February 11th, 2017

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SaturDaY • FebruarY 11 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 39 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

A wise person makes one’s own decisions; an ignorant person follows the public opinion — Chinese Proverb DABA cAlls for 7:00pm prAyer

Mission Smile to launch Cleft Surgical Mission in Dimapur

Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo invites all believers and citizens to unite our hearts to:

“prAy for peAce IN NAGAlAND”

• At 7:00PM, wherever you are, let us take a moment to pause, reflect, and say a humble prayer for Peace in Nagaland.

• Church bells will ring 7 times at 7:00PM starting February 11, 2017.

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Dimapur | February 10

Even as the 3-day deadline given by the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) and the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) for the Nagaland Chief Minister to resign from his chair on “moral grounds” If he becomes a leader tomarrow-we are all sunk- expired at 12 midnight of February look at him hes ordering 10, the Nagaland Chief Minister showed no signs of giving in to the more pork curry online. demands of the civil societies and tribe organizations.

The deadlock between the DAN-led State Government and We would like to remind the civil societies and tribal orgayou that Rejoinders to nizations seem to be heading for those statements/news a face-off as neither party have pieces that have not been given any signs of moving from originally published by their original positions. the newspaper will not The NTAC and the JCC had be carried either. This is cautioned, “Once the deadline in order to maintain im- is over, what action we will take is partiality on an issue. We definitely going to be something seek your understanding drastic-” for one indicating the and cooperation! imposition of complete bandh The Morung Express throughout the state.

Public Reminder

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 10

The Regional Administrative Officer (RAO) and the Guard Commander of Ao Region, GPRN/NSCN was reportedly abducted by the NSCN (IM) early Friday morning from Tzuremen village area under Mokokchung district. According to GPRN/NSCN sources, the RAO and the Guard Commander identified as Merentoshi and Major Tongpang along with three other cadres were camping in a forest in the Tzuremen village area when they were surrounded by the NSCN (IM) cadres at around 2:30 am and taken into custody.

Three of the GPRN/NSCN cadres managed to escape from the vehicle they were travelling, reportedly to a designate camp of the NSCN (IM). All the three cadres who managed to escape sustained injuries.

Shots were also fired at them but the cadres miraculously escaped only with wounds, the GPRN/NSCN source claimed. The two GPRN/NSCN leaders of the Ao Region have not been released and still under the custody of the NSCN (IM), the source informed.

ZYTO cautions

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Zunheboto Town Youth Organization (ZYTO) on Friday cautioned strict action against those individual extorting money from the business community in the town on account of bandh enforcement. The youth organizations, through its media cell, clarified that no such collection has been authorized. It also informed all youths of Zunheboto town to be prepared for any eventuality as further directives to prolong the bandh in the coming days is awaited. The ZTYO further reaffirmed complete support to Sümi Hoho, and NTAC/JCC call for the resignation of Chief Minister, TR Zeliang on moral grounds owning for everything that has transpired since the ULB elections issue threw Nagaland into a state of anarchy.

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3-day Deadline expires: DAN Govt & NTAc/Jcc in a deadlock Morung Express News

RAO and Guard Commander of Ao Region GPRN/NSCN ‘abducted’ by NSCN (IM)

Kohli double ton leads India’s Hyderabad run feast

‘The question of the CM resigning does not arise’

late Friday night. The Chief Minister is also learnt to have met the Nagaland Governor PB Acharya to discuss on the ongoing imbroglio arising out of the ULB election. Details of the meeting, however, could not be obtained.

DAN Legislature Party appeals for a dialogue

The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party held an emergency meeting this evening at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, and resolved to appeal to the agitating groups to lift the indefinite bandh, and take up the offer for dialogue being extended by the State Government in the true spirit of democratic practices so as to bring about amicable resolution.

A press note from the Nagaland CMO informed that the meeting came to the conclusion that the ULB election “is over with the entire process having been declared null and void, and that the stage now is set for dialogue and negotiations on the future course of action to be taken in this regard.”

The meeting, the CMO informed, was attended by 53 Legislators including the NLA Speaker. Chairman of the DAN and President of the NPF party, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu; Vice Chairman of DAN and President of the BJP Nagaland Visasolie Lhoungu, and MP (Rajya Sabha) KG Kenye attended the meeting as special invitees.

On Friday evening, a meeting of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Legislature Party had held an emergency meeting at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima, attended by 53 Legislators including the NLA Speaker.

However, at the meeting there was no discussion on whether the Chief Minister should resign or not, a source from the Chief Minister’s Office told The Mo- JCC says total bandh rung Express. The question of the from Monday CM resigning from his post does The JCC meanwhile called not arise, the CMO source said upon the people to be “prepared

for any eventuality” in the event the Chief Minister fails to fulfil the demand to step down. As the February 10 midnight deadline approached, the JCC at a media briefing stated that “total bandh” will be enforced from February 13 if the CM fails to meet the deadline.

JCC convenor, Supu Jamir said that the NTAC/JCC team made it clear to the Governor that the consequences will be very severe. As per Jamir, the Governor assured the team that he will try to meet the CM later in the evening and “try to do the needful.”

The Governor was quoted as stating that the state government had missed a “golden opportunity” by not taking forward the January 30 agreement. “The Governor opined that it was golden opportunity for the state government to have acted on the 30th January agreement.”

The JCC further termed as “absurd and a blatant lie” the Home Minister’s statement with regard to the January 30 agreement. Alleging the state government, including the HM of “twisting” the contents of the agreement, the JCC said, “It is made clear that in the said discussion (January 30 meeting), the CM had clearly stated the postponement of the ULB elections will be done with immediate effect. But with regard to the duration (of postponement), the HM and the CM stated that it will be subject to the decision of the Cabinet and the State Election Commission.”

The JCC maintained that it at no point of the meeting agreed

to hold elections with 33 percent reservation rather the JCC called for postponing the elections statewide to make way for holding dialogue with the tribe bodies with regard to women reservation.

“The Home Minister’s statement that the JCC agreed to holding of elections with 33 percent reservation is nothing less than his wild imagination with a view to misguide the public.”

As to the HM urging “nonstakeholders not to mislead… worsen the misunderstanding…” the JCC asked the HM to point out the “non-stakeholders,” while maintaining that it has the endorsement of the tribe hohos.

“The agreement was signed with a view to avoid bloodshed but the state government violated it; as a result three innocent lives were lost and several more wounded.

Therefore the said agreement stands nullified and cancelled.”

Furthermore, the JCC stated that the state government has nullified the ULB elections and thus “There is absolutely no scope to review the dead agreement of 30th January.”

Complete breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state: NTAC to Governor

The JCC and the NTAC met the Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya at 3:45 pm on February 10 at the Raj Bhavan.

They submitted a memorandum to the Governor, wherein the latter was reminded that his assurance to punish the wrong doers as per the Constitution has “not been carried out so far in spite of the fact

that the Chief Minister TR Zeliang had admitted his wrong deeds and apologised on behalf of the government.” The memo said that there is “complete breakdown of Constitutional Machinery in the state.” It stated that the Nagaland CM is “adamant and refusing to listen to the voice of the people to step down from the seat of the Chief Minister of Nagaland.”

It urged the Governor to intervene and to take immediate action as assured earlier.

The NTAC meanwhile speaking to the media informed that the Governor understanding their demands maintained that who has done wrong must be punished. Paraphrasing the Governor’s response in the meeting, the NTAC said, “But there is also a conscience that even an individual who knows that s/he has done wrong, their conscience must speak to them. And they’re supposed to take action.”

Dr P Ngully, spokesperson of NTAC said: “We expect a leader that too the Chief Minister of a state to have certain virtues of a human being and here he has not valued human lives. He must step down on the basis of morality. In any eventuality, if he does not step down within the stipulated time the Governor as the Head of the State and the CM as the Head of government, they will be solely responsible for any eventualities.”

The NTAC further cautioned that “once the deadline is over, what action we will take is definitely going to be something drastic. Let us hope for something positive to come out.”

APO asks Angami MLAs to withdraw support to CM Our Correspondent Kohima | February 10

The Angami Public Organization (APO) today appealed to all the Angami MLA to withdraw their support to the Nagaland Chief Minister immediately for the interest of Nagas of Nagaland. This was resolved at its executive council meeting held here today. It also resolved that any democratic protest will be nonviolent within the Angami territory.

Other resolutions adopted in today’s meeting included; every political party in Nagaland is hereby reminded that the APO is apolitical (non political) organization, any representatives nominated by APO to Nagaland Tribe Action Committee are reaffirmed for endorsement, the interest of student community cannot be compromised for which all the concerned are appeal to maintain the conducive atmosphere and all the educational institutions are requested to bear with the prevailing situation in taking admission of the students.

NPF women wing: January 30, 2017 meet Amend NM Act 2001 in consultation was erroneously highlighted in the media with all stakeholders: NPCC asserts DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The NPF women wing, central headquarters, Kohima said the January 30, 2017 meeting was erroneously highlighted in the media in that the Government had unilaterally abrogated and backtracked from the agreement signed in the solemn presence of the Church.

The statement from the NPF women wing comes in the backdrop of the Nagaland Home Minister bringing out the details of the January 30, 2017 close door meeting held between the Government of Nagaland and the Joint Co-ordina-

Urges JCC to call off bandh and embark on mission for dialogue with different tribal bodies

tion Committee (JCC) in the presence of NBCC along with the full text of the agreement.

The NPF women wing, taking into context the agreement signed between the Nagaland government and the JCC, observed that the government agreed to postpone the elections to the ULBs with 33 % reservation for women for a period of two months subject to the Cabinet and State Elec-

tion Commission decision.

That the Chief Minister made it clear to the gathering that the he and the Home Minster alone were not competent enough to decide for on behalf of the Cabinet.

That the JCC had agreed to ensure peaceful elections to the ULBs with 33 % reservation for women.

That the time asked by the JCC (two months) was agreed upon to enable to let the JCC educate and di-

alogue with different tribal bodies.

Taking into account that the JCC Convenor had signed the document in the presence of the Church, the NPF women wing on Friday appealed the JCC to immediately call off the bandh that is paralyzing the functioning of the government offices.

It also urged the JCC to embark on a mission to have dialogue with the different tribal bodies and educate the public toward conducting a well-informed election, which will promote development and common good of all the Nagas.

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Friday urged for amendment of the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 as amended up to date in consultation with all the stakeholders in the spirit of Article 371 A. Since NM Act is a Nagaland Legislative Assembly Act, the NPCC in a press statement said it saw no reason why the DAN government should approach the President or Prime Minister of India for Ordinance for exemption of Part

IX A of the Indian Constitution. It apprehended that such “misadventure may infringe upon Art 371A. Alleging that the DAN Government failed to listen to the people and betrayed the JCC and NBCC and the people of Nagaland, thus leading to a complete breakdown of constitution in the state, the NPCC said their lethargic attitude has brought irretrievable division in the minds of men and women, government and the people.

The NPCC also reiterated its endeavour to solve the Naga political problem through peaceful and

constitutional means and serve as a bridge between Naga National Groups and Government of India.

“We have initiated peaceful negotiation and we continue to stand for peaceful negotiation. The 60 MLAs have come together assuring the public to bring about Naga political settlement; instead, they have divided Nagas into sections and have miserably failed to bring solution,” the press statement said.

The NPCC also informed that it would be sending a delegation to Delhi to apprise AICC on the present situation.

IcWm extend support to Resume internet, SMS services: NMDA urges 33% women reservation DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Indian Christian Women’s Movement (ICWM) today expressed support to “Naga women’s demand” for 33% reservation in ULBs and took exception to the “opposition of the male dominated tribal bodies to giving reservation to women citing customary laws.”

A press note from the ICWM also condemned the “violence used to prevent the polls from being held and the police high handedness that caused the death of two persons.”

It urged the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to “respect the directive of the Gawhati High Court to allow elections to be held.”

“It is untenable that Naga women be held back from standing for elected office. We therefore call upon the men of Naga society to recognize and value the contribution that Naga women in elected office in ULBs can make towards the betterment of the cities in the

Stand firm on women rights: NMA

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) on Friday said it has come to the notice of some of the tribal hohos directing its units to withdraw from the NMA. In this connection, the NMA in a press statement appealed all its units to stand firm in their principle towards the cause of the Naga women and their rights and to withstand any pressure.

While making the appealing, the NMA however said, “Those units who are under threats and pressure may take its own decision.” The NMA also cautioned those organizations that are blaming the mothers association for the unfortunate incidents arising in the past week, which has also extended to threats and intimidation to the NMA leaders.

It categorically stated that if any untoward incident or violence befall any member of the association, “those organizations blaming the NMA would be held solely responsible.”

The NMA also informed that its central body would continue to function and promote the rights of Naga women and reiterated that no outside body can dissolve or pressure the NMA to dissolve.

State and its environment by their participation in these decision making bodies,” the ICWM stated.

It further called upon the state government to initiate a dialogue between the JCC and

women’s groups so that the “constitutionally valid right of women to stand for ULB elections will be acknowledged and accepted and the long standing stalemate in holding local elections will end.”

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Medicine Dealers’ Association (NMDA) today apprised the authorities concerned that the continuous blocking of internet and SMS services in the State has hit the business community, specially the medicine business, hardest.

NMDA in a press release issued by its general secretary said that due to non-availability of internet services they cannot use banking facilities like RTGS or any online payment system to pay the companies, nor can they get the required goods from the companies, resulting in acute shortage of life saving

drugs in the market. “Not only the shortage of stocks, but also the accounting system has come to an abrupt halt,” it added.

In this light, the association requested the authorities concerned to immediately resume the internet services in larger interest of the entire business community.

DDcf appeals for peace & tranquillity

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) today discussed in length the present situation arising out of the ULB elections in Nagaland and the urgent need to restore peace and normalcy in the society, informed a press statement from DDCF General Secretary, A Rahman and President, N Joseph Lemtur.

The Forum condemned the incident that took place on the night of January 31 in Dimapur, where two precious young lives were lost. It extended condolences to the bereaved families of the two and prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the depart-

ed souls.

“The DDCF is of the view that the situation leading to the killing of the two youths should have been handled more carefully by the concerned authorities as the issues may have been solved or settled at any given point of time but the precious lives lost can never be brought back,” the statement said.

The DDCF also expressed concern about the forthcoming HSLC and HSSLC exams and the effect of the situation on the mentality of the students. “Moreover, the blockade imposed on SMS and mobile data for such as long period has multiple effects on

students, businessmen, banking, interviews for job-seekers etc,” it added, while requesting the government to lift the blockade at the earliest so as not to inflict further damage on the society.

Further, the Forum lauded and appreciated the efforts made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) to broker peace between the State Government and the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) on January 30, 2017 in Dimapur.

Expressing concern over the current political situation and social unrest in the State, it appealed for restoration of peace and tranquillity.

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SaturDaY 11•02•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Women Prayer Convention Mission Smile to launch Cleft Naga from February 17 to 19 Surgical Mission in Dimapur Kohima, February 10 (mexN): The Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre, Pruzie, Kohima will be organizing the Naga Women Prayer Convention from February 17 to 19 at its Prayer Centre with the theme ‘Consider and call for the mourning women’ (Jer 9:17).

Pastor Vezokho Vero informed that the scheduled prayer convention is God’s programme with a purpose. People look up at money and not up to God and became more technology savvy, keeping false promises with God

Morung Express News Dimapur | February 10

On a brave mission to transform clefts to smiles, Mission Smile (Formerly Operation Smile India) in partnership with Eden Medical Centre will be conducting a Cleft Surgical Mission. Offering free comprehensive and reconstructive surgeries to people suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate, the event will be held at the Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur from February 27 to March 2, 2017 Since 2003, Mission Smile has provided numerous free surgeries for children all over the country.

During a Press Conference held here today, at the Eden Medical Centre, Dipul Malakar, Sr. Manager-Patient recruitment and Communication from Mission Smile stated that the need to build community awareness on cleft surgery is very important. He stated that many people have the wrong notion about cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. He assured that it is a 100% safe surgery for every patient.

“This is our first initiative in Nagaland. We estimated that there exists a

Representatives from Mission Smile and Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur during the press conference announcing the launch of Cleft Surgical Mission on February 10. (Morung Photo)

backlog of 1500 Cleft patients plus 100 yearly newborns. Therefore, we are committed towards a long term service in Nagaland.”

Dr. Lima Imchen, from the Eden Medical Centre also expressed hope that the Cleft Surgical Mission is able to reach out to all the districts of Nagaland and people suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate make the most of this opportunity.

A medical team of 18 from Mission Smile and Para Military would be visiting Dimapur for the Cleft Surgical Mission. Eden

Children suffering from Medical Centre would also be extending medical assis- Cleft lip or Cleft palate can tance along with logistics apply for the Cleft Surgical Mission and avail the and laboratory facilities. benefits. For interested paSurgery Norms tients from other districts (Age & Weight) in Nagaland, contact Eden Medical Centre, Dimapur Cleft Lip for more information and Minimum Age is 6 months screening of patient. Free Patientweightshouldbe6kilos transport, food and acNo upper age limit for cleft lip commodation cost will be covered for two attendants Cleft Palate (family members) for paMinimum age is 12 months. tients below 5 years of age Patient weight should be while for patients above more than 10 kilos five years of age, free transMaximum age limit is 25 port, food, and accommoyears. dation for the patient plus

one attendant.

If an instance arises, where the patient is not able to meet the scheduled appointment, Mission Smile also offers the opportunity to reschedule the surgery (applicable until March 31st, 2017) at its Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Centre at MMC Hospital-an Annexe Hospital of GMCH Panbazar, Guwahati. The cost of transportation would also be covered by Mission Smile as mentioned above.

Visit www.missionsmile. org for more information on Mission Smile.

and more corruption in the state the Lord has given this programme to all the women and pray for Naga people, he added.

The speakers for the convention are Nini Sekhose, President Women Association, Chakhro, NCRC, Prof. Alongla Aier, English & Communication, O.T.S Bade, Dimapur and Vesuzolu Tetseo, Former Women Secy, CBCC. Exhortaion will be given

by Sano Vamuzo, Former Chairperson, NSWC and Abei-u Meru, President, NMA. Call of God Ministry

Bishop requests for prayers

Kohima, February 10 (mexN): The Bishop’s House, Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima, joining the clarion call of NBCC, requests that prayers be said in all Churches, communities and houses for peace and serenity in Nagaland especially on Sunday, February 12 as the faithful gather in large numbers in the Churches.

The bishop said that at this critical juncture we need the grace and blessing of God to take right and

meaningful decision that will usher in peace and prosperity for our people.

He requests all leaders at this moment to cultivate and cherish the spirit of calmness and patience, discussion and dialogue, sharing and caring and give and take keeping in mind the common good and goal of peace and progress.

“Let us remain united and resolve our difference in the true Christian spirit of love and reconciliation,” Bishop of Kohima stated.

5th Transformation Crusade from March 15 to 26 Defence Pension Adalat held in Dimapur

Kohima, February 10 (mexN): The 5th Transformation Crusade with the theme ‘Rise & Shine’ will be held from March 15 to 26 at Kohima Local ground. James Basnet & his team, Koinonia Worship team and Mezhisevi Zutso will be the praise and worship team during the

crusade programme. In this regard, churches from different districts irrespective of denominations are sending their representatives to deliver satanic worshippers, counselling and has already started fasting programme for the crusade. COLA (Committee of local Arrangement) and

organising committee has been set up during the first meeting for 2017 Transformation Crusade. The crusade programme will be held every day at 4:30 pm.

Transformation Crusade 2017 Publicity Committee has further informed all walks of people to pray, come and be blessed.

Aonokpu Village leaders pay their respect to late Khriesavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer at the grave site in Kohima on February 10. The village leaders offered prayers and laid flower wreaths. (Morung Photo)

The Team One ‘We Unite Tour 2017’ members during the flagging off event held at Peren Town on February 10. The fifteen days tour of Peren district was flagged off this morning February 10 by Tsidi Hairang, EAC Peren. Twenty Members are undertaking the tour.

Under the initiative of Jalukie Town, NPF, General Unit president Tingba Hegui and Secretary Tingbana N Hau road renovation and widening of the interconnected road Old Market Colony, Ward No 4 of Jalukie Town was undertaken.

Kohima, February 10 (mexN): The 145th Defence Pension Adalat to educate the ex-servicemen of North East region on pension policies and to rectify anomalies was held for the first time in Dimapur under the aegis of Spear Corps. The event was held on February 8 and 9. It was well subscribed, and a total of 175 Ex- Servicemen, Widows and Veer Naris attended the adalat.

The Adalat was conducted by Controller General of Defence Accounts N Neihsial and officials of PCDA, Allahabad.

A total of 148 anomalies came up and out of these 109 cases were settled on the spot, balance cases were referred to PCDA, Allahabad for an early settlement. The benefits of 7th Pay Commission and One Rank One Pension (OROP) were elaborated upon. As also delinking of qualifying service for pension and broad banding of disability

Pensioner availing service during the 145th Defence Pension Adalat held for the first time in Dimapur under the aegis of Spear Corps.

pension were explained.

