February 24th, 2016

C M Y K

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 52 • 12 PAGes • 5

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wednesdAY • februArY 24 • 2016

T H e

ESTD. 2005

P o W e R

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It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult Budget Session: President highlights Govt initiatives PAGE 08

reflections

By Sandemo Ngullie

HAVELLS GALAXY now in Kohima

CM against action that might result in “communal tension”

KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang today urged against any action that might result in “communal tension and misunderstanding,” while asking the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) to reconsider its decision to impose a bandh on “Manipur-registered vehicles in Naga-inhabited areas starting from February 27.” The NSF had called for the bandh to protest against assault on its leaders by Manipur Police Commandos on February 14. The CM informed that the Nagaland government hastakenupwithitsManipur counterpart on a response to the earlier NSF Ultimatum regarding the incident. He said it would be “expected as well as appropriate to wait for response from the Government of Manipur.” In a letter to the NSF President, the CM said such a bandh would have “adverse effect on the normal lives of the common people, who depend on vehicular traffic for travel; and also badly affect the supply of essential commodities to the markets in a landlocked State of Manipur. It will also affect parts of Nagaland.”

Reminding that Nagas are on the thresh hold of a new political era, he stated “we need the goodwill, support and understanding of all our neighbours...we are destined to live together as neighbours for generations to come, and it is only prudent that we maintain good relations with everyone, especially with our neighbours.”

NPO appeals for communal harmony Page 3

ACAUT allege ‘backdoor appointments’ in health dept

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): Alleging ‘backdoor appointment’ in the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department, Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT), Nagaland today claimed that 18 candidates who were cleared for the post of Medical Officers (MO) by the NPSC on October 31, 2015 are still awaiting induction because their seats have been “blocked by 19 backdoor appointees (out of total 47), 2009-11 batch, which the Minister and the department wants to regularize first.” Questioning the silence of the State government on the issue, it said the Personal &Administrative Reforms (P&AR) department should not succumb to the pressure of the H&FW department to regularize the backdoor appointees. The H&FW department should immediately issue the appointment order of the 18 NPSC cleared candidates before February 25 which happens to be the last date for submission of MO appointment letters, it added.

— Seneca

Asia Cup: Dhoni fitness concern looms as India take on Bangladesh

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five naga Political Groups question activities of PWc • Accuses Nagaland legislators for ‘blindly’ propagating the Framework Agreement • Tells GoI to show political maturity in handling the Indo-Naga issue

Big development projects for us? Yay! Could you also complete this foundation stone? It’s been sitting incomplete since you laid it a decade ago.

T R u T H

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Filip K Sumi | Dimapur, February 23

gainst the backdrop of the Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga political issue meeting various Indian political leaders to garner support for urgent solution to the Naga political issue, five Naga Political Groups have condemned the activities of the PWC. The five NPGs including GPRN/NSCN (Khole/ Kitovi), NNC/FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero), NNC (Z. Royim/V. Nagi), NNC N/A (Kiumukam/ Hangping) and NNC N/A (Temjenyanger/Hozheto) on Tuesday met at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur and discussed on the standing Naga political issue.

In a joint statement, the five groups condemned the activities of the PWC and questioned its wisdom led

by Chief Minister and the NLA Speaker for “blindly” propagating the 3rd August Framework Agreement.

The signatories of the joint statement described it as “an intrusion to the Naga national question un-

equipped and ill prepared.”

“We therefore condemn the activities of the PWC and interpret this initiative as anti-thesis to the PWC aims and objectives-a sell-out of their own principle. Should there be a fallout from their sinister campaign, it shall be their own earned responsibility,” the statement read.

Functionaries of the five groups also said that the PWC was “ignorantly and unabashedly” trying to seek the support of Indian political leaders instead of seeking the will of the people through consultations and deliberations, of finding a political space to discuss and consult the NPGs for seeking a political solution, of seeking clarity and transparency of the Framework Agreement that may decide the future of the Naga people.

The five groups have therefore asked the PWC to clarify to the people of Nagaland whether the terms of Framework Agreement were available to them.

It also asked the PWC as to who endorsed them to take the name of stake-

Rev C. Walu Walling praying for the signatories of the joint statement at Hotel Acacia on Tuesday.

holders when no consultations were initiated at any level. The PWC was also asked to clearly define how the Agreement was going to benefit the people of Nagaland and how the agreement with NSCN (IM) was going to bring a final solution to the Indo-Naga political problem without the knowledge of the people.

The signatories made a strong appeal to the Government of India, which it stated, knew the rights of the Naga people and the reason for their national movement, to show political maturity in handling the Indo-Naga issue.

It urged India to respect the aspirations of the Naga people and accordingly take corrective measures to ensure that no divisive or oppressive policies would be initiated from within or without to repeat the “tragic errors of the past.”

They also urged the In-

dian government to honour both in spirit and letter with regard to any promise and agreement on its part at any point of time.

They expressed optimism that the GoI would not retract its stand to bring into the negotiating table all the stakeholders so as to find a timely solution that is honourable and acceptable.

Stating that they upheld the Naga plebiscite conducted on May 16, 1951, the five NPGs said, “As such, no individual or group has the right to make any political treaty or agreement without the consent of the Naga people.” It added that the “error” of the Naga People’s Convention should not be repeated to further divide the people, territory and aspiration to live together as a free people.

The signatories recalled that important agreements and covenants were reached amongst the

NPGs with the full support and blessing of the people through the initiative of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). They said that the FNR, which recognised the historical truth and desire of the people, had come up with slogans and concepts such as “Journey of Common Hope,” “Nagas are One,” “Naga National Government” etc.

The signatories, therefore, said that any individual or group who fail to either uphold or work against these political principles and commitments ought to be declared as “traitors and anti-Nagas.”

“The Naga people will never accept any solution without their consent and that we the undersigned are prepared to continue the struggle to uphold the aspiration of our people,” the joint statement affirmed.

The statement was signed by Alezo Venuh,

Envoy to Collective Leadership GPRN/NSCN; Hothrong Yimchungru, Convenor NPAC, GPRN/ NSCN; Thupushuyi S. Keyho, Vice President NNC/ FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero); P. Puthai Lam, Kilo Kilonser NNC/FGN (S. Singnya/Zhopra Vero); V. Nagi, General Secretary NNC (Royim/Nagi); Yillow Lotha, President Lotha Regional Council NNC (Royim/Nagi); Kiumukam Yimchungru, President NNC N/A (Kiumukam/ Hangping); Hangping Zeliang, General Secretary NNC/NA (Kiumukam/ Hangping); Temjenyanger Aier, President NNC N/A (Temjen/Hozheto) and Hozheto Chophi, General Secretary NNC N/A (Temjen/Hozheto).

NPG leaders concerned by steps taken by the Nagaland legislators

Earlier, during the meeting, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN said that the PWC had committed a “big mistake” and shamed the Naga people by rushing to Delhi and seeking support of Indian political leaders to solve the Naga issue without consulting the stakeholders.

“We can never accept such step,” he said. Kitovi also said that the future of the Naga people would be decided by the Naga people themselves and not by any outsider (s).

Zhopra Vero, Kedallo, NNC /FGN said, “We are concerned about the outcome of any development that does not include all NPGs and stakeholders.”

He said that the Framework Agreement was only between the NSCN (IM) and India and does not include other groups. Stating that the NNC/FGN was “alarmed” at the steps taken by the PWC, Zhopra asked, “What have you (PWC) sacrificed for people and land so far?”

V. Nagi, General Secretary NNC said any solution that might be brought about by the NSCN (IM) and Government of India would not be acceptable unless all stakeholders were taken into confidence.

Temjenyanger Aier, President NNC N/A said that the PWC was not the right group to take over the Naga national problem. He said Naga people have become the laughing stock of the world for signing an accord that does not have any content and added that the NNC N/A would not be silent spectators.

Kiumukam Yimchungru, President, NNC N/A said that the legislators were elected to bring development for the people and added that the NNC cannot accept the PWC. The meeting was attended by scores of national workers from all the five political groups.

Kohima police arrests four NGPTA criticize Edu Dept for neglecting primary teachers

KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): Kohima Police have arrested four persons in connection with the death of a man whose body was recovered by the police at the High School/New Secretariat road on February 22.

A press note from the PRO, Kohima Police informed that the deceased was identified as one Subash Dey. A case was registered at Kohima North PS, and during investigation, four persons namely Hantong Konyak @ Ahen (21), Ngamphong Konyak

@ Yabo (22), Lipise Sangtam (20) and Ajumong Sangtam @ Ajung (21) were taken into custody and examined. Police said that the four admitted that on February 21, after having dinner at one of their friend’s place, the four of them along with the deceased hired one taxi from Kezekie and reached High School Junction. According to the accused, they purchased and consumed alcohol while proceeding to New Secretariat towards their rented place of residence.

Police then stated that

the deceased got into an argument with Ngamphong Konyak, resulting in a physical altercation.

At this point, the three other accused along with Konyak over-powered and assaulted the victim. The victim who was in an inebriated state fell down on the side of the road, police said quoting the accused, after which they “threw the body of the deceased below the road and went home.”

All the four accused have been remanded into police custody and further investigation is on.

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Government Private Teachers Association (NGPTA) today demanded immediate implementation of the Revamping and Restructuring of School Education 2011 in respect to primary/elementary section.

In a representation to the Minister of School Education and Commissioner and Secretary, Department of School Education, the NGPTA recalled that the said rule was issued by the Department of School Education on July 21, 2011 wherein several posts were allocated to the primary/ elementary section.

The restructuring allocated one post of Additional Director for the elementary education, 3 posts of Joint director for the elementary & primary section, 3 posts of Deputy Directors,1

post of Assistant Director, and 115 posts of Area Education Officer, Junior Education Officer for School EducationPrimary School. The NGOTA however lamented that till date the posts allocated to primary/elementary section are still yet to be implemented.

The NGPTA informed that primary teachers represent more than 60% of the total employees in the Department of School Education, who enter the government service as Grade-III. “But it is distressing and discouraging that we are the most neglected section in the department in terms of financial perks and promotional avenues,” it said.

The NGPTA expressed concern that while post upgradations and promotional avenues were promptly implemented for other sections of the department, “the department

has not implemented even the limited promotional avenues for primary/ elementary section till date.”

“Such disparity in the department between different sections is unacceptable and will create deeper discontentment among the primary teachers,” it cautioned.

It demanded immediate implementation of the Area Education Officer (115 post) by promoting the senior primary teachers without delay, and that higher posts (above Area Education Officer) reserved for the elementary/primary section should not be filled by bringing officers from other sections until the members from primary/elementary cadres attain qualifying years to occupy them. Alternatively, it demanded the total bifurcation of primary section by creating separate Directorate for the primary section in Nagaland.

‘Don’t leave out nagas of 3 Dimapur-III AC sets example: LADP fund for grassroot people tirap-changlang-longding’ Morung Express News

DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 23 (MExN): with non-unanimity among the Naga The NSCN (R) today stated that any solu- groups.” This, it stated is “too long a time tion to the Indo-Naga political issue “must for the people to be kept waiting and also not leave the Nagas of Tirap-Changlang- natural for anybody’s patience to wither Longding (TCL) districts” of Arunachal out.” The parties involved in the peace process are also certainly and obviously talkPradesh behind.

A press note from the MIP of the NSCN ing for the good of the Nagas yet, to make (R) while affirming that the Nagas are it more meaningful and sustainable, the Government of “one people, India must also one nation,” NSCN (R) says solution to rope in other lamented that Nagas in these Naga issue should be inclusive stakeholder’s, the NSCN (R) three districts presently in Arunachal Pradesh have suf- said. “This will leave a very little or no fered immensely because of the conflict. room for the others to beat the drums lat“Many families has been affected, many er,” it viewed.

Stating that the Naga peace talk is a lives had been lost. Many have become widow and many lost their children, “very hard earned process,” the NSCN (R) some their brother and some their sisters said that Nagas must “guard it jealously as well. The conflict has not only dwarfed and the opportunity must not be missed the economy of the people but it has left to look into the sufferings of the Nagas a long trail of affects on the lives of every outside Nagaland.” “Whosoever leads the Naga talks does not matter, what matters household,” it stated.

The NSCN (R) therefore said that no the most is none should be left behind,” attempt to either neglect or overlook the it stated.

The NSCN (R) urged that any solution Nagas in these areas should be made.

Any solution, it urged should be inclusive “should not be left revolving around one or “to make it not only lasting but also more two Naga areas,” but rather “include all the comprehensive and the same golden Naga dominated areas, including those rule must be applied in all the Naga ar- in TCL.” It also called upon the Governeas including the areas presently under ment of India to “open its door to listen to the grievances of Nagas outside Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh.”

It lamented that the peace talks have as well, to share their experience, probdragged on for more than two decades lem, partiality and neglect they face in the “due to Delhi’s dilly-dally tactics coupled hands of non-Naga government.”

Dimapur| February 23

Perhaps a first since the introduction of Local Area Development Programme (LADP) in Nagaland, 3 Dimapur-III Assembly Constituency has set an example of where LADP scheme should really go - to the grassroot people.

On Tuesday, rural folks of Dhansiripar and adjoining areas area comprising mainly of school students and housewives were gifted with 170 bicycles and 70 sewing machines, courtesy the LADP under the initiative of Nagaland minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), TokhehoYepthomi,whoalso represents Dimapur-III A/C. In the second phase, an additional 230 cycles and 130 sewing machines would be distributed to needy families under Dimapur –III A/C in the month of March.

It may be mentioned that all 60 legislators of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly are allocated Rs. 1 crore each under LADP out of which Rs. 15 lakh each is deducted as “common pool.”

PHE minister, Tokheho Yepthomi, along with civil administration and public leaders during the distribution programme of bicycles and sewing machines under LADP scheme at Dhansiripar on Tuesday.

It also common practice that most of the elected representatives, especially MLAs, distribute the remaining LADP fund to party workers and supporters instead of utilizing it for genuine developmental activities. Addressing the first phase distribution programme of bicycles and sewing machines under LAPD here at village council hall, Dhansiripar, the PHE minister said the distribution was as per his 2013 assembly election promise that, if elected, he would spend every rupee of the LAPD fund for local

development.

Tokheho said the remaining LADP fund is being invested in construction and repairing of roads and drainages in Purana Bazar, Kushiabill and adjoining areas. Stressing on education, the minister assured to look into upgradation of Dhansiripar, Singrijan and Kushiabill government high school to higher secondary.

The PHE minister also assured that Dhansiripar area and parts of Dimapur would get potable drinking water soon as a project to build a dam on the Khopanullah River is already

on the pipeline.

SDO (C) Dhansiripar, Mhalo Humtsoe, who also addressed the distribution programme termed the initiative as practical as it identified the “right needs of the people”, most importantly “education and skill development.”

Village council chairmen, GBs and elders of the constituency also testified that this is the first time in the history of the constituency that the LADP, formerly called local area development fund (LADF), has been utilized in a transparent manner.

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wednesdAY 24•02•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

HAVELLS GALAXY now in Kohima

Exclusive retail store to meet all lighting and electrical needs of consumers Our Correspondent Kohima | February 23

Customers browse through products at the newly open Crompton showroom at Dimapur Nagaland on February 23. The Crompton, under KJ Electronics, one of its kinds in Nagaland and also the fourth of its kinds in North East India, which provides varieties of home appliances and electrical appliances to the state. Official from the company also attended the opening of the showroom in Shan Complex, opp Metro Hospital, Dimapur. (Morung Photo)

Dept request not to charge money for LLIN Kohima, February 23 (mexN): It has come to the notice of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima that the authority/councils of some wards and villages are charging money from the public for the Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN).

Therefore, the department requests the responsible authority/councils not to realize any charge from the public but to assist the department in the fair distribution of the LLINs to the community. The department also requests the concerned

authority/councils to reimburse the public with their money wherever the collection has already taken place.

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, in a press release issued by Joint Director & SPO Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru has informed that the Government of India has supplied Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) for free distribution to places where there are high malarial incidences.

Havells India Limited, a$ 1.4 billion leading fast moving electrical goods company and a major power distribution equipment manufacture with a strong global footprint, today inaugurated its exclusive retail showroom “Havells Galaxy” here at High School Junction.

This was formally inaugurated by Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA and Chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. This is the first Havells Galaxy in Nagaland. The company already has more than 325 Havells galaxies across India.

“Havells Galaxy” will offer people of Kohima an end to end solution to all electrical needs from the time electricity enters home to the light output. It offers a wide range of stylist & high quality and energy efficient electrical equipment including industrial switchgears, cables, fans, CFLs, lighting fixtures,

Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu and others during the inauguration of Havells Galaxy in Kohima held on February 23. (Morung Photo)

electrical water heaters, crabtree switches a domestic appliances etc.

Most of the electrical products from Havells today are part of the home décor ad reflect an individual’s personality and lifestyle. Today, customer involvement is much higher in selecting various electrical products and they are continuously looking for better ambience and convenience.

Keeping in mind the ever changing requirements of the customers, ‘Havells Galaxy’ was conceptual-

ized and has emerged as a pioneering concept in the India electrical industry.

Expressing happiness over the opening of first Havells Galaxy in Kohima, Sandip Kumar Phukan, general manager, Havells India Ltd said “The Galaxy symbolizes Havells’ innovative leadership position in the electrical and power distribution equipment market. It will serve to provide an array of electrical appliances and consumer products, all created to adhere to the

demands of modern living.

The products we are offering combine the attributes of elegance, technological advancement and convenience in one.”

Havells India has been operating its products in Nagaland for the past many years and this is the first galaxy of Havells in the state.

Havells business in Nagaland has shown an upward trend in terms of turnover and within a short span of time, the company has entrenched itself to become the most preferred brand in the electrical equipment

industry.

Havells plans to open many such galaxies by the end of this financial year.

Havells India Ltd is a $1.4 billion FMEG company (Fast moving electrical goods) with a strong global footprint. Its product range includes industrial and domestic circuit protection switchgear, cables & wires, motor, fans, power capacitors, CFL lamps, luminaries for domestic, commercial and industrial applications, modular switches, water heaters and domestic, commercial and industrial applications, modular switches, water heaters and domestic appliances covering the entire gamut of household, commercial and industrial electrical needs. Havells owns prestigious global brands like Crabtree, Sylvania, Concord, Luminance and Standard.

With 91 branches/representative offices and over 6500 professionals in over 50 countries across the globe, the group has achieved rapid success in the past few years.

Campaign on conservation of wildlife and environment launched Discover North East- A Cultural Yatra 2016

Dimapur, February 23 (mexN): Fingerprint- Design & Events in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland have launched an awareness campaign for ‘conservation of wildlife and environment.’

The Fingerprint team, starting with Immanuel College from February 23 will be visiting 25 Colleges and 20 Schools in Dimapur in the coming months to spread the awareness campaign among the young masters of the future.

“The Campaign is not about the educative theories about wildlife and environment rather we are fo-

the epicenter for any change that we want to see in future; Environmental books have made them understand the importance of conservation of Wildlife and Environment. But more importantly they need to understand the weightage of Conserving Wildlife and Environment with that of our present social needs. Through this Campaign, we believe that the ideas implanted at present should reflect the sow in years to come,” he said.

Students of Immanuel College, Dimapur read the brochure on ‘conservaHe also added that, “a small and tion of wildlife and environment’ distributed by Fingerprint on February 23. humble start for a Giant change cusing on one point of Why should al?,” Fingerprint - Design & Events, but we truly do not want to protect P.B. Acharya and others with cultural artistes during “Discover North East- A Cultural Yatra we conserve Wildlife and Environ- Head Hongba Phom stated in a the environment but create a world 2016” in Kohima on February 23. (Morung Photo) where the environment doesn’t Our Correspondent ment when we are so embroiled in press release.

Acharya sung sweet annual event. The idea beour daily social struggle for surviv“We feel that school and college is need any protection.” tune about the color- hind this event is to bring Kohima | February 23 ful dances, drama, mu- the rich collective cultures “We should be very proud sic that the country own of India right to our doorof the rich cultural heri- and stressed on the need step, while at the same tage,” said Nagaland’s Gov- to have cultural exchange time offering to the visiting ernor P.B. Acharya while programme in the coun- artistes, the unique opporship and learning spirit and stages and that school is the addressing a cultural ex- try. He also stressed on the tunity to see, experience sports. right place to create awareness travaganza event billed as need to build friendship, and participate in our way Emphasizing on the value about the ill effects of tobacco. of fair play during sports and Earlier, she expressed her “Discover North East- A brotherhood and fellow- of life. games, the EAC said the coun- joy for coming back to the Cultural Yatra 2016” here at ship through the cultural NEZCC director Litry needs healthy individuals school, especially during the the State Academy Hall this platform. He was also ap- pokmar Tzudir also spoke for nation building. She also golden jubilee celebrations afternoon. preciative that the youth of on the occasion. Cultursaid that games and sports is and said as an alumni, she was It was organized by the country are marching al artistes from Madhya very important in school cur- proud to be back to the school North East Zone Cultural ahead in the different fields. Pradesh, Rajasthan, Asriculum, as well as all round and felt nostalgic.

Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, Art & culture director sam, Arunachal Pradesh, development of students.

The school’s sports meet Ministry of Culture, Govt Vevo Sapuh said the ‘Dis- Meghalaya, Manipur and Rongsenmenla lauded the kicked off with march past by school for initiating “tobacco the students of different hous- EAC Niuland, Rongsenmenla declares Holy of Industry in partnership cover North East Yatra’ was Nagaland performed dancfree school” and said aware- es, NCC cadets, Scouts and Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur as To- with arts & culture depart- introduce in 2015 and this es and rich folk traditions to ment, Nagaland. programme will now be an the delight of the audience. bacco Free Zone on February 23. ness should be created in early Guides and the school band.

HCHSS declared Tobacco Free Zone Dimapur, February 23 (mexN): Holy Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur was declared Tobacco Free Zone today by EAC Niuland, Rongsenmenla during the school’s Golden Jubilee Sports meet.

The EAC, who is also an Alumni of the school, declared the sports meet open and encouraged the students to possess leadership qualities.

She said academic learning is incomplete without leader-

FUNERAL SERVICE

Funeral Service of the Late TOSHIMONGBA IMCHEN will be held at 10:00 A.M. at his family home at Nyamo Lotha Colony, Dimapur.

Conclave on MSMEs on February 26 ChumuKeDima, February 23 (Dipr): Union Minister of MSME, Kalraj Mishra shall attend the Regional ‘Conclave on MSMEs’ on February 26 at the Police Complex, Chumukedima, the event of which will be hosted by the Chief Minister, Nagaland.

The participating states at the conclave will include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. Implementation of schemes of Ministry of MSME and issues related to MSMEs in the participatory states shall be reviewed in the conclave

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

NORTH-EAST/NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

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NPO appeals for communal Arunachal Governor's report tabled in Parliament harmony in the region Morung Express News Dimapur | February 23

The Naga People’s Organization (NPO) today has raised a voice against the prolonged silence of the Manipur State Government on the assault of three executives of the Naga Students’ Federation on February 14 in Imphal.

“The involvement of law enforcers in such an incident on communal lines and in a provocative nature is highly unacceptable and threat to public harmony,” stated a representative from the publicity wing of the NPO while speaking to The Morung Express on the phone from Senapati.

This, he said, will only trigger more problems in the already “communally inflicted” State of Manipur.

The attitude of the Manipur State Government to deny even an appointment to the NSF team after the incident and the ensuing silence on

Calls for Manipur Police Commandos to be brought to book and NSF to ‘reconsider’ decision the matter even after a memorandum was submitted by the NSF, manifests their “endorsement” of the Manipur Police Commandos’ actions.

The NPO, thus, demanded action to be initiated against Police Commandos responsible for the incident.

Meanwhile, noting the proposed bandh by the NSF, the NPO appealed to the NSF to “reconsider” its decision in the interest of the general public.

“As the incident is related

to State Government issues, the focus of the agitation should not harm the public who are at the receiving end due to Government’s apathy over the incident,” stated the NPO. It also added that “the innocent public cannot be held responsible for blunders committed by the trigger happy, communal and provocative Manipur police commandos, who are in the records for fake encounters, killing innocent civilians, extortions, harassing and assaulting the public and many other unlawful activities in Manipur.”

Through decisions made at an Executive Council meeting held today at Senapati, the NPO also appealed for promotion of communal harmony and peaceful co-existence among different communities—this can happen if the NSF reconsiders its decision for “larger interest of the innocent public.”

New Delhi, February 23 (Pti): Arunachal Pradesh has been "suffering badly" in the field of development and maintenance of law and order due to political instability and that there has been a failure of constitutional machinery, Governor J P Rajkhowa had told the Centre days before the state was brought under President's Rule.

He also said he and his family members apprehended "grave danger to their lives" due to public criticism against him and frequent gherao of the Raj Bhawan

premises and use of "filthy language".

A month later, in his "special report", Rajhkowa said 31 MLAs out of the present strength of 58 supported Kalikho Pul as their leader and staked their claim to form the government.

"The majority of MLAs have supported Kalikho Pul as the Leader of the House and the next Chief Minister," he said in his report dated February 16.

In his first letter dated January 15, the Governor said Arunachal Pradesh "has been

suffering badly in the field of development, delivery of public services, management of state's resources, maintenance of law and order etc due to political instability, more particularly since September-October, 2015, caused by dissidence in the ruling Congress party and consequent chaotic conditions."

He said the "Constitutional machinery has already broken down."

Rajkhowa said in a House of 60 members, the (then) ruling Congress led by (then) Chief

Tight security for Tripura village committee polls aGartala, February 23 (iaNS): A multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over tribal dominated and interior areas of Tripura for the elections on Wednesday in 528 of the 587 village committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). The state government has asked the Border Security Force (BSF) to maintain maximum vigil along the India-Bangladesh border to foil any intrusion attempt from across the border.

"Polling was supposed to be held in 587 village committees (VCs) in TTAADC areas.

The ruling Left parties have been elected unopposed in 59 VCs; so elections would be held on Wednesday for 3,695 seats of 528 VCs," State Election Commissioner G. Kameswara Rao told reporters on Tuesday.

He said "In all 8,194 candidates of various national and local parties are contesting the elections. Among the aspirants, more than 50 percent are women."

The ruling Communist Party of IndiaMarxist led Left Front has put up 3,697 candidates, followed by the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura, a local party, which has 1734

Acharya attends Governor’s Conference Raises issues for state of Nagaland and action taken by various ministries Kohima, February 23 (DiPr): Governor of Nagaland & Assam, PB Acharya attended the Governor’s Conference held on February 11 and 12. During the conference, the Governor raised certain issues for Nagaland Mount Olive College, Kohima conducted a special cleanliness drive with the NSS volunteers state and the action taken of BA 6th semester and the Programme Officers on February 20. by various ministries, Government of India in respect of following issues:

Assam cabinet approves Metro rail for Guwahati

Guwahati, February 23 (iaNS): The Assam cabinet has approved the project report for a Mass Rapid Transit System for Guwahati, and the setting up of the Guwahati Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will lay the foundation stone for the Metro project in Khanapara area on February 29, a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office informed. The state cabinet under Gogoi's chairmanship approved the detailed project report (DPR) for the MRTS and the setting up of GMRCL for implementing the project on Saturday. The statement issued on Tuesday said the 203 km Metro corridor

will be completed in three phases. Phase I will cover a length 61.4 km, and will have four corridors -- Dharapur-Narangi (elevated), M.G. Road to Khanapara (underground), Jalukbari to Khanapara (elevated) 19.4 km and ISBT to Paltanbazar (elevated).

The projected cost including land is estimated at Rs.18,020 crore.

While the Assam government and central government will share 20 percent each of the total cost, local bodies will contribute Rs.350 crore, while the remaining Rs.10,074 crore will be funded through soft loans from funding agencies with guarantees from the central government.

Minister Nabam Tuki has support of only 26 MLAs including himself and Speaker Nabam Rebia as against the earlier backing of 47 MLAs. The report said 21 "dissident" MLAs openly revolted against Tuki.

The Union Cabinet had recommended imposition of President's Rule in the state on January 24 which was imposed on January 26.

On February 17, the central rule was revoked and Pul sworn in as the new CM.

Daily flight connectivity At present, following air services have been approved in Summer Schedule 2015 for operation to / from Dimapur. Air India Limited: Dimapur-Dibrugarh & VV- 3; DimapurKolkata & VV- 5. Indigo: Dimapur-Delhi & VV- 7, Dimapur-Kolkata &VV- 7.

Airport at Ruzaphema A team of AAI along with officials of the Government of Nagaland has carried out inspection of the proposed Green Field Airport at Ruzaphema in October, 2014 and submitted the report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Clarification on certain issues such as approach road, water and power supply, etc. to the identified site at RuRoad construction The proposal for con- zaphema is being sought struction of Foothill Road from the State government. in Nagaland from Amguri to Niuland of about 189 Increase seat km length has been pro- allocation for MBBS For increase of MBBS posed for inclusion under Phase "B" of SARDP-NE for seats, a process is laid out in which approval of CCEA is Indian Medical Council Act being sought. In respect of and regulations made there 4-laning Kohima-Dima- under. Relaxed norms for pur section of NH-39, the setting up of Medical Collegimplementation has been es in North East are already entrusted to NHIDCL and in place. It is up to the State bids for the work is being Govt./Institution concerned to make an appropriate apinvited shortly.

plication for increase of seats to Central Govt./Medical Council of India.

Up-gradation of SASRD Since School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema is a constituent Institute of Nagaland University, a Central University, the Central Agricultural university has no comment for the up-gradation of the SASRD. However, Ministry of Agriculture has conveyed approval for establishment of a new college of Veterinary Science at Jalukie in Peren district of Nagaland under CAU, Imphal for which 266 acres of land has been identified by the side selection committee of ICAR, New Delhi. The possession of land is under process with the Government of Nagaland.

Maintenance of completed road projects NLCPR and NEC schemes are meant basically for creation of infrastructure, as such, routine maintenance of roads is not funded. However, upgradation of existing roads are being funded when State Govt. propose such projects.

candidates, the Bharatiya Janata Party has 983, the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura 782 and the Congress 601 candidates.

In all 645,840 people, mostly tribals, including 318,909 women, are eligible to cast their votes, Rao said.

Inspector General of Police (law and order) Anurag said that around 10,600 personnel of state security forces, including counter insurgency-trained Tripura State Rifles, and over 1000 personnel of central para-military forces would be deployed to ensure security.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION NAGALAND, KOHIMA

NO.HED/R/AISHE/2014-15/

/Dt.Kohima the 23rd February,2016

REMINDER TO UPLOAD AISHE DATA 2014-15,2015-16

In compliance to the directives of the video conference held on 16th February, 2016 with MHRD, Department of Higher Education on All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), Universities, Secular Colleges (Govt. and Private) and DIETs which are yet to upload are reminded to upload AISHE data 2014-15,2015-16 on priority.

Director, HE

TRANSFORMATION CRUSADE Theme: “Arise and Shine…”

(Isaiah 60:1)

Date: 24 Feb. 2016

Time: 4:30 PM Venue: Khouchiezie (Local Ground), Kohima th

1. Leader

: Mr. Khriehuzo Lohe Secretary, Transformation Crusade : Mr. Zeu Eneio : Mrs. Meribeni

2. Pianist 3. Conductor 4.Invocation & Offertory Prayer : Pastor Vezokho Vero

Naga Shisha Hoho 5. Speaker : Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo

Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church cum Principal,

Kohima Bible College.

This crusade is for all. Come with faith and receive the Blessings of Salvation, Deliverance, Healing and the Confirmation message.

4 new bridges to come up in Assam Nagaland observes Int’l Mother Language Day PATKAI CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Guwahati, February 23 (Pti): The Centre will construct four new bridges over the Brahmaputra in Assam with one of them connecting Jorhat with neighbouring Majuli, the world's largest river island. Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal talking to reporters here today said the other proposed bridges would connect Disangmukh in Sivasagar district with Tekeliphuta in Lakhimpur district, another would connect Nagaon with Rangapara near Tezpur in Sonitpur district while the fourth bridge would connect Gohpur

with Numaligarh in Golaghat district.

For improving transportation infrastructure on the northern bank of the river benefiting the people of northern districts of Assam, Sonowal said the Dhakuakhana-Lakhimpur road and Lakhimpur Majuli road would be converted to national highways. The ongoing construction work of the road and rail Bogibeel bridge over the Brahmaputra in Dibrugarh district would be completed next year, he said. Bridges would also be constructed over the state's other major river Barak, he said.

Kohima, February 23 (mexN): The State College of Teacher Education, Kohima celebrated the ‘International Mother Language Day’ on February 19 with the theme ‘Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes’, organised by Literary Club.

The resource person, Dr. Pangersenla, Asst Professor, Dept of Linguistics, NU, gave an educative talk on the importance of mother tongue highlighting on language as assertion of identity, and its biological use that sets us apart from animals.

A detailed exposition on language acquisition and preservation of Mother tongue was made.

Earlier in the programme, which was chaired by Kilangsungla Pongener, a short documentary on ‘A story of sacrifice, a story of love for Mother tongue’ was shown and a talk on the importance and origin of IMLD was made by Mosa Resu, followed by need for language preservation

by Khrievinuo Sale.

The programme ended with the participants learning “Thank you” in the 6 UNO recognised language which was initiated

by Keduoneinuo Solo.

Chumukedima - Seithekema B.P.O. Patkai - 797 103

WALK -IN- INTERVIEW : ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (Substitution) : POLITICAL SCIENCE : B.A. Hons in the concerned subject M.A. (Atleast 2nd Class) NET Cleared (a must)

Publications

Ph. D. Interview : 27th February 2016 in the office of the Principal commencing at 10:00 A.M. Bring original documents at the time of interview for verification.

Post SUBJECT

QUALIFICATION

Principal

SITUATION VACANT JUBILEE MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Affiliated to CISCE, New Delhi)

22 trains cancelled due to Cooch Behar agitation

Guwahati, February 23 (iaNS): Thousands of passengers were on Tuesday stranded in Guwahati and other railway stations in Assam as 22 trains were cancelled by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) due to the ongoing agitation by the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA).

Members of the GCPA have been staging a blockade for the last several days at Cooch Behar demanding statehood or Union Territory status for the region in northern West Bengal. "The running of trains has been severely affected. A total of 22 trains were cancelled on Tuesday. We have been running some trains by diverting their routes. However, it is not possible to run all of them as there is heavy congestion on the New Jalpaiguri -Siliguri Jn - Alipurduar Jn - New Bongaigaon route," said NFR chief public relations officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma.

Some of the cancelled trains include the Tista Torsha Express from

Sealdah on February 24 and 25, the Brahmaputra Mail leaving from Delhi on February 23 and 24, the Uttar Banga Express from Sealdah on February 24 and 25, the Saraighat Express from Howrah on February 24 and from Guwahati on February 24 and 25, the Capital Express from Rajendranagar on February 24 and from Guwahati on February 26, the Kamrup Express from Howrah on February 24 and from Dibrugarh on February 24, 25 and 26.

Cooch Behar stir lifted, five policemen injured in clash

With at least two passengers losing their lives due to the indefinite rail blockade demanding statehood or union territory status for Cooch Behar in northern West Bengal, the Greater Cooch Behar People's Association (GCPA) on Tuesday temporarily withdrew the agitation, even as police carried out an operation to clear the rail tracks in which five policemen and some protesters sustained injuries.

The GCPA, however, asserted it has temporarily withdrawn the stir on its own, and not due to the police action.

GCPA agitators have been laying siege to the tracks at New Cooch Behar station seeking dialogue with union home ministry officials to resolve the issue.

Cooch Behar district police and Government Railway Police on the day carried out an operation to clear the rail track, that led to pitched battles between police and the agitators. "We arrested 14 people including two central committee members of GCPA. The tracks have been cleared," said Superintendent of Railway Police (Siliguri) E. Annappa.

Annappa said at least five policemen and some protesters sustained injuries. The fourth day of agitation on Tuesday threw train movement haywire across the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), with at least 22 trains including the Brahmaputra Mail and Mahanan-

da Express being cancelled.

While 29-year-old Benoy Thakur, onboard the stranded Kanchanjunga Express, died on Sunday due to alleged lack of medical aid, 56-year-old Rabina Khatun travelling to her hometown in Chapra in Bihar for treatment collapsed and died at the Alipurduar station.

"We have withdrawn our agitation temporarily today (Tuesday), but that doesn't mean we have given up on our demands. We are discussing with various stakeholders and soon will restart our agitation," GCPA chief Bangshi Badan Barman said.

Barman said the GCPA was still awaiting a response from the Centre on its pleas for a dialogue.

Alipurduar divisional railway manager Sanjeev Kishore said the railways were awaiting a nod from police for resuming train services.

"Police and the district administration have initiated an operation to remove the agitators from the tracks," said Kishore.

Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland

WALK- IN - INTERVIEW 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Graduate with B.Ed/TTC/UGT (Pre Primary & Primary Section): 1 Post Maths& Science (Primary & Middle Section) B.Sc (PCM) with B. Ed: 1 Post Asst. Teacher for Ao Language: 1 Post Qualification: Graduate with B.Ed (preference will be given to those who have cleared Proficiency Test conducted by Ao Senden Literature Board) English for Primary and Middle Section: 1 Post Qualification: B.A. (Honours) B.Ed/TTC/UGT PGT for Environmental Science (10+2 ISC) Qualification: M.Sc in Agriculture/Botany/Zoology with B.Ed PGT for History (10+2 ISC) Qualification: M.A. in History with B.Ed PGT for Economics (10+2 ISC) Qualification: M.A. in Economics with B.Ed

Scale of Pay for Sl.No.1 to 4: 8000 – 240 – 12800/- P.M. plus D.A. 70%, HRA, M.A. etc.

Sl.No. 5 to 7 : 9300 – 280 – 14900/- P.M. plus D.A. 70%, HRA, M.A. etc.

Perks: CPF, LTC, Gratuity etc. (EXPERIENCED HANDS AND ICSE & ISC BACKGROUND PREFERRED)

DATE OF INTERVIEW: 27th of February 2016 at J.M. School Complex (Written Test at 8:30 A.M.) Interested candidates may report at J.M. School office along with all original documents latest by 8:00 A.M. on the same day. Please note that NO CALLING LETTERS WILL BE ISSUED separately.

Sd/S.K. Maiti Principal, J.M. School Ph.No. 0369-2226319

Sd/Chairman BOG, J. M. School

4

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

‘Government committed to rural development, progress of farmers’ New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): The central government is committed to the development of rural areas and progress of farmers, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday, addressing the joint sitting of the two houses of parliament.

“The well-being of farmers is vital to the nation,” the President said in his address, which marks the beginning of the budget session of parliament.

“Acknowledging this fundamental reality, my government has recently launched the farmerfriendly Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, with the biggest-ever government’s contribution to crop insurance and with lowest-ever premium rates for farmers,” Mukherjee said.

“It has many firsts to its credit like national coverage of post-harvest losses due to inundation and unseasonal rains, no capping on government subsidy, and use of technology for early and accurate settlement of claims,” he said, adding “assistance to farmers afflicted by natural calamity has been increased by 50 percent and eligibility norms have been relaxed”.

“The grant of over Rs.two lakh crore by the 14th Finance Commission over a five-year period from 2015-16, exclusively

Steps taken to usher in second Green Revolution New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday that the government was keen to fully harness the agricultural potential of the eastern states and steps had been taken to usher in a second Green Revolution.

Addressing the sitting joint session of parliament, the president said that the government was also working to help farmers get fair and remunerative prices. He said that the e-marketing platform was being created to connect all regulated agricultural markets. “To fully harness agricultural potential of eastern states several steps have been taken to usher in the second green revolution,” the president said.

exports during 2015. He said that 29 electronic manufacturing clusters were under development. “The country recorded the highest ever software exports during 2015,” the president said. “Setting up worldclass infrastructure for electronics manufacturing across the country remains a priority for my government,” he said. He said the government’s endeavour is to scale new heights in space building upon the success over the past year.

Solar power becoming affordable Solar power was becoming increasingly affordable and accessible to thousands of people, President Pranab Mukherjee said.

“Today, under my government, Software exports highest in 2015 solar power is affordable and acPresident Pranab Mukherjee cessible to thousands of people,” said on Tuesday that the country Mukherjee said. The President recorded the highest ever software added that the government has en-

for Gram Panchayats, has been received with great enthusiasm by the states.

This will move development activity closer to the people and enable them to decide how they want to improve their villages and wards,” he said.

“Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission has also been launched for 300 rural growth clusters for developing skills and local entrepreneurship and providing infrastructure amenities,” Mukherjee said, highlighting the steps taken by the

ICICI bank Kohima conducts training

Bank officials at the Workshop on various modes of electronic payments.

Kohima, February 23 (mexN): ICICI Bank Kohima under aegis of Reserve Bank of India Guwahati conducted a “Workshop on various modes of electronic payments” at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on Monday. Representatives from almost all the banks along with participants from various Schools, Colleges and other Educational Institutions were present to create awareness for collection of all types of fees.

