December 8th 2014

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. IX ISSUE 338

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Monday, December 8, 2014 12 pages Rs. 4

NTTU Dimapur alleges ‘exorbitant’ commission charged by minister

Bon Giovi to perform live on December 9

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Ex-czar’s arrest makes China’s Xi stronger

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reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 7 (PTI): At a unique conclave of Chief Ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to replace the Planning Commission Please hang my portrait too! here Sunday saw a consensus that more power and The Morung Express planning should be deto states, but ConPOLL QUESTIOn volved gress strongly opposed Vote on www.morungexpress.com dismantling of the existing SMS your answer to 9862574165 65-year-old body established by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Was Narendra Modi right Following up on his not to give a ‘financial package’ to Nagaland Independence Day anstate government? nouncement from Red Fort that the Planning Commission would “soon” be Yes no Others replaced by a “new instituWill a yearlong Hornbill Festival tion”, Modi was with Chief lead to yearlong development Ministers for nearly seven of roads, infrastructure etc? hours at his residence delibYes 26% erating on what should be 49% no the future shape of the body.

25% Others Modi pushed for an efDetails on page 7 fective structure, which strengthens “co-operative federalism” and the conVinnie Moore

Venue – IMC Hall, Supply Colony Dimapur Time: 2:30 PM

‘UN to declare June 21 as World Yoga Day’ NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 7 (PTI): The United Nations will soon declare June 21 as World Yoga Day following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday. “Three months ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the world community that India’s yoga should be celebrated as World Yoga Day. I am happy to inform you that we have received support of 170 nations and four days from today, the United Nations will declare June 21 as the World Yoga Day,” Swaraj said at a function in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev.

cept of ‘Team India’, and even cited his predecessor Manmohan Singh, saying he too had said on April 30 this year that the current structure has “no futuristic vision in the post-reform period”.

Except Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Mizoram and poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand, CMs from all other states attended the meeting where Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh were also present.

Briefing the media, Jaitley later said there was a “larger consensus” that the “context” has changed and there is a “need to decentralise both power and planning”. Noting that “there cannot be a universal scheme that suits all states,” he said “it is a fallacy that one size fits all in case of implementation of central schemes”.

The strategy should be to empower the states to enable them to meet their own specific needs, he said.

He gave no timeline about when the new body will be announced, saying the Centre will take a “con-

KoHIma, DEcEmbEr 7 (mExN): Press Secretary to Dr. Nicky Kire, Hukato Chishi, has clarified today that “wagon allocation was made in compliance to the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India and in consideration of all relevant factors and as per the established rules of procedure.”

This was stated in a rejoinder to allegations of corruption in wagon allocation by Kevise Sogotsu, president NTTU. Dr. Nicky Kire is the minister for forests, Government of Nagaland.

“The present incumbent is duty bound to take all necessary measures to improve the structure, services provided to the general public and the mandated goals of any department placed under his care,” stated the rejoinder.

The press secretary also called for Kevise Sogotsu to prove his allegations, if true, “without any delay” by approaching “appropriate authorities with the evidence.” “If not, he

Children from the neighbourhood Children Home are seen singing along with the worship team at Gloria Patri – The Worship Revolution on December 7 last at the Garden, Supermarket, Dimapur. (Photo by Aden Jamir)

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DImaPur, DEcEmbEr 7 (mExN): “The revival movement is a wonderful movement but we want a very deep move with God because we don’t want a movement based on emotions. We don’t want a revival where there is no change of character,” Kethoser (Aniu) Kevichusa said at the Gloria Patri worship on Sunday at The Garden,

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks La Liga hattrick record [ PAGE 10]

Prime Minister of India narendra Modi shakes hands with chief minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal while chief minister of nagaland TR Zeliang waits for his turn during the meeting for Planning Commission revamp, in new Delhi, on December 7, 2014.

sidered view after consultations are over. However, there were indications that the shape of the new structure, which could also see the involvement of the private sector, may be firmed up by January 26 next year.

Congress Chief Ministers opposed disbanding of the Planning Commission and wanted a revamp of the existing body. Congress Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma told reporters that dismantling the Planning Commission would be “unwarranted, shortsighted and danger-

ous” as it will have longterm adverse effect on Centre-state relations. He said the Planning Commission needed a “reorientation” and not “political burial”.

The Prime Minister said the question of role, relevance and restructuring of the Planning Commission had been repeatedly questioned for more than two decades. Underlining that it was impossible for the nation to develop unless states develop, he told the meeting that the process of policy planning needs to change from “top to bot-

tom” to “bottom to top”.

The states should have a key role in the new body, Modi said, adding that “states sometimes feel there is no platform to express their views...There should be an effective mechanism to address inter-state disputes.” “Can we develop a new mechanism that plans according to India’s strengths, empowers states, and brings on board all economic activity, including that which happens outside the Government,” he asked while setting the tone for the

meeting.

Pushing for “co-operative federalism”, he said the current global scenario offered a chance for India to take a big leap forward.

This, he added, was possible by formulating a suitable replacement to the Commission with a view to suitably harnessing the strengths of the country.

At the meeting, Congress-ruled states supported the idea of revamping the Planning Commission set up in 1950 but disfavoured its scrapping as they felt it can be “evolved”. However, NDA states and some of those ruled by parties like AIADMK and TRS wanted immediate disbanding of the Planning Commission.

Jaitley said more states were in favour of a system that strengthens their ability to deliver and they want a lot more flexibility rather than a control and command structure.

Planning Commission Secretary Sindhushree made a presentation at the meeting, raising certain questions which the Chief Ministers were asked to respond.

These were: what should be code and method of interaction in this forum? What should be strategic task and mechanism for this platform?

Should the 5-yearplan cycle continue? If so, strengths and weaknesses.

If not, alternative may be suggested for medium and long term? Should annual plan discussion continue in the present format between the Centre and the states?

How should the proposed innovation and knowledge firm work for states? What are the expectations on the role and function of the think-tank?

How should the fund flow for the Centre plan assistance to state be restructured?

“The think-tank role of the new institution was a very important agenda item and I think most people were in favour of that because it is more encompassing as it not only covers states methodology of expenditure but also gives direction or indicates at least a direction in which the private sector can also have a role,” Jaitley said.

train ‘wagon allocation in ZPO(N) urges Nagaland Governor to compliance with sc guidelines’ ‘prevent’ shifting to new HQ Peren should refrain from slandering and dragging the union`s name that he belongs to into disrepute,” it noted.

Moreover, Hukato Chishi questioned the term ‘NTTU’ which, according to him, is “by no means a representative organisation of all tree farmers and Timber Traders.”

The rejoinder made a counter allegation that the NTTU president has issued threats “through third parties, to secure the allocation of 5 wagons,” and that “He had promised much more severe scathing attacks in the media if he is not allotted a minimum of 5 wagons.”

“It is for all to consider the actual position, i.e, out of the 20 wagons allocated by the department quarterly, Seven (7) wagons were allocated to NTTU in the previous Quarter.

Two was offered this time but was refused. There are a total number of 428 registered tree farmers in Dimapur alone,” informed the note.

Full text on page 5

Not to be ashamed: Gloria Patria

‘We don’t want a revival where there is no change of character’

–Nelson Mandela

Modi pushes concept of ‘team india’

Most CMs favour restructuring of Planning Commission, no consensus on disbanding it

master class on December 8

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To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity

Bhagavad Gita must be declared national scripture: Sushma

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Super Market, Dimapur.

Speaking on the core message, ‘Not to be ashamed,’ Kevichusa, Ministry Associate of RZIM Life Focus Society, said, “Sometimes we are proud of things we should be ashamed of, and sometimes we need to be embarrassed of who we are.”

Citing the example of Paul in the New Testament, Kevichusa encouraged the gathering “Not to be ashamed of the Gospel, which is the power. It is not human, political or economic power but it is the

power of God.” Reaffirming that “Our God is the King of Kings,” he added, “It is the power of God unto your salvation.”

Reaching out to people going through “deep loneliness and guilt,” the preacher reminded that God sent His son Christ to restore and heal broken lives. “That does not mean that you will be perfect, but God has the power to change any person to become better.”

Wabang Longchari, director of Sinai Ministry, said that Gloria Patri is about “Giving glory to God. All glory belongs to Christ and all glory must go back to Him alone. Jesus is the ‘Rock’ who never ‘Rolls’.

Anyone who builds their foundation can never be shaken.”

During the worship service, members of Neighbourhood Children Home presented a song and later a special offering was collected for the children’s home.

The Gloria Patri, which is a worship revolution, will organise worship services at Night Bazaar, Kohima from December 8 to 10.

Their cleanliness drive will be continued there.

PErEN, DEcEmbEr 7 (mExN): The Zeliang People’s Organisation, Nagaland has urged the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, to “prevent” the Government of Nagaland from “erratically” shifting the New District Headquarters, Peren, to its proposed site before the ongoing judicial process is over and also before necessary infrastructure is installed “to the satisfaction of your honour.”

In a representation to the Governor, the ZPO (N) has brought to attention the details of the ongoing judicial proceedings regarding the shift. The representation has been signed by Ramdi Meru, president of the ZPO (N) and its general secretary, Kiesamyi Irangguang.

The representation in-

formed, along with required annexure, that in an order dated September 7, 2012, the Gauhati High Court (GHC)

by Chief Justice Mr. A. K. Goel and Justice Mr. S. Talapatra, passed in PIL 56/2012, had directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, to “ensure” that before shifting of the district Headquarters “minimum infrastructure is available to his satisfaction and that till such infrastructure becomes available to the satisfaction of the Chief Secretary shifting of Headquarters may not be implemented.”

The Chief Secretary, it was informed, submitted a Report “which was far away from the ground realities existing at the new proposed site.”

The ZPO (N) again approached the GHC by way of the

present PIL 1(K)/2013 challengingtheReportoftheChiefSecretary dated September 30, 2013.

After perusal of the said Report and upon hearing the Counsel for ZPO (N), the GHC by an Order dated February 10, 2014, directed the Commissioner, Nagaland, as well as Mr. T. Koza, an advocate of the GHC (Kohima Bench) to visit the proposed site and submit a Report. The Report was submitted by the said Commission on April 29, 2014.

It depicted that as of the date, after one year of the Chief Secretary’s Report, “the necessary infrastructure like road, water, electricity, telephone and other prerequisites are yet to be satisfactorily installed.”

In its latest hearing on December 4, 2014, the GHC has directed an impartial enquiry

again by two judicial officials viz., the District Judge of Dimapur as well as the Civil Judge of Peren, to conduct an inquiry of joint inspection of the spot and submit report before the GHC within two months from the date of the effective order and the matter is listed for further hearing on February 9, 2015.

“Hence, under the present circumstances it will be our earnest request to your honour to prevent the Government of Nagaland, by use of your high office, to erratically shift the New Headquarters to its proposed site before the ongoing judicial process is over and also before necessary infrastructure is installed to the satisfaction of your honour,” stated the representation to the Governor of Nagaland from the ZPO (N).

Weaving colours at The Heritage Michael Heneise

Kohima | December 7

The Kohima Institute is curating two exhibitions from December 1-10 at The Heritage (Old DC Bungalow) in conjunction with the annual Hutton Lectures symposium. Painter Iris ‘Yingzen’ Odyuo, an established local painter and scholar (a PhD, and Associate Professor at the Department of History, Sao Chang College, Tuensang) is exhibiting five large acrylic paintings on locally woven fabric canvases depicting weavers from various Naga communities.

Marion Wettstein, also an artist and scholar (a postdoctoral scholar at University of Vienna), brought eighteen high quality prints of meticulous pencil drawings of Naga weavings on Hahnemühle paper to exhibit during the Hornbill Festival. Having recently published her doctoral thesis ‘Naga Textiles’ (2014) she arrived in Kohima with the aim of gifting eighty copies of the nearly four-hundred page volume to communities from whom she has learned the craft of weaving, and drawn much of her field data. The prints on exhibition are a small sample of the dozens of weavings and shawls - many that are no longer seen or worn in the region- that only survive in old European and British collections.

Accompanying Marion was anthropologist Dr. Alban von Stockhausen, also her husband, who brought

(LEFT) ‘Woman weaving Ao shawl’ acrylic on canvas by Dr. Iris ‘Yingzen’ Odyuo 2014. (RIGHT) A pencil drawing of naga weaves from a collection

by Dr. Marion Wettstein at the exhibition, The Heritage, Kohima 2014.

(Photos by Michael Heneise)

copies of his recently published doctoral thesis ‘Imagining the Nagas’, which he completed at the University of Zurich. Drawing primarily from historical photographs of Naga communities taken by Hans-Eberhard Kauffmann and Christoph von Fürer-Haimendorf – many of which he discovered in an old forgotten shoeboxinalibraryinMunich–vonStockhausen interrogates the ‘imagination’ofanthropologistscloselylinked to the colonial administration, while introducing readers to a rich pictorial history of Naga communities in the inter-war period.

This writer sat down with Iris,

Marion and Alban at The Heritage to discuss their work. Sitting beneath two of Odyuo’s most striking works, we discussed some of the choices she made in both materials and subject matter. All five artworks employ largely local materials and she allows the richly woven fibre canvas, which she paints on, to show through in her compositions, creating an earthy aesthetic which she attributes to the colours found in the landscape.

“The making of the fibre canvas is a very arduous process, and I buy it from a small village near the Burma border,” Odyuo states.

Odyuo and Wettstein say it is pure coincidence that they both brought works to the Kohima Institute exhibition that deal with textiles and weaving. “It really is amazing, and I think it demonstrates just how absolutely central the art of weaving has been and continues to be among Naga communities,” states Wettstein.

Wettstein is donating the prints on exhibition to The Kohima Institute Foundation which will use the funds in a new initiative called the ‘Bamboo Curriculum’ – a childhood educational initiative that sources local knowledge and resources. Odyuo is also offering her beautiful works for sale, investing back into her work and into the communities that source the materials for her craft.

The exhibition will continue till December 10, and in the opinion of this writer, they are among the most magnificent works on display at the Hornbill Festival. As von Stockhausen and Wettstein continue journeying to communities that helped them with their research, the images they reproduce in the books that they intend to offer as gifts are sure to stimulate memories among elders and discussion among the youth.

Michael Heneise is Editor-inChief, the South Asianist and is also part of the Kohima Institute and Convener of the Hutton Lectures. He can be contacted at heneise@gmail.com

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The Morung Express 2 LocaL NTTU Dimapur alleges 'exorbitant' ‘Youth are the future & torchbearers of any society’ commission charged by minister Yimchungrü youth converge at triennial Dimapur

Monday

8 December 2014

Morung Express News Pungro | December 7

DiMapur, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): Dimapur unit of the Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has strongly decried the system of selling train wagons for transportation of timber and moulded beats at an exorbitant rate allegedly by the forest minister thereby depriving the genuine timber traders of their hard earned benefit. On the other hand, it has lauded the central NTTU office for bringing into light the sufferings of the public.

In a press release, Dimapur unit president Husca Zhimomi stated that timber business has generated employment for thousand people, who are solely dependent on it as a source of livelihood. He argued that such system of imposing

commission at an exorbitant amount would discourage local timber traders and aggravate unemployment problem in the State. He also expressed apprehension that such practices would pave way for anti-social activities on a larger scale.

To substantiate his statement, Husca Zhimomi said timber traders get Rs 500 per cft for a fanta size teakwood and Rs 400 per cft for below fanta size teakwood. He claimed that timber traders would get Rs 800 and Rs 700 respectively for the same had the minister not charged the commission.

He further added that such practice has only benefitted the minister at the cost of tree farmers- their 20-30 years of farming.

Husca Zhimomi also

clarified that NTTU which came into existence on May 13, 2005, duly recognized by the Government of Nagaland vide Registration No. LBR/ TECH/ -343/ 2005 under the Indian Trade Union Act 1926 is the apex body for the welfare of the timber traders. In this context, he has questioned the authenticity and credibility of other organizations for issuing press statement without consulting NTTU on the issue. He said NTTU deals in all kinds of timber and not only in teakwood.

While urging the authority concerned to constitute a committee for allocation of train wagon for transportation of timbers, Dimapur unit NTTU has vowed to extend full support to NTTU.

Hundreds of youths from all Yimchungrü villages have come to praise and worship together at the 4th triennial conventioncum-44 annual session of the Youth Department of Yimchungrü Baptist Borü Amukhungto being held from December 5-8 at Pungro town in Kiphire district.

Addressing the gathering on Sunday morning service, parliamentary secretary for CAWD and Economics & Statistics, R Tohanba, greeted the Yimchungrü youth on the occasion of the triennial convention and stated students and youth are the future and torchbearers of any society.

Reminding the youthful gathering that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge and wisdom,” Tohanba said the foundation of the youth should be firmly rooted in the Christian principles of truth, honesty, integrity and upright living. If they imbibe these principles, then they (youth) will never go astray, but succeed in whatever profession they choose.

He also said that youth should be the harbinger of peace among neighbours,

convention cum annual session

Parliamentary secretary for CAWD and Economics & Statistics, R Tohanba (2nd left) along with his old colleagues and church leaders presenting a special number during the 4th triennial convention of the Youth Department of YBBA at Pungro town, Sunday.

villages and communities.

Citing the case of the first missionary in Naga soil, Dr. EW Clark, Tohanba said just as late Clark motivated the youth to win the souls of elders, today’s youth should win the souls of others through integrity and personal testimonies.

The parliamentary secretary also stressed on the

importance of punctuality in every aspect of life, be it religion, career or studies.

Principal, Nito Theological College Zunheboto, Dr. Hutton Achumi, the speaker of the service in his message “Changing world: unchanging witnesses”, said in a fast changing world with all modern inventions, gadgets and

temptations, the only thing that remains unchanged is the “Word of God.” Quoting from the Book of Mathew, Hutton urged the youth to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you,” and that the Bible holds the key to everything.

Likening the Yimchungrü youth to a “sleeping gi-

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A brick kiln in Darogapathar, Dimapur discharging plumes of black smoke. Brick kilns contribute significantly to emissions of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide. The pollutants not only have an adverse effect on the health of workers, local population, and vegetation, but also contribute to global warming. (Morung Photo)

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For the last 23 years, the Healing Ministry for Handicapped People has been organizing pre-Christmas for handicapped people. This year too, the Ministry held a pre-Christmas at Dimapur Railway Station parking place with more than 100 handicapped people attending the programme on Sunday. During the programme, the handicapped people were gifted Christmas gifts, served lunch and were also fed with the word of God. (Morung photo)

Mokokchung, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Mokokchung conducted training on ‘Youth leadership and personality development for community development’ at MMC hall, Mokokchung from December 5 to 7, which was attended by 37 youth.