The GOC, Spear Corps praised the efforts of veterans in society building

and acknowledged their contribution. He also assured them, that their welfare would be looked after.

In addition the Army had also set up a Medical and Dental Camp for all the attendees.

will lead the praise & worship while Hosanna Prayer Group, Kohima and Ngukemezhie Prayer Group, Kohima will be the choir. Ao Women Prayer Fellowship and Naga Women Prayer Fellowship are the advance prayer groups.

Neizelie-u Kire, Vehunulu Khamo, Mary Lase and Nsungbeni Ezung will be the leaders of the convened programme. In this regard, Pastor Vero has requested all the women who love our Naga nation to pray for the Lord’s Convention programme and come and be blessed.

ANTCN plea for functioning of Secretariat office Dimapur, February 10 (mexN): The All Naga Tribes Council of Nagaland (ANTCN) in its executive body meeting held on February 9 at its Treasurer's residence in Dimapur deliberated the issue pertaining to prevalent crisis in Nagaland.

ANTCN, President Vitohe and General Secretary, P Thong in a press release stated that the meeting held a threadbare discussion on the prevailing situation confronting the Nagas and the Government. ANTCN felt that the Nagas or the public cannot suffer any longer or afford to lost more lives. Therefore, it appealed the State Government to start functioning of the Secretariat office immediately to enable the general public to avail the services and “if the particular group or district protest endlessly, the State Government is appealed to temporarily shift the Secretariat to any convenient district.”

The house unanimously resolved and reaffirmed its opposition to 33% women reservation and ULB election till the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 is reviewed and added that ANTCN shall uphold and protect “our customs, traditions and culture.”

Naga sculptor artist creates poetic visuals Morung Express News Dimapur | February 10

Winner of Kanoria Centre for Arts Scholarship and Lalit Kala Research Scholarship, H. Akup Buchem, a sculptor artist from Nagaland in making a mark in the field of this art. Recently, Buchem’s art exhibition was held at Indian art fair in Delhi from February 2 to 5.

Talking about his work, Buchem narrates, “Born and brought up in a suburban atmosphere surrounded by nature, I have witnessed the changes that took place within my surroundings. As time move on with each second and every second the world - society and the environment changes.”

This young artist from Nagaland says, “Being a member of the Naga tribal community growth, abandonment, ruins, survival affect the way my work has progressed.” Buchem holds criterion of MFA, Sculpture, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata and BFA, Sculpture, Indra Kala Sangit University, Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh.

Stating about his believes that every medium has its own venerability, Buchem said, “I long to explore and bring out the beauty within it and look into the areas of compatibilities between forms, objects and materials. My preference is to use naturally found objects and juxtapose forms

H. Akup Buchem (extreme right) with others during his art exhibition held at Indian art fair in Delhi from February 2 to 5.

Down memory lane

with such objects to create poetic visuals.”

Giving more insight about his work, Buchem says that he also use terracotta, wood, branches, twigs, paper and nonconventional materials are his most favourite. “My objective is to use such diversely sound and fragile materials

Untitled

and translates them into more cohesive forms to create my artwork,” he added.

He discloses that his recent work that he has been experimenting with for the past five years explores the theme of changing environments and says, “Using found objects both industrial and natural I try

to construct environments that tacitly respond to the process and forces shaping growth and life of contemporary cities.”

Since the year 2005, Buchem has participated in more than 13 group shows with the latest one being held at Lalit Kala Annual Show, Regional Centre,

Kolkata in 2017. His solo show was hosted in Nagaland State Academy, Kohima on 2010.

Besides attending and conducting workshops and camps in places close to his homeland, Buchem has travelled to New Delhi, Orissa, Kolkata and few more.

Saturday 11•02•2017

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

North East Women Forum formed

Imphal, February 10 (mexN): A new body representing North East women has been formed to promote women’s right on land, resource etc.

Known as “North East Women’s Forum”, the new body was formed during the North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF) organized “North East Women Consultation” at Imphal. The two day long consultation was held at the Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak on February 9 and 10 with participants

from Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

A press release informing this stated that the forum resolved to work together to overcome the hurdles being faced by the women in the region. The respective state members will organize series of sensitization workshop on women related issue and patriarchal form of society, the release added.

The member state have also put up an issue to fix a day for the

region to observe “North East Women Day” which will be fixed in the later part of October in the next round of consultation to be held in Mizoram.

The Forum will be led by Daktar Esse of Arunachal Pradesh as Convenor and Nilashri Neog of Assam as Co-convenor. Members of the forum include Renchumlo W. representing Nagaland, Sapna Tayem representing Arunachal, Sharmila Debberma – Tripura, Belsa Sangma and Ap-

phira Syllian – Meghalaya, Elizabeth Rang – Manipur, Monti Saikia, Jollymoni Saikia, and Jironi Daimari – Assam, and Maggie L Ralte – Mizoram.

According to the release, the consultation recognizing that NE women have struggled as much as men in the conflict afflicting the region acknowledged that women are also victims of domestic violence, restriction to inheritance rights, denial of human right, poverty/hunger, displace-

ment, sexual violence etc.

While stating that women have been systematically marginalized specially in the political and the domestic decision making processes, the release argued that women have extreme disadvantages to access to justice in law court as well as customary laws. “One cannot deny that the strong patriarchal form of society is also one of the contributors towards the discrimination against the women,” it added.

NOTICE

The vehicle (Mini Truck) Model 407 bearing Registration Number AS-16-C-0108 belonging to Shri. Gajen Das son of Late Jogmohan Das resident of Noonmati Dist: Kamrup met an accident while coming from Bokajan side to Rangajan side with another vehicle (Alto Lx) bearing Registration Number AS-01-AK-1698 belonging to Shri. Dr. Kito K Yepthomi son of Khutoi Sema resident of 5th Mile Dimapur P.S. Diphupar Dist: Dimapur on 29-01-17 at 3:00pm on NH-39 near S.P. turning at Nawbar Forest Reserved.

In this regard Barpathar P.S. Vide GDE. No. 549 Dt. 29-01-17

No more talks with UNC if Supreme Court to assist Tripura blockade continues: Govt HC in settling long-pending cases

New DelhI, February 10 (ptI): The Centre is unlikely to hold fresh round of talks with a Naga group spearheading the economic blockade in poll-bound Manipur for over three months now, after no breakthrough was achieved in two rounds of meetings with the stakeholders to resolve the crises.

The National Highway number 2 (NH 2) is blocked there since November 1

by United Naga Council (UNC) cadres which has affected normal life.

Though the dates for polls have already been announced by the Election Commission, Union Home Ministry sources today said that it may be difficult for poll officials to reach on duty in the present scenario.

Referring to the security

scenario in the northeastern state, they said law and order is a state subject and the Centre cannot interfere.

Asked whether it would be conducive to conduct elections in Manipur considering the prevailing situation there, the sources said "final call" on it needs to be taken by the EC. About 176 companies (about 17,600 personnel) of central paramilitary forces are already there, and more number of such policemen can also be provided, they said.

The Home Ministry may send 200 more companies (about 20,000 personnel) of the central paramilitary forces there, the sources said.

Polling for the 60-member Manipur Assembly is scheduled to be held in two phases next month-March 4 and 8.

The Union Home Ministry had conducted two meetings -- on February 3 and 7 -- with representatives of UNC and Manipur government to end the crises there.

In the first round of discussions held in the national capital, the Centre had expressed hope that the blockade would end soon.

However, the last round of talks failed.

Though the next round of talks are scheduled to be held on March 25, it is unlikely that it would happen, they said.

The Council is protesting against creation of seven new districts in the state and its cadres have blocked the NH 2.

Due to the blockade, normal life in Manipur has been badly affected and prices of essential commodities have sky rocketed.

ONGC to boost sports in NE agartala, February 10 (IaNS): Stateowned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) will help northeastern states to boost sports and sporting talent, a company official said on Friday.

Calling this a part of its corporate social responsibility, ONGC Executive Director S.C. Soni told reporters that the company had decided to help the sports sector financially and oth-

erwise. He said ONGC had allocated Rs 24 crore to add additional infrastructure to Tripura's Dasaratha Deb Sports stadium on the outskirts of Agartala.

"There is no financial limit to helping the northeastern states in sports. The Tripura government has made a Rs 150 crore project to develop the Dasaratha Deb Sports stadium. We will help them," he added. The company has been organis-

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ing a Lucky-Srivastava Memorial Invitation Football Tournament for 20 years.

In the tournament that begins on Saturday, 13 teams, including from Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force, will take part. ONGC engineers Justin Lucky and S.K. Srivastava were killed by militants in Tripura in September 1992.

agartala, February 10 (IaNS): The Supreme Court has come to the aid of the Tripura High Court to resolve problems arising out of its lack of judges, especially its backlog of long-pending cases, a top court official said.

"There are at least 35 cases pending for long in which recusals have been sought by the Tripura High Court judges. It is not possible to constitute a Division Bench or a separate bench if a judge recuses himself from hearing a specific case on grounds of conflict of interest," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The official said Tripura High Court Chief Justice T. Vaiphei wrote an urgent letter to Supreme Court Chief Justice J.S. Khehar last month seeking his intervention to overcome the unique problem.

"After examining various possible steps and legal provisions, the apex court has served notice to the litigants involved in the 35 cases. After the Supreme Court receives the replies, it might come to a decision," the official added.

The Tripura High Court has 2,885 pending cases excluding these 35 cases.

"The Supreme Court has also studied the possibility of invoking Article 224AA by which (an additional) judge could be appointed. It also studied transfer of these 35 cases to Gauhati High Court for disposal," the official said.

But then, this would seriously dent the logic by which the Tripura High Court was created in 2013, experts said. Article 224AA allows the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the consent of the President, to ask any judge of any other High Court to act as a judge of the High Court.

"Tripura High Court has a sanctioned strength of four judges, including the Chief Justice. There are currently three serving judges, including the Chief Justice, after

a judge retired a few months ago," the official said. Along with Tripura, separate High Courts were also set up in Manipur and Meghalaya in 2013.

These states -- as also all the other northeastern states -- were earlier under the jurisdiction of the Gauhati High Court.

Sikkim was the only exception as it already had a separate High Court.

The working strength of judges in the five High Courts -- Gauhati, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura -- is 28 against the sanctioned strength of 39, a document of the Union Ministry of Law and Justice said. It said the working strength of the Gauhati High Court, which has jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, is 17 against the sanctioned strength of 24.

The Meghalaya and Manipur High Courts currently have three judges against their sanctioned strength of four each while in the Sikkim High Court, the working strength is two against the sanctioned strength of three. "Separate High Courts for the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram have not been established because the state governments have not yet completed creation of necessary infrastructure in these states," the ministry document added.

A record 21,984 cases were settled in a day in Tripura through a 'Maha Lok Adalat' last month to bring down the pendency in the lower courts. It was organised in Agartala at the instance of Chief Justice Vaiphei.

"In the day-long process, 21,984 court cases were settled through 40 temporary courts, where 53,843 cases were presented," Tripura State Legal Services Authority member-secretary Bipradas Palit told IANS, adding: "Around Rs 33.94 lakh was collected in penalties and fines." Palit said that 148,275 cases were pending for years in Tripura's lower courts.

SANNY TOURS & TRAVELS NOTICE

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A wallet containing important documents got lost at Old Minister's Hill Kohima.

Finder will be handsomely rewarded. Contact: 9402830755

THETA TUTORIALS

SANNY TOURS & TRAVELS located at Phoolbari, near Oking Hospital Kohima will henceforth remain close with effect from 28th February 2017.

In this connection, any case of ticket cancelation can be done within this month.

SANNY TOURS & TRAVELS will refund it accordingly.

Alam, Proprietor Ph.No:9863071442/9612374628

Lower P.R. Hill, Kohima, Nagaland

AdmISSION NOTICE

1. Coaching for NEET-UG (AIPmT) 2017 2. Coaching for JEE main 2017 Issue of Form & Prospectus Admission Commencement of Classes

: 13-02-2017 (Monday) : 13-02-2017 (Monday) : 06-03-2017 (Monday)

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D.C. Court Junction: Dimapur- 797112, Nagaland NU/SET/ESTT/G-1(PT-V)/2016-1124

Phone: 03862-234555 Fax: 03862-234561

WALK-IN-INTERVIEW

Dated: 10/02/17

Applications are invited for Walk-in interview for Guest Faculty in the Department of Electronics & Communication Engg., Nagaland University for a period of six months or end of semester (Feb-July 2017 Session). The selected candidates will be paid @ Rs. 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only) per lecture subject to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/(Rupees twenty five thousand only) per month. The interview is scheduled on 20th Feb. 2017, in the office chamber of the Dean, SET D.C. Court Junction, Dimapur-797112 as per details mentioned below. The applicants have to produce all the original documents in support of their qualification/experience on the date of interview.

Sl. No. 1

Department Qualification & Specialization No. of Post Time Electronics & B. Tech/B.E.(ECE) + M.Tech/ 1 11:00am Communication Engg. M.E.(ECE) Sd/- (Prof. S.K. SHARMA), Dean

OFFICE OF THE

WESTERN SUMI HOHO H.Q. Chekiye Village, N.H. 39 Dimapur: Nagaland WSH RESOLUTION

Date: 10/2/2017

The attention of the Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) is drawn to the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) Resolution which appeared in the local dailies on 10th February 2017 purportedly issued by the Convenor Media Cell, WSYF. The WSH held an emergency meeting on 10/02/2017 consisting of all its frontal units and thoroughly deliberated on the WSYF Resolution, wherein it has been unanimously resolved that the WSYF being a constituent unit of the WSH functions under the Yehzabo of the WSH has failed to adhere to the provisions contained therein.

The WSH has therefore resolved to dissolve the WSYF with immediate effect. It has also been jointly resolved to entrust the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH) to act as caretaker of the Western Sumi Youth Front with the active participation of its 10 (Ten) federating units, till the formation of the new body.

The WSH and its Frontal Organisations further denounces the press release of the WSYF and reiterates the stand of the Sumi Hoho, CNTC and the JCC. Through this statement, the WSH informs its constituent units /WS individuals not to issue any press statement without the express or tacit consent of the WSH, in connection with the issue of ULB elections. The media houses are also requested not to entertain further unauthorized statements by its constituent units.

(Zheshito Swu) President

(Vikato K. Achumi) General Secretary

4

SaturDaY 11•02•2017

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Your ATM card can provide you insurance up to Rs 10 lakh: Five things to know navneet dubey Financial Express | February 10

through ATM machines by inserting the card and choosing the transfer option and entering the details of the beneficiary for making the successful transfer of payments. Some of the banks are providing unlimited cash transaction facility through the ATM card within a month without incurring any additional charges.

Infosys backs CEO Vishal Sikka, downplays governance concerns MuMbai, February 10 (reuters): India’s secondbiggest software services exporter Infosys firmly backed its chief executive on Thursday, downplaying corporate governance concerns and an alleged rift between the firm’s founders and its board.

Three founders, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani, wrote to the board in January expressing concerns about Chief Executive Vishal Sikka’s pay rise and the severance package offered to two former officials, CNBC-TV18 reported on Tuesday.

Differences between Infosys founders and the board come at a time when India’s Tata conglomerate is mired in allegations of corporate governance lapses by its former chairman, who has waged a legal battle against his ouster.

In its first detailed state-

to further accelerate the progress and achieve even more shareholder value increase, on the foundation of sound governance,” the statement said.

The IT company said its founders and board could have differing views on issues such as Sikka’s compensation, the appointment of certain independent directors and the severance paid to former employees but all decisions were taken with the approval of shareholders and the necessary disclosures.

“The issues highlighted by the media ... are several months old, on which the company’s position has been repeatedly explained,” Infosys said in the statement.

It emphasised the board’s autonomy and said its members were professionals with a vast experience.

“The independent directors have no interest other than

ATM cards have made one’s life easy. You do not have to stand in a queue in a bank for withdrawing money. ATM cards can also be used for online shopping.

Not only this, ATM cards come up with various other benefits too which people are actually not aware of. For instance, ATM cardholders get insurance cover It provides safety also.

Digital cards provide safety of not losing money especially Range of insurance cover while travelling. You may also Almost all banks – whether not fall short of money because private or public – provide acci- ATM cards are directly linked dental hospitalisation cover or to your bank accounts. You can accidental death cover to their withdraw as much as you can as customers having an opera- per the cash availability in your ment about the various con- taken by him in pursuance of tion bank account. The range of bank account. They can be accerns raised by its founders, In- this transformation,” R. Seshainsurance provided under the cessed anywhere 24×7. ATM fosys said on Thursday it was on sayee, Infosys board chairman, criteria starts from Rs 50000 to cards are highly secured with a path to transformation under said in a statement.

Rs 10 lakh, depending upon 4 digit PIN. So rather keeping Sikka’s leadership.

“Vishal and the board, the customer to customer bank cash in your pocket, which is “The board is fully aligned while being pleased with the dealings. People are reluctant to quite unsafe these days, keep with the strategic direction company’s resumption of inknow about the cover provided your money in your bank acof Dr. Vishal Sikka and is very dustry leading performance by the banks and neither banks count. Swiping machines are appreciative of the initiatives on many parameters, are keen provide any information to their also available at every small customers. However, most of the store nowadays. So it’s better banks are offering cover on credit to avoid carrying cash in hand. cards also. If the bank account is Moreover, the government has inoperative, then your cover may also limited the cash transaction get withdrawn by the bank.

The government had on Thursday limit to up to Rs 3 lakh in a day.

MuMbai, February 10 (iaNs): The central government has appoint- appointed Rajiv Kumar, Ashok Gulati How to claim for insurance?

It can be used for shopping ed three members on the local boards and Manish Sabharwal as three partPeople are hardly aware of ATM cards can also be used of the Reserve Bank of India, the apex time non-official directors on the New Delhi, Februthis fact because of which they for purchasing things either bank announced on Friday.

Central Board of the RBI for a four- ary 10 (ageNcies): Maruti Suzuki has anare reluctant to make any insur- at a brick and mortar store or “The central government has year term. ance claim. To claim for the in- a shopping website. For using appointed Prasnna Kumar MohanWhile Kumar is a senior fellow at nounced the sales of the surance, you need to inform the the card at a brick and mortar ty, Vallabh Roopchand Bhansali the Centre for Policy Research in New Ciaz for the month of Janupolice as soon as the concerned store, you can easily swipe the and Sunil Mitra as members on the Delhi, Gulati is the Infosys Chair Pro- ary, 2017. The company person meets with an accident. card in a PoS machine and make Southern, Western and Eastern Local fessor for Agriculture at the Indian has sold 6,530 units of Ciaz Keep all the relevant documents payments. While doing online Area Boards of Reserve Bank of India, Council for Research on Internation- sedan in January, 2017 as intact concerning the person shopping, you can enter your respectively, for a period of four years al Economic Relations, and Sabhar- compared to 5,431 units in who met with the accident. If card details along with the one- with effect from February 9, 2017, or wal is currently Chairman of Team- January, 2016, registering a the person is hospitalised, then time password which secures until further orders, whichever is ear- lease, a recruitment consultant and growth of 20.2 percent during the same period in 2016 you need to keep all the medical your transaction and once you lier,” an RBI release said. staffing company. and 2017. documents with you or if, by any enter the same, your payments Based on the market inchance, the person expires, then get debited from your account. telligence report, the Ciaz in such a case you need to have Doing online shopping through has outnumbered its prime the postmortem report, police debit cards may also give you competitor, the Honda City report, death certificate, and a cash back benefits which are that sold 6,355 units in Janvalid driving licence of the de- not limited to credit cards users uary, 2017 corresponding ceased person. You also need to only. Therefore, it’s suggested to tell the bank that the cardholder all card holders to make the best New Delhi, February 10 Flip Cover; and ZenFone 3 Ultra and to 8,037 units sold in January, 2016. Skoda sold 959 has made some valid transac- use of your ATM cards. (iaNs): Taiwanese smartphone ZenFone 3 Ultra Folio Cover. tion through the ATM card with‘iF Design Awards’ are recognised units of the Rapid in JanuAfter the demonatisation manufacturer ASUS has won 15 ‘iF in 60 days. move, the government is pro- Product Design Awards’ in the prod- worldwide as a seal of quality for prod- ary, 2017 and sales of the moting cashless transaction fa- uct categories of telecommunica- ucts that excel in specific criteria in- Czech camaker declined It helps in deposits and cilities. So, you may find sudden tion, computer and audio, the com- cluding design quality, degree of in- by 8.1 percent as transfer of money novation, functionality, ergonomics against 1,044 units changes in various financial in- pany said on Friday.