The programme started with a welcome speech from Lanuakum Jamir, Barnch Manager of ICICI Bank, Kohima. Veerendra Kumar, Manager, RBI, Guwahati gave an insight on the importance of Electronic Payment System, followed by a brief speech by Shriver Thaneswar Sarmah, Asstt. Manager, RBI, Guwahati.

Presentations on e-Payment/Receipt for Educational Institutions were given by ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Billdesk. The programe ended with a vote of thanks from Manojit Paul, Chief Manager, ICICI Bank, Nagaland.

Hero Duet launched at Dimapur

Narendra Modi government for development of rural areas.

“Soil health cards will be distributed to all 14 crore farm-holdings by March 2017 and will result in judicious application of fertilizers, lowering input costs and bettering soil health,” the President said.

“To promote organic farming, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana is being implemented, under which 8,000 clusters have been developed so far,” he noted.

“The Pradhan Man-

“This will immensely benefit our farmers in getting fair and remunerative prices. Targeted policy interventions in the last year have brought down sugarcane arrears from over Rs.21,000 crore to Rs.720 crore,” the President said.

“My government notified the New Urea Policy which will lead to additional production of 17 lakh metric tonnes annually in the next three years.

Providing 100 percent neem-coated urea has not only improved efficiency but also plugged subsidy

ShilloNg, February 23 (ageNcieS): Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”), India’s largest telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced the launch of its Platinum 3G network for customers in Shillong under “Project Leap”. Airtel’s Platinum 3G will deliver faster internet speeds, enhance voice clarity and offer a superior network experience for customers in the circle.

Airtel has recently commenced the implementation of its network transformation program “Project Leap” in NE and

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L C C O h U A B g L O V E k F B k R N h

dImAPUR

Churches Colony, City Tower (Near Lotha Church) Ph: 03862-248030, 9436830572, 9436831033

6. Special Coaching for CBSE/NBSE Course (Phy, Chem, Maths, Bio) 7. Computer Course: Basic, DCA, ADCA & PGDCA Winter offer for Students 8. Spoken English & Hindi, Soft Skill (Kohima) Stenography & Music Classes N. B.: hostel Available for Both BOYS & gIRLS

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The event planner We serve your satisfaction for any occasions, requirements or party needs!!!

Contact: 9732886322

Admission going on for: 1. NPSC/UPSC: Prelim- 2016 (NEW BATCh) 2. NPSC (main): 2015-16 3. SSC, Banking, Railway etc 2016 4. Coaching for JEE, AIPmT, NSEE- 2016 5. Intensive Coaching for NERIST-I, II & III 2016

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

KAPIL JAIN

mission Road, Near North Police Station Ph: 0370-2290672, 9863143388, 9436071373

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Assam. Airtel’s “Project Leap” is a strategic company initiative aimed at perceptibly improving its network quality and delivering the best customer experience.

Commenting on the launch of Platinum 3G, Sameer Anjaria, CEO, NE and Assam, Bharti Airtel said, “Today we are pleased to offer Platinum 3G services to our customers in Shillong. In line with our long term growth strategy for NE and Assam, we will be investing heavily in upgrading our network and providing seamless customer experience across various technologies under “Project Leap”.

leisure

moKoKchuNg, February 23 (Dipr): Additional Deputy Commissioner & Administrator, Mokokchung, Bendangilila has informed all shop owners to install adequate weighing machine in the shop and asked the consumer to ensure that they get the right quantity and quality of commodity purchased. In case of any complains, consumers are informed to bring the same to the notice of the office of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) at the earliest. Further all hotels/ restaurants/tea stalls have been directed not to use non-bio-degradable cups and plates while serving tea/snacks. It also once again inform to all shop runners and public not to throw any kind of waste eg. Mineral water bottles, disposal cups and chips packet etc. on the street or into the drainage but to throw it into the nearest waste box/dumping boxes.

In addition, all dog owners have been reminded to keep their dogs impounded as per the previous directives. Defaulters shall be penalized as per the provision of law.

EXCEL COACHING & COMPUTER CENTRE

Airtel rolls out Platinum 3G network in Shillong

BASEBALL

Dimapur, February 23 (mexN): World’s largest two wheeler company, Hero Moto Corp Ltd has added one more model into its fold name, “Hero Duet”, which was launched at Hero dealership, National hero at Dimapur. On the eve of the launch, the Company sales manager, Baskar Sinha said that this is the fourth model of the company. The others are Pleasure, Maestro, Maestro Edge and duet.

This scooter comes in metal body and has six attractive colours. Duet has the digital analog combo meter console, telescope front suspension, external fuel filling, metal body, integrated braking system and tubeless tyres and mobile charging port and boot light. On the launching day, the dealer sales manager, Tampa Dutta delivered the key to the first customer.

Projects in 118 cities for sanitation facilities Projects undertaken in 118 cities and 1,649 gram panchayats are being provided complete sanitation solutions as part of Namami Gange programme, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday. The President said the government firmly believes that economic development and environmental protection can co-exist. “As part of the Namami Gange Programme, my government is implementing several projects in all 118 cities and complete sanitation solutions for 1,649 gram panchayats, on the banks of the holy Ganga,” the President said.

tri Krishi Sinchai Yojana promises assured irrigation, expanding cultivated areas by improving water use efficiency and enabling drought proofing.

My government is committed to the philosophy of ‘per drop more crop’ and ‘Jal Sanchay for Jal Sinchan’,” Mukherjee said.

To provide the best market price to farmers, the government is working towards setting up a common e-market platform to connect 585 regulated wholesale agricultural markets.

BaseBall

National hero sales manager, Tampa dutta delivering key to the first customer.

visaged increasing the renewable energy capacity manifold to 175 GW by 2022. “In the year 2015 India witnessed the highest ever generation of electricity,” he said.

leakages by preventing its illegal diversion to nonagricultural use,” Mukherjee stated.

The Narendra Modiled NDA government also produced the highest ever urea fertilizer in 2015, he said.

“India continues to be the biggest milk producing country with an impressive growth rate of 6.3 percent. Implementation of Poultry Venture Capital Fund and Rural Backyard Poultry Development has led to highest ever egg production,” Mukherjee said.

“To fully harness the agricultural potential of eastern states, the government is taking several steps to usher in second green revolution in the region.”

“It has taken steps for strengthening agricultural higher education, setting up 109 new KVKs and three new Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes,” the President noted, adding that a 24x7 Kisan Channel has been launched to provide information on policy initiatives, prices and other agriculture related subjects.

Shop owners directed to install adequate weighing machine

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STd COdE: 03862 232224; Emergency- 229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room Police Traffic Control East Police Station West Police Station

228400

CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Dimapur hospital

242555/ 242533

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

232106 227607 232181

224041, 248011

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

kOhImA

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

STd COdE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

08822911011

S S N E R J d S F A I I m L A U X P T k

R

I C d R F X N E F g V N A E O B A L L Y

N O B U A F E B S U P N S T R I k E Y L

C

g R A N d S L A m E R I C A N A Q U X T

L E S P R Z V L A A E N O Z Q P A B R L

H

E h E N h L X L A P I g T P k h Y W O J

A I N F I E L d B I A d Q N N A E I X R

A T P L R U k O Y g U I Q Z g Z Q R P F

KoHIMA NoRTH: 7085924114 (o)

CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (o) 8732810051 (oC) WOkhA: 03860242215/101 (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)

kIPhIRE: 8414853767 (o) 9436261577 (oC) PEREN: 7085189932 (o) 9856311205 (oC) LONgLENg: 7085924113 (o) 9862414264 (oC)

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KoHIMA SoUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (o) 9402003086 (oC)

MoN: 03869-251222/ 101 (o) 9862130954 (oC)

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mOkOkChUNg:

FIRE STATIONS

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (o) 9856156876 (oC)

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Police Station 2 :

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Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMzAM (formerly Senapati) STD CoDE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

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

67.02 95.02 8.35 47.95 47.67 48.64 59.09

70.05 99.65 9.30 50.32 50.02 51.02 62.44

Euro

74.27

77.88

1.82

2.02

0.0526

0.0587

17.66

19.67

9.94

11.08

Thai Baht Korean Won UAE Dirham (AED) Chinese Yuan

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

NAGALAND

IPR officials and media houses meet DimaPur, February 23 (DiPr): To further strengthen the rapport of the Government with the media houses in Nagaland, an interactive meeting was held between top IPR officials and editors and representatives of all the media houses in Nagaland on February 23. The IPR officials included Secretary T. Ao (IAS), Director Pausui Zeliang, and Additional Director Limawati.

During the meeting, issues regarding Press Accreditation and Journalists Welfare Fund were deliberated.

Besides matters relating to timely payment of advertisement bills, the media representatives suggested facilitating orientation course for reporters in areas of conflict reporting, laws etc.

IPR Secretary appreciated the concerns and viewpoints expressed by the members and noted that it would be flagged off to the appropriate authority.

Further, underlining the importance of press as an essential part of democracy, the Secretary assured for such regular sittings to further strengthen the relationship between the Government and the media in the State.

The meeting was held in the conference hall of Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency in Dimapur.

NST Kohima land encroached Kohima, February 23 (DiPr): Nagaland State Transport Department (NST) has said that its site at Lerie, Kohima where the Divisional Workshop and the staff quarters of NST Kohima are located has been encroached upon by private individuals. Officials of the department visited the site on February 20.

The site measuring approximately 60.2 acres physical area is compensated and acquired government land, stated the department.

The team that visited the site consisted of Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Transport Department, Lithrongla G

Chishi, accompanied by the General Manager, NST Senti Pongener and Departmental officials along with the Deputy Commissioner, Rovilato Mor, the RO and LRSO, Kohima.

The chain-linked fencing demarcating the boundary put up by the Department on the western side of the acquired land had been removed by the encroachers and the distinct boundary of the rivulet in the south, depression line on the north adjoining the police reserve (project) and the Dimapur-KohimaImphal Road of NH-39/29 in the East, have all been encroached upon by private individuals.

The individuals have constructed permanent buildings with occupants, permanent structures for construction, temporary structures and unoccupied but fenced areas, claiming ownerships inspite of administrative restraining orders from time to time.

A release from the General Manager, Nagaland State Transport, Dimapur, Senti Pongener stated that on query, it was found that the encroachers include third party individuals of sale-purchase from relatives of the land owners, resold buyers and individuals of Government allotments.

Some of the encroachers, having settled/ occu-

pied for years together in their constructed building or hutments numbering about 20 (twenty) households, have even formed a union of their own to thwart any action or intimidation against them from any corner.

The inspection aims to culminate in cancellation of Government allotments, eviction and dismantling of the permanent and temporary structures and to stop further encroachments in the near future, “which will be taken up in the highest forum including legal aspects to set exemplary action against encroachments of Government land in the state.”

NSA condemns bashing of JNU ALSO, BLSO trainings held in Kohima DimaPur, February 23 (mexN): The Naga Scholars Association (NSA) has condemned what it termed as “institutional bashing of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a premier institution of higher learning as anti-national by different state machineries.”

In a press statement, NSA noted that all university campuses are supposed to be liberal spaces to allow and promote ‘opinions’ and not one ‘opinion.’ However, the recent JNU arrest of a student leader has shown the other side of an academic institution- It is all more “un-academic and pitiable that all of this is pushed in the garb of nationalism,” the scholars’ association maintained.

Asserting that president of JNU Students’ Union, Kanhaiya Kumar, who was recently arrested, is the latest victim of an aggressive chauvinist political ideology, NSA said he is being targeted not because he said something unconstitutional but for raising questions that “our contemporary society encounters on a daily basis just like any other university student.”

This, the NSA said had led to students,

teachers and citizens across India protesting against the “mishandling” of the issue by the university administration and questioned the decision to allow the police “crackdown” on the JNU campus.

Pointing out that this has also generated a global outrage, the scholars’ association said even noted linguist and thinker Prof Noam Chomsky led by other leading university professors (thought leaders) have raised questions about the role of police in the university campus and the gross mishandling of the whole episode, including the use of a false video to frame up nationalistic emotions.

The NSA also termed it all the more strange to hear that when the whole world is expressing solidarity with JNU, “another JNU alumni who happens to be the general secretary of Nagaland BJP party organized a completely political protest march without having any understanding of the facts and circumstances.”

While expressing solidarity with the JNU students, the NSA said it also condemns any protest such as the one by Nagaland BJP to distract the common people.

shilloNg, February 23 (mexN): The Emergency Medicine Learning Centre of GVK EMRI in collaboration with Government of Nagaland and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) organized a 2-day Advance Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) on February 15-16 and one day Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSO) on February 17 at the conference room of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima.

Twenty five doctors attended the ALSO training, while twenty eight nurses attended the BLSO training, a press release from Marketing and Media Relations, GVK EMRI in Shillong informed.

The faculty from AAFP included Dr. Sajjini Thomas, MD, Associate Director

MEx FILE General meeting in Pongidong WoKha, February 23 (mexN): The Head GB of Pongidong village under Wokha district has convened a general meeting on February 27, 10:00 am at the village community hall. Therefore, all the bonafide members of Pongidong village (Wokha Pongidong Ekhung/ Kohima Pongidong Ekhung/ Dimapur Pongidong Ekhung) have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

Rengma Choginjun Sebunyu 3rd get-together TsemiNyu, February 24 (mexN): The Rengma Sebunyu clan of Chogin Range will hold its third get-together-cum-picnic on February 27, 10:00 am at Zensinlo Farm, Rengmapani. Informing this in a press release, the president of Sebunyu Union, Solo Thong Seb has requested all the members of the Sebunyu clan of Chogin Range to participate in the occasion and also share the traditional feast. Retired Director, Economics & Statistics, N Thong Seb will be the main speaker at the session, which will be held under the theme ‘United We Stand, Divided We Fall’, while Addl. Chief Secretary RB Thong Seb, K Thong Seb, Dr. Gwalozu Thong Seb and Hyukelo Thong Seb will also exhort the gathering.

NSCN (IM) welcomes 22

Participants of the ALSO with the trainers in Kohima.

and Obstetric Coordinator, Resurrection Medical Centre, Chicago, USA; Dr. Padmasri Ayyagari, DGO, MRCOG, MBA, Consultant at Al Salam International Hospital, Kuwait; and Dr. Raja Narsing Rao, MD Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Fernandez Hospital, L.V. Prasad Hospital and GVK EMRI, Hyderabad.

The release said that Advanced Life Support in

DimaPur, February 23 (mexN): The NSCN (IM) has welcomed 22 persons who joined its fold from different factions on February 22 at Hebron. “They have realized that after the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015, the road to permanent settlement is paved and thus today they are here to strengthen the ongoing peace process,” stated a press release from MIP, NSCN (IM). The 22 people included one Kilonser from NSCN (R), Dy. F/Kilonser and Dy. Kilonser from NNC (N/A), Tatar and Tatar/ CFSBM from NSCN (R), one Tatar from NNC, one Tatar from NNC (N/A), one Leacy from NNC/Federal, two Leacy from NNC (N/A), one Leacy from NSCN (K), one Leacy from NNC (N/A), one Razou Peyu from NSCN (R), two Rajou Peyu from NNC (N/A), two Khapur from GPRN/NSCN, one Khapur from FGN, U/Secretary from NSCN (R), Recruiting Officer and General Secretary of MNRF, and RSI of NNC (N/A).

Obstetrics (ALSO) is an evidence-based multidisciplinary training program that prepares maternity health care providers to better manage obstetric emergencies. ALSO's evidence-based learning path bridges knowledge gaps and boosts skill sets using a team-based approach, hands-on training, and mnemonics to reduce er- DimaPur, February 23 (mexN): Excise Mobile rors and save lives, it added. Squad personnel stationed at Chumukedima Excise check gate apprehended one Akalie for possession of liquor on February 21 around 9:30 am. A press release from Superintendent of Excise (Mobile Squad) informed that 332 bottles of assorted liquor was recovered from the accused person, who has been booked under relevant section of the NLTP Act, 1989. Meanwhile, the seized liand rehabilitation materi- quor have been deposited in the Excise Malkhana. als to the displaced people in Pungro without any further delay.

The Hoho further appealed to all stakeholders Kohima, February 23 (DiPr): In compliance to not to take the February 6 the directives of the video conference held on Februincident along tribal line ary 16 with MHRD, Department of Higher Education stating Nagas do not sub- has informed universities, secular colleges (Governscribe to killing in whichev- ment and Private), DIETS and nursing institutes which er form. “…It is about time are yet to upload All India Survey on Higher Education the government wakes up (AISHE) to upload the AISHE data 2014-15, 2015-16 to a reality and deliver a on priority. lasting solution and not just a piece meal packages,” added Naga Hoho.

Excise personnel seize liquor

Meeting on recommendation Naga Hoho urges to speed up investigation in killings February requested the investigat- nance Secretary Ruungof Majithia Wage Board held DimaPur, 23 (mexN): The Naga ing agencies of Nagaland utuo Sechü, and Secretary

Kohima, February 23 (DiPr): The first meeting of the Tripartite Committee of the Working Journalist and Other Newspaper Employees (Condition of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1955 was held at the Directorate of Labour on February 22. Parliamentary Secretary, Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Nagaland, Mmhonlumo Kikon was also present at the meeting.

The meeting discussed matters recommended by the Majithia Wage Board, where representatives from media fraternity agreed that the recommendations of the Board will be beneficial to all concerned. However, they expressed concerns over lack of basic infrastructures, geographical difficulties, non-payment of subsidy, etc., and therefore, suggested that a special consideration or a different recommendation for the North Eastern states should be taken into account.

Commissioner and Secretary, Labour & Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said that as far as pay scale is concerned, it is being implemented but for other allowances it may not be possible to implement uniformly among the different establishments. In regard to medical allowances, he informed the establishments to join the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme which will cover all medical aspects.

Deliberating on the Supreme Court Order on submission of Inspection Report on implementation of Majithia Wage Board, the house agreed to comply as per the Court's Order and submit the report in the prescribed format on or before March 3, 2016 to the Labour Department. The quarterly report ending December 2015 will be collected by the Inspectors (Assistant Labour Commissioners) of respective districts from the newspapers.

Hoho today stated it is stunned by the “lackadaisical system” of investigating agencies in Nagaland.

While condemning the killings in whichever form by any agency, group, or individual, the Hoho appealed to every citizen to refrain from killings and taking law into their own hands.

In a press release, Naga Hoho Secretary (Administration), Chitho Nyusou

government looking into the killings of Ritika Mehta, Charlie Hangshing and Alemba and Naro to further give more efforts in booking the culprits and thereby delivering justice to the victims at the earliest.

Meanwhile, it was informed that a goodwill team of Naga Hoho comprising Vice President HK Zhimomi, Speaker Medoselhuo Keretsii, Fi-

Administration Chitho Nyusou visited Kiphire, Pungro and Shamator on February 18 and 19.

While condemning the killing of Alemba and Naro on February 6, 2016 and the destruction which took place in Kiphire following the incident, the Naga Hoho has appealed to the State Government to speed up the investigation into the killing and deliver relief

Higher Edu dept informs on AISHE

SAPO condemns wildfire

Tuensang DPDB approves creation of two PHCs TueNsaNg, February 23 (DiPr): The Tuensang District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) has approved the creation of Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sangsangyu and Sotokur and forwarded the matter to the Government for necessary action. The approval was made during the monthly meeting of the DPDB held on February 23 at the DC’s conference hall here under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, DPDB & Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Alem Jongshi.

Reviewing the last meeting minutes, the Board also agreed to submit

the Voice Society registration to the Government for necessary action.

Regarding District Specific Study (DSS) on Village Education Committee under the Education Department in Tuensang district, the Board approved and endorsed it to the Government. For construction of CDPO Office at Sangsangyu, the meeting decided to refer the same to the department concerned for clarification.

Other agenda discussed included the change of nomenclature from Montessori Kids Care to Wela Foundation School Tuensang Nagaland; registration of S.S. Mongmong Foot-

ball Trophy Society, Angangba Village; and registration renewal of Dolen Thangjam Society Tuensang.

Regarding achievers in different fields, the Board decided to write to the concerned departments i.e. Art & Culture, Industries, Sports and Social Welfare etc. to identify talented persons. CMO Tuensang Dr. T. Pangjung gave a video presentation on Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).

The meeting also welcomed new members - EE Power, Ahoto Aye, BDO, Sangsangyu, M. Takochungba, and BDO, Chare, Mhabemo T. Humtsoe.

