Govt. of Nagaland for gracing Open Badminton Tournament which is organised

by SBYD in Aid of Golden Jubilee (SBYD) 2018 as Chief Guest on 27th Dec. 2016.

4

saturDaY 31•12•2016

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Cannot disclose reasons behind demonetisation: RBI Facebook users beware!

New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): The Reserve Bank of India has refused to reveal the reasons for scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, besides declining to disclose the minutes of the RBI Board meeting when demonetisation was discussed on November 8, an RTI activist said.

The RBI said it was not bound to disclose such information given the issue of national security and related implications in it.

The information was sought by an RTI activist Venkatesh Nayak.

“RBI rejected access to its board meeting minutes and recommendations made to the government and related file notings under Sections 8(1)(a), 7 (9) of the RTI Act,” Nayak told IANS. Section 8(1)(a) has various grounds of sovereignty, integrity, economic interests, security interests, sci-

RBI notifies closure of old notes’ deposits New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): Asking the banks to report collections of demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on December 30 itself, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday notified the closure of the deposit and exchange of the old notes. “With the closure of the facility of exchange of specified bank notes, all banks should report information on collection on December 30, itself. Banks should make arrangements to gather the information from all its branches accordingly,” the RBI said in a notification here.

From next week onward, those still holding the scrapped currency can deposit it only with the RBI till March 31, 2017. All bank branches, except district cooperative central bank (DCCBs), which have accumulated old notes at the close of business on Friday, are required to deposit these in the office of the RBI or a currency chest on Saturday, the RBI said.

The old notes cannot form part of banks’ cash balances from the close of business as on Saturday, the central bank added. However, DCCBs may retain the demonetised currency received between November 10-14, till further instructions. entific interests and foreign relations.

While Section 7(9) was the ground for refusing to give information in the form in which it was asked for reasons that it should not result in destruction of records or excessive expenses towards compilation of the information.

“The refusal to disclose

cult to understand, Nayak added.

This was especially when crores of Indians were facing difficulties due to the shortage of cash supply, he said.

Nayak had also filed a separate RTI with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Finance Ministry seeking copies of

KolKAtA, December 30 (iANS): The Centre is concerned about the challenges presented by the advent of new media, especially in the absence of a regulatory framework, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary said on Friday.

“An important area of challenge in the new media is that there is unfortunately no regulatory framework. What you cannot see on TV or hear on your radio, it is all possibly up there in open access,” Ministry Secretary Ajay Mittal said here at an event organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI).

Mittal said much more was

needed to be done to prepare the government and its officers to deal with the “completely new paradigm of digital media”.

“The ministry is in talks with the state governments and we are now going to train their people in the information sector so that they can deal with the challenges created by new media that is causing a whole lot of concern,” he said.

Mittal said, “It is regularly being raised in Parliament... this issue of digital media without any boundaries. We are very clear that in the media space the best form of regulation is self regulation and the government would like to keep away as far as possible.”

BSNL to lease 15,000 PoS to push digital bill payment New Delhi, December 30 (pti): State-run BSNL is planning to take on lease about 15,000 point of sale machines to enable more customers to use digital methods of bill payment, and sees digital transactions accounting for up to 40% of all bill payments

by March 2017, nearly double of current levels.

“We are in the process of leasing about 15,000 point of sale (PoS) machines to be used by customer service centres so that electronic payment can FiRe StatiOnS

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

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be encouraged. That is also the direction in which the country is moving, everyone is looking at electronic payment methods,” BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava told PTI. He further said that telecom corporation intends to have about 20-50 customer service centres in each of its telecom districts, equipped with PoS machines.

“We have 334 telecom districts or SSA. We are saying that in each telecom district, between 20-50 customer ser-

vice centres should have PoS machines,” he said, adding that at present, 1,500-2000 PoS machines are available in BSNL’s own customer service centres.

By March 31, BSNL expects up to 40% of the total bill payments to come from digital mode. At present, digital payment account for less than 20% of the overall bill payment.

At present, Shrivastava said, payment methods vary depending on the amount of bill. E-payment tends to be more favoured for FTTH billwe4 woMen HeLPLIne

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black money, corruption and fake currency notes, their reluctance to become equally transparent and accountable is unjustified, to the say the very least,” Nayak said.

“RBI and DEA have a statutory obligation to be completely transparent and accountable to the people of India on the subject of demonetisation,” he added.

If there cannot be complete transparency on this issue, then it must be assumed that the transparency regime has simply not taken roots in India even after 11 years of implementation of the RTI Act, Nayak said.

The activist said that he has already appealed against the DEA for not replying to his RTI query.

He also said that he would soon appeal against the RBI decision to not disclose the reasons behind the demonetisation.

Even your offline data is no longer secure

New YorK, December 30 (iANS): Facebook already knows a lot about your online activities and you are pretty much aware of it. But a new media investigation has revealed that the social networking giant buys data on your offline activities without your knowledge.

The information that Facebook collects can include things like how much money you make, the stores you shop in, and even the number of credit cards you own, according to the investigation by ProPublica.

At the heart of the issue is that the tech giant gives users little indication that it buys far more sensitive data about them than what the social media platform declares it knows. Facebook uses algorithms to categorise its users in tens of thousands of micro-targetable groups for advertisers.

“Facebook’s site says it gets information about its users ‘from a few different sources’,” ProPublica said in its report on Tuesday. “What the page doesn’t say is that those sources include detailed dossiers obtained from commercial data brokers about users’ offline lives. Nor does Facebook show users any of the often remarkably detailed information it gets from those brokers,” it added.

“They are not being honest,” Jeffrey Chester, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Democracy, was quoted as saying. “Facebook is bundling a dozen different data companies to target an individual customer, and an individual should have access to that bundle as well,” Chester noted.

I&B Ministry lament absence ‘Rs 2000 notes not good for exchange, of regulation on new media cash crunch may normalise by February end’

Entire currency in circulation from December 31 legitimate New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that from Saturday onwards, the entire currency in circulation will be legitimate, Friday being the last day to deposit the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in banks. “With effect from tomorrow the entire currency in circulation would be legitimate,” Jaitley told reporters at a press briefing here on Friday. From Saturday the legitimate currency that would continue to be legal tender is Rs 100 and other lower denomination notes along with the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has printed, he added. Refusing to give any details on the deposits received in old notes post-demonetisation, he said that the data was yet to be tabulated. The RBI on Friday asked the banks, which have accumulated old notes to deposit it in the office of the central bank or a currency chest

by December 31. From next week onward, those still holding the scrapped currency can deposit it only with the Reserve Bank of India till March 31, 2017.

the minutes of the RBI Board meeting where the decision was taken to recommend demonetisation is perplexing to say the very least,” Nayak said.

While confidentiality prior to the making of the decision was understandable, continued secrecy after the decision was implemented was diffi-

the cabinet note regarding the scrapping of the old currency notes.

“I also sought to know whether the government had sought people’s views on the issue prior to making the demonetisation decision,” he said.

“Despite 40 days lapsing since the delivery of the RTI application to the DEA, it has not responded,” he added.

Not responding to an RTI application for 30 days is deemed as a refusal to disclose the requested information under Section 7(2) of the RTI Act. Nayak, however, said that the lack of response on the part of DEA was not surprising because the decision to maintain undue secrecy appeared to be sanctioned at the highest level of the bureaucracy.

“When the DEA and RBI want every citizen of the country to come clean in the name of combating

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ing, while cash finds favour in case of landline bill payment.

“On December 15, we had a meeting with the Chief General Managers (CGMs) and they have been told to equip the customer service centres with PoS facility. We are of the view that for POS machines at this point of time, capital expenditure should not be incurred and therefore it should be taken through lease mechanism for which talks have already started with various banks,” he said.

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New Delhi, December 30 (FiNANciAl expreSS): Even as 50 days have passed since the announcement of demonetisation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, cash crunch continues as only 35-40% of the 2.2 lakh ATMs in the country are dispensing cash, according to leading deployers. What has increased woes of many people is the fact that most of the ATMs are dispensing only Rs 2000 notes. Moreover, banks are yet to start over-the-counter payments in Rs 500 notes properly. Reason: The number of Rs 500 notes available is very less and it would take more time for the situation to normalise.

According to State Bank of India chief Arundhati Bhattacharya, the cash situation in the country may normalise by the end of February as the number of Rs 500 notes would exceed the Rs 2000 notes by then.

Bhattacharya said this in an interview to CNN-News 18.

Bhattacharya also said the new Rs 2000 banknote is not a “good mode of exchange” as it constrains people from transacting freely. Bhattacharya further said SBI would start handing over Rs 500 notes from bank counters to customers soon. Moreover, ATMs are also being filled up with Rs 500 MOKOKCHUnG

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director, India and South Asia of Fidelity Information Services (FIS), told The Indian Express.

“If we are raising an indent of say Rs 100 crore for ATMs, we are only getting one-third of it from the banks. This has affected the functioning of the ATMs in the country,” said Navroz Dastur, managing director, NCR Corporation, India & South Asia, a leading ATM deployer with a market share of 47%.

Meanwhile, the government is pushing digital, cashless economy agenda in a bid to make the economy transparent and reduce people’s dependence on cash.

CURRenCY nOteS

Us dollars sterling Pound Hong Kong dollar Australian dollar singapore dollar Canadian dollar Japanese Yen euro thai Baht Korean won UAe dirham (Aed) Chinese Yuan

BUY (rs) 66.34 81.47 8.28 47.84 45.84 49.14 56.42 69.97 1.79 0.0534 17.48 9.21

seLL (rs) 69.50 85.62 9.24 50.36 48.20 51.66 59.75 73.53 2.00 0.0597 19.51 10.28

leisure

Contact numbers

8575045501 8575045510 8575045502 8575045520 8575045508 8575045518 8575045506 8575045516 8575045507 8575045517 8575045505 8575045515 8575045549 8575045538 8575045509 8575045519 8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

notes, she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision to demonetise old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes on November 8. The PM had also appealed to people to bear the “pain” for 50 days and things would start becoming normal after that.

However, even after 50 days, not all ATMs are fully functional.

“Around 37 per cent of FIS’ 12,000 ATMs are dispensing cash. The country numbers are also in the range of 35-40%. (Lack of) cash availability in the right denominations is the main reason for ATMs not working,” Ramaswamy Venkatachalam, managing

CROSSWORD # 3816

H

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3811

Answer Number # 3810

ACROSS 1. Cons 6. Gossips 10. Back talk 14. A green fabric mixture 15. Violent disturbance 16. Relating to urine 17. Alpha’s opposite 18. Aquatic plant 19. Madly in love 20. Flashiness 22. Fortitude 23. Listen 24. Highest goals 26. An island in Indonesia 30. To and ___ 31. Female sib 32. Absent Without Leave 33. Hue 35. Set of principles 39. Pike (fish) 41. Emit 43. Sysadmin 44. Celebrity 46. Contends 47. Spy agency 49. Biblical first woman 50. Shade trees 51. Make inconspicuous 54. Distribute 56. Notch 57. Acts as an agent 63. Indian dress 64. Frosts 65. A group of soldiers 66. Therefore 67. Unit of land 68. Habituate 69. Observed 70. Its symbol is Pb 71. Regenerate DOWN 1.. Plod along 2. Unwakable state 3. Affirm

4. Wise men 5. Hiding place 6. Grain storehouses 7. Control surface on a plane 8. Marshes 9. Stoppage 10. Indecent 11. A kind of macaw 12. A seal 13. Skedaddles 21. Substantial 25. Perished 26. Mandibles 27. On the road 28. Volumes (abbrev.)

29. Portion 34. Crossed 36. Salute 37. Bit of gossip 38. To tax or access 40. Sweeping story 42. Mountain crest 45. Poster color 48. Antenna 51. S S S S 52. Emergency signal 53. Make a counterfeit 55. Fruity-smelling compound 58. Behold, in old Rome 59. Sea eagle 60. Person, place or thing 61. Ripped 62. Gush Answer to Crossword 3815

saturday 31•12•2016

NAGALAND

NagalaNd 2016 sNapshots...

Hornbill festival of nagaland 2016 held from december 1 to 10 registered a total of 1,12,604 visitors at Kisama

A Pochury man at the cultural festival of Phokhungri Area cultural Society at Shilloi lake under Meluri sub division of Phek district in March.

Biking Queens, an expedition on bike spreading the message of Beti Bachao, 2nd meeting of naga- Axom round table in Kohima on May 13.

Beti Padhao (BBBP) and women empowerment at Kohima on June 16.

Kohima village and Tuensang Village friendship foundation day celebration at Kohima village in november

MEx FILE NSCN (K) discharges one Dimapur, December 30 (mexN): NSCN (K) has discharged with immediate effect one Lieut. Hotoshe, bearing army number 15627 under Sumi region, on medical grounds. The discharge order signed

by Lieut. Gen. Nikki Sumi, Deputy Chief termed the service rendered by the cadre as “praiseworthy” and wished him a prosperous future.

Tening Citizen 7th triennial general conference TeNiNg, December 30 (mexN): Tening Mai Lun Citizen 7th triennial general conference cum cultural festival will be held at Tening Village under the banner ‘Success through unity’ from January 4 to 6. The programme will be graced by MLA 6th Tening Namri Nchang as the chief guest. Assistant Director Evaluation Nagaland D. Disuang Zeme and Senior Agriculture Engineer Achackbo Newmai will be the special guest and guest of honour respectively. The organizing committee has also announced that there will be several competitions including extempore speech, cultural dance, shot put, long jump, and tug of war for man and women, also special item catching of mithun head. The president and his colleagues has informed and requested all the Tening Citizens to come and participate in the event.

Niechochiyi S. Venuh, District & Session Judge Zunheboto and Dr. Kiivezochi Hoshi, Managing Director Royal Foundation School Phek will be the resource persons.

The inaugural function will start from 10: 00 am onwards with PSU vice president Kuthovo Chizo as chairman. Welcome address will be delivered by PCF president Vekhopu Venuh while Phek village council chairman Chivozo Soho will share greetings.