You can not only withdraw clusions. But then you need to The award-winning products were and more. An independent jury of 58 in January, 2016. money using ATM cards, but be aware of that changes which selected from a competitive field of experts from all over the world assess- Volkswagen witnessed a dip by you can even deposit money are being amended by the gov- 5,575 entries from 59 countries. In the es products and selects the winners. in the deposit machine with- ernment from time to time be- telecommunication category, ASUS The official presentation ceremo- 61 percent in out visiting a bank. If you do not fore heading towards the digital bagged awards for ZenFone 3 Deluxe ny for the 2017 iF Design Awards will sales of the Venhave a net-banking facility then platform for doing your regular and ZenFone 3 Deluxe View Flip Cov- take place on 10 March, 2017 at BMW to which were 543 units in January, also you can transfer your funds transactions. er; ZenFone 3 and ZenFone 3 View Welt in Munich.

Centre appoints 3 directors to RBI local boards

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz become highest selling sedan in India

ASUS wins 15 awards at ‘iF Design Awards 2017’

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3854

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 # 3849

Answer Number # 3848

std code: 03862

DiMaPUR ACROSS 1. Fiber source 5. Damp 10. Sweater eater 14. Sexual assault 15. Small African antelope 16. Dogfish 17. Again 18. Accusation of wrongdoing 20. Talk about 22. Perturb 23. Frequently, in poetry 24. S S S S 25. Feelings of ill will 32. Gowns 33. They hold up heads 34. Cotillion girl 37. Arab chieftain 38. Wish granter 39. Expunge 40. Donkey 41. Analyze syntactically 42. Back tooth 43. Occurring by turns 45. A pungent stew 49. Former boxing champ 50. Arm bone 53. Anagram of “Reenact” 57. A diplomat of the highest rank 59. Radiate 60. French for “We” 61. Muse of love poetry 62. Old stories 63. Tall woody plant 64. Tendon 65. Cravings DOWN 1. . Actor Pitt 2. Hindu princess 3. Mimics 4. Tenderfoot 5. Lifting devices 6. Coffee dispensers 7. Central 8. Footnote note 9. Cut into cubes

10. Mommies 11. Portents 12. Slight color 13. Despises 19. Amount of hair 21. Flying saucers 25. District 26. French for “Names” 27. Nile bird 28. Unreactive 29. Anxious 30. Less friendly 31. Barely manage 34. Sandwich shop 35. Dash 36. Large mass of ice 38. Woman 39. In an indulgent manner 41. Couples 42. Man 44. Thin 45. Cantillate 46. The quality of being funny 47. Suffuse 48. Rental agreement 51. Applications 52. Indian dress 53. Pigeon’s home 54. Found in some lotions 55. Ripped 56. Female sheep (plural) 58. A tribe of Israel

Answer to Crossword 3853

AMUse AVoId BoArd BoULder BrAnd CLeAr estAte FAre FInALe FrUstrAtIon GIAnt GreAt HIts LACKeY LAter LAUndrY LeVer LIMIt MAnIFest

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MIdnIGHt MInGLe MottLed neAr PLUCKY reALItY reAson reset sePArAte serIAL sootHe sPort stern tAre tAVern tHAnK Under VAnIsH

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2017 compared to 1.393 units in January, 2016.

Cummulative sales of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz stood at 53,644 units between April 2016 and January 2017. In comparison, the Honda Cars India sold 45,395 units of the City between April 2016 and January 2017, registering a growth of 19 percent, while the Hyundai Verna stood at 13,246 units during the period, which grew by 305 percent. Volkswagen and Skoda witnessed a weak demand for the Vento and the Rapid which sold 8347 units (Volkswagen) and 7402 units (Skoda) between April 2016 and Jan-

TaHaMZaM

uary 2017.

After the introduction of the Ciaz in October, 2014, the sedan has garnered popularity owing to its aggressive price tag and it has become the bestselling premium mid-size sedan in the country. The Ciaz also crossed one lakh sales mark in the domestic market in June 2016. The Ciaz diesel is the first sedan in its segment that is offered with a mild-hybrid technology, Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) that was introduced in September 2015. The company has equipped the car with optional safety features like dual front airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on the base variant.

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital emer

232224

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

Zion Hospital

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Police Control room

228400

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

232106

north Ps

229529 229474

KOHiMa

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

south Ps

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

Zubza Ps

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

C

Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506

Kezocha Ps

232032, 231031

R

8575045508

Khuzama Ps

nikos Hospital and research Centre

A

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

railway

E

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

S

std code: 0370

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

W

their commitment to enable this great institution that has been assiduously built by the iconic founders, to succeed,” the statement said.

The board was open to suggestions from various stakeholders, including founders, but “is committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to act independently and in the overall interest of the shareholders, the statement said.

Infosys said it has recently appointed corporate governance experts to receive and assess input from various stakeholders and make recommendations to the board.

“The company will take every step to uphold the standards of governance processes,” it said.

The board also expressed complete confidence in the leadership of its chairman to guide the company in “these challenging times”.

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538

H

women Cell

8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

KoHIMA soUtH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC) KoHIMA nortH: 7085924114 (O) dIMAPUr: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKedIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC) woKHA: 03860-242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC) MoKoKCHUnG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHeK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUnHeBoto: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) tUensAnG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC) Mon: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC) Kiphire: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) Peren: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LonGLenG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC) we4 woMen HeLPLIne 08822911011 WOMEN HeLPLIne 181 CHiLD weLFAre CoMMIttee Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

Police station 1 Police station 2 Police station Kobulong Police station tuli Police station Changtongya Police station Mangkolemba Civil Hospital

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

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

65.72 81.99 8.2 50.29 46.6 50.42 58.17 70.77 1.82 0.0559 17.31 9.35

68.68 85.95 9.13 52.77 48.87 52.89 61.44 74.20 2.02 0.0622 19.29 10.41

Saturday 11•02•2017

NGBF urges to reconsider bandh DiMapur, February 10 (MexN): The Nagaland GBs Federation (NGBF) has once again appealed to “re-consider the decision to call whole Nagaland indefinite bandh from February 13 onwards.”

It requested the Government and tribal organizations to solve the ongoing crises in a democratic manner and not bring tribal or political color.

In a press release, the Federation further acknowledged the decision to nullify the ULB election conducted on February 1, 2017 and also appealed to the security forces to maintain their nor-

mal duties and avoid unnecessary confrontation.

“At this juncture mushrooming of new tribal organizations is not a healthy sign which may dislodge the fabric of Naga society in future,” the Federation added.

Meanwhile, NGBF requested to let the Government machineries function, resume internet services, and also allow schools, colleges to function without hindrance.

Further, it informed all the GBs in Nagaland to safeguard the State properties, restrain the youths from violent activities, and promote peace and harmony.

RH to continue opposing ULB polls TseMiNyu, February 10 (MexN): The Rengma Hoho in its meeting on February 9 reiterated its resolution to continue to oppose ULB elections with 33% reservation for women under Nagaland Municipal Act 2006, which it said violates Article 371 A. A press statement from Rengma Hoho President, Kenyuseng Tep maintained that “the State (government) is fully responsible for the present chaos and crisis in the state because of its indecisiveness and wrong policies though the belated declaration of the ULB election as ‘null and void’ by the government is welcome.”

The Hoho also condemned “the action of the State police force in taking the precious lives of the three youths.” It expressed deepest condolences to the family of the three youths “who laid down their lives safeguarding our future.”

Meanwhile, the Hoho appreciated and supported the NTAC and JCC in their “continued endeavour to carry forward the aspirations of the people.” The Rengma Hoho also appealed to all sections of Naga people to exercise wisdom and understanding, and help resolve the present issue democratically while avoiding confrontation and violence. “Humane approach should be the basis to resolve all issues with emphasis on trust and confidencebuilding measures,” it added.

NAGALAND

KuT demands dissolution of KTc

TueNsaNg, February 10 (MexN): Khiamniungan Union Tuensang (KUT) today demanded the present team of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) to dissolve within February 15 “failing which the KUT will be compelled to take its own course of action in the interest and welfare of the community.” KUT made the demand while accusing the KTC of betraying the Khiamniungans in the whole process of ULB elections "by taking unrealistic and hasty decisions damaging the image of the Khiamniungans.”

KUT held an emergency execu-

tive meeting regarding the impasse between the State government and Naga public over the ULB elections on February 10, where it deliberated on the issues and various decisions taken by KTC recently pertaining to ULB polls at Noklak HQ, informed a release from KUT President, M. Neolo and Executive Committee Chairman, NL Tangsoi.

“After serious discussion on the issue, the meeting unanimously resolved to stand by its earlier decision of 10th Jan 2017 which had discarded the proposed ULB election at Noklak Hq in particular and in the state in

general,” it added.

KUT in the meeting condemned in-toto the decision taken by KTC to accept the ULB elections at Noklak, the release said. However, it re-affirmed to continue to extend support and stand in solidarity with the rest of the Nagas under the initiative of the NTAC and JCC at all cost.

The union also appealed to the Khiamniungan GBs Union to take over the office of the KTC “right after the dissolution of KTC in order to safeguard the integrity and to maintain the sanctity of the entire Khiamniungan community.”

NPF leaders, units back Dr. Shurhozelie, TR Zeliang KohiMa, February 10 (MexN): The Presidents of 13 Naga People’s Front (NPF) divisions and some units of the party have declared endorsement for the NPF President Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

the DAN legislators’ decision to remain firm under the leadership of Chief Minister TR Zeliang, the presidents of the 13 divisions further urged the latter not to resign claiming that the present government has the “full mandate and support of the entire citizens of Nagaland.”

Appeal to reconsider The division presidents demand for CM's further appealed to the resignation Presidents of the 13 NPF tribal hohos to reconsider divisions spread all over their demand for resignaNagaland held a consulta- tion of the Chief Minister. tive meeting in Kohima on February 9 and seriously NPF Kohima not to viewed some of the party participate in AYO, APO men and women participat- activities The Kohima Division Exing in the agitation against the government, according ecutive of the NPF resolved to stand firm and support the to a press release.

They also endorsed the leadership of Dr. Shurhozeleadership of Dr. Shurhoze- lie Liezietsu and TR Zeliang lie Liezietsu and TR Zeliang. during its emergency meetExpressing support to ing held on February 8.

Informing this in a press release, NPF Kohima also appealed to all concerned to come together and reason out what is best for the Nagas and society at large.

The NPF Kohima while stating that it has been extending support and cooperation to the apex Angami Public Organisation (APO) and the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) against the boycott of the ULB elections further informed that it will no longer participate in any of their activities.

The decision in this regard was taken consequent to the formation of the “politically motivated” Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), it added.

Assembly Constituency (A/C) has expressed full support to Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, TR Zeliang, and Health & Family Welfare Minister P. Longon. A decision in this regard was taken during an emergency meeting held on February 9 at Noklak, a press release from NPF 56th Noklak A/C President P. Peshing and General Secretary Thangpong informed.

The release said the meeting found no reason for Chief Minister TR Zeliang to resign and assured full support so they complete the full five year term. It asserted that as far as NPF workers from 56th Noklak A/C are concerned, they would fully rally behind the present leadership of the NPF (CenNPF 56th Noklak A/C tral) President, Chief Minexpresses full support ister, and Health & Family The NPF of 56th Noklak Welfare Minister.

MEx FILE AR apprehend GPRN/NSCN cadre Kiphire, February 10 (MexN): 7 Assam Rifles apprehended a GPRN/NSCN cadre near Kiusam Town in Kiphire along with one 9mm pistol, one magazine, and 10 rounds on February 10. The cadre has been identified as Lieutenant Colonel Shkato Tikher (40), according to a press release from Assam Rifles. The apprehended person was handed over to the police subsequently for further investigation, the release added.

Alleged arms dealer apprehended DiMapur, February 10 (MexN): 32 Assam Rifles apprehended an alleged arms peddler along with one .32 mm pistol and one .32 mm live round during an operation in Bamanpukhri, Purana Bazar along with a police representative on February 10. The individual identified as Khekato Yeptho (35) along with the recovered arms and ammunition was handed over to East Police Station, Dimapur for further investigation, informed a press release from Assam Rifles.

Meetings & AppointMents WSKH emergency meeting today President of the Western Sumi Kukami Hoho (WSKH), S. Vihuto Yeputhomi has called for an emergency meeting of all the office bearers, executive members and area chairmen of all nine constituent areas under WSKH on February 11 (Saturday), 10:00 am at the hoho's office at Chekiye village.

Konyak Union Dimapur meeting Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) in coordination with Konyak Union Chumukedima and KNSK Dimapur has convened an executive meeting along with its advisory board members on February 12, 2:00 pm at KUD treasurer’s residence. Therefore, KUD President, T Wocknyei Yanlem and General Secretary, N Chingkem Konyak in a press release have requested all the unit presidents and senior members to attend the meeting.

Public SPace

Response to the clarification of the Nagaland Bar Association (NBA)

I

ssues of concern prompted me to express my opinion on the civic polls and women’s reservation. After I wrote the article captioned “The debate on reservation for women” some office bearers and members of the NBA, published an article in the name of the NBA expressing their opinion on reasons why Part IXA of the Constitution of India does not apply to the State. The said article acknowledged that the civic elections has no relation to Article 371A of the Constitution of India but that in view of the exemption contained in Article 243ZC, Part IXA of the Constitution of India did not apply to the State. Since the debate had now taken a different turn, I wrote another opinion captioned “The continuing debate on women reservation”. In this opinion I expressed my view as to why the State of Nagaland is not exempted from Part IXA of the Constitution of India. This article was published in the Morung Express on 29-01-2017.

As a practitioner in the field of Law my sole interest in writing my opinions was and is to raise awareness of legal issue.

On 09-02-2017 an article captioned “Clarification of the Nagaland Bar Association” was published in the local media through the Vice-President and General Secretary of the NBA. I was appalled and shocked to read the contents of the said clarification in relation to me. The credibility of my opinions was sought to be undermined not by questioning the legal premise of my opinion but by referring to my engagement as Senior Additional Advocate General as “Extra Constitutional”. It is extremely unfortunate that the debate has now degenerated into personal attacks by certain members of the Bar. Aside from the general public, I would earnestly request the members of the Bar to reflect on the direction in which the Bar is heading.

In legal parlance “Extras Constitutional” means outside the law and/ or something or somebody which does not have legal sanction. In the scheme of the Constitution of India, there is a phrase referred to as “Constitutional Authority” which in relation to a State refers to entities like the Governor, Judges of the High Court and Advocate General etc. Apart from the Constitutional authorities, the provisions of the constitution empowers the Union and

the States to make appointments to various categories of services. Just because this categories of services do not fall under the classification of “Constitutional authorities”, would it be proper for any person or organization, much less the Bar, to classify this services as extra constitutional?

If the argument in the clarification of the Bar is accepted, it would mean that all the roughly One Lakh Fifty Thousand employees of the State hold “Extra Constitutional” service. This proposition is ridiculous. The services under the Union and the State may not be “Constitutional Authorities” but at the same time they are not “Extra Constitutional” as wrongly projected by certain members of the Bar. In respect of the Additional Advocate General one has only to refer to the decision of the Supreme Court of India reported in 2004 (2) SCC page 267. In this case, on a challenge laid to the appointment of the Additional Advocate General, the Supreme Court has held that, though the Addl. A G is not a Constitutional Authority, the appointment as such is within the competence of the State under Article 162 of the Constitution of India. Therefore when the appointment of the Addl. A.G is made under Article 162 of the Constitution of India, I fail to understand as to how my learned friends in the Bar can say that my appointment is “Extra Constitutional”. I am surprised and astonished that it is none other than the learned members in the legal fraternity who are making such off the cuff, uninformed and ignorant statements. They cannot hold anything against me if I questioned their motives.

I am aware that the articles published in the name of the NBA is the opinion of a few members and office bearers. The articles published also acknowledge that the opinions expressed are those of certain members alone. If that be so, I fail to understand with what authority and on what basis, the statements keep appearing in the name of NBA. As members of the legal fraternity, each of us must ensure that our conduct does not detract from the ideal of the legal profession being a noble profession.

N

he Lord of Hosts says “Vengeance is Mine..." Therefore, cast upon Him yours works and your cares. Worldly and sophisticated Leaders, if you are arrogantly working with pride, reluctant to give way to others, and striving with violence and strife, where shall those who are on the Lord's side flee? Because of not willing to be submissive and working violently, precious lives

of our beloved sons were lost. Will you still have that attitude, and bring more loss?

Dear Beloved Esteemed Naga Leaders, do not intend to mount sin over sins. For the Scriptures says, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, Your Heavenly Father also will forgive you... If you do not... neither will your Father forgive your trespasses...

(Matt. 6:14,15).

Everyone knew that Nagaland is a Christian state and it is tagged "Nagaland for Christ," So, to refrain from disgracing our Lord's name, both the parties (Government as well as the Public) must humble ourselves and settle the issue and follow the path of truth.

Praise the Lord!

Rev. Vichakielie Perheilie Khruomo Founder, Nagaland Christian Democratic Party

Reminder to CM on electricity during examination season

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nother season of examination has set in. In reiteration to the earlier appeal (refer NPN, EMN and MExN dated 21-1-16), I would like to once again draw the attention of your esteemed office on the need for regular power supply during the

examination seasons.

As you are aware, the students of standard 10, 11 and 12 have already set their full attention to face another examination which begins from February 14 onwards.

During this period, what matters to every student most is regular availability of

electricity during prime time of study hours. The parents have an apprehension that their wards will have to face irregular power supply again.

Sir, how happy will the students as well as the parents feel if electricity is provided without interruption during examination period.

An improvement can bring a big smile on the face of every student. The people would consider it a big change because such was never heard before. I pray your leadership look into this issue and respond promptly.

Rajuselie Lhousa Mission Compound, Kohima.

33% reservation for women

33% reservation for women is very much needed where the girl child and women folks are discriminated and there is prejudice against them. It is clearly found that in some Muslim countries and in Hindu dominated states the extremists they prejudice and discriminate the girl child and Kakheto Sema Sr. Addl. Advocate General women folks, even up to the extent of Nagaland not sending them to schools etc. In such countries or states such reservations are badly needed so that the women folks can voice and safeguard themselves. But in a Christian State or The well to do govt. Employees (majority of whom are least country, such reservation is not needbothered about attending offices even in normal times) are having a vacation plying in their private cars. Apply the same yardstick for all the offices and districts and let it be a painful challenge for all of us if the ultimate goal of this gruesome month is “Art 371(A) under threat”.

Robert A. Silverstein 3. The ULB election had to go because of High Court direcI will ask a series of questions tive. Why was the High Court not vandalised and why were the and provide the answers to each. other offices vandalised which has nothing to do with ULB elections?

First: There is a headline in one 4. The whole episode began with 33 % women reserva- of today's papers which states, "JCC tion in ULB election but now it has lost direction. Why is the rejects inquiry commission." In the NMA so silent? We are all your children starting from the CM substance of the article, it goes on to to the protestors. Your motherly role is the need of the hour say that "The JCC and the NTAC rein this time of crisis. jects the one-man JIC as it cannot 5. The NBCC should not be a mute spectator. Your comprehend the magnitude of vioprayers for forgiveness and reconciliation should cross the lence that erupted on January 31 in ceilings of your office and homes. Your sense of betrayal by the entire state." "It urges the state the government should not keep you voiceless for the Lord government to expand the memsays “Love your enemy as you love yourself”. bers of the JIC to at least three, 'out of 6. The CM should come out and speak from his heart which one should be from NGOs.'" rather than live in his mansion under threat. So should all What do these sentences signify? the Ministers/Parl Secys and MLAs. Your voice should be Answer: By not rejecting a JIC out heard in the good of times as well as bad of times. Good or of hand, that is, by not saying that no bad, your voices coming from your true inner conscience JIC is acceptable, and by expressing are what may transform our state for its future. wishes that it make improvements, 7. The public-You and me are to be blamed at the end of the JCC is acknowledging that a JIC is the day because it is we who sell ourselves in the elections necessary. and elect this bunch of corrupted leaders. Let us not repeat Second: If a JCC is necessary, the same mistake in the 2018 elections. Let us exercise our what does that mean in relation to the individual conscience of whom to vote for and not be un- events of January 31st, including the der the duress of our clan/tribe/village/etc. The democratic killing of the two men? culture needs to mature. Our state is more than 50 years old.

Answer: It means that neither the “God Bless my Nagaland” JCC nor the NTAC, nor anyone else Vinoto Chishi Chandmari, Kohima has any precise idea of what took place

Indian Constitution at Ransom In Nagaland agaland government is under a complete paralysis since the start of the month. A coup de’ etat like situation by the tribal organizations of Nagaland has clipped the wings of the government. However the tribal organisations must understand that Nagaland is still a part and parcel of India and therefore the Constitution of India has to be respected.

1. CM of Nagaland cannot simply step down because we the people of Nagaland say so. We the people of Nagaland are sovereign as far as our elected representatives are concerned but we all have our own MLAs who represent us. Therefore until and unless they resign (not under duress) the CM cannot step down. Constitution of India has laid down certain procedures such as “floor test” in the assembly to determine the dismissal of the Government. 95 % of the protestors do not even know the ABC of the Indian Constitution and are simply following the bandwagon under the influence of money, alcohol and entertainment. The educated leaders of the tribal hohos should exercise their wisdom and try to resolve things as per the laid rules of the constitution of India. If your wisdom still fails you to resolve things through amicable means and you still insist for “an eye for an eye” then arrest all your volunteers who were engaged in looting public money, alcohol, narcotics, etc on the infamous arson night and hand over to the government for trial. Tribal bodies also own a moral responsibility for going against the Fundamental duties of the Indian Constitution of protecting public property and assets.

