December 31th, 2015

DIMAPUR • Vol. X • Issue 354 • 12 PAGes • 4

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ThursDAY • December 31 • 2015

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in Modi wants to revamp ‘Stand up for cabinet, but can’t find the people what is right’

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T R u T H

— Morrie Schwartz

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2015: A TorTUoUs YEAr for nAGAlAnD Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

Nagaland witnessed a tortuous year mired with political upheaval; a horrific crime that the whole world took note of, widespread protest against nonpayment of salaries, backdoor appointments, ceasefire abrogation and the signing of a Framework Agreement which may change the course of the Naga political history.

The Morung Express highlights some of the important events that unfolded.

THE NPF CONUNDRUM Right after New Year’s Eve, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) kicked up a political storm after the TR Zeliang ministry faced open upheaval with 22 NPF MLAs demanding change of leadership on January 5. This led to sacking of four cabinet ministers and nine parliamentary secretaries.

The dissent also forced Zeliang to move for trust vote in the assembly on February 5 wherein all the elected members, including the BJP and the opposition Congress, voted in favour of his leadership.

Months later, with the 8 legislatures of Congress joining the NPF in November, Nagaland assembly formally became an opposition-less government.

This may not necessarily be good news as demonstrated by the 30 minute winter session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly held on December 14-despite a number of urgent and pressing issues waiting to be tabled, discussed or resolved.

C M Y K

MARCH 5 MOB LYNCHING In one of the most horrific incident to haunt Dimapur, on March 5, one Syed Farid Khan detained at Dimapur Central

rEflEcTions

By Sandemo Ngullie

Jail under suspicion of rape was dragged out, paraded naked and lynched by a mob of thousands in a case of vigilante justice.

Disturbing images of the incident were widely circulated in the social media which was quickly picked up by the print and visual media. The incident brought widespread censure and put Dimapur under the radar of the whole world. Following the incident, Nagaland government, in damage control mode, restricted telecom services in the region. Internet was blocked for 48 hours in the state.

SMS and MMS services were also blocked. Three government officials were suspended and Nagaland government recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.

Several issues were also highlighted in the process - crime against women, issues of illegal Protesters at the NSF rally in Kohima against the AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act on July 23. migrants, need for effective judi- (Morung File Photo) ciary and preserving the interest Seven departments - Ru- women’s reproductive health National Rural Health Mission of the local community.

(NRHM), District Rural Devel- ral Development, State Coun- in Nagaland, registrations on NONPAYMENT OF SALARIES opment Agencies (DRDA), etc cil of Educational Research births and deaths, Nagaland Year 2015 will also be re- voiced protest against the State &Training (SCERT), Health & government’s failure to provide membered as a year of agita- government for leaving them Family Welfare, Higher Edu- basic health facilities in districts tion against the Nagaland State on the lurch by depriving them cation, Social Welfare, Roads and villages, misappropriation & Bridges (NPWD) and Home of over Rs 62 crores in the health government for nonpayment of of their salaries.

- have been made respon- sector under the National Rural salaries. Those in the teaching dents. Also, the Department Health Mission (NRHM).

MOVEMENT AGAINST profession suffered the most.

Protest began with the All BACKDOOR APPOINTMENTS of Law and Justice and NPSC In its relentless fight against have been made respondents STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi All Nagaland College Teachers Association (ANAH- corruption and backdoor ap- too. Besides ACAUT, other TA) launching agitation on pointment- endemic in Naga- organizations also alleged Students’ Union (ANCSU) February by boycotting classes land State government depart- backdoors appointments in launched protest demanding in protest against non-payment ments, Against Corruption and the Nagaland Public Service the release of pending scholof their salary for more than six Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Commission, Office of Com- arship for 3615 students under filed a Public Interest Litiga- missioner of Taxes, Agricul- Centrally Sponsored Scheme of months.

The apathy of the State gov- tion (PIL) on corruption on ture Department and the Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students (PMSSTS) and 7217 ernment was harshly apparent public employment at Guahati Home Department. eligible students under State as the aggrieved Hindi teach- High Court.

Merit Scholarship & Research ACAUT said the PIL was 20 PIL AGAINST ers were still demanding salary Scholarship for the year 2014even in November. Through- necessitated as the Govern- HEALTH DEPARTMENT The pitiable health-care 15. out the year, employees under ment of Nagaland failed to The fate of some 150 Naga a number of State government take appropriate action de- services in Nagaland manidepartments and centrally spite the series of backdoor fested with the filing of 20 PIL students studying at Diva Jyoti sponsored programmes name- appointment exposés start- by Human Rights Law Network Group of Institutions (DIGI), ly the Nagaland RMSA teach- ing with RD department in the (HRLN), Nagaland Chapter on Modinagar, UP were put in seriissues relating to the status of ous jeopardy after the institute ers, Nagaland SSA teachers, month of June 2015.

Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

The “Say no to crackers” campaign launched by concerned citizens of Dimapur received a “thumbs up” sign from majority of Dimapurians who have been accustomed to the barrage of crackers on the eve of every New Year.

Scores of volunteers and individuals drawn from various groups, churches and social media- facebook lined up the stretch of the commercial hub’s “Flyover” Wednesday afternoon to spread the message of the negative impacts of bursting crackers.

Carrying placards some of This New Year experience the joy of giving... release which read “Let’s have an ecofriendly New Year celebration”, our salary!!

“Save Nature, celebrate New Year The Morung Express to the environmental friendly way” cost `5 from Jan 2016 and “Let’s fill our home with prayers Dear Readers, This is to inform you that the cover price of The Morung Express will be `5 beginning, January 1, 2016. The primary factors affecting the paper’s production costs are that all items related to printing the newspaper have steadily increased, in combination with the poor economy.

Also, print materials are imported from outside Nagaland as they are not readily available here.

Please know that this was a difficult decision to make and ask for your support offsetting these costs and greatly appreciate your committed readership throughout the years.

We thank you for your support and understanding.

The Morung Express

refused to allow the students to continue their studies due to non payment of fees. Eastern Naga Students’ Union Dimapur (ENSUD), who initiated the free education scheme for the students, said the fees were to be paid by the Nagaland State government in scholarship format. The Nagaland State government shifted blame to the ENSUD. A committee has been constituted to inquire unto the issue.

NSF PROTEST AGAINST DAA, AFSPA Naga Students Federation on July 23 protested the imposition of Disturbed Area Act (DAA), Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the state and the killing of two children at Wuzu village by security forces. The protest was attended by thousands and supported by various other civil societies.

But the act is still in force.

ABROGATION OF CEASEFIRE In a setback to the Naga peace process, the NSCN (K) abrogated a 14-year old ceasefire with the Government of India on March 27. Following the abrogation, eight Assam Rifles troopers were killed in Mon district of Nagaland, and another 20 soldiers of the Dogra regiment unit in Chandel, Manipur. It also led to the birth of a new faction NSCNReformation by expelled senior NSCN-K leaders P Tikhak and Wangtin Naga. The GoI announced a bounty on information leading to the capture of SS Khaplang and its military commander Niki Sumi.

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT After almost 18 years of political negotiations a Framework Agreement was signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India on

‘say no to crackers’

and light-not with fumes and crackers”, the volunteers also distributed pamphlets on the negative aspects of crackers to every passing vehicle.

Renponi Naga, the person who initiated the campaign on facebook, said the campaign was a “sudden” event but was reciprocated by various unions, churches and individuals including the Watchman, Believer’s Church, Muslim Council Dimapur, AG Church, Indian Red Cross Society, Cleaning Brothers from East Police Colony and others.

Various speakers including member secretary, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Rusovil John, also spoke on the harmful effects of bursting of crackers and fireworks.

The campaign kicked off with invocation by Rev Moses Murry, Youths display placards with message on the negative aspects of burst- general superintendent of Asseming crackers at one of Dimapur’s flyover on Wednesday. (Caisi Mao Photo) bly of God Eastern India.

Alcohol related road mishaps on the decline Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

December is typically characterised by revelry. Celebrations pour in and revellers up their ante. Amidst the celebratory mood hangs an air of foreboding as the narrow roads of Nagaland witness a marked increase in vehicular movement.

Prone to accidents all year round anyway, the roads become particularly unsafe in the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The Dimapur traffic police are on the field doubling their duty hours anticipating alcoholfuelled road mishaps.

This December too, the roads of Dimapur have become chock-ablock with vehicles and shoppers alike during the day and by night loud music blaring from cars. Road safety has inadvertently become a priority for the State.

The Dimapur Traffic police have stepped up vigil to keep a check, par-

ticularly on drunk driving. Using breathalysers, Traffic personnel assisted by the NAP (IR) are conducting checks frequently, stated ACP (Traffic Zone I), Seyiesezo Peseyie.

However, on the frequency of accidents, seasoned Traffic cops stated that Dimapur has witnessed relatively less number of accidents this December. They cited December 24 as an instance during which only 5 minor road mishaps were reported from Traffic Zone I and another from Traffic Zone II. “Surprisingly low,” one cop observed, compared to other years when Christmas and New Year revelry were marred by fatal accidents.

According to data made available by the traffic police, a total of 521 road-related accidents were reported in Dimapur in 2015 till date. Traffic Zone I reported 280 accident cases starting April till date in which there were 25 fatalities and 134 were injured. Traffic Zone II reported 241 cases be-

tween May-December 29 with a reported death toll of 15 and injury to 223 people.

In 2014, the death toll was 45 and 215 injured in as many as 635 reported road mishaps. In 2013, it was 548 accidents, 42 fatalities and 283 injured. The year 2012 reported the highest number of fatalities at 65 and 248 injured in many as 625 reported cases. 2011 witnessed 589 cases, 43 deaths and 227 injured.

While no details could be provided on the number of people penalised for drunk driving this year, Peseyie informed that those found drinking alcohol beyond the permissible limit while driving are being detained. Such offenders normally get away with a ‘challan’, which comes with a monetary penalty, but driving licences are seldom impounded. The offenders are released after sobering up or are handed over to relatives.

Asked whether breathalysers would be seriously employed this

New Year’s Eve, Peseyie said that it becomes a mammoth task as majority of drivers have alcohol on their breath on the eve of Christmas Day and the New Year. Dimapur Traffic police has only two breathalysers, one each for the two traffic zones.

Beside breathalysers, the Dimapur Traffic police are continuing with a media campaign for road safety during the festive month.

Urging revellers to stay safe, Peseyie discouraged driving after alcohol intake for the sake of oneself and also for others on the road.

New Year’s Eve is approaching and so is apprehension. According to Peseyie, additional Traffic personnel were detailed for field duty on December 24 till 3:00 am, December 25. The same level of vigil will be employed on New Year’s Eve, he added. Heightened Traffic vigil and extended duty hours have become a trademark of the traffic police during festive occasions.

August 3, 2015.

The NSCN (IM) said the framework agreement would work as a preamble based on which a solution to the uniqueness of the Naga history and political rights would be reached.

NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah said the framework agreement has been concluded basing on the unique history and position of the Nagas and recognising the universal principle that in a democracy, sovereignty lies with the people.

Interlocutor of the Government of India to Naga peace talks RN Ravi and the NSCN (IM) held several round of talks with the Naga civil society organizations after the signing of the framework agreement.

With the contents of agreement not made available, the Naga civil society groups has asked for their disclosure for further deliberation before any final settlement is arrived at. There were also protest registered from the Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam government fearing the agreement would affect the boundary of their states. Question on the inclusiveness of all the Naga political groups also emerged as a point of deliberation for the Framework Agreement to see reality.

JAPAN-NAGALAND RECONCILE AFTER 70 YEARS Reconciliation between Japanese and Naga Christians for the atrocities caused to one another during the World War II marked the 11th month in the state capital. Seventyone years on, the two communities came together to seek forgiveness from one another in a true Christian spirit, closing the wounds of the War in the hope to bring healing to the people of both the countries and to develop friendship through evangelism.

Dear Readers, The Morung Express wishes you a very Happy New Year. We extend our appreciation for your committed support and solidarity through the years. We thank you for your constructive suggestions and patient understanding which has been our constant inspiration.

As we step into 2016, we look forward to your continued steadfastness. The Morung Express wishes you a year of blessings and good will, wonderful happiness, good health, prosperity, purposeful living, and may the New Year bring you the warmth of love and a light that will guide your path.

From all of us in

The Morung Express will remain closed on December 31, 2015 and January 1, 2016. Our offices will reopen on January 2, 2016 and copies of the next issue of The Morung Express will be available from January 3, 2016.

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ThursDAY 31•12•2015

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Stand up for what is right’ NSU called to guide younger

Mt View Sumi Students’ Union presents an opening act during the inaugural programme of EDSSU annual session in Dimapur on Wednesday. (Morung Photo) Morung Express News Dimapur | December 30

“The moment you have the principle of honesty as a way of life, the life ahead of you can never go wrong,” said Khekiye K. Sema IAS (retd) and urged upon a gathering of students to

stand up for what is right.

Speaking as chief guest at the 23rd annual session of East Dimapur Sumi Students’ Union (EDSSU) at Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar on Wednesday, Khekiye told the students in no uncertain terms that they have to be the change

they want to see. “The real meaning of leaders tomorrow is what you do today first. So make up your mind today about who you want to be tomorrow.” he said.

He told the students that to be able to stand up for what is right and wrong, they should be capable of

differentiating between right and wrong.

However, Khekiye said that the roots of what they wanted to become must be planted in the fear of the Lord and making God their foundation.

He rued the silence of the people against all wrong doings taking place in the society and appealed the students whom he described as “our future” to have the courage to stand up against wrong things.

Khekiye also stressed on the importance of getting oneself computer literate in this age of technology.

During the programme, President of Western Sumi Students’ Union, Atokiho Sumi exhorted the gathering and expressed happiness over the cooperation rendered by the EDSSU towards WSSU.

generation with conviction

Nerhema, December 30 (mexN): Golden Jubilee celebration of the Nerhema Students’ Union (NSU) under the theme “Transcendence” begin this evening with the Golden Nite held at the Conference Hall, Tekhuzie, Nerhema village with guest of honour K. Caroline (IFS), Wildlife Warden, Department of Forest, Government of Nagaland.

Addressing the celebration, the guest of honour said knowledge to acquire job can be earned from schools, colleges and universities but knowledge on how to live life needs to be acquired from the society. While observing that present day students are too engaged in competition of scoring marks, she pointed out that education is incomplete without knowledge on ways of life. The guest of honour urged the NSU to guide the younger generation with conviction and clarity least they are lost in life after their academic life is over.

Touching upon environmental

issues, the Wildlife Warden said the recent Paris Summit on climate has brought ecology to the forefront and the global message needs to be driven down right to grass-root level at villages. Caroline said ecological crisis is a human creation as it is a result of men stepping beyond the limit in devastating nature. She asserted that nature has a right and man cannot go about destroying God’s creation.

Students’ bodies being responsible grass root organisations should take pro-active role in conserving the ecological balance, she maintained. The Wildlife warden urged the NSU and the village to co-operate with the forest department in enforcing the Wildlife Protection Act and also strickly follow the government directive which bans hunting and forest fire.

Participants at the Golden Nite were enthralled with special songs performed by the üsou Instrumental, Thejaneinuo Kiewhuo, Thepfulhou Theünuo, Mhalelie Ziephrü,

Kezevinuo Chadi, Kesosieüüsou and Peteneizo Pienyü. The evening also witnessed Taekwondo demonstration by Menuodilhou Maurice üsou who has made a niche for himself both at the national and international level and brought laurels the state.

Much to the laughter of audiences, Rüguozetuo Kerhüo performed a stand up. Drama on Angami forefather’s hospitality and kindness was re-enacted by the Titans to spread the message that guests, rich or poor, weak or strong, must be treated with kindness and generosity. Paying tribute to former NSU office bearers who passed away, a special song was performed by Keneinguzo üsou.

The invocation at the programme was pronounced by Rev. Neivilie Mere while the benediction was said

by Pastor Thejasetuo Kengurüse.

This was stated in a press release issued by Mezhülhouvilie Kiewhuo Member, Publicity Committee, NSU Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Sechü Zubza observes KVK Phek observes Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas 600 NCC cadets its 31st Village Day participating in SNIC Phek, December 30 (mexN): Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas was celebrated from December 23 to 29 at Conference hall of KVK Phek in Porba village of Phek district.

The programme started with welcome speech by Liza Barua Bharali, SMS (Plant Protection).

All together 132 farmers participated from different villages during the programme. Dr. R. K. Singh, Programme Coordinator, KVK Phek, briefed about Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas.

He emphasized on the importance of farmers, farming community and the soldier who bring pride to the nation. He also described

Vilavolhou Meyase speaking at the 31st Sechü Zubza village day celebration at the village council hall on December 29.

C M Y K

SechÜ ZUbZa, December 30 (mexN): Sechü Zubza observed its 31st village day celebration on December 29 at the Village Council Hall. The speaker for the day’s function was Vilavolhou Meyase, senior village leader.

In his address, Vilavolhou stressed on unity and togetherness of the people so as to make Sechü Zubza a place convenient for every visitor who comes in to settle. With Sechü Zubza being the sub-divisional headquarter of the Western Angami region, and also with the national highway running through it, the elderly village leader urged the denizens to maintain peace and harmony so as to set an example for others to see. Meyase also lauded the pioneers of the village, while he urged the upcoming generation to carry the dreams and vision of the pioneers forward.

Stressing on the importance of sanitation and climate change, Meyase also urged the villagers to initiate and consistently keep the village neat and clean.

He lauded the women folks of the village, particularly the mothers, for being

the backbone behind the many success the village has achieved during the past years.

Regarding Sechü Zubza as an ideal place to live in, blessed with favorable climate; as well as with the village growing up to be an educational centre, he challenged the villagers to be ready to face the change that comes their way.

The function was chaired by Visakuolie Rhatsu, secretary Village Day, while Khunyü Rino delivered greetings. The invocation was pronounced by Khriengulie Kuotsu, pastor, Sechü Zubza Baptist Church, while Mezhüno Miasalhou and friends presented a special number.

Medolepra Rino, catechist, Catholic Church said the benediction and the vote of thanks was tendered by Neiphingulie Viya.

On the day, a new team of executive members for Sechü Zubza Teisozha was also elected headed

by Seyiekielie Nagi as the chairman, Megokolie Rhatsu as secretary, Neitho-u Medoze as treasurer, Keviserie Talie as joint secretary and Neiphingulie Viya as advisor.

Farmer participants with others during Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan Diwas celebrated from December 23 to 29 at Conference hall of KVK Phek.

about scientific farming in the field of Agriculture and allied activities. Awareness programme on mechanized farming was also or-

ganized in Gidemi and Porba village of phek district.

A programme on farmer scientist interaction was conducted along with the

villagers of Thipuzu village where various problems regarding crop and livestock production were discussed.