The training was conducted with a view to help young people translate knowledge, develop appropriate attitudes and inculcate values that would help them acquire the ability to become effective leader and develop community, according to John Makhabo, District Youth Coordinator, NYK, Mokokchung, who was one of the animators. In his deliberation, John spoke on leadership, qualities and function of a leader. Highlighting the characteristics of effective leaders, he said one should be able to communicate effectively, take initiatives, be resourceful, and assume full responsibilities with creative and critical thinking skills.

John also stressed on the need for personality development, where one can develop self-confidence, self esteem and positive attitude towards life. He pointed out that Nagas are very good in implementation, but very poor in documentation.

Hence, he asked the youth

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ant” with full of potential and multi-faceted talents, he urged the youth to wake up to realize their potential and talents. Hutton said in order to become living witnesses of God, lead the people, or succeed in any profession, one must never give in to his or her weaknesses or make excuses. He reminded the congregation how Moses initially refused to take up the responsibility of leading his people by making excuses to God. Dr. Hutton further said that in order to lead the people or succeed in life, one must have the courage to face the “pharaohs” in one’s life (whether external or internal). Then God will surely convert the weaknesses to strengths, he added.

Kihoto Theological College (Yahkor village, Tuensang), Showuba CYE and pastors’ group presented special numbers. The service started with invocation prayer pronounced by Juno Chuba, executive secretary, RRDA and women secretary, YBBA, Toshila chaired the service.

In the evening, executive secretary of Phom Baptist Christian Association, Nuklu Phom, delivered his message on “Vigilant youth in the global outlook.”

Developing leadership and personality of youth

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to be effective in documentation of all activities carried out. He appealed to the youth to be agent of change and positive contribution to the society.

The DYC also took a lengthy session on career guidance and counselling, where he interacted with the youth and asked them to properly decide on their career, according to a press release. He reiterated that one should take up a career of one’s own desire and not of others. He also told the Santa Claus stands guard outside a second hand clothing store in Kiphire. (Morung Photo) participants to keep career option broad; envision private sector or set up small industries which can create jobs for others too.

Meanwhile, Sanen, Programme Coordinator, Youth with a Mission, took sessions on effective communication skills, public speaking, building self-esteem. He called upon the youth to be a leader who is effective in communication as one has to be a good teacher working with the community. He also pointed out that many speakers make mistake by not keeping in mind the important elements of public speaking. “It is important to know who you are speaking to and their aspirations,” he stressed. He also taught the participants the process of building self-esteem to Pedestrians walk past a giant Christmas star put up ahead of Christmas celebration at Inpositive living. disen Colony in Dimapur on Saturday, December 6. Photo by Caisii Mao

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DPC does its part to make Dimapur clean

Dimapur Press Club members during the cleanliness drive on December 7.

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DiMapur, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): In an effort to create awareness on cleanliness, at the same time, pitching in its bit to help keep Dimapur clean, working journalists in Dimapur under the banner of Dimapur Press Club (DPC) Sunday morning picked up brooms, paint brushes, etc. for six hours to give a clean and fresh look to Naga Shopping Arcade (Super Market) here from 6 am onwards.

Besides sweeping clean the road and pavements, the

journalists painted the road embankments with brick red (terracotta) and trees with white to give a new look to the area, which is one of the most frequented places by visitors in Dimapur.

The DPC had chosen the Naga Shopping Arcade area in its clean Dimapur initiative as it is one of the most happening places for family and friends in the city come festive season, according to a press release. Currently, the area is host to the street fair, night

bazaar, handloom/khadi expo, and come December 15, it will play host to the Dimapur Night Carnival.

In order to ensure that its clean Dimapur initiative is not a one-off event, the DPC has also decided to adopt the area and would be regularly maintaining the place.

Meanwhile, the DPC has expressed gratitude to the Gloria Patri team for voluntarily coming forward to assist the club in its cleanliness drive.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Monday

8 December 2014

Dimapur

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and more people opting Chamling to enter 21st year as CM of transformed Sikkim More for online shopping in Mizoram

New Delhi, December 7 (iANS): Sikkim Democratic Front leader Pawan Chamling, the longest serving chief minister currently in office, completes 20 years at the helm of this pretty Himalayan state later this week and could well be on the way to breaking the record of late Communist leader Jyoti Basu.

Chamling, who became chief minister for the first time Dec 12, 1994 when he was 44 years old, was given again the mandate in May this year for an impressive straight fifth term, after he secured for his party a decisive 55-percent vote share and as many as 22 out of the 32 assembly seats.

Once he completes the present term, he will surpass the feat of Jyoti Basu who became chief minister of West Bengal on June 21, 1977 and went on to serve in that capacity for 23 years till Nov 6, 2000, when he handed over the baton to his close aide Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

In these 20 years of Chamling's rule, what has been the progress achieved

in Sikkim -- India's secondsmallest state in terms of area after Goa, and the least populated one with a little over 600,000 people? Going by the statistics, the record has been quite impressive.

"Completion of 20 consecutive years as chief minister and giving our party a fifth term is in itself a major milestone. But in these 20 years, much progress has been made, and some of these are quite visible and measurable," said P.D. Rai, the sole member of parliament in Lok Sabha from Sikkim, told IANS. According to him, Sikkim ranks best in India on the Gini Index that measures the spread of wealth among people and income inequality; it has already eradicated abject poverty of its people; it has the best growth of gross state domestic product of 12.26 percent per annum; and it ranks among the top three states in terms of per capita income.

"By 2015-16, in my reckoning, we will be a poverty-free state," said Rai, an alumnus of both IIT and

Pawan Chamling

IIM, adding: "The chief minister is people-centric, and within that a rural-centric approach has kept people happy. So what he has managed is a Sikkim that today enjoys an environment of communal harmony, free of social tensions."

On the personal front, Chamling was born Sep 22, 1950 in Yangang, in the southern part of the state.

He is also a well-known Nepali language writer, using the pen name "Kiran" and

received the Bhanu Puraskar in 2010, awarded by the Sikkim Sahitya Parishad.

One of the best-known projects conceived by him that has grabbed the national attention was to make Sikkim a fully-organic state. The project started in a small way in 2003 and became a mission in 2010. The chief minister got an assembly resolution passed for this. The state even stopped lifting its share of subsidised fertil-

isers from the central pool seven years ago.

From 2015, this dream will be a reality and any produce from any part of Sikkim will be fully organic -- an impressive list of produce including tomatoes, peppers, Chinese and Indian cabbage, lettuce, turnip, beetroot, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, some 60 varieties of local rice, ginger, cardamom, grain, oranges and bananas.

This achievement was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one of his first addresses to parliament.

"Sikkim is a small state.

It's sparsely populated.

But is set to become a fully organic state soon. This is a matter of pride," Modi said. "If a small state like Sikkim can do it, why can't we dream of developing the whole of our northeast as an organic state?

The Government of India will help it in capturing the global market."

Chamling's success, his aides say, has much to do with his style and approach.

"The chief minister's policies, right from the beginning, have been simple but focused," says Bhim Dhungel, till recently, the state's tourism minister and now the party's general secretary. "Some targeted short-term programmes, medium-term strategies and a long-term vision have all operated together," Dhungel told IANS. The short-term programmes involved immediate help for the needy in the form of food, shelter and medicines, the medium-term strategy focused on schemes for education, tourism, healthcare, agriculture and horticulture, while the long-term vision gave institutional and infrastructure support for these initiatives.

"The fruits of this approach are quite visible.

The most important thing is people are happy," said Dhungel. "Why else would people elect a chief minister for the fifth straight time and why else would our party manage a popular mandate of 55 percent of the votes?"

Plan to construct roads along Indo-China border AASU urges PM to seal Bangla iTANAGAr, December 7 (PTi): Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Arunachal Pradesh government have responded with alacrity to the Centre's plan to construct roads along the Indo-China border for the movement of defence forces as well as Arunachalees living along the boundary.

While Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju has announced a challenging 2000-km-long road along the McMahon Line from Mago-Thingbu in Tawang district to Vijaynagar in Changlang district, whose survey and investigation would begin

this year, the BRO has expedited the work for the 221km Daporijo-Taksing road in Upper Subansiri district.

BRO's 'Project Arunank' Chief Engineer Brig H K Pokhariyal called on Home Minister Tanga Byaling here last month to apprise him of the progress following resentment by a local leader about the pace of work.

Attributing the delay to natural calamity that had washed away the 3.5-km road from Yarbe to Kayte Nala that had forced the BRO to develop another alignment along river Subansiri, the official said that cutting the 80 to 90 degree vertical

Clouded leopard gets a new lease of life in Siphahijala

NE policy stays, commerce ministry clarifies

AGArTAlA, December 7 (PTi): The endangered clouded leopard has got a new lease of life in the Sipahijala Sanctuary, the only national breeding centre in the country which registers at least two births annually of the species.

"The sanctuary is the only conservation breeding project for clouded leopards, where the population of the animal has risen to eight. Of them three are male, four female and one cub", Krishna Gopal Roy, Director of the Zoo in the sanctuary said.

Altogether there are 14 clouded leopards including those born in the captive breeding center. Only seven such leopards were sighted in the wild in the sanctuary during last year's census.

Named after the cloudlike spots on its coat to provide camouflage in its forest habitat, there are 20 in Tripura, according to the census report of the Forest Department.

Migratory birds including lesser whistling teals, pintails and darter have arrived in the Sepahijala Sanctuary in the first week of November, Wildlife warden of the sanctuary, Amit Debbarma said.

"Last year slightly more than 26000 lesser whistling teals came to the sanctuary. It seems the number is more than last year even as the fowl census is yet to be conducted this year. Besides birds like pintail and Darter were also seen in the sanctuary," Wildlife Warden of the Sanctuary, Amit Debbarma told PTI. Last year only 86 pintails and eight darters were seen in the sanctuary, Debbarma said, adding this time the number would be almost the same.

Located at a distance of 35 km from Agartala, the sanctuary covers an area of 18.53 sq km. It is home to a large number of wildlife species, particularly birds and primates.

GuwAhATi, December 7 (ASiAN AGe): The commerce ministry, which had suspended the Northeast Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy for Northeast on Saturday took a U-turn and in another letter to the secretaries of the states on Saturday clarified that policy has neither been cancelled nor withdrawn.

In a letter to secretaries of industries department of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Megha-

rock formation to build the road was a great challenge and time consuming.

However, earth cutting is going from both ends even by deploying additional equipment like medium weight crawler rock driller to speed up progress, Byaling said quoting the official.

During the 1962 Chinese aggression, rifleman Shere Thapa of 1 JAK Rifles had killed many Chinese jawans at the inaccessible Tama Chungchung ridge near the source of Subansiri river before being gunned down by PLA. His mortal remains were

laya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, the ministry said, “In continuation to department’s earlier letter dated December 1, the undersigned is directed to clarify that scheme under NEIIPP-2007 have neither been cancelled nor withdrawn.” The letter written by under secretary Arun Kumar further said, “The allocations for the schemes under NEIIPP have been fully utilised and liability have been incurred far in excess of

buried there. His memorial stands tall at Ime Seiko Nala and he is highly revered by locals. BRO had built a bridge in 2010 and named after the martyr, whom the Army had declared a deserter and wrote him off its records.

Byaling appreciated the BRO's efforts and progress, going by the communication and transportation problems of the locals who have to walk down for days together carrying their essentials from Limiking to Taksing. He assured all possible help for early completion of the road to provide solace to the Arunachalees.

plan and annual allocation.

The DIPP has taken up the issue with relevant ministries.”

The letter dated December 5 was delivered to the secretaries of the Northeastern states’ industry department on Saturday.

In what had raised many eyebrows that commerce ministry instead to taking steps to stop the pilferage of subsidy unilaterally decided to suspend the scheme through a communication on December 1.

border within six months

GuwAhATi, December 7 (TNN): The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seal the India-Bangladesh border along Assam within the next six months and protect the state's land.

Addressing the media here on Saturday, AASU leaders hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre for taking the stand of the previous UPA-government of going ahead with the deal.

"Amid continuous threats from jihadi elements, the porous IndiaBangladesh border has posed a serious threat to Assam, which can be used by terror outfits to expand their network in the state.

The land-swap deal is not a solution for Assam. Protecting its land and sealing the international border will be beneficial for the state," said AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya.

At a time when the landswap deal has been facing criticism from various political parties and students' organizations in the state, AASU demanded that BJP MPs from Assam and the state unit make their stand clear on the land-swap deal.

Plan Panel a National Spirit, must continue: Arunachal CM New Delhi, December 7 (PTi): Congressruled Arunachal Pradesh today opposed the move to do away with the Planning Commission, saying it is a "national spirit" that must be continued.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki described the plan panel as a single window for small states to air grievances on issues like regional aspirations and centre-state disputes.

Addressing a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss future of the Planning Commission, he said to understand the specific and peculiar requirements of the hill/ tribal/special categories states and to ride on their strengths towards the shared goal of developing them - an institution of the magnitude of Planning Commission is sine qua non (essential or indispensable element).

Tuki said the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had set forth to chart out the development of the nation and for doing so, he envisioned an institution, with fresh ideas and spirit of accommodation for all, especially the weak and marginalised sections of the society.

He said the Planning

Gogoi opposes move to scrap Plan panel GuwAhATi, December 7 (PTi): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, a Congress veteran, on Sunday opposed the move to scrap the Planning Commission, saying replacing it without carefully devising a new structure was likely to do more harm than good.

"Perhaps, what is required is to reorient and reform the Commission to meet the needs of the current era. I would like to emphasise that such replacement, without carefully devising the new structure to meet the obligations of our polity and economy, is likely to do more harm than good," he said.

Gogoi was addressing the conference of Chief Ministers convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the future of the plan panel.

"Let me put it on record that I am not favour of replacing the Planning Commission by a new institution without a proper examination of the implications involved and in the absence of an institutional structure acceptable to all," he said.

Commission has had a national consensus and appeal for the last 60 years being an organisation propelling the socioeconomic growth of India.

"I firmly believe that this spirit of national consensus must continue. We can safely give credit to the Planning Commission for all the achievements in the plan sector of the nation," he said.

The Chief Minister

He said while every one recognises that the country has come a long way and our economy has evolved and transformed over the last several decades, there is a need to carefully introspect whether there is requirement to enable reform and evolution of this institution to enable it to meet new challenges or to replace it entirely with a new institution.

The chief minister said the fact of the matter is that India is a country with huge inter-regional, inter-state and intra-state disparities. The only way to close these gaps is through a planned process of public investment to address human and social development requirements, and by planning and investment in economic infrastructure of all kinds, he said.

"It is here that the role of the Planning Commission is crucial. We have to be careful not to arbitrarily jettison this role of the Commission. Besides, there is lack of clarity on the institutional reform necessary to meet the requirements of the new economy. We must consider very carefully," he said.

said the body has been undertaking three tasks drawing blueprint of the nation's perspective development plans in the form of five year plans, entails the allocation of resources to states in the form of annual plan and formulation of policies and programmes, assessment of schemes of the ministries.

These three broad functions in unison pro-

vide the space to the Planning Commission to have a holistic visualisation and implementation of development initiatives of Government.

"Any other Ministry even the Finance Ministry, will not have this temperament and therefore doing away with the Planning Commission will deprive this important aspect of development planning," he said.

"Before the Lok Sabha elections, the land-swap deal was not good for Assam, but how can it become beneficial after the polls for the BJP?" questioned Bhattacharyya.

AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi warned that the government will face an agitation if a bill is placed in Parliament to give nod to the land-swap deal. "Handing over of Assam's land to Bangladesh is not acceptable at any cost," said Gogoi.

The students' body will burn the copies of the Indo-Bangladesh land-swap deal across Assam on Monday in protest against the NDA-government's move to give ascent to the deal.

AASU president Sankar Prasad Ray criticized the Centre for taking a Uturn on the issue just after returning to power. "Without consulting the people of Assam, the Centre wants to finalize the deal, which is condemnable," said Ray. The students' body demanded construction of roads along the border and constant vigil on infiltrators.

AASUalsodemandedfloating outpostsinriversalong the international border through which illegal immigrants are sneaking into India.

AizAwl, December 7 (PTi): With online shopping gnawing at its feet, shopping in the markets in Mizoram has come down drastically even when Christmas is fast approaching.

More and more people in the Christian-dominated state are purchasing commodities on the Internet.

According to rough estimates, nearly 18,000 parcels were received here through online business during October which would be worth around Rs 87.47 lakh.

Popular online merchants included Zovi.Com which has local boy Joel Sailo as the design manager signifying that Mizos are not only buyers but also profit makers in the ever-growing online business.

Courier services in the state, especially here in the capital city, are tackling more and more consignments as Christmas approaches.

Myntra Service Point at Zarkawt locality here now has doubled itself as a courier service receiving 1,289 items during October of

which 93 per cent were cash on delivery and 10 per cent to be sent outside Aizawl.

Malsawmdawngliana, vice president of Mizoram Courier and Logistics Association, says, "We are like dak-runners and online shopping is only a part of our business."

Mushrooming online business has hurt many local business establishments prompting the Mizoram Merchants Association (MIMA) to meet state Finance Minister Lalsawta, who also holds taxation portfolio, and urging him to check the fast-growing e-business.

Lalsawta, while making it clear that the government did not have any intention to stop online shopping, says it was trying to find ways to levy tax on commodities entering the state through courier and postal services. He also says that some businessmen in Aizawl were forced to close their shops after online shopping hampered their business by offering commodities at much cheaper rates.

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VISIT FOR

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DAY EIGHT Highlights

Guest of Honour : Mr. Rajeev Chandrashekhar MP Rajya Sabha

• Cultural performances by different Naga Tribes 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

• Traditional Spear Target Throw Competition (Amphitheatre)

(12:00 noon) (YRSD).

• Naga Cultural performances .............1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Naga Chef Continues....

Evening Highlights :

LAND FOR SALE Prime Residential Plot for Sale Near Don Bosco School, Kohima Contact: - 8014559264

• Love East - EDM/Rap night : LC (naga Rapper) will do the opening act. (Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima) (5:00 p.m.onwards)

• Hornbill Night Carnival continues......

ADMISSION OPEN ages 2 to 5 years classes:

TODDLERS º NURSERY º LKG º UKG House No 74, Adjacent to Shri. Ramakhrishna Society Duncan Bosti, Dimapur, Nagaland CONTACT NO 8257907205 • 9436062930 OFFICE HOURS 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.