2. Tribal hohos cannot lock the offices as per their whims and fancies. Why lock few and allow others to function? A rule for one is a rule for all should be followed. Kindly do not exempt medical, power, PHE, post offices, schools & colleges, banks, NPSC, etc. Why are the govt. offices in some districts still functioning? Paralysing govt. offices is only a loss to the people of the state. It affects you as well as me. The lives of the people living on salaries and wages should be taken care.

T

Do not Mount Sin Over Sins

ed. Why? Because in Christian religion men and women are equal in the eyes of God, more over God does not allow prejudice and discrimination against women or in any form of such. That is why Nagaland being a Christian State, we the women folks enjoy equality with men folks, rather the men folks treat us as Princess and Queens of their heart. In Nagaland, we go for talents and qualification. One does not see whether one is man or woman but shows according to talents, qualification and achievement of such person.

Our men folks are most happy and

willing for qualified women folks to participate and stand for election both in Municipal and in General Election, and work together hand in hand for the glory of God and upliftment of the state and the country. 33% reservation for women, though it is not needed in Nagaland, it is found that our respected council have shown courtesy and accepted our Indian Constitutional directions for such, why because it is for the goodness of the women folks in general.

Toshirenla Ao Former Miss Nagaland National Awardee Social Works

JCC and a Judicial Inquiry Commission during all that violence and chaos.

Three: Given that the JCC thinks a JIC is warranted because the facts that day have not been clearly established, how could the JCC and others condemn the security services and state government for causing the death of the two men and damage and injury to others?

Answer: In justice, the JCC et al., cannot condemn the security services and other state government personnel for any deaths, injury, or property damage, at least not until the JIC completes its work, which has not yet begun.

Four: Given all of the above, how can the JCC, and almost every other organization in the state, and most individuals treat the two dead men as martyrs until we know exactly under what circumstances that they died?

(Presuming that will ever be known accurately.)

Answer: The two dead men, victims of the violence on January 31st, cannot, in fairness, be treated as martyrs until the circumstances of their deaths are described in detail.

To do otherwise would be to say that,

no matter what the circumstances of their deaths, the JCC will blame the security services. But then why have a JIC in the first place?

Five: What is the JCC likely to do when the JIC issues a definitive report, if it ever does?

Answer: If the JIC concludes that the security services are responsible for the deaths of the two men, and responsible for other injuries and property damage, and it could have been prevented by more prudent action on the part of the security services, the JCC will praise the integrity of the JIC and condemn yet again the security services and the state government.

If, on the other hand, it exonerates the security services from blame, stating that they did the best they could to control a situation which was not just chaotic but initiated and encouraged by the JCC and others, the latter will condemn the JIC as a tool of the state and center governments, obviously biased, or intimidated. In other words, the JCC will only accept one view of things, as they have throughout this whole series of incidents, that is, their view.

The Morung Express “Public Space” is to provide space for diverse opinions to be expressed and heard. The opinions in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper nor the editor.

SATURDAY 11•02•2017

PEOPLE, LIFE, etc...

6

Mamta Sharma

M

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

How To Keep Your Money Safe

ay you live in interesting times' is rumoured to be a Chinese curse.

Whether or not it is, no one would disagree we live in such times. Consider the events that lead us to 2017 -- Britain voting to leave the European Union, Donald Trump taking over as President of the United States, repeated terrorist attacks across the world and, at home, demonetization and a slowing economy. All this leaves us with a gnawing sense of uncertainty.

What next, we think with trepidation. And, is my money safe?

Should you clutch your treasure chest waiting for the tide to turn, then? "Risk and returns are two sides of the same coin," says Gaurav Mashruwala, Mumbai-based certified financial planner and author of Yogic Wealth. "Inflation, taxes, government policies, geo-political situations and economic cycles affect all investments. The day you part with your money, you have taken a risk. This does not mean you should not invest. In fact, not investing is a risk in itself. But an understanding of risk will help you protect your wealth and generate higher returns," he says.

So, take heart, dig in your heels and heed the advice of these financial planners. Here are eight ways to protect your wealth and grow it.

1. Don't Just Let It Sit There When I started working I let my salary accumulate in my account, confident that it was a smart move.

I was 22 and with no real expenses or financial obligations. I watched my bank balance grow and earn 4 per cent interest annually. Then, I learnt that my savings were losing value to inflation -- at around 8 per cent. I was missing out on the opportunity of earning better returns by investing wisely. In fact, the bank was making money off me! "While it is good to inculcate the habit of saving at the beginning of your career, saving alone is not enough," says Dhirendra Kumar, founder and CEO, of the New Delhi-based Value Research. "It is what you do with your savings that will help you stay ahead."

2. Stay Ahead of Inflation You must save as much as you can, but inflation, which results in a sustained increase in the price of goods and services, will make any money you save today less valuable over a period of time. Imagine what things will cost when you are retired, 20 or 35 years from now (or what they were 20 years ago).

Most people put their money in 'safe' bank fixed deposits (FDs).

Yet, the 6 or 7 per cent interest you get from an FD will not help your wealth grow. Post demonetization, the banks are flush with money and reducing FD interest rates. So what do we do? One good thing about the financial world is that when one window closes another opens. Kumar suggests looking at debt mutual funds that invest in bonds or dynamic bond funds for short-term goals, "where your returns increase inversely as interest rates fall".

Interest rates have been falling for borrowers throughout 2016, even before November, and that is

8 ways to protect your wealth and grow it

expected to continue. Last year, the best of such debt mutual funds returned over 17 per cent, according to Value Research. While that may not happen every year, the average returns of such funds over a longterm period of five years are around 12 per cent. Remember, FD interest is taxable. You can, however, save a lot of tax (or pay none at all) with debt mutual funds held for three years or longer, as you can adjust your gains against inflation, with a simple calculation known as 'indexation'. If, for any reason, your gains did not keep up with inflation, you are allowed to carry forward such differences as capital loss against capital gains you might make on other investments, like shares or property you may have sold.

3. Remain Debt-Free Debt is not a bad thing, if used correctly. Almost the entire business world survives on debt. Banks run because they borrow money from you at 4 or 8 per cent (from savings accounts and FD). They then lend money to companies, and to you, at maybe 11-14 per cent, depending on the kind of loan it is. Distinguish between good and bad debt. So, an education or home loan is good, but credit card debt or a personal loan (to buy something you could live without) is expensive.

4. 'Share' Calculated Risk What about the stock market?

It is a scary proposition, especially when there are so many stories of people incurring huge losses. Gurgaon-based management consultant Nitin Upreti, who is turning 30 this year, made heavy losses in derivatives -- high-risk stock or commodities trading, especially for newbie or amateur traders -- that wiped off five years worth of his savings in a day.

But now, fixed-income returns are just as risky, says Dhirendra Kumar. "There is a certain legacy associated with fixed-income generating assets, as the earlier generation believes in it. But with changing poli-

cies, as the government tightens its grip on the finance and tax systems, people depending solely on fixedincome returns are going to be in deep trouble. Our personal inflation is not going to come down," he says.

So, it's always good to buy into good stocks when the markets are down, at a time when nobody is buying and everybody's selling. Hold on to them and see their value rise when the markets move up again. "If you're not sure of what stocks to buy or do not have the time to study individual companies, invest in long-term equity mutual funds (MFs)," says Mumbai-based Debashis Basu, chartered accountant and editor of Moneylife. " Talk to those who invest for the long term in the stock market and you'll get a bright picture. The risk is high if you buy the best of companies only to hold them for a few weeks or months. But that risk reduces over a few market cycles over many years. "Overall, the Indian stock markets have returned a good 10-11 per cent compounded annually over a 10-year period, despite the ups and downs," Basu says. If you are unsure, he suggests investing in index funds that replicate the performance of a market index, as they give better returns than FDs. Don't invest all your money in equity; if you are young, it helps to invest a larger percentage of your savings there, as you can give it more decades to grow. Kumar's advice is to be a little adventurous if you are in your 20s, 30s or even 40s and have years before you retire.

5. Plan Your Goals Always look at big-ticket expenses (child's education or marriage, retirement) that you could incur over the years. Keep aside money for contingencies and have a plan for a fixed monthly income after retirement (through pension, post office or mutual funds monthly income plans, senior citizen savings schemes, FDs and bonds).

"People often think they'll clear their loans by digging into their re-

tirement corpus, but that's a bad idea," warns Mashruwala. "It is best to clear your loans while working, but leave the corpus untouched so that it lasts and grows. Ideally, it should be invested in products that generate inflation-beating returns."

The 2016 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey by global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson suggests that 56 per cent Indian employees anticipate their retirement will be less comfortable than their parents' generation. Almost 54 per cent worry about their future financial state.

Prudent planning will keep fears at bay and the key is to set your goals and have strategies to achieve them.

Brar did start investing young, but did not have a plan in place when he and his wife were expecting their first baby last year. The 29-year-old was flabbergasted to see a hospital bill of Rs 2.73 lakh, and it did not even cover the cost of medication and vaccinations.

It is best to talk to new parents and look at hospitals to see the expenses you'll need to plan for, before the baby arrives, suggests Prerana Salaskar Apte, partner at The Tipping Point, an investment advisory firm based in Mumbai. Also plan for the baby's first year. These short-term requirements, Apte says, should include hospitalizations, sonographies, vaccines for the first five years and other costs.

"Since this is a short-term goal, the best option would be to start saving in recurring deposits. Look at long-term investments to plan a better future for the child," she says.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) or the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme for a girl child are low-risk options worth considering. They come with a lockin period of 15 years with an interest of about 8 per cent compounded annually. Brar recently invested in an LIC policy that will not only give good returns when his daughter turns 25, but also offer him life cover during this period. "I realize that if I want to give my baby the best, I will

have to start keeping aside money now," he says.

Dhirendra Kumar suggests having a systematic disinvestment plan as well. "Say, you have an SIP for your child's education. Start disinvesting three years before you actually need the money. Remember, if you do not withdraw money at the right time you may not have it when you need it the most," he says.

Mumbai-based Udayan Jain, 49, who works as a business head at an Indian corporate, planned something similar for his three daughters. He started putting away money for their education, starting with his eldest daughter after she turned three. He started with LIC plans, gradually moving to SIPs. "The investment helped and I will be able to pay the first instalment of my daughter's MBA fee without feeling the pinch," he says. He also has dedicated investments for their weddings and his retirement. Like most salaried individuals, he feels investing in a second home is a good idea. "After taking care of my responsibilities, I will have my provident fund, gratuity and superannuation savings to fall back on," he says, adding that renting out a house will help him gain a steady monthly income post retirement, especially since real estate prices appreciate in the long run.

Investing in real estate is not a bad thing, he says, as its value increases in the long run. But it is best to be careful, as liquidity is low and maintenance cumbersome.

6. Insurance Isn't Investment "Most people think insurance is investment, but this is a misconception," says D. M. Venkateswaran, Chennai-based certified personal finance advisor. "While it is important to take insurance that covers health, disability, accident, life and property, you should only buy the cover you really need." You may not need life cover if you do not have dependents, but if you do, it is best to opt for the cheapest -- term life insurance. In case of an unfortunate incident, the sum assured will be paid to the beneficiary and will protect the family against financial loss. Its premium is low and it's important to have a term plan if you are the sole breadwinner, more so if you have a running loan.

Jain opted for a health policy as well, despite his employer providing him with medical insurance. The personal policy is for him and his wife in their old age after his retirement. "Healthcare expenses are skyrocketing and the costs involved in treating an illness can drain all your hard-earned money," he explains.

A word of caution: Beware of insurance advisors and agents more concerned with commissions, who can trick you into taking plans that are good for them rather than you.

7. Spread the Risk Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Research carefully and diversify your investments, placing pre-decided amounts in different asset classes: equity, mutual funds, bonds, FDs and property. Not all of them are likely to lose value at the same time, as you will be distributing the risks in a calculated manner.

If you are investing in equity, the trick is to build a portfolio of stocks from at least six to 10 different sec-

tors, as all of them will not crash at the same time. Do not invest in the same kind of mutual funds either.

"Your portfolio should not have heavy investments in one particular asset class or sector," says Mashruwala. Rebalancing and realigning your portfolio at definite intervals, according to your goals and risk appetite, is Billimoria's advice.

"The moment you are a tax payer, investing regularly is crucial. The idea is to reduce your tax slab," Kumar says. So his advice is to invest in tax-saving funds such as Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) that offer better liquidity with a lock-in period of three years, as against the safer PPF, which locks your money for 15 years. Both offer the same tax benefits, but even the worst performing ELSS funds should give you twice the returns as compared to a PPF. Nitin Upreti first puts aside money to save taxes. "Once this is in place, I proportionately invest my savings in real estate, long-term equity, mutual funds and medium- to high-risk bonds," he says.

If you are investing in stocks, Kumar recommends studying the company first to see if they have been able to grow it, make money and if the sales have been rising. As a new investor, opt for balanced funds that invest 70 per cent in equity and 30 per cent in debt. They offer a certain kind of stability and will never crumble completely.

8. Spend Wisely For many people, overspending is a bad habit. They buy things they can do without, often with credit cards so that they can delay payment and pay interest at over 3 per cent per month or over 40 per cent a year! Some own multiple credit cards. Always remember the words of the world's best-known investor, Warren Buffett: "If you buy things you don't need, soon you will have to sell things you need."

There are innumerable examples of people ending up with no savings or selling even inherited property or assets in order to survive. Financial experts will tell you that the small stuff adds up and acts like a leak. Says Moneylife's Basu, "While people are earning more, they are saving less and splurging more. Most of them do not estimate the huge requirement of money after they have crossed 60."

But as lifespans lengthen, the need for money between the ages 70 and 85 increases because of medical expenses, he points out. At this time, people need house help and insurance doesn't cover everything. The costs involved in maintaining an older person, who is not fit, he says, is higher than the expenses of an average person. "It is much like a second round of major monthly expenditure. This is not budgeted. A vast majority of people don't do such basic calculations," he says.

So, before you buy anything ask yourself: Am I buying this because I want it or do I really need it? Can I live without it? And, can I really afford it?

As Kumar says: Whatever you decide to invest in, do it regularly.

Do not watch your investment too often. Do not speculate. And most importantly, stay invested for the long term. Your money will not only be safe, it will grow many times over.

Mapping Countries That Censor the Internet Kaveh Waddell

I

The Atlantic

f you’re having trouble with your internet connection, one of the first things tech support will ask you to do is to run a speed test. There are dozens of websites and apps that will, at the tap of a button, measure your network speed—but they can’t tell you which sites you can actually access with that bandwidth. Even with a good connection, if you’re in a country that censors the internet, whole swaths of the web might be out of reach.

Now, there’s an app that will test your internet connection not for speed, but for freedom. The program, ooniprobe, is part of a 5-yearold project called the Open Observatory of Network Interference, or OONI. This project is sponsored by Tor, the organization behind the privacy-preserving Tor Browser.

OONI has made censorshiptesting software available for years, but it has until now required downloading a desktop software package using a command-line tool—a step most computer users aren’t comfortable taking on. The new app will allow anyone with a smartphone to run a test. “Mobile is where the next billion will come online, so this app fulfills a pressing need to put censorship detection in the hands of the people,” said Deji Olukotun, the

senior global advocacy manager at Access Now, an international digital-rights advocacy group.

I downloaded a beta version of the mobile app to give it a spin. (It will be made available in the iOS and Google Play app stores next week.) For now, the app only includes two of the many tools available on OONI’s desktop software: a web-connectivity test and a probe that checks for hardware that censors or alters traffic on a network.

The connectivity test is straightforward. For each website on a preselected list, the test sends to requests: one from my smartphone and one from a server located elsewhere. If

both requests return the same result, the URL passes the test and the program moves on to the next one. But if the pages load differently, it’s a hint that something fishy might be going on. If that happens, OONI will test for several ways that network could censor or block access to a URL. The list of sites that the probe uses is the product of a collaboration between OONI and CitizenLab, a research group at the University of Toronto focused on technology and human rights. The sites on the list generally provide important services, host controversial content, or are likely to be censored for some other reason, said Arturo Filastò, OONI’s

project lead and core developer.

The other test bundled in the app is simple but clever. It involves sending an invalid request to an echo server, a computer that’s designed to send back an identical copy of any data it receives. If the bad request comes back in the same form it was sent, the path between the device and the echo server is likely unobstructed. But if the echo is modified in some way, something on the network might be manipulating the traffic that crosses it.

The tests certainly aren’t foolproof. When I ran the second test on the wi-fi network here in The Atlantic’s newsroom, it showed no evident tampering. But the first test found “evidence of censorship” on five sites: Two religious sites, a sports-betting site, the homepage of the DEFCON hacking conference, and a sex-doll site. When I tried visiting each in a normal browser—sorry, IT department— they loaded without issue. (There are several reasons why the connectivity test might return a false positive, including when websites look different depending on the country they’re accessed from.)

By default, test results from OONI’s desktop software or from the ooniprobe app are uploaded to a website called OONI Explorer, which aggregates the results into a browsable database and an inter-

active map. According to a page with highlights from OONI’s findings, the project collected more than 10 million measurements from 96 countries between late 2012 and early 2016.

The map paints a stark picture of internet censorship around the globe. It doesn’t show a single confirmed censorship case in the Western hemisphere, but reveals a rash of censorship across Asia and the Middle East. OONI only shows one confirmed case of censorship in Africa—Sudan appears to block a handful of adult sites, according to a 2-year-old scan—but networks in many African countries haven’t yet been tested.

Perhaps surprisingly, the club of countries that censor their internet also includes several in Europe. Greece appears to block a dozen betting sites, while Sweden, Denmark, and Italy block several bit-torrent sites. Belgium has assembled a long blacklist of both types of sites. France, on the other hand, only blocks two: the homepages of a pair of Islamic terrorist organizations.

When you first download and install ooniprobe, the app warns that “in some countries around the world, legal and/or extra-legal risks could emerge.” Probing a network could be illegal or considered espionage, the developers write, or a user could get

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.

in trouble for requesting data from a site that’s illegal in their country: The probe requests data from porn sites, hate-speech sites, and terrorism-related sites. (OONI says it’s not aware of a user ever facing consequences for running a test in the past.)

Filastò says the forthcoming mobile app will allow more people to contribute to the world’s understanding of internet censorship patterns. Access to that information, he says, is a fundamental human right.

He pointed to an example from East Africa: Last year, Ethiopians complained that their internet access was being censored in response to a wave of political protests, but there was little evidence to prove it. By running ooniprobe, Ethiopian activists found that the government was censoring media, human-rights, LGBTI-related, and political websites, among others, in addition to blocking WhatsApp. OONI and Amnesty International collaborated on a report that laid out “incontrovertible evidence of systematic interference with access to numerous websites,” which was published in December. “Today, Ethiopia is in a state of emergency,” said Filastò. “Yet the published findings illustrate that censorship events took place beforehand. This type of information can potentially aid political discussions on an international level.”

SATURDAY 11•02•2017

Morung Youth Express

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Will the real Nagaland please stand up?

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eloved Nagas, especially our three beloved sons who died at the hands of our policemen, we mourn your lives cut short like young promises before they were brought to fulfillment. May the comforter comfort your loved ones and may this never befall any family again. No parent should have to bury their children.

What a heavy-hearted week it has been. It is difficult to focus on other things with the images of Kohima burning, and the Dimapur shootings, and the Longleng wounded on our minds. Because these are the places we love in spite of, and the wounded are our people, our blood, our flesh.

While all that was happening, there were some of our people bemoaning the fact that the national media was not covering our tragedy.

Well, when they finally came in what did national media do? They projected us as barbaric, wild, former head-hunters still fighting amongst ourselves. They came in with preconceived ideas and collected images to confirm that to their readers and viewers. Next time (even while one fervently hopes there will never be a next time) let us not wish for national

coverage, unless we want more of national misrepresentation, continued reinforcement of the Naga stereotypical image and more creations of divisions among us. The same media that blew up the 5th March incident and made the whole world aghast at the barbarity of the Naga people wants to repeat the stereotype, sen-

sationalize and interpret their idea of ‘Naga’ to the watching world. The proverbial wool pulled over their readers’ and viewers’ eyes was that Nagas were up in arms against their womenfolk. Will the real Nagaland please stand up? (And please take note how our own newspapers were treading very carefully and sensitively so they did not stir up anything with sensational reporting.)

