February 19th, 2015

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The Morung Express

Dimapur VOL. X ISSUE 47

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The practice of art isn’t to make a living. It’s to make your soul grow

Pakistani boat blast: Parrikar warns of action against Coast Guard officer [ PAGE 8]

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

That`s no ordinary flu, but let`s not panic!!!

Releasing pay without arrears is unacceptable, says ANAHTA

Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): The All Nagaland Aggrieved Hindi Teachers Association (ANAHTA) today informed that Hindi teachers who have not been paid their arrears along with their salaries would not attend classes. In a letter to the Director for School Education, Nagaland, the ANAHTA informed that only those who received their pay along with arrears would attend the classes. The ANAHTA acknowledged the release of pay and arrears to all CSS Hindi teachers, as per the provisions of the 6th ROP. However, it informed that some teachers are “receiving pay, but without arrears.” Terming this as “unacceptable,” ANAHTA urged the Director to direct all district and sub level officers to release pay with arrears to all aggrieved teachers within 7 days. “We are also pained by your warning to take action on us for involvement in democratic agitation because it is at your behest and irregularities of your subordinate officers that our salaries are not released,” state the ANAHTA. It cautioned that failure to release all pays with arrears would compel the aggrieved teachers to agitate.

KU (N) appeals NFHRCC to start work immediately

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Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): Arguing that no “selfish motive” of any individual or group should hinder the development of Foothill Roads, the Konyak Union, (Naginimora unit) today urged the NFHRCC to start their work immediately in the Naginimora sector. In a press rejoinder to the media report that the NFHRCC would be temporarily suspending ongoing work for the Foothill road at Mon sector due to unresolved differences with the Konyak Union (KU), the Unit president S Chiyong and general secretary, K Aunyei stated that, the people of Naginimora from the beginning has “heartily” welcomed the initiative taken by NFHRCC and has no objection against the construction. Let the work be delayed where there is no consensus, but start work immediately in its sector - beginning from Lower Tiru towards Naginimora-Shetap- as there is no objection from the people, the press note added. “It is very unfortunate that despite keen interest taken by the committee (NFHRCC), the work could not be started till date due to reason unknown to the citizens of Naginimora sector”, KU (N) maintained.

Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor Split

Annual Status of Education Report 2014 launched

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[ PAGE 11]

Thursday, February 19, 2015 12 pages Rs. 4 – Kurt Vonnegut

[ PAGE 2]

All-round B’desh cruise to emphatic win

[ PAGE 9]

[ PAGE 12]

Embattled Debaltseve falls to Ukraine rebels

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Myanmar fighting: Thousands nagaland: over 12-crores meant for flee; rebels fear major assault disabled children ‘misappropriated’

LasHiO, February 18 (aFp): Nearly 90,000 civilians in northeastern Myanmar have fled clashes between ethnic rebels and the nation’s army, an official said Wednesday, as sporadic violence hampered efforts to evacuate those still trapped in the conflict zone. Rebels fear a major assault from the national army is being planned, following imposition of a state of emergency in Kokang region of Shan state .

Whole towns and villages lie empty in the rugged, remote area as tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes -- some on foot -- with one local MP suggesting over half of the local population was now on the move. At least 30,000 people, mainly the ethnically Chinese Kokang, have crossed the border into Yunnan state -- sparking alarm in Beijing.

Clashes continued Wednesday as more civilians arrived in the Shan town of Lashio fearing they could be caught up in the sudden convulsion of violence. In one of at least two separate attacks on civilians on Tuesday, around a hundred people came under fire as they travelled in Myanmar Red Cross trucks in a desperate dash from their homes.

“It was a miracle we weren’t hit,” Maung Ying told AFP in Lashio after Tuesday’s attack on aid vehicles, which were marked with Red Cross flags but had no military protection. “They were shooting from the mountains on both sides of the road. I thought I was going to die, bullets were passing just over our heads,” he said, adding the or-

Residents who fled from conflict areas near the Myanmar-China border load belongings onto a truck before moving to a refugee camp in Mandalay from Lashio, northern Myanmar on February 18, 2015. (AFP Photo)

deal in broad daylight lasted for an hour. The convoy had passed through Laukkai -- the epicenter for fierce fighting since rebels launched attacks last week -- and which is now a no-go area for the Myanmar Red Cross.

Tun Tun Oo, head of the Lashio Red Cross said it was now too dangerous to go into Laukkai. “We just have to wait for people to come to us. If the army could give us protection under military rule, then we would go back,” he told AFP. The violence, which flared on Feb. 9, has killed dozens of soldiers and rebels.

Laukkai’s ethnic Kokang MP Kyaw Ni Naing said he believed more than half of the region’s 140,000 population were on the move.

“There are many refugees flee-

ing from Laukkai town and nearby regions,” he told AFP by telephone from the capital Naypyidaw, adding that sporadic fighting had continued on Wednesday, although the town itself was quiet. He said around 8,000 people from central Myanmar had fled through Lashio, while some 40,000 Kokang had crossed into China. Another 40,000 people from Kokang and other Myanmar ethnic minorities were thought to be scrambling for safety along the frontier.

Military activity in Lashio appeared to be increasing on Wednesday, despite an apparent lull in heavy fighting, with two helicopters and six trucks seemingly on standby at an army airstrip on the outskirts of town.

KOHima, February 18 (mexN): The Nagaland state Vigilance Commission has detected “misappropriation” of Rs 12,79,50,000 meant for education of disabled children “by officials of the School Education Department” and “some private individuals.”

The huge amount was part of funds meant for implementation of the Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS), under the School Education Department for the period 2011-12 and 2012-13.

The scheme was launched in 2009-10 to “enable all students with disabilities, to pursue further four years of secondary schooling after completing eight years of elementary schooling in an inclusive and enabling environment.” The School Education Department of the state governments/Union Territory administrations are the implementing agencies. They may involve NGOs having experience in the field of education of the disabled in the implementation of the scheme.

“It has been established that the officials of the department along with some private individuals were also found involved in the misappropriation and manipulation of records,” stated Chief Secretary and Vigilance Commissioner, CJP Rai, in a notification today.

• Vigilance Commission detects misappropriation of Rs 12,79,50,000 Crs from IEDS Scheme • Constitutes SIT to probe into irregularities and book culprits The Chief Secretary and Vigilance Commissioner further constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Police to “unearth and to identify the circumstances leading to the irregularities in the School Education Department;” to enable the government to book the culprits and to take appropriate action against the erring officials/individuals.

The SIT will comprise of K Shiwoto Wotsa, Sr SP, team leader & IO; L Temsunungsang, SP-I, assistant team leader; T Holtoh Yeptho, Addl SP, member; Viliehu Rutsa, Dy SP, member; L Mayang Ao, Dy SP, member; Vikashe H Murumi, SI, Member; Vethito Khamo, SI, member and Ngampa Konyak, SI, member.

The Vigilance Commissioner informed that the SIT will visit all eleven districts in the state and physically verify the materials procured and dispersed. It will physically ascertain the actual existence of the disabled children as per the figure shown against each school and examine files, doc-

uments and records of administrative approval, sanction orders, etc for drawal of funds and the records of disbursement.

The SIT has also been empowered to identify person(s) who are involved in implementation of the said programme and the misappropriation of funds. It will have the power to requisition and seize any files/ documents required for the investigation and to interrogate any person(s) as accused as well as witnesses, arrest any officials /individuals found involved in implementation of the scheme. The SIT also has the power to seek the assistance of other officers of the Commission to co-opt as and when voluminous exercises are carried out.

The SIT has been given four months to complete its investigation. It has also been directed to submit progress/ interim reports to the Vigilance Commissioner and the Court from time to time through the Inspector General of Police, Vigilance & AntiCorruption, Nagaland.

nagaland health department Shots fired, grenade hurled at MLA’s residence prepared to tackle Swine Flu Morung Express News

KOHima, February units in all the 11 districts the medical department 18 (Dipr): The Nagaland and a state unit in Kohima is ready and capable for state Health Department are all working 24 hours for handling the situation. He today assured that it’s sur- the last two weeks, after in- further advised people not to go for self-medveillance network is “fully prepared” to • Woman tested positive with ication if one has tackle the spread of Swine Flu is in ‘stable condition’ symptoms of H1N1 the H1N1 Flu, also • February 13, 2015 Kolkata- flu, but to report to the nearest medical known as Swine Dimapur air passengers advised centre where regisFlu. This assurance to seek medical attention tered trained doccomes in the backtors are available for drop of one confirmed report of Swine Flu formation regarding H1N1 handling the situation. flu has been received, he detected in Dimapur.

How to prevent Deputy Director for the said.

Dr Pongener disclosed Swine Flu infection Health Department and State Nodal Officer for the that the condition of the DOs: Integrated Disease Sur- patient has improved a lot • Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief veillance Project (IDSP), and there were no signs of or cloth while coughing Dr Tiasunup Pongener, fever till Wednesday mornor sneezing in a press release, con- ing. The patient is schedfirmed that a Naga woman uled to be discharged in a • Wash your hand with soap frequently before has been diagnosed with couple of days after receivand after touching your Swine Flu. Throat swab/ ing proper counseling. “If nose, eyes or mouth. nasal swab from the sus- any new cases are detected pected case was sent to Re- in any district, the IDSP is • Stay away from public places if you have fever gional Medical Research ready to handle the situaor you are coughing and Centre, Dibrugarh, where tion”, he further assured. sneezing.

Dr Pongener further it was confirmed. The patient, it was informed, had informed that the depart- • Sleep well, stay physically active and effectively travelled by flight from Kol- ment is consulting with manage stress. kata to Dimapur on Febru- Delhi on whether to set ary 13. She is said to be in a up a Medical Surveillance • Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

Unit in the Dimapur airport stable condition.

He further advised all within a day or two. During • Visit a Doctor after covering your face with a cloth passengers who flew from the Ebola outbreak in other or mask, if you have any Kolkata to Dimapur on countries last year, a MediFlu like symptoms.

February 13 to seek timely cal Surveillance Unit was Medical attention from placed at Dimapur airport any of the district hospi- as per the instruction of DON’T’s: • Don’t shake hands, hug tals in case they develop Government of India. and kiss socially, or use He informed that most high fever with cough and other contact greetings. cold within a week. H1N1 of the health workers in flu can be easily managed Nagaland were vaccinated • Don’t touch your mouth / nose if timely medical attention in 2010. For the new batch of health workers yet to be • Don’t take medicines is sought. without consulting the Speaking to DIPR on vaccinated, the departphysician.

February 18, Dr Pongener ment is in consultation disclosed that the depart- with the central govern- • Don’t spit in public places. ment has already placed ment to do the needful.

Dr Pongener further SYMPTOMS: orders for 1000 tablets of Oseltamivir and 100 bottles clarified on the miscon- • Fever of Susp Oseltamivir from ception that the H1N1 Flu • Cough the central government is caused by pigs. He in- • Sore throat to counter H1N1 flu. The formed that the flu is trans- • Running nose consignment is expected mitted from human to hu- • Difficulty in breathing to reach Nagaland by this man by infected particles in the air and is not trans- Swine Flu is NOT caused evening, he informed. by pigs but is transmitted The Integrated Disease mitted by pigs.

He asked the public through infected particles Surveillance project which has district surveillance not to panic, assuring that in the air.

Dimapur | February 18

Shots were fired and a grenade was hurled at the residence of State Member of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Benjongliba on the wee hours of Wednesday morning in Dimapur.

There was, however, no casualty or injuries.

The MLA himself was not present at the premise and is reportedly away in New Delhi. Addl. SP Dimapur Chinese Chakhesang speaking to The Morung Express stated that the caretaker of the residence informed Police that the shots were fired at 1:47 AM

on Wednesday. Police on being informed of the incident rushed to the spot and recovered two empty shells and one bullet head of AK47 from outside the premises of the residence at Model Village in 5th Mile.

Later in the afternoon, Police recovered a Chinese hand grenade with its safety pin about 10 feet away from the bomb. The bomb however did not explode.

In this connection, Police have registered a suo-moto case and investigations are on, the Addl. SP informed.

the NPF central HQ, NPF 20 Alongtaki A/C, the Ao Students Conference (AKM) and the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) have condemned the incident. A press note from the DVC urged the concerned authority to apprehend the culprit at the earliest and take necessary action “in the interest of the public for peace and justice.” The NPF 30 Alongtaki A/C meanwhile termed the incident as “unbearable and unacceptable.”

The AKM further said that “such cowardly act is uncalled for; gunslingers Orgs condemn and trigger-happy goons Meanwhile, the Diphu- can no longer be allowed to par Village Council (DVC), reign in the state.” Calling for

action against the culprit, it cautioned that the AKM “will not remain a silent spectator to all such uncivilized acts in future.” The NPF Central Hqs Kohima, in a separate press note, also condemned the incident. It assured that the “government will not waste any time in handling the situation and that, the Administration and Police, with the support of the people as well; the culprits will be brought to light at the earliest.”The ASTD, while condemning the incident, affirmed that it will neither allow nor tolerate any individual or group to threaten citizens with guns and bombs.

‘Bring commerce to agriculture’ Morung Express News Dimapur | February 18

With increased per capita and change in consumer’s dietary patterns, food security has become incomplete without nutritional security in today’s world.

“There is increased emphasis on the health aspects of food and food processing companies are also coming up with numerous kinds of health foods and functional foods, which are now available in the market,” said Horticulture Commissioner, DAC, Union Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. SK Malhotra.

The Horticulture commissioner said the country has witnessed an unprecedented growth in production of horticultural products including fruits and vegetables and presently the horticulture production (277.4 million ton during 2013-14) has surpassed food grain production (260 million ton).

Dr. Malhotra was ad-

dressing the inaugural programme of the 3-day international conference on “Technological interventions in agricultural sciences for enhanced productivity, nutritional quality and value addition (TIAS)”, held here at Hotel Acacia. He said the high growth in horticulture sector has been made possible due to application of technology and favourable policy.

But despite the manifold increase in horticulture production, the gap in demand and supply continues, primarily because of post harvest losses. “The orientations of farmers have been mostly towards production in the past…India’s food chain is among the most fragmented in the world. The lack of adequate cold chain infrastructure and the absence of a well-integrated food processing industry are the major indentified reasons for heavy post harvest losses and wastage of the per-

ishables,” Malhotra said.

The Horticulture commissioner stressed that agriculture and rural development will be sustainable only when they are ecologically sound, economically viable and socially acceptable and based on science and technology.

“This necessitates innovations for improving efficiency for enhancements in farm productivity and profitability. Horticulture being the important component of agriculture, there is need to make substantial development in production of fruits, vegetables, plantations and tuber crops for meeting the growing demand of rising population with nutritionally rich horticulture produce,” Malhotra said.

Chief Guest of the inaugural programme and vice chancellor, Assam Agriculture University, Dr. KM Bajarbaruah, who turned up late for the programme due to some exigencies, said the conference should

focus on how to “inject technology in our soil and water for better and higher production.”

Stating that introduction of variety seeds alone cannot achieve the required growth in horticulture sector, Bajarbaruah said to scale up productivity, there is a need to move from “farm mode to factory mode” in farming and to bring “commerce to agriculture.”

The main objective of the conference jointly organized by Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) Nagaland, Hi-Tech Horticultural Society, Meerut, and Society for Recent Development in Agriculture, Meerut, is to provide a forum for deliberating on latest technologies in the field of horticulture/agriculture.

The inaugural programme also witnessed release of souvenir and other publications and conferring of awards to horticulture scientists.

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The Morung Express 2 LocaL DC Dimapur informs Annual Status of Education Dimapur

Thursday

19 February 2015

Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Wezope Kenye has informed all the village/ ward functionaries and landowners of the under mentioned villages affected by the Name of town/village Henivi Khughovi Nihoto Khehokhu Old Showuba Xelhozhe Zani Kushiabill Seithekiema ‘C’ Chumukedima, Block 1

Date

proposed 4-lane National Highway bypass road from Kushiabill village to Chumukedima Bridge that there will be a meeting regarding fixation of land compensation rates and signing of MoU as given in box:

Time

Venue

March 4

10:00 am DC’s conference hall, Dimapur

March 5

10:00 am DC’s conference hall, Dimapur

March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12

10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am

DC’s conference hall, Dimapur DC’s conference hall, Dimapur Chumukedima Town Council hall Chumukedima Town Council hall

Ketoukhrie Peli No-11 celebrates Sekrenyi Kratsii

Ketoukhrie Peli No-11 poses for camera during “Sekrenyi Kratsii” at Tsiituonuomia Zie, T. Khel Ground, Kohima village. Photo by Chizokho Vero Our Correspondent Kohima | February 18

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A three day long “Sekrenyi Kratsii” of Ketoukhrie Peli no-11, T. Khel, Kohima village has entered second here today at Tsiituonuomia Zie, T. Khel Ground. Large number of visitors are seen flocking to the festival as the festival is being marked by performing folk songs and feast.

The festival will go on till February 19.

The Peli No 11 extended its invitation to one and all to be part of the festival. Sekrenyi is a festival of purification with feasting and singing, which is celebrated in the month of February following the Angami calendar. Kratsü is a part of the Sekrenyi festival, which is celebrated by an Age Group (Peli) or Youths of

the village, who are in good numbers, who are united, who are well to do, who have in good understanding, who are good in spirit.

During Kratsü, the Peli or the Youths of the village sit together and sing traditional folk songs throughout the day for three days where, jugs of rice beer and plates of meat are placed before the participants.

When Kratsii is celebrated it indicates unity and strength of that particular age group (Peli) or youth of that village.

Meanwhile, source said some denomination are against celebration of Kratsii in which the Peli No II said the celebration is purely to uphold the good traditional practice and the culture. A youth said that culture and custom are our identify and when such are not practiced “who we are ? .”

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Report 2014 launched Kohima, February 18 (mexN): In Nagaland, overall there is no overwhelming difference in the performance between Government and Private schools, disclosed the latest Annual Status of Education Report, ASER 2014 and Trends over Time report for North- East India, released in Nagaland by Director, SCERT, Vipralhou Kesiezie on February 17 at SCERT Kohima.

The report states, at the same time, studies have shown that factors other than type of school attribute greatly to learning levels. Schools alone cannot be solely responsible for quality education. For an improvement in learning levels, the various stakeholders must actively contribute in their given roles.

The ASER, facilitated

by Pratham surveyed in Nagaland all 11 districts covering 276 villages, 6,586 households, 11,260 children and 255 schools.

ASER is the largest annual household survey of children in rural India that focuses on the status of schooling and basic learning. Facilitated by Pratham, ASER 2014 reached 577 districts and 16,497 villages nationwide. About 570,000 children in the age group 3-16 were surveyed in just over 340,000 households. 15, 206 government schools across rural India were also visited.

Key findings of enrollment & learning for Nagaland • 97.4 % in the age group 6 to 14 are enrolled in school. 2.6% of the same age group are not in school. This figure has doubled since the previous year.

• Unlike neighbouring states, the private school enrollment for Nagaland has not changed much

Representatives from Nagaland University, DoSE, NBSE, SSA, DIETs, NBCC, SCERT staff and parents during the launch of ASER 2014 and Trends over Time report for North- East India on February 17 at SCERT Kohima.

since 2010. In 2014, 38.9% of children are enrolled in private schools.

• Although the All India enrollment levels are very high for the age group covered by the Right to Education Act (i.e. 6 to 14 years), the proportion of 15 to 16 year olds not enrolled in school is substantial at 16.6%.

• In Nagaland 18% of 15 to 16 year olds are out of school, which is higher than national average.

Of these, the percentage of out of school boys in the age group 15 -16 in Nagaland is higher than the National average while percentage of out of school girls in the age group 15 -16 in Nagaland, is lower than the National average.

• In Nagaland, the percentage of children in Std lll who can read at least words has improved over the years. In fact, in 2014, 94.1% of Std III students can read at least words, the highest since 2010.

• However, the percentage of Std V children who can read a Std II level text (story) fluently is lower than the national average. In 2014, only 41.6% could read a Std ll level text. This decline pattern is indicative in both

private and government schools. This is a major source of concern. Reading is a foundational skill.