Emlo-To Students' Union celebrates 50 years

DimaPUr, December 30 (mexN): Golden Jubilee celebration of Emlo-To Students' Union was held from December 28 to 30 at Emlomi Village. Parliamentary Secretary, Justice & Law and SIRD Picto Shohe graced the second session as chief guest on December 29 and unveiled the Monolith with Rev. Samuel K. Chishi, Convenor IMF offering the prayer.

While hoisting the Union flag the Parliamentary Secretary underscored the importance of devel-

opment and no one should hamper the progress of development. He stressed that through unity all obstacles can be removed. Shohe also mentioned the upcoming projects that are underway.

Many Important bureaucrats, politicians and Student leaders attended the event, SKK President Holuvi Chophy took the greetings.

Cultural troops of Litsa, Emlo, Suko and Yesheluto village displayed folk dance and Songs. Earlier welcome speech and Song was presented and

sang by Khetovi GB and Vinokali Chishi Respectively.

The evening session witnessed the inaugural of the theme ‘Glorious Generation’, Dr Phitoli L Khala, Youth pastor Thilixu Baptist Church asked the congregation whether we can count our self in this glorious generation and also said that the Youth needs to excel in this fast changing times.

ARSU president Shunato and founder Emloto students union Atoshe spoke on the occasion.

DimaPUr, December 30 (mexN): A ‘Special National Integration Camp’ (SNIC) is being organized at Patkai Christian College Dimapur from December 30 to January 10. Total 600 NCC cadets from different parts of the country including 110 cadets from the North East region are participating in the SNCI. Amongst the various National Integration Camps, there are six SNICs, conducted every year in the far extremeties of the country, i.e. at Port Blair, (Andaman Islands), Lakshadweep Islands, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Leh/ Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), New Delhi and in the North East, at Nagaland. This year, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chumukedima, Dimapur is hosting the SNIC – Nagaland.

Aim of this camp is to foster a spirit of unity amongst the cadets, cutting across regional, religious, linguistic and cultural barriers, and provide them an opportunity to learn from

each other’s culture and traditions.

Various programme showcasing knowledge of Indian customs and traditional history of Seven Sisters, Cultural heritage and economic development of India in order to promote closer understanding and integration among NCC cadets of different states.

Besides, cadets organize themselves to conduct social activities, cleanliness drive and community hygiene activities.

Training programme such as drill, sports and adventure activities like trekking as well as extracurricular activities like cultural programs, declamation and debate are also planned in the said camp to develop confidence and public speaking. Besides participating in these activities, selected cadets, amongst those who excel, in various activities, also get to represent their states and the country, in National Level camps as well as on Youth Exchange Programs, to visit certain foreign countries.

LBC Christian Youth Endeavour celebrates 75th anniversary kohima, December 30 (mexN): The 75th anniversary of Losami Baptist Church (LBC) Christian Youth Endeavour was celebrated on December 27 last under the theme ‘Ignite Your World.’

Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, associate professor of Applied Theology, Oriental Theological Seminary, Bade, Dimapur acted as the main speaker of the celebration. He challenged the youth to brighten their corner wherever they are.

“Whether you are businessman, servicemen,

student, farmer or in any professional you are you should brighten your own way,” he told the gathering.

He called upon the youth to brighten both inner and outside.

The celebration was led

by Yetewe K.Tara while welcome address was delivered by Rukewe Mekrisuh, Director CYE Losami.

Dr.Kowepe Kanou released the souvenir to mark the 75th anniversary. Solitary praise was done by Pfopelo-u Kapfoh while vote of thanks was proposed by A group presents song at the 75th anniversary celebration of Losami Baptist Church Christian Youth Endeavour on DeHiweku Mebou. cember 27.

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UNC asks Union Home Minister to withdraw Manipur Commandos TaHamZam, DecemBer 30 (mexn): The United Naga Council (UNC) has sought the immediate intervention of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the “indiscriminate firing” against civilians by Manipur State Police Commandos on December 27.

In a memorandum submitted to the Home Minister on December 30, the UNC requested for “communal State forces” of Manipur that are “deployed at Indo-Naga Cease Fire areas be withdrawn immediately for the good.”

Calling for an ‘independent inquiry’ to be established to “find the truth” of the December 27 incident, the Council urged the Government to “deliver justice to the innocent victims immediately.”

The UNC informed Rajnath Singh that in the evening of December 26, at around 7 pm, a Christ-

mas gathering in K. Somrei Naga village in Senapati and Ukhrul districts, under Nongpok Sekmai Police station of Thoubal District, was disrupted by some Manipur Police Commando personnel.

The UNC alleged that the personnel had “abused, molested, assaulted and maligned the modesty of innocent girls” before the public of the village.

The Council then stated that on the evening of December 27, one person was “brutally beaten up causing serious injury” by police personnel posted at Anupam Bridge Concrete Infrastructure (ABCI) Pvt. Ltd. Company Camp at the said village.

“The local folks angered by their repeated harassment approached the Police Commando Post protesting and demanding justice into the incidents,” the memorandum stated.

However, the ensuing exchange of verbal clash resulted in public injuries “when the commandos opened fire indiscriminately injuring 4 (four) persons including a widow and a school teacher and 2 (two) students were wounded while another 4 (four) persons were brutally assaulted and detained,” accused the UNC in the memorandum.

Furnishing names and details of all those who were injured in the incident, the UNC affirmed that if its requests for justice to the Home Ministry are not met, agitation by the people of the area “may resume” in which the UNC may be “obliged to extend solidarity to the victims and demand for maintenance of Human Rights for every citizen of the country with special case to this area.”

It was also informed

that after the incident, the civilians were further “harassed, driven out and in the event, the panicky local folks suffered immense humiliation and remorse.”

“The public have failed to find justice against the unruly behavior of the Police Commando Personals who disrupted the whole Christmas Celebrations,” the memorandum noted.

UNC reminded the Union Home Minister of the experience of the Naga people living in Manipur State at Mao Gate in May 2010 (killing two and injuring several others), or at Ukhrul town in August 2014 (killing two and injuring several others) and the killing of 9 tribal people in Churachandpur in AugustSeptember 2015 and now the K. Somrei incident on December 27—all involved the Manipur Police Commandos.

“The State communal forces have constantly shown apathy and ill-will against the Peaceful Civilians of the Hill Areas particularly the 4 Naga Districts of Chandel, Senapati, Ukhrul and Tamenglong where Indo-Naga Cease Fire has been in place. The one and half decade old peace talk should not be hijacked by evil elements and International festival should be left alone,” the UNC asserted in the memorandum.

While reiterating their demand for human rights to be maintained, the UNC stated that “State sponsored elements and sabotaging forces should not be allowed to go on unchecked while the people are prayerfully and hopefully aspiring for the final stage of the Frame Work Agreement which would bring permanent peace in the region.”

Garo students protest ‘illegal’ patta

Bokajan, DecemBer 30 (mexn): Garo Students’ Union East Karbi Anglong organized a protest rally on December 29 at Bokajan Sub-Division, Karbi Anglong against the issue of land patta illegally to an unscrupulous person. The protest culminated with a memorandum to the SDO (Civil) Bokajan Sub-Division, Karbi Anglong yesterday.

In a press release, the union maintained that the land in question, Dag No. 144 at Khotkhoti Village Block No. 2 Mauza Borjan, was under the occupation of a recognized indigenous Garo family of Karbi Anglong since 1960.

The union in their memorandum to the SDO (C) asserted that the issuing of

New liquor law brings cheers though Bru hiccups continue aiZaWl, DecemBer 30 (Tnn): The year looks likely to end on a high for Mizoram, which reeled from the strict Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, for 18 years. The newly-legislated Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control Act, 2014, came into force from January 15 this year and liquor shops from where permit-holders can buy and consume Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) were opened from March 16 in Aizawl.

Like in the past couple of years, the contentious Bru repatriation issue continued to dominate political and social life in Mizoram in 2015. Not a single Bru from the six relief camps in Tri-

pura returned to their home state this year in spite of the Lal Thanhawla-government's elaborate arrangements to receive them.

The state government drafted a roadmap to repatriate more than 20,700 people belonging to 3,455 families between June 2 and September 4 this year.

The plan was accepted by the Union home ministry, as well as the Supreme Court that was hearing a PIL on this emotive issue. The roadmap, however, proved to be a failure with Bru bodies like Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum, led by A Sawibunga, laying down more conditions.

Peaceful Mizoram also saw some amount of vio-

Tribal body opposes ST status for 6 groups gUWaHaTi, DecemBer 30 (Tnn): The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organizations of Assam has asked the Centre not to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of the state who are seeking the tag for them ahead of the 2016 assembly polls.

At a national convention held in the city on Friday, the committee resolved to launch an agitation against the Centre's move to grant ST status to the six communities, which are now categorised under Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It said the BJP-led government at the Centre may go ahead to grant ST status to six communities of the state soon to strengthen its vote bank before the 2016 state assembly polls and thereby hurting the interests of tribals.

The national convention noted that the six communities - Moran, Muttock, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia and tea tribe - do not possess characteristics which define tribals. The Centre's move to grant ST status to six other communities of Assam is a threat to tribes who have got ST tag as their constitutional safeguard. "If six more communities from OBCs get ST status, it will deprive the tribal communities of their political rights," said Aditya Khakhlari, general secretary of All Assam Tribal Sangha.

Instead of granting ST status, Khakhlari said the six communities should be given special packages. He added that the Centre has kept the ST communities of the state in the dark while expediting the process of granting ST status to six more tribal groups.

LPG bulk tankers to ply via Bangladesh agarTala, DecemBer 30 (ianS): Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will carry LPG bulk tankers through Bangladesh for its proposed new bottling plant in Tripura, a minister said on Wednesday.

"For easier transportation of LPG bulk tankers from outside the state for the proposed LPG bottling plant, the IOC would ferry bulk tankers using Bangladeshi ports and roads," Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bhanulal Saha told reporters here.

The state-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI) has earlier ferried 35,000 tonnes of rice from Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata to Tripura via Bangladesh.

Several ships carried rice to Ashuganj river port in Bangladesh. From Ashuganj port, Bangladeshi trucks ferried the rice to FCI warehouses in Nandannagar in Agartala.

Transportation via Bangladesh is much easier as road connectivity is a major issue for the mountainous northeastern states which share boundaries with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan and China.

There is only a narrow land corridor to the northeastern region through Assam and West Bengal but this route passes through hilly terrain with steep gradients and multiple hairpin bends, making plying of vehicles, especially loaded trucks, very difficult.

Agartala via Guwahati is 1,650 km from Kolkata by road and 2,637 km from New Delhi, while the distance between Agartala and Kolkata via Bangladesh is just about 620 km.

lence this year. On March 28, three policemen were killed when rebels of Hmar People's ConventionDemocrats (HPC-D) ambushed a convoy carrying MLAs at Zokhawthiang, near the Mizoram-Manipur-Assam border. The militants fled with two AK47 rifles and five pistols but didn't harm the MLAs. Soon after, Malsawmkima, who had deserted the state armed police to join the Hmar outfit, was gunned down in a police operation on May 8. Several HPC-D militants, including self-styled 'army chief' Lalropuia Famhoite, 'finance secretary' Norbar Sanate and self-styled 'sergeant major' Biakliana

were arrested in the aftermath of the ambush.

State home minister R Lalzirliana said the HPCD faction led by H Zosangbera approached the government for talks but the government refused to negotiate with the Hmar militant group unless the rebels returned the arms taken from policemen during the March 28 ambush.

The frequent change in governors was another talking point for the state, with many criticizing the Centre for treating Mizoram as 'punishment posting' for constitutional heads. Governor Aziz Qureshi was sacked on March 28 and the Centre appointed West Bengal governor Keshari

Nath Tripathi to take additional gubernatorial charge of the state. Lt. Gen. (Retd.)

Nirbhay Sharma was sworn in as the governor on May 26 and he continues to occupy the Raj Bhavan.

The succession of new faces at the Raj Bhavan drew the ire of many. The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the state's apex students' body, protested against the Centre for 'using Mizoram as a dumping ground for unwanted governors' during President Pranab Mukherjee's visit to the state.

The resignation of state information and communication technology minister Lal Thanzara on August 18 as a minister and legislator stirred the placid political

waters of the state. Lal Thanzara, the younger brother of chief minister Lal Thanhawla, defended the 'conflict of interest' charges against him as 'baseless'. Chairman of the legal board of opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) J Lalremruata Hmar even filed an FIR against Lal Thanzara. Following his resignation, the prestigious Aizawl North-III assembly seat fell vacant. A bypoll was held on November 21 and the former health minister was re-elected with a thumping majority.

The demise of former chief minister Thenphunga Sailo, a towering figure in the state and well-known nationally, on Mach 27 was a blow to the state.

Left-ruled Tripura end 2015 on a high agarTala, DecemBer 30 (Tnn): This year has been eventful for the Left Front in Tripura as the government took a decisive step to withdraw the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the middle of the year after the state wriggled out of the two-decade-old insurgency.

With this step, the party's trust building efforts made enormous success, resulting in its sweeping victory in both Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) election and urban local bodies polls. The party bagged 98% seats in the ADC polls.

As part of the peace process, the government held two-rounds of ceasefire talks with banned NLFT militants and the process made good progress, claimed chief minister Manik Sarkar.

Tripura has reported a reduction in the rate of crime against women and a proportional increase in the conviction rate - highest in the past 10 years.

Records reveal that different courts in Tripura have convicted more than 300 accused of various crimes. Death penalty and even life imprisonment have been awarded to the guilty.

The Tripura high court, for the first time, has penalized the state

health department for the death of a patient because of negligence on the part of medicos of Agartala Government Medical College. The HC also put restrictions on private practice by government doctors to ensure better treatment in government hospitals.

The high court did not stop with this and went ahead to issue a ban on private tuition by government teachers to improve the quality of education in government schools.

This year, the state government took a harsh stand to arrest corruption. After several phases of inquiry, it registered FIRs against 17 doctors for embezzlement of National Health Mission (NHM) funds. But none of them have been arrested yet. The government also suspended more than 100 government employees, of various ranks, mostly on graft charges.

The state was on a hiring spree in 2015 and appointed more than 1,200 people in various departments and created 2,500 regular posts. The process of selection of candidates is on.

For the block development officers (BDO) in the state, 2015 has been a tough year as six of them were harassed by the job card holders for delay in the disbursement of wages due to change

of payment module by the ministry of rural development. At the end of the year, however, the state was found to secure the top slot on the list of states providing jobs under MGNREG schemes.

The government also emerged a champion in creating job opportunities for educated youths in industry striving Tripura by forming separate Skill Development Directorates, under aegis of Modi's skill development mission. An agreement was signed with Ratan Tata to scale up job openings in the state. The state government has also constituted state human rights commission following the Supreme Court's directive in 1993.

The power sector has kept the state really busy in 2015. Northeast Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) commissioned the biggest solar power plant of the Northeast in the bordering town of Sonamura in West Tripura this year. The 5-MW solar plant has been providing power to Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) at the cost of Rs 7/- per unit, under Clean Development Mechanism. Meanwhile, the 101-MW combine cycle power project at Manarchak also started rolling, which made the state power surplus by at least 300 MW now.

GM NFR inspects Tinsukia Division maligaon, DecemBer 30 (mexn): The General Manager N. F. Railway, H.K. Jaggi along with his team of senior officers of Maligaon headquarters carried out an inspection of Tinsukia Division on December 29.

According to a press release from the NF Railway, the GM’s inspection is an annual exercise where detail technical examination of railway assets of different departments is carried out including stations, staff colonies and track assets like bridges, level crossings etc. with the purpose of ensuring that these are maintained in best operational condition. The inspection started at 8:15 a.m. from Mariani station and completed at 19.20 p.m. at New Tinsukia station.

Besides meeting with representatives of various public

3

bodies, members of media, the General Manager inaugurated a number of amenities during his inspection, which included: Ladies Waiting Hall and 10 KW Solar power plant at Mariani station, Renovated Waiting Hall at Amguri station, Upgraded Passenger lounge at Simaluguri station, and 2.5 KW solar power panel at Borhat station.

It is noteworthy that during speed trial conducted as part of the inspection, the special Inspection train was able to attain a maximum speed of 113 KmPH, indicating excellent track conditions.

At Tinsukia, the General Manager also met with representative of the Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee and recognised unions and gave a patient hearing to the various demands and sug- H K Jaggi, General Manager N F Railway, inspecting gestions put forward by them. a bridge.

fake land patta is illegal and an act of fraud.

It maintained that a land survey was already done in 1980-82 and the area was recorded in their occupation.

The union demanded immediate cancellation of the fake patta issued and further demanded a stop to grabbing Garo land. It also demanded the arrest of the culprits.

The protest rally was supported by Karbi Students’ Association (KSA) Bokajan Regional Unit, Mech Kachari Yuva Parishad, Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong Man-Tai Students’ Association, Bokajan Dist Demand Committee Karbi Anglong and Bokajan Block Development Demand Committee Karbi Anglong.

STPI setting up incubation centre in Arunachal Pradesh iTanagar, DecemBer 30 (PTi): Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) of the Communications and Information Technology Ministry is setting up an incubation facility here to cater to the IT industry and boost entrepreneurship and IT exports from the state.

In this regard, a pact was signed between Senior Director, STPI, Devesh Tyagi and Director (IT) Department of Information Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, Neelam Yapin Tana in New Delhi yesterday, an official release said.

The state government was providing a 12,000 sq ft built-up space along with five acres of land free of cost to set up the incubation centre, it said.

The facility would act as a resource centre for IT/ ITES exporting units by offering infrastructure facilities like ready-to-use incubation, high-speed data with uninterrupted connectivity and other amenities required for development and export of software and services, the release said.

The facility would be operational within six months and will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for the IT graduates in the region, it said.

STPI was established in 1991 by the Union Ministry of Communications and IT with a distinct focus for promotion of IT/ITeS exports from the country.

The method to be used was providing single window regulatory services under STP and EHTP schemes, plug and play incubation facilities for startups and young entrepreneurs as well as HSDC services for seamless access for offshore IT/ITeS exports.

Working closely with stakeholders, STPI has played a key role in creating 'Brand India' and transforming the country as most preferred IT destination, it said.

The STPI centre at Itanagar was a step towards facilitating and supporting the dynamic entrepreneurs of the region to explore global opportunity with goals like, making the region one of the preferred IT destination and attracting IT/ITES units to the state and promoting export of IT software and services from the region, it added.

4

ThursDAY 31 •12•2015

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Govt seeks to push skills, clean energy, social security New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): Setting up of Niti Aayog, launch of Skill India and major social security schemes were among key initiatives of the Narendra Modi government in the past year as it sought to speed up governance amid a legislative gridlock and political setbacks.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, which entered its second year in office in May this year, sought to implement many of the declarations and promises of the past and also announced some new schemes.

The government took steps to expand skills and jobs, boost investment, strengthen higher education, enhance the share of solar and renewable energy and step up agricultural growth even as its crit-

ics alleged that it had not been able to show progress on the ground.