Kohima, February 23 (mexN): The Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) has condemned the wildfire which broke out in Jakhama area near Army Camp on the mountain range of Vipikhowo on February 22. The fire destroyed many herbs, fauna, flora and trees which are essential for ecological balance and human habitation in the area, SAPO stated. SAPO also urged the neighboring villages to bring the person(s) responsible for the fire to book for taking necessary action as per the government standing order.

Second IPPI drive in Zunheboto ZuNheboTo, February 23 (DiPr): The second round of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) was launched in Zunheboto on February 21. The IPPI drive was carried out in all wards and colonies supervised by vaccinators and supervisors. Children from 0-5 years of age were vaccinated during the immunization on February 21.

Capacity building for research scholars underway in Kohima NGRC-1 CU demands pending bills of contractors Our Correspondent

Kohima, February 23 (mexN): The Nagaland Govt. Registered Class-1 Contractors’ Union (NGRC-1 CU) has urged the Chief Minister of Nagaland to release the pending bills of the contractors before the end of the present financial year.

In a representation to the Chief Minister TR Zeliang, NGRC-1 CU President, Seyiekuollie and

Kohima | February 23

A three-day long capacity building programme for research scholars under the aegis of OKD Institute of Social Change and Development Guwahati and Kohima College, Kohima got underway here today at Kohima College.

Prof. N. Venuh, Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University said that in the North East, particularly Nagaland, there is still a lot of research to be done. “While we do the research, we need to re-look, re-think whatever is written by the historian, political scientist and the anthropologist during the British colonized systems, he said.” He urged the young research scholars to re-look into deep details and bring out the truth to the people for the betterment of the society.

On February 24, a panel discussion on “Regional politics with special refer-

Prof. N Venuh addressing the capacity building programme for research scholars in Kohima on February 23. (Morung Photo)

ence to Nagaland” will take place from 9:30 am onwards with K. Puro, former chairman, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Prof.

N. Venuh, Department of History & Archaeology, Nagaland University, and C. Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism as panelists.

Meanwhile, a panel discussion on “Locating gender in north east India” will take place at 2:00 pm with Sano Vamuzo, former Chairperson, State Com-

missioner for Women, Dr. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Associate Professor, Department of English, Nagaland University, Mezivolu T. Therieh, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima, Dr. I. Anungla Aier, Principal, Kohima Science College Jotsoma as panelists,.

Panel discussion on “Traditional institutions, land distribution and ownership” will take place on February 25 from 9:30 am onwards. The panelists include Thepfulhouvi Solo,

retired Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Environment, Ecology and Wildlife, Takamasa, senior advocate, Prof. A. Lanunungsang Ao, former pro-vice chancellor, Nagaland University and Kethosituo, SDO ( C ), Kohima Sadar.

Prof. Bhupen Sarmah, Arunima Deka, and Josheph Lulfukzwala will act as panelists for last panel discussion on “Future imperatives for research in north east India” at 2:00 pm.

Vice President, S. Bendang Jamir highlighted that many genuine contractors who are legally entitled to their payment have been “victimized” for not being paid their bills in time in violation of the provisions of NPWD and CPWD Code and even breaching contract agreements.

“The NGRC-1 CU could detect through RTI

documents so much of irregularity and violation of all ethics of technicality such as diversion of funds and wrongly (keeping) the funds meant for payment in civil deposit (CD) and the PIO of Finance Department at the Secretariat purposely furnished incomplete documents by excluding the other side of the page where certain percentages are deduct-

ed,” the statement said.

However, the union said, it is still working on the RTI documents as to how much the deducted percentages of money from the contract/ projects works reach the State revenue. NGRC-1 CU further questioned why the State government illegally kept the project money meant for payment in civil deposit for a long duration.

AKM busts shop selling expired eatables • Appeals department to conduct surprise checking • Asks shop owners not to sell expired goods moKoKchuNg, February 23 (mexN): The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), the apex body of the Ao students, busted a shop selling expired edible commodities to the general public at AM Road in Sangtemla, Mokokchung Town on February 23.

According to a press release

from AKM President, Jemti Lonchar and Assistant General Secretary Shilu Longchar, the students’ conference while inspecting the shop after informing the police found that almost 80 percent of the goods were expired. More than fifty thousand rupees worth of expired commodities were seized by the police, the release said. The owner of the shop has been handed over to the police along with seized goods, AKM added.

Meanwhile, the Ao Students’

Conference (AKM) has appealed to all the shop owners in and around Mokokchung to refrain from selling expired goods/ products to customers. Further, the office appealed to the department concerned to go for timely surprise checking in the shops so that standard or quality goods as per provision of the law are circulated in the market. The students’ organisation further asked the general public to remain vigilant and report to appropriate authority in case they find any malpractices.

6

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

IN FOCUS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

The Power of Truth

The Morung Express volume Xi issue 52

By Dr. Asangba Tzüdir

Culture of Intellectual Silence: The Need for Role Reversal

C O M M E N T A R Y

Jen Marlowe Yes Magazine

Waging Life in a War Zone

“The general population doesn’t know what’s happening, and it doesn’t even know that it doesn’t know.” – Noam Chomsky

T

he above quote by Chomsky is an apt reflection of the times we are witnessing in our society unperturbed by the growing culture of silence and nonchalantly surrendering (or is forced to surrender) to the realities and issues at hand. Where the very freedom to live a free life without any fear, where free expression of thoughts and ideas and opinions, of critical expression that is integral to the promotion of a democratically ideal society finds hijacked. The culture of silence thereby has been the ‘golden mean.’

Besides the silence of the submissive masses, the culture of silence among the intellectuals, generally, is a serious concern and needs an urgent role reversal. Nonetheless, of late, a form of resurgence is being felt and witnessed that has led to a critical assessment of our society. Thrown between despair and hope, the coming together of the intellectuals as a strong ‘body of resistance’ will bring the much needed impetus in creating a democratic culture towards creating a free democratic space where the paramount issues are put to the test of debates and critical enquiry. In no way can it function freely in any space that is contrary to the ideals of democracy.

Today, the voice of the intellectuals posits themselves in a space between the state and the citizens or peoples in a setup where the people are simply made to bow to the machineries of power thereby propagating the silencing of the voice of dissent. We are also egoistically crippled by a nonchalant atmosphere where it responds to the ‘wills’ of those who govern and thereby our existence becomes just another channel to legitimate the unprecedented power of those who ‘govern’ rather control sans governance. We thereby let ourselves victimize and becomes the new ‘subaltern’ that refuses to speak.

Within such constraints, the presence of a vibrant voice of the intellectuals that articulates the language of critical thinking and dissent becomes integral to countering the ‘forces’ that tries to suppress the emerging voices of the people – the voice that speaks the language of self-determination; aspirations; freedom and the ‘will to power’; to live free from oppression; and the freedom to express ones thought freely against those in power.

The general culture of complacent nestling and the culture of silence among the intellectuals, there needs to be a role reversal towards asserting the ‘truth’ by speaking ‘truth to oppressive power’ and against elements that propagates social injustices, against denial of rights and one that curtails free living.

In posterity, on a positive note, right thinking groups that refuses to accept the given ‘Naga condition’ are slowly emerging and assessing the social and political status and rights towards a politically qualified life and living. The role reversal of the intellectuals from a culture of silence should thereby be directed towards creating democratic spaces where one can think and critically express freely and more importantly as a resisting force that comes alive to the impending realities and issues at hand.

That, the articulation of free thought will then find a place in our society. As Kekhrie Yhome rightly asserts, “No Power can stop the freedom of Imagination,” therein lies the voice of hope and justice, the voice of truth and liberation and the voice of freedom from fear. The voice of the intellectuals as change agents should also press and work forward in addressing issues in reforming the system of education and learning where students are allowed to think and engage freely in issues beyond text book culture so as to imbibe in them a sense of consciousness and awareness about the existential realities. Only then the pursuit of education and knowledge becomes a meaningful discourse beyond the simple attainment of degrees and also in building a civilized society.

The hope is that the ripple effect is slowly taking place where the new ‘Naga intellectual selves’ finds it uncomfortable to stay encoded in silence to the present ‘Naga condition.’

Let Tagore’s prayer keep echoing deep in our hearts…

Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high Where knowledge is free…

Into that Heaven of freedom, My father Let my country awake.

(Dr. Asangba Tzüdir is an Editor with Heritage Publishing House.

He contributes a weekly guest editorial to the Morung Express.

Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)

lEfT wiNg |

Ankit Sinha IANS

Music connects people with life

M

usic bridges the gaps between people and connects them with the essence of life itself, believes Mukhtiyar Ali, a 26th generation Sufi singer from the Mirasi community of Rajasthan, who has been collaborating with French musician Mathias Duplessy for the past few years.

At the just-concluded maiden edition of the World Music Festival, which featured bands and artistes from across the globe, Ali staged a mesmerizing performance with Duplessy. He says language doesn't matter when it comes to appreciating music. "Music is a bridge of life. It connects humans with life. Otherwise, human beings are not really connected to life. After listening to music, a human being first joins with himself. When he joins with himself, he joins with society. This is the job of music and art. People also understand this," Ali told IANS here. "I feel proud that the new generation is also appreciating our music. The feeling of music is important... Language doesn't matter," he added. Ali and Duplessy, who composed music for the film "Finding Fanny", have enthralled concert goers across the world with their performances.

Yet, Ali says that his beginnings have been incredibly humble and full of challenges. "Our community (Mirasi) is almost at the (India-Pakistan) border. Our tradition has been to sing with livestock keepers. Both Hindus and Muslims used to participate in our concerts. Our people also used to choose songs which would cater to both Hindus and Muslims and even Sikhs. That was done by our ancestors and then, the Sufi trend went on from there. It has been 700 years since our ancestors pioneered the trend," Ali explained.

He reminisced the time when the impact of his community's music weakened and how he took on the challenge to revive it.

"When India won independence and when it was almost 40 years since that time, new mass media like TV and radio came and our people weren't really educated according to that. Then their music got weak. After the 80s, people almost stopped singing. "After education, the Muslims said that their people should not listen to music in Islam and Hindus said that Muslims should not sing in temples, so it was difficult for both of them," he said. But Ali insisted his father teach him music. "Our ancestors said that we can't continue singing. But then, out of 100 families, I took the challenge and told my father, 'I want to learn music, please teach me'. But he warned me that I could starve due to this. "However, I remained adamant.

When my father was alive, I travelled at least three to four countries on the basis of my music. For me, it was an honour and my father was happy that I took the music out of India," Ali said.

Now, Ali takes pride saying that more youngsters from the Mirasi community are learning music. He calls upon the media and especially social media to promote their music. "Media plays a big role in promoting music. Social media has reached out to everyone. Our music, our folk, whether it is from Rajasthan or any other place, should be heard more. I also request to media to promote this music more," Ali said. As to how he met Duplessy, Ali said: "I met Mathias in 9-10 years. It was the will of god. We met in Mumbai, and we felt that we know each other very well."

M

ohammed al-Saedi leads me through the densely populated Gaza City neighborhood of al-Zaitoun. Walls are painted in blues and pinks, with wooden shutters of purple and yellow. Plants are potted in colorful buckets at each corner.

“Color and flowers give the human positive energy, relax him, and provide much-needed comfort to the soul, heart, and mind,” says al-Saedi, a slender man of 57, wearing a paint-splattered shirt.

The initial idea had been small in scope: to beautify his home with flowers and paint. But neighbors took notice and encouraged al-Saedi to spread the beauty. Some donated funds, others labor or ideas.

Abu Adnan Nayef was experienced with wood and iron and offered to partner with al-Saedi. “Our idea became bigger: to make all Gaza Strip as beautiful as possible.”

Nayef points to an overhead lattice with colorful bucket planters and lanterns dangling from hooks.

“These are broomsticks. Don’t be surprised! We make beautiful things with simple materials.” Tires, wood, iron—all are salvaged and recycled to adorn al-Zaitoun.

“Paintings and flowers are psychological treatments to reduce the severity and pain of poverty. It brings self-reliance,” al-Saedi says. They believe the beautification project helps lessen the pain in Gaza from wars, siege, and destruction, especially for children.

Throughout Gaza Strip, painters, photographers, theater artists, musicians, and filmmakers are using their art not just as a form of therapy, but also as a tool of resistance.

“What we did in the street is a strong reply to the occupation,” al-Saedi explains, referring to Israel’s 48-year military occupation of the Palestinian territories. “The occupation insists on killing the Palestinian people and destroying us psychologically, culturally, and scientifically, in addition to destroying our civilization, history, and future. But the occupation will figure out that the Palestinian people can make life from death.” He points to war debris that had been converted into planters. “We say to Israel: Destroy as much as you’re able, and we’ll build and plant [again].”

Nayef receives Facebook messages from people all over Gaza Strip who want to start similar projects, but lack of resources limits expansion. Tamer Institute for Community Education, a local nonprofit established during the first Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation, and Kinder USA, founded by American physicians and humanitarian relief workers, have provided some much-appreciated support, but much of the funding has come from the pair’s pockets. “We have many talented people,” al-Saedi says. “[With enough resources,] you’d see something new daily.”

A large tank shell lies overturned next to a community garden that they planted. The shell is a remnant of last summer’s war on Gaza, in which 2,205 Palestinians and 71 Israelis were killed. Nayef lifts the missile upright and places a pink rose on its nose.

“I’m going to make something beautiful from it,” he says.

Tamara and Sarah Abu Ramanda, 20- and 23-year-old sisters from Gaza City, are also committed to making something beautiful: music.

Tamara began playing violin two years ago, primarily teaching herself with YouTube videos, and Sarah is a singer. “The violin is small but makes a large sound,” Tamara says in her soft yet confident voice. She relates to the instrument. “Even if you’re small, you can create a lot of music. You can make others really hear you.” It’s not easy for young people trapped in Gaza to be heard outside, Tamara explains. “I can talk through my violin. I can tell the world that we exist.”

Music provides the sisters an escape from the pain of war, the injustice of occupation, and the isolation from living under the siege imposed by Israel when in 2007 the Islamic party Hamas wrested control of the coastal enclave. It’s also how they fight back.

“The main purpose of any entity who wages wars on a weaker country is to break the will of the people,” Tamara says. She practiced violin during the 2014 war despite criticism from friends who thought it inappropriate to play music while people were being killed. “I have to continue to [play violin] to show the world that the occupation can’t destroy our will

From Gaza’s colorful neighborhood to its underground theater, resistance is an art and determination,” Tamara insists. “It’s a kind of resistance not to give up. We don’t want to submit to the occupation.”

Israel wants Palestinians to be regarded as primitive and backward, Tamara says. Through music, she feels she challenges those stereotypes. And traditional music is a vehicle to claim Palestinian heritage in the face of an occupying power that expropriates Palestinian land, resources, and also culture. “It’s a way to say we’ve existed for a long time, and our culture will continue to exist,” Tamara explains.

The sisters are also resisting internal oppression through their music. “Because both the occupation and [the Hamas] government,” Sarah begins, “oppress talents,” Tamara finishes.

Sarah recalls months of rehearsal in 2013 for a project called Gaza Singing for Peace. The morning of the concert, the Ministry of Interior in Gaza informed the group that they couldn’t perform “because boys and girls in the group were singing together in front of people,” Sarah says. After placing calls to various high-level officials, the young musicians eventually obtained government permission and performed in front of an enthusiastic audience.

But the incident served as a reminder that culture in Gaza is controlled by Hamas.

Theater artist Ali Abu Yassin and filmmaker Khalil al-Muzain are well aware of Hamas’ control of cultural expression. There can be no overt sexuality in their scripts or screenplays. Women’s costumes must adhere to conservative Islamic values. In one film, al-Muzain didn’t follow these norms. “The day of the screening, [government officials] took all the material, the machines, and closed the venue,” he says.

Friends warned Abu Yassin against producing his play “The Cage” because it was critical of the political leadership. He produced it regardless and escaped consequences, but believes it was because he is wellknown. “If someone else produced this, I think that Hamas would arrest him,” he says.

Mustafa Sawaf, Hamas’ acting minister of culture in Gaza, admits that artistic work might be censored if it doesn’t “match the culture of the society” but claims that political criticism is welcome. “Any government has to accept criticism,” Sawaf says. “We are human, we make mistakes, and the aim of art is to deliver a message about societal improvement and evaluation.”

Abu Yassin also used to criticize the former ruling party, Fatah. The difference between criticizing Fatah then and criticizing Hamas now? “Now I feel afraid,” Abu Yassin says.

Censorship of Palestinian culture is not new. According to Palestinian theater historian Samer al-Saber, the Israelis practiced it (and in some ways still do). In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the Israeli military governor (or his appointed committee) censored plays either because the content invoked Palestinian nationalism or because “performances constituted public gatherings, which were often banned without regard to content,” al-Saber says.

On matters of principle—freedom of women, political pluralism, human rights—al-Muzain doesn’t compromise. But he avoids triggering Hamas’ censorship by expressing his ideas diplomatically. It’s either that or clashing with the Hamas authorities, staying silent, or emigrating—options he’s eliminated. “I know my society; I want to develop it,” he says.

“France doesn’t need me, America doesn’t need me.

But Gaza needs me.”

“In 1970, Gaza had 12 cinemas,” Abu Yassin says.

Today there are none. Gazan society has become increasingly conservative over the years, a trend that has intensified since the Islamic Hamas movement came into power, Abu Yassin says.

The absence of liberal culture left a void, he says, in which intolerant, inflexible viewpoints have flourished. Abu Yassin believes his art will ultimately lead to more freedom, cultural awareness, self-respect, tolerance, and knowledge about how to defend one’s rights, but it’s a long, uphill struggle. “I don’t think

that we can have a country, a [Palestinian] state without theater and cinema,” he says.

According to Sarah, one of the musical sisters, young women in Gaza rarely sing, especially in public. “[Many people believe] it’s forbidden for a girl to sing, for people to see her. So this is what silences us, but I refuse this. When I sing, I feel freedom.”

The number of female actors has also decreased.

One of Abu Yassin’s apprentices, a vivacious 19-yearold named Yasmeen Katba, joined his Ashtar theater troupe at age 11, but in 12th grade, her father forbade her to continue. “[People in Gaza think] what we do [in theater] is impolite,” Katba says. Community members often assume that acting is akin to belly dancing or that their plays include love scenes, “but that’s wrong,” she continues. “And when they come to see our plays, they change their minds.” Eventually, Katba found the confidence to confront her father. “I told him I’m old enough and I know what I’m doing. He accepts—I can’t say 100 percent—but he’s accepting it because he knows it’s part of my life.”

Katba and Ehab Elyan (another student of Abu Yassin) both believe that theater can tackle the internal social problems facing Gaza’s economy, education system, youth, and women, as well as powerfully communicate Palestinian suffering and humanity to the world.

“Theater doesn’t fix problems,” Elyan says. “We only highlight them.” Though Elyan would love to act in comedies or romances, he says, “We are a nation under occupation … this is the issue we must talk about, not love.”

According to Abu Yassin, people appreciate theater if their issues are portrayed and actors “express things ordinary people cannot say.” The reality that Abu Yassin’s art reflects is often defined by war, blockade, and crushing poverty. But his plays also provide temporary relief from those hardships. “When I see someone laughing because of my words, I feel that I own the world,” he says.

Al-Muzain wants audiences to leave his films affirming humanity and wants his art to support Palestinian unity. Isolating Gaza from the rest of Palestine, as if it were an independent kingdom, only serves the agendas of both Hamas and Israel, he insists. But the enforced separation between Gaza and the West Bank makes it difficult for al-Muzain to create relationships with other Palestinian artists, and the nearly sealed borders with both Egypt and Israel make it almost impossible for him to travel with his films to international festivals.

Though Skype has opened to Abu Yassin some level of communication with fellow artists, and YouTube has allowed him to view artistic work from around the world, he’s rarely able to bring his productions to the outside world. “Our work is kept locked here,” he says. “Our dreams are killed.”

The siege means a lack of construction materials for sets and props, and there is a dearth of trained actors, especially women. Gaza’s chronic electricity shortage brings an ever-present hum of generators— making it challenging to record clean audio. Damaged film or a broken stage bulb might take weeks to replace. During the 2014 war, al-Muzain happened to bring home his external drives with all his footage, which he kept in an office in the Basha Tower. The Basha Tower was bombed that night; the director’s lifework narrowly missed being buried under rubble. “The best movie to make in Gaza is about making a movie in Gaza,” al-Muzain jokes.

He recently produced an outdoor human rights “red carpet” film festival in the war-devastated neighborhood of Shejaiya. Rubble from destroyed houses provided a backdrop for the projection, and a resident whose family had been wiped out in the assault cut the ribbon. Those honored by walking down the red carpet? Children who had endured profound trauma. Al-Muzain says the audience was brought to tears. “The stars were the people of Shejaiya.”