Without being able to read well, a child cannot progress in the educational system.

• In Math, the performance among Std II children is much better than the national average: 40.2% can do subtraction while the national figure stands at 25.4% • However, Std V maths performance is more or less the same as the national average: 25.6% of Std V children can do division in Nagaland compared to the national average of 26.1%.

• In Nagaland, overall we see that there is no overwhelming difference in the performance between Government and Private schools. At the same time, studies have shown that factors other than type of school, attribute greatly to learning levels. Schools alone cannot be solely responsible for quality education. For an improvement in learning levels, the various stakeholders must actively contribute in their given roles.

• Unlike many other States, fewer children are taking

tuition in Nagaland. schools with availabil• Among other indicators ity of library books is the to note are that, parents lowest in the country. schooling is below na- • Only about half of the tional average: the numgovernment schools ber of mothers whose have created a School schooling is above Std X Development Plan is 7.5%, whereas the Na(SDP). This figure is hightional average is 8.4%; faer than national average thers whose schooling is of 42.3%. above Std X is 15.5%, and National average 19.1%. National key findings • 2014 is the sixth year in a School observations row that enrolment lev– Nagaland els are 96% or higher for • PTR (pupil-teacher rathe 6-14 age group. The tio) at 92.1% is the third proportion of children highest in the country. currently not in school Kerala at 96.6%, Manipur remains at 3.3%. at 92.6% and the national • The proportion of children enrolled in private average stands at 49.3%. schools has increased • Proportion of “small slightly from last year. schools” (less than 60 enrollment) has decreased • Reading levels remain low and unchanged. since the previous years but it is still higher than • Math continues to be a serious and major source the National average. of concern.

• There is an improvement in school facilities, like usable toilets. Around National school 50% schools have bound- observations • Teacher and child attenary wall/fencing. dance in government • However, number of playgrounds is decreasschools show no major changes since last year. ing in the state, while the All India figure is increas- • The proportion of “small schools” (schools with an ing. In 2010, 64.2% of the enrollment of less than government schools in the state had play60 students) in the government primary school grounds and in 2014 the sector continues to grow. figure is 43.8%. All India in 2010 was 62% and in • For the most part, improvement in school fa2014, 65.3% • The percentage of cilities continues.

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Nagaland records 57% prevalence of tobacco consumption

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Kohima, February 18 (mexN): Tobacco consumption scenario in Nagaland according to the Global School Personal Survey (GSPS) 2003, NFHS -2(1998-1999 and NSS (1993-1994) shows, Nagaland has a prevalence rate of 57 per cent.

The male Tobacco users 68%, female tobacco users 28%, school children smoking 37%, male school children smoking 55%, female school children smoking 18%, school children tobacco users (smokeless) 41%, male school children smokeless form users 50%, female school children smokeless form users 33%, Children who use tobacco

products (5-13 yrs) 28.3%, Children who smoke (5-13 yrs) 14.8%.

Dr. H Chishi, state nodal officer of NTCP reported this during District Level Co-ordination Committee Meeting of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima on February 18.

Dr. H. Chishi said the aims and objectives of NCTP are to disseminate the serious concern over the scenario of tobacco consumption in Nagaland.

He that NTCP would create various awareness activities in district level. In which, training and capacity building of stakeholders

will includes; Health providers/workers, civil society organizations, NCC, IMA, IDA members, teachers, village community leaders, GBs, municipal officers and workers, hotel owners and managers, shopkeepers and owners, taxi owners and drivers.

On school awareness programmes, it will target minimum 50 schools in 1 year per districts.

Drawing urgent attention to smokeless tobacco use with particular reference to ‘Rajniganda’ he pointed that it is a very dangerous substance which has a mixture of various chemicals.

He pointed out that to-

bacco is the single greatest preventable cause of death in the world today, killing up to half the people who use it. More than 1 billion people worldwide currently smoke tobacco- about one-quarter of adults- and tobacco use currently kills more than 5 million people worldwide each year.

Dr. H. Chishi said, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI in 200708, launched NTCP with the objective was to create country wide awareness on harmful effects of tobacco, to bring Tobacco Control Laws (COTPA-2003) to the knowledge of the public, to facilitate effective implementation of Tobacco Control

Laws, to bring down the cost of Tobacco Health Burdens.

District administration, Kohima Chamber of Commerce, Kohima Municipal Council including various authorities attended the meeting. The house deliberately discuss the matter, how to disseminate the issues to the grassroots level over the alarming consumption of tobacco in the state. Lithrongla, ADC, Kohima chaired the meeting, while the resource persons from health and family welfares were Dr. H. Chishi, state nodal officer of National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) and Dr Arenla Walling, district nodal officer, Kohima.

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Artang Baptist Church celebrates silver jubilee

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Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Executive Secretary, ABAM speaking at the opening service of the Artang Baptist Church silver jubilee. (Morung Photo) Our Correspondent Mokokchung| February 18

The Artang Baptist Church, Mokokchung celebrated its silver jubilee with Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Executive Secretary, ABAM,

Rev. Ponen Longchar, Pastor MTBA and Bendang Longkumer, Pastor Artang Baptist Church as the main speakers.

The jubilee was celebrated with the theme “To God Be the Glory”. Speak-

ing on ‘the inheritors of freedom’ at the opening of the jubilee service, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger in his message said that one should understand the true meaning of jubilee and why we celebrate it.

He said that jubilee should be a time to forgive and forget past misdeeds and actions and to come and worship Christ in true Christian spirit. If only we realize the need to go back to Christ and accept Him we will be the true inheritors of freedom. Rev. Longri, ex-pastor, Artang Baptist Church, unveiled the jubilee souvenir.

Delegates and invitees from different churches attended the jubilee. There were also delegates from Bungting Baptist church, Arunachal Pradesh. The Artang Baptist Church has their mission works based in Bungting and they had also built the Bungting Baptist Church this year.

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REgional

The Morung Express

Thursday

19 February 2015

Dimapur

3

to review progress of Assam Rifles says sorry to journalists Naidu central schemes in Northeast

New Delhi, February 18 (The Telegraph): The Assam Rifles on February 16 apologised to journalists in Manipur, following the rap received from Union home minister Rajnath Singh when he visited Manipur last week.

Rajnath had a word of caution for the Assam Rifles, the country's oldest paramilitary force. "The home minister told the Assam Rifles to say sorry to journalists and said the press should not be harassed," said a top home ministry source.

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju is also known to have spoken to

the director-general Assam Rifles, Lt Gen. R.K Rana regarding the complaints, sources said. Journalists in Manipur had alleged being insulted by some officers of the Assam Rifles when they accompanied Rajnath Singh and his entourage to Moreh.

Some had complained they were insulted by Assam Rifles personnel while taking pictures.

Anthropologist Verrier Elwin had once described the Assam Rifles as "friends of the hill people".

Rajnath apparently had to remind the paramilitary force to live up to that badge of honour. Assam Rifles was raised as the

Gogoi accuses Centre of not releasing allocated funds guwahaTi, February 18 (iaNS): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Wednesday accused the central government of not releasing funds allocated to the state for various schemes.

The reaction came a day after BJP Lok Sabha MP Bijoya Chakraborty accused the state government of misappropriating funds released by central government for various developmental works.

"In 2014-15, Rs.2,591.62 crore was received by the state so far against the total central fund allocation of Rs.7,161.57 crore," Gogoi said.

He said the state government had already submitted to the centre utilization certificates against various schemes under 2013-14 financial year.

"We have submitted utilization certificates to the tune of Rs.5,236.98 crore for 2013-14. Sometimes it takes time but we have submitted utilization certificates against most of the amount," he said, adding they did not receive funds even for those schemes for which the state government submitted the utilization certificates for the previous year.

Gogoi said that while the centre allocated Rs.1,258.86 crore against Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) in 2014-15, the state has so far received only Rs.730.99.

"Similarly, the centre had allocated Rs.1,405.16 crore against Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) in 2014-15, but we have so far received only Rs.829.74 crore. An amount of Rs.1,269 crore was allocated under different water resources schemes including the flood management programme. However, we have so far received only Rs.22.83 crore," Gogoi said.

He said that there are other schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (MNREGA), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and other central schemes for which substantial amount is yet to be released.

He took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party and said the popularity of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre is decreasing in Assam and other parts of the country.

"The number of central ministers visiting Assam and other northeastern states has increased but still their popularity is going down," he said.

"The prime minister talks of Make In India programme. However, they have suspended the benefits under the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP). So who will come to Assam or Nagaland or to other states in the region to invest?" Gogoi asked.

SPONSORSHIP TO CMC VELLORE, EXPOSURE PROGRAM All those who have registered to be sponsored

by CIHSR through EHA for study in CMC Vellore/Ludhiana will begin the Exposure Program from 9th March onwards in batches.

Your batches and dates would be intimated to you through email only after a confirmation is received from you at cihsr.ehasponsorship@ gmail.com by 28 February 2015 failing which your registration would not be considered for sponsorship

Cachar Levy in 1835.

However, it is not just about misbehaviour with journalists that Assam Rifles has been accused of.

Ever since the rape and murder of Th. Manorama in 2004 in which the armed forces earned a bad name, the force has been struggling to protect its honour in the conflict zone.

One of the talking points for Rajnath when he spoke to senior security forces officials was about protest by people on the Imphal-Moreh road "against the harassment by Assam Rifles at Khudenthabi". A case of harassment of local residents by the Assam Rifles at Khu-

denthabi in Chandel district last week had people up in arms.

With an unceasing movement against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur, relations between people and security forces have not been exemplary. Rajnath raised the issue on his visit to Moreh and Imphal last week, sources said. "The problem is that we cannot push the forces too hard because they are also working hard, even suffering casualties," said a source close to the home minister.

Rajnath motivated the jawans by praising the hard work and got a brief-

ing on border guarding along the Myanmar border. Several valley-based groups like the UNLF and PLA continue to maintain camps across the border in Myanmar.

As business between India and Myanmar is projected to grow, security agencies are also expected to be given greater responsibility. "We are going to clear a land port station at Moreh in order to facilitate greater commercial ties with Myanmar," a home ministry source said.

The Centre has proposed an integrated checkpost here which will be functional soon, Rajnath has said.

ShilloNg, February 18 (TNN): Meghalaya is under surveillance to detect any possible case of swine flu in the state.

"Surveillance officers are monitoring the situation in every district of the state and are sending reports on possible cases of swine flu," said RO Budnah, nodal officer in the directorate of health services.

"As of now, there has been no case of swine flu in Meghalaya," he said, adding that the state health department is gearing up to meet any eventuality.

"A meeting has been held to monitor the situation in the state," said Budnah. He added that reports from the state a hindu priest puts a vermilion mark on an indian devotee at a shiva temple on shivratri festival, or the night of shiva, in Gauhati on Tuesday, February 17. The were being regularly sent to festival is dedicated to the worship of lord shiva, the hindu god of destruction. the Central Surveillance and Emergency Medical Service (AP Photo)

WE ARE HIRING!!!

Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) is looking for a young, dynamic, creative and hardworking person to fill in the position of Assistant Editor for its newsletter, "Katalyst". The position based out of Kohima comes with attractive pay package and corporate benefits. Candidates with prior editorial experience will be given preference.

Interested candidates may submit their CVs/Resumes to the Kohima Office (preferably in person) on or before 23rd February 2015. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. | Entrepreneurs Associates, Kohima (Head Office) | PWD Junction, Next to Traffic Point NH-29 Kohima -797001 | Tel- 91-3702242665/+918131091105 | e-mail-eanagaland.hr@gmail.com |

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Lower P.R. Hill, Kohima, Nagaland

Admission Notice 1. Coaching for JEE (MAINS) – 2015 [for Engineering Courses] 2. Coaching for NSEE (Nagaland State Entrance Examination)/AIPMT-2015 [for MBBS, BDS & Allied Courses]

Contact No. (0370) 2226005

AFFIDAVIT

Dated: 18/02/2015

By this deed I, the undersigned Kimaba (New Name) previously called Kimaba Ao (Old Name) doing profession and resident of H/No- 35, Signal Basti, Dimapur; Nagaland solemnly declare: 1. That for and on behalf of myself and my wife, children and remitter issue, I wholly renounce/ relinquish and abandon the use of my former name/surname of Kimaba Ao and in place thereof, I do hereby assume from this date the name/surname Kimaba Ao, so that I and my wife, children and remitter issue may hereafter be called, known and distinguished not by my former name/ surname, but assumed name/surname of Kimaba.

2. That for the purpose of evidencing such, my determination declare that I shall at all times hereafter in all records, deeds and writings and in all proceedings, dealings and transactions, private as well as upon all occasions whatsoever, use and sign the name of Kimaba as my name/surname place and in substitution of my former name/surname.

3. That I expressly authorize and request all persons in general and relatives and friends in particular, at all times hereafter to designate and address me, my children, and remitter issue by, such assumed surname of Kimaba.

4. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my former and adopted name/surname of Kimaba Ao and Kimaba affix my signature and seal, if any, this 17th day of February 2015.

Deponent

Solemnly sworn and signed before me by the deponent on this 17th day of February 2015.

Notary Public, Dimapur, Nagaland

interests of all North-Eastern states under Smart Cities and other programmes. He also discussed funding of projects in Arunachal Pradesh including development of road networks in the towns of Changlang, Miao, Jairampur, Basar and Wokha and solid waste management project in Ziro.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who also met Naidu in New Delhi, discussed issues relating to funding of storm water drainage, Master Plan for Shillong, augmentation of water supply in Shillong, Williamnagar Town and Resubelpara besides development of Tura, the second largest town of the state.

Sangma requested Naidu for a special dispensation under housing scheme for Meghalaya keeping in view the tribal ethos and culture, land ownership and land tenure system and topography. Naidu assured the Chief Minister that these concerns would be addressed in a large context under the new Housing for All scheme to be launched soon.

Meghalaya under watch for swine flu

Issue of Forms & Prospectus : In progress Admission : In progress Commencement of Classes : 02-03-2015

Regd. No: 800/2015

New Delhi, February 18 (pTi): With the government's special focus on the Northeast region, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu will review progress of schemes pertaining to his ministries in the region to enable speedy development.

The assurance was given to the Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijuju, who met Naidu on Wednesday for discussion on speedy and effective implementation of various central government initiatives in the region. The two ministers decided on close monitoring for implementation of various schemes to enable speedy development of North-Eastern states in the context of Prime Minister’s special focus on the region.

They also discussed the prospective benefits to the region under various new initiatives like building of Smart Cities, New Mission for 500 cities and towns, Housing for All by 2022 and skill development of urban poor.

Rijuju requested Naidu to look after the

Units in New Delhi.

Stating that swine flu is like any other 'seasonal flu', the physician urged people to maintain hygiene by washing hands regularly and also wearing face masks.

"People should maintain respiratory etiquette by maintaining safe distance from those affected by the H1N1 virus," he said.

"The aged, children, diabetics, cancer patients and pregnant women are more susceptible to the disease," he said, adding that the flu spreads "man-to-man" through sneezes and coughs.

The officer also allayed fears regarding consumption of pork, saying that it had nothing to do with swine flu.

Meanwhile, health officials say vaccination is the best way

to prevent or reduce chances of influenza, including swine flu.

"Two antiviral agents — zanamivir-(Relenza) and oseltamivir(Tamiflu) — have been reported to help prevent or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms," said a doctor at a private clinic in the city.

"Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tracts of pigs, resulting in nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite and listless behaviour," read a medical journal.

"Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing; it is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products," it said.

BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE ADMISSION NOTICE The Baptist Theological College (BTC) offers Bachelor of Divinity (B. D.) Degree Course under Senate of Serampore College/ University to- 10+2 passed candidates from any recognized Higher Secondary School or University - Graduates and Post Graduates from any recognized University BTC gives special emphasis on three main things - Academic Excellence - Spiritual Formation - Ministerial Training Application Form can be collected during office hours (9:40 am- 4: 00 pm) Or It can also be downloaded from the College website: www: btcnagaland.org

Entrance Examination will be held on 21st May 2015 The candidates will write Scripture Knowledge, General Knowledge and English. They will have face personal interview after written examination.

For detail please contact Principal 09436428870 Email- btctheol@yahoo.com/ ywezah@gmail.com Website: btcnagaland.org

Vice Principal 09436642791

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

ELECTION DEPARTMENT Nagaland: Kohima

No.NL/SVEEP /GEN-1/2014-15/1884

Kohima, dated 17th February, 2015.

ADVERTISEMENT The Election Commission of India has launched an online competition for voters on the theme "Role of Youth in Election". Interested individuals may visit the website of the Election Commission www.eci.nic.in, and click on the link Online Competition for Voters OR visit http://164.100.

34. 140/nvd for user registration and submission of entries under the following categories: 1. Speak your Mind 2. Word It! 3. Out-of-the-Box 4. In Tune 5. Picture it 6. Through the Lens

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- Short Film Competition.

You can participate in one or more categories of the competition. The last date for submission of entries is 25th February 2015.

Sd/(Chief Electoral Officer) Nagaland : Kohima.

4

Dimapur

businEss

Thursday 19 February 2015

India gets Rs 20,435 cr ‘earnest money’ from spectrum auction

New Delhi, February 18 (PTi): Eight telecom operators have deposited earnest money of about Rs 20,435 crore for spectrum auction starting March 4, with Reliance Jio Infocom submitting the highest guarantee.

“The cumulative EMD (earnest money deposit) submitted by eight telecom operators is about Rs 20,435 crore,” an official source told PTI. Spectrum, or radiowaves, is key part of telecom networks used by companies to provide mobile or wireless services.

The earnest deposit money translate into points that determine the quantum of spectrum blocks a company can bid in the auction process.

RJio has submitted the highest EMD of about

Rs 4,500 crore, followed

by Bharti Airtel Rs 4,336 crore, Idea Cellular Rs 4,000 crore, Vodafone Rs 3,700 crore, Tata Teleservices Rs 1,500 crore, Reliance Communications Rs 1,175 crore, Telewings (Uninor) Rs 724.95 crore and Aircel Rs 500 crore indicating aggressive bidding in auction rounds, sources said.

These companies, barring Uninor, did not respond to queries sent to them to confirm the amounts.

Uninor in a statement said: “Uninor has filed application expressing its intent to participate in the upcoming spectrum auctions.”

The government expects to garner over Rs 80,000 crore from the sale of radiowaves for providing 2G as well as 3G ser-

vices, going by the reserve price. Proceeds from this year’s auction are expected to help the government meet its fiscal deficit target of 4.1% of the GDP. It has approved the minimum or auction start price for the 2,100 MegaHertz band or 3G spectrum, which will garner at least Rs 17,555 crore. The reserve price for auction of 2G spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 Mhz and 1800 MHz bands will fetch the government at least Rs 64,840 crore.

Most of the spectrum being put up for the auction is at present held by Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Telecom.

Their licences are expiring in 2015-16.

Idea Cellular’s 9 circles, 6 circles of Airtel and 7 circles each of Vodafone and Reliance Telecom are

coming up for renewal.

These companies have to compulsorily bid for spectrum to continue offering mobile and other telecom services as their permits are expiring.

Entry of RJio, Tata Teleservices, Uninor and Aircel shows that these companies are in the fray for additional spectrum.

The spectrum in 900 Mhz band frequencies is seen as good for providing telecom services as it gives double the coverage than mobile signal transmitted in 1800 Mhz band and therefore fewer number of mobile towers.

Most of the licences coming up for renewal hold 900 Mhz band spectrum which is also scarce in quantity.

The 3G spectrum is the other frequency for which telecom operators

are expected to bid aggressively. The government is auctioning only 5 Mhz of 3G spectrum against industry demand of 20 Mhz. Airtel, RCom and Aircel individually hold 3G spectrum in 13 out of 22 telecom service areas; Idea Cellular in 11, Vodafone and Tata Teleservices in 9 circles each.

Industry experts believe that operators will try to win 3G spectrum in service areas where they don’t have it to become pan-India 3G operators and reduce dependency on roaming agreement.

