December 8th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

ThursDAY • December 08 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 337 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water Nothing is more special than coming home: Imlibenla Wati

Pope warns media over the ‘sin’ of spreading fake news PAGe 09

o F

T R u T H

— Rabindranath Tagore

Napoli, Benfica through as Arsenal pinch top spot in last 16

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

All pain, little gain

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Demonetisation math does not add up

Please don’t talk about quitting. You’re the only pastor in this town. if you quit who will take care of the weddings?

The Morung Express Poll QuEsTion

Vote on www.morungexpress.com sMs your answer to 9862574165 Do you feel that the Hornbill Festival needs fresh innovative thinking and creative implementation? How? Yes

no

others

Hotels in Kohima directed to provide list of foreign guests DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 7 (MExN): As required under section 7 of Foreigners Act, the office of the Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Government of Nagaland has reminded all the hotels, guesthouse, institutions etc. under Kohima District accommodating foreigners to mandatorily furnish information about the foreigners using the online C-Form. A press release issued by Sr. Superintendent of Police, Joseph Hesso stated that it is statutory obligation to intimate the Office of the FRO (SP Office) regarding the arrival and stay of every foreigners in the respective establishment within 24 hours. With the implementation of the IVFRT module, hotelier accommodating foreigners can upload complete details regarding every overseas national staying in their establishment and can submit the details using the online C-Form. To enable the use of the IVFRT module hotelier can obtain user ID by registering with FRO, Kohima at http://indianfrro. gov.in/frro/FormC,” it informed. The contravention of the said provisions invites punishment of imprisonment for a term, which may extend to five years and fine under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, the press release also stated.

19.1 billion new notes pumped into public domain: RBI informs

C M Y K

MUMBAI, DECEMBER 7 (IANS): With growing concerns over the circulation of new notes with the public post-demonetisation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday clarified that 19.1 billion pieces of new currency have been put back into the public domain. “Nineteen point one billion notes have already been put in circulation with the public,” RBI Deputy Governor R. Gandhi said in a press conference after the bi-monetary policy review. Gandhi also said almost Rs 12 lakh crore old notes (Rs 11.85 lakh crore) have been deposited by public so far. On November 8, the government decided to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes across the country.

Zero Tolerance band from Darjeeling performing at the qualification round of the Hornbill International Rock Contest on Wednesday evening at the Hockey Ground, IG Stadium, Kohima. Altogether 18 bands are competing at the Hornbill Rock Contest. Nine bands played on Wednesday while the remaining bands will perform at Thursday’s qualification round. Judges for the Hornbill Rock Contest include Luke Kenny, Atsunglir Jamir, Bendang Kichu and Rudy Wallang. (Photo by Jabu Krocha)

DAN has betrayed trust of the people: NPCC

DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 7 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today expressed grave concern on the declaration of December 25 by the central government as a Good Governance day, Fathers’ Day as Yoga day and Good Friday as the Judges Day; and slammed the DAN government for not opposing it.

A press note from the NPCC Working President, Ayang Aonok stated that it is “a downright insult to all Christians particularly for the state of Nagaland that comprises more than 90% Christian population.” The NPCC termed it surprising that the DAN government is “maintaining a studied silence on such vital issues ostensibly for possible reprisal from Modi.” The DAN government in Nagaland has betrayed the trust of the people but continue to adore and glorify leaders who have been systematically dismantling the secular fabric of the country, it alleged. It added that the NPF has “lost its ideological moorings of protecting and

safeguarding the Naga interest vis a vis article 371 (A) while trying to placate its political master in Delhi.”

The NPCC also shared its concern over the hardship faced by the people in Nagaland in the wake of demonetization of the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. “How will Modi catch big fish by putting a cap on withdrawal of people’s legitimate money from their legitimate bank account?” it questioned, while stating that this “dubious measure will not encourage black money holders to surrender their black money stashed in Swiss bank and tax-havens.”

It further pointed out that the Prime Minister is talking in terms of a cashless society “when still many people in India do not know how to use a toilet.” The first step towards the gigantic task of a cashless society is to educate people, it observed. The NPCC said there is a “conspicuous lack of proper planning and the execution was flawed.”

Regarding the GST, the NPCC lamented that the DAN government

“gave in meekly to the NDA regime that espouses one nation one tax regime, which will have far-reaching consequences vis-a vis article 371(A).”

The centre, it stated, is slowly and assiduously encroaching on article 371 (A) of the constitution and would render this article “meaningless.”

The NPF that arrogated to itself as the champion of regional pride and Naga peoples aspiration has now compromised its principle for money, wealth and power, the NPCC alleged.

It further stated that the NPF’s “open criticism of head of the state, NGOs and various organizations have stunned and shocked the entire state stakeholders.” The NPF as ruling party, it stated is expected to exhibit more restraint and added that the name of the Governor “should not have dragged into the debate.” It alleged that the NPF is “acting as if DAN government has been authorized to loot, plunder and siphon public money to the extent of questioning the locus standi of the Governor of the state for his candid criticism of the government.”

NEW DElhI, DECEMBER 7 (IANS): Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia’s startling admission on Tuesday that the government expects all scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to come back to the banking system raises questions about the very purpose of the disruptive demonetisation exercise, as well as its supposed benefits, say analysts.

Adhia’s statement completely negates the earlier narrative that anywhere between Rs 3 lakh crore and Rs 5 lakh crore of black money will be “extinguished” by the demonetisation drive as it will not return to the banking system -- providing the Centre a windfall that would be used for pro-poor and infrastructure-related expenses.

With such a windfall now not on the cards (the RBI said Wednesday that almost Rs 12 lakh crore is already back with the banks), the math of demonetisation simply does not add up, say analysts that IANS spoke with, who contend that a simple cost-benefit analysis suggests the government -- and the country -- will emerge a big net loser because of the exercise.

Consider their argument: Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore of scrapped money, it was estimated that 30 per cent was black, that is, around Rs 4.5 lakh crore.

Given the hectic activity witnessed in the weeks since demonetisation was announced on November 8, even the most conservative estimate will have to assume that about a third of the unnaccounted money -- or Rs 1.5 lakh crore -- has been “taken care of” and is now back in the banking system as “legit” money. There is enough anecdotal evidence of people exploiting the Rs 2.5 lakh limit as well as Jan Dhan and other accounts for this purpose.

According to some media accounts, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has estimated that about Rs 1.3 lakh crore will be declared under the new income disclosure scheme (IDS) that the government announced as a seeming afterthought on November 28. The analysts were generous enough to raise this figure to Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The remaining Rs 1.5 lakh crore is what the IT men will have to chase and recover, provided people are unable to explain their deposits. This will be a long-winded process that will play out over the next

two-three years and provide no shortterm payoff for the government.

So, the immediate benefit would be the Rs 75,000 crore it will collect as 50 percent tax on the amount declared under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (as the new IDS is called). Plus about Rs 2,500 crore that it will save as interest outgo, in the first year, on the 25 per cent that has to be deposited under the IDS. This adds up to a princely sum of Rs 80,000 crore (generously rounded off).

Now set this off against the cost of the whole exercise.

The Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy (CMIE) has estimated that the nation’s GDP will take a hit of Rs 1.28 lakh crore for the period between November 8 and December 30, the demonetisation window. It does not, however, consider the cost for the next quarter -- and most economists believe it will take at least one, if not more, quarters before the economy recovers. They expect the total cost to the GDP, at the minimum, to be around Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

The actual cost of executing the demonetisation drive -- printing the new notes, logistics and the like -- has been estimated at Rs 20,000 crore.

Further, with banks becoming awash with cash, the government has already allowed the RBI a vastly enhanced mandate to issue market stabilisation or MSS bonds worth Rs 6 lakh crore to drain out the excess liquidity from the banks. At an average interest of 6 to 6.5 per cent per annum, these bonds will cost the RBI anywhere between Rs 30,000 crore and Rs 35,000 crore for a nine-month period, the expected timeframe in which the issue is likely to get resolved.

Thus, on the cost side, the grand total works out to about Rs 2 lakh crore -against a gain of Rs 80,000 crore.

Of course, the government, its spokespersons and pro-demonetisation economists constantly speak of intangible “long-term benefits” such as a “move to a cash-less economy” and “widening the tax base”.

But the question analysts are asking is: Did the achievement of these noble goals merit the pain and disruption caused by the demonetisation exercise -- and the almost Rs 1.2 lakh crore short-term hit the country is likely to take?

sacked BJP leaders seek Pakistan plane crashes into mountain justice from national prez DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 7 (MExN): The three BJP leaders who were recently relieved from their respective posts from the Nagaland state units have written to the BJP national president seeking justice.

According to the three BJP functionaries, namely K James Vizo holding the post of vice president, Mghato Achumi, also vice president and Yanghose Sangtam, spokesman of BJP Nagaland, they were informed by the state president Visasolie Lhongue that a direction was given by the Central BJP leaderships to drop them from their respective assignments with immediate effect without specifying any reasons.

“On being queried the reasons for

dropping us, he could not give any tangible response to satisfy us,” read the letter written to the national president by the three BJP functionaries, a copy of which was made available to the media.

The BJP functionaries maintained that as sincere and dedicated party workers, their main objective is to be prepared for the next forthcoming 2018 assembly election while asserting that “we have not played anything which could be detrimental to the party.” In this regard, the three BJP functionaries have urged the national president to “deliver justice in the greater interest of BJP in the state as well as in the national level.”

Cancer cases up by 50% in less developed countries NEW YORK, DECEMBER 7 (IANS): While there has been a 33 per cent increase in the global cases of cancers between 2005 and 2015, the countries with the lowest development status saw a 50 per cent rise during the same period, a study by the Global Burden of Disease collaboration has found.

In contrast, countries with a high development status had 44 per cent of new cancer cases.

The findings showed that in 2015, there were 17.5 million new cancer cases worldwide and 8.7 million deaths. Although cancer is the world’s second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases, the chances of developing the deadly disease and dying from it look radically different depending on where you live, the researchers said.

“The cancer divide is real and growing,” said lead author Christina Fitzmaurice, Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in US. “The number of new cancer cases is climbing almost everywhere in the world, putting an increasing

strain on even the most advanced health systems. But the most rapid and troubling escalation can be seen in countries of lower development status, which can ill afford it,” Fitzmaurice added.

For the study, the team grouped 32 types of cancer and analysed 195 countries based on their socio-demographic index (SDI) -- a combined measure of education, income, and fertility. The researchers found that among all types of cancer the most common were cancers of the breast; tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL); which caused 1.2 million deaths globally, followed by colon and rectum cancer and stomach and liver cancers.

Breast cancer, which accounted for 523,000 deaths in 2015, remained both the most common and deadliest form of cancer for women, the study observed.

Government agencies and the private sector need to expand prevention efforts, especially in lower SDI countries where several of the deadliest cancers, such as cervical and liver cancer, are also the most preventable, the authors noted.

ISlAMABAD, DECEMBER 7 (IANS): A Pakistani plane carrying 47 passengers and crew on a domestic flight to Islamabad crashed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, killing all aboard, the media reported.

The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed there were no survivors, said Dawn newspaper, adding 36 bodies had been recovered from the site. The passengers on the small plane operated by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) included noted “Vital Signs” singer-turned-evangelist Junaid Jamshed and his family, Chitral

Deputy Commissioner Osama Warraich, and three foreigners including a Chinese man, Dawn said.

It said the aircraft crashed on way to Islamabad from the northern town of Chitral after losing contact with the air traffic control. Citing global aviation watchdog Aviation Herald, the newspaper reported that the plane went down near Abbottabad “due to engine problems”.

Laiq Shah, a police official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the plane crashed in Havelian area. PIA identified the site as Saddha Batolni village near the Pakistan Ordinance

Factory, Havelian.

Soldiers and army helicopters were mobilised to rush to the crash site, said Inter-Services Public Relations, the army’s media wing. Rescue operations were however hindered due to the rugged terrain as well as cold and dark conditions with sundown in Havelian taking place at 4.57 p.m.

Government official Taj Muhammad Khan, who was at the site, said all the bodies had been “burned beyond recognition”. PIA spokesperson Daniyal Gilani said the plane had 42 passengers, including nine women and two infants, and five crew members.

Trump is Time Magazine’s 2016 Person of the Year NEW YORK, DECEMBER 7 (AGENCIES): Time magazine has named Donald Trump its Person of the Year -- calling him “President of the Divided States of America.”

“I don’t think that we have ever seen one person, operating in such an unconventional way, have an impact on the events of the year,” said Time editor Nancy Gibbs.

She called this year’s choice “one of the more straightforward years.”

Trump beat runner-up Hillary Clinton for the distinction, which Gibbs said is given to the newsmaker who has the biggest influence on world events, for better or worse.

Placing third was “the hackers,” to cover people who breached the records of major government organizations, politicians, celebrities and everyday citizens.

The short list also included President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, scientists who developed new DNArelated technology and Beyonce.

The announcement was revealed on NBC’s “Today” show. Speaking on the show via phone, Trump called the title a “very, very great honor.”

The magazine has been select-

ing the year’s most influential person, group or idea since 1927. Its choices have included nearly every U.S. president, Adolf Hitler, Ayatollah Khomeini, Mahatma Gandhi and Pope Francis, along with groups like the “Ebola fighters.” The title was changed in 1982 to “Machine of the Year” for the computer.

In its 90-year history, Time has named only four individual women: American socialite Wallis Simpson, whose marriage to King Edward VIII caused a constitutional crisis, Queen Elizabeth II, President Corazon Aquino of the Philippines, and last year’s choice, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Other women have been named as part of a group

or class of people.

“It’s hard to measure the scale of his disruption,” Gibbs wrote in the magazine’s article about choosing Trump this year. “So which is it this year: Better or worse? The challenge for Donald Trump is how profoundly the country disagrees about the answer.” Trump has already appeared on Time’s cover on numerous occasions this year, including two covers published before the election that featured a cartoon illustration of his melting face titled “Meltdown” and “Total meltdown.”

Trump criticized the magazine last year when it picked Merkel, who he called the “person who is ruining Germany.”

Trump, who had been a finalist, tweeted the magazine “would never pick me as person of the year despite being the big favorite.”

Trump on Wednesday, however, called the magazine “important.”

“It means a lot, especially me growing up reading Time magazine, and you know, it’s a very important magazine, and I’ve been lucky enough to be on the cover many times this year,” he said on NBC.

2

ThursDAY 08•12•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Moayimti to host NSF Conference in April 2017

A school boy aims a weapon at the display of arms and equipment at Government High School, Jalukie, Peren during the weapon display conducted by 36 Assam Rifles under aegis of Headquarters 6 Sector Assam Rifles. AR in a press release said that the aim of the event was to familiarize as well as motivate students of the region to join the Armed forces. Major attractions of the event were Machine Guns, Sniper Rifles and Rocket Launchers. The event was witnessed by an approximately 250 students and locals.

Forum demands immediate posting of SDO (E) Pungro

Pungro, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): The Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division has made demand for “immediate posting of a SubDivisional Officer (E), Pungro on or before December 30, 2016.”

Giving an account of the issue, Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division President S. Kiusumew Yimchunger and General Secretary Khiutsithong in a press release said that Pungro Area citizens received a notification from the Secretariat, Nagaland, notifying that Pungro Sub-Division was given a SDO (E) to look after the area vide Order No. PWR/ESTT-32/2010, Sl. No. 17, dated 30th November 2015 and No. PWR/ ESTT-32/2010, dated 29th January 2016. “However, to the utter dismay of the general public of Pungro SubDivision, the order was re-

DiMaPur, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): A team of 25 female students along with four faculty members from four different colleges affiliated to Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women's University, Mumbai led

by Renuka Prajapati are on a visit to colleges in Nagaland as part of cultural exchange programme.

Through the initiative of the Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland the following five colleges from Dimapur and Kohima were selected for cultural exchange programme i.e. Mount Mary College, C-Edge College and Tetso College from Dimapur district and Kohima Arts College and Japfu Christian College from Kohima district.

voked,” said the Forum.

Despite the unending appeals of the public through the Public Forum Pungro Sub-Division, the Government of Nagaland has failed to revoke its order issued on November 18, 2016, the Forum added, While expressing deep pain on the steps taken by the Government of Nagaland, regarding the post of the Sub-Divisional Officer (E), Pungro the Forum said, “If the posting does not take place positively, the Forum officially back out of this tussle. And it may be added that, the Forum will no longer entertain any notifications or orders issued by the Government of Nagaland.”

It also added, “The Forum will leave the matter onto the public, thus, we will not be responsible for Mount Mary College: The any course of action that team visited Mount Mary proceeds.”

College, Chumukedima on

Livelihoods experts from National Support Organization and National Resource Organization with members of Self Help Groups of Lampong Sheanghah during the programme held on December 6.

zation (NSO) and National Resource organization (NRO) under the aegis of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), interacted with the Self Help Groups of Lampong Sheanghah and Totok Chingnyu village on December 6 and 7 for studying the Livelihoods activities of the members of the SHGs in the villages.

A press release said that the study was aimed at

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank everyone who stood by us during the illness and demise of Mrs. Sano Whiso (Rokosano) on November 12, 2016.

We are immensely grateful for your prayers, presence, financial and material help during this difficult time. May God our Saviour bless you.

Family members

A section of the gathering attending the Mokokchung DPDB cum Officers Club Mokokchung meeting held at Jentisang Resort, Ungma village on December 7. (DIPR Photo)

tended by all the DPDB members and officers from both State and Central government posted at Mokokchung town attended.

ADC brought Christmas greetings to all the members from Chairman DPDB Mokokchung & Parliamen-

tary Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Amenba Yaden and Vice Chairman & Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel who could not attend the meeting.

Er. Temsuwati, DIO, NIC Mokokchung presented re-

port on activities of the OCM during 2016 and said that OCM is ever committed to do welfare activities for the benefit of the people in the district. He also said OCM has been extending humanitarian assistance at the time of disasters in the district.

A DIPR report stated that after the meeting the officers participated in Team Building Games which was followed by exchange of Christmas Gift and presentation of Prizes to the winners in the team building games.

SNDT Women’s University visit colleges in Nagaland

Livelihoods experts interact with SHGs

Mon, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): With institutional building being achieved to an appreciable level, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAYNRLM) began the second stage to further capacitate the Self Help Groups in taking initiatives towards livelihood promotion.

Accordingly a team of Livelihoods experts from National Support Organi-

Mokokchung, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): Moayimti village under Tzurangkong Range, Mokokchung will be hosting the forthcoming NSF Conference in April next year and in this connection she requested Executive Engineers R&B, PHE and Power Departments to extend all possible help towards the Moayimti village for the success of the conference.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Bendanglila made the announcement during the Mokokchung District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) cum Officers Club Mokokchung (OCM) meeting held at Jentisang Resort, Ungma village about 2 Km from Mokokchung town on December 7.

The meeting was at-

knowing the Livelihoods of the SHG and its members for Recce study and initiation of scoping study for future Livelihoods interventions.

The visiting team comprised of Nitiyanand from National support organization (NSO), and Lutfur Rahaman from National Resource Organization (NRO). The visiting team was assisted by officials from the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods.

Students of SNDT Women University, Mumbai and Kohima College during the cultural exchange programme held at Kohima College on December 7.

December 5 where the students from Mumbai presented the rich tradition and culture of Maharashtra and the students of Mount Mary College presented and introduced the rich culture and tradition of the Nagas through the representation of traditional attire of all the tribes of Nagaland. There was also an educational interaction session between the students.