Al-Muzain’s love for his people is matched by his apprehension about their future. “I’m afraid for Gaza,” the filmmaker says. “I don’t know where we, as a society, are going.”

Abu Yassin shares Al-Muzain’s trepidation, yet refuses to surrender hope. “More than anyone else, artists must have hope and must create hope for the people,” he says. “[My art] is community resistance and political resistance—resistance by insisting on life.”

Jen Marlowe is the communications associate for Just Vision and the founder of donkeysaddle projects. Her award-winning books and films include Witness Bahrain, I Am Troy Davis, The Hour of Sunlight, One Family in Gaza, and Darfur Diaries.

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.

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

PERSPECTIVE

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Be the media, know the media, change the media

W

e’re facing a crisis at the heart of our media system – in other words with the dominant players across our media environment – on many different levels: of funding, of ethics, of representation and of legitimacy. The crisis is related, in particular, to the increasingly unequal distribution of resources in our media landscape. This is a landscape characterised by the domination of attention, audiences and agendas by a relatively small number of very powerful companies – both online and offline – all of whom have close associations with the highest levels of our political system. I don’t for a moment think that these organisations work together as some kind of cohesive unit – indeed I have written extensively on the contradictions of media power and the fact that audiences and media organisations are not always in tune with each other and that what we call ‘the media’ refers to a variety of different cultures, routines and institutions – but nevertheless I do think that they share some systemic features that I want to outline.

There are many elements of the media crisis but I want to focus on just three. The first concerns a problem with trust. Now classical liberal theory tells us that our independent media ought to be crucial instruments for holding powerful bodies to account and for representing the views and experiences of ordinary people. They are, after all, supposed to be ‘the fourth estate’. Yet our trust in them remains low. The most recent Edelman Trust Report shows that under a third of the UK population trust the media as a whole. What’s interesting is that top earners trust the media far more than the poorest – 54% to 26% – presumably because the wealthy perceive that the media represents their interests more adequately than do the poorest.

It gets worse though: only 22 percent of the UK population trusts journalists to tell the truth in contrast to the 90 percent who trust doctors to tell the truth. This means that we have far more confidence in the ability of surgeons to operate on journalists than we do in journalists to report on doctors – which may tell you something about recent coverage of the junior doctors’ strike.

Some people will tell you that this is as it should be: if journalists are liked, then it means that they’re not asking the tough questions which ought to make them unpopular. But this seems to me to be the opposite of what’s happening. To the extent that we don’t trust our news media, it’s because we feel they are far too intertwined with the power they are supposed to be reporting on – that for every Leveson Inquiry, there are far more opportunities for Rupert Murdoch to pop into 10 Downing Street (as he did 10 times in the last year) or to pop next door to speak to the chancellor George Osborne just before the BBC licence fee deal (as he did twice); and that for every MPs’ expenses scandal, there are far more occasions when our news media amplify, or at least fail to challenge, a comfortable consensus around, for example, the legitimacy of airstrikes or Jeremy Corbyn’s alleged inadequacies or the need for austerity. To a degree that ought to be a matter of public concern, the media are institutions with and of power.

The second element of the crisis concerns the rapid growth of commercial media at the expense of public media. In other words the embedding of a market logic in communications and the weakening of both public institutions and public accountability – the consequences of which I have written about recently in openDemocracy.

The third feature of the crisis in media concerns the ‘evisceration’ of the meaning of key policy objectives by neoliberal actors. We can see this in particular in relation to debates concerning media pluralism and press freedom. Pluralism is the concept that’s used in Europe to denote the fact that we need to have a sufficient number of outlets that support a range of diverse voices. This is supposed to be a foundational principle that does two things: first, to provide citizens with a full range of information and, second, to break up undue concentrations of power. But recent policy debates have been dominated by a commitment to secure pluralism that sees it not in terms of the fair distribution of media power but as overwhelmingly related to the promotion of consumer choice: of maybe making the menu a little longer but not really looking at what is on the menu itself.

There is a similar evisceration of the meaning of press freedom whereby the ability of journalists to hold power to account through independent investigation and to secure their citizens’ right to know has been squeezed by a new determination to associate such liberties with the rights of corporations to speak as they wish. In the UK, there has for the last few years been a fierce – and thus far highly effective – backlash against government proposals for a new Royal Charter on press self-regulation led by newspaper proprietors claiming that they and their titles are the only guarantors of press freedom. This is despite the fact that it was their activities – the industrial scale phone hacking, the privileged access of proprietors to politicians, and the press’ refusal to tolerate a fully independent audit of its activities – that have so massively lowered the credibility of many news organisations in the public’s eyes.

So, what do we do about these problems: how do we restore public trust, curb the power of unaccountable groups to dominate media spaces and introduce more robust policy principles? Well this is where media reform comes in as we need to do three things: to be the media, know the media and change the media.

The first dimension of media reform acknowledges that if publics cannot rely on the most powerful ex-

We need to think bigger if we are to achieve the sort of media that the public want and need Des Freedman

isting instruments of media to adequately represent their lives as they are lived and to hold power to account, and if we have online environments which are all too often replicating the monopoly structures and commercial orientations of the analogue systems which they were supposed to have replaced, then we need to do something different: to make our own media, to tell our own stories and to highlight our own voices. This relates to the theory and practice of alternative media which draws on participatory accounts of democracy to produce media that better engage with and reflect the diversity of the population. Alternative news outlets, for example, aim to produce content that goes beyond what they see as the false objectivity of mainstream news while community media tend to avoid sensationalist and commercial formats with voices and methods that seek to be more democratic and to talk in the language and register of their audiences.

The second response to the problems we face is to better understand the content, practices and structures of established media structures. This, of course, is at the heart of the field of media studies – a discipline that has long been dismissed as a ‘Mickey Mouse’ subject filled with ‘sub-Marxist gobbledegook.’ By encouraging critical readings of popular texts and institutions, media academics aim to grasp the complex dynamics of these hugely important structures except that we are then accused of glorifying the trivial, the temporary and the talentless.

But we’re also told the opposite: that we – media academics – are glorifying something much worse.

Social services in one London borough recently produced a leaflet aimed at combating signs of radicalisation arguing that “showing a mistrust of mainstream media reports” could be evidence that children are being groomed by extremists. The only radicalisation strategy that interests me in my work is one that relates to cultivating the ability of students to think independently and critically and not to take for granted the symbolic mechanisms that attempt to render certain stories natural and familiar: for example that men are natural ‘experts’ given their systematic over-representation in appearances on broadcast news or that benefits claimants are ‘scroungers’ as we have seen in a whole slew of ‘poverty porn’ programmes.

Yet, as valuable as alternative media and critical knowledge surely are, I would nevertheless claim that they are insufficient without a strategy for radical change. Why? Firstly, there is a risk in equating ‘being’ the media with ‘freeing’ the media. In particular, the emphasis on alternative communication networks and horizontal forms of organisation has led to a failure to confront in any meaningful sense those concentrations of media power with huge symbolic influence and institutional resilience. Todd Wolfson’s fantastic study of what he describes as the ‘Cyber Left’ – networks of individuals involved in Indymedia Centres and the Occupy movement – is particularly instructive here. While welcoming their energy and their contribution to cycles of protest, he argues that the ‘Cyber Left’ were ultimately unsuccessful due to a number of shortcomings including a failure to consider capitalism at the systemic level, a tendency to prioritise technology over social relationships; an underlying resistance to all forms of hierarchy and leadership that weakened their capacity for effective action; and finally a failure to involve and mobilise all individuals irrespective of their backgrounds and networks.

Second, even the most sophisticated understanding of the cultural, political, economic or philosophical dynamics of media institutions and practices doesn’t provide any kind of guaranteed challenge to the existing order of things unless it is complemented by and feeds into a wider political strategy of active opposition. We need therefore creativity, knowledge and activism if we are to produce different and more accountable forms of representation through our media.

For that reason, together with colleagues from the Department of Media and Communications at Goldsmiths, I helped found the Media Reform Coalition following the phone hacking crisis in 2011.

Since then, and in conjunction with a variety of other groups, we have been campaigning against abuses of media power and for changes to media

ownership rules both to check the power of the largest groups and to give marginalised voices better representation and funding.

More than ever, we need to adopt fresh policy frames and new strategies that are more concerned with principles like equality, social justice and above all a redistribution of media. That doesn’t mean we need to junk everything in our regulatory toolkit but we do need to ask tough questions about what will work in an era of concentrated private and state power. To what extent does industry self-regulation that depends on large organisations monitoring their own behaviour adequately protect the public interest? To what extent can ministerial or parliamentary oversight be relied upon when political and media elites are increasingly intertwined? To what extent can competition law protect public services in such a heavily commercialised political and policymaking environment?

The key debate is about how we get reform and what kind of reform we want. Joe Karaganis helpfully distinguishes between two ‘geographies of activism’ in relation to media reform. On the one hand, you have a more civil and polite ‘consumer-rights-based model of policy advocacy’ encapsulated in mainstream media reform strategies and underpinned by ‘liberal’ political values. This would include an emphasis on producing parliamentary submissions, on quiet lobbying, on appealing to the best interests of policymakers and ministers. On the other hand, you have more militant demands for communicative justice that emerge from movements that are particularly concerned with questions of accountability, representation and voice in the media.

For many social movement activists, the first type of liberal media reform – which you might describe as ‘reform from above’ – is seen as potentially counter-productive in that activists are likely to be incorporated into official channels and persuaded to tailor their demands to meet the values and demands of vested interests. For seasoned media campaigners who focus exclusively on parliament, however, cross-party approaches and pragmatic demands are the only likely guarantees of success when faced with very difficult circumstances. For them, ‘reform from below’ risks alienating the very people who they argue have the power to bring about change.

How do you address this tension between socalled ‘modest’ reform demands and a more deeprooted programme of transformation, a tension that lies at the heart of many demands for change?

It isn’t a matter of just finding the right individuals or changing the minds of a top civil servant.

Flaws in media content and governance aren’t due to the failures of individual journalists, programmemakers and politicians but are a reflection of the highly unequal environments in which media content is produced, distributed and consumed. This is a structural and not an individual problem – this is a problem to do with sustained inequalities that are endemic to capitalism. This means that we need to create sufficient pressure such that those individuals who do have the power to make the change will find it difficult to ignore our demands. There is, after all, a world of difference between a campaign which confines itself to parliamentary spaces and calls on a handful of the ‘great and the good’ to plead its case and one which seeks to mobilise greater numbers of people using all the resources at its disposal.

So if we are committed to efforts to transform media systems by campaigning, for example, to diversify media ownership, to introduce new forms of funding for marginalised content, to oppose surveillance, and to press for more ethical forms of journalism, then we must think beyond those policy measures currently on the agenda. Instead, we should investigate the efficacy of measures such as introducing levies on the profits of the largest digital intermediaries and telecoms groups that can be allocated via independent decision making bodies to new voices or to groups who have previously been unable to secure adequate finance in the media marketplace. We might want to impose public interest obligations on our largest media organisations, such as independent editorial boards to curb the power of proprietors, and to introduce conscience clauses to protect journalists from unethical demands from their editors. Indeed, we might think about how best to institute some sort of democracy in the selection of editors and senior executives. We might also want to investigate ways to deal with the corrupting influence of advertising on editorial content as was demonstrated by Peter Oborne’s resignation as chief political commentator of the Daily Telegraph in protest as the title’s lack of coverage of the HSBC banking scandal.

Media reform needs to be embedded in social movements. Media reform activists should work with anti-austerity groups if we’re to address the very narrow consensus in economic coverage; with minority communities if we’re to seek better representation of all the voices in this country; and with media unions if we’re to press for more safeguards for journalists in the face of bullying editors. Joe Karaganis is right to point out that “systemic change requires a social movement capable of linking policy agendas with grassroots activism”. This isn’t impossible. We have seen vibrant movements for media democracy in recent years in places like Mexico City, Istanbul and Athens in recent years where publics have mobilised against corrupt officials and unaccountable media moguls and called for meaningful reform of the media. The struggle to change our media has to be seen as part of broader campaigns for social justice.

This is an edited extract from Des Freedman’s inaugural lecture at Goldsmiths, University of London on 19 January 2016.

7

The Newspaper with an Opinion The Morung Express

North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, prohibits anyone from speaking against their country or government.

Those who dare to do so, are promptly arrested and sent to “re-education” camps where they are forced to accept “superiority” of the country. India is a democracy, yes, and for a democracy to function, its citizens must be allowed to voice out their opinions. The arrest of a student leader belonging to JNU, one of the most prestigious academic institutions of the country, for organizing a protest in their campus itself has left everyone questioning the concept of freedom of speech. However, is granting citizens complete freedom of speech dangerous to the welfare of the state?

Ahyulo Khing, B.A. 4thSem (Pol Science Honours)

The Right to Freedom of Speech

E

very state today is not entirely peaceful because some people or groups have different demands and desires for their own community. These demands and desires clash with the freedom of others, which results in conflict.

This gives birth to instability of law and order in our country.

In India, law and order of the union territory is administered by the Central Government and as mentioned, public order comes under the state lists. If instability arises there is a blame game between the Centre and the State.

At present, the news channels in India are reverberating with the crisis in JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) Delhi, where the President of JNUSU (Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union) Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested by the Delhi police on charges of sedition. He was arrested in connection with an event at the university in which anti-national slogans and those in favour of Afzal Guru a Kashmiri Muslim, who was secretly hanged for attacking on the parliament in Dec.2001 was allegedly raised. This controversial issue has led to huge student protests both at the university as well as in several cities across the country. Incidents like these are an eye-opener about the role of the government and the people in working together to resolve issues in our country.

In the fateful March 5 incident of 2015 in Dimapur, we are reminded of how brutal and inhumane people can get and how the use of force, indiscipline and illogical thinking can result in utter chaos. Dimapur was finally mentioned in news channels across the world but for all the wrong reasons. We are granted with certain basic rights like freedom to assemble peacefully without arms, freedom of speech and expression without hampering the unity and integrity of the nation, and have to use these rights without overriding the basic structure of the constitution. However, instability arises when people resort to violence and fail to realise their rights.

India being a secular country lacks tolerance in many ways.

Article 48 of the Constitution of India mandates the state to prohibit the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. However, these are guiding principles and it cannot be enforceable by law as it falls under the DPSP (Directive Principle of State Policy). Nevertheless, some Muslims were killed for slaughtering cows thereby displaying the intolerant behaviour of our country. Secularism is all about harmony not about how much control one religion has, over the others.

Denial and delay of justice is another major problem in our country. India has the world’s largest number of pending cases which by estimates exceeds to 30 million. Cases in India often results in the accused spending a part of his life in jail, irrespective of whether the accused is found guilty or not, but the time taken to pronounce the final verdict often leads to the delay of justice to both the accused and the victim. This issue also arises because of inadequate number of judges. In order to solve such issues fast track courts should be even extended to district level; and more LokAdalat should be established by the government in order to lessen the issues of delaying justice.

Law and order can be stabilised in our country if people adopt peaceful means and follow the policy of non-violence, as resorting to violence gives birth to aggression.

Though the process of peaceful method is long, it always results to a better solution and government on their part should also execute the law and order efficiently.

Lastly, as a student I believe we have a bigger role to play in our society. It is our responsibility to ensure that our rights are not violated. We need to be aware of our rights and limitations; because we cannot afford to be swayed away by political agenda. At the same time, as students who comprise of the future generation of our country, I believe we must also not allow others to use us as an agenda. We all have the freedom to express our opinions, butopinions also need to be sensible. After all, at the end of the day, I think all we want is a better country that we can be proud of.

“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College.

For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”.

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

8

WednesdAY 24•02•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Budget Session: President highlights Govt initiatives • Firm anti-terror steps underway • India's economy a stable haven • India to open all combat roles to women • PMJDY the world's most successful financial inclusion programme New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): Terming India a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent global economy, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday cited the government's initiatives for ending poverty and boosting employment and said women will be inducted in all fighter streams of the armed forces.

In his address to the joint sitting of the two houses of parliament at the start of budget session, Mukherjee said that firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of crossborder terrorism.

Noting the government's fundamental tenet was "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas" (taking along everyone, progress of everyone), he also said it has pursued a bold and proactive foreign policy.

The over one-hour address was heard with rapt attention by members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha assembled in the central hall of parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Democratic temper calls for debate, not disruption: President

President, Pranab Mukherjee receiving National Salute from the President's Body Guard on February 23. (MIB Photo)

and Congress president Sonia Gandhi were among those present.

"India is a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent global economy.

GDP growth has increased making India the world's fastest growing economy among large economies," he said. Also noting that the country recorded the highest ever software exports, the highest increase in railway capital expenditure and the highest foreign exchange reserves in 2015.

He said innovative initiatives have helped India jump up 12 places in

Christ was a Tamil Brahman: Book by Savarkar's brother MuMbai, February 23 (Pti): A controversial book penned by brother of Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, claiming Jesus Christ was a Tamil Hindu, is being relaunched 70 years after it was first published. The book, penned by Ganesh Savarkar, elder brother of V D Svarkar, will be re-launched here on February 26, the death anniversary of the Hindutva icon, president of the Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial Ranjit Savarkar said.

The book, first published in 1946, also claims that Christianity was initially a Hindu cult and that Jesus died in Kashmir.It claims that people from the Essene cult rescued the crucified Christ and revived him with medicinal plants and herbs from the Himalayas. It also says Christ attained 'Samadhi' in Kashmir.

The book Christ Parichay goes on to claim that Jesus was a "Vishwakarma Brahmin" by birth and Christianity was a sect of Hinduism.The Marathi book is being brought out by Savarkar National Memorial, a trust that preserves and propagates the Savarkar brothers' literature and ideology. The book claims that the present day Palestinian and Arab territories were Hindu land and that Christ travelled to India where he learnt yoga. The book says Christ's real name was Keshao Krishna, Tamil was his mother tongue, and his complexion was dark. Asked about the claims in the book, senior priest and director of the Bombay Archdiocesan Heritage Museum, Father Warner D Souza, said such books will not shake the faith of Christians.

Jaitley defamation: Court order on summons on March 9 New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): A court here on Tuesday fixed March 9 for delivering the order on the issue of summoning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in a criminal defamation case filed by union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass its order on Tuesday, deferred it for March 9. Jaitley has filed a complaint against Kejriwal and five other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. he had told the court on January 5 that Kejriwal and the five people had given "false" and "defamatory" statements against him, harming his reputation.

He said the AAP leaders made the statements with the intention to deflect attention from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation against a particular civil servant who was working with Kejriwal and against whom a third party had filed a complaint.Jaitley requested the court to initiate proceedings against Kejriwal, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chadha and Deepak Bajpayee for defaming him.Jaitley, who headed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) for 13 years till 2013, has been accused of corruption by Delhi's ruling AAP but has denied the allegations.

US envoy favours freedom of expression in varsities PatNa, February 23 (iaNS): Amid uproar over the JNU incident, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Tuesday said he favoured the right of debate and discussion in universities under freedom of expression in a democracy."'Freedom of expression' is a big hallmark of the world's two largest democracies -- India and the US. It should be encouraged in universities," Verma said during an interaction with the media here.

The US envoy was asked for his comment on the hue and cry across the country after JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on sedition charges."Every democracy has to protect the space given to an individual for free speech or freedom of expression," Verma said.

He said that during his trips across India in the last 14 months, he found the country "full of diversity".

"There is diversity of people, diversity of language, diversity of thoughts and ideas. All this makes India great," he said.

the latest rankings by the World Bank on ease of doing business.

The president said that government has taken a number of measures for a progressive and non-adversarial tax regime, and is engaged in simplifying procedures and repealing obsolete laws, apart from unlocking infrastructure development opportunities and cutting subsidy leakages.

He said generating employment was a top priority and it is being done through initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, Mudra scheme and Skill India.

On agriculture which has suffered two successive seasons of inadequate rainfall, the president said the government was taking steps to usher in a second Green Revolution in the eastern region.

Mukherjee congratulated the security forces for successfully foiling the terrorist attack at Pathankot air base and said "firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism".

The president said the government had fulfilled its commitment on One Rank One Pension.

Noting 'Shakti', which means power, was the manifestation of female energy which "defines our strength", he said that induction of women as Short Service Commission officers and as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force) has been approved.

Noting that the overriding goal of the government was poverty eradication and the poorest of the poor have the first claim on the nation's resources, he said the Pradhan Mantri JanDhan Yojna was the world's most successful financial inclusion programme and of the over 21 crore bank

New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that democratic temper calls for debate and not disruption and urged MPs to discharge their duties in a spirit of mutual accommodation.