Leaders from various frontal organizations have been requested to attend the programme.

ICETNMST – 2017 at NET Nagaland Dimapur, December 30 (mexN): The Department of Science & Humanities, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Nagaland is organizing an International Conference on Emerging Trends in Nanomaterials Science and Technology (ICETNMST – 2017) from January 4 to 6, 2017.

A press release informed that the conference has attracted a significant number of renowned scientists from around the world who are actively involved in research activities in the field of Nanomaterials Science and Technology. Among the promi-

condolence NPGN/NNC (NA) The rank and file of the National People’s Government of Nagaland (NPGN)/NNC (Non Accord) has mourned the demise of its President Late Temjenyanger Aier on December 23.

“His sudden death has caused great setback in the Government set up as well as in the service of Naga Nation for self determination,” a condolence message from MIP Kilonser N Mar Ao stated.

Late Aier joined the Naga National movement in 1963 before taking a short break to pursue higher education. He served the nation in various capacities and was elected as President of the NPGN/NNC (NA) which he shouldered till his last breath.

He was a man of prayer and an evangelist besides being a committed and visionary patriot who sacrificed his entire life for the Nagas, the message stated. Although no more amongst our midst, we will continue to follow the great legacy he has

nAc open super cross at Kohima in June

58th PSU session cum seminar Kohima, December 30 (mexN): The Phek Students’ Union (PSU) is set to hold its 58th session –cum- seminar on January 6 next at Phek Village Community Hall. A seminar on career guidance and confidence building for competitive exams is designed for Class 9, 10 and Class 11 and above respectively. The seminar is a joint venture of PSU and Phekmi Collegiate Forum (PCF) and sponsored by Phek Village Council.

MLA Kuzholiizo (Azo) Nienu will be the speaker at the inaugural session while

left behind, it added.

The NPGN expressed that it shares the pain and sorrow with the family members and prayed that the Almighty grant comfort and solace to the bereaved family.

NPGN Ao Region The NPGN Ao Region also mourned the demise of its President.

“His death has caused a great vacuum,” a condolence message from the CAO Ao Region Imkong Pongen stated. A “God fearing” person, late Aier always acknowledged God and always trusted God for “divine deliverance” of the Nagas, the message read. With his demise, the Aos and the Nagas have lost a senior fatherly figure who had “immense knowledge” on Naga Political history and a vision for the future of the Nagas, the message added.

Extending condolences, the NPGN Ao Region prayed that the Almighty grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family.

Rengma public rally on demand for creation of Tseminyu district in July.

nent researchers participating in the conference are scientists from NASA, National University of Singapore, Israeli Institute of Technology etc. Scientists from various IITs, IISc Bangalore, IICT Hyderabad etc. are also participating in the conference. A number of researchers from India will present their work in the conference.

The conference aims to enable young researchers of the region to cultivate their scientific knowledge for further improvement as well as to create a platform for international scientific collaboration.

Kobulong EAC Hq attains 50 years KobuloNg, December 30 (mexN): The Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Headquarter of Kobulong under Mokokchung District today celebrated its Golden Jubilee (1966-2016) with much pomp and gaiety at its office cum EAC residential premise here.

Addressing the programme, EAC Kobulong, Trongdiba Tongpi stressed on the development of EAC Hq. Inferring that there are more than 500 plus Gazetted Officers from the Asetkong range alone, he observed that the condition of Kobulong today is all because of shared negligences.

He urged upon the people of the range to prioritize Development of the EAC Hq cutting across clans or villages. “If Kobulong develops the range will develop” he asserted.

eAc Kobulong, Trongdiba Tongpi along with others after the unveiling of Golden Jubilee Monolith at its office cum eAc Resident on Friday, december 30.

Earlier, Kobulong EAC, Trongdiba Tongpi unveiled the Jubilee monolith while dedicatory prayer was pronounced by O Alang, Pastor Kobulong Baptist Church.

Short speeches were also delivered by A Nungsang Jamir, President, Asetkong Mungdang, Imli Aier, Chairman, Village Council, Khanimu, and Rongsennukshi Aier, President Asetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang. A brief history of Kobulong was shared by T Molong Ltr, Vice Chair-

man ATC Kubolong.

The Jubilee programme was attended by Kobulong Adhoc Town Committee, Civil societies and village council representatives from every village under Asetkong range.

EAC Hq Kobulong caters to the administrative needs of the whole of Asetkong range. It was under Circle Officers from 1956 and was upgraded to EAC Hq in 1966 when late NI Jamir was the DC of Mokokchung.

Radio City wins Sungkotenem Beat Contest NGTC, DDCF condemn Dec 28 blast

moKoKchuNg, December 30 (mexN): Radio City, a young band from Kohima, won the Sungkotenem Beat Contest “Clash of the Bands 2016” at the Sungkotenem Festival at Mopungchuket village, Mokokchung. Tune up channel and The Great Decade, both from Mokokchung, were the first and second runner up respectively.

The Best vocalist was bagged

by Lanu from Mingle tones while

Tongpang from The Last Decade was adjudged the Best Bassist.

Mathung of Brainstorm Island was awarded Best Drummer and Lipok from Tune Up channel was adjudged the Best guitarist. The best originals was bagged by Radio City.

Sungkotenem Beat Contest organized by the Mopunghuket Student’s Union (MALT) is held once every 4 years and is one of the most popular beat contest in Mokokchung.

Dimapur, December 30 (mexN): The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) vehemently condemned the December 28 bomb blast near the New Dhansiri Bridge in which two persons – Along Konyak and Ringthar Girisa – were critically injured.

“Such dastardly acts perpetrated on innocent public by anti-social elements need to be condemned by all right thinking citizens and organisations as such acts reveal the cowardice of the perpetrators who have no value for human lives,” the Council stated in a press release.

The Council further urged the authorities to book the culprits respon-

Injured shifted to GNRC Guwahati Dimapur, December 30 (mexN): Ringthar Girisa who was injured in the December 28 blast incident near the New Dhansiri Bridge in Dimapur is undergoing medical treatment at GNRC Guwahati. A press release received here quoted a Neurosurgeon from the hospital as saying that the patient is in conscious state “but not out of danger”. Shrapnel from the blast reportedly struck the victim’s skull causing internal bleeding. The patient currently is under observation in the ICU. sible at the earliest.

DDCF The Dimapur District Citizens Forum (DDCF) has also strongly condemned Wednesday night's blast in which two innocent were injured and a few vehicles damaged.

“These incidents bring a bad name to the city and also creates a fear psychosis in the minds of the citizens,” a statement from

DDCF stated while appealing all citizens of Dimapur to maintain peace and calm especially during the festive season.

The DDCF also appealed the law enforcing agencies to ensure that the culprits are traced at the earliest and punished as per the law.

Further, the DDCF prayed for the speedy recovery of the two injured.

6

saturDaY 31•12•2016

PeoPle, life, etc...

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Heart Attacks Why Apologies Should Be Part Why Spike at Christmas of Your New Year’s Resolutions Alice Park

T

T

Harriet Lerner

he New Year brings the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts. So in the spirit of embracing courageous acts of change as we enter 2017, I have a challenge for you. It’s difficult, but it’s worth it.

Learn to apologize. The wholehearted apology is the greatest gift you can give to the hurt party, the relationship and yourself. Since we’re wired for defensiveness (meaning we’ll automatically muck it up), it takes resolve, motivation and good will to get apologizing right.

The formula for a good-enough apology is pretty straightforward: it includes a heartfelt “I’m sorry” along with a clear expression of responsibility and remorse for our hurtful words and actions while offering reparations if necessary and a commitment to avoid a repeat performance. This is easy to do if, say, we’ve spilled red wine on our best friend’s couch. With certain people, however, (like family members) the complex dance of apology and repair can quickly go south.

With my husband Steve, for example, I like to apologize for exactly my share of the problem as I calculate it, and I expect him to apologize for his share, also as I calculate it. Since we don’t always do the same math, we can easily slip into a “who’s more to blame” or “who started it” mentality.

“I apologize for my part of this fight,” I announce to Steve since I suspect he won’t talk to me until I apologize.

“And what do you think your part is?” he asks testily.

“Forty percent,” I say. True, I approached Steve in a rude manner, but he was reactive and blew the whole thing out of proportion. I’ve concluded that his reactivity is definitely worse than my initial rudeness.

“Well,” Steve retorts, “that’s not good enough.”

Round and round we go, sounding like idiots even to ourselves. Of course, on my better days, I avoid such a scenario. I apologize for my part without bringing up his crime sheet, and I don’t participate in the downhill slide. But keep in mind that it’s in our most enduring and significant relationship that we can easily become too angry to apologize.

Resolve to be the one to apologize first. “I’m sorry for my part” is a good first step. “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I won’t do it again” is even better, if sincerely spoken. But the most difficult apology to offer is when the other person is blasting you with criticism you feel is unfair and exaggerated, while taking no responsibility for his or her own part. Here we all automatically move into fight-or-flight mode and get

stuck in distance and blame.

Humans are hard-wired for defensiveness, and no one is immune. When we’re being criticized by someone who wants an apology, we automatically listen for the inaccuracies, distortions and exaggerations that will inevitably be there. The heartfelt apology requires that we resolve to listen differently—that we listen only for what we can agree with—and we apologize for that first.

This means staying curious about the other person’s experience without interruptions, arguments, correcting facts, or bringing up our own criticisms and complaints.

Better to save our differences for another conversation, when they can be a focus of conversation and not a defence strategy.

Words of apology, no matter how sincere, will not heal a broken connection if we haven’t listened well to the hurt party’s anger and pain. How we listen determines how our relationships go and whether the other person wants to see us at the end of the day.

Start small. Put your toes in the water and practice saying

“I’m sorry, I was wrong” when you screw up, which you will.

We are imperfect human beings and we all hurt others, just as we are hurt by them. The need to give and receive apologies is with us until our very last breath.

If you’re up for the most difficult apology challenge, resolve to practice wholehearted listening. Open your heart and put aside your defensiveness when the critical party is saying things that you don’t agree with and don’t want to hear. Instead, let her voice and her pain affect and influence you. If you can only agree with 7% of what you are hearing, start by apologizing for that.

The apology isn’t the only chance you get to address an issue. The apology is the chance you get to lower the intensity, move forward with good will, and establish common ground for future conversations.

If we could listen with the same passion that we feel about wanting to be heard, all of our apologies would be meaningful—and all of our relationships would benefit. It’s hard to imagine a New Year’s resolution more important than that.

Time

he so-called Christmas holiday effect is real.

For more than a decade, researchers have documented the fact that more people tend to die of heart-related disease around the Christmas and New Year’s holiday than at any other time of the year. But because the festive season coincides with the coldest months of the year, when people are more likely to develop cold- and flu-related health problems, it’s been hard for researchers to tease apart what’s actually behind it.

So researchers led by Josh Knight at the University of Melbourne decided to eliminate the weather variable. He and his team looked at 25 years of mortality data from New Zealand, where Christmas and New Year’s occurs during the summer season, to figure out what effect the holidays have on death rates from heart disease.

They found that even when Christmas occurs during warmer weather, deaths around the holiday season increased by around 4% compared to the average for the rest of year. The average age of people dying around this time is also slightly younger than that for the remainder of the year. That suggests that the holidays themselves might be contributing to increased mortality, independent of the effects of weather and health problems associated with colder temperatures.

While this study didn’t ferret out the factors responsible, other studies have hinted at some possible culprits. The holidays are a stressful time for many, since family, social and financial obligations multiply, which can contribute to higher blood pressure and aggravation of heart disease risk factors. Richer foods that typically appear during the holidays, from sweets to meats, as well as the numerous opportunities to partake, may also play a role. Alcohol consumption also increases during the festive holiday season, which can contribute to health problems for some people.

There could also be some less obvious reasons for the spike in holiday heart deaths. Knight notes that many people travel more during this season, putting them in unfamiliar places where they might not seek medical care as quickly as they might if they are at home. And for people who are already ill, there may be what experts call a displacement of death — people who try to postpone death until this time in an effort to experience one more holiday season with family and friends.

Knight and his team stress that the findings are only a jumping off point for further research on what is actually causing the spike in deaths around Christmas; but at least the results hint that weather and cold temperatures might not be to blame.

A visual chronicle of India's cash-crunched aam admi

M

IANS

illions of Indians, especially the honest and poor, became paupers overnight after Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were suddenly scrapped on November 8, said veteran photographer K. Venkatesh who chronicled their saga through his camera over a month in a photo shoot.

"Ordinary people are the worst-hit by the resultant cash crunch as they face severe hardship daily for no fault of theirs," Venkatesh told IANS at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad in the city where he is holding a photo exhibition of ordinary folks waiting at banks for their hard-earned money.

With the new Rs 500 notes yet to reach many and the demand for Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes at an all-time high, posessing the new Rs 2,000 note has become a privilege due to rationing and hoarding despite difficulties in exchanging it.

"The objective of abolishing the highervalue notes, however good it may be in the long run, its shoddy implementation due to lack of alternative arrangements and advance preparation has unsettled the people in cities, towns and villages across the country," Venkatesh asserted.

As 86 per cent of the currency in circulation was in the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the photo expo reveals how their sudden ban not only crippled transactions but also deprived the citizens of livelihood as they have been denied or delayed access to their own money in cash.

Instead of the cash supply improving, the situation turned grim over the weeks, as hundreds of banks and thousands of their ATMs ran out of crisp notes due to limited supply from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and treasury chests of several banks drying up daily.

Though efforts were made to give relief to the hapless citizens by allowing them to deposit the banned notes in banks and post offices and get new notes in exchange for 50 days, an acute cash shortage turned waiting agonising for the old, harrowing for others and a nightmare for the young and women.

Through 60 select pictures, the ace lensman shows how common men and women have been facing the brunt of the currency chaos though they are in no way connected with the historic decision, taken ostensibly to curb black money, stamp out terror funding and eliminate fake currency.