The visit was organ-

ised by National Service Scheme (NSS), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India under National Integration Camp (NIC). The local coordination for the visiting team was managed by the Chairman of Mount Mary College, Chumukedima.

A press release informed that the visiting team will culminate their journey to Nagaland by attending the Hornbill Festi-

PMSMA scheme now applicable in Mon

Mon, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): District Health Society, Mon has informed that the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) scheme is now applicable in District Hospital, Aboi CHC, Tobu CHC and Phomching PHC. The services are provided by the Obstetrician/Medical officer in order to strengthen the identification and management of high risk factor during pregnancy, stated a press release issued by Leeyan Chemshy, Media Officer, NHM, Mon. PMSMA scheme was launched by the Government of India inorder to provide free health checkup and required treatment for pregnant women. The scheme envisages providing a healthy life to the pregnant women, lower maternity mortality rate, make pregnant women aware of their health issues/diseases, sure safe delivery and healthy life of the baby.

Under the programme, fixed day quality antenatal checkups (ANC) would be provided to the pregnant women in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy on the 9th day of every month. The scheme provides several tests including blood pressure, sugar level, weight, haemoglobin test, blood test and screening at the medical centers.

val where they are likely to make a guest cultural presentation of Maharashtra.

Kohima College: In Kohima, a cultural exchange programme with visiting delegates and students from SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai was held at Kohima College on December 7. This visit was part of the latter’s 100 year Centenary celebration which involves an educa-

tional tour with colleges in Nagaland.

Dr. Watijungshi, Principal, Kohima College in his welcome address apprised the visitors as to how Kohima College is one of the two government colleges in Kohima and also the second oldest college in the capital.

He added that the college is nestled in Kohima, the biggest village in Asia.

Ameü Kire, HoD, Education Department, Kohima College shared on the history of the College and informed that today, the college has made great strides with a student enrollment strength of 1500, Faculty strength of 52 and 38 Ministerial staff. The students of Kohima College, under the supervision of Cheryl Kevichusa, Asst.

Professor, entertained the audience with a Fashion Show titled, ‘A Glimpse of Traditional & Modern Naga Attires’. The College

Choir also regaled all present with the musical piece, ‘I have a Dream’.

The students of SNDT Women University, Mumbai participated with presentation of traditional dance, invoking God’s blessings, after which they also sang their University song. A presentation into the culture, tradition, literature, food habits, and nature of the film industry and attire of Maharashtra was given. This was presented through speech and varied dances such as ‘Lazim’, ‘Jojwa’ etc.

Renuka Prajata, Team Leader and NSS Coordinator, shared about the history of SNDT University and how it was founded on 5th July 1916, with the objective to liberate and empower women through education. A time of interaction between the students of Kohima College and SNDT University followed.

Young Associates Jakhama prepares for Silver Jubilee

kohiMa, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): The Young Associates Jakhama (YAJ) celebrated advance Christmas-cum-annual meeting at the residence of its secretary, Kezhokhoto Savi at Lower Chandmari, Kohima on December 3.

During the meeting, YAJ discussed in detail the celebration of 25 years of its existence scheduled in the month of January 2017. One of the Young Associates’ targets in

view of the Silver Jubilee is to invest fund for the Jakhama Students’ Union Educational Trust, which is solely to uplift the community, especially the parents who are not in a position to send genuine students for specific studies such as technical studies due to financial problem, according to a press release from YAJ. “The YAJ has taken a government project by investing the

project amount as well as the Associates fund and had successfully completed the project within few months time, a multi-purpose project for the community which is situated in the compound of Campaign School Jakhama and was inaugurated by Watienla Director, Horticulture, Nagaland,” said the release issued by Zakhwe Khieya, president and Kezhokhoto Savi, secretary of YAJ.

Members of the Jalukie Town Vegetable Vendors during the ‘get-to-gather' held on December 7.

Farmer-scientist interaction and joint visit held in Phek

Phek, DeceMber 7 (Mexn): KVK Phek conducted farmer-scientist interaction and joint visit programme from November 22 to December 4 at various villages under five blocks covering two villages each sponsored by ATMA Phek.

Dr. Hannah Krujia, SMS Agronomy in a press release informed that altogether 143 farmers participated in programmes.

During the joint visits, the problem diagnosed were high mortality of livestock, low potato yield due to insect pest infestation, continuous water stagnation in paddy field that caused low yield, haphazard sowing of rabi crops like mustard, pea etc, insect pest infestation

in waterlogged paddy field, citrus decline in orange and nutrient deficiency in cabbage that resulted in low yield in cabbage.

During the famers scientist interaction programme at Lekromi and Phuhgi village, farmers showed keen interest in commercial rabbit farming. Housing and feeding management practices in pig were discussed in the programme. Prevention and prophylactic measures were discussed in length

by Dr. Debojyoti Borkotoky, SMS Animal Science to mitigate the annual loss of livestock wealth due to diseases.

For rabi crop programme, complete package of practices on lentil

was explained and follow up demonstration was done in farmers field. The importance of cropping system was explained especially on crop rotation, intercropping system and mixed cropping.

Advantages and disadvantages of cropping system were also briefed by Dr. Hannah Krujia, SMS Agronomy. Dr. T. Esther Longkumer, ACTO Soil Science elaborated in Soil fertility management in Jhum field and enlightened the farmers on use of vermicompost, biofertilizer and organic compost for maintaining the soil nutrient and for better crop growth. Fertility management of soil through crop rotation for improv-

KVK Phek team during the programme held at Phek Basa Village as part of the farmer-scientist interaction and joint visit programme from November 22 to December 4.

ing soil health, crop yield, made aware of soil sample farm income and also re- collection to know the soil duce insect and disease fertility status of their field.

The farmers were aprisk. The farmers were also

prised of the various management practices of Kiwi fruits by Keniseto Chucha, Farm manager, Horticulture.

Thursday 08•12•2016

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Two decades on, tribals' repatriation ‘People's Convention’ seeks to Mizoram from Tripura uncertain to end impasse in Manipur AgArtAlA/AizAwl, December 7 (iANS): Despite Supreme Court directions and the Union Home Ministry's initiative, the repatriation of tribal refugees from Tripura to Mizoram hangs in balance even after two decades.

The Mizoram government and refugee leaders put new conditions in a recent four-party meeting in New Delhi to resettle the tribals in the state after the repatriation.

About 31,300 Reang tribals, who locally call themselves "Bru", have been living in seven makeshift camps in North Tripura's Kanchanpur and Panisagar subdivisions adjoining Mizoram since October 1997 after they fled their homes in western Mizoram following ethnic troubles in the state.

"We are ready to return to our homes in Mizoram, but the state government is reluctant to meet our basic demands like allotment of lands for cultivation," refugee leader Bruno Msha told IANS. "In the November 24 meeting in New Delhi, we categorically reiterated our demand to allot five hectares of land to each refugee family to cultivate after the repatriation.

The Mizoram officials summarily rejected this basic demand. If we do not have land how would we survive?" he asked.

The third high-level meeting held on November 24 at the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi dis-

cussed in depth the repatriation of the tribal refugees.

The ministry's Special Secretary, (Internal Security), Mahesh Kumar Singla, presided over the meeting where senior officials from the Tripura and Mizoram governments and refugee and other tribal leaders were present.

A 30-member team of Mizoram government officials last month conducted a survey in the refugee camps to identify the bona fide citizens of Mizoram among the refugees.

A Tripura Relief Department official said that in the New Delhi meeting, it was decided to issue birth certificates by the Tripura government to those children born in the relief camps during the past 19 years. "We have received 700 applications from the refugees for birth certificates for the children. We have already started the process and within 15 days would be able to issue the certificates," north Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Sandeep Namdeo Mahatme told IANS on the phone.

"Most of the tribal refugees are willing to go to their homes in Mizoram. Some people are creating barriers in the repatriation process to serve their own interests."

The District Magistrate said Singla, along with other ministry officials, would visit the refugee camps this week to persuade the residents to return to Mizoram.

"We are confident that the refugees would go back to their homes from January as the Mizoram government is taking the initiative to take them back," Mahatme said.

Tripura Relief Department officials said that the Supreme Court last year had asked the Union Home Ministry and the Mizoram and Tripura governments to jointly work for the return of the tribal refugees to their homes in Mizoram.

The Home Ministry undertook serious efforts after the Supreme Court's directive. Despite several initiatives by the Mizoram government to bring the refugees back, they have been reluctant to do so unless their demands for food and security are met.

The refugees' apex body, the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), has been insisting that three teams of their organisations be allowed to visit three Mizoram districts -- Mamit, Lunglei and Kolasib -- to study the situation where they would be rehabilitated.

"The MBDPF has submitted a 14-point demand to the MHA. The demands include allotment of five hectares of land to each tribal family, undertaking a special development plan for the backward tribals, provide adequate security to the repatriated refugees, one government job to each refugee family and creation of scope for livelihood in Mizoram," MBDPF general sec-

retary Bruno Msha said.

The refugee leader said the Home Ministry agreed to give each refugee family housing assistance of Rs 38,500, cash assistance of Rs 41,500, free rations for two years, blankets and utensils, while Mizoram would reimburse their transportation cost.

Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana said in Aizawl that the state government would not concede the demands of the MBDPF as a pre-condition of the refugees' repatriation.

"It would also be impossible for the state government to allot five hectares of land to each repatriated tribal family. The repatriated families also would have to wait for allocation of land for construction of houses and for farming in accordance with the guidelines of their respective village councils," the minister said.

Meanwhile, the Tripura government has been asking the Union and Mizoram governments to repatriate the refugees at the earliest as serious socio-economic and law-and-order problems have cropped up in the state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, accompanied by his deputy, Kiren Rijiju, had visited the refugee camps in North Tripura in February last year and urged the Mizoram government and the refugees to end the stalemate.

Chandel rallies to demand release of UNC leaders Ruwngthung Anal

Chandel | December 7

Demanding the release of UNC president Gaidon Kamei and UNC information and Publicity secretary SK Stephen who were arrested by Manipur state police commandoes, Chandel Naga civil societies coordination core committee organized a mass rally at Chandel district headquarters today.

Before the rally, a public meeting was held at Maha Union Govt Higher Secondary School Ground from where the rally commenced.

Speaking at the meeting, UNC Asst General Secretary Gabriel Chinir reminded of the various MoUs signed between the GoM and Naga civil organization in which Jiribam and

Sadar Hills district could not be made full-fledged districts without the consent of the Naga people.

The Economic bandh was in place as the state government, instead of trying to solve the problem,

remained a silent spectator despite a 48-hour shut down called by UNC in all Naga inhabited areas in the wake of the government’s attempt to create the said districts forgetting the MoUs it had signed with

2 arrested for breaking ATM in Manipur

imPhAl, December 7 (iANS): Two persons, including a policeman, have been arrested in Manipur on charges of destroying an ATM here after failing to get cash, police said on Wednesday. Hemchandra Oinam, who is from Manipur Rifles, and Bobby Nameirakpam entered an ATM booth belonging to the State Bank of India located at the PWD complex on Tuesday evening to draw money. When they

realized the ATM was dry, they smashed its screen and the machine itself.

An official said CRPF personnel at the PWD office overpowered the two men and handed them over to police.

A police officer said: "An FIR has been lodged against them. It is a serious crime since a security personnel was involved in the destruction of public property." Meanwhile, three Village Defence Force person-

Sonowal calls for freeing NE from corruption, terrorism UmSAw, December 7 (Pti): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today called for freeing the North Eastern region of the country from corruption, terrorism and foreign intruders to maintain peace.

"We should free the NE region from corruption, terrorism and foreign intruders, he said at the 42nd passing out parade at North East Police Academy (NEPA) here. "We have to maintain peace and for that we have to fight against terror and it will be your (police) responsibility to ensure terrorism are thwarted despite terrorists becoming more sophisticated, he said.

Altogether 98 trainees including 86 in the rank of Deputy SPs, 11 Sub-Inspectors and 1 Assistant Sub Inspector were part of the officers who graduated from the academy after several months of intense training. Of these, 58 are from Assam, 1 Meghalaya, 15 Arunachal Pradesh, 5 Mizoram, 1 Sikkim, 9 Tripura, 7 Nagaland and 2 Manipur. As he congratulated the graduating officers, Sonowal reiterated the need to fight against terrorism, which he said is the biggest challenge, to ensure

citizens live in peace and without fear.

There is a need to create an environment of security among all citizens which will also ensure that women and children are protected from all forms of violence, the chief minister said.

nel who beat up a journalist here have tendered an unqualified apology to him.

Oinam Lukhoi, an MLA, brought the accused to the Press Club where they apologized to journalist Rakesh Sharma for beating him up on Monday while he was photographing people jumping the queue at a bank. Most ATMs in Manipur are shut down due to lack of cash following the demonetisation of high value currency.

the Naga civil societies, Gabriel stated and further alleged that arresting UNC president and information secretary at such juncture and keeping them in the custody is suppression of right of the Naga people.

Other speakers who spoke during the meeting demanding the release of the leaders included CNPO President Ws Kanral, CNCSCCC Convener Wng Kohring Victor, NSUC President Sr Joningam, NWUC President Lh Bliss and NG Benithan.

A large number of people including women who took part in the rally raised placards written with “Release UNC leaders without any conditions”, “Respect Naga ancestral land” and “Mr Ibobi stop persecuting Naga leaders”, marched towards Chandel Mini Secretariat Complex, where a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India was handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel Bobby Waikhom.

Pilgrim School Dimapur

Newmai News Network Imphal | December 7

The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has planned to hold a "people's convention" on December 9 in Imphal to seek "thoughts and responsibility from all stakeholders in countering the blockade in a very positive way".

Addressing a press conference today at UCM office, Lamphelpat in Imphal, UCM President Elangbamm Johnson informed that "a one-day people’s convention" will be held at Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal on December 9 at 10 am.

He reiterated the "appeal" for withdrawal of the ongoing indefinite economic blockade on national highways imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) protesting against plans to convert Sadar Hills and Jiribam subdivision as fullfledged revenue districts.

Today's UCM press conference was held nine hours before the expiry of a deadline given by the UCM to the Naga body to call off the blockade. The deadline draws to a close midnight of December 7.

Expressing hope that UNC would give a positive response to the call, UCM president Elangbam Johnson had on December 4 stated that the committee would agitate against the blockade stir if it was not

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of timely intervention by both the state and central governments.

Johnson further appealed once again to the Naga body to reconsider its stand and lift the blockade stir. On December 5, the United Naga Council (UNC) had asserted that the ongoing economic blockade and ban on construction of Trans Asian Railways and National projects will continue as the Government of Manipur has miserably failed to honour the letter and spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) and the assurance given by the Union Home Ministry to the Nagas.

The UNC said that the Naga people protested five times against the decision of the State Government to upgrade Sadar Hills to the status of a full-fledged revenue district and also Jiribam.

All the protests concluded after signing MoUs between the State Government and the Naga people in which it was always mentioned that ‘all the stake holders will be consulted’ before a final decision is taken on granting district status to the two sub-divisions, added the UNC. Stating that land and Nagas are inseparable, the UNC said that it is the obligation of every Naga to defend and protect their ancestral homeland.

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rolled back before the lapse of the deadline.

The Naga apex body UNC, however, declared barely one day after the deadline set by the UCM that it would continue the blockade.

Highlighting the hardships of people reeling under the protracted blockade, Johnson said the December 9 convention aims to work out strategies to fight collectively against the “inhumane” stir as one common issue cutting across all ethnic lines.

The convention is to be held also in the backdrop of the general hardships faced by the people of Manipur for the last one and a half month as an outcome of the economic blockade imposed

by UNC sinceNovember 1, according to UCM President Elangbam Johnson.

He said all leaders and representatives of all communities from both the hills and valley are invited to the scheduled convention in Imphal.

He urged upon both the state and the central governments to invite all stakeholders to the negotiating table over the impasse. “It’s high time that the Government of India dealt with the issue with a firm stand. The Centre needs to have a serious reflection on the blockade.”

The UCM leader also expressed the “risks of the political fallout” that could come up due to lack

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NAGALAND ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (NERC) NAGALAND : KOHIMA

PUBLIC NOTICE

Old MLA Hostel Complex, Nagaland : Kohima -797001 Tel: (0370) 2292101(O) / 2241592(R) Fax: 2292104 (O); www.nerc.org.in e-mail: nerc_kohima@yahoo.com Dated Kohima, the 6th Dec.‘16

No.NERC/REGN/2016: In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Act 36 of 2003); and all powers enabling it in that behalf, and after previous publication on 20th Sept, 2016 as required under sub-section (3) of the aforesaid Section of the Act in respect of NERC (Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive systems based on Net Metering) Regulations, 2016 is hereby notified as Final Publication.

The said Regulations is available at the NERC website: www.nerc.org.in Sd/- W. Y. YANTHAN, Secretary, Nagaland Electricity Regulatory, Commission (NERC), Kohima Issued by: DIPR

NAGALAND ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (NERC) NAGALAND : KOHIMA

PUBLIC NOTICE

Old MLA Hostel Complex, Nagaland : Kohima -797001 Tel: (0370) 2292101(O) / 2241592(R) Fax: 2292104 (O); www.nerc.org.in e-mail: nerc_kohima@yahoo.com Dated Kohima, the 6th Dec. ‘16

No.NERC/REGN/2016(A): In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 181 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (Act 36 of 2003); and all powers enabling it in that behalf and after previous publication on 18th Aug, 2016, the Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Kohima is publishing herein the Final Second Amended Regulation 2 of the Principal Regulations “NERC (Renewable Purchase Obligation and its Compliance) 2011” where the existing Clause (2.1) shall remain same as Clause (2.1) only but its contents & figures shall be Replaced/Amended as under: Sl. No. Year Solar RPO (%) Non-Solar RPO (%) Total RPO (%) 1.

2016-17 0.25 5.00 5.25 2.

2017-18 1.00 6.00 7.00 3.

2018-19 2.00 6.60 8.60 The said Regulations is available at the NERC’s Website: www.nerc.org.in Sd/- W. Y. YANTHAN, Secretary, Nagaland Electricity Regulatory, Commission (NERC), Kohima Issued by: DIPR

4

ThursDAY 08•12•2016

business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

About Rs.2,000 crore declared after Nov 8 New Delhi, December 7 (The hiNDu): About Rs.2,000 crore of undisclosed income has been declared by taxpayers since the Center’s demonetisation on November 8, the Finance Ministry said.

At least Rs.130 crore in cash and jewellery has been seized so far since the decision to ban high value currencies of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 denominations.

“The Income Tax Department has carried out swift investigations in more than 400 cases since the demonetisation of old high denomination (OHD) currency announced by the Government on November 8, 2016,” according to an official statement.

“More than Rs.130 crore in cash and jewellery has been seized and approximately Rs.2,000 crore of undisclosed income has been admitted by the taxpayers.”

These declarations come following the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana on November 28, which allows those holding undisclosed income to declare it and pay tax of 50 per cent tax, with the stipulation that 25 per cent of the total income be held in a non-interest bearing deposit for four years.

The government also recently revised upwards to Rs.67,382 crore the amount of black money disclosed under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS), the declaration window for which was open from June 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016.

Previously, under last year’s Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income & Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, 644 declarations of undisclosed foreign income and assets were received, with just

Rs.2,428 crore being collected in taxes. decided not to share the numbers any More than 30 such cases have been re- more,” an official said requesting anoferred to the ED and are being sent to the nymity.