We have to learn collective responsibility to accept accountabil-

ity for collective actions especially when those actions were wrong. We elected our leaders: if we call them corrupt we are part of that corruption too, since we are the electorate, and they are our representatives. It stands to reason that they must also be representing something negative in us, our acceptance of a little

corruption in the system, so long as our agenda is fulfilled, so long as our files are cleared, etc, etc. We have to identify with the mob that burned government buildings in Kohima, instead of standing to one side and judging them. We have to identify with the hands that pulled the trigger on our own sons. How? Because we elected the leaders who reneged on their duties to our people and caused the utter frustration that erupted in the carnage

of the past few days.

And India has to learn to make Nagaland state accountable, and not just expect responsibility from her.

Delhi is a bad stepmother as stepmothers go. She gives one toy to one child and gives a bigger toy to the other child and steps back to gleefully watch them fight over it. Because they will do her job for her, they will finish each other off without a backward glance at her. A good stepmother would give responsibilities but also demand accountability by sending in people to physically confirm if good roads were really being built in remote places, (so that the sick can get medical help easily and not have to bleed to death in childbirth, my heart still weeps as I recount this case) and if hospitals and dispensaries have been made available with the money given for it, if every village is getting electricity, running water and free education. The very basics for human survival.

Let us learn. Let us learn together.

Let us learn to live against the forces that are constantly judging us and condemning us and trying to make us stop believing in Naga brotherhood. We are bigger than that.

No hidden figures: Success stories can help girls’ STEM careers

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Inter Press Service

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hat makes a young girl believe she is less intelligent and capable than a boy? And what happens when those children face the ‘hard' subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? A recent study, ‘Gender stereotypes about intellectual ability emerge early and influence children's interests' showed that by the age of 6, girls were already less likely than boys to describe their own gender as ‘brilliant', and less likely to join an activity labelled for ‘very, very smart' kids.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Research tells us repeatedly that girls and boys are strongly influenced in the development of their thinking and sense of themselves by narratives and stereotypes that start to be learnt at home and continue at school and through life, reinforced by the images and the roles they see in advertising, in films, books and news stories.

So, how do we change this, and what should girls learn now that sets them up to thrive in a transformed labour market of the future? The answer is not simply more and better STEM subject teaching. They must also learn that girls have an equal place in that future. This isn't a given. A major and underestimated obstacle for girls in STEM is the stereotype that has been created and perpetuated that boys are better at

these subjects and careers.

Not only do we have to ensure that children enter and stay in education, we must equally pay close attention to what they are learning.

The changing future of jobs means that fields of study for children now in school should include equipping them for ‘new collar' jobs in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Jobs that do not exist today may be common within the next 20 years, in the green economy, or areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and genomics.

The media plays a powerful role in biases, with the power through effective storytelling to reinforce negative perceptions and norms or to set the record straight and create new role models. ‘Hidden Figures', Margot Lee Shetterly's book, that tells

the ‘untold story of the black women mathematicians who helped win the space race' is now released as a film and brings recognition to those who were doubly invisible at NASA—as women and as black women. Making accomplished women scientists visible is important for the accuracy of news and of history. It is also an essential part of building further scientific success.

Census data in the United States of America shows that women comprise 39 per cent of chemists and material scientists, and 28 per cent of environmental scientists and geoscientists. These are not the equal proportions that we ultimately want—but they are far higher levels of success in science than fiction tells us. Alarmingly, best-selling movies have tended to significantly under-

represent the facts. A 2015 global study supported by UN Women showed that, of the onscreen characters with an identifiable STEM job, only 12 per cent were women.

This tells us that women are still hidden figures in science—and it has a chilling effect on girls' ambitions.

According to a 2016 Girl-guiding survey, fewer than one in ten girls aged 7 to 10 in the UK said they would choose a career as an engineer or scientist. Un-learning this bias and changing the stereotypes is not a simple matter, yet it's essential if we are to see boys and girls able to compete on a more equal footing for the jobs of the future. This goes hand in hand with the practical programmes that teach immediately relevant skills.

UN Women is working with partners around the world to close the gender digital gap. For example, in Moldova, GirlsGoIT teaches girls digital, IT and entrepreneurial skills and specifically promotes positive role models through video; similarly in Kenya and South Africa, 20 Mozilla Clubs for women and girls teach basic coding and digital literacy skills in safe spaces.

We need to deliberately and urgently un-stereotype the ecosystems in which children play, learn and grow up. Across the world, in schools, at home, in the work place and through the stories we tell— we all need to reflect and enable a world where girls can thrive in science, so that their success becomes as probable as they are capable.

Alternative Reading: A Critical Review of Easterine Kire’s Son of the Thundercloud Shelmi Sankhil

Ambedkar University Delhi

Speaking Tiger Books, New Delhi, 2016, 149 pages, INR. 350/-

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ew stories stay with us long after the details of the narrative are momentarily forgotten. Myths generally do that; great myths are by definition supposed to achieve that. Easterine Kire’s latest novella, Son of the Thundercloud, is one of those rarities. A fascinating narrative in the mould of low fantasy, the book’s plot intriguingly blends Naga myth of creation with the redemption story of Christ to demonstrate new literary possibilities. It also represents a bold example of literary indigenisation of the Christian story; an enterprise that is expected to be palatable to contemporary Naga readership, and beyond.

At one level, the novella invites allegorical reading of the characters and village names as they embody haloed values. But to me, Kire’s book reads better as a timeless tale of hope narrated through myth and dialogue.

C.S. Lewis in An Experiment in Criticism aptly pointed out the affective quality of a myth (great myth I suppose), ‘And after all the allegories have been tried, the myth itself continues to feel more important than they.’ Kire’s book has this quality that strongly resists allegorisation. It takes us into a timeless place of the myth of the son of the Thundercloud with the archetypal hero-traveller, Pele, on an undisclosed quest. The story ends with a poignant counter-narrative to the threats of mortality, and all that is

evil. There is a closure to the tale, but Pele’s journey does not end there.

And as he has become part of the tale, the myth continues. It seems to me that the tendency to read Thundercloud allegorically issues in no small part from Kire’s dramatising of the cultural practice of naming in the Angami Naga society. But to read Thundercloud as mere allegory is to restrict the range of meanings the story offers as a myth.

The title of the book is a curious one as well. From it one would be led to think that the story is about the son of the Thundercloud, Rhalietuo.

It is in a way. He is the protagonist of the tale. But is he of the book?

The eponymous title gets deflected somewhat as the focus zooms on Pele in the Blurb. And starting with the Prologue, one gets the sense that the story is going to be about the ‘little one’ - Pelevotso, a name given by a prophetic grandmother. She envisioned greatness for her grandson.

And as adventure is a stock requirement for greatness, the subsequent famine in the land becomes an opportunity for Pele to travel and live his name - faithful to the end.

Structurally, it is fair to say Pele is the protagonist of the book. It is his quest. He permeates the narrative from start to finish, preceding and outliving in the course the physical son of the Thundercloud.

The entire story is framed through the lens of his experience. The regeneration of the land too begins with his arrival in the abandoned village. It is he who brings the rain that hydrates the parched land, and from this event the miraculous Son is conceived. In a certain sense, Pele symbolises virility. He plays a sup-

porting (decisive) role in the fulfilment of the prophecy concerning the Thundercloud’s son. But he is who the reader follows; not Rhalie.

He partakes in the reenactment of the tale and comes out of it as the central figure of the book.

In contrast, the Son’s role is limited. He is unlike Pele. He is unlike anyone else in the book. His conception is miraculous; so is his birth.

His miraculous origin qualifies him for the predestined task, but he lacks agency. When he slays the spirittiger, he does it with passivity - the beast leaps onto his upright spear.

And as Pele’s transformation happened before the slaying of the spirittiger, or the ‘sacrifice’ of the Son, the purpose of Rhalie’s birth assumes a somewhat reduced proportion. The intended moral/physical effect of Rhalie’s action - killing of the spirittiger - is unaccounted in the story.

In fact, he is murdered by his jealous friends for exactly that reason. Killing the dreaded beast had not liberated anyone in the spiritual sense, instead it further stoked hatred. This makes the story unlike the story of Christ.

While Christ’s death on the cross defeated the power of death and made the redemption of mankind possible, Rhalie’s death came after the conquest of the supposed enslaver of the villagers, the spirit-tiger. His death at the hands of his ‘friends’ appears unnecessary as such.

The book also presents the possibility of two parallel worlds: that of Pele’s and the tale’s. Pele and the famine are common to both. And though Pele’s crossing over of worlds is not specifically mentioned in the narrative, the fantastic elements in the world of the tale is unlike anything he

has encountered before. They assume mythic proportions. In this world a famine can last seven hundred years on end without wiping out the entire inhabitants; trees and plants can reach their full heights overnight, etc.

Except for the ceramic mug instance (p.119), we get the distinct sense that the agrarian setting of the book is of a time far removed from Pele’s own (and our own). The image of the land before the rain is a dystopic prophecy (T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Wasteland’ springs to mind). It functions as a cautionary portraiture of the future as well as the prop against which the recreated myth unfolds. The past, present, and future are merged to give a timeless, and hence mythic, dimension to the narrative.

The entire book can be read in one sitting. And despite the narrative’s tendency of slipping into didactic mode occasionally - this is probably intentional given Kire’s penchant for drawing from Naga oral tradition, where instructions are always combined with stories - the gripping narrative in fine unadulterated prose compensates for such minor ‘intrusions’. Even the narratorial oversight in Mesanuo’s special privilege in experiencing greenery and plenty - a luxury denied to her older siblings in the next village - does not detract the reader from the story.

Thundercloud marks Kire’s evolution as a story-teller who is unafraid to recreate myths drawing from sources other than Naga, while giving it local colour. It is unlike any of the other works she has produced. With this work, Kire has added a new literary dimension to her repertoire. And Naga literature in English stands to gain much by it.

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

The purpose of education & its practices Khotuo Suokhrie: Ever since I took admission and entered school from my childhood to high school and to college, I have been taught with different subjects. But basically, Education is to make us a better and a learned person. Moral Science was an important subject in elementary classes during my childhood days.

Meanwhile, being born and brought up in a Christian family, right from childhood, we have been hearing preachers and the gospel minister's preaching and teaching us to be a better person in our living.

These are something which all of us and not only me, comes across throughout our life.

However, when we look at our present society today, we see more of evil things and evil doings. This is in contrary to what we are taught in schools, colleges and in churches.

Therefore, for a change, what do you say if we change our schools and colleges curriculum and start teaching with IMMORAL SCIENCE? Or ask our preachers to start preaching on how to be expert in corruption????... hahaha.

If this idea seems weird and cannot be put into practice, then everyone of us has to change our narrow mindset of being selfish, egoistic, jealousy, etc....

We cannot deny the fact that man is a social being and therefore, we must have a social concern in all our dealings. We must put into practice of what we are taught in schools, colleges and in churches. This will surely make us a better person and this is guaranteed! And if every single individual becomes a better person, our society will certainly and automatically become a developed and civilised society.

Even if we cannot practice all of what we are taught, least we can do is not go against it.

Because, I believe that, TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN!!!

Naga People, The guardian of “Great Eastern corridor” Anthony Yanthan: The Naga people and its territorial area still in the yolk of civilization, subjected by forceful occupation by Indian intriguing British colonial legacy claim is currently the most close yet silently watched regions in the world, also known as “Great Eastern corridor”. Situated in tri-junction border of the three giant countries India, China and Myanmar, it not only consolidates relationships and trade links with south East Asia and beyond but holds the key and gateway for socio-economic transformation. In fact this untapped and highly potential area is observed by many experts as the “future green economic reserves zone”. The shift of interest and policy by Government of India (GoI) towards “Act East” with ASEAN countries and northeast in particular is in fact India’s top agenda for “multi-prong Future oriented strategy” besides trade and commerce it shall determine India’s future as power house in challenging competitive world. The traditional relationship with war torn Middle East can no longer sustain India growing demands or survival nor its counterpart, the rising red Dragon and the neighboring countries come to its aid. Thus, it has not only initiated major economic reforms and transformation policy within but has set up new approach for long term strategy internationally as well. It is interesting to note that Naga people and its areas (Asia Golden Route) shall be the Game changer across Asia -pacific region in future, which most of us are still blind to.

Currently, the main focus and attention is now on the renewed efforts to solve the Naga political problem honorably and genuinely by Government of India (GoI) under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledges that Naga people’s rights is betrayed and trampled upon for very long due to wrong reasons. He now looks for equal partnership and building the future together as two entities, meanwhile calling the Naga people as “the guardian of eastern corridor" in Historic speech on 3rd August, 2015 .

We have now entered into new millennia; times when the world has embraced space age technologies and civilization set across space frontiers, we are yet to see the light of the day unless harness the Era of Nagas by seizing the given golden opportunity. Let us all look beyond these realms of realties where time, space, energy and matters can articulate our future. Our forefather’s efforts and their sacrifices is today, we are all here with rich legacy of cultural diversity and history passed down to us in this 21st century proud to be known as “Nagas”. The Government of India (GoI) recognizing “unique History and Situation of Nagas” on June 11, 2002 is indeed a historical landmark achievement for all of us. Our land has high potential and is still untapped, rich in mines and minerals besides vast Bio-diversity and human Resources too. We are standing on an unimaginable heap of treasures and in putting a little effort to our today’s spade work would certainly transform our future prospective. Our orientation based on sustainable regenerating concept and by refining our culture with modern civilization would guarantee the future.

Today’s leaders and elders of our times should sow the good seeds they possess to the younger generation “the builder of future” besides encouraging them; psychological revolution starting from each one of us is the need of an hour. The influence of other culture and imitating alien customs into our lifestyle needs to be corrected as it has affected our identity and unless we safeguards it, our history and culture is at the receiving end of vanishing in future.

Everything has season, and Time has come for all of us to step out from our conservative and possessive attitude seeded by Indian and Myanmar arbitrary and imaginary boundary lines and policies. Our land and people are indivisible as much as our body is to spirit without which we don’t exist at all, Naga people across the universe where ever they may be are one. We are all one family and families don’t have walls, instead we should start taking care of our ancestral land and encroachment by vested policies, alien cultures invasion and illegal immigrants around us to name a few. The illegitimate pride and arrogance born from the lust of money and power has tempered of once who we are “honest and humble identity”, self destruction is inevitable unless we restore our nature and phenomena with moral and integrity. Humility and messengers of peace and harmony is a way of Christian life, after all at the end of the day down, it is 3 feet by 6 feet and it’s all about love and truth.

It is through the continuous unflinching spirit and unwavering support of our people’s love, care and support for the Naga people’s self determination that NSCN has come thus far to the historic signing of “Framework Agreement” on 3rd August 2015 after 19 years long political negotiation with Government of India (GoI) where now a final settlement is around the corner, which solution is based outside the constitution and union of India while recognizing every aspects of our Nagas legitimate rights without compromising the principles.

Right decision at the right time serves the concept and purposes of everything. Squabbling amongst ourselves exhibits our nakedness only; germinating good qualities is an essence of every responsible leaders and individuals.

Our past leaders have done their part and left us a rich legacy. Now it is our time to continue the journey and the Era of Nagas has set in, it is right time for all of us to set good examples and inspire. I believe there’s no as such things that cannot be sorted out in our Naga family nor the wounds and collateral damages borne by revolutionary times. The coming together of other NPGs in the right platform at these opportune times would commemorate the “final Naga Political solution” in a much cherished and meaningful way. Let us all come together in fulfilling the Naga people’s dreams and Aspiration.

Kuknalim Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Naga Blog.

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

8

saturDaY 11•02•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Modi's reforms meet realpolitik in UP election

LUCKNOW, FEBRUARY 10 (REUTERS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to clean up politics. The man running the ruling party's campaign in a crucial state election, who is facing 11 criminal cases, says it will take a while.

"At a time of elections, one has to forget every other aspect and just focus on victory," said Keshav Prasad Maurya, as his three-vehicle convoy carrying police with automatic rifles sped through the countryside.

Polls open on Saturday in Uttar Pradesh, with a population of some 220 million, and on the ground Modi's loftier aims for a new India seem far away.

Maurya, the state's president for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), says the charges against him are false and politically motivated; unless he is convicted, they do not prevent him from holding office.

His bosses are not concerned.

An official at the prime minister's office referred questions about Maurya and his criminal cases to the BJP, where an aide to party president and Modi confidant Amit Shah said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks to speak with the media as he arrives at the parliament house to attend the first day of the budget session, in New Delhi on January 31. (REUTERS File Photo)

there was no problem.

The charges are related to Maurya protesting on behalf of Hindu causes, said the aide, and anyone who does so "is not a criminal in the party's eyes."

"Slowly," Maurya told Reuters, "the BJP will be moving towards a direction where it will only have politicians who are absolutely

clean and have no cases of corruption against them."

Modi stormed to power in 2014 vowing to sweep away corruption and vested interests from business and politics.

Late last year, he abruptly abolished 86 percent of cash in circulation, in a bid to crush the shadow economy, force Indians to

Water level in 91 major reservoirs dips NEW DELhi, FEBRUARY 10 (PTi): Water level in 91 major reservoirs in the country has dipped to 48% of their total capacity, the government said today. According to the Union Water Resources Ministry, 74.977 billion cubic metres (BCM) of water was available in these reservoirs for the week ending on February 9. The stock was 127%t of the storage reported during the corresponding period last year, while it is 102% of the decadal average, the Ministry said in a statement. The total capacity of the reservoirs is 157.799 BCM. The states which have recorded less storage vis-a-vis the corresponding period last year are Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Karnataka have reported better stock compared to last year.

declare their wealth and empower the poor.

Ahead of the world's biggest scheduled election this year in Uttar Pradesh, though, the BJP is sticking to an old formula: an elite with rap sheets and swelling bank accounts who pit religious communities and caste against each other.

The party's manifesto

for the state poll, for example, mixed development with a set of right wing Hindu causes likely to upset the sizeable Muslim population.

WIN AT ALL COSTS? As Maur ya crisscrossed Uttar Pradesh by helicopter and sport utility vehicle ahead of a month-

long election, voters were doubtful of wholesale reform to the way Indian politics work.

"That's not going to change – the corrupt and the criminal are able to get votes," said Rakesh Kumar Gupta, as he sold bread, cigarettes and snacks from the same cramped stand his father tended before him in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Lucknow.

Ashutosh Mishra, head of the political science department at the University of Lucknow, said he saw no sign that Modi or any other major Indian politician was serious about overhauling a system he described as "feudal."

"Why should they?

They are enjoying the perks of power, they are living the lives of modern gods," Mishra said.

The biggest of five state polls held in India this spring points to a central dilemma for Modi.

If he loses the poll in Uttar Pradesh, he risks dissent in the ranks of his support base and a weaker position for his bid for reelection in 2019.

But analysts say that if Modi wins through divisive politics driven by men with controversial backgrounds, it undermines his populist

narrative of a rising India.

Also at stake in Uttar Pradesh is the number of seats Modi controls in the Rajya Sabha, where the opposition has managed to delay some economic reforms.

HUMBLE ROOTS Maurya's career bears a resemblance to that of the prime minister.

Both are from poor families and as young men helped their fathers sell cups of tea. Each rose to prominence through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a powerful Hindu nationalist umbrella group that helped create the ruling party.

Unlike Modi, though, Maurya's criminal docket and wallet have expanded in recent years.

In 2007, when he ran for office in the state legislature in Uttar Pradesh, he had four criminal cases pending and some 13.6 million rupees (about $200,000 at current rates) in assets, according to his election filings.

In 2014, as he campaigned successfully for a seat in the Lok Sabha, Maurya faced 11 cases and declared 93.2 million rupees in assets.

Maurya blamed rival politicians for the criminal cases lodged against him.

Asked how his declared assets rose so rapidly nearly sevenfold in seven years to more than $1.3 million, in a state where average annual per capita earnings are less than $750 - he replied: "My assets are very small, I don't have too much."

The combination of wealth and criminal charges have a close correlation with election success in India, data show.

During the last Uttar Pradesh state polls, in 2012, those with criminal cases made up some 20 percent of candidates but almost 50 percent of winners, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms, a Delhi-based advocacy group that examines candidate disclosure forms.

The margin was even wider for those with declared assets of at least 10 million rupees (about $150,000) – 20 percent of candidates and 67 percent of winners.

The figures partly reflect wealthy candidates' ability to spend on campaigns, although the gap between their earnings and that of ordinary voters in India is eyecatching.

SC imposes Rs 10 lakh on Bihar assembly lawmaker Tytler opposes CBI plea

NEW DELhi, FEBRUARY Patna High Court December misuse the jurisdiction of the 10 (iANS): The Supreme Court 6, 2016 order which dismissed court," the apex court bench on Friday imposed a cost of Rs Singh's plea, questioning the said in its order.

Having said this, the court 10 lakh on Bihar assembly law- veracity of an article that had maker for resorting to frivolous appeared in 1994 in a local said: "We impose an exemplary cost of Rs 10 lakh. If the cost is litigation over the veracity of a newspaper Nyaya Chakra.

Imposing the cost, the not paid in four weeks, the matnewspaper article that had appeared more than 22 year ago. bench said: "We fail to under- ter would be listed for the recovThe bench of Chief Justice stand what prompted the pe- ery of cost."