"Failure of the government and its institutions in currency management and in curbing black money generated from unaccounted income and through unlawful means is forcing hundreds of innocent people to queue up daily at banks for hours to deposit old notes in exchange of the Rs 2,000 notes or soiled Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20 and Rs 10 notes," Venkatesh lamented.

Stringent curbs and limits imposed on cash withdrawals from banks and ATMs by customers of savings or current accounts have disrupted their normal life and affect-

ed their occupations, especially farming, trade, travel and what have you, he said.

Making identify proof a must to deposit banned notes in exchange of Rs 2,000 or lower value notes compounded the crisis, as the uninitiated and unfamiliar folks scrambled to produce IDs and photocopy them.

"Absence of new Rs 500 notes after its old version was withdrawn from circulation has made life miserable for all, as Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes became scarce and the Rs 2,000 pink note is not useful for even the lucky who get it from banks or ATMs, as there are no takers to exchange it for other notes," Venkatesh pointed out.

As the gravity and magnitude of the cash crunch unfolded across the country, it is the simple and rustic folks in the countryside who bear with fortitude the misfortune of having no access to their money as they don't have debit cards or small currency to buy even essentials for daily life.

As words cannot describe or express the untold misery that befell these poor by a midnight stroke on note ban, the pictures vividly capture the sad saga of ordinary people, the real Indians, displaying exemplary patience, tolerance and endurance in waiting hours for the elusive cash.

Shot over a month in and around Bengaluru, its nearby towns and villages, the photos reveal the plight of the common men and women who are the real victims of the note ban and not the rich and the well-to-do who have the means of using others or technology to get as much cash as they want, even in hard times.

"It is not only the old and young, men and women, farmers and physically challenged, traders, merchants, vendors but also pensioners, patients, widows and the poor illiterate who are made to struggle to get hold of a few notes, braving heat and dust, rain and cold, day in and day out," Venkatesh added.

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.

SaturDaY 31•12•2016

Morung Youth Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Anne Frank's diary inspired some victims of Guatemala's civil war to tell their stories Maria Martin

G

Public Radio Publication

uatemala’s civil war ended 20 years ago, on Dec. 29, 1996. The conflict between rebel groups and state security forces lasted nearly four decades and took an estimated 200,000 lives — the great majority of them indigenous Mayans. It was especially hard on Mayan women, who lost loved ones, suffered sexual abuse and other atrocities, and have had to find new ways to survive and move forward in the ensuing years.

One of these women, Margarita Aju Barreno, is now 58 years old. She works selling metal pots and pans and traditional Guatemalan textiles called cortes in the market of her community, Santa Lucía Utatlán, a mostly Mayan town located in the hills above Lake Atitlán in the country’s western highlands.

Working at her stand in the market is just one of the many jobs Barreno has worked since she was left alone to raise four children more than 30 years ago. Her community was militarized by the army, and her marriage fell apart after her brother was disappeared.

When she went to ask the soldiers what happened to him, her abusive husband accused her of sleeping with them. In reality, the soldiers threatened to kill her.

Today, it’s peaceful in Santa Lucía, but back then Barreno says life here was full of terror and fear for her and the rest of the community, especially the women. “We’ve suffered very much,” she says, “all the more because we had no liberty. The army was here to kill us, to do us harm. … My mother got sick and died because of this.”

According to Barreno, after her brother disappeared, her mother stopped eating

Pictures of those who disappeared during Guatemala's 36-year civil war seen hanging in front of the Defense Ministry in this 1999 photograph. (Reuters)

and eventually suffered a stroke. Barreno herself became sick with tension and fear.

Linda Green, an anthropologist at the University of Arizona, has written about women like Barreno in "Fear as a Way of Life: Mayan Widows in Rural Guatemala."

She says physical and emotional illness was common among these women, from chronic headaches and gastritis, to symptoms of what is commonly known as post-traumatic stress disorder. These ills came on top of the economic insecurity that followed after these marginalized, mostly illiterate women were left alone to raise children when their husbands, fathers, brothers, and other loved ones were killed or disappeared.

For years, women in rural Guatemala like Barreno were terrified to speak out.

But after the signing of the peace accords in 1996, the survivors in her community began to come together for support, forming the Committee of United Victims of Santa Lucía Utatlán. Eventually, they also began to talk publicly about what had happened to them and their loved ones.

First, though, they had to overcome the fear of reprisals that telling their story might bring.

“They were so scared because when the perpetrators came to kill [or] to kidnap their husbands and family members, it was clear; they say, don’t talk. Because if you do we will kill you, we will come back and kill you. …

And because they were so scared, they were in silence,” says Julio Cochoy, another war victim from Santa Lucía who worked with the

women of his community to tell their stories.

Cochoy himself was only 14 when five members of his family were killed or disappeared. He hid in his house for a year, terrified he might be next. His father finally raised the money to send him to study outside of Santa Lucía. Cochoy returned to his community with a university education and a strong desire to tell the world what had happened there during the '80s.

But first he had to persuade the women who were reluctant to break the paradigm of silence. For one thing, they could not read nor write, and struggled to visualize the power of their written testimonies. He finally convinced them by telling them the story of another war victim, Anne Frank.

Cochoy remembers the Mayan women being touched when he told them the story of the young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis. “And then I ask them, 'Why I know Anne Frank’s story? I didn’t meet her, how [do] I know about her?' And then one of the ladies said maybe you read it in a book,” Cochoy recalls. “And this moment was the moment when I said, yes, I know about Anne Frank because there is a book about her. And I said we can do it for your children and grandchildren.”

The book that came out of their collaboration, "Voices Breaking Through the Silence in Utatlan," was published by the United Nations Development Program in 2006.

As a result of the liberation and healing that came from telling her story, once timid and shy Margarita Aju Barreno is no longer afraid to speak out. “Some days I get sad,” she admits. “But most times, I think of how Jesus forgave, I think of my children, and I sing a song to the Lord,” she says, and then happily sings a hymn.

Meet Carrie Fisher, the writer #Teenstalktrends

A look at the iconic star through her novels

N

Source: AFP

ot many know that Princess Leia was also a prolific writer. Carrie Fisher, who died on Tuesday at 60, led a busy writing career that included several successful memoirs, novels and scripts.

Here we look at her four full-length novels, all

written before the release of her first memoir, Wishful Drinking, in 2008.

Postcards from the Edge (1987) Fisher’s debut novel is semi-autobiographical, telling the story of a movie actress struggling to put her life back together after a drug overdose. Fisher went on to write the screenplay for the movie of the same name, which starred Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine.

Surrender the Pink (1990) This romance novel is, like all of Fisher’s fiction works, semi-autobiographical, this one said to be based on her marriage to Paul Simon. In the story, a successful female screenwriter gets married, then separated, and only years later finds herself fully ready to write the man out of her life.

Delusions of Grandma (1993) A Hollywood scriptwriter writes letters to her unborn child that help to unravel the series of events that led her to where she is now, eight-and-a-half months pregnant and in a relationship gone wrong.

The Best Awful (2004) Seen as a sequel to “Postcards from the Edge,” Fisher’s last novel is said to fictionalize her relationship with agent Bryan Lourd, father of her daughter Billie Lourd.

In the story, a bipolar actress-turned-successful talkshow host juggles her beloved six-year-old daughter, a gay ex-husband and her aging starlet mother.

ful. It basically involved someone putting on 100 layers of anyDNA thing — foundation, nail polish, rom the 100-layer chal- clothes, eye shadow, and so on. lenge to bringing Ha- Stupid though it was, it made for rambe, the gorilla, back great entertainment for everyone. to life, here's a list of top 10 trends that teens were talking Choker trend This one is still trending. It about on social media in 2016.

It's been a crazy year, and like ev- actually became a funny trend ery other before, the trends just over Twitter, with people wearget crazier and crazier. Some are ing Nike laces on their neck repeated from the years gone by, and receiving a huge amount of and some are brand new. And compliments over it. while this year might have been The Evil Kermit Meme a shame for a hundred other The meme, with the regular reasons, here are some great Kermit and the Evil Kermit, was trends to sum up 2016. all over Twitter/Instagram/Facebook this year. For every single The Taylor Swift is Over Party The TSOP, a narrative that person who had an evil voice inhas been going on since 2009, got side them (which is everyone), even crazier this year. The (hope- these made for some really hilarifully) final face off between Kanye ous posts.

West and Taylor Swift happened Harambe when Swift accused West for his This article would be incomlyrics about her, after which Kim plete without mentioning the Kardashian actually posted vid- world famous gorilla, who was eos of Swift agreeing to the entire shot in Africa, named Harambe. thing beforehand. This led to peo- He received sympathy from all ple commenting a huge amount over the world for his unfortuof snake emojis on Swift's Insta- nate death, when he was shot. gram, and trending the The Harambe trend got even crazier when people started Crazy hair trend This one was all over Insta- making songs, memes and vidgram for a long time, with people eos about him, and promising colouring their hair sunset colours, to bring him back to life if Justin rose gold, platinum gold, grey, lilac Bieber came back on Instagram. and many others as well — it's sur- Juju on that beat prising these people weren't losing This song was the new Watch hair over the amount of times they Me, and got super popular everycoloured it. It was reposted by sev- where, with teenagers all over the eral famous beauty bloggers, in- world making videos to this song. cluding Huda Kattan.

Ripped jeans/t-shirts #Lovetrumpshate Thanks to the Jenners (and This trending hashtag is the Hadids), this trend was a courtesy of the recent US elec- rage, with everyone ripping the tions, and since most teens were sleeves off their shirt like Kendsupporting Hillary Clinton, this all, and ripping their jeans at the hashtag went viral everywhere back like Kylie. It was actually after Donald Trump won. With one of the most Googled beauty pictures and videos of Trump related questions this year, and saying racial slurs, discrimina- definitely made a huge cometion stories and people protest- back after a long time. ing on the streets, this hashtag really made an impact this year. Thighbrow Move over, thigh gap. The The 100 Layer Challenge new trend this year was the The 100 layer challenge was 'thighbrow'. In appreciation one of those crazy trends that no- for women with more curvabody knew why they were doing cious bodies, the thighbrow was — it was so difficult and waste- trending this year.

How to declutter your wardrobe F Bibby Sowray

T

telegraph.co.uk

here’s nothing like the prospect of a shiny New Year to make you feel like clearing out your wardrobe. Get rid of those bobbled jumpers, ill-fitting jeans and neverworn-it, fleeting trends and make way for a fresh, new start in which you promise to maintain order, look after your clothes properly and only buy things you really, really want or need.

Which is why we asked four stylesavvy influencers to pass on their wardrobe decluttering wisdom as we prepare to use ‘the lull’ between Christmas and New Year to do some serious sorting. Take note…

Chuck away anything cheap and nasty So says Doina Ciobanu of fashion blog The Golden Diamonds. "If it’s cheap and your wardrobe is cluttered, move it on.” It’s so true, we’re surrounded by fast fashion these days, whether it’s online, on the high street or even in the supermarket, we can buy clothing pretty much anywhere, on a whim. So use this burst of wardrobe organisation to revaluate the amount of clothing you buy verses the amount of clothing you actually wear. You’ll likely find you wear the same few pieces on rotation. Use this knowledge to realign your fashion buying practises in the New Year.

Keep the basics; chuck the trends “My biggest piece of advice is to stick to the basic pieces when decluttering your wardrobe once in a while and get rid of the very seasonal trends," adds Ciobanu. Every wardrobe should be built on a foundation of basics. These basics differ from person to person so simply consider them the building blocks of each outfit you wear. Be they a couple of great pairs of tailored trousers, jeans or some never-out-ofstyle cashmere jumpers, these are the pieces worth keeping, and also worth spending a bit more money

one – they could be a part of your wardrobe for many, many years.

Be ruthless “I try to be strict - if I haven't worn it in the last year, it’s out,” says model and presenter Lilah Parsons, who passes on her unwanted clothing to a younger cousin or a local Parkinson’s charity. This is a great rule to stick to. If you haven’t worn it lately, are you really likely to wear it again?

No, and this is the time to be honest with yourself. It may be difficult but, as stylish presenter Laura Jackson says, “Try not to get too attached to an item of clothing, there's bigger things going on in the world.”

Work out what's ripe for selling on Presenter Angela Scanlon may be a hoarder by nature, but when it comes to decluttering her wardrobe, she’s got a foolproof process. “I make separate mini mountains for family and friends, for charity and for the bin.” Categorising the items you want to purge from you wardrobe is a wonderful way to keep the process simple. Let’s be clear, decluttering is not about chucking all your unwanted items in the bin; it’s about seeing if your unwanted items can go somewhere better or more useful. Yes, the bin or a fabric recycling bank may be the only answer to some, more tatty items, but avoid thinking that just because you don’t want something, no

one else will either. Resale is also an option, we've rounded up the best fashion resale sites here.

Colour coordinate your wardrobe - so you can work out where the gaps are “I colour coordinate and promise myself such an accumulation will never happen on my watch, under my roof again,” adds Scanlon of her post-purge process. Colour coordinating is a great way to establish what you do and don’t have in your wardrobe. If you end up with a sea of navy, black and grey, you know not to buy anymore of that for a while, and instead invest it some brighter shades. Alternatively, it may make you realise that the only colours you really like wearing are those ones, so you know not to bother investing in anything bolder.

Head to Instagram for some organisation inspiration There's nothing like a bit of aspiration to get those organisational juices flowing. Check out feeds like The Coveteur, which delves into the closets of the world's most stylish, to give you some ideas about how you want your wardrobe to look. It could be anything from sticking Polaroids of the shoes in each shoe box on the outside, to the way in which you colour coordinate your rails.

Aviva Mehta

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

w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r o u p s / t h e n a g a b l o g

Let’s build a green national highway Yanpvuo Yanfo Kikon: Places like Nagaland in fifty to hundred years from now will become the lungs of the earth. We are the ones who will have the resources (Trees) to generate the oxygen necessary for the very survival of our species. On average, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year. Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four.

