February 23rd, 2016

C M Y K

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ThursDAY • FebruArY 23 • 2017

DIMAPUR • Vol. XII • Issue 51 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

o F

T R u T H

He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk — Malawian proverb India raises NSG, Masood with China

ZSUD share concern on recent ‘political crisis’

PAGE 08

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

Some guy just resigned!

Odisha Gov Dr SC Jamir congratulates new CM DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 22 (MExN): Odisha Governor and former Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr SC Jamir today congratulated Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu on being sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland. “Your assuming the office represents a defining moment in state’s history and testifies to the renewed confidence which the people of Nagaland have placed in you to chart the future course of the state.

Having long experience as a Minister and legislator you have better knowledge of the ground reality.

I have great hope that you and your new Government will work dedicatedly to bring people together, make good things prevail and contribute constructively to the stability, development and economy of Nagaland,” Jamir said in a letter. He further expressed hope to having a “continued, close and good cooperation in promoting peace in the state.”

NPCC alleges Shürhozelie ‘engineered instability’

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) today claimed that the new Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu has “successfully engineered instability to his advantage.” A press note from the NPCC stated that since 2003, “he has been treating NPF as his personal fiefdom and it comes as no surprise that he had cleverly manoeuvred himself in outwitting other contenders to become the Chief Minister in the midst of instability arising out of their blatant disregard towards the voices and sentiments of the people.”

It further claimed that “despite being the latest winner in the NPF’s game of musical chairs to occupy the CMs chair that is seeing three occupants within 3 years, Dr Shurhozelie has been calling the shots from behind the screens as party President for the past 14 years of NPF misrule and is therefore equally responsible for the sorry state of affairs plaguing the state.”

It added that the “instability brought about by NPF power struggle especially during the last three years” has disrupted issues of public importance. The frequent change of leadership, it claimed, “is just a clever ploy to remain glued to the chairs.” It meanwhile cautioned that “the problems that have engulfed the state will never be solved and will rather go beyond redemption if NPF continues to remain in power.”

Five-star Manchester City edge thriller with Monaco

PAGE 02

PAGe 12

Dr. shürhozelie liezietsu sworn in th as 17 chief Minister of nagaland New CM convenes first cabinet sitting on February 23 Chizokho Vero Kohima | February 22

81 year old Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu was sworn in today as the 17th Chief Minister of Nagaland State, along with 11 Cabinet Ministers.

The oath was administered to Dr. Liezietsu and other 11 Cabinet Ministers

by Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya at Raj Bhavan in the presence of outgoing Chief Minister, TR Zeliang; MP Rajya Sabha, KG Kenye, legislators and NGO leaders.

Later, in a separate function at the State Banquet Hall, the Chief Minister administered oath to 24 Parliamentary Secretaries, followed by induction of six Advisors to the Chief Minister’s Office.

New faces in the cabinet include Chotisuh Sazo, Imkong L Imchen and G Kaito Aye. Later, addressing the party leaders at the State Banquet Hall, Shurhozelie said that one of the priori-

Governor, PB Acharya along with the new Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and the newly inducted Cabinet Ministers during the swearing in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, Kohima on February 22. (DIPR)

ties of the government is to create a public platform to debate on important points for complete understanding of ULB elections visa- vis Article 371A. He said the government would give opportunity to the public to speak their minds.

The CM further asked cabinet ministers to gather at his residence by 9:00 am on February 23 so that they reach the Nagaland Civil Secretariat by 9:30 am. He informed there will be a short prayer session and the first cabinet sitting on February 23.

Meeting with bureaucrats have also been scheduled on the same day.

“We have lost so many working days. It is time to

CHIEF MINISTER Shürhozelie Liezietsu CABINET MINISTERS 1. Kiyanilie Peseyie 2. Yanthungo Patton 3. P Longon 4. C Kipili Sangtam 5. CL John 6. Yitachu 7. Paiwang Konyak 8. Vikheho Swu 9. Chotisu Sazo 10. Imkong L Imchen 11. G Kaito Aye work double to recover those lost,” Shurhozelie said, while urging legislators to work hard and regain the trust. “Together we can do it. Together we can

Nagaland Governor P B Acharya administering oath of office and secrecy to Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu at Kohima, Nagaland on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES 1. Kejong Chang 2. C. Apok Jamir 3. Deo Nukhu 4. R Tohanba 5. Khriehu Liezietsu 6. Dr. Benjongliba Aier 7. EE Pangteang 8. BS Nganlang 9. Shetoyi 10. L Khumo 11. Er Levi Rengma 12. Er Picto Shohe 13. N Jacob Zhimomi 14. Pukhayi 15. Amenba Yaden overcome,” he stated.

He also challenged the Cabinet Ministers to put their heads together and work together for the same goal. Stating that forgive-

16. Y.M. Yolow 17. Toyang Chankong Chang 18. S Chuba Longkumer 19. Hukavi Zhimomi 20. Eshak Konyak 21. Khekaho Assumi 22. Er Vikho-o Yhoshü 23. T Torechu 24. Tovihoto Ayemi ADVISORS 1. N Thongwang 2. SI Jamir 3. lmtilemba Sangtam 4. Naiba Konyak 5. Dr TM Lotha 6. Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu

ness is a virtue one should not miss, the CM emphasized that “forgiveness is the essence of peace to the society.”

“Without peace and

stability there will be no development,” he said adding that infighting is harmful to both the legislators and the people.

Also stating that it is not

possible to accommodate all legislators in the ministry, he said the government has too many works to be done. “I am prepared to utilize each and every one of you in the service of the people,” he added. The CM called for the building of trust and to work as a team till “our goal is achieved.”

Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu hails from L. Khel, Kohima village. He was elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) eight times, the first in 1969 elections from Northern Angami-I Assembly Constituency. Liezietsu is not a member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and will face elections within six months from taking office.

Nagaland has enough money to pay bills & salaries: ACAUT tr Zeliang says he stepped

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 22 (MExN): The ACAUT Nagaland today informed that as per RTI documents, the Nagaland State Government, as of December 7, 2016, “had Rs. 5229.56 Crores parked in its coffers, as released by the Centre to the State for the years 2015-16-17.”

This amount, the ACAUT said in a press note, “is more than enough to pay the salaries of all the SSA, RMSA and Hindi teachers combined 100 times over.” Instead, it lamented that the previous government had “subjected teachers to humiliations, water cannons and finally beggary.”

“It’s heart-breaking to know that hundreds of innocent teachers are in debt to money lenders, unable to pay the exorbitant interest levied, thanks

to the greed of our unscrupulous legislators,” the ACAUT said. It further condemned the previous government for “falsely claiming before the Naga people that the state was in financial deficit when it is clear that the 14th Finance Commission had already released Rs. 5216 Crores as the state’s share of taxes.”

Quoting the RTI document, the ACAUT stated that “the Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant (or state’s share of tax) is a general grant and utilized by the state government as a whole through budgetary allocations.” It reasoned that the government could have “utilized the money in any manner it deemed fit, including payment of teachers’ salaries.”

The ACAUT reminded the new-

ly formed government under Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu that the lies of the previous government that it had no money should not be repeated by the new CM,” it cautioned. It further urged the new CM to bring in CBI for investigation into the fuel adulteration case, rice scam and to investigate whether the released Rs. 5229 Crores is still parked in the state coffers. It further asked the CM to make public the HPC Report “before the ACAUT does the same.”

It meanwhile informed all government servants and contractors that “there’s enough money to pay all pending bills and pending salaries.

And any other excuses not to release salaries and bills are blatant lies to usurp the money for 2018 elections.”

Offices struggle to get back on track Morung Express News Kohima | February 22

Following the lifting of the month-long bandh in Nagaland, offices that were burnt down on February 2 are struggling to relocate and resume work.

Almost 21 offices were burnt (the loss incurred yet to be totally assessed) on February 2 when angry protestors set the offices on fire after the killing of two Naga youth in Dimapur and failure of the Chief Minister to step down.

The Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) which has incurred a loss of 3.80 crores of its assets will be relocating its office at the old Arts College near Union Baptist Church. “We are yet to relocate our office, but hopefully by tomorrow, we will be finalizing,” informed KMC Administrator Kovi Meyase.

Transport Commissioner, Elias T. Lotha informed that the prices of the equipments such as pollution check equipments provided by the Ministry are unknown, therefore the office is still in the process of assessing the properties and assets destroyed in the fire, including the staff welfare fund that amounts to 2 to 3 lakhs. The office will be temporarily set up at the NSF & NPMHR Solidarity park building.

“Most of the offices are struggling

Burnt remains of some of the offices which were razed down during the mob violence in Kohima on February 2. (Morung Photo)

to relocate. It was an unfortunate incident. Many of the important official documents were burnt,” informed an SIB District official.

The Disaster Management Cell (State Emergency Operation Centre) provided a rough estimation of about 4.8 crores of equipments that was destroyed in the fire which included sophisticated equipments such as underwater camera, life-detectors each worth more than 46 lakhs.

Johnny Ruangmei, OSD informed that the office of the State Emergency Operation Centre will be temporarily set up near DC office and office work

will resume by February 23.

The February 2 fire incident also destroyed non-governmental organizations like Kohima Press Club (KPC) office. The office of KPC which was set up last year was razed down during the mob violence, and members could only retrieve important documents on the day of the incident, and a wall clock which was recovered from burglars who were caught stealing items from the burning offices.

KPC President Xavier Rutsa informed that the Club has not relocated its office as the search for a new office is underway.

down for the sake of peace Our Correspondent Kohima | February 22

Outgoing Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today in his final address as CM, stated that the decision to step down was taken “for the sake of peace and harmony in our society, and for the love of our party and our government.”

“Rather than sit in the chair of power, and watch helplessly our youths being misled and used for political ends; rather than watch the erosion of the filial sentiments of our society; I preferred to quit the highest office in the State,” he stated, while speaking at the farewell programme at the state banquet hall, after Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu was sworn in as CM. While congratulating the new CM and his cabinet colleagues, he called for healing through dialogue and negotiations, while warning against allowing “mobs, or hurriedly formed adhoc bodies to start dictating, or obstructing the government’s function.”

‘Fair name of Nagaland damaged’ He expressed regret that the “fair name of Nagaland” has been “damaged by the recent developments,” and called for efforts to repair the damage. Zeliang appealed to the people of Nagaland: “If such a demand is to be made on someone in high office to step down on moral ground, the means we use should be equally fair and the ends morally justifiable.”

He meanwhile main-

Outgoing Nagaland CM, TR Zeliang at the farewell programme in Kohima on February 22. (Morung Photo)

tained that holding of elections to the ULBs with 33% reservation for women is a Constitutional mandate which all states under the Indian Union must oblige.

He reiterated that the government’s decision to go ahead with the polls was to pre-empt the SC giving a verdict, “which could jeopardize the protection of the customary and traditional practices of the Naga people as guaranteed under Article 371-A.” Zeliang claimed that “even the agitators acknowledged that they understood the compelling circumstances before the Government...” He however lamented that “elements opposed to my continuance as the Chief Minister hijacked the agitation, and the movement took an ugly turn with political intention written large on the wall.”

He further rued that the death of three persons in the Dimapur violence was “used in the most gruesome manner for political ends…”

Zeliang added that the decision to not call for cen-

tral forces to step in was taken in order to prevent more casualties.

Zeliang, who is also Chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Coordination Committee, assured that he would continue to give his best to ensure that the Naga political issue is brought to an early and logical conclusion. “I am touched by the overwhelming support, love and co-operation extended to me by all of you in all these two years and 9 months that I have been in office. And I am indebted to each and every one of you,” he told the party leaders and workers.

He further asked all elected members and party functionaries that the Vision 2030 document, brought out by his government, should be taken forward and turned into a reality. Zeliang meanwhile appreciated that the statewide bandh has been called off and that normalcy has returned to the state, particularly in Dimapur and Kohima.

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ThursDAY 23•02•2017

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

AMK welcomes new Kohima DC ZSUD share concern on recent ‘political crisis’

Kohima, February 22 (mexN): The Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho (AMK) welcomed the recently inducted Kohima Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Soudararanjan on February 22 at the DC’s office chambers.

The AMK in a press release said that following his deputation, the new DC had to shoulder the responsibility of the bandh and protests in Kohima. Therefore, the AMK felicitated and appreciated his efforts presenting him with an Angami shawl.

AMK President Ruokuoheü Miachieo who gave a short speech welcomed Soudararanjan and said, “Prior to our greetings to your new assignment, the

unfortunate and terrible incident occur. However, in the midst of all challenges we thank God for controlling everything at the right hour.

We also sincerely extend our gratitude to you and all your subordinates for the divine mercy and patient towards our people, even at the point of pain, death, destruction your esteemed authority could firmly hold on with true and dedicated love to our people without which unimaginable severe loss of life, pain, grief, and destruction would have taken place.”

The AMK also urged the DC to render efficient and good governance for the welfare of the community Kohima DC Rajesh Soudararanjan (center) with the Angamimiapfü Mechü Krotho (AMK) and Nagas. members on February 22 at the DC’s office chambers.

Science and technology awareness exhibition held

Participants with the guest and others after the daylong programme on ‘Science and technology awareness exhibition’ held at Kin High School, Darogapathar, Dimapur on February 21.

Kohima, Febru ary 22 (mexN): A programme on ‘Science and technology awareness ex-

hibition’ was organized by Government Polytechnic Kohima, catalyzed and supported by Department

LHJAC urges every Naga to be united

WoKha, February 22 (mexN): The Lotha Hoho Joint Action Committee (LHJAC) has urged every Naga to be united so that our dream for a better Nagaland can be fulfilled. LHJAC assured to stand firm in its decision to fight against any divisive forces with deceptive presentations that can jeopardize its moral and social integrity. While acknowledging all, irrespective of tribe, caste, organization and profession for extending maximum cooperation and help in various ways during the recently held ‘people’s movement’ with regard to the ULB election and its aftermath, LHJC said, “Had it not been God’s amazing grace Nagaland could have been razed down to ashes.”

The LHJAC, Convener, Nchumbemo R Ezung and Joint Secretary, Renbi Ngullie in a press note said that apart for the 1951 Plebiscite, this is the only time in the history of the Nagas, when we have been ineffably united. “It is only because of this unity that our voices could be declared loud and clear. People’s movement and fight against corruption of any nature has definitely come to an end, nevertheless, people from all walks of lives have understood how powerful a nation can be when its citizens are united,” stated LHJAC.

of Science and Technology, Government of India (GOI) at Kin High School, Darogapathar, Dimapur

on February 21.

The inaugural function was graced by Vikhotso Kin, Administrator, Kin High School, as the chief guest. The chief guest exhorted the gathering comprising students from various schools and teachers guiding them. In his speech he stated that self discipline, learning to say sorry and thank you and clearing one’s doubt in the class room itself are needed among the students at this juncture. He also urged the teachers to teach the students considering their level of knowledge.

Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu, Principal, Government Polytechnic in his short speech said despite busy schedule and many

works to be done,the Polytechnic is striving to give awareness on Science and Technology to the general masses especially the student community. He also highlighted various courses and activities taken up by the institute.

The day long programme included stage show on Hydroponics, Science behind miracle and Food adulteration. Competitions were also held in quiz (based on Science & Technology), poster making and essay writing on the topic ‘Innovative methods of reducing carbon dioxide.’ Cash Prizes along with Certificates were distributed to the winners during the valedictory programme.

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): With reference to the political crisis over women reservation in Urban Local Bodies (ULB), the Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi (ZSUD) observed that “gender issue was overshadowed by customary laws and right to self-determination dictated by power politics.”

“Whereas we Nagas claim to be an egalitarian society without any socio-religious stratification, to the world outside Naga society has emerged as a highly intolerant patriarchal community with no qualms about suppressing the rights of women in order to defend our customary laws and right to self-determination,” ZSUD, President, Mathiuchunbou Rimai stated in a press release.

Now that the ULB election process has been declared null and void and chief minister TR Zeliang resigned, “gender issue must be addressed at the earliest”, ZSUD suggested while adding that “Naga women must be empowered with adequate representations in ULB/all public offices in consonance with local customary laws and practices.”

ZSUD also noted with deep concern the “attempt” during the protests to polarize and stratify Naga society on the parameters of ‘major tribes’ and ‘minor tribes'.

Such politics defeats Naga unity, progress and the attempt to come out of the problem of ‘tribalism’. It is sad to learn that JCC and NTAC the main protestors questioned the integrity of Zeliangrong by publicly stating that they ‘know the existence of Zeliang but not Zeliangrong.’

ZSUD has put on the record that Zeliangrong people are represented in the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation and Naga Mothers Association and the Naga Political Groups under the banner of Zeliangrong transcending the political and territorial boundaries of colonial and post-colonial order. “The benefit Nagaland is entitled to at the moment is the result of collective efforts of all Nagas including Zeliangrong people. Therefore, Zeliangrong

people as a part of the political struggle are also stakeholders in the progress and development of the state,” asserted ZSUD. The Union alleged that “this recent conspiracy against TR Zeliang and Zeliangrong community has hurt the sentiment of the tribe living in three different States of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.”

The unfolding of events is directed intentionally towards one minority tribe and the leader which is extremely sad and intolerable, it added.

ZSUD also said that it is “appalled at the highly political stand of the NPMHR asking the then chief minister TR Zeliang to step down during the protests. NPMHR the champion of Naga human rights engaging in partisan politics is uncalled for.”

The Union opinioned, “they could have been more objective and impartial on the women reservation issue and the protests than coming out openly as a party to the political conflict.” It added that ZSUD shares the grief of the two Naga families who lost their sons in the violent protests.

ZSUD is of the opinion that for too long a time power politics in Nagaland has affected the larger Naga interests from gender to Naga national issue. “We feel it is time such practices are checked in the larger interest of the Naga society, the ‘minor tribe’ and the excluded segments of the society. Otherwise a community who has time and again rescinded its interests for the larger cause would soon feel being pushed to the wall. It is our sincere prayer that such incident does not happen and that the government and civil society exhibit maturity inspirits and actions,” ZSUD said.

Meanwhile, the Union said that it takes pride in the benevolence of the then chief minister TR Zeliang for his “supreme sacrifice to step down by shouldering responsibilities and blames which are not his own, but for the betterment and peace to prevail in the Naga society he had to be crucified to save the image of Nagaland state in particular and Naga nation in general.”

LBA youth conduct evangelism service at bazaar Lotha Hoho endorse demands of JCC

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): As part of the youth ministry project for 2017, the Lhomithi Baptist Akukuhou (LBA) Youth Department conducted evangelism service at Lhomithi Village Bazaar area on February 19.

The service started with prayer by Sanjay Dey and followed by the youths leading worship in Hindi.

Dey shared his life testimony and the message was brought by Phushito Chishi, Pastor LBA. In his message, he explained in brief about Jesus Christ who did many miracles and came to save the world.

LBA Associate Pastor Youth Villy A. Zhimo in a

WoKha, February 22 (mexN): The Lotha Hoho today stated that the Joint Coordination Committee’s demands for the state government to step down, nullification of the civic polls, wherever conducted, suspension of the Police Commissioner and the commander of the errant IRP etc, submitted to the Nagaland state government are fully justified and the Lotha Hoho fully endorse and support the demands of the JCC. The Lotha Hoho in a press release issued by its chairman Mhao Humtsoe and General Secretary Mhondamo Ovung stated that LH will continue People attending the evangelism service held at Lhomithi Village Bazaar area on February 19. to stand steadfast with the press release said that in held for those who came who congregated in the ba- Naga public for review and conclusion, there was an forward. Altogether, there zaar area taking part in the amendment of the Nagaland alter call and prayer was were more than 300 plus service.

Municipal Act, 2001, amend-

ed in 2006.

The Lotha Hoho also demanded that “NMA should be reviewed and rewritten, Section by Section, to the full satisfaction of the Naga people, before any civic poll is held.”