Losing the assembly polls in Delhi and later in Bihar impacted the winning momentum of the BJP and made the opposition more assertive. The constant tussle with the Congress did not allow progress on some key legislation such as the bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST). But the government took some executive decisions, including those on liberalising foreign direct investment, to boost growth and investment.

The new year started with a bang for the government as it established Niti (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog to replace the Planning Commission, which had been formulating fiveyear plans for the coun-

try’s planned development since it was set up in 1950.

Modi launched another major initiative in January as he travelled to Haryana to launch “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (save the girl child, educate the girl child) programme.

With air pollution and climate change emerging as the key areas of focus, the government responded with a slew of announcements. It launched the Air Quality Index in April and declared its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India’s ambitious INDCs include reducing emissions intensity per unit of Gross Domestic Product by 33-35 percent of 2005 levels by

2030.

Modi has repeatedly talked about the country’s demographic dividend and the government took a series of steps to improve skills of youth.

In July, it unveiled the National Skill Development Mission, National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the Skill Loan scheme.

With about half the country’s population estimated to be dependent for their livelihood on some form of farm activity, the prime minister launched the Soil Health Card Scheme in February to promote productivity, conserve water and boost rural income. The government hopes to issue over 140 million soil health

cards by 2018.

As part of efforts to improve governance, Modi launched PRAGATI (ProActive Governance And Timely Implementation), a multi-purpose, multimodal platform aimed at addressing the common man’s grievances.

Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) Yojana to foster entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. The proposal to create MUDRA was made in the union budget this year with a corpus of Rs.20,000 crore (over $3 billion) and a credit guarantee corpus of Rs.3,000 crore.

Modi launched three social security schemes in May - Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Man-

tri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). The schemes - two insurance products and one a pension product - are mainly targeted at the unorganized sector and economically weaker sections which lack any form of social security.

The “Namami Gange” programme, which integrates the efforts to clean and protect the Ganga river, was approved by the government in May. It has a budget outlay of Rs. 20,000 crore for the next five years.

Modi also launched the Smart Cities Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing for All in urban areas in June as part of the government’s efforts towards urban rejuvenation.

The government also aims to enable 20 million urban poor own their houses by 2022, the 75th year of the county’s Independence as part of its “Housing for All” programme. In September, it approved the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) aimed at development of rural growth clusters. The government announced that each state will get to develop at least one city as Smart City under its initiative of developing 100 smart cities.

As part of its plans to expand higher education, the government in June approved setting up of six new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the country.

Modi launched the Digital India week in July with the programme aimed at making all citi-

zens digitally literate and bringing internet and egovernance to all sections of society.

The government launched the gold monetization schemes in November to reduce the country’s reliance on importing gold.

In November, the government finally issued a notification to implement the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for defence forces personnel.

Earlier, in October, it had approved the construction of a National War Memorial and a National War Museum in the national capital.

Th e g ov e r n m e nt, which had been making a strong pitch for its new land bill, finally decided against re-promulgating an ordinance on this after the Congress forced its hand on the issue.

Cabinet approves railway When global retailers knocked at India’s fashion doors Government infrastructure JVs with states New Delhi, December 30 south Delhi shopping destination. Expan- its portfolio this year. Nils Chrestin, In- approves MoU (iANS): India’s burgeoning appetite for sion plans for the brand include another terim CEO at Jabong and Group CFO of New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): The cabinet foreign brands attracted a string of inter- store in capital suburb Gurgaon, to be fol- Global Fashion Group, feels that many for developing on Wednesday approved the formation of joint venture national brands to establish their pres- lowed by outlets in Mumbai and tier-II and international brands today are seeking companies with state governments to undertake vari- ence in the country this year. US appar- tier-III cities. India is one of the most excit- an online presence to explore the diverse Smart Cities ous railway infrastructure projects. “This would ensure el retailer GAP, Swedish multinational ing markets in the world right now, with Indian market. greater participation of state governments in implementation of railway projects both in terms of financial participation as well as decision making process,” a statement issued after a cabinet meeting said. The railway ministry’s initial paid up capital will be restricted to Rs.50 crore for each state. “Each Joint Venture would have an initial paid up capital of Rs.100 crore based on the quantum of projects to be undertaken. Further infusion of fund/equity for the purpose of the projects shall be done after approval of the project and its funding at the level of appropriate competent authority,” the statement said. Project specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) can also be formed by the joint ventures with equity holding by other stakeholders like banks, ports, public sector undertakings, mining companies and others.

so much potential within retail, said Janne Einola, country manager, H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Private Limited.

“The response to H&M has been fabulous! We are happy that the Indian customers are pleased with our business concept of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way. “We see a great potential for further expansion in India, the number and time frame will be determined by real-estate opportunities and retail market development. “Our expansion strategy is to always open at the best business location. We have proposed to invest up to euro 100 million ($110 million) in the SBRT (Single Brand Retail Trade) application,” Einola told IANS. It was not only through offline stores that many international brands made its India entry this year as many of them chose to be part of the Rs.720 crore worth Indian fashion industry through online mediums. Handbags from French label Anna Luchini are now available in the Indian market via e-commerce platform Fashionara.com, which has also introduced watches for women from another French label, Christian Lacroix.

Jabong, a leading fashion online retailer in India, has clearly established its dominance in bringing well-curated collections of international fashion labels such as Buggati Shoes, Tom Tailor, NEXT, Misguided, TOPSHOP, TOPMAN, et al in

retail-clothing company H&M, British fashion brands TOPSHOP and TOPMAN and more, available at brick-and-mortar stores or online mediums, are already a hit. The summer arrival of GAP, which has made inroads into India through a franchise agreement with textile and retail major Arvind Lifetsyle Brands Limited, was much talked about.

Spread over a 10,000 sq ft south Delhi mall, the first flagship store offers Gap for men and women, GapKids, and babyGap. The plans are big as officials hope to open about 40 stores in the next five years and Arvind Lifetsyle Brands Limited expects Rs. 1,000 crore worth of business opportunity from the venture.

“I think our clothes are perfect for Indian summer. It’s very easy to wear with a whole lot of linen feel to it,” Oliver Kaye, CEO - Gap Business, told IANS. Dearest Kongkong, Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited also brought American youth brand Words are not enough Aéropostale to India, with a store at a to express the joy you south Delhi mall in November. Swedish multinational retail clothing company bring us every day. You H&M, which is known globally for offerare purely one of God’s ing fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way, also opened shop in best miracles. country, again at a south Delhi mall.

Happy Birthday!! the And then, call it the successful feedback of the first store that within a gap of We love you so much, a month, the brand opened its second Otsu &Obu and family store - its largest in the country - at another

Birthday Greeting

_

LEISURE

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU game Number # 3448

“In the last two years, Jabong has facilitated a lot of deals and, as a result, has been able to successfully build an International portfolio,” Chrestin told IANS. Officials of TOPSHOP and TOPMAN had been eyeing India as a feasible market for quite some time before partnering with Jabong. They feel that the country’s market demonstrates great opportunity for fashion brands and the Indian customer is very fashion-savvy.

As of now, they are happy with the response from the customers. “TOPSHOP and TOPMAN are very new to India and after an impactful launch on Jabong in September earlier this year have continued to experience high levels of traffic as well as meeting sales targets. “Both brands are growing at a rate of 25% month on month and contribute substantially to Jabong’s international business portfolio. There’s a huge appetite for fashion in India which is why so many brands continue to enter the market,” the brands’ spokesperson told IANS. Also, 6 leading South Korean cosmetic companies made their debut in India this year with an array of cosmetic and wellness products. The companies are PLK International, Coson Company Limited, Outin Futures Corporation, BCL Cosmetics Company Limited, Kell Cosmetics Company Limited, and Esthetic House Company.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3460

Answer Number # 3447

New Delhi, December 30 (iANS): The union cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry of urban development and Bloomberg Philanthropies to support the development of Smart Cities. The union cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The proposal entails Bloomberg Philanthropies to work as knowledge partner and support the development and execution of cities challenge under the Smart Cities Mission,” an official statement said.

The cabinet has already approved the Smart Cities Mission, launched by the prime minister. The proposal under the Smart Cities Mission seeks to facilitate creation of quality urban infrastructure that will lead to improvement in the quality of urban life. “Bloomberg Philanthropies Government Innovation Initiatives equip mayors and local leaders with practical tools and approaches to solve major challenges and enable public sector innovation to flourish,” the statement added.

As knowledge partner, Bloomberg Philanthropies will also support the ministry in helping design and manage the cities challenge. There is no financial implication for the government, as the cost implications to the activities done in supporting the mission would be incurred by Bloomberg Philanthropies, it said.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

R

PSyChOlOgy

K G W R O I V A H E B P F D R O C S I D

SCHIZOPHRENIA DEPRESSION MANIA PSYCHOPATH ANXIETY ANOREXIA BULIMA NERVOSA PSYCHOLOGIST COUNSELING THERAPY INSURANCE EAP AETNA CIGNA MARITAL DISCORD COMMUNICATION SKILLS CRYING ANGUISH COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE THINKING FEELING BEHAVIOR ANTISOCIAL CRIMINAL FORENSIC EVALUATION

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T J N H T A P O H C Y S P F P I U Z J C

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A P R O P T R S L L I K S A I P P Q L Y

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O S X T G S G G Q V D W A D O I D B C N

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T T A C F C A L U J E L F P U O A A I N

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

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O R O F J A V D L Y V F C R I M I N A L

G V G F E R X P D G Y P A R E H T G E J

V Y T E I X N A E T N A I N A M I I Z R

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

ACROSS

1. Storehouse 6. Contributes 10. Gown 14. Pueblo brick 15. Novice 16. God of love 17. Disarrayed 19. Not amateurs 20. Goddess of wisdom 21. S 22. Ascend 23. Synchronizes 25. Exams 26. Smack 30. Womb 32. Ceremony 35. German measles 39. Come forth 40. A small handbook 41. After dinner treat 43. Steal the show 44. Within a building 46. Figure (out) 47. A long rod or pole 50. Giver 53. A basic knitting stitch 54. Tot 55. Shackle 60. Aquatic plant

DOWN

1. Early 20th-century art movement 2. Modify 3. Ritzy 4. Double-reed woodwind 5. Small slender gulls 6. Consumed food 7. Not circuitous 8. Chest of drawers 9. Mats of grass 10. Acts as an agent 11. German iris 12. Promote 13. S S S S 18. 24 hours 24. Cashew or almond 25. Bass horns 26. Hurried 27. Disabled 28. How old we are 29. Light teasing 31. Backside

33. GMan 34. Egghead 36. Hawaiian feast 37. Falls behind 38. Beers 42. Walks unsteadily 43. A large vase 45. Large indefinite amount 47. “The Final Frontier” 48. Bodies of ships 49. A noble gas 51. Frequently, in poetry 52. Late actor Christopher 54. Assistant 56. Snip 57. Canvas 58. French for “State” 59. Depend 62. Fury Ans to CrossWord 3459

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

Police Station 1:

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (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)

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KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

MON: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 61. Unable to read 63. Blockage 64. Bambi was one 65. Like the flu 66. Feudal worker 67. Being 68. Not full

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KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

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2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

64.77 96.29 8.09 46.64 45.99 46.39 53.17

67.74 101.02 9.01 48.97 48.27 48.68 56.19

Euro

70.64

74.11

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.74

1.94

0.0533

0.0594

44.00

46.19

9.58

10.68

ThursdAY 31•12•2015

Transcendence: NSU celebrates 50 years Morung Express News Kohima | December 30

Celebrating fifty years, the Nerhema Students’ Union (NSU) held its inaugural session on December 30 under the theme, ‘Transcendence’ at Tekhuzie Nerhiema with Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA and Chairman NSMDC Ltd as the Chief Guest.

The program was chaired by Selabeituo Theünuo, President NSU while Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo pronounced the invocation. A special song called ‘Cie Hiepengou Geizo’ was presented by the Jubilee Choir. Renowned artists Ameü üsou Zao and The Choir also presented an original composition in folk fusion called Niepuu Theja.

In the name of the Golden Jubilee celebration, Zakieneisa Kiewhuo, Chairman, Nerhema Village Council expressed hope that good and reconciliation will emerge out of the fifty years celebration. “So much has changed over the years and it is a great wonder that things can rapidly change in just a few years.

I urge the students to excel in their studies.” said Kiewhuo who concluded with a blessing in the name of jubilee-that the young

(LEFT) A choir presents a special song. (RIGHT) Chief Guest Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu speaking during the golden jubilee celebrations of Nerhema Students’ Union at Tekhuzie Nerhiema on December 30.

will be blessed and excel in their fields.

Dievi Yano, President Angami Students’ Union thanked the pioneers who led the students union with a vision for which it has been able to complete fifty years today. “The maturity that NSU has achieved is not just the success of the village but that of Angami community,” mentioned Yano who also thanked the village for giving leaders and contributors to the Angami community and hoped that with the completion of fifty years, the village will produce more leaders who can contribute and change the society.

“While commemorating the fifty years, you need to remember the vi-

sions, goals and ideologies of the pioneers,” said Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu while mentioning the many current challenges in all series of life of which a major concern is that Nagas like to be the ‘Jack of all trades but master of none.’ Appealing the students to be more determined and focused, the Chief Guest requested the students not to “study for the sake of studying but to develop yourself to be able to earn a livelihood for yourself, to contribute to the society and to be a blessing to others.” Setting big visions and big ambitions is important and youngsters need to change the complacent and dependent attitude regarding the future

of their own lives, added Dr. Keditsu who appreciated the efforts and sacrifice of the parents, whom he viewed that the NSU has been able to reach the fifty years because of the sacrifices and hard work of the parents. “We need to be masters of our own destiny. We need to collectively work together for our future and a vibrant Nagaland. With the capabilities of the young leaders, together, we can reach the dream of a brighter Naga society,” added Keditsu.

The MLA assured that he will give his best to anybody who is willing to work hard for the future of the Nagas, however urged the need for the young generation to think more, decide and

WoKha, December 30 (mexn): Shaki Students’ Union celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Hopa Kimung, Shaki Village, Wokha on December 29 under the theme ‘Retrospect and Renew.’

Dr. T M Lotha, Advisor, Treasuries and Accounts, Relief & Rehabilitation, and Liremo Lotha(IPS) Commissioner of Police Reverend Deacon Victor Renthungo, the 5th priest from Bhandari parish is ordained on December 30 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

tor and will assume a new role and identity – the role and identity of a catholic priest. Bishop in his homily said that the primary duty of a priest is to lift up Jesus just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert that those who looked upon it were saved.

Bishop also explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest.

Once ordained the priest is a marked man. He is impressed with the indelible character of the priesthood. To be a good priest is the hardest work and the most glorious work on earth. It takes love—abundant love and the most patient love—and it takes

CondolenCe messages YTC: The Yimchungru Tribal Council (YTC) has expressed deep shock over the sudden demise of L. Shokhum Yimchungru of Longtokru village On December 28 at his private residence at 5th Mile Model village, Diphupar.

YTC in a condolence message stated that late Shokhum was a popular and respectable person and his death has created a chasm which will be difficult to be filled. He was a brave and distinguished individual who was one of the founding members of the Naga Nationalist Movement, YTC informed. Late Shokhum also rendered his services in various capacities such as Advisor to Eastern Nagaland People's Union, Diphupar, the Council added.

Conveying its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, YTC prayed that the Almighty God would grant strength and comfort at this hour of grief.

Peren, December 30 (mexn): Six persons were arrested by Peren Police over the death of one Macetpe Irangbe on December 23. According to a press release from Superintendent of Police, Peren, Macetpe (33) of Benreu Village was suspected to be shot dead by hunters from Ndunglwa village. In this connection, Peren PS registered a case and an investigation was taken up.

Based on the statement of witnesses and circumstantial evidence, six suspects were arrested from Ndunglwa village on December 25 midnight, informed SP Peren.

One of the individuals is said to have admitted that he shot the deceased. However, further investigation is on to ascertain the complicity or involvement of the other five suspects.

Home Dept issues weather advisory

start doing to be something and someone. If the present generation continues to be complacent, there will be more sufferings ahead in the future, he cautioned.

Citing the example of South East Asian policy and the Look East policy, the MLA questioned if young Nagas are ready and prepared when all the policies enter and affect the State because with the positive developments, there will be many challenges and difficulties in the future.

Despite all the knowledge and ideas that the youngsters have acquired today, Dr. Keditsu also added that one needs to seek the blessings and wisdom of the elders. The Chief Guest also noted the importance of

safeguarding the cultures and traditions of the ancestors and to make the good values a lifestyle.

The Nerhema Students’ Union was formed in the early 1960s with the concern shared by the educated youth of the village who finally laid the foundation in the year 1965. Nerhema has a population of 3800 with 686 households.

At present, it has a total strength of 1688 students.

The first matriculate of the village was Thinokhrie Kerhüo in 1920, while the first graduate was Sitsilhou Virie in 1972 and first medical graduate was Dr. Seyiekietuo Ziephrü in 1975. First Engineer was Er. TS Angami in 1982 and first LLM was Visevonuo in 1996.

Fifth priest from Bhandari parish ordained ‘Introspect and retrospect to bring change’ WoKha, December 30 (mexn): Reverend Deacon Victor Renthungo, the 5th priest from Bhandari parish was ordained on December 30 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

According to a press release, Deacon Victor dressed in traditional Lotha attire was welcomed at the gate along with Bishop Thoppil by the Catholic community. They were escorted by the community humming and singing in the traditional tunes to the Sacred Heart Church. Rev. Fr. Philip Yangvuthung, a priest from the same parish anchored the programme while Rev. Fr. Amos, the Parish Priest accorded the words of welcome.

Bishop in his introduction said that it is a red letter day for the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Parish, Bhandari, to the diocese of Kohima and also for Deacon Victor because Deacon Victor will be ordained a priest, and set apart and consecrated to God’s work and His mission. He had been preparing himself for this day for the last thirteen or more years and from now on he will be called Fr. Vic-

Peren police arrest six

hard work. The priest in short is God's priest. He is God's humble servant.

During the felicitation, there were special items like congratulation song by the parish Choir, special songs by Yantsuthung Yanthan, and Emilo kinghen, speeches from the Bishop, from Bhandari Church member, and a family representative. Rev. Fr. Victor, newly ordained priest thanked all in turn and Regina Kithan proposed the vote of thanks and anchored the programme.

Time was allotted for the well wishers to felicitate the newly ordained personally and after which meal was served to all.

employed Naga youths due to the limited employment opportunities in the government and private multinational company. He called upon every section of people in the society and different organizations across Naga areas to support the Naga Peace Settlement – The Frame work agreement or the August

to put more effort in their studies so that they may compete in the present generation of “survival of the fittest”. Stating that degree certificates have no place in the present society, he challenged the students to be the best among the competitors.

Er. Nzanthung Ngullie, Asst. Professor NIT Nagaland, speaking on the theme: ‘Retrospect and Renew’, called upon the students and villagers to retrospect the past in both positive and negative aspect so that they may renew and march forward to bring change and unity in the society. He added that in this age of technology, one must be pro-active to adopt with the fast changing technological world.