Two days back, whilst beat boxing alone in the car and driving down to Dimapur bumping, twisting and twerking my internal organs in our potholed national highway, I came across a scene which suddenly took over my highly exaggerated sense of imagination with mixed emotions of hope, sadness, hope, positivity and negativity as I witnessed the work being executed to finally build our dream four lane highway.

I was filled with hope because if this is completed within the anticipated timeline of three years, this highway will further fuel progress in our State by boosting all sectors particularly the USP of our State - Tourism and Logistics which will support our agro and allied industries. But as I saw trees after trees being felled and destroyed by these huge machinery, the positive vibes were shadowed by the thought of this highway was becoming a graveyard of once beautiful majestic trees that donned our beautiful roadway.

As concerned citizens and stakeholders of this highway, it is our duty to ensure that the construction company executing the project along with the sub-contractors and our Government to strictly adhere to the Green Highways (Plantation & Maintenance) Policy-2015 to set aside one per cent of the civil cost of national highway development projects for the planting of trees in a "planned manner".

Here we need to additionally appeal as concerned citizens with our wishes to push for a plan with an aesthetic vision to plant the most visually appealing and beautiful trees that will enhance the overall experience of riding through this highway. We should aim for our National Highway to be featured among the most beautiful highways in the world.

But for any idea to become reality, it is the duty of each and every single individual to put our words into action by taking ownership of projects that are based on building public infrastructure and community development.

1. Each of us can buy at least 2 Tree saplings (Might cost around Rs.100 only) after consultation with top experts in landscape and garden designs and making our Government authority of National Highways approve the choice of flowering trees and the plantation blueprint. Once the major digging is complete and the road is ready for plantation, on the Grand Plantation Day, everybody can come together and plant these saplings with our own hands and together we can build one of the most beautiful national highway in India.

2. We can send out a appeal addressed to the Chief Ministers Office, Govt of Nagaland, Minister for National Highways that in line with the Green Highways (Plantation and Maintenance) Policy, 2015, the Government also allow the citizens and public bodies whoever wish to take part in this exercise to fix a day during the monsoons to plant flowering and fruit bearing trees along the highway.

3. Citizens can also suggest the most beautiful flowering and fruit bearing trees suitable to our climate that can be put uniformly across stretches for creating mesmerizing visual appeal for the longest duration (Season).

Most of us Nagas only like complaining and whining but this is our chance to stop complaining and actually getting involved to build something beautiful in our lifetime. Thirty years from now, all of us will be old and maybe some of the lucky ones will be driving and beat boxing down this road with your children and grandchildren. That day you will tell them of how you planted these flowering and fruit bearing trees that turned the once pothole and dust ridden roads into paradise on earth!

Naga Freedom Fighters then and now Kevitho Kera: Then: Villagers voluntarily provided food and shelter.

NPGs now: Intimidates and forces people to give House Tax and Ration Tax. Then: Fought and died for Nagaland.

NPGs now: Sits back and extorts. With the extorted money buys Toyota Fortuner, builds palatial bungalows and acres of land.

Then: Fought with dignity.

NPGs now: Hired on land disputes and use guns to settle land disputes.

Then: The mention of their names commanded respect.

NPGs now: The mentioning of their names brings out disgust.

Then: Treated as Naga Heroes.

NPGs now: Treated as Goondas.

Our beloved freedom fighters. Wake up from your slumber. We look upto you. Come back to those ways which were pristine.

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

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saturDaY 31•12•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Cash crunch making BJP and allies anxious NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 30 (REUTERS): Cash shortages weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to abolish large currency notes are making allies and members of his ruling party anxious, with some distancing themselves from the move ahead of a series of state elections.

Modi removed 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, worth around $7.50 and $15 respectively, on Nov. 8, billing it as an attempt to root out corruption, end terror financing and move the country into the age of digital payments.

He promised to replace all old bills with enough new currency notes by the end of this month. But his government has struggled to do that, leading to long lines at banks and a slump in economy activity. Nearly 90 percent of transactions in India used to be in cash.

Interviews with six lawmakers from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a senior leader of the party's ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), show his party cadre is starting to worry that the cash crunch could hurt their prospects in several states that go to the polls next year.

Some parliamentarians said that while they thought Modi's decision was good, its execution had been

A notice is displayed on the gate of an automated teller machine (ATM) counter which is no longer dispensing cash in Chandigarh, India. (Reuters File Photo)

botched and they were faced with constituents who were increasingly upset.

"There is no doubt that it is difficult to convince voters that everything will be fine," said Santosh Gangwar, the junior finance minister who is leading the BJP campaign in Uttar Pradesh.

"Every candidate who will be contesting polls is nervous because they feel people may not vote for the BJP ... There is tension and we cannot deny it," he said.

Of the BJP's 71 MPs from Uttar Pradesh, 28 have been to BJP President Amit Shah and the finance minister's office to seek solutions for the cash crunch, said a senior finance ministry official.

BJP EXPECTS "BIG VICTORY" BJP spokesman G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said that despite temporary difficulties, the prime minister continued to enjoy overwhelming support.

Ten dead as Jharkhand mine caves in RANCHI/NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 30 (IANS): At least 10 miners were killed and several others feared trapped after a cave-in in a coal mine in Jharkhand's Godda district, officials said on Friday.

The tragedy occurred at the Rajmahal Opencast Project of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) around 7.30 p.m. on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das among others have condoled the deaths of the miners.

"So far 10 bodies have been recovered while two persons have been hospitalised with injuries. Rescue and search operations are still continuing. More other workers might still be trapped," said ECL General Manager (Mining) R.R. Amitabh.

Jharkhand Director General of Police D.K. Pandey said over 20 workers were feared to be trapped inside the collapsed mine.

The ECL has ordered a probe and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed, in addition to the amount to be paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act. Rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force with assistance from the ECL, the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), the state government and other experts.

In a statement, the Coal Ministry said that senior Officials of Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS) are at the site and have commenced the enquiry in to the incident.

"Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDIL) has deployed magnetometers along with imaging system for locating magnetic and conductive material up to a depth of 80 meters," it said.

Modi spoke to Das on Friday for an update on the situation and said that the Jharkhand government and Union Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal were working to restore normalcy.

The Coal Ministry also termed the incident "unprecedented", noting it had seem an area of 300 metres length by 110 metres width solid floor of the overburden dump area slide down by about 35 metres involving around 9.5 million cubic metres of earth material.

"This could be due to failure of the bench edge along the hidden fault line/ slip," it said.

Besides the probe by the Director General of Mines Safety, a 'high level committee of experts' has been constituted by Coal India Limited (CIL) to investigate the causes of the accident.

The Raghubar Das government has also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 25,000 for the injured.

Meanwhile, Goyal, calling the incident "tragic", told media persons in New Delhi that the government hase already announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who died, keeping the dead miners, who were contractual workers, at par with CIL employees.

Women students protest dress rules, as Mumbai college bans ripped jeans

MUMBAI, DECEMBER 30 (THoMSoN REUTERS FoUNDATIoN): One of Mumbai's best known colleges has banned female students from wearing ripped jeans, sparking the latest row against dress codes and curfews imposed on women that students say are discriminatory and sexist.

St. Xavier's College, which had previously forbidden female students from wearing shorts, sleeveless tops and short dresses, this month added ripped jeans to its list of banned clothing.

The Jesuit institution became the latest to incur the wrath of female students across the country who have been protesting rules that they say are discriminatory and distressing.

Most universities in India have a 6 pm or 8 pm curfew for women, while men have a later timing, or no curfew. Universities also impose dress codes on women, limit or screen their male visitors, and have other rules that men don't.

"In the name of safety, you can't police women and impose these patriarchal, discriminatory rules," said Devangana Kalita, a former Delhi University student who is part of Pinjra Tod, or break the cage, a Delhi-wide campaign protesting such rules.

"We want universities to recognise that we are adults, and that they should not be curbing our freedom and mobility. Providing a safe environment for women goes beyond just imposing rules," she said.

Calls to staff at St. Xavier's College for a comment on the recent ban were not returned.

The Dean of Student Welfare in Delhi University, J.M. Khurana, said he was not aware of Pinjra Tod and that he did not wish to comment on university rules.

The safety of women in India came under the spotlight after the fatal gang rape of a college student in New Delhi on a bus in December 2012 that sparked global outrage and led to the tightening of laws for crimes against women in India.

Amid a widening debate on women's safety in the country, some politicians, university officials and even the police have asked women to take self-defence training, to "dress decently" and to not loiter outside after dark.

But students have demanded an end to curfews, and asked officials to focus instead on safer public transport, more female campus security personnel and better lighting in and around campuses.

Kalita said early curfews are keeping women from internships, employment opportunities and campus activities.

"Universities say: 'your parents want the curfew'. But it's an absurd argument," Kalita said.

Elsewhere, particularly in the more conservative southern states, the situation is worse, said Vandana Venkatesh, who surveyed colleges in Tamil Nadu state earlier this year.

Women students reported physical intimidation and threats of violence from college authorities for questioning discriminatory rules, she said.

"Many of them complained about feeling claustrophobic, anxious and belittled," she said.

Earlier this month, women students in a college in the southern state of Kerala protested the hostel's 4 pm curfew and a rule banning mobile phones.

"There is a sense of collective strength and power now. The more women there are out on the streets, in public places, the safer we will be," Kalita said.

"Party cadres are highly enthused about a big victory in upcoming elections, and if a few are apprehensive, they will realise the reality soon," Rao said.

Disquiet within the BJP underscores how Modi's unprecedented bet is turning into a test of popularity, and could go some way to determining his political future.

It has become a central issue in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, where the outcome of elec-

tions early next year will be key for Modi's expected bid for a second term in 2019.

The opposition, led by the Congress party, has joined forces, mocking the government for being illprepared for so-called "demonetisation" and blaming it for hardships faced by the poor as a result. It has called for Modi's resignation.

The senior RSS official said they had counselled Modi days before the move to take time to prepare the ground for such a massive exercise, including setting up two new mints and expanding the banking network, and to roll it out in phases.

But the prime minister decided to press ahead, and he alone would bear responsibility for its failure or success, the official added.

Earlier this month, N. Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and a political ally of Modi, abruptly distanced himself from the move.

Modi and senior members of his cabinet defend demonetisation. In an interview with India Today magazine on Thursday, Modi said it would give the economy a boost and provide long-term benefits, including forcing the country's vast shadow economy into the open.

enjoyed popular support at first, with many people prepared to endure hardship as long as others were forced to give up ill-gotten wealth or pay tax.

But shortages of new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes have caused tempers to rise as millions queue at banks and ATMs to draw money.

Last week, more than three dozen BJP lawmakers, many of whom came from states that go to polls next year, met with Shah to demand that the government sends more cash to their constituencies, and quickly.

The MPs told Shah about severe cash shortages and hardship to local businesses and ordinary people, according to several lawmakers who attended the meeting.

They told the BJP president that they did not have the courage to hold election rallies at a time when people still had to stand in line, sometimes for hours, to get money. Some said they had not started doorto-door campaigning.

"The situation is grim, and we cannot ignore it," Jagdambika Pal, a BJP lawmaker from Uttar Pradesh who attended the meeting, told Reuters. "It is a challenge for every BJP lawmaker to manage the situation, but we "GRIM SITUATION" cannot do anything if there is Modi's announcement no money in the banks."

China blocks India's request for UN to blacklist Masood Azhar NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 30 (REUTERS): China has blocked India's request to add the head of the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad to a U.N. Security Council blacklist of groups linked to al Qaeda.

India has accused Jaishe-Mohammad and its top leader, Maulana Masood Azhar, of masterminding several attacks, including a deadly assault on an Indian air base in January.

Pakistani security officials interrogated Azhar and his associates after the attack, and said they found no evidence linking him to it.

Jaish-e-Mohammad has already been blacklisted by the 15-nation Security Council, but not Azhar, an Islamist hardliner and long-time foe of India.

Foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said on Friday that India had requested that Azhar be added to the list nine months ago and had received strong backing from all other members of the council.

But China, which put a hold on the move in April, had now blocked it, he said.

"We had expected China would have been more understanding of the danger posed to all by terrorism," he said in a statement.

Swarup added that the inability of the international community to take the step showed the "prevalence of double standards in the fight against terrorism."

China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday evening.

India has long accused its neighbour and rival Pakistan of using Jaish-eMohammad as a proxy to mount attacks on Indian soil, including in the disputed Kashmir region, and earlier gave what it called "actionable intelligence" to Pakistan, including telephone intercepts.

Pakistan denies giving any aid to Kashmir-based militants.

If Azhar was blacklisted by the U.N. Security Council, he would face a global travel ban and asset freeze.

Modi launches mobile app, says your thumb is your bank now

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 30 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched an Aadhaarbased mobile payment application at Digi Dhan Mela here to promote and make digital transactions easier.

The app is called BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) -- a re-branded version of UPI (Unified Payment Interface) and USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data).

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said BHIM app was very simple to use and a thumb impression was enough to operate it.

"Be it a smartphone or feature phone of Rs 1,0001,200, BHIM app can be used. There is no need to have Internet connectivity. One only needs a thumb. There was a time when an illiterate was called 'angutha chchap'. Now, time has changed. Your thumb is your bank now. It has become your identity now."

Modi said that 'Lucky Grahak Yojana' and 'DigiDhan Vyapar Yojana' were a Chrismas gift to the nation.

Over 100 days, several prizes of Rs 1,000 will be given to people through lucky draws. The mega draw will be held on April 14, the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Modi eviscerated Indian economy: Lalu

PATNA, DECEMBER 30 (IANS): RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of eviscerating the Indian economy by his demonetisation decision.

"If lungs, liver, kidneys, intestine and blood is taken out of your body, would you be able to survive? That's what has been done with our economy," Lalu said in a latest tweet.

In a series of "surgical" tweets, Lalu reminded Modi of the state of affairs in the country as the 50-day period announced by the Prime Minister on November 8, to regain normalcy drew to a close on Friday midnight.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal leader further that Modi badly damaged the Indian economy by scrapping the high value currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 and added, "...in such a situation, how can the country's economy survive?"