It further condemned in the highest degree, “the childish and ludicrous behaviour of the Nagaland state government, in not honouring its written MOU with the NBCC and the JCC, on 30.01.2017, which has resulted in the loss of two precious lives of Naga youth.”

Meanwhile, the LH expressed condolences to the families of the death and pray that the almighty God may bestow on them the understanding and courage, to bear the bereavement.

Enlivening adventure, alternating transports through pedals

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): Have we ever dreamt of leaving a job, skipping the fourwheelers and heading out on a cycle to the ‘who-knows-where’ or mobilizing the friendly pedals to keep away from the traffic, cleaning flies or just inhaling fresh breezes? A lot of brazenness and farsightedness counts in there.

Native Station started as the Naga blog cycling club, later with around seven core member focusing on the management and all the activities started the flagship programme “Kohima Downhill” as a main event in 2014 up till now which has attracted riders from other states in the country, even female riders and the tourists too and is now annually held during the Hornbill festival in December.

“It is for the community but you cannot involve hundred people to make the decision,” Yanpvuo Kikon, the founder and core member expressed. “Participation and crowd supporters were extremely encouraging,” recalls a member during the street fitness event organized by the club last year at the Heritage Circle Raj Bhavan. Picking up with the smart mobility, the inspired generation is the youngsters and student enthusiasts as the team observes the thirty or more of their own cyclists are and their contribution and participation been remarkable!

“We met because of cycling, cycling brought us together,” Yanpvuo said. The part encounter of talking eventually ended up riding together. Fun, challenging and encouraging are long rides into the steep, cranky paths and terrains or jostling into the highway traffic. It veritably has multitude benefits in physical health, mental and environmental benefits and saves time, saves fuel! What a beautiful

thing for a milieu of green scenery!

While collaboration and network can bring a huge societal impact, the team also expressed the need for both governmental and individual support for encouragement. The rising interests and potential for urban mobility and indigenous cycling adventure activities sees a good market avenue for the state too. Expressing such interest he expressed, “If we can get car loans why can’t we get cycling loans at a lower interest rate or even incentives with discounts.”

While indigenous bamboo bikes isn’t only a unique piece but is also durable, a huge mass production of the bikes can be used by a battalion of the government, suggested the group and alternatively a means of daily transportation as daily wage earners and students also does in campuses in other states at the same time keeping the adventure spirit alive which ultimately can make Nagaland a mountain biking capital of India and the South-east Asia.

The team has mulled huge supports from the department of tourism, the Alaphra group, Giant bikes etc and many individuals in the past organized events, the year set plans to make it more sophistically professional by tying up with experts or counselors from other countries and mapping areas for tourists in the vicinity to make adventure explorations through hired bikes around the places.

What can replace a traffic ridden society with bad roads and small crowded street is a bicycle and a rider also knows the benefits and fun engraved in the pedals also beautifying scenery with a view of made for it. On the roads, if people can walk and cars move along, there is a place for cycles with safety too.

THURSDAY 23•02•2017 18

NORTH-EAST 3

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Eco blockade will not impact Manipur poll process’ Mizoram set to become power surplus

IMPHAL, FEBRUARY 22 (PTI): The Election Commission is confident that the economic blockade in Manipur will not impact the poll process in the state and has made all arrangements to ensure free and fair elections.

"We have all the data from our state election machinery. We are confident that the economic blockade will not impact the poll process in the state. The state government has also assured us. We will get cooperation from all the sections," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told reporters here.

An indefinite economic block-

ade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1, 2016 is on in Manipur, against the state government's decision to create seven new districts in the landlocked state by bifurcating the existing ones. The state government has, however, claimed that this decision was taken to improve administrative efficiency. Supply of essential commodities including fuel to Manipur has been severely hit since November last year after the council declared indefinite economic blockade on NH2 (via Dimapur) and NH 37 (via Jiribam) the two lifelines to the state.

Asked how the Election Com-

mission will ensure smooth movement of election officials and security personnel as the state is hit by fuel shortage, Zaidi said, "We have undertaken a very indepth review with our district officials and also with the state officials. As far as the election process is concerned there is a priority and sufficient availability of petrol, diesel for poll process. There would be no problem regarding it and all poll personnel will assist us."

Zaidi said adequate number of Central police forces will be available for each phase and each polling station will be adequately covered

by Central police forces. Talking

about the law and order situation in the state, Zaidi said, "We have reviewed the situation. Our district officials and police officials are taking all possible measures and preventive action, advance area domination, confidence building measures and all related standard drills. As on today we are reasonably satisfied that action is underway and all other action will be underway in the days to come".

Zaidi said 20 general and 20 electionrelated police observers, 20 expenditure observers and seven awareness observers have been deployed to monitor electionrelated activities.

AMSU demands details of Framework Agreement Newmai News Network Imphal | February 22

Scores of All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) members and womenfolk stormed the Raj Bhavan gate on Wednesday demanding disclosure of the details of the 'Framework Agreement' signed between the Centre and NSCN (IM).

The protesters squatted in front of the Raj Bhavan gate where they clashed with police and security personnel manning it. The AMSU members and womenfolk also shouted several slogans demanding the

yet-to-be declared details of the Naga peace accord.

The 'Framework Agreement' was signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015. But the details of the agreement are yet to be released.

Since the signing of the 'Aframework Agreement', social organistions and political parties in Manipur have been demanding the Centre that the details of the agreement be publicised at the earliest time.

Meanwhile, later in the evening today, a sevenmember team of AMSU

and leaders of the womenfolk called on Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla at the Raj Bhavan. They urged Dr Heptulla that the Centre should release the details of the 'Framework Agreement' without delay.

According to AMSU general secretary Manjit Sarangthem, the Governor demanded a memorandum from their side by today itself on the pressing demand and to forward the same to the Prime Minister and the President.

“The Centre should present a white paper on the agreement or else

Nagaland Board of School Education NOTIFICATION NO.4 /2017

Kohima

Dated Kohima, the 22nd February 2017

NO.NBE-24/Ad-Tr&Sem/2016-17 :: It is hereby notified for information that a meeting shall be held on 7th March 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Hall of the NBSE, Kohima with the following: i. Heads of institutions (both Government & Private) recently upgraded to open Classes IX & X and Classes XI & XII in the academic year 2017. ii. Newly appointed heads of institutions, holding the post of Headmaster/Principal for the first time (both Government & Private).

The newly appointed heads of Institutions should confirm their participation on or before 3rd March, 2017 to Mobile no.

9436010200, 9436216604. The confirmation can also be mailed to nagaboard@gmail.com All concerned are informed to attend the meeting without fail.

The TA/DA of the participants is to be borne by the concerned institution.

AMSU will intensify agitation,” Manjit warned.

He said the student body will not allow any alteration to Manipur’s territorial boundaries at any circumstance. Manjit accused NSCN (IM) and United Naga Council (UNC) of trying to instigate trouble between communities living together in Manipur.

AMSU has been carrying out a campaign in

Imphal to demand disclosure of the details of the 'Framework Agreement'.

During an election rally at Thangmeiband Thau ground in Imphal on February 19, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in his attempt to allay the fear of the people said that the 'Framework Agreement' would not harm the territorial integrity of Manipur.

NAGALAND MULTISPECIALITY HEALTH & RESEARCH CENTRE MIDLAND DIMAPUR Ph: 9856006026 / 03862-248302 / 248295 DOCTOR FROM INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL GUWAHATI AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION ON 4TH MAR’17

Dr. Neil Bardoloi MD DM (Cardiology)

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER NO.JUD.21/2016-17/90

ZUNHEBOTO

Dt. Zbto. the 19th Jan. 2017

Notice calling objection for the issue of Succession Certificate

Shri. Piketo. Y. Zhimo of Lizu Aviqato Village, District, Zunheboto has applied for the issue of Succession Certificate /Guardianship Certificate declaring that His wife Late Akitoli. G. Zhimomi has expired on 03/12/2016 It is hereby notified that if no objection to issue this certificate is received from anyone within a period of 30 (thirty) bays w.e.f the date of publication in press, the Certificate shall be issued, and no further complaint will be entertained for issue of the same.

Sd/- Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto: Nagaland

Sd/- Asano Sekhose, Chairman

KOHIMA VILLAGE COUNCIL FELICITATES Dr. SHÜRHOZELIE LIEZIETSU THE NEW CHIEF MINISTER OF NAGAIAND

The Kohima Village Council heartily congratulates Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on becoming the 17th Chief Minister of Nagaland on the 22nd February 2017. The KVC is particularly happy that Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, our home grown son of Kohima Village has been elected to the top political post of Nagaland State which is a pride for us. On this auspicious occasion we convey our best wishes to him and his Council of Ministers and pray that he will guide the State to greater heights keeping the welfare and prosperity of the people as the top priority of the new leadership.

The whole State was made to undergo terrible suffering recently but we believe that now the time has come for healing of the wounds through reconciliation and forgiveness. May God give wisdom to the new leadership to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.

Sd/- Zeneizo Rutsa, General Secretary Kohima Village Council Sd/- Khriezothie Chielie, Chairman (Acting) Kohima Village Council

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AIZAWL, FEBRUARY 22 (IANS): Two decades after it got Union cabinet approval, a 60 MW project in Mizoram will see the light of day in June making the hilly state the third power-surplus state in northeast India after Sikkim and Tripura.

Farmers' agitations and administrative hurdles delayed the commissioning of the power plant, the biggest in Mizoram, which shares a border with Myanmar (510 km) and Bangladesh (318 km).

State-run North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), a "Mini Ratna" company under the Union Ministry of Power, will be commissioning the hydro-electric project along the Tuirial river in Aizawl district.

"The first unit would start generation in June and the second unit in September," NEEPCO general manager P.K. Bora told IANS.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared the project on July 7, 1998. The project was conceptualised in 1994.

NEEPCO has so far invested Rs 1,100 crore on the project."

After the project work started, the locals launched a massive agitation due to submerging of their standing crops and farmland under the reservoir that would be created.

"The project work came to total stop on June 9, 2004, due to the stir launched by the newly-formed Tuirial Crop Compensation Claimant Association, claiming compensation for the standing crops in the riverine reserve forest," Bora said.

"After the Union Power Ministry, NEEPCO and the Mizoram government jointly negotiated with the agitators, work resumed in 2011 after seven years of stoppage."

Till June 2004, 30 per cent of the project work

and 95 per cent of the design and engineering work had been completed.

The NEEPCO official said that though the company has invested Rs 1,100 crore so far due to delay and price escalation, the original sanctioned cost was Rs 369 crore.

With a population of just 1.1 million, Mizoram's current demand of electricity is only 85 MW and this is being met by state's mini power projects and availability of its share of power from central sector projects.

Thus, the additional power is likely to be supplied to the regional or national grid.

Sikkim is self-sufficient at 95.70 MW while Tripura, whose daily need is 272 MW, is self-reliant in electricity.

Since March last year Tripura is supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh and is ready to provide an additional 100 MW if the central government permits it to do so.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP NAGALAND: KOHIMA

NO.DET-7/85/12(II)

Dated Kohima, the 21st Feb 2017

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Last Date of Submission 04th March 2017 Interview Date 07/03/2017 Training Location World Class Skill Centre, Vivek Vihar, Delhi Candidates must present 1.Educational Qualification Certificate/ Marksheet the following documents 2.HSLC Admit Card 3.SC/ ST Certificate 4.Physical Fitness Certificate from a Registered Medical Practioner • Candidates are requested to submit the Xerox copies of all the relevant documents to the undersigned.

• Contact No:- 9436062368

Sd/- (MUTHINGNYUBA SANGTAM), Director Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Nagaland, Kohima Issued by: DIPR

4

ThursDAY 23•02•2017

Business

ONGC is hiriNG 89 vacancies available for Apprentice post The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has released an employment notification inviting interested, eligible candidates to apply for the positions of Apprentices under NAPS at ONGC Rajahmundry.

VACANCY DETAILS Total posts: 89 NAME OF THE POSTS: Apprentice TRADES Mechanic (Diesel): 15 Mechanic (Motor Vehicle): 2 Tractor Mechanic: 1 Turner: 2 Welder (Gas & Electronics): 6 Electrician: 8 Fitter: 16 Driver-cum-Fitter: 2 Instrument Mechanic: 6 Machinist (Grinder): 2 Machinist: 4 Electronics & Mechanic: 3 Surveyor: 3 Secretarial Assistant: 9 IT & ESMT: 2 Auto Mechanic: 2 Chemistry Lab Assistant: 2 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Educational qualification: The candidates interested in applying for this post should be minimum matriculation pass with 50 per cent marks and should be holding an ITI trade certificate in relevant trade Or Should have graduated Class 12.

Age limit: The age of the candidates applying for these posts must not exceed 21 years.

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Fake rs 2000 notes by ‘Children Bank of india’ dispensed from sBi ATM in Delhi New Delhi, February 22 (DNa): Amid ongoing concerns over fake currency notes entering India from across the border, a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM in New Delhi’s Sangam Vihar has dispensed fake Rs 2000 notes, reported Hindustan Times.

The development comes less than a week after the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 100 fake Rs 2,000 currency notes from Malda district in West Bengal, making it the biggest such haul from the IndoBangla border region post demonetization. On November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetization in a bid to rein in counterfeit currency from the system.

The incident came to light after a customer care executive at a call centre, who has been identified as Rohit withdrew Rs 8000 on February 6. Once he no-

1. Bharatiya Manoranjan Bank instead of Bharatiya Reserve Bank 2. Serial number 000000 3. Rupee sign missing 4. Churan Lable instead of strip with leaf markings 5. P.K. logo instead of RBI seal 6. I promise to pay the barer two thousand coupens (sic) instead of I promise to pay the bearer the sum of two thousand rupees 7. Governor’s signature missing 8. Churan Lable instead of the Ashok emblem 9. Children Bank of India instead of Reserve Bank of India 10. Guaranteed by the Children Government instead of Gauranteed by the Central Government

No plans to introduce rs 1,000 notes New Delhi, February 22 (iaNS): The government has no plans to re-introduce Rs 1,000 and will focus instead on issuing lower denomination currency notes, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday. “(There are) no plans to introduce Rs 1,000 notes.

Focus is on production and supply of Rs 500 and lower

denomination notes,” Das tweeted.

His clarification followed media reports that the government was planning to reintroduce Rs 1,000 notes with a new design.

Referring to complaints of dry ATMs even more than 100 days after the November 8 demonetisation, Das urged people to withdraw only as much cash as “they actually require”.

Important dates The last date for submission of application is March 6.

New Delhi, February 22 (iaNS): In line with the government’s initiative to make the “Panic Button” service on mobile phones mandatory from March 2017, South Korean electronics conglomerate LG on Wednesday launched “K10 2017” smartphone that comes with the panic button ser-

leisure

CROSSWORD # 3866

SUDOKU

vice “112”.

With this, LG Electronics has become the first company to adhere to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommendation to have a single number ‘112’ for all emergency calls across the country.

“The panic button, 112, is a great initiative and we must applaud the efforts of LG Electronics who is developing technology for the betterment of the society,” Union IT and Electronics Minister and chief guest Ravi Shankar Prasad told media at the launch event here.

Priced at Rs 13,990, the smartphone features 5.3-inch HD in-cell touch display, 1.5GHz octa-core processor paired up with 2GB of RAM and

Answer Number # 3860

runs on Android 7.0 Nougat operating system.

“The emergency dialling number 112 is the need of the hour. I would like to thank LG for spearheading this noble initiative mandated by the Government of India,” added Pankaj Mahindroo, Founder and National President, Indian Cellular Association.

The 4G-VoLTE device has 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera and houses 2,800mAh battery.

“Keeping in view of consumers’ needs and the Government of India initiatives, we are happy to bring LG K10-2017 built on India-Insight,” added Amit Gujral, Corporate Marketing Head, LG India.

ACROSS 1. Betel palm 6. End ___ 10. Hawaiian strings 14. Area of South Africa 15. Ploy 16. Roman emperor 17. Crown 18. Fasten 19. Secure against leakage 20. Entwined 22. “Do ___ others...”

23. Short skirt 24. Invented the light bulb 26. Unwanted email 30. Central 31. Louse-to-be 32. A city in western Russia 33. Bit of gossip 35. Small drum 39. Give forth 41. High-spirited horse 43. Song of praise 44. Cummerbund 46. Not first 47. Snagged 49. Frozen 50. Being 51. Agency 54. Chunk 56. “Smallest” particle 57. The scientific study of caves 63. Citrus fruit 64. Indian dress 65. Soup server 66. Distinctive flair 67. King of the jungle 68. Birdlike 69. Lease 70. Sea eagle 71. Rips DOWN 1. Against 2. Shower 3. French for “State” 4. Concern 5. Siren

6. City dwellers 7. Self-destruction 8. Feudal worker 9. Blush 10. Unfit 11. Loudly laments 12. Muse of love poetry 13. Sage 21. Circumscribe 25. Devil tree 26. Stair 27. Mountain lion 28. Wings 29. Administration 34. Associated with men 36. Partiality 37. Young girl 38. Pot 40. Dwarf buffalo 42. Verse 45. Control surface on a plane 48. Scuffle 51. A machine for baling hay 52. Practical 53. Ancient empire 55. Located near the poles 58. Twosome 59. Wash 60. Norse god 61. Happy 62. Cravings

Answer to Crossword 3865

W ACross AnGrY Arrow AUtoMoBILe Better BLInd BoArd CeLeBrAte CreAtIVItY CrIMe dAILY deBUnK dIreCt doLt door drenCH drIVe eVerY FLAsH

Extra air-conditioned coaches permanently added in important trains MaligaoN, February 22 (ageNcieS): To clear rush of passenger N.F.Railway authority has decided to add extra coach in many trains.

1. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 12519 / 12520 Kamakhya – Lokmanya Tilak Terminous AC Express on permanent basis.

The extra coach will be added from Kamakhya w.e.f. 23.02.2017 and from Lokmanya Tilak Terminous w.e.f. 26.02.2017.

2. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 15624 / 15623 Kamakhya – Bhagat Ki Kothi Express on permanent basis. The extra coach will be added from Kamakhya w.e.f. 24.02.2017 and from Bhagat Ki Kothi w.e.f. 28.02.2017.

3. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 15655 / 15656 Kamakhya – Katra Express on permanent basis. The extra coach will be added from Kamakhya w.e.f.

26.02.2017 and from Katra w.e.f.

01.03.2017.

4. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 15646 / 15645 Guwahati – Lokmanya Tilak Terminous Express on permanent basis. The extra coach will be added from Guwahati w.e.f. 26.02.2017 and from Lokmanya Tilak Terminous w.e.f. 01.03.2017.

std code: 03862

DiMaPUR

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

Game Number # 3861

ey and terror funding.

There were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8.

The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was Rs 15.44 lakh crore -- Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000.

“Overdrawal by some deprives others,” he said. Post demonetisation, the government introduced new Rs 500 notes along with Rs 2,000 notes.

Over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of the new Rs 500 notes have been printed, with the presses churning out some 22 million pieces every day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised the old currency to fight black mon-

LG launches India’s first smartphone with panic button ‘112’

Selection procedure The candidates will be selected on the basis of percentage of marks obtained in the basic qualifications.

How to apply The candidates interested in these posts are required to send their applications in prescribed format along with all other relevant documents to ‘ General Manager (HR)I/c. HR/ER&HSS Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited.’

ticed something amiss with the currency notes, he took the matter to the police. “All the 4 notes I withdrew were fake,” said Rohit. At least 10 differences were spotted on the fake note including a missing rupee symbol, and RBI governor’s signature. A strip with leaf markings on the left side was replaced with a Churan Lable. In place of ‘Reserve Bank of India - Guaranteed by the Central Government’, the note dispensed by the ATM read ‘Children Bank of India’ and ‘Guaranteed by the Children’s Government’, the report said.