As counsel for the lawmakJagdish Singh Khehar, Justice titioner to file writ petition in N.V. Ramana and Justice D.Y. respect of an article published er urged the bench the cost was high, it said that the cost Chandrachud imposed the in 1994."

"The court was explicit and should have been higher as the cost on Ravinder Singh, a sitting lawmaker from Arwal assembly clear in its order. The instant people's representative was enconstituency in Jahanabad dis- appeal is uncondonable and gaged in uncondonable activity ChENNAi, FEBRUARY 10 (iANS): AIADMK General Secretary V.K. trict of Bihar. more so by a people's represen- leading to wastage of judicial Sasikala on Friday dismissed E. Madhusudanan from the party for backSingh had challenged the tative who can't be expected to time. ing acting Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, and in his stead appointed senior party leader K.A. Sengottaiyan as the party Presidium Chairman.

Sasikala said in a statement that Madhusudanan had violating the party's principles and brought disrepute to it, and so was being ousted from the party post and the AIADMK's primary membership. She urged the party members not to have any truck with Madhusudanan. The dismissal came The Public Accounts Committee, headed by a day after Madhusudanan joined hands with Panneerselvam, who has NEW DELhi, FEBRUARY 10 (PTi): Finance Congress leader K V Thomas, on Friday called Ministry on Friday informed a Parliamentary revolted against Sasikala by saying that he quit as Chief Minister under duress. Earlier on Friday, Madhusudanan told reporters: "As per the party Committee that smuggling of fake currency has key secretaries from the Finance Ministry, inby-law, a person can become General Secretary of AIADMK only if he/ totally stopped post demonetisation and the tax cluding Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and she is a member for a continuous period of five years." A former minister, department has seized Rs 515 crore in cash, in- Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, to cluding Rs 114 crore of new currency notes, up discuss the implications of monetary policy and Madhusudanan is one of the long-time members of the AIADMK. also demonetisation. to January 10.

During the meeting, Thomas asked the minAccording to sources, in its response to the Public Accounts Committee over queries on de- istry officials about the amount of old currency monetisation, the Finance Ministry said it has notes that have come back into the banking sysalso detected undisclosed income of Rs 4,172 tem post demonetisation. The officials are becrore in search and seizure operations between lieved to have informed the PAC that RBI is in the process of counting the notes and will come out LUCKNOW, FEBRUARY 10 (iANS): Water Resources Minister Uma November 9-December 28, 2016. with a figure in some time.

Banning of 500 and 1000 rupee notes was Bharti on Friday said rapists should be beaten up with their head upside Between November 9-January 10, Rs 515.28 down and the wounds sprinkled with salt and chilli. Addressing an election intended to curb terror financing and as per the rally in Agra, the firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said "rapists Intelligence reports the smuggling of fake notes crore has been seized in cash by the I-T departhave no space for pardon and should be dealt in this manner only". As peo- has come to a "total halt", the finance ministry ment of which Rs 114.33 crore was in new currency notes and balance of Rs 400.95 crore in ple applauded her, the minister said when this would be done to the rapists, has said. now-defunct notes.

The tax department has taken 980 intrusive they will plead for forgiveness and learn a lifetime's lesson. Bharti added The maximum seizure was made in Chennai she was not worried about how the human rights group would react to her actions which include search and seizure operatotalling Rs 153. 88 crore, followed by Delhi (Rs statement as she was of the firm belief that rapists deserved no sympathy. tions since November 8.

The purpose of demonetisation, the ministry 72.43 crore), Bangalore (Rs 34.84 crore).

The Union Minister also had some harsh words for Kannauj MP Dimple YaFollowing the demonetisation announcedav, wife of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Slamming Dimple said, was to put an end to subversive activities ment on November 8, 2016, the tax department such as espionage, smuggling of arms and othfor her silence over the gangrape of a mother and daughter on a highway in Uttar Pradesh, Bharti said the Kannauj MP was quiet then, but now she is er contrabands into India, besides eliminating sent more than 5,000 notices to various people based on specific intelligence inputs. campaigning for her husband and seeking votes for the Samajwadi Party. black money.

Sasikala sacks Madhusudanan from party

'Fake currency smuggling halted post note ban'

Rapists should be beaten, wounds sprinkled with salt': Uma Bharti

seeking lie detector test

NEW DELhi, FEBRUARY 10 (iANS): Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday opposed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plea seeking a lie detector test on him in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Tytler's counsel told Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma at the Karkardooma court that the CBI had not given any specific reason in its application seeking a polygraph test of his client.

The premier investigating agency on Wednesday sought the court's permission for conducting lie detector tests on Tytler and arms dealer Abhishek Verma in connection with the case in which the Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs. The agency's move came after Verma's accusation against Tytler of influencing a witness, Surender Singh, through money and promising to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

Tytler did not appear personally before the court in Friday's hearing and was represented by his lawyer while Verma appeared before the magistrate and said he needed a week's time to file a reply. Verma's counsel Maninder Singh said he (Verma) had already recorded his statement in the case and the CBI must show faith in his version.

The court listed the matter for March 9 for further hearing and asked the CBI to file a reply on Verma's plea seeking protection. The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened the investigation following a December 4, 2015 court order in the wake of Verma's allegation.

The court had also directed the agency to find out whether Verma's statement was authentic. The agency, in September 2016, filed its investigation report in the case which would be also heard on the next date of hearing.

Led by wealthy urban women, caesarean sections rise in India Nidhi Jamwal IndiaSpend and IANS

Over 21 years to 2014, the richest quintile -- top 20 per cent of the population by income? -- undergoing caesarean section deliveries in India has gone up from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, raising the country's average caesarean-section rates from five per cent to 18 per cent over the same period, according to a recent analysis of national health data. The rate of caesarean section among the poor has stayed the same over this period: five per cent.

International researchers presented these facts during the launch of Maternal Health Series 2016, a report released in Mumbai on February 3 by The Lancet, a peer-reviewed global medical journal. The event was part of the Human Rights in Childbirth India Conference.

An independent analy-

sis of data from the National Family Health Survey (1992-93 to 2015-16) and Rapid Survey on Children 2013-14 pegs India's caesarean-section rate at 18 per cent, higher than the Lancet report's estimate of 10 per cent.

The caesarean section is a globally recognised maternal health-care indicator: When caesarean section rates rise towards 10 per cent across a population, maternal and newborn deaths decrease; if the rate goes above 10 per cent -- as appears to be the case in India -- there is no evidence of improvement in maternal or neonatal mortality, according to a 2015 World Health Organisation (WHO) statement.

A caesarean section may be necessary when vaginal delivery poses a risk to the mother or baby.

However, caesarean sections can cause significant complications, disability or

death, particularly in settings that lack the facilities to conduct safe surgeries or treat potential complications, the WHO warned.

State-wise data showed higher caesarean section rates in private facilities than public-health institutions. For instance, the caesarean section rate in private facilities of Tripura is close to 74 per cent while in public institutions it is about 18 per cent. It is the same in West Bengal, where caesarean-section rates in private and public health-care institutions are 70.9 per cent and 18.8 per cent, respectively.

Rajasthan has the lowest caesarean-section rates in private facilities at 23.2 per cent, whereas Bihar has the lowest rate in public institutions at 2.6 per cent. Telangana reported the highest caesarean-section rate in both private and public institution at 75 per cent and 40.6 per cent, re-

spectively.

The National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) of 2015-16 reflects the disparities in caesarean section between urban and rural, and rich and poor. In Tripura, 87.1 per cent and 57.6 per cent births in private facilities in urban and rural areas, respectively, were caesarean sections, according to NFHS-4.

Telangana registers the highest incidence of Csection use in India at 58 per cent. ?Caesarean section rates rose across states over a decade to 2015-16.

In Tamil Nadu, percentage of caesarean-section births rose from 20.3 per cent in 2005-06 to 34.1 per cent in 2015-16. Goa followed at 31.4 per cent, up from 25.7 per cent in 2005-06.

In Manipur, the rate went from nine per cent in 2005-06 to 21.1 per cent in 2015-16; in Assam and Odisha from 5.3 per cent to 13.4 per cent and 5.1 per cent to

13.8 per cent, respectively.

Low-income countries reported lower rates of caesarean section (up to 10 per cent) as compared to the middle-income and highincome countries, reported the Lancet. Worldwide, the highest caesarean-section rates are in middle-income countries, ranging between 40 per cent and 60 per cent.

"The reason for such high rates is less regulation in some of these countries, which are just emerging from being low-income countries, and there is an allure in technology," said Suellen Miller, one of the lead authors of the Series, and professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, University of California, San Francisco.

Unnecessary caesarean sections also pull resources away from other services in overloaded and weak health systems.

To describe the dispar-

ity in caesarean section rates between countries and within countries, the Series' authors have coined a phrase: "Too little, too late and too much, too soon."

Too little, too late describes care with inadequate resources, and is responsible for high maternal mortality in low-income countries where women die due to lack of timely health care. Nearly five women die every hour in India from complications during childbirth with heavy blood loss caused by haemorrhage being a major factor.

Too much, too soon is a problem of high-income countries, where women experience routine overmedicalisation of normal pregnancy and birth.

These include induction of labour, augmentation with oxytocin (hormone), caesarean section, episiotomy (surgical cut made at opening of the vagina dur-

ing childbirth), excess fetal monitoring, etc.

In 2010, over 3.5 million to 5.7 million unnecessary caesarean sections were done in high-income and middle-income countries, whereas one million to 3.5 million caesarean sections were needed but not performed in low-income countries, points out The Lancet Series.

Natural birth is a waiting game whereas the caesarean section is quick and saves time for both the doctor and the patient. Rich families can afford caesarean sections, which offer doctors better money than a vaginal delivery. Also, doctors fear repercussions (physical abuse or legal) in case something goes wrong.

"Corporate hospitals have surgical targets for doctors, which if they fail to meet, they are shown the door," said Fatima Poonawala, gynaecologist and obstetrician based in Ben-

galuru, who was forced to quit her corporate practice.

She now runs her own Afia Clinic. The figure of 10-15 per cent caesarean section rate in India is an underestimation, she said.

"The data of National Family Health Survey and the Lancet Series is just a tip of the iceberg," said Arun Gadre, gynaecologist and obstetrician, and coordinator of Pune-based NGO Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SATHI), which runs a campaign on health for all.

Both urban and rural areas in India are facing "an epidemic of unregulated caesarean section births."

On the face of it, an overall 10 per cent caesarean section rate in India seems acceptable. But, in reality, we need to disaggregate everything into public, private, urban, rural, wealthy, poor. The disparities are "huge and worrisome", said Miller.

SaturdaY 11•02•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

In setback for Trump, US judges reject travel ban Dan Levine and Mica Rosenberg

Trump backs “One China” policy

Reuters

President Donald Trump suffered a legal blow on Thursday when a federal appeals court refused to reinstate his executive order temporarily banning people from seven Muslimmajority countries from entering the United States.

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the Trump administration failed to offer any evidence that national security concerns justified immediately restoring the ban, which he launched two weeks ago.

Shortly after the court issued its 29-page ruling, Trump tweeted: “SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!” He told reporters his administration ultimately would win the case and dismissed the ruling as “political.”

The 9th Circuit ruling, upholding last Friday’s decision by U.S. District Judge James Robart to suspend the order, does not resolve the lawsuit. It relates only to whether to lift an emergency halt to Trump’s order put in place by a lower court.

Trump, a Republican who took office on Jan. 20, faces long odds in getting the ban restored while litigation over his executive order proceeds. To ultimately win, the Justice Department will have to present evidence that people from those countries represent a domestic threat,

Tareq Aziz (L) and his brother Ammar Aziz (2nd L), Yemeni nationals who were delayed entry into the US because of the recent travel ban, smile as they are reunited with their family at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, on February 6. (REUTERS Photo)

legal experts said.

In its ruling on Thursday, the 9th Circuit said the government had so far failed to show that any person from the seven countries had perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States.

Trump’s Jan. 27 order, the most divisive action of his young presidency, sparked protests and chaos at U.S. and overseas airports on the weekend after it was issued. It was challenged by the states of Washington and Minnesota, which argued it violated constitutional protections against religious discrimination.

The Justice Department, which spoke for the administration at oral ar-

gument on Tuesday, said it was reviewing Thursday’s decision and considering its options.

Asked about Trump’s tweet, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: “We have seen him in court twice, and we’re two for two.”

Trump says his executive order aims to head off attacks by Islamist militants. He has voiced frustration at the legal challenge to his order, calling Robart a “so-called judge” whose “ridiculous” opinion “essentially takes lawenforcement away from our country.”

The 9th Circuit judges said more legal arguments

would be needed to decide the actual fate of Trump’s order.

While the court said it could not decide whether the order discriminated against a particular religion until the case had been “fully briefed,” it added that the states had presented evidence of “numerous statements” by the president “about his intent to implement a ‘Muslim ban.’”

The administration argued that the courts do not have access to the same classified information about threats to the country that the president does.

The judges countered that “courts regularly receive classified information un-

BEIJING/WASHINGTON, FEBruAry 10 (rEuTErS): U.S. President Donald Trump changed tack and agreed to honour the “one China” policy during a phone call with China’s leader, a major diplomatic boost for Beijing which brooks no criticism of its claim to neighbouring Taiwan. Trump angered Beijing in December by talking to the president of self-ruled Taiwan and saying the United States did not have to stick to the policy. Under the longstanding policy, Washington acknowledges the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

A White House statement said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night, Washington time. “President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honour our ‘one China’ policy,” the statement said. The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Diplomatic sources in Beijing say China had been nervous about Xi being left humiliated in the event a call with Trump went wrong and the details were leaked to the media.

No issue is more sensitive to Beijing than Taiwan. China and the United States also signalled that with the “one China” issue resolved, they

der seal.” The three judges said the states had shown that even temporary reinstatement of the ban would cause harm.

FINAL OUTCOME ‘NOT CERTAIN’ Curbing entry to the United States as a national security measure was a central premise of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, originally proposed as a temporary ban on all Muslims.

U.S. presidents have in the past claimed sweeping powers to fight terrorism, but the 9th Circuit on Thursday wrote that courts have the authority to review whether the president vio-

lated the Constitution.

Two of the three 9th Circuit judges were appointees of former Democratic Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, and one was appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush.

The government has 14 days to ask the 9th Circuit to have a larger panel of judges review the decision “en banc,” or appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will likely determine the case’s final outcome.

But it would need five of the eight justices to vote in favor of suspending the travel ban during litigation.

That is likely to be a tall order as the court is evenly divid-

could have more normal relations. “Representatives of the United States and China will engage in discussions and negotiations on various issues of mutual interest,” the statement said.

In a separate statement read out on Chinese state television, Xi said China appreciated Trump’s upholding of the “one China” policy. “I believe that the United States and China are cooperative partners, and through joint efforts we can push bilateral relations to a historic new high,” the statement cited Xi as saying. “The development of China and the United States absolutely can complement each other and advance together. Both sides absolutely can become very good cooperative partners,” Xi said. Lawyer James Zimmerman, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said Trump should have never raised the “one China” policy in the first place.

“There is certainly a way of negotiating with the Chinese, but threats concerning fundamental, core interests are counterproductive from the get-go,” he said in an email. “The end result is that Trump just confirmed to the world that he is a paper tiger, a ‘zhilaohu’ – someone that seems threatening but is wholly ineffectual and unable to stomach a challenge.”

ed 4-4 between liberals and conservatives, meaning the administration would need to win over at least one of the liberal justices.

Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway told Fox News: “It’s an interim ruling and we’re fully confident that now that we will get our day in court and have an opportunity to argue this on the merits we will prevail.”

Asked if the administration would go to the Supreme Court, she said: “I can’t comment on that. ...

He will be conferring with the lawyers and make that decision.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the

nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said Trump’s policies “still pose a threat to communities of color, religious minorities, women, and others.” Democrats, the minority party in Congress, celebrated.

“This Administration’s recklessness has already done significant harm to families, and undermined our fight against terror,” House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in an emailed statement.

But Tom Fitton from the conservative group Judicial Watch said on Twitter: “The Ninth Circuit ruling is a dangerous example of judicial overreach.”

Why mosquitoes are drawn Assad rejects safe zones in Syria Academics call time on $100,000 cancer drugs to people with malaria LONDON, FEBruAry 10 (IANS): Researchers have figured out why malaria mosquitoes prefer to feed -- and feed more -- on blood from people infected with malaria. “The malaria parasite produces a molecule, HMBPP, which stimulates the human red blood cells to release more carbon dioxide and volatile compounds with an irresistible smell to malaria mosquitoes,” explained one of the researchers, Ingrid Faye from Stockholm University in Sweden.

The researchers believe that the findings, published in the journal Science, can lead to new ways to fight malaria without using poisonous chemicals. Most malaria mosquitoes were attracted by HMBPP-blood, even at very low concentrations, the study showed.

The mosquitoes also drink more blood from malaria patients and thus they acquire a more severe malaria infection -- that is higher numbers of parasites are produced. This indicates that the extra nutrients from the larger meal of blood are used to produce more parasites.

Neither humans nor mosquitoes use HMBPP themselves, but the parasite needs the substance to be able to grow.

“HMBPP is a way for the malaria parasite to hail a cab, a mosquito, and successfully transfer to the next host,” Noushin Emami from the Stockholm University said.

These results may be useful in combatting malaria. They suggest that a major step forward in the fight against malaria could be to create a trap that uses the parasite’s own system for attracting malaria mosquitoes.

BEIruT, FEBruAry 10 (rEuTErS): President Bashar al-Assad rejected the creation of safe zones for refugees and displaced people in Syria, an idea supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a transcript from an interview with Yahoo News released on Friday. He signalled he would welcome cooperation with Washington in the fight against Islamic State, however, as long as the United States took a “clear political position” on Syria’s sovereignty and unity.

Assad has cautiously welcomed the new U.S. administration’s focus on fighting the jihadists, in which Trump has held out the possibility of cooperation with Damascus ally Russia. Under former U.S. President Barack Obama, the United States called for Assad’s departure and supported rebels fighting to unseat him.

The Syrian government has rejected the creation of safe zones, favoured by rebel backers including Qatar, which could ratchet up U.S. military involvement in Syria. “It’s not a realistic idea at all,” Assad said in the transcript. “This is where you can have natural safe zones, which is our country. They don’t need safe zones at all.” “It’s much more viable, much more practical and less costly to have

stability than to create safe zones.”

Assad said safe zones would be at risk of attack from armed groups. The United Nations also rejects safe zones, saying conditions in Syria, where battles rage on between multiple sides, are not suitable. Trump has not provided details about the proposed safe zones, except to say he would have the Gulf states pay for them.

Much of the conflict is focused on a number of separate battles being waged against Islamic State: by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and their allies, U.S.-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters, and Turkish-backed Syrian insurgents. The United States has deployed special forces to Syria to support the Kurdish YPG militia and its allies, and not in coordination with the Syrian army.

FIGHT AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE Assad said U.S. troops would be “welcome” in Syria to fight Islamic State provided Washington coordinate with Damascus and recognise the sovereignty of his government.

“If the Americans are genuine, of course they are welcome. Like any other country, we want to defeat and to fight the terrorists,” he said. “Troops is part of the cooperation ... (but) you

cannot talk about sending troops ... if you don’t have a clear political position toward not only the terrorism, toward the sovereignty of Syria, toward the unity of Syria,” he said.

“It must be through the Syria government.” Moscow said Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed setting up “genuine coordination” in the fight against Islamic State and “other terrorist groups” in Syria during a phone call last month. There has been no indication the United States would coordinate with Syria itself. For now, U.S.-Russian cooperation is largely limited to ensuring that the two countries’ air forces operate safely and that the risk of accidental confrontation or collision is minimised.

Assad also dismissed a report by Amnesty International which said up to 13,000 prisoners had been executed at a military jail in Damascus since 2011. World powers involved in the Syrian conflict have pushed diplomatic efforts to end the war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and created millions of refugees. Assad repeated that he would leave power if voted out by the Syrian people, and would consider an early presidential election after parliamentary polls are held.

More than 400 whales stranded; atleast two thirds dead

Whales are stranded at Farewell Spit near Nelson, New Zealand Friday, Feb. 10, 2017.

New Zealand volunteers formed a human chain in the water at a remote beach on Friday as they tried to save about 100 whales after more than 400 of the creatures beached themselves in one of the worst whale strandings in the nation’s history. About three-quarters of the pilot whales were already dead when they were found Friday morning at Farewell Spit at the tip of the South Island. (AP Photo)

WELLINGTON, FEBruAry 10 (AP): It was the sound of soft sighs and cries in the half-light that first struck Cheree Morrison, and then as the dawn broke she began to see the extent of the carnage — more than 400 whales had swum aground along a remote New Zealand beach.

About 275 of the pilot whales were already dead

when Morrison and two colleagues found them Friday on Farewell Spit at the tip of the South Island.