As per credit rating firm CRISIL, telecom operators are expected to jointly shell out over Rs 90,000 crore in the upcoming auction and their debt may rise by about Rs 70,000 crore after making payment.

The Morung Express

BMW launches India’s 1st plug-in hybrid

MuMbai, February 18 (bs): BMW Group India introduced the new subbrand BMW i in India with the launch of BMW i8, a sports car.

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle is prices at Rs 2.29 crores. The car will be available at Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai dealerships as a completely built unit from today.

The plug-in hybrid system combines the benefit of an electric motor and a petrol engine, giving enhanced fuel efficiency.

The electric drive, a powerful 96 kW

(131hp) lithium-ion battery is located in the front axle. The rear axle is driven by a twin turbo 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 231hp of peak power.

Running on battery, BMW claims the i8 can achieve a top speed of 120kmph with a maximum range of 35 kms.

In conjunction with the petrol engine, the electric motor takes the car to upto 250km/h and depending on the driving style the driving range can be upto 600 kms. The car delivers an average of 47.45 km/litre.

All Central schemes Snapdeal acquires exclusively to Finance Ministry seeks should adopt DBT from April create ‘India’s first online luxury mall’ views on proposal to New Delhi, February 18 vidual beneficiaries, from levels New Delhi, February geted $2 billion in GMV in the commerce initiatives for Manish set up finance SEZs (ageNcies): In a significant other than Central…from state 18 (ageNcies): Further fashion category this year.

Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Man-

ramp-up of the direct benefit transfer programme, the finance ministry has said electronic transfers must be made to beneficiaries of all schemes where that involve any kind of cash benefits.

Accordingly, all ministries have been asked to use DBT for all Central sector as well as Centrally sponsored schemes from April.

The move would significantly widen the scope of the two-year old DBT that was launched in from January 2013 but is confined to just 28 schemes involving cash transfers for scholarships and pensions. The Centre has now also begun to roll out modified DBTL or Pahal for transfer of cooking gas subsidy directly into beneficiaries accounts.

“For greater and universal impact on efficiency in delivery of benefits, their timeliness, along with accurately targeting of the intended beneficiaries, it is imperative that DBT may be extended beyond the transfers to the Centre directly to individuals to all schemes or projects that have any component of cash benefits transfer to indi-

or district of sub-district level or government or non-government agencies,” the department of expenditure has said in a missive to all government ministries.

In the case of Central sector schemes, the finance ministry has asked all departments to transfer funds electronically to all individuals and institutions. It has directed that a digitised list of all beneficiaries must be made and seeded with Aadhaar numbers by June 30. “E-transfer of funds will start in all (central) schemes not later than April, 2015,” the ministry has stressed.

Similarly, for all CSS schemes, the Central ministry will transfer funds to the state governments and work with states to transfer the cash component of each scheme to beneficiaries electronically.

For these schemes, ministries have to prepare a digitised list of beneficiaries by 30 March 2015 that should be seeded with 100 per cent Aadhaar numbers

by June 30.

Cash transfer would be made

by Public Financial Management Systems of the Controller General of Accounts or NEFT, the finance ministry said.

strengthening its fashion business, online marketplace Snapdeal.com today announced the acquisition of Exclusively.com (formerly Exclusively.in), the definitive online destination for premium and luxury fashion.

Under this partnership, Exclusively will complement Snapdeal’s existing ecosystem and will provide a consolidated offering for the luxury and lifestyle shopper, making it India’s first online luxury mall, the ecommerce major said in a press note.

Luxury and premium fashion brands from across the world can now open stores in Exclusively’s online luxury mall, which will continue to function as an independent site and all aspects of Exclusively’s online shopping experience will remain intact, with new collection and service augmentations in the pipeline.

With its nationwide reach, Snapdeal will help Exclusively scale up and expand its current business and reach.

With more than 70 per cent consumers wanting to shop for luxury products in India rather than abroad, Snapdeal has tar-

_

LEISURE

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

SUDOKU Game Number # 3142

Luxury products and services is a $14 bn market in India and it is growing at 30 per cent YoY, according to a recent KPMG-ASSOCHAM report.

Commenting on this acquisition, Kunal Bahl, co-Founder & CEO, Snapdeal.com said, “Snapdeal has always operated ahead of the curve in the e-commerce space, especially when it comes to category leadership. We have witnessed a surge in the demand from consumers across the country for premium and luxury products, however, given that access to luxury brands is severely limited in our country, we have brought Exclusively into our family to provide our 40 million+ users the access to widest range of aspirational, high end products and services.”

The first company to offer Indian designer-wear online, Exclusively retails hundreds of India’s leading designers on its site, including Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Manish Arora, Anita Dongre, Rohit Bal, Gaurav Gupta, JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Varun Bahl, Shivan & Narresh and Neeta Lulla, to name a few. Exclusively also powers e-

ish Arora, Gaurav Gupta, AM:PM and Rohit Bal. Exclusively’s portfolio of partners also includes recently launched premium fashion MBO’s and retailers such as Angsutra, Bungalow 8, CMYK, Ekaya, En Inde, Le Mill, Neel Sutra and Studio Rudraksh.

In 2015, Exclusively plans to launch leading international luxury brands and designers on the site.

Speaking about the announcement, Sunjay Guleria and Mohini Boparai-Guleria, co-Founders of Exclusively said, “Exclusively has built and grown a cache of leading premium Indian designers, brands and boutiques. The partnership with Snapdeal comes at the right time.

With increased awareness and growing disposable incomes, premium and luxury consumption in India is seeing a significant upward trend.”

“With the geographical limitations of the brick-and-mortar model, we strongly believe that the luxury and premium segments can only be grown by sharing access with the consumer,” they said.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3152

Answer Number # 3141

New Delhi, February 18 (PTi): The Finance Ministry has sought comments on a proposal to set up finance SEZs in the country with a view to make India a global hub of financial services.

India requires sophisticated financial services to fuel growth in the future, the concept note of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) said.

The financial system determines the allocative efficiency of the use of capital; a sophisticated financial system improves the GDP growth obtained out of a given flow of investment, it said.

Establishment of finance SEZs would help in bringing the trade on rupee and NIFT, which has shifted to countries like Singapore and Dubai, London. The note said a substantial process of financial sector reforms is underway, with the implementation of the draft Indian Financial Code (IFC) that has been drafted by Justice Srikrishna’s ‘Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission’ (FSLRC).

This involves many new ideas in the law and the institutional infrastructure, said NIPFP. “Implementing those ideas now in Finance SEZs is a way for those ideas to be test-driven on a relatively modest scale. This can be a pilot project before these ideas are applied on an all-India scale,” it said.

It has also suggested a securities exchange within a Finance SEZ. “If such an exchange can be built in a finance SEZ in India, it would be able to trade a comprehensive array of Indian and global products,” the note said.

The note further said that it is difficult to have banks in finance SEZs as these would not have access to lender of the last resort facilities from the RBI. “For some time, we may envision a world where global banks will open branches in Indian finance SEZs but there will not be de novo banks who are licensed to operate there,” it said.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital:

227930, 231081

Faith Hospital:

228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

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R

Dog Breeds SAINTBERNARD COLLIE GOLDENRETRIEVER BLACKLABRADOR GREATDANE POODLE AFGHAN SHELTIE BLUEHEELER ROTTWEILER GERMANSHEPHERD WELSHCORGI DACSHUND SCOTCHTERRIOR JACKRUSSELLTERRIER BEAGLE SHITZU BORDERCOLLIE OLDENGLISHSHEEPDOG BORZOI GREYHOUND

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

R A B O R D E R C O L L I E U P Q J G Z

ACROSS

1. Slumber 6. Keg 10. Russian emperor 14. Crown 15. Dwarf buffalo 16. Vagabond 17. Mistake 18. Adroit 19. Female sheep (plural) 20. Corridor 22. Small amount 23. Obtain 24. Units of medicine 26. Tradition 30. _____ and groom 32. Heavenly hunter 33. Rule of thumb 37. Cultivate 38. Noblemen 39. Voice Over Internet Protocol 40. A woman salesperson 42. Fight with swords 43. Violent disturbances 44. Renter 45. Adjust 47. Ambition 48. Fortitude 49. Flood 56. Hindu princess

57. A short musical composition 58. Move forward suddenly 59. Chocolate cookie 60. Makes lace 61. Fruity-smelling compound 62. Alert 63. Fired a weapon 64. Wearing footgear

DOWN

1. Stair 2. Former Italian currency 3. Hearing organs 4. God of love 5. Ideal 6. Trainee 7. Again 8. Couch 9. Grasshoppers 10. Reflexive form of “them” 11. “Holy cow!”

12. Assists 13. Thorny flower 21. Precious stone 25. Lyric poem 26. Camp beds 27. Murres 28. Window ledge 29. Permissiveness

30. Prickles 31. Small brook 33. Pace 34. Charged particles 35. Agreeable 36. Type of sword 38. Conceited people 41. Take in slowly 42. Women 44. Cover 45. A kind of macaw 46. Restaurant 47. Anxiety 48. Get bigger 50. Ark builder 51. “Do ___ others...”

52. Backside 53. Within 54. Curved molding 55. Egghead Ans to CrossWord 3151

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

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

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

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

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

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

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

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

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

Police Station 1:

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

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

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

Thai Baht

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

60.78 93.44 7.58 47.11 44.48 48.63 50.47

63.90 99.03 8.50 50.21 47.20 51.63 54.40

68.8

73.05

1.81

2.02

0.053

0.0595

New Zealand Dollar

45.4

48.40

Chinese Yuan

9.37

10.50

Korean Won

LOCAL

The Morung Express

Thursday 19 February 2015

Low cost laparoscopic Shürhozelie-led NPF responds surgery in Nagaland Morung Express News Dimapur | February 18

For the needy and poor patients in Nagaland who cannot afford regular laparoscopic surgery, a ray of hope has come in the form of lift laparoscopic surgery, which is reportedly four-five times cheaper than regular laparoscopic surgery Gasless or lift laparoscopic surgeries use special instruments initially developed in Germany.

Recent studies carried out have shown its superiority over regular laparoscopic surgeries in terms of complications and physiological changes and lift laparoscopic surgery does not use carbon dioxide.

For the first time in Nagaland, internationally renowned laparoscopic surgeon, Dr. J Gnanaraj, in association with Association of Rural Surgeons, India, performed 15 surgeries including appendix, gall stone, kidney stone, prostrate, wombs and tumours, here at Family Health Clinic and Hospital, Nagarjan Junction, using the alternative “safe and minimal invasive surgery.”

Dr. J Gnanaraj is presently working at Samiti for Educational, Environmental, Health & Social Action (SEESHA), the public charitable organization founded by famed philanthropist and educationalist Dr. Paul Dhinakaran.

He was assisted by Dr.

Renowned urologist, Dr. J Gnanaraj (3rd left) along with Dr. Sungtiakum Jamir (2nd right) and Dr. Kahuka Sema (extreme left) along with SEESHA workers at Family Health Clinic, Wednesday.

Kahuka Sema of Family Health Clinic and Dr. Sungtiakum Jamir, a Switzerland based Naga doctor working with Hope for People International and two male assistants for SEESHA. Interacting with media persons after performing the series of surgeries, the tired looking, but still cheerful urologist, said lift laparoscopic surgery has many advantages, especially for the rural poor and working people.

“Besides the low cost involved, lift laparoscopic surgeries with minimal invasive and single incision is advantageous for the poor and working people as they have to get back to work immediately after the surgeries,” he said.

The cost involved in lift laparoscopic surgery may range from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 2 lakh as compared to more than Rs. 10 lakh in some cases of regular laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Gnanaraj informed that during the last two years, the SEESHA team has performed more than 400 single incision surgeries across the country and conducted workshops to train rural surgeons on the lift surgery technique.

He also said that SEESHA team would be paying monthly visit to Family Health Clinic to review cases of surgeries performed and also treat new patients.

In the coming months, the team along with the newly formed Surgical Services Initiative (SSI), which will have its headquarters at Kohima, would be visiting other hospitals in rural Nagaland to extend their services.

Dr. Sungtiakum Jamir, who is also the secretary of SSI, said the Initiative comprising of like-minded doctors from all over the world willing to work in rural areas would focus on capacity building or rural based hospitals.

Kohima, February 18 (mexN): The NPF led

by Shürhozelie today stated that accusation of kidnapping and involvement of ‘anti social elements’ against it by Noke-led NPF holds no water. It maintained that it has been “restraining all these days exhibiting due respect to legislators who were forced to dissidents confinement considering their political career.”

Refuting the press statement of the Noke group as appeared in today’s issue, the press bureau of Shürhozelie-led NPF asked the former, “who (is) still shamelessly spewing their hatreds and political venoms out of desperation in the media” to “swallow their own weakness and defeat.” It also advised the NPF (N) to “stop fooling the Naga masses.”

The Shürhozelie-led NPF also said it had submitted necessary documents to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for authentication at the appointed time.

However, the “dissident group” were perplexed by the timely submission and accused Dr Shürhozelie of being reluctant to submit the report to ECI. Further, it stated that it “feels pity” for Noke as “for no fault of his, he is being used and forced to sign a press drafted by dubious characters using his stature for their selfish political mileage.”

Meanwhile, the release noted that on the day of floor test, all the 59 MLAs voted in favour of TR Zeliang government and created record. Pointing out that the NPF “dissident MLAs” too accepted the

leadership of Dr. Shürhozelie and Party Chief Whip in the floor of Assembly, it questioned, “How can the dissident accuse TR Zeliang as minority government?” “Do the dissident group mean to say they voted for Zeliang after receiving payment? If so, how much did each dissident received? Every elected representative should maintain self-esteem as parliamentarian and speak accordingly,” it staed.

Further, asserting that the NPF party wants peace for all round development, the release said the party backed government is leaving no stone unturned to defuse the volatile situation in Tuensang. In this, it asked the “dissident” group not to try to “capitalise and politicise the situation for cheap mileage.”

Kohima police arrest one with drugs Kohima, February 18 (mexN): The personnel of DEF Kohima manning Peducha check-gate on February 18 around 1:00 am seized a suitcase filled with 21,600 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon from a taxi (Tata Winger) bearing registration number MN 06L/5448.

In this connection, one person identified as Md. Manjur Alam (37) from Kiyamgei, East Imphal, Manipur, was arrested for illegal possession of the banned drugs, informed a press release from Sub–Divisional

Police Officer & PRO, Kohima, Atu Zumvü According to the statement of the accused, the 150 boxes of contraband drugs with each box containing 144 capsules was purchased for a sum of Rs.65,000/- from various outlets (pharmacies) in Guwahati, Assam on February 17, said the release.

After the purchase, the release added, the accused emptied 10 boxes each in a black polythene bag and reached Dimapur on February 17 at around 8:00 pm by BG Express alongwith the

consignment. At around 11 pm the same day, he further boarded the taxi bound for Imphal from Dimapur railway station.

The accused, according to the release, was transporting the drugs to Imphal for personal consumption and for sale to customers.

A regular case vide Sechü (Zubza) P.S case No. 0006/2015 U/S 13 D.C Act has been registered against the accused and he has been remanded into police custody for conducting further investigation, it added.

SN questions NPGs, Naga apex organizations

(From left) Director, CIH Nagaland, Dr. Lallan Ram; Horticulture Commissioner, DAC, MoA, Dr. SK Malhotra; Dr. Bijendra Singh and Director, ICAR-NEH, Barapani, Dr. SV Ngachan, releasing the souvenir of the international conference on “Technological interventions in agricultural sciences.”

Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): Survival Nagaland has condemned the “recruitment of IBIs as tax collectors and in other ranks and files by the NPGs.” In a press statement, SN questioned the NSCN (IM) authorities as to how Nurjahan Hussein, who was caught by the Assam Rifles with a 9mm pistol and a silencer, had confessed that he was working as tax collector under one Johar Ali and Hashim “who seem

to be the chief collector of NSCN (IM) from Dimapur main business centres.”

Asking the Naga Political Groups to come out publicly “what their agenda is for recruiting such illegal immigrants in the Naga National Movement,” SN also questioned whether “the freedom they are fighting for is for Nagas or these Bangladeshis and if accumulating wealth through collection of taxes was the main objective or fighting the Naga sovereignty is

more important cause?”

The release further cautioned that if the influx of IBI population is not controlled immediately in Nagaland, the municipal seats and assembly constituencies of Dimapur will be in their hands within just decades and a half as “almost economic activities are in their hands by collaborating with the NPGs.” “Thanks to our GBs/Chairmen and our other leaders for making them our genuine citizen of our land by is-

suing them permanent resident certificates,” it added.

Survival Nagaland also questioned the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association and the Naga Students’ Federation about their stand on the NPGs recruiting IBIs into “our freedom movement completely endangering our very existence.” It asked the Naga apex bodies to publicly give out their opinion and let the whole Naga people know what they are going to do about it.

National Integration Camp underway in Kma “Kiahe Riitso” celebrated in Kohima Village Kohima, February 18 (mexN): A National Integration Camp is being held in Kohima from February 18 to 22 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. 250 youth from the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Bihar, Punjab and Nagaland are participating in the 5-day camp hosted by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Nagaland.

The inaugural function was graced by Temjen Yabang (IFS), Conservator of Forest, Government of Nagaland. Yabang appreciated the endeavours of the youth in nation service and nation building and called upon them to continue

to play a proactive role in making the country strong and vibrant united India.

He stated that diversity in religion, race, culture and language is our greatest strength, but, it should not become our enemy. “Let us learn to speak the language of love, tolerance, respect and understanding among ourselves,” he added.

A press release from John Makhabo, District Youth Coordinator, NYK Kohima further informed that Jackie Ruivah, Zonal Director, NYK, Nagaland in her keynote address said that NICs are hallmarks for beginning of a nation-wide campaign against commu-

nal and disruptive forces.

The theme of the NIC is to make the people in general and youth in particular aware of the threat posed by disruptive forces and to equip themselves to safeguard the common heritage and secular fibre of the country.

The highlights of the programme include cultural extravaganza, seminars, Know India Quiz, eco-trekking, visit to historic places, visit to Naga villages to provide opportunity to the youth for first hand information on Naga way of life, learning each other culture and tradition, language, songs, party games etc.

State Apitherapy attracts huge crowd at national festival TsemiNyu, February 18 (mexN): A five-member team from Nagaland participated in the National Tribal Festival organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India at Central Park, Connaught Place and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, New Delhi from February 13 to 18.

The team from Healing Home of Teregonyu Village of Tseminyu Subdivision under Kohima District, who were facilitated and supported by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), participated in the festival for ‘demonstration and treatment of various ailments and sicknesses of people through Apitherapy by use of bee venom.’

The Nagaland Apitherapy Stall attracted the attention of the Capital crowd; thousands of people were tested or treated and many experienced instant healing through the therapy

by Lily Tep and her team, a press release stated. The participants from across the country highly demanded for Bee Venom Apitherapy Centre to be established in the Capital Delhi, said the press release.

The Nagaland team participat-

A large number of visitors gathered at the Nagaland Apitherapy stall during the National Tribal Festival organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in New Delhi.

ed to create awareness on the importance of Apitherapy, which has become very famous in Nagaland, it was informed. Subsequently, it is envisioned that the Apitherapy, which is an alternative and natural treatment through the nature bee, will gain its popularity in the State and Country as a whole through the policy support of the State and Central Government, the release added.

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, sponsored the Nagaland team of Apitherapy.

Our Correspondent Kohima | February 18

The Khrietho Peli No.11, P. Khel, Kohima Village celebrated “Kiahe Riitso” from February 17 to 18 at P. Khel, Kohima village.

The festival was graced

by Vilie-o Rutsa, president, Angami Public Organization (APO) as the chief guest and Zeneizo Rutsa, chairman, P. Khel Council Kohima village as guest of honour.