Lalu cautioned Modi against devising ways and means to justify his demonetisation move. He said people could see through his deceitful acts to project his decision as "realistic".

Haryana family seeks permission for self-immolation after girl's rape, murder CHANDIgARH, DECEMBER 30 (IANS): Alleging police inaction and improper investigation, the distraught family of a teenaged girl who was allegedly raped and murdered by her friend in Haryana's Sonipat district last month, has sought permission from President Pranab Mukherjee for self-immolation.

The family has written a letter to the President, highlighting the inaction of Haryana Police officials in investigating the case. The family has sought a CBI probe into the case. The family wrote to the President after, they alleged, they were not

allowed to meet Haryana CM, Manohar Lal Khattar in Gohana town recently.

The father alleged that the police had even failed to recover the body of his daughter despite pleas from the family.

The victim, a first-year science student, has been missing since November 12 after she left for her college.

Following protests, the station house officer of Baroda police station was suspended and the Haryana Police announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for any information on the accused. District police officers have admitted to "lapses" in investigation of the case.

Six killed as Pune bakery catches fire PUNE, DECEMBER 30 (PTI): Six workers suffocated to death when a fire broke out in a bakery shop whose only exit was locked from outside in Kondhwa area here in the wee hours today. The victims, all hailing from Uttar Pradesh, used to sleep on the loft inside the bakery shop, 'Bakes and Cakes'.

"We received a call at around 4.45 AM today and immediately fire tenders were rushed to the spot. As we reached the spot, we saw smoke emanating from the shutter of the shop, which was locked from outside," a fire brigade official said. While efforts were on to break the shutter, the bakery shop owner came to the spot and opened it. "As soon

as the shutter was opened, we saw a huge fire inside and got information that there are bakery workers who were trapped at a loft inside the shop," the fire officer said.

The fire brigade personnel wore breathing apparatus sets and climbed a staircase inside to reach the victims.

"There were six workers, who were found in an unconscious state. They were rushed to the Sassoon General hospital, where they were declared dead," said the officer. "Since the main shutter was locked from outside, all the six got trapped inside and died of suffocation," the fire official informed. Prima facie short-circuit is suspected to have caused the blaze.

Movie-crazed Indians challenged to rewrite sexist Bollywood songs

MUMBAI, DECEMBER 30 (THoMSoN REUTERS FoUNDATIoN): A women's rights organisation is asking movie-mad Indians to rewrite sexist Bollywood songs, the latest attempt in drawing attention to gender stereotyping and misogyny portrayed by the country's influential film industry.

Akshara Centre's 'Gaana (Song) Rewrite' competition, launched earlier this month, invites people to change the lyrics to any Bollywood film song they find sexist. The group said it may then engage with the film industry to push for change.

"In our gender awareness work, one of the issues that's been raised repeatedly by young women is being harassed by men singing inappropriate Bollywood songs," said Snehal Velkar, a coordinator at Akshara Centre in Mumbai, the Bollywood hub.

"Bollywood songs are great to sing and dance to, but when you pay attention, you realise that many of them objectify and demean women. This leads to normalising sexual harassment and violence against women," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The Hindi film industry, also called Bollywood, is one of the world's most prolific, churning out hundreds of movies every year. They are generally syrupy romances, family dramas or action movies peppered with elaborate song and dance routines.

Many movies also have socalled item numbers or songs,

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit (C) performs during the 15th International Indian Film Academy Awards in Tampa, Florida. (Reuters File Photo)

which often have little to do with the subject of the film, and typically feature skimpily clad women.

In recent years, as violent crimes against women have made the headlines, women activists and some movie stars have taken Bollywood to task for its sexist themes and for glorifying violence against women.

Nearly four out of five women in India have faced public harassment ranging from staring, insults and wolfwhistling to being followed, groped or raped, according to a recent survey by

charity ActionAid UK. Well-known Hindi film songwriters including Javed Akhtar and Prasoon Joshi have criticised their peers for writing vulgar and irresponsible lyrics, while also blaming moviegoers who encourage such music.

Earlier this year, activists urged the Tamil film industry to stop portraying stalking as cool, and instead see it as a crime that has resulted in violent deaths in southern Tamil Nadu state.

The Indian government has brought in tougher penalties for

gender crimes, including criminalising stalking and voyeurism.

Yet popular culture, including Bollywood, must be accountable for the enormous influence it wields and help ensure a more responsible portrayal of women, said Velkar, who is spreading word of the competition using hashtag #BollywoodCanChange.

"We want to send a message to the industry that we can have popular music without it being sexist or humiliating to women," Velkar said.

saturdaY 31•12•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

US expels 35 Russians suspected for spying, imposes sanctions on 2 intelligence agencies HONOLULU/WASHINGTON, December 30 (reUTerS): President Barack Obama on Thursday ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and imposed sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies over their involvement in hacking U.S. political groups in the 2016 presidential election.

The measures, taken during the last days of Obama's presidency, mark a new postCold War low in U.S.-Russian ties and set up a potential flashpoint between incoming President-elect Donald Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress over how to deal with Moscow.

Obama, a Democrat, had promised consequences after U.S. intelligence officials blamed Russia for hacks intended to influence the 2016 election. Officials pointed the finger directly at Russian President Vladimir Putin for personally directing the efforts and primarily targeting Democrats, who put pressure on Obama to respond.

"These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm U.S. interests in violation of established international norms of behavior," Obama said in a statement from Hawaii, where he is on vacation.

"All Americans should be alarmed by Russia’s ac-

tions," he said.

It was not clear whether Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin and nominated people seen as friendly toward Moscow to senior administration posts, would seek to roll back the measures once he takes office on Jan. 20.

Trump has brushed aside allegations from the CIA and other intelligence agencies that Russia was behind the cyber attacks.

He said on Thursday he would meet with intelligence officials soon.

“It's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things," Trump said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation," he said, without mentioning Russia.

The Kremlin, which denounced the sanctions as unlawful and promised "adequate" retaliation, questioned whether Trump approved of the new sanctions. Moscow denies the hacking allegations.

U.S. intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks into Democratic Party organizations and operatives ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election. U.S. intelligence officials say the Russian cyber attacks were aimed at helping Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the G8 Summit at Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland June 17, 2013. (REUTERS PHOTO)

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have voiced concern about Russia's actions, setting up a potential wall of opposition should Trump seek to overturn Obama's measures.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said Russia "has consistently sought to undermine" U.S. interests and called the sanctions overdue.

Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham said they intended to lead effort in Congress to "impose stronger sanctions on Russia."

Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus told Fox News he did not condone foreign governments hacking U.S. institutions.

"It’s wrong and it’s something we don’t agree with," Priebus said. "However, it would be nice if we could get to a place where the intelligence community in unison can tell us what it is that has been going on and what the investigation was and what it has led to so that we can respond."

The Trump team's response could generate bipartisan discord early in the new administration's tenure.

"This is going to be a key source of tension post-inauguration," said Eric Lorber, a senior associate at the Financial Integrity Network, which advises banks on sanctions.

SPIES AND SANCTIONS Obama put sanctions on two Russian intelligence agencies, the GRU and the FSB, four GRU offi-

cers and three companies that he said "provided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations."

He said the State Department declared as "persona non grata" 35 Russian intelligence operatives and is closing two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland that were used

by Russian personnel for "intelligence-related purposes." The State Department originally said the 35 were diplomats.

The 45-acre complex in Maryland includes a Georgian-style brick mansion, swimming pool, tennis courts and cottages for embassy staff.

A senior U.S. official told Reuters the expulsions would come from the Russian embassy in Washington and

consulate in San Francisco.

The Russian embassy declined to comment.

The Russians have 72 hours to leave the United States, the official said. Access to the two compounds will be denied to all Russian officials as of noon on Friday.

The State Department has long complained that Russian security agents and traffic police have harassed U.S. diplomats in Moscow, and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has raised the issue with Putin and his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov.

The U.S. official declined to name the Russian diplomats who would be affected, although it is understood that Russia's ambassador to the United States, Sergei Kislyak, will not be one of those expelled.

Obama said the actions announced on Thursday were just the beginning.

"These actions are not the sum total of our response to Russia’s aggressive activities. We will continue to take a variety of actions at a time and place of our choosing, some of which will not be publicized," Obama said.

A report detailing Russia's interference in the 2016 election as well as cyber attacks in previous election cycles would be delivered to Congress in the coming days, he added.

The sanctions were the strongest response yet by the Obama administration

Putin decides against expelling US diplomats in response to sanctions

mOScOW, December 30 (reUTerS): President Vladimir Putin ruled out on Friday expelling anyone in retaliation for Washington’s decision to throw out 35 Russian diplomats and impose sanctions on two of the country’s intelligence agencies.

RIA news agency quoted Putin as saying he would consider the actions of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next month, when deciding on further steps in Russia-U.S. relations.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov proposed to Putin that Moscow expel 35 U.S. diplomats and ban U.S. diplomatic staff from using two facilities in Moscow, his ministry said.

Putin rejected Lavrov’s plan. “We will not expel anyone,” he said in a statement. He also said he saw the sanctions as another step to undermine relations between Moscow and Washington, and he regretted that the Obama administration was ending its term in such a way.

Russian officials have portrayed the U.S. sanctions as a last act of a lame-duck president and suggested that Trump could reverse them when he takes over the White House in January.

Earlier Russian Prime Minster Dmitry Medvedev said the Obama administration was ending its term in “anti-Russia death throes”.

“It is regrettable that the Obama administration, which started out by restoring our ties, is ending its term in an anti-Russia death throes. RIP,” Medvedev, who served as president in 2009 when Obama tried to improve Russia-U.S. relations, wrote on his official Facebook page. to Russia's cyber activities.

However, a senior administration official acknowledged that Trump could reverse them and allow Russian intelligence officials back into the United States once he takes office. He said that would be inadvisable.

Obama amended an executive order originally issued in April 2015 to respond to cyber hacking

to include sanctions on those who tamper with information to interfere with an election.

Trump said in October he would “cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama" on his first day in office, without saying who would determine their constitutionality.

Syria ceasefire holds China to prosecute former senior spy catcher for graft after initial clashes

beIrUT, December 30 (reUTerS): A nationwide ceasefire in Syria, brokered

by Russia and Turkey which back opposing sides in the conflict, appeared to hold early on Friday after a shaky start during the night in the latest attempt to end nearly six years of bloodshed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, announced the ceasefire on Thursday after forging the agreement with Turkey, a longtime backer of the opposition.

Monitors and a rebel official reported clashes almost immediately after the truce took force at midnight (2200 GMT Thursday) between insurgents and government forces along the provincial boundary between Idlib and Hama, and isolated incidents of gunfire further south. Hours later calm prevailed in areas included in the deal, they said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States could join the peace process once President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. He also wanted Egypt to join, together with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and the United Nations.

A number of rebel groups have signed the agreement, Russia's Defence Ministry said. Several rebel officials acknowledged the deal, and a spokesman for the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose alliance of insurgent groups, said it would abide by the truce.

One FSA commander was optimistic about the truce deal, the third serious attempt at a nationwide ceasefire this year.

"This time I have confidenceinitsseriousness.There is new international input," ColonelFaresal-Bayoushsaid without elaborating.

Syria's civil war, which began when a peaceful uprising descended into violence in 2011, has resulted in more than 300,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people, half its pre-war population.

The ceasefire, in the waning days of U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, was the first major international diplomatic initiative in the Mid-

beIJING, December 30 (reUTerS): China will prosecute one its former spy chiefs for corruption after accusing him of bribery and abusing his power to interfere in law enforcement activities, the ruling Communist Party said on Friday.

Ma Jian, once a vice minister at China's Ministry of State Security, is the most senior security offi-

A boy, evacuee from a rebel-held area of Aleppo, carries blankets he received as aid in al-Kamouneh camp, Idlib province, Syria December 29, 2016. (REUTERS PHOTO)

dle East in decades not to nounced in July that it was involve the United States. severing ties with al Qaeda.

The powerful Islamist PREVIOUS COLLAPSES insurgent group Ahrar alThe previous two Syria Sham said it had not signed ceasefires, brokered by Cold the ceasefire agreement War foes Washington and because of "reservations", Moscow, took effect in Feb- which it would make clear ruary and September but in due course. both collapsed within weeks as warring sides accused RUSSIA-TURKEY each other of truce violations DETENTE and fighting intensified.

The deal also follows a Putin said the parties thaw in ties between Ruswere also prepared to start sia and Turkey. peace talks intended to Talks on the latest truce take place in Astana, the picked up momentum after capital of Kazakhstan. Syr- Russia, Iran and Turkey said ian state media said late on last week they were ready to Thursday those talks would back a peace deal and adopttake place "soon". ed a declaration setting out The Syrian government principles for an agreement. will be negotiating from In a sign of the detente, a strong position after its the Turkish armed forces army and their allies, in- said on Friday Russian aircluding Shi'ite militias sup- craft had carried out three ported by Iran, along with air strikes against Islamic Russian air power, routed State in the area of al-Bab rebels in their last major in northern Syria, killing 12 urban stronghold of Alep- of the jihadists. po this month.

Ankara is backing rebMoscow's air campaign els fighting against Islamic since September last year State, which has made enhas turned the civil war in emies of all other sides inAssad's favour, and the last volved in the conflict. rebels left Aleppo for areas Putin said opposithat are still under rebel con- tion groups and the Syrian trol to the west of the city, in- government had signed a cluding the province of Idlib. number of documents, inThe ceasefire will have cluding the ceasefire, meato hold before talks can sures to monitor the truce, take place. and a statement on readiIn a sign that the lat- ness to start peace talks. est truce could be as chalThe United States has lenging to maintain as its been sidelined in recent predecessors, there was negotiations and is not due confusion over which rebel to attend the next round of groups would be covered peace talks in Kazakhstan, by the ceasefire. a key Russian ally.