4

Dimapur

public discoursE

Monday 8 December 2014

businEss Chevrolet offers discounts of up to Rs 85,500 on MPV Enjoy, Beat, others

New Delhi, December 7 (Fe): Just before the end of 2014, Chevrolet is offering attractive deals and offers to clear the remaining stock for this year. Stock clearing sale is not an exception and every year manufacturers present some good deals for buyers. Chevrolet is offering benefits and discounts of upto INR 85,500. This scheme includes added exchange bonus, cash discounts, loyalty bonus and corporate discounts for the month of December only. The offer is available for the entire Chevrolet line up except for Captiva SUV. The offer is valid in all 255 dealerships of Chevrolet across the country.

Rajesh Singh, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Service, General Motors India, stated that the company have thrived to offer customers complete value for their purchase and this the reason that they have announced these delightful offers for customers who chose to own a Chevy this month.

Coming to the offers presented, it is the MPV Enjoy that is offered with maximum benefits of upto INR 85,500. Following it, is the popular hatchback Beat which is offered with benefits of INR 83,000. While the Sail hatchback and Sail sedan comes with a benefit of INR 55,000, both these cars were recently updated. On the other hand, rest of the lineup that comprises of Tavera MPV is giving a benefit of upto INR 55,000. While premium sedan Cruze and small hatch Spark gets a benefit of INR 60,000 and INR 68,000 respectively.

Apart from this, Chevrolet is working hard in making a strong dealer and

service base in India. Earlier this year, as an initiative to make a strong hold of customer relations, Chevy India introduced the ‘Chevrolet Complete Care programme’ for its customers. The camp assured low cost maintenance for every customer across India. The company assures a low cost maintenance, exclusive warranty packages, Chevrolet U-First customer centric program and apps, and a round-theclock 24×7 roadside assistance program which is free for three years with all new car purchases. Company has 272 authorized service outlets to meet the requirement of customers across the country.

Chevrolet is involving more digital applications such as the Chevrolet Service Estimator online tool available on the Chevy India website, that helps the user calculate periodic service costs. Moreover, MyChevroletIndia mobile app was also launched by the company that helped users locate and contact their nearest authorized Chevrolet service facility.

Recently, Chevrolet’s beat crossed the 1 million units sales figure worldwide that have hyped company’s confidence. Beat was first launched in 2009 worldwide and since then, more than 1.80 lac units have been sold in India alone. The small hatch known for its excellent fuel efficiency is retailed in 70 countries. Beat is also the most fuel efficient hatch of the country and is also going to receive a facelift, probably in mid 2015. Same is the case with its premium sedan Cruze that has been a chartbuster worldwide, though it has gained moderate success in India.

Air India asked to slash expenses

New Delhi, December 7 (PTi): Facing a cash crunch, Air India was today asked by the government to slash expenditure on operational heads by ten per cent and improve performance and passenger facilitation, officials said.

The direction came after top airline officials including CMD Rohit Nandan made a presentation on Air India’s performance parameters at a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his Minister of State Mahesh Sharma here.

The officials said Air India, burdened by losses of about Rs. 5,400 crore in 2013-14, was asked by the Minister to strive to prune its operational costs by at least 10%. The Minister also told the airline officials to improve on-time performance of its flights by reducing delays and providing timely and proper information to passengers about any delay.

The passengers hit by flight delays should be provided with refreshments and alternate connections in case of major delays, they said, adding that a system of leadership should be established at the operational level to meet any crisis. Raju reviewed Air India’s performance over the last six months and noted the improvement in its market share and financial performance, but said accelerated efforts should be made to improve profitability to achieve a faster turnaround, especially when jet fuel prices have come down substantially.

Constant efforts should be made to ensure that the rich benefits earned by Air India by entering into the Star Alliance should be sustained, the Minister said. Stressing optimum utilisation of resources, Raju suggested greater utilisation of its subsidiary, Air India Engineering Services Ltd, so that most of the aircraft repairs and maintenance activities are carried out in-house and savings made.

Santa Claus And Your Christmas!!

A

s I was on my way back to our hostel after a PreChristmas Program organised annually by our Evangelical Union in Guwahati, I was patted on my shoulders by my roommate who is a non-believer saying, “Brother, I had fun today. You guys have done a marvellous job”. I smiled and replied, “Thanks Ye to God”. He had so much of praise for Santa Claus for distributing chocolates and the fun he had during the gift exchanges. But one thing which he questioned me, made me feel so embarrassed that I held my head down and remained silent for some time. Bro! He said. “During our Pujas we always let our women to be modest in their way of dressing. But why is it that in your Holy Celebration your women wear boxers and shorts and short skirts?” I realised that all the time and pain we took to organised the event went for nothing. Our sole purpose was to share the Gospel, win hearts and bring more disciples under Him. But our purpose had been over shadowed by the figure of Santa Claus, gift exchanges and exposing of flesh. The following year, after deliberate discussion among the committee members and with our senior advisors, not withholding the ferocious opposition by some of the members as well, our EU put an end to the Santa Claus Custom and gift exchange program. Our senior advisors also asked our women folks to be modest and to mind their dressing in order not to provoke the pervert minds of some of the guys in our college.

Here in our State, in our villages and towns we spend hundreds and thousands of rupees in decorating and constructing useless figures of

I

find no solace; my mind is restless, my heart is troubled. In anger, I bang my fist against the wall. In frustration, I suffered in silence. The wealth of the world bought me no happiness. The fame of the world gave me no pleasure.

The suffering I endured was a result of my own folly. The spiritual agony I experienced was because of my unfaithfulness. Loving God was my desire. But the love of the world got the better of me.

I was in spiritual bondage.

The chains of sin bonded me.

I became a slave to sin again but that was not to be it. The Lord wanted me back to be in His service again. God is merciful to those who truly

Game Number # 3077

and treats, but only for the good boys and girls. There are different versions of the legend of Saint Nicholas, but all are the inspiration of the jolly, redsuited gift-giver that we now know as Santa Claus.

Many Christian parents are torn as to whether or not they should play the “Santa game” with their children.

On one hand, he makes Christmas fun and magical, leaving wonderful holiday memories for years to come.

On the other hand, the focus of Christmas should be on Jesus Christ and how much He has already given us. So, it the story of Santa Claus an innocent addition to Christmas festivals, or is he a subject that should be avoided?

Parents need to use their own judgement in deciding whether or not to include Santa during the holidays, but here are some things to consider: Children who believe that the gifts they receive Christmas morning are from a magical man with unending resources are less likely to appreciate what they have been given, and the sacrifices their parents make in providing them.

Greed and materialism can over shadow the holiday season, which is meant to be about giving, loving, and worshipping God. Children whose parents are on a tight budget may feel that they have been overlooked

by Santa, or even worse, deemed one of the “bad” boys or girls.

An even more troubling aspect of telling children that Santa comes down the chimney each year to leave their gifts is that it is, obviously a lie.

We live in a society that believes that lying for the right reason is acceptable. As long as it does not hurt anyone, it is not a problem. This is con-

trary to what the Bible tells us. “For the scripture say, ‘If you want to live a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies”. (1 Peter 3:10). Of course telling our children that Santa is real is not a malicious deception, but it is, nevertheless, a lie.

Although it is probably not typical, some children honestly feel deceived and betrayed by their parents when that find out that Santa is not real. Children trust their parents to tell them the truth, and it is the parent’s responsibility not to break this trust. If they do, they will not believe more important things such as t truth about Christ, whom they also cannot physically. As a young kid I grew up expecting gifts from Santa Claus through the chimney. Mom would vehemently rebuke, though she always left a gift for my sister and I near the chimney saying it is from Jesus.

This doesn’t mean that we must leave Santa completely out of Christmas. Children can still play the Santa Game even if they know it is all pretend. This will not rob them of their joy of the season and gives the parents the opportunity to tell their children about the godly qualities of the real Saint Nicholas, who dedicated his life to serving others and made himself into a living example of JESUS CHRIST. But this figure of Santa Claus sometimes overshadows Christ especially in the field of Evangelism where we proclaim to the non believers about Christ. Therefore it is the duty of us, believers, to take certain probationary measures in this regard.

Atoba A Longkumer Duncan, Dimapur.

loves Him. He will never forsake you; never will he leave you. The way He pulled me out of the pit is the evidence of His great unfailing love.

God shows no favoritism. His mercy shall always be upon those who shun evil. The end is near, O sinners. Wake up.

The time is near, the hour is at hand. Turn to Him while you still can. He cares for you as much as He cares for me. Tomorrow may never be yours.

But if you make Christ your love today; eternal life will be yours. Turn to God, save yourselves and others. This is what we are called to do.

The “man of sin” desires the downfall of those God’s chosen people. It is in his nature to cause grief misery

and torment in the lives of those who loves God. Since the born again Christians are a threat to the forces of evil, the evil ones trains their guns on them. Those who are in a good relationship with Christ suffers the most when they give into temptations. Temptation is a spirit which will always dog us wherever we go.

The closer to it the harder it will be for us to overcome. Every upright Christians should always be alert lest he or she falls into the ends of the enemy. We were born in sin and we are sinful by nature which as a result makes us vulnerable to the deceptions of sin.

Even after having the knowledge of the truth, our thought leads us astray. During the

early years of my ministry I struggled a lot spiritually. It was hard to live with the sin in me because the knowledge of the truth was deep rooted in me. My confidence was lost and I felt like a loser for a long period of time. But God in his mercy restored me back to the position which I had been entrusted to hold. It amazing that He shows mercy even to the vilest of sinners.

This is also evidenced in Ephesians 2:4-6 which states “But God rich in mercy, for the great love He bore us, bought us to the life with Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Its by His grace you are saved. And in union with Christ, He raised us up and enthroned us in

the heavenly realms.

It is by the power of His great love that we now have an edge over the enemy.

As God says in His Word “ I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Luke 5: 32. It is our sins that Christ died for. Being aware of this let us pray that we will never again fall into the hands of the enemy.

Take guard of what is now yours. The Church of Christ exhorts you to give your best in all that you do and to live for Christ alone.

Ambrose .J. Chakre Founder President Ambrose Foundation on Christ Ministries Kohima Nagaland.

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.

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

Santa Claus. Enormous labour, time and money are being wasted during this season. Poor efficiency and low effectiveness are the hallmark of functioning of different organs in our state. The delivery system is abysmally poor and certain sections of the society within our villages cannot avail to basic health facilities and remain deprived and suffer. Instead of wasting our resources in idolising this Santa Claus and his allied figures, we should divert this fund in providing basic health services to the poor. I therefore urge the Village Councils, the Municipal Councils and the Ward Councils, the apex governing bodies at the grass roots to effectively mobilise the people and its resources for a more pragmatic undertaking.

And although the Santa Claus is a mythical figure, his creation is based in part on a great Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra, who lived in the 4th century. Nicholas was born to Christian parents who left him an inheritance when they died, which he distributed to the poor. He became a priest at a young age and was well known for his compassion and generosity. He had a reputation for giving gifts anonymously, and he would throw bags of money into people’s homes (and sometime down their chimneys) under the cover of night to avoid being spotted.

Nicholas passed away on December 6 sometime around the 340s and 350s AD, and the day of his death became an annual feast in which children would put out food for Nicholas and straw for his donkey. It was said that the saint would come down from heaven during the night and replace the offerings with toys

Deliverance from Sin

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LEISURE

The Morung Express

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3085

Answer Number # 3076

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital:

227930, 231081

Faith Hospital:

228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station 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

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Christian Christmas ANGELS AUGUSTUS BETHLEHEM BIRTH BLESSED CAMEL CANDLE CANTATA CHRISTMAS CHRIST DONKEY FAMILY FRANKINCENSE GOLD HEAVEN HEROD INNKEEPER JESUS JOSEPH JUDEA LOVE KINGS MANGER MARY MYRRH PEACE SAVIOR SHEPHERDS STAR STRAW TAXES WISEMAN

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K I N H V Y R A S D K J Z F N H H E R P

T H P R U D N J G H G K J I G Q A Q X T

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K C P G J N W Y L I M A F A A O Z I I O

O R N V X E N A S A I U K O B Q S S M Y

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G O A N G E L S D D S G H T R I B X Y L

V O L X F W L D B I A U O Q E B O J Y L

G G J T H I Y R A M M S J F P Z I T U H

J M E D E S S E L B T T N R E U G F Y M

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L F H O A E P H I Y S U W A E D U J X E

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A V D K E A O E P J R L J K N Y L O V E

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A P O E N N F H E I H E E I N R R B N L

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U P E A C E S P A Z D P U C C H R I S T

R G H W A R T S U Q J O S E P H Q T T E

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Z P R D G P F U Z B S N R K L P Y I X H

ACROSS 1. Puts on 6. Immediately 10. Scatters seeds 14. Metal bar 15. Murres 16. Two-toed sloth 17. A sport involving a ball and a net 19. Remain 20. No particular person 21. C 22. Cancel 23. Proprietor 25. Anxious 26. Shock 30. Chemical cousin 32. Tallest mountain 35. A baby’s room 39. Covet 40. Something of small importance 41. Scrutinize 43. Recurrence 44. Temporary 46. Large North American deer (plural) 47. Navigational aid 50. Little 53. A musical pause 54. Big wine holder

55. Large indefinite amount 60. Against 61. Interlace 63. Hissy fit 64. Storage cylinder 65. Embankment 66. Rabbit 67. Cards with 1 symbol 68. Go on a buying spree

DOWN 1. Opera star 2. Nameless 3. Not pretty 4. Western tie 5. Shorthand 6. A type of large sandwich 7. Vestiges 8. Control surface on a plane 9. Story 10. Seditious 11. Scallion 12. Gulleys 13. Soft leather 18. A type of evergreen tree 24. Louse-to-be 25. Latin name for our planet 26. A Star Wars hero 27. Baking appliance 28. Not more 29. Three-party

31. Mongrel 33. Construct 34. Religious offshoot 36. Wicked 37. Hazard 38. Sweet potatoes 42. Historic ship 43. How old you are 45. Urticate 47. Collide 48. Reddish brown 49. Active 51. Neither ___ 52. Cries of pain 54. Brand of credit card 56. Very intense 57. Wash 58. Not odd 59. Sow 62. Dawn goddess Ans to CrossWord 3084

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

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

DIMAPUR: 03862 232201/ 101 (O) 9436017479 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 03862 282777/101 (O) 9856158740 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369 2226225/ 101 (O) 9436012949 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 9862130954(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867 280304/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 8414853519 MON: 03869 251222/ 101 (O) 9436208480 (OC) KipHire: 8414853767 (O) 8974304572 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA: 0370 2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860 242215/101 (O) 9862039399 (OC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1:

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

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

61.58 96.25 7.92 52.52 47.10 54.35 52.00

62.02 97.34 8.01 53.28 47.66 55.01 52.64

Euro

76.23

77.04

Danish Krone

10.23

10.36

Norwegian Krone New Zealand Dollar Swedish Krona

9.03

9.13

47.82

48.55

8.25

8.34

DDlSa conducts lok adalat

Lok Adalat in session at the District Court building in Dimapur on December 6.

DimaPur, December 7 (mexN): The Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) organized National Lok Adalat on December 6 and settled claims amounting to Rs. 2,09,42,260. A total of 131 cases relating to motor vehicle accidents, money suits of various banks and insurance companies were

settled at the Lok Adalat. 28 criminal cases were also settled on the day.

Lok Adalats are an alternative dispute resolution mechanism which provide speedy disposal of cases where parties settle disputes primarily through mutual agreement and thereby avoiding protracted legal proceedings in re-

spect of the claims. DDLSA has conducted a number of such Lok Adalats where several cases have been successfully settled. The general public are encouraged to avail of these services, the details of which may be obtained from the Front Office of the DDLSA at the District Court building in Dimapur.

Kohima, December 7 (DiPr): Day Seven of the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage village, Kisama, saw performances showcasing the different cultures of the tribes in Nagaland.

Eastern Commander Lt. General MMS Rai AVSM, VSM was the special guest on the occasion. He was accompanied by his wife Kiran Rai, who is the president of Eastern Command Army Wife Welfare Association (AWWA).

Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Treasuries & Accounts Vikho-o Yhoshu, Advisor, Tourism E.E. Pangteang and GOC 3 Corps Lt. General Bipin Rawat were among the other notable dignitaries present on the occasion.

The cultural troupes which participated in the morning session included Saramati Rekhiangpong Dancing Club Salomi Village (Yimchungru) – Tsungkam Neo/Neo-do Neo; Bhunmnyu Cultural Troupe (Phom) – Folk Dance; Aosungkum Cultural Club Mokokchung (Ao) – Drama; Dimasa Cultural Troupe Dimapur (Kachari) – War Dance; Phiro Cultural Club Wokha Town (Lotha) – Pounding of rice; Tuophema Village Cultural Troupe (Angami) – Indigenous games; Kuki Cultural Troupe Inbung (Kuki) – Salu Lam/Sal-

Contestants of the Pork Fat Eating Competition at the Hornbill Festival in Kisama on December 7. (DIPR Photo)

pork served is cooked without it even more challenging for the any ingredients or spices making contestants.

changki Village council notice

1. Various customary bindings had been imposed on law-breakers of Changki Village customary laws from time to time, including members of the Emremchangki clan from Changki village.

2. Changki Village Council had lifted those bindings on all the violaters of village customary law, initially up to 01/08/2014, to create a situation of total amnesty in the village to facilitate reconciliation process in the village, especially with Emremchangki rebels, within Changki’s customary laws and practices.

3. On 03/08/2014, the Changki Village Council had given a written undertaking that we would initiate for “amicable reconciliation between the parties of the case in connection with the Changki clan issue”.

4. While Changki people had been seized with the issue, as committed to D.C. Mokokchung to find out ways and means for amicable reconciliation within our own customary laws and practices, the D.C. issued an order on 04/09/2014 stopping VDB Grants to the village with immediate effect, without any legal basis, with the stated intention of enforcing the Order of ADC (J), which in effect would amount to forcibly trying to change Changki’s founding history and our customary laws and practices connected therewith which can never be accepted by Changki village. In order to protect and preserve our village founding history as well as our age old customary laws and practices at any cost which constitute the very foundation and fabric of Changki life, we were prepared to undergo and are still prepared to undergo civil imprisonment as per orders of ADC (J) Mokokchung issued earlier, since this can never be changed through any Court declaratory order. The D.C.’s illegal order of 04/09/2014, instead of encouraging the reconciliation process has thus created suspicion and complicated the Changki issue. He has also deployed 1 (one) Platoon of NAP at Changki which at present is extremely peaceful and does not have any law and order problem. This has created further suspicion in the minds of the peaceful villagers. Should any law and order situation arise among the peaceful Changki villagers through any coercive orders or actions of the District Administration relating to the present Changki issue, the present D.C. should take full personal responsibility for it.