As on December 3, it had received CBI. cash deposits worth Rs.2.31 lakh crore, Bengaluru leads and Rs.7,095 crore had been exchanged Of these, the Benga- luru Investi- at its branches. Cash withdrawals stood gation Unit of the Income at Rs.74,823 crore. There has been speculation as to the deposits made in the form Tax Department has of withdrawn notes and latest reports sent the suggest they have crossed Rs.13 lakh crore. The government m o s t (18) refhad said that Rs.15.44 lakh crore of erRs.500 and Rs.1000 n o t e s were in circulation till November 8 when the demonetisation was ences announced. Mumto the ED. The bai, December 7 (AgenLudhiana and Bhocies): The Reserve Bank of Inpal units referred two dia today said it has supplied Rs. 4 cases each, while the lakh crore in new notes to banks, disHyderabad and Pune units referred a case missing criticism that the decision to ban each.

500 and 1000 rupee notes last month was taken in haste.

SBI stops disclosures While announcing its monetary polState Bank of India, which had been icy, in which it surprised by keeping key sharing statistics on deposits received on lending rates unchanged, the central bank a daily basis following the withdrawal of promised a continuous supply of new curhigh-value notes, has now decided to dis- rency notes asking people not to hoard continue the disclosures, bank officials notes. said.

Demonetisation, it said, would result “There were a lot of speculations with in short-run disruptions in cash-intensive the numbers we had shared. So, we have sectors like retail, hotels, restaurants and

transportation.

“The demonetisation decision was not taken in haste but after detailed deliberations...The consequences were taken on board,” said RBI governor Urijit Patel, stating that the central bank was conscious of the problems caused to people by cash crunch after the notes ban, aimed at unearthing black or undeclared money. He said the RBI had put in place “all dispensations” to ensure minimum disruption.

The central bank said almost Rs. 11.55 lakh crore in old notes has been deposited back in the system. People have till December 30 to deposit old 500 and 1000 rupee notes in their bank accounts.

The withdrawal of old notes could result in temporary reduction in inflation by 10 to 15 basis points in the third quarter, RBI Deputy Governor R Gandhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a sudden announcement on NOvemebr 8 withdrawn high value old notes, which took out 86 per cent of the money in circulation. Opposition parties have since disruoted Parliament, attacking the government over the cash crunch that has followed, accusing it of not thinking through demonetisation and causing extreme hardship to the people.

The government has said that it has the support of the people, who understand that the inconvenience is temporary and that the notes ban will lead to long-term benefits.

An estimated Rs. 15.5 lakh crore cash was wiped out from the economy in old high value currency of 500 and 1000 rupee banknotes.

RBI relaxes norms for online Samsung wins over Apple in $399 mn patent appeal damages to be applied at the compoFrANciSco, December tomayor wrote in the opinion. card transactions up to Rs 2,000 SAN “Doing so would require us to set nent level but also indicated that the 7 (AgeNcieS): The US Supreme

New Delhi, December 7 (ANi): Customers have to go through a one-time registration process requiring entry of card details and an additional factor of authentication (AFA) for payments up to Rs 2,000 online.

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday relaxed norms for an additional factor of authentication (AFA) for payments up to Rs 2,000 online. In a bid to speed up small value online transactions, the central banking system relaxed the norms for AFA requirement for transactions up to Rs 2,000 for online CNP (card not present) transactions. It further said that only authorised card networks will provide such payment authentication solutions with the participation of card issuing and acquiring banks.

The relaxation for AFA under such solutions shall be applicable for card not present transactions for a maximum value of Rs 2,000 per transaction across all merchant categories. Banks and card networks are free to facilitate their customers to set lower per transaction limits, RBI said in a statement. Customers opting for this facility will go through a one-time registration process requiring entry of card details and AFA by the issuing bank. Thereafter, the registered customers will not be required to re-enter the card details for every transaction at merchant locations that offer this solution and thereby save time and effort, it added.

In the interest of customer awareness and protection, RBI said the banks and authorised card networks offering such solutions will bear the full liability in the event of any security breach or compromise in the authorised card network.

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Court overturned a $399 million (nearly Rs 2654.44 crore) penalty imposed on Samsung for copying Apple’s iPhone design, in a case watched closely for patent infringement in the digital era.

The justices ruled 8-0 that Samsung should not be required to forfeit the entire profits from its smartphones for infringement on design components, sending the case back to a lower court.

The 11-page ruling found that the $399 million penalty -- one element of a major patent infringement case -- was inappropriate because it represented “Samsung’s entire profit from the sale of its infringing smartphones” for copying the iPhone’s “rectangular front face with rounded edges and a grid of colourful icons on a black screen.”

But the court stopped short of delving into details of the degree to which the patent infringement should affect the penalty.

“The parties ask us to go further and resolve whether, for each of the design patents at issue here, the relevant article of manufacture is the smartphone, or a particular smartphone component,” Justice Sonia So-

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out a test for identifying the relevant article of manufacture... and to parse the record to apply that test in this case.” The court sent the case back to the appellate court in Washington to resolve the details.

The case is one element of the $548 million (nearly Rs 3645.7 crore) penalty -- knocked down from an original $1 billion (nearly Rs 6,652.75 crore) jury award -- Samsung was ordered to pay for copying iPhone patents.

Observers had been watching to see how the court -- which had not taken up a design patent case in more than a century -- would tip the balance between technological innovation and protecting intellectual property.

Dennis Crouch, a University of Missouri law professor and co-director of the Center for Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship, said the ruling may leave both sides disappointed because it sets no real precedent.

“Although the case offers hope for Samsung and others adjudged of infringing design patents, it offers no clarity as to the rule of law,” Crouch said in a blog post.

Crouch said the court allowed for

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New Delhi, December 7 (iANS): Digital payment platform FreeCharge and International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have come together to help women entrepreneurs in India sell their products on Snapdeal. “By enabling women entrepreneurs online, FreeCharge wants to promote the digital payments landscape,” FreeCharge CEO Govind Rajan said in a statement. The partnership aims to develop data-driven insights and viable demonstration models to understand the journey of women entrepreneurs on e-commerce platforms. “This will help develop a pilot programme to address the factors hindering women entrepreneurs from selling online and accepting digital payments,” the company added. FreeCharge and IFC will work together to promote women entrepreneurship and improve their financial access through technology and digital payments.

Pakistan rejects Indian cotton consignment iSlAmAbAD, December 7 (iANS): Pakistan has rejected a consignment of 10,000 bales of Indian cotton worth $3.3 million, the media reported on Wednesday.

The shipment of ginned cotton at Karachi Port was rejected by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Department of Plant Protection as it was imported in violation of the country’s Plant Quarantine rules, Dawn online reported. The consignment would be returned to India. The rejection sent shock waves in the textile industry which has been striving for permission to import cotton from India. Last year, 2.7 million bales of cotton was imported from India to make up for the shortfall after crop failure. According to officials, the private sector has imported around 1.2 million bales of cotton from various countries. Orders for around 0.3 million bales of Indian cotton have been placed. According to the textile industry, the cotton imported from countries other than India was cleared by the customs authorities without any issue.

A senior official from All Pakistan Textile Mills Association criticised the government policy of not allowing cotton imports from India.

product as a whole is “an article of manufacture,” leaving the matter open to interpretation.

“Thus, it will be up to courts to figure out which level applies in particular cases,” he wrote.

Samsung won the backing of major Silicon Valley and other IT sector giants, including Google, Facebook, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, claiming a strict ruling on design infringement could lead to a surge in litigation.

Apple was supported by big names in fashion and manufacturing. Design professionals, researchers and academics who said they had no financial interest in the case filed an amicus brief arguing on the basis of “fundamental principles of visual design.”

Eric Goldman, director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University, said that even if the court did not offer precise details it did strike down the notion that design infringement of a component should require the loss of all profits from a device.

“By rejecting the most aggressive plaintiff position, it should increase the parties’ ability to find appropriate settlement amounts,” Goldman told AFP. MOKOKCHUnG

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CROSSWORD # 3797

H

SUDOKU

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

Game Number # 3782

Answer Number # 3781

ACROSS 1.Town square 6. Death notice 10. Conspiracy 14. An organ of the body 15. Portuguese folksong 16. Winglike 17. Mountain crest 18. Current 19. Garden tool 20. A lively whirling Italian dance 22. Ends a prayer 23. Emanation 24. Incarcerate 26. Copied 30. “___ the season to be jolly” 31. One of the tribes of Israel 32. ___ slaw 33. Savvy about 35. Kingly 39. Fedora 41. Rocket 43. Shoemaker’s awl 44. Hurried 46. Press 47. Cover 49. Beer 50. Anagram of “Sale” 51. Concordance 54. Char 56. Incite 57. Causing irritation 63. Bristle 64. Adjoin 65. Dental filling 66. Sourish 67. Not less 68. Nigerian monetary unit 69. Sneaker or pump 70. 1 1 1 1 71. Blots DOWN 1. ___ du jour = Meal of the day 2. Former Italian currency 3. Affirm

4. 6th Greek letter 5. Rink 6. Oblations 7. Used to stabilize a ship 8. False god 9. In that direction 10. A disorder of memory 11. Andean animal 12. Made of oak wood 13. Inclination 21. Coach 25. Hearing organs 26. Throb 27. Swimming hole 28. Shade trees 29. Enfeeble 34. Beaten eggs 36. Lass 37. Found in some lotions 38. Focusing glass 40. Module 42. Something to shoot for 45. Grazing land 48. Generator 51. Throws away 52. A religion based on sorcery 53. Parisian subway 55. Restricts 58. Black, in poetry 59. Break 60. Hodgepodge 61. Shopping place 62. Nestling hawk Answer to Crossword 3796

Thursday 08•12•2016

NAGALAND

Naga police cadet receives best trainee awards umiam (meghalaya), December 7 (mexN): After 48 weeks of integrated basic training, 98 trainee police officers of the 42nd basic course took oath during the Dikshant Parade held on December 7 at North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA).

DR Doley Barman, IPS, Director NEPA administered oath. Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam reviewed the Parade as chief guest and Yanthungo Patton, Home Minister of Nagaland, was also present as guest of honour.

Many high ranking dignitaries, invitees and family members of the trainees witnessed the spectacular parade, stated a press release received here.

Among the 98 trainees in the rank of DySP (86), Sub Inspector (11),

and Asst. Sub-Inspector (1), 58 were from Assam, 1 from Meghalaya, 15 from Arunachal Pradesh, 5 from Mizoram, 1 from Sikkim, 9 from Tripura, 7 from Nagaland, and 2 from Manipur.

On successful completion of the basic training, the trainees were awarded PG Diploma in ‘Police Administration and Investigation’ by Sardar Patel University of Police, Security And Criminal Justice, Jodhpur, Rajasthan with which NEPA has an MoU in regard to the said PG Diploma course.

Trainees who excelled in certain subjects/areas were also awarded medals and trophies at the Dikshant Parade. Among the DySP (Probationers) trainees, the Chief Minister Meghalaya Baton of Honour was given to Ka-

koli Banya Boruah, APS, as the best trainee in indoor training, the Chief Minister Arunachal Pradesh Baton of Honour and the Governor Meghalaya Sword of Honour were given to Rike Kamsi, APPS, as the best trainee in outdoor training and All Round Best DySP (P) respectively, the B.R. Lal Academy Running Trophy for exemplary conduct was given to Dashi Ram Reang, TPS and also to T.P. Bhutia, SPS. Among the Cadet S.I./ ASI trainees, T. Jongsen, C/S.I., Nagaland received the Chief Minister Meghalaya Baton of Honour as the best trainee in indoor training, the Chief Minster Sikkim Baton of Honour as the best trainee in outdoor training, the Governor Meghalaya Sword of Honour as the All Round

Best Cadet S.I. and Late Ved Prakash Memorial Trophy as the Best Naga Cadet. For exemplary conduct during the training period, the B.R. Lal Academy Running Trophy was given to Miding Borang, C/S.I., Arunachal Pradesh. For sports activities, the Academy Running Trophies were given to Dekio Gumja, APPS as the best Sportsman and Moramee Das, APS as the best Sportswoman.

The release mentioned that the 42nd batch basic course started on January 17, 2016. In indoor subjects, the trainees were taught in three categories Social Sciences, Police Sciences, and Legal Studies.

They were also given library classes to update their knowledge. Meanwhile, the outdoor subjects comprised of Physical train-

ing, Drill, Weapon training and Police operations. Two documentary film festivals were also organised for the trainees. Swimming, horse riding, driving etc. were also incorporated as part of the training curriculum.

During the training period, the trainees were sent to Manipur and Assam for undergoing special training with Indian Army for one week. They were also sent to National Police Academy, Hyderabad for two weeks for Tactics course. They visited various parts of the country in September 2016 for ten days to get practical exposure on policing in different states.

The DySP trainees were also sent for ten days to Singapore for Overseas Training on community policing and police administration in November 2016.

A team of Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) posing for lens after a meeting with the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya on December 7. The meeting focused on the development of Naga society. (Photo: PRO Raj Bhavan)

Tsg DPDB holds last meeting for 2016 TueNsaNg, December 7 (Dipr): District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Tuensang held its last meeting for the year 2016 at DC’s conference hall here with Nchumbemo Odyuo, ADC Tuensang as the chairperson. After review of the last meeting minutes, the house discussed the establishment of Government Primary School Langa as proposed by the

Gov interacts with ex-servicemen Company assures to complete Dmp-Kma four-lane in 2 yrs NCSU hosts team from ECI Engineering & Construction Company, Hyderabad on Armed Forces Flag Day Dimapur, December 7 (mexN): On Armed Forces Flag Day (December 7), Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya interacted with a team of ex-servicemen at Raj Bhawan here and articulated the importance of skill education like nursing, driving, tailoring and plumbing, which he said are in great demand and will lead to employment.

He encouraged the eligible dependents of ex-servicemen to pursue the mentioned skills.

According to a press release from the Governor’s PRO, Acharya also emphasized on the need for ex-servicemen fraternity to visit schools and colleges to educate the youth on sacrifices made by Armed Forces in defending the country against external aggression and share their experience. “There is also a need to ensure optimum utilization of available resource for welfare of the ex-servicemen fraternity,” he added.

The Governor further mentioned that various facilities and schemes introduced by the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like Jan Dhan Yojana, insurance scheme and skill development must be availed to accrue maximum benefits.

“Which is why, Ex-servicemen fraternity should reach out to the population and make them understand the benefits of such schemes.”

Meanwhile, he conveyed his best wishes and appreciated the contribution made by the Armed Forces and the veterans. The ex-servicemen team was led by Brig KK Roy Choudhury, SM, VSM (Retd), Directorate of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement (RSB).

MEx FILE Electoral Roll Observer holds meeting in Dmp

Kohima, December 7 (mexN): A Board Member of ECI Engineering & Construction Company (ECIECC), Hyderabad, VV Prasad has assured that the company will work towards completing the ongoing four-lane project of Dimapur-Kohima National Highway within two years and help the Nagas in improvising the lifestyle without any potholes on the said route, according to a press release.

A nine-member team of ECIECC visited Kohima for the Hornbill Festival on December 6 and 7. They were hosted by the Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU). The NCSU officials and members led by President Pele Khezhie organised a welcome programme in Kohima on December 6 for the visiting guests led by

pereN, December 7 (mexN): A fortnight observation on elimination of violence against women was held at Peren Town Hall on December 7, organized

by Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation (ZMO) and sponsored by Nagaland State Commission for Women. Secretary, GB & DBs Forum Nagaland, Lungrahie Herie and EAC Peren Sadar, Tsidi were the main resource persons on the topic ‘From peace in the home to peace in the world. Make education safer for all and protection of women’s rights’. The programme was chaired by Vice President of ZMO, Leichiam, while vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary Haimaliu.

NSCN (R) ‘force discharge’ 2 cadres Dimapur, December 7 (mexN): The NSCN (Reformation) has “force discharged” two of its cadres, Captain Mhobemo Lotha and 2nd Lieut Mathango, from the national service with immediate effect. A press release from MIP, NSCN (R) stated that the duo was found involved in “anti- social activities”, which is against the Azha of the government. It further informed the general public not to entertain them in any way relating to the matter of NSCN (R) government.

Meetings & AppointMents Invitation to JNV Chukitong silver jubilee The alumni of JNV Chukitong have invited all the present students, parents and well wishers to the school silver jubilee scheduled to be celebrated at JNV Chukitong campus on December 10 at 10:30 am. Transportation will be available at NST colony, Wokha Town from 9:00 am. For further details, contact: 09774011731, 09615131584.

NRDSA silver jubilee

ECI Engineering & Construction Company team led by Chairman Venkat Rao with DC and SP, Kohima and NCSU officials.

ECIECC Chairman Kaza Venkat Rao. On behalf of the visiting team, ECIECC Board Member VV Prasad expressed happiness over the warm welcome and described Naga people as ‘beautiful’ and filled with warmth, said the release issued by NCSU Secretary,

Imsünok Jamir. He also appreciated the existence of gender equality in the Naga society, while citing the women traffic police and IRB personnel. He further lauded Nagas for good sanitary habits such as avoiding open defecation and urination, it added.

At the programme,

the Get Gorgeous Society showcased a fusion of traditional and modern wear from Nagaland and other North Eastern States.

NCSU general secretary John Kath delivered the welcome address and felicitated the guests with traditional wears and wooden Hornbill as memento.

The Nagaland Rural Development Service Association (NRDSA) will celebrate its silver jubilee (1991-2016) at RD conference hall on December 15. The celebration will be graced by Minister for Rural Development & REPA, CL John as the chief guest and Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Rural Development, Kelei Zeliang, IAS, as the guest of honour. All NRDSA members and retired officers have been invited to join in the jubilee celebration.

Healing Ministry for Handicapped People Healing Ministry for Handicapped People is celebrating its 25th anniversary of pre-Christmas special services on December 18, 11:30 am at Dimapur Railway Station parking lot. Therefore, publicity in-charge of the ministry, Abemo Kikon has invited all the ministry members and well wishers to attend the programme.

TAPWO general session concludes Training held for teachers in Tseminyu TsemiNyu, December 7 (mexN): One day orientation on PINDICS for elementary teachers and two-day training on Shaala Siddhi for GMS/GPS Head Teachers/Teachers In-charge was held from December 5-7 at EBRC Tseminyu.

A brief programme was held on the first day with Hinilo Cheng (TOT) as chairperson. During the programme, SIS under SDEO Tseminyu, Cheng Kath stressed that teaching fraternity is bestowed with huge responsibility and therefore urged them to

Dimapur, December 7 (mexN): Electoral Roll Observer for Dimapur district Imkonglemba, APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Nagaland visited Dimapur HQ on December 6 and held meeting with Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer and his team and also with Supervisors, political parties and BLOs. This was informed in a press release issued by Kesonyu Yhome, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Dimapur.

Fortnight observation on elimination of violence against women

SDEO concerned. A decision was made to forward the proposal for government’s approval. The proposal for renewal of the registered societies, namely Akok Ponyong Welfare Society Chimonger village, Mission for the Welfare Foundation Shamator, and Shep Cultural Society Peshu Village were discussed and forwarded for government’s approval.

play proactive role for the welfare of learners.

Thongsenlo Kath, ADC under DMA SSA, Kohima appealed to the gathering to provide accurate information, data, maintain ethics and values and implored upon teachers to rededicate themselves for the grand job.

The resource person for first session of the orientation on PINDICS was the chairperson himself. During the two-day training on Shaala Siddhi, the resource persons were Leilakle (TOT) and Soti Tep (TOT).