The Syrian army said the Its exclusion reflects agreement did not include growing frustration from the radical Islamist group both Turkey and Russia Islamic State, fighters af- over Washington's policy filiated to al Qaeda's former on Syria, officials have said. branch the Nusra Front, or Washington said the any factions linked to those news of a ceasefire was jihadist groups. positive.

But several rebel offi"We hope it will be imcials said the agreement did plemented fully and reinclude the former Nusra spected by all parties," U.S. Front - now known as Jabhat State Department spokesFateh al-Sham - which an- man Mark Toner said.

cial to be investigated since former domestic security tsar Zhou Yongkang was ensnared in a graft scandal and jailed for life last year.

Ma, who was put under investigation in January of 2015, has been expelled from the party and will be handed over to the legal authorities, saidtheparty'sgraftwatchdog the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meaning he will be prosecuted.

An investigation found Ma abused his position to benefit family members' business interests, that he interfered in unspecified law enforcement activities and took bribes, the graft watchdog said in a short statement.

Itwasnotpossibletoreach Ma for comment and unclear if he has retained a lawyer. The courts are controlled by the party and will not challenge its accusations against him.

The powerful state security ministry is a KGBlike operation that spies on its citizens and foreigners domestically and internationally. It is one of the most opaque agencies in China and does not have a public website or spokesperson.

A source with ties to the leadership has previously told Reuters that Ma was director of the ministry's "No.8 bureau", which

is responsible for counterespionage activities on foreigners, mainly diplomats, businessmen and reporters.

Ma worked at the spy agency for more than 30 years and was closely tied to Ling Jihua, a one-time senior aide to former President Hu Jintao, according to Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

Ling Jihua was jailed for life in July.

From DNA to laws to data, five key tools to combat trafficking in 2017

LONDON, December 30 (THOmSON reUTerS FOUNDATION): With the power of technology and legal clout, many experts agree that 2017 could be the tipping point in the global battle against human trafficking and modern slavery.

An estimated 45.8 million people live in some form of slavery across the world, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index by human rights group Walk Free Foundation.

Yet pressure and awareness are now building, big business is starting to lead the way, new laws are being put in place and potentially game-changing technology is available.

We asked experts what they see as the five most important tools in the year ahead to tackle the illegal trade in humans that is worth an estimated $150 billion a year:

1. Technology Technological innovation and scientific advances are more important than ever in monitoring, detecting and prosecuting cases of trafficking.

Highly specialised and complex tools are trying to accomplish more straightforward aims, whether arming garment workers with "voice and choice" or verifying where source materials, such as cotton, really originate.

U.S.-based software group LaborVoices provides a mobile phone based service allowing factory employees to anonymously report abuse, late wages, safety conditions

and child labour.

CEO Kohl Gill told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the data logged by his company from 20,000 people in over 300 factories in Bangladesh and Turkey provides a chance for workers to "fact check" potential employers.

Big companies can also use the information to use best-in-class factories and problems can be identified early, said Gill.

DNA forensic technology can already be used to tag cotton and detect substitute fibres from countries using state-sponsored slavery to produce cotton, said James A. Hayward, president, chairman and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences.

In a second use of DNA technology, Hayward said his company will soon be able to track cotton to exactly where it is picked.

2. Supply chain visibility Due to government, consumer and ethical pressures, companies and supply chains will be increasingly in the spotlight in 2017, said Geraint John, senior vice president of research at SCM World, a global community of supply chain professionals.

The focus on slavery has moved from sex trafficking to eliminating abuse, dangerous conditions and child labour.

John told the Thomson Reuters Foundation it is increasingly incumbent on businesses to validate their own supply chains with more companies talking publicly about improving procurement processes and admitting being totally

Boys are silhouetted against the setting sun as they ride bicycles on the outskirts of Agartala, India, November 21, 2016. (REUTERS PHOTO)

slave-free is challenging.

Technology again plays a part here.

Kosten Metreweli, CMO at UK software company Segura Systems, said many supply chains remain surprisingly primitive so improved visibility and transparency are key.

Segura provides a cloud-based software which aims to allow businesses to see further down the chain, then act on it.

3. Legislation New laws can lead to physical change and many hope that will happen with the signing of an anti-trafficking bill in India, the country with the highest number of slaves that is home to an estimated 18 million, according to the Global Slavery Index The country's first comprehensive anti-trafficking law, awaiting approval in 2017, would unify existing laws and aim to treat sur-

vivors as victims needing help rather than criminals.

In December 2016, President Pranab Mukherjee launched a campaign to end child slavery and publicly called for the world to recognise minors must have freedom - the first time India's highest authority has recognised child slavery.

4. Education and awareness While public, corporate and government action over slavery is picking up pace, this must go hand-in-hand with training and education on the ground, said John.

He said the best companies are going beyond policy to offer internal education in their own procurement systems, educating their own staff on culture and expectations.

He added that to beat trafficking, key players need to tackle specific objectives, offering training and expla-

nation rather than punishment and other sanctions.

5. Mass collection of data Matt Friedman, CEO of The Mekong Club, compared the current battle against modern slavery to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, in terms of the changing perceptions of the issue.

"To me, the modern slavery issue is like a slowly unfolding disaster," said Friedman, who undertook a 70-day, 27-city, trafficking-awareness trip in the United States last summer.

He sees the mass collection of data, the creation of an anti-trafficking "master plan" and much-improved basic collaboration and training as the ways to tackle modern slavery.

"We all need to step up our game, we need to solve many of these longstanding systemic challenges, we need to have more of a sense of urgency, and we need to do it now," Friedman said.

10

saturdaY 31•12•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

record-chasing chelsea out to stoke title dreams

lonDon, DecemBer 30 (AFP): Chelsea can take another step towards English football history when they host Stoke City on Saturday, as the Premier League's jam-packed festive schedule rumbles into 2017.

Chelsea's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Boxing Day was their 12th in succession, leaving them two wins short of Arsenal's overall top-flight record of 14, set over two seasons in 2002.

With each win, Antonio Conte's side have looked more and more like champions-in-waiting, but with half the season still to go, Chelsea's players are desperately trying to ignore the hype.

Goalkeeper Thibault Courtois has been one of the main reasons for their resurgence having conceded just two goals in the 12-match run -- something he puts down to skills honed in Spain with Atletico Madrid. "Concentration is a big factor," he told the club website.

"If you keep on shouting and being busy with the game you are always staying in it, and I think that is one of my strong points, focus and concentration during the game.

"I learned a lot of it when I was at Atletico."

Pedro, scorer of two

Arsenal's Mustafi fit to return against Palace

Antonio Conte's (C) side have looked more and more like champions in waiting, but with half the season still to go, Chelsea are trying to ignore the hype. (AFP Photo)

goals against Bournemouth, will be suspended, but top scorer Diego Costa -- banned on Boxing Day -- should return to the starting XI. Midfield lynchpin N'Golo Kante is also available again after suspension.

Stoke fell to a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday, having gone ahead through Jonathan Walters, and lie 13th in the table.

Liverpool's victory took them back to second place, six points below Chelsea, and they will stage the big-

gest game of the New Year weekend when third-place Manchester City visit Anfield on Saturday.

City trail Liverpool by a point, having won their last three matches, and manager Pep Guardiola was in attendance to watch Jurgen Klopp's team overcome Stoke.

"It's a very big game for both sides," said Klopp.

"When you have a look at the table and see that six clubs fight for (fourth) or (first) it's a really interesting position," added Klopp, who sparred with Guardio-

la's Bayern Munich during his successful spell as Borussia Dortmund coach.

Klopp is wary too of a City side that will be boosted by the return from suspension of Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero.

"He is back and a good striker, obviously," said Klopp. "I always thought that he is quite a talented boy. I never made a secret of it, and now he is back in the team with a lot of other really good players, that makes life not easier for us."

Arsenal, two points below City in fourth place, will

look to build on Monday's last-gasp 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion when they host Sam Allardyce's Crystal Palace on New Year's Day. Arsene Wenger's side had lost their two previous games and with Chelsea nine points above them, their margin for error is thin. "If you have back-toback losses then you have to go and make up for it in different games. Then you can catch up," goalkeeper Petr Cech told the Arsenal website.

"There are still enough

games to make up for our blip and I also think it's impossible for our opponents to not drop points."

Palace, held to a 1-1 draw by Watford on Mon- lonDon, DecemBer 30 (reuters): Arseday in Allardyce's first game nal defender Shkodran Mustafi has recovered from a in charge since succeeding hamstring injury for the London derby against Crystal the sacked Alan Pardew, sit Palace but winger Theo Walcott and left back Kieran two points above the rele- Gibbs will miss Sunday's Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. gation zone.

Arsenal have missed Mustafi's calming influence Manchester United have closed to within sight in defence, losing two of their last three games since of Arsenal and will expect the 24-year-old German, who is yet to taste defeat to record a fifth successive since joining the Gunners in August, limped off in the victory when 15th-place win over Stoke City this month.

"Shkodran is back in normal training and he will Middlesbrough visit on be back in the squad," manager Arsene Wenger told New Year's Eve. Henrikh Mkhitaryan reporters on Friday.

Gibbs injured his knee in his second league start of netted a stunning 'scorpion kick' volley as Jose the season in Monday's win over West Bromwich AlbiMourinho's men beat Sun- on and Walcott remains sidelined with a calf problem.

Wenger also provided a positive update on striker derland 4-1 last time out, which was a further sign Danny Welbeck's return to fitness following a longthat belief has returned to term injury.

Old Trafford.

"Welbeck is fit and sharp. He is in training and he "We have a lot of con- looks quite good," Wenger said. fidence now and we're in Palace last week parted company with manager good shape," Daley Blind, Alan Pardew and Wenger believes Sunday's match will who scored United's open- be more difficult now that former England boss Sam ing goal, told MUTV. Allardyce is in charge.

"We need to work hard "The level of confidence and urgency goes up when and keep that feeling up a new manager comes in and that makes the games and win games. Of course more difficult," Wenger said. we want to keep this run Arsenal, who are fourth in the table and nine points going and we'll work hard behind leaders Chelsea after 18 games, will hope to to do that." continue their 22-year unbeaten home run against Chastened champions 17th-placed Palace on Sunday.

Leicester City, three points above the drop zone, will hope to chase away some Fixtures: Man Utd v Middlesbrough of the storm clouds overBurnley v Sunderland head when they host a Everton v Hull Southampton v West Brom West Ham United team Chelsea v Stoke Swansea v Bournemouth who are seeking a fourth Leicester v West Ham Arsenal v Crystal Palace successive win.

Liverpool v Man City Watford v Tottenham

SAfrica beat Sri Lanka Carlos Tevez, from Fort Apache misery to mega-money striker Port elizABeth, DecemBer 30 (AFP): Kyle Abbott struck twice in the first seven overs to set up a 206-run win for South Africa on the fifth day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park on Friday.

It took South Africa just 70 minutes and 13.3 overs to claim the remaining five Sri Lankan wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 281. They added 41 runs on Friday.

Abbott broke through with the 16th ball of the final morning when Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews went across his stumps, trying to work the ball to leg, and was leg before wicket.

Mathews was out for 59, made off 120 balls with seven fours. He had added only one run to his score on Friday.

It left Dhananjaya de Silva as the last recognised batsman but

he only last for another four overs before he too was leg before to Abbott. He made 22.

Rangana Herath, who was struck on the index finger of his left, bowling hand by the first ball he received from Abbott, made three before he was caught and bowled

by Vernon Philander, who dived to his left to hold the ball which looped up from a leading edge.

Suranga Lakmal made a quick 19 not out but Dushmantha Chameera was caught behind off Kagiso Rabada and last man Nuwan Pradeep was bowled by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Rabada finished with three for 77 and Maharaj took three for 86, while Abbott’s spell of two for seven in five overs on Friday enabled him to finish with two for 38.

Scores: South Africa: 286 & 406-6 (decl) Sri Lanka: 205 & 281

Buenos Aires, DecemBer 30 (AFP): From the violent streets of Buenos Aires' notorious Fort Apache, the son of an alcoholic mother and without money to even buy a pair of boots, Carlos Tevez is now football's biggest earner.

The fiery Argentine striker, who will bank a mindboggling 38 million euros a year with Chinese super club Shanghai Shenhua, has come a long way in his 32 years.

Abandoned by his parents, Tevez was adopted by his uncle Segundo Tevez who he quickly learned to call 'papa'.

Thanks to Segundo, the young Tevez found a way out of the everyday bloodshed which was a depressing way of life for his neighbourhood, family and friends.

On one occasion, his best

pal was gunned down and killed by a bullet in the head in a shootout with police following an armed robbery at a city casino.

In November 1989, when Tevez was just six, Norberto Propato, the coach of the All Boys youth team, rang the bell of Segundo's home hoping to convince him to allow his nephew to sign on at the club's football school.

Unfortunately, there was no money to buy football boots.

Twelve years later, Tevez returned from a training session at Boca Juniors to find his beloved uncle, a low-paid stonemason, had lost his job at a time of economic crisis.

Struggling to feed their five children, Segundo and his wife often went without food themselves.

However, with Tevez making just around $200 a month, there was always a plate for the family's great hope.

Tevez, the son of Juan Carlos Cabral and Fabiana Martinez, has never forgotten the gratitude he feels to Segundo who gave him his name.

For Carlos Bianchi, the coach with whom Tevez won most honours at Boca Juniors, the secret of the player's success comes from his "pride and determination".

"You have to see him run on the pitch to understand.

He was different from the others, he fought for every ball as if it was his last. He was always hungry," remembers Bianchi.

Tevez's scars from his youth are physical as well as psychological -- like the one on his neck, the legacy of seri-

ous burns from boiling water when he was just nine months old.

The injury required a twomonth stay in hospital.

From Fort Apache, he adopted a nickname of "The Apache". He has also been dubbed "the people's player" and, affectionately, "Carlitos".

Despite the great riches awaiting him in China, Tevez has often appeared to snub money, opting to allow his heart to rule his head.

In 2015, he returned to Boca Juniors from Juventus where he still had a year to run on a lucrative contract with the Italian giants.