5. Since no declaratory Court order or administrative order from any authority can change Changki’s internal founding history or our traditional clan names, protected under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution and other laws framed by the State of Nagaland, this is to inform that the door remains open on Changki’s side, for all those on whom customary law bindings had been imposed but lifted up to the date of undertaking given by the Village Council on 03/08/2014 to D.C. Mokokchung, to rejoin normal Changki village life on their own, under Changki Village age-old customary jurisdiction of Changki Village Council.

Lendimenba Amri Chairman, Village Council Changki

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8 December 2014

Dimapur

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Hornbill Festival Day 7: Rotary Club holds seminar on ‘Domestic Violence’ Naga culture showcased

Chuba Temjen wins Pork Fat Eating Competition Kohima, December 7 (DiPr): One of the highlights of the Hornbill Festival, the Pork Fat Eating Competition saw people from all walks of life thronging and enjoying the competition at Kisama on Sunday.

Chuba Temjen Jamir from Mokokchung walked away as the champion with a cash prize of Rs. 15,000/- and certificate.

Lavohu Tsutso from Kohima and Throngsemong from Tuensang district bagged the first and second runners-up and received cash prizes of Rs. 10000/, 5000/- respectively along with certificates.

Altogether 28 participants - including two women - registered for the competition. The

Monday

LOCAL

The Morung Express

ha Kon (Folk Dance); Meluri Cultural Troupe (Pochury) – A-he and Khiamniungan Cultural Club Tuensang (Khiamniungan) – Jam Hang.

Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development Zhaleo Rio, Parliamentary Secretary for Forest Dr. Nicky Kire, Advisor, Tourism E.E. Pangteang, Commissioner & Secretary for Industries & Commerce MK Mero and legendary musician Vinnie Moore attended the afternoon session of the cultural programme.

The cultural troupes which performed in the afternoon session included Teragvunyu Youth Dengme Cultural Troupe (Rengma) – Singinyu Gen Keran Lu (Folk Song); Garo Historical & Cultural Society Dimapur (Garo) – Rugala Chokra or Rugala Dance; Longsoh Wotzo Cultural Troupe (Konyak) – Mai Pu (Ballad); Mbaupungwa Village Cultural Troupe (Zeliang) – Folk dance; Phelungre Women Society, Kiphire Town (Sangtam) – Folk song; Changun Cultural Society Tuensang (Chang) – Laaugh ngabu tetsida; Chekiye Women Cultural Group Dimapur (Sumi) – Kugha Kiche Tsa (Short play) and Dzulhami Village Cultural Troupe (Chakhesang) – Dzulha Rriwhu lizzo (Ode to the Dzulha warriors).

DimaPur, December 7 (mexN): Rotary Club of Dimapur organised a seminar on “Protection of Women against Domestic Violence” on December 6 at Rotary centre, Midland with S.P. Dutta, AG, RI Dist 3240 as chief guest and Advocate Sharif Ahmed as the resource person.

A press release from Rajeev Singh, President, Rotary Club of Dimapur informed that about 40 participants from different Women NGO's participated in the seminar. It was primarily aimed at educating the leaders of different NGOs about the laws and types of violence so that the information can be further disseminated to the members of women NGOs and the public.

Dutta highlighted the statistics of domestic violence in the country while Ahmed informed the participants of the various laws in the Indian constitution which can be used in protecting women from domestic violence.

NMYO CABA release ‘The Rays – Ner Kibong’ an Ao Christian music video 41st anniv album on December 7. The album titled ‘The Rays – Ner Ki-

Kohima, De cember 7 (mexN): The 41 st anniversary of New Market Youth Organization (NMYO) will be held on December 10, 2014 at the New Market Panchayat hall premises at 12:30 pm with Akuno Meyase, Deputy Secretary, Department of health and family welfare as the speaker.

NEZCC director, Lipokmar Tzudir releasing ‘The Rays – Ner Kibong’, a Ao Christain music video album at the CABA on December 7. (Photo by Sungjem Pongen)

DimaPur, December 7 Ao Baptist Church (CABA) (mexN): The Chumukedima Youth Department released

bong’ was produced by CABA in collaboration with musicians Moa Longkumer and Sunep Lemtur and directed by Chuba Longkumer. According to the CABA youth director, most of the artists featured in the video are CABA members.

The objective and essence of the video album is to spread the gospel, said the youth director. NEZCC director, Lipokmar Tzudir formally released the album at a programme at the CABA on Sunday evening, where a special screening of the album was held.

Public SPace be self reliant and celebrate BJP Nagaland responds to Z. Lohe

t is a well known fact that the economy of our state is largely dependent on the govt. and the state govt. has to depend on the Central govt. for sanctions to make ends meet. This is nothing unusual for a state which has no source of revenue generation of its own and more than 60% of the budget allocation is spent on the salary of its govt. employees. It was anticipated that the Prime Minister’s visit to Nagaland would also bring some financial packages to help the state get out of debts which has accumulated over the period of time. Modi’s beard may resemble that of Santa Clause but unfortunately the packet was missing and everybody was left high and dry, more so during this festive time.

Coming back to the economy of our state, majority of our people are dependent on the financial transaction of the state govt. Even the business community thrives or shrinks accordingly as funds released by the govt. determines the buying power of

the consumers. As it stands now, the people, both the sellers and costumers are in for a dry season as far as business is concerned. This trend does not augur well for us in the long run and it’s time to ponder and find ways to sustain ourselves without depending on any agencies. Self employment avenues have to be explored as self reliance is the best source of survival.

However, success cannot be achieved overnight but one must venture into something, however modest it may be, with full dedication and determination without losing hope instead of depending on the govt.

Today the situation is such that the business community is facing hardships as the circulation of money has dried up in the market drastically, particularly during this festive season and is far below as compared to the past. Considering the present scenario, the Sumi Council, Dimapur would like to appeal to all individuals, groups and organisations to desist from collecting money from the market

on some pretext or the other as everybody is going through hardships due to the financial crunch faced by the state.

Now coming back to the issue of self-reliance, it would be appropriate to cite the example of Geoffrey Yaden, the founder of Nagaland Post. If one goes back, it was a modest beginning in the Industrial Estate, Dimapur when he started the news daily but it was his sheer dedication and perseverance over the two decades which has propelled him to the position where he is today without any help from the govt. The younger generation need to emulate him and earn both name and fame by the dint of hard work and not expect anything on a platter. While congratulating him and his staff for completing 24 years of service to the society, the Sumi Council, Dimapur would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2015

B

JP Nagaland State Unit is not clear as to whether Z. Lohe is a politician, a NGO activist or a preacher. He seems desperately in search of his identity.

As a politician his personal integrity is well-known to all the Nagas. To refresh public memory, he left Congress and joined NPF in 2008 election when he was denied Congress ticket. He was the Adviser to Chief Minister in the rank of Cabinet Minister for full five year term of DAN-II government. In 2013 election, he left NPF and joined NCP when he was denied NPF ticket. He left NCP and joined Congress in 2014 Lok Sabha election. Now, he is back to square one; to his grand old party Congress that has been crushed beyond recover both in the national level as well as in Nagaland.

Z. Lohe is known for his vocal, both in Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) and ACAUT. It is a rare phenomenon in Nagaland for an active member of a political party to be so vocal on social issues of the State NGOs. We only hope that a person of temperament like him will stop embarrassing the NGOs he associates with.

Z. Lohe’s lengthy sermon defending himself with incidents happening elsewhere in India has nothing to do with the religious freedom we enjoy in our own Kuhoi Zhimo State. In theory, it is beautiful to think that Chairman we should have the same freedom outside Sumi Council, Dimapur Nagaland. As far as Nagaland State is con-

cerned, we have absolute constitutional safeguard provided by Article 371A in matters of religion and social practices. If there is any violation of those safeguards, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) has the power to reject it by assembly resolution. As the former Speaker of NLA and former Cabinet Minister, he will know better. Assertion of his faith could well have been done in a better way in a different environment without hurting anyone’s religious sentiment. It does not make a person a better Christian by attacking people of other faith. It could not be viewed as show of courage either. Christians are expected to have more self-restraint, given the fact that we worship a living God as he rightly pointed out. We can’t expect others to respect our faith elsewhere by disrespecting others’ faith in our land. His “Holier than Thou Art” attitude will neither work in politics nor in religion.

BJP’s communal face was painted by none other than the Congress and other political parties opposed to BJP, simply to polarize politics on religious line. Congress is afraid of BJP’s secular face because it will have no face then. India is not a theocratic State. There is no constitutional provision for a political party to become communal on religious line. It is just propaganda politics for people like Z. Lohe.

Media Cell BJP Nagaland

Rejoinder to the allegation of corruption in wagon allocation

I

am constrained to respond to the baseless and wild allegation of corruption in wagon allocation by one Kevise Sogotsu, President NTTU and published in local dailies including Nagaland Post 21st Nov 2014 and 5th Dec 2014. These allegations is nothing but `Sour Grapes`. Such allegations without the least element of truth deserves to be treated with scorn, much less, merits a response. However, Lest silence be misconstrued for guilt and give credence to hollow allegation levelled by disgruntled sections, who for their vested interests, continue to shamelessly mobilize support and mislead some others and cause groups like PDTA to affirm support as published in Nagaland Post on 6th of December, 2014-1206, in an attempt to create an artificial avalanche designed to overrun any upright public authority and Imodangba Pongen hammer them into submission.

Secretary This rejoinder is to set the reVillage Council cord straight once and for all and Changki for the benefit of all concerned.

The present incumbent is duty bound to take all necessary measures to improve the structure, services provided to the general public and the mandated goals of any department placed under his care.

Anyone knowing him will testify to the fact that it is in his character to pursue these ideals with utmost sincerity, and will be the first to roll up his sleeves and work shoulder to shoulder with the common man, subordinate officers and staffs and with any and every person, in the shared pursuit of effecting positive changes, promotion of public welfare and the advancement of our society and our state.

The incumbent is committed to these goals, and therefore has initiated measures to streamline the activities of the department and do justice to all sections of people, come rain or shine and shall not be deterred by threats, blackmail and other despicable tactics. Against this backdrop, wagon allocation was made, in compliance to the guidelines issued by the Hon’ble

Supreme Court of India and in consideration of all relevant factors and as per the established rules of procedure.

Such vitriolic outbursts, tantrums against a principled and disciplined servant and leader of the public, committed to the progress of our state 24X7 is uncalled for, most unfair and regrettable.

It is for Kevise Segotsu to declare before God and man, if he has paid a single penny to the Minister for securing Wagon allocation. If he genuinely contends that his allegations contains an iota of truth, he should approach appropriate authorities with the evidence, without any delay, if not, he should refrain from slandering and dragging the union`s name that he belongs to into disrepute., i.e, unless he owns the Union named NTTU, and it is his and free to do as he please.

Brazen allegations and irresponsible abuse of the media, hogging valuable print space, which otherwise may have been judiciously employed for the greater

good, in the promotion of their vested interests under a thin veil of claimed public interest is completely unacceptable. The likes of Kevise Sogotsu need to understand that such despicable tactics will not succeed. He shall be answerable, at the appropriate foray for wrongful and repeated attempts at character assassination without rhyme or reason.

NTTU is a misnomer and is by no means a representative organisation of all tree farmers and Timber Traders. The nomenclature was simply grabbed as it was unclaimed and freely available for the taking. Besides NTTU there are also other unions in the same trade with different nomenclature that needs consideration as well.

Suggestions, proposals and demands maybe made before a public authority. However, it is for the authority to consider it on its merit, and other relevant aspects, to do justice and not cause one to wrongfully gain at the expense of another’s loss.

Threats issued by Kevise Sogotsu, through third parties, to secure the allocation of 5 wagons were conveyed to the Hon`ble Minister. Sogotsu had even referred to an earlier instance, when he launched sensational attacks on one of the incumbent`s predecessor in the Print Media and how he had secured the desired no. of wagons. He had promised much more severe scathing attacks in the media if he is not allotted a minimum of 5 wagons. It is for all to consider the actual position, i.e, out of the 20 wagons allocated by the department quarterly, Seven (7) wagons were allocated to NTTU in the previous Quarter. Two was offered this time but was refused. There are a total number of 428 registered tree farmers in Dimapur alone. Let it be clear that the incumbent shall not be deterred to continue carrying out his duty with a clear conscience.

Hukato Chishi Press Secretary to Dr. Nicky Kire

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

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

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IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express MonDAy 8 DEcEMbEr 2014 voluME IX IssuE 338

Along Longkumer consulting Editor

Kuknalim Prime Minister Modi

THE EDIT PAGE

C O M M E N T A R Y

Madhu Malhotra

Bhopal: "until my last breath"

T

he much anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nagaland has ended and with it has started the exercise of writers and commentators trying to analyze the outcome of the PM’s visit. It is true that the public in Nagaland had expected PM Modi to, firstly announce some sort of financial package or at least a State specific development project and secondly, make mention of the Naga peace process. Given that the last PM to visit Nagaland, the BJP’s own Atal Behari Vajpayee, had addressed both points, the fact that Mr Modi did not touch on these subjects would have come as a disappointment to all those who had gathered at Kisama, especially the present political establishment.

However, as earlier mentioned in this column on December 1, 2014 under the editorial ‘Welcome Prime Minister Modi’, “Mr Modi is a very different Prime Minister from Vajpayee…”Also the editorial had mentioned that Nagaland was presently “suffering the pain of corruption” and that “Unless we are honest and accountable how can the Prime Minister trust us with crores of rupees?” True at the end, Mr Modi did not announce some grandeur financial package. But that does not mean that Nagaland will be left behind. Whatever help is needed for Nagaland’s development will come through the routine Budget allocation was the message from the Modi government.

And by remaining silent on the issue of package and bailout, Mr Modi was sending an underlying message that we the people of Nagaland led by the State government must learn our lessons and take corrective measures against the rampant corruption taking place in the name of peace and development. This column has been repeatedly sending out this message to the present government that it needs to demonstrate the course correction needed to have a strong, transparent and accountable government. This column again suggests that the Chief Minister should downsize and reset his government by appointing a small team of Ministers, like how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done at the Centre, focusing on minimum government and maximum governance. Mr Modi will be surely watching us on this front—tackling corruption and providing good governance.

Coming to the Naga political issue, here too Mr Modi remained completely silent and in the process drawing criticism from the Opposition Congress in Nagaland about the true intention of the present government in Delhi under the BJP led NDA Alliance. It would be unfair to pass a judgment on PM Modi just because he did not say anything on the Naga peace process. The previous Congress led UPA government may have spoken out loud and given assurance to resolve the Naga issue but at the end even after ten years of running the country, it could not take a decision. Mr Modi has still not completed a year in office and he should be given his own due time. At the end, it is more important to take a political decision and act in a time bound manner rather than indulge in rhetoric.

Lastly, did Mr Modi have the ear to listen to us, about our sentiments, perspectives, our needs and aspirations? Perhaps he did. Mr Modi always speaks in Hindi, even when he is abroad during foreign visits. Even in Manipur, during his address at the Sangai Festival, Mr Modi spoke in Hindi. Yet he made an exception to address the Naga public in English. Given that the Hindi language is quite alien to the Nagas, it was a welcome gesture on the part of the Prime Minister to respect the Naga people’s sentiment, their history and culture.

That the previous BJP government under Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had acknowledged the ‘unique history and situation of the Nagas’, perhaps it is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has given political expression to this uniqueness when Mr Modi ended his public address at Kisama by proclaiming the word ‘Kuknalim’ three times.

Kuknalim is an indigenous word coined to give expression to the Naga people’s socio-political aspiration. Usually Naga nationalists end their speeches with the word ‘Kuknalim’ similar to ‘Jai-Hind’ in the Indian context. Mr Modi may have failed to say anything on the Naga peace process but by his expressions and gestures he has more than acknowledged the sentiments and aspirations of the Naga people. It’s time for the Nagas to now unite and come under the banner of ‘Kuknalim’.

(Feedback can be sent to consultingeditormex@gmail.com)

Ezamo Murry lEfT WING | Model Village, 5th Mile, Dimapur

Is Christmas a time to shame the poor?

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was talking to a woman this morning on the present day elaborate celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christmas celebration in some way has become machinery for many fabricated rituals and activities. There is much fencing around the birth of Christ, similar to those human fencings around the law of God as pointed out by Jesus. Christmas today has become so advanced that it contrasts the nativity. The children in the church no longer play the nativity either. For, the Nativity will make Jesus appear so poor and neglected. The Nativity play speaks of Jesus birth before the event was modernized and commercialized. The woman remarked, “The poor in our church say they are ashamed to attend Christmas service followed by a feast because they cannot pay for it”. Surely the contribution of a poor person in Jesus’ time would have been within the reach of the poorest. For, the Incarnation of God in Jesus meant that way, an Emmanuel to all people. That is why God begun from the rural manger, experiencing austerity and marginalization because God in Christ was thinking of the poverty, suffering, and rejection to be experienced by humans to follow.

How to make the poor comfortable and fulfilling as they celebrate Christmas? Let the Christmas feast be a pot luck feast. Let each, including the poor, cook food of their choice, enough for their family and add stuff for two extra people. For those not able to afford meat or fish prepare a good traditional cuisine with intention to share with other friends at the feast. Given chance, who will not be anxious to share his/her particular cuisine to others at such time? Surely an addition of Rs.20/- to the regular chutney they make in the family will suffice to motivate them to participate and share their stuff with others on that day of giving.

Once you make Christmas feast a pot luck feast, the rich, the politicians, and the contractors will have no apprehensions for lost of a handsome amount as advent approaches. They will have simply enjoyed the season along with the others. Such feasts can be organized along the sector churches to ease not only the parking problem but also the long wait in queue for the plate. It will also ease the human labor in preparing the big feast where so many food engineers have to miss the Christmas worship. In pot luck feast there is less chance of losing food items, cooked or otherwise. This will also ease the tension created by the classification of the people for allocation of graded amounts for the contribution. This will also ease the psychological gradation of people, like Rs.50,000/- people, Rs.20,000/- people, Rs.5000/- people, Rs.100/people, and Rs.20/- people. Last but not the least, this new system will save the believers money in terms of lakhs of rupees for purposes other than the belly. But remember, in a pot luck feast each will eat more than when the feast is sponsored or raised from each members. Try this and your church will experience equality, satisfaction, oneness, and security you had never experienced before.

Survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy participate in a protest in New Delhi, India on Monday, November 10, 2014. The survivors commenced an indefinite hunger strike in the capital demanding additional compensation for those affected and revision of casualty figures after 30 years of suffering. On December 3, 1984, thousands of people died after a cloud of methyl isocyanate gas escaped from a pesticide plant operated by a Union Carbide subsidiary in Bhopal in central India, affecting the lives of many. Activists say that thousands of children, born to parents directly exposed to the gas leak or poisoned by the contaminated water, are suffering from cleft lips, missing palates, twisted limbs. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

Remembering the women survivors of the Bhopal catastrophe who are at the forefront of the fight for justice and a clean future in Bhopal, India

“I

will fight for our rights and justice until my last breath so another Bhopal doesn’t take place in this world” “It’s high time Dow took responsibility for 30 years of suffering. The compensation I received is a mockery and a dehumanizing experience. I want the next generation to have happy lives” - Rampyari Bai, aged 85, activist and survivor of Bhopal industrial disaster What links the London 2012 Olympics to one of the biggest industrial disasters in history? I met the women at the forefront of the fight for justice and a clean future in Bhopal, India. “Are you here about the disaster?” asked the rickshaw driver taking me around in Bhopal. “It’s been a big problem for us. Many people in my family got sick.

You’ll still find a lot of sick people here.” I had just arrived in Bhopal earlier this year to meet survivors of the huge toxic gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant.The leak, which began on 2 December 1984, killed between 7,000 and 10,000 children, women and men in just three days. Another 15,000 or so died in the following years. A hundred thousand or more were left with serious health problems, including respiratory illnesses, neurological damage and gynaecological disorders. The disaster and its aftermath raised fundamental questions about the morality and accountability of the world’s giant corporations.

Almost 28 years later, the former plant still hasn’t been cleaned up. There has been no thorough investigation into why the leak happened and the impact it has had on local people’s lives. Survivors have not been offered the medical care they need, nor fair compensation. No wonder people here are still angry.

Bhopal recently came into the spotlight when the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games (LOCOG) chose The Dow Chemical Company

W

hen I was living in China, taxis were a convenient and cheap mode of transportation. One time, our taxi driver got into a small fender bender. The cabbie of the offended party got out of his car and began walking towards us shouting angry retorts, garbled in the thick Tianjin accent I was yet getting used to, laced with a few profanities. In a few strides he came to reach past the rolled down window of our driver and landed a punch. An all-out fistfight was brewing while in the backseat my toddler blew spit bubbles at me.

When I tell my China stories, they come out sounding outlandish without me embellishing with details. The reality is, it was quite a part of our ordinary lives to witness fist fights in China. Taxi drivers wore their road rage on the outside, shoving when necessary, hitting when riled up. It happened all the time.

In my initial stages of culture shock, I was extremely uncomfortable and frightened when physical violence broke out like that, but I soon realized that nobody ever ends up being (very) hurt. Thirteen million people lived in our city so every fight was a public spectacle. Before long, a mob of people would descend upon the two men engaged in a fistfight and forcibly break them up. The ladies get in there too, which I love.

“Suan le ba, suan le ba,” they would say. “Just forget it, let it go.”

At this point, the men being dragged away from each other would punch a few more times into the air at the other guy, just for show, and go back to regular programming.

The act of breaking up fistfights were physical and volatile, and it was always done by a group of people. Not

to design the decorative plastic wrap for the Olympic Stadium. Dow bought the Union Carbide Corporation in 2001, but fiercely denies any connection with the disaster. When LOCOG supported Dow’s stance, its Ethics Commissioner, Meredith Alexander, resigned in protest in March this year, saying she didn’t want to become “an apologist for Dow Chemicals”.

Amnesty International is calling on LOCOG to retract its statements denying a connection between The Dow Chemical Company and the 1984 Bhopal catastrophe. We are also calling on the Indian government and the companies involved to reach an agreement with Bhopal’s people to clean up the former Union Carbide factory site, make the drinking water safe and clean, pay adequate compensation and hold those responsible to account.

The rusty industrial skeleton of the former Union Carbide factory in Bhopal is striking. Built right in the middle of the buzzing city, it can be seen from almost anywhere. Inside it, a pile of toxic waste still rests cheek by jowl with the poor neighbourhoods that surround the plant. Here, the catastrophe is not just a memory.

I met Safreen, a smiley student, in her family’s leafy garden close to the old factory. She wasn’t born when the disaster happened, but it still affects her life. She has joined a children’s group fighting for survivors’ rights, and dreams of becoming a doctor to help people cope with the health problems that still linger here.

“Young children are forced to give up school and work because their parents have been affected by the gas”, Safreen explained. “Others are born with deformities and illnesses. I want children in Bhopal to breathe fresh and clean air, drink clean water and stay healthy. I dream that Bhopal will be a better place to live and that the companies will take responsibility for causing so much of suffering.”

The following day, the weather was steaming hot as I reached Jaiprakash Nagar, a neighbourhood rolling out from the south side of the former factory. At the foot of the 1985 memorial statue to Bhopal’s victims, I met Hazra Bi, a Bhopal activist and survivor.

“My whole life changed after the gas leak,” she told us.

My husband was so severely affected by the gas that he died. Raising four children alone was traumatic.” Her children and grandchildren were born with medical problems she thinks were caused by the gas leak. The official compensation her family received was too little, too late.

“It’s been round the clock physical and men-

tal agony for almost three decades,” Hazra Bi said.

“But I won’t give up the fight. It’s a question of Bhopal’s future generations.”

A dusty ride across town took us to Rampyari Bai, aged 85, who has taken part in every single march organized by survivors in Bhopal. Showing me a bruised ankle, she said the police beat her up during the last anniversary rally. In her small, dark flat lit by a neon lamp even in the mid-afternoon, I had to speak up so she could hear us. But her fighting spirit is still intact. In a strong, firm voice, she explained how difficult it had been to get even meagre compensation and basic health care. “I will fight for our rights and justice until my last breath so another Bhopal doesn’t take place in this world,” she said.

“It’s high time Dow took responsibility for 30 years of suffering. The compensation I received is a mockery and a dehumanizing experience. I want the next generation to have happy lives.”

These are just some of the women at the forefront of Bhopal’s struggle for proper compensation, for a clean-up of the former Union Carbide site, better health care and access to information about what happened in 1984.

The survivors’ headquarters is the Sambhavna Clinic, which provides free health care, funded by the UK-based Bhopal Medical Appeal. A quiet place surrounded by dusty roads, it symbolizes the activists’ energy and hope in the face of being largely forgotten. Sathyu Sarangi and Rashna Dingra, two prominent campaigners, confirmed my most powerful impression from the visit: that there is no fatalism here. Bhopal’s people know that they have suffered a terrible injustice, and will keep carrying the torch for their rights. Giant corporations do have a responsibility to respect human rights. They can’t simply walk away from disasters like Bhopal. As Hazra Bi put it: “I hope that people around the world will learn from our struggle and stories and support this never-ending peaceful fight for justice and dignity”.

As I listened to the stories of women and girls from different generations in Bhopal I’m more than convinced that it’s about time that their much deserved right to human dignity and justice is not forgotten. I urge you to join them in this struggle and at the least take action now.

This article was first published in July 2012 and is republished here on the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal Disaster

'Peace, Peace.'

But For Whom? cindy brandt Sojourners necessarily because the strength of the fighting men required it, but more as a signal of group solidarity. We want you to stop fighting.

Peace, with its connotation of tranquility and stillness, is the Christian’s most misunderstood concept. We have long sought to keep peace by silencing dissent under the guise of pursuing unity, coated with a zealous concern for niceties, unwilling to budge a status quo.

We forget to ask the crucial question: for whom do we keep peace?

Wherever peace is elusive, the first ones to suffer are the vulnerable.

When corporations engage in legal battles, employees who don’t get a vote have the most at stake. When marital tensions rise high, children’s tender spirits lay at the parents’ mercy.

When war ravages a country, the displaced peoples helplessly suffer.

When keeping the peace only benefits the powerful, it is not a Christian peace. The sweet baby Jesus portrayed in sentimental Christmas cards has taken an abrupt departure from the kind of peace we see Jesus embody in Scripture. Even as an infant, the baby

Jesus so disrupted the power authorities of the day that sent them scrambling into every home killing firstborn baby boys.

The same Jesus grew to preach radical teachings such as: the first shall be last, love your enemies, grace and mercy shall transcend the law. This Prince of Peace turned tables in a marketplace of greed, shared meals with unclean people, and wept with grieving women. This King marched into Jerusalem on a donkey, was tried by the reigning religious authority of the day, and was executed as a political dissident. His peace did not protect the powerful — it disrupted the systems, brazenly paving a new way and inviting those in the margins to follow.

Christian peace is not about coddling people’s fear of conflict. It isn’t about making sure everyone is comfortable. It does not silence those for whom a lack of peace is a life or death situation.

The irony is that often, the ones with feeble power are the ones who are told to keep peace and remain silent.

When the society is disrupted by scandalizing conflict — whether it is

WRITE-WING

the Bill Cosby rape accusations, or the “harsh disciplinary methods” of certain celebrity parents, or an entire neighborhood weary of losing their young men to police violence — the Christian dare not keep peace by silencing the voice of the victims. Instead, we must make room for the disruptions to take place, to let the voices of those marginalized wear down the reigning power structures. The Christian should not accuse the cries of minorities as “oversensitive,” the desperate pleas of abuse victims as “unforgiving,” and the repetitive calls for gender equality as “whiny,” or “shrill.”

If the scandal disturbs us, upsets us, makes us uncomfortable, then we may congratulate ourselves for being on the right track to peacemaking, because that is also where Jesus began.

The reigning Roman Empire of Jesus’ day appeared peaceful. Merchants were flourishing, the economy was booming, the religious structures intact to maintain order and complicity from her citizens. Yet behind that veneer of civilization was a superficial peace extracted from violence, a society built on the backs of slave labor and spiritual oppression of legalism.

The cross pierced that veneer, exposing a false peace to make way for lasting peace. Jesus took real action for peace, even when it cost his life. As followers of Jesus, let’s shed the passivity of peace-keeping in exchange for active engagement of peace-making. Like the mobs on the Chinese streets, let’s not walk past the disruptions of peace by turning a blind eye, but involve ourselves with our hands and feet.

In solidarity we proclaim: we demand true peace.

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.

7 PERSPECTIVE filmmakers deforestation may be Environmental have rare impact in China at root of brazil drought Monday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

8 December 2014

NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

O

In this October 30, 2014 photo, cracked earth is seen at the almost empty Itaim dam, which is responsible for providing water to the Itu metropolitan area in Itu, Brazil. The government is preparing a study to measure the impact deforestation has had over recent decades, Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said in an interview. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Brad Brooks & Adriana Gomez Licon

V

Associated Press

era Lucia de Oliveira looks to the sky, hoping for any sign of rain. For weeks, the taps in her home have run dry as Sao Paulo has suffered its worst drought in eight decades, with rainfall at one-third the normal level. Without heavy and prolonged rain, the megacity of 23 million could soon run out of water, experts warn.

"We are always thinking: The rain is coming, the rain is coming," said Oliveira.

But it doesn't, and a growing consensus of scientists believes the answer to what is happening to Oliveria and her neighbors lies not in the sky above their heads but in decades of deforestation of Amazon rainforest hundreds of miles away.

The cutting of trees, scientists say, is hindering the immense jungle's ability to absorb carbon from the air — and to pull enough water through tree roots to supply gigantic "sky rivers" that move more moisture than the Amazon river itself. More than two-thirds of the rain in southeastern Brazil, home to 40 percent of its population, comes from these sky rivers, studies estimate. When they dry up, drought follows, scientists believe.

It's not just Brazil but South America as a whole for which these rivers in the sky play a pivotal meteorological role, according to a recent study by a top Brazilian climate scientist, Antonio Nobre of the government's Center for Earth System Science.

The study draws together data from multiple researchers to show that the Amazon may be closer to a tipping point than the government has acknowledged and that the changes could be a threat to climates around the globe. His work is causing a stir in drought-stricken Brazil as environmental negotiators meet in neighboring Peru at the Dec. 1-12 U.N. climate talks.

Destruction of the Amazon went unchecked until 2008, when the government put teeth in its environmental laws and sent armed agents into the jungle to slow the pace of deforestation by

ranchers, soy farmers and timber speculators.

The impact was quick: Destruction in 2012 was one-sixth of what was recorded eight years earlier, though it has ticked up in the last two years.

But Nobre and other scientists warn it's not enough just to slow the pace of destruction — it must be halted.

"With each tree that falls you lose a little bit more of that water that's being transported to Sao Paulo and the rest of Brazil," said Philip Fearnside, a professor at the Brazilian government's National Institute for Research in the Amazon who was not part of Nobre's study. "If you just let that continue, you're going to have a major impact on the big population centers in Brazil that are feeling the pinch now."

U.S. scientists praise the study, with U.S. Geological Survey drought expert James Verdin calling it "compelling and credible."

Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Minnesota highlighted two "once-in-a-century-level droughts" occurring in 2005 and 2010 in the region, in a peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Climate. They used climate simulations to find that deforestation "has the potential to increase the impact of droughts in the Amazon basin."

The sky rivers are generated by the forest acting as a massive pump, according to research that has shown the jungle's uniform humidity consistently lowers atmospheric pressure in the Amazon basin. That allows it to draw moist air currents from the Atlantic Ocean much farther inland than areas that don't have forests. Those currents travel west across the continent until they hit the Andes mountains, where they pivot and carry rains south to Buenos Aires and east to Sao Paulo.

The trees pump an estimated 20 billion metric tons of water into the atmosphere every day — 3 billion more than what the Amazon river, the world's largest, discharges into the ocean.

Recent research indicates rainfall has decreased downwind of deforested areas. The fewer the trees, the less humidity there is in the Amazon basin, making its "pump" effect weaker.

Nobre's October report warned of the crucial need to replant one-fifth of jungle areas that were razed. In addition, 310 million

acres, an area twice the size of France, have been degraded by patchwork destruction and need to be restored.

"We're like the Titanic moving straight toward the iceberg," Nobre said in a telephone interview.

The government is preparing a study to measure the impact deforestation has had over recent decades, Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said in an interview.

The issue is a complex one tied to local problems and the government's own drive to develop the Amazon region, home to nearly 25 million people. Teixeira said the trick is finding the balance, to be able to use the jungle to benefit the population without destroying it in the process.

However, Nobre's report calls on the government to take more urgent action and to aim for zero deforestation. It also calls on Brazilians to influence the government's approach to the Amazon, noting that "the shock of dry taps here, flooded cities there, and other natural disasters must surely provoke a reaction."

Taps have been dry for several weeks in Itu, a community 60 miles northwest of Sao Paulo, where residents are feeling the drought more than anywhere else. Water is so scarce that supply trucks have been hijacked at gun point.

"We are very scared," said Ruth Arruda, an elementary school teacher who stopped washing dishes and uses only disposable plates and cups now. "The water simply has nowhere to come from. Nothing is helping concentrate it, and the dams are not storing it well."

On a recent day, Arruda drove herself and her daughter to a community kiosk to fill empty soda bottles with water from a spigot.

On the ride there, she passed rows of homes with signs out front depicting the community's desperation: "Help, Itu Needs Water." In the 1980s, she says, the city chopped down dozens of trees to clear land for big homes for white-collar workers who wanted a quiet community away from Sao Paulo.

"We have to look inward and pay attention to what we have done wrong to our environment," she said.

The Morung Express

Louise Watt Associated Press

ne clip shows a girl swatting flies from a younger child among piles of trash. Another has children blowing up used medical gloves like balloons. The footage is on the computer screen of Wang Jiuliang as he edits his second film about waste harming China's environment.

He's already in discussions to show it on the main state-run broadcaster and answering calls from state media reporters who want to interview him.

This in a country where independent filmmakers critical of the government generally face censorship, harassment or worse. Environmental filmmakers continue to be hassled at the local level — Wang said he has been chased by dogs, threatened and punched — but their work apparently is being tolerated nationally because it aligns with the Communist Party leadership's new priority of fighting pollution.

Some of these filmmakers are even influencing the authorities.

Meanwhile, their colleagues who are covering evictions and other social issues are increasingly being driven underground. While the ruling party was long indifferent to the environment as it pursued economic development, combating pollution has shot up its agenda as the public has become more aware of foul air, contaminated produce and polluted water. China last month pledged to cap its carbon emissions by 2030. "If you want to make a film about Tiananmen 1989, it will be impossible.

If you want to make a film about the legal justice system you will get into trouble. But for now I think the environment is relatively safe, but not too many people have dealt with this subject matter," said La Frances Hui, film curator at the New York-based Asia Society.

In August, police abruptly closed down the Beijing Independent Film Festival that planned to show 70 films covering themes such as the famine resulting from Mao's Great Leap Forward. Distributors say they depend on such festivals to discover new filmmakers, and have seen fewer new films in the past two years, amid a tightening crackdown on freedom of expression under President Xi Jinping.

Independent films in China generally have not gone through the approval and censorship process and therefore cannot be shown in cinemas. Some independent filmmakers can sell their films to TV stations, but otherwise can expect only small audiences of students and film buffs.

Wang's first film, "Beijing Besieged

by Waste," was uploaded free to online streaming sites. Clips of it were picked up in news reports throughout China. "It got a lot of attention by mainstream media and the authorities, so it created an impact that is kind of unheard of," Hui said. The project started with Wang wondering where Beijing's massive waste ended up.

A photographer at the time, Wang began following a motorcycle collecting waste in his local neighborhood to illegal landfill sites in 2008. He photographed and later filmed the stenchridden dumps, which were not far from people's homes and fields growing fly-ridden vegetables. He used Google Earth to plot hundreds of landfill sites over three years, creating a map of dots that formed a huge circle around the capital. "My aim was to reveal the problem and then solve the problem through making a film,"

Wang said in an interview at his apartment just outside Beijing. In 2010, before his film was finished, some of his photos were displayed at an exhibit in southern China, after which his project came to the attention of the official Xinhua news agency.

Xinhua interviewed Wang and said he had ridden his motorbike 7,500 kilometers (4,600 miles) around Beijing, "staying in the cheapest hostels, eating the simplest food, just to shoot a landfill site, just to tell people about what is behind the rows and rows of tall high-rises."

Xinhua asked Wang to contribute to an internal report on the landfills for party officials. Wang said that about three weeks later, a senior Xinhua boss told him Premier Wen Jiabao issued a "lengthy written instruction" to local officials to pay attention to it.