“We sent a sub-inspector to verify the allegations. He withdrew one Rs 2,000 note and that also turned out to be fake,” the officer said confirming the development. The police is yet to identify the people behind the misdoings and a case has been registered at Sangam Vihar police station.

Spot the difference

R

HeArt InCredIBLe InstAnt KAYAK LIKeLY MoneY PLAIn QUALIFY rAdIo reAdY reALLY redUCe rent roBot sPort stUdY tHeIr tILe wren

D

std code: 03871

(formerly senapati)

Police station Fire Brigade

222246 222491

Civil Hospital emer

232224

MH Hospital

227930 231081

Fire Brigade

2222952

Faith Hospital

228846

naga Hospital

2222916

shamrock Hospital

228254

oking Hospital

2243339

Zion Hospital

231864 224117 227337

Bethel nursing Home

2224202

northeast shuttles

08974997923

Police Control room

228400

KoHIMA Ps/oCs Contact numbers

Police Traffic Control

232106

north Ps

229529 229474

KOHiMa

east Police station

227607

west Police station

232181

south Ps

CIHsr (referral Hospital)

242555 242533

Zubza Ps

dimapur Hospital

224041 248011

131/228404

Airport Indian Airlines

229366 242441 225212

Officer-in-Charge 8575045516 tseminyu Ps

8575045507

Officer-in-Charge 8575045517 8575045505

Officer-in-Charge 8575045515

nagaland Multispecialty Health & research Centre

248302, 09856006026

eden Medical Centre

248288

C

Chiephobozou Ps 8575045506

Kezocha Ps

232032, 231031

R

8575045508

Khuzama Ps

nikos Hospital and research Centre

A

8575045502

Officer-in-Charge 8575045518

railway

E

8575045501

Officer-in-Charge 8575045520

Apollo Hospital Info Centre 230695/ 9402435652

S

std code: 0370

Officer-in-Charge 8575045510

Chumukedima Fire Brigade 282777

O

TaHaMZaM

5. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 15601 / 15602 Silchar – New Delhi Poorvatttar Sampark Kranti Express on permanent basis. The extra coach will be added from Silchar w.e.f.

27.02.2017 and from New Delhi w.e.f. 02.03.2017.

6. One AC 3 tier coach will be added in 12501 / 12502 Guwahati – New Delhi Poorvatttar Sampark Kranti Express on permanent basis. The extra coach will be added from Silchar w.e.f.

27.02.2017 and from New Delhi w.e.f. 02.03.2017.

These additional coaches are expected to significantly reduce the numbers of wait listed passengers in these trains.

A press release also added that NF Railway has been constantly adding extra coaches for clearing of rush in trains with good patronisation. In the current financial year more than 34 coaches have been added permanently in 14 trains. Temporary augmentations are also being done time to time in many trains by attaching extra coaches. In the current financial year more than 192530 numbers of berths have been provided additionally by attaching coaches in many trains.

8575045549

Officer-in-Charge 8575045538

H

women Cell

8575045509

Officer-in-Charge 8575045519 Control room

8575045500 (Emergency No. – 100)

FiRE STaTiONS

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

MOKOKCHUNG

std code: 0369

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

9485232688 9485232689 9485232690 9485232693 9485232694 9485232695 2226216

woodland nursing Home

2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (tourist Lodge) 2226373/ 2229343

CURRENCY NOTES BUY (rs) seLL (rs)

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

65.48 81.92 8.17 50.16 45.99 50.04 57.27 69.33 1.81 0.0552 17.25 9.22

68.43 85.88 9.09 52.60 48.24 52.48 60.49 72.69 2.01 0.0615 19.21 10.27

Thursday 23•02•2017

NAGALAND

NTc surprised by Rajnath Singh’s ACIF appeals for cooperation to statement on Framework agreement ‘wipe out’ corruption in Nagaland Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) today expressed surprise at the recent statement made

by Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh regarding the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).

The Union Minister had reportedly said in Imphal that “no word related to Manipur contained in the Framework Agreement signed between GOI and NSCN (IM). There is no such provision in the agreement. Even the name of Manipur is not mentioned in it.”

Reacting to this, the NTC stated: “The statement

implies that whatever are the provisions contained in the agreement are confined to the State of Nagaland alone as he further clarified that none of Nagaland’s neighbour state’s territory will be disturbed.”

It meanwhile reminded that even in the 19th month running since after the Framework Agreement was signed, “the Nagas of Nagaland in particular do not know an iota of the contents of the agreement.”

“What NTC knows about the framework is the two most important principle issues of sovereignty and integration are left out and that the settlement is within the ambit of the constitution of India,” it further

claimed.

The NTC said to the GoI “and the NSCN (IM) in particular and to the Nagas in general that the indigenous Nagas of Nagaland are not in a position to accept such agreement done without our knowledge and consent. We are the chief stakeholders of State of Nagaland and we are qualified and legitimate enough to handle and protect the interest of Nagaland.”

The NTC further reiterated its objection to “a non-stakeholder handling the destiny of the Nagas of Nagaland without taking the indigenous citizens of Nagaland into confidence,” and termed it as “outside interference.”

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): The Anti-Corruption and Crime Investigation Front (ACIF) President Akhei Achumi has alleged that “corruption has gone beyond imagination” in Nagaland. He was speaking at the ACIF State executive meeting held at the Front’s State headquarters in Dimapur on February 22.

Achumi further stated that the young dynamic citizens of the State are frustrated and ready to fight against corruption and any individual “who hold back the position of corruption in any manner without any bias irrespective of caste, creed, religion, political party or whatsoever which affect the State affairs,” stated a press release from Zakob Achumi, State General Secretary and Puloto G Achumi, State Media Secretary of ACIF. Meanwhile, ACIF State Media Secretary Puloto G Awomi urged all the con-

cerned citizens of Nagaland to cooperate with the ACIF in the “process to wipe out corruption in Nagaland.”

In the press release, the ACIF also informed and warned its working members not to execute any duty without the knowledge of its President and executives. It maintained that any of its working staff who indulges in any sort of “unfair means” will face “dire consequences” without bias. In this regard, people have been advised to contact the ACIF head office at 7423817467.

Further, the Front informed the owners of vehicle workshops in Dimapur district that its office will be conducting "surprise checking" in the workshops for trade license along with “Technician Certificate”. “Failing to comply with the given information, one will be doing at his/her own risk,” it added.

To conduct surprise checking at vehicle workshops

Orgs condemn NiDc honours former Managing Director firing incident Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): The Dimapur Tsungiki Ekhüng (DTE) and Purana Bazar Nkonjan Kikon Ekhung (PBNKE) have condemned the incident where some “unknown miscreants” according to DTE fired gun shot at the residence of Zaremo Kikon at Darogapathar here on February 20 around 11:30 pm A condemnation note from DTE Chairman, P Yibemo Kikon lamented, “While the Naga society is striving for peace in our land such untoward incident is a cowardly act and may occur again to anyone in our society in the near future.” The Ekhüng appealed to the law enforcing agency to take immediate measures in apprehending the culprits and put them behind bars so that justice will be delivered.

In a separate press statement, PBNKE asserted it has taken strong exception of the incident. It alleged that the “culprits” not only fired shot at the residence of its senior member around 11:30 pm, but also tried to break the lock of the gate around 2:30 am.

“The motive behind the whole incident is of serious matter and hence the law enforcing authority is urged to investigate the matter thoroughly and arrest the culprits at the earliest possible time,” said the press statement issued by Moyo Kikon, PBNKE General Secretary.

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) organized a farewell programme today in honour of its retired Managing Director, Takuyabang Jamir, who demitted office on January 31 after completing 35 years of service.

The farewell function could be held only today in view of the prevailing unrest in the State during the past 3 weeks, informed a press release from Bendangtoshi Longkumer, Managing Director, NIDC. Takuyabang Jamir, who joined the Corporation on January 20, 1982 as an Assistant Commercial Manager, served the Corporation in different capacities and was appointed as Managing Director in March 2014. He also held the post of Managing Director of Nagaland Hotels Limited for 6 years from June 2005 to May 2011.

In his farewell address, Jamir expressed happiness to all the staff and officers of the Corporation for the support and cooperation extended to him. He also recounted a few projects initiated dur-

MEx FILE Kohima Village Council chairman resigns Kohima, February 22 (mexN): The Executive Committee, Kohima Village Council (KVC) has unanimously accepted the resignation of its Chairman, Medoselhou Keretsü at an emergency meeting held on February 16, 2017. The Vice Chairman Khriezothie Chielie will as per the provision of the council’s constitution act as Acting Chairman till further decision, informed a press release from Kruyie Pienyü, Co-opt Chairman and Menuovilie Kesiezie, Co-opt Secretary of KVC.

DMC trade license renewal period extended Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has informed all the traders/ business establishments/ shopkeepers under its jurisdiction that the period for renewal of DMC trade license for the year 2017 has been extended up to March 15, 2017. Therefore, DMC Administrator H Atokhe Aye has informed all mentioned above to get their respective trade license renewed within the stipulated period in order to avoid late fine.

Meetings & AppointMents DC Kohima calls coordination meeting The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan (IAS) has convened a co-ordination meeting on February 24, 11:00 am in the conference hall of his office with all HODs of Kohima district and all the departments affected or damaged on the evening of February 2, 2017. The Deputy Commissioner requested all departments concerned to attend the meeting positively.

ANHTU meeting An emergency meeting of All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (ANHTU) central body office bearers and district representatives of CSS Hindi Teachers will be held on February 28, 1:00 pm at Central Institute of Hindi Agra, United Colony, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur. According to a press release from ANHTU President, Rometo Sema and CSS Hindi Teachers convenor, Ilika Aye, important Takuyabang Jamir who recently retired as NIDC Managing Director speaks during his farewell agenda will be discussed in the meeting. Therefore, the programme on February 22. people mentioned above have been requested to attend ing his tenure, which are up- Ministry of Textiles, according land Hotels Limited, SIDBI also the meeting without fail. gradation of Industrial Estate to the release. He requested the spoke at the farewell function. at Dimapur under the MIIUS management to ensure that Bendangtoshi Longkumer, ZBN meeting on March 3 Scheme of the Ministry of the projects which are likely to OSD, Department of IndusMSME; working women’s hos- be sanctioned soon are imple- tries & Commerce, who took The first general assembly of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagatel at 6th Mile, Dimapur under mented in spirit and letter as it over as Managing Director of land (ZBN) will be held on March 3, 11:00 am for the tenthe Ministry of Women & Child would usher in much needed NIDC from January 31, 2017, ure 2017-2019 at Zeliangrong Baudi Hall, Jalukie Town.

Development; ginger value industrial infrastructure and also spoke on the occasion and A press release from ZBN Speaker, Kiechung and Aschain at Tuli under the Min- activities in the State. thanked Takuyabang Jamir for sembly Speaker, Kangzang Liegise has requested all the istry of Commerce; and ComRepresentatives from the services rendered during village chairmen and secretaries under Peren district, mon Facility Center at Yaongy- the Corporate Management, his 35 years long tenure and sub-ordinate bodies and senior leaders and all three imsen under the Development NIDC Officers’ Association, wished him and his family well councils - Rongmei, Liangmei and Zeme - to attend the Commissioner, Handicrafts, NIDC Staff Association, Naga- for the future. said assembly without fail.

GPS Pfutseromi gets drinking water facility ZCNEI against bifurcation of AR continue medical camps in villages Zeliangrong ancestral land

At the inauguration of drinking water facility at Govt Primary School, Pfutseromi on February 20.

pFutsero, February 22 (mexN): Drinking water facility constructed at Government Primary School, Pfutseromi under SSA 2015-16 was inaugurated on February 20, 2017

by Coordinator of EBRC Pfutsero, Khrotelo Elah. The EBRC

Coordinator lauded the school management members for the successful construction of the drinking water facility for the student community, stated a press release received here.

Zasheyi Kapfo, Teacher-incharge and Neikhwetso Mero,

Village Council Chairman, Pfutseromi also gave short speeches in the programme.

Savizo Mero, Village Education Committee Chairman chaired the programme, while Rev. L. Ritse, Senior Pastor PBC invoked God's blessing.

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): Zeme Council North East India (ZCNEI) has outrightly condemned the merger of Tousem sub-division, earlier under Tamenglong district, into the newly created Jiribam district.

ZCNEI in a press release issued by its president Raitu Elu, said the merger of Tousem sub-division into Jiribam district was a blow to the Zeliangrong people who inhabit the sub-division. The council said bifurcation of Tamenglong district with ulterior motive to divide the Zeliangrong family would not be tolerated at any cost.

ZCNEI further cautioned that “some of our own Zeliangrong leaders who have connived with Ibobi Singh to divide the ancestral homeland of Zeliangrong people will never get the support of the people now and in future.”

Dimapur, February 22 (mexN): Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) conducted medical camps in villages of Dimapur and Mokokchung on February 21 and 22.

A press release from Assam Rifles informed that 32 Assam Rifles conducted medical camp at Hotovi village in Dimapur on February 22, where Assam Rifles doctors and the team of medical staff of 32 AR attended to 613 patients comprising 173 men, 251 women and 189 children.

A medical camp was also

organised by 41 Assam Rifles at Maova village of Dimapur on February 21. The medical staff of 41 AR attended to 210 patients, which comprised of 76 men, 85 women and 49 children.

In both the villages, the patients were given free consultation and medicines and also made aware of hygienic practices and preventive measures, according to AR press release.

Meanwhile, at Yachang village in Mokokchung district, 44 Assam Rifles conducted medical camp on February 21 and treated 224 patients - 76 males, 90 females and 58 children -

and distributed free medicines to them. The patients were treated by Asst Commandant Jubin Henry John, Medical Officer and paramedical staff of 44 Assam Rifles. “There being no hospital in near vicinity, locals of far flung area who are deprived of medical treatment facilities also turned up for treatment,” Assam Rifles informed in a separate press release.

In each of the villages, according to Assam Rifles, the villagers and village leaders expressed gratitude to Assam Rifles for conducting the medical camps.

Public SPace

R

a letter to NTac team

espect and hats off to you! ....... Speechless and wordless at your work, I never thought so that in Nagaland such ‘An Organization’ of peoples’ voice would take birth but now I'm convinced and so I believe everyone is. Yet today, I'm writing this letter to you not just to pass comments and applaud you on your achievement, rather I'm bringing forth another bigger milestone to hang on your neck but I'm certain and confident that I'm not throwing this ‘letter of HOPE’ in the wrong eyes or minds that had long been deteriorated like today’s Naga political leaders who have been blinded by money. I strongly believe that this letter of mine shall speak volumes in your hearts.

It’s been now few decades that Nagaland had been completely devoid of ‘Honest and true Politicians’ who are really concerned for overall development and welfare of Naga people. I'm not just talking about the present DAN govt but I'm talking about their predecessors and the successive governments in our land. I don’t have to prove

my point because it’s obvious to all of us what Nagaland looks like at present even after 53 years of statehood (I'm thinking big in this sense), but let me keep this letter brief and apt.

Since you NTAC has proven it not just to the Naga people alone but the world outside, about the ‘Real Strength’ of common people in the recent movement, it wouldn’t be wrong for me to assume that if there could be any better changes in the days to come in our Nagaland, then it’s you ‘The NTAC’ yet not as a political party but as the ‘voice of people’. You have already shown that the real power is vested in ‘We the people’ therefore, will you not continue to work for the people of Nagaland, not just in the case of 33% or ULB election or Article 371 A; but also to effectively check the corrupt government officials/political leaders or even the Government itself in the future?

No organization has emerged thus strong in Nagaland as you have been since last few days, then why not you use this same power to bring true change in Nagaland? Nagaland free from

corruption such as bribery, favouritism, political arbitraries/ corruptions etc. is possible? I hope so, but only when you lead the people like today and move about as one voice. Since you have firmly declared that this NTAC cannot be politicized, I'm sure, nor can it be bought by any Indian Rupee or American Dollar. I also strongly believe that the NTAC do not die from here but continue to exist as formidable power against any entity, be it the least cause of political, socio or economic of Nagas.

In conclusion, I want to make this known that I'm not an eminent person but Naga by blood and birth, whose dream is BETTER NAGALAND and would do anything for the cause. Lately, I have become Die Hard Fan of NTAC, not because you dethroned former CM TR Zeliang but because of the strength that you have shown, not forgetting AYO without whose initiative the whole agitation couldn’t be so. And now there is hope for ordinary Naga people, and that’s you.

John Anar

Is justice meant only for the rich and the people with power?

A

llow GOD's word to speak to us: so that everyone will be given a chance to choose whether to "Obey" or to "Disobey" God's commandment.

God has not forgotten His command for us to "Obey." Obedience is the golden rule to obtain spiritual understanding to live a righteous life no matter what position or power we hold.

Therefore, there are only two things the Bible clearly teaches.

If we "Obey" we will be blessed, if we "Disobey" we will be "Cursed". Today's decision will determine the blessing or curse for our future, and the future of our generations to come.

PROVERB 28:1-28.

V. 1-6 The wicked flees though no one pursues, but righteous are as bold as Lion.

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. A ruler who oppresses the poor is like driving rain that leaves no crops.

Those who forsake law praise the wicked, but those who keep

the law resist them. Evil men do not understand "Justice", but those who seek the Lord understand fully. Better the poor man whose walk is blameless, than the rich whose ways are perverse.

V. 8-15 He who increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor, amasses it for another who will be kind to the poor. If anyone turns a deaf ear to God's instruction, even their prayers are detestable. He who leads the upright along an evil path, will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance. A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees how deluded they are. When the "Righteous" rule, there is great elation. But when "Wicked" rise to power, people go into hiding. Whoever conceal their sins do not prosper, but the one who confesses their sins and do it no more will find mercy.

Blessed is the one who always humble before God, but whoever harden their heart falls into

trouble. Like a roaring lion or a wrong" is partner to one who charging bear is a wicked rulers destroys. A "Greedy Man" stir over a helpless people. up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper. Those V. 16- 23 who trust in themselves are A tyrannical ruler practices fools, but those who walk in extortion, but one who hates wisdom are kept safe. Those ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long who give to the poor will lack reign. Anyone tormented by the nothing. But those who close guilt of "Murder" will be a fugitive their eyes to them receive many till death. Let no one support him. "Curses." When wicked rise to The one whose walk is power, people go into hiding; blameless is keep safe, but the but when wicked perish, the one whose ways are perverse will righteous thrives. Proverb 29:1fall into the pit. Those who work 2. Whoever remains stiff necked their land will have abundant after many warnings will sudfood. Those who chase fanta- denly be destroy without remsies will have their fill of poverty. edy. When the righteous rule A faithful person will be richly people rejoices, when the wickblessed, but the one who eager to ed rule people groan and suffer. get rich will not go unpunished.

My dear fellow Nagas, I pray To show partiality is not good, yet the word of GOD will check our a person will do wrong for a piece hearts so that we will humble of bread. The stingy are eager to ourselves before the living God get rich and are unaware that who is coming very soon. Let us poverty awaits them. Whoever Repent of our sins and do the rebukes a person, will in the end right thing for God to bless and gain favour, rather than one who heal our land. Otherwise there has a flattering tongue. is no other way to safe NAGALAND. V. 24-28.

Whoever robs their father Dr. Tseibu Rutsa or mother and says, “it’s not Kohima

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

6

THURSDAY 23•02•2017

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express VOLUME XII ISSUE 51

By Aheli Moitra

Learning a native culture

A

nd so it happened, on February 21, a day before they started school, the 6 years and below children in our colony came up with a new game to play. They called it ‘bandh-bandh’.