Promoting women cooperative societies Alezo Venuh, Special Envoy to Collective Leadership of GPRN/NSCN along with TAPWO officials and village leaders of Kizari.

Kohima, December 7 (mexN): The 26th general session of the Tizu Area Public Welfare Organization (TAPWO) was held at Kizari village from December 2 to 3 with Alezo Venuh, Special Envoy to Collective Leadership of GPRN/ NSCN as the guest speaker.

Stressing on the importance of unity and coordination towards a

shared goal, Alezo encouraged the people of the area to boost the economy through work culture, according to a press release from TAPWO general secretary, Sekhohu Chizo. Quoting a Bible verse, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” he further urged the gathering to humble themselves before God, and also

appealed to them to inculcate the future prospects with greater vision in all aspects of live.

The introductory service was also graced by Lt. Gen. TM Rhakho, C-in-C, Naga Army, FGN. The 2-day long session featured indigenous promotional activities, adoption of resolution etc, the release added.

World Soil Health Day cum pre-Rabi campaign loNgleNg, December 7 (mexN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longleng organized ‘World Soil Health Day cum pre-Rabi campaign’ on December 5 at KVK office premises.

The Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, Y. Denngan Avennoho Phom, who graced the occasion as chief guest, appealed to the farmers to take interest in agriculture to become self sufficient. He shared his experiences of modern agricultural practices of Himachal Pradesh, especially Solan. Stating that farmers should explore more scopes for food production, he stressed on community based farming, a press release informed.

Dr. Manoj Kumar, SMS (Agronomy) delivered the welcome address and glimpse of pulse programme in Longleng district for soil fertility improvement, increasing the cropping intensity and additional income of the farmers through double cropping with pulses in rice fallow.

Keynote address was tendered by Dr. P. Chowdhury, SMS (Soil & Water Conservation Engineering). He highlighted the importance of soil health cards and appealed to the farmers to use the card in day to day agricultural practices.

As the year 2016 is United Nation’s International Pulse Year, he said, pulses cultivation should be given top priority for soil fertility improvement. He added that in pre-Rabi campaign, planning of Rabi crops and vegetables may be streamlined for enhancement of productivity and profitability.

During feedback session, Ango Phom, a progressive farmer from Yongam village shared that he is cultivating crops like rice, maize, rubber, large cardamom, vegetables, chilly, onion, pulses etc for his household consumption as well as for selling.

Bongham, former Chairman from Nyang village spoke about success stories of mustard and pulses (black gram, green gram and lentil) cultivation and future strategies for fishery enterprises.

During input distribution programme, soil health cards, lentil, pea, mustard and neem oil were distributed to the farmers by the DC, Longleng. A training for application of neem to the infected crop was also imparted to the farmers. Altogether, 48 farmers from Mongtikang, Pongo, Sakshi, Oushok, Hukphang, Pongching, Tangha, Muli, Yongam, Nyang Village attended the daylong programme.

Kohima, December 7 (mexN): The NCUI- Cooperative Education Field Project, Kohima in collaboration with IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative Ltd.) New Delhi organised a programme on 'Promoting Women Agri. & Allied Cooperative Societies' at NCUI Project Office here on December 5.

The Deputy General Manager (Cooperatives Relation), IFFCO New Delhi, Tarun Bhangava encouraged the women participants to work together by availing the support and guidance of IFFCO for the uplift of women farmers. He said better seeds and inputs can help the farmers get quantity and quality produce. Once the

society gets connected to the cooperatives in the rest of India, the societies in Nagaland can be promoted and uplifted for the betterment and self sustenance of the agricultural cooperatives, he stated. Speech was also delivered by Akokla P. Lucy, National IFFCO Awardee of Sahakarita Ratna Award. She said women should cooperate and work effectively for the uplift of the society through the assistance of IFFCO. The programme was attended by leaders of women cooperative societies of Kohima and women IFFCO members from Dimapur district. A release also informed that IFFCO jubilee celebration will be held in Dimapur in April 2017.

Mon Theological College celebrates advance Christmas moN. December 7 (mexN): The lone theological college in Mon, Mon Theological College, celebrated advance Christmas at the college premises on December 6 under the theme ‘Do not be afraid’ (Luke 2:10).

Rev. T. Honlong, Principal, brought greetings on behalf of the college and Ashim Shimray Wangsa, former Women Secretary, KBBB and newly appointed District Chaplain graced the programme as a special guest.

There was also a raffle draw right after the programme, organized by the final year students in aid of their study tour.

Mosa (Mon Town) got the 1st prize, Manphong (MTC) received the 2nd prize, and YB Konyak (Mon Town) got the 3rd prize followed by three conso-

Students of Mon Theological College perform song during the advance Christmas celebration on December 6.

lation winners, namely PholThe programme was amp (MTC), Wangnam (MTC), brought to close with a benedicand Nahlem (Yannu Village). tion by Manto, Lecturer.

6

thursday 08•12•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 337

By Abokali Jimomi

Festive Season and Productivity

H

ornbill Festival heralds the onset of festive season in Nagaland attracting thousands of visitors. Locals too are flocking to Dimapur and Kohima for their wedding and Christmas shopping. Despite demonetization woes, both tourists and shoppers seem determined to undertake the tasks, resulting among other things, in worsening traffic situation and longer ATM queues.

The busiest time of the year for spending, however, is also a beginning of a season of ‘no-work’ for rural populace as crops are harvested and fields are empty. With 70% to 80% of our rural population living as subsistence farmers, the November- April window leaves most people out of work in villages. Farmers in many hill districts of Nagaland practising agriculture in higher altitudes rarely cultivate Rabi crops as lack of sufficient water supply, manure etc hinders cultivation. Animal grazing also become problematic due to reduced vegetation.

Traditionally, this has been the season for more hunting and fishing; it is probable that head-hunting and other adventurous pursuits must have been performed around this lean employment period. Although how we live may have changed drastically in many ways, the dependence on forest resources has become greater as the rural population tries to cope with modern lifestyle and its trappings such as increasing costs of living and pressure to cover the cost of sending children to better schools (read private and boarding schools and colleges).

One Village Council Chairman mentions that during this ‘unemployment’ period in his village, a person can quickly make 20 to 30 thousand Rupees a month by selling wildlife, forest products and from logging for firewood. He says “this is the season when birds arrive in thousands, an expert shooter can kill more than 500 if he works hard and puts in an all-nighter… someone killed a bird and it had ‘JAPAN’ written on a ring round its feet.” “You have to understand it’s a matter of survival... we can make rules and restrictions but if people have no alternatives little can be done”, he adds.

With low agricultural earnings and without either subsidiary occupation or other alternative sources of income especially during the slack agricultural season, the forest becomes the sole source for easy and quick income. On the other hand, those without ability for hunt or fish are left idle for the whole season. Both these scenarios- plundering our natural resources or sitting unproductive - is neither a sustainable option nor a future we want to envisage.

Incidentally, we have had several rural employment programmes by the Government as well as several initiatives by NGOs running for decades particularly in rural areas. Nevertheless, underutilization of human capital and rural poverty still remain the major problems confronting us with the looming threats of natural ecosystems as a corollary.

Perhaps this festive season is a good time to reflect upon good governance, community efforts to effectively manage our natural and human resources… and how 70% of our rural population can be more productive. Transparent implementation of rural development schemes, advanced technological interventions in our agricultural system for winter crops and animal breeding, skill enhancement programs are some activities that could help us become more productive.

lEfT WING |

Taliakum Pongen

A Reflection Self Determination: A Resource for Just Peace

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anguage is a way of getting across the boundaries of history and the future ahead. Somehow it envelopes the hearts around the world yearning for peace to reach a meeting point of shared struggles, aspirations and acceptable co-existence. Hasn’t it been that way from before and yet no realisation of it till today? In fact, things seem to be getting worse not better. It’s a conundrum that humanity has been trying to solve for a long time and the trajectory of the Naga projectile is no different. Perhaps the Naga imperative has a greater tale to unfold that needs more time and analysis to dissect conflict around the world with a better understanding.

Self-determination as a language carries with it various complex challenges that a language goes through to arrive at a given realisation between the speaker and the listener, i.e., the meaning involved in the communication process. Sometimes the speaker might make himself unclear intentionally because he has no regard for a dialogue; rather self-absorbed in his own monologue. This might be a result of hatred, jealousy, disrespect and evil intent. The oppressors and conquerors were probably obsessed with this ‘monologue’ since the early days of civilisation and we know how much bloodshed the world has seen down the ages. Is India obsessed with this ‘monologue’? On the flip side, the listener might also intentionally ignore the speaker because of the same reasons (as that of the speaker) or more so, because of inherently contradictory principles of existence: mutually exclusive for peaceful co-existence. India and Naga as two entities perhaps need to accept mutual exclusivity for peaceful co-existence.

The crux of the praxis perhaps lies in the Naga caravan. The onslaught of the ‘outsiders’ has broken through the wall of the Naga civilisation deeper, preceded by the colonial intruders and more intrusions are seen today. Yet the issue seems to be more of from within and less of from without. Intruders certainly have made the Naga society weak yet haven’t Nagas had them since existence? Self-determination is both aggressive and protective and an entity in itself no less than ‘axone’ that is self-defined and all-penetrative, for instance. All external influences and intrusions are subject to the chosen route of the Naga caravan. The route needs a closer look and the right time is now because it’s a Naga caravan not someone else’s caravan.

C O M M E N T A R Y

Michael Lerner Foreign Policy In Focus

The Iraq War Was a Huge Ethical Leap Backwards From the Big Lie to torture and sectarian violence, the U.S. and the Middle East are still paying the price for our moral perversions in Iraq

T

here are always multiple factors shaping the ethical climate of a society at any given moment. Yet there are discernible major processes that have such huge impact that they reach almost everyone in the society and shape their worldviews.

World War II, for example, with its shared sacrifices across all sectors of society, created an ethos of solidarity and mutual connection, a sense that there was a “we” that transcended individualism and selfishness in the name of a higher purpose. That ethos, already under attack in subsequent years, was totally and finally pushed out of public consciousness by the war in Iraq.

Instead, the Iraq War seemed the final step in solidifying an ethos of “looking out for number one.” The larger community of nations and solidarity within the U.S. would no longer have much of a claim on the American people.

There are four key elements in this process.

First, there was the reality that our highest public officials pressured those responsible for providing accurate information about the threats to the U.S. to cook the data. Whatever the truth of it, they wanted to convince American citizens that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and was planning to use them against U.S. interests.

Those who objected to this assessment were ignored, their alternative analyses buried and shunned, or else they were pushed out of their positions in government altogether. In the process, truth tellers and whistle blowers — sanctified in the Bible by the prophet Nathan, who confronts King David with his sins — were cast as criminals or betrayers.

The consequence? Over the subsequent 13 years, truth in government became a peril to those who sought it — and an oxymoron. Instead, public discourse became increasingly about shaping imagery rather than about uncovering truth. This is a violation of one of our key moral responsibilities — to testify to the truth as a civic duty.

Second, lying to get one’s way, already a tool in the hands of corporate and political leaders at least from the time of Machiavelli, got transformed into a regular and highly rewarded behavior.

The first consequence of this was to undermine the few remaining constraints on America’s culture of mass delusion, which reached even greater heights this year in the way Donald Trump won the White House through repeating the strategy of the “Big Lie” — repeating falsehoods enough times that people began to think the lies were true.

Similarly, when Wall Street professionals in 2007 began to see signs of the impending collapse of their various get-rich-quickly schemes, instead of feeling any obligation to

The iraq War memorial in santa monica, California

share this truth with the public, they instead lied to their investors while trying to find ways to make big personal fortunes on the developing crisis of the capitalist market.

Third, closely related to this was the blurring of the distinction between private self-interest and the obligation to serve the larger human community.

Those who knew him testified that George W. Bush felt a personal animus against the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, whom he believed had dishonored his father former president George H.W. Bush by invading Kuwait in 1990. The younger Bush proceeded to use the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001 as another reason to overthrow Saddam — even though there was overwhelming evidence that Iraq had nothing to do with that attack, whose roots were connected to the royal family of Saudi Arabia and the Taliban of Afghanistan.

When people act against the common interest to promote a private agenda, and then insist that their motivation and actions serve the common good, they create a moral crisis for the society by essentially discrediting the very possibility that there could even be such thing as the common good.

Yet without that, we are back into the Hobbesian notion of the “war of all against all” which Hobbes claimed could be overcome by the Sovereign, namely a national government, but which requires the justification of something actually being the common good. If our leaders are willing to sacrifice thousands of American lives and millions of other people’s lives for the sake of their own narrow self-interest,

soon you get the kind of politics that produces a Donald Trump.

Fourth, there was the elimination of the hard-won distinction between acts permissible in war and those that are war crimes. The U.S. engaged in waterboarding and other forms of torture in the Iraq war, justified it in the name of saving other lives — even after extensive testimony showed that there was little usefulness to torture in actual practice — and then lied about it.

Perhaps worst of all, when people voted for a president who boasted that he opposed the war and the torture, President Obama declined to prosecute anyone who had been involved in the legitimating of torture. And that opened the way for Trump to promise to re-introduce torture.

A society that legalizes torture, as the U.S. started to do in the Iraq war and may do outright in the Trump presidency, has lost sight of the fundamental holiness of human beings, and now sees them only as a means to ends. It is this ethical blindness that leads to the overthrow of any ethical standards — and back to the logic of “might makes right.”

Finally, the Iraq war was accompanied by a purge and assault on most of the Sunni Muslims who had been part of Saddam Hussein’s government and army. Suddenly finding themselves powerless, these people became a core element of an ongoing insurgency against the U.S. puppet government we installed in Iraq. It was elements of that insurgency which turned themselves into ISIS and other quasi terrorist groups that continue the fight against the U.S., the Iraqi government, and the Syrian government to estab-

lish a new Islamic state governed by their version of Shari’a law.

That struggle has often involved assaulting Shia Muslims and practitioners of other faiths, including Sunnis who don’t share their hardline views. This is simply “identity politics” armed. The radicalization of religious communities in this way has given militarists around the world a new justification for the escalation of military spending and military responses to local critics — the claim that dissenters may be in some way associated with terrorists.

To protect themselves, the U.S. and other countries expanded domestic and foreign surveillance of hundreds of millions of ordinary citizens. And the path of nonviolence has been largely discredited in popular culture.

The elimination of privacy, the discrediting of nonviolence, and the support of struggle between religious or national identity groups all point to the same ethical crisis: the inability to give value to each human being as fundamentally deserving of caring and respect regardless of their religious, racial, national, gender, sexual, or social identity.

When the capacity to see the other as fundamentally valuable devolves into seeing them as objects, what Martin Buber called the move from I-Thou to I-It consciousness, the possibility of an ethical order disappears and we are back in the jungle.

The Iraq War led humanity take a major step backwards in that direction.

Rabbi Michael Lerner is the editor of Tikkun Magazine.

The left needs to find a new internationalism michael Chessum

Opposing American imperialism isn't enough.

The left needs to find a new internationalism

T

here is something peculiar about the fervency and near unanimity with which the British left has eulogised Fidel Castro. The regime which Castro led was a one-party state, which persecuted its political opponents, including leftists, and whose trade unions were run by the ruling party. Nonetheless, it gets a better write-up than many eastern European communist states which, by and large, also provided their inhabitants with a greater degree of material security and state welfare than they enjoyed in the years following the fall of the Berlin wall.

Part of what fuels the left’s romantic view of Castro’s Cuba is the very particular role of the Cuban revolution. Castro’s heroic overthrow of the US-backed Batista regime in 1959 opened a new alternative across the Latin American continent. For many, it marked the beginning of the political upheaval of the 1960s. The story of Che Guevara, the rugged Argentinian doctor who trekked across South America on a motorbike is,

in the minds of many in the west, part of an aesthetic that includes the cigars and the music as well. The truth is that, across the political spectrum, people seem willing to tolerate lower standards of human rights in places that seem exotic, and far from home.

But the reaction to Castro’s death has revealed something deeper about the continuing legacy of the Cold War in the thinking of much of the British left. Supporting the revolution which liberated Cuba is one thing; defending the regime that followed it is quite another. This defence is usually expressed with reference to Castro’s role in defying American imperialism.

Those who seek to explain away its excesses often do so with reference to the hardships and strains imposed by the blockade.

So when pundits talk about Fidel Castro’s death as the end of an era, they only glimpse half of the picture. Celebrating the Cuban regime makes sense in a binary world view, where opposing American foreign policy is the greatest task for the left. Castro may be a 20th century figure, but some of the attitudes revealed by his death also date back to the Cold War. Perhaps the best illustration of this fact is the celebration of Castro’s inter-

nationalism. Under him, Cuba played a pivotal role in defeating Apartheid, sending troops to Angola. It sent doctors to Haiti following the earthquake in 2010, and to West Africa to fight ebola. Following the 1959 revolution, Che Guevara led guerrilla movements in Congo, then Bolivia. And yet in 1968, when the Prague Spring inspired the world with its promise to marry the ideals of communism with political and cultural freedom, Castro unequivocally supported the Soviet tanks which crushed it. Castro’s internationalism was of a very particular kind – it was allied to Moscow and the ‘second camp’.

The distortion of the concept of internationalism is not just a problem on the radical left. When Hilary Benn stood up in parliament last December to support Britain’s involvement in bombing Syria, he invoked the International Brigades – ordinary people, most of them socialists or trade unionists, who went to fight Franco in the Spanish Civil War. He did not mention the fact that the International Brigades were attacked and criminalised by the British government, or that just weeks before he made his speech, a young woman had been sent to prison in the UK after volunteering to fight for the Kurdish PKK. Internationalism in the truest sense

WRITE-WING

is an independent tradition, built in opposition to the great powers, of solidarity between workers and oppressed groups across borders. If it is to mean anything, it has to apply to the LGBT people that were sent to labour camps in Castro’s Cuba, just as it applies to Palestinian political prisoners, Polish women striking for abortion rights, Egyptian revolutionaries overthrowing Mubarak, Syrian democrats fighting Assad, and militant labour movements in supposedly communist China.

In the coming years, the left will need to reassert that model of internationalism. The real era-ending event of the past few weeks – the election of Donald Trump as US president – promises to turn upside down the basic assumptions of world politics. A world run by Trump and Putin will not map onto the political coordinates of the Cold War, and the only reliable allies in the fight for equality and human freedom will be ordinary people, fighting to build a better world from the bottom up. In that world, we will need a tradition of real left wing internationalism more than ever. And we will have to do better than romantic illusions in regimes like Castro’s Cuba.

Michael Chessum is an activist and journalist based in London, a founder of the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts and organizer for Another Europe is Possible

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

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

Thursday 08•12•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

My sister is dead: A heartbreaking tale of migration from North East Nandita Haksar

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ctober 24, 2009.

That is one date Atim will never forget all her life.

She had returned to work at Q’BA after her Goa trip.

On that afternoon, the staff had had their tea and she had gone back to the lounge downstairs. There were a few guests at the bar. Suddenly, her mobile rang. She answered. It was Yaokhalek. His voice was shaking. He just said, “Come home fast” and put the phone down. He was living in Vasant Kunj Extension with a group of Tangkhul boys engaged in making special black pots.

Atim wondered what could possibly have happened. Once again her mobile rang. “Something has happened to Ramchanphy. She is not feeling well.”