In his address to the joint sitting of both houses of parliament at the start of budget session, the president said parliament reflects the supreme will of the people.

"Democratic temper calls for debate and discussion, and not disruption or obstruction. `Let noble thoughts come from all directions' should be the spirit behind the debate in this temple of democracy," he said.

The president said being a member of parliament bestows great honour as well accounts opened, 15 crore were operational with an aggregate deposit of over Rs.32,000 crore.

He listed the government's particular focus on poverty eradication, farmers' prosperity and employment generation for youth.

With the past two sessions marred by repeated adjournments over a range of issues, the president said that democratic temper calls for debate and not disruption and urged MPs to discharge their duties in a spirit of mutual accommodation.

On Pakistan, he said that the government is committed to forging a

as important responsibilities.

He said the government will constantly strive for smooth and constructive conduct of parliamentary business.

"I urge all members of parliament to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing and prosperous India."

The past two sessions of parliament were marred by repeated adjournments over a range of issues. Both the government and the opposition blamed each other for the disruptions.

The president said the citizens owe a great debt to freedom fighters. "It is time to repay that debt, by building the country that they envisioned and fought for."

"mutually beneficial relationship and creating an environment of cooperation in combating crossborder terrorism."

The president also spoke of measures to combat black money and corruption and improve governance, as well as initiatives under Swatch Bharat programme and the commitment to provide housing to all by 2022.

Uninspiring says OppOsitiOn Opposition parties said that the president's address was "uninspiring" and did not mention any of the rag-

ing controversies such as concerning the Jawaharlal Nehru University but Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar defended it, saying it reflected government's commitment to the welfare of villages, poor, farmers and youth.

Congress leader Ashwani Kumar however said the address was "utterly uninspiring and completely directionless", while CPIM leader Sitaram Yechury said the address did not refer to burning issues such as the government action in JNU and its plan to "replace history with Hindu mythology".

Haryana calm, eyes normalcy, Countries should unite to tackle CM Khattar faces residents' ire anti-microbial resistance: Nadda rohtak/ChaNDigarh, February 23 (iaNS): Haryana saw relative calm for the first time in nine days on Tuesday as Jats seeking job quotas withdrew from the streets or were chased away. Highway and rail traffic was restored even as security forces were on alert to foil clashes between Jats and nonJats. In a sign of people's anger over the mindless violence that rocked the state, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar faced angry traders and residents in Rohtak town and was forced to retreat and leave for Delhi.

Khattar, who reached Rohtak for the first time after widespread violence during the Jat agitation devastated many parts of the town, vowed not to spare those guilty of rioting and arson that crippled Haryana.

"A high-level probe will be conducted into the (violence) and strict action taken against officers and employees of police and administration involved in this," Khattar told the media in Rohtak.

In a fine balancing act, he said the Jat community will get job quotas under a special provision and the OBC quota of 27 percent won't be disturbed. The OBC communities don't want Jats to be included in the OBC bracket.

In New Delhi, Khattar attended a meeting with union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkiaih Naidu and other ministers who are part of a high-powered panel studying the issue of reservation for Jats in other states.

Nineteen people were killed and nearly 200 injured in the nine days when Jats held Haryana to ransom, and in the process disrupted life in large parts of north-

ern India. Traffic was restored on the busy Delhi-Ambala national highway (NH-1) after three days. Three people were killed when Jat protesters blocked the highway on Monday, forcing security forces to open fire.

Traffic was also restored on the Delhi-Hisar NH-10, especially near Sampla town, police said.

Curfew was relaxed in Rohtak town and some other places. Some villages and towns were tense as some members of Jat and non-Jat communities headed for a clash on Monday.

The worst affected districts in the Jat agitation were Rohtak, Bhiwani, Hisar, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Jind, Panipat and Kaithal.

The government has an ex-gratia of Rs.10 lakh to the next of kin of the innocents killed in the agitation and employment to a member of the family of the deceased. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has pegged the loss to Haryana and other states due to the violence at Rs.34,000 crore. Referring to an audio clip in which a close aide of a Congress leader is heard inciting people to indulge in violence, Khattar said those who damaged property would be identified and strict action taken against them.

The government has promised to compensate those who lost property in the agitation. The chief minister said 'dharnas' across the state had been lifted and blockades on all roads cleared.

Earlier, Khattar was shown black flags by a section of traders and residents who raised slogans against him and questioned his government's failure to deal with the Jat agitation.

New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): South Asian countries should jointly tackle anti-microbial resistance that has arisen due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Tuesday.

Nadda urged the countries to improve prescription practices, carry out prescription audits and compile digital repository of patients' medical histories to combat overuse and misuse of antibiotics.

"A collective action is required by all stakeholders within a region to work towards this common goal.

Anti-microbial resistance has emerged the number one public health challenge faced by the world today," said Nadda at the inauguration of a three-day international conference on combating anti-microbial resistance here.

The World Health Organisation has also said that antibiotics, when used inappropriately, become incapable of treating bacterial infections.

Extending commitment to work with other countries towards combating the problem, Health

UNICEF

Secretary B.P. Sharma said: "The ministry has undertaken an exercise to map health facilities in the private and public sectors across the country, which shall be completed in the next three years."

"It will provide a useful database to analyse the various determinants and impacts of non-rational use of antibiotics," said Sharma.

On the occasion, the health ministry released 'Infection Control Guidelines for Hospitals'.

The conference is be-

ing attended by health minister of Bhutan Tandin Wangchuk, health minister of Nepal Ram Janam Chaudhary, and minister of state for health of Maldives Mohamed Habeeb.

Tandin Wangchuk, said: "The inappropriate use of antibiotics is leading to high mortality and morbidity, resulting in serious social and economic consequences."

Ram Janam Chaudhary and Mohamed Habeeb said they would full cooperate in efforts to counter anti-microbial resistance.

Students, teachers, politicians at solidarity march for Vemula New Delhi, February 23 (iaNS): A solidarity march to condemn the "institutional killing" of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula on Tuesday drew support from thousands including students and faculty members of various universities, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Left leaders.

Students, activists, party leaders and faculty members took out a march from Ambedkar Bhawan to Jantar Mantar in support of the 26-year-old Vemula, who committed suicide on January 17 after being suspended from the University of Hyderabad, and demanded action against central ministers Smriti Irani, Bandaru Dattatreya and others.

Five Dalit students, including Vemula, were suspended in September following a clash with a leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Dattatreya, who is the MP from Secundrabad, had written to Irani, the

human resource development minister, seeking action against the students, following which they were suspended.

Vemula's family members, friends and teachers were also joined by senior Communist leaders including Sitaram Yechury, D. Raja, Kavita Krishnan and several Aam Aadmi Party leaders including Ashutosh.

Members of the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Aam Aadmi Party students' wing Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) also participated in the solidarity march along with students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University (DU) and University of Hyderabad.

Kejriwal, who addressed the rally at Jantar Mantar, accused the central ministers of "driving Vemula to suicide".

"Till today, the two ministers have not been questioned. The ministers who

drove Rohith Vemula to commit suicide are roaming freely and no action taken against them. The culprits should be immediately arrested and investigation initiated against them," he demanded.

Accusing the Narendra Modi-led government of being at "war with the students of the country", he warned the prime minister against such a course.

"Modiji, don't mess with students. If they get together, they'll shake your chair in such a way that you won't forget ever," he said.

Kejriwal also requested the government not to "interfere" in academic affairs.

"Leave the educational institutes to the educationists. Do not interfere in it."

As a man was seen raising 'Aarakshan virodhi Kejriwal' slogan when Kejriwal addressed the rally, the Delhi chief minister, instead of intervening, said that he should be allowed to protest.

"Let him protest. We believe in freedom of ex-

pression. When did I say I am against reservations?

I have always supported them," he said.

Hitting hard at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Gandhi said that it was robbing students and thinkers of their freedom of expression and dissent.

"RSS and BJP want to impose one language one ideology on everyone throughout the country.

They don't want other ideas and traditions to flourish but we don't want our India to be like this. We want crores of ideas, crores of ideologies, an India where creativity flourishes," he said.

Gandhi also demanded a law against discrimination in educational institutions across the country.

"What happened to Rohith has not happened to him exclusively.... many students across the educational institutes face discrimination. Our girls are suppressed, Dalits are discriminated against and tribals are repressed," he said.

3000 condoms, 2000 liquor bottles at JNU': This BJP MLA is keeping count alwar, February 23 (Pti): Amidst the raging JNU row, a BJP MLA has stoked fresh controversy by alleging that the premier university is a hub of sex and drugs where over 3,000 used condoms and 2,000 liquor bottles are daily found.

Gyandev Ahuja, BJP MLA from Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, alleged that those studying in JNU were indulging in all these “illicit” activities.

“More than 10,000 butts of cigarettes and 4,000 pieces of beedis are found daily in the JNU campus.

50,000 big and small pieces of bones are left by those eating non-vegetarian food. They gorge on meat... these anti-nationals. 2,000 wrappers of chips and namkeen are found, as also 3,000 used condoms — the misdeeds they commit with our sisters and daughters there. And 500 used contraceptive injections are also found.”

Besides this, 2,000 liquor bottles as also over 3,000 beer cans and bottles are daily detected in the campus, he claimed. “Who drinks it? Takes a guess,” he said.

The BJP MLA went on to claim that “Students are mostly found taking drugs after 8 p.m. inside the campus. Those studying in JNU are not children, many are parents of even two children. They indulge in peace protests in the mornings and during the nights, they perform obscene dance,” he said during a protest march on Monday in Alwar attacking JNU students.

WednesdaY 24•02 •2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

IS tightens grip on govt road to Aleppo BEIRUT, FEBRUARY 23 (REUTERS): Islamic State fighters were reported to have tightened their grip on a Syrian government supply route to Aleppo on Tuesday as the army battled to retake the road, which is important to its campaign to retake the city.

As Damascus accepted a U.S.-Russian plan for a “cessation of hostilities” between the government and rebels due to take effect on Saturday, heavy Russian air strikes were also said to be targeting one of the last roads into opposition-held parts of Aleppo.

The plan announced by the United States and Russia on Monday is the result of intensive diplomacy to end the five-year-long war.

But rebels say the exclusion of Islamic State and the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front will give the government a pretext to keep attacking them because its fighters are widely spread in opposition-held areas.

The Syrian government, backed by Russian air strikes since September, said it would coordinate with Russia to define which groups and areas would be included in what it called a “halt to combat operations”. Damascus also warned that continued foreign support for the rebels could wreck the agreement.

The Russian intervention has turned the mo-

around 150 people in government-controlled Damascus and Homs.

A U.S.-Russian statement said the two countries and others would work together to delineate the territory held by IS, Nusra Front, and other militant groups excluded from the truce.

In Geneva, U.N. spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said: “This is a cessation of hostilities that we hope will take force very quickly and hope provide breathing space for intra-Syrian talks to resume.”

A man sprays water on an ambulance at a site hit by what activists said were three consecutive air strikes carried out by the Russian air force, the last which hit this vehicle, in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan town in Idlib province, Syria on January 12. (REUTERS File Photo)

mentum President Bashar al-Assad’s way in a conflict that has splintered Syria and mostly reduced his control to the big cities of the west and the coast.

Damascus, backed by ground forces including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards, is making significant advances, including near the city of Aleppo which is split between rebel- and government-

control.

The Islamic State assault has targeted a desert road which the government has been forced to use to reach Aleppo because insurgents still control the main highway further west.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reports the war using a network of sources on the ground, said the road remained cut for a

second day. A Syrian military source told Reuters army operations were continuing to repel the attack.

Observatory Director Rami Abdulrahman told Reuters: “The clashes are ongoing, the regime recovered four of seven (lost positions). It is still cut.” It later reported IS had seized control of the village of Khanaser on the road.

Islamic State, which

controls swathes of eastern and central Syria, differs from rebels fighting Assad in western Syria because its priority is expanding its own “caliphate” rather than reforming Syria through Assad’s removal from power.

The group has escalated attacks on government targets in recent days. On Sunday, it staged some of the deadliest suicide bomb attacks of the war, killing

RIGHT TO RESPOND Damascus stressed the importance of sealing the borders and halting foreign support for armed groups and “preventing these organisations from strengthening their capabilities or changing their positions, in order to avoid what may lead to wrecking this agreement”.

The Syrian military reserved the right to “respond to any breach by these groups against Syrian citizens or against its armed forces”, a government statement added.

The main, Saudibacked Syrian opposition body said late on Monday it “consented to” the international efforts, but said acceptance of a truce was conditional on an end to blockades of rebel-held areas, free access for hu-

manitarian aid, a release of detainees, and a halt to air strikes against civilians.

The opposition High Negotiations Committee also said it did not expect Assad, Russia, or Iran to cease hostilities.

The powerful Kurdish YPG militia, which is currently fighting both Islamic State and rebels near Aleppo, is “seriously examining” the U.S.-Russian plan to decide whether to take part, a YPG official told Reuters. “There is so far no decision,” said the official, declining to be identified because he is not an official YPG spokesman.

The YPG, an ally of the United States in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, has recently received Russian air support during an offensive against rebels near Aleppo.

Britain said on Tuesday it had seen disturbing evidence that Syrian Kurdish forces were coordinating with the Syrian government and the Russian air force.

Turkey, a major sponsor of the insurgency against Assad, said it welcomed plans for the halt to fighting but was not optimistic about a positive outcome to talks on a political transition.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Ankara had reservations about actions that

Russian forces could take against Syria’s moderate opposition and civilians.

Turkey is worried about the expansion of YPG influence in Syria, fearing it could fuel separatism among its own Kurdish population.

A rebel fighter in the Aleppo area said he did not expect the ceasefire plan to work.

“The Russian jets will not stop bombing on the pretext of Nusra and the Islamic State organisation, and will keep bombing civilians and the rest of the factions with this pretext,” said Abu al-Baraa alHamawi, a fighter with the Ajnad al-Sham group.

“Everything that is happening is pressure to extend the life of the regime,” he told Reuters from the Aleppo area.

SyRIaN mONITOR ESTImaTES mORE THaN 370,000 DEaD IN waR The number of dead in Syria’s five-year-long war is estimated at more than 370,000, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said on Tuesday, raising its toll for documented deaths to more than 270,000. The Observatory said it could not document all deaths for reasons including secrecy over casualties on the part of the warring sides, and difficulties in reaching some areas.

NKorea warns against US, Myanmar Army Chief pushes Simple blood test to diagnose SKorea military exercises against quick constitution change people with active TB: Study SEOUL, FEBRUARY 23 (REUTERS): North Korea warned on Tuesday of harsh retaliation against South Korea and its ally the United States, which are preparing for annual joint military exercises next month amid heightened tensions following the North’s nuclear test and rocket launch.

The North calls the annual exercises preparations for war and routinely vows to retaliate.

“All the powerful strategic and tactical strike means of our revolutionary armed forces will go into preemptive and just operation to beat back the enemy forces to the last man if there is a slight sign of their special operation forces and equipment moving to carry out the so-called ‘beheading operation’ and ‘high-density strike,’” the Supreme Command of the Korean People’s Army said in a statement carried by state media.

It said its first target would be South Korea’s presidential Blue House, while U.S. military bases in Asia and on the U.S. mainland would be its secondary targets. About 28,500 U.S. troops are based in South Korea.

Last week, South Korean President Park Geun-hye warned of tough measures against the North following its January nuclear test and its long-range rocket launch this month, saying Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons would speed the collapse of the regime.

South Korea and the United States say both actions were violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and are pushing for further sanctions.

Days after the rocket launch, South Korea suspended the operation of the Kaesong industrial zone just north of the border, which had been run jointly with the North for more than a decade.

Isolated North Korea and the rich, democratic South are still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a treaty.

WHO seeks measures against declining efficacy of antibiotics NEw DELhI, FEBRUARY 23 (IANS): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sought concrete measures against diminishing efficacy of antibiotics which, if it continues, will make bacterial infections such as skin sores and diarrhoea untreatable and fatal.

“Now is the time to turn pledges into action, stake out a clear roadmap and take action to prevent further erosion of our health security. The effectiveness of existing antibiotics is extremely valuable, and we must do all we can to preserve it,” said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.

According to the WHO, when an antibiotic is used, bacteria that can resist that antibiotic have a greater chance of survival than those that are susceptible.

When antibiotics are used inappropriately -- such as when they are taken needlessly, too regularly or when an incomplete course is taken -- bacterial infections become immune to them, Khetrapal Singh said at a three-day international meeting on ‘Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Public Health Challenge and Priority’, here.

Globally 700,000 people die every year as a result of once-treatable health conditions.

Khetrapal Singh urged the South Asian countries to stop the easy availability of antibiotics.

“Governments must take strong measures to stop over-the-counter availability of antibiotics, while strengthening and enforcing legislation to prevent the manufacture, sale and distribution of substandard antibiotics,” said Khetrapal Singh.

In 2011, health ministers of all countries in the South Asian region adopted the Jaipur Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance, which calls for national action plan to combat the problem.

YANGON, FEBRUARY 23 (REUTERS): Less than a week after a third transition meeting between Myanmar’s commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the powerful Army Chief has pushed back against any quick changes to the constitution.

The 2008 document, which bars Suu Kyi from becoming president even after her National League for Democracy (NLD) swept a historic election last year, has been a bone of contention between her party and the military. Suu Kyi has vowed to disregard it and lead the country from “above the president”.

Min Aung Hlaing said that the junta-drafted constitution should be amended “at an appropriate time” in accordance with constitutional provisions. Some senior NLD members and pundits had speculated that the articles banning Suu Kyi from becoming president could be tempo-

rarily suspended as part of a power-sharing deal between the armed forces and the NLD. “Since Myanmar has been undergoing democratization only for five years, necessary provisions should be amended at an appropriate time in accordance with the chapter XII of the constitution,” the military-run Myawady daily reported Min Aung Hlaing as saying at a meeting with military officers on Monday.

Talks between the two sides over a protracted political transition drag on amid reports that the military chief has secured a five-year extension.

The military stepped back from direct rule of Myanmar in 2011 after nearly five decades in power. Under the semi-civilian government that took its place, the military still holds considerable political power and Suu Kyi will need to forge a relationship with the armed forces to govern effectively.

A quarter of the seats in the country’s national parliament

are held by unelected military MPs. The same is true for the smaller state and regional parliaments.

The military also remains in control of three key ministries - defence, border affairs and home affairs.

Political analyst Yan Myo Thein said the military chief’s remarks were his public answer to speculation over potential quick changes to the constitution. “That’s a clear message indicating the stance of the military concerning the constitutional amendment issues,” he said.

“So we can understand that suspension or amending of any constitutional provisions can’t be expected at the moment.”

Myanmar’s transition is particularly lengthy. The NLDdominated parliament sat for the first time on Feb. 1, but the nominations for president will not be announced until March 17. The new government’s term is due to start on April 1.

NEw YORk, FEBRUARY 23 (IANS): A team of US researchers, including an Indian-origin scientist, has developed a simple blood test that can accurately diagnose active tuberculosis (TB) - a disease that globally infects 9.6 million people each year and kills 1.5 million.

Researchers at the Stanford University in California have found a gene expression that distinguishes patients with active TB from those with either latent TB or other diseases.

“The test can be used not only for diagnosis and to inform treatment, but also to study the effectiveness of different treatments. The test’s hugely accurate negative response would be especially helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments during clinical trials,” said Purvesh Khatri, assistant professor at the university.

Named as the Khatri test, it works on an ordinary blood sample and removes the need to collect sputum - a common test for TB. The results showed that the test could also signal a TB infection even if the individual also has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The test won’t give a positive re-

sponse if someone only has latent TB or has had a TB vaccine. The test is 86 percent sensitive in children it works in adults too.

And if the test comes up negative, it’s right 99 percent of the time. That is, of 100 patients who test negative with the Khatri test, 99 do not have active TB, the researchers elicited.

Further, the test can potentially be done under relatively basic field conditions in rural and undeveloped areas of the world.

“Any hospital should be able to perform the test. Villages without electricity could likely use ordinary blood samples and a solar-powered PCR machine, which multiplies strands of DNA, to accurately test people for active TB,” Khatri mentioned.

Khatri’s team identified three human genes whose expression changes in a consistent pattern, revealing the presence of an active tuberculosis infection.

The team validated the new threegene test in a separate set of 1,400 human samples from 11 different data sets, confirming the diagnostic power of the test.

Former Thai PM Thaksin cautions on economy, says no deal with military SINGAPORE, FEBRUARY 23 (REUTERS): Fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra warned Thailand’s ruling generals on Tuesday that a prolonged stay in power will only worsen economic hardship in Southeast Asia’s secondlargest economy.