Within hours, hundreds of farmers, tourists and teenagers were racing to keep the surviving 140 or so whales alive in one of the worst whale strandings in the nation’s history. Morrison, a magazine writer and editor, stumbled upon the

whales after taking a predawn trip with a photographer and a guide to capture the red glow of the sunrise.

“You could hear the sounds of splashing, of blowholes being cleared, of sighing,” she said. “The young ones were the worst.

Crying is the only way to describe it.”

The adult and baby whale carcasses were

strewn three or four deep in places for hundreds of yards, often rolled over on the sand with their tail fins still aloft.

Morrison’s group alerted authorities, and volunteers soon began arriving in wetsuits and carrying buckets. Dressed in her jeans and sandshoes, Morrison waded into the water and did what she could to try to maneuver the surviving whales upright so they could breathe more easily.

“I walked away crying my eyes out,” she said.

“We knew there were limited things we could do.”

Volunteer rescue group Project Jonah said a total of 416 whales had stranded. When high tide came, volunteers managed to refloat about 50 the surviving whales while the other 80 or 90 remained beached.

The volunteers then formed a human chain in the water to try to stop the creatures from swimming back and stranding themselves again. It will likely take a day or so to determine how successful their efforts have been. Volun-

teers plan to refloat more whales on Saturday.

Farewell Spit, a sliver of sand that arches like a hook into the Tasman Sea, seems to confuse whales and has been the site of previous mass strandings. The Department of Conservation said about 500 volunteers had joined conservation workers on the beach.

Community ranger Kath Inwood said the volunteers were continuing to keep the stranded survivors damp and cool by placing blankets over them and dousing them with buckets of water. The high tide allowed volunteers their one shot of the day to help some of the whales. Many plan to return for the high tide on Saturday to try to refloat more of the whales, including any that strand themselves again.

There are different theories as to why whales strand themselves, from them chasing prey too far inshore to them trying to protect a sick member of the group.

Inwood said whale strandings occur most

years at Farewell Spit, but the scale of this event came as a shock. Sometimes described as a whale trap, the spit’s long coastline and gently sloping beaches seem to make it difficult for whales to navigate away from once they get close.

The beach is remote.

Getting there from the nearest provincial airport in Nelson takes a threehour drive followed by a 15-minute hike. Conservation workers said many of the surviving whales were likely to be in bad shape given the number of deaths, and that their conditions would likely deteriorate the longer they remained stranded.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and Friday’s event is the nation’s third-biggest recorded stranding. The largest was in 1918, when about 1,000 pilot whales came ashore on the Chatham Islands. In 1985 about 450 whales stranded in Auckland. “It was just heartbreaking,” Morrison said.

“Utterly heartbreaking.”

A scientist separates proteins by gel electrophoresis in a lab at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton. (REUTERS File Photo)

LONDON, FEBruAry 10 (rEuTErS): A group of academic researchers has demanded an end to cancer medicines costing more than $100,000 a year and proposed a new model of low-cost drug development that would capitalise on recent advances in science. The spiralling cost of cancer medicines is a growing concern for doctors and their patients, many of whom struggle to pay for new medicines that often cost $10,000 a month.

Sky-high prices have made oncology hugely profitable, with IMS Health forecasting global cancer drug sales of at least $150 billion by 2020. Scientists, however, believe today’s prices are simply not sustainable as more and more people need treatment. Writing in the journal Cell on Thursday, European and U.S. experts laid out a blueprint for reining in costs by increasing the role of academic research groups, working alongside new kinds of private companies, in the development of new drugs.

Rather than simply licensing discoveries to Big Pharma, academic groups should in future consider working with smaller companies that commit to capping prices, low-cost generic drug companies or non-profit organisations, they said. “Something has to change. This is a call to arms,” Paul Workman, one of the paper’s authors and chief executive of Britain’s Institute of Cancer Research, told Reuters.

“Charging $100,000 is unsustainable. We need to be thinking about getting prices down towards a half or a third of that, ideally even less.” The call coincides with growing political pressure on the issue, including an attack on high drug prices by U.S. President Donald Trump. Workman, whose institute has discovered 20 drug candidates since 2005, believes cancer drug prices have become disconnected from economics as companies charge what the market will bear rather than a price reflecting costs.

A principal justification for high prices is the financial burden of running large clinical trials to secure regulatory approval. Yet this increasingly does not apply in the case of modern cancer therapies. For example the registration study for Pfizer’s targeted lung cancer drug Xalkori required only 347 patients, while last year’s extended approval of the medicine to patients with mutations in the ROS1 gene involved only 50 subjects.

Workman, together with colleagues from the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and the Netherlands Cancer Institute, said the solution was for an increasing proportion of drug developments to be driven by academia.

To an extent that is already happening. Many of the latest advances in cancer treatment originate in academic labs and there are now nearly 150 academic drug discovery centres around the world, 80 percent of which develop oncology products.

Those academic centres should in future focus not only on getting their discoveries to market but also on securing drug price caps as part of their negotiations with commercial partners, the authors said. Increasing the scale and expertise of academic centres will take time and money, but in the long term the new competition should also help drive down prices in conventional pharma and biotech, they said.

SATURDAY 11•02•2017

PUBLIC DISCOURSE

10

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Evolving Naga Society: A Prognosis

T

V.T. Chakhesang

he 31st Jan, 2017 is engraved in the annals of Naga saga for the uprising against colonial invasion into the Naga ethos. Two precious lives are sacrificed at the altar of autonomy for the Naga people as safeguarded under Article 371A of the constitution of India. Unfortunately, the battle was fought against our own Naga brethren, who are the elected agents of the Government of India set up under the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. Apparently, the lure of money, imposing development need of the urban local settlements, favor of the womenfolk with the added advantage in the ensuing elections blinded the NPF party leadership. Instead of lending an ear to the public outcry and assuaging the fears of the populace. The NPF party leadership had blundered to shed the blood of the two sons of the soil, led by the obsession to immediately reap the low hanging fruits.

Even in the Christianized civilized western world of Europe and the United States of America, the civilized protestors resort to arson and vandalism to protect justice and morality. However, in the civilized western world, it is the leadership in the Government who owns the responsibility and steps down and resign on moral ground if they lose the confidence of the people. In the book of Mathew 21:12, Jesus himself overturned the tables, seats and drove out the thieves (who sold

Atö Lüho (Keduvito)

"F

irst, they fired water cannon Later, they shell tear gas Now, they fired with Bullets" - This phrase suitably applies to the insanity of the present ruling DAN Government. The tyranny and treacherous act of the ruling Government signify that of Power of dictatorship. Where the voice of the people is not taken into account but act in opposite to their wishes. A complete debacle that leads the Naga nation to a point of no return.

Insanity is when the ruling government terrorize the pub-

doves) from the temple, an act of vandalism to cleanse the temple. No one will encourage arson and vandalism but some degree of vandalism naturally emerges to be justified to cleanse the temple of democracy as well. Being a Christian State, the NPF Government had failed to uphold the trust of the Church represented by the NBCC. It remains to be seen how the responsibility will be fixed as the ball now lies in the court of the Speaker and Governor of Nagaland. The ways and means under the constitutional remedies to handle the impasse between the NPF Government with 59 MLAs out of 60 (the de jure rulers) and the JCC (NTAC) with the Naga voting public (the de facto rulers) will watchfully unfold.

The other side of the argument: Democratic elections and the right to vote or the universal adult suffrage was an alien culture to diverse societies of the world including the Nagas. Against this backdrop, nations across the globe have adopted the representative democratic government with universal adult suffrage.

In Nagaland, the conduct of elections are never held to be free and fair hence the call for clean election by the NBCC. Perhaps, as enshrined in Art 371A or beyond, the Naga’s can make a clarion call to adopt our own traditional practice of democracy with its own different form and usages. For instance, 1) the directly elected/ selected Village Chairperson (VC) and Chairperson of each Semi/Urban Colony

and the Vice-Chairperson concerned can be made an ex-officio member of the regional council which is a particular constituency. 2) The Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing each constituency and the Members of the Urban Local Bodies can be elected/selected out of a secret ballot by the regional council members. 3) The leadership of each apex Tribal Bodies (Hohos), the custodians of Naga tradition can be made the exofficio advisors to their respective MLAs. Perhaps, the Naga populace can work out an original traditional-orientated, modern democratic institutions with adequate women representations for adoption and implementation beginning from the ensuing elections of the State.

Furthermore, to institute an effective minimum government and maximum governance, the need of the hour is to overhaul the Government machinery (organization). All the government offices can function with only fifty percent (50%) strength of the present employee viz., the State Secretariat, Directorates and the District offices including the Nagaland Armed Police Battalions (NAP) and the Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) which are not vital to governance. The discretionary 50% workforce can be reskilled and redeployed to new developmental wings to secure more benefit for the citizens and the government. For example, the 50% discretionary workforce can be reorganized into the Infrastructure

The Truth: Insanity vs Progress lic with bullets and bloodshed and announce ex-grata to the loss of life and injured civilians.

Is this what they suffice the pain and agony of the beloved ones? .... Had they pay heed to the Voice of the People the outcome wouldn't have been that Ugly.

They should be prosecuted for not listening to the voice of the people. For Democracy function through the sweet Will of the people. Wherein, The state should not make any law which takes away or abridges the right conferred to its citizen.

The Insatiable DAN government still rules under the banner of "I'm the government",

where dirty politics, money and muscle power plays a larger role in their accomplishment.

This Goondaraj system of administrating the state should be stop at once in order to pave for transparency and progress of the state. In a Democratic world a leader should step down if he/ she losses the confidence and consensus of the people.

At this hour of grief we don't need the sympathizer of those dirty politicians who take the opportunity to do some fishy business for their political gain.

They should remember that part of their hands is stained with the blood of the common man.

If the incompetent legislators are incapable of governing the administration of the state they should step down because there are many capable person who are ready to sacrifice their time and life for the prosperity of our (Naga) Land. They should know what morality and ethics in administration is and abide by the principles of Law. One thing that a rational mind can sense is that we are fed up of Corruption but we don't know how to express. It is only our anguish and self destruction that find its way. So, time has come to every individuals whether to choose the life we are living now

Another Betrayer of Jesus?

T

Construction Division of the Urban Development Department. Similar with the Border Road Organization (BRO/GREF) personnel who can be re-skilled into managerial, draughtsman, carpentry, masonry, plumbers, welders, excavator/ tipper truck drivers etc., with adequate Naga work-charged laborers maintained in each town/village. They may be posted to any town and village erecting homes, commercial buildings, churches, bridges, roads or any construction related works for the villagers or any citizen on demand.

The villager or the citizen in turn can be offered to pay the government in flexible monthly instalments through the village/ urban authorities for the services.

Finally, according to the Report on State Finances, 3(three) years back, the Nagaland State Government’s total revenue receipts for the year 2012-13 was `6204.29 crore. Whereas the revenue generated internally viz., State’s own tax revenue (`36.07 crore) plus State’s non-tax revenue (`25.78 crore) added to `61.85 crore. The State’s own revenue generated for 2012-13 at `61.85 crore amounts to 0.99% (per cent) out of the total revenue receipts of `6204.29 crore from all sources and the Government of India. The focus of the Naga society needs to be aimed at evolving an economically vibrant and citizen-centric State Government along with its resilient traditional-orientated democratic institutions.

E. Chishi

he present turmoil in Nagaland is nothing but the culmination of a long period of disappointments and dissatisfaction towards the government. People have long been complaining about the deplorable road conditions in Nagaland. People have also been complaining about the meagre power supply. People have been complaining about the backdoor appointments. People have been crying for regular release of salary every month. But for all these anomalies, does anyone who matters pay heed?

When the aggrieved teachers protested for the release of salary, water cannon was released on them. When the people wanted

action against the fuel adulterers, they were made to go scot-free. When there were protests for the arrest of the rice-pilferers, the protestors were arrested. When the people wanted the protestors to be released, water cannon was again released on them.

The government has long been ignoring the sufferings of the people. Let alone ignoring, putting salt to the injury has also become rampant. The last straw was when it betrayed even the church. Betrayal of the church is betrayal of Jesus. In the present circumstances, what else can the people do if not ask for the resignation of the present government led by Mr. Zeliang, who seems to have no moral obligation towards the Church or his people.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SPEAKER OF THE N.L.A. Kahuto Chishi Sumi

Sir, With due respect, I would like to state that while appreciating the fact that you are concerned enough to address, directly, the people of Nagaland during these trying times; I feel it would be remiss on my part if I did not point out a few of the reasons why things have come to such a pass.

Granted that the Prime minister of a country, or in the case of Indian States, a Chief Minister of a state is not elected, directly, by the people, but by the elected members of the Legislature; and he, along with the Cabinet he chooses, come to Collective Decisions. But what must be kept in mind is the concept of Collective Responsibility, wherein the C.M. and his Council of Ministers are responsible for every act of commission and ommission to the Legislature. The fact that we have a State Legislature with no effective opposition to counter the Government's questionable policies leaves the people with no alternative but to voice our greviances out on the streets of Nagaland.

In the context of our present troubles leading to the deaths of three men; that a Judicial Inquiry has been instituted does not in any way alter the fact that the Chief Minster must suspend all policemen, from the Commissioner of Police down to the Jawans, involved in the incident. This has no bearing as to any presumption of guilt on the part of any of them. That is the commonly accepted procedure, and is taken so that none of them may, in any way, influence the course of the Judicial Inquiry in their favour by virtue of the posts they hold. Failing to do this, the Chief Minister must then remove the Home Minister from his Cabinet, since he is directly responsible for the Police; or if the Chief Minister does not do any of the above, he must step down, paving the way for his colleagues to elect a new “First among Equals”,and a new Cabinet. The Chief Minister along with the entire Cabinet, is responsible for everything.

They hold all the power and are thus accountable for everything. The fact that a Judicial Inquiry has been ordered is, in reality, an admission that something has gone awry with the functioning of the State Machinery;therefore one, some or all of the above steps have to be taken by any Government claiming to be functioning on Parliamentary lines. Having the backing of the majority of the Legislators in the Assembly does not give the C.M. and his Cabinet Colleagues dictatorial powers to override common Moral and Ethical Customs that are a must in any Parliamentary System of Government.

The question of Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly being asked/ coerced to withdraw their support/resign by their respective Tribal Organisations, I believe, Sir, is not something which the holder of your August Chair need be concerned about. Every Government in the world functions in the interest of and under the direction of pressure and interest groups. More so the democratic governments. If the Honourable Members of your August House had been kidnapped and were being held under duress by their Tribal Organisations, that would have been an entirely different matter. But calls for resignation of Government Officials, whether appointed or elected, by various interest groups is a Trademark of Democracy, it is what alerts Democratic Governments around the world to the needs of the people they represent.

That being said, I applaud and support your call for the process of dialogue among the warring parties to begin; for just as the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagued are seen to represent The Government of Nagaland; you, sir, represent The State of Nagaland and all its People. I end with the fervent hope that the Institution, for it is nothing less than that, of The Speaker of The Nagaland Legislative Assembly continues to be seen as a rock of stability in a sea of troubles.

GOD SAVE OUR NAGALAND

or to look for a progressive society. For transparency reels under the able leadership of a truly Democratic elected Leader. Let the capability of the Person speak instead of going for party line. Let the people give a clarion call to their Representative that money is not what suffice their needs but a true leader who stands against Injustices & Corruption; A leader who love the people, love the land, and is able to sacrifice his/ her life when time comes. Let the Voice of the People reach every nooks and corners of my beloved Nagaland.

Peace be with us. For Change!

Kuknalim!!

Fear God’s Judgement

I

Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi

t is a sad thing that the Chief Minister and the President of the Ruling Party have been thunderously opposed by the general public and they are pressed to resign.

As I pondered over it, my personal thought is that this is God’s doing.

When a crisis cropped up in NPF’s Party branding Dr. Shürhozelie’s Group and Neiphiu’s Group. When the verdict of the Legislators was tried across the floor of the Assembly, beyond the expectation of the public, the C.M got total votes.

Is it not miracle? Is it not God’s doing? It was a unique history in the annals of the Nagaland State Assembly. It was not only important in Nagaland but it was known to the world. So the C.M was awarded with a global Award in foreign country.

If our leaders are conscious of God’s grace, praises and glory will be given to God for what a great thing He had done. If the winning Group of NPF realized God’s grace, they will say,” God has been merciful to us, we have to forgive and forget the past things and get reconciled.” If they did it how beautiful and magnanimous before the people as well it will be! And it will open the gate wider. But instead they felt arrogant and called N. Rio and others for explanation. On seeing it, I expressed,” The winning NPF Party and the current Government have forfeited God’s grace showered on them. They are gone. They can no more rise up” How and when I do not know.

When unknowingly this crisis came up in the pretext of Urban election, every day the shimmering of the wrath of the public is seen against the C.M. For me I cannot say “ resign or not resign” but my plead is,” Know God, Believe in Him, Fear Him and Obey Him” which is the only way of overcoming all evils and promoting goodness.

AN APPEAL FOR PEACE THROUGHOUT NAGALAND STATE

A

Thonwalo Rengma

s our Nagas are known world-wide, it is a sincere Appeal for Peace throughout Nagaland State. Every intellectual Nagas should think for our forthcoming Naga Generations. We Nagas have lost many life and property, but till date we are lacking far behind other states in India, as well as other Civil Society throughout the world. Our Nagas Civil society should think for our children, who are pre-paring for HSLC, HSSLC and Nagaland University Exam this Month Feb 2017. A year is precious for our forth coming Nagas Generation. It’s an Appeal that Bloodshed has no solution, but through peaceful method, we should work, think and Act for our Nagas. Naga Civil Society are very well aware about our Nagas Issue, so it is an Appeal that our Naga Civil Society should re-think of our past achievement and failure, as well as for our forthcoming Nagas Generation. Hope my Appeal for Peace throughout Nagaland State would be Acknowledge by our Nagas Civil Society throughout the country, as the Wisdom of Future Nagas Generation is at stake.

Eroding of the Cock Symbol

T

Dr. Z. Venuh

he regional party in Nagaland with the cock/ rooster as its symbol had for decades symbolized the aspirations and hopes of the Nagas as a people. In traditional Naga perception, the rooster symbolizes many virtues, viz., strength, robustness, courage, alertness, agility, as protective, early-riser, announcing, etc. The picture of the rooster also had a domestic and local look. It was indeed a manifestation of masculinity; of being manly, as keeper and guardian of the house; in broader concept, as guardian and representative of Naga people and their land, of giving a clarion call to the people for understanding, unity and peace in the land. For these same reasons, many of the older generation in the rural areas never even bothered about the political manifesto of the party but placed their unstinted allegiance to the symbolic rooster and not necessarily to the person carrying the banner. This is particularly true in the southern parts of Nagaland.

At a time when Nagas were struggling to survive the onslaughts of the Indian Government to suppress Naga Nationalism and the barbarism of Indian security forces, the cock symbol party took form which had the impression that its political agenda was proNaga Nationalist. Besides, the set guiding principles did rhyme with the Naga mind as to who they are, and what they wished to be. This image is clearly underscored in the cock symbol party’s Motto “fide non armis” meaning “by faith, not by arms”, vide Art. 1- Clause-2. of the Constitution(6th Amendment, 2009) of the cock symbol party. Art. 1 Clause 3 declares “As enunciated in its motto, the Party shall be wedded to the principles of non-violence and shall strive for resolution of all conflicts through peaceful means”. Art. II (Party Principles)(b) goes on to state that the party shall “work for the preservation of traditional values and culture with a view to retain the heritage of our society handed down from our ancestors in which every Naga is responsible for one another”, and (c) “uphold the principles of non-violence and shall strive for resolving of all conflicts through peaceful means”. The pioneering leaders and more so the people

who believed in the manifesto hence ordinarily understood the regional party bearing the symbolic rooster to be the principal party that stood for everything that is Naga. In contrast to the above, in the Naga-psyche (apparently not every Naga of course), the Indian National Congress with the raised palm was taken to mean as pro-Indian and hence anti-Naga. Thus, at times, the successive regional political parties bearing the rooster such as the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN), United Democratic Front (UDF), Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP), Naga People’s Council (NPC), and the present Naga People’s Front (NPF) even, were able to capitalize on the sentiments and emotional attachment that people had for the cock symbol. The preceding four can in some measure claim to have in one way or the other lived up to the people’s aspirations; in representing and safeguarding the interest of the Nagas. The names of A. Kevichüsa, Vizol, J.B. Jasokie, Vamuzo, etc. are etched into the memory of many as God-fearing and humble, patriotic, and of having worked and represented the desires and aspirations of the Nagas (of course, this does not mean that there is not to be found in other parties leaders possessing political acumen, patriotic feelings to the Naga cause or statesmanship qualities). Sadly though, the same cannot be said of the leaders of the cock symbol party of present times.