Ramchanphy was their younger sister. She had just turned nineteen. She had come to Delhi barely a month ago and was perfectly well when Atim had left in the morning.

Yaokhalek must have come to meet Ramchanphy. The phone rang once more. It was Yaokhalek again. He said, “The gas cylinder has exploded.”

Atim told the manager she had to go home. He asked what had happened and she replied, “My sister has died.”

Atim blurted out, “She is dead.”

Then she burst into tears.

Atim had no By now Atim was howling money in her purse. out loud. When the auto stopped She had left Rs 500 with Ramchanphy. She had expect- at the traffic lights she was aware ed to be dropped home after that people were staring, but work, but now she needed to she was beyond caring. She was take an auto. Srilata, a co-work- stuck in the evening traffic. She er, gave her some money and called her friend Rose, who asshe quickly got into an auto. sured her that she would go to Yaokhalek phoned again and Atim’s flat immediately. It took she told him she was in an auto fifty minutes for Atim to reach on her way home. Atim asked Munirka and climb up to her whether there was anyone room. By then, many Tangkhuls around to help him. He said Es- had already arrived. They were ter and her mother had gone to sitting in her room.

Atim looked for the Rs 500 Sarojini Nagar, but there was a man listening to music stand- note she had left under her pillow. She also tried to find the ing just outside the room.

Atim phoned Yaronsho mobile phone she had given and asked him to be with Ya- Ramchanphy, but both were okhalek. She had kept in touch missing. Atim could not make with him ever since they had herself go into the kitchen met at Mayori’s. Atim’s mobile where she knew her sister’s rang again. This time it was body would be lying.

Yaronsho called the police Ramchanphy’s boyfriend calling from Ukhrul to say that she and they came and took the was not answering his calls. body away. There were perhaps

five hundred Tangkhuls gathered together. They were singing hymns and keeping vigil.

Atim went into Ester’s room next door and lay down.

Ramchanphy had arrived in September full of excitement.

Atim had picked her up from the airport. The moment they reached the flat, Atim had asked her sister what she had brought from home.

Then the two sisters had taken out the goodies from Ramchanphy’s bag: there was thangching or lotus fruit, sakao or dried beef with smoked chilli powder, fresh umrok, the hottest chillies in the world, and, of course, the delectable ngari or fermented fish without which a chutney did not have the kick; and lots of snails.

Atim felt a pang of guilt.

She had not been able to take her younger sister sightseeing. Work had kept her busy and

she returned late every night.

Atim had promised to take her out on her next day off.

Ramchanphy was the most beautiful of the four sisters and many boys were interested in her. Atim’s mother had been complaining to Atim that almost every evening young men dropped in and Ramchanphy and her sister Chonsomi would make cups of black tea; this was the traditional courting or the meisum kapam.

Atim could imagine the singing and the light-hearted banter and mild flirtation.

Later, when the man and woman were more certain of their feelings, they could go out alone together. Ramchanphy had already decided on the man, but her mother did not approve of him and so she had encouraged her daughter to visit Delhi.

The previous night Atim and Ramchanphy had lain side-by-side and chatted the whole night. It was mostly Ramchanphy telling her elder sister stories. Atim felt she could not share her experiences because her sister would not understand the world she lived in, but she was very pleased when Ramchanphy told her that ever since Atim had started sending money they did not have to go begging for rice anymore.

Ramchanphy had spent some time in Nagaland and she had many anecdotes to share.

She had gone there with a woman who was a distant relative and who was married to a man from the Pochury Naga tribe; earlier they had lived in Greenland, the locality where Atim’s family was living. When the couple shifted to Kohima they took Ramchanphy with them to help with the housework. After living in Kohima for some time the family had moved to a Pochury village in Phek District.

Ramchanphy told Atim that the family had pork to eat for lunch and dinner every single day! And their barn was full of smoked pork. She used to go to the paddy field and there she saw a lot of fruit trees growing, especially bananas. The Pochury man’s mother was very kind to Ramchanphy and had

presented her with a chamthei, a valuable bead used in the kongsang, the traditional Tangkhul necklace. While there, she had also picked up the Pochury language.

Then Ramchanphy had regaled Atim with ghost stories.

One was about parents who came to pick up their daughter from school after it had closed for the vacations. The girl was in the toilet and the chowkidar had locked it from the outside. The parents went away, thinking their daughter had left without them. When the school reopened, they found her body in the toilet; she haunts the school.

Atim smiled through her tears. She could hear Ramchanphy’s voice. How they had laughed together over silly jokes and shared life experiences. Atim had come away to Delhi and so had missed seeing her sister grow up; Ramchanphy was much closer to Chonsomi, but here in Delhi they had become closer.

Atim remembered how Ramchanphy had cooked the peacock meat Yaokhalek’s friends had brought for the younger sister. Ever since she had come to Delhi, Ramchanphy would cook for Atim. It had been so nice to come home every evening to a warm meal and a sister to chat with instead of an empty room. Again Atim felt a pang of guilt. She had not taken a single photo of Ramchanphy in Delhi.

In the morning, Atim forced herself to go to the kitchen; she saw the broken tube and two boiled eggs and rice. She must have been cooking when the gas cylinder burst. She had taken out the old rice and must have been about to cook it for Atim. The tears just flowed down her cheeks.

Yaokhalek took her hand and they went to Safdarjung Hospital. Ramchanphy’s body had been taken there and the family members were requested to remove her clothes so that a post mortem could be conducted. Atim saw how badly her sister’s stomach had been burnt, and her tongue and neck and hair were also burnt. What a terrible death.

Excerpted from The Exodus Is Not Over: Migrations From The Ruptured Homelands Of North East India, Nandita Haksar, Speaking Tiger Books.

Spirituality and the insurrection of seeds Filipe Maia

All monopolies— religious, social, political and economic—spring from the desire for power and domination

D

on Halcomb is a 63-year-old farmer who grows corn, soybeans, wheat and barley on his 7,000-acre family farm in Adairville, Kentucky. According to a report in the New York Times he’s expecting his profits to vanish this year because crop prices are falling and seeds and fertilizer are increasingly expensive, their costs driven up by Monsanto, Dupont and other agribusiness giants.

“We’re producing our crops at a loss now,” he told the Times, “You can’t cut your costs fast enough…It’s just like any other industry that consolidates. They tell the regulators they’re cost-cutting, and then they tell their customers they have to increase pricing after the deal’s done.”

The ‘deal’ cited by Halcomb concerns Monsanto’s recent announcement that it plans to merge with Bayer, one the world’s largest producers of agricultural chemicals and biotechnology products, spiking fears that the new conglomerate will raise the cost of inputs even further. Less competition equals more room for large corporations to dictate their prices and raise their profit margins, producing a virtual monopoly on seeds which will prevent farmers from diversifying and encourage the trend towards highlyvulnerable agricultural monocultures.

It’s a fearful image that’s been exercising my imagination in recent weeks, evoking some powerful theological memories in the process. Yes, I did say ‘theological’, though perhaps ‘spiritual’ is a better word, so what’s the connection between spirituality and seeds?

I work as a professor of theology in a seminary, a place where the imagery around seeds is abundant. Etymologically, a seminary is a place of planting and harvesting, of discerning which seeds are good for each type of soil, and testing how different varieties can be mingled together to form new types

ies are also places of dissemination— where we launch the seeds of ideas and interpretations and cultivate both faith and doubt in our students.

It’s in this context that a monopoly over seed production and dissemination—just like a monopoly over theology and religious teachings—strikes me as especially dangerous.

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once wrote that “It is customary to blame secular science and anti-religion philosophy for the eclipse of religion in modern society. It would be more honest to blame religion for its own defeats. Religion declined not because it was refuted, but because it became irrelevant, dull, oppressive and insipid.” As religion loses its ability to connect to the struggles and the suffering of the world, spirituality becomes vacuous and alienating.

“When faith is completely replaced by creed, worship by discipline, and love by habit,” Heschel continued, “when the crisis of today is ignored because of the splendor of the past; when faith becomes a heirloom rather than a living fountain; when religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion, its message becomes meaningless.”

His warning reminds me that when I was preparing to join a seminary for my own theological education, I was told that they were places where people go only to lose their faith. I didn’t lose mine, but I certainly questioned and deepened it, very much in the tradition

Smith. In his essay on “The English Word ‘Believe’,” Smith takes us back to the roots of that word which signify to ‘hold something dear,’ not simply to assent to something like a belief in God or a set of predetermined teachings.

“Virtually to love” something, Smith says, is “To believe:” to align oneself to something, to pledge love and loyalty. So it is worth asking: what alliances, what relationships, and what loves do we profess with our beliefs—whether they are religious, social, political, or economic?

The Christian gospels say that faith is like a mustard seed—very small but also very wild. The website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario describes wild mustard as “a serious weed of cultivated land. It is responsible for reductions in crop yields, dockage losses, and for costly chemical and cultural controls.” Mustard seeds are not fond of mono-cultures, just as faith often leads people to ally their hearts beyond the assertions of religious orthodoxy. Both real and spiritual seeds are constantly crossing boundaries and disturbing large plantations, growing inbetween other plants, creating spaces that did not previously exist, and finding new life there to nurture.

When we have this kind of faith we align ourselves to that which is morethan-one, to the polar opposite of a monoculture enforced from above. We align our hearts to a multitude of seeds because we recognize that their convergence—the meeting and cross-pollinating and living together of different

wonderful result of a wind that continues to blow. But then I think of all the heavy and almost unmovable articles of faith that are carried on by my own Christian tradition: of God the Father, God Almighty and God the Spirit; of The Church, the Trinity and Sin. These are heavy words, burdened with a long history of abuse, patriarchy, militarism, and colonialism. Their traditions grow deep, and so uprooting them is very difficult. Like Heschel, I fear that some of my colleagues have been so fixed in defending their heavy and deeply-rooted creeds and books of discipline that they have neglected to notice that our spiritual roots are barely alive. According to the gospels, faith cultivates in people a capacity to move mountains and trees to other places as part of a healthy and diverse ecosystem of social, economic and spiritual growth and development. The problem is that faith and spirituality can become just another way of maintaining these heavy and deeply-rooted things untouched in their terrain.

In the same way, I am deeply troubled by an economic system in which a single for-profit corporation is responsible for the production and dissemination of most of the world’s seeds, especially when we still have 48 million people in the United States who suffer from food insecurity in the wealthiest nation on earth. Here is the most important parallel between the monopolies of Monsanto and other agribusiness giants and the monopolies of formal religion: both spring from the desire for power and domination. Both presuppose that seeds can be controlled and constrained and limited. But monopolies can never impede the dissemination of new seeds, since buried under the earth those seeds are always sprouting into the wildest of things.

It will take both faith and courage to uproot these heavy and oppressive systems. This faith will not be about great affirmations; instead it will be a way of aligning our hearts to the seeds of change that are growing right under our feet. As we are fond of doing in seminaries, let us pray that we may witness a true insurrection of seeds.

Filipe Maia is Assistant Professor of United Methodist Studies and Theology at Pacific

7

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND:

The Right to Development Rose Delaney

A

Inter Press Service

s Human Rights Day approaches Dec. 10, it offers a moment to pause and look back at the roots of the global development process as a platform for stepping forward. On this day 30 years ago, the international community made a commitment to eliminate all obstacles to equality and inclusivity.

Dec. 4, 1986 marks the date the United Nations General Assembly officially adopted the Declaration on the Right to Development, a landmark text which describes development as an “inalienable human right”.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights encourages all stakeholders to “approach the 30th anniversary of the Declaration with a sense of urgency.”

“The 30th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development must remind us that marginalized people – including migrants, indigenous peoples, and other minorities, as well as persons with disabilities – have a right to development, and that the true purpose of any economic endeavor is to improve the well-being of people.”

The groundbreaking 1986 declaration called for the establishment of inclusive global societies wherein the elimination of all forms of discrimination would be implemented to ensure sustainability. Developing countries in the Global South perceived to be “lagging behind” would be restored through the “international cooperation” advocated by the text.

The declaration stressed the importance of active and meaningful participation in the development process, even by those traditionally silenced and stigmatized by society. The marginalized poor were encouraged to speak out in the name of their rights. The emphasis on inclusivity highlighted the importance of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in the development process.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes, in its consensus, the right to development. The main objectives of the 1986 declaration are also reflected in both SDG16 for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies in addition to SDG17 which calls for the strengthening of global partnerships.

Undoubtedly, as we approach the 30th anniversary of the 1986 declaration, there are several significant achievements to reflect on, most notably the reduction of more than half of the population of people living in extreme poverty and in conditions of undernourishment in developing regions. In addition, the adoption of the declaration also resulted in improved access to clean drinking water and a much-needed increase in official development assistance.

However, despite significant progress, poverty and inequality persist. According to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, world wealth remains unevenly distributed. Over 700 million people still live on the equivalent of less than two dollars per day. The limited access to healthcare, higher education and employment suffered by vulnerable segments of society runs the risk of pushing 100 million more into poverty by 2030, according to the World Bank.

Increased inequality and injustice in the developing world indicate the shortcomings of the 1986 declaration.

An ongoing debate circles around its ineffectiveness, with many arguing that there is a lack of clear, coherent guidelines and thus far, it cannot be recognized as a legally binding instrument.

Differing interpretations of the declaration have also resulted in the absence of clear-cut solutions to critical development problems. While the United Nations Development Programme claims that any action, in order to be developmental, must be human rights-based, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in addition to the UN 2030 agenda state that the right to development calls not only for enforcing action at the domestic level, but also for enabling action at the international level.

Both states and individuals share an equal responsibility to contribute to the creation and maintenance of a peaceful and inclusive global society.

Although the 1986 declaration was at first celebrated and welcomed by the international community, in recent years it has received less support from developing countries. Rising inequality, limited economic opportunity and lack of access to basic services have led to lost faith in its true effectiveness.

Recently, a promising step forward was made for the development agenda, especially to tackle the past “ineffectiveness” of the right to development, when the Human Rights Council Resolution 33/L.29 was adopted at the council’s 33rd session this September.

The resolution stressed the need to need to operationalize the Right to Development as a priority and called for the elaboration of a legally binding international instrument on the Right to Development in addition to the formation of a Special Rapporteur mandate devoted to the issue.

The council’s resolution – although welcomed by countries in the Global South – was met with extreme reluctance by developed countries, whose delegates claimed the resolution unnecessarily duplicated the work of other mechanisms already put in place.

On Dec. 5, The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and the Permanent Mission of the Government of Azerbaijan hosted a panel discussion on the rising debates surrounding the right to development in 2016. The core objective was to of emphasize the importance of granting a voice to the voiceless and most importantly, and the necessity of global solidarity as a means of eradicating underdevelopment.

The approach undertaken by the Geneva Centre and the government of Azerbaijan places civil society at the heart of the development process, as defined 30 years ago, in the 1986 declaration. The power of interconnected global communities knows no bounds, especially to build bridges between the developed and developing world, and ultimately, eliminate persistent North-South divides.

Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, Executive Director and moderator of the panel discussion, emphasized the importance of global solidarity in age of ongoing violence, corruption, economic crises, and most notably, mass displacement, the world over.

In his opening remarks, Ambsaddor Jazairy discussed the revitalization of a peaceful international community and called for the inclusion of the 1986 Declaration in the International Bill of Human Rights.

“Development is a human and a peoples’ right. The individual is entitled to have the means to thrive professionally, and peoples have the right to break the chains of subordination to an unjust global order,” he said.

8

ThursDAY 08•12•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

As logjam continues in Parliament, Advani says why not adjourn sine die

New Delhi, December 7 (iaNS): Pandemonium continued to prevail in Parliament on Wednesday with a vociferous opposition disallowing normal business -- prompting veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani to describe the prevailing situation as disgraceful and question the manner in which the proceedings were sought to be conducted.

The Lok Sabha witnessed protests over demonetisation with the opposition insisting on a debate under a rule entailing voting but the house, nevertheless, managed to take up Question Hour and Zero Hour. However, the Rajya Sabha could not conduct any business due to the prevailing chaos and logjam.

Both the houses were adjourned for the day in the afternoon following repeated adjournments.

In the Lok Sabha, the opposition kept raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and created a ruckus. Amid the din, however, the Question Hour went on for around half hour and all Zero Hour submissions were made.

The house was adjourned for the day, minutes after it met at 2 p.m.

Earlier as the house was adjourned shortly before 1 p.m., Advani described the unending disruption of the

Modi slams opposition, tells BJP MPs to tout cashless economy New Delhi, December 7 (iaNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the opposition for obstructing Parliament's functioning over demonestisation and asked BJP MPs to encourage people to embrace a digital and cashless economy.

Attending a Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Party meeting here, the Prime Minister also thanked the people for their support for the November 8 demonetisation of high-value Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said Modi wanted a public awareness campaign, similar to one on the use of electronic voting machines in eletions, to be put into effect to encourage people to go cashless economy.

"The opposition is not allowing Parliament to function. I went to the Rajya Sabha but they shouted slogans. Despite this, I sat there. We are ready to discuss but they are reluctant. You go to your areas, talk to the people and expose the opposition," a BJP leader present at the meet-

Veteran BJP leader LK Advani. (File Photo)

Lok Sabha as "disgraceful" and wanted to know who was running the house.

The normally quiet Advani called Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar and asked who exactly was in charge in the house.

As other BJP members watched in silence, the former Deputy Prime Minister and one of the most respected parliamentarians in the country, was overheard saying that neither Speaker Sumitra Mahajan nor the Parliamentary Affairs Minister appeared to be on top of the situation.

"Neither the Speaker nor the Parliamentary Affairs Minister is running the house. I am going to tell the Speaker that she is not running the house... Both the opposition and the government are unable to run the house," said Advani even as Ananth Kumar was seen desperately trying to pacify him.

Ananth Kumar was then seen gesturing towards the media gallery at which Advani said: "I will say it publicly."

He asked till what time the Lok Sabha had been adjourned. When he was told

it was till 2 p.m., the veteran asked sarcastically: "Why not sine die?"

Soon after the lower house met at 11 a.m., opposition members were on their feet demanding a debate under Rule 184 that entails voting.

A debate on the issue, however, had begun on Monday under Rule 193, which governs short duration discussion, after Speaker Sumitra Mahajan allowed notices by Biju Janata Dal leader Bhartruhari Mahtab and Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader A.P. Jithender Reddy.

The Speaker even dubbed the opposition protest a drama.

"This is an every day drama. If you want to debate, you can start the debate right now," she said.

However, even as the opposition members shouted slogans like "Modi sarkar hai hai", Mahajan continued with the Zero Hour submissions while the protests kept getting noisier.

The house was adjourned shortly before 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

When the house met at 2 p.m., opposition mem-

bers again raised slogans demanding discussion with voting. Amid the unending din, the house was adjourned for the day.

In the Rajya Sabha, a heated argument took place between the opposition and the treasury benches before two quick adjournments prior to the lunch break. The upper house was finally adjourned for the day soon after it re-assembled postlunch.

Leader of Opposition Gulam Nabi Azad said over 80 people have died since demonetisation was intro-

ing quoted Modi as saying.

According to informed sources, Modi said: "Janshakti hamare sath hai aur janshakti hamesha rajshakti se upar hoti hai (People's power is with us and it is above political power)."

The sources quoted Modi as saying that the people are helping one another after demonetisation in a similar way they help one another during natural calamities.

Ananth Kumar said the government has made it clear on several occasions that the Prime Minister will speak on demonetisation in both the houses but the opposition is creating a ruckus due to their political agenda.