The junta, which took power following a May 2014 coup, has struggled to revive Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy amid falling exports and high household debt and critics say economic mismanagement is the biggest threat to its hold on power.

Speaking to Reuters in Singapore, Thaksin, 66, said the junta lacked the vision and talent to fix an economy in disarray. “It is a government with no freedom and no pool of talent to drive the economy,” Thaksin told Reuters. “The longer they stay, the longer economic hardship is going to be there.”

A decade of turbulent politics has pitted Thaksin and his sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government was ousted in the 2014 coup, against a royal-

ist-military establishment that sees the Shinawatras as a threat.

Thaksin on Tuesday denied long-standing reports he had struck a backroom deal with the military to leave his personal and family interests untouched in exchange for a retreat from politics.

“We are not talking.

I have never telephoned anyone. I don’t know why I would get in touch with them and I have no need to,” Thaksin said. Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile for nearly eight years, mainly in Dubai.

In 2010, he urged his “red shirt” followers to mobilise protests calling for elections that ended in a bloody confrontation with the military in which more than 90 people died. His legacy of village welfare and cheap rural loans made him a hero in red shirt country in the rural north and northeast where he still commands huge respect.

But critics, including the urban elite, accuse Thaksin, a former police colonel turned telecoms tycoon, of widespread corruption. He was sentenced

A woman holds up a New Year calendar showing a picture of former Thai Prime Ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra at a local restaurant in Bangkok on January 18.

(REUTERS Photo)

to two years in prison in 2008 for graft in a land purchase case, which he says was politically-motivated.

The May 2014 coup was the latest instalment in more than a decade of bitter power struggle that has weakened an economy that was once a shining beacon of progress in Southeast Asia.

Thailand has gone through six prime ministers since Thaksin was re-

moved in a 2006 coup and finds itself once again at a crucial political juncture.

The junta has promised elections next year. But some critics are sceptical, saying the military’s objective is to block Thaksin’s allies from returning to power and to consolidate the military’s own powers by writing them into a new constitution.

Another undercurrent of the crisis is a deep anxiety

over the issue of royal succession. Ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, the world’s longest reigning monarch, has been in hospital since May and has been treated for various illnesses.

His heir, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, does not command the same respect as his father. Ensuring a smooth succession will be a daunting task for whoever is in power. Thaksin was reputed to be close to

the prince but said he has not seen him since 2007.

“There is no relationship with him, only that I respect him,” he said. Thaksin’s decision to speak to media this week has riled the junta. “He remains a person without credibility who thinks he is above the law,” government spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters.

The government has rejected Thaksin’s offer to hold formal talks on the country’s political future.

“They said they can’t talk to me because of the cases against me but a coup is a bigger crime,” Thaksin said.

Thaksin, who said he spends his time meeting up with old friends including former heads of state, said he has adjusted to his nomadic life and makes, on average, 120 landings a year in his private jet. He believes he will return to Thailand one day but won’t go back to face charges or live under house arrest because of previous assassination attempts.

“I am confident I can return,” he said. “I am not the bad person I am accused of being.”

10

wednesdAY 24•02•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Australia close in on New Zealand Test win, top ranking

ChristChurCh, February 23 (aFP): Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood pleaded guilty to dissent over a profanity-laced confrontation with the umpires as Australia closed in on a series sweep over New Zealand and the top Test ranking on Tuesday.

Hazlewood's anger and obscenities were picked up by the stumps microphone as he challenged the umpires after an appeal for the wicket of New Zealand's Kane Williamson was turned down.

An Australian team spokesman confirmed that Hazlewood had pleaded guilty to an International Cricket Council charge of dissent. The fine will be determined later.

There was no action against Australia captain Steve Smith, whose voice was also heard in the confrontation.

Australia go into the final day at 70-1 needing a further 131 runs to win the second and final Test and take the series 2-0, and go top in the world rankings.

Joe Burns is on 27 with Usman Khawaja 19. David Warner was out for 22. Jack-

Sports cadet induction rally

KOhiMa, February 23 (Mexn): The Boys Sports Company, Kumaon Regiment Centre, will be conducting an open rally for induction of raw and proven players as sports cadets into Boys Sports Company on March 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. According to a press release from the PRO (Def), Kohima, the rally is for Boxing and Taekwondo streams for boys between the ages of 11 to 15 years and will be open for all districts of Nagaland. Age relaxation for boys of 15 and 16 years age will be given for outstanding players who are medallists in National level or are participants in International level. The candidates are required to bring their Education, Birth and Sports Certificate in original along with two passport size photographs.

son Bird, with his first fivewicket Test haul, and James Pattinson combined to end the New Zealand second innings at 335, giving Australia a 201-run target.

Tempers flare But it was a frustating day in the field for Australia as Williamson and Corey Anderson batted through the morning session and the possibility of an unlikely draw started to appear.

Tempers flared after a Hazlewood lbw appeal for the wicket of Williamson was rejected, with the Australians converging on umpires Richard Kettleborough and Ranmore Martinesz.

Bird said the angry reaction was due to frustration at not being able to take a wicket in the morning session.

"We bowled pretty well in the first session and we probably thought it was out, but those 50-50 calls either go your way or they don't," he said.

"It was probably the frustration of the whole session. We'd bowled pretty well and hadn't got a wicket and we'd been pretty close a couple of times.

"Test cricket is a hard game

and sometimes tempers can boil over and people can get frustrated."

Although Australia are in a commanding position, New Zealand allrounder Anderson said his side lived in hope. "Hopefully we can go 'bang bang' and then potentially run through them," he said.

Burns offered chances but luck was on his side. On 19, he pulled Matt Henry through square leg where Neil Wagner was unable to hold a difficult chance. On 23, an inside edge off Henry sailed close to off stump.

"We managed to run through the tail pretty quickly in the first innings after they'd put on about 400 for the first six wickets," Anderson said.

"If we can get in a similar situation then we've just got to back ourselves."

Bird strikes Although Australia have been dominant for much of the Test, New Zealand put up a valiant fight with two century partnerships as they battled to save the contest.

Williamson made 97 when adding 102 for the fifth wicket with Anderson.

The loss of Ander-

Hazlewood pleads guilty to dissent in umpire row

Josh Hazlewood of Australia celebrates after Umpire Ranmore Martinesz gave Kane Williamson of New Zealand out LBW as Williamson refered the decision sucsessfully during day four of the Test match between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval on February 23 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Getty Images)

son for 40 was the start of a triple Bird strike that claimed three wickets in six balls. Williamson and Tim Southee also fell before BJ Watling and Henry mounted rearguard resistance, adding 118 for the eighth

GcHss annual sports meet

Students of GCHSS during the school’s 14th annual sports meet.

DiMaPur, February 23 (Mexn): The 14th Annual Sports Meet of Great Commission Higher Secondary School (GCHSS) began on February 23. The sports meet kick-started with a vibrant opening ceremony held at the school campus with MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu in attendance as an honoured guest. The meet will conclude on February 27. Nienu, in his address to the students, underlined the importance of hard work and perse-

verance. “Good things come to those who wait and better things come to those who try,” he quoted, while stating that the Nagas need a revolution in this aspect, which ultimately would impact life in general.

“What Nagas need is a revolution in our work culture, that is, we need to be more sincere, more honest, more punctual, more dedicated, more committed and above all God fearing, be it our approach and our behaviour.”

23rd Zeliang Wrestling held

Peren, February 23 (Mexn): The 23rd Zeliang Wrestling Tournament was held on February 23 with Peter Lichamo, Deputy Commissioner, Peren, as Chief Guest.

While encouraging players in his speech, he

said that the spirit of sportsmanship should prevail in any event of games and sports.

Earlier, President ZWA, I. Daniel Hemang, in his presidential address, called for a renewed vigor in traditional Naga Wrestling.

Administration of oath was carried out by Hekuirielu Kamlak.

Altogether sixty wrestlers participated in the Naga style, where Nlumrai Hegwang emerged as the Champion of the ZWA tournament. In freestyle,

Asoyibe was declared winner below 50 kg category while Nampotei was declared winner of 51-55 kg category. Rakuding was declared winner of 56 – 60 kg category and Ibalungbe was declared the winner of 61-73 kg category.

wicket. Anderson, having pocketed his usual attacking instincts, occupied the crease for three hours before shelving caution and driving at a wide delivery which he edged on to the stumps. When Bird took the

new ball in his next over he bagged the wicket Australia had fought for all morning, bowling Williamson three runs short of what would have been a 14th Test century, and two balls later he removed Southee for a duck.

CAS to rule on call to suspend FIFA vote

Geneva, February 23 (aFP): The Court of Arbitration (CAS) for Sport said it will decide "no later" than Thursday on a case filed by FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al Hussein calling for this week's vote to be suspended. The Jordanian prince lodged the case after FIFA rejected his call for transparent voting booths to be used at Friday's congress where Sepp Blatter's replacement as the head of world football will be chosen. "The request for provisional measures will be decided by CAS no later than the morning of Thursday 25 February 2016," the Lausanne-based CAS said in a statement. The "provisional measures" sought by Prince Ali include a suspension of the vote. before Friday's vote.

"FIFA opposed our request for an accelerated procedure (at the CAS) so that these questions could

be decided before February 26," the lawyers said.

"It was therefore natural that Prince Ali goes to the CAS." The statement said

the latest official request to CAS was made Monday.

The prince has also paid for transparent voting booths to be sent to Zurich

Where Williamson and Anderson had been the epitome of caution, Watling and Henry took a more aggressive route to disrupt the line of the bowlers who were finding some reverse swing.

Henry, in his fourth Test, had 12 fours in his 66, easily surpassing his previous best of 27. For Australia, Pattinson removed New Zealand's top order in his four for 77 and Bird finished with five for 59.

F1 still quiet despite rule change to boost engine sound

barCeLOna, February 23 (aP): It sounds like Formula One has failed in its attempt to bring back loud engine roars.

Some drivers, teams and fans say they did not notice a significant increase in sound when cars made it to the track for the first time this week in preseason testing in Barcelona. F1 forced teams to introduce a modified exhaust system to try to boost the engine sound after widespread complaints that cars weren't loud enough, but the effects fell short of most expectations.

Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg said the car ''sounds similar'' to what it did last year. Sauber driver Felipe Nasr noticed only ''a little'' increase in the engine sound.

Red Bull's chief engineer officer, Rob Marshall, said F1 would have been better off without the exhaust changes. ''I think the new exhausts are a waste of time,'' Marshall told The Associated Press. ''I don't think it has made it any noisier. I think it just made the car a bit heavier.''

The new exhausts were among the few regulation changes for 2016, along with an increase in the size of the head-protection area in the cockpit. The modifi-

cation in the cockpit was made to better protect the drivers, while the other was aimed at making the cars noisier to please the fans. ''I think it's a little bit better,'' McLaren racing director Eric Boullier said, before pausing to rethinking his answer, ''Isn't it?''

Drivers said the improvement, if any, was minimal. ''It's a very small difference, to be honest,'' Force India driver Sergio Perez said. ''I don't think there's a massive difference from last year.''

Perez noted that the Circuit de Barcelona may give a false impression of improvement because the track is compact and cars are always racing close by, so they are heard from nearly everywhere in the facility. ''I think the cars sound the same as they did before, perhaps just a little throatier,'' said 31-year-old fan Dani Huguet, a regular at the track. ''They need to try something else to improve this, either by changing the size of this turbo or going back to the old engines, which is what everybody really wants.''

The F1 sound changed dramatically after extensive rule changes were implemented two years ago.

prince Ali seeks FiFA vote suspension Paris, February 23 (aFP): FIFA presidential contender Prince Ali bin al Hussein has called on the international sport tribunal to suspend Friday's FIFA presidential election because of the voting arrangements, his lawyers said.

The Jordanian prince, one of five contenders, wants transparent voting booths used at the congress to find a replacement for Sepp Blatter. But this was rejected by FIFA's election commission.

The prince's Paris lawyers said they had gone to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to get the vote suspended because FIFA would not agree to an emergency hearing on the voting booths.

"We have registered a new demand at the CAS asking for the suspension of the election scheduled for Friday February 26," the lawyers said in a statement.

The lawyers, Szpiner, Toby, Ayela and Semerdjian, had already made a request for a CAS hearing about the booths. But they said FIFA's electoral chiefs had blocked a CAS hearing

ChristChurCh, February 23 (aFP): Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood pleaded guilty to dissent on Tuesday following a profanity-laced confrontation with the umpires in the second Test against New Zealand, an Australian team spokesman said.

Tempers flared after a Hazlewood lbw appeal for the wicket of Kane Williamson was turned down. Hazlewood was heard to use a swear word as players angrily converged on the umpires. The team spokesman said there was no immediate word on a penalty for Hazlewood. The stumps microphones at Hagley Oval picked up the obscenity from Hazlewood and others when the Australians converged on umpires Richard Kettleborough and Ranmore Martinesz.

Hazlewood's appeal for the wicket of Williamson on 88 was rejected by Martinesz in the last over before lunch and the third umpire Richard Illingworth, after reviewing a replay, agreed Williamson was not out.

for the congress to find a replacement for Sepp Blatter.

"Only a transparent booth can prove that each voter is following his heart and conscience and that there are no forced votes, by preventing voters taking photos of their voting paper to prove that they have followed voting instructions," Renaud Semerdjian, one of the lawyers, told AFP. FIFA responded by saying that mobile phones and cameras would be banned in the voting booths so that no photos could be taken.

The prince has been joined by another contender, Jerome Champagne, in complaining about the vote however.

Champagne has called on football's world governing body to cancel the accreditation of UEFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) observers who he said would be used to lobby support for two rivals. Champagne accused Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, the AFC president, and Gianni Infantino, UEFA general secretary, of seeking to "swamp" Friday's vote with supporters.

Sheikh Salman and Infantino are considered the frontrunners in the FIFA race.

Champagne, like the prince an outsider, said the observers would give an unfair advantage to Sheikh Salman and Infantino.

The former FIFA deputy secretary general, said he had found out with "stupefaction" that AFC and UEFA observers had been accredited "at the very moment when these two confederations are in their final push in favour of their respective candidates."

He added that those accredited were mainly members of Sheikh Salman and Infantino's campaign teams.

"It is clear that this reveals the objective to swamp the Congress hall with confederation employees able to access the voting FAs and their delegates," he said in an official complaint to FIFA's electoral committee.

He called on the committee to cancel "these unfair and undue privileges" and warned of other action if there was no response in 24 hours.

Alfonso Celis of Mexico takes a curve in the new Force India F1 car during a testing session at the the Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, outside Barcelona, Spain on February 22. (AP Photo)

The series switched from ear-splitting V8 engines to V6 turbo power units, taking away one of the sport's biggest attractions.

Although F1 knew it could not restore the same levels of the V8 engine, it tried to improve the sound by making teams switch from the single exhaust system they used last season to twin exhaust pipes that theoretically make the

sound a bit heavier.

Nasr said cars are still developing and it's too early to say that the change did not really affect the sound of cars. ''I think it's a little higher already,'' the Brazilian said. ''We can't judge right away.'' Hulkenberg did not need any more time to reach his conclusion. ''There's no difference,'' he said, ''it sounds similar to me.''

public discourse

ban on appointment of relatives

T

Keduovilie Linyü

he State Govt. is facing crisis and seek an answer; to remain in dilemma or to resolves to undertake the task of fulfillment with all reasonable means and resources to handle the case of appointment of relatives of retiring employees. Years ago, the government had decided not to favour in appointment of relatives/ children of those retired employees and also no Govt. employee shall be given the option to get their children or their candidates appointment against the resultant vacancy of their normal or voluntary retirement. Such resultant vacancy should be advertised and filled up as per rules.

There exists the policy and rules that a government servant can opt. for voluntarily retirement after 20(twenty) years of service, however, they cannot put a condition that the govt. should consider their request for appointment of their children/ relatives against the resultant vacancy. The order further says that in order to give a fair chance to others , and also considering the unemployment problem amongst the youth , this practice has to be discontinued .

Evidently, still random practice of such appointment of relatives of those retired employees is continuing in different departments. The defaulting departments may have atleast some excuses and priority through influential high officials and politicians. The govt. cannot sleep for long on the issue, and should make an assessment of the progress if any made by the monitoring agency of such standing order. We are aware that the Govt. has in mind that it has to maintain that there exist blood and body - politic and the policy of having a soul of prosperity and fairness.

Uprising number of educated unemployed imply a fundamental change in the outlook of the State , a deeper concern , justice and fair play which largely depend upon the compassion. The protest or problems cannot be wished away nor the govt. keep up the pretence of being concerned about the reservation of backward tribes or about the educated employed youth. We want to live where people can choose to work, where all citizens are equal and where good policies are welcome. There is a tendency to revolve but cannot on the lines of existing rules.

Let us think about the future destiny of those youth who hang in line at the square of Employment Exchange and should not allow them to live by slogan, their face and march in protest.

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.

wednesday 24•02•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Matt Bellamy calls for more female leaders to save planet

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use frontman Matt Bellamy is convinced the planet could be saved from environmental catastrophe if there ‘I’ve asked him to shower more!’ were more female leaders. The British rocker Kendall Jenner reveals Harry Styles has is extremely concerned about the state of the smelly armpits environment and worries humans are heading towards extinction. “Organisms that take His face is an object of lust, adorning milmore than they require from nature go extinct lions of bedroom walls. and that’s where we are,” the Absolution musiBut while Harry Styles may be a heartcian tells Britain’s Q magazine. “That’s just the throb, he could do with improving his perbottom line. I think everybody knows it but nosonal hygiene, at least if Kendall Jenner is to body’s doing anything about it.” be believed.

Matt believes installing more women in The 20-year-old model - who has an onpositions of political leadership would be a off relationship with the One Direction star simple solution to the issue. “I do think if all has tried to encourage the 22-year-old singer politicians were women, the world would be a better place,” he adds. “Men to take more showers and wear a more heavy-duty deodorant as he has tercompete for natural resources in the hope it will secure their chances of getting ribly smelly armpits. laid, that’s what men do.”

Speaking to her youngster sibling Kylie Jenner, 18, in an upcoming episode However, when he met the woman running to be U.S. President, Hillary Clinof their family’s E! reality TV show Keeping Up With the Kardashians she said: ton, and her husband, former U.S. leader Bill, he was not totally impressed. “They ‘I’ve asked him to shower more and told him a little deodorant never hurts.’ seem to me like nice people, very down to Earth,” Matt tells the publication. “HillAnd this isn’t the first time Harry has been told by a girl that he stinks, as ary seemed like one of my friend’s mums but I’m sure she’s an expert at talking to anybody on their own terms. “Put her in a room with me and she’s chatty and friendly: ‘Oh, I love your music.’ You just get the sense that it’s a chess game to them and they’re out to win.”

Source: Contactmusic

Salman gets calls threatening to ‘kill him’, cops launch probe

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n anonymous phone caller has threatened to kill Bollywood star Salman Khan, prompting the Mumbai Police to launch a probe, an official said on Monday. The phone call was made to the city’s Police Control Room on February 16, police said. Police suspected it was a hoax call and launched a probe though no case has been filed yet.

Police has managed to locate the place from where the call was made. Not willing to take chances, cops have decided to review the 50-year-old actor’s security. Khan, who is riding high on box office success with hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, is currently working on Sultan - a film based on a wrestler’s life that also stars Anushka Sharma in the lead role. Nobody from Salman’s family or office was available for a comment . Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the actor in the 2002 hit-and-run case on the Maharashtra government’s petition challenging his acquittal by the Bombay high court. An apex court bench comprising justice Jagjit Singh Khehar and justice C Nagappan told Salman Khan on February 19, that “it would be much, much better if he gets acquittal from this court as it will save him from all the repercussions”.

Source: PTI

From Victoria’s Secret to Bollywood!

S

he had her first brush with Bollywood fame back in November last year when she posed on the cover of Vogue India with award-winning actor Shah Rukh Khan. And now Shanina Shaik has revealed an acting role in the Indian film industry would be an ideal next step in her career.

Speaking to MailOnline, the 25-year-old Victoria’s Secret model, whose father is of Pakistani descent, said a Bollywood gig ‘would be fun’. ‘I think it would be cool.

It would be fun,’ she told MailOnline while in Australia last month to promote Bondi Sands. ‘I should actually try that one day. I would love to go back to India and see... I feel like there’s more jobs to come from India,’ she continued. Last year the model travelled to India for the first time to pose alongside 50-year-old Shah Rukh Khan on the local cover of Vogue.