They blocked the road using a string of shoes and a few toys. “Only the dead with black flag can pass,” they said with a mighty shrug of the shoulder. They wrapped up in their tiny traditional weaves and declared them “our bandh dress.”

They stood guard, stick in hand.

From the hidden windows and terraces of their homes, children looked and learned the ways of a new cultural wave that took shape through the past few weeks. Woven literature—women have been weaving sovereign Naga cultural narratives to life through the loin loom since ‘time immemorial’—had been reduced to a language of limitation.

Incidentally, February 21 also happened to be a worldwide annual observance of the lingual diversity of peoples, termed International Mother Language Day (IMLD). In Nagaland, only the Governor seemed to have noticed the importance of commemorating the day. The Morung Express Learning page carried an educative segment on the same.

Scholars and laypersons alike recognize that language is integral to what it means to be human. Local languages, especially minority and indigenous, transmit cultures, values and traditional knowledge, thus playing an important role in promoting sustainable futures, stated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on IMLD 2017.

But languages are fast disappearing and 25 Naga languages appear to be ‘vulnerable’. And “if nothing is done,” humanity would not just lose cultural wealth but also important ancestral knowledge embedded in, particularly, indigenous languages, noted UNESCO. Naga communities have been proactive in preserving, writing and promoting native languages. Most have their own literature boards that have been codifying languages and thus making a great contribution towards helping school children in Nagaland learn their native languages in an organized manner. The current Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, for instance, has done commendable literary work towards upholding and upgrading the study of Tenyidie. Apart from enhancing education, he has written books, poems, essays, plays and translations.

Though he has come into power following strange circumstances, he stands as a symbol of how language, and associated cultural manifestation, lives on through active engagement and positive upgradation.

Children have the ability to pick up cultural markers, symbols, and indeed languages, from a very young age. Many linguistic theories recognize that children pick up their cultural roots, varied as they are around the world, through imitation, and this process starts first at home and then through the immediate public arena (streets, schools, etc.). Learning a native culture is thus subject to how we, as adults, project that culture at our homes and streets.

A mother may be drying out her traditional weaves every other month and a father may wear it out to a bandh—a child learns an amalgamation of these images in multiple ways that becomes today’s native culture in the future adult’s worldview. In our progression, thus, it is essential that we uphold our mother cultures but equally important is what changes and innovations we subject them to given our location in the world today.

Related notes may be shared at moitramail@yahoo.com

LEFT WING |

Them Shoes I told my man, my shoes they pinch.

My man, with love he said to me Oh no they can’t, they don’t at all.

I told my man, my feet they say My shoes they pinch me bad a lot.

My man, again with love he said My feet, they say them shoes Don’t pinch your blessed feet at all.

I told my man, my feet they are Attached to me, as such you see I know they pinched me bad a lot My steps are wobbly, my range is small I long to stride and pace at will.

My man with love, he said to me I know your shoes, I know them well My grandpa with his clones made them For granny and her clones, they are To last and last forever more And not by word or deed were they Adverse to wearing those them shoes.

I told my man, my feet are large Unlike your granny’s hardened feet And your mummy’s deadened feet See how they strain and pull the seams That holds them in their gnarly shape.

My man he did, he called his clones They brought their scum, who brought their drums And all of them with shiny daos That long had served them since time past.

At last, at last, I sang aloud The time has come, my feet shall breathe My toes shall spread and they shall be The shape that they were meant to be.

Or do I thought, until I saw They marched me down, they marched me up Past Barefoot Lot and Clichés Park Through Immemorial Lane and Manhood Hill And there on Ego Slab they did They cut my feet to fit them shoes.

My daughters dear, I say to you Them shoes that cripple mother’s feet Shall fray and fall, I say to you For when they cut my feet to size They broke the string that ties me down.

Lea

C O M M E N T A R Y

Justin Buchler The Hoot

Does nonpartisan journalism have a future?

T

he nonpartisan model of journalism is built around the norm of covering politics as though both parties are equally guilty of all offenses. The 2016 campaign stressed that model to the breaking point with one candidate – Donald Trump – who lied at an astonishing level. PolitiFact rates 51percent of his statements as “false” or “pants on fire,” with another 18 percent rated as “mostly false.” His presidency will continue to make nonpartisan journalistic norms difficult to follow.

As a political scientist focused on game theory, I approach the media from the perspective of strategic choice. Media outlets make decisions about how to position themselves within a market and how to signal to news consumers what kinds outlets they are in ideological terms. But they also interact strategically with politicians, who use journalists’ ideological leanings and accusations of leanings to undermine the credibility of even the most valid criticisms.

While Republican politicians have decried liberal media bias for decades, none has done so as vehemently as Trump, who polarizes the media in a are always the same. There is a balancway that may not leave an escape. ing act between the costs of entry and the size of the audience that can be The development reached which determines when new of a nonpartisan press In the 20th and 21st centuries, media outlets can form, just as in any news outlets have made their money other market. The trick is that costs and through subscriptions, sales and ad- benefits change over time. vertisements. However, before these Neutrality norms in economic models developed, newspa- a complex media environment pers had a tough time turning a profit.

Just as market incentives supported In the 19th century, many news- the development of a neutral press, marpapers were produced and distribut- ket incentives, combined with technoled by institutions that weren’t in it for ogy, have allowed institutions like Fox the money. Political parties, therefore, News and MSNBC to provide news covwere a primary source of news. Horace erage from decidedly conservative and Greeley’s Jeffersonian – an outlet for liberal perspectives, with internet sourcthe Whig Party – had a decidedly par- es further fragmenting the media envitisan point of view. Others, like The Bay ronment into narrow ideological niches.

State Democrat, had names that told These media outlets, though, mudyou exactly what they were doing. dy the signals: A nonpartisan journalWhen Henry Raymond founded ist strives to levy valid criticism, but a The New York Times in 1851 as a somepartisan journalist will always criticize what more independent outlet despite the opposing party. Thus a weakly inhis Whig and Republican affiliations, it formed voter will have a difficult time was an anomaly. Nonetheless, partisan distinguishing between, say, a valid acnewspapers, for economic and political reasons, were common throughout cusation from a nonpartisan journalist the 19th century, particularly during that a Republican is lying and partisan bias from a left-wing journalist who the early 19th century.

The information in partisan news- fails to acknowledge that bias.

The current media landscape is a papers was hardly unbiased. But nohybrid, combining opinion-based outbody expected anything else because lets that resemble the party-affiliated the concept of a neutral press didn’t really exist. The development of a neu- newspapers of the 19th century and tral press on a large scale required both journalistic outlets that attempt to fola different economic production and low the muckraking model that develdistribution model and the recognition oped in the 20th century. The way the latter attempt to distinguish themselves that there was a market for it.

The muckraking era that began in the from the former is by following norms early 20th century brought such jour- of neutrality and asserting that both nalism into the forefront. Muckraking, parties are equally guilty of all political the forebear of investigative journalism, sins. This model breaks down when the traces back to Upton Sinclair and fellow parties are no longer equally guilty.

Consider the first presidential dewriters who uncovered corruption and scandal. Its success demonstrated de- bate of 2016. Hillary Clinton mentioned mand for papers that weren’t partisan, Trump’s 2012 claim that global warming and production and distribution mod- was a Chinese hoax. Trump interrupted els developed that allowed more non- to deny having made the claim. Not only partisan papers to turn a profit by filling had Trump engaged in an outlandish conspiracy theory, but he also lied dura gap within the market.

The economic principles at work ing a debate about having done so.

the parties are mirror images of each other. They may disagree on policy, but they abide by the same rules. The nonpartisan press as we know it, then, cannot function when one party systematically stops abiding those norms.

The 2016 campaign was an example of what happens when the parties are out of balance. Trump simply lied far more than Clinton, but the nonpartisan press was unable to convey that information to the public because even trying to point that out violates the “both sides do it” journalistic norm, thereby signaling bias to a weakly informed but rational audience, which invalidates the criticism.

Unfortunately, then, the nonpartisan press is essentially stuck, at least until Donald Trump is out of office.

While there is no longer a “he said, she said” campaign, the fact that Trump is not only the president but the head of the Republican Party makes his statements informal positions of the Republican Party. For the press to attack those statements as lies is to place themselves in opposition to the Republican Party, making them de facto Democratic partisans.

Because Trump is an entertainer rather than a policymaker, it is difficult for the press to even interview him as a normal political figure since he does not respond to facts in conventional ways. Each time he lies, any media outlet that aspires to objectivity must decide whether to point it out – which would make it indistinguishable from the Democratic-aligned press – or to allow the lie to go unremarked, thereby remaining complicit Nonpartisan journalism in the lie, tacitly aiding the Republiin a Trump presidency? can Party. Neither is likely to inform Is there a way for the neutral press anyone in any meaningful way, which to point out when Trump lies and not renders the model of the neutral press have that information get discounted nearly inoperable. as partisan bias?

Justin Buchler is Associate Professor The basic problem is that the norms that have guided the nonpartisan press of Political Science, Case Western are built around the assumption that Reserve University, USA

“Both sides do it” is not a valid response to this level of dishonesty because both sides do not always engage in this level of dishonesty. Yet it was relatively normal behavior for Trump, who rose to the top of the Republican Party by gradually taking leadership of the “birther” movement and eventually even tried to switch the blame for that to Clinton.

The strategic problem in this type of situation is more complex than it appears, and it is what I call “the journalist’s dilemma.” The nonpartisan press can let the lie go unremarked. But to do so is to enable Trump’s lies. On the other hand, if they point out how much he lies, Trump can respond with accusations of liberal media bias. Trump, in fact, goes further than past Republicans, even directing crowd hostility toward specific journalists at rallies.

The media landscape, though, is populated by outlets with liberal leanings, like MSNBC, so uninformed news consumers who lack the time to do thorough investigations of every Trump and Clinton claim must decide: If a media outlet says that Trump lies more than Clinton, does that mean he is more dishonest or that the media outlet is a liberal one? The rational inference, given the media landscape, is actually the latter, making it selfdefeating for the nonpartisan press to attempt to call out Trump’s lies. This might explain why a plurality of voters thought that Trump was more honest than Clinton, despite a record of more dishonesty from Trump at fact-checking sites like PolitiFact.

When it comes to health, we have no time to waste Georges Benjamin, Ashish Jha & Ken Berlin

T

he evidence is clear that the climate crisis is a major threat to public health. Heat waves increase air pollution and illness. Severe changes in weather and drought threaten crops, water supplies, natural resources, and the very ability of people in some countries even to feed themselves. Yet the importance of this connection between the crisis and health already receives too little attention, and in the United States, we now face an emerging policy environment that is, at best, indifferent and, at worst, antagonistic to climate action.

However, political change cannot be allowed to slow action on climate change. It succeeded in cancelling a major summit on climate change and health to be hosted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but only for a moment. Our organisations joined with former vice president Al Gore and other groups stepping up to host a similar summit.

We recognise the need for these urgent issues to be addressed, understood, and confronted by effective policy both at home and abroad.

We know that the climate crisis is not some distant, far off threat: it is already having an impact on the lives and health of people around the world. The World Health Organization has called climate change “one of the greatest health risks of the 21st century,” and The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medi-

cal journals, has argued that it poses “an unacceptably high and potentially catastrophic risk to human health”.

We do not have to look far to see the proof. Almost 17,000 in the UK and France - and more than 70,000 throughout Europe - were killed in a 2003 heatwave that has been directly attributed to climate change. In 2015, back-to-back brutal heat waves struck the Indian subcontinent claiming at least 2,500 lives in India.

An explosive outbreak of the Zika virus infected at least 200,000 Brazilians since 2014, with the climate crisis a major factor. Heavier than normal rains and abnormally warm temperatures have helped the mosquitoes that carry the virus thrive in Brazil and to spread throughout the Americas.

Nor is the danger of spreading disease limited to the Americas. In central China, warmer temperatures and increased rainfall has brought about a reemergence of malaria.

The impacts of the climate crisis can be perilous and even fatal. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion from longer and hotter extreme heat events are the most obvious dangers, but warmer temperatures also make the very air people breathe more deadly. Heightened levels of ozone and other local air pollutants during ever-hotter summer months spike the rates of asthma attacks and additional ailments.

Other climate impacts are also potentially lethal. Changing weather norms are already altering the transmission patterns of infectious diseases, resulting in unexpected outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, cholera, tickborn encephalitis, and West Nile virus.

Floods, which are increasing in regularity and severity, create more breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. Unpredictable and inconsistent precipitation patterns and higher temperatures are also reducing crop yields, causing more widespread malnourishment and nutrition deficiencies.

Tragically, these burdens are being - and will be borne the most by children, the elderly and the economically disadvantaged populations that have done the least to cause the climate crisis.

The threat of extreme heat to public health should be obvious, but some public officials are slow to even recognise the dangers: just last week, India’s environment minister said - contrary to established science - that "there is no conclusive data available" on the link between pollution and mortality. Clearly, in the United States we now have our own challenges in facing skeptical public and elected officials. The global community must not be slowed to action by those who would deny science.

Because of this, the scientific and research community bear a particular responsibility to fill the gaps left

WRITE-WING

by apathetic leadership and constrained government agencies and make the best research, science and solutions accessible to all. Citizens are already taking a public stand, committing to march on Washington, D.C., on April 29 to stand up not only for science but also for decisive climate action at all levels and across all political affiliations.

Make no mistake: the climate crisis is solvable. But unless we all work together on this toughest of global challenges, the health and well-being of the world’s citizens will be at greater and greater risk.

After the U.S. election, world leaders at the annual United Nations climate talks recommitted to the Paris Agreement, assuring the global community that no single nation - even China, the world’s largest historical greenhouse gas polluter - could scuttle planet-wide climate action.

As American researchers, scientists, public health professionals and climate change advocates, we will continue the critical work of protecting public health and protecting the environment, doing all we can to ensure that science drives decision-making and policy.

Ashish Jha is director of Harvard Global Health Institute, Georges C. Benjamin is executive director of the American Public Health Association, Ken Berlin is president and CEO of The Climate Reality Project.

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

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

THURSDAY 23•02•2017

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

7

Assam’s subaltern ruse

Somnath Batabyal

D

Himalmag

inanath Saura stared at me across the small room of his modest bamboo hut. “My father’s first reaction was one of incredulity. ‘How can a tea labourer become a tea planter? These are the hobbies of kings and emperors,’” he said, gently mocking his late father. “We have no business getting into them.” Saura’s face, creased by years of incessant labour under the intense Assamese sun, broke into a hesitant, questioning smile. “He would be proud today, no?”

“Indeed he would,” I replied.

More likely though, Dinanath’s father – a third generation tea labourer – would be astounded. The Sauras, like thousands of other families, were plucked by the British out of their native village in Odisha sometime in the early 19th century and brought to cultivate the fertile soil of upper Assam. Dinanath had achieved what his forebears could not have imagined even in their wildest dreams. Tea labourers do not get to be planters.

“Actually, we call ourselves ‘growers’, not planters. Small Tea Growers (STGs).”

This distinction, to Saura, was more than mere semantics; it was what made him different, what marked out the new from the old. His pride is hardly misplaced.

When the British began colonising the lands of Assam in the country’s Northeast, they had no intention of starting a subaltern revolution. In fact, they prescribed laws to ensure quite the opposite. One of the first was that no plantation could be less than two hundred bighas. The poor, the labourers and most of the local Assamese population were immediately out of the game. Since then, the British and their allies – the landowning class – maintained a stranglehold over tea cultivation in Assam. The beautiful tea bungalows, the memsahibs in their pretty dresses, lazy afternoon parties, tennis and Bloody Marys, were all part of a cultural production designed to keep it exclusive. For two centuries, all went according to plan.

A combination of social factors has led to nearly 29 percent of all tea produced in Assam today being grown by STGs in holdings that are, at times, less than an acre in size. Backyards have been turned into tea gardens, and families – husband and wife, son and daughter – armed with shears and dubious fertilisers, are growing tea. No inch of arable land is left uncultivated. Everywhere the eye turns, the short crop reigns supreme. Bamboo cultivation is vanishing, rice and paddy fields have been converted; tea is all consuming.

Small cars and big four-wheel bruisers race across the highways and village roads. Mud huts are being replaced with brick-and-mortar houses. The signs of prosperity in upper Assam are unmistakable. Where once poverty and government apathy bred a generation of insurgents, the tea industry has fostered a consumer revolution.

Friends and enemies From Dinanath Saura’s dwellings in the village of Melamora in Golaghat we emerge into the muggy August heat.

The afternoon is uncomfortably sticky. It rained the night before and my car gets stuck in mud. Three boys are summoned to heave and ho before I finally manage to crawl off. I am headed a short distance away, to the house of Gangadhar Saikia, the man everyone credits with having started the small tea movement in Assam and the neighbouring state of Nagaland.

Almost immediately, I manage to get lost in the area’s awkward bylanes. Asking for directions – a hazardous pursuit anywhere in India – seems to be easy enough here. Everyone, from the very young playing roadside cricket with makeshift bats, to old men sitting under the shade of trees, seems to know Saikia. “That way”, they all say as they point into the distance.

Saikia’s fame is not surprising: he was the man who took to heart the then Agricultural Minister Soneswar Bora’s 1978 nullification of a longstanding British diktat that allowed only big landowners to cultivate tea. Anyone with ten bighas of land could now plant without fear of prosecution.The announcement, though monumental, would hardly have mattered by itself. Dinanath Saura, who worked all his life with Saikia, told me, “You cannot change entrenched beliefs easily. Villagers do not know the law, nor are they interested. All they knew was that tea plantation was for the rich.”

Gangadhar Saikia led by example. As the headmaster of Melamora’s local school, he took it upon himself to change perceptions within his community by planting a tea garden on no more than an acre of his own land. As I entered the leafy, shaded lane leading towards his house, the signs that his rather meagre acre was nonetheless profitable, were evident. Four cars crowded the garage as I ambled into a traditional Assamese front yard, now converted into a waiting area with several dozen chairs. Inside the house, vitrified flooring and modern steel furniture contrasted with the mud and bamboo affairs that are prevalent here. A gaggle of voices and the occasional patter of children’s feet indicated a large joint family.

Nearly 80 years old, Saikia suffers from Parkinsons disease and his hands shake uncontrollably as he talks. It is difficult to understand him at first, and I have to lean closer. I realise to my embarrassment that the man is speaking in perfect English, though garbled by his physical condition.

After about an hour, when his son insists that his father must rest, I have four pages of notes and many more questions.

Reflections on a failed revolution

Mrinal, the second son of Gangadhar Saikia agrees not only to answer them, but also to show me the family garden which lies on the outskirts of the village. I am intrigued by a particular statement of his father: “Land is both our friend and enemy.”

“It is obvious,” Mrinal says. “This is a land which is so fertile that it grows anything. There is no shortage of food; no one dies hungry here. That is why we have so many foreigners residing here illegally.

Assam should be for the Assamese.”

I was jolted out of my happy subaltern reverie. This was a conversation I was familiar with, this parochialism, this ‘son of the soil’ argument. Growing up here in the late 1970s, I had been the regular recipient of abuse and blows for being a Bengali, the perennial ‘outsider’ in Assam. “Leave”, I was told every day. “You do not belong here.”

Mrinal parked the car outside a few mud huts opposite a tea garden. “These belong to my labourers,” he said, as an elderly man came from one to greet us.

“How much today?” Mrinal asked as they both stepped onto the garden.

In a makeshift bamboo hut at the entrance, a pile of tea leaves had been gathered. The vehicle that was supposed to have arrived earlier to collect the daily pickings was delayed. Mrinal and I sat in two chairs while the old man gave him a run-down of the day’s troubles. It was a language I almost understood, but couldn’t quite grasp – a mixture of Bengali, Hindi and Assamese that the tea labourers had developed over two centuries in upper Assam.