Lotha Student Union President, Amos Odyuo, in his speech recalled the forceful launching of the Oil Exploration by the State Government in Champang – Wokha District and in this regard, called upon the Lotha Public and Nagas to support a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Lotha Hoho.

Kohima, December 30 (mexn): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, has issued a weather advisory to picnickers/trekkers requesting them to douse camp fires completely to avoid spreading of jungle fires during the dry season. Owing to extreme cold weather conditions, the public has also been warned in the advisory by Neihu C. Thur, Home Commissioner, Nagaland, not to venture out into frozen lakes or other freezing water bodies to safeguard from any eventualities/accidents. The NSDMA further informed the public to contact the State Emergency Operation Centre through toll free number 1070 or landline number 0370 2291122 in the event of any emergency.

Inquiry ordered to look into Chukitong incident: IGAR (N) DimaPUr, December 30 (mexn): IGAR (N) today informed that an inquiry has been ordered into the December 27 incident where in four citizens of Chukitong area, Wokha district were allegedly assaulted by Assam Rifles official(s). A press release from PRO, Assam Rifles said any lapses found to have been committed by any AR official will be dealt with severely. It stated that, prima facie, the issue appeared to be a case of misunderstanding between an AR official and local youth, resulting to the incident. “Necessary interaction is being carried out with the village council and civil administration to resolve the issue amicably. AR is fully committed to upholding and respecting the local customs and traditions, and is ever thankful to the village council and civil administration for all the assistance being provided to the AR post at Chukitong,” the AR statement read. The Chukitong Range public Organization (CPRO) had alleged that four citizens of Chukitong including a VDB secretary, a student leader were physically assaulted while a woman was verbally abused on December 27 evening by an AR official.

Shaki Students’ Union celebrates Golden Jubilee Dimapur graced the occasion as jubilee guest and chief guest, a press release received here informed.

Speaking on the occasion, jubilee guest Dr TM Lotha called upon the students and the upcoming generation to excel in their studies in order to compete with the fast changing competition world. He called upon the student community to introspect and retrospect the past so that they may bring change and unity in the society.

Dr Lotha also expressed his concern over the growing educated un-

3 Peace Accord – which was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring ultimate solution to the decades old Naga issue.

He confidently stated that the “Peace settlement – The Framework” is on the verge of completion. This, he stated, will surely pave the way for new employment opportunity for the educated Naga youths and in turn bring all round development across Nagaland.

Chief Guest LiremoLotha (IPS) Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, also called upon the students

A mini-truck ferries charcoal along the National Highway to the state capital Kohima on Wednesday. Kohima is currently facing a severe cold wave. According to reports, Kohima recorded 1 degree Celsius on December 28 night, the lowest recorded in the last 10 years. (Morung Photo by Chizokho Vero)

Cementing bond through cultural affinity sportsmanship

sorrow at the death of Late L. Shokhum Yimchungru.

WYSU called late Shokhum a “brave hearted” person and stated that his death is a great loss for Yimchungru in particular and Nagas in general.

WYSU conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.

YUK: The Yimchungrü Union Kohima has condoled the demise of Late T. Shokum Yimchungrü and Late Chiluchi Yimchungrü, Mother of Throngkila Tohanba, who expired on December 30 at Dimapur.

“Late Shokum was a man of dignity and integrity who have brought laurels to the Yimchungrü community and the state as a whole. He has rendered his best time for the cause of the Naga Peace and Unity with different capacities,” a condolence message from the union stated.

WYSU: The Western YUK extended deepYimchungru Students’ est condolences to the beUnion (WYSU) expressed reaved family members.

(LEFT) Traditional Rice Pounding Competition where the rice grains are pounded and the chaff removed to make the grains fit consumption. (RIGHT) Youngsters take part in a game during the 3rd Changtongya Kaketshir Telongjem (CKT).

Morung Express News bring together and build PA to ADC Tuli as the Chief most attraction as tradi- challenged the students to ter race with active particiChangtongya | December 30

With enthusiastic participation from both participants as well as spectators, the 3rd Changtongya Kaketshir Telongjem (CKT)’s or Changtongya Students’ Union Conference concluded here this evening on a high note and utmost camaraderie. Citizens of the village converged from different corners of the state and outside to participate in the two day event making it a grand occasion for the villager folks.

With an objective to

bond between the villagers, especially among the students, the event is held triennially with students from every unit in Nagaland competing in different categories such as cultural, literary and sports – both traditional and modern.

Besides, it is aimed at building a cordial relationship between the citizens of the villages who are staying in different corners of India.

Coinciding with its 73rd annual general meeting, the first day saw the 6th CKT Cultural programme with Nokdenlemba Jamir

Guest. He exhorted not to forsake oral tradition as well as the ethos and heritage passed on from the ancestors.

The day event saw each unit competing in various cultural activities. The two important highlights of the event were the traditional spear throwing and traditional rice pounding competition. The former saw young boys from each unit competing for the most accurate target throwing with spears.

The Rice pounding competition generated

tional rice pounding is not in vogue these days and for many youngsters, it was the first time witnessing the same.

The night event saw students competing in literary event such as – singing, extempore speech, poem recitation, Essay and poem writing.

The second day today was held at Local Ground Changtongya, with Dr. Imotemsü Ao, the Director/Registrar of The Global Open University of Nagaland as Chief Guest. Speaking to the gathering, he

be calculative ‘risk takers’ and be engaged in different avenues available to them.

Emphasising on skill development and entrepreneurship Dr. Ao quoting John Ruskin said, “What we think or we know or what we believe is, in the end of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.”

During the day, students competed in various sports events with fusion of both traditional and modern sports activities. Tugof-war, penalty shoot-out, obstacle race and 100 me-

pation from each unit and a lively display for the crowd.

The main attraction of the day, however, belongs to wood Cutting and wood sawing competition among various sectors of the village. Use of traditional and non-mechanised implements in the competition added in the attraction.

After two days of intense competition, Mokokchung Unit of CKT was declared the overall champion while the CKT Village Unit and Kohima Unit were declared the 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.

ThursDAY 31•12•2015

IN FOCUS

6

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express X issue 354X issue 185 Thursday 9volume July 2015 volume By dr. sao Tunyi

A brief recap of the year 2015

N

agaland woke up to the year 2015 with the news of its elected representatives being divided into 2 camps, one group based at Sovima and the other at de Oriental Grand Hotel. As a result, 7 NPF ministers and parliamentary secretaries were suspended and the crisis led to the ultimate showdown of the floor test on February 5. But it didn’t live up to the suspense as all the 59 legislators voted in support of the incumbent Chief Minister. Fast forward, in November the 8 congress legislators were merged into NPF and Nagaland created history by having the first ‘oppositionless’ government.

The winter session of NLA as a result was finished in 30 minutes as there were no questions to discuss.

Exactly a month after the tame floor test, Nagaland was shocked by the lynching incident in Dimapur which made news headline across the world. Neither the problem of illegal immigrants nor the morality angle of the issue could justify the horror of evil which unfolded. It was a testimony that we humans are capable of carrying out the darkest evil deed. It was a shameful incident and a total disgrace for Nagaland in the eyes of the world.

The religious image of our Naga society took a severe beating.

The signing of framework agreement on the 3rd August between NSCN (IM) and GOI interlocutor gathered much interest among the people. Everybody wanted to know what was being agreed upon. There were speculations amongst the Nagas and anxieties amongst the neighbors but it seemed to be devoid of any major detail. Although any concrete result which will come out of any following peace accord remains in the future, there is concern that so long as negotiations are with only a single group, the solution to the Naga political issue will not be final.

The year 2015 saw bloodshed following ending of ceasefire between NSCN (K) and GOI on March 27. It is also the year when NSCN (Reformation) was born. Nagas have been longing for peace and the longing is about to be a year older.

The above select incidents do not portray Nagaland in a positive light. But all things considered, we ought to be thankful and believe that we have inched forward. One positive thing to take from this year can be that there is increased consciousness of what ought to be. There were lots of protests and these are signs of hope as opposed to resignation to the fate which has befallen us. By protesting, we do not take things for granted; we demand and fight that things should become better. For example, the sorry state of Corruption that we live in is of our making, and so will be the struggle to come out of it. The voice against corruption has been growing louder and louder this year, not least through the initiative of ACAUT. Although people still get away with it, there is reason to hope that practicing corruption is going to become more and more difficult in the years to come. In corruption but also in other areas of our individual and collective lives, we ought to never lose hope but look forward to another year.

Dr. Sao Tunyi works as an Epidemiologist at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima. Feedback can be sent to saotunni@yahoo.co.in, or visit his blog www.thatchhouse.blogspot.in

lEfT WING |

Mari Marcel Thekaekara New Internationalist

Ending the year on a note of hope

A

s the world starts to shut down for the year, I ponder the end of a tumultuous 2015.

I’d like to share my rambling thoughts with you.

Everyone has had their fill of bad news and more bad news. Global warming, floods, earthquakes, terrorists, ISIS beheadings, enslaved Yezdi women, the worldwide scourge of trafficking for sex and slave labour, mass shooting sprees in the US, wars, genocide.

The bad news never ends.

Yet we’re ending on a note of hope. Despite expert warnings that the Paris talks were too little, too late, despite James Hansen denouncing Paris 2015 as a fraud, somehow people the world over have been celebrating the outcome as historic, a win for humanity, a first step to curbing emissions. Reading the reports from India and abroad, I am reminded of a grand old veteran of many epic battles, David Cohen, who died in November. David was part of the US civil rights movement, the war on tobacco companies and myriad other fights to make his earth a better place. The most terrifying battle of our times appears to be the one against climate change finishing us off altogether. Yet David’s son Aaron writes a moving account of his father’s optimism until the end. David was sure this generation would come up with a solution to fight and win the battle to pull our planet back from the brink.

Anjuman-I-Islam, India’s largest modern Muslim institution, has joined the ideological war against ISIS, or Daesh, after 1,000 Indian imams and clerics signed a fatwa against ISIS denouncing its jihadist extremism as ‘un-Islamic’ and ‘inhuman’. Surely something else to cheer about.

It is with this optimism that I would like to move into the new year. We, the people, have to take control in many small ways and life-style changes, to help the planet. Intolerance has been hotly debated in India, as 2015 saw a Muslim man beaten to death for the crime of eating beef. He didn’t actually have beef in his fridge. But that obviously was not the point.

The climate of hate being perpetrated by a small fraction of our population is frightening to minorities. Hinduism’s philosophy has always been more tolerant than most monotheistic religions. But evil or misguided religious bigots create trouble in every corner of the world. It has been that way since time immemorial. Yet in every riot or genocide, a few genuinely good souls have sheltered and saved the persecuted. There was Oskar Schindler working to rescue Jews in Nazi Germany. Many Hindus in Gujarat hid Muslim fugitives from the rampaging mobs.

Quakers in the US provided sanctuary to African American slaves to enable their escape to freedom. Always, even in the midst of our darkest times, a few rays of hope and goodness have existed.

Rather unusually, probably for the first time in our remote town of Gudalur, in South India, there was a Channukkah celebration. Jared, a young Jewish American, celebrated the Jewish holiday with his partner Casey, who grew up practising Islam as a child. And a host of Indian friends from different religious backgrounds, including Omri of Israeli origin, joined them. I thought this was quite beautiful. It moved me deeply to hear about latkes and jelly-filled doughnuts adorning a Gudalur table together with Tamil and Kerala cuisine contributed by local friends. This multi-cultural, multi-religious gathering, even as we hear horror stories from all over the world about hatred and intolerance, was to me the epitome of India. Religious festivals were fun for everyone. We shared special food with friends of different faiths. My grandmother had a Jewish friend in Calcutta in the 1950s. Muslims sent delicious biryani to Hindu friends. Diwali was celebrated by all. Christmas saw decorations in shop windows. Everyone had an interest and curiosity about the celebrations of others.

It is a nice note to end the year on. We need hope. How else can we survive? Or move on.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Amit Dasgupta IANS

A transformational India needs to overhaul its education system

T

he emergence of a knowledge-driven society demonstrated that everything can and must change and that the process is a continuous search for better solutions. Indeed, new scientific discoveries and technological innovations have become an integral part of our everyday biography. Objects we had grown accustomed to have been replaced by newer and more efficient products. If anything is truly permanent, it is change itself.

Yet the vast majority of people continue to have a pathological anathema towards change. They harbour feelings of great mistrust because they perceive change as an explicit acknowledgement of failure.

Consequently, they are steadfast in their refusal to accept that the failure to shift thinking would, most certainly, lead to their obsolescence.

Research has substantively established an interlinkage between countries that embrace innovation and thus, change, and economic prosperity. People in such countries think different. They are more adventurous, less risk averse and open to experimenting. Governments and the bureaucracy in emerging or developing economies, on the other hand, tend to suffer from an acute disavowal of all that challenges existing paradigms. New ways of seeing worry them.

Consequently, our schools and colleges are unable to respond to the rapidly changing educational needs of a knowledge economy.

This has serious consequences. First, it adversely impacts economic growth because the quality of education is the principal driver of the growth engine.

And second because bad education does not lead to employability in a globally competitive environment. This is a profound and not imagined disaster that India credibly faces and will, most certainly, undermine India's aspirations as a global thinker.

So, what is the role of education?

To paraphrase Nietzsche, all human action needs to be based on what we wish to achieve. Education, similarly, must have an end-objective. For students, it is productive and sustained employability. For governments, this translates into contributing to the GDP. If education underachieves in this stated objective, it would be perceived as a failure, since more and more young people would become unemployable.

What this requires is the radical shaking up of the education system. First, this would ensure that the dead wood and dried-up leaves fall off. Second, the system would be reformatted to achieve the 21st century objectives. In short, we need to usher in an educational revolution and not just an evolution of teaching techniques. Yesterday's curriculum and pedagogy has to give way to future needs and requirements. In effect this means shifting from an education system that was crafted during the industrial era to one that is in consonance with the presentday demands of an ever-changing environment. In other words, the very DNA of education - both at the school and university level - needs to be changed.

For India, this is the need of the day. She is at the cusp of transformational change. Global perception of her attractiveness is remarkably upbeat.

She has been invited to the high table. However, all these positive developments are directly related to whether India would deliver on promise and expectation. Is she, in other words, a safe bet? The attractiveness of the Indian workforce would be the key for corporate investors. This means that education would need to produce a world class workforce that is in consonance with the expectations of the corporate investor.

This requires a fundamental overhaul in the way we perceive what education needs to deliver. First, the education environment cannot be divorced from the external landscape. The 'in-here' experience needs to be directly linked to the 'out-there' experi-

B

ACK in 1993, the misanthropic art critic Robert Hughes published a grumpy, entertaining book called “Culture of Complaint,” in which he predicted that America was doomed to become increasingly an “infantilized culture” of victimhood. It was a rant against what he saw as a grievance industry appearing all across the political spectrum.

I enjoyed the book, but as a lifelong optimist about America, was unpersuaded by Mr. Hughes’s argument. I dismissed it as just another apocalyptic prediction about our culture.

Unfortunately, the intervening two decades have made Mr. Hughes look prophetic and me look naïve.

“Victimhood culture” has now been identified as a widening phenomenon by mainstream sociologists.

And it is impossible to miss the obvious examples all around us. We can laugh off some of them, for example, the argument that the design of a Starbucks cup is evidence of a secularist war on Christmas. Others, however, are more ominous.

On campuses, activists interpret ordinary interactions as “microaggressions” and set up “safe spaces” to protect students from certain forms of speech. And presidential candidates on both the left and the right routinely motivate supporters by declaring that they are under attack by immigrants or wealthy people.

So who cares if we are becoming a culture of victimhood? We all should.

To begin with, victimhood makes it more and more difficult for us to resolve political and social conflicts. The culture feeds a mentality that crowds out a necessary give and take — the very concept of good-faith disagree-

ence. Our schools and universities are not a comfort zone or an idyllic island resort but rather deeply rooted in the here-and-now. The outside world is complex, volatile and unpredictable. Students need to be taught to embrace uncertainty and not be intimidated by it. Indeed, the job they would end up doing has not yet been created.

Did any of us realistically believe, when we were students, that a living could be made designing apps? Second, education needs to inculcate learning agility. In other words, education must craft persons who are open to new ideas, who are constantly learning new skills and willing to apply them but more importantly, learning from experience and failure.

Third, we need to learn the importance of team work and focus. Teams are not a collection of silos but an integrated circuit with a clear objective. And finally, education administrators need to recognize that the teacher is simply a facilitator. Unless education is refashioned, we would embrace the 21st century with a 19th century mindset. The result would be failure.

Restructuring the approach towards contemporary education, accordingly, needs to incorporate the following, among others: 1.Learning about learning: The teaching community and education administrators need to recognize the need to shift from teaching to learning. This is the transition from the sage on the stage to a co-learner. Substantive evidence exists of teachers abandoning the chalk and talk methodology with dramatic results.

2. Shifting the mind-set of education providers: The fundamental paradox is that teaching is provided by an older generation to a younger one leading to a credible likelihood of a mismatch and disconnect in thinking, understanding and communication. Education is all about connecting and thus, interpersonal relations. Students need to be able to relate to their teachers. If this

is lacking, education would fail to meet the high societal expectations.

3. Embrace the Internet: The Internet has made learning possible 24x7 without the teacher. Unfortunately, while the teaching community acknowledges the transformative impact of the Internet, the whole-hearted embrace is perfunctory. Consequently, educational institutions are unable to take full advantage of the incredible world the Internet opens up, which, for the most part, is entirely free.

4. Redesigning Space: Design has assumed significance and rightly so. Studies have demonstrated how design impacts thinking. Various corporate offices are moving into open style functioning and a fluid utilization of space with funky designs that are immediately attractive. Schools and classrooms have, similarly, started changing. Indeed, even the term 'classroom' is being replaced with 'learning centres'. The consequent requirement is for the campus and the learning centres to become interactive, engaging and functional.

They play a dramatic role in shifting pedagogy to a modern mindset.

5. Globalization is Multiculturalism: A rapidly integrating world has substantially diluted geographical boundaries. The role of the educational institutions needs to recognize this dramatic new requirement and help open minds, so that we are sensitive and welcoming of other cultures.

The future is hurtling towards us at an extraordinary pace. Unless education is refashioned by a visionary leadership, we face the dire consequence of being left out of the mainstream. This is one of the great challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces.

The Real Victims of Victimhood Arthur C. Brooks New York Times

ment — turning every policy difference into a pitched battle between good (us) and evil (them).

Consider a 2014 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which examined why opposing groups, including Democrats and Republicans, found compromise so difficult. The researchers concluded that there was a widespread political “motive attribution asymmetry,” in which both sides attributed their own group’s aggressive behavior to love, but the opposite side’s to hatred.

Today, millions of Americans believe that their side is basically benevolent while the other side is evil and out to get them.