In the formal function on day one, organizing committee convenor, Kedoulhoutuo Rutsa led the service while Ruokuovituo Robert Rutsa, catechiest,

Nagaland BJP condemns church attacks Dimapur , February 18 (mexN): The Nagaland state unit of the BJP has expressed “deep concern” and condemned the recent attacks on Churches and Christian institutions in Delhi. A press note from the party appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “coming out unequivocally against the recent attacks and controversial utterances by right- wing fringe elements…” The Nagaland BJP stated that the present government in the center “will ensure complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence and will not allow any religious group belonging to majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others “overtly or covertly.” It further affirmed that the party “believes in the Constitution of India and to the principles of Socialism, Secularism and Democracy.” Attacks like the ones on churches in Delhi, it stated has no place in a secular country like India. The BJP also appealed for peace in Tuensang and amicable settlement of issues “in a true Christian spirit.”

Dimapur

5

MEx FILE Four NSCN (K) cadres apprehended Kohima, February 18 (mexN): Four NSCN (K) cadres were apprehended during a search operation carried out by troops of 19 Assam Rifles along with a police representative on February 11 at Old Minister’s Hill, Kohima. The search operation was carried out based on specific information about presence of NSCN (K) cadres in the area, said Assam Rifles in a press release and identified the apprehended persons as Among Yim, Tsathvii Thiiviiri, Kughato Chishi and Sona Aye. Further, the release informed that earlier on June 20, 2014, Among Yim, was apprehended by Security Forces. The apprehended cadres have been handed over to Kohima Police Station (South) for further interrogation and investigation, it was added.

NSCN (IM) condoles Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): NSCN (IM) has expressed deep anguish at the sudden demise of Maj. Retd. Khugoto Chishi of Sumi Region on February 18. A condolence message from MIP, NSCN (IM) stated, “He (Maj. Retd. Khugoto) served our nation whole heartedly till his last breath in various capacities. His passing away will surely leave a big vacuum which will be hard to fill.”

NSCN (IM) further expressed deepest sorrow and sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

PVC shocked over illegal tax allegation Kohima, February 18 (mexN): The Phesama Village Council (PVC) has expressed shock over the allegation made by All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Dimapur Unit that “Phesama Drivers’ Union” is collecting illegal tax from the taxis plying between Dimapur and Imphal. ANTA Dimapur Unit had sought Dimapur Deputy Commissioners’ action in this regard as appeared in a local daily on January 28, 2015. Phesama Village Council Chairman Vimedo Chuse and General Secretary Rovise Khale in a press release said that PVC has made its stand very clear that there is no such Union that exists and hampers anybody by collecting such illegal tax within its jurisdiction as stated. Therefore, the village Council urged the responsible Union to refrain from issuing such statements in future before comprehensively investigating which may hurt the sentiments of its people.

Autorickshaw recovered Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union (DDADU) today recovered one autorickshaw bearing registration number NL07 S 5219 “lying abandoned” near DC Court junction. DDADU president K Hokaito Zhimomi in a press release informed that “some miscreants” had stolen the wheels of the said autorickshaw and left the body there.

Sumi Baptist Convention meeting Dimapur, February 18 (mexN): The Sumi Baptist Convention Silver Jubilee Planning Board is scheduled to meet on February 23, 3:00 pm at Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar. Therefore, all the Planning Board members have been requested to attend the meeting. A press release from Rev. Khehovi Shohe, Director, Sumi Baptist Convention, also informed the Sumi Bible Editorial Board that sitting has been convened for February 24-26 at Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazaar. The meeting will start at 7:00 am on February 24 and therefore the Board members have been requested to attend the meeting.

AHoD and HoD meeting Kohima, February 18 (Dipr): A meeting of all Administrative Heads of Department and Heads of Department will be held on February 20 at 1:00 pm in the Secretariat Conference Hall. A circular from the Home Department Secretariat Branch (A), Government of Nagaland vide No. SAB (A)-12/26/06(Pt) dated February 17 has requested all AHODs and HODs to attend the meeting positively.

Phek: PTCSU against erratic power supply

Dignitaries with Khrietho Peli No.11, P. Khel, Kohima Village during “Kiahe Riitso” at P. Khel on February 18. (Morung Photo)

Christ King Church pro- president, Khrietho Peli nounced a prayer.

No. II, P. Khel led the serNeiziengulie Rame, vice today.

Kohima, February 18 (mexN): The Phek Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (PTCSU) expressed its strong resentment over the irregularities of electricity at Phek town, especially during examination days.

The Union wondered as to why the power department fails to supply regular power with many lame excuses, especially during the examination days “without sparing a thought for students’ examination.” The Union president Kudukhoto Tetseo said it would compel the students to take serious action if the department continues to fail to redress the students’ grievances.

Catholic Church start Lent season with Ash Wednesday Kohima, February 18 (mexN): On February 18, the Catholic Church began one of the most important seasons of the Church year – the 40 days of Lent, with observance of Ash Wednesday (dies cinerum). The celebration at Mary Help of Christian Cathedral in Kohima was officiated by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima.

A press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima, said that Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is a solemn day of fast and abstinence.

On the day, ashes are blessed during Mass and are then "imposed" on the forehead of the faithful as a sign of conversion, penance, fasting and human mortality. “The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God. Far from being a merely external act, the Church has retained

Members of Mary Help of Christian Cathedral being blessed on Ash Wednesday.

the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the baptized are called during Lent,” it added.

Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil in his homily explained the importance of Ash Wednesday. He stated that the imposition of ashes is a reminder that “we” are mortal beings and “our” bodies will become dust when buried and ashes if cremated and that “our” life span is very brief and unpredictable. “It gives us

the strong warning that we will be eternally punished if we do not repent of our sins and do penance. It is also a loving invitation to realize and acknowledge our sinful condition and return to our loving and forgiving God as the prodigal son did,” he added.

According to the release, the 40 days of Lent after the Ash Wednesday is a time of penitence, an introspective period during which the Catholic faithful take stock of their lives and their re-

lationships with God and mankind to discover and change what they must, in order to prepare for Easter and experience of spiritual renewal. The whole observance is in imitation of the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food, being tempted by the Devil, it said.

Further, it informed that the bishop hoped and wished that the people in Nagaland, especially in Tuensang District where there is tension and strife, “come to realise the folly of violence and violation of human dignity, come to reconciliation with God and with one another, our neighbours, in imitation of Jesus who gave himself for us and for our salvation on the Cross.”

The most important days in the season of Lent, apart from Ash Wednesday, are Palm Sunday, Maundy or Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, leading to the glorious Easter, it was added.

6

IN-FOCUS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express THursDAy 19 fEbruAry 2015 volumE X IssuE 47

by Aheli moitra

Where is the sisterhood?

I

n Nagaland, the Naga people can be a little free. Grandmother can still go tend to her jhum field if she so pleases. She can go sit at a marketplace and sell her produce if she wants to further prolong her labour to earn a bit (unless the municipal council chases her out, as is being reported lately). Daos and hunting rifles can be carried around at free will—bikes can be stolen with relative ease. Each dialect is free to speak its tongue.

Thuwu-ni, a contemporary festival, can be celebrated at will with fervour, as can the traditional Lui-Ngai-Ni. Here, we can pull out our neighbour for the water dispute at hand. We can call for reconciliation based on the sisterhood shared over generations. Food can be shared and eaten without suspicion. Most of the time, we can freely throw a punch without turning it into a communal riot. We can go to work if we please, and not bother with it most of the time, at least if we are employed by the government. Other peoples can be regarded and discarded at will.

Not so cool for the Naga people who live as minorities in the different states and countries.

In Myanmar on the east, the Naga people have to constantly remain under fear of cultural assimilation. From clothing to architecture to religion, everything is affected. Other ethnic groups in the country look down upon the Nagas for underdevelopment that was obviously not chosen by a mother for her child.

In Assam on the west, the Nagas are under consistent scrutiny for practicing their religion, or for asserting political representation and their right to the land.

However, it has emerged from these areas that one must affiliate with the Naga brand so excessively that no friendships and freedoms can be practiced by the Naga with neighbouring communities. That Naga history is so separate and unique that it must remain hostile to the rest. This has spelt consistent trouble for the minority Naga people who share home boundaries with other peoples. The Zomi of Churachandpur, who were friends of the Naga people (and some still are), turned their back after being shown too much ‘arrogance’ of Naga identity politics. They have since decided to go their own way.

In Karbi Anglong in Assam, the Karbis live in constant suspicion of the Nagas because the latter will not, and cannot (due to pressure from Nagas far away), cooperate—the fear of usurpation of land has led to protracted conflict and fear among the communities. The Meitei people of Imphal, who still recognize the Tangkhul as their brothers, will not have an open and free dialogue, and vice versa.

Can we not assert our nationalities, visions and aspirations, and still share sisterhood? The whole point of movements in the region is to question a structure that promotes the separateness of such aspirations. Regional festivals, as such, have become symbolic gestures towards bringing communities together, attempting to go beyond the battlefield of suspicion. Here you can showcase your age old architecture and crafts, for instance, and bring in aspects of similarity instead of differences. Here you can share a joke and not offend, appreciate each other’s food for what it is. Perhaps this will lead to a semblance of a free life that we enjoy within the warm and indulgent confines of Nagaland. The Naga people of Nagaland should show solidarity with the Nagas sharing boundaries with other communities and partake in this show of solidarity and friendship with its neighbourhoods before it gets too late, and the neighbours close in on Nagas instead of the other way preferred round.

Comments may be sent to moitramail@yahoo.com

lEfT wiNg |

Mazie Nakhro, Ph.D

Day 31: A ruler's Pursuit of vanities Thought-Provoking Questions: Is it really worth it to be rich and powerful without God? Does it pay to be worldly?

What does God say? Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 Solomon was a godly ruler-turned-hedonist. He started well with God and experienced His favor. But when he became powerful and famous, he became proud and unaccountable.

He dethroned God from his heart. Now without Him, Solomon sought meaning and fulfilment in worldly things.

To feel powerful, he tried ruling as he liked. To gain intellectual fame, he sought human wisdom and education. To feel rich, he collected gold and silver. To boost his sense of achievement, he constructed palatial buildings and beautiful parks. To be entertained, he brought comedians and singers.

To indulge his taste, he gave himself to wine and food. To fulfil his sexual pleasures, he surrounded himself with gorgeous women.

But having tried and tasted all, Solomon finally came to this conclusion: "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind" (1:14).

Because Solomon left out God in his life, he ended up a miserable man. Even his sons turned out to be bad. Worst of all, his people inherited a broken kingdom because of 1 Kings 11:9-11).

Okay, so now what?

Land of Festivals where wine flows everywhere and money can buy anything, are the following statements descriptive of our present day society? "A feast is made for laughter and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything" (Eccl.10:19). “Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart" (7:7).

'Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant [to Delhi or Naga national groups] and whose princes feast in the morning" (10:16).

Could some of our leaders, like the backslidden Solomon, be leading our society into all kinds of futility and making our society more pagan than Christian? If so, may we repent and turn to the God who alone can give us true satisfaction and real meaning in life.

Then to the young people Solomon exhorts, "Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning" (4:13). "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them"' (12:1).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that we have turned our back on You and made worldly things as our god; we have abandoned the way of righteousness; we have lost our moral values. I beseech You in the Name of Jesus, forgive our sins. Send us a spiritual awakening and redeem our society from moral corruption. Amen.

Taken from the book “Breakfast with the King: The 100-Day Devotional” by Mazie Nakhro

C O M M E N T A R Y

THE EDIT PAGE

Kathryn Dowling

‘There's a proper market for proper journalism’

Robert Peston gives his views on what it's like for entry level broadcast journalists in the BBC - and elsewhere – today To kick off a series of interviews ahead of the BBCs Charter Renewal, I was asked to explore the reality for wannabe journalists.

I met with the BBC’s Robert Peston who spoke with brilliant honesty about his experiences. Robert has an instinctive sense of what it means to be a ‘jobbing hack’ so I was immediately drawn into a sort of working shorthand.

His candid, no nonsense take on a world that three years after graduating has left me with more failed starts than I care to remember - and a bank balance that’s anything but – made it a twisted comfort to hear that whilst there are no shortcuts, the proverbial cup is far from empty:

“I

t’s an astonishing time to be a journalist … when I started out there was print TV and radio - that was it.

Now we have the opportunity to get news out there 24/7 - online, print, TV, radio ... that combination of so many different platforms. The fact news never sleeps means that you get stuff out there in real time; the interaction via social media, the convergence, the fact that no longer do these news organisations define themselves as being only audio, telly, words and print. Everyone does a bit of everything – it’s incredibly exciting.

But it’s challenging in the sense that I think all young journalists have to be able to communicate in all media. I write a lot, I do telly a lot, I do long and short form films. I do a lot of radio, a lot of stuff on traditional channels like BBC 1 and Radio 4. I also do stuff that’s only in audio and writing. I am available and in practice literally work round the clock.

The difficult side of all this is that traditional media are struggling to find a way of making money out of journalism. Because the BBC’s not supposed to have some tremendously unfair advantage, there’s a big onus on us to be as productive and efficient as possible, so people can’t accuse us of being feather bedded by the licence payer. So all of us - whether in the commercial arm or not at the BBC – are under intense pressure to produce more for less: more output for less money.

That may change as and when the method of charging for good news high quality news happens, when a tolerable revenue model gets created, and it’s in the process of being created.

But we ain’t there yet. In this world of intense change, all organisations are struggling to do less with more and make an acceptable return. It makes it hard for individual journalists. Good journalism requires the time and space to research and really get underneath the story. That’s true both of investigations and best quality reporting. If you really want to get inside a subject, a lot of journos are finding they really haven’t got the time to do the leg work that’s necessary.

I think this is a relatively temporary phenomenon in the sense that I believe there’s a proper market for

proper journalism. People will pay for it in some shape or form - organisations that invest in high quality journalism will ultimately be the ones that have a sustainable long term future and those that try to do as much as they can, as cheaply as possible and never mind the quality, will ultimately be the ones that don’t have a viable long term future.

The other thing that concerns me is that in all media - it’s true of the new generation of media and its increasingly true of traditional commercial media there’s too much blurring of the lines between advertising and straight reporting. I’m concerned about the proliferation of this native advertising – this blurring of the lines for two reasons: First is the way this signposting, this badging of the sponsor, is not always as clear on a website as it ought to be. I think a reader can miss the point when they’re reading, that this isn’t impartial journalism.

Secondly, I worry there’s a generation of young journalists that, as a result of doing paid-for sponsored articles, might not understand quite as religiously as they ought to that their job is to provide balanced impartial journalism – the truth as they see it.

Once you’re essentially into writing advertising copy it can sort of corrupt you - you can become vulnerable to all sorts of influences. So I’m not comfortable about this blurring of the lines between, effectively, adverts and journalism.

Robert wasted no time blasting the notion that PR and journalism sharing a bed could ever be a good idea: Any journo wanting to build a reputation should talk to the PR last not first. Even if you are a young journo without contacts you have to try and build up contacts. You have to work out who knows stuff - get to them, try and persuade them to talk to you.

I’m not saying all PRs are bad people, its just that PRs are paid to promote a particular line and I broadly take a view that it’s not that you don’t go to them, but you go to them when all else has failed in your attempts to get the information.

PRs have been around forever and ever and ever.

They are not going to disappear. I’m not remotely saying there’s no role for them; it’s just that their role is the precise opposite of what the journalist’s role is.

This idea that some PRs have tried to promote in recent years - that somehow, you know, PR and journalism are on the same side and we are going to have this lovely cooperative relationship and we just have to work out what readers and viewers and listeners want is just rubbish.

The fact is that PRs are paid by an interest to promote a particular line. Our view is to kick the tyres on any story: find out the objective truth and that means every time we can, going round the PR and not through the PR. Is it harder for journalists coming through now than say, 20 years ago?

Most journalists coming in now are massively better qualified than journos when I came through in the early 80s. And you know, I’m afraid, it’s shameful to admit it – but I had no training, I had to learn on the job. And that was not untypical, lots of people left university and were lucky like me – I got a job on a magazine and that was where I learnt.

Some people got trained in those days, when they left school they joined a newspaper and were trained up essentially on an apprenticeship at 16 or 18 and rose right up to the top in some cases. Of course there were training schemes. The BBC had a training scheme. Lots of newspapers had a training scheme.

Lots - not all, but many of them - have gone now.

The big difference is that pretty much everybody who goes into journalism today either studies it as a post grad course – acquiring lots of genuinely relevant practical skills in that way - or studies it as an undergraduate course. One or two of my friends did a grad course before they entered journalism when I started but they were a tiny minority; nobody studied journalism or got that sort of qualification at university. So I would broadly say that every one who comes into journalism now has a greater degree of practical knowledge and skills.

That said, there’s no substitute for doing. I can absolutely see that it’s frustrating if you’ve been at university and studied all of this - that you have to go in and learn what you can as quickly as you can in a pretty informal kind of way in many news organisations. But, I think, given the kind of training they’ve had, that shouldn’t really be such a disaster.

I don’t want to sound like some crusty old bore, you know: “it was much harder in our day sort of thing”, but when I came in, lots of us learned on the job and I think we learned pretty well.

I mean, it’s annoying not to be paid - there are zero hour contracts and all of this - I can absolutely see, it feels palpably unfair. I’m not commenting now on whether or not that’s a fair way of taking people on but you ought to be able to make something of it as a young person in a constructive sense.

The issue is the morality of big companies exploiting people in that way - essentially getting something for nothing. A lot of these young people are producing good stuff, effectively working for free or working on incredibly short term contracts, which means they have no security at a time when you have to start paying your way in the world.

The other thing worth reflecting on, quite apart from how difficult it is when you join an organisation these days that might try to exploit you, are the incredible opportunities to make your name just from the fact that anybody can write a good blog, anybody can go off and do some decent journalism: shove it up online free, then try and get some notice for it try and get some traction for it by doing some clever stuff on social media.

None of that was available when I started out you could work for an established organisation or you could get together with a few mates and try and put out some sort of crappy little cheap magazine, which almost no one would ever see. Whereas now, there’s the potential to research something and do it properly and put it on social media: people can see this stuff.

Broadly, I would say there’s no excuse if you’re a wannabe journalist in just sitting at home wanting to be a journalist– you can do it in your bedroom.

Journalism is experiencing a time of rapid change and with technical change comes cultural change.

With so much to juggle, perhaps the new generation of journalists feel less able to be bullish - to go in and get those career defining interviews, to take risks. Do you think we’ve seen the last of the Robert Peston style interview?

No, I don’t think so. I honestly don’t think so – I think there will always be both the demand for people to do the kind of thing I do and outlets for what people like me do.

The thing is, you have to have authority as a journalist – people have to trust you. And that means, I’m afraid, there are no short cuts in all of this. You’ve just got to immerse yourself in a subject that interests you.

You’ve got to be the person who’s associated with that subject. You’ve got to acquire a personal brand.

If anything, I would say, actually, the opportunities to do what I do or, you know, Jon Snow does are greater than ever because we live in a world where the power of the corporate brand is waning - there’s just so much fragmentation and so much competition. The power of a journalist’s name and brand is on the rise and I think all young journalists need to make sure that when they do good journalism they personally get recognised for it and use all the means at their disposal to do that.

The onus is on all journalists, young and old to nurture, cherish, and develop their own personal brand alongside the brand of the organisation they’re working for. That’s the only way in this kind of world you can be confident to make a living: for people to know that when you have done a good bit of work it is your work.

The BBC has come in for a lot of stick about lack of equality - regarding women, age issues and ethnicity, for example – do you think that culture exists across the media?

The news organisations that are going to flourish are those that are completely blind to gender, race, background of all sorts because what you want is just the best talent. If the BBC is still a bit too skewed towards boring white men, to be perfectly honest, the BBC won’t prosper in the way that it could and should.

I think the BBC’s aware of that - there are issues, particularly around the area of reporting, about whether there’s enough diversity. On one level there probably isn’t enough diversity. But from what I can see, the BBC’s acutely aware of that and certainly, compared to most of the organisations I’ve worked for, everybody gets the right opportunities for their talents.