The heat was stifling, and I desperately wanted to join a throng of kids who had jumped into a pond across the field and were now thrashing about, yelling to each other. I tried to keep my focus on Mrinal and saw that he was infuriated. Later, after the man was dismissed, he told me that the tea industry was facing a crisis of labour.

“The problem is you never know how many will turn up each day. Today I asked for twenty extra hands, only six came. Tea leaves have to be plucked at an interval of seven to ten days. Nearly 25 percent of my garden area does not get tended because these damned labourers never show up.

They just get drunk at night and cannot get up in the morning. That is the main problem, you see – alcoholism. Yesterday was payday and today they are drunk. This happens each week, a day after they are paid.”

Persistent tropes Over the course of that afternoon and for several weeks subsequently, as I started to understand and investigate the many myths, truths and lies that addle the story of tea in Assam, I realised I had celebrated Dinanath Saura’s ‘subaltern revolution’ prematurely. The story of a tea labourer turned planter/grower was an anomaly. The STG ‘revolution’ belongs to the Assamese middle class. It is driven by landowners and is a continuation of the identity politics that condemned this state to half a century of insurgency and violence and, albeit with less frequency, continues to persuade young men, and a few women, to mobilise.

Identity politics in Assam revolves around the core premise that Assam is for the Assamese; its resources, land, oil, coal, culture and language belong to the native Assamese. Its intellectual and moral drive derives from two separate positions: the first is the perceived Bengali dominance over the locals, initiated by the British; the second is the influx of poor Bangladeshi migrants since the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

The perceived injustice of being culturally dominated and economically squeezed gave rise to the anti-foreigners movement; the new-found affluence of tea was a declaration of independence for the locals – different from the brutality of the separatist movement, but a declaration nonetheless.

The Superintendent of Police, Rafiqul Lashkar, says that Golaghat and most parts of upper Assam are now peaceful. “Look, when people are well-fed and contented, they don’t want a revolution. They want peace and quiet. The middle-class Assamese, those that provided the intellectual argument for a revolution, they now send their sons to private schools in Delhi and even abroad. The mainstream becomes allencompassing. Yes, the poor still go off to the forests in Bhutan and Bangladesh but without the middle-class drive, there is no

energy in the movement anymore.”

Ratul Gogoi is one such middle-class, erstwhile revolutionary. Our first meeting is cancelled due to an unfortunate – albeit darkly comical – incident. Ratul, who spent six years as a bomb maker for the most prominent separatist outfit in the region – the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) – had managed to chop off the forefinger on his right hand while fixing the chain of his motorcycle. He alludes to it when we finally meet. “I was taken during Operation All Clear which the Indian army launched in 2003 in Bhutan. I was on the run for four days before I was finally caught. I must have made thousands of bombs in those years. No incident ever.

And now this,” he smiled ruefully, showing me the bandaged finger.

Ratul lives in a village about 12 kilometres from Golaghat town. Though his house is modest, as he takes me around the neighbourhood he shows me his tea plantation and the new brick residence he is building. Over four days of conversation, I prompt him intermittently to reveal whether his previous fervour has died; if this new money in tea has tapered his discontent with ‘India’. Ratul denies it, saying that it is not the minor comforts – a TV, motorcycle, a new house – that distance him from his old ideals, but the leadership’s betrayal. “They sold us out, our commanders. You are so indoctrinated when you are in the field, you do not think.

But once you are out, you see what they are doing, what they have done and how they live. You realise you have been had, your youth is over and you are just another man with a long police record.”

Ratul Gogoi was a self-described foot soldier. He obeyed commands and made bombs. Over the years, a mind numbed by the routine chores of sifting nails and glass shards, mixing gunpowder and setting up detonating devices, has begun asking questions of the men who sent him to war. One of them, whom I seek out, is Romesh Saikia.

I had heard the man mentioned in whispers and hushed undertones; always with fear and trepidation mixed with awe and revulsion. He had been the commander of the ULFA in Golaghat and Jorhat districts in the early 1990s, and was also one of the first to surrender. For this, his former comrades ambushed him. He survived the attack and his legend grew. In the tale that is now told of him, he is both Robin Hood and Bill Gates; the priest of high capitalism and also the archetypal rebel. After his surrender and recovery from the ULFA attack in which he took bullets to the leg, the former leader embarked on a mission of enterprise and philanthropy. To this end he bankrolled a new school and college in his village, and freed up much of the land the villagers owed to debtors, while also investing heavily in tea cultivation. Today he owns a thousand acres of land dedicated to tea growing in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of upper Assam.

The irony is that he is also the eldest son of Gangadhar Saikia – the man who started the STG movement.

Romesh Saikia now keeps himself behind high gates and security fences. I go to meet him one afternoon, a day after I visited his latest venture, Bor Gos, a monstrous construction passed off as a resort in the now denuded forests of Kaziranga.

My feelings towards him are, understandably, less than charitable. The bespectacled and balding man I meet fitted none of the images I had conjured of him. Clad in Bermuda shorts and a worn T-shirt, he looked neither the tough commander of battle-hardened insurgents, nor the boorish, small-town nouveau riche I was meeting all too frequently.

Instead, I found a cautious man of deliberation and reflection. Soft-spoken, Romesh had little time for arguments. I sat with him for over three hours, holding guarded conversations about his days in the ULFA, his rise in business, his uneasy relationship with his brothers, and, unsurprisingly, a lot about Assam’s tea industry.

“The tea story is over. We will realise this in about 10 or 15 years. But the growth is done with. Now there is more supply than demand, prices are falling and I am getting out of it and diversifying.” “Tourism,” he says (as I cringe), “is just one of the things I am venturing into.”

I was taken aback at tea cultivation being referred to as a boom and bust industry. Given my Assamese childhood, I had associated it with an old-world, pre-globalisation stability. That world, along with my Enid Blyton’s and Richmal Crompton’s, had quietly vanished.

All in Two months back, when I had arrived with little planning and a pregnant wife in tow, I had no clue of where to stay and whom to meet. A newspaper report about the newly opened Gymkhana Club had guided me to Deboshyam Barua, the owner. And it was in this old, high-ceilinged wooden mansion with swimming pool, gym and landscaped gardens, that the first clues to this changing world were to be found.

Barua belongs to a different class of tea garden owners, the ones known as planters. His father and grandfather were tea planters. He inherited the gardens and knows of no other life. But over a frosty beer on a Sunday afternoon at his residence, Barua says that he was forced into opening the club. “That was my home. I grew up there, played in those rooms now opened up to strangers. But we knew that lifestyle was unsustainable. Those old ways which my father was so fond of, I could not carry on; the economics of maintenance doesn’t allow such luxuries.”

According to Barua, it was the coming of the International Monetary Fund and structural adjustment in the early 1990s that changed the tea economy. “Earlier, tea was not this massive money-making industry. You made 25 paisa a kilogram, maybe 30. You had modest lifestyles. Nothing really happened. And suddenly, trade opened up, the economy went through the roof and everyone bet on tea. The downturn is coming and we have to adjust accordingly if I am to keep the gardens.”

Both the old-time planters and the new growers are anxious. The last 20 years of high growth has changed the age-old economic mantra of survival and caution.

Houses have been built, cars purchased, loans taken. Now, as the debtors come calling, not only is there more tea than can be consumed, there are also associated problems of unregulated plantation. The costs of environmental degradation will be paid by future generations.

The indiscriminate use of pesticide is the most visible and dangerous by-product of sudden growth in the industry. As Rajib Das, the general secretary of the STG Association tells me, its use threatens to devalue Assam Tea as a brand. “You find it difficult to convince the small tea grower that the pesticide which cures your plant of bugs is not a magic medicine. Every time he sprays it, problems disappear. The government, though it likes to tax us heavily, refuses to spend money on educating these growers. And the problem grows bigger by the day.”

Increased pesticide use as a result of the industry’s growth has implications that go beyond tea, however. It also affects livestock. Many lament that much of the region’s meat quality is now dubious while fresh milk, once thought of as nutritious, is making children unwell. Tea has wiped out rice cultivation, creating severe grain shortages. The lack of bamboo has resulted in house prices soaring, meaning that villagers are having to turn to brickand-mortar constructions that are not only less eco-friendly, but also demand unsustainable lifestyle changes. Mud and bamboo houses kept interiors cool for the summers; now households are investing in fans and finding that the erratic power supply is of little use. Electrical appliances are far more effective when run on generators than on the trickling mercy of the Assam Electricity Board.

Back to the future Matters are at a crossroad. In the complex matrix of a global economy, the basic laws of supply and demand retain their stubborn constancy. And human beings have short memories. Just two decades before tea became the elixir of good fortune, sugarcane plantation had promised the same in upper Assam. It was Gangadhar Saikia, now the champion of the STG movement, who had exhorted fellow villagers in Melamora to take over fallow tea garden land and plant sugarcane. Despite the backbreaking labour, there was reward. Sugarcane factories were built, orders were placed. Though more land was captured, the inevitable soon happened: one season, there was too much sugarcane and processing factories refused the excess. Plants started to decay and then a disease called red rot vanquished the local industry. In 1982, nearly 25 years after it had started, sugarcane was finally abandoned as a cash crop in Melamora and surrounding villages of upper Assam. Tea cultivation, thankfully, was waiting around the corner and turned out to be a more profitable enterprise.

While the future of Assam’s economy is uncertain, I am, however, convinced of one thing: my initial euphoria for Assam’s subaltern STG ‘revolution’ was misplaced. As industries come and go and identity politics retains its currency, the fate of the labourers whose lives depend on the mercy of their masters is unchanging. Uneducated, underpaid, and with nowhere else to go, they have retained a stability as permanent as hell and as unforgiving. When the next boom industry comes, its legitimacy as a revolution will be measured by their sweat. ~Somnath Batabyal is a lecturer in media and development at the School of Oriental and African Studies. His first novel, The Price You Pay, was published in 2013.

The Two Missing Ingredients in Naga Politics

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little over seven decades after the coming of Christianity into the Naga homeland in 1872, some of our early Naga leaders possibly came to a belief that God has a special geo-political plan for our people. Perhaps it was due to this belief that they refused to consider themselves as a part of Hindu India or Muslim Pakistan (Bangladesh). Instead, they felt that they had every right, like everyone else, to become an independent nation-state “under God.” This Godinspired conviction fed early Naga patriotism and put the Naga people on a Christo-centric foundation throughout the 1950s. Hence, every Naga at the time, whether man or woman, was willing to forego his or her individual self-interests and make sacrifices for a common aspiration despite extreme hardships and opposition.

This optimism of the past, however, has turned into dark pessimism. More than five decades of accumulative experiences in our Nagaland state politics have served to confirm this pessimism.

Since the time of S.C. Jamir, the Congress’ secular political ideology began to be introduced among the Naga Christians and gradually God was ushered out from our political affairs. Although the seed of political corruption and secular humanism was sown by Mr. Jamir, he was obviously more driven by selfish ambition for power which he was able to achieve both at the state and national levels. As a “mentee” of Mr. Jamir, Mr. Neiphiu Rio learned to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor both in promoting secular humanism and in perfecting the art of corruption, but he was not as successful in his pursuit for power, especially at the national level.

Like their former bosses, most of our politicians today have nothing to do with God or public service anymore. After they entered politics, they too seem to have developed a dichotomous worldview that they needed to take God out of politics and leave their faith behind, or have their values compromised, if they wanted to be successful politicians. Thus, instead of holding on to God, they have chosen to hold on to power.

Consequently, God is no more in our Naga state politics today. For running our state of affairs, we have turned our politics over to secular humanism and to the pursuit of individual self-interests. Or, the much blunter word is Godlessness.

Which is why the problems we face as a society do not yield to all the efforts and money and expertise we expend to solve them.

In other words, the first thing missing in Naga state politics is God. Our faith doesn’t inform our political decisions anymore. Our Christian values are desperately missing in our public service because God is missing in our politics. As a result, our society has been sliding into moral decadence and beginning to rot from within.

Our pastors and church leaders know this better than anyone else: Without God, we have no future worth dreaming about. But if God is acknowledged and given His rightful place over us, He would still cause even the seemingly impossible possible. In addition, God could be the common glue to unite us all. But despite knowing all this, many of our Christian leaders are too afraid to take a public stand even on clear moral/ ethical issues, According to them, being neutral on matters of political issues and saying nothing negative about any corrupt politician are Christian virtues to be encouraged.

The second missing ingredient in our Naga politics is public service. In Nagaland, people don’t get into politics because they have a burden to serve the people. In fact, they don’t even have to have any ethical concern for society, a vision for the future generation, or a political ideology to abide by. Their understanding of politics is all about selfish ambition for wealth and power. Their decision to join politics is based on the amount of money they have accumulated so as to ensure their election victory. It’s all about beating the other guys and becoming a “Minister” by hook or by crook. After winning, they go on to demand for the portfolio that promises the most availability of funds. They see politics more as a privilege for self-indulgence rather than as a responsibility or an opportunity for service.

Their politics is all about self-service under the guise of public service. They come up with welfare schemes and developmental projects in the name of helping the poor and make money for themselves. They act as champions of the struggling lot but buy off their properties at throw away prices in one way or another. They loftily ride on the backs of the downtrodden and yet the burdens of these people are the least in their mind. So, the question is: Do these leaders know the real meaning of public service?

By definition, public interest is about serving with the best interests of the overall community, or national good, rather than the narrow interests of a particular person or group. As such, the priorities of all our politicians or public servants should be to make governmental institutions more responsive to the needs of the public, especially the needy and the underprivileged.

If my observations about our elected leaders are wrong---and I wish they are-- then you have nothing to be scared of. But what if they are correct?

Then, I’m afraid we are not yet out of our perilous times and, in fact, maybe still carelessly heading towards a precipice of our own destruction.

The best and safest way to move our society forward is to look to God (“North-Star’) for reliable guidance and to rediscover public service in our politics. These two elements are like the two railway tracks on which our society must run on. And, by the way, they are also the two most important spiritual duties for all: One is vertical which is following God’s direction and the other is horizontal which is serving others as we would like to be served.

8

ThursDAY 23•02•2017

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

No plans to introduce Rs 1,000 notes new Delhi, FeBruary 22 (ianS): The government has no plans to re-introduce Rs 1,000 and will focus instead on issuing lower denomination currency notes, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday. "(There are) no plans to introduce Rs 1,000 notes. Focus is on production and supply of Rs 500 and lower denomination notes," Das tweeted. His clarification followed media reports that the government was planning to re-introduce Rs 1,000 notes with a new design. Referring to complaints of dry ATMs even more than 100 days after the November 8 demonetisation, Das urged people to withdraw only as much cash as "they actually require". "Overdrawal by some deprives others," he said. Post demonetisation, the government introduced new Rs 500 notes along with Rs 2,000 notes.

Over Rs 1 lakh crore worth of the new Rs 500 notes have been printed, with the presses churning out some 22 million pieces every day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised the old currency to fight black money and terror funding. There were 17,165 million pieces of Rs 500 notes and 6,858 million pieces of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation on November 8. The total amount of high denomination currency circulating in the system on that day was Rs 15.44 lakh crore -- Rs 8.58 lakh crore in Rs 500 notes and Rs 6.86 lakh crore in Rs 1,000.

Former BJP MLA booked for rape

India raises NSG, Masood with China B e i j i n g, F e B r u ary 22 (ianS): India on Wednesday raised its concerns with China over its continuing opposition to a terror ban on Jaish-eMohammad chief Masood Azhar and on stymieng New Delhi's membership to the NSG -- but the talks did not appear to have made much headway.

The issues have become the latest irritants in bilateral ties.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, co-chairing the first India-China Strategic Dialogue here along with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui, also made India's concerns known over the yawning trade deficit.

Briefing reporters after attending the dialogue, Jaishankar said he had conveyed that banning Azhar, mastermind of the Pathankot and Uri attacks, was not just New Delhi's concern but the international community was also "pressing" for it.

"On the issue of the 1267 Committee sanctions

gurugram, FeBruary 22 (ianS): Former Delhi BJP MLA Vijay Jolly has been booked for rape after a woman alleged that he drugged and assauled her, police said on Wednesday. The woman, a resident of south Delhi, told police that that she was drugged and sexually assaulted in Gurugram earlier this month when she visited it with Jolly. She said she had known Jolly for some three years and that the incident happened on February 10.

Jolly, who was the Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Saket in 2003-08, has been booked under sections 376, 328 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, according to the FIR made available to IANS. Jolly had earlier alleged that he was being blackmailed by the woman and her husband. Police had registered a case of extortion against the couple at the Kherki Daula police station here nearly 10 days back. new Delhi, FeBruary 22 (agencieS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said efficient governance was needed in order to reduce the burden on judiciary. new Delhi, FeBruary 22 (PTi): Women and Speaking at the RashtraChild Development Minister Maneka Gandhi today an- pati Bhawan on redunnounced the setting up of a compensation fund under dant laws, PM Modi said, Nirbhaya scheme to provide financial help to children “Maine vaada kiya tha mai who are victims of sexual crimes. "The money for this per day ek kanoon khatam fund will be drawn from Nirbhaya Scheme and will be karunga, ab tak 1200 kar monitored directly by the Women and Child Develop- chuka hoon, (I had promment Ministry," said a senior official of the ministry. The ised I would end one law official, however, said that a decision is yet to be taken on everyday. I have discardthe total amount of money to be set aside for this scheme. ed 1200 of them by now).”

A Central Victim Compensation Fund was set up with The prime minister also an initial corpus of Rs 200 crore in 2015 but has not not presented the first copy of been operating, the official said. "I have decided to set up book ‘Judicial reforms – Rea POCSO victims compensation fund to provide financial cent Global Trends’ to Preshelp to children in such situations," Gandhi tweeted. ident Pranab Mukherjee at POCSO Act or Protection of Children from Sexual Of- the Rashtrapati Bhawan. fences Act was formulated in 2012 to address sexual abuse Chief Justice of India and sexual exploitation of children. Centre's decision today Jagdish Singh Khehar also is in response to a letter to Gandhi drawing her attention elaborated on the aspirato the plight of a three-year-old from Ahmednagar who was raped in December last year. The letter says, "the girl needs critical care. This is a very expensive treatment...Her mother is very poor, illiterate and alcoholic. If the necessary and urgent medical help is not provided, then the child will die." The letter also exhorted the minister to "rehabil- new Delhi, FeBruitate the child in a government home and provide good ary 22 (ianS): The Union medical care." "You can create a POCSO fund but who Health Ministry on Wedneswill help children access these funds. We need an entire day said it has found 1,850 paraphernalia in place. "While POCSO courts award com- samples of drugs sold in Inpensation amount to a rape survivor, the problem is that dia 'Not of Standard Quality the support persons who have to assess the compensation (NSQ)' while 13 were found amount needed for a victim have not been notified by any spurious.

"Overall, out of the state," said Bharati Ali, Co-Founder and Co-Director, HAQ: Centre for Child Rights. Activists, however, also point out 47,012 samples tested, 13 while different states have different victim compensation samples were found to be schemes, many cover rape but not sexual offences against spurious and 1,850 samchildren. States like Odisha, Maharashtra and Delhi have ples were found to be 'Not of Standard Quality' (NSQ). amended their scheme to include POCSO cases.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar holding talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing ahead of the strategic dialogue.(PTI Photo)

on Masood Azhar, we again explained to them the rationale for that application and pointed out today that this was really being pursued by other countries, not by India alone," Jaishankar said. "The fact that other countries were pressing this application showed that there was broad in-

ternational support for this and concerns about Masood Azhar's activities," he added.

However, Jaishankar did not offer what Beijing had to say on the issue.

India raised the topic of the Jaish chief after China recently blocked a proposal by the US to add Azhar to

the list of international terrorists, adding to the three rejections in 2016 to the Indian proposal.