Today, roughly 80 percent of the 530 landfills he filmed have either been shut down or improved, Wang said.

The Beijing municipal government didn't respond to a request for comment. The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam awarded Wang 17,500 euros ($21,700) to help produce his second film, "Plastic China," about how China accepts plastic waste from other countries to recycle and return to the manufacturing chain. The title "touches on China's vanity," Wang said. "The numerous economic achievements China has made in the last 30 years are worthless and cheap in comparison to the cost to the environment and people's living standards," he said. He still must be mindful of working inside the boundaries. He is negotiating with CCTV to "weed out sensitive content," such as a scene in which villagers criticize the government, but hopes it will air the film this month.

Another documentary, by Li Zhenzhen, focused on mass killings of birds in a Jiangxi province town. Locals slaughtered the birds as they migrated between Australia and Siberia, to sell to restaurants for a few yuan each. Li made "Let Migratory Birds Fly" in 2012 while she was a student volunteer at a nonprofit studio founded by director Jian Yi. A year later, she returned to Yingpanxu town and pressed local officials to better enforce conservation laws. By last spring, there were no more reports of bird killings.

It is "a huge improvement and we feel really good," said Li, who now works for an environmental organization in Beijing.

The county's Forestry Administration has issued several notices banning the killing of birds, confiscated bird-catching tools, inspected restaurants and sent teams to the mountain communities to stop villagers from catching birds.

An official from the Forestry Administration of Suichuan County, which covers Yingpanxu, denied that the film had prompted any action.

The official, who declined to give his name, said the agency has been sending inspectors to the mountains every autumn for more than 10 years.

Jian said Li's film had a big impact because its team had worked with local authorities, highlighting solutions to a problem that might draw criticism from the central government. "We try to engage the government instead of turning them into our enemies," he said. "We let them realize it's actually in their interest to work with us or else there would be much greater media coverage of this."

POll RESulTS

Will a yearlong Hornbill Festival lead to yearlong development oF roads, inFrastructure etc?

Some of those who voted YES had this to say: • Yes. This might just be the way. No amount of appeals and requests to the government is making any headway. Only during Hornbill festival time, the government goes on an automatic mode, repairing all the road. So who knows, if we were to have the Hornbill Festival all year long, it may just do the trick.

• Yap. If Modi do visit again • For a change why not try this method. It may just make the government do it so that they can earn their extra buck.

• Yes because …. Much road development, sanitation and other positive development can be seen even during this short span of time • Yes with Modi staying for a year.....

• Yes, When all hope is lost we are compelled to turn to ridiculous thoughts and policies.

The state government has shown through their action that they only work during the time of hornbill. In fact, they do the impossible during this time. So the thought of having hornbill throughout the year means that they will be busy all the year round. Maybe we need some ridiculous policy like this to make our state develop.

• Nagaland shall surely get Development in d colorful baby boom index Black ,

white yellow & brown babbies wld be born before their dads go back to their native countries.

Some of those who voted no had this to say: • Hahaha. Not at all. Even for this ten-day festival, which they claim is internationally renowned, they are putting cosmetic make-up on the roads and taking last minute renovations to fool the tourists coming from outside the state.

If there is a year long Hornbill festival, I am afraid the government departments will be on vacation and the pot holes between Dimapur and Kisama will get some cosmetic makeover while the rest of Nagaland will languish in misery.

• Woooo.. thats the most sarcastic yet straight forward question.. but still no... a year long rain fall does not provide a healthy crop... infect... it will drain all the resources only in this "hornbill".

• NO...Yearlong hornbill will consumed even the dust in Nagaland..

By black topping, govt. is trying to conceal their real image • No. A yearlong Hornbill festival means a year long of the Opposite. Why is there the need for Hornbill festival to clean our

towns and patch up the pot holes? Can't the PRIMARY duty of every citizen?... the respective municipals, citizens and • No. The festival is an extravagant event.

This means fund for developments will exhaust the already exhausted state exchequer.

• No, Because may sustain hard work for long. What is happening seems too temporary and artificial. Not systematic.

• No, like all things we will start out good, like our roads and then end up bed like our roads, have we become a nation of play and party people, is that all we are or can do? how sad, that the leaders of our nation are hoodwinking us to shame and laziness, may the politicians go to hell very soon and let God raise up a Godly leaders.

• No, the govt. will never allow it. its too good to be true. if hornbill festival happens too often then it will cease to have the effect it has at present. since its a once in a year event, the govt is doing small repair works but if its a yearlong festival the govt. will never keep on doing the small repair works its doing now.

• No. Year long hornbill fest will lead only to make up of roads with black lipstick (tar) YES no OTHERS and powder (dust). And more wastage of resources because to do that (repair), enhanced funds will be needed. SO what deabove all the Govt. develop and take care velopment and what infrastructure. Poor of the infrastructures, roads etc? Isn't that

49%

26%

25%

Nagaland, I really feel sorry for us. We have legislators and officers going abroad for study tours, etc. I wonder what they see? Maybe the road outside our state are just like here?

• Nanana! Bodmash Qsrn! Kohima and Dimapur wldl be filled with local, foreign & immigrant trash! Instd of development, poor denizens wld be doing a yearlong bck braking cleanups :-p Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say: • At first yes, but after 2 weeks, the will to maintain development will stop as pockets have to be lined up.

• party and play and no works, no work means the government will have a year long vacation, people will suffer, selfishness will grow, Jesus will cry • Our state government has no policy and are not good in long term planning. The funny thing however is that they are very very good in doing last minute job. They will do all kinds of last minute adjustment and will trouble everyone in their pay roll to see that they get it done. They create a false projection that they are working like this all the year. But this is bad governance. Things need to change. Hornbill or no hornbill, things need to be changed.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Monday 8 December 2014

BLAcK Money Come with proof, not for fishing expedition, Swiss envoy tells India

mUmbai, December 7 (PTi): As India continues its pursuit of black money allegedly stashed abroad, Switzerland has said it would not entertain any ‘fishing expedition’ and authorities cannot ask for names of all Indian account holders in Swiss banks without doing their own independent investigations.

Switzerland’s ambassador to India Linus von Castelmur also said the past cannot be undone, while promising full support of his country in cases where at least some proof is provided on tax frauds.

He, however, agreed that all the money deposited in Swiss banks might not have always been ‘taxed money’ in the past, as Switzerland was a major destination for several decades when money would flow in from different sources.

The ambassador said cooperation by Swiss authorities cannot take place on the basis of stolen lists of account holders and would need independent probes by Indian agencies and at least a prima facie proof of tax frauds.

“We understand and appreciate India’s concerns on the matter. We need clear understanding on the issue,” Castelmur said in an interview here.

“I think one part of the issue is dealing with the past and Switzerland was destination for several decades where money flowed in from difference sources and that was no always a tax money,” he said.

“When we look from present and future, we see that problem will be solved,” said Castelmur, who was here for an award function where industrialist Azim Premji was given a Swiss honour for inspirational and socially responsible leadership.

The issue of black money suspected to be stashed abroad, including in Swiss banks, has been a matter of intense debate in India for years.

The matter has been in focus recently with the opposition parties accusing the government of going back on its promise to bring back black money from overseas within 100 days of its coming to power.

A Supreme Court monitored Special Investigation Team is looking into ways to tackle the black money menace, while the government recently said it has reached a major breakthrough in the form of a new agreement with the Swiss authorities for cooperation on sharing of details about alleged black money holders in Swiss banks.

The Morung Express

Army blames Lashkar for Kashmir violence Monitoring Kashmir situation on hourly basis: Parrikar

Indian army soldiers display before the media arms and ammunition they claim to have seized from insurgents in Srinagar, India, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014. Authorities are taking extra precautions following daring daylong insurgent attacks Friday on an army camp and other targets left 21 people dead, including six attackers. (AP Photo

Panaji, December 7 (ianS): Facing flak for his presence in Goa while militants made a string of lethal strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, including a suicide attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Sunday said he was “monitoring the situation” in the state on an hourly basis.

Parrikar, who is in Goa for the past three days, was speaking to reporters near Panaji. “I am monitoring the situation on an hourly basis,” he said when asked about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday, Parrikar said: “It is a desperate attempt to derail the democratic process.”

Over the past few days, militants from terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad have upped the ante and executed repeated attacks, including a fidayeen (suicide) attack on an army camp in Baramulla district which killed 19 persons, including 11 security personnel and two civilians. Two more militants were killed in two other incidents elsewhere.

The attacks coincide with the ongoing five-phase elections to the state assembly elections, which have recorded a large voter turnout.

The Indian Army has alleged the hand of Pakistan behind the latest round of attacks by militant groups, as well as the numerous attempts to send militants across the Line of Control.

Parrikar’s continued presence in Goa, especially in the light of increased violence in Jammu and Kashmir, has been criticised on the social media as well as by the opposition here.

Friday after senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai posted a photograph on Twitter, which showed the defence minister releasing his new book “2014: The Election that Changed India”, several Twitter users criticised Parrikar, a former Goa chief minister, for not being serious about his brief as the defence minister.

Parrikar Saturday met with officials and politicians to take stock of a new bridge, which was sanctioned when he was chief minister, while Sunday he reviewed the logistics for the exposition of St. Francis Xavier, a decennial feast held in honour of the Spanish saint.

The opposition here too criticised the defence minister for spending too little time in South Block, headquarters of the defence ministry, and spending too much time in Goa. “Parrikar should be out there defending our soldiers and the country, instead of releasing books in Goa,” Congress organising secretary Durgadas Kamat said.

Srinagar, December 7 eigners dead in India’s commercial ing a total of 21 people dead includ(ianS): The Indian Army Sunday capital and almost triggered a war ing those killed in Uri. “The type of infiltration and atblamed the Pakistan-based Lashkar- between India and Pakistan.

Lt. Gen. Saha said the terrorists tacks ... proves these attacks were e-Taiba (LeT) for the deadly terror attack in Kashmir which killed eight appeared to be prepared to wage a highly coordinated,” Lt.Gen. Saha long battle. “The kind of ammuni- said. “All the incidents leading to the soldiers and three policemen.

A senior army officer based here tion they had shows they were in for attacks, including the ceasefire violaalso said that the terrorists who a big haul. Six AK-47 rifles, magazines tions, could not have happened withstormed a military camp in Uri on and 1,415 rounds were recovered out coordination from across (the Friday were trained like Special Forc- along with food items suggesting border),” he said, alluding to Pakies and sought to link the killings to the they wanted to stay for a long battle.” stan.

At least 100 terrorists have been Jammu and Kashmir assembly elec- The terrorists are believed to have tions. “These terrorists were highly crossed the Jhelum river in Uri as the killed so far this year compared to 89 trained like Special Forces to carry water level was low there to carry out last year in Jammu and Kashmir, he out the attacks,” Lt. Gen. Subrata the deadliest attacks of the day in Uri said. The terrorists must have infiltrated the border Dec 3-4, hid in the Saha, General Officer Commanding sector in Baramulla district.

The attack began before dawn forests and struck Dec 5 in a planned of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, told when a suicide squad struck at an manner, the military officer said. the media.

Without directly referring to the There was enough evidence to army camp killing eight soldiers and indicate that the attackers were from three policemen who tried to inter- assembly polls or Prime Minister the LeT terrorist group, he said. The vene. All six terrorists were killed Narendra Modi’s visit to Srinagar, he new Delhi, December 7 (agencieS): A ma- LeT, led by Hafiz Saeed, had also mas- hours later after a fierce gun battle. said the terror attacks took place “bejority of parents who get their children married before terminded the 2008 Mumbai terror The same day, terrorists also carried cause of the larger events taking place the legal age do not even seek their consent, and among attack that left 166 Indians and for- out attacks at three other places, leav- in Jammu and Kashmir”. those who do, the child not consenting does not stop the marriage, new data has shown.

In 2011, the Planning Commission selected the G.B. Pant Institute of Studies in Rural Development, Lucknow, for a study on child marriage in India. The 2005-06 National Family Health Survey had shown that 46 per cent new Delhi, December 7 urday that it had suspended the of young women were married before the legal age of 18, (aP): Indian police on Sunday driver’s account and was coopand the Planning Commission sought to understand why arrested a driver from the inter- erating with authorities. “We are this was occurring. The Lucknow-based institute recently national taxi-booking service working with the police as they Uber for allegedly raping a young investigate, and will assist them submitted its report to the government. in any way we can to determine “The first thing that we were surprised to find is that woman in the capital. what happened,” the statement Shiv Kumar Yadav, 32, was child marriage remains rampant, especially in the northern States,” S.P. Pandey, director of the Institute, who led arrested in his hometown of said. Meanwhile, dozens of stuthe study, told The Hindu over phone from Lucknow. Mathura, about 160 kilometers dents scuffled with officers SunChild marriage was prevalent among both Hindu and (100 miles) south of New Delhi, day as they tried to enter police where the rape allegedly took headquarters in New Delhi to Muslim families, and across caste groups, he said.

Among the parents interviewed, “traditional practice” place Friday, police officer Jag protest the rising incidents of rape in the capital. was the most common reason for child marriages, followed Niwas said.

“I am here to protest the irregThe woman, who works at a by growing demands for dowry later in life, and pressure from relatives. Over 1 in 10 said that concerns about their finance company, was returning ularities and failure of the state daughters’ safety was one reason to marry them off early. from a dinner engagement Fri- machinery, which refuses to acday night and used the mobile knowledge that rapes happen Nearly 80 per cent were unaware that their act was illegal.

Over 60% of parents said that they had not sought the app Uber to hire a cab to drive her due to their failure,” said Urvashi consent of their children before fixing the marriage. This home, said another New Delhi Joshi, one of the demonstrators.

The protesters, from the All was highest in Gujarat, Odisha and Rajasthan. In seven police officer, Alma Ming.

The Press Trust of India re- India Students Association, disout of 10 cases, it was the father who had decided on the wedding, told the researchers. Among parents who did ported that the 26-year-old persed after an hour-long demseek their children’s consent, nearly 60% said that the woman fell asleep during the onstration.

Indian officials, who for dechildren did not agree, but this rarely led to a change in ride. When she woke up, she cades did little about sexual viofound the car parked in a secludthe parents’ decision.

One thing that has changed was the age of the children ed place, and the driver then lence, have faced growing public getting married, Pandey said. “Earlier they used to be small threatened her and raped her, anger since the December 2012 fatal gang rape of a young wom- Protestors from All India Students Association (AISA) demonstrate outside the Delhi Police headquarters children, seated in the parents’ lap in the marriage. Now PTI said.

Police have filed a case against an on a moving New Delhi bus, after a taxi driver from the international cab-booking service Uber allegedly raped a young woman Friday in they are adolescents or teenagers, but still under the age New Delhi on Sunday, December 7. (AP Photo) Yadav accusing him of raping the an attack that sparked national of 18.” The study was carried out in 10 States reporting high years and criminalizing voyeur- are made. say that number is just a tiny perrates of child marriage — Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, woman, Niwas said. He was be- outrage.

Official statistics say about centage of the actual number, The nationwide outcry led ism, stalking and the trafficking West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, ing brought to New Delhi and Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha — and two dis- was due to appear in court there the federal government to rush of women. The law also makes 25,000 rapes are committed ev- since victims are often pressed through legislation doubling it a crime for officers to refuse ery year in India, a nation of 1.2 by family or police to stay quiet tricts reporting the highest rates were then selected in each on Monday.

Uber said in a statement Sat- prison terms for rapists to 20 to open cases when complaints billion people. Activists, though, about sexual assaults.

State. In all, the researchers surveyed 10,000 respondents.

Child marriages still rampant

Indian police arrest Uber driver accused of rape

Society needs NGOs to serve humanity: President

gUrgaon, December 7 (ianS): The society needs voluntary organisations which serve humanity in ways the government cannot do, President Pranab Mukherjee said Sunday.

Though the government was doing a lot, a gap still remains between demand and availability, and NGOs (nongovernmental organisations) should come forward to bridge that gap, Mukherjee said in his address.

He inaugurated an oldage home and the Pranavananda International School building of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) in Wazirpur village in Gurgaon’s Sector 92.

The president said the core of India’s Constitution was “Sarve Sukhina Bhavantu, Sarve Santu Niramaya”, which means everybody should be happy and free from illness.

He said the objective of all social activity should be “Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan

Sukhay”, meaning “welfare of all” and it should not be for an individual but for the whole of humanity.

Mukherjee said the Bharat Sevashram Sangha was launching a series of celebrations beginning with Sunday’s event to mark its centenary year in 2017.

The BSS was founded by Pranavanandaji Maharaj as a medium to liberate the society from social injustice, inequality, backwardness and superstitious beliefs.

The BSS today has over 100 branches and 550 subunits, Mukherjee said. It has 23 branches outside India, including in the US, Britain and Canada.

Mukherjee said the BSS was engaged in social welfare activities and contributing towards development of the financially weak and neglected sections of the society.

He said it also played a major role in rescue and relief operations during the devastating floods in Uttarakhand last

year and in Jammu and Kashmir recently.

Earlier, Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki said India is known for its spirituality.

Solanki refered to Swami Vivekananda who said the 21st century would belong to India, which has now been proved right because the world is looking towards India for the kind of human values and virtues needed now for universal peace.

Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu said the government was committed towards social welfare and care of the elderly.

He said the government has decided to increase the old age honour allowance from Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,200 per month from January 2015 and it will be increased by Rs.200 every year.

He said the universities in Haryana will be converted into centres of excellence where the youth will be groomed into good human beings.

Badal wants federal Bhagavad Gita must be declared national scripture: Sushma Swaraj structure in country new Delhi, December 7 (ianS): leaders of the independence movement,

new Delhi, December 7 (ianS): Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Sunday called for drastic recast of the constitution to give the country a genuinely federal structure.

Speaking at the conference of chief ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday, Badal said that the centre should have exclusive jurisdiction on subjects of national concerns, such as defence, external affairs, currency, railways, communications and a few others.

“Federalism is the only way to ensure speedy development to make India a true economic superpower and a world leader.

States are like limbs of the country’s body politic. Strong limbs mean a strong body. Strong states mean a strong India. Up to now, there has been confusion between a strong India and a strong centre. We stand for a strong and genuinely federal India,” Badal said.

He also sought a drastic reversal in the formula for distribution of resources between the centre and states. “The states must get a 50 percent share out of the central taxes and non-tax revenue, instead of the present 32 percent and these funds should be given in an untied manner, without prior conditions,” Badal said.

He said that the distribution of funds among states should be based on a transparent formula so that larger states do not walk away with all the funds.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Sunday applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of presenting the Bhagavad Gita to world leaders, saying the holy book has been elevated to the status of a national scripture. She proposed the need for a formal announcement to this effect in order to officially establish the book’s status to that of a national scripture.