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

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

7

Thursday

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

19 February 2015

PERSPECTIVE NEWS ANALYSIS, FEATURE AND DISCOURSE

Women living With hiv: A matter of safety and respect Bev Wilson

isfying sex lives, and lack of sexual and reproductive rights. All women with have the right to achieving their Last month the results of a HIV sexual and reproductive rights as a global survey on women fundamental part of being human. The survey also highlights the importance living with HIV were women needing to achieve their published. The survey was of own rights in all these areas in order for designed and conducted by them adequately to support their chiland partners – which women with women, and commissioned dren HIV are very much wanting to do. by the World Health The report strongly recommends the meaningful involvement of women Organisation. Will the living with HIV as active participants findings be acted upon? in all plans and research which affects n 2014 the World Health Organ- them. isation commissioned the largest international survey to date on the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of women living with HIV. The survey was designed, led and conducted by women living with HIV. Last month the global survey was published: Building A Safe House On Firm Ground.

I live in Canada in a small rural setting, and I have been living with HIV for many years. The survey calls for "safety, support and respect for all women at all times". It is my hope that readers examine the survey in its entirety.

A total of 832 women from 94 countries, aged 15-72, with another 113 women in focus groups from 7 countries took part in the survey. Violeta Ross (Bolivia) expressed how "This consultation means for me, the opportunity to learn from one and other.

Women living with HIV are the best positioned for the design of sexual and reproductive health policies".

The single most prominent finding of the survey was how women living with HIV experience high rates of violence, on a continuum throughout the life cycle: 89% of the respondents reported experiencing or fearing genderbased violence, before, during and/or after HIV diagnosis.

Violence was described as physical, As Sophie Strachan of the UNAIDS psychological and/or financial, with an HIV diagnosis or disclosure acting as a Dialogue Platform and the Global Cotrigger for violence at times. Over 80% alition of Women and AIDS explained, of respondents reported experiences “The main importance of this consultaof depression, shame and feelings of tion is that WHO hear and take up our rejection. Over 75% reported insom- recommendations, listen to our voices nia and difficulty sleeping, self-blame, (as experts) to hear the needs of womvery low self-esteem, loneliness, body en living with HIV and include peer led image issues, or anxiety, fear and panic support/services in their guidelines. attacks, whether before, or as a direct We need gender specific policies to ensure the rights of women in all our diresult of, or after diagnosis.

Poverty ties in with violence, along versities are met."

Gender-based violence against with gender inequality. Many women with HIV come from diverse back- women living with HIV is a world-wide grounds, such as drug use, sex work, phenomenon. In a Canadian context it being lesbian or transgender. Women takes place on a continuum from polite are often in relationships where they rejections, discrimination and regular do not have the financial means to experiences of being stigmatized, to leave and are reliant on their partners, more overt forms of violence includplacing them in an unequal power dy- ing physical assault, threats of violence namic and open to further abuse and during disclosure of their HIV status or with partners who use the secret of blackmail.

The survey reveals the way in which “shame” of their HIV status to control the lack of human rights-based ap- women and keep them from leaving a proaches to women's services contrib- relationship.

Women living with HIV in Canada utes to mental health issues, lack of sat-

I

often have children and cannot find adequate child care. So they cannot spend time furthering their education and are therefore trapped in a poverty cycle which is often impossible to break. This further exacerbates the potential for abuse and violence.

Indigenous women in Canada represent a small percentage of the overall population, but are over-represented in the number of women living with HIV in Canada, as are women of colour who have emigrated from other regions of the world. Women living with HIV in Canada often live in isolation, keeping their HIV status private

for fear of backlash from the community and to protect their children from stigma and discrimination. Living in isolation leads to decisions to not seek treatment, not seek care and support to deal with stress and anxiety, and not take prescribed medication on a regular basis, if at all.

It may come as a surprise to learn that Canada has one of the highest rates of criminalization of HIV for nondisclosure in the world. This needs to be addressed to alleviate fear and silence about HIV. Canada demands that other countries adhere to basic human rights practices, yet at home we do not.

Fortunately we have a strong organization, the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, which lobbies for de-criminalization of HIV and changes in our government's position on this topic.

Criminalization of HIV in fact serves to increase HIV transmission. With the onus on the HIV positive person to disclose their status to sex partners or risk prosecution, individuals assume

and expect that everyone living with HIV will disclose, and they rely on this and do not ask questions, do not insist on the use of condoms or any safe sex practices. This causes a false sense of security for people on the dating scene, and indirectly creates a situation where people living with HIV are used as part of screening mechanisms for safe sex practices, with the rationale that a person can rely on prosecution if and when a person does not disclose their status. It places the burden of disclosure on the person living with HIV, and does not emphasize the need for each individual to take responsibility for their own sexual health and well being. Laws will not protect people from contracting HIV, personal responsibity for oneself will.

Two recent court rulings in 2013 and 2014 against women in Canada for non-disclosure of their HIV status highlight how the law lags far behind science in relation to the virtual impossibility of transmitting HIV if one has an undetectable viral load. There is a critical need to decriminalize HIV; there is also a need for everyone to take responsibility for their own sexual health.

Services to support women living with HIV in Canada exist in a splintered fashion and vary from province to province. In Quebec I have had many conversations with women living with HIV, but there seems to be no clear or definitive answers about why women are so reluctant to engage in services. Service providers do not have the solutions around engaging women in services either. From my own point of view I would like to see more concrete and practical services which will enable us to learn new job skills to integrate back into the work place.

A human rights focus is needed as much in Canada as it is in the so-called “developing” world. The many components on the continuum of violence towards women living with HIV need to be addressed, including financial inequality, need for adequate housing, job security and human rights-based approaches to employment and care.

There is an obvious need for a national cohesive voice for women living with HIV in Canada. What needs to take place here in Canada, as everywhere, is a serious attempt to practice the meaningful involvement of women living with HIV in the full cycle of all aspects of planning, programme implementation and evaluation. We are the experts, and we alone can identify what our needs are and how they can be addressed. This was clearly demonstrated in the Salamander Trust survey, which has produced the most meaningful and authentic results I have read to date.

World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines now need to be updated to reflect both the findings of the report, and to reflect recent political and biomedical aspects of the HIV response.

The world's girls: no voice, no rights Lyric Thompson

How can we address the global threat to women's rights with no space for girls’ - or even women’s - voices at the UN? How will we design a post-2015 framework that responds to the needs of the most marginalized?

2015

is a milestone year that stands at the intersection of several major anniversaries for human rights and development.

Perhaps most visibly, this is the 15th anniversary of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and therefore the year world leaders will formally close out the Millennium Charter and adopt a new global development framework. For women and girls, it’s the 20th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and its crucial policy framework, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

One would think, therefore, that 2015 would be a year in which the global community would come together and imagine new rights standards that will set lofty goals for the next generation. Yet so far, this does not seem to be the case. Rather, global leaders are taking a more cautious - or even overtly conservative - approach to negotiations on women’s and girls’ rights.

Advocates must not only push governments to set new standards, but must ensure they simply affirm, or worse still, not lose ground on, old ones.

Deniz Kandiyoti wrote recently on openDemocracy 50.50 about the transnational alliances that are working to take “all matters relating to sexuality, to the control of female bodies, and to reproductive choice” out of the realm of civic deliberation. “Such is the momentum,” said Kandiyoti “…that the UN failed to pass a resolution for a Fifth World Con-

ference on Women from fear of the consequences of re-opening international agreements on women’s rights.”

Indeed, thanks to the growing trend Kandiyoti describes, this inauspicious Beijing anniversary year finds advocates headed to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) next month with a tepid draft outcome document - and one that will have been pre-negotiated, signed, sealed and delivered before they have even set foot in the UN complex.

A small point on process, perhaps, but one worth exploring further: Typically, the CSW outcome document the Agreed Conclusion - are negotiated during the course of the two weeks of Commission meetings. Thousands of feminist activists attend the CSW, host side events and lobby governments for their particular advocacy objectives.

This year, there are no Agreed Conclusions, and the outcome document - a “political declaration,” - is being negotiated as we speak, a month in advance of the meetings. According to some, the decision to pre-negotiate a political declaration marking the 20th anniversary of Beijing was an effort to avoid the inevitable conservative backlash against affirmations of gender equality and female empowerment, an evasive maneuver to avoid reversing progress.

Sound familiar? It should. Ann Marie Goetz and Joanne Sandler similarly point out in their article, Women's rights have no country, that the same line of thinking led to the ultimate decision not to mark the 20th anniversary of the ICPD with an international conference last year, and indeed that many women’s rights advocates “breathed a sigh of relief when UN Member States failed to pass a resolution in favour of holding a Fifth World Conference” for fear of losing momentum on women’s rights.

This is an impossible position for an activist, particularly a young activist: to have the fire in one’s belly of wanting to push for newer, better rights standards

that build upon those important platforms of Beijing and Cairo you’ve inherited, yet “knowing better”… knowing, or very strongly suspecting, that to do so might actually roll back those very rights standards the community holds dear.

Certainly, it can be conceded, that a pre-negotiated document might be preferable if it were allowed to not only reaffirm existing standards, but also imagine new ones. Rights through the back door are still rights, one could suppose.

But instead, the draft Declaration is a bland document lacking strong commitments to human rights, to adolescent girls, and to sexual and reproductive rights, among others. The prenegotiated nature means the whole affair will be settled well before the thousands of activists who go to great trouble and expense to travel to New York from all over the world have arrived. It is then left to only those groups with permanent representation in New York - many of which, thank goodness, are strong and inclusive coalition leaders who funnel information and engagement opportunities back and forth to the global sisterhood with incredible speed and efficiency - to represent our global interests, in the ever-winnowing space that they have to do so.

For no population is there a greater risk of being left off the agenda entirely, even after a year when global attention to them has arguably been at its highest (see Malala’s Peace Prize), than adolescent girls. At the first reading of the draft Declaration, which took place at the UN on 29 January, one government representative stated that Beijing did not address girls and therefore neither should the CSW review. The official had clearly overlooked the final critical area, part L, on “The Girl Child,” where governments explicitly asserted girls’ human rights to live free of abuse, discrimination, forced marriage and other harmful traditional practices, the current draft is noticeably deficient in attention to the specific rights, needs and assets of girls.

This comes on the heels of similar developments in the post-2015 process.

Late last year, the Secretary General released a much-anticipated report outlining his proposed framework for the post-2015, sustainable development agenda. It left much to be desired. Absent was a call for a stand-alone gender goal (though he did endorse the Open Working Group’s draft framework as a starting-point for negotiations). His report, too, lacked any reference to adolescent girls, who decades of research shows, are an important element of any effort to alleviate poverty. ICRW’s research has shown that when girls are treated equally at home and in public, they feel safer in school and are more likely to continue their education, which leads to more informed citizens, workers, souses and parents who can contribute to sustainable development.

In Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia and India has further demonstrated the importance of empowering girls to change discriminatory knowledge, attitudes and practices - all of which was called for in Beijing, and that girl-focused programs expand girls’ ability to make strategic life choices by providing them with access to critical resources. It was as true in Beijing in 1995 as it is now: the global community must invest in girls themselves, in proven approaches that empower them to be agents of change.

Yet instead, in this important anniversary year, the community of feminist and girl advocates finds the global debate at the intersection of fundamentally important rights and development policy processes that make no room for their participation and hence, unsurprisingly, make no mention of their rights and needs. How will we build on Beijing with no space for girls’ - or even women’s - voices at the UN? How will we design a post-2015 framework that responds to our needs without articulating goals and targets designed to advance the most marginalized?

How indeed?

Are Nagas Really Ready To Handle Oil Business?

I

n talking about oil drilling, the first president of independent East Timor, Xanana Gusmâo, once said, “East Timoris not ready to handle oil, gas revenue…” “Why are we rushing?” he said, “Having billions of dollars to rest in the bank? We already have the institutions, but we don’t yet have people who can assure that we will stand on a culture of transparency, a culture of effective handling of problems.”

East Timor wasn’t the first country that tried to grow rich too quickly by drilling oil and selling it. Let’s also look at a few other countries that turned their blessing (natural resources) into a source of curse and vice versa.

In the case of Venezuela, the discovery of oil in the early twentieth century has worsened political corruption. A 2013 survey by Transparency International found that corruption has increased over the years and that Venezuela’s political parties, the judiciary, the parliament, and the police have been most affected by corruption. This was confirmed by a Venezuelan NGO report in 1997, which claimed that some $100 billion from oil revenue was misused during the last 25 years.

Nigeria is another oil-rich country, but it rushed into drilling before putting in place proper laws for checks of potential abuses. This provided opportunity for rulers such as Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abachi, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Good luck Jonathan to embezzle billions of dollars from the country’s oil business. Likewise, corruption also became widespread among government officials at all levels of government. According to a report of the World Bank in 2004, Nigeria earned over $400 billion in oil revenue since the 1970s, but almost all the money disappeared into private pockets and overseas bank accounts. As such, wealth has not trickled down to the poor and the common people’s standard of living has not improved.

In Sudan, the story is worse. Exports of oil, which began in 1999, only added more fuel to the fire of the country’s civil war. The government used oil revenue to buy more arms and fight rebels. In turn, the rebel factions tried to seize control of oil fields in order to gain power and overthrow the government. As a result of the fierce fight for oil, tens of thousands of innocent civilians suffered atrocities, deaths, and displacement.

Norway, on the other hand, is one of the countries that had put things in place before it started drilling its oil in the late 1960s. Fortunately, for the Norwegians, their country hadn’t been plagued by corruption or civil war in the same way as Venezuela, Nigeria, Sudan, and others had. The Norwegian government set up a special ministry to formulate oil policies and establish a fund to collect its oil revenue and invest it for the country’s future; only 4 percent of the annual revenue could be spent rather than saved.

Virtually every state in the Gulf (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) has adopted the model established by Norway by managing oil revenue strategically and setting up a fund to reinvest its oil profits in the long-term interest of the state. In other words, oil profits are invested for building infrastructure, constructing new houses, creating more jobs, raising wages, and increasing pension savings. These are not all. These Gulf states also give out portions of their oil earnings to individual families to spend anyway they would like. For example, Bahrain gave $1000 to every family in the country in 2011, only to be trumped by Kuwait’s payout of $2,600. Perhaps one would wonder how these Gulf countries make so much money from oil business. The reason is simple: they don’t give away the main business ownership to any foreign companies. For that matter, consultants and technicians from foreign countries man most of these Gulf oil companies, but the managing board of Directors and the CEO are Gulf citizens. This is how they retain ultimate control and keep most of the profits.

Now let’s talk about how the United States of America handles oil. According to the US Geological Service, America has approximately 50 billion barrels of producible oil in the ground. In fact, it has the largest fossil fuel reserves in the world. To be exact, more than 36.5 billion barrels of proved oil is on reserves as of 2012. But America isn’t in a hurry to take them out or start using them as it can import oil from other countries at a much better rate.

So what are the take-away lessons for us?

These examples of oil-rich countries show very clearly that having rich natural resources don’t necessarily bring developmentand peace for all. Oil resources, or wealth of any other kind, could become a curse as easily as a blessing.

To ensure that the oil business is a blessing for us, we need to avoid the mistakes of other oil-rich countries that have not done well. On the other hand, we need to forearm ourselves with the knowledge of things that work well in successful countries. This means that we carefully weigh the pros and cons before we commit ourselves into a contract agreement with any outside company. For instance, we could ask ourselves questions like: Can we really expect our present public leaders to be honest and faithful stewards of our God-given natural resources? Is the development of our people the real motive behind our politicians’ wanting to take out our oil right now? Do we have a strong government that can enforce laws, regulations, and contractagreements? Is the political environment in Nagaland favorable enough so that the project doesn’t collapse or come to a halt once we get started? If the answers are in the negatives, we could assume that we are not yet ready to handle oil business. Simply put, prematurely rushing into oil drilling would be unwise because it could not only result in huge financial loss but also lead to land degradation, water contamination, air pollution, social conflict, and politicalcorruption.

Natural resources are a blessing only if they are extracted properly at the right time. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that we formulate broad economic policies and set up appropriate legislative frameworks before launching any oil drilling. All these economic objectives and legal matters must be clearly spelled out to make sure that all government officials and private company executives act properly and comply with all regulations and contract agreements.

Indeed, we would certainly need the help of outside consultants and business partners to locate, produce, and refine crude oil and other raw materials. But like the Gulf countries, the ultimate decision-making power must rest with our people. In the meantime, we must proactively encourage our young people to be trained as geologists, engineers, and technicians. In as much as possible, we must also think of coming up with our own pipeline operators, contractors, transportation companies, supply companies, insurance companies, and banks to provide services. Only when properly planned and executed at the right time can we create thousands of jobs and greatly increase the standard of living of our people in Nagaland.

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

8

Dimapur

NATIONAL

Thursday 19 February 2015

Swine flu kills 600-plus in India, refuses to die neW delhi, FebrUary 18 (tnn): The mercury rising, yet the H1N1 influenza A virus seems to defy its survival limitations, worrying the health ministry and doctors.

This year, swine flu deaths have more than doubled compared to the previous year taking the toll to 624. A total of 9,311 people got infected, government data show. In February alone over 300 died across the country. In 2014, 218 swine flu deaths were reported from a total of 937 cases, pan-India.

"As it starts getting warmer, we expected cases to come down. This year the trend is different," says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Union health minister JP Nadda has held frequent review meetings. The ministry's directed pharma companies to expedite supply of antiviral medicines to state hospitals and licensed retail outlets. "We've asked companies to airlift stocks, if required. We'll monitor availability in the retail market," Union health secretary BP Sharma said. The government hopes cases will come down with awareness and precautionary measures, he said. The ministry has directed states to provide protective kits to health workers.

Although the cause is yet to be ascertained, doctors suspect a change in the strain behaviour — which generally happens in three to four years — resulting in the sudden spurt in cases. ICMR, though, has ruled out strain mutation, BP Sharma, secretary to the health ministry said.

Doctors recommend isolation of patients. They cautioned that only those with moderate to acute symptoms should go to hospitals for tests and treat-

ment. "Patients with milder symptoms should stay home, take antiviral medicines and precautions," says Dr KK Aggarwal, leading cardiologist.

Patients with breathlessness, high fever for three to four days or those already suffering from complex diseases and are immuno-compromised should go for hospitalization, according to Dr Aggarwal. Experts said the government should formulate a treatment protocol so there's no unnecessary testing and hospitalization. Last week, retail medicine shortages were reported from states, including Maharashtra and Delhi.

Sharma maintains it's important to ensure needless prescription doesn't lead to the virus turning resistant to the drug. Doctors, nonetheless, suggest patients displaying severe symptoms start taking the antiviral medicine. "Once the disease develops, the medicine's efficiency starts going down," said Dr Arup Basu of Ganga Ram Hospital.

Have asthma? Take extra care Asthmatics are more vulnerable to swine flu. Nearly 30% of those hospitalized for the flu are asthma patients, a research says. "Swine flu and asthma attack the airways.Having both makes people vulnerable to respiratory complications, including pneumonia, says Dr Vivek Nangia, director and head of pulmonology at Fortis. India has 30 million asthmatics, about 10% of the 300 million worldwide.

Experts say though noninvasive ventilation can be effective for such patients, it's limited to 10% because of poor awareness. "By the time the patient is prescribed noninvasive ventilation in home care, lungs have irretrievably damaged," says Dr Nangia.

The Morung Express

Pakistani boat blast: Parrikar warns of action against Coast Guard officer b e n g a l U r U / ahmedabad, FebrUary 18 (ians): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday said he will hold an inquiry and possibly take "disciplinary" action against a Coast Guard officer who sparked off controversy with his remarks - captured on video - that he ordered a Pakistani boat allegedly trying to sneak into Indian waters be blown up.

Parrikar also said the government “stands by its statement” that the boat was blown up by the “suspected terrorists” themselves and was prepared to release evidence to this effect.