China maintains there is not enough evidence against the Pakistani terrorist and the issue was between India and Pakistan, which should be resolved mutually.

On New Delhi's bid for

membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group, Jaishankar said China's "view of procedures and processes" were different.

"On the NSG issue the Chinese side underlined that they were open to India's application for membership but they had their view of procedures and

processes and these were somewhat different from where we are at the moment and where we think most of the group is at the moment," India's top diplomat said. Beijing opposes New Delhi's inclusion into the elite bloc which regulates global nuclear trade, citing India's non signatory status to the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty for the membership.

China's argument is if India can be let in why not Pakistan, which also is not signatory to the NPT. Jaishankar also raised the growing trade deficit between India and China.

"Another issue which came was trade and economic cooperation. We made our concerns about the trade deficit very clear to the Chinese side and it was agreed that the Joint Economic Group which is headed by CI will meet early to review this.

"The Chinese have taken some measures but clearly these haven't addressed the problem in a substantive way."

Efficient governance can lessen No post-poll alliance with BSP burden of judiciary: Narendra Modi or any party in UP: Amit Shah

Maneka announces compensation fund for child abuse victims

tional nature of judicial reforms. Addressing the audience, Khehar said, “While Justice is inspirational, judicial reforms are only aspirational.” Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was also present at the event, said, “Legislation must be left to those who are elected to legislate and governance must be left to the realm of those elected to govern.” President Pranab Mukherjee will also be the first one to to receive a copy of the book on global trends on judicial reform from PM Modi.

The CJI also shed light on recent judicial appointments. “We made recommendations for appointment of judges to SC and that has come through.

We’ve also made recom-

mendations for filling up eight vacancies of Chief Justices of HCs,” he said.

Khehar also assured that it must be “in advanced stage of finalisation.” “We have been at it regularly for hours almost everyday trying to finalise Memorandum of Procedure, expect to finalise it in next two weeks. I assure you we will try our best for early disposal of cases,” the CJI said.

Saying there’s no lack of talent, President Mukherjee cautioned that we must have the system in place to utilise the talent expeditiously. He also said, “There’s a need to address problems-have adequate court rooms, infrastructure, to utilise modern facility and adequate number of judges.”

VaranaSi, FeBruary 22 (PTi): BJP President Amit Shah today ruled out any post-poll alliance with the BSP or any other party in the event of a hung assembly in Uttar Pradesh, confident that the party will get a "full majority".

As UP gears up for the fourth phase of the sevenphase Assembly elections tomorrow, Shah, 52 , also said that the BJP not naming a chief ministerial candidate was part of the party's poll "strategy".

"Kisi se bhi haath milane ka dur-dur tak koi swaal nahin uthatha (there is no question by far of joining hands with any party)," he said when asked during a wide-ranging interview to PTI if the BJP would be willing to ally with the BSP or any other party to form a government in the po-

litically crucial state if it fell short of a majority.

The comments by Shah come against the backdrop of some poll surveys and political experts projecting a hung assembly in UP given that all the three players the SP-Congress, BSP and BJP have a robust set-up and a loyal social base in the state.

Shah, who has campaigned extensively in UP, acknowledges the importance of the poll outcome in the state to 2019 Lok Sabha polls but at the same time he feels that the results would be even more crucial for the country's development.

Working hard to recreate the magic of 2014 that gave BJP 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the face of stiff competition from the SP-Congress alliance and

Mayawati's BSP, the BJP strongman answered a wide range of questions on the elections in UP and four other States and their importance to the party as well as to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has also campaigned intensely in the country's biggest state.

Shah expressed confidence that his party will form the next government in UP, Uttarakhand and Goa with "full majority" but is unwilling to make a prediction about Punjab, noting that it was a triangular contest there involving the SAD-BJP, Congress and AAP. "In Goa, Uttarakhand and UP, we will form governments with full majority. It is 'trikoniay muqablaa hai (triangular contest) in Punjab, so it is difficult to make a guess who will win," he added.

1,850 drugs sold in India Not of Standard Quality: Health Ministry As such, the percentage of NSQ Drugs in India has been found to be 3.16 per cent and that of Spurious drugs 0.0245 per cent," said a statement from the ministry.

According to the Health Ministry, many of the drugs are of foreign companies that have their manufacturing units in India.

As part of the survey, touted to be the world's

largest, 47,954 drug samples relating to 23 dosage forms were drawn from 654 districts of 36 States and Union Territories from the supply chains including retail outlets, government sources and from eight airports and sea ports.

"The statistical design of the Drug Survey included as many as 224 Drug molecules belonging to 15 different therapeutic

categories of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2011," said a statement from the Health Ministry.

The Ministry had entrusted the work related to carrying out a Survey of the extent of Problems of 'Spurious and Not of Standard Quality Drugs' to the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), Noida.

As part of the survey,

a nationwide training in drugs survey methodology was imparted at 28 centres across the country to over 1,800 Sample Drawing Officers (SDOs) and representatives of the Civil Society / Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).

"The role of the Civil Society/Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) representatives was to observe that the drugs samples are drawn in

accordance with the sampling methodology and the highest degree of transparency and objectivity is maintained in the process to eliminate any bias," said the Ministry.

All the samples were subjected to test/analysis as per pharmacopoeial requirements in the Central and State Drug Testing Laboratories that have been accredited by NABL.

Why India cannot follow new WHO guidelines to protect mothers Devanik Saha

I

IndiaSpend and IANS

ndia must double antenatal visits by health workers to pregnant women to reduce the risk of stillbirths and pregnancy complications, according to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline released last November. Is India ready to implement this and other new guidelines to protect its mothers? It is not, an analysis of government data and research studies shows.

The new guidelines are important, given that, despite a 62 per cent reduction in child mortality between 1990 and 2015, more children (1.3 million) below five died in India in 2015 than anywhere in the world; the country had more stillborn babies than any other, 26 per cent of neonatal deaths, and close to a fifth of 303,000 maternal deaths in 2015.

The government, on February 15, joined a new network to improve the quality of care for maternal, newborn and child health, announced by the WHO and committed to halving preventable deaths of pregnant women and newborns in health facilities over the next five years.

The quality of antenatal care is vital to reduce the risk of stillbirths and pregnancy complications, and the absence of it explains why more women enrolling for hospital deliveries in India isn't translating into fewer maternal deaths.

India's maternal mortality rate (MMR) was 178 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011-12, worse than Sri

Lanka (30), Bhutan (148) and Cambodia (161), and worst among the BRICS countries: Russia (25), China (27), Brazil (44), and South Africa (138).

In November 2016, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, or the Prime Minister Safe Pregnancy Scheme, which aims to provide free and comprehensive care on the ninth day of every month during pregnancy. Pregnant women are provided special, free ante-natal checks in their second or third trimester at government health care facilities, including ultrasounds, blood and urine tests.

Yet, getting these facilities to women is a challenge, especially in poorer states. No more than 3.3 per cent of pregnant women in Bihar reported receiving full antenatal care, lowest among states. Full ANC refers to at least four antenatal visits, at least one tetanus toxoid (TT) injection and iron folic acid tablets or syrup taken for 100 or more days.

IndiaSpend looked at some of the WHO recommendations and evaluated India's ability to implement them: 1. Minimum of eight antenatal contacts with pregnant women A minimum of eight contacts for antenatal care can reduce perinatal deaths by up to eight per 1,000 births, compared to a minimum of four visits, said WHO. Despite the emphasis to antenatal care under government health programmes, India is not close to universal antenatal care, according to a 2016 study, which analysed data

cent), according to NFHS-4 data.

In the 2017-18 budget, the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojna (Maternal Benefit Scheme) saw an allocation increase from Rs 634 crore ($94.6 million) in 2016-17 to Rs 2,700 crore ($298 million).

This allocation, however, isn't enough to cover all expectant mothers.

The government itself had estimated that the the annual requirement for this maternity benefit scheme would be Rs 14,512 crore ($2.1 billion).

Since there isn't enough funding, the ministry plans to provide maternity benefit only to first-borns.

from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

The study found that women belonging to disadvantaged communities, particularly scheduled-caste (SC), scheduled-tribe (ST) and rural areas, received sparser ante-natal care. SC/ST women contribute to the highest proportion of pregnant women without antenatal care.

The proportion of mothers who had at least four antenatal visits varied considerably: While states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand reported four visits to 14.4 per cent, 35.7 per cent and 30.9 per cent, respectively, of mothers, richer states, such as Tamil Nadu (81.2 per cent), Maharashtra (72.2 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (76 per cent), did better.

3. Tetanus toxoid vaccination The WHO guidelines recommend a tetanus toxoid vaccination for pregnant women to prevent neonatal mortality from tetanus.

India reduced neonatal tetanus mortality by 99.76 per cent over three decades in 2015, which was described as a "significant public health milestone" by the WHO, which declared the country free of neonatal tetanus in May 2015.

However, to mitigate the threat of a resurgence, experts recommend that at least 80 per cent of expectant mothers must be immunised and at least 70 per cent of births must take place in hygienic conditions. Institutional deliveries rose by 15 per cent over a decade from 2004 to 2014, but the rise isn't translating into fewer maternal deaths.

2. Daily oral iron, folic acid supplements The WHO guidelines recommend daily oral iron and folic acid supplements with 30 mg to 60 mg of elemental iron and 400 µg (0.4 mg) of folic acid for pregnant women to prevent maternal anaemia, puerperal sepsis, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

Anaemia was the top cause of maternal deaths in India (50 per cent) and the associated cause in 20 per cent of maternal deaths, and India reported that 45 per cent of pregnant women were anaemic -- the highest proportion in the world.

Only 9.7 per cent of mothers in Bihar consumed iron and folic acid 4. One ultrasound scan for 100 or more days when they were before 24 weeks' gestation An early ultrasound is recompregnant, followed by Tripura (13.4 per cent) and Rajasthan (17.3 per mended for pregnant women to esti-

mate gestational age, improve detection of foetal anomalies and multiple pregnancies, reduce induction of labour for post-term pregnancy, and improve a woman's pregnancy experience.

Ultrasounds should be done by radiographers at community health centres (CHCs) in rural areas. But CHCs nationwide are 66 per cent short of radiographers, and as many as 13 states and Union Territories are 75 per cent short, according to the Rural Health Statistics (RHS) 2016.

5. Counselling about healthy eating and keeping physically active during pregnancy The role of gynaecologists and paediatricians is critical in counselling pregnant women. However, there is a 77 per cent shortage of obstetricians and gynaecologists and 80 per cent shortage of paediatricians in CHCs nationwide. Nearly 62 per cent of government hospitals -- which include CHCs, district hospitals and sub-district hospitals -- don't have a gynaecologist on staff.

6. Health-care providers should ask all pregnant women about use of alcohol and other substances at every antenatal visit Gynaecologists and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) are the frontline of the battle against infant and maternal mortality. In 30 per cent of districts, sub-centres with ANMs serve double the patients they are meant to and an estimated 22 per cent of sub-centres are short of ANMs.

ThursdAY 23•02•2017

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Malaysia names North Korean diplomat wanted for questioning in airport murder KUALA LUMPUR, FebRUARy 22 (ReUteRs): Malaysian police on Wednesday named a senior official in North Korea’s embassy and a staffer at its state airline, who are wanted for questioning over the murder last week of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korea’s leader.

Kim Jong Nam, 46, was killed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13, while preparing to board a flight to Macau, where he lived in exile with his family under the protection of Beijing.

South Korean and U.S. officials believe the killing of the elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was an assassination carried out by agents of the North. Kim Jong Nam had spoken out publicly against his family’s dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state.

Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar named the North Korean diplomat wanted for questioning as 44-year-old Hyon Kwang Song, and said he held the rank of second secretary at the embassy.

The police chief identified the Air Koryo staffer as Kim Uk Il, 37.

He said both were in Malaysia, but gave no further details. “They’ve been called in for assistance. We hope the embassy will cooperate with us and allow us to interview them quickly or else we will compel them to come to us,” Khalid told reporters at a news conference.

Calls on Wednesday to the North Korean embassy for comment on the latest developments

Malaysia’s Royal Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar (C) speaks next to a screen showing North Korean Kim Uk Il during a news conference regarding the apparent assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of the North Korean leader, at the Malaysian police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on February 22. (REUTERS Photo)

went unanswered.

Police have stepped up security at the morgue where Kim Jong Nam’s body is being held after an attempted break-in earlier this week, Khalid said.

Malaysia has denied North Korea’s request for the body to be handed over to its embassy directly and has urged the victim’s next of kin to come forward to help with the investigation.

Malaysia has so far identified

a total of eight North Koreans suspected of being linked to killing.

One, Ri Jong Chol, is in custody, and another, Ri Ji U, remains at large. Khalid said police “strongly believed” four others were back in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, having fled Malaysia on the day of the attack.

Police have not stated Ri Jong Chol’s role in the killing. He lived in Malaysia for three years without working at the company reg-

istered on his employment permit or receiving a salary.

The first suspects to be arrested last week were two women one Vietnamese, one Indonesian - who are suspected of carrying out the fatal assault on Kim Jong Nam using a fast-acting poison.

REHEARSED ATTACK Khalid said both women wiped a liquid, containing an as yet unidentified toxic substance,

on Kim Jong Nam’s face.

“Yes, the two female suspects knew that the substance they had was toxic. We don’t know what kind of chemical was used,” he said, dismissing speculation that the women had thought they were part of a prank.

“They used their bare hands,” he said, adding that they were instructed to wash their hands afterwards. The women had rehearsed the attack at two shopping malls in central Kuala Lumpur before assaulting Kim Jong Nam, he said.

Diplomatic tensions have escalated between North Korea and Malaysia since the killing, with the countries trading barbs over Malaysia’s handling of the investigation.

North Korea Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world that maintains ties with the nuclear-armed nation.

Earlier this week Malaysia recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang, and Prime Minister Najib Razak rebuked the North Korea ambassador in Kuala Lumpur for making “diplomatically rude” comments.

The police said no family member of Kim Jong Nam has come forward to claim the body or provide DNA samples yet, dismissing rumours that a son had arrived in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.

Malaysia has said it will only release the body to the next-ofkin once the cause of death and identity have been confirmed.

9

Khmer Rouge cadre’s war crimes charges dismissed in Cambodia PHNOM PeNH, FebRUARy 22 (ReUteRs): A U.N.-backed war crimes tribunal in Cambodia dismissed charges against a former cadre of the 1970s Khmer Rouge regime on Wednesday, saying the Buddhist nun had not played a senior enough role during a period when some 1.8 million people died.

The decision in the case of Im Chaem, who was suspected of running a forced labour camp, was a boon for veteran Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge soldier who opposes further trials.

Critics said the decision undermined the credibility of the court, which has found just three people guilty after a decade of work at a cost of over $260 million.

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia said in a statement that Chaem, in her 60s, did not fall under their jurisdiction because she was not a senior leader of the Khmer Rouge or one of the most responsible officials.

Most of the victims of the Khmer Rouge died of starvation, torture, exhaustion or disease in labour camps or were bludgeoned to death during mass executions. Pol Pot, “Brother Number One,” died in 1998.

Chaem, a former Khmer Rouge district commander, was charged with murder and crimes against humanity.

She did not appear in court because Cambodian police would not arrest her or other senior Khmer Rouge cadres charged. Hun Sen, in power for 30 years, has warned that more trials could see Cambodia spiral into civil war.

“As long as the judges followed the rules and the evidence, we must accept the decision, but it can be difficult sometimes to swallow,” said Youk Chhang, who said he suffered at Im Chaem’s camp at the age of 15.

His team has spent more than 20 years documenting the horrors of the regime and provided half a million documents to the tribunal.

The court faced a test of its credibility and would need to explain its decision to survivors, said Panhavuth Long of the Cambodian Justice Initiative, which monitors the trials. “We’ve seen concerns by people in general about interference,” he told Reuters.

The court has been plagued by infighting, political interference, resignations and funding shortages since it was set up to bring to justice “those most responsible” for the deaths of a fifth of the population from 1975-1979.

Common heartburn drugs Mexico homicides jump by China calls landmark Taiwan protests linked to ‘silent’ kidney damage a third amid cartel infighting part of the Chinese liberation struggle New yORK, FebRUARy 22 (IANs): A group of drugs commonly prescribed for heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux may lead to gradual yet “silent” kidney damage, warns a study. The study evaluated the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are sold under the brand names Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Protonix, among others, in 125,000 patients. More than half of patients who develop chronic kidney damage while taking the drugs do not experience acute kidney problems beforehand, meaning patients may not be aware of a decline in kidney function, the findings showed. The onset of acute kidney problems is not a reliable warning sign for clini-

cians to detect a decline in kidney function among patients taking proton pump inhibitors, said the study’s senior author Ziyad Al-Aly, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.

“Our results indicate kidney problems can develop silently and gradually over time, eroding kidney function and leading to long-term kidney damage or even renal failure. Patients should be cautioned to tell their doctors if they’re taking PPIs and only use the drugs when necessary,” Al-Aly said. The researchers analysed data from the Department of Veterans Affairs databases on 125,596 new users of PPIs and 18,436 new users of other heartburn drugs referred to as H2

blockers. The latter are much less likely to cause kidney problems but often are not as effective. Over five years of follow up, the researchers found that more than 80% of PPI users did not develop acute kidney problems, which often are reversible and are characterised by too little urine leaving the body, fatigue and swelling in the legs and ankles.

However, more than half of the cases of chronic kidney damage and end-stage renal disease associated with PPI use occurred in people without acute kidney problems.

“Doctors must pay careful attention to kidney function in their patients who use PPIs, even when there are no signs of problems,” Al-Aly cautioned.

MeXICO CIty, FebRUARy 22 (ReUteRs): Homicides in Mexico jumped by more than a third in January, new figures showed, fueled by violence in states hit by an internal split in the Sinaloa drug cartel Murders were up by more than half in the northern states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa, according to official figures dated Monday. In Baja California there were almost 50% more. Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the powerful boss of the Sinaloa cartel, was extradited to the United States last month and is currently in a New York jail awaiting trial. That power vacuum has led to an internal power struggle in the cartel, causing gang violence to surge in northern Mexico, Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos said earlier this month.

Mexico’s government is focused on handling its largest diplomatic crisis for years, as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens America’s southern neighbor with a border tax, deportations and a wall to keep out illegal immigrants. In total, there were 1,938 homicides in January, up 34% from 1,442 in the same month last year. Tomas Guevara, who studies crime at Sinaloa State University, said he thought that the more than 100 murders in his home state were mostly due to cartel infighting. “The vast majority of these homicides are due to this problem ... we’re living in a very tense moment,” he said.

Israeli PM Netanyahu blasts UN ‘hypocrisy’, Australian PM opposes ‘one-sided resolutions’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shake hands before their bilateral meeting at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, February 22. (REUTERS Photo)

syDNey, FebRUARy 22 (ReUteRs): Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offered a staunch defence of Israel on Wednesday, criticising the United Nations and vowing never to support “one-sided resolutions” calling for an end to Israeli settlement building on occupied land.

Turnbull welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday as the first Israeli prime minister to visit Australia and reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state solution to the IsraeliPalestinian crisis.

However, he also made it clear Australia would not support any resolutions such as the one approved by the United Nations Security Council

in December calling for an end to Israeli settlement building on land occupied by Palestinians.

“My government will not support one-sided resolutions criticising Israel of the kind recently adopted by the U.N Security Council and we deplore the boycott campaigns designed to delegitimise the Jewish state,” Turnbull wrote in an editorial in The Australian newspaper.

The U.N. resolution was approved in the final weeks of Barack Obama’s administration, which broke with a long tradition of shielding Israel diplomatically and chose not to wield its veto power.

“Australia has been courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy

more than once,” Netanyahu said.