Second, victimhood culture makes for worse citizens — people who are less helpful, more entitled, and more selfish.

In 2010, four social psychologists from Stanford University published an article titled “Victim Entitlement to Behave Selfishly” in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The researchers randomly assigned 104 human subjects to two groups.

Members of one group were prompted to write a short essay about

a time when they felt bored; the other to write about “a time when your life seemed unfair. Perhaps you felt wronged or slighted by someone.” After writing the essay, the participants were interviewed and asked if they wanted to help the scholars in a simple, easy task.

The results were stark. Those who wrote the essays about being wronged were 26 percent less likely to help the researchers, and were rated by the researchers as feeling 13 percent more entitled.

In a separate experiment, the researchers found that members of the unfairness group were 11 percent more likely to express selfish attitudes.

In a comical and telling aside, the researchers noted that the victims were more likely than the nonvictims to leave trash behind on the desks and to steal the experimenters’ pens.

Does this mean that we should reject all claims that people are victims?

Of course not. Some people are indeed victims in America — of crime, discrimination or deprivation. They deserve our empathy and require justice.

The problem is that the line is fuzzy

WRITE-WING

Amit Dasgupta, a former diplomat, heads the Mumbai campus of the SP Jain School of Global Management. The views expressed are personal.

between fighting for victimized people and promoting a victimhood culture.

Where does the former stop and the latter start? I offer two signposts for your consideration.

First, look at the role of free speech in the debate. Victims and their advocates always rely on free speech and open dialogue to articulate unpopular truths. They rely on free speech to assert their right to speak. Victimhood culture, by contrast, generally seeks to restrict expression in order to protect the sensibilities of its advocates. Victimhood claims the right to say who is and is not allowed to speak.

What about speech that endangers others? Fair-minded people can discriminate between expression that puts people at risk and that which merely rubs some the wrong way.

Speaking up for the powerless is often “offensive” to conventional ears.

Second, look at a movement’s leadership. The fight for victims is led by aspirational leaders who challenge us to cultivate higher values. They insist that everyone is capable of — and has a right to — earned success. They articulate visions of human dignity. But the organizations and people who ascend in a victimhood culture are very different. Some set themselves up as saviors; others focus on a common enemy. In all cases, they treat people less as individuals and more as aggrieved masses.

Robert Hughes turned out to be pretty accurate in his vision, I’m afraid.

It is still in our hands to prove him wrong, however, and cultivate a nation of strong individuals motivated by hope and opportunity, not one dominated by victimhood. But we have a long way to go. Until then, I suggest keeping a close eye on your pen.

Letters to the Editor should be sent to: The morung express, House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur - 797112, Or –email: morung@gmail.com All letters (including those via email) should have the full name and Postal address of the sender.

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.

ThursDAY 31•12•2015

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

I

2015 Year Ender

Piercing Howl Monalisa Changkija

Gwynne Dyer

f historical ingratitude were a crime, most of the people writing year-end pieces this month would be in jail.

This year was not like 1919, when 3 percent of the world’s population died of influenza, or 1943, when the Second World War was killing a million people each month, or 1983, when we came very close to World War Three (though the public didn’t realise it at the time). For most people, in most places, 2015 has been a pretty good year.

Yes, of course, the war in Syria, and millions of refugees, and the downturn in China dragging the world economy down with it, and terrorism here, there and everywhere. And of course, climate change waiting around the corner to drag us all down. But if you are waiting for a year with nothing to worry about, you’ll be waiting a long time.

The war in Syria is four years old and still going strong. In late summer it looked for a time as if the Islamist rebels were going to destroy the Syrian army and take over the whole country, but the Russian intervention restored the stalemate. There is even talk of a ceasefire now, so that everybody else can concentrate on fighting Islamic State.

That may not happen, because Turkey and Saudi Arabia are both determined to destroy the Assad regime at any cost. The Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham (clones of Islamic State who make up the bulk of what American propaganda portrays as “the moderates”) may not agree to a ceasefire either. The war could go on for years yet. But unless Islamic State and the other jihadis actually win, the war will not spread beyond Syria’s borders.

There are other wars in the Middle East too, in Iraq (where Islamic State also holds much territory), in Afghanistan (where the Taliban are winning), and in Yemen (where the conservative Arab states have mistaken a tribal quarrel for an Iranian plot and launched a bombing campaign to thwart it). Libya’s internal wars are getting worse, and there is even talk of renewed Western military intervention there.

Oh, and Turkey has relaunched its war against the Kurds. The Middle East is a full-spectrum mess, and the particular brand of Islamist extremism that has taken root there has expanded out of the region to produce terrorist attacks from India to Kenya to France, and even the United States. But the terrorism is not as big as it seems, and neither is the Middle East.

The Middle East only contains 10 percent of the world’s people, and the Arab world (where most of the bloodshed happens) is only half of the Middle East. Its only major export is oil, and its main import is food. What happens there is not as important as what happens in the other 90 percent of the world, which is by and large at peace and doing quite well.

There are no wars at all in Asia, which is home to half the human race, and no wars in the Americas either. There is one war in Europe, in eastern Ukraine with heavy Russian involvement, but a ceasefire has greatly reduced (but not entirely stopped) the shooting in the past four months.

The only real war in Africa this year was in South Sudan, now suspended at least temporarily, although there are half-a dozen other countries where there is a significant level of civil or terrorist violence (Nigeria, Somalia, Mali, Sudan, Kenya, etc.). Forty of the fifty African countries are entirely at peace, and most of them are at least partly democratic.

This is not a picture of world where violence is out of control. The violence is approaching catastrophic levels in parts of the Middle East, but the scattered incidents of Islamist terrorism against non-Muslims

elsewhere are relatively small and few in number.

Neverheless, they have encouraged the Western media (and several Western leaders) to talk about terrorism as an “existential threat”.

That is absurd, but Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican party’s nomination for US president, has proposed that the the United States should deal with this “threat” by stopping all Muslims from entering the country. The number of non-Middle Eastern people who actually died in terrorist attacks in 2015, including the two Paris attacks, the Los Angeles attack, and attacks on tourists in Muslim countries (mostly British in Tunisia and Russians in Egypt) was just over 400.

The total population of Russia, the United States, Britain and France is about 600 million, so the risk of being killed by an Islamist terrorist, if you are a citizen of one of those countries, is one in one-and-a-half million. It is not a crisis. It is just a problem, and fairly far down the list of problems these countries face.

The refugees coming out of the Middle East, mainly from Syria, are a much bigger issue, but the main burden of caring for them has fallen on neighbouring Muslim countries, principally Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. About one million refugees have reached Europe this year, sparking a political panic in the European Union (population 500 million), but the extraordinary generosity of Germany, which has taken in four-fifths of those refugees, more than compensates for the meaner behaviour of other Western countries.

Enough on the Middle East – except for the quote of the year, from Edward Luttwak, the celebrated freelance “defence intellectual” and self-styled “grand strategist” who sells his advice to presidents and generals. “You know, I never gave George W. Bush enough credit for what he’s done in the Middle East....He ignited a religious war between Shiites and Sunnis that will occupy the region for the next thousand years. It was a pure stroke of brilliance.” Unwitting brilliance, of course, and it won’t be a thousand years or even a hundred, but there is an element of truth in that.

In Asia, the Burmese election in November was probably the final step in ending half a century of military rule in that unfortunate country. The longpredicted drop in the Chinese economy’s growth rate seems to be arriving at last (though the regime still denies it), and the question of whether the Communist dictatorship can survive a prolonged period of slow growth is slowly working its way back onto the agenda.

The Indian economy continues to power ahead, although it remains far smaller than China’s. There were the usual typhoons and earthquakes, and a long-term confrontation may be building over China’s series of new military bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea, but on the whole Asia had a fairly good year.

So did Africa, despite renewed terrorist attacks in Mali, President Zuma’s boundless corruption in South Africa, and the tail-end of the ebola epidemic in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea – and at least that epidemic spurred the high-speed development of a vaccine that will help to contain future outbreaks.

Nigeria, with a new president, Muhammadu Buhari, brought the Boko Haram insurgency more

or less under control, and even Kenya, the main victim of Islamist terrorism in sub-Saharan Africa, had some good news.

The year began badly for Kenya when Al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia stormed Garissa University College in April and killed 148 people, mostly Christians who were separated from their Muslim fellowstudents and shot or hacked to death in front of them.

But when another group of Islamist terrorists stopped a bus on a road in northern Kenya in December and ordered the Muslim passengers to identify the Christians amongst them, they refused: “We even gave some non-Muslims our religious attire to wear in the bus so that they would not be identified easily,” said Abdi Mohamud Abdi. Unwilling to murder Muslims, the terrorists left.

Europe has had a relatively quiet time, apart from the refugees. The British election returned the Conservatives to power with a wafer-thin majority, but the Spanish election destroyed the two-party system and left everything up in the air. Silvio Berlusconi finally withdrew from Italian politics, pursued by numerous legal proceedings and leaving the scene less exciting but considerably cleaner.

There was near-panic in the spring about Greece defaulting on its debts and leaving the euro. The antiausterity, left-wing Syriza government won two elections and a referendum in the course of the year, but eventually submitted to the disciplines of the European Union rather than being cast into the outer darkness.

In Latin America, the high-profile event was the reopening, after 54 years, of the US embassy in Havana, although ending the trade embargo against Cuba is still subject to a Congressional vote. Left-wing governments lost elections in Argentina and Venezuela (although President Nicolas Maduro still controls the executive branch in Caracas), and even President Dilma Rousseff is in trouble in Brazil, but this is just the usual ebb-and-flow of politics. Latin America is no longer a place apart; it is just part of the West.

And what are we to make of North America? Canada finally showed Stephen Harper the door after almost ten years and elected his Liberal antithesis, Justin Trudeau, to the vast relief of practically everybody beyond its borders and a majority within them.

Yet in the same year the Jurassic candidate, Donald Trump, emerges as the Republican front-runner for next year’s presidential election in the United States.

However, there is a strong argument for saying that Trump’s main appeal to potential voters is that he is not boring. This could be a problem for Hillary Clinton, who for all her sterling virtues is deeply, deeply boring.

They have been holding a mock election at Western Illinois University one year before the national election ever since 1975. They have chosen the correct party and even the right candidate every time, including people who were still very dark horses at the time like Jimmy Carter (for the 1976 election) and Barack Obama (for the 2008 election).

They held their mock election for next year last month – and the Democrats won. But Hillary Clinton didn’t. The next president, according to the mock election, will be Bernie Sanders. At least he isn’t boring.

Developing a Reasonable Tax System to Raise Revenue

A

lmost all Naga politicians, and our common people alike, seem to believe that we are somehow entitled to live at India’s financial expenses and therefore we don’t have to be serious about generating our own revenues.

Perhaps we also assume that this is how every state government in India, or elsewhere, operates. But the shameful fact--even if we hate to admit it---is this: we are living on the taxes of the Indian people. When the Indian government imposes taxes in other parts of India, it takes money away from its people who would have otherwise saved and invested, or spent that money. Some 20 years ago, a university professor in Pune asked me why the Nagas had to be supported this way. At the moment, I almost said, “We don’t need your money. We can do just fine on our own.” But then, we all know too well that we’ve become too dependent on the Indian money supply for our daily survival.

How does the Central Government of India raise revenue to support itself and the state governments like Nagaland? The Central Government levies taxes such as Custom Duty (5 – 15%), Central Excise (4 – 30%), Service Tax (12% on general insurance, stock broking, and telephone), Individual Income Tax (30%), Corporate Tax (30%), Payroll Tax (2 –12.5%, pension contribution), Central Sales Tax (5.5 – 14.5%), Capital Gains Tax, to name just the most common ones. Then, there used to be the Wealth Tax (till end of this March, 2015), which was a tax on property ownership, to be paid annually at its current market value, whether or not such property yielded any income.

The Wealth Tax was levied on residential house, guests house, commercial building, motor car, jewelry, gold, silver, yachts, boats, aircrafts, urban land, cash in hand (in excess of Rs.50,000 for individuals), stock in trade, etc.

No doubt the Indian tax system is well-structured and comprehensive, but there is a lack of compliance and proper enforcement of the tax laws. As a result,

7

tax evasion is common or sometimes unknown amounts of taxes collected might be disappearing because of administrative loopholes or government corruption. But from whatever is collected, the Central Government must still grant states’ shares from the total revenue raised and make transfer of funds to the various state governments. For example, as per the 14th Finance Commission’s grant to Nagaland, our state was allocated a total of Rs.5838.03 crore for the financial year 2015-16.

At the local level, the Government of India also allows the various state governments to collect certain taxes. Some of these are in the forms of Value Added Tax (VAT), stamp duty, state excise, land revenue, and profession tax. Furthermore, local bodies are also empowered to levy taxes on properties and on utilities like electricity, water, drainage, etc. In keeping with these provisions, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang, who holds the Finance Portfolio, appealed to the state legislators in the last budget session this year to create an all-level awareness among the people of the state to pay taxes and charges due to the government, including electricity and water bills. He also took step to increase floor rates of VAT for basic goods from the existing 4.75% to 5%, for general goods from the existing rate of 13.25% to 14.5%, for tobacco and tobacco prod-

ucts from the existing 18% to 25%, for petroleum products from 4.75% to 5%, and for amusement tax rate on cable and DTH subscribers from the existing Rs.20 to Rs.25 per subscriber per month. To Mr. Zeliang’s credit, these tax increases must be seen as government moves in the right direction, although they may generate only a few crores of Rupees here and there.

Looking from a political standpoint, India must be blamed for reducing the once-self-sufficient Naga people to a dependent lot. After having initially placed the Nagas under the Ministry of Home Affairs and funded them from the Consolidated Fund of India, it has now left the Nagas politically suppressed and economically helpless to stand on their own feet. These wrongs on the part of India, however, cannot be an excuse for the Nagas to remain forever dependent. Still now, it is up to us to assert our political rights and become economically self-sufficient again. That is, politically we must act like Taiwan in certain areas and come up with our own tax laws to generate our state revenue.

Rather than just increasing a few percentages on tax rates at the state level, perhaps the Government of Nagaland could dare to follow what other progressive nations do in terms of developing certain tax laws in regard to

individual income tax, corporate tax, and property tax in all urban areas.

First, let’s look at the example of Singapore. It is able to generate a lot of revenue from corporate tax (17%), individual income tax (0 – 22%), payroll tax (11.5 – 36%), sales tax on goods and services (7%), and property tax (0 – 15%).

Or, in the case of the United States, the tax rates are as follows: corporate tax (0 – 35%), individual income tax (0 – 55.9%), payroll tax (15.9 – 19.1%), sales tax (0 – 11.72%), and property tax, which is the largest source of funds for public schools. In the U.S., most taxes are used to generate revenue, but some taxes, such as those on cigarettes or alcohol, are intended to discourage what society views as undesirable behavior.

When a government truly exists to serve the people, its citizens are willing to pay their taxes even when the taxes are high because they believe in their government. My wife and I, for example, have been faithfully paying our income taxes to the U.S. government every year.

Perhaps we could cheat on our taxes if we wanted to, but we don’t because we believe that we are better off with paying our taxes because it enables the government to provide excellent education for our children, build world-class roads for our vehicles, enforce the rule of law for our protection, create opportunities for our employment, build many facilities to ensure a comfortable living standard, invest portions of our taxes for our future needs, plus much more.

Unfortunately, most Nagas seem to hate even the idea of paying taxes to their government. Perhaps this reluctance is because they don’t trust their government or believe that their politicians will do what they are supposed to do for the common people. But this attitude must be changed, and it will possibly happen the day when we have selfless public servants who will truly put the interest of others above their own. In other words, a good government can raise revenue relatively easy because it can attract willing taxpayers to support its services.

Today, the Earth, the ground, beneath my feet shook and shuddered, trembled and convulsed, quivered and quaked, wobbled and vibrated, with a silent roar, an anguished moan, a tearless cry, a lip-biting sob, then a piercing howl, and I thought my Earth, the ground beneath my feet, was celebrating an orgasmic interlude with the passionate Monsoons, delighting in the pain that pleasure causes, savouring the pleasure that pain exacts and surrendering to each other like lovers always do.

Steadying myself, I looked around me for dancing trees, smiling storm lilies, rainbows streaking my clean Blue sky, beaming Green hills, White gurgling streams, seducing shrouding mists, huge sheltering trees, playful nimble deer, sweet-singing, somersaulting, soaring birds, leggy laughing children, unruffled indulgent grandparents, busy mothers, sweaty fathers, shy pubertal girls cavorting by river banks, young sprightly boys climbing tall trees young lovers locked in passionate kisses, old men reminiscing old days, old women disciplining grand-daughters but there were none, not a living being.

Nobody was in sight.

Feeling abandoned, I looked at the Earth, the ground beneath my feet, to see what I missed; with eyes fixed on the ground I turned this way and that way, almost missing what was so obvious, the skeletal hands, the skeletal legs, the skeletal heads, the empty skeletal sockets filled with seeing eyes, pushing away the earth above them, unburying themselves to be seen, heard, remembered and counted; emerging from old forgotten forsaken graves, speaking aloud in unmistakable inaudible voices, unambiguous words that are meaningless in my land, no longer uttered in my land, alien to my land, and consigned to forgotten times of incurable idealists and dreamers, words, my land no longer remembers.

And these words ~ of justice, of integrity, of courage, of valor, of faith, of trust, of confidence, of convictions, of service, of sacrifices of reparations, of reconciliations, of forgiving of healing, now so unrecognizable, so incomprehensible, ~ were the price paid by human lives, loves, desires, aspirations, by asundered families and peoples, living in a land, an Earth, that invalidates my people’s personhood, a land, an earth tainted with ineffaceable blood , drowning in bloodied quagmires and covered with endless rows of graves that dot my home, my land, my Earth, with deals that do not acknowledge, the reasons that shook and shuddered, trembled and convulsed, quivered and quaked, wobbled and vibrated, with a silent roar, an anguished moan, a tearless cry, a lip-biting sob, then a piercing howl, my Earth, and the ground beneath my feet, for these words are irrelevant, inexpedient and disadvantageous to brokers of power, public posturing as brokers of peace.

My Earth, The land beneath my feet no longer celebrates an orgasmic interlude with the passionate Monsoons, delighting in the pain that pleasure causes, savouring the pleasure that pain exacts and surrendering to each other like lovers always do, thus forcing me yet again to another barren future.

Piercing Hope Monalisa Changkija

I lay down on my barren and boned land weeping in despair, resigning myself to the fate my forefathers met, until faint laughter of children grew louder and louder around me embracing me with warmth, awakening me to another fate, pervading me with a piercing hope, prodding me to be the voice of those who came before me and those who will come after me.