Judging by the events leading to the slaughter of two Naga youths and injury to many on that infamous ‘Bloody Tuesday’ the 31st of Jan. 2017(with the death of Tsapise Sangtam, the number has risen to 3, so far), it has to be accepted that the ruling cock-symbol party has miserably failed to live up to its guiding principles. It is crystal clear that current policies and decisions of the government on ULB elections and women reservation are wholly unpopular with the people. On the question of women reservation, it appears that the rooster is truly been henpecked. Looking at the daily pressreleases by Naga tribal representatives and other civil societies (plus the daily tittle-tattle among friends and family circles), one can hardly argue that the Nagas in general have not disowned the present government and the leadership.

It will not be an overstatement to

say that the state of Nagaland has become ridden with so much selfishness and corruption. The adage ‘Power Corrupts; Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely’ can be said to be truly exemplified in the Naga case. Though it would be prudent to bear in mind that in the present context greed is one underlying factor for the opposition-less party (with the exception of N. Thomas Ngullie) in the State Legislative Assembly and that while it is not the first time Nagas have had an opposition-less and corrupt governments, the irresponsible character of the governing entity and corruption in the state has never reached such levels as is seen today. Not only have the leaders at the helm but the rank and file too has become corrupt. Money and public office are bait and which are dangled out freely and shamelessly. Though this has always been so, the difference now is that the greed is unsurpassed to the extent that the leaders are willing to sell-out the inheritance and birthright of the Nagas. A deaf ear is all the people get from their elected representatives. The leaders cower behind trigger-happy police personnel. They have the Indian army as back-up. The protests and demands of people who elected them are declared as illegal and criminal acts. Gaonburas(GBs) who are reservoirs and interpreters of tribal laws and practices are threatened when they have found fault with the government - the list goes on. They are ready “at any cost” to kill and maim in order to serve their selfish ends. The terms dictatorial, tyrannical, egoism, lobbying, nepotism, greed, self-aggrandizement, corruption, intimidation, sell-out, betrayal, etc. come to mind when searching for a description of the present state of things in Nagaland. In the current cock symbol party’s perception, allegiance to the party is paramount and sacrosanct which is above the overall good and welfare of the people(kudos however to N. Thomas Ngullie the lone legislator to stage walk-out, to Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu for having a moral conscience, and to Besupra Swuro for listening to the voice of the people).

Of all the incongruous acts, the most appalling is that those at the helm of the government who are also professed Christians and for the most part found occupying the

frontal pew choose not to live up to their word, given and signed before men and before God (The signatories of the 30th Jan Agreement between the State Government, JCC and the NBCC must certainly have invoked the blessings of God on what may be regarded an inauspicious day for the Christians of Nagaland). Even the sanctity of the presence of God is not sparedthere is no fear. Figuratively speaking, it is ironic that even the Governor of the state who is a nonChristian finds it difficult to digest the level of nepotism and corruption in the declared Christian State of Nagaland. Moreover, rumor has it that the party is planning to play the harlot with the ruling political party at the Centre. The writer prays that this is just gossip and nothing more.

As far as the efficacy of symbolism contained in the cock is concerned, the current leadership has made a u-turn. It is the boast of the cock symbol party that “recognition of the will of the people will be the guiding principle in the conduct of the affairs of the party”.

Unfortunately however, in terms of living up-to the principles and aims stated in Art. II. 1 & 2 of its Constitution, the current trend is that the values and merits that the cock-symbol party once stood for are compromised for the wrong reasons. If one were on the dais, one would take a deep breadth and solemnly declare “Ladies and Gentlemen, This is Apostasy! In more modest terms, the people carrying the banner have lost touch with the people and the legacy of their forerunners.

The rooster instead of playing the protective personality has chosen to strut and flex its muscles and peck at its own chicks. It should be noted that some bad-tempered roosters do peck their own chicks to death; and when this behavior persist, its days are numbered and sooner or later the owner will be roasting it for dinner, and which is to say the electorate owns the party. The question then remains whether the leaders will ever awake from their puffed-up egos and abuse of unlimited power, and will the rooster/cock symbol ever regain the respect and loyalty that it once commanded? - Maybe, or maybe-not. This author fervently wishes for the former-if not for the person behind it, but for the sake of the rooster.

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

Saturday 11•02•2017

EntErtainmEnt

Madonna introduces newly adopted twin girls from Malawi P op star Madonna debuted two new daughters on social media on Wednesday, saying she had completed her adoption of the twins from Malawi and was "overjoyed" to bring them into her family.

The singer, 58, was granted permission by Malawi's High Court this week to adopt the twin girls. She posted a photo on Instagram of herself walking along a rural path with the girls, who were wearing identical blue and white

dresses and one wearing a hat. "I am deeply grateful to all those in Malawi who helped make this possible, and I ask the media please to respect our privacy during this transitional time," the singer said in her post.

No details were given on the twins' names, age and background. Madonna adopted Malawian children David Banda and Mercy James in 2006 and 2009. She has two other children, Lourdes and Rocco, from previous relationships.

The singer previously denied reports that she wanted to adopt again after she visited Malawi last month, at the time saying her trip was for her charity work She established the non-profit Raising Malawi in 2006 to provide health and education programs, particularly for girls.

Source: Reuters

Harry Styles will show off his ‘authentic self’ on first solo album

H

arry Styles is finally ready to reveal his ‘authentic self’ in his music, according to an interview with the Columbia Records CEO, and it’s closer than you think! We have all the details on how the former One Direction front man’s solo album is coming along, right here.

We’re almost there, 1D fans! It seems like we’ve been waiting for Harry Styles’ solo album for FOREVER, but Columbia Records CEO Rob Stringer makes it sound like the 23-year-old heartthrob is finally making progress and it’s not too far away!

“We’re close and we’re very excited,” Rob told Billboard on Feb. 9. “We have a record we’re incredibly excited

Miss A's Suzy Bae on off the record Lee Min Ho girlfriend reveals her fears

M

iss A's Suzy Bae recently revealed her fears in the latest episode of Off The Record, Suzy. In the latest episode which aired on Feb. 8, Wednesday, Suzy, the girl friend of Lee Min Ho, admitted to a friend that there are some disadvantages of being a celebrity but she does not regret it.

On Off The Record, Suzy already revealed a lot about her which the fans had no idea about earlier.

In the prior episode, Suzy revealed about her ideal man after she was drunk and also revealed that she can drink a lot and does not get drunk easily.

Prior to that, Suzy Bae revealed about her first kiss and many other personal details of her life. Suzy Bae also mentioned about her career, life and the constant struggles she has to face being a celebrity.

The Lee Min Ho girl friend said that she had "so

much to lose and so much to be worried about, so I'm scared of so much." To explain Suzy revealed how she started at a young age and this may be one of the reasons as to why she is more successful than others in the same field. She also said that she has also received a lot of love.

Suzy has already achieved a lot and believes that she still has a long way to go and this is not the end for her. However, she revealed that she feared that she will get tired of all of it.

And, if she does get tired, she could lose everything that she worked so hard for.

Off the Record reveals another side of Miss A's Suzy, the side people don't know of, revealing personal details of the star and what kind of life it has been for the star.

In earleir episodes, Suzy Bae had opened up about her long term relationship with actor Lee Min Ho.

about and it’s not far away from being ready.” EEEEP! Harry has spent a lot of time focusing on acting instead of music while filming Dunkirk with Tom Hardy, but now he’s back in the studio and ready to make his solo debut!

The record label exec also got into the nitty gritty of what to expect on this new album, and it might be a little different than we were thinking. “We obviously want everything to be beautifully done, because we think he’s here to stay,” he gushed. “Harry has stepped up with the vision of someone who’s authentic.” Yay! However, that doesn’t mean Harry wasn’t always authentic. Rob even explained that the boys were always able to be themselves, and they’re more suc-

cessful for it. “[One Direction] didn’t have all the rules of the boy bands of the past where they’re too boy-next-door, too sickly sweet,” he explained. “They weren’t caricatures.”

On top of that, he’s proud of the success of Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik in their solo journeys, and he thinks Harry will be right there with them. “They’re making smart choices,” he gushed. “It doesn’t surprise me that there’s is a different path and they’re doing pretty well. With One Direction, they became so big everywhere and from day one that their spread is much wider than other previous boy bands.” Love it! Now get back to work with Harry, we need music STAT! Source: HollywoodLife

Clooney and Amal expecting twins: Damon

G

eorge Clooney and his wife Amal are expecting twins, actor Matt Damon said on Thursday, adding he was so thrilled for the high-profile couple that he "almost started crying" when he found out last fall.

Damon told Entertainment Tonight Canada that Clooney, 55, told him the news while they were filming a movie, and that his wife Amal Clooney, 39, was about eight weeks pregnant at the time.

"I'm like, 'Are you out of your mind? Don't tell anybody else, don't tell anybody else, I mean, don't you Source: Ibtimes know the 12-week rule?' Of

course he doesn't," Damon said, laughing.

"Then four weeks later, 'I'm like, 'We're good right, we're good,' so I'm thrilled for him."

The pregnancy is the first for the Clooneys, who were married in a lavish Italian wedding ceremony in 2014 after a whirlwind romance. Representatives for George and Amal Clooney did not immediately return Reuters' requests for comment.

Damon praised Amal Clooney, an international human rights lawyer, calling her "a remarkable woman" and saying George Clooney had "hit

Now ShowiNg revIseD TICKeT rATes (silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (recliner) : `. 400

the jackpot." He added that the couple were "going to be awesome parents, those kids are lucky."

Oscar-winning George

Clooney is one of Hollywood's top A-list actors and box office draws.

Last week, singer Beyonce caused a social me-

dia stir after announcing that she and husband, rapper Jay Z, were expecting twins.

Source: Reuters

Selena Gomez sparks lip injection speculations

S

inger-actress Selena Gomez sparked lip injection speculations after she was spotted with bigger lips in new photographs shared by her on social media.

Gomez shared the photographs on Instagram.

Her changed appearance has left her fans questioning if she has gone under the knife, reports aceshowbiz.com. While Gomez has never come forward about any cosmetic surgery procedures, her latest image featured a noticeable plumper pout.

On Wednesday, Gomez posed for a photograph alongside the cast of the TV show "13 Reasons Why".

She wore a red shirt under a khaki sweater, but fans paid more attention to her plumper lips.

In another image, Gomez rocked a pale pink lipstick while pouting for the camera.

C M Y K

11:30 AM, 02:10 PM, 05:00 PM & 07:50 PM

Kelly Clarkson thought she had cancer Lady Gaga is dating talent agent NOWHillstar SHOWING 03862-237226

Ticket Counter (09:00 AM - 09:00 PM)

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Ward 5 (6) Burma Camp, Landmark - Near J.K Hospital Dimapur.

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Source: IANS

L

K

elly Clarkson was incorrectly informed she had cancer before the Grammys in 2006.

The 34-year-old singer, who won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for 'Since U Been Gone' and Best Pop Vocal Album for 'Breakaway' at the prestigious awards ceremony that year, admits she spent "the whole day crying" after getting some bad news from her doctor.

Recalling how the momentous occasion was "ruined" for her, the star told Billboard's Pop Shop Podcast: "Well, not many people know this - not to be a Debbie Downer - but I was told that morning that I had cancerous results for something. Here's the horrible part: I went the whole

day crying. They redid my makeup like four times because I was like, 'Wow, so young.' I was just completely freaking out. Then when I won, I thought, 'Oh my God. This is like God giving me one more thing before something horrible happens.'"

Kelly discovered shortly after the ceremony that she had received the wrong results and was given the all clear.

The 'Dance With Me' hitmaker said: "I went to the doctor's the next day and they apologised for mixing up results. And I was like, 'Are you for real?!"

I was like, 'You completely ruined my entire [experience].' The first time for an artist...as a kid watching the Grammys, that was a big dream! It was kind of

the worst/greatest day. And the next day was also the worst/greatest day because I wanted to punch someone. I was like, 'Who mixes up results? Why wouldn't you test again?' It was very much a roller coaster ride, that day, for me. So, it's kind of unfortunate, but a lot of the moments got stolen from that mishap. But hey, I didn't have cancer! "I don't really tell that story, because it's kind of a Debbie Downer, but that's the real story. You think it would've been the greatest night ever for an artist. And then it was like a joke...like, 'This is my last hurrah!' I was so dramatic about it because I was twenty-something and scared. It was so weird. I don't even remember anything but being terrified."

Source: femalefirst

ady GaGa is dating CAA talent agent Christian Carino. The 'Joanne' hitmaker, who split from former fiancé Taylor Kinney last summer, was first spotted being affectionate with her new beau at a Kings of Leon concert late last month.

A source confirmed to PEOPLE. com that the 30-year-old star is being romanced by Christian, whose clients include Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Christina Aguilera, Amber Heard, Miley Cyrus and Simon Cowell.

The 'Bad Romance' singer amicably split from 'Chicago Fire' actor Taylor, 35, in July after five years together.

A source previously claimed the former couple were contemplating rekindling their relationship in October, shortly after the blonde beauty admitted that she wouldn't be happy if Taylor started dating someone else.

When asked how she would feel if he started dating someone else, Gaga quipped at the time: ''I'm not going to f***ing throw a party!''

She added: ''I hate to sound like a hippie, but I kind of am one and so is he. We love each other, that's it. It's just about life changes, and we all go through different stages and we're focused on different things.” ''To be fair, I think that Taylor's pretty f***ing cool that over the years no matter what creative transformation that I've gone through, he's always been very supportive of that and loving.''

Source: Contactmusic

Jolly ll.B 2

11:00 AM | 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

Rings (HoRRoR)

05:00 PM

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SATURDAY 11•02•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

CASE Premier League: Peerless Kohli tightens screws on Bangladesh in one-off Test Taking football beyond 30 Morung Express News Dimapur | February 10

C M Y K

A group of young people in Dimapur is set to kick off a football tournament in Dimapur.

With the sole aim of promoting fitness and friendship through football, the unregistered football league known as the CASE Premier League will feature non professionals above 30 years of age.

What started as friendly fixtures between a certain group of friends for leisure and fitness has been taken a notch higher in order to usher in some spirit of competition amongst themselves. With the formation of this league, the teams will now compete under predetermined regulations and guidelines at par with international rules of football.

Under the theme “Beyond Friendship, Beyond Fitness and Beyond Football”, CASE Premier League is all about young, working class men trying to keep fit and, despite the age constraint, competing against each other with the same

coercion which bonded them together while growing up kicking balls in their colony/backyards.

The inaugural CASE Premier League comprises five teams viz., STAFAC FC, Hyderabad Nizams, Trinity Sporting, Team HHH and CASE FC. STAFAC FC consists of alumni from the well known Patkai Christian College while Hyderabad Nizams consist of friends that studied together in Hyderabad. Trinity Sporting is a team from Padumpukhri and Team HHH consisting of DABA executives, members and friends from the Christian Ministry. CASE FC consists of best friends

who have been playing almost every other game together for ages.

The league will kick off this Saturday on February 11 at Patkai Christian College Football Ground.

The Football Ground at the Christian Institute of Health Science and Research (Referral Hospital) will be the second venue for the two month long tournament.

The matches will be played on Saturdays so as not to clash with the professional life of players which comprise of businessmen, doctors, government employees, teachers and so forth from every walk of life.

The only winning prize is a Trophy but according to the organisers, this one trophy is “laden with camaraderie, spirit of never giving up, to be competitive and prove that age cannot hold you back from doing anything in life but most importantly a lot of respect.”

Meanwhile, the organisers have asked all participating teams to report to the venue i.e., Patkai ground at 12:30 pm on Saturday.

HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 10 (AFP): Another Virat Kohli double century powered India to a record total against Bangladesh in the one-off Test in Hyderabad Friday -- but only after he had to be persuaded to challenge his dismissal.

In reply, Bangladesh were 41 for one at stumps on day two after losing opener Soumya Sarkar for 15 in one of the final overs of the day as their bruising introduction into Test cricket in India continued.

Skipper Kohli became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series as he reached 204, the standout performance in India's 687-6 declared which featured three centuries.

The hosts became the first international team to record three successive scores of more than 600 after posting totals of 631 in Mumbai and 759-5 in Chennai against England last year.

Bangladesh's misery was compounded when Sarkar was caught

by Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha off the bowling of Umesh Yadav in the third last over of the day.

Tamim Iqbal (24) and Mominul Haque (one) were at the crease, with the visitors still trailing India by 646 runs.

The headlines belonged to the Indian batsmen whose big knocks were centred around Kohli's heroics at Hyderabad's Uppal Stadium, which witnessed

India captain Virat Kohli celebrates reaching his double century on the second day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on February 10, 2017 (AFP Photo)

its highest-ever Test score on a day bursting with records.

"Virat backs everybody. He encourages us to play our natural game. He always gives us confidence and it's a big plus for the team," said centurion Saha, who was involved in a 39-run partnership with his skipper.

Kohli, whose 246-ball knock was laced with 24 boundaries, surpassed legends including Donald Bradman and Rahul Dravid, who had scored double tons in three consecutive series.

Kohli also scored double centuries in his three most recent series against West Indies, New Zea-

land and England.

- DRS to the rescue He needed a stroke of luck though to reach his landmark after successfully reviewing a confident lbw shout on 180 from Bangladesh spinner Mehedi Hasan which was initially given out.

Saha revealed that Kohli was ready to walk and had to be persuaded to review the decision which was overturned by the third umpire as TV replays showed the ball was sliding down the leg side.

"Virat thought that he was out but I told him that you have probably stretched your front foot more...So he took a call and was

saved," said Saha.

The 28-year-old skipper was eventually trapped lbw off Taijul Islam, who ended with three wickets, early in the final session which then saw the Indian middle order plunder runs.

Saha (106) shared an unbeaten 118-run seventh-wicket stand with Ravindra Jadeja (60) as they made hay against a tiring bowling line-up during what is Bangladesh's first-ever Test on Indian soil.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha scored his second Test century to entertain a raucous home crowd, including seven fours and two sixes, helping India maintain an impressive run rate of over four.

Jadeja also raced to his fifth Test fifty as he celebrated the mark with his customary sword dance.

Earlier Kohli's 222-run fourthwicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (82) set the hosts on course as they broke their previous highest score against Bangladesh of 610, set in Dhaka in 2007.

Murali Vijay (108) and Cheteshwar Pujara (83) were other notable contributors for the world's number one Test team, who have never lost to the minnows in eight outings.

"Our batsmen got big scores in New Zealand and have the selfbelief to do it again," said Hasan, whose side lost the the first Test in Wellington after posting 595 in the first innings.

FIFA U-17 WCup mascot unveiled MDFA to conduct D-certificate exam DC inaugurates renovated DDBA stadium MOKOKCHUNG, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): The Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) will be conducting a D-Certificate exam for coaches from February 13 to 18 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex. According to a press release, the exam is to be conducted under the aegis of Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and certified under All India Football Federation (AIFF). Registration for the exam will start from 2:00 pm of February 13. Interested candidates have been requested to contact MDFA Tournament Secretary at 9856699423 for further details.

Maradona given FIFA ambassadorial role NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 10 (IANS): The official mascot of the U-17 football World Cup, starting October 6, was unveiled at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

In a ceremony which was attended by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel and the chairman of the tournament's local organising committee Praful Patel, a clouded leopard called Kheleo was introduced to the fans, according to an official release by world football governing body FIFA. The clouded leopard is a wild

cat whose habitat extends from the Himalayan foothills to mainland Southeast Asia.

Earlier, Mission XI Million -- a joint initiative of the Union government and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) -- was flagged-off by Goel and Patel.

Mission XI Million is the biggest school sport outreach programme done in the country. The initiative will encourage children to play football, gain healthy habits and final motor skills and learn important life lessons in teamwork and sportsman spirit.

BUENOS AIRES, FEBRUARY 10 (REUTERS): Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona has been handed an ambassadorial role by the game's global governing body FIFA. "Now it's official," the 1986 World Cup winner said on his Facebook page on Thursday. "Finally I can fulfill one of the lifelong dreams; to work for a clean and transparent FIFA alongside people who really love football."

The ex-Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona forward, 56, was a harsh critic of disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who is serving a six-year ban for ethics violations.

The world body is recovering from the worst graft scandal in its history, with dozens of people, including ex-FIFA executive committee members, indicted in the United States since May 2015.

Maradona, who has 91 caps, has been invited back into the FIFA fold thanks to a warm relationship with Blatter's successor Gianni Infantino, who was elected in February last year.

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 10 (MExN): Deputy Commissioner Dimapur and Chairman of the Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC), Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, inaugurated the newly renovated Indoor Badminton Stadium at Kuda (Nagarjan) today.

The stadium has been equipped with rubber mats and gym equipments for players to train

and remain fit.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC thanked all the individuals who had sacrificed their time and energy for the completion of a perfect badminton stadium. Having such modern facilities in the badminton stadium will give motivation to young and talented badminton players of the state and this will also attract young

talents, he added.

President, Dimapur District Badminton Association (DDBA), Dr Wati expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner for donating a sum of Rs 7 lakhs for the rubber mats and gym equipments. He also thanked the members and wellwishers for their generous contribution and support to the Association.

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