Ananth Kumar said the Congress and the Trinamool Congress members are stalling the proceedings even though the government is willing to hold discussion.

The minister said the BJP Parliamentary Party passed a resolution to hail public support for the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which has led to cash crunch across the country.

duced on November 8 and demanded that accountability should be fixed for these deaths.

Naresh Agarwal of the Samajwadi Party also criticised the government for "paralysing the country".

Expressing similar views, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said Prime Minister Modi had asked for 50 days to fix the problems arising from the demonetisation decision, but nothing seems to be changing.

Replying to the charges, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the opposition was

running away from the debate on the issue.

Jaitley sought to refute the point, saying the government works on collective basis and if a Minister speaks on something, it is the government making a statement on the issue.

On this, members from both sides shouted at one another and the house was adjourned for the day amid the din.

There has been no meaningful business in both houses of Parliament ever since the winter session began on November 16.

Two killed, six injured in Bengal train derailment AIADMK members tonsure heads as thousands flock to Amma's burial site

Siliguri, December 7 (iaNS): Two persons were killed and six others injured when the engine and two coaches of the Guwahatibound Capital Express derailed in West Bengal on Tuesday night, an official said. The engine, an SLR coach and a second class coach derailed near Samuktala Road station in Alipurduar district, near the West Bengal-Assam border, at around 9.15 p.m on Tuesday, the NorthEast Frontier Railway official said in a release.

The train had originated

from Rajendra Nagar terminal station in Patna. The two deceased, both male and residents of Faridabad in Haryana, have been identified as Munshi Nath (65) and Mahesh Nath (40). Two of the injured - Indrajit Mandal (25) and Saha Jamal (35) - had to be hospitalised.

The four other injured Parikshit Mandal (40), Pritam Mandal (16), Rupa Mandal (34) and Surender Prasad (38) - left for home after they were administered first aid.

All six injured were given ex-

gratia of Rs 5,000.

About 150 of the stranded passengers were taken back to Alipurduar by the KamakhyaAlipurduar Intercity Express.

The unaffected portion of the 19 coach train was detached and resumed its journey at 5.10 a.m. on Wednesday after completion of rescue and relief operation and reached Guwahati station at 11 a.m. with the remaining passengers.

The prima facie cause of the accident was overshooting of signal by the driver, the re-

lease said. "Preliminary investigation shows the red signal was overlooked by the driver," a railway official said. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a "thorough inquiry" to fix responsibility.

At least three trains were cancelled, two short terminated and eight trains were diverted following the accident.

Among the trains cancelled were 15769/15770 AlipurduarLumding-Alipurduar Intercity Express and 15771/15772 Alipurduar-Kamakhya-Alipurduar Intercity Express.

Driver kills himself, hurls black money charge against baron beNgaluru, December 7 (iaNS): A driver who committed suicide alleged that his boss got Rs 75-crore unaccounted money converted into white for the grand wedding of Karnataka's mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy's daughter last month, police said on Wednesday.

K.C. Ramesh, 31, who died by consuming poison in a lodge at Maddur town on Tuesday, said in his note that his boss Bheema Naik told him about converting Reddy's black money into white for the November 16 wedding in Bengaluru, Mandya Superintendent of Police C.H. Sudhir Kumar told IANS. Maddur in Mandya district is 85 km from Bengaluru.

An FIR was registered on a complaint from the driver's brother K.C. Mahendra.

A six-page suicide note in Kannada was recovered from the lodge room where Ramesh was found dead, officer Kumar said.

The case was filed under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code -- abetment to suicide.

A former BJP minister, Reddy performed the marriage of his only daughter Brahamani, 21, with Rajeev Reddy, 23, a businessman from Hyderabad, in the Bangalore Palace grounds at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore.

"We have formed a special team to investigate the case. We will summon Naik, whom Ramesh has mentioned as a land acquisition officer in the revenue department in Bengaluru and then Reddy on the basis of what Naik tell us," said Kumar.

The suicide note also revealed that Naik had laundered the black money at

India puts remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2A into orbit Sriharikota, December 7 (iaNS): India on Wednesday morning successfully put into orbit its own earth observation satellite Resourcesat-2A in a text book style.

"Today we had a successful launch of Resourcesat-2A to provide three tier imaging data. The satellites solar panels were deployed. The launch was perfect," A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said soon after the launch.

Kumar said that for the first time a camera was put on the rocket, and as a result the launch of the satellite and the deployment of solar panels were seen.

According to ISRO, Resourcesat-2A is a follow on mission to Resourcesat-1 and Resourcesat-2, launched in 2003 and 2011 respectively.

The new satellite Resourcesat-2A is intended to continue the remote sensing data services to global users provided by it two predecessors.

The Resourcesat-2A carries

three payloads which are similar to those of the earlier two Resourcesat's.

They are a high resolution Linear Imaging Self Scanner (LISS-4) camera operating in three spectral bands in the Visible and Near Infrared Region (VNIR) with 5.8 m spatial resolution and steerable up to 26 degree across track to achieve a five day revisit capability.

The second payload is the medium resolution LISS-3 camera operating in three-spectral bands in VNIR and one in Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) band with 23.5 m spatial resolution.

The third payload is a coarse resolution Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) camera operating in three spectral bands in VNIR and one band in SWIR with 56 m spatial resolution.

The satellite also carries two Solid State Recorders with a capacity of 200 Giga Bits each to store the images taken by its cameras which can be read out later to ground stations. The mission life of Resourcesat-2A is five years.

about 20 per cent commission from Reddy after the government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8.

"The note also claimed that Reddy along with BJP's Lok Sabha member B. Sriramulu met Naik at a star hotel in Bengaluru for several days ahead of the wedding," said Kumar citing its contents.

Denying the charge, Sriramulu told reporters in New Delhi that he or Reddy had nothing to do with the charge. Ramesh said he was forced to take his life following death threats as he had information on how Reddy converted the black money for the wedding.

In a notice served on November 21, the Income Tax department asked Reddy how much money he spent on his daughter's wedding.

cheNNai, December 7 (iaNS): Several AIADMK activists on Wednesday tonsured their heads on the Marina beach where J. Jayalalithaa was buried in a bid to show their affection to the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. "She was like a mother to me.

It was Amma who christened my two children. We tonsure our head when we lose our mother, isn't it?" A. Manoj, a young member of the ruling AIADMK, told IANS. A resident of Theni district, Manoj said he was unable to accept that Jayalalithaa was no more. The veteran actor-turnedpolitician died just before midnight Monday, a day after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was buried at the Marina beach on Tuesday evening. A vegetable farmer, Manoj joined the AIADMK while he was in college. He said he was attracted by Jayalalithaa's boldness.

Another men who tonsured his head was 45-year-old K. Mariappan, a worker in a cool drink making company in Tirunelvelli district. "When I heard Amma had passed away, I came here by car with five friends," he told IANS. "Amma was like my mother. So I decided to tonsure my head."

Barbers who had parked

The profound grief continues on the streets of Chennai for the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. As a mark of respect for the departed leader “Amma”, thousands were seen getting their head tonsured. (PTI Photo)

themselves at the beach charged anything between Rs.100-200 to tonsure a head. The normal charges are Rs.50-100. Another group of AIADMK members from Sivaganga district also underwent the ceremonial tonsure.

Some women members of the AIADMK were seen sobbing.

All of them insisted that the AIADMK would remain united despite the absence of the towering Jayalalithaa.

A group of mentally challenged persons was brought by a NGO to the beach to pay hom-

age to the departed leader.

The burial site on Wednesday received hundreds of people right from the morning.

Jayalalithaa was buried a few metres behind where her mentor and AIADMK founder and Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran or MGR was buried.

Snack vendors did brisk business catering to the visitors.

In Chennai city, while shops, hotels, offices and petrol bunks opened on Wednesday, there were few government-owned buses on the roads.

Cho, a legend in Tamil cinema & literature, is dead cheNNai, December 7 (iaNS): Comedian actor, political satirist and editor Cho Ramaswamy, a legend in his own right, died here early on Wednesday, just a day after viewing on TV the burial of his old friend J. Jayalalithaa.

A former member of the Rajya Sabha, Cho, as he was widely addressed, suffered a cardiac arrest and died just before 4 a.m. at Chennai's Apollo Hospitals, where the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister too passed away.

The 82-year-old Cho had been in and out of hospital since January 2015, family members and friends said.

Messages of condolences poured in from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as a friend and "a multi-dimensional personality, towering intellectual, great nationalist and fearless voice who was respected and admired".

Cho founded and edited the political magazine Thuglak, where he earned universal respect as one who did not allow his personal friendship to pass impartial judgement on political events and personalities.

Between 1963 and 2005, the ver-

Cho Ramaswamy

satile Cho acted in 180 Tamil films, directed five movies, wrote and directed 20 plays, scripted and acted in 27 TV serials and also wrote 10 books.

The films he directed include the hugely popular Tamil political satire "Mohammed Bin Thuglak", apart from "Mr Sampath" and "Sambo Siva Samboo".

He was also a dialogue writer and lawyer.

Friends and even foes admired Cho for his impartial reading of political developments, both in Tamil Nadu and beyond, even when he had a soft

corner for the BJP and Jayalalithaa.

Cho and Jayalalithaa, who died just before midnight on Monday, acted together in 19 films. He admired Jayalalithaa and she was said to pay heed to his views at one point.

As Editor, Cho built a rapport with many politicians in the country.

Way back in 1977, when the Emergency rule of Indira Gandhi ended, Cho campaigned for the newly formed Janata Party, which unseated the Congress for the first time nationally.

He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1999 by the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee.

Cho was among the few in Tamil Nadu who was never attracted to the violent ways of the Tamil Tigers from Sri Lanka even when the rebels used to enjoy widespread support in the state in the 1980s.

Both Modi and Jayalalithaa called on him when he was ill earlier this year.

Cho also acted with M.G. Ramachandran, Shivaji Ganesan, Kamal Hassan and Rajinikant among others.

BJP President Amit Shah described Cho as a fearless critic whose impartial assessment of political issues would be missed. Tamil Nadu Chief Minis-

ter O. Panneerselvam expressed grief over his death and said Cho had immense affection for Jayalalithaa.

Superstar Rajinikanth and actors Ajith and Suriya were among the first from Tamil filmdom to pay homage to Cho. "As a writer, Cho never compromised," Rajnikanth said. Actor Suriya and brother Karthi also paid their last respects to Cho, whose best known films were "Nirai Kudam", "Galatta Kalyanam", "Bommalattam" and "En Annan".

On her Twitter page, actor Shruti wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear that we have lost Cho Sir - a great mind and thinker." Filmmaker Aishwarya Dhanush wrote: "Memories of your witty humour and the most intelligent discussions we've had on many topics will remain etched in my heart forever."

Calling Cho a "learned and intelligent man of the sharpest wit and humour", R. Madhavan said.

According to Cho's family, he learnt about the death of Jayalalithaa from his hospital bed. And from there, he watched the last journey of Jayalalithaa until she was buried on the Marina beach. A night later, Cho passed away.

ThursdAY 08•12•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Trump on Boeing’s Air Force One contract: ‘Cancel order!’

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): U.S. President-elect Donald Trump urged the government on Tuesday to cancel an order with Boeing Co for a revamped Air Force One one of the most prominent symbols of the U.S. presidency - saying costs were out of control.

It was the latest example of Trump using his podium, often via Twitter messages, to rattle companies and foreign countries as he seeks to shake up business as usual in Washington.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, took aim at what he called cost overruns even though the plane is only in development stages.

“Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!” Trump said on Twitter. It was not immediately clear what prompted the timing of his complaint.

Trump, who has vowed to use his skills as a businessman to make good deals that benefit American taxpayers, then made a surprise appearance in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York, where he amplified his comments.

“The plane is totally out of control. I think it’s ridiculous. I think Boeing is doing a little bit of a number.

We want Boeing to make a lot of money but not that much money,” he told reporters.

Boeing, which has built

planes for U.S. presidents since 1943, has not yet begun building the two replacements for the current Air Force One planes, which are scheduled to be in service by 2024.

Boeing has not yet been awarded the money to build the proposed replacements.

“We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the President of the United States,” the company said in a statement.

Boeing Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg called Trump after his remarks and they had a constructive dialogue, sources familiar with the conversation told Reuters. Muilenburg told Trump the cost of the airplane could be lowered if the U.S. Air Force changed its requirements and the issue would likely be re-

solved without a major dis- placements were “rather pute, the sources said. complicated” and said the recommendations for upNOT A ‘VANILLA’ grades had been made by JUMBO JET national security experts.

The Air Force, which The budgeted costs for operates the presiden- the replacement program tial planes, announced in are $2.87 billion for the fisJanuary 2015 that Boeing’s cal years 2015 through 2021, 747-8 would be used to re- just on research and develplace the two current presi- opment, testing and evaludential planes. ation, according to budget The planes can fly direct documents seen by Reuters. from Washington to Hong The current Air Force Kong, 1,000 miles (1,600 plan envisions extensive km) farther than the cur- modifications to a Boeing rent Air Force One. They are 747-8 plane, adding milidesigned to be an airborne tary avionics and advanced White House able to fly in communications to a selfworst-case security scenar- defense system. ios, such as nuclear war.

“Of course it’s not like President Barack buying a vanilla Boeing jumObama, who flew on the bo jet,” said defense consulaging Air Force One to tant Loren Thompson, who Tampa, Florida, on Tues- has close ties to Boeing and day, has called the plane other companies. one of the best perks of the A March 2016 report presidency. from the Government AcHis spokesman, Josh countability Office, the Earnest, told reporters on investigative arm of Conboard that the contract- gress, estimated the cost ing arrangements for re- of the overall program at

$3.21 billion, including the purchase of two aircraft.

But the GAO estimated the costs for research and development would be lower, at just under $2 billion. If the GAO report used the same Air Force estimate for research and development, then its estimate would be around $4 billion.

Boeing shares dipped after Trump’s tweet but closed up 0.1 percent at $152.24.

LATEST BROADSIDE Trump’s broadside against Boeing comes as Washington’s business lobbyists are bracing for a wild ride.

A New York real estate developer, Trump took aim at big corporations during his campaign, saying that they often harmed ordinary Americans by sending jobs abroad.

Since winning the Nov. 8 election, he has taken credit for pushing United

Technologies Corp and Ford Motor Co to backtrack on outsourcing plans.

Trump’s attack on Boeing was the main topic of discussion at the annual luncheon of the Aerospace Industries Association, where the group’s chief executive, Dave Melcher, urged the new administration to promote trade and bolster the high-paying manufacturing jobs that the $143 billion-ayear sector offers.

Industry executives say they are seeing willingness from the Trump team to take another look at export controls that limit exports of U.S. weapons. But in the short term, his tweets and comments on Boeing put defense contractors on notice.

“The chilling effect on industry is huge, if you are a contractor,” said Franklin Turner, a partner specializing in government contracts at law firm McCarter & English.

Boeing relies on the U.S. military and other arms of the federal government for a significant share of its defense, space and security business which is worth $30 billion a year.

The company clashed during the past year with Republicans in Congress over the Export-Import Bank, a federal program Boeing uses to finance sales to certain overseas customers. Boeing executives have also been outspoken supporters of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal with Asia, which Trump opposed.

9

Thailand to investigate BBC over profile of new king

Thailand’s Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. (REUTERS File Photo)

bANGKOK, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): Thailand’s defence minister said on Wednesday authorities will investigate the BBC on suspicion of insulting the monarchy in connection with a Thai-language profile of the new king that has stirred social media anger. Offending the dignity of a reigning monarch, known by the French term lese-majeste, is a serious crime under Thai law and offenders can be punished with up to 15 years in prison.

The constitutional monarchy has been in the international spotlight since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Oct. 13 at the age of 88, after 7 decades on the throne. His son was proclaimed King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on Thursday last week and BBC Thai, the BBC’s Thai-language service, published a profile of him online.

The piece was widely shared on social media and some Thais have said its content was insulting to the new king.

“Authorities have to pursue the matter. It is their duty to pursue anything that is against the law,” Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters. The BBC declined to comment. The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy blocked a link to the profile on the BBC’s Thai website on Tuesday and it remained blocked on Wednesday. A message on the site said it was blocked for “inappropriate content”.

Anyone can file a lese-majeste complaint against another person and police always investigate such cases, rights groups say. Plainclothes police and some soldiers in uniform went to the BBC’s office in Bangkok on Tuesday, witnesses said. No BBC staff were there at the time and the officers later left.

The BBC’s television coverage of Thailand has been repeatedly blocked since the death of King Bhumibol.

Police said they would investigate the content of the profile of the new king. “Then we’ll proceed according to the law,” senior police official Chayapon Chatchaidej told reporters. He said nobody had filed a complaint against the BBC. Police on Saturday arrested a Thai democracy activist opposed to the military government that has been in power since a 2014 coup for sharing a link to the BBC profile. He was later released on bail. The military government has zealously pursued cases of alleged criticism of the monarchy since it took power.

Italian PM Renzi to resign on Friday Nearly 100 killed, hundreds hurt as quake strikes Aceh ROmE, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will hand in his resignation on Friday, a parliamentary source said, as President Sergio Mattarella seeks to slow the pace of an unfolding political crisis. Renzi vowed to resign in the early hours of Monday after a bruising referendum loss, but Mattarella, whose powers include naming prime ministers and dissolving parliament, asked him to stay on until the 2017 budget passes.

On Wednesday parliament approved the spending package in a confidence vote, clearing the way for the premier to step down. The reason Renzi’s resignation has been pushed back until Friday was unclear. Mattarella wants parliament to draft a new electoral law before any ballot is held, a source close to the president said on Tuesday, a move likely to delay any vote until spring.

Italy is not due to hold a parliamentary election before 2018 but there is growing consensus among party leaders to go to the polls a year early. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano, head of a small centre-right group, said the vote should take place in February. Meanwhile, Italy is still looking for a way to prop up its debt-laden banks, especially struggling Monte dei Paschi di Siena, its third-biggest lender, which may require government involvement.

Two sources told Reuters on Tuesday that the government was preparing to take a 2-billion-euro ($2.15-billion) controlling stake in Monte dei Paschi by purchasing junior bonds.

On Wednesday, a Treasury spokesman denied Italy was poised to ask for a loan from the European Stability Mechanism to support its banking sector.

Shares in Monte dei Paschi were up about 9 percent at 1330 GMT while Italy’s benchmark 10-year bond yield fell to near three-week lows.

Later on Wednesday, Renzi will speak at a meeting of his Democratic Party’s (PD) top brass. Renzi is still leader of the PD, which has the largest number of parliamentarians, so it is unlikely any new government could be formed without his backing.

The PD plans to support a government of national unity, which would have to include parties currently in opposition, two party sources said on Tuesday. If such a government is not possible, then the PD wants an early election, they said.

Infrastructure Minister Graziano Delrio, a PD member and close ally of Renzi, said on Tuesday the best solution would be for an interim government to be put in place to quickly change the electoral law so an election could be held “in the spring”.

PIDIE JAYA, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): Nearly 100 people were killed and hundreds injured in Indonesia on Wednesday when a strong earthquake hit its Aceh province and rescuers used earth movers and bare hands to search for survivors in scores of toppled buildings.

Medical volunteers rushed in fading evening light to get people to hospitals, which were straining to cope with the influx of injured.

The Aceh provincial government said in a statement 93 people had died and more than 500 were injured, many seriously.