And no doubt working with the movie star who has been in the industry for over two decades has convinced the beauty there are promising opportunities for her in Bollywood as well. ‘He’s the biggest Bollywood actor. He’s pretty much up there with Brad Pitt,’ she gushed about Khan. ‘He’s a really great, cool guy.’

The runway sensation also re-

vealed she grew up watching Bollywood films, especially during her childhood days spent in Singapore.

‘I used to watch Bollywood movies when I was little,’ she admitted.

While Shanina, who shot to fame after finishing as a runner-up on the 2008 series of Australian reality show Make Me A Supermodel, is best known for her catwalk technique, she is keen to make the transition to the screen, in Bollywood as well as Hollywood.

‘With my schedule I can’t re-

ally get into acting classes,’ she told MailOnline, revealing instead she has a personal acting coach. ‘I had another audition recently for a movie so it’s just really great practice for me,’ she explained about making her acting dream a reality.

‘I’m very lucky to have been asked to audition for roles.’

‘When I was a bit younger, I had the opportunities to act or roles were given to me to try out and audition for and I wasn’t too interested,’ she confessed. ‘I was very focused on my modelling.’ ‘And now I feel like I have a bit more passion for it so I want to try it a bit more,’ she then added.

In November last year Shanina sizzled on the cover of Vogue India’s edition celebrating Shah Rukh Khan’s 50th birthday. Shanina stunned in a revealing white one-piece embellished with diamantes for the James Bond-inspired photo shoot.

Featuring saucy cut-outs along the sides, her highcut number showed off her slender physique. Her dark tresses were worn out in loose waves, while her model height was accentuated with a pair of silver studded heels. Wrapping their arms around each other, both genetically blessed celebrities effortlessly oozed sex appeal as they stared into the camera.

Source: MailOnline

Farhan Akhtar announces his band’s first US tour

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ctor Fa r h a n Akhtar has announced the “first ever” tour dates for his band Farhan Live’s music concert in the US. The six-day tour will start on May 20 from Dallas, Texas and will conclude on May 29 in Washington, D.C. The “Wazir” star, who will next be seen in the upcoming film “Rock On 2”, took to Twitter to announce about the tour. “Pleased to announce our first ever US tour...Dates and cities listed below. Details to follow... shine on,” Farhan tweeted on Tuesday. He shared a poster, which showed the actor holding a mic in one hand and singing. The poster also shared the tour schedule.

Source: IANS

Discover North East- A Cultural Yatra 2016

Ronan Keating messed up audition for ‘Moulin Rouge’

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C M Y K

inger Ronan Keating says he badly messed up an audition for the lead role in ‘Moulin Rouge’ back in 2001. The 38-year-old ‘Life Is a Roller Coaster’ hit maker said he was young and it was tough for him to act, reported Digital Spy. “Baz Luhrmann brought me in, it was very awkward, I was very young and I had no idea how to act. Sometimes when you do this and you’re a performer, you presume you can do everything. “...If you’ve seen the movie where Nicole Kidman is coming on to Ewan McGregor, so she’s climbing up his leg and trying to take his trousers off and Baz’s wife was playing Nicole Kidman’s part (in the audition). It was dreadful and it was shocking and I was terrible and obviously I didn’t get the part,” Keating said.

The singer also revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio also tried for the part but did not get it either. “It was funny because I was out having a drink with Leonardo DiCaprio a few years ago, as you do, because he’d also read for the movie believe it or not, he didn’t get it. “I said, ‘Man I was so bad, I read for that part and it was embarrassing’ and he said, ‘Ronan don’t worry about it, I sang and I was terrible, it happens to all of us’,” he said.

Source: PTI

The Morung Express presents glimpse cultural extravaganza billed as “Discover North East- A Cultural Yatra 2016” held at State Academy Hall, Kohima on February 23. It was organized by North East Zone Cultural Centre in partnership with arts & culture department, Nagaland. The event was graced by Nagaland’s Governor P.B. Acharya. Cultural artistes from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland performed in the show. Morung Photo by Chizokho Vero

‘I’ve asked him Hrithik Roshan to work on creating games for his fans to shower more!’

Kendall Jenner reveals Harry Styles has smelly armpits

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rithik Roshan has taken a step towards the gaming arena by joining hands with a mobile gaming company to make games on his action-filled onscreen life in Bollywood. The actor says it’s a way to get close to his fans in the virtual world.

Hrithik has joined hands with Nazara Games, a mobile game publisher, and the alliance was announced on Monday via a statement.

“Gaming has become a major influence in the lives of today’s youth and knowing that, I have decided to use that platform to engage with my fans through my digital avatar. My kids are going

to love it and so will my fans. So look forward to being a part of it,” Hrithik said.

The actor, who is busy shooting “Mohenjo Daro”, will work with Nazara Games as a part of a multi-year partnership to develop different digital gaming experiences for his fans, extending his engagement in a new interactive format. Hrithik, who has two sons, also added that he is sure that his children will love his digital avatar and hopes to get the same response from his fans as well.

The games are expected to explore different facets of his onscreen life -- be it action from “Dhoom franchises or “Bang

Bang!”, sword fighting in “Jodhaa Akbar” or superhero dimension with “Krrish”. Exceed Entertainment, Hrithik’s management agency, have been the facilitators for the partnership and will continue to handle the association with Nazara Games.

Manish Agarwal, CEO of Nazara Games, said: “The love for Bollywood in India is huge and gaming is a natural extension for celebrities like Hrithik to engage with their audience, we will work with Hrithik closely to bring differentiated gaming experiences for his fans.” The new game under the new collaboration is slated to release later this year.

Source: IANS

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

11:00 Am

How Charlie Sheen’s disclosure led to surge in HIV coverage

S

H

is face is an object of lust, adorning millions of bedroom walls. But while Harry Styles may be a heartthrob, he could do with improving his personal hygiene, at least if Kendall Jenner is to be believed. The 20-year-old model - who has an on-off relationship with the One Direction star - has tried to encourage the 22-year-old singer to take more showers and wear a more heavy-duty deodorant as he has terribly smelly armpits. Speaking to her youngster sibling Kylie Jenner, 18, in an upcoming episode of their family’s E! reality TV show Keeping Up With the Kardashians she said: ‘I’ve asked him to shower more and told him a little deodorant never hurts.’ And this isn’t the first time Harry has been told by a girl that he stinks, as his ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift whom he dated briefly in 2013 - claimed she couldn’t bring herself to kiss him when they were dating because he had ‘the worst breath.’

Source: Mailonline

oon after the disclosure by actor Charlie Sheen on TV that he was HIV-positive, there has been a surge in both news coverage of HIV and Google searches for information about HIV and HIV prevention, a new study has found.

A computer scientist from Johns Hopkins University analysed online news and search engine records to gauge the public’s response to actor Charlie Sheen’s disclosure on NBC’s “TODAY Show” in November last year that he was HIV-positive.

“Charlie Sheen’s disclosure was potentially the most significant domestic HIV prevention event ever,” said Mark Dredze from Johns Hopkins. The researchers knew that the involvement of a celebrity often raises public awareness about a health issue. They

wondered whether Sheen’s disclosure had shone a fresh spotlight on HIV and in doing so, produced an important public health benefit.

To find out, the team turned to public archives for news media trends, using the Bloomberg Terminal and Google Trends to collect data describing HIV and HIV

prevention engagement since 2004. Focusing on the hours after Sheen’s disclosure, the team monitored news reports mentioning HIV and Google searches originating from the US, said the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine.

This big data strategy allowed researchers to provide a formative assessment of the potential impacts of Charlie Sheen’s HIV-positive disclosure at no cost. The day of Sheen’s disclosure coincided with a 265 percent increase in news reports mentioning HIV (97 percent of which also mentioned Sheen) archived on the Bloomberg Terminal.

An additional 6,500 stories were reported on Google News alone. This placed Sheen’s disclosure among the top one percent of historic HIV-related media events.

Sheen’s disclosure also corresponded with the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the US on a single day. In relative terms, all HIV searches were 417 percent higher than expected the day of Sheen’s disclosure, the study noted.

Source: IANS

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wednesdAY 24•02•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Be patient and give Van Gaal time, says Beckham LONDON, February 23 (reuters): Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham has urged Louis van Gaal's critics to be patient by giving the Dutch coach time to spark a turnaround in his old club's fortunes. Van Gaal has been under the microscope all season, not only because of a string of indifferent results but also due to the team often failing to show the flair and dynamism traditionally associated with United teams. "He (Van Gaal) is an experienced manager with a great reputation in the game," Beckham told Talksport Radio. "Sometimes it takes time, it is not easy being manager of Man United." "As a Man United fan I always hoped we wouldn't go through a slump but it was inevitable," said Beckham who played for United under Ferguson from 1995 to 2003 and helped them win six Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League. "We have had so much success over the last 20 years that if we don't win something for one season or two seasons people talk about it being a crisis," the 40-year-old added.

Celtic fined £10,000 over conduct of players, fans LONDON, February 23 (ageNCIes): Celtic have been fined £10,000 by UEFA over the conduct of the team and supporters during their Europa League match with Fenerbahce. UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body charged the Scottish champions after their supporters set off fireworks during their 1-1 draw at the Sukri Saracoglu Stadium on December 10. Celtic were also charged with improper conduct after receiving five yellow cards, with Mikeal Lustig, Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Kieran Tierney and Stefan Johansen receiving cautions against Fenerbahce.

Dos Anjos pulls out of fight with McGregor

C M Y K

Las Vegas, February 23 (ageNCIes): Rafael dos Anjos has been forced to withdraw from next week's much-anticipated fight with Conor McGregor. Combate's Ana Hissa broke the news that the Brazilian belt holder sustained a training injury which means he will not be able to participate in the fight scheduled for March 5. This means the lightweight title fight will no longer take place, as McGregor was poised to make UFC history by holding two belts at one time if he overcame Dos Anjos. McGregor's coach John Kavanagh posted a sad face on Twitter shortly after the reports broke. One option for McGregor is to fight Cowboy Cerrone in Vegas on March 5. It is the second time McGregor has been left without an opponent after Jose Aldo withdrew from their initial fight last summer with Chad Mendes stepping in to take on McGregor.

Premier League our biggest rival: Barca chief barCeLONa, February 23 (ageNCIes): Barcelona consider the Premier League to be a more considerable threat to their future than bitter rivals Real Madrid, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed. The Catalan giants face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie at the Emirates tonight hoping to progress toward an unprecedented second successive European title. Premier League clubs will share a honeypot of £5.136bn for domestic television rights in the 2016/17 season in a deal - involving broadcasting rivals Sky Sports and BT Sport - which places English clubs firmly at the top of the financial ladder. “[They] will have an incredible financial situation from now on and we are worried,” Bartomeu told BBC Sport. “Our rivals are the Premier League, they are the big adversaries. We have to do our best to increase our revenues and our financial situation to make the talent of our teams stay with us.

Johnson admits 'stupidity' of kissing girl braDFOrD, February 23 (aP): England soccer international Adam Johnson has told a court of his "stupidity" in kissing a 15-year-old girl, but denies allegations of sexual contact with the teenager. Johnson, who is accused of sexual activity with a child, gave evidence Monday in his trial. The former Sunderland winger has admitted to kissing the teenager. Johnson told the jury he knew kissing the girl was an offence, but didn't realize that communicating with her with the intention of kissing her prior to a meeting was also an offence. Junior prosecutor Daniel Thomas read a statement that Johnson had made for police. He said Johnson admitted to kissing the girl "fully on the lips" during a meeting in his car on Jan. 30 last year.

Conte odds-on favourite to become new Chelsea manager LONDON, February 23 (ageNCIes): Antonio Conte is the odds-on favourite to become the next Chelsea manager, following reports in Italy he has agreed a deal in principle to join the Blues in the summer. According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo travelled to Italy on Tuesday and will be present at Juventus' Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich, with Conte also due to attend. British media on Tuesday claimed that the Italy coach had agreed a two-year deal to become the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho. Conte’s contract with Italy expires after the 2016 European Championship in the summer. If Conte does join Chelsea, he will become the 10th manager to work under owner Roman Abramovich since the Russian billionaire acquired the club from Ken Bates in 2004.

Boundaries work for me as I can't hit big sixes: Kohli MIrPur, February 23 (PtI): He is among the most dreaded batsmen in international cricket right now but Indian swashbuckler Virat Kohli says he has made peace with one shortcoming in his game, that he can't strike big sixes. Kohli has hit only 27 sixes in 33 T20 Internationals compared to a whopping 127 boundaries. And talking about his game ahead of the Asia Cup starting tomorrow, the marauding right-hander said he has come to terms with being just a four -hitter. "The game plan in my initial days in T20 was to get 10 off 10 and then take off. But I realised that I don't have the kind of shots to hit big sixes. I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot hit big sixes so I focus on boundaries," Kohli told mediapersons ahead of India's Asia Cup T20 opener against Bangladesh.

"Our team has good momentum going into Asia Cup. We cannot be over-confident and we have to respect every opposition," said Kohli.

Vettel sets the pace in f1 preseason tests barCeLONa, February 23 (aP): Sebastian Vettel continued to show good pace with Ferrari in Formula One's preseason testing on Tuesday, setting the fastest time in the morning session. Vettel was nearly a second faster than Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, the only other top driver to go out on Pirelli's new ultra-soft tire compound. Vettel's time of 1 minute 22.810 seconds was almost two seconds quicker than the pole position in Spain last year. Vettel also was fastest on Monday. Nico Rosberg of Mercedes was third on medium tires, two seconds slower than Vettel.

Rosberg, last year's runner-up to teammate Lewis Hamilton, ran 81 laps, the most of any driver. Two-time champion Fernando Alonso made his debut in testing by running 71 laps, a promising sign for McLaren after disappointing results last year.

Warriors hold off Hawks for 50th NBA win

LOs aNgeLes, February 23 (aFP): The Golden State Warriors notched their 50th win of the NBA season in record-setting style, thwarting a Hawks rally to triumph 102-92 in Atlanta.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry on Monday scored 36 points for the Warriors, who wasted a 23-point third-quarter lead but held on to grab win number 50 in their 55th game of the season.

That eclipsed the record of 56 games needed by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls needed to reach 50 wins -- another encouraging sign for a Warriors team bent on beating the record 72-10 regular-season mark put up by those Michael Jordan-led Bulls. "We're right on track," Curry said.

"We're not complacent, (we're) trying to get better, finding different ways to win.

"We understand our potential, but we're not getting ahead of ourselves," Curry added. "Fifty wins is great, but we've got to keep plugging away and stay hungry." Curry connected on 14 of 22 from the field and made five of 11 three-pointers. He has made a three-pointer in 126 consecutive regularseason contests, one shy

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors drives against Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 22, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Getty Images)

of matching the all-time record held by Atlanta's Kyle Korver.

Klay Thompson added another five three-pointers for the Warriors, scoring 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as Golden State battled back after seeing the Hawks gain an unlikely lead. The game looked as if it would be a blowout until the third quarter. Golden State led 58-30 at halftime and built the cushion to 7047 on Curry's drive to the basket with 6:58 left in the third quarter.

But with center Al Horford and guard Dennis Schroder scoring eight points apiece, the Hawks

responded with a 28-6 scoring run that pulled them to within a point heading into the fourth.

They took the lead on a basket by Horford and led 80-76 on a three-pointer from Thabo Sefolosha.

But Golden State regained control with a 17-4 scoring run. Golden State center Andrew Bogut, back after missing a game with a sore Achilles tendon, had three of his five blocked shots in the fourth to help the Warriors seal it.

Pistons shock Cavs As the Warriors continued their march toward the post-season, Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland

were up-ended on their home floor, falling 96-88 to the Detroit Pistons.

Reggie Jackson scored 23 points and center Andre Drummond had 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Pistons, who had 59 points dropped on them by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis on Sunday but bounced back to end the Cavaliers' five-game winning streak.

Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 19 points, coming up with a big late steal from Cavaliers star LeBron James that resulted in a basket.

James's 12 points matched his season low

as the Cavaliers came out flat a day after handing the Oklahoma City Thunder their worst defeat of the season.

Cleveland turned the ball over 18 times and were ineffective at both ends of the floor. "We lacked energy, starting with myself, all the way down to everybody else," James said.

Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving scored 30 points -- a day after sitting out much of the game at Oklahoma city with what the team called flu-like symptoms.

Irving said he was sickened and sleep deprived after finding bed bugs in his Oklahoma hotel room.

Heat hold off Pacers In Miami, the Heat welcomed veteran Dwyane Wade back to action with a 101-93 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Wade, who missed the previous two games with knee soreness, connected on four of 21 from the field, but set the Heat up for overtime with two free throws in the waning seconds of regulation.

Goran Dragic scored 24 points for the Heat and Hassan Whiteside came off the bench to score 19 points with 18 rebounds and six blocked shots as Miami withstood a 31-point performance from Pacers forward Paul George.

Asia Cup: Dhoni fitness concern looms as India take on Bangladesh

MIrPur, February 23 (PtI): India enter the final phase of their preparations for next month's World Twenty20 with the Asia Cup starting on Wednesday but a cloud of uncertainty over skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's availability threatens to disturb the side's momentum going into the tournament-opener against Bangladesh here.

Dhoni has suffered a muscle spasm during the team's training session yesterday, prompting the BCCI to rush Parthiv Patel as his back-up.

The skipper's fitness is a concern going into Wednesday's match against the sprightly hosts, who have built a reputation of being giant-slayers on more than one occasion.

The continental championship will be played in a Twenty20 format from the usual ODI keeping the World T20 in mind and the need for the Asian teams to get some much-needed match time before the marquee event starts next

DAY/DATE

Wednesday, Feb 24 Thursday, Feb 25 Friday, Feb 26 Saturday, Feb 27 Sunday, Feb 28 Monday, Feb 29 Tuesday, Mar 01 Wednesday, Mar 02 Thursday, Mar 03 Friday, Mar 04 Saturday, Mar 06

TIME

19:00 IST, 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST 19:00 IST

month.

For India, who are considered as title contenders, a good Asia Cup performance will give them the much-needed boost going into the World T20.

While Dhoni has always stated that "revenge is a very strong word in sport" but the Indian team will be keen to get even against a strong Bangladesh side that beat them fair and square in a three-ODI series at the same venue last year under hostile circumstances with a partisan crowd backing its team.

MATCH

India vs Bangladesh Sri Lanka vs TBA Bangladesh vs TBA India vs Pakistan Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Pakistan vs TBA India vs Sri Lanka Bangladesh vs Pakistan India vs TBA Pakistan vs Sri Lanka TBA vs TBA, Final

This was against the backdrop of the controversial Rohit Sharma decision during the quarter-final of the 50-over World Cup in Melbourne.

The ODI series last year saw the emergence of leftarm pacer Mustafizur Rahaman, who bamboozled the Indian batsmen with his variations. This tournament will also give 'Men in Blue' an opportunity to crack the 'Mustafizur Code', having failed miserably the last time round.

The Indians have started their T20 preparations

VENUE

Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

in right earnest having won back-to-back series against Australia 'Down Under' and Sri Lanka at home.

In the six T20 internationals played this year, India have won five of them with the only defeat coming against Sri Lanka on an unusual Pune pitch in the last series.

Squads: India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wk), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik

Pandya, Ashish Nehra, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ajinkya Rahane, Harbhajan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pawan Negi, Parthiv Patel.

Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (captain), Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Nasir Hosain, Shabbir Rahaman, Mahmudullah Riyadh, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahaman, Abu Hider, Mohammed Mithun, Arafat Sunny.

Pacquiao negotiating new deals after Nike axe

MaNILa, February 23 (aFP): Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is holding sponsorship negotiations with sports apparel companies after US giant Nike dropped him over his controversial comments on samesex couples, his business manager said on Tuesday.

Nike cut ties with the eight-time w o r l d c ha mp i on last week after he described gay couples as "worse than animals". The 37-year-old's comments, which Nike described as "abhorrent", touched off a firestorm of international criticism, particularly from US athletes and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"There are several already now in the pipeline. They (the Pacquiao camp) were actually negotiating with some already," Pacquiao business manager Eric Pineda told AFP without naming the companies.

He said they included a "multi-million-dollar" brand that would likely replace Nike as the supplier of Pacquiao's sports gear.

Pineda also said no Philippine-based companies had dropped Pacquiao as a commercial endorser despite the furore over his comments.

Pacquiao, a national hero in the Philippines, has made a fortune endorsing products and brands ranging from automobiles, car batteries, pizzas, beer, a bank and even property firms.

A devout Christian, Pacquiao has issued a public apology while also defending his comments, saying he was merely quoting the Bible.

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