Then I arose and swore, once again and forever the Earth, the ground, beneath my feet, will shake and shudder, tremble and convulse, quiver and quake, wobble and vibrate, with a silent roar, an anguished moan, a tearless cry, a lip-biting sob, then a joyful piercing howl, in celebrations of orgasmic interludes with the passionate Monsoons, delighting in the pain that pleasure causes, savouring the pleasure that pain exacts and surrendering to each other like lovers always do.

You see, this Earth, this land beneath my feet is my country, the country my children are born to inherit.

(Written on August 14 and 15, 2015, and presented at the Sahitya Akademi Poetry Programme on August 18, 2015, at New Delhi)

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

8

ThurSDAY 31•12•2015

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Odd-even: HC seeks clarification Narendra Modi wants to revamp over exempting women, 2 wheelers cabinet, but can't find the people US embassy supports Delhi govt's odd-even plan

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (rEutErs): After a drubbing in a state poll in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to overhaul his cabinet to weed out underperformers and improve his government's image. Problem is, several sources said, he can't find the right replacements.

As New Delhi buzzes with speculation about changes in several ministries, senior members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close aide to Modi said some changes could come early next year but the talent pool was too shallow to engineer a major revamp.

Pressure is mounting on Modi to revive his party's fortunes. Nearly two years after he swept to power on a promise of jobs and growth, the shine is coming off - reforms to revive investment have withered and the economy is stuttering.

Rural distress has grown after two successive droughts.

"The challenge is to identify the right candidates who can deliver fast-paced reforms and policies in their work sphere," the prime minister's aide said.

Articulate and suave, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been considered for the defence portfolio, another high-profile role that is crucial to Modi's geopolitical ambitions and plans to boost Indian industry. But there was no one to take Jaitley's place in finance, the sources said.

A spokesman for Modi declined to comment.

An official in Jaitley's office said they didn't have any knowledge of a possible reshuffle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the Yusof Ishak Institute's 37th Singapore Lecture in Singapore. (REUTER File Photo)

Modi tends to keep such decisions close to his chest, and the sources said the final decision lay with the prime minister. They added that he has yet to make up his mind on the changes, and that nothing has been confirmed.

Another close aide to the prime minister dismissed talk of a reshuffle as speculation, saying it had no basis.

DEARTH OF TALENT The problem with the government's search for talent is that Modi's Hindu nationalist administration is loath to tap people who are associated with other ideologies, such as liberals or the left.

At the same time, the right-wing intelligentsia has not developed af-

ter decades of rule by the centrist Congress party, under which liberal institutions flourished.

"Compared to the Congress, we have a smaller talent pool and less exposure, but it's only a matter of time that we expand our base," BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said.

He said Modi has "embarked on the process of fine-tuning the government machinery and also send a concrete signal that inefficiency will be checked."

BJP's defeat in Bihar state polls earlier this year led to calls from within the party and the Hindu group that is its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to remove ministers and party officials who failed to deliver.

Although a general election is not due until 2019, the government's fortunes will depend on upcoming provincial polls, including an election in bellwether Uttar Pradesh state in 2017.

Top RSS and BJP leaders are expected to meet in New Delhi in the second week of January, where these issues are likely to be discussed.

A revamp is also expected to send the message that Modi will not tolerate remarks by ministers that fan intolerance against India's non-Hindu minorities.

Junior ministers Giriraj Singh and Niranjan Jyoti could be removed after they made public remarks construed as anti-minority, the sources said. Singh's and Jyoti's offices said they have no information about Modi's reshuffle plans.

Some ministers are also looking for a change. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked to be moved to a portfolio with a more domestic focus, the sources said.

Swaraj's office said they will not comment about her plans.

Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari was offered additional charge of the agriculture ministry, but he declined saying he already had too big a job, the sources said.

A source in Gadkari's office declined to comment, calling it a "hypothetical question."

Modi is looking to the RSS and may go further afield in southern and northeastern states to find new, lesser-known faces to bring to his government, his aide said. That would also give his cabinet a more pan-India feel, the aide said.

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought clarification from state government on giving exemption to single women drivers and two-wheeler users from odd-even scheme.

A division bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Sunil Gaur also asked Delhi government to submit data on the pollution levels and vehicles plying during trial period of odd-even scheme, mooted by the city government, to be implemented between January 1 and 15.

The court, however, refrained from passing any order on the plea seeking restriction of the movement of cars driven by women and two-wheeler but asked the state government to clarify "why such exemption is necessary".

It also refused to allow another plea requesting to exempt advocates from the city government's vehicle restriction plan and said that if such plea will be allowed then judiciary will be flooded with litigation from doctors and other officials, who have not been included in list of exempted categories.

The court, which was hearing various application regarding odd-even scheme, listed it for January 6 for further hearing.

The high court on December 9 refused to restrain the city government from enforcing its decision to allow even and odd number cars to ply in Delhi on alternative dates, saying the decision is on a "trial basis".

Private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers will ply on odd and even dates, respectively, from January 1 here. According to the city government, the restrictions will apply between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. There would be no restrictions on Sunday.

The odd-even plan for four-wheeled vehicles, unveiled by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is aimed at reducing pollution in Delhi.

Delhi government in the proposed

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (PtI): The US embassy here has come out in support of the Kejriwal government's odd and even number car formula, saying it will comply with the restrictions despite exemption to vehicles with diplomatic number plates.

Noting that the Delhi government's plan was an effort to confront the city's severe air pollution problems, the embassy in a statement said although vehicles with diplomatic plates are officially exempt from this policy, it will take the measures in support of efforts to reduce air pollution.

"For the duration of the policy, official embassy New Delhi vehicles will comply, to the degree possible, with the odd/even restrictions. "American employees are strongly encouraged to voluntarily cooperate with the odd/even policy. Many American diplomats will be carpooling or travelling by public transportation," the embassy said.

It has also advised their supervisors to be flexible regarding transportationinduced delays. Starting January 1, 2016, the odd and even car number formula will be applied here on a trial basis for 15 days with an aim to curb pollution in the national capital. Vehicles with diplomatic number plates are among the 25 categories which have been exempted from the formula. Others which are exempted include two-wheelers, those on way to hospital for medical emergency (carrying proof), vehicles of physically challenged and emergency vehicles. scheme of things to limit cars with odd and even numbers on alternate days has exempted any car carrying a patient or being driven by single women.

'LeT planning New Year attack' Congress allies urge Sonia to settle issues in Kerala NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): Operatives of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are planning to avenge the death of its senior commander Abu Qasim by carrying out a series of bombings or attacks on "prominent Indian personalities, public and tourist places in eight Indian cities" on or around the New Year, according to intelligence officials.

To carry out the attacks, four senior LeT commanders had already infiltrated into India, the officials told IANS on condition of anonymity.

Qasim, accused of masterminding an ambush in Udhampur on August 5 that left two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel dead and 10 injured, was killed in a gun fight with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on October 29.

Qasim, who hailed from Bahawalpur in Punjab province was trained in Pakistan.

Officials said Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir were the prime targets for the LeT operatives while Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Goa and Kolk-

ata were also on their radar.

"Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials have sent an alert to all state police departments and state intelligence agencies to hunt the commanders and look for persons who may help them," an official said.

He said some prominent leaders, including the prime minister, are on the LeT's radar for attack.

Qasim was also the handler of Pakistani militant Naveed, who was captured by villagers following the ambush of BSF personnel. Naveed's accomplice Noman was killed in a gun battle. Qasim, who had a bounty of Rs.20 lakh on his head, had allegedly arranged transportation and accommodation for Naveed and his accomplice.

Naveed told security officials that Qasim had briefed them and given them money for expenses prior to the attack.

The official said intelligence units had been tracking all the regular communication methods used by the infiltrators, including emails, mobile phones, landline phones and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls.

India successfully test-fires missile developed with Israel NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): Tests of the Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR SAM) co-developed with Israel have been successful, the Indian Navy announced on Wednesday.

With the successful testing of this missile system, the Indian Navy has become part of a select group of navies that have this niche capability. "It gives a quantum jump to Navy's air defence capabilities," a Navy official said. The missile was test-fired from INS Kolkata along the western seaboard, and the missile successfully intercepted an Aerial Target at extended ranges.

This was the maiden firing of the LR SAM, also known as Barak 8, from an Indian ship. Apart from the missile, the system includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile. The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.

The LR SAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, India. These Surface to Air Missiles are fitted onboard the Kolkata-class destroyers and would also be fitted on all future major warships of the Indian Navy.

"This missile along with the MF STAR would provide these ships the capability to neutralize aerial threats at extended ranges," a statement from the Navy said. "With the successful proving of these systems, Indian Navy has become part of a select group of Navies that have this niche capability, which would provide a fillip to our maritime operations," the statement added.

However, the LeT operatives may be using technology which is difficult to crack.The Intelligence Bureau suspects the operatives are in regular touch with the new India chief Abu Dujana, who took on the responsibility after Qasim's death.

The official said the operatives are possibly equipped with the advanced hand-held radio sets configured with an android operating system to communicate with their handlers.

In its alert note to police forces, the Intelligence Bureau says the operatives may be carrying an improvised version of 'goTenna', which enables one to share text and locations regardless of cell coverage or WiFi. Combined with a Bluetooth, the equipment generates its own signal and automatically coordinates with all other units within range.

This version of 'goTenna', also known as 'YSMS', was discovered by intelligence officers after they recovered some damaged android phones during a recent raid carried out against terrorists in Kashmir.

KottAyAm (KErALA) DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): The allies of the Congress in the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) on Wednesday held discussions with Congress president Sonia Gandhi here.

During the meeting, coming ahead of the Kerala assembly polls scheduled for next year, the UDF members prevailed upon Gandhi to ensure that whatever factional issues that exist in the party here are settled at the earliest.

Among the senior lead-

ers who called on her at the Government Guest House here were former state finance minister K.M. Mani (Kerala Congress-Mani), P.K. Kunhalikutty (Indian Union Muslim League), M.P. Veerendra Kumar (Janata Dal-United), N.K. Premachandran MP (RSP), and Anup Jacob (Kerala Congress-Jacob).

Over the years, factionalism has bothered the Congress party in the state, and for one whole decade the feud between the majority faction led by Chief

Minister Oommen Chandy and state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has at times caused embarrassment to the coalition.

"In the Congress party, all the issues are addressed by the party high command and we have asked her to see whatever issues are there should be resolved," said state Industries Minister Kunhalikutty to reporters after he and his party leaders met Gandhi.

Mani told reporters they asked her to see with the assembly polls coming

up soon, there should be a fair attitude when it comes to seat distribution among the UDF constituents.

"Also we have raised concern about some Congress leaders publicly airing statements that have hurt the minority communities.

We do not wish that to happen. She gave us a patient hearing," said Mani.

Mani recently had to quit as the Kerala cabinet minister following an adverse court remark in the bar scam case, in which he is accused of taking a bribe

from bar owners.

Veerendra Kumar said they raised the issues that they have raised at the UDF meetings earlier too.

Gandhi met the allies in the company of Mukul Wasnik, the Congress general secretary in charge of the party affairs in Kerala.

Accompanying Gandhi on her day-long visit is Chandy, and state party president V.M.Sudheeran and Chennithala will be joining the two, before she returns to Delhi from Kochi.

Union Cabinet approves India- CBI books senior IT Australia civil nuclear deal official for corruption NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): The union cabinet on Wednesday ratified the India-Australian civil nuclear cooperation agreement that came into force last month and has further eased the supply of imported uranium for India's nuclear power plants.

"The civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Australia was brought into force on November 13 along with the administrative arrangement for implementing the agreement," a cabinet communique said after the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The fuel supply arrangements with Australia will bolster energy security by supporting the expansion of nuclear power in India," it said.

Both countries began talks on the nuclear cooperation agreement in 2012 after

Australia lifted its ban on selling uranium to India. The agreement was signed during the then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to New Delhi. India will be the first country to buy Australian uranium without being a signatory to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).

Australia ranks third in terms of production of uranium, while it does not operate nuclear power plants in the country. Listing some of the recent measures to boost nuclear power generation in the country, the statement said: "Commercial negotiations between Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Westinghouse for construction of 6 units of the AP-1000 reactor at Mithi Virdi, Gujarat are on course for finalization in 2016."

NEW DELHI/cHENNAI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a senior Income Tax department official here for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, an agency official said. "The CBI has registered a case against M. Krishnaswamy, commissioner of income tax now posted as director (investigation), Settlement Commission here and 8 others for possession of alleged disproportionate assets to the tune of around Rs.6.1 crore," said a CBI official, on the condition of anonymity, in Chennai.

The official said the agency sleuths conducted raids at 14 places in Chennai, temple town Palani and other places in Tamil Nadu and recovered some documents relating to property worth several crores of rupees, locker details, investments in shares, investments in a private firm and also investments in another company. Krishnaswamy, a 1988 batch Indian RevenueService(IRS)official,alongwithother8accused,havebeen booked under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Stop treating Google as your doctor NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 30 (IANs): Are you among those who log in to Google every time you are down with body ache, fever or cold, only to get more confused and scared? Many young Indians with smartphones in their hands are falling prey to the "Google-as-your-doctor" phenomenon and the dangerous trend is on the rise in the country, health experts feel.

Although there is nothing wrong in checking your symptoms or trying to find more about your illness on the internet, they say that one should know where to stop.

The ideal situation is to use search engines only when someone is diagnosed with a certain medical condition and wants to know more about it. The information available on internet should be used to educate oneself rather than trying to find a cure for the disease.

"The biggest problem is that internet is loaded with enormous information which could be correct too but then your symptoms could be similar to some other

disease which may cause confusion. Therefore, correct diagnosis of your health abnormality is very important," Dr. Satnam Singh Chhabra, head (neuro-spine surgeon) at the Sir Gangaram Hospital here, told IANS. He has observed many young Indian adults getting hooked to the internet to look for every little thing, even self-diagnosis.

For instance, if one has a health abnormality, then the instant reaction is to Google the symptoms before seeing an expert or a doctor.

"But one should be careful as people normally look for symptoms to get rid of curiosity and anxiety but to the contrary, it just worsens the scenario and leaves them more anxious," Chhabra said.

According to Dr. (Prof) Raju Vaishya, senior consultant (orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon) at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, one should beware of getting trapped into "Google as your doctor" behaviour as this may cause more harm than good.

"Yes, there is an increas-

ing surge in young Indians with smartphones who google common health symptoms. I find more such patients coming to me with queries related to hand, wrist and elbow," Vaishya told IANS. Dr. R K Singal of the BLK Super-specialty Hospital had an interesting case study to share: "Once a patient in his mid-30s came to me with severe headache. He told me that he thought he had a brain tumour. After diagnosis, we found that headache was due to prolonged sore throat and rhinopharyngitis (common cold)."

"The patient visited me after a month of self-diagnosis through internet. Whatever he found on the internet made him believe that he had a brain tumour," Singal told IANS. According to Singal, people in the 25-40 age group are more hooked on to the internet and such self-diagnosis only increases one's anxiety.

Dr. Rahul Gupta, senior neuro and spine surgeon at Fortis Hospital in Noida, is attending to

many young Indians who come to him with weird health queries after scanning Google.

"Self-medication via the internet can be dangerous. Patients at times do not follow our advice and waste our time with silly questions," he stressed.

According to Gupta, Google is good when it comes to searching for a good doctor, checking spellings of a medication and reading about general health-related issues.

Another danger of self-diagnosis is that you may think that there is more wrong with you than there actually is.

"For example, if you had insomnia, inattention and depression, you may believe that you have a sleep disorder or major depression. Thus, you may make things worse by worrying more as well," Singal noted.

Self-diagnosis is also a problem when you are in a state of denial about your symptoms.

One may think that generalised body aches started with a worsening of mood, but a doctor may elect to do an electrocardio-

gram for chest pain that reveals possible coronary artery disease, the experts felt.

Are health websites trustworthy when it comes to answering health symptom queries?

"I don't see any harm in doing that because it's about your health after all. In fact, a lot of times my patients come back with queries after surfing about their health abnormality on the internet," Chhabra said.

So, educate yourself as much before or after you visit your doctor, but let the experts do their job.

Let your doctor prescribe you a treatment well-suited for your ailment.

"One should be wise enough to understand which is an authentic website with relevant content as there are a lot of paid sites which exist only to make business," Chhabra advised.

Vaishya asked youngsters to share their internet-acquired knowledge with the doctor but not to force it upon the doctor to follow it.

"Trust your doctor more than Google," Gupta summed up.

ThursdaY 31•12•2015

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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‘chelsea dressing room better under Hiddink’

LoNDoN, December 30 (reuters): Struggling champions Chelsea may not have set the Premier League alight under interim manager Guus Hiddink but the mood in the dressing room has definitely improved since his arrival, midfielder John Obi Mikel has said.

Chelsea turned to Hiddink again earlier this month to guide them out of a woeful campaign under Jose Mourinho this season, a spell that saw them fall to 16th place and within a point off relegation.

Hiddink had a caretaker spell in charge of the Blues in 2009 after Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari departed.

"We have moved on and the atmosphere has improved since the change of manager," Mikel told British media. "Jose is a fantastic manager, but sometimes football is a cruel game and you have to move on.

"He came back to the club a second time and won two trophies but now he is gone. Is it the right decision? We will only see in the future."

The Nigerian is one of few players, along with

‘Chelsea building momentum’

Diego Costa and John Obi Mikel during training at Chelsea Training Ground. (ReuteRs File Photo)

defenders John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, who were at the club during Hiddink's previous period in charge, when the Dutch manager led them to an FA Cup win.

"He (Hiddink) hasn't changed much yet, but he was here before and he knows the place and all the staff," Mikel said.

"We are down there in the table for a reason so he can not come in and per-

form miracles.

"We have had three games now without losing, so (we) are making the right steps."

Mikel, who got limited game-time under Mourinho making just two starts in five league appearances, could not explain Chelsea's meek title defence this season.

"It is difficult when you are not playing, as you do not really know what the

problems are," Mikel added.

"I was not playing that much under Mourinho. It was a collective thing - the players and the manager were not performing."

Chelsea, currently 14th in the table with 20 points, travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday, hoping to register their first win under Hiddink. Palace are fifth, having gone six games without defeat.

LoNDoN, December 30 (reuters): Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the embattled Premier League champions are getting back to rhythm, citing the clean sheet in Monday's draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford as a strong indication of their building momentum.

Chelsea have managed at least a point from the three games after the ouster of their high-profile manager Jose Mourinho earlier this month, splitting points with Watford and United after an enterprising win over Sunderland. Guus Hiddink's team is now placed 14th, 20 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, but Courtois was optimistic that the revival has already begun.

"We are getting into a flow and a very good flow to win games," the Belgian, who effected crucial saves at Old Trafford to ensure a clean sheet, told the club website (www.chelseafc.com).

"That is the thing we are in now, it is more difficult than last year, but we have all the time the support of our fans and that is what we need and like this we will progress and start winning games," said the Belgian stopper.

Chelsea have managed at least a point in their last four league visits to Old Trafford but the most recent one should stand out given the precarious position they are in now.