Sutopo Nugroho of Indonesia’s national disaster management agency, said a state of emergency had been declared in Aceh, which sits on the northern tip of Sumatra island.

“We are now focusing on searching for victims and possible survivors,” said Nugroho. His agency put the death toll at 94.

Aceh was devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami centred on its western coast near the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, on Dec. 26, 2004. That tsunami

Motorcyclists pass a damaged section of a road following an earthquake in Meuredu, Pidie Jaya, in the northern province of Aceh on Indonesia December 7. (REUTERS Photo)

killed 226,000 people along Indian Ocean shorelines.

Officials urged people to sleep outdoors as twilight fell, in case aftershocks caused more damage to already precarious buildings.

President Joko Widodo was expected to visit the area on Thursday, his deputy told media.

Pope warns media over the ‘sin’ of spreading fake news VATIcAN cITY, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): Media that focus on scandals and spread fake news to smear politicians risk becoming like people who have a morbid fascination with excrement, Pope Francis said in an interview published on Wednesday.

Francis told the Belgian Catholic weekly “Tertio” that spreading disinformation was “probably the greatest damage that the media can do” and using communications for this rather than to educate the public amounted to a sin.

Using precise psychological terms, he said scandal-mongering media risked falling prey to coprophilia, or arousal from excrement, and consumers of these media risked coprophagia, or eating excrement.

The Argentine-born pontiff excused himself for using such terms in order to get his point across while answering a ques-

Pope Francis talks as he leads the general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on December 7. (REUTERS Photo)

tion about the correct use of the media.

“I think the media have to be very clear, very transparent, and not fall into no offence intended - the sickness of coprophilia,

that is, always wanting to cover scandals, covering nasty things, even if they are true,” he said.

“And since people have a tendency towards the sickness of coprophagia, a

lot of damage can be done.”

That section of the interview, all of which was distributed to reporters in an Italian translation of the interview in the pope’s native Spanish, contained

some of the most blunt language the pontiff has ever used about the media.

He also spoke of the danger of using the media to slander political rivals.

“The means of communication have their own temptations, they can be tempted by slander, and therefore used to slander people, to smear them, this above all in the world of politics,” he said. “They can be used as means of defamation...”

“No-one has a right to do this. It is a sin and it is hurtful,” he said.

He described disinformation as the greatest harm the media can do because “it directs opinion in only one direction and omits the other part of the truth,” he said.

The pope’s comments on disinformation followed widespread debate in the United States over whether fake news on the internet might have swayed voters toward Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Wednesday’s quake hit the east coast of the province, about 170 km (105 miles) from Banda Aceh.

Nugroho said Aceh’s Pidie Jaya regency, with a population of about 140,000, was worst hit.

Many victims had suffered broken bones and gashes and had to be treated in hospital corridors

and hastily erected disaster tents, a Reuters witness said.

Television showed footage of flattened mosques, fallen electricity poles and crushed cars.

A Red Crescent volunteer said health workers were struggling.

“There aren’t enough medical staff,” the Red Crescent’s Muklis, who like many Indonesians uses one name, told TVOne. Nugroho said more than 1,000 personnel, including military officers and volunteers, had been deployed to help in disaster relief.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck just after 5 a.m.

(2200 GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 17 km (11 miles). No tsunami warning was issued.

At least five aftershocks were felt after the initial quake, the disaster management agency said.

The region suffered massive destruction in 2004 when a 9.2 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that wiped out entire communities in Indonesia and other countries around the Indian Ocean.

Indonesia was the hardest hit, with more than 120,000 people killed in Aceh.

UN roadmap to end conflict sets a ‘dangerous precedent’ WASHINGTON, DEcEmbER 7 (REuTERS): Yemen on Tuesday appeared to reject a U.N. plan to end its civil war, saying the roadmap would create a “dangerous international precedent” by legitimising the rebellion against the country’s internationally recognised government. Yemen’s position deals a major setback to international efforts to end the 20-month conflict, which has unleashed a humanitarian disaster and killed more than 10,000 people.

A Dec. 6 letter to the Security Council from Yemen’s U.N. mission, seen by Reuters, called U.N. envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh’s plan a “free incentive to the Houthi-Saleh rebels, legitimising their rebellion, their agenda.” “The Ould Cheikh Roadmap creates a dangerous international precedent, encouraging coup trends against elected authorities and national consensus. Which are in clear violations of internationally established laws and norms.”

Since March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Iran-allied Houthi rebels and forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and trying to restore to power internationally recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The coalition has failed to dislodge the Houthis and their allies in Yemen’s army from the capital, Sanaa. The U.N. proposal to end the stalemate envisions Hadi handing his powers to a less divisive

Tribesmen attend a gathering held to show support to the new government formed by Yemen’s armed Houthi movement and its political allies, in Sanaa, Yemen on December 6. (REUTERS Photo)

deputy in exchange for the Houthis quitting major cities.

The Dec. 6 letter detailed a list of actions necessary for any political solution, including that Saleh and Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi must “leave political life and leave the country with their families into self-imposed exile for a period of at least 10 years.” A senior diplomat at the United Nations told Reuters last month that Saudi Arabia appeared to accept Ould Cheikh’s initiative and had encouraged Hadi to deal with it. The United Arab Emirates, another key country in the coalition, has said it supported the plan, which the United States and the United Kingdom also endorse.

10

ThursDAY 08•12•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Djokovic splits with coach Becker Plane tragedy overshadows Club World Cup

Novak Djokovic and coach Boris Becker (AP Photo/FILE)

LONDON, December 7 (reuters): Tennis world number two Novak Djokovic has split with coach Boris Becker three years after adding the German multiple grand slam winner to his team.

Serbian Djokovic, who won six of his 12 major titles after hiring Becker but has suffered a slump in form over the past six months, confirmed their parting of ways on his website on Tuesday.

"After three very successful years, Boris Becker and I have jointly decided to end our cooperation," Djokovic, who lost his number one ranking to Andy Murray last month, said.

"The goals we set when we started working together have been completely fulfilled, and I want to

thank him for the cooperation, teamwork, dedication and commitment."

The pair joined forces in December 2013.

After winning the Australian Open for a sixth time and then claiming a first French Open this year Djokovic, 29, was on course to complete calendar year Grand Slam -- a feat last managed in 1969 by Australian great Rod Laver.

But he bowed out in the third round of Wimbledon to Sam Querrey, lost in the first round of the Rio Olympics to Juan Martin del Potro and then went down to Stan Wawrinka in the U.S. Open final.

Without a title since July, Djokovic also saw an 8,000-point ranking lead over Britain's Murray vanish.

Murray dethroned

Djokovic after 122 weeks at the summit in November and then beat him to win the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals, snapping the Serbian's fouryear domination of the London tournament.

Djokovic did not reveal whether he would replace Becker and there was nothing to suggest long-term mentor Marian Vajda would be leaving his entourage, although the Belgrade native indicated he wanted to make his own choices.

"My professional plans are now directed primarily to maintain a good level of play, and also to make a good schedule and new goals for the next season," Djokovic said.

"In this regard I will make all future decisions."

YOkOhAmA, December 7 (AFP): Atletico Nacional will play through their grief over the Chapecoense plane tragedy when they tackle the Club World Cup in Japan -- just days after their Copa Sudamericana final opponents were wiped out.

FIFA's global club showpiece, which will also feature Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid, begins this week under the shadow of the air crash that sent football into mourning.

It promises to be an emotional tournament for Colombia's Nacional, who were due to play Chapocoense for the Copa Sudamericana title before the plane carrying the Brazilian team crashed en route to the final.

"Pain overwhelms our hearts and invades our thinking in mourning," Nacional wrote on their website. All but three Chapocoense players died in the crash, which killed 71 people.

In tribute, the Copa Libertadores champions successfully lobbied South American football officials to award the Copa Sudamericana to the stricken team.

"For our part, and forever, Chapecoense are champions of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana," stated the club's website.

European giants Real will be favourites to win the tournament, which kicks off on Thursday and features football's six continental champions plus Japanese titleholders Kashima Antlers.

But Ronaldo's Real will face the uncomfortable task of having to beat Nacional, now the sentimental favourites, should both teams reach the December 18 final in Yokohama.

Nacional could face South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Kashi-

Fans embrace during a tribute ceremony for players of Chapecoense Real Football Club. (Reuters)

ma or New Zealand part-timers Auckland City in the competition's first semi-final in Osaka on December 14.

The Colombians, who claimed their second Copa Libertadores title in July, are looking to avenge an extra-time defeat by AC Milan in the tournament's forerunner, the Intercontinental Cup, in 1989.

Their stingy defence kept nine clean sheets in a 14-game run to the South American title, and they play a tidy brand of football under coach Reinaldo Rueda. But bookmakers are firmly backing Spain's Real.

- Ronaldo's 'perfect year' Zinedine Zidane's table-toppers will be without Gareth Bale as the Welsh wizard continues to recover from ankle surgery, but Real have been boosted by the return of

Toni Kroos ahead of their opening game on December 15.

Real face either Mexico's Club America or South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the competition's second semi-final in Yokohama.

Ronaldo issued a warning as Los Blancos go in search for their second Club World Cup title in three years after lifting the trophy in 2014.

"It has been a perfect year, with the Champions League and the Euros," said Madrid's talisman, who also led Portugal to European Championship glory in July and has signed a new five-year deal stretching to 2021.

"Now we have to win the Club World Cup. I want to win trophies, that's why I want to stay at this club."

Real president Florentino Perez has demanded another international treble.

"It would be a huge satisfaction

to win the three international titles -- the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup," he told AFP. "We won them in 2014 and we will work towards winning the Club World Cup to do it again."

Real, who beat Argentina's San Lorenzo 2-0 in the final two years ago, also won the Intercontinental Cup in 1960, 1998 and 2002.

Plucky Auckland will look to produce another shock in their eighth appearance in the tournament after their collection of truck drivers, cleaners and zoology students defied the odds to finish third in 2014.

"The game against (Kashima) is going to be tough, but our boys are well prepared and I'm looking forward to it," said New Zealand international Clayton Lewis, ahead of Thursday's tournament-opener.

rahane out of series, shami doubtful for Mumbai Jennings to be cook's latest

mumb AI, December 7 (reuters): India middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the last two tests against England with a fractured finger while fast bowler Mohammed Shami is also doubtful for the fourth match at the Wankhede Stadium, beginning on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Rahane, who has had a modest series so far, was hit by a ball during Wednesday's practice and sustained an avulsion fracture on his right index finger, the India cricket board said in a media release (www.bcci.tv).

Batsman Manish Pandey has replaced Rahane in the squad, with paceman Shardul Thakur named as a back-up for Shami, who has a sore knee and will be assessed before the start of the penultimate match of the five-test series.

Seamer Bhuvneshwar

Ajinkya Rahane plays a shot during the Second Test against England at Visakhapatnam. (Reuters)

Kumar, who took six wickets in his last test against New Zealand in September, is expected to start if Shami is ruled out, with opening batsman Lokesh Rahul returning to the side after missing the third test

in Mohali with injury.

The hosts lead the series 2-0 and captain Virat Kohli was confident the replacements would do the job for his team. " Cu r re nt l y , ( I ' m ) not really (worried) be-

cause if you see whoever has stepped in has given match-winning performances," Kohli told reporters on Wednesday.

"You speak about Bhuvi, he has come in at St Lucia once and in Kol-

kata once, and both times he has picked up five wickets and he has been the match winner for us.

"I am not worried because the guys sitting outside are waiting for opportunities."

After losses in the second and third tests, the touring England side travelled to Dubai to unwind during the eight-day gap between the third and fourth test.

At the end of the five-test series, England will head home for Christmas before returning to India in January to play three one-day internationals and the same number of Twenty20 matches.

Kohli said the break had also been refreshing for his side but added that he would like it to be reciprocated when they tour England next.

"We didn't ask for the gap, it was part of the schedule," said the 28-year-old. "Make sure when we go there we also have eight days' gap after the three tests and (a) 25-day gap between ODIs and tests."

opening partner for england

mumbAI, December 7 (reuters): Keaton Jennings will make his England debut as captain Alastair Cook's latest opening partner in the fourth and penultimate test against India at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Lefthander Jennings will replace teenager Haseeb Hameed, who broke his little finger during England's defeat in the third test in Mohali and returned home to undergo surgery.

Jennings, the son of South African former wicketkeeper and coach Ray, arrived in India only on Monday after being called up from the England Lions squad in the United Arab Emirates.

"He's going to play. He's going to open the batting and another great opportunity for a guy to come in and play," Cook told reporters, adding he was reminded of his own debut in 2006 when he flew into India 48 hours ahead of the game and hit a century in Nagpur.

"He's in good touch, spending bit of time in the middle with the Lions, getting hundreds and stuff. Pretty special day for him tomorrow."

The 24-year-old Jennings, who scored six centuries for county side Dur-

ham last season, is Cook's 11th partner at the top of the order in the game's longest format since the retirement of Andrew Strauss four years ago.

Cook said the frequent changes of his opening partner did not impact his own batting.

"It doesn't really affect me," the 31-year-old said. "You don't just bat with your opening partner, you bat with people at three, four, five as well.

"I will just make sure Keaton plays the way he wants to play, keep him calm I suppose. Obviously it's disappointing about Has, we obviously found a player there.

"But if Keaton comes in and does well again, it's just adding to our toporder players."

Fast bowler Stuart Broad, who suffered a foot injury during the second test in Visakhapatnam and subsequently missed the game in Mohali, was still doubtful for the Mumbai match, Cook added.

The Wankhede Stadium, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has been a happy hunting ground for England, who have won their last two test matches against the hosts at the venue in 2012 and 2006.

public discourse

Nearer to God: Better deal with fellow men and women Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi

T

rue wisdom comes from truly knowing God. Wrong concept or belief cannot lead man to right destination.

In 2010, Manipur Government had a blockade against Th Muivah’s visit to his native village and killed two persons at Mao Gate. Hearing the news I went to Mao Gate to see what was actually happening. No residents were seen except several persons who were leaving the locality taking domestic animals.

Mao Gate was full of Armed Forces. I was allowed permission to meet the Commanders. I told them that Manipur Government can successfully stop the trip of Muivah to his village but it is a great loss to hurt the sentiment of thousands of people. They were also worried about two slain bodies left for two days.

This time in 2016, another blunder has been committed by Manipur Government in detaining the leaders of UNC, which will only aggravate the situation. In this connection, economic blockade was imposed by the Nagas which runs weeks together causing untold sufferings and losses.

What is the cause of such conflict? It is a related issue with the process of Naga integration. Every Naga living anywhere in contiguous areas is proud of being a Naga and has a will to live together under the same roof as a people. So integration of the Nagas is inevitable and cannot be prevented by any force in the world. So our Meitei’s brethren should realize the reality.

On the other hand, the Nagas should not deal with the situation by means of strangling some people to death because it is not the way of Christ. The people who know the eternal living God the Creator of the heavens and the earth and worship Him should be different from the people who worship the creations, bow down to stones and trees, throwing coins at stones on road sides instead of seeking the Creator God. All good things abundantly available for mankind are readily available to mankind who humble themselves and seek God. Solution lies in sincerely seeking the living God.

The Living Agenda of Manipur State’s “Integration & Disintegration”

T

he visit of T.R. Zeliang, Chief Minister of Nagaland, to the 1st Conference of the Naga Village Authority of South Nagalim, at Senapati, Manipur, might be the plan of God, the creator of heaven and earth. His visit and the speech he gave were bitterly opposed by all apex organizations of Meeteis.

Here, let me give a short brief of history of Nagas in Manipur.

Nagas in the so called Manipur state, under the banner of United Naga Council, have declared the political severance of ties with existing government of Manipur in 2010. Now all Nagas in Manipur, young and old, have inculcated an indelible political feeling that they and their lands are no longer part of GoM. Taking this step of decision is their political right.

Our history is crystal clear, a dual system of administration for Nagas (Hills) and Meities (Imphal Valleys) came into existence only yesterday when British annexed the Meetei kingdom in 1891.

From the time of immemorial, prior to this date Nagas and tribal people in the present state of Manipur were a self-governed and self-administered people. I need not tell this as everybody knows and even our rivals know better.

The Hills were administered by the political department of the British Crown.

In 1949, Meeteis under their Maharaja

(king) were merged with the Indian Union, without the consent of Nagas and other tribal people. Then, present forceful joint administration/government of Meeteis and Hill people came into existence with political unwillingness of Nagas. This is the factor of political unrest in South Nagaland at present in Manipur.

Since the imposition of forceful joint administration, Govt. of Manipur, who has Meitei-Majority, South Nagas living in Manipur have been deprived of all human amenities. They are enduring all forms of intolerable problems like suppression, oppression and exploitation from the majority community. The Meeteis hold and control all forms of powers, amenities, facilities and rights by devious manipulation and sinister design. Some instances of well-known manipulations are: 1. The Meetei community has created 40 constituencies out of 60 constituencies in the State purely out of the population count and not basing on the area owned by them.

2. They have created 4 districts in Imphal valley, which is not even 3000 sq.kms in geographical area. Is this fair to the other communities viz. the hill tribes?

3. By creating these 4 districts, the Meeteis are grasping and utilizing the

4.

5.

1.

2.

bulk facilities and amenities thereby depriving the hill districts. This is definitely injustice.

The Naga MLAs and Ministers are aware of this fact but since they are in minority, do not risk to differ and stand for the rights of their people while some may be hand in glove with all the connivance and dubious ways of the Meeteis for their own selfish gains.

The easy conversion of General status of Meeteis to Other Backward Class status is not at all correct and also a grave cause concern. If this is true for the General category the same should be applied to ST category as well.

It is heartening to realize that now the South Nagas have woken up from their slumber and started voicing their political right of having their own administrative governance.

The United Naga Council (UNC) had rightfully demanded to sever ties from the existing government of Manipur state and thereby to form another new Administrative Unit (statehood) By forming a new Administration Unit, it will be named as South Nagaland State and ultimately go on the United States of Nagaland (Nagalim) [USN] in the manner and style of the United States of America.

3. As written earlier the South Naga MLAs and Ministers should think seriously and resign en-masse at the earliest. They will be assured of the best opportunities.

4. The Manipur state territorial integrity and disintegration is rested only in the hands of the South Nagas.

We have every right and freedom to choose our identity and our own right cause shall prevail.

5. Conducting State Assembly Election in the State of Manipur should not be allowed till all the prevailing political anomalies are set right and the present political imbroglio is resolved.

6. If we persevere, surely the Truth shall prevail.

The wisdom of Late K. Zhimomi, (former M.P.) of Nagaland was the only solution for political unrest in Manipur.

He had envisaged that the prevailing political situations and problems in Manipur would be solved only when two Union States are created - One for South Nagas (South Nagaland) and the other as before - Manipur State. His dream is our dream. Let this dream be come true sooner than later.

KUKNALIM Er. Asiho John (S.E. Rtd), Advisor to Tribal People’s Organisation, Manipur & Former President, South Nagas’ Union of Nagaland State

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

Thursday 08•12•2016

EntErtainmEnt

‘Nothing is more special than coming home’

The seventh day of the 2016 Hornbill Festival witnessed the Stilt Bamboo Race organized by the Department of Youth Resource and Sports at Heritage Village, Kisama. A game which is played to determine one’s ability, agility, flexibility and technique, the Stilt Bamboo race is one of the most popular and exciting indigenous games among the Nagas.