Coast Guard Deputy Inspector General (DIG) B.K. Loshali had Monday apparently said: "Let me tell you. I hope you remember 31st December night. We blew off that Pakistan. We have blown them off. I was there at Gandhinagar and I told at night, blow the boat off. We don't want to serve them biryani." The daily Wednesday ran the story about Loshali's claims. Later, in the day when Parrikar was speaking on the matter, it put up a video on its website of Loshali speaking at the launch of an interceptor boat in Surat Feb 16 and where he made the re-

Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar gestures to a journalist during a press conference at the Aero India 2015 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore on Wednesday, February 18. Parrikar said he will investigate a senior officer's comment that an Indian coast guard vessel had destroyed a Pakistani "terror boat" late last year, contradicting the ministry's position that the men on board blew up their own boat. (AP Photo)

marks about the Pakistani 'terror' boat.

But in a u-turn, Loshali, who is also chief of staff of the Coast Guard's northwest region, denied making the comments. Facing a volley of questions on Loshali's remarks, Parrikar said: "I will make inquiry.

Take the video copy. We will take action against the person if he made the statement." “If someone makes a statement which is incorrect, you are making a case of disciplinary proceedings,” he told reporters at the Aero India 2015 show

that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

"You have to understand my position. There are 15-16 lakh service personnel, if someone makes a statement which is factually incorrect I will take action after inquiring into it."

“Defence ministry stands to what it had stated,” he said.

Parrikar had said in early January that occupants of the vessel that blew up and sank off the coast of Gujarat were "suspected terrorists" and did not appear to be smugglers. He had said

that those aboard decided to blow themselves up instead of surrendering.

The defence minister had also said that another boat was also traced but it was in international waters.

The suspicious boat was intercepted by the Coast Guard based on an intelligence input Dec 31, after it was traced in the Arabian Sea, 365 km off Porbandar in Gujarat. The dramatic incident was a reminder of the manner Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai in 2008. The vessel, which had set off from near

Karachi on New Year's Eve, turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believed to be four in number, apparently set fire to it early Jan 1.

The defence minister's statement came just hours after Loshali refuted the media reports. Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Loshali said media reports quoting him as saying that he ordered that the suspected boat be blasted were wrong and not factual. "The operation was not handled by me. I was not fully privy to it," he maintained.

The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party took on the government on the issue. Congress leader P. C. Chacko said that the “whole thing looks confused” and they felt that "the defence minister should come out with a statement”.

Party leader Manish Tewari took a dig at Parrikar. “Mr Def Min what is a bigger sin blowing the Paki boat or lying to the nation? If they were indeed terrorists why be ashamed of blowing them out of water. Uncanny similarities to similar modus operandi the fake encounter syndrome to bolster machismo & build Alpha image,” Tewari said in a tweet.

India criticises UN Security Council for ‘Women politicians can raise uncomfortable issues’ FebrUary famed thriller writer Ruth mons to Kolkata and Gu- out there... run things," she failing to act on attacks on peacekeepers KolKata, 18 (ians): Women politi- Rendell, a House of Lords wahati to strengthen links said.

United nations, FebrUary 18 (ians): India has criticised the Security Council for failing to take action against those attacking its peacekeepers and warned that inaction could have "dangerous implications for the maintenance of international peace and security."

"Any lack of action by member states to penalize those who attack UN peacekeepers reflects poorly on the Security Council," Asoke Kumar Mukerji, India's Permanent Representative, told the Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations Tuesday. "If the Security Council fails to deter such attacks, the very institution of UN peacekeeping will continue to be targeted across the world, with dangerous implications for the maintenance of international peace and security."

India is invested very heavily in the safety of peacekeepers because, as Mukerji said, it is "the single largest contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs), and our active participation in 11 out of the 15 active PKOs." Currently 8,145 Indian troops, police and experts are serving in UN operations.

Several countries echoed India's positions on the safety of peacekeepers and several other issues raised by India. Thai Military Advisor Orgrob Amarachgul, speaking on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), condemned the attacks on peacekeepers and said that perpetrators must be held accountable.

Mukerji referred to the several instances of attacks on peacekeepers mentioned in Secretary-General

Ban Ki-moon's report to the committee and said concrete action to bring those attacking peacekeepers to justice had been taken only in Darfur in Sudan and not in the others.

Ban's report said that in the 12-months period to last December, 34 military peacekeepers were killed in attacks and 51 were wounded. In Mali alone, 27 peace-keepers were killed during that period and attacks continued with one soldier killed last month and at least eight were injured. In another operation last year, 45 peacekeepers in the observer force along the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heghts were were abducted by the Islamic State and 72 were surrounded and confined to their base.

In his wide-ranging critique of how the Security Council runs the PKOs, Mukerji warned that the changes in the mandates of UN peacekeeping operations have raised the risk to the blue-helmeted forces in its missions, while also straining its capacity to function effectively.

He said the High Level Panel set up by Ban last year to study PKOs and recommend changes should submit its report in time for the 70th UN anniversary summit in September.

Mukerji cited the case of the mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the Council gave "new interventionist mandates" and reiterated New Delhi's concern. Indian troops are deployed there.

Last year, the Council expanded the PKO's mandate from protecting civilians and humanitarian workers to creating special brigades to carrying out offensive operations against militias making them take on an of-

fensive role in a departure from the traditional defensive posture.

Another area of concern, Mukerji said was requiring the peacekeeping troops to take on humanitarian and development programs. "These activities are essentially relevant to peacebuilding, and not peacekeeping," he said. The two types of activities should be segregated, he added. "It is for humanitarian and developmental actors, and not military troops."

Moroccan Ambassador Omar Hilale, who represented the Non-Aligned Movement, said the Council should draft clear, achievable mandates.

The Council's failure to solve the underlying causes of the conflicts where its forces have been sent to maintain the peace was another area of concern, according to Mukerji.

"We are alarmed by the lack of any effective action by the Security Council to address the root political causes of the crisis in South Sudan," he said citing it as an example.

That 100,000 civilians are being sheltered in UN military bases, 1.9 million people are internal refugees, and 2.5 million people are exposed to famine even as "UN peacekeepers are laying down their lives to protect civilians in South Sudan," he said, "places the future of UN peacekeeping in South Sudan into serious doubt."

In the operations in Liberia, spoke of the action taken by peace-keepers, including women from India, to deal with the Ebola crisis and sought clarification on the legal implications of the Council resolution calling on all UN bodies to help the in the fight against the epidemic.

cians are often able to raise "uncomfortable" issues in the public domain which their male counterparts have not thought of or don't wish to bring up, said a British woman parliamentarian.

"It may well be that women have a particular interest and they are able to bring up uncomfortable subjects in public arenas because they care about it," Baroness D'Souza, CMG, the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords said at a panel discussion here Tuesday. As an example, D'Souza talked about

member for the Labour Party and a strong voice on the issue of female genital mutilation.

She started talking about female genital mutilation in the House of Lords about 10 years ago, D'Souza said. D'Souza was speaking on the theme of gender equality in politics, a discussion organised by Ananta Aspen Centre and the British Deputy High Commission here.

D'Souza is leading a delegation of 10 members from the House of Lords and the House of Com-

and co-operation between Indian and British parliamentarians. Describing the struggle for representation of women in British politics as "long, vicious, arduous and ultimately successful", D'Souza stressed politicians should come from all walks of life.

"Politicians need to have a life before they join politics... not that politics isn't a life. There are some people who know nothing other than politics. You do need people who have things to offer other than politics... who have been

She said the House of Lords comprises women members who are scientists, philosophers, financial analysts and from a variety of other disciplines.

Quizzed on reservation for women members in political parties, she said it doesn't necessarily mean the reserved seats would be filled by women who are right for the job. "In a way you are designating a certain percentage of seats for women regardless of whether there are women who are the right persons to fill it," she said.

Court can't intrude into legislature's domain: SC neW delhi, FebrUary 18 (ians): The Supreme Court Wednesday said it was for elected representatives to take a call at what stage of proceedings a person facing criminal charges should be barred from contesting elections and the courts could not issue directions to the legislature and intrude in its domain.

A bench of Chief Justice H.L.Dattu, Justice A.K.Sikri and Justice Arun Mishra said this as senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi appearing for NGO Public Interest Foundation contended that a person against whom criminal charges have been framed by the court should be debarred from contesting elections.

"This is for the representatives of the people to decide. We can't issue

directions to legislature. They know how to run the country in a democratic manner," Chief Justice Dattu observed as Dwivedi pressed the plea that the framing of charges should be stage where a person facing criminal trial should be barred from contesting elections.

He said that this was also a stage where there was an judicial application of mind by the court before framing the charges.

"We should not be stepping into an area" earmarked for the legislature, the court said asking if it could issue direction to the parliament to legislate on barring the people against whom criminal charges have been framed.

"In the name of judicial activism we can't step in the arena earmarked

for the law makers and legislature.

Lines are marked demarcating the roles (of three organs of state)," the court said as the NGO urged the court to take recourse to its power under the constitution to issue direction to the Election Commission to bar people charged with criminal offences from contesting elections.

"Your submissions on the first thought look very very attractive.

What a noble thought is this. But after a deeper consideration, no," Chief Justice Dattu said, adding: "We are bound by the decision of the constitution bench" which bars court's from issuing directions to legislature.

As Dwivedi pressed his plea, the court asked him: "What is the medium you want us to adopt... What you expect this court to do, tell us in nutshell."

Partner with India, Modi urges foreign defence firms bengalUrU, FebrUary 18 (ians): From being just sellers of defence equipment, foreign firms must evolve into strategic partners as India wants their technology, skills, systems integration and manufacturing strength, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here Wednesday.

"From sellers, foreign firms must turn into strategic partners and use India as part of their global supply chain," Modi said at the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India trade expo in this tech hub.

Noting that defence budgets the world over were shrinking, Modi said in his brief address to the gathering, which included defence ministers and air chiefs of a dozen countries from the world over, adding that the country's frugal manufacturing and engineering services sector could help foreign firms reduce costs.

"India can also be a

Members of British aerobatics team Breitling Wingwalkers perform at the inaugural function of Aero India 2015 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore on Wednesday, February 18. Aviation companies from around the world are participating in the five-day event that runs through February 22. (AP Photo)

base for export to third countries in view of our growing defence partnerships in Asia and beyond.

A strong defence industry will not only make us more secure but also more prosperous," Modi told global aerospace firms participating in the five-day air show at the Yelahanka base of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on

the city's outskirts.

About 600 multinational and Indian firms, including state-run enterprises, are showcasing their technologies and products in a dozen pavilions spread over 2.5 lakh square metres at the sprawling venue.

Of the 110 countries participating in the event, the US is represented in a

big way with a 64-member delegation, followed by France with 58 delegates, Britain with 48, Russia with 41 and Israel with 25.

Admitting that India had the reputation of being the world's largest importer of defence equipment, the prime minister, however, said the country would not like to be in that

position though imports were inevitable in the military arena.

"India being the largest importer of defence equipment may be music to the ears of some of you here, but this is one area where we would not like to be number one," Modi said.

He said that in view of the security challenges

in the region, there was a need to increase the country's defence preparedness by modernizing the defence forces.

"We have to equip for the needs of the future, where technology will play a major role. As a nation of a billion people, we have huge requirements for managing internal security," Modi said.

Terming the 10th edition of the biennial air show as the largest ever, reflecting the country's new confidence level and global interest in India, Modi said the trade expo was a megameeting of the global supply chains, with the most advanced technology and equipment.

"For me, this (Aero India) is not just a trade fair for defence equipment, but a platform to launch our defence manufacturing sector. A nation with a strong defence industry can not only be more secure, but also reap rich

economic benefits," Modi said, delivering his 20-minute address in English.

Pointing out that India was spending tens of billions of dollars on acquisitions from abroad, which accounts for 60 percent of the defence equipment, Modi said even 20-25 percent reduction in imports would create an additional 120,000 skilled jobs in the country.

"If we can raise the percentage of domestic procurement to 70 percent from 40 percent, in the next five years, we will double the output in our defence industry and create thousands of jobs in the manufacturing and services sector," Modi said.

Increasing localisation has also spin-off benefits on other sectors in terms of advanced materials and technologies.

"We are focusing on developing our defence industry with a sense of mission with Make in India

programme at the heart.

We are also reforming our defence procurement policies and procedures, with a clear preference for equipment manufactured in India," Modi added.

Aero India got off to a flying start with a spectacular display of India's air prowess and daring aerobatics by fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft.

Modi and about 1,000 invitees were treated to thrilling aerial feats by different types of aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), Sukhoi SU-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and the Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT).

French aerospace major Dassault Aviation flew its Rafale medium multirole combat aircraft to demonstrate its awesome strike force as the IAF has short-listed the MMRCA for induction in its frontline fleet in place of the ageing Soviet-era MiG-21.

InternatIonal

the Morung express

Thursday 19 February 2015

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Ukrainian forces quit besieged town after rebel assault

ARTEMIVSK/BULAVYNE, February 18 (Reuters): Government forces were pulling out of an encircled town in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday after a fierce assault by Russian-backed separatists which Kiev and Europe said violated a crumbling ceasefire.

President Petro Poroshenko said more than 80 percent of his troops had left the rail hub following a heavy bombardment and street-by-street battles which he said showed “the true face of the bandits and separatists who are supported by Russia”.

The rebels say the ceasefire, negotiated by Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France at a summit in Belarus last week, does not apply to Debaltseve, which links the two rebelcontrolled regions of eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk.

Poroshenko and the West say the rebel assault is being reinforced by Russian tanks, artillery and soldiers, though Moscow denies sending forces to join the battle for a region that President Vladimir Putin has called “New Russia”.

“The actions by the Russia-backed separatists in Debaltseve are a clear violation of the ceasefire,” European Union foreign policy chief Federica

Mogherini said in Brussels, stepping up Western criticism of the rebel offensive on Debaltseve.

“The EU stands ready to take appropriate action in case the fighting and other negative developments in violation of the Minsk agreements continue,” she said, making an apparent threat of further economic sanctions on Moscow.

Canada imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct in Ukraine on Tuesday, a move Moscow said would fuel further tension in Ukraine and prevent the implementation of the ceasefire.

There was little hope when the deal was signed last Thursday in the Belarussian capital Minsk by the rebels, Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE security watchdog that it would hold for long, but its seeming swift collapse has surprised many.

NATO S e c re t a r y General Jens Stoltenberg voiced deep concern about the deteriorating situation in and around Debaltseve, saying: “The refusal of the separatists to respect the ceasefire threatens the agreement.”

Britain Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Europe should at least extend its sanctions against Moscow if the ceasefire

broke down.

A German government spokesman said the Minsk agreement had been damaged though it made sense to try to implement it.

Putin Calls For Surrender Putin showed no sign of backing down over Ukraine on Tuesday evening, when he urged Kiev’s pro-Western leaders to let their soldiers surrender to avoid more bloodshed.

Hours later, the Ukrainian withdrawal was under way. A Reuters witness saw weary Ukrainian troops, their faces blackened, some in columns, some in cars, arriving in Artemivsk, about 30 km (20 miles) north of Debaltseve.

For Poroshenko, the retreat may have saved the lives of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers who were all but trapped in the town against a betterequipped army.

But another military defeat, coming as Ukraine approaches the first anniversary of the overthrow of the Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovich, may be difficult to stomach for a population weary of a long conflict and could further damage Poroshenko’s standing.

Pro-Kiev commanders said some forces had pulled out but there were reports of continued fight-

In this image made from TV, Ukrainian Government forces and equipment at Artemivsk, Ukraine, retreat from the battlefield on Wednesday February 18, as pro-Russia rebels continue their onslaught on the railroad junction of Debaltseve. Debaltseve has been the epicentre of recent fighting between the separatist and government troops in eastern Ukraine, despite the implementation of a ceasefire. (AP Photo)

ing in the town. A Reuters correspondent near Debaltseve saw black smoke rising over the town and heard loud blasts hours after the withdrawal began.

“The withdrawal of forces from Debaltseve is taking place in a planned and organised way,” said Semen Semenchenko, who heads the Donbass paramilitary battalion.

“The enemy is trying to

cut the roads and prevent the exit of the troops,” he said on Facebook.

News of the withdrawal immediately affected financial markets, with the cost of insuring exposure to Ukrainian debt and the spreads of the country’s dollar bonds over safe haven U.S. treasury bills soaring to record highs.

The rouble was largely steady against the dollar, but the official rate of

Ukraine’s hryvnia currency self-proclaimed Donetsk hit a record low.

People’s Republic as saying separatists had begun Withdrawal Of pulling back artillery from Heavy Weapons rebel-held areas where Even before the Ukrai- fighting had ceased. nian troops were forced to Rebels stepped up their pull back, last week’s peace offensive on Debaltseve deal had all but collapsed, almost immediately after with both sides failing to the Minsk deal to end the withdraw heavy guns as conflict in eastern Ukraine, required after the rebels re- which has killed more than fused to halt their advance. 5,000 people, was signed But Interfax news on Thursday. agency later cited the The deal gave both sides

until Sunday to lay down their arms, prompting some analysts to suggest the rebels felt they could take the town within that timeframe.

Russia has already annexed Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula, and Western countries believe Putin’s goal is to establish a “frozen conflict” in eastern Ukraine, gaining permanent leverage over a country of 45 million people seeking integration with Europe.

Swiss police raids UN commission leader ready to talk to NKorea Afternoon nap bad HSBC Geneva branch for your toddler Geneva, February 18 (IanS): The Swiss police Wednesday searched HSBC bank’s office in Geneva as part of an inquiry into alleged money-laundering, the prosecutor office here said.

In a statement, the prosecutor office said the search at the bank was led by Attorney General Olivier Jornot and prosecutor Yves Bertossa.

The statement said the investigation could extend to “people suspected of committing or participating in money laundering”. Officials were said to have hauled away a large number of documents from the bank.

Franco Morra, the bank’s chief executive, said it had last week shut down accounts of clients who “did not meet our high standards”.

Europe’s largest lender came under the attention of regulators after details emerged about how its Swiss private bank allegedly helped wealthy clients evade taxes.

The details were provided more than a week ago by a group of newspapers working in conjunction with International Consortium of Investigative Journalists based in the US. In India, the Indian Express was part of the group.

The Express published a list of more than a thousand names, which included politicians, business persons and exporters. The total num-

ber of people evading taxes in several countries was over 100,000.

HSBC’s involvement first came to light in 2008, when a former computer technician, Herve Falciani, blew the lid on the bank’s alleged practices after stealing confidential data which he then turned over to the French government. India too received information on over 600 clients which is being looked into by a special investigating team monitored by the Supreme Court.

HSBC says its operation has been overhauled since then. On Sunday, HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver, who took the helm in 2000, issued a public apology saying the bank now, had “absolutely no appetite to do business with clients who are evading their taxes.”

On Wednesday, Lord Green, the bank’s president from 2006 to 2010, stepped down from the chair of the banking lobby group, The City, in London.

And as a tangential fallout of the story, a senior journalist at the Daily Telegraph in London walked out of his job saying the paper’s coverage of the HSBC matter was a “fraud on its readers”.

The paper’s chief political commentator Peter Osborne said in a blog that the editorial policy pushed the story out of the limelight due to HSBC’s large advertising contract with the paper.

WaSHInGTon, February 18 (aP): The leader of a U.N. commission of inquiry that found North Korea committed crimes against humanity said Tuesday that members of the panel are ready to go anywhere to talk to the North’s government - but it refuses to engage.

Michael Kirby addressed a conference in Washington marking the anniversary of the publication of the commission’s landmark report, which called for North Korea to be referred to the International Criminal Court.

North Korea on Monday demanded that the conference be scrapped, claiming the U.S. ignored its offer to attend and defend itself.

Among those speaking were North Korean defectors, who alleged torture of prison camp inmates, starvation and forced abortions.

The State Department said the conference was a privately organized event, although a U.S. rights envoy attended. It was held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a nongovernment think tank. The U.S. restricts North Korean diplomats to traveling within a 25-mile (40-kilometer) radius of midtown Manhattan in New York, where they retain a diplomatic mission at the United Nations. They must request permission to go farther.

“I would be quite happy if they

were down here. This is a public session,” said Kirby, a retired Australian judge. Kirby led the threemember commission, which included Indonesian former attorney general, Marzuki Darusman, who still serves as U.N special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea.