“Prime Minister Modi gifted the Bhagavad Gita to US President Barack Obama, which means it has already received the honour of a national scripture. What we require is only a formal announcement now to officially declare the Gita as a national scripture,” Sushma Swaraj said in a public meeting to commemorate 5,151 years of the Bhagavad Gita at the Red Fort.

Underscoring the importance of the Gita’s role in daily life, she said its message to perform one’s duty without feeling attached to its outcome is what guides her sense of duty at the ministry. “I face a whole range of world problems at the department (external affairs ministry). Guided by the Gita’s principle, I thank Lord Krishna for giving me the outcome of my efforts as per my will. And in case of the opposite, I accept the outcome as his divine will,” she said.

The Gita, believed to be the divine advice of Lord Krishna, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. Its call for selfless action inspired many

including Mahatma Gandhi who referred to the Gita as his “spiritual dictionary”.

Organised by the Global Inspiration Enlightenment Organisation Gita (GEIO Gita), the event marked the end of a weeklong celebration - Gita Prerna Mahotsav that sought to create awareness about the scripture as a source of practical inspiration for people in politics, education, business and other fields.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who was also present, called for a need to have a postal stamp to mark the Bhagavad Gita’s anniversary. Gita lovers from across India participated in the event to promote its message beyond communal and racial divisions. “I have faith in the Gita,” said Yusuf A. Ranapurwala, president of the Minority Morcha, who came to the event along with 15 other Muslims from Gujarat.

“The prime minister has asked all of us to stay united as a nation. We all have to walk together while looking beyond our disparate religious backgrounds,” he told IANS. In view of the Indian diaspora’s appreciation for Modi’s work in making the Gita significant worldwide, Britain-based Steve White told IANS that the Gita was “universally relevant for its preaching that also helps in personality development”.

People from across India pledged to adopt the Gita’s message and lead their lives in accordance with its principles.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Monday 8 December 2014

Ex-czar’s arrest makes China’s Xi stronger

BEIJING, DEcEmBEr 7 (AP): The criminal case against China's ex-security chief not only plays to public demands to curb corruption but spells the downfall of one of President Xi Jinping's biggest rivals, puts other challengers on their toes and leaves Xi more solidly in control than ever.

The fate of the oncefeared Zhou Yongkang, 72, appeared to be sealed by the just-after-midnight announcements Saturday that he was expelled from China's ruling Communist Party and arrested in a criminal investigation into allegations ranging from bribe-taking to leaking state secrets.

"Many of Xi's enemies have been scared, and he's been successful in intimidating his enemies," said Willy Lam, an observer of China's elite politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "All of them have become obedient — at least superficially — to Xi Jinping."

Zhou, with a face that looks like it is made of stone, was a former member of the party's all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee and was once in charge of the country's police, security forces and judiciary, a vast apparatus that spends more on domestic security than what China spent on the People's Liberation Army, the world's biggest military.

Zhou's status as security czar would have meant he had access to private phone conversations and secret information about national leaders. The state secrets al-

legations against him likely stem from his attempts to use leaks about colleagues to jockey for position ahead of China's handover of power in late 2012 to a new generation of leaders at the retirement of President Hu Jintao, Lam said.

If he ends up formally charged on that count, it also may give the court a reason to keep trial proceedings closed and thus limit any politically damaging public disclosures.

Lam said Zhou and his associates also may have been part of the biggest corruption ring since the Communist Party took over power in 1949. His vast network of protégés involved hundreds of officials and billions of dollars, Lam said.

Whispers that Zhou was in trouble began to circulate months before he was set to retire in November 2012. They grew louder when his favored protégé, a deputy party chief in Zhou's old stomping ground of Sichuan province, became the first major official to fall in the anti-corruption campaign that Xi has made hallmark of his tenure. That happened mere 18 days after the conclusion of the power-transfer ceremony.

One by one, Zhou's associates — in the oil industry, in police and in Sichuan province, where he had built strong power bases — were placed under investigation, making Saturday's announcement marking Zhou's fall all but expected. "When the arrow leaves the bow, there is no

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping, second left, as Russia's President Vladimir Putin, right, puts a blanket on Peng Liyuan, second right, wife of Xi Jinping as they arrive to watch a fireworks show after a welcome banquet for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Beijing, China on Monday, November 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

turning around," Beijingbased independent scholar Zhang Lifan said.

Zhou has not been formally charged and the case has been referred by party investigators to criminal prosecutors. The investigators also cited his keeping mistresses as a reason for his expulsion from the party. Adultery is not technically illegal in China, but it is deemed by the Communist Party to be a serious violation of party rules because mistresses are considered to inevitably open a politician up to financial demands that

lead to corruption.

Any trial would be expected to have a foregone conclusion with Zhou's conviction, because the outcomes of such high-profile trials are widely believed to be negotiated among top leaders ahead of time. The prosecution of Zhou also will serve to "shock and awe" opponents to Xi's two-year anticorruption drive, Zhang said.

"The campaign has moved many people's cheese, and it has been met with great resistance, especially from the mid- and lower-level officials," Zhang

said. "It is entering into a logjam, and the announcement against Zhou can help break that stalemate."

Differing from the view that the prosecution of Zhou is primarily about factional rivalry, Li Cheng, director of the John L. Thorton China Center at Washingtonbased think-tank Brookings Institution, said the main objective is to tamp down pervasive corruption that has crippled public confidence in party rule.

"It's about the life and death for the party," Li said, calling the retired Zhou a

"dead tiger" with little political relevance left. "The urgency is to change the public view of the Communist Party and to raise its prestige."

China's political system at the highest levels is opaque, but in recent decades has been seen to embrace a rule-by-consensus approach among topmost leaders that eschews the personality cult and turmoil of the Mao Zedong era.

Xi Jinping has reversed some of that trend with a higher-profile public persona and with his moves to swiftly consolidate power, including

placing himself at the helm of panels that control the military, domestic security and reform efforts. He is now seen by many observers to be the strongest leader since the time of Deng Xiaoping that lasted into the 1990s.

The fall of Zhou and his associates has helped score further points for Xi, portraying him as a heroic, resolute figure against corruption, said Perry Link, a sinologist at the University of California at Riverside.

Stata media have celebrated the prosecution of Zhou as strong evidence of the party's determination and its ability to root out corruption, and, as expected, members of the public have cheered. "That's a success for Xi Jinping. It increases his popularity," Link said.

However, cynicism remains among many members of the public who believe that corruption extends beyond just Zhou and his circle. Corruption charges, when used selectively, are the time-honored ploy to purge political opponents, Link said. "Why Zhou Yongkang, but not other members of the Standing Committee? That difference is political," he said.

Any suggestion that the crackdown can cure China's epidemic corruption is naive, because corruption cannot be effectively curbed without independent checks on the party's power, which China so far lacks, Link said.

"As long as you have the oneparty rule, it won't change the basic problem."

Washington Post reporter charged by Iranian court

Demonstrators clash with police, in front of a man who injured his leg during the protest in Berkeley, California on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Two officers were injured Saturday night as a California protest over police killings turned violent with protesters smashing windows and throwing rocks and bricks at police, who responded by firing tear gas, authorities said. Demonstrators were responding to the grand jury verdicts in the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and the chokehold death of Eric Garner in New York City by local police officers in their communities. (AP Photo/San Francisco Chronicle, Sam Wolson)

North Korea denies Sony hack sEOuL, DEcEmBEr 7 (AP): North Korea released a statement Sunday that clearly relished a cyberattack on Sony Pictures, which is producing an upcoming film that depicts an assassination plot against Pyongyang's supreme leader.

While denying responsibility for an attack last week that disrupted Sony's computer system and spewed confidential information onto the Internet, an unidentified spokesman for the North's powerful National Defense Commission acknowledged that it "might be a righteous deed of the supporters and sympathizers" of the North's call for the world to turn out in a "just struggle" against U.S. imperialism.

"We do not know where in America the Sony Pictures is situated and for what wrongdoings it became the target of the attack, nor (do) we feel the need to know about it," the statement carried in state media said. "But what we clearly know is that the Sony Pictures is the very one which was going to produce a film abetting a terrorist act while hurting the dignity of the supreme leadership of" North Korea.

North Korea has built a cult of personality around the Kim family, which has ruled for three generations, and sees any outside criticism or mockery of its leader as an attack on its sovereignty. It recently opened fire on anti-Pyongyang propaganda balloons that North Korean defectors in the South were floating across the border into the North.

The Sony movie in question, "The Interview," is a comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, and its plot concerns an attempt on the life of leader Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang is not amused. The statement said the North's enemies, the United States and South Korea, had "groundlessly linked the hacking attack with" Pyongyang, but the denial also included a threat.

Some cybersecurity experts say they've found striking similarities between the code used in the hack of Sony Pictures Entertainment and attacks blamed on North Korea that targeted South Korean companies and government agencies last year. Experts are divided, however, over the likelihood that North Korea or independent hackers were involved.

WAshINGtON, DEcEmBEr 7 (IANs): Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter, detained in Iran for over four months has been officially charged in a Tehran court. But the nature of the charges has not been made public.

Rezaian's court appearance Saturday came two days after his detention was extended until midJanuary because the investigation against him is still continuing, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

First, the charges were filed since Rezaian, an Iranian-American who holds dual citizenship, was arrested July 22 along with his wife. She was, however, released on bail in October.

Rezaians' family hired an

Jason Rezaian attorney for him, but the lawyer has not been permitted to visit him.

According to an official, Rezaian spent about 10 hours in court while his case was reviewed by a judge.

The official said it could take as long as a month for the charges to be delivered to

the full court, which would then set a trial date.

Meanwhile, the US government said its requests for a consular access has been ignored. "Iranian government continues to deny our repeated requests for Consular Access to Jason by our ProtectingPower,theSwiss,so we are unable to check on his condition or ensure adequate legal representation," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement Sunday.

"Jason poses no threat to the Iranian government or to Iran's national security. We call on the Iranian government to drop any and all charges against Jason and release him immediately so that he can be reunited with his family," Kerry added.

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How plant history shapes global change responses

WAshINGtON, DEcEmBEr 7 (IANs): A new study shows that just as our family histories dictate what we look like and how we act, plant evolutionary history shapes community responses to interacting agents of global change.

Humans are changing the look and function of earth's ecosystems, from the increase of greenhouse gases to the harmful spread of plants and animals to new environments. A major challenge for ecologists is to understand how and why communities respond to factors that underlie global change.

"Our study is the first to experimentally show that plant communities with different evolutionary backgrounds will respond differently to human-caused physical and biological changes," said Rachel Wooliver from the University of Tennessee in the US. The team used eucalyptus species native to Tasmania, Australia, to compare plant growth in cultures of the same species but are not native.

"We found that only those communities composed of native species within one evolutionary lineage responded significantly to elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen by taking carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it into biomass," said John Senior from University of Tasmania.

Communities from another lineage showed no response suggesting that they will play a less crucial role in offsetting the rise of carbon dioxide and global warming.

Thus, trees can be used to predict how the spread of non-native species by humans will shape the look and function of future ecosystems.

"The study provides new direction for global change by highlighting that evolutionary history is key to understanding outcomes of plant function with rapid ecological change," added Rachel.

The work is also of use for conservation biologists who aim to determine which species might be at higher risk of becoming extinct in the future, said the researchers.

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Typhoon howls through Philippines mANILA, DEcEmBEr 7 (rEutErs): A powerful, slow-moving typhoon pounded through the central Philippines on Sunday, bringing howling winds that toppled trees and power lines and cut off communications to areas still scarred by a super-storm just over a year ago.

Typhoon Hagupit did not appear to have wreaked devastation on the same scale as last year's deadly Typhoon Haiyan, but officials cautioned that the picture remained incomplete with many of the first areas to feel the storm's force still cut off.

More than 1 million people had fled to shelters away from coastal areas and landslide-prone villages by the time Typhoon Hagupit slammed into the town of Dolores, on the eastern coast of Samar island, on Saturday night.

"We need to punch through up to Dolores to see the impact there, that's where the landfall was, we need to see so we can report back to Manila," Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas told a local radio interview from Samar.

The radio report described Roxas as travelling by motorbike to oversee workers using chainsaws to clear huge fallen trees.

Most of the houses, made of light materials, on

A resident rides a tricycle on their way to an evacuation center as strong winds and rains from Typhoon Hagupit hit Legazpi, Albay province, eastern Philippines on Sunday, December 7. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

both sides of the road were destroyed and residents lined the route asking for food, water and other supplies. Roofs were blown away while thatched houses were lifted and dumped metres away.

Hagupit, which days earlier had reached category 5 "super typhoon" strength as it churned across the Pacific Ocean, weakened on Sunday to category 2 as it made a second landfall at Cataingan town in the south of Masbate island.

There were no initial reports of the kinds of storm

surges that were so destructive during Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 7,000 people across the central Philippines.

"Structural damage was caused mostly by wind, not by storm surge," said presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte.

Power Cut Power was cut across most of Samar and nearby Leyte province, including Tacloban City, considered ground zero of the devastating super typhoon Haiyan last year. Power and

communications were also down in Masbate, parts of Cebu island and some southern provinces of the main island Luzon.

"I can't penetrate the areas, I can't go north or south because of fallen trees and power lines. Many areas are flooded," Ben Evardone, congressman for Eastern Samar, said from his base in the provincial capital Borongan.

General Gregorio Catapang, head of the military, said nearly 2,000 soldiers were clearing the roads and two airports on Samar

to bring in food trucks and aircraft.

Local radio reported at least five people were killed in Eastern Samar and Iloilo province on Panay island to the west, but that could not be confirmed by officials.

The Philippine Red Cross said it was also verifying the reports.

The typhoon was crawling west northwest at 10 kph (6 mph), with sustained winds of 140 kph (86 mph) and gusts of up to 170 kph (105 mph), the Philippine weather bureau PAGASA said.

The weather bureau said Hagupit - which means "lash" in Filipino - was following its predicted path through the archipelago's central belt, slightly north of areas devastated by super typhoon Haiyan last year.

It was expected to make a third landfall on the small island of Sibuyan early on Monday before passing around 120 km south of the capital Manila, PAGASA said.

Tacloban Spared More than 1.2 million people had crowded over 1,500 evacuation centres in schools, civic centres, town halls, gyms and churches across the central Philippines, said Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross.

Alfred Romnualdez, mayor of Tacloban, said although more than 48,000 residents had fled to shelters, damage to the city appeared to have been minor.

"Thank God, the typhoon spared us and we have no reported casualties," Romualdez told Reuters. "By the end of the day we expect the people to return to their homes from shelter areas."

By Sunday evening, people were also returning to their homes from shelters in Leyte island and southern Luzon.

Environment and humanitarian groups are hoping the typhoon would spur action at U.N. climate talks in Lima, where almost 200 nations are meeting to work out an accord to slow global warming, due at a summit in Paris in a year's time.

"My country is under water, farms have been wiped away, homes destroyed, families separated," Shubert Ciencia of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and a member of global relief organisation Oxfam, said in Lima.

An Oxfam report in November showed Asia is highly vulnerable to increasingly severe and frequent weather extremes and woefully underprepared to manage growing crises.

10

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SPORTS

Monday 8 December 2014

The Morung Express

winning streak Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Warriors hits record 12 games La Liga hat-trick record

Real Madrid’s Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates towards his team mate Real Madrid's Gareth Bale after scoring a goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, December 6 .(AP Photo)

MADRID, DeceMbeR 7 (AFP): Cristiano Ronaldo netted a record 23rd hat-trick in La Liga and his 200th goal in the Spanish top flight as Real Madrid equalled a Spanish record of 18 consecutive wins in all competitions with a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Ronaldo passes Telmo Zarra, whose record as La Liga's all-time top goalscorer was recently usurped by Lionel Messi, and Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano who both scored 22 hat-tricks to reach his double century of La Liga goals in just 179 games.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have now matched the winning run record set by Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona side in the 2005/06 season, and have the chance to go one better at home to Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Ronaldo rolled home a contentious penalty nine minutes before half-time after referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco ruled that Jonny Castro had pulled down the World Player of the Year as he tried to latch onto a cross before smashing home a loose ball inside the area midway through

the second-half.

The Portugal captain then sealed his latest record mark when he converted Marcelo's cross at the far post nine minutes from time. Champions Atletico Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win at Elche and remain four points behind their city rivals in the table.

European champions Real killed off many of their opponents in the opening stages during their stunning run, but they had to be patient on Saturday as a mixture of profligate finishing and good defending by the Galician outfit held them at bay.

Sergio Ramos should have marked his 300th La Liga appearance for Los Blancos with a goal when he miscued from close range after Sergio Alvarez had parried a header from Ronaldo. Castro then made a brilliant last-ditch challenge to prevent Ronaldo at the back post before the Portuguese star sent a stunning overhead-kick flying onto the roof of the net.

However, when the breakthrough came it was in controversial circumstances as there appeared to be little contact between Castro and Ronaldo. It

made no difference to Ronaldo, though, as he stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick.

Celta had offered nothing of an attacking threat in the first-half, but came close to an equaliser at the beginning of the second period when Fabian Orellana pulled a shot just wide of the target. The hosts were further disrupted when James Rodriguez hobbled off to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. Yet, the Colombian's absence didn't affect their flow going forward as Alvarez had to beat away a fierce drive from Bale at the end of a quick counter-attack.

Ronaldo killed the game as a contest moments later when Toni Kroos's deflected pass looped into his path, giving Alvarez no chance with a sweetly struck volley.

Karim Benzema should have handed Ronaldo his record when he opted to go for goal with a poorly attempted chip rather than square it to his teammate who had a open goal moments later. It didn't matter, though, as a typical energetic burst from Marcelo took him into the Celta box and Ronaldo was on hand to turn the ball home at the far post. Atletico were also comfortable victors at Elche to register their fifth consecutive win in all competitions and move into second place above Barcelona, who entertain Espanyol on Sunday. Jose Gimenez fired them in front with his first goal for the club after good work from Koke and Arda Turan early on. Eight minutes after the restart Atletico made the game safe when captain Gabi won possession just inside the Elche half and clipped a delightful ball over the top for Mario Mandzukic, whose near post effort surprised Przemyslaw Tyton in the home side's goal.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks to pass against Chicago Bulls center/ forward Joakim Noah (13), guard Derrick Rose (1) and guard/forward Mike Dunleavy (34) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 6. (AP Photo)

cHIcAGO, DeceMbeR 7 (AP): Golden State set a franchise record winning streak with its 12th consecutive victory on Saturday, beating Chicago 112102 with Draymond Green contributing a career-high 31 points.