"Of course you cannot think it is not possible to get relegated. Obviously we don't think to that, we look forward and I think with the dynamic we are in now and the games we are playing, soon we will start winning games," said Courtois.

On Sunday, Chelsea will be up against fifth placed Crystal Palace, who had pushed the reigning champions to their first home defeat of what has turned out to be a terrible season for them.

United players also fighting Arsenal will be busy in transfer window: Wenger place in the national team ahead December 30 be busy." for own futures: Smalling LoNDoN, Wenger needs cover in cen- of the Euro 2016 tournament in (reuters): Arsenal manager

LoNDoN, December 30 (reuters): Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has dismissed suggestions that the squad was not supporting under-fire manager Louis van Gaal and said the players are fighting for their own futures as well.

Despite an improved performance against struggling champions Chelsea, United are winless in eight games and are placed sixth in the Premier League.

Criticism for United's poor results has been largely aimed at Van Gaal, but Smalling believes no one should feel safe.

"If anything we are all playing for our own futures as well," the England international told British media. "To say we're not playing for the manager is silly.

Smalling is one of the players whose performances have improved during Van Gaal's tenure, and he insists that the manager's demeanour remains unchanged.

"He has been himself from day one that we met him to how he is now," the 26-year-old defender, who is viewed as a future United captain by the Dutch manager, said.

The Red Devils have been heavily criticised for their rigid possession-based play, but were more positive during the draw against the Blues.

Smalling, however, insisted the manager was not going to change.

"He is not going to change and that is why he has had a lot of success throughout the years," the defender said, referring to Van Gaal's illustrious career with some of Europe's most prestigious clubs.

"I can't ever see him changing because he's got a track record."

United went into the Chelsea game amid intense speculation over Van Gaal's future, with some fans even wearing Jose Mourinho scarves. The sacked Chelsea manager has been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat.

Arsene Wenger says he will be busy in the January transfer window as he seeks reinforcements to keep the Gunners on top of the Premier League.

The Frenchman would not be drawn on names, however, despite British media reports that Basel's Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Elneny was set to become his first signing of 2016.

"You know more than I do.

Unfortunately we cannot announce anything at the moment about this player because nothing has been concluded," Wenger told a news conference ahead of Saturday's home game against struggling Newcastle United.

"I will be busy, yes. I am already. I said already one month ago we are a bit short at the moment to deal with all the competitions we face, especially in midfield," he added. "We will

tral midfield with Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all sidelined with injuries.

Arsenal, who went top on Monday after beating Bournemouth 2-0, are also without England striker Danny Welbeck.

Elneny has impressed at Basel and reports have suggested Arsenal have already agreed a fee with the Swiss side.

Southampton's Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama could be another target, having handed in a transfer request last summer, although the Saints are likely to resist.

Wenger indicated France international defender Mathieu Debuchy could be on his way out after being sidelined this season by injury and the emergence of youngster Hector Bellerin.

"It's not impossible," said Wenger of a player eager for playing time to win back his

France. "I'm happy if he stays but we'll see."

Arsenal, who are ahead of Leicester City only on goal difference going into the New Year, are chasing their first league title since 2004 but have looked fragile in an unpredictable season.

The Gunners were thrashed 4-0 at Southampton in the league last Saturday and only went through to the Champions League last 16, where they next face Barcelona, by the skin of their teeth.

"I am confident we will fight to stay there," said Wenger of the Premier League battle. "But it's a long way to go, we are just half way."

Wenger expected to have Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez, who picked up a hamstring injury at the end of November, back for the holders' FA Cup third round match against Sunderland on Jan. 9.

Vizobeilie Punyü wins Khonoma Wrestling Meet

Kohima, December 30 (mexN): Upcoming wrestler Vizobeilie Punyü, son of Petso, emerged as the champion of Khonoma Wrestling Meet 2015. Vizobeilie, who bagged fourth position at the 3E Wrestle Mania King of the Ring Series 2014, downed Thekrusevi Meru, son of Lt. Vigwelhuto Meru, in the final to lift the title.

The third position was bagged by veteran wrestler and former Nagaland Wrestling champion Megosier Khate, son of Vizotonyü, while Kelhousalie Pier, son of Megokholie Pier bagged the fourth place.

Earlier in the semifinal, Thekrusevi Meru knocked down prominent wrestler Megosier Khate, who is also a former champ of Angami Sports Association wrestling meet and NWA in 2010. Another prominent wrestler Rovilhoulie Pier went down to his younger brother Kelhousalie in the quarters.

The other wrestlers who made it to the quarterfinal were Kuolierie Kuotsu, Megorieto Chase and Medolhoulie Meyase.

The Under-14 wrestling championship title was lifted

by Visietsoto Meyase, while the second, third and fourth positions were bagged by Mhiesivilie Kruse, Kevisato Kuotsu and Rovilhuto Meyase respectively.

The inaugural function December 29 was graced by Er Kevisekho Kruse, chief engineer PHED as the chief guest, while Mhienizoto Meyase, District Sericulture Officer, Kohima, was the guest of honour for the closing function held today.

The selected wrestlers will represent Khonoma village at the Western Angami Sports Association Wrestling Meet scheduled in the month of January at Kohima Local Ground.

Kiruphema Wrestling Meet 2015

Upcoming wrestler Megovizo Visienyü lifted the title of the Kiruphema Wrestling Meet held at Kiruphe Bawe ground on December 29.

Megovizo, son of veteran wrestler Silieto Visienyü, and runner-up at the 3E Wrestle Mania Light weight category 2015, downed Keneiselhou Hozoyie, son of Viyagwelhou, in the final to emerge as the winner. It may be mentioned that Megovizo also lifted the first light weight category title of Naga Wrestle Mania organized by 3E. The third position was shared by Mhasivito Kruneilie, son of Zapu-u and Megotsolie Neikha, son of Vizovotso Neikha.

Earlier, the inaugural function was graced by Savilie Kruneilie, president, Western Angami Public Organization as the chief guest.

The selected wrestlers will represent Kiruphema at the forthcoming Western Angami ‘D’ Group Wrestling Meet scheduled on January 13 to 14 at Kiruphema Bawe ground.

Menguzouma Wrestling Meet 2015

Neivilie Sechü emerged as the winner of Menguzouma Wrestling Meet 2015. Neivilie, son of Neingulie took down Seyielhouto Rhatsu, son of Vizapu-u in the final to lift the title.

The third position was bagged by Diethokholie, son of Vitsarano and Rokongulie Kuotsu, son of Thepfüchalie Kuotsu. The wrestling meet was held at the village local ground.

The selected wrestlers will represent Menguzouma village at the forthcoming Western Angami ‘D’ Group Wrestling Meet.

public discourse

The strange message at night

T

he Cave, where Shepherds with their flocks "in those days" spent their night for protection from the wild Animals and the Darkness near the Village Bethlehem of Judea, has not grown or become modern and today 2000 years later, still appears refreshingly ancient unlike many other Sites connected with Jesus Christ.

The 'Cave' actually is not a typical underground Tunnel; it is only flat floor of a wide open mouth of a mountain side with overhanging convex rock wall at the back and at the two sides similar to those 'Caves' that one see in Dzüku Nagaland. The Cave at Bethlehem could accommodate several flocks of Sheep at night.

Today the overhanging roof is still black, perhaps blackened by smoke from fire-places Shepherds in centuries past must have cooked their simple foods before the evening darkness overtook the day light. The surrounding hills above is still wooded and appears jungle as it must have been for grazing sheep in the days of the birth of Jesus.

One ancient night, a strange thing happened in the Cave: the Shepherds were frightened: i. It was dark as every night is, unlike today's modern extravagant Electric lights that pollutes the night darkness of the whole Earth. There is no total darkness any place of the

Earth today. ii. Suddenly, the dark Cave became illuminated with the appearance of an unearthly Being. iii. the Shepherds were frightened as would be. iv. But the unearthly Being said: "Do not be afraid.

I bring good news of great joy for all the people. Today in the Town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord". v. Then Suddenly "a great company of the host appeared with the Angel praising God: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest'" We do not know whether like Jacob or Israel and Moses, the Shepherds in the Lukean Story were Wage Earning Shepherds or were Owner Shepherds like the Sons of Jesse. Luke did not say how the unearthly 'host' look like.

In any case, Shepherds are not known as the most informed of People with understanding that can differentiate 'unearthly Beings' or 'Ghost' from "an Angel of the LORD" or the strange illumination of a Cave in the jungle at Night as "the glory of the Lord shone around them". Even the Apostles could not recognize Jesus when he appeared to them at night. they took him for 'a Ghost'.

The words in quotation at Luke Second Chapter: "Do not be afraid. I bring good news of great joy for all the people. Today in the Town of David a Savior

has been born to you; he is Messiah the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger". These quoted Words must be the exact words of the illiterate Shepherds told others as they heard from the strange Visitor, but others words: 'an Angel of the Lord', 'the glory of the Lord shone around them', could very well be the words of enlightened Luke, the Author of the Book.

The uneducated Shepherds could not have understood the full depth of the meaning of the words the Visitors said: "today ...... a Savior has been born to you". The only clue to verifying the truth of the message lay is in finding "a baby wrapped in cloths lying in a manger".

The strange happenings were too strange, but actually happened here in place and time. It was not a thing to be kept secret: immediately after the strange unearthly happenings ended, the Shepherds started for the nearby Village to tell the people. On the way near the In of the main Road, they found a man and a woman awake in the Cattle Shed and the Shepherds found a baby wrapped in cloths lying in the manger and that changed Swords into Ploughshares and Empirses, Kingdoms and Dynasties in War with Peace and Goodwill for all men!

O

n behalf of the President, AICC Madam Sonia Gandhi and the Vice President, AICC, Rahul Gandhi and all rank and file of NPCC, I bring New Year 2016 greetings to the people.

On this precious occasion, I may be allowed to remind all of us that, Madam Sonia Gandhi has never forgotten the 19th of May 1991, when Rajiv Gandhi addressed the Public of Nagaland at Dimapur wherein he offered “talks without pre-conditions, if voted to power”. As she looked on, the audience applauded with great joy.

The Process may have taken longer than expected but we have made a beginning. Nagaland is close to her heart.

We all aware that the atombomb drop on 6th August and 9th

A

s the year 2015 fades away, the new face of 2016 is on the horizon. New hopes, dreams and visions are right before our eyes as opportunities will unfold itself with the passage of passing days and months. What could not be done must be done! Wasted time is to be redeemed with meaningful tasks. The days are to be seized with greater diligence and dedication. Doors will once again be swung open for the knockers and seekers. However, for the despondent, time will take a toll on you! For the lazy-bones, nothing is in store for you! This year 2016 is for the busy hands.

Here are some don’ts of 2016; This year, don’t buy into rash decisions! Many fools will fall again. Think through every Thepfulhouvi Solo thought and make wise choices.

New Year 2016 Greetings August 1945 destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki killing more than 2 lakh people and that Japan continues to suffer the consequences till today. Children are born deaf, dumb, physically challenged and continue to suffer from various sicknesses. The impact has not left them even after 60 years of the bombing. There has been no greater destruction in history till today.

In our context, we suffer from indecisiveness, political aspiration, disunity, economic drought, indiscipline, disobedience, pride, ego and pretensions and multiple terminal ailments. We also suffer from lack of security and protection. Fear has gripped the onetime daring head hunters and invaders.

Today, we live under multi-govts,

multi-administrations and multijudiciaries and we are forced to pay taxes to multi-govts. Unofficially, freedom of extortion, intimidation, assassination and homicide has been granted through Government apathy. We are losing to the intolerance towards our freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of thought and propagation and even freedom of beef.

Yet we remain voiceless and frail.

The blood has not changed but the emotion and the essence has changed with fear.

Our ailments are worse than that of Japan. They have peace, unity, freedom, corruption free Governance, one tax and one govt. They are all for the growth and freedom of economy. They are for minimum governance &

maximum freedom in enterprise.

They stand Ranked 20th in the World economic order despite all infrastructure and population being destroyed by the atomic bombing.

We wish to heal the ailments of Nagaland. We wish you all to prepare to meet the challenges before us. Prepare a God-fearing State Assembly to determine the future of Nagaland. Prime Minister does not make a decision for us and he will not for he has no role in the sovereign state.

May the light of the Lord rise up and shine upon all of you.

We wish you all a flourishing and Happy New Year 2016.

K. Therie President NPCC

New Year Thoughts Live for the moment but think for the future. Every single step will take you to the desired destination. The road will be long and tough, but the voyage will be worth it so take good courage! Forget the past but not the memories and go on with life. There is a sure hope for the “never give-ups” so hold on…

This year, don’t play games! I mean, don’t waste your time on silly matters that will add nothing to your baggage. Life is too short to be wasted on computer games, television shows, movies, parties and unending chats-Facebook.

This year, don’t mess with old buddies anymore! Why should you hold on to your old company again? Leave them for good. Kill those old habits. Replace those old buddies with new friends that are not so friendly but they will in

turn give joy, contentment and happiness.

This year, don’t procrastinate!

Successful people are known for their quick move to the need of the moment. Lazy people dawdles their duty. Accumulating workloads for the deadline always results in poor workmanship. So, gird up your loins and be prepared for the task.

This year, don’t boast! As the old cliché goes, “Pride goes before destruction…”Remember that it was this PRIDE that took Satan down to the pit of hell. Give honour to the only One who can promote or degrade people. You do not even know what will happen tomorrow so stay humble.

This year, don’t stay idle! Do something useful for yourselves and others. Try to do something which you’ve never done before.

Start writing, reading, painting and cooking, stitching, carpentryworks and so on. It’s never too late to start.

This year, don’t complain! Every situation of life has a lesson to teach us. The bad and bitter days teach us patience and perseverance and the good ones, to be grateful.

This year, don’t quit! A promising fortune is ahead for the never “quitters.” If you fall, it’s ok. Get up like a man and fight the good fight of faith. Run the race and finish well.

This year, don’t fret or be discouraged! Be of good cheers! Trust in God for every single detail of your life. He never disappoints nor fails. Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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.

Vebu Khamo

Thursday 31•12•2015

InternatIonal/entertaInment

'Interstellar' - Most pirated film of 2015

F

ilmmaker Christopher Nolan's sci-fi drama 'Interstellar' has taken the top spot as the most pirated movie of 2015. The film, which was released in 2014, was downloaded 46.8 million times, according to piracy tracking firm Excipio, reports variety.com. Other movies prominent on the list are several big money

makers like 'Furious 7' (44.8 million), 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' (41.6 million) and 'Jurassic World' (36.9 million).

However, this year's record-breaking movie 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' doesn't make it into the list, probably because the movie didn't start showing up on piracy sites until several days after its re-

Kanye, Kim offered over $2 mn for baby pictures

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op star Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West have been offered $2.5 million for the first photographs of their baby son Saint. The couple welcomed little Saint into the world on December 5 and since his birth, they have been inundated with offers from publications keen to show him off for the first time.

According to tmz.com, offers range from $2 million to $2.5 million and request

the full family, including Saint's older sister North, two, to take part in a range of pictures, including candid group shots. However, insiders told the website the couple are "almost certain" they will reject all offers for the pictures.

When North was born, Kanye, 38, showed off a selection of pictures of her on his mother-in-law Kris Jenner's now-defunct talk show, fuelling speculation

'Angry Birds' hires Blake Shelton to Voice Pig

lease. There's still a chance that it will top the same list in 2016. In 2014, just like 'Interstellar' did, the 2013 release 'The Wolf of Wall Street' led the pack to become the most pirated movie. The Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer was downloaded 30 million times last year, significantly less than the space movie's nearly 47 million downloads.

that Saint's public debut will come on Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian's new programme “Kocktails with Khloe”, which launches in the new year.

The family have already been seen in public together since Saint's birth, but during the visit to take the infant to the doctor last week, Kim, 35, and her rapper husband ensured he was kept fully covered and away from view in his car seat.

T

he 'Hillbilly Bone' singer is going to voice a huge green swine who loves country music. Blake Shelton has proven his acting chop in Adam Sandler's "The Ridiculous Six" and is now up for a new challenge. The country superstar is signed to voice one of the pigs in the "Angry Birds" movie.

Shelton is voicing a green pig named Earl who has a knack for country music, and whose first look has just been shared.

"They kept saying, 'More country! I felt like I was doing a voiceover for Dukes of Hazzard," he told Entertainment Weekly.

Shelton is also pulling a double duty, writing a song for the animated movie. "I can write things about myself and my life.

But I don't have a whole lot of experience being shot out of a slingshot at pigs," he said. He additionally admitted to have played the game a lot before he was hired to write the song. He said, "I wish I had a dollar for every minute I lost playing that freaking game, you know? Well, I guess I do now."

"Angry Birds" is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters May 20, featuring voice talent such as Josh Gad, Jason Sudeikis and Danny McBride as the three main bird characters. Bill Hader will voice one of the "evil" pigs, Maya Rudolph signed up for a character named Matilda, and Peter Dinklage steps in the role of the Mighty Eagle.

Russell Crowe blasts airline

A

ctor Russell Crowe lashed out at an airline on Twitter, after they refused to let his son's hoverboards on board.

The 51-year-old took to the micro-blogging site to slam Virgin Australia after they informed him that the lithium ion batteries in the hoverboards pose a hazard during air transport and they could not be taken on board, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Crowe, who was preparing to fly from here to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales with his children Tennyson and Charles, wrote: "Ridiculous. No Segway boards as luggage? Too late to tell us at airport. Kids and I offloaded. Goodbye Virgin. Never again." "Why did you not inform me when I booked my ticket?

Where is your duty of responsibility in this?" he added. He then left the airport without boarding the plane.

In a statement a Virgin spokesman said: "Safety is our number one priority at Virgin Australia." "Due to safety concerns, Virgin Australia, along with all major Australian airlines and many around the world, do not permit the carriage of lithium ion battery operated small recreational vehicles, such as selfbalancing boards, hoverboards or aero wheels, as checked-in or carry-on baggage."

Top aide to North Korea China, Taiwan open first hotline as ‘confidence building’ measure leader Un dies in car crash

C M Y K

sEOuL, DEcEmBEr 30 (rEuTErs): AseniorNorth Korean ruling party official and a top aide to leader Kim Jong Un has died in a car accident, the state news agency reported on Wednesday, the latest dramatic demise in the close circle of deputies to the country's leader.

Kim Yang Gon, who was a secretary of the Workers' Party and the head of its United Front Department, the unit that handles ties with South Korea, was Kim Jong Un's "closest comrade, a solid revolutionary partner", the KCNA news agency said.

Kim died on Tuesday in an automobile accident at the age of 73, the agency said.

It gave no details of the accident. Kim was part of a highlevel delegation that held talks in August after North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire, raising tension between the old rivals to one of its highest levels in years.

The talks produced an agreement that ended the

standoff, and for the two sides to reopen dialogue to improve ties.

Kim had appeared to grow closer to Kim Jong Un recently, accompanying the young leader at various farm and factory inspections and diplomatic meetings.