“We have reached out to them.

I will go anywhere, the members of the commission of inquiry, the special rapporteur will go anywhere to engage them but they won’t engage with us except on very limited terms favorable to them,” Kirby said.

North Korea was enraged by the commission, which estimated that more than 80,000 people are held in the nation’s gulag. The commission also wrote to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warning that he could be held accountable for crimes against humanity.

The North accuses the U.S., which supported the commission’s creation, of using the human rights issue as a pretext to overthrow it. Relations already badly strained by Pyongyang’s development of nuclear weapons have only worsened.

“We are not guilty of any crime,” North Korea’s U.N. Ambassador Jang Il Hun told reporters at the United Nations in New York on Monday. He said North Korea would respond “very strongly” to

Tuesday’s conference.

Victor Cha, a former senior U.S. official and event organizer, said the North Korean call for the conference to be canceled “only ensured we were going to have it.”

It was one of the few public events held in Washington on a day when the U.S. government was shut down by snow and many other events were canceled.

South Korean human rights envoy Jung-hoon Lee said that sent a message to Pyongyang: “if you don’t relent, we won’t either.”

U.S. rights envoy on North Korea, Robert King, said because of the international scrutiny of its human rights record, Pyongyang “feels increasingly compelled to respond to what’s happening.”

Darusman said commission’s findings could be a tipping point that presages reforms within North Korea, but said the path ahead for now was to build a case in anticipation that there would one day be a judicial process.

Defector Gwang Il Jung spoke Tuesday of “subhuman” treatment in the political prison camp where he was held until 2003. He said starving inmates would pick grains of corn from human feces.

Those injured hauling lumber in the winter were left to die and their bodies dumped. “What was taking place was beyond our imagination,” he said.

Melbourne, February 18 (IanS): An afternoon nap may affect your toddler’s overall sleep quality, suggests new research.

Napping beyond the age of two lengthens the amount of time it takes for a child to fall asleep (sleep onset) and shortens the overall amount of night-time sleep he or she has, the findings showed.

“The impact of night sleep on children’s development and health is increasingly documented, but to date there is not sufficient evidence to indicate the value of prolonging napping,” wrote the researchers led by Karen Thorpe from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. The researchers wanted to find out what impact napping has on young children’s nighttime sleep quality, behaviour, cognition and physical health.

They therefore reviewed the available published evidence for napping in children up to the age of 5 years, and found 26 relevant studies out of a total of 781. They pooled the data and synthesised the findings. They found consistent, if not particularly high quality, evidence indicating that napping affects night time sleep of kids beyond the age two.

The links between napping and any detrimental impact on behaviour, development, and overall health, however, were less clear-cut, largely because of the differences in age and napping patterns of the children studied. The study was published online in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Did the NSA plant spyware in computers around the world?

Brandon Bailey AP Technology Writer

Did the National Security Agency plant spyware deep in the hard drives of thousands of computers used by foreign governments, banks and other surveillance targets around the world?

A new report from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab said its researchers identified a new family of malicious programs or worms that infected computers in multiple countries, primarily overseas. Targets appeared to be specifically selected and included military, Islamic activists, energy companies and other businesses, as well as government personnel.

Without naming the United States as the source of the malware, the report said one of the programs has elements in common with the so-called Stuxnet worm, which the New York Times and Washington Post have said was developed by the U.S. and Israeli

This October 8, 2009 file photo, shows a network cable, taken on Oct. 8, 2009, in Duesseldorf, Germany. A new report from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab released Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 said its researchers identified malicious programs or worms that infected computers in multiple countries. Targets appeared to be specifically selected and included military, Islamic activists, energy companies and other businesses, as well as government personnel. (AP File Photo)

governments to disrupt Iranian nuclear facilities.

Based on their similarities, the creators of both programs “are either the same or working closely together,” Kaspersky’s report said.

The malware was not

designed for financial gain but to collect information through “pure cyberespionage,” added Kaspersky researcher Vitaly Kamluk. In its report, the firm said the malware was extremely sophisticated and “expensive

to develop.”

NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines declined comment Tuesday, but cited a 2014 presidential directive that instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to respect Americans’ privacy while

continuing to conduct overseas operations necessary to guard against terrorism or other threats.

Kaspersky researchers said some of the spyware was designed to burrow into the essential software that comes pre-installed on a computer’s disk drive, known as firmware. Once there, it was difficult to detect and virtually impossible to remove, and it could gain access to vital codes, such as the keys to deciphering encrypted files. Kamluk said compromising firmware is a difficult technical challenge that likely requires knowledge of the manufacturer’s source code — normally a closely guarded secret.

The report named several disk drive manufacturers whose products were compromised, including Seagate Technology, Western Digital Corp., Toshiba and IBM Corp. While some did not immediately respond to requests for comment, three companies said the report

came as news to them.

“We take such threats very seriously,” Western Digital spokesman Steve Shattuck said Tuesday, adding in a statement that the company is “in the process of reviewing the report from Kaspersky Labs.”

Seagate Technology said it “has no specific knowledge of any allegations regarding third parties accessing our drives.” The company said in a statement it’s committed to security and takes steps to prevent tampering or “reverse engineering” of its products. Toshiba said it had no knowledge of the malware and declined further comment.

While some of the malware was transmitted over the Internet, Kaspersky said one worm spread through infected USB thumb drives, allowing it to collect information from computers that are “airgapped” or disconnected from the Internet. Air-gapping is a security practice used at nuclear plants and

other sensitive facilities.

Kaspersky also said it uncovered “classic spying methods” in which scientists who attended an international conference in Houston were later sent a CD of conference materials from the event’s sponsor. The sponsor apparently didn’t know that the disc also contained malware which spread into certain attendees’ computers, the researchers said.

Kaspersky said it found signs the malware infected computers in more than 30 countries, with the heaviest concentrations in Iran, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. There were relatively few targets in the U.S. and Britain, said Kamluk, who characterized them as individuals living or visiting in those countries rather than companies or institutions based there.

Though it’s less wellknown in the United States, Kaspersky is respected in the cybersecurity industry and its reports are generally viewed as reputable. While

some critics have suggested the firm has close ties to Russian authorities, several experts said Tuesday that it’s plausible the United States is behind the malware identified in the report.

“A lot of nation-states are involved in these activities. Russia, China and the U.S. are in a great cyberarms race,” said David DeWalt, chief executive of the Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm FireEye. He noted that China has been implicated in attempts to steal source code and other information from U.S. companies, for example, while Russian authorities have been linked to some hacking efforts.

Some warned that US efforts could have unintended consequences: Foreign customers could become more leery of US tech products if they’re suspected of being used for spying.

And other hackers may be able to exploit the same vulnerabilities, said cybersecurity expert and author Bruce Schneier.

10

Dimapur

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Thursday 19 February 2015

The Morung Express

public discourse Chelsea, PSG draw; Shakhtar holds Bayern Religious Intolerance

M

any authors have given their view points about this subject but does not really hit the target but just going around the bush. I am standing for the truth and Jesus our Lord and Savior said-We should love our enemies and do good to them who persecute us. I had been praying for Shri.

NarendraModi,the Hon’ble P/M or P/S of the Country to change his mind set against the minorities the day the Churches were vandalized or demolished by some unruly people who does not know about their eternity. It is the duty of every Christians to unite and pray for them to do good instead of bad things. Christianity is a uni-

PSG's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, centre, heads the ball watched by Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, left, and John Terry during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France on February 17. (AP Photo)

Paris, February 18 (Pa): Stubborn resistance and a Branislav Ivanovic header earned Chelsea a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg with Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes.

Jose Mourinho's men are well placed to advance to the quarter-finals after Ivanovic netted a vital away goal, although Edinson Cavani equalised and PSG showed enough for Chelsea to be wary in the second leg on 11 March.

Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals at PSG's expense last term on away goals after losing 3-1 in Paris and Demba Ba's lastgasp strike in the return in London. The Blues had won just once in six prior attempts on French soil, at PSG in Mourinho's first European match as boss in September 2004.

Thibaut Courtois made three saves from headers in the first half, the pick from Cavani, before Ivanovic's header against the run of play. Cavani equalised after losing Cahill to meet Blaise Matuidi's cross and both the Uruguay striker and Ibrahimovic had chances to double PSG's lead.

The Swede was denied

by Courtois in stoppage time to leave Chelsea in control of the tie heading to Stamford Bridge. There are three weeks and a day before the return, by which time Chelsea's confidence may be boosted by silverware, with the English League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 March.

Hosts Shakhtar hold Bayern Xabi Alonso saw his 100th Champions League appearance ended prematurely, although his red card did not cost Bayern Munich as they secured a goalless draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.

The first leg of this last16 tie was a tetchy affair and one which Pep Guardiola's side managed to get nowhere near the level of performance managed in their 8-0 Bundesliga drubbing of Hamburg at the weekend.

Shakhtar looked rusty - no surprise given they have not played a competitive game since matchday six and failed to capitalise on Alonso's second-half sending off.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence with 25 minutes remaining, but it did little to change the match played out in sub-zero temperatures at the Arena Lviv. The Shakhtar goalkeeper could only watch on helplessly shortly after when Bastian Schweinsteiger met a lovely, clipped ball from Arjen Robben, although the strike flew just wide.

Robben was squeezed out after being the beneficiary of a free-kick routine, before the Dutchman playing in Thomas Muller to hit a cross-shot that Olexandr Kucher cleared from danger. Shakhtar were struggling to get a grip of their

visitors and tempers soon began to fray, with Darijo Srna fortunate not to be sent off for moving his head towards Jerome Boateng's after Alonso was booked for a poor challenge.

From that, Manuel Neuer only managed to gather Yaroslav Rakitskiy's driven strike at the second attempt - a rare moment of respite for the hosts, who were soon back on the defence as Muller turned over a Franck Ribery cut-back.

Schweinsteiger was unhappy with the close attention of Kucher as half-time approached, but referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco ignored the penalty appeals as the opening period ended sloppily.

The Spanish official was having a lot to deal with in what was becoming an increasingly tetchy match, with Douglas Costa perhaps fortunate just to receive a yellow card after catching Ribery with his elbow. There was a break in play after a challenge between Luiz Adriano and Alonso - a collision both recovered from, albeit the latter was soon exiting the field.

The midfielder was adjudged to have brought down Alex Teixeira and received a second yellow card, reducing Munich to ten men for the final 25 minutes. It was one of 35 fouls on the night, with the sides sharing eight bookings and Alonso's red in a forgettable first leg to a last16 tie which resumes at the Allianz Arena on 11 March.

Prosecutors probe 'racist' Chelsea fans Paris, February 18 (aP) : The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation into racially-motivated violence on public transport on Wednesday after a group of Chelsea soccer fans were filmed preventing a black man from boarding a subway train.

The incident happened Tuesday at Richelieu Drouout metro station a short time before Chelsea played Paris SaintGermain in the Champions League.

After twice pushing the man away, the group — some of whom chanted "Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea" — then sing "we're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it." Another passenger, a black woman, then steps off the train. In the video, posted online by the Guardian newspaper, the black man tries to board the train and is pushed away. He then pushes back and says in French "Can I get on or what?" before again being shoved away.

The identities of the men in the video, including the victim, have not yet been established, prosecutor's office spokeswoman Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre told The Associated Press. The maximum penalty possible according to the French criminal code is three years in prison and a 45,000 euro ($51,000) fine. London's Metropolitan Police said it will examine the footage to see if any banning orders can be applied, and will assist French authorities to "identify the people involved and support them in any action they choose to take."

Chelsea said it would also take action if possible. "Such behavior is abhorrent and has no place in football or society," the English club said in a statement. "We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to the involvement of Chelsea season ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."

UEFA, the governing body of European

soccer, condemned the incident but said it could not take any action. "We are appalled by the incident which took place in the Paris Metro on Tuesday," UEFA said in a statement. "However, as it occurred away from the stadium, it is outside UEFA's remit to act."

The incident in Paris happened the same day as former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi was criticized for saying that "there are too many colored players" in the youth sides of Italian clubs.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter condemned those comments as well as the fans in Paris. "Pride and dignity is not a question of skin colour. Shocked by Arrigo Sacchi's comments. Stop it," Blatter tweeted. "I also condemn the actions of a small group of Chelsea fans in Paris. There is no place for racism in football!"

In the hours leading up to Tuesday's match, a large group of rowdy Chelsea fans congregated around two bars in the Chatelet area in central Paris. About 40 Riot police and a dozen police spotters were there to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes between Chelsea and PSG hooligans that took place in the same area before last year's Champions League quarterfinals.

Lord Ouseley, the chairman of Kick It Out — an organization which campaigns against discrimination — called for Chelsea, and football, to avoid complacency over incidents of a similar nature.

The video was filmed by Paul Nolan, a British man living in Paris. He said the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. The match started at 8:45 p.m.

"A train pulls in and I see lots of people, very crowded, there seems to be quite a lot going on," Nolan told BBC radio. "People on board are British and they're Chelsea fans. They're chanting 'Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.' Before we heard the racist chants, there were some mentions of World War II. It seemed very aggressive."

versal religion and a life giver after the human body put to rest. Many believers do pray for the people of Nagaland to strictly adhere to the Christian ethics and principles but more importantly we need to pray for others who oppressed us or forsake us. Our leader Shri.

NeiphiuRio,theHon’ble (LokSabha) MP and former Chief Minister of Nagaland is meeting with the central leaders on this issue. Please pray for the success of his mission so that we can see the light of the day.He is still our lamp and our guide.Let us not talked ill of others but refrain from making unnecessary accusations so that on the judgment day we will be justified before God.

God has shown me a vision about Shri.NarendraModi when I was praying. The chair on which he was seated tilted a big and the number three(3)n appears which was interpreted as- if Mr.Modi could not break his silence about the religion intolerance than his present Ministry may not go beyond 3 years. But God will tell in his mind to spell out the true things as a light has shone over him but if he refuse than only he and God will decide his fate.

Well, about Nagaland, a big dark cloud is approaching the land which means- an unusual things may happen and may fallen upon the people if the people have not repented of their sins. I am not

against any body but to tell the truth as it appeared from God. As a Christian, we are all disciple of Jesus Christ and a prophet in His wisdom. ( Let us read these references for our digestion and learnt it:- Bible Ref: Hosea.12:10, Amos.3:7,Prov.27:5, Prov.21:11, Prov.15:12, Prov.17:15, Pro.26:27, 1Cor.13:13, Mat.5:22last paragraph, Matthew.12:37). Let us all reason together and bring good tidings to our people and an unforeseen blessing from God which has been stored for us from time immemorial. Praise Jesus. 14-22015.

Dr.Er.VikuotuolieAngami, Ph.D Master of Divinity (M.Div) & Doctor of Medicine(AM)

Scientific awareness on Stem Cell Banking

A DIPR feature by Temjenkaba Information Assistant

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ife Cell is India’s first and largest stem cell bank which was Established in 2004, and is India’s first and largest stem cell bank enjoying the trust of 1,00,000 parents who have banked their children’s stem cells with the company.

With state-of-the-art laboratories at Chennai & Gurgaon and a network spread over 100 service centres in the country & footprints in GCC countries, Life Cell is also the most recommended stem cell bank by gynaecologists. The company is also the most accredited stem cell bank with certifications from national and international organization, this was stated

by Brig.(DR Paramjitsingh while addressing at Workshop on scientific awareness stem cell banking held at Hotel ACACIA at Diampur on 11th of February 2015th with resources person Brig.(DR) Paramjit Singh DHOT from Life cell international PVT Ltd Gurgaon to create awareness on the stem cell banking from which people can benefit by way of treatment of more than 80 medical conditions which was attended by senior doctors from Kohima and Diampur.

Brig. (Dr. Paramjitsingh DHO inform that Life Cell is also the only player in the industry providing comprehensive stem cell solutions including menstrual stem cell banking, R&D and point-of-care stem cell therapy for orthopaedic, vascular and cardiovascular specialties He added that Stem cells have the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells and are the best described in the context of normal human development. Human development begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg and creates a single cell that has the potential to form an entire organism and this fertilized is tot potent, meaning that its potential is total. In the first hours after fertilization, this cell divides into identical tot potent cells which means that either one of these cells, if placed into a woman’s uterus, has the potential to develop into a foetus.

Paramjit Singh mentioned that Cells capable of giving rise to most tissues of an organism are called plu-

ripotent and comprise the inner cell mass cells in an embryo. The pluripotent cells undergo further specialization into stem cells that are committed to give rise to cells that have a particular function. The examples of stem cells include blood stem cells which give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells & platelets; skin stem cells which give rise too various types of skin cells; and these more specialized stem cells are called multi potent. The advantage of Cord Blood stem cells are that it is easily available; it is non-invasive collection procedure which is better tolerated across the HLA barrier and has a lower frequency of CMV infection.

As per information it is worth mentioning that Over 30.000 cord cell blood transplants have so far done globally and Clinical phase 111 trials are on-going for a number of diseases which will soon result into stem cell therapy in the clinics. Life cell international, first and most accredited private cord blood bank has over hundred collection centre in India and aboard stores over 1,27,000 cord blood units at –degree centigrade in liquid nitrogen with of life of 23.5years. It is the only cord blood bank in the world with a dual storage facility at Chennai and Manesar.The first transplantation of Umbilical Cord Blood was successfully performed in October 1988 by Gluck man et al to treat a boy with Fanconi’s anaemia and he is alive, well and completely cured of the haematological and life threatening manifestation of his disease more than 25 years after the procedure. The donor, the Gluck man et al was his new born sister was a perfect HLA match for her brother. The medical fraternity are excited by the current state of knowledge and the immense potential in the exponential development in this field. The major limitations of using HLA- matched related sibling donors in HSCT emphasize on the facts that only 30% to 40% of recipients have a HLA- matched related family donor hence the search for an alternative source of HSC. New born Screening (NBS) is a simple test taken at birth to enable early detection of condition in babies.

The conditions screened for are individually rare but collectively more

common. -1 in 300 are diagnosed in US based on population screening for 29 conditions.

The purpose of new born screening is to enable early detection of presymptomatic babies, to enable early treatment, to improve health, to reduce anxiety caused by uncertainty over symptoms before clinical diagnosis is made.

NBS is a public health success story. It is mandated by almost all developed countries as it saves lives, prevents disability, and in fact saves money. The widespread implementation of NBS in the US led it to its recognition as the ‘Ten Great Public Health Achievements’ in the US, between 2001 – 2010 (CDC, May 2011). In the Philippines, the New-born Screening Act of 2004, Article 1 Section 3, states that “every new-born must be given access to new-born screening”.

The conditions screened are hemoglobinopathies, endocrinology, amino acid disorders, carbohydrate disorders, fatty acid oxidation disorders, peroxisome diseases, disorders of purine, pyrimidine metabolism, organic acid disorders, lactic academia, hyperpyrexia academia, and other genetic conditions.

The technology is based on gas chromatography, mass spectrometry. There is no need for heel-prick; test can be performed using urine samples collected after 48 hours of birth and cord blood.

A wider spectrum of metabolites can be detected as against MS/MS. The test screens for 118 inborn errors of metabolism and provides confirmatory testing for 60 conditions which are prevalent in India. Further confirmation can be done for a limited number of disorders by only enzyme assay or mutational studyrequired. Life cell International has introduced this new-born screening test as Baby shield Encouraging people to preserve the umbilical cord at birth so that it could cure scores of diseases in future by using the stem cells, Brig (Dr.) Dhot informed that the local office of Life Cell International Pvt Ltd Gurgoan, is located at Faith Hospital, Dimapur so for any necessary information one may contact Faith Hospital Dimapur through Contact No.- 9940677316.

(Source stems cell banking)

Tears of my spirit If I were to take count of my sins, Would I be able to count it?

No. If I were to count the number of times I was forgiven Will I be able to count it?

No. How many times have I said I won’t do it?

Many.

How many times have I done it again?

Many.

Are the tears I cry over my own sins More than the tears I cry for the world?