“The U.N. is capable of many absurdities and I think it’s important that you have straightforward and clear-eyed countries like Australia that often bring it back to earth,” he said after meeting Turnbull.

Israel has long pursued a policy of constructing Jewish settlements on territory it captured in a 1967 war with its Arab neighbours including the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Most countries view such activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal and an obstacle to peace but Israel disagrees, citing a biblical connection to the land.

Washington’s ambassador to the United Nations has said the United States still supports a two-state solution to the conflict, although new U.S. President Donald Trump has also said he is open to new ways to achieve peace.

The two-state solution has long been the bedrock of the international community’s policy for a settlement between Israel and the Palestinians but Trump’s apparent loosening of that main tenet, at a joint news conference with Netanyahu last week, stunned the international community.

“We support an outcome which has two states where Israelis, the Israeli people, the Palestinian people live side-by-side as a result of direct negotiations between them,” Turnbull told reporters in Sydney.

Netanyahu said any solution would need Palestine to recognise Israel, which would also have security control of the territories.

While in Australia, Netanyahu is scheduled to sign agreements fostering closer economic and defence cooperation.

beIJING, FebRUARy 22 (ReUteRs): China on Wednesday described landmark Taiwan protests against Nationalist troops in 1947 as part of China’s liberation struggle that Taiwan independence forces were trying to hijack, ahead of commemorations next week for the 70th anniversary.

The “228 Incident”, as it is known in Taiwan, has in recent years become a rallying point for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which favours formal independence for the democratic, self-ruled island China claims at its own.

Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist troops put down rioting sparked on Feb. 28, 1947, by a dispute between tobacco agents and a cigarette vendor in Taipei. That led to island-wide protests against the Nationalists, who two years later took refuge on Taiwan after losing a civil war to the Communists and imposed martial law on Taiwan until 1987, ruling with an iron fist and locking up dissidents.

An Fengshan, spokesman for China’s Tai-

wan Affairs Office, said the “228 Incident” was a “just action” by people in Taiwan against dictatorship and to fight for their basic rights.

“It is part of the Chinese people’s liberation struggle,” An told a regular news briefing.

“For a long time, this incident has been used by certain Taiwan independence forces for ulterior motives,” he added. “They have distorted historical fact, instigated contradictions based on provincial origin, tearing at Taiwan’s ethnic groups, creating antagonism in society,” An said. “I think the motives behind this are really despicable.”

Feb. 28 is a national holiday in Taiwan, marked by solemn ceremonies for the dead and affirmations from politicians and the sitting president for Taiwan’s vibrant democracy. China is deeply suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who won election last year, suspected she and her party want to push for the island’s formal independence, a red line for Beijing. Tsai says she wants to maintain peace with China.

WednesdAY 22•02•2017

public discourse

10

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Naga Feminist Reflections The Measure of Gender Justice in Naga Society

W

Dolly Kikon

hat is the meaning of gender? What is the meaning of Justice? Which comes first in Naga society and how do we understand it? Like many nationalist societies around the world, the issue of gender justice and rights have remained marginal for a long time. We were told that issues like women’s rights or gender justice could wait till the Naga people gained their freedom. In that context, what did it mean to bestow any kinds of rights on women in Naga society? When terms like gender ‘rights’ and ‘equality’ remains extremely resentful terms for a larger section of powerful Naga traditional bodies, they become meaningless words. I ask these questions in relation to the opposition against 33% reservation that escalated into a violent protest and brought the entire state of Nagaland to a standstill recently. If Naga customary law is seen as the foundation of justice, the exclusion of women from these powerful decision making-bodies negates the entire notion that these are pillars of justice. The Indian state and the male traditional bodies alike are responsible for excluding the Naga women from all spheres of representative political processes. Article 371 (A) is a prime example of the patriarchal nature of the Indian constitution that bestows the Naga male bodies to have full authority and power to interpret customary affairs covering social, religious, and criminal cases.

Article 371 (A) What is Article 371 (A)? Besides Clause 1 which has four slim lines about protecting Naga customary practices and land rights, it is bizarre that a larger section of Article 371 (A) of the Indian constitution defines the power and functions of the Governor to the extent of laying down the qualification and salaries of the regional councils. Therefore, if people argue that all Naga rights “since time immemorial” is determined by this article and that this will determine the future of the Nagas, the enormous social and political transformation in Naga society is doomed. Article 371 (A) does not even define what is ‘customary law and procedure’ or ‘social and religious practices’. These processes which were regarded as enabling instruments for Naga people to become citizens of India, have in fact become the basis the basis of violent contestations and debates today.

The 33% Naga women’s reservation is not the only topic that has invoked Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution.

For example, the ongoing coal mining operations and the oil exploration negotiations in Nagaland have rested on multiple interpretations of this constitutional provision. Naga politicians, landowners, village councils, and business families have all interpreted the provision for their benefit to mine for minerals and not be held accountable for the environmental degradation.

Today, rivers, paddy fields, and forests across the coal belts of Nagaland arepolluted and aquatic lives and vegetation have all perished. The landowners and those who fight against the government of Nagaland are male bodies – council members, armed groups, cultural associations, politicians, rich landowning families. Here, they make the constitutional provision work in their favour. Therefore, the very rights that have been denied to Naga women expressed through resisting 33% shows that it is not a new thing. This reveals that Article 371 (A) has favoured a male interpretation to reinforce Naga patriarchy and exclude women from positions of decision-making processes from the beginning. It has nothing to do with retaining the customary law and culture of the Naga people. What it has done is to continue to propagate a male hegemonic power and authority in Naga society. Naga male bodies have acquired the language of justice to retain the order of Nage male heritage and patrimony.

Inherent contradictions This kind of historical sense of justice is seen even in the Naga national history. Only Naga males became martyrs. Women were always victims. How can we to talk about equality as a foundational pillar when justice, when equality and freedom in Naga society have remained the prerogative of a few? Can it be a democratic society when a minority have defined such a heroic and masculine militarized past? Today the Naga poor that includes orphans, widows, the unemployed youth, old people, and a large section of the disenfranchised public cannot take part in this debate. These are inherent contradictions. These are flaws that cannot be integrated in the vision of a Naga just society by simply including women who have been excluded. We have to realise that we have a flawed system. What kind of Naga system

should we adopt that regards equality and justice is an issue we have not been able to envision.

Here, it is important to embrace the feminist ideology of what it means to embrace gender equality and justice. Feminist philosopher Angela Davis wisely cautions us that we cannot imagine incorporating women into a misogynist society and dream of justice and equality. Or for that matter, we cannot simply elect a black President or a female president (In the context of the United States) and expect racism and patriarchy to vanish. In the Naga context, like any other society around the world, it calls for the transformation of the society from patriarchy, economic injustice, including racism, homophobia, and gender violence.

Collective consciousness What does it mean to be a Naga woman? If the Naga movement for the right to self-determination, or the civil and political rights movement, or the solidarity alliances has meant anything at all, it simply means the quest for justice. For me, justice is not a goal that can be achieved by simply implementing 33% reservation for Naga women alone. It is not a thing to be coveted and possessed alone by individuals – be it Nage men or Naga women. This vision of justice that Naga feminists dream about is based on a collective consciousness about a world where male and female/queer will march together and build a just society together. This longing deeply marks the identity of every Naga women who have been subjected to humiliation, shame, and oppression.

This cry and yearning was visible during the 33% reservation. Instead of understanding how these voices were situated in a particular history of gender violence and injustice, there were continuous attempts to discredit these voices and cries. These were interpreted as attempts to shame the society or shame Naga men. How can the cry for justice and freedom from the lips of Naga women be read as shameful? Aren’t these moments of struggles that very processes that rejects gender subjugation? These moments remind us about the conditions how Naga women across every tribes have been compelled to serve the family 24X7 and yet remain silent.

in Naga society? One that excludes the poor and speaks the language of exclusive economic benefits for Naga individuals? One that includes the rich and their network of families and friends?

One that solely sees people through the prism of class, ethnicity, and entitlements? What is it that we should call for at this moment in Naga society? To begin with, if Naga women have to be included within the 33% reservation for political participation, then the existing practice of Naga customary law, practices, and processes that is defined as “democratic” or at times “egalitarian” needs to change. What kind of change can we call for?

We can begin a process of demanding for a Naga democratic system that calls for an end to militarization, violence, and demand the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1957). The existing violent Naga society we have accepted as normal is an exceptionally soul numbing system, that Naga men and women alike have been forced breathe every day. The forms of the AFSPA and the militarization were exposed during the crisis that Naga public faced this time. The level of fear, digital censorship, the apathy of the state authorities, and the charged violent atmosphere across the stateunderlined the foundations of Naga militarization.

Building alliance One of the issues about the violent protests around the 33% reservation was related to the media coverage. Irrespective of the criticisms against national and international media who covered the issue in Nagaland, we need to recognize that the issue of gender justice came up as an important point.

Naga people have to engage with the national and international community as our interlocutors and alliances. We cannot afford to push away the disturbing issues some journalists wrote about Naga society and curl up. I would argue that the 33% opposition and the culmination of the violent protests in Nagaland made us realise the importance of feminism as an ideology. Especially, Naga men and women alike who participated in the debates about gender justice felt the need to extend these conversations. At this hour, we need to recognize the importance of tribal feminism, justice and the need to conceptualise these terms and processes.

Justice & freedom The debates that have emerged though Today, what kind of justice and the 33% reservation should push us tofreedom do we choose at this crossroad wards a political tradition in Naga so-

ciety that shakes the foundation of inequality and unjust practices carried under the cloak of Naga culture. This is the time to create a form of Naga gender justice that becomes a norm and ignites conversations about addressing many more political issues such as racism, discrimination, and the rights of tribal migrants in contemporary India.

This is not the time to be ashamed as Naga people because of the crisis. It is a time to reflect and connect; examine our political foundations, including building alliances and solidities to talk about justice across the region and beyond. To be honest, we cannot expect a radical change in Naga society through electoral politics. History stands as a witness. Even if we implement the 33% reservation, unless the municipal council as a system embraces the principles of gender justice, includes the Naga poor, single mothers, widows, unemployed youth, and speaks for the old and the marginalised from all backgrounds including the poor non-Naga migrants and traders, the moneyed groupsand power hungry elites will continue to dominate Naga lives. Yet, I feel this is a wonderful moment in Naga society where every men, women, and youth have read the Nagaland Municipal Act, the Constitution of India – especially Article 371 (A), and have knocked at the door of the Bar Council of Nagaland to hold discussions about the legal implications of the act. In every locality, there are small groups of men and women sitting together rebuilding trust and reaffirming their support for gender justice. Imagine hundreds of such small groups coming together to form a joint common vision for a just Naga society! However, forgetting the existing militarization and violence in our society will obstruct our vision for a Naga just future. How can we live under extra-constitutional regulations like AFSPA, have ceasefire camps with a stagnant peace talk, and pretend to fix our society? Until we continue our demands for a political resolution of the Indo-Naga political conflict and demilitarization of Naga society, we cannot rebuild Naga society.

A just future The logic of protecting Naga women from the dangers of politics, public office, reservation, and all kinds of activities cannot be based on an Indian state like militarized strategy; to im-

pose a cultural and traditional curfew and incarcerate them within the limits of the four walls. Lest we forget, let me remind you the logic of the Indian state. For long, Naga people did not get it, they were defined as emotional, childlike, barbaric, wild, and savages.

Only guns and bullets from the Indian state couldtame them. If this same logic is used by the Naga leaders and male tribal bodies on the Naga women/the poor/and marginalised sections of the society to rule them, we have successfully adopted the master plan and replaced the vision of a just future with a broken and violent mechanism. Today, we are yet to hear the name of a Naga woman who will lead the Indo-Naga ceasefire talks, become an advisor to the Naga Hoho, the arbitrator at a Naga customary law proceeding on divorce, the wise head in a property dispute between two brothers, the head of the Naga Forum for Reconciliation, the Chaplin who prays for the Chief Minister, or the leader of the Christian churches (across denominations).

Naga people (both men and women), scholars, activists, and practitioners across the fields (churches, education, government offices, cultural associations, and women bodies including youth clubs) need to recognise that a feminist tribal ideology can achieve a meaningful framework of gender justice and peace. Feminists in the women’s movements across the region have shown us the courage and wisdom to create political alliances across class, ethnicity, race, caste, generation, gender stereotypes, and beyond territorial and nationalist boundaries to dream of a new just world based on equality and a habitable future.

As a Naga feminist, I remain hopeful at a time when Naga society decides to sit for consultation that we are able to resist the money, power, and attractions of authority wrapped in Naga patriarchal and traditional cloaks. Such kind of seductions has devoured numerous Naga tribal councils, politicians, leaders, community activists including the church workers. Albert Camus’s wise words come to my mind. As Camus fought racism and homophobia in Europe he noted, “I love my country, but I also love my justice”. I too end this essay by stating “As much as I love my Naga community, I also love my justice” and will continue to join hands with the struggle for gender justice.

Is this the Benchmark set for the Nagas? Naga Women can contest elections anytime Renponi Lotha

1. Like the game of the Musical chair, the long ongoing music finally stopped this time at the CM’s chair. Even 5 years remains less for some leaders to work, hope the short tenure provides sufficient time for the Three Chief Ministers to render full service if not, it’s a big loss for the state. Apply equal yardstick to all in future too.

2. The problems of the citizens are many. Chaos and Mobocracy (as some puts) may outburst in the street again hence, please use more than 15 minutes in the Assembly next time.

3 .Women’s participation in politics is less not totally because of the Menfolks discrimination as claimed. Many common women considers politics as a ‘Dirty game’ which only men can and should play and very often says, ‘politics dey thaka maiki khan tho theek nathakibo’. Many, if not all limits Politics only for the Big Election day.

They become active to be ‘Money Distributing Hand bags’ and then cease doing any grassroot level developmental activities for women empowerment later. Many women who casted Proxy votes or sold their own votes often claims,’ Am not interested in Dirty Politics’ and acts holy without counting their own little contribution. Capable and Sincere men too finds it difficult to contest without Resources and we have many such men around too .Men also do not have all the opportunity to enter politics just because they are men. So long as we do not have Clean Election, Capable men and women alike will have less opportunity. We must first start having Clean Election and women should also empower each other more in this field. Otherwise, even after having women wing in every political parties the participation will be less.

4. The status of a Goan Burah is highly prestigious in Naga context .Where there no Naga men capable enough to be a Goan Burah in that locality when selection was made that we have Non Naga GBs also?

Can any one of us become a Sarpanch, Goan Burah or Chieftain in any village of the Indian state without a question? If Non Naga GBs multiply than will it not affect our

custom and tradition in future?

5. What the Burkha Clad, triple talak, dowry, early marriage of Girl Child ,Infanticide of Girl Child etc states has adopted may not be necessarily be demanded here also .It will be like taking medicine for Cancer just because the medicine is free, effective and taken by other Cancer patients while we have Diabetic. Reservation of party tickets for women is also one option.

6. Portraying our society as a total Gender Discrimination state to the world was not healthy either, especially when many women didn’t feel that way and were cooperating in the Bandh. When the husband or wife reports the fault of each other randomly in the open market always in the heat of the moment, it is the Family that is degraded as a whole and not the other person alone whose fault is reported. Unless Divorce is not the agenda, one must be thoughtful of the Family’s image also.

7. Nagas are becoming mere Paper holding Land owners, in reality it is the Non Nagas who has grabbed the opportunity of the land. The economy of the market no longer lies in our hands. We Nagas , finds it almost next to impossible to get a good space in the prime location of the markets and many Nagas gives preference to accommodate Non Nagas over their own Naga brethrens. From Rag pickers to the wealthiest, everyone has grabbed their opportunity in our land while we Nagas slumber with pride even when Deficit and unemployment is alarming. I Wonder what beauty such Glorious sounding Article 371 A that protects our land has , when we act opposite of it and deprive ourselves from the opportunities of our land. It is hypocrisy if you preach about Article 371 A and harbour Illegal immigrants in your land also at the same time. Your act of keeping them in your land is also a dangerous threat to our land and identity. Worse still, is using Non Nagas to collect tax in the platform of the NPGs as though our ancestors owed them anything that entitled them to be tax collectors here but we created no drama over it or rather, chose not to create.

8. Non Nagas dare everything illegal under the nose of the Nagas but apart from grumbling at the

comfort of our home over a cup of black tea, we do nothing as seen in the Fuel Adulteration and PDS Rice Scam. No issue is less or ignorable issue that doesn’t needs unity and concern as shown in this Reservation Issue. In other social issues also Concerned citizens should maintain the same standard of unity, dedication and co operation as shown in this UlB Issue and not be selective supporters of selective issues. It is this habit of selective support to selective issues that weakens the fight in other social evils.

Also the repeated use of ‘Non Nagas ‘should not be misinterpreted as a racist remark.

9. Assam’s NRC Process detected and send back thousands of suspicious Birth Certificates of people from Karimganj, Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon and Barpeta etc who shares no geographical boundary with Dimapur. One Inzamul Talukdar could challenge your kids in the court and take the MBBS quota, let us await for all of them to become Indigenous citizens of Nagaland in future and take away more precious Quotas again from our children. Sadly, Presence of your own Naga Mothers, sisters and wives in decision making found more protest than the MBBS quota by a Non Naga .

10. In Nagaland, Written Assurance/ Agreement hold no weigthage. The Written Assurance to the Nagaland Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan Teachers Association (NSSATA) to pay regular salary also became ineffective from the very month of signing in November.

11. Internet means only Facebook, Tweeter and Whatsapp in Nagaland. The fear of spreading wrong news or opinions became more important than the fact that Internet serves as the base of many different works without which we have faced a lot of trouble and incurred loss also. By the way, Did the bandh of internet service stopped people from communicating for the bandh in any way?

12 .Next election may we all choose Exodus 18:21 and vote. If the new purple note, vehicles, backdoor jobs or contracts etc bought your votes than let us complain no more. Corrupted Voters begets corrupted leaders only.

Kuknalim!

A

Charles Chasie

propos of Mr Sanjoy Hazarika’s article “Going Beyond the Gender Divide in Nagaland”, first published in the Wire and now in the Morung Express (February 21, 2017), quoting me, I feel compelled to respond not just to clear my position but to set the record straight for everyone.

1. I had written two articles in connection with the ULB elections issue – the first was published in three Nagaland papers and the second in two. The present discussion basically involves my first article but I am giving the links to both of them so that any Naga reader, who has not read them before, can do so and form their own independent opinion. http://morungexpress.com/ naga-society-lies-wounded/ http://morungexpress.com/naga-society-really-patriarchal/ Any objective reader can understand that I was not against Naga women.

My disappointment was how quickly their leaders became political and chose the politics of confrontation quite contrary to the healing role the Naga women had been playing in our society for which all Nagas had shown respect to them.

2. I had said that Naga society cannot be categorized as “patriarchal”.

I said it was more “patrilineal” and I gave the dictionary meaning of patrilineal. I said I cannot speak for the other tribes but for the Angami, patriarchy was not possible. If any Angami disagrees with this view, I am willing to discuss the issue with them at any time. I also said, in Naga society, it was never men vrs women and that in our society it was always more a partnership between men and women, or husband and wife.

Because people from other cultures may not fully understand the values of our society and how we operate, I published my articles in Nagaland papers although at least one national paper had also requested me to write. My point was that we all see things through our cultural eyes and we need to respect one another’s cultures, the only unique thing we each have as a people.

3. I have been attacked for saying I wished the Naga women leaders had accepted the nomination of 40-50% offered by the tribe leaders, at least by APO, way more than the 33% reservation and avoided the confrontation.

The above article says that the 33% reservation was more important as Naga women wanted to contest and which was why they refused the nomination offer. This brings us to the next important point.