At Boca, he was paid $2 million, a salary far inferior to what he was getting in Serie A as he ended a nine-year spell in Europe where he had

also appeared for Manchester United, Manchester City and West Ham. Back in Argentina, Tevez divides his time between the fashionable La Boca area of Buenos Aires and his mansion in the elite quarter of San Isidro.

The man born into a world of grinding poverty and gun battles, now buys homes for his family.

A keen golf player, he also cannot resist luxury cars while discreetly donating huge sums to charitable organisations.

At Christmas, he married his childhood sweetheart, the mother of his three children, at a lavish ceremony in Uruguay.

However, in a grim reminder of his troubled past, his home in Buenos Aires was burgled while he was away.

public discourse

The past three years of ACAUT

T

he Last three years of ACAUT’s activity and impact have been felt throughout the state, with the first signature campaign at city tower where thousands of people appended their signature in support for One Government One Tax (OGOT) and there after the Oct 31st rally where more than 40 thousand people assembled defying the threats to their life and in unison voice further reiterated their support for One Government One Tax. The task of OGOT seem arduous, complex and the goal toward OGOT seems like an impossible dream for the Nagas but the fact is, it could easily be simple task and all that is required for achieving that is to “Break Down the Wall” of ego, suspicion, hatred and personal differences among leaders of the Naga Factional Groups (NFG’s).

It’s been a long torturous campaign and journey facing direct threats, intimidation, lack of manpower and massive financial constraints, despite this constraints ACAUT felt it important to let people know what it stood for thus ACAUT team visited different schools and colleges as a part of awareness campaign, ACAUT Nagaland also embarked on a district tour and although ACAUT Team were warmly received in all districts, the setting up ACAUT units in the districts was the difficult part and because of the obvious reason it could not happen as desired.

The fight against corruption which was later incorporated in the movement, after having been told by several NFG’s that “in comparison to their share, the State government was taking the lions share”, which ensued the cat and mouse blame game between the State Government and the

NFG’s, thus it was felt and found that in order to tackle Unabated taxation it was imperative to check the rampant corruption by the State government who under the pretext of insurgency were indulging in corruption with impunity and blaming it on the NFG’s.

Thus ACAUT initiated the RTI campaign to unearth the corruptions in various departments, in fact the battle against corruption proved even more difficult and challenging than the issue of unabated taxation, as now even the government and the bureaucracy was against the movement of ACAUT. Once the issue of corruption was taken up and the issue of backdoor appointment was raised it proved to be a litmus test for ACAUT as many members had relatives, friends and people they know but realizing that the issue was above individuals interest and personal connections, ACAUT raised the issue in public domain for the sake of transparency however the exposure alone did little to deter or check the corruption by the state government thus left with no choice ACAUT took the issue of back door appointment to the courts but with poor financial condition ACAUT was left to appeal to right thinking lawyers to take up the case free of cost fortunately three lawyers came forth and took up the case and after more than thirty appearances in the court with expenses been borne from among the ACAUT members and a few well wishers, finally a landmark judgment was passed by the court on 6th June 2016, that hence forth no appoint shall be done by the cabinet nor by the department, indeed a landmark victory for the people. However, considering the recent illegal office memorandum

and the apparently illegal appointment made in various departments the government seem to be disobeying the court order for which ACAUT is in the process of filing contempt of court against the concerned department and Government of Nagaland.

Further, the issue of illegal collection and deductions of salaries by NFG’s ACAUT has filed several FIRs in various police stations against the town command of NFG’s and HoD’s of concerned departments and as of now several departments are being investigated by National Intelligence Agency (NIA), some of the HoD’s are on anticipatory bail.

With the taking up of fight against corruption, complaints and grievances from people from all walks of life kept pouring in, from non-payment of salary to issues of promotion to complaints of taxation. While it was difficult and impossible to take up all the complaints it was equally difficult to turn down the complaints, thus despite the massive financial constraints and man power ACAUT had to take up multiple cases and issues at a time.

While admitting there is gap between delivery and expectation of the people it must be kept in mind that ACAUT as a movement draws it strength from telling the truth no matter how inconvenient it may be, transparency and above all from the support of the people, ACAUT Nagaland at the end of the day is perhaps just a conduit that channels and beams the aspirations and the will of the people, it does not wield the power of jury, judge and the prosecutor as is apparently expected by many.

While sadly the unabated taxation still continues unabatedly the

feedback has been that the aggressive and forceful posturing by NFG’s has by and large stop during the time of collection. However in the end it would take the collective voice and courage of all the people to put an end to this completely.

The years of subjugation have taken a toll on the collective psyche of the Nagas, we have been made to be cynical, doubtful, and fearful and to come together and do what has been told to us is impossible. It is absolutely critical that this generation, summon the courage with Christ as the source of wisdom and strength to unshackle the chains of the past that have bounded and emasculated us as people, we must wake up now for the sake of the coming generation. As the year 2017 dawn upon us there is enormous task ahead of us and how we as people come together and face these challenges will define the course of our destiny and yes, we shall overcome.

Wishing all Happy a new year!

As for the immediate challenges ahead ACAUT Nagaland would be filing PIL on the fuel adulteration and PDS scam in the Food and Civil supplies department and tour the districts once again for awareness campaign on clean election and OGOT, all of which will incur huge expenditure therefore ACAUT Nagaland once again fervently appeals to one and all, who believe in cause of ACAUT and want to make a difference to please make your contributions to the following bank account.

ACCOUNT Name: Acaut Nagaland ACCOUNT Number: 348 548 40151 IFSC CODE: SBIN0010762 Media Cell ACAUT Nagaland

‘Shrug off and exhale the past differences’ Th. Muivah Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN

T

he sun rises and sets; a generation comes and goes and a kingdom rises and falls, but the word of God stays. Nothing stays, everything is transitional to the final goal. As old things give way to all new things so the year 2016 has gone giving room to the year 2017.However, 2017 without Christ will never be a new year. Every day, every month and every year with Christ is a new day, a new month and a new year. Similarly, old laws, old cultures, old systems and old traditions must give room to the new ones in order to stay in tune with the revolutionary world. Anything that does not go along with the law of revolution will decay and perish.

We believe in the fundamental principle that we come from the Lord for a divine mission and we will go back to the Lord, the ultimate goal. And that the Nagas are Christoriented. Everything of them – their land, their Churches, their villages, their organizations, their nation and most of all, their life. The movement of the Nagas is inspired and guided by principle of ‘Nagalim for Christ.’

Our spirit of continuous resistance against the aggressors, our spirit of tireless service to the nation and our spirit of self-sacrifice for the cause comes from it. If it were not a Christoriented movement our sacrifices, our labor, our life-time investment would have been a wastage of time and energy. We are not going to build a materialist state or that of the idol worshippers. We are going

to build a future-oriented state. Definitely we are for the kind of country that promotes harmonious physical, mental and spiritual growth of the people.

Our survival lies in clinging to our principle, not in coalition forces of groups of people outside the line.

Our victory lies in our faith force and unwavering stand for the right. Our strength lies in unity in the principle through mutual forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ. Our solution lies in mutual understanding and agreement to disagreement between the two contending parties, not in confrontation. Our prosperity lies in interdependent relationship with other people and nations, not in isolation from them. Our future lies in our issue, not in the east or west.

As we enter the New Year 2017, let us shrug off and exhale the past differences. No enemies can defeat and destroy the Nagas so long as they are on the Lord’s side. Nagas will be pulled down only by their own mistakes and sins. A nation cannot be built upon the foundation of hatred and communalism. We have already declared a statement appealing to all brothers and sisters in different camps to forgive our past mistakes as we have forgiven them and unite in the political line of the people. If God wills 2017 will be a remarkable and historic year. I believe that it will be a year of rejoicing and jubilation for the long suppressed and oppressed Nagas. Let us welcome the new-year with humble prayer and open heart for God’s abundant blessing. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, 2017!

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.

saturday 31•12•2016

EntErtainmEnt

George Michael leaves £50million to sister Melanie

G

eorge Michael has reportedly left £50million in his will to his sister Melanie Panayiotou.

The 55-year-old make-up artist - who also used to cut her brother’s hair as she travelled with him - is set to receive the lion’s share of the icon’s huge £105million fortune following his death from heart failure on Christmas day (25.12.16).

His eldest sister, Yioda Panayiotou, 57, is also expected to inherit a chunk of his property empire.

A source told The Sun newspaper: ‘’George was very close to his sisters, and the understanding is that they’re going to inherit most of his wealth, particularly Melanie who he was incredibly close to. ‘’She was there at many of the big milestones in his life, and was there by his side until the very end. George was very family-orientated and even in his death he’s shown that. He was keen to see them well looked after for the future.’’

However, George was estranged from his cousin Andros Georgiou, but his relative has insisted the star wanted to “make peace’’ with him before his death and they had hoped to meet up in the New Year to sort things out.

Andros - who revealed the pair fell out over George’s former wild lifestyle - said: “He was feeling better about stuff and he’d stopped being naughty. But there was much pain in his heart. I think it just gave up. He felt like he had let people down.

“He had swapped drugs for drink but he was doing better. Now he’s gone it’s devastating. We only heard when we put on the news - on Christmas Day. None of us know what happened. We just don’t know anything.’’

Meanwhile, George’s publicist has issued a statement from the family and friends of the late musician to thank his fans for their love and support.

They said: “The family and close friends of George have been touched beyond words by the incredible outpouring of love for him in the hours and days since his death.

“Contrary to some reports, there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and from the bottom of our hearts we thank those who, rightly, have chosen to celebrate his life and legacy at this most distressing of times.’’

T

C M Y K

ReviSed TiCKeT RATeS (Silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (Recliner) : `. 400

DANGAl

(10:00 AM) (01:05 PM) (04:15 PM) (07:25 PM)

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Hillstar

production of the Tintedlight Studio, Nagaland, Wayfarer a video by Maria Cherednikova will be released on December 31 ! An instrumental soft music player, Maria is an improviser on the violin and piano musical instruments.

The Wayfarer video is about a journey where a person travels from place to place.

Maria Cherednikova who was born in Russia says that “This concept is close to my style of living, traveling even to the ends of the world to share my music and stories with the nations.”

At the very young age of 8, Maria started learning music lessons and later went to attend Music College in 2002. Since then,

Maria says that it is her heart’s desire is to make connection with the people with whom she meets on her journey. “In the end we all realise that our life is a journey for which God gives the pass. Sometimes it is hard to move forward, sometimes it is tiring and we want to give up but we soon realize that there is someone who is always by our side, and everything is under His control,” Maria reflects while sharing about the concept of her upcoming video.

After her graduation from the music academy in Rostov in 2011, Maria has been living in India, teaching music and sharing her music on the concerts. Currently, she is staying in Russia.

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Source: Contactmusic

Miley & Liam visit children’s hospital together

his is just so sweet!

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth spent Dec. 29 brightening the day for brave kids at a San Diego children’s hospital. Keep reading to see pics of how the patients absolutely lit up when the singer and her fiance arrived to bring some holiday cheer.

Spreading some love and sunshine! Miley Cyrus, 24, and fiance Liam Hemsworth, 26, made sure this holiday time is a little more joyful for patients at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. The couple made the trip south from their Malibu home Dec. 29 to pay a special visit with the kids and teens. The couple looked absolutely thrilled to be brightening the lives of others in a series of cute pics the “Wrecking Ball” singer shared on her Instagram.

Miley dressed as the happy hippie that she is in a bright green shirt with colorful flowers all over it and a bright yellow plastic bow on her head to keep her hair back. Her outfit alone was bound to bring

Now ShowiNg

AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO 2017, LET US BEGIN THIS NEW YEAR

BY REAFFIRMING OUR BELIEF IN OURSELVES AND REDISCOVERING THE PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTENCE THAT UNITES OUR COMMON DESIRE TO MAKE THE NAGA SOCIETY

everyone.

A BETTER PLACE FOR

cheer, but so was her insanely good-looking actor beau, who kept it simple in a plaid shirt.

The Voice judge was all smiles as she shared her bubbling brand of happiness with the young patients, doing fun selfies with them and being a total ray of sunshine. In one of the pics she’s seen snapping away with a teenage cancer patient and captioned the photo, “Queen

Warrior!!!! Yes you are!!!!!”

Liam looked like he was having the time of his life meeting with the brave youngsters who are spending the holidays in the hospital, as he’s seen effortlessly grinning away in all of Miley’s pics. Very much unlike that incredibly awkward and weird Christmas photo with her family.

The couple has definitely been in a giving spirit lately, as they’ve been gift-

ing their fans with more pics of PDA than they ever have before, all for Christmastime. They shared so many cute photos in matching onesies, cuddling and totally in the holiday spirit. It’s great to see that all their good cheer is carrying on to help bring happiness the lives of others, especially kids who are hospitalized battling serious illnesses.

Source: Hollywoodlife

One Direction is top-earning European celebrities despite year off

O

ne Direction has topped a new celebrity rich list even though they’ve been on hiatus throughout 2016.

The boy band stars have beaten out soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest paid European celebrities on a new Forbes list.

Even though Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne spent 2016 focusing on solo projects, they still topped the list after raking in $110 million (£90 million) over the past 12 months.

This includes cash from the end of their On The Road Again tour and endorsement deals with Pepsi and Colgate.

Ronaldo comes in second with earnings of $88 million (£72 million) and Adele is at three with $80.5 million (£66 million).

Tennis aces Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, The Rolling Stones, DJ Calvin Harris, Sir Paul MCCartney, U2, and chef Gordon Ramsay also make the top 10.

With best wishes for a peaceful, meaningful and prosperous 2017!

From all of us at The Morung Express

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Source: Contactmusic

T

We aren’t getting engaged: Kohli

est skipper Virat Kohli on Friday took to Twitter to rubbish media reports of his engagement to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. Rumours of the 28-yearold Kohli, who recently guided India to a 4-0 thrashing of England, getting engaged to Anushka on New Year flooded in social media after the duo were spotted in Uttarakhand.