The Warriors improved to an NBA-leading 17-2, two games ahead of nearest rival Houston — which held on to beat Phoenix — and three games clear in the Pacific Division above the Los Angeles Clippers, who built a big lead, blew it, then pulled away again to defeat New Orleans.

Golden State's Klay Thompson added 24 points as the Warriors improved to 10-1 on the road. Their 12-game streak outdid the 11-game run they enjoyed during the 1971-72 season.

Jimmy Butler's 24 points topped the score sheets for the Bulls, who have won only two of their past seven home games.

Houston's winning streak is a more modest four games after the 100-95 win against Phoenix. Trevor Ariza and Pat Beverley each scored 19 points for the Rockets, who have showed little ill effect from the absence of injured All-Star center Dwight Howard, winning seven of nine without him.

Houston led by as many as 22 points but that was cut to four with 21.9 seconds remaining. Beverley made three free throws to push it out to seven and effectively end the contest. Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 23 points.

Los Angeles' Blake Griffin scored 30 points — going over 7,000 for his career

— to lead the Clippers past New Orleans 120-100.

The Clippers led by 18 points in the first half but blew all of that before coming again to notch a seventh-straight victory. J.J. Redick scored 13 of his 21 points in the first quarter and Jamal Crawford added 20. Anthony Davis scored 26 points for the Pelicans, who have lost five of their past six. Orlando's Tobias Harris scored a season-high 27 points to help the Magic defeat Sacramento 105-96.

San Antonio's Marco Belinelli scored 20 points in the Spurs' 123-101 victory over Minnesota. Philadelphia notched only its second win of the season and moved within one win of the equally poor Detroit by beating the Pistons 108101 after overtime.

PSG, Bayern win; Roma Great Hornbill Adventure Trail enters Day 2 escapes with a draw KOHIMA, DeceMbeR 7 (MexN): The Great Hornbill Adventure Trail entered its second day today as participants of the inaugural 5 day Adventure Trail made their way to their next destination Tesophenyu Village.

Participants passed through Tukuliqa Village with a brief stop on the banks of the Doyang River and then pushed on to their destination via Lazami-Tseminyu New Town and towards Tesophenyu Village. The convoy will hold for a night at Tesophenyu Village, where they will be hosted by the village.

The village is also participating in the various indigenous

A participant trying his skills at top spinning.

games of the Rengma Naga Tribe. Following a night's stay at Tesophenyu Village where they will compete in the various traditional games, the participants will then move on to Mezoma Village as their next destination via the Tsiesema-Peducha route from where they will move up to Sechü-Zubza on towards Mezoma Village.

The first day of the Trail saw participating teams compete against each other in three indigenous games of the Sumi Tribe - Alao, Achetsü, and Api Kukugha.

Each winning team were awarded cards according to their performances during these games.

Man City beats Everton; trims lead

Paris Saint Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, center, shoots past Nantes Yacine Bammou during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Nantes, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday December 6. PSG won 2-1. (AP Photo)

PARIs, DeceMbeR 7 (AP): Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice to help Paris Saint-Germain beat Nantes 2-1 on Saturday and move provisionally to the top of the French league. Franck Ribery scored his 100 goal to help Bayern Munich earn a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Roma, meanwhile, rallied from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo in the Italian Seria A. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as a poor Paris Saint-Germain rallied to beat Nantes 2-1. Four days before its trip to Barcelona in the Champions League, PSG struggled to create opportunities against an or-

ganized Nantes and relied on Ibrahimovic's class to come out on top.

Also, Saint-Etienne rose into third with a 1-0 win over over bottom side Bastia, and fourth-place Bordeaux beat Lorient 3-2.

In Germany, Bayern remained undefeated and is seven points clear after Franck Ribery scored his 100 goal for the club to earn a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. Wolfsburg confirmed its second place by winning 3-1 in Hannover, while Augsburg jumped over Leverkusen into third place with its 2-1 win in Cologne.

In Italy, Roma rallied from two goals down to

snatch a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo with a stoppagetime equalizer from Adem Ljajic but missed the opportunity to close the gap on Serie A leader Juventus.

Ljajic, who got Roma back into the match with a penalty, earned a point for the hosts with practically the game's last kick.

Zaza scored twice in three first-half minutes — the first following a mistake from goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis — and Roma's chances diminished when Daniele De Rossi was sent off at the start of the second half. Roma remain three points behind Juve. Torino also drew 2-2 at home to Palermo.

MANcHesTeR, DeceMbeR 7 (AP): Manchester City capitalized on Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Newcastle by beating Everton 1-0 even as Chelsea lost for the first time in 22 matches this season and saw its lead in the English Premier League trimmed to three points by Manchester City. On Sunday, Striker Andy Carroll's headed brace helped West Ham to a 3-1 victory against Swansea at Upton Park.

Carroll scored his first goal of the season to equalize for West Ham in the 41st minute, heading past Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski from a Carl Jenkinson cross. A Stuart Downing corner found Carroll in the 66th minute for the striker to nod home his second. Substitute Diafra Sakho scored his seventh goal of the season to secure the victory for the East London side late in the second half. Wilfred Bony had opened the scoring for Swansea, which also had goalkeeper Fabianski sent off in the second half.

For Manchester City, there were concerns as

Manchester City's James Milner, centre, takes a shot at goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Everton at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday December 6. (AP Photo)

star striker Sergio Aguero sustained an injury early in the game marring an otherwise great day for the champions. Aguero, the league's top scorer with 14 goals, limped off in tears after getting hurt in a seemingly innocuous challenge in the second minute at Etihad Stadium. If the Argentina striker had been on the field, he would have taken the penalty converted by

Yaya Toure in the 24th minute for the winning goal.

The penalty was awarded after James Milner was fouled by Phil Jagielka.

Arsenal missed a chance to climb provisionally into the top four by losing 3-2 at Stoke, conceding to Peter Crouch after 19 seconds — making it the quickest goal of the season — and two more times in the first half.

Santi Cazorla, with a penalty,

and Aaron Ramsey scored in the space of two secondhalf minutes to reduce the gap, but Arsenal's hopes of completing a recovery were dented by Calum Chambers' red card with 12 minutes left.

LiverpoolandTottenham failed to make up ground in the race for the Champions League places, drawing 0-0 at home to likely relegation candidates Sunderland and Crystal Palace, respectively,

to remain marooned in midtable. Liverpool started captain Steven Gerrard on the bench for the second time in three league games.

It was also goalless between Hull and West Bromwich Albion while Queens Park Rangers jumped out of the bottom three by beating Burnley 2-0. Charlie Austin scored QPR's second goal before getting sent off for a second booking.

The Morung Express C M Y K

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Entertainment

Monday 8 December 2014

Dimapur

11

Bon Giovi to perform live on December 9 Kohli to marry

Kohima, December 7 (mexN): They lookalike and sound alike to the point that they have their own legion of fans across the world. The only difference is that they are not biologically the New Jersey glam rockers.

Bon Giovi, considered the world’s top (and official) tribute band of Bon Jovi, will perform live on December 9 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, 5:00 p.m. onwards. For more than 13 years now, the tribute band has rocked stadia across the entire UK, informed organizers of the Hornbill Music Festival, Nagaland Outdoors Club & Sky Entertainment.

The band has performed for Bon Jovi fans in the Middle East all the way to Austria, The Netherlands to Germany, Belgium to Spain, and now, India, too! The rock group, with touring experience of more than a decade now, will be travelling all the way from the UK to perform for Bon Jovi rock fans in the region as part of the ongoing Hornbill Music festival.

They were the only UK tribute act that made an appearance on Bon Jovi’s New Jersey tribute album “Garden State of Mind Vol. 1.”

Bon Giovi is Andrea Ojano as Jon Bon Jovi, Dean Harris as Ritchie Sambora, Wayne Harris as Davis Bryan, James Wright as Tico Torres, and Tony Clark as Hugh McDonald. “They are loud, loud and hard rocking and the organizers have no doubt that their live concert will be a no frills, just-hard-rock fun,” said a press release from the organizers.

Mumbai’s rock group, Koniac Net, will open for Bon Giovi. Koniac Net has been touring and working on original works since 2012.

They released their EP in February this year that was lapped up by more than 100 radio stations across 31 countries. Their indi output has found rave reviews in Europe. Koniac Net is David Abraham on the vocals, Jason D’Souza on guitars and vocals, Aaron Dmello on guitars, Adil Kurwa on bass guitars, and Karun Kannampilly on the drums.

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Anushka post returning from World Cup!

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here is a delightful news for all the fans of cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma as the couple has apparently decided to get hitched post the Indian team’s vicecaptain returns from India’s World Cup-run. The sources have confirmed that the families of the couple had a conversation over dinner last night where they zeroed on Virat and Anushka’s wedding and planned to fix the marriage date when Kohli returns from Australia.

Just ahead of leaving for Australian tour, Kohli confessed his relationship with Anushka before media, and yesterday Anushka also admitted dating Cricket world’s most eligible bachelor.

Interacting to the media persons, Kohli had said, “If you are seen together somewhere and still people ask ‘is it confirmed?’, then it is a matter of common sense. If you know then why ask the same question, that is our basic logic behind it.” He went on saying, “It is not something wrong apparently for people that we are doing. We will not personally like to speak about it because it is something very personal for us and that should be respected by the media and everyone else as well.”

Later this Saturday, Anushka also put stamp over her relationship with Kohli saying, “Nobody is hiding anything. We are living our life very normally. It’s just that we don’t want to talk about our relationship. We can’t subject it to entertainment news. We will not hide if you guys see us together, but we will not talk about it.” Recently in a match against Sri Lanka, when Kohli completed a much awaited ton, he also hurled a flying kiss at Anushka Sharma who was cheering for team India during the match in the stands.

Before that Anushka was seen cheering for Virat’s soccer team Goa FC and going out with him for dinner with his brother and friends. Also, it has been observed in the past few incidents that the couple has no more hiding from the shutterbugs. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s romance bloomed when they begun working together on an ad campaign. Well, nothing has been confirmed officially so far but the sources have said that the families will soon come up with the revelation.

Whitney Houston biopic trailer debuts online

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The trailer for the Lifetime biopic about the late singer depicts Houston’s rise to stardom, and how her marriage to Bobby Brown impacted her career and personal life.

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hitney Houston’s tale of triumph and tragedy will soon hit the small screen.

The official trailer for Lifetime’s biopic has been released online, and depicts the late singer’s rise to stardom -- including being acclaimed as “the greatest voice of (her) generation” -- as well as her personal struggles in her marriage and with substance abuse.

The film stars Yaya DaCosta as Houston and

Arlen Escarpeta as her husband Bobby Brown, and details how the superstars’ turbulent marriage affected the “Greatest Love of All” singer’s life and career. “I’m putting everything on the line, my career, everything!”

Houston tells Brown in the film. “I need this to be real.”

Angela Bassett, who

directed the film, also costars as Houston’s mother Cissy. While the film features DaCosta performing Houston’s popular singles, such as “I Will Always Love You,” the vocals were actually recorded by R&B singer Deborah Cox. “Whitney” will premiere Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

‘Two and a Half Men’ to end Feb 19

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fter 12 seasons and numerous cast changes, TV sitcom “Two and a Half Men” is officially coming to an end Feb 19 next year. The series will conclude with a special onehour episode following “The Big Bang Theory”, reports huffingtonpost.com.

During its run, the show, which currently stars Ashton Kutcher and Jon Cryer, ranked for years as television’s most watched comedy. It also earned 47 Emmy Award nominations with numerous wins and grabbed People’s Choice Awards for favorite TV comedy multiple times.

Though ratings for the series have declined over the years, series creator Chuck Lorre has already delivered on bringing some

“very big surprises”.

The latest season has already seen Cryer reprise his “Pretty in Pink Role” as well as Kutcher proposing to Cryer. And with some reports

saying Charlie Sheen, who was later replced by Kutcher, is interested to return, it could turn out to be a pretty unforgettable goodbye for the fans of the show.

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Hornbill Marathon 2014 concludes 'Kohima Downhill' race held

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Project Director Dr. T. Watikala flagging off the ‘Special Lap’ for the differently-able persons during the 4th Hornbill Half Marathon at New Secretariat Junction, Kohima on December 7.

KoHImA, DEcEmbEr 7 (mExN): David Kiptoo of Kenya clocked 1:09:08 to emerge as the winner in the men’s category of the 4th Hornbill Half Marathon 2014 which was held here on Sunday. The women’s event of the Half Marathon was however cancelled. Organisers pointed to insufficient funding as the cause of cancellation.

Apart from the Half Marathon winner, cash prizes for all other winners of the various events were also drastically reduced.

A total of 66 runners participated in the 21 km half marathon event. Kiptoo walked away with cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Great Hornbill Run (Boys)

1st – Keneisao Theiinuo – Rs. 10000/2nd – Bom Bahadur – Rs. 7000/3rd – T. Menyasipong Chang – Rs. 5000/4th – Khekuto D. Shohe – Rs. 2000/5th – Pongji – Rs. 1000/6th – Lemtsi Khiamniungan – Rs. 1000/7th – Peizeinang Hairagau – Rs. 1000/8th – Inato Sheqi – Rs. 1000/9th – Chichem Yimchunger – Rs. 1000/10th – Vesu Rhakho – Rs. 1000/-

Great Hornbill Run (Girls)

1st – Khrieno Tero – Rs. 10000/2nd – Masimbui – Rs. 7000/3rd – Peiheiteile Esalung – Rs. 5000/4th – Pelevonuo – Rs. 2000/5th – Y. Phanongshi – Rs. 1000/6th – Nzanrhoni Tsopoe – Rs. 1000/7th – Thujozolu Shijo – Rs. 1000/8th – M. Liinriinla Kips – Rs. 1000/9th – Keneisoii Keditsu – Rs. 1000/10th – Chubasangla Jamir – Rs. 1000/-

Pache Khiam of Nagaland clocked 1:09:10 to come second while Oinam Sonaton Singh of Manipur clocked 1:11:31 to emerge third. Mhashekho Shijoh of Nagaland clocked 1:13:37 to claim the fourth and final prize of the competition. Khiam, Singh and Shijoh pocketed Rs. 15,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs.5000 respectively.

In the Great Hornbill Run, 130 runners – which included 25 girls – took part. In the boy’s category, Keneisao Theiinuo emerged as the winner while Khrieno Tero claimed the first prize in the girl’s category.

The Nagaland State

AIDS Control Society (NSACS) along with 3E Nagaland and supported

by Tourism Department conducted a ‘Special Lap’ for the differently-able persons with the theme “Championing Disabilities.” 27 children from Cherry Blossom School and Tabitha Enabling Academy participated in the event. The participants included one wheelchair bound girl.

Project Director Dr. T. Watikala gracing the occasion encouraged the participants to come forth and take part in similar events saying differentlyable people can also lead life the same way as normal people and they can also contribute to society.

To the public, she emphasised the need to stop discriminating against the differently-able people and cited the example of European countries where the differently able people are treated as normal people and they are allowed to identify their talents to lead their own lives.

Dr. Watikala gave away gift hampers to the excited participants in probably the only event for the differently-able persons among the many Hornbill events.

The event was officiated by the Nagaland Athletic Official’s Club (NAOC).

For more details and uploads, one can check 3enagaland on Facebook or visit 3enagaland.org.

All participants (Half Marathon, Great Hornbill Run & NSACS Special Lap) received completion certificates.

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Bikers during the first ever mountain bike race in Nagaland, the 'Kohima Downhill', at Kisama Viewpoint on December 6. (Kevi Viswentso Photography)

KoHImA, DEcEmbEr 7 (mExN): The first ever mountain bike race in Nagaland, the 'Kohima Downhill', was held at Kisama Viewpoint on December 6. Organized by Native Station, Nagaland, the race witnessed mountain bikers from different states riding their bikes downhill at full speeds and jumping across obstacles and ramps which were placed across the track.

Chief Guest for the event, Atuo Mezhur, President of Nagaland Football Association presented the trophy and prizes to the winners. Garry of Shillong emerged as the winner in the Elite category and won cash prize of Rs.20,000, Firefox Bike, Firefox cash voucher of Rs.10,000, and a Polaris Helmet. Akhotuo of Nagaland emerged second and was awarded cash prize of Rs.15,000, Firefox cash

voucher of Rs.5,000, and Polaris Body armour. Cephas Joseph of Maharashtra came third and won cash prize of Rs.10,000, Firefox cash voucher of Rs.2,000 and Polaris Goggle.

N. Chingkhei Nganba of Manipur emerged as the winner in the Junior Category while Wiam Suu of Nagaland came second. They were awarded cash prizes of Rs.10,000 and Rs.5,000 respectively.

Dancing Federer hails new IPTL

Micromax Indian Aces players Roger Federer, left, and Sania Mirza return after scoring a point against DBS Singapore Slammers's Bruno Soares and Daniela Hantuchova, in mixed doubles during International Premier Tennis League, in New Delhi on December 7. (AP Photo)

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NEW DELHI, DEcEmbEr 7 (AFP): World number two Roger Federer hailed the new International Premier Tennis League as "crazy but fun" after sauntering through his debut matches in the Indian capital on Sunday. A laughing and joking Federer downed Czech world number seven Tomas Berdych in the new team competition's third leg in New Delhi, where the Swiss veteran was playing for the first time. The normally composed and focused Federer was clearly enjoying himself during his three matches in front of Indian fans including Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar.

After winning his doubles and mixed doubles matches with Indian teammates Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, Federer celebrated with a courtside dance, before teammate France's Gael Monfils joined in. "It's crazy but it's good fun. I definitely think there's a place for this," Federer said, adding, "It's competitive, it's serious but it's still light-hearted." Federer's Indian Aces defeated the Singapore Slammers 26 points to 16 in the competition which has a quickfire format, including one-set matches hurried along by a 20-second serve clock.

Federer, who has never played in India before, said the experience "was big, it was loud, it was different". Federer said he was unsure how much extra tennis he would play next year, and would make a decision on his schedule after the Australian Open in January. "I gotta be careful not to overplay, clearly. I gotta still decide on Davis Cup, what I'm going to do there," the 33-year-old said courtside. "But I'll have a look after the Australian Open. That's when I will decide how much I'm going to play next season," said Federer, who holds a record 17 Gram Slam titles. "I'm going to play a full schedule like normal but the question is how much more will I add or not." Federer is expected to take on Novak Djokovic on Monday night in Delhi for his Indian Aces team before the competition moves on to the final leg in Dubai.

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