The Game is played and enjoyed by most of the tribes of Nagaland. The participants compete by walking /racing with two bamboo sticks as legs. The race witnessed a total of 15 competitors representing different tribes where Hokugha of Sumi tribe emerged as the champion, finishing the race in 26.19 seconds. Tamu of Pochurytribe and Kushen from The Khiamniungan Nagas perform at ‘Culturally Yours’ during Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. (Morung Photo) Chang tribe were placed 2nd and 3rdfinishing the race in 28.2 seconds and 30.43 seconds respectively. The winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 7000, Rs. 5000 and Rs. 3000 respectively. Prizes were given away by Assistant Director Youth Resource and Sports, Megolhou Dolie. (DIPR Photo)

Naga Chef Season 4 - Top 4 contestants

Kiheto Sema

Imlibenla Wati, ‘Miss Super Talent World 2016’ first runners-up addressing during the reception at Dimapur Airport on December 7. (Photo by Manen Aier)

F

C M Y K

ormer Miss Nagaland, Imlibenla Wati, the first runners-up of the ‘Miss Super Talent World 2016’ held recently in South Korea, was accorded a heroine’s welcome on her return here at Dimapur Airport, Wednesday afternoon.

Various organizations and well wishers organized a civic reception outside the airport to welcome home the beauty queen, who bought name and fame to Nagaland state. “Nothing is more special than coming home after the hard struggle. I am so humbled, motivated and encouraged to see you all coming to welcome me. Thank you so much for your support and prayers,” Imlibenla told the cheering crowd.

In a message of encouragement to the youth, Imlibenla said she was able to make it thus far “not because I am extraordinary or better than others, but the Lord has picked me to spread the message that Nagas are second to none.”

Among the organizations present to felicitate the beauty queen included Diphupar Naga Students’ Union, Changki Students’ Union, Changki Union, Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Sumi Students’ Union Dimapur, Highway Sumi Students’ Union Dimapur, Western Sumi Students’ Union Dimapur, Lotha Students’ Union, Western Chakhesang Hoho, Muslim Council Dimapur, Changki Metsulari Dimapur, Beauty and Aesthetic Society Nagaland. Meanwhile, the felicitation committee conveyed special gratitude to DCP Zone-1 for providing security during the civic reception.

Morung Express News

‘Music a life, a soul to everything’

T

he countdown for one of the biggest beat contests in Mokokchung town has started with ten days to go until December 17 where the young upcoming bands, joined in by veteran musicians, will rock the Mokokchung Town Hall as they bring back the soul and spirit of the eighties rock music in Mokokchung town again.

To add grandeur and to encourage the musicians, Dr Temsuwati (Rtd) Addl Dev Commissioner, Planning & Coordination, a person who advocates strongly for the youths, will be the chief guest. Adding more to the splendor, the MD & chairman of REM Group (a business conglomerate), Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, who is known for his social activities, will be the guest of honour.

The Mokokchung Inter-Ward Beat Contest is being organized by the Temulonger Telok with active cooperation of the Ward Councils in Mokokchung town, and so far, nine out of the eighteen wards in the Mkg Inter-ward town have already Beat contest confirmed their participation. The last countdown begins date for the submission of forms is on December 10.

The winner of the contest will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 20,000 plus a running trophy and certificates; the runner-up will be given Rs 12,000. There will be individual prizes for the Best Bassist, Vocalist, Guitarist and Drummer.

Besides, the contesting bands, there will be guest bands from Mokokchung town like the band ‘Four of Us’ which will feature veteran musicians like Alemba Longkumer, Ajen, Dr Bendang and Lima; and Temulonger Telok band.

The Temulonger Telok with its motto ‘Parading of Change’ is organizing the Mokokchung Inter-ward beat contest’ on the theme “Music a life, a soul to everything”.

The Telulonger Telok aspires to reintroduce the essence and spirit of the eighties rock music which has inspired a generation of music lovers and musicians in Mokokchung town.

The organizers request all to contact the Convener, Impo at #8575208706 or the Secretary, Mulungchet at #8974669739 for further details.

Morung Express News

A convoy of 14 WWII jeeps was flagged off from IG stadium, Kohima by Additional Director (HoD), Tourism, K.T Thomas on December 7 as part of the Hornbill festival World War II peace rally. The convoy made a stop at the Kohima WWII cemetery where a wreath was laid and a minute of silence was observed to pay respect to the soldiers who had laid down their lives for their country. The rally culminated at the World War II museum at Kisama. The 14 participating teams included a team each from Thailand and Hyderabad.

The rally also had an all women team. Secretary for Tourism and P&AR, Angou Thou IAS gave away the prizes to the participants of the World War II Car Rally at WW II Museum in the flag in ceremony at Kisama in the afternoon.

Nidar Nau, 9th Assam Rifles, Pipe Band performed on the occasion. The WWII Peace Rally was organized by the Nagaland Adventure & Motorsports Association in collaboration with the government of Nagaland. (DIPR Photo)

Kusa Lohe

Kiheto Sema has worked as a chef at Taj Deccan, Hyderabad for 3 years.

He studied Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Scott Hotel Management Institute, Kolkata.

He loves cooking because it not only fulfills the basic needs of people but it is also an art of playing with the flavors and taste at the same time.

Kusa Lohe is a Government Employee by profession and he is currently working as a Junior Engineer in the Mechanical Division, Public Works Department, Kohima. He did his

Renphamo Ezung

Rokokhono Rhiitso Nyekha

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineer- tise is in making wedding cakes, ing from National Institute of Engi- desserts, fast food and more. He neering, Mysore. Kusa loves cooking says, “Cooking is my passion” because it brings him happiness.

Rokokhono Rhiitso Nyekha is a Renphamo Ezung started his ca- home maker who loves cooking reer at Exotic School of Cooking four and watching T.V in her leisure years ago. He did his certification in time. She did her education from Baking and Confectionary from Re- Japfu Christian College, Kigwema. pose Central Bakery, Guwahati. He She finds deep joy and satisfaction then, to enhance his skills in cook- when the food she prepares is ening joined Exotic School of Cook- joyed by loved ones. She likes to ing and after the completion of his experiment with new dishes while course, continued working there as keeping in mind that the food she an Assistant Instructor. His exper- prepares is healthy.

(Left) James Basnet (right) The Gluttones performing at the ongoing Hornbill International Music Festival 2016 at Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on December 7. The Hornbill International Music Festival 2016 managed by Little Fire Production under the aegis of Music Task Force was launched on December 1. (Photo Courtesy: Hornbill International Music Festival 2016@Facebook)

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thursDAY 08•12•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Napoli, Benfica through, Arsenal pinch top spot in last 16 Paris, December 7 (aFP): Napoli and Benfica clinched places in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday as nine-man Besiktas capitulated at Dynamo Kiev, while Arsenal snatched first place away from Paris Saint-Germain in Group A. Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens scored second-half goals to earn Napoli a 2-1 victory over Benfica in Lisbon to send the Italians through to the knockout phase as winners of Group B. Twice former European champions Benfica pulled a goal back late on through Raul Jimenez and qualified as runners-up.

"We reached our objective, we wanted to win the group and we did it with a splendid performance here in Lisbon," said Callejon.

In the group's other game, Besiktas travelled to Ukraine hopeful of advancing after their rousing three-goal fightback on matchday five against Benfica, but the Turkish champions unravelled in a disastrous first half.

Artem Besedin bundled in Dynamo's opener on nine minutes at the C M Y K

Lucas Pérez scores his, and Arsenal’s, second goal in the first half. (Shutterstock Photo)

Olympic Stadium and Besiktas suffered a critical blow on the half hour with Andreas Beck sent off for a professional foul on Derlis Gonzalez.

Andriy Yarmolenko converted the resulting penalty and the hosts struck twice more before the break through Vitaliy Buyalskiy and Paraguayan Gonzalez to floor the visitors.

Frustrations boiled over as Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar was

dismissed for a second yellow card on 56 minutes and a miserable evening grew even more humiliating with Serhiy Sydorchuk and Junior Moraes adding their names to the scoresheet.

"We are very, very upset and you can see it from every player’s face in the dressing room. We want to forget this game and want to represent Turkey in the best possible way in the Europa League now," said Besiktas captain Oguzhan

Ozyakup.

- Ludogorets foil PSG Lucas Perez grabbed his first hat-trick in an Arsenal shirt as Arsene Wenger's side thumped Basel 4-1 in Switzerland to pip French champions PSG to top spot in their group.

Hobbled by an ankle injury, Perez has played sparingly since his arrival from Deportivo la Coruna in August, but the Spaniard was gifted two simple finishes as the Gunners domi-

nated at St. Jakob-Park.

The Spaniard slotted home his third on 47 minutes and Mesut Ozil set up Alex Iwobi to score a fourth before Seydou Doumbia notched a consolation for Basel.

Ludogorets claimed a memorable point and a place in the Europa League with a 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes where they twice led on a frustrating evening for Unai Emery's hosts.

Virgil Misidjan headed the Bulgarian outfit into an early advantage, but Edinson Cavani's superb acrobatic effort brought PSG level on the hour.

A mistake from Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos allowed Jonathan Cafu to tee up Wanderson to put Ludogorets back on top, with Angel Di Maria's stoppage-time strike not enough to prevent Arsenal climbing above Paris.

"It's a disappointment.

We played a good match at Arsenal (in November) and came back in first place. I think the team deserved to win, but that's football," said PSG coach Emery.

Turkey midfielder Arda

Fans stabbed in Kiev before Champions League tie

KieV, December 7 (reuters): Ten people were treated in hospital for knife wounds after hundreds of Dynamo Kiev and Besiktas fans clashed in the Ukrainian capital before Tuesday's Champions League match, local media reported.

Around 600 fans were involved in clashes near the Olympiyskiy stadium, which will host the 2018 Champions League final, before Dynamo's 6-0 victory, Football 1 channel reported.

The Turkish supporters were attacked

by Ukrainian rivals while approaching the stadium with knives and bats being used in the clashes, reports said.

Local media also reported a few smaller clashes in other parts of the city.

"These clashes between Dynamo Kiev and Besiktas supporters were the consequence of the wrong risk assessTuran hit a quickfire second-half hat-trick to propel Barcelona to a 4-0 win at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach in Group C with Lionel Messi also on target for the Catalan giants.

Celtic's Patrick Roberts scored a terrific solo effort against parent club Man-

ment and security measures before the game," Markiyan Lubkivskiy, the former director of the Euro 2012 organizing committee, wrote on Facebook.

"I have insider information there will be a harsh reaction from UEFA with sanctions applied to both clubs. UEFA executives are worried because of violence in the host city of the Champions league 2018 final game."

Besiktas's hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage were crushed when they had two players sent off in the mauling by previously winless Dynamo.

Despite the frosty weather, the atmosphere in the stands during the game was heated as Besiktas fans threw fireworks and missiles before clashing with police.

A few visiting fans also made their way into the media tribune, dancing on the tables and destroying some seats.

chester City in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Kelechi Iheanacho staked his claim to a longer run in Pep Guardiola's first team -- with Sergio Aguero facing a four-match ban -as the Nigerian struck a fine equaliser.

Robert Lewandowski's stunning first-half free-kick

ended Atletico Madrid's bid for a perfect six group wins from six as Bayern Munich won 1-0 at the Allianz Arena.

Rostov will continue their European adventure in the Europa League after finishing third in Group D following a goalless draw at PSV Eindhoven.

Dzieselatuo retains Hornbill Wrestling Championship Cricket set to introduce red cards

for serious disciplinary breaches

Winners and participants with other officials at the 10th International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship 2016 held on December 7 at Ampitheatre, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, December 7 (mexN): Defending champion Dzieselatuo Keretsü retained the championship belt of the coveted International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship here at the Amphitheatre in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama today.

Dzieselatuo, who stands 5’11” tall and weighs 110 kgs, defeated Keduovilie Zumvu in the final of the 10th edition of the International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship.

The 30-year old native of Kohima representing Angami Sports’ Association (ASA) walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 80,000 along with citation. Zumvu of Tuophema Village (ASA) received Rs. 50,000 along with citation.

The two losing semifinalists – Vekuzo Vero of Ciepoketa Village (CWA) and Seketoukho Nipu of Sechüma Village (ASA) – received Rs. 20,000 each along with citations.

Four losing quarterfinalists received Rs. 5,000 each

while the 8 losing pre-quarter finalists were also awarded Rs. 2,000 each.

Altogether, 35 wrestlers from 3 communities – viz., Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, vied for the c h a m p i o n s h i p. R a h u l Soma Sundar, a tourist from Mumbai also competed in the championship.

President, Tenyimia Public Organisation, Timikha Koza, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion encouraged wrestlers to

take up the indigenous sport professionally.

Terming it one of the oldest indigenous sports among the Tenyimia community, Koza described wrestling as a game which brings unity and good relationship among the communities. He explained that in earlier times, the sport was also used by forefathers to settle disputes.

The event was organized

by Nagaland Wrestling Association and sponsored by the Department of Tourism.

mumbai, December 7 (iaNs): Cricket is contemplating player evictions for the first time next year, while also limiting the size of ever-bulging bats.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) World Cricket committee recommended that umpires be given the power to eject cricketers from a game for serious disciplinary breaches.

The MCC World Cricket committee met here on Tuesday and Wednesday.

MCC is the guardian of the laws of the game. The new laws will be implemented at all levels of the game from October 1, 2017, if they are approved by the MCC's main committee.

The new laws will include a stipulation that umpires can remove a player from the field for threatening an umpire, physically assaulting another player, umpire, official or spectator and any other act of violence.

"The World Cricket committee believes that the game must now include a mechanism to deal with the worst disciplinary offences during the match, and not subsequent to it as is pres-

ently the case. If approved, the ability to send a player off would therefore come into effect at all levels of the game from 1st October 2017," an MCC release said here on Wednesday.

"The committee debated sanctions for lesser offences -- including run penalties and sin bins -- but did not believe anything should be introduced to the laws, where it would be harder to achieve consistency of application around the world.

However, MCC will look to devise such a system as an appendix to the laws which governing bodies or leagues may wish to implement within their own playing regulations."

The MCC committee also recommended specific bat size limitations be made to both the edges and depth of a bat as it believes the balance of the game has tilted too far in the batsman's favour.

The committee felt the time has come to limit the sizes of bat edges and depths.

"The main committee of MCC will now be asked to approve a limit to bat edges of 40

Spurs rally, roll toward NBA history on the road Los aNgeLes, December 7 (aFP): The San Antonio Spurs erased an early 10-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 105-91 and extend their perfect record on the road to 13-0.

The Spurs are closing in on NBA history. They on Tuesday became just the second team to win their first 13 away games, after the Golden State Warriors won their first 14 of last season.

San Antonio notched away win No. 13 without veteran stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, with Parker ruled out because of a knee contusion and Ginobili in uniform but on the bench on the second night of back-to-back games.

Kawhi Leonard more than took up the slack, scoring 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Australian guard Patty Mills came off the bench to add 15 points, five assists and four rebounds.

Having twice trailed by 10 in the first half, the Spurs were down 4643 at the interval.

As they did on Monday against the Bucks in Milwaukee, the Spurs produced a big third quarter to take control, out-scoring the Timberwolves 29-18 in the period.

Mills said he didn't know why the Spurs have been so successful on the road.

"Not sure, mate," he said. "It's hard to win an NBA game, especially on the road.

"Maybe (it's) that extra focus," he added. "Knowing that we're in another team's building and them trying to come out and

Spurs guard Nicolas Laprovittola trips in the fourth quarter against the Timberwolves. (USA TODAY Sports Photo)

wanting to beat us, there's that little bit extra focus or energy."

- Grizzlies win again The Grizzlies notched their fourth straight win, holding on to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 96-91 in a tight contest in Memphis.

Spanish center Marc Gasol scored 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who trailed 77-76 going into the fourth quarter.

After surrendering the lead, the 76ers produced a late 8-0 scoring run to regain a 91-89 advantage with 1:57 to play.

But Memphis power forward Zach Randolph tied the game at 91-91 with a put-back basket with 1:25 remaining.asol made two free throws and Tony Allen made one as the Grizzlies took a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

It was a rewarding return for

Randolph, who had missed seven games after the death of his mother on November 25.

“It's important to get back to working," Randolph said. "This is what my mother would want me to do. Don't sit around and be sad. Go back to work."

He received a standing ovation from Grizzlies fans when the team was introduced.

The Detroit Pistons wasted a

17-point first-half lead but kept their composure to beat the Chicago Bulls 102-91.

Andre Drummond produced 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who have won four of their last five games.

Marcus Morris had 13 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 12 for the Pistons, who also had seven points, five rebounds and 10 assists from reserve Ish Smith.

Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 32 points, six rebounds and four assists. Dwayne Wade added 19 points and seven assists and Taj Gibson had 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Point guard Rajon Rondo, back after a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, added 10 points.

But Chicago have lost three straight and six of their last nine.

"We're hitting a rough patch right now and you've got to find a way to fight through that," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg said.

Despite a sluggish fourth quarter, the Utah Jazz held on to beat the Phoenix Suns 112-105 for their seventh win in eight games.

Gordon Hayward scored 27 points and French defensive standout Rudy Gobert added a career-high 22 points with 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Jazz.

Devin Booker scored 21 points for the Suns, who rallied from a 23-point deficit but never managed to get in front despite trimming the gap to as little as two points.

millimetre and bat depths of 67mm (60mm for the depth plus an allowance of 7mm for a possible curve on the face of the bat). If approved, these changes will be implemented into the new code of the Laws of Cricket, which will be introduced on 1 October 2017," MCC said.

The committee wants to draw a line as to how long and wide a bat will be to target mis-hits that are clearing the boundary ropes for six.

"Many of the top players' bats have edges of between 38mm and 42mm, but there are some which have edges of up to 50mm, which was felt to be excessive and in need of restriction."

A bat gauge will ensure that the new limits are adhered to in the professional game, whilst a moratorium period, allowing players to use their existing bats which may be in breach of the Law, will be allowed in the amateur game."

"The length of the moratorium will be determined by local governing bodies and may vary for different levels of cricket," the MCC said.

AC Milan sale deal postponed

miLaN, December 7 (reuters): The closing of the deal for the acquisition of Italian soccer club AC Milan will be postponed to March 3, the holding company of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and the Chinese consortium seeking to buy the team said in a joint statement.

Under a new agreement between the two parties, the Chinese investors will pay a further 100 millioneuro ($107 million) downpayment to Berlusconi by Dec. 12, they added, on top of the 100 million euros already paid in two separate tranches.

The investors, backed by Haixia Capital and entrepreneur Yonghong Li, signed an accord in August to gain full control of the Serie A team, through investment vehicle Sino-Europe Sports Investment Management Changxing (SES).

The deal was originally supposed to close on Dec. 13 but SES was struggling to get approval from the Chinese government for the deal. In the note SES said that management of the team "will continue to be based on shared decision making".

SC permits BCCI to spend 1.33 crore on two Test matches

New DeLhi, December 7 (iaNs): The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to spend Rs.1.33 crore for the two Test matches being staged in Mumbai and Chennai, and also allowed the board to spend Rs.25 lakh for three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 matches to be played with visiting England.

Veteran Football C’ship in Jan Kohima, December 7 (mexN): The 8th edition of the Nagaland Veteran Football Championship is scheduled to be held from January 31 to February 3, 2017 at Phek Town. A press release from the Phek District Veteran Football Association (PDVFA) informing this stated that it expects fruitful participation in the championship next year from its counterpart associations in all the districts of Nagaland.

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