Kohli, however, took to Twitter to clear the air in a series of tweets saying: “We aren’t getting engaged and if we were going to, we wouldn’t hide it. Simple...” In another tweet, the prolific batsman hit back at the news channels for spreading false reports and said: “Since news channels can’t resist selling false rumours and keeping you confused, we are just ending the confusion.” The couple have often been the talk of the town for their on and off relationship.

Source: iANS

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Cavaliers fights to hold off Celtics, Thunder fall as Westbrook ejected

C M Y K

Los AngeLes, December 30 (AFP): NBA champions Cleveland withstood a late charge from the Boston Celtics, but Cavaliers superstar LeBron James said the 124-118 victory was no thanks to him.

"I was horrible tonight," James said. "In every facet of the game, I was just pretty bad and it's unacceptable."

Kyrie Irving led the Cavs with 32 points and 12 assists, his fifth double-double in his last seven games.

Kevin L ove als o notched a double-double with 30 points and 15 rebounds.

And James himself scored 23 points with 11 assists, his eight rebounds leaving him just two boards shy of a 46th career triple-double.

But James, who turns 32 on Friday, was irked by his eight turnovers and a lackadaisical inbounds play in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics were eating away at an 18-point deficit that they managed to reduce to one point four times before the Cavs finally put them away.

It was 113-108 with 3:26 to play when James took an inbounds pass and tapped the ball back to Irving. Boston's lurking Avery Bradley pounced on the soft ball from James for a steal and a dunk.

"I just didn't see him,"

ers, five of them in the last three minutes of the game.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) walks off the court after being ejected for committing two technical fouls in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo)

James said. "Big mistake."

Irving thought James was a little hard on himself.

"He gives himself an 'F' and he still ends up with 23, 8 and 11," said Irving, who hobbled off in the final minute with a tight right hamstring.

While James was chastising himself, Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook was pointing fingers at others -- namely the referees -after he was ejected in the third quarter of the Thunder's 114-80 loss to the Grizzlies in Memphis.

Westbrook was tossed with 6:41 remaining in the period after picking up two quick technical fouls for

arguing with officials over whether the shot clock should have been reset for the Grizzlies.

"Honestly, it's crazy, man," Westbrook said.

"Especially to be ejected like that when I didn't do nothing. It was just crazy... because I feel like I don't get the benefit of the doubt most of the time.

"I get so many techs for just talking. I can't even say nothing when I'm getting hammered every time I go to the damn basket," he said.

Before his exit Westbrook had 21 points, five rebounds and zero assists.

He also had six turnovers.

He was the Thunder's

leading scorer, but it was a less than impressive stat line for a player who is averaging a triple-double (31.7 points, 10.9 assists, 10.6 rebounds) this season.

The Grizzlies were ahead 78-61 entering the fourth quarter and led by as many as 37 before it was over against a Thunder team that turned the ball over 19 times and scored 27 points below their season average.

Spanish big man Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 25 points. Troy Daniels added 22 and Zach Randolph chipped in 21.

Daniels' contribution included six three-point-

- Suns surprise Raptors In Phoenix, Eric Bledsoe scored 22 points with 10 assists and Devin Booker added 19 points as the Suns downed the Toronto Raptors 99-91.

Forward P.J. Tucker had 14 points and center Tyson Chandler had 13 rebounds as the Suns won for the second time in seven games.

Toronto, the Atlantic Division leaders who are second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers, had 24 points each from Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.

But the Raptors shot just 40 percent from the field and tied a season low in points one day after their four-game winning streak was snapped in a 121-111 defeat at Golden State.

"We had too many mistakes tonight, too many turnovers and couldn't make shots," DeRozan said.

Utah Jazz guard George Hill returned with a flourish after a 13-game injury absence, scoring 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter of a 100-83 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Hill, who had a sprained toe, also contributed eight rebounds and six assists as the Jazz, trailing by four after three quarters, powered to the win.

Saturday, December 31 UFC 207 on Sony ESPN From 8:30 AM onwards

Sports Ministry suspends IOA's recognition

neW DeLhI, December 30 (IAns): Dissatisfied with the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) response to the show cause notice for appointing the scam-tainted duo of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents, the Sports Ministry on Friday suspended the deemed recognition of the national Olympic body.

Following the suspension, the IOA will cease to enjoy the privileges and prerogatives bestowed on it by the government as the National Olympic Committee (NOC). All government assistance, financial

or otherwise, to the IOA will also be stopped.

"The government has suspended the deemed recognition, granted by it to the IOA until the IOA reverses its decision to appoint Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala as Life Presidents," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry issued a show cause notice to the IOA on Wednesday after the general body meeting of the sports body passed a resolution on Tuesday to appoint its former presidents Kalmadi and Chautala -- both of whom have been charge-sheeted -- as

life presidents.

"This is a serious violation of the norms of good governance by IOA which is the mother sports body and corrective action needs to be taken immediately as it is a matter of national prestige and public sentiments.

"Although the Government has utmost respect for the Olympic Charter and is committed to protecting the autonomy of sports, it cannot remain a mute spectator to blatant violation of principles of ethic and good governance

by IOA, thereby putting the image and prestige of the country at stake," it added.

Winter Cricket Challenge: Hornbill, Retired sportspersons seek reforms in all sports Royal Strikers enter semifinals WokhA, December 30 (mexn): Hornbill CC, Kohima, today defeated LCYO by 28 runs while Royal Strikers humiliated Shoorveer 28 Assam Rifles by 120 runs to enter the semifinals of the ongoing 21st Winter Cricket Challenge, played at Local Ground, Wokha.

Hornbill Cricket Club (HCC) electing to bat first set up a huge total of 173 runs while losing 5 wickets Tapitu led the run scoring with 45 runs. Barjish and Ananto chipped in 33 and 31 runs respectively.

For LCYO, Yingathung and Zarenthung claimed 2 wickets a piece.

LCYO’s run chase started strongly as Chumben (31 runs) and Yingathuing (22) kept the scoreboard ticking. But the target proved too much as they could only muster 145 runs from the - 29 runs short of the target. Akash was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3 wickets while Moakum

claimed two. Tapitu was later adjudged man of the match.

In the other quarterfinal match, Royal Strikers winning the toss elected to bat.

A solid knock of 65 runs from Man of the Match Jubin assisted by Roshan (29) and Sajid (28) helped set a target of 169 runs.

Shoorveer’s Narender finished the match with a haul of 5 wickets while Mon Mohan and Amar Nath claimed a wicket each.

Shoorveer 28 AR run chase though was a disaster as they were bowled out in the ninth over for a paltry 48 runs. Mon Mohan was the only batsman who defied the onslaught of the Royal Strikers bowlers remaining unbeaten on 16 runs. Vicky and Jubin shared 3 wickets each while Montu and Sajid claimed a wicket each.

Saturday’s match GAPYOCC (Green) vs Forest YO (A)

mumbAI, December 30 (PtI): A group of retired sports persons, including Olympians and Test cricketers, have filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court to incorporate the sweeping recommendations of the apex courtappointed Justice Lodha Committee for cricket into all other sports in the country.

The petition, in form of PIL, has been filed in the wake of the Supreme Court passing its final order, after it accepted its specially appointed Justice Lodha Committee's recommendations for sweeping reforms in the BCCI, said a media release issued on the petitioners' behalf.

"We, 28 former Olympians, Padma Shri, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, Test Cricketers along with some administrators from sports disciplines in Hockey, Football, Cricket, Athletics, Volleyball, Badminton, Kabad-

di, Swimming and Para Olympics have filed this petition in the Supreme Court for the below mentioned reasons and betterment of sports promotion and development in India," said the release.

The petitioners are Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, M K Kaushik, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Nachappa, Edward Sequeira, G E Sridharan, Reeth Abraham, Gurbax Singh Grewal, Balbir Singh, Fortunato Franco, S S Narayan, Joaquim Carvalho, Vandana Rao, Pravin Thipsay, Bhagyasree Thipsay, Maya Meher, Nisha Millet, Aloysius Edwards, Madhu Yadav, Kirti Azad, Bishen Singh Bedi, Sameer Bahadur, KPS Gill, Ashok Mathur and Virender Kumar.

"It may be observed that some of the recommendations made by the Justice Lodha Committee are already found in the National Sports Code. However, some of the salient and salutary recom-

mendation need to be adopted by the Government of India in the National Sports Code to ensure the smooth, transparent manner which is most beneficial for the development of the sport," they said in the release.

"It is submitted that like in the game of cricket several oligarchies exist in other sports' administration which is to the great detriment of the respective sports. It may also be noted that there is an urgent need to amend and rework the National Sports Code so as to ensure that sports administration is not treated as a self perpetuating business but instead must be for the betterment of the sports concerned.

"Since all the sports associations other than the BCCI fall within the remit of the Central Government, the Sports Ministry of Central Government can pass an order seeking the implementation of some of the recommendation of

the Justice Lodha Committee in so far as other sports bodies are concerned," they added.

"The petition is seeking a positive direction from the Hon'ble Court for the incorporation of some of the recommendations in other sports bodies in order to promote transparency in the game as well as to ensure the betterment of the sports and also in the interest of the players of the sports," said the release.

"The effort is to seek an all encompassing Order from the Supreme Court in the nature of a mandamus to the Central Government to amend the National Sports Code, in order to incorporate some of the salutary recommendations made by the Justice Lodha Committee for other sports bodies," the release added.

The petition was filed before the apex court was closed for the Christmas break, one of the petitioners told PTI.

Starc brilliance earns Australia series victory

The Nagaland Mansuria Kung-Fu team bagged 5 medals – 4 gold and 1 bronze – at the 2nd North East All Style Open Martial Arts Championship 2016 held from December 27 to 29 at Lumding. The medal winners are: Keyisuiding Lungalang (gold), Parbin Ratne (gold), Perampaugumding Lungalang (gold), Ziulungbe Lungalang (bronze), Ganesh Ram (gold). The team was led by Coach Kangkang Lungalang.

Ronaldo rejects 300 million euro move to China - agent

mADrID, December 30 (reuters): World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down the chance to leave Real Madrid for an unnamed Chinese club for a transfer fee of 300 million euros ($315.24 million), his agent said on Thursday.

Speaking to Sky Italia at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Jorge Mendes said the deal would have been worth 100 million euros a year to the Portugal striker.

"From China they've offered 300 million euros to Real Madrid and more than 100 million per year to the player," Mendes was quoted as saying.

"But money is not everything. Real Madrid is his life. Cristiano is happy at Real

Madrid and it is impossible to go to China.

"The Chinese market is a new market.

They can buy a lot of players but then again it is impossible to go for Ronaldo."

News of the offer made to European champions Real came on the same day Argentine striker Carlos Tevez joined the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua from Boca Juniors.

No financial details were disclosed but media reports said Shenhua had paid 84 million euros for former Manchester City and Manchester United forward Tevez.

Last week Brazil midfielder Oscar joined local rivals Shanghai SIPG from Chelsea for a fee that media reports put at 60 million euros.

meLbourne, December 30 (reuters): Mitchell Starc shone with bat and ball as Australia dismissed Pakistan for 163 to secure an innings and 18-run victory in the second test on Friday, the win giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Lanky left-arm paceman Starc smashed 84 with the bat, including a record seven sixes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then tore through Pakistan's tail with 4-36 as Australia's bowlers snatched an unlikely win from a rainblighted match.

Pakistan's capitulation left their captain heartbroken and after falling for a second-ball duck with a rash sweep-shot, 42-yearold veteran Misbah-ul-Haq said he would consider retiring before the series finale in Sydney.

For home captain and man of the match Steve Smith, it was a golden day as he smashed an unbeaten 165 in the morning session and watched Pakistan disintegrate on a sun-bathed afternoon.

After declaring Australia's first innings at 624 for eight just before lunch, Smith gave his bowlers 68 overs to run through the

Mitchell Starc (C) is congratulated by teammates after dismissing Pakistan batsman Sarfraz Ahmed. (AFP Photo)

tourists.

In the end, they needed only 53.2 overs of the quota as Pakistan's demise hastened against the reversing ball after tea.

"I said to the boys that cricket's a funny game and anything can happen," Smith told reporters of his morning address to his team.

"I thought Starcy was incredible. "(It's) pretty surreal to have now wrapped up the series. We have got a lot of belief in the guys around.

The guys are doing the hard yards to improve every day."

Pakistan lost the first test in Brisbane by 39 runs but won admiration for their dogged fourth innings resistance, when they put an Australian record total of 450 on the board.

Much of that acclaim evaporated on Friday as their shambolic batting followed an equally abysmal effort in the field in the morning.

LYON ROARS Pakistan's 52-year wait for a maiden series win in Australia goes on and they have now lost four matches in succession.

"It was sheer pressure, I think," a downcast Misbah said of his team's surrender.

"In the second innings, (Australia) bowled good, really well... I think we should take the blame as a batting unit."

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon shrugged off recent form woes to bowl his best spell of the series, capturing three wickets in the middle session, two of them in three balls to remove stalwarts Younus Khan (24) and Misbah.

Rookie batsman Peter Handscomb was outstanding at short leg, clutching

two tough chances to remove Younus and Asad Shafiq for 16.

Pakistan went to tea on a shaky 91-5 and three overs after the break, seamer Josh Hazlewood trapped Azhar Ali, Pakistan's last specialist batsman, lbw for 43.

Paceman Jackson Bird bowled Mohammad Amir for 11 and a sizzling Starc inswinger accounted for wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed for 43, cleaned up through the gate.

Starc returned to bowl Wahab Riaz for a duck and wrapped up the win by having Yasir Shah sky an easy catch to Bird at mid-on.

Following the Hobart thrashing by South Africa, which surrendered the series, Australia's new-look team have won their last three matches in succession.

In Melbourne it was their senior players leading from the front, with David Warner's run-a-ball 143 and Smith's 17th ton setting a platform before Lyon and Starc brought the match home.

"We're still a work in progress. We're a young team and I'm proud of the boys," Smith added.

"It's been outstanding but we want a clean sweep in Sydney."

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