He was an experienced adviser with a broad understanding of foreign affairs, according to Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea's leadership.

"With regard to South Korean policy, Kim Yang Gon had a very good social network and was a good interlocutor for the North with the South," Madden said.

South Korea expressed condolences in a message from its Unification Minister sent through the Panmunjom truce village on the militarised border, an official said. China, North Korea's main economic and diplomatic backer, expressed its condolences too, saying Kim had made positive achieve-

ments in promoting relations.

"Comrade Kim Yang Gon dedicated himself for a long time to the development of Sino-North Korea ties," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing.

"SUSPICIOUS DEATHS" Kim Jong Un has dismissed a string of top aides since he took over when his father died suddenly in 2011.

In 2013, he purged and executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was once considered the second most powerful man in the country, for "anti-revolutionary crimes".

Impoverished North Korea's road network is badly maintained and car ownership is rare yet several high-level officials have died in traffic accidents over the years. In 1976, an official said to be a rival to then-president Kim Il Sung died in a car crash. In 2003, a predecessor to Kim Yang

Sonakshi Sinha: Can't sing classical songs, I like to rap

A

ctress Sonakshi Sinha says she will not be able to sing classical songs as her voice suits hip-hop and rap numbers. I know I won't be able to sing all kind of songs.

I won't be able to sing classical song that has 'nazakat, harkat', as I am not a trained person, Sonakshi told PTI. The single 'Aaj Mood Ishqholic Hai', released last week by T-Series, showcases Sonakshi's rapping skills.

The song has music by Meet Bros and lyrics of Kumaar.

There is one genre that suits me, my voice. I like to rap... Rapping is something I enjoy, that comes easier to me. There was trial and error but we did it. I want to sing more, she said.

The 'Lootera' actress says she will continue singing songs in hip-hop and rap style as that are her forte. May be there will be little deviation. It will be songs that I will be able to sing. I will be true to myself, I will not try and deviate and do something else. This is something I like, take it or leave it, she said.

The actress says singing was al-

ways her passion and she wanted to learn it formally as well. I was always passionate about it. When any new song used to come...I used to get the set up of a music system, get mike, would download and learn the lyrics.

It was always easy for me to grasp music than grasp stuff from my textbook, she said.

My mother even got me a teacher...he came home. He gave me one lesson and after that he did not come back. So, my dream of learning it remained unfulfilled, she said. Sonakshi earlier rocked the stage of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards by singing.

During 'Lootera', I told Vikramaditya Motwane to let me sing a song but he did not. I performed and sang on stage for IIFA, I enjoyed it. This time I felt I need to do something about it (singing), she said. I told Bhushan Kumar of T-Series about this song, he was very encouraging. Meet Brothers (musicians), lyricist Kumaar and me, we all sat together and came up with this beautiful song, she added.

BEIJING/TAIPEI, DEcEmBEr 30 (rEuTErs): China and Taiwan began operating the first telephone hotline between the two nations on Wednesday, set up as a confidence building and tension reducing measure, with senior officials exchanging New Year's greetings.

The step was agreed during a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwan Gon died in a traffic acci- President Ma Ying-jeou in dent and in 2010 top offi- Singapore last month. cial Ri Je Gang also died in a crash.

"North Korea has a long track record of suspicious deaths around high-level ofAmanda Becker ficials," said North Korea expert Andrei Lankov. "Most Reuters die either because they are machine-gunned, or they die U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary in car crashes".

"There are almost no cars Clinton on Tuesday said and security for high-officials that Islamic State violence travelling in cars is extreme- against Christians, Iraqi ly tight. Given that, one is Yazidis and other religious bound to be sceptical about minorities in the Middle any such report coming from East was genocide.

"I think I was asked this North Korea."

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the first call was between Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, and Andrew Hsia, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, who wished each other happy New Year.

Zhang and Hsia also talked about the important achievements both sides had made in the past year in promoting the peaceful development of relations, spokesman Ma said.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council confirmed the call took place, but did not immediately provide any other details.

Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan after losing a civil war with the Communists in 1949. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring what it deems a renegade province under its control.

Relations have improved rapidly since Ma Ying-jeou became Taiwan president in 2008, and the

two have signed a series of landmark trade and tourism deals.

Still, deep suspicions remain. China reacted angrily earlier this month at the latest U.S. plans to sell Taiwan weapons.

China is also looking warily at January's presidential elections in Taiwan, which are likely to return the independence-leaning opposition Democratic Progressive Party to power.

China says it will never countenance an independent Taiwan.

IS persecution of Christians, Yazidis, a genocide: Hillary a couple months ago, and I said that term carries with it legal import, it is a very important concept and label for behavior that deserves that name," Clinton said at a town hall in Berlin, New Hampshire, when asked about the Islamic State's killing of Christians, Yazidis, Kurdish Muslims and other religious minorities

in the region.

"I am now sure we have enough evidence, what is happening is genocide deliberately aimed at destroying lives and wiping out the existence of Christians and other religious minorities," Clinton said. Islamic State has targeted and killed members of the Yazidi religion, one of the oldest in

Mark Salling arrested for child pornography

“G

lee" actor Mark Salling was arrested for possession of child pornography. He was later released on bail at $20,000. The actor was arrested on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old actor was taken into custody after the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force raided his home on Sunday on a warrant, reports aceshowbiz. com.

LAPD officer Liliana Preciado confirmed that Salling was arrested in Sunland, California, and his bail was set at $20,000.

According to sheriff's department records, he paid the bail. He is now set to attend a court session on January 22 next year.

No other details were released.

Salling is best known as Puck from "Glee". He was a

regular on the show's first four seasons and a recurring in the last two.

After the series ended, he reportedly had been filming "Adi Shankar's Gods and Secrets" and was putting together his own TV series.

Salling had a criminal past.

In January 2013, his former girlfriend Roxanne Gorzela sued him for sexual battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence for forcing her to have unprotected sex with him in March 2011.

Gorzela came to his home to confront him only to find the actor in bed with another woman.

During an argument, he allegedly pushed her to the ground and she hit her head. Gorzela eventually dropped the case after he paid her about $2.7 million.

Iraq, along with Christians and other religious minorities in the region it controls in the Middle East. The administration of President Barack Obama is weighing whether to designate Islamic State violence a genocide and which religious minorities would be coveraged by such a designation.

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Leicester frustrate title rivals Man City LeBron leads Cavaliers past Nuggets

C M Y K

LEicEsTER, DEcEmbER 30 (REuTERs): Leicester City again showed they could mix it with the big guns, going level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal after drawing 0-0 with title rivals Manchester City on Tuesday.

The clash between the division's two top-scoring sides provided plenty of entertaining moments but keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Joe Hart were equal to everything thrown at them at the King Power Stadium.

Jamie Vardy, the league's joint leading scorer with 15 goals alongside Romelu Lukaku of Everton, wasted Leicester's best chance late in the first half.

Manchester City, who have not won away in the league since September, went close through Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi.

Hosts Leicester, who suffered their first defeat in 11 league games at Liverpool on Saturday, have 39 points from 19 games and trail Arsenal on goal difference.

Manchester City, without defender Vincent Kompany who could be out for another three weeks with a calf problem, leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur to go into third place. They trail the top two teams by three

Sergio Aguero is tackled by Leicester's Gokhan Inler during an EPL match between Leicester City and Manchester City at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, December 29. (AP Photo)

points.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri thought his side showed signs of fatigue at Anfield but was delighted with their effort on Tuesday, saying a point apiece was a fair result.

"I wanted to see a reaction from the Liverpool game and it was good," the Italian told reporters.

"We were calm, tried to do our job. We created chances but so did Manchester City.

The draw is right."

TOP FITNESS The visitors began the season with three successive away wins but have not returned home with three points since victory over Crystal Palace on Sept. 12.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was buoyed by the clean sheet but, with striker Sergio Aguero needing "two or three more games" to re-

turn to top fitness after injury, expressed frustration that his side lacked a cutting edge.

"We came for three points, had more possession, more attempts, did more things to win the game," said Pellegrini.

"If you can't win it's important not to lose and we were solid against a difficult team. I'm not happy but not disappointed also because we played well."

Manchester City dictated for long periods of the first half with Sterling a constant menace.

Schmeichel made the first meaningful save from Kevin De Bruyne and then, following fine link-up play, kept out Sterling's strike before again denying the England international from the edge of the box.

Leicester finished the opening 45 minutes strongly. Marc Albrighton, sliding in at the far post, just failed to get on the end of a delightful low curling centre from Christian Fuchs that went across the face of the goal.

Vardy, isolated up front for long stretches, was then handed a great opportunity to score.

Fernandinho gave away possession just outside his own box and Vardy, played in behind the defence, blazed his shot over Hart's bar, hardly the finish of a striker high on confidence.

The second half was more even but neither side could find the elusive breakthrough.

Leicester's N'Golo Kante and Albrighton were off target, Fuchs tested Hart with a stinging shot while Manchester City's best effort after the break came from an Otamendi header thatSchmeichel turned around the post.

Wages of sin return to haunt sports barons

PARis, DEcEmbER 30 (AFP): Judges and prosecutors trashed the reputations of two of the leading Lords of the Rings in 2015 and criminal charges against Sepp Blatter and Lamine Diack were a warning that sport has got to clean up its act.

Bribes, doping, even more bribes, the sky seems to be the limit in the strictly cash underbelly of sports marketing and fixed sporting glory.

The jury is still out on whether the federation chiefs who dominate a sports industry that accounts for up to $700 billion a year -- one percent of world GDP -- will get the message though.

"If Blatter and Michel Platini are banned that will have no impact on other sports. But for sure there are other sports with similar problems," said Sylvia Schenk, a sport expert for the Transparency International anti-corruption group.

Patrick Nally, a British entrepreneur who was one of the pioneers of sponsorship for the Olympics and other mega-events, is among the critics who see hope.

He said the focus put on FIFA, football's world body, and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) means other governing bodies can expect the spotlight.

"It will mean all federations will become more transparent and I think we will see the International Olympic Committee taking a more active role in helping and encouraging federations to meet all the minimum criteria expected of international organisations."

An early wake-up call at the

luxury Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich on May 27 blew the lid on soccer's chicanery.

The first seven FIFA officials were hauled away in a raid two days before Blatter had expected to seal an easy fifth term as head of football's world governing body.

US attorney general Loretta Lynch said corruption was "rampant, systemic and deep-rooted" in football. Blatter said he suspected the arrests were politically motivated. The battle was on.

Blatter got his vote after his only challenger Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a FIFA vice president from Jordan withdrew. But four days later Blatter announced that a new election would be held on February 26 and that he would stand down.

Now 39 football officials and business executives who face charges in US courts account for $200 million in bribes given or taken.

A Swiss criminal investigation into FIFA's finances delivered the knockout blow. Blatter is a formal suspect for "criminal mismanagement", European football boss Platini was named in the inquiry over a "disloyal" two million Swiss franc ($2 million/1.8 million euro) payment he received in 2011.

FIFA have banned both men from football for eight years. That means Platini cannot even accept a ticket for the European Championships in his native France in 2016.

Blatter and Platini both strongly deny any wrongdoing. But only an appeal miracle will get Platini into the FIFA election in February.

Swiss investigators are also looking into the FIFA vote in 2010 to give the 2018 and 2022 World Cups

to Russia and Qatar. German police have launched a probe into whether German organisers paid money to get votes for the 2006 World Cup. Despite the chaos and ignomy, there is no shortage of candidates for the FIFA leadership: Asian football boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, South African politician and tycoon Tokyo Sexwale, UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino, Prince Ali and former FIFA official Jerome Champagne.

The result looks tight. The fallout from the scandal has already been enormous though with sponsors warning they could pull out of FIFA deals if reforms are not convincing.

"People are disgusted," said Transparency International's Schenk. "Some think it will never change, while others want radical change now. Neither belief is right.

It will take time for deep changes at FIFA." The IAAF has been in the firing line all year over widespread "statesupported" doping in Russia, Kenya and other countries. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report told how one controller had to jump from a window in the middle of the night to stop local police taking samples he had gathered.

But British running legend Sebastian Coe had only been IAAF president for a few weeks when his veteran predecessor Lamine Diack of Senegal was arrested by French investigators. He now faces charges of corruption, money laundering and accepting bribes to cover up failed Russian dope tests.

Russia is suspended from international athletics and racing against time to get back for the Rio

de Janeiro Olympics in August.

More criminal charges could follow and WADA is to release a new report in January likely to widen the agony in athletics with more countries named and shamed.

Coe has been forced to give up his role as a Nike "ambassador" but he defended the IAAF before the British parliament, insisting: "No, it's not a corrupt organisation."

Scandal has not stopped football and other sports attracting ever more money.

The English Premier League makes about $2.5 billion (2.3 billion euros) a year from domestic and foreign television rights. Spain's La Liga, in second place, gets about $1.1 billion (one billion euros).

Other sports are also attracting extra revenues and are guilty of FIFA-style chicanery, according to Schenk.

"Sport could now experience a Big Bang because of FIFA-gate," said sports economist Vincent Chaude, deputy head of the French group Sport and Citizenship. "The model for sport's organisation has reached the end of its time. This is the ultracommunication society which demands more transparency."

US prosecutors have played a leading role in pressing FIFA and Switzerland, the home of most leading sporting federations, has changed its legislation to make the sporting barons more accountable.

"The more the sporting movement delays making reforms the more governments will be tempted to get a grip through the criminal system," said Jean-François Vilotte, former head of France's Regulation Authority for Online Games.

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks during an NBA game against Denver Nuggets on December 29 at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. (Getty Images)

DENVER, DEcEmbER 30 (AP): LeBron James scored 34 points on the eve of his 31st birthday, Iman Shumpert added a seasonhigh 16 and the Cavaliers beat the Nuggets.

Kevin Love had eight points and 14 rebounds to help Cleveland finish off a four-game West Coast swing with a 2-2 mark. The Cavaliers rested Kyrie Irving on the second night of a back-to-back as he works his way back from a fractured left kneecap.

Reserve Will Barton had 29 for the injury-riddled Nuggets, who’ve now dropped six of seven. They were once again without Danilo Gallinari (sprained left ankle) and rookie Emmanuel Mudiay (sprained right ankle).

Trailing by 11 with 3:07 remaining, the Nuggets resorted to fouling Tristan Thompson, who’s a 56 per cent free throw shooter.

Thompson struggled at the line, hitting 1 of 4, but Denver couldn’t capitalize.

HAWKS 121, ROCKETS 115 Al Horford had 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 121-115 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.

Atlanta trailed by 19 early in the game before rallying for the victory. Kent Bazemore added 26 points and Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague both had 22 as the Hawks won for the seventh time in eight games.

Dwight Howard led Houston with 30 points and

16 rebounds, while James Harden had 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Atlanta took a lead late in the fourth quarter and employed the hack-a strategy, intentionally fouling Howard and Clint Capela repeatedly. The strategy was largely successful until Howard made a free throw to take the lead with just over two minutes remaining.

Atlanta then scored the final nine points of the game to steal the road victory.

THUNDER 131, BUCKS 123 Russell Westbrook scored 27 points and Kevin Durant added 26 to lead the Thunder to a win over the Bucks.

Enes Kanter added 23 while rookie Cameron Payne had a career-high 16 for the Thunder.

Westbrook and Durant both scored more than 20 points for the 25th time this season as Oklahoma City overcame an early eight-point deficit to win for the 11th time in its last 14 games.

Khris Middleton scored a career-best 36 points to lead Milwaukee.

KNICKS 108, PISTONS 96 Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and Derrick Williams added 18 to lead six Knicks in double figures as New York snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over the Pistons.

Jose Calderon added 15 points, Kyle O’Quinn had 12, Robin Lopez scored 11,

and Kristaps Porzingis finished with 10.

Ersan Ilyasova led the Pistons with 19 points.

Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson each had 17.

The Knicks led by only four points, 80-76, early in the fourth quarter, but went on a 25-11 run to take an 18-point lead on Williams’ long jumper with 1:42 left in the game.

Williams scored 16 of his points in the final quarter, hitting 5-of-6 shots from the field.

GRIZZLIES 99, HEAT 90, OT Marc Gasol scored seven of his 23 points in overtime to help the Grizzlies pull away in the extra period for a victory over the Heat.

Zach Randolph added 17 points for Memphis. Mike Conley and Jeff Green had 16 apiece, and Mario Chalmers scored 12 points. Gasol would add eight rebounds, six assists and four blocks, including a pair of rejections in the closing minutes.

Gasol’s overtime performance included a stumbling move in the lane where he flipped the ball to the basket as he was fouled.

The shot bounced through, Gasol converted the ensuing free throw and the Grizzlies were up 96-88 with 1:22 left — a lead Memphis would not relinquish.

Chris Bosh led Miami with 22 points, while Dwyane Wade finished with 19.

Goran Dragic had 16 points.

The teams were tied at 83 at the end of regulation.

Ali spins England to crushing win in first S. Africa Test DuRbAN, DEcEmbER 30 (AFP): Moeen Ali spun England to a crushing 241run win over South Africa on the fifth and final day of the first Test at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

Off-spinner Ali took three early wickets as South Africa lost their last six wickets for 38 runs.

Starting the day on 136 for four, South Africa lost batting kingpin AB de Villiers leg before wicket to the third ball of the day when he went back on his stumps to a ball from Ali which skidded through and hit him low on his pads.

With the third ball of his next over, Ali struck again when Temba Bavuma skipped down the wicket to a ball which drifted past his bat to provide Jonny Bairstow with an easy stumping.

Including the wicket of Faf du Plessis, who fell to Steven Finn with what proved

Moeen Ali celebrates the dismissal of Kyle Abbott. (AFP Photo)

to be the last wicket of the fourth day, three wickets had fallen for no runs.

Only two more runs were scored before Finn bowled nightwatchman Dale Steyn.

Ali claimed his third wicket of the morning when Kyle Abbott, like De Villiers, went back on his stumps and was leg before wicket.

JP Duminy, one of the batsmen whose form has

been a concern for South Africa, made 26 not out before Stuart Broad wrapped up the win by having Morne Morkel leg before wicket.

It was a decisive win for England, who went into the series in fifth place on the Test rankings, while topranked South Africa suffered a continuation of the batting woes they suffered while being beaten 3-0 in a recent four-Test series in India.

England batted better than South Africa, with most of their batsmen making useful contributions, while Broad, Finn and Ali spearheaded their bowling.

Broad created early havoc in South Africa’s first innings, while Finn’s three wickets on the fourth day were decisive blows.

Ali’s consistency while bowling long spells enabled England captain Alastair Cook to rotate his fast bowlers and Ali finished with match figures of seven for 116.

Finn took six wickets in the match and Broad five.

With only two days before the second Test starts at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, South Africa have minimal time in which to find solutions to their batting problems, while their bowling seems certain to be weakened by the absence of star bowler Dale Steyn because of a shoulder injury.

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