4. Was any Naga, at any point of time, against Naga women standing for election to any post? At least I have not come across such a position from anyone. Instead some men were saying why should there be 33% reservation for women when they are free to contest any election to any post. Why just ULBs? Why not MLA and MP also? But as we know this will not lead anywhere and women will not get elected to positions of political decision-making, at least not in significant numbers. So, I expressed my disappointment about the Naga women leaders not accepting the “nomination” offer and also that the women leaders had not apparently made homework on how to place Naga women of ability in positions of decision-making. Are these expressions against promoting the interests of Naga women?

5. This brings us to the most important/ crucial point. Was the ULB elections even a gender issue?! Most Nagas have already expressed their opinions, even in the newspapers, that the ULB elections was not a gender issue at all as far as the Nagas are concerned. But a few people decided to make the ULB election a gender issue.

Even a Naga writer was quoted, in the article, to say that Naga women had achieved so much more than Naga men that Naga men have become afraid of Naga women and that such threat perception had even led to Naga Hoho splitting into at least three Naga men-led tribe bodies. How ridiculous can one get?! I had some pat replies ready but I will refrain myself because I am sure the supporters of such claims have only managed to expose themselves before Naga society. I would also be the happiest if the Naga women leaders would themselves contest the elections. I may not be able to do much but I will certainly support them, even go to their constituencies and canvass for them if they want.

6. Courts and legal provision have been cited to prove the weakness of my contentions. There have also been talks of other Articles of the Constitution taking precedence over Article 371A. I have all the respect for the Con-

stitution and courts and the officials there. But we also need to be clear about some things. The courts and even the Constitution are made by the people and law-makers. The Courts interpret the laws. But are they really sacrosanct? The Indian Constitution has been amended so many times, only proving its fallibility and need for improvement from time to time.

Or, can the courts decide whether a people’s culture or civilization is right or wrong? The writer himself admits that the Constitution is an amalgam of so many parts. Here, it may not be out of place to mention the published statement of a former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, a few days ago in Nagaland newspapers, that without Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, the legitimacy of Nagas and Nagaland being in India may give rise to questions. Side by side with that was the article of a long-standing and well-known Indian woman human rights activist who cautioned Naga women to reflect well on what might actually be happening in the name of women’s rights?

7. There are some other points about fundamental rights and no man being an island etc. I will not go into more but just mention that Nagas, because of their situation and history, have had to adjust, adapt and evolve more than most other peoples, including those who may be making judgements on the Nagas at this time.

We do not dispute their right to express their opinions.

Nagas are a people who still don’t where they came from or what has made them a people – the strong emotional attachment to the word “Naga” seems to be the only common thread. What is worse, no governmental or tribe bodies seem interested to find out! The Naga tribes are all so different. Not surprisingly, our peoplehood has always been fragile and vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation, even by our own people.

But despite all our weaknesses, we have not only survived till today but also made significant achievements and contributions. This is no mean achievement.

True, Nagas may not be as sophisticated or clever like people from some other cultures, including from our neighbourhood. But, in terms of achievements, if we consider from where we all began, we are not less than anyone. And Nagas can hold their heads high. And Naga future is in Naga hands if we decide to make it so.

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

Thursday 23•02•2017

EntErtainmEnt

‘She’s not a victim’ Brad Pitt is ‘disappointed’ by Angelina Jolie’s divorce interview

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nce again, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie can’t see eye-toeye. HollywoodLife.com has EXCLUSIVELY that the hunk is beyond ‘disappointed’ by her tearful Cambodian interview, and thinks she has NO right playing the victim! Here’s the latest!

In her first interview since divorcing Brad Pitt, 53, Angelina Jolie, 41, couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her cheeks.

Her ex, however, wasn’t

nearly as moved. “Brad was disappointed by Angelina’s tearful interview,” a source tells HollywoodLife. com has EXCLUSIVELY learned. He doesn’t see her as the victim in this whole drama. All Brad wants to do right now is get the divorce finalized and hash out a suitable custody agreement that gives him fair access to his kids.” We reached out to Brad’s publicist on this, who simply replied “no comment.”

While the Fight Club

alum may not appreciate Angie’s interview, she certainly touched a chord with all of us. It was clear from the beginning that the brunette bombshell didn’t want to go into TOO much detail, but she still managed to let her walls down a little bit. “It was very difficult,” Angie confessed to BBC News. “Many people find themselves in this situation. My whole family have all been through a difficult time.” It finally sounds like the Tomb Raider star is ready to end the nasty custody battle. Her six children have been through enough!

This has been a HUGE week for Angie! Not only did she open up about her heartbreaking split, she also spent time quality time with her children in Cambodia while doing press for First They Killed My Father. That was Angie’s first red carpet since the divorce, and she looked just as beautiful as ever! The actress wore a smile on her face the entire time, and her kids were having a blast seeing their mommy at work.

’s

T

he guys of Linkin Park have made no secret of the fact they’ve been working hard on a new album, and now, they’ve finally unleashed some specifics to the world. Linkin Park have announced that their upcoming, seventh studio album will be called “One More Light” and arrive on May 19. Chester Bennington and the group have premiered the debut single from the album, a track Source: HollywoodLife called “Heavy,” via LinkinPark.com.

Truth be told, “Heavy” is getting some backlash for its poppy quality. It really doesn’t sound like Linkin Park. The song, which has pop singer Kiiara guest on it, has a strong pop leaning. It’s also stripped-down and quite a divergence from Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory” era. Quite ironic, given the title, “Heavy.”

“The band, with every album, every song we’re trying to challenge ourselves,” Linkin Park

Deepika's Hollywood Justin Bieber's Mumbai concert debut mints over ticket price starts at Rs 4,060 $300 mn worldwide

J

ustin Bieber's Mumbai concert might be months away, but it has already caused ripples in the hearts of his many fans in the country. And while the news of the ticket prices going all the way upto Rs 76,000 made jaws drop, our doubts have now been confirmed.

The ticket sales for Bieber's Mumbai concert went live on Book-

MyShow.com at approximately 12:15 pm today, and we were already 9818th in queue by 12:45 pm.

But that doesn't matter. What matters is that the tickets start at Rs 4,060 and go upto Rs 76,790.

To be held on May 10, 2017, at Mumbai's DY Patil stadium, the concert will be Bieber's first in India and will be a part of his Purpose world tour. The ticket

T

om Hanks is putting his love of vintage typewriters to good use — his collection of short stories will be published in October. The Oscar-winning actor's first book, "UNCOMMON TYPE: Some Stories," features 17 stories, each in some way involving a different typewriter. It's due out Oct. 24 from Alfred A. Knopf, the publisher said Tuesday.

Among the stories written by Hanks, who owns over 100 typewriters, is one about an immigrant arriving in New York City, another about a bowler who becomes a celebrity and another about an eccentric billionaire.

Hanks said in a statement that he began work on the stories in 2015: "I wrote in hotels during press tours. I wrote on vacation. I wrote on planes, at home, and in the office."

Source: AP

multi-instrumentalist Mike Shinoda told Billboard. “We like to try new things. We want to explore new territory with the sounds and the songwriting. We’ve always been about mixing styles; I mean, Hybrid Theory was the name of our band before we changed it to Linkin Park. Linkin Park fans know that with every album you never know what you’re going to get, and the style can change dramatically and different elements,

different genres that we listen to might sit more in the forefront than others.”

“One More Light” will be Linkin Park’s follow-up to their 2014 studio album, “The Hunting Party.” The latter took Linkin Park in a much heavier direction, which makes the poppy feel of what we’ve heard from “One More Light” even more surprising. Time will tell if the rest of the album follows suit.

Feroz Khan taught Zeenat Aman never to be late on sets

categories for the concert have been divided into Diamond (Rs 25,200), Platinum (Rs 15,400), Gold (Rs 10,080), Silver (Rs 7,700) and GA (Rs 4,060). But wait, what about the VIPs and VVIPs of the world?

Since you asked, this is how the different categories of VIP tickets are priced: VVIP 3: Rs 36,505; VVIP 2: Rs 58,030; VVIP 1: Rs 76,790.

Source: India Today

Tom Hank's debut book is due in October

C M Y K

‘One More Light’ album is anything but ‘heavy’

Y

ester years' star Zeenat Aman has revealed that once late actor Feroz Khan asked her to pay the fees for the entire crew when she came late to the sets of 1980 film "Qurbani". After this episode, she never got late on shoots.

"Feroz Khan was a very professional man. During the shoot of ‘Qurbani', once I was an hour late on the set and the crew members had been waiting for me. Feroz Khan asked me to pay for the entire crew's fees for that hour," Zeenat said on TV show "My Life My Story".

"Initially, I thought he was joking, but he was very serious. I paid for it and from thereon, I was never

late on any of my shoots," she added.

Talking about the show, Zeenat said: "‘My Life My Story' is a wonderful concept. There is a whole generation that grew up watching these classic films. It brings a sense of nostalgia and belonging."

"The show rewinds time and takes back to one's most memorable days, be it about a particular song, college days, going to a disco for the first time, or being in love. It is superb to bring back memories to people, especially when they are happy ones."

The episode of "My Life My Story" featuring Zeenat Aman will be aired on Saturday on Zee Classic.

Source: IANS

Source: Audioinkradio

Now ShowiNg ReviSed TiCKeT RaTeS (Silver) : `.120 (Gold) : `. 200 (Recliner) : `. 400

10:00 aM, 02:50 PM 07:50 PM

12:30 PM & 05:30 PM

Hillstar NOW SHOWING Jolly ll.B 2

Descendants of the Sun actor throw pizza party for sick children

D

A

ctress Deepika Padukone's Hollywood debut "xXx: Return of Xander Cage", has resulted in a $308 million and still counting global cumulative figure, according to sources close to the movie's production house.

A $85 million Paramount/Viacom Inc release, the movie features Vin Diesel in the key role -- and is said to have become the 2017's highest global grosser so far, the source added.

The film made $70 mil-

lion worldwide over the February 10 weekend, and more than $60 million of that total came from a blockbuster, record-breaking opening in China with 6,600 screens, as per a source.

With "xXx: Return of Xander Cage", the doors to Hollywood opened up for Deepika, who went on a global tour to promote the movie. She also brought Diesel to India on a trip he thoroughly enjoyed. They were accompanied by the film's director DJ Caruso.

Source: IANS

e s c e n d a nt s o f the Sun star Song Joong-ki is one of the top most searched Asian celebrities in the internet now. Away from all the glitz, glamour and gossip, Song Joong-ki also has a tender side of helping others in need.

Website Koreaboo published a report mentioning that actor Song Joong-ki had volunteered at Seoul National University Children's Hospital. He also arranged for a pizza-party for all the tiny tots and donated 100 million Won (approximately $87,000 USD) to the hospital. The event was organised by Dominos Pizza, which is endorsed

by Song Jong-ki. The actor also donated the generous amount of funds through Domino's charity fund.

To some readers it may appear that this was some type of self-promotion by the Dominos group, who used a popular actor like Song Joong-ki helping kids in a hospital. However, the important thing is the kids were happy and so were the parents.

Koreaboo also notes that this isn't the first time Song Joong-ki has shown generosity and kindness towards children who are in need. The actor also donated 95 million Won (approximately $82,580 USD) to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation in August and September, last year in addition to another 100 million Won to UNICEF, and 20 million Won (approximately $17,385 USD) to House of Sharing as well.

Source: IBtimes

11:00 AM | 05:00 PM

The Ghazi aTTack

02:00 PM | 08:00 PM

12

ThursDAY 23•02•2017

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Five-star Manchester City edge thriller with Monaco

C M Y K

MANCHESTER, FEbRuARy 22 (REuTERS): Manchester City came out on top in an epic Champions League battle against Monaco as late goals by John Stones and Leroy Sane secured a 5-3 victory in a last 16 first-leg thriller on Tuesday that had goals galore and a missed penalty.

City took the lead through Raheem Sterling but were then playing catch-up as Monaco drew level thanks to Radamel Falcao's header and then went ahead with a powerful finish from 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe five minutes before halftime.

South American poachers Sergio Aguero for City and Falcao, who also missed a penalty, then traded blows with Aguero equalising for 2-2 and then 3-3 after Falcao's exquisite chip gave Monaco the lead for the second time at The Etihad.

City, however, then pulled clear as Stones tapped in at the far post and Sane rolled the ball into an empty net to give City a two-goal advantage ahead of the return on March 15.

City manager Pep Guardiola had called Monaco "killers" in the box before the game and while they showed just why they are European football's most deadly assassins, they were embarrassingly fragile at times at the back.

They were behind after 26 minutes when Sterling

NEW yoRK, FEbRuARy 22 (REuTERS): A possible bout between Floyd Mayweather and mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor is getting lots of buzz but two fighters that are getting in the ring said the crossover tilt would be a black eye on boxing.

Irishman McGregor has been challenging Mayweather to a fight for months but the two have yet to reach terms while both have been doing their part to drum up interest with plenty of back and forth in the media.

"It's a joke for boxing if that happens," two-time world champion Canelo Alvarez, who fights fel-

low Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Las Vegas in May, told Reuters on Tuesday.

Mayweather, who retired in 2015 after compiling a perfect 49-0 record, has said he would require a guaranteed $100 million to make the fight with McGregor happen.

"It is a businessman fight," Chavez said during Tuesday's promotion stop in New York for the Cinco de Mayo weekend bout with Alvarez on May 6. "I like to fight a serious fight."

Famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach believes the much-hyped MayweatherMcGregor showdown will happen and that he may get involved himself.

Roach, who prepared Manny Pacquiao for the "Fight of the Century" against Mayweather, said in an appearance on The MMA Hour show on Monday that the 12-time boxing champion visited his Wild Card gym and told him that he will fight McGregor.

"According to Mayweather, yes. He told me he would fight him. Everything is pointing in that direction right now," said Roach, who added that he would consider training McGregor if asked.

"I think Mayweather is the favorite, yes, but I wouldn’t count anyone out. Because (McGregor) throws, he throws hard and he’s not afraid to throw."

Magic Johnson takes charge in major LA Lakers shakeup

Manchester City's Leroy Sane scores their fifth goal. (Reuters)

tapped home after Sane cao, who has found his best dazzled down the left and form again since returning teed up the England winger. to France.

City were denied a penROUTE BACK alty by Spanish referee AnMonaco were handed a tonio Mateu Lahoz when route back into the match Aguero appeared to be upafter 32 minutes follow- ended by keeper Danijel ing an error by City's Willy Subasic before Monaco Caballero, the first of the grabbed the lead through night's goalkeeping blun- Mbappe. ders.

The 18-year-old was reHe gave the ball away leased through the middle with a poor clearance and and lashed his finish into the visitors worked it to Fa- the top corner past Cabalbinho whose devilish cross lero. was headed home by forThe visitors should have mer Manchester United extended their advantage and Chelsea striker Fal- soon after the restart but

Falcao's tame penalty was saved after Nicolas Otamendi had been penalised for catching the Colombian as he tried to convert Benjamin Mendy's cross.

City swiftly made Monaco pay as Aguero ended a six-game goal-drought thanks to a Subasic howler. Sterling slid the ball through and the Argentine fired straight at the keeper but it squirmed out of his hands into the net after 58 minutes.

Parity was short-lived, however, as Falcao turned City defender Stones be-

fore lifting an exquisite chip over the stranded Caballero to make it 3-2 to the principality club.

Aguero levelled once more when he volleyed home from 12 metres after a corner and City took the lead when Kevin De Bruyne's set-piece was turned in by Stones at the far post.

The final twist in one of the most entertaining encounters in the competition's recent history came when Aguero rolled the ball into the path of Sane who tapped into an empty net.

New Zealand's Taylor achieves milestone ODI ton

CHRiSTCHuRCH, FEbRuARy 22 (REuTERS): Ross Taylor became New Zealand's most prolific one-day international century maker on Wednesday when his 17th ton helped set up a tense six-run victory in the second match of the series against South Africa in Christchurch.

The 32-year-old had joined Nathan Astle on 16 ODI centuries earlier this month against Australia and he took sole possession of top spot when he hit Wayne Parnell for his

Possible Mayweather-McGregor bout 'a joke'

eighth boundary off the final ball of the innings to finish unbeaten on 102.

New Zealand finished on 289 for four and then restricted the visitors to 2839 to level the five-match series at 1-1 despite some late defiance from Dwaine Pretorius (50) and Andile Phehlukwayo (29 not out), who came close to guiding the visitors to victory.

Taylor was just pleased to celebrate the milestone with a win after Trent Boult and Tim Southee produced some excellent death bowl-

ing in the final two overs to close out the contest.

"Any time you score a hundred and if you don't win, it doesn't feel that great," said Taylor, who was named man-of-the-match.

"The bowlers stepped up and bowled in the right areas. "It's a fairly daunting task to bowl to that line up. You get one world class player out then another one comes in. "But the boys hung in there."

Taylor, who also has 16 test centuries, one less than Martin Crowe, anchored

New Zealand's innings as he combined with captain Kane Williamson (69) in a 104-run partnership and then in an unbeaten 123run stand with Jimmy Neesham (71).

Earlier in his innings, Taylor also became the fourth New Zealander to surpass 6,000 ODI runs when he back cut legspinner Imran Tahir for his fourth boundary to bring up his 50.

Taylor now has 6,052 one-day runs, still well behind former captain Ste-

phen Fleming's 8,007. Astle is on 7,090 and Brendon McCullum has 6,083.

"I suppose it's something you will reflect on at the end of your career," Taylor added of surpassing Astle. "Nath was one of my idols growing up so I was fortunate towards the end of his career and start of mine to play with him.

"It's a little bit embarrassing from that point of view but records are there to be broken and hopefully some time soon someone will beat mine."

LoS ANgELES, FEbRuARy 22 (AFP): Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles in the 1980s, was on Tuesday named president of basketball operations for the struggling NBA squad.

Lakers president and part-owner Jeanie Buss also announced the firing of general manager Mitch Kupchak and vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss, Jeanie's brother and son of former owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013.

"Today I took a series of actions I believe will return the Lakers to the heights Dr. Jerry Buss demanded and our fans rightly expect," Jeanie Buss said. "Effective immediately, Earvin Johnson will be in charge of all basketball operations and will report directly to me.

"Our search for a new general manager to work with Earvin and coach Luke Walton is well underway and we hope to announce a new general manager in short order. Together, Earvin, Luke and our new general manager will establish the foundation for the next generation of Los Angeles Lakers greatness."

Hall of Famer Johnson, 57, was part of the fabled "Showtime" lineup alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA all-time scoring leader. "Magic" was part of Lakers championship

squads in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 before retiring in 1991 after being diagnosed with the HIV virus.

The Lakers returned to greatness behind superstar guard Kobe Bryant with five NBA crowns from 2000-2010 but have fallen on hard times since.

"It's a dream come true to return to the Lakers as president of basketball operations," Johnson said.

"Since 1979, I've been a part of the Laker Nation and I'm passionate about this organization."

At 19-39 this season, the Lakers have the thirdworst record in the NBA, ahead only of conference doormats Brooklyn and Phoenix.

"I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court," Johnson said. "We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions."

Jeanie Buss said she acted so the organization

would unite behind one vision and plan for improvement going forward.

"I took these actions today to achieve one goal.

Everyone associated with the Lakers will now be pulling in the same direction, the direction established by Earvin and myself," she said.

"We are determined to get back to competing to win NBA championships again."

Kupchak, 62, had been controling general manager of the Lakers since 2000.

He won NBA crowns with the Lakers playing alongside Johnson in 1982 and 1985 as well as with Washington in 1978.

Jeanie Buss said that she and her brother shared the same desire in seeing the team prosper once more.

"Jim loves the Lakers.

Although he will no longer be responsible for basketball personnel decisions, he is an owner of this team and we share the same goal: returning the Lakers to the level of greatness our father demanded," she said.

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