Can I answer it, must I answer it, Should I answer?

My heart grieves even to think of it.

Do I grieve more when I sin Or is God grieved more?

Questions in my mind, hurts in my heart, wounds in my Spirit, The thorns of my sins torments me: Only God can heal, save And raise me up again.

Counting not my sins against me Treating me not as my sins deservedGod desires to see my best By loving me with His best Christ is the best lover I have I desire to be faithful In love, in faith in holiness In truth and in the Spirit God is my lover, Holiness is my desire; Holiness is God I am a slave to holiness.

Ambrose.J.Chakre

student’s life at the cost of a land

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o Err is human, to Forgive is Divine, I wonder what kind of situation Alexander Pope must have been dealing with when he came up with those words. It must not have been much different than the current scenario in Tuensang between the Chang’s and the Yimchungers or any other Tribal conflicts in the past among the Naga’s.

The Current conflicts between this two tribes is mostly neglected by the mass Naga’s or so to say most of us are not aware of what is going on over there. The only news we hear are the press releases, the imposition of Curfews etc. The issue it seems started with a “SMALL PIECE OF LAND” and look where it has reached. If I am not wrong two Students have already lost their lives. An issue with land, escalating to the level of Tribal conflicts leading to loss of life, disruption of peace and resulting in people fleeing from Tuensang is just too much to encompass.

How did it escalate so fast? Was it Preventable? Was that Argument over that small piece of Land worth the lives of those two Students who had nothing to do with that God Forsaken Land?

We Naga’s including you and me need to break this barrier of TRIBALISM and the age old rusted, good for nothing, arrogant notion of “IF THE ISSUE IS NOT AFFECTING ME, IT’S NOT MY PROBLEM”.

The Current conflict also shows us the utter failure of the Administration in Tuensang, we've seen past

Tribal Conflicts and we need to learn from those events, we should be on our toes at all times in these kind of scenarios, making sure those Groups of people who are always instigating Tribalism are rooted out completely.

The DC of Tuensang in my point of view has failed miserably in making sure this situation was avoided. The State Govt. handing out ex-gratia to families of those victims is another way of saying “SORRY, WE FAILED IN ACTING AS THE GOVERNING BODY”.

ENPO (Eastern Naga People's Organization) the apex body in Eastern Nagaland as informed had already called upon the two Tribes to come to table and proposed resolutions but it seems getting the two parties on the same page was like asking the Cow to give Egg instead of Milk. ENSF (Eastern Naga Student Federation) have issued press releases over the course of this conflict but press releases and condemnation will not solve the problem.

To ENPO: To be known as the prominent body or the Apex body of Tribes comes with a certain power which has not been utilized properly.

Just because the Changs and the Yimchungers does not comply with what the apex body suggest it does not mean you’ve to hold your hands and look the other way. If they don't comply since you hold the ultimate decision ENPO should impose heavy regulation

on both the parties without a single ounce of partiality and neutralize the situation as early as possible.

Else I see no reason why you’ve to claim yourself as the Apex body of Eastern Nagaland.

We Naga’s are more inclined to traditional and customary laws compared to Western constitutional governance and it has been working fine since time immemorial. If peaceful approach to resolve the issue is not working, the next step is to be action oriented with the interest of all.

To ENSF: Reasons for leaving NSF and forming your own body is another story for another day.Not stating ENSF have not done anything to try and dissolve the current tribal conflict, as shared keeping in mind the well being of the mass ENSF had approached the Administration to resolve the issue which was not acted on promptly. But right now, at the peak of Examination Hours how can ENSF just stick with Press releases, when two Students have already lost their lives.

As stated in your press release “‘RUSTED MINDS DISMANTLING DREAM'S OF STUDENTS” So what now? What is your next action? You’ve enough volunteers; you’re capable enough to handle such situation along with ENPO to dissolve this situation. Our so called Administrations are benevolent creatures which as you have stated will show their face

only during election. Don't wait on them but pick up the shovel to set aside the dirt. Student's are the pillars of our tomorrow and it is your responsibility as the Core Student body of Eastern Nagaland to make sure such casualties due to Tribal conflict is avoided at all cost. The need to take proactive steps on how to prevent rather than how to solve is the need of the hour. Yes, you've taken steps to dissolve the issue but the steps taken so far is not enough, if it was, the situation would not have reached to what has become of it today.

In fact all Naga’s irrespective of Tribal lines should be on our toes and keep our eyes open for those individuals or groups who take pleasure in staying rusted and creating Tribal conflicts over and over again. It’s about time we differentiate black from white regardless of who they may be or where they come from. The Chang’s need to admit their mistake, the Yimchunger’s need to admit theirs and come to a conclusion else this is just the seed for future conflicts which nobody would want to be a part of.

Speaking in General I guess it’s safe to say WE are basically, literally sick and tired of Tribal conflicts created by some certain vested groups or individuals. Just hope the current situation is acted upon without further delay before it escalates any further.

A concerned Naga.

Atsung Imchen Salt Lake Sector 1, BE Block #418 West Bengal, Kolkata 70064

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.

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Selena Gomez on Justin Bieber

e had was each w ll a ke li lt fe st o ‘It alm d was against us’ rl o w e th ke li , er th o

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n an intimate interview with V94 Magazine, the singer says she wouldn’t take back her relationship with the ‘Baby’ singer ‘in a million years’ and that 2015 will be her best year yet. Selena Gomez says she's the happiest she's ever been now that her past relationship is behind her. The 22-yearold singer opened up in an intimate interview with James Franco for her cover of the spring issue of V Magazine Issue 94 and shares “I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life.”

“Super stoked that I’ve got some bumps on me, some scars, some bruises.

I actually love that,” Gomez

tells the magazine.

“And I don’t mean that in a morbid way. It was great to experience really beautiful things, and then, you know, have the growing pains, in every possible manner, in every relationship” The singer, who was on again off again with “Baby” singer Justin Bieber, says that she really learned from her relationship with him and her next relationship will be “much different.”

Regardless of the troubled relationship with her ex, she explains she “would never take it back in a mil-

lion years” and she was hearing so many things that she didn’t know who to believe. "It almost felt like all we had was each other, like the world was against us, in a way,” Gomez explained.

“It almost felt like all we had was each other, like the world was against us, in a way. It was really weird but it was incredible.”

The actress not only experienced a bad break-up last year, she also admitted that paparazzi and media were getting to her, causing a lot of anxiety and even depression. It got to the point where she didn’t leave her

Emma Stone have a fascination with death

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ctress Emma Stone has admitted she is fascinated with death and life afterwards. The 26-year-old Hollywood beauty said she's always wondered what happens after you've passed away and believes her morbid curiosity stems from her childhood and upbringing, reported Australia's Cleo magazine. "I was always conscious that life is finite and was interested in really gloomy things like death, ghosts and cemeteries," Stone, who appeared on the magazine's cover, said.

However, the 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' star said her dark thoughts on death have encouraged her to grab every opportunity with both hands because she is conscious nothing lasts forever. "I was just a really crazy child. But there's also something positive about this attitude: when you are constantly aware that you will die one day, you appreciate life all the more and really live it to the fullest.

I always try to act according to my belief, and my parents see things the same way. They supported me in my acting plans precisely because they believe you have to use your time well. That's also why my mother moved to Los Angeles with me when I was 15."

Pied Piper, is comic book's first ever gay supervillain

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he first ever gay comic book supervillain is set to appear in TV series 'The Flash', it has been reported. The gay comic book supervillain will be known as Pied Piper and will be played by debutant actor Andy Mientus, the Daily Star reported.

Talking about his role, the 28-year-old actor asserted that it would be really great to see a powerful, out gay character giving The Flash a run for his money. Mientus added that people don't expect a superhero show to go there. ' The Flash' is an American television series developed by writer/producers Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns.

Thursday

Entertainment

The Morung Express

house much for a few months. “I think I drove myself crazy for a little bit. It was just easier to say, Hey, do you mind running to the grocery store and picking some stuff up, I don’t want to get photographed,” told the mag.

“As much as I don’t like to wake up and think about that it’s there, it’s naturally just there. My response was to stay in, which sucked.

That’s what I was trying to fix this past year, I’m finally getting a little bit more comfortable,” she added. The singer believes that this coming year will be “incredible” for her and she used the past years as a time to grow. “You can’t help but have some troubles here and there. I don’t think it’s a smooth process for anyone,” Gomez said.

19 February 2015

Pharrell Williams

Dimapur

11 C M Y K

Set To Pen Children's Book I

n a new four book deal, the 41-year-old music mogul will base the first instalment on his award-winning track 'Happy.' Just when you thought Pharrell Williams' hit track 'Happy' was finally out of your head, the 41-year-old music mogul is bringing back the catchy tune as the inspiration behind a picture children's book he will write. Williams has signed a deal with Putnam Books, an imprint of Penguin, to pen four picture children's books for Young Readers, with the first being based on his award-winning track 'Happy,' Billboard reports.

On Tuesday (Feb 17th), Putnam announced that 250,000 copies of 'Happy'

will be printed and published on September 22nd. The book is set to feature children from all over the world "celebrating what it means to be happy."

"I'm humbled by the global success of 'Happy,' but especially in awe of the song's young fans," Pharrell said in a statement. "My collaboration with Penguin allows me to continue a dialogue with these children in a fresh, new way. We're both committed to feeding the curiosity of young minds with imagination."

'Happy' was initially released in 2013 as the soundtrack of 'Despicable Me 2,' which earned an Oscar nomination in 2014 for Best Original Song (Fro-

zen's 'Let It Go' won the award). Williams later made the world's first 24hour music video for the song and featured it on his own studio album 'Girl.'

The song's success didn't stop there, this year alone it also bagged the rap star two Grammy Awards, for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Music Video.

During an interview

w i t h O p r a h Winfrey last year, Williams began to shed a tear after being shown a clip of fans from all corners of the globe doing the 'Happy Dance' to the track. "It's overwhelming because it's like, I love what I do and I just appreciate the fact that people have believed in me for so long that I could make it to this point to feel that," he said.

Ray J's girlfriend arrested after allegedly beating him to pulp

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ay J's girlfriend Princess Love has been arrested for brutally beating the singer in a hotel room. The sources informed that the 'One Wish' singer returned to his hotel at night when Love went ballistic and attacked him, cracked his several ribs, busted out his lip open and slashed ligaments, TMZ.com reported.

The Hotel staff overheard Love saying that she would kill the 34-year-old American rapper and just after that Ray J ran out of the room bleeding and soon informed the cops. Love was then arrested against the case of domestic abuse and battery, but reportedly Ray J himself bailed his lady love out and paid 10 thousand dollars to hire a lawyer.

Eva Longoria Named Harvard University's Artist Of The Year A

ctress Eva Longoria is heading back to school as Harvard University's 2015 Artist of the Year. The former Desperate Housewives beauty, an avid political campaigner and philanthropist, will follow in the footsteps of previous honourees Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Matt Damon, Halle Berry and Sharon Stone when she is presented with the prestigious accolade from officials at the Harvard Foundation on

Mel B “Wouldn’t Call” Herself A Feminist

Saturday (21Feb15), during the Massachusetts school's Cultural Rhythms Festival.

S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation, says, "Our student committee praised her outstanding contributions

to the performing arts and her much-admired humanitarian work

through the Eva's Heroes project, a charity founded

by Longoria that helps developmentally disabled children, as well as her support of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children."

Responding to the news on Twitter.com, Longoria writes, "Thank u (sic) Harvard Foundation @harvFoun for the incredible honor! #ArtistOfTheYear See you soon!" The actress previously enrolled in a Chicano Studies course at California State University, Northridge, where she obtained her master's degree in 2013.

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The former Spice Girl recently made the surprising confession that she isn't a feminist, while also claiming she still follows "the girl-power motto."

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espite being a key member in one of the world's most successful girl bands, the Spice Girls, who were all about sisterhood and the empowerment of women, Mel B, real name Melanie Brown, recently revealed her surprising stance on feminism.

During an interview with the London Times, the 39-year-old singer opened up about following the band's 'girl power' motto, but admitted she isn't a feminist. "I wouldn't call myself a feminist," she told the newspaper. The biggest surprise of this revelation is the rest of her response, which

clearly indicates Scary Spice doesn't really know what feminism means.

"I try to live by the girlpower motto. It's about believing in yourself, no matter how bad a day you're having, and lending your support to other women," she added. "It's empowering to have that camaraderie with other women." It appears Mel B defined what feminism is all about...without realizing.

However, the former XFactor judge isn't the only celebrity to get rather confused when talking about being a feminist. Late last year Kaley Cuoco caused controversy when admit-

ting she is very comfortable having a more oldfashioned female role in her home as she loves to take care of her man.

During an interview the 'Big Bang Theory' actress said she cooks for her husband "five nights a week: It makes me feel like a housewife; I love that. I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I like the idea of women taking care of their men. I'm so in control of my work that I like coming home and serving him." But only a week later she released a statement that claimed her word had been "taken out of context." Will Mel B offer a further explanation?

Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor Split

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hraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur have been talk of the town ever since the couple starred in Bollywood blockbuster "Aashiqui 2".

Although, the B-town couple have never accepted their relationship in public, they have often been spotted together attending events, holidaying and at family get-togethers.

However, according to a report in Bollywood Life, the much-in-love couple have parted ways and are in no mood to reconcile.

While the reason behind their split is not known, some reports suggested that Shraddha's family wasn't too happy with the relationship, al-

though Aditya's brother tress had also hinted about Siddharth Roy Kapur and her love life, when she took his wife Vidya Balan, were t o her said

t o b e fond of the actress and were keen that the couple resolve their issues.

During their happy times, the "Haider" ac-

Tw i tter handle to express her feelings: "OK. Exciting times ahead. I think I'm in love! ;)" tweeted Shraddha.

Further, on Karan

Johar's popular celebrity talk show "Koffee with Karan", Shraddha gushed at the mention of her costar Aditya. Although they neither denied nor admitted to their alleged affair, they continued to shower praises on each other on the show. On the workfront, Shraddha recently wrapped up shooting for her upcoming film "ABCD 2" opposite Varun Dhawan, directed by Remo D'Souza.

"ABCD 2" is a sequel to D'Souza's directorial debut "ABCD: Anybody Can Dance" (2013).

On the other hand, Aditya is shooting for "Fitoor" opposite Katrina Kaif and the team in Kashmir.

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Tomorrow maTch

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 06:30 am IST

NZ vs ENG

westpac Stadium, wellington C M Y K

All-round B'desh cruise to emphatic win Guwahati, Shillong likely to host SAF Games this year

Canberra, February 18 (agenCies): Having endured one of their toughest cricketing seasons in 2014, Bangladesh did well to open their ICC World Cup 2015 campaign with a 105run win over Afghanistan at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Bangladesh were humbled by their Asian neighbours during last year's Asia Cup, and exactly 355 days later, Mashrafe Mortaza and his men dished out a performance emphatic enough to prove that the defeat in March was nothing more than a fluke.

It was important for Bangladesh to win against a lesser-fancied Afghanistan side before they went on to face bigger and better opponents in England, Australia and New Zealand, so the fact that they were up to task in all three departments promises to keep them in good stead ahead of the remainder of the tournament. Two of their most prolific batsmen in Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim played crucial knocks to haul Bangladesh to 267, after which Mortaza (three for 20) and Shakib Al Hasan (two for 43) shot Afghanistan out for 162 with a little over seven overs to go.

Afghanistan's chase never quite got off to the kind of start they desired. Once their first three wickets were lost with just three runs on the board, it was left to captain Samiullah Shenwari and the likes of Asghar Stanikzai and captain Mohammad Nabi to take the side through. However, early wickets meant that Afghanistan were left with no other choice than to soak up deliveries, and by the time their chances came, it was all too late. Shenwari (42) and Nawroz Mangal (27) fought valiantly for a 62-run stand for the fourth wicket, but as it turned out, it wasn't enough.

With the help of some early swing and an attacking field, Mortaza and Rubel Hossain did the early damage, removing openers Javed Ahmadi and Afsar Zazair inside the first seven deliveries.

Mangal was snapped

• Shakib Al Hasan crossed 4000 ODI runs • Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim combined for a 114-run stand for the fifth wicket • Mushfiqur was named Man of the Match up by Mahmudullah in the 23rd over, but Shenwari found support from skipper Nabi, with whom he combined for 58 runs.

However, that proved to be their last effort at putting up a fight as after Nabi's runout for 44, it took Bangladesh just five overs and 26 runs to wrap things up.

Having opted to bat, Bangladesh's start was far from promising with openers Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque struggling to get their timing right. The opening pair crawled to 47/0 in 14.3 overs before Mirwais Ashraf, Afghanistan's first bowling change, gave his side its first World Cup wicket. Tamim played a reckless shot and edged a length ball to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai and then added a second to his tally and had Anamul out leg before for 13.

Shakib (63 off 51 balls) and Mushfiqur (71 off 56) departed in quick succession while attempting big shots - the allrounder cleaned up by Hassan and the former skipper holding out to deep midwicket.

At 223 for 4 in 44 overs, the stage was set for them to set their opposition a total nearing 280, but a spirited bowling effort in the death by Aftab and Hassan thwarted that possibility.

They staged a strong fightback in the last five overs and picked up Bangladesh's final six wickets for 44 runs.

new Delhi, February 18 (PTi): Three years behind schedule, the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games may just see the light of the day this year in November with the Sports Ministry proposing the northeastern cities of Guwahati and Shillong as possible venues for the regional showpiece.

The last SAF Games were held in Dhaka in 2010 and India were to host the next edition in 2012. However, the

Games got postponed after the Indian Olympic Association was banned by the IOC. The ban was revoked last year after fresh elections to the body and now plans are afoot to ensure that the Games are held this year in November.

"Guwahati and Shillong are being considered to host the Games and a central team will leave for there next week to take stock of the infrastructure.

The Games will be held in November

this year," a source told PTI. The governments of both Assam and Meghalaya have been asked for their consent to host the Games, the estimated budget for which is Rs 60 crore . The IOA has asked the centre to fund Rs 40 crore.

"The Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Shillong is operational and Guwahati has the experience of hosting the National Games. So, infrastructure would not be a problem," the source said.

India have a good chance of beating South Africa: Chappell Melbourne, February 18 (PTi): Even as South Africa plot India's downfall with the help of Gary Kirsten and Mike Hussey, cricketing greats Sunil Gavaskar and Ian Chappell today felt their presence would not make much of a difference to the Proteas' chances in their World Cup game against the holders.

South Africa have hired the services of former India coach Kirsten and Hussey, who has got a fair knowledge about players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja, having played in the

IPL. "It will help to an extent but then a lot depends on how they play on the field," Gavaskar told NDTV. Chappell said, "Those guys will only help (South Africa) if India think too much about Kirsten and Hussey. These things are peripheral."

South Africa's record against India in the World Cup is an enviable 3-0, having won their matches in 92, 99 and 2011 editions.

The two teams will square off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

"Kirsten knows how people react in the Indian dressing room. Hussey has

also played in the IPL. They will try and tell how to play the Indian spinners, how to negotiate 20 overs of spin," the former captain said.

Calling the Proteas a better bowling unit, Gavaskar added: "India shouldn't take South African bowling attack lightly. India need to bat sensibly early on and score at least 260-270."

Chappell, who had led Australia in the past, felt India have good chance of beating South Africa.

"India have a good chance of beating South Africa if they play like they played versus Pakistan. If they get the same captaincy from

Dhoni.

"I am not so worried about South Africa's pace attack. Steyn is up there but Morkel is inconsistent, Philander is not quick and Imran Tahir was smashed around the park by the Australians. And the Indians play spin better than Australia. It's a big opportunity for India as long as they go with the same approach," Chappell said, raising India's hopes of breaking the WC jinx against the Proteas.

He added, "I would rather play Axar Patel than Ravindra as he is better wicket-taking option in the middle overs."

Bangladesh batsman Al Hasan Shakib watches his shot as Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper Zazai Afsar looks on during their Cricket World Cup Pool A match in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, February 18. (AP Photo)

